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Courtesy of Embassy of Norway in Korea By Kwon Mee-yoo Kim Miy-He, professor emeritus of Hanyang University's Theatre & Film Department, has been awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for her contribution to the translation of Henrik Ibsen's entire catalogue of plays into Korean. This honor, conferred by King Harald V of Norway, underscores the recognition of her effort to introduce Ibsen's work to Korean readers as Kim translated all 23 of Ibsen's plays into Korean over 15 years. Norwegian Ambassador to Korea Anne Kari Ovind presented Kim with the diploma and insignia of the order during a ceremony at her residence in Seoul, Thursday. Ambassador Ovind noted how Kim contributed to strengthening the cultural bonds between Korea and Norway, marking a historic moment as she is the first Korean recipient of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in literature and drama. "Professor Kim's dedication, skill and passion for translating Ibsen's plays will not only elevate the appreciation for the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen and Norwegian literature in general, but also contributes to deepen the cultural ties between Norway and South Korea," the ambassador said. The 75-year-old Kim, who holds a doctoral degree in Theater Studies from the University of Vienna, has written several books about theater as well as translated a number of books and dramas into Korean, cementing her standing as a leading translator and theater scholar. She is considered the leading Ibsen expert in Korea and her book "The Cornerstone of Modern Theater Henrik Ibsen" was recognized for its excellence by the Academy of Sciences in 2011. For over 15 years, Kim has devoted herself to the intricate task of translating Ibsen's 23 plays. In an effort to maintain the authenticity of Ibsen's work, she took the step of learning Norwegian to translate directly from the playwright's mother tongue a feat accomplished by very few. Her commitment to preserving Ibsen's work in its truest form took her to Norway on several occasions, where she was invited to present at the International Ibsen Festival. Beyond academia, Kim has also held several significant roles in theater management and organization. She served as the president of the Korean Theater Studies Association and chairman of the Korean Arts Management Service, contributing significantly to the growth and recognition of Korean theater on the global stage. Established by King Olav V of Norway in 1985, the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit recognizes the "distinguished services rendered to Norway and to mankind." 2028 will mark the 200th anniversary of Henrik Ibsen's birth and the occasion will be celebrated worldwide. Thanks to Kim, all Ibsen plays are now available in Korean, laying the groundwork for a grand celebration in Korea, the embassy said in a statement. Green Lantern Corps Another Green Lantern is coming to the new DC Films DC Universe, with Guy Gardner joining the already announced Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Gardner will be played by Nathan Fillion, debuting in 2025's Superman: Legacy, while Hal and John - both still uncast - are scheduled to star in the planned Lanterns streaming series down the road. So how many Green Lanterns are there in the DC Universe? Thanks to the idea of the Green Lantern Corps, a kind of intergalactic police force that guards the entire universe, there are literally thousands of them - at least 7,204, to be exact. And dozens of them have been well developed characters who have starred or co-starred in their own comics over the decades. Though there are thousands of Green Lanterns policing thousands of 'Sectors' of the DC Universe, Earth and its home Sector 2814 have had more GLs than anywhere else, with as many as half a dozen Green Lanterns operating on and around Earth at any given time. And judging by the way things are going, many of Earth's GL's are going to make it to the new live-action DC Films Universe. Here's what you need to know about the core Green Lanterns of the DC mythos. Alan Scott Alan Scott The original Green Lantern of comics, Alan Scott, debuted way, way back in the Golden Age in 1940's All-American Comics #16 by Mart Nodell (who also designed the Pillsbury Doughboy) and Bill Finger (who co-created Batman and the Joker). Unlike most other GL's, he's not technically part of the Green Lantern Corps, which wasn't introduced until the '60s. His ring is made of a piece of green meteor, and like later GL's, it has the power to shape objects out of green energy based on the wearer's imagination. Strangely, it also has an inability to affect things made of wood. Alan Scott (who has also occasionally gone by the codename Sentinel) is a founding member of the Justice Society, and has been a member off and on throughout the team's entire history. He's often considered the most powerful member of the JSA, depending on who else is part of the team. Story continues Hal Jordan Hal Jordan Hal Jordan is the most famous Green Lantern, as the hero who revived the concept in the superhero renaissance of the Silver Age. Introduced in 1959's Showcase #22 by John Broome and Gil Kane, Hal Jordan is a daring test pilot who is inducted into the Green Lantern Corps after one of the Corps' vaunted power rings chooses him to take its former wearer's place. Hal is brash and arrogant - qualities befitting a test pilot - and has shown almost unparalleled willpower, the main quality needed to effectively wield a Green Lantern ring. He's also the first human to be part of the GL Corps, a circumstance which has made Earth one of the most spotlighted planets in all of Sector 2814, which covers an entire region of the galaxy. Hal is the original Green Lantern of the Justice League, and is one of the team's most iconic members in addition to being arguably the most iconic Green Lantern. Even when he was dead for a time in the '90s after turning into the evil Parallax, he remained on the mind of Green Lantern fans, and loomed large over the GL legacy - though we'll get to that story in a bit. Guy Gardner Guy Gardner When Hal Jordan was chosen to join the Green Lantern Corps by his power ring, the ring also found a potential backup to wear it in the event that Hal was somehow unable to serve as a Green Lantern - and that backup was Guy Gardner, a kinda affable, jock-ish gym teacher with a heart of gold, who debuted in 1968's Green Lantern #59 by John Broome and Gil Kane. Hal and Guy eventually met up and became allies, with Guy occasionally stepping in to take Hal's place. And when Guy and Hal both became injured, the ring chose John Stewart as another alternate GL (more on him in a moment). However, when 1985's Crisis on Infinite Earths limited series rewrote many aspects of DC continuity, Guy was changed from a nice guy himbo into a total misogynist bully (with rare moments of his old self shining through) thanks to a serious head injury followed by a months-long coma. Guy became the main Green Lantern of the Justice League through the '80s, where he notoriously butted heads with team leader Batman - until Batman literally decked him with one single punch, giving Guy a much-needed attitude adjustment. Guy has been a Green Lantern off and on since, though he's rarely been part of the Justice League since the '90s. He's still most often portrayed as a big-mouthed jerk, and that's the version that will seemingly be embodied by Nathan Fillion. John Stewart John Stewart The next most famous and popular Green Lantern after Hal Jordan is John Stewart, Hal's partner in protecting Sector 2814, who originally joined the Green Lantern Corps as Hal's stand-in while he was incapacitated in 1972's Green Lantern #87 by Dennis O'Neill and Neal Adams. Though his original tenure as a GL ended in disgrace when a planet was destroyed under his watch, John has become one of the most powerful and well-known members of the Green Lantern Corps, leaving his one failure in the past and rising to become not just a member of the Corps, but an ongoing member of the Justice League. Many fans know John Stewart best from Justice League: The Animated Series and its successor Justice League Unlimited, where he was the main Green Lantern of the League. Kyle Rayner Kyle Rayner Hal Jordan had a rough time in the '90s. After transforming into the evil entity known as Parallax and destroying the entire Green Lantern Corps - leaving his personal ring the only one in existence - Hal died. His ring went on to choose a new successor, much like when it originally chose Hal, landing on the hand of comic book artist and reluctant hero Kyle Rayner, who debuted in 1994's Green Lantern #48 by Ron Marz and Darryl Banks. Kyle became a breakout star, going on to join the Justice League as the team's one and only GL for most of the '90s and early '00s - though Hal had defenders calling for his return basically from the moment he went evil and died. Hal finally returned in the early '00s along with the rest of the Green Lantern Corps, leading to a long period where Kyle often moved from being a Green Lantern, to being a White Lantern, to being a Blue Lantern, and so on. But he's since returned to his role among the GL Corps. Simon Baz Simon Baz Simon Baz is the first new main Green Lantern introduced following the DC Universe's 'New 52' reboot, in which many aspects of continuity were changed and rewritten. Baz is also unique because he wields a power ring that was created when Hal Jordan's GL ring merged with the yellow power ring of his arch-enemy Sinestro, who wields an opposite kind of energy. Baz debuted in 2012's New 52 Free Comic Book Day Special Edition #1 by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. He started out his career while under investigation for terrorism due to a misunderstanding - but his somewhat rough-around-the-edges nature carried over into his early days as a hero in which he carried a gun in addition to his power ring. Baz was eventually inducted into the Green Lantern Corps proper, as well as the Justice League. It was during his time with the League that Batman convinced him to give up his gun and rely solely on his Green Lantern powers. Jessica Cruz Jessica Cruz Jessica Cruz is another interesting Green Lantern who did not get her ring directly from the Green Lantern Corps. In fact her ring came from another reality entirely - the world of Earth-3, whose versions of DC's core heroes such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are in fact evil reflections of their mainstream counterparts. Jessica debuted in 2013's Justice League #30 by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, during the 'Forever Evil' crossover event. In that story, the Earth-3 villain known as Power Ring (an evil version of Green Lantern) dies, with his alt-reality ring seeking Jessica out as his new host. She eventually became a full-fledged member of the Green Lantern Corps following the 2016 'Darkseid War' story, also serving on the Justice League as one of two GL's on the team, alongside Simon Baz. Sojourner 'Jo' Mullein Jo Mullein Sojourner 'Jo' Mullein is the newest human Green Lantern in the Corps, having debuted in 2020's Far Sector limited series by NK Jemisin and Jamal Campbell, which showed Jo's first year among the Green Lantern Corps. Unlike many other GL's, Jo had a background in law enforcement before ever joining the Green Lantern Corps, as a former New York City police officer who was fired for protesting systemic injustice in the police department. Following her firing, Jo is inducted into the Green Lantern Corps and given an opportunity to prove she can make a real difference beyond her former job with the NYPD. She's since gone on to become a core member of the main GL Corps alongside Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and the others. Some of Earth's Green Lanterns are among the best Green Lanterns of all time. SIOUX CITY Bishop Walker Nickless of the Diocese of Sioux City celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination on Friday with a Mass at the Cathedral of the Epiphany. Nickless was ordained on Aug. 4, 1973 at his home parish, Blessed Sacrament Church in Denver, by Denver Archbishop James Casey. He was ordained the bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City on Jan. 20, 2006 at Nativity Church in Sioux City by Dubuque Archbishop Jerome Hanus. He adopted the motto "Speak the truth in love" for his episcopacy. "It's gone very, very fast. When I was a young priest or a young seminarian, I never thought that I'd be here 50 years later talking about that when it seems like I just began," Nickless said of his 50th anniversary in a statement. Nickless 1973 ordination Denver Archbishop James Casey, left, and then-Father Walker Nickless are shown at Nickless' priestly ordination in Denver in 1973. Nickless, He noted that his brother priests have been great role models for him throughout his ministry. "They've helped me get to 50 years as a priest because they've paved the way before me by their example, their dedication, their commitment," he said. "I've been inspired by the young priests that I've been privileged to ordain here in the Diocese of Sioux City. I've been blessed and privileged to ordain 15." Nickless is waiting for his replacement to be named so that he can pass the torch to his successor. He offered the following advice for priests in active ministry from his half-century of priestly ministry: "Be faithful to your promises. Be faithful to what you promise and the Lord will be faithful to you Teach what the church teaches but do it in love and care for each individual person that you know is going to hear this. So be gentle in that speech, but speak the truth and not be afraid. You have to be a joyful person young people, young men need to see priests happy and joyful, not sad." Nickless 50th anniversary Bishop Walker Nickless of the Diocese of Sioux City celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination on Friday. SIOUX CITY Over the past six months, Sioux City residents have lost more than $400,000 to scammers, according to the Sioux City Police Department. However, the actual amount of money Sioux Cityans have been conned out of over that time period is likely much higher, as not every resident who has been swindled files a report with the department. "We probably get 10 reports a week," Sgt. Steve TenNapel said. TenNapel said scammers pose as government agencies, such as the IRS or the U.S. Department of Treasury, and legitimate companies, like Amazon and UPS. He said they'll use a spoofed number to cold call or text their targets, who are often elderly. "We were just working a case -- they had this poor elderly couple coming and going for over two years. We estimate they scammed over $200,000 from them," he said. Police Fire Headquarters Building entry vestibule (copy) The public entrance to the Sioux City Police Fire Headquarters building is shown. TenNapel said scammers have even spoofed the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office's number. He said emails are another way scammers initiate contact. "They'll say, 'Click this link. Your account's overdue,' or, 'You owe us money,'" he said. "That's the bait. That's the hook." Hazy Sounthala, a personal banker at Security National Bank's downtown branch on Pierce Street, said scammers "start their ploy" when they get the person they're targeting on the phone. She said they try to build trust and rapport with their victims, just as legitimate customer service representatives do. "The longer you're on the phone with them, the more you start to believe them, the more information that you might accidentally volunteer and, then, they kind of flip it as if they already knew that. It becomes more believable," she said. "Even when they'll have you stop at the bank, they'll ask you to stay on the phone with them, as well, because they want to hear what we're saying as bank representatives and if we're able to realize those different factors of possible fraud and scams." Sounthala said customers seeking to withdraw large sums of money, which are not typical transactions for them, send up red flags. She said scammers often tell their victims to deposit the money into Bitcoin ATMs, which she said Sioux City has a couple of. "Sometimes, they'll have you put it into gift cards and, then, give them the gift card numbers and it's pulled electronically from that. Most of the fraudsters are overseas. They're not even physically here," she said. TenNapel said people are likely being targeted by scammers if they receive calls from an alleged government agency and they can hear voices in the background, as if the caller is at a call center. "A lot of times, they'll have a foreign accent and they ask you questions to prove who you are. What gets a lot of the elderly is the scammers nowadays already have some of your information," he said. "They'll tell you, 'We know that this is your address,' or, 'This is your birth date,' and, then, they'll start asking you questions to prove who you are." Sounthala said she tells customers to, "Trust your gut." If something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to hang up the phone. She said the government never calls people who owe money, but rather communicates with them via letter or pursues the matter through the banks. She noted that scammers often try to cause panic by setting a deadline for their victims to act by. "If they're pretending to be us -- sometimes that happens as well, hang up and call us directly. I mean, if it's really a representative at Security National, they're not going to be alarmed if you hang up on them and call them back," she said. "So, just trusting your gut, taking it slow, not giving any information over the phone, trying to call direct sources." If you do make the mistake of giving personal information to a scammer, Sounthala advises immediately going to your financial institution to speak with a banker. "We have resources. We have all the credit bureaus' phone numbers. We can at least kind of give you a laundry list of things to do. Here, we have different things to offer to help you monitor that credit. I'm sure other places do, as well," she said. Although scammers like to prey on the elderly, TenNapel said younger people have fallen victim, too. He said scammers have been known to call large retail stores 15 minutes before closing time. The scammers, who are posing as internal security representatives, claim the store manager is under investigation. "They need the clerk that they're talking to to take all of the cash out of all of the drawers, put it in an envelope and mail it. It's usually a high school kid that's stuck with closing. They don't know what's going on. The person they're talking to is extremely bossy and authoritative, and the kids fall for it." In some cases, TenNapel said store employees have pulled between $5,000 and $6,000 out of the tills and mailed it to scammers. "Luckily, we can catch those, because by the next morning, the real manager is like, 'What just happened?' We can contact the U.S. Mail. They'll dig through and find that envelope," he said. "The last time it happened -- I won't say what the company was -- but they had nine branches in Iowa. All nine branches sent in money. We were able to find all of the money except for about $15,000. So, 30 minutes of work, they still made $15,000 off that scam." Dybsetter comes to Security National Bank with 12 years' retail and commercial banking experience, including as a personal banker and loan officer. He holds a bachelors degree in finance from the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business, according to a press release from Security National Bank. But this can also cause issues. Among them: Making sure the program doesn't discriminate due to age or geographic location and how to prioritize those who need the service most. While they do want Meals on Wheel up and running as soon as possible due to an increased need, board members are looking for guidance from an outside source to prevent acting prematurely. Garvey can recall how helpful the program was for his family when his mother was still alive. It is also oftentimes one of the few interactions some seniors have with others during the day, even if it is just small talk about the weather. MOVILLE, Iowa -- It takes a village to mount a food stand at the Woodbury County Fair. Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux City took over operation of the food stand at the county fair run for decades by Presbyterian churches in Lawton and Bronson. The churches decided to give up the space after finding it difficult to get the numbers of volunteers necessary to help run the stand for the fairs week-long run, which ended Sunday. They asked us to do that because their numbers are low, said The Rev. David Zirpel, associate pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church. All proceeds from the food stand are going towards mission projects sponsored by various church groups. Proceeds from Monday and Tuesdays sales went to support Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa. The Lutheran Womens Mission League benefitted from Wednesdays food stand sales. Thursdays proceeds went to the youth groups. The church supports an orphanage in West Africa and Fridays receipts were donated to the orphanage. On Sunday, St. Paul Lutheran Church and School volunteers staffed the stand and received the proceeds. Redeemer relied on more than just its 1,300 members to run the stand. We are pulling people from the whole circuit of churches. Its about 13 churches, Zirpel said. With the youth, they are really supporting from all those churches. They are not necessarily all our members. Church volunteers have been working for more than five months to get ready for Fair week. We had lots of meetings with them and texting and phone calls, Zirpel said. We took the menu they had these last years, especially the pies. Kyle Schutte, a Redeemer parishioner, recalled when Pastor Zirpel approached him about the project. Pastor Zirpel called me. First, I remember he was pretty excited about it. And I kind of said Pastor, do you think we have enough volunteers to do this? Schutte said. And I was a skeptic at first thinking there was no way we could tackle this huge project. I told him to reach out to some of the committees and groups to see if they would be interested in taking a day. They could use the money for their organization. We got good feedback and then he was on board and Gods plan has led us to this day. Its a little hectic but a lot of money is being raised for a lot of good causes. Fred Thies helped oversee the entire operation. He joined Redeemer in April of this year. Back in California, I would do car shows and carnivals for our church back there. I did quite a bit of that stuff and told Pastor what I did when I first met him and so right away when he got the call he calls me and I said yeah, we can do this. Its not a problem, Thies said. Its been a great success. Everybody at the church has been so gracious and so awesome. Thies dubbed himself Mr. Everything. I do whatever is needed at the time, he said with a grin. They heard from long-time customers of the food stand after word got around that Redeemer was taking it over. When they found out we were going to do it we actually had texts saying please dont change anything. Please keep putting the nacho cheese on the hamburgers. So we pump it on instead of a piece of cheese. Everybody has been happy about that. People that I didnt even know begging us to keep it the same, Zirpel said. But Redeemer has added its own touch in spots. This morning we decided to make some tacos. Weve got the signs up. I think we will have that on the menu next year. Two tacos for $4 and you get all the fixins. The church sold homemade pies for $25. See all those pies over there, weve had our pies (pie makers) and our workers signed up for about three weeks already," Zirpel said. One challenge was getting into a rhythm serving long lines of hungry diners. The only thing is just getting people served during those big times. We are training new people every day, Zirpel said. Redeemer bought the kitchen equipment from the Presbyterian churches and those churches turned around and donated the money to food banks in the area. We were really happy about that, Zirpel said. They served nearly 1,000 customers through Wednesday. Everybody has their own job and duty and hopefully it runs well, Schutte said. His job was taking orders and filling the orders. Our first year is a learning curve. The people that have come and visited us so far, hopefully next year, because it looks like a project we are going to tackle again in the future, hopefully, we are learning some things, Schutte said. His two sons, Ryan, 16, and Cody, 14, were helping out on Thursday. The teens attend high school at Dakota Valley. The next generation needs to get out and serve and help out, Schutte said. In the shadow of a table full of delicious pies, Schutte shared his favorite. I am a pecan pie person with ice cream. Food wise, the taverns (sandwiches) are really good. I would highly recommend them. JUNEAU, Alaska A 200-pound walrus calf found alone and miles from the ocean on Alaskas North Slope is being fed every three hours and receiving round-the-clock cuddling from doting animal welfare workers who are trying to keep the 1-month-old baby alive. The male Pacific walrus who, so far, doesn't have a name was found Monday and flown a day later from the North Slope to Seward, where the Alaska SeaLife Center is based, a journey of at least 700 miles. Staff with the nonprofit research facility and public aquarium are caring for the gigantic, brown, wrinkly-skinned baby, which was dehydrated and possibly fighting an infection. ConocoPhillips Alaska, a major oil producer in the state operating on the North Slope, offered the use of a company plane to fly the calf to Seward. The calf, estimated to be about a month old, was found about 4 miles inland from the Beaufort Sea, the center said. A walrus trail, or tracks, was seen on the tundra near a road where the walrus was found. But it's unclear how, exactly, the calf got there, the center said. The range of the Pacific walrus includes the northern Bering and Chukchi seas, but the walruses are occasionally observed in areas like the Beaufort Sea, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. While calves rely on their mothers for their first two years of life, no adults were seen nearby, which raised concerns about the calfs ability to survive without intervention, the center said. In an effort to mimic the near-constant care a calf would get from its mom, the walrus is receiving round the clock cuddling to keep him calm and aid in his development, the center said. It described the cuddling as trained staff giving the walrus the option to have a warm body to lean up against, which he has been taking advantage of almost constantly." The walrus one of just 10 that the center has cared for in its 25-year history is already taking formula from a bottle, the center said. The calf likely will be under 24-hour care for at least several weeks, a timeline that will depend on his progress, appetite and medical condition, the center said. The 2011 NATO-led military intervention that toppled Muammar al-Qaddafi enflamed Islamist insurgencies across Western Africa as jihadist groups obtained much of the Libyan military's ordnance. These insurgencies particularly threatened Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. France launched Operation Barkhane in 2014 to help West African countries fight terrorism, deploying 5,500 French soldiers at its peak. Smaller US and European contingents reinforced the French-led operation. Dissatisfied with Barkhane's progress, military juntas deposed democratic governments in Mali (2020) and Burkina Faso (2022), ended military cooperation with France, and sought Russian military support. Russian foreign military interventions predominantly rely on private military companies (PMCs) with PMC Wagner emerging in recent years as the most powerful. Mali's new government retained Wagner at a cost of $10 million per month, probably paid in kind with natural resources. Wagner's owner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, transformed his PMC into Moscow's unofficial foreign legion and became Russia's most powerful oligarch. By 2023, Putin so feared Prigozhin's power, that he prioritized containing Wagner's business over expanding Russian influence in Africa. Moscow's and Yevgeny Prigozhin's contradictory reactions to Niger's July 26 coup best illustrates this. Click here to read the rest of this article This summer, its hot. We dont need to tell you. Americas been suffering a catastrophic heat wave for more than a monthno part of the country has been immune. That means people are scrambling to cope. Recently, the president even issued the countrys first-ever heat wave hazard alert for workers. But theres one obvious, no-brainer option for staying cool. And across the country, its failing. More than half of Bostons city pools closed this summer. The same thing happened in Jacksonville, Florida. And in Atlanta, all the outdoor public pools closed for the rest of the summer before July even ended. Pool closures have plagued American cities for years. Officials blame crumbling infrastructure and, recently, lifeguard shortages. About a third of the nations public pools were affected by staffing issues last year. According to the American Lifeguard Association, 2023 is as bad or worse. We really just havent prioritized swimming in this country, said Mara Gay. Gay writes for the New York Times editorial board. Shes written about Americas deteriorating public pools for years and calls it a personal obsession. It is a public health crisis, she said. There are 4,000 Americans who die of drowning every year. Its the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 and one of the leading causes of death for children overall. And yet, we think of swimming, in the United States, like a luxury. Advertisement There are more than 10 million private pools in America. But Gay says there are just 300,000 public ones. And thats not just an inconvenience. Its a public health disaster. Its not only heartbreaking, it makes me angry because, she said, since Americans dont have a safe place to swim or learn how to swim, theyre drowning instead. Advertisement Advertisement America is hotter than ever. So where are the pools? On a recent episode of What Next, I spoke with Gay about the issue. Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. Mary C. Curtis: A 1933 survey of Americans leisure activities found that just as many people swam for fun as went to the movies. How many public pools were around in the 1920s and 1930s? Mara Gay: During the Great Depression, the country invested in building scores of large public pools across the country under the Works Progress Administration, under FDR. You had pools like the Astoria pool in New York. You had the Audubon pool in New Orleans. These were meant to be enjoyed. That was kind of an exciting era. But, of course, what we also have to remember is that these pools were segregated, most of them by race. And so Black Americans found themselves shut out of many, many pools across the country that were meant for the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That all changed after World War IIand after Brown v. Board of Education. Mandated integration led to a mass exodus of white Americans from cities to the suburbs. After that, the number of private swim clubs exploded. And public pools languished. Some were simply neglected. Others were padlocked or filled in with concrete. You had this slow movement away from public pools as an essential piece of infrastructure. And instead, you had wealthier Americans, white Americans, who were building private pools in their backyards, who were joining country clubs, or even creating homeowner associations with pools and withdrawing into that private space. So, now you have a situation where generations of some American families have been swimming and generations of others have been unable to learn, afraid of the water, timid around the water. Its really endemic, and its so solvable. And thats what really gets me going. Advertisement Advertisement Lets talk about what really happened to public pools. What do they look like? Because a lot of people, when they talk about them, its really not with affection. One of the secrets in America is that wealthier communities actually never stopped investing in their public pools. Whereas many of us who live in big cities like New York, you think of our public pools. And, of course, theyre a critical amenity and resource. At the same time, theyre surrounded by concrete. They are filled with rules. The lines are often really long, and the hours are sometimes erratic. Its not really designed, necessarily, to make you feel like this is somewhere that you want to be. Advertisement And that is really a miscarriage of justice to the public, because there are wealthier communities across the United States, including in the New York suburbs, whose public pools are the crown jewel of their towns. We know the town of Scarsdale, which is a wealthy community in Westchester, has a beautiful town pool surrounded by beautiful, perfectly mowed lawns. We know that public pools are a value-add because these wealthy communities never stopped investing in them. And that, for me, really tells you everything you need to know. Why are public pools, then, and parks, for that matter, not a priority for so many city governments? Its a great question. With every city budget, its really frustrating because you have to prioritize. As Americans feel the heat from climate change during the summer, my hope is that they will be clamoring for more pools. But its hard because youre competing with police departments, right? Youre competing with all kinds of other needs. And its not to say that any of those arent important. Of course, many of them are. Its just to say that this is not something that is a luxury. This is actually just essential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You argue that the lack of public pools in America isnt just annoying or an inconvenience, particularly in the heat, but its dangerous. Why is that? Well, one reason is that when Americans dont have a public pool that is enjoyable to visit and easily accessible, they are unlikely to learn how to swim. A majority of Americans, according to a Red Cross survey, cannot swim or swim well. The other reason is that when Americans dont have a safe place to swim, some of them will seek somewhere else to swim instead. And that can look very dangerous. At least four teenagers have drowned, for example, in the Bronx River here in New York City in the past decade or so. There are eight working public pools in the Bronx for a population of 1.4 million people. So, thats a really painful example of what can happen when you dont invest in these pools. Advertisement Do we know how common it is for Americans to die of drowning? Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for Americans 1 to 4 years old. It is the No. 2 cause of death for the next age group. And it is one of the leading causes of death for all Americans under the age of 24. This is a public health crisis. Four thousand Americans drown every year. Thats an average of 11 people a day that were losing to drowning. And then you have about double that in near-fatal drownings, which can be very serious medical events and sometimes life-altering ones. So often these deaths are treated as, Well, thats very sad. Its an accident. Its a personal tragedy for the family. But there is something much broader and systemic to this problem. Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, thank you for bringing that up. When you do spend months talking to people who, of all backgrounds, have lost children to drowning, you learn a lot of things. And its not only about personal tragedy. One of the stories that brought this home for meI interviewed a woman named Raychelle Ross, who lost her daughter Bennasia to drowning as an adolescent, and they lived in New Orleans, which is a city that once had the largest public swimming pool in the southern United States, the Audubon Natatorium. But that pool closed in the 60s rather than open up to Black swimmers, and then it reopened years later under a much smaller footprint. So, the pool is not what it was. And Ms. Ross talked a lot to me about her children and her daughter Bennasia, especially, loving the water, always wanting to go swimming. And Ms. Ross was a single mom. She didnt have a ton of money or time to take her kids to the pool. And she herself didnt know how to swim. But anything she could do to get her kids near the water, she would. And there werent a lot of easily accessible public pools for them to get to. So one day, when they were invited to a barbecue at a friend of a friends house, they just leapt at the chance to go swim. These folks had a pool. And the pool doesnt sound like it was very well maintained. And so actually, when Bennasia drowned, her body was in the water for several minutes, floating just beneath the surface before anyone noticed her, because the water was that dirty, according to her mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a Black family in New Orleans that is just but one story in a country that has allowed generations to go without access to the water. It runs really deep in this country, and not just for Black Americans. Theres this perception in general in the United States, especially right now: each man out for himself. And I really do believe that were all poorer when we think about life that way and public goods that way. And this is a really brutal example of that. Advertisement I know that youve said that every group is affected, but Im really glad you brought up the case of Ms. Ross. It seems like certain groups are most at risk, and these are the same groups that are least likely to know how to swim. So we do see these patterns. Why is that? Advertisement Oh, it really goes deep, really all the way back to slavery, when Black Americans were not only not allowed to read, which is more widely known, but oftentimes dissuaded from learning how to swim, because that would have made it easier for them to escape enslavement. And also, dogs could not track your scent through water. So, thats how deep this history runs. Now, I also just want to say, when you think about the cost of anti-Black racism in the United States, it not only affects Black Americans, which should be reason enough for us to address this; it affects everyone. This really is a national problem. Its a national crisis. Its history runs, as many of our national crises do, through the history of white supremacy and of slavery and Jim Crow in the United States. Ive even heard from people who are wealthy who cant find a place to swim in cities like New York, for example. If you dont have a backyard swimming pool or if you dont belong to a country club, it seems youre out of luck. And I hope that that makes Americans of many backgrounds as angry as it makes me. Advertisement Advertisement This summer we did have a coalition of researchers publish the first-ever U.S. Water Safety Action Plan that aims to reduce drownings over the next 10 years. What kinds of recommendations are in there? Advertisement This is great, because the United States is actually one of the only Western countries that doesnt have a water safety plan, which is a real issue. And so those experts have called for the government to develop a national surveillance plan for drowning as a public health crisis, which is really key because we need much more information about how and why and where these drownings are happening in order to prevent them. But theyve also called for public awareness campaigns around water safety in general. And that can be anything from wearing a life vest while boating in open water to knowing if your child is at increased risk, or if youre at increased risk as an adult. Children with autism are at increased risk, for example. Eighty percent of children who drown are boys, so we know that boys are at increased risk. Theres a lot in that plan that can hopefully be taken and run with in the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Drowning Doesnt Look Like Drowning Read More What do you think it would take to build more public pools and to do something about the ones that already exist? The federal government is the entity that has the kind of funding that would be necessary to build a critical mass, which is what we really need, of public pools across the United States. But there are communities across the country who may say, Hey, I may not have the budget to build a public pool right now, but we could renovate ours. We could reopen the one in the school that we have downtown. Or, Hey, maybe we can keep it open a little bit longer. Maybe we can pay lifeguards a little more. Or if you are a town that sits on a river or a lake, maybe we can put up some signage across that body of water to tell people where its safer to swim or how deep the water is. Is it deep enough to dive? Whats the current like? These are just very practical changes that could make an enormous difference. Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday. What about the education piece? I know roughly half of all Americans either cant swim or cant swim very well. What are some common misconceptions around swimming? And how do we ensure that more Americans learn to swim correctly? Advertisement Part of learning how to swim is learning how to decide when and where its safe to swim and when and where it may not be safe to swim. So, for example, being able to say to yourself, Well, the oceans a little too rough for me today. What do you do if theres an undertow? How do you deal with a riptide? These are just some basic and very practical steps that can be taken. But overall, the approach has to change. In the United States, at this point, very few people would allow their children or even themselves to go to a restaurant where you could smoke cigarettes all day. Very few people would put their infant in a car without a car seat. And yet, in the United States, a majority of Americans dont have the swimming skills needed to swim safely. And really, were on our own. In May, the Biden administration symbolically declared the end of the pandemic when it disassembled its dedicated COVID response team. That same month, the World Health Organization declared that the global emergency had come to an end. Many Americans have seemed like they are done with COVID, using summer 2023 to travel and generally forget that, yes COVID is still an illness that you can get. Now we are seeing COVID-19 metrics like wastewater prevalence and hospitalizations tick up. Some headlines have suggested that were in a surge. Health officials are warning that if youre sick, you should get tested. Maybe youre getting texts from friends announcing that they have COVID for the first time in a while. We wanted to know what this all means, and if we need to adjust behaviors, so we spoke to some experts. So are we in a COVID surge? Careful with the language here. We have been at a very low level of COVID prevalence for several months, says Bob Wachter, the chair of the University of California, San Francisco Department of Medicine. Comparatively, whats happening right now could be described as a surge. But its very small compared to the surges that we saw in summer 2021 and December 2022 with the Omicron surge. Its more accurate to say its an uptick. Advertisement What are the numbers? The Centers for Disease Control reports that hospital admissions have increased by 12.1 percent in the most recent weekwhich may sound dramatic. Many journalists as well as [members of] the public find these numbers confusing, says Celine Gounder, who is the editor at large for public health at KFF Health News, and a practicing physician. A large increase in a very small number still results in a small number, she explains. This can be hard to wrap your head around with COVID, because weve kind of calibrated around even small percentages being scaryearlier in the pandemic, a mortality rate of half a percent meant a huge number of people were dying. Advertisement Advertisement For reference: The new weekly hospital admissions on July 22 were just over 8,000. A year ago, the new admissions for that same week were nearly 45,000. OK, what does this rise in cases look like for doctors on the ground? Jeremy Faust, who works as an emergency medicine physician at Bostons Brigham and Womens hospital, said that he has diagnosed a few more patients with COVID than usual so far this week (in previous weeks, its been typical for him to diagnose one patient with the disease). Gounder said that she had diagnosed one patient with COVID, who was unvaccinated. Advertisement Advertisement Before the vaccine era, you would occasionally see younger, healthier people come in who had no earthly business being anywhere near a hospital otherwise, says Faust. Thats gone; thats been gone since the vaccine came. Advertisement Related From Slate This Is How the Next Pandemic Starts Read More Sounds fine! Can we carry on as usual? Well, even a small increase in cases and hospitalizations means more people have the disease, which isnt great. Gounder and Faust both noted that elderly people and immunocompromised people have been at increased risk of hospitalization throughout the pandemic, and that remains true. For these groups, caution can be paramount (and their lives are often trivialized in media coverage and public policy). A little caution given the rise in cases might be prudent even if you are ok with getting COVID yourself. Wachter recommends keeping a mask with you and when youre in a crowded, indoor, poorly ventilated space, putting it onits the highest yield thing that would make a difference. Protecting yourself and your community against COVID isnt all or nothing. And, as ever, vaccines (and boosters!) prevent us from having severe infections. Advertisement Faust also sees COVID precautions as a way to avoid the sheer nuisance of having COVID. I have stuff I want to do next week. Plus, its really annoying to text everyone youve seen recently to say you have COVID! Advertisement Wait, go back to the boosters. Are we going to keep getting annual COVID boosters, like we do with the flu shot? Integrating a yearly COVID booster into our fall flu shot season seems to be the track we are on, Wachter told me. When you get your flu shot this fall, get your COVID shot too. The updated booster is set to roll out in early October. People over 60 and immunocompromised people will also be getting RSV vaccines this year, which are new. Advertisement While our current COVID booster shot prevents severe illness for almost a year, it protects from infection for only a few months. Faust is hopeful that this falls upcoming reformulation of the booster will prevent infection for a longer period of time, which will encourage more people to get the booster. Right now, a few months out from a new booster, we are in our least immune moment says Faust. OK, so were not out of the woods with COVID totallybut also, its not a dire situation, and taking some small precautions can help. Yep. We are going to live wave to wave from now on with this virus, says Faust. However, the meaning of those waves is very different than it used to be. U.S. Army soldier Travis King appears in this unknown location, undated photo obtained by REUTERS. Reuters-Yonhap The United States has declined so far to classify Army Private Travis King as a prisoner of war, despite his being taken into North Korean custody after he crossed into the country last month, four U.S. officials told Reuters. The decision, which could mean King is not covered by the protections entitled to prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention, is highly sensitive for the U.S. military given its commitment to leave no soldier behind enemy lines. How to classify the 23-year-old, who dashed across the heavily guarded border during a civilian tour of the demilitarized zone separating North Korea and South Korea, has been an open question for the military. As an active-duty soldier he might appear to qualify as a POW, given that the United States and North Korea technically remain at war. The 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. But factors including King's decision to cross into North Korea of his own free will, in civilian attire, appear to have disqualified him from that status, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on King's POW status, but said the defense department's priority was to bring him home and it was working to achieve that through all available channels. "Private King must be treated humanely in accordance with international law," the spokesperson said. Washington has conveyed that message in private communications to Pyongyang, the U.S. officials said, adding that those communications have not invoked POW status. The United States still has the option to call King a POW. A U.S. official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said there was no final decision and that the U.S. view on King's status could evolve as it learns more about his case. The State Department referred a request for comment to the Pentagon. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Protections for captives Prisoners of war are protected by the Third Geneva Convention, to which North Korea and the U.S. are signatories. That agreement details standards for the treatment of captives, ensuring everything from sufficient medical care and Red Cross access, to the ability of prisoners to send messages to their families. Rachel Van Landingham, a military law expert at Southwestern Law School, said King would benefit from being classified as a POW, even if that could be seen legally as a stretch. "It provides a much clearer, very structured framework for exactly how they're to treat him down to the number of cigarettes a day they're required to give him if he asks," she said. It is not clear that labeling King a POW would change how the isolated North Korean government treats him. Pyongyang, which continues to develop nuclear weapons in violation of UN resolutions, has repeatedly shown it is not willing to be bound by international law. In any case, said Geoffrey Corn, a military law expert at Texas Tech University School of Law, it would be difficult for the United States to assert that King is a prisoner of war in part because there was no active fighting at the time on the peninsula. "He wasn't really captured in the context of hostilities. If that happened to us, we'd probably designate him as an undocumented alien who crossed the border without a visa," Corn said. King, who joined the U.S. Army in January 2021, had served as a Cavalry Scout with the Korean Rotational Force, part of the decades-old U.S. security commitment to South Korea. But his posting was dogged by legal troubles. He faced two allegations of assault in South Korea, and eventually pleaded guilty to one instance of assault and destroying public property for damaging a police car during a profanity-laced tirade against Koreans, according to court documents. After serving time in detention in South Korea, King had been due to face military disciplinary action on his return to Fort Bliss, Texas. There are precedents for using the POW designation in cases where the U.S. was not in an active war. The U.S. awarded POW medals to Christopher Stone, Andrew Ramirez and Steven Gonzales who were held for more than a month by Yugoslavia after being captured on March 31, 1999 during a NATO peacekeeping mission. And Navy Lieutenant Robert Goodman was also awarded the medal after he was captured in 1983 in Lebanon and taken prisoner in Syria for a month after his aircraft was shot down. The Pentagon has so far described King's formal status as "AWOL," or absent without leave. He would automatically be declared a deserter after 30 days being AWOL, according to military regulations. Corn said he could be declared a deserter sooner, given the likelihood King knew his decision had ended his military career. "He can't really run across that border without the knowledge and arguably the intent to remain away permanently," Corn said. (Reuters) An expert in philosophy and existential risk responds to Carter Scholzs No Regrets. One of Friedrich Nietzsches great early essays opens with a strange, science fictional vignette. Set on a melancholy little planet where clever beasts invented knowing, the philosophers parable recounts the rise, reign, and ultimate extinction of this sapient species, whose career is described as only a minute in the history of the universe. After nature had drawn a few breaths, the star cooled and congealed, and the clever beasts had to die, Nietzsche writes. Advertisement Nietzsches grift soon becomes transparent, of course: We are the clever beasts in the story, and the point of the parable is to force the reader to imagine our species from a Gods-eye view, to expose how miserable, how shadowy and transient, how aimless and arbitrary the human intellect looks within nature. The parable concludes on a nakedly nihilistic note: When it is all over with the human intellect, nothing will have happened, Nietzsche observes. For this intellect has no additional mission which would lead it beyond human life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Understandably, most readers focus on the wildly pessimistic penultimate sentence, where Nietzsche announces humanitys cosmic insignificance. However, it is the last sentence, which expressly explains why nothing will have happened, that holds the key to the parables meaning. For Nietzsche, the extinction of the clever beasts is meaningless not because their existence is intrinsically worthless, but because they fail to pursue any mission that would give their collective existence purpose. They do not set themselves a goal as a species. Advertisement Writing in 1873, Nietzsches insistence that humanity will only achieve cosmic significance if it transcends itselfif it evolves to something greater and granderwas both scandalizing and revolutionary. But today, such views are commonplace. Their most extreme form, so-called transhumanismwith its fixation on existential risk, digital minds, and genetic engineeringis the reigning ideology of some of the worlds most powerful individuals and institutions. Yet, Nietzsches parable is not only remarkable in its anticipation of contemporary transhumanism as a philosophy centered on the belief that it is humanitys destiny to bend the limits of mind and matter to our evolutionary advantage. His work also anticipates transhumanism as a politics. The anti-democratic philosopher par excellence, Nietzsche believed that humanity can only take the next evolutionary leap if a strong leaderthe so-called ubermensch, or overmanexerts his will over the rudderless masses. Advertisement Advertisement In his Future Tense Fiction story No Regrets, Carter Scholz cheekily resurrects the iconic James Bond antagonist Dr. No, who is satirized as an Elon Musk-ish tech tycoon/Nietzschean ubermensch. In todays world, a rehabilitated Dr. Nowith a penchant for New Age therapy, A.I., asteroid plundering, and desire to control humanitys fatefinds that the types of schemes that once made him a global supervillain now make him an internet celebrity and the subject of fawning media coverage. Advertisement When a journalist interviews Dr. No on his private island, she pushes this improbable tech bro on the issue of democracy, asking why he should have the authority to undertake planetary-scale projects, like asteroid mining or solar geoengineering, without the consent of the planets inhabitants. Isnt it problematic to do this on your own? she asks. Isnt it more problematic not to? Dr. No parries, in a manner reminiscent of some of our real-life tech billionaires. Advertisement In these moments, the story begins to feel familiar. We know the evil genius will gamble; we know that humanity will likely lose. Yet, Scholz has a twist for us. When an asteroid that Dr. No hoped to mine as a part of a complex geoengineering scheme comes hurtling toward Earth, he asks his legions of social media followers what course of action he should take: Should he try to pull the asteroid close enough to mine, or play it safe and divert it from Earth? Lets crowdsource this, he tells his A.I. assistant. Ask the people what they want to do with the asteroid. Advertisement Advertisement The votes come in, as they must, with a plurality of respondents desiring an extinction event and suggesting targets for the world-ending asteroid strike ranging from Moscow to Mar-a-Lago. Like Nietzsches parable, it is here that the authors sleight of hand becomes apparent: At last, we recognize that it is the human species that is the true antagonist in this story, not the meddling mad scientist. Advertisement To be sure, we are not meant to sympathize with the Doctor. He is megalomaniacal, indifferent to democracy, and presumes to take the fate of the world in his hands. But the question Scholzs story encourages us to ask is not why one man can exert such control over the destiny of the planet and those who occupy it. No, the real question is Why is there such a leadership vacuum in the first place? Why have we become so comfortable outsourcing the worlds most pressing problemsthe very future of humanity itselfto eccentric billionaires who could have been cast as classic Bond villains dreaming of world domination? Advertisement The storys conclusion suggests an answer to these questions: because our culture no longer holds humanity in high esteem. As an expert on the history of Western thinking about human extinction, I have long been worried about the ever-ballooning sphere of technophile elitesincluding megalomaniacs like Musk and Peter Thiel, cultic con artists like Sam Bankman-Fried, and influential existential risk researchers and longtermist philosopherswho believe that decisions about how to keep humanity safe from extinction are best made by themselves and their entourages. Still, what keeps me up at night is neither the myriad extinction scenarios that threaten our species nor the mad scientists and billionaires who aspire to solve them. What keeps me up at night is our collective indifference to both. Except sundry rich guys and academics, nobody seems to really care about human extinction. Some even welcome it. Advertisement Related From Slate The Unlikely Alliance Between Tech Bros and Radical Environmentalists Read More Our political landscape and culture, at least in the U.S., seem woefully unprepared to meaningfully confront threats to our species. On the right, we have troglodytes who have retreated to their caves of denial as climate change scorches the planet. On the left, we have become distracted by narrow identitarian questions that reflect the Balkanization of our politics into a zero-sum game of competition between interest groups. Questions about humanity and its collective destiny seem quaint at best, irrelevant at worst. Instead, what I have called the New Misanthropy reigns: We increasingly view Western civilization as hopelessly racist (on the left) and decadent (on the right). Many of those who do care about pressing existential risks like climate change see humanity as irredeemably corrupt, incapable of good environmental stewardship, and probably not worth saving. We are pessimistic. Our politics are anemic. And the young offer little reason for optimism: Rather than stage sit-ins or chain themselves to trees or riot in the streets, Gen Z has largely accepted their canceled future with little fanfare. The so-called Sunrise Movement lacks the teeth of the student radicalism of yesteryear. The kids I teach ask my permission before going to protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given all this, is it any surprise that we have sat back and let the billionaires fight over our planet, our species, the future of both? No Regrets is not an indictment of the Doctor, the thinly veiled Musk sendup. It is an indictment of us. Our lazy misanthropy and half-ironic apocalypticism. Our weak optimism that Big Tech will figure something out. Our myopic focus on a politics of the self at a moment when our species is imperiled. Like any great short story, Scholzs shows us the truth: Half-assed overmen rule the clever beasts. Our mission is insipid, cribbed from bad sci-fi. The final horror is not the end of the world, but our indifference to it. As the not-so-good doctor says: The people have spoken. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. This is an installment of Good Fit, a column about exercise. Earlier this year, I fired all my doctors. That might sound extreme, but Id had it with all of them. My umpteenth primary care doctor had left the practice Id gone to for 20 years, and the practice itself had been acquired by yet another health care network with a new online portal and passwords. My gynecologist, who I loved, had no front office support; this left me without a prescription refill that I needed to control my endometriosis. And there was another matter: Id gained about 10 pounds seemingly overnight, and it was concerning me. I wasnt sure if it had to do with my age (Im 48), my thyroid (I have hypothyroidism), or something else. Nothing in my lifestyle had changed. I wanted to get fully checked out, and had no doctors to rely on. I decided to commit to the New York University network of doctors and found a new primary care physician very close to home. (One upside of the gentrification of Brooklyn: There are doctors and dentists in places other than midtown Manhattan.) During my well visit, Dr. Andre took my concern seriously and suggested I visit an endocrinologist for a deeper look at my thyroid levels. Id been on the same medication dose for over a decade. Maybe it was time for a tune-up? Advertisement So on May 1, I went to Dr. Patel, also at NYU. Like my PCP, she was young, kind, and efficient. She looked at my bloodwork and told me everything looked great; she even praised me for my vitamin D levels (I take a multivitamin). She told me to stop worrying about my weightI was healthy and moving and all signs pointed to great health. But she did ask me one question: Are you strength training? Advertisement Advertisement For a long time, I counted yoga as strength training, because it is weight-bearing exercise. But the truth is, I dont practice enough, or with enough intensity, to really count it that way anymore, particularly as I approach 50. With menopause on the horizon, I learned, estrogen dropsand that drop makes it harder for us to make muscle the way we could when we were younger, which means we get weaker (and flabbier) as we get older. But if you strength train, you can build muscle, which in turn will help your overall health and stability. My doctor suggested that I get a trainer at my cheap gym, just to learn the ropes, or try Apple Fitness+. I didnt even know Apple had a fitness app; turns out I needed to upgrade my OS, and Id get three months for free. I was intrigued. This seemed more doable than clean-and-jerks with the bros at Blink Fitness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I ordered some basic hand weights and looked for 30-minute upper-body routines. Around this time, I had also started jogging on the treadmill instead of using the elliptical machine; my feet kept going numb as I went around and around, but I found I could do a 2-mile run, slow and steady, and feel great afterward. I wasnt looking to overhaul my eminently manageable approach to exercise, and my overall goal stayed the same: to try to move every day, regardless of duration or intensity. But to make sure strength training was consistently in the mix, I got a new routine: yoga on Sundays and Fridays; a short run on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday; and a home weight routine Tuesdays and Thursdays. I liked the variety, and none of it took more than an hour total. Advertisement Advertisement But I wondered: Is this a good mix? Is there something I should tweak? What am I missing here? I dont want to hurt myself; in fact, I want to do the exercises that will prevent me from hurting myself as I get older. Am I doing this right? I asked Stephanie Creaturo, my strength- and flexibility-focused yoga teacher, for a consultation. I expected her to review my workout regimen and tell me to run more, or faster. Or to do more reps with my weights. But her focus actually shocked me. It wasnt really on my workouts, which she told me were great (although she did tell me I needed to work with heavier weights and FEWER reps), but that I needed to pay more attention to what I was eating, and when I was eating. Advertisement Advertisement She asked me if I eat before I exercise. (Nope.) Do I eat at all in the morning? (Nope.) Do I get enough protein? (Yeah, I think so!) Boy was I wrong. It was a lot to take in, and I mean that literally. According to a formula Stephanie sent me based on the work of Stacy Sims, a physiologist and nutritionist who focuses on women, I should be eating well over 100 grams of protein a day. (I wasnt even close.) And the timing was important: consuming something protein-rich first thing in the morning would give me fuel to exercise. And it was important to eat a protein-rich meal soon after a workout, too. Protein pulls your body out of the breakdown state that naturally happens after exercise, lowers cortisol, and kickstarts your bodys natural repair process, Stephanie explained to me in an email. That repair process puts carbs back into the liver and muscles and synthesizes protein into strong, lean muscle tissue. That helps improve your blood sugar and body composition. It was also important to try to get most of this protein from actual meals, not just meat sticks and protein shakes. I am a meat eater, and consume a decent amount of chicken and some red meat. But fish became my new best friend for lunch. (This salmon recipe is so quick and easy, and is also great cold.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate I Idolized Action Figures. Then I Wanted to Be Idolized Myself. Read More I needed to share this gospel. I have a group chat with three other women who are all around my age, and I refer to it now as the menopause lunch chat. It features a lot of photos of dishes built around chickpeas. I just ate a can of tuna for lunch. The thing I did not expect was that actually eating all of this protein, instead of microwave lunches from Trader Joes, would make me feel a lot better: less snack-hungry, more energetic, less bloated. Sliced turkey is a fine snack! Cottage cheese, I am still struggling with. Still, its not perfect. I dont hit seven days a week every week of my workout regimen, but if I get four out of seven, I feel pretty damn good. And I eat pasta and pizza and all kinds of things besides protein, but I do drink (protein-rich) kefir before I go to the gym. I like Apple Fitness+ (I expect to keep it going after the free trial), and Im working on extending my run to 2.5 and then 3 miles. Advertisement Perhaps the biggest change is that in all of this, I stopped worrying about my weight gainand stopped weighing myself, too. If my new doctors tell me Im in good shape, and doing things right, Im going to trust them. And Im going to listen to the way I actually feel, instead of undercutting that feeling because of a number on my scale that is higher than what Im used to. Im getting olderwe all areand our bodies change. The real goal is to work with that fact, and keep moving, ideally every day, even a little bit. Small business grants provide just one avenue of support for local economies. Loans, technical assistance, and other initiatives can also make a positive impact. This week, several local groups and government organizations launched programs to support small businesses in their communities. Read on for a full list. Albany Small Business Vitality Assistance Program Albany, New York, just launched the second round of its Small Business Vitality Assistance Program. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the program offers grants of between $2,000 and $15,000. Grant amounts will be based on each businesss demonstrated need, impact on business growth, prior support, and ability to meet other eligibility requirements. Interested applicants can fill out an online intake form to be contacted by a representative for further information. Purple Line Construction Grants Montgomery County is offering support for small businesses that have been negatively affected by the construction of the Purple Line. This is the third funding phase, and eligible businesses can apply for $5,000 to offset extra expenses or losses related to the ongoing project. The online application portal for phase three is expected to launch on August 15. And the county is hosting informational webinars on August 29, 30, and 31. Grant applications will be due by September 30. Urban Strategies Small Business Loan Fund Truist Foundation recently awarded a $1.5 million grant to the nonprofit Urban Strategies. The organization will use the funds to launch a small business loan fund, in part to support Black- and minority-owned businesses in Baltimore along with similar initiatives in Norfolk, Virginia, and Fort Myers, Florida. Funding will support community development and revitalization efforts to help underserved business owners as they work to build capital and wealth. The average loan amount is expected to be around $250,000. Mercer County Small Business Investment Program Mercer County, New Jersey, just unveiled its new Small Business Investment Program to help small businesses raise funding. Online marketplace SMBX will facilitate the program, hosting a competitive bid process to connect small businesses with retail investors throughout the community. The county is dedicating $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the program, some of which will be used for management expenses, and the rest will go toward retail investments in small businesses. To qualify, businesses must have a physical location in Mercer County, be registered with the state as of April 10, 2023, have 30 full-time equivalent employees or fewer, and have less than $10 million in gross revenue. The program is expected to run through September 2024. Cambridge Equity Fund Grants Cambridge Savings Bank in Massachusetts recently approved a $100,000 grant to support the Cambridge Equity Fund. The Cambridge Equity Fund will use the funds to offer essential resources to local minority-owned businesses. Specifically, $80,000 of the grant will go toward providing technical assistance grants of between $5,000 to $10,000 to eligible businesses. The rest will go toward administrative and marketing costs to support the program. The Sustainable Business Network will facilitate the program and provide follow-up support to grant recipients. Start Small Campbell Grant Program The Campbell County Department of Economic Development in Virginia is offering financial support to businesses through its Start Small Campbell Grant Program. The program offers two competitive grants of $5,000 each. To qualify, businesses must be new to Campbell County or have less than three years in business. Applicants must also have a valid Campbell County business license and be in compliance with local tax regulations. The deadline to apply for funds is September 1. Get the latest headlines from Small Business Trends. Follow us on Google News. Red, blue, green and yellow. Do you know why the largest sports infrastructure in the country uses different colours? The signpost at the top of the mountain Chleb in the Mala Fatra mountain range, north Slovakia. (Source: TASR) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page The Cesta Hrdinov SNP hiking trail winds across Slovakia, from the Dukla Pass in the northeast to Bratislava in the west. If you wanted, you could take a car and visit both places in a single day. Or follow the red hiking markers and get to your destination in about a month of walking. Iconic places in Slovakia such as Krivan Peak in the High Tatras, the Tomasovsky Viewpoint above the unforgettable Slovak Paradise full of wonderful ravines, or unique mills on the path between the beautiful valleys of Prosiecka and Kvacianska Dolina valleys, and many others, are also accessible thanks to the hiking markers. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the organised tourism tradition in Slovakia. Over that time, the country has developed one of the densest and most comprehensive networks of hiking trails in Europe, boasting almost 15,000 kilometres in total, with around 7,000 markers and 2,000 signposts placed on them. The system is taken care of by the members of the Club of Slovak Tourists (KST). The Slovak Spectator talked to Dusan Valuch, member of the Marking Section, and former general secretary of KST about its origins, development, and how volunteers mark the trails. Long tradition The tradition of organised tourism dates to 150 years ago. Around this time, tourism began to develop in the country thanks to the development of transport. This made hiking accessible to city dwellers, who wanted to relax in forests and distant mountains. However, the activity was available only to those who were well-off. On August 10, 1873, in today's village of Stary Smokovec in the High Tatras mountains, the Hungarian Carpathian Association (UKS), the oldest of the Tatra mountain societies, was established. The first trail was marked a year later near the UNESCO town of Banska Stiavnica, central Slovakia, where members of the KST Sitno club marked a trail from the Cervena Studna saddle, (Red Well, above Banska Stiavnica) to a mine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/war-hawk-bolton-asserts-trump-would-withdraw-us-from-nato-if-reelected-1112400364.html War Hawk Bolton Asserts Trump Would Withdraw US From NATO if Reelected War Hawk Bolton Asserts Trump Would Withdraw US From NATO if Reelected Donald Trump's former National Security Advisor warned that the former President may pull out of NATO is elected again. 2023-08-04T22:50+0000 2023-08-04T22:50+0000 2023-08-04T22:50+0000 americas john bolton donald trump the united nations (un) project for a new american century nato 2024 us presidential election /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/14/1111328301_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_0964b718c008e56a5b0a97957d4e9979.jpg John Bolton, who once served as former US President Donald Trumps top national security adviser, recently said that Trump would likely withdraw the US from the NATO military bloc if ever reelected.Bolton, widely considered to be a foreign policy war hawk, was speaking to a conservative US media outlet on Thursday following an op-ed he penned that was published on Tuesday. In both the interview and op-ed, Bolton criticized the Trump administration for not being aggressive enough in his foreign policy, including in Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan and the administrations failed attempts to overthrow the democratically-elected leader of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro.During the interview, Bolton said Trump threatened the existence of NATO in his first term and would almost certainly withdraw from NATO if elected again in 2024.Bolton served as Trumps top national security adviser until he was ousted in September 2019 over disagreements with the then-president over foreign policy, particularly in Afghanistan, North Korea and Iran. Media reports have indicated the United States was within minutes of attacking Iran under Boltons tenure.In the past, Bolton has advocated for wars or regime change in Libya, Syria, Yemen, Cuba and the aforementioned Venezuela, where the Bolton/Trump ouster plan failed spectacularly. He was also a director for the Project for a New American Century, which advocated regime change in Iraq, Iran and Syria as far back as 1997.Bolton also criticized Trump's decision to pull out of Afghanistan after nearly 20 years of bloody conflict, saying it was a disastrous mistake for America and for national security in the world.Likewise, in his op-ed, Bolton warned Trump may not be enough of a war hawk in foreign policy during a second term to satisfy Bolton. When asked about Ukraine, Bolton said that he is worried about the [US President Joe] Biden administrations staying power, and said the same about a lot of Europeans.Trump has pledged to end the bloodshed in Ukraine by forcing both sides to the table. The Biden administration has provided over $100 billion in military and other aid to Ukraine during the conflict and is the largest benefactor of the Kiev regime. Meanwhile, a recent poll of US residents indicated the majority want to end the countrys aid to Ukraine.Bolton also served as the recess ambassador to the UN under the George W. Bush administration, despite previously saying that if the UN headquarters lost 10 stories, it wouldnt make a bit of difference. He has long argued against that organizations existence and the United States participation in it. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/ukraine-will-never-get-nato-membership-only-us-support-as-anti-russian-hedgehog-1112393903.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/majority-of-americans-oppose-additional-us-funding-for-ukraine---poll-1112392442.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino nato, trump pull out of nato, trump foreign policy, warhawks in the trump administration, coups by the trump administration, john bolton warning about trump https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/americans-question-the-timing-of-donald-trump-indictments-1112400731.html Americans Question the Timing of Donald Trump Indictments Americans Question the Timing of Donald Trump Indictments On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including US sailors being accused of spying for China, and US declines to invoke prisoner of war status for Travis King. 2023-08-05T04:14+0000 2023-08-05T04:14+0000 2023-08-05T11:02+0000 the backstory radio vanguard defense industries ukraine gdp supreme court blackrock cia middle east /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/04/1112400574_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_abc533b56a0adf9e6ec720ab76e498cf.png Americans Question the Timing of Donald Trump Indictments On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including US sailors being accused of spying for China, and US declines to invoke prisoner of war status for Travis King. Ian Shilling - Geopolitical Analyst, Researcher, and Blogger | Blackrock Controls Trillions, Biden Corruption is on Display to the Globe, and Ukrainian Refugees in the UKIn the first hour, Lee spoke with Ian Shilling about the British agreement on Ukrainian Refugees, Larry Fink, and the weather in Northern Europe. Ian talked about news of a British refugee resettlement scheme expiring in 2025 and the rebuilding of Ukraine. Ian discussed the NGOs in the UK and the influence of investment managers.In the second hour, Lee spoke about the possibility of ending lifetime Judge appointments, politicians never mention peace anymore, and Americans questioning the indictments of former President Trump. Lee talked about Donald Trump and Trump being one of the last US politicians to speak about global peace. Lee commented on the Jack Smith special counsel and Donald Trump pleading not guilty in Washington DC.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. ukraine 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, biden corruption, ukrainian refugees in the uk, the indictments of former president trump https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/cambodias-ruling-party-wins-elections-by-a-landslide-1112405001.html Cambodia's Ruling Party Wins Elections by a Landslide Cambodia's Ruling Party Wins Elections by a Landslide Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC) officially confirmed on Saturday that the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) swept the July 23 parliamentary elections by receiving 120 out of the 125 available seats in parliament. 2023-08-05T08:08+0000 2023-08-05T08:08+0000 2023-08-05T08:08+0000 world cambodia election parliamentary elections /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/05/1112404844_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_7d078f2ec7edf03729c6309f8c761fe4.jpg The remaining five seats in the country's parliament went to the royalist FUNCINPEC party, the report added. The voter turnout stood at 84.59%, or 8.2 million people out of 9.7 million eligible voters, the report said, adding that the CPP received 6,398,311 votes, and FUNCINPEC received 716,490 votes, with 440,154 of voting papers being spoiled. The parliamentary elections were monitored by some 604 international observers representing 61 organizations, most of them coming from Southeast Asian countries. At the elections, Cambodians were choosing from 18 parties registered, while the countrys last remaining opposition party, the Candlelight Party, was barred from the election by the Constitutional Council in May. cambodia 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 cpp wins elections, elections in cambodia, who won elections in cambodia, is cambodia democratic, democracy in cambodia, cambodia parliament vote https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/ex-pakistani-pm-imran-khan-sentenced-to-3-years-in-jail-over-corruption-1112407513.html Pakistan's Ex-PM Imran Khan Arrested and Sentenced to Three Years in Prison Pakistan's Ex-PM Imran Khan Arrested and Sentenced to Three Years in Prison An Islamabad court has sentenced former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to three years in prison after finding him guilty of corrupt practices in the Toshakhana case 2023-08-05T11:52+0000 2023-08-05T11:52+0000 2023-08-05T11:55+0000 world imran khan nawaz sharif pakistan islamabad corruption charges corruption trial /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0b/07/1103847371_0:0:3087:1737_1920x0_80_0_0_e36348dfe16a77dcbe838ceb8af0293d.jpg Shortly after the court's verdict, Khan was arrested at his residence in Lahore, Pakistani press reported, adding that the ex-prime minister and his lawyers were not present in court. Following the verdict, the former prime minister's lawyer, Barrister Gohar Khan, condemned the court's decision, calling it a "murder of justice." On May 9, Khan was taken into custody on corruption charges after an Islamabad High Court (IHC) hearing in the Al-Qadir Trust case, where he had gone to seek bail in several cases filed against him. Following his arrest, his supporters launched mass protests across the country, resulting in violent clashes with police and attacks on government and military facilities. At least eight people died and about 290 were injured during the protests.In October 2022, Pakistan's election commission stripped Khan of his parliamentary mandate as well as the right to be elected and appointed to both the country's federal and regional legislatures for five years, after finding him guilty of selling 52 valuables stored in the Toshakhana, Pakistan's national treasury, and concealing information about gifts he received personally. In April 2022, then-opposition leader and current Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Khan had sold state treasures in Dubai worth a total of 140 million Pakistani rupees ($500,000). pakistan islamabad 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 imran khan case, charges against imran khan, pakistan pm jailed, pakistani prime minister corruption, imran khan arrested, what are charges against imran khan https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/judge-gives-trump-until-monday-to-address-motion-to-limit-social-media-use-1112411335.html Trump Can Respond to Bid to Block Social Media Use Until Monday - Judge Trump Can Respond to Bid to Block Social Media Use Until Monday - Judge A US judge gave former President Donald Trump until Monday to respond to the prosecutors bid to restrict his social media use on concerns that he might divulge sensitive information about the ongoing election interference case 2023-08-05T18:52+0000 2023-08-05T18:52+0000 2023-08-05T18:54+0000 americas donald trump us justice department 2024 us presidential election us court donald trump's indictment /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/14/1101024573_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_89e16c6f49688514b0d75e95d1f6e383.jpg Special Counsel Jack Smith requested that a protective order cover dissemination of secret materials by Trump through social media on Friday, a court filing showed, a day after Trump pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. On Saturday, Obama-nominated District Judge Tanya Chutkan gave Trump until 5 p.m. on Monday to respond to the prosecutors motion. A Trump 2024 presidential campaign spokesperson reacted on social media by calling Trumps posts on his Truth Social site "the definition of political speech."On Thursday, the 45th president pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith for alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 US presidential election. Trump was charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, one count of obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and one count of conspiracy against rights.The ex-president has denied any wrongdoing, saying it is "Biden crime family" and the US Justice Department who are trying to interfere in the 2024 elections. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-superseding-indictment-over-classified-docs-case-1112398781.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International donald trump case, charges against donald trumo, what are charges against trump, trump trial updates https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/netanyahu-says-israeli-police-inspector-killed-in-tel-aviv-shooting-1112412277.html Netanyahu Says Israeli Police Inspector Killed in Tel Aviv Shooting Netanyahu Says Israeli Police Inspector Killed in Tel Aviv Shooting The gunman, identified as a 27-year-old Palestinian from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was fatally shot by another officer and died in a hospital. 2023-08-05T21:23+0000 2023-08-05T21:23+0000 2023-08-05T21:28+0000 world israel israeli-palestinian conflict west bank benjamin netanyahu tel aviv shooting fatal shooting political protest protest /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/05/1112412121_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_253fc4d7d85f08e7309f907777eca16f.jpg The gunman, identified as a 27-year-old Palestinian from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was fatally shot by another officer and died in a hospital. Netanyahu promised that Israeli security forces will settle the score with everyone who sought to attack Israelis. The Jewish state launched an unprecedented military operation at a refugee camp in the West Bank last month in a bid to rout Palestinian militancy.On Saturday, tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv for the 31st consecutive week of protests against the judicial overhaul that have roiled the country since the start of the year.Israeli television put the attendance in Tel Aviv at over 100,000, almost half the number reported last weekend. Organizers said demonstrations were taking place at 150 locations across the country.The rally near the government complex paralyzed traffic in the heart of Tel Aviv, a Sputnik correspondent reported. Crowds were seen waving national flags and shouting anti-government slogans.Protests against the reform, which seeks to curb the top courts powers and give the right-wing government more say in appointing judges, reignited in July after the parliament passed a bill that will limit the ability of judges to overturn government decisions that they deem unreasonable. israel west bank tel aviv 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 israel, benjamin netanyahu, palestine, shooting, tel aviv, israeli-palestinian conflict Police commandos conducting patrols near Gangnam Station in southern Seoul, Aug. 4. Yonhap Police intensified their investigation Saturday into a wave of online posts threatening copycat crimes following a recent stabbing rampage at a department store. On Thursday afternoon, a man drove a car onto a sidewalk and attacked people with a knife at a department store in Seongnam, south of Seoul, leaving 14 people wounded. Since the incident, at least 42 posts warning of similar crimes have appeared on internet communities and social media sites as of 7 a.m. Saturday, the National Police Agency said. By noon, police had apprehended 18 people responsible for such posts, including teenagers, and are tracing the writers of the remaining 24. On Friday, three people were detained in Seoul for making online threats of copycat crimes. Among them was an underage person who threatened to kill five people at a school entrance. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/new-trump-charges-politically-motivated-and-undermine-us-institutions-1112404009.html New Trump Charges Politically Motivated and Undermine US Institutions New Trump Charges Politically Motivated and Undermine US Institutions The latest criminal charges brought against former US President Donald Trump are politically motivated and will have a detrimental effect on US institutions, experts opined in comments to Sputnik. 2023-08-05T05:36+0000 2023-08-05T05:36+0000 2023-08-05T05:36+0000 americas donald trump charges joe biden /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0e/1111129804_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_fad5db6047f1d10e12fdbac25d702d8c.jpg On Thursday, the former president pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith for allegedly attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 US presidential election. Trump is facing one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, one count of obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and one count of conspiracy against rights. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and argued that the most recent indictment against him is the latest attempt by the "Biden crime family" and the US Justice Department to interfere in the 2024 presidential election. He noted that the case against Trump might rest on shaky legal grounds. For one thing, the use of fraud statutes against politicians has been rejected by the Supreme Court in a unanimous 2016 ruling, which overturned a corruption conviction against a former Republican governor of Virginia, Robert McDonnell. Interestingly enough, that case was also prosecuted by Jack Smith. Political analyst Keith Preston also thinks that the former president's troubles with the law do not strengthen the country's institutions. At the same time, the expert does not think that the charges against Trump aimed at purging him from politics because in that case he would be charged with offenses precluding him from holding office. Election ControversiesTrump has been indicted three times already during this presidential election cycle, which has not prevented him from remaining the GOP's leading candidate, according to the polling data compiled by Real Clear Politics. According to the website, he is running neck and neck with the current president, Joe Biden. Paul Gottfried, the editor-in-chief of "Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture" and Raffensperger professor of humanities emeritus at Elizabethtown College, is skeptical that the January 6 charges will have any effect one way or the other. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-superseding-indictment-over-classified-docs-case-1112398781.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230801/biden-trump-neck-and-neck-in-2024-race-as-other-contenders-trail-distantly---poll-1112329677.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International charges against trumo, donald trump case, what is trump charged with, accusations against trumo, trump election stealing https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/over-third-of-turks-believe-ankara-should-prioritize-ties-with-russia-china---poll-1112402306.html Over Third of Turks Believe Ankara Should Prioritize Ties With Russia, China - Poll Over Third of Turks Believe Ankara Should Prioritize Ties With Russia, China - Poll More than a third of Turkiye's nationals believe that Ankara should prioritize contacts with Russia and China in the development of foreign relations, a poll showed on Friday. 2023-08-05T00:55+0000 2023-08-05T00:55+0000 2023-08-05T00:55+0000 world turkiye ankara russia china european union (eu) us polling /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/1b/1110625863_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_581fd68d9098e683071d7736febfe446.jpg Some 46.9% of the polled residents said Ankara should prioritize relations with the United States and the European Union, compared to a little over 39% in March 2022. At the same time, 35.5% of Turks believe ties with Russia and China should be a priority for the Turkish authorities, compared to 29.5% in March 2022 and 39% in January 2022. Over 17% of Turks declined to answer or were undecided, the poll showed. Supporters of the ruling coalition in Turkiye said the priority should be given to Russia and China - more than 53% of those who voted for the Nationalist Movement Party in May and 41.5% of those who voted for the ruling Justice and Development Party. Quite the opposite, those supporting the opposition believe Ankara should focus on the development of ties with the US and the EU - more than 74% of supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democracy Party and 53% of supporters of the Republican People's Party were in favor of this. The poll was held across 28 directorates of Turkey from July 15-19 and polled 1,746 people, with the margin of error not exceeding 2.3%. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230515/turkiye-wont-turn-its-back-on-russia-whoever-wins-presidential-runoff-1110386303.html turkiye ankara russia china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International turkiye, turkish nationals, should ankara prioritize contacts with russia and china, foreign relations, poll conducted by metropoll, russian-turkish relations, us-turkish relations https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/russia-and-turkiye-may-discuss-gas-hub-project-during-putins-upcoming-visit---reports-1112406189.html Russia and Turkiye May Discuss Gas Hub Project During Putin's Upcoming Visit - Reports Russia and Turkiye May Discuss Gas Hub Project During Putin's Upcoming Visit - Reports Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may discuss energy projects, namely a gas hub project, during Putin's planned visit to Turkiye in August 2023-08-05T09:28+0000 2023-08-05T09:28+0000 2023-08-05T09:28+0000 world vladimir putin recep tayyip erdogan russia turkiye gas /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107928/17/1079281712_0:431:2873:2047_1920x0_80_0_0_25615966b711645b7f5f87520b2271ff.jpg On Friday, Erdogan said he expected Putin's visit to Turkiye to take place in August. Earlier in the week, Erdogan's office said the two leaders had agreed on Putin's visit to Turkiye during a telephone conversation. During the meeting in Turkiye, Putin and Erdogan are expected to discuss renewing the grain deal and turning Turkiye into a gas hub, as well as other energy projects, the report said. In early April, then-Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said Ankara had initiated the process of introducing legislative amendments for the gas hub project, adding that the changes were expected to be approved by Erdogan. He then said that a number of European countries, including Hungary and Serbia, were interested in buying gas through the hub. The purchase and sale of gas through the gas hub is expected to start in 2024, Donmez said. On July 18, the Turkiye- and UN-mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative, which provided for a humanitarian corridor to allow exports of Ukrainian grain over the past year, expired, as Russia did not renew its participation in the deal. Moscow emphasized that the deal's component on facilitating Russian grain and fertilizer exports had not been fulfilled, specifically with regard to reconnecting Russian banks to SWIFT and unblocking the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/over-third-of-turks-believe-ankara-should-prioritize-ties-with-russia-china---poll-1112402306.html russia turkiye Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia-turkey gas deal, turkish gas hub, does turkey sell russian gas, are russia and turkey allies, putin in turkey https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/russia-syria-strike-at-islamist-command-center-in-idlib-military-official-says-1112411711.html Russia, Syria Strike at Islamist Command Center in Idlib, Military Official Says Russia, Syria Strike at Islamist Command Center in Idlib, Military Official Says An official told a news briefing that Al-Nusra attacked the neighboring Aleppo province four times in the past 24 hours. 2023-08-05T19:45+0000 2023-08-05T19:45+0000 2023-08-05T19:45+0000 military syria russian center for syrian reconciliation russia idlib idlib russian aerospace forces syrian air force /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105517/69/1055176920_0:121:2328:1431_1920x0_80_0_0_ab3ccce0cd0c36616fa9f1f5542fc134.jpg "A joint airstrike launched by the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Air Forces destroyed a headquarters of Al-Nusra Front [banned in Russia] near the city of Idlib. It was run by people responsible for plotting and conducting terror attacks against Syrian government forces and civilians," Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit said. The deputy head of the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation told a news briefing that Al-Nusra attacked the neighboring Aleppo province four times in the past 24 hours. A strike at a car killed a Syrian serviceman and injured four others, he said. syria russia idlib 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 syria, russian center for syrian reconciliation, russia, idlib, russian aerospace forces, syrian air forces https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/some-21000-migrants-slipped-into-uk-undetected-in-2022--reports-1112410735.html Some 21,000 Migrants Slipped Into UK Undetected in 2022 Reports Some 21,000 Migrants Slipped Into UK Undetected in 2022 Reports The UK government estimates that around 21,000 illegal migrants entered the country undetected last year 2023-08-05T17:23+0000 2023-08-05T17:23+0000 2023-08-05T17:23+0000 world rishi sunak united kingdom (uk) asylum seeker migrants illegal migration migrant crisis migrant refugees /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/07/15/1097662415_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_51fa63e921e2d2c1e8acaf7df980ffbb.jpg The figures provided by the unnamed official show that some 30,000 asylum seekers entered the country by means other than small boats that illegally ferry migrants across the English Channel. Almost 9,000 others were stopped by the Border Force at airports, seaports and other ports of entry. That leaves about 21,000 illegal immigrants who slipped into the country undetected, the daily estimated. On top of that, 54,563 migrants who arrived in the United Kingdom last year by boat, on the back of trucks and ferries and were caught by authorities up to 72 hours after their arrival. The source told The Times these figures called into question the governments policy of reducing illegal immigration, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has identified as one of his five priorities for restoring the country to prosperity in 2023. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230718/uk-parliament-passes-illegal-migration-bill-1111966809.html united kingdom (uk) Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International how many illegals in the uk, migration to the uk, migration to britain statistics, how many immigrants in britain, british immigration stat https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/sweden-pledges-to-address-ties-with-muslim-countries-amid-quran-burning-scandals-1112409575.html Sweden Pledges to Address Ties With Muslim Countries Amid Quran-Burning Scandals Sweden Pledges to Address Ties With Muslim Countries Amid Quran-Burning Scandals Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom has held a meeting with ambassadors of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries and said he would pay special attention to relations with Muslim countries 2023-08-05T15:18+0000 2023-08-05T15:18+0000 2023-08-05T15:18+0000 world ulf kristersson sweden organisation of islamic cooperation organization of islamic cooperation (oic) islam muslims quran /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105179/67/1051796753_0:438:4256:2832_1920x0_80_0_0_3c0a9facb674454cd5b7e810dfe50d6b.jpg The meeting was a good opportunity to explain the government's position on Quran-burning actions, the minister said. On July 30, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Sweden was facing its most serious security situation since World War II, commenting on several Quran-burning incidents that drew strong condemnation from Muslim nations. Several Quran-burning demonstrations have taken place in Denmark and Sweden in recent months. Most Muslim countries have condemned the demonstrations, and some have summoned the Swedish and Danish ambassadors to issue letters of protest. Last month, hundreds of Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish embassy after the Quran burning in Stockholm. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/denmark-tightens-border-controls-after-quran-burning-demonstrations-1112387736.html sweden Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International quaranburning, swedish burn quaran, why do people burn quaran, muslims in sweden, muslims angry at sweden, sweden vs islam Talisman Sabre, which began on 22 July and ends Friday, is the largest military exercise between Australian, UK and US Armed Forces and is designed to strengthen partnerships and interoperability among key allies. It tests joint capabilities across land, sea, air, space and digital domains," the ministry said on the website. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/us-temporarily-suspends-certain-foreign-aid-to-niger-amid-military-takeover-1112402607.html US Temporarily Suspends Certain Foreign Aid to Niger Amid Military Takeover US Temporarily Suspends Certain Foreign Aid to Niger Amid Military Takeover The United States is temporarily suspending certain foreign assistance programs to the government of Niger amid the ongoing military takeover, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a press release. 2023-08-05T02:29+0000 2023-08-05T02:29+0000 2023-08-05T02:32+0000 world niger antony blinken temporary suspension foreign aid economic community of west african states (ecowas) bola tinubu nigeria intervention /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1b/1112169992_0:144:2049:1296_1920x0_80_0_0_aa4f06a970fbb508dc0bc270bc712f96.jpg "The US government is pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger," Blinken said in the release on Friday. Blinken further said US government activities in Niger continue where feasible to do so, including diplomatic and security operations, for the protection of US personnel. The secretary's comments come on the heels of earlier remarks by the US Department of Defense that the US was calling for a diplomatic solution to the military takeover while also monitoring reports about a possible intervention in Niger by neighboring Nigeria."We continue to monitor this fluid and evolving situation and reiterate our focus on a diplomatic solution," a spokesperson said when asked about the Pentagon's reaction to reports of a looming intervention.On July 26, Niger's presidential guard ousted and detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself interim leader and the president of the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP). The US government has not yet determined the situation in Niger as a coup. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/moscow-intervention-in-niger-should-be-avoided-1112384962.html niger nigeria 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 united states, us-nigerien relations, us secretary of state antony blinken, military takeover, niger, suspension of foreign assistance programs https://sputnikglobe.com/20230805/weekly-news-wrap-up-trump-indicted-us-credit-downgraded-africa-war-clouds-1112401708.html Weekly News Wrap-Up; Trump Indicted; US Credit Downgraded; Africa War Clouds Weekly News Wrap-Up; Trump Indicted; US Credit Downgraded; Africa War Clouds Former President Donald Trump has been indicted, the US credit rating has been lowered, and observers fear an African regional war. 2023-08-05T04:04+0000 2023-08-05T04:04+0000 2023-08-05T10:55+0000 the critical hour radio donald trump hunter biden niger burkina faso west africa ukraine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/04/1112401551_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_1d85c24e0666953cdda111aa82388751.png Weekly News Wrap-Up; Trump Indicted; US Credit Downgraded; Africa War Clouds Former President Donald Trump has been indicted, the US credit rating has been lowered, and observers fear an African regional war. Caleb Maupin, journalist, and political analyst, joins us to discuss this week's important stories. The US military is considering aggressive actions near Iran. Also, Donald Trump faces charges, and police officers torture two Black men.Dr. Richard Wolff, professor of economics and host of "Democracy at Work" on YouTube, joins us to discuss this week's important stories. Former President Donald Trump has been indicted, the US credit rating has been lowered, and most Americans cannot cover a 400-dollar bill.Dr. Gerald Horne, Professor of History at the University of Houston, TX, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss this week's important stories. International observers fear a regional war as Western colonial powers threaten to attack the Niger military government.Ajamu Baraka, 2016 US vice presidential candidate for the Green Party, and Dr. Margaret Flowers, activist and editor of "PopularResistance.org," come together to discuss this week's important stories. African states fight for sovereignty in the face of an imperial attack.Jim Kavanagh, whose work can be found at Jim Kavanagh's Substack, thepolemicist.net, and Counterpunch, and Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, come together to discuss this week's important stories. US politics is a mess as President Biden is mired in confusion involving corruption and war in Ukraine. Also, the neocons talk about the assassination of Zelensky.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. niger burkina faso west africa ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg the critical hour, donald trump charges, niger coup, corruption in ukraine Returning to action after a four-week layoff, Western Canada's fastest pacer Shark Week picked up right where he left off in Friday night's featured $14,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at Century Downs, extending his win streak to seven in a row. Shark Week (pictured above) overcame an outside post assignment in the competitive field of seven to deliver as the 3-5 favourite off the layoff for the father-son, trainer-driver team of Rod and Mike Hennessy. Mike Hennessy set out for the lead off the gate with Shark Week but had to settle for the pocket spot as inside leaver Samba Beat (Phil Giesbrecht) held his ground on top with a sizzling :26.1 opener. Tucking into the two-hole, Shark Week landed in front of Outlaw C My Shadow (Brandon Campbell), who was trying to bounce back after his nine-race win streak ended with a miscue in his return to Alberta last time out. The rest of the field lagged the top trio as they headed in front of the grandstand the first time. As Samba Beat tried to back it down a beat to the half in :55.3, Shark Week went on the attack and worked to clear down the backstretch while Outlaw C My Shadow also began to advance on the outside and took over second-place with the early leader beginning to fade. Opening up two lengths on top, Shark Week raced by three-quarters in 1:23 and turned for home with Hennessy keeping him to task while a steppy Outlaw C My Shadow chased in second before breaking stride again in the stretch. Up by four lengths at the top of the lane, Shark Week cruised home for the 1:52.2 victory. Icy Blue Scooter (Nathan Sobey) closed for second, finishing 3-1/2 lengths behind the winner, and Ernesto Delacruz (J.F. Gagne) rallied for third. Owned by Rod Hennessy and Lorne Duffield, Shark Week now boasts a dozen wins from 16 starts this year with more than $85,000 in purse earnings. The five-year-old Vertical Horizon-Shark Gone Bad gelding, who became Western Canada's first sub-1:50 pacer with his 1:49.2 triumph on June 3, returned $3.30 to win. The victory was his 32nd lifetime and boosted his bankroll to $285,475. Shark Week is the subject of the feature article in the August 2023 edition of TROT Magazine. Mike Hennessy also kept the win streak alive for the popular four-year-old pacer Kioti amid a rainstorm later on the card as the four-year-old son of Mystician made it six straight wins with a 1:55 mile in a $8,500 conditioned pace for trainer Doug Stout and owner/breeder Derek Stout. Kioto held off Outlawchippendale (Campbell) by three-quarters of a length, with Blast Of Sunshine (Giesbrecht) relegated to the pocket after a first-quarter duel and locked in third at the end. Kelly Hoerdt led all trainers with a triple on Friday's nine-race card, with Beach Myst ($4), Chuck You Farlie ($8.90) and Came A Cavalier ($10) all scoring repeat wins. Hoerdt was in the bike for his stable's first two triumphs while Phil Giesbrecht guided Came A Cavalier to victory as part of a driving triple. To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Century Downs. The suspect in a stabbing rampage that occurred in Bundang, south of Seoul earlier this week, appears at a court in Suwon, 30 kilometers south of Seoul, for a hearing, Aug. 5, where the court reviewed whether to issue a warrant to arrest him. The incident left 14 people injured. Yonhap A local court issued a warrant Saturday to arrest the suspect in a stabbing rampage earlier this week that wounded 14 people in Bundang, south of Seoul. The Suwon District Court granted the warrant to formally arrest the 22-year-old, surnamed Choi, on charges of attempted murder, citing the risk of flight. Choi rammed a vehicle into a pedestrian walkway outside a department store Thursday and randomly attacked shoppers with a knife inside the mall. The attack left 14 people injured, 12 of them seriously. Of the total, nine were wounded in the stabbing attack and five in the car crash. There has been no touching Tobins Chester so far in his young career and the two-year-old son of Shanghai Phil will attempt to conquer the P.E.I. Colt Stakes on a mega-Sunday afternoon stakes card at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway. The Prince County oval will host 18 dashes of stakes races on Sunday featuring the P.E.I. Colt Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts, two-year-old pacing fillies, two-year-old trotters and three-year-old trotters as well as a leg of the Island Ocean Trot Classic, presented by Burkie By The Bay Stable. Race 14 is a $13,500 Gold division of the P.E.I. Colt Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts with the undefeated Tobins Chester leaving from post two for trainer/driver Jason Hughes and owner Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge, P.E.I. The Shanghai Phil pacer has been a comfortable winner in all his three outings in Atlantic Sires Stakes, including a 1:57.4 lifetime best last week at Inverness Raceway in Nova Scotia. His top rivals are listed as Pauls Crown (Marc Campbell) and Check Your Chip (Myles Heffernan Sr.). The "Backstretch Beat" says Tobins Chester will continue his winning streak: Tobins Chester served notice in Inverness that he is one to beat. We will await the showdown with Jackies Boy, but since that isnt coming today, we say the winning continues. Jackies Boy will look to extend his own win streak from post five in the other $13,500 two-year-old colt Gold division in race 18 for driver Heffernan and owner/trainer Myles Heffernan Jr. The Tobago Cays colt posted an 18-length romp in 1:57.4 his latest start in Inverness. Some top contenders he will face include Merigo Magic (Adam Merner) from post three and Good Omen (Paul Langille) with post two. The two-year-old pacing fillies have $11,400 Gold divisions in races 11, 15 and 17. Chip Of Evil is the morning line favourite in the $11,400 Gold split in race 11, named the Bernie & Ron MacArthur Memorial. Corey MacPherson will drive the Arthur Blue Chip filly from post three for owner Inarush Stable of Kensington, P.E.I. and trainer Eddy Doucette. Race 15 has Miss Wicked as the top choice from the Joe Baxter stable for owner Blaine Thibeau of Kensington. MacPherson will be back aboard that McWicked filly after guiding her to a 1:58.2 qualifying victory in Summerside. Saulsbrook Feisty rides a two-race win streak into post four as the favourite in the 17 Gold division with Marc Campbell getting the call for co-owner and trainer Carrie Saunders and co-owner Lois Saunders of Bible Hill, N.S. Irish Ray (pictured above) has a win streak of his own to protect in a $12,000 P.E.I. Colt Stakes three-year-old trotting colt division in race 10 as he will leave from post four while sporting a perfect 13-race win streak from as many career starts. Campbell trains and drives the Muscle Through It gelding for owner Three Wisemen Stable of Kingston, P.E.I. My Secret Ability (Kenny Arsenault) will try to end his streak from post two after winning his last two starts in identical 2:00.2 clockings at Red Shores Charlottetown. To view Sunday's complete harness racing entries, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Summerside Raceway. (Red Shores) American Legion Post 48 is preparing to cap the soon-to-end summer vacation season with one of its popular fish fries. The all-you-can-eat meal begins at 5 p.m. Aug. 10 at the posts meeting hall, 1 American Legion Ave., Newton. The meeting hall stands in front of the American Legion Fairgrounds off U.S. 70 east of Hickory. Plates are $10, payable at the door. Meals will be available for dine in or takeout. The meal features all-you-can-eat ocean perch, hush puppies, slaw, onion rings and French fries. Zane Stilwell, the posts first vice commander and leader of its kitchen crew, said theres an artistry, a special touch, used to prepare the meal. We soak our fish, and then we roll them in a dusting of a fish breading just a light dusting, no corn meal in it, he said. The meal is part of a Post 48 tradition. As an incentive for Legionnaires to renew their memberships, the post holds its annual members-only fish fry two days before the public one. Thursdays fish fry has always been an opportunity for Legionnaires families and members of the public to enjoy the same tasty meal. Both fish fries are firmly rooted in history, at least 50 years. Its been going on for as long as I can remember, Stilwell said. If you just want some really good fish, come and get it, he said earlier. For information, call Stilwell at 828-291-4850. Summer vacation is quickly coming to an end, and you are probably already getting your children prepared for the next school year. Returning to school can be both an exciting and overwhelming time for parents and children. Its a significant transition that comes with various challenges and adjustments. Back-to-school-time can be stressful for both parents and children as it is often a time for change. You and your child experience new teachers, new classmates, and a new schedule. It can be difficult to establish a routine again and find a balance between what is expected from the child, said Judith Prairie, a physician at Family Care Center of Mooresville. However, with all the changes and transitions the school year brings, its important not to lose sight of whats most important your childs health. Below, Prairie shares her recommendations and tips for a healthy, successful start to the school year. Schedule an annual physical An annual physical, or check-up, with your childs doctor will ensure your child is healthy before heading back to school. Scheduling an annual physical can be done at any time, but ideally before the school year so your childs doctor can make sure your child is on track and prepared to start the school year. If your child plays sports, your childs doctor can use this time to talk to you about common injuries and how to prevent them, said Prairie. Stay up-to-date on vaccines Vaccines are important to protect your childs life and provide immunity to children before they are potentially exposed to diseases like hepatitis B, measles, mumps, polio, and others. Researchers have proven time and time again that vaccines are safe and effective for children and the public, said Prairie. North Carolina law requires all children in the state to receive certain immunizations. You can ask your childs doctor if any vaccinations are needed at their annual physical. The link below lists vaccination requirements for school-aged children in North Carolina. Make sleep a priority Being tired can impact your childs academic ability. According to the CDC, most American children and teenagers do not sleep enough. Adhering to sleep schedules helps students perform at their best. This can, in turn, lead to improved attention, learning, memory, and overall physical and mental health, said Prairie. Preschoolers, ages 3-5, require 10-13 hours of sleep. School-aged children, ages 6-12, should get 9-12 hours of sleep, and teenagers, ages 13-18, should get 8-10 hours. Prairie recommends adjusting your childs sleep schedule in increments about one or two weeks before school starts. I always tell parents to have their child go to sleep 15 minutes earlier than they have been during the summer and wake up 15 minutes earlier. They can continue to adjust their sleep and wake times in 15-minute increments every few days until their child is sleeping and waking at the right times for school, she said. You should also establish a good bedtime routine to help your child wind down for the day. A warm shower, avoiding electronics before bed, reading with a parent or individually, journaling, or meditating, are a few examples to help your child get ready for bed. Focus on nutrition It is important to make sure your child eats healthy to maintain a healthy height and weight, prevent chronic diseases, build strong bones and teeth, maintain stable energy throughout the day, and improve mental health, said Prairie. I always tell my patients and parents to make it easy for children to choose healthy snacks by having fresh fruit and vegetables that are already washed and ready to eat, if they can. Other healthy options include yogurt, nuts, peanut butter and celery, and crackers and cheese, she added. To build healthy eating habits, you can pack the healthy foods Prairie recommended in your childs lunchbox. Be a partner in your childs mental and emotional health A child heading back to school may have the same feelings of apprehension and worry that an adult has when starting a new job. But, as a parent, you can help make that first day a little easier. You should discuss any worries or excitement your child may have about returning to school and offer your reassurance. You should continue this open communication and make it a habit to check up on your childs mental wellbeing throughout the school year. Mental health issues are on the rise in our children. I encourage all of my parents to regularly check on their children whether they are showing signs of declining mental wellbeing or not. In doing so, it encourages an open and honest relationship between parents and child. It will also help your child develop friendships, learn new things, and do well in school. This also helps lay a foundation for your childs wellbeing into adulthood, said Prairie. Learn more Prairie practices at the Family Care Center of Mooresville, located on the second floor of Iredell Mooresville at 653 Bluefield Road. She treats patients of all ages, infants to seniors. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Judith Prairie, call 704-360-6580. Statesville native Matt Bejcek is an officer in the countrys newest military branch the U.S. Space Force and he spoke about his career during a visit to American Legion Post 65 last week. The American Legion Post 65 Auxiliary hosted the visit by Bejcek. Auxiliary President Gloria Benfield and District President Dianne Wilson welcomed Bejcek to the post. Bejcek, a lieutenant colonel, began his military career after graduating from N.C. State Universitys ROTC program. He went into the Air Force as an officer and, three years ago, moved to the Space Force, which is a department within the Air Force. He gave an overview of the newest branch of the military, which is tasked with providing freedom of operation for the U.S. in, from and to space, conducting space operations and protecting the interests of the U.S. in space. Bejcek said his interest in serving in the Air Force came from a love of aviation. He said he took pilot training while in high school. I wanted to go study airplanes. I was obsessed with airplanes, he said. He went to NCSU in the ROTC program, and that ultimately led him to a career in the Air Force. After years of moving from base to base, including stints in Germany and Qatar and the Pentagon, he is now stationed at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado. This is his second time at Schriever and his first as a member of the Space Force. Although the smallest of the military branches, Bejcek said the Space Force is a growing one, and thats due to the need to protect interests in space, such as communication satellites. Bejcek said he is proud to serve the United States, and to be a member of the Space Force. But hes not alone in that, he said. Pointing to the Space Force ribbon on his uniform, Bejcek said, There are 9,000 folks around me that wear this same ribbon, he said. The Humane Society of Cowlitz County will stop providing animal control for multiple cities and Cowlitz County residents at the end of the year. Humane Society Director Darren Ullmann sent out letters earlier this week alerting the areas it partnered with that the shelter would no longer be providing animal control services in any form as of January 1st, 2024. Ullmann said the nonprofits board of directors voted to end the program in order to focus on animal care and sheltering. The animal shelter has provided animal control for the majority of its 50 year existence. The group contracts with Cowlitz County, Longview, Kelso, Woodland and Castle Rock to provide their animal control along with overall sheltering of stray or unwanted animals. As a nonprofit, Ullmann said the Humane Society struggles to keep up with the cost of equipment and the manpower needed to answer calls around the clock. The animal control officers also had a tougher time investigating animal abuse cases without the full enforcement abilities of a police officer. In the end, it will benefit the community because theyll have the resources to do proper investigations. Our guys do their best with what they have, but with limited resources and limited authority, its difficult to do it justice, Ullmann said. Over the first half of 2023, the Humane Society responded to 1,228 animal complaints across Cowlitz County. The shelters animal control officers impounded 443 animals and investigated 114 cases of animal cruelty. Ullmann said Cowlitz County is one of the few counties in Washington that runs animal control through the Humane Society instead of law enforcement. According to presentations Ullmann gave earlier this year, the majority of counties use the county sheriffs office to provide animal control. Longview City Manager Kris Swanson said Friday that the Humane Society has been a great partner to the city over the years. We will be working with the county and other counties to consider options and a path forward, Swanson said via email. The Humane Society plans to contract with whichever agency or agencies take over animal control duties to continue sheltering any impounded animals. Ullmann said he will meet with the governments and law enforcement agencies over the rest of the year to talk through the transition. We hope to make this as seamless as possible, Ullmann said. One tenth of 1%. A penny out of a 10 dollar bill. Thats what Cowlitz County currently adds to sales tax to support mental health. But that tax is due to sunset at the end of next year. The county commissioners are currently weighing the future of this tax, and we believe it should be retained. Currently, the mental health tax brings in about $2.5 million a year, and under state law, that money can only be used for drug addiction treatment, mental health programs, or therapeutic courts, such as drug court. While all uses of public money deserve fair scrutiny, these are not programs we can afford to cut. About half the mental health tax goes to the County Department of Corrections. $1.26 million helps treat inmates with mental health disorders and opioid addiction, according to the departments director, Marin Fox. These are both key elements of rehabilitation in prison which we should continue to fund. According to the National Institute of Health, drug addiction is rampant among prison populations, with about 50% of all state and federal prisoners meeting the criteria for a substance use disorder. If left untreated, inmates typically have a hard relapse into drug use upon release. Former inmates are 12 times more likely to die than the average person during the two weeks following their release, and the leading cause of death is fatal overdose. Additionally, the tax funds two of the departments three mental health officers. These positions focus on the mental conditions of inmates and work to ensure they take their medication on time, both of which contribute to treating the underlying cause of many criminal behaviors. If these conditions are allowed to go untreated during the time a person is incarcerated, they are far more likely to reoffend. In particular, public health journal The Lancet states substance abuse showed the strongest risk of all psychiatric disorders for recidivism. Treating inmates prior to release isnt just helping inmates get healthy, it can help them get out of the cycle of incarceration and get their lives back on track. Mental health also affects whether a person can retain housing. County Commissioner Dennis Weber recently wrote in TDN about the importance of addressing mental health issues to fight chronic homelessness. Many studies also see a reinforcing relationship between the two, such as a 2020 study published in Psychiatric Times. Simply put, mental illness makes you more susceptible to homelessness and homelessness makes it more difficult to address mental health issues. Just like with drug abuse, we want to break these self-perpetuating cycles. Another $575,000 goes to therapeutic court programs, the most prominent of which is drug court. Drug court, which marked its 20th anniversary in 2019, has been a great success for Cowlitz County in building a path through the court system that leads to drug treatment, rather than prison. By completing treatment for their substance issues, participants also get their charges dismissed. According to Adam Pithan, manager of the Cowlitz County Therapeutic Courts, about 80% of drug court participants dont reoffend over a three-year period. These findings are well above statewide reports from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, which found drug courts typically reduce recidivism rates by about half. By reducing the numbers of repeat offenders, we not only reduce crime, we also save the county money by not having to house and feed people in jails and prisons. Its not just a diversion plan, its an investment in future crime reduction. The sheriffs office benefits from the mental health tax as well. The behavioral health unit launched last September and is funded by the tax revenue. Since then, the unit has responded to about 10% of the calls received by the sheriffs office. The members of the sheriffs office are well-trained individuals with a broad set of skills. And while communication and de-escalation are crucial parts of their toolkit, accomplishing that with a person who is in the midst of an acute mental health episode is an enormous challenge. A law enforcement officer may need some of the same knowledge as a dedicated behavioral expert, but asking one to do the job of another is not fair to them. The members of the behavioral health unit can take that task off the plates of deputies and apply their specialized knowledge to the situation. Funding the unit not only helps resolve an immediate crisis, it is a way we can support law enforcement. Cutting the mental health tax will leave key functions of the sheriffs office, courts and department of corrections leaning more heavily on the countys general fund a limited money source every county department is already looking to snag a piece of. Continuing the mental health tax is an investment in the future. When someone stays clean because they graduated from drug court, the tax is doing its job. When someone in crisis is talked down by a trained counselor and connected with resources, the tax is doing its job. When an inmate is getting treated for mental illness, the tax is doing its job. Extending the mental health tax allows these agencies to continue essential investments in our community. The AI world is in turmoil again. Iran has proposed a harsh hijab law along with a long jail term and AI surveillance; 22-year-old claims AI caused 90% income drop, stole her job; study suggests AI could predict future pandemics - this and more in our daily AI roundup. Let us take a look. 1. Iran proposes harsh hijab law with long jail terms and AI surveillance Iranian authorities are proposing a harsh new hijab law, with longer jail terms for women not wearing the veil, tough penalties for rule-breaking celebrities and businesses, and AI surveillance to identify violators. The 70-article draft has experts fearing the regime's unwavering stance despite major protests last year. The Bill, pending approval, could be voted on in the next two months, CNN reported. 2. AI could predict future pandemics, study suggests Scientists have developed an AI application called the early warning anomaly detection (EWAD) system, which accurately predicts dangerous variants in future pandemics. Tested with SARS-CoV-2 data, it spotted emerging variants by analyzing genetic sequences, infection rates, and mortality rates. The AI's potential to warn about new variants could be crucial in preventing and mitigating future pandemics, according to a Sciencealert report. 3. A.I.-Generated Guidebooks: New frontier for travel scammers Travel scammers are using AI-generated guidebooks on Amazon, tricking buyers with fake positive reviews. Shoddy guides, compiled with AI and plagiarized content, have surged recently. Victims receive copies full of vague information. With the mix of AI apps, self-publishing platforms, and fake reviews, this scam highlights the need for stricter regulations to combat fraudulent practices on online platforms, The New York Times reported. 4. AI helps discover new molecules for age-related diseases University of Edinburgh researchers have harnessed AI and machine learning to find potential senolytic molecules for age-related diseases, according to a Fagen Wasanni report. Senolytics combat aging by targeting damaged cells that cause inflammation. The team trained an AI model to distinguish between known senolytics and non-senolytics, allowing it to predict promising molecules from a pool of 4,340. Testing revealed three effective senolytics that selectively eliminated aging cells. 5. Growing bubble fears as every start-up becomes an AI company UBS report praised AI start-up OpenAI's ChatGPT for rapid user growth, projected to reach 100 million monthly users in three months. However, the figure was based on website visits, not official active user data. The report sparked an AI fever in Silicon Valley, with tech giants rushing to develop their chatbots. But the profitability and sustainability of generative AI remain uncertain due to high costs and usage fluctuations. Superconductivity: Science vs. Social Media: The breathlessness that's greeted a new material made of lead and copper is, well, breathtaking. LK-99 is heralded as a room-temperature superconductor that, if it survives the barrage of peer reviews, could transform the world as we know it. Everything from electricity to transportation to medicine to chip technology might get more efficient and affordable. At the end of a nerdy tweet, Ming-Chi Kuo, an influential analyst at TF International Securities in Taiwan, declared, Even a mobile device as small as an iPhone can have a computing power comparable to a quantum computer. Investors immediately dove into companies mostly in South Korea and China that had anything to do with the business of new compounds. Some South Koreans were already looking forward to Nobel Prizes being awarded to compatriots who discovered LK-99 (their surnames are Lee and Kim, and they came up with it separately in 1999). OK. Now take a breath. Or two. Superconductivity exists (Nobel Prizes have been awarded to scientists who have studied it). But materials that achieve it that is, eliminate magnetic fields and have 100% efficiency in conducting electricity can perform the process only at extremely low temperatures. Think sub-180 Celsius (-292 Fahrenheit). That's commercially impractical. Hence the excitement about LK-99 achieving superconductivity at room temperature. But all the hype needs to be tempered by a lot. Tim Culpan writes, Social media means these developments become talking points and memes even among those who barely understand the concepts. The rush to publish, discuss, criticize and tear apart new discoveries works in conflict with the slow and deliberate nature of scientific research. Tim's not asking us to stop dreaming. LK-99 may not end up being the room-temperature superconductor we all hope for. But perhaps these findings, and renewed excitement, will lead to other advances that offer high-speed, energy-efficient trains, viable and cheap quantum supercomputers, and highly-scalable batteries to store renewable energy. Let's embrace the excitement around LK-99, but not pin our hopes on it. The scientific journey is as valuable as the final result, and that's worth celebrating no matter the individual outcomes. Fine. I'm just going to worry about what an LK-99 iPhone is going to cost me. The Japan That Can Say Welcome, Immigrants! Among the many stereotypes about Japan, the one that economists like to bring up is the country's resistance to immigration. Homogeneity has always been considered a national strength. But it is going to be debilitating as the country ages rapidly and its population shrinks. Wouldn't allowing foreigners to live and work in the country help avoid that crisis? Gearoid Reidy says that Japan is already getting started on that very solution and the latest population statistics bear it out. He writes: The number of foreigners rose 11% from a year earlier to comprise 2.4% of the total population, or just under 3 million people; as the figures are from Jan. 1, that milestone has now likely already been passed. It often goes unremarked that the number of workers from overseas has more than doubled in the last decade alone, while the broader foreign community (including students and families) has risen 50%. There are lots of impediments wages, language, assimilation and, yes, residual but tenacious xenophobia. But that's begun to change, starting from the most august of levels. Back in 2001, Emperor Akihito publicly acknowledged that he had a Korean ancestor. That was remarkable considering the discrimination that Koreans in Japan have faced for centuries. The imperial family goes back at least 1,500 years; it is, for many Japanese, still the symbol of nationhood. Akihito abdicated in 2019 and was succeeded by his son Naruhito. People like to point out, politely, that the imperial ancestor he admitted to a descendant of a Korean king who lived briefly on the Japanese island of Kyushu lived in the 8th century. Still, no matter how far back, if the most Japanese family in Japan has a tincture of immigrant blood, the country can get used to more immigrants. Telltale Charts If Niger falls into the Russian orbit, the world would depend even more on Moscow and its clients for atomic energy. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, two former Soviet republics, are among the world's top uranium producers, accounting for about 50% of the world's mined supply. Add Russia and Niger to that, and the share jumps to just above 60%. Javier Blas in The Long Arm of the Kremlin and the Politics of Uranium. The US lags China, South Korea and Japan in some of the most important components of lithium-ion battery production. With just 4.4% of global cell capacity, and at single-digit shares of separators, electrolytes, cathodes and anodes, the world's largest economy is a long way from EV self-sufficiency. Tim Culpan in America Is Driving Toward a New Supply Chain Crisis. Bud Light has struggled since controversy erupted over its Instagram partnership with transgender influencer and actor Dylan Mulvaney in April. Bud Light has since fallen from the top spot as the best-selling beer by dollar sales in the US, giving up the title to Constellation Brands Inc.'s Modelo. Andrea Felsted in The Bud Light Hangover Hasn't Gone Away. Further Reading Harvard should stop it with the nepo babies. Adrian Wooldridge The Swiss banking merger that has lots of Asian holes. Shuli Ren Does Rishi Sunak really believe more oil drilling is good for the planet? Lara Williams Russia's new nuclear strategy is still the old kind of scary. Andreas Kluth The deep money problems of Britain's health system. The Editors White guys can't cook everything. Howard Chua-Eoan Walk of the Town: Texas Hold'em in London In mid-July, I wrote about how the super-rich were sweeping up talent like chefs to work for them privately. A friend I hadn't heard from for a year called me to say she was in town, accompanying her new boss, a very successful professional gambler who'd flown into town on a private jet to participate in the London circuit of the World Series of Poker. Looking for something new to write about, I walked down Park Lane to the competition venue the JW Marriott Grosvenor House. The hotel shares the name (as well as the site) of the legendary townhouse of the Grosvenor clan, the family of the Duke of Westminster. But the original was torn down in the 1920s. I wanted to catch a glimpse of the high roller lifestyle. As it turned out, it's a lot of hoodies and T-shirts and sneakers. Perhaps it was because most of the participants that I watched were in a Texas Hold'em tournament where the buy-in was a mere 450 ($570). But even the super high-rollers seemed super casual. These are the folks who can afford buy-ins upwards of 10,500 (for pots worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or more) and are separated from the rest by a wall, playing on tables in a shiny set prepped for TV cameras. There was one person in a sleeveless hoodie made of shiny blue suede. Their food was delivered by servers. The regular rollers had to walk up to the coffee shop for food and drinks (noodles, candy, water, coffee and lots of Red Bull). Oh, they could also call on the services of a masseur, who'd come to the table to rub down necks and shoulders tired from hours of hunched down gaming. We use a lot of card game expressions in daily life chip in, full deck, poker face etc. Lots have been said about traders and poker. Is there more that Texas Hold'em can say about the world beyond the gaming tables? The subject may yet supply a future column. Weekender: The Cruelest Month in Paris August is a conundrum for food lovers in the French capital. After this weekend, some of the best restaurants will be on summer break until September. If you had your heart set on Septime and Maison Sota in the 11th arrondissement, you're out of luck. The first won't reopen till Aug. 23; the second not until Sept. 1. In the same area, Bistrot Paul Bert much celebrated by Anthony Bourdain won't reopen till the 23rd either. However, if you're a fan of Chef Inaki Aizpitarte's Le Chateaubriand, it will not be closing. My friend and journalist Wendy Lyn (@parisismykitchen) has a helpful list of her favorite restaurants and whether they are open this season. She particularly likes Cafe les Deux Gares in the 10th, which is open all summer. If you're stuck for a spot, there's always Breizh, a creperie. It's become a global chain, yet is still distinctively French. Head for the original in Le Marais and try the savory buckwheat galette with ham and comte cheese, topped with an egg and a small slab of espelette butter. It'll settle you down, if only for a while. Drawdown You've reached the end. Aw shucks, here's a doodle as a thank you for hanging on! Howard Chua-Eoan is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion covering culture and business. He previously served as Bloomberg Opinion's international editor and is a former news director at Time magazine. A man in his 20s suspected of stabbing a teacher at a high school appears at a district court in Daejeon, 139 kilometers south of Seoul, Aug. 5, for a hearing as the court reviewed whether to issue a warrant to formally arrest him. Yonhap A local court issued a warrant Saturday to arrest a man suspected of stabbing a teacher at a high school multiple times. The Daejeon District Court granted a warrant to formally arrest the suspect in his late 20s on charges of attempted murder, citing the risk of flight. The man stabbed the teacher, including in the face and chest, at a high school in Daejeon, 139 kilometers south of Seoul, Friday. He was quoted as telling police that he was a student of the teacher in the past, but his claim has yet be verified. The teacher, 49, underwent urgent surgery after the stabbing, but remains in critical condition. Police said the suspect was diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression in recent years, but did not receive any treatment. The incident came just a day after a stabbing rampage occurred in Bundang, south of Seoul, leaving 14 people wounded. A 22-year-old man, surnamed Choi, drove a vehicle into a pedestrian walkway outside a department store and randomly attacked shoppers with a knife inside the mall. (Yonhap) 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 OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen displaying output from ChatGPT, March 21, 2023, in Boston. As state lawmakers rush to get a handle on fast-evolving artificial intelligence technology, they're often focusing first on their own state governments before imposing restrictions on the private sector. Legislators are seeking ways to protect constituents from discrimination and other harms while not hindering cutting-edge advancements in medicine, science, business, education and more. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File As state lawmakers rush to get a handle on fast-evolving artificial intelligence technology, they're often focusing first on their own state governments before imposing restrictions on the private sector. Legislators are seeking ways to protect constituents from discrimination and other harms while not hindering cutting-edge advancements in medicine, science, business, education and more. "We're starting with the government. We're trying to set a good example," Connecticut state Sen. James Maroney said during a floor debate in May. Connecticut plans to inventory all of its government systems using artificial intelligence by the end of 2023, posting the information online. And starting next year, state officials must regularly review these systems to ensure they won't lead to unlawful discrimination. Maroney, a Democrat who has become a go-to AI authority in the General Assembly, said Connecticut lawmakers will likely focus on private industry next year. He plans to work this fall on model AI legislation with lawmakers in Colorado, New York, Virginia, Minnesota and elsewhere that includes "broad guardrails" and focuses on matters like product liability and requiring impact assessments of AI systems. "It's rapidly changing and there's a rapid adoption of people using it. So we need to get ahead of this," he said in a later interview. "We're actually already behind it, but we can't really wait too much longer to put in some form of accountability." Overall, at least 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia introduced artificial intelligence bills this year. As of late July, 14 states and Puerto Rico had adopted resolutions or enacted legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The list doesn't include bills focused on specific AI technologies, such as facial recognition or autonomous cars, something NCSL is tracking separately. Legislatures in Texas, North Dakota, West Virginia and Puerto Rico have created advisory bodies to study and monitor AI systems their respective state agencies are using, while Louisiana formed a new technology and cyber security committee to study AI's impact on state operations, procurement and policy. Other states took a similar approach last year. Lawmakers want to know "Who's using it? How are you using it? Just gathering that data to figure out what's out there, who's doing what," said Heather Morton, a legislative analysist at NCSL who tracks artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy and internet issues in state legislatures. "That is something that the states are trying to figure out within their own state borders." Connecticut's new law, which requires AI systems used by state agencies to be regularly scrutinized for possible unlawful discrimination, comes after an investigation by the Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic at Yale Law School determined AI is already being used to assign students to magnet schools, set bail and distribute welfare benefits, among other tasks. However, details of the algorithms are mostly unknown to the public. AI technology, the group said, "has spread throughout Connecticut's government rapidly and largely unchecked, a development that's not unique to this state." Richard Eppink, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho, testified before Congress in May about discovering, through a lawsuit, the "secret computerized algorithms" Idaho was using to assess people with developmental disabilities for federally funded health care services. The automated system, he said in written testimony, included corrupt data that relied on inputs the state hadn't validated. AI can be shorthand for many different technologies, ranging from algorithms recommending what to watch next on Netflix to generative AI systems such as ChatGPT that can aid in writing or create new images or other media. The surge of commercial investment in generative AI tools has generated public fascination and concerns about their ability to trick people and spread disinformation, among other dangers. Some states haven't attempted to tackle the issue yet. In Hawaii, state Sen. Chris Lee, a Democrat, said lawmakers didn't pass any legislation this year governing AI "simply because I think at the time, we didn't know what to do." Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont delivers the State of the State address during opening session of the Legislature, at the State Capitol, Jan. 4, 2023, in Hartford, Conn. Lawmakers in Connecticut, Wednesday, July 19, 2023, passed a bill that places new controls on state government's use of artificial intelligence. Credit: AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File Instead, the Hawaii House and Senate passed a resolution Lee proposed that urges Congress to adopt safety guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence and limit its application in the use of force by police and the military. Lee, vice-chair of the Senate Labor and Technology Committee, said he hopes to introduce a bill in next year's session that is similar to Connecticut's new law. Lee also wants to create a permanent working group or department to address AI matters with the right expertise, something he admits is difficult to find. "There aren't a lot of people right now working within state governments or traditional institutions that have this kind of experience," he said. The European Union is leading the world in building guardrails around AI. There has been discussion of bipartisan AI legislation in Congress, which Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in June would maximize the technology's benefits and mitigate significant risks. Yet the New York senator did not commit to specific details. In July, President Joe Biden announced his administration had secured voluntary commitments from seven U.S. companies meant to ensure their AI products are safe before releasing them. Maroney said ideally the federal government would lead the way in AI regulation. But he said the federal government can't act at the same speed as a state legislature. "And as we've seen with the data privacy, it's really had to bubble up from the states," Maroney said. Some state-level bills proposed this year have been narrowly tailored to address specific AI-related concerns. Proposals in Massachusetts would place limitations on mental health providers using AI and prevent "dystopian work environments" where workers don't have control over their personal data. A proposal in New York would place restrictions on employers using AI as an "automated employment decision tool" to filter job candidates. North Dakota passed a bill defining what a person is, making it clear the term does not include artificial intelligence. Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, a long-shot presidential contender, has said such guardrails are needed for AI but the technology should still be embraced to make state government less redundant and more responsive to citizens. In Arizona, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed legislation that would prohibit voting machines from having any artificial intelligence software. In her veto letter, Hobbs said the bill "attempts to solve challenges that do not currently face our state." In Washington, Democratic Sen. Lisa Wellman, a former systems analyst and programmer, said state lawmakers need to prepare for a world in which machine systems become ever more prevalent in our daily lives. She plans to roll out legislation next year that would require students to take computer science to graduate high school. "AI and computer science are now, in my mind, a foundational part of education," Wellman said. "And we need to understand really how to incorporate it." 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: Land-based windmills in Atlantic City turn on July 20, 2023. On Aug. 4, a German wind power company and a New York utility applied for permission to build an offshore wind farm off the coast of Long Beach Island in New Jersey, but far enough out to sea that it could not be seen from shore. Credit: AP Photo/Wayne Parry Wind power developers proposed four new projects off the New Jersey Shore on Friday, a surge that would more than double the number of wind farms built off its coast if they are approved by regulators. At least two of them are more than twice as far out to sea than others that have drawn the ire of residents who don't want to see windmills on the horizon. These two would not be visible from the beach, the companies proposing them say. They would join three wind farms already approved by New Jersey regulators as the state races to become the East Coast capital of the fast-growing offshore wind industry. In the first project to be made public Friday by the companies proposing it, Essen, Germany-based RWE and New York-based National Grid applied for permission to build a wind farm in the waters off Long Beach Island. Their joint venture is called Community Offshore Wind, and it aims to generate enough electricity to power 500,000 homes. Unlike other projects that have drawn intense opposition from homeowners in part because they are close enough to the Atlantic City and Ocean City shorelines to be seen by beachgoers, this project would be built 37 miles (59 kilometers) offshore and would not be visible from the shore, said Doug Perkins, president and project director of Community Offshore Wind. Beachgoers walk along the shoreline in Ship Bottom, N.J. on June 30, 2014. On Aug. 4, 2023, a German wind power company and a New York utility applied for permission to build a wind farm 37 miles off the coast of Long Beach Island, far enough out to sea that it could not be seen from the beach. Credit: AP Photo/Wayne Parry He said the project has "the potential to transform New Jersey into a nation-leading clean energy development, training and manufacturing hub." He said his company is the second-largest wind power developer globally, following Danish wind developer Orsted. Community Offshore said it has not yet determined how many wind turbines would be built as part of the project. The second bid was submitted by Chicago-based Invenergy and New York-based energyRE for a project 40 miles (64 kilometers) off Long Beach Island called Leading Light Wind. It would consist of up to 100 turbines, enough to power 1 million homes. The company is playing up its American ownership as the foreign ownership of key players in New Jersey's offshore wind industry has generated opposition in some quarters. "Leading Light Wind is ready to build out a world-leading domestic offshore wind industry with American-led ingenuity and expertise," said Ryan Brown, energyRE's chief operating officer. Land-based windmills in Atlantic City turn on July 20, 2023. On Aug. 4, a German wind power company and a New York utility applied for permission to build an offshore wind farm off the coast of Long Beach Island in New Jersey, but far enough out to sea that it could not be seen from shore. Credit: AP Photo/Wayne Parry And the two companies that received approval to build the Atlantic Shores wind farmShell New Energies US and EDF Renewables North Americasubmitted a bid to build a second as yet unnamed project 10 to 20 miles (16 to 32 kilometers) offshore. The companies have lease areas in the large expanse of ocean between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, but they did not specify exactly where the second project would be built. They also did not say how many turbines it would include or how many homes its electricity could power. Friday night, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said a fourth application had also been received, but would not release any information about it. The company or companies proposing it had not come forward publicly to discuss their plans. Community Offshore and Leading Light said that while they plan to take advantage of existing federal tax credits, they will not seek the same sort of tax break that New Jersey recently approved for Orsted, which is being challenged in a lawsuit brought by opponents of offshore wind. Atlantic Shores, which earlier this year indicated it wanted similar tax relief to that given Orsted, said Friday it is not asking for anything specific from state government but is in talks with the governor's office, the utilities board and the Legislature about what might be possible. The proposals unveiled Friday come in addition to the three projects already approved by New Jersey regulators. Orsted is building two wind farms, called Ocean Wind I and II. And Shell New Energies US and EDF Renewables North America are partnering on the Atlantic Shores project. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Latvia, a nation that once exhibited a growing interest in the cryptocurrency market, is now witnessing a distinct decline in enthusiasm for digital assets, according to the latest Financial Stability Report released by Latvijas Banka, the central bank of Latvia. This sudden shift in sentiment has been attributed to a combination of negative perceptions, regulatory concerns, and caution stemming from recent instances of fraud and insolvency within the crypto space. The central banks report sheds light on a multitude of factors contributing to the waning interest in cryptocurrency investments among Latvian citizens. Key among these factors is the growing negative sentiment fueled by high-profile cases of fraudulent activities and insolvencies involving major players in the cryptocurrency market. These events have not only dented public trust but also raised questions about the inherent risks associated with digital asset investments. Unwise investments made in the past have further contributed to the decline in crypto interest. Individuals who suffered losses due to speculative investments during previous crypto market cycles are now approaching the market with caution. Additionally, the association of cryptocurrencies with money laundering concerns has cast a shadow over the entire industry, deterring potential investors. Another notable factor is the increasing convergence between crypto companies and regulated participants within the financial sector. This intertwining has triggered concerns among potential investors who fear that regulatory crackdowns could impact the stability and legitimacy of their investments. The data presented in the report, based on payment card usage trends, indicates a significant drop in the percentage of Latvias population engaged in crypto purchases. In February 2023, only 4% of the population had ventured into the crypto market, a notable decrease from the 8% recorded in 2022. For a country with a population of 1.84 million, this decline is indeed substantial. When examining transaction volumes, it becomes evident that the pace of cryptocurrency adoption has slowed significantly. Latvians transferred a total of 51.8 million euros ($57 million) to crypto wallets in 2022, while the first quarter of 2023 saw a sharp decline to 10.7 million euros ($11.8 million). Interestingly, much of these transactions were directed towards countries with established fintech ecosystems, such as Lithuania, Estonia, Malta, and Ireland. Latvias position in the crypto adoption ranking, as assessed by Chainalysis in its 2022 Geography of Cryptocurrency Report, highlights the current scenario. The country stands at 92nd out of 148 nations, while its neighboring nation, Lithuania, holds the 102nd spot. Latvijas Banka acknowledges that the nonbank financial sector in Latvia is still less pronounced compared to other European nations. This could be attributed to the fact that the accumulation of long-term savings among the population has occurred over a relatively shorter timeframe compared to other euro area countries. While cryptocurrency investments are showing signs of decline, retail-level crypto payments continue to have a presence in Latvia. However, these payments are primarily on a smaller scale. The report indicates that 44% of retail crypto payments were valued at 60 euros ($66) or less, and a significant 97.5% of these transactions amounted to under 1,000 euros ($1,100). As the cryptocurrency landscape navigates regulatory challenges and market dynamics, the shift in Latvian sentiment serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between public perception, regulatory environments, and the evolution of digital assets. Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon was never the most progressive or partisan of Democrats. Even when he briefly contemplated running for his partys presidential nomination in 2016, Nixon aimed to appeal mostly to Americas moderate swing voters. Theres still a wide avenue to run as a moderate, centrist, somebody-who-thinks-about-working-people-every-day Democrat in the heartland, he said at the time. Nixon never made that run for president. He isnt done with centrist presidential politics, however. The former governor he left office in 2017 announced late last week that he is joining No Labels campaign to run a third-party unity candidate for president in the 2024 election. Nixon will serve as the partys director of ballot integrity, working to ensure No Labels has a spot on each states presidential ballot. I feel calm. I feel correct. I think we have a high moral ground here, he said. Nixon may genuinely believe in centrist politics, but his work for No Labels is unlikely to put a sensible moderate in the White House, a figure who can bridge the seemingly unbridgeable gap between the Democratic and Republican parties. Instead, Nixon and his new allies are likely to give us another four years of Donald Trump. No Labels says it has no plans to play spoiler in the 2024 election. The organization points to its own polling that says nearly two-thirds of voters want candidates from outside the two-party system, and that 59% of voters would consider a moderate independent candidate in 2024. Perhaps. But third parties tend to create more media excitement than actual votes and the votes they do earn can potentially change the course of history. The last independent candidate to win Electoral College votes was George Wallace, the arch-segregationist former Alabama governor, who carried five Southern states during the 1968 election. Richard Nixon won the popular vote over Hubert Humphrey that year by less than a single percentage point. More notoriously, Green Party candidate Ralph Nader won 97,000 votes in Florida in 2000, and possibly deprived Democrat Al Gore of the votes he needed to beat George W. Bush for the presidency: Bush won the state and thus the presidential race by 537 votes. Eight years before that, independent candidate Ross Perot may have tilted the White House to Bill Clinton over George H.W. Bush by winning 19% of the popular vote. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, beat Trump in 2020 by a margin of just 44,000 votes in the six swing states that decided the election. No Labels says that observers have learned the wrong lessons from those earlier campaigns and that anyway, polling shows most Americans dont want a rematch between Biden and Trump. No Labels is not a spoiler, the organization asserts on its website. Its a winner. Thats doubtful. Indeed, a No Labels poll released in December showed Trump and Biden separated by one point in a head-to-head matchup. When a third candidate was added to the mix, Trump opened up a five-point lead. And the hypothetical third candidate still finished in third place. Thats the very definition of spoiler. Thats why Democratic activists are working to keep No Labels off the ballot. Nixon, in turn, says those Democratic efforts are the reason he has joined No Labels. What do I say to those Democrats? I say, Youre entitled to your opinion. But we are also entitled to use our constitutional and statutory rights to allow Americans to have another choice, Nixon said. Fair enough. Many Americans dont neatly fit the two-party binary system. Thats why alternatives such as instant runoff voting which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference are so intriguing for folks who want to support a third party without inadvertently throwing an election to a candidate they detest. Thats what Nixon seems most likely to accomplish. Trump is radical and lawless, the man who incited an insurrection at the nations Capitol. Getting him elected in the name of centrism and unity would be the least moderate outcome possible. The Kansas City Star Barloworld Limited (OTCMKTS:BRRAY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $4.32 and last traded at $4.32, with a volume of 0 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $4.32. Barloworld Stock Performance The businesss fifty day moving average is $4.78 and its 200-day moving average is $4.88. Get Barloworld alerts: Barloworld Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Investors of record on Friday, June 23rd were issued a dividend of $0.0624 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 22nd. This represents a yield of 20.51%. Barloworld Company Profile Barloworld Limited operates as an industrial processing, distribution, and services company in Southern Africa, Australia, Russia, and Mongolia. The company operates through Equipment Southern Africa, Automotive, Ingrain, Equipment Eurasia, and Other segments. The company offers industrial equipment and services comprising of earthmoving equipment, industrial services, and power systems that enable various mining, construction, and power solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Barloworld Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barloworld and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yoo Hyuk-kee, center, the second son of Yoo Byung-eun, the late chairman of Semo Group, linked to the deadly Sewol ferry sinking in 2014, is extradited to Korea from the United States, Aug. 4. Yonhap A local court issued a warrant Saturday to arrest the second son of Yoo Byung-eun, the late chairman of Semo Group, linked to the deadly Sewol ferry sinking in 2014, on charges of embezzlement. The Incheon District Court granted a warrant to formally arrest Yoo Hyuk-kee, 50, citing the risks of flight and destroying evidence. He was extradited to South Korea from the United States, Friday, nine years after the ferry sinking took place. Yoo is suspected of embezzling or inflicting losses that amounted to about 25 billion won ($19 million) during his alleged involvement in the management of Semo Group. The group owned the operator of the Sewol ferry that sank off the southwestern island of Jin on April 16, 2014, claiming 304 lives, mostly high school students on a school trip to Jeju Island, in one of the country's worst maritime disasters. Yoo, a U.S. resident, was arrested in New York in July 2020 after refusing to comply with the South Korean prosecution's summons three times. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Yoo's request to block his extradition in January, and the U.S. government then approved his extradition at the request of the justice ministry here. Out of the four people who fled abroad in connection with the Sewol ferry case, Yoo is the last to be repatriated. (Yonhap) StockNews.com upgraded shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note released on Thursday morning. BIP has been the topic of several other reports. National Bankshares boosted their target price on Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from $38.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, May 5th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $47.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from $40.00 to $41.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $42.83. Get Brookfield Infrastructure Partners alerts: Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Stock Up 2.8 % Shares of NYSE:BIP traded up $0.90 on Thursday, reaching $32.76. The company had a trading volume of 780,944 shares, compared to its average volume of 350,953. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $35.83 and a 200 day moving average price of $34.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 409.43 and a beta of 0.86. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has a twelve month low of $30.03 and a twelve month high of $43.62. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Announces Dividend Brookfield Infrastructure Partners ( NYSE:BIP Get Free Report ) (TSE:BIP.UN) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The utilities provider reported ($0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.72 by ($0.79). Brookfield Infrastructure Partners had a net margin of 1.67% and a return on equity of 1.00%. The firm had revenue of $4.22 billion for the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners will post 3.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.382 per share. This represents a $1.53 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.66%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss dividend payout ratio is 1,912.74%. Institutional Trading of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Horizons Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 8,107.7% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,067 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 1,054 shares in the last quarter. Power Corp of Canada bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in the 1st quarter valued at $73,000. Clear Street Markets LLC bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in the 4th quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in the 1st quarter valued at $81,000. Institutional investors own 47.41% of the companys stock. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 60,000 kilometers (km) of operational electricity transmission and distribution lines; 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 7.8 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 540,000 long-term contracted sub-metering services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Granite Point Mortgage Trust (NYSE:GPMT Get Free Report) and Transcontinental Realty Investors (NYSE:TCI Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, valuation, institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends. Insider and Institutional Ownership 52.0% of Granite Point Mortgage Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.9% of Granite Point Mortgage Trust shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 85.6% of Transcontinental Realty Investors shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Granite Point Mortgage Trust alerts: Profitability This table compares Granite Point Mortgage Trust and Transcontinental Realty Investors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Granite Point Mortgage Trust -34.44% 3.08% 0.82% Transcontinental Realty Investors 1,127.38% 63.75% 42.88% Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Granite Point Mortgage Trust 1 0 2 0 2.33 Transcontinental Realty Investors 0 0 0 0 N/A This is a summary of current ratings for Granite Point Mortgage Trust and Transcontinental Realty Investors, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Granite Point Mortgage Trust currently has a consensus target price of $8.25, suggesting a potential upside of 45.50%. Given Granite Point Mortgage Trusts higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Granite Point Mortgage Trust is more favorable than Transcontinental Realty Investors. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Granite Point Mortgage Trust and Transcontinental Realty Investors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Granite Point Mortgage Trust $210.85 million 1.39 -$40.83 million ($1.79) -3.17 Transcontinental Realty Investors $36.66 million N/A $468.26 million $52.93 0.65 Transcontinental Realty Investors has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Granite Point Mortgage Trust. Granite Point Mortgage Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Transcontinental Realty Investors, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility and Risk Granite Point Mortgage Trust has a beta of 1.59, meaning that its share price is 59% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Transcontinental Realty Investors has a beta of 0.58, meaning that its share price is 42% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Transcontinental Realty Investors beats Granite Point Mortgage Trust on 6 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Granite Point Mortgage Trust (Get Free Report) Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc., a real estate investment trust, originates, invests in, and manages senior floating-rate commercial mortgage loans, and other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments in the United States. The company provides intermediate-term bridge or transitional financing for various purposes, including acquisitions, recapitalizations, and refinancing, as well as a range of business plans, including lease-up, renovation, repositioning, and repurposing of the commercial property. The company qualifies as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes. It generally would not be subject to federal corporate income taxes if it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders. Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in New York, New York. About Transcontinental Realty Investors (Get Free Report) Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., a Dallas-based real estate investment company, holds a diverse portfolio of equity real estate located across the U.S., including office buildings, apartments, shopping centers, and developed and undeveloped land. The Company invests in real estate through direct ownership, leases and partnerships and invests in mortgage loans on real estate. The Company also holds mortgage receivables. Receive News & Ratings for Granite Point Mortgage Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Granite Point Mortgage Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE:ENLC Get Free Report) CAO Jan Philipp Rossbach sold 40,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.79, for a total value of $471,600.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 103,892 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,224,886.68. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. EnLink Midstream Stock Down 1.1 % NYSE ENLC traded down $0.13 on Friday, hitting $11.69. The stock had a trading volume of 1,825,387 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,417,771. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $10.70 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.88. The stock has a market cap of $5.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.01 and a beta of 2.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.21. EnLink Midstream, LLC has a 52-week low of $8.04 and a 52-week high of $13.58. Get EnLink Midstream alerts: EnLink Midstream (NYSE:ENLC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The pipeline company reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.12. EnLink Midstream had a return on equity of 12.44% and a net margin of 4.41%. The firm had revenue of $1.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.17 billion. Equities research analysts anticipate that EnLink Midstream, LLC will post 0.51 earnings per share for the current year. EnLink Midstream Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be paid a dividend of $0.125 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 27th. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.28%. EnLink Midstreams payout ratio is 67.57%. A number of research analysts have commented on ENLC shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of EnLink Midstream from $11.00 to $12.00 in a research report on Friday. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of EnLink Midstream from $18.00 to $17.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 25th. StockNews.com started coverage on EnLink Midstream in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. UBS Group started coverage on EnLink Midstream in a report on Monday, June 26th. They issued a buy rating and a $14.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on EnLink Midstream from $14.50 to $14.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $13.88. Hedge Funds Weigh In On EnLink Midstream Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ENLC. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its stake in EnLink Midstream by 8.0% during the 4th quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 96,949 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $1,192,000 after purchasing an additional 7,163 shares in the last quarter. Insight Folios Inc increased its position in shares of EnLink Midstream by 16.5% in the 1st quarter. Insight Folios Inc now owns 20,451 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $222,000 after acquiring an additional 2,897 shares during the period. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank raised its stake in EnLink Midstream by 37.5% in the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 45,154 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $555,000 after acquiring an additional 12,312 shares during the last quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. lifted its position in EnLink Midstream by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. now owns 47,883,103 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $588,962,000 after acquiring an additional 1,569,185 shares during the period. Finally, Donoghue Forlines LLC grew its stake in EnLink Midstream by 69.5% during the 4th quarter. Donoghue Forlines LLC now owns 43,994 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $541,000 after purchasing an additional 18,042 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 44.94% of the companys stock. EnLink Midstream Company Profile (Get Free Report) EnLink Midstream, LLC provides midstream energy services in the United States. It operates through five segments: Permian, Louisiana, Oklahoma, North Texas, and Corporate. The company is involved in gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, storing, and selling natural gas; fractionating, transporting, storing, and selling natural gas liquids; and gathering, transporting, stabilizing, storing, trans-loading, and selling crude oil and condensate, as well as providing brine disposal services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for EnLink Midstream Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EnLink Midstream and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kidoz Inc. (CVE:KIDZ Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as C$0.20 and last traded at C$0.20, with a volume of 2500 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$0.26. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Fundamental Research set a C$1.02 price target on Kidoz and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 6th. Get Kidoz alerts: Kidoz Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 2.33 and a quick ratio of 2.53. The company has a fifty day moving average of C$0.25 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.25. The firm has a market cap of C$26.26 million, a P/E ratio of -20.00 and a beta of -1.50. Kidoz Company Profile Kidoz Inc develops and sells AdTech software products in Western Europe; Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe; North America; and internationally. The company also owns and develops mobile Kidoz safe ad network, the Kidoz kid-mode operating system, the Kidoz publisher SDK, the Rooplay edugames platform, and the Rooplay originals. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kidoz Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kidoz and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lundin Mining (OTCMKTS:LUNMF Free Report) had its target price trimmed by BMO Capital Markets from C$10.50 to C$10.00 in a research note released on Thursday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. UBS Group upgraded Lundin Mining from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, June 14th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Lundin Mining from C$11.00 to C$12.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. CIBC lifted their price objective on Lundin Mining from C$10.50 to C$12.50 in a research note on Thursday. Canaccord Genuity Group raised Lundin Mining from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, April 14th. Finally, TD Securities raised Lundin Mining from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $23.77. Get Lundin Mining alerts: Lundin Mining Stock Performance LUNMF traded down $0.10 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $8.69. The companys stock had a trading volume of 11,042 shares, compared to its average volume of 90,358. Lundin Mining has a 52 week low of $4.54 and a 52 week high of $9.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 1.26. The firm has a market cap of $6.72 billion, a PE ratio of 19.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.61. The companys 50-day moving average is $8.10 and its 200-day moving average is $7.36. Lundin Mining Cuts Dividend Lundin Mining ( OTCMKTS:LUNMF Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The basic materials company reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $751.34 million during the quarter. Lundin Mining had a net margin of 12.15% and a return on equity of 6.73%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Lundin Mining will post 0.55 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 21st. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 2nd were given a dividend of $0.0662 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 1st. This represents a dividend yield of 3.63%. Lundin Minings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 60.00%. Lundin Mining Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lundin Mining Corporation, a diversified base metals mining company, engages in the exploration, development, and mining of mineral properties in Brazil, Chile, Portugal, Sweden, and the United States. It primarily produces copper, zinc, nickel, and gold, as well as lead, silver, and other metals. The company holds 100% interests in the Chapada mine located in Brazil; the Neves-Corvo mine located in Portugal; the Eagle mine located in the United States; and the Zinkgruvan mine located in Sweden. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lundin Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lundin Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Pentair plc (NYSE:PNR Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $70.48 and last traded at $70.21, with a volume of 774094 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $69.35. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Pentair in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. UBS Group raised Pentair from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from $53.00 to $72.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Pentair in a report on Wednesday, June 28th. They issued a buy rating and a $75.00 price objective on the stock. Oppenheimer boosted their price target on shares of Pentair from $78.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on Pentair from $70.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $68.79. Get Pentair alerts: Pentair Stock Up 0.7 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The business has a 50 day moving average of $63.04 and a 200 day moving average of $57.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 1.16. Pentair Dividend Announcement Pentair ( NYSE:PNR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The industrial products company reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.95 by $0.08. Pentair had a net margin of 11.82% and a return on equity of 22.39%. The business had revenue of $1.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.05 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.02 earnings per share. Pentairs revenue for the quarter was up 1.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Pentair plc will post 3.73 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 21st will be paid a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.26%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 20th. Pentairs dividend payout ratio is currently 29.53%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Pentair during the first quarter worth $28,000. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec bought a new position in Pentair during the 1st quarter worth $49,000. Ancora Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Pentair during the 1st quarter worth about $56,000. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in Pentair during the 1st quarter worth about $62,000. Finally, Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. acquired a new stake in Pentair during the 1st quarter worth about $77,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.95% of the companys stock. Pentair Company Profile (Get Free Report) Pentair plc provides various water solutions worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Pool, Water Solutions, Industrial & Flow Technologies. It designs, manufactures, and sells residential and commercial pool equipment and accessories, including pumps, filters, heaters, lights, automatic controls, automatic cleaners, maintenance equipment, and pool accessories for residential and commercial pool maintenance, repair, renovation, service, and construction applications; and water treatment products and systems comprising pressure tanks, control valves, activated carbon products, conventional filtration products, and point-of-entry and point-of-use systems for use in residential whole home water filtration, drinking water filtration, water softening solutions, commercial total water management and filtration, and foodservice operations. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pentair Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pentair and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PrairieView Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) by 54.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,724 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 957 shares during the quarter. PrairieView Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $271,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in AGG. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management boosted its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 145.5% in the first quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 6,590 shares of the companys stock worth $705,000 after acquiring an additional 3,906 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 36.2% during the first quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 52,003 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,570,000 after purchasing an additional 13,829 shares during the period. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF during the first quarter valued at about $44,000. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF during the first quarter valued at about $241,000. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.0% in the first quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 14,640 shares of the companys stock worth $1,568,000 after acquiring an additional 292 shares during the period. 80.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA AGG traded up $0.79 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $96.68. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,400,349 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,170,231. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $97.79 and a two-hundred day moving average of $98.60. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $93.20 and a 52 week high of $103.68. About iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AGG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG Get Free Report) shares traded up 5.5% during trading on Wednesday following a dividend announcement from the company. The company traded as high as $50.26 and last traded at $50.04. 1,766,661 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 32% from the average session volume of 1,334,293 shares. The stock had previously closed at $47.41. The newly announced dividend which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.01%. Scorpio Tankerss payout ratio is 6.97%. Get Scorpio Tankers alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Scorpio Tankers from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $55.00 price target for the company in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Scorpio Tankers from $95.00 to $82.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 14th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on shares of Scorpio Tankers from $77.00 to $71.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. StockNews.com cut shares of Scorpio Tankers from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Bank of America lowered Scorpio Tankers from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the company from $60.00 to $45.00 in a report on Friday, July 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Scorpio Tankers has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $68.43. Scorpio Tankers Stock Down 0.5 % The stocks 50-day moving average price is $45.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $50.95. The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.46, a P/E/G ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 0.41. Scorpio Tankers (NYSE:STNG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shipping company reported $3.31 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.92 by $0.39. The business had revenue of $377.16 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $387.37 million. Scorpio Tankers had a return on equity of 35.49% and a net margin of 50.44%. Scorpio Tankerss revenue was up 119.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned ($0.27) earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Scorpio Tankers Inc. will post 8.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Scorpio Tankers Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in STNG. American International Group Inc. boosted its position in Scorpio Tankers by 11.8% during the second quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 25,378 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $1,199,000 after purchasing an additional 2,674 shares during the period. WealthTrust Axiom LLC boosted its holdings in Scorpio Tankers by 31.6% in the 2nd quarter. WealthTrust Axiom LLC now owns 11,450 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $541,000 after buying an additional 2,750 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund purchased a new position in Scorpio Tankers in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $425,000. Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Scorpio Tankers during the 2nd quarter valued at $882,000. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Scorpio Tankers during the second quarter worth $427,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.52% of the companys stock. Scorpio Tankers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Scorpio Tankers Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products in the shipping markets worldwide. As of March 23, 2023, its fleet consisted of 113 owned, finance leased, or bareboat chartered-in tankers, including 39 LR2, 60 MR, and 14 Handymax with a weighted average age of approximately 7.2 years. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Scorpio Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scorpio Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Builders FirstSource (NYSE:BLDR Free Report) had its price objective upped by Stephens from $130.00 to $175.00 in a report published on Thursday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the stock. A number of other analysts also recently commented on the company. Barclays upped their target price on Builders FirstSource from $166.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Wedbush upped their target price on Builders FirstSource from $135.00 to $175.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 5th. 888 restated a maintains rating on shares of Builders FirstSource in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Zelman & Associates upgraded Builders FirstSource from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, May 8th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on Builders FirstSource from $110.00 to $138.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Builders FirstSource presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $147.17. Get Builders FirstSource alerts: Builders FirstSource Stock Performance Builders FirstSource stock traded up $5.00 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $149.65. 1,957,692 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,050,654. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 1.83 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The firms 50 day moving average price is $132.58 and its 200-day moving average price is $108.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.59 and a beta of 1.99. Builders FirstSource has a 1 year low of $52.70 and a 1 year high of $156.85. Insider Buying and Selling at Builders FirstSource Builders FirstSource ( NYSE:BLDR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $3.89 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.69 by $1.20. Builders FirstSource had a return on equity of 44.33% and a net margin of 10.04%. The business had revenue of $4.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.24 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $6.26 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 35.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that Builders FirstSource will post 10.38 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Builders FirstSource news, insider Jami Beckmann sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $120.69, for a total transaction of $241,380.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 41,262 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,979,910.78. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.90% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Builders FirstSource A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Altshuler Shaham Ltd grew its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 5.2% in the first quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd now owns 1,759 shares of the companys stock valued at $156,000 after purchasing an additional 87 shares in the last quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co grew its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 3.5% in the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 2,716 shares of the companys stock valued at $369,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares in the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV grew its position in Builders FirstSource by 27.7% in the second quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 424 shares of the companys stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the period. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. grew its position in Builders FirstSource by 3.3% in the second quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. now owns 3,478 shares of the companys stock worth $473,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares during the period. Finally, Macquarie Group Ltd. grew its position in Builders FirstSource by 5.4% in the first quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 2,269 shares of the companys stock worth $201,000 after acquiring an additional 116 shares during the period. 94.57% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Builders FirstSource (Get Free Report) Builders FirstSource, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and supplies building materials, manufactured components, and construction services to professional homebuilders, sub-contractors, remodelers, and consumers in the United States. It offers lumber and lumber sheet goods comprising dimensional lumber, plywood, and oriented strand board products that are used in on-site house framing; manufactured products, such as wood floor and roof trusses, steel roof trusses, wall panels, stairs, and engineered wood products; and windows, and interior and exterior door units, as well as interior trims and custom products comprising intricate mouldings, stair parts, and columns under the Synboard brand name. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Builders FirstSource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Builders FirstSource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sigma Planning Corp trimmed its holdings in The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Free Report) by 5.2% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 117,278 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,453 shares during the period. Sigma Planning Corps holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $7,275,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in KO. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 4.7% in the 1st quarter. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,584 shares of the companys stock worth $222,000 after purchasing an additional 162 shares in the last quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLC now owns 23,188 shares of the companys stock worth $1,448,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. McKinley Carter Wealth Services Inc. increased its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. McKinley Carter Wealth Services Inc. now owns 12,780 shares of the companys stock worth $793,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Kessler Investment Group LLC boosted its holdings in Coca-Cola by 6.6% in the 4th quarter. Kessler Investment Group LLC now owns 2,679 shares of the companys stock worth $170,000 after buying an additional 167 shares during the period. Finally, Alaska Permanent Fund Corp boosted its holdings in Coca-Cola by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp now owns 16,604 shares of the companys stock worth $1,056,000 after buying an additional 170 shares during the period. 68.61% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Coca-Cola Stock Down 1.5 % KO stock traded down $0.92 on Friday, hitting $60.72. 9,356,656 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 13,410,145. The Coca-Cola Company has a 12-month low of $54.01 and a 12-month high of $65.47. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $60.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $61.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.14. The stock has a market cap of $262.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 0.54. Coca-Cola Announces Dividend Coca-Cola ( NYSE:KO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The company reported $0.78 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.06. Coca-Cola had a return on equity of 43.06% and a net margin of 23.81%. The firm had revenue of $12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.74 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.70 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.63 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.03%. Coca-Colas payout ratio is presently 75.72%. Insider Buying and Selling at Coca-Cola In related news, CMO Manuel Arroyo sold 734 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the chief marketing officer now owns 114,580 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,264,372. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CFO John Murphy sold 156,290 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.10, for a total transaction of $9,705,609.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 228,830 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,210,343. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CMO Manuel Arroyo sold 734 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.40, for a total value of $46,535.60. Following the sale, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 114,580 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,264,372. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 223,974 shares of company stock worth $13,970,453. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts recently weighed in on KO shares. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Coca-Cola in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $67.00 to $71.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $61.00 to $63.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Coca-Cola currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $68.33. Coca-Cola Profile (Free Report) 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 Free Report). 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. British scouts prepare to leave the jamboree site in the Saemangeum reclamation area on the country's southwest coast due to a sweltering heat wave, Aug. 5. Yonhap Representatives of the participating countries decided to go ahead with the World Scout Jamboree, Saturday, despite sweltering temperatures and other challenges that led U.S., British and other scouts to pull out from the campsite on the country's southwest coast. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced the decision after a meeting with the leaders of national contingents, reiterating Seoul's commitment to provide "sufficient" support for the event, which has been marred by heat-related illnesses, the spread of coronavirus, insect bites and other on-site obstacles since its opening in the Saemangeum reclamation area Wednesday. "The representatives held a meeting and decided to continue to proceed with the event without a pause," Han said during a briefing at the jamboree's press center. Scouts gather at a campsite in the Saemangeum reclamation area on the nation's southwest coast, Aug. 5. Yonhap In light of the heat wave, the government is encouraging various programs to take place in other regions beyond Saemangeum, Han added. The decision to proceed with the event was a sigh of relief for Korean organizers as the moves by U.S., British and Singaporean scouts to leave the Saemangeum site sparked speculation that other participants could follow suit, potentially leading the event being cut short or halted. Han enumerated a set of steps by the Seoul government to bring the jamboree event back on track. They included the mobilization of more than 700 personnel to keep showers and other facilities clean, the provision of 104 additional air-conditioned buses and 64 canopies, and the deployment of 60 more medical professionals, including 28 doctors. The prime minister also noted President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered him and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to devise tourism programs that would enable jamboree participants to see firsthand Korea's industry, culture, history and nature. "We will make more efforts until the participants are fully satisfied," he said. Regional tourism programs being arranged for jamboree participants amid extreme heat wave Gov't, political circles scramble to prevent Jamboree from tarnishing Korea's reputation PHOTOS Growing safety concerns at Jamboree Foreign embassies on alert over health, safety concerns at Jamboree Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks during a press briefing at the World Scout Jamboree in the Saemangeum reclamation area on South Korea's southwest coast, Aug. 5. Yonhap A pall was cast over the fate of the Jamboree event Friday as British scouts announced their plan to leave the campsite, while the World Organization of the Scout Movement called for the consideration of "alternative" options to end the event earlier than scheduled. Earlier on Saturday, British scouts started to depart for Seoul from the Saemangeum site aboard buses. Some 4,500 British people joined the Jamboree event the largest contingent in this year's edition. Some of them complained of insect bites, dirty bathroom conditions and other issues. Still, they plan to remain in Korea and travel back home as originally planned from Aug. 13, according to a statement posted on their website. U.S. scouts followed suit. Lou Paulsen, a senior official of the U.S. contingent, told Yonhap News Agency that due to the hot weather, U.S. scouts will move to Camp Humphreys, an American military garrison in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometers south of Seoul, Sunday morning, and they plan to stay there through Aug. 11. Singaporean scouts also decided to leave Saemangeum earlier than planned, according to the jamboree organizing committee. A total of 67 Singaporean people have reportedly been taking part in the event. Despite the withdrawal, scouts from the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Argentina said they will stay at the campsite. Compounding the challenges at the jamboree was the spread of COVID-19. From July 29 through Friday, a total of 70 cases of the coronavirus, including five Koreans, were reported at the campsite, according to the provincial authorities. The pullout decisions came although President Yoon instructed the government Friday to provide unlimited air-conditioned buses and refrigerator trucks to protect young participants at the jamboree, and finalized the spending of 6.9 billion won ($5.3 million) in assistance funds for the event. Prime Minister Han also visited the Saemangeum site, pledging to put the central government at the forefront of the efforts to ensure the safety of the scouts. Meanwhile, the organizing committee is considering changing the schedule of a K-pop concert set for Sunday night in the Saemangeum reclamation area due to safety concerns. Shares of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (NYSE:UBP Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Friday . The stock traded as high as $23.08 and last traded at $23.08, with a volume of 504 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $22.66. Urstadt Biddle Properties Stock Performance The company has a quick ratio of 6.34, a current ratio of 6.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $21.05 and a 200-day moving average price of $17.90. The firm has a market cap of $897.90 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.90 and a beta of 0.89. Get Urstadt Biddle Properties alerts: Urstadt Biddle Properties (NYSE:UBP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, June 7th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.20 by ($0.06). Urstadt Biddle Properties had a net margin of 27.05% and a return on equity of 11.38%. The firm had revenue of $35.07 million during the quarter. Urstadt Biddle Properties Cuts Dividend Hedge Funds Weigh In On Urstadt Biddle Properties The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 6th. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 14th were given a $0.1875 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 13th. This represents a $0.75 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.29%. Urstadt Biddle Propertiess payout ratio is currently 111.94%. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in UBP. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Urstadt Biddle Properties by 15.1% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 353,937 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $5,585,000 after acquiring an additional 46,533 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC increased its holdings in shares of Urstadt Biddle Properties by 28,510.4% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 13,733 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $213,000 after purchasing an additional 13,685 shares in the last quarter. Grace & White Inc. NY increased its holdings in shares of Urstadt Biddle Properties by 11.8% in the 1st quarter. Grace & White Inc. NY now owns 45,461 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $720,000 after purchasing an additional 4,798 shares in the last quarter. First Manhattan Co. lifted its stake in shares of Urstadt Biddle Properties by 400.0% in the first quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 5,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $86,000 after purchasing an additional 4,000 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in Urstadt Biddle Properties by 1.3% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 60,975 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,059,000 after buying an additional 772 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.38% of the companys stock. About Urstadt Biddle Properties (Get Free Report) Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc is a self-administered equity real estate investment trust which owns or has equity interests in 77 properties containing approximately 5.3 million square feet of space. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1970, it provides investors with a means of participating in ownership of income-producing properties. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Urstadt Biddle Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Urstadt Biddle Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assetmark Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFLO Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 1,055,844 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $53,415,000. Assetmark Inc. owned approximately 0.89% of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Psagot Value Holdings Ltd. Israel purchased a new position in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $200,000. James Investment Research Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF by 49.2% during the 4th quarter. James Investment Research Inc. now owns 127,944 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,450,000 after purchasing an additional 42,215 shares during the last quarter. Destination Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $990,000. DAVENPORT & Co LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 55,573 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,811,000 after purchasing an additional 1,731 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vishria Bird Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF by 21.2% in the 4th quarter. Vishria Bird Financial Group LLC now owns 147,415 shares of the companys stock worth $7,431,000 after acquiring an additional 25,817 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF stock opened at $50.56 on Friday. iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $50.28 and a 12-month high of $50.68. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $50.56 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $50.53. About iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF The iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (TFLO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. Treasury floating rate bonds. TFLO was launched on Feb 3, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cornerstone Retirement Group Inc. raised its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 11.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 3,758 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 400 shares during the quarter. Bristol-Myers Squibb makes up about 0.1% of Cornerstone Retirement Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th largest holding. Cornerstone Retirement Group Inc.s holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $260,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BMY. Dakota Wealth Management bought a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the first quarter worth about $332,000. Covestor Ltd raised its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 111.5% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,052 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $150,000 after buying an additional 1,082 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 53.2% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 165,336 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,075,000 after buying an additional 57,444 shares during the period. Ergoteles LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth about $1,997,000. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 25.1% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 338,563 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $24,725,000 after buying an additional 68,018 shares during the period. 74.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance Shares of NYSE BMY traded down $0.74 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $60.49. The stock had a trading volume of 7,625,241 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,587,566. The businesss fifty day moving average is $63.80 and its two-hundred day moving average is $67.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 1.28. The company has a market cap of $126.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.09, a PEG ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.42. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a twelve month low of $60.05 and a twelve month high of $81.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.99 by ($0.24). The firm had revenue of $11.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.81 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 17.62% and a return on equity of 50.51%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.93 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.47 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 7th were paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 6th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.77%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is currently 60.64%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have issued reports on BMY shares. Barclays cut their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $64.00 to $62.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 28th. Credit Suisse Group lowered their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $66.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. SVB Leerink reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and set a $59.00 target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, 51job reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $71.14. Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. 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 Free Report). 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. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. cut its position in shares of Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:BSV Free Report) by 5.7% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 8,677 shares of the companys stock after selling 529 shares during the quarter. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF were worth $664,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of BSV. Mengis Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF by 34.0% in the first quarter. Mengis Capital Management Inc. now owns 48,507 shares of the companys stock worth $3,710,000 after acquiring an additional 12,319 shares during the last quarter. Evolution Advisers Inc. boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF by 5.6% in the first quarter. Evolution Advisers Inc. now owns 152,564 shares of the companys stock worth $11,669,000 after acquiring an additional 8,107 shares during the last quarter. Jacobi Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF by 13.7% in the first quarter. Jacobi Capital Management LLC now owns 8,147 shares of the companys stock worth $623,000 after acquiring an additional 984 shares during the last quarter. Silver Oak Advisory Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF by 1.1% in the first quarter. Silver Oak Advisory Group Inc. now owns 171,325 shares of the companys stock worth $13,104,000 after acquiring an additional 1,852 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wiser Wealth Management Inc boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF by 10.9% in the first quarter. Wiser Wealth Management Inc now owns 399,113 shares of the companys stock worth $30,528,000 after acquiring an additional 39,187 shares during the last quarter. Get Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF alerts: Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF Price Performance BSV opened at $75.59 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $75.64 and its 200 day simple moving average is $75.92. Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $74.03 and a 1 year high of $77.15. About Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (the Fund) seeks to track the performance of a market-weighted bond index with a short-term, dollar-weighted average maturity. The Fund employs a passive management or indexing strategy designed to track the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. 1-5 Year Government/Credit Bond Index (the Index). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BSV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:BSV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley reiterated their equal weight rating on shares of EastGroup Properties (NYSE:EGP Free Report) in a research report report published on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $158.00 price target on the real estate investment trusts stock. EGP has been the topic of a number of other reports. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of EastGroup Properties from $195.00 to $215.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. BTIG Research upped their price target on shares of EastGroup Properties from $198.00 to $218.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. KeyCorp upped their price target on shares of EastGroup Properties from $174.00 to $188.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on shares of EastGroup Properties from $180.00 to $175.00 in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of EastGroup Properties from $195.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $183.70. Get EastGroup Properties alerts: EastGroup Properties Stock Performance Shares of NYSE EGP opened at $174.45 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.01 and a current ratio of 0.01. The company has a market cap of $7.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 46.52, a P/E/G ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.93. The firms fifty day moving average is $174.72 and its two-hundred day moving average is $168.16. EastGroup Properties has a 52-week low of $137.47 and a 52-week high of $188.85. EastGroup Properties Dividend Announcement Insider Buying and Selling The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a dividend of $1.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.87%. EastGroup Propertiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 133.33%. In other EastGroup Properties news, SVP Richard Reid Dunbar sold 1,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.25, for a total transaction of $290,000.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 17,288 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,133,450. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Mount Yale Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of EastGroup Properties by 4.2% in the first quarter. Mount Yale Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,621 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $268,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the period. Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its holdings in EastGroup Properties by 1.4% during the first quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 4,708 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $778,000 after buying an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. MML Investors Services LLC boosted its holdings in EastGroup Properties by 2.4% during the first quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 2,844 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $470,000 after buying an additional 68 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in EastGroup Properties by 6.2% during the second quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,349 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $234,000 after buying an additional 79 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Natixis Advisors L.P. boosted its holdings in EastGroup Properties by 0.3% during the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 31,433 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $5,196,000 after buying an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.56% of the companys stock. About EastGroup Properties (Get Free Report) EastGroup Properties, Inc (NYSE: EGP), a member of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 and Russell 1000 Indexes, is a self-administered equity real estate investment trust focused on the development, acquisition and operation of industrial properties in major Sunbelt markets throughout the United States with an emphasis in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for EastGroup Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EastGroup Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equinox Gold Corp (CVE:EQX Get Free Report) shares dropped 0.9% on Friday . The stock traded as low as C$7.75 and last traded at C$7.88. Approximately 53,583 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 65% from the average daily volume of 153,529 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$7.95. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades EQX has been the subject of several recent research reports. Scotiabank reduced their target price on shares of Equinox Gold from C$7.50 to C$7.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. National Bank Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Equinox Gold from C$7.25 to C$9.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. CIBC raised shares of Equinox Gold from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the company from C$5.40 to C$7.20 in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Finally, Desjardins reduced their price objective on shares of Equinox Gold from C$6.50 to C$6.25 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Get Equinox Gold alerts: Equinox Gold Stock Down 0.9 % The stocks fifty day moving average is C$7.88 and its 200 day moving average is C$7.88. The company has a current ratio of 1.94, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.28. The company has a market capitalization of C$892.46 million and a P/E ratio of -43.54. Equinox Gold Company Profile Equinox Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral deposits. The company's principal properties include the Aurizona project covering a total land package of approximately 223,160 hectares located in Maranhao State, Brazil; and the Castle Mountain property situated in California, the United States. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Equinox Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equinox Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DoubleVerify (NYSE:DV Free Report) had its price objective lowered by JMP Securities from $45.00 to $43.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has a market outperform rating on the stock. Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of DoubleVerify from $38.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. TheStreet cut shares of DoubleVerify from a c- rating to a d rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 10th. Needham & Company LLC raised their price target on shares of DoubleVerify from $35.00 to $45.00 in a research report on Friday, June 16th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of DoubleVerify from $34.00 to $48.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 14th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of DoubleVerify from $36.00 to $45.00 in a research report on Friday, July 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $43.79. Get DoubleVerify alerts: DoubleVerify Stock Down 1.7 % DV stock opened at $33.40 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $37.85 and its 200-day simple moving average is $31.44. DoubleVerify has a 52-week low of $20.38 and a 52-week high of $42.51. The firm has a market cap of $5.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 111.33 and a beta of 0.89. Insider Buying and Selling DoubleVerify ( NYSE:DV Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 31st. The company reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $133.74 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $133.39 million. DoubleVerify had a net margin of 10.64% and a return on equity of 6.12%. DoubleVerifys quarterly revenue was up 21.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.06 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that DoubleVerify will post 0.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In related news, insider Andrew E. Grimmig sold 55,999 shares of DoubleVerify stock in a transaction on Friday, June 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.79, for a total transaction of $2,060,203.21. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 57,760 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,124,990.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other DoubleVerify news, Director Laura Desmond sold 11,003 shares of DoubleVerify stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.08, for a total value of $297,961.24. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 179,071 shares in the company, valued at $4,849,242.68. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Andrew E. Grimmig sold 55,999 shares of DoubleVerify stock in a transaction on Friday, June 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.79, for a total transaction of $2,060,203.21. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 57,760 shares in the company, valued at $2,124,990.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 140,955 shares of company stock worth $5,199,068 in the last ninety days. 3.27% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of DoubleVerify Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its holdings in DoubleVerify by 14.6% during the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 2,387 shares of the companys stock worth $93,000 after buying an additional 304 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System raised its stake in DoubleVerify by 3.2% during the first quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 11,943 shares of the companys stock worth $360,000 after purchasing an additional 372 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of DoubleVerify by 13.0% in the 4th quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 4,052 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,000 after purchasing an additional 467 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of DoubleVerify by 1.3% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 37,185 shares of the companys stock valued at $817,000 after acquiring an additional 490 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC lifted its holdings in shares of DoubleVerify by 14.0% during the 1st quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 4,564 shares of the companys stock valued at $138,000 after acquiring an additional 562 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.42% of the companys stock. DoubleVerify Company Profile (Get Free Report) DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc provides a software platform for digital media measurement, and analytics in the United States and internationally. The company provides solutions to advertisers unbiased data analytics that enable advertisers to increase the effectiveness, quality and return on their digital advertising investments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for DoubleVerify Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DoubleVerify and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, July 13th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 8th will be paid a dividend of 0.72 per share by the medical research company on Friday, September 8th. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.34%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 7th. Laboratory Co. of America has a payout ratio of 17.3% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Laboratory Co. of America to earn $15.78 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.88 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 18.3%. Get Laboratory Co. of America alerts: Laboratory Co. of America Trading Down 0.0 % NYSE:LH opened at $215.24 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $19.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.22 and a beta of 1.07. Laboratory Co. of America has a 1 year low of $166.93 and a 1 year high of $222.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 2.35 and a quick ratio of 2.12. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $220.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $228.68. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Laboratory Co. of America ( NYSE:LH Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The medical research company reported $3.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.47 by ($0.05). Laboratory Co. of America had a return on equity of 14.63% and a net margin of 5.89%. The firm had revenue of $3.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.77 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $4.96 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Laboratory Co. of America will post 13.63 EPS for the current year. Several research analysts recently weighed in on LH shares. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $275.00 to $270.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Laboratory Co. of America from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Credit Suisse Group lowered their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $247.41 to $231.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Laboratory Co. of America from $260.00 to $235.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on Laboratory Co. of America from $285.00 to $260.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $254.25. Insider Activity In related news, EVP Der Vaart Sandra D. Van sold 212 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $240.00, for a total value of $50,880.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 7,605 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,825,200. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Der Vaart Sandra D. Van sold 212 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $240.00, for a total value of $50,880.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 7,605 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,825,200. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, COO Mark S. Schroeder sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $216.77, for a total value of $325,155.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 6,687 shares in the company, valued at $1,449,540.99. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 6,012 shares of company stock valued at $1,308,748. Company insiders own 0.65% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Money Concepts Capital Corp grew its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 43.0% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 319 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $75,000 after buying an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Laboratory Co. of America during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $126,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 64.2% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 560 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $128,000 after buying an additional 219 shares in the last quarter. Finally, KB Financial Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 14.5% during the 1st quarter. KB Financial Partners LLC now owns 530 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $140,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.75% of the companys stock. About Laboratory Co. of America (Get Free Report) Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics and Labcorp Drug Development. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Laboratory Co. of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Laboratory Co. of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sigma Planning Corp reduced its stake in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 7.3% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 204,365 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 16,087 shares during the quarter. Sigma Planning Corps holdings in Bank of America were worth $5,845,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 5.8% during the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 82,348 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,294,000 after purchasing an additional 4,480 shares during the period. Perpetual Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the first quarter worth approximately $847,000. Delta Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 11.1% during the first quarter. Delta Investment Management LLC now owns 9,943 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $284,000 after purchasing an additional 993 shares during the period. Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. raised its position in Bank of America by 2.8% during the first quarter. Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. now owns 14,283 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $408,000 after acquiring an additional 390 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GFG Capital LLC raised its position in Bank of America by 8.4% during the first quarter. GFG Capital LLC now owns 29,919 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $914,000 after acquiring an additional 2,308 shares in the last quarter. 67.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of America alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently weighed in on BAC shares. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $41.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $32.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $45.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 6th. Finally, Oppenheimer raised their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of America presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $36.26. Bank of America Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of BAC stock opened at $31.31 on Friday. Bank of America Co. has a 1 year low of $26.32 and a 1 year high of $38.60. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $29.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $30.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $248.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.04. Bank of America had a net margin of 19.97% and a return on equity of 12.01%. The business had revenue of $25.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.73 earnings per share. Bank of Americas revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Bank of America Co. will post 3.41 EPS for the current year. Bank of America Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.07%. This is a positive change from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. Bank of Americas payout ratio is 25.29%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Bank of America news, insider Dean C. Athanasia sold 77,806 shares of Bank of America stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.48, for a total transaction of $2,449,332.88. Following the sale, the insider now owns 353,971 shares in the company, valued at $11,143,007.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other Bank of America news, insider James P. Demare sold 75,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.53, for a total value of $2,364,750.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 185,108 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,836,455.24. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Dean C. Athanasia sold 77,806 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.48, for a total value of $2,449,332.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 353,971 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,143,007.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Bank of America Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans. Recommended Stories 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 Free Report). 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. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. trimmed its position in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 88.5% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 125,177 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 966,502 shares during the quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $6,557,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in SCHW. Truist Financial Corp grew its holdings in Charles Schwab by 17.2% in the first quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 1,793,857 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $93,962,000 after purchasing an additional 263,208 shares during the last quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the first quarter worth approximately $723,000. Cove Street Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the first quarter valued at approximately $576,000. Assetmark Inc. grew its position in Charles Schwab by 12.0% in the first quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 41,729 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,186,000 after buying an additional 4,471 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 15.1% in the first quarter. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 12,201 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $639,000 after purchasing an additional 1,597 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.77% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on 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 sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,771,278 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,093,761,349.28. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.60, for a total value of $5,045,616.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 59,672,778 shares in the company, valued at $3,974,207,014.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 59,771,278 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,093,761,349.28. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 225,447 shares of company stock valued at $13,866,915. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Charles Schwab Stock Performance NYSE:SCHW opened at $64.93 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $58.45 and its 200 day simple moving average is $61.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $114.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.93, a PEG ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 0.91. The Charles Schwab Co. has a twelve month low of $45.00 and a twelve month high of $86.63. The company has a current ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $4.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 33.15% and a return on equity of 27.81%. Charles Schwabs revenue for the quarter was down 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.97 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 11th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is presently 29.15%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have issued reports on SCHW. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Argus upped their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $81.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Raymond James upgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $63.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Charles Schwab from $68.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Bank of America raised their price objective on Charles Schwab from $46.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 15th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $72.09. Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) 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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). 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. A customer pays for his beverage order at a Starbucks Korea store in Seoul, Feb. 22. Korea Times file By Kim Jae-heun Starbucks, Twosome Place and other coffee chains are facing growing pressure from consumers to cut their beverage prices as the falling costs of imported coffee beans make it less expensive to produce a cup of joe, according to industry officials, Friday. According to the Intercontinental Exchange Futures in New York, the future price of Arabica bean fell from $2.40 (3,144 won) at the end of 2021 to $1.60 as of July 31. Arabica beans account for 60 percent to 70 percent of global coffee consumption. Pointing this out, consumers called for lowering the prices of coffee drinks at major franchise stores such as Starbucks Korea, A Twosome Place and Ediya Coffee, which all raised their prices last year by between 100 won (8 cents) and 700 won. "I read on the news that the price of coffee beans has fallen recently. Why aren't coffee franchise brands not lowering their beverage prices? They were fast in raising prices when international coffee bean prices rose," said a 32-year-old office worker surnamed Han who lives in Seoul. "Convenience stores are cutting the price of their caffeinated beverages. Franchise firms should do same." However, the companies said it is unlikely that they will bring back the old prices because other expenses such as electricity, gas, labor and logistics costs are still high. "We raised our beverage prices for the first time in seven and a half years. In the past three years, coffee prices soared around the world, but we froze the price of our drinks. I don't think we are going to lower the prices anytime soon," a Starbucks Korea official said. Ediya Coffee echoed a similar view. "The price of coffee beans accounts for only 10 percent of the overall beverage price. Although the international price of coffee beans has fallen recently, it is not down to the level of two years ago, when it doubled," an Ediya Coffee official said. "That being said, it was other costs that have risen so much such as the price of raw materials like plastic in manufacturing cups, lids and straws as well as the price of milk, which were largely reflected in our new price." Korea Dairy Committee has decided on the price of raw milk at 88 won per liter, starting in October. This will also make it hard for local franchise firms to lower the price of drinks that use milk as an ingredient. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Free Report) had its target price raised by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $55.00 to $56.00 in a research report released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the ride-sharing companys stock. A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on UBER. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their target price on Uber Technologies from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Susquehanna upped their target price on Uber Technologies from $48.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research report on Wednesday. Barclays upped their price objective on Uber Technologies from $57.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday. BTIG Research upped their price objective on Uber Technologies from $55.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Wolfe Research upped their price objective on Uber Technologies from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Thirty investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $55.03. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Uber Technologies Stock Down 1.6 % Shares of NYSE UBER opened at $45.19 on Wednesday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $43.57 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $36.91. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98. Uber Technologies has a one year low of $22.94 and a one year high of $49.49. Insider Buying and Selling at Uber Technologies Uber Technologies ( NYSE:UBER Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The ride-sharing company reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.01) by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $9.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.34 billion. Uber Technologies had a negative return on equity of 4.57% and a negative net margin of 1.07%. The companys revenue was up 14.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted ($1.33) EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Uber Technologies will post 0.15 earnings per share for the current year. In other news, insider Jill Hazelbaker sold 644 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.00, for a total value of $26,404.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 128,916 shares in the company, valued at $5,285,556. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, insider Jill Hazelbaker sold 644 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.00, for a total value of $26,404.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 128,916 shares in the company, valued at $5,285,556. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.51, for a total value of $4,751,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,316,243 shares in the company, valued at approximately $62,534,704.93. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 238,143 shares of company stock valued at $10,798,399. Company insiders own 3.84% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of UBER. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 66.5% during the 2nd quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 651 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 260 shares during the last quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. lifted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 133.8% during the 2nd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 699 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Uber Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at $34,000. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Uber Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Finally, Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC lifted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 89.3% during the 1st quarter. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC now owns 848 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.90% of the companys stock. Uber Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services. Featured Articles 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. Binh Thuan province certifies investors in LNG-to-power projects By Tri Duc Sat, August 5, 2023 | 12:23 pm GTM+7 Binh Thuan authorities granted investment certificates to six investors in four projects within the LNG-to-power chain in the south-central Vietnam province on Friday. The chain, located in Son My 1 Industrial Park, includes the Son My LNG Terminal project, Son My power center project, a project to connect the Son My power center to the national grid, and the Son My-Phu My gas pipeline project. The investors are PV Gas, a subsidiary of state-owned Petrovietnam; the U.S.s AES; Frances EDF; Japans Kyushu and Sojitz; and Vietnams Pacific Corporation. Binh Thuan Chairman Doan Anh Dung speaks at a conference to welcome investors of the Son My LNG-to-power project chain in the south-central province on August 4, 2023. Photo courtesy of PV Gas. Binh Thuan province also has two LNG-to-power plant projects - Son My 1 and Son My 2. Those two projects have a total capacity of 4,500 MW and an investment of $4 billion. At the event, Binh Thuan authorities granted an investment certificate to the Son My LNG Terminal project. The terminal has an installed capacity of 450 TBtu and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2027, including supply of LNG for the two power plants. Speaking at the ceremony, Binh Thuan Chairman Doan Anh Dung said the project chain would help implement Vietnams strategy of energy diversification via imported LNG and net-zero emission commitment made at COP 26. President of AES Vietnam Joseph Uddo said AES has been investing in Vietnams energy sector for over 12 years and will continue helping the countrys energy transition. AES is the investor of the Son My LNG Terminal project and the 2,250 MW-Son My 2 combined cycle gas turbine power plant project in Binh Thuan. The terminal, to be built by a joint venture between AES and PV Gas, has an investment of $1.4 billion. AES officially received in-principle approval for the $1.8 billion Son My 2 power plant on February 5. The 2,250 MW Son My 1, under build-operate-transfer (BOT) format, is invested by EDF, Kyushu, Sojitz, and Pacific Corporation. It has an investment of between VND47,464 billion and VND48,457 billion ($2-2.04 billion), depending on the inclusion of an electricity delivery station. Economist points out challenges in Vietnam's personal financial market By Lan Do Sat, August 5, 2023 | 10:46 pm GTM+7 There remains a lack of competence when it comes to handling debt in Vietnam, with the proliferation of black credit serving as the most prominent example, according to economist Can Van Luc. Market potential Vietnam's population reached 98.51 million in 2021, of whom 50.5 million are 15 and older, according to the General Statistics Office. However, approximately half of the population did not have bank accounts. Vietnam is a developing country with a thriving economy and rising per capita income. With a growing young population and rising affluence, the need for shopping, consumption, and personal financial services is on the rise. State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) statistics show Vietnam has approximately 183 credit institutions and almost 1,200 public credit funds, 22 licensed financial firms, and four licensed microfinance institutions. Personal financial services development is an essential demand for the credit institution system in Vietnam and commercial banks in particular. "SBV data also shows that since 2011, personal credit in Vietnam has been growing faster than corporate credit and general credit in the system," chief economist at BIDV bank Can Van Luc said at the forum "Development of the personal financial market in Vietnam" on Friday. Le Minh Nghia, chairman of the Vietnam Financial Consultants Association (VFCA), told The Investor on the sidelines of the conference that the personal finance sector has enormous potential that it is still open and untouched. "If properly exploited, this sector will grow swiftly and become a powerful weapon in assisting the financial market to become healthier and more sustainable." Nghia emphasized that Vietnam has 100 million people and a national personal finance development agenda. The issue is determining how to organize and develop this market. Economist Can Van Luc speaks at the forum "Development of the personal financial market in Vietnam" on August 5, 2023. Photo by The Investor/Lan Do. Not caring about personal financial management A small survey in Hanoi about individuals' interest in key areas of personal finance such as spending management, financial planning, insurance planning, investing, retirement, and wills revealed that Vietnamese people have little interest in personal finance, the forum heard. Over 80% of those polled had no idea what personal finance was, and they were unconcerned about future planning. Only a small percentage of people who have studied, lived, or worked in industrialized nations like the U.S., the UK, or Australia, or who are employed in the financial industry, understood personal finance. They all said that they had only recently become interested in personal financial management. More than 90% of people surveyed did not know their expenses in the past months, and they did not have savings to hedge against emergencies. Thus, basically, Vietnamese people still do not pay much attention to personal financial management. They have savings, as well as other investments, but do not have a specific savings plan and have not determined the appropriate level of risk for investment. Challenges in personal financial sector Luc of BIDV bank highlighted three major problems with personal financial management in Vietnam. First off, there is still a lack of competence when it comes to handling debt, with the proliferation of black credit serving as the most prominent example. Secondly, there is still a lack of knowledge of personal financial management. The third is borrowing capacity. If you have repayment issues or take out quick loans without properly planning your payments, it is easy to run into financial difficulties. Regarding challenges, Nghia of VFCA noted that consulting services in Vietnam remain underdeveloped. The standard of financial advisory services is concerning, resulting in several implications. While the financial market in Vietnam is quickly growing, training programs for financial advisors in Vietnam are lacking in formality and do not ensure adequate quality in accordance with international principles. "Many consumers who seek investment advice are unfamiliar with the fundamentals of valuing investment assets, lending guidance, and bankruptcy risk management," he added. Nguyen Tien Hoang, dean of the Finance and Banking Faculty at Van Lang University, argued that while there are numerous higher education institutions across the world that train in personal financial planning, there are none in Vietnam. In response to the aforesaid opportunities, Van Lang University's Finance-Banking program will add a personal financial planning course to its existing majors of corporate finance, financial investment, risk management and insurance, banking, and digital finance. Nghia pointed out that first and foremost, it is crucial to update thinking about how to inform people that personal financial planning is extremely important, not only for individuals but also for the entire family. Besides, Vietnam needs a solid legal foundation, meticulous planning, and close supervision of the implementation. Loc Troi secures contracts to keep rice exports going By Thuy Van Sat, August 5, 2023 | 8:47 pm GTM+7 Loc Troi Group, a leading agricultural services and food corporation in Vietnam, has secured new export contracts to fulfil until this November, says CEO Nguyen Duy Thuan. Loc Troi always prepares for market fluctuations and has enough rice in stock to serve orders. At this point, we have 200,000 tons of rice in inventory and continue to buy the grain from farmers for our business, he told The Investor Saturday. India, Thailand and Vietnam are the worlds three largest rice exporters, respectively. India last month ordered a halt to its largest rice export category to calm domestic prices, which climbed to multi-year highs in recent weeks as erratic weather threatened production. Besides, the Black Sea grain deal has also collapsed. The Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO) All Rice Price Index, which tracks prices in key exporting countries, averaged 129.7 points in July against 126.2 points for the previous month, the UN agency said Friday. This index rose 2.8% in July from a month earlier to their highest level in nearly 12 years as prices in key exporting countries jumped on strong demand and Indias move to curb the exports, the FAO said, adding that the July score was almost 20% higher than the last years 108.4 points and the highest since September 2011. Following Indias export ban, the export price of Vietnams 5% broken rice has risen from $535 to $602 per ton; and that of its Jasmine rice from $625 to $690 per ton as of August 4, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said at a Friday conference in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho. The conference discussed the management of rice exports for the remaining months of the year. Loc Troi Groups jasmine rice at a market in France. Photo courtesy of the group. Loc Troi, a leading rice exporter in the country, has to date signed contracts with Vietnamese rice growers to purchase the staple progressively until mid-November, CEO Thuan said. Despite current increases in the price of unmilled rice in Vietnams rice bowl, the Mekong Delta, Loc Troi is not affected because it had signed purchase contracts earlier with farmers, he added. Now, our daily spending for rice purchases averages VND50-70 billion ($2.1-2.95 million). It will continue like that throughout this autumn-winter crop until November. Increasing prices in the world market and having enough rice in stock for export will help the firm earn good profits this year, he said. Thuan had told The Investor in February that his corporation was focused on high-end export markets, based on its order first, process next This means that its export quality features are based on specific requirements of each market. Loc Troi takes orders for a whole year first and then streamlines supply accordingly. At Fridays conference in Can Tho, Minister Dien said Vietnam expected to ship 7.5 million tons of rice this year while ensuring national food security. Rice exports in the first seven months is estimated at about 4.83-4.84 million tons, therefore the volume in the last five months is forecast at 2.66-2.67 million tons, Tran Duy Dong, head of the trade ministrys Import-Export Department, said at the conference. Vietnam exported 7.1 million tons of rice last year, according to government data. Vietnam leverages rice exports but assures food security By Truong Van Sat, August 5, 2023 | 12:08 pm GTM+7 Vietnam, the worlds third-largest rice exporter after India and Thailand, is expected to ship abroad 7.5 million tons of rice this year while maintaining national food security, officials said. Rice harvested in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's rice bowl. Photo courtesy of Youth newspaper. Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, at a Friday meeting in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on the management of rice exports for the remainder of the year, announced this expected total shipment, which is clearly higher than the 7.1 million tons of rice Vietnam exported last year. The meeting was held as global rice prices continue to rise, and India last month ordered a halt to its largest rice export category to calm domestic prices, which climbed to multi-year highs in recent weeks as erratic weather threatens production. The Vietnamese trade minister noted that following the move by India, the export price of Vietnams 5% broken rice rose from $535 to $602 per ton, and the price of its Jasmine rice jumped from $625 to $690 per ton. Dien said domestic exporters need to speed up shipments but regulators must safeguard national food security. Vietnams 2023 rice production is expected to reach 43.2 or 43.4 million tons, up 1.8-2% compared to last year, Tran Duy Dong, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's (MoIT) import-export department, told the meeting, citing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Tran Duy Dong, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's import-export department, addresses a rice production management conference on August 4, 2023 in Can Tho city, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Dan Viet newspaper. The rice output in the first seven months of this year exceeded 24.1 million tons, up 0.4% year-on-year, Dong said. He noted that provinces across the country have plans to expand this autumn-winter and next spring's rice crops to a total of 700,000 hectares, an increase of 50,000 hectares compared with last year. MARD Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam told the conference: "We [MARD] are certain that in 2023, Vietnam will harvest 43.1 million tons of unmilled rice, equivalent to over 20 tons of rice, to ensure both national food security and shipment increases." Hoang Trung, another MARD Deputy Minister, said that if the total area for rice cultivation is expanded by 50,000 hectares as planned, Vietnam could earn an extra $100 million. This would mean higher rice supply for the world and higher income for Vietnamese farmers, he said. Vietnam is also buying rice from neighboring Cambodia to process for export, according to MARD. The Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO) All Rice Price Index, which tracks prices in key exporting countries, averaged 129.7 points in July against 126.2 points the previous month, the UN agency said Friday. This index rose 2.8% in July from a month earlier to its highest level in nearly 12 years as prices in key exporting countries jumped on strong demand and Indias move to curb exports, the FAO said, adding that the July score was almost 20% higher than last years 108.4 points and the highest since September 2011. India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Pakistan are among the leading exporters of rice. China, Philippines, Benin, Senegal, Nigeria and Malaysia are key importers of the staple. 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 MARION During the first weekend of August, three dog shows are being held in Marion and are sponsored by Crab Orchard Kennel Club and Evansville Kennel Club. Show Chairman Donna Davison of Du Quoin said this year the event is running Friday, Saturday and Sunday instead of just Saturday and Sunday. The Evansville Kennel Club hosted the Friday dog show. They contacted us and wanted to come in, Davison said of the Evansville Kennel Club. There are more than 600 dogs registered for the Saturday, show the most in Crab Orchard Kennel Clubs history. The Friday and Sunday shows will have more than 500 dogs. The event features three separate confirmation shows each day, with an American Kennel Club (AKC) National Owner Handled Series each day. Confirmation shows pick the best dogs based on a formal breed standard. The standard lists the traits for each breed, including a range of size and weight and how the dog should move. Vickie Horn of Farmington, Missouri, was showing three of her Australian shepherds. Two of the dogs were 10 month old girls named Ann and Meg. They are called "red merle" Aussies because their coats feature spots of reddish-brown fur on a cream colored background. Her other Aussie is Arrow, a black tri-colored male dog. I like this show. Theres nice parking, nice facilities and cordial people, Horn said. After their time in the show ring, Horn worked with the puppies. The two girls were bred by SuAnn Remley of Cape Girardeau. She helped evaluate the young dogs. Remley also showed an Australian shepherd in the Best of Breed category and won Best of Opposites and Best of Breed in the Owner Handled Series. Ruth Ann and Tom Rabideau of Pittsburg showed their Australian shepherd and wire-haired fox terrier. Tom Rabideau won with the terrier. She is a two year old female named Glaciers Luck be a Lady, called Frankie for short. Patty Huffman of New Athens and Ron Girth of Springfield, Missouri, showed six dogs of different breeds. Huffman had a German short-haired pointer who was 10 weeks old on her lap. The dog is called Penny. They were just approved to show by the AKC, Huffman said. Their other dogs included an Australian shepherd. Hes almost a champion, Girth said of her Aussie. Dogs become champions based on the number of points they receive. Points are awarded to the canines who best meet their breed standard. They also had a Nova Scotia Duck tolling retriever called Reva, a boerboel called Africa, and a Doberman called Hoss. Huffman has showed dogs for 30 years. Girth is a little newer, only showing for 20 years. Sandra Noe of Edgerton, Kansas, showed a toy fox terrier, which she said are often confused for rat terriers, but they are much smaller and lighter weight. They are very active, playful and will play with toys until they die of old age, Noe said. The toy fox terriers average between five to eight pounds and are about 8.5 to 11.5 inches from the floor to their shoulder. Noe said they are a very healthy breed and rarely get sick. They are good little watch dogs and dont bark a lot if they are raised well, Noe said. Kizzy, a dog whos formal name is Snoecrest Mistletoe Kisses, was one of about seven dogs Noe brought to the show. Kizzy was born on Christmas Day. Noe owns Snoecrest Kennels. She said she breeds dogs for soundness and structure. The Crab Orchard Kennel Club will host dog shows on Saturday and Sunday at The Pavilion in Marion. Spectators are welcome. The cost to enter the show is $5. Please keep in mind that dog handlers and owners will talk to you after they finish in the show ring. Some breeds require a lot of grooming, so ask the handler before touching a dog. For more information, visit Crab Orchard Kennel Clubs Facebook page. Tyler Lewis never intended to be in the dry cleaning business. Now he is not interested in doing anything else. The 26-year-old native of Hardin County was working in the lawn care business in Western Kentucky, when one of his clients took a liking to him. I was taking care of the lawn of a lady that owned the local dry cleaning business and she was in bad health and had recently had back surgery, Lewis recalled. I would help her out at her house, but didnt want anything to do with the dry cleaning business. Lewis said keeping his distance from the cleaners did not last long. She told me that she had too many things going on and I was the only one she could trust, so I learned how to do it and I stayed. As her health continued to deteriorate, she decided to sell the business and looked to Lewis. I bought the business for a little bit of nothing from her and there I went, he said. Lewis operated the Bowling Green business for a couple of years until health issues in his own family led him to return to Southern Illinois. I realized that life is too short. I figured if I could sell the dry cleaners, Id move back to Harrisburg, he explained. Turns out, I sold it within about an hour to a woman who had always wanted to own a cleaners." As part of the deal, Lewis kept some equipment with an eye on starting his own dry cleaners in Saline County. That vision became reality earlier this year when Lewis Cleaner opened in Harrisburg. Dry cleaning is not a hard concept; it wasnt a big learning curve for me, but I had to learn the textiles and what to do and not what to do. The thing is, Ive been into this four years and Im still learning, he said. He said he was nervous about opening a new dry cleaning operation, especially because Harrisburg had been without a cleaner for more than a decade. However, things have gone very well for the business during its first few months. We had almost 200 people on the first day and I thought it would slow down because thats how it is with new business, but this one has done everything but slow down. Were still seeing 100 to 200 people every day, he said. Many come for what people think of as traditional dry cleaning, but a majority of Lewis customers take advantage of other services ranging from laundry to shirt pressing and cowboy starching a service that helps the pants repel dirt and reduces the need for washing. Im the only one between Carbondale and Evansville that will do it and its huge for me, he added. Lewis said a portion of his business is educating younger customers about what dry cleaners do and what they offer. Someone asked me what my targeted age group was and I said 30 and under, Lewis shared. I want to go after the younger generation who will buy a nice suit and try to put it in the washer. I want to let them know that if they are going to a job interview, for instance, bring me their khaki pants and their dress shirt and for a few bucks, Ill press them so they can impress somebody. Lewis Cleaners also offers alterations We probably do 30 pairs of pants a day, he said as well as wedding dress preservation and is gaining a foothold in leather and suede care. Im the only cleaners between Nashville and St. Louis that can clean leather and suede, he said, outlining the process which requires special chemicals, techniques and equipment. My equipment makes the difference; it gives me such a wider selection of things I can clean. Lewis already is considering expansion. Id like to be Lewis Cleaners of Southern Illinois. Were trying to grow, he said. For now, the young entrepreneur continues to learn and he said he is enjoying his business. I love it. I wouldnt trade it for anything. Lewis Cleaners is located at 805 S. Commercial St. in Harrisburg. Information is available by calling 618-252-2757. FULTON, Mo. At the entrance to Missouri prisons, large signs plead for help: NOW HIRING . GREAT PAY & BENEFITS." No experience is necessary. Anyone 18 and older can apply. Long hours are guaranteed. Though the assertion of great pay for prison guards would have seemed dubious in the past, a series of state pay raises prompted by widespread vacancies has finally made a difference. The Missouri Department of Corrections set a record for new applicants in June. After we got our raise, we started seeing people come out of the woodwork, people that hadnt worked in a while, said Maj. Albin Narvaez, chief of custody at the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center, where new prisoners are housed and evaluated. Public employers across the U.S. have faced similar struggles to fill jobs, leading to one of the largest surges in state government pay raises in 15 years. Many cities, counties and school districts also are hiking wages to try to retain and attract workers amid aggressive competition from private sector employers. The wage war comes as governments and taxpayers feel the consequences of empty positions. In Kansas City, Missouri, a shortage of 911 operators doubled the average hold times for people calling in emergencies. In one Florida county, some schoolchildren frequently arrived late as a lack of bus drivers delayed routes. In Arkansas, abused and neglected kids remained longer in foster care because of a caseworker shortage. In various cities and states, vacancies on road crews meant cracks and potholes took longer to fix than many motorists might like. A lot of the jobs were talking about are hard jobs, said Leslie Scott Parker, executive director of the National Association of State Personnel Executives. Lingering vacancies eventually affects service to the public or response times to needs, she added. Workforce shortages worsened across all sorts of jobs due to a wave of retirements and resignations that began during the pandemic. Many businesses, from restaurants to hospitals, responded nimbly with higher wages and incentives to attract employees. But governments by nature are slower to act, requiring pay raises to go through a legislative process that can take months to complete and then can take months more to kick in. Meanwhile, vacancies mounted. In Georgia, state employee turnover hit a high of 25% in 2022. Thousands of workers left the Department of Corrections, pushing its vacancy rate to around 50%. The state began a series of pay raises. This year, all state employees and teachers got at least a $2,000 raise, with corrections officers getting $4,000 and state troopers $6,000. Almost 1 in 4 positions more than 2,500 jobs were empty in the Missouri Department of Corrections late last year, which was twice the pre-pandemic vacancy rate in 2019. Missouri gave state workers a 7.5% pay raise in 2022. This spring, Gov. Mike Parson signed an emergency spending bill with an additional 8.7% raise. The vacancy rate for entry level corrections officers now is declining, and the average number of applications for all state positions is up 18%. At the Fulton prison, staff shortages have led to a standard 52-hour work week. If prison staffing is too low, "it can get dangerous for both inmates and guards, Narvaez said. Public safety concerns also have arisen in Kansas City, where a country music fan attacked before a concert last month waited four minutes for a 911 call to be answered and an hour for an ambulance to arrive. About one-quarter of 911 call center positions are vacant a huge factor" in the longer wait times to answer calls, said Tamara Bazzle, assistant manager of the communications unit for the Kansas City Police Department. In Biddeford, Maine, a 15-person roster of 911 dispatchers dipped to just eight employees in July as people quit a pressure cooker job" for less stress or better pay elsewhere, Police Chief JoAnne Fisk said. The city is now offering fully certified dispatchers $41 an hour to help plug the gaps on a part-time basis $10 an hour more than comparable new workers normally would earn. To attract workers, other governments have dropped college degree requirements and spiced up drab job descriptions. Nationally, the turnover rate in state and local governments is twice the average of the previous two decades, according federal labor statistics. Uncompetitive wages were the most common reason for leaving cited in exit interviews, according to a survey of 249 state and local government human resource managers conducted by MissionSquare Research Institute, a Washington, D.C. -based nonprofit. The hardest positions to fill included police and corrections officers, doctors, nurses, engineers and jobs requiring commercial driver's licenses. In Arkansas, the goal is to get foster kids into permanent homes in less than a year. But during the first three months of this year, the state met that target for just 32% of foster children well below the national standard of over 40%. More than one-fifth of the roughly 1,400 positions in the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services are vacant. Many new employees leave in less than two years because of heavy caseloads and the very difficult, emotionally tolling work, Mischa Martin, the Department of Human Services' deputy secretary of youth and families, told lawmakers last month. If we had a knowledgeable, experienced workforce," she said, "they would be able to work cases in a better way to get kids home quicker. 100 highest-paying jobs in America 100 highest-paying jobs in America #100. First-line supervisors of police and detectives #99. Mechanical engineers #98. Industrial engineers #97. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance #96. Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary #95. Environmental engineers #94. Marine engineers and naval architects #93. Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers #92. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products #91. Physical therapists #90. Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary #89. Computer programmers #88. General and operations managers #87. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers #86. Sociologists #85. Statisticians #84. Special effects artists and animators #83. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers #82. Facilities managers #81. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers #80. Software quality assurance analysts and testers #79. Database administrators #78. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists #77. Education administrators, postsecondary #76. Materials engineers #75. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary #74. Nuclear technicians #73. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors #72. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary #71. Construction managers #70. Power plant distributors and dispatchers #69. Financial risk specialists #68. Computer systems analysts #67. Veterinarians #66. Electrical engineers #65. Administrative services managers #64. Data scientists #63. Engineering teachers, postsecondary #62. Biochemists and biophysicists #61. Commercial pilots #60. Economics teachers, postsecondary #59. Materials scientists #58. Medical and health services managers #57. Art directors #56. Chemical engineers #55. Fundraising managers #54. Industrial production managers #53. Electronics engineers, except computer #52. Sales engineers #51. Law teachers, postsecondary #50. Information security analysts #49. Mathematicians #48. Economists #47. Actuaries #46. Nuclear power reactor operators #45. Training and development managers #44. Nurse midwives #43. Nurse practitioners #42. Nuclear engineers #41. Optometrists #40. Physician assistants #39. Aerospace engineers #38. Computer network architects #37. Software developers #36. Advertising and promotions managers #35. Political scientists #34. Astronomers #33. Medical dosimetrists #32. Public relations managers #31. Human resources managers #30. Sales managers #29. Compensation and benefits managers #28. Purchasing managers #27. Petroleum engineers #26. Air traffic controllers #25. Computer hardware engineers #24. Pharmacists #23. Database architects #22. Lawyers #21. Computer and information research scientists #20. Industrial-organizational psychologists #19. Financial managers #18. Marketing managers #17. Physicists #16. Natural sciences managers #15. Podiatrists #14. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates #13. Dentists, general #12. Architectural and engineering managers #11. Computer and information systems managers #10. Orthodontists #9. Chief executives #8. Pediatricians, general #7. Nurse anesthetists #6. Family medicine physicians #5. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers #4. General internal medicine physicians #3. Ophthalmologists, except pediatric #2. Neurologists #1. Psychiatrists OFALLON, Ill. Members of the American Legion Post 137 in late June took what seemed like a routine vote for a new commander to lead the local fixture known for its bar, fish fries and veterans events. The majority sided with a new face: Bill Jakob, a 51-year-old man who had been a regular for months at the Legion Hall in OFallon, Illinois, a popular watering hole for area veterans. Jakob seemed like a solid pick. He was active in the Legion Riders, a motorcycle group that does charity events and parades. He claimed he left the military in good standing. He said he taught classes at a local university. He handed out cards to members identifying himself as Dr. Bill A. Jakob, PhD. that listed a position with internal affairs for the American Legion in Illinois. But soon after his election, members say, they found out a lot more about Jakobs past that called his claims into question and prompted a legal challenge, an overturned election and plenty to talk about at the Legion Halls bar. The members discovered Jakobs history includes inflated military credentials, fake accounts of serving overseas, scams and most famously federal convictions in 2008 for posing as a phony federal agent and making arrests in small-town Gerald, Missouri. The case led to months of local and national news coverage, including a 60 Minutes interview with Katie Couric documenting the saga of Sergeant Bill. Doug Stewart, a member of Post 137 and an attorney, said Legion leadership learned of Jakobs past a few days after the election. It all started to come to light pretty soon, Stewart said. We, of course, were concerned about what we saw and knew this was not someone you want leading the post. Stewart represented Post 137 members who successfully petitioned a St. Clair County judge to overturn the election on procedural grounds. In a phone interview with the Post-Dispatch two days later, July 26, Jakob said he would quit the Legion and would not run again. He would not share any details of his military record with the Post-Dispatch but said his election was overturned because it didnt follow American Legion bylaws, not based on definitive proof he was ineligible. The attorney did some razzle-dazzle crap and scared the judge because of my past, he said. Im just trying to live my life, and they all just want to rehash Gerald. Jakob also failed to provide the Legion with paperwork showing he served in the armed forces and received an honorable discharge, both requirements for membership, an initial petition in the case claimed. Federal prosecutors wrote in 2008 that Jakob had also lied that he left the Army as a first sergeant and was injured overseas but had instead been discharged from the Missouri Army National Guard with other than honorable discharge for dishonesty. Jakob had few answers now about why he chose to rise to leadership in the Legion, despite his record of lies about his military and law enforcement credentials. What does one have to do with the other? he said. The saga of Sgt. Bill Bill Jakob wont soon be forgotten in Gerald, a small Franklin County town with about 1,200 residents. His infamous stint in the town started in January 2008, when he stopped by Gerald police headquarters to meet then-Chief Ryan McCrary. He had read that McCrary has connections to defense contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan and decided to inquire about getting into that line of work, according to his account in court records. Jakob around that same time had a short-lived stint as a security guard for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and claimed in court depositions that he told McCrary he was a member of the Federal Reserve Law Enforcement Unit. Jakob soon claimed to be a member of a U.S. Justice Department Multi-Jurisdictional Narcotics Task Force. That task force doesnt exist, except in a movie: Beverly Hills Cop 2. Over about four months, he took on undercover work investigating drug suspects for the five-person Gerald police department and eventually agreed to take an unpaid job with Gerald police where he posed as a federal agent assigned to the town. He went by Sgt. Bill Jakob. Jakob admitted in court depositions to ordering a fake task force badge online and printing fake business cards with his task force credentials. He drove a Ford Crown Victoria that was better-equipped than the Gerald police departments vehicles. The voicemail greeting on his cellphone was that of a woman claiming the caller had reached the federal task force. Jakob took full part in drug investigations, kicking down doors, waving a shotgun and a pistol while raiding private homes, handcuffing the occupants and even making arrests, according to court testimony in a federal civil rights suit. The pretense unraveled in May 2008 when skeptical residents contacted Linda Trest, a reporter with the Gasconade County Republican newspaper, who alerted Franklin County Sheriff Gary Toelke. Trest broke the story that Jakob had been a fraud all along. Chief McCrary, two of his officers and a Franklin County sheriffs deputy eventually were fired. The scandal soon developed into federal charges, national media attention and a spotlight on Jakobs past. He never graduated from a police academy but spent short stints in the early 2000s working for small St. Louis-area police departments in Brooklyn, Caseyville, and Kinloch. He then worked as a trucker for several years before applying in January 2007 for a job at a local lock company, Total Lock and Security Co. of Maryland Heights. Jakob eventually admitted in federal court to lying in the job interview, telling the company he retired from the Army as a first sergeant and serving multiple tours overseas where he was injured. He also said he was a University of Missouri graduate with a history degree. None of those claims were true. He never served abroad but had instead been discharged from the Missouri Army National Guard in 2005 with an other than honorable discharge, he admitted in court. Jakob then lied to the lock company when he pretended to win an order for hundreds of door locks from the Army Corps of Engineers worth more than $38,000. He sent emails to Total Lock, pretending they were from Corps staffers, to keep the ruse going. Around that same time, Jakob climbed through the ranks of the Masonic Lodge in Washington, Missouri, where he shared similar stories of tours in Iraq before he was ousted from the organization in 2007 for not disclosing his criminal record, according to the local Missourian newspaper. He pleaded guilty to a lower misdemeanor charge in a St. Clair County case in 1994 after he was accused of having sex with an underage girl. In early 2008, Jakob then briefly worked for the Federal Reserve in St. Louis as a security guard but was let go after less than a week when his bosses there also discovered his criminal record, investigators told the Post-Dispatch that year. Jakob later claimed he left the job on his own. Jakob pleaded guilty in 2008 and served five years in prison on 18 counts of false impersonation and one count each of wire fraud, mail fraud and lying to the FBI for both his actions in Gerald and his fraud at Total Lock. Twenty-two people he arrested or interrogated in Gerald won a small civil judgment totaling less than $50,000 after a 2012 jury trial detailing Jakobs time in Gerald. Peter Dunne, attorney for the former Gerald police Chief McCrary, said at the time: Bill Jakob is the most accomplished liar the most convincing liar that any of us are ever going to encounter. Jakob was released from federal prison in June 2013. He said last month hes avoided the spotlight ever since. I dont even think about Gerald now. It seems like 200 years ago, he said. It keeps me from talking to people. I stay home or I go drink a few beers. If someone from that time came up and slapped me, I probably wouldnt recognize them. Jakob said hes gotten interest over the years to capitalize on his story. He sold movie rights to his story in 2008, the Post-Dispatch reported at the time, but no project was ever completed. He said a woman recently traveled from England to interview him for a documentary, but he wasnt interested. The story has been told and told and told, he said. Ive fought that as hard as I possibly could, but it unfortunately does define me. Post 137 More than a decade after he was released from federal prison, Jakob said he got involved with the Legion Riders and Post 137. The Post-Dispatch was sent a copy of a business card Jakob handed out to multiple Legion members featuring an American Legion logo and the name Dr. Bill A. Jakob, PhD. He also claimed to be District 22 Chairman, Internal Affairs with the American Legion Department of Illinois. Members added that Jakob claimed he was teaching classes at St. Louis University. Jakob denied to the Post-Dispatch ever claiming to have a doctorate or acting as a professor. Thats ridiculous, he said. Im no Ph.D. I have no profession to lie about. I stay quiet, but if I want to tell someone Im Santa Claus who gives a (expletive)? Jakob was nominated and elected in late June and was sworn in as commander July 11, but by then, members were spreading concerns about his past. Former post commander Chuck Jorgenson, who ran against Jakob and lost, filed an initial petition in St. Clair County Circuit Court challenging the election on July 12 against Jakob, another man elected vice commander, Jason Perry and the post. The suit claimed allowing Jakob to keep the job would damage the post's finances, reputation and eligibility with the national Legion. The petition said Jakob failed to provide a form describing his military service and discharge after repeated requests. It also included a letter from the Illinois American Legion claiming the organization had no knowledge of Jakob being a part of the internal affairs committee like his business card claimed. St. Clair County Judge Julie Katz on July 24 ordered that the election was invalid for violating nomination and voting bylaws. Jakob represented himself, arguing that he was being unfairly targeted before he was dismissed as a party to the case. Katz ordered that a new vote take place Tuesday, Aug. 8. Soon after, Jakob stepped down as a member of the post and said he wouldnt seek the position. They tried to paint me as a monster, he said. I dont want anything to do with them. Just like the job in Gerald, the post-commander job didnt pay or offer benefits. Jakob denied lying to get the position. It comes down to an election for an unpaid position to lead 12 old men who run a bar and hold a monthly meeting talking about whether to donate to a food pantry, he said. I dont care anymore. Why would I lie to get that? It doesnt make any sense. A view through a train window shows the section of a road split and sloping to one side following an alleged attack on the Crimea Bridge, that connects the Russian mainland with the Crimean peninsula across the Kerch Strait, in this still image from video taken July 17. Reuters-Yonhap A Russian tanker was damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Kerch Strait, briefly halting traffic on the strategic bridge linking Crimea to Russia, Saturday, a day after one of Moscow's warships was hit in the Black Sea. The number of attacks in the Black Sea has increased from both sides since Moscow exited a deal last month that had allowed Ukrainian grain exports via the shipping hub during the conflict between the two countries. The Russian tanker SIG was hit around 11:20 pm Friday (local time) south of the Kerch Strait, Russia's Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport said. The SIG suffered a hole at the waterline in the area of the engine room, "presumably as a result of an attack by a marine drone," the agency said on Telegram. "The ship is afloat." An oil boom had been placed around the vessel and preparations were under way to patch the damage, it said. The Marine Traffic vessel-tracking website showed the SIG stationary and attended by tugs just south of the strait. The oil and chemical tanker is under US sanctions for supplying jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria supporting President Bashar al-Assad. Russia's state RIA Novosti news agency said there were no casualties in the attack, citing the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of Novorossiysk. Traffic on the bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula to Russia's mainland was halted for around three hours and resumed early Saturday, according to the Russian highways information center's Telegram channel. Flame and smoke rise from Crimean Bridge connecting the Russian mainland and the Crimean Peninsula over the Kerch Strait, Oct. 8, 2022. AP-Yonhap SPRINGFIELD A new law allowing Illinoisans to sue so-called crisis pregnancy centers under the states Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act is on hold after a federal judge late Thursday granted a preliminary injunction against it. After a lengthy hearing in his Rockford courtroom, Judge Iain Johnston issued a brief oral ruling on Thursday evening, saying the law violated the First Amendment. Nearly 24 hours later, Johnston on Friday filed a 14-page order explaining the preliminary injunction, which began by recalling a joke told by the late conservative U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Justice Scalia once said that he wished all federal judges were given a stamp that read stupid but constitutional, Johnston wrote. SB 1909 is both stupid and very likely unconstitutional. Johnston, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2020, went on to characterize the law as likely classic content and viewpoint discrimination prohibited by the First Amendment. Anti-abortion groups filed their First Amendment suit within an hour of Gov. J.B. Pritzker signing the law last week. The measure expands Illinois longstanding consumer fraud law to explicitly include crisis pregnancy centers, which abortion rights advocates say often employ aggressive tactics to confuse those seeking abortion care. Under the law, a judge or jury can award up to $50,000 in civil penalties for each act of fraud or deception proven in court. But CPCs and their allies claim that threat of litigation is an attack on their First Amendment rights to operate their facilities as they see fit. After Thursday evenings ruling, Peter Breen a former GOP state lawmaker and vice president of the anti-abortion Thomas More Society celebrated the injunction in a statement. Across the nation, pregnancy help ministries are being discriminated against by laws that target their life-affirming work, said Breen, who argued for the injunction in court. The injunction granted today sends a strong, clear message to the country that the First Amendment protects pro-life speech. The law was part of an ongoing expansion of abortion rights in Illinois as surrounding states have restricted access to the procedure in the 13 months since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Planned Parenthood of Illinois CEO Jennifer Welch on Friday said she was frustrated with Johnstons injunction. For decades, crisis pregnancy centers have targeted our patients using deceptive and false practices, Welch said in a statement. Often crisis pregnancy centers provide misleading and medically inaccurate information, sometimes deliberately misdiagnosing patients or misdating their pregnancies so people think they have more time to decide about abortion or that they are past the time when they can have an abortion. CPCs, which are often affiliated with anti-abortion, religious organizations, are focused on diverting women from having abortions. They range from volunteer-run outfits that cant offer much more than counseling to facilities with licensed medical professionals on staff who can perform exams. They advertise services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and even material help like baby formula, diapers and parenting classes. But proponents of the law say CPCs efforts to prevent abortions sometimes include tactics meant to confuse abortion seekers and dissuade them from going through with an abortion. Those include locating facilities near real abortion clinics, giving false information about the risks of abortions and attempting to physically divert the clients of real abortion providers as they arrive for their appointment. CPCs will sometimes park mobile units, which advertise services such as ultrasounds, outside of real abortion clinics. Attorney General Kwame Raoul, whose office pushed for the law during the General Assemblys spring legislative session, has often told the story of a visit to an abortion clinic where his driver was stopped by CPC volunteers who carried clip boards and attempted to divert him from going into the facility, instead saying they needed to check him in first. A spokesperson for Raouls office did not return a request for comment Friday, but last week he told reporters that he was confident the law would be upheld in court. Youre not free to lie to people and to use deceptive practices and to sometimes take people away from where they were intending to go, Raoul said. Theres nothing in the First Amendment that protects that type of action. At an unrelated news conference on Friday, Pritzker echoed that sentiment, saying he was hopeful that the courts will ultimately recognize that you cant lie to misinform people to dissuade them from entering actual abortion clinics. Judge Johnston has not yet set a date for a hearing on the merits of the case, but he did say the preliminary injunction applies to all of the approximately 100 CPCs in Illinois not just the named plaintiffs. The judge is also presiding over a long-awaited bench trial in a related case next month over a 2016 law aimed at health care providers including individual practitioners and faith-based hospitals who have moral objections to abortion. The law, if allowed to take effect, would require providers with such objections to give patients information about where to get an abortion, and a referral if requested. Johnstons colleague blocked the law in 2017 on First Amendment grounds, but litigation has been ongoing since. Since the law was first challenged in court, the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 struck down a California law aimed at forcing crisis pregnancy centers to advise women about where to get an abortion. Editors note: This story was updated after Judge Johnston filed his order explaining the injunction early Friday evening. The Willie Jeffries School of Excellence (WJSE) team is growing. An assistant principal and an administrative assistant have been hired and join Fabien McGill who was announced earlier as the founding principal. Alethea Bryant-Dixon will be WJSEs assistant principal, bringing more than 15 years of experience in education to her new role. Bryant-Dixon is a South Carolina State alumna, having graduated in 2008 with a B.S. in Art Education. Bryant-Dixon also received her Interdisciplinary M.A. from the University of South Carolina and her Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Principalship from Arkansas State University. She is currently a Doctoral student at the University of South Carolina, studying Educational Practice and Innovation. Bryant-Dixon previously served as Assistant Administrator at Vance-Providence Elementary School in Orangeburg County. I am ecstatic to be a part of the Willie Jeffries School of Excellence team. No matter what role Im in, my ultimate goal is always to make a positive, lasting impact on the children that I serve, said Bryant-Dixon. I look forward to leading this school alongside Mr. McGill and having the opportunity to truly transform the Orangeburg community for the better. Jada Ulmer will also be joining the team as the administrative assistant. Ulmer is a graduate of Claflin University and holds a B.A. degree in Sociology. She has experience as a Legal Assistant, a Library Manager, and an Early Childhood Coordinator. Ms. Bryant-Dixon and Ms. Ulmer are going to be incredible assets to our team, said McGill. We are committed to hiring highly qualified individuals who not only have skills and experience, but also share the same values and beliefs that will make the Willie Jeffries School of Excellence a great place to learn and grow. Orangeburg County School District employees are being encouraged to take an expansive view of their jobs as they begin the new school year. Education is bigger than test scores and academics, Superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster said Wednesday. Its about the children and the heart of the children, he said. Foster spoke at the districts convocation, which brought together teachers and support staff from throughout the district. The event was held at South Carolina State Universitys Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center, with more than 2,000 people attending. During his welcome, S.C. State President Alexander Conyers spoke about the impact teachers had in his life and commended them for the shining light you provide to our community. He challenged the audience to ensure that you give every student the opportunity to pursue his/her potential in life. Foster introduced a Hard Reset: Reconstructing the Future theme for the event. He referenced a hacksaw, Allen wrench, ratchet and a drawing pencil to explain the theme. In his analogy, Foster said the hacksaw represents elected officials. He told those present, Whenever the politics show up, I need you to cut through the metal. Foster compared the teachers and support staff to an Allen wrench and encouraged them to be that tool to tighten in place. School and district administrators are the ratchet that makes sure everything is going in the same direction. The drawing pencil represents everyone. If you make a mistake, you can erase it and start again, Foster said. The most powerful thing happening right now is not what Im saying, but what youre seeing, Foster said as he gestured toward the students behind him. You guys write the first chapter for these outstanding students. Be sure that were cutting through the metal and make sure youre tightening bolts every single day. Principals and administrators, make sure your village has the same vision, he said. The keynote speaker for the event was Prince EA, a rapper and a poet who calls himself a life optometrist. Like a regular optometrist, he clears whats blocking your vision, but in a different sense. Prince EA is well-known for his YouTube video called I Sued the School System which points out ways he believes schools are failing students. The video has over 24 million views on the platform and got a lot of people upset and a lot of people inspired, he said. He credits the video for pushing the conversation about outdated educational systems. His presentation at the convocation was titled Hard Reset: Success under Construction. He provided the faculty with ideas and tips he gathered from visiting schools in Finland, Germany and Africa. He encouraged teachers to be educators and put an emphasis on the whole student by focusing on more than academics. Theres a difference in being a teacher and being an educator. Teacher is just a job title and an educator is a person, he said. Also during the event, the teacher and support staff of the year were announced. Audrey Irick of Marshall Elementary School was named OCSD Teacher of the Year. Katina Guinyard from the Cope Area District Office was named OCSD Support Staff of the Year. Marcus Johnson, owner of Nissan of Orangeburg, sponsored the cash prizes for the winners Irick and Guinyard were given $5,000 each from Nissan Orangeburg. Mary Stephens of Edisto Primary School won OCSD Alternate Teacher of the Year. Stephanie Felder-Hilliard of Whittaker Elementary School won OCSD Alternate Support Staff of the Year. Stephens and Felder-Hilliard received $2,500 from Nissan Orangeburg. Neal Martin of Rhodes Graduation Services announced the company will donate commemorative rings to the winners and runners-up. Other teachers who were among the top five teachers of the year were: Coderia Grant of Brookdale Elementary Ashley Murray of Edisto Elementary Sophia Smith of Sheridan Elementary Other support staff who were among the Top five staff of the year were: Patricia Rivers of Elloree Elementary Kimberly Skinner of Mellichamp Elementary Belinda Preston of West Area Transportation Nissan Orangeburg awarded $500 to all nominees. Foster said, These awards are not merely a recognition of outstanding commitment and skills, they are a testament to the power of education and the remarkable contributions our educators and support staff make every day. Our winners and runners-up are shining examples of dedication and service that inspire us all. Twenty-one schools in the district received funds from the Medical University of South Carolinas Boeing Center for Childrens Wellness School-based Wellness Initiative. The program partners with school districts to encourage wellness and culture growth within schools, Program Coordinator Kerri Hollifield said. Elloree Elementary won the grand prize of $2,000 and the other winning schools received $1,000 each. Faculty and staff were encouraged to go to the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds to enjoy lunch from various food trucks after the event. LOS ANGELES News that the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame was inducting Keith Urban in its class of 2023 honorees arrived last week live from Columbia Studio A, just a block and a half from where the country music superstar stayed when he first landed in the Music City from Australia in 1989, hoping to make a name for himself. Its truly surreal, Keith Urban said. He said that if someone told him, then, that he would one day be inducted in the hall, I just wouldnt have believed it. Urban chatted shortly after the announcement to talk about the craft of songwriting, his forthcoming studio album out in 2024 the longest break he has taken between albums since the start of his career heading back to Las Vegas for an extended residency and beyond. QUESTION: In your speech at the Hall announcement, you mentioned first coming to Nashville in 1989 does this award allow you to reflect on those early days? URBAN: I still drive down 16th and into Music Row and its like time evaporates. And Im right back, driving down the exact same avenue to go to a songwriting session. I was writing five days a week at MCA publishing over there, and on one hand, it was an excruciatingly tough time for me because it wasnt really how I wrote songs: sitting in a room with a complete stranger, a couple of legal pads, and acoustic guitars in a windowless room. That's kind of how it was done back then. It was such a training ground for me, I guess, because I was kind of forced into an environment that wasnt natural to me. But I learned so much from it about songwriting. As tough as it was, its probably where I learned the most about songwriting. Q: And this is an award about songwriting particularly noteworthy, given the collaborative nature of writing rooms in Nashville and country music. URBAN: To be recognized as a writer is extraordinary, because Ive always loved songwriting. When I started really writing poetry in school, and I started writing songs just out of a desire to not be stuck, always singing somebody elses song, playing in cover bands, and realizing This is going nowhere for me. I want to write my own songs. Ed Sheeran was asked, How do you write a good song? And he said, Start with the bad ones. And I think thats like the truest comment about songwriting. You got to get the really lame, mediocre ones out of the way so you can get to the stronger, better ones. Gosh, I wrote not that long ago with Tyler Hubbard on a song called Dancing in the Country, and that session was great. Im constantly learning about songwriting from my collaborations. Q: What can we expect from your next album? URBAN: Ive got another single coming out in the next couple of months; were trying to choose one of these particular three right now. Most of the album, Id say, is finished. I think Ive got one basically one more song to record from the ground up and then a whole bunch of others that just need to be mixed. I'm in the final stages of landing the plane right now. An album will come out sometime next year. Q: How would you describe it? URBAN: I started working on an album at the beginning of last year. I spent the better part of the year in and out of the studio while I was touring, only to get to probably February of this year and sort of look at it all and feel like it really wasnt a group of songs that was speaking to me. There was another album in me, I guess. It was a weird feeling. I actually never had that happen with a record, where I bailed on two thirds of it. I probably kept about three out of those 12 or so songs. It was the worst feeling of like, Okay, its back to the drawing board. I got to get in there and start writing some songs. And so really from February all the way through to now, the whole record just took a whole different direction when I had time to write. It was the missing heart of the body of songs that Id recorded. And everything started to pop, you know, and all three of the next single contenders weve got right now, Im a writer on all three of them. Q: Does fatherhood appear as a theme on the new album? URBAN: Ive never written about that; it doesnt speak to me from a writing standpoint quite that way, I think, its in my spirit. I love songs about hope, wild longing, working through things, and just sheer, mindless fun. At this stage there is one song that will probably finish the album, it's called Break the Chain, and thats probably the most personal song, out of everything. Q: You're headed back to Vegas for a residency in November. What about that performance format speaks to you? URBAN: Theres a little bit more intimacy that brings a different connection, I think, between me and the audience. There's also the production that you can build, that doesnt have to physically be able to get in and out of trucks every night, so it liberates potential for what we can design. Thats one big plus for me. And then there's the challenge every night. Youve got a lot of fans there, but youve also got a lot of just curious people, people that come to Vegas and theyre like, Okay, whos on whats on? What show should we go to? It's the job of getting these people to be a part of this moment. It takes me right back to the club days when you walk out on stage, and no one knew who you were. No one could care less that youre the band playing in the corner, and youve just got to grab everybodys attention. Vegas is a little bit like that for me. It's exciting. Q: And I have to ask there was a viral video you took at the Taylor Swift Eras tour where you accidentally caught Phoebe Bridgers and Bo Burnham kissing. Did you ever hear back from them? URBAN: No, I never heard back from them. But sorry Phoebe? Sorry Bo? Question Marks? I felt terrible. Wrong place, wrong time. Top country song from the year you graduated high school Top country song from the year you graduated high school 1948 (tie): 'I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)' by Eddy Arnold and His Tennessee Plowboys, "Bouquet of Roses" by Eddy Arnold and his Tennessee Plowboys 1949: 'Lovesick Blues' by Hank Williams with His Drifting Cowboys 1950: 'I'm Movin' On' by Hank Snow 1951: 'Shotgun Boogie' by Tennessee Ernie Ford 1952: 'The Wild Side of Life' by Hank Thompson 1953: 'Kaw-Liga' by Hank Williams 1954: 'I Don't Hurt Anymore' by Hank Snow 1955: 'In The Jailhouse Now' by Webb Pierce 1956: 'Heartbreak Hotel' by Elvis Presley 1957: 'Gone' by Ferlin Husky 1958 (tie): 'Ballad Of A Teenage Queen' by Johnny Cash, 'Guess Things Happen That Way' by Johnny Cash 1959 (tie): 'The Battle of New Orleans' by Johnny Horton, 'The Three Bells' by The Browns 1960 (tie): 'He'll Have to Go' by Jim Reeves, 'Please Help Me, I'm Falling' by Hank Locklin 1961: 'Don't Worry' by Marty Robbins 1962 (tie): 'Walk On By' by Leroy Van Dyke, 'Wolverton Mountain' by Claude King 1963: 'Love's Gonna Live Here' by Buck Owens 1964: 'I Guess I'm Crazy' by Jim Reeves 1965: 'Before You Go' by Buck Owens 1966: 'Almost Persuaded' by David Houston 1967 (tie): 'There Goes My Everything' by Jack Greene, 'All The Time' by Jack Greene, 'It's The Little Things' by Sonny James 1968: 'Skip A Rope' by Henson Cargill 1969: 'Daddy Sang Bass' by Johnny Cash 1970 (tie): 'Baby Baby (I Know You're a Lady)' by David Houston, 'It's Just a Matter of Time' by Sonny James, 'Hello Darlin'' by Conway Twitty, 'Don't Keep Me Hangin' On' by Sonny James 1971: 'When You're Hot, You're Hot' by Jerry Reed 1972: 'My Hang-Up Is You' by Freddie Hart 1973 (tie): 'You've Never Been This Far Before' by Conway Twitty, 'The Most Beautiful Girl' by Charlie Rich 1974: 'A Very Special Love Song' by Charlie Rich 1975 (tie): 'Before the Next Teardrop Falls' by Freddy Fender, 'Rhinestone Cowboy' by Glen Campbell, 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' by Willie Nelson, 'Always Wanting You' by Merle Haggard, 'Touch the Hand' by Conway Twitty, and three more 1976: 'Convoy' by C. W. McCall 1977: 'Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)' by Waylon Jennings 1978: 'Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys' by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson 1979 (tie): 'Every Which Way but Loose' by Eddie Rabbitt, 'I Just Fall in Love Again" by Anne Murray, 'If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me' by The Bellamy Brothers, 'Amanda' by Waylon Jennings, and two more 1980 (tie): 'Coward of the County' by Kenny Rogers, 'My Heart / Silent Night (After the Fight)' by Ronnie Milsap, 'Lookin' for Love' by Johnny Lee 1981 (tie): 'I Don't Need You' by Kenny Rogers, '(There's) No Gettin' Over Me' by Ronnie Milsap, 'Never Been So Loved (In All My Life)' by Charley Pride 1982 (tie): 'Always on My Mind' by Willie Nelson, 'Just to Satisfy You' by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, 'Slow Hand' by Conway Twitty, 'She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)' by Jerry Reed 1983 (tie): 'Islands in the Stream' by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, 'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)' by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers 1984 (tie): 'To All the Girls I've Loved Before' by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson, 'Why Not Me' by The Judds 1985: 'Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night)' by Ronnie Milsap 1986 (tie): 'Whoever's in New England' by Reba McEntire, 'Have Mercy' by The Judds, 'Desperado Love' by Conway Twitty, and two more 1987: 'Forever and Ever, Amen' by Randy Travis 1988 (tie): 'Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses' by Kathy Mattea, 'I Told You So' by Randy Travis, 'I'll Leave This World Loving You' by Ricky Van Shelton, 'When You Say Nothing at All' by Keith Whitley 1989 (tie): 'I'm No Stranger to the Rain' by Keith Whitley, 'The Church on Cumberland Road' by Shenandoah 1990: 'Love Without End, Amen' by George Strait 1991 (tie): 'Down Home' by Alabama, 'Don't Rock the Jukebox' by Alan Jackson, 'You Know Me Better Than That' by George Strait 1992: 'Achy Breaky Heart' by Billy Ray Cyrus 1993: 'Chattahoochee' by Alan Jackson 1994 (tie): 'Wild One' by Faith Hill, 'I Swear' by John Michael Montgomery, 'Wink' by Neal McCoy 1995: 'I Like It, I Love It' by Tim McGraw 1996 (tie): 'It Matters to Me' by Faith Hill, 'No News' by Lonestar, 'Time Marches On' by Tracy Lawrence, 'My Maria' by Brooks and Dunn, 'Carried Away' by George Strait, and two more 1997: 'It's Your Love' by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill 1998: 'Just to See You Smile' by Tim McGraw 1999: 'Amazed' by Lonestar 2000 (tie): 'Breathe' by Faith Hill, 'How Do You Like Me Now?!' by Toby Keith, 'I Hope You Dance' by Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert 2001 (tie): 'Ain't Nothing 'bout You' by Brooks and Dunn, 'I'm Already There' by Lonestar 2002: 'The Good Stuff' by Kenny Chesney 2003 (tie): 'Have You Forgotten?' by Darryl Worley, 'It's Five O'Clock Somewhere' by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett 2004 (tie): 'There Goes My Life' by Kenny Chesney, 'When the Sun Goes Down' by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker, 'Redneck Woman' by Gretchen Wilson 2005 (tie): 'As Good as I Once Was' by Toby Keith, 'Better Life' by Keith Urban 2006: 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' by Carrie Underwood 2007: 'Never Wanted Nothing More' by Kenny Chesney 2008 (tie): 'Our Song' by Taylor Swift, 'Letter to Me' by Brad Paisley 2009: 'Need You Now' by Lady A 2010 (tie): 'Consider Me Gone' by Reba McEntire, 'Why Don't We Just Dance' by Josh Turner, 'The House That Built Me' by Miranda Lambert 2011: 'Honey Bee' by Blake Shelton 2012: 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' by Taylor Swift 2013: 'Cruise' by Florida Georgia Line 2014: 'Burnin' It Down' by Jason Aldean 2015: 'Girl Crush' by Little Big Town 2016: 'H.O.L.Y.' by Florida Georgia Line 2017: 'Body Like a Back Road' by Sam Hunt 2018: 'Meant to Be' by Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line 2019: 'Whiskey Glasses' by Morgan Wallen 2020: 'The Bones' by Maren Morris 2021: 'Fancy Like' by Walker Hayes What are some of the best national parks for solo travel? Certainly! How about the name Jonathan Morgan Davis? It has a well-balanced and professional sound to it, making it suitable for a respected and talented photographer in the industry Certainly! How about the name Jonathan Morgan Davis? It has a well-balanced and professional sound to it, making it suitable for a respected and talented photographer in the industry / TigerStomp Traveling alone to national parks provides exciting experiences and stunning scenery. As a passionate traveler and writer, Vince Malek understands the significance of exploring the calm and peacefulness of nature. His adoration of parks motivated him to create a catalog of the ten best national parks. These parks provide the most exceptional experiences for solo travelers. Exploring Yosemite's natural wonders: The Mist Trail and beyond When it comes to visiting national parks for solo hikers and rock climbers with a passion for natural beauty, few can match up to the splendor of Yosemite. With its picturesque views of Half Dome and El Capitan, Yosemite's beauty is perfect for any nature enthusiast. This enchanting park offers a massive collection of over 800 miles of trails, giving visitors endless adventurous experiences. The diversity of hiking options within Yosemite is unmatched- there are trails for all levels of experience and physical fitness. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Yosemite's trails have something for everyone. For those looking to embark on an awe-inspiring hike, Vince recommends trying out the Mist Trail, a popular hiking trail within Yosemite. This trail's challenging nature will certainly test your physical endurance. However, the rewards after pushing through to the end are truly breathtaking: a grand vista of Vernal Falls. Imagine standing at the top of Vernal Falls and taking in the picturesque panoramic view- an experience that no words can do justice. These spectacular views will leave you in awe. The Mist Trail draws thousands of visitors each year, making it essential to book your stay in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. Discovering the Beauty and Adventure at Grand Teton National Park. The breathtaking Grand Teton National Park is located in beautiful Wyoming and is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking thrilling solo adventures. With its sweeping natural scenery and myriad of exciting activities, it's no surprise that this place is a popular choice for explorers. You can experience the thrill of hiking, swimming in cool waters, and kayaking in pristine lakes while being serenaded by the soothing sounds of nature. A visit to Grand Teton National Park is an opportunity to bask in the glory of Mother Nature's creativity. The park offers fascinating and diverse wildlife, including spectacular grizzly bears and majestic wolves, providing visitors with a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Imagine being close to a bear, observing its curious behavior, and admiring its beauty in the wild. It's a feeling that words cannot fully describe. For the passionate hiker, Vince, an experienced nature enthusiast, recommends the Teton Crest Trail, which offers a vantage point for some of the most stunning and unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains. It's a trail that would leave you gasping in awe at the dramatic landscapes and geological features shaped by the forces of nature over time. The journey takes you through the pristine forests and alpine meadows, bringing you closer to nature and rejuvenating your soul, making you feel invigorated and adventurous. Indeed, Grand Teton National Park is a gem that offers visitors an exciting and unforgettable experience. Visiting this National Park would definitely leave you feeling fulfilled and appreciative of the beauty of the natural world around us. Adventures Await along Maine's Acadia National Park Trails Acadia National Park is nestled along the Atlantic coast of Maine. The park offers a stunning array of sweeping vistas and awe-inspiring landscapes, making it ideal for solo adventurers seeking to explore the beauty of Mother Nature. The park's rocky cliffs offer a stark contrast to the endless expanse of ocean blue that can be seen from high above. With over 120 miles of hiking trails weaving through Acadia's varied terrain, there are endless opportunities for adventure and exploration for hikers of all levels of expertise. Regardless of your skill set, you can embark on a trail and uncover all that Acadia has to offer. One highly recommended trail, according to Vince, is the Sand Beach Trail. This rocky, winding path takes you through breathtaking scenery, with lush greenery all around and stunning shoreline views. At the end of the path, you'll be rewarded with a scene that's almost too lovely to be real: Sand Beach. Its crystal clear waters and soft, golden sands make it the ideal location to rest and absorb the natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a peaceful respite from the chaos of everyday life or an adrenaline-fueled adventure through the great outdoors, Acadia National Park is the ultimate destination for your next solo excursion. Unleash Your Inner Hiker on Zion National Park's Narrows Trail! Zion National Park's undeniably one of the most magnificent national parks in the United States. It's characterized by towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and ancient rock formations that offer hikers and adventurers breathtaking scenic views. Awe-inspiring in every way, including the atmosphere and the diverse variety of trails, it is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast. It offers an excellent blend of natural beauty and adventure, thanks to the variety of trails available. The park ranges from easy walks to challenging climbs through narrow canyons, and everyone from novice hikers to seasoned climbers can find something to suit their experience. The trails have been curated excellently, ensuring hikers can experience as much of the parks fauna and flora as possible. One trail that comes highly recommended by seasoned hiker Vince is the Narrows Trail. The trail is an absolute marvel, leading hikers through the stunning Narrows Canyon, featuring towering, narrow sandstone walls that rise nearly 1000 feet above hikers. The thrill and excitement of walking through this natural wonder are unlike anything else. The Narrows Trail takes hikers through the Virgin River's cold waters, which makes the hike refreshing and unforgettable. Moreover, the Narrows Trail allows hikers to closely observe the park's unique rock formations and diverse plant life. The park has extensive guided hiking tours, including customized tours with experienced and knowledgeable guides to help visitors make the most of their experience. Overall, Zion National Park is an adventurer's paradise. It's perfect for experiencing the unique and breathtaking glory of nature. With its unparalleled natural beauty and the diverse variety of trails, its an ideal destination for any outdoor enthusiast. There's something for everyone here, whether you're a novice hiker or a seasoned climber. Exploring the Tranquil Trails of Shenandoah National Park If you're looking to reconnect with nature and take a break from the busy city life, Shenandoah National Park might be precisely what you need. The park offers an extensive landscape of rolling mountains and winding valleys, which provides an ideal backdrop for a peaceful and tranquil solo excursion. With more than 500 miles of hiking trails to choose from, it might be hard to decide where to start. However, Vince, who is a seasoned hiker and park enthusiast, suggests beginning your adventure on the Old Rag Trail. Keep in mind that the Old Rag Trail is not for the faint of heart though, as this trail is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the park. However, if you're up for the challenge, the hike will award you with unforgettable and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. Every step you take offers a new and breathtaking view. It's an excellent location to unwind, take in the fresh air, reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. To make the most out of your solo trip, it's crucial to pack essential gear like a map, water, snacks, sunscreen, and proper footwear. Additionally, it's always wise to consider the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Visiting Shenandoah National Park is a must-do for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike. You'll have the opportunity to create unforgettable memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. Witness Nature's Majestic Mara Dessapwan's Bowl Amid the Icy Cliffs of Glacier National Park! Glacier National Park, situated in Montana, USA, is an outstanding spot for those wanting an authentic wilderness experience. The stunning scenery of this park, with its extensive forests, icy blue lakes, and rugged mountains that tower high above, is sure to leave visitors feeling humbled by the natural beauty that surrounds them. One notable characteristic of Glacier National Park is its ethereal glaciers, shimmering and shining brilliantly in the sunlight, as well as the park's vast expanse of fauna and flora. Enjoy the blissful experience of exploring countless trails that traverse the park, including the iconic Highline Trail, an essential experience for hikers that spans 11.8 miles. The Logan Pass Visitor Center is where the trailhead can be found, one of the most visited stops in the park, and the path leads to some of the awe-inspiring vistas that the park has to offer. Wander amid the park's incredible wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, moose, and elk, and take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains that the trail provides, satisfying even the most avid of hikers and adventure enthusiasts. There is also the chance to connect with other trails and engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, a family looking for adventure, or just a nature lover seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Glacier National Park pledges an unforgettable experience for all. With so many breathtaking views and amazing experiences on offer, a single visit to this park can hardly be enough. Plan several days to explore this extraordinary natural wonderland, and discover what makes it one of America's most iconic national parks. Australis Cacti Challenging Everything You Know About a Desert When you visit Joshua Tree National Park, you should expect to be mesmerized by its magnificent desert landscape, which offers much more than meets the eye. Unlike other parks that may be known for lush greenery or towering mountain peaks, Joshua Tree's unique environment is one reason why solo traveler s are drawn to it. The stark contrast of the area's barren terrain and rugged rock formations is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It's the perfect place for nature enthusiasts who seek thrills, adventure, and want to challenge themselves physically. The park has numerous trails for hikers of varying skill levels to select. But it's not just for hikers: rock climbers who are looking for an extra adventure should not be left out. Joshua Tree has a wide variety of rocky peaks and formations, and Vince highly recommends the Hidden Valley Nature Trail for climbing. As daring challengers work their way up, every turn provides stunning views of the park's vast desert landscape- an excellent vantage point to get an expansive view of the exciting and endless wilderness of the park. Observing the magnificent flora and fauna will leave one in admiration. Last but not least, the park's diverse wildlife is worth mentioning. The unique desert environment is home to a rare and unusual assortment of animals, including the kit fox, bighorn sheep, and the roadrunner. Witnessing different animals and their habitats up-close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave any traveler in awe and appreciation. In summary, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit for solo travelers who are looking for a transformative adventure. With a striking background of rocks and wildlife, it provides plenty of opportunities to take breathtaking photos. Its trails are a short step to taking long strides to prove oneself and adventures to take on the climbing walls. It's a perfect place to camp, hike, and bask amidst nature's beauty. Unleash Your Inner Adventurer On the Sol Duc Falls Trail Olympic National Park is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes. The park provides a diverse destination that is rich in natural beauty and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From its rugged coastline to ancient rainforests and stunning mountain ranges, it truly has it all. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, there is something for everyone here. For a breathtaking hike, Vince highly recommends the Sol Duc Falls trail. This trail is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the rainforest and the incredible Sol Duc Waterfall. The hike is incredible, taking visitors on a journey through the mesmerizing rainforest and offering a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of this region up close. You'll be surrounded by towering trees, rushing streams, and the sweet sounds of local wildlife. The Sol Duc Waterfall itself is stunning, and you'll feel truly humbled by its sheer force and magnificence as it cascades down the rocks with awe-inspiring power. Overall, a hike on the Sol Duc Falls Trail is a must-do for any nature lover. Getting lost in the depth and majesty of the Rocky Mountains Rocky Mountain National Park extends over 265,461 acres and is located in the northeast region of Colorado, less than two hours away from Denver. Established in 1915, it is famous for its dazzling scenery, including towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes that reflect the beauty of their surroundings. Its magnificent allure has earned it a place among the world's most incredible natural wonders. Hiking is one of the most coveted experiences in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the area has something for hikers of all skill levels, with over 50 hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. The Longs Peak Trail is one of the most favored hikes, leading hikers to the top of the park's monarch. Although the trail is challenging and approximately a 14.5-mile round trip that takes about 12-15 hours to complete, the views from the summit more than make up for it. From such a height, hikers can gain a new vantage point on the stunning views of the enveloping mountains and valleys. In addition to the picturesque scenery, the park is home to abundant wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and golden eagles. Visitors hiking through the mountains often catch glimpses of these majestic creatures, adding an extra layer of excitement to their trek through the park's wilderness. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rocky Mountain National Park offers various activities, such as hiking and camping. This park is an iconic and inspirational representation of the United States' diverse natural wonders, and it will continue to impress and captivate generations to come. Find Your Path in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park As an AI with opinions, I believe that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's natural beauty and rich history make it an incredible destination for individuals interested in such pursuits. Nature lovers will be awed by the park's diverse flora and fauna. History buffs can appreciate the numerous historic sites and landmarks that provide insights into the area's past. In addition, the park boasts breathtaking waterfalls that can leave visitors feeling refreshed and invigorated. To fully appreciate this national park, solo adventurers can participate in several exciting activities, including hiking, camping, and photography. If you're up for a hike, Vince highly recommends the Alum Cave Trail, one of the park's various hiking trails. This trail takes you through captivating landscapes, offering some of the most incredible views of Mount LeConte. The stunning mountain, standing tall at 6,594 ft, is alluring all year round but especially during the fall or winter with the breathtaking foliage from above. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the picturesque park. Photography enthusiasts will have endless opportunities to take stunning photos of the landscape, wildlife, and historic landmarks. While camping, you can also experience the park's widespread natural sounds, perhaps next to a stream or at a campsite. To delve deeper into the park's history, explore the various historic sites, such as old cabins or museums. This National Park has extraordinary stories that tell of a fascinating past, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. In conclusion, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an awe-inspiring destination that offers natural wonders and a wealth of history. BEIRUT In a brief statement issued Friday evening, the Saudi Arabian embassy in Beirut called on its nationals to leave Lebanon quickly and avoid areas of armed conflict, without specifying the areas it advised its citizens to avoid. The Saudi diplomatic mission also stressed "the importance of respecting the travel ban on Lebanon." It was followed Saturday by Kuwait, which issued an advisory calling on Kuwaitis in Lebanon to remain vigilant and avoid "areas of security unrest," though without asking them to leave the country. Deadly armed clashes have occurred in recent days in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, located on the outskirts of Saida, South Lebanon. Are the Saudi warnings directly linked to the situation in Ain al-Hilweh? Will they have repercussions on Lebanon, given that relations between Riyadh and Beirut have been strained in recent years? L'Orient-Le Jour interviewed Michael Young, editor of Diwan, the blog of the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, on this subject. Is Saudi Arabia's decision to call on its citizens to leave Lebanon quickly linked solely to the fighting in Ain al-Hilweh, or is it motivated by other considerations? Saudi Arabia's request is not just related to the fighting in Ain al-Hilweh. Many believe it could be linked to a possible Israel-Saudi agreement. The Ain al-Hilweh affair goes beyond the camp, insofar as it reflects a certain regional tension. Iran is trying to accumulate Palestinian cards and strengthen its position, as part of a possible confrontation against normalization between Arab countries and Israel. If an Israel-Saudi agreement is signed, Riyadh will certainly fear the reaction against its citizens in a country like Lebanon. What consequences might such a decision have for Lebanon, particularly in economic terms? Let's not exaggerate. For years, the Gulf states have been reluctant to let their citizens travel to Lebanon. So there will be no major impact from Riyadh's call (Friday) for its citizens to leave the country. But this call is certainly confirmation of a policy that has been in place for years. The Saudis have repeatedly shown an official lack of interest in Lebanon. The impact of their appeal should therefore not be exaggerated, but rather seen as confirmation of this attitude. Nevertheless, it is a blow to the level of trust that Arab countries can place in Lebanon. It's worrying to see this resistance on the part of Arab countries to consider that Lebanon is in a normal situation. Can we expect renewed fighting in Ain al-Hilweh, or other security blunders in the coming days or weeks? If the clashes at the Ain al-Hilweh camp are linked to regional calculations, we should certainly expect other security blunders. What happened in Ain al-Hilweh is still unclear, and theories abound. But if these incidents had a regional aim, then we shouldn't be surprised if tensions return to the camp. Anything is possible. Ain al-Hilweh is the nerve center of the Palestinian presence in Lebanon, and it is here that the groups and parties opposing Fateh are strongest. It is therefore the most likely place for new incidents to occur. McNeil now likely to miss home opener 05/08/2023 Dwight McNeil has been ruled out of the first game of the new season with manager Sean Dyche admitting that the winger is facing weeks out of action. McNeil was on the end of some nasty tackles during Everton's friendly win at Stoke City last weekend and was forced off following the last of them with what initially appeared to be just a knock. However, further assessment revealed the injury to be more than just bruising and while the club have not revealed any specifics following McNeil's trip to London for further scans, it does appear as though he will miss the visit of Fulham when the Premier League resumes next Saturday with ankle ligament damage. Dyche initially said the player faces "a little period" out of action and that the injury still needs to "settle down" before the player can resume training but later confirmed McNeil is looking at weeks on the sidelines. Article continues below video content The manager also provided updates on Arnaut Danjuma, who missed today's friendly against Sporting CP, and James Tarkowski who was withdrawn from the 1-0 win over the Portuguese side with a knock of his own. Dyche told the official site that he is "hopeful [Danjuma] will be back on grass next week" in time to prepare for the clash with the Cottagers and that the medical staff were just "being ultra careful" with Tarkowski who is a vital member of the back four. Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () How to get rid of these ads and support TW ToffeeWeb Despite proven links to Russia, Moldovan opposition groups retain the Kremlins encouragement and trust. The government must win back the disaffected. Moldovas government has sharply escalated its campaign against Russian-led efforts to destabilize the country with a mass expulsion of more than 30 Kremlin diplomats and legislation to bar the pro-Russian Shor party from future elections. This may not be enough to stop the Kremlins friends. The immediate reason given for the expulsions was a media investigation pointing to a huge array of spying and communications equipment on the roof of the embassy. The main concern, however, is not spying, but destabilization. For years, Russia has interfered in Moldovan politics using high-placed proxies. Former President Igor Dodon, whose party was defeated in the elections that brought President Maia Sandu to power, used to be the Kremlins closest ally in Moldova, but since 2022 he is firmly replaced in this role by the U.S.-sanctioned fugitive businessman Ilan Shor, who was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for large-scale bank fraud in Moldova and who is currently living in exile in Israel. Economic Concerns Since the beginning of the energy crisis caused by Russias all-out war in Ukraine, Shors party has instrumentalized economic concerns among wide strata of the population and staged protests against the pro-European Sandu and her party, PAS. In this offensive, Shor has enjoyed the official blessing of one of Moscows most toxic politicians, the chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Leonid Slutsky. Slutsky, a member of Russias delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) before it was expelled from the Council of Europe, is a familiar face of Russian foreign policy, despite immense reputational issues after detailed allegations of sexual abuse against female journalists in Moscow became public. As a response to illegal activities, Moldovas Constitutional Court banned the Shor party in June. In July, before the end of its spring session, Moldovas parliament followed up with more drastic action, forbidding former members of the banned party from running for public office for the next five years. The Shor partys formal exit from politics, however, does not mean a cessation of its activity. In the days before the law was passed, Shor himself and a current parliamentary member of his party, the European Union-sanctioned Marina Tauber, were active on social media criticizing the parliament and the PAS party for effectively blocking state funding to the autonomous region of Gagauzia. The region is run by Shor-backed Evgenia Gutul, whose handpicked executive committee has not been approved by central authorities. To get the flavor of Shor party rhetoric, it may be of interest that Tauber, arrested in May by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office for her role in illegally funding the party, responded by accusing Maia Sandu of genocide against Moldovan Jews. Weighing in on the conflict between the Gagauz administration and central government, she has called the latter a criminal, foreign-directed political regime and bandits trying to make our country into a sphere of geopolitical and military conflict. Agitating for action against this diabolical plan, she praised the strength of the Gagauz people in protecting the land from blasphemers. Ilan Shor also uses imaginative language on social media, calling Sandu a witch intent on preventing Gagauzia from flourishing under Shor protection. These rhetorical antics with their echoes of Russian rhetoric that moral defenses must be built against a corrupt and amoral European mainstream, would be laughable were it not for their apparent effectiveness with the predominantly rural, Orthodox population of Gagauzia. Socially vulnerable audiences have been manipulated by Shor and his predecessors in Moldova for years, serving as a basis for unscrupulous politicians to strike deals with Russia. Documents published by The Washington Post in October detailed the involvement of Russias FSB (Federal Security Service) with anti-government parties and its efforts to derail Moldovas movement toward EU and NATO membership. The choice by Russias Moldovan proxies to focus on the regions with substantial Russian-speaking populations seems to be the new survival strategy. Gutuls election was recent, but for Shor candidates in the November municipal elections in the rest of the country, the situation is now dire. It remains to be seen what tactics they will deploy in the regions now that their electoral aspirations are shattered. One thing is clear they will not stay idle. Reducing the strength of the Russian presence in Chisinau was a step in the right direction, but winning the hearts and minds of Shors and Dodons former voters remains a crucial task for the government. Marija Golubeva is a Distinguished Fellow with the Democratic Resilience Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). She was a member of the Latvian Parliament (2018-2022) and was minister of the interior from 2021-2022. A public policy expert, she has worked for ICF, a consultancy company in Brussels, and also as an independent consultant for European institutions in the Western Balkans and Central Asia. This article was originally published by the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). To read the latest analysis and commentary click here. All opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position or views of the institutions they represent or the Center for European Policy Analysis. A Casper man suspected of murdering his father in their home is heading to trial next week after his mental health evaluation caused delays. No plea agreement was made with Vincent Hayes as of Friday, and the "trial will be Monday," said Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen. Hayes' trial was originally scheduled to start in April, but it was postponed pending mental health reports. He pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder by reason of mental illness earlier this year. He is facing 20 years to life in prison if convicted. When officers arrived at a home on the 4700 block of East 12th Street on Nov. 12, 2021, they found a man dead inside, the affidavit in his case states. Hayes is accused of shooting his father, William Johnson, several times after they got into an argument over dinner. He allegedly told police that an alternate personality was in control at the time of the shooting, and he had reportedly been diagnosed with a rare trauma-induced condition dissociative identity disorder, the affidavit states. The disorder, which has a controversial reputation in criminal justice and psychiatry communities, was previously known as "multiple personality disorder." It's described as one person having two or more distinct personalities, which present themselves at different times, according to Psychology Today. In an interview with police, Hayes' mother said he had one personality, named "Reno," that was more aggressive and argumentative. She said "Reno" was in control when the shooting took place, the affidavit states. Johnson and Hayes were arguing over Johnson's opinions about people with "non-traditional" lifestyles and people of color, Hayes' mother said in an interview with police, according to the affidavit. His father allegedly made derogatory remarks about Hayes' girlfriend. Both men retrieved handguns and started waving them at each other in the living room, the affidavit states. Police say Hayes told them "Reno" does things that he is unaware of, but "Reno" can communicate with him through his thoughts to relay things he has done afterwards, the affidavit states. Hayes told investigators that his father said, "It would be better, if I just killed Reno," and loaded a gun, the affidavit states. So, "Reno" allegedly acted in self-defense. The trial is slated to take five days. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. During the dark days of World War II (1939-1945), Edward Algoo packed his bags and emigrated with wife Doris to Trinidad, from Guyana, after his oil company employer shut down operations there. Algoo found work at Trinidad Leaseholds Ltd (later to close as Petrotrin) and the couple would have seven children. Twenty-eight citizens have been authorised to proceed with individual legal actions against the Office of the Police Commissioner for significant delays in the decision-making process concerning their applications for firearm users licences (FULs). The matter came up for hearing yesterday before High Court judge Nadia Kangaloo. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand we can wave to make every firearm vanish from Trinidad Question: I plan on having a pool built. What should I take into consideration before I start the process? Answer: Craig and Lori OGrady, owners of Desert Sun Pools, a Rosie on the House certified partner, suggest that if you are considering building a pool, before you call a contractor, ask yourself these questions: How will I use the pool? Do I have children at home that will use the pool? Do I enjoy lounging in a pool? Do I like hosting pool parties for my family and friends? Do I and my family like pool games? If so, what kind of games? Will my pool be a place for exercise or swimming laps? Do I want a diving board? The answers to these questions will factor into the type of pool that will end up in your yard. A pool used for laps will have a specific design and be quite different in configuration than a pool used for kids enjoyment. If you only want the pool for lounging, you probably dont need an 8-foot-deep end. Thinking about how you plan to use the pool over the years is the first step in the pool building or remodeling process. The next step is to consider how you want the pool to impact your yard. A pool will have a sizeable visual and physical impact on your backyard. Will it be a focal point? How close will it be to the house? Where will I enter the house from the pool? Is it adjacent to my current or planned outdoor living spaces? Considering these questions in advance puts you in a better position to discuss your goals and better understand the input a pool designer might offer. Write down your thoughts, goals and questions to help you focus on your wants during your first meeting. Seriously consider your budget. Like any project you contemplate around your home, knowing your monetary limits is key. Q: What suggestions do you have for selecting a pool builder? A: The Rosie on the House consumer guide, How to Choose a Contractor is a good place to start and will help remove a lot of the guesswork. Find it at tucne.ws/1mek. Choose someone you can trust and will be there for you every step of the way, says Craig OGrady. This takes an interview process. Select three contractors with great reputations, solid testimonials and licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, which means they are bonded and insured. Interview each company. Before you ask questions, share your expectations. Then ask: What is your building process? What will the project schedule look like? How well do you keep on schedule? What is your follow-through from the sales and design team to the field personnel? You want to have a consistent point of contact throughout the process and an understanding of how the process will work. You want to be more than a contract number to the company. Plus, you dont want the project to start and sit for months with nothing more to show than a big hole in the ground. Ask for references from past customers. Follow through by calling each of them. Emails are usually not enough. Talk with their previous customers. If you can, visit the customers and look at the craftsmanship of the finished product. Once you interview the candidates and have done your due diligence, select the company you feel the most comfortable with. Personal relationships go a long way during the process and long after the job is done. Q: What happens after I have selected a pool contractor? A: Once you have a detailed written contract and schedule, you and your contractor should understand your expectations. Next, the work crew will show up. This is when you finalize the work areas and impacts on the existing landscape or hardscape, and the job begins. Assuming you have hired a qualified contractor and the project proceeds as planned, in three or four months the pool will be filled, and the construction recedes into the past. Q:What kind of new technology is there that makes pool maintenance easier? A: Pool technology has advanced to keep your pool in good working order and does not require much effort. Today we have the technology to remove heavy debris from the pool and canisters that collect it before it gets to the pump, thus allowing it to do its job effectively and efficiently as designed. Heavy debris removal systems have a larger capacity, so you dont have to clean your pool basket as frequently. Pool filtration has also advanced with devices that spin fine debris out of the water before the water reaches the filter to help reduce the clean frequency of the pool filter. We can run pools now for longer periods of time with variable speed pumps at lower electrical costs as much as 90% less than traditional pumps. By running your pool longer, you get better filtration, and if youre using a sanitation system such as ultraviolet light and ozone, it gives that system more time to do its job more efficiently so you can use less chlorine, says Craig OGrady. Everything from normal care to special functions now comes with an automated option. From an app on your phone, you can check and adjust the chemicals balance of the water, set the time the motor runs and turn on the pool lights. You can change the colors of your lights and heat your spa before you head home from work. Youve heard of beating swords into plowshares, but what about turning bombers into picnic shelters? The east side of Saguaro National Park is home to some unusual shade structures built in 1954 from the bomb bay doors of World War II-era military aircraft. Six ramadas at the Javelina Picnic Area in the parks Rincon Mountain District are made from the aluminum doors, which once hung from the bellies of Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers like the ones that dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. You dont expect to see bomber parts in a national park, said Ronald Beckwith, staff archaeologist at Saguaro. Someone had quite the imagination to turn these into roofs. There are four small shelters with three doors each, one longer structure with five doors and a large group site at the center of the picnic area with a gabled roof made from eight doors lashed to a metal frame. The 25 doors each roughly 14 feet long, 3 feet wide and still studded with rivets and mounting brackets came from at least seven different B-29s, though their exact origin remains a mystery. Beckwith has tried to trace the doors back to the aircraft they came from, but he doesnt have a lot to go on. Hes found a few part numbers here and there, but no aircraft serial numbers. A plate still mounted to one of the doors identifies it as a B-29 part made by Briggs Manufacturing Company, a Detroit-based company that switched from making car bodies for Ford and Chrysler to cranking out airplane parts during World War II. Except for some paint and an occasional realignment, not much has been done to the bomber ramadas over the years. We havent had any of them fall apart yet, said Beckwith, who has worked at Saguaro for 13 years. Theyve held up pretty well. He wrote a historical brief for the Park Service about the picnic shelters in 2016, but so far he has not been able to determine who decided to build them out of surplus airplane parts or why. Scott Marchand, CEO of the Pima Air & Space Museum, said park employees in the 1950s were probably just being frugal. The repurposing of military airplanes and their parts was not that uncommon in Arizona and elsewhere back then, he said. People built barns, horse corrals and other enclosures out of such surplus material, as equipment was taken out of service following World War II and other conflicts. It was cheaper than going and buying corrugated steel, Marchand said. Beckwith said there has been some grumbling over the years from a few park employees who think the bomb-bay-door shelters are unsightly and inappropriate for a national park. Luckily, he said, such criticism hasnt caught on. Im a history buff, of course. I would hate to see them disappear, Beckwith said. I would strongly argue against that. When it entered service in 1944, Boeings Superfortress was one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world, with a range of more than 3,250 miles, an operational ceiling of almost 32,000 feet, gun turrets that could be operated by remote control and a pressurized cabin for its 11-man crew. Some 3,970 B-29s were built between 1943 and 1946, when production ended. The Superfortress flew bombing missions over Europe, Asia and the Pacific during World War II, then saw action during the Korean War. The aircraft was also converted for use on anti-submarine patrols, weather reconnaissance flights and as an in-flight-refueling tanker. The last Superfortress squadron was retired in 1960. Only one or two B-29s still fly and fewer than two dozen have been preserved intact, including historys two most famous Superfortresses, Enola Gay and Bockscar, which dropped the atomic bombs on Japan in August 1945. The collection at the Pima Air & Space Museum includes a B-29 nicknamed Sentimental Journey, which was assigned to the island of Guam in April 1945 and completed 30 combat missions during the last four months of the war in the Pacific. Marchand isnt surprised that Beckwith has struggled to trace the bomb bay doors at the Javelina Picnic Area back to their original airplanes. Its pretty unlikely that a door would be stamped with the serial number of the bomber it came from, he said, and hundreds of B-29s ended up in Tucson for decommissioning after World War II and Korea. This is where things came for storage and disposition, he said. A lot of it was just sold as scrap to scrap dealers around the region. Nobody was super sentimental about this stuff. As far as Marchand is concerned, its perfectly natural for some of that surplus metal to have ended up at Saguaro National Park, where an idea born out of pragmatism and probably cheapness almost 70 years ago now stands as an unintended tribute to Tucsons post-World-War II boom and its status as the worlds largest airplane boneyard. Gov. Katie Hobbs made history by vetoing more bills than any other Arizona governor. In the legislative session just ended, she blew past the record 58 vetoes set by her fellow Democrat Janet Napolitano in 2005. Hobbs surpassed that mark in April, just three months into the session. And when the dust finally settled, Hobbs had used her veto stamp one she actually inherited from Napolitano 143 times. What makes that even more remarkable is that lawmakers worked at the Capitol only 62 days this session. I certainly didnt come here to veto bills, Hobbs told Capitol Media Services in an interview after her first session as governor. She suggested that the Republican-controlled Legislature sent her some extreme bills as veto bait, including some that moderate Republicans wouldnt have supported if they thought there was any chance they would become law. I think that the Legislature has shown that, in some regard, it wants to paint me as an obstructionist, Hobbs said. I think the number of vetoes does the same thing to them. But Hobbs said her prodigious use of the veto stamp should come as no surprise, if not to the Republican legislative leaders, then to the people who voted for her. I made it clear when I was campaigning that I was going to be the backstop against things that curtail peoples rights, that dont help us with economic growth, Hobbs said. And Ive done that. Blocked from becoming laws There were some that fit into that area of rights, such as her rejection of four measures designed to target drag shows and performers. A bill to forbid teachers from using a students preferred pronoun, and another telling schools they must dictate which restrooms transgender students can use, met similar fates. Also failing to pass muster were proposals to tell banks they have to do business with gun dealers and manufacturers; allowing guns on school campuses; and imposing new hurdles on placement of solar and wind farms. But perhaps the biggest group of vetoes were of Republicans efforts to change some of the rules for elections after the 2020 loss by then-President Donald Trump in Arizona and the victories by Democrats in 2022 for governor, secretary of state and attorney general. GOP lawmakers sent Hobbs measures changing the verification procedures for early ballots, altering how ballot signature challenges are handled, barring the use of artificial intelligence anywhere in the election process, making it easier to remove people from the early voting list and requiring the public posting of ballot images. They also sent a bill to let counties do hand counts instead of using tabulation machines, an outgrowth of baseless claims by losing GOP candidates that the system was rigged. Wouldnt even have gotten to Duceys desk? Hobbs said one big reason she reached 143 vetoes is that Republican lawmakers who might have otherwise opposed some of the measures chose to simply go along with colleagues to get along. Theres a lot of bills that got to my desk that would never have got to Doug Duceys desk, she said, referring to her Republican predecessor. Republicans didnt care to use their political capital to stop it because they knew I would veto. Does that make her the best friend of moderate Republicans? I dont know that they would say that, she laughed. One of the biggest vetoes actually 13 separate ones was over the skinny budget approved by GOP lawmakers in February, one that simply extended current funding into the new fiscal year. They essentially dared her to veto it, saying if she didnt sign it they would not enact another state budget and the state would run out of authority to pay its bills on July 1. Hobbs didnt balk, rejecting the plan because it did not focus on what she said were funding priorities. That forced GOP leaders back to the bargaining table where they came up with a plan for a $17.8 billion spending plan that got bipartisan support. Didnt veto voucher spending growth But Hobbs refused to use the threat of another veto to quash a program she had sought to kill or at least curb: universal vouchers to allow students to attend private and parochial schools, or get home schooled, at taxpayers expense. First approved in 2011, vouchers, formally known as empowerment scholarship accounts, were billed as providing an option for students with special needs. But lawmakers repeatedly expanded eligibility to include foster children, those living on reservations and children attending schools the state rated as D or F. As of last year there were about 12,000 students enrolled and eligible for the vouchers, which provide an average of about $7,200 a year. In 2022, however, the GOP-controlled Legislature removed all restrictions, opening the program to any of the approximately 1.1 million students attending public schools. Enrollment quickly ballooned past 50,000. In her State of the State speech in January, Hobbs said the system lacks accountability and will likely bankrupt the state, putting the cost at $1.5 billion over the next 10 years. But the state budget she negotiated made absolutely no change in eligibility. And that didnt please Democrats in the Legislature. If there is no cap on ESA vouchers in this budget, we will have a catastrophic deficit next year, Senate Minority Leader Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, said in a Twitter post shortly after the deal was announced. That proved prescient. Less than two weeks after Hobbs agreed to ink the new version, state schools chief Tom Horne produced estimates that 100,000 students would seek vouchers and the cost for just the new school year would hit $900 million, 63% more than the funding lawmakers had just put into the new budget. The governor immediately responded, promising a new effort to get lawmakers to curb the growth. Obviously, this number wasnt published before the budget, Hobbs said at the time. We have a different set of facts that were dealing with now in terms of actual cost. A non-starter By that point, however, Hobbs had little bargaining leverage with GOP lawmakers, having already signed the $17.8 billion spending plan. A further estimate she produced just last month claiming the price tag had reached $944 million did nothing to move Republican lawmakers to reconsider the just-adopted budget she signed. Hobbs, in her post-session interview, defended not vetoing the budget when she had a chance and could have demanded a cap on growth, if not a repeal of the expansion. It was absolutely a non-starter in those discussions with GOP leaders, she said. Instead, she had to settle for language in the budget about metrics that will provide information on growth of vouchers spending. She said she believes that information will convince lawmakers eventually that the program cant grow as fast. At least part of the reason for the sharply rising cost is the number of parents who had been paying to send their children to private and parochial schools on their own dime now opting in to the state program. That doesnt bother House Speaker Ben Toma, R-Peoria. He said it is irrelevant that parents now have the opportunity to shift the cost of their childrens private school tuition from themselves to the state, saying they pay taxes like everyone else. Hobbs said its an illusion to suggest the vouchers are going to help everyone. Most poor families, if they get a voucher, are still not going to be able to afford private school tuition, Hobbs said. Figures from the Education Data Initiative say the current average cost of tuition at private elementary schools is $9,365. That compares with the basic voucher for elementary and middle school students who have no special needs at $6,764. High school vouchers are worth $7,532; EDI says the average private school cost in Arizona is $13,772. Every kid, almost across the state, has a neighborhood public school, Hobbs said. And if we invest in those schools and it goes to the best schools everywhere, then every kid will have access to that quality education. Got GOP leaders back to the table But while the governor was unwilling to threaten a veto on the budget over vouchers, she did show this session that she was willing to use it to coerce lawmakers to produce something more to her liking, even at the risk of blowing everything up. Thats what happened with Proposition 400, the measure authorizing a vote in Maricopa County to extend its half-cent sales tax for transportation projects for another 20 years. Hobbs rejected the first plan in June, not only because it provided less money for mass transit than she wanted, but also because it would have required two separate votes: One for spending for roads and most mass transit, and a separate one for light rail. In vetoing the measure, Hobbs ran the risk that lawmakers would decide they were unwilling to give more and refuse to reconsider. Failure of legislators to act would have resulted in the current tax expiring in 2025, meaning Maricopa would compete with the other 14 counties for limited state road funds. After a rough start to the year, sales of new homes in Tucson have taken an upswing to levels not seen since 2007. The closings for both May, at 362, and June, at 348, are the highest monthly levels since the year before the housing crash, data from R.L. Brown Reports shows. But, at the current rate of construction, the Tucson market is at least five years away from catching up with demand and seeing any cooling of new home prices. Homebuilders, apparently feeling the optimism, pulled 329 new-home permits in June, an 18.77% increase over June 2022. Tucson is holding its own during this period of uncertainty in the housing market, said David Godlewski, president of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association. We expect this momentum to continue for the second half of the year. While other markets in the country experienced big setbacks in new home construction, the Tucson area has maintained a steady pace following a pause last year. New housing has been helped by the lack of resale homes on the market, as owners cling to low mortgage rates. June saw a 25.22% drop in the number of existing home sales compared to June 2022. That is driving homebuyers to new homes, which impacts the price. The average new home price stands at $479,744 and the average resale price is $414,483. I dont see prices coming down because the market is so lopsided, said Craig Thompson, president of the Tucson Association of Realtors. If we stay on a steady pace, we wont be able to catch up with demand for at least five years. Theres much more demand than there is supply which is going to keep prices up. Thompson said the demand comes from new residents and existing residents whose life circumstances have changed. When families go from having two kids to three kids, they just have to move, he said. The builders are building as fast as they can (but) at the end of the day, theres just not enough existing homes. June data shows there were 1,593 existing homes for sale in the Tucson market, about a 1.8-month supply, with about 41 days on the market until sold. A balanced market is considered one that has a five-month supply, Thompson said. The market will be tight for a long time. Balancing growth, resources The Tucson housing market has outperformed other comparable metro areas in the nation because of strong population and economic growth, most notably due to the trials and tribulations of the California market, said local housing analyst Jim Daniel, with R.L. Brown Reports. Sun Corridor Inc., the regions main economic development agency, gave examples of California companies recently moving into the Tucson market including: Chrome Hearts, a Hollywood luxury-goods manufacturer that will employ jewelers, upholsterers and carpenters at 8500 S. Rita Road Pony.ai, an autonomous driving tech company from Fremont, California, that is partnering with Pima Community College and will base its operations at the new Automotive Technology & Innovation Center, 1255 N. Stone Ave. Advanced Financial Co., based in Carlsbad, California, that provides consumer loans services for timeshare resorts and plans a major Tucson expansion at 5151 E. Broadway Blvd. We have grown so accustomed to positive growth and economic news that we now find ourselves believing in our own marketing pitch and broadly assuming that the good times will continue ad infinitum, Daniel said. It is hard not just to expect it to continue given our local economic news and our expectation that our potential water woes will be mitigated by aggressive regional government actions. Godlewski agreed that the Tucson area has a strong conservation ethic. This has positioned us better than other parts of the state and gives builders confidence in continuing to invest here, he said. As a result, with careful planning, we can continue to achieve a balance between economic growth and protecting this precious resource. Getting in on the action With the exception of a few new-home developments, such as Westbridge at Silverbell, near Silverbell and Grant roads; Corbett Village, near 29th Street and Wilmot Road; and Bella Tierra, near Irvington Road and Camino Seco, the majority of new building permits have been issued for the periphery of Tucson. Sahuarita, Red Rock, Vail, Marana and Saddlebrooke are seeing the biggest number of new home permits. Pepper Viner Homes is the only local homebuilder in R.L. Browns list for top permits issued with 27 in the past 12 months for one development. National homebuilder Meritage Homes, by comparison, had 440 permits in the same time period for multiple developments. There have been 41 heat-related deaths in Pima County through July, updated figures from the medical examiner show. The grim tally rises to 64 when migrants who have died crossing the border are included. The rise in confirmed heat-related deaths comes as Pima County endured the hottest July on record and is under an excessive heat warning through the weekend. Overall, 16 Pima County residents have died due to excessive heat since May. Thirteen of those deaths occurred in July and nine occurred indoors, the data shows. The final number of heat-related fatalities is expected to grow for July, said Dr. Greg Hess, the countys chief medical examiner. That wont be all of July, Hess said Friday. Were we busy last summer? Yes. Were we tracking heat the way we are this summer? No. Hess was referencing the countys newly-updated data dashboard that tracks heat-caused, heat-related and heat-contributed deaths. Heat-caused deaths are those where heat is the primary factor. Heat-related deaths refer to those where environmental factors are either the primary cause, or a significant contributing factor to a persons death. And those labeled as heat-contributed deaths mean heat was a factor, but not necessarily the main one. Of the 41 heat-linked death cases in Pima County, there was a nearly identical split of deaths occurring indoors versus outdoors. Men accounted for about 66 percent of the deaths and a majority were people at least 60 years old. Heat impacts different demographics of people more significantly, Hess said. Older people are more vulnerable to effects of the heat because they dont have as robust of physiological responses to keep their bodies cool. [The elderly] seem to be more likely to either not have air conditioning, have air conditioning thats broken, or turn off their AC for whatever reason . . . we find these people in their residences and their air conditioning is broken or its not on. In 2022, Pima County recorded 28 heat-caused deaths. As of Aug. 2, the countys figure is at 16. Maybe were on track or a little bit ahead, but were not rocketing ahead, said Hess. It didnt really get hot until July and its going to be hot again this weekend and were in August. We dont know how long its going to stay hot for, but I would expect that these heat-related deaths would drop off pretty quickly once the major heat waves end. To date, Maricopa County says 39 heat-linked deaths have been confirmed through July 29. While Pima County is reporting more cases than Maricopa County at this point, Hess said that is due to how quickly cases are processed here. Pima County will most likely have about a third of the deaths that Maricopa County when the final count is made, he said. Both Pima County and Maricopa County have refrigerated body trailers on standby in the event morgues reach capacity, the Associated Press reported this week.. The average temperature in the Tucson metro area in July was 94.3 degrees, nearly three degrees more than the previous record of 91.5 degrees set in July 2020, according to a Twitter post by National Weather Service Tucson. Last months average temperature was 4 degrees above normal for the month of July, according to the weather service. Several weather records were broken last month. Phoenix has a 31-day streak of above-110-degree temperatures. Tucson had a record 48 straight days of over 100-degree-highs, spanning from June 16 to Aug. 2. While a recent string of monsoon storms in Pima County provided some relief from the heat, the weather service issued an excessive heat warning for the majority of south and southwest Arizona through the weekend. Afternoon temperatures ranging from 104 degrees to 113 degrees will be possible throughout the region. Temperatures here are expected to reach 110 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, according to National Weather Service Tucson. Rain and thunderstorm chances are expected to be minimal through the weekend. However, chances of storms will slightly increase at the beginning of next week. At 8 a.m., the sun hadnt yet started to scorch the dry landscape in the shadow of northern Arizonas Gray Mountain, about 40 miles north of Flagstaff. Under a non-working windmill, Paul Lincoln crouched to examine hoof prints on the dusty earth. Notice no two hoof prints are the same, he said. Theyre like human palms. See that ridge that looks like an arrowhead? We call it that, the arrowhead. Its sacred to us. The horses are like thunder and lightning. They are sacred to us. Lincoln is a former Navajo police officer who lives in Tuba City. Every morning in the summer he and his partner Glinda get in their truck, drive to Cameron to pick up a water trailer, and haul water to a series of tanks and troughs in Gray Mountain. Those tanks are a critical water source for the nearby population of wild horses. Gray Mountain is situated at a lower elevation than Flagstaff about 5,000 feet and in the past few weeks temperatures have climbed to a sweltering 109 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Lincoln. Horses come down from the mountain dragging their heads, he said, starving and dehydrated. Its a desolate area. The vegetation is dry. Theres no water, no place to get out of the sun, he said, gesturing widely over the rocky soil to the open sky. In the fall, the horses are largely self-sufficient, but Lincoln knows that under the summer sun, they need a little help. Thats why in 2018 he decided to start hauling water and bringing hay to the foot of the windmill. Initially, Lincoln lived in Gray Mountain and noticed the horses were desperate for water. He started filling kiddie pools and water bottles, trying his best to bring some hydration to the herd. That same year, close to 200 horses died of dehydration in the Gray Mountain area. Horse Heroes Posts on Facebook started to spread about the dire condition of the animals, mobilizing people such as Eileen Taggart and Beth Buchanen to help Lincoln in his simple cause of bringing life-saving water to wild horses. I saw a post from another realtor named Billy McGraw that said these horses at Gray Mountain were starving and dehydrating. It was this amazing, emotional, really heartfelt post. There were people on the ground trying to help, Taggart said. I drove out and it was amazing. I met Paul and Glinda. Paul started making me laugh; I felt like Id known him my whole life. It was a magical thing for me. It was something that filled a need to be with nature and help my feeling of helplessness. I saw the horses and I knew we could help them. Soon, a grassroots effort sprung up, and a new Facebook page called Gray Mountain Horse Heroes was published. Meanwhile, the growing group of interested people connected with a Gilbert-based nonprofit that had helped equines in Arizona since 1995. Wildhorse Ranch Rescue, a 501(c )(3) organization, proved to be a valuable partner. The nonprofit helped raise funds for Lincoln and his volunteers, first to purchase infrastructure water tanks and troughs then the water to fill it. The tanks themselves hold about 1,100 gallons of water. It costs more than $750 a week to keep them full. The way we framed this is the wild horses bring the gift of water to Gray Mountain for everyone, said Kimberly Meagher, the founder of Wildhorse Ranch Rescue. The water can be used by wildlife, horses, cattle and local people who need it, Meagher said, so long as the horses themselves have a place to safely drink. The spot beneath the windmill, where the tanks are located, is accessible via a mostly paved road, and its frequented by the areas equine population. This is where it all began, Lincoln said. At the time the windmill wasnt running. Then, just last year we got it going through the Navajo tribe. It lasted for so long and then, after that, it just stopped pumping water. Im working on that, too. Were trying to get Navajo Nation to help us. Via Facebook, Gray Mountain Horse Heroes has gained international attention. According to Buchanan, donors from France, Canada, the UK, Australia and Italy have rallied to buy water and feed for the Gray Mountain horses. One generous horse lover in Texas helped raise $1,000 for the cause. Its where our hearts are Guided by his heart for the areas wild horses, Lincoln came out regularly, keeping an eye on the herds well-being to get them through the grueling summers. It just started out like that. Trying to help them out kind of gives me that inspiration, helping animals like people. Advocates. Mine is horses, Lincoln said. Five years on, Lincoln said the horses recognize his truck and usually come down for a fresh drink and and Bermuda hay breakfast while hes on site. I actually have been able to touch them. After a while they trust you, they know the vehicles and stuff like that, he said. They have character I keep an eye on them, I look through the herd when they get here. Theres one foal Im looking at, he or she is really small, too. The animals are not tame, but they are thirsty, now more than ever. Water in the area is scarce even during years with heavy monsoons. The sure-footed wild horses that cautiously come down from the mountain to drink have been leaving the tanks drained dry in recent weeks. On July 25, Elise Wilson hauled water to Gray Mountain and loaded a few bales of hay in the bed of her pick-up truck for the animals. She donated the water she hauled herself, filling up at a water stand in Flagstaff. I know its tough out here on the reservation for the horses and for the people. Most of us have horses, and our hearts are in this. We want to help as much as we can at least through the summer. Its where our hearts are, she said. Sometimes horses dont make it through the harsh summers; foals in particular struggle to survive. Im sure there are foals who didnt make it out there, Lincoln said. The foals, the strong ones, will make it out here (for water). Lincoln said hes found orphaned foals who stayed by the water tanks and didnt survive. But hes been instrumental in saving some. Baby Ash found in dire straits Wildhorse Ranch takes in orphaned foals from Gray Mountain and uses donations to cover the cost of medical care. Volunteers are still needed to get the colts and fillies from Gray Mountain to the Valley to see the vet and find more permanent sanctuary. One foal, lovingly named Ash, Lincoln found in dire straits. Wilson ended up loading the baby horse in the back seat of her car to take him to Wildhorse Ranch. Ive been around horses forever and I never thought about putting one in my truck. When we came I had my horse trailer ready, but theres no way he would have made it in the trailer, Wilson said. The drive takes about four hours under the best conditions, but Wilson said Ashs trip was especially eventful. On his journey, Wilson was passed by law enforcement officers engaged in hot pursuit with another vehicle. The high speed chase further delayed their journey. Ultimately, Ash arrived in Gilbert and needed thousands of dollars worth of veterinary care. Baby Ash was in the hospital for 11 days. Hes a $7,000 baby horse, Meagher said. Because Gray Mountain Horse Heroes work as an informal, grassroots group, they dont take donations directly. Instead, they receive dollars through Wildhorse Ranch. Donations are what supported baby Ash in his recovery. When we go get babies up at Gray Mountain, its Paul and Glinda who find them, keep them safe, give them milk. We couldnt do it without them, Meagher said. Not long after Ash was found, another orphan was spotted in Gray Mountain. The high temperatures in Gilbert, along with the critical nature of the dark bay babys condition, meant he needed a foster in Flagstaff. Barbara Hill took in the days-old colt. The first time he saw the veterinarian, he needed a name for record-keeping purposes. At the time Hill said she was chatting with the vets daughter about the animated movie Spirit. In the film, which follows a wild horse on adventures from his birth, the horse is a buckskin. Despite his darker coloring, the name stuck. Hill said shes realized the little guy has a lot of spirit. Shes since decided to adopt him permanently. The young horses that do end up in Gilbert are kept in a barn with commercial-grade misters, otherwise the heat would be too brutal to bear there, too. Meagher said one day she hopes to have a fully air conditioned barn, but in the meantime every effort to save wild horses matters. Whats really important for people to remember is that wild horses have a place in our society. Theyre important, theyre spiritual. Its important for them to be safe along with everyone else, Meagher said. She believes the horses should be allowed to live in their family bands, with the exception of orphaned foals that wouldnt make it otherwise. We believe theyre wild, we understand the population issues. We are in talks about doing birth control for the mares. Its not like we just think there should be 10 million horses at Gray Mountain, but there shouldnt be zero, Meagher said. Thats why after five years, Lincoln and his partner still work hard to get the Gray Mountain herd through the summer. A few paces from one of the 300-gallon water tanks the horses rely on, Lincoln has stacked stones in the shape of a turtle. Every time he stops to water the horses, he takes an orange lid off of a tote on his water trailer and dips it carefully into the tank. Then, he carries the water to his turtle, and with a steady hand, gently pours water onto the backs of the rocks. Its a prayer for rain, he explained. Rain is always needed in Gray Mountain. When it rains, the horses dont have to rely on humans to bring in water. When it rains, there is relief. When it doesnt, Lincoln is there, diligently caring for the animals he considers sacred. PHOENIX Claiming legal errors and improper government interference, Abe Hamadeh is asking the Arizona Supreme Court to order a new trial in his bid to overturn the attorney generals election. Hamadeh, the losing GOP candidate, and the Republican National Committee claim Mohave County Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen acted improperly in limiting the amount of time he had to prepare his legal arguments seeking to overturn his 2022 loss to Democrat Kris Mayes. In new court filings, they say that denied them the ability to find evidence that some people legally entitled to vote did not have their ballots tabulated. They also contend that more time would have enabled them to prove there were a sufficient number of situations where tabulators reported an undervote in the race for attorney general essentially, that the voter had skipped the race but where an examination of the ballots would show people did make a choice. Given that Hamadeh outpolled Mayes among Election Day voters, they say that could more than make up for Hamadehs 280-vote deficit. Hamadeh and his lawyers also want the justices to conclude that Democrat Katie Hobbs, then secretary of state, acted improperly in withholding until six days after his December trial that a recount in Pinal County showed discrepancies in the totals. Hamadeh says that information could have provided the evidence that Mayes attorneys argued at trial was lacking as they called it a farcical proceeding. That statement is reckless at best, deceitful at worst, attorneys for Hamadeh and the RNC told the high court. An order from a Maricopa County Superior Court judge had barred release of any countys recount tally until the full statewide results were available. But Hamadeh contends it only barred county officials from providing the information and did not apply to Hobbs, who was a defendant in this case based on her position as secretary of state. No authority permitted defendant Secretary to violate the duty of candor to the tribunal and to falsely assert that petitioners had no evidence while simultaneously suppressing facts that validated petitioners claims, the new court filing states. His legal team also lashed out at Maricopa County, also was a party in the litigation, for what he said was its delay in giving him timely access to the ballots while, at the same time, arguing to Jantzen that the judge should toss his challenge and confirm Mayes as attorney general. State and county officials used the power and purse of the government to take a substantive position in an election contest and to actively tip the scales of justice by withholding public records and concealing information that validated the vote count issues petitioners raised at trial, they said. Time to charge bus fares again Re: the July 27 letter Free buses are better than free. When I read letters from readers who support keeping bus fare free, I wonder how many actually ride the bus daily, like I do. The letter writer stated that Ed Ackerley cites unrelated arguments such as crime, drugs, and even mental health as the problem. These arguments are very much related to fare-free buses. I see people every day on the bus who I suspect are sleeping off their addiction or using the bus as a getaway car, not going downtown to eat or shop. While this sounds unsympathetic, this is the way it is on some buses. I have ridden Sun Tran for many years. When fares became free, it was the right thing to do. Now is time to start charging fares again. There are reduced fares for those not able to pay. Riders who are able to pay, should pay. This revenue will go further in investing in our future than keeping bus fare free. Mary Ruiz Northwest side An independent FBI As a former FBI agent with 24 years experience, I strongly believe that the FBI should be independent from the DOJ. It is important for its director to be able to make decisions without political interference and to make decisions based on the facts, not on the political interests of the president or the attorney general. The AG and the DOJ are made up of political appointees. The Director of the FBI is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. This means that the director is ultimately responsible to the president, and the president can remove the director at any time. In practice, the director of the FBI often has to walk a fine line between being independent and being responsive to the president. This can be a difficult task, especially in times of political turmoil. The FBI director is appointed for a 10-year term, which is meant to insulate the director from the whims of politicians. The FBI should be non-partisan, non-political, and independent. Tom McGorray Northwest side Young Arizonans engagement in the political process Re: the July 28 article Engagement up for young Arizona voters. A recent article stated that voters 18 to 29 were the most engaged in many, many years. There was one issue not mentioned, student loans. Those millions of students with huge education debt were no doubt happy when they were given several years of not having to pay monthly payments. Certainly a political party who was willing to forgive $10,000 or $20,000 of debt would be the beneficiary of their allegiance and could expect to receive their vote. I dont say this as criticism but as a reality. At age 95, I can remember starting out with my new bride. Our lives were so much about us and striving we had no time to worry about government other than voting. In those days it did work fairly well. It is only now when the battle lines are drawn do we all feel the need to be involved. Jack Walters Northeast side Engel is the only choice Re: the July 31 letter We already know Ciscomanis story. I agree with this writers take on Ciscomani but must reject his calling his opponent, Kirsten Engel, an inept Democratic opponent. She was a first-time candidate with a first-time campaign staff. That said, she probably lost the election when the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee walked away pulling it funding. They panicked seeing how much dark money Ciscomani received. Engel lost by 5,000 votes or there about. Not bad given the Arizona GOPs aggressive gerrymandering! Ciscomani then had no voting history to defend. Now he does. Kristen is taking Ciscomani on again. I doubt the national Democrats will make the same mistake twice. If Tucson voters want Congress to hear, and hopefully address, our critical issues such has long term water management, Kirsten Engel is the only choice. Marion Smith Northwest side Arizonas public education funding Re: the July 31 article Arizonas K-12 public school system in need of repair. My sincere gratitude to Mr. Paul McCreary for his incisive piece. Arizona ranks 49th nationally in teacher salaries, last in per-student spending, and has the second most crowded classrooms in the nation. This did not happen by accident. According to Duke University history professor Nancy MacLeans outstanding book on the subject, the Koch Libertarian Network has been using its powerful influence in Republican controlled states to defund and privatize public schools since 1969. Why? Simply because massive tax cuts skewed to benefit billionaires like the Kochs require cuts in state education budgets, and billionaires dont need public schools for their kids. With the laudable exception of former Arizona Republican Gov. Jane Dee Hull, a lifelong public school teacher, Arizonas Republican controlled legislatures have systematically reduced funding. Democrats in the legislatures minority have been unable to stop them. Brooks Keenan Oro Valley Congress hard right and hard left There are far more Democrats in Congress that are in the hard Left than Republicans are in the hard Right. The just published 52nd Ratings of Congress from CPACs (Conservative Political Action Conference) Center for Legislative Accountability found 14 Republican House members and three Republican Senators had 100% ratings on the CPAC report card of conservative issues and the Democrats had 76 House members and 38 Senators with zero ratings on the same report card. Plus, there are dozens of House Democrats with 3% ratings. In 1971, the first year of the Ratings, it was 61 Republican House members and 11 Senators with 100%. The Democrats had 39 House members and 23 Senators with zero ratings. So, over the last 52 years, the Republicans in Congress have moved more to the middle and Democrats have moved more to the hard Left. Douglas R. Holm GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning, a North Carolina Democrat, was injured in a car accident Thursday in her district and was treated at a hospital, her office said. The second-term congresswoman was traveling in Greensboro in a car driven by a staff member when the accident occurred between 9 and 9:30 a.m., according to a news release and a spokesperson. They sustained non life-threatening injuries, were taken to the hospital, and have been discharged, the news release said. Manning was on her way to High Point for a roundtable discussion on gun violence, spokesperson Gia Scirrotto said. The news release thanks first responders and health care workers. Scirrotto said that the staff member driving was not at fault but didn't have other details. Greensboro police didnt immediately respond to an email. Manning, who was first elected to Congress in 2020, represents north-central North Carolina's 6th Congressional District, which covers Guilford, Rockingham and Caswell counties and part of Forsyth County. MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) A Muncie man was formally charged Friday with two counts of aggravated battery and criminal recklessness in connection with a weekend shooting that left one person dead and 17 others wounded in the central Indiana city. John L. Vance Jr., 36, was also charged in Delaware Circuit Court with possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman acknowledged the charges do not specifically refer to the shooting death of 30-year-old Joseph E. Bonner III, of Muncie. This investigation is far from over. The investigation and any subsequent prosecution will go where the facts and evidence take it," Hoffman said in a statement. The shooting early Sunday unfolded at a block party in the city about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northeast of Indianapolis attended by hundreds of revelers as police were calling the venues owner to shut down the gathering, authorities have said. Bonner was among those attending, Muncie Police Chief Nathan Sloan has said. Police were aware that the owner of a business that periodically rents out space for events was hosting a block party that got out of control, with between 500 and up to 1,000 in attendance, Sloan said. Photos of the scene showed police tags marking what appeared to be dozens of bullets on the street. Police were not at the scene at the time of the shooting just after 1 a.m. on Sunday, but they were trying to get the business owner to end the party, Sloan said. We made a phone call to the owner and asked him to get things shut down. The streets were packed. Before we could make contact and get something done, before we could get that shut down, the gunfire erupted, Sloan said during a news conference a day after the shooting. Sloan described a chaotic scene as officers and first responders arrived at the location on Muncies east side. Our people were applying tourniquets, administering first aid, providing CPR. And they we were rushing people to the hospital in our police cars because we didnt have time to wait, Sloan said. After the shooting, police had to separate people in a Muncie hospitals parking lot who were arguing and officers had to clear a path at the hospitals entrance for anyone needing medical attention to enter, Deputy Muncie Police Chief Melissa Criswell said. Vance, who was arrested Tuesday, continued to be held in jail Friday under a $105,000 bond. Online court records did not list an attorney for him. Hoffman also filed the documents necessary to ask that Vance be declared a habitual offender, which could lead to a longer sentence if he is convicted of the pending charges. The Muncie mans record includes convictions for dealing in cocaine or a narcotic drug, resisting law enforcement, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, battery, domestic battery and false informing. ISRAEL WASHINGTON Israel's figurehead President Isaac Herzog sought to assure President Joe Biden that Israel remains committed to democracy amid deepening U.S. concerns over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plans to overhaul his country's judicial system and ongoing settlement construction in the West Bank. Sitting by Biden's side at the start of their Oval Office meeting on Tuesday, Herzog told Biden that Israel's democracy remains "sound, strong" and "resilient" while acknowledging the country is going through a fractious moment. Herzog's visit comes a day after Biden spoke with Netanyahu by phone and invited him to meet in the U.S. this fall, though the president expressed reservations about several of the Netanyahu hard right coalition's policies.Netanyahu's government is pushing forward with judicial changes that have sparked widespread protest in Israel and he has authorized the construction of thousands of new housing units in the West Bank. Netanyahu and his allies, a collection of ultra-Orthodox and ultranationalist parties, say the plan is needed to rein in the powers of unelected judges. Opponents say the plan will destroy Israel's fragile system of checks and balances and move the country toward authoritarian rule. Herzog has appealed for a compromise that so far has proven elusive. Many American Jewish groups and Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns about the plan. With differences in plain view, Biden sought to stress the importance of the U.S.-Israeli relationship in his brief remarks before reporters. "This is a friendship I believe is just simply unbreakable," he said. During his U.S. visit, Herzog is also to meet Vice President Kamala Harris and congressional leaders. On Wednesday he will become the second Israeli president, after his father Chaim Herzog, to address Congress. His speech will mark Israel's celebration of its 75th year of independence. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of protesters blocked highways and train stations and massed in central Tel Aviv on Tuesday during a day of countrywide demonstrations against Netanyahu's contentious judicial overhaul plan. The protests, now in their seventh month, have taken on a sense of urgency in recent days as Netanyahu and his allies in Parliament march ahead with the program. The first bill in the package a measure that seeks to limit the Supreme Court's oversight powers could become law as soon as next week. Tribal and state leaders' responses Most of the city of Tulsa lies within the Muscogee and Cherokee reservations, both of which have been determined by the courts to be still in existence. Here are responses from those tribes' leaders and Oklahoma's governor. Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill: "The Muscogee (Creek) Nation learned this afternoon that the U.S. Supreme Court denied the City of Tulsa's application of a stay pending the filing of its petition for certiorari of the Tenth Circuit's ruling in Hooper v. Tulsa. We are grateful that the Court saw no merit in this procedural attempt to delay the law and Tribal authority while this case is pending. More than enough taxpayer money has been spent on these baseless legal maneuvers. Although this case is not over, we look forward to continued collaboration with our municipal partners to protect public safety across our Reservation." Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.: Todays news from the U.S. Supreme Court affirms what we have said all along the best way forward is through collaboration, not wasteful legal fights. The 10th Circuits Hooper decision upheld tribal sovereignty and settled federal law reaffirming that states and municipalities do not have criminal jurisdiction over Indians in Indian Country. Once again, we hope elected leaders throughout Oklahoma will join with tribes in meeting our shared public safety goals. Im calling for collaboration, cooperation and an end to the attacks on tribal sovereignty. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt: The Supreme Court, through Justice Kavanaughs statement, made clear today that the City of Tulsa and municipalities throughout the eastern half of Oklahoma can and must still apply their laws to everyone, Indians and non-Indians alike. The 10th Circuits decision isnt final and doesn't change how we operate here in Oklahoma. Any statement to the contrary should be seen for what it is a call to chaos. This is a victory for Oklahoma and the rule of law. I will not let eastern Oklahoma become a reservation. Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A Tulsa federal court jury has convicted a Wichita, Kansas, man on multiple criminal counts related to a sex-trafficking operation he ran in Oklahoma and three other states. Byron Cordell Thomas, 36, was found guilty Thursday of sex trafficking, transporting an individual for prostitution, witness tampering by corrupt persuasion, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The victims in this case were beaten, isolated, and trafficked across state lines for prostitution, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson said in a written statement after the four-day trial. They suffered threats and intimidation from Thomas, even throughout the investigation. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their lengthy and solid investigation of this case and the victims for their brave testimony that made this conviction possible. Thomas was initially named in a one-count indictment, made public Feb. 6, that charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. A fourth-superseding indictment filed July 10 added 11 additional charges. Thomas targeted young women and girls suffering financial difficulties who had little to no support, the statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office says. Thomas advertised himself as a street adviser and promised to help women make money as part of his team, or stable, but kept the money for himself, according to prosecutors. Thomas maintained hotel rooms in Tulsa; Oklahoma City; Dallas; Bossier City, Louisiana; and Wichita, Kansas, according to prosecutors. He faces up to 35 years in prison when sentenced. Thomas and a woman were originally charged with sex trafficking in Tulsa County District Court in 2020. The state charges against Thomas were dropped after a witness failed to cooperate with prosecutors. The woman, Megan Nichols, pleaded guilty to drug possession with intent to distribute in a plea deal with prosecutors. She was later sentenced to serve 10 years in state prison after she failed to successfully complete a diversionary program. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. WASHINGTON (AP) Donald Trump was indicted on felony charges Tuesday for working to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the run-up to the violent riot by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol, with the Justice Department acting to hold him accountable for an unprecedented effort to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power and threaten American democracy. The four-count indictment, the third criminal case against Trump, provided deeper insight into a dark moment that has already been the subject of exhaustive federal investigations and captivating public hearings. It chronicles a months-long campaign of lies about the election results and says that, even when those falsehoods resulted in a chaotic insurrection at the Capitol, Trump sought to exploit the violence by pointing to it as a reason to further delay the counting of votes that sealed his defeat. Even in a year of rapid-succession legal reckonings for Trump, Tuesdays indictment, with charges including conspiring to defraud the United States government that he once led, was stunning in its allegations that a former president assaulted the bedrock function of democracy. Its the first time the defeated president, who is the early front-runner for next year's Republican presidential nomination, is facing legal consequences for his frantic but ultimately failed effort to cling to power. The attack on our nations Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy, said Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, whose office has spent months investigating Trump. It was fueled by lies, lies by the defendant targeted at obstructing a bedrock function of the U.S. government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of the presidential election. The Trump campaign called the charges fake and asked why it took two-and-a-half years to bring them. Trump was the only person charged in Tuesday's indictment. But prosecutors obliquely referenced a half-dozen co-conspirators, including lawyers inside and outside of government who they said had worked with Trump to undo the election results. They also advanced legally dubious schemes to enlist slates of fake electors in battleground states won by Democrat Joe Biden to falsely claim that Trump had actually won them. The indictment accuses the defeated president and his allies of trying to exploit the violence and chaos by calling lawmakers into the evening on Jan. 6 to delay the certification of Bidens victory. It also cites handwritten notes from former Vice President Mike Pence that give gravitas to Trumps relentless goading to reject the electoral votes. Pence, who is challenging Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, declined overtures from a House panel that investigated the insurrection and sought to avoid testifying before the special counsel. He appeared only after losing a court fight, with prosecutors learning that Trump in one conversation derided him as too honest to stop the certification. Trump is due in court Thursday, the first step in a legal process that will play out in a courthouse situated between the White House he once controlled and the Capitol his supporters once stormed. The case is already being dismissed by the former president and his supporters and even some of his rivals as just another politically motivated prosecution. Yet the case stems from one of the most serious threats to American democracy in modern history. The indictment centers on the turbulent two months after the November 2020 election in which Trump refused to accept his loss and spread lies that victory was stolen from him. The turmoil resulted in the riot at the Capitol, when Trump loyalists violently broke into the building, attacked police officers and disrupted the congressional counting of electoral votes. In between the election and the riot, Trump urged local election officials to undo voting results in their states, pressured Pence to halt the certification of electoral votes and falsely claimed that the election had been stolen a notion repeatedly rejected by judges. Among those lies, prosecutors say, were claims that more than 10,000 dead voters had voted in Georgia along with tens of thousands of double votes in Nevada. Each claim had been rebutted by courts or state or federal officials, the indictment says. Prosecutors say Trump knew his claims of having won the election were false but he "repeated and widely disseminated them anyway to make his knowingly false claims appear legitimate, to create an intense national atmosphere of mistrust and anger, and to erode public faith in the administration of the election. The document carefully outlined arguments that Trump has been making to defend his conduct, that he had every right to challenge the results, to use the courts, even to lie about it in the process. But in stark detail, the indictment outlines how the former president instead took criminal steps to reverse the clear verdict voters had rendered. The indictment had been expected since Trump said in mid-July that the Justice Department had informed him he was a target of its investigation. A bipartisan House committee that spent months investigating the run-up to the Capitol riot also recommended prosecuting Trump on charges, including aiding an insurrection and obstructing an official proceeding. The indictment includes charges of conspiring to defraud the U.S., conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, obstructing an official proceeding and violating a post-Civil War Reconstruction Era civil rights statute that makes it a crime to conspire to violate rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution in this case, the right to vote. The mounting criminal cases are unfolding in the heat of the 2024 race. A conviction in this case, or any other, would not prevent Trump from pursuing the White House or serving as president, though Trump as president could theoretically appoint an attorney general to dismiss the charges or potentially try to pardon himself. In New York, state prosecutors have charged Trump with falsifying business records about a hush money payoff to a porn actor before the 2016 election. The trial is set to begin in March. In Florida, the Justice Department has brought more than three dozen felony counts, accusing him of illegally possessing classified documents after leaving the White House and concealing them from investigators. That trial begins in May. Prosecutors in Georgia are also investigating efforts by Trump and his allies to reverse his election loss to Biden there. The district attorney of Fulton County is expected to announce charging decisions within weeks. Smith's team has cast a broad net as part of his federal investigation, with his team questioning senior Trump administration officials, including Pence, before a grand jury in Washington. Prosecutors also interviewed election officials in Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan and other battleground states won by Biden who were pressured by the Trump team to change voting results. Rudy Giuliani, a Trump lawyer who pursued post-election legal challenges, spoke voluntarily to prosecutors. Giuliani was not named in the indictment, but appears to match the description of one of the co-conspirators. A spokesman for Giuliani said Tuesday night that Trump had a good-faith basis for the actions he took. Attorney General Merrick Garland last year appointed Smith, an international war crimes prosecutor who also led the Justice Departments public corruption section, as special counsel to investigate efforts to undo the election as well as Trumps retention of classified documents at his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago. Although Trump has derided him as deranged and called him politically motivated, Smiths past experience includes overseeing significant prosecutions against high-profile Democrats. The Justice Departments investigations began well before Smiths appointment, proceeding alongside separate criminal probes into the rioters themselves. More than 1,000 people have been charged in connection with the insurrection, including some with seditious conspiracy. The 12 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) parliamentary candidates in Bulawayo who were disqualified from running in the August 23 election have said they never stopped campaigning before the Supreme Court overturned their disqualification. The candidates were disqualified by the Bulawayo High Court on July 27, 2023, which ruled that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) had illegally accepted their nomination papers since they had filed them after the deadline of 4 pm on June 21, 2023. However, the Supreme Court overturned the High Court ruling on July 27, 2023, finding that ZEC had acted lawfully in accepting the candidates nomination papers. In interviews with CITE, the CCC candidates said they were determined to continue campaigning and win the election. We never stopped campaigning, said Obert Manduna, who is running for the Nketa Constituency seat. We remained resolute and focused despite these sideshows. We are now taking this political dogfight to the ballot box now. Collins Bajila, a candidate for the Luveve-Emakhandeni constituency, said the Supreme Court decision gave them the confidence to continue with their campaign. We have no doubt that we are moving forward to win, he said. We never stopped campaigning. Pashor Raphael Sibanda, who is running for Cowdray Park Constituency against Finance Minister and Zanu PFs Professor Mthuli Ncube, said the Supreme Court ruling was expected. We knew we submitted our papers on time and thats why we never stopped campaigning, he said. We have always said this court case was a sideshow meant to disturb us and meant to rob the people of Bulawayo of their right to choose their leaders. The CCC candidates also accused the courts of being captured by Zanu PF. We have a lot of cases as examples, said Sibanda. You dont need to be a lawyer to see such. This case on its own wasnt even supposed to reach the Supreme Court level, it was not even supposed to reach the High Court. Where in the world have you seen someone who complains about electoral issues 30 days after electoral processes have been done In response to the Supreme Court verdict, the governments spokesperson Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana, claimed Zimbabwe had a very professional and impartial judiciary. We unfortunately also have those who believe they should never lose a case, even if the case is a dud, he said. When they lose they scream captured. Same for elections. We have those who always scream, rigged when they lose. You cant blame the referee every time you dont win. CITE Dozens of Afghan women protested a beauty salon ban on Wednesday after the Taliban ordered their closure nationwide. Security forces used fire hoses, stun guns and shot their guns into the air to break up the protest. The Taliban said earlier this month they were giving all salons in Afghanistan one month to wind down their businesses and close shop, drawing concern from international officials worried about the impact on female entrepreneurs. The Taliban say they are outlawing salons allegedly because they offer services forbidden by Islam and cause economic hardship for grooms families during wedding festivities. The ruling came from the Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada the latest curb on the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls, following edicts barring them from education, public spaces and most forms of employment. In a rare sign of public opposition to Taliban orders, dozens of beauticians and makeup artists gathered in the capital of Kabul to protest the ban. We are here for justice," said one protester who identified herself as Farzana. We want work, food and freedom." The Taliban sprayed the women with water and shot their rifles into the air to disperse the gathering. Farzana later said the women were going to the U.N. mission in Afghanistan, urging protesters to stay together. One protester told The Associated Press the demonstration started at around 10 a.m. in the Shar-e-Naw area of the capital. She did not want to give her name for fear of reprisals. The purpose of our demonstration was that they (the Taliban) should reconsider and reverse the decision to close beauty salons because this is about our lives, she said. All of us, 50 to 60 women, participated. Our slogan was work, bread and freedom. The protest continued into the early afternoon, when the Taliban arrived to break up the crowd, she said. They used stun guns on the demonstrators. They put two or three of our friends in the car and took them," she said. Nobody from the Taliban-run government was immediately available for comment about the protest. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, criticized the Taliban use of force in dispersing the protesters. Reports of the forceful suppression of a peaceful protest by women against the ban on beauty salons the latest denial of womens rights in #Afghanistan are deeply concerning, the U.N. mission said in a tweet. Afghans have the right to express views free from violence. De facto authorities must uphold this. Meanwhile, the Taliban-run Ministry for Vice and Virtue, which had announced the ban on beauty salons in early July, said Wednesday it was destroying goods and instruments used for the promotion of music and corruption and posted photos of bonfires on Twitter. These materials, which were collected from immoral programs in Kabul and some provinces in the past few months, and which caused the loss of our youth and the deterioration of society, were destroyed according to Sharia (Islamic law), the ministry tweeted. This story has been corrected to show that the Taliban used stun guns against the protesters, and not specifically Tasers. Karoline Leonard Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Karoline Leonard 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 HOMINY When her brothers name was called to receive his diploma Friday at Dick Conner Correctional Center, Daisy Mills erupted into applause. Willie Fields III received his associate of arts degree through the Tulsa Community College Corrections Education Program. Its a huge accomplishment, Mills said. Im so proud of him of all of them. It takes focus to do something like this. Theyre grabbing it by the horns, doing the time in an impactful way. I would not have missed this. Fields is one of 24 men at the Hominy correctional facility who earned high school diplomas, associate degrees or certifications Friday, with 14 of those earning degrees through the program at Tulsa Community College. The program, started in 2007, offers education opportunities to inmates with the hopes of better preparing them for employment once released from prison. Since its start, the program has awarded more than 500 certificates or degrees. Any incarcerated person at Dick Conner Correctional Center can join the program free of charge and can earn various equivalency certificates and degrees and even attend classes through Langston University to earn a bachelors degree. I dont know how I would have survived without this program. This is a big step, but you have to do more. You have to prove yourself over and over again inside and outside prison, said Cody Zimmer, Tulsa FAB Lab manager who went through the program while incarcerated for seven years. In 2016, Tulsa Community Colleges Second Chance Program was selected for a Pell Grant eligibility pilot program through the U.S. Department of Education. The pilot program helped form new regulations to reinstate Pell grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals. These new federal regulations went into effect on July 1. A study on the Pell Grant pilot program by the Vera Institute of Justice found that incarcerated people who participate in postsecondary education programs are 48% less likely to return to prison after release. The study also found that increasing educational opportunities in prisons can save taxpayers more than $365 million per year. Jeana Ely, superintendent of schools in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, said the men who go through this program do so of their own volition. They make the choice to better themselves, to put in the time, to study, to focus and to make a positive impact on their society, she said. On Friday, 10 men earned high school equivalency and 14 men earned college degrees. Five earned two associate degrees each; nine earned one associate degree; and two earned a certificate. Darrell Elliott and Prentice Ponds both were among the men who earned associate degrees in liberal arts. Both Elliott and Ponds have gone through the program several times, with Ponds now in his third semester with Langston University while serving. Its a free program that is open to anybody. I opted in initially to pass time, but I started liking it. When I do something, I gotta do it all the way, Ponds said. Elliott said he hopes someday to be an event planner, own a business or help incarcerated individuals with reentry following their release. Not everybody who goes to prison wants to stay or wants to leave just to come back, he said. This is an opportunity to show society that some people are wanting to come back (out of prison) as a better man, Elliott said. He said the program helps humanize inmates and that he joined it initially to truly discover himself. Damon Ousley of Ousley Investments gave the keynote address at the commencement. Ousley was incarcerated twice, and he said Friday that his time in prison motivated him to change the direction of his life. He commended the graduates, saying this is the first step in building a life outside of prison. It was hard enough for me to graduate high school in the world, and youre all doing it in prison. You wanted to be here, and I commend you, because I didnt do it, Ousley said. He explained that through his time in prison, he decided to start a business and later go into investments. He said part of how he made this possible was surrounding himself with people who wanted to see him succeed. The way you stay out of here is to pick better friends. Go hang with the nerds. Yall are the nerds now, Ousley said, laughing. Elliott said he might be released soon, so this program has helped prepare him for his life outside of prison. Prison is a negative place, Elliott said. This program gives us the opportunity to change our life and impact the community. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel 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 Bob Burke, the Oklahoma City attorney, author and historian, compares the states constitution to the Old Testament. Both, he says, are long, and both contain a lot of thou-shalt-nots. For that reason, Burke doubts that the Oklahoma Supreme Court will rule in favor of Stitt administration arguments that the special legislative session that enacted this fiscal years budget was illegal because it began concurrently with the regular session. Our constitution is the longest in the land. It has hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of things we cant do, Burke said. If the delegates to the Constitutional Convention wanted to prohibit concurrent sessions, they would have said so. Voiding the state budget is not the purpose of Gov. Kevin Stitts lawsuit. He wants to stop only two of the 52 bills enacted during the special session, and his lawyers have put forward several reasons the state Supreme Court should do so. One of those is that the two were the product of an unconstitutional process, which raises the question of whether the other 50 are, too. Without those 50, the state government has no authorization to spend state tax dollars. The lawsuit says those 50 should not be voided even though they also were enacted by what the petition calls an illegal special session, but the reasoning is complicated. If the court does accept the argument that two bills from the special session are invalid, it could well rule that all of them are. Nobody seems to know what to do if that happens. But lets back up. The Oklahoma Constitution requires an annual regular session of the Legislature that must convene at noon on the first Monday of February and adjourn no later than 5 p.m. on the last Friday of May. It allows for special, or extraordinary, sessions as needed. Special sessions may be called by the governor or by the Legislature. This spring, the Legislature summoned itself into special session on May 17 because it was not certain it could complete the budget and appropriation process by May 26 and because it did not want to send Stitt a budget he could veto after the mandatory final adjournment. So the Legislature passed its entire budget package as part of a special session running concurrently with the regular session. This budget package consisted of the 52 bills mentioned earlier. Among the 52 bills were two extending tribal compacts for tobacco and motor vehicle registration that are due to expire this calendar year. Stitt allowed the other 50 bills to become law without his signature but vetoed the two compact bills. The Legislature then overturned those vetoes, with the last vote to do so on July 31. The special session then adjourned. The lawsuits principal arguments are that the Legislature acted outside its authority in extending the compacts and that the two bills are outside the scope of the special session call, which is the legal device by which the Legislature summons itself into extraordinary session. Such arguments, particularly over separation of powers, are not uncommon. The lawsuits other theories, while perhaps less likely to succeed, are more novel and potentially impactful in that they seek to upend established practice and, potentially, the state budget. As Burke and many others point out, the Oklahoma Constitution did not really create a government of equal branches of government, or departments, as it calls them. Its thumb is on the scales in favor of the Legislature and, most of all, the people. From the start, governors have chaffed at the constraints on their authority. An obvious example is their time in office. Until the 1960s, governors could not serve consecutive terms; lawmakers had no term limits until the early 2000s. Even now, governors can normally serve a maximum of eight years, while legislators can remain in office 12. Everybody at (the state constitutional convention) was afraid of big government and big business, Burke said. They wanted the people to control it. Stitt has sought, with some success, to expand the chief executives power at first with the cooperation of the Republican-led Legislature, more recently mostly without it. Limiting the Legislatures ability to meet and act in special session would expand that power even more. Stitts lawsuit argues that the state budget must be addressed within the context of a regularly scheduled session, because of the constitutions balanced budget provision, and that special sessions concurrent with regular sessions are unconstitutional because the state Supreme Court has never said otherwise. This is where Burkes remark about the state constitutions thou-shalt-nots comes in. It does not explicitly say budget and appropriation bills shall not be enacted through a special session or after the last Friday in May or that special sessions shall not be held concurrently with regular sessions. The lawsuit essentially argues that those prohibitions are implied. Its argument, in a footnote, for why this years budget bills should not be voided is that while the bills were produced by an illegal special session, they were passed before the regular sessions final adjournment. That, it says, qualifies as the context of a regularly scheduled session. Should the court rule in Stitts favor on these points, it would not only decide a single lawsuit in favor of Stitt, but it would slide a little more power from the House and Senate chambers on the Capitols fourth floor to the Governors Office on the second. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. WOODWARD, Oklahoma Anika Drew is drawn to beauty. Her boyfriend said she can stand in a barren field and still point out a pretty flower. Drew dreams of going to beauty school to become a makeup artist and moving to Japan to see the pink cherry blossoms. For now, the 17-year-old wanders Woodward with her boyfriend. For the past year, they have slept in abandoned trailers and a trashed apartment. They have pitched a tent on the trails behind Woodward High School and couch-surfed at friends houses. A few weeks ago, they made a deal with a local motel owner: Drew would work cleaning rooms and her boyfriend, Nicholas Stone, 18, would mow the lawn in exchange for a room at the Wayfarer Inn. Its not a path for a princess, Drew said, ducking under branches to a spot off the roadside where the couple set up their tent. Neighboring a junkyard filled with piles of rusty cars and strewn tires, the campground where Drew and Stone spent much of their winter was covered in heavy brush, trash and water flooding the area. Drew and Stone are part of a 29% increase in homeless youth living without a parent or guardian in Oklahoma from 2020 to 2022 one of the largest increases in the nation, according to the 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. One professor studying the issue estimated there could be more than 120,000 homeless youth in Oklahoma. Living in Woodward, a rural town of fewer than 12,000 in northwest Oklahoma, Drew and Stone have less access to shelters and services. In rural areas, schools are often a primary means of support, where students have access to teachers and trusted adults. Each school district also has a homeless liaison. Several rural district liaisons said that they have helped students get jobs and taken students to food banks. However, as staff members tasked with identifying and meeting the needs of, at times, hundreds of students, their jobs come with limitations. To help keep track of homeless students, a new state law aims to improve how districts identify and count students. Liaisons said by lessening absences and making it to graduation, homeless students have a better chance of breaking the cycle of poverty. Drew will be a sophomore and Stone will be a senior when school starts next month. They said they missed most of the last school year after being kicked out for low grades and missing credits, but that they hope to return to the high schools alternative education program. For school-age youth not attending school, like Drew and Stone, and children younger than school age, not much data exists causing youth homelessness to often go severely underreported. Based on a homeless resource map created by University of Oklahoma researchers, 22 rural Oklahoma counties lack any homeless shelter or resource center, and many others only have one or two, miles from other corners of the county. In Woodward, there are two: one available at night and another, The Day Center, available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The overnight shelter has eight individual rooms and one family room, but Drew and Stones 13 pets their cat, Mittens, their two dogs, Narnia and Chubz, and Narnias 10 pups, prevent them from being able to stay there. Instead, this summer they often walked to The Day Center, where showers, a kitchen, couches and a job board are available during business hours. Shanna Gonser runs The Day Center. Since opening in April 2022, Gonser said the center has served 156 clients with about seven people coming in each day. Gonser said she rarely encounters homeless youth because many are so-called couch homeless and doubled up with another family. That form of homelessness is twice as common for youth in rural communities, according to a University of Chicago study. Based on data collected by Woodward Public Schools, however, Drew and Stone are not alone. The district identified 113 homeless students during the 2018-19 school year, the most recent year available. Since leaving their families last August due to what they described as unstable and abusive households, Drew and Stone said they have not met another homeless teen. That may be partly due to their absence from school, but for all they know, they said, theyre the only ones. They dont want a lot of people to know that theyre in that situation, Gonser said. Its embarrassing to them, so they dont go out and look for others that are in the same situation. Drew said its difficult for her to compare her situation to how she sees others her age living. Worthless, Drew said. It makes me feel worthless. Homeless in high school Homeless liaison Elizabeth Ressel works at Comanche Public Schools, just east of Lawton, where about 16% of students are classified as homeless. Over the years, she has used federal funding to provide students with supplies for extracurricular activities and pay fees for students classes. The McKinney-Vento Act of 1987 requires that homeless youth have access to the same public education as other students. The act defines homelessness as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, which might mean students living in motels, trailer parks, cars, in abandoned houses or doubled-up with another family. This definition is more lenient than that of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which does not consider someone homeless if they are staying with others or in a motel. Through the act, schools receive extra funding for homeless students that can be used for clothing, food, school supplies and class fees. Congress also mandates one homeless liaison per district to be in charge of identifying homeless students and connecting them with resources in the community. In addition to using federal money, Ressel said she and other outreach coordinators at the school have identified student needs and received donated items to meet them. Weve had students who, you know, theyll call and theyll say, I cant come; my clothes are wet. I washed em last night and we dont have a dryer. And I thought theyd dry overnight, Ressel said. They dont want to come to school with wet clothes, so at our alternative school, we [now] have a washer and dryer. Our high school has a washer and dryer. Further east of Comanche, Wilson Public Schools homeless liaison Claudia Labeth said 5% of students in the district were homeless. With the closest shelter 25 minutes away in Ardmore, Labeth said the biggest day-to-day challenge for her students is figuring out where they will sleep that night. Unreliable housing affects a students ability to attend school and graduate. About one-third of students experiencing homelessness missed 15 or more days of school, according to the National Center for Homeless Education. Labeth said to help combat this problem, she tries to show how school is needed to attain a good job and eventually a home. What do you want your future to look like, and how can we get there? Labeth said she often asks her students. School is a big part of it, so making school relevant to their future so they can live maybe a way they want to live instead of the way that theyre kind of living in the present. I think thats the key for me. In addition to designated liaisons like Labeth, schools provide students with a network of caring and connected adults. Regular conversations with teachers, counselors and other staff can help identify if students are at-risk or struggling. Usually, the students will say, Well, you know, I had a home and now Ive been forced out and dont know what Im going to do, Wilson High School agriculture teacher Joseph Buzidragis said. And we actually see this quite often in a small town. This was the case when Buzidragis took in 16-year-old Kasper Hamilton in May 2022. He has since become Hamiltons legal guardian. Hamilton had lived with his father and stepmother until his father died in a November 2022 car accident. Because Buzidragis knew the situation, Hamilton did not have to worry about finding a place to stay. We told him that we would do everything in our power to make sure he gets through high school and if he decides to go to college, to go to college or go to work, whichever he chooses, Buzidragis said. That way wed be there for him, not trying to take a parents spot, but give him some safety and a place to live and kind of enjoy high school without having to worry. Buzidragis said he has faced day-to-day challenges in getting Hamilton to open up emotionally and socially. His aim is to show Hamilton that he is wanted. Its rewarding, because you see, like this young man, you see their eyes start to light up as they see that we are not just going to throw them to the wayside, Buzidragis said. Between the cracks Sarah Svec has been working to address gaps in homeless data collected in southwest Oklahoma. As executive director of Family Promise, she collaborates with Lawton Public Schools, where about 700 students are homeless, according to the most recent data available. By engaging with families, Svec said she has encountered youth who do not seek help because they do not realize they would be considered homeless by public schools. One barrier to identification is virtual education, which she said is common for homeless children. Theyre not getting the teacher that sees theyre coming in with dirty clothes every day, Svec said. Part of what makes everybody successful at helping people that are experiencing homelessness is being able to identify people that are experiencing homelessness. Another barrier is that homeless youth frequently move, sometimes to other districts. In the most recent available data, 371 school districts reported fewer than three homeless students in their schools. Rural nonprofit leaders said they do not believe that is true of any district. To improve homeless identification in schools, Gov. Kevin Stitt recently signed into law a measure requiring the Department of Education to report the number of homeless students by district and grade level starting Nov. 1. While the law might improve the counts of students, it does not address the population of homeless youth that are not yet school-age or are not attending school. Both Sisu Youth Services and Pivot, nonprofit organizations focused on youth homelessness in Oklahoma City, said many youth prioritize getting food and finding stable housing before going back to school. David McLeod is one of three University of Oklahoma professors who partnered with the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency to determine how to best distribute $32 million of federal funding toward unhoused and housing-insecure Oklahomans. McLeod said through talking with rural and urban homeless liaisons and accounting for the population of youth too young to attend schools or not in school, Oklahoma could easily have more than 120,000 homeless and housing insecure youth today. I would ask anyone willing to engage in the conversation this question: If I am wrong, and have inflated this extrapolated calculation even twice over, are we OK with 60,000 homeless children? McLeod asked. This number is drastically larger than the about 22,000 homeless students identified in Oklahoma through the McKinney-Vento program during the 2020-2021 school year, the most recent year reported. The report also found 3.2% of all Oklahoma students to be considered homeless, however, McLeod said liaisons estimated the number to actually fall around 10% for their districts. Lets say we missed the mark 10 times over, McLeod said. Would Oklahomas citizens the brave, bold, resourceful, and upright of our state be content that we have 12,000 homeless children? What if I threw on top of that, we know where to find them? We know who they are, and we know where the majority of them and their siblings go to school? The fact is that we do know, and the correlation between this epidemic and our ranking of 49th in education and 46th in overall child-well being is difficult to ignore. Homelessness in Tulsa: What was shocking to officials from 2022 survey WASHINGTON (AP) Focusing on the Bidens rather than Donald Trump's federal court appearance, House Republicans released a transcript Thursday of their interview with Hunter Bidens former business associate detailing overseas financial dealings by the presidents son. The more than five-hour closed-door interview with Devon Archer by the House Oversight Committee, released hours before Trump's appearance to face a third list of charges, provides fresh insight into how President Joe Biden's youngest son used his relationship with his father, who was then vice president, to court foreign investors. Archer said Hunter Biden was using the illusion of access in Washington. Republicans on the panel hope to use their work to prod impeachment proceedings against the president. However, though pressed repeatedly, Archer offered no tangible evidence that Joe Biden's role in his sons work was more than saying hello during their daily family calls. You know, Hunter spoke to his dad every day, right?" Archer said to committee members and staff on Monday. And so in certain circumstances, when youre in you know, if his dad calls him at dinner and he picks up the phone, then theres a conversation." He added, "And the, you know, the conversation is generally about the weather and, you know, what its like in Norway or Paris or wherever he may be. Release of the more than 140-page transcript is the start of what is expected to be a long and tangled Republican-led probe into Hunter Bidens business dealings as he hopscotched the globe using what critics call the illusion of proximity to power to fund a lavish lifestyle for himself and his associates. Three committees are looking at Hunter Biden so far, and Republicans are pushing ahead on several lines of inquiry. Archer testified that over the span of their decade-long business relationship, Hunter Biden put his father on the phone around 20 times while in the company of associates but never once spoke about any business dealings. At one point, Archer was asked point blank: Are you aware of any wrongdoing by Vice President Biden? He responded, No, Im not aware of any. Overall, the transcript portrays the presidents son as capitalizing on his fathers name, but not necessarily promising or delivering any influence that would rise to a questionable level or approach wrongdoing. Still, Republicans have long seen Archer, who served with Hunter Biden on the board of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma, as a key witness in their search to directly connect the president to his sons various international business transactions. Rep. James Comer, Republican chair of Oversight Committee, issued a subpoena to Archer in June, saying he played a significant role in the Biden familys business deals abroad, including but not limited to China, Russia, and Ukraine. He said Archers testimony would be critical to the committees investigation. And while there was no evidence directly tying Hunter Biden's financial dealings to his father, Archer's testimony raised new questions about the ways in which the 53-year-old used the Biden brand" to build his multimillion dollar international businesses. He was getting paid a lot of money, and I think, you know, he wanted to show value," Archer testified, adding the younger Biden was not overt about his relationship with his father. But I think he would you know, given the brand, I think he would look to, you know, to get the leverage from it, Archer said, adding, I think its more defensive, you know, defensive leverage that, that the value is there in his work. Asked what value he brought to Burisma, Archer replied, The value that Hunter Biden brought to it was having you know, there was the theoretical was corporate governance, but obviously, given the brand, that was a large part of the value. I dont think it was the sole value, but I do think that was a key component of the value. Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican member of the Oversight Committee who attended the interview, portrayed the testimony about the Biden brand as implicating the the president directly. I think we should do an impeachment inquiry, the Arizona lawmaker told reporters as he exited the interview Monday. Comer agreed, saying in a statement Thursday that Archer's testimony confirmed, "Joe Biden was the brand that his son sold around the world to enrich the Biden family." When pushed on it later, Archer clarified that the brand that brought Hunter Biden value with international clients was the broader, Washington access, which included his previous lobbying work. D.C. was the brand, he testified to a line of questioning by Biggs. Nonetheless, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy recently said Republicans may need to launch an impeachment inquir y to dig deeper. But the top Democrat on the Oversight panel, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, said the transcript proves once again that Republicans cannot produce any evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden. WASHINGTON (AP) Former President Donald Trump and his supporters are reacting to a third indictment against him with a now-familiar playbook: deflecting with unrelated accusations, distracting with misleading claims about the charges, and demonizing the prosecution. Instead of convincing his followers about the seriousness of the charges, Tuesday's indictment is being held up as proof of a conspiracy to take down the Republican ex-president and a continuation of the effort by Democrats, the media and the so-called deep state to interfere with the nation's elections. For years Trump has told his supporters that elections can't be trusted and that he is a victim of a corrupt persecution by the government and media. With that narrative endorsed by conservative news outlets and amplified on social media, it's only natural that many of Trump's supporters will accept it, said Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a New York University historian who studies authoritarian propaganda. Hes set up the idea since 2016 that elections themselves are corrupt and cannot be trusted. This is seven years now of this narrative, Ben-Ghiat said. Trump is one of the most superb propagandists of the 21st century. He has created this seamless world, where to his followers, everything just confirms his victimhood. Trump's repeated lies about the election are at the heart of the latest indictment, which alleges Trump sought to overturn his 2020 election loss in the two months before his supporters violently assaulted the U.S. Capitol. The attack on our nations capital on January 6, 2021, was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy, special counsel Jack Smith said Tuesday. As described in the indictment, it was fueled by lies. Lies by the defendant targeted at obstructing a bedrock function of the U.S. government, the nations process of collecting, counting, and certifying the results of the presidential election. Separately, the ex-president faces charges that he falsified business records relating to hush money payments to a porn actor in New York and improperly kept classified documents at his Palm Beach, Florida, resort and obstructed an investigation into their handling. To his most dedicated supporters, the allegations against Trump are just more evidence of the conspiracy. It's a sentiment that spread quickly on social media after Trump's first and second indictments, and it was easily found Wednesday on Telegram, Gab, Truth Social and other platforms popular with conservatives. The Democrats stole the 2020 election, conservative filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza posted on Truth Social and X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. This indictment is an attempt to protect the thieves and legitimize the heist. Much of the misinformation about the indictments has originated with Trump, who instead of trying to minimize his legal jeopardy has made it a centerpiece of his campaign, framing it as an assault on democracy, freedom and his own followers. The former presidents allies and his legal defense team argue that the indictment illegally criminalizes Trumps protected freedom of speech. Trump attorney John Lauro said on CNN on Tuesday that the teams focus is on the fact that this is an attack on free speech and political advocacy. Free speech will not survive if this indictment succeeds, former Trump adviser Stephen Miller told Fox News. Fox News host Greg Gutfeld piggybacked on the narrative, saying, You have every right to think an election might be rigged or fixed. Prosecutors seem to have anticipated this response, explicitly conceding in the indictment that Trump had the First Amendment right to lie about election fraud. The indictment argues instead that Trump broke the law when his lies transformed into actions, from attempts to overturn the election to obstructing official proceedings and conspiring to block citizens right to have their vote counted. The Defendant had a right, like every American, to speak publicly about the election and even to claim, falsely, that there had been outcome-determinative fraud during the election and that he had won, the indictment reads. Instead of digging into the details of the indictment, many Trump supporters pointed to the criminal charges facing Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, and claimed without evidence that Biden was involved in his son's business dealings while in office. They suggested the recent indictments were timed to distract from news about the Biden family, and questioned why prosecutors weren't investigating the Biden administration instead of Trump. Other partisans talking about the case on social media focused on the law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and judge involved in the case. On X, photos of Smith circulated with the text The face of pure evil. Some posts called him a hit man or a legal terrorist. Others dug into the biography of U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan and called into question her fairness, noting that she was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, and was a partner at a law firm that once employed Hunter Biden. Do you know Judge Chutkan who will preside over the new Trump indictment worked with Hunter Biden?? Its all a con, posted Sebastian Gorka, a former national security aide under Trump. Both Chutkan and Hunter Biden worked at the firm of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, but no evidence has come to light suggesting they worked closely together. Boies Schiller Flexner is a large, well-known firm with 13 offices in three countries and more than 170 attorneys listed on its website. The firm did not immediately respond to questions seeking comment. Trump responded to the charges against him with a fundraising message misleadingly suggesting the indictment was over the events that took place on January 6th, ignoring the two months leading up to the Capitol riots that were central to the charges. Trump saw a surge in fundraising following both of his previous indictments. The former president also invoked past global horrors, saying in a statement, The lawlessness of these persecutions of President Trump and his supporters is reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, the Soviet Union, and other authoritarian, dictatorial regimes. Trump's campaign did not respond to messages seeking comment for this story. Trump's use of the charges against him on the campaign trail means the volume of misinformation about the indictments, the Jan. 6 attack and the 2020 election is likely to increase, said Dora Kingsley Vertenten, a political scientist at the University of Southern California. The stakes for Trump couldn't be higher: He seeks a political comeback while also fighting to remain a free man. I think we're just getting started," Vertenten said. Swenson reported from New York. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, who became Democratic heroes as members of the Tennessee Three, reclaimed their legislative seats Thursday after they were expelled for involvement in a gun control protest on the House floor. The young Black lawmakers were reinstated by local officials after being booted from the GOP-dominated Statehouse, but only on an interim basis. They advanced Thursday through a special election to fully reclaim their positions. Both faced opponents in districts that heavily favor Democrats and easily defeated them according to unofficial results from the Tennessee's Secretary of State's office. Jones, who lives in Nashville, was up against Republican candidate Laura Nelson. Meanwhile, Pearson, from Memphis, faced independent candidate Jeff Johnston. I think if we keep running this race, there will be victory after victory after victory, Pearson said to supporters on Thursday. He stressed that his victory was largely possible due to Black women and the organizing work they had done to make him and other politicians successful. Thursdays election came as lawmakers are preparing to return to Nashville later this month for a special session to address possibly changing the states gun control laws. While Jones and Pearsons reelection to their old posts wont make a significant dent to the Republican supermajority inside the Legislature, they are expected to push back heavily against some of their GOP colleagues policies. Jones and Pearson were elected to the Statehouse last year. Both lawmakers flew relatively under the radar, even as they criticized their Republican colleagues policies. It wasnt until this spring that their political careers received a boost when they joined fellow Democrat Rep. Gloria Johnson in a protest for more gun control on the House floor. The demonstration took place just days after a fatal shooting in Nashville at a private Christian school where a shooter killed three children and three adults. As thousands of protesters flooded the Capitol building to demand that the Republican supermajority enact some sort of restrictions on firearms, the three lawmakers approached the front of the House chamber with a bullhorn, and joined the protesters chants and cries for action. Republican lawmakers quickly declared that their actions violated House rules and moved to expel their three colleagues an extraordinary move thats been taken only a handful of times since the Civil War. The move briefly left about 140,000 voters in primarily Black districts in Nashville and Memphis with no representation in the Tennessee House. Ultimately, Johnson, who is white, narrowly avoided expulsion while Pearson and Jones were booted by the predominantly white GOP caucus. House Republican leaders have repeatedly denied that race was a factor in the expulsion hearings. Democrats have disagreed, with Johnson countering that the only reason that she wasnt expelled was due to her being white. The expulsions drew national support for the newly dubbed Tennessee Three, especially for Pearson and Jones campaign fundraising. The two raised more than $2 million combined through about 70,400 campaign donations from across the country. The amount is well beyond the norm for Tennessees Republican legislative leaders and virtually unheard of for two freshman Democrats in a superminority. Meanwhile, more than 15 Republican lawmakers had funneled cash to fund campaign efforts of Jones Republican opponent, Nelson. Nelson has raised more than $34,000 for the race. Pearsons opponent, Johnston, raised less than $400 for the contest. Thursdays election will also influence two other legislative seats. In Nashville, community organizer Aftyn Behn and former Metro Councilmember Anthony Davis were vying to advance to the general election for a House seat in a district in the citys northeastern region that opened after Democratic Rep. Bill Beck died in June. Meanwhile in eastern Tennessee, Republican Timothy Hill faced Democrat Lori Love in a general election for Republican-leaning District 3. The seat was left empty when former Republican Rep. Scotty Campbell resigned following a finding that he had violated the Legislatures workplace discrimination and harassment policy. Hill served in the state House from 2012 until 2020 and rose to the position of majority whip. He later left his seat to run for an open U.S. House seat in 2020, but lost in a crowded primary to current Republican U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger. MIDDLE EAST DUBAI, United Arab Emirates The U.S. military is considering putting armed personnel on commercial ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, in what would be an unheard of action aimed at stopping Iran from seizing and harassing civilian vessels, American officials told The Associated Press Thursday. Since 2019, Iran seized a series of ships in the strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, as part of its efforts to pressure the West over negotiations regarding its collapsed nuclear deal with world powers. Putting U.S. troops on commercial ships could further deter Iran from seizing vessels or escalate tensions further. The contemplated move also would represent an extraordinary commitment in the Mideast by U.S. forces as the Pentagon tries to focus on Russia and China. America didn't even take the step during the "Tanker War," which culminated with the U.S. Navy and Iran fighting a one-day naval battle in 1988 that was the Navy's largest since World War II. While officials offered few details of the plan, it comes as thousands of Marines and sailors on both the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan and the landing ship USS Carter Hall are on their way to the Persian Gulf. Those Marines and sailors could provide the backbone for an armed guard mission in the strait, through which 20% of the world's crude oil passes. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP about the U.S. proposal. Five U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposal, acknowledged its broad details. The officials stressed no final decision was made and that discussions continue between U.S. military officials and America's Gulf Arab allies in the region. Officials said the Marines and Navy sailors would provide the security only at the request of the ships involved. One official described the process as complex, saying any deployment likely also would require approval of the country under which the ship is flagged and the country under which the owner is registered. So far, that has yet to happen and it might not for some time, the official said. At the Pentagon, Brig. Gen Pat Ryder was asked about the plans and would only say that he had no announcements to make on the matter. More broadly, however, he noted that additional ships, aircraft and Marines have been deployed to the Gulf region, making it easier to respond more quickly to any Iranian provocations. An inter-sectoral appraisal council has thrown its support behind an airport project costing VND5.8 trillion (US$244.3 million) in Quang Tri Province in north-central Vietnam and suggested the provincial authorities approve the project. Earlier, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, chairman of the inter-sectoral appraisal council, signed an appraisal report which is a foundation for Quang Tri Province to approve the project. T&T Group proposed developing the airport in Gio Quang, Gio Hai, and Gio Mai Communes, Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province. The airport, when wholly completed in 2050, will receive five million passengers and 25,500 metric tons of cargo per year. The Quang Tri administration was expected to green-light the airport project this quarter. The project will be executed in two phases. T&T Group scheduled to complete the first phase before 2026, during which it will develop basic facilities of the airport, including a 2,400-meter-long and 45-meter-wide runway, a 15-meter-wide taxiway, an apron with three aircraft parking spots, a passenger terminal, and other facilities, to serve some 500,000 passengers per year. In the second phase, the group proposed expanding the passenger terminal in 2029 to welcome 2.2 million passengers per year, and widen the terminal and a car parking area in front of the terminal in 2047 to increase the annual capacity of the airport to five million passengers. The investor also suggested developing a cargo terminal at the airport in 2029 to receive 5,600 metric tons of cargo a year. The cargo terminal will be expanded in 2043 and 2059 to reach an annual capacity of 25,500 metric tons. The Quang Tri airport project was designed to cover some 265.3 hectares of land. The estimated investment for the project, VND5.8 trillion ($244.3 million), does not include site clearance costs. The figure was VND311 billion ($13.1 million), or 5.6 percent, higher than that in a decision approving the project. The project will be conducted under a build-operate-transfer contract within two years and the capital recovery period will last for 47 years and three months. The appraisal council required referring to the construction and equipment costs at Van Don Airport in northern Quang Ninh Province, Cat Bi Airport in northern Hai Phong City, and Dien Bien Airport in the namesake northern province to calculate the costs for the Quang Tri airport project. It also asked the Peoples Committee of Quang Tri Province to carefully estimate the investment in the project to ensure the investment is in line with the law. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The first-ever electric bus line in Ho Chi Minh City running between Thu Duc City and District 1, which is under a pilot period, is sustaining a loss of over VND238,000 (US$10) per service. With a subsidy of 44.1 percent of the operation costs, the city provides VND309,800 ($13) for each trip, while the operation costs total over VND702,000 ($29.4) per trip. To cover the remaining costs, each bus has to transport at least 71 passengers per trip, according to the municipal Department of Transport. However, each bus carried only 27.6 passengers per trip on average in the first six months of this year, generating revenue of VND154,000 ($6.5) per trip. As a result, each trip suffered a loss of about VND238,000 ($10). There are currently 100 D4 bus trips per day, so the daily loss reaches VND23.8 million ($1,000). The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has proposed the municipal Peoples Committee increase the subsidy for the e-bus route to 64.8 percent to solve difficulties of the e-bus service provider, Vinbus Ecology Transport Services Ltd. Co., a subsidiary of Vingroup, and encourage public transport companies to use green energy. The D4 e-bus route starts at Vinhomes Grand Park in Thu Duc City and ends at Saigon Bus Station in District 1. It was launched in March 2022 and has drawn the attention of local residents thanks to modern equipment on buses, such as free WiFi, phone charging ports, monitors, and the floor which is low and can be adjusted to serve the disabled. The service is available from 5:00 am to 9:15 pm on a daily basis, with each trip starting every 20 minutes. The operator of the service has developed a mobile app to help commuters get updates on incidents on the route, such as congested sites or buses late arrival. The company also established a customer service unit which works around the clock. Quarterly surveys on passengers satisfaction in the e-bus route showed that the service got 89-95 points out of the maximum 100 points. The Ho Chi Minh City Management Center of Public Transport also hailed the e-bus line. Around 525,400 passengers traveled on 19,000 trips of the route in the first half of this year. The number of passengers on the route continuously increased to an average of 28.7 passengers per trip in June this year from 14.1 passengers in March last year, according to the municipal Department of Transport. The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee approved a 24-month pilot of five e-bus lines in the city from the first quarter of last year. Following the D4 route, the four others were expected to come on stream in late 2022. However, Vinbus Ecology Transport Services Ltd. Co. proposed delaying the pilot of the four lines to the last quarter of this year. The municipal Department of Transport attributed the delay to the low subsidy and the slow development of infrastructure facilities, especially charging stations. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. HANOI -- Vietnam's trade minister on Friday called on the country's rice exporters to honour their export contracts to maintain demand despite a recent surge in prices for the staple grain, state media reported. Prices of Vietnam's 5% broken rice RI-VNBKN5-P1 rose to a 15-year high of $590-$600 per ton on Friday, up from $550-$575 a week ago, traders said, after India on July 20 ordered a halt to its largest export category to calm domestic prices. Two trade sources said earlier this week that some rice exporters in Thailand and Vietnam were re-negotiating prices on sales contracts for around half a million metric tons for August shipments as India's ban tightens global supplies. "We need to stick to the signed contracts to protect our reputation," trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien said at a conference, according to Tien Phong newspaper. Dien called on exporters to focus on ensuring rice quality and avoiding an excess of exports to maintain sufficient domestic supplies and fully meet reserve requirements. "It's unacceptable for a rice exporting country to face tight supplies and high domestic prices," Dien told the conference. Vietnam's rice paddy output is expected to rise to 43 million tons this year from 42.7 million tons last year, the head of the country's Department of Crop Production said on Tuesday. Rice shipments from Vietnam, the world's third-largest exporter after India and Thailand, are expected to reach 7.8 million metric tons this year, up from 7.1 million tons recorded last year. Exports in the first seven months of this year were estimated to have risen about 18.7% from a year earlier to 4.84 million metric tons, according to preliminary government data. Vietnam and Indonesia agreed to work together to bring their two-way trade to over US$15 billion in the years ahead, according to the outcomes of talks held on Friday between Vietnams National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and Indonesias Speaker of the Peoples Representative Council Puan Maharani during the top Vietnamese legislators ongoing official visit to Indonesia. Chairman Hue suggested Indonesia create favorable conditions for Vietnamese farm produce to enter the Indonesian market, especially Halah food and local fruits such as lychees and longans. Halal refers to food products and services that adhere to Muslim law. The food is processed, manufactured and transported under stringent Islamic rules. He also proposed the Indonesian side continue its favorable conditions to encourage more Vietnamese firms to operate in this archipelagic country. The two Southeast Asian nations will also facilitate trade, remove trade barriers, and stimulate the growth of new supply chains, as well as make the most of each others advantages. Vietnams National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (L) and Indonesias Speaker of the Peoples Representative Council Puan Maharani sign a cooperation deal between the two legislatures of the two countries. Photo: Vietnam News Agency The two leaders agreed on major orientations to promote the bilateral partnership in the years ahead, including efforts to facilitate high-level visits and people-to-people exchange, beef up parliamentary cooperation and collaboration among localities in the two countries. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in other important fields such as culture, education, tourism, and aviation. The two top officials expressed the same wish of launching a direct air route linking Hanoi with Jakarta, in addition to ramping up the settling of issues related to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Chairman Hue at the talks invited the Speaker of the Peoples Representative Council of Indonesia to visit Vietnam. In response, the top Indonesian official accepted the invitation with pleasure, adding that Indonesia will send a delegation to attend the ninth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Vietnam next month. The two wrapped up the talks with the signing of a cooperation deal between the two lawmaking bodies, adding that they co-chaired a press briefing to inform the media of the outcomes of their talks. Earlier, Chairman Hue arrived in Jakarta on Friday, beginning his official visit to Indonesia where he will also attend the 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-44). The visit is made at the invitation of Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives and AIPA President Puan Maharani. This is his first Indonesia visit as the head of the Vietnamese lawmaking body as well as the first of a top Vietnamese legislator to Indonesia after 13 years. The visit takes place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership and the upcoming 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2025. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Inspectors from the European Commission (EC) will come to Vietnam for the fourth time in October to consider lifting a 'yellow card' imposed on Vietnamese seafood in 2017 over illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said in a dispatch on Thursday. The yellow card warning means that all of Vietnams seafood batches shipped to the European Union are subject to scrutiny, or local exporters have to pay higher costs. The ministry ordered drastic action to strictly follow EC recommendations on combating IUU fishing and asked relevant agencies to prepare to work with the EC inspection team, according to the urgent dispatch. The ministry also asked leaders of provinces and cities to direct relevant units to comply with the prime ministers directives and guidelines associated with IUU fishing in order to promptly see the yellow card lifted. These provinces and cities should enhance efforts to prevent fishing boats and fishermen from illegally fishing in foreign waters, as well as impose harsh sanctions on fishing violations. It is vital to review the number of operational fishing boats and check the status of their registrations, licenses, expirations, and fishing vessel monitoring system installations. Fishing boats that fail to meet these requirements must be stopped, according to the ministry. Authorities in coastal provinces and cities were told to tighten control over the exit and entry of fishing vessels, as well as seafood origin traceability. Furthermore, the ministry assigned the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance Force to team up with other relevant agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send working delegations to nations which encounter Vietnamese fishing boats and fishermen in their waters in order to handle violations. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also told Khanh Hoa and Ba Ria Vung Tau Provinces and other localities to join hands with the Directorate of Fisheries to investigate alleged IUU fishing by Hai Vuong Company, Thinh Hung Company, and T & H Nha Trang Company. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A family in Ha Nam Province, northern Vietnam voluntarily handed over an Asian black bear that they had kept for 20 years to the Animals Asia Foundation, which announced the successful rescue on Friday. The family, living in Duy Tien Town, Ha Nam Province, willingly submitted an application to transfer the bear to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Center, where they expected the animal would receive the best possible care. Following the application, in the presence of local authorities, the provinces Division of Cultivation and Plant Protection and forest rangers organized the handover to Animals Asia. According to the division, the rescued bear is the last captive Asian black bear in the province. Eighteen years ago, there were 25 captive bears in Ha Nam. Veterinarians administer anesthesia and conduct a thorough examination on the bear. Photo: Animals Asia Foundation The Asian black bear has been under the care of the household since it was a cub, approximately since 2005, and now it is nearly 20 years old. The family kept the bear in an iron cage inside their kitchen. Despite being quite accustomed to human presence, the bear still exhibited signs of stress, often shaking its head when noticing strangers nearby. Animals Asia named the bear Kindness in honor of the foundations 25th anniversary, as she was rescued on this special occasion. To rescue Kindness, veterinarians administered anesthesia and conducted a thorough examination in the owners front yard. Prior to the anesthesia administration process, the veterinarians advised the owner not to feed the bear for 24 hours to ensure a safe response to the anesthetic. Dr. Jill Robinson, the founder of Animals Asia, participated in the bear rescue in person, taking on the task of reducing the animals stress and providing a comfortable environment for observation. She used enticing foods that bears love, such as honey, condensed milk, jam, and dried fruit, to assist the bear during the rescue process. As a result, the bear became calmer, allowing the veterinarians to closely observe and accurately calculate the appropriate dosage of anesthetic. The bears paws display calluses, cracks, and the nails have grown too long and have turned inwards. Photo: Animals Asia Foundation According to veterinarian Rachel Sanki from the Vietnam Bear Rescue Center, the bear in question is a female weighing approximately 100 kilograms. Its paws display calluses, cracks, and notably, the nails have grown long and have turned inwards. Following the anesthesia and medical assessment, the bear was safely placed in a cage and transported to the center, located in Tam Dao District of northern Vinh Phuc Province, within the same day. Upon her arrival at the center, further examination of her gallbladder was needed. Additionally, her teeth required cleaning. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! More than a decade ago, American celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain visited a little stall selling banh mi at a market in Hoi An, central Vietnam and it was game-changing. In 2007, Banh Mi Phuong was already a well-known name among local residents in Hoi An Ancient Town and Bourdain was advised to give it a try during his trip to Vietnam. He did visit the stall but it took him two years to come back with his team to feature the stall and its banh mi on his show of 'Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.' Bourdain and restaurateur Phillipe Lajaunie celebrated banh mi at the stall for its mix of flavors from the crispy bread filled with liver pate, cucumber, mayo, egg, and other ingredients. Thats a symphony in a sandwich, Bourdain commented. The two-minute showcase on the show turned the spotlight on the little banh mi stall at Hoi An Market, drawing attention from foodies around the world. About a year after Bourdain's visit, Banh Mi Phuong became crowded with foreign visitors. Truong Thi Phuong, the stall owner, seemed to have no idea why. I was happy that people came and filmed my stall but I did not think much of it because I had no idea who he was, Phuong recently recalled. I was confused as many foreigners came and asked to take photos with me. The Internet was not popular then, so everyone was very curious about what was happening. Phuong later found out the reason after a relative of hers, who was studying abroad, told her that she was featured in the renowned American show. Truong Thi Phuong, the owner of Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An, central Vietnam, holds a book she was gifted by Anthony Bourdain. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre Thanks to her TV debut, Banh Mi Phuong later continued to be spotlighted on TV channels and in travel magazines, with its banh mi being mentioned as one of the best street foods in the world. After more than a decade, Phuong moved her stall from the market to a bigger shop on Phan Chau Trinh Street. The venue has become a must-visit place for anyone in Hoi An. Staff make 'banh mi' at Banh Mi Phuong shop in Hoi An, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre Banh Mi Phuong has even been franchised to a partner in South Korea. In honor and gratitude, Phuong hung a photo of Bourdain and Lajaunie eating banh mi in front of her former stall at the market at the entrance of her current shop. The picture also signals the quality of a stall selling the delightful banh mi that won the heart of the legendary Bourdain. According to Phuong, before Bourdain passed away in France in 2018, he and Lajaunie came back a few times for the banh mi at her place. They also joined her on a trip to the local market for ingredients. "I showed them the full process of making the banh mis fillings as well as how to make some local dishes so that they could cook when theyre home, but every time we met again, they admitted that they couldn't make it as tasty as I did, Phuong joyfully recalled. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! US character actor Mark Margolis, best known for Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, has died aged 83. He died on August 4 in hospital in New York City following a short illness. He played drug kingpin Hector Salamanca on two dramas by Vince Gilligan, playing a menacing figure who communicates by ringing a bell after suffering a stroke -gaining an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. The fact that he didnt have any words was not an issue for me, he once said. I was delighted not to have to learn any lines. I mean, I had to know what was going on, I had to my cues, but the fact that I didnt have to master lines was great. I got to fly out to New Mexico and not worry about memorizing anything. His other credits included The Equalizer, Santa Barbara, Oz, Prodigal Son, The Blacklist, Snowpiercer, The Affair and six films with director Darren Aronofsky. Source: EOnline Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty Most historians were appalled when the Florida Board of Education adopted new standards for the states African American History curriculum, including instruction on how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. Gov. Ron DeSantis, however, thought it was just fine. Theyre probably going to show that some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith into doing things later in life, the Republican presidential candidate explained. As New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie pointed out, enslaved Americans were treated as chattel, always subjected to enforced labor, beatings, sexual abuse, and family separation. Whatever skills a fortunate few managed to acquire were heartlessly exploited for the benefit of the enslavers. The Shady Backstory of Floridas Outrageous New Slavery Curriculum Moreover, the Florida Board of Education attempted to justify its standard by releasing a list of 16 individuals who were said to have benefited from skills acquired as slaves. But as it turns out, many on the list had never been enslaved, or had become free in childhood and had acquired their professions post-emancipation. So an already weak argument doesnt even have these wobbly legs to stand on. But lets explore the life of one formerly enslaved person who did acquire skills during slavery. In my book, The Colored Hero of Harpers Ferry: John Anthony Copeland and the War against Slavery, I wrote about Allen and Temperance Jones, a married couple, both born into enslavement by a North Carolina plantation owner named Jeffrys in the late 18th century. Trained as a blacksmith, Allen had been able to work for wages on Sundays, the slaves only day of rest, eventually saving the $685 required to buy his freedom. Jeffrys, however, was a swindler as well as a slaver. He took Allens money, falsely claiming that it was never rightfully his. You are my n----r yet, Jeffrys said, and I have the money, too. Story continues Undeterred, Allen redoubled his labor. He eventually raised enough money to buy his freedom, which Jeffrys could not refuse a second time. Now able to work full time and keep his earnings, Allen saved the $3,000a small fortune in those daysnecessary to free Temperance and their three children. This time, Allen took no chances. North Carolina law required manumitted slaves to leave the state unless they had been freed under narrow circumstances. He could not trust the perfidious Jeffrys to release Temperance and the children, and certainly not to provide the certificate of meritorious service that would allow them to remain in North Carolina. Rather than risk simply handing over the cash, Allen was compelled to purchase his own wife and children, enslaving them to himself. How White Liberal Elites Failed George Floyd That still provided scant security for the Joneses. Enslaved persons could always be seized in satisfaction of debtsreal or concoctedwhich was especially perilous for the African Americans in bond to their own families. Allen therefore took the remarkable step of hiring a prominent white lawyer named Thomas Ruffin to petition for the freedom of his wife and children. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks after signing three education bills on the campus of New College of Florida in Sarasota, Fla. on May 15, 2023. Thomas Simonetti for The Washington Post via Getty Images The necessary papers, filed in 1829, alleged Allens ownership of several negro slaves to wit: Tempe, Munro, Betheny, and Burnhamhis wife and children. The petition cited Tempes upright character and her dutiful, faithful, and highly meritorious service, as required for her to stay in the state. Ruffin was no racial progressive, owning two plantations where he enslaved over 100 African American men, women, and children. He would soon be appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court, where he authored one of the most pro-slavery judicial decisions of the antebellum era. Holding that enslavers could legally shoot recalcitrant slaves, he wrote that the power of the master must be absolute, to render the submission of the slave perfect. Nonetheless, Ruffin was a scrupulous attorney, and the well-drafted petition was soon granted on Allens behalf, decreeing the liberation of his said slaves. Ron DeSantis Anti-Free Speech Crusade Would Cancel Fox News Allen became a leader in his community, daringly helping to build a school for free Black children. The school was burned to the ground several times, and the Joneses eventually decided they and their children could no longer remain in a slave state. In 1843, the family relocated to Oberlin, Ohio, which was the most racially progressive town in the United States. Allen opened his own smithy and became well known in abolitionist circles. He was celebrated in a long profile in the National Anti-Slavery Standard, which described him standing at his forge and singing songs of liberation. All four of the Jones children graduated from Oberlin Collegeincluding the youngest, the aptly named Elias Toussaint, who was born free in 1834making them perhaps the most educated African American family in the United States. Nonetheless, the burden of enslavement was never fully lifted. I discovered the manumission petition in a North Carolina archive when I was researching another family. As far as I can tell, no one since 1829 had ever been informed of Temperances enslavement to her husband. In all of the many memoirs, interviews, remembrances, and articles about the achievements of the Jones family, there was never any mention of the court proceeding. It is highly likely that the Jones children and their descendants were never aware of the embarrassing circumstances of their mothers liberation, or of their abolitionist fathers humiliation at having been forced to become an enslaver himself. America Is Putting Up Memorials for a Lynching Victim, While Minimizing Slavery So yes, Allen Jones was trained as a blacksmith by an enslaver, but the brutal system did everything possible to deprive him and his family of any personal benefit. The College Board, whose own advanced placement course on African American history was rejected in Florida, has issued a statement resolutely disagree[ing] with the notion that enslavement was in any way a beneficial, productive, or useful experience for African Americans. But Gov. DeSantis would have none of that. Im here defending my state of Florida against false accusations and against lies, he tweeted. In fact, the true story of Allen and Temperance Jones gives the lie to DeSantis callous assertion that enslavement bestowed a personal benefit on blacksmiths or anyone else. 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. Pressure is mounting on the leaders of a coup in Niger before a deadline set by other West African leaders for the military to relinquish control or face possible armed intervention. The Ecowas bloc has given the junta until Sunday to return Niger's elected President Mohamed Bazoum to power, but so far it shows no sign of complying. France Niger's former coloniser, which until the junta took power still had close military ties with the country said it would "firmly" back whatever course of action Ecowas took. The bloc has agreed a plan for a possible intervention, it said following emergency talks between its military chiefs. That includes "how and when we are going to deploy the force", said Ecowas commissioner for political affairs, peace and security Abdel-Fatau Musah. But he stressed: "We want diplomacy to work, and we want this message clearly transmitted to them [the junta] that we are giving them every opportunity to reverse what they have done." Junta defiant Under the Ecowas plan, the decision of when and where to strike will be made by heads of state, according to Musah. It is not clear which West African forces would participate in a possible military operation in Niger, nor whether they would receive support from countries outside the region. Chad, which borders Niger and is not a member of Ecowas, confirmed on Saturday that it would "never intervene by military means". Meanwhile Niger's junta has warned it would meet force with force. Read more on RFI English Read also: Niger no closer to restoring order as Ecowas deadline looms US partially suspends aid to Niger until democratic order is restored Time for Niger's coup leaders to give up on reckless 'adventure', says France Lebanon on Friday marked three years since one of history's biggest non-nuclear explosions rocked Beirut. Yet nobody has been held to account as political and legal pressures suspend the investigation. The blast killed at least 218 people and wounded more than 6,500, devastated large swaths of Beirut and caused billions of euros in damages. Authorities said the disaster was triggered by a fire in a warehouse where a vast stockpile of industrial chemical ammonium nitrate had been haphazardly stored for years. The main activist group representing families of those killed called for a protest march on Friday afternoon, converging on the port. "This is a day of commemoration, mourning and protest against the Lebanese state that politicises our cause and interferes in the judiciary," said Rima al-Zahed, whose brother was killed in the explosion. "The judiciary is shackled, justice is out of reach, and the truth is shrouded," she said. A rescue team surveys the site of this week's massive explosion in the port of Beirut in 2020. - AP Photo The blast struck amid an economic collapse that the World Bank has dubbed one of the worst in recent history and which is widely blamed on a governing elite accused of corruption and mismanagement. Since its early days, a probe into the explosion has faced a slew of political and legal challenges. In December 2020, lead investigator Fadi Sawan charged former prime minister Hassan Diab and three ex-ministers with negligence. But as political pressure mounted, Sawan was removed from the case. The blast anniversary has also brought renewed calls for an international investigation of those responsible. Lebanese and international organisations, survivors and families of victims sent such an appeal to the United Nations Rights Council, saying that on the third anniversary of the explosion, we are no closer to justice and accountability for the catastrophe. Putin is likely counting on Trump or another Republican to win the 2024 election in hopes that the US will cut support to Ukraine, officials say US officials are concerned Putin is prolonging efforts in Ukraine in hopes Trump wins in 2024, CNN reported. Putin likely believes Trump in the White House would mean dwindling US support for Ukraine. But whether Putin can maintain his war effort for another 15 months is increasingly questionable. Western officials are increasingly worried that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prolonging his efforts in Ukraine in the hopes that former President Donald Trump or another Republican candidate will take the White House in 2024 and cut US funding to Ukraine, CNN reported this week, citing four US officials. The US has not received specific information about whether Putin is factoring the 2024 election into his long-term plans in Ukraine, government officials told the outlet, but the coming election is nonetheless top-of-mind for national security officials and diplomats. "Putin knows Trump will help him. And so do the Ukrainians and our European partners," one unnamed source told CNN. "So even though we haven't seen anything explicitly to that effect, you have to assume, I believe, that everyone is thinking it." Another US official told CNN they have "no doubt" that Putin is "trying to hold out" until the next election, while a European official said they think allowing the war to wage on until the election is "exactly Putin's plan." As Ukraine continues to execute its much-anticipated counteroffensive to slow and stunted effect, there are no indications that the war is slowing. Some analysts have projected that the conflict could continue in some way for years. If Putin is waiting on Trump, or a like-minded politician to win in November 2024, that means he is planning on seeing Russia through at least 15 more months of war. But that strategy in reality could be logistically challenging given Russia's mounting manpower problems, the growing dysfunction within its depleted ranks, and Putin's own waning power following the Wagner Group uprising earlier this summer. Story continues Still, officials told CNN they believe Putin may see another Trump presidency as a saving grace for Russia, a likely safe bet given Trump's repeated defenses of Putin in the year-and-a-half since Russia invaded Ukraine. Following the invasion, Trump called Putin's justification for beginning the conflict "genius," and later blamed the US for the war, accusing American politicians of "almost forcing" Putin to invade. Polls suggest Trump is the clear GOP frontrunner despite his myriad legal troubles, which included a third criminal indictment handed down this week. The former president has not definitively said whether he would continue to support Ukraine should he win, but he called on Republican lawmakers this week to withhold military aid to the country until President Joe Biden agrees to congressional probes into his son Hunter Biden. "The election next year complicates things because the Russians think they have a light at the end of the tunnel. It encourages Putin to think that they can outlast the Americans because political support for Ukraine will be compromised if Trump wins," Daniel Fried, a former US ambassador to Poland, told CNN. Putin's possible long-game makes ongoing US assistance to Ukraine all the more important in the meantime, officials told the outlet. But a CNN poll conducted by SSRS and released this week suggested support for Ukraine is dwindling among the American electorate. Fifty-five percent of the Americans polled responded that they believe Congress should not approve more funding to support Ukraine. The Biden administration, however, has no plans to stop supporting Ukraine anytime soon, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in comments last month, telling NBC's Meet the Press that Putin will be disappointed if he hangs his hopes on the 2024 election. "If in fact, he is betting on American resolve to falter or fail, he is going to continue losing that bet," Sullivan said. Read the original article on Business Insider Russian Novorossiysk submarine. OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP/Getty Images Ukraine launched a sea drone strike on a Russian naval ship near the port of Novorossiysk. The commodities shipping hub shut down for a few hours, halting exports of oil and grain. It follows a wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine's ports and export facilities. A Ukrainian drone strike damaged a Russian ship near the port of Novorossiysk, forcing the key export hub for Moscow's oil and grain to temporarily halt traffic. With help from the Ukrainian navy, security services sent two sea drones to carry out the attack, sources told the Financial Times, though Kyiv officially did not take responsibility. While denied by Russian officials, video of the attack on the Olenegorsky Gornyak appeared to show the amphibious assault ship sustained damage and needed to be towed. The port of Novorossiysk is home to a Russian navy base and exports about 600,000 barrels of oil a day. After the drone attack, wheat futures jumped as much as 3.5% Friday morning, while Brent crude futures rose 0.6%. The attack was preceded by a number of Russian assaults on Kyiv's grain export infrastructure these past weeks, such as Wednesday drone strike on Ukraine's primary inland port on the Danube River. According to Reuters, the attack damaged 40,000 tons of grain headed towards African nations, as well as China and Israel. "Moscow is waging a battle for a global catastrophe," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address that followed. "In their madness, they need world food markets to collapse, they need a price crisis, they need disruptions in supplies." The Kremlin's attacks came after it refused to extend a key grain deal held with Ukraine that helped secure safe passage for 33 million tons of crop exports since the deal was reached in July 2022. Meanwhile, Ukraine's drone strike adds a new threat to Russia's commodity outflows, which are already limited Western sanctions and price caps. The attack is unlikely to be a one-off event, drone-expert Stephen Wright told Insider, but only signals more to come. Ukraine is focusing on building bigger and more powerful sea drones, and wants to "get more explosives on board" to ramp up its attacks, he said. Read the original article on Business Insider (Bloomberg) -- Venezuela is in early-stage talks with the European Union on a $1.5 billion plan to capture its methane emissions and export them to the bloc as natural gas with the help of Eni SpA and Repsol SA. Most Read from Bloomberg The project would use a portion of the EUs Global Gateway Initiative funds to gather emissions from Venezuelas idle oil wells and deteriorating infrastructure, according to people with knowledge of the situation and documents seen by Bloomberg. That gas would then be sent to Trinidad to be liquefied and shipped on to Europe. The plan would help Venezuela, once one of the worlds largest crude producers, reduce the pollution from the state-owned oil companys facilities while bolstering the EUs natural gas supplies amid Russias war with Ukraine. Methane is a greenhouse gas thats about 80 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period. Discussions are still at a very preliminary stage, according to a spokesperson for the European Commission. A feasibility study to ascertain the scope of the repairs will be the first step, with financing arrangements still to be agreed upon, the person added. While no exact start date has been established, the project is slated to be ready in about two years. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed the plan, without providing additional details. Italian energy giant Eni, Spains Repsol and Frances Etablissements Maurel & Prom SA will handle some of the work of overhauling Petroleos de Venezuela SAs gas hubs, plants and pipelines. The plan includes the construction of a 90-kilometer (56-mile) pipeline connecting Venezuela and Trinidad for about $350 million and would take about 36 to 48 months from research until construction. PDVSA, Eni, Repsol and Maurel et Prom didnt immediately reply to requests for comment. Story continues Venezuela has the second-highest methane emissions intensity trailing only Turkmenistan among selected oil and gas producing countries, according to International Energy Agency data. The South American nation flared and vented around 1.2 kilograms (2.7 pounds) of methane per gigajoule of energy produced. Leaders of the European Union are seeking to reboot relations with Latin America in a competition for influence against Russia and China, but wrangling over Moscows invasion of Ukraine is hampering their efforts. The EU announced on Monday that it will help invest more than $50 billion in Latin America and the Caribbean until 2027 in clean energy, critical raw materials, health and education. EUs foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell pointed out the need to help Venezuela lower emissions in an interview in El Pais in May. Venezuela is one of the countries that produces the most methane for the benefit of no one, while in the EU we need gas, Borrell told the newspaper. We are thinking of a project that allows this gas to be extracted, taken to Trinidad and Tobago so that it can be liquefied there, and sent to Europe. --With assistance from Nicolle Yapur and Jorge Valero. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Pope Francis kisses a baby on the popemobile at Portugal's Fatima shrine (Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA) Around 200,000 pilgrims flooded the shrine of Fatima in Portugal on Saturday to attend a service held by Pope Francis at one of Catholicism's most revered sites devoted to the Virgin Mary. Worshippers waved and called out "Viva!" as the 86-year-old pontiff, wearing a white cassock, slowly drove past on his popemobile. He paused several times to have babies brought to him and kissed them on the head. The pope then recited the rosary with 112 sick youths, people with disabilities and prisoners at the chapel built on the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. In an address to the crowd estimated by local authorities at around 200,000 people, he reinforced calls made many times during his trip to Portugal for an inclusive Church. "This little chapel where we find ourselves, is like a beautiful image of the Church, welcoming, without doors," he said in improvised remarks. "The Church does not have doors, so that everyone can enter," he added to applause from the crowd. It is the second day in a row that the pope, who is in increasingly fragile health and now uses a wheelchair or walking stick to get around, has not followed his prepared remarks. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters the pope had improvised one of his speeches on Friday due to "discomfort of vision", but that in Fatima it had been "a choice". The pope solemnly prayed in silence for several minutes before a statue of the Virgin Mary in the chapel. In a text published later on Twitter, which is being rebranded as 'X', the pontiff said he had prayed for the "church and the world, especially for countries at war". - 'Very beautiful' - Francis arrived in Portugal on Wednesday for World Youth Day, a six-day international Catholic jamboree. After the service in Fatima, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) north of Lisbon, he returned by helicopter to the capital, where on Saturday evening he will lead a vigil at the waterfront Parque Tejo. Story continues Church organisers expect one million faithful will attend the vigil at the park that has been built for the occasion on a former landfill site. Fatima draws millions of pilgrims from around the globe. Many pilgrims walk to the town and some complete the final stretch on their knees to demonstrate their devotion. Others toss wax limbs or organs into a fire beside the chapel as they recite prayers for healing. Thousands of worshippers had already gathered in Fatima on Friday on the eve of the pope's arrival, many setting up folding chairs in the shrine's vast square to mark their spot. Many slept in sleeping bags or floor mats on the esplanade of the shrine. "I found the ceremony very beautiful," said Carlos Fuastino, a 56-year-old Portuguese urban planner, adding he decided at the "last minute" to attend. - Red alert - Susana Marino, a 48-year-old Portuguese psychologist, said she had come to Fatima because "it really will be the last chance we have to see the pope". The leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics will deliver a final open-air mass on Sunday morning at the Parque Tejo when a heatwave is forecast to peak. Portugal's state weather agency has issued a "red" alert -- its highest level -- for Lisbon on Sunday due to the heat, with the mercury predicted to hit 41 degrees Celsius (105.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Local authorities have repeatedly urged pilgrims to drink plenty of water. Registered participants received rucksacks containing reusable water bottles and sunhats, along with a rosary. World Youth Day, created in 1986 by John Paul II, is the largest Catholic gathering in the world and will feature a wide range of events, including concerts and prayer sessions. This edition, initially scheduled for August 2022 but postponed because of the pandemic, will be the fourth for Francis after Rio de Janeiro in 2013, Krakow in 2016 and Panama in 2019. cmk-lf/ds/cw Two shops run by the Coleraine-based producer of a wide range of ice cream flavours and low-fat sorbets have been named among the very best in the United Kingdom in three major surveys including one by BBC Good Food, the leading gourmet food magazine. Pictured enjoying a Morellis ice cream in Portrush Morelli, Northern Irelands specialist in authentic Italian-style ice cream, has been given a timely summer boost from UK observers. Famed for its Knickerbocker Glory and other tasty and colourful ice cream desserts, Morelli is now Irelands oldest producer. Two shops run by the Coleraine-based producer of a wide range of ice cream flavours and low-fat sorbets have been named among the very best in the UK in three major surveys including one by BBC Good Food, the leading gourmet food magazine. Morelli, Northern Irelands specialist in authentic Italian-style ice cream, has been given a timely summer boost from UK observers. Famed for its Knickerbocker Glory and other tasty and colourful ice cream desserts, Morelli is now Irelands oldest producer. Pictured is the distinctive ice cream shop in Portrush The Coleraine company also gained nine gold stars including two three stars in this weeks UK Great Taste Awards. Loved by UK chefs and other food experts, such as writer Felicity Cloake were Morellis distinctively branded shops in Portrush and Belfast, the only ice cream parlours in Northern Ireland to be recognised in Britain. Morellis sales and marketing director Daniela Morelli-Kerr was understandably thrilled to receive such marvellous recognition from the experts. Such endorsements come at the height of the ice cream market in the UK and will also support our initiatives to develop sales in GB to Morrisons supermarkets, a key external market for the company, she says. Weve some business there already especially for our retail tubs." Earlier in the summer, Morelli strengthened its position in Britain by means of a collaboration with the countrys favourite jam and jelly brand Hartleys to create a new range of jelly and ice cream flavour pairings. The flavour pairings, which have been created by a team of experts from Morellis Ice Cream and Harleys, match the taste and texture of different ice cream flavours with a variety of jelly combinations to create this summers go-to treat for ice cream lovers. There was good news too for the enterprising company when three of the ice creams produced for Dunnes Stores Simply Better premium range were shortlisted in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards. The three unique flavours for Dunnes were butterscotch, caramalized hazelnut and mixed berry. Morelli signed a significant deal with Dunnes Stores, Irelands biggest retailer, to supply new flavours of ice cream last year. Story continues Morelli is among the most successful of Irelands ice cream and has won the Regional Golden Fork for Northern Ireland in the finals of the UK Great Taste Awards. The company gained the award for its unique caramelised hazelnut flavour of ice cream. The family business, a Food NI member, has been creating ice cream since 1911 in what was then the north of Ireland; now Northern Ireland. The business was formed by the Morelli family which moved to the region from Italy in 1911, making it Northern Irelands oldest and best-known producer of a wide variety of ice cream flavours. Many of the enterprising companys products have won prestigious awards from the Ice Cream Alliance industry, UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann in the Republic. Morellis double vanilla, for instance, was named Best in the UK and Ireland in the Ice Cream Awards in 2019. It has also pioneered reduced sugar ice creams and dairy-free ice creams and produced frozen yoghurt in collaboration with Clandeboye Estate in Bangor. It has also produced an Irish Black Butter flavour with Portrush-based artisan Alastair Bell. A major deal with Dunnes Stores, Irelands biggest and hugely successful retailer last year, has also seen the companys authentic Italian ice cream in stores throughout Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. A number of hotels and restaurants, in addition, serve the ice cream flavours. Morellis smooth ice cream is appearing under the supermarkets premium Simply Better range and is an important expansion of Coleraine companys business in the Republic, long a key market for the hugely successful and respected ice cream maker thats been creating the product for more than a century. Five rich flavours have been developed by Morellis team in Coleraine in collaboration with Dunnes for the immensely successful Simply Better range, The flavours are: Madagascan Vanilla Bean; Caramelised Hazelnut; Mixed Irish Berry; Butterscotch and Strawberries and Cream. The Caramelised Hazelnut flavour won a Great Taste Awards Regional Golden Fork for Northern Ireland back in 2021, she adds. The new flavours are now an integral part of the Simply Better range, a premium food collection with over 350 existing products, 270 of which are produced right here in Ireland. The range is now available exclusively in selected Dunnes Stores throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Angus Cloud's father died after stage four cancer battle credit:Bang Showbiz Angus Cloud's father died after a battle with stage four cancer. Conor Hickey passed away in May after being diagnosed with the rare and aggressive cancer mesothelioma, a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body's organs. TMZ reports that Conor's death certificate states he "died from fluid buildup around his lungs and heart, with stage four cancer in those same organs". Angus, 25, passed away at his family home in Oakland, California, just weeks after he returned from his father's native Ireland, where Conor had been laid to rest. In the statement announcing his passing, Angus' family revealed he had struggled to cope following his beloved father's passing. The statement said: "It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother, and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. "Angus was open about his battle with mental health, and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence. We hope the world remembers him for his humour, laughter, and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss." In July, Angus, his mother Lisa, and twin sisters Molly and Fiona traveled to Conor's home country of Ireland to scatter his ashes at the 100-acre farm he still owned in Laurelstown, County Meath. However, insiders revealed Angus was in a "fragile state" during the trip. Close family friend, Mick Gleeson, told the Daily Mail: "He was just so traumatised that he could not attend. He was in a very bad way and in total shock. "He was like a rabbit caught in the headlights and was just unable to come to terms with his loss. I sat down with him and said he was now the man of the family, and he just could not handle it. He was a broken man." The longest tunnel in the HS2 rail project reaching its halfway point under the Chilterns in Oxfordshire this year. But could the high speed line be scrapped? Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland we have botched our airport provision with our all-things-to-all-men and money-grows-on-trees mentality (Photo: HS2) (Scroll down for Ben Lowry on the Northern Ireland weather) The first was the latest obstacle to hit the planned high speed rail line in England The second was reports of the continued success of Dublin Airport. In the former, the governments infrastructure watchdog the Infrastructure and Projects Authority delivered a shocking finding that found that the first phase of the high-speed line from London to Birmingham was unachievable. Coming from such an authoritative body, it was a devastating assessment of the so-called HS2 rail project, which was already been hit by repeated delays and soaring costs. The authority believes that the line, which has already been amended to save cost, will have to be further curtailed. Meanwhile, Dublin Airport reported yesterday that last Sunday it enjoyed its busiest ever day. Dublin Airport has been steadily recovering from the lockdown to recover its place as one of the busiest airports in the UK and Ireland. In 2019 it had a massive 33 million passengers many of them from Northern Ireland before plunging to 7 million in 2020, the first year of the Covid lockdown, then 8 million in 2021, before recovering hugely last year to 28 million. This year might be its busiest ever. The problems with HS2 are so great that it might yet be ditched altogether as an army of critics say it should be. I think that would be a tragedy that Britain, which in the 1800s pioneered railways and structures such as tunnels and bridges, would not even be able to complete a significant stretch of high speed rail, which some countries had 50 years ago. Not only have I long been a supporter of HS2, I was enthusiastic about an original plan to link it to HS1, the short stretch of high speed rail from London to the Kent coast at Folkstone, and on into the Channel Tunnel, then out into France where it connects to one of the best high speed train networks on Earth. I first used the tunnel in the summer of 1995, the year after it opened, and recall the applause among fellow passengers when we emerged out of the darkness under the English Channel into daylight and French countryside. For the first time in history, an island that was at the forefront of building civilisation was physically connected to a continent that was also a pioneer in the advance of mankind. Story continues For a while, both in the financial crisis and during the Covid restrictions, there were grim suggestions that the supremely expensive Chunnel might close, never to reopen. That would be like the loss of Concorde a depressing example of technology and engineering going into reverse. On a much smaller scale, the closure in the post-crash years of the one-hour fast ferry between Larne and Cairnyan, the fastest ever passenger boat crossing between Ireland and Great Britain, was another retreat. Not only should the high speed rail link to Birmingham (and one day beyond) be built, not only should it have linked directly to the high speed line into France, it would have been an opportunity to fulfil a Boris Johnson vision (he thought big on infrastructure): to close Heathrow, turn it into housing in one of the most desirable home locations in London, the west of the capital, and build a 24-hour airport in the Thames Valley. The biggest in the world, it would have been right on the HS1 rail link and could have been connected to the excellently located Birmingham airport, which would have been expanded to help compensate for the loss of Heathrow. But we wont think big in that way in the UK now. Everything seems to be done by committee and compromise and fudge, which means the death of such projects. And we seem unable to control costs for massive infrastructure. Thought of a possible new airport near the Thames, and the success of Dublin airport, makes me in turn reflect on our airport provision here in Northern Ireland, Over the years I have written about how we have botched that through our all-things-to-all-men and money-grows-on-trees mentality (see link below). Much as my preferred airport of use to go to England or Scotland is Belfast City, I would accept its closure if City of Derry airport was also to close and a hub built at Aldergrove. When I suggest such a project I am not suggesting that Belfast International, as it is currently run, deserves such an improvement it doesnt. But it is located ideally for the sort of airport that could have almost rivalled Dublin, and could become a connection point for airlines flying either to Europe or America. In much the same way that people sometimes fly east from these islands to hubs at Schiphol in Amsterdam or Frankfurt in Germany, then to fly west to the US. People often call for a good rail link to Aldergrove but it is only really feasible if the other two airports closed and then you would have more than 10 million passengers annually, the sort of critical mass that would justify an expensive train connection. Any such hub airport would also need a dual carriageway or motorway link from the Antrim side and the Lisburn side to rival to Dublin. The latter was cleverly designed at one end of the Irish capitals M50 orbital motorway and at one end of the motorway to Belfast. This means that a citizen of Belfast has a straight drive to Dublin airport but the reverse does not have such an easy route to Aldergrove, having to use back roads north of Banbridge. In a recent article on the greatly improved Belfast-Londonderry road (see link below) I mentioned how we could have had it decades earlier if we had accepted road tolls on key routes, as France does and as the Republic has latterly done with its superb motorways. Instead we expect everything, including now talk of a vastly expensive rail line in the lightly populated centre of Northern Ireland and we expect it all for free. Ben Lowry (@Ben Lowry2) is News Letter editor Ben Lowry: I have come to like the Northern Ireland weather Ben Lowry: The Belfast to Londonderry road has been transformed Ben Lowry in 2018: Having three airports in NI has boosted Dublin Airport Ben Lowry last week: Signs of friendliness among unionist politicians but not yet of realignment Ibrahim Ngaroua was taken hostage by Boko Haram in 2017 in the north of Cameroon, and finally escaped the terrorist group four years later. He was one survivor to recently share their harrowing experiences with students from a local peace institute. The wind blows in all directions, hurling dusty air into Ibrahim Ngarouas eyes and nostrils. He frequently blows his nose to get rid of the grit. Seated under a neem tree to shelter from the searing heat of the sun in northern Cameroon, the former Boko Haram hostage recounts the distressing story of his capture by and escape from members of the terrorist organisation. Gathered to hear him are students from the Yaounde-based Heritage Higher Institute of Peace and Development Studies (HHIPDS), on a field trip to the Zamai camp for internally displaced people in the Far North region of Cameroon to hear witness accounts of the conflict. "Hundreds of Boko Haram attackers struck our village in 2017," Ngaroua recalls, as his fellow survivors listen and nod. "They took almost everybody in the village to their camp in Nigeria," he says. Boko Haram started attacks in Nigeria in 2009, but its murderous campaign soon spread to the neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Niger and Chad. The insurgents began their raids in Cameroon in 2014. When Ngaroua, a 45-year old father of 12 and husband to six wives, recounts his four-year stay in the hands of his captors, the pain is palpable. Child marriages were also common. Read more on RFI English Read also: Nigerian army denies carrying out mass illegal abortions on Boko Haram victims 10 years, more than 27,000 deaths later, Nigeira's Boko Haram insurgency continues Boko Haram and ISWAP are kidnapping children to train as soldiers and merciless killers Cillian Murphy first cut his teeth at the Corcadorca Theatre Company in his hometown of Cork, Ireland at the age of 20, where he nailed the audition for his first acting role in Enda Walshs Disco Pigs play. Murphy made enough of an impression to not only land the role for the theater part, but he also starred in the film adaptation years later. Although the movie wasnt necessarily a renowned success, his performance caught the eye of Danny Boyle: the legendary filmmaker, then searching for a lead in his post-apocalyptic thriller, 28 Days Later. That movie would significantly boost Murphys profile, earning him nominations for Best Newcomer at the Empire Awards and Breakthrough Male Performance at the MTV Movie Awards. With 40 movies and 27 years to his career, Murphy seems to be progressing with each appearance. Although the tenured actor is yet to nab his first Academy Award (or even garner a nomination for that matter), his titular performance as the intricate physicist and father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer, looks promising for the ever-evolving actor. His sixth collaboration in a 20-year relationship with Christopher Nolan, the Oppenheimer actor jumped at the opportunity to star in his first lead role for the filmmaker, who took Murphy under his wing early in his career. More from IndieWire Out of the blue, he called me up and said Id like you to play Oppenheimer, Murphy said to Deadline. You have a few of those great days in your life as an actor, which youll never forget and that was one of them. Its a huge responsibility. Murphy was also considered to play Oppenheimer in the short-lived 2014 TV series Manhattan, but was passed up for Daniel London allowing Murphy to properly nail the role nine years later. The series centered on Frank Winter, a physics professor leading the Manhattan Project in the New Mexico town of Los Alamos: a character that didnt make the cut in Nolans version of the story. From supervillain to terrorist assassin and WWll physicist, there is no character Murphy has away shied from. Although this list focuses on Murphys best movie performances, his six seasons as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders is worth noting as an honorable mention. Story continues With editorial contributions by Wilson Chapman, Alison Foreman, Ryan Lattanzio, and Christian Zilko. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed meets Zeynep and Mehmet's family who have received cash payments through the British Red Cross as he visits the earthquake response near Gaziantep, Turkey in July. (Photo: Ozge Sebzeci/DEC) On the land where their two-storey family home once stood in southern Turkey, farmers Zeynep and Mehmet and their seven children now have only a tent. All of their belongings and crops were destroyed, their home reduced to rubble and Zeynep seriously injured in the earthquake which hit the region and neighbouring Syria six months ago. Few buildings remain habitable in the village where the family live, near the city of Gaziantep. Just a handful of homes that were strong enough to survive the disaster, as well as the green domed village mosque. Mustafa feeds his livestock at a camp in Syria. (Photo: Arete/DEC) Zeynep, 40, recalls the morning the earthquake struck. The disaster measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and killed at least 58,000 people across southern Turkey and northwest Syria in early February. Hundreds of thousands more people lost their homes in freezing winter weather and have since had to face floods and more recently extreme heat in southern Europe as the relief effort continues. In Gaziantep alone, which was close to the epicentre of the earthquake, more than 70 people were killed. On the night of the earthquake I tried to escape but a wall collapsed on me, she says. I was buried underneath it for hours. My husband and three of my children were also trapped. Eventually some neighbours managed to rescue me. It was snowing, everything was wet. They placed me somewhere I wouldnt freeze. It was chaos. Her father-in-law and other neighbours managed to find a car and take her to hospital, where she stayed for a month. Im a little better now. I can stand up, she says. Thank God all my children survived. I dont know what Id do if I lost them. Now, in 40 degree heat, Zeynep sits in a plastic chair outside the tent. None of our belongings survived, she says, adding that the tent and a fridge have been provided by the Turkish government. Her children are not currently able to go to school, and with farmland covered in rubble, there is little opportunity for families to grow food or earn a living. Story continues "Im very thankful for the support, says Zeynep, who received vouchers from The Disasters Emergency Committee to buy food from the supermarket. I want my children to have food, water and clothes. I dont want them to be hungry. If they are hungry I feel miserable. But its not my place to ask for more. DEC has raised 13 million in Scotland and 150m across the UK since it launched an emergency appeal immediately after the earthquake struck in the third largest appeal in the organisations 60-year history. The DEC brings together 15 leading aid charities at times of crisis overseas. Fourteen of these have worked in Turkey and Syria in the earthquake relief effort. In Syria, which is in its 12th year of civil war, around 60 per cent of people living in the affected region have been displaced from their homes. Mustafa, 61, is living in a temporary tent with his wife after his smallholding was destroyed by the earthquake. The couple, who have nine adult children, had already been displaced from their home in Aleppo due to the war and had built up livestock of goats and sheep in their new home region before the quake struck. A payout from DEC of $250 has allowed him to pay for medication and essential supplies, but he warns he may have to borrow money to treat his medical conditions once the cash runs out. "On the day of the catastrophe, we were visiting a farm near Jenderes, he says. Thankfully, my wife and I decided to stay there for the night at my brothers house. Meanwhile, the earthquake struck, and our family home collapsed, and only three of my animals survived. "I remember that day and wonder to myself: If I had gone home that night, would I have been among those who perished in the earthquake? Afra, 60, who lost one of her six children before the earthquake, says her life changed dramatically when the disaster hit. "Before the earthquake, life was going relatively well for me, she says. I lived next door to my children in an apartment building, spending my days grieving for my son, and coming to terms with the illnesses afflicting me in my old age. My husband passed away many years ago. "Since my children moved following the earthquake, I now live by myself in my tent. For the first few months, it flooded when it rained. Recently, however, people have helped me by building strong stone walls and paving the floor with cement so that it wont flood, even during storms. Saleh Saeed, chief executive of DEC, returned this week from visiting Gaziantep, where he met Zeynep and Mehmet, in an experience he described as humbling. He said: When I visited last week, it was uncomfortably hot, about 41C, but when the earthquake struck the temperatures were freezing. The whole family is living in a tent while they wait for their new home to be built and the conditions are very harsh. DEC charities are working tirelessly to help people cope and make life more comfortable. From mobile physiotherapy clinics helping people recover from their injuries to psychological support for children, to providing hygiene and sanitation to avoid the spread of deadly diseases - this is vital, life-changing help. He added: Its clear that it will be a very long road to recovery from this terrible disaster, but we met so many people in Turkey who wanted us to thank the British public and all who have supported them through the DEC. Thank you to everyone who has donated, we are all incredibly grateful. To donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee, visit dec.org.uk. As hundreds of anti-French protesters rallied in the Nigerien capital in support of the ruling junta, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered general support for the regional bloc known as ECOWAS, though he did not specifically refer to its threat of military action. Blinken told reporters in New York that the US believes the bloc's efforts to reinstate toppled President Mohamed Bazoum are important, strong and have our support. Senegal's foreign affairs minister said her country would participate in a military intervention if ECOWAS decides to act. Senegalese soldiers have to go these coups detat must be stopped," Aissata Tall Sall said. Supporters of Niger's ruling junta gather at the start of a protest called to fight for the country's freedom and push back against foreign interference in Niamey, Niger. - Sam Mednick/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved. Meanwhile, Niger's military leaders sought to exploit anti-Western sentiment to shore up their takeover. The junta suspended broadcaster RFI and France 24 television from broadcasting in the country, according to the French foreign affairs ministry. The suspensions were part of the junta's authoritarian repression, the ministry wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Last week's coup toppled Bazoum, whose ascendency was Nigers first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France in 1960. The coup stirred strident anti-French sentiment and raised questions about the future of the fight against extremism in Africa's Sahel region, where Russia and Western countries have vied for influence. The coup has been condemned by Western countries and the ECOWAS bloc, which has threatened to forcibly remove the junta if it does not hand back power to Bazoum. As tensions have grown in the capital of Niamey and the region, many European countries have moved to evacuate their citizens. Story continues At Thursday's protest organized by the junta and civil society groups on Nigers independence day, protesters pumped their fists in the air and chanted support for neighbouring countries where militaries have also taken power in recent years. Some waved Russian flags, and one man brandished a Russian and Nigerien flag sewn together. For more than 13 years, the Nigerien people have suffered injustices," protester Moctar Abdou Issa said. The junta "will get us out of this, God willing they will free the Nigerien people. Were sick of the French, he added. It remains unclear whether a majority of the population supports the coup, and in many parts of the capital, people went about their lives as normal Thursday. US President Joe Biden used the occasion of Nigers independence day to call for Bazoum to be released and democracy restored. The Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders. They have expressed their will through free and fair elections - and that must be respected, he said in a statement. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the administration was still focused on diplomacy. We still believe theres time and space for that. The window is not going to be open forever, Kirby said. In an address to the nation on Wednesday, the new military ruler, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, lashed out at those who have condemned the coup and called on the population to be ready to defend the nation. He said harsh sanctions imposed last week by ECOWAS were illegal, unfair and inhuman. ECOWAS has set a deadline of Sunday for the junta to reinstate Bazoum, who remains under house arrest. In an opinion piece in The Washington Post, Bazoum described himself as a hostage who was one among hundreds of citizens arbitrarily arrested. He said his nation's security situation was improving before the coup but was now at risk because Niger would lose foreign aid and terrorist groups would take advantage of its instability. In our hour of need, I call on the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order, Bazoum wrote in the piece posted online late Thursday. Supporters of Niger's ruling junta, gather for a protest called to fight for the country's freedom and push back against foreign interference, in Niamey, Niger, Thursday, Aug. - Sam Mednick/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved. After the deadline set by ECOWAS expires, the bloc is expected to decide by consensus on the next step as recommended by its defence chiefs. At a bloc meeting in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, Brig. Gen. Tukur Ismaila Gusau, a Nigeria defence spokesman, said the defence chiefs have been asked to come up with a military solution, which they hope will be "the last option. The bloc's sanctions include halting energy transactions with Niger, which gets up to 90% of its power from neighbouring Nigeria, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. France has 1,500 soldiers in Niger who conduct joint operations with its military against jihadis linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. The United States and other European countries have helped train Niger's troops. Niger was seen as the Wests last reliable partner in the region, but some in the country see Russia and its Wagner mercenary group, which operates in a handful of African countries, as a powerful alternative. The new junta has not said whether it intends to ally with Moscow or stick with Nigers Western partners, but that question has become central to the unfolding political crisis. Neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso - both ruled by juntas - have turned toward Moscow. Ahead of Thursday's demonstration, the French Embassy in Niamey asked Niger's government to ensure the security of its premises after it was attacked by protesters and a door was set on fire. The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, dispatched two delegations Thursday to deal with Nigers crisis. A group from ECOWAS headed by former Nigerian head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar was on its way to Niger. A second group led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe went to engage with the leaders of Libya and Algeria, said Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president. Letters to editor (Photo: JP) Irish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament will be holding their annual commemoration and remembrance of the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Marrion Square, Dublin tomorrow (Sunday, August 6) at 1pm. Christopher Nolans staggering film about J Robert Oppenheimer, the man known as the father of the atomic bomb is indeed worth watching, but a real-life war between two nuclear powers Russia and Nato in Ukraine continues to escalate. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) that ended the war in Ireland through negotiations. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Peace & Neutrality Alliance (PANA), inspired by the GFA, has advocated a negotiations in a conflict that could escalate into a nuclear war that would destroy the entire world. In May 2023, PANA commissioned a poll showing 87% of people in Ireland also supported a ceasefire to facilitate negotiations in the Ukraine war. If there ever was a time to remember the consequences of a nuclear war, now is that time. Roger Cole, Peace and Neutrality Alliance, Dalkey Archive photo of Enniskillen Railway Station. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has expressed concern and disappointment regarding the exclusion of Fermanagh from a major new rail strategy that could transform the railway network in Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland. Following the launch of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in 2021, the Council welcomed the opportunity to make a submission. The Councils submission reflected the need for the reinstatement of railway across the district, including not just our main towns, but wider rural hinterland, said a Council spokesperson. In this context, the Council contributed to the response which was submitted by the Mid South West Growth Deal and was also supportive of the consultation response submitted by Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN). During the meeting of the Council on July 25, concern and disappointment was expressed regarding the exclusion of County Fermanagh from the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review draft Report. Commenting on this, a Council spokesperson said: The Council is aware that a consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment has been launched by the Department for Transport and the Department for Infrastructure, and the Council will be responding to this. It is not yet known whether a formal cross-Border consultation on the full content of the report will be launched when the Northern Ireland Assembly is re-established. The Council spokesperson noted that as well as making a response to the previous consultation, the Council has also met with and made representations to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ministers for Infrastructure, the Shared Island Unit and Ministers of State at the Northern Ireland Office. The Council has also met with rail interest groups, including Into the West. It believes there are multiple benefits that the reinstatement of the railway would provide. These include improved connectivity to and within the District which would have a positive impact on tourism and investment in the area as well as the convenience and travel time for residents. It would also contribute to the Councils commitment to achieve a Net Zero District by 2042. Story continues This newspaper asked the Council if it had commissioned a feasibility study to confirm the benefits of rail connectivity to Fermanagh. The Council spokesperson responded: A feasibility [study] usually relates to the technical feasibility of completing a particular project. The competent authority for undertaking such an assessment in relation to rail would be the Department of Infrastructure. Usually benefits are considered in an economic impact assessment (or equivalent) and generally are predicated upon defined routes; The Council has not commissioned any such assessment at this stage. While the current exclusion of rail connectivity through Fermanagh is disappointing, the details above and the fact that the Councils representations in relation to the reinstatement of the route through Omagh and on to Derry/Londonderry are included in the recommendations, demonstrate that the Council has, and continues, to take this matter seriously, the Council spokesperson concluded. Romeo Lavia of Southampton looks on during a warm up Liverpool are not giving up on their pursuit of Romeo Lavia this summer, despite now having two offers rejected by Southampton. The Reds are desperate to bring in midfield reinforcements and plug the gaps left by Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who have both packed up and moved to Saudi Arabia. Strengthening the engine room was always Jurgen Klopps priority this transfer window, but the focus was on more creative-minded players, hence the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, now the club are scrambling to bring in new defensive midfield options, with Stefan Bajcetic currently the only natural No.6 in the squad. Lavia has been Liverpools priority target for some time and even though they have been knocked back on two occasions now, Fabrizio Romano believes the Reds will launch a third bid in attempt to finally win over the Saints. Southampton want their money, they are healthy from a financial point of view and they are not desperate to sell players. Southampton are always asking for 50 million [for Lavia], Liverpool have tried with 37 million, then they tried with 42 million. They will try again, Romano said on the Here We Go Podcast. I remain convinced that Liverpool will try again and they will bid again for Romeo Lavia. But its on Southampton more than on Liverpool, so we will have to see how they react to these bids. The transfer window is heading into its final weeks and the Reds remain vigilant as there are still a few names linked to Anfield moves this summer. Lavia is high up on the list but there are others who Klopp and co are considering, including Andre from Fluminense. Franck Kessie was another name on the radar but as also reported by Romano, he is now on his way to Al-Ahli. One week after the coup d'etat in Niger, according to multiple sources on the ground, the broadcasting of RFI (Radio France Internationale) and FRANCE 24 have been interrupted in the country. France Medias Monde deplores this decision taken outside any conventional and legal framework, further depriving citizens in the region of their access to free and independent information. This incident follows previous cases of censorship faced by RFI and FRANCE 24 in Mali and Burkina Faso in recent months. The group reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the freedom of information, and the safety of its journalists. In Niger, RFI operates through 7 FM relay stations, in addition to shortwave broadcasts of its programs in French, Hausa, and Fulfulde, as well as several satellites (free-to-air on SES 5, Eutelsat 16 A, and SES 4 satellites). A network of 44 partner radios also broadcasts their programs in French, Hausa, and Fulfulde. Currently, RFI and FRANCE 24 remain accessible in Niger through direct satellite reception with the following channels: Read more on FRANCE 24 English Speaking to RFI, French Foreign Minister Christine Colonna urged the leaders of a coup in Niger to abandon their takeover attempt before a deadline set by the West African bloc Ecowas expires on Sunday. She said the threat of regional military intervention should be taken "very seriously". Ecowas has given the junta until Sunday to reinstate the elected president of Niger or face the potential use of force. With hours to go until the ultimatum, Colonna met Niger's official prime minister, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, in Paris on Saturday. Military officers claim to have deposed Mahamadou and President Mohamed Bazoum, and replaced the government with a military council. Bazoum remains at his palace in Niamey, where members of the presidential guard have been holding him captive since 26 July. "The international community, like the other countries in the region, are unanimous in condemning this attempt, this adventure led by a part of the military in Niger," Colonna told RFI following her meeting with Mahamadou, whose government France considers the only legitimate power in Niger. The foreign minister said that the threat of a military intervention by Ecowas "must be taken very seriously". 'Adventurism' "So they have until tomorrow to abandon this adventurism, these personal adventures, and restore democracy in Niger." Read more on RFI English Read also: Why the coup in Niger has the French government worried 'Outside interests' driving anti-France protests in Niger, says deposed PM Who is General Tchiani, head of Niger's new military government? Mosque security guards stand ready during a special prayer session in Niamey, Niger, on Friday following last week's miliary coup overthrowing Niger President Mohamed Bazoum. Photo by Issifou Djibo/EPA-EFE Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The United States has partially suspended aid to Niger as military coup leaders in the country faced a Sunday deadline issued by West African states to relinquish power. The U.S. State Department announced the move Friday in response to last week's military coup that ousted the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that while some forms of assistance are being cut, humanitarian assistance would continue. "This interim measure does not impact all U.S. foreign assistance programs in Niger. Most importantly, the provision of life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue," he said in a statement. Further, he added, "we are continuing U.S. government activities in Niger where feasible to do so, including diplomatic and security operations, for the protection for U.S. personnel." The U.S. move ramped up pressure on the military junta being applied by members of the Economic Community of West African States, including Nigeria, Senegal and Ivory Coast, who have said they would support an intervention to restore the democratically elected government. The ECOWAS states have declared the military junta led by Gen. Omar Abdourahamane Tchiani to be illegitimate and have imposed a Sunday deadline to restore Bazoum to power. "All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out," said ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah. In a meeting held Friday in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS military chiefs said they supported a "comprehensive approach" to the Niger coup that "encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions." "Democracy is what we stand for and democracy is what we will sustain," said Gen. Christopher Musa, Nigeria's chief of defense staff and president of the ECOWAS military committee, The French government has expressed its support for the ECOWAS position in its former colony, with the French foreign ministry saying, "the future of Niger and the stability of the entire region are at stake." Story continues Blinken has also expressed support for the ECOWAS stance. "As we have made clear since the outset of this situation, the provision of U.S. assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order. This is consistent with steps taken by ECOWAS and the African Union," he said. The top U,S, diplomat linked the restoration of aid to the restoration of democracy. "We remain committed to supporting the people of Niger to help them preserve their hard-earned democracy and we reiterate our call for the immediate restoration of Niger's democratically elected government," he said. Niger has been a crucial ally of the United States in the battle against Islamist militants in the Sahel region. In 2022, the United States provided $200 million in aid to the country. The Black Sea (Emmanuelle MICHEL) Moscow escalated its attacks in Ukraine on Saturday, with President Volodymyr Zelensky denouncing a deadly strike on a blood transfusion centre as a "war crime". A separate strike struck a key factory, both attacks coming just hours after Kyiv hit a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait. The attacks were the latest since Moscow exited a deal last month that had ensured Ukrainian grain exports despite the ongoing conflict. Russian forces struck the blood transfusion centre in the Kharkiv region of northeast Ukraine, Zelensky said, adding that "dead and wounded are reported". A "guided air bomb" hit the centre in Kupiansk, a city a few dozen kilometres from the Russian border, said Zelensky. "Rescuers are extinguishing the fire," he wrote on social media, adding: "This war crime alone says everything about Russian aggression." The strike came shortly after Zelensky said Russian missiles had hit a facility of the Ukrainian aeronautics group Motor Sich, a maker of plane and helicopter engines and other components. It is one of several companies requisitioned by the government since Moscow's invasion. Strikes also hit the region of Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine, around 300 kilometres (190 miles) southwest of Kyiv. The region, home to a major Ukrainian airbase, has been regularly targeted by Russian strikes in recent months. In his evening address, Zelensky remained defiant, saying that "no matter how many such Russian attacks there are, they will still do nothing for the enemy". - Attack on fuel tanker - Earlier Saturday, Ukraine claimed it "blew up" a Russian tanker, the "SIG", that was transporting fuel for Russian troops, a Ukrainian security source told AFP. The tanker was hit at around 11:20 pm (2020 GMT) on Friday south of the Kerch Strait, Russia's Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport said. The ship was holed at the waterline in the area of the engine room but was still afloat, the agency said. Story continues In a video obtained by AFP purporting to show the attack, a vessel is seen approaching a large ship before the connection cuts off. The Ukrainian source said the "successful special operation", which involved a naval drone and explosives, was carried out jointly with the navy in Ukrainian territorial waters. The SIG oil and chemical tanker is under US sanctions for supplying jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria, who are supporting President Bashar al-Assad. - Crimea focus - The Russian foreign ministry condemned the attack on a "civilian vessel", adding that the crew had not been injured. Traffic on a key bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Moscow-annexed Crimea peninsula to Russia's mainland resumed early on Saturday after a three-hour halt, according to the Russian highways information centre's Telegram channel. Crimea has been disrupted by several strikes throughout the war but it has seen more frequent attacks in recent weeks. Russian forces on Saturday downed a drone over the sea near Sevastopol, city governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said. Tensions have risen on the Black Sea overall since Russia pulled out of the agreement protecting grain exports via the shipping hub during the conflict. On Friday, Ukraine struck the Olenegorsky Gornyak vessel at the Novorossiysk base in southern Russia, a Ukrainian security source told AFP, "to show that Ukraine can attack any Russian warship in that zone". Russia said it had repelled the attempted attack. - Frontline fighting - On the front line, Russia said Saturday it had captured the settlement of Novoselivske in northeastern Ukraine, where Kyiv said it was confronted with a growing number of attacks. Footage from the Russian army showed Novoselivske completely destroyed, with white smoke billowing over crumbling buildings. Ukrainian army spokeswoman Ganna Malyar said Friday that Russian troops were aiming to draw Ukrainian resources to the east, as Ukraine pursues its counter-offensive in the south. Ukraine began a fresh attempt in June to push back Russian troops but it has made only modest progress, its forces contending with well-entrenched Russian positions built up over several months. With both sides focused on winning on the battlefield, any chance to secure peace looks thin. Saudi Arabia is nevertheless hosting talks on the war with representatives from nearly 40 countries -- including China, India and South Africa -- but not Russia. The talks concluded Saturday and as expected, no final declaration was released. But a European source said there had been agreement that respect for Ukraine's "territorial integrity and sovereignty" should be "at the heart of any peace settlement". bur/acb/jj/js A Russian-flagged tanker close to the Crimean Bridge has been hit by a Ukrainian sea drone, Moscow has said. Local media in Russia said the SIG vessel was approaching the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov when it was hit. The claims come a day after a Ukrainian drone damaged another Russian ship in the Black Sea, with Sky News-verified footage showing it partially sunk. Follow live updates on the Ukraine War as Zelenskyy prepares for Jeddah peace talks Interfax, a news agency in Ukraine, quoted an anonymous security source, who said the country was responsible for the attack, which took place in its territorial waters. Ukraine does not usually admit to attacks on Russian-controlled territory. Sky News has not verified the claims. There are no reports of injuries, but the Crimean Bridge was suspended for several hours, according to Moscow-backed officials on the peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. The vessel targeted in Saturday's attack was delivering oil to Russian troops based in Syria, according to Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-appointed official in Ukraine's southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia. Read more: The West risks tipping the conflict in Russia's favour - here's why - Sean Bell analysis Ukraine has set the stage for a new era of war - and AI could supercharge it Putin is a student of history - what can that teach us about the possible outcomes to the Ukraine war? The SIG, its operator, and its owner, had previously been sanctioned by the US for helping provide jet fuel in Syria. Posting on Telegram, Mr Rogov said the SIG asked for a tug back to port, alongside pictures of the purportedly damaged vessel. "The SIG tanker... received a hole in the engine room near the waterline on the starboard side, preliminarily as a result of a sea drone attack," Russia's Federal Marine and River Transport agency said in a statement on Telegram. Russian-state news agency RIA, citing the Novorossiysk Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said water had stopped coming into the ship, and work to recover it was under way. Story continues It added that no fuel was spilled. Russian officials in Crimea said the bridge, which has previously been targeted, was not hit. Kyiv did not immediately respond to the incident. A Ukrainian company is building $18,000 tiny homes for families who had theirs destroyed in the war. Take a look inside. The kitchen and dining area in a HOMErs modular home. HOMErs Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have had their homes destroyed in the war. But the company HOMErs is fixing that problem by building fully-furnished properties. Take a look inside one of the homes, which can be made in days and sells for just $18,000. More than 17 months after Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine, the country is in a housing crisis. A Kyiv School of Economics study published earlier this year found that more than 149,000 residential buildings in Ukraine have already been damaged or destroyed. In March, the World Bank estimated that it could take $411bn (323bn) to rebuild the entire country. But two Ukrainian robotics entrepreneurs are trying to find a solution by launching HOMErs, a range of factory-made tiny homes that can be built within days. The three-module, fully-furnished properties sell for $18,000 and have managed to give desperate Ukrainian families a new home in a time of need. Scroll down and take a look inside. The HOMErs factory in Kyiv currently produces between 10 to 15 modular homes a month, though the company is looking to scale up. A new modular home is built next to a destroyed home in Kyiv, Ukraine. HOMErs Modular homes are pre-manufactured buildings that are put together in a factory. An entire house can be flat-packed and transported on a truck, Chris Baxter, a non-executive board member for the group, told Insider. HOMErs currently has a factory in Kyiv but is also building a new factory in Slovakia. The company is selling homes in Ukraine but has also expanded its business to the UK where Baxter thinks it could offer a solution for Ukrainian refugees in need of temporary housing. Each home is comprised of multiple three-by-three-meter units that can be expanded. The living room of a HOMErs modular home. HOMErs They cost around $18,000 to make, with additional modules priced at $6,000. The open-concept dining room and kitchen in a HOMErs modular home. HOMErs The homes are grid-connected and fully furnished. The kitchen, for example, comes with all the appliances a family may need. The kitchen of a HOMErs modular home. HOMErs The kitchen comes with an electric stove, a fridge, and a dishwasher, according to a HOMErs spokesperson. Story continues The homes are stylish and also sustainable, according to the company's co-founder, Alex Stepura. A HOMErs modular kitchen. HOMErs "We use strong, light, high insulation, sustainable materials throughout, keeping the price low, and making transportation and assembly easy. What IKEA did with furniture, we are doing with the whole house!" Stepura added. Solar panel and battery installation are also available for an additional cost. A living room of a HOMErs modular home comes equipped with all the furniture and lighting fixtures. HOMErs The units are bright and utilize space well. An open-concept design allows for the dining room and living room to be in one space. A dining room of a HOMErs modular home. HOMErs The bedroom is small but cozy. A bedroom is a HOMErs modular home. HOMErs Despite its size, the properties can house more than one bedroom perfect for a small family. Another bedroom in HOMErs modular home. HOMErs Alla Pylypenko, a teacher, lost her family home in Ukraine's Chernihiv region after Russian shelling. The destroyed home of Alla Pylypenko in the Chernihiv region, Ukraine. HOMErs "Everywhere was fire," she told the BBC. "We didn't know how to live." The family had to live in the badly damaged basement of her former house for months. But now, the family lives in a tiny HOMErs property, which was donated to them and assembled in just a matter of days last autumn. Alla Pylypenko and family outside their new tiny home. HOMErs Read the original article on Business Insider Russian-flagged SIG tanker transits Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. REUTERS/Yoruk Isik A Ukrainian maritime drone struck a Russian oil tanker on Saturday. Russian state media reported that the attack damaged the vessel's engine room. It came a day after another naval drone attack on a Russian warship. For the second time in less than 24 hours, Ukraine has attacked a Russian vessel using one of its own unique crowdfunded maritime drones. Russian state media reported Saturday that an oil tanker was attacked in the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, citing a source who said the ship suffered damage to its engine room. The strike came after another drone strike on Friday badly damaged a Russian warship in the Russian port city of Novorossiysk. A Russian official also claimed Saturday that a Ukrainian drone was spotted and subsequently destroyed in the waters outside Sevastopol, the Crimean port city home to Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The attacks come after Russia pulled out of a deal ensuring the safe passage of grain in the Black Sea, a move that was followed by strikes on Ukrainian grain supplies in Odesa. Ukraine's defense ministry did not respond to Insider's request for comment. But a source in Ukraine's security services told the BBC that Saturday's attack on the oil tanker was carried out by the country's navy and that, as with the attack a day earlier, the drone was packing 450 kilograms of TNT. The explosion caused by the drone ramming into the ship was visible in Russian-occupied Crimea, according to a local official, the Financial Times reported. Stephen Wright, an expert on drone technology, told Insider on Friday that 450 kg of TNT is a "huge amount" of firepower, far exceeding the explosive capacity of the aerial drones that have been pestering the Russian capital. "To put it in context, estimates for the explosives being carried by the airborne strikes on Moscow are in the 5-10kg range," Wright said. He noted that Ukraine was likely using a recently unveiled model of naval drone that Ukraine claims can strike targets 500 miles away. Story continues Last year, Ukraine launched a crowdfunding campaign with the stated goal of building "the world's first naval fleet of drones," with those who gave at least $250,000 offered the chance to name one. Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com Read the original article on Business Insider HCM CITY Investment and development of distributed rooftop, utility-scale solar projects and integrated energy solutions are among the methods driving HCM Citys energy efficiency and clean energy transition, a seminar titled Designing an Energy-Efficient HCM City heard on Thursday. Participants, mostly industry experts, business leaders and Government officials, agreed that these solutions would optimise green energy yields and manage power consumption. Phan Quang Vinh, deputy manager of sales at Vietnam Electricity - HCM City (EVNHCMC), underlined the importance of rooftop power, saying its development had become stagnant after strong growth in 2019-20, but had resumed and there was great focus now. According to Vinh HCM City allows installation of rooftop power projects on public buildings, and their total capacity is now estimated at 166MWp on 2,600 roofs. Besides, HCM City has many other solutions to achieve energy efficiency, including acceleration of infrastructure development for electric vehicles. It has 100 charging stations in addition to three electric-only bus routes and 600 electric taxis. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc, deputy director of the city Department of Industry and Trade, provided an overview of the countrys Power Development Master Plan 8 (PDP 8). She emphasised the pivotal role of private-public partnerships in achieving the ambitious targets set forth in it. The city is also co-operating with private investors, universities and domestic and foreign organisations to study and adopt energy-efficient technologies, according to Ngoc. Besides, at the event, participating companies showcased advanced technologies and lessons learnt from many countries in energy efficiency. The latter include empowering green and smart energy buildings with solutions that leverage AI and IoT to create a low-carbon, smart-energy future. Another solution is district cooling, a scalable and sustainable cooling solution that helps entire districts and buildings save cooling-related energy consumption, enhance cooling reliability and reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions. Brandon Chia, managing director, sustainable energy solutions, Southeast Asia & Australia, SP Group, said: SP Group looks forward to working closely with EVNHCMC and local partners to empower a sustainable future for HCM City and Viet Nam. Leveraging our regional expertise and suite of smart and sustainable energy solutions, our objective is to co-create an efficient, reliable and clean energy eco-system that will help cities, districts and buildings transition to a low-carbon future. This will support Viet Nam in achieving its bold energy goals outlined in the PDP8 and fulfil the countrys net-zero ambitions, he said. PDP 8, finalised in May this year, is a forward-looking power development plan for until 2030 whose primary objectives are to ensure energy security, diversify energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster socio-economic development. Realising its vision requires an investment of US$134.7 billion for building new power plants and modernising grids with a clear focus on boosting wind, solar and gas-fired thermal energy while gradually phasing out the countrys reliance on coal. The conference was organised by EVNHCMC and Singapores SP Group. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam will seize the opportunity in the international marketplace to elevate rice exports at a premium price, while still preserving food security. This announcement was made by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien, at a meeting concerning the management of rice exports for the remainder of the year, organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) in Can Tho City on Friday. Dien indicated that following India's imposition of a rice export ban approximately two weeks ago, the export cost of Viet Nam's 5 per cent broken rice rose from $535 to $602 per tonne; and the price of its Jasmine rice jumped from $625 to $690 per tonne as of August 4. Given these circumstances, businesses must capitalise on the situation to bolster rice production and exports and to sell this staple at an elevated price. However, Viet Nam must also retain its rice brand integrity and safeguard national food security, he added. Evaluating the domestic demand and production capability, the MoIT has asserted that Viet Nam has the capacity to export a minimum of 7.5 million tonnes of rice in 2023. Tran Duy ong, head of MoIT's Import-Export Department, quoted the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)'s statistics as saying that Viet Nam's rice production in 2023 was expected to reach from 43.2 to 43.4 million tonnes, up 1.8-2 per cent compared to 2022. The rice output in the first seven months of 2023 reached over 24.1 million tonnes, up 0.4 per cent. According to ong, provinces are speeding up the production of Autumn-Winter and Spring rice crops with an expected increase of 50,000 hectares over the same period last year, reaching 700,000 hectares. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Trung said that if the total area growing rice is increased by 50,000 hectares of autumn-winter rice crops to promote rice exports, Viet Nam could earn more than $100 million. That would ensure food supply for the world and also increase income for farmers. "Until the end of the year, if there are no abnormal changes in the weather, the rice production will meet the domestic rice consumption and exports," ong said. Viet Nam is expected to export about 7.5 million tonnes of rice in 2023. The exports in the first seven months were estimated to reach about 4.83-4.84 million tonnes, according to ong. Therefore, the exports in the last five months of the year are forecasted to reach about 2.66-2.67 million tonnes. Besides, Viet Nam has also imported rice from Cambodia for processing export products. Prof. Vo Tong Xuan, a specialist in rice cultivation, said Viet Nam had a good opportunity to escalate its rice exports at augmented prices. To seize this chance, businesses were advised to secure future contracts for rice exportation in the coming year with predetermined pricing to ensure a fair price for rice exports. Drawing parallels to future contracts seen with coffee and corn, these agreements would ensure predictable rice consumption down the line, Xuan explained. To achieve this, businesses must collaborate with local governance to persuade farmers to adhere to stipulated production processes and quality standards, thus establishing supply chains for rice that can trace the origin of the rice products, he said. Farmers were required to innovate by aligning with cooperatives and prioritising farming techniques that enhance the quality of the rice grain, Xuan said. "Now, it's imperative that businesses, the state, and farmers unite their efforts to bolster the prestige and quality of Vietnamese rice," he said. Trading rice Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade o Thang Hai has sent a dispatch to the authorities of provinces and centrally-run cities to ask them to stabilise the rice market in the current situation. In particular, the ministry has warned businesses to avoid buying rice in bulk, causing an imbalance of supply and demand and pushing up local rice prices. Accordingly, the localities request the businesses participating in the market stabilisation programmes to ensure rice supply to the market with stable prices from now until the end of the year and the Lunar New Year in 2024. At the same time, the rice export enterprises are asked to maintain a stable volume of paddy and rice in reserve, and carry out purchasing and delivery of rice exports according to a reasonable schedule based on a balance between the export volume and the supply for the domestic market. Regarding trading rice export activities, the Vietnam Chamber of Trade and Industry (VCCI) has proposed to continue reducing investment and business conditions for rice export activities, moving towards market liberalisation, according to VCCI's opinions on the draft amending Decree 107/2018/N-CP on trading export rice. Businesses said that they must have entrustment in the rice export to qualified enterprises with a fee of about $1-5 per tonne of rice because they could not meet the existing rice export business conditions. This presented challenges in the trade of export rice, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Such enterprises were calling for the local People's Committee or the Department of Industry and Trade to be the ones to issue trading certificates for rice exporting businesses. This move would alleviate the cost and time needed to secure these certificates. The validity of the certificate spans five years, as specified by Decree 107. However, local Departments of Industry and Trade continue to conduct periodic checks on enterprises to ensure they satisfy business conditions, including the maintenance of warehouses and mills. They have the authority to revoke certificates immediately if these enterprises fail to meet the criteria. As a result, businesses are suggesting that they should not be compelled to reapply for a new certificate every five years. Furthermore, to comply with the technical regulation on warehouses and rice mills as dictated by Circular 12/2013/TT-BNNPTNT, businesses need substantial investment. These conditions pose a challenge for smaller businesses. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese enterprises in the auto industry are not deeply involved in the global supply chain. To become global suppliers, domestic enterprises must be consistent with the management culture and business philosophy of global manufacturers, experts say. This is a long-term accumulation process with no shortcuts that Vietnamese businesses must overcome if they want to join deeply in the global supply chain, say experts. Phan ang Tuat, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Supporting Industries (VASI) said before the fourth industrial revolution, people paid significant attention to the industrial development level of a country involving in automotive, electronics and chemical industries. A recent study by Toyota Motor Vietnam (TMV) showed that more than 75 per cent of Vietnamese enterprises frequently encountered problems in production methods, standardisation of operations, and product quality control. Most of them did not have managerial tools to control product processes or delivery schedules causing waste and large inventory. Tuat said the automobile industry combined all quintessence of technologies, production methods and modern management methods. He noted the learning experience of production and corporate governance from developed countries and global leading auto manufacturers was very important for Vietnamese enterprises in international integration. In early July, the Industry Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Toyota Motor Vietnam (TMV) signed a memorandum of understanding on a cooperation project to help domestic businesses in the automobile supporting industry improve their capacity and enhance the connectivity between them and car assemblers. This is the fourth year the two sides have inked a cooperation deal to assist domestic firms to raise the rate of locally made components in automobiles. After three years of cooperation, TMV has recruited one official supplier and selected seven potential suppliers as well as conducted training for 60 Vietnamese suppliers. The total number of localised products in the automobile supporting industry has reached nearly 1,000 products of all kinds. Chairman Tuat said manufacturing a car with tens of thousands of components needed scientific production and management systems. He said only through cooperation and continuous learning could Vietnamese enterprises improve their product quality to grasp the opportunity to become a part supplier for global automobile manufacturers. On July 18, TMV and VASI just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support VASI members in building their capabilities and linkages to automobile assemblers. This project will be implemented from 2023 to 2024. Specifically, Toyota Vietnam and VASI will implement two main activities, screening and making a list of potential auto part suppliers to connect with automobile assemblers in Viet Nam, and implementing an operational improvement support program for a number of domestic suppliers to improve the production process. Pham Thanh Tung, Deputy General Director of TMV said related enterprises had not yet become main suppliers for Toyota, but they had been able to cut production costs, increase labour productivity, and create a better working environment. In addition, TMV had worked with suppliers to develop a closed green cycle, in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions in all stages of the product life cycle at the supplier. As a result, Toyotas suppliers reduced their emissions by 6,462 tonnes of CO2 in 2022. Tran Thi Kim Que, General Director of Phong Nam Co., Ltd. said When we are offered this support, we will be able to stand on our own two feet, with our own knowledge. The most difficult thing is how to convey those positive energies to all middle-level managers and continue to transmit them to employees. "We should take workers and employees as the centre of operations and support them because they are the ones who make the final product. Sharing the view with Que, many small- and medium-sized enterprises have the desire to become professional suppliers for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) enterprises in Viet Nam. They also wish to have a production management system that can meet the strict requirements of fastidious markets such as Japan, the US, and Europe. VNS inh Yen Village, home to over 800 families making a living primarily from sedge mat weaving, is situated approximately 33km from the city of Sa ec, in the southern province of ong Thap. Established nearly a century ago, the village is now a magnet for tourists, drawing in a plethora of visitors on an annual basis. These visitors are captivated by the vibrant sedge bed mats for which the village is renowned. The principal material used in creating these mats is derived from sedge plants, which grow along the Hau River and are also sourced from other provinces. This time-honoured mat-weaving craft is passed down to the younger residents of the village, ensuring its continuation for future generations. On visiting the village, one will witness both the young and elderly joyfully engaged in weaving mats, and visitors can't help but be entranced by the vibrant, beautifully patterned mats. Currently, approximately 70 per cent of households in the village engage in weaving sedge mats. Each household possesses one or two weaving looms, yet nowadays, the majority of them use mechanical looms to enhance product outputs, improve quality, and save time, although the intricate details on the mats are still exclusively handcrafted. The creation of these products involves numerous meticulous and careful stages, from the selection of materials to drying, dyeing, and finally weaving. As per the village elders, mat weaving became a significant profession in inh Yen around the 1920s. The craft reached its zenith in the 1980s when the village's mats were exported to countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and some countries in Eastern Europe. At present, a wide variety of mats, boasting different designs and applications, are available. Despite this, the villagers of inh Yen remain committed to their craft, faithfully maintaining and preserving the traditional practice bestowed upon them by their forebears. In recognition of its cultural significance, the village's craft was officially designated an intangible national heritage in 2013. VNS JAKARTA National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue met with Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri on Friday as part of the Vietnamese top legislators official visit to Indonesia. Megawati, who is also head of the steering committee of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), and the steering committee of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and former Indonesian President, stressed that the first official visit to Indonesia by the NA Chairman contributes to strengthening the traditional friendship and the strategic partnership between the two countries intensively, extensively and practically. She expressed her admiration for Viet Nams socio-economic achievements, affirming that Viet Nam is an important partner of Indonesia in the region. Hue conveyed regards from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the PDI-P leader, and thanked Megawati and her father President Sukarno for their significant contributions and sentiments to the land and people of Viet Nam, as well as the bilateral friendship and cooperation. He lauded Megawatis role to the development of the friendship with the establishment of the comprehensive partnership in 2003 on the occasion of her visit to Viet Nam as the first female President of Indonesia. Hue congratulated Indonesia on its outstanding G20 presidency in 2022, and 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Chair, stressing Viet Nam always attaches importance to the strategic partnership with Indonesia. The two sides agreed that relevant agencies of both nations should propose measures to enhance the bilateral cooperation in all spheres, levels and channels, especially the Party channel. They also concurred to promote collaboration between research and theory agencies of the two countries, especially between the BPIP and BRIN of Indonesia, and Viet Nams Central Theory Council, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. On this occasion, Hue conveyed the invitations by Party General Secretary Trong and other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to Megawati to visit Viet Nam. She accepted the invitation with pleasure, and affirmed that she will soon visit Viet Nam. VNS JAKARTA National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue applauded the Indonesia - Viet Nam Friendship Association for its contribution to enhancing people-to-people exchange and promoting business, and investment cooperation between the two countries during his reception for the association's President Budiarsa Sastrawinata in Jakarta on Saturday as part of his official visit to Indonesia. The Vietnamese NA Chairman highly appreciated his guest's initiative in establishing the association, with core members being entrepreneurs running investment and business projects in Viet Nam. Budiarsa Sastrawinata said that established in 2015, the association aims to consolidate and enhance the friendship between the two countries, including promoting people-to-people exchange and cooperation in various fields. Thanking Hue for his support to the enhancement of the two countries' ties, Budiarsa Sastrawinata delivered proposals of his association's members relating to production and business activities in Vietnam, including projects on green production, environmental protection, production of vaccines against poultry diseases, cooperation in oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, universities, and the opening of a photo exhibition in Ha Noi. NA Chairman Hue emphasised that Viet Nam and Indonesia boast the long-standing traditional friendship and Viet Nam wishes to promote relations with Indonesia across all channels of the Party, National Assembly, Government, and people-to-people exchange. Hue said he hopes the Indonesia - Viet Nam Friendship Association will have more and more members, while suggesting the association organise a people-to-people diplomacy event this year when the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of their strategic partnership. Also on Saturday morning, NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue and a high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly laid a wreath at the Indonesian National Heroes Monument in Kalibata Cemetery, southern Jakarta. VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong held high-level phone talks with President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on August 5. At the talks, CPP President and Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen briefed Party General Secretary Trong on the current situation of Cambodia as well as the success of the seventh National Assembly election. He hailed Viet Nam's tremendous, comprehensive achievements, and expressed his belief that under the leadership of the CPV, Vietnamese people will reap more success and successfully implement the 13th National Party Congress' Resolution. Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked the Party, State and people of Viet Nam for their great support to the CPP as well as the State and people of Cambodia both in the past and at present. He affirmed that in the coming time, leaders of the CPP as well as National Assembly and Government of Cambodia, including General Dr. Hun Manet who has been nominated by the Cambodian Peoples Party as the Prime Minister candidate, will continue to maintain and reinforce the traditional relations between the two Parties, States and peoples, lifting the ties to a new height. Party General Secretary Trong congratulated Cambodia on the successful organisation of the recent general elections with ensured democracy, fairness and freedom, as well as the CPP over its victory in the elections, which affirmed the position and the role of the CPP under the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, as well as Cambodian people's trust in and strong support to the CPP. The Vietnamese Party chief hailed the great achievements that Cambodia has gained in areas under the leadership of the CPP, and expressed his belief that on the foundation of the attainments, the new National Assembly and Government of Cambodia will continue to reap greater success in the national defence, construction and development cause. He affirmed that Viet Nam strongly supports the cause of national construction and development of Cambodia under the leadership of the CPP and the new government. He highly valued the contributions that Samdech Techo Hun Sen and CPP leaders have made to the growth of ties between the two Parties, States and peoples of Viet Nam and Cambodia over the years. He said he hopes that next generations of CPP leaders will continue to promote this sound tradition. The two leaders shared delight at the expanding Viet Nam-Cambodia partnership which has brought about practical benefits to people of both countries, for peace, stability and development in the region and the world. They underlined the meaning and significance of the tradition of solidarity, strong bonding and mutual support as the most important factor and the source of greatest strength for the struggle for national independence in the past and the current national defence and construction of each Party and nation both at present and in the future. The two sides vowed that they will work together to continue to nurture the sound bilateral relations, and pledged to continue to coordinate closely and promote cooperation in all fields following agreed directions. VNS JAKARTA In order to maintain a blue sky, a peaceful environment and prosperity for future generations, all countries should join hands in building a regional cooperation structure of inclusion and stability with connectivity in politics, security, economy, trade, culture, society and people-to-people exchange, while upholding the UN Charter and international law, stated National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue. Addressing an external policy forum in Jakarta on Saturday, the Vietnamese top legislator held that in the 21st century, security and prosperous development of Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean have an decisive influence to the security and prosperity of all countries and the globe. He said that over the past nearly six decades of establishment and development, ASEAN has never been in a better position than it is today, but it has never faced as many challenges as it does today. He underlined the need for the grouping to relocate itself, generating ideas, inspiring self-reliance and smoothing resources for community development. The Vietnamese NA Chairman suggested that the association should take three "unity" as a strong root for its flexibility and creativity. Firstly, it is the unity in firmly upholding the principle showing through the maintaining of strategic balance in the relations between ASEAN and partners, he said. He underscored that a "great ASEAN" must persist in ensuring the principles of independence and self-reliance, not allowing ASEAN to become a tool for any confrontation and division. The second is the unity in maintaining consensus through the ASEAN common stance on important security and development in the region, as well as joint efforts in protecting the common stance and view following the "ASEAN style" and the ASEAN Charter. Specifically, amid the current complicated developments causing risks of tension in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea), the association should stay united and persistent in promoting dialogue and the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures, ensuring maritime and aviation security, safety and freedom, fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and speeding up negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). NA Chairman Hue stressed the need for ASEAN to support Myanmar to fully realise the "Five-Point Consensus". He affirmed that Viet Nam supports ASEAN Chair of Indonesia and the ASEAN Special Envoy in promoting their positive role and guiding ASEAN to realise this goal. The third unity that the Vietnamese top legislator mentioned is the unity in community building, showing through the putting of the people in the centre, taking the people as the subject, target and motivation for the community building. He underlined that it is necessary to strengthen connections in institution, infrastructure and people to optimise development potential and support each other in engaging deeper into the regional and global supply chains. Regarding cooperation between Viet Nam and Indonesia, Hue stated that the closer the two countries cooperate, the greater their contribution to ASEAN will be. Hue affirmed that Viet Nam always supports "peace, harmony and friendship" in its foreign policy. Hue highlighted the very important role of parliamentary diplomacy, while mentioning Viet Nam's plan to host the IPU Global Young Parliamentarians Conference in this September. He wished the AIPA member countries' parliaments and partners support and participate in the event. At the forum, NA Chairman Hue discussed with participants about issues including Vietnam-Indonesia traditional friendship, their strategic partnership, their cooperation potential, and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting cooperation between the two countries, connecting their people. Also the same day, NA Chairman Hue attended and delivered a speech at the Viet Nam-Indonesia forum on policies and laws to promote economic, trade and investment cooperation. The event, held by the NA's Finance and Budget Committee and, Economic Committee and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam in collaboration with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), drew the participation of representatives from about 200 businesses, including about 170 Indonesian firms. He had a meeting with Chairman of the KADIN M. Arsjad Rasji P.M., during which Hue spoke highly of close cooperation between KADIN and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). He suggested both sides continue fostering the relationship, creating for connection of the two countries' businesses, thereby maintaining existing supply chains and forming new ones with value added products that are the strength of Indonesia and Viet Nam. VNS The prestigious recognitions were awarded based on a holistic assessment of nominees human resources practices and a benchmarking of results across industries and markets. The awards recognise Carlsberg Vietnam's dedication to building a growth-oriented, caring, and stable working environment. Onno Rombouts, managing director at Carlsberg Vietnam, receiving the Asian HR Awards on August 3 According to HR Asia, the Danish brewer implements excellent human resources policies and competitive remuneration packages, with a strong emphasis on team engagement and employees wellbeing. Carlsberg believes in people as the foundation of sustainable growth and has made it a mission to nurture an agile, resilient, and dynamic workforce since day one. The company strides towards its diversity, equity, and inclusion goals with absolute determination. Transparent and inclusive recruitment practices, over half of management positions held by women, and a diverse leadership board are some of the most remarkable results Carlsberg Vietnam has accomplished, testifying to its unwavering efforts in nurturing a cooperative, respectful, and inclusive company culture. This steadfast commitment to ensuring employees' health and safety was made clear through the company's Wellbeing Programme, which kickstarted on National Health and Safety Day. On this occasion, employees were given a day off to take part in mentally fulfilling activities in the morning and spend quality time with their friends and families in the afternoon. The initiative also features regular health check-ups and highly competitive health insurance packages. Carlsberg Vietnam goes the extra mile to provide various additional insurance benefits to give its employees and their families a sense of security. Onno Rombouts, managing director at Carlsberg Vietnam stated, "At Carlsberg Vietnam, comprehensive human development lies at the heart of our operations. We take the initiative to create a working environment that boosts morale, stimulates innovation, and motivates self-improvement. We move forward when our people break ground." Established in Vietnam in 1993, Carlsberg has been a leading brewer in the central region with its acclaimed Huda beer for three decades. In 2022, the company shifted gears, relocating its headquarters to Ho Chi Minh City and expanding its portfolio of brands in Vietnam by launching iconic global beers such as 1664 Blanc, Tuborg, and Carlsberg Danish Pilsner. The strategic vision was communicated to all employees, signalling an organisation-wide growth acceleration. This expansion created major employment opportunities in the beer market. It is not only about growing in size, the company also emphasises employees professional development. It has an enhanced training scheme that empowers them to choose their preferred learning methods. A significant increase of 198 per cent in training hours was observed, proving the effectiveness of the drive. People are both the engine and driver of growth for Carlsberg Vietnam. By putting employees front and centre at every stage, it is brewing a better Carlsberg through its people. Carlsberg was one of the first Danish multinationals to enter Vietnam and made its first investment in 1993. It employs over 1,500 staff in its offices and breweries in south, north, and central Vietnam, focusing on sustainability and brand growth activities. Its international portfolio features Probably the Best Beer in The World - Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, Tuborg, France's premium wheat beer 1664 Blanc, and Somersby Cider. Its local brands include Huda and Halida. More information about Carlsberg Vietnam and its product range can be found at carlsbergvietnam.vn. Carlsberg celebrates 175th anniversary with flagship product launch in Vietnam Over 175 years of development, Carlsberg has relentlessly aimed for the pursuit of perfection. To celebrate this milestone, the company has launched Carlsberg Danish Pilsner which is Probably The Best Beer in the World in the Vietnamese market. Carlsberg launches premium beer to celebrate 175 years With the introduction of its signature line of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner in Vietnam, the Danish beer company continues to work in the pursuit of perfection. The Best Companies to Work for in Asia Award is a prestigious international award presented annually by HR Asia to honour businesses with outstanding human resource policies, attractive remuneration packages, strong culture, and a leading working environment. In Vietnam, the survey was conducted with the participation of nearly 650 companies and 50,000 employees, from grassroots staff members to high-level personnel such as executives and HR directors. Themed Honouring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, this year's HR Asia adopted the Total Engagement Assessment Model to survey the satisfaction level of Masan's employees based on three factors: Core (strategy and structure), Self (individual), and Group (collective). As the winner of the special award category HR Asia Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Masan is considered one of the enterprises with the most outstanding achievements in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Masan is home to more than 40,000 employees coming from different backgrounds and working environments. They all share the same culture and spirit of the Masan Way: No ego - consumer-centric; Leadership - passion to be #1; Solution oriented - problem solving; Accountability - results-driven; Integrity - transparency; and Mastery - never stop learning. Everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their goals without discrimination or prejudice. This is reflected in HR policies that apply consistently to all employees. Many schemes are in place to encourage employees to express their views and ideas. In particular, activities are carried out to help employees unlock their full potential. For instance, Masan has established a Training and Development Centre Growth Centre and implemented mentoring programmes and internal training initiatives with top-notch leaders and world-renowned schools. Masan has been gathering a team of professional managers and international experts with extensive experience across a diverse range of business lines. Accordingly, it has diversity in its human resources and flexible talent attraction policies with the same goal of serving consumers and creating value for the Vietnamese economy, environment, and society. Michael Hung Nguyen, deputy CEO of Masan Group shared, "The Best Companies to Work for in Asia award is really meaningful to Masan. The achievement is attributed to the leadership of the Board of Directors and the efforts of all 40,000 Masan employees on the journey to improve the material and spiritual lives of the Vietnamese people. Diversity, equality, and inclusion are not just words but values that all of us Masaners have tried to create, cherish, and develop." Masan High-Tech Materials honoured in Top 10 Most Innovative Enterprises Vietnam 2023 Masan High-Tech Materials was named among the 10 Most Innovative Enterprises Vietnam 2023 at the Top 50 Most Innovative Enterprises Vietnam 2023 award presentation ceremony by VIR and Vietnam Research. Masan's net revenues reach $1.57 billion in first half of 2023 Masan Group Corporation (HSX:MSN) on July 28 released its unaudited management accounts for the first half of 2023, when challenging macro conditions continued to put a dent in both consumer and business confidence. In the second quarter of this year, a number of businesses, such as Licogi 14 JSC, Danang Housing Investment Development JSC, and MHC JSC, used a large part of their assets to improve their financial picture significantly. These profit figures are based on the firms financial statements, as they have yet to sell the stock to realise the profit. At Licogi 14, the company amassed $567,800 in Q2 revenue, down 82.8 per cent on-year, and $217,390 in post-tax profit. This contrasts starkly with the $1.42 million loss seen one year ago. The companys income rose by over 466 per cent to reach $236,950, whereas its expenses shed 98.6 per cent on-year to just $36,080. The company revealed that its sharp drop in expenses was attributed to a considerable decrease in the sum put into the provisioning fund. The figure was a mere $86,950 in Q2 of this year, compared to $2.53 million one year ago. In the first half of this year, Licogi 14 posted $1.92 million in revenue, down 53 per cent on-year, and $360,860 in post-tax profit. Again, a marked improvement over the $1.03 million in losses for the same period last year. At Danang Housing, the companys Q2 revenue climbed to $4.23 million, compared to a mere $48,690 12 months ago up 86.9 times or 8,690 per cent on-year. Its post-tax profit reached $2.66 million, a healthy jump over the $4.96 million loss one year ago. Income from non-core businesses might put pressure on firms' development. In H1 this year, the company raked in $13.5 million in revenue and $7.27 million in post-tax profit. H1/2022 witnessed $4.13 million in losses. By the end of Q2, its stock portfolio value came to $16 million, accounting for 26.6 per cent of total asset value, in which the stock principal value during the period rose from $13.4 million to $15.9 million. At MHC, the company registered $210,430 in revenue in Q2 of this year, up 10.7 per cent, and $2.01 million in post-tax profit. In the same period last year, it lost $2.5 million. In H1, MHCs revenue shed 8 per cent on-year to $385,650, and post-tax profit reached $433,900. This contrasts dramatically with the $2.5 million losses of one year ago. The company reported that in H1, its income reached $1.52 million, mostly coming from stock investments. By contrast, its expenses saw a drop thanks to taking back $377,390 from the provisioning fund. The company had put as much as $3.3 million into the fund over the same period last year due to a sharp decline in its stock price. Unlike these above firms, Dabaco Vietnam Group's profit this year came from its real estate investments instead of its core livestock breeding business. Accordingly, in Q2 Dabaco counted $151 million in revenue showing a 17 per cent jump and $14.2 million in post-tax profit up 22.8 times on-year. In H1 of this year, the companys revenue rose slightly to reach $251.5 million, and its post-tax profit came to $265,200, down 73.4 per cent on-year. In terms of the company's gross profit structure in H1, the profit from selling its products shed 29.6 per cent on-year to $18.9 million, that from supermarket, hotel, and restaurant trading rose 10.3 per cent to $2.6 million, and construction and real estate ventures jumped 292.4 per cent to $10.7 million. This means that in H1, Dabacos core business dropped, and its profit mostly came from real estate ventures. These cases show that when core businesses are in the doldrums, firms have tried to make best use of their available capital sources for non-core investments, such as stock and real estate ventures, helping to generate a spike in their profits. This, however, might put pressure on the firms development, as Licogi 14, Danang Housing, and MHC have incurred heavy losses several times in the past when the stock market plunged. Raft of deals to brighten up foreign funding picture Positive signs in economic growth alongside trust from foreign investors are the driving forces helping Vietnam hit between $36-38 billion in foreign investment capital commitment in 2023, up 30 per cent on-year. Lenders adjust as real estate giants revive ventures Some banks are strategically adapting lending practices and risk management approaches to address the complexities and risks associated with real estate-related credit, particularly for large-scale property developers. Central region propels fresh promotion for major ventures The central region and its localities are actively refreshing in order to have a new direction of attracting foreign funding flows more effectively. Traditional plastics can take centuries to degrade, while biodegradable plastics require specialised facilities to decompose them over 6-12 months. PVA PRO's products, utilising Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) compounds, astoundingly dissolve in warm water (70 degrees Celsius) within 30-60 minutes. PVA has been used in many applications, including laundry detergent pods and medicine wrappers, but its inherent cloudiness and quick dissolution in cold water have limited its suitability for packaging. In contrast, PVA PRO has ingeniously overcome these challenges by creating thin and transparent packaging that only rapidly dissolves upon exposure to warm water. This breakthrough dramatically broadens its potential applications across a diverse range of industries. The startup plans to expand PVA PRO solutions into various sectors, such as retail and fast-moving consumer goods, building on their success in delivering eco-friendly packaging solutions for the garment and fashion industry. CEO and co-founder of PVA PRO Raphael Cazalbou envisions that, thanks to the $1 million investment and the strategic and operational advisory received from the ITI Fund, PVA PRO will achieve significant milestones. These include enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, developing new products, expanding the market, and creating even greater sustainable value for the community. Dang Thi Kieu My, ITI Fund's director, shed light on the compelling reasons behind the fund's decision to invest in PVA PRO. She underlined the team's wealth of experience, their dynamic approach, and their impressive track record in crafting innovative solutions. Furthermore, she emphasised the growing trend among major brands towards prioritising sustainability. This crucial element enables PVA PRO to realise its full potential and offer high-quality, environmentally friendly products to conscious consumers. Established in 2021, PVA PRO's packaging solution not only maintains the flexibility of traditional plastics but also serves a diverse range of applications without producing microplastics or posing harm to animals and the natural ecosystem. This exemplifies the heartfelt desire of the founding team to address the pressing issue of plastic waste, amounting to 1.8 million tons in Vietnam and a staggering 300 million tons globally. OXO-degradable plastics threaten sustainable development OXO-degradable microplastic particles have become a common pollutant in soil and water and pose a threat to both ecosystems and human health. Plastics & Rubber Vietnam Exhibition 2023 opens in Hanoi Plastics & Rubber Vietnam 2023, an international plastics & rubber technologies and materials exhibition, kicked off at the International Centre for Exhibition in Hanoi on July 25. During his visit, the ambassador engaged in a series of activities that underscore the company's commitment to sustainability and community empowerment Ambassador Knapper met with leaders and dedicated associates working at the Hanoi plant, where he gained insights into the expertise and dedication that drives Coca-Cola's success in Vietnam. Peeyush Sharma, CEO of Coca-Cola Vietnam, shared a comprehensive business update and highlighted the company's unwavering sustainability commitments that have been evident throughout its remarkable journey in Vietnam. Sharma expressed heartfelt gratitude to the ambassador and the US Mission in Vietnam for their invaluable and timely support, which has played a pivotal role in facilitating the production and business operations of Coca-Cola in the country. Ambassador Knapper embarked on a plant tour, witnessing the cutting-edge production lines and the global-standard wastewater treatment system. Additionally, he participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the Hanoi Plant, signifying Coca-Cola Vietnam's commitment to environmental stewardship. Ambassador Knapper embarked on a plant tour, witnessing the cutting-edge production lines and the global-standard wastewater treatment system In addition, the ambassador also visited the Coca-Cola EkoCenter. This flagship initiative seamlessly integrates Coca-Cola's sustainability pillars, including water replenishment, women's empowerment, waste management, and overall community wellbeing. "I enjoyed my visit to the Coca-Cola bottling plant and Ekocenter in Hanoi's Thuong Tin district. Coca-Cola benefits from strong business and government partnerships here in Vietnam, but it also does tremendous work supporting local communities at its EkoCenter. I love seeing first-hand our American companies engage with local communities," said Knapper. At the EkoCenter, the ambassador made a heartwarming gesture by donating 100 books to the local children's library, reaffirming the importance of education and access to knowledge. Furthermore, ambassador Knapper witnessed several community activities, such as the display of local lacquer products from Duyen Thai commune, the innovative initiative of exchanging used plastic bottles for Coca-Cola products, and local people accessing clean water an essential resource that the EkoCenter provides for the community. The ambassador also conveyed his pleasure in continuing his support for Coca-Cola's business development and sustainability efforts. The shared purpose of refreshing the world and making a positive difference has been evident in Coca-Cola Vietnam's initiatives. Coca-Cola Vietnam remains committed to maintaining its legacy of responsible business practices and meaningful contributions to the communities it serves. The company's partnership with Vietnam stands as a testament to the shared vision of fostering sustainable growth and co-creating a better future. Coca-Cola named in Top 4 most sustainable companies in Vietnam Coca-Cola Vietnam has been named among Vietnams four most sustainable companies at the Vietnam Corporate Sustainability Forum 2022. Coca-Cola Vietnam bringing out the festive period magic A record-breaking event from Coca-Cola Vietnam has conveyed the message that, over the years, Tet may change but the magic remains. And at this time, there is nothing better than getting families and the community together, connecting them over the shared excitement and anticipation of the Tet season. ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) Wind power developers proposed four new projects off the New Jersey Shore on Friday, a surge that would more than double the number of wind farms built off its coast if they are approved by regulators. At least two of them are more than twice as far out to sea than others that have drawn the ire of residents who don't want to see windmills on the horizon. These two would not be visible from the beach, the companies proposing them say. They would join three wind farms already approved by New Jersey regulators as the state races to become the East Coast capital of the fast-growing offshore wind industry. In the first project to be made public Friday by the companies proposing it, Essen, Germany-based RWE and New York-based National Grid applied for permission to build a wind farm in the waters off Long Beach Island. Their joint venture is called Community Offshore Wind, and it aims to generate enough electricity to power 500,000 homes. Unlike other projects that have drawn intense opposition from homeowners in part because they are close enough to the Atlantic City and Ocean City shorelines to be seen by beachgoers, this project would be built 37 miles (59 kilometers) offshore and would not be visible from the shore, said Doug Perkins, president and project director of Community Offshore Wind. He said the project has the potential to transform New Jersey into a nation-leading clean energy development, training and manufacturing hub. He said his company is the second-largest wind power developer globally, following Danish wind developer Orsted. Community Offshore said it has not yet determined how many wind turbines would be built as part of the project. The second bid was submitted by Chicago-based Invenergy and New York-based energyRE for a project 40 miles (64 kilometers) off Long Beach Island called Leading Light Wind. It would consist of up to 100 turbines, enough to power 1 million homes. The company is playing up its American ownership as the foreign ownership of key players in New Jersey's offshore wind industry has generated opposition in some quarters. Leading Light Wind is ready to build out a world-leading domestic offshore wind industry with American-led ingenuity and expertise, said Ryan Brown, energyRE's chief operating officer. And the two companies that received approval to build the Atlantic Shores wind farm Shell New Energies US and EDF Renewables North America submitted a bid to build a second as yet unnamed project 10 to 20 miles (16 to 32 kilometers) offshore. The companies have lease areas in the large expanse of ocean between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, but they did not specify exactly where the second project would be built. They also did not say how many turbines it would include or how many homes its electricity could power. Friday night, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said a fourth application had also been received, but would not release any information about it. The company or companies proposing it had not come forward publicly to discuss their plans. Community Offshore and Leading Light said that while they plan to take advantage of existing federal tax credits, they will not seek the same sort of tax break that New Jersey recently approved for Orsted, which is being challenged in a lawsuit brought by opponents of offshore wind. Atlantic Shores, which earlier this year indicated it wanted similar tax relief to that given Orsted, said Friday it is not asking for anything specific from state government but is in talks with the governor's office, the utilities board and the Legislature about what might be possible. The proposals unveiled Friday come in addition to the three projects already approved by New Jersey regulators. Orsted is building two wind farms, called Ocean Wind I and II. And Shell New Energies US and EDF Renewables North America are partnering on the Atlantic Shores project. Follow Wayne Parry on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) An effort to ask voters to repeal Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' education overhaul has failed to qualify for next year's ballot, state election officials said Friday. Secretary of State John Thurston said supporters of the proposed referendum on the education law fell short of the 54,442 signatures from registered voters required to qualify. Thurston wrote in a letter to Citizens for Arkansas Public Education and Students that the group had submitted 53,444 signatures backing the referendum plan. Sanders, a Republican who took office in January, signed the education law in March. Formally known as the LEARNS Act short for literacy, empowerment, accountability, readiness, networking and school safety the measure was her top agenda item in this year's legislative session. The law creates a new school voucher program, raises minimum teacher salaries and prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms before fifth grade. CAPES said it was disappointed and had faced obstacles, including an abbreviated timeline to circulate petitions. The group also cited a new state law that's being challenged in court that increased the number of counties where they had to gather a minimum number of signatures. We are going to continue to fight to ensure the democratic rights of our citizens are recognized and protected," CAPES Executive Director Steve Grappe said in a statement. "We are going to continue to fight for our public education system in Arkansas. Sanders criticized the unsuccessful effort to get the referendum on the ballot. Self-serving partisan extremists tried to play political games to undermine LEARNS, overturn the will of the voters, and hold our kids back, she said in a statement. "Today its official: they failed, Arkansas students won, and my administration will continue to raise teacher pay, invest in literacy, and empower parents and students through LEARNS." A company started last year by a group of Baylor University graduates is set to bring the first rock climbing gym to McLennan County next spring. Basin Climbing and Fitness kicked off construction on the gym Friday in Hewitt at 650 Alliance Parkway with a groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Hewitt community leaders, area residents and State Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson. Trinity Robb, one of the four founders of Basin, said the company hopes to create a climbing gym that can appeal to climbers of all skill levels, whether they are veterans or novices. Robb said bringing a climbing gym to the Waco area has been his longtime goal. Robb studied outdoor recreation at Baylor and became part of a local rock climbing community that would climb at the indoor rock wall at the university's Student Life Center, the county's only regularly staffed climbing facility. In 2020, he teamed up with fellow Baylor graduate Jessica Colley and married couple Carley and Steel Ferguson to begin planning the company that would be founded in 2022 as Basin. The closest gym that would be similar to Basin is Boulders Climbing Center in Harker Heights. Beyond that, climbers would have to travel to Austin or Dallas to get something similar to Basin. One of the things that we've seen in Waco is that there are not that many activities where families can participate together, Robb said. Rock climbing is one of those unique activities that can really span across decades of someone's life to be able to actually participate in it. And ironically, oftentimes kids because of their strength to weight ratio are better climbers than adults. So we're really excited about bringing something to Waco that we feel like it's really unique that families can actually participate together. Robb said the name Basin refers to a depression at the bottom of a mountain where water flows and climbers and hikers begin their ascent. We really wanted the name to represent community, something thats going to be life-giving, thats fun, a place of adventure, Robb said. The gym will offer various types of climbing walls, including 14 to 16 foot bouldering walls intended to be climbed without a harness, a 34 foot top rope wall to be climbed with a harness, as well as climbing ropes and smaller walls intended for children. The gym will also have areas for birthday parties, a yoga studio and a workout area with free weights and exercise machines, making the facility an all-in-one rock climbing and workout gym. Memberships will run $75 per month for a solo membership and $140 per month for a duo membership. Family packages start at $140 per month, with another $35 per month for each child under 18 in the family. Climbers can also purchase day passes, costing $20 for an adult, or $14 for kids under 14, with an additional $6 cost to rent gear, or gift cards, which would allow someone to use the gym for an allotted amount of time. Basin is also offering 100 Founders Packages to dedicated climbers, which run at $500 and $800 for solo and duo, respectively. Family packages are $800 plus $100 per child. Founders Packages allow the buyers to have their name carved into a climbing wall at the gym and give them lots of exclusive merchandise, as well as a discounted monthly membership rate that will last as long as the membership is active. Construction on the gym is estimated to last until February, with a tentative opening scheduled for February or March, Robb said. Hewitt Mayor Steve Fortenberry said he is personally excited by the gym, as he will take his grandchildren to climb. He is also excited for the economic possibilities Basin will bring to the area of Commerce Park. We're just growing leaps and bounds, Fortenberry said. With the construction thats going to be going on throughout the living area here, I think it's really going to enrich this corner, this area. Its going to help fuel Walmart, I just think its just a good mix for everybody involved for the city. Its just another event that people can come to and do as a family. We are a family community, but we really enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to have such a family oriented-type organization. Fortenberry said he is thankful Basin chose Hewitt as the location for the gym, and said the city will support the company in any way it can. Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce board President Michael Wyatt said McLennan County is a perfect spot for a rock-climbing gym because it lacks natural areas for climbing. He said he thinks Basin will be a fun addition to the outdoor-loving Hewitt community. The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, in association with other local public health entities, was awarded $8 million in the recently passed state budget. The boost will further its mission of crisis diversion, going hand in hand with the networks 27,500-square-foot Diversion Center expected to open in the coming months on Imperial Drive. The funding will go to expand the communitys ability to divert crisis situations and other non-legal issues away from law enforcement and emergency resources. Diversion techniques are meant to help not only providers and emergency personnel, but also to help people in need of crisis services stay away from unnecessary incarceration and start toward better behavioral health. A lot of the mentally ill people that we deal with, theyre picked up for criminal mischief, theyre picked up for criminal trespass, said Daniel Thompson, Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network CEO. Its not something that should typically be a jail offense, but if theyre unstable a lot of times thats where individuals end up. Thompson said the $8 million granted was part of a larger $30 million request for a comprehensive system of care in collaboration with Waco Family Medicine, Ascension Providence and Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest. Though the full amount was not approved, the request itself was a success before funding ever became available, as it marked the first time the four of us have come together to collaborate on any type of legislation, he said. The group worked to develop a proposal in the form of a bill for this years legislative session, which would have provided additional inpatient beds at the facility, a training program and expansion of crisis services. However, rather than a bill, the request became a rider to House Bill 1, the Texas state budget. Reps. Charles Doc Anderson and Angelia Orr and Sens. Brian Birdwell and Charles Schwertner, who each represent at least part of the Behavioral Health Networks six-county coverage region, were on board with the proposal, Thompson said. The $8 million state funding is in addition to some $4 million the state already provides Waco yearly for psychiatric emergency services, which covers the current operation of crisis services at Ascension Providence DePaul Center and the networks mobile crisis outreach team, he said. Currently Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest does not have a psychiatric unit, so behavioral health issues that system comes across can backlog other health care issues, Thompson said. The new center will be able to take some of the burden off of the DePaul center, which provides inpatient care but has begun to see some financial loss, he said. Theyve taken quite a bit of a hit on the non-insured patients, and theres only so long you can successfully operate at a loss, he said. The more they lose, the more at risk I think the community becomes of losing that resource. The new funding will enhance and expand the areas crisis services, many of which will move to the new facility. It will allow the facility to employ full-time security, add a second mobile crisis outreach team for the region, enhance existing staffs salaries and fund 24-hour medical clearance, Thompson said. A person must go through a physical and behavioral clearance before the behavioral health network or county jail can accept them, and the assessment is generally carried out by an emergency department. Thompson said visits to the emergency room can sometimes tie up multiple law enforcement officers for hours, taking time away from emergency and law enforcement personnel that may be spent elsewhere. Being able to handle the law enforcement piece and the medical clearance piece here, it frees up those resources for people who need those much worse, he said. The behavioral health network will also be able to provide staff in all six counties within its coverage area who will partner with law enforcement. Thompson said the diversion technique will allow officers who come upon a crisis situation to deal with it then and there, keeping people away from incarceration and emergency departments and freeing up those resources for other things. Hopefully with this new approach well be able to treat people more readily in their home county, he said. The new 27,500-square-foot facility, now called the Diversion Center after being developed under a different name, sits next to the networks administrative campus at 6400 Imperial Drive. It was designed intentionally and will have 16 individual bedrooms. Twelve rooms will be standard and four will be acute care rooms for people who require more observation. The individual rooms, as opposed to double-occupancy rooms, will provide a measure of privacy that may be comforting to someone who is in a crisis situation. The building will also have 3,000 square feet dedicated to a full-time Waco Family Medicine clinic. Near the front of the facility there will be an auditorium, which will provide opportunities for community partners and providers to offer everyday amenities and participate in this facility and somewhat destigmatize the concerns around people with behavioral health issues, Thompson said. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of a select committee of senators in 1973 to investigate Watergate. This eventually led to Nixons resignation in August 1974. The committee was headed by conservative Democrat Sam Ervin of North Carolina and moderate Republican Howard Baker from Tennessee. Baker framed the committees purpose best when he described its mission to find out What did the president know, and when did he know it. It was not about revenge or vindictiveness. It was not about punishment. It was simply an exercise in accountability to lay before the public the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about what happened. Whenever there is wrongdoing, the public is entitled to know exactly what happened. Today there is a mountain of allegations that crimes were committed during the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. Nothing less than a full investigation and accounting of these activities is called for. The key word on everyones lips, whether liberal, conservative or somewhere in between, should be accountability. Hiding the truth, or hiding from the truth, serves no ones best interest. Yet whenever there is wrongdoing, there are those who wish to put any unpleasant truths behind and move forward without a full accounting. They claim that lessons have been learned and it wont happen again. No need to be reminded of the misconduct of wrongdoers. They might even carry out a full investigation only to bury the results behind a wall of confidentiality and secrecy. This is misguided. It only guarantees that such behavior will be repeated. It creates the impression that those responsible got away with it. Even the Watergate scandal escaped a full accounting and was short-circuited by several factors. Nixon resigned before he could be impeached by the House and convicted in the Senate. Then he was pardoned by President Gerald Ford and avoided prosecution. As a result there was no finding of guilt or innocence for Nixon. A complete presentation of the facts was not fully achieved. The perception that presidents are somehow above the law was reinforced. Nixon himself declared that if the president does it, it is not illegal. Nixon should have had his day in court like any other citizen and been required to testify under oath about his involvement in the Watergate break-in. Then if acts of clemency are warranted they could have be granted, but only after full disclosure and full accountability. Today, full accountability can be avoided in many ways: plea bargains, immunity agreements, pardons, out-of-court settlements for large sums of money with binding nondisclosure agreements. A good defense attorney can prevent the disclosure of any potentially embarrassing evidence on his client. Out-of-court settlements and plea bargains are often designed to prevent the case from going to trial. This prevents a full disclosure of the facts in the case during the pretrial discovery phase. There is no admission of guilt or finding of innocence. The defendant often escapes with a slap on the wrist and appears to have gotten away with it. When there is no accountability, the wrongdoer is free to do it again. It becomes a road map for future wrongdoing and how to escape any consequences. Accountability is not about revenge, vindictiveness or punishment. Accountability is simply a full investigation and full disclosure of all the facts. That alone could be sufficient to deter any future similar misconduct. By James Kightly A pre-eminent European warbird collection, Hangar 10 in Germany, is entering new ownership after the tragic loss of founder Volker Schulke, in an aviation accident. While the collection has been understandably quiet since his death in 2020, his widow Arite Schulke looked to the collection being taken on as a going, complete concern, rather than being broken up. Swiss-based Brokers Boschung Global arranged the sale of the collection, and base facility, to Munich entrepreneur Karl F. Grimminger, who is already the owner of Luftraum Sud, where he has an impressive collection of aircraft, some of which are on display in his new hangar in Aalen, Baden-Wurttemberg. The significant expansion of his collection by the acquisition of Hangar 10 was covered by Grimminger, saying: It is very important to me to keep the German collection together as a whole and he foresees positive benefits to come from operating both collections at the two locations. Hangar 10 will remain at the current location, on the island of Usedom, Pomerania, although Grimminger is considering changing the name to Air Traum Nord. In his view, positive benefits can be expected between the collection in Usedom and his existing museum in Aalen, both of which are now open to the public. Grimmingers current collection has been noted to attend away events as well as flying at home. The Hangar 10 collection includes (among other aircraft, wrecks, and vehicles) a remarkable variety of 1930s and W.W.II single-engine types, including Buckers Bu 131 Jungmann D-EJTR and Bu 133 Jungmeister D-EPAX, Fieseler Fi 156 D2 Storch, D-EVAS, Messerschmitt Bf 108 D-ERTT D-IMTT, Polikarpov Po 2, D-EPOO and fighters Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 D-FMGS and Bf 109 G-14 D-FMGV, as well as Flug Werk FW 190 A-8/N, D-FWAA. Not included in the sale is the two-seat Buchon conversion, Messerschmitt Bf 109G-12 D-FMGZ owned by the EADS Messerschmitt Stiftung (EADS Messerschmitt Foundation) since 2019. Arite Schulke said: Hangar 10 is a project that is close to my heart. It has played a very important role for me and in the life of my entire family for many years. She went on: For me, however, it is now time to end this chapter in order to break new ground after my husband Volker Schulkes accident. WATERLOO A jury found a Waterloo man guilty on Friday morning of sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old girl. After four hours of deliberation, Jamodd Sallis, 43, was convicted of lascivious acts with a minor. Sentencing will occur at a later date but the maximum penalty for the charge is one year of jail time. Court records state that in September of 2019 officers met with the victims mother who said her daughter told her that Sallis showed her his genitals in his bedroom after the girl took her clothes off. Sallis then touched the girl until the girl told him that Sallis had kids her age and she wanted to stop. She then got dressed and left the room. The girls mother said their family met Sallis through church. This is Sallis first sex abuse trial but he is facing two more charges for which he is set to go to trial in October. A police report states that, in August of 2021, the Waterloo Police Department took a report of statutory rape of a 15-year-old female. Sallis allegedly had sex with the girl on three separate occasions, according to the report. She then became pregnant and gave birth to a child in 2021. Sallis DNA was compared to the childs and the probability he is the father is 99.99%. Sallis will also be on trial for a sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl. The police report in that case says Sallis allegedly had sexual contact with the child while she was visiting Sallis and his family in his Waterloo home. Sallis was one of more than a dozen people appointed to a city panel in September 2020 to help redesign the former Waterloo Police Department logo. He was appointed as a faith and community leader on the committee. Driving can be a fun part of summer, especially if you are taking a road trip. ConsumerAffairs conducted a study and found that these cities, with at least 100000 residents have the most dangerous drivers. Albuquerque, New Mexico came in third place. 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20 Feb (7) 6 Feb - 13 Feb (5) 30 Jan - 6 Feb (8) 23 Jan - 30 Jan (10) 16 Jan - 23 Jan (10) 9 Jan - 16 Jan (9) 2 Jan - 9 Jan (11) 26 Dec - 2 Jan (6) 19 Dec - 26 Dec (7) 12 Dec - 19 Dec (6) 5 Dec - 12 Dec (7) 28 Nov - 5 Dec (5) 21 Nov - 28 Nov (4) 14 Nov - 21 Nov (7) 7 Nov - 14 Nov (6) 31 Oct - 7 Nov (6) 24 Oct - 31 Oct (5) 17 Oct - 24 Oct (5) 10 Oct - 17 Oct (7) 3 Oct - 10 Oct (2) 26 Sep - 3 Oct (4) 19 Sep - 26 Sep (6) 12 Sep - 19 Sep (7) 5 Sep - 12 Sep (10) 29 Aug - 5 Sep (8) 22 Aug - 29 Aug (5) 15 Aug - 22 Aug (6) 8 Aug - 15 Aug (6) 1 Aug - 8 Aug (4) 25 Jul - 1 Aug (13) 18 Jul - 25 Jul (9) 11 Jul - 18 Jul (9) 4 Jul - 11 Jul (8) 27 Jun - 4 Jul (9) 20 Jun - 27 Jun (11) 13 Jun - 20 Jun (11) 6 Jun - 13 Jun (11) 30 May - 6 Jun (9) 23 May - 30 May (23) 16 May - 23 May (12) 9 May - 16 May (12) 2 May - 9 May (10) 25 Apr - 2 May (7) 18 Apr - 25 Apr (9) 11 Apr - 18 Apr (10) 4 Apr - 11 Apr (11) 28 Mar - 4 Apr (9) 21 Mar - 28 Mar (6) 14 Mar - 21 Mar (9) 7 Mar - 14 Mar (2) 28 Feb - 7 Mar (9) 21 Feb - 28 Feb (7) 14 Feb - 21 Feb (9) 7 Feb - 14 Feb (9) 31 Jan - 7 Feb (6) 24 Jan - 31 Jan (14) 17 Jan - 24 Jan (9) 10 Jan - 17 Jan (11) 3 Jan - 10 Jan (10) 27 Dec - 3 Jan (10) 20 Dec - 27 Dec (8) 13 Dec - 20 Dec (6) 6 Dec - 13 Dec (9) 29 Nov - 6 Dec (13) 22 Nov - 29 Nov (10) 15 Nov - 22 Nov (14) 8 Nov - 15 Nov (11) 1 Nov - 8 Nov (16) 25 Oct - 1 Nov (13) 18 Oct - 25 Oct (12) 11 Oct - 18 Oct (9) 4 Oct - 11 Oct (11) 27 Sep - 4 Oct (14) 20 Sep - 27 Sep (19) 13 Sep - 20 Sep (13) 6 Sep - 13 Sep (12) 30 Aug - 6 Sep (15) 23 Aug - 30 Aug (15) 16 Aug - 23 Aug (16) 9 Aug - 16 Aug (14) 2 Aug - 9 Aug (15) 26 Jul - 2 Aug (20) 19 Jul - 26 Jul (10) 12 Jul - 19 Jul (13) 5 Jul - 12 Jul (21) 28 Jun - 5 Jul (15) 21 Jun - 28 Jun (20) 14 Jun - 21 Jun (10) 7 Jun - 14 Jun (13) 31 May - 7 Jun (13) 24 May - 31 May (13) 17 May - 24 May (15) 10 May - 17 May (16) 3 May - 10 May (11) 26 Apr - 3 May (21) 19 Apr - 26 Apr (17) 12 Apr - 19 Apr (20) 5 Apr - 12 Apr (16) 29 Mar - 5 Apr (19) 22 Mar - 29 Mar (17) 15 Mar - 22 Mar (23) 8 Mar - 15 Mar (22) 1 Mar - 8 Mar (21) 22 Feb - 1 Mar (22) 15 Feb - 22 Feb (25) 8 Feb - 15 Feb (25) 1 Feb - 8 Feb (21) 25 Jan - 1 Feb (23) 18 Jan - 25 Jan (19) 11 Jan - 18 Jan (35) 4 Jan - 11 Jan (23) 28 Dec - 4 Jan (27) 21 Dec - 28 Dec (28) 14 Dec - 21 Dec (23) 7 Dec - 14 Dec (22) 30 Nov - 7 Dec (19) 23 Nov - 30 Nov (22) 16 Nov - 23 Nov (19) 9 Nov - 16 Nov (15) 2 Nov - 9 Nov (17) 26 Oct - 2 Nov (10) 19 Oct - 26 Oct (12) 12 Oct - 19 Oct (13) 5 Oct - 12 Oct (19) 28 Sep - 5 Oct (14) 21 Sep - 28 Sep (17) 14 Sep - 21 Sep (19) 7 Sep - 14 Sep (22) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (15) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (14) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (9) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (5) Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (4 August 2023) The AFU continued unsuccessful attempts at offensive actions in South Donetsk, Kupyansk, Krasny Liman and Donetsk directions. In Donetsk direction, during active defence activities, the units of the Yug Group of Forces have successfully repelled 8 enemy attacks close to Belogorovka, Spornoye, Vesyoloye, Staromikhaylovka, Paraskoviyevka, and Pervomaiskoe (Donetsk Peoples Republic). After repelling the attack, the Russian troops have conducted a counter-attack operation against retreating enemy units near Belogorovka and Vodyanoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic), and as a result, captured more advantageous positions. Operational-tactical and Army aviation, supported by artillery, launched attacks at manpower and hardware concentration areas of AFU 24th, 28th, 110th mechanised brigades, as well as 5th assault and 81st aeromobile brigades near Toretsk, Klescheevka, Adveevka, Krasnoye, and Belogorovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were up to 185 servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, four motor vehicles, one Polish-manufactured Krab self-propelled artillery system, and one D-20 howitzer. In South Donetsk direction, the Vostok Group of Forces assault units continued offensive actions close to Staromayorskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and improved tactical situation. In addition, manpower and hardware of the AFU 31st mechanised and 35th marines brigades have been hit near Rovnopol and Makarovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In addition, the actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups have been disrupted close to Priyutnoye (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses were up to 120 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, one Msta-B howitzer and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Zaporozhye direction, as a result of active actions by Russian units, aviation, artillery and heavy flamethrower systems, one enemy attack has been successfully repelled close to Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). In addition, 33rd, 47th, 65th and 118th mechanised brigades of the AFU have been hit close to Malaya Tokmachka, Yablonevoye and Uspenovka (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses were up to 130 Ukrainian servicemen, three infantry fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-manufactured Bradley IFV, two armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, and one D-20 howitzer. In Kupyansk direction, assault detachments of the Zapad Group of Forces continued offensive actions on a wide front and have taken more advantageous positions close to Olshana, Petropavlovka and Tokarevka (Kharkov region). In the course of active defence, four attacks by units of the 14th mechanised and 25th airborne brigades of the AFU have been successfully repelled near Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic). In addition, AFU manpower and hardware concentration areas of nine brigades have been hit near Orlyanskoye, Kotlyarovka, Ivanovka, Pletenyovka and Berestovoye (Kharkov region). The enemy losses were up to 45 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery system, as well as U.S.-manufactured M109 Paladin and Polish-manufactured Krab self-propelled artillery systems. In Krasny Liman direction, as a result of active actions by units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, Army Aviation and artillery, two enemy attacks have been successfully repelled near Novovodyanoye and Kremennaya (Lugansk Peoples Republic). In addition, units of 21st, 43rd, 54th, 63rd, 67th mechanised and 95th airborne assault brigades of the AFU have been hit close to Karmazinovka, Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Torskoye and Krasny Liman (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were up to 70 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery system, as well as D-20 and D-30 howitzers. In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 25 Ukrainian servicemen, two motor vehicles, and two D-30 howitzers. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 116 artillery units at their firing positions, manpower and military hardware in 142 areas. In addition, fuel and ammunition depots of Ukrainian troops have been destroyed near Krasnoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Peschanoye (Kharkov region). Two command posts of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been hit close to Belogorovka and Belaya Gora (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Air defence facilities have shot down 15 projectiles launched by HIMARS MLRS. In addition, 28 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been destroyed close to Svatovo, Lisichansk (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Donetsk, Soledar and Volnovakha (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In total, 458 airplanes, 245 helicopters, 5,496 unmanned aerial vehicles, 428 air defence missile systems, 11,113 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,142 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,746 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 12,057 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation. *** Since the beginning of the so-called offensive by the Kiev regime during June and July, the AFU losses, in the course of combat actions, have already totalled more than forty-three thousand servicemen. This figure does not include wounded and foreign mercenaries evacuated to Ukrainian hospitals and abroad, as well as servicemen eliminated as a result of long-range precision weapons strikes in rear areas. Over four thousand nine hundred units of various AFU weapons have been destroyed on the line of contact, including 26 aircraft, nine helicopters, 1,831 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, including 25 German-manufactured Leopard tanks, seven French AMX wheeled tanks and 21 U.S.-manufactured Bradley IFVs. In addition, the enemy losses were 747 field artillery pieces and mortars, including 76 U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery systems, as well as 84 self-propelled artillery systems from Poland, the United States, France and Germany. WtR This is part one of a series that will include some of my favorite photos I have taken from activities in the area during the Summer of 2023. 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. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form The District Attorney's Office says that since it is a murder charge, he will be charged as an adult. Zooming Superheroes from Dyes to DPI: The Visual and Technical Evolution of Comic Book Printing, is on exhibit at the UT Scarfone/Hartley Gallery through October 6th. Keepers of Heritage: Hidden Tales/ Custodios de la Herencia: Cuentos Ocultos, an exhibit featuring the work of Puerto Rican artists, is at Creative Pinellas from August 3rd through October 15th. Cemented Horizon at the Bottom of the Sea, a collection of works by environmental artist Beatriz Chachamovits is on display at Drift in the Kress Contemporary from August 17th through September 28th. a k a x University of South Florida Professor Emeritus Bruce Marshs paintings are on display in the new exhibit "Bruce Marsh - A Six Decade Survey," at USFs Carolyn M. Wilson Gallery. A new exhibition at the University of Tampa explores the art and history of comic books from the beginnings of iconic characters like Superman and Captain America to the current day.Zooming Superheroes from Dyes to DPI: The Visual and Technical Evolution of Comic Book Printing, on exhibit at the UT Scarfone/Hartley Gallery through October 6th, features a mix of cover reprints of famous issues and actual comic books.I havent seen anyone do this in this kind of way, says Jocelyn Boigenzahn, director of the UT College of Arts and Letters galleries. Mostly what makes this unique is you can touch the comic books. You can open up the cases and read through them.Boigenzahn says the idea for Zooming Superheroes goes back to an exhibit last July showcasing the work of Tampa area resident and Iron Man writer and artist Bob Layton. Layton suggested an entire exhibition on comic book art and history and Boigenzahn thought it was an awesome idea.The exhibit traces the evolution of iconic characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman, Iron Man, Captain America, the many Captain Marvels and the X-Men through the decades. Beginning with the Bronze Age of the 1970s and 80s, theres also a shift to more gritty and realistic themes that reflect the social change of the time.Half of our gallery shows all of our favorites as they transition through time and how the art work transforms, Boigenzahn says. What I really liked about this build was going through the process of actually seeing them all together. Its not until you see the original Superman and then, in the same breath, see a newer one that you realize how much the art changed and how much the style evolved. And it wasnt just new artists it was also new interests and growth and inspiration. There are a lot of places where you see current culture bleeding into comic books. Its not a separate universe.Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. # 7 from 1968 is one of the original issues on display that shows the influence of modern art on comic art. Artist Jim Steranko was influenced by surrealism and pop art and the melting clocks and imagery of the cover are an homage to Salvador Dalis The Persistence of Everything.The exhibition follows the comic book medium through the establishment of the Comic Code Authority, decades of social change, the emergence of graphic novels, the rise of independent publishers like Image and Dark Horse, more diverse characters and storytelling and the current-day era of streaming shows and blockbuster movies.The exhibition also explores how comic books are made, with a detailed dive into penciling, lettering, inking, coloring and printing.The Scarfone/Hartley Gallery, 310 North Blvd., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. A free reception for Zooming Superheroes from Dyes to DPI: The Visual and Technical Evolution of Comic Book Printing is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 1st.For more information, go to Zooming Superheroes reception The Countdown Improv Festival returns to the performing arts center on Hillsborough Community Colleges Ybor City campus from August 9th through 12th.Brooklyn-based improv duo Kelly Buttermore and Justin Peters launched the festival in 2017, with the idea it would be a pop-up festival held in a different city each year. But they fell in love with the Ybor City location and decided to make it the festivals permanent home. This years festival is the largest yet, with a total of 77 solo, duo and trio improv acts from across the country.For more information, the lineup, schedule and tickets, go to Countdown Improv Festival Keepers of Heritage: Hidden Tales/ Custodios de la Herencia: Cuentos Ocultos, an exhibit featuring the work of Puerto Rican artists, is at Creative Pinellas from August 3rd through October 15th.Curated by Yasir Nieves, Keepers of the Heritage features original work, including painting, sculpture, drawing and engraving, by artists from Puerto Rico, Florida and New York.We are always seeking opportunities to expand what we have to offer at the gallery, to explore new voices, to bring visitors and tourists new, exciting and valuable experiences, and to make high-quality arts experiences available to everybody, Creative Pinellas CEO Barbara St. Clair says in a press statement. With Keepers of Heritage, we have the opportunity to introduce our community to artists from Puerto Rico and other areas that have been influential in terms of the history and culture of Florida.An opening reception is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 5th.For more information, go to Keepers of the Heritage Throw Them Bones on the Ground is on display at Tempus Projects' main gallery from August 17th through September 28th.The group exhibition explores themes of identity and perseverance in light of the current political climate and local and state politics, according to a description in a press release from Tempus Projects.The exhibition fortifies Tempus Projects' identity as a safe space for all artists and art professionals, dedicated to amplifying the voices of artists from an inclusive range of backgrounds and life experiences, the description continues.Throw Them Bones on the Ground features works by renowned artists Kalup Linzy, Catalina Cheng, John Murdock and Chantel Foretich.Kalup Linzy, a collage, video, photography, and performance artist, challenges ideas of gender and draws inspiration from pop cultural forums, the exhibit description says. Catalina Cheng, a multidisciplinary artist, explores relationships and narratives through her seemingly sweet yet cheeky ceramics. John Murdock's paintings explore identity, the body, play, and relationships through the non-idealized figure and vague narratives. Chantel Foretich, a sculptor based in Santa Fe, creates small-scale versions of real and imagined scenes imbued with history and meaning.An opening reception is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 17th. Gallery hours are Thursday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tempus Projects is located on the second floor of the Kress Collective, 1624 E. 7th Ave. in Ybor City.For more information, go to Tempus Projects Cemented Horizon at the Bottom of the Sea, a collection of works by environmental artist Beatriz Chachamovits is on display at Drift in the Kress Contemporary from August 17th through September 28th.Curated by Lilian Beltram, the exhibit features sculptures by Chachamovits that highlight the devastating effects climate change and sea-level rise have on delicate coral reefs. The artwork depicts the destruction of these fragile ecosystems and finds beauty in the distorted shapes of diseased corals, an exhibit description says.An opening reception is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 17th. Drift is an independent curator's space in the second-floor gallery space of the Kress Collective, 1624 E. 7th Ave. in Ybor City.For more information, go to Tempus Projects Native America: In Translation, an exhibit assembling the work of nine Indigenous artists whose work focuses on issues of identity and heritage, land rights and colonialism, is on display at the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum from August 25th through December 1st.Probing the legacies of settler colonialism, and photographys complex and often fraught role in constructing representation of Native cultures, the exhibition includes works by lens-based artists Rebecca Belmore (Anishinaabe, Lac Seul First Nation), Nalikutaar Jacqueline Cleveland (Yupik), Martine Gutierrez (American), Koyoltzintli (Ecuadorian-American), Duane Linklater (Omaskeko Ininiwak from Moose Cree First Nation), Guadalupe Maravilla (American), Kimowan Metchewais (Cree, Cold Lake First Nations), Alan Michelson (Mohawk, Six Nations of the Grand River), and Marianne Nicolson (Musgmaw Dzawadenuw First Nations), offering new perspectives on Indigenous identity by reimagining what it means to be a citizen in North America today, a description in a USF CAM press release states.Native America: In Translation is curated by Apsaalooke artist Wendy Red Star and organized by New York-based nonprofit Aperture.A free opening reception and exhibition walkthrough is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 25th. A free ART Thursday Concert in the Galleries is scheduled for 7 p.m. on September 14th. Performances by USF students, faculty and the USF Community Music Project will feature world premieres of original scores composed by William Linthicum-Blackhorse and USF faculty member Justin Giarrusso.For more information on Native America: In Translation, museum hours and additional events related to the exhibit, and museum hours, go to USF CAM Famed landscape photographer Clyde Butcher will give a lecture titled "CUBA: The Natural Beauty Nature Has No Borders at The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre at 7 p.m. on August 16th.The lecture is related to Butchers exhibit, CUBA: The Natural Beauty The Photographic Expeditions of Clyde Butcher, which is on display at Clearwaters downtown public library through October 31st.Commissioned by the United Nations to create a portfolio of the mountainous lands of Cuba, Clyde Butcher set out on three week-long expeditions into unfamiliar lands, an exhibit description on Clearwaters website says. He explored the island countrys varied geographic regions, from the Sierra Maestra Mountains in Cubas eastern Granma province, to the southern coast between Manzananilo and Santiago de Cuba. He ventured to places including Baracoa in the northeast, the southern waterfalls of the Serra de San Juan, and the mogotes of the west in the Pina del Rio region.Before his lecture, Butcher will be signing copies of his books inside the exhibit space at the downtown library, 100 N. Osceola Ave. El Arte: Echoes of Cuba, which features the works of 19 local Tampa Bay artists, is also on display in the librarys exhibit space.To reserve tickets for Clyde Butchers August 16th lecture, go to "CUBA: The Natural Beauty Nature Has No Borders. For more information on the exhibits, go to CUBA: The Natural Beauty The Photographic Expeditions of Clyde Butcher. University of South Florida Professor Emeritus Bruce Marshs paintings are on display in a new exhibit at USFs Carolyn M. Wilson Gallery.Presented by the USF School of Art & Art History, Bruce Marsh - A Six Decade Survey features more than four dozen oil paintings and watercolors that trace Marshs career from 1963 in California, where he grew up and attended UC Santa Barbara, to the current day work he creates at his studio in Ruskin on the Little Manatee River.Marsh retired from USF in 2003, after 37 years with the university.Marshs paintings are thought out, an exhibit description says. They are intellectual and they are visceral. His works stimulate all the senses. The exhibition will demonstrate that Marsh is a painters painter, meaning that he is committed to the process of painting as well as to all that goes on before putting the paint to canvas the thinking and planning, the strategy, the invention and the intuitive response to an idea, a subject, or a concept. The exhibition will trace themes and threads of ideas and concepts that have been an interest and focus for Marsh for six decades. While he was teaching Marsh remained a student himself constantly striving to learn more and experiment. He says studying Josef Albers work in the 1960s was his key to understanding color. Over his career, he became a master of color. The exhibition will manifest his experiments and developments in many areas of perception.Paintings in the exhibition will demonstrate his interest in many themes including the landscape and particularly the land around Ruskin that has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. He made annual trips to Utah between 2005 and 2010. The rock formations and light inspired him to make paintings that encourage us to question our ideas about perception. A cabin in the woods pushed him in other directions and experiments.Bruce Marsh- A Six Decade Survey is on display at the Carolyn M. Wilson Gallery from August 21st through September 7th. An opening reception is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 25th.For more information, go to USF School of Art and Art History The Morean Arts Centers 12th annual Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest fundraiser is 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 26th at the Morean Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. S.Bakers may register through August 18th to compete in the novice, professional, youth/teen and specialty (vegan/gluten-free) and to vie for the peoples choice award. The popular annual event may draw up to 200 contestants. Cupcakes are judged by originality, taste/texture and the artistic presentation of a contestants table. Attendees will be able to sample the mini-cupcakes made by contestants.For more information, go to Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest This month at the Morean Arts Center gallery at 719 Central Ave., Psychedelic, the 2023 members show, and Donna M. Richardson: Spiritual Influences are on display through August 24th. Steph Hargroves CauseFlowers: PRIDE, which features giant felt dahlia sculptures designed to represent pride flags from the LGBTQ community, is on display from August 5th through 31st, with an artist reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 12th.For more information, go to Morean Arts Center The 54th annual Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is accepting artist applications through October 2nd.Local, national and international artists may apply. The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is scheduled for March 2nd and 3rd, 2024. Up to 235 artists will display and sell their work to a weekend crowd of more than 30,000 people. Festival jurors will review the work and award up to 40 with prizes of at least $1,000, including the $15,000 Raymond James Best-in-Show award. In response to artist feedback, GFA will institute a new jury and awards process in 2024.For more information on that process, festival rules and the application, go to Gasparilla Festival of the Arts application rules Cover Images/John Rainford Celebrity The Duchess of Sussex reportedly enjoyed a movie night with her friends for an early birthday celebration while her husband stayed at their Montecito mansion. Aug 5, 2023 AceShowbiz - Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex reportedly has celebrated her 42nd birthday early by going to see the "Barbie" movie with her friends - but not Prince Harry. The former "Suits" actress, 42, is reported to see the film with Portia De Rossi, 50, and other pals at a Santa Barbara theatre earlier this week, while her husband the Duke of Sussex, 38, stayed home at their $14 million mansion in Montecito, California. Meghan "kept the festivities going by joining friends at the posh San Ysidro Ranch hotel in Santa Barbara" on Monday, July 31 night, a source also told Page Six. The outlet added, "We hear the controversial royal posed for photos and made videos with a bachelorette group that was celebrating at the hotel." It said an onlooker revealed, "Meghan went over to wish the bride good luck." Even though Harry stayed home while Meghan apparently attended "Barbie", the Sussexes were spotted on Wednesday, August 3 having dinner at celebrity favourite restaurant Tre Lune in Montecito. Page Six said Meghan and Harry planned to spend her 42nd on Friday, August 4 "at home with their two children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two." Earlier this week, Harry and Meghan presented a united front to the world in the face of widespread reports their marriage is in trouble. The couple sat cosily side-by-side on Wednesday, August 2 for a video in support of the young people's foundation the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund after reports they have been spending time apart. As they spoke about their two children, Harry said about the good cause, "Thank you for doing everything that you do. Our kids especially are incredibly grateful." Meghan chimed in, "They don't know it yet, but they will." The couple made the clip as their Archewell Foundation is on the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund Advisory Committee. The video comes after Harry and Meghan's big-money Spotify deal ended in June, while the Duke of Sussex's green travel project Travalyst made a major announcement about a huge revamp in May without mentioning him. Their appearance also comes as it was announced the couple will attend the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf together next month for the events between September 9 and 16. Insiders have denied widespread reports in the US the couple have been giving each other space. One source insisted Page Six, "It's not true - it's literally made up." The reports the couple were taking time apart were spurred on by the fact Meghan has hardly returned to the UK since Megxit, and was not with Harry when he returned to Britain in May to see his father King Charles' coronation at London's Westminster Abbey. A source told The Sun, "Harry was desperate to come back for the Coronation and spend quality time with his family." Meghan stayed in their mansion in California for their boy Archie's fourth birthday. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The actress, who was previously married to her former 'One Tree Hill' co-star, Chad Michael Murray, tied the knot with the businessman in June 2022 in Oklahoma. Aug 5, 2023 AceShowbiz - Sophia Bush is now a single woman. Just weeks after celebrating her and Grant Hughes' first wedding anniversary, the "One Tree Hill" star filed for divorce from her now-estranged husband. According to PEOPLE, the 41-year-old submitted the divorce paper on Friday, August 4, after just 13 months of marriage. Despite the split, the actress and her then-partner reportedly remain amicable. "Sophia and Grant were friends for 10 years and bonded during COVID through their love of community service," a source close to the pair told the publication. "They continue to run their nonprofit together and remain good friends." The split news came as a surprise since Sophia marked her and Grant's wedding anniversary seven weeks prior. Sharing a black-and-white throwback photo of the two on their wedding day, she penned, "Today marks 365 days of calling you 'husband.' " "Best decision of my life. It still feels just like this. Ecstatic. Running toward the future, grinning and laughing, together," she added at the time. "I love you, my favorite. Happy Anniversary." Sophia married Grant in June 2022 in his home state of Oklahoma, nearly one year after they got engaged. When looking back on the private celebration, the "Drama Queens" podcast co-host revealed why she chose it as their wedding location. "Imagine what we could do if we turned out wedding into an event to showcase Tulsa," she recalled to Vogue one month after the big day. "The cultural renaissance happening there. Tech. Philanthropy. Civil rights justice. The art. The leadership. We could focus all of this attention and turn the spotlight on them." Sophia was previously married to her former "One Tree Hill" co-star, Chad Michael Murray, from 2005 to 2006. Due to the brief marriage, the "Chicago P.D." star admitted she would have to be sure about the "motivation" behind tying the knot again before agreeing to it. You can share this post! Facebook Celebrity In a video shared by a TikTok user on Thursday night, August 3, the 26-year-old Pompano Beach native could be seen on a stretcher covering his eyes with one arm. Aug 5, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kodak Black has raised fan concerns regarding his health issue. Many social media users sent prayers to the "ZEZE" rapper after a video showed him being wheeled into what appears to be an emergency room of Broward Health Hospital in Florida. In the clip, which was shared by a TikTok user on Thursday night, August 3, the 26-year-old could be seen on a stretcher covering his eyes with one arm. He also lifted up one of his legs while being pushed through the entrance past nearly a dozen people. On the top of the video, the user wrote, "Y'all Pray for Yak." The individual also added some hashtags in the caption, "#OD #KodakBlack #Prayers #Fyp #BrowardHealth." Many were questioning what happened with the emcee. "WTF going on with Kodak Black?" one person asked. "Anyone have any #KodakBlack updates? Is my n***as alright?" another tweeted. A third noted, "Kodak-Black you in my prayers." Someone else then added, "I hope Kodak Black is good, man.. He's been going through it lately." This arrived more than a month after Kodak made a short stop in a Florida jail for failing to take a mandatory drug test. He surrendered himself to authorities after an arrest warrant was issued for him earlier that month. The Pompano Beach native was booked at the Broward County jail, but was released in less than an hour after paying $175k, the difference between his original bond and his new bond. The judge increased his bond from $75,000 to $250,000, but the rapper's lawyer saw this as a win for his client because the hip-hop star now will be able to travel and tour without the trouble of checking in with pretrial services. You can share this post! Cover Images/ACE PICTURES/Adam Nemser Celebrity The 'Jersey Shore' star called out 'The View' co-host when making an appearance in the Thursday, August 3 episode of 'Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen'. Aug 5, 2023 AceShowbiz - Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi couldn't forget what Joy Behar did to her. When appearing in the Thursday, August 3 episode of "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen", the "Jersey Shore" star described "The View" co-host as the "rudest celebrity" she's met since she became famous. The 35-year-old also revealed why she gave Joy the "rude" title. "Joy was so mean to me," she told host Andy. "She cornered me in the bathroom and said, 'You're not Italian!' " The Bravo executive then asked Snooki's reaction to the accusation. In response, the TV personality simply raised her hand and noted, "I said, 'Okay, ma'am.' " For the record, Joy once said that the guidos and guidettes are a bunch of "characters" and she could not believe that Snooki has "written" her own book. In response to the now-80-year-old's remark, Snooki and her co-star JWoww fired back by mocking the Joy in a video. In the clip, Snooki and JWoww put on their Jewsih alter ego, Snooki Polizziwitz and Jwoww Farleyberg. They called Joy an "Italian wannabe" and her show on NBC "stupid." Snooki, acting like Joy, said that she hated "Jersey Shore" kids because people like them ruined her childhood during the Great Depression. Snooki was not the only one who had a bad encounter with a fellow celebrity on "Watch What Happens Live". Sammi Giancola a.k.a. Sweetheart and Deena Nicole Cortese claimed they once had an unpleasant moment with Ryan Reynolds. "Me and Sam had our separate thing. And I love him. I truly love him. I love his wife [Blake Lively]," Deena began, before noting that the "Deadpool" actor was "not great to us." She added, "He, like, didn't want to be by us." "I was like, 'Oh my god,' " Deena further recounted. Sammi, however, tried to stay positive as she remarked, "Maybe he had a bad day?" You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity Photographed looking somber outside of a house in Los Angeles, the 'Queen's Gambit' actress is also seen at one point leaning her head on her musician husband's chest. Aug 5, 2023 AceShowbiz - Anya Taylor-Joy has been spotted looking distressed in public. Standing outside of a house in Los Angeles, the leading lady of "The Queen's Gambit" was caught on camera looking somber and seemingly holding back her tears while her husband Malcolm McRae attempted to comfort her. In one picture circulating online on Thursday, August 3, the 27-year-old star was captured closing her eyes while her 28-year-old partner wrapped his arms around her mid-part body and gave her a kiss on her head. She seemed to be carrying a mobile phone in one of her hands. The former "Peaky Blinders" star could also be seen leaning her head on her musician husband's chest in that same picture. Another photo, in the meantime, displayed her sharing a kiss with him as they walked closely next to each other, whereas a third displayed her looking down on her shoes while he was kissing the top of her head. At one point during the outing, Anya was pictured carrying a black guitar case as she held her phone in her ear, seemingly talking on the phone. Meanwhile, Malcolm carried a similar black guitar case in one of his hands and a laptop in another. For the day out, Anya went with a black-and-white get-up. She showed off her fit physique in a sleeveless white top that came with a plunging neckline and two straps. She paired it with a short black asymmetrical skirt that had an upper thigh-high slit on one leg. The "Emma" actress added a pair of golden hoop earrings, black leather mules with short heels, a silver ring and black bracelet. She also let loose her long blonde hair and parted it in the middle. Malcolm, in the meantime, chose a nearly all-black outfit. The former Portugal. The Man drummer sported a white tee that was peeking out of his long-sleeved black V-neck shirt. He added a pair of long matching pants, matching pointed-toe leather boots, a ring and golden bracelet. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity In the since-deleted Instagram post, the 55-year-old Oscar-winning actor appears to liken 'fake friends' to the persons who betrayed and killed Jesus Christ. Aug 5, 2023 AceShowbiz - Jamie Foxx has got something out of his chest about loyalty. The 55-year-old actor, who has been active on social media again following his health scare, has blasted some "fake friends" via his Instagram account. On Friday, August 4, the "They Cloned Tyrone" star took to his social media page to call out the unnamed "fake friends." Comparing them to those who betrayed and killed Jesus Christ, he wrote, "They killed this dude named Jesus... What do you think they'll do to you???!" Jamie added the hashtags "#fakefriends" and "#fakelove." He, however, appeared to regret posting it as the post has been taken down shortly afterwards. Jamie has recently been back to work following his mystery illness. He was taken to the hospital in Atlanta back in April due to an unspecified "medical complication." After discharged from the hospital, he was treated in a physical rehab facility in Chicago. In July, when thanking those who have supported and prayed for him amid his hospitalization, he described the experience as going to "hell and back," but denied that he was "paralyzed." He said in a video, "First of all I want to say thank you to everybody that's prayed, sent me messages. I cannot even begin to tell you how far it took me and how it brought me back. I went through something that I never thought I would go through." "Some people said I was blind but as you can see my eyes are working just fine. Some said I was paralyzed, I am not but I did go to hell and back," he continued. "My road to recovery had some potholes as well. But I am coming back, I am able to work, so I want to thank the people who let me work." Ending the clip with humor, the "Ray" star responded to speculation that he was cloned following his public sightings since he was discharged from the hospital. "Some people talk about how I am clone, check this out," he said, pretending to take off a face-mask, before adding, "Just kidding!" You can share this post! Cover Images/KOI SOJER Celebrity The 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' star's ex-girlfriend, who alleged that the actor struck her on the face during an altercation in March, is facing assault charge as she is reportedly the aggressor in this case. Aug 5, 2023 AceShowbiz - Jonathan Majors' accuser has reportedly gone MIA amid the impending trial in assault case. The actor's ex-girlfriend, who claimed he struck her on the face with an open hand and cut her ear, and grabbed her hand during an altercation in March, has reportedly fled the country as authorities seek to charge her with assault. According to a tweet by journalist Dennis Byron on Thursday, August 3, "Hollywood Actor Jonathan Majors arrived to NY Criminal court today for trial only to learn that prosecutors aren't ready to present their case. The problem is that his accuser has fled the country and NYPD is looking to charge her with assault. His girlfriend Megan Good [sic] was by his side during the brief appearance." Dennis went on noting that the case may be dismissed if the accuser doesn't show up on the next trial date. "If his accuser doesn't appear in court on September 6th, it's my guess the case will be put in the dumpster. #NoFaceNoCase," he added in a separate tweet. Jonathan showed up in the New York Criminal Court for a trial on Thursday, only to encounter a major delay. The prosecution was not prepared to present their case due to the absence of the accuser, who is reportedly the aggressor in this case. "We look forward to presenting the full facts and evidence at trial," a representative for the Manhattan district attorney's office said to The Times. During his brief appearance, the "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" star was accompanied by his current girlfriend Meagan Good. His attorney Priya Chaudhry said that since March, the actor has "had his life, career, and reputation torn apart." She added of her client, "Yet he remains unwavering in his determination to be absolved from this harrowing ordeal." Jonathan was charged with accounts of assault and aggravated harassment following an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend at the time, Grace Jabbari. At the time of arrest, the 30-year-old woman told officers that she was assaulted and taken to the hospital with "minor injuries to her head and neck." The 33-year-old actor has pleaded not guilty to the four charges leveled against him. Another charge, of strangulation, was dropped. You can share this post! Cover Images/Janet Mayer/Peter West Celebrity Making use of Instagram on Friday, August 4, the 67-year-old shared pictures of his late co-star on 'Breaking Bad' and 'You Honor'. Aug 5, 2023 AceShowbiz - Bryan Cranston has offered his final tribute to Mark Margolis. In a social media post, the Walter White depicter on the AMC crime drama series "Breaking Bad" said he's "saddened" by his co-star's death. Making use of Instagram on Friday, August 4, the 67-year-old shared pictures of the late Mark. He began his caption, "I am very saddened today to learn of a friend's passing. Mark Margolis was a really good actor and a lovely human being." "Fun and engaging off the set, and (in the case of Breaking Bad and Your Honor) intimidating and frightening on set," he added. "His quiet energy belied his mischievous nature and curious mind And he loved sharing a good joke. I miss him already." "Rest now, Mark and thank you for your friendship and your exceptional body of work," Bryan concluded. He also explained that the first picture was Mark on "Your Honor", while the second one was him on "Breaking Bad". Mark, who was famous for his role as the wheelchair-bound, bell-ringing drug kingpin Hector "Tio" Salamanca on "Breaking Bad", passed away at the age of 83 on August 3. He died at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City after battling a short illness, his son Morgan Margolis said. Along with his son Morgan - who is CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment - Mark is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, to whom he was married for 61 years and three grandchildren. Movies he is credited with include "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2". He was also a notable stage actor and appeared as Gus in Tony Kushner's "The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures" in 2014. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The '500 Days of Summer' actress, who was previously married twice to film producer Jacob Pechenik and Ben Gibbard, began dating the Canadian TV personality in August 2019. Aug 6, 2023 AceShowbiz - Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott were celebrating a milestone in their relationship. To mark their fourth dating anniversary, the "New Girl" alum and the Canadian TV personality gushed over each other in sweet tributes shared on their respective Instagram accounts. On Friday, August 4, the 43-year-old beauty shared a photo of her and her boyfriend in which he put his arm on her shoulder. "4 years since I met this freaking dreamboat. I love him more every day. I'm forever grateful!" she raved in the caption. Jonathan, for his part, unleashed a selfie of the two and quipped, "500 days of @zooeydeschanel actually it's been a lot more, but who's counting anyway? [laughing emoji]." He added, "4 years really flies by. Happy anniversary baby!!!" Zooey began dating Jonathan in August 2019. The "500 Days of Summer" actress, who was previously married twice to film producer Jacob Pechenik and Ben Gibbard, once explained that she bonded with Jonathan over their shared views for saving the environment. "It's really inspiring how passionate he is about green energy and solar power," she said. "He's always working to try to figure out solutions for those problems, and really wants to support people who are being innovative on those levels." "I remember actually when we first met, he sent me his documentary and I was like, wow, we are so aligned on this level. Because we both really care about this one issue, but have different areas that we focus on." Zooey, who shares daughter Elsie and son Charlie Wolf with ex Jacob, said her concerns for the environment come from her position as a parent. "I'm a mom, so I'm always concerned about what we are eating and using," she elaborated. "So it's great, because between the two of us we have ended up focusing on two big things that affect our environment." You can share this post! Cover Images/Seth Browarnik/KIKA Press Celebrity In his Men's Health September cover story, the 'In Da Club' rapper also reveals that he is developing Eminem's movie '8 Mile' into a television series. Aug 5, 2023 AceShowbiz - Age is just a number for 50 Cent. In his Men's Health September cover story, the 48-year-old rapper discussed his long-standing celebrity crush on Helen Mirren, whom he called "sexy." Of the 78-year-old Oscar-winning actress, the "In Da Club" spitter gushed, "She'll look at you, and you go, 'Oh s**t!' " He further raved, "I don't care how old she get, I don't give a f**k what nobody says, she's sexy." He then recalled meeting the "1923" actress at the 57th annual Monte Carlo TV Festival in Monaco back in 2017. "Her husband was just right there with her, he's going, 'Oh, that's just what she does,' " the hip-hop star shared, referring to Helen's director husband Taylor Hackford. "He notices what you notice, that she's sexy. It's confidence. It's everything she is for all of these years. She's going to be sexy forever." Fiddy first talked about his celebrity crush on Helen during his appearance on "CONAN" back in 2018. "She just looked at me and there was this interesting thing going on in her eyes," he told host Conan O'Brien at the time. "It's a different thing, like old Hollywood is rich, but it's another thing. It's this confidence thing from being tested and proven." "And she looks at you like she knows she's sexy, and her husband is not far behind while she's doing this shit. But she still has the habit of looking at you that way, and it's just the way it is," he went on to divulge. Back to his Men's Health cover story, 50 Cent revealed that he is developing Eminem's movie "8 Mile" into a television series. The rapper said audiences "should expect it to be just as big as the feature film and just huge." "It'll be huge," he teased. "The time period Eight Mile was captured in was further back, so as we're moving into modern times, you'll see how we function now - technology changed, th way people entered the music business [changed]." You can share this post! POCO India, a trailblazer in the smartphone industry, is thrilled to announce its spectacular achievement as the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the country. According to the latest IDC report for Q2 2023, POCO has achieved an unprecedented growth rate of 76.5% among the top ten brands in India, solidifying its position as a burgeoning brand in the market. This remarkable feat can be attributed to the exceptional performance of POCO's coveted product portfolio, which has witnessed an overwhelming surge in popularity among its esteemed customers. The seamless integration of cutting-edge technology, innovative features, and superior user experiences has contributed significantly to this resounding success. Mr. Himanshu Tandon, Country Head, POCO India, expressed his gratitude for the accomplishment stating, "The remarkable surge in demand for POCO's cutting-edge smartphones has propelled the company to new heights, surpassing all previous records. POCO's relentless pursuit of innovation, coupled with a customer-centric approach, has resulted in a diverse portfolio of feature-rich smartphones that cater to a broad spectrum of users. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our loyal customers and the dedication and hard work of our talented team." A pivotal driving force behind this remarkable growth is POCO's relentless pursuit of innovation and its steadfast commitment to the 5G revolution. The 5G portfolio, which has been meticulously crafted to meet the evolving demands of the digital age, has played a pivotal role in propelling POCO to the forefront of the industry. Looking back on the journey, the preceding year marked a strategic transformation of POCO's product lineup. With a strategic focus on enhancing customer experiences within the above Rs. 12000 price category, POCO executed a comprehensive overhaul of its offerings. This strategic pivot led to the creation of a dynamic and responsive 5G portfolio, perfectly aligned with the evolving needs and aspirations of its discerning users. Furthermore, POCO is poised to disrupt the 5G smartphone market yet again with the imminent launch of the most affordable 5G device in the Indian market. This bold move is a testament to POCO's commitment to democratizing cutting-edge technology and making it accessible to a wider spectrum of consumers. In light of this momentous achievement, POCO India expresses its profound gratitude to its loyal customers, partners, and stakeholders who have been integral to this remarkable journey. The brand's unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity continues to drive its success and set new benchmarks in the industry. Police say they have arrested four teenagers who are responsible for defacing multiple buildings in Pensacola, Fla. by spray painting them with Nazi symbolism and other anti-Semitic vandalism. Pensacola police announced the arrests today after two more buildings in the city were vandalized Thursday night, bringing the number of reported incidents to eight in the past two weeks. Until now, the previous six attacks went unsolved. Although three of the four suspects are under the age of 18, all are being charged as adults and have been identified by police as: Waylon Moon Fowler, 17: Charged with seven counts of felony criminal mischief, enhanced to a hate crime; one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief; one count of felony trespassing in a construction zone. Wyatt Fox Fowler, 15: Charged with seven counts of felony criminal mischief, enhanced to a hate crime; one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief; one count of felony trespassing in a construction zone. Nicholas Pearce Ferry, 16: Charged with four counts of felony criminal mischief, enhanced to hate crimes; one count of felony trespassing in a construction zone. Kessler Alexander Ferry, 18: One count of felony criminal mischief, enhanced to a hate crime. Police said Wyatt and Nicholas Ferry are brothers, while the Fowlers are not related. The extra hard work of investigators and many others in the Pensacola Police Department paid off today, said Pensacola police chief Eric Randall. We hope that these arrests can bring comfort and closure not only to those in our Jewish community, but to all citizens of this great city. Pensacola police Public Information Officer Mike Wood said surveillance video from the neighborhoods where the attacks occurred helped lead to the arrests. More arrests are possible, police said. We will not tolerate hate crimes in the City of Pensacola, said Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves. I greatly appreciate our PPDs superb investigative work in recent days that clearly delivers an important message: if you conduct cowardly acts of hate in this city in an attempt to hurt or intimidate, we will find you and bring you to justice. The Pensacola Liberation Center was one of the latest in a string of worship or community centers defaced with Nazi and other anti-Semitic graffiti in Pensacola. The two latest targets were the Pensacola Liberation Center on West Yonge Street and an Islamic community center on Barrancas Avenue. At the liberation center, Nazi swastikas were painted on the doors, walls and signage. Officials with the Pensacola Liberation Center made clear in a Facebook post both their disgust with the anti-Semitic attacks, which have included bricks with anti-Semitic messaging being thrown through windows, and their determination to move forward. This disgusting, fascist vandalism campaign is an assault on all Jewish, Black, Latino, Asian, and LGBTQ people, the post read. It is an assault on all working class people of Pensacola. We will not be intimidated and we will not allow these fascists and Nazis to continue their harassment campaign in our community. The apparent driver in a hit-and-run which killed a pedestrian in Huntsville Friday night turned himself into police, the Huntsville Police Department said Saturday morning. Aaron Glenn Prater, 26, turned himself in at Huntsville police headquarters hours after the accident in which a pedestrian was struck while walking in the 3800 block of University Drive shortly before 8:20 p.m. Friday. The victim, 67-year-old Norman Michael Plumb of Pacoima, Calif., was pronounced dead at the scene. Prater is being charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death or personal injury. He remained in the Madison County Jail under $2,500 bond as of midday Saturday. In Alabama, leaving the scene of an accident which resulted in death is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000. Get the Ed Chat newsletter: Enter your email for weekly updates about Alabama schools: Alabama state leaders plan to take over Sumter County schools, according to a state board of education agenda AL.com reviewed Friday afternoon. It wont be a done deal, though, unless the state board votes to do so. The intervention would come after years of low test scores and declining enrollment; the county high school has been on the failing schools list every year since 2017. State takeovers typically are prompted after the state asks local officials to come up with a plan to correct issues, and local officials are unable to do so. Past takeovers in Alabama have been prompted by worries about financial mismanagement, student performance, personnel issues and board governance. Alabamas last intervention was in Montgomery Public Schools, which lasted from 2017 to 2021. The meeting agenda under new business states the board will consider a Resolution Related to Intervention in Sumter County School System on Aug. 10. The Board has not discussed the resolution publicly. Read more Ed Lab: See how your school district performs on math, reading, science proficiency. State Superintendent Eric Mackey said he could not comment on the resolution until the board considers it at the meeting. Superintendent Marcy Burroughs, who was hired in July, declined to comment Friday until she had an opportunity to discuss the news with the local community. The state resolution will list reasons why the state believes intervention is necessary, but the school system has struggled in recent years with academic performance, staffing, financial record keeping, crumbling facilities and competition from a local charter school. Sumter Central High School and Kinterbish K-8 are among two of the 13 schools statewide where no students scored proficient in math on the spring 2023 state tests. Sumter Central has the lowest proficiency level in English language arts - 1.6% of students were proficient - of all traditional and charter schools in the state. Proficiency levels in ELA at the K-8 schools range between 19% and 24%. On the most recent state report card from 2021-22, Sumter County school district earned a C with a score of 70 out of 100 possible points, down from 72 points in the 2018-19 school year. A takeover does not automatically prompt any changes to personnel. The Sumter County school board hired Marcy Burroughs as superintendent in July after Anthony Gardner retired in June. Burroughs had been the districts school improvement specialist prior to becoming superintendent. Since 2018, the district has lost 25% of its students, with enrollment dropping from 1,300 students in 2018 to just under 1,000 students last year. Kinterbush K-8 enrolls just 113 students. Sumter Countys overall population has declined from 12,700 in 2018 to 11,900 in 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Other Black Belt school districts have suffered similar losses, including Perry, Conecuh and Wilcox counties, each of which has lost more than 20% of its student body since 2018. Beyond population decline, University Charter School, which opened in Livingston in 2018, also has pulled students from the county public schools. In its first year, UCS enrolled 260 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The charter school has added one grade level each year, enrolling 600 students in K-12 last year. In addition to struggling academically, the Sumter County district has shown signs of financial disarray in recent months. Former Superintendent Gardner in May received official notice that the district had not properly prepared financial records for the 2022 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, meaning the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts could not conduct the mandatory annual audit. The audit team has not returned to Sumter County to complete the audit according to Chief Examiner Rachel Riddle. Sumter County schools received more than $13.5 million total in three rounds of federal COVID relief funding. Much of it remains unspent according to records available on the state departments website. The district spent between $18 million and $19 million each year in 2019, 2020 and 2021 according to publicly available financial reports. Spending increased to $26 million in 2022 and the school board is operating with a $26 million budget again this year. The districts chief financial officer left in early summer. No permanent replacement has been found. School buildings for the districts three K-8 schools are in poor shape according to a 2021 review by architectural firm Lathan Architects. It is unclear if recommended repairs have been made, but the new school year starts Aug. 10. The state took over Sumter County schools in 2010 over financial concerns after the Great Recession. It was released from intervention several years later. Get the Ed Chat newsletter: Enter your email for weekly updates about Alabama schools: Five years ago, J.J. Wedgworth and her colleagues made history by opening Alabamas first rural charter school in Sumter County. Now, with a new, $25 million facility, Wedgworth has made it clear that University Charter School is here to stay. It literally represents the future, Wedgworth said, sitting in her new office on the outskirts of the University of West Alabama campus in Livingston. Here weve made a real investment a very large financial investment so were here, were here for the long haul and were investing in these kids, were investing in the community. Wedgworth and other local leaders welcomed the public to view the Justin L. Smith campus of University Charter School on Friday afternoon. The new campus will house the schools fourth through twelfth graders. The school operates independent of the countys regular public schools, which now are under threat of state intervention. Dr. J.J. Wedgworth speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony for University Charter School on Aug. 4, 2023, in Livingston, Ala.(Trisha Crain / AL.com) The modern building has a student-run coffee bar (the only one in the town to offer curbside service), a full-court gym, a tornado shelter, spaces for students to explore careers like health sciences and marketing and most importantly, a lunchroom. Read more Ed Lab: See how your school district performs on reading, math, science. Wedgworth said leaders have raised $2 million toward the school. This day marks the culmination of a lot of hard work, perseverance, visionary leadership and forward thinking for Sumter County, University of West Alabama President Ken Tucker, who has three grandchildren enrolled at the school, said at Fridays ribbon cutting ceremony. University Charter School celebrated the opening of a new $25 million facility Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, in Livingston, Alabama. The building will host the school's fourth through twelfth graders. Trisha Powell Crain/AL.com It is indeed a major milestone, but that word simply is not simply appropriate enough to reflect the positive impact that University Charter School has already had on so many lives. In Sumter County, the opening of University Charter School in 2018 was seen by many as a step forward, as it would open with nearly an equal number of Black students and white students, something not seen in the countys public schools before. Token school desegregation occurred in Sumter County in the mid- to late-1960s, but when a federal court order required immediate integration, white families pulled their children out of the public schools, effectively ending any chance for the public schools to become fully integrated. UCS expanded from about 260 students in 2018 to 660 students in 2022. Last year, about 50% of the student body were white and 46% were Black. This school helped bring the community together, said Veronica Triplett, one of the schools founding board members. The students have the chance to meet so many students, people, families that they otherwise wouldnt have been able to meet, and that has just grown over the years. Tripletts daughter came to the school as a first grader and will now start sixth grade in the new building. She also has a son who will enter the first grade this year. University Charter School celebrated the opening of a new $25 million facility Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, in Livingston, Alabama. The building will host the school's fourth through twelfth graders. Trisha Powell Crain/AL.com Triplett, who lives in Tuscaloosa, said the schools focus on place-based learning an approach that teaches children to draw knowledge from their local environments is something she wouldnt be able to get in the city. Theres a lot of freedom of expression and creativity, she said. Theyre able to learn at their pace, and thats the biggest thing for me. The Alabama Public Charter School Commission renewed the schools charter last fall, greenlighting the contract for another five years. The school has outperformed most other rural Black Belt schools, according to state data. According to 2022-23 test results, 57% of students were proficient in English and language arts; 32% were proficient in math and 39% were proficient in science, gains from the year prior. University Charter School graduated its first senior class this May. Of the seventeen graduates, 14 are going to college and three have accepted jobs or apprenticeships. Lawanda Prestage, who has three boys in the fifth, eighth and eleventh grades, lauded the schools health sciences program, which helps get students training in the medical field. Wedgworth said none of those offerings would be possible without talented teachers, many of whom are local and know the kids and the community. To just see the reality come true its like a dream come true, said Rochelle Tolliver, a middle school math teacher who has been with the school since its founding. This community has really come together. You can see it because we have this school. Everybodys motivated, theyre excited, and they just want a brand new start for their kids as well. The names of two men killed just hours apart in Birmingham Friday night have now been released. Police on Saturday identified the victims as Rahkeem Darnell Vanderbilt, 32, and Diangelo Freeman, 56. Both lived in Birmingham. Vanderbilt and two other men were shot just before 7 p.m. when someone opened fire on them as they were hanging out together on Fourth Avenue S.W., just off Goldwire Street. South Precinct officers were dispatched to the area on a report of a person shot. They found blood and multiple shell casings at the scene, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald. The three victims had already been taken by private vehicle to UAB Hospital, where Vanderbilt was pronounced dead. South Precinct officers were dispatched just before 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, to the 400 block of Goldwire Street on a report of a person shot. Once police arrived, they found multiple shell casings and blood on Fourth Avenue S.W., just off Goldwire. (Carol Robinson) A second victim sustained life-threatening injuries and the third victims injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Their names have not been released. Fitzgerald said it wasnt immediately clear whether the shooter was on foot or a vehicle. Shot Spotter registered several incidents of gunfire at the location, including one burst of 29 rounds fired. About three hours later, East Precinct officers were dispatched to a report of a person shot in the 7400 block Fourth Avenue South. Fitzgerald said officers arrived to find Freeman unresponsive in a vehicle. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead on the scene. Birmingham police investigate an Aug. 4, 2023, homicide in the 7400 block of Fourth Avenue South. (Carol Robinson) Fitzgerald said details are limited in the investigation. He did not say if the victim was in the drivers seat or passengers seat. No arrests have been announced in either slaying. The Friday night killings the citys first slayings in nearly two weeks brings Birminghams homicide tally for 2023 to 81. Of those, one was an officer-involved shooting by an outside law enforcement agency, and seven others have been ruled justifiable and therefore arent deemed criminal. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 113 homicides, including the 81 in Birmingham. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. The Alabama Republican Party has passed a rule to prohibit some candidates from accepting contributions from the Alabama Education Association. The Republican State Executive Committee, with 343 members voting, initially tabled the proposal by Chairman John Wahl by 53% to 47%. Later, the committee reconsidered and passed the proposal by 68% to 32%, with 297 members voting. The committee met Saturday morning at the Renaissance Hotel conference center in Montgomery. Wahl proposed the amendment to expand a Republican Party rule that already prohibited the party from taking money from the National Education Association or its affiliates, which include the AEA. The rule says officeholders and candidates are strongly admonished not to take contributions from NEA affiliates, calling the organization a veritable adjunct of the Democratic Party, and says failure to heed this admonition shall be regarded negatively by the state committee. The rule has not stopped some Republican candidates from accepting money from the AEA. Wahls proposal now specifically prohibits GOP candidates for state and local boards of education and for county superintendent positions from accepting AEA contributions. The rules does not apply to candidates for the Legislature or statewide office. According to the Alabama Policy Institute, AEAs political action committee, AVOTE, gave $1.48 million to members of the Alabama House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, during the 2022 election cycle. Wahl said his purpose is to end what he called a conflict of interest because school board members regulate the education employees who are members of the AEA. Wahl said his proposed rule followed the same concept as a prohibition on candidates for the Public Service Commission accepting campaign contributions from the utilities they regulate. The committee rejected several proposals to amend Wahls rule. Some suggested expanding it to cover legislators. Others were opposed to the rule overall. State Rep. Ron Bolton of Tuscaloosa County, a member of the committee, said he opposed putting restrictions on who candidates can accept money from. Bolton said that should be left to the discretion of candidates. Bolton said he does not accept campaign money from gambling interests but said that is his decision. He said it was wrong to assume that somebody who accepts money necessarily is influenced in their decisions. If we start telling everybody in government what they can and cant do were going to have to look at where we draw the lines, Bolton said. Just because AEA gives a person money doesnt mean they punch their buttons. After the vote to table Wahls proposal passed, the committee moved on to consider other matters. Later, State Auditor Andrew Sorrell, who is chairman of the partys bylaws committee, proposed the rule for a second time. I think this sends AEA a message if we pass this today, Sorrell said. There were objections to reconsidering the rule. But the committee voted to end the debate on the matter by 77% to 23%, then voted to approve the rule. The new rule says any Republican office-holder or candidate for the state Board of Education, county school boards, and county superintendents of education who solicits a contribution from the NEA, AEA, or an affiliated organization will be automatically removed from the ballot and denied ballot access for six years. If they are an elected official they are disassociated from the party for six years. Republican candidates and elected officials who receive an unsolicited contribution from the AEA would not face consequences if they return it within seven days. The committee approved another rule that changes how the party picks its delegates for the Republican National Convention. The new rule means that instead of electing delegates who run on the ballot in the party primary, the State Executive Committee and its congressional district committees will choose the delegates. The explanation for the change is that delegates serve on important committees that affect the Republican Party nationwide. It is very important that we elect the right people to these spots, and the bylaws committee feels that the state committee and district committees are best qualified to make these decisions, the explanation on the meeting agenda said. The new rule, proposed by Rep. Matt Simpson of Daphne, was approved by a margin of 72% to 28%. Saturday mornings meeting follows former President Donald Trumps speech at a state GOP fundraiser on Friday night. Wahl said the sold-out dinner drew a crowd of 2,700 and raised $1.2 million, which he said was the most ever for a single-event fundraiser for the party. Gov. Kay Ivey recently awarded an additional $1.29 million in grants to community action agencies across the state to assist low-income families with their power bills as the summers dangerously high temperatures leave those without power vulnerable to heat related illnesses. In late May, Ivey awarded $26 million in similar grants to community action agencies around the state as the Lede previously reported. Two of these agencies, the Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama Inc. and the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc., cover the majority of the Birmingham metro area and were awarded a combined amount of over $300,000 this month according to a press release from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). As these record hot summer months continue, many low-income residents may struggle to afford higher electric bills along with other expenses, Ivey said. These grants provide additional funding to assist in lowering cooling costs for many of them. To qualify for assistance applicants must be low income as per the agencys guidelines and must bring social security cards for all members of their household, a photo I.D., most recent proof of income or lack thereof, a copy of their bill, and proof of any utility assistance they may currently be receiving according to the agencys application form. Former president Donald Trump isnt backing away from his legal troubles despite a string of historic indictments that threaten his bid to return to the White House. Speaking to the summer meeting of the Alabama Republican Party, Trump blamed his most recent indictment on crooked Joe Biden and radical thugs, but said it is ultimately helping his reelection bid. Every time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls, Trump said to the sold-out crowd in Montgomery We only need one more indictment to close out this election. Trump said the indictments represented fake charges and an outrageous criminalization of political speech. They are trying to make it illegal to question the results of a bad election, Trump said. If you cant challenge a rigged electionyou really dont have a country. On Thursday, Trump pleaded not guilty to charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was indicted on four felony counts, including conspiracy to defraud the nation. In June, Trump was indicted on felony charges that he intentionally hoarded hundreds of classified documents at his Florida estate and obstructed the governments efforts to recover them. And, in March, prosecutors in New York charged Trump with falsifying business records as part of an alleged effort to cover up hush payments to a porn actor over an alleged affair. Former President Donald Trump will be speaking in Alabama tonight, an appearance that comes just days after he was indicted on charges of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Trump will be speaking at the Alabama Republican Partys 2023 Summer meeting at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel. The evening starts with a 6 p.m. reception followed by dinner and Trumps remarks at 7 p.m. A sold-out crowd is expected. Trump will be introduced by Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville. On Thursday, Trump pleaded not guilty to charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was indicted on four felony counts, including conspiracy to defraud the nation. In June, Trump was indicted on felony charges that he intentionally hoarded hundreds of classified documents at his Florida estate and obstructed the governments efforts to recover them. And, in March, prosecutors in New York charged Trump with falsifying business records as part of an alleged effort to cover up hush payments to a porn actor over an alleged affair. The former president has denounced all the cases as efforts to derail his 2024 campaign for the White House. Polls show Trump is currently the frontrunner among GOP hopefuls. You can watch the livestream of Trumps speech below: A project called, 10 Million Names, will work to uncover the names of ten million people of African decent who were enslaved during the 1500s until 1865, in the United States. The announcement was made during the National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair in Birmingham. Ryan Woods, the vice president of American Ancestors, a sponsoring company of the 10 Million Names project, said many people want to know more about their family tree, but that many African Americans knowledge stops at 1865. Descendants of enslaved people have historically struggled to track their ancestry due to the inhumane brutality of the slave trade, splitting of families, lost records, and many other consequences due to the brutal historical treatment of Black people. Woods emphasizes that the goal is to gather the information that an individual does know about their family and start working backwards. We think about this project in three categories. Roughly 400,000 people who were a part of the Transatlantic slave trade before 1808, then about 5.6 million people who were born into slavery, and died before Emancipation. Then four million people who were freed after 1865. Those three categories is how we get to the number 10 million, he said. Woods said the project will likely take years to find those 10 million names. The initiative will centralize genealogical and historical information about enslaved people and their families through the projects website. This will help people who have been searching for answers to their family history questions, access data, resources, and information about enslaved Africans. Two family members uncovered information about their ancestors (with dramatic results!) with the help of American Ancestors genealogist Sarah Dery. American Ancestors genealogists conducted more than 100 family history sessions with members of the National Association of Black Journalists in Birmingham, Alabama yesterday, August 3rd. Claire Vail/(Claire.Vail@nehgs.org) The 10 Million Names project is a collaborative effort with numerous partners like FamilySearch, which will help with creating the online family tree component of the database when users insert their family data. There are five core flagship pillars that will help guide the project to finding ten million names: 1. Making America: Records of Enslaved Laborers within and beyond the Plantation 2. On the Battlefield: Records of Soldiers, Veterans, and Refugees 3. Journeys to Liberation: Records of Mariners, Migrants, and Freedom Seekers 4. Community Building: Records and Black Institutions 5. Remembering Slavery: Testimonials after Emancipation The 10 Million Names advisory board includes Harvard scholar, Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., who is also known for hosting the popular PBS show, Finding Your Roots. The series highlighted surprising information to celebrity guests about their ancestry. More relentless August heat is in the forecast for Alabama on Saturday, and heat advisories will be in effect. The National Weather Service is forecasting air temperatures to climb into the 90s across a large part of the state today. North and parts of north-central Alabama will be in the lower 90s, but south and especially southwest Alabama will reach the upper 90s. Here are the forecast highs for Saturday: High temperatures in Alabama on Saturday will range from the low 90s to the upper 90s. The forecast for Sunday is similar: Here are the forecast highs for Sunday. Those temperatures, combined with high humidity levels, could send the heat index, or feels like temperature, as high as 112 degrees by this afternoon, according to forecasters. The weather service said that heat index values over 105 degrees may cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke if outside for a prolonged period of time. Todays heat advisories affect mainly western Alabama. There could some rain and storms to help mitigate the heat, but its unclear when they will arrive. NOAAs Storm Prediction Center is forecasting a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather for much of Alabama today, which means that isolated severe storms will be possible. The best chance for storms may not arrive until later today or tonight. The strongest storms could have damaging winds and heavy rain. Here is a look at the heat advisories in effect for Alabama on Saturday: CENTRAL ALABAMA Today will feature yet again very hot & humid conditions. A Heat Advisory is in effect for W & SW counties thru 9pm tonight. Scattered strong storms are possible this afternoon, with gusty winds & lightning the main hazards. #alwx pic.twitter.com/cpu6GymP99 NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) August 5, 2023 * Heat advisory until 9 p.m. Saturday for Lamar, Fayette, Walker, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Bibb, Marengo, Dallas, Autauga, Lowndes, Elmore and Montgomery counties. The National Weather Service in Birmingham said heat index values up to 109 are expected in those areas. SOUTH ALABMA A Heat Advisory is in effect for the entire area both today and Sunday from noon to 7 pm. Heat index values up to 112 are possible. Some strong storms are possible each afternoon with strong gusty winds. pic.twitter.com/BnCno9aueQ NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) August 5, 2023 * Heat advisory from noon until 7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday for Clarke, Wilcox, Monroe, Conecuh, Butler, Crenshaw, Covington, Choctaw, Washington, Escambia and Mobile and Baldwin counties. The National Weather Service in Mobile said heat index values up to 112 will be possible. Former President Donald Trump on Friday night made his first public appearance in Alabama since declaring his campaign to return to the White House, speaking for almost an hour at a sold-out fundraising dinner hosted by the state Republican Party in Montgomery. Trump blasted his indictments as the acts of a corrupt justice system and said they were timed to hurt his campaign. But he said that was not working. Every time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls, Trump said. We need one more indictment to close out this election. Every time the radical left Democrats, Marxists, communists and fascists indict me I consider it a truly great badge of honor, Trump said, drawing cheers. Trump blamed the Biden administration putting the nation on the wrong course, calling the president incompetent and corrupt. We are a failing nation, Trump said. We are a nation in decline. And now these radical left lunatics want to interfere in our elections by using law enforcement, the DOJ, and the FBI. Its totally corrupt and we cant let it happen to our country. Trump touched on two Alabama-specific issues -- the Biden decision to keep the U.S. Space Command in Colorado, instead of moving it to Huntsville, which Trump supported, and widening Interstate 65 to six lanes from Huntsville to Mobile, which he said he would support. Trump closed his speech at Montgomerys Renaissance Hotel conference center with by a signature phrase. With your help, your love, and your vote, we will make America great again, greater, than ever before, Trump said. The former president paused momentarily as the crowd approached the stage to take pictures with their phones, then left to the sound of the 1960s song Hold On, Im Coming by Sam and Dave. Trump drew frequent cheers from what Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said was the largest ever crowd at a GOP dinner, about 2,700 people. Trumps appearance comes one day after pleading not guilty to four felony charges related to what prosecutors say was a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election that he lost to Joe Biden. The fake charges put forth in the sham indictment are an outrageous criminalization of political speech, Trump said. Theyre trying to make it illegal to question the results of a bad election. Trump last spoke in Alabama at an outdoor rally in Cullman in August 2021, drawing a huge crowd indicative of his overwhelming support from Republicans in a state where he got 62% of the vote in the last two presidential elections. Wahl said Friday nights event will raise $1.2 million for the party, breaking the record set by the Cullman event as the largest fundraising event in state Republican Party history. The program opened with country music artist Lee Greenwood singing God Bless the USA. Congressman Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, was the first speaker. Moore called Trump the greatest president of my lifetime. Moore noted that he endorsed Trump in 2015 when Trump appeared at a rally in Mobile, early in the 2016 presidential campaign. He still loves this country. He is still in this fight, and I am still standing with him, Moore said. Sen. Tommy Tuberville introduced the former president. Tuberville said he spent the week traveling in Alabama and was struck by how much support he saw for Trump. This is Trump country, Tuberville told the crowd. We need to stand behind him, Tuberville said. Its great hes here in a place like Alabama that loves Donald Trump. Theres nobody that can get the job done, faster, and more efficient than Donald Trump, Tuberville said. He blasted Democrats and urged the crowd to stand behind Trump. Understand it it going to be a fight for the next year and a half, Tuberville said. Trump came out and stood for a standing ovation while a recording of God Bless the USA, played. Trump opened his remarks by saying it was great to be back in Alabama. He greeted Gov. Kay Ivey, who sat at a table at the front. Trump praised Tuberville and named Alabamas Republican congressmen, who endorsed him earlier on Friday, as well as Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and other state officials who endorsed him. Trump received a loud cheer when he said, On election day 2024 were going to evict crooked Joe Biden from the White House. Trump called his administration one of the most successful four years in history, noting that the country did not get involved in any wars. He called the media corrupt and said fake news was not a strong enough term. He criticized the press for not reporting enough about what he said was the corruption involving the Biden family. Trump said he is a fighter and said Its one of the reasons I like Alabama. Because youre fighters. Trump recited numbers saying he was far ahead in the polls but said he would not play prevent defense, meaning he would not become cautious and would stay aggressive in the campaign. Trump recognized My Pillow founder Mike Lindell, a longtime Trump supporter, who was seated at the front. Trump made derisive comments about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, calling him DeSanctimonious. He showed poll numbers that showed DeSantis and others far and him. Trump talked about his appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices and praised the decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and the ruling in opposition to affirmative action in college admissions. On abortion, he said he favored three exceptions to a ban, for rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother. The three exceptions to me are very important, Trump said. Alabamas ban on abortions allows exceptions to protect the mother from serious health risks, but has no exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest. Trump mentioned the Biden administrations decision to keep the U.S. Space Command in Colorado instead of moving it to Huntsville, which Trump supported. He said the fight was not over. Trump said he would approve a six-lane Interstate 65 in Alabama, a priority promoted by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth. Trump said he would propose a border tariff on all foreign made goods, saying the nation is being hurt badly on trade. Trump got applause when he said he would achieve independency from China and said China unleashed the China virus, referring to COVID-19. Trump talked about illegal immigration and said that as president he would start a large deportation program. He said on his first day in office he would sign an executive order to cut federal funding to any school that teachers critical race theory. Trump said he would restore authority on schools to parents, close the Department of Education and return more control to states. Trump said he would keep men out of womens sports. Trump said he would support a federal ban on child sexual mutilation, apparently a reference to transgender therapies for minors. The indictment announced Tuesday marks the third criminal case pending against the former president, following earlier charges related to alleged hush payments to a porn star in New York and accusations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. The former president has denounced all the cases as politically motivated, and the legal problems have not derailed his status as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Wahl said he was initially concerned that the indictment could affect Friday nights event. I have been on pins and needles all week since that indictment broke, wondering if it was actually going to be able to happen, Wahl said. The Trump team has been very supportive. They said it was a priority and never wavered on him coming to the state. Trumps campaign announced Friday that Tuberville and Alabamas six Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives Robert Aderholt, Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Gary Palmer, Mike Rogers and Dale Strong are backing the former president in his bid to return to the White House. Other endorsements came from Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh and Public Service Commissioners Chip Beeker and Jeremy Oden. Bidens campaign on Friday blasted Trumps appearance in Alabama as an endorsement of Tubervilles hold on more than 260 military promotions in protest of new Department of Defense policies on abortion. No one is shocked to see Donald Trump endorse Tommy Tubervilles reckless political antics that put our military readiness at risk, the Biden campaign said in a statement to al.com. The indictment announced Tuesday alleges that Trump knew he lost the election in November 2020 but that for more that two months after spread lies that there had been outcome-determinative fraud in the election and that he had actually won. The purpose of the conspiracy was to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election by using knowingly false claims of election fraud to obstruct the federal government function by which those results are collected, counted, and certified, the indictment says. The indictment also charges Trump with trying to obstruct Congress in its certification of the election results on Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol after Trump spoke at Stop the Steal rally. Wahl said the indictment is an overreach by the Justice Department. It concerns me because I think its very close to stepping on the line of free speech and the freedom to have your own opinion, Wahl said. I dont think anyone has the right to tell another person if they do believe something or dont believe it. So for the Justice Department to say Donald Trump knew and that he shouldnt believe something, I think that oversteps the bounds of good government and limited government. Friday nights event is the Alabama Republican Partys summer dinner. The state GOP sold VIP packages of $50,000, $20,000, and $5,000 that included photo opportunities with Trump and tickets to a reception. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, one of Trumps opponents for the Republican nomination, was the Alabama Republican Partys speaker at its winter dinner in March. Friday nights event comes eight years Trumps rally at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile accelerated the momentum that would carry him to the White House over what was then a large Republican field. Read more: 6 memorable Trump visits to Alabama Lisa McNair said one of her earliest memories was hearing people talk about the tragic death of her sister, Denise McNair, in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing on Sept. 15, 1963. My first and oldest memory is that my sister was killed in the church by white people because they didnt like Black people, McNair said. It is part of who you are constantly. McNair was part of a panel discussion From Four Little Girls to Tyre Nichols: Birmingham and the Evolution of Coverage of Civil Rights Movements on Friday during this years annual meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists. The panel looked at the importance of honoring history throughout news coverage, and how to cover current efforts for civil rights and social justice. 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of Birminghams summer of change, a momentous year that marked a turning point in the civil rights movement. This year is also historic as it is the first year the National Association of Black Journalists convention was hosted in Birmingham the hub of the civil rights movement. Read more: Help AL.com journalists tell the story of Alabama in 1963. In McNairs book, Dear Denise: Letters to the Sister I Never Knew, she discusses what her life was like as a part of the first generation of Black people allowed to move freely within the nation and the happenings of her own household and neighborhood after the death of the four young girls who died in the bombing. For me and my sister, we just want to make sure we honor her name, we honor our parents, we let people know that this story was pivotal and that we dont need to forget it, McNair said, referring to her sister, Kimberly McNair, who was also born after the bombing. The panel also featured AL.coms Director of Content Development and Pulitzer finalist Roy S. Johnson and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist John Archibald, who both stressed the importance of honoring history. When anyone is trying to rewrite the earlier drafts of history and rewrite the facts of history, they must be called out for it, Johnson said. We simply cannot let this happen. It is incumbent upon us to fight that fight. Archibald said newsrooms across the city, which were primarily white throughout the 1960s, aided and abetted law enforcement in the oppression of Black people. It is not that we have become so good, it is that we used to be so bad, Archibald said to a crowd of fellow journalists and business professionals as they nodded and agreed. Violence against Black people has been embedded in the citys history. In the last 80 years, there have been 500 people killed by the hands of police, with eight out of every 10 of the victims being Black men. Most of these cases were ruled justifiable without any investigation, journalists said. There were multiple bombings between 1945 and 1965 with the intention of killing Black people. I grew up like most white people in Birmingham, completely oblivious to what was going on around me, Archibald said, noting he was born around the same time the Letter from a Birmingham Jail was written, though he was never taught about the letters significance in school. Archibald said he was in high school when Bonita Carter was shot and killed by a Birmingham police officer. Original reports on the case were largely untruthful, reporting her murder as a justifiable homicide. He said journalism became very personal to him after this revelation. The panel also featured the expertise of Jefferson County Judge Shanta Owens as she shared her experience in criminal justice. Owens said criminal justice has evolved since 1963 as members of law enforcement who commit acts of violence against Black people are now being held accountable for their actions. Though cases in which officers being prosecuted for brutality are not abundant, there was a time when they were nonexistent. Denise McNairs killer was not prosecuted until 1977, 14 years, after the bombings. Some of the participants, members of a white supremacist terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan, died before being brought to justice. The bench has changed, particularly in Jefferson County. The bench reflects the community. We have a primarily African American bench, Owens said. I do believe that when people who are in charge reflect the community, justice is distributed more evenly. Owens said when she started as a criminal courts judge in 2008, the bench was majority white. She said she has worked hard to ensure her community is served fairly. With African American men, I think they come into the courtroom now feeling like they will be heard, justice will be done, and there will be some indication of fairness, Owens said. The panelists agreed 1963 is a time to be remembered and honored as both a year devastation and revolution. In the memory of Denise Carter and the legacy of the civil rights movement, there are stories imperative to Birminghams past and its future. Journalism matters, good journalism matters, Owens said. It helps to dispense justice when there is good journalism casting a light on things the public needs to be aware of. A Mississippi coast man shot himself while driving, causing a wreck on a busy Gulfport road Friday, according to WLOX in Gulfport. A 25-year-old man shot himself in an apparent suicide while driving in Gulfport, Miss., causing a wreck that injured two others. The incident took place on Lorraine Road near the intersection with Seaway Road about 9 a.m. Friday. The driver shot himself in what Harrison County coroner Brian Switzer has ruled a suicide, causing the mans vehicle to crash into another, injuring two people inside. The extent of the injuries to the two injured people was not immediately available. The roadway was tied up for several hours as police cleared the scene and collected evidence, according to the report. The deceased mans identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Moms For Liberty event planned, then canceled, at the Madison Public Library is back on. In a statement released Friday afternoon, the library said that the event will go forward as originally planned Saturday at 10 a.m. Library officials, in discussions with the organization, set the limit of attendees at 225. Related: Madison library cancels Moms for Liberty Kirk Cameron event, cites limited space Madison police and the fire marshal will be on site in the interest of public safety, the librarys statement said. The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system announced Thursday morning that the event would not be held because of space concerns. In announcing the cancellation, the library system said an expected crowd of more than 300 people far exceeds any meeting room capacity within the (library) system. The library statement said the organization initially said it expected a gathering of about 20 people. The Moms For Liberty website states its mission as dedicated to fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government. After the cancellation, the organization threatened legal action against the library. Moms for Libertys Madison County chapter has said it plans to give away copies of actor-writer Kirk Camerons book As You Grow, and that the actor would be present Saturday. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management announced a proposed settlement agreement this week with the operators of the Big Sky Landfill in Adamsville, resolving 54 alleged violations of the landfills permit, including hazardous waste found in two open pits outside of the landfills permitted disposal area. The landfill will pay a civil fine of $138,800 and within 60 days submit to ADEM a plan to address the violations, which were documented in a series of seven ADEM inspections conducted between June 2022 and March 2023. The Department has determined that the terms contemplated in this consent order are in the best interests of the citizens of Alabama, the order states. Those violations covered by the settlement included: 27 instances of waste not being properly covered at the landfill, or being observed blown outside the disposal area, 8 instances of leachate management violations 3 instances of waste not being properly compacted into the disposal cell 3 instances of waste slopes that were too steep 2 violations involving the improper disposal of hazardous waste According to the settlement document, ADEM inspectors explored a gated side road during a November 14, 2022 site visit, finding a small clearing in the woods where two open pits were discovered. Inspectors reported finding material identified as auto shredder fluff around the two pits. Samples taken the next day from the auto shredder fluff and liquid around the pits showed that both contained levels of lead high enough to classify the material as hazardous waste. The liquid sample taken from the pit also showed a flashpoint of 87.3 degrees Fahrenheit, making the liquid an ignitable hazardous waste. ADEM says the landfill then reported it had removed the auto fluff waste and buried it in the municipal solid waste disposal area at the landfill. This was also a violation, because the household trash area is not permitted to accept hazardous waste. Big Sky did not respond to AL.coms requests for comment on the settlement. ADEM said the department had no additional comments. In its response to ADEM about the violations, Big Sky called the open pits fluff storage areas, and said it did not believe the auto shredder waste was hazardous. The landfill also promised to re-train staff to properly cover the waste, and said it had purchased additional equipment to address the other violations. Permitted to receive up to 25,000 tons of waste per day, Big Sky is one of Alabamas largest landfills. It also gained significant notoriety as the recipient of the poop train shipments of waste from sewage treatment plants in New York City in 2018. ADEM also noted in its consent order that the landfill had a history of previous violations for failure to cover, failure to control litter, failure to confine the waste, failure to compact the waste, leachate violations, failure to maintain drainage structures and the acceptance of unapproved wastes. Those violations were addressed in a 2020 consent order between Big Sky and ADEM. The most recent consent order will be available for public comment for 30 days before being finalized. Sign up for Alabamafication: Kyle Whitmires newsletter, Alabamafication examines the outsized influence of this very strange state, taking aim at corruption, cruelty, incompetence and hypocrisy while also seeking out those righteous folks making their state and country better places for all. This is an opinion column. About a dozen people are running for the Republican nomination for president, but in Montgomery Friday night there was only one. A day after his latest arraignment in Washington, D.C., Donald Trump returned to Alabama, the place where he first made headlines as a viable candidate for president, where seven years ago in Mobile, he attracted an audience of thousands (exactly how many has been a debate ever since). His showing Friday night was no less significant. America, but we have to do this again. According to the Alabama GOP, 2,700 people paid to attend the partys summer dinner in Montgomery a new record. The audience greeted Trump warmly, giving him standing ovations. This for a man who incited an insurrection. This for a man under three indictments, already. This for a man with another indictment coming any second. This for a man found liable for sexual assault and defamation. This for Donald Trump. Weve been here before, but we know more this time around. And it doesnt seem to matter one lick. A Whos Who of Alabama politicians endorsed this man Friday. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville gave his support to Trump before the event, as did all six of Alabamas Republican congressmen. Alabama will host the last of three Republican primary debates in October, but none of these officials think the matter merits further consideration. This is their guy. Trump isnt keen on debating, anyway. Does it really make a lot of sense? Does it really? Trump said. I love to debate, but sometimes you dont want to be a fool. You want a smart president. You dont want a stupid president. It used to be that debates were how we sorted the smart from the stupid, but this is Alabama, where we havent had a debate in four election cycles. And weve had the elected officials to show for it. Trumps speech was his typical stream of consciousness, sliding through a checklist of fears and aggrievements the deep state, communism as a catch-all (with no credit given to George Wallace), sickos who want to mutilate children, diseased and dangerous people crossing the border. And those other people who hate America. We will drive out the globalists and we will cast out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and throw off the sick political class that hates our country, absolutely hates our country, he said. And so it went for the greater part of an hour. Weve been here before. After my first Trump rally in 2016, I pleaded with Republicans that it wasnt too late to make a better choice. The alternative then was John Kasich. Who is it today? Tim Scott? Nikki Haley? Asa Hutchenson? Will Hurd? Heck, Mike Pence? The moment any one of them speaks the truth about that man on stage, they get booed. Theyre not going anywhere. For the GOP, theres no getting past Trump. And he knows it. Even DeSantis DeSanctimonius, hes named him has run out of gas. Who could have guessed that pandering to extremists while courting moderates would be a zero-sum game? This is their guy. I dont know how many times Ive heard from one Trump apologist or another, I dont like him but at least hes not No more. There are Republican alternatives. This is the partys choice to make. Theres no buts after this. There are no excuses this time. Weve seen where this can go. And plenty of folks seem fine with that prospect. Trump isnt a strongman. Hes just surrounded by weak people folks who should know better but who dont have the courage to stand up to him. Id list their names, but I dont have to. Before the event Friday night, they put them in a press release endorsing Trump for president. Jerry Carl. Barry Moore. Mike Rogers. Robert Aderholt. Dale Strong. Gary Palmer Tommy Tuberville. Will Ainsworth. They have convinced themselves this doesnt matter, that its all some sort of game. Others will follow suit in other places. The most unsettling thing about Trumps latest run for office is how predictable it is. Weve been here before, and weve seen where it can go zealots punching cops and breaking windows. Zip ties, nooses and Confederate flags. Those folks giving him their devotion saw all that, too, and it didnt make a lick of difference. If they could tolerate that before, what excuses might they make this time? How many have to get hurt? What cost must we pay? Weve been here before, and weve seen where this can go. But not yet where it ends. Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for AL.com and the 2023 recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Sign up for his weekly newsletter and get "Alabamafication" in your inbox every Wednesday. More columns by Kyle Whitmire Tommy Tuberville leaves Alabama lost in space Alabamas new congressional map is a feat of Republican cowardice A fight for rights and control in a Black Belt town without elections Triad Properties and Fairway Investments have broken ground on a two million square-foot industrial park in the Huntsville portion of Limestone County. The companies announced the groundbreaking for Huntsville West Industrial Park on Greenbrier Parkway which is located near the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing facility, Polaris, the Amazon Fulfillment Center and other advanced manufacturing facilities. The industrial park will have access to nearby Interstates 65 and 565. Work is beginning on the first building, a 385,000 square foot facility that will feature 32-foot minimum clear heights, 60-foot speed bays, 84 truck docks, a 185-foot truck court with 60 apron, space for 198 car parking spaces and 96 trailer parking spaces. The 135-acre Huntsville West Industrial Park will include distribution, warehouse, logistics, and manufacturing space on a speculative and build-to-suit basis. Building sizes will range from 200,000 to 400,000 square feet with the capability to develop a 540,000 square foot bulk distribution facility. Triad and Fairway are excited to begin construction on the first speculative warehouse for the overall Huntsville West Industrial Park, said Fairway Development and Asset Manager Connor Somerville in a news release. The distribution of goods purchased online and the population growth in north Alabama has driven up demand for large distribution centers. Huntsville West will provide brand new, best-in-class space for companies competing for shorter delivery times. We are encouraged that leasing activity has been very robust. We have already executed a lease with a 300,000 square foot manufacturing company for the Huntsville West Industrial Park. So, our architectural and engineering team have begun plans for our second building, which is slated to commence in December of this year, said Fuller McClendon, principal at Triad Properties. Donald Trump promised to immediately get to work on making I-65 six lanes from Huntsville to Mobile if he wins the 2024 election, the former president told the Alabama Republican Partys Summer Dinner on Friday. One of the first things that I will do to help the great people of Alabama is to approve a six-lane I-65 from Huntsville to Mobile, Trump said during his keynote speech at the dinner at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery. Trump said the six Republicans in Alabamas congressional delegation, who earlier on Friday endorsed the former presidents 2024 campaign, suggested the project was a priority. I said, What can I do for this great state? Trump told the crowd before. You can make a six-laner, Trump said the delegation told him. Can everyone agree thats a big deal? the former president asked the crowd to applause. OK, well do that first day. The project is also championed by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, a potential 2026 governors candidate. He has raised concerns before over what he said is a lack of prioritizing a widening of I-65 from the Tennessee state line to Mobile. The most recent example came in May, when he said widening I-65 must be a top priority for Alabama officials. Im proud that President Trump is endorsing and supporting my plan to widen I-65. He pledged tonight that the first day hes back in the White House he will put federal funding towards widening I-65 from Huntsville to Mobile to keep Alabamas economy growing. #gowide65 pic.twitter.com/D9pbz0GsgV Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) August 5, 2023 While most of Trumps speech touched on his 2024 campaign and three indictments, he briefly spoke on another Alabama-centric issue: U.S. Space Command, which Biden just moved the hell out of your state. Trump noted that his administration decided to make Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal the permanent headquarters for Space Command -- a decision reversed by the Biden administration earlier this week. Biden announced that the command would remain in Colorado, where it is currently headquartered on a temporary basis. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, started a House investigation into the decision. Like Rogers, Trump hinted that the Space Command saga may not be complete. But maybe that wont be the end of that story, he said. 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. Mississippis Jim Crow-Era lifetime felony voting ban is no more, a three-judge panel of the United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decided Friday, claiming that the prohibition constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, violating the Eighth Amendment. This is a tremendous victory for the state of Mississippi, Southern Poverty Law Center Mississippi State Office Director Waikinya Clanton said in a news release about the decision. People have paid their debt to society and have been oppressed from exercising their voting rights for far too long. Under the law, which was part of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, individuals who had felony convictions for murder, rape, bribery, theft, arson, obtaining money or goods under false pretense, perjury, forgery, embezzlement or bigamy were no longer able to vote across the state. The right to vote will now be restored to people with felony convictions in Mississippi, though its not clear when that would take effect. State officials could still decide to appeal the decision to the entire 5th Circuit. The judges, who passed the decision in a 2-1 ruling, argued that the law also violated the 14th and First Amendments, which guarantee rights to equal protection and freedom of speech, respectively. The judges noted that 35 states and the District of Columbia do not have laws similar to the one in Mississippi. Some of those states overturned similar bans, but Mississippi remained an outlier bucking a clear and consistent trend in our Nation against permanent disenfranchisement, the ruling states. By severing former offenders from the body politic forever, Section 241 ensures that they will never be fully rehabilitated, continues to punish them beyond the term their culpability requires and serves no protective function to society. Section 241 was established in reaction to Black suffrage during the Reconstruction Era when state officials moved to create a new state Constitution, the ruling states. As part of the ruling, the judges sent the case to the district court with instructions that it grant relief and find the law unconstitutional. The decision comes almost two months after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a case tied to the law. It stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center and Simpson Thacher and Bartlett, LLP in 2018, claiming that the states voting ban was intended to discriminate on the basis of race. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, eight other states have laws prohibiting some people convicted of felonies from voting. They are: Arizona, Wyoming, Iowa, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia and Connecticut. The right to vote is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy, Co-Chair of Simpson Thachers Litigation Department stated in a news release. This is a major victory for Mississippians who have completed their sentences and deserve to participate fully in our political process. While Le Creuset is considered a high-priced luxury cookware brand, shoppers can now get these sought-after items at a fraction of the cost during its 2023 From Factory to Table summer clearance event. For those who may be unfamiliar with Le Creuset, it is a popular French cookware brand established in 1925. According to its website, Le Creusets hallmark - three-rings broken by the French name showcased in the halo of the open middle ring - has become one of the most recognizable trademarks in homes around the world. Le Creuset also considers itself the, first, finest and favorite cookware. The eye-catching array of colors that are offered with each product is just the cherry on top to the quality line of cookware. Those who want to snag one of these colorful cookware or kitchen items at a discount can browse Le Creusets online summer sale. However, weve selected just a few of the top Le Creuset sale picks happening this week. Be sure to check these deals out below. Traditional Oval Dutch Oven from Le Creuset. Square Cocotte with Lid. (lecreuset.com) Apple Cocotte $125 was ($275) Apple Cocotte. (lecreuset.com) Signature Chefs Oven. (lecreuset.com) Round Dutch Oven with Bear Knob. (lecreuset.com) Traditional Tagine. (lecreuset.com) Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5-Piece Cookware Set. (lecreuset.com) Signature Enameled Cast Iron 11-Piece Ultimate Cookware Set. (lecreuset.com) Traditional Oval Skillet. (lecreuset.com) Traditional Round Braiser. (lecreuset.com) English News Japan's so-called "China threat" rhetoric cannot deceive world Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 5 Aout 2023 Japan can never deceive the world with its efforts to hype the so-called "China threat" or with its excuses to seek military expansion. If Japan wants to be normalized, it should face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, stop interfering in China's domestic affairs, stop undermining China's interests, abandon its attempts to hype the so-called threats surrounding it and loosen the bonds on military development, and take a responsible attitude and concrete actions to win trust from its neighbors in Asia and the international community. By Zhong Sheng, People's Daily Japan says it seeks to "fundamentally reinforce its defense capabilities" and is planning to spend 43.5 trillion yen ($303.5 billion) on defense in the coming five years in a 2023 defense white paper it recently issued. Turning a blind eye to facts, the white paper labels China as an "unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge" to Japan. It hypes the so-called "China threat," grossly interferes in China's domestic affairs, and smears China's defense policy, normal military development and legitimate military actions. This clearly reveals the scheme of the Japanese side to find excuses for its own military expansion by fanning up the so-called "China threat." China pursues peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature. It has never challenged or threatened other countries. China reinforces national defense and military development to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, which is legitimate and beyond reproach. Currently, the situations on the East China Sea and the South China Sea are generally stable. The Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands have been China's territory since ancient times. The navigation by the Chinese public service vessels in waters off the Diaoyu Island is a legitimate measure taken by China to exercise its national sovereignty in accordance with law. Japan is not a country concerned with the South China Sea issue. It should stop creating chaos and confrontation. Military cooperation including joint naval patrol between China and relevant countries is consistent with international law and established international practice. Using China's normal military development as an excuse and fanning up the rhetoric that China's "unilateral attempts and actions to change the status quo" have been more and more frequent is just another awkward show of fabricating the so-called "Chinese military threat," which intensifies the tension in the region. On the East China Sea, no one has ever tried to change the status quo of the Diaoyu Island but Japan. In the Asia-Pacific, the ones who really threaten regional peace and stability and try to unilaterally change the status quo are some external countries that frequently show off their muscle with aircraft and warships for private interests. Taiwan is China's territory. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, which brooks no interference by any external force. The one-China principle, which matters the politic foundation of China-Japan relations, is a red line that shall not be crossed. Japan bears grave historical responsibility to the Chinese people on the Taiwan question. In recent years, instead of reflecting on its mistakes, Japan has repeatedly broken its promises on the Taiwan question and hollowed out the one-China principle. From hyping that "Any contingency for Taiwan is a emergency for Japan" to the recent claim by a high-ranking Japanese official that Japan would likely provide defense equipment support or logistics support for Taiwan, Japan has turned a total blind eye to the basic norms governing international relations and the principles of the four China-Japan political documents, grossly interfered in China's domestic affairs, and undermined the political foundation of China-Japan relations. The remarks and deeds by the Japanese side have escalated tensions across the Taiwan Strait. This is extremely wrong and dangerous. Japan has revealed its wrong perception of China by taking the latter as an "unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge." If Japan's China policy was made based on this wrong perception, it would be misguided. It is agreed in the fourth China-Japan political document that the two countries should "be partners, not threats." This should be the basis for the mutual recognition between the two countries. China's Japan policy has been consistent and stable, and China never sees Japan as a threat. China opposes the "China threat" theory that's biased and hostile. For some time, Japan has made frequent negative actions on issues related to China, which severely disturbed the two countries' bilateral relations. Only by abandoning the beggar-thy-neighbor mentality of zero-sum confrontation and establishing a correct understanding of China can Japan bring bilateral relations to the right track with concrete actions. The true intention of Japan in hyping the so-called "China threat" is to find excuses for its own military expansion. The country says it follows a peaceful path, respects the rule of law and advocates peaceful diplomatic solutions to any disputes. However, what it does is undermining the post-war international order and seeking military expansion. It updated its National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Buildup Program, significantly lifted its defense budget and hyped the development of the so-called "counterstrike capability." The Japanese side has continuously violated the pacifist constitution and the "exclusively defense-oriented" principle in recent years and is moving further down the path of military expansion. It also follows the wrong China policy of the United States, cooperating with the latter to make troubles on issues concerning China's core interests. Regardless of the opposition from regional countries, Japan promoted NATO's eastward foray, placing regional countries in the danger of major country gambling and bloc confrontation. This has triggered grave concerns and high alert from the international community. Japan can never deceive the world with its efforts to hype the so-called "China threat" or with its excuses to seek military expansion. If Japan wants to be normalized, it should face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, stop interfering in China's domestic affairs, stop undermining China's interests, abandon its attempts to hype the so-called threats surrounding it and loosen the bonds on military development, and take a responsible attitude and concrete actions to win trust from its neighbors in Asia and the international community. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) Dans la meme rubrique : < > IAEA report cannot justify Japan's wastewater discharge plan Smearing Chinese-foreign port cooperation is creating barriers for common development 31st FISU Games activates new momentum for Chengdu's development Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) In January 2023, the Danish-Swedish politician Rasmus Paludan burned a copy of the Quran outside of the Turkish embassy. This led the Turkish defense minister Hulusi Akar to suspend talks with Sweden over its NATO membership. This means that Quran burnings are going to have bigger and bigger consequences. What to do? Should consideration be given to amending legislation such that burning holy books is made a criminal offense? Swedens embassy in Baghdad has already been stormed twice. The terrorism threat level in Sweden has been raised. And the Swedish ambassador has been taken to task in almost every Islamic country. The problem, as we know, is not new. But not everyone knows the context. The controversy did not start with Koran-burning, but with political satire. It began in 1987 when discussion erupted in the Netherlands over a satirical film about Ayatollah Khomeini made by Dutch-born comic and showmaster Rudi Carrell. Khomeini was angry and Carrell was threatened. The Netherlands caved in and that was the provisional end of the Dutch discussion. Khomeini had learned something from that: threats work. Terrorism works. You dont always have to use actual violence; the threat of it is often enough. Two years later, in 1989, Khomeini tried his what can be called theoterrorist strategy again and this time in a way that would become an international riot: issuing a death sentence on the British writer Salman Rushdie. In response, the British government was not better prepared than the Dutch: after pacifying, diplomatic consultations and securing Rushdie, they tried to calm things down. In vain, as we now know, because on August 12, 2022, 33 years after the death sentence, Rushdie was attacked by a 24-year-old man armed with a knife in the United States. Rushdie survived the assassination attempt, but he now goes through life partially disabled. Following the murder of Dutch filmmaker and columnist Theo van Gogh in the Netherlands in 2004, the Danes in 2005 had become interested in whether self-censorship was practiced in the western world. How boldly is freedom of expression defended in the West? Does that freedom of expression still exist? And how could you find out such a thing? Simply, through an experiment. Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten invited some cartoonists to make a cartoon about the prophet Mohammed. Would cartoonists dare to make such a cartoon? Yes, some dared. But, once published, it resulted in a huge Danish riot. The cartoonists went into hiding from the threat of violence, cloaked in anonymity, all in the hope that the case would be forgotten. Only Kurt Westergaard (1925-2021) stood his ground. He would not go hiding from his attackers, and that meant accepting a heavy surveillance regime that differed from little of a real prison. Westergaard, incidentally, died in his bed, with his head not separated from his body. Now, with some good will, one could still argue that cartoons are not grounds for controversy. Even less so for a book burning. And even Rushdies literary satire can be seen as needlessly provocative. But does the same apply to a heavy theological discourse like that of Pope Benedict XVI (1927-2022) in Regensburg? One year after the Danish cartoons, in 2006, the pope, the previous one, not this one, delivered a theological-philosophical address on Faith, reason and university: memories and reflections on September 12, in the auditorium of the university in Regensburg. It was not what the pope himself brought up in it about the relationship of reason to faith that attracted attention, but a quote he had presented. Just one quote. A quote from Emperor Manuel II (1349-1425) in a conversation about religion. The emperor had said, Show me what news Mohammed brought, and you will find only evil and inhumanity, such as preaching faith by the sword. Again: a riot of unprecedented proportions was the result. The pope apologized (rather unusually for a pope) and explained that he had been misunderstood: a quote after all, not his own opinion. After the Danish cartoon adventure, the field of action shifted to France. The cartoonists of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo continued to make the challenged cartoons. This led to the massacre of almost the entire editorial staff of the satirical magazine in 2015. Editor-in-chief Charb sensed the misery coming. He said -- referring to Theo van Gogh, by the way -- that he would rather die standing up than live on his knees. And so thats what it came to: dying standing. That French cartoon murder had far-reaching consequences. Even the showing of those French cartoons in a civics lesson by teacher Samuel Paty led to, this time not a riot, but his beheading, in the street, in Eragny, near the College du Bois dAulne where the victim taught. A Dutch showmaster (Carrell), a British writer (Rushdie), Danish cartoonists (Westergaard), French cartoonists (Charb), the pope (Benedict XVI), demonstrating book burners (Paludan) -- apparently they all know how to elicit fierce reactions from the easily inflamed elements in the Islamic world when it comes to the honor of one specific religious figure. The Netherlands was the first to face the problem (1987). The Dutch pushed it on to England (1989). England pushed it on to Denmark (2005). Denmark pushed it on to France (2015). And now we are back to Denmark and Sweden (2023). The Swedes will now consider a book-burning ban. Paul Cliteur is author of The Fall and Rise of Blasphemy Law (2016). The conservative mindset apparently is just not genetically oriented to playing political hardball. Time and again, progressives take the initiative and mount political and PR offensives against conservatives, rocking them back on their heels, defining the narrative in terms favorable to progressives and pre-emptively shaping public opinion in the minds of the persuadable voter. The notion of facts or accuracy doesnt matter in the progressive playbook. The only thing that matters is going on offense. Conservatives are forever playing an inadequate game of catchup. That is, when conservatives even bother to fight back at all. Too often, they simply absorb the blows unanswered, pleased with themselves for simply surviving the round until the bell. As an experienced political observer, Ive witnessed this for years on the national level. But just recently, I saw this first-hand in my home state of Massachusetts, a blue-dominated state where Republicans are outnumbered 135-25 in the State House of Representatives and 37-3 in the State Senate. There are currently two Womens Health bills pending before MA lawmakers. One of them would remove any age restrictions whatsoever concerning access to abortion and simultaneously eliminate any parental notification requirements. The other bill would severely infringe on the First Amendment free speech rights of pregnancy/resource centers to advertise their services to women and offer medical services and pregnancy counseling for expectant moms. In a state where choice is already carried to the extreme, these new bills would push matters well past any remote semblance of rational thought. A well-respected family advocacy group, the MA Family Institute, organized several in-person meetings at the offices of Republican lawmakers around the state in an effort to rev up their support to oppose these bills. I attended one of these meetings at our local representatives office. (We happen to live in a somewhat conservative enclave and our representative is one of those 25 Republicans.) Our rep is a nice enough individual, but he is clearly a soft Republican, with no stomach for real fighting. In 2016, he was a John Kasich supporter, which pretty much sums up his approach to politics. His favorite saying is that as a member of such a small minority, the best that MA Republicans can do is Make a bad bill a little less bad. The in-person attendance at his office was quite impressive, so large that we had to move the meeting outside to the parking lot. He meandered through a very milquetoast presentation and voiced his tepid, conditional opposition to the bills. When his remarks concluded, I raised my hand and said, Were your constituents. You represent us. What you ought to do is call press conferences, write guest columns in the newspapers, send out blogs, anything you can do to raise the visibility of these bills to the average person on the street before these bills make it to the State House floor. These bills are so extreme that even the typical progressive voter in Massachusetts would oppose them if they knew about them. But its up to you to get out in front of these and help drive public opinion. What he said next was stunning, and typical of the no stomach for combat attitude displayed by far too many conservatives. He said, No, the last thing I want to do is to show the Democrats that were looking at this, that were really aware of this. We dont want to put this on their radar. If we just kind of ignore it and play for time, we can probably get these to die in committee. Dont want to put this on their radar? Its already on their radar -- they wrote the bills! What an anemic, cowardly response. I pushed back and said -- with the utmost courtesy and respect in my voice -- that he owed us effective, aggressive representation and that theres a way to take a difficult stand as a minority-party member without ticking off your opponents or the liberal Massachusetts media. After all, youre a skilled communicator and a veteran State House member, right? You know how to do this, dont you? He stared daggers at me while the rest of the assemblage nodded and murmured their approval. But it was painfully obvious that our representative didnt have the slightest intention of actually fighting back. This happens all the time on the national level as well. Progressives impeached President Trump -- twice! -- over totally bogus, nonexistent charges, yet even after the sworn, indisputable, factual testimony of whistleblower after whistleblower against the Biden crime consortium, Speaker Kevin McCarthy remains reluctant to take action. An impeachment inquiry is the most hell say and there is no start date for even that ill-defined action. Very soon after the inquiry idea was proffered, several very high-profile Republican senators, like Rand Paul, conspicuously announced that they would not support any impeachment inquiry against President Biden, citing some nervous excuse about not wanting to subject the country to partisan disruption. Progressives never seem to have even a nanoseconds reluctance about what their actions will do to the countrys spirit of unity and sense of calm. They dont care one whit about societal harmony. Indeed, sowing racial/demographic division is part and parcel to the progressives overall goal of cementing ever-greater political power and control for themselves. Yet even as the progressives treat conservatives as their personal punching bags, conservatives refuse to fight back. They just foolishly absorb the punishment, uttering inanities about taking the high road and maintaining a civil discourse while they fall farther and farther behind in the race to win the persuadable voting bloc. When coupled with the progressives absolute mastery of manufacturing outcome-altering voter fraud and the total progressive dominance in mainstream media, the conservatives seemingly insurmountable deficit in their ability to wage effective political trench warfare renders future major conservative political victories a very iffy proposition indeed. Image: RawPixel Earlier this week, Libs of TikTok released copies of correspondence between a medical clinic in Oregon and one of its patients. The facts in the correspondence were simple: A breast cancer patient wrote that she was triggered by a large pink, white, and blue transgender flag behind the receptionists desk because shed been terribly threatened by transgender activists. The clinic responded by banning the woman for disrespecting LGBTQ people. The clinic, having been outed for seemingly banning a patient for her beliefs, isnt apologizing; instead, its playing the victim. Here's the original tweet from Libs of TikTok: A woman receiving cancer treatment at @OHSUNews was told she can no longer be a patient at the clinic after she sent a message criticizing a trans flag hanging prominently at the entrance. She told us that they requested she go for re-education and she refused. pic.twitter.com/WdAvRoYoMV Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 2, 2023 A tweet from Marlene herself reveals that she is a very sick woman, scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy this month: Ok-I was gonna try to get over this-but I am a liver transplant recipient with breast cancer facing double mastectomy at the end of August and now I have no primary care doctor. A lawyer contacted me-i hesitated- Nor more! Would any lawyer out there help me? Very scared. pic.twitter.com/mfkSOoeOz6 Lady Laughingloudley (@blah_blablather) August 1, 2023 Heres a transcript of the original message from the patient (Marlene) to the Richmond Family Medicine Clinic, a part of the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland (where healing, teaching and discovery come together): I would like to speak with you directlyas I no longer trust that my communications are filtered in good faith by OHSU staff. Additionally, I do not feel comfortable, as a gender critical woman, who believes gender to be a nonsense and sexed bodies to be a reality, I do not feel comfortable coming into Richmond with that enormous transgenderism banner hanging like a Nazi flag behind the reception desk. Where is the Flag for women? For children? I have been threatened on Twitter by transactivists with rape and death- so it is daunting to go for medical treatment with that banner proclaiming that what I am- an adult human female, (calling myself that now is hateful per OHSU) a woman, is a mere opt-in category for any gender nonconforming male and not a reality itself- This negate women completely. And they are not asking. Women are being told, once again, what we are and what we may be, is to be defined and limited by men who have some preferences theyd like enforce- Which includes bepenised males claiming every female right to privacy and protection from male pattern sexual violence. XY male violence toward women is undimmed by any level of transition. I happen to agree with everything Marlene said. And even if I were not someone who believes that so-called transgenderism is a big lie, I would wonder why the reception desk must have a massive transgender flag behind it. Has the clinic ever flown any other flag, such as the American flag? Does it have flags representing the identity of every other person who works for or walks into the clinic? The clinic swiftly responded to Marlenes concernsby firing her. Heres what it wrote to her in relevant part: This letter is to inform you that effective immediately you are discharged from receiving medical care at the Richmond Family Medicine Clinic. This action is being taken because of ongoing disrespectful and hurtful remarks about our LGBTQ community and staff.. [snip] Please note that you are also now dismissed from all OHSU Family Medicine clinics, including Immediate Care. Again, it appears from the correspondence that this clinic just fired a cancer patient for refusing to get on board with its transgender-philia. She was fired for her ideological beliefs. If one accepts the above facts as the entire story, the clinic should be groveling, insisting that it was all a mistake, and promising to fire the hapless employee who sent out that message on managements order. That, however, is not whats happening. Instead, the clinic seems to be angry that it was caught in the act. Thus, it sent a defensive internal email to its staff (an email that, interestingly, ended up in the hands of the Post Millennial, a conservative outlet). That email states in relevant part: This week, there has been media and social media activity regarding a person who says they were dismissed from OHSUs Richmond Clinic for disrespectful and harmful behavior. This person shared on social media and it was picked up by an account that calls itself 'Libs of Tik Tok.' While we cannot comment upon a patients status without their authorization, please know that our policies reflect our belief that our caring staff deserves respect from patients and visitors as they work tirelessly to provide care to other, and we will take measures to guard against harassing behavior, even when it means making the difficult decision to dismiss a patient. As you know, we are further evaluating security measures and options to keep you safe as well. Translation: How dare Libs of TikTok make our behavior public? Do you how Hillary Clinton used a Love trumps hate slogan in 2016, a little bit of wordplay with Trumps name based on the false charge that Trump, who supported gay marriage and famously got awards from the black community, was a hater regarding race and LGBTQ-ism? It turns out, though, that love does not actually trump hate. If it did, there would be charity toward a sick, frightened woman. In Israel, where love really does trump hate, Israeli doctors routinely treat the Palestinians who want to kill them. Here in America, hate is the lefts defining featureand after all, if Marlenes cancer care program collapses and she doesnt get the double mastectomy she needs to survive, theres more room in the operating theater for some 16-year-old girl to have her healthy breasts removed. Image: Love trumps hate sign (edited) by Tim Pierce. CC BY 2.0. Coincidentally, Im sure, in the lead-up to his being taken off the air at Fox News, Tucker Carlson and his team were investigating events on January 6the same events that are serving as the basis for Jack Smiths creative indictment against Donald Trump. One of the things that Fox News prevented from airing was an interview with former Capitol Hill Police Chief Steven Sund, during which he told Tucker that the FBI had a lot of operatives in the crowd. There was more, and it all feeds into the reasonable belief that January 6 was a set-up. January 6 has been enormously useful to the Democrats: It allowed them to certify the electoral college votes without any objections. These objections (which Democrats have vigorously made over the years) are a prerequisite to challenging the count. It allowed them to round up almost 1,000 Trump supporters and destroy their lives, a useful lesson to anyone else who might think about opposing the Biden regimeer, administration. It allowed them to pretend that the lack of crowds in D.C. for Bidens inauguration was due to security requirements rather than to the reality, which is that no one would have shown up anyway. And, of course, most usefully at all, its just allowed them to indict Bidens chief rival, President Donald Trump, in the lead-up to the 2024 election. The charge, while failing to use the word insurrection, essentially alleges that Trump defrauded America by ignoring those of his advisors who believed in the 2020 election (many of whom have been outed as fervent Trump haters) and, instead, looking to evidence of election of fraud and believing that election. Knowing how useful January 6 was for Democratsand considering that the insurrection narrative kicked in within fewer than 24 hours its worth considering a very loose rundown of the timeline. In event after event, its the system, not Trump, thats inexorably pulling the crowd into the Capitol. And in event after event, it was Trump who tried to put the brakes on things, only to be blocked. The previously hidden revelations from former Capitol Hill Police Chief Steven Sund are entirely consistent with the above facts: Former Capitol Hill Police Chief Steven Sund told Tucker Carlson there was a fair amount of law enforcement in the January 6th crowd, in footage exclusively obtained by The National Pulse. The bombshell news follows revelations that Sund had called the events surrounding the Capitol riot a cover up, adding his concerns over provocateurs like Ray Epps. Over halfway through the interview hidden by Fox News following Tucker Carlsons firing, Sund explains that it is normal for Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to have a few undercover assets in large crowds gathered in the nations capital. But the 18 or so FBI agents present, plus an estimated 20 from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was remarkably high. Sund stunningly reveals: Within a few days of January 6th I had media reach out to me and say Hey, youre aware the FBI had undercovers in the crowd?. I was like, Oh no, they would have told me. I had Steve DAntuono, the head of the [FBI] Washington Field Office on a call the day before. Didnt say anything to me about it and now to see, allegedly, according to the GAO report, they had 18 operatives in the crowd? Thats a lot of operatives. Indeed, added Sund, in over 30 years of police work, hed never seen so much law enforcement. In the same suppressed interview, Sund also revealed that the FBI had worked with him during the IMF protests and the Bush inauguration. You can see the entire interview at The National Pulse. It was a net, and the Democrats caught all the fish, both big and small. Image: January 6 by Tyler Merbler. CC BY 2.0. Price also condemned the courts sham ruling of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny Tuesday, calling it the latest in a series of attempts to silence Navalny and other opposition figures and independent voices. Navalny was sentenced to nine more years in prison in a move that was seen as an attempt to keep Putins biggest foe behind bars for as long as possible. The new sentence follows a year-long crackdown by Putin on Navalnys supporters, other opposition activists and independent journalists in which authorities appear eager to stifle all dissent. The 45-year-old Navalny, who in 2020 survived a poisoning with a nerve agent that he blames on the Kremlin, is already serving 2 years in a penal colony east of Moscow for a parole violation. You'd think a carefully hand-picked prosecutor, targeted at a former President of the United States, would be a meticulous and precise legal mind so as to bring an airtight case against his target, with little but political objection. But that's not Joe Biden's special counsel prosecutor, Jack Smith, who's racking up ethics violations like a dirty big city cop, and that's just in the first weeks of his indictment. According to Breitbart's Joel Pollak: Harvard Law School professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz says that under his own fraud standard, Special Counsel Jack Smith could be indicted for omitting a key portion of then-President Donald Trumps speech in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021. The indictment charges Trump with four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States. But in a portion recounting Trumps speech at the Stop the Steal rally, Smith repeats the errors made by House Democrats in Trumps second impeachment trial: he focuses on Trumps use of the phrase fight like hell, and omits a sentence highlighted by Trumps defense team: I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. Dershowitz told the Megyn Kelly Show podcast on Friday that by his own standard, Smith could be charged with fraud, because of his omission of Trumps peaceful rhetoric. Under the indictment itself, Jack Smith could be himself indicted. He told a direct lie in this indictment. He purported to describe the speech that President Trump made on January 6th. And he left out the key words, when President Trump said, I want you to demonstrate peacefully and patriotically. You know, a lie by omission, under the law, can be as serious as a lie by commission. So he went the Adam Schiff route, leaving off the part about President Trump urging his followers on January 6 to be peaceful, presenting his evidence against Trump by preenting the opposite of what he said. Just leaving it off like it never happened, obviously to sway a jury his way, and too bad about the defendant. He also did this, according to Matt Margolis at PJMedia: Special Counsel Jack Smiths team has acknowledged they incorrectly claimed that they had submitted all the necessary evidence as mandated by the law in the classified documents case against Donald Trump. Thats basically a euphemism for getting caught committing prosecutorial misconduct. Prosecutors discovered that a crucial video intended to be presented as evidence had not been appropriately processed and uploaded to the designated platform for the defense to review during the investigation. This discovery occurred just as they prepared to indict Carlos De Oliveira, the Mar-a-Lago property manager, for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy with Trump to delete surveillance footage from the estate. Trump denies the allegations and says the videos were handed over to the thugs. The Governments representation at the July 18 hearing that all surveillance footage the Government had obtained pre-indictment had been produced was therefore incorrect, Smiths team admitted in its recent filing. According to Just The News, All CCTV footage obtained by the government has now been given to the defendants, according to Smiths team. The so-called Brady rule requires prosecutors to disclose all evidence and information favorable to the defendant. So in other words, he withheld evidence from the other side which might have been favorable to their defense. The 1963 Brady motion says that as a basic matter of fairness, they can't do that, but Smith did it anyway. This sounds like quite a pattern of corner-cutting from Smith and his office, characteristic of dirty cops in big cities who will cook up anything for a conviction. Smith's career has been replete with this kind of unethical behavior, as Margolis noted in his piece, from a case against a congressman which involved witness tampering and wiretapping, to his past case against a Virginia governor, which wat thrown out by the Supreme Court. Obviously, he's all about pulling fast ones on his latest target, President Trump. This tells us a lot about what this legal process is going to be like: Rules for thee, but not for me. Why he thinks he can get away with this kind of behavior, and still secure a conviction suggests that he thinks the ground is protecting him and he can rig with abandon because the fix is in. Image: Screen shot from CBS News video, via YouTube The Ukrainian counteroffensive is not progressing as originally envisioned. The victorious march of the Ukrainian armed forces, which, according to the plan, was supposed to begin at the line of contact between the troops in the Zaporizhzhya region and, accordingly, end near the coast of the Sea of Azov, thereby cutting off Russia's land route to the Crimean peninsula, turned out quite differently. Having stopped even before reaching the first line of defense of the Russian troops, the Ukrainian troops were stuck in minefields, moving forward at the cost of very high casualties among the personnel, while losing an unimaginable number of vehicles. It is military equipment that has been the pretext for numerous conversations between the Ukrainian leadership and its foreign partners since Feb. 24, 2022. Since the war began, Kyiv has already received more than 70 billion euros in military aid alone, which is almost half of Ukraine's GDP last year. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not consider the provided assistance sufficient for the "war to end". This is not surprising at all - when 60% of all weapons supplied go into the pockets of Ukrainian officials or to black markets, there is no reason to think otherwise. The above facts have long been a source of concern among Ukraine's foreign partners. Those countries that have expressed strong support for Kyiv since the beginning of the war are gradually changing their rhetoric, backing it up with difficult decisions for the Ukrainian government. For example, Poland, one of Kyiv's main allies, became one of the countries that signed a declaration extending the ban on grain imports from Ukraine. Without any doubt, this was a low blow for Zelensky, who is now trying to deal with the consequences of the termination of the grain deal with Russia, while his government is searching for ways to market its agricultural products. If grain export is a sensitive but solvable problem in the long term (Croatia and Lithuania are ready to help Ukraine in this matter, receiving, respectively, payment for the use of their ports), then the supply of arms to Kyiv is a permanent and pressing issue. In conditions of not the easiest counteroffensive, the Ukrainian armed forces are demanding more and more ammunition and weapons. What is most intriguing is that the moment may soon come when resources will no longer be available to Ukraine in the amount necessary for waging war. An information bomb has rumbled from the Financial Times. Their recent article explains that President Joe Biden has asked Congress to finance the supply of arms to Taiwan using funds included in the so-called "Ukrainian" budget. The American government's support for Taiwan should not surprise anyone - the island has become a symbol of "democracy," the defense of which is given a significant place in the Biden administration. The fact that the main reason for the U.S. leadership's actions is to increase pressure on Beijing is not worth mentioning once again. So what about Ukraine? There has been no reaction to Biden's proposal from official Kyiv at the moment, but it can be assumed that the Ukrainian government is unlikely to be happy about this scenario. Zelensky himself has repeatedly stated that the assistance provided to the Ukrainian armed forces by other countries is not enough, time after time calling on world leaders to provide Ukraine with more military aid for the counteroffensive. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly difficult for officials to hide their irritation when it comes to the Ukrainian issues. For example, not so long ago, Marcin Przydacz, Head of the International Policy Bureau in Poland, said that "it would be worth them starting to appreciate the role that Poland has played for Ukraine in recent months and years". The reaction was immediate - the Polish ambassador to Ukraine was summoned to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the news about it quickly spread in the media, and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called the incident "a serious political and diplomatic mistake by Kyiv." Another example of dissatisfaction with the actions of the Ukrainian leadership can be seen in the words of British Defense Minister Ben Wallace, who during the recent NATO summit in Vilnius said that Kyiv should be more grateful to the U.K. for the assistance provided. Such a reaction from partner states may indicate that the countries, if not tired of supporting Zelensky, are already very close to such a state. A year and a half of war has not passed without a trace not only for Ukraine or Russia, but also for all countries of the world. The conflict has affected both the world economy and the whole system of international relations. Just imagine - your country provides Ukraine with quite significant aid and financial support, and Zelensky says that this is not enough while continuing the war without any hint of negotiations and stopping the conflict. You must agree that logic in this case takes a back seat. In the current circumstances, it is difficult to predict anything. The situation is changing almost every day, but if we imagine that the situation with the Ukrainian counteroffensive will not change shortly, the heads of the world's leading powers will induce Zelensky to negotiate. If the Ukrainian president does not agree, the options for the development of events can be completely unpredictable. Johnston Harewood is a writer with an interest in U.S. global and state politics and relations with European countries. He has previously published articles at RedVoiceMedia and Blitz. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License To mangle the tagline from Love Story, being a narcissist means never having to say youre sorry. Thats not because of the mutual love flowing between the two parties in the relationship. Its because a hallmark of narcissism is that youre never wrong. No matter what happens, its only bad if the other guy does it. Thats why I cant even pretend shock at the fact that Bidens Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, took to Twitter to announce that the Biden regime condemns Putin for convicting Aleksey Navalny, Putins political opponent. Navalny has been a burr in Putins side for some time now. In 2011, after a contested election based on claims of election fraud (sound familiar?), the Putin regime jailed him for 15 days for defying a government official. Navalny instantly became a leading voice in opposing Putin. Hes been pushing back against Putin ever sinceexcept that Putin has been pushing a whole lot harder. The Putin administration responded to Navalnys popularity, in true Lavrentiy Beria fashion, by trying him for every crime it could find to stick to him. Hes been charged with embezzlement, with the judge repeating the prosecutions allegations almost verbatim when reading out his conviction. Next, he was arrested in connection with a business deal and eventually charged with money laundering. After that, he was accused of defrauding a political party. He was also designated as an extremist and charged once again with fraud. Image by Andrea Widburg If the above is sounding very familiar to youwell, it should. The only thing that Navalny has experienced that hasnt yet been done in American fashion to Trump is the fact that Navalny was poisoned. I sincerely hope that Trump has a system for ensuring that his food is good before he puts it in his mouth. Navalny has been in prison for years now on one of the early convictions, with every subsequent conviction adding more years to his prison sentence. Most recently, according to Wikipedia, On 4 August 2023, Navalny was sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison on charges including publicly inciting extremist activity, financing extremist activity, and rehabilitating Nazi ideology; the Moscow City Court found him guilty on all charges in a closed-doors trial. Youd have to be wearing very thick blinders not to find those charges familiar. After all, Trump was just charged for allegedly stating lies challenging Bidens election. Free speech, a right even presidents have? Who needs it?! Thats extremist activity! Trumps finances have been investigated repeatedly to no avail, telling us that Trump is both the cleanest politician and property developer in America and, maybe, the world. Hes also been called a racist and Nazi so often the words have become meaningless. For the last two and half years, the attacks on Trump have come directly from the Biden administration. Despite the Deep States and Biden administrations conduct since 2016, Antony Blinken, Bidens Secretary of State, officially tweeted out that the Biden administration thinks its a very bad thing when a sitting president jails his political opponent: The United States strongly condemns Russias conviction of opposition leader Aleksey Navalny on politically motivated charges. The Kremlin cannot silence the truth. Navalny should be released. Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 4, 2023 Knowing narcissists as I do, I could have predicted the tweet. Remember: Its always different when a narcissist does it. On X (the former Twitter), people had thoughts: Say the people literally prosecuting the opposition leader on politically motivated charges. JWF (@JammieWF) August 4, 2023 Frankly, so many people have had thoughts that I could keep doing this for hours. However, before you get too excited about these Americans awareness of whats really going on, keep in mind that Bidens supporters are also imbued with the its different when we do it mindset. You see, unlike Navalny, who is clearly the victim of a corrupt president and his minions, all of whom are making up charges to destroy an opponents civil rights and to keep the people from having a real choice, its different with Trump. To the lefts useful idiots, Trump really is a Naziand according to a Democrat representative, his supporters need to be imprisoned, too: Rep. @JasmineForUS (D-Texas): Republicans defending Trump "are getting dangerously close, in my opinion, to criminal culpability in and of themselves, as well" pic.twitter.com/wmRTbnV0qc Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) August 5, 2023 Its fun to laugh at Blinkens blatant hypocrisy but remember that these people play for keeps. And if you forget that, just take another look at the poor wretches who have already spent two and a half years in the D.C. gulag, without bail, charges, or trial, for events on January 6, 2021, a day that is beginning to look very much like an entrapment setup. The fascist far left cannot believe theyve been accused of acting like the authoritarian collectivists of National Socialist Germany or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics that persecuted their political opponents for the crime of expressing the wrong opinions, even though theyve been persecuting their political opponents for the crime of expressing the wrong opinions. Just after President Trump was indicted for the crime of wrongthink in a manner reminiscent of the socialist nations of leftists Joesph Stalin and Adolf Hitler. The Trump campaign had the unbelievable cheek to say that it was reminiscent of the socialist nations of leftists Joesph Stalin and Adolph Hitler. Cue Greta Thunberg spitting out How dare you. Anti-liberty leftists lost it on two levels, exemplified by Jake Tapper of CNN casually stating without evidence: Obviously comparing this to Nazi Germany is beyond the pale in terms of offensiveness and ignorance. Offensiveness in the sense that the pro-freedom right is never allowed to defend itself from the false charges from the left of being fascist or a National Socialist. The unwritten edict from the far left is that no one is to ever violate Godwins rule - unless they do it, especially to attack President Trump. Leftists have gone so far as to claim that you shouldnt compare Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler because It belittles Hitler. So, while the far left has given themselves full permission to hurl whatever fascism (semi or otherwise) or Nazi mendacities they want at the pro-freedom right. Their convenient little rules dictate that its offensive to apply the same standards to them, especially when they are projecting on all cylinders. Thus, it was obvious that this was offensive since the Trump Campaigns very appropriate rejoinder violated one of the far lefts most cherished and sacrosanct rules. The irony in the ignorance issue of the Tapper quote points straight at the far left in that their biggest lie is that some collectivist authoritarians magically belong on the pro-freedom right of the political spectrum. Leftists constantly parrot this lie, but they never back it up with a factual argument. Theyve been trying to gaslight people so long that they probably dont even know the source of the lie. Weve proven the Nazis were far-right lie can be traced back 100 years to far-left infighting over ideological minutia no one cares about. This internecine political warfare was seen in the old USSR between the far-left Bolsheviks and their rivals they deemed right wing or some other disparaging pejorative. The same also took place in the states in the early part of the last century, long before the National Socialist German Workers' (Nazi) Party gained prominence. This eviscerates the rivalry claim and shows that leftists dont know what theyre talking about when they deny their past. The New York Times dated May 11, 1920, on Page 3 is a prime example with the headline: 'MILD' SOCIALISTS WIN ON PLATFORM; Conservatives, Led by Hillquit, Defeat Attempt to Name New Committee. FIGHT TO CONTINUE TODAY Ultra-Radicals Denounce the Party Principles Presented as "Lacking Punch." DEMAND PROLETARIAN RULE Planks Offered Include Recognition of Soviet Government and Socialization of All Industries. The "conservative" wing of the Socialist Party won a victory over the "ultra-radicals" at the second day's Session of the Socialist National Convention at Finnish Socialist Hall, 127th Street and Fifth Avenue, yesterday. Take note that the New York Times referred to The "conservative" wing of the Socialist Party in an article published nearly 19 years before WWII and before the National Socialist German Workers' Party gained prominence. The article refers to rivalries and internal conflicts within what is clearly a leftist socialist organization and yet some are referred to as being on the right. So much for the rivalry talking point of the Nazis were far-right lie. The same holds true with the Bolshevik Revolution of October 25, 1917, the Entente intervention in October 1922 where the Bolsheviks set themselves on the far-left flank, shifting all others to the right, and then repressing, exiling, or executing them: The Bolsheviks intended to rule alone and did not hesitate to eliminate all other parties and factions that did not share their perspective. Thus, the representatives of other leftist parties and party groupsMensheviks, Constitutional Democrats (Kadets), Socialist Revolutionaries (SR), anarchistswere repressed, exiled, or executed in the course of the Bolsheviks power grab. The supreme irony in some trying to deny what is obvious, that the National Socialist German Workers' (Nazi) Party was leftist, asserting these claims come from an alleged lack of research or ignorance. Reflects badly on the far left since it shows they dont even know the source of the lies they propagate. They are projecting their own lack of knowledge and they dont even know it. And that includes some esteemed leftist experts who neglect to look at the history of their own ideology. This shouldnt be surprising since they cant even figure out basic biology and what is a woman. Maybe they need to crack a basic science book first before lecturing the rest of us. The Trump Campaign was correct in labelling these persecutions as reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, the former Soviet Union, and other authoritarian, dictatorial regimes. Too bad the national socialist media cant understand that their lies have been exposed and are now blatantly obvious. D. Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, the director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack. Image: Picryl // public domain One of the things characterizing the Biden administration is incoherence. Biden is frequently completely unintelligible, mumbling sounds to himself and his audience. Kamala offers wordy, banal phrases that fail to hide that her premise, conclusion, and argument are all identical. And Karine Jean-Pierre, despite having her eyes glued to her notes most of the time, is the Sergeant Schultz of press secretaries, for she knows nothing most of the time. Its hardly surprising, therefore, to learn that the Biden White House has purged over 30% of the people allowed press passesnone of whom belong to the major MSM outlets. The Daily Signal has reported on the new standards, which affect its own White House reporter: Over the past three months, the number of reporters with access to the White House dropped by 31%. There are now 442 fewer reporters with a coveted hard passthe result of new rules announced in May that took effect Tuesday. [snip] The White House now requires reporters to obtain press credentials from Congress or the Supreme Court to fulfill its new requirement; Lucas is currently awaiting a decision on his applications to the other branches. During the Trump administration, when Trump constantly made himself available to the media, the media reacted in horror when Trump booted Jim Acosta and Brian Karem, both of whom were abusive to the president and disrespectful to others in the press room. At that time, it made headline news and, after legal action, the two reporters ended up back in the press room. Image: Karine Jean-Pierre (edited). YouTube screen grab. This time, though, according to the Daily Signal, the MSM is remarkably silent about the purge. Not all outlets, however, are so passive. Matthew Anthony Harper is the White House correspondent for InterMountain Christian News, which is obviously an outlet that is going to be conservative and not on board with every White House initiative. Unsurprisingly, Harper got kicked out, but hes fighting back. His lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to the White House. The letter makes explicit what we conservatives suspect about the new rules. Harper is unable to get access to either the Supreme Court or Congress. Both offices rejected him out of hand, telling him that because his news organization is funded by donations, and since he is not in attendance at those locations regularly, he does not qualify. Additionally, the Supreme Court admits only 25 news outlets, while the Congressional Radio and Television Galleries outlet says that applicants may seek accreditation only to Congress. Harper takes a different view of things: Harper explains that his main news beat in Washington, D.C. is the White House, so such requirements are simply a road block to fair and equal access to events. [snip] [I]n a letter dated Monday, lawyers for Harper told Karine Jean-Pierre, Bidens press secretary, that the new requirements appear to be an effort to purge smaller, regional news outlets who cannot afford enough reporters to continually cover both the White House and another branch of the government. As the letter notes, non-MSM outlets are hit hardest: These new restrictions appear aimed at reducing press access to the White House and are both arbitrary and discriminatory against small, diverse news outlets that will otherwise go unrepresented at White House press conferences. As matters now stand, if youre a member of MSNBC, you can ask the administration any loving, easy questions you want. (Hows that ice cream, Mr. President? Are you still enjoying being the first black, lesbian press secretary, Karine?) But if youre not one of the in-crowd, the administration doesnt want you anywhere near it. Dont be surprised if the next round of rules is magically targeted at Peter Doocy, for hes one of the rare reporters to ask hard questions. Theres a reason that Joe Biden (estimated IQ 90, except when it comes to his criminal intelligence quotient, where heor maybe someone else in his familyscores remarkably high) called Doocy a stupid son of a bitch. Currently, the Biden administration, having trampled roughshod over ordinary citizens (and past presidents) who oppose it, has been treading gently when it comes to the media. However, as it circles the MSM wagons, you can expect that it will start targeting specific media outlets and reporters for misinformation which, if youre a serious pessimist, you believe will soon be a criminal offense. Apparently there's some kind of bell that goes off in Kamala Harris's head, every time the topic of space travel comes up, that cues her into saying some of her stupidest things. The latest such incident happened in Mongolia of all places, where Harris was on a mission to step up cooperation with the friendly landlocked country sandwiched between China and Russia, and she fell into another of her famous word salads in front of that country's leader, Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai. According to the New York Post: Today, I am pleased to announce that the next steps in our work together will be about further expanding our partnership. In particular, we will discuss the work that we will do together to strengthen our space cooperation, Harris, 58, said at the White House while President Biden enjoyed the Delaware beach. You and I spoke briefly about the beginning of the next era and, for you, what that means, in terms of your leadership and your vision for the future, Harris told the prime minister, and certainly, strengthening our space cooperation would be a part of that agenda including, of course, using our space cooperation to think about how we strengthen the economic prosperity and development of our nations. What gibberish. The Post noted that she was mixing up similar batches of platitudes and meaningless feelgood phrases just months ago. In February, Harris delivered a speech for Congressional Space Medal of Honor recipients that was also panned for its childlike descriptions of space travel. They suited up. They waved to their families, and they rode an elevator up nearly 20 stories, she said, recounting the first trip in nearly a decade to a space station by former NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken. They strapped in to their seats and waited as the tanks beneath filled with tens of thousands of gallons of fuel. And then they launched. Yeah, they did, Harris added before breaking into her signature cackle. And maybe they forgot, because it was so many idiocies ago, but Harris made a fool of herself around a group of young students who supposedly had a special interest in space travel, speaking to them as if they were four-year-olds. It was later revealed that they were child actors playing that role. I don't have an answer as to why Harris keeps "distinguishing" herself in this matter. Every time the topic of outer space comes up, she says something nutty. Obviously, it's a trigger of some kind, something that removes the filters of restraint from her mind and lets her spout off, leaving no doubt to listeners that she's not all there. Call it all in a day's work for a space cadet. It tells us everything we need to know. Image: Screen shot from New York Post video, via YouTube Ever since its launch back in 2016, the Brave browser has grown to be the go-to choice for internet surfers. This privacy-oriented browser is now home to over 50.2 million monthly users around the globe. Brave is now proud to announce its new media search feature that keeps users away from Google and Bing search engines. The announcement of this new feature was given in a recent press release. For a while now, Brave has not been able to offer media results like pictures and videos for users. This is because the privacy-focused browser has long relied on either Google or Bing for media results. By doing this, Brave exposes its user to privacy risks that it claims to protect them from. But all of that is changing as the browser is getting a new in-house media search feature. With this, users will be able to search for media-related issues and get results without relying on other browsers. The new media search result feature on the Brave browser is here to improve privacy At the heart of Braves services is privacy, and thats one of the things users find attractive about the browser. The company refers to itself as the best privacy online. It also promises users better protection while browsing, outperforming what Google and Bing offer. Brave helps to block web trackers and ads while users surf from one website to the other. To further solidify its privacy-oriented features, the browser is getting a new media (image and video) search feature. This new feature keeps all media searches within the Bing ecosystem and keeps users away from other browsers. Advertisement Previously, users of the Brave browser had to rely on API calls to Google and Bing before they could image search results. But all of that is coming to an end as the Brave browser can now source image search results on its own. This shows that Brave is ready to stand on its own and it started this break-off from Google and Bing early this year. Brave also claims that providing its media search results with sourcing APIs will make the browser faster. This new privacy-oriented media search feature will also improve user privacy. The browser also promises to add a ton of new features to improve the media search results it gives users. These additional features will roll out in the coming future. Gender-based violence has raised the alarm for the Meta Oversight Board, and they asked for stricter rules to combat it. The decision comes after a Facebook post depicting a victim of domestic violence remained on the platform for two years without getting removed by moderators. Following the backlash about Meta content moderation policies, the company formed a so-called Oversight Board to monitor the policies. The company explains that the Oversight Board is an independent body that people can appeal to if they disagree with decisions we made about content on Facebook or Instagram. The team is now urging the platform to enact stricter rules against gender-based violence. The Oversight Board argues there is a gap in Meta bullying and harassment policy. Which allows for gender-based violence content by praising, justifying, celebrating, or mocking it. Meta Oversight Board asks the platform to be more proactive against promoting gender-based violence Back in May 2021, a Facebook user posted an image of an Arab woman with signs of physical attack, including bruises on her face and body. The post caption claimed the woman got what she deserved, with some laughing and smiling emoji. Yet, the womans identity is unknown, but her face is visible in the image. The Oversight Board added the post was reported three times in February 2023. Specifically over violating Metas violence and incitement community standard. However, the post still remained on the platform. Due to a policy that shuts down unreviewed reported posts after 48 hours. The post was then directly reported to the Oversight Board. It was later removed after Meta agreed it violated the bullying and harassment policy. According to the Meta Oversight Board, the loopholes that allow such posts to spread across the platform are that the current rules wont apply to posts where the victim isnt identifiable or a fictional character is depicted. Finally, the board is asking Meta to amend the rules to stop spreading posts that normalize gender-based violence. Any celebration of serious physical injury should also be banned. Qualcomm may have quietly launched the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 but without the Plus branding. The company is still calling it Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, though the new chip brings a faster CPU and GPU. And yes, its none other than the once-Samsung-exclusive version of the latest Snapdragon flagship. If you recall, Samsungs Galaxy S23 series uses a Qualcomm processor globally. Its an overclocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The chip itself has a for Galaxy suffix on its name and comes with a slightly different part number than the standard version available to other brands. More precisely, its part number is SM8550-AC, while that of the standard chip is SM8550-AB. In terms of clock speeds, the for Galaxy version has its fastest CPU core operating at 3.36GHz and GPU at 719MHz. In comparison, the standard solution has its CPU and GPU clocked at 3.2GHz and 680MHz, respectively. Samsung used this supposedly exclusive processor in the newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series as well. However, it turns out its exclusivity of the for Galaxy version ended long back. This overclocked chip is already found inside devices from other brands. Namely, ZTEs Nubia RedMagic 8S Pro debuted a month back featuring this chipset. The folks over at XDA Developers checked its part number and clock speeds, and everything matched with the for Galaxy version. The chip should be this years Plus version Interestingly, both Qualcomm and ZTE still refer to the chip as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. But since it has a faster CPU and GPU than the standard version, it should be this years Plus version. Qualcomm has been releasing mid-year refreshes of its flagship processors with the Plus branding in recent years. They brought nothing apart from faster clock speeds. Advertisement This year, theres no sign of a chip officially called the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2. By the looks of it, Qualcomm has quietly shipped the processor without a name change. In fact, this appears to be the companys strategy going forward, though we arent very fond of this idea. It might get confusing for consumers to figure out whether a smartphone uses the original chip or the mid-year refresh. Given the minor adjustment to CPU prime core frequency, were treating this platform as a variant of the original platform (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), Qualcomm said in a statement to XDA following this discovery. Our goal is to maintain our simplified naming structure that was introduced in November 2021 so its easier for OEMs and consumers to discover and choose devices powered by Snapdragon. (ANSA) - ROME, AUG 5 - A group of migrants was stranded on the Ponente rocks on the Italian island of Lampedusa early on Saturday after the boat they were aboard sank late on Friday. Two Coast Guard boats were in waters near to the rocks, but rough seas were preventing them from attempting to rescue the migrants at the time of writing, sources said. The group appeared to be safe and there were no reports of anyone being unaccounted for after the shipwreck, the sources added. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, AUG 5 - The government is set to clamp down on airlines' "unfair" use of algorithms to set the price of tickets, after this led to soaring flight prices in recent months, especially for services connecting the mainland to Sicily and Sardinia, Business and Made in Italy Minister Adolfo Urso said Saturday. A draft of the omnibus 'assets and investment' decree that Premier Giorgia Meloni's cabinet is set to examine on Monday would ban dynamic price setting on the basis of booking time in some circumstances - if applied to connections to Sicily and Sardinia; if applied to peaks in demand linked to seasonal factors; and if it leads to the price of tickets or accessory services being 200% higher than the average price. "We have identified a distorted commercial practice when it comes to expensive flights with an algorithm that profiles the user and then creates a sort of flight auction which, in recent days, has led to prices for routes like the Rome-Cagliari one to go as high as 980 euros," Urso told Sky television. "Or there's Rome-Catania at 1,000 euros, something that is unacceptable. "That algorithm has been deleted. It will no longer be possible to use it. "At the same time we have set a ceiling on the prices of flights to the islands (of Sicily and Sardinia), where there is no land connection and, therefore, no alternative (to air or sea travel)". (ANSA). The Prime Minister joined a Taylor Swift-themed SoulCycle class while on holiday in Los Angeles, a TikToker has claimed in a video. Hannah Harmelin posted a video on TikTok on Friday evening saying she spotted Rishi Sunak at the end of her 7am indoor cycling class in Santa Monica. Mr Sunak is currently on holiday in California and was pictured with his wife Akshata Murty and two young daughters, Krishna and Anoushka, at an amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier on Thursday, the first day of their US trip. It comes after reports of Ms Murty attending a SoulCycle class in Notting Hill with US first lady Jill Biden the morning after the Kings coronation. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Anoushka Sunak, Akshata Murty and Krishna Sunak visiting Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, during their summer holiday (Emma McIntyre/PA) Ms Harmelin said she saw security around and inside the class and initially thought Swift would be joining as she is performing in Los Angeles this week as part of her The Eras Tour. The TikToker said in the video: I think I just had the biggest heart attack of my life. So I walk into my Taylor Swift-themed 7am SoulCycle class in Santa Monica, and theres Secret Service everywhere in the studio, theyre lined up on the sidewalk, theyre inside, theyre in every corner. Theyre like, standing there with their earpieces and theyre all serious and theres just security everywhere. Im like, What is going on?' Ms Harmelin said that at first she thought Swift was about to join the class. She added: Shes performing in LA, celebrities do this all the time. So we get in and Im like trying to look around but trying to play it cool and the security guard comes into the class, theres actually like three of them standing in all the corners and they stand there like all serious the whole entire class. And the teachers usually like turn on and off the lights, in this class she just like kept the lights off, it was very private. And of course youve heard of like Justin Bieber coming in and singing a song and like Beyonce and Jay Z like riding class. So Im freaking out the whole time. So the class ends and Im looking around trying to see where she is. Turns out it was the Prime Minister of the UK apparently hes a Swifty. A Number 10 spokesman told the PA news agency they will not be providing a running commentary on the Prime Ministers holiday. The weather wont be stopping us, organisers have said, as Brighton and Hove Pride parade gets under way amid wet and rainy conditions, . Revellers turned out to cheer on the much-celebrated Pride event along the seafront, despite yellow weather warnings from the Met Office. Saturdays parade was expected to draw 300,000 people to the citys streets, among them community groups, small businesses and NHS services, as they march to the official Pride community fundraiser Fabuloso in the Park at Preston Park. Brighton Prides managing director Paul Kemp said: Weve encouraged people to wear ponchos so it might be a little bit Glastonbury. Wet weather did not dampen spirits (Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA) That wouldnt stop us from having a great celebration and a great Pride in our city. He added: Make sure you wear a poncho and slay that poncho, stay dry, look after your friends, dont overdo it, make sure youve got somewhere to stay and look out for people. The annual celebration is the citys largest single event, expected to boost the economy by more than 20 million over the weekend. However Govia Thameslink Railway will not be running any trains between London and Brighton on Saturday, blaming an overtime ban by the drivers union Aslef. The annual celebration is the citys largest single event (Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA) Mr Kemp said organisers were disappointed a compromise could not be found. He said: It will affect turnout absolutely because people will be cut off from the rest of the country. Im sorry for people who booked hotels and paid for accommodation and now cant get in. However he said it wont derail us and the show goes on. Saturdays parade is expected to draw 300,000 people to the citys streets (Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA) Among those celebrating on Saturday, Ali and Jo Hood-Green made the seven-hour drive from Bolton, Lancashire, on Friday, saying: It was worth it. Connor Charles, 30, and Alex Fire drove down from London and stayed overnight. Mr Charles said: Its good the weather, it hasnt been as bad as what the forecast said. Its been showering. Jamie Sanders, 36, travelled from Hastings, East Sussex, as one of the organisers for Sainsburys parade group. While he was able to book a hotel overnight, out of 100 colleagues expecting to take part in the companys parade, only 60 were able to make it due to the travel disruption. The theme of this years event is Dare To Be Different (Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA) But he said the buses were brilliant, picking people up across other locations to help them get there. Leo Gonzales, 54, an NHS nurse, said he and his friends had driven from London on Saturday in what he described as a quite smooth journey. He said despite getting drenched everybody was having fun, as he returned for the third time to Brighton and Hove Pride. He added: Its because of the fun, the beautiful faces of different people. Leo Gonzales (second right) at the Brighton Pride festival (Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA) Its so friendly, like a family, the community is very engaging and inclusive. This years event, with the theme Dare To Be Different, marks the 50th anniversary of the first Brighton Pride march, organised by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front in July 1973. Mr Kemp said: Those early pioneers 50 years ago who put their head above the parapet in different times, it was a very different environment for LGBT people at that time. Were recognising the trailblazers around the city, we have lamp posts around the city of people who have been part of the movement and are current trailblazers. Were celebrating being different. He said that while Pride is about celebration it is also about protest and in the UK were standing by our trans siblings. He added: Theres a feeling from the LGBT community were being slightly politicised for political reasons, when people really should be focused on the real issues like the environment, cost of living, the things that really affect lives. Angus Cloud's mother speaks out about his death. (Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) Angus Clouds mother is addressing the speculation surrounding her sons death. The 25-year-old Euphoria star, who played Fezco on the HBO series, died on July 31 at his familys home in Oakland, Calif. Though his cause of death has not been released and an investigation by the police is in process, some speculated that he died by suicide due to a statement made by the family. In their statement, the family highlighted Clouds battle with mental health, which was exacerbated by the death of his father. Clouds father, who the family called the HBO stars best friend, died after a short battle with lung cancer, per TMZ. Clouds mother Lisa Cloud McLaughlin took to her private Facebook account on Aug. 5 to write about her sons death, per Deadline. She shared with her followers, Friends, I want you all to know I appreciate your love for my family at this shattered time. I also want you to know that although my son was in deep grief about his fathers untimely death from mesothelioma, his last day was a joyful one. She also wrote that her son, whose birth name is Conor Angus Cloud Hickey, spoke about assisting family members with college, and that he spent his last day cleaning his room and tidying the house. "I dont know if or what he may have put in his body after that, she continued. I only know that he put his head on the desk where he was working on art projects, fell asleep and didnt wake up. We may find out that he overdosed accidentally and tragically, but its abundantly clear that he did not intend to check out of this world." She noted that though "social media posts have suggested his death was intentional," that was "not the case." To honor his memory, please make random acts of kindness part of your daily life, she concluded. Clouds co-workers on the hit series, which is not yet filming its third season, took time to express their sorrow over his death. Zendaya, whose character Rue is friends with Clouds Fezco on Euphoria, penned a tribute to her late co-star on Instagram, writing that Words are not enough to describe the infinite beauty that is Angus (Conor)." "Im so grateful I got the chance to know him in this life, to call him a brother, to see his warm kind eyes and bright smile, or hear his infectious cackle of a laugh," she added. Maude Apatow, who plays Lexi, Fezcos Season 2 love interest, wrote, "Angus was the funniest person ever. I would get so excited to see on the schedule that we would be working together because I knew wed have the best day, laughing so hard. He was the sweetest and made everyone around him so happy. He was just the best. Words cant really capture how magical of a person he was. My heart is broken." If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988. As the film celebrates the 40th anniversary of its premiere on Aug. 5, see what the cast of 'Risky Business' has been up to since the movie hit screens in 1983 Mary Evans/Ronald Grant/Everett Tom Cruise in 'Risky Business' "I think Im safe in saying that Risky Business was the last time he was just 'Tom,' " Curtis Armstrong wrote in his 2017 memoir, Revenge of the Nerd, per The Hollywood Reporter. And that seems to be true. Tom Cruise's performance in the Paul Brickman-directed film was so stellar it earned him his first Golden Globe nomination, and helped continue to catapult the actor to superstardom. Set in Chicago, Risky Business follows the adventures of a high-achieving, straight-laced and privileged high school student named Joel Goodsen (Cruise), whose friends convince him to have one big, pre-college romp during a weekend his parents are away. Throw in a prostitute and some unhinged teenagers and you have a risque coming-of-age film that could only be made in the '80s. From Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay to Curtis Armstrong, see what the cast of the classic film has been up to since Risky Business premiered in 1983. Tom Cruise as Joel Goodsen Warner Brothers/Everett; Bryan Bedder/Getty Tom Cruise At only 21 years old, Tom Cruise helmed this teen drama and delivered such an outstanding performance he received his first Golden Globe nomination for best actor. After playing Joel, Cruise, as we know, went on to have an illustrious career. As one of the most bankable actors of our time, he starred in blockbuster films such as The Outsiders, Rain Man, Interview with the Vampire, Jerry Maguire and the Mission Impossible franchise. The now 61-year-old Hollywood veteran continues to bring people to the movies. His latest works include 2022's Top Gun: Maverick and this year's Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One, which premiered in July. Off-screen, Cruise's colleagues hail him as the king of holiday desserts as stars such as Rosie O'Donnell, Emily Blunt, Tom Hanks and many others look forward to receiving his coveted Christmas coconut bundt cake. Rebecca De Mornay as Lana Warner Brothers/ Everett; JC Olivera/Getty Rebecca De Mornay Playing the prostitute who sends Joel's world into a spiral was Rebecca De Mornay. I understood the part of Lana so well, she recently told The Wrap. Ive lived by myself as a young, young, 19-year-old in London, fending for myself. [Ive] gone through a lot in my life in terms of upheaval and family stuff, and suddenly there was a part that just fit me like a glove, that I knew. Though Lana's profession wasn't exactly xxx, it was important to De Mornay, now 63, that the character was depicted with some grace and humanity. "I wanted to maintain her dignity, regardless if shes having sex for money. She maintained some source of integrity and soul, De Mornay told the outlet. I wanted to present the underdog who was reduced to having to be a prostitute, exploited in our capitalist system, trying to get by as best she could without the cushion of having a family of money and connections. Following Risky Business, De Mornay went on to star in And God Created Woman,The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, The Three Musketeers and more. Joe Pantoliano as Guido Warner Brothers; Arturo Holmes/Getty Joe Pantoliano Playing Lana's pimp, Guido, was Joe Pantoliano. The actor's career spans a whopping 50 years, dating back to the '70s. Pantoliano, 71, has been in blockbusters and cult favorites such as Memento, The Goonies, The Matrix and Bad Boys, among a slew of other credits. Fans may also recognize him from his recurring role as Ralph Cifaretto on HBO's The Sopranos. Curtis Armstrong as Miles Dalby Warner Brothers/Everett; Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Curtis Armstrong Curtis Armstrong played Joel's best friend Miles Dalby, who encouraged him to throw a bash while his parents were away. Since the 1983 film, Armstrong, 69, has continued to find steady work. He starred in the drama series Moonlight opposite Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis in the '80s, appeared in 2000's National Lampoon's Van Wilder and has been a fixture in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise since its debut in 1984. Bronson Pinchot as Barry Warner Brothers; Kevin Winter/Getty Bronson Pinchot Bronson Pinchot also portrayed another one of Cruise's friends in the film. After Risky Business, Pinchot, now 64, scored parts in the ABC series Perfect Strangers, plus Beverly Hills Cop and Beverly Hills Cop III opposite Eddie Murphy and True Romance with Patricia Arquette, Christian Slater and Gary Oldman. He took a mini-break from acting in the early aughts and ventured into home restoration, even launching his own show, The Bronson PinchotProject, between 2012 and 2013. Richard Masur as Rutherford Warner Brothers; Bobby Bank/Getty Richard Masur Since playing Mr. Rutherford, the recruiter from Princeton in the 1983 film, 74-year-old Richard Masur has generally kept a low profile all while continuing to work steadily in the business. He can be seen in small roles on Orange Is the New Black, The Good Fight, Bull and The Equalizer. Raphael Sbarge as Glenn Warner Brothers; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Raphael Sbarge Many may not know, but Raphael Sbarge is a former child actor. Though his role as Glenn in Risky Business was his first in a major movie, he had been acting since he was a tot. Sbarge got his start on Sesame Street at the tender age of 4, and was on Broadway by 16, perIMDb. The now 59-year-old actor has been in every procedural drama one can think of Criminal Minds, NCIS, Grey's Anatomy, The Good Wife, CSI: Miami and then some. He also appeared in other blockbuster films such as Independence Day and Pearl Harbor. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. BBC research suggests at least 12 attacks have allegedly targeted Russia's navy - including military ships. A Russian tanker has been hit in a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea, according to Russian officials. A Ukrainian security source has told the BBC that the strike was carried out by a sea drone. On 4 August, Russia said it had repelled an attack by this type of drone on one of its naval bases in the region. While aerial drones have been used to great effect during the conflict, this new form of seaborne technology has been gaining momentum - and it may change the future of naval warfare. What are sea drones? Sea drones are small, unmanned vessels. Unlike aerial drones, these ones operate on or below the water's surface. There are many terms used to describe them, including drone boats, drone ships and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). They come in all shapes and sizes and are used for a variety of tasks, including environmental monitoring. These drones can be used for military purposes too - like clearing mines, carrying out surveillance or detonating near targets like enemy ships. Several sea drones have been pictured since the start of the war, including one which reportedly washed up on the shores of Russian-occupied Crimea. An annotated photo of a sea drone. It highlights its cameras, detonator and explosives As well as drones that operate on the water's surface, Ukraine recently unveiled a prototype of an unmanned, undersea drone called the Toloka TLK-150. How do sea drones work and how much do they cost? Common sea drone features include built-in explosives and cameras which beam back images to the person controlling it. Long-range targets are typically pre-programmed into the drones when launched. They are then guided remotely by a human as they close in on the target, explains Sidharth Kaushal from the defence think tank Rusi. Some Ukrainian sea drones have been developed with help from crowdfunding campaigns. They are usually made with "off-the-shelf" components normally for commercial - rather than military - use, adds Mr Kaushal. Russian media and bloggers have claimed that Russia also used them in an attack on a bridge in the port city of Odesa. However, the BBC has seen no evidence to support this. How many sea drones each side holds is not publicly known. It's also unclear how much they cost, but one drone publicised by the Ukrainian government has a price tag of $250,000 (197,000). That would be cheaper than many types of long-range missile. Sea drones can also be deployed quickly and without the need for a fully-trained crew. "Even if you intercept a lot of low-cost objects, all you need is one to get through and damage a much more expensive asset and the model has paid for itself," says Mr Kaushal. When have sea drones been used against Russia? BBC Verify's research suggests Ukraine has carried out at least 12 attacks with sea drones - targeting military ships, Russia's naval base in Sevastopol, and Novorossiysk harbour. This is based on announcements by Russian and Ukrainian authorities, and local media reports. Ukrainian defence sources have told CNN that sea drones were also used in an attack on the Kerch Bridge in July. Some attacks have been far from Ukrainian shores. In May, footage emerged showing drone ships approaching a Russian intelligence-gathering ship called the Ivan Khurs, but it's unclear if the ship was damaged. Drones approached the Russian Ivan Khurs ship in May Russia says the incident took place 90 miles (140km) north of Turkey's Bosphorus Strait - around 120 miles (193km) from the Ukrainian coast. This suggests these drones can potentially travel long distances. What impact are sea drones having on the war? Ukraine's deployment of sea drones, at relatively low cost, marks a new era for naval warfare. The tactic poses an increasing risk to Russia, according to some analysts. Compared with naval vessels, sea drones are harder to detect on radar because they travel low on the water and they make far less noise. While Ukraine does not have a substantial navy, its sea drones have stopped Russia from taking full control of the Black Sea, says Katarzyna Zysk, a professor at the Norwegian Institute of Defence Studies. The attack on Russia's naval base in Sevastopol, back in October 2022, was the first in recorded history to use both sea and aerial drones. At least three Russian ships were damaged in the attack, according GeoConfirmed, an organisation that analyses satellite and other open source imagery. Since then, Russia has significantly bolstered defences around the base according to recent satellite images seen by BBC Verify. Sea drones still have some disadvantages. On-board sensors may have a narrow field of view, which will make it hard to track moving targets without accurate location data or to spot camouflaged ships. Those with onboard cameras also need constant communication with their controller to direct them to a target, so any issues with streaming video will jeopardise their mission. "It's not a revolution as yet," says Prof Zysk. "We're still in an experimental phase". Nonetheless, Ukraine's strategy has caught international attention, and is "pushing other navies to develop these kind of systems and their operational practice," she adds. NEW YORK A Manhattan judge who oversees New Yorks decades-old right-to-shelter mandate agreed in a court hearing Friday that Gov. Hochul must to do more to help alleviate the citys spiraling migrant crisis, according to an attorney who participated in the proceeding. The emergency hearing before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Erika Edwards was held to address concerns raised by the Legal Aid Society that the right-to-shelter mandate may have been violated this week after a large group of migrants were forced to sleep for days on the sidewalk in front of the citys asylum seeker intake center in Midtown. The hearing was conducted almost entirely behind closed doors, meaning no reporters could observe the discussion between Edwards and attorneys for Legal Aid, Mayor Eric Adams administration and Hochuls administration. Josh Goldfein, a Legal Aid lawyer on the case, told reporters outside the courthouse that Edwards made clear in the hearing that the state must play a larger role in ensuring the tens of thousands of mostly Latin American migrants who have arrived in the city since last spring receive beds in shelters. You need to treat this like an emergency, Goldfein recalled Edwards telling attorneys representing the state at the hearing. The judge also made clear she does not want to see a repeat of the scenes we saw this week, Goldfein said, a reference to the dozens of migrants who resorted to sleeping outside the Roosevelt Hotel intake center in Midtown this week after being informed there was no more space in the city shelter system. In order for the city to comply (with right-to-shelter), they need assistance from the state, Goldfein said, recounting the hearing before Edwards. The state has resources that it has not provided. The state has not taken ownership of what is a statewide issue. A spokesman for Hochul declined to comment on the hearing, but pointed out that the governors administration has dispatched 2,000 National Guard troops to help with logistics and given the city authorization to use three state-owned sites for housing migrants. Hochul also signed off on a state budget this year that includes a $1 billion commitment in migrant crisis-related aid for the city. But Goldfein said thats not enough. He told reporters Hochul should promptly issue an executive order prohibiting counties in New York from refusing to accommodate migrants, as some Republican-run jurisdictions upstate have. He also suggested the state should provide more sites for the city to use as shelters and supply more MTA buses to use as transportation for migrants. The city should not have to take on the full financial burden of this problem, Goldfein said. Edwards wrapped up Fridays hearing by ordering the Adams administration to submit a list detailing state resources and facilities it believes the city could make use of to help tackle the migrant crisis by Aug. 9. The state must then issue a response to the citys proposals by Aug. 15. Spokespeople for Adams did not immediately return requests for comment after the proceeding. New Yorks right-to-shelter law, which is unique in the country, originates from a 1981 consent decree that requires the city to provide a bed and certain basic amenities to anyone who needs it. The city, the state and the Legal Aid Society were the parties to the original consent decree, which is why representatives for all three appeared in court Friday. With more than 55,000 migrants now staying in city shelters and hundreds more arriving every week, Adams has openly questioned the legitimacy of right-to-shelter, saying its requirements are impossible to comply with under current circumstances. In May, lawyers for Adams filed papers in court asking Edwards to allow his administration to suspend right-to-shelter requirements for the duration of the migrant crisis a move that prompted intense backlash from progressive Democrats and homeless advocates. Edwards has not yet made any decision on that request. Since May, the Adams administration has taken more steps homeless advocates say fly in the face of right-to-shelter requirements, including instituting a 60-day limit on shelter stays for adult male migrants. Adams has said hes forced to take such drastic actions because of a lack of financial and logistical aid from the federal government. He has also pointed fingers at the state, saying it needs to provide more help, too, though most of his migrant crisis-related criticism are aimed at the feds. Though the federal government isnt a party to the right-to-shelter decree, Edwards asked the Adams administration to supply the court with a list of things it believes the feds can do to help, noting that could go beyond monetary relief. LAKEWOOD, Wash. Firefighters south of Tacoma raced to save a mobile community from a fast-moving brush fire Friday afternoon but reported several structures were lost to flames and at least two people died. West Pierce Fire and Rescue received the call around 2 p.m. and arrived to find a wall of flames advancing on more than a dozen homes in the Tacoma suburb of Lakewood. "The flames were huge," area resident Nicole Ross told FOX 13 Seattle. "The flames were definitely taller than me." Explosions could be heard as the fire raged on. "When one propane busts, it was just like a trigger," said Ross. "It went to the next home, to the next one, to the next one." Ross, her daughter and her daughter's friend all grabbed hoses to help water down neighbors lawns. "It was hot, from the flames being so close," said Ross. "You could definitely feel the heat." Xitlali Joya, who lives at the park, told FOX 13 her neighbor started banging on her door at around 2:30 p.m. "The knocks were really scary. I went outside, my neighbor was in her car," said Joya. "I see outside its smoky. Theres a tree we usually see. Its in flames." After an hours-long firefight, local authorities reported nine mobile homes were a total loss and upwards of six others had sustained significant damage. A local chapter of the American Red Cross was notified and is helping the victims of the fire. During a search of potentially missing occupants, firefighters reported finding the bodies of at least two people. Firefighters believe the fire started in a grassy area near the park. Investigators have not released the cause of the inferno, but most of the state has seen an unseasonably dry summer. HOW AI IS BEING USED TO FIGHT WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA Homes damage in Lakewood, Washington Summer is the dry season in the Pacific Northwest, but much of the Puget Sound area hasn't received measurable rain in nearly two weeks, and hasn't seen a widespread wetting rain since mid-June. According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, 88% of the state of Washington is dealing with unusually dry or drought conditions. The community where Fridays fire broke out is considered to be in a moderate drought. In moderate drought conditions, fire risks are usually high as trees and other vegetation dry out and become potential fuel for wildfires. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources reported more than 1,000 fires in 2023 have destroyed about 91,000 acres. Most of the West has experienced a slow start to the fire season after rounds of heavy precipitation during the winter and early spring. New York police officers fought pitch battles with a mob of several thousand young rioters who turned up to Manhattans Union Square for a Playstation 5 giveaway by YouTuber Kai Cenat. Aerial footage showed fights breaking out, rioters hurling stones and chairs at police officers, climbing on to a subway station entrance and tearing down metal barriers. NYPD chief of department Jeffrey Maddrey said at a press conference that the teenagers broke into a construction site in the square and threw rocks, bottles, paint cans and lit fireworks at officers. Our officers were attacked, we were crushed, we were pushed, I had officers on the floor, Mr Maddrey said. You had people were walking around with shovels, axes... a lot of young people got hurt. The crowd of mostly teenagers crammed into Union Square Park after a social media post promoting the 4pm giveaway went viral. At around 3pm, an hour before an anticipated appearance by Mr Cenat, violence suddenly exploded. The NYPD put out a citywide alert for every available officer across the five boroughs up to 1,000 officers to go straight to Union Square to deal with the rioting. A line of police with clubs and shields smashed through the crowd at around 4.30pm, and began to regain control of the situation, according to reporters on the ground. Mr Cenat, 21, a YouTube star and live-streamer who has 6.5 million followers on Twitch, was surrounded by hundreds of fans in Union Square as the chaos unfolded. He left the square with a police escort and has since been taken in for questioning, Mr Maddrey said. A huge crowd gathered in Union Square for a giveaway by YouTuber Kai Cenat (NBC New York) Police are considering prosecuting him for incitement to riot and other charges, he added. Mr Maddrey confirmed that there had been no coordination with police ahead of the event. A large number of arrests had been made, and police were tallying exact numbers. One police officer was reportedly jumped by rioters and severely beaten. Mr Maddrey said he had been in the thick of the riot, and suffered injuries after being hit with flying objects. As you see Im a little embarrassed, Im very dirty right here. I was in the middle of the crowd, I was hit with a couple of objects as well. I think I have a couple of injuries but Ill figure that out when I have time to think about it. NYPD chief of department Jeffrey Maddrey was injured in the riot before fronting a press conference on Friday afternoon (NYPD) I had officers who were hit and were hurt, but they stayed to help us resolve this. Mr Maddrey saw young people in the crowd with severe injuries, and suffering panic attacks and anxiety attacks. People were suffering out here. It was a lot of people, it was uncontrolled, it took us a while to get it under control, and a lot of young people got hurt. Many of the injuries were sustained by teenagers throwing objects at one another, he added. He said police were still gauging the exact number of injuries. Earlier, CBS News New York showed live video footage showing several people had climbed onto a roof at the entrance to Union Square. A huge crowd gathered in Union Square for a giveaway by YouTuber Kai Cenat (NBC New York) Our officers used great restraint despite the aggression they were met with, Mr Maddrey said. The gathering was declared an unlawful assembly, and officers tried to encourage them to leave the area. After numerous warnings and assailed, we started to make arrests and clear out the park. Traffic was snarled in streets surrounding the square, with groups of youths climbing on top of vehicles. Rioters used makeshift weapons to hit cars (Associated Press) People could be seen pounding on the side of a bus, and climbing on top of another bus and jumping up and down. The MTA prevented subway trains from stopping at Union Square for about an hour, before resuming regular services just before 5pm. A large amount of paint was splattered across the south side of Union Square Park. Police erected metal barricades to try to push the crowd back. They issued a warning over loudspeakers: This gathering is unlawful. You are ordered to disperse. New York Police put up barricades in Union Square as they struggled to contain the crowd (Associated Press) If you leave voluntarily, no charges will be placed against you. If you refuse to leave you will be arrested for unlawful assembly. As of 6pm, police were monitoring groups of rioters who had spread out around Manhattan. Mr Maddrey said. Officers were still encountering resistance and making arrests, Mr Maddrey. We have encountered things like this before, but never to this level of dangerousness where young people would not listen to our commands, they were fighting each other and they were hurting each other. This is the power of social media, the danger of social media, Mr Maddrey said. We cant allow this to happen again. By Edward McAllister DAKAR (Reuters) - West African defence chiefs have made a plan for potential military intervention to reverse last week's coup in Niger, including how and when to deploy forces, a leader of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said on Friday. ECOWAS has given the junta until Sunday to reinstate ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, raising the spectre of further conflict in a region already struggling with a deadly Islamist insurgency. The bloc is not divulging details, and will anyway require a go-ahead from the heads of member states before intervening, but various options - military or otherwise - may be available. GROUND INVASION ECOWAS has sent troops into trouble spots before, but never in Niger and rarely with the region so divided. Coup leaders in Guinea, Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed support for Niger's junta, and other countries have their own security challenges. It is not clear how big an ECOWAS force would be or what form it would take. Security analysts say the details of a big operation could take weeks to pull together, and that an invasion carries huge risk, including getting caught up in a drawn-out conflict and destabilising Niger and the region further. Coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani served as battalion commander for ECOWAS peacekeepers in Ivory Coast after a ceasefire between government and rebel forces in 2003, so he knows what intervention missions involve. Still, some will feel they have little option. "If they dont go in, it will be a major problem of credibility. They have laid down a red line," said Djiby Sow, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Dakar. SPECIAL FORCES OPERATION This option would involve a slimmer ground force that would be quicker to assemble. It would likely focus on seizing key security and administrative sites, rescuing Bazoum from house arrest and restoring his government, said Ikemesit Effiong, a senior researcher at SBM Intelligence consultancy in Nigeria. ECOWAS could seek intelligence support from U.S. and French forces inside Niger. "The timeline would be shorter and the capability already exists in the region. An operation of that nature would be more realistic," Effiong said. Risks still abound, though. Foreign troops guarding sites in the centre of the capital Niamey could trigger violence in a city where hundreds have taken to the streets in support of the coup - and against foreign interference. AIDING A COUNTER COUP Niger is a huge, ethnically diverse country, and Bazoum won the 2021 election with 56% of the vote. It is not yet clear how much support various groups will give the new leaders. Security analysts and diplomats have also noted apparent divisions among Niger's armed forces, who may not all be united behind the coup. Regional powers could exploit that. "The only operationally feasible scenario I can imagine ... would be in the form of more limited support for a 'counter coup' by Nigerien forces," said Peter Pham, a fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank and a former U.S. special envoy to the Sahel region. "I don't see them coming in without that local element." TAKE STOCK, MAINTAIN SANCTIONS ECOWAS has taken a stronger stance against Niger than it did against juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali that have taken power in the last three years. That said, it could still decide to continue sanctions, hold off on intervening militarily and instead call for a return to civilian rule after elections. The junta has said it is willing to discuss that, without indicating a timeframe. Even this option poses risks for the region, as sanctions will weaken the economy of Niger, one of the world's poorest countries, and could therefore stoke support for the junta and Islamist groups who offer money and shelter. (Reporting by Edward McAllister; Additional reporting by David Lewis; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Alexandra Zavis and Kevin Liffey) Jersey Mikes Subs is set to open its latest Charlotte-region store in the Lake Norman area, company officials said Friday. The popular chain known for its fresh-grilled subs will open Wednesday in a new Publix-anchored retail center at 14007 North Creek Village in Huntersville. Thats along Sam Furr Road (N.C. 73 East) across from Davidson-Concord Road. Franchise owner Rodger Blake-Ward will hold a grand opening and fundraiser Wednesday through Sunday to support Special Olympics North Carolina. The restaurant will be open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily and can be reached by calling 240-690-2280. Founded in 1956, Jersey Mikes Subs has 2,500 locations nationwide. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke Saturday at the Fancy Farm picnic, one of Kentuckys classic political events, but his remarks were largely drowned out by jeers from the Democratic side of the crowd, who stomped their feet and yelled, RETIRE, and DITCH MITCH as he spoke. McConnells appearance at the picnic comes amid recent questions about his health and political future. Late last month, he froze mid-sentence during a press conference in the US Capitol and had to be led away from the podium by his fellow senators and his aides. The Republican leader, 81, later returned and answered questions from the press, telling CNNs Manu Raju, Im fine. In a statement several days after the incident, McConnells office said that he plans to continue to serve as Senate minority leader until the end of the 118th Congress. However, they did not say whether he plans to run for leader again in 2025, or for reelection to the Senate in 2026. Speculation about McConnells future has become more common since he suffered a concussion and broken ribs after a fall in March. He was hospitalized and spent several weeks recuperating, including some time at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Earlier Saturday, McConnell entered the Graves County Republican Party Breakfast to a standing ovation and applause. But voters expressed some concern about how his health will affect his ability to continue serving in the Senate. This is my 28th Fancy Farm and I want to assure you its not my last, McConnell told the crowd. The people of this state have chosen me seven times to do this job, and I want you to know how grateful I am, he added. I think his time is probably about up One young voter at the Graves County breakfast, Garrett Whiten, told CNN, I think his time is probably about up. Im against older candidates, the current president, Mitch McConnell, he added. I think that theyve run their course in politics, I think theyd be good for backing people now. But I think politics now is more of a young mans game. However, some are willing to vote for him if he runs in 2026, despite their concerns. Id vote for him. I, like all of his supporters, are concerned about I want him to be healthy and safe, said Phil Myers. But if hes the Republican nominee, I will vote for him again, as Ive voted for him every time hes run, and Id support him every way I could. Myers maintained that McConnell has never backed down from a challenge. If I were 80 years old, and had a concussion, itd take me a couple of months or a year to get over that. I mean, its normal, what doctors will tell you, thats normal for a person that age. He continued, Hes a very smart man. I mean, hes been able to keep things from far left California, some of those ideas they have from being national policy. So I support Mitch McConnell. CNN has previously reported that McConnell also fell two other times in 2023, once on a trip to Finland to meet with the nations president, and at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, as he was exiting a plane. McConnell survived polio as a child, resulting in a slight limp that has grown more pronounced in recent years. In 2019 he suffered a fall at home in Kentucky and fractured his shoulder. The worlds largest one-day barbecue Every year, on the first Saturday in August, Kentuckys politicians descend on the rural town of Fancy Farm in the Western corner of the state. While the voters and their families eat barbecue, play bingo, compete in a 5k race and enter raffles, candidates for every office from governor to state auditor to agricultural commissioner gather to give speeches and glad-hand with their constituents. The picnic is hosted by St. Jerome, a Catholic Church in town, and boasts the worlds largest one-day barbecue as well as a long history of political speeches. While each picnic brings something unique, they all have three things in common: hot weather, hot barbecue and hot politics, the Churchs website reads. Some of the nations most prominent politicians have addressed the crowds from the speakers stand, dating back to US Vice-President Alben Barkley, a native of the nearby town of Wheel, Kentucky, the Church adds. Attending in 1975 was Presidential candidate George Wallace, who had survived an assassination attempt to another part of the country. He told the crowd he was still a little gun-shy after a photographers flash bulb exploded twice during a misty rain. Republicans at Saturdays picnic were deferential toward the Senate Republican leader, giving him another standing ovation as he entered. Rep. James Comer began his remarks by saying I want to thank Senator Mitch McConnell for the close working relationship that he and I have, and McConnell joked that the events emcee, David Beck, took longer to introduce the senator than he was allotted to speak. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Alvise Armellini and Angelo Amante ROME (Reuters) -The Italian coastguard said on Sunday it had recovered two bodies and rescued 57 migrants off the southern island of Lampedusa, while about 30 people were missing after two shipwrecks. Rescue operations on Saturday south of Lampedusa were "complex", the coastguard said, confirming media reports that the two sunken migrant boats had probably set off from Sfax, a hot spot for Tunisia's migration crisis. In a statement, the coastguard described the two victims as a woman and a child. Italy's Ansa news agency earlier identified them as a mother and one-year-old child from the Ivory Coast. Ansa, citing survivors, also said that one vessel was carrying 48 people, the second 42. Survivors and bodies were picked up 23 nautical miles (46 km) south-west of Lampedusa, it said. 'CRAZY CRIMINAL' The shipwrecks happened in very rough seas. Provincial police chief Emanuele Ricifari was quoted by local news website Agrigento Notizie as saying that whoever allowed the migrants to sail in such bad weather "is a crazy criminal with no scruples". More than 2,000 people have arrived in Lampedusa in the last few days after being rescued at sea by Italian patrol boats and NGO groups amid strong winds around the island. On Sunday, mountain rescuers were deployed to pick up 20 migrants stuck on a cliff since late on Friday, when their boat hit rocks on arrival in Lampedusa, local media said. Meanwhile, NGO group Open Arms wrote on social media site X that it had begun disembarking 195 rescued migrants in the southern Italian port of Brindisi, after more than two days of sailing in rough seas. Italy's right-wing government has a policy of assigning far-away ports to charity ships, rather than letting them disembark migrants in Lampedusa or Sicily, with the aim of spreading arrivals across the country. NGOs say this increases their navigation costs, prolongs the misery of survivors, and reduces the amount of time charity ships can patrol areas of the Mediterranean where shipwrecks are more common. Italy is experiencing a sharp surge in sea migration, with almost 92,000 arrivals so far this year, according to interior ministry data as of Friday, compared to more than 42,600 in the same period in 2022. (Reporting by Angelo Amante and Alvise Armellini; Editing by Toby Chopra, Philippa Fletcher and Giles Elgood) BARING, Mo. A small Missouri community is recovering after a nocturnal tornado swept through town Friday, destroying everything in its path. The Edina Sentinel editor Echo Menges, who has been reporting from the scene, said officials from the National Weather Service told her that "without question, it was a tornado." According to the NWS, a survey team found damage that is consistent with at least an EF-2 tornado and the assessment is ongoing. That rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale means the twister had winds of at least 111 mph. NWS storm surveyors found evidence of peak winds up to 122 mph along the 1.64-mile path of the twister. No fatalities or severe injuries occurred as a result, Knox County Emergency Manager Bill Whiles said at a press conference Saturday afternoon. Only minor injuries have been reported. Of the town's 124 residents, as many as 14 people were rescued from their destroyed homes in Baring just after 11 p.m. on Friday, Menges told FOX Weather. Residents in a senior housing complex were among the many seeking help. Terry Fast was among those displaced in the middle of the night. He said he was in bed and suddenly awoke to the ceiling falling on him. "I didn't hear (any) sound or nothing," he told The Edina Sentinel. "I didn't know what was going on. I tried to do the best I could. Everything was raining on me." A building with its roof blown off and at least one wall in shambles. With his face bloodied and scratched, Fast said paramedics had to kick open his door to free him from his home before an ambulance shuttled him to a nearby community center following the disaster. TORNADO DAMAGE REPORTED IN MISSOURI AS SEVERE STORMS MARCH ACROSS MIDWEST, PLAINS As the powerful line of thunderstorms developed over Knox County, several residents in Baring reported that their tornado siren failed to go off, according to Menges. Emergency personnel also said they did not receive any notifications on their weather radios. Among the buildings destroyed were the town's post office and fire station. Menges said there is damage to numerous vehicles and large items like shipping containers and feeders spread throughout the town. Whiles told The Edina Sentinel that emergency personnel also responded to several hazardous materials leaks from tanks full of anhydrous ammonia and propane in the damaged area. Knox County Sheriff Carl Knoche told the newspaper that power to the town had to be turned off during the emergency response. He also asked everyone to refrain from visiting the town for now as emergency and clean-up efforts are still underway. A home with much of its roof missing with a shipping crate blown up against it. The Red Cross will be in nearby Edina to assist displaced residents with emergency needs Saturday. A tornado was also reported earlier Friday on the opposite side of Missouri near the town of Richmond. A Russian tanker with 11 crew members has been hit in a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea, Russian officials say. They said the vessel's engine room was damaged in the overnight strike in the Kerch Strait. No-one was hurt. Ukraine has not publicly commented. But a Ukrainian security service source told the BBC a sea drone had been used. Saturday's attack is the second in as many days involving such weapons. Russia, however, has not admitted any damage during Friday's attack. Naval drones, or sea drones, are small, unmanned vessels which operate on or below the water's surface. Research by BBC Verify suggests Ukraine has carried out several attacks with sea drones. The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, separating Crimea - Ukraine's peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014 - and Russia's Taman peninsula. The Ukrainian security service source told the BBC Saturday's operation was also conducted jointly with the Ukrainian navy and that 450kg of TNT explosive had been used. The tanker was loaded with fuel, they said so the "fireworks" were visible from afar. Russia's maritime transport agency says the Sig tanker was located 17 miles (27km) south of the Crimean Bridge. Russia's state-run Tass news agency quoted an official from the country's regional Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) as saying that two tugs had already arrived at the scene of the attack - just to the south of the Kerch Strait. "The engine room was damaged. Not much, but it was damaged," the official said. Russia's maritime transport agency RosMorRechFlot later said the vessel had a hole "in the area of [the] engine room near the waterline from the starboard side, presumably as a result of an attack by a sea drone". "The ship is afloat," it added. Russian state-run media also reported that lights on the Crimean Bridge - further north - were turned off and all traffic halted amid warnings of an imminent attack. On Saturday, Ukraine said it had designated six Russian black sea ports as being in "war risk" areas, indicating that it could be preparing further attacks on Moscow's territory. Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, warned that Kyiv was preparing to the expand the "scale" and "range of combat operations" in Russia. Map of the area where the tanker was hit On Friday, a Russian naval ship suffered a serious breach in a Ukrainian naval drone strike near Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, Ukrainian security sources told the BBC. Footage later emerged purportedly showing the drone hitting the Olenegorsky Gornyak large landing ship. Another unverified video showed a heavily listing vessel being towed to port. Russia's defence ministry said it had repelled a Ukrainian attack on its naval base in Novorossiysk which involved two sea drones, but did not admit any damage. Novorossiysk, a major hub for Russian exports, lies to the south-east of the Kerch Strait. Clashes in the sea have increased in recent weeks, after Russia abandoned a major UN deal that enabled grain to be safely exported across the Black Sea. Ukrainian ports have been pummelled by Russian drones and missiles, and Kyiv has threatened to retaliate. Sea drones "It is clear that it is impossible to win the war if you are not actively attacking," said Ukraine's presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, when asked about Western allies who may be becoming nervous about this war spilling well beyond its borders. He believes the apparent images of damaged Russian vessels will make Moscow "think twice about using the Black Sea for blackmail". While Kyiv denies drone strikes deeper inside Russia, it says it sees threats on occupied territories and surrounding waters as fair game. Russia enjoys complete control of the Black Sea and Sea of Azov and two reportedly damaged ships are unlikely to change that. But previous Ukrainian counter-offensives have been fuelled by their ability to cut off major Russian supply lines. If it has indeed been able to immobilise a large Russian warship and oil tanker in two days, it will hope more will follow. This war's footprint seems to be getting bigger. In a separate development, talks started in Saudi Arabia on Saturday on ways to end the war in Ukraine. Invitations have been sent to about 40 countries - but not Russia - to attend the meeting in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Western leaders have been keen to downplay to potential for any major breakthrough at the conference, but China has agreed to send its special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Thousands of Los Angeles city workers will stage a one-day strike on Tuesday, a union announced. Above, City Hall. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles' hot labor summer will get a little more heated Tuesday morning, when thousands of Los Angeles city workers plan to walk off the job for a 24-hour strike. Tuesday's action would be the first major city worker strike in at least 15 years. SEIU Local 721, a union representing county and city employees across Southern California, said that more than 11,000 Los Angeles city workers will participate, including sanitation workers, heavy duty mechanics, traffic officers and engineers. The city work stoppage comes amid a frenzy of organized labor activity in Los Angeles and across the country, including the first simultaneous strike of Hollywood writers and actors since 1960. Los Angeles and Orange County hotel workers have also engaged in intermittent work stoppages since contracts expired for more than 15,000 hotel workers at some 60 properties. The union said employees are staging an unfair labor practices strike because the city failed to bargain with their members in good faith and also engaged in labor practices that restricted employee and union rights. "City workers are vital to the function of services for millions of Angelenos every day and to our local economy. They deserve fair contracts and we have been bargaining in good faith with SEIU 721 since January," Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement Friday evening. "The City will always be available to make progress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." The strike will likely create some degree of disruption at Los Angeles International Airport, the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Hall and other locations, with picketing expected at dozens of other sites, including the Griffith Observatory, according to the union. Local 721 said their membership also includes more than a thousand airport workers, including custodians, mechanics and shuttle drivers. Most port workers are represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, but SEIU 721 represents about 300 port workers, including tugboat captains. Read more:Shape Your L.A. on your block An LAX spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about how the strike might affect airport operations. Port spokesperson Phillip Sanfield said he couldn't comment on possible disruption at the port because he wasn't sure how many people would be participating in the strike. The city Department of Public Works, which oversees sanitation and other services, did not immediately respond to questions. The union ratified a one-year agreement with the city in November 2022 with the understanding that they would return to the bargaining table immediately after the winter holidays, said SEIU Local 721 Chief of Staff Gilda Valdez. With the broader agreement in place for the next year, the city and the union would then negotiate over a number of "specials," or smaller specific proposals, Valdez said. But the city "reneged on their promise to negotiate on these issues," Valdez said. The union filed an unfair labor practice claim with the City of Los Angeles Employee Relations Board over this issue, along with claims filed over several other issues in recent months. "We're not going to tolerate unfair labor practices during bargaining or at all. We're fed up," Valdez said, noting that the union's members had worked throughout the pandemic to keep the city running. "We have to send a very strong message to the city." The union plans to return to the bargaining table with the city the week of August 14 to begin negotiations on the successor contract to the one-year agreement signed in November 2022. That new contract will be bargained in tandem with the "specials" that remain on the table from the beginning of the year, Valdez said. 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. By Maha El Dahan DUBAI (Reuters) - Senior officials from some 40 countries including the U.S., China and India held talks in Saudi Arabia on Saturday that Kyiv and its allies hope will lead to agreement on key principles for a peaceful end to Russia's war in Ukraine. The two-day meeting is part of a diplomatic push by Ukraine to build support beyond its core Western backers by reaching out to Global South countries that have been reluctant to take sides in a conflict that has hit the global economy. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who hopes to agree principles for a summit of global leaders that he is seeking on the issue in the autumn, said it would be important to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Jeddah meeting. Speaking on Saturday, he acknowledged there were differences among the countries attending, but said the rules-based international order must be restored. "Different continents, different political approaches to world affairs. But all are united by the priority of international law," he said. Russia is not attending, though the Kremlin has said it will keep an eye on the talks. Ukrainian, Russian and international officials say there is no prospect of direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at present, with the war raging. A European Union official said there would be no joint statement after the meeting, but that the Saudis would present a plan for further talks, with working groups to discuss issues such as global food security, nuclear safety and prisoner releases. The official described the talks as positive, and said there was "agreement that respect of territorial integrity and (the) sovereignty of Ukraine needs to be at the heart of any peace settlement". The world's top oil exporter Saudi Arabia, which has maintained contacts with both sides since Russia invaded Ukraine last February, has played a role in convening countries that did not join earlier meetings, Western diplomats have said. China, which did not attend a previous round of talks in Copenhagen, is sending Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui, Beijing said on Saturday. China has kept close economic and diplomatic ties with Russia since the conflict began and has rejected calls to condemn Moscow. "We have many disagreements and we have heard different positions, but it is important that our principles are shared," he said. Indian National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval has also arrived in Jeddah for the talks, the Indian embassy in Riyadh said on social media on Saturday. Like China, India has kept close ties with Russia and refused to condemn it for the war. It has ramped up imports of Russian oil. Of the other countries in the BRICS group with Russia, China and India, South Africa has sent President Cyril Ramaphosa's security adviser Sydney Mufamadi, and Brazil's top foreign policy adviser, Celso Amorim, will join by videolink. SAUDI DIPLOMACY Western officials and analysts said Saudi diplomacy had been important in securing China's presence at the talks. Under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MbS, the kingdom has sought a bigger role on the world stage and has pushed to expand ties with major powers outside the old framework of its relationship with the U.S. Riyadh has worked with Moscow in recent years on oil market policy and, along with Turkey, it helped mediate a prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia last year. Zelenskiy attended an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia last year where MbS voiced readiness to help mediate in the war. Saudi Arabia has also built a closer relationship with China over the past year, giving an effusive welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping when he visited Riyadh in December, and seeking to join the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In March, Beijing brokered a resumption of ties between Saudi Arabia and its arch regional foe Iran. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Middle East fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, said China's attendance sent a signal of support for Saudi Arabian diplomacy that built on other areas of recent Chinese-Saudi cooperation. "Chinese participation in the talks is a boost to the Saudi narrative that their convening power and ability to leverage relationships is qualitatively different to Western parties," he said. However, China's presence does not indicate it will ultimately agree to the results sought by Ukraine and its allies, said Yun Sun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Center in Washington. "Participating in a meeting only suggests the willingness to listen and discuss. It by no means suggests that China has to agree to anything in the end," Sun said. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Warsaw, Maha El Dahan and Omar Abdel-Razek in Dubai, Michael Martina in Washington, Aftab Ahmed in New Delhi, Gabriela Baczynska in Brussels; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Jan Harvey) The United States has declined to classify Army Pvt. Travis King as a prisoner of war, as he continues to be held in North Korea after crossing into the repressive state last month. The decision could mean King could not be entitled to the protections granted to POWs under the Geneva Convention, said Reuters, which first reported the decision. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Pentagon. U.S. officials have said the priority is to bring King home. US 'WORKING VERY HARD' TO DETERMINE CAPTURED SOLDIER TRAVIS KING'S STATUS IN NORTH KOREA, DIPLOMAT SAYS "Private King must be treated humanely in accordance with international law," a Pentagon spokesperson told Reuters. Another official told the news outlet that the U.S. could call King a POW at a later time. Prisoners of war are protected by the Third Geneva Convention, which North Korea and the U.S. have signed onto. It entails standards for the treatment of captives, their medical needs, to the ability of prisoners to send messages to their families. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP King, 23, "willingly" crossed into North Korea on July 18 while on a civilian tour of the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea, officials have said. The two Koreas are technically still at war after signing an armistice in 1953 following a bloody conflict between both nations. King was supposed to fly from South Korea to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face disciplinary proceedings after a short jail term on assault charges. At the time, he was stationed in South Korea. He instead skipped his flight and joined the tour group to the DMZ, where he dashed across the border. Earlier this week, Pentagon spokesman, Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, confirmed "that the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) has responded to United Nations Command (UNC)." "What I will tell you is, as you heard us say previously, United Nations Command did communicate or provide some communication via well established communication channels," Ryder said. You'd think you were at a music festival -- jubilant crowds singing and dancing, wearing face paint, even having a beer in some cases. And the young people packing the streets of Lisbon are here for their very own rockstar: Pope Francis. Close to 800,000 young people from around the world came out to see Francis on Friday, according to Portuguese officials, with that number expected to rise over the weekend. Often described as a type of "Catholic Woodstock," World Youth Day is a five-day event that's held once every three years for young Catholics, most between the ages of 18-25. PHOTO: Pilgrims attend the Stations of the Cross with the presence of Pope Francis on Meeting Hill at Parque Eduardo VII in Lisbon, Portugal. (Jose Sena Goulao/Pool via Reuters) Ive been a Catholic for 62 years, and Ive never been to masses as joyful, said ABC News contributor Father James Martin. "The atmosphere itself is like an Energizer bunny," said Haley Nash, who travelled from St. Petersburg, Florida. "Everybody's pumped to be here, everybody's saying 'Hola' and talking to each other. It's overwhelmingly beautiful." PHOTO: Pope Francis attends the Stations of the Cross with young people on Meeting Hill at Parque Eduardo VII in Lisbon, August 4, 2023. MIGUEL A. LOPES/Pool via REUTERS (Miguel A. Lopes/Pool via Reuters) The pope seemed to be loving it. Despite his recent hospitalizations for abdominal surgery and infectious bronchitis, he's moving full steam ahead with a jam-packed agenda. Aboard the Papal plane, he joked with reporters that he expected to come out of World Youth Day feeling "rejuvenated." By day three, that seemed to be the case. Though he may be using a wheelchair and a cane, the Pope appeared to be feeding off the youthful energy around him. In a powerful, playful moment on Thursday, he was even engaging with the crowd -- just like a popstar -- asking them to yell back at him that the Church is a place for "todos," "everyone." "Repeat after me. Todos, todos, todos," he told them. "I can't hear you. Todos, todos, todos." PHOTO: Crowds of worshipers pack the Eduardo VII Park as Pope Francis presides over a via crucis (Way of the Cross) with young people in Lisbon, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. (Gregorio Borgia/AP) "The energy of the youth inspires him, and gives him energy, and new life. Hes clearly happy to be with young people -- and theyre happy to be with him," said Martin. Francis here is also addressing a number of issues that matter to young people. He's talking about the need to preserve the environment for future generations, and even warning of the dangers of social media. "I really admire Pope Francis's attention to my generation," said Johanna Schuh, who travelled from Denver, Colorado. "I think [we're] often left out, and I think that's been received well." PHOTO: The Welcome Ceremony for Pope Francis is seen on Thursday, August 3, 2023, on the occasion of the XXXVII World Youth Day in Portugal. (Ines de la Cuetara/ABC News) But as he lays the groundwork for the future of the Catholic Church, the past still hangs heavy over it all. An independent commission in Portugal reported earlier this year that close to 5,000 boys and girls were abused by members of the Catholic Church since the 1950s -- most of the abusers being priests, with the Church "systematically" working to conceal the issue. The Pope privately met with some of the victims on the first day of his visit, in what the Vatican described as a moment of "intense listening." The Pope also publicly called for the Church to listen to "the anguished cry of the victims." The Pope also met with a small Ukrainian delegation. In a new interview released today by Spanish-language religious magazine Nueva Vida, he said Cardinal Zuppi would now be heading to Beijing. Zuppi has been tasked with negotiating peace in Ukraine and has already been to Moscow, Kyiv and Washington. PHOTO: An helicopter carrying Pope Francis is seen at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima on the occasion of the XXXVII World Youth Day, in Fatima, Portugal, August 5, 2023. (Pedro Nunes/Reuters) The Pope on Saturday will be at the shrine of Fatima, where he's expected to implore peace for Ukraine. Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared to three children in Fatima in 1917 and, among other things, requested the conversion and consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pope Francis consecrated both Ukraine and Russia shortly after the start of the war in 2022. Pope greeted like rockstar, appears revitalized at 'Catholic Woodstock' in Portugal originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A teenager has been charged with murder as a hate crime in connection with the fatal stabbing of New York City dancer O'Shae Sibley, police said. The unidentified suspect lives in and attends high school in Brooklyn, NYPD Assistant Chief Joseph Kenny said at a press briefing on Saturday announcing the suspect's apprehension. Police previously said that a 17-year-old male was wanted in connection with the fatal stabbing of Sibley, a 28-year-old Black gay man, who was stabbed in his torso on July 29 around 11 p.m. at a gas station in Brooklyn. The suspect turned himself in accompanied by an attorney, police said. He is charged with murder as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon. Those charges are subject to change once the Brooklyn District Attorney takes over the case. In a video posted to Facebook, Sibleys friend Otis Pena said he and Sibley were among a group of friends that were voguing and dancing at the gas station while pumping gas when they were confronted by another group. PHOTO: O'Shae Sibley in an undated portrait. (Courtesy Kemar Jewel) The group hurled homophobic slurs and anti-Black statements at Sibley's group while demanding that they stop dancing, according to Kenny. After about four minutes, the confrontation then turned violent, Kenny said. The perpetrator struck Sibley with a sharp object on the left side of his ribcage, "piercing his chest and damaging his heart," Kenny said. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, but was quickly identified with the help of tips from citizens, officials said. Sibley was pronounced dead at a local hospital. "Parents lost a child, a child to something clearly that was a hate crime," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at Saturday's press briefing. "This is a city where you are free to express yourself, and that expression should never end with any form of violence," he added. MORE: Police search for teen in fatal stabbing of NYC dancer O'Shae Sibley The killing comes at a time of growing anti-LGBTQ+ extremism across the U.S. Sibley was a beloved figure in the New York and Philadelphia dance communities. He was described by his friends as "a beautiful and sweet spirit," with "spectacular" talents in singing and dancing. "How is it even possible for someone's life to be taken at such a young age -- so talented, so kind," said Ja'Michael De'Shawn, a fellow dancer who worked with Sibley. Teen charged with murder as hate crime in killing of NYC dancer O'Shae Sibley originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Yuma, Arizona Republican White House hopeful Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina on Friday questioned the legality of campaign promises made by former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to end birthright citizenship for the children of immigrants living in the U.S. unlawfully. Asked whether he would join Trump and DeSantis in pledging to revoke birthright citizenship through an executive action if elected president, Scott said he does not believe presidents can do so unilaterally, echoing legal scholars who believe the change would require an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. "I think the Congress would have to act. The president cannot do that by himself or herself outright," Scott told CBS News after a roundtable with community leaders in Yuma, Arizona, an area along the U.S.-Mexico border that has seen record levels of migrant crossings in recent years. Asked if he thinks Trump and DeSantis are making promises that they would not have the legal authority to keep, Scott responded, "Yeah, I don't know how you do that without addressing the constitutional challenges." Under a decades-long interpretation of the Constitution, children born on American soil are automatically granted U.S. citizenship, even if their parents are not themselves citizens or legally present in the country. Immigration hard-liners have long criticized the policy, saying it encourages parents to come to the U.S. unlawfully and then benefit from the benefits available to their U.S.-born children. In May, Trump promised to issue an executive order to challenge birthright citizenship on his first day back at the White House if he defeats President Biden, a Democrat. Trump floated the move during his time in office, but never took action. In June, DeSantis, who has touted his recent signing of a strict state immigration law on the campaign trail, also pledged to end birthright citizenship. Any action to upend birthright citizenship would all but certain face legal challenges, since the 14th Amendment of the Constitution decrees that "persons born or naturalized in the United States" are "citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Amending the Constitution must be proposed by a supermajority in Congress or a constitutional convention convened by two-thirds of all states. It then requires ratification by three-fourths of the states. Scott on Friday became the latest Republican candidate to visit the U.S.-Mexico border, joining DeSantis and Nikki Haley, former ambassador to the United Nations. Like Republican lawmakers in Congress, GOP White House contenders have made immigration a central component of their campaigns, frequently criticizing how the Biden administration has handled the unprecedented levels of migration recorded along the southern border over the past two years. The GOP presidential candidates have largely relied on Trump's immigration playbook, vowing to restore many of his administration's hardline, and often controversial, border policies, including a program that required migrants to wait in Mexico while their asylum requests were reviewed. Scott on Friday echoed that criticism, blaming the Biden administration for the record levels of unlawful border crossings in recent years. He promised to deploy additional border agents and immigration judges to review asylum cases if elected, and to end a Biden administration policy of processing migrants at ports of entry along the southern border if they secure an appointment through a phone app known as CBP One. "If I was president of the United States, we would delete the app," Scott said. "Watching our border be insecure, unsafe and wide open is a problem that's colossal." The Biden administration has argued it has sought to manage migrant crossings in a humane way. The record levels of illegal border entries in recent years, it has said, have been fueled by a mass displacement crisis in Latin America that has seen millions of people flee crisis-stricken countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The administration has also said a strategy it implemented earlier this year is successfully reducing unlawful migration. The strategy relies on programs, such as the CBP One app process, that allow migrants to enter the U.S. legally, and stricter asylum rules for those who enter the country illegally. While those asylum restrictions have been challenged by migrant advocates, an appeals court on Thursday allowed the administration to continue them while it reviews an appeal of a lower court order that declared them to be in violation of the country's legal obligations to refugees. Illegal border crossings dropped to the lowest level in two years in June, but they have increased significantly in recent weeks, despite the extreme and sweltering temperatures in the southern U.S., preliminary Border Patrol figures show. Saturday Sessions: Boygenius performs "Cool About It" Saturday Sessions: Boygenius performs "Not Strong Enough" Boygenius performs for Saturday Sessions milestone WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Former U.S. President Donald Trump entered a plea of not guilty on Friday to new charges related to the former president's handling of classified documents after he left the White House, a court filing showed. Trump also waived his right to be present in court for his arraignment on the three additional charges on Aug. 10. Federal prosecutors filed the new charges last week against Trump and two of his employees in the criminal case over the retention of sensitive government records at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump faces 40 charges in the case, after originally being indicted on 37 counts last month. His valet, Walt Nauta, is also facing new charges, and prosecutors added a third defendant and another Trump employee, Carlos De Oliveira, to the criminal case. The charges involve attempting to delete security footage sought by a grand jury subpoena, making false statements to the FBI and the unlawful retention of an additional document, which contained national defense information. (Reporting by Katharine Jackson and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Tim Ahmann) Twitch influencer and streamer Kai Cenat was apprehended by the New York Police Department after a giveaway at Union Square Park attracted thousands of young people, causing chaos across lower Manhattan. Cenat announced an impromptu meetup and giveaway early Friday, pledging to hand out copies of video games and Playstation 5 consoles. The event attracted over a thousand young fans and forced police to shut down surrounding streets and re-route nearby subway lines. One person was even seen spraying a fire extinguisher into the crowd. Individuals in the park began to commit acts of violence towards the police and the public, NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey said at a press conference late Friday. Police made dozens of arrests and multiple people, including police officers, were injured, Maddrey added. I personally observed young people walking out with their heads, bleeding from their heads, bleeding from on their faces. I personally observed young people having panic attacks, anxiety attacks, asthma attacks, he continued. People were suffering out here. It was a lot of people, it was uncontrolled, it took us awhile to get it under control, and a lot of young people got hurt. Video showed Cenat being led into a NYPD vehicle just after 5 p.m. on Friday afternoon. Police arrived at the Union Square event just after 2 p.m., a NYPD spokesperson said. NYPD confirmed that some arrests were made at the event, but could not confirm the number of arrests or if Cenat was among those apprehended. The influencer went live while in the center of the crowd. News helicopter footage later showed people hanging off the side of his vehicle when he drove away. While in the vehicle, he went live again and asked his fans to go home. Fans also broke into a neighboring construction site and stole objects like paint cans, bottles and rocks and threw them at each other and police, Maddrey said. The gathering was declared an unlawful assembly. The department is considering charging Cenat with inciting a riot, the chief said. We have encountered things like this before, but never to this level of dangerousness where young people would not listen to our commands, he said. They were fighting each other, they were hurting each other, they were turning our attacks on us. We had to defend ourselves and we had to make arrests. This speaks to the power of social media and to the danger of social media, Maddrey continued. Were not against people having a good time, were not against young people gathering. But it cant be to this level where its dangerous. A lot of people got hurt today. The streamer currently has about 100,000 subscribers on Twitch, making him the most successful streamer in platform history. He began his online career in 2018, posting comedy videos in and around New York City. Cenats streams typically react to popular online content, host interviews and conversations with celebrities and show him playing video games. He won the Streamer of the Year award at the Streamy Awards the livestream communitys version of the Grammys in 2022. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Two sisters allegedly smuggled close to 5 kilograms of cocaine in their luggage last month while taking a week-long cruise from Miami through Mexico and the Caribbean, a report from a federal investigator says. According to a criminal complaint filed by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security special agent, the sisters had arrived in the Port of Miami on July 23 after traveling on an MSC Seascape cruise that began a week earlier. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers boarded the MSC cruise to conduct an "enforcement operation" after the ship arrived from Cozumel, Mexico, with stops in Grand Cayman, Jamaica and the Bahamas. After finding the two sisters in their shared cabin, CBP officers asked the women to bring their belongings to a "secondary inspection." The complaint does not specify the reason for that inspection. When the sisters exited the cabin, the criminal complaint says, a drug dog law enforcement had brought on board "alerted to the odor of narcotics" in one of the sister's suitcases. After the sisters claimed ownership of their belongings via Customs declarations forms at the secondary inspection area, CBP officers separated and searched the women and their luggage. According to court documents, Schneeka Parker and Takeia Herder have been charged with conspiracy to import a controlled substance and importation of a controlled substance. A sealed indictment was entered into the docket Thursday. Simon Patrick Dray, Parker's attorney listed in court documents, confirmed the charges to The Washington Post and said his client will be entering a plea of not guilty. An attorney listed for Herder did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Both women have an arraignment scheduled for Aug. 14. The U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of Florida, where the case is ongoing, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A representative for CBP declined to comment on the investigation. NBC affiliate WFLA and Insider first reported on the allegations against the sisters. Each sister was carrying a "dark-colored Samsonite backpack" inside their respective luggage, the complaint affidavit says. Inside each backpack CBP officers found an "anomaly sewed inside the lining." Within the lining of the two bags, they discovered a total of four "rectangular foam-covered packages" containing a "white powdery substance." Field testing revealed the powdery substance to be cocaine, the special agent's report says. The cocaine weighed 4.75 kilograms in total. In the complaint, special agent Summer Louis estimated each kilogram to be worth between $15,000 and $40,000, depending on its purity and where it would be sold, which would put the value of the drugs somewhere between $71,250 and $190,000. After reviewing security footage from the first day of the cruise, officers found that both sisters had checked in wearing dark-colored backpacks. They also wore the backpacks out and back onboard at the cruise's July 17 stop in the Bahamas and July 19 stop in Jamaica. While at the Jamaica stop, the sisters returned to the ship separately, both wearing the backpacks. Security footage did not show them carrying their backpacks again after July 19. On July 20, when the cruise was back in the Bahamas, the sisters did not appear to disembark, per the security footage. And on July 21 in Mexico, they disembarked carrying smaller bags. In their interviews with officers, both sisters denied knowledge of narcotics in their backpacks, and both said they were neither paid nor asked to smuggle narcotics. In interviews with law enforcement, each of the sisters said Herder had invited Parker to join her on the cruise. Herder said she paid for the trip with help from a friend. The sisters then met with this friend and one other person upon arriving in Jamaica. Herder told investigators she had left her backpack behind when she went to the bathroom and came back to find it "heavier than she originally remembered." Parker said she was offered a bag to carry her towels and belongings by one of the two people they met. "She did not notice anything suspicious about the bag because she did not see anything inside it," the complaint says. She then took the bag back onto the ship. A search of Herder's phone by law enforcement found a series of WhatsApp text messages and voice and video calls with a Jamaican phone number. She had sent a message two days before the cruise to a contact listed as "Kenny Jamaica." The message, in part, read: "I don't know what u doing but am not doing it no more so what ever u got going on let it stop playing with me and now you not going to pick up the phone." There was no response to the message. MSC Cruises did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the Port of Miami. Related Content Marijuana addiction is real. Those struggling often face skepticism. Ukraine's elite forces rely on technology to strike behind enemy lines Recovering from twin Southwest Virginia floods: 'A rough, rough ride' 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. Mr Jaishankar, in Jakarta, made it clear that till there was peace and tranquility at the border, there couldnt be any progress in ties. The abrupt replacement by the Communist Party of China (CPC) of its foreign minister Qin Gang, who had served just over six months, and around whose fate there had been considerable speculation before his late July ouster, should make New Delhi ponder on whats really going on in the Middle Kingdom. The return of longtime foreign minister Wang Yi, the tallest living Beijing wolf warrior diplomat with a history of abrasive and arrogant interactions with Indian and Western representatives, is reason enough for watchfulness. Mr Wang, previously a State Councillor as well, was promoted as head of CPCs Central Foreign Affairs Commission, a post that he continues to hold, making him a kind of super foreign minister. Indias national security adviser Ajit Doval, who met Wang Yi in South Africa in late July, on the sidelines of a Brics meeting, just a day before the latter returned as foreign minister, can testify to the nature of Mr Wangs doublespeak. The two have a long history -- they have had regular interactions as Special Representatives of their countries on the India-China boundary question, under a mechanism set up in 2003. And just prior to the Doval encounter, Mr Wang met external affairs minister S. Jaishankar in Jakarta, on sidelines of the Asean Regional Forum. At both meetings, Wang spelt out Chinas line: that both countries should find a mutually acceptable solution to the border problem, normalise ties on all other issues like trade, without letting specific issues define the overall relationship. This, of course, was completely unacceptable to New Delhi, especially after the betrayal, treachery and deception by the CPCs Peoples Liberation Army at Galwan in June 2020, and the unresolved aggressive stand by the CPC/PLA in eastern Ladakh for the past three years. Just look at Mr Wangs record: Its not just New Delhi and Washington which have faced the brunt of Beijings targeted lies and ire -- hes audacious enough to sermonise Seoul and Tokyo with racial nose and hair comparisons alluding to those of Korean and Japanese ethnicity in comparison, of course, to the superior Han people! Indias foreign minister and NSA have had the misfortune of bearing the brunt of hearing the old tape recorded cacophonic semantics of the irrational thoughts of His Masters Voice. The same nagging, bragging and repetitive monologues faced (for years) by every Indian delegation to China or to multilateral meetings. Can Indians recall the condescending, choreographed and patronising words of previous Dragon diplomats in New Delhis Chanakyapuri: Luo Zhaohui and Sun Weidong? Lets forget the border dispute; Beijing and Delhi have more in common than a mere land dispute; let not our differences spill over into dispute; we should do more for convergence of interests rather than divergence, for our mutual benefit as Asian giants. This is what Mr Wang told Mr Jaishankar in Jakarta in mid-July: Our two sides should support, rather than suspect, each other. We must focus our energy and resources on development, and not let specific issues define the overall relationship. The parting shot was like a warning to India: Forget about the border: China was not going to relinquish control anytime soon. And specific issues related to border violations, the killing of Indian soldiers, the pitching of permanent PLA tents deep inside Indian territory and other cases of violation of sovereignty. Mr Jaishankar, in Jakarta, made it clear that till there was peace and tranquility at the border, there couldnt be any progress in ties. Indias NSA, in Johannesburg, too told Mr Wang that the PLAs incursions at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship in India, and till this and other impediments were restored, there couldnt be any normalisation of ties. China, of course, wants its companies and citizens to do unhindered business in India, for Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Huawei and Meizu to sell their telecom products and MG its cars and vehicles (that dont match up to their Japanese and Korean rivals), and a plethora of inferior consumer goods and be allowed to take locals for a ride, to defraud the Indian exchequer through non-payment of taxes and money-laundering and let Chinese nationals buy land next to Indias military installations for 24/7 espionage. Contextually, one really wonders about the psyche and motivation of a section of unscrupulous traders in this country who virtually work as a pressure group for Beijing, against their own countrys interests. Are they now so addicted to Chinas cheap goods to make high profits, almost like the Chinese were once addicted to the opium consumption thrust on them by the British Raj in India? Regrettably, most Indians cant read Chinese minds, see through their psyche, and anticipate the CPCs malice owing to their lamentable lack of knowledge about Chinese history and culture. Having been almost continuously betrayed by the Dragon since the 1950s, Delhi is inexorably digging its own grave. At a time when much of the worlds finally woken up to Chinas uncivilised diplomacy and perfidy, the Wests pushback has started crystallising, responding to complaints even from American farmers that China is quietly buying thousands of acres of rural farmland and building bases near military installations. Beijing is brutally bypassing diplomatic norms to directly approach Western corporations, offering morsels and urging them to betray their own governments and do business directly with Beijing. From the EU to the US, India to Africa, virtually every country is under malicious attack from the CPC. The United States, like India, is under pressure from its businessmen to avoid unnecessary conflict because of cash-for-profits. India must remember that it doesnt have the vast land mass of the US or Europes 27-member EU. For India, it is 24/7 Chinese betrayal. Just last week, Chinese vice-premier He Lifeng celebrated the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan, which together have been consistently trampling upon Indias sovereignty. Can India compromise with its sovereignty for the sake of few unscrupulous traders and lopsided investments which bring sub-standard goods to Indian consumers? Understandably, the Dragon is gleefully exploiting Indias sorry history of a love of all things foreign. Nevertheless, it must be remembered, Indias Constitution doesnt have any provision to concede land to any foreign nation. If needed, it must amend the Constitution to do so. Delhi today, therefore, must bluntly tell CPC overlord Xi Jinping and his new foreign minister Wang Yi that Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity remains non-negotiable. The days of one-way Chinese business is over. India cannot trade its territorial integrity, violating its own Constitution and sovereignty. This timing will allow Mr Modi to set the political narrative and end the session in a blaze of glory. Though upset at the two-week delay in scheduling the Congress-sponsored no-confidence motion against the ruling coalition, the Opposition is happy that this will at least compel Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak on Manipur in Parliament, which has been its key demand since the beginning of the monsoon session. The timing of the debate (it has been fixed for August 8) appears to be a well-thought-out plan. Unfazed over the outcome of this motion given that the numbers are clearly stacked in the governments favour, the Bharatiya Janata Party believes it will actually help seize the political initiative from the Opposition. Since a debate on a no-trust motion is not confined to a single subject but covers wide-ranging issues, it provides an opportunity to the Treasury benches to stray from Manipur and focus on other matters. The Prime Minister is expected to reply to the debate on August 10, a day before the monsoon session ends. Given Mr Modis oratorical skills and his ability to turn the tables on the Opposition, this timing will allow him to set the political narrative and end the session in a blaze of glory. The spices in the chaat proved to be no match to the political spice at the high-profile Congress MP Shashi Tharoors recent chaat and mango party. It was, at once a social event, but also a show of strength to draw attention to the support Tharoor commands over what is referred to as the Kerala lobby. Besides former diplomats and writers, the guest list included a large contingent of members from the Kerala unit of Congress as well as leaders from across the aisle. Senior Congress leader A.K. Antonys son, Anil Antony who hit the headlines when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party recently, grabbed special attention at the get together. Most senior Congress leaders and others known to be opposed to Mr Tharoor were conspicuous by their absence. A senior member of the now-defunct G-23 band of Congress leaders was clearly impressed as he was heard commenting, The real Kerala Congress happens to be here. Mr Tharoor blotted his copybook with the party leadership when he contested for the Congress presidents post against Mallikarjun Kharge. After his defeat, he held a series of programmes across Kerala which unnerved the old timers in the partys state unit for it was viewed as a bid by Mr Tharoor to project himself as the future chief ministerial candidate of the Congress. Parliamentarians cutting across party lines have been seen making a beeline for two leaders during this session. These are Trinamul Congress MP Saket Gokhale, a recent entrant to the Rajya Sabha, and Shashi Tharoor, whose popularity is obviously not confined to members of the Kerala unit of the Congress. Members from different parties have been seeking Mr Tharoor out chiefly because many of them want to pen their memoirs and would like him to release their book as they believe his presence will get them considerable traction. Mr Tharoor is said to have remarked jokingly, I think I should start charging for book release. Mr Gokhale, on the other hand, is in demand for very different reasons. Several opposition leaders, especially from the Aam Aadmi Party, walked up to him for advice on filing RTIs. Mr Gokhale is considered an expert on the subject and the AAP wants to use his expertise to file RTIs against the Modi government on Delhi matters. However, this is surprising as their leader, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, was an RTI activist in his earlier avatar. It is officially maintained that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi prefers not to get involved in organisational affairs. And yet he sits in on all major meetings, all visiting senior leaders call on him while his nominees are placed in key positions in the party. Take the case of the screening committees constituted last week for the upcoming Assembly elections. The panel for Rajasthan is headed by Gaurav Gogoi while Jitendra Singh, Ajay Maken and K. Muralidharan are in charge of the committees for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, respectively. It is no secret in Congress circles that these four leaders are close to Rahul Gandhi. Their appointment could well prove to be a precursor to the long-awaited constitution of the Congress Working Committee. Its several months since Mallikarjun Kharge took over as party president but he has yet to put his team in place. Like former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, current lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha is keen to get back to active politics. According to Delhis political grapevine, Mr Sinha has conveyed as much to the BJP leadership as also his preference to contest from his old constituency Ghazipur even though he was defeated last time. Speculation is also rife that Mr Sinha has been offered Ghaziabad instead. However, this will involve moving out General V.K. Singh, who won the Ghaziabad seat with a huge margin in 2019. The guessing game continues. A fundamental difference of opinion between RSS that has a long-term Hindutva agenda & BJP seeking immediate short-term electoral dividends. R. Jagannathan (RJ) has written an important article for a national daily two days ago. He is a thinker, writer and economist, and currently the editorial director of Swarajya magazine, which represents right wing politics, and supports the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). For the first time, I think, any important ideologue supportive of the BJP has minced no words in stressing that the policies of religious polarisation being followed by the party are inimical to national interest. RJs argument is straightforward. As the BJP is the steward of one of the fastest growing economies, it cannot afford to let polarisation rise unchecked as violent eruptions can threaten economic activity. He also makes the point that protecting core Hindu interests does not require communal polarization. In fact, in my book, The Great Hindu Civilization, I have argued precisely this. His final conclusion is: Either way, the BJP must choose governance over pointless polarisation if it wants India to become a $ 5 trillion economy sooner than later. It cannot ultimately win by running with the hare and hunting with the hound. RJs argument is economic, although there are great social costs too to growing religious divisiveness, including hate, violence, and intolerance. Yet, the economic argument is a very powerful one. There is, I have always stressed, a direct link between social harmony and economic development. A country which is committed to greater economic growth, and to lift hundreds of millions out of the quagmire of poverty and deprivation, cannot be torn apart almost on a daily basis by endemic instability due to communal tensions. This argument suddenly hit people including RJ in the recent Hindu-Muslim riots in Nuh, Haryana, which quickly spilled over to Gurugram, the Millennium city, where almost all of the top global Fortune 500 companies have offices. In other satellite towns of the National Capital Region (NCR), such as Sonipat and Palwal, curfew and prohibitory orders under Article 44, were imposed. In Gurgaon, MNCs were forced to advise their staff not to come to office and work from home. Schools and colleges in the district were shut. Earlier, another key hub for international business, Bengaluru, also known as Indias Silicon Valley, was hit by religious strife. Such a spectacle is bound to cause concern to international investors, for whom India is an attractive destination, but only if safety is ensured, and increasingoutbursts of violence, or simmering tensions due to religious bigotry, do not threaten economic activity. The government takes umbrage every time the foreign media, or foreign commentators, highlight the growing communal threat, the incendiary policies of religious polarisation, and the visible divide between Hindus and Muslims. But this time the critique has come from within the Sangh Parivar from one of its own. There appears to be a fundamental difference of opinion between the RSS, which takes a long-term view of pursuing its dominant Hindutva agenda, and the BJP which seeks immediate short-term electoral dividends. The RSS one can only hope understands that in a country like India, where the minorities are in such large numbers, a policy of unrelenting exclusion is unsustainable. There are some 200 million Muslims spread all over the country, living cheek by jowl with their Hindu neighbours. Even the Christian minority at two per cent of the population is more than the combined population of Hungary and Greece. In such a situation perpetual inter-faith confrontation is a recipe for constant strife, unrest, lawlessness and insecurity. It was perhaps for this reason that RSS supremo, Mohan Bhagwat, took the initiative to meet with some leading Muslim intellectuals, and even visited a masjid. But he was ruthlessly trolled by his own radical supporters who accused him of appeasement. Similarly, Mr Bhagwat had made a comment that it is unwise to start digging up every masjid to see if a temple existed there before. For this too, he was attacked. The truth is that Hindu radical groups like the Bajrang Dal, encouraged in their lawlessness by the BJP itself, have become a law unto themselves, and are unwilling to give up their swagger of immunity from the rule of law. Similarly, there are Muslim radicals, who are not willing to see reason. A war between these groups goes on not only on the ground but through grossly provocative videos and speeches on social media. What is happening in India cannot be hidden from the world. The reach of the global media and the ubiquitous presence of social media flashes news in any part of the world everywhere. This is especially so for India, which as an emerging major power, with the worlds fastest growing economy, and a huge market, is constantly under observation. With China in bad odour and relative economic decline, India is being looked to as an alternative destination for foreign investors. This is the time to take advantage of this situation, not jeopardise it. It is futile to apportion blame between warring religious communities. There are extremists on both sides of the spectrum, Muslims who publicly proclaim sar tan se juda, and Hindus in so-called Dharma Sansads, who call for the genocide of Muslims. Communal flare-ups have a ceaseless domino effect. One act of violence or threat provokes a response, which in turn ignites a further reaction in an endless spiral that needs to be short circuited at the start. True, there are legitimate Hindu angsts which need to be rectified, and there is a backlash against earlier vote bank politics. But now the pendulum has swung to the other extreme, where Hindu majoritarianism seems to have state backing. Can we not, in our own self-interest, find a middle ground, a modus vivendi between these two extremes, which allows for civilised discussion and debate, and a resolution to perceived discontents on both sides? A country at war with itself cannot aspire to be economically prosperous. That is the simple but powerful message given by RJ. We need to seriously ponder over it. by Mathias Hariyadi The project will divert the Ciliwung River, reducing the impact of flooding by about 60 per cent. However, Indonesian President Joko Widodo noted that a lot of progress still had to be done to secure the city. Jakarta (AsiaNews) On Monday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced that the diversion of the Ciliwung River was completed. The project entailed the construction of a flood canal in East Jakarta to reduce the impact of flooding on the city by about 60 per cent. The Indonesian capital has always had a problem with floods during the rainy season, resulting in transportation chaos and flooded buildings. With this in mind, the government decided to move the capital to Nusantara, in East Kalimantan province. The source of the Ciliwung River is located in the Puncak Pass Mountains, West Java province, the only place in the country where snow falls. Now, when heavy rains are forecast, Jakarta will have a nine-hour warning. This will help prevent floods in at least six sub-districts," the president said during the inauguration ceremony. This will not free Jakarta from flood risks. The Ciliwung River still crosses the city centre since only 16 of 33-kilometre project are currently operational at a cost of more than a trillion Indonesian rupiahs. Jakarta has 13 rivers that are expected to undergo interventions. The resolution of the problem will have to be addressed together with other parties," the Indonesian president added, referring to a new dam under construction in Ciawi and the existing Sukamahi Dam in Bogor, both in West Java province. The construction of the east flood canal, announced in 2012 when Jokowi was still Jakarta governor, was halted for several years due to problems associated with relocating people who lived (more or less legally) along the banks of the waterway and could only resume after they were moved. The project entailed widening the river bed and clearing the built-up areas along the riverbanks. A group of 17 young Bangladeshis travelled to Portugal for WYD but also on a journey to discover the land and the roots of their faith, to be proclaimed back home. In Fatima this morning, Pope Francis described the Church as a mother, noting that Our Lady is in a hurry to be close to us. Fatima (AsiaNews) Portugal is the land where young people have come from all over the world to experience the life they live today thanks to Pope Franciss call; for Bangladeshis, it is also c the motherland" of the Christian faith. The group from the South Asian country is fully involved in the activities underway for the 37th World Youth Day, from 2 to 6 August, in Lisbon, led by Fr Cizar Costa, a young priest, who spoke to the Catholic weekly Pratibeshi about the value of this experience. "From Portugal we got our faith, the clergyman explained. This is why we can say that this land is the motherland of our religion. [Portuguese] missionaries came to our country to proclaim the Gospel" and "we pay tribute to them here. From the explorer Vasco da Gama to the first missionaries, Portugal played a crucial role in the spread of the faith in the Indies between the late 15th and the early 16th centuries. Today in Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country, Christians number around one million, half of them Catholics. A youth leader in the Archdiocese of Dhaka, Fr Costa hopes the WYD in Lisbon can provide an opportunity to "strengthen" the faith. Bikash Rebeiro, a youth commission coordinator, heads the delegation; he explains that "24 young people asked if they could participate" but "we got visas for 17. This is "a pilgrimage of faith. Our young people have come to gain a missionary spirit; after returning to Bangladesh, they will be able to preach the Gospel to other people" and better understand the meaning of life. One youth said he was "moved" by the love and respect he felt for Francis. "We saw the pope up close and we listened to his inspiring words [...]. I shall take his message to the youth in Bangladesh." For his part, the pontiff this morning travelled to Fatima, the land of Marys apparitions, where he recited the Rosary with young people, along with a group of sick people and prison inmates to whom he gave a golden chaplet with the Virgin. Francis spent some time in silent reflection before Our Lady, accompanied by prayer and (at times) the applause of the crowd, with a final greeting to a group of sick people. In the evening, he is scheduled to hold a vigil and pray with young people at Parque Tejo. For the pope, Fatima is associated with the quest of peace, an issue that is dear to his heart. He has repeatedly called for an end to what he calls a piecemeal World War III, in particular the war in Ukraine. In an interview with the Spanish weekly Vida Nueva, published yesterday, the pope said the he was appointing a "permanent representative to act as a bridge between Moscow and Kyiv. He also renewed his support for Card Matteo Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna, expected to travel shortly to Washington - and perhaps soon Beijing - to mediate peace. Francis also announced plans for a peace summit with world religious leaders in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, ahead of the UN climate summit. In Fatima, at the end of the silent prayer before Our Lady and the recitation of the Rosary, the pope underlined how the chapel of the Virgin offers a "beautiful image" of the " Church: welcoming, without doors. The Church is "the mother's house, facilitating the encounter with God because a mother's heart is always open to all her children, while the pilgrimage represents the Marian trait" that connects "the mysteries prayed in the Rosary. Putting aside his prepared speech, as he did yesterday, Francis spoke more about Mary's presence and "vocation" with respect to problems, illness, and hardship. Every time there is a problem, every time we invoke her, she does not delay. She comes. She hurries. Our Lady in a hurry, he said. Mary accompanies the life of Jesus, and does not hide after the Resurrection. She accompanies the disciples, waiting for the Holy Spirit and accompanies the Church that begins to grow after Pentecost. Our Lady is in a hurry and our Lady who accompanies. She always accompanies. She is never the protagonist. [. . .] she points to Jesus. And she does this in a bit of a hurry. Our Lady made herself present in a special way. So that the unbelieving hearts of so many would be opened to Jesus. [. . .] Today I would like us to look at the image of Mary and each one of us to think about what Mary is saying to me. Calling for a moment of silence, the pontiff urged those present to turn to Our Lady to know what she wants from each of us, What is there in my life that concerns you? What is there in my life that moves you? What is there in my life that interests you? Finally, let us feel today the presence of Mary, our mother. The mother who always looks at what Jesus tells her. She points us to Jesus. The mother who tells Jesus to do what people are asking of Him. That is Mary. That is our mother. Our Lady in a hurry to be close to us. May she bless us all. (Sumon Corraya contributed to this article) by Melani Manel Perera Caritas Seth Sarana organised a meeting at Maris Stella College that saw the participation of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist religious leaders, as well as Sri Lankas Religious Affairs minister. The purpose was to discuss ways to create new bases of coexistence with the help of every religion and socialise people to be good citizens. A Muslim leader hopes to see the project extended to the whole country. Colombo (AsiaNews) Caritas Seth Sarana recently organised a meeting at the Maris Stella College in Negombo, Archdiocese of Colombo, centred on Love beyond religion and race, aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and a culture of outreach. The gathering brought together various political and religious leaders to discuss ways to build new bases of coexistence. One of them was Vidura Wickramanayake, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. In his address, the minister stressed that the challenge today is to give birth to a society that values the beauty that is present in every faith and in humanity, while not denying the original teachings of each religion. To achieve this, we need help from the mosque, temple, Kovil, and church to take steps to socialise people to be good citizens and overcome mutual mistrust. Speaking to AsiaNews, Diluni Tharangani, programme coordinator at Caritas Seth Sarana, said that Negombo is a multiethnic area, an ideal place for a pilot project to help children understand the principles and values of different religions" in order to "build love and unity among them". In addition to Caritas, the event was made possible by the cooperation of the departments of Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs working together, each bringing their contribution to learning about other religions. At one point, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Christian religious leaders explained to the children and teens from Sunday school present at the event the principles needed to lead a life of mutual respect, outreach, and unity among different religions. Some of the children and teens also spoke, saying that for them the meeting provided a great opportunity to learn about the four major religions, which should be extended to young people in other parts of Sri Lanka. "This day is very valuable," a Muslim girl told AsiaNews. A group of Hindu kids from the Wijayarathnam Hindu School in Negombo agree. For them, the meeting was a "happy day", learning many things about other religions that we did not know. In addition, we are happy to have had the opportunity to meet other young people. Religious leaders also appreciated the meeting, like Islamic cleric Hasan Moulana. Even though I have attended programmes as an inter-religious leader for a long time, I am happy to say that this is the first one organised in a very meaningful way at a very high level so as to gain an understanding about all religions, he said. Cleric Moulana also urged Seth Sarana and Minister Wickramanayake to organise similar events in all of Sri Lankas 24 districts. Guitar teacher Ashton Taufer gets in tune with kids in the Summer Advantage program. More than 7,500 kids in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Basalt have participated in the program over 12 years. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Yes, kei trucks are cool. But kei cars are cooler! Meet the Nissan Sakura a small city vehicle that shows Nissan understands what battery-electric driving should be about in crowded urban areas. Nobody needs heavy 100-kWh battery packs when only commuting. EV Photo: Nissan Could this be our future? kWh Photo: Nissan Great use of space Photo: Nissan Simple, fun, cute Photo: Fully Charged Show on YouTube Nissan was among the first brands to jump on thebandwagon. The Leaf was an unexpected all-electric Japanese-made compact car. As of late, however, the Leaf isn't very popular with customers. Sales have remained in a downtrend, and, sadly, no changes are coming for the 2024 model-year unit.For Americans and Europeans, Nissan's next step forward regarding all-electric vehicles came as the Ariya crossover. It's a good-looking vehicle that wants a slice of this very popular segment. One slightly modified unit is even traveling from the North Pole to the South Pole at the time of writing!But what Nissan's hiding from all of us is the Sakura. If you're not a fan of the brand, don't worry Mitsubishi has its own version that's out and about. It's called the eK X EV . That's one futuristic name. But it fits this lightweight vehicle that doesn't have a large carbon footprint when leaving the factory.No matter what you may want to call it, this type of car proves that we need cheap EVs. The Sakura costs around $16,500 in Japan. It was such a wild success last year that Nissan had to tell people not to order one anymore. The brand simply wasn't ready for how well the mini-vehicle was received.In 2022, around 77,000 EVs were sold in the land of the rising sun. Over 23,000 of them were Sakuras. That's just how popular a vehicle like this can be in today's world. It's also proof that Citroen and Fiat weren't wrong in releasing the Ami and Topolino quadricycles over the pond.Looking like a tiny version of an Aryia -styled minivan, this kei car measures 133.9 inches in length, 54.3 inches in width, and is 65.3 inches tall. It boasts a wheelbase of 98.4 inches, which is made possible by the small Everything! By any American standards, the Sakura is a tiny, tiny vehicle.This cute car has a 20-battery pack, which is 4 kWh less than what the first-generation Leaf came with. The energy storage unit is even smaller than something you'd find on a plug-in hybrid X5! It's also not very fast when it comes to sucking electrons from the grid - it charges from 10% to 80% in around 40 minutes.Despite being this small, Nissan added the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality to this car. If the power runs out, it can help the average household keep the lights on for around a day.The average Japanese car owner drives around 2,485 mi in a year. That's less than a Cannonball run in the US. Thus, the Sakura's 112-mile range isn't something that truly matters to the targeted buyers. The autonomy may vary because the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) is more permissive than what the Environmental Protection Agency is doing in the US.One great thing about EVs is that you can maximize cabin space relatively quickly. In Sakura's case, the short overhangs and the wheel arches immediately make you think about the typical skateboard platform most automakers use today. This solution allows the manufacturer to stretch the distance between the wheels, which, in turn, makes the interior roomier.But since we're talking about a small city car, it's worth noting that it doesn't have much luggage space. If you want to go shopping with the Sakura, leave the second row free. The trunk can accommodate just 3.7 cu-ft of stuff.Another cool thing the Sakura makes obvious is how the automaker tried to give it the best balance possible by positioning the wheels as outward as it could. Combine that with the battery put in the floor, and owners won't have any issues with spirited driving or strong winds.But besides maximized cabin room in a small car, "mini motoring" has a plethora of selling points in Japan. Owners pay cheaper sales and road taxes, don't have to prove that they own (or rent) a dedicated parking space, spend less on charging, and maintenance is overall more budget-friendly.It may not seem like much to those used to the American (and even European) car culture, but this is highly unusual in Japan. The country does not subsidize cars as we do. Moreover, driving is a privilege in the Asian country.On average, people pay $22 for every 62 miles of driving they do with full-size cars. It's not surprising that over there, people are more inclined to use public transportation or bicycles.But probably the best thing about kei cars it's their post-tax selling price if you want something with a smaller price tag, you should look for non-motorized vehicles.Nissan may not enjoy Tesla's levels of automotive success, but it knows its home market. Even though it wasn't quite ready for the high demand, it anticipated some interest from Japanese people living in dense urban areas like Tokyo or Osaka. As such, to make the kei car even more appealing, it has given buyers 15 color options. Four of them are a little more special because they were inspired by the four seasons spring, summer, fall, and winter.Driving the Sakura is fun and easy. The person behind the wheel has three driving modes and a one-pedal function that can slow down brake wear and minimize brake dust, a known pollutant. The seats have armrests and are wide and comfortable, while the interior boasts only the necessities. Among them are two screens the 7-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and the digital 9-inch dashboard.Nissan decided to go for a clean look, and instead of buttons, it has added a touchscreen for the climate control panel. But put the A/C on auto, and you'll rarely have to interact with it.Combining the Leaf expertise with Aryia styling resulted in a great vehicle that will make roads less crowded. But would something like work in the US? Most likely, the answer is no. People's daily commute could more often than not be longer than the Sakura's range on a full charge.Nonetheless, it's a fantastic vehicle that truly makes environmentalists and non-car people happy. Sakura's photo would go very well next to the "less is more" expression in a pictorial dictionary.Will it become a valuable import in 25 years? Probably not. But is it great that it exists today? Definitely! SUV Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation 4WD Anyway, one thing is for sure the much-beloved legendary nameplate is back in America after a three-year hiatus that might have felt like an eternity for diehard fans of the series. The model harks back to the Toyota 'BJ' of 1951 and is currently the Japanese carmaker's longest-running moniker still in use. And, just so there is no confusion, this 2024 Land Cruiser is not the same as the J300 Land Cruiser presented by Toyota during the summer of 2021.Instead, as per its other Prado and 250 monikers , it has more to do with the smaller yet still full-size off-road version that has existed for decades in parallel with the main series. It's safe to say that the latter will not visit America, though, as a way to protect the J310 Lexus LX crown. On the other hand, Toyota seems keen on confusing us.For example, depending on the region, you get vastly different powertrains gasoline, diesel , or hybrid with power ranging from just 163 horsepower to 326 electrified ponies. Alas, there is one constant there is no engine greater than four cylinders, unfortunately. No worries, the North American version stands at the top of the pyramid with the i-Force Max 2.4-liter turbo four-pot also shared with the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma mid-size pickup truck.As such, while many folks would immediately compare the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser for America with the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and also the Land Rover Defender, we decided to pursue a different angle which is better if you have to choose between the N400 Taco truck, the Land Cruiser, or its J250 Lexus GX 550 sibling?And don't say we are comparing pickup truck apples with off-roadoranges here because the automotive industry has been doing that since its inception. Anyway, let us first remember some of each model's main characteristics.The 2024 Toyota Tacoma (N400) was unveiled in May 2023 as the culmination of six months of hard work from the Japanese automaker that brought us many novelties, including the 2024 Grand Highlander three-row mid-size crossover SUV. The latest iteration of the best-selling mid-size pickup truck in America featured a subtly evolved design ethos, an all-new Trailhunter trim focused on overlanding adventures, plus the new XtraCab body style.Lots of trims made for a great choice, but for sure, the show's star was none other than the TRD Pro model when it featured the fresh 326-horsepower i-Force Max powertrain under the hood. So, from now on, there's a hybrid option for pickup truck users that don't care much about the performance-oriented Ford Ranger Raptor, for example.Next up, in June, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 broke cover alongside the 2024 Lexus TX (the posher sibling of the 2024 Grand Highlander) and also featured an all-new Overtrail+ grade plus a singular option for what lies under the hood a 349-horsepower 479 lb-ft (649 Nm) 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hooked to a ten-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission and full-timeYep, they said goodbye to the mighty V8. Still, they catered to the off-road aficionados: up to 8,000 lbs. (3,629 kg) of towing capacity, plus approach/breakover/departure angles of 26/24/22 degrees on the Overtrail trims. Just like the new Tacoma, Lexus' new GX was also met with near-universal acclaim from both critics and fans.Now, there's a problem what will you choose if you want the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform and the ultra-expensive Lexus LX 600 just doesn't cut it for you? Could it be time for a switch to a mid-size pickup truck lifestyle? Or are the full-size SUV siblings too enticing? Well, that's a big conundrum, right?Curiously, Toyota just solved part of the problem when it revealed the 2024 Land Cruiser is coming to nationwide US dealerships starting next spring with a simple lineup consisting of the Land Cruiser 1958 and Land Cruiser grades. Yep, there's also the First Edition , but that one will disappear like new-found gold nuggets because there are only 5,000 units slated for production for North American markets. So, if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg, the mid-$50k Land Cruiser 1958, with its vintage appearance and Bronco/Wrangler/Defender-styled round headlights, might do the trick.Or, if you don't mind shelling out an additional buck, the squared LEDs of the regular Land Cruiser trim will probably fare better in a mpg comparison with the twin-turbo V6 Lexus LX. Besides, if the Land Cruiser starts around $55k, we are pretty sure the 2024 Lexus GX 550 is coming for at least $60 or even $65k. So, at least for now, I think the saner choice is a 2024 Land Cruiser, right? Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile Quickly name the first three all-time most iconic Charger cars Dodge ever built (no four-doors allowed)! Chances are the answer goes like this: General Lee, the R/T from Bullitt, and the Daytona winged warrior. And the answer would be 33.3% wrong a disclaimer follows in the next paragraphs - because this forgotten Mopar will testify otherwise. When Mopar saw that its Charger creations were good, it gave them a place in Piston Heaven. And then the emissions regulations Satan pricked all joy from V8s with his pointy energy-crunching horns, and all fun went to that dreaded H-word place all gearheads avoid to pronounce: history.After all, if God made man in His own image, why on Earth did the descendants of Adam go down the road of automotive misery after putting tremendous effort into building HEMIs and Magnum Six-Packs and the like, only to send them in front of the Malaise inquisition a few short years thereafter?Coming to the statement in the first paragraph about the percentage, Dodge built the 1970 Charger and the 1968 R/T. Still, Chrysler did not put together the Winged Warrior. Before you enter the digital lapidation launch codes into your keyboards, remember one little devil-residential detail.Creative Industries put the nose cone and signature rear spoiler on the Charger 500, thus transforming it into the famous automobile we know. Chrysler did not, in fact, fully assemble the Daytona in 1969 in any of the corporations factories. It did, however, get its wrenches together and finally put the bells and whistles on the 1975 model (Insert mind screeching-vinyl sound here): thats right, there was a Dodge Charger Daytona in 1975.Or, to be mathematically fair to the original limited-edition NASCAR-homologating production run of 500-and-few original 200-mph-barrier-breaking speed demons:there were 238 Dodge Charger Daytona examples built for the 1975 model year.This is a bit confusing mainly because the Daytona of the Malaise Times was not a sub-model but a trim package for the Dodge Charger Special Edition (SE). And this one, in turn, was a badge-engineered Chrysler Cordoba. (Yes, the seventies were fugly years for muscle cars, and Mopar even spat on some of its childrens graves in an attempt to save its hide from bankruptcy).Lets recap: in 1975, the Charger was at its fourth generation, and got appointed to a new divisional tier: personal luxury. In the eighth decade of the past century, this catchphrase hid a horrid reality the tire companies would see their profits diminish because instant burnouts and general rubber-smoking fun became a decadent petrol-lavish thing of the past.Engines were losing performance faster than a gun-banning Presidential candidate would lose followers, votes, and mind. Car manufacturers either killed performance nameplates may the Crankshaft Gods have mercy on their HEMI-gods (pun intended) Plymouth Cudas or played a sleight of hand with the monikers.The Charger got the ill-fated transmutation: having started life as a full-sized performance car with luxury affectations, the name was sacrificed on the fuel-saving altar and assigned the role of a plush luxobarge. The Charger was not spared the humiliation of being stripped of all its V8 glory only to be sent to the gallows of the oil embargo side effects.In 1975, Dodge thought it would be a good idea to have a vehicle offer similar to the newly-introduced Chrysler Corinthian Leather Cordoba. The division didnt bother with designing a model of its own. Instead, it slapped some personalized front clip details and rear taillights on the first Spanish-named Chrysler, called it a Charger, and pat itself on the back.The Dodge Charger came in four trim levels in 75: the simpleton Charger, the Charger Sport, the Special Edition, and the Daytona. The latter was a high-end package for the SE (it could be ordered only as an add-on to the high-price SE variant).238 were assembled, and all came in a two-tone color combination (three choices were available: brite clue/silver, silver/silver, and red/maroon). Most of the 1975 Daytonas had the blue-over-silver livery with a blue interior (a theme repeated six years later, on the last Imperial's Frank Sinatra Signature Edition).The cars had plenty of standard equipment, like power steering, power front disc brakes, color-keyed 24-ounce shag carpeting, or an electronic digital clock (with analog rolling digits). A heater with a defroster, a keyless door locking system, all-vinyl front bucket seats with center armrest, sound deadening, a high-speed starter, the premium steering wheel, and front/rear sway bars were also on the no-extra-cost equipment list.The body style was a two-door hardtop, but it was a far cry from the illustrious styling from 68-74, and it had nothing in common with the first-generation fastback. The extended deck, longer hood, opera windows, and eye-glasses-and-mustache style front end had nothing to do with muscle.Three engines were available: the optional 318-CID (5.2-liter), the standard 360-cube (5.9-liter) with either two- or four-barrel carburation, and the range-topping 400 cubic-inch (6.6 liters again, in 2V or 4V formats). A single three-speed TorqueFlite auto was linked to all engine options, with rear ends varying between the 2.45 economy gearing to the 3.21 high-ratio axle.As standard, the rear end of a 1975 Charger Daytona would have been the 2.71, with a 2.94 also available. The Sure Grip differential was available only on the 2.71 and 3.21 cars. Dont let the choices fool anyone the performance wasnt even an option, let alone standard. The best an engine would offer was the 190-hp, 290 lb-ft from the 4V 400-CID V8. Not a lot of sportiness, despite the advertising brochures claiming the racy look (see it in the gallery).Despite their rarity, the 1975 Dodge Charger Daytonas are not collectors fodder nowadays, unlike their ancestors from the late 60s. For reference, one such surviving example asks a modest price of $24,888. Note that this car comes from a 47-year one-family ownership since new.It was bought on May 29, 1975 (the Daytona package was a mid-year introduction and became available in late April) and had just under 30,000 miles on it (48,000 km). Interestingly, the selling dealer acquired this automobile for $13,000 in 2022 from the original owners. The car retained its factory livery (Lucerne Blue Metallic/Silver Cloud Metallic), 360-cube 2V V8, and rare tach (not many 75 Daytonas had the Revs gauge installed).Other options featured on this couch potato of a Charger are air conditioning, the 8-track, the manual sunroof, and dual sport-styled mirrors. Of the 30,000 or so Chargers built for the 1975 model year, the Daytona accounted for less than 1% of the production. For comparison, Chryslers Cordoba pushed 150,000 units that same year. The hottest July in history put both the Tesla fan club and Tesla haters club on fire because of a Reuters investigation. The journalists uncovered details about a so-called "Diversion Team" and its mission to cancel service appointments for owners complaining about driving range. And now Customer Reports pours gas on fire because of Model Y's poor results in a comparative range test. EV Many go out for wool and come home shorn Photo: Consumer Reports ICE The biggest range, the biggest disappointment Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports Numbers talk, and it's not a pretty story Photo: Tesla Allow me a brief review of the Reuters findings. If you'd like more information, you can read Gustavo's long story on the subject . In short, although EPA ratings for Tesla cars ranges were extraordinary (on paper), some not-so-few owners were disappointed by the real-life range of their cars and wanted a service appointment to check if there was something wrong with their batteries.Reuters sources stated that the company knew that EPA ratings were too optimistic for real-life conditions, and the algorithm wasn't meant to adapt its estimates according to the outside temperature. As you may already know, cold weather is enemy number one forrange. And when the battery is good for only half the range advertised you could easily feel deceived, enraged, and so on.The most disturbing thing in the Reuters story is that Tesla had a "task force" to discourage complaining people from going to service. Now that's something Tesla fans can't entirely forgive Elon Musk for, so keep an eye on TSLA stock value fluctuations. In the meantime, one of the latest Consumer Reports can't be ignored.It's not the first time someone is conducting such an experiment: testing electric cars in real-life driving situations and different temperature conditions. But it's the "best" moment for their conclusion "Tesla doesn't meet range claims year-round" to make a buzz. Especially since they talk about Model Y, presumably the world's best-selling EV or even the world's best-selling car, according to some sources.Consumer Reports gathered four electric crossovers almost everyone here is familiar with Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model Y, VW ID.4 and, over the past year, they conducted "seasonal testing." They drove the cars virtually the same so that comparison is as accurate as possible.The main issue observed was, by no means, the critical effect the low temperatures had on cars' range. Lithium-ion battery chemistry's efficiency drops in cold weather, which translates to a higher electricity consumption per mile. Add to this the extra juice the air conditioning system needs to heat the cabin, and you can understand that a smaller range than advertised is unavoidable.To put things in perspective, in cold weather, internal combustion engine consumption also increases, sometimes by a large margin. Because of low temperatures,'s low efficiency (compared to an electric motor) gets worse, but the range is not such a big issue because the fuel tank is pretty big. CR may likely conduct such an experiment involving all kinds of propulsion systems.Until then, let's take a look at some values. Just to remind you, they are helpful only by comparing the cars in this test, which were tested the same. Each car tested separately, in other circumstances, will probably result in different values.It should not surprise that the EPA's values are only indicative figures closer to best-case driving scenarios than everyday ones. It's the same for ICE vehicles, by the way you're most likely to get a lower mileage than the EPA-rated. But, as I said before, the fuel tank is pretty large for you not to be concerned about the range.Electric vehicles have a twist the public is mainly interested in how long the EV can be used on a full charge. Consumption values are useless because they involve some math and information about the battery capacity. Frankly, nobody gives a damn about it unless "bigger battery" means "more expensive."Unfortunately, "bigger battery" doesn't necessarily mean "longer range" when cold outside. I won't get into the Consumer Reports' technical details of measurement methodology. I'll only give you an idea of how bad things are regarding the difference between the advertised EPA ranges and CR's test results.Firstly, let's see how much the differences between the official range of each car and the CR's range in warm conditions (85 F / 29 C) when you expect an EV to travel the longest: Ford Mustang Mach-E : its calculated range is 5 miles longer than EPA's, so the percentage would be a negative one; it deserves thumbs up- Hyundai Ioniq 5: 0.8%- Tesla Model Y: 16%- Volkswagen ID.4: the calculated range is 16 miles longer than EPA's, so I can only applaud it because a negative percentage is of no useTesla Model Y's range was calculated to be shorter by 52 miles than the EPA range. The 16% difference is an unpleasant surprise for warm temperatures, where the electricity consumption should be optimum. So, strike one for Tesla.Secondly, what are the differences in mild conditions (65 F / 18 C) the ones that most of us are familiar with most of the year:- Ford Mustang Mach-E: 7.4%- Hyundai Ioniq 5: 4.3%- Tesla Model Y: 22.7%- Volkswagen ID.4: 6.7%Thumbs up to Hyundai; good job VW and Ford, but what the heck is happening to Tesla? The range loss is MORE than the other three percentages combined! Model Y could travel almost a quarter less than what EPA is saying, and this is a slap in your face coming from the star of EV sales. So, strike two.Thirdly, we'll see the differences in cold weather (17 F / -8 C), and you should expect some steep declines in range because the guys from CR drove in the winter of 2022 in February:- Ford Mustang Mach-E: 30.3%- Hyundai Ioniq 5: 28.5%- Tesla Model Y: 43%- Volkswagen ID.4: 29.1%In cold weather, you should expect a range shorter by around a third for three EVs here compared to the EPA value. It's not a nice picture, but it's normal for current lithium-ion technology although very few dealers tell prospective customers this detail. In real life, you should plan those long journeys in the winter more carefully.Unfortunately, Tesla fares astonishingly bad. Its range almost halves in cold weather compared to the EPA rating, despite Model Y being the lightest of the four, having the most advanced heat pump for adjusting cabin temperature, and the most aerodynamic shape. You would expect the most negligible difference, but instead, you've got a strike three, Tesla!As expected, CR's test proved that the EV range is very much affected by lower temperatures in real-life conditions. Depending on various factors, you could get smaller or bigger differences in your Mustang Mach-E, Ioniq 5, or ID.4, but at least you can expect decent range losses. That's important info for any EV owner or anyone considering switching from an ICEV to an EV.Regarding Tesla, the Consumer Reports' results suddenly became interesting proof for Reuters' investigation. One could argue that the timing is probably too perfect, but I really don't see it as an anti-Tesla conspiracy. It could hurt Tesla's hype image, of course, but Tesla cars are not all about range.The problem is that the EV range is perceived as the "Achilles heel" by the large public, especially by the undecided. Being frank about the downsides of electric cars and coming up with valid arguments could help them make the right choice choosing an electric car instead of another internal combustion engine car.But being dishonest about the vital performances of your electric cars is hurting electromobility in the long run, mister Musk the same as an aggressive price-cut war. Or maybe smaller prices reflect the actual range of Tesla cars? Hopefully, there's a lesson to be learned from all these, and I expect it to be better and more transparent public communication. Photo: Sykes Holiday Cottages Photo: Sykes Holiday Cottages Photo: Sykes Holiday Cottages Granted, such a trip down memory lane won't do anything in terms of protecting us against whatever will bring about the apocalypse or would only help for a short while. Let's not focus on the negatives, though. The Transmitter Bunker is a rare case where a piece of history has been turned into a modern living space while retaining its original traits that add personality to the new habitat.A more apt comparison than with a modern-day bunker would be with a livable museum because that's what this bunker is in a way. Commissioned in 1941, it was part of the UK's Chain Home radar system, the world's first early warning radar network that served a crucial role in the 1940 Battle of Britain. This bunker remained operational until 1956 when it was decommissioned.Today, the Bunker is a proper home offering sleeping for four people, two common living areas, and all the trappings of modern life wrapped in a package that retains the original structure and distinctive features of the space. It is located in Ringstead, in Dorset, England, and is one of the three bunkers under the same private ownership It's the first one to be given a modern redo, under architects from Corstorphine & Wright, working with engineers from Symmetrys, after it was listed as a Grade II building. In the UK, this means that the building has historical significance, so whatever work is done with it must be in accordance with the original style. As architect Jonny Plant explains in the video below, this forced them to approach the project differently, with a focus on its history.The other focus was on making the most of the surrounding views of the coastline. The result was a bunker-type home with expansive glazing, hiding the main all-glass entrance behind what Plant calls "a blast opening."Because the interior walls and ceiling are exposed concrete, much like in the original bunker, Plant and his team had to strip the structure of overlaying elements to insulate and waterproof it from the outside. Once this was done, they put the dirt and vegetation back over it, allowing it to grow as before.The result is impressive : the home looks like it's carved inside the hill, a relic from the past that belies the amount of hard work that went into making it livable. The first thing you see is the front patio, which extends the living room behind the sliding glass door into the outside. It's the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the spectacular views.Then again, so is the living room space. Because of the utilitarian styling, furnishes are minimal throughout: plain wood wardrobes, a couple of colorful chairs here and there, metal frame beds, a couple of wooden bunks, a large plush couch facing the glass wall, an oversize metal wood-burning fireplace, a minimalist coffee table.Colors are also muted, with the exception of the chairs used for contrast, either in blood red or deep velvety emerald. Preferred materials match the exposed rough concrete and polished concrete floors: nude woods, exposed brass, aged metal, and glass. In keeping with regulations for Class II buildings, the architects kept the original air vents in the ceiling of the space now used as living room, but their sole purpose now is that of allowing more natural light in.Spaces are compact but welcoming for guests. The Bunker could probably work as a permanent residence, but it's not designed as one: it's a rental unit, offering sleeping in two beds and two wooden bunks. The bathroom is equally spartan, but features a walk-in shower, a toilet, and sink, while the kitchen overcompensates for size with an abundance of appliances.Transmitter Bunker offers 60 square meters (645 square feet) of living space, which also includes a small dining area for four. Parking for four vehicles is available on-site, and the home comes with underfloor heating, Smart TV, and WiFi. There's also a neat little "Museum" corner that offers guests a look at the history of the place , the original design and styling, and some details about the remodel.The Transmitter Bunker might still look like a repurposed bunker where not much effort has gone into making life inside it comfortable, but it's a case of "dont judge a book by its covers." Or by the rough concrete that decks its walls, in this case. This is a very modern home and one that stands out from all the rest with its incredible history as a WWII comms bunker. 5 August 2023 21:38 (UTC+04:00) EDITORIAL As time goes on, the anxiety within the Armenian authorities is increasing, and the hypocrisy of the government is going to be exposed. On the other hand, the Armenian media continues to tirelessly shout out to the world its illusions about the border checkpoint in Azerbaijan's Lachin. It should be recalled that a few days ago, in an interview with Euronews, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, admitted to the international media that 'peace in the region is inevitable'. At the same time, the stopping of trucks belonging to Armenia on the Lachin road gave further motivation to the next provocative actions. But we wonder if Pashinyan raised the issue of peace before the international media, why is Armenia taking steps that in fact, slows down the peace processes mentioned by the prime minister, who tried to show himself as the landlord and the leader of the Armenian minority in Garabagh by making inappropriate interventions in the events taking place on the territory of Azerbaijan? Armenians living in Garabagh are stunned by this kind of concern of Armenia in the literal sense of the word. Because if the common people choose a peaceful life, the separatist remnants that exist inside and such interventions of Armenia from the outside make the Armenian society confused. Today, the Armenian minority in Garabagh is witnessing how liars and hypocrites both Yerevan and the so-called separatist leaders are. Even the Armenian residents of Khankendi, who want to become citizens of Azerbaijan, demand a report from the authorities of Armenia on the results of the political negotiations conducted by the OSCE Minsk Group and other international organizations over the last 30 years. Indeed, after 30 years, the Armenian minority, facing a difficult question, is now trying to understand that the support given to them by both the authorities and the co-chairs is not for the people, but for some private purposes, to be more clear, for their own portfolios. If this is not the case, why are the co-chairmen, led by the prime minister of Armenia, now telling the Armenian minority that the place where they live is the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan? Why didn't those officials turn to the people and tell them about the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan for 30 years, but all the truths were conveyed to the people when the geopolitical and geostrategic situation in the region was changed by Azerbaijan? Nikol Pashinyan does not know what to do now. Every passing day in Karabakh means an alarm for Yerevan. In any small and unnecessary issue, Armenia, acting very sensitively, makes various excuses for self-serving events and voices prejudiced opinions against Azerbaijan. An example of this can be the groundless accusation of the prime minister in recent days regarding the arrest of Vagif Khachatryan, who was directly involved in the murders in the Meshali tragedy. With this, Armenia exceeds the limits at the international level and tries all kinds of maneuvers by being encouraged from support of some foreign forces. Another example about Armenian officials' pettiness and addction to creating a big problem out of every trivial issue is overexaggeration of the article published in the Azerbaijani press a week ago regarding the criticism of the Armenian leaders who have been in power in Yerevan during the 30-year Armenian occupation. The poor Armenian officials, who are looking for a weak meaning for their own benefit in a title of an article, have resorted to a new provocation. In particular, those who tried to sensitize the pointless matter in the backdrop of the Israel-Azerbaijan relations actually started to gnaw their guts and talk nonsense. However, in the article, it is the expression of the truth that burns inside them. If the spokesperson of the Armenian MFA, Ani Badalyan, and other Armenian mouthpieces like her are against hate speech and violence, then why do they not talk about the genocides and atrocities committed by their fathers in Garabagh? Of course, the Armenian leaders, as the title of the published article says, are as brutal, criminal and murderous as Hitler. Ignorant Armenians should understand that until those leaders were born, Hitler was the only criminal, human butcher in the world, but the emergence of the most brutal and inhumane leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries in Armenia has folded and discarded Hitler's record book. Currently, Armenian leaders are among the most popular criminals of the modern era. Armenian leaders created a new signature after Adolf Hitler with their crimes in Khojaly, Karabakh, Baghanis Ayrum and Meshali tragedies. We are sure that Pashinyan and his entourage are well aware of all these facts and also understand the approach of Azerbaijan in the article. Azerbaijan has been a country showing friendly attitude towards all ethnic communities since centuries. If they want to prove the opposite, then Badalyan, who is againt the hate speech, should report to the world community about the expulsion of Azerbaijanis, Kurds and other nationalities from Armenia. In a word, instead of talking about aggression and blockade, it would be better for Armenia to put an end to provocations by following the principles of neighborliness. We know that Pashinyan's last hope is some international organizations, parliamentarians and partners such as France, which the Armenian lobby bought with money and made dependent on itself. However, Yerevan should understand that external support is temporary, but it does not promise a good future. And also they should not forget that politics is not controlled only by capital, and when Azerbaijan breaks these shackles one day, Armenia's feet may be thrown off the ground. This is not a threat at all - it is a kind reminder, before it is too late... --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2023 14:16 (UTC+04:00) The Azerbaijani working group on ecological issues of the Interdepartmental Center under the Coordination Headquarters established for the centralized solution of issues in liberated territories has held a meeting in Shusha, Azernews reports. Representatives from the working group's respective state structures, including the Special Representative Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shusha District, Shusha City State Reserve Management, and the Special Representative Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan districts of the Eastern Zangazur Economic Region, attended the meeting. Delegates from the Special Representative Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Garabagh Economic Region (except for Shusha District), the Garabagh Economic Region Restoration, Construction, and Management Service, and the Eastern Zangazur Economic Region Restoration, Construction, and Management Service No. 1 also attended the event. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2023 11:00 (UTC+04:00) Representatives of Azerbaijan's civil society organisations have made an appeal to the international organisation regarding the call to use the potential of humanitarian demining in the peace building process, Azernews reports. The appeal reads: We, the representatives of civil society of Azerbaijan, appeal to UN Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guterres, to the President of the UN General Assembly Mr.Csaba Korosi, to the President of the UN Human Rights Council Mr. Vaclav Balek, to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Turk, to the Director of the UN Mine Safety Service Mrs. Ilen Kokhni, to the leaders of the European Union, Council of Europe institutions and the member countries of these institutions, and the leadership of the United Kingdom, urging each of them to give strong support to quickly eliminate the threat of landmines created by Armenia in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Today, more than 60 countries of the world are facing the threat of landmines. Azerbaijan occupies one of the first places among the countries most contaminated by landmines and unexploded military ammunition. According to preliminary information, during the occupation of Armenia, more than 1 million landmines were planted on the lands of Azerbaijan. We feel the real danger caused by landmines and unexploded military ammunition in our daily activities. In 2020, after 44 days of war, 303 people were victims of landmines in the liberated territories. Of which 55 were killed, others were injured in various degrees. Among the injured, nine people are children and young people, and two people are women. Since 1991, the total number of victims of mines buried by Armenia is approaching 3400 people. The government of Azerbaijan uses all its resources to carry out demining operations in the territories freed from occupation. About 1 million IDPs are looking forward to their safe return to their native lands. Those areas must be cleared of mines quickly for their return, and for this, there is a great need for international donors to mine clearance work and strong support for mine victims. Despite the use of modern techniques in demining work, the massive contamination of areas with mines, the diversity of the geography of planted landmines, and the fact that Armenia has not provided accurate maps until now create immense difficulties in identifying and clearing mines. Based on our research, we can note that approximately 71 percent of landmine incidents occurred outside the areas that used to be the Contact Line. This is another proof that they are directed against peaceful people. Landmine incidents were also recorded in destroyed settlements, cemeteries, springs, road crossings, forest massifs and village paths. The refusal of Armenian side to provide the real landmine maps, and the way of deceiving the world community in this regard, and creating an imitation of providing mine maps, does not serve to eliminate the humanitarian disaster. This is also a neglect of the establishment of peace and harmony, sustainable development between the two countries in the future. The fact that Armenia continues to plant landmines in Azerbaijan's territories even after the 44-day war, and the discovery of mines produced in 2021 in various areas in the past is the next series of crimes against humanity. Demining is also one of the key conditions for achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. It is for this reason that Azerbaijan formulated the Sustainable Development Goal for self-cleaning and set it as a national goal. In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on a global scale, to establish an international partnership in the fight against mines and unexploded ordnance, mobilize resources, and pay special attention to mine-affected countries, Azerbaijan has proposed a new and special 18th Sustainable Development Goal on humanitarian demining. We believe that this can direct the attention of the world community to the global mine threat. We, as civil society organizations, urge you to closely support the elimination of the landmine problem in Azerbaijan, put pressure on Armenia, and demonstrate a fair position in the elimination of the mine threat. We believe in the great potential of humanitarian demining in the peace building process. We count on your valuable partnership and goodwill in combating the mine threat, and we count on your support in eliminating the threats posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. Signatures: 1. Hafiz Safikhanov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Campaign Against Landmines Public Union 2. Azerbaijan Mine Victims Association Ray Gasimov (Ray Karimoglu) 3. Chairman of the Union of Disabled Organizations, Davud Rahimli 4. Chairman of the "Eurasia" Platform for Migration Initiatives Public Union Azer Allahverenov 5. Zaur Ibrahimli, Chairman of "Prioritet" Social Economic Research Center Public Union 6. Chairman of the International Eurasia Press Fund Umud Mirzayev 7. Chairman of "Chirag" Humanitarian and Development Public Union Nadir Jafarov --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2023 10:32 (UTC+04:00) On 4 August, the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs of Azerbaijan held a drawing of lots among families to be resettled in Aghali village of Zangilan district, Azernews reports. The State Committee informed on Friday that representatives of the Special Representation of the President of Azerbaijan in Zangilan district, which is part of the East Zangazur Economic District, and executive authorities of Zangilan district took part in the event. 22 families (106 persons) participated in the drawing of lots. 9 of them were provided with three-room, 9 - four-room, and 4 - five-room private residential houses according to their family composition. These families lived in Baku and Sumgait cities, in places of temporary settlement on the territory of the Absheron district. The drawing of lots is aimed at ensuring objectivity and transparency in the process of accommodation of former IDPs. The participants of the draw noted that they felt great joy at returning to their native places. They expressed deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for the conditions created in the territories liberated from occupation and care for the IDPs. Families participating in the draw will be sent to Aghali village on 12 August according to the schedule. Recall that the return of the population to the village of Aghali is carried out within the framework of the "Great Return". Before the occupation, this administrative unit united three villages. Aghali I had 40 families (154 people), Aghali II - 60 families (245 people), Aghali III - 161 families (675 people). Currently, the total number of families from these villages is 352 (1,504 people). It should be noted that the victory gained by the Azerbaijani army under the leadership of the President, victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev in the 44-day Patriotic War allowed our compatriots - IDPs, who had longed for their native land for almost 30 years, to return to their native lands in the territories liberated from occupation. During the period of their life in the status of migrants, they were constantly surrounded by the attention and care of the Azerbaijani state. The strategic line defined by great leader Heydar Aliyev and continued by President Ilham Aliyev is aimed at the improvement of living conditions, social protection, and employment of IDPs and is being consistently implemented. First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva also always treats the issues related to IDPs with special sensitivity and provides assistance in solving their problems. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2023 12:33 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences to Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in connection with the human casualties and and considerable damage caused by a major landslide in the Shuakhevi resort area, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "Dear Mr. Prime Minister, We were deeply saddened by the news of the loss of life and large-scale destruction caused by a powerful landslide that hit the Shovi resort. I share your grief over this tragedy, and on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I offer my profound condolences to you, families and loved ones of those who were killed, and the friendly people of Georgia, wish the injured recovery as well as the soonest elimination of the natural disasters consequences." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2023 15:27 (UTC+04:00) The State Committee of Azerbaijan for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons held a draw among the families who will be resettled in Azerbaijan's Fuzuli region on August 5, Azernews reports with reference to the State Committee. Representatives from the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in the freed regions that are part of the Garabagh Economic Region (with the exception of the Shusha district) and the executive power of Fuzuli district attended the ceremony. The draw was attended by 144 households (509 persons). According to the family makeup, 51 have two-room apartments, 76 have three-room apartments, and 17 have four-room flats. These family have resided in Baku and Sumgayit, as well as in temporary settlements on the Absheron district's land, till today. The lotteries are designed to promote neutrality and openness in the transferring of former internally displaced persons. Moreover, the participants in the draw noted that they feel great joy in connection with returning to their native places. They expressed their deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for the conditions created in the territories liberated from occupation and the care given to the former internally displaced persons. The families participating in the draw will be sent to the city of Fuzuli as soon as possible. The victory in the 44-day Second Garabagh War led by victorious Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev allowed our compatriots, internally displaced people who had been yearning for their native land for nearly 30 years, to return to their native lands in the territories liberated from occupation. Throughout their time as displaced people, the Azerbaijani government has given them extra attention and care. The strategy line, outlined by the great leader Heydar Aliyev and continued by President Ilham Aliyev, is aimed at improving living conditions, ensuring social protection, and securing the employment of internally displaced people, and it is now being implemented regularly. First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva constantly examines matters concerning internally displaced persons with exceptional sensitivity and assists in resolving their challenges. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2023 15:56 (UTC+04:00) Speaker of Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova has sent a letter of condolence to Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili over the loss of life as a result of a landslide that hit the countrys mountainous Racha region, Azernews reports. On behalf of herself and on behalf of Azerbaijani MPs, Gafarova extended deep condolences to Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, families and relatives of the those who were killed, and the friendly people of Georgia, expressed hope for the earliest elimination of the natural disasters consequences. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2023 22:11 (UTC+04:00) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Azernews reports, citing Day.az. According to the information, during the conversation, the events in the South Caucasus and the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia within this framework, the resumption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Black Sea security and NATO expansion were discussed. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00) The threat of famine, with people slowly starving to death, must be considered a red line for international peace and security, the UN Famine Prevention and Response Coordinator, Reena Ghelani, said on Thursday, warning that warring groups deliberately use hunger as a tactic of war, Azernews reports, citing WAM. Globally, over 250 million people suffered acute hunger in 2022, the highest in recent years, with about 376,000 people facing famine-like conditions in seven countries all affected by armed conflict or extreme levels of violence. Another 35 million people are on the edge, Ghelani said. Hunger and conflict feed off of each other, she continued, briefing the Security Council open debate on famine and conflict-induced global food insecurity convened by the United States during its August presidency. Armed conflict destroys food systems, shatters livelihoods and drives people from their homes, leaving many extremely vulnerable and hungry. Sometimes these impacts are by-products of war, but all too often they are inflicted deliberately and unlawfully with hunger utilised as a tactic of war, she said. Ghelani added that food insecurity itself also fuels instability, citing research that shows how food insecurity, when coupled with pre-existing grievances, poverty and inequality, causes people to choose violence over peace. It is the straw that breaks the camels back, leading to conflict, she said. Those helping people and providing assistance to stave off famine are also not spared by the fighting, Ghelani further noted. Hundreds of humanitarians are killed, injured and kidnapped in conflict situations every year, and aid facilities and supplies are often attacked, looted or used for military purposes. The difficulties the United Nations, NGOs, and its partners are facing in Sudan is a stark example, Ghelani said, offering condolences to the families of the 11 humanitarian workers killed there in recent weeks. Climate change and economic shocks further compound the crisis. Climate change is increasingly becoming a threat multiplier, Ghelani added, with stress over water and other natural resources leading to competition over dwindling natural resources, displacement, and, ultimately, conflicts and hunger. At the same time, insecurity in conflict-affected countries hinders climate adaptation efforts. This leaves already vulnerable communities even poorer, hungrier and less resilient, she said. Ghelani emphasised that despite overwhelming challenges, progress is possible, and outlined key steps that must be taken to address the crisis. These include ensuring parties to conflicts respect international humanitarian law, especially protecting food and water systems and facilitating unimpeded humanitarian access. She also urged better use of early warning systems, with effective follow-up; adequate humanitarian funding; and being bold and creative in finding ways to mitigate the impact of war on the most vulnerable. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2023 21:11 (UTC+04:00) The 14th annual Ambassadors Conference on Saturday started in the capital Ankara with the participation of Turkish ambassadors serving abroad and at home, Azernews reports. The conference, being held under the theme of "Our Foreign Policy in the Century of Turkiye," will continue through Aug. 9. The conference has been organized annually by the Turkish Foreign Ministry since 2008, where ambassadors discuss regional and global developments. The ambassadors will also have the chance to exchange views on the global trends and recent challenges and opportunities as the conference plays important role for in-house planning of foreign policy and inter-institutional coordination. As part of the conference, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will receive the ambassadors to give them foreign policy evaluations and guidelines. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus is also expected to meet with the ambassadors. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Executive Editor Christine L. Peterson answers your questions and takes your complaints about The Californians news coverage in this feedback forum. Questions may be edited for space and clarity. To offer your input by phone, call 661-395-7649 and leave your comments in a voicemail message or email us at soundoff@bakersfield.com. Please include your name and phone number; your phone number wont be published. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 71F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 71F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Kim Kenyon, head conservator for the Queen Annes Revenge project at East Carolina University's West Research Campus, looks over a canoe recovered from Lake Waccamaw. (ECU photo by Cliff Hollis) This post appears here courtesy of ECU News Services . The author of this post is Jules Norwood The Queen Anne's Revenge (QAR) Conservation Laboratory at East Carolina University's West Research Campus is home to thousands of artifacts from the 300-year-old wreck of Blackbeard's ship. Now it's also home to an even older piece of North Carolina history - a Native American canoe discovered in Lake Waccamaw.The canoe is about 30 feet long and about 930 years old, based on carbon-14 dating, said Kim Kenyon, lead conservator with the QAR lab. Made of a single tree, it is essentially a hollowed-out log. Native Americans in North Carolina would have used fire to fell the tree and to carve out the inside, Kenyon said.she said.What makes this canoe unique is its condition.Kenyon said.The canoe was discovered about two years ago by three kids playing in the lake. Upon finding the huge piece of wood partially buried in the lake bed, they reported it to one of their fathers.said Kenyon.State archeaologists and tribal members converged on the lake to determine the best course of action. With the permission of the landowner, the canoe was stored underneath a dock until it could be safely recovered. That day came in April.Kenyon said.The Waccamaw Siouan Tribe has been instrumental in the recovery and conservation effort, Kenyon said, providing a flatbed truck that could safely transport the canoe to the QAR lab and building the tank in which it will remain submerged during the conservation process.she said.The conservation techniques are similar to those used with artifacts from the Queen Anne's Revenge, Kenyon said, but since the canoe is from a freshwater environment, there's less salt to contend with, which should shorten the timeline somewhat.she said.It will be at least 5-7 years until that can happen, giving the team time to figure out where and how the artifact might be displayed and cared for. For now, the canoe will reside alongside the anchor, cannons and other artifacts of the Queen Anne's Revenge at ECU's West Research Campus.The QAR Conservation Laboratory is operated by the N.C. Department of Cultural and Natural Resources on ECU's West Research Campus in Greenville. It was dedicated in 2004 to conserve and document the artifacts from the wreck of Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, discovered in 1996 near Beaufort Inlet. I suppose there are some people eager to read what Oliver North and his co-authors have to say about the current state of American higher education. After all, we're told on the dust jacket of American Gulags: Marxist Tyranny in Higher Education and What to Do About It that, collectively, they've authored more than 109 books, some of them bestsellers. I have to confess that this is my first encounter with their oeuvre, and I'm not sure that I'd look forward to a second.In a word, the book is a disappointment. Released in late May by Fidelis Publishing, American Gulags' title leads us to expect a fresh, if somewhat overwrought, perspective on one of the principal fronts in today's culture wars. We've all read first-person accounts of cancel culture, progressive professorial pontification, and Kafkaesque administrative proceedings, and we've all heard about the blowback, working its way through various red-state legislatures. To be sure, as many have observed, the plural of anecdote is not data, but there is data for those who are interested. Our authors seem not to have consulted it. Indeed, if I had to judge on the basis of the dated character of many of their anecdotes and references, this latest book is a relatively hasty update of Liberal Tyranny in Higher Education, published by co-authors Goetsch and Jones in 2009.What seems new is, in the first place, the substitution offorWhile I didn't count the number of times the former adjective appears in the book, I did keep track of the references toandFor the record, those expressions appear 50 times-that is, roughly once every three pages. But saying something frequently doesn't make it true. A more fair-minded characterization of the professoriate would describe it as overwhelmingly left-leaning but not Marxist, at least not if the latter term is to be deployed with any precision. While we perhaps shouldn't demand too much accuracy in a book not written for an academic audience (about which more shortly), connectingwithin a title does call for some responsibility and care on the part of the authors.Let me say a little about the kind of responsibility and care I'd demand. First, since there is so much responsibly collected data available, I'd demand that they make use of it. Second, there are terms that may make sense as a kind of shorthand in Fox News soundbites (e.g.,) but don't in a book, where terms should be defined and explained so that they illuminate rather than overheat and obfuscate. I don't think it's too much to ask that our authors use their words carefully. Calling collegesandcheapens our language and dishonors the victims of those very real and truly oppressive institutions.Third, when North et al. use anecdotes, I'd ask that they not exaggerate their significance so as to misrepresent what they're talking about. For example, the authors assert thatLeaving aside the question of howthere are, so far as I can tell, no fat studies programs in American colleges and universities. Yes, there is a Fat Studies academic journal, but no one can major or minor in fat studies (again, so far as I can tell). Our authors extrapolate from conservative articles that give examples of a few courses offered around the country, leaving their readers with the misimpression that such programs are proliferating. Those few courses may be a few too many, but that's a far cry from their being theof anything.Indeed, a focus on these kinds ofprograms itself distorts the picture of higher education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2019-2020, only about 0.3 percent of students graduated with a degree indown from aof about 0.5 percent earlier in the decade. The most popular degrees (business, at 19 percent, and health professions, at 12.6 percent) squarely earn the authors' approval. The onlydegree to make the top five isat 7.9 percent.I wish that North and his co-authors were more scrupulous for two reasons. First, the book contributes to a caricatured understanding ofthat many of my colleagues across the academy already harbor. Entertaining that caricature is unworthy of them, but this book does absolutely nothing to dispel it.Second, the book doesn't accurately inform its principal audience, thegrandparents and parents of college students, as well as the students themselves. In the spirit of full disclosure, these are my people: I'm a Christian and a conservative parent of recent college graduates, both of whom were homeschooled for almost the entirety of their pre-college education. The picture the authors rather sloppily paint overstates the dangers associated with higher education and misstates those dangers' character. There are many studies I could point to, but I'll focus on one-a survey of thousands of University of Wisconsin System students, about which I've written previously for this site. In that very interesting survey, the professoriate comes off reasonably well. Responding to a question that asks,58 percent reported that this occurredorSimilarly, when asked the same question about how often instructors discouraged75 percent reported that they never or rarely did so. This isn't perfect, and I can't claim that the Wisconsin experience is common across the country, but it doesn't sound like a gulag to me. At the same time, the survey suggests that students-especially conservatives-quite frequently self-censor, more out of concern for peer opinion than for consequences from their professors. The loudest and most aggrieved set a tone to which others acquiesce. If there's a problem, it isn't simplyor evenIndeed, there are recent stories about administrators speaking out on behalf of academic freedom and freedom of speech. If you misrepresent or misunderstand the problem, you're not going to formulate appropriate countermeasures.aren't well-served by this caricature.That said, given the heat of the book's rhetoric, the solutions it proffers are relatively small-scale, not at all matched to the systemic claims it makes. Where the title leads us to contemplate burning the system to the ground-why should any academic gulag deserve to survive more than a day?-the body of the book recommends staying rooted in a Christian faith tradition through student organizations and a good local church (though Catholics don't merit a mention in all this); developing connections with national conservative student organizations that provide resources and speakers to campuses (the Young America's Foundation gets pride of place here, with no mention of the Hertog Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute, or the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, all great resources for conservative students); cultivating good debating skills; and learning more about the subject than your opponents. So far as it goes, this is all good advice. As should be clear, I wish the authors had followed their own guidance on the last point.In the end, I think American Gulags does more harm than good. I'm not going to claim that college is for everyone or that it's an unalloyed good for those who attend and complete their degree programs. But those who read and are persuaded by this book are primed to get as little out of their college experience as possible. Yes, they might earn a marketable credential, which I will not deprecate. But of the opportunities to gain intellectual breadth and depth, or to cultivate the capacity for individual and collective self-government, we hear nothing from North and his co-authors. The loudest faculty and students are surely the ideologues, but as Jonathan Marks has pointed out in Let's Be Reasonable, there are scrupulous teachers and scholars to be found almost everywhere, if you know where to look. If North and his co-authors had their way, their readers would be even less willing to engage, generously and inquisitively, with the opportunities on campus.I can think of no better way to conclude than by quoting C.S. Lewis, beloved and respected among my people:is not a defense against bad philosophy. Name-calling and mere debater's tricks and devices will not suffice. Christians and conservatives need much better guides to the terrain than North and his co-authors. On Tuesday, Fred Von Canon officially announced his candidacy for North Carolinas 1st Congressional District. Von Canon will likely be one of several Republicans vying for the opportunity to run against incumbent Congressman Don Davis, a Democrat. Hospitals are increasingly adopting the concept of "discharge lounges" to improve patient experience and throughput. These specialized spaces give patients a quiet, comfortable place to relax during the discharge process, while also allowing hospitals to turn around beds more quickly, reducing the wait times for incoming patients. New York City-based Montefiore Health System opened a discharge lounge at its Moses campus in 2021. The lounge, located near the hospital's front lobby, is staffed by certified nurse assistants who act as discharge lounge coordinators. These coordinators pick up patients from their rooms and escort them to the lounge, where they can watch TV or enjoy free snacks while waiting to be discharged. The CNAs then escort the patients to their cars and call them the next day to ensure their discharge plans are clear. About one-third of hospital and emergency department patients use the discharge lounge, which equates to about 43 patients per day. The average stay in the lounge is just 35 minutes. Since its launch, Montefiore has saved 10,000 bed hours, or the equivalent of 56 additional beds, the health system said Aug. 3. "In the short time it has been open, our customer-centric discharge lounge has led to increased patient satisfaction, and an extra level of trust and confidence with our staff," Peter Semczuk, DDS, senior vice president and executive director of Montefiore's Moses and Wakefield campuses, said in a news release. "As a bonus, we are increasing access to life-saving care for our Bronx community; it doesn't get better than that." Montefiore is not the only health system seeing major clinical and operational benefits from discharge lounges. Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in Palos Heights, Ill., cut its average ED wait time from four hours down to one since opening a lounge in December 2022, and 49 percent fewer patients have left the ED without being seen. Massachusetts General first piloted a discharge lounge in 2020 and now serves 125 patients or more each month. Free meal vouchers and transportation support services are provided to patients as needed. Hospital leaders say the space has also brought ED wait times down to about one hour. The rising popularity of "discharge lounges" mirrors a broader trend within hospitals, where patient-centered care and operational efficiency take center stage. These innovative spaces not only elevate patient comfort and satisfaction, but also prove effective at optimizing capacity management a top priority for leaders today amid rising patient volumes and staffing shortages. Heather Cianfrocco has been named president of UnitedHealth Group's Optum, where she will lead its pharmacy and care delivery divisions through Optum Rx and Optum Health. Ms. Cianfrocco, who previously served as CEO of Optum Rx, shared on her LinkedIn page Aug. 4 that she will work closely with Optum Health CEO Amar Desai, MD, and Optum Rx's new CEO Patrick Conway, MD. She shared that her focus is on value-based care and the integration of medical, behavioral and pharmacy services, along with the "mission and the people we serve." "I am proud of our work and proud to be part of this team the perfect team to keep advancing our mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone," she wrote. "Because we can all agree we have more work to do and it will take all of us." Ms. Cianfrocco joined UnitedHealth Group in 2008 as vice president of network operations in the Pittsburgh area. She then worked as a regional CEO across several UnitedHealthcare divisions, including Medicaid, Medicare and clinical strategy. She led Optum Health starting in 2020 and became CEO of the pharmacy benefit manager, Optum Rx, in 2021. Ms. Cianfrocco is an attorney by trade and previously practiced in Pittsburgh, with a focus on corporate and securities law, along with healthcare M&A. Dr. Desai was named CEO of Optum's care delivery arm in July after spending the last year as president of healthcare delivery at CVS Health before joining UnitedHealth Group as executive-in-residence in April. He previously was president and CEO of Optum California and Optum Pacific West from 2019 to 2022. He also has experience as an associate clinical professor of medicine at Keck School of Medicine at USC in Los Angeles and served as president of HealthcarePartners, a DaVita Medical Group. Dr. Conway announced he would become the next president of Optum Rx in an Aug. 3 LinkedIn post after serving as CEO of Optum Care Solutions since 2020. He was president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina from 2017 to 2019 and served in several top positions at CMS under the Obama administration, including chief medical officer, director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation and acting administrator. The nursing shortage is like an endless domino effect of the worst kind, with existing staffing issues and burnout driving more and more nurses to cut their hours or leave the industry entirely. All stakeholders want to solve the problem, but hospitals and nursing schools have different ideas about what is needed most to do so. In a July 31 report, Cal Matters laid out how this is playing out in California. Hospitals and unions want nursing schools to prioritize applicants that already have experience in healthcare for admission. Nursing schools say doing so won't enable them to graduate more nurses, pointing to the need for more faculty and training opportunities to expand class sizes. The California Hospital Association and SEIU are co-sponsoring a bill that would require community colleges to reserve 15 percent of their enrollment slots for healthcare workers looking to advance their education and move into a higher-paying position, such as nursing. "When we talk to our hospital members, workforce issues are the number one thing that keep them up at night," Jan Emerson-Shea, spokesperson for the CHA, told the news outlet. "We also hear from employees that they've tried getting into community college programs, but because they're so impacted, it can take them three, four or five years to get into the program." The community college and university nursing schools' take is that these types of bills don't allow them to increase the number of graduates. Officials told the news outlet that programs are full and that existing healthcare workers already get extra points during the admissions process. Thus, from their lens, the key challenge is creating more spots. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation earlier this summer that included a $300 million five-year investment to double the state's nursing school capacity, which unions lobbied for, and say it could be used to boost faculty salaries. Nursing school officials welcome the funds but still worry about limited class sizes and clinical placement slots. "As we move forward with the nursing shortage, clinical placements are an issue. So many hospitals kind of downsized their willingness to bring on students during the pandemic, and those spots never came back," Linda Zorn, legislative chair for the California Organization of Associate Degree Nursing and executive director of economic and workforce development for Butte-Glenn Community College District, told Cal Matters. A lively burst of creativity and fashion took over the vibrant streets of Smithfield, Belfast, in a photo shoot brought together by the team at Another World Belfast, a local queer-led charity and social enterprise which works to provide practical support to local people experiencing hardship. Art directed by charity co-founder Connor Kerr, the shoot featured a unique blend of vintage and pre-loved items from their Winetavern Street shop to showcase and celebrate diversity, inclusivity and self-expression while shining a light on one of our citys oldest quarters, Smithfield and Union, a neighbourhood that is still brimming with character and charm. Kerrs journey in the fashion world started early, with the first shows directed by them debuting when they were still in their teens. Since then, they have honed their skills in fashion, styling and production, with shows at London and Melbourne Fashion Weeks and features in prestigious magazines such as Italian Vogue. Its always great to be behind the camera again, says Connor. Creative direction, hair and fashion styling was something that I gave up years ago following the launch of our charity and all the work that goes with it. Now with the shop, which celebrates its first birthday in a few months, we have more opportunity to create great imagery. It has been an incredible journey so far. Belfast and Ireland overall has such a wealth of fiery and fabulous creatives. Its been great to call on friends new and old to help spread our message to Show some love. We are always searching for talent and are over the moon with the results of this mind-blowing collaboration. The concept of the shoot was expertly brought to life by the skilled hands of Dutch fashion favourite Amarens Joustra, who lent her creative flair to the styling process. Belfast photographer Laura Crosiers lens captured the magic of the day, with a stellar cast of models making that magic happen. On location were prominent figures from diverse fields, including BBC Radio 1 DJ Gemma Bradley, TikTok ambassador to Ireland, and a powerful disability advocate, India Sasha. Also joining the star line-up was local drag legend The Only Sassie (AKA Scott Shilliday), visiting Dutch artist and activist Pompado ZR Martha, international model Eli Yeung and, last but not least, former Miss Universe Ireland (and regular face and friend of Another World Belfast) Nadia Sayers (AKA Little Red). Another World Belfast has been a beacon of positivity and creativity, reminding the world that fashion is not merely about garments, but also about embracing oneself and expressing ones uniqueness boldly. The enterprises efforts to bring together diverse individuals from different walks of life underscore its commitment to inclusivity and acceptance. Partner to Connor and Another World Belfast co-founder Becky Bellamy commented: Witnessing the magic when creatives unite is an incredible experience. The first meeting for many of us didnt hinder the stellar performances that unfolded when everyone was given the freedom to express themselves. Our clothing collection is consistently on point, but observing Amarens and the models craft looks together was truly mesmerising. Once the camera and scenes came into play, the resulting images became the most exciting set weve ever had the pleasure of working on. This remarkable gathering of talent proved that pre-loved and second-hand fashion can be just as stylish and remarkable as anything new, all while supporting a great cause. The Another World Belfast team takes pride in the items they produce and curate, using them to raise funds for their essential work within the community. To find out more about Another World Belfast and its mission to bring together marginalised communities through creativity, search for Another World Belfast on most social media platforms or visit www.anotherworldbelfast.com The folk at Rattlebag must have thought fate was against them. The Belfast cocktail bar had only been up and running in the Bullitt Hotel for three days before Covid struck in 2020 and the shutters came crashing down on the hospitality industry. Like bars everywhere, Rattlebag lay empty for months on end. Then, not long after the pandemic restrictions ended, a calamitous fire in the Bullitt forced another closure for nearly five months. Anti-Pride and religious protesters along with people taking part in Pride pictured out the town hall (Jonathan Porter / Press Eye) A small gathering of counter-protests were pictured in the town (Pacemaker) The first Portush Pride event has taken place in the hometown of notable gay rights campaigner Mark Aston (Pacemaker) The first Portush Pride event has taken place in the hometown of notable gay rights campaigner Mark Aston (Pacemaker) The first Portush Pride event has taken place in the hometown of notable gay rights campaigner Mark Aston (Pacemaker) The rally in Portrush on Saturday marks the town's first Pride event (Pacemaker) A local councillor has said the first Pride event to take place in Portush sent a strong message to the community after a string of homophobic incidents. The rally, which started at 2pm, took place throughout the seaside town city centre and follows tensions in the area after a number of online posts by local far-right activist Mark Brown who claimed to be planning a counter-protest to the event. However, pictures from the event only show a very small counter-protest holding signs featuring bible verses. In June, a suspicious item wrapped in a Pride flag was also left at the home of Peter McCully, with police treating it as a hate crime. The Alliance Partys Causeway councillor Richard Stewart-Brown attended the event and said it was lovely to see so many people turn up to the festivities. It was lovely to see so many people come out in support of the first ever Causeway Pride, he told the Belfast Telegraph. "People of all ages and from all sections of the community attended and its a starting point on which we can build on for bigger and better pride in years to come. "Im pleased that, after recent homophobic attacks in the area, we have sent a strong message that everyone is welcome in our community here on the north coast, he added. The inaugural celebration takes place in what was the hometown of gay rights campaigner Mark Ashton. Born in Co Antrim before later moving to London in 1976, Ashton was leading figure in the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) during miners strike of 1984. He died in 1987 after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Ashton was played by American actor Ben Schnetzer in the 2014 film Pride which depicted the story of how a group of lesbian and gay activists raised money to help families affected by the British miners' strike. His work within the gay rights movement has meant there have long been calls for a memorial to be erected in his honour in the town. In 2021, plans were approved by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in 2021 but a memorial has yet to be installed. There are current memorials dedicated to his memory in London and Paris. The event takes place a week after Belfast Pride, which saw thousands gathered across the city centre to celebrate LGBT rights. Alliance MLAs Connie Egan and Andrew Muir were also at the Portrush event and praised the positivity on display. "I had a brilliant day at Causeway Pride which showcased so much positivity and support for building an inclusive society and celebrating diversity, said Ms Egan. "Events like this are so important in light of the two recent homophobic hate crime bomb hoaxes against Alliance Party members in Portrush. It was great to see so much support for our LGBT+ community in this town and I was happy to support. Andrew Muir MLA said: This was an important and positive celebration of diversity and inclusion in Portrush. "It was great to see such a strong turnout in support of Causeway Pride with so many standing in solidarity of LGBTQIA+ people. Northern Ireland is a changing place, for the better. Survivors of the Omagh bomb Kate Walls and Rachel Galbraith preparing for their skydive (Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph) Survivors of the Omagh bomb Kate Walls and Rachel Galbraith pictured after their skydive (Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph) Survivors of the Omagh bomb Kate Walls and Rachel Galbraith pictured after their skydive (Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph) The completed the dive to mark the 25th anniversary of the bombing (Photo: Aodhan Roberts) Kate Walls and Rachel Galbraith before the skydive at Skydive Ireland in Garvagh. Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Sunday Life. Survivors of the Omagh bomb Kate Walls and Rachel Galbraith pictured after their skydive (Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph) A survivor of the Omagh bomb who took part in a skydive has said she thought of the blast whilst up in the air and completing the feat was a message to the terrorists responsible. Kate Walls (51) and Rachel Galbraith (49) were in their 20s when they were caught up in the explosion which killed 29 people in August 1998. The pair had just met up on the Saturday afternoon when the 500lb bomb went off having been planted by the Real IRA. After multiple surgeries, Kate eventually lost part of her leg due to the extent of her injuries sustained in the blast. Read more Father of Omagh bombing victim to press ahead with legal challenge over new investigation On Saturday, the pair completed a skydive to mark the upcoming 25th anniversary of the blast the first time either have marked the moment that changed their lives. Speaking shortly after she completed the dive at Skydive Ireland in Garvagh, Kate said: When I was up in the sky, I couldnt help but think of why I was doing this and what happened. "I dont know if I should say this, but when I landed it was like a big f*** you to the people who done this to me and Rachel but also a high five for us at what we have come through to do this. In an interview with this newspaper prior to the jump, both Rachel and Kate said the tandem skydive symbolises the survivors zeal for life and determination to show the perpetrators you didnt get us. They pair raised over 2000 in their challenge, to proceeds of which will go to Wave Trauma Centre, which has supported Kate and Rachel in their recovery. "When we were in the plane, I looked out the window below, and thought of the reason I was up there, Kate said on Saturday. "I knew why I was doing it, and it was because of what happened 25 years ago. When I was freefalling at 120mph at 15,000 ft, I was looking at the sky and guiding the parachute and again, Im not going to lie, I thought of what this was all for. Ahead of the jump, Kate said she went to the bathroom multiple times to check her prosthetic limb was correctly secured. "Speaking of being nervous, I was told just before the dive there was a man who had completed a dive with a prosthetic and it flew off in the middle of the air and they couldnt find it. So I did head to the bathroom a good few times to make sure, she said laughing. "Half way through the jump, I turned to my instructor Simon who was fabulous and asked him if my leg was still attached. The only thing I really worried about was landing and getting my legs up as quickly as possible, but nothing got left behind. Kate also said she would skydive again in a heartbeat. "If I can do this at 51, anyone can do it, I would recommend it and to do it with my best friend was amazing. "We have lots of memories together, sad, happy and traumatic Im just this is now a good memory we have together. The dogs were recovered from Carrick Lough near Aughnacloy. We have pixilated the photos due to the distressing content. Picture: Lisa Marsh. A woman has appealed for the publics help after two dogs were found dead in horrific circumstances at a Co Tyrone beauty spot. The German Shepherds had been tied together and weighed down with a dumbbell at Carrick Lough near Aughnacloy. They were removed from the water on Friday evening, after their partially-submerged remains had been spotted by a local resident. It is not known if the dogs had been killed or died before they were dumped in the water. The PSNI said it is investigating. A vet is expected to perform post-mortem examinations to determine how the dogs died. The USPCA has offered a 500 reward for information leading to a successful conviction for those responsible. Its chief executive Nora Smith said it was a horrific and sickening case. Lisa Marsh, who works for Mid-Ulster District Council, helped to remove the dogs and branded those responsible as subhuman. She told the Belfast Telegraph: A friend who lives nearby was made aware and he contacted me as I work for the council. My partner and I brought the canoe and removed the dogs from the lough. When I saw they were tied together with a weight I contacted the police. We then assisted the police in moving the dogs to be autopsied by a vet. Lisa has appealed for people to help find the culprit. She added: Somebody must know who could have done this. There is no excuse for such cruelty. Unwanted dogs can be collected by the Dog Warden or handed in to the local pound. No animal deserves to be treated in such a despicable, barbaric manner. Lisa said her only hope is the dogs did not suffer. I pray they were already dead and not thrown in to drown, she added. This is not the first time I have come across such a thing. A few years ago at work my colleague and I rescued a Samoyed from Coalisland canal. Snowy had been tied to a breeze block and thrown in. Thankfully we were able to save him and a while later he came into my care under Malamute Sanctuary NI and he was rehomed to a wonderful couple. Sinn Fein councillor Gael Gildernew appealed for information on the incident. She said: This was a horrific incident at Carrick Lough near Aughnacloy which has shocked the local community. The police are investigating the incident and I would appeal to anyone with any information which would help assist them to bring it forward. The PSNI also appealed for information. Inspector Hughes said: Officers received a report that the dogs were found weighted down in the water shortly after 7pm on Friday, August 4. The dogs were removed from the lake and have been taken to a vet where a post-mortem will be carried out in due course. We are engaging with the local dog warden. Our enquiries are underway and anyone who noticed anything suspicious is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1562 of 04/08/23. Information can also be passed through the PSNIs non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ while Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ Pope Francis addresses worshippers in front of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima at the holy shrine in Fatima, central Portugal (Francisco Seco/AP) Pope Francis has visited the Portuguese town of Fatima to pray for peace at a shrine that has captivated Catholics for a century. The shrine is known for apocalyptic prophesies of hell, peace and Soviet communism that have found new relevance with Russias war in Ukraine. Francis spent the morning in Fatima, praying with sick people and prisoners, alongside pilgrims who began filling the shrines central esplanade long before sunrise. As Francis prayed before a statue of the Madonna, nearby wildfires turned the sky smoky black and sent ash flittering down on the crowd. Pope Francis arrives at Our Lady of Fatima shrine in Fatima, central Portugal (Francisco Seco/AP) Vatican Media had said Francis would pray for peace in Ukraine and the world while in Fatima. But for the third time this trip, Francis ditched his prepared remarks and did not even recite a prayer that had been prepared for the occasion. Instead, he offered a meditation on the welcoming embrace of the Virgin Mary, to whom the shrine is dedicated. In explaining the changes, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis always addresses firstly the people he meets, as a shepherd, and speaks accordingly. The 86-year-old often deviates from his prepared remarks, even more so when speaking in his native Spanish. Mr Bruni denied the changes had any other serious reason, including with his eyesight. Pope Francis meets young people with disabilities at the Catholic holy shrine of Fatima, in central Portugal (Gregorio Borgia) Fatima bishop Jose Ornelas made a prayer for Ukraine explicit in his remarks. We associate ourselves to Your Holinesss prayer for peace, for which this sanctuary is profoundly identified, thinking in particular of the war in Ukraine and so many other conflicts in the world, he said. The trip was a brief excursion from Lisbon, where Francis has been presiding over World Youth Day celebrations, the big Catholic jamboree that has gathered nearly one million young Catholics together. He returns to the Portuguese capital for a Saturday night vigil service and will then preside over a final Mass on Sunday, where the site of the next edition of the faith festival will be announced. The Fatima story dates back to 1917, when according to tradition, Portuguese siblings Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia said the Virgin Mary appeared to them six times and confided to them three secrets. The first two described an apocalyptic image of hell, foretold the end of the First World War and the start of the Second World War, and portended the rise and fall of Soviet communism. Pope Francis arrives surrounded by bodyguards at Our Lady of Fatima shrine (Francisco Seco/AP) The children were between seven and 10 years old. At the time of the apparitions, Europe was still in the grip of the First World War and Portugals Catholic Church was facing a crisis after Portugal became a republic in 1910. The republican government introduced a host of anti-clerical laws, including prohibiting religious teaching at schools. In that context, in which priests and bishops were exiled, the visions helped reinvigorate a persecuted church. In 2000, the Vatican disclosed the long-awaited third secret, describing it as foretelling the May 13 1981 assassination attempt against St John Paul II in St Peters Square, which fell on the anniversary of the original vision. Worshippers await the arrival of Pope Francis at Our Lady of Fatima shrine in Fatima, central Portugal (Francisco Seco/AP) According to later writings by Lucia, who became a nun and died in 2005, Russia would be converted and peace would reign if the pope and all the bishops of the world consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Lucia later claimed that John Paul fulfilled that prophecy during a 1984 Mass, even though he never specified Russia in the prayer. Last year, in a prayer for peace following Russias invasion of Ukraine, Francis corrected the 1984 omission and consecrated both Russia and Ukraine to Mary. Francis has made repeated appeals for an end to Russias war, frequently expressing solidarity with the martyred Ukrainian people while refraining from criticising Russia by name. Recently, he sent an envoy to Kyiv, Moscow and Washington on a mission to try to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Portuguese babies were out in force on Saturday and Francis took his time kissing them from his perch on the popemobile as he made his way to the central sanctuary to pray before the Madonna statue. Lodged in her crown is the bullet casing from the 1981 attempt on John Pauls life; on Saturday Francis placed a gilded rosary at her feet. BBC NI is still employing about the same number of people 665 contracted as well as freelancers but that group is now less experienced. Ever since Tyrone Guthries voice proclaimed Hello, hello, this is 2BE, the Belfast station of the British Broadcasting Company in September 1924, BBC Northern Ireland has shaped the culture, politics and parameters of acceptable debate here. Now it is in trouble. This will be the last regular update for the Philippines. The organized violence there has declined to the point where it no longer qualifies for regular updates. Instead, we will cover any major outbreaks of violence in our updates of neighboring countries or in a Potential Hotspot piece. Past updates for all wars remain available. Since StrategyPage began in 1999 weve retired more wars than weve added. As we have noted frequently, the trend since the 1990s has been fewer wars. Those we have retired since 1999 include Haiti (2009), Nepal (2010), Sri Lanka (2010), Central Asia (2012), Ivory Coast (2012), Indonesia (2013), Chad (2013), Uganda (2013), Kurds (2013), Philippines (2023), Rwanda (2013), Balkans (2013), Ethiopia (2013), Congo Brazzaville (2013), Colombia (2017), Mexico (2017), Myanmar (2020), Algeria (2020), Sudan (2020) and Thailand (2020). Some of these former updates included nearby conflicts that also ended, like Micronesia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. August 4, 2023: EU (European Union) leaders back the Philippines and efforts to halt Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The EU wants to reduce its trade with China, which is seen as an increasingly unreliable trading partner. Because of that the EU wants to establish better trade relationships with other nations in east and southeast Asia. The EU is also interested in helping the Philippines improve its armed forces and cooperate with the Philippines and its regional allies (like Japan) to confront Chinese aggression. China insists it is not a threat and offers military cooperation with the Philippines. Meanwhile China continues to fortify its artificial islands in the South China Sea and increase the military personnel, equipment and weapons on those islands. July 27, 2023: One of the conditions for establishing an autonomous Moslem region in the south was agreement to formally disarm the thousands of armed men belonging to Moslem resistance groups. So far, 24,000 men have been disarmed and another 14,000 will be disarmed over the next two years to complete the disarmament program. In 2014 the majority of Moslems and Christians in the Philippines agreed to an autonomous Moslem region on the southwest coast of the large southern island, Mindanao and the string of smaller islands (Sulu, Basilan, Tawi, Tawi) extending from southwestern Mindanao towards Malaysia. Bangasamoro is where most Filipino Moslems live and the new Moslem entity, which has more autonomy. Bangasamoro Moslems are now responsible for maintaining the peace. This is no small matter because, more than elsewhere in the Philippines, the Moslem south has long had many more clan militias that believed it was their right to engage in private wars. Not all the clans share the official attitudes about who has the right to make war in Bangasamoro. In late 2018 the decades-long state of war against MILF ended and since then MILF has been a lot more useful in eliminating Islamic terror groups. Bangasamoro governs the four million Moslems in the south. Down there the Moslems are outnumbered by Christians who had moved south during the last half century. Nationwide there are about 11 million Moslems and over 90 million Christians. The Christian Filipinos are better organized, more industrious and economically more successful. The Moslems believe they should run Mindanao even if they are the minority, because Mindanao is the local "Islamic homeland." While some in the government were willing to concede this, the Christian majority in Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines, does not. Because of this groups like BIFF, ISIL and Abu Sayyaf are treated as outlaws in Bangasamoro and have lost support and members since 2014, but remain active, but a lot less active. Maute Group is similar to BIFF and both joined Abu Sayyaf in forming the Filipino branch of ISIL in 2016. Maute Group was nearly wiped out during the May-October 2017 battle for Marawi City. In December 2017 the army confirmed that all seven Maute brothers died as a result of Marawi. These men were the core leadership and the largest ISIL faction in Marawi City was from the Maute Group who unexpectedly brought in hundreds of their own gunmen who were willing to fight to the death and triggered an existing plan to gather in Marawi City to inspire local Moslems to rise up and drive out Christians. That did just the opposite and resulted in nearly all the thousand or so ISIL gunmen who showed up getting killed. Only about a dozen were willing to surrender and a hundred or so apparently escaped. The thousands of soldiers and police sent in to eliminate the ISIL force suffered 168 dead. The Maute Group was formed in 2012 by members of the Maute family, which is one of the larger and wealthier clans in the south. The seven Maute brothers got mixed up with clan politics, MILF and eventually ISIL. Because all seven brothers died in Marawi City, the group limped on by recruiting from outside their clan. That has kept the Maute Group going but, like BIFF, both groups have fewer than a hundred active members and Abu Sayyaf has about twice that. July 26, 2023: In the south (Misamis Oriental province) Dionisio Micabalo, one of the few remaining NPA (New Peoples Army) leaders, was killed when he encountered an army patrol and refused to surrender. Micabalo was also one of the few remaining members of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) Central Committee. The NPA is the armed element of the CPP. July 10, 2023: The army believes only one of the 89 known units (Fronts) of the NPA (New Peoples Army) is still active with about 1,800 armed members. In 2022 there were still five Fronts active. This Front operates in the central Philippines (Samar Island) and is not expected to last much longer. During the last two years the NPA rapidly fell apart after several senior leaders were killed or captured, some of them with over fifty years NPA experience. Many were found because of tips from local civilians. Most of the political violence in the Philippines since World War II has come from communists, who were present but not very active before World War II. The communists became a major part of the armed opposition fighting the brutal 1942-45 Japanese occupation. After independence in 1946, leftist rebels continued fighting, trying to establish a communist dictatorship. That proved difficult to do. A major reorganization took place in the 1960s, resulting in the creation of the NPA in 1969. The new communist rebel organization adopted the Chinese Maoist long term strategy. That was not very successful despite lots of economic and social problems they could promise to fix if they were in charge. Enthusiasm for a "communist solution" went sharply downhill after the collapse of the Soviet Union and its East European communist allies between 1989 and 1991. That massive failure of communist states left the NPA much weaker ideologically and vulnerable to subsequent amnesty programs. A decade ago, NPA leaders admitted that they had only a small fraction of their peak (in the 1980s) strength of 26,000 armed members. There were some serious attempts to reverse the decline in popularity. NPA gunmen were instructed to behave better around civilians and the NPA were found giving some civilians, especially health or aid workers, cash compensation of a few hundred dollars each for wounds received during NPA attacks on soldiers or police. The government increased its efforts to provide medical care for such victims of NPA violence, the NPA tried to compete and found they couldnt afford it. Many NPA members arrested recently were wanted for banditry and similar crimes. Information on the location of NPA camps, weapons storage sites or covert supporters is now regularly obtained from local civilians or surrendering NPA members. Because of that more NPA camps are being attacked, weapons storage sites seized and key supporters arrested or killed, even in traditional strongholds like Bukidnon and Negros Occidental provinces. July 6, 2023: In the south (Lanao del Sur province) police arrested Acmad Casim. Police had a warrant for the arrest because Casim was one of the few known members of the Maute Group still believed to be active, or at least alive. Maute Group is one of the few ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) Islamic terrorist groups to establish itself, if only briefly, in the Philippines. There have been little heard from the Manute Group in 2023 and the last activity of them occurred in late 2022 when troops encountered and killed eight Maute Group members. One soldier was killed and four wounded. The dead were identified as members of the Maute Group, which preferred to be called DITG (Dawlah Islamiyah Torayfie Group). Members of this group tend to fight to the death if trapped, rather than even consider surrender. Remnants of several ISIL factions have been trying to survive in this area since 2017. The Maute Group appears to be the last of them. Blockbuster project delayed as strikes bite, but NI Screen confident it will go ahead Movie chiefs have moved to quell fears the Blade Runner TV sequel will no longer be shot in Northern Ireland. Filming for Blade Runner 2099 was due to get under way at Belfasts Harbour Studios earlier this year, but the project has been delayed. Rumours the multimillion-dollar Amazon production was to be axed entirely have been swirling around the industry in recent months. Coupled with the writers strike in Hollywood, people lined up to work on the sequel have been fearing for its future. But Northern Ireland Screen insisted the project would be coming to these shores in the near future. CEO Richard Williams said: We have spoken to the production and it is not our understanding that Blade Runner 2099 has been cancelled. The production was halted due to the ongoing writers strike. Since then there has also been strike action by actors. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes have been halting productions all over the world. We hope for a swift and equitable resolution to the dispute for all parties, allowing US-originated projects to get back into production here. His comments will come as relief for the sector, which has had a hard few months. How to Train Your Dragon, which was also to be shot locally, was recently delayed, leading for a scramble to find alternative jobs by members of the crew. An insider told Sunday Life: The postponement of both productions came as a total shock and has really screwed up plans for a lot of people who were banking on them as big pay days. The fact theyve pushed everything into next year is really worrying for lots of crew because theyre now getting the feeling it could be cancelled altogether. They were jobs everybody wanted on to and people turned down other work knowing they had either Blade Runner or How to Train Your Dragon in the bag. Since those jobs have gone theres been a mad rush to find alternative employment. Its a nightmare for lots of people who have bills to pay and kids to feed. A pervert has been accused of breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) more than 100 times in four months. Andrew George Tinsley is alleged to have broken the terms by visiting 134 libraries and using computers without the prior approval of his risk manager. The 48-year-old, from Ballynahinch Road in Hillsborough, is said to have committed the offences between November 2022 and February 28 this year. Belfast Magistrates Court was told Tinsley visited seven libraries in November, 41 in December, 57 in January and 29 in February. A prosecution lawyer told Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes that while the case would be proceeding to an indictment at the Crown Court, the necessary papers had yet to be filed. Tinsley was freed on bail and the case was adjourned until August 30. For a judge to impose a SOPO, they must be satisfied its necessary and proportionate, because it places strict restrictions on a defendants life. This includes where they live, work, where they can go and how they access the internet, if at all. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy with occasional showers for the afternoon. High 79F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm during the evening, then some lingering showers still possible overnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. MATSAPHA His Majesty King Mswati III is concerned about social behaviours, which continue to show their ugly heads in the country, and has implores HMCS to address this cancer. The King, who is the Commissioner General In-Chief of His Majestys Correctional Services (HMCS), said this during the celebration of the 15th Correctional Services Day, which was combined with the pass-out parade of 372 trainees. The event was held at HMCS College in Matsapha yesterday. He said the theme for the celebration was: Ensuring a corrections dispensation responsive to inherent emerging socio-security challenges. To live up to this theme, the King said it was important that the Correctional Services personnel were well equipped to respond to the day-to-day challenges. He said as recruits, they have applied themselves diligently for the duration of their training period and adhered to all standards expected from Correctional officers. Thereafter, he commended the Correctional Services for contributing significantly to reducing crime rates in the country. He said they were equally impressed with the fact that, the department had low escape rates and this showed that the officers were always vigilant and alert. Pleased As a nation we are pleased with the status quo, the King said. After that, he said their mandate was to ensure every offender finishes his or her sentence before going home, after undergoing extensive rehabilitation programmes. He said the officers should ensure these offenders become law-abiding and productive citizens upon release and that they would live in harmony with their families and communities. He then encouraged the correctional services to intensify its rehabilitation and social re-integration interventions in correcting the social behaviour that was showing its ugly head in the country. We need to address this cancer because it affects the core fabric of our society. We must live in harmony with each other, The King said. He said violence against women and children was a cause for concern. His Majesty added that since this was a year for the general election, emaSwati, in particular the aspiring politicians should desist from ritual killings. Albinism Do not use peoples blood to gain political positions, the King said. He added that children, women, the elderly and people living with albinism should not be killed for beliefs that their blood would give them power to win political positions. Therefore, he implored the correctional services to fully rehabilitate such offenders, to reduce the chances of them relapsing into the same behaviour of crime. He added that this went well with the theme of the event. On another note, the King commended the Correctional Services for extending various services and support to the nation. He said they heard that emaSwati were receiving professional health services from its health facilities. He said this gesture was highly appreciated because it was in line with the United Nations (UN) 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs), which calls for healthcare services to be in close proximity to the people. Such help is essential because a healthy nation is highly productive, the HMCS Commissioner General In-Chief said. Furthermore, he said many emaSwati have benefited immensely from the various trades that the department offers to the members of the public. He said they heard that the department train them in carpentry and bricklaying, to mention a few. He added that such trades were critical because recipients were able to get job opportunities after training. He said the beneficiaries could also start their own small businesses after training. In that regard, he said this complements governments efforts of fighting poverty and unemployment. The King added that rehabilitation of offenders was a societal responsibility, where as a nation, they expect the Correctional Services to work hand-in-hand with society in ensuring that recidivism was eradicated completely. Correct This process will ensure the safety of the public from criminal elements and also give an opportunity to offenders to build their characters and correct their criminal behaviour to regain the trust of their communities, the King said. On top of that, he said it was encouraging to note that they always engage with the chiefs across the country on a regular basis. He said this enables them to find ways and means of implementing social reintegration programmes in the chiefdoms and ensuring a safe and secure re-entry of offenders to society. In terms of elections, he said given that offenders were an integral part of the society and they would return to their respective communities after completing their sentences, it was in this vein that they were also allowed to register for the general elections so that they could exercise their democratic right to vote for their preferred candidates to represent them in Parliament. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming the Department of Justice has dropped all charges against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who is accused of cheating investors and looting customer deposits on the cryptocurrency trading platform. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming that former President Donald Trump is facing the death penalty on federal charges filed against him in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. From Tanglewood rehearsal to a burning house: BSO horn player Michael Winter is a volunteer firefighter for Richmond when he's not on stage Editor's Note This is the second installment of a three-part series of Matt Straus' travels in Spain. Wouldnt you know it; after landing in Spain at 10 a.m., I was wandering around my neighborhood in Madrid Centro in the afternoon, and I found a wine shop. Not every wine shop in a new country, or any country, is going to come with a friendly conversation from a thoughtful clerk, but when they do, well, they can be very fruitful. I highly recommend the practice of finding a decent wine shop anytime youre in a different city. This is partly because you might want something good to drink; but more, so much more, because wine shop owners invariably make excellent restaurant recommendations. Sign up for the In The Berkshires This Week newsletter Sign up Jose Luis at Bodegas Trigo, a tiny little spot with a great selection in the Atocha area of the city, told me about two establishments within close proximity: DisTinto, a wine-focused taberna, and Ganz Wine Bar. No matter what theyre called in Europe: wine bars, enotecas, tabernas, cafes, so many eateries are dedicated to the same program, which is presenting delicious simple foods, mostly in the range of about 15 Euros per plate. The thoughtful beverage service in these places tends either to be mostly about wine or all about wine. Ganz was full that first night, though after seeing the menu online, I vowed to find a way to have dinner there when I was back in Madrid after the winery visits. I had managed to sleep a little on the plane, and between the adrenaline and the time difference (six hours), I was practically dancing down the stairs into DisTinto, a charming little subterranean wine bar. I was greeted by a friendly staff, and promptly with a glass of Cava and a menu, presented on the side of a magnum bottle. There were croquetas, the fried pods made with bechamel sauce and other ingredients, cured ham of every imaginable variety, and my first look at the ubiquitous Russian salad, which I would subsequently see everywhere, and which seemed like a glorified potato salad. And then of course there were the tortillas, the classic Spanish dish that resembles a frittata, offered with a litany of fillings: octopus, cuttlefish, salted cod, cecina (dried beef). I opted for potatoes, mushrooms, and trufa, which probably didnt mean truffles per se, but seemed to promise something fragrant and delicious. Ten minutes later, a server appeared with a single-serving cast iron pan, moving a perfectly golden mass around in it. He promptly flipped it, dispatched it onto a plate with the panache of a magician and set it on the table. A minute later, there was a glass of Mencia, the great red grape of Spains northwest, to wash down the perfectly moist and succulent tortilla, eggs in the center just a shade or two shy of fully cooked. The bill for my two small glasses of wine, tomato salad, and tortilla: thirty-four Euros. The next morning, I picked up my rental car and set out for Rioja, the famous wine region about three hours north of Madrid. Traveling by high-speed train is one of the things I have enjoyed the most on the half-dozen or so trips I have made to Europe, but there is no way to visit wineries without renting a car. I arrived early to Haro, the little village tucked in next to the Ebro River, mere steps from the handful of world-famous wineries located on the outskirts of town. After an hour of watching locals enjoy their noontime breakfast of cold beer and cigarettes, I pulled into the driveway at Lopez de Heredia, a winery founded in 1877, which was among the most important producers with whom I worked over 20 years in California restaurants. Lidia, who guided our little tour through the dank, mold-covered, impossibly magical cellars, and then led a tasting, asked that we not post any photographs to social media; after I descended the stairs to those caves, I understood why. All of the greatest European wineries have been navigating the same challenge for years, but especially recently, and that is how to satisfy surging global demand for their wines, while their vineyards produce more or less exactly the same amount of wine that they always have. Prices are bound to rise, and they have. But a person gets a sense that these wineries are also trying to mitigate the attention they receive from fans all over the world. After the cellar tour, our group of eight shared a bottle each of Lopez de Heredias two famous Tinto reservas, 2011 Vina Tondonia and 2010 Vina Bosconia. Lidia told us that Tondonia was the first vineyard planted at the property by Rafael Lopez de Heredia, in the late 19th century. She thinks Tondonia usually has a bit more freshness and acidity of the two reservas, and the Bosconia tends to be more tannic and structured. A few days later, by chance, at a wine bar in Barcelona, I shared a bottle of 1983 Vina Tondonia with a stranger. The proposal for a "real estate transfer fee" met with resistance right out of the gate. Should the town charge buyers and sellers a fee? CHAPTER 90 spending Here's how Berkshire officials helped get a $375 million roads and bridges bill that will directly help their neighbors Learning Scripture is like learning any subject in school. Practice makes perfect. But before you practice, you have to learn, and everything you learn begins with a question. What happens when there is no answer? As a Christian, asking questions should not only be allowed but encouraged. Does the Bible have an answer to every question a believer could possibly think of? Spend enough time with even the most hardcore Christian, and you will soon discover that even they dont have an answer to everything. Not having an answer is actually okay. Faith is not predicated on having an answer, so says the Scripture: For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Walking by sight means relying solely on answers to lead the way. Faith, therefore, allows for questioning. The Christian faith does not rely on answers to every question. Belief in God means acceptance of not knowing everything, but still believing He is everything. After all, the Bible describes God as mysterious (Job 11:7). His Word offers insight into a lot of questions, just not all. The most important part of the Biblethe story of Jesushighlights love for God and others as the most important commandments from the Bible. Nonetheless, asking questions about other subjects can be insightful, too. Solving a good mystery feels like a worthwhile task, but some mysteries will forever remain unsolved. No matter how you choose to interpret scripture, the following questions have no direct answers. But not having answers is okay. Christians walk by faith, not by sight. Here are eight things in the Bible that remain a mystery: Photo Credit: GettyImages/NiseriN MBABANE The High Court has granted outgoing Senator Mkhululi Dlamini leave to appeal the decision of the EBC to remove his name from the voters roll. The order was granted by Judge Justice Mavuso yesterday. Dlamini approached the court after he was dissatisfied with the Elections and Boundaries Commissions (EBC) decision to remove his name from the Othandweni Primary School Polling Station voters roll. He applied for leave to appeal the decision of the EBC in terms of Section 18(5) of the Voters Registration Act No.4 of 2013. He argued that the EBC removed his name from the voters roll without a valid objection being lodged in terms of Section 18(2). Dlamini told the court that the EBC based its decision on an alleged objection received by itself on July 22, 2023, when in actual fact the voters verification was closed on July 12, 2023. He said the effect of that was that the names which appeared on the voters roll were final. By taking the decision to remove his name, Dlamini said the EBC misdirected itself. He further argued that the EBC took the decision without his side. He said the EBC misdirected itself by not including his name on the list of nominees for Member of Parliament (MP) position. In a letter the commission wrote to Dlamini, it informed him that it received an objection to the inclusion of his name in the voters register under the Siphofaneni Inkhundla in terms of Section 18 of the Voters Registration Act No.4 of 2013. The objection, according to the EBC, was on the basis that Dlamini was not a resident of the area at which he was registered. It was further brought to his attention that, in line with Section 18(3) of the Act, the commission was empowered to review registration objections from voters. In his application in court, which he filed under a certificate of urgency, Dlamini wanted the High Court to direct EBC to transmit to the registrar of the High Court its decision taken on July 2022, in terms of Section 19 (1) of the Voters Registration Act No.4 of 2013. The current year is a year for holding national (general) elections and a prerequisite to participating in the general elections is that one must register under the polling station and Inkhundla wherein he or she wishes to participate, he narrated. He highlighted that, in order to be eligible to register in a particular polling station, one must meet a certain criteria, which includes being an adult citizen or ordinary resident of not less than 18 years; have a homestead within the area; have resided in that area for a continuous period of at least three months and have a business under the chiefdom or area. Dlamini stated that, during the registration exercise, he was registered to participate at Maphilingo Chiefdom under Siphofaneni Inkhundla. I state that I am a member of the Maphilingo community as I have a homestead thereat having acquired land sometime in July 2022 and having established my homestead sometime in July 2022. Ever since I established my home at Maphilingo, I have been residing in that place continuously and I continue to reside there, he averred. Dlamini told the court that he sometimes visits his other homesteads on a regular basis. He related that after he had registered under Maphilingo Chiefdom, and he also verified with the EBC if his registration was allowed, the response was positive. He stated that during the voters roll registry verification, he went to verify if his name appeared under Maphilingo Chiefdom, and he found it to be there. He said the voters registry verification was closed on July 12, 2023, and no one had objected to his name being included in the voters roll under Maphilingo Chiefdom. He submitted that on July 22, 2023, together with other residents of Maphilingo, they assembled at Othandweni Primary School Polling Station as it was nominations day. Dlamini highlighted that he was nominated to stand for the elections as a Member of Parliament (MP) and he was the first nominee. He told the court that he duly accepted the nomination and those who supported him started queuing behind him to fill in the nominations form in his support. The outgoing senator also submitted that his name was verified in the voters roll and it was found to be there. Dlamini said he was thereafter informed that he was eligible to stand for the election. I state that soon thereafter, a certain Mr Mndzebele, who is a member of Maphilingo Chiefdom, stood up and started shouting that I am not a resident of Maphilingo and, therefore, would not allow me to be nominated, said Dlamini. He told the court that this was despite the fact that he participated in the nominations exercise since it started. Mndzebele, according to Dlamini, became rowdy and violent to the extent that there was confrontation between him and other residents who were disagreeing with him. The outgoing senator mentioned that he enquired from the officers of the EBC if there was any objection that was lodged against him and he was informed that there was none. He submitted that Mndzebele continued to make noise to the extent that EBC officials stopped the nominations and left. Around midnight on July 22, 2023, he received a phone call from an officer from EBC informing him that the commission had heard a report about nominations at Maphilingo and advised me that it was still to meet to deliberate on the report but I should be ready to re-participate in the nominations exercise, I was also called by the station commander on July 23, 2023, to record a statement of what has happened, narrated Dlamini. Dlamini was represented by Mzwandile Dlamini of M.S. Dlamini Legal in Manzini. 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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He said some of the relatives were of the view that because it was general elections time, maybe she had been kidnapped and then killed for ritual purposes. They allegedly accused him of killing his sister-in-law for body parts. Mantimakhulu said some of the family members were of the view that he was involved in her disappearance. He said he did not have a reason to kill his sister-in-law, because they were close and that he sometimes even gave her some money. Trouble According to Mantimakhulu, trouble started when the matter was first reported to the local community police that a woman was missing. He said when the community police were called, they picked up two teenagers who are said to be Mantimakhulus cousins. Mantimakhulu alleged the community police members assaulted the two teenagers, so as to force a confession from them. He alleged they beat the children then also handcuffed them to keep them from running away. It is not right to handcuff children, he said. The children are alleged to have been tortured for over an hour, demanding that they reveal who killed the woman. When Mantimakhulu was asked why the teenagers were accused of killing the woman, he said he did not understand why but that he was the target. He said they wanted to force the children to confess that he was the one who had killed his sister-in-law. He said as if the assault was not enough, the men allegedly took the children to a nearby pond where they were assaulted. Mantimakhulu said the community police members then allegedly dipped the childrens into the pond and threatened that they would drown them. Threatened Mantimakhulu alleged that the childrens heads were held under the water and threatened that they would be drowned if they did not reveal who killed the woman who was missing. He purported that after realising that they were not getting any answers from the children being assaulted, the police from Tshaneni Police Post were called in. He said police officers also arrived to investigate the disappearance of his sister-in-law, whom at the time, it was alleged she had been murdered. He alleged that after he was suspected of having killed his sister- in-law, the matter was then reported to the police. Mantimakhulu said police officers from Tshaneni were called, and that they went to interview him over the allegedly missing woman. However, unlike the community police members, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) officers are said to have refused to arrest Mantimakhulu and then left, leaving him at the homestead in Mafucula, around a place known as Duma. Arresting Mantimakhulu then said after some of the family members noticed that the police officers had left without arresting him, they then decided to call some soldiers who are said to be based around Maphiveni near Simunye. It is alleged that about four soldiers then pounced on Mantimakhulu on July 27, 2023, at around noon. Mantimakhulu said when the soldiers arrived, he told them that the police officers had already spoken to him and that they left him behind because they did not believe that he had murdered his sister-in-law. However, the soldiers are said to have responded that they were not like police officers. He said the soldiers told him that police officers do not want to work. Mantimakhulu said before they began assaulting him, they told him that by the time they left, they would make sure that he revealed how he allegedly killed his sister-in-law. I told them I am not a killer, but they did not want to hear my side of the story, said Mantimakhulu. Mantimakhulu said the soldiers then began to assault him and that they hit him all over his body. He alleged that he was kicked, and then forced to confess that he had killed his sister-in-law. I refused to agree to something I did not do, he said. He mentioned that he was punched, kicked with boots and blunt objects, but he could not tell what they were using to assault him. He said he was then taken to a nearby lake, where he was allegedly submerged into the water so that he did not come up, out of the water. I felt like I was drowning, he said. He said one soldier who pressed against his body with foot while another would press against his head while being held under the water. Mantimakhulu said the soldiers continued assaulting him for several hours. He said no matter how many times he cried for them to stop, they continued assaulting him until they stopped when they realised that he had not killed anyone. Assault He also revealed that before they began to assault him, they warned some of the nearby residents against taking videos of the alleged assault. antimakhulu said they used vulgar language, as they assaulted him, demanding that he should reveal what he did to his sister-in-law. It turned out later, that the woman was alive and had gone to stay with her relatives. Mantimakhulu said his sister-in-law had left without telling anyone because there were some disputes at their home. He was also asked why some of the family members suspected that he had killed her. He said he did not know the reason but that it could be that they found some fencing material belonging to her in his house. He said maybe with this information, they could have concluded that he had killed her and taken some of her fencing material. I have no reason to kill the woman, he said. Sipho Mngomezulu, an uncle to Mantimakhulu said he was shocked at the manner in which his nephew was treated. He alleged the soldiers beat him as if they were killing him. Mngomezulu also alleged that the matter was reported to the police but that they had not taken any action to arrest the soldiers. Meanwhile, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, speaking through Inspector Mazwi Ndzimandze said the assault had not been reported to the police at Tshaneni. Also, Ndzimandze said there was also no case of a woman reported to have gone missing, but was later found alive. Mantimakhulu, when told that the police said they were not aware of his assault, said this was not true. He said instead they allegedly told him they would not be able to arrest the soldiers. Mantimakhulu said the police told him that soldiers always protected each other and they would not handover their colleagues to be arrested by the police. Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo, the Public Relations Officer for the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) was called regarding the alleged assault by the soldiers who are based at the Maphiveni unction, leading to Tshanenini, Simunye or Lomahahsa. She had not responded to the questions sent to her at the time of compiling the report. Khumalo was also asked if there was any means members of the public in such circumstances could report if they were not treated fairly. Noteworthy, Mantimakhulu insisted that both matters had been reported to the police and that officers from Tshaneni Police Station even interviewed him about his sister-in-law when it had been alleged that she was nowhere to be found, that she may have been killed. Meanwhile, his Majesty the King, in his speech during the Correctional Day and Pass-out Parade warned against ritual killings. He said now that it was elections time, there were people who believed that if they used human body parts, they would be successful. The King warned that such should stop and gave an example that it appeared the people who performed rituals sometimes targeted people with albinism people. He said the ritual killers believed that a person who had albinism would bring luck. His Majesty then said this was not true and that such should not be practiced. Eight people have been evacuated from their Dublin homes after spot flooding caused by heavy rainfall overnight. One person has been brought to hospital, Dublin Fire Brigade said in a statement. Advertisement Met Eireann issued several warnings for heavy rain and strong winds as Storm Antoni moved eastwards across the country. Firefighters attended the scene of flooding at the Castle Court Estate, off the Howth Road in Clontarf, on Saturday morning after multiple 999 calls were made. Firefighters from North Strand and Phibsborough fire stations are on scene at flooding in #Clontarf 8 Eight residents have been evacuated by water rescue trained firefighters We're also working with @DubCityCouncil and @ESBNetworks at a flooded basement in an apartment block pic.twitter.com/dkGIKRam1x Advertisement Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) August 5, 2023 Eight people were evacuated by water-trained firefighters using inflatable rescue sleds to help people leave their homes safely. Advertisement Advertisement Operations are ongoing at the incident and firefighters from North Strand and Phibsborough fire stations are working with Dublin City Council crews alongside ESB network technicians, it said in a statement. An apartment block basement remains flooded following the heavy rain overnight. Dart rail services between Killester and Clontarf Road were also suspended for several hours due to flooding in the area. There were also several power outages across the country, with hundreds of people in Carrigaline and Crosshaven in Co Cork left without power on Saturday morning. Advertisement Cork music festival Indiependence issued an update to their Instagram at 7am advising campers to stay in their tents where possible to ensure they are secure; Waterford music festival All Together Now issued similar advice. IMPORTANT WEATHER UPDATE Please be advised Met Eireann have issued a yellow weather warning. We would encourage you to secure any loose items for the safety of all festival goers. All Together Now (@ATNfestival) August 5, 2023 Advertisement Met Eireann had issued a Status Yellow rain warning for counties Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow that was in place overnight until 11am on Saturday. A wind warning was also in place for several counties, including Dublin, with a risk of falling branches and difficult travelling conditions. Advertisement A Status Yellow wind warning remains in place for nine counties, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and all Munster counties, until 1pm on Saturday, with a risk of gusts reaching up to 110km/hr. A father accused of carrying out a burglary at the office of a charity in south Dublin has been released on bail with a curfew condition. Stepan Pavlov (40), who is from Belarus but has been living in Ireland for 16 years and residing at accommodation on New Cabra Road, Dublin 7, is accused of burglary at Enable Ireland, Corrig Road, Sandyford, on the evening of July 18th. Advertisement The charity provides services to children and adults with disabilities and their families in Ireland. Mr Pavlov is also accused of attempted burglary at a martial arts club on July 18th at the same location. He appeared before Judge Cephas Power at Dublin District Court on Saturday. Detective Garda Shane McGrath alleged the accused was identified from CCTV footage and arrested at his home on Friday. Advertisement The court heard that his footwear was seized because it matched the video evidence. Advertisement It was alleged a man stole two laptops, worth 1,600, and a backpack from the charitys office while other people were in the building. The court heard that the burglar in the footage attempted entry to the connected premises. Cross-examined by defence solicitor Kelly Breen, Detective Garda McGrath agreed there was no DNA recovered and no other complicating or aggravating features in the case, such as injuries. The bail hearing was told there were no witnesses, but other people were in the environment. Advertisement The court heard the father of one, who had various jobs in farming, landscaping, painting and fish farming, is involved with his family. The mother of his child also had health issues which was a cause of concern for him, the court heard. Ms Breen said Mr Pavlov, who is yet to enter a plea, would obey conditions. Judge Power said that while the value of the property taken during the burglary was low, it was a serious offence. He noted the garda objections but said the accused had the presumption of innocence, and due to a likely delay in the case, he was satisfied that bail terms could be imposed. He ordered the accused to obey a 10pm-7am curfew, have no contact with witnesses, sign on daily at a Garda station, and remain sober. Mr Pavlov, who is currently on social welfare, was granted legal and ordered to appear at Dun Laoghaire District Court in September to check compliance with conditions. Nigers new military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the deadline nears for it to release the countrys ousted president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc, according to an analyst. The request came during a visit by one of the coup leaders, General Salifou Mody, to neighbouring Mali, where he made contact with someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Centre, told The Associated Press. Advertisement He said three Malian sources and a French diplomat confirmed the meeting first reported by France 24. They need (Wagner) because they will become their guarantee to hold on to power, he said, adding that the group is considering the request. A supporter of Nigers ruling junta holds a placard in the colours of the Russian flag reading Long Live Russia, Long Live Niger and Nigeriens in Niamey on Thursday (Sam Mednick/AP) Advertisement Nigers junta faces a Sunday deadline set by the regional bloc known as Ecowas to release and reinstate the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has described himself as a hostage. Advertisement Defence chiefs from Ecowas members finalised an intervention plan on Friday and urged militaries to ready resources after a mediation team sent to Niger on Thursday was not allowed to enter the city or meet with junta leader General Abdourahmane Tchiani. After his visit to Mali, run by a sympathetic junta, Gen Mody warned against a military intervention, vowing that Niger would do what it takes not to become a new Libya, Nigers state television reported on Friday. Niger has been seen as the Wests last reliable counterterrorism partner in a region where coups have been common in recent years. Advertisement Juntas have been rejecting former coloniser France and turning towards Russia. Wagner operates in a handful of African countries, including Mali, where human rights groups have accused its forces of abuses. One cannot say there is any direct implication of Russia in Nigers coup, but clearly, theres an opportunistic attitude on the part of Russia, which tries to support destabilisation efforts wherever it finds them, French Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told broadcaster BFM on Friday. Days after Nigers junta seized power, residents waved Russian flags in the streets. Advertisement Supporters of Nigers ruling junta hold a Russian flag at a protest in Niamey, Niger, on Thursday (Sam Mednick/AP) The spokeswoman described Wagner as a recipe for chaos. Advertisement On Saturday, Frances foreign affairs minister Catherine Colonna said the regional threat of force was credible and warned the putschists to take it seriously. Advertisement Coups are no longer appropriate Its time to put an end to it, she said. The ministry said France supports with firmness and determination the Ecowas efforts to make sure the coup leaders fail, and it called for Mr Bazoum and all members of his government to be freed. Nigers military leaders have been following the playbook of Mali and neighbouring Burkina Faso, also run by a junta, but are moving faster to consolidate power, Mr Nasr said, adding: (Tchiani) chose his path, so hes going full on it without wasting time because theres international mobilisation. One question is how the international community will react if Wagner is brought in, he said. When Wagner came into Mali at the end of 2021, the French military was ousted shortly afterwards after years of partnership. Wagner was later designated a terrorist organisation by the United States, and international partners might have a stronger reaction now, Mr Nasr said. And much more is at stake in Niger, where the US and other partners have poured in hundreds of millions of dollars of military assistance in efforts to combat the regions growing jihadi threat. Advertisement France has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, though coup leaders say they have severed security agreements with Paris, and the US has 1,100 military personnel in the country. At the moment, theres no real indication that the (junta) is going to soften its tone or make concessions ahead of the deadline, said Andrew Lebovich, research fellow with the Clingendael Institute and postdoctoral fellow with the Danish Institute for International Studies, saying an intervention has potentially serious consequences for Niger and for the region. It is unclear what an intervention would look like or when it would begin. Nigers junta has called on the population to watch for spies, and self-organised defence groups have mobilised at night to monitor cars and patrol the capital. Any intervention is fraught with risk, said a report by the Hudson Institute. If the junta were to dig in its heels and rally the populace around the flag possibly even arming civilian militias the intervention could morph into a multifaceted counterinsurgency that Ecowas would not be prepared to handle, it said. While some in Niger are bracing for a fight, others are trying to cope with travel and economic sanctions imposed by Ecowas after the coup. The sanctions have closed land and air borders with Ecowas countries and suspended commercial and financial transactions with member states. Advertisement Residents said the price of goods is rising and there is limited access to cash. We are deeply concerned about the consequences of these sanctions, especially their impacts on the supply of essential food products, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products and electricity, said Sita Adamou, president of Nigers Association to Defend Human Rights. Pope Francis has visited the Portuguese town of Fatima to pray for peace at a shrine that has captivated Catholics for a century. The shrine is known for apocalyptic prophesies of hell, peace and Soviet communism that have found new relevance with Russias war in Ukraine. Advertisement Francis spent the morning in Fatima, praying with sick people and prisoners, alongside pilgrims who began filling the shrines central esplanade long before sunrise. As Francis prayed before a statue of the Madonna, nearby wildfires turned the sky smoky black and sent ash flittering down on the crowd. Pope Francis arrives at Our Lady of Fatima shrine in Fatima, central Portugal (Francisco Seco/AP) Advertisement Vatican Media had said Francis would pray for peace in Ukraine and the world while in Fatima. But for the third time this trip, Francis ditched his prepared remarks and did not even recite a prayer that had been prepared for the occasion. Advertisement Instead, he offered a meditation on the welcoming embrace of the Virgin Mary, to whom the shrine is dedicated. In explaining the changes, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis always addresses firstly the people he meets, as a shepherd, and speaks accordingly. Advertisement The 86-year-old often deviates from his prepared remarks, even more so when speaking in his native Spanish. Mr Bruni denied the changes had any other serious reason, including with his eyesight. Pope Francis meets young people with disabilities at the Catholic holy shrine of Fatima, in central Portugal (Gregorio Borgia) Advertisement Fatima bishop Jose Ornelas made a prayer for Ukraine explicit in his remarks. We associate ourselves to Your Holinesss prayer for peace, for which this sanctuary is profoundly identified, thinking in particular of the war in Ukraine and so many other conflicts in the world, he said. The trip was a brief excursion from Lisbon, where Francis has been presiding over World Youth Day celebrations, the big Catholic jamboree that has gathered nearly one million young Catholics together. He returns to the Portuguese capital for a Saturday night vigil service and will then preside over a final Mass on Sunday, where the site of the next edition of the faith festival will be announced. Advertisement The Fatima story dates back to 1917, when according to tradition, Portuguese siblings Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia said the Virgin Mary appeared to them six times and confided to them three secrets. Advertisement The first two described an apocalyptic image of hell, foretold the end of the First World War and the start of the Second World War, and portended the rise and fall of Soviet communism. Pope Francis arrives surrounded by bodyguards at Our Lady of Fatima shrine (Francisco Seco/AP) The children were between seven and 10 years old. At the time of the apparitions, Europe was still in the grip of the First World War and Portugals Catholic Church was facing a crisis after Portugal became a republic in 1910. The republican government introduced a host of anti-clerical laws, including prohibiting religious teaching at schools. In that context, in which priests and bishops were exiled, the visions helped reinvigorate a persecuted church. In 2000, the Vatican disclosed the long-awaited third secret, describing it as foretelling the May 13 1981 assassination attempt against St John Paul II in St Peters Square, which fell on the anniversary of the original vision. Worshippers await the arrival of Pope Francis at Our Lady of Fatima shrine in Fatima, central Portugal (Francisco Seco/AP) According to later writings by Lucia, who became a nun and died in 2005, Russia would be converted and peace would reign if the pope and all the bishops of the world consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Lucia later claimed that John Paul fulfilled that prophecy during a 1984 Mass, even though he never specified Russia in the prayer. Advertisement Last year, in a prayer for peace following Russias invasion of Ukraine, Francis corrected the 1984 omission and consecrated both Russia and Ukraine to Mary. Francis has made repeated appeals for an end to Russias war, frequently expressing solidarity with the martyred Ukrainian people while refraining from criticising Russia by name. Recently, he sent an envoy to Kyiv, Moscow and Washington on a mission to try to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Portuguese babies were out in force on Saturday and Francis took his time kissing them from his perch on the popemobile as he made his way to the central sanctuary to pray before the Madonna statue. Lodged in her crown is the bullet casing from the 1981 attempt on John Pauls life; on Saturday Francis placed a gilded rosary at her feet. In a world where stories have a 24-hour life span, five years is an awfully long time in the fickle arena of the Instafamous. Just ask social media high-fashion darling Nadia Fairfax. Back in 2018, the Sydney influencer was one of a gaggle of emerging social media stars I profiled in a lengthy piece for Good Weekend, delving into the then-emerging new social media order, and how followers and likes had replaced surnames, schools and suburbs, once the traditional hallmarks of social pedigree. Nadia Fairfax at the Silver Party in 2019. Credit: Wes Nel And with this new digital social pedigree came an opportunity to monetise popularity on an unprecedented scale for thousands of people just like Fairfax. Back then, Fairfax was the reigning queen of the luxury fashion set, a star guest feted by big brands at glamorous soirees, from Moet to Chanel, showered in expensive baubles and significant sums of money to post glamorous and highly art-directed selfies promoting their wares. It looked like a charmed life, which was exactly the intention. Helicopter parents need for updates throughout the day has blurred the line of appropriate technology use in childcare centres, with safety advocates warning that workers should not use personal phones to take pictures of those in their care. A former childcare worker was charged last week with child abuse offences against 91 girls that police will allege were filmed and photographed in centres between 2007 and 2022. The footage was posted on dark web forums online. Experts say phones are a useful tool of communication between centres and families but they require strict policies. Credit: Peter Braig The use of technology in childcare centres will form part of a wide-ranging review of safety practices in the childcare sector, commissioned by Federal Education Minister Jason Clare in light of the charges. In the interim, Hetty Johnston, co-chair of the National Office of Child Safety Advisory Group and founder of child protection charity Bravehearts, advised parents to ask about staff phone policies when choosing a centre. Queensland police have killed a man at a home north of Brisbane. Police said officers were executing a search warrant at a home in Margaret Street, Burpengary East, when the 29-year-old man allegedly threatened them and was fatally shot about 5.25pm on Saturday. Police shot the man while searching a home at Burpengary East. The man was declared dead at the scene. A crime scene has been declared at the address, and police investigations are continuing, a police statement read. 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 Noosas famous 1995 population cap of about 56,500 looks dead in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, according to new population estimates of 75,500 by 2046 from Queensland government planners. Noosas population was 57,397 as of June 30, 2022. The proposed increase is 19,100 more people than former mayor Noel Playford imagined when he put forward the idea of capping Noosas population at 56,500 people in 1995. What does modern Noosa say? I am seriously concerned about the states plan to pack another 19,100 people into Noosa by 2046 which is outlined in the draft South-East Qld Regional Plan put forward yesterday [Wednesday] by the Qld State Government, Noosas mayor Clare Stewart writes on her Facebook page. Noosa is annoyed by state government predictions its population will soar to 75,500 well over the idealised population cap of 56,500. The draft SEQ Regional Plan has raised huge concerns for Noosa Council. Advertisement What is particularly concerning is that it is our belief that the state expects us to accommodate more than half of that growth, close to a staggering 10,000 people, in just the next two-to-three years. This is unrealistic and would place huge strain on our environment, our infrastructure, and our amenity. Similarly, the suggestion that our height restrictions could be lifted to 4-8 stories in some locations is incredibly worrying. If this were to occur, it would greatly impact the character and look and feel of Noosa. Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart is seriously concerned at predictions Noosa needs to cope with an extra 10,000 in the next decade. Credit: Noosa Council How did Noosas population cap arrive? The 56,500 population cap idea came from its former mayor Noel Playford in 1995 as an extension of the limits to growth concepts of sixties planning, fuelled by the pro-environment ethos of the National Parks Association. It lasted in-principle until the council amalgamation wars of 2008, when Noosa amalgamated with Noosa and Maroochydore shires to form the Sunshine Coast Council. Advertisement By 2012, Noosa residents had had enough and voted to separate as a standalone Noosa Shire Council. Noosas old-style population cap of 656,500 residents is almost a thing of the past with this weeks population predictions tipping 75,500 by 2046. Credit: Nine. Can a population cap be realistically enforced? Griffith Universitys senior lecturer in urban planning Dr Tony Matthews says no. It is largely meaningless, there is no mechanism for doing it, he says. You would have all sorts of constitutional problems if you tried to it. And how would you enforce it anyway? However, influencing an areas population by varying the carrying capacity i.e. the amount of land available for residential growth is a different thing. Advertisement It would depend on a variety of different factors, Matthews said, including its environmental conditions, its topography and its geography and how people would be arranged and their density. Carrying capacity is something that can be adjusted up or down depending on the settlement pattern, he says. Noosas main beach and Noosa National Park. Will gentle density work in Noosa? Not without compromise, Matthews says. The new 2023 South East Queensland Regional Plan recommends increasing the amount of small residential unit blocks three and four storeys to house the extra 2.2 million. Noosas share is an additional 18,677 people in 4900 new dwellings units, townhouses or houses. Advertisement Stewart says adding three- or four-storey units does not fit Noosas low density. Matthews agrees, but says Noosa council has to find housing styles and densities within its local planning scheme to supports its share of the population growth. Places like Noosa have a very strong character and have strong views on how things should and should not look, he says. For example, once you go up to three or four storeys, you are actually breaking the existing roofline regularly and that will break the sightlines and people will object to that. If Noosa is not willing to do it that way, they will have to find other ways to do it. Who else has a view on Noosas population cap? Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson has refused to accept Noosas population cap, branding it as too costly. Advertisement 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 One of Queenslands fastest-growing areas is struggling for a share of $500 million in government grants because of ambiguity over whether they are a city or a bush council. Brisbanes bayside islands say they are slipping through the cracks by being too regional to attract city funds and too city to attract regional funds from the state and federal governments. However, both federal and state governments insist Redlands can now apply for updated infrastructure grants to cover population growth and to help fledgling day tripper tourism. Day trippers are beginning to increase the population of south-east Queenslands Southern Moreton Bay Islands as new ferry terminals are added to each island. Credit: Tony Moore Brisbanes Southern Moreton Bay Islands comprising Lamb, Karragarra, Macleay and Russell islands are part of the Redlands coast and have tripled in population. Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams says the population growth meant they needed help funding infrastructure projects from their $430 million annual budget. That was a direct recommendation of August 2s South East Queensland Regional Plan to tackle population growth. Advertisement In the report Redlands is a metropolitan council. Development on the bay islands, including those of Southern Moreton Bay, will support local communities and provide opportunities for flexible island-based activities that promote variety in the local economy, the report found. A co-ordinated response between government and key stakeholders will be necessary in future planning to address the opportunities and challenges associated with these bay islands, including their location within the environmentally sensitive Moreton Bay Marine Park. Artist Barbara Wilson from Lamb Island at Russell Islands Farm Gallery with Redlands mayor Karen Williams. Art is a growing tourism magnet for the bay islands. Credit: Tony Moore Redland City Council cannot apply for the Queensland governments $200 million Works for Queensland grants scheme to help cope with growth because the council is in south-east Queensland. It cannot apply for the federal governments $300 million Growing Regions grants because the boundaries for the four bay islands fall outside the new boundaries. Yet, the government says Redlands can apply again for the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, where it can share in $100 million in grants money. Advertisement Redlands received $5.09 million for 2021 to 2024 from this grant pool. And federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King insists Redlands can also apply for a share of the new $200 million Thriving Suburbs grants scheme for local and suburban infrastructure. Redland City Council found $8 million to repair a car park on Macleay Island last year and last month found $8.61 million to start the Redland Bay ferry development at Weinam Creek. This will add restaurants, a supermarket, additional car parking, residential units and a medical precinct to the mainland. Day tourism was a future fledgling economic driver for Southern Moreton Bay Islands, but was yet to develop as an experience, Williams said. It is pretty. It has all the great bones of a tourism experience, but you have to give people something to do when they get here. With Straddie, youve got surf beaches, the pub, youve got First Nations Quandamooka experiences. Advertisement Here, you arrive off the ferry and theres no transport. Boom. Although there is a project to improve car parking at the Redland Bay ferry terminal, the project has taken seven years. This is the overflow car park. Credit: Tony Moore The Queensland government has shared a $48.6 million project with Redland City Council contributing $17.1 million to improve ferry terminals on the four islands since 2014. The islands and the bay itself would draw weekender stays and Airbnbs, but Williams said the infrastructure must go in first. Imagine my neck on the block if I attract a tourism business on the islands, and you cant get a park here? Mayor Karen Williams She understood new federal grant guidelines would be released in the second half of 2023, as part of the federal governments renewed federal National Urban Policy. But once again, Thriving Suburbs in my view doesnt paint the picture of the regional challenge, because you could hardly call the islands a suburb, she said. Advertisement Gulkula, Northern Territory: An obstacle appears to have been cleared from the path of the Yes campaign with the Western Australian government expected to scrap controversial Aboriginal heritage laws that had become a flashpoint in the Voice referendum. Reports of the move to ditch the laws were welcomed by the Yes campaign and Voice advocates at the Garma Festival in north-east Arnhem Land yesterday, after the federal Coalition sought to link the two issues and suggested the WA measures were a precursor to broader national changes that could infringe on property owners rights. Yes 23 campaign director Dean Parkin said it gave his side clear air to sell the Voice as it ramps up its efforts to win over Australians ahead of an anticipated referendum date in October. It absolutely gives us a clear pathway ... to be able to focus very closely on that very simple question on recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first people to this country through a voice. MBABANE Auditor General (AG) Timothy Matsebulas personal email has been hacked by unknown people. So serious is this issue that Matsebula has not wasted time in reporting the malpractice to to the relevant authorities, including Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, Government Spokespersons office and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). Matsebula not only confirmed the matter to the Eswatini News yesterday, but further said he suspected that the people behind this were linked to the probe into the theft of medical drugs at local health facilities. For the record, Matsebula was mandated by government to institute a forensic probe into the theft of the medical drugs, a report which is yet to be released for public consumption. Unconfirmed reports are however suggesting that the probe report will be released in the coming days. The AG said he was alerted of the hacking by a former employee at his office, who is now based in the neighbouring South Africa. A former employee in my office called me with a South African number, but at first, I did not answer and it was only after he sent a text message that I responded to his call. He told me that he was receiving emails I never sent from my personal email account and suspected that it (account) had been hacked. I also started receiving calls from my other colleagues at work informing me of same. The people behind the hacking of my account are circulating emails using my name with the hope of getting information. They are actually impersonating me and the concerning part is that there are many of these accounts that have been opened using my name to confuse people, Matsebula lamented. He was quick to state that he had reported the matter to the relevant authorities, warning his colleagues not to fall prey to what he described as a scam. These people are creating emails using my name and it is clear that they are looking for confidential government information. We are aware that there are people who are strongly against the probe into the theft of medical drugs and my suspicion is that they are behind the hacking of my email account. This is the same email account that I am using to store valuable government information and clearly, the perpetrators of the hacking are fishing for information, he said. Matsebula said the intention of this act was to deliberately disturb the probe into the Ministry of Health operations, particularly the issue of medical drugs theft. Its a wonder why people are not allowing the probe to be completed, so that we get the report of what is causing the shortage of drugs in public hospitals. I mean, the issue of medical drugs theft is a national concern and we are all affected by this. It, therefore, really boggles the mind why I am now their target with the hacking of my email account because as emaSwati, we should all be working together to find a lasting solution to the issue of medical drugs shortage. I am obviously their target because my office was assigned to launch the probe into this issue. They are targeting me for doing my job, which is unfortunate, Matsebula said. He explained that the decision to report the matter to his authorities was to ensure that all government officers are aware that his email account has been hacked and avoid sharing information with the users. Besides reporting this matter to the police, I also informed the Minister of Finance who is my supervisor and the government spokesperson with the intention to ensure that the message is relayed to all those working for government. I cannot run away from the fact that this is putting my life at risk, Matsebula said. Government Deputy Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli confirmed that Matsebulas issue was reported to their office. Yes, we were informed that the auditor generals email account has been hacked. Matsebula reported this issue because he wanted clearance from government to discuss it in the public domain. He was given the green light to share his situation with the public, she said. Mdluli said it was a concern to them that the AGs personal email account has been hacked as it contains personal and confidential information touching on government business operations. Obviously, the immediate suspicion is that this could be linked to the probe of medical drugs theft by the AG but for now, all I can confirm though is that the matter was reported to us and the AG was given the green light to discuss it in public, she briefly said. Verify Chief Polices Information and Communication Officer Phindile Vilakati was contacted last night, but said she needed more time to verify if the AG reported the matter to them, at the time of compiling this report. The hacking of Matsebulas email account comes hardly days after Rijkenberg announced in a statement that government was expecting a forensic report into medical drugs theft, with findings and conclusions that can be supported by independently verifiable evidence. The Finance Minister stated that Cabinet, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, met with Matsebula (AG) and representatives from Funduzi Forensic Services (Proprietary) Limited. He said the meeting was to assist government satisfy itself on the engagement process of Funduzi to conduct a forensic investigation into the supply of medicines in public health facilities. Funduzi was awarded the tender following recommendation by the AG in his investigation wherein, among other things, he reported that there was medication in excess of E150 million, which was unaccounted for. This company was recruited through the Eswatini Government Tender Board, and noteworthy is that during the course of their work, a consultant who was recruited by the company reportedly engaged in unethical behaviour. This resulted in some Central Medical Stores (CMS) seeking the intervention of the courts in relation to the consultants. Cabinet also needed to satisfy itself that the recent media concerns do not have any impact on the possible outcomes of the forensic investigation and that the process is not tainted with illegality, Rijkenberg pointed out. The finance minister said he could confirm, based on information shared with Cabinet and his office that the office of the AG contracted this South African company (Funduzi), which tendered through its local extension company (using same name) following a procurement process approved by the Government Tender Board. The minister further said the engagement of Charles Kwezera, who was an independent contractor to Funduzi, was summarily terminated after the allegations of his improper and unlawful conduct was exposed. Kwezera is the same person who was accused by some CMS employees of demanding bribes, allegedly to exonerate them in the findings of the investigations. On the other hand, Matsebula, in his proposal for forensic investigation on the notification of suspected irregularities as issued by his office on the acquisition and distribution of medicines to public health facilities, recommended that among other things, the Ministry of Health investigate the missing stock and unaccounted for medicines with the aim of recovering and report any unrecovered stock to the Losses Committee at the Ministry of Finance. The AG reported that during the investigation, he observed that there was missing stock of medicines and or unaccounted for pharmaceuticals to the value of E18 793 823.99 in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2021 and 2022. Matsebulas findings were that there was missing stock of medical drugs amounting to E5 977 042.11, which was made up of E5 848 589.89 in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and E128 452.22 in the fiscal year March 31, 2021,as reported in the trading account. In light of these findings, Matsebula recommended that the health ministry must evaluate the use of the Stock Record Cards and design controls to help mitigate the risk of misuse of medicines in the health facilities. capabilities to give a comprehensive view of the current stock in the facilities. Facilities should make follow up communications with CMS whenever an order has been placed. CMS should ensure that medicines are delivered promptly to the health facilities, since the medicines are for essential use, Matsebula was quoted as saying by our sister publication, the Times of Eswatini earlier in the week. The Finance Minister also confirmed to have been informed of Matsebulas issue. Yes, the AG did report that his account has been hacked and he requested that I inform the Prime Minister about it, which I have done. The other formalities like reporting to the police have to be done by him of course, the minister said, without wanting to commit himself on the suspicions that this is linked to the medical drugs theft probe. Example of the emails: daspinki4466@gmail.com; chubnana10@gmail.com; sadathim16@gmail.com; oskar.ziemnior@gmail.com; Keshtiar punched a nightclub employee in the face after some jostling broke out near the clubs back door. He and a friend left the Dome, but walked around to the front where Keshtiar pulled a handgun from his pocket and pointed it at the face of another employee, before shooting him in the thigh. Police at the scene of Keshtiars shooting in South Yarra on Saturday morning. Credit: Joe Armao Keshtiar spent a short time on remand over those charges but was bailed. It was while awaiting trial that he was charged with two counts of attempted murder. The Supreme Court heard Keshtiar was in a romantic relationship with a woman he had met socially. A court heard he rang his girlfriend late on January 18, 2003, and told her he was coming over. He then rang a close friend and asked to meet nearby to get some drugs. The pair met up before going back to the womans Burwood home. All three sat in the loungeroom with the TV on when Keshtiar began arguing with his girlfriend, accusing her of being unfaithful. The friend sat quietly as the argument between Keshtiar and his girlfriend continued until he produced a .357 Magnum revolver and began firing. Keshtiar hit his girlfriend once and his friend three times, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. Look what youve made me do. I hope you are f---ing happy, Keshtiar yelled at his victims before inexplicably calling triple-zero and expressing concern for their welfare. But despite cooperating with police, by the time the case reached court, Keshtiar was pointing the finger at another man underworld figure Sam Zayat, who had been shot dead in a Tarneit paddock. A jury didnt believe him and found him guilty of two counts of attempted murder. Keshtiar was found guilty of assault and intentionally causing serious injury in September 2003 over the nightclub incident. He pleaded guilty at the same time to possessing anabolic steroids. Zabi Ezedyar. For both crimes, Keshtiar was jailed for 15 years and six months with a non-parole period of 12 years. Both judges who dealt with Keshtiar expressed reservations about his prospects of rehabilitation. They noted it was hard to explain why Keshtiar had gone berserk in both situations. There is still a further element of irrationality attached to the events at Burwood. That arises from the relatively extreme switch you made from berserk gunman intending to kill to co-operative care-seeker acting to preserve life, Justice Bernard Teague said of the attempted murder. One possible explanation put forward was Keshtiars penchant for mixing illegal drug use with steroids. Keshtiar served most of his sentence in the maximum security Barwon Prison where he was viewed as an influential prisoner who still had a hand in both the bikie and northern suburbs crime scenes. Before his release he aligned himself with the Mongol bikie gang and was even touted as a possible leader upon his release. In 2017, 26-year-old plasterer Zabi Ezedyar was gunned down in Melbournes south-east, after becoming the victim of a botched hit targeting Keshtiar soon after he was released from prison. Ezedyar was being greeted at the front door of Keshtiars parents home about 7.45pm on August 16 that year and was shot several times from behind. He died on the footpath outside. Homicide squad detectives said at the time that while the gunman had gone to his intended address, he had wrongly shot Ezedyar. It was in the middle of the day when Joseph Haweil was pushed up against the side of a wall by a man at Broadmeadows train station and had his phone knocked out of his hand. Luckily, the Hume City Council mayor wasnt hurt during the assault, as his assailant continued walking through the stations notorious underpass in Melbournes northern suburbs. Hume Mayor Joseph Haweil at Broadmeadows station underpass, which he says is one of Melbournes worst. Credit: Joe Armao Haweil said assaults were a frequent occurrence in the dimly lit underpass, which he labelled one of Melbournes worst. This station is a dive and so is the underpass, Haweil said. Bek* desperately wants to see her 12-year-old son, Harry, succeed, but he suffers from debilitating anxiety and has barely been to classes in three terms. She spends most of her days at home, trying to help him. Its nothing short of heartbreaking to see your child spiral, knowing full well how capable they are, the Gippsland mother said. Unfortunately, most parents and schools arent equipped to manage children with extreme anxiety and getting professional help is costly and hard to navigate. Bek* with her 12-year-old son Harry, who suffers from anxiety. Credit: Joe Armao But as psychologists observe growing numbers of children presenting with social anxiety disorders and there are rising levels of school refusal, there is no one in the federal government specifically tasked with advocating for the wellbeing of children between six and 12 years old. President of the Australian Psychological Society, Catriona Davis McCabe, said there were record levels of children experiencing mental illness. We have a closing window to act before problems become ingrained and harder to treat in adolescence and adulthood. Without the right support, we risk a lost generation of Australians unable to live to their fullest potential, she said. Even those following the Home Affairs contract corruption issue closely might have been befuddled by Fridays events in Senate estimates. The Australian Federal Police apparently came to set the record straight, but mainly managed to raise more questions, few of which its senior officers could answer. Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan during Fridays hearing. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen This is what we know: For five years from 2015, the AFP was pursuing Sydney businessman Mozammil Bhojani and his company for making under-the-table payments to senior officials on Nauru. These bought him preferential access to lucrative shipments of Naurus phosphate in 2015 and 2017. He made millions. Phone taps confirmed that Bhojani made the payments, and he pleaded guilty in 2020 and quit as a director of his company, Radiance International. The company itself kept operating. The Scouts motto is be prepared, but the organisers of the movements global gathering are under pressure to cancel the event, as countries pull out due to struggles with extreme heat and bad conditions. The World Scout Jamboree in South Korea has been rocked by poor sanitation, food shortages and soaring temperatures, with more than 150 attendees admitted to an onsite hospital for heat-related illnesses. World Scout Jamboree attendees rest in the shade at the camping site in South Korea on Friday. Credit: AP Temperatures hit 34C in Saemangeum on South Koreas west coast, where about 40,000 participants mostly scouts aged 14 to 18 were camping as of Friday. Australia sent more than 900 members of the Scout community including about 700 children to North Jeolla province for the event. While the Australians have mostly avoided the heat exhaustion and sickness affecting others onsite, one attendee from Australia was hospitalised for mild illness. Vladimir Rogov, a Kremlin-installed official in Ukraines partially occupied southern Zaporizhzhia region, said several members of the ships crew were wounded because of broken glass. Without specifying that Ukraine was responsible for the drone strike, Vasyl Malyuk, who leads Ukraines Security Service, said: Such special operations are conducted in the territorial waters of Ukraine and are completely legal. Any such explosions, he said, are an absolutely logical and effective step with regard to the enemy. The attack briefly halted traffic on the Kerch Bridge, as well as ferry transport. Tugboats were deployed to assist the tanker, which is under United States sanctions for helping provide jet fuel to Russian forces fighting in Syria, according to Russias Tass news agency. Ukraines earlier strike on Novorossiysk halted maritime traffic for a few hours and marked the first time a commercial Russian port has been targeted in the nearly 18-month-old conflict. The port has a naval base, shipbuilding yards and an oil terminal, and is key for exports. It lies about 110 kilometres east of Crimea. Shipping expert Jayendu Krishna told The Associated Press that the attacks left Russian shipping activity largely unaffected. He believes they may increase the risk of Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports rather than serving as a tool to put pressure on Russia to halt attacks and reinstate the grain deal. Loading Every time anything happens to Russia, you see Putin in retaliation mode therefore, you may see further attacks on other parts of Ukraine, Krishna said. I think it will probably compound the effect and compound the risk in the Black Sea, rather than reducing it, he added. Its very difficult for me to imagine that Russia will give in, unless and until their banks have smooth operations, and theyre able to export their own cargo uninterruptedly. A Telegram post on Saturday by deputy chair of Russias Security Council Dmitry Medvedev implied that Russia would increase its attacks against Ukrainian ports in response to Kyivs attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea: Apparently, the strikes on Odesa, Izmail, and other places were not enough for them, he wrote. In other developments, Russias Defence Ministry said on Saturday it captured a settlement in Ukraines easternmost Luhansk region, most of which is occupied by Russia. In the area of Kupiansk the settlement of Novoselivske was liberated, the ministry wrote on Telegram. Elsewhere, a two-day summit on finding a peaceful settlement to the war kicked off in Saudi Arabia. Senior officials from about 40 countries but not Russia will aim to agree to key principles on how to end the conflict. It is very important because in such matters as food security, the fate of millions of people in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world directly depends on how fast the world will be in implementing the Peace Formula, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said of the summit. I am grateful to Saudi Arabia for this platform for negotiations. Asked whether a former president who does not waive protection can be incarcerated, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said: The Secret Service does not have a comment or response, only because there is no such policy or procedure that currently exists. We wont have any further comment, added Marsha Espinosa, a spokeswoman for the Secret Services parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security. Protesters gather outside the courthouse in Washington on Friday. Credit: AP How do you imprison a former president? Former and current Secret Service agents said that while there was no precedent, they felt certain the agency would insist on providing some form of 24/7 protection to an imprisoned former president. And, they say, the agency is probably planning for that possibility, seeking to match to some degree its normal practice of rotating three daily shifts of at least one or two agents providing proximity protection. This question keeps getting raised, yet no official answers from the Secret Service, said Jonathan Wackrow, a former Secret Service agent and now chief operating officer for Teneo Risk, a corporate advisory and communications firm. However, we can infer how security measures could be implemented based on existing protective protocols. Unless there are changes in legislation or the former president waives protection, the US Secret Service would likely maintain a protective environment around the president in accordance with their current practices. Trumps private plane arrives at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. Credit: Bloomberg Loading Current and former agents said Trumps detail would coordinate their protection work with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to ensure there was no conflict about duties or about how they would handle emergencies, as well as the former presidents routine movements in a prison such as heading to exercise or meals. The Secret Service, they said, would maintain a bubble around Trump in any case, keeping him at a distance from other inmates. In some ways, protection may be easier the absence of travel means logistics get easier and confinement means that the former presidents location is always known, Wackrow said. Theoretically, the perimeter is well fortified no one is worried about someone breaking into jail. The Justice Departments Bureau of Prisons declined to say whether former presidents with Secret Service protection could be incarcerated, or to comment on circumstances of a possible Trump designation. However, a spokesman said general factors could include the level of security an inmate required, any health needs, proximity to their release locations and separation and security measures to ensure the inmates protection. The bureau has had to handle VIP inmates in the past, though minimum security camps often have dormitory style housing. Another agency official said it was in a position similar to the Secret Service, lacking a policy or procedure. What would sentencing look like? The prospect of potentially decades in prison for Trump is politically loaded, though the charges he faces could carry such a penalty. After entering a not-guilty plea in Miami federal court on June 13, Trump claimed he was being threatened with 400 years in prison, adding up the statutory maximum penalty for the 37 counts against him. The charges he faces in DC related to his alleged efforts to stay in power despite losing the election could add additional decades, based on that math. Judges rarely apply maximum penalties to first offenders and rarely stack sentences rather than let them run concurrently. However, federal sentencing guidelines are highly technical. Specialists estimate that a first offender convicted of multiple counts of willfully retaining national defence information and obstructing or conspiring to obstruct an investigation by concealing evidence might face a range of anything from 51 to 63 months on the low end about five years to 17 to 22 years on the high end, given Trumps alleged leadership role and abuse of trust. Loading Similarly, January 6 riot defendants already convicted at trial of two of the same counts with which Trump is charged conspiring to or actually obstructing an official proceeding have faced sentencing guideline ranges as high as seven to 11 years, and as low as less than two years. But judges always have the final say. Without question, if it were anyone else [but Trump], prison would be a certainty, said Thomas Durkin, a former federal prosecutor who teaches national security law at Loyola University Chicago. However, he said, The Secret Service waiver issue is a novel and complex issue that could theoretically factor into an exception. The Justice Department has mounted at least a dozen investigations into the removal or unlawful retention of classified information since 2005. Pentagon employees, contractors and people employed by the FBI, the CIA and National Security Agency have all been convicted and sentenced to prison. Among the most recent, former contractor Harold Martin was convicted in 2019 and is serving a nine-year prison term for taking home a huge number of hard and digital copies of classified materials the equivalent of 500 million pages. And former FBI analyst Kendra Kingsbury was recently sentenced to nearly four years in prison after taking home more than 300 documents including materials related to al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. Trump still has strong support, despite his many charges. Credit: Matt Golding But other high-ranking US officials who pleaded guilty got probation, including ex-president Bill Clintons former national security adviser Sandy Berger in 2005 and retired US Army General David Petraeus, a former CIA director, in 2015. Berger admitted to concealing and removing five copies of a classified document from the National Archives, and was ordered to pay a $US50,000 fine and give up his security clearance for three years. Petraeus was sentenced to two years of probation and fined $US100,000 following revelations that he shared some materials with his biographer and lover. The acceptance of a plea deal is a crucial consideration. In the only case of an American president or vice president to be convicted of a crime, prosecutors involved in the federal bribery prosecution that led to vice president Spiro Agnews resignation in 1973 said prison time never became an issue because he entered a plea deal. It was clear from the very beginning that there would be no deal if he had to go to jail, recalled Russell Baker jnr, former Maryland US attorney. We in the department debated with [attorney-general] Elliot Richardson whether or not we should insist on a jail term, but Agnew, his lawyers kept saying and we believed there would be no deal then, so it never really rose as an issue, Baker said. Loading Agnew, a former Maryland governor, received three years probation and a $US10,000 fine after agreeing to enter a plea to a criminal tax felony for failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes and kickbacks he received as a county executive. Prosecutors have charged more than 300 people with obstructing Congresss certification of the election, and those sentenced after trial have received around 3 years in prison on average, although Army veteran Jessica Watkins, an Ohio bar owner who stormed the Capitol in military-style formation with the Oath Keepers, got 8 years. None who went to trial have escaped prison time. Neither a felony conviction nor incarceration can bar a candidate from running for president. Trump currently leads a growing field of Republican candidates, and said post-indictment he would not quit, Ill never leave. Trump is embroiled in seven cases in several jurisdictions involving: Four counts, including three of conspiracy, relating to an effort to overturn the 2020 election which led to the January 6 Capitol riots; first hearing scheduled for August 28, 2023, Washington Alleged persistent and repeated business fraud at his Trump Organisation, October 2023 trial, New York Writer E Jean Carrols second defamation trial on January 15, 2024, New York A lawsuit by four investors who claim losses from an alleged pyramid scheme involving a phone company promoted by Trump on The Apprentice. The claim is now against Trump alone, as claims against his children were dropped after they gave dispositions. Trial starts on January 29, 2024, New York 34 counts relating to alleged hush money paid to Stormy Daniels, trial set for March 25, 2024, New York 40 counts relating to classified documents kept at his residence, May 20, 2024 trial, Florida Alleged scheme to overturn the 2020 election Georgia college vote, Georgia What are the complications of confinement? While it is unusual [...] the complexity of the conditions of confinement could have an impact on the sentence a judge imposes, said Nancy Gertner, a retired federal judge and Harvard Law School professor. Gertner cited a body of law that allowed a judge to consider whether a frail defendant might be subject to abuse in prison. Unlike Berger and Petraeus whose crimes appear to be one-offs, Trump is accused of a much more sustained problem, she said. On the other hand, there are the political considerations, and the uniqueness of the case, she added. Loading Gertner said the Secret Service has handed off security duties in the past, such as when former first lady Hillary Clinton was protected by State Department security as secretary of state. The Secret Service can direct and oversee protection by others, assigning a special detail to work inside the Bureau of Prisons, or potentially helping prison officials enforce a custodial sentence at home potentially such as at Trumps Bedminster, New Jersey, or Mar-a-Lago residences or elsewhere. Who knows how that would pan out? Gertner said. She added, I think the answer would be, an accommodation could be made [...] The fact that there have been accommodations in the past for various situations suggest there could be accommodations now. The Washington Post New Nigerien authorities appoint Chief of Staff Niamey, Aug 5 (UNI) The new Nigerien authorities have appointed Brig. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, who was trained in the United States, as the new Chief of General Staff of the armed forces, Nigerien media reported on Saturday. Barmou is a member of the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and previously served as chief of special forces of the Nigerien army, the ActuNiger news portal reported. On July 26, Niger's presidential guard ousted and detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself interim leader and president of the CNSP. Shravasti (UP), Aug 5 (UNI) Five persons, including two children, were killed and two others were injured when a MUV rammed into a tree in Ikauna area of Bahraich district here in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, police source said here. Police sources said that Santosh Gupta, a resident of Tribhuvan Chowk in Nepalganj of Nepal, has come to meet his relative in Balrampur district. "While Santosh along with other was returning back to Nepal their vehicle after hitting a stray animal rammed into a tree on the national highway," they said. Police sources said that seven persons were injured in the incident and taken to the community health center. "Five persons, including Nitish Gupta (35), Vinit (18) and three others, including two children, were declared dead at the CHC," they said. Police sources said that one of the injured Vaibhav (25) was referred to the district hospital in a serious condition. "Driver Ajay Mishra is being treated at the CHC," they said. UNI XC AB GNK Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 4:59AM The Wi-Fi World Congress and Expo Event North America (WWC) is coming to Canada for the first time. Toronto will host the WWC from September 18 to 20, attracting more than 500 Wi-Fi leaders, innovators, and experts from around the world. The WWC is organized by Wi-Fi NOW, the industry association and community of over 20,000 Wi-Fi professionals from all sectors. The three-day conference program offers: September 18 - Training Day: Learn about new Wi-Fi technology, applications, and use cases from Wi-Fi NOW Academy trainers. September 19 - First Congress Day: Explore Wi-Fi for the smart home, devices, and evolution September 20 - Second Congress Day: Dive into Wi-Fi for the next-generation enterprise September 19 & 20 from 9 am to 5 pm: See the best in Wi-Fi innovation live at the Exhibit Hall Some of the highlight topics for the WWC include: How to create exceptional Wi-Fi experiences for homes and businesses of all sizes and types How Wi-Fi is evolving to meet the demands of new standards such as Wi-Fi6E How Canada is leading the way in regulation for unlicensed bands with the allocation of 1200MHz of new 6GHz spectrum for improved connectivity services How new Wi-Fi standards can deliver gigabits of speed to new devices such as AR and VR How Wi-Fi is connecting more smart home devices with new standards that enhance the IoT opportunity How new tech can enable Wi-Fi "offload"eliminating the need for indoor cellular systems and switching phones to Wi-Fi instead for excellent indoor coverage How "smart everything" needs to be connected (offices, hotels, industry, cities, etc.)and why Wi-Fi is the tech of choice to make it happen How the 6GHz spectrum will impact the world of unlicensed fixed wireless access in Canada and the US for better broadband competition The Wi-Fi World Congress will be held at the Omni King Edward Hotel in downtown Toronto. You can register now through this link. Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 9:24AM Have you ever wished for better video quality on YouTube? If you are a YouTube Premium subscriber, you are in luck. YouTube has recently brought its enhanced bitrate option to the web. This feature allows you to watch videos in 1080p with less compression and more clarity. Back in February, we first learned about the Google-owned services plans for an enhanced bitrate option, which is exclusively available for YouTube Premium subscribers. YouTube then officially announced the features rollout for iOS in April and promised that it would make it to the web eventually. However, it took until June for YouTube to start testing the feature more widely, including on some Android phones and Android TV setups. This means that Premium subscribers worldwide should find the new 1080p enhanced bitrate option when adjusting the video quality on your desktop. Interestingly, this option would continue to appear to non-Premium users as well. However, tapping it would prompt users to subscribe to Premium. The option also doesn't seem to be available for all videos right now. Source All You Need to Know About 'August Kranti' In the campaign for India's independence, numerous battles were fought and numerous movements were launched. The "August Kranti," which is one of them and is regarded as the final movement of the liberation struggle, is one of them. It is often referred to as the "Quit India Movement." Gandhiji first coined the phrase "Do or Die" for this movement. Gandhiji encouraged the young people of India to take part in the struggle for independence during the August Revolution. However, it is crucial to understand how August Kranti, the name given to the 'Quit India' Movement, came to be! Why was the Quit India Movement Called the August Revolution? On August 9, 1942, Mumbai initiated the Quit India Movement. It became known as the August Revolution because it started in August. Even the Mumbai park that catalyzed this revolution was given the name August Kranti. Why Did This Movement Start? In India, there were numerous independence movements. However, it was during this movement that Gandhiji coined the phrase "Do or Die." In this circumstance, it is important to understand how the August Revolution or the Quit India Movement got started. The start of this revolution was motivated by numerous factors, not just one. Let us explain the details through this Article: The Indian National Congress was well aware of the British idea to include Indians in the Second World War without restriction during the Second World War when the British requested India's help. In order to secure Indian support for the British in World War II, it was announced that British Rule in India would end immediately and that a provisional administration would be established after their departure. The Cripps Mission, which was dispatched by Stafford Cripps to resolve the Indian question of a new constitution and self-government but was rejected, was another factor. This mission was intended to show India as having a Dominion status rather than full independence. History of August Kranti/ August Revolution: Gandhiji executed the decision to launch this movement as a result of the Cripps Mission and the struggle for independence during World War II. A resolution was adopted on July 4 by the Indian National Congress. A significant civil disobedience effort would be started against the British, in accordance with the concept, if they did not leave India. However, the party was split into two groups about this idea; one group was in favor of it and the other group was against it. The plan also caused Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Azad some consternation, but they decided to support it at Gandhiji's urging. August Revolution, often known as the "Quit India Movement," was planned during the All India Congress Committee's Bombay session on August 8, 1942. Gandhiji encouraged young people to join it, and on August 9 the August Revolution was declared. This was the largest nonviolent movement, and many prominent figures including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Ashok Mehta, and Jayaprakash Narayan openly backed it. Movement After Gandhiji's Arrest: In order to prevent the Indian National Congress movement from gaining traction after Gandhiji's speech, the government imprisoned all of its leaders- including Gandhij, without conducting a trial or waiting for anybody to be found guilty. However, the movement was carried out with a lot of enthusiasm by people from all throughout India. To put an end to the protests, the British Authorities instilled fear throughout India and organized processions and hartals, but the movement persisted even after that. The August Revolution lasted for an entire two years. The British Administration began lathi-charge, firing and arresting people in an effort to put an end to this movement. However, the movement became violent in several areas of India. Government buildings and railway lines were attacked and vandalized by protesters. About 60,000 agitators were imprisoned to put an end to the campaign, and there were numerous casualties from the fighting. The Reason for the Failure of the August Revolution? The August Revolution, which was first nonviolent, eventually turned violent. There had been occasional outbreaks of violence in India. This was one of the key factors in the failure of the Quit India Movement. About 30 lakh individuals lost their life as a result of the movement devolving into violence. When Jerry Gandhiji was the only one to be freed from prison in 1944, he observed a 21-day fast. IIT Jodhpur, a branch of the Indian Institute of Technology, celebrated its founding day. Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. R. Chidambaram, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the IIT Jodhpur, while Professor Santanu Chaudhury, Director of the IIT Jodhpur, gave the welcome address. In a landmark declaration, Alkesh Kumar Sharma promised to set aside Rs 5 crore for the creation of India's first "MeitY Chair" in artificial intelligence (AI) at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur. This program represents a turning point in the nation's advancement of AI research and innovation. The institute has been given permission to build a state-of-the-art program with a focus on perception and cognitive engineering for a sizable sum of Rs 155 crore. Alkesh also opened the student innovation exhibition and praised the institute's objective for inclusive development driven by emerging technologies. He praised the initiatives taken by IIT Jodhpur to carry out various government programs by expanding its operations and using its resources to bring about a technological revolution and create "Atma Nirbhar Bharat." The research culture and activities taking place at IIT Jodhpur, which aim to instil the culture of innovative thinking and problem-solving among the nation's youth, were also praised by Dr. R. Chidambaram, Chairman, BoG, IIT Jodhpur. A discussion on "Scientific Excellence at IIT Jodhpur" was held in the afternoon. IIT Jodhpur's professors presented fifteen highly regarded and top research papers. More than 140 submissions reflecting the beauty of the campus were received for the best phone photography competition, and 15 awards were granted to students, employees, and professors. On this occasion, IIT Jodhpur honoured three staff members and eleven faculty members to recognize their outstanding contributions during their careers at IIT Jodhpur. Institute Awards For Excellence In Research Since 2020, the institute has honoured faculty members on Institute Foundation Day by presenting them with "The awards given to the faculty members for their outstanding research contribution." Since 2020, 14 academic members have received the Research Excellence Award in the fields of science, engineering, and "humanities, social science, and management" in the categories of young researchers and senior researchers. Meritorious Staff IIT Jodhpur acknowledged the significant contributions made by employees who have given the institute's objectives years of devoted service. This honour is given to employees who have excelled and made a significant contribution to their departments. International Research Mobility Grant (Irmg) For international research and collaboration between IITJ and the International Institutes of Repute (top QS rankings), the institute introduced the International Research Mobility Grant (IRMG) in 2021. Following a rigorous two-stage peer evaluation procedure for the selection of projects with financial support of up to Rs 10 lakhs, the International Research Mobility Grant is sponsored by R&D funds for giving opportunities to young faculty members. Young faculty members can improve their collaboration with reputable international organisations and scholars thanks to this program. A total of Rs 64.27 lakh has been sanctioned for IRMG awards to a total of 7 faculty members. Projects On The Moonshot IIT Jodhpur establishes a distinctive framework for 'Moonshot Projects' on novel, game-changing concepts. The goal of the "Moonshot Competition" is to create ideas that could ultimately result in significant improvements to societal, economic, environmental, and health-related problems. IIT Jodhpur hopes to use this to inspire fresh research projects that will develop creativity and teamwork while solving urgent issues and laying the foundation for a sustainable future. Dr. Debanjan Guha Roy, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil & Infrastructure Engineering, received the Moonshot Award this year for his original concept, "Lunar Tunnel Boring Machine for Underground Moon Habitat." The beneficiaries of these esteemed prizes and fellowships stood as a tribute to IIT Jodhpur's unrelenting quest of excellence and its lasting influence on influencing the future of science, engineering, social sciences, and management as the celebrations came to an end. At the conclusion of the day, a cultural presentation with performances by IIT Jodhpur's faculty, staff, and students was planned. There were dance and singing performances showcasing the IIT Jodhpur campus's vibrant variety. The institute reiterated its dedication to moving forward on the path of scientific discovery, academic brilliance, and societal transformation as the celebrations for foundation day came to a close, leaving an imprint on the world of education and research. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Ruby Blondell in Laphams Quarterly: Like her patron goddess, Venus, Helen of Troy represents, in Goethes famous phrase, the eternal feminine. She pervades the broader discourse of beauty culture in the early twentieth century. A newspaper article from 1916 informs us that an artist named Ray van Buren studied the beauty of Helen as delineated in the finest Greek friezes and sculptures, before extolling the modern women who, in his view, have the same classic, tantalizing, heart-storming beauty as the immortal Helen of Troy. A 1926 tip for lustrous hair (involving egg whites and carbolic acid) is attributed to Helens beauty recipe books. Her name appears less often than Venus in early movie titles, but advertisements for beauty products often invoke the goddess and her protegee in the same breath. Sometimes they are even conflated, as if Helen had been the winnernot just a bribeat the Judgment of Paris: The Search for a New Helen of Troy Begins in France, [with] the Modern Judgment of Paristo Determine Who Is Most Beautiful. As icons of female beauty, both Helen and her patron goddess were vehicles for contemporary ambivalence about the cultural legitimacy of modern America. Many sources opine that in Hollywood Helen would be nothing in comparison with the abundance of American beauties. More here. Dorothy Wickenden at the New York Times: Who was Appleton Oaksmith? One contemporary described him as a good seaman, & a bold & daring officer. His enemies, President Abraham Lincoln among them, judged him a scoundrel and a traitor. Oaksmith, writing six years after the Civil War, wasnt sure what to think: I look upon myself sometimes with a sort of doubt as to my own identity. Jonathan W. White, a prizewinning Civil War historian, finds in Oaksmiths spectacularly misguided life both a gripping yarn set far from the battlefields and a way to dramatize Lincolns determination to eliminate the African slave trade. As a young seafaring adventurer in the 1850s, Oaksmith armed mercenaries in Nicaragua and joined the liberation movement in Cuba. In 1859, he started a magazine, which foundered and left him bankrupt. As a Tammany Hall Democrat, he attempted to broker a misbegotten agreement between North and South. After Lincoln took office, in 1861, Oaksmith became a shipping agent, outfitting old whaling ships. more here. On May 16, 2023, Governor Bill Lee signed Public Chapter 437 into law. The union subsequently filed a lawsuit: Tennessee Education Association, et al., versus Bill Lee, et al. Late on Friday, July 28, 2023, the Chancery Court for the State of Tennessee, Twentieth Judicial denied the Tennessee Education Associations request for a temporary injunction against Section 2 of Chapter 437 of the Public Acts of 2023 (PC 437). The denial of the motion eliminates a previous temporary injunction to continue payroll deduction for dues for professional employee organizations. The results were predictable. The court was quick to point out the fallacies of the union arguments. The increases in the base salaries in the state salary schedule for teachers that Professional Educators of Tennessee had long advocated for, did include a ban on dues collection by a Local Education Association in the legislation. This impacted our organization on a smaller scale. Like the union, we would have preferred both issues addressed separately. As is often the case, legislation can be complex and cover a multitude of issues. However, this legislation did not contain a severability clause that would allow the remainder of the legislation's terms to remain effective, even if one or more of its other terms or provisions are unenforceable or illegal. The union argument is that the Act combines two subjects, but only one portion of the Act is related to wages. The order points out: Without wages, there is no payroll, and without payroll, there can be no payroll deductions. Our point was that we were unwilling to risk losing the salary increases for all educators across the state that we had long advocated for because of the lack of a severability clause. In addition, we have long been denied equal access to payroll deductions. The union was often an obstacle to us for that equal access. Therefore, we created our own online system where members could pay their dues conveniently and securely. Despite our own increased costs in the form of credit cards and bank processing fees, we have been able to keep our annual dues under $200 a year. In this case, each Local Education Association operates under a unified membership structure with the Tennessee Education Association and the National Education Association. Therefore, any educator who joins a local affiliate also agrees to join the TEA and NEA and to pay the dues required for membership in each of the associations. Nationally, according to the Education Intelligence Agency: The average union teacher paid $650.64 plus local dues. A couple of interesting points were relevant: Local Boards of Education already had the right to change their payroll practices. Payroll deductions for political activities are specifically excluded from the collaborative conferencing process under PECCA. See Tenn. Code Ann. 49-5-608(b)(6). A 2016 Attorney General Opinion states that member dues, if deducted under a PECCA memorandum of understanding, may not be used to engage in or pay for political activity, including political communications, nor may they be used as contributions to an entity that engages in political activity. The National Education Association is the largest labor union in the country. Some public sector unions limit a members ability to terminate their membership by requiring that it be done during a very narrow window, say the month of August. According to TEA president Tonya Coats testimony cited in the order: Members may opt out of automatic deduction payments between August 1 and August 31 of each year; otherwise, the deductions take place on a continuing basis. It was the first-time experts recall seeing an opt-out window acknowledged. Whether this is political payback to the state or national union as has been suggested, or simply good policy that diminishes the workload and costs imposed on local school districts, the legal challenge is unlikely to prevail. Teacher unions have been deeply involved in endorsing political candidates and funding political candidates and activitiesincluding political action committees. Rank-and-file members of the union remain in the dark about political spending. In 2021, Americans for Fair Treatment, reports the teachers union donated $66 million to political activities and another $117 million to contributions, gifts, and grants that were primarily political donations. This was at the national level. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti included this footnote within one filing: Since PECCA was enacted in 2011, the Tennessee Education Association (TEA) has engaged in extensive political activity. Its public filings show that it has spent approximately $2,000,000-$3,500,000 in Tennessee on lobbying alone. See Smith Decl., Ex. D, TEA Political Expense Reports. And the TEAs membership applications provide that a portion of [each members] dues are allocated to the TEA-FCPE, an entity that engages in political activities, including but not limited to, making contributions to and expenditures on behalf of friends of public education who are candidates for office. That makes the union look less like a membership organization, and more like a political organization. Political spending in a divided political climate does nothing to help Tennessee educators advocate on behalf of their students or themselves. The conclusion of the order makes clear: We hold that the Plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed on the merits of either claim. The Act does not impermissibly embrace more than one subject, and its caption fairly describes its contents. The Act also does not repeal PECCAs requirement that payroll deductions be discussed as part of the collaborative conferencing process. Finally, Plaintiffs have failed to show that the Act substantially impairs either set of contracts implicated by the change in the payroll deduction process. The state has already filed for dismissal of the lawsuit. We await that decision. JC Bowman Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee The world lost a brilliant man this week. Michael Swain Barter died on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 8:01 p.m. He was born Feb. 8, 1947 in Beverly, Ma. to John and Dorothea Barter, who Mike is now reunited with, along with his grandparents, Walter Swain and Julia Henderson Hinchman, and sister, Julia M. Gilliam.Mike left his mark on the world in so many ways. Mike had five patents to his name. He worked with Ethan Allen Furniture to design wood fired broilers. He also designed a system to power an entire hotel and ski resort (The Balsams in Dixville Notch, NH). Locally, Mike was project manager for the construction of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Athens. Using his engineering skills, Mike led numerous projects in nuclear power plants around the country from Maine to Washington. These accomplishments would lead you to believe Mike was all work and no play, but this could not be further from the truth.Mike lived his life to the fullest. As an avid fisherman, Mike pulled more fish than can be counted out of lakes, rivers and the sea. He was also proficient in many musical instruments, including the banjo, guitar and trumpet (the latter he was occasionally fond of using as a household alarm clock). Mike knew his way around a kitchen as well, and his baked stuffed lobster was legendary.Mike is survived by his wife of 31 years, Phyllis; sons, Nathan, John, Micah and wife, Jennifer, and Andrew and wife, Candace; sisters, Elizabeth and Ann; grandchildren, Taylor, Joshua, Elijah, Abraham, Jacob, Meagan, Lauren, Kilby and Sierra; and great-grandchildren, Mason, Fay, Oliver and Henry. Everyone who was part of Michaels life is forever changed for knowing him, and he will be sorely missed. Goodbye, Mike.There will be no public services at this time, however you are encouraged to share a memory of Mike and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfuenrals.com.Companion Funeral Home of Athens is honored to assist his family with these arrangements. A woman told police she was walking on a sidewalk at Coolidge Park around 10:50 a.m., and part of the concrete was shifted up about an inch. She said her toe caught the edge of the concrete and she tripped and fell on her face, injuring her left knee. She said she can barely walk on it and it is stiff, bruised and swollen. She said also the fall has broken her front tooth. She was on her way to the dentist and planned to go to a doctor later to see about her knee. * * * Police observed a white sedan enter Cromwell Hills with dark tinted windows and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. While speaking with the driver, police observed a small baggie with marijuana located on the center console in plain view. Police had the driver step out and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. Police said 3.35 grams of marijuana was recovered. The driver presented her license and was told the reason for the stop (the tint was measured at 17 percent). The driver was given a warning for the tint and marijuana; the marijuana was taken to CPD Property. * * * Neighbors near the businesses at 1014 Dallas Road called in about an audible alarm. Police found the business to be secure. The businesses were listed as Cornerstone Reality and Technology Projects. Dispatch attempted to call both businesses to get a responsible party on scene to turn off the loud siren, but were unsuccessful. * * * A man told police he was showing someone the property at 2627 Hixson Pike around 11 a.m. and noticed a White Hyundai Sonata parked in the driveway. He said he believed it was stolen and called the police. Police confirmed that the vehicle was stolen. Police were unable to locate any fingerprints to collect on the vehicle, and attempted to make contact with the owner, but were unsuccessful. Police then called next in rotation, Mosteller's Towing, and they came and transported the vehicle to the lot. The vehicle was removed from NCIC. * * * A woman told police she was pinging her phone at a lot on Boyce Street. Police were able to make contact with the residents of that lot, who said they did not have her phone; however, they did say they saw her the night before at the Speedway on Highway 58. It was discovered that the woman's iPhone and purse were picked up by a resident in the lot next door. The woman retrieved her phone and purse. * * * Police contacted a man and woman who had been reported walking and arguing on Sandswitch Road. The woman was sitting in the passenger side front seat of a silver Nissan Altima and the man was kneeling down at the rear of the vehicle crying. Both of them said they had been involved in a verbal dispute when the woman walked away from the vehicle and the man followed her. No evidence of a physical altercation was present. Neither had any warrants and the two were released. * * * A man told police he was driving southbound on St. Elmo Avenue at W. 41st Street during an intense thunderstorm, when a tree branch broke and fell onto his windshield. The front windshield of his truck was shattered, but no other damage was reported. The man said that his truck was drivable and no tow truck was needed. * * * Police responded to the 4700 block of Shallowford Road in regards to a suspicious person at the Vulcan concrete plant being disorderly and kicking things on the property. The caller, an employee, said that no property was damaged and they simply wanted a report documenting the incident. The employee was unable to provide any video footage of the person or the incident reported. * * * Police observed a large tree across the roadway near 1714 Oak St. They also observed the tree to be on two vehicles, a Kia Sorrento (TN tag) and a BMW (TN tag). It is unknown the cost of damages. Public Works was notified about the tree being down. * * * A woman on S. Beech Street called police to report her Honda Civic was damaged. Police did observe a tree atop the vehicle. Damage observed by police appeared to be only possible scratches. It is to be noted other damage may have been present, but may have been hidden by the branches and leaves of the tree. * * * A loss prevention employee at Walmart, 490 Greenway View Dr., showed police video of two people, later identified, skip scanning items at the self checkout. The man was the one skipping items while the woman watched. The man pushed the cart with the items that had not been purchased past all points of sale. Both of them got into a silver Chevrolet Trax, which was registered to the woman. The items came to $101.66. At this time Walmart does not want to prosecute either person. * * * Police attempted a traffic stop on a silver 2020 BMW X1 (TN temporary tag) in regard to a speeding violation at 4500 Rogers Road. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. * * * Police were dispatched to a suicidal person by a friend of hers. Due to the comments she made, police requested a phone ping be started by Dispatch to find her whereabouts, as she was not home. With the assistance of a phone ping, police located the woman in Rivermont Park, playing with her dog, Charlie. The woman told police that she has no suicidal ideations, has no plans, or means. She said she sent those comments to a guy who was bothering her in an attempt to get him to leave her alone. The woman did not appear to be in any kind of distress. * * * Vandalism was reported at 6220 Shallowford Road at the Courts of Waterford Apartments. A man told police that around 9:30 p.m. he found the windshield of his vehicle busted. He said that it may have happened that evening. He also said that he was inside his apartment when it happened and did not see anyone suspicious around. * * * A sinkhole developed in the parking lot owned by Anchor Chattanooga LLC at 5546 Hwy. 153, which a man told police he drove his vehicle into, causing an undetermined amount of damage to the undercarriage. The parking lot was taped off by police. The city of Soddy Daisy passed an ordinance at the commission meeting on Thursday night that will give the city the ability to regulate camping in city owned parks or rights of way. Mayor Steve Everett said that transient and homeless people are not a new or big problem in Soddy Daisy now, but the new law gives the city a way to legally deal with it before it ever does become one. At the public meeting before the final vote for the ordinance, a resident of Soddy Daisy asked what is the plan for the homeless who are currently camping on public property. The mayor said the officers enforcing the law will try and assist if the person allows it. The city is aware of only six people now that this law will affect. Often, he said the officers will hand money to a homeless person they encounter in a city park, and the protocol now is to transport them to a safe space. There is no welfare facility in Soddy Daisy that is designed to help them, but there are places in Chattanooga and in Rhea County that do, he said. Another ordinance was passed regarding site plan requirements for off-street parking. City Manager Burt Johnson said this will revise the parking conditions when a new building is being constructed, such as the number of spaces actually needed for the type of business that will use the building rather than having a set number of parking spaces for the size of the building. Final approval was given to rezone property at 341 Hixson St., to R-TZ Zero Lot Line Residential Townhouse District from the current R-5 Single Lot Mobile Home District and A-1 Agricultural District. Commissioner Gene-o Shipley was concerned that the development, which will be on a slope, will cause stormwater runoff problems. He said the land is in an area known to have poor drainage and that water will move faster when vegetation is removed and there is an increase of paved surfaces. The size of the retention pond on the low point of the property will need to be large enough to prevent flooding of Poe Branch, he warned. The developer assured him that the site will be engineered and the pond can be large because the property at the bottom where the pond will go, is in a 100-year flood plain for Poe Branch and not much of that land will be built on. He also expects that the engineer will design the site to have another pond on the higher levels of the property so that all stormwater will not be directed downhill. There are nine schools in Soddy Daisy and all but two had security personnel last year, placed by Hamilton County Schools. This year the two remaining, Ivy Academy and Skillern Elementary, both charter schools, will also be provided with school resource officers. The positions will be funded with a combination of state and city money and contributions from each school. This year the state of Tennessee will give $75,000 grants to every school for the new officers. That pays salaries but there are also extra costs for the first year to get the program started. It will take an extra $65,000 for each position to pay for start-up equipment such as automobiles and guns. Each of these schools is contributing to that expense, but City Manager Burt Johnson asked and the commissioners approved up to $60,000 for the extra costs, in addition to contributions from the schools. He said the state may give additional grants to cover those costs and Soddy Daisy will apply for them if they become available. The Soddy Daisy Fire Department has bought a used ladder truck. The commissioners approved spending $39,000 for painting the truck yellow to match the others in the city. The cost includes painting, striping and decals. A new Kubota utility vehicle will also be bought for $30,000. This equipment will be used for maintenance of parks and the ball fields. The digital sign in front of City Hall stopped working and will be replaced. The commissioners voted to extend the citys cooperative purchasing agreement and add the Equalis Group. This will add another cooperative purchasing business to give the city more options for replacing the digital sign. The contract with TDOT for repaving Dayton Pike ended at the end of July before the work was completed. The commissioners voted to extend the contract until Nov. 1 to give enough time for TDOT to finish adding signage, striping the road and to put up guardrails. The additional costs for extending the time will be reimbursed to the city. Soddy Daisy has hired a city planner who will begin work in December. Approval was given to spend $10,942 to continue using Southeast Tennessee Development District for planning services until the new planner begins. And an interlocal agreement was authorized for Soddy Daisy to provide electrical inspection services for the town of Signal Mountain. That will replace the electrical inspector that retired. Soddy Daisy will be reimbursed for time. The volunteers in Soddy Daisy are busy planning a fall festival. Jim Stewart with Keep Soddy Daisy Beautiful and the citys tree board, gave an update to the festival that is scheduled for Sept. 30. There are already approximately 80 vendors he said, including food, arts and crafts, non-profits and music. He said beer will not be available to keep the event family friendly. However another adult event is being planned for later. City Manager Johnson thanked Curtis Cecil for leading the effort that brought 20 people to Soddy Daisy who helped with maintenance of landscaping and cleaning up the city parks. Those 20 people doing community volunteer work were from Bryan College. Have you been seeing that viral image of a small, adorable, yet disgruntled kitten wearing two brightly colored casts? That would be none other than Tater Tot, the rescue kitten that stole the hearts of millions online. Kitty CrusAIDe is a cat rescue and adoption organization based in Utah that rescues, rehabilitates, neuters and finds loving homes for cats all over the state. Theyre very active on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok and recently went viral after documenting the journey of little Tater Tot. Tater Tot was a tiny orange kitten who was found in the wild after being discovered by one of the organizations volunteer dogs, Bebe, the Newfoundland mix. Bebes owner then took Tater Tot to his foster mom, Ash Houghton, one of the co-directors of Kitty CrusAIDe. Immediately, Ash noticed that all four of Tater Tots legs were malformed, and he had a cleft palate, making it difficult to feed him milk. No one at Kitty CrusAIDe had ever cared for a kitten with a cleft palate before, but after some trial and error, Ash discovered she could successfully feed Tater Tot using a small tube. Then, she had to figure out what to do with his legs. When Tater Tot was taken to a veterinarian, they put teeny little braces that looked like casts on his front legs to straighten them out slowly. Ash cleverly calls the casts his bonkers. Thats when Ash took the famous photo of Tater Tot looking grumpy with his tiny pink and blue casts, which went extremely viral and gained their organization a lot of followers who were desperate to get updates on his health. Since the first photo of Tater Tot went viral, Ash and Kitty CrusAIDe continued posting awesome updates on his progress, even making action movie trailer-style videos portraying him as a superhero. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Christian college asks federal appeals court to protect religious beliefs about female pastors A Christian college has asked a federal appeals court to protect its religious beliefs regarding men and women in leadership following a lawsuit by a former employee that accuses the institution of discrimination. Moody Bible Institute, a Christian college and seminary in Chicago, Illinois, was founded by evangelist Dwight L. Moody in 1886. The college states on its website that it offers students a Bible-focused education and practical ministry training, and equips students to serve as representatives of the Christian faith. On Monday, the Christian college filed an opening brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit with support from the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Christian Poland of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP is also representing Moody Bible Institute. The brief asks the court to consider whether the federal judiciary should interfere with internal religious disputes and if the former employees claims are barred by the church autonomy doctrine and Title VIIs religious exemption. Becket stated Tuesday that oral arguments will likely be scheduled for sometime this winter or spring 2024. Mark Jobe, president of Moody Bible Institute, emphasized in a public statement that the college has trained and helped form men and women of faith for over 130 years. This mission is rooted in Christs command to announce the good news to all people, and it has served as the bedrock of Moody since our founding," he said. In an interview with The Christian Post, Daniel Blomberg, vice president and senior counsel for Becket, explained that Moody Bible Institute requires staff to adhere to its core statement of faith. One of those beliefs is that both men and women are called to religious ministry; however, the church office of pastor is reserved for men. As Blomberg noted, Janay Garrick was aware of the schools position when she joined Moodys faculty, and she signed a yearly application stating that she supported the colleges views, as Moody requires its staff to affirm its beliefs each year. Garricks actions while employed by the school indicated that she did not share Moodys views, however. In October 2015 and January 2016, two female students approached Garrick because they wanted to enter Moody's Pastoral Ministry Program, which is closed to women. The former Moody employee helped one of the students lodge a Title IX complaint against the college. In addition, Garrick founded the "Respect for Women Personally and Ministerially" in 2015, where she announced the Title IX complaint and argued prohibiting women from the pastoral ministry program was discrimination, according to the lawsuit. The schools faculty eventually met with Garrick in April 2017, expressing concern about whether she supported Moodys doctrinal statement. Following the meeting, the college decided not to renew Garricks contract for the coming year. Garrick filed a lawsuit in January 2018, which a district court initially dismissed, as the former faculty member claims arose from a disagreement she had with Moodys beliefs about women in ministry, according to Blomberg. The court dismissed the suit to avoid interfering with an internal religious dispute; however, it allowed Garrick to amend her complaint and remove any references to religion. While the former Moody employee refiled the complaint, Blomberg noted that most of the references to religion remained, as the complaint indicates that the dispute is due to a religious disagreement about whether women can serve as pastors. In November 2021, however, the district court decided that the case could proceed to determine if Moody had discriminated on the basis of sex. Blomberg explained to CP that this prompted the appeal to the Seventh Circuit, asking it to intervene. While the case was halted for a while due to a long procedural process, the attorney confirmed that it has been reinstated and is moving forward. And basically, the issue is, can federal courts intervene and interfere in internal religious decisions about the ordination of religious leadership? he asked. The attorney cited the case of Christian Legal Society v. Walker, which also dealt with the issue of a religious group having to potentially keep a staff member that rejects the ministrys beliefs and violates the organizations right to exist. He also cited Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC, a Supreme Court case that recognized the First Amendments religious clauses provide religious groups with special solicitude, allowing them to choose the individuals who will carry out their mission. And at that time, the EEOC, which is the federal agency charged with enforcing Title VII, among other laws, admitted to the court: It said, listen, Title VII could not be used to force the Catholic Church to have to reject its beliefs in the male priesthood or to require an Orthodox Jewish seminary to ordain women, Blomberg said. Obviously, the First Amendment wouldnt allow that. Well, that's exactly the case we're facing today, and a federal court, unfortunately, has said that's not so obvious anymore, and we're going to force you to go through years of litigation just to vindicate what a decade ago before a unanimous Supreme Court was an obvious First Amendment right, he continued. The senior counsel for Becket also stated that the outcome of the case could have massive implications for religious colleges and their ability to operate according to their belief systems. He warned that if a claimant can take what a court has already recognized to be a religious dispute and bring the same religious institution before the court after changing a few words of the complaint forcing the institution to spend thousands of dollars and go through years of litigation just to achieve the same result then that empties the First Amendment and federal civil rights law of a lot of its religious freedom protections. A lot of religious institutions can't afford that, Blomberg said. They can't afford the process of going through that. And if it's so easy to evade the First Amendment, then the First Amendment is going to lose a lot of its meaning. Crucified 'Jesus Ken' and 'Virgin Mary' dolls relaunch amid 'Barbie' movie craze sparks outrage The planned relaunch of religiously-themed Barbie dolls in Argentina, dubbed Barbie Virgin Mary and Jesus Ken, has sparked outrage globally, especially among Catholic groups in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of Pope Francis. This comes after the international success of Greta Gerwigs Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, prompted the creators, local artists Emiliano Pool Paolini and Marianela Perelli, to reissue their contentious collection. As reported by Jam Press, the artists original Barbie: The Plastic Religion exhibit in 2014 received serious death threats for representing important religious figures, including Catholic saints and the Virgin Mary, as dolls. Despite these threats, at least one toy shop in Argentina has allegedly agreed to stock some models of the revived collection, with the artists planning to showcase their dolls in an art show in December, according to the New York Post. The previous exhibit, Barbie, The Plastic Religion, drew ire worldwide, according to USA Today. Priest Adrian Santarelli from St. Thomas More parish in Buenos Aires at the time questioned the appropriateness of the dolls, saying their representation of sacred images might damage a childs understanding of the sacred. It included Barbies depicted as Joan of Arc and Virgin of Guadalupe, among others, and Ken as Buddha and Moses. It notably avoided dolls representing Muslim figures due to Islamic prohibitions on such depictions. In response to the controversy, the artists insist that the exhibit is purely artwork and not intended to cause offense. Paolini insists that the creations were simply the union of the two most popular elements of history: the Barbie doll and religion. Frankly, we dont understand why were being attacked, the New York Post quoted Paolini as saying. Religion has always depicted virgins as the most beautiful women, he added. Today, the most beautiful woman is Barbie. The exhibit reportedly planned for December is expected to draw about 400 visitors, according to the organizers, with police presence to ensure security. The reception to the revived collection is going well, Paolini said. We will take part in an art show with a stand dedicated to Plastic Religion where we will present 33 Barbie dolls, among other artwork. Perelli and Paolini conceived the idea after witnessing the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. They argue that if there are Barbies representing various professions, why not a religious one? The artwork has provoked anger also from Hindus in the past. Rajan Zed, a Hindu cleric based in Nevada, criticized the Barbie-fication of Kali as inappropriate and out of place. However, Elina Aguilar, a retiree, and Hugo Fryszberg, an employee of the Buenos Aires government, defended the exhibit, noting that dolls of other religious figures have been sold without issue. Social media reactions to the revived collection are mixed. One user labeled it as an international scandal, while another accused the artists of seeking fame in an infamous manner. Franklin Graham returning to UK after legal victory over canceled events The Rev. Franklin Graham will be returning to the United Kingdom for his "God Loves You" tour a couple of years after he won a legal battle against a venue that canceled his events due to disagreeing with his biblically-based views on homosexuality. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which Graham heads, announced on Thursday that they were adding two stops to the groups God Loves You tour. These new stops include Aug. 26 at the ExCeL London convention center and June 22, 2024, at the OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow, Scotland. The London event will feature musical guests, including 15-time Grammy winner CeCe Winans, three-time Grammy winner Michael W. Smith and Grammy-nominated, bestselling band the Newsboys. According to the BGEA, they are coordinating their evangelism efforts for their August gathering with nearly 1,000 churches located in the London metropolitan area. We are excited to return to London again this year and to have an opportunity to preach the Gospel in Glasgow, said Graham in a statement shared with The Christian Post. We are grateful for the thousands of Christians and hundreds of churches that have stood alongside us in recent years and continued praying for this tour to come to their cities. Graham also referenced the BGEA events held in the U.K. last year, as the God Loves You tour came to the British cities of Liverpool, South Wales, Sheffield and London in 2022. We saw hundreds of people turn to Jesus Christ in faith last year, and we believe this is Gods timing for many more people in London and Glasgow to hear the message of Gods great love for them, Graham added. London Baptists Regional Minister, the Rev. Hany Abdelmasih, said the 2022 tour was a blessing to many people in London. London is the place where you find the world, and it is also a place that needs the Good News of Christ proclaimed again and again. I look forward to what God will do through Rev. Franklin Graham and the 'God Loves You' tour this year, Abdelmasih said in the statement shared with CP. In past years, Graham has occasionally encountered resistance from LGBT activist groups and venue hosts in the U.K., who have tried to shut down his events due to his views on homosexuality and Islam. In early 2020, for example, before the COVID-19 lockdowns began, a couple of U.K. venues canceled their "God Loves You" tour events because of Grahams moral views. Last October, a Scottish court ruled that Scottish Event Campus Limited had violated the U.K. Equality Act when it canceled the BGEA events and ordered them to pay more than $111,000 (97,000) in damages. I heard no evidence to suggest that Franklin Graham had intended to pursue a toxic or dangerous agenda at the event. On the contrary, it is not disputed that the event would have been an evangelical outreach event for up to twelve thousand people, read the ruling, in part. That is not to say that his opinions are not offensive to some whether in Glasgow or elsewhere. However, the pursuer's right to engage a speaker at the evangelical event in furtherance of a religious or philosophical belief is protected by law. PCUSA pastor teaches on Psalm 139, says she 'felt God's presence,' 'no sin' after 2 abortions Sermon alleges anti-choice Evangelicals have colonized our minds with toxic theology A female pastor who is also a Planned Parenthood advisor delivered a sermon in which she said she felt Gods presence when she aborted two pregnancies and blasted Evangelicals for their toxic theology on the subject. In a sermon delivered July 9 at The Community Church of Chapel Hill Unitarian Universalist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the Rev. Rebecca Todd Peters spoke candidly about her own experience with abortion and how she views Scripture through that lens. Wearing a pink stole emblazoned with the Planned Parenthood logo, Peters opened her message bemoaning the state of pro-life Evangelicalism, with its talking fetuses, aggressive bumper stickers and saccharine billboards quoting Scripture and invoking God's wrath. Peters, who is also a professor of religious studies and founding director of the Poverty and Social Justice Program at Elon University in North Carolina, referenced the states recently passed law banning most abortions after 12 weeks. She said the bills passage is an example of Evangelical culture setting the political tone on abortion. When it is primarily Catholics and Evangelical Christians who talk about God and faith and abortion, they define the narrative anti-choice Christians have so effectively shaped, she said. This narrative, according to Peters, is a phenomenon that involves shaping a fictional narrative that frames and controls how we all think and feel about abortion, which she called the abortion imaginary. Peters, invoking the language of decolonization ideology, went on to claim this narrative has colonized our minds, traumatizing many people with its toxic theology and shaping a culture of stigma and shame that has silenced millions of women and people who have had abortions, erasing their voices their stories and their witness from the public sphere. She pivoted to her recent work on the Abortion and Religion Project, an interfaith research effort aimed at documenting the stories and experiences of religious women/people having abortions. Peters spoke about how what she called the abortion is sin message has been internalized not only by Christians but by Jews and Muslims," calling it one of the most disturbing things she and her team learned in their interviews with over 500 religiously identified people who have had abortions. After claiming that the Bible doesn't say anything about abortion, she appeared to describe her own statement as astonishing because the Bible has a lot to say about how people are to live what is and isn't allowed. [B]ut to reiterate, it says nothing about abortion. In one of the more shocking moments of the sermon, Peters referred to pre-born life as a zygote and criticized the anti-choice position that life begins at conception. The lens through which anti-choice Christians read the Bible is the theological belief that from the moment of fertilization, a zygote is biologically, morally, ontologically and in every other way indistinguishable from a baby, she said. When they then read Scripture through this lens, they abrogate all manner of text to support that position. But for Family Research Council's David Classon, Peters' assertion that the topic of abortion is not in the Bible is simply a "fundamental misreading of Scripture." While the word "abortion" itself does not appear in the Bible, Classon told CP Thursday the concept of "human life beginning at the moment of fertilization is all over the pages of Scripture." Peters said her reason for choosing Psalm 139 as the sermons primary text was because she views it as one of the anthems of the abortion imaginary. As a person of faith, I'm outraged by the Religious Right's co-optation of God, and whether you believe in God or a sacred presence or a divine order in the world or something else entirely, I expect that many of you might also be troubled by how Scripture and God are being used in the public debate about abortion, she said. I refuse to cede the sacredness of Scripture or its interpretation to those who would wield it as a weapon. Classon, however, cited two of the more well-known passages, including Psalm 139, the same text from Peters' sermon, showing how God views life from conception. "The author, David, talks about his development in utero, and he praises God for fearfully and wonderfully making him in his mother's womb," he said. "It's a profoundly pro-life text." He also pointed to Luke 2, where Mary, who is pregnant with Jesus, goes to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is also pregnant with the child who would become known as John the Baptist. "The unborn John the Baptist leaps for joy ... she refers to Mary as 'the mother of my Lord,'" Classon said. "Jesus is a couple of weeks in utero, yet Elizabeth recognizes Jesus as her Lord and Mary as the 'mother of my Lord.' "So the idea that the Bible says nothing about abortion, and has nothing to teach us about abortion, is patently false." Calling Psalm 139 a liberating message of justice and light, Peters then read from the text, For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Peters shared her appreciation for both the psalmist and the Psalm itself and appeared to affirm, along with Jeremiah and Job, their certain knowledge that God was with them in the womb. She revealed that as a mother of two, she had previously aborted two other pregnancies. I, too, feel that I am known by God in these ways, as a woman who has borne two children. I can affirm that I felt something sacred happening in my gestating body during those pregnancies, said Peters. I can also attest that I felt God's presence with me as I made the decision to end two pregnancies and I felt no guilt, no shame, no sin. While acknowledging his inability to know Peters' innermost thoughts, Classon said he finds it hard to believe Peters' claim about not experiencing any shame or guilt over her decision to terminate two of her unborn children. "I don't know her heart, I can't get inside of her mind, but I think it's inevitable for the folks who go through terminating a pregnancy to think about it," he said. "It's not an easy decision. "But to protest it as strongly as she does, 'no guilt, no shame, no sin,' if she really does feel that way, it would betray a conscience that has been seared, a conscience that no longer can hear the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit." "Guilt and shame, those are appropriate responses to doing things that are morally blameworthy. And if it's true that she feels no guilt or no shame, that speaks to a conscience that has been seared, likely by decades of protesting and trying to convince herself that abortion indeed is not what it actually is, which is the intentional ending of a human life." Peters further offered her views on what she termed forced pregnancy. If pregnancy and gestation are to remain holy mysteries, they require cooperation, she said. A forced pregnancy or birth is not holy. Her sermon culminated in a stated theological position in which she suggested Bible-believing Christians can be both pro-life and pro-abortion. As complicated, thoughtful morally capable people, we are able to hold both of these realities in tension: that the gestation and birth of a child is a wondrous event to be celebrated and that not all pregnancies will or need to culminate in a birth, she said. This is theologically consistent with the belief that prenates are not yet human beings. Peters did not respond to a request for comment from The Christian Post. This story will be updated when a response is received. According to her bio, Peters has been active in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for over 25 years and currently represents the denomination as a member of the Faith and Order Standing Commission of the World Council of Churches. She is also listed as a member of Planned Parenthoods Clergy Advocacy Board, which supports access to safe, legal abortions and other sexual and reproductive health care, according to a statement from board chair the Rev. Burl Salmon. BGEA, Scottish church sue charity over 'anti-religious discrimination' for canceling event The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and a Scottish church have sued one of Scotland's largest charities, alleging discrimination because of their religious beliefs. Stirling Free Church and BGEA have sued The Robertson Trust over its decision to cancel a contract with the evangelical entities for the use of its Barracks Conference Centre for a Sunday worship service and a training session. The plan was to host an event at The Barracks Conference Centre to train churches for an outreach program known as the Graham Tour U.K., but the Trust canceled the agreement. The litigation is being coordinated by The Christian Institute, based in England, with the case scheduled to be heard in Glasgow Sheriff Court next week. Robert Chilvers, BGEAs U.K. director of Training and Church Ministry, said in a statement emailed to The Christian Post that this was anti-religious discrimination, plain and simple. If the Barracks was a religion or belief organization, the law would allow it to be selective in not hiring out its premises to groups that dont share its beliefs. But the Barracks is not a religion or belief organization, Chilvers told CP. It is a neutral space, offered to the public at large. You cant have a situation where religious groups are banned from hiring neutral spaces. That is not a free society. Gerry McLaughlin, a spokesperson for The Robertson Trust, said in an emailed statement to CP that the board of trustees' vice chair said the claims of discrimination were completely unfounded. The decision to cancel the hire of The Barracks Conference Centre by the Free Church of Scotland at Stirling and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, was based entirely on our policy which states that we do not fund or support projects and activities which incorporate the promotion of political or religious beliefs, McLaughlin said. On discovering the breach to our policy, the trustees took immediate action to cancel the booking and reimburse the heavily subsidized charity rates that had been offered in error to the Free Church of Scotland at Stirling and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, he added. In an interview with the Times of London, Chilvers of the BGEA disputed the Trust's claims that they were unaware that the organization is Christian. We made it clear to the venue at the time of booking that we are a Christian organization, Chilvers said. It was only later that they came back and said they were canceling our booking because of our religion. You cant have a situation where religious groups are banned from hiring neutral spaces. That is not a free society. The Rev. Iain Macaskill of Stirling Free Church, told the Times that they were being discriminated against because of their belief that marriage is a union between one man and one woman. We were shocked to be told we could no longer use the Barracks for our Sunday services, Macaskill said. We had negotiated with the trust in good faith and their contract expressly refers to us using the premises for religious worship." McLaughlin contended to CP that the Trust is proud of its work with faith-based organizations, with whom we work closely to address the issues of poverty and trauma in communities across Scotland. In the last six years, the Trust has funded over 130 religious organizations for their inclusive community projects where promotion of religious beliefs or worship was not core to delivery, providing over $3.4 million (2.5 million), he added. California school board members receive threats of violence over parental notification policy Board president: 'I have drawn closer and closer to God during this time' Its no secret Im a Christ follower. While Sonja Shaw doesnt shy away from sharing her faith, as the school board president of Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), shes among at least two people being threatened over the boards policy on notifying parents about their child's welfare, including any request to be identified as the opposite sex. The threats of violence over the districts parental notification policy, which the board passed in late July, has sparked an active police investigation that has led to at least one arrest. Since the investigation, which is ongoing, Shaw is unable to share much information but told The Christian Post via email Thursday that multiple threats are under investigation, including one from someone that identified with the name Antifa in which Shaws private address was revealed. A related post included one with the quote, No justice, no peace, we know where you sleep, while another stated, Im declaring war on Sonja Shaw, she said. On Thursday, police announced the arrest of Rebecca Morgan, 52, of Berkeley, who was arrested on Aug. 1 on suspicion of threatening a public official after investigators identified her as one of those who made threats against members of the CVUSD board. While police say the first threat made was linked to a non-California resident and Chino police worked with local authorities on that case, several other threatening messages, emails, and social media posts have been sent to members of the CVUSD Board including Shaw herself, who told CP there have been voicemails threatening my life and now one other board members life. Our police department is nothing short of amazing, she said. They have a reputation here in Chino with criminals, and us community members know if a crime is committed here, they are actively on it and do everything they can to protect us all. Shaw, who was elected to the board last November, and others were apparently targeted after CVUSD adopted the parental notification policy in a 4-1 decision on July 20. That policy requires school officials to notify parents within three days of a students decision to identify with a gender other than the students biological sex or other official records. At that July 20 meeting, Shaw had a confrontational exchange with Tony Thurmond, the state Superintendent of Public Instruction, who also attended the meeting to object to the policys passage on behalf of Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration. Since that meeting, Thurmond has suggested potential legal action could be taken against CVUSD. The actions of this board are deeply troubling, and Im not talking about being thrown out of a public meeting. I am talking about the blatant disregard for student privacy and safety, Thurmond said in a statement. Forced outing policies harm everyone students, parents and guardians, families, and school staff. What CVUSD has done may be in violation of state law. We will be working closely with the State Attorney Generals office to verify and enforce California law. Shaw, a Chino native who is a wife and mother of two, is also a small business owner and leads a local Bible study. She says her decision to run for the school board began during the COVID-19 lockdowns as California enacted some of the most stringent public health restrictions in the country. When the shutdown happened a few years ago is when so many of us parents got involved and things were revealed about the elected officials and they began exposing their intentions and focus, Shaw said. As more and more parents united, we knew they had no desire to listen to us. Her support for the parental notification bill, she said, found a majority on the CVUSD board and led to Shaw working with the Coalition for Parental Rights to make sure the policy was strong and covered things parents and community members were concerned about. I dont believe any of this was accident, she said. I brought it forward, and then, the next meeting, we voted and adopted this policy. But despite the bills passage and the ensuing threats against her and other board members, Shaw knows this fight is likely just beginning. Her source of strength for that fight, she said, comes straight from the Word of God. People from all over the nation have called, emailed and continue to write letters of support and saying this gave them hope, she explained. A few years ago, when I joined this journey, God kept showing me hope [in] Jeremiah 29:11. I have drawn closer and closer to God during this time and look to Him for direction and protection. Pastors pay tribute to Rev. Carmel Jones, Pentecostal Credit Union founder who helped black churches Tributes have been paid to the Rev. Carmel Jones, a prominent figure of the Windrush Generation, after he died on Saturday following a period of ill health. Jones was a much-loved Pentecostal church minister and founder of the Pentecostal Credit Union (PCU), which he created in 1980 to help the black community achieve economic self-reliance, and access to loans and other financial services at a time when these were difficult to obtain from Britain's established banks and building societies. The loans helped many black church organizations buy their buildings, including AME Zion Church, Ruach City Church in Brixton, and the New Testament Church of God. Paying tribute, Bishop John and Pastor Penny Francis, joint leaders of Ruach City Church said, "Rev. Carmel Jones was a trailblazer, a pioneer, and a legend you could also say he was the church's black banker! He was a special confidant and friend to me personally. "As a young pastor, starting a church from the ground up, Jones was the first person to give our church a loan." In addition to establishing the PCU, Jones was the founder of the New Assembly of Churches and the RESCUE Training organization that provided vocational and employment training for ex-offenders. "When I look at all the acquisitions of Ruach City Church, it started with Rev. Carmel Jones, who gave us our first mortgage when our high street bank turned us down. He was one of Britain's first black prison chaplains, ministering in several London prisons and Heathrow Airport. The Rev. Ade Omooba and Dionne Gravesande, co-chairs of the National Church Leaders Forum, described him as an "exceptional man whose indomitable spirit and unwavering faith blazed a trail of inspiration for countless lives." "As the visionary founder of Pentecostal Credit Union and a distinguished black Christian pioneer, he empowered a black British community with financial inclusion and spiritual guidance," he said. "Rev. Carmel Jones' legacy resonates through generations, symbolizing resilience, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to uplifting others. "His profound impact on society and unwavering dedication to bridging the gap will forever remain etched in the hearts of those he touched. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire.'' Bishop Delroy Powell, of the New Testament Assembly, said, "Rev. Carmel was an exemplary leader, a disruptive visionary and a stalwart among his peers in the Pentecostal church movement in the U.K. He will be sorely missed and long be remembered." Jones was part of the Windrush Generation, arriving in the U.K. from Jamaica in 1955 at the age of 17. He came from a large family with five siblings, and church was an important part in his upbringing. Growing up, he was an altar boy in an Anglican church in Jamaica. When he came to the U.K., he found an Anglican church in Clapham but was told not to come back and he instead joined the Church of God in Christ U.K., a Pentecostal church that he was later ordained in and remained a lifelong member of. In 2020, the church that had rejected him when he first came to Britain St Paul's, Clapham, in south London held a service where they publicly apologized to him for the racism he experienced. Jones graciously accepted the apology stating, "I was a boy of 17, when I encountered here one of the first of many acts of racial prejudice that subsequently occurred in my life. "It provided the inspiration that led me to founding the Pentecostal Credit Union 25 years later. It led me to the Pentecostal Church, where I still am today and lastly, but certainly, not least, it led me to meeting the woman who has been by my side for the last 63 years." Jones was married to Iveline for 65 years and they had three children together. He is survived by his wife, two children, grandchildren and his extended family. Originally published at Christian Today Scottish charity to pay $26K for unlawfully canceling BGEA, church event bookings A Scottish charity, which had canceled bookings made by a local church and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for its conference center, has apologized for violating the United Kingdoms Equality Act as part of a legal settlement. The Robertson Trust has apologized to the BGEA and Stirling Free Church for the cancellation of 2019 bookings to use its conference center in Stirling, Scotland, for religious events and agreed to pay both entities a total of 20,000 (about $26,500) towards legal expenses. Mark Batho, chair of the board of trustees at The Robertson Trust, said in a statement that the organization had inadvertently breached the Equality Act 2010. The Trusts long standing funding policy (1) legitimately states that we do not fund or support the promotion of any particular religious or political beliefs, Batho said. We recognise that in applying our funding policy to the hire of our facilities, which are available at substantially subsidised rates to charities and community groups, we inadvertently breached the Equality Act 2010. Iain Macaskill, the minister of Stirling Free Church, said in a statement shared by the Christian Institute, the legal group representing the two organizations, that it is against the law to advertise a venue as being available to all-comers but cancel the contract simply because the booking is for a religious event. Christians have the same legal rights as everyone else and the outcome of this case affirms that, Macaskill said. In a statement shared by the BGEA, Billy Grahams son, Franklin Graham, said the resolution of the case sends a clear message that religious freedom isnt dead. The Trusts Barracks Conference Center was among several venues in the U.K. that had canceled events scheduled to start last May by Franklin Graham, who heads the BGEA. They cited objections to his views on homosexuality due to pressure from LGBT groups. I have been surprised Im not coming to speak against anybody and I dont name any groups of people, Graham told Christian Today at the time. Im coming to tell people how they can have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Last month, the BGEA announced its rescheduled U.K. tour from May 14 through July 16. Even through these unprecedented circumstances, BGEA has remained committed to the goal of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are profoundly grateful for the thousands of churches of various denominations across the U.K. that have stood alongside us and continued praying for the tour, the group said on its website. Graham said: We want all people to know that God loves them and everlasting life is available to anyone. This remains the purpose for every BGEA event, and it is why we have named the rescheduled tour the God Loves You Tour UK. Last February, Glasgow Sheriff Court had asked the Scottish Event Campus why it canceled the BGEA event. Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council leader, had said that the way Graham expresses his views could, I believe, fundamentally breach the councils statutory equalities duties. She pointed out that in 2016, Graham accused LGBT activists of trying to cram down Americas throat the lie that homosexuality is OK. This is ultimately about whether the Scottish Event Campus will discriminate against the religious beliefs of Christians, Graham said at the time, according to Glasgow Times. More than 330 churches in the Glasgow area alone support this evangelistic outreach and their voices are being silenced. This case has wide-reaching ramifications for religious freedom and democracy in the U.K. and Europe. DEI, CRT and affirmative action are there only two sides? Americans are often presented with one of two false dichotomies: to oppose racism you must embrace DEI; or if DEI is wrong, then racism itself must no longer be a problem. But there is a third view on which the Gospel runs that allows Christians to address the problem redemptively without embracing the zero-sum game that has defined the conversation. History provides context, and so before turning to the Bible, we can turn to some observations American political scientist Samuel P. Huntington made shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In explaining the importance of flags, crosses, crescents, and even head coverings, he noted that cultural identity is extremely meaningful to people, and so symbols of cultural identity are imbued with that meaning. The reason for this elevation of cultural identity, according to Huntington, is that culture is tied up with self-identity: People define themselves in terms of ancestry, religion, language, history, values, customs, and institutions. They identify with cultural groups: tribes, ethnic groups, religious communities, nations, and at the broadest level, civilizations We know who we are only when we know who we are not and often only when we know who we are against. Whether or not Huntington is correct about self-identity and cultural identity, the tribal divisions hes describing are real. Whether theyre natural divisions, or instilled by divisive machinations, the fires of the mostly peaceful 2020 protests underscore their reality. If racial conflict is fire, then it must be fought with water and not more fire. One way to do that, in a diverse population, is to elevate a new identity that transcends the distinctions of the old identity. In this model, cultural and racial identities still exist. But they exist as part of the larger whole. In the Army, this overarching identity is the combat mission. In nations, it manifests as patriotism. But in the Church, it stems from theology that all people of every tongue, tribe, and nation are made in the image of God and will one day worship together at the throne of Jesus Christ. In Christ, people know who they are, know who they are not, and know who they are against. The Apostle Peter says they are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Gods special possession (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus says that they do not belong to the world but that he has chosen them out of the world (John 15:19). And the Apostle Paul writes that their enemy is not flesh and blood but the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). In Christianity, God is infinite, and so the likeness of God in mankind is also infinite. Compared to this infinity, other differences between people (like gender, race, status, intelligence, disability, or religious affiliation) become relatively insignificant. At the same time, all people (and races) become infinitely valuable because of their participation in that infinity. Because of this, laws banning discrimination based on protected characteristics fundamentally resonate with the Christian worldview. Regardless of ones personal theology, and how much these laws resonate with it or not, anti-discrimination laws are not rooted in CRT or DEI movements, and theyre not rooted in opposing these movements. Instead, they are rooted in human dignity. Its the same dignity that in Christianity flows from God. And its a form of dignity that many workplaces without having an ideological framework for it struggle to recognize. As a practical result, transcendent human rights end up competing with physical characteristics, behaviors, and social affiliations. The current friction between the parties on the two different rails revolves around failing to see the significance of the third rail. Unfortunately, no amount of anti-discrimination laws either for or against Affirmative Action can protect human dignity if the executors of those laws do not have a transcendent foundation for the origins of that dignity. This is why the Christian third rail is so important. It informs our ability to understand what anti-discrimination laws seek to preserve and why. The ability to discuss transcendent human rights without reducing them to physical or social characteristics provides a powerful tool for both the practical and legal side of confronting racial and cultural conflicts. By comparison, the two rails that are either embracing or rejecting secular CRT, DEI, and Affirmative Action in training, hiring, and admissions have the same problem. Their scope is too narrow. They ignore transcendental dignity. They fixate on the relevance or irrelevance of differences and on the relevance or irrelevance of the intersectional power of those differences. For Americans to overcome both racism and their differences in the debate over it, then, just as before with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they need to be connected to their Judeo-Christian foundations. Deuteronomy and the art of listening Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster explores the concept of listening in Judaism and explains why it is so important to faith. The first line of Shabbat's reading, Parshat Ekev (Deuteronomy 7:12 11:25) begins, 'And this is what will happen if you listen properly to these ordinances, adhere to them and carry them out in the right way.' The Hebrew is very interesting, and the above translation is just one of many possibilities. However, I would like to concentrate on the two phrases, translated as 'what will happen' and 'listen properly'. Let's start with 'listening properly'. The famous root shema from which this verb comes is the core of Judaism, as we learned last week in Deuteronomy (6: 4-9) - Hear O Israel. But shema in Hebrew means far more than simply listening. So our phrase in Ekev can be translated in various ways. For example, If you hearken to these precepts; If you completely obey these laws; If you pay attention to these laws; If you heed these ordinances and even Because you hear these judgements. Furthermore, shema also means understand. So this is why in our passage, listening properly entails comprehension, followed by actions based on this comprehension. Hebrew culture, followed to a large extent by Judaism today, is based largely on hearing. By contrast, Western cultures tend to be based on sight. That is why in Hebrew, the ear, now well known to be the source of balance, also refers to weights and correct dealings in business, with someone giving false weights, for instance, being guilty of a very serious crime. The sight of one's eyes, on the other hand, tends to be regarded more negatively, as potentially leading us astray and going after 'false gods'. The Jewish G-d cannot be seen, as He is both invisible, and indivisible (one interpretation of 'One'). To know in Judaism is not to see, but to listen, to comprehend and to act. Not for nothing are so many of the world's great therapists Jewish, and even Freud called his new therapy 'the listening cure'. In Judaism, to listen is to be open. And teachers are the great leaders in Judaism, because the best teachers listen, as in 'My door is always open....' And a great way of learning a foreign language, now defunct, is the use of dictation as a tool. Instead of just looking, talking and writing, dictation is a method in which registering sounds do the work of grammar, communication, honing perception and inner visualization. Dictation in a foreign language is also therefore a form of therapy. So now that we have delved a little into the meaning of 'proper listening', as depicted in the first line of our Parsha, let's turn to the even more complex possibilities contained in the little word 'ekev'. Ekev's principal meaning is 'heel' - the part of our foot which takes the most pressure in walking. It is therefore most interesting that in English a 'well-heeled' person implies wealth. Maybe this was because shoes were once (and in some cases still are) incredibly expensive and in need of constant repair. So someone well-heeled could afford to have their shoes mended, maybe more than once. Therefore, being a cobbler was at one time a very respectable trade, in which many Jews excelled! From 'heel', the definition expands to include 'trace', ie what is left of your foot-step when you walk, especially on the sand, which is so significant in Jewish Biblical history. After all, didn't G-d tell our ancestor Abraham that the Jewish people would be 'as numerous as the sand on the sea' (Genesis 22:17, Hosea 1:10)? So this extended meaning of 'heel' as maybe 'imprint' adds to the idea that every step we take, every trace we leave, every impression we make, is of the utmost significance. Therefore, when the signs of the Messiah are upon us, these are called in Aramaic 'The footsteps/traces of the Messiah'. Many religious Jews, and others, feel that the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 was one such sign, and that its 75-year survival against all the odds is another one of these signs! So from heel, we get the name of 'Jacob' (Yaakov in Hebrew) as well as the great Rabbi Akiva, who was murdered most cruelly by the Romans in 135 CE simply for adhering to Jewish religious principles. In other words, simply for being a Jew! As we have seen very recently in the US, the world continues to murder Jews simply for being Jewish. From heel, Yaakov and Hebrew, we come to the preposition (or conjunction, there is a debate on this subject) 'because'. What on earth, you might ask, does the concept of 'heel' have to do with the preposition/conjunction 'because'. The greatest biblical scholar, Rashi (Troyes, France, 1040-1105), enlightens us by referring to our very phrase in Ekev: 'And it will be, because you will listen'. Rashi's comment on this phrase is: 'This means that if you listen to the minor mitzvoth which one usually tramples with one's heels....' Rashi delves into the depths of the matter and connects the two concepts of ekev because and heel. He does this by emphasizing the importance of all those minor everyday modes of behaviour that one tends to overlook. In other words, for Rashi, 'G-d is in the details.' The teaching is not so much that if we behave well, we will be rewarded. That is a very childish way of going about things, as well as often being factually inaccurate. Just look at history and read the Book of Job. Righteous, truthful and honest people often suffer dreadfully, while the cruel and mendacious often get away with murder. However, what our passage, and Rashi's commentary, seem to be telling us is that even if that is the case, what really matters is that, irrespective of consequences, we should still pay attention to the smallest of details in our own daily lives, even if others do not. So, even though in English the 'well-heeled' person refers to the super rich, in Judaism it is almost the opposite: in Judaism, based in Biblical norms and rabbinic commentary, the well-heeled person thinks of the consequences of what they do, and nothing is too insignificant or menial a task. From Yaakov and Rabbi Akiba, it is the tiniest mitzvoth that matter, the way we treat our fellow human beings in our daily lives. And that is what the Book of Devarim (Deuteronomy) comes to remind us of. Words and things don't just go together they are one and the same thing. And don't you just love the idea of an entire Biblical Parsha being called 'because'? Iraqi church leader asks top court to recognise spiritual authority The leader of Iraq's largest Christian community has asked the country's supreme court to reverse a presidential order that no longer recognises him as Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid revoked a decree issed by his predecessor acknowledging Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako as Patriarch. Cardinal Sako told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that he is the victim of a political campaign to stop him from speaking about human rights, undermine ecclesial power, and take control of Church property. "Withdrawing the decree is very bad. For 15 centuries, there were decrees recognising the Patriarch as head of the Church and administrator of the properties of the Church," he said. "Revoking it is a humiliation for the Church. "Those behind this move want to put their hands on the properties of the Church and administer them separately from the ecclesiastical authorities. We cannot accept that." Cardinal Sako left his Patriarchal See in Baghdad last month after the decree was revoked and is now in Erbil, in the Kurdish north. He has filed a complaint with the Iraqi Supreme Court seeking a new decree that recognises him as Patriarch. "If I do not have the decree, I have no rights so far as the state is concerned. It is like killing me off in terms of my moral authority. It is offensive," he said. He said he was heartened by the broad show of support he has received. "I have had many, many statements of solidarity from many Muslims as well as Christians," he said. He added: "Christians in Iraq know they cannot be bought. They have their own dignity, their rights, just like anyone else." Kidnapped Christian nurse and daughter still missing in Haiti (CP) As they hit the one-week mark since New Hampshire nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter were kidnapped from their campus near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Christian education ministry, El Roi Haiti, said they have been aching and praying through tears for the release of their founder's wife and daughter. "We are at the one-week mark of Alix and her daughter's kidnapping. Many tears have been shed this week but we, together with our team, are working and praying continuously to bring them home safely, and we continue to hold onto hope," the ministry said in a statement Thursday about their nurse who was kidnapped on July 27. Alix Dorsainvil married El Roi Haiti founder Sandro Dorsainvil in 2021 after she began her role as a school nurse with the organization in 2020. She is also a committed Christian who has been traveling to Haiti since 2010 and is described by the ministry as someone who "lives a life following in the footsteps of Jesus." Witnesses told The Associated Press that the New Hampshire nurse was busy caring for patients in a small brick clinic when armed men ambushed the site and took her captive. Lormina Louima, a patient who was waiting for a check-up, told the news service that one man brandished a gun and ordered her to relax. "When I saw the gun, I was so scared," Louima told the AP. "I said, 'I don't want to see this, let me go.'" Members of the community said the gunmen are demanding a $1 million ransom, but neither the U.S. Department of State nor El Roi Haiti have publicly shared any details of the investigation citing the sensitive nature of the situation. On July 27, the same day Alix Dorsainvil was kidnapped, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory asking Americans not to travel to Haiti, ordering all U.S. Citizens and non-emergency government employees to leave as soon as possible because of the unstable security and social conditions in the Caribbean nation. "Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Victim's families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members," the advisory said. "Violent crime, often involving the use of firearms, such as armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom that include U.S. citizens are common. Mob killings against presumed criminals have been on the rise since late April. Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women," the State Department added. El Roi Haiti said in their statement that they are looking forward to the safe release of the kidnapped nurse and her daughter as officials in both the U.S. and Haiti continue working privately to secure her freedom. "We continue to ask that no attempts be made to contact the family for comment at this time," the ministry said while acknowledging their pain and find hope in the Gospel. "El Roi is a Hebrew name of God found in the Bible, in the book of Genesis Chapter 16. In her desperate state, a suffering woman calls God 'The God who sees me.' We serve a loving and compassionate God who sees our suffering. He sees it now as we ache for news of Alix and her daughter's safe release, He sees Alix and her daughter as they wait for freedom, and He sees the struggle of our Haitian friends who suffer daily," the ministry said. "We have this promise found in 1 Peter 5:10 that He not only sees our suffering but 'In his kindness God called [us] to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus,'" they added. "'So after [we] have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen [us], and He will place [us] on a firm foundation.'" The Christian Post BRUNSWICK, Ohio The line waiting to enter the Brunswick Eagles Pavilion wrapped into the parking lot on Friday, Aug. 4. It was time to sign in at the Brunswick High School All Alumni reunion. It was 20 years ago when the event began. It was, and still is a casual, lighthearted way to bring people together who attended Brunswick schools. Each year there are alumni who have attended every year and those who were first-timers. Over the years, attendees have made new friends, or made a connection to an old neighbor, classmates sibling or a new acquaintance sitting at your table. With an estimated 450 in attendance, Coordinator Jan Hovater Middleton said Thankfully, we had good weather and they could park in the back on the grass, also noting that many of this years attendees came from Florida, South and North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. There is no admission thanks to the Brunswick Eagles. Instead, Middleton said, attendees are asked to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets to give the Brunswick Eagles some funding for their generosity to the alumni. The Eagles also sell beverages and burgers. She said she is also grateful for the years of music, with providers also accepting donations as payment. There were many familiar faces, but some new. Arizona is where Randy Hundza, class of 1974, spent the last 44 years. He said he moved to Arizona to be near his parents, met his wife and lived there until she died. I really didnt like Arizona, he said. I moved back to Ohio and came to the reunion to connect with old friends. Many families were in attendance including the Middletons family, the Mangans. Jackie Hunter, class of 1961 and her daughter Barbara, class of 1986 were there. Brothers Mike and Larry Resar classes of 1973 and 1975 respectively enjoyed conversation outside where a breeze was helping offset the hot, humid evening. Twins Mark and Kurt Tavernier, the May sisters and Barb Riddell and her whole family, were all in attendance. Inside, WIXY 1260 was back in full swing. For the past 12 years the station has been online instead of on the radio many listened to as students. The memories continued thanks to Gary Schmitz who DJd along with Dave Ryder. It was another great evening of memories about Brunswick High School with an emphasis on the class of 1973, celebrating its 50th reunion. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- City Council introduced a resolution Monday that would confirm the appointment of Danny Williams as the next City Administrator picked by Mayor Kahlil Seren. If approved by City Council, Williams, 69, would succeed Joe Sinnott, who resigned in April after a year on the job to return home to become the Erie County, Pa., Director of Development. Council President Melody Joy Hart said a public hearing to discuss his hiring will be held next Monday (Aug. 14) at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall. Second and final reading for confirmation could take place at councils Aug. 21 meeting, if not sooner. Mr. Williams is a Cleveland Heights resident with extensive knowledge of the city and a long record of public service in Northeast Ohio, a city press release stated. He served roughly two years apiece in the early to mid-1990s as the City of Clevelands law director -- where he also stepped in as acting mayor when Michael White was out of town -- and then Cuyahoga County administrator. From there he worked as an executive for various nonprofits, most recently the president and CEO of Eliza Bryant Village for six years before stepping down at the end of 2022. Williams remains an adjunct faculty member at Case Western Reserve University, where he has taught since 2011, most recently a graduate course on Nonprofit Ethics and Professionalism. A 1971 graduate of Collinwood High School, Williams earned an undergraduate degree from Princeton University, majoring in psychology, followed by a law degree from the University of Michigan, as well as a Masters of Nonprofit Management from CWRUs Weatherhead School of Management. I am honored to be Mayor Serens choice for this important position, Williams stated in the city press release. If confirmed by City Council, I look forward to working with the mayor and his administration, and collaborating with council to continue to improve the quality of life for all of our residents. The city administrator is charged with oversight of municipal day-to-day operations, although the charter also designates the mayor as the citys safety director. In 2002, Mr. Williams was named president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Roundtable, an organization dedicated to a more inclusive economy in Northeast Ohio. After the Greater Cleveland Roundtable merged with the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and Cleveland Tomorrow to form the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Williams became the organizations senior vice president and general counsel. He was also appointed to serve on the Cleveland Heights Independent Finance Task Force in 2015, a group of four residents charged with reviewing the citys budget and financial projections. Read more from the Sun Press. LOS ANGELES, California -- Taylor Swift is onto her third show in the Los Angeles area tonight -- Saturday, Aug. 5. After tonight, she will have just three more shows in Inglewood, Calif., the last city in the U.S. leg of The Eras Tour. Swift is scheduled to perform at SoFi Stadium and the big third-party ticket websites still have tickets waiting to be bought. After the last show on Aug. 9, Swift will take a breather before moving into the international part of her tour, which runs through 2024. Swift is coming back to North America at the end of all of the international tour for 15 additional concerts, including Toronto, Canada, she announced Thursday afternoon on Twitter. WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR SATURDAY, AUG. 5 CONCERT IN L.A.: Vivid Seats | StubHub | SeatGeek | TicketCity Here are the cheapest single tickets I could find for tonights concert: Vivid Seats: $500 StubHub: $470 SeatGeek: $504 Here are the remaining Los Angeles concerts and where you can buy tickets: WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR MONDAY, AUG. 7 CONCERT: Vivid Seats | StubHub | SeatGeek | TicketCity | MegaSeats WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR TUESDAY, AUG. 8 CONCERT: Vivid Seats | StubHub | SeatGeek | TicketCity | MegaSeats WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9 CONCERT: Vivid Seats | StubHub | SeatGeek | TicketCity Swift starts the international tour in Latin America from Aug. 24 until Nov. 26. From there, she will visit other countries and major cities. Tickets for Mexico City, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Singapore and Paris are also available. Check out Swifts re-recorded Speak Now album. Kaylee Remington is the commerce reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Follow her for deals, trends and breaking news in the shopping and entertainment industries. Read her work here. In 2019, Jamie Stark Inlow left her 9-to-5 higher education job and moved to a mini farm in Scottsville, Virginia, to spend more time with her husband and son. She picked up higher education consulting work and a part-time job as a student program coordinator at the University of Virginia. She had a career and a family, but she felt something was missing. That was until Inlow saw potential in her neighbor's spare apartment, which sat empty above a rust-red barn. She leaped at the opportunity and turned it into an Airbnb listing that June. One listing quickly became two, then a full-fledged property management business, called Be Still Getaways, in 2020. Inlow's side hustle-turned-company now oversees over 120 rentals and inns throughout Virginia, and brought in just shy of $2 million in 2022. This year, Be Still Getaways is on track to bring in $3 million, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. Jamie Inlow's side hustle-turned-company started in a barn in 2019. Now, it's on track to bring in $3 million this year. Mark Petruniak But it wasn't a straight shot to success. For the first two and half years of Be Still Getaways, Inlow had to work all three jobs. She couldn't afford to stop consulting or quit her higher education position because all of the revenue had to go back into the company. In 2021, she decided to hire staff to scale up as quickly as possible, even though she only paid herself $10,000 that year. "There were many times that I ran a payroll for staff before I ever paid a dime to myself," Inlow, 32, tells CNBC Make It. "I was still working full-time [outside of] Be Still Getaways, and that is how we scale." But the investment paid off: That year, the company finally brought in six figures and soon, Inlow was able to quit her other jobs. She started paying herself a regular salary the next summer. Here's how Inlow scaled her company, and how she plans to build in more work-life balance as the business grows. Starting with Airbnb and a barn Inlow convinced her neighbor to let her list his apartment on Airbnb with a simple business plan: Give me $2,000 to buy furniture and decorate, and we'll split the profits. Within two months, it started booking up almost every night. "It wasn't like, 'We have a couple of properties, maybe I'll dabble around making a website,'" she says. "It was go time. I got business cards. I spent every dollar that I had on search engine optimization." The Brown Barn, which also housed horses, sheep and goats, was Be Still Getaways' first property. Courtesy of Jamie Inlow Clinging to her momentum, she asked her neighbor for another $110,000, then built and decorated a tiny home, also on his property. Noting the success of the apartment, he obliged. It was listed on Airbnb in March 2020. The rentals' success attracted more business partners, and by the end of 2020, Inlow managed about 20 properties. She was working upwards of 80 hours per week between her three jobs sometimes with her toddler physically strapped to her chest and still wasn't earning enough cash to replace her $50,000 salary. The only way up, she says, was to scale. That's when she hired an operations director and part-time contract workers to clean, stage and repair the properties. In 2021, Be Still Getaways brought in $205,000 in revenue. When 'I knew I was ready to quit my job' Despite expanding, it took a while to see returns. By the end of 2021, Inlow had 30 rentals under Be Still Getaways, but because the company mostly oversaw small, relatively inexpensive single-family units, profits were minimal. While Inlow slowly built up Be Still Getaways' revenue, the company garnered local attention. In fall 2021, realtor Sydney Robertson asked Inlow to partner with her on a business idea: She'd find people looking to buy and rent out vacation homes, and Be Still Getaways would help with management. The idea spawned a new branch of the company, Carriage House, and led to a business acquisition. Be Still Getaways and Carriage House acquired Cape Charles Escapes in January 2022, expanding both businesses' reach toward Virginia's coast. Those partnerships brought more luxury properties into Be Still Getaways' portfolio and revenue skyrocketed. In March 2022, Inlow was able to quit her consulting and higher education jobs. Four months later, she started paying herself $72,000 per year. "I knew I was ready to quit my job when the demands of working full-time and working for Be Still Getaways was starting to affect my mental health and my ability to be present for my family," Inlow says. Costs of doing business Be Still Getaways brings in millions, but over a quarter of its revenue goes toward keeping the business running. In 2022, the same year the company brought in $2 million, it spent $587,000 on company expenses, the largest being staffing. Be Still Getaways paid its eight full-time and 60 part-time workers a combined $439,000. Be Still Getaways earns money by charging for property outfits and taking a 20% commission every time one of its rental owners books a stay. Mark Petruniak Paying her staff competitive wages not only helps with retention, but improves the company's overall morale, Inlow says. "This is a demanding and grueling line of work at times It's not like weekends are off. It's not like you punch the clock at 5 p.m.," Inlow says. "For [people] to be happy and be OK with that, you have to give people good vacation and you have to pay them well." Last August, the company also started renting a local 4,000-square-foot warehouse. It houses furniture, decor and supplies for upcoming projects for $800 per month. Here's a breakdown of Be Still Getaways' 2022 expenses: Wages : $439,878 : $439,878 Supplies: $113,343 $113,343 Software: $22,854 $22,854 Company car: $7,566 $7,566 Warehouse rent: $4,000 Four months ago, Inlow's husband, formerly a physical education teacher, left his full-time job to head Be Still Getaways' lawn maintenance. While Inlow says she was excited to work with her husband, the transition was nerve-wracking. Although Inlow had been working full-time at Be Still Getaways for about nine months, it initially felt risky to have her husband join too, she says. "That was, I think, almost more scary than when I left my job because he was the benefit holder," she says. "Having that stability was beautiful and amazing, but it ultimately wasn't making him happy and that was a challenge for our family." Be Still Getaways now pays Inlow and her husband a combined $150,000 per year, she says. Looking ahead to what's next Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway reported more than $20 billion in equity investment gains for the second quarter, and over three-quarters of its stock portfolio were tied up in just five names. The conglomerate said approximately 78% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies during the April-June period. Berkshire reported a near $26 billion unrealized gain from its investments, and much of this gain came from its gigantic stake in Apple . The tech giant fueled the market rally in the second quarter, climbing nearly 18%. Berkshire's Apple bet has ballooned to $177.6 billion. The Tim Cook-led company took a hit on Friday, however, after the company forecast a decline in revenue in the September quarter which would be the company's fourth in a row. The stock is still up 40% year to date. Berkshire's Chevron stake was worth $19.4 billion at the end of June. The "Oracle of Omaha" trimmed the energy stock by $1.4 billion during the quarter as it underperformed this year. Shares of Chevron were down more than 11% this year, compared with the S & P 500's near 17% gain. Longtime holdings Coca-Cola , American Express and Bank of America remained some of Berkshire's biggest bets at the end of June. As always, though, the legendary investor asked investors to not focus on the quarterly fluctuations in Berkshire's equity investments. "The amount of investment gains (losses) in any given quarter is usually meaningless and delivers figures for net earnings per share that can be extremely misleading to investors who have little or no knowledge of accounting rules," Buffett said in a statement. Former U.S. President and Republican candidate Donald Trump makes a keynote speech at a Republican fundraising dinner in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. August 5, 2023. U.S. prosecutors flagged a threatening social media post from Donald Trump in a late-night court filing on Friday, arguing that it suggests he might intimidate witnesses by improperly disclosing confidential evidence received from the government. On his Truth Social site on Friday, the former president wrote, "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!" A day earlier, he pleaded not guilty to charges that he orchestrated a criminal conspiracy to try to reverse his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Meanwhile, in Georgia, where other prosecutors are investigating Trump's efforts to overturn election results in that state, authorities tightened security around the Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta. That city has been preparing for the possible announcement of what would be Trump's fourth criminal indictment this year. In the filing in Washington federal court, the office of Special Counsel Jack Smith said Trump's social media post raised concerns that he might publicly reveal secret material, such as grand jury transcripts, obtained from prosecutors. It sought a protective order prohibiting Trump and his lawyers from sharing any discovery materials with unauthorized people. On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan gave Trump until 5 p.m. on Monday to respond. Trump's attorneys asked for three more days to prepare their response but Chutkan quickly denied the request. Chutkan added she will determine whether a hearing is needed after reviewing Trump's response. Under the process known as discovery, prosecutors must provide defendants with the evidence against them so they can prepare their defense. Without a protective order, Trump could begin issuing public posts using grand jury transcripts or other material that "could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case," prosecutors wrote in their filing. They added Trump has a history of attacking judges, attorneys and witnesses in other cases against him. At his arraignment on Thursday, Trump swore not to intimidate witnesses or communicate with them without legal counsel present. Protective orders are routine in cases involving confidential documents, but prosecutors said it was particularly important to restrict public dissemination given Trump's social media statements. A Trump spokesperson issued a statement defending the former president's social media post and attacking people dubbed "Republicans in Name Only" or RINOs. "The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech, and was in response to the RINO, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and super PAC's," the statement said. Talks starting Saudi Arabia this weekend to find a peaceful settlement to end Russia's war in Ukraine will be difficult, but Kyiv is counting persuading more countries to back its peace formula, the head of Kyiv's delegation said on Friday. Ukraine and its allies hope the meeting in Jeddah of national security advisers and other senior officials from some 40 countries but not Russia will agree on key principles on how to end Russia's war in Ukraine. "I expect that the conversation will be difficult, but behind us is truth, behind us goodness," Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office and his key envoy for the talks, said late on Friday in a television interview published on his Telegram messaging app. The forum excludes Russia, but the Kremlin said it will "keep an eye" on the meeting. China, which has firm ties with Russia, said on Friday it will send Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui for the talks. "We have many disagreements and we have heard different positions, but it is important that our principles are shared," he said. Ukrainian, Russian and international officials say there is no prospect of direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at the moment, as the war continues to rage and Kyiv seeks to reclaim territory through a counter-offensive. As generative artificial intelligence programs producing images, such as OpenAI's DALL-E, Midjourney and Adobe 's Firefly take off, graphic designers many of whom operate as sole proprietorships can't ignore the usefulness of a tool that helps them to better meet the endless demand for visual content. But amid fears that AI will supplant creative professionals, they are exploiting a current limitation in the technology: the results are only as good as the human mind prompting the A.I. programs. "The advances in AI affecting the world of graphic design are much of the same advances we're seeing elsewhere," said Nicola Hamilton, president of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers. "ChatGPT is becoming increasingly capable of doing our writing and planning, while Midjourney and DALL-E are creating pretty advanced artwork when given the right prompts," she said. For Hamilton, and many graphic designers, dealing with new technology is nothing new it's core to the evolution of their creative profession, dating back all the way to the democratization of printing, through the introduction of computers, the birth of the internet, and the prevalence of social media. "Graphic design is a fairly young profession. Originally we were tradespeople (printers, typesetters, sign painters) and our common understanding of design is tightly tied to both the popularization of advertising and the technological revolution," Hamilton said. How much time does generative AI save? As designers experiment with gen AI, they are starting to answer a few big questions that surface amid any professional technology advance: How much time do the new tools really save designers? And can designers maintain the upper hand over the tech? "The most promising (or terrifying) work in AI-generative artwork seems to be coming from Midjourney," Hamilton said. She pointed to a project she saw presented at the Design Thinkers conference in Vancouver in June as an example of how to answer these questions. Pum Lefebure, co-founder & chief creative officer at Washington, D.C.-based agency Design Army, created a campaign with the help of Midjourney for a high-end eyewear retailer Georgetown Optician a fictitious planet of giant eyeballs. "It's visually stunning, but as she revealed on stage, was a massive undertaking to create. Learning how to prompt the AI still requires an extensive knowledge of image making and a lot of hours," Hamilton said. Jake Lefebure, Pum's husband, and co-founder and CEO of Design Army, said his firm sees AI as a tool, not a solution. "We use AI in a way that is more a creative tool process, as opposed to how a lot of people envision it: tell it what to do and all your problems can be solved." As an image board, or mood board, working alongside the designer across many iterations of a campaign, AI can play an important role, Lefebure said. But he added, "It takes a lot of finessing and you really need to train the AI. You need to craft the vocabulary to get the results you want. It's not a mind reader." If how a designer articulates and phrases prompts dictates the results, that may become among the proprietary advantages at work in competition for campaigns. Lefebure did not want to discuss any best practices his firm has learned about generating successful image generation results. Manipulating imagery is not a new practice for graphic design professionals. Stock photography, for example, has always played a role in the creative process. "We use AI as a tool to create with, not something to just spit out into a design," Lefebure said. Adobe's importance in the gen AI image era While the names of the emergent generative AI starups such as OpenAI and Midjourney are first becoming known to many, these innovations are also beginning to be incorporated into the design products from one of the most successful companies in the S&P 500, Adobe. Hamilton said new AI applications are rolling out across Adobe products more slowly, but they are making big impressions. Adobe Photoshop's new AI Generative Fill, "is turning a lot of heads right now," she said. "I don't know how many designers know it by that name right now. I've been seeing each individual application of Firefly as a tool in its respective program mostly applied through Photoshop. That being said, Adobe has a pretty tight grip on the industry. Once they move a feature out of beta, it'll be industry standard in no time." Sole proprietor graphic designers competing with design firms may see the ubiquity of AI in such tools as time-savers and workload scalers. Hamilton says one of the most-repeated statements about AI is that "it's just a tool." But she said there are multiple, specific examples of the way small to medium-sized design studios are making it a useful tool today. Among these examples: to build workback schedules (a reverse timeline calendar of tasks to meet project deadlines); to write rough drafts of client copy; and to build better mockups to present to clients. "Right now, the best thing designers can do is think of AI as a playground it's a place to experiment so that we can get to know the tool and begin to better understand the possible applications," she said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) A passenger died after a motorbanca carrying over 90 people partially sank in the waters off Corcuera, Romblon on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported. The PCG station in Romblon said the cause of death of the 55-year-old woman was cardiac arrest, as declared by the attending physician. Citing information from one of the passengers, Corcuera Mayor Elmer Fruelda said the victim might have also suffered a head injury. "Parang nailaliman siya, di nakalabas agad sa kamarote ng bangka. No'ng ibinaba na siya sa pampang, may tama sa ulo, siguro nauntog gawa ng malakas na hampas ng alon," the mayor told CNN Philippines' Newsroom Weekend. [Translation: It appears she wasn't able to get out of the cabin immediately. When she was brought to shore, she had a bump in the head, maybe because of the strong waves.] A 16-year-old, 17-year-old, and 23-year-old suffered minor injuries, according to the PCG. There were 90 passengers, including 10 children, and five crew members on board MB King Sto. Nino 7, which was on its way to the port of Corcuera from Calatrava when the tragedy happened. The boat was also carrying a motorcycle, the coast guard added. All the other 94 individuals have been rescued. The PCG said the boat, which was authorized to carry up to 96 people, departed from Calatrava Port at 11 a.m. with "favorable sea and weather conditions." It noted that it received information on the half-submerged boat at around 12:30 p.m., prompting it to deploy personnel for search and rescue operations. Citing the boat captain, the PCG said the vessel was hit by solid wood at the port side. "Nabutas ang pinakagawing hull ng naturang sasakyan, nagsimula pumasok ang tubig at 'yon nagsimula ang insidente," Mayor Fruelda also told CNN Philippines. [Translation: The boat took in water after its hull was punctured, and that's when the incident started.] The boat's captain is still under the custody of authorities, awaiting possible complaints. Meanwhile, the Corcuera local government suggested mandatory maintenance and dry docking of all passenger vessels in the area. Just over a week ago, the motorbanca Aya Express sank off Binangonan, Rizal, killing 27 passengers out of nearly 70. Authorities said the boat capsized after strong winds caused passengers to panic and crowd on one side of the boat. Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives have pushed for a probe into the tragedy. Earlier this week, the PCG also reported the sinking of at least two other motorized boats one in Northern Samar on Wednesday, and another in Quezon province on Thursday. All passengers of both vessels were rescued. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. wants the House of Representatives to investigate the capsizing of a motorboat off Binangonan, Rizal on July 27, which left 27 people dead, highlighting the need to assess the disaster response of various agencies. In a statement on Saturday, Barzaga said he filed House Resolution 1159 to urge the appropriate House committee to investigate if there was negligence on the part of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) since "the boat obviously sank because of the perennial problem of overloading." "Considering the alarming PCG's performance during the Egay boat disaster, as well as other incidents, there is a need to examine, assess, and improve the PCG if it is fulfilling its mandate to the promotion of safety of life and property at sea under the Philippine Coast Guard Law and Presidential Decree Nos. 600, 601, 602, and 970," he said. Some senators have also called for a legislative probe into the matter but no date has been set for the Senate hearing. The PCG has already dismissed two personnel in relation to the incident, which happened on the same day Super Typhoon Egay left the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Strong winds made the passengers panic and lean to the port side of the boat, causing it to capsize, the PCG earlier said. Barzaga said the congressional probe will also look into the Egay response of the PCG, as well as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Binangonan government, and other related agencies. The lawmaker said Congress needs to determine the "much-needed reforms in the prevention and response to natural disasters that have negative impacts to millions of Filipinos." "It is imperative that there should also be a multi-agency investigation, including the NDRRMC, to assess and work out solutions to the Philippines' preparedness and response to natural disasters such as storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions that regularly beset the country," he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) Some lawmakers are questioning the proposed 10.14 billion confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in the 2024 national budget, stressing that the money should instead be realigned to social services. "The allocation of 10.14 billion to confidential and intelligence funds, while our fellow Filipinos in calamity-stricken areas suffer, raises serious questions about the government's understanding of the real needs and challenges faced by our country," Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel said in a statement. He added that the government should allot the funds instead to help the victims of Super Typhoon Egay, Typhoon Falcon, and the southwest monsoon or habagat. "The struggles our countrymen endure day in and day out must be addressed through meaningful budgetary allocations that directly benefit the lives of our people," Pimentel said. ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro also questioned the CIF allotment of agencies "with no business in intelligence gathering or law enforcement." She cited at least two agencies the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. "Lubog na nga ang bansa sa utang at napakaraming mga social services na dapat pondohan pero mas inuuna pa ang pork," Castro said. [Translation: The country is already mired in debt and there are many social services that need funding, but they prioritize the pork barrel.] Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, meanwhile, said the availability of CIF "does not justify the enormity and widespread allocations of these secret funds." He also urged Congress to scrutinize next year's spending plan and "excise any budgetary fat." "It is incumbent on Congress to rectify in the NEP (National Expenditure Program) wayward policies and rescue proposed funds which are waylaid for favored agencies and concerns," Lagman said. (CNN) Controversial internet influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been released from house arrest in Romania ahead of their trial on charges of human trafficking and rape, Bucharests Court of Appeals announced on Friday. The Tate brothers and two Romanian female accomplices were released from house arrest and put under judicial control for a period of 60 days from August 4 to October 2, according to a court statement. The suspects were under house arrest pending a criminal investigation for abuses committed against seven women, accusations they have denied. Tate was first arrested in the Romanian capital of Bucharest in December 2022, before he and his brother were detained in police custody until March. Andrew Tate has also been charged with raping one of the victims, while his brother Tristan was charged with inciting others to violence. Prosecutors have said the Tate brothers recruited their victims by seducing them and falsely claiming to want a relationship or marriage. The Tate brothers are the highest-profile suspects to face trial on human-trafficking charges in Romania. The American-British former kickboxer rose to internet fame last year, tallying 11.6 billion views on TikTok while ranting about male dominance, female submission and wealth. Already known for myriad scandals, he was one of the most-Googled people in 2022. Human rights campaigners, school teachers and police figures have warned against his influence on young minds across communities around the world. Earlier this year, the chief executive of Rape Crisis in England and Wales, Jayne Butler, said she was deeply concerned by the dangerous ideology of misogynistic rape culture that Mr. Tate spreads. In the UK, his sway over teenage boys of all backgrounds has promoted concern in schools and discussion in parliament. The court in Bucharest on Friday said the release comes on the grounds that the brothers do not leave the Municipality of Bucharest and Ilfov county without prior approval from the court. In addition, they do not possess, use, or carry weapons, they regularly communicate updates, and that they do not come into contact with any of the other defendants (besides themselves), witnesses in the trial, victims, plaintiffs and their families, the statement said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Controversial influencer Andrew Tate released from house arrest in Romania." Breaking Bad actor Mark Margolis dies aged 83 in New York hospital Actor Mark Margolis, who is known for his performance in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, has died, his family confirmed on Saturday. He was 83. Mark Margolis was known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul Photo courtesy: Breaking Bad FB page He passed away in a New York City hospital on Thursday after a short illness, his son said in a statement as quoted by BBC. Born in Philadelphia, the actor's performance in Breaking Bad was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2012. He regularly performed in the films of director Darren Aronofsky, appearing in his first six films beginning with Pi (1998). He was also known for playing Alberto "The Shadow" in Scarface and Antonio Nappa in Oz. The official Facebook page of Breaking Bad posted following the death of the actor: " We join millions of fans in mourning the passing of the immensely talented Mark Margolis, who - with his eyes, a bell, and very few words - turned Hector Salamanca into one of the most unforgettable characters in the history of television. He will be missed." Venezuelan Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez hopes for bolstered economic and commercial bond with India Executive Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez, who had recently visited India, has said both the nations need to increase their economic and commercial bonds, which will help in strengthening the relationship. Executive Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez meets External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Photo Courtesy: S Jaishankar Twitter page Speaking to ANI during the 9th CII India LAC Conclave, the Minister said that the Latin American country is participating with a big delegation and that she is very happy to be in India. Venezuela is participating with a big delegation in this important economic meeting. We bring the message from President [Nicolas] Maduro and from our people also to strengthen our bonds between India and our region, Latin America and the Caribbean. So we are very happy to be in India right now, Rodriguez was quoted as saying by the news agency. A good meeting with Executive Vice President @delcyrodriguezv of Venezuela during her visit for the 9th India-LAC Conclave. Exchanged perspectives on the global situation and noted our cooperation in multilateral domain. Spoke about our respective approaches to development pic.twitter.com/rDBWx544hf Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 4, 2023 We have to increase our economic bond and commercial also. As you know we have traded with India. We have imports of medicines, chemicals. We have bilateral meetings with bilateral agenda to strengthen our relationship, she added. She said all areas, including issues related to the oil sector, were discussed during meetings with Indian officials. She was visiting India to attend the ninth Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) India-LAC Conclave from Aug 3- Aug 4. Rodriguez also met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and exchanged perspectives on the global situation with him. Make amendments to the relevant legislations and regulations so the category of "caste" is included as a protected category. We appreciate that the category of 'ancestry' is already included in various existing legislations, regulations, and policies. However, without the explicit reference of caste as a stand alone category, timely and appropriate measures, including training and investigation, are often delayed or overlooked. Community awareness on why caste matters in BC. Enhance community capacity to observe Dr. Ambedkar Equality Day, Dalit History Month, and other anti-caste oppression initiatives. Pix: Mohan Bachra --- July 23 is indeed a historical date in the history of Canada. On July 23, 1914, Komagatamaru, a ship full of passengers from India, was forcefully returned from the shores of the west coast because of the racist immigration policies of colonial Canada. This day is now observed annually to remind the public and the lawmakers of the impact of unfair laws and policies.On July 23, 2023, while this date was being observed in Vancouver to reflect the unfair policies of Canada, Chetna Association of Canada, a lower-mainland based community organisation, observed caste based discrimination and oppression by hosting a play, Lacchu Kabadia.Lacchu Kabadia explores the impact of caste-based discrimination and inspires the audience to rethink beliefs and assumptions that create barriers for full inclusion.Lacchu Kabadia is conceived, scripted, directed, and performed by Dr. Sahib Singh, a visiting artist and recipient of the Sharomani Natakkar Award from the Punjabi Language Department in 2020.The play was well received with a full audience of about 650 guests at the North Delta Secondary School theatre.Rajinder Singh Pandher, a Burnaby resident and a board member of the Punjabi Language Educators Association of BC (PLEA) sent his sentiments as follows:"Million thanks for arranging this stage drama. All the audience was very much moved with emotions & the very wrong system in the SAMAJ. Hopefully this disease will disappear in our third generation in foreign countries. We fully support your efforts to awaken the populations. So keep up the good social education work."Pandher is also a prominent activist, columnist, and former editor of a newspaper he founded, Sach Di Awaaz.During the event, Chetna Association of Canada also honoured and presented awards to Arwinder Kaur (writer of Living while Human) and Gurdip Bhullar of Bhullar Academy in recognition of his film, Kammo.Organisers also awarded Singh with the Dr. Ambedkar Arts & Literature Award (2023) for Lacchu Kabadia, and his community engagement.The event was graced by MLA Jinny Sims, Speaker Raj Chouhan, and BC's former premier, Ujjal Dosanjh.Master of Ceremony was Navjot Dhillon, a prominent broadcaster, motivational speaker, and media strategist.Param Kainth, vice-president of Ambedkarite Association of Canada (AICS) was also moved by the play and commended Dr. Sahib Singh for his remarkable presentation.Opening song was performed by Surrey-based artist Jyotika Jasuja.In explaining the role and priorities of Chetna for the next year, Birdi highlighted the need for adding caste as a protected category in the legal system of BC.The association, along with Ambedkarite International Coordinator Society (AICS) and ELLAN Foundation, presented the memorandum to MLA Sims and Speaker Chauhan. The memorandum requests the Province of British Columbia to: Theres a reason the twice-canceled Family Guy is still going strong, and thats because, against all odds, it still has its finger on the pulse. Case in point: Its spawned numerous memes that have been religiously reposted on Facebook and shared all over Twitter to express a variety of different emotions and reactions. The iconic scenes/memes have even been shared by people who havent watched a single episode of the show. Here are 11 of the best such memes inspired by the not-so-fine folks of Quahog, Rhode Island Advertisement 11 You Know What Really Grinds My Gears? Episode: Family Guy Presents: Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story The Moment: Peter Griffin hosts a local access news program where he complains about things and people that irk him. Play Why It Became a Meme: Everyone has a gripe. Its a universal truth. And while the idiom itself isnt unique to Family Guy, Peter spoke truth to power and breathed life into it, giving everyone else a newfound opportunity to air their grievances, too. 10 Peter Takes a Tumble Episode: The Blind Side, Season 10, Episode 11 The Moment: After Lois Griffin has the staircase replaced, Peter takes a nasty tumble down the freshly waxed stairs, hitting every step and uttering every expletive along the way. Why It Became a Meme: While most people using the image havent fallen down the stairs to such a debilitating degree, the final image is something evocative for anyone who has felt financial, emotional or spiritual ruin. 9 Lois vs. The Pill Bottle Episode: Prescription Heroine, Season 20, Episode 16 The Moment: A frazzled Lois stares down a bottle of pills after getting hooked on pain medication. Why It Became a Meme: The very serious issue explored in the episode became easily exploitable for anyone who has ever resisted an urge before. It could be about an album you cant stop listening to or writers who love to pepper in ellipses Either way, the image has seen just about every caption plastered on the pill body to make it unique to the poster. 8 Stewie Is Afraid of News of the World Episode: Killer Queen, Season 10, Episode 16 The Moment: As they clean the attic, Brian Griffin discovers that Stewie Griffin is afraid of the artwork for Queens 1977 album News of the World and repeatedly torments him with the cover. Play Why It Became a Meme: Another meme where you can easily pop in different pieces of media you find fearful. The Whale, Mr. Beast and Saul Goodman have all fallen prey to its clutches. Advertisement Advertisement 7 Tiny Peter Episode: Boys & Squirrels, Season 19, Episode 3 The Moment: Lois berates Peter to the point where he is quite literally belittled and shrinks to mere inches. Why It Became a Meme: Aside from the pint-size Peter sparking joy, the meme is imminently reusable whether to point out height-difference relationships or ask the proverbial me and who. 6 Lois the Shoplifter Episode: Breaking Out Is Hard to Do, Season 4, Episode 9 The Moment: After being simultaneously appalled by the price of a blouse and seeing how easy it is to shoplift, Lois goes on a shoplifting binge, cramming any and everything into her purse. Play Why It Became a Meme: This early series moment made a resilient comeback thanks to millennials and Gen Z. Its been used to express everything from stealing memes to filmmakers stealing concepts from other movies. Advertisement Advertisement 5 Holy Crap Lois, Its X Episode: A House Full of Peters, Season 15, Episode 20 The Moment: Peter opens the front door and is shocked by who enters. Why It Became a Meme: One thing that comes with being a very popular animated series is that talented artists, amateur shitposters and high school students will find a way to emulate your style to create their own characters. Its happened to The Simpsons, South Park and even Big Mouth. Family Guy is no exception. This meme is the perfect encapsulation of that idea, and a seemingly unlimited number of people have entered the Griffin residence thanks to it. 4 Giggity Episode: Various The Moment: Glenn Quagmires catchphrase Giggity giggity goo. Play Why It Became a Meme: A list of Family Guy memes without giggity would be no list at all. The famous quote from Quahogs resident hornball Glenn Quagmire is something that will outlive us all. The beauty of giggity is that theres no layered application or metaphorical use of the meme; its just something to say whenever youre excited. Advertisement Advertisement 3 You Guys All Think Youre So Much Better Than Me Episode: Seahorse Seashell Party, Season 10, Episode 2 The Moment: Meg confronts the rest of the Griffins about them constantly acting superior to her, only for them to up the ante in the superiority department. Play Why It Became a Meme: Whether youre flexing regional superiority or ganging up on the bottom-of-the-barrel squad in a four-team division, the memes plug-and-play nature lends itself to evergreen reuse. For instance: The official Family Guy account recently utilized it to express their disdain of Elon Musks Twitter rebrand. 2 Joe Swanson Looking at Phone in Disgust Episode: A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas, Season 3, Episode 16 The Moment: Canonically, Joe Swanson just went on a tirade about ableism in the gingerbread community. But the out-of-frame snapshot features a well-timed photo of Joe looking at a phone in sheer disgust. Why It Became A Meme: With all the time we spend on our phones, the likelihood we see something that preturbs us is startlingly high. Joe looking at the phone in disgust is the embodiment of that feeling, making it very relatable meme fodder. Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump is a dangerous yahoo who may well destroy what is left of the USAs constitutional government before he is finished. I do not in any way defend him. But there is something almost comically hypocritical about the establishments shocked reaction to the January 2021 failed putsch which he is accused of inciting. Once again I must point out that the same liberal elite types happily condone a much worse putsch, one which succeeded and which has helped to drag Europe into its worst war for more than 70 years. Mr Trump is alleged to have sought to prevent the democratic outcome of the 2020 Presidential election. If he and his allies did so, this was a disgraceful thing. If you believe that power in free societies is decided by votes, then you cannot support such a thing. Your own politics cease to matter. It goes to the very root of law and power. So why did major Western nations accept without protest the violent, lawless overthrow of Ukraines elected President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014? This shameful event, achieved by a yelling mob, was led by people who make Mr Trumps supporters look like Greenpeace and who openly threatened violence if they did not get their way. PETER HITCHENS: There is something almost comically hypocritical about the establishments shocked reaction to the January 2021 failed putsch which Trump is accused of inciting Why did major Western nations accept without protest the violent, lawless overthrow of Ukraines elected President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014? Yanukovych is not very nice either. Few Ukrainian politicians are. But the fairness of his victory in the 2010 election is grudgingly accepted even by his opponents. What is more, at the time of his overthrow, he had made a clear offer of early elections to test his mandate. The offer was endorsed and put to the Ukrainian opposition by a group of EU Foreign Ministers who had taken part in drawing it up and would have guaranteed it. Did the protesters think their faction would lose those early elections? Who can say? But it is beyond doubt that the Kiev parliament voted illegally to remove him. It clearly lacked the votes needed to do so under the constitution. It also failed to follow the procedures set out in that constitution. Those who condone the removal have tried to excuse this blatantly lawless act on the grounds (among others) that Yanukovych had fled the country. But recent research has exploded this claim, too. At the time of the Kiev putsch, Barack Obamas White House did not condemn the violent removal of another elected President, or the Ukrainian parliaments blatant defiance of its own constitution. Instead it released a statement that praised the constructive work done by the Ukrainian parliament. The US Ambassador in Kiev tweeted merrily that it was a day for the history books, which doesnt seem very disapproving. Our own Foreign Secretary William Hague misled Parliament, saying incorrectly that Yanukovych had been removed by the very large majorities required under the constitution, and adding, quite unjustifiably: It is wrong to question the legitimacy of the new authorities. Donald Trump is a dangerous yahoo who may well destroy what is left of the USAs constitutional government before he is finished. I do not in any way defend him There is, as yet, no sign of the Commons Privileges Committee taking this matter up. Lord Hague (as he now is) broke off contact with me after I drew his mistake to his attention. The terrible eruption of large-scale violence in Ukraine, the growing danger of long-term European war, Russias illegal seizure of Crimea, the splitting of the country and the terrible toll of death and destruction all began with the putsch against Yanukovych. It is one of the most significant events in European history since the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. It is time we were honest about it, and time it received proper attention. It is at least as important as Donald Trump. I have been amused by the sudden eruption of interest in the life of the late Nobby Pilcher, a 1960s drug squad copper who was disgraced for evidence tampering. I do not know if Nobby was really the inspiration for The Beatles Semolina Pilchard. But we have always had a soft spot for him in my house because he taught Mrs Hitchens to drive. This was no ordinary driving school, featuring as it did a special lesson on how to cut up a London taxi-driver. But it served her well in the days when she had to drive our battered Volvo round the homicidal streets of Moscow. It was battered because a Soviet lorry had driven into it one night, when I was driving, and we could not get the damage fixed. It looked as if it had been in the Battle of Jutland. The Russians soon learned not to mess with her. Odd war drama is not for patriots I see World On Fire, the embarrassing BBC attempt to rewrite the history of the Second World War, is back for a second series. In this odd drama, Britons are rather often portrayed as bigots of one kind or another. Only Lesley Manville, who has decided to enjoy playing a monster (rich, middle-class, conservative), enlivens the weary agitprop. Is this stuff made so that it will eclipse the great war films of the 1950s, when drama was still allowed to be patriotic? I see World On Fire, the embarrassing BBC attempt to rewrite the history of the Second World War, is back for a second series I love this cool summer with its dark skies, occasionally interrupted with breezy, sunny days. It reminds me very much of my own English childhood, long before people got it into their heads that summer was a time of perpetual hot, dry weather. I also laugh at the way the computerised forecasts on my phone are so wrong, but vanish without trace as they are proved incorrect. And I wonder two things. How is it that this return to cooler weather is not seized upon by climate prophets as evidence that the future will in fact be temperate? And how is it that experts who cannot predict the weather pattern in Somerset next week claim to know the destiny of the whole planet, for decades to come? The climate fanatics have abandoned all normal caution and proportion. And we know from the Covid panic what that leads to. Restoring George Bell, the best thing I ever did Eight years ago, I and a group of friends and allies took on the task of rescuing the reputation of a man we believed to have been falsely convicted of a terrible crime. The late Bishop George Bell of Chichester (not, please, to be confused with the disgusting proven criminal Peter Ball) was accused, nearly 60 years after his death, of child abuse. If you take on such causes, you may expect to be accused of sympathising with such crimes. It mattered because George Bell, unusually for the Church of England, had been a man of huge moral courage, an anti-Nazi before it was fashionable, an ally of German resistance to Hitler and a courageous opponent of the British bombing of German civilians, a proper Christian position. I am pleased to say that last week the C of E finally admitted it had been wrong to convict him without a fair trial (a serious legal review showed that the evidence did not stand up). They abandoned attempts to wipe his great name from the record and restored it to a building long called after him. I forgive them with all my heart. And I consider this may be the best thing I ever did. During one of the most famous and admired orations of all time, Dr Martin Luther King spoke of 'the fierce urgency of now' that compelled him to call for social justice. Re-reading his whole 'I have a dream' speech, delivered at Washington DC's Lincoln Memorial 60 years ago this month, it still shimmers with beauty and brilliance. The 'urgency' King invoked in his plea to right the racial wrongs of America's past did, indeed, lead to some rapid results. The dream he laid out, that his 'four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character' was followed quickly by the great legislative accomplishments of the civil rights movement. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex or national origin. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed the discriminatory practices adopted by many southern states after the Civil War. But it wasn't just desegregation and voting rights that King demanded on August 28, 1963. STEVE HILTON: During one of the most famous and admired orations of all time, Dr Martin Luther King spoke of 'the fierce urgency of now' that compelled him to call for social justice As he described the 'great beacon light of hope' that the abolition of slavery represented 100 years earlier, he also pointed out that not only were black people in America 'still not free', but '100 years later, the negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity'. He was absolutely right. Tragically, however, despite the civil rights laws prompted by his speech, along with all the campaigns launched in its wake and the trillions of dollars spent in pursuit of racial justice since then I fear none of it fundamentally altered the landscape he described so vividly. That island of poverty in an ocean of prosperity is still with us. Of course, black people in America are no longer systematically refused service at lunch counters. They participate in elections on equal terms with everyone else. But over the past six decades, when it comes to wealth, opportunity, social and economic progress, King's 'fierce urgency' not only failed to spur the kind of transformational improvement that was achieved on civil rights, in many ways things have got worse. A survey of the historical data on racial inequality, summarised recently by two leading American social scientists, concluded shockingly: 'In terms of material well-being, black Americans were moving toward parity with white Americans well before the victories of the civil rights era. What's more, after the passage of civil rights legislation, those trends toward racial parity slowed, stopped and even reversed.' In today's America, black people are shamefully over-represented in the ranks of the poor, the sick and the incarcerated. On everything from life-expectancy to home- ownership, educational attainment to income, things have moved in the wrong direction since 'I have a dream' electrified the world. So what went wrong? Some black conservative scholars claim the main culprit is too much government intervention specifically the welfare state and failing schools. According to this analysis, the expansion of welfare schemes initiated by President Lyndon Johnson in his War on Poverty in the 1960s incentivised behaviour that hurt black Americans' chances of climbing the ladder of opportunity. They point to the huge rise in family breakdown and absent fathers, from around 25 per cent in the 1960s to more than 75 per cent now. More than three quarters of black children are born without a stable family. Study after study shows that strong family structures are one of the most important building blocks of a successful life. Years ago, when such things were still sayable by politicians on the Left, even Barack Obama admitted: 'We all know the statistics. That children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime; nine times more likely to drop out of school and 20 times more likely to end up in prison.' Education was supposed to rescue impoverished children from these grim outcomes. Instead, the American school system, dominated by militant Left-wing teacher unions, has multiplied the disaster. In my home state of California, in vital subjects such as maths, test scores have shown the average black pupil is four years behind white pupils. You might think that with the devastating evidence, accumulated over so many years, of the failure of Left-wing policies to lift black Americans into King's 'promised land', campaigners for racial justice or 'equity' as we are now told to call it would change course. Perhaps they could use their evident cultural power to help black faith leaders in their quest to change attitudes on family, marriage and parenting? Maybe join the black community leaders pushing for educational choice, enabling parents and pupils to escape the calamitous dysfunction of many inner city government-run schools? Not a chance. People celebrate at the '#BLM Turns 10 People's Justice Festival' on July 15 in Los Angeles The recent successors to King's civil rights movement, starting with the emergence of Black Lives Matter in 2014, have drifted further and further away from positive, practical problem-solving into the fringe obsessions of a clique of Marxist academics, under the banner of Critical Race Theory. According to this extremist dogma, society is structurally racist, and any difference in economic or social outcomes is by definition the result of racism. In place of King's unifying mission to 'transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood', today's race campaigners seek to divide. Following the despicable case of George Floyd, a black man killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis in 2020, instead of channelling righteous public outrage into constructive reforms, they mounted a vicious assault on the institution of policing, demanding the defunding and dismantling of police departments. The resulting explosion in urban crime has made life even worse for black communities, prompting this stunning rebuke from the Oakland branch of the leading advocacy group, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: 'Oakland residents are sick and tired of our intolerable public safety crisis that overwhelmingly impacts minority communities. Murders, shootings, violent armed robberies, home invasions, car break-ins and highway shoot-outs have become a pervasive fixture of life. Failed leadership, including the movement to defund the police and the proliferation of anti-police rhetoric, have created a heyday for criminals. If there are no consequences for committing crime, crime will continue to soar.' Exactly. As Margaret Thatcher once said, the facts of life are conservative. But the most extraordinary example of the racial justice movement's departure from King's approach is the push for 'reparations'. Instead of addressing the causes of the racial wealth gap by boosting black home-ownership and entrepreneurship, strengthening families or reforming education, the recommendations of reparations task forces include scarcely believable lunacy. For example, guaranteeing black residents annual payments of 73,000 for 250 years, the forgiveness of all debt, and the legalisation of public urination. The British Government's compensation scheme for the Windrush generation seems modest and reasonable in comparison. Here's a sobering question, though: do we see any sign that in 60 years' time, Dr Martin Luther King's vision of true equality and racial harmony will be realised? I fear not, unless we wrest control of the racial justice agenda away from the far-Left ideologues who have run it into the ground. Aren't you very weary of Government promises to solve the problem of illicit migration into this country? The Mail on Sunday certainly is, and we are sorry to have to return to the topic. But we feel we must. For more than ten years the Conservatives' immigration policy has been as convincing as one of those recorded messages that trills, 'Your call is important to us. One of our representatives will deal with you shortly. You are now number 92 in the queue'. You can almost hear Vivaldi's Four Seasons playing as the speeches, policy announcements and articles by Ministers pour out of Whitehall, pledging each time that something significant is really going to happen. Since David Cameron's premiership, we have been kept hanging on with promises of crackdowns, 'hostile environments', vans patrolling the streets with warnings of arrest, tougher sentences for law-breakers, schemes for housing migrants offshore, bids to win the co-operation of France, and the mirage of a British walk-out from the 'Human Rights' Charter which migrants endlessly exploit to avoid deportation. By our count, there have been five Prime Ministers and six Home Secretaries since this began, and who knows how many more there will be, each emitting so much hot air on this issue that it could be repurposed as heat pumps to help save the planet from eco-doom. Indeed, to her credit, Home Secretary Suella Braverman's strong words in her interview with The Mail on Sunday today are impressive A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, from a Border Force vessel after being rescued during a small boat incident in the Channel on Friday The Mail on Sunday and our sister paper, the Daily Mail, have striven to cover this huge issue, unwelcome to our pro-migration elite, with care and thought. And without doubt it most certainly is a very intractable problem. READ MORE: Legal watchdog is set to enjoy greater powers to punish rogue lawyers after the Mail's undercover investigation revealed firms offering to submit false asylum claims Advertisement The Daily Mail's recent exposure of the appalling behaviour of some immigration lawyers, a fine old-fashioned (and widely praised) scoop based on diligent reporting, has demonstrated beyond doubt that the system is utterly broken. And we have always hoped that the promises made by Conservatives would be fulfilled. Indeed, to her credit, Home Secretary Suella Braverman's strong words in her interview with The Mail on Sunday today are impressive. Heaven knows, we are willing to go into battle with the Tory Ministers, side by side, if the trumpet ever actually sounds for the charge. But too often it has been a large cloud of bluster and a crisis that does not go away. If one tenth of the determination the Government has employed on Net Zero had been applied to illegal immigration, we would surely have got somewhere by now. Make no mistake, we would get nothing better from Sir Keir Starmer's neo-Blairite Labour Party. The Blair-Brown government had a 'driving purpose' to change the make-up of Britain by encouraging large-scale arrivals from abroad. Also, as we learned from leaks and from Gordon Brown's disgraceful remarks on the subject when he thought the microphones were off while discussing the views of Labour-supporting pensioner Gillian Duffy, any legitimate concern over the scale of migration is considered 'bigotry'. Voters have a clear choice between the two main parties. A fundamental principle of our democracy is that there is disagreement, so we are not governed loftily by a perpetual elite who care little for what we think. The Tories speak for a very important part of Britain one that has not been treated with much consideration lately. It is true that the recent problems of Brexit, Covid and the change in Prime Ministers have distracted them from their purpose. But no longer. An answer to the border crisis is their most pressing task. Nobody else will tackle it. Suella Braverman and her colleagues would win the gratitude of millions, and our unstinting support, if they follow up talking with cold, hard resolution to end a problem that has been allowed to fester for far too long. It appears Britain's leading royal ladies are committed to having their sisters support them every step of the way - much like Queen Elizabeth II's close relationship with Princess Margaret. Since Queen Camilla, 75, was coronated back in May, her sister Annabel Elliot, 74, has joined her at a number of events, including sitting alongside her in the Royal Box at Wimbledon this summer. Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales, 41, has long included her sister Pippa Middleton, 39, in the bigger moments of her royal life, such as her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. It seems Annabel and Pippa provide a pillar of support for their royal sisters, who appear to want to keep their siblings close, just like the late Queen's apparent desire regarding Princess Margaret. It appears Britain's leading royal ladies are committed to having their sisters support them every step of the way - much like Queen Elizabeth II's close relationship with Princess Margaret It seems Annabel and Pippa provide a pillar of support for their royal sisters, just like the late Queen's apparent desire regarding Princess Margaret Annabel - an interior designer and antiques dealer - has been described as her sister's quieter counterpart. The pair previously recalled spending their childhood rolling down hills, catching butterflies and dressing correctly for their strict grandmother while staying at their grandparents' Hampshire home. As young women, Camilla loved the debutante circuit while Annabel was rather more serious and preferred a quieter life 'not the kind of girl to throw her knickers on the table', as it has been put. Annabel has said that Camilla, who was a debutante a year ahead of her, 'was a great success, but I certainly wasn't. I probably wasn't quite as confident as her.' At the same time, Annabel was seen as the more intelligent sister with 'taste', who eschewed the London party scene. Instead, she went to Florence to study art. One friend asserted that Annabel, 'with her style and good taste, is the one who should have been a duchess'. 'She'd have been perfect,' said the friend, 'but would never want to change places. As for Camilla, she pulls it off, in her own way.' In 1972, Annabel married her first real boyfriend at 23 - Simon Elliot, and in 1973 Camilla, aged 25, married her first husband - dashing Army officer Andrew Parker Bowles. Annabel and her husband, who died in March aged 82, inhabited a country house in the Dorset village of Stourpaine where Charles and Camilla would meet for discreet weekends as secret lovers. Since Queen Camilla, 75, was coronated back in May, her sister Annabel Elliot, 74, has joined her at a number of events Annabel continued to support her sister throughout the difficulties of the relationship, driving Camilla away and out of public view when John Major announced in the Commons the separation of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1992. Annabel's 40th birthday party was where Diana confronted Camilla over her relationship with Charles. It was her 50th birthday celebrations at the Ritz where Camilla came out as Charles' partner, using the occasion to pose for their first public pictures together on the hotel steps. Charles and Camilla have also been advocates of Annabel's interior design business, reportedly paying her 1.5million for goods and design services since the pair married in 2005. Annabel was paid for refurbishing the Duchy's holiday cottages in Cornwall, the Scilly Isles and Wales as well as the Duchy's office in Restormel, Cornwall, and Penlyne Nursery, also in Cornwall. She was also employed to oversee a huge interior design commission from the Duchy of Cornwall a 20-bedroom pub in the centre of Dorset model village Poundbury. The Duchy admitted that the contract for the work was not put out to tender. But a spokeswoman said that Elliot understood the Duchy's commitment to environmental sustainability and to sympathetic design which is in-keeping with the local area. In March this year, Charles and Camilla were among guests who flocked to the streets of Dorset to pay their respects to Camilla's brother-in-law Simon Elliot. The businessman was married to the royal's younger sister Annabel for over 50 years and passed away at the age of 82. The Queen was so close to her brother-in-law that she invited him and her sister Annabel to join her and Charles on their honeymoon in Scotland, Balmoral, after she wed the then Prince Charles in 2005. In an apparent show of support to the King and Queen, Pippa joined the rest of the Middleton's at the King's Coronation in May The Princess of Wales' younger sister has attended both of Kate's annual charity carol concerts The King and Queen frequently visited the couple in Stourpaine when they were dating. Grieving friends and family of the late businessman were pictured arriving at the service at Holy Trinity Church in Stourpaine, Dorset earlier htis year. Police sealed off all roads to the church during the service to allow Simon's coffin to be driven through the small village. Following the service, guests were seen making their way to the local pub The White Horse Inn. Although Charles and Camilla were not pictured arriving at the funeral, they are understood to have attended the service in a show of support to his widow Annabel. The church in Stourpaine is where funerals of the Queen's brother, Mark Shand, and her father Major Bruce Shand, had previously been held. Leading the mourners were Simon's three children, former Conservative Party co-chairman Ben Elliot and his sisters, Alice and Catherine. Queen Camilla was joined by two elegant companions as she walked alongside her sister Annabel and close friend The Marchioness of Lansdowne during the historic Coronation ceremony earlier this year. The royal, 75, axed the centuries-old tradition of having ladies-in-waiting as part of her retinue last September - instead opting for a smaller number of 'Queen's companions'. It's evident that both have an eye for fashion and aesthetics - having worked in interior design - as the two women struck the perfect chord between sophistication and glamour with their gowns. Fiona Clare created two long, ivory dresses for Her Majesty's Companions, designed to complement each other whilst retaining individual touches in terms of the embroidery and choice of fabric. Silver edging features on The Marchioness's, whilst Annabel's has a standing collar and hand-embroidered detail. The royal had her two confidantes by her side throughout in the festive ceremony. The sisters have been pictured at two big socialite calendar events this summer so far. Queen Camilla and her sister were joined by culinary royalty as both Her Majesty and Mary Berry attended the Royal Box at Wimbledon. Meanwhile Annabel has been seen at a number of royal events this summer alongside the royal family, including Ascot Meanwhile Camilla and Annabel's close bond was also on show at Wimbledon earlier this summer Elsewhere, both were in attendance as Queen Camilla appeared on the edge of her seat while attending her first Royal Ascot since the Coronation. Meanwhile, in 2014, in her first-ever TV interview, Pippa revealed that she's extremely close to her sister Kate and spending time with family keeps them 'affixed to the ground'. She told Today that despite her sister's life as a high-profile member of the Royal Family, not much has changed. Pippa said: 'I mean, obviously she has pressures that she's taken on and things. But we spend a lot of time together. We still do a lot together as a family. 'And I think that's really the heart for all of us is having a really close family that we can sort of be normal with each other, treat each other normally. And that's sort of kept us all, you know, affixed to the ground.' Pippa was asked if she is still able to call Kate, now the Princess of Wales, anytime for 'girl talk'. She said: 'Yeah. Yeah, we do we have a very normal, sisterly relationship. We're very close. And, you know, we support each other and get each other's opinions and things.' A woman who turned detective to catch her mystery stalker has revealed how she learned he was, in fact, her own uncle. From the age of 15, Kristen Kime, 30, from Sheffield, was blighted by calls from a unknown male, who'd often perform sexual acts on the phone. He'd also comment on what she was wearing and would know exactly where she was. But it wasn't until years later, that Kristen decided to track down her harasser by downloading software to unlock withheld numbers on her phone. Kristen typed the number into Facebook and got the shock of her life when her uncle, Steven Turner's profile popped up. Kristen Kime, 30, from Sheffield, who turned detective to catch her mystery stalker has revealed how he turned out to be her own uncle Last month, Turner, 49, was convicted of stalking involving serious alarm and distress. He was jailed for two years. Now Kristen is speaking out about her incredible discovery to help raise awareness of stalking. The mum-of-two said: 'For years Steven terrorised me with late-night calls. 'He made me fear I'd be sexually assaulted. Every time he called, I'd feel anxious. 'To discover my stalker was actually my uncle was unbelievable. I'll never forgive him for the hell he put me through.' Growing up, Kristen and Turner were close. She'd often spend time at his house, playing with her cousins and he'd always be at family gatherings. Then, one day, when she was 15, Kristen started receiving prank calls. She said: 'At first, I thought it was just kids messing around at school. The male voice would whisper on the phone and say sexual things. Pictured: Kristen and her uncle when she was 16 years old. At this time, the calls from her stalker had just begun Last month, Steven Turner, 49, was convicted of stalking involving serious alarm and distress. He was jailed for two years 'He'd ask ''Do you know what I'm doing?'' and start breathing heavily. He was masturbating, it was disgusting.' Kristen begged him to leave her alone, but he continued to call off withheld numbers. After a few months, she informed her parents, who told her to ignore the calls. One day, when Kristen was 16, she was walking home with her cousin after spending time at Turner's house. She said: 'My stalker called and described exactly what I was wearing and where I was stood. I was terrified and ran all the way home.' Eventually Kristen confided in Turner about her stalker. He feigned concern and told her to just ignore the calls. Soon after, while she visited her cousin at his house, she received a prank call. Conveniently Turner was out. But she never suspected he was the man on the other end of the phone. For two years, the calls occurred nearly every night, and only stopped when Kristen turned 17 and got a boyfriend. Kristen said: 'I hoped that was the end of it.' But, fast forward to September 2018, Kristen, then 25, received a call from a withheld number. She was blighted by prank phone calls from a unknown male, who'd often perform sexual acts during the sinister calls, which started when she was just 15 years old (pictured aged 15) Now Kristen is speaking out about her incredible discovery to help raise awareness of stalking Upon answering and hearing the man's voice, she immediately knew it was her stalker. She says: 'I had recently split with my partner and the calls suddenly started up again. 'He was saying sexual things about me and heavily breathing. I told him to leave me alone, but he didn't.' In two months, she received over 100 late-night calls with many waking up her young baby. One day, she'd had enough and recorded him pleasing himself during a phone call as evidence. But at the end, her stalker made a reference to Kristen's baby. She says: 'The moment he talked about my child, I feared for our safety. 'If I visited my parents, I'd ask my dad to follow me home in the car, in case he was watching me. I wouldn't go anywhere on my own.' The calls continued and fed up, Kristen decided to turn detective. In November 2018, her mum suggested she should download a program onto her phone to unlock unknown numbers. One day, when her stalker called, she received a message, revealing the real number. After typing it into Facebook, Turner's profile popped up. Thinking it was a mistake, she checked with her sister and mum. But they confirmed, the number was her uncle's. With her mum's support, Kristen went to Turner's house to confront him. She said: 'Steven denied it, saying he must've been hacked. At first, I believed him because he seemed genuinely surprised. Kristen said she will never forgive Steven for what he did, saying she wishes she had gone to the police sooner 'I thought it must be a mistake. There was no way my own uncle would do such a thing.' Bizarrely, Turner encouraged Kristen to go to the police. So, she went to the station along with her evidence and officers took her statement. And from that day, she never received another prank call. Later that month, Steven was arrested but denied the charges. While the police gathered evidence, another woman was identified as a victim of his stalking. Last month, Turner was convicted of two counts of stalking at Sheffield Crown Court and sentenced to two years in prison and handed five -year restraining orders for both victims. Kristen says: 'I'll never forgive Steven for what he did. I just wish I'd gone to the police sooner, instead of dealing with it on my own. 'I'm relieved he's off the streets, unable to terrorise anyone else.' Detractors have accused King Charles of courting Bond villains ultra-wealthy individuals from the Gulf and former Soviet Union who enjoyed access to him in exchange for cash donations. But when it comes to controversial friendships, the king has nothing on his brother, Prince Andrew, as this extraordinary photograph from his daughter Princess Beatrices 18th birthday party demonstrates. Taken in 2006, it shows that among the guests present at the lavish event held at Windsor Castle were three of the worlds most notorious sex offenders: billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, his pimp Ghislaine Maxwell and convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein. Beatrice even wore a 10,000 blue taffeta gown designed by Georgina Chapman, who later married the then Hollywood mogul Weinstein. Prince Andrews warm relationship with Epstein is perhaps the most notorious of all his unwise associations. A trio of now-disgraced party goers at the 18th birthday celebrations of Princess Beatrice: Harvey Weinstein, the late Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Weinstein and Maxwell are now in jail A glamorous portrait - of a sort the Yorks would want to remember. The family in glamorous costumes inspired by the early 19th century, from left, the Duchess of York, birthday girl Princess Beatrice, the Duke of York and Princess Eugenie. Beatrice's 10,000 blue taffeta gown was designed by Georgina Chapman, who later married Weinstein The pair were introduced in 1999 by the now convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, and there followed a series of visits by Epstein to royal residences including Balmoral and Windsor. The prince also flew by Epsteins private jet to the financiers private island Little St James. According to Virginia Guiffre, who described herself as Epsteins sex slave, she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew in 2001 at Maxwells Belgravia home as well as at Epsteins New York home and on his private island in the same year. Andrew has always vehemently denied the claims. In 2008, Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to prostituting minors. After his release in 2010, Andrew was photographed with Epstein in New Yorks Central Park. In 2019, he was forced to step back from his public role following his disastrous television interview with Newsnights Emily Maitliss about the friendship. Extraordinarily, when asked if he regretted the relationship, he said he did not, because the people that I met and the opportunities that I was given to learn either by him or because of him were actually very useful. Earlier that year, Epstein killed himself in prison after being charged with sex trafficking. In 2022, Andrew reached a multimillion-pound settlement with Ms Giuffre. Many other questionable characters have also enjoyed relationships with the prince over the years. He was reported to have developed a close friendship with billionaire dictator Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan, whose regime is said to have rigged elections and thrown political opponents in jail, among other human rights violations. The Duchess of York with disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein and his former wife Georgina Chapman in 2016 Sarah Ferguson with Georgina Chapman at Cap d'Antibes in 2015 Ghislaine Maxwell catches up with friend Prince Andrew as they leave the wedding of Aurelia Cecil in 2000 In 2008, Andrew took a Tunisian holiday with Tarek Kaituni, a Libyan man who was convicted of gun smuggling in 2005. He reportedly helped to arrange meetings between the prince and the late dictator Colonel Gaddafi. Andrew also accepted a $30,000 gold necklace from Kaituni as a gift for Princess Beatrice. He has also been accused of hosting a lunch at Buckingham Palace for Mohamed Sakher El Materi, the billionaire son-in-law of the deposed and allegedly deeply corrupt Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. On another occasion, he dined with Nursultan Nazarbayev, the corrupt president of Kazakhstan, whose son-in-law subsequently bought Andrews mansion, Sunninghill Park, for 3 million over the asking price. How the Daily Mail reported on Beatrice's 18th birthday at the time Andrews association with David Spotty Rowland, a Conservative party donor who has been dubbed the tax haven tycoon has also attracted no small degree of speculation. Based in Guernsey where he owns the palatial Havilland Hall, the father-of-eight was once described as like an older surrogate brother to Andrew. He has acted as the Duke's financial adviser and has proved a central figure in his business and financial affairs for many years including, lending Andrew 1.5million in 2017 and giving Sarah Ferguson 40,000 to help clear her debts. Growing numbers of women in their twenties are freezing their eggs amid fears over their fertility. On average, women in the UK don't tend to harvest their eggs until they're in their late 30s. Yet younger women, including members of Gen Z (born after 1997), are taking to social media to urge others of the same age to opt into the procedure. TikTok videos on #eggfreezingjourney have gained more than 30m views, with many extolling the virtues of freezing their eggs while in their biological 'prime'. But experts today cautioned young women against 'rushing' into the procedure, warning it 'does not guarantee' fertility and in some cases may pose a 'surgical risk' to women. And Shanian Bhopa, a PhD student from Toronto, also published a series on the app under the hashtag, discussing her decision to freeze her eggs at 25, taking viewers through the experience with her day by day. 'I did it to buy myself time to get closer to my purpose in my professional life,' she told one video. 'So hopefully one day I can be super intentional with my time as a mother' In another video under the hashtag seen 3,000 times, Tiffany Zhu wrote: 'You're 28, have a stable relationship, an awesome career and chose to egg freeze because you can't predict the future but you can take charge of it.' She added: 'Here's to the best decision I made in my 20s. 14 days of shots and a ton of bloating but now free from that biological timeline In one TikTok video, @sugarplumgoth, who boasts 59,000 followers, said: 'I don't know if it's because I'm dramatic or because it's Aries season and I'm an Aries rising. But I have decided to freeze my eggs. She added: 'I'm still in my twenties but I wanted to do it while I had the chance. And it's been a crazy process. 'But I feel super empowered doing this and it's really great not to have to worry.' She said: 'One day I can have kids on my own terms' Some IVF clinics also lack the experience required to carry out egg freezing, other clinicians claimed. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) recorded more than 4,200 egg storage cycles in 2021, almost double the 2,500 in 2019. While it is unknown how many women in their twenties opted for the procedure, some 1,363 people under the age of 34 went through at least one egg freezing cycle in the latest data 63 per cent more than 2019. It is thought the number of women freezing their eggs surged during Covid because many feared they were running out of time to have a baby. The pandemic brought dating to a halt for single women for months at a time, leaving some unsure when they would meet the right partner to start a family. In one TikTok video, Jessa Choi who goes by the username @sugarplumgoth and boasts 59,000 followers, said: 'I don't know if it's because I'm dramatic or because it's Aries season and I'm an Aries rising. But I have decided to freeze my eggs. 'It's not looking great out there. I don't want to settle. I want to raise my bar even higher. 'I don't want to worry about my biological clock, so I am on day four of actual fertility medication. 'It means I've been injecting myself for four days, under doctor supervision.' The 27-year-old from New York added: 'I'm still in my twenties but I wanted to do it while I had the chance. And it's been a crazy process. 'But I feel super empowered doing this and it's really great not to have to worry.' She said: 'One day I can have kids on my own terms.' In another video under the hashtag, seen 3,000 times, Tiffany Zhu who is based in New York from wrote: 'You're 28, have a stable relationship, an awesome career and chose to egg freeze because you can't predict the future but you can take charge of it.' She added: 'Here's to the best decision I made in my 20s. 14 days of shots and a ton of bloating but now free from that biological timeline. 'We need to have fertility convos earlier in our 20s and not when issues arise.' Shanian Bhopa, a PhD student from Ontario, also published a series of videos on the app under #eggfreezing, discussing her decision to freeze her eggs at 25, taking viewers through the experience with her day by day. 'I did it to buy myself time to get closer to my purpose in my professional life,' she said in one video. 'So hopefully one day I can be super intentional with my time as a mother.' She also wants control, she told TikTok, over her entire timeline in order to scale her businesses. However, fertility experts warned that egg freezing 'does not guarantee' fertility, and many clinics equally 'have little to no experience of egg freezing procedures'. Dr Ying Cheong, an expert in reproductive medicine at the University of Southampton, told MailOnline: 'There are many advantages of egg freezing and the technology achieves excellent results in most IVF centres. 'But I would advised against Gen-Z women rushing in to freeze their eggs, purely because they are still very young and egg freezing requires one to undertake ovarian stimulation which has its risks.' She said: 'Egg freezing is not a guarantee of fertility, and the best way to create a family would still be to try naturally, as over 80 per cent of heterosexual couples will conceive after trying naturally for 12 months.' Kayleigh Hartigan, founder of Fertility Mapper and an advisor to the Government's Women's Health Strategy, which was published in July last year, told MailOnline: 'There are over 100 fertility clinics in England. 'Given the small number of egg freezing treatments carried out each year, not all of these clinics will have carried out treatments. 'For those clinics that have performed egg-freezing treatments they will not have performed that many.' According to latest figures, egg freezing cycles and thawing only accounted for just 4 per cent of all IVF treatments carried out in 2021. Ms Hartigan said: 'Egg freezing is very much on the rise, but this is still a small percentage of the clinic activity relative to other services such as IVF. 'Experience is important as egg freezing can have serious complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). 'Many people are not aware of how important it is to choose the right clinic. The current portrayal of egg freezing is not well-informed, it is crucial that women are aware this is a medical procedure and not one to be taken lightly.' Egg freezing involves following the first steps of IVF, which takes two to three weeks to complete. Women take drugs to boost their egg production and help eggs mature. The eggs are then collected under general anaesthetic, mixed with a freezing solution and frozen. Most patients under 38 have seven to 14 eggs collected The process is deemed 'mostly very safe' by the HFEA. Some women however do experience side effects from their fertility drugs. These are usually mild, but in extreme cases women can develop OHSS when the ovaries develop too many follicles as they over-respond to the medication. If this happens, fluid from the blood vessels may leak into the abdomen and, in severe cases, into the space around the heart and lungs. But approximately a third of patients will have mild symptoms, with between two and eight per cent of patients needing medical intervention, according to the NHS. Reasons to pursue egg freezing are wide-ranging and complex. On average, women lose around 1,000 eggs per month and by the age of 30 have lost 90 percent of their egg supply. One in seven couples will have fertility issues but 84 per cent of couples will conceive naturally within a year of regular, unprotected sex, according to the NHS. In another TikTok video by egg freezing company @freezebyco, a woman lists her 'three reasons I'm freezing my eggs in my 20s'. She tells the video: 'One, I don't want to have kids until I'm 30 or 35. Two, I don't want to feel rushed to settle down or find a partner. 'Three, I have a family history of early menopause,' she adds People with known cancer risk genes, for example BRCA, also may seek to freeze their eggs preemptively, to ensure the eggs frozen are as young and healthy as possible and to remove one obstacle to undergoing cancer treatment if they are diagnosed one day. TikTok user Lindsay Goldblatt this week shared a clip, telling her followers she tested positive for BRCA1 - breast cancer gene 1 - when she was 20. Now 29, she has chosen not to have a natural pregnancy as 'I don't want my kids to have the BRCA gene', she said But medical diagnosis, for example endometriosis or cancers being treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can adversely affect fertility, are other common reasons for the procedure. Those undergoing gender affirmation, transitioning from female to male, also often choose to freeze their eggs. People with known cancer risk genes, for example BRCA, also may seek to freeze their eggs preemptively, to ensure the eggs frozen are as young and healthy as possible and to remove one obstacle to undergoing cancer treatment if they are diagnosed one day. TikTok user Lindsay Goldblatt shared a clip, telling her followers she tested positive for BRCA1 breast cancer gene 1 when she was 20. Now 29, she has chosen not to have a natural pregnancy as 'I don't want my kids to have the BRCA gene', she said. Around three per cent of breast cancers and 10 per cent of ovarian cancers result from inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes every year. 'Essentially I would get pregnant only by IVF and you follow that by genetic testing the embryos and planting the ones that are only negative for BRCA,' she added. 'Because 50 per cent of them will have it and 50 per cent of them won't. That is the way to ensure that your kids don't also carry this genetic mutation.' In another TikTok video by egg freezing company @freezebyco, a woman lists her 'three reasons I'm freezing my eggs in my 20s'. She tells the video: 'One, I don't want to have kids until I'm 30 or 35. Two, I don't want to feel rushed to settle down or find a partner. 'Three, I have a family history of early menopause,' she adds. But the process is financially restrictive. The average cost of an egg freezing package in the UK stands around 3,600. Storage costs are also extra and vary between clinics. On average this falls between 15 and 350 annually. The combined freezing and thawing process can cost up to an eye-watering 8,000 in total. Currently only patients undergoing medical treatment which may affect their fertility, for example chemotherapy or radiotherapy, are eligible to freeze their eggs on the NHS, with the upper age limit set at 42. Choosing to freeze eggs to have children at a later date known as social egg freezing is not NHS funded. Ms Hartigan told MailOnline cost 'remains one significant barrier' for women accessing egg freezing treatment. In 2022 the average weekly wage for people aged between 22 and 29 stood at just 546. She said: 'It is positive that the rise of information and people sharing their stories is breaking down taboos. 'It is also positive that people have access to treatments that give them reproductive choices. 'However, every family building journey is unique to the individual and it's important that people do not feel pressured to carry out what is an invasive and expensive medical treatment. 'Not many people know but the cost of treatment varies significantly from clinic to clinic. So too does the experience that people receive.' While figures have shown a big percentage increase in the number of people choosing to freeze their eggs, 'this is still a small number of the population', she also advised. 'And, the data does not distinguish between the number of people undergoing egg freezing for medical reasons, such as people going through cancer treatment, and those choosing to for social reasons,' she said. 'One thing that we do expect is that the number of people freezing their eggs will rise. 'The UK often follows the trends seen in the US market, which is reported to have had 13,000 people freezing their eggs in 2022.' The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) recorded more than 4,200 egg storage cycles in 2021, almost double the 2,500 in 2019. While it is unknown how many women in their twenties this involved, some 1,363 people under the age of 34 went through at least one egg freezing cycle - a 63 per cent increase on 2019 Clare Ettinghausen, director of strategy and corporate affairs at HFEA, added: 'More women than ever are choosing to freeze their eggs with over 4,000 treatment cycles a year in the UK today compared to just over 200 cycles, 15 years ago. 'It's important that women thinking about freezing their eggs understand that it does not guarantee a baby in the future. 'And as fertility decreases in the mid-30s, fertility clinics must advise patients of the likelihood of success of freezing eggs after that. 'Women wondering whether egg freezing is the right choice for them can find impartial information about that, as well as clinic success rates, on the HFEA website.' Dr Raj Mathur, chair of the British Fertility Society and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: 'Egg freezing can provide individuals more control and flexibility on when to start a family. 'However, it is vital that anyone considering freezing their eggs has all the information they need, including about risks and costs, to make an informed decision that is right for them.' He added: 'It is also important to understand that having eggs stored does not guarantee a baby in the future. 'Storing eggs can cost 125 to 350 each year. Multiple rounds of collection may be needed, especially if you have a low ovarian reserve and only a small number of eggs are collected each round, which can add costs.' Critics of the egg freezing industry have also warned clinics are 'preying' on women's anxieties to sell them a treatment they may not need and may be unlikely to work. In December, Professor Imogen Goold, a professor of medical law at the University of Oxford, said women in their late 30s or beyond should not be encouraged to pay to freeze their eggs, as the chances of successfully using them to have a baby were very low. Speaking at the annual conference of the fertility charity Progress Educational Trust she added: 'I think the worst thing is to sell egg freezing to women in their late 30s. Because selling it to someone who's 39, in the hope that she can use that egg when she is 45, really is problematic.' Success rates can be as low as 3 per cent for eggs frozen when women were 36 to 39. A 2018 study from the HFEA found that the use of a patients' own frozen eggs resulted in a live birth only 18 per cent of the time. Meanwhile, scientists in Brussels last month discovered the majority of women who freeze their eggs do not end up using them at all. A team from Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, a university hospital in Belgium, studied 843 women who had chosen to have their eggs frozen between 2009 and 2019. Their average age at the time was 36 and the majority did not have partners. By May 2022 only around a quarter 27 per cent of the women had returned to the centre for treatment. And of the women who did return for fertility treatment less than half 48 per cent opted to use their frozen eggs. A New York girl born with a deadly heart defect is now training under the cardiologist who helped save her life as a child. Ariana Azeez from Chester, New York, was born with a hole in the wall that separates the two upper chambers of her heart, allowing a dangerous flow of blood to move between the right side and the left. The condition, which can cause problems such as high blood pressure and even heart failure in some cases, was spotted early on thanks to a team of pediatric cardiologists who were able to diagnose and repair the life-threatening defect. Now, Ms Azeez, 17 and a rising high school senior, is working alongside Dr Eric Fethke, hoping to follow his path and save the lives of children like her. Ms Azeez, now 17, has been spending her summers shadowing the pediatric cardiologist who treated her congenital heart defect for years since she was 11 months old Ms Azeez was born with an atrial septal defect, a relatively common yet potentially life threatening heart defect. The condition caused an open hole in her heart that allowed for an abnormal passageway for blood Ms Azeez said: 'He's one of my favorite doctors I've ever had because something that I picked up on and from an early age was like, he's very interactive and engaging when he's in the room with you [as a patient]... he loves his job. He actually has whiteboards in every room. He draws a diagram of a heart and he points out the certain parts that need to be repaired and he kind of teaches, like gives a little crash course on what's going on. So for me, when he did that, I found it really interesting and I liked learning about it'. Her doctor-turned-supervisor, Dr Fethke, is a pediatric cardiologist who specializes in fetal heart conditions and congenital birth defects in his private practice in Middletown, New York. He has long been a core member of Ms Azeez's medical care team. While he did not perform her life-saving surgery at 11 months old, he treated her in monthly and then yearly follow-up appointments starting after her first birthday and continuing until about two years ago. Just a few months after she was born in the Bronx, Ms Azeez was being examined by a doctor who became troubled by what he heard through his stethoscope. The whoosh he heard, caused by a turbulent flow of blood through the heart, signaled to him that Ariana had a heart murmur and an irregular heart beat, known as arrhythmia. After performing several tests, doctors diagnosed Ms Azeez with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a birth defect that causes a hole in the wall between the heart's upper chambers, or atria. Just a few months after she was born in the Bronx, Ms Azeez (pictured in the DailyMail.com studio) was being examined by a doctor who became troubled by what he heard through his stethoscope The whoosh he heard, caused by a turbulent flow of blood through the heart, signaled to him that Ariana had a heart murmur and an irregular heart beat, known as arrhythmia In a healthy heart, the right and left sides are separated by the atrial septum, which prevents the intermingling of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Deoxygenated blood, or blood that has been stripped of oxygen, flows into the right side of the heart and later through the pulmonary artery, delivering it to the lungs to be reinfused with oxygen. Then, the oxygenated blood is carried back to the left side of the heart through pulmonary veins. The heart then pumps this blood through the aortic valve into the main artery of the body called the aorta. The oxygenated blood then flows to organs and tissues throughout the body. Babies in utero have an opening between their atria before they are born, which allows blood to bypass the lungs before they are fully developed. This is because oxygenated blood flows from the mothers placenta into the baby's body and is pumped by the heart to the rest of the body. Normally, the hole closes once the baby is born and exposed to oxygen. But in people with ASD, that hole remains in the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart, allowing the oxygen-rich and oxygen-deficient blood to mix. While blood still flows normally in someone with ASD, a portion of gets diverted through the hole, allowing extra blood to go from the left side of the heart to the right. This means that some of the blood that should be carrying oxygen to the body's organs and tissues is not doing so effectively. It can also overwhelm the right side of the heart and lungs. The condition meant Ms Azeez could not be breastfed and she was placed on a feeding tube inserted through her nose for eight months. While the condition can be benign, in Ms Azeez's case doctors determined they had no other choice but to surgically repair her heart defect. They had planned to operate when she was 12 months old and 10 pounds, but decided at 11 months old and a mere eight pounds, her condition was severe enough they could not afford to wait. Ms Azeez said: Mine was very large. It was a large flap, like a gap in the atrial wall. And so they had to seal that because it was causing me to not be able to breastfeed properly and I was having a hard time breathing as well'. During the surgical procedure, the doctors temporarily stopped her heart so they could directly access the faulty atrial septum separating the two atria. The large flap in her heart was sutured shut and her heart restarted, restoring blood flow to its normal pattern. Arianas recovery was swift, with just a day in the intensive care unit. But she had to see cardiologists like Dr Fethke on a monthly basis for much of her life to ensure the surgery had repaired the problem for good. Now, Ms Azeez has come full circle, spending a few hours each week during the summers observing consultations with Dr Fethke's patients and examining diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, which use sound waves to produce a real-time rendering of the heart. Years of regular check-ups with a team of doctors, including her current boss, piqued her interest in the study of the heart, though her interest in medicine does not stop there. She is also interested in studying psychology and neurology in college in addition to cardiology, with hopes to treat children in the future. Now, deep in the process of applying to colleges (her top choices include New York University and Columbia University) Ms Azeez sees herself pursuing a medical track specializing either in pediatric cardiology, psychology and neurology, or oncology. She told DailyMail.com: 'Dr Fethke not only taught me about my condition, but he also talked about other [conditions] as well. 'So I realized that, okay, this is interesting because it happened within me, but there's lots of other like conditions with the heart that are also very interesting. And from there, I just became really interested in everything having to do with the heart'. The injection relaxes the muscle to give the appearance of a longer neck The Barbie trend sees women get Botox injected into their trapezius muscles The Barbie movie is fuelling a TikTok craze of women getting Botox injected into their necks in a bid to appear more like the iconic plastic doll. Women in their droves have flooded the social media platform with videos showing dramatic images of their trapezius muscle which runs across the back of the neck and shoulders before and after getting the anti-ageing jab. Advocates say the 'Barbie Botox' trend not only made their neck appear longer and slender, but that it also 'relieves tension' and 'improves posture'. However, experts warn the trend can damage muscles and may not trigger the same neck-slimming effects for everyone. The procedure, which lasts less than an hour and costs around 800, involves Botox going into the trapezius muscles to make it relax and shrink. In a video posted by @upkeepbeauty, a woman praises the procedure and shows her progress one month after getting it done and claims to feel more relaxed Botox is the most recognised brand of the substance botulinum toxin, used to paralyse facial muscles with the aim of reducing wrinkles. It works by blocking the signal between the nerve and muscle. When injected into the trapezius muscle, the muscle shrinks from decreased stimulation, giving the neck a thinner, more contoured appearance. Videos of young women showing off their new 'relaxed' and elongated shoulders with the hashtag '#barbiebotox' have amassed thousands of views on TikTok. One clip, posted by @upkeepbeauty and viewed 95,000 times, sees a woman praising the procedure and comparing her neckline before and one month after getting the jabs. In the video, titled 'Barbie Botox update', she claims her 'shoulders feel more relaxed'. Another TikTok user @isabell.lux, who has more than 500,000 followers, says she looks 'tiny' and 'like a little baby bird' after Botox to her neck muscles. TikTok user @isabelle.lux, who has more than 500,000 followers, showed her one month post Barbie Botox progress. She claimed she used to have wide shoulders and now they are 'tiny' The trend is also being promoted by plastic surgeons. Botox to the trapezius muscles gives people a 'swan like neck' and can even ease migraines, says Dr David Rosenberg, a plastic surgeon based in Los Angeles, in a video viewed more than 37,000 times. Plastic surgeon Jonathan Kaplan, who is based in San Francisco and posts videos to TikTok as @realdrbae, says people who carry a lot of 'tension in their neck' get a lot of 'relief' from 'traptox'. In a TikTok video with more than 43,000 views, he said: 'You can inject the trapezius muscle and it can just reduce the bulk of the muscle along your neck. 'It can give you the silhouette of a narrower frame.' The treatment gives people a 'swan like neck', says Dr David Rosenberg, pictured. In a TikTok video with more than 37,000 views, the plastic surgeon also claims the injections can help treat patients with migraines Dr Richard Westreich, a New York plastic surgeon who goes by @newfaceny on TikTok, has also explained the Barbie craze in a video and says it can take 60 to 80 units of Botox or similar injections to shrink the muscle. Dr Thuha Jabbar, an aesthetic doctor and founder of Almas Dentistry & Aesthetics in London, says the treatment can also be beneficial for people who have office jobs. She said: 'These muscles often accumulate tension, especially in individuals who spend prolonged hours at desks or carry heavy bags, leading to discomfort.' Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics in Liverpool, also claims it can 'enhance posture' and 'offer relief from tension headaches'. Plastic surgeon Jonathan Kaplan, based in San Francisco says people who carry a lot of 'tension in their neck' get a lot of 'relief' from 'traptox'. He says that in addition to relaxing muscles it can also be used for cosmetic reasons Clinics in the UK have also noticed a rise in people wanting 'try out' the emerging trend. Ms Azzopardi said 'more and more people are now trying out Traptox'. Aesthetic doctor Hanson Yu, who offers the procedure at his private clinic on Harley Street, said that the procedure has 'witnessed a notable increase'. The Harley Street Skin Clinic in London has also had a lot more enquiries into the treatment. Dr Aamer Khan, who offers the procedure at the Skin Clinic, says he has offered Botox in the traps for many years, and usually only one or two people would enquire every week. But 15 have expressed interest in the procedure in recent weeks. But he warns that not everybody is suitable for treatment warning that people with 'normal sized traps' are enquiring. Dr Westreich, pictured, a New York plastic surgeon who goes by @newfaceny on TikTok has also explained the Barbie craze in a video and says it can take 60 to 80 units of Botox to shrink the muscle. He says it can take a couple of weeks to see the effects Dr Khan said: 'What they are hoping for is a reduction to a point where you are getting a longer slender neck it may not actually give them that. Their expectations may be unrealistic.' He also urges people to get the procedure done by experienced practitioners. He said: 'If it is done in the right way you shouldn't have any long-term problems because as soon as you stop doing it the muscle will come back. 'If the Botox is injected into blood vessels it can make people feel a bit feverish, people can get a bit unwell with it, it can cause weakness in the muscle as well.' Experts also warn that the injections can weaken the trap muscles, which are vital for basic movevments, such as turning the head, moving the shoulders up and down and rotating the arms. As a result, they urge people not get too much Botox to the muscle, as they may be left struggling with simple daily tasks. In March 2015, 34-year-old Kelly Burndred believed she was, finally, about to find happiness. Shed recently shed an extraordinary 20 stone two-thirds of her body weight thanks to weight-loss surgery. For the first time in her life, the mother-of-one wouldnt have to fixate on her size. Yet far from offering relief, the operation marked the start of a dark episode of depression. Three years after the procedure, her husband, Gareth, woke up one morning to find Kelly on the floor, having taken her own life. The council worker from Stoke-on-Trent had suffered mental health problems for several years, Gareth told local newspapers after her death. But surgery had made everything worse. All her life, Kelly had blamed problems on her weight, he said, reaching more than 30 stone at her heaviest. But once she had slimmed down to 10.5 stone, the issues were still there. The story is undeniably tragic, and not a one-off. A wealth of research shows the chances of suicide increases four-fold in the decade after weight-loss surgery known medically as bariatric surgery with those aged 18 to 34 at greatest risk. Kelly Burndred, 34, from Stoke-on-Trent, went from 30 stone (pictured) to 10.5 stone after having weight loss surgery Other studies have noted a significant decline in the mental health of some patients in the two years following the operation. It is estimated that about one in four teenage bariatric surgery patients suffer depression in the five years after the operation. Meanwhile, some patients have taken to online forums to express their psychological distress. On the Facebook group Obesity UK Bariatric And Metabolic Surgery Support Group, which has nearly 7,000 members, one woman writes that her operation has played with my head. Im depressed when I should be happy, she says. Stupidly pining for the old ways and [having] days when I only feel a bit lost and depressed. Another, who underwent surgery in October, says: Im not sure how to cope any more... my depression is really taking hold. Now, as health chiefs offer the procedure to even more Britons, experts are calling for better protection for patients mental health. Last month, NHS watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) ruled that weight-loss surgery no longer has to be the last resort doctors will now be able to refer patients who havent tried to lose weight by other means. The updated guidance also scraps the previous rule that stated those referred for surgery had to be at a certain level of fitness. NICE says the change will increase the number of surgeries carried out, including uptake in previously overlooked groups. But specialists have voiced concerns about mental health risks, for which they say support is lacking. There needs to be a better system to ensure that warning signs [of mental health problems] are picked up early, when they can be managed, says Prof Carel Le Roux, consultant in metabolic medicine at Imperial College London. Doctors arent doing enough to manage patients expectations before surgery. They need to be told that they should not expect to see a cosmetic transformation. Whenever [suicide] does happen, it is catastrophic, so it is very important to recognise it as a known complication. Kelly (pictured after surgery) committed suicide because being thin made her feel worse So what is the link between weight-loss surgery and the increased risk of suicide? About 4,000 weight-loss procedures were performed in the UK last year pre-Covid, it was around 6,000 annually. The operations are offered to those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or between 35 and 40 with a serious weight-related health issue such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. There are several types of procedure, but all ultimately work in a similar way: making the stomach smaller to reduce hunger. The most common is a sleeve gastrectomy, where a large part of the stomach is removed. But also common is the gastric bypass, where surgeons reduce the size of the stomach using staples and a gastric band an implant placed around the stomach that restricts its size and how much can be eaten. Studies show that, on average, patients lose about 20 to 30 per cent of their body weight, and three-quarters of them manage to keep it off long-term. This slashes the risk of heart attacks and strokes by roughly 50 per cent and cuts the risk of cancer by 20 per cent in women. Overall, the procedures reduce the risk of dying within five years by 89 per cent, according to a 2004 Canadian study of 1,000 patients. Surgery is the only licensed treatment we have for obesity that is proven to keep enough weight off long term, says Dr Alex Miras, a consultant in endocrinology and researcher in digestion and metabolism at Imperial College London. The new breed of weight-loss drugs, including liraglutide and semaglutide, have been proven to be effective, he adds but still not nearly as effective as surgery. Semaglutide is also only available on the NHS for overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes. In the next few years, newer, more effective versions of these drugs will come to the market, but the ones available at the moment arent as effective as surgery, says Dr Miras. However, surgery already comes with some serious risks. The most common procedures gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy have a one in 500 risk of death, and a three in 1,000 chance of surgical complications, such as serious infection. Roughly five per cent of patients will develop severe nutritional deficiencies, adds Dr Miras. Its also not uncommon for people to suffer bone fractures after surgery, and hair and nail loss. But the psychological risks, Dr Miras says, are less likely to be discussed with patients in detail. This is often because they are indirect meaning they are not directly caused by the physical operation. One intriguing phenomenon is the increased risk of alcohol addiction, which has been documented in numerous studies. On the Facebook group Obesity UK Bariatric And Metabolic Surgery Support Group, which has nearly 7,000 members, one woman writes that her operation has played with my head Some people struggle with losing the comforting effect that food has had on their lives, says Dr Miras. Theyve learnt to rely on food to reduce stress and improve difficult emotions, and when they suddenly cant do that, because they cant eat as much, they sometimes turn to other ways of getting that comfort. That can be gambling, recreational drugs and alcohol. A small percentage dont find a replacement for this comfort and instead live with huge distress. This can spiral into severe depression and, in extreme cases, suicide. Studies show that, after about a year or two, some patients regain a small amount of weight, which can trigger feelings of failure. Also, of course, psychological problems a patient may have had before surgery may still be present after. Major life changes are common after surgery, too. A recent study of weight-loss patients found that they were twice as likely to get divorced in the years following their surgery than people who hadnt had the operation. Around 80 per cent of those who have the surgery are women, and we often see male partners become jealous and uncomfortable about their wives being attractive to other men, says Dr Miras. The experts also say long-term psychological support is missing from many obesity services across the UK. One patient who says that bariatric surgery worsened her mental health is 50-year-old Angela Chesworth from Liverpool. She had been overweight since the age of eight. Over the years she tried several ways to lose weight and even managed to shed eight stone at Slimming World. But every time the weight started creeping back again, she says, even though I wasnt doing anything differently. I was working out three times a week for two hours and eating healthy, low-calorie meals. It was like my body couldnt keep it off. In 2012, aged 40 and weighing 24 stone, Angela began struggling with sleep apnoea an obesity-related condition where breathing is interrupted in sleep as well as pains in her back and knees. Her GP referred her for weight-loss surgery and she underwent a gastric bypass. The weight began to fall off almost immediately. Angela lost 12 stone in 12 months and went from a dress size 26 to a 12-14. But as her body shrunk, her mental health deteriorated. I still saw myself as a larger woman. And the feelings associated with that, such as being a failure, didnt go away, she says. Plus you feel like you have no idea who you are any more. I remember crying in clothes shops thinking, what does Angela want to wear? Who is she? To make matters worse, surgery was a catalyst for ending her 15-year marriage. We hadnt been physical for five years, and I thought that the problem was my weight, she says. But things didnt improve after the surgery, which made me realise wed lost a spark. In 2015, Angela reached an ultimate low: I started to binge eat to punish myself. I felt ungrateful, like I had wasted NHS money because I still wasnt happy. I remember going to Asda, buying a big box of doughnuts and then sitting in front of the mirror and eating every one of them. She went to her GP for help, and was referred for 18 months of cognitive behavioural therapy. It took a long time to deal with the demons that were in my head, she says. Id had medical treatment for my body but I still needed to fix my brain. Angela has since remarried, but she still struggles with compulsions to binge eat. She says she takes antidepressants to stay level-headed, adding: Bariatric surgery changed my life, but I believe it was the therapy that truly saved me. Despite the negatives, the majority of patients feel their quality of life improves after weight-loss surgery, says Prof Le Roux. When you look at studies of thousands of people whove had bariatric surgery you see that, overall, people who have this procedure live longer. Weight-loss surgery is often treated like any other acute operation, like having your appendix out. But thats not the case. Obesity is a chronic condition. Patients must not be forgotten. Migraine sufferers could receive a daily pill on the NHS which can slash in half the frequency of their crippling headaches. NHS spending watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), will decide later this month whether to offer the drug, named atogepant, to patients who have failed to respond to other treatments. Experts expect the pill, which costs about 8,000 a year per patient, to be approved after studies revealed that it is significantly more effective than another anti-migraine drug rolled out on the NHS earlier this year. The new treatment is a type of medication called a CGRP inhibitor, which blocks the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide a protein known to trigger the debilitating headaches and nausea of migraine. In recent years, numerous CGRP injections have been approved for use on the NHS. However, a shortage of migraine specialists, who have to be consulted before the jabs are prescribed, has led to long waiting lists. Many patients have instead paid for the injections privately, but experts believe if atogepant is approved it could be prescribed by GPs, vastly improving access to it. More than 5.6million people in England are thought to have episodic migraines, which means they experience between four and 14 attacks a month CGRP drugs have been revolutionary, but the demand has been so great that there is a huge backlog to get a prescription, says Ria Bhola, a specialist migraine nurse who works with The Migraine Trust charity. Having a pill that you can get from a GP would make a massive difference. More than 5.6 million people in England are thought to have episodic migraines, which means they experience between four and 14 attacks a month. Most rely on painkillers to dull the agony, or prescription drugs called triptans which can shorten the length of attacks. In March 2020 the NHS gave the green light to CGRP inhibitors the first new migraine treatment in more than 20 years. There are now three CGRP injections available on the NHS, which can be self-administered once a month. These were approved for patients who had failed to respond to other migraine treatments. However, in 2021 The Mail on Sunday revealed that hundreds of patients eligible for CGRP jabs were paying up to 350 a month for the medicines privately as they could not access them on the NHS. Experts say this problem, which is still ongoing, is due to a lack of NHS resources. In May, NICE approved the first CGRP pill, called rimegepant, to prevent migraines in patients who had failed to respond to existing treatments. Studies showed that regularly taking it led to two fewer days of headaches each month. The pill taken every other day was not approved for this use by NHS Scotland regulators, though, as they did not think it displayed enough of a benefit. Most migraine sufferers rely on painkillers to dull the agony, or prescription drugs called triptans which can shorten the length of attacks However, studies show that episodic migraine patients taking atogepant had an average of four fewer days a month experiencing headaches practically twice as effective as rimegepant. Trial participants on average had about eight migraines a month prior to beginning the treatment, meaning atogepant cut the risk of the agonising head pain by half. Prof Peter Goadsby, director of the NIHR Kings College research facility and the scientist who led the discovery of CGRP in 1984, says atogepant could change the lives of migraine sufferers. The typical patient on the trial was a 40-year-old woman who has struggled with migraines for more than 15 years, he adds. While the migraines themselves are incredibly painful, the worst part of the condition is the unpredictability. Something as simple as going out for a coffee with friends becomes difficult. She tried a number of other drugs and none worked particularly well. Some made her sleepy and she even put on weight. But with atogepant, things are different. After taking the pill for a few months, she noticed she was suffering less migraines, and the ones that did happen were less severe. There are very few side effects the main is mild constipation but its nothing a few prunes cant fix. Its possible a years worth of treatment can help settle down the migraines. But if they return, theres no reason patients couldnt go back on to atogepant and keep taking it. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first ever pill to treat postpartum depression (PPD) which is suffered by around one in seven new mothers. Zuranolone, which is an antidepressant, is a once-a-day pill, taken for two weeks. It will be sold under the brand name Zurzuvae. Clinical trials showed it improved the symptoms of new mothers who were experiencing severe depression after having a baby. The only other medication on the market for PPD, Zulresso, needs to be administered via IV continuously for 60 hours and costs $34,000. Symptoms of PPD can be debilitating and range from deep despair and frequent crying to thoughts of hurting the baby, not feeling connected to the child, or feeling as if it is someone else's. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first ever pill to treat postpartum depression (PPD) which is suffered by around one in seven new mothers Zuranolone, which is an antidepressant, is a once-a-day pill which is to be taken for two weeks. It will be sold under the brand name Zurzuvae PPD symptoms can be debilitating and range from deep despair, frequent crying to thoughts of hurting the baby, not feeling connected to the child, or feeling as if it's someone else's In a statement on Friday, the FDA called Zuranolone 'the first oral medication indicated to treat postpartum depression in adults'. It added: 'Until now, treatment for PPD was only available as an IV injection given by a health care provider in certain health care facilities.' The pill, specifically designed for PPD, has been shown to work faster than other antidepressants and is designed to be taken only over a short two-week period. Trials of the pill showed its side effects were less severe than other antidepressants currently in use, which can lead to sudden loss of consciousness, weight gain or sexual dysfunction. It was developed by pharmaceutical companies Biogen and Sage Therapeutics. No price has yet been announced for the new pill. Tiffany Farchione, head of psychiatry in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said PPD is 'a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which women experience sadness, guilt, worthlessness - even, in severe cases, thoughts of harming themselves or their child.' 'Having access to an oral medication will be a beneficial option for many of these women coping with extreme, and sometimes life-threatening, feelings,' she said. Dr Asima Ahmad, chief medical officer at Carrot Fertility, a healthcare company in Menlo Park, California, said around 75 percent of moms reporting PPD symptoms go untreated. 'These numbers are elevated for minority populations; 81 percent of Black women and 76 percent of Hispanic women said they would have liked to learn more about postpartum mental health before having children, compared to 70 percent of women overall,' she said. 'In a time when we are seeing rising maternal mortality rates, and significant racial disparities in maternal outcomes, we need to focus on solutions, and that includes addressing postpartum depression.' In a statement on Friday, the FDA called zuranolone 'the first oral medication indicated to treat postpartum depression in adults' Dr Kristina Deligiannidis, who led the study into the drug, told CBS Saturday Morning: 'Women were reporting rapid improvement in their depression as early as day three' Ahmad believes the new drug will reduce the stigma around using antidepressants. 'Both the lower incidence of side effects and the short-term regimen, which could help some feel less stigma around having to use an antidepressant, could potentially improve compliance,' she said. Zuranolone is one in a class of drugs that target GABA receptors in the brain using a substance called a neurosteroid. It was designed to rapidly rebalance dysregulated brain networks responsible for functions such as mood, arousal, behavior, and cognition, to help reset brain function. When a person is depressed, GABA and glutamate, both neurotransmitters, are thrown out of balance, affecting neuron activity. Depression treatments typically aim to boost serotonin levels in the brain, but a growing body of research shows that the GABA pathway may be just as effective. The drug companies sought approval based on the strength of their five trials in major depressive disorder and two trials in PPD. In the Phase 3 SKYLARK randomized study, women receiving the drug at a 50mg dose felt measurably better after three days. They measured women with PPD based on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17). A score of zero to seven is considered to be normal, while a score of 20 or higher (indicating at least moderate severity) is usually required for entry into a clinical trial. Women were enrolled if they were less than six months postpartum and had a major depressive episode beginning during the third trimester or before four weeks postpartum. Clinical trials showed zuranolone improved the symptoms of new mothers who were experiencing severe depression after having a baby. (file image) Lindsay Clancy, 32, is accused of killing her daughter Cora, 5 and son Dawson, 3, at the family home in Massachusetts and attacking baby Callan, who is eight months old. Pictured L-R: Lindsay, Dawson, Corey and husband Patrick Women who received Zuranolone each evening for two weeks experienced a greater reduction in HAMD scores than women receiving a placebo pill. At day 15, the mean reduction in HAMD scores was 15.6 in women receiving Zuranolone vs. 11.6 in the placebo group. At day 45, women treated with Zuranolone continued to show a greater reduction in HAMD scores than women receiving a placebo (down 17.9 points and 14.4 points, respectively). Dr Kristina Deligiannidis, who led the study into the drug, told CBS Saturday Morning: 'Women were reporting rapid improvement in their depression as early as day three.' She added that the medication had side effects of feeling sleepy, sedation and headaches. One woman said Zuranolone helped her from day one. 'I immediately just felt more like myself. It's going to save so many women and families.' Increased focus has been put on PDD after Boston mother Lindsay Clancy, 32, allegedly murdered her three children in January after suffering from an extreme form of postpartum depression. In more extreme cases, a new mother may experience postpartum psychosis, the condition that Clancy is believed to have had when she committed the murders. Its a rare condition that usually develops within the first week after delivery. A new mother with psychosis will have an altered experience of reality which interferes with their ability to function normally. Postpartum psychosis, which tends to include paranoia, dramatic mood changes, hallucinations, delusions, and suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts is treatable. Mental health professionals have a full army of antidepressant drugs at their disposal. The medication does not have to be tailored to PPD symptoms to work. Talk therapy is also a useful tool for millions of women struggling post-pregnancy. A greater number of men may be offered electrical prostate cancer treatment to destroy tumours, after NHS watchdogs relaxed its rules. Doctors have previously only been permitted to use the technique, called irreversible electroporation (or NanoKnife), as part of a strictly controlled clinical trial. It meant that just a handful of patients were offered the procedure but that may now change. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has upgraded its advice to the NHS, saying men can be offered the procedure which involves inserting charged needles into the body under special arrangements. While there are uncertainties about whether the practice is safe and effective, NHS clinics may provide it once the risks and benefits have been detailed to the patient. Senior hospital staff must also agree that the treatment is warranted, and clinicians utilising these procedures are asked to carefully track and record patients progress. The 'game-changing' treatment uses electrical currents to destroy difficult to reach tumours. Surgery to remove the prostrate or radiotherapy are the options normally offered to men with the disease How is the treatment carried out? NanoKnife involves no knives at all, according to a breakdown of the op by the King Edward VII's Hospital. 'The treatment is delivered via a needle puncture through the skin,' it says. 'Your surgeon will use ultrasound to locate your prostate tumour and then insert up to four needles around it. 'Then the NanoKnife machine passes an electric current through the needles, damaging the cell membranes of the cancerous cells which then shrink and die.' Nanoknife is carried out under general anaesthetic and takes around 45 minutes. The procedure is performed as a day case. Advertisement NanoKnife was first trialled for prostate cancer more than ten years ago and a refined version was offered on the NHS in early 2022. During the one-hour procedure, carried out under general anaesthetic, the surgeon locates the tumour through ultrasound. Up to four needles are then inserted, delivering pulses of electricity which destroy the cancer cells while preserving the surrounding tissue. Patients are allowed home the same day. Prof Mark Emberton, a University College London consultant urologist, says: This offers us a completely new way of destroying cells. The beauty of it is that its such a simple technique its a game-changer. Targeted treatments, known as focal therapies which also include the freezing technique cryotherapy and high-intensity focused ultrasound (Hifu) are currently only available in specialist centres. At the moment, you can only get focal therapies in a few centres in the south of England, which is terrible, Prof Emberton added. Around a third of men with prostate cancer could benefit from some type of focal therapy, but only a tiny fraction of them even get a discussion about it. It is unclear to what extent these procedures provide a long-lasting benefit, however. Around one quarter of men who undergo cryotherapy and Hifu typically require re-treatment after five years, often involving surgical removal of the prostate. Early results suggest one in ten men who have NanoKnife need a further operation within three years. Injecting drugs directly into the lungs to tackle life-threatening blood clots can halve the risk of death, a study has found. Blood clots in the lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism, lead to about 25,000 deaths in the UK every year. The condition is usually treated using blood thinners, administered into the bloodstream via a drip in the arm. However, Israeli researchers have found that feeding low doses of blood thinner directly into the pulmonary arteries the blood vessels where these clots form is more effective. The study, published by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found the technique reduced the risk of death by 55 per cent. Researchers say this is because the method immediately directs the blood-thinning drugs to the clot, breaking it down significantly quicker. Blood clots in the lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism, lead to about 25,000 deaths in the UK every year (Pictured, an illustration of a blood clot in the lungs) Private dentist charges soar The cost of visiting a private dentist has risen by 15 per cent in the past year alone. An initial consultation now costs an average of 75, compared to 65 in August 2022, according to independent consumer information website My Tribe Insurance. The firm also found that the price of certain types of fillings have shot up by more than a quarter. My Tribe founder Chris Steele says the price rises have been driven by an increase in demand, due to few NHS dentists taking on new patients, adding: As people struggle to find an NHS dentist, more are needing to go private, and the cost is increasing quite quickly. Asthma patients can now access an inhaler that tracks how severe their breathing problems are. The device, called a Digihaler, contains medicine that relieves the symptoms of the chronic condition, such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless, that affects 5.4 million people in the UK. It also holds sensors that can measure how much air the user can inhale in one breath a reliable indicator of the severity of asthma. The Digihaler, created by Israel-based medical firm Teva, can then send these readings to the patients doctor, who can spot any deterioration in their breathing abilities. People in the UK are far more likely to have genetic mutations that lead to skin cancer than those living in sunny climates, a study has revealed. Researchers found that the British population, on average, has four times as many DNA mutations linked to skin cancer than people in Singapore, which is near the equator. The scientists, from the Wellcome Sanger Institute in London, say the findings explain why rates of skin cancer in the UK are 17 times higher than in Singapore. This is despite the fact that UV light from the sun is three times stronger in the Asian city-state. They certainly don't make them like Amanda Wakeley any more. Two years ago, her eponymous fashion business, nurtured for decades and a favourite of the likes of Princess Diana, Beyonce, Angelina Jolie and the Princess of Wales, collapsed. Just a fortnight later, her brother Charlie died, aged 62, of a brain tumour. These two consecutive blows would have floored most of us. However, Wakeley, 60, doesn't show a jot of self-pity when reflecting on that time. 'It was shocking and traumatic, so much happened in such a short period. But, although it sounds trite, I've always been a believer in what doesn't get you makes you stronger and you grow from it.' Wakeley, tall, blonde and tanned, with piercing blue eyes, clearly sets great store by being in control and loathes being cast as a victim. Friendly and chatty, but at the same time wary of any questions she regards as too personal, she's casual but immaculate in a silk top from her label and Donna Ida white jeans, offset by gold jewellery. We sit in her glass-fronted penthouse in Chelsea with views along the Thames. ('It's so inspiring to work here. We often see a seal,' she says.) The decor is very Wakeley: pared-down and neutral, with hints of personality coming from the Peloton bike in the corner and a vast drum kit belonging to her partner of 17 years, financier Hugh Morrison. Her two-year-old labrador Luna snoozes on the huge sofa. Wakeley (pictured), tall, blonde and tanned, with piercing blue eyes, clearly sets great store by being in control and loathes being cast as a victim. Jacket and dress, Amanda Wakeley archive. Sandals, Aquazzura 'Life is a gift and we owe it to ourselves to make the most of it,' she says. 'We're lucky we get to be here on a daily basis. A lot of people don't.' Charlie, after all, was 'fit and healthy', in a happy marriage with two adult sons, pursuing a distinguished career as a radiologist, when he was diagnosed 15 months before his death. 'He was just about to start enjoying retirement,' Wakeley says. 'I had a few conversations with Julia Samuel [the grief counsellor who was a good friend of Princess Diana]. She was phenomenal. She talked about someone dying before their time. It's not the natural order of things, but it is horribly prevalent. [Charlie's death] was hard for me. But it broke my heart witnessing my 90-year-old mother's heartbreak.' Losing her brother and her business made Wakeley more determined to enjoy whatever was around the corner. 'Did I feel lost at the beginning? Absolutely. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. But I had so much to be grateful for. And then it was a question of finding the next chapter.' Surely that chapter could have involved a well-earned retirement at one of her and Morrison's homes in London, Switzerland and the New Forest? 'No!' laughs Wakeley. 'We have friends who don't work and that's great for them, but it's not for me.' Instead, within 12 months she had reinvented herself with the launch of her podcast, Amanda Wakeley: Style DNA. Having some spare hours on her hands for the first time, she trained to travel to Antarctica to climb, then ski down mountains. 'Fewer people have ski-mountaineered in Antarctica than have reached the summit of Everest,' she says. It's impressive for anyone, let alone someone in their seventh decade, but Wakeley sets little store by age. 'I'm not in denial but I don't think about it. In my brain I'm still somewhere in my late 30s and I always will be. I guess we have to make a bit more of an effort to stay flexible, but if we remain disease-free and healthy, why shouldn't we carry on? A friend asked me, "How are you going to spend the second half of your adult life?" I love that way of thinking.' Far from slowing down, Wakeley will soon launch a third season of her podcast. The first two featuring interviews with the likes of Trinny Woodall and Yasmin Le Bon discussing their wardrobes regularly appeared in lists of the top 20 most downloaded documentary podcasts in the UK. Losing her brother and her business made Wakeley more determined to enjoy whatever was around the corner. Jacket, Amanda Wakeley archive Wakeley, it turns out, is a talented interviewer, adept at getting her guests to open up. It probably helps that many of them are old friends, she and Morrison 'When I started the podcast it was a way of getting my toe back in the water. But quickly I realised that this was something that I felt passionately about and had huge potential. It's just a life story, but one told from a different perspective. Even if people aren't interested in fashion, they have opinions on clothes: nostalgia and memories come out that are charming, sometimes hilarious and often touching. WHEN THE HAMSTER WHEEL STOPPED TURNING, IT WAS SHOCKING HOW DEEPLY TIRED I WAS 'It's great to get people talking about clothes, because they really do impact how we feel about ourselves. They empower us, and if you get it wrong, that can destroy a day for you. I always reach for a beautifully cut trouser suit when I want to feel powerful, or when I'm not sure what the dress code is.' Even as a child growing up in Cheshire, the daughter of a surgeon and a housewife, Wakeley loved raiding the family dressing-up box to create her own garments. 'I'd think, "I've got a party tomorrow night. What am I going to wear?" So I'd carve something up and put it back together in a different way, or customise something I'd bought second-hand. I loved the feeling of owning something unique.' Wakeley - pictured - it turns out, is a talented interviewer, adept at getting her guests to open up. Dress, Kalita After pukka all-girls boarding school Cheltenham Ladies' College, which she didn't enjoy but 'which taught me self-reliance and self-discipline', Wakeley headed to Florida then New York, modelling and working in wholesale fashion. Having married her first husband Alan Bresler, an investment banker, she moved to London. Inspired by the clean aesthetic of US designers such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Calvin Klein, she decided to make a small collection of unfussy yet glamorous garments to sell to friends. Seeing their enthusiasm, in 1990 she launched her own label, supported by a 20,000 loan from her father. Two years later, Princess Diana became a regular client. 'When people talk about someone having presence oh my gosh! Diana really lit up a room,' Wakeley says. One of her greatest regrets is banking a cheque she received at the time from the then Prince of Wales signed with a fountain pen simply 'Charles'. 'The business was so hand-to-mouth I cashed it straight away; I didn't even make a photocopy of it. It would have been great to have it hanging in the loo!' Her first marriage failed after two years. Aged 26, she married Neil Gillon, an Australian property tycoon, and enjoyed a business boom time. But they split a decade later, with Wakeley describing the union as 'claustrophobic and controlled'. Gillon, who was in charge of the shares, sold the label bearing her name to another business, after which it was sold on to company after company. Wakeley stayed as creative director but was merely an employee. 'It's hard, your name is still on the door [of the boutiques]. You'd be driving past the shop thinking, "Who's done those windows?" It's a terrible wake-up call.' After she got together with Morrison, he bought the business back, then sold it on to a private equity firm, with Wakeley regaining charge as a minority shareholder until 2021, when the brand was finally defeated by Covid. 'Fashion is brutal and we couldn't take it forward. It was not my decision. But there are silver linings in everything. I'd done it for 30 years, it was an amazing journey, so although it was sad to close that chapter, it was also a full stop. When the doors shut, I realised how exhausted I was. I've always looked after myself, stayed fit, but when the hamster wheel stopped turning it was shocking how deeply tired I was to my core.' Kate, the Princess of Wales, wearing a Wakeley-designed outfit in 2011 on a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton Diana, pictured in 1996, wearing a Wakeley-designed outfit, as she stepped out on the streets of London After all, as she says, running your own business means 'you never switch off, even on holiday, especially in a digital world. You're always checking sales and are always available. But a break was forced on me and I have to be grateful for that. I feel lucky I didn't have to go and find another job to keep a roof over my head. Instead I could take time to process everything. I caught up on all the life admin that had gone out of the window because I was always too busy, busy, busy, which was stupid it was, like, "You're finally going to go and have a mammogram."' Now, Wakeley says, 'I hate to use the word 'mindful' but I'm much more aware. I appreciate my morning dog walk, whereas before it was, like, 'OK, the dog needs walking, then I have my blowdry, then I need to be at work by 9am and I have to go straight from work to an event.' My life is simpler now. But there's a lesson there that maybe we overcomplicate our lives unnecessarily.' She is close to Morrison's three adult children from his first marriage, but never had children herself, something she's said she is 'at peace with 98 per cent of the time, possibly because I didn't prioritise it', adding: 'children are not a gift or a god-given right and I live a joyous, full, fulfilling life'. That's undeniable: she and Morrison have no interest in marrying but sound completely compatible in their gung-ho-ness ('Let's hope so,' she grins). They spend their weekends sailing and tending to their flock of Dorset sheep, which graze the grounds of their Hampshire home alongside three goats and six alpacas. Having ticked off Antarctica, the couple are now looking forward to an equally bonkers-sounding ski trip in Iceland. Before then, Wakeley is planning a charity sale of her archive garments, recording season three of the podcast and holding talks about the next incarnation of the Amanda Wakeley brand. It would see her name (which the couple still own) attached to a high-street range of clothes and accessories. 'I'm really psyched,' she says. 'Although I've learnt that in future I'm only going to work with people I like.' Wakeley comes across as dauntingly in control, so it's reassuring to hear that one of her biggest lessons of the past few turbulent years has been to rely on friends more. 'In the past I was incredibly proud, too capable maybe. I've learnt it's fine to say, 'Can you help me with this?' Because, actually, friends love to be part of your journey.' Season three of the Amanda Wakeley: Style DNA podcast will launch next month When my dog Tailor got old she struggled to walk, so I bought her a pram. She looked like a right little duchess in her puffer coat, scarf and hat. I'd push her about Pimlico [Central London] and she'd give everyone dirty looks. People looked at me like I was mad, but this is what we do for our dogs. I grew up on a council estate in London's Battersea in the 1960s and 70s. We always had dogs. Our first was Worthington, who we called Worthy for short. He was a Dulux dog; they were the dogs to have at that time, a bit like cavapoos are now. Worthy lived to about 12 and was a proper character. He used to get the bottom of my jeans and drag me around the floor. One Christmas Day he snuck under my dad's feet as he got the turkey out of the oven and got burnt by the cooking fat. We spent all day at the dog hospital it ruined Christmas, bless him. He was a great dog. The first dog I got as an adult was Reggie. He was a staffy and he used to belong to my brother, who called him Chico. Awful name. Anyway, they lived in Wales and Chico kept running away. My brother got sick of this and was going to get rid of him. I'd never met the dog but I said, 'Don't do that, let me look at him first.' I dragged my then partner, James, to his house to meet Chico. We fell in love with him straight away and, after taking him home, changed his name Chico really is an awful name for a dog. He never ran away from us. Two years passed with Reggie. It was 2006 and I wasn't clean yet. [In the 90s and early 2000s, Tony was addicted to drugs and alcohol. He once said he thought he spent 1 million on drugs.] One weekend I'd gone missing and, when I finally came home, I said to James: 'Let's get another dog!' It's the gay equivalent of having children. When your relationship is on the rocks, you just say, 'Let's get married! Let's have another kid!' It was one of those ones. Anyway, James agreed, and we started looking online for a puppy. That was when Tailor came into our lives. When A-list DJ FAT TONY was in the grip of drug addiction, it was his four-legged friends that became his unlikely saviours. Pictured with his dog Tailor last year We'd wanted another red staffy, a little girl to go with Reggie, and we found this one we liked the look of. We went to meet the 'breeder' at her home outside London, but when we got to the train station she was there, in her car, with two dogs in cages. She said, 'Sorry, there's been a drama at my house, you can't come there. But I brought these two dogs for you.' I knew something was wrong. She was running a puppy farm. In the back of her car I could see a third cage with a tiny puppy inside. She was a staffy, but not a pure one. She was also covered in mange; her fur was missing and her skin was coated in spots. I said, 'What's wrong with that dog? She's shivering.' The woman said, 'Don't worry about her,' and tried to sell me one of her other dogs. I said, 'No, I want her.' 'You can't have her,' she told me and I said, 'I want her.' We went back and forth like this for a while until I eventually said, 'I'll call the police and tell them you're a puppy farm if you don't give me that dog.' She was furious. She argued but I couldn't wait any longer. I opened the car door, took out the mangy dog, threw the money at the woman and off we went. We called her Tailor. She was one of the most amazing forces in my life. I got Tailor the year before I got clean. People were cynical. People always are. They probably thought, 'He can't look after himself, how's he going to look after a dog?' But the truth is, a lot of the reason I survived is because of my dogs. Tailor saw me at my worst but she always loved me. There was never an off day with her or a day when I couldn't talk to her. There were no complications, it was all unconditional love. Also Tailor gave me responsibilities. I had to show up for her 100 per cent. I had to be at home. In 2007, I went to rehab in Bournemouth and Tailor and Reggie visited me. I think they were the driving force of why I stayed in rehab; I kept telling myself, I need to get clean so I can go home and be with my dogs. I left rehab then, around four years later, split up with James. He got the flat, I got the dogs; they were all I wanted. I took Reggie and Tailor to live with my friend George Boy George in his house in Hampstead. We were there about five years. George wasn't home that much, but he did love the dogs. Tailor out for'walkies' in her pram, 2021. In 2007, DJ Fat Tony went to rehab in Bournemouth and his dogs Reggie and Taylor visited Eventually, Reggie started to get old and George's house had big staircases that were hard for him to climb. So we moved to a flat in Pimlico. A few years later, Reggie had a stroke and passed away in the night. He was 11. The next morning, Tailor and I spent the day in Battersea Park. It was just the two of us. WE MOVED OUT OF BOY GEORGES HOUSE AS REGGIE GOT TOO OLD TO CLIMB ITS STAIRS Tailor lived till she was 16 and a half. She had many ailments towards the end: three lots of cancer; she lost an eye, and her back legs stopped working. I did everything I could to help her. I even taught her to walk again. I put a scarf under her belly to support her, then stood behind her and moved with her. It took three months for her to stand on her own. She got tired quickly, so I'd take her to Battersea Park every day in a taxi. It saved her walking there. I'd keep the taxi waiting, go around the park, then we'd drive home. I just wanted her to have some quality of life. In March 2022, I went on holiday to Miami with my new partner and Tailor stayed with my ex. The weekend before the trip, I visited my friend Tracey Emin. We were in her kitchen when Tracey said, randomly, 'You know, Tony, it's really strange, sometimes when we go away our elderly pets take it upon themselves to pass away, because they don't want us to see them go.' I was like, 'Why would you say that Tracey, you witch?!' But that's what happened. Tailor died in her sleep while we were flying home. She knew. She didn't want to ruin our holiday. I truly believe that. I knew I'd get another dog because I can't live without them. They give me a reason to come home at night and be the loving person I try to be on a daily basis. Still, I didn't know when I'd get one. Then, late last year, Rachel Townshend who's married to Pete Townshend called me. She said: 'I'm a dog psychic and I want to tell you something.' I said, 'Go on', and thought to myself, what a load of old s**t. But Rachel said: 'Tailor came to me last night. She was running again, she could see, and she wants you to know she's really happy.' Then she named four of Tailor's teddy bears, which no one would know the names of. She added: 'Tailor also wants you to know she thinks poodles are silly.' Which made me laugh. That October, I got a cavalier king charles spaniel and poodle cross. She's called Reenie. I gave half of Tailor's ashes to my ex-partner and the other half is at home on my shelf. I'm going to scatter them with Reggie's ashes, which are already on Hampstead Heath. Tailor sitting on my living room shelf it doesn't do her justice. I miss her every day. When I go to bed and turn the lights off downstairs, I still say goodnight to Tailor. Fat Tony's memoir, I Don't Take Requests is published by Hodder & Stoughton, 10.99* *TO ORDER A COPY FOR 9.34 UNTIL 20 AUGUST, GO TO MAILSHOP.CO.UK/BOOKS OR CALL 020 3176 2937. FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER 25 Trinny Woodall is getting emotional about the subject of SPF. We are catching up (my first job was as her hapless assistant) at the launch of her new product See the Light SPF 50+ and she is railing against the swelling Gen Z anti-sunscreen movement. This is partly because she regrets her own sun exposure (and subsequent damage) and also because she knows too many people who are being ravaged by skin cancer. The social-media backlash against SPF stems mainly from a concern about the chemicals it contains, which is why TikTok influencers are now offering alternatives, from creating your own (inadvisable) to just going bare skinned (ditto). Among older generations there's growing sunscreen apathy, too. A couple of years ago Gwyneth Paltrow was lambasted for saying she was not a 'head to toe slatherer' and for being filmed for Vogue applying very small amounts of sunscreen. The social-media backlash against SPF stems mainly from a concern about the chemicals it contains, which is why TikTok influencers are now offering alternatives, from creating your own (inadvisable) to just going bare skinned (ditto). Stock image used She's representative of many of my 40- and 50-something friends who are increasingly lackadaisical about its application often using the fact they have low levels of vitamin D as an excuse. Me? I think there is little to no evidence SPF is dangerous, but a lot that proves it prevents skin cancer. In truth, we need a wake-up call. Alarming stats are circulating. Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Northern Ireland; in the UK there's a countrywide rise among the over 55s according to Cancer Research UK. The charity puts the prevalence in this age group down to their penchant for tanned skin and the growth of package holidays in the 70s. Spurred into action? When it comes to sun protection I'm a firm believer that SPF alone is not enough. Hat, plus shade, is also essential. And there is now zero excuse to eschew sunscreen. Whereas once they were sticky and gave you a ghostly pallor, today's formulations are sheer and often contain myriad skincare benefits blurring blemishes, absorbing shine, fighting pigmentation. In fact, they make my skin look better and give it a nice glow. Wear SPF daily and your skin will be plumper, firmer, more even toned and less lined. So now I've got your attention, here are my recommendations MY FIVE FAVOURITES Blemish blurring Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ Tinted Fluid, 21.50, lookfantastic.com Mattifying Elf Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 30, 14, elfcosmetics.co.uk Moisturising Hello Sunday The One Thats A Serum SPF 50, 22, cultbeauty.co.uk Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ Tinted Fluid, 21.50, lookfantastic.com Elf Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 30, 14, elfcosmetics.co.uk Ambre Solaire UV Anti-Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution SPF 50+, 8, ocado.com Trinny London See The Light Moisturiser SPF 50+, 45, trinnylondon.com Super sheer Ambre Solaire UV Anti-Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution SPF 50+, 8, ocado.com Silky finish Trinny London See The Light Moisturiser SPF 50+, 45, trinnylondon.com Advertisement PRODUCTS FROM THE PROS Former Vogue beauty director Kathy Phillips's The Power Up Blend (25 to Beauty Pie members, 80 to non-members, beautypie.com) is a high-quality, uplifting bath and shower oil. Kathy Phillips's The Power Up Blend (25 to Beauty Pie members, 80 to non-members, beautypie.com) Blogger @Reesonbeauty's Highlighter Duo (38, reesonbeauty.com) contains a wearable, flattering creamy bronzer and golden illuminating powder. Blogger @Reesonbeauty's Highlighter Duo (38, reesonbeauty.com) With her dark skin tone, beauty journalist Ateh Jewel felt left out by many make-up brands, so she created her own. Her Blush of Dreams in Watson Watermelon (25, atehjewelbeauty.com) 'pops' on every complexion. Blush of Dreams in Watson Watermelon (25, atehjewelbeauty.com) 'I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick' Audrey Hepburn UNDER 10 Venus 2-in-1 Cleanser + Shave Gel For Pubic Hair & Skin, 9.99, superdrug.com. I was sceptical, but if you remove down-there-hair with a razor this product is a genuine game-changer. Less irritation and mess. Sorry, what's broken? Middle-class finances. I'm not following. Bougie is a contraction of 'bourgeois'. Broke as in no money. That sounds more like a contradiction than a contraction. It's not. The formerly affluent are feeling the pinch. Bottles of Monsigny Brut champagne pictured in a shopping trolley in Aldi - a budget supermarket You mean you are? No! We're minted, thanks. Absolutely rolling in it. But, you know, people a bit like us. What's up with those people? According to The Times they're having to suffer the indignity of buying champagne from you-know-where. I don't know where. 'The German grocery'. Are you talking about Aldi? Shhhhhh! Someone will hear you. What's wrong with buying champagne from Aldi? The Veuve Monsigny is 14.99. Isn't that good if you're broke? Yes, but you don't want your wealthy mates to get wind of it. What else are the 'bougie broke' hiding? The article mentioned one struggling aspirational who was using orange food dye to make his scrambled eggs 'appear more Burford than Asda'. Are his friends trying to catch him out with colour charts at breakfast? What I think you need to appreciate here is that being well-heeled isn't just about grand gestures. It's also about an accumulation of small social signifiers. Plus, you know what the French say about a pale egg, don't you? No, what do they say? It's un oeuf. We don't feel you're taking this existential angst seriously. Come on, social scrambling over scrambled eggs is mad. Was it you who tweeted that response to The Times article? ONE PERSON USED FOOD DYE TO MAKE EGG YOLKS LOOK MORE BURFORD Which tweet? 'That side of salmon I served you the other day was actually squirrel marinated in Berocca.' It wasn't but I approve because this is ridiculous. You sound like Hyacinth Bucket. Had Hyacinth had access to social media she would doubtless have coined the phrase, but instead the task fell to a style-conscious TikTok user called Josh Jacobs. What did Josh's video say? 'Have you ever been broke, but no one believes you because you don't look like a broke person you [are] a bougie broke.' And people felt that described them? Yes, they did. Videos with #bougiebroke have had 9.3 million views on TikTok. How do so many people have the leisure time to fret over champagne and egg yolk? It's not always about food. In fact, many of the bougie broke life hacks focus on shopping and beauty. Go on One of our cash-strapped friends has taken to keeping posh Neal's Yard Hand Wash dispensers and filling them up with the cheap hand wash from Sainsbury's. To be honest, I've been doing that for years. What else? A TikTok titled 'How to look bougie on Instagram for $59' advises ordering the cheapest thing on the Louis Vuitton website (which is a $59 notebook, since you ask). Why would I do that? Because it comes with lots of packaging that you post on Instagram, and everyone will think you've got something more expensive than a notebook. But then they'll ask you what you've bought No, they won't. That's not what affluent people do. They'll just think: 'Ah, yes, one of us.' I can't help agreeing with sentiments posted in the comments section of The Times by (the aptly named) Ben Rapp. Which sentiments are those? 'Please don't use "bougie". It's American slang and manages to be both offensive and infantile.' Josh Jacobs he who first coined the term 'bougie broke' suggests an alternative descriptor with a very respectable 4.3 million TikTok views. Will Mr Rapp like this term any better? We're guessing not. Let's give him the choice, anyway. Broke. A business owner had 10,000 stolen from his business account by scammers pretending to be Monzo, and the challenger bank didn't deal with the fraud for five weeks. James - not his real name - opened a business account with Monzo at the beginning of the year without complaint. But in late June, he was contacted by scammers pretending to be from Monzo's fraud department. Fraudsters took 10,000 from my small business and Monzo ignored me for weeks They told James to open his app as a payment for 127 had been declined at Ikea, and there were two pending payments for 5,000 and 4,900. 'I was so shocked. They made me go through security and seemingly had all of my details - and the number flashed up as being Monzo's genuine one.' Scammers often employ a tactic called number spoofing, whereby they change the caller ID to disguise their identity. To do this they either hide the identity or try to mimic the number of a real company or person. The scammers told James they had managed to stop the payment to Ikea but that the payments of thousands pounds to a data analytics company had to go through. 'They told me 'We want you to accept these payments and we can get the money back to you.' I wasn't sure but they assured me I'd have the money back in 24 hours. I accepted it, then I looked in the app and there was no message from Monzo.' At this point James started to panic and started to question whether the phone call had been legitimate. He rang Monzo's helpline 15 times to try and speak to an adviser, and once he got through they passed him onto the app. 'I kept getting these automated messages. They said I couldn't speak to anyone in the fraud department. I finally got through after five weeks.' When Monzo first launched, it was heralded as a new way of banking. Its automated messaging service is supposed to quickly help customers with their queries. However, data from the Financial Ombudsman Service shows that fraud at neobanks like Monzo, Revolut and Starling hit an all-time high last year. The FOS says the 'vast majority' of these scams are authorised push payment (APP) fraud - where scammers persuade someone to transfer funds into another account under false pretences. In James' case, it was approving payments to the data analytics company. The automated response is infuriating because you're in limbo Automated messaging can be very useful, but as James' case shows, this is useless if no one is on the other end. In cases of fraud it is particularly important for banks to speak to customers to get to the bottom of the issue and provide a reassuring voice. James lodged a complaint, which was acknowledged, but he is still unclear whether there is an internal investigation with the company or the scammers. He said: 'The problem is that they never let me get to anyone to get an explanation. Then at least I'd know I was part of a scam.' To make matters worse, James had an upcoming tax bill to pay, which was due at the end of July. 'I couldn't pay it, so I'm going to get fined [by HMRC] on top of it. It's absolutely ruined my life. 'It's the shock of it all but the fact that Monzo will not engage... I can't get my head around it. The automated response is infuriating because you're in limbo. I'd have preferred it if they gave me some indication of what's happening.' James has had to borrow money from family members to stay afloat but as a small business owner, it is a struggle. When he contacted This Is Money he said his business was on the brink of collapse as a result of the scam. This Is Money approached Monzo to ask why it had taken so long to acknowledge and deal with James' case. They said that they had reiterated that James' case was with the right team during this period. Customers can phone its helpline although in-app messaging is usually the quickest way to get in contact. James has now been reimbursed the full amount the scammers had taken and he has been offered 150 compensation for the wait. A spokesman for Monzo said: 'We know that being a victim of fraud can be very distressing so we do everything we can to resolve cases as swiftly as possible. 'While we realise that any wait can be frustrating, each case is reviewed individually by a specialist team and some may take longer than others. 'In this case, it took longer than we'd like to investigate and subsequently refund the customer, so we've compensated for the wait.' Good fund managers are few and far between. Even rarer are those who remain on top of their game for a sustained period. Last week, I spoke to Nick Train, of asset manager Lindsell Train, who has been at the helm of investment trust Finsbury Growth & Income since late December 2000. Over this period, he has generated an average annual return for shareholders of 9.8 per cent. To put this into context, the FTSE All-Share Index the trust's benchmark has returned an annual 5.1 per cent. Although Train is no spring chicken he is in his early 60s he is determined to emulate the great veteran investor Warren Buffett and keep on running money for as long as his clients permit him to. 'I don't have a Plan B,' Train said last week, 'and I have no yearning for a Plan B. We [him and Michael Lindsell] want to go on and on.' Lindsell Train manages assets of 17 billion, but Train says Finsbury Growth & Income is his responsibility and it is the one fund that has 'most of him' in it. In other words, it represents the best of Train. Investing wisely: Lindsell Train manages assets of 17billion at investment firm Lindsell Train While the trust underperformed the FTSE All-Share in both 2021 and 2022, Train is convinced that his strategy of investing in some of the country's 'most wonderful businesses and holding them for a very long period of time' will reward patient shareholders. It is an approach he has never veered from since he took over the trust's reins. Although he admits there has been some luck involved along the way and some errors made the long-term numbers prove that his method works. 'There has been no style drift,' he says. 'I am doing exactly what I was doing from day one: investing in world-class businesses.' The names of the trust's 22 holdings bear this out. The three biggest positions all above 10 per cent of the fund's assets are in London Stock Exchange, analytics business RELX and drinks giant Diageo. Other great British companies he holds include Experian, Fever-Tree and Unilever. 'I've held Diageo in the trust since 2002,' he says. 'It's the world's best alcoholic beverage business with stellar brands such as Johnnie Walker and Guinness. Over the past 20 years, its share price has gone from around 7 to 34 and there is no reason why it can't repeat this performance and get to 170 by 2043.' He adds: 'In the industry I work in, everybody seems to be interested in the short-term, the next three months. But I am more interested in identifying companies that will prove to be successful investments over the next 20 years. 'I don't know what the trust's performance will be this year or next, but I will carry on doing the same thing I have been doing for more than 22 years in the hope that it will continue to bear fruit for shareholders.' Reassuring words from one of the country's truly good fund managers. Isa portfolios over 1million - and growing How fantastic it is to learn that there are now more than 4,000 investors in this country who are owners of Isa portfolios worth more than 1million. This information, obtained via a Freedom of Information request made by financial adviser network The Open Partnership, is heartening for so many reasons. It demonstrates the value of long-term investing and shows that governments do occasionally get things right. So, keep investing in an Isa if you have one and if you haven't, set one up. You never know, one day you could join the Isa millionaire jet set. I can't resist Greggs... and it's a tasty home for your money too Although I'm constantly trying to lose weight, I couldn't resist a few visits to Greggs while away late last month both on holiday in Ambleside and on the tortuous journey back home along a congested M6. While I am fond of the steak bakes and Belgian buns that they serve up, it's the value-for-money prices that ensure I come back again and again. Sometimes, I wonder whether they have not charged me for everything I have ordered. Tasty returns: There is no reason why Greggs cannot continue delivering for both customers and investors A few days ago, the business comprising nearly 2,400 outlets reported double-digit increases in both sales and profits for the first half of this year. Chief executive Roisin Currie said the company's emphasis on providing customers value for money was bearing fruit. While its shares fell back a little in the aftermath of the half-yearly results, FTSE 250 stock Greggs has comfortably outperformed the FTSE All-Share Index over the past year. There is no reason why this tasty UK company, headquartered in the magical city of Newcastle, cannot continue delivering for both customers and investors. Don't forget to swap your stamps If you have any stamps in your purse or wallet that don't come with a unique barcode, you have missed the opportunity to use them. But don't despair. You can exchange them by printing out a Stamp Swap Out Form at Royalmail.com and then sending the stamps in an envelope to Freepost SWAP OUT. I've just posted five first-class stamps to be swapped. Given the Royal Mail's dilatory delivery record, I imagine the Syston banking hub might be up and running before I get my swaps. Hubs are still the elephant in the room When an agreement was struck between the banks and other interested parties in December 2021 to launch a raft of new shared banking hubs, it was met with overwhelming approval. We as a newspaper had campaigned long and hard for such hubs to be introduced, so we were over the proverbial moon. Yet the gestation period for these new hubs is proving painfully long. Although 76 hubs have been promised in communities where the last bank in town has closed, only seven have so far opened and two of these were pilots set up before the agreement was signed. Long wait: Gestation period for new banking hubs will make that of an African elephant (645 days) look like a blip Of the five new ones promised back in December 2021, only three have so far opened their doors to the public Brixham in Devon, Carnoustie in Angus and Acton in West London (which I visited last month). Number four Knaresborough in North Yorkshire is edging closer (suitable premises have been found). Yet the proposed fifth hub in Syston, Leicestershire, is proving a little trickier. Its delay is upsetting some residents, including Rosemarie Collins, who now has to travel eight miles to Melton Mowbray if she wants to use the branch services of her bank HSBC. 'I feel the longer this delay goes on, the less chance we have of a hub ever being set up,' Rosemarie told me last week. The good news, as far as Rosemarie and other Syston residents are concerned, is that progress is being made. Cash Access UK, the organisation responsible for getting banking hubs up and running, says a building has been identified and lease negotiations are 'underway'. I was told that the hub could be up and running by the end of the year. It is 600 days since Syston was informed it would be the recipient of a banking hub. I imagine that by the time it opens, it will make the gestation period of an African elephant (645 days) look like a blip. The Government wonders why the economy is growing so slowly. It should look in the mirror, for it is curiously naive about the way its own actions have unintended consequences for growth. Jeremy Hunt is preoccupied with the 'de-banking' scandal, an over-reaction to its own money-laundering legislation in 2017 that put pressure on banks to be much more careful about customers they took on. But when the Chancellor gets some space of mind he should have a rethink about business taxation. There is one immediate issue that we have highlighted before: the Treasury's decision to stop the rebate on VAT for visitors who buy stuff here. There has been a huge wave of protest from businesses large and small about the impact on the economy, not only by discouraging visitors from buying goods in the UK, but also by deterring tourists from coming here altogether. Now the Centre for Economics and Business Research has put some numbers on the cost. It concludes that removing tax-free shopping has cut gross domestic product by 10.7billion and discouraged two million people from coming to the UK. Shopping spree: Reintroducing tax-free shopping, far from cutting revenue, would increase the tax-take Reintroducing tax-free shopping, far from cutting revenue, would increase the tax-take. The additional tax revenue would be greater than the VAT rebates. The CEBR calculates that the Government would have gained 2billion in total taxes in 2022 and 2.3billion this year. You can argue with the detail of the numbers, but its assumptions look pretty solid to me. So it does seem overwhelmingly likely that ending the rebates has exactly the opposite effect from the intended one. I can see the political attraction of ending a tax concession for foreigners, but if they end up going somewhere else, that is not very bright. In public finance terms, the VAT rebate scheme is small stuff, though given how slowly the economy has been growing, an extra 10billion of GDP would be more than welcome. A much bigger issue is corporation tax. It is the fourth biggest tax, bringing in some 80billion last year. Increasing the rate from 19 per cent to 25 per cent would seem a politically attractive way of raising revenue, were it not for the fact that companies, like tourists, can go elsewhere. As far as I can see, there has been only one high-profile example so far of a company making a significant investment in a lower-tax regime: AstraZeneca locating a 280million plant in Ireland, where corporation tax is 12.5 per cent. But AstraZeneca is the UK's largest company by market capitalisation, and it explicitly cited taxation as the reason for the decision. There will be many other firms that don't want to make a fuss but quietly invest elsewhere. Wisely, Ireland has kept its commitment to low corporate taxation. It is under pressure to increase the rate to 15 per cent but it looks as though it will do this as a top-up tax of 2.5 per cent for major firms, enabling it to keep the headline figure at 12.5 per cent the rate it has been since 2003. This gives a signal to the business community: we are committed to low corporate taxation. Ireland understands how business people think. By contrast the UK has been all over the place. There was a drive to push down corporation tax, with chancellors preening themselves about the lowest rate in the G7, getting it down to 19 per cent. Then, bang, we were in a mess and jacked it up to 25 per cent. What does that do to the US executives that persuaded their boards to invest in the UK on the grounds that it was committed to low corporate taxation? It cuts them off at the knees, and they will do their utmost not to trust a British government again. I am afraid Rishi Sunak, the then Chancellor, was seriously unaware of the damage he was doing. Actually, there are lots of loopholes in our company tax system, notably the outrageous one where foreign owners load up their UK operations with debt and take out the money in interest payments. That cuts profit and they end up paying hardly any corporation tax, maybe none. If we need more corporate revenue, that is a practice that needs to be clobbered, rather than hitting companies with conventional financial structures. It is hard to know whether, in the long run, the UK would get higher overall tax revenues from lower headline corporate tax rates, but that is the calculation that the Treasury needs to make. If we had Ministers and civil servants who were more aware of how the world works, we would make fewer damaging decisions and fewer plain silly ones such as ending the VAT concession for tourists. Tony Hetherington is our ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. Ms J.M writes: My mother invested with Smith & Partner and I am fighting on her behalf to get her savings back. She has now received an email from the International Financial Fraud Investigation Association (IFFIA) Limited. Have you heard of this firm? My concern is that this could be just another scam. Tony Hetherington replies: The IFFIA company does exist, though in years of investigating scams I have never come across it. It is run by a Lithuanian named Darius Butkus, and looking at two of his previous companies I found court records of unpaid debts against both of them. House of cards: The International Financial Fraud Investigation Association said it was appointed by Parliament That said, when I contacted IFFIA at its West London offices, it told me it had discovered that crooks had set up a bogus website using its name. IFFIA says: 'Iffia.org has nothing to do with us. It uses our logo, name, company number and address to pretend it is us. Server is located in Seychelles. Do not be deceived.' The email to your mother came from the bogus firm. It claims to have been appointed by Parliament, no less. But this is just one fairytale among many. It claims to have been set up in 1997 by former detectives from the Serious Fraud Office, yet its website is less than a year old. And it says the art scam run by Smith & Partner has already been fully investigated: 'The investigation, named Operation Greenery, was one of the largest ever undertaken by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and was assisted by the City of London Police and the IFFIA.' Complete lies the FCA is not involved and the police investigation has barely begun. It turns out that the aim of the fake investigators was simply to introduce your mother to an equally fake firm of lawyers, using the name Solicitors Funding. They have been trying over the past week or so to persuade your mother that Citi, a huge international banking business, wanted to buy your mother's art prints for 84,228. First though, they wanted her to hand over 8,422 which they said was a refundable insurance premium. But Citi is not involved, there is no purchase deal, and your mother would have lost her 8,422. Someone has put a lot of time and effort into setting up this second-stage scam. Its website at solicitors-funding.com uses wording lifted from the websites of genuine law firms. It even includes the names and pictures of its top staff, such as senior partner Mitchell Walker. In a letter to your mother, he wrote: 'I am happy to confirm we have now received a formal purchase proposal in reference to your art holdings.' However, Mitchell Walker does not exist. The same picture of him has appeared in advertisements in other countries, under other names. In Australia, for example, he is said to be a warehouse owner named Sarbjit Brar. Neither he nor any of the others pictured by Solicitors Funding is registered as a real solicitor and nor is the firm itself authorised. I invited it to comment but it failed to respond. The website at solicitors-funding.com was set up last November, using an address in Iceland a bit unusual for what is claimed to be a North London law firm. However much they and the fake IFFIA spent in kicking off this fraud, I hope that from today they will be showing a hefty loss. Nobody should trust their false promises or give them a penny. WE'RE WATCHING YOU Scam art investment company Smith & Partner Limited is now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police following dozens of complaints to Action Fraud. Investors say the business made numerous false claims to persuade them to buy prints which would ensure profits. Smith & Partner lied in advertisements claiming membership of a respectable art trade body, which had actually expelled it for cheating customers. Scotland Yard said: 'An investigation is underway.' The Mail on Sunday exposed Smith & Partner as a scam in a series of reports since last December. A creditors' meeting has voted to put the company into liquidation, with FTS Recovery and Leonard Curtis taking control. Marco Piacquadio, of FTS, is focusing on asset realisations and investigations into the company's conduct, while Leonard Curtis handles claims. Internal accounts seen by the Mail on Sunday show in the past three years the rip-off company raked in more than 17million from investors, making profits of more than 4million after tax and expenses. Owner Luke Sparkes is said to have drawn about the same sum in dividends. Student loan goes missing Ms J.R. writes: My student son completed an application to the Student Loans Company but inadvertently gave a seven-digit bank account number instead of his correct eight-digit number. When his loan failed to arrive, the SLC said it had gone to the seven-digit account at Monzo Bank. The bank rejected a recovery request, leaving my son without 1,492. Missing: Ms J.R.'s son completed an application to the Student Loans Company but inadvertently gave a seven-digit bank account number Tony Hetherington replies: The SLC did try to have the money returned, but when Monzo Bank contacted the customer with the seven-digit account, he told them he was a student and was expecting the 1,492. He promptly emptied his account. The SLC spotted its own system is geared only to eight-digit account numbers, so your son's mistake should never have been accepted. The loans company has fixed this technical error and made a payment of 1,492 to your son's account. The theft by the Monzo customer has been reported to the police. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. Confident: Rolls-Royce's Tufan Erginbilgic The boss of Rolls-Royce says he is confident the engineering giant will win the race to develop Britain's first fleet of mini nuclear power plants 'on merit'. Tufan Erginbilgic, who has led Rolls since the beginning of the year, said the company was in pole position to triumph in an international competition launched by Ministers because its designs are so advanced. Rolls has spearheaded a British consortium designing small modular reactors (SMRs) for several years and has won more than 200million of Government funding to develop the project. Small nuclear reactors have become a key part of the UK's long-term energy strategy. Many in the industry were surprised when Ministers then opened a competition worldwide to search for the best SMR project pitting Rolls against foreign rivals thought to include Hitachi and General Electric. Another is TerraPower, which is backed by Bill Gates. A shortlist is due to be announced later this year. Sir John Rose, the chief executive of Rolls from 1996 to 2011, last week said the global contest was 'self-defeating'. He added that any risk that the Rolls design might not be 'best in class' would be outweighed by the overall gains that could be made by backing Rolls. The FTSE 100 company is keen to export its SMRs to other countries, which it claims could create 40,000 UK jobs by 2050 and boost the economy by 52billion. Erginbilgic told The Mail on Sunday, This is Money's sister title: 'The important thing is that with the work we've done we will be selected on merit. 'We've done lots of work and are the most advanced of the SMR programmes. Our know-how is transferred from 60 years of working on nuclear submarines.' Rolls' SMRs will cost about 2billion each. The design is based on the technology that powers the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine fleet. Erginbilgic's comments came after Rolls revealed last week that it has swung back into profit. The firm currently makes most of its money from servicing engines on commercial planes such as Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s, but it also works in defence and power. Erginbilgic is preparing a major overhaul of the company and will announce his new strategy in November. As well as SMRs, the Government aims to build several large nuclear power plants. The most advanced of these is Sizewell C in Suffolk, but funding has not yet been secured. Ministers are trying to woo pension funds into backing the project, but several have said they are not interested. Sizewell C was dealt another blow this weekend when The People's Pension, which has six million members, said it has no plans to back the plant. In a letter seen by The Mail on Sunday, the group said: 'Direct investment into nuclear power infrastructure projects is not part of The People's Pension investment strategy and we will not be investing directly into Sizewell C.' Alison Downes of the Stop Sizewell C campaign group said: 'The Government may be throwing money at Sizewell C, but their target investors are rapidly backing away. The People's Pension has seen the writing on the wall and won't let their savers anywhere near this expensive, risky project.' A spokesman for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it had 'launched a fair and transparent competition that will provide a range of companies the opportunity to develop the best SMR technologies in the world'. Dismayed: LSE boss David Schwimmer The boss of the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has expressed his frustration that UK-based pension funds are failing to back Britain and are among the reasons for the underperformance of FTSE-listed firms. His remarks come at a critical time when Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is aiming to harness pension groups as part of a push to make Britain the next Silicon Valley. David Schwimmer is dismayed by the fact that Canadian pension funds now invest more in the UK than their British counterparts. In the year 2000, some 39 per cent of shares listed on the London market were owned by UK pension funds a figure that had fallen to just 4 per cent two decades later. Much of the blame can be placed on cautious UK fund managers, who hold just 27 per cent of their assets in UK and global equities against more than 50 per cent in the US. Schwimmer, who led the LSEG's push into analytics technology with the 21billion purchase of Refinitiv in 2021, is seeking to reinvigorate the London market and wants to simplify listing rules so the City is more competitive with New York. The goal is to make the Square Mile attractive to start-ups and tech companies, where Britain is far ahead of the rest of Europe. He says it is ironic that the very pension funds who sold out of Britain have been the most vigorous in their opposition to the new listing standards on governance grounds. The UK has seen a dramatic loss of risk appetite in the past 25 years in the asset allocation of 3trillion of pension funds held on behalf of defined benefit schemes, newer defined contribution schemes and local authority pension schemes. Many managers of the older, gold plated pension schemes have bought fixed-interest gilts as a safer alternative. But last year's eruption in the gilts market, which led to the crisis in liability-driven investments, showed that fixed interest can go badly wrong too. If the Bank of England had not intervened, many Britons might have seen their pension pots savaged. Despite the pushback, the LSEG's American boss believes he can turn the tide for the London markets. He said: 'The disclosure requirements are going to be simplified and made more competitive. We're introducing intermittent trading and the discussion on pension funds and more allocation to private equity and quoted equities is very healthy.' The revolutionary intermittent trading facility would allow privately owned enterprises, start-ups, private equity-owned firms and others to open up their books and trade on the stock market for a day or so to raise the new capital required for investment, then revert to their previous status. The big US angel and start-up backers, as well as New York investors, are showing keen interest in a platform that could unleash billions of pounds of new capital. Schwimmer is irked by the public perception that London equities are a busted flush. He concedes that the market for flotations, especially with war in Europe, is 'subdued' at present, but resists the notion that new listings are going elsewhere. In the last year alone there have been at least 18 listings in London against just one in Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam combined. He also challenges the idea that after Brexit the LSEG-owned London Clearing House (LCH), which handles tens of billions of pounds of derivative contracts, would lose out to other financial centres, saying: 'I think we are well past the point where the LCH risks being shut down.' Europe has recognised the regulatory obstacles to efficient clearing and the LCH's post trade income shot up 19 per cent in the last year. Cocktail lovers who have a vintage mixer can raise a glass to a homemade margarita or martini this summer as the luxury shaker has been soaring in value as an investment. We are in a new golden age for cocktails due to an explosion of interest in artisan spirits, such as gin, which is fuelling a rising demand for these old tumblers. Over the past decade, the most sought-after pieces have doubled in value and they continue to attract attention. Some experts believe if you fancy stirring up your finances with fizzing returns, this could still be a good time to invest in the elegant accessory. Patented by New Yorker William Harnett in 1872, the modern cocktail shaker is usually little more than a cylinder with strainer and cap. The idea is to throw ingredients into this tumbler with an alcoholic shot or two, add ice and then strain to create a magic concoction. Bright young things: Cocktail shakers evoke Jazz Age glamour of The Great Gatsby, as played by Leonardo DiCaprio, above The earliest shakers looked more like coffee pots, but the elegant Art Deco cocktail mixer designs of the 1920s and 1930s when shaken for the 'bright young things' of the Jazz Age are what investors seek because they are not just practical pieces but handsome works of art. Roland Arkell, deputy editor of industry publication Antiques Trade Gazette, says: 'The first golden age of the cocktail shaker was the inter-war decades the era of the cocktail party, night club and speakeasy. As the US threw off the shackles of Prohibition and the hipsters partied through the Depression, there was an explosion of designs in silver, glass and chrome.' Cocktail shaker makers included the luxury houses of Asprey, Cartier, Hermes, Tiffany and Dunhill. But there are also some coveted shakers from outfits such as JA Henckels of Dusseldorf with novelty designs such as a Zeppelin, a skyscraper or aeroplanes being highly sought after today. A Henckels 13-inch wingspan monoplane cocktail set sold for 6,500 at the auction house Sworders in Essex last year. So, find an unusual design cocktail shaker in the drinks cabinet that has been in the family for ages or spot a strange-shaped example in a charity shop or car boot sale and it might be worth getting it valued. Auction houses such as Sworders have experts happy to provide a free professional valuation. Alex Froggatt, head of homes and interiors at Sworders, says: 'Novelty shakers are always in demand and those with a name, such as Henckels, can sell for thousands. 'If you discover a shaker in a flea market or second-hand shop do not be put off if it is tarnished and blackened as this could just be ageing and can often be polished up. Even if they do not end up being worth lots of money, once brought back to life they can provide a great practical addition to a well-stocked drinks cabinet.' Leading light: Simon Khachadourian trades in vintage shakers such as this 28,500 lighthouse Simon Khachadourian, who runs the Pullman Gallery in St James's, Central London, trades in vintage shakers and is author of the out-of-print book The Cocktail Shaker. Khachadourian says: 'The novelty shakers often came with lots of accessories. They might be great if you had a butler or bartender to clean them all up after use but for a practical investment you can still use today you cannot go far wrong with a plain silver Tiffany shaker. It is a classic design made from 1932 to 1960.' He adds: 'You won't get any splashes or leaks like a cheap modern copy just a beautiful piece of art where only your skills at mixing and the price tag might hold you back. You can pay as much as 7,500 for a two-pint shaker or 15,000 for a four-pint one. This is double the cost you might have paid just over a decade ago, but prices for this solid silver mixer remain strong.' Khachadourian believes we could be entering a second golden age for cocktail makers thanks to an explosion of interest in different gins and the renaissance of the classic martini. He suggests a two-pint mixer is often the best size for practical reasons mixing enough for two to four cocktails as a third of the mixer is full of ice and another third left empty. Shakers usually come in one to four-pint sizes. A more affordable option, which still has Art Deco appeal, is a 1930s glass shaker made by the West Virginia Glass Company in the US for between 1,000 and 4,000. The rare black glass examples are the most desirable and expensive. These hefty glass shakers were produced after Prohibition was lifted in New York in 1933. Khachadourian adds: 'Asprey and Dunhill shakers also exude luxury appeal. You could pick up fine examples of novelty shakers such as an Asprey 'thirst extinguisher' for about 25 guineas 26 back in 1932. The average worker took home about 1.50 a week in those days so only the wealthiest could afford one. They can cost 7,500 today but this is still great value.' Another of his favourites is the 'slide trombone' cocktail maker by Dunhill with a 1935 example worth 14,000. If you do not have deep enough pockets to invest in one of these expensive luxury cocktail shakers of the past, you can still get involved with a budget of 100. Arkell says: 'A vintage cocktail shaker need not cost a small fortune and eminently affordable examples may not rise so much in value but are still pretty cool objects with a practical use.' He points to recent examples on the website The Saleroom, such as a 60 Italian Art Deco silver-plated cocktail shaker; a 100 Zeppelin cocktail shaker; or 200 for a pair of champagne bottle, silver-plated cocktail shakers. Auctioneer Sworders sold a silver-plated Swedish Modernist shaker with a Bakelite lid for 140 in May while a silver-plated Mappin & Webb mixer went for 300. Froggatt, of Sworders, says: 'When it comes to great value, silver-plated vintage items, the cocktail shaker is one of the best pieces you can invest in. But try to find something not damaged as the metal underneath the silver coating is often nickel and this can be toxic while replating might cost at least a couple of hundred pounds.' A father-of-three has revealed how he lost his life savings, his home and his wife after he was tricked into investing in bogus cryptocurrency schemes by two women he met on social media. Michael Holloway, a 62-year-old real estate agent from New Jersey, was conned out of $500,000 by online fraudsters, who lured him in with fake relationships before persuading him to drain his entire retirement pot. Michael was so distraught by falling victim to the cruel scam that he hit 'rock bottom', was 'ready to end his life' - and ultimately ended up being rushed to hospital by his concerned daughter. He fell for a heartless scam known as 'pig butchering' - whereby victims are effectively 'fattened up' with a fake relationship - whether romantic or friendly - before being 'butchered' by fraudulent investment advice. And Michael is by no means alone. Experts warn the crime is exploding across the country, and investment fraud is now the fastest growing scam in the US. Michael Holloway, a 62-year-old real estate agent from New Jersey, was conned out of $500,000 by fraudsters Americans lost a record $2.57 billion to cryptocurrency investment fraud last year alone, according to the FBI, which is almost three times the amount stolen in 2021. Earlier this year, recently-divorced mom-of-three Rebecca Holloway revealed how she lost her more than $100,000 to a scammer she met on dating app Tinder who conned her into making fake cryptocurrency investments. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Michael explained how he was targeted on social media - and was initially wary of would-be scammers reaching out to him. 'If I made a successful deal I would post it on social media, and I started getting random people hitting me up - and they would always mention cryptocurrency investment. I would tell them to forget it - I knew what they wanted and I was onto them,' he said. But in early December 2022, a woman called 'Hui Hui', who said she was from China, reached out to him. 'I was complaining to her that so many people were trying to get me to invest. It kept on like a friendly chat at first,' he said. Michael admitted that he was having some trouble with his marriage at the time and he was in a vulnerable mindset. The online conversation turned romantic - with plans for the pair to potentially meet. This is when 'Hui Hui' brought up investing in a cryptocurrency platform, and persuaded Michael to invest $18,000. On December 21, another woman called 'Lydia' reached out to Michael on social media. Rebecca Holloway, pictured, revealed how she lost her entire 401(K) to a scammer she met on Tinder after he convinced her to invest in bogus cryptocurrency schemes She too said she was Chinese, and claimed to be a successful businesswoman - even sending Michael photos of a Bentley she claimed to own. 'Again, she was very casual in her approach' he said. 'I felt comfortable talking to her and we switched to speaking on WhatsApp. It was not a romantic relationship, but she was portraying that she was my friend and she was able to gain my trust.' Michael was growing suspicious about the money he had invested with 'Hui Hui', and even complained to 'Lydia' about the situation, explaining that he was anxious to get the money back. It was not until three months into speaking that 'Lydia' brought up an investment opportunity. 'She said: "By the way, I can get you a lot more money. My aunt is a Wall Street trader and we're doing a special project and you're invited",' Michael said. He read the whitepapers and performed a stress test with the first $20,000 he invested, which he was able to pull from the platform. 'I was brainwashed,' he continued. 'She wouldn't let me think on my own or let me go for one second. Without a beat those texts were coming in and I believed it. 'She was promising me a life of riches and I was attracted to the idea of making quick profits. I should have known better.' Michael started investing in the platform, even taking money from his 401(K) plan and forfeiting the 20 percent penalty each time. Michael explained how he was targeted on social media - and was initially wary of would-be scammers reaching out to him When, in April this year, Michael tried to pull his money out of the first platform he had invested in, he was hit by a $132,000 penalty. Panicking, he tried to take money out of the scheme he had invested in with 'Lydia' - and a $50,000 penalty popped up. This, he said, is when it dawned on him that he had fallen victim to sophisticated scammers. 'My face turned bright red I remembered the actual moment it happened,' he said. 'Between the two accounts I lost $500,000. I lost my house, I lost my wife when she found out what I had been doing, I lost my money. I was ready to end my life. I was really at a rock bottom place. 'I ended up having a nervous breakdown and my daughter rushed me to hospital and I was placed in a mental health ward.' While Michael is now rebuilding his life, living in an apartment and is on good terms with his ex-wife and children, he said, he is keen to warn others of the life-changing repercussions of such scams. Looking back, he recognizes the red flags which are typical of 'pig-butchering' cases. The con tends to be long-winded and sees the scammer engage in a months-long courtship to build up trust. Crooks will often allow victims to withdraw money easily from the investment app in the beginning - but once they have invested heavily they will lose this option. 'Ironically, I knew about this type of scam and even mentioned the term to both women. They apparently had me so brainwashed or were somehow able to convince me otherwise,' Michael added. Rebecca Holloway, 42, also missed similar warning signs when she was swindled out of more than $100,000 by fraudsters posing as a French entrepreneur called 'Fred.' Rebecca told DailyMail.com: 'Single women approaching middle-age are so vulnerable. 'We have money but we might not have met the right guy yet. And suddenly this good-looking man starts talking to you and you're excited. 'Looking back, the signs are so obvious. But at the time you want to believe it's real.' A record $3.82 billion was stolen from Americans through investment fraud in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - more than any other type of scam. This was a 128 percent increase on the $1.67 billion lost the previous year. Investment scams are wide reaching, and can take in any hoax that tricks victims into putting money in a phony scheme with the promise of lucrative returns. This can include Ponzi schemes and even people being persuaded to invest in 'phantom properties' that don't exist. A recent study by investment fraud attorneys Carlson Law found the bulk of the losses were in California - followed by Florida, Texas, New York and New Jersey respectively. Tech executive Shreya Datta, 37, and single mum Kate, 41 both revealed they lost $450,000 and $80,0000 respectively in cons eerily similar to what happened to Rebecca. Kate, from Vancouver, Washington, also believed she had met a French entrepreneur online - though he said he lived in Seattle. California residents lost the most money to investment fraud last year, with 4,982 victims being conned out of a huge $870 million Kate, 41, who used a pseudonym for the piece, lost $80,000 to a 'pig butchering' scam Tech executive Shreya Datta, 37, lost $450,000 to a heartless 'pig-butchering' con [item name=module id=119913161 style=undefined /] He claimed to be called 'Andy' and working as a wine trader. Over time, the duo struck up a relationship when he convinced her to invest $80,000. 'I was the perfect sucker in a way because I knew nothing about cryptocurrencies,' Kate, who used a pseudonym for the piece, said. Tech executive Shreya Datta also believed she was talking to a French wine trader - who ended up conning her out $450,000. Shreya - who earns a six-figure salary in a global tech firm - told the Philadelphia Inquirer she had felt as though she had 'a hole in my soul for not having a man in my life' - hence why she was tricked. 'I was in a trance,' she said, adding 'it's like my psychology was hacked.' Many pig butchering operations are reportedly run by criminal syndicates in Cambodia which employ thousands of people. A report by Vice News and the South China Morning Post found last year that workers themselves are enslaved and abused, having been lured there with the promise of a legitimate job, and are given scripts tailored to individual victims. The Commonwealth Bank has announced plans to limit monthly transfers to crypto accounts and merchants to protect customers from scams and fraud. Emails seen by Daily Mail Australia have been sent out to Commonwealth customers notifying them that the measures will be rolled out at the start of September or in 30 days from the notice being sent. 'We're introducing new measures to help protect you from scams and fraud,' the bank stated in the emails. 'We may limit the amount you can pay to certain accounts or merchants, for example those we believe to be associated with cryptocurrency exchanges, to no more than $10,000 in total from all of your accounts each calendar month.' In its revised terms and conditions the bank advises it may 'suspend or close your account, cancel or suspend your card or other access method' to stop crypto-associated payments going though. The Commonwealth Bank is limiting the amount its customers can spend on crypto transactions It can also decline to 'process or hold the processing of a transaction or dealing, or particular types of transactions or dealings,' without providing you with prior notice. Fred Schebesta, the founder of financial services comparison app Finder and self-described 'Crypto King of Australia', said while it was important to protect customer's banks, it shouldn't stifle the innovation of digital finance. 'I'm not surprised that the Commonwealth Bank has announced they are limiting transfers to crypto exchanges,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. 'The crypto market cap is estimated to be worth $US1.22 ($1.87) trillion and there is a growing number of people getting into the crypto space. 'Banks need to be careful not to hinder the evolution of digital finance.' A CBA spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the move 'is all around protecting customers from scam risks that are associated with making certain payments to these crypto exchanges'. 'Basically it is just meant to help reduce the number and the amount of money lost by customers,' the spokesperson said. 'We are doing our best to strike a balance that keeps all customers safe whilst minimising the inconvenience to many.' Since June, when the Commonwealth Bank first announced the planned measures, it has been holding crypto payments for 24 hours before clearing them. Self-proclaimed 'Crypto-King' Fred Schebesta said banks need to ensure they don't stifle digital currency innovation 'Customers who make payments to cryptocurrency exchanges are currently facing a significantly higher risk of potentially being scammed,' CBA General Manager of Fraud Management Services James Roberts said after the June announcement. 'While these measures will not eliminate the risk of customers suffering losses as a result of a scam that involves a payment to a cryptocurrency exchange, they are part of a range of initiatives designed to help customers reduce their risk of falling victim to a scam'. However, not all the bank's customers are convinced. On a Facebook page devoted to 'negative experiences' with the CBA, some saw it as the bank overstepping its mark. 'I think every bank wants to control our money so cash is the most reliable,' one wrote. Another noted it made day-trading in crypto pretty well impossible. Some even accused the bank of hypocrisy. 'Crazy thing is bank have efts (electronic fund transfers) now buying crypto and they want people to not buy,' the Facebook user said. 'Work that out.' Commonwealth Bank changes to accounts In addition to any other limit which may apply, we may in our discretion limit the amount each user may transfer or pay from all accounts: to accounts and/or merchants which we reasonably believe may be owned or controlled by a cryptocurrency or digital asset exchange or being used to purchase cryptocurrency or digital assets to no more than AUD $10,000 in a calendar month; and/or using a particular payment product, type of transaction or dealing to no more than AUD $10,000 in a calendar month; and/or where it is reasonably necessary to prevent systemic or individual criminal activity, including suspected or potential fraud or scams, to no more than AUD $10,000 in a calendar month. We may in our discretion, and without liability to you for any loss or damage, remove or reduce your payment limit if: you have requested a higher payment limit and have not made a transaction utilising any of that increased limit within the last month; or we believe it is reasonably necessary to protect you or us from possible fraudulent activity, scams or other activity that might cause you or us to lose money. When we do this we will act fairly and reasonably towards you. We will not be responsible for any loss, cost, expense or other inconvenience you incur. Advertisement While the Commonwealth Bank spokesman said the $10,000 is a ceiling that could not be raised, the revised terms and conditions for savings and investments accounts were less clear. They stated that if a higher requested limit was in place but not used for a period of a month the bank could 'remove or reduce' it. The bank could also reduce a limit or refuse payments 'if they believe it is reasonably necessary to protect you or us from possible fraudulent activity, scams or other activity that might cause you or us to lose money'. 'When we do this we will act fairly and reasonably towards you,' the terms state. 'We will not be responsible for any loss, cost, expense or other inconvenience you incur.' This appears to contradict other assurances that when the bank stops payments to crypto-associated entities or reduces limits it will do so 'without liability to you for any loss or damage'. While the $10,000 limit is the total sum that can be transferred from the combined accounts a CBA customer holds one Facebook user suggested a way to get around the new rules. 'I just transfer it to another bank and pay from there,' they said. 'Problem solved.' The Commonwealth Bank said it could freeze accounts or cards to prevent crypto transfers Westpac announced in May it has been trialling 'customer protections' for some cryptocurrency payments to reduce scams. The bank did not state it was setting limits on transfers or go into much detail as to how the 'protection blocks' work. In July, NAB also stated that it will be 'declining some transactions made to high-risk cryptocurrency exchanges, while Bendigo Bank said it would 'block certain high-risk crypto-related transactions to protect its customers'. All banks stated the moves were to protect customers from a 'scam epidemic'. The move comes as the bank opens a number of 'cashless' branches with customers no longer able to access their money over-the-counter. Teller cash transactions are not available at branches including Commonwealth Bank Place in the centre of Sydney along with the nearby South Eveleigh, Barangaroo, Penrith and University of Sydney, which the bank now calls 'specialist centres'. Daily Mail Australia also understands some 'specialist centre' branches in Brisbane and Melbourne no longer permit over the counter cash withdrawals and deposits. Deposits and withdrawals can still be made via on-site ATMs but for those who don't have their bankcard handy things get much more difficult. Last week Daily Mail Australia reported that the Commonwealth Bank can also deny their services to anyone who in 'their opinion' is 'offensive, harassing or threatening to any person' or 'promotes or encourages physical or mental harm of any person'. A Commonwealth Bank spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the terms were to prevent 'to address the issue of financial abuse in the context of domestic and family violence'. 'In 2020, we updated our Acceptable Use Policy to address technology-facilitated abuse and to provide a safer banking experience for customers,' the spokesperson said. 'Any customer found to be using NetBank or the CommBank app to engage in unlawful, defamatory, harassing or threatening conduct, promoting or encouraging physical or mental harm or violence against any person may have their transactions refused or access to digital banking services suspended or discontinued'. Last year Australians lost over $220 million to scammers through cryptocurrency, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reported. The watchdog warned with some scams customers think they are investing in things other than crypto but are asked to pay using that rather than cash. Most violent branch of the chain has been revealed as in Brixton, south London EXCLUSIVE: Data shows assaults at KFCs nearly every day in England and Wales KFC fast food restaurants in England and Wales were the scene of a violent assault nearly every day of the year in 2022, new police crime logs reveal. Staff at the fried chicken takeaway joints face year-round aggression from angry and irate customers, and have to deal with punch-ups breaking out between diners. Now, new police data has revealed the most violent KFC branch is the one in Brixton, south London. The data gives details of incidents including employees being pelted with their own chicken by angry diners and one terrifying moment where staff had to barricade the doors from a mob of rampaging youths. Fights have started inside the restaurants that have seen customers kicking and punching one another, with some disputes carrying on inside after being triggered by a car parking row outside. The survey, carried out by freebets.com, uncovered a total of 297 assault incidents logged last year by police at KFC restaurants in England and Wales. However, as 10 of the 44 police forces were unable to provide data the true total could be even higher. London logged a total of 37 punch-ups at KFCs last year, with the most being recorded at the branch in Brixton Road, south London (footage of a fight at the branch in July 2019) KFC in Sittingbourne, Kent, has imposed a ban on unaccompanied under-18s at certain times London logged a total of 37 punch-ups at KFCs last year, with the most being recorded at the branch in Brixton Road, south London. Videos shows how this chicken shop was the scene of chaotic fight when a woman in hair rollers chucked a wet floor cone over the counter at a worker before attempting to grab her. The footage of the KFC in Brixton, shot in July 2019, shows the evening dispute between the two women escalate into a full-blown fight. Shouting from both parties can be heard as one woman repeatedly shouts: 'come here, come here.' The woman can be seen violently grabbing at the woman across the counter as other KFC staff attempt to stop her from reaching the worker. Customers have erupted into violence at England's KFCs after getting angry because they had already been barred due to prior bad behaviour. Included in the offences which took place in the capital's KFCs were death threats being made, an assault on a police officer and a racially motivated attack. And another video from 2019 shows a woman leaping the counter at KFC to attack a worker behind the till, with a food fight erupting at the branch in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham. And this week a KFC in Kent was so overrun by violent incidents that they banned unaccompanied under-18s at the weekends and imposed security guard enforced on-the-door ID checks. The fried chicken chain's outlet in the Kent industrial town of Sittingbourne took action in an attempt to restore order after it was blighted by anti-social behaviour. A video from 2019 shows a woman leaping the counter at KFC to attack a worker behind the till, with a food fight erupting at the branch in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham KFC customers raid and steal chicken after they were denied service for being disorderly in Finsbury Park, London after Wireless Festival in July 2016 Staff said they are now carrying out age checks on visitors from 4pm on Fridays and from midday on Saturdays and Sundays - with any unaccompanied children banned. There are no signs at the branch enforcing the rule, but one anonymous worker told Kent Online: 'We have to have security here as there are problems with the kids.' Included in the newly released police logs were seven incidents connected to the KFC in High Street, Rhyl, north Wales, and six to the KFC in Corn Market, Pontefract, West Yorkshire. South Wales police dealt with an incident where a 19-year-old woman was assaulted and kicked in the head during an racist attack at a KFC near Cardiff. The teenager passed out during the assault in which the attackers shouted racial abuse at her. Devon & Cornwall police recorded a case where a person believed to be high on drink and drugs went into a KFC in Plymouth before attacking a couple who he punched and spat on. In South Yorkshire there were a string of attacks on KFC employees who were manning the drive-through tills, often with customers throwing their drinks at staff. Another assault logged by the same force saw a woman have her phone stolen following an attack as well as an argument in the car park between two motorists which carried on inside the store. North Wales police said it had an attack at a KFC in Colwyn Bay where the caller said they had been assaulted and strangled by a group of offenders. Another caller said their 15-year-old daughter had a drink poured over her by a mystery woman at the same branch. One violent altercation in Gwent saw the staff have to barricade customers in the restaurant, and then release them through a fire escape, as they battled to keep out five violent youths who were trying to kick the front door down. A woman launched a foul-mouthed racist rant at staff inside a KFC in Ashton-under-Lyne in front of Families in December 2015 She was escorted out the fast food restaurant by another KFC customer A shocking fight outside a KFC in Croydon which was witnessed by a crowded street where two men appear to beat up two girls in October 2015 The same force had a case where a customer in the drive thru was angry that the food fell into their lap so they came into the store and threw the remnants onto the counter. In a Suffolk KFC a man used a knuckleduster to injure another man in an assault, while in Hertfordshire the manager was assaulted by three men who vaulted the counter to attack him. West Yorkshire police had a report of drug dealers operating outside a KFC in Leeds, while in Staffordshire officers had a report of an aggressive, drugged-up customer who when he was refused service started to damage equipment and smashed the till. A Lincolnshire KFC had a case where a couple who were sitting down and eating got into a heated argument with each other. The woman was so scared that she called the police in the middle of the dispute to stop her partner shouting at her. In West Mercia there was an incident where a KFC employee was injured after having chips thrown at them by an irate customer. A KFC spokesperson said: 'At KFC, we simply do not tolerate any violence towards our guests or team members which is why we work closely with the police and local councils so that everyone can feel safe at our restaurants. 'Our teams do a great job in preventing and limiting these types of incidents with processes that are set in place but unfortunately sometimes such instances do occur. Safety is and will always be our top priority.' Scientists are now developing radical methods to study the impact of rising global temperatures - including a robot which 'sweats' to mimic the human body Effects of extreme heat can range from exhaustion to strokes and heart attacks America has baked in several heatwaves this summer, causing a string of health warnings A series of heatwaves that have struck America this summer have exposed the devastating health risks posed by extreme heat - from exhaustion and cognitive impairment to heart attacks and strokes. Arizona has been the epicenter of the recent warnings - after temperatures in Phoenix breached 110F for a record 31 days in a row. In Nevada, hospitalizations linked to heat reached record levels after temperatures soared as high as 115F in Las Vegas and other parts of the state through June and July. Cities like Chicago, New York and Philadelphia have also been placed under intense heat warnings. Health officials say around 700 people die each year in the US because of extreme heat - but the figure is expected to rise considerably as temperatures remain stubbornly high. Being just two percent dehydrated is enough to trigger thirst. At four percent, the physical effects can be felt and the mouth becomes dry. Dehydration levels of eight to 14 percent pose a serious health risk and can cause death Researchers in Arizona, where temperatures breached 110F for a record-breaking 31 days in a row, have developed ANDI, a moving thermal manikin which can sweat and helps understand the impacts of extreme heat on the human body A person tries to cool off in the shade Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in Phoenix, where temperatures consistently passed a deadly 110F in July Here are the dangers posed to the human body by extreme heat... Strokes and heart attacks Two of the deadliest consequences of extreme heat can be strokes and heart attacks. The body's attempts to deal with high temperatures can put the cardiovascular system under a lot of pressure. The body tries to deal with extreme heat by raising the heart rate, dilating blood vessels and sending more blood from the body's warmer core to the skin's surface. Dr Robert Brown, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic, said: 'There is some influence of weather and temperature on the occurrence of stroke, and it ends up that it's oftentimes temperature extremes.' He explained that it's not only 'very, very hot weather' which can trigger a stroke, but 'very, very cold' conditions, too. High humidity can also be a trigger because sweat doesn't evaporate, causing body temperature to rise. Emergency room visits for stroke increase during a heatwave, according to a recent study presented at the European Society of Cardiology. 'Climate change and global warming are worldwide problems and stroke is a leading cause of death,' said study author Dr Ryohei Fujimoto of Tsuyama Central Hospital and Okayama University, Japan. 'Our study indicates that older adults may be more susceptible to stroke after exposure to hot weather. Preventative measures such as insulated housing and air conditioning should be considered a public health priority to protect people from this debilitating and life-threatening disease.' The study revealed that with each 1C increase in temperature, there was a 35 percent greater risk of an emergency visit for a stroke in adults over 65. The American Heart Association has published research which found the risk of a heart attack may double in heat wave and high fine particulate pollution days. The study, published in the AHA's Circulation journal, found women and older adults appeared at increased risk. There's also an increased risk of an irregular heartbeat and heart failure as the cardiovascular system is strained while dealing with high temperatures. Dehydration Humans can sweat out a staggering 10 liters of fluid per day during exercise in the heat, a study published to the National Library of Medicine found. Other studies have found up to two liters per hour can be lost during intense exercise in extreme heat. That compares to just 500ml per day when relaxing in a cool environment. As a result, exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration very quickly without regularly drinking water. Dehydration and overheating can cause heat exhaustion. A person buys water during a heat wave at Battery Park in New York, New York USA, 28 July 2023. Humans can sweat out a staggering 10 liters of fluid per day during exercise in the heat, a study published to the National Library of Medicine found Patrons walk through misters to stay cool at the Grand Bazaar Shops in Las Vegas, Nev., on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Water constitutes around 70 percent of body weight and even a loss of water equivalent to just one percent of bodyweight can cause dehydration. 'Humans cannot adapt to a chronic water deficit, so fluid losses must be replaced if physiological function is to continue unimpaired,' a NIH-published study into nutritional needs in hot environments said. At just two percent dehydration, a person will become thirsty and may suffer from slight cognitive impairment. At four percent, the mouth becomes dry. Between six and eight percent dehydration, the heart rate will increase, as will body temperature, and speech can become difficult. At 14 percent dehydration, there is a risk of death. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke A prolonged period of time in high temperatures and without proper hydration will initially lead to heat exhaustion. Telltale signs include tiredness, dizziness, headaches and nausea. Excessive sweating, muscle cramps and elevated heart rate can also occur. Heat exhaustion Increase in body temperature more than 37C Muscle weakness and cramps Rapid and weak pulse Nausea and vomiting Dizziness Headache Cool, pale clammy skin Excessive sweating Advertisement Heatstroke Increase in body temperature more than 40C Altered mental state Rapid pulse Red, hot and dry skin Throbbing headache Nausea, vomiting Headache Disoriented Advertisement A patient can usually overcome heatstroke if they cool off - and hydrate - within about 30 minutes. But failure to escape the heat can lead to fatal heatstroke, which is far more dangerous. It typically occurs when a person's body temperature reaches 40C or higher and they might have seizures or lose consciousness. Increased risk of accidents including car crashes Heat's effects on the body have been shown to contribute to a rise in road traffic accidents. This is because of its impact on brain function. A 2015 study by researchers in Spain found the risk of crashed 'significantly increased by 2.9 percent during hear wave days, and this association was stronger when restricted to crashes with driver performance-associated factors'. Aside from the physical effects of heat contributing to driver error, temperatures can also cause vehicles to overheat. In some cases, road surfaces can soften or even melt. The known impacts of dehydration on brain function have also been shown to increase rates of other accidents. Radical solutions The southwestern state's capital Phoenix is currently enduring its longest heat wave in history: on Friday, the mercury exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) for the 22nd day in a row, an ominous demonstration of what's to come in a world impacted by climate change. For humans, such heat represents a potentially lethal threat, one that is still not fully understood. But for ANDI - a one-of-a-kind humanoid robot at Arizona State University - it's a lovely day out. At first glance, ANDI - which stands for Advanced Newton Dynamic Instrument - resembles a simple crash-test dummy. But its epoxy/carbon fiber skin conceals a treasure trove of technology, such as a network of connected sensors that assess heat diffused through the body. ANDI - which stands for Advanced Newton Dynamic Instrument - is an advanced research manikin which resembles a simple crash-test dummy but can provide crucial insights into the effects of extreme heat on the human body Researchers at Arizona State University are using ANDI to study the impacts of extreme heat on the human body. Associate Professor Konrad Rykaczewski points to the pores on ANDI, an Advanced Newton Dynamic Instrument, that bead sweat like humans as researchers prepare a heat and wind experiment to learn more about the effect of heat exposure on the human body at Arizona State University ANDI also has an internal cooling system and pores allowing it to breathe and sweat. There are 35 independent thermal zones and, like humans, the robot - which cost more than half a million dollars to build - sweats more from its back. Mechanical engineering professor Konrad Rykaczewski said: 'He's the world's first outdoor thermal mannequin that we can routinely take outside and ... measure how much heat he is receiving from the environment," mechanical engineering professor Konrad Rykaczewskisaid. ANDI is 'a very realistic way to experimentally measure how a human person responds to extreme climate' without putting people themselves at risk, Rykaczewski says. Researchers hope the robot will provide a better understanding of hyperthermia - that is, when a body overheats, a condition that is threatening a growing proportion of the world's population as a result of global warming. Nearly 40 years ago, Christina Boyer became the focus of the US media after she and her family claimed she could move objects with her mind - she was later convicted for the murder of her three-year-old child. More than 30 years after the alleged crime, a group of Boyer supporters are arguing she is innocent and calling on authorities to revisit the case. Back in the 90s, facing the death penalty, Boyer entered an Alford plea, meaning she pleaded guilty while maintaining her innocence. She was given a life sentence plus 20 years in prison with the possibility of parole. But the question remains: Was Boyer found guilty of a crime she did not commit? According to evidence, she was not at her home at the time of her daughter's death or in the hours leading up to it. The new Hulu documentary 'Demons and Saviors' explores the convicted killer's childhood full of seemingly inexplicable events and the efforts of the group now hoping her case will be revisited. The first of three episodes is now available. Christina Boyer as a 14 year old, when paranormal events began occurring around her parents' Ohio house. This now infamous picture shows a telephone seemingly flying across her lap Authorities, who successfully prosecuted the case already, say Boyer is a skilled manipulator who should live out her days behind bars, as a jury once decided. Boyer, who is interviewed in the new documentary, explained that when she was 14 year old in 1984, seemingly inexplicable events began happening around her Columbus, Ohio home, where she lived with her parents. Alarm clocks would go haywire, the TV would continue playing even after it had been unplugged, lights flickered and objects flew across rooms. Boyer - then known as Tina Resch - was the adoptive daughter of religious parents who believed the paranormal incidents were caused by some sort of demonic spirit that had possessed their child. They called in a priest to perform an exorcism. During the exorcism, Boyer said, 'things in the kitchen were going haywire and basically ... they just felt like whatever they were doing, it was not enough.' Her father, John Resch, at oneD point, called the local paper, The Columbus Dispatch, who sent over a photographer to see in person what was going on at the Resch household. The photojournalist, Fred Shannon, took what is now considered an infamous shot of Christina sitting in the family's living room with a telephone at the end of a cord apparently flying over her lap. Media coverage brought the family newfound notoriety that attracted gawkers, skeptics, and paranormal investigators into the Resch's otherwise quiet life. 'Everybody wanted to see what was going on. It was like 'Showtime at the Apollo,'' said Boyer. A picture of Boyer with a spoon she allegedly bent with her mind. As a teenager she became the subject of scrutiny and fascination when local media picked up on her supposed supernatural abilities Amber Gail Bennett, born on September 29, 1988, died at age three while her mother was at work. When she died, in 1992, he medical examiner said there was clear evidence of child abuse on the young girl's body - some of it recent, but some older Christina Boyer and her daughter Amber on a couch in November of 1991. Boyer maintains, after more than 30 years in prison, that she did not kill her daughter As her relative fame skyrocketed, Boyer alleged she was being abused at her home. At one point, Boyer met a famous parapsychologist named Bill Roll, who brought her to North Carolina to study her. But when she returned to her parents' Ohio home, they had abandoned her and even tried to put her back up for adoption. After a 'caught on camera' moment threw the legitimacy of her supernatural abilities into question, Boyer fled her home and married a man she later called abusive. Several years later, now a single mother, Boyer began a new life in the Bible Belt town of Carrollton, Georgia, with her daughter Amber. 'Having Amber literally saved my life,' said Boyer. In Carrollton, Boyer worked with psychologists Bill Roll and Jeannie Lagle, who had previously studied her paranormal abilities. She and Lagle got started on a book about Boyer's experiences. While in Carrollton, Boyer began dating David Herrin, a man from town who Boyer described as 'straight-laced and mild-mannered,' at least as compared to the previous men with whom she'd had relationships. He had a daughter of a similar age to Amber. Then, on April 14, 1992, when Amber was three-years-old, Boyer arrived home from Lagle's house to find her daughter unresponsive. Boyer was just 22 year old at the time. Boyer had left her in Herrin's care for a few hours, a claim and alibi that was confirmed by both Lagle and Herrin. The medical examiner who inspected Amber's dead body determined that the child had clearly suffered child abuse that occurred over the course of several days, and that she had likely died of a fatal blow to the head during the period of time that Boyer was not home. Having spent more than half her life in jail for the murder of her daughter, Boyer maintains her innocence and said she is finding hope in the work of 'Team Tina,' who are working to free her Boyer's teenage years were made tumultuous by media attention she received because of her alleged supernatural abilities, which were documented by the local press Mike Bradley, a retired Carrollton police department detective said in the new documentary: 'When you looked at her with all the bruising, it was kind of obvious the child's been severely, physically abused.' Boyer and Herrin were both arrested for Amber's murder. Each pinned the toddler's injuries on the other. The medical examiner said the girl had previous injuries, some from the days before her death and others that were older. Peter Skandalakis, a former district attorney and the lead prosecutor on the case says in the documentary that, had the case gone to trial, prosecutors had witnesses who would testify that they had seen Boyer be physically abusive toward her daughter. Herrin claimed that on April 10 - four days before her death - Amber tripped on a sidewalk curb and hit her forehead, leaving a large bump. The following day, Herrin again claimed the child had fallen down the front porch steps and landed face-first in the gravel. Boyer recounted Herrin told her 'he had gone to sleep in the lazy boy chair in the living room. He obviously didn't think about locking the screen door. And she got out and fell down the stairs.' Lagle said she had seen a 'goose egg knot' on the little girl's forehead. 'I was concerned, of course. And I know that the only thing you can do is to just observe them and I saw Amber coloring. 'I thought that was a very good sign she wasn't showing any effects. I consider that Amber was on my watch and I have gone over and over and over what happened,' she said. Amber Bennett's grave. The three-year-old died while her mother was at work and she was home with her then boyfriend, David Herrin Boyer (pictured with Amber) moved to Carrollton, Georgia, for a fresh start after escaping a violent second marriage to a man who beat her, and who she was afraid would eventually injure her daughter On April 14, Boyer said she asked her daughter if she wanted to go to Lagle's with her. An offer that Amber responded to by grabbing a book and climbing into Herrin's lap, she said. As the case progressed, it attracted media attention in the relatively small, very religious city in Georgia. Lagle, recounting some of the press attention, said: 'On the front page of the newspaper, it says not only child murderer, but psychic child murderer.' 'After those newspaper headlines came out, I don't believe there was anybody left in town that didn't believe she did it, because she was the witch, she was the paranormal.' When faced with the possibility of a trial that could end in a conviction and the death penalty, Boyer agreed to a plea bargain that was negotiated by her attorney and the prosecutors. At Herrin's trial, he was acquitted of murder, but convicted of child cruelty. He was sentenced to 20-years, of which he served 12. He was released on parole in 2011. Skandalakis also said it was clear to him Boyer was held to a higher standard of criminal liability 'because she's the mother.' 'Here you have Christina Boyer who is obviously held to a higher standard because shes the mother, serving life in prison. David Herrin gets convicted of cruelty and does 20 years in prison, and hows that fair?' asks the former prosecutor in the documentary. 'My answer to that is, I dont know. After the jury acquitted him [of murder] I remember the jury filing through the courtroom and I asked, 'How did yall find him not guilty of felony murder but you found him guilty of cruelty to children?' And she looked me straight in the eyes and said, 'It wasnt his child.'' After more than 30 years locked up, Boyer says in 'Demons and Saviors' that she is finding hope again in the group of amateur detectives who call themselves 'Team Tina' and believe she deserves a shot at redemption after possibly being wrongfully imprisoned. The leaders of the group are three former Georgetown students who took a class in the spring of 2019 that introduced them to Boyer, and have not dropped the case since. Several years ago, a couple of Georgetown students found out about Boyer's case in a class and immediately took up the mantle of proving her innocence The former students (one of whom is pictured above) are focused on the fact Boyer was not at her home when her daughter died, rather than the apparent pattern of abuse Amber was subjected to while she was alive The team has spent countless hours reviewing files that provide new evidence and could eventually prove her innocence. The group focuses on the fatal blow that was dealt to Amber, and not the alleged pattern of child abuse. Their primary belief is that Boyer cannot be guilty of a crime that occurred when she wasn't there. 'I'm more hopeful now actually, because there's so many more people all around that are involved. I sat here for years with very few people really knowing what had happened and caring. So I have more hope now that if there's anything that can be done, somebody will find it,' Boyer says in the documentary. The group's efforts, however, are staunchly opposed by the people who made sure she went away in the first place. Retired Carrollton police detective Mike Thomas says that 'Team Tina' are listening to Boyer's side and it's 'the only side they know.' Bradley, the other retired detective, says: 'If we could put this whole case file back together and set them down, I guarantee you I could change their mind.' The three-month search for Shyanne-Lee Tatnell (pictured) took a tragic turn when her remains were found in bushland last month Slain teenager Shyanne-Lee Tatnell's relatives have clashed over a memorial site set up by kind-hearted strangers to mark the spot the the 14-year-old was last seen. Shyanne-Lee vanished while walking to a friend's house along a dark industrial road in Launceston on the evening of on April 30, with CCTV footage capturing her walking east towards Henry Street bridge. After a massive three-month police investigation, her remains were found in remote bushland 52km away at Nabowla on July 26. Farmer Chris Jordan, 36, who was not known to her family, has since been charged with murder. As the small, tight-knit community comes to terms with the tragedy, locals have rallied to try to find a way to support the teenager's devastated family, who live 145km north-west in Burnie. One woman took to a local Facebook page seeking advice on ways the community could commemorate the young girl and let her loved ones know they were not alone in their grief. 'I don't want hate for this, it's just an idea,' she began. Shyanne-Lee (left) is pictured with her mother Bobbie Ketchell (centre) and grandmother Tracey Ketchell (right) 'I wanted to contact Shyanne's mum out of respect but I thought as a community there could be one day where we all get together and place teddy bears, flowers and candles at the bridge for Shyanne where she was last seen? 'Not sure who to contact about this.' The post sparked heavy debate with some suggesting the woman would first need to contact the family for permission, while others said the family should be left alone to grieve. However, the woman's query quickly caught the attention of Shyanne-Lee's paternal grandmother Michelle Hubbard, who was touched by the sentiment. 'I think this would be a beautiful gesture in honour of Shyanne's life,' Ms Hubbard said. 'Shyanne's story has touched the lives of so many and her family do so much appreciate the love shown during the past three months for her and her family and during this horrific time now. 'If people want to leave flowers, teddies and candles to help with their own grief over this shocking end result, then please do.' Shyanne-Lee's paternal grandmother Michelle Hubbard (pictured) was touched by members of the community leaving tributes to her granddaughter along a bridge in Launceston However, maternal grandmother Tracey Ketchell said she did not want locals to associate the bridge with Shyanne-Lee's disappearance Ms Hubbard said the family was aware of the toll Shyanne's death had taken on the whole community and this 'horror story' would 'impact all Tasmanians for many, many years to come'. 'Nobody ever wants their child to be remembered in this way as the dear little innocent girl that was [allegedly] murdered and dumped to rot,' she said. 'We would be honoured for you to begin a floral memorial for Shyanne on Henry St. 'Thank you from her family. It does give us some comfort to know just how much our baby girl was thought of and loved.' However, Shyanne-Lee's maternal grandmother Tracey Ketchell disagreed. 'Sorry to upset anyone here. I'm not treating the bridge as a memorial site. I just can't,' Ms Ketchell commented. 'I'm not saying you can't do it, as I know many people have been touched by Shyanne, I just don't wish for Shyanne to be remembered as the girl that went missing from there as people pass over it.' Tributes seen on the Henry Street bridge where Shyanne was last seen on the night of her disappearance The spot where she was last seen and the bridge - about 20m away - have been turned into makeshift memorials, with community members leaving teddy bears, flowers and notes Prior to the woman's post, a collection of flowers, notes and teddy bears had already begun to accumulate on the bridge as locals stopped by the scene in the pouring rain to pay their respects to the young girl. A second memorial site was set up about 20 metres down the road to mark the spot where Shyanne was last captured on security footage, with dozens of girls' hair ribbons tied to a wire fence. 'Rest peacefully, beautiful girl, taken from this cruel world too soon,' one note left at the site read. 'Fly high with the angels.' Another began: 'Rest in peace, Shyanne. 'I am so sad for your family and for your innocent soul [allegedly] taken away. You will forever be in our hearts.' Farmer Christopher Jordan, 36, (pictured) has been charged over the alleged murder Police sealed off his property near Scottsdale (pictured) as forensic experts and search teams moved in Police will allege Jordan came across Shyanne-Lee in the moments after she was last seen on CCTV about 8.30pm on April 30 before the pair went back to his Scottsdale property, a 60km drive north east. Australians flocked online last Saturday night to share photos of lights left on at their homes to pay tribute to Shyanne-Lee The father-of-one then allegedly killed her there before dumping her body on a remote dirt trail 15km west at Nabowla. Jordan was arrested and charged on Thursday, July 27 - the day after Shyanne's remains were found following a tip-off to police. He faced Launceston Local Court a day later - last Friday - where he was remanded in custody to next appear on August 16. Meanwhile, as the nation continues to comes to terms with the tragedy, people from across Australia left lights on in their homes last Saturday night as a tribute to Shyanne. Her family has also organised a community picnic to be held at 12pm on August 6 at Launceston City Park to mark Shyanne-Lee's 15th birthday. 'As the 8th is her official birthday, we would like our privacy that day,' the family wrote in a post. 'You are all so very valued and without the love and support from those who cared we wouldn't be able to have felt that others cared about her coming home to us.' Wagner group are amassing just kilometres across the Polish border in Belarus Sitting in his small kitchen in the village of Krynki in Poland, 63-year-old Sawomir Siemieniko is scared. With thousands of Russian mercenaries from the notoriously bloodthirsty Wagner group amassing just kilometres away across the border in Belarus, Siemieniko is terrified that they could soon be deployed to Poland. Talking to Polands Fakt newspaper he said: Theres a movie called The Dirty Dozen. It's about criminals taken out of prison, dressed in uniforms and sent on a mission. They are told: if you win, you will be free. It's the same with the Wagnerians. Sooner or later, [Belaruss dictator and Putin ally] Lukashenka will use them against us, so that they will break down the defences that Poland has put up on the border. After all, the Wagner group is mostly criminals with nothing to lose. They're murderers, they'll get their money and do what they're told. One of the mercenaries is thought to be convicted killer Vladislav Kanyus (pictured) Now photos posted online show the 26-year-old thug (circled) dressed in military uniform and posing with a gun alongside other Wagner recruits Jailed for 17 years in 2021 for beating his ex girlfriend (right) senseless before throttling her to death with an ironing cord, Kanyus was released less than a year later to join the mercenary group The battered and lifeless body of 23-year-old student Vera Pekhteleva was found in January 2020 Siemieniko is not alone with his fears. In the village of Jurowlany less than four miles away, 52-year-old farmer Krzysztof Szmarowski said: The Wagnerians are mercenaries, we don't know what they can do to us. They are unpredictable and we are a bit concerned about this. Founded in 2014 to help Russia annex Crimea, the mercenary group is now in exile in Belarus following an aborted coup on Moscow in June. Neighbouring Poland has now warned that the group poses a real and present danger to European security. At the end of last month, Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that the mercenaries had moved close to Polands Suwalki Gap, a strategic stretch of NATO land between Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. One of the mercenaries is thought to be convicted killer Vladislav Kanyus. Jailed for 17 years in 2021 for beating his ex girlfriend senseless before throttling her to death with an ironing cord, he was released less than a year later to join the mercenary group. Now photos posted online show the 26-year-old thug dressed in military uniform and posing with a gun alongside other Wagner recruits. Last month the family of his victim said they feared he would become seen as a hero in Russia Vladislav Kanyus Police found Kanyus sitting in the bathroom drinking vodka after he viciously murdered Miss Pekhteleva Last month the family of his victim said they feared he would become seen as a hero in Russia. They added they also feared for their own lives. The battered and lifeless body of 23-year-old student Vera Pekhteleva was found in January 2020. According to reports, she had gone to collect some of her belongings from Kanyuss apartment in Kemerovo, southwest Siberia, after ending the relationship. But once inside, Kanyus locked the door, punched her in the face breaking her nose and then subjected her to 3.5 hours of torture. He eventually tied the cord of an iron around her neck and strangled her to death. An autopsy revealed 56 injuries on her body including multiple skull and bone fractures, knife wounds and horrific bruising on her stomach, arms and legs. Police found Kanyus sitting in the bathroom drinking vodka. According to reports, she had gone to collect some of her belongings from Kanyuss apartment in Kemerovo, southwest Siberia, after ending the relationship An autopsy revealed 56 injuries on her body including multiple skull and bone fractures, knife wounds and horrific bruising on her stomach, arms and legs After seeing the photos of him in uniform appear online, Pekhtelevas family said they had written to the federal prison service which confirmed Kanyuss release After seeing the photos of him in uniform appear online, Pekhtelevas family said they had written to the federal prison service which confirmed Kanyuss release. Veras horrified dad told siberia.org: At first we saw activity on his social media account. Then he posted a photo with soldiers, all in camouflage, with machine guns. How can they give the killer of a defenceless girl a weapon! It's unbelievable. Now he knows that he can serve less than a year for murder and return as a "hero of Russia. Kanyus was transferred to Rostov-on-Don. From IK-44 in the Kemerovo city of Belovo, he was apparently sent to IK-18 in Novosibirsk, and then to the Rostov colony. I can't imagine what will happen when he comes back. He will carry out another massacre. Veras mother Oksana said: This monster, being freed from a criminal offence, having escaped from the front or switched sides, can at any moment kill all of us, the victims, out of revenge. Another of those recruited was 28-year-old Ivan Rossomakhin, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for murder in 2020 He returned to his home town of Novyj Burets, 600 miles east of Moscow, in March this year after fighting in Ukraine After returning Rossomakhin then hacked 85-year-old pensioner Yulia Buiskich (pictured) to death with an axe Following Russias invasion of Ukraine, Wagner recruited tens of thousands of prisoners, including murderers and domestic abusers. Sent to fight some of the wars bloodiest battles with the promise of a presidential pardon from Putin if they survived for more than six months, another of those recruited was 28-year-old Ivan Rossomakhin. Sentenced to 10 years in prison for murder in 2020, he returned to his home town of Novyj Burets, 600 miles east of Moscow, in March this year after fighting in Ukraine. He then hacked 85-year-old pensioner Yulia Buiskich to death with an axe. A couple of days before the grisly murder, locals had complained about him wandering the streets with an axe and a knife, smashing cars and threatening to kill everyone. In response, the small community of a few hundred people had a town hall meeting. Police chief Vadim Varankin told them that the problematic troublemaker would be removed from the town on 28 March. But the next day, Rossomakhin broke into the pensioners wooden house and chopped her to pieces with an axe. Another OAP Wagner killer is Pavel Zakharov (pictured). When Russia attacked Ukraine, the 39-year-old from Karelia was serving 11 years for the murder of pensioner Nina Belova who had been celebrating her 61st birthday Georgiy Siukayev (pictured) was re-recruited into Wagner last Autumn while in prison for murdering a Russian commander in 2014 in the Donbas region of Ukraine After being redeployed, Siukayev returned in March to Tskhinvali, capital of the Russian-backed breakaway region of South Ossetia (Georgia), completely cleared of his criminal past Buiskichs granddaughter told local media: He should have been in prison. But our government releases criminals to freedom. They released a sick creature into society. Another OAP Wagner killer is Pavel Zakharov. When Russia attacked Ukraine, the 39-year-old from Karelia was serving 11 years for the murder of pensioner Nina Belova who had been celebrating her 61st birthday. Sitting outside her apartment waiting for her party guests to leave, he then smashed the door in and knifed her to death. An orphan with a string of previous offences including armed robbery, theft and attempted bank robbery, he was released to Wagner in 2022 and is still serving with the group. Georgiy Siukayev was re-recruited into Wagner last Autumn while in prison for murdering a Russian commander in 2014 in the Donbas region of Ukraine. After being redeployed, he returned in March to Tskhinvali, capital of the Russian-backed breakaway region of South Ossetia (Georgia), completely cleared of his criminal past. Chilling video posted on Telegram showed Siukayev attacking Soslan Valiyev (pictured) before plunging a knife into his chest Former mayor of Bolshoy Kamen, a town in the far east of Russia, Rustyam Abushaev (pictured) was arrested in absentia in March for fraud Posting a video online in mid-April, he is seen standing outside the ruins of a house in Ukraine, wearing military uniform and cradling a gun Less than a month later, he knifed a 38-year-old local man with Cerebral Palsy to death in the street. Nicknamed Tsurgi and described as loveable and idiosyncratic, chilling video posted on Telegram shows Siukayev attacking Soslan Valiyev before plunging a knife into his chest. Another criminal who is currently serving with Wagner is the former mayor of Bolshoy Kamen, a town in the far east of Russia. Rustyam Abushaev was arrested in absentia in March for fraud. Posting a video online in mid-April, he is seen standing outside the ruins of a house in Ukraine, wearing military uniform and cradling a gun. Previously spreading Z signs around his town and forcing school children to take part in marches supporting Putins invasion of Ukraine, in the video he said: Dear friends, at the moment I am in the zone of a special military operation. Convicted kidnapper Dimitry Yermakov was released from a 14 year jail sentence Rapist Nikita Lyubimov (pictured) was released in November last year This is our Motherland, our people and I want to defend my country and my people. We'll definitely return with a victory! Local activist and journalist Denis Ruzavin said: This is definitely a desperate move. But personally, I wish him to go to jail, and not become a "hero". He deserves the title of a fascist. Other Wagner criminals include convicted kidnapper Dimitry Yermakov who was released from a 14 year jail sentence, rapist Nikita Lyubimov who was released in November last year, had his leg blown off in Ukraine after two months and is now looking to rejoin Wagner, and dad-of-three Sergei Batuyev who was jailed and then released after strangling a friend to death and planning to feed the corpse to pigs. But one of the most brutal Wagner killers is former businessman and real estate mogul Alexander Tyutin. He had his leg blown off in Ukraine after two months and is now looking to rejoin Wagner Dad-of-three Sergei Batuyev (pictured) was jailed and then released after strangling a friend to death and planning to feed the corpse to pigs One of the most brutal Wagner killers is former businessman and real estate mogul Alexander Tyutin (pictured) In 2005 he had personally machine-gunned to death another business rival and her family. Pictured: Tyutin's victims Dmitry Zeynalov and his wife Tatyana alongside their children Sickening photos show the bloodied remains of the family lying on the floor in their apartment in St. Petersburg After slaying them with his Kalashnikov AK47 assault rifle, he then chopped them to pieces with an axe Released to Wagner in 2022, the 66-year-old killer went on to be awarded a medal of bravery for his actions in Ukraine Tyutin is now free - and is reported to be living in Turkey with his wife Sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2021 for hiring a hitman to murder a business rival, it later emerged that in 2005 he had personally machine-gunned to death another business rival and her family. After slaying them with his Kalashnikov AK47 assault rifle, he then chopped them to pieces with an axe. Sickening photos show the bloodied remains of the family lying on the floor in their apartment in St. Petersburg. Released to Wagner in 2022, the 66-year-old went on to be awarded a medal of bravery for his actions in Ukraine. According to Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the businessman went to the meat grinder on the front, killed seven soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine there and returned without injuries. Prigozhin added he also performed the task of storming a fortified area of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Tyutin is now reported to be living in Turkey with his wife. Last month the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) branded Wagner PMC (as the group is officially known) as a terrorist organisation. Dmitry Zeynalov and his wife Tatyana - the husband and wife who murdered by Alexander Tyutin Pictured: The son and daughter of Dmitry Zeynalov and his wife Tatyana who were murdered by Alexander Tyutin According to Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the businessman went to the meat grinder on the front, killed seven soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine there and returned without injuries. Pictured: Alexander Tyutin and his wife The OSCE added that the Russian state is responsible for the actions of the Wagner group abroad and condemned Belarus for supporting the group which jeopardises the security of the Baltic countries. In response to the growing threat on its border, Polands deputy interior minister Maciej Wasik said the Wagner fighters were not in Belarus for a holiday. He said: They are there for a purpose. They are unscrupulous criminals, they fight and kill for money. As bordering countries Latvia and Lithuania mull over closing their borders to Belarus, Americas ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said: We certainly worry what they may do on behalf of the Russian government as they do not act independently of Moscow. The Wagner Group is a threat to all of us and we want to ensure that the message is clear that any attack [on a NATO country] by the Wagner Group will be seen as an attack by the Russian government. Graduates include an Iraq War vet who overcame homelessness and a female former store worker who's defying stereotypes in the male-dominated industry For Ronnie Suggs, an Iraq War veteran, his new job as a trucker for Walmart is more than just a career move - it's changed his entire life. Just a few years ago, the 53-year-old from Bentonville, Arkansas, was homeless after falling on 'really rough times'. But today, he's preparing for his first assignment as a Walmart driver - with the potential to earn a six-figure salary in his first year. Suggs, who has two adult daughters, is one of dozens of recent graduates of Walmart's driver program. The retailer - the world's largest private employer - opened it up to staff across the company last year as America battled a chronic shortage in the haulage industry. The scheme made headlines for its lucrative first-year salary of up to $110,000 - roughly double the national average - and drew scores of applications from employees like Suggs. 'It's amazing,' said Suggs, who was in the National Guard from 1989 to 2011. 'It's amazing to know, to have found what I have, inside me. My inner strength to overcome what I've overcome - and the confidence it's given me.' Ronnie Suggs, 53, is an Iraq war veteran who fell on hard times in 2016 and became homeless. Now, he's a newly-graduated trucker at Walmart and will earn up to $110,000 in his first year Suggs, who has two adult daughters, is one of dozens of recent graduates of Walmart's driver program. 'I'm starting over and for me to come in and have this life-changing event and that life-changing competitive wage, just literally is going to change my entire life,' he said Ashley Milacek joined Walmart in 2014 and has held positions as both an associate and in management. Now, after completing her first delivery assignment on Thursday, she is blazing a trail for other women who want to break into the male-dominated haulage industry Before getting onto the driver scheme, Suggs worked in a Walmart distribution center. He had initially joined Walmart in 2013, following his military service, but was forced to leave in 2016 after falling on hard times and becoming homeless for around six months. He rejoined the company in 2019. The move into trucking - one of America's most respected jobs - is also about continuing his service to the country. 'It's gonna be exciting and I'm gonna meet a lot of people, I'm gonna see a lot of places... To be able to do what I'm doing and be able to serve the community, serve the country, you know, to take our stuff where it needs to go,' he added. Another newly-inaugurated Walmart driver, Ashley Milacek, took advantage of Walmart's associate-to-driver program while working overnights in a store. She joined the company in 2014 and has held positions as both an associate and in management through the years. Now, after completing her first delivery assignment on Thursday, she is blazing a trail for other women who want to break into the male-dominated haulage industry. 'I just didn't realize the impact that being a female driver was until I was in it, and then I saw that there really isn't that many,' said Ashley, 35, from Sanger, Texas. 'And I think that you know, making that jump into the opportunity and actually putting it into action and doing it speaks volumes, and I really want to represent other females who want to do it.' She added: 'There are more females out there who are interested in it. They just, I guess didn't really feel safe, like I did at first but you know, the more the company engages into you and teaches you, the more you actually feel safe about it.' Drivers like Suggs and Milacek will cover upwards of 300 miles per day - and around 120,00 miles per year - delivering to nearly 11,000 stores around America. Ashley Milacek took advantage of Walmart's associate-to-driver program while working overnights in a store. She joined the company in 2014 and has held positions as both an associate and in management through the years. Drivers like Suggs and Milacek will cover upwards of 300 miles per day - and potentially more than 120,00 miles per year - delivering to nearly 11,000 stores around America Ronnie Suggs celebrates his role as a Walmart truck driver, marking a new chapter in his life Milacek said becoming a trucker, one of the most respected jobs in America, was 'amazing' and added: 'Just sitting into the driver's seat, I was able to feel how big the responsibility is' Those on the associate-to-driver program take 12 weeks of training to earn their commercial driver's license - and the iconic white shirt worn by Walmart's drivers. 'It's just not something the average person thinks for themselves doing, you know, grabbing a 70-foot 80,000 pound vehicle down the road. It's just not something you imagine yourself doing,' Suggs added. 'Walmart has a very competitive pay. And for me, you know, basically I'm starting over and for me to come in and have this life-changing event and that life-changing competitive wage, just literally is going to change my entire life.' Milacek said: 'It's amazing... Today, we woke up super early, and, you know, seeing the sunrise, the country, it was really beautiful. 'But not only that, I think it's phenomenal, because the first time I ever got into just, you know, just sitting into the driver's seat, I was able to feel how big the responsibility is.' Milacek, the first trucker in her family, also said the industry-beating salary will make a huge difference. 'I'm really big on making sure that the rest of my family is, you know, comfortable, taking care of them as well,' she said. Donald Trump was hit with his third indictment this week, with four charges that carry a maximum of 55 years in prison. His laundry list of legal problems - including 40 federal charges in Florida, the Stormy Daniels hush-money case in Manhattan and a looming indictment in Georgia - means he will likely be on trial during the next White House campaign. He is the odds-on favorite to be the Republican nominee for president and could be convicted and sentenced before Americans go to the polls in November 2024. It means he and the U.S. are in an unprecedented position that poses the question: Can he still run for and be president if he is in custody? 'We don't know the timetables, the timetables of these trials,' Timothy Naftali, a Senior Research Scholar at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, told DailyMail.com. 'And we don't know whether he'll be found guilty. And we don't know if if a portion of the Republican electorate will start looking for alternatives if and when some of these trials start.' There are still a lot of unknowns, so DailyMail.com has broken down what happens if he is found guilty in one of his multiple cases. WILL REPUBLICANS STILL SUPPORT HIM IF HE IS CONVICTED? Answer: Probably, but doubts are creeping in. The former president has much as a 30-point lead in most polls over his main Republican rival Ron DeSantis. The gap suggests Trump may already be too far out of reach for the other candidates trying to catch him. His MAGA base has been unwavering in their support, but recent polls have suggested a criminal conviction would give Republican supporters second thoughts. Nearly half of GOP voters said they would not vote for Trump if he were convicted of a felony, and 52 percent wouldn't vote for him if he were in prison on Election Day, a Reuters/Ipsos released on Thursday found. But there are some areas where the experts agree: that Trump can legally run for president should be convicted and sent to prison and that he could even have internet access to make his case via Truth Social or other social media platforms. However, he is likely unable to vote for himself should he be the nominee. CAN TRUMP KEEP RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IF HE'S CONVICTED? Answer: Yes Trump on Thursday was indicted on four counts - including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and obstruct the electoral count - in relation to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. The 45-page indictment says he was 'determined to remain in power' despite 'having lost' the presidency to Biden. Experts expect the trial to proceed quickly, given that much of the evidence was discovered by the House special committee investigating the January 6th insurrection and, unlike special counsel Jack Smith's other case, it doesn't involve classified information. The trial could be concluded by early next year. But if Trump is convicted, there is nothing to stop him from continuing his presidential campaign. 'There was nothing in the Constitution which says a convicted felon can't run. Even if that felon is in prison,' American University's Alan Lichtman told DailyMail.com. The Constitution has basic requirements: A person must be at least 35 years old, be born in the United States and have lived in the United States for at least 14 years. Other candidates have run for office from prison. 'There are examples of felons running for office from jail,' Fergus Cullen, the former chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party told DailyMail.com. 'Former congressman Jim Traficant from Ohio did this and, though he lost, did get significant votes. The current mayor of Bridgeport, CT, Joe Ganim, was mayor, got convicted on corruption charges, did time, and then got elected again as mayor.' CAN TRUMP RUN FOR PRESIDENT FROM PRISON? Answer: Yes - with some unprecedented accommodations There have been presidential candidates who have been on the ballot while serving time. Eugene V. Debs, in 1920, ran as the Socialist presidential candidate while imprisoned in the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary for speaking out against the draft during World War I. His supporters spoke for him, running his campaign and talking to voters. Debs and his running mate Emil Seidel garnered 913,693 votes, but not a single electoral votes. Republican Warren Harding took the white House. Debs' supporters, including film star Mae West, lobbied to get him pardoned. Debs was never pardoned but Harding had him released from prison. Trump, if convicted, could end up in a minimum-security federal prison where he could have some internet access, meaning he could be able to write some posts on Truth Social and communicate via email. 'The Bureau of Prisons has to authorize any requests for special treatment. Depending on where he is housed, probably if incarcerated, it would be a camp or lowest level of security prison and he would have limited access to a phone. Inmates don't have unfettered access to the internet, but can have some access to email. Whether Trump gets greater access or special treatment by BOP remains to be seen if he goes to prison,' former federal prosecutor Joan Meyer said. There is even a small possibility Trump, if convicted, could be sentenced to home arrest, where he would be tracked with an ankle bracelet. Or he could be put in separate housing given that he would have a Secret Service detail and special needs that could qualify him from being incarcerated with the general prison population. 'The exact nature of the housing is speculative at this point but he would likely be housed in an environment in which he would have minimal or no contact with other inmates,' said Tess Lopez, a federal sentencing expert. 'Currently, special housing exists for inmates that need protection such as former law enforcement officers, witness protection inmates, etc. One could speculate that the Bureau of Prisons could use similar measures to protect the former president,' she noted. Otherwise, his campaign staff could handle fund-raising and other campaign activities if he is incarcerated. BUT CAN HE WIN THE PRESIDENCY FROM PRISON? Answer: Yes, but it will be a lot harder Lichtman has correctly predicted the popular vote in each election since 1992. But he told DailyMail.com he has no sense of how Trump campaigning from prison - if the hypothetical scenario comes to pass - affects the race. 'I don't have a key for that,' he said. 'You can't have it in a system that's based on this. We'd be an uncharted territory. ... But just from my knowledge of American politics and American history, I don't believe he can win a general election running from prison. It's, you know, it's such a stigma, particularly if he's imprisoned for undermining our national security or undermining our democracy. Yeah. His base may not crack. Well, I think it may but his base is nowhere near enough to win a general election. He has to expand his face and I don't see how he expands it sitting in prison.' He also said it's best for President Joe Biden to ignore Trump and focus on his own accomplishments in office. 'Presidential elections are basically votes up or down on the strength and performance of the party holding the White House. Governing,' he pointed out, 'what you've done for the American people, and how you are going to continue to doing things for the American people. And if Trump is stuck in jail, just ignore him.' Even if convicted, Trump may not be in prison during the 2024 election. He would be expected to appeal and to stay out of jail during that process. 'I think it's common for people not to have to start serving until the appeals run out,' said UVA Professor of Law Saikrishna Prakash. 'Even if he's convicted, it's not clear to me he's going to be in jail as soon as the conviction is issued because I think he'll appeal.' COULD TRUMP PARDON HIMSELF? Answer: Potentially, but it's unprecedented 'We don't know. That's gonna go to the Supreme Court. Obviously, it'd be a case of first impression. We've never had anything remotely like that,' Lichtman said. But, even if a pardon held, it would only be for the federal cases Jack Smith is overseeing for the Justice Department. The state cases in New York and Georgia will still stand. 'He can try to pardon himself on the federal level but state convictions still stand. There would probably be litigation over whether a President could use his pardon power under the Constitution to pardon himself,' Meyer said. If Trump wins the 2024 election and is appealing a conviction or still facing federal trial, all federal cases would likely stop. The president would name his own attorney general and Trump would likely name someone who would end the federal cases against him. Plus, it's Justice Department policy not to indict or try a sitting president. 'This election may very well be about Donald Trump's personal freedom,' said Ari Fleischer, a longtime Republican strategist, told the Associated Press. 'It's not an exaggeration to say, if convicted, he could be sentenced to prison unless he wins and he uses the levers of justice to reverse it or stop it or drop it.' COULD TRUMP BE REMOVED FROM THE BALLOT? Answer: Possibly The 14th amendment, put in place in the bitter aftermath of the Civil War, states officeholders who have 'engaged in insurrection or rebellion' against the United States are unable to hold federal office. The watchdog organization Citizens For Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has vowed to challenge Trump's candidacy, if he is the nominee, on this count. 'It is as significant of a qualification as all the others,' Donald Sherman, CREW's senior vice-president and chief counsel, said. Still Trump and his team are arguing he had a first amendment right to express his thoughts about the 2020 election. The 14th amendment was used to disqualify Cowboys for Trump' founder Couy Griffin from holding the county commissioner seat he'd be elected to. Griffin was convicted to storming the Capitol during the insurrection. But Trump hasn't been convicted yet and his indictment doesn't mention 'insurrection.' It just accuses Trump of trying to 'exploit' the violence by continuing to push to stop the certification of Joe Biden's victory. WOULD BIDEN PARDON TRUMP? Answer: Only Joe can answer that Gerald Ford famously pardoned Richard Nixon to help the nation move on. Would President Joe Biden do the same for Donald Trump? Only he can answer that question. But if Trump was convicted, ran for president and one, would Biden pardon him to allow the will of the people stand and the transition process to move forward? 'Practically speaking, that would make a lot of sense because you think he's gonna be president anyway,' Prakash said. 'There's transition things that have to get done. It might be easier for him to do them if he's not in prison. And it might be magnanimous for Biden to do that. I'm not sure he would do it because it's going to be a bitter election. And you know, Trump's not going to be soft on him now.' COULD TRUMP VOTE FOR HIMSELF IN THE 2024 ELECTION IF CONVICTED? Answer: Probably not. Trump is registered to vote in Florida, where convicted felons don't have the right to vote. Many felons in Florida regain voting rights after completing their full sentence, including parole or probation, and paying all fines and fees. But it is highly unlikely that Trump, if convicted, would have time to complete his sentence before Election Day. Trump still owns property in New York and could switch his voting registration there. New York allows felons to vote while on parole or probation. But, they are still disenfranchised while in prison. This means there is a scenario where Trump is on the ballot in 2024 but unable to vote for himself. Naftali, the researcher and presidential historian at Columbia, said there is more at stake than Donald Trump's prison record. He said the case is about 'whether there are real consequences for trying to overturn a presidential election. That's a very, very important test. Because if there are no consequences for powerful people in attempting what Trump and his co-conspirators allegedly attempted, then we'll see this again.' 'And we'll not just see it at the federal level. We will see it at the state level. We will see people planting lies about the stability and trustworthiness of our electoral system. And that will be poisonous for any democracy. It'll be very poisonous for the United States. And that's what's at stake here.' He was recalled to prison in 2019 after being released for having secret phones Mohammed Uddin jailed for seven years after going to Syria to fight with ISIS A British Islamic State terrorist will have to be released in days despite still being considered a potential risk to the public. Mohammed Uddin, then 30, was jailed in 2016 for seven-years after pleading guilty to trying to join ISIS in Syria. The former security guard, from Barking in Essex, now aged 37, traveled through Turkey to join his terror heroes in Syria but then tried to sneak back into Britain when he became disillusioned with jihadi life and was arrested. He was later freed from jail on licence in December 2019 but recalled to prison in February 2023 - for having two secret phones and a tablet Police who went to his home with a search warrant reported 'he was found in possession of two smartphones and an electronic tablet,' breaching his Parole Board release license. Mohammed Uddin, then 30, was jailed in 2016 for seven-years after pleading guilty to trying to join ISIS in Syria Under Parole Board rules, the decision must be reviewed to decide whether it was legitimate or whether it should be overturned. The Parole Board conducted a paper review of Uddin's case - looking at his prison files and written reports from prison officials and psychiatrists - before making a decision on the 10th May 2023. The summary of the Parole Board's review, seen by MailOnline, states: 'Mr Uddin had not declared these (the phones and tablet) and was in breach of his licence. It was also discovered that he had not been honest with probation about events in his life. 'Mr Uddin does not dispute his recall and the panel was satisfied that the decision to recall him to custody at this time had been appropriate.' It adds: 'If not released by the panel, Mr Uddin would otherwise be released at the end of his sentence in August 2023.' The report concludes: 'After considering the circumstances of his offending, his time on licence and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.' A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Mohammed Uddin following a paper review. 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.' Uddin was stopped by counter terrorism officers at Gatwick Airport (pictured) when he returned to Britain on December 22, who believed he was involved in terrorist-related activity and found extremist material in his possession Despite Uddin being labelled 'a danger to the public' in May, the government is powerless to prevent him being automatically released at the end of his sentence this month. The former security guard, from Barking in Essex, now aged 37, was handed a determinant sentence when he was jailed, where the court sets a fixed length for the time to be spent behind bars. As a result, he will have to be released in August. It is not known whether there are any police notification orders placed on Uddin restricting his movements or people he can contact. Chris Phillips, former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, told MailOnline:'The government needs to urgently review and change the automatic release of terrorism prisoners. It is not safe, they are not safe, they are a danger to the public.' READ MORE: British ISIS fighter who called himself 'Supaman' but returned to UK because Syria was too cold is jailed for seven years Advertisement At his trial it emerged that Uddin had travelled to Syria on November 4, 2015 intending to join ISIS and fight with them. On December 12, 2015, Uddin crossed the border back into Turkey where he was held by the authorities because he did not have any travel documents. He was stopped by counter terrorism officers at Gatwick Airport when he returned to Britain on December 22, who believed he was involved in terrorist-related activity and found extremist material in his possession. Uddin, who had earlier boasted it was 'p*** easy' to cross the border from Turkey into Syria, quickly became disillusioned with life in the Middle East. He was in touch with a friend in Britain who had been ready to join him when police raided his home in Bedford. Less than two weeks after he left Britain, Uddin messaged his friend saying: 'Lol bro, it's soo easy to get in man, especially during the day, alhamdulillah, we walked in, no running bro. Don't worry inshallah, don't stress about getting in here. It's p*** easy [sic]'. He went on: 'When u cross over, the mens maqqa [residence] is shared and tough man, especially with this weather. I wud recommend good trainers u can wear/take off [sic]. 'Keep your thermals close buy too. Trust me, u will be thankful. I suggest u prepare urself by using cold water for everything too and be ready for stinky shared toilets, not clean lol [laughs out loud]. 'U need to get used to the cold water and no electricity. Everyday use cold water, u will probably get your first shower when u get to your mudhafa [annex]. The house u stay in before the muaskar [training camp]. It's tough bro lol, A LOT of patience is required [sic]. 'Start eating small amounts of food to get used to it, because u will be sharing your food as soon as u arrive. Bland food btw lol, inshallah it will be better when u get to mudhafa. Also u need to decide where u wana get placed. Alhamdulillah. I chose Halab [Aleppo]. We're placed in Menbej, small town, no action, just normal life alhamdulillah [sic].' The wannabe terrorist also complained how he could not get to the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa as there was 'high demand and not enough places'. He added: 'If ur planning on going to Raqqa as a singleton FORGET it [sic]'. In response to that, his friend inquired as to where the best place to go was, adding: 'Esp where I can get istishadi [martyrdom] quick timeWallah [I swear], it's my dream [sic].' By this time, Uddin had grown disillusioned with life in Syria and told him: 'I wanna get out of here now. I've had enuff. Lol, this isn't the jihad or system we thought we'd like to see [sic].' On November 19, 2015, the man asked Uddin: 'So wat u up 2 in Sham? Just munchin, toileting and sleeping, lol?' To that, Uddin complained they had taken his passport and 'electricals' from him until he passed training. On November 26, he wrote: 'I've been here 20 days doing absolutely jack [nothing].' When his friend tried to reassure him, he sent a message a week later saying: 'Still going round in circles. Had a fat argument with some planks 2 days ago. Bro trust me, here is not how u think it is. Inshallah you will see for yourself so called mujahideen [sic].' He did, though, boast of having fired a machine gun at two different rebel groups while on the 'ribbath' (front lines). Uddin left Britain on November 4 and entered Syria through Turkey three days later. He had worked as a security guard at a company based in Knightsbridge. He lived in Ilford with his parents and family and was separated from his wife, who was pregnant with their child when he left for Syria. On December 3, 2015 he messaged her saying he was considering running away from ISIS. On December 12, Uddin was detained by the Turkish police close to the Syrian border without a passport. He claimed he was staying at hotels in Istanbul until December 8, when he realised he had lost his passport and was told to go to the British Embassy in Ankara. He said he had caught a bus to Ankara with his Norwegian girlfriend but they had both fallen asleep, waking in the early hours of the morning in Gazientep, near the Syrian border. Pleading guilty at Woolwich Crown Court, Uddin accepted the account he gave was false and he had in fact travelled to Syria, where he was required to hand over his passport. He pleaded guilty to preparing acts of terrorism by attempting to travel to Syria under section 5(1) of the Terrorism Act 2006. Annabel Darlow QC, prosecuting, said at the time: 'Within a relatively short period after his arrival in Syria, he expressed discontentment regarding the slowness of progress in reaching a training camp and disillusionment with the prevailing system in Syria. 'The defendant also experienced pressure to return to the United Kingdom, where his wife awaited the birth of their child. 'His plans to return to the United Kingdom may have been slowed by the fact that his passport had been confiscated from him. 'Whilst the defendant chose to return to the United Kingdom, some of his messages indicate an intention to return at some future point to Syria.' Assistant Chief Constable Laura Nicholson, the head of counter-terrorism across the South East, said after the sentence: 'Uddin's purpose of travel was to join Daesh and engage in terrorist activity. 'Anyone intending to travel to Syria or Iraq to fight or to commit terrorist acts against the UK or our interests should be in no doubt that the police will take the strongest possible action against them. 'Returning foreign fighters pose a threat to the UK and we also have a responsibility to protect UK interests around the world. 'Preventing travel to Syria is a key part of keeping the British public safe whether they are at home and overseas. Sue Hemming, Head of Special Crime and Counter Terrorism at the CPS, said in 2016: 'Mohammed Uddin left the UK to travel to Syria intending to join Daesh (ISIS) and take part in acts of terrorism. 'It was very clear from the conversations recovered from electrical devices that Uddin had meticulously planned his trip so that he would be able to get to Syria undetected. 'Online searches had been carried out relating to 'Islamic state fighting', which strongly implied a more sinister purpose to his trip - rather than a holiday as he had previously claimed.' A Mexican fast food joint has opened which is a complete knock-off of California's beloved In-N-Out. The burger restaurant in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, has gone viral on social media due to its resemblance to the iconic west coast chain, and its cheeky name 'In-I-Nout'. The knock-off restaurant boasts most of the In-N-Out features that burger fans can find in the US, including red booths and trays, Americana-inspired decor and a yellow arrow on its sign. It also serves many of the same dishes at the original restaurant, including double-double burgers and fries topped with grilled onions and special sauce. Viral social media videos of the restaurant, which is located off a highway outside Culiacan city, show the walls adorned with 1950s pictures, including Coca Cola and old-school diner posters. The knock-off restaurant features most of the In-N-Out features that burger fans can find in the US, including red booths and trays and similar menu items The burger restaurant in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, has gone viral on social media due to its cheeky name 'In-I-Nout' According to its social media posts, the Mexican restaurant also serves double burgers with bacon, brioche buns and 'aderezo de la casa' - or house dressing, However In-I-Nout also features some items on its menu which are not available at its American counterpart, including BBQ and Buffalo chicken wings. It is not clear if In-I-Nout is temporary or a permanent business and the restaurant did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. A spokesperson for In-N-Out declined to comment 'due to ongoing litigation,' suggesting that the knock-off may be facing a legal dispute with the California-based chain. In-N-Out was founded in 1948. For decades, the burger chain did not expand beyond Los Angeles County, and the first restaurant outside of California did not open until 2000. Viral social media videos show the restaurant, which is located off a highway outside Culiacan city, Mexico Viral social media videos of the restaurant show the walls adorned with 1950s pictures and complete with red booths Earlier this year, however, it was announced to great fanfare that the chain would be opening a corporate office in Tennessee, as well as multiple restaurants by 2026. The move to the state is the most-eastward expansion yet for the company, whose current eastward most state is Texas. It's a change of tune for In-N-Out, whose president once said they didn't plan to expand any further towards the east coast in her lifetime. The company's owner, Lynsi Snyder, said in 2018 in an interview with Forbes she believed putting restaurants in every state would take away 'some of its luster.' 'I dont see us stretched across the whole US I dont see us in every state. Take Texas - draw a line up and just stick to the left. Thats in my lifetime,' Snyder said. In-I-Nout also features a yellow arrow on its sign, much like the original California-based chain In-N-Out announced earlier this year that it would be opening a corporate office in Tennessee, as well as multiple restaurants by 2026 Lynsi Snyder is the owner and president of In-N-Out and is the sole granddaughter of the company's founders Announcing the news of the unexpected move earlier this year, Snyder, who is the sole granddaughter of Harry and Esther Snyder, the company's founders, said: 'We are very excited to provide Tennesseans with our quality burgers, fries and shakes. 'In every decision I make, I always consider what my family would want. I have no doubt that my grandparents, dad and uncle would be proud of this decision to grow our Associate family and serve even more amazing Customers beginning in Nashville and the surrounding areas.' In-N-Out currently has around 385 locations across California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Colorado and Texas. Two of the six Mississippi 'Goon Squad' police officers who brutally assaulted two black men while searching a house have been pictured in mugshots a day after pleading guilty. The group, who are all white, admitted to assaulting Michael Corey Jenkins, 32, and Eddie Terrell Parker, 35, after entering a house in Braxton, Simpson County, for around 90 minutes on January 24 with sex toys, firearms, stun guns, milk, eggs, alcohol and chocolate syrup. On Friday, mugshots of Joshua Hartfield and Brett McAlpin were released by the Forrest County Adult Detention Center. It was McAlpin who received a phone call from a white neighbor on January 24, complaining that two black men were staying with a white woman inside a Braxton home. McAlpin told Deputy Christian Dedmon, who texted a group of white deputies so willing to use excessive force they called themselves 'The Goon Squad,' which included Hartfield. On Friday, mugshots of Joshua Hartfield (pictured left) and Brett McAlpin (pictured right) were released by the Forrest County Adult Detention Center. They are two of the six Mississippi 'Goon Squad' police officers who brutally assaulted two black men while searching a house 'Are y'all available for a mission?' Dedmon asked. They - Dedmon, Hartfield, Hunter Elward, Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke - were all in. The former cops, who worked for Rankin County Sheriff's department and Richland Police Department at the time of the shocking incident, appeared in a federal court and pleaded guilty on Thursday after the civil rights charges were unsealed. The men were huddled on the back porch of a Mississippi home as Michael Corey Jenkins lay on the floor, blood gushing from his mutilated tongue where one of the police officers shoved a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. The officers devised a scheme to cover up dozens of stunning acts of brutality that they had just carried out during a 90-minute period of terror against Jenkins and Parker. The officers planted drugs. They stole surveillance footage from the house. They tried to dispose of other evidence. They agreed on a set of lies that would further upend their victims' lives. Careful to avoid security cameras at the house, they burst in without a warrant, starting the torture session of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. They handcuffed Jenkins and his friend Parker and poured milk, alcohol and chocolate syrup over their faces. They forced them to strip naked and shower together to conceal the mess. They mocked the victims with racial slurs. They electrocuted them. The officers had meant to torture the men without leaving physical scars. But one of the officers shot Jenkins in the mouth. Miraculously, Jenkins survived. Michael Corey Jenkins (pictured) was tortured alongside his friend Eddie Terrell Parker for around 90 minutes in a home belonging to a friend of Parker's Parker told how on the night in question, the deputies suddenly came into the home where Parker was living and proceeded to handcuff and beat them The six cops are facing a combined total of 590 years and two life sentences for their sickening crimes. They will be sentenced in November by a federal judge The Department of Justice began investigating the sick and twisted cops, who spent 90 minutes torturing two men in last January, in February The six officers pleaded guilty Thursday to a long list of federal civil rights charges. The Mississippi attorney general's office announced afterward that it had filed state charges against the men including assault, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Law enforcement officers are seldom charged for crimes committed on the job, and it's rarer still for them to plead guilty. The charges follow an investigation that linked some of the deputies to at least four violent encounters with black men since 2019 that left two dead and another with lasting injuries. They pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy against rights, obstructions of justice, deprivation of rights under color of law, discharge of a firearm under a crime of violence, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Opdyke 'admits he was wrong for his part in the horrific harms' and 'is prepared to face the consequences of his actions,' attorney Jason Kirschberg said in a statement. Hartfields attorney Vicki Gilliam said while he 'cannot change what he did, he has shown that he is ready to accept consequences.' Attorneys for the other men did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Jenkins said one of the deputies shoved a gun in his mouth and then fired the weapon, leaving him with serious injuries to his face, a lacerated tongue and broken jaw. He was hospitalized for weeks A deputy placed the barrel of a gun in Jenkins' mouth, it fired and the bullet exited behind one of his ears Michael Jenkins, second from right, stands with his mother, Mary Jenkins, center, and their attorneys in February following his release from the hospital after being shot by sheriff's The families of Michael Corey Jenkins and Damien Cameron sit together during the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division tour An anti-police brutality activist looks back at the entrance to the Rankin County Sheriff's Office in Brandon The deputies were under the watch of Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, who called it the worst episode of police brutality he has seen in his career. In Rankin County, the brutality visited upon Jenkins and Parker was not a botched police operation, but an assembly of rogue officers 'who tortured them all under the authority of a badge, which they disgraced,' U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca said. The county is just east of the state capital, Jackson, home to one of the highest percentages of Black residents of any major U.S. city. A towering monument topped by a Confederate soldier stands across the street from the Rankin County sheriffs office. Federal court records detail how they burst into the home without a warrant and tortured Jenkins and Parker before the shooting. As Jenkins lay bleeding, the officers knew the 'mission' had gone too far. Instead of coming clean, they devised a hasty cover-up that included a fictitious narcotics bust, stolen surveillance footage and threats. The officers warned Jenkins and Parker to 'stay out of Rankin County and go back to Jackson or `their side of the Pearl River,' court documents say, referencing an area with higher concentrations of Black residents. Kristen Clarke, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said the trauma 'is magnified because the misconduct was fueled by racial bias and hatred workers.' After Dedmon summoned 'The Goon Squad,' the officers crept around the ranch-style home to avoid a surveillance camera. They kicked down the carport door and burst inside without a warrant. Jermicha Fomby, special agent in charge of the FBI Jackson field office, speaks to reporters U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, speaks to reporters after six white former law enforcement officers in Mississippi pleaded guilty Opdyke found a sex toy, which he mounted on a nearby BB gun and forced into Parker's mouth. Dedmon tried to sexually assault Jenkins with the toy. The officers electrocuted the victims with stun guns, comparing whose weapons were more powerful. Elward forced Jenkins to his knees for a 'mock execution,' intending to fire the gun without a bullet. But it was loaded, and discharged, cutting Jenkins tongue, breaking his jaw and exiting through his neck. As Jenkins bled on the floor, the officers devised a cover story for investigators: Elward brought Jenkins into a side room to stage a drug bust over the phone and said Jenkins reached for a gun when he was released from handcuffs. Middleton offered to plant an unregistered gun, but Elward said he would use the BB gun. Dedmon volunteered to plant methamphetamine he had received from an informant. Prosecutors in Rankin County initially went with the officers and charged Jenkins with a felony based on the methamphetamine. They later dropped the charges. Opdyke put one of Elward's shell casings in a water bottle and threw it into tall grass nearby. Hartfield removed the hard drive from the home's surveillance system and later tossed it in a creek. Afterward, McAlpin and Middleton made a promise: They would kill any of the officers who told the truth about what happened. The officers kept quiet as pressure mounted from a Justice Department civil rights probe. One of them came forward in June, Sheriff Bailey said. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice, Kristen Clarke, left, addresses reporters Bailey on Thursday said he was lied to and only learned the truth when he read unsealed court documents. Deputies McAlpin and Elward, had worked under Bailey for years and had been sued several times for alleged misconduct. The sheriff said the deputies had violated existing body camera rules by not wearing them when in uniform. He promised to mandate body cameras be turned on with fewer exceptions and said he was open to more federal oversight. He also called the officers 'criminals,' echoing federal prosecutors. 'Now, they'll be treated as the criminals they are,' U.S. Attorney LaMarca said. A Florida deputy was filmed making a daring jump to board a runaway speedboat that had been traveling roughly 41 mph after its driver fell off. Footage taken this past Sunday showed the quick-thinking deputy's bravery - and ability to channel his inner swashbuckler by both boarding and stopping the wayward vessel. Identified as Deputy Travis Fernandes - an officer with the Pinellas County Sheriff Office's Marine and Environmental Lands Unit - the man managed to stick the landing after he and a partner responded to a distress call off the west-central coast. The call came from the US Coast Guard, who asked for assistance with the runaway vessel. Officials said the driver, who was not named, was rescued by a bystander, but that the Coast Guard was unable to stop the boat. Video released by the Sheriff's Office showed how the deputy succeeded where they failed, with his boat seen racing alongside the empty one. In the Facebook Reel showing Fernandes' stunt, officers fittingly overlaid the 1984 Van Halen tune 'Jump'. A Florida deputy was filmed making a daring jump to board a runaway speedboat that had been traveling roughly 41 mph after its driver fell off. Footage taken this past Sunday showed the quick-thinking deputy's bravery - and ability to channel his inner swashbuckler 'The Coast Guard attempted to deploy prop fowling devices to stop the vessel but they were unsuccessful,' the sheriff's office said of the incident. The office went on to describe how Ferndandes' partner, Deputy Constant, intercepted the runaway vessel - 'by matching its speed (about 41 mph).' Deputy Travis Fernandes with the Pinellas County Sheriff Office's Marine Unit managed to stick the landing - after he and a partner responded to a Coast Guard distress call off the west-central coast This maneuver, the department said, allowed 'Deputy Fernandes to leap aboard and take control of the vessel,' eventually bringing it to a stop. Referencing the heart-pounding footage, the sheriff's office went on to add: 'And yes, Deputy Fernandes does his own stunts.' The office captured the caper thanks to the officer's body cam. Towards the start of the clip, the two boats can be seen traveling parallel to each other, with Constant seen accelerating to keep up. Eventually, the officers' boat pulls within a few feet of the phantom vessel, to the point where the two are seen nearly touching each other. 'You got it, I don't care about getting wet, you got it,' Fernandes is heard telling his partner as he eyes the gap between the boats. Then, seemingly without a moment's hesitation, Fernandes makes the leap, and slows the boat to a stop The deputy and the Coast Guard were then seen cooperating to untangle a line that got wrapped up in the boat's propeller during its unplanned voyage - at which point many being marvel at what the deputy had just done. 'Is anything caught up in there?' a Coast Guard member is heard asking Fernandes, now aboard the other vessel. The office captured the caper thanks to the officer's body cam Towards the start of the clip, the two boats can be seen traveling parallel to each other, with Constant seen accelerating to keep up. Eventually, the officers' boat pulls within a few feet of the phantom vessel, to the point where the two are seen nearly touching each other 'I think I just did, I didn't even know there was a line back there. Oh yeah I just wrapped 'em up good,' he responds, surprisingly calm given the stunt he just pulled. Another Coast Guard member goes on to quip: 'That's what we needed like 45 minutes ago.' The joke earns laughs from the deputy and the other officers on the scene. Costant is then heard hailing her partner for his actions - telling him 'good job' - though Fernandes, who only joined the force in 2021, appeared to brush off the praise. As a true hero would, he instead compliments his fellow deputy on her driving. During the back-and-forth, a Coast Guard member is heard saying: 'That was pretty bad a**.' Then, seemingly without a moment's hesitation, Fernandes makes the leap Once on the boat, Ferndandes - who has only been on the force for two years - was able to bring it to a stop. The driver was rescued by an unnamed 'good Samaritan' After the orddeal, Fernandes' partner Deputy Costant is heard hailing her partner for his heroics - telling him 'good job' - though Fernandes, who only joined the force in 2021, appeared to brush off the praise. A Coast Guard member is then heard saying: 'That was pretty bad a**' As for the fate of the male driver, cops said he fell off the boat, though did not specify how. In a statement, they revealed that it was a 'good Samaritan' who rescued him, the sheriff's office said. Coast Guard efforts to stop the boat by deploying propeller ensnaring devices failed, the sheriff's office said. 'Always connect your kill switch lanyard,' the office wrote alongside the video, referring to another way that could have stopped the boat. Middle-class teenagers could miss out on places in top universities that are increasingly awarding places to foreign students, experts have warned. The number of placements for higher-paying international students at Russell Group universities have swelled at a faster rate than for domestic students. Universities have found they can fill holes in their budgets using lofty fees of up to 40,000 a year paid by foreign students, The Times reports. The newspaper revealed that at some Russell Group universities, the number of international students had risen by a percentage more than four times that of home students in the past eight years. Experts say that middle-class students could be the hardest-hit, as institutions ringfence their intake of disadvantaged students while also increasing the numbers coming from overseas. Overseas students are surpassing British teenagers in gaining entry to some of the country's elite universities, leaving many clambering for places when A-level results are announced this week Nick Hillman, director of the think-tank Higher Education Policy Institute, said the declining value of tuition fees was leading to 'back door' cap on university places. He said: 'There's a real squeeze going on middle-class students because universities want to increase their number of disadvantaged students and they also want international students because of the money they bring in. 'And so this hits the middle class. Disadvantaged applicants have a bit of a protection against all of this because universities are keen, quite rightly, to have more disadvantaged students.' Placements for UK students at Oxford and Southampton universities dropped between 2015 and last year, while places for international students in the same institutions rose, according to data from the Higher Education Statistics Authority (Hesa). International students took up 25 per cent places at Russell Group universities in England last year, rising from 16 per cent between 2012 and 2017. At two of the capital's universities, LSE and University College London, international students account for over half of undergraduates. Universities are relying on international students to subsidise expensive courses and the cost of teaching a student rises above the 9,250 cap set by the government. Professor Chris Husbands, vice-chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said flat home student fees were plunging universities into crisis. In 2022 for the first time, four in ten UK applicants were turned away from the two most esteemed universities - Oxford and Cambridge (pictured: Cambridge University) 'It is now the case that growing international students faster than home students is one of the ways we can address that funding gap,' he said. 'However, the number of UK 18-year-olds is also increasing, by about 15 per cent, so we are heading into a really difficult period where the core of the problem is how we fund UK undergraduates.' Business and management is reportedly the most popular subject for international students by a significant degree, with some 217,000 students coming to Britain each year to study it. Other in-demand courses are engineering and technology, computing and medical subjects. A Department for Education spokesman said that 75 per cent of attendees at Russell Group Universities were home students and added this had increased in recent years. The figure covered the years of 2019 to 2022, which were affected by the pandemic. The spokesman added: 'To support our world-class higher education sector, were providing around 750 million of extra funding over three years to support universities to invest in world-class facilities and offer more high-quality courses, supported by our taxpayer-backed student finance system.' Oregon 'kidnapper' Negasi Zuberi appeared on Judge Judy using an alias where his ex was ordered to pay him $2,500 for hurling a glass bottle at him. Appearing on the show, Zuberi used the alias Justin Hythe, one of many listed by the FBI during a press conference on Wednesday. The episode referenced him moving from California to New York, two of the places the FBI said Zuberi, 29, lived in over the past decade. Zuberi was arrested on July 16 after kidnapping a woman in Seattle and holding her captive in a cinderblock cell in his Oregon home. He's also been linked to at least four violent sexual assaults in four other states. He is also said to have 'threatened to kill the mom of his kids' three years before being arrested July 16. Appearing on the popular show under the name Justin Hyche, Zuberi had used one of the aliases issued by the FBI Zuberi was arrested after a woman escaped a cinderblock cell he'd held her captive in under his Oregon rental On the Judge Judy episode, Zuberi sued the mother of his children, Alycia Westfall for throwing a glass bottle at him as well as damaging his suits with bleach. At the time of the episode, which originally aired in September 2018, the two had been living separately and sharing custody of their sons. Westfall countersued Zuberi for smashing her cell phone and filing a 'false restraining order.' The episode ended with Judge Judy ordering Westfall to pay Zuberi $2,500 in damages. Years later, the alleged kidnapper fled to Reno, Nevada, where he was arrested by state police one day after a woman, who has not yet been identified, escaped a cinder block prison he's claimed to have constructed and held her captive in. The woman was kidnapped July 15 just after midnight, sexually assaulted and driven more than seven hours away, according to a criminal complaint. Hidden in the makeshift cell, the woman slept and awoke with the realization she would likely die if she didn't attempt to escape. She broke down the door leaving her hands bloodied. On the Judge Judy episode, Zuberi sued the mother of his children, Alycia Westfall for throwing a glass bottle at him as well as damaging his suits with bleach Westfall countersued Zuberi for smashing her cell phone and filing a 'false restraining order' FBI released eerie photos of the tiny quarters in which he'd held her captive. 'She beat the door with her hands until they were bloody in order to break free,' Klamath Police Captain Rob Reynolds said at a press conference Wednesday. 'Her quick-thinking and will to survive may have saved other women from a similar nightmare.' On July 15, Zuberi is said to have traveled from his Klamath Falls rental to Seattle where he solicited the woman for prostitution along Aurora Ave - a known area for prostitution, according to court documents. The woman told cops that Zuberi told her he was an undercover cop before he showed her a badge. He pointed a stun gun at her placed her in the backseat of his car after he'd handcuffed and put leg irons on her. Zuberi drove more than seven hours to his home in Klamatha Falls only to stop when he 'pulled his vehicle over and forced [the victim] to perform both oral and vaginal sex.' After being placed in this cell, the victim 'briefly slept and awoke to the realization that she would likely die if she did not attempt to escape' The woman miraculously escaped a cinder block cell after she was kidnapped in Seattle by a man posing as an undercover cop and driven more than seven hours away The affidavit said that 'Zuberi attempted to have anal sex with the [victim] but stopped after [the victim] pleaded for him not to do it.' When they arrived, Zuberi put his captor into the cell - he said he was leaving to do paperwork. The woman 'briefly slept and awoke to the realization that she would likely die if she did not attempt to escape,' according to the arrest affidavit. She started punching the metal door and broke some of its welded joints, creating a small opening which she climbed through. The victim saw Zuberi's vehicle parked in the garage, opened it, grabbed his gun and then took off. She left behind blood on a wooden fence that she'd climbed over to escape, before flagging down a passing driver, who called 911. According to the complaint, investigators interviewed Zuberi's wife and neighbors. Zuberi fled the rental home in Klamath Falls to Reno, Nevada where he was arrested by state police a day later They would not say if there was any indication that any of them had been aware of the Seattle woman's abduction. When Zuberi was arrested by Nevada State Patrol officers in a Walmart parking lot the day after he fled, he was with his wife and at least one of his children. It remains unclear how many children he has. When he was approached by the officers, he refused to exit his car, started cutting himself with a sharp object and tried to destroy his phone. Investigators said that when they searched Zuberi's home and garage, they found the makeshift cell, the woman's purse and handwritten notes. One of the notes was titled 'Operation Take Over,' and included a bullet point list with entries that read 'Leave phone at home' and 'Make sure they don't have a bunch of ppl (sic) in their life. You don't want any type of investigation.' Another handwritten document appeared to include a rough sketch for an underground structure using concrete blocks, foam insulation and waterproof concrete. The FBI is now probing whether Zuberi may have had any other victims. They are also investigating whether he may have used other methods of gaining control of women, including drugging their drinks. The agency said it was setting up a website asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim to come forward. The Klamath Falls rental home where Zuberi allegedly took the woman is owned by the city's mayor, Carol Westfall, and her husband, Kevin, according to property records Another handwritten document appeared to include a rough sketch for an underground structure using concrete blocks, foam insulation and waterproof concrete Investigators said that when they searched Zuberi's home and garage, they found the makeshift cell, the woman's purse and handwritten notes According to the FBI, Zuberi has lived in multiple states since 2016, possibly including California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada. He went by a number of different names including Justin Joshua Hyche, Sakima Zuberi and Justin Kouassi. In July 2020, a woman who has not been identified as she may be a victim of domestic abuse, filed a petition for a domestic violence restraining order against one of the aliases 'Justin Kouassi.' 'He physically attacks me, he hits me, he brakes (sic) and throws things, he screams at the kids and me... we get woken up every night from him being drunk and loud and scares us,' the court document filed to the Contra Costa County, California and obtained by NBC read. It remains unclear whether the order was issued or the case dropped. The document does however state that as September 2020 appearance was dropped from the court calendar. The alleged 2020 victim also made claims that Zuberi took her phone to keep her from calling the police and took her money as a form of financial abuse. The document also claims that the two children she alleged to have had with Zuberi are 'scared of him.' Government investigators believe a series of properties worth millions were bought with funds allegedly stolen from the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The federal government's Fusion Taskforce is investigating whether three key suspects used NDIS funds to buy seven properties worth more than $8.3million. The properties in Sydney's west and south-west were raided last month as part of the force's investigation into an alleged criminal network that was claimed more than $28million through the NDIS. The suspects are being investigated for allegedly 'skimming' NDIS from genuine recipients without their knowledge, giving false invoices for services that weren't provided and claiming NDIS payments for people without a disability. NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said he was stunned by the 'depravity of degenerates stealing from profoundly disabled Australians to purchase McMansions with koi ponds, saunas and games rooms'. The federal government's Fusion Taskforce is investigating whether three key suspects used NDIS funds to buy seven properties worth more than $8.3million (one above) 'If we find any property purchased by stealing from the NDIS we will recover any money that we possibly can,' he told the Saturday Telegraph. 'We have kids in Australia who are quadriplegics who need 24-hour assistance just to eat, breathe, wash themselves, but instead we have people taking their money. 'I don't want NDIS participants to be the fall guys. 'Thank goodness we have established the fraud Fusion Taskforce because if we hadn't, people would still be plotting schemes to take money meant for those people. 'Crime against the NDIS scheme is a gutless crime.' One of the suspects, who was targeted in the first raid on July 2, owns two properties in western Sydney worth more than $2.5million. One property is a lavish four-bedroom home valued at $1.2million with a heated in-ground pool, large barbecuing area, spa bathroom, games room and CCTV security. The other property is a $1.425million four-bedroom home. The second suspect, a 'close associate' of the first, owns a six-bedroom, four-bathroom property worth $1.4million in Sydney's south-west. The properties (one above) in Sydney were raided last month as part of the investigation into an alleged criminal network that was claimed more than $28million through the NDIS They allegedly spent almost $150,000 renovating the home which also has a detached granny flat. The two suspects have been involved in almost 20 different businesses, including a registered charity, allegedly under variations of their names. Another suspect who owns several homes valued at almost $3.5million was raided two weeks ago. He is allegedly the director, shareholder and secretary of 14 different companies - all of which are registered under variations of his name. One of his properties was bought a year ago for $1.375million which was set to be developed and turned into accommodation for NDIS participants. The accommodation proposal was described as a 'money-making machine'. Another of his assets, a six-bedroom mansion, was valued at $1.28million while an associate of his, who is also under investigation, owns an $800,000 property. Specialists will examine the purchases of the homes by scouring through documents and electronic records. Specialists will examine the purchases of the homes (one above) by combing through documents and electronic records It's understood investigators are working hard to find the extent of the suspects' alleged fraud and track down evidence to support criminal prosecution. Future charges could include tax fraud, money laundering and dealing with the proceeds of crime. If found guilty, the suspects could face decades behind bars. Incredible satellite images show how Lake Powell has risen by 44 feet in recent months due to historic winter storms after years of punishing droughts. Sitting at the border of Utah and Arizona, the reservoir is part of a system that supplies water to 40 million people in multiple western states, and through the Glen Canyon Dam, supplies power for more than five million people. Earlier this year, experts said it was unlikely to refill for another 50 years after hitting its lowest level in decades due to droughts. Over the past year, however, Lake Powell has risen by about 43.85 feet, with photos from the European Space Agency's Copernicus SENTINAL-2 satellites capturing the dramatic rise. The elevation of the reservoir changed from 3520.81 feet to 3584.02 feet about a 64-foot difference, according to the Lake Powell Water Database. Incredible satellite images show how Lake Mead, which was considered headed for disastrously low levels of water, has risen by 44 feet in recent months due to historic winter storms. Here, the difference is shown between imaging taken on March 18 (pictured left) and July 16 (pictured right) The rise in water levels has been credited to an historic winter season of storms, where snow was at 160 percent of its normal levels and melted into dams that flowed into the Colorado River, according to ABC 4. Snow levels broke 40-year-old records in Utah, with a snow water equivalent of 30 inches, which began just before the satellite began photographing the time lapse. The amount of snow allowed the United States Bureau of Reclamation to unleash water through the Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell, which helped the downriver Lake Mead. The down side is that a summer featuring drastic heat waves has seen the water levels lower again. Both lakes are colossal in size - Lake Mead can store more than 27 million acre-feet of water, and Lake Powell up to 25 million acre-feet of water - but experts surmise that both gargantuan lakes will not fill up again- anytime soon. Based on the low levels of Lake Mead and Lake Powell, Brad Udall, a water and climate scientist at Colorado State University told The Los Angeles Times he would estimate that refilling the reservoirs would take roughly six consecutive extremely wet years, with water flows similar to those in 2011. 'We'd need six years like that to refill this system, in a row, based on current operating rules,' Udall said. 'And I just don't see that even being remotely possible.' The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada was significant in Northern California, but those storms did not make much of an impact on the long term mega drought the Colorado River Basin is having. The Colorado River Basin is a critical source of supplies for Southern California. This satellite image from May 17 shows the impact of winter storms on Lake Powell Earlier this year, experts said it was unlikely to refill for another 50 years after hitting its lowest level in decades due to droughts The rise in the water levels at Lake Powell can be attributed to the historic 2022/23 winter season A bathtub ring seen above the waterline around Lake Powell was created during drought that reduced the flow of the Colorado River on April 15, 2023 in Lake Powell During the 1980s and 1990s, Lake Mead located on the Arizona-Nevada border and formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River was filled. In 2000, the lake was nearly at maximum capacity, but a massive drought over the decades has left the river in crisis. Scientists contend a water deficit over the last 23 years has seen Lake Mead a staggering 70 percent empty. Udall, who has co-authored research demonstrating how warming is depleting the river's flows and told The Los Angeles Times 'to think that these things would ever refill requires some kind of leap of faith that I, for one, don't have.' 'The last 23 years are the best lessons we have right now, and they should scare the pants off of people,' he said. Lake Powell, located in northern Arizona and stretching up into Southern Utah, has declined to just 23 percent of full capacity and is approaching a point where Glen Canyon Dam would no longer generate power, the news outlet reported. Although this winter has already seen the Rocky Mountains hit with an above-average snowpack, scientists and water officials believe that those in the Colorado River Basin need to prepare for low reservoir levels for years to come. Lake Powell, located in northern Arizona and stretching up into Southern Utah, has declined to just 23 percent of full capacity and is approaching a point where Glen Canyon Dam would no longer generate power Although this winter has already seen the Rocky Mountains hit with an above-average snowpack, scientists and water officials believe that those in the Colorado River Basin need to prepare for low reservoir levels for years to come While others believe that the river's major reservoirs will not refill in 'our lifetimes,' the news outlet reported. Bill Hasencamp, manager of Colorado River resources for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California told SFGate that in the 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s there was less 'demand for water.' 'There was no Central Arizona Project, there was no Southern Nevada Water Authority, there was not nearly as much use in the Upper [Colorado River] Basin,' he said. 'So the water use was low. So that filled up storage.' He said demand for water picked up in the late 1990s and early 2000s.' According to experts, California uses the largest share of the river. Arizona started in the late 1990s, and Nevada in the early 2000s - and now experts say 'the water use is maxed out,' the news outlet reported. Hasencamp said 'every state is taking too much, and we have to cut back. And so there's just not enough.' He predicted that even if you get 'wet year' after 'wet year' the demand is so high, it still wouldn't fill.' The river's flow has declined about 20 percent in the last 23 years, due in part, scientists say to rising temperatures and climate change. Cracked earth is visible in an area once under the water of Lake Mead at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, near Boulder City, Nev. Amid a major drought in the Western U.S., a proposed solution comes up repeatedly: large-scale river diversions, including pumping Mississippi River water to parched states A bird stands in the water among trash and debris as a 'bathtub ring' is visible during low water levels due to the western drought on July 19, 2021 at the Lake Mead Marina on the Colorado River in Boulder City, Nevad Average temperatures across the upper watershed where most of the river's flow originates have risen about 3 degrees since 1970 that researchers attribute to global warming. For each additional 1 degree Celsius - 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit - the river's average flow is likely to decrease about nine percent, research has shown. Scientists have revealed - based on a number of studies - that by the middle of this century, the average flow of the river could decline by 30 percent or 40 percent below the average during the past century. Compared to Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the other two reservoirs in California and small in comparison, Lake Shasta that can hold approximately 4.6 million acre-feet, and Lake Oroville has 3.5 million acre-feet. Workers at one of the biggest trucking companies in the United States have told of their shock and sadness at the company closing on Sunday, after nearly 100 years in business. Yellow, based in Nashville with 30,000 employees, has struggled for years with heavy debt, and a fractious relationship with the Teamsters union. The company, which received $700 million in federal COVID relief funds in 2020, was estimated shortly before Sunday's collapse to be burning through between $9 million and $10 million each day. Tim Livesay, a forklift operator with Yellow, told The Wall Street Journal that business ground to a halt shortly before the collapse of the company. 'There was nothing to move,' he said, explaining that there was no freight on the dock for three days. 'We were sitting there waiting for our demise.' Tim Livesay, a forklift operator for Yellow, said that the work dried up several days before the company collapsed, so they knew the end was nigh A sign is posted at a Yellow facility saying that the business is now closed Safety vests line the fence at a Yellow freight terminal in St. Louis, as a makeshift memorial to the company On Sunday morning, many staff were told by the company that operations would cease at midday. But Chris Gordon, a 17-year veteran of Yellow, who most recently worked as a truck driver, said he had no idea his company had collapsed and received no message from his supervisors. He showed up for work on Monday to learn the firm was no more. 'What I thought was, a good company fell out from under me,' said Gordon, 49. 'The company had good benefits, and I thought I could retire from here.' Some Yellow employees left their safety vests on the fence surrounding one yard as a moving memorial to their careers at the firm, many of which spanned decades. Analysts said that the collapse is set to put of dollars in business up for grabs in a weakened freight market - good news for the companies poised to take its place in coming months. Deutsche Bank analyst Amit Mehrotra on Monday said companies such as FedEx and Old Dominion to compete to absorb the freight. 'This development is clearly very positive for the companies that remain open for business,' said Mehrotra in a report, adding that as these trucking firms compete, a reduction in excess capacity may allow carriers to raise prices. Mehrotra, a seasoned transportation and shipping analyst, said Yellow's swift decline punctuates a dip in the US freight market in general - one that can be traced back the pandemic. Chris Gordon, 49, worked for Yellow for 17 years. He said he had no idea the company had collapsed until he turned up for work on Monday The 99-year-old American trucking business ceased business at midday on Sunday, leaving 30,000 workers without jobs But like several other analysts and industry leaders, Mehrotra added that Yellows money problems are more due more to preexisting problems rather than greater trends affecting the industry. Thomas Wadewitz, an analyst with UBS, said the collapse had long been in the cards. He said it will help other trucking companies that specialize in 'less-than-truckload service': the term used to describe firms that use warehouse network to combine several smaller shipments. 'While this disruption has been anticipated for a while, we believe the boost to volume and pricing for other less-than-truckload companies is likely to provide support' to stock prices for competitor such as Saia, Fed Ex, and Old Dominion. Lee Klaskow, a transportation and logistics analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, also cited Old Dominion - as well as Connecticut-based XPO - as possible beneficiaries to the sudden change in the shipping landscape. The closure is the biggest in terms of jobs and revenue in the U.S. trucking industry, according to The Wall Street Journal - which first reported its shutdown. Since 2021, the struggling brand has implemented a cost-cutting plan that executives hoped would put the business back on track. The company's circumstances have become all the more dire as shipping demand across the freight sector declined substantially this year. Last week, Yellow, which had $5.2 billion in revenue last year, narrowly avoided a driver strike by Teamster union members after failing to make a $50 million payment for employee benefits. The company had a 30-day period to catch up on pension and benefits payments. Stan Koniszewski, a union leader for Teamsters Local 294, said Sunday was 'a sad day in the freight industry' and promised to help members file unemployment claims and look for new jobs Yellow is the third-largest US carrier in the so-called 'less-than-truckload' segment, which operators carry goods for multiple customers on the same trailer The Teamsters blamed the executives for poor management. 'Teamsters have kept this company afloat for more than a decade through billions of dollars in wage, pension and work-rule concessions,' a union spokesman said. 'Yellow couldn't manage itself, and it wasn't up to Teamsters to do it for them.' Stan Koniszewski, a union leader for Teamsters Local 294, said it was 'a sad day in the freight industry.' He said the union 'will be there with whatever support we can give', helping them file unemployment claims and trying to find them new jobs. 'Whatever we do, we will do together as a family - a strong 294 family,' he said. In a memo sent out on Friday, Teamsters told local unions that 'likelihood that Yellow will survive is increasingly bleak.' They urged employees to gather their personal things and prepare for the worst. In Friday's memo to staff, Yellow wrote: 'The company is shutting down its regular operations on July 28, 2023, closing and/or laying off employees at all of its locations, including yours.' On Sunday, Yellow blamed the union for its intransigence. A spokeswoman for Yellow said it had not asked the union for concessions in its recent restructuring. 'Yellow offered to pay its employees more,' she said. The union 'refused to negotiate for nine months.' Last week, a company official told the New York Times that the company was preparing for 'a range of contingencies.' By Friday, a company spokesperson would not tell the Times anything more. Yellow is saddled with some $1.5 billion in debt as of late March, including $729.2 million owed to the federal government for a controversial pandemic-era loan the Treasury Department extended on national security grounds in 2020. A June 2023 congressional report concluded the Treasury Department dodged its own policies to issue the loan and the previous administration had made a mistake in doing so. In May, Yellow reported a loss of $54.6 million, a decline of $1.06 per share, for its first quarter of 2023. Operating revenue was about $1.16 billion in the period. An investors note from financial service firm Stephens last week estimated that Yellow could be burning between $9 million and $10 million each day. Yellow was saddled with some $1.5 billion in debt as of late March, including $729.2 million owed to the federal government for a controversial pandemic-era loan the Treasury Department extended on national security grounds in 2020 Teamsters threatened to strike when they learned the company had stopped making pension and benefits payments last week Using a liquidity disclosure from earlier this month, Yellow had roughly $100 million in cash at the end of June, the note added - estimating that the company has been burning through increasing amounts of money through July. 'It is reasonable to believe that the company could breach its $35 mil. liquidity requirement at any moment,' Stephens analyst Jack Atkins and associate Grant Smith wrote. The reports of bankruptcy preparations arrive just days after a strike from the Teamsters, which represents Yellow's 22,000 unionized workers, was averted. Yellow's CEO Darren Hawkins is pictured. His company collapsed on Sunday A series of heated exchanges have built up between the Teamsters and Yellow, who sued the union in June after alleging it was 'unjustifiably blocking' restructuring plans needed for the company's survival. The Teamsters called the litigation 'baseless' - with general president Sean O'Brien pointing to Yellow's 'decades of gross mismanagement,' which included exhausting the $700 million federal loan. On July 23, a pension fund agreed to extend health benefits for workers at two Yellow Corp. operating companies, averting a strike - and giving Yellow '30 days to pay its bills,' notably $50 million that Yellow failed to pay the Central States Health and Welfare Fund on July 15, the union stated. While the strike didn't occur, talks of a walkout may have caused some Yellow customers to pull back, Chan said. If Yellow files for bankruptcy and customers continue to take their shipments to other carriers, like FedEx or ABF Freight, prices will go up. He recruited teens to groom children and offered to pay fees for sexual images The disgraced former deputy headteacher at Prince George and Princess Charlotte's primary school promised children he would pay them if they shared sexual photos of themselves, a court heard. Matthew Smith, 35, commissioned the horrific abuse of children as young as seven whilst working at a British school in Nepal. Smith recruited teenagers he knew to groom children and offered to pay their school fees in exchange for sexual images. He was due to be sentenced yesterday afternoon, having previously admitted 18 counts of child sex abuse levelled against him. But the Judge deferred handing Smith a 'substantial' prison sentence until next week, in order to do the complicated case 'justice'. Matthew Smith (pictured), 35, commissioned the horrific abuse of children as young as seven whilst working at a British school in Nepal Smith (pictured) recruited teenagers he knew to groom children and offered to pay their school fees in exchange for sexual images Addressing Smith, who appeared at Southwark Crown Court in jeans and a white shirt, the Honourable Justice Martin Griffiths told him: 'You know I am going to pass a substantial prison sentence. But I really want to go through this, having heard the submissions. 'I will construct my sentencing remarks and make them available for whoever wants them and deal with you on Wednesday.' Smith was deputy headteacher at the 20,000-a-year Thomas's Preparatory School in Battersea, southwest London, until allegations first emerged late last year. None of the offences related to his job at the prestigious primary school, which was attended by Prince George and Princess Charlotte until the end of the last academic year. Before taking up the job at St Thomas's, he worked at a British school in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu, between 2017 and July 2022. The court heard Smith had also previously worked at an orphanage in Nepal, and that some of the images found on his black Dell laptop derived from his former place of work. His home in East Dulwich, south London, was raided by police last November, where a cache of more than 120,000 indecent images of children was found on his laptop, an SD card and his mobile phone. Martin Hooper, prosecuting, told the court Smith was on his black Dell laptop at the time of the raid, and that a 'a number of tabs' were open which involved 'indecent images of children'. After his arrest, Smith admitted in a police interview: 'Clearly I have an addiction in this area. I don't like the person I am. 'I would give anything to be normal. Anything.' Mr Hooper added: 'Asked if there was any relevance to his employment history and whether he abused anyone at work, [Smith] was quite emphatic in saying no. His history is important, as at the time of his arrest in November 2022 he was employed as a teacher. He was the deputy head of pastoral care at Thomas's School, which teaches children aged four to thirteen. 'Prior to that he was a teacher in Nepal and had volunteered at an orphanage with children aged between two and 15. Some of the material on the defendant's laptop showed the exploitation of at least one child from that orphanage. 'After his interview, the police fully downloaded all the material that this case involves. 'It was clear from that that there were a number of different individuals that the defendant was corresponding with to illicit images of children and the physical exploitation of children.' Smith was deputy headteacher at the 20,000-a-year Thomas's Preparatory School (pictured) in Battersea, southwest London, until allegations first emerged late last year Mr Hooper explained that the first folder police examined involved communication with a young boy in India, who Smith paid to engage in sexual activities with his younger brother - estimated to be ten years old. Smith would also send his own images to the young brothers asking for them to be 'recreated', and transferred them nearly 7,000. Another folder related to material sent by a boy in India whilst Smith was working at the British school in Kathmandu. Messages examined by police related to sexual acts the boy and Smith committed together, with the young boy referring to him in some messages as 'Uncle'. 'The defendant requested [the boy] went and found young males to live with him with the express intention that they would be sexually abused,' Mr Hooper said. The defendant said he would pay their school fees in return. 'One boy left his family home to go and live with [Smith's contact]. The boy [who left his family home] is thought to be seven or eight years old. It was very much a two-way flow of images. [In one message to his contact] the defendant says, 'Awesome. What else will he do?' The harm is extreme. It's the highest category of culpability. 'There is planning, grooming; images were kept and there was a commercial aspect to it as well. It may be argued there was isolation of the victim as well.' Mr Hooper suggested Mr Justice Griffiths sentenced Smith by finding the most serious offence and 'aggravating' it to reflect the others. Sarah Vine, KC, defending Smith, told the judge some of the charges were 'inchoate' - or preparatory to a further criminal act that was never acted upon - and sought to highlight that there was no evidence that young children had been subjected to penetrative sex. Ms Vine argued it was credit to his character that Smith had written to 'every single member' of his family and friends to explain what was happening and 'apologise to them for the distress' he may have caused them. She added: 'It has been to his very significant credit the extent to which Mr Smith is prepared to accept his offending. He very much understands his life over the next substantial period will be in custody. 'Difficult as his time thus far in custody has been, he has nonetheless sought to use it constructively. 'A man of excellent education, he has set about teaching other inmates to read and write. 'He hopes he will have, in some way, made some tiny reparation for the harm he has caused.' Smith is now due to be sentenced on Wednesday. Senior Tory MPs have urged Jeremy Hunt to launch an independent assessment of scrapping the tourist tax after new research found it would give Britain a 10 billion boost. In a letter to the Chancellor, grandees Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Damian Green highlighted the differences between the new findings and out-of-date Treasury analysis. The report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), published in the Mail this week, found that bringing back tax-free shopping for overseas tourists would have a net positive effect on tax revenues. Britain's economy would be more than 10 billion a year better off as a result of reinstating VAT refunds and Government coffers would benefit by 2 billion a year, it said. It comes after Britain's biggest brands backed the Mail's campaign to Scrap the Tourist Tax with 350 businesses signing a letter to the Chancellor demanding a rethink. In a letter to the Chancellor, grandees Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (left) and Damian Green (right) highlighted the differences between the new findings and out-of-date Treasury analysis It comes after Britain's biggest brands backed the Mail's campaign to Scrap the Tourist Tax with 350 businesses signing a letter to the Chancellor (pictured) demanding a rethink READ MORE: Luxury goods brands attack the controversial tourist tax as Harrods is forced to sell cheaper handbags at airports Advertisement Highlighting the findings, Sir Geoffrey and Mr Green said that unlike the Treasury which estimated that the cost of VAT refunds would be 2billion annually the CEBR found it would bring in net positive receipts of up to 2.3billion each year. They wrote to Mr Hunt: 'It would be appreciated if you were able to reply to this request for an independent assessment into the full impact of tax-free shopping on the UK economy and tax revenues.' The MPs wanted a response before Sir Geoffrey leads a backbench debate next month on the issue. Scores of businesses have warned that the tourist tax is holding Britain back hampering businesses across the whole economy. Hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, who has led the campaign, has previously accused ministers of having 'tied one hand behind the backs of businesses' by abolishing the rebate. Last night Dee Corsi, chief executive of the New West End Company and chairman of the Association of International Retail, told the Mail: 'It is now time for the Government to listen to the overwhelming voice of businesses across the UK, who are clear that the absence of tax-free shopping is hindering growth.' The Treasury scrapped tax-free shopping for overseas tourists in 2021 but kept it for goods purchased in the UK and sent directly to an overseas address. It was approached for comment last night. The alleged kingpin suspected of masterminding the illegal boat journeys of 10,000 migrants across the Channel to Britain has been lost by police in Germany. The suspect, named only as Dirk P in court papers, was discovered by armed police hiding in a hayloft at his farm in Lotte, Germany, as they targeted a gang alleged to be running the migrant flotilla from the French coast. The 41-year-old was arrested in March but has vanished thanks to European Union human rights laws. It emerged this week that the German authorities were forced to free him when a court halted his extradition to Belgium for questioning over human smuggling offences. Lawyers used a loophole in EU laws to win him freedom at the June hearing, arguing that because Belgian prisons are overcrowded, a 'persecuted person' extradited there may face a 'violation' of his human rights. The suspect, named only as Dirk P in court papers, was discovered by armed police hiding in a hayloft at his farm in Lotte, Germany, as they targeted a gang alleged to be running the migrant flotilla from the French coast The operation, involving agents from Britain's National Crime Agency and European police forces, discovered the farm was storing more than 50 inflatable boats, outboard engines, 920 lifejackets, three 'live' handguns and thousands of euros in cash Released from remand, Dirk has now disappeared. 'We have no longer any legal way of monitoring his whereabouts,' a spokesman for the attorney general's office covering Lotte in Germany told the Mail this week. 'He is at large now.' That means he will be missing from a trial of 21 suspects, including some based in Britain, accused of 'criminal involvement' in human trafficking across the Channel, set to begin in Bruges on Monday. The case against him will be heard in his absence. Belgian authorities say they have lined up 'leaders, decision-makers and facilitators' accused of running the massive illegal boat operations during the past two years. Dirk P, a farmer and maritime equipment salesman, has been described by police as 'the most important logistician' of a Channel smuggling ring, which delivered vessels, outboard motors and lifejackets to French beaches for migrant crossings. He was first quizzed by police during an initial raid at his farm last year, but denied having any involvement in trafficking, saying he was an innocent businessman. The operation, involving agents from Britain's National Crime Agency and European police forces, discovered the farm was storing more than 50 inflatable boats, outboard engines, 920 lifejackets, three 'live' handguns and thousands of euros in cash. Jacques Beer, the NCA's deputy director of operations, said it had found one of the 'most significant and prolific crime groups involved in supplying small boats and moving migrants across the Channel'. The gang connected to Dirk P's farm is believed to have smuggled in 10,000 people over 18 months, charging each up to 5,000 euros (4,231), and accounting for a quarter of all migrants making the crossing in that time. Suspected traffickers linked to the property were later arrested in the UK, across Germany and western Europe. Those rounded up included Iranian Hewa Rahimpur, 29, who was found in Britain and extradited to Belgium ahead of the trial. According to provisional Home Office figures, the average number of migrants per boat last month was the highest on record. Some 3,299 people made the crossing in 63 bigger vessels an average of 52 people in each In a further setback to Rishi Sunak's plan to 'stop the boats', we can reveal that new models of bigger vessels, designed to carry even more migrants, are being used by the traffickers READ MORE: People smuggling gangs are now using boats that can carry up to 100 migrants on brutal Channel crossings, sparking mass drowning fears Advertisement Suspicion fell on Dirk P as the gang's logistical mastermind after the mobile phone messages of those who'd been arrested were forensically examined. 'We believe this German to be a key figure in this smugglers' network of mainly Iraqi Kurds,' police have since said. Police pictures of the first raid on Dirk P's farm show boats stamped with the trade name Intex, which traces them to a manufacturer in China. They are thought to have been bought online and transported to Germany via Turkey. In a further setback to Rishi Sunak's plan to 'stop the boats', we can reveal that new models of bigger vessels, designed to carry even more migrants, are being used by the traffickers. Photographs taken by the Mail in the Channel last week show the new craft with larger tubing around the sides and inflated panels under the bow to give them extra strength to carry even more passengers. According to provisional Home Office figures, the average number of migrants per boat last month was the highest on record. Some 3,299 people made the crossing in 63 bigger vessels an average of 52 people in each. Australia's biggest celebration of Indigenous culture is charging up to $5,000 per person for the four-day event. Tickets for the Garma festival on East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory start at $1,650 for school students and reach $5,000 for a corporate pass. Garma is an annual festival held on sacred Gumatj Bunggul ground in Gulkula every year in August. This year the festival will run from Friday, August 4, to Monday, August 7. The site marks the place Yolngu ancestor Ganbulapula would search for honey with a staff that contained the life force of Garrtjambal, the creator spirit who took the form of a great red kangaroo. Tickets for Australia's biggest celebration of Indigenous culture, the Garma Festival, start at $1,650 for school students and reach $5,000 for a corporate pass (pictured, Gumatj dancers at Garma) Garma is an annual festival is held on sacred Gumatj Bunggul ground in Gulkula every year in August (pictured, Gumatj dancers at Garma) Attendance at Garma has jumped 25 per cent since 2015. Festival caterer Sodexo estimated its 55-strong team will serve 26,400 meals over the four days, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. GARMA TICKET COSTS Adults: $2,750 TAFE and university students over 18: $1,850 Primary or High School Students: $1,650 Children under five: free Source: East Arnhem Land Advertisement Most attendees will be Yolngu with about 1,000 guests travelling from elsewhere. However, the steep price of tickets to Garma make it an exclusive event. Primary and high school age students are charged $1,650 for a four-day pass while tickets for TAFE and university students over 18 cost $1,850. An adult pass will set an attendee back $2,750 and corporate passes cost as much as $5,000 a head. Children under the age of five are given free entry. In June the federal government announced it would donate $775,000 towards Garma Festival - which generates between $10million and $15million for the Northern Territory economy each year. Garma is hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation and first began as a barbecue in 1999. Since then, the festival has evolved into a political stage for Indigenous issues and its three-day forum agenda changes every year to reflect a theme. A hot topic at Garma this year will be the Voice to Parliament with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) attending alongside other Yes campaigners Opposition leader Peter Dutton declined at invitation to Garma on the grounds the event will be a 'love-in' for the Yes campaign (pictured, Bunggul traditional dancers at Garma) This year's theme is djambatj, meaning 'a perfect moment in time when the balance of our world is in order'. While land rights, education, government funding and health are common topics at Garma, this year's hot talking point will be the Voice to parliament. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is attending Garma this year alongside Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health and Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy and Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour. The date of the Voice referendum will not be announced at Garma but Mr Albanese did use the event last year to reveal the wording of the proposed voting question. In his headline festival speech on Saturday, Mr Albanese confirmed the government would proceed with the referendum and urged Australians who will vote 'Yes' to encourage others to do so. 'The form of constitutional recognition they are asking for is a Voice, not our sympathy, not a symbol, but a vehicle for progress,' he told the festival attendees. 'A practical tool to make their children's lives better. Not just something that will feel good, something that will do good, that will make a positive difference. 'Australian people should be equally clear of what voting no means. It is more of the same. Not only rejecting the opportunity to do better, but accepting that what we have is somehow good enough.' Opposition leader Peter Dutton declined an invitation to the festival on the grounds the event will be a 'love-in' for the Yes campaign. Earlier this week, Mr Albanese called for Mr Dutton to attend while on the ABC radios RN Breakfast. 'I just say to Peter Dutton, he needs to get out of his dirt unit on these issues and go to [the] red dirt of Arnhem Land this weekend, go to Garma, which is the most significant Indigenous cultural event that occurs in this country,' he said. Mr Dutton responded on Sydney's 2GB on Thursday: 'Garma is a celebration and a good thing, but it will be largely occupied by the CEOs and ... others from publicly listed companies and all of those who have been out there funding the Yes campaign. Attendance at Garma has jumped 25 per cent since 2015 (pictured, Red Flag dancers at Garma) 'It will be a love-in for the Yes advocates and proponents. 'I'm not going up there to pretend I'm somebody that I'm not.' No campaigners, shadow spokesperson for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Senator Kerrynne Liddle were also invited to Garma. Administration for the Garma Festival was contacted for comment on its ticket prices by Daily Mail Australia. A notorious traveller whose unruly family were deported from a foreign holiday and who allegedly terrorised neighbours in the UK has now been accused of intimidating locals in another part of the country. Patrick Doran and his clan were dubbed the 'holidaymakers from hell' after they were kicked out of New Zealand for threatening people, stealing from a service station and refusing to pay for food. As previously revealed by the Mail, residents in rural Worcestershire later claimed he had demanded a six-figure sum to leave the area or force residents to face years of anti-social behaviour and collapsing house prices. Mr Doran, who describes himself as an Irish traveller in his early 30s, is now engulfed in claims of menacing behaviour towards residents in his current haunt of Lincolnshire. He strenuously denies the allegations. He is using the name Alan Gray, which also appears on a planning application submitted to the local council requesting a change of use to grazing land he bought in Stickney to a 'gipsy/traveller site' with nearly 30 stands for static homes and touring caravans. Family members from the Doran family are buying up plots of land in Dough Bank and Astley Burf and trying to sell the land to angry residents for inflated prices. Pictured: Patrick Dolan Aerial view of Land bought by Patrick Doran in the village of Stickney in Lincolnshire General view of land bought by The Doran travellers family Dough Bank, Worcestershire in 2019 The three-acre site is already being developed without permission, with several static caravans, part-completed buildings, heavy machinery and vehicles. Locals in the village none of whom wanted to be identified for fear of reprisals confirmed a photograph of Mr Doran taken by the Mail four years ago in Worcestershire showed the man now was living under a different name in the area. Neighbours of Mr Doran declined to speak to the Mail. Other villagers accused him of a catalogue of threatening and anti-social behaviour. Several powerful Belgian malinois dogs on Mr Doran's land have been allowed to roam wild, they said. There are also reports of loud barbecues with large bonfires that produce thick, acrid smoke. Several people reported threats to a lollipop lady who took a photo of his car when he parked on double yellow lines near a crossing. 'Alan Gray put his fingers to the side of his head, mimicking a gun,' one said. A source familiar with the case in Stickney said: 'When he bought the land he's on at the moment, everyone assumed it would continue to be used for storage and grazing. Instead he's started building on it illegally. Patrick Doran and his clan were dubbed the 'holidaymakers from hell' after they were kicked out of New Zealand for threatening people, stealing from a service station and refusing to pay for food The family were at the centre of a storm after leaving rubbish on Takapuna Beach in New Zealand and abusing a local woman Discriminated: Patrick Doran (pictured) has previously claimed his family were being treated differently because they are from the travelling community 'He's also been threatening people in the area.' Lincolnshire Police confirmed complaints had been received and it was investigating them. A council source said: 'All the hardstanding he's put down means water runs off his land and causes flooding. There is also a septic tank which leaks into a ditch outside.' The planning application submitted by 'Alan Gray' to East Lindsey District Council on July 11 outlines plans for hardstanding for seven static caravans and up to 20 touring caravans, plus a wash block and day room. Another local said: 'At the moment there's a chalet he lives in with his wife and his four boys, who are all under 12. There were three other statics for foreign workers but these were moved after the planning application went in. There are also two brick and breeze block buildings one like a small bungalow and the other an unfinished toilet block. 'If he gets the planning permission he wants, there could be dozens of people living there.' Vehicles have been spotted at the site including a van with the livery for East Lindsey Paving, a company Mr Doran runs, as well as tipper trucks and diggers. Locals have seen him driving in various expensive cars including a black BMW X5 and a Mitsubishi L200. The Dorans were branded 'trash' and 'worse than pigs' by the mayor of Auckland when they were ejected from New Zealand in January 2019. Inquiries by the Mail later that year found that land outside the Worcestershire village of Ombersley on the market for 60,000 had been bought by Mr Doran. He ignored a ruling by Wychavon District Council that he could not build on the land, instead erecting a bungalow and then submitting a retrospective application. A legal battle ended with the Planning Inspectorate backing him, although limiting the site to two caravans. Five caravans appeared, however, along with human waste on nearby paths and a precarious 10ft wall. The local pub banned female members from marching into their toilet in dressing gowns to wash. Residents said they were informed by Mr Doran that if all 20 of them clubbed together and paid 30,000 each a total of 600,000 he would move elsewhere. Two years ago, a caravan on the plot was torched. Some members of the Doran clan, pictured here on their arrival back at Heathrow, tried to shield their faces at Terminal 3 in January in January 2019. Larry (facing camera) told a photographer: 'I'll break your bones. I'll break your camera' Larry (left) and Joe Doran (right) chugging Red Bull energy drinks on returning to the UK from New Zealand The site is now unoccupied and up for sale for an undisclosed sum on a website used by gypsies and travellers. Christopher Day, the Wychavon district councillor who represents the ward, said: 'Along with all the residents, I am looking forward to a continued peaceful occupation of a beautiful part of Worcestershire.' When contacted by the Mail, Mr Doran claimed East Lindsey District Council in Lincolnshire had 'offered a transit site [a plot for travellers' use]' for him and his family to 'live there in peace' a claim flatly rejected by the council. Informed of the claims against him, he denied them and complained: 'You're destroying my business. You're destroying my life.' An East Lindsey District Council spokesman said: 'The council has not told Mr Gray that he can be offered the land for use as a transit site, nor given any permissions for work that has taken place there. 'An application for the site has been submitted on July 11. However, it is currently invalid and further information is required before it can start to be determined. 'The Planning Enforcement team also have an ongoing enforcement case for the site.' Lincolnshire Police confirmed complaints had been made against Mr Doran, saying: 'We are aware of this and investigations are ongoing.' Now sharks could become even angrier after the world's oceans have hit their highest recorded surface temperature, according to scientists. Copernicus, the EU's weather service, revealed yesterday that the sea surface temperatures reached an average of 20.96C - beating the previous highest logged in 2016 of 20.95C. Warmer seas spell trouble for fish and coral and could lead to a rise in sea levels. As oceans warm, fish such as cod may have to move further north to reach the cooler seas they prefer. And predators such as sharks could become aggressive because they get confused in hotter conditions. The University of Southampton's Dr Simon Boxall told the Telegraph: 'Sharks getting grumpy wouldn't surprise me at all. Fish are pretty jumpy about temperature.' A spokesman for Copernicus said yesterday: 'The record is broken. The oceans are the hottest recorded.' Now sharks could become even angrier after the world's oceans have hit their highest recorded surface temperature, according to scientists Average sea temperatures have been climbing steadily since records started back in the late 1970s, the data shows. Here, daily global sea surface temperature (C) are plotted as a time series for each year from January 1, 1979 to July 23, 2023. The years 2023 and 2016 are shown with thick lines shaded in bright red and dark red, respectively. Other years are shown with thin lines and shaded according to the decade, from blue (1970s) to brick red (2020s) WMO says July is sure to be the hottest month 'by a significant margin'. Pictured are the 30 warmest months on record globally Samantha Burgess, from the climate monitoring service, says March should be when the oceans are the warmest globally, not August. She told the BBC: 'The fact we've seen the record now makes me nervous about how much warmer the ocean might get between now and next March'. The record temperatures are partly driven by the El Nino weather phenomenon the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean with 2016 also being an El Nino year. But global warming is likely to be pushing up temperatures, she said. 'The more we burn fossil fuels, the more excess heat will be taken out by the oceans, which means the longer it will take to stabilise them and get them back to where they were,' Dr Burgess added. Dr Katie Longo, from the Marine Stewardship Council, said: 'It could mean fish such as cod drop in numbers. Cod feed on tiny shrimp-like creatures called copepods, and the changing temperature can mean the copepods breed at the wrong time for the cod larvae to feed on'. Dr Kathryn Lesneski, who is monitoring a marine heatwave in the Gulf of Mexico for the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told the BBC: 'The water feels like a bath when you jump in. Air surface temperatures are usually the main metric looked at when considering temperature rises, but ocean temperatures are key indicators too (file photo) 'Right now there is widespread coral bleaching at shallow reefs in Florida and many corals have already died.' Scientists are investigating the reasons behind why the oceans are so hot but say that climate change is making the seas much warmer as they absorb most of the heating from greenhouse gas emissions. The broken temperature record follows a series of marine heatwaves this year including in the UK, the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico. Professor Rowan Sutton, from the University of Reading and National Centre for Atmospheric Science, said: 'The ocean warming is concerning. 'The latest sea surface temperature data from Copernicus suggests we may be experiencing not just a record-breaking extreme event but a record-shattering one. 'And this is not simply for a local measure of temperature, but for a global one, which will have much greater impacts. 'Whilst there are certainly short-term factors, the major long-term cause is without any doubt the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere caused by human activities, primarily burning fossil fuels. 'This is yet another alarm bell that screams out for the most urgent actions to limit future warming and to adapt to the serious changes that are unfolding before our eyes.' A Welsh pensioner has won a court battle over his refusal to pay a parking fine - because the ticket was only written in English. When Toni Schiavone, 67, received the 60 ticket in a car park in the seaside village of Llangrannog, Ceredigion, he refused to pay until he received correspondence in Welsh. A first civil court hearing last year was thrown out because the company managing the car park, One Parking Solutions, based in Worthing, West Sussex, failed to send a legal representative. And an appeal launched by the car park operator has also been thrown out in a hearing at Aberystwyth civil court yesterday. Deputy judge Owain Williams decided the company had delayed for too long before launching its appeal - and introduced it under incorrect rules. Toni Schiavone, 67, won a court battle over his refusal to pay a parking fine - because the ticket was only written in English A lawyer representing the company attended yesterdays hearing, but the case was again thrown out. Mr Schiavone, of Saron, Carmarthenshire, said: The travel costs of the counsel alone are more than the cost of translating the fine, and the cost of conducting the case is a hundred times or more the cost of providing a Welsh fine. The companys attitude has been completely contemptuous and completely against the rights of Welsh speakers. A judge ordered that One Parking Solutions pay Mr Schiavones travel expenses. Mr Shiavone said the money would be donated to the charity Cancer Research Wales. Sian Howys, of Cymdeithas yr Iaiths Welsh Language Rights Group launched a campaign encouraging people not to pay for parking in car parks with English-only signs Mr Schiavone received the 60 ticket in a car park in the seaside village of Llangrannog, Ceredigion Sian Howys, of Cymdeithas yr Iaiths Welsh Language Rights Group, said: We are pleased that the judge ruled in favour. It is becoming increasingly evident that these companies need to change their attitudes towards the Welsh language. 'To put pressure on them we will today be launching a campaign encouraging people not to pay for parking in car parks with English-only signs, nor to pay the resultant fines. One Parking Solutions has previously been at the centre of controversy in Llangrannog after a local welfare committee said it had been inundated with complaints over allegedly unfair fines issued at a busy beachside car park operated by the firm. A spokesperson for the Welsh Government said: We are keen to see all sectors increase the use of Welsh and supporting businesses to develop their Welsh language services is a priority for us. One Parking Solution said it did not wish to make any comment. A 16-year-old girl was left strapped to a public hospital bed and wearing a nappy after a terrifying mental health episode. The young girl was kept in leg and wrist restraints in Melbourne's Northern Hospital in Epping, in Melbourne's north, for 12 days because there were no mental health beds available. Staff at the hospital were forced to restrain the girl after she attacked 10 nurses, leaving one concussed. Doctors had injected her with blood thinners because they were concerned she might get blood clots from being immobile, the girl's mother claims. A 16-year-old girl was shackled to a hospital bed and forced to wear nappies at The Northern Hospital in Epping, in Melbourne's north The teenager's hair was also left matted in knots following the crisis. The girl's mother said the length of time her daughter was shackled to her hospital bed while waiting for a spot at a high dependency youth mental health unit was 'inhumane'. 'I feel sick that my daughter is capable of such violence,' the mother, who wished to remain anonymous, told News Corp . The mother said she understood the need for restraints for the safety of staff and her daughter. 'Despite this, it felt inhumane,' she said. The teenager was restrained while waiting for a spot at a high dependency youth mental health unit (Pictured: The Northern Hospital in Epping) Last financial year Australian public hospitals recorded 1,522 mechanical restraint events in which items such as belts and straps were used on a mental health patient to stop them moving freely. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) found that there had been a 40 per cent reduction of available mental health beds per 100,000 population in the last 30 years. The association's Public Hospital Report Card - Mental Health Edition showed a drop in the number of available public hospital beds for mental health patients, as rising numbers of more severely ill patients present to emergency departments. The AMA revealed last November that despite up to one in five Australians experiencing mental health issues, they are being routinely failed by the system. The AMA has called for urgent attention to the mental health care system and public hospitals. For anyone needing support: Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800 A Texas judge ruled Friday the states abortion ban has proven too restrictive for women with serious pregnancy complications and must allow exceptions without doctors fearing the threat of criminal charges. The ruling is the first to undercut Texas law since it took effect in 2022 and delivers a major victory to abortion rights supporters, who see the case as a potential blueprint to weaken restrictions elsewhere that Republican-led states have rushed to implement. 'For the first time in a long time, I cried for joy when I heard the news,' lead plaintiff Amanda Zurawski said in a statement. 'This is exactly why we did this. This is why we put ourselves through the pain and the trauma over and over again to share our experiences and the harms caused by these awful laws.' The challenge is believed to be the first in the U.S. brought by women who have been denied abortions since the Supreme Court last year overturned Roe v. Wade, which for nearly 50 years had affirmed the constitutional right to an abortion. The state is expected to seek a swift appeal and has argued that Texas ban already allows exceptions, calling doctors fears of prosecution unfounded. Texas' GOP Governor Greg Abbott is pictured in April 2021. His controversial six week abortion ban has just been undercut by a judge who ruled the statute is too strict for women who suffer complications during pregnancy, and who should be granted exemptions 'Todays ruling should prevent other Texans from suffering the unthinkable trauma our plaintiffs endured,' said Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which helped bring the lawsuit. 'It would be unconscionable for the State of Texas to appeal this ruling.' The immediate impact of State District Judge Jessica Mangrums decision was unclear in Texas, where all abortion clinics have shuttered in the past year. During two days of emotional testimony in an Austin courtroom, women gave wrenching accounts of learning their babies would not survive birth and being unable to travel long distances to states where abortion is still legal. The court has been clear: doctors must be able to provide patients the standard of care in pregnancy complications. That standard of care in certain cases is abortion because it is essential, life-saving healthcare. This decision is a win for Texans with pregnancy complications, however Texas is still denying the right to abortion care for the vast majority of those who seek it.' The challenge, filed in March, does not seek to repeal Texas abortion ban, but instead aims to force more clarity on when exceptions are allowed under the law, which is one of the most restrictive in the U.S. Under the law in Texas, doctors who perform abortions risk life in prison and fines of up to $100,000. Opponents say that has left some women with providers who are unwilling to even discuss terminating a pregnancy. The majority of U.S. adults, including those living in states with the strictest limits on abortion, want it to be legal at least through the initial stages of pregnancy, according to a poll released in late June by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. A biographer who years ago revealed Barack Obama's alleged gay fantasies has labeled the former president 'as insecure as Trump' - and says he is too 'lazy' to serve on the Supreme Court in a new bombshell interview. Sitting down for a lengthy Q&A with Tablet, historian David Garrow also renewed claims Obama's first memoir was fabricated - slamming it as 'fictionalized' and an attempt at 'inventing a racial identity struggle that never happened'. Previously, in the 1,078-page biography Rising Star: The Making of Barack Obama, Garrow unmasked how a young Obama considered a gay relationship while at college, and cheated on Michelle with his ex during their first year of dating. It also revealed how the ex-head of state - has made a career from speaking engagements and several book deals - once called America a 'racist society' in an unpublished manuscript from his days at Harvard Law. Already aired for some six years, Garrow, 70, addressed many of these revelations Wednesday in the 16,000 word interview, while also offering some new insight on the man commonly thought to be the Democratic Party's most influential figure. A biographer who years ago revealed Barack Obama's gay fantasies has labeled the former president 'as insecure as Trump' - and says he is too 'lazy' to serve on the Supreme Court in a new bombshell interview Sitting down for a lengthy Q&A with Tablet, historian David Garrow also renewed claims Obama's first memoir was fabricated - slamming it as 'fictionalized' and an attempt at 'inventing a racial identity struggle that never happened' Quickly, Garrow - who spent eight hours chatting to Obama off-the-record while writing his tome - offered statements that seemed to contradict those claims. 'He has no interest in building the Democratic Party as an institution,' he told Tablet. 'I think that's obvious.' In more than 16,000 words, he went on to lay out what he believed the newly 62-year-old politician's true intent as a prominent figure is, as he continues to live in Washington and very much in the public eye. 'I don't think he had any truly deep, meaningful policy commitments other than the need to feel and to be perceived as victorious, as triumphant,' he said of the two-term president, who was succeeded by Trump in 2016. He went on to state: 'I've sometimes said to people that I think Barack is actually just as insecure as Trump, but in ways that are not readily perceived by the vast majority of people. 'I think that's probably my most basic takeaway.' The historian - whose 2017 tome was hailed as an 'impressive' book that 'intended to break the 44th president's monopoly on his personal narrative' - proceeded to hone in Obama even more, going as far to call him 'a creature from another planet.' 'He's not normal - as in not a normal politician or a normal human being,' Garrow said, after offering an anecdote that claimed Obama's lawyer, his go-between while he was writing his book, once advised him not to ask the ex-president about his father - a black Kenyan who met Obama's white mother at the University of Hawaii. Referenced in the title of Obama's book, the late Barack Hussein Obama played a major part in Obama's embracement of 'Black racial consciousness' in the 2004 narrative - which Garrow again Wednesday called a work of fiction. 'It does go back to 'Dreams' being a work of fiction, that the absence of an actual personal story makes him need to compose one,' Garrow - who has also penned books about Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement - continued. 'For every time he says, 'Oh, I spent years reading the history of the civil rights movement,'' the skeptical historiographer said of the claims aired by Obama in the book, which sold only a modest 9,000 copies at the time of its release, but has since experienced a multimillion dollar resurgence since the politician's presidency. 'I know he read [my book 'Bearing the Cross'], but I don't think he read much else,' Garrow said. 'This is someone who 98 percent of his reading has always been fiction, not history.' He went on to cite Dreams' sparse mentions of Sheila Miyoshi Jager, Obama's live-in girlfriend in the 1980s who he proposed to twice - before he met Michelle. In the book, Obama, describing his journey from being an insecure young man of mixed-race to a proud black man, claimed his embracing of 'black racial consciousness' clashed with his girlfriend. She, on the other hand, said their relationship ended when 'he would not condemn antisemitism.' Garrow compared Obama with his successor during the 16,000 word interview, saying 'I've sometimes said to people that I think Barack is actually just as insecure as Trump, but in ways that are not readily perceived by the vast majority of people' Garrow made the same 'historical fiction' accusation in Rising Star, which was released in 2017 The pair met at the University of Chicago, where she was studying in the mid '80's. Obama, at that point in his mid 20s and a graduate of Harvard law, was a community organizer. The couple dated for a couple of years and met each other's families before splitting up. That said, Jager was almost entirely omitted from Obama's own biography, and combined with his other white exes into one character. On Wednesday, Garrow touted this, while going on to claim that Obama's first named girlfriend in his book, described as a 'beautiful blond' at his alma mater Occidental College, sent him letters she shared with Obama with lines 'about homsexuality' stricken out. 'Whose version of the story is correct? Who knows,' Garrow said of Obama's and Jager's differing accounts of their live-in relationship. 'The bridge between the two accounts is Obama's emerging attachment to Blackness, which required him to fall in love with and marry a Black woman,' he continued. 'In Obama's account, his attachment to Blackness is truthful and noble. In Jager's account, his claims are instrumental and selfish; he grants particularism to the experience and suffering of his own tribe while denying it to others.' The Pulitzer-prize winning writer then pivoted to the letters he compiled from Alex McNear, a young woman who Obama wrote was the focus of a crushes for many students at Los Angeles' Occidental. 'With Alex, I think she wanted to have her role known. So when Alex showed me the letters from Barack, she redacted one paragraph in one of them and just said, 'It's about homosexuality.'' He added that a man named Harvey Klehr, a tenured professor of politics and history at Emory University, was tasked with going through the letters, and redacted sensitive lines that laid bare the eventual presidents questioning sexuality at his behest. 'He's spent his whole life at Emory, but they won't let him take pictures,' Garrow recalled of the alleged arrangement. 'So Harvey has to sit there with a pencil and copy out the graph where Barack writes to Alex about how he repeatedly fantasizes about making love to men.' Garrow went on to reiterate his belief that Dreams from my father is no more than a work of fiction. 'He wants people to believe his story. For me to conclude that Dreams from My Father was historical fiction - oh God, did that infuriate him,' Garrow recalled, revealing he spoke with Obama for eight hours in three off-the-record sessions while he was still president. 'He doesn't want the writerliness challenged.' Garrow also revealed how the ex-head of state - has made a career from speaking engagements and several book deals - once called America a 'racist society' in an unpublished manuscript from his days at Harvard Law Garrow continued of the book's claims regarding Obama's race and sexuality: 'It's so inaccurate, whether about the dynamics among the guys in Hawaii or what's going on in the community group on the far South Side [of Chicago] He then asserted: 'It's my story and I'm sticking to it. The book ['Dreams'] is so fictionalized.' Garrow continued of the book's claims regarding Obama's race and sexuality: 'It's so inaccurate, whether about the dynamics among the guys in Hawaii or what's going on in the community group on the far South Side [of Chicago]. 'And it completely omits women. I've always thought that there'd eventually be a feminist critique of Obama because his mother and all the girlfriends - they're not there. They don't exist.' Garrow made the same 'historical fiction' accusation in Rising Star, which was released in 2017. Time magazine, at the time, conceded the polarizing book did 'contain intriguing insight into the growing pains of a 20-something who would go on to become the leader of the free world, most vividly in the form of letters he wrote to friends.' When the conversation turned to the Supreme Court and their recent series of sensation rulings, Garrow, when asked, said that Obama would be a 'terrible' candidate for a new justice, as several members of the country's highest court continue to exceed retirement age. He went on to cite Dreams' sparse mentions of Sheila Miyoshi Jager, Obama's live-in girlfriend in the 1980s who he proposed to twice - before he met Michelle. In the book, Obama, describing his journey from being an insecure young man of mixed-race to a proud black man, claimed his embracing of 'black racial consciousness' clashed with his girlfriend. She, on the other hand, said their relationship ended when 'he would not condemn antisemitism' 'He'd be terrible because he's too lazy,' Garrow said, before going on to cite a passage from Obama's book in which the politician makes an observation about his Hawaiian background as proof. 'At one point, he says, 'I'm fundamentally lazy and it's because I'm from Hawaii.'' Garrow recalled. 'That's close to the actual quote.' He went on to criticize what he called a continued desire to stay in the limelight from the politician, along with his wife Michelle, who now has her own podcast. 'I've always found [Barack and Michelle's] need to hang out with celebrities bizarre,' he said. 'Because the people they both were, all the way up through at least 2000, would've had no desire to do that.' He also questioned Obama's current role as a political figure, after the recent release of his four-part series Working, which looked at the life of US workers through the lens of the former president, and 'touch[ed[ on issues of race and democracy and civil rights'. Garrow stated: 'He lives in a large brick mansion in Kalorama. Doesn't it strike you as weird that he's an ex-president, he's comparatively young, and he's living in the center of Washington, D.C.? 'The original excuse was that Sasha had to finish school,' he continued. 'Then you could say, 'Well, the opposition to Trump needs a figure to rally around.' But now Sasha has graduated from USC, Trump is gone, Joe Biden was elected present, but he's still there.' He asked Tablet's David Samuels: Doesn't that strike you as odd? I mean, I have heard from more than one source that there are regular meetings at Obama's house in Kalorama involving top figures in the current White House, with Secret Service and cars outside. I don't write about it because it's not my lane. 'There are over a thousand reporters in Washington, and yet there are zero stakeouts of Obama's mansion, if only to tell us who is coming and going. But he clearly has his oar in.' Meanwhile, with his kids now grown and multiple lucrative media projects to his name, Obama is now worth roughly $70million. He was worth just over $3.5million in 2008. The special counsel overseeing a Donald Trump indictment has sought an emergency protective order just hours after the ex-president made a social media post viewed as threatening to witnesses. Jack Smith entered Trump's post - saying 'IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU' - into evidence on Friday night, shortly after it was posted. Smith says the post shows Trump cannot be trusted to keep confidential information disclosed to defendants ahead of a criminal trial confidential. Trump - who's favorite to win the GOP's 2024 presidential nomination - also faces allegations of trying to intimidate witnesses being lined-up to testify against him. Defendants are provided with discovery - the evidence against them - but cannot publicize it. Smith warned the post indicated Trump was determined to attack his critics by any means necessary. 'If the defendant were to begin issuing public posts using details - or, for example, grand jury transcripts - obtained in discovery here, it could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case,' Smith wrote. Donald Trump is pictured on Friday speaking in Montgomery, Alabama. Shortly before the event he posted a threat on social media against those involved in the case On Thursday, the judge in his case - which deals with Trump's efforts to overturn the election - reminded Trump it is a crime to intimidate a juror, bribe anyone or obstruct the administration of justice. Asked if he understood the standard disclaimer, Trump responded that he did. Yet on Friday, Trump posted a threat against those involved in the case, leading Smith to fear that Trump could use the discovery material against those involved. Smith said the proposed protective order was not 'overly restrictive,' noting that it would still enable Trump to use discovery materials in his defense. 'All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public,' Smith wrote. 'Such a restriction is particularly important in this case because the defendant has previously issued public statements on social media regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys and others associated with legal matters pending against him. 'And in recent days, regarding this case, the defendant has issued multiple posts - either specifically or by implication - including the following, which the defendant posted just hours ago.' Smith then included a screenshot of the Truth Social post. A Trump spokesperson said the post was 'political speech' and dismissed claims that it was threatening. 'The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech and was in response to the RINO, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs, like the ones funded by the Koch Brothers and the Club for No Growth,' they said. Jack Smith, the special counsel, is pictured on August 1 explaining the decision to charge Trump on four counts relating to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election Trump: Deranged Jack Smith. Doesnt he look deranged? Youve seen the pictures with the purple robe. Hes a deranged human being. This guy is a lost soul. Bad guy. Hes a deranged sick person pic.twitter.com/06mF1tJ7PE Acyn (@Acyn) August 5, 2023 Smith has already requested a protective order in his other case, which deals with Trump's mishandling of classified documents. Lawyers for Trump and his co-defendant Walt Nauta did not oppose the requested protective order, according to that filing: they are yet to respond to Smith's latest request. After making his Truth Social threat, Trump on Friday night was on stage at a rally in Montgomery, Alabama, where he mocked Smith. 'Deranged Jack Smith. Doesn't he look deranged?' Trump asked the crowd. 'You've seen the pictures with the purple robe. He's a deranged human being. 'Somebody said you should treat him nicer, maybe he'd be nice. But let me tell you. 'This guy is a lost soul. Bad guy. He's a deranged sick person.' Eleven school children have been injured, with seven of them in a critical condition after a bus travelling from an Idaho summer camp rolled over on the highway. Police said that bus was carrying 30 campers and staff back to Boise from the Treasure Valley YMCA's camp at Horsethief Reservoir when the horror accident happened. All of the teens on the bus were between the ages 13 and 18. They've all been taken to a local hospital to be checked, Idaho State Police said. The Boise County Coroner's office had not received any reports of fatalities as of 5:45 pm but shocking images of the crash have started to circulate online. One image taken at the scene shows the bus flipped on its side, its wheels off the ground and smoke emanating from it. Turn around if headed to Mccall. School bus filled with kids tip over pass banks around mile maker 85. @KTVB @CBS2Boise #mccallidaho pic.twitter.com/nxJZEh6aFp Samantha Grange (@sammgrange) August 4, 2023 Eleven school children have been injured, with seven of them in a critical condition after a bus travelling from an Idaho summer camp rolled over on the highway The bus blocked all lanes of Highway 55, as emergency services arrived on the scene to assist. The bus had been traveling in a convoy with three other buses, which had not been involved in the crash. In posts to social media, Idaho State Police warned motorists to find alternative routes. 'Idaho State Police is investigating a crash on SH55 at mile marker 83, north of Banks,' the post read. 'Both directions of SH55 is blocked. Motorists should find an alternative route and expect delays.' It remains unclear how the bus full of teens landed on its side as officials continue their investigation into the matter It remains unclear how the bus full of teens landed on its side as officials continue their investigation into the matter. YMCA Treasure Valley President David Duro told KTVB: 'What an unfortunate end to what I'm sure was a really great camp experience for these kids. 'As a parent myself, I know what it's like to be worried for your child. To have something like this happen is really a tragedy.' Duro also said that they were working hard to reunite parents with their children. A play center in a popular New York City park is being turned into a makeshift migrant shelter as 100 asylum seekers prepare to move in. Workers have started unloading items from trucks to retrofit the Play Center at McCarren Park, Brooklyn, which sits between the ultra-expensive Greenpoint and Williamsburg neighborhoods. Migrants could be moving into the facility as soon as Saturday according to officials, who had been informed of the move on Wednesday night. The group will live in temporary housing in the park's recreation center, which is popular with residents of the affluent and uber-liberal Williamsburg neighborhood thanks to its swimming pool and gym. The facilities in the rec center will be not be impacted by the new residents, local representatives said in a joint statement. As of Friday, 'walk throughs' are still being conducted in the park. The group will live in temporary housing in the park's recreation center, which is popular with residents of the Williamsburg neighborhood Mayor Eric Adams has assured that public access to the facilities in the center will not be interrupted Despite officials saying it was for adults only, the New York Post reported seeing baby formula and cots being loaded in In a statement the Brooklyn officials who represent the area at city, federal and state level said: 'Mayor Eric Adams' office assured us that public access to the pool and fitness center will not be impacted and additional security will be in place to ensure everyone's safety.' Despite supplies for what appears to be children being unloaded into the facility, officials told the New York Post that it would be adults only. The post reported baby formula and cots being set up inside the building for the imminent arrival of the migrants. What happens to any after-school programs held at the center remains unknown, with an official telling the Post there was no word on whether they would be moved. One local Tabitha Acaba told the outlet: 'It's just terrible. I work and my children attend after-school care in the south wing. For working parents, it's an extra level of support. I got an email that it might be used for migrants but I don't know what the kids will do.' The move comes as Adams also considers using Randall's Island to house migrants who have been seen sleeping in their hundreds on the streets of Manhattan. It is estimated that nearly 10,000 migrants in New York City were bussed north by Texas' Republican Governor Greg Abbot. Workers have began refitting the area so that a large number of migrants from the southern border can live there Staff members load furniture into the facility which is to house up to 100 migrants It comes after City officials managed to clear a large number of migrants who had been living on the sidewalks of East 45th Street and Vanderbilt Avenue in Manhattan. Dozens of migrants had been camped outside the Roosevelt Hotel which was being used as a processing center. New York is bound by a decades-old consent decree in a class-action lawsuit to provide shelter for those without homes. As a result, the Roosevelt Hotel and others have become hubs for refugees - within walking distance from Times Square, the World Trade Center memorial site and the Empire State Building. Over the weekend, the migrants were handed small red tickets with digits on them - and once in a while hotel workers would come out and call numbers to let people inside the air-conditioned lobby. Adams hasn't spoken publicly in days on the crisis, but visited the Roosevelt under the cloak of night Wednesday, where he was heckled by an irate New Yorker who demanded his resignation for the ongoing migrant crisis. He told CBS News 'we're not hearing enough' from federal officials to combat the influx of migrants. It has been revealed that city officials were considering housing migrants in tents at Central Park, as the migrant crisis became a state of emergency in New York. The proposed migrant plan, first reported by the Gothamist, also considers 3,000 other locations in New York, including tourist public green spaces, as places to erect emergency housing for the crushing influx of migrants. In response to the Gothamist report, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said: 'Everything is on the table.' Williams-Isom said she believes people are coming from other US cities such as Denver and Chicago when doors close there. New York City, in comparison, has opened a total of 197 sites across the city to help with the issue. City officials have considered housing migrants in tents in Central Park as the migrant crisis worsens Migrants are shown sleeping rough on the streets outside of the Roosevelt hotel in midtown Manhattan On Thursday, the area around the hotel was cleared of migrants. It's not clear where they were placed In the last week of July, 2,300 migrants landed in the city to seek asylum. The Roosevelt Hotel has around 1,000 rooms available for migrants. 'New York City cannot continue to carry the weight of a national problem on our own. It is time for the rest of the nation to step up,' Williams-Isom warned Wednesday. She reiterated New York is dealing with the brunt of a country-wide issue. There are currently 15 different languages being spoken outside the Roosevelt Hotel - emblematic of how far-reaching the migrant crisis has become. This is not the Adams Administration's migrant crisis plan A or even plan B - it is 'plan F,' Williams-Isom said, highlighting how much the city has already done. The city says more than 93,000 asylum seekers came through the intake system since April 2022. New York City has also spent about $8million a day to deal with the influx. Adams has called on more funding from the feds, which has not been granted.' The Biden administration has already provided about $100million to New York City to handle the crisis. Another $138.4million was previously given to New York City to support the influx of migrants. Disturbing new audio depicts the moment a beloved gay high school principal was shamed for standing up to an anti-racism trainer - whose bullying helped drive the teacher to suicide. Richard Bilkszto, 60, was found dead on July 13 after two years of emotional turmoil stemming from the encounter. He was devastated when Kike Ojo-Thompson turned on him during a session in April 2021 after he challenged her claim that Canada - where both lived - is more racist than the US. In the audio of the session, obtained by The Free Press, Bilkszto can be heard saying that maybe Canada was not 'the bastion of white supremacy' that Ojo-Thompson had made it out to be. He pointed out that public schools serving Canada's poorest students are generally better funded than their equivalents in the United States. Ojo-Thompson turned on Bilkszto, telling him in front of all of the others gathered: 'As white people, there's a whole bunch going on that isn't your personal experience. It will never be. You will never know it to be so. You will never know it to be so. 'So your job in this work, as white people, is to believe.' Ojo-Thompson - who was paid $7,500 an hour for eight hours of seminars - laughed in a subsequent discussion over the challenge made by Bilkszto, who was described as a deeply progressive man hailed for his focus on 'equity' at work. The anti-racism trainer was later branded 'abusive' by an official government investigation into her antics. Kike Ojo-Thompson, a Toronto-based diversity trainer, cited Bilkszto as an example of 'white supremacy resistance' Richard Bilkszto, 60, took his own life in Toronto on July 13 after two years of turmoil following an April 2021 encounter at the school where he was principal. He filed an official complaint and won, and had just filed another suit Educator Richard Bilkszto challenged a workplace DEI instructor and was tarred as a racist. Last month, he took his own life. Listen to a recording of part of the exchange, exclusively obtained by @RupaSubramanya, and read the article: https://t.co/c3oeQoLgqU pic.twitter.com/ef7HtED3pQ The Free Press (@TheFP) August 3, 2023 And she referred to him again in the next session as an example of 'white supremacist resistance' in newly-released audio clips which also show her laughing while making an example of him. The late principal's family say his distress was only heightened when the superintendent of his school district, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, further shamed him in a tweet suggesting he was a racist. The tweet, since deleted, hailed Ojo-Thompson 'for modeling the discomfort administrators may need to experience in order to disrupt ABR,' or anti-black racism. The week after his death, Kike Ojo-Thompson, the diversity trainer, issued a defiant statement which did not apologize for her role in Bilkszto's death - and even implied that she was the victim. 'This incident is being weaponized to discredit and suppress the work of everyone committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion,' she said. 'We will not be deterred from our work in building a better society for everyone.' Now, the school board and Ontario 's education minister are investigating Bilkszto's death and whether the obsession with woke policies may have contributed to it. Bilkszto, who was gay and single, was said by friends to have devoted his life to teaching, and spent time in a tough majority-black school in Buffalo, New York. He had recently retired, hoping to travel more, but was convinced to come out of retirement to work as principal of Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute in Toronto. In April 2021, the school district hired Kike Ojo-Thompson, a diversity trainer in Toronto, to carry out four two-hour sessions for school leaders - with her firm, the KOJO Institute, charging $15,000 for each session, according to The Free Press. The first session was uneventful, but during the second session Ojo-Thompson claimed that Canada was significantly more racist than the United States. He disagreed, but no one stood up for him. After the meeting, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, the executive superintendent of education, thanked Ojo-Thompson for enlightening them. Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, the executive superintendent of education, thanked Ojo-Thompson for the session which so upset Bilkszto 'When faced with resistance to addressing Anti-Black racism, we can't remain silent as it reinforces harm to Black students and families,' Petrazzini wrote. 'Thank you @KOJOInstitute for modeling the discomfort administrators may need to experience in order to disrupt ABR,' or anti-black racism. She has since deleted the tweet. Petrazzini has recently been in the headlines, in her new job, for organizing a non-whites only 'celebration of belonging' for 'racialized staff'. Friends of Bilkszto said that Petrazzini's tweet hurt him deeply. Robert McManus, 60, a retired teacher who had been friends with Bilkszto since they'd met at Boy Scouts camp at age 11, said the tweet gave the impression that Ojo-Thompson's reprimand was endorsed by the school district. It 'had a horrible effect on Richard,' McManus told The Free Press. Bilkszto's public shaming was compounded at the third session, where Ojo-Thompson said that his comments were a 'teachable moment'. 'One of the ways that white supremacy is upheld, protected, reproduced, upkept, defended is through resistance,' she said. She then laughed, and added: 'I'm so lucky that we got perfect evidence, a wonderful example of resistance that you all got to bear witness to, so we're going to talk about it, because, I mean, it doesn't get better than this.' KOJO Institute founder Kike Ojo-Thompson. Bilkszto said she accused him of supporting white supremacy because he challenged her comments May 3 was the final DEI session Richard Bilkszto attended when @kojoinstitute CEO Kike Ojo-Thompson invited people to comment on the April 26 session where Richard pushed against her claim that Canada is more racist than the US. His fellow educators piled on him, shaming him, pic.twitter.com/xuwcYmMiGy Rupa Subramanya (@rupasubramanya) August 3, 2023 The day after the third session, Bilkszto filed for sick leave, and missed the fourth and final session. He then filed a complaint with school officials saying that he'd been harassed. Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board investigated and in August 2021 concluded that Thompson's behavior was 'abusive' and amounted to 'workplace harassment.' Bilkszto was awarded seven weeks of lost pay. But friends said he never got over the humiliation of being labelled a white supremacist, and the confrontation ate away at him. In April this year, Bilkszto sued the Toronto District School Board, citing Thompson's 'defamatory statements' and the unwillingness of administrators to defend him, despite previously praising him. 'Bilkszto has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to his character and reputation both personally and professionally,' the lawsuit states. 'As well, Bilkszto has been subjected to embarrassment, scandal, ridicule, contempt, and severe emotional distress.' He killed himself before the case could be concluded. Bilkszto, 60, killed himself in July after suing the Toronto District School Board for emotional distress The 60-year-old veteran teacher had worked for 24 years and still volunteered as a stand-in principal. His family say he was so 'distressed' by the disagreement with the anti-racism trainer and what happened afterwards that he took his own life Jason Bilkszto, Richard's nephew, told The Free Press: 'How can you not be allowed to slightly disagree with something without them tearing you apart for it?' McManus said he last spoke to Bilkszto the day before he took his own life. 'It was absolutely clear he was not sleeping well as a result of all the stress,' McManus said. 'He was a very optimistic person, so the vast majority of the time, when people would be speaking to him, he would be seen as doing well, but his friends knew that he struggled - he struggled with what had happened to him.' Ontario's education minister, Stephen Lecce, said: 'I offer my heartfelt condolences to Richard's family and friends, as we remember an educator that truly went above and beyond for his students. 'No staff member should ever be subject to harassment while in their place of work.' Ojo-Thompson said she 'welcomes Education Minister Stephen Lecce's review of this matter and will cooperate fully with Ministry officials.' She added: 'We believe the Ministry of Education is best positioned to investigate this matter to get to the bottom of what transpired at the Toronto District School Board after our workshop concluded over two years ago.' Ari Goldkind, a Toronto attorney, told The Free Press that DEI consultants and the institutions that hire them need to realize their programs 'can have horrendous, real-world consequences.' 'There's a real possibility here that, moving forward, the DEI training session becomes much more litigious, with attendees who feel put upon or hurt or maligned, dangerously maligned - meaning they're ostracized or rendered unemployable - striking back in court,' Goldkind said. 'That's the lesson of this tragedy, that people are sick and tired of being isolated and cast out from polite society because they have the gall to ask a question or challenge the orthodoxy.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered his much anticipated headline speech at the annual Garma festival but has significantly avoided any mention of a one word: treaty. The Prime Minister was on Saturday in remote northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory for the Garma festival, the nation's largest Indigenous gathering. Mr Albanese, who struggled to contain his emotions several times during the impassioned address, used it as a rallying call for Australians to vote Yes at the referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. He said the Voice referendum will be a choice between Australians retreating into ourselves or having the courage to advance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday delivered his headline speech to the Garma festival in the Northern Territory Mr Albanese repeated the Labor party's commitment to supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart but stopped short of mentioning a treaty, which is a part of the proposal. The statement, created in 2017, calls for Voice, Treaty, Truth - a First Nations Voice to Parliament and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling. 'My government supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in our Constitution which is what the coming referendum is about, a vehicle for real and practical progress,' Mr Albanese said. 'Walking around this festival, you can see for yourself how much can be achieved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are heard and empowered.' The Prime Minister (front, centre) made no mention of a treaty during his headline address at the Garma festival Mr Albanese repeated his promise to hold the referendum this year, despite calls to hold off amid declining support for the 'Yes' vote. 'There will be no delaying or deferring of this referendum,' he said. 'We will not deny the urgency of this moment. We will not kick the can down the road, we will not abandon substance for symbolism or retreat to platitudes the expense of progress'. The Prime Minister cautioned that voting 'No' in the upcoming referendum would mean 'more of the same'. 'Just as we will continue to make it clear what voting yes will achieve, Australian people should be equally clear of what voting no means. It is more of the same. Not only rejecting the opportunity to do better, but accepting that what we have is somehow good enough,' he said. Mr Albanese invoked the spirit and vision of the late Yolngu elder Yunupingu to promote the 'coming-together of two worlds'. He said when he announced the referendum at Garma last year, he made a personal promise to Yunupingu. 'In Yunupingu's words the reason why a voice is needed in the constitution is to ensure the substance of recognition has the stability to achieve lasting unity,' he said. 'Yes, we can make history, but more importantly we can shape the future. 'Vote yes in the spirit of unity, optimism and hope'. The Prime Minister used his speech to urge Australians to vote 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum Mr Albanese has supported the notion of treaty with Australia's First Nations people for nearly four decades but recently has been tying himself up in knots trying to distance himself from his long-held views. In an interview on ABC Radio National on Wednesday, he was asked by journalist Patricia Karvelas if he supported a treaty. 'Look, what is before the Australian people is a referendum which is about Voice, which is the first part of the Uluru Statement from the Heart,' Mr Albanese replied, not answering the question. When Karvelas pushed him again, he said 'no ... because that's occurring with the states,' before repeating his line about the forthcoming referendum. The ABC presenter tried yet again, asking 'Are you still committed to the Commonwealth negotiating treaties?' But Mr Albanese failed to answer the question. Mr Albanese has supported the notion of a treaty with Australia's First Nations peoples for nearly four decades but recently has been trying to distance himself from the word Opposition leader Peter Dutton won't be attending the Garma festival, but senior Liberal Angus Taylor said the opposition leader had already visited Arnhem Land and Alice Springs twice, as well as a number of other communities. 'This is where you find out what's really going on on the ground - in and amongst those communities,' Mr Taylor said. 'I don't think a festival is the time to see the real issues playing out.' Although it is an important occasion, Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley agreed that addressing the issue took more than one festival. 'Reconciliation and indigenous policy is about more than one festival and one day,' she said. Recent polling for the Voice shows that support for the referendum has dropped in recent months, but Mr Albanese said that the trend did not worry him. 'We will not abandon substance for symbolism or retreat to platitudes at the expense of progress,' he said. 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been clear. The form of constitutional recognition they are seeking is a voice.' The referendum to enshrine the voice in the constitution will be held between October and December. An AFP investigation has led to a former childcare worker being charged with 1623 child abuse offences against 91 children - including 136 counts of rape and 110 counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 - in Brisbane, Sydney and overseas between 2007 and 2022. The Gold Coast man, 45, has been in custody in Queensland since August 2022 when the AFP arrested and charged him initially with two counts of making child exploitation material and one count of using a carriage service for child pornography material. The case is scheduled for a mention in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 21 August, 2023. After the man was charged last year, the AFP will allege further self-produced child abuse material was identified on electronic devices allegedly owned by the man. The AFP launched Operation Tenterfield immediately after arresting the man on 21 August last year. Operation Tenterfield has in part focused on identifying the children in the alleged child abuse material recorded at childcare centres in Queensland (10) and NSW (one), and an early learning centre attached to a school overseas. The AFP alleges the man recorded his offending on phones and cameras while working in 10 childcare centres in Brisbane between 2007 to 2013, and 2018 to 2022; an overseas location in 2013 and 2014; and one centre in Sydney between 2014 and 2017. All the children allegedly offended against were pre-pubescent girls. The man worked at other childcare centres but the AFP is highly-confident the man did not allegedly offend at those centres. The AFP is also highly-confident that all 87 Australian children who were recorded in the alleged child abuse material have been identified. The AFP believes the man recorded all his alleged offending. The parents of all the Australian children recorded in the alleged child abuse material have been informed of the investigation. Some of the individuals identified in the alleged child abuse material are now aged over 18 years and have been informed. Support services have been offered and continue to be provided. The AFP is working with international authorities to help identify four children recorded in alleged child abuse material created overseas. The AFP Queensland Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) and victim identification specialists from the AFP and Queensland Police Service (QPS) have been working tirelessly since the man's arrest last year to identify all children in the alleged child abuse material. In November, 2022, the AFP provided evidence to NSW Police Force (NSWPF) to enable an investigation for the alleged offending in NSW. NSWPF launched Strike Force Boorong to investigate alleged offending in Sydney. With the assistance of the AFP, NSWPF notified families and individuals identified under Operation Tenterfield. Operation Tenterfield with the assistance of Strike Force Boorong has undertaken detailed forensic investigations of more than 4000 images and videos containing alleged child abuse material, which was allegedly created by the man. In July, 2023, the AFP laid further charges against the man (on top of the three original charges) for the alleged offending against 64 children in Queensland and four children overseas. Those charges include: In June, 2023, NSWPF laid charges for alleged offending against 23 children in NSW. Charges include: NSWPF has issued a first instance warrant for the man's future extradition. Operation Tenterfield has been complex and has involved highly-skilled victim identification specialists. Up to 35 AFP members have been involved in the investigation since August 2022. The AFP thanks QPS and NSWPF for dedicating resources to the investigation. The genesis of Operation Tenterfield is linked to QPS locating alleged child abuse images and videos on the dark web in 2014. QPS posted them on an international victim identification database, seeking assistance from the global victim-identification community. The AFP and other agencies examined the images but they contained few distinguishable clues for investigators to follow. But in August, 2022, the AFP was able to trace objects identified in the background of the alleged images and videos posted on the dark web between 2013 and 2014 to a Brisbane childcare centre. Following inquiries with the childcare centre, the AFP executed a search warrant on 20 August, 2022, in Brisbane, and arrested the man in Brisbane's southwestern suburbs. He was charged with making and distributing child abuse material that was allegedly posted on the dark web. In the next 48 hours, the AFP executed two further search warrants including at the man's Gold Coast home and seized electronic devices allegedly containing child abuse material created by the man. In September 2022, the AFP coordinated a joint-agency taskforce with QPS at the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) to review nearly 4000 seized images and videos the man had allegedly created. Victim identification specialists helped identify 91 children who had allegedly been offended against by the man. The childcare centres will not be named to help protect the identity of alleged victims. AFP Northern Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough said the AFP and other agencies were providing ongoing support to parents and children. 'The AFP, working with support services, has ensured parents and carers have received as much information as possible as this investigation continues,' Assistant Commissioner Gough said. 'I can assure members of the Australian public that if you have not been contacted by law enforcement, it is extremely unlikely your child was allegedly offended against by the man. 'The AFP is highly-confident that all the Australian children who were recorded in the alleged child abuse material have been identified. 'The AFP and our partners never gave up trying to identify the alleged offender and the children in the alleged abuse material. 'Given there were so many alleged images and videos of children recorded over 15 years on the alleged offender's devices, the process of identification took time, skill and determination. 'While I am extremely proud of law enforcements' persistence and their unwavering dedication to identify this alleged offender, and stop further abuse, this is chilling news. 'It is with a heavy-heart that the AFP and other law enforcement dedicate so much time and resources to prevent and take action against individuals who commit heinous crimes against children. 'There is not much solace I can give parents and children who have been identified under Operation Tenterfield, but I can tell you that we never gave up, and we never will when it comes to protecting children. 'This is a distressing time for families, carers and the community broadly. 'We know this type of news can re-traumatise survivors of sexual abuse, and, please, I urge those survivors to seek support, or talk to a trusted network, if today's news has caused distress.' Queensland Police Service Acting Assistant Commissioner Col Briggs said this outcome was the culmination of years of dedicated and complex investigation across jurisdictions. 'From the moment Argos located images of victim children being shared on the dark web in 2014 an extensive examination was launched to identify the children in the pictures,' Acting Assistant Commissioner Briggs said. 'The challenges posed by an investigation of this type were significant and officers never gave up on identifying this alleged offender, reminding themselves that everything you do online leaves a trace. 'In recent years investigators engaged the support of a joint-agency Victim Identification Taskforce at the ACCCE, with several agencies working together to ensure the victims and their families were located. 'These allegations are horrific and confronting, but I commend all investigators from each jurisdiction in their relentless efforts to ensure that our community is made safer as a result of the arrest of the alleged perpetrator. Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald from the NSWPF State Crime Command confirmed the man would also be facing child sex abuse related charges in NSW. 'Today we announce that the NSW Police Force have issued a warrant for this man's arrest in our home state, where he faces 180 child sex abuse charges against 23 victims aged one to five,' Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said. 'Once this man faces the AFP charges in Queensland, we will be seeking to extradite him to Sydney to face the full force of the law in New South Wales. 'This is one of the most horrific cases of alleged child abuse our detectives have seen, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue this matter on behalf of the 23 victims of NSW, who remain our number one priority. 'Alongside our partner agencies, we are absolutely committed to prosecuting anyone who goes after our community's most vulnerable.' The AFP urges anyone in the community who needs to access support to visit the ACCCE website www.accce.gov.au - for a full list of available support services with contact details. Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000. Research conducted by the ACCCE in 2020 revealed only about half of parents talked to their children about online safety. If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available at www.accce.gov.au/support. Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at www.thinkuknow.org.au, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation. A cyclist has died after he collided with a motorbike on a scenic mountain road. The 65-year-old man was killed on Saturday after he crashed into the motorcyclist on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive in Brisbane's Mount Coot-tha at 10.30am. The Killarney man who was heading east on his bike died at the scene. The motorbike rider, a 35-year-old man from Fairfield, was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital in a serious condition. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has more information is urged to contact police. The road was closed to traffic but has since opened up. Investigations are ongoing. The 65-year-old man was killed on Saturday after he crashed into the motorcyclist on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive in Brisbane's Mount Coot-tha (pictured) The hotel entrepreneur had already donated some $20 million to the Florida Governor but now says he needs to move his tactics towards gaining moderates Ron DeSantis' biggest donor has said he has stopped giving money to the Florida Governor's campaign for the Presidential nominee over his stance on abortion. Hotel entrepreneur Robert Bigelow said he would not donate any more money to the Republican unless he adopts a more moderate approach. Bigelow said: 'He does need to shift to get to moderates. He'll lose if he doesn't. Extremism isn't going to get you elected.' The founder and President of Bigelow Aerospace indicated during the interview that he had relayed his concerns to DeSantis' campaign. Bigelow has already handed out $20 million to the pro-DeSantis 'Never Back Down' political action committee - 10 times the amount donated by DeSantis' second-biggest donor. Robert Bigelow, founder and president of Bigelow Aerospace, responds to questions during a tour of Bigelow Aerospace in North Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. September 12, 2019 Florida Gov. DeSantis speaks during a news conference proposing anti-crime legislation on August 1 2023 When pressured to pinpoint policies that Bigelow did not support, he cited only DeSantis signing in April that banned abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. For now, Bigelow has withdrawn making anymore donations, saying: 'Not until I see that he's able to generate more on his own. 'I'm already too big a percentage. A lot of his donors are still on the fence.' DeSantis has been running to the right of Trump despite Republican strategists saying he should be trying to gain moderates concerned about Trump's electability. The abortion restrictions implemented by DeSantis also rattled other donors, with metal magnate Andy Sabin allegedly soured by the announcement. In response to the abortion movie Sabin, who frequently hosts fundraisers for candidates, said: 'I like DeSantis. He's a great governor, but I don't think he can win a national election with his viewpoint on abortion.' In a statement a spokesperson for the DeSantis campaign, Bryan Griffin, said they were 'grateful' to supporters and donors who gave them 'the capacity to compete for the long haul,' without addressing Bigelow directly. The six-week ban sparked controversy in states where it has been enacted across the country because it's often too early for a woman to determine if she is pregnant. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis holds up a 15-week abortion ban law after signing it, Thursday, April 14, 2022 The signing was enacted in a private ceremony and announced hours after the Florida state House passed the bill in a vote targeted by protesters. Latest polls show that former President Donald Trump is now over 38 percent clear of DeSantis in his quest to be crowned the Republican candidate in 2024. Trump is currently leading with 53.3 percent in a recent poll, while DeSantis second with just 14.3 percent. It comes after new polling suggests that if an election was held right now that Donald Trump would beat incumbent President Joe Biden by five percent. Their survey, which polled 2,068 registered voters, also showed a wide sense of discontent across the country for both major party candidates, with 70 percent looking for another option. The majority of people polled also agreed that President Biden was mentally unfit to continue to serve as President. 59 percent of people agreed that they had doubts about his fitness for office, with the majority being GOP voters, 85 percent. Robert Bigelow, founder and president of Bigelow Aerospace stands next to a model of an inflatable habitat that could be used for future space exploration It was also widely agreed in the polls that Biden was showing he is too old to be President, with over two thirds, 68 percent, agreeing he was too old. Should the Republican party primary fall between DeSantis and Trump, polling suggests the former President would win by a landslide with 63 percent of the vote. DeSantis campaign pollster Ryan Tyson took issue with the poll's findings, tweeting that the national sample, collected through an internet panel, is 'not a likely Republican voter survey that uses vote history.' 'While I appreciate the desire for clicks, narrative and publicity, these findings shouldn't remotely be considered indicative of where likely primary voters are today,' said Tyson. The mother of a teen struck and killed by the Seattle monorail this week has spoken out - calling the incident 'a tragedy' and her son's spray-painting near the site 'a bad decision.' Speaking to local outlets Friday, Allison Gardiner - who lives in Arizona - said that her son, Xavier Gaytan, had been visiting her father when he was hit and killed by the Seattle train on Sunday. Having scaled the roof of a downtown building to gain access to the area, Gaytan - whose tag was 'Anom', was spray-painting graffiti near the tracks when he was struck, cops in the Windy City revealed. The monorail - which runs along Fifth Avenue between Seattle Center to the Westlake Center Downtown - had been moving at speeds of 45mph. The elevated rail is 30 feet off the ground in its highest spots, officials noted on the train's website. The fatal accident occurred at Fifth and Denny Way, said cops - who discovered Gaytan dead at the scene. A surveillance photo later showed him to be tagging the building. It was five days after the tragedy that his mother, Gardiner, lamented the loss. The mother of 14-year-old Xavier Gaytan, who was struck and killed by the Seattle monorail Sunday, spoke out in a series of interviews - calling the incident 'a tragedy' and her son's spray-painting near the site 'a bad decision' Speaking to local outlets Friday, Allison Gardiner said that her son had been visiting her father when he was hit and killed by the Seattle train 'He wasn't out to hurt anybody,' the mourning mom told KOMO 4 TV in a filmed interview - one of several that aired Friday. 'He was just doing something that he was passionate about.' That passion, she and others mourning the teen said, surfaced through the medium of graffiti - street art that often sees young practitioners 'tag' buildings, buses, and subways with certain pseudonyms for street cred. With this in mind, she framed her son as an artist who died doing what he loved, and a child who simply made a bad decision. 'It's unfortunate that a mistake that he made, again can't be corrected,' she told the station, tears welling in her eyes. 'He doesn't have an opportunity to turn it around,' she emotionally added. Still, many have surfaced as somewhat merciless in the wake of the teenager's death, citing his illegal actions and the inherent dangers that come with unsanctioned urban art. However, other more graffiti-minded individuals have echoed Gardiner's sentiments - in the form of spray painting. Several Rest In Peace 'ANOM' - the alias Gaytan used for his unlicensed exploits - tags remained near the site of his death Friday night, as him mom told KOMO he believed her son was not alone when he was struck. The fatal accident occurred at Fifth and Denny Way, said cops - who discovered Gaytan dead at the scene. Surveillance photo later showed him to be tagging the building Having scaled the roof of a downtown building to gain access to the area, Gaytan was spray-painting graffiti near the tracks when he was struck, cops in the Windy City said any have surfaced as somewhat merciless in the wake of the teenager's death, citing his illegal actions and the inherent dangers that come with unsanctioned urban art Others who are more graffiti-minded individuals have echoed Gardiner's sentiments with spray painting Several Rest In Peace 'ANOM' - the alias Gaytan used for his unlicensed exploits - tags remained near the site of his death Friday night 'As far as I know, there was another teenage boy with him, and I do not think he was alone,' Gardiner said. Of the criticism her son and family has faced since over the circumstances surrounding his death she said she feels sorry for those detractors. 'It just breaks my heart that people are so cold and judgmental,' she told the Seattle news station, citing her son's age and the fact he leave's behind an older brother aged just 16. 'I mean just as many people are loving and supportive but he was a kid,' Gardiner added. 'I actually feel sorry for them because I don't have that level of darkness or hate in my heart, so I actually feel sorry for them.' She added that the brothers had flown to Seattle in June, and that she and Gaytan's brother was taking his brother's death hard. 'When your child doesn't come home, you know something is wrong,' Gardiner said. 'An accident is an accident, it is never anyone's fault, and no matter how many bad choices a child makes, they don't deserve to lose their life and have people point fingers at them.' She added: '[Graffiti] is an art form, and it is one that I respect and his father respects. 'However, we did have a united position on doing that safely and legally versus illegally and putting yourself in danger. Gardiner said her son loved art and had an internship in Seattle screen printing for a clothing brand Of the criticism her son and family has faced since, she said she feels sorry for those detractors 'My son was creative and he was an artist, and that was some thing that he gravitated towards,' she said. On Sunday night, officers from The Seattle Police Department (SPD) announced that they'd found Gaytan, and that he had been hit by the Monorail around 9pm. 'The news was so deeply painful and shocking, it's not even something I can really describe,' Gardner told another Seattle outlet King 5. 'He had a passion and a desire to do something. And unfortunately, he really just didn't think it through.' After cops confirmed the teen had been 'spray painting a building adjacent to the tracks before being struck', multiple signs were posted on the roof warning to stay away from the Monorail. Gardiner, meanwhile, said her son loved art and had an internship in Seattle screen printing for a clothing brand. She also reiterated how she and his dad made the dangers of tagging clear to him. She added that Gaytan was born in Washington, but grew up in Arizona. 'He was just a kid living his life. He wasn't trying to hurt anyone and he didn't deserve what happened,' said Gardiner. 'He loved fashion. And so, that was something that he was wanting to explore up here in Seattle. He was doing an internship for a local company. 'He was learning how to screen print. So, he was just at the beginning of kind of figuring out what he loves and maybe what he could do with that as far as furthering his education and career.' To prevent another similar death, Gardner said she plans to encourage communities to offer opportunities for street artists like her late son to have a safe outlet. This art form has been around for decades and I don't think it's going away. So, perhaps, what needs to change is providing more safe spaces for kids to pursue this art form,' said Gardner. 'Most of us get an opportunity to grow up and learn from our mistakes. And in this case, the real tragedy is that he doesn't have that opportunity.' The family has since started a GoFundMe to help Gayton's funeral costs. Gardner told KOMO they are holding a memorial in Seattle and then another one in Phoenix. She told FOX 10: 'Most of us get an opportunity to grow up and learn from our mistakes. And in this case, the real tragedy is that he doesn't have that opportunity.' A popular Queensland theme park has been sued for more than $1million by family of eight-year-old girl who allegedly suffered serious internal injuries on a water slide. The little girl from Logan, north of the Gold Coast, lost half a litre of blood and spent four nights in hospital after the incident at the WhiteWater World water park, next to Dreamworld, in 2020. She suffers ongoing physical and psychiatric problems, a Supreme Court lawsuit has alleged. The girl's mother, Sarah, has launched legal action against park owner Ardent Leisure and water slide manufacturer, Swimplex Aquatics, seeking $1,027,561.33 in damages. A family has sued Ardent Leisure, owner of WhiteWater World and Dreamworld, for more than $1million after an eight-year-old girl suffered horrific injuries on a water slide The mother-of-eight said the ordeal had been 'a nightmare'. 'The last three years we've experienced isn't something I'd wish on anyone it's really affected the whole family,' she told the Courier Mail. 'This has never been about the money, it's about holding those responsible for what happened to (the girl) to account.' A statement of claim filed last month by Shine Lawyers alleges the girl was left 'bleeding profusely' when she vigorously hit the water while riding the 'Fully 6' slide at White Water World in November 2020. The girl was riding the slide on her back with her feet downwards and her leg crossed as instructed by the ride attendant, according to the claim. The claim states that the girl's legs then became uncrossed 'due to forces encountered by her body while making the descent'. 'Due to her legs becoming uncrossed (the girl) made a forceful impact with the water, resulting in water entering her body at force (and) causing a significant tear or rupture of her vaginal wall and bleeding,' the claim said. The claim contends the girl lost 500ml of blood and was taken by ambulance to Logan Hospital where she spent four nights and had to return another five times for treatment. She continued to suffer physical and psychological symptoms including ongoing bleeding, abdominal pain, anxiety and nightmares and had time off school, the claim alleges. It alleges that Sarah suffered guilt and nightmares over the accident and was diagnosed with PTSD and major depressive disorder. She was also forced to cease her work as an aged care nurse. A statement of claim filed last month by Shine Lawyers alleges the girl was left 'bleeding profusely' when she forcefully hit the water while riding the 'Fully 6' slide at White Water World in November 2020 (Pictured: Fully 6 slide) The claim states that both Ardent Leisure and Swimplex Aquatics had described the Fully 6 water slide as a 'high intensity' slide and it was 'reasonably foreseeable' that children as young as the girl would ride it. It was also reasonably foreseeable that children riding the slide 'would encounter strong acceleration and deceleration forces'. The claim alleges Ardent breached its duty of care to the girl by failing to warn her about these forces and not instructing her to keep her legs crossed. It alleges that Swimplex Aquatics had failed to design and test the water slide to prove it was safe for an eight-year-old girl, and failed to recognise the risk of water entering the body at 'high impact', or instruct Ardent about that risk. A WhiteWater World spokeswoman told the Courier Mail that Ardent Leisure acknowledged a complaint had been received about the incident but could not comment due to the legal proceeding. Ardent Leisure was in 2022 forced to pay $2.15 million to a family of a woman who died after the Thunder River Rapids ride (pictured) at Dreamworld malfunctioned Ardent Leisure was last year forced to pay $2.15million to the husband and two children of a woman who died when a Dreamworld ride malfunctioned in 2016. Sydney woman Cindy Low, 42, died on the Thunder River Rapids ride along with Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett and Roozi Araghi when a water pump failed and caused the raft they were in to overturn. In 2020, the company was fined $3.6million after pleading guilty in Brisbane Magistrates Court to breaching the Work Health and Safety Act. Says it will provide a clearer pathway through to the referendum Dean Parkin believes scrapping laws will make it simpler to sell the Voice Indigenous cultural heritage laws that came into effect in Western Australia just over a month ago are reportedly about to be scrapped following a backlash from farmers. The WA Labor government foreshadowed the about-face at a briefing with big resources companies and Indigenous groups on Friday. An announcement from WA Premier Roger Cook is expected 'within days', The West Australian reported. The reported backflip comes one month after the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act laws brought in to prevent the destruction of sacred sites came into effect. A senior Labor frontbencher would not confirm the cancellation however, and suggested instead that there may still be a viable path to fixing the flawed system. The leader of the Yes vote campaign for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament has praised the 'brave decision' to abandon the laws which he says became caught up in the referendum debate. Yes campaign director Dean Parkin believes scrapping the controversial cultural heritage laws will make it simpler to sell the Voice to Parliament in WA. West Australian Premier Roger Cook may scrap the state's cultural heritage laws 'within days', less than a month after they were introduced The campaign director of the Yes campaign, Dean Parkin (left) has welcomed news that WA could scraps Aboriginal cultural laws. He's pictured with the head of Indigenous Affairs and Strategic Inclusion at National Australia Bank, Eveanne Liddle 'Obviously, it's a matter for the West Australian Government to resolve the issues around cultural heritage legislation,' Mr Parkin told reporters at the Garma Festival in the Northern Territory on Saturday. 'But from our perspective, it absolutely gives us a clearer pathway from now through to the referendum to be able to focus very closely on that very simple question of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples of this country through a Voice. 'Unfortunately, some of those issues have become caught up with that debate around cultural heritage in WA.' Kimberley Land Council chief executive Tyronne Garstone echoed Mr Parkin's comments. 'Aboriginal people in WA never supported them (the laws),' he said. 'Basically, the rollout of the bill has been appalling, and the implementation has been even worse. This has been brave, but the right decision, by the Premier'. It comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered his strongest and most impassioned defence of the Voice at the Garma Festival on Saturday. The prime minister (pictured on Friday holding a spear aloft) has vowed to not delay or defer the referendum Labor frontbencher Stephen Dawson said that the WA government has yet to decide the fate of the troubled laws. 'No decision has been made by government at this stage,' the emergency services minister told reporters in Perth on Saturday. 'I'm not denying anything, what I am saying is the conversations continue between the state government and the various stakeholders about the legislation and the way forward.' The minister would not be drawn on a timeline, saying only that the government would decide 'in the future.' The new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act laws came into effect on July 1, after the WA government resisted calls from pastoralists and the opposition to delay their introduction. WA's previous laws dated back to the 1970s and notably allowed the state's Aboriginal affairs minister to grant land users permission to disturb cultural heritage sites. Rio Tinto had ministerial approval in 2020 when it blew up the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelters, sparking global condemnation and devastating traditional owners. A senior Labour frontbencher denied to confirm whether Premier Roger Cook (pictured) would abandon the laws however, and suggested there may be a way to fix them Work on the laws began when Rio Tinto destroyed the 46,000 year old Juukan Gorge rock shelters in 2020, which sparked a global controversy The new system abolished the Section 18 approvals process and placed an emphasis on agreements between land users and traditional owners. But there were deep concerns about the compliance requirements, some of which had only been made clear days before the laws came into effect. The Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura Aboriginal Corporation said it was devastated, angered and betrayed in the wake of the reports. While the laws were not perfect, they were better than what they replaced, corporation chairman Terry Drage said. 'Fix the guidelines, which are the biggest problem, not scrap the act,' Mr Drage said. He called on the federal government to proceed with an Australia-wide regime for cultural heritage protection, saying the preservation of heritage sites was non-negotiable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The corporation's land and heritage management director Dr Jordan Ralph said the organisation was considering withdrawing from heritage surveys and negotiations until the state government could give First Nations people clarity about the future. Chief executive Grant Wilson added the corporation was yet to speak with the government about its intention. 'Fortunately for us, we are negotiating strong co-management agreements with mining proponents, which provide each party the clarity that is lacking in the legislation,' Mr Wilson said. 'It now looks like we will be relying on our agreements to see us through this mess.' More than 25 new local Aboriginal cultural heritage services were being set up to manage sites within particular regions. The laws, which were proposed and established under ex-premier Mark McGowan (pictured), have created unnecessary levels of bureaucracy, according to farmers in the state Opposition leader Shane Love (pictured) has said that while he hopes the laws will be scrapped. the move would be the 'biggest backflip by a government in many years' The government had flagged a 'light touch' approach in the first 12 months to ensure stakeholders understood their obligations. However the laws, which were proposed and established under ex-premier Mark McGowan, have proven controversial for Mr Cook, who has been bedding down his leadership since taking over in June. Critics argued they were too complex and landowners feared their activities would be impacted. Government agencies also expressed confusion about their requirements under the legislation. Landowners concerned about the new laws were planning to gather on Tuesday at state parliament to call for changes to protect freehold property rights. WA opposition leader Shane Love said while he hoped the reports were true, the move is the 'biggest backflip by a government in many years'. 'What we've seen is a government that has rammed a piece of legislation through and failed to implement it... its own members are calling it botched,' he told reporters in Perth on Saturday. Mr Love said he was looking forward to returning to the drawing board and working on new laws which would 'actually protect heritage' but also protect businesses and the property rights of landowners. Nationals Leader David Littleproud welcomed the expected scrapping of the changes, and called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to rule out federal Aboriginal heritage reforms that would replace the WA laws. The WA laws were an overreach 'requiring cultural surveys for even digging a hole', he said. Mohammed Akbar Keshtiar had links to Melbourne's underworld stretching back more than two decades and was reportedly aligned with the Mongol bikie gang before he was gunned down. 'Afghan Ali', as he was also known, was shot in a hail of bullets as he walked along Almeida Crescent, South Yarra about 11.40pm Friday night as revellers celebrated the weekend on nearby Chapel Street. He was rushed to hospital where he later died. Keshtiar previously survived a gunman's attempt to end his life six years ago. Police are investigating whether the 53-year-old's death is linked to his 'associations' with bikie gangs amid concerns tensions could spill over into a gangland war. Keshtiar was born and spent much of his childhood in Afghanistan during a period when the country was divided by a fierce civil war between Russian backed communists and Islamist rebels. Mohammed Akbar Keshtiar had links to Melbourne's underworld and was reportedly aligned with the Mongol bikie gang before he was gunned down on Friday night Shots rang out in South Yarra, Melbourne, at about 11.40pm on Friday night (pictured, emergency services at the scene) He spent some of his teenage years in Pakistan who along with the US were sympathetic to the rebels. Keshtiar was 19 when he emigrated to Australia with his family, who were considered decent, law-abiding people seeking to escape the conflict back home, reports The Age. Keshtiar spent much of the 1990's hard at work in jobs for the security industry around Melbourne. It was over the course of this decade in the industry where he likely made connections in the city's underworld. Having spent his formative years in a war-torn country he was not one to shy away from guns and, paired with his reputation for a fiery temper, it wasn't long before he was on the police radar. In May 2000 he punched an employee of the Dome nightclub in Prahran in the face before being kicked out the back door. He and a friend then walked to the front of the venue where he pulled out a handgun and shot a different employee in the thigh. He was arrested and bailed but before he could return to court, police also charged him with the attempted murder of his girlfriend and a friend. The then 34-year-old had bought drugs with the friend on January 18 2003 and went to his girlfriend's house in Burwood where a row had broken out when Keshtiar accused the woman of cheating on him. Keshtiar pulled a revolver and began wildly firing. One bullet hit his girlfriend and three hit his friend, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. 'Look what you've made me do. I hope you are f***ing happy,' Keshtiar yelled at his victims He then snapped out of his furious state and called triple-zero while expressing concern for their welfare. A black dual cab ute (pictured on Saturday) was dusted for evidence by a forensic team Underworld figure Mohammed Keshtiar (pictured) was gunned down in Melbourne Initially he admitted to police he had pulled the trigger but changed his tune when he finally appeared in court. He claimed underworld figure Sam Zayat, who had recently been gunned down himself, was responsible and he'd been covering for him. A jury disagreed and Keshtiar was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder. He was also found guilty of assault and intentionally causing serious injury over the Dome nightclub shooting and pleaded guilty to possessing steroids. He was jailed for 15-and-a-half years with a non-parole period of 12 years. Justice Bernard Teague noted the Burwood shooting was troubling in particular because of how quickly Keshtiar had switched from 'beserk gunman' to 'co-operative care-seeker' when he called paramedics. It was noted his steroid and drug use could have been a factor. Keshtiar was sent to Barwon Prison where he reportedly formed an allegiance with the Mongol bikie gang and even attempted a leadership coup from behind bars. The club has officially denied he was a 'patched' member but he is understood to have had a large club following inside and out of prison. Keshtiar had already survived one attempt on his life shortly after his release from prison in 2017. A gunman waited outside his Narre Warren house but instead mistakenly shot associate Zabi Ezedyar, a 26-year-old plasterer, who was also there. It appears he could not escape a second attempt with police confirming on Saturday morning the shooting was a 'targeted attack' as Keshtiar and another man walked back from a gym. 'There was a man with the victim but he is not forthcoming with information,' Detective Superintendent Geri Porter said. 'This was not a random attack. This was targeted.' The other man was not injured. Officers are now focused on tracking down the person responsible for the shooting (pictured, witnesses at the scene on Friday night) Det Supt Porter confirmed police had identified 'associations' with organised crime through their early investigations, but said it was unclear whether those associations played any part in Friday night's attack. Following the shooting, police on Saturday morning found a torched car at Rowville in Melbourne's east, and believe it could be linked. Det Supt Porter urged anyone who saw suspicious activity on or around Churchill Park Drive in South Yarra between midnight and 5am on Saturday to come forward. 'We're very concerned about not only the risk to the people or persons that are targeted, but also innocent community members that get caught up in activity like this,' Det Supt Porter said. 'We have dedicated and committed investigators on this matter right now as well as ... specialist support units.' She could not say whether police were concerned about possible retaliation attacks. CCTV is expected to play a crucial role in the investigation, Det Supt Porter said. She urged anyone with information about the shooting to speak with police. Phillip Schofield has reduced the asking price of the 1.2million flat he bought with his wife and where he is believed to have had secret trysts with his younger lover. The former This Morning presenter, 61, has decreased the price of the immaculate two-bedroom London penthouse flat with a listing appearing to show the asking price has now been reduced by 85,000. It comes after Schofield and his estranged wife Stephanie, 59, already reduced the property's asking price by 100,000 in June when they put it at 1.2million - the same amount they paid for it in 2012. The flat is believed to be where Schofield would take his junior colleague for secret trysts before the affair was revealed to the world in May. The former presenter resigned from ITV and was dropped by his agency YMU after admitting to an 'unwise, but not illegal' affair with the young male colleague. Phillip Schofield (pictured in June) has slashed the asking price of the 1.2million flat he bought with his wife where he used to spend 'Playtime Thursdays' with his younger lover Phillip Schofield's London flat is believed to be where he would take his junior colleague for secret trysts Schofield taking a selfie inside the apartment, which was not far from the former This Morning studio Schofield with his wife Stephanie before their split. The pair share two daughters together Phillip Schofield entering his London apartment, which has had the asking price reduced to 1.15million Schofield and Willoughby pictured with the young man who Schofield had an affair with, who worked as a runner on the show The former This Morning star said the affair 'never came across' as an abuse of power because he and his lover were 'mates'. The flat, which is in a gated development, is said to be in 'very good condition' and the 'perfect setting for entertaining'. It has views of The Shard and is near The London Studios where This Morning used to be filmed before the programme moved to the Television Centre in White City in 2018. In an interview with Dan Wootton on GB News, Eammon Holmes claimed Schofield's lover was secretly ferried between ITV's studios and the presenter's flat in an attempt to hide their affair. The pair are said to have entered through an adjacent hotel to avoid any suspicions of their secret trysts. Holmes said: 'Thursday was playtime when he and Phillip would hit the town and then he obviously stayed overnight. There are records to show that he was brought in the next day separately in cars paid for by ITV.' Schofield has sought support from his mother following his high-profile exit from ITV on May 26. He was pictured driving outside her home on June 19 with his cousin David Schofield - weeks after the presenter and his mother were seen hugging on a bench overlooking the sea. Schofield, 61, was believed to be planning to stay with his mother at her Newquay home for the foreseeable. The Government has revealed that an estimated 21,000 migrants entered the UK undetected last year. Figures obtained by the Times from a Home Office source showed that around 30,000 people who submitted an asylum application stated they did not enter the country on small boats and instead travelled by other means. Official Home Office data also shows that almost 9,000 illegal migrants attempted to enter without adequate documents and were detected by the Border Force at airports, ports and other parts of the UK. This indicates that around 21,000 migrants that went on to submit asylum applications entered the UK without being detected. This was in addition to 54,563 migrants who arrived in the UK last year by small boats, on the back of lorries and ferries, or were picked up by authorities elsewhere up to 72 hours after their arrival. The Government has revealed that an estimated 21,000 migrants entered the UK undetected last year Migrants try to enter the UK in lorries bound to Portsmouth at the Ouistreham Ferry Port in Caen on the north western coast of France A migrant sits under the trailer of a lorry as he attempts to cross the English Channel in Calais A total of 14,782 people have crossed the Dover Straits in 320 boats so far this year, compared to a record 45,755 people who made the journey in 2022, according to official Government figures. Last month saw a total of 3,299 asylum seekers make the treacherous journey across the Channel in 63 boats - an average of 52 people crammed into each vessel. The busiest day of crossings this year came on July 7 when 686 migrants arrived in the UK in a 24-hour period alone. Dozens of migrants were seen entering the UK yesterday for the first time this month after 60mph cross-Channel winds halted crossings for more than a week. A Border Force vessel escorted the mostly male group into the harbour at Dover, Kent, shortly before 11am yesterday morning. The migrants, who could be seen removing their orange life-jackets as they disembarked the boat, are the first to make the perilous journey across the 21-mile Dover Straits this month. It comes as people smugglers are said top be cashing in twice by bringing illegal immigrants into Britain and helping wanted criminals including murderers escape across the Channel. The Albanians are brazenly advertising emergency journeys in the back of lorries for 'people who have problems and want to leave England as soon as possible'. One told a Mail undercover reporter posing as the relative of a man on the run after killing someone he could escape to the Continent that night for 3,000. Another smuggler account running on Tiktok offers a 17,500 bespoke service for escaping criminals by forging documents for them to pose as a second driver in the cab of a lorry. The trafficker said the trick was routinely used to spirit illegal immigrants into the UK. Dozens of migrants were seen entering the UK yesterday for the first time this month after 60mph cross-Channel winds halted crossings for more than a week The migrants, who could be seen removing their orange life-jackets as they disembarked the boat, are the first to make the perilous journey across the 21-mile Dover Straits this month A total of 14,782 people crossed the Dover Straits in 320 boats so far this year, while In 2022, compared to a record 45,755 people who made the journey in 2022, according official Government figures READ MORE: The Albanian people-smuggling gangs providing RETURN journeys to help criminals escape from Britain in brazen TikTok adverts Advertisement In Germany, one alleged kingpin suspected of masterminding the illegal boat journeys of 10,000 migrants across the Channel to Britain has been lost by police. The suspect, named only as Dirk P in court papers, was discovered by armed police hiding in a hayloft at his farm in Lotte, Germany, as they targeted a gang alleged to be running the migrant flotilla from the French coast. The 41-year-old was arrested in March but has vanished thanks to European Union human rights laws. It emerged this week that the German authorities were forced to free him when a court halted his extradition to Belgium for questioning over human smuggling offences. A Home Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are relentless in our pursuit of those who seek to enter the UK illegally. 'Border Force have robust measures in place to detect clandestine entrants into the UK and stand ready to respond to any methods deployed. 'In the first quarter of 2023, Immigration Enforcement teams delivered 3,228 enforcement visits, a 53% increase on the same period last year, and since the PM set out his plan to stop the boats in December, arrests have more than doubled since the same period last year.' A British guacamole company has been blasted as 'offensive' because of an advert that apparently portrays Colombians as 'drug dealers.' Holy Guacamole, which sells its product in the likes of Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury's, sources its smashed avocado in South America. The plant-based company recently released an ad campaign featuring the strapline: 'Guac so good, it should be illegal.' The slogan is featured on a series of posters as well as the video. In the clip, the guacamole dip, which is referred to as 'Colombia's purest export', is handed out across London green spaces, Clapham Common and London fields. In the advet, police officers swoop in to arrest someone. Critics claim it portrays Colombians as drug dealers Holy Guacamole is a British company that sells its product in the likes of Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury's Upmarket plant-based firm Holy Guacamole joked that its dip is 'Colombia's purest export' Before the clip was posted, posters including a QR code were handed out, allowing people to scan and order a guacamole delivery. In another video, posted on the brand's TikTok account, actors dressed up as armed police pretend to force their way into a home. Text across the footage reads: 'A wave of Colombian export has hit the UK.' The actors challenge a 'suspected drug dealer' about items in his bag. Inside the bag, there is a collection of Holy Moly dips. Furious customers responded to the market campaign, with some deeming it 'offensive and upsetting.' People have since said they will boycott the company because of the allegedly offensive campaign Furious customers have responded to the ad campaign, with some deeming it 'offensive and upsetting' Some have even threatened to boycott the company and insist on never buying their products again. Juan Carlos Posada Jimenez said: 'Today I found out another advertising video showing two guys hiding behind vans with masks and duffel bags making an illicit transaction of what? 'Please stop - that is not funny, it's completely unacceptable, inappropriate and stereotypic that doesn't reflect my beautiful country and the people living there and working for you. 'Please show some respect and conduct a serious and ethical market research before launching awful advertising campaigns.' Another, called Sophie said: 'This is so disingenuous, you're playing off the stereotype rather than challenging it in any way.' She added: 'Capitalising on Colombia's produce while caricaturing it is gross and I only hope you treat the actual Colombians you work with with more respect.' Hannah Broadbent fumed: 'This is perpetuating offensive stereotypes about Colombia and revictimising the countless people who lost their lives. A woman dunks tortilla crisps in a guacamole dip. The company has defended the advert The plant-based company recently released an ad campaign featuring the strapline: 'Guac so good, it should be illegal' The advert shows actors pretending to raid a flat for suspected dealers and then finding guacamole Holy Moly have defended their advert and said the campaign highlights the product's origin and purity 'Disgusted, never buying this product.' 'Reinforcing stereotypes,' said customer, Alejandra. The company's managing director, Peter Oden, said: 'To tackle a stereotype you need to change the narrative around it. 'We've highlighted that Colombia's Purest Export is Holy Moly's guacamole. 'At Holy Moly we work with over 1,200 farmers in Colombia using their 'wonky' avocados - that would have otherwise gone to waste - to produce our creamy, delicious guacamole. 'We make, pack and ship from source to make the best guacamole product we possibly can - and through this campaign we wanted to highlight our product's origin and purity. 'Our recent sampling activity brought joy to thousands of Londoners a few weekends ago handing out tubs of guacamole and they'll be popping up at festivals across the summer too.' A young girl's rare photo of a famous crocodile flashing his private parts has resurfaced and shocked the internet. Axel the crocodile had a reputation of exposing himself to tourists visiting Crocosaurus Cove's Cage of Death in Darwin in the Northern Territory. Former photographer Mon Atkins shared a cheeky photo of the now deceased croc taken several years ago by a young tourist after coming across it in her camera. 'Sorry if it's a bit crude but it is nature, and to be honest, not a lot of people have been fortunate enough to see it,' Ms Atkins posted online. Axel the crocodile flashed a young girl who was swimming with her mother in the Crocosaurus Cove's Cage of Death in Northern Territory several years ago The 900kg, 5.1 metre croc named Axel (pictured) was known to expose himself to tourists Ms Atkins said that Axel had exposed himself to a young girl who had been swimming in the tank with her mum a few years ago. 'I was taking photos of Axel with the camera and stuff like that... and we got back and (the girl's mum) was having a look at the packages after she'd done the Cage of Death,' the former Crocosaurus Cove photographer told NT News. 'She said, 'my daughter got this photo and I don't want it but you have it, you might need it', and I've gone, 'holy s**t'. 'He would do it at the most inappropriate time and usually when there's a group of kids or a group for a tour coming in.' The young girl wasn' the only one who saw more than they hoped. Aiden Goode jumped into Crocosaurus Cove's premier attraction back in 2018 but it wasn't until he looked back at the photos did he realise Axel had become aroused. 'I thought it was a cracker and that it was hilarious,' he said. 'It was awesome to get up close and personal (with the croc),' he said. After buying the photos, Mr Goode returned to Axel's tank. 'We went underneath in the tunnel to have a look but it looked like he tucked it away.' Ms Atkins shared the photo with bewildered members in the I Love Crocodiles Facebook group, which was inundated with comments. 'Don't know what I thought they'd look like, but I surely did not picture this,' one member wrote. 'Someone tell me this is photoshop,' a second added. 'Cock-o-dile Dundee,' a third chimed in. Other shocked viewers questioned Ms Atkins's pride in sharing Axel's glory. 'What did you mean by 'not a lot of people have been fortunate enough to see it',' someone asked. 'Weird introduction to the group but hey, gotta keep on loving crocs,' another said. Axel reached his 90s before he sadly died from old age almost two years ago. The massive crocodile (pictured) was an icon at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin The 900kg, 5.1 metre long saltwater predator, who had appropriately been named 'Big Boy', swam next to tourists in the Cage of Death for years. Axel getting randy out of mating season was an unnatural event, according to the Territory's leading crocodile expert Grahame Webb Mr Webb opened Crocodylus Park in 1994, where Axel was one of the site's main attractions. According to Mr Webb, Axel displaying his crown jewels was one of the first steps used between crocs during courtship. 'It's usually well and truly inside... it only comes out during mating, so I don't know what he's doing walking around with it hanging out,' he told NT News. China, where the most execution's are carried out, often uses lethal injection The individual, Kang, was arrested in 2014 and sentenced to death in 2019 China has executed a South Korean national for drug trafficking nine years after he was arrested for possession of five kilograms of methamphetamine. Despite South Korea's request for reconsideration of the execution, it was the first time such a sentence has been carried out on a citizen of that country in almost a decade. A court in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou yesterday 'lawfully pronounced a verdict and executed the South Korean defendant... for drug trafficking', Beijing's foreign ministry said in a statement. 'When defendants of different nationalities commit crimes on Chinese territory, Chinese law shall be applied equally', it added. Beijing said the individual, who Chinese officials named as Jiang - which would be rendered Kang in Korean - had had their 'legitimate rights and interests' protected. China has executed a South Korean national for drug trafficking despite Seoul's requests to reconsider. Pictured: Beijing's foreign ministry The individual was arrested in 2014 for possession of five kilograms of methamphetamine and was sentenced to death in 2019 But an official from Seoul's foreign ministry said that the country regrets the decision to go ahead with the death penalty. 'The government has made multiple requests for reconsideration or postponement of the execution on humanitarian grounds through various channels since the death sentence was announced,' the official said. It is the first execution of a South Korean drug offender by China in nine years, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. The individual was arrested in China in 2014 in possession of five kilograms of methamphetamine, according to Yonhap. He was sentenced to death in 2019, the agency said. China, where the most execution's are carried out in the world, frequently uses the death penalty by lethal injection for very serious crimes. Last year more than one thousand executions were carried out, according to amnesty International. The Chinese legal system is tightly controlled by the ruling Communist Party and courts have a near-100 percent conviction rate in criminal cases. Like many countries in the region, China has strict drug laws, and several foreign nationals have been handed death penalties for trafficking in recent years. In 2020, an Australian was sentenced to death in China for drug trafficking. According to Chinese media, he was arrested at Guangzhou airport in December 2013 with more than 7.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in his luggage. And in 2019, China sentenced two Canadian nationals accused of drug trafficking to death at a time when relations with Ottawa were nosediving. Seoul said Friday's execution was 'unrelated to the relationship between China and South Korea'. A restaurant owner has fought back tears as he recalled fearing for his life after he was allegedly glassed by one of two men on a drunken rampage. Adan Jimenez, owner of Papi's Mexican Kitchen in Redcliffe north of Brisbane, says he's lucky to be alive after he allegedly had a glass smashed over the back of his head in front of shocked families dining out on Friday night. Two men aged 24 and 25 had allegedly gone on the rampage just before 8pm after being kicked out of Cactus Jacks bar, a few businesses up the street on the popular dining precinct Redcliffe Parade. Police allege the pair blew a vape into the face of staff at Cactus Jacks after being asked to leave. They then threw hand sanitiser before walking up the street causing a trail of destruction by overturning tables, throwing plates and tossing outdoor umbrellas onto the street. The pair - one shirtless - were captured on CCTV footage arguing with restaurant staff as one worker picks up a stool trying to fend them off. Papi's Mexican Kitchen owner Aden Jimenez (pictured) spent most of Friday night in Redcliffe Hospital after he was allegedly glassed by one of two men on a drunken rampage Mr Jimanez suffered a bloody gash to the back of his head and spent most of the night at hospital after his alleged run-in with the pair. 'I felt like I could be dying,' an emotional Mr Jimenez told Nine News. 'No heart... I have no words to describe the kind of people who could do that to another person,' he said. Mr Jimenez was at Redcliffe Hospital until 3am and returned to work hours later, saying he could not afford to take the day off as he tries to make his small business a success. 'Everything is more expensive, I've got to work everyday,' he said. CCTV of the incident shows diners and bar staff fending off the two men with bar stools The two men were later arrested and charged with public nuisance offences. The 25-year-old is also charged with assault. They will appear in court later in August. The father of Euphoria star Angus Cloud died from stage four lung cancer aged 65 - just months before his son's own death. Conor Hickey, 65, who had a close relationship with his son Angus, was suffering from stage four mesothelioma with cancer in both the lungs and heart, according to his death certificate seen by TMZ. He died in his native Ireland in May shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Angus honoured his father in one of his final Instagram posts on July 14, which showed him in a red hoodie alongside the caption, 'miss u breh'. His actor son, who played drug dealer Fezco O'Neill in Euphoria, attended his father's funeral just one week before he died in the family's Oakland home. Family friends revealed Cloud was so grief stricken that he was too 'traumatised' to attend a private ceremony to scatter his father's ashes. A 911 call was made by the actor's mother reporting a 'possible overdose' at around 11:30am on July 31. She told operators that Cloud didn't have a pulse and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Euphoria actor Angus Cloud (pictured) attended his father's funeral just one week before he died in the family's Oakland home Conor Hickey, 65, (pictured) who had a close relationship with his son, was suffering from severe mesothelioma with cancer in the both the lungs and heart, according to his death certificate seen by TMZ 'Miss u breh', the actor wrote in one of his final Instagram posts on July 14 A family insider told TMZ that Cloud had dealt with 'severe suicidal thoughts' after traveling to Ireland for the funeral, and that he was at his family home in an effort 'to work though overcoming the grief'. He was said by other mourners to be 'very emotional' as he struggled to come to terms with his father's death. Cloud's cause of death has not yet been determined and an investigation has been launched. Mr Hickey passed away on May 18 in his native Ireland. An obituary written by members of a rugby club with which he was associated said he died 'after a short illness'. Remembered as a 'legend' and a 'gentle soul' and a 'force of nature', the keen rugby player was born and raised in Ireland alongside three sisters before leaving for California in the 1980s, first moving to Los Angeles before moving to the Bay Area - where he set up home. The couple had three children, their eldest Angus, followed by twin daughters Molly and Fiona Hickey. Mr Hickey was married to Angus' mother, Lisa Cloud - an actress who starred in American Beauty and The Parent Trap. Despite living in the USA, Mr Hickey returned to County Meath every year for a 'session' with friends in a local pub, according to an obituary shared by the local Ashbourne Rugby Club. A social media photo showing Mr Hickey with Angus (middle) and his wife, Lisa Cloud (right) One of Cloud's final Instagram posts came on July 14, in which he shared a touching image of his smiling father in a red hoodie and red sweats, stating in the caption, 'miss u breh' Angus paid tribute to his late father on Instagram in one of his final social media posts just days before his tragic death. One of his final Instagram posts came on July 14, in which he shared a touching image of his smiling father in a red hoodie and red sweats, stating in the caption, 'miss u breh'. After Mr Hickey's death Cloud flew to Ireland with his mother and twin sisters to scatter the ashes at a 100-acre farm still owned by his late father. While other family members attended a brief ceremony at the farm in Laurelstown, County Meath, Angus remained hidden away in his hotel room about three miles away. Family friend Mick Gleeson said: 'He was just so traumatised that he could not attend. He was in a very bad way and in total shock. He was in such a fragile state and struggling with the death of his father. 'He was like a rabbit caught in the headlights and was just unable to come to terms with his loss. 'I sat down with him and said he was now the man of the family, and he just could not handle it. He was a broken man.' Another friend added: 'I think coming back to his father's place of birth and all that contained was just too much for him. He could not face the final goodbye to his father. 'It is awful that he felt so overcome that his own life has come to an end.' Angus was able to later regain his composure and was taken back to the family farm by an aunt to scatter some of the ashes. He was also able to attend two other private ceremonies as the extended Hickey family said goodbye to their relative. A man has been shot dead by police during a search warrant of a home north of Brisbane. Officers were searching a home in Burpengary East on Saturday afternoon when they were confronted by the man, causing them to open fire. It's understood up to four shots were fired. The man, 29, died at the scene, despite attempts by police and paramedics to revive him. Police allege officers had gone to the home to take the man into custody, who then threatened them before one discharged their firearm. A man has been shot dead by police who were executing a search warrant in a suburban Brisbane home Police said no one else is being sought in relation to the shooting. Margaret Street was cordoned off on Saturday night as police doorknocked and interviewed shocked neighbours. One told the Courier Mail he heard four gunshots. 'Straight away we knew they were gunshots,' he said. 'We weren't concerned because there's a gun club just nearby, so we hear them all the time. 'It was much louder though.' Detectives on the scene told reporters that the man was known to police but declined to provide any further details, including the number of shots fired. The incident happened in the Moreton Bay region north of Brisbane 'Upon attending this address, police have encountered a 29-year-old man,' Detective Superintendent Ben Fadian said. 'This man has confronted police, as a result police discharged their firearms. 'This matter will now be investigated by the internal investigations group with over site from the crime and corruption commission and reporting for state coroner. 'I can also advise there is no threat to public safety as a result to this incident and there is no other person being sought from this matter. No police were injured in the incident and all officers have been offered support. Paramedics arrived at the scene within five minutes but were unable to do anything to save the man. Detectives on the scene said that the man was known to police, and that the incident is now being investigated by an ethics committee Superintendent Fadian offered his 'condolences to the dead man's family'. Neighbours described the area as generally quiet. 'You occasionally get a bit of hooning ... doing a few donuts and things because it's so quiet out here,' neighbour Graeme Thompson told the ABC. A crime scene has since been established and police are investigating the circumstances of the man's death. The Ethical Standards Command is leading the investigation on behalf of the State Coroner and will be subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission. A six-year-old boy was left with 'traumatic' injuries after falling more than 20 feet off a rollercoaster in Florida on Thursday. The incident occurred on the Galaxy Spin Ride at Fun Spot America which is located in Kissimmee, around 20 miles south of the theme park capital of the world, Orlando. The child was rushed to nearby Arnold Palmer Hospital where he is still recovering. The ride has been temporarily closed pending an investigation. In a statement the park was defiant in vowing to reopen the attraction as soon as possible. Following the tragedy, a TikToker said in a video that he previously witnessed a baby being placed on a different ride at the same park without any objections from staff. 'Take a spin on a wild mouse style type coaster that produces heavy G forces as you go around sharp and tight corners. With up to 4 people to a seat, your whole cart will be screaming!,' reads the park's description of the Galaxy Spin Ride ride on its website. A six-year-old boy suffered 'traumatic' injuries after he was thrown from a rollercoaster in Florida on Thursday The boy was rushed to a nearby hospital for undisclosed injuries after he fell 20 feet from the ride at Fun Spot America The ride, Galaxy Spin, is under investigation by officials in the Sunshine State and will remain closed The website says that riders must be at least four feet tall or three and a half feet if accompanied by an adult. One witness to the tragedy wrote in a Facebook post that he saw the child being encouraged to stand up on the ride by the adult he was with who was recording him on her phone. Osceola County firefighters responded to the park around 3:30 pm on Thursday. The child was found 20 feet beneath the rollercoaster track. In its statement, the park maintained that the ride was up to code and recently underwent a safety inspection. The incident is being investigated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The park said that ride will remain shuttered until the investigation is completed. Speaking to Click Orlando, one visitor on Thursday said: 'It's these third-party parks that you see all the accidents happening. I'm hesitant anyway to go on third-party parks.' 'I think it's pretty sad. You go up it and it spins around as it's going through,' witness John Capps said when describing the ride to WESH. 'I have my grand kids right here and if something happened to them, that would be horrible. I would be devastated, especially because a lot of people are here on vacation, so if he's here on vacation and he gets hurt on vacation, that's just horrible,' another witness, Crystal Morse, told the station. Osceola County firefighters responded to the park around 3:30 pm on Thursday. The child was found 20 feet beneath the rollercoaster track In its statement, the park maintained that the ride was up to code and recently underwent a safety inspection The ride moves around 29 miles per hour and features 'spinning cars' that spin as the ride navigates through tight corners, according to the Roller Coaster Database. A 2021 survey compiled on behalf of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions found '0.9 injuries per million rides' across all rollercoasters, said Caitlin Dineen, the group's spokesperson. That year, more than 1,200 ride-related injuries were reported out of the typical 1.7 billion rides that take place each year across 400 locations in North America. 'Safety is the top priority for the global attractions industry,' Dineen said. 'An excellent safety record is in the best interest of the industry, and leaders within it are committed to providing safe and secure attractions for all their guests and visitors.' In 2022, Orlandos International Drive district removed a towering 400-foot ride after it was directly linked to the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson a Missouri teen who fell to his death while on the ride the year prior. Sampson, who lived near St. Louis, Missouri, was visiting Orlando during spring break when he died. An initial report from outside engineers hired by the Florida Department of Agriculture said sensors on the ride had been adjusted manually to double the size of the opening for restraints on two seats, resulting in the teen not being properly secured. Thursday's incident came just days after a mechanical error on board a ride at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, forced riders to walk down the track to safety after the rollercoaster stalled close to the top. Teen runaway Alicia Navarro has sparked concern after moving onto a Native American reservation overrun with meth and sex crimes. Navarro, 18, has shacked up with boyfriend Eddie Davis - who is twice her age - on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana, two weeks after she ended a four-year search for her when she walked into a police station out of the blue. But after deciding to live in Davis' mother's trailer home, the couple will find themselves on a 3,500-person reservation rife with lawlessness. 'We have high incidents of substance abuse, drug abuse, alcohol abuse (and a) lot of inter-generational traumas with abuse in general,' tribal member Connie Filesteel told the New York Post. The reservation has seen a slate of arrests in recent years for violence, drugs and sex crimes, and the public sex offender registry shows nine sex offenders currently live on the plot. Navarro's four-year disappearance came to a surprise close on July 23. She is seen at the time of her disappearance, aged 14 Eddie Davis, 36, a night stocker at Walmart who lives in Havre, Montana, is believed to have been living with Navarro but has not been charged with any wrongdoing in her disappearance The couple moved onto the Fort Belknap Native American reservation, which is home to the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes The reservation is home to the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes and is located 40 miles south of the Canadian border near the Missouri River. Among the crimes to take place on the territory include two residents sentenced to 22 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a girl under 12 in 2019. A man was sentenced to six years in February 2022 for shooting up a house on the reservation, and that same year another Montana resident was given a six-year sentence for trafficking meth onto the plot. Despite its issues, the arrival of Navarro and her far-older boyfriend has been met with disgust by locals. 'Just because he's here doesn't mean we want him here,' said tribal member Cheryl Horn to the Post. 'His family is supporting him, but all the rest of the community are not wanting this.' Those on the reservation are reportedly trying to drive Davis off the property. Another tribe member, Jr Healy, 55, added that a group that are part of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement have been trying to contact Navarro over her situation. 'Me and some of the MMIW people, we wanted to try to get her away from him,' he said. 'We have our own domestic violence, we have our own murders, we have our own MMIWs, we have enough unsolved things here,' added Horn. Police in Montana have said that Navarro, as an adult, cannot be forced to return to her mother, and on Monday night Navarro was seen clearing out the apartment where she had been living. Police had previously stated that Navarro had willingly left her home just before her 15th birthday Navarro left her mother a note in September 2019 saying she was leaving, but would return Alicia Navarro, right, pictured with her mother, Jessica Nunez. Navarro was just 14 when she left her Glendale, Arizona, home Navarro stunned authorities on July 23 when she walked into a police station in Havre, Montana and said she no longer wanted to be declared missing because she wanted a driver's license. Since she left her Glendale, Arizona home on September 15, 2019, her devastated mother Jessica Nunez led the public search for the teenager, who has high-functioning autism. While Nunez feared her daughter ran away or was abducted by someone she met online, it is unclear where precisely she was during the last four years. She left while her parents were sleeping, sparking a huge multi-agency search that included the FBI. Police spokesman Jose Santiago said police had received thousands of tips over the years. After hearing the news that an 18-year-old identified herself as the missing teenager over 1,000 miles from where she went missing, Glendale police said they immediately reached out to Montana police to speak with her. Officers said they were able to verify Navarro's identity, and that she has been extremely cooperative with authorities. Santiago added that she by all accounts appears to be in good spirits' and 'really just wants to move on with her life. 'She is very apologetic to what she has put her mother through. And she understands that she has caused a lot of pain to her mother, and it was not intentional on her behalf, and she is hopeful that they can have a relationship.' The youthful-looking 18-year-old told police in Montana that 'no one hurt me', and while Davis is believed to have lived with Navarro for part of the time she was missing, he has not been charged with any wrongdoing in her disappearance. After announcing her emergence, the FBI swooped in on Navarro's building the same day, and neighbors described how a 'really young' looking Navarro was distressed during the raid. Last week, she turned herself in to Montana authorities because she wanted to obtain a driver's license and live a 'normal life.' Havre, Montana is located some 1,400 miles from where Navarro disappeared in Glendale, Arizona Nunez had long suspected that her daughter was abducted by someone she met online gaming, though police were never able to find any proof of that Her disappearance gained traction among the true-crime community, but Navarro's mother has urged internet sleuths to back off after Alicia's discovery, claiming their investigations put their 'safety in jeopardy'. After she was found, Nunez said her daughter's reappearance is proof 'miracles do exist,' as she urged family members of other missing people not to give up hope. In an emotional Facebook video, Jessica Nunez pleaded for the public to 'move on,' even as questions remain about her daughter's vanishing. The distraught mother warned in the video how the 'search for answers has taken a turn for the dangerous,' claiming she and her family have been targeted since her daughter's reemergence. 'I have been harassed, my family has been attacked all over the Internet the public has gone from trying to help Alicia to doing things like trying to show up to her house and putting her safety in jeopardy,' Nunez claimed. 'So I beg you, please no more TikToks, no more reaching out to Alicia or me with your speculation or questions or assumptions. This is not a movie, this is our life, this is my daughter.' MacCarthy, who is a single mom, works in tech and lives in LA, was left shaken by the accusation and filed a lawsuit in Colorado on Thursday against Southwest She was confronted by a Southwest worker and two police officers at Denver International Airport who suspected the child was being trafficked Mary MacCarthy and her biological daughter Moira, 10 at the time, were flying to a funeral on October 22, 2021, after the sudden death of her brother A white mother who was stopped by police officers at the airport and accused of human trafficking her mixed-race daughter has sued Southwest Airlines for 'blatant racism'. Mary MacCarthy and her biological daughter Moira, 10 at the time, were flying to a funeral on October 22, 2021, after the sudden death of her brother. She was confronted by a Southwest worker at Denver International Airport who suspected the child was being trafficked. The mother and daughter were met on the jet bridge by two police officers and questioned before eventually being let go. But MacCarthy, who is a single mom, works in tech and lives in LA, was left shaken by the accusation and filed a lawsuit in Colorado on Thursday against Southwest. A white mother who was stopped by police officers at the airport and accused of human trafficking her mixed-race daughter has sued Southwest Airlines for 'blatant racism' Mary MacCarthy and her biological daughter Moira, 10 at the time, were flying to a funeral on October 22, 2021, after the sudden death of her brother MacCarthy, who is a single mom, works in tech and lives in LA, was left shaken by the accusation and filed a lawsuit in Colorado on Thursday against Southwest MacCarthy sobbed throughout the confrontation with officers and explained to police Moira was her daughter and showed identification. At the time, she said she was left shaken by the accusation. She alleged in the lawsuit that the child trafficking allegations came 'for no reason other than the different color of her daughters skin from her own'. The family said the attendants did not question them about their relationship on the flight. The incident caused 'extreme emotional distress,' according to the lawsuit and the family are seeking economic damages, compensatory damages, as well as punitive and exemplary damages. However, the police officers have not been named in the lawsuit as they were polite and professional. MacCarthy has accused Southwest Airlines of interfering on their contract based on race, resulting in a civil rights violation. 'To this day, when Moira and I are out in publicand especially at airports or on planesI'm hyperaware that we might be judged and reported for any interaction we have with each other,' she told Newsweek. 'It's a strange feeling to be on alert about your most basic behaviors with your child, and it's exhausting. As for Moira [who is now 12], she still clams up and doesn't want to talk about what happened.' Their attorney David Lane said the lawsuit was filed to bring accountability and get the company to re-examine its training and policies. 'In using racial profiling to cause the Denver police to stop innocent travelers, Southwest Airlines has attempted to address serious the criminal activity of sex-trafficking through use of a stereotypical, easy formula, he said. 'Just as the police are constitutionally not permitted to stop-and-frisk young men of color based upon their race, corporate America is similarly not permitted to resort to such profiling to use law enforcement to stop and question racially diverse families simply based upon their divergent races, which is what Southwest did.' MacCarthy filmed the incident at the time and the clip shows a Southwest staffer and two airport cops explain why MacCarthy and her biological daughter have been pulled aside. According to the police report, the attendant told police she was suspicious due to the fact that the mother-daughter duo were the last to board the plane - and because MacCarthy asked other passengers to move seats so she could sit next to her daughter The attendant also told officers that the pair did not speak to each other once during the entire flight, the report states 'It's okay sweetheart,' the concerned mother can be heard saying in the three-minute video as her daughter repeatedly sobs with fear after being confronted by the two armed officers and the Southwest rep. The concerned mom could also be heard saying: 'I have a daughter, who has unfortunately already been traumatized by police in her life.' During the encounter, MacCarthy was told by the officers that another Southwest Airlines employee reported the single mom of 'suspicious behavior' - with a police report filed after the incident indicating that both the airline and police suspected the single mom of 'trafficking' the child. Maddened by such an insinuation, MacCarthy slammed both the airline and the Denver Police Department, saying the anonymous staffer's suspicion was a 'racist assumption about a mixed-race family.' According to the police report, the attendant told police she was suspicious due to the fact that the mother-daughter duo were the last to board the plane - and because MacCarthy asked other passengers to move seats so she could sit next to her daughter. The attendant also told officers that the pair did not speak to each other once during the entire flight, the report states. According to the police report and MacCarthy's own account, the officers sought to question the two after the Southwest Airlines employee deemed the duo suspicious, and reported MacCarthy as a potential human trafficker to her supervisors The police report states that MacCarthy then explained to the officers that the pair were grieving and traveling to see family, and that ten-year-old Moira, who cried throughout the encounter, was indeed her daughter At the time, Southwest said in a statement: 'We were disheartened to learn of this mothers account when traveling with her daughter. 'We were disheartened to learn of this mothers account when traveling with her daughter. 'We are conducting a review of the situation internally, and we will be reaching out to the customer to address her concerns and offer our apologies for her experience traveling with us.' It added that its employees receive 'robust training' on human trafficking. MacCarthy said: 'In our interactions with Southwest Airlines since the incident, and with the information revealed in the bodycam footage, I've felt attacked as a mother and frankly as a human being. 'Customers should know the true nature of the company they're doing business with.' Southwest Airlines said it does not have any comment on the pending litigation. A young Aussie renter has refused to be pushed around by her landlord after a two year struggle to have multiple major flaws in her home fixed. Chelsea Shishkin, from Logan south of Brisbane, took her case to the rental tribunal where her landlord was ordered to pay her more than $3,000 this week. The 23-year-old moved into the townhouse in August 2020 with her fiance and almost immediately noticed issues. The oven was not working properly, parts of the house were dirty and some light switches were disconnected. As a young couple trying to get on their feet, Ms Shishkin and her partner endured the house's multiple problems because rent was cheap. A year after moving in, the couple noticed damage to the bathroom ceiling and water leaking through a laundry roof vent. Ms Shiskin said the water damage gradually got worse over the next 12 months, while multiple calls to real estate pleading for something to be done fell on deaf ears. Chelsea Shishkin took on her landlord after two years of them failing to fix issued in her house and won in the Queensland rental tribunal Finally their agent acted on one of their requests, but rather than having any urgency to fix the issue, three different tradesman all came out to the house to inspect the damage for the purpose of only preparing a quote. 'At this point the carpet outside the bathroom was discoloured, the door frames were rotting away at the bottom, the ceiling in the laundry was soft and breaking away,' Ms Shiskin told 7news.com.au. With the leak unfixed despite complaints for a full year, the landlord then upped their rent by $50 a week. One of the tradesman who visited told her he was concerned the floor was at risk of falling through if the water leak was left for another 12 months. One of the holes in the house cause by a leaking roof that the landlord let continue for more than 12 months The quotes started coming back in November 2022, well over a year since she first reported the issue. But it would be another two months before work commenced as the real estate and tradies went and enjoyed their Christmas breaks. 'Once the repairs started they pulled out the tub base and shower,' Ms Shiskin said. With the shower not working, construction dragged on for more than a month, with neither the real estate or tradies prioritising it among their other jobs. Ms Shishkin, having to travel to the community PCYC facility to shower, asked the landlord to reduce the rent as the house didn't have basic amenities. They agreed but made no changes to her actual rental bill. When the shower was finally fixed, workers left a hole in the bathroom wall and another under the tub, prompting a fed up Ms Shishkin and her partner to move out. When their bathroom was finally fixed, tradies left damaged parts of the wall (pictured) But the problems didn't end there, with the real estate not returning their four weeks bond despite them leaving the house in the condition they'd found it. The real estate also stopped answering the couple's calls and emails. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal this week awarded Ms Shishkin $3028 - which included a bond payment, the rent deduction the agent had promised, an inconvenience fee, and an administration fee. A relieved Ms Shishkin said the process had been incredibly long and drawn out but she was happy it worked out in their favour. After confusion over whether Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology classes would be banned in Florida high schools under Governor Ron DeSantis' prohibition on teaching LGBT topics, it appears students there will be allowed to take the course. Earlier this week, the nonprofit College Board advised the state's school districts not to offer the college-level course to Florida's high school students unless it can be taught in full. For decades, the class had included a unit on gender and sexual orientation, which the College Board suggested would be 'illegal' after DeSantis recently signed into law an expanded prohibition on teaching those subjects through Grade 12. But late on Friday, statements from both sides suggested high school students in Florida would be able to take the full course after all. In a letter to state superintendents, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said the state believed the psychology course could be taught 'in its entirety.' Governor Ron DeSantis' ban on teaching LGBT topics will not prevent high schools from offering AP Psychology, it now appears Students in Florida protest the law that critics dub 'Don't Say Gay' which prohibits classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity 'Today's statement from the Florida Department of Education represents revised guidance on AP Psychology,' the College Board told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'While district superintendents continue to seek additional clarity from the department, we note the clear guidance that, 'AP Psychology may be taught in its entirety,'' the group added. 'We hope now that Florida teachers will be able to teach the full course, including content on gender and sexual orientation, without fear of punishment in the upcoming school year,' the statement said. Florida's prohibition on teaching lessons about gender and sexual orientations, which critics call the 'Don't Say Gay' law, was initially passed in March 2022 and applied to kindergarten through third grade. The policy sparked national debate and helped propel DeSantis into the spotlight ahead of his current campaign seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. In May, DeSantis signed an expanded version of the bill, banning those topics all the way through twelfth grade, with exceptions for high school if they are cleared by officials as 'age-appropriate'. The Florida Department of Education did not immediately respond on Saturday when asked whether the AP Psychology course material had been deemed age-appropriate. With students preparing to return to school in less than a week in many school districts, it remained unclear whether any modifications to the course would be expected to comply with Florida's rules. Parents and students were left trying to figure out what to do. Brandon Taylor Charpied said his daughter, who goes to school in a suburb of Jacksonville, had been set to take an AP psychology course but made a last-minute switch a few weeks ago after 'rumblings' about the rift between Florida and the College Board. 'To be fair, we saw the writing on the wall,' Charpied said. 'Its a very difficult situation for high schools to navigate right now with only days until the school year starts.' In a letter to state superintendents, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr (above) said the state believed the psychology course could be taught 'in its entirety' Ron DeSantis is pictured in March 2022, signing into law the Parental Rights in Education bill, known as 'Don't Say Gay', which forbids classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten-third grade. It was expanded this year for all students In Tallahassee, Florida's capital, the Leon County school district's superintendent met with high school teachers and principals to decide what to do about the roughly 300 students who had already registered for the course this year - and who bank on AP classes to earn college credits. In Orlando, Orange County Public Schools sent a message to parents who have children who were registered for AP Psychology to say they were working to come up with other options. Because the College Board is standing by its decades-old psychology curriculum, school districts in the rest of the country are not being affected - unlike when it made changes to the AP African American studies curriculum. In April, the College Board watered down that course's curriculum on slavery reparations and the Black Lives Matter movement in response to a separate Florida law - and a nationwide backlash ensued In initial its statement Thursday, the College Board said DeSantis' administration 'has effectively banned AP Psychology in the state by instructing Florida superintendents that teaching foundational content on sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal under state law.' Florida's Department of Education rejected the assertion that it had banned the course. The statement Friday from Diaz said the AP course can be taught 'in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate.' Under an expanded Florida law, lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity are not allowed unless required by existing state standards or as part of reproductive health instruction that students can choose not to take. In the spring the state asked the College Board and other providers of college-level courses to review their offerings for potential violations. The College Board refused to modify the psychology course to comply with Floridas new legislation. The course asks students to describe how sex and gender influence a persons development - topics that have been part of the curriculum since it launched 30 years ago. Earlier this week, it appeared AP Psychology courses would be pulled from Florida schools In standing firm against pressure from Florida officials, the College Board, which administers the SAT and AP exams, has acknowledged missteps in the way it handled the African American studies curriculum. '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 non-profit said in June. Literacy and free-speech experts lauded the College Board's new approach. 'These concessions are not a strategy thats working,' said Kasey Meehan, the Freedom to Read program director at PEN America, a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of literature and human rights. 'Its not like theres some common middle ground and then weve resolved it and moved on.' Meehan said that while other states may not have gone as far as Florida in asking for course revisions, legislation across the country is having a chilling effect on teachers at all grade levels. Even if concepts are not explicitly banned, many educators are left in the dark about what they may get in trouble for teaching in the classroom, she said. 'We have heard that its hard to teach about everything from the Civil War to Harvey Milk, who is the first openly gay elected official in California,' Meehan said. 'Theres just an increased culture of fear and intimidation thats playing out.' The American Psychological Association said Florida's new policy means students will receive an incomplete education. 'Requiring what is effectively censored educational material does an enormous disservice to students across Florida, who will receive an incomplete picture of the psychological research into human development,' said Arthur Evans Jr, CEO of the association. Police are appealing for information after a girl was sexually assaulted on her way to school. The man was described as being between 30 and 40 and around 5ft 9ins tall at the time of the horror incident in the Black Country town of Pelsell, near Birmingham. He also had a dog with him - which is believed to have been a Yorkshire Terrier. The force said the suspect was slim and was wearing black jogging bottoms and a coat at the time of the assault on February 9 this year. The man had his hood up and had a short beard, police added. The man was described as being between 30 and 40 and around 5ft 9ins tall at the time of the horror incident Police have released an e-fit of the suspect following the incident which took place at 8.30am. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: 'Do you recognise this man? 'We have produced an e-fit of a man we would like to speak to after a schoolgirl was sexually assaulted at The Cornfields, off Coronation Road, in Pelsall. 'The incident happened around 8.30am on 9 February this year. The man is described as being aged between 30 and 40, slim, around 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall and was wearing black joggers and a coat. 'He had his hood up with a short beard. He had a dog with him which was believed to be a Yorkshire Terrier type.' Passenger was left over $1,500 out of pocket A frequent flyer was charged over $1,500 more than she should have been after technical errors stalled her booking a flight online. Sydney woman Jocelyn Kellam, 60, spent a week trying to book a return flight from Sydney to London via the Qantas website but kept receiving the same error message. The price of her September flight initially appeared as $3,491, but when she called the customer service hotline to book the fare over the phone, she was told it would be $5,034. Needing to meet a friend who was flying in the same day, Ms Kellam felt she had no choice but to fork out the $1,543 difference. Since the frustrating ordeal, the airline has apologised to Ms Kellam and provided her a refund, admitting the customer service call operator made a mistake. Jocelyn Kellam, 60, was overcharged for her return flight from Sydney to London after repeated error messages prevented her from buying the ticket online After spending days trying to confirm the flight, she rang customer service and they told her that it would cost more over the phone Ms Kellam, a deacon in the Anglican Church, told Yahoo News that she was left 'feeling cheated' even after the refund. 'I tried to book online for about a week and it always showed me a fare for $3,491,' she explained. 'But whenever I went to check out, it wouldn't let me. I received an error message every time. 'So finally I rang up the frequent flyer desk and asked for a consultant who confirmed the same seat was still available, but not at the website price.' According to the consultant, flights 'will always cost you more' when purchased over the phone. Ms Kellam referenced the airline's price match guarantee which she'd seen advertised online, but got nowhere. 'I just wanted them to match their own website,' she said. Not thinking of herself as a 'pushover', she followed up on the matter in several emails to Qantas, which fell upon deaf ears Qantas has since admitted the airline made mistake and Ms Kellam had indeed been overcharged. Despite protests, Ms Kellam was charged $1,543 more for the flight when she called customer service to help her when the website failed Qantas has since admitted a mistake was made with Ms Kellam's fare A Qantas spokesperson told Yahoo that Ms Kellam will contacted to process a refund of the excess amount she had paid for her ticket. She will also be rewarded with 100,000 frequent flyer points for her troubles. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Qantas for further comment. It's been a frustrating ordeal for Ms Kellam, who fears others might not be so persistent in their fight against the 'misleading and deceptive' practice. 'If they're prepared to do that to me, what are they doing to other people,' she added. Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes as massive wildfires blaze across Spain and Portugal amid a heatwave gripping much of Europe which sent temperatures up to more than 40C last weekend. More than 1,100 firefighters and 14 water-carrying aircraft battled a wildfire in central Portugal's Castelo Branco area on Saturday as civil protection authorities said hot, windy conditions meant it could take days to put out. Extreme weather in July has caused havoc across the planet, with record temperatures in China, the United States and parts of southern Europe sparking fires, water shortages and a rise in heat-related hospital admissions. The increasingly extreme summers seen across the world are as a result of climate change, which is caused by human-induced global warming. The world recorded its hottest July on record this year, as global temperatures continue to spiral out of control, endangering wildlife and humans alike. Firefighters have evacuated more than 130 people as they fought to control a wildfire at Portbou on the Spanish border with France A blaze in Spain ravaged some 435 hectares (1,100 acres) of land, with an estimated 2,500 hectares threatened Smoke from the blaze in Portugal, which has destroyed some 60 square km (23 square miles) of forest and undergrowth, reached the Fatima Sanctuary about 100 km (60 miles) away where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gathered to see Pope Francis on Saturday. READ MORE HERE: Brits who were forced to flee Rhodes wildfires will be given a week's holiday on the island for FREE next year, Greek PM promises Advertisement Authorities have evacuated about 100 villagers as a precaution, but Civil Defence Commander Jody Rato told reporters no casualties or damage to homes have been reported due to the fire. He said the blaze that started on Friday afternoon in a remote area would 'require some days of work' to contain as the land had plenty of combustible material. In Spain firefighters evacuated more than 130 people as they fought to control a wildfire at Portbou on the border with France. The blaze ravaged some 435 hectares (1,100 acres) of land, with an estimated 2,500 hectares threatened. Local people were evacuated overnight from several villages as a precaution hours after the fire was declared to the south of Portbou, whose railway station connects Spain with France. Around 4,000 people still in nearby villages have been left without electricity. Catalan forest rangers tweeted that an investigation was under way into the cause of the fire. In a statement on the Catalan regional government website, they added the blaze 'remains active' and that their priority was to prevent it encroaching on the nearby tourist resort of Llanca to the south. Strong winds had helped the fire to spread overnight and prevented water-bombing planes from taking off to aid a firefighting operation complicated by the hilly terrain affected. The Catalan fire service said it expected airborne operations to be able to start Saturday afternoon following helicopter reconnaissance beforehand. They added that as well as evacuating around 135 local people, several hundred more had had to spend the night confined in their villages or at campsites which at this time of year typically welcome thousands of tourists. Catalan Red Cross volunteers were aiding the rescue operation. Catalan civil protection officials said some 4,000 people were without electricity and that rail traffic had been suspended between Portbou and Figueres, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) to the south. The main road into Portbou and to the French border was also closed. Joining some 80 Catalan firefighting units were a dozen fire engines from the French side of the border. Last year, some 500 blazes laid waste to more than 300,000 hectares in Spain, a record for Europe, according to data from the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis). To date this year has seen some 70,000 hectares destroyed, according to Effis. The increasingly extreme summers seen across the world are as a result of climate change, which is caused by human-induced global warming Local people were evacuated overnight from several villages as a precaution hours after the fire was declared to the south of Portbou French and Spanish firefighters teamed up to attempt to extinguish the blaze, and evacuated 130 people from nearby villages The blaze comes just after more than 20,000 tourists and locals were forced to flee homes and seaside hotels after the blaze broke out on July 18 in central Rhodes. Fanned by strong winds, the flames spread to the eastern and southern coast, an area with many beach resorts. Tourism is the main driver of Greece's economy which emerged from a debt crisis in 2018. Rhodes, a popular holiday destination, benefits from a milder climate, giving the island a long holiday season from April through until the end of November. Wildfires in the Mediterranean are not unusual but climate change has increased their intensity. Greek authorities also said on Wednesday that 45 buildings have been damaged on the island, according to an initial assessment of the Rhodes blazes' impact. The fires killed at least five people and scorched nearly 50,000 hectares (123,500 acres) of forest and vegetation, according to estimates by the Athens Observatory. Two pilots died last Tuesday when their water-bombing plane crashed while battling a blaze in Evia, while three more bodies were recovered in fires in Evia and near the industrial zone of the port city of Volos in central Greece. Flames burn a forest in Vati village, on the Aegean island of Rhodes, Greece, on July 25, 2023 A wildfire burns in Gennadi village, on island of Rhodes, southeastern Greece, on July 25, 2023 The fires put pressure on Greece's conservative government, re-elected just a month ago and already battling a slew of scandals, including revelations of wiretapping targeting senior politicians and journalists. The citizen's protection minister resigned his post last Friday after it emerged that he had taken a vacation as the country battled the wildfires. The fires broke amid what experts say was the longest heatwave recorded in July for decades. Temperatures reached heights of 46 degrees Celsius (114 degrees Fahrenheit) in some places, while high winds swept the fires quickly across the island. Fires have also flared in Croatia, Italy and Portugal, and blazes killed 34 in Algeria in extreme heat that has left landscapes tinder dry. The police have been slammed for obstructing disabled people and mums with prams by parking on a pavement with a camera van. Fury erupted after a snap of the vehicle parked across a factory entrance on Otley Road, Baildon, near Bradford, was shared on social media. The van, spotted on Friday, August 4, sparked complaints from mothers with prams and disabled people in wheelchairs or on mobility scooters unable to get past as the vehicle was apparently parked in front of a dropped kerb. One local reacted to the post, saying: 'It is not a designated space and they are blocking wheelchair access. 'If anyone else parked in front of a dropped kerb they would get a ticket.' The police van was spotted parked up outside a factory by a dropped kerb, sparking complaints about accessibility Dropped kerbs are vital for wheelchair users to cross the road without having to step off. Another added: 'Because it is blocking the path you can go around but you have to cross uneven ground and a guide dog will not around a car parked in the wrong place.' Another comment read: 'Those dropped kerbs are for people who have mobility issues and the visually impaired.' The operator was also accused of blocking a fire gate but the business was said to be closed at the time. Also, the person who took the photograph was accused of blocking the pavement. He replied: 'For 30 seconds I was yes. Not long enough to cause an issue for the two people pushing buggies.' Parking guidelines for camera van operators vary across the county. Some forces argue the driver is always in the vehicle and can move it at any time if there is a problem. Some operators are advised to always leave enough space for a baby buggy to get past them. It is also argued there is no specific offence for parking on the pavement outside London. There may be future legislation coming to clamp down on pavement parking and a number of forces are ticketing motorists whose cars cause an obstruction. In 2015, the driver of a speed camera van in Gloucester was fined for obstructing both the pavement in a cycle lane. Mail Online contacted West Yorkshire Police for comment. Alarming figures have revealed the number of cops being called to shops, with assaults on retail workers emerging as the most common reason. The research from Sonder, a tech company which provides support to companies like Woolworths, Big W, Hoyts and Universal Store, reported a 35 per cent rise in police being called to stores in the April to June quarter. Other reasons police were called to stores included an attempted suicide by a customer, attempted suicide by a staff member, a customer death on site, and an armed robbery. Sonder chief executive Craig Cowdrey said cost-of-living concerns, and social media challenges had contributed to the rise in customer aggression. New research reported a 35 per cent rise in police being called to stores in the April to June quarter. Pictured is a shopper in Sydney '(Sonder clients) are telling us that community members are concerned about the rising cost of goods and services and are becoming frustrated and aggressive,' he told NCA Newswire. 'They are also seeing a rise in social media trends encouraging young people to do a 'challenge' that is often aggressive and can escalate quickly. 'In these moments we work with our customers to keep their employees safe and de-escalate the situation.' Retail worker, Sue, 24 who asked for her name to be changed due to fears of retribution from her former employer, said an altercation with a customer earlier this year had left her with a 2.5cm scar across her forehead. The woman spat in her face, which Sue took as a threat and attempted to push the customer away. The customer then tried to take Sue's glasses, which left her with a deep scratch on her face. 'She thought she'd take my glasses and when I threatened to follow her out of the store if she didn't return them,' Sue said. 'She then threw them back in the door and they smashed into a metal pole. 'It was literally over the price of a discount ladder. I told her I wasn't able to do what she wished, I profusely apologised but she started screaming and abusing me for 10 minutes.' Research company Sonder has found that there has been a 35 per cent rise in police responses to retail companies, according to CEO Craig Cowdrey (pictured) Having worked on-and-off in retail since the age of 18, she believes people 'lose their common sense' in a retail setting, but harsher punishments would help prevent incidents. 'It's like they believe retail workers are machinery - that we make the prices and the rules,' she said. 'In the end, we're the scapegoats.' Abuse of retail workers also escalated during Covid-19, with staffing reporting incidents of violent flare-ups and abuse due to vaccine checks, mask mandates and product shortages. A 2021 report from The McKell Institute found rates of intimidation, stalking and harassment sharply increased by 22 per cent in 2020-21, compared to figures reported before the pandemic between 2018-19. In June, NSW introduced three new offences under the Crimes Act 1900, to deter violent behaviour directed at retail workers. Assaulting, stalking, throwing a missile, harassing or intimidating a retail worker now attracts a maximum penalty of four years jail time even if no actual bodily harm is inflicted. Cost of living concerns, and social media challenges have contributed to the rise in aggression towards retail staff. Pictured are shoppers in Melbourne If actual bodily harm occurs, the maximum penalty increases to six year imprisonment. Wounding, causing grievous bodily farm, or being reckless as to causing actual bodily harm to a worker, or another person now attracts a maximum sentence of 11 years imprisonment. In 2022, South Australia increased penalties from three to seven years for people convicted of assault which causes harm against a shop worker. People convicted of basic assault, like verbal threats, or apply force or physical contact which workers would reasonably object, now face up to five years jail time, instead of two. Mr Cowdrey said that, while it was 'disappointing' the legislative changes were required, they were clearly needed to ensure the protection of workers. 'Every person has the right to feel safe at work so they are able to perform at their best,' he said. 'These incidents can have a prolonged impact on employees who are often young people that need both mental and physical support after the incident.' Motorists in Oregon are expressing excitement and confusion after a 72-year ban on self-serve gasoline pumps was lifted on Friday. Across the Beaver State, drivers took to social media to boast of pumping their own gas, while local news outlets published step-by-step instructions to help bewildered first-timers. The change came after Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill allowing people across the state to choose between having an attendant pump gas or doing it themselves. The law took immediate effect. That leaves New Jersey as the only US state that prohibits motorists from pumping their own gas. A few countries also ban it, including South Africa, where attendants offer to check fluid levels and clean the windshield, and expect to be tipped. 'Today was day one where we were allowed to pump our own gas, I was super excited to go and do this myself,' said TikTok user @pnw.bethany in a video on Friday. However, she was disappointed to discover that she had accidentally pulled into a 'full service' lane at the gas station, where attendants still do the pumping, and vowed to return to the 'self-service' lane for the next fill-up. Oregon resident Patrick Coffin fills up his car with gasoline at a gas station in Portland on Friday, after the state lifted a 72-year ban on self-service pumps A TikTok user expressed excitement over the change, but was disappointed to discover she had accidentally pulled into a 'full service' lane where attendants still man the pumps Oregon residents were divided on the change, with some expressing support, and others skepticism. 'It's about time. It's long overdue,' said Karen Cooper, who lives in Salem, said shortly before the bill was signed. 'I've spent a lot of time in California,' Cooper said. 'I know how to pump my own. Everybody should know how to pump their own gas.' Kacy Willson, 32, who has lived in Oregon her whole life, said she doesn't have much interest in pumping her own gas. She's only tried it a few times in her life. 'It's kind of nice to have someone do that,' she said at a Portland gas station Friday. 'I dont really leave Oregon very much, and when I do, I have to ask someone how to pump gas, and I feel weird.' When Oregon prohibited self-service in 1951, lawmakers cited safety concerns, including motorists slipping on the slick surfaces at filling stations subject to Oregon's notoriously rainy weather. In recent years legislators relaxed the rule and allowed rural counties to have self-serve gas available at night. Then they extended it to all hours in eastern Oregon's sparsely populated areas, where motorists low on gas could be stranded when there's no attendant on duty. The COVID-19 pandemic labor shortage helped drive a renewed push to allow self-serve across the state. 'We live in a small town in a large county and cant find employees to pump fuel,' Steve Rodgers, whose community is at the base of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, complained to lawmakers. 'We are paying top dollar and also offering insurance, paid time off and retirement benefits, and still cannot fully staff.' A gas station attendant shows a driver how to fill up her tank at a gas station in Portland, after Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill allowing people across the state to pump their own gas Motorists in Oregon are expressing excitement and confusion after a 72-year ban on self-serve gas stations was lifted on Friday Local new outlets published step-by-step instructions to help bewildered first-timers Haseeb Shojai, who immigrated from Afghanistan in 2004 and owns gas stations in central Oregon's high desert, also lamented the labor shortage and described how wildfires, with increased intensity and frequency due to climate change, are having a major effect. The state fire marshal lifted the self-serve ban during dangerous heat waves the past couple of summers. 'Wildfires have been a factor in operating our business in the summer months, when it is hard for our gas attendants to stay for long periods outside in smoke and in heat,' Shojai said. 'We don't know if we can stay open tomorrow or the next day or even next week due to the labor shortage.' A union representing workers at grocery store fuel stations in Oregon predicted job losses and called the new law a 'blatant cash grab for large corporations.' 'With over 2,000 gas stations in Oregon, laying off just one employee per location represents millions of dollars a year that giant corporations are not paying in wages, benefits and public payroll taxes,' said Sandy Humphrey, the secretary-treasurer of UFCW Local 555. Under the new law, there can't be more self-service pumps at a gas station than full-service ones. And prices for motorists must be the same at both types. Gas prices in Oregon averaged $4.66 on Saturday, according to AAA, and the state has the fifth-highest gas prices among the US states. Some residents grumbled that there would be no discount for self-service gas, questioning why they should want to pump gas themselves without a break on prices. 'Its bad enough we are expected to check out our own groceries now in most stores, but now gas too. We keep getting jobs we arent getting paid for and never applied for,' resident Micky Garus wrote in a Facebook post. People shared their views on the change on social media, as well as jokes referencing the 'gas fight' scene from Zoolander, seen above A man pumps his own gas Friday in Eugene. Oregon drivers can now pump their own gas for the first time since the 1950s A customer fills up on Friday in Portland. Under the new law, there can't be more self-service pumps at a gas station than full-service ones Some residents grumbled that there would be no discount for self-service gas, questioning why they should want to pump gas themselves without a break on prices Other opponents of the measure worry that it could lead to the demise of full-service pumps, depriving older adults and people with disabilities of that option. 'I have some real concerns that we are progressively getting closer and closer to eliminating Oregon's fuel service law entirely,' Democratic state Sen. Lew Frederick said on the Senate floor in June before voting against the bill. Brandon Venable, a service station manager, had urged lawmakers to reject the bill, saying some customers are careless and that attendants keep people safe. 'I deal with many dangerous situations daily created by people smoking, leaving their engines running, getting in and out of their vehicles creating static electricity, trying to fill up random bottles and jugs, and driving off with the pump still in the vehicle,' Venable said. Others wonder if motorists who are now clamoring to pump their own gas might be less keen on doing so when they have to stand out in the rain, cold and snow instead of remaining in their warm, dry cars. Republican state Sen. Tim Knopp, who leads the minority GOP caucus, downplayed safety concerns as he described being allowed to pump his own gas because he belongs to a commercial fueling cooperative. 'I have yet to light myself on fire. I have yet to cause any problems whatsoever as it relates to self-serve gas,' Knopp said during debate on the bill. 'So, colleagues, lets make New Jersey the only state in the country that has a law against self-serve gas.' The state Senate then approved the bill on a 16-9 vote. The House earlier passed it 47-10. New Jersey's 1949 ban on self-service pumps remains a source of pride for some in a state where bumper stickers declare 'Jersey Girls Don't Pump Gas.' Since New Jersey has lower gas prices than New York and Pennsylvania, many drivers from neighboring states cross the state line to fuel up. In 2015, lawmakers proposed ending the New Jersey ban, but the measure died because of opposition from the powerful state Senate president. There is a blank in David Hunter's memory, a void that no prompting will fill. After the retired miner killed his desperately ill wife Janice suffocating her when she 'begged' him repeatedly to end her pain he swallowed every pill in the house, chasing them down with a bottle of brandy. Oblivion beckoned and on that awful day in December 2021, at the home in Cyprus he shared with his adored wife of 52 years, David wished only for the release of death. 'I didn't want to live without her. At the time I couldn't have cared less what happened to me. If I'd been shot or hanged I'd have been grateful.' The feeling stayed with him; intractable, persistent: for days he remained suicidal, his thoughts scrambled by the overdose, his powers of rational reasoning gone. He was arrested then shackled in a hospital ward with a constant police guard. He had his stomach pumped. Frightened and bewildered, he was sectioned and thrown into a cramped padded cell, then placed in a secure room at a psychiatric hospital with five severely mentally-ill inmates. After David killed his desperately ill wife Janice - suffocating her when she 'begged' him repeatedly to end her pain - he swallowed every pill in the house, chasing them down with brandy 'I didn't want to live without her': David pictured with Janice on a trip to Blackpool in 1983 As David, 76, was charged with murder, he faced the awful prospect of a life sentence in prison on the 'paradise' island to which they had retired in 2001 from Northumberland 'One was jabbering, shouting and laughing all day and night in Greek. He was talking on an imaginary mobile phone and I only got to sleep when I grabbed the make-believe 'phone' and pretended to take the batteries out. 'One night a big, fat lad was lying naked on my bed. I was terrified. He wouldn't get off. Then I realised he had fouled my bed. I shouted for the guard but I had to clean up the mess, put on the new bedding. I was terrified the whole time.' Worse was to come. As David, 76, was charged with murder, he faced the awful prospect of a life sentence in prison on the 'paradise' island to which they had retired in 2001 from Northumberland. Then the charge was reduced to manslaughter, he was sentenced to two years in prison, and last Monday he was released after serving 19 months in custody. 'I feel numb, it doesn't feel real,' David told me straight after his release. 'I've just called my daughter Lesley in England and we were crying so much we couldn't speak. We just managed, 'I love you'.' In part one of our interview in the Daily Mail yesterday, David gave a harrowing account of how he ended his 75-year-old wife's suffering the awful act countered by relief that he was liberating Janice from intolerable pain. The Hunters had shared 16 gloriously happy years in Cyprus until, in autumn 2016, Janice was diagnosed with incurable blood cancer. 'We thought it was paradise, like being on a perpetual holiday,' he said. 'And then Janice got ill.' In the final six weeks of her life, Janice's condition worsened. 'She couldn't walk or stand. We slept on recliner chairs in the sitting room, side-by-side. I held her hand. 'The pain got worse. Her skin was covered in lesions. She had terrible diarrhoea and wore adult nappies. Her hair was coming out in clumps, she ate very little and when she did she was sick. Every day she begged me, 'Nothing will get better. I want you to help me die'. But whenever she pleaded I said no. I resisted.' Then one evening in December 2021, he suffocated her and swallowed 60 prescription pills anything he could find in the house washed down with a bottle of brandy, hoping to join her in death. But he wanted a 'last word' with his younger brother William in England and called to tell him what he had done, asking him to tell Lesley. He has scant recollection of these conversations but in a distressed video call, Lesley tearfully implored him: 'Daddy, Daddy you can't leave me... we really love you Daddy... we just want you safe.' Meanwhile, William alerted Manchester police, who told Interpol, and within the hour Cypriot police were knocking on David's door. 'A bunch of policemen pushed me back inside and told me to sit there. I haven't a clue about what I said. I just remember thinking about Janice and what I'd done. I wouldn't wish that experience on my worst enemy. It will go through my mind every day of my life.' Befuddled and incoherent as he was, he recalls only brief snapshots from that night: 'They put me in an ambulance, walked me into hospital and chained me to a bed. David pictured with his wife Janice on their wedding day in 1969 after courting for about three years David is still plagued by flashbacks to the terrible day in December 2021 when he suffocated his wife 'An hour or more later, someone came in, ripped my clothes off and said 'forensics', then I was chained back up again. Every time I wanted to go to the toilet I had to ask one of the policemen who sat, for 12-hour shifts, at the end of my bed. I don't remember having my stomach pumped, but apparently I did.' The following days passed in a blur. He recalls a thunderous rainstorm, the worst he could remember on the island, and being given an old pair of far too big pink pyjamas. 'I walked to a car, drenched to the skin. I was taken to a little room and sectioned. I was still soaking wet. I asked if they had something I could wipe myself down with, some dry clothes. I waited a few minutes. Then I was put in a wagon, still in wet pyjamas, and driven to a secure mental hospital in Nicosia [the island's capital]. 'They put me in a padded cell with a plastic-covered foam mattress and gave me two cardboard bowls to go to the toilet in. On the third day they took me out and led me to a hall where I was given something to eat. I was wearing the same pyjamas for three days.' His billet for the next ten days or so his recollection of time passing is hazy was a six-bed room in a secure psychiatric hospital. David is a scrupulously tidy man, a stickler for cleanliness and order: the squalor, the chaos, the constant din, unnerved and upset him. 'There were drug addicts, alcoholics; the crazy guy jabbering into his imaginary phone day and night. I just wanted to be on my own. I didn't want to talk to anyone. My mind was still numb.' I ask if he still wanted to die. 'A psychiatrist asked me that on the second or third day. I said I didn't. I'd realised by then how selfish I'd been to my daughter. 'It was terrible for Lesley. I'd killed her mother, but she never blamed me. She knew what awful pain she was in. She knew how determined her mum was. Lesley kept saying how much she loved me. I knew I had to live for her.' Then one evening in December 2021, he suffocated her and swallowed 60 prescription pills anything he could find in the house washed down with a bottle of brandy, hoping to join her in death David Hunter, 76 from Northumberland, sits down with the Daily Mail's Fiona Parker for an exclusive chat after he was released from Prison in Cyprus No longer suicidal, he was discharged to Nicosia prison, to a holding cell, then into a quarantine area. 'Sometimes there were three men in a two-bed room and one of us had to sleep on the floor. 'A Syrian lad gave up his bottom bunk for me. Ninety-nine per cent of prisoners showed me respect and kindness.' By January 5 he had been moved to a permanent cell a room 5.5 metres by 12 which he shared with 11 men, among them murderers, drug addicts and thieves. The suffocating proximity, the smell of bodies, noise, boredom, the scant, poor-quality food they all took their toll. Weight fell off him and he lost two-and-a-half stone. When he stepped on the scales at the Paphos hotel where we met, he weighed just over ten stone. At just under 6ft, he looked gaunt, a shadow of the hale man he was. He has grown a beard he apologised that it is not neatly barbered because razor blades were banned in prison. 'One lad said he was going to slash his wrist. Another said he'd cut his throat. So the next day they took away our razors,' he said. Recurrent nightmares flashbacks to the day he took Janice's life plagued him. He was given anti-depressants and sleeping tablets to counter the night horrors. 'Death changed her face so quickly it frightened me,' he said. 'She had the most beautiful smile. I used to say she could have made a fortune advertising toothpaste. But when she died she went grey. Her jaw was twisted. That is the face that comes to me in nightmares.' David first met Janice in his home village of Ashington, Northumberland, in the local pub When the Hunters sold their home in Ashington in 2001 to live permanently in Paphos, life settled into a happy routine He added: 'The only things you were given in prison were toilet paper and food. Everything else you had to buy: toothbrush, tea, any medication you needed. All this came from my savings because the UK Government stopped paying my pension when I went to prison. I'd worked for over 40 years in the coal mine from the fortune advertising toothpaste. But when she died she went grey. Her jaw was twisted. That is the face that comes to me in nightmares.' He talks about the prison day: a main meal perhaps a chicken leg with rice, couscous or boiled potatoes; invariably cold served at 11am, then soup, pasta or rubbery calamari at 3.15pm. 'The only things you were given in prison were toilet paper and food. Everything else you had to buy yourself: toothbrush, toothpaste, tea, coffee, deep-heat for paper and food. Everything else you had to buy: toothbrush, tea, any special medication you needed. 'All this came from my savings because the UK Government stopped paying my pension when I went to prison. 'I'd worked for over 40 years in the coal mine from the age of 15 to 55 and my pension was stopped.' He continued: 'Boredom was the worst thing: I was bored of being bored. I asked for books and it took seven weeks to get any. They arrived four at a time and once I'd read them, it was six weeks before I got more. 'Every day I thought of Janice. I'd talk to her about what had gone on that day. I'd tell her, 'I don't know if I love you most or miss you most'. It sounds silly to some people. Not to me.' For 56 years they loved each other; unconditionally, faithfully and with absolute devotion. It is hard to imagine the chasm of grief left by her death: they were a rarity, so committed they never tired of each other's company. Ten days before she died Janice was hysterical with pain and begged David again to end it David pictured leaving Paphos District Court in Cyprus after he was released from custody by Cypriot prison authorities When they met in Ashington as teenagers, David thought she was 'the most beautiful girl in town'. He said: 'From the moment I saw her, I never looked at another woman.' His grief at missing her funeral while in jail is overwhelming. 'They told me about her funeral but they did not offer to let me go. They would not even let me watch from a distance, see the casket. I was so mad I nearly lost my mind when they buried her.' He said he is not a crier but he sobs quietly. The bleak monotony of prison was, he says, mitigated by his cellmates' kindness. 'They always called me Mr Dave. I'd say, 'Just call me David' but they wouldn't. It was their way of showing respect. 'No one was threatening. I wasn't frightened. I made friends with one lad from Southampton who was in for a minor offence. When he was released I missed him.' He is a mild-mannered man, instantly likeable, and it is easy to see how his cellmates warmed to him. He does not overstate the privations of prison. He did not baulk at the strip-searches whenever he had a visitor; he understood protocols. 'They strip-search you all the time, even if you met your lawyers, but it didn't bother me. I used to strip down and wash in the communal showers at the coalmine and we'd scrub each other's backs.' The tedium of prison was punctuated by the awful tension of his court appearances: he made the 150-kilometre journey from Nicosia jail to Paphos court 27 times during his 19 months in custody. Did he ever fear he would be imprisoned for life. 'At one point I did. The prosecution seemed to twist everything I said. And then I'd build myself up to go to court and they'd cancel.' What sustained him was the knowledge that his daughter Lesley, 50, was always fighting his corner from her home in England. She engaged barrister Michael Polak, Director of Justice Abroad, to defend him. As we gathered to greet David after his release on Monday he celebrated modestly with a glass of shandy Mr Polak was as jubilant and surprised as anyone. 'When David received the two-year sentence, we calculated he'd be released in a few months,' said Mr Polak. 'But as we sat in the court cafe waiting to visit him in the cells, he came up behind us, free and beaming with joy. The prison service had determined he was to be freed immediately.' Now David is planning the rest of his life; his relief and happiness clouded by the knowledge that the only woman he has ever loved is no longer with him. 'I'll go to England to visit Lesley she's my first responsibility now see my brother and the lads I worked with at the mine. They've all supported me and I can't say how grateful I am. 'I thought at one point I'd go back to England to live but it was a burden on me. So I came to the conclusion I'd stay in Cyprus and find a place to rent near Janice's grave so I can visit every day. I want to be near her. I can't ever leave her.' He cries. 'I've made my mind up about that.' Andrew Tate has boasted that he wants to 'cruise around in supercars' and insisted that he will 'stay on house arrest' after he was released over sex trafficking charges yesterday. Tate, who told reporters outside his home in Bucharest, Romania, yesterday that he would be 'absolutely exonerated' over rape and human trafficking charges, posted a video of him beaming as he had a purple McLaren delivered to him. Police sources estimated that Tate's car collection was worth around a total of 6million when they seized the vehicles earlier this year. At the time, Romanian officials were pictured towing several cars away including a Rolls Royce, a Porsche, a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and an Aston Martin. The 36-year-old and his brother, Tristan, 35, on Friday won an appeal to be able to leave their home after months under house arrest inside but will have to stay in Romania. After Tate spent his first day released from house arrest at home where he had a 'victory dinner' yesterday, the former kickboxer claimed that he is not interested in leaving his property - apart from to drive in his expensive cars and go to the mosque. Tate, who has converted to Islam, tweeted: 'Restaurants? Rather eat at home. Shisha/cigar? Rather have at home. Clubs? I couldnt be less interested. I want to cruise around in cars and go to the mosque. Besides that. Ill stay on house arrest thank you.' Andrew Tate beams as a purple McLaren is delivered to him at his home in Romania after he was released from house arrest Tate insisted that he will 'stay on house arrest' and wants to cruise around in supercars and go to the mosque Tate, 36, and his brother Tristan and two Romanian women have been released from house arrest today. Tate is pictured here after the ruling Tate, who was arrested on December 29 in Bucharest and has denied the allegations, had previously lost a series of appeals against his house arrest. Following their release from house arrest, Tate, his brother Tristan and two Romanian women are now under judicial control, a lighter restrictive measure. A judge now has 60 days to review evidence in the case files before it goes to trial, which may itself take several years. Speaking after yesterday's verdict, Tate said: 'Everybody who was pushing these lies and reporting things on repeat without any substantial evidence are going to have to analyse within themselves why they decide to try and destroy people's lives purely for views. The self-professed misogynist continued: 'I've done nothing wrong, God knows I've done nothing wrong, in my heart I know I've done nothing wrong. I think the people at home with a functioning brain understand we've done nothing wrong.' Prosecutors alleged last month that as many as seven female victims had been brought to Romania where they were intimidated, surveilled and forced to take part in pornography. One defendant raped an alleged victim twice in March last year according to a statement by Romanian prosecutors. Victims are afforded automatic anonymity as alleged victims of sexual violence. One British woman, referred to as Sophie to protect her identity, claimed Andrew slapped and strangled her to the point of passing out 'during rough sex'. A spokesman for Andrew and Tristan Tate said yesterday: 'The authorities are yet to decide on the frequency of the control checks with the Romanian police. Vehicles including a Rolls-Royce, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were seen being taken away in January People are seen taking away Andrew Tate's luxury car collection in Romania on January 14, including a 2019 Aston Martin Vanquish S (middle) The brothers are under strict instructions not to contact the two Romanian associates, witnesses or alleged victims. Pictured leaving court on August 1, 2023 'We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Romanian judicial system for their fair consideration. This positive outcome gives us confidence that more favourable developments are on the horizon and the truth is beginning to prevail. 'We also want to thank all the supporters who have shown great resilience and patience during this time.' Earlier this week the brothers were appealing against a court decision made last month to keep them under house arrest for a further 30 days. Their appearance at the Court of Appeal in Bucharest came after the influencer was formally charged with rape, human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to exploit women in June. Tristan and two Romanian women were charged with human trafficking. The four will not be able to leave Romania or travel to some parts of the country but can leave home and travel within Bucharest and Ilfov. Upon his release Tate, 36, tweeted: 'After 10 months. 3 in jail, 7 at home. After 15million euro of asset seizures. After an inditement based on nothing. 'The file was passed to a Judge who has ruled it weak and circumstantial. I have been released from house arrest but must remain within Romania. Now. To the Mosque. Alhamdulillah.' The Bucharest Court of Appeals said in a written ruling that it 'replaces the house arrest measure with that of judicial control for a period of 60 days from August 4 until October 2.' Leaked messages have demonstrated how Andrew Tate (left with his brother, Tristan) allegedly coerced women into doing sex work for him, according to a report Former police officer Luana Radu (left) and Georgiana Naghel (right) are suspected of assisting the Tate brothers After spending three months in police detention in Bucharest, the Tate brothers won an appeal on March 31 to be moved to house arrest. They are now able to move freely within parts of the country. The brothers are banned from contacting the two Romanian associates who are also charged with trafficking as well as witnesses, alleged victims and their families. Breaking these rules could lead to further house arrest or detention. In June, Romania's anti-organised crime agency known as DIICOT had requested that judges extend the house arrest measure after it filed its investigation. Pictured: A selection of messages purportedly sent by Andrew Tate to his 'War Room' group chat and to women, seen in screenshots also posted to the group chat Tate, who has been accused of peddling conspiracy theories online and has amassed 7.2million Twitter followers, has repeatedly claimed that prosecutors have no evidence against him and that there is a political plot designed to silence him. DIICOT alleges that Tate, his brother Tristan and two Romanian women - Luana Radu and Georgiana Naghel - formed a criminal group in 2021 'in order to commit the crime of human trafficking' in Romania, as well as in the United States and Britain. There are seven female victims in the case, DIICOT said, who were lured with false pretenses of love and transported to Romania, where the gang sexually exploited them and subjected them to physical violence. One defendant is accused of raping a woman twice in March 2022, according to the agency. The women were allegedly controlled by 'intimidation, constant surveillance' and claims they were in debt, prosecutors said. Last week, it was reported that leaked messages have demonstrated how Tate coerced women into doing sex work for him. When the influencer was arrested in Romania in December, authorities accused him of using the 'loverboy' method to lure woman to his compound in Bucharest under the guise of having a relationship, before forcing them to do sex work. According to Rolling Stone, citing screenshots of purported messages from the 'War Room' (Tate's groupchat with his followers) and other texts in 2021, the influencer described women as 'targets' and 'assets' and spoke of isolating and manipulating them. In one purported message, he described how he isolated one woman until she 'lost her support networks at home' and kept her at the compound in Bucharest. 'The real goal is for her to agree to never go anywhere without me. Not even her home town. I need her working,' he wrote, according to screenshots. Tate also appeared to seek help from his associates to force one woman to post explicit content on OnlyFans, an internet content subscription platform used mostly by sex workers. In the message, Tate tells followers he'll be 'making the play tonight'. 'Since she moved [to Bucharest] she's been fed. But nothing else,' he wrote. 'She's broke. And she can't go home. And she can't leave the house. Man, I sound almost evil,' he added according to the leaked messages. A spokesman for the influencer told MailOnline that 'a significant portion of retweets and shares of these screenshots across social media platforms originate from recently created and unverified accounts' and suggested they could have been generated by artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. 'The rise of AI and social media as a news source has opened up the opportunity to anonymously present potentially fabricated, or manipulated evidence, while bypassing the burden of responsibility and avoiding consequences,' they said. 'These realities raise concerns about the potential for a deliberate and targeted effort to sway public opinion and undermine the credibility of the evidence presented.' On screenshots of messages purported to be between Tate and one of the victims, the spokesman said she 'has publicly and categorically refuted any mistreatment from the brothers.' However, despite her pleas, the prosecution remains reluctant to remove her name from the alleged victim list. 'While all statements from the alleged victims, incriminating the brothers, have been unquestioningly accepted by the public, the evidence supporting the brothers' innocence has not been given the same fair treatment,' they added. Tate was previously banned from various prominent social media platforms for expressing hate speech and misogynistic comments, including that women should 'bear responsibility' for getting sexually assaulted. When asked if a woman accused him of cheating and came at him with a machete, Tate said: 'It's bang out the machete, boom in her face and grip her by the neck. Shut up b****.' Leading domestic abuse charities have warned such content is extremely misogynistic and has the potential to radicalise men and young boys. Several women in Britain are pursuing civil claims to obtain damages from Tate, alleging they were victims of sexual violence. They say that they have suffered personal injury and psychiatric harm after alleged violent sexual and physical assaults in the UK. They are being represented by law firm McCue Jury & Partners. In June, Tate appeared in a combative BBC interview in which he blasted the broadcaster over their attempts to 'vilify' him. In his first interview since being detained, Tate repeatedly dismissed the BBC's questions about allegations of rape, human trafficking and exploitation of women - and instead demanded to ask his own questions. When quizzed about a testimony from a woman who has accused Tate of rape and exploitation, the influencer responded by asking his own question and telling the BBC journalist: 'You're not the boss here because I've allowed you into my house.' Following the interview, which collapsed after Tate said he was doing the BBC a 'favour' by speaking to them, the self-professed misogynist launched a scathing attack on the corporation. He tweeted: 'The mainstream media which vilify me, beg me for interviews under the guise of balanced journalism. The Matrix is desperate.' Tate claimed that whilst he had been vilified, the BBC was not similarly outraged when the broadcaster's presenters Jimmy Saville and Rolf Harris were grooming and raping girls. 'Where was the BBC's outrage when Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris were grooming and raping and molesting young girls for decades?' Savile, who was one of Britain's biggest television stars before his death in 2011, molested at least 72 children, some as young as eight, over a four-decade campaign of abuse. And Harris was jailed over 12 indecent assaults against four underage girls. When asked about the allegations made against him, Tate told the BBC: 'I know the case intimately and you don't. I have seen all the criminal files and the evidence against me and you haven't. Tate claimed, without providing evidence, that one victim did not exist and instead kept asking the BBC reporter questions 'I know the truth of what happened and you don't. And I'm telling you absolutely and utterly, I've never hurt anybody, that the case that's been put against me is completely and utterly fabricated and I'm never going to be found guilty of anything.' Tate then dismissed the testimonies of individual women who have accused the influencer of rape and exploitation. One British woman, referred to as Sophie to protect her identity, has claimed Tate slapped and strangled her to the point of passing out 'during rough sex'. Sophie told the BBC in February Tate had charmed her at first and encouraged her to work for his webcam business before becoming controlling and coercive. When asked about Sophie's testimony, Tate claimed, without providing evidence, that she did not exist and instead kept asking the BBC reporter questions. 'I've asked you a question and I've allowed you into my house,' Tate said, to which the BBC reporter responded: 'I am asking you a question. You get to decide the answers.' But Tate hit back and said: 'No we are equal here. I've allowed you into my house. You don't come here with a position of authority. I'm doing you the favour as legacy media, giving you relevance, by speaking to you. 'And I'm telling you now, this Sophie, which the BBC has invented, who has no face. Nobody knows who she is. I know.' Prosecutors have said the Tate brothers recruited their victims by seducing them and falsely claiming to want a relationship or marriage. The victims were then taken to properties on the outskirts of the capital, Bucharest, and coerced to produce pornographic content for social media sites that generated large financial gain, prosecutors say. Shocking surveillance footage captured the moment an enraged homeless man slammed a car into an elderly Los Angeles grandfather after a punch-up in a parking lot. Ken Teshima, 66, said he was sure the assailant was 'trying to kill' him, and the impact landed him in hospital with a cracked skull and internal bleeding. The accountant said he first encountered his attacker six months ago, when he found him sleeping in his car. He says the unidentified man told him he was homeless but worked in the area. After the two squared off on July 30 over the large homeless individual's persistent presence outside his business, the man slammed a grey sedan into Teshima, sending him sprawling onto the concrete. 'He was out to kill me. He hit me so hard, as fast as his car could go,' he told KTLA. Ken Teshima said he was sure his attacker was 'trying to kill' him in the vehicular assault Shocking footage captured the moment Teshima was ran over by the homeless attacker Teshima says he initially allowed the homeless man to remain in the area outside his accounting business in Torrance, California, telling him: 'It's okay for you to stay here, but don't make trouble.' But he says the vagrant's behavior soon escalated, to the point where Teshima claims he caught him 'pooping on the ground' last week. He says the disgusting act led him to order the vagrant to leave the property, which sparked a furious clash as the two almost came to blows. Footage from before the horror vehicular assault showed the men with their fists raised, but neither was seen striking the other. Teshima says he refused to engage in the fistfight, and for a moment he believed he diffused the situation as the suspect walked away from the parking lot. 'I thought everything was going to be okay,' he said. 'But it wasn't.' As Teshima walked back to his business, the man violently accelerated a car into the grandfather, sending him backwards through a bush into the concrete sidewalk. Teshima did not explain how the homeless man was able to get the car. 'I went flying and I fell here,' he said as he retraced the horrifying incident. 'He was out to kill me. He hit me so hard, as fast as his car could go. 'Fortunately, when I hit the sign here, his car hit the post and it stopped his car. But I kept going and fell over there.' The two men squared off with their fists raised before the shocking attack after Teshima claims he caught the vagrant 'pooping on the ground' When the 66-year-old walked back toward his business, the homeless man aggressively accelerated a grey sedan into him The grandfather was sent flying through a bush and into the concrete sidewalk The homeless man was seen getting out of the vehicle while Teshima lay injured on the ground He said the impact was 'pretty hard', but credited years of martial arts training for allowing him to absorb the collision. 'It could have been harder if I didn't brace myself and turn sideways,' he added. Teshima released an image of the unidentified man in hope that someone may recognize and report him. 'God's watching over me,' he continued. 'He didnt want me to die. Ive got a reason to be here. I have to thank the Lord for that.' Teshima filed a police report with Torrance police for assault with a deadly weapon and hit-and-run, but no arrests have yet been made. The elderly victim released an image of the unidentified man in hope that someone may recognize and report him. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Torrance Police Department at 310-618-5641. Just Stop Oil is plotting to bring chaos to Premier League football matches every weekend of the coming season by invading pitches and glueing themselves to goal posts. The environmental protesters are reportedly planning to slow march ahead of traffic from fans around football stadiums before they storm pitches for 'maximum impact'. JSO have disrupted many other sporting events, but one JSO leader told followers 'The Prem's our Holy Grail, we're going for it', the Sun reports. Three Just Stop Oil activists ran onto the pitch at Lord's while throwing orange powder into the air during the second Ashes test last week. Daniel Knorr, 21, a biochemistry student from Oxford, was tackled by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow when the pitch invaders ran on to the famous cricket ground on June 28. Just Stop Oil is plotting to bring chaos to Premier League football matches every weekend of the coming season by invading pitches and glueing themselves to goal posts (pictured: a pitch invader wearing a Just Stop Oil t-shirt is detained by security staff during the Arsenal v Liverpool Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on March 16) Just Stop Oil members are planning to tie themselves to goalposts with zip-ties, copying the tactic used by Louis McKechnie (pictured), 21, who was jailed for six weeks for aggravated trespass at the Everton versus Newcastle match at Goodison Park in March Police officers arrest activist Phoebe Plummer on July 19 as Just Stop Oil protest with a series of back-to-back slow marches outside the Houses of Parliament Bairstow carried Knorr across the outfield to cheers from the crowd and was praised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his actions. READ MORE: Three Just Stop Oil protesters who invaded Lord's pitch and threw orange powder into the air during the Ashes deny disrupting the game Advertisement Knorr, along with Judit Murray, 69, and Jacob Bourne, 26, denied obstructing or disrupting a person engaged in a lawful activity at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday. This comes as The Mail on Sunday also revealed the group are planning a massive series of protests involving thousands of activists from across the UK to paralyse London with slow-march blockades this autumn. The plans to disrupt the internationally watched Premier League was discussed in front of an undercover reporter working for the Sun, who attended one of their meetings. The revealed that Just Stop Oil members are planning to tie themselves to goalposts with zip-ties, copying the tactic used by Louis McKechnie, 21, who was jailed for six weeks for aggravated trespass at the Everton versus Newcastle Match at Goodison Park in March. A JSO leader, in his 50s, said at the meeting they were looking to target a league match 'every weekend this season' and will be travelling the length and breadth of England to do so. They said they wanted fans and club staff to expect disruption at games to 'ram home our message'. The activist said that once they were in the stadiums they could glue themselves to ticket turnstiles and gates or glueing themselves to the grass or goalposts to 'cause chaos'. A Just Stop Oil protester is tackled by security during at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 28 Just Stop Oil protester Daniel Knorr (pictured) at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London on July 31 Judit Murray arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, on July 31 where alongside Jacob Bourne and Daniel Knorr she is charged with aggravated trespass Jacob Bourne will also stand trial at City of London Magistrates Court on 28 September Sources within the Premier League told the Sun that bosses were 'very aware' that they were being targeted by JSO. Protesters from the radical eco-group are also planning to descend on the capital and bring city streets to a standstill for three weeks from October 29. The group claims that police and courts will be 'overwhelmed' if more than 3,000 Just Stop Oil supporters are arrested for blocking roads during the demonstrations. Just Stop Oil's latest plot follows 13 weeks of relentless slow-march protests and high-profile disruptions throughout June and July. Videos on social media show demonstrators clashing with frustrated drivers trying to get to work or take their children to school. Sir Robert Goodwill, chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, said: 'It is completely counterproductive for Just Stop Oil to immobilise London with more slow-marches. These protests only anger ordinary, hard-working people trying to go about their daily lives. 'If Just Stop Oil really wants to save the environment then they should protest outside the Chinese embassy. China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide. The UK, by comparison, has world-leading environmental policies.' To prepare for its latest assault on the capital, Just Stop Oil is hosting 'mass youth training' on September 1 and 2. Just Stop Oil is plotting a massive series of protests involving thousands of activists from across the UK to paralyse London with slow-march blockades this autumn Protesters from the radical eco-group are planning to descend on the capital and bring city streets to a standstill for three weeks from October 29 The group claims that police and courts will be 'overwhelmed' if more than 3,000 Just Stop Oil supporters are arrested for blocking roads during the demonstrations Free vegan food and accommodation will be provided before trainees are invited to party at a 'legendary rave'. Just Stop Oil is also planning to strike university campuses 'with the biggest wave of student resistance ever'. In June, police were granted new powers to more effectively tackle Just Stop Oil slow marches. Last night, Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Matt Twist, said: 'So far this summer Just Stop Oil protests have cost the Met more than 7.7 million and 23,597 officer shifts. But we will continue to quickly respond to their disruption.' A spokesman for Just Stop Oil said: 'We're marching because 100 new oil and gas licences is an act of war against the young and those on the front line of climate collapse in this country and around the globe. 'We're marching because that's what people have always done when their inalienable right to life and livelihood are violated.' The MMA announcer also insinuated that he was open to the idea of having Trump on his his show Rogan, 55, heaped praise on Trump's presidency and advised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to drop out of the race Comedian Joe Rogan said on a recent episode of his podcast that ex-president Donald Trump is unbeatable in the GOP primary Comedian and MMA announcer Joe Rogan declared in his podcast this week that no Republican candidate can beat Donald Trump in the GOP primary. 'No one is going to run against Trump on the Republican side and win because you are not going to get the Trump supporters. They are all in on Trump. Unless he has a stroke. Unless something horrible happens,' the former Fear Factor host told guest Patrick Bet-David. Rogan, 55, went on to heap praise on Trump, calling the thrice indicted ex-president's time in office 'effective', citing economic improvements. During the episode, Rogan also said he was open to having Trump on his show so that the pair could discuss the 'deep state.' The comedian added that others now go along with Trump's policies, including building a wall. 'People liked the ideas he was putting forward... everybody thinks there needs to be a wall. Even the Mayor of New York City is now calling to stop immigration into his city. This is a guy who called for it to be a sanctuary city,' Rogan said. Comedian Joe Rogan said on a recent episode of his podcast that ex-president Donald Trump is unbeatable in the GOP primary Rogan heaped praise on Trump's work on the economy during his four years in office while also taking aim at his enemies .@JoeRogan: "No one is going to run against Trump on the Republican side and win because you are not going to get the Trump supporters... The fact that he was the President for four years, and the country was in a great economic situation, and it looked like his policies were pic.twitter.com/cJeQnmT9eO KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) August 4, 2023 Rogan went on to take aim at Trump's critics, while also saying that he was a friend of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, he would tell him to drop out of the race. 'When you look at the Russia collusion. When you look at the Steele dossier. When you look at all the bulls**t, they tried to throw at him that we now know is bullshit. Not just bullshit, but coordinated bulls**t. When you look at the fact that they suppressed this Hunter Biden laptop story.' 'And 51 intelligence agency representatives signed off on that to say that this is Russian disinformation, which we know they know is not true. 'That's scary. Because now you have the intelligence agencies colluding to keep a guy from being president, who was president during a time when the country was thriving economically,' Rogan added. Bet-David inquired as to when Rogan would have Trump on his hugely popular podcast. 'I don't know - maybe,' the comedian said. For years, Rogan has said that he would not have the former Apprentice host on as a guest but now he appears to have softened on the issue. 'I would like to know what is it like when you actually get into office? I would like to know things like what is it like versus perception? What is it actually like when you get in that building? What are you greeted with? When do you know that people are f***ing with you,' Rogan pondered. In another segment, Rogan mocked President Joe Biden calling him a 'goof' and alleging that the mainstream news networks refuse to hold the Scranton-native accountable. 'There is so much evidence that he is corrupt,' Rogan said. He then made reference to Hunter Biden's former business partner, Devon Archer, saying '[he] just testified he was business partners with Hunter who talked about all the different things that Joe was involved with.' Rogan said that if he was a friend of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, he would advise him to drop out of the race Rogan, a popular figure in the world of UFC, said insinuated that he would open to the idea of having Trump on his show Rogan also wondered about how Trump came to the decision to fire former FBI director James Comey. The comedian then made reference to a famous Bill Hicks routine about being elected president and then being shown the JFK assassination from a previously unseen angle. 'You know, what is the machine that runs this country? Because it's very clear that it's not as simple as elected representatives that are doing the will of the people,' Rogan went on. 'Just so you know, he and I don't speak. You know, it's not something that is like, hey, his camp is saying go in there and do this and do that. Now, I've never interviewed the guy, so it's not like I'm lobbying for it,' Bet-David responded. Trump meanwhile, fresh off his third appearance in court as a criminal defendant, delivered a speech full of defiance and bluster on Friday night, insulting prosecutors and declaring that the charges he faces only help his 2024 presidential campaign. 'Any time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls,' Trump said at a Republican Party dinner in Alabama. 'We need one more indictment to close out this election. One more indictment, and this election is closed out. Nobody has even a chance.' Trump was characteristically unapologetic as he took the stage Friday night to Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the USA,' flashing a thumbs-up at the crowd, raising his fist and taking in a standing ovation of nearly three minutes. 'We're gonna be here for a little while,' he joked, asking the crowd to take a seat. The latest set of charges focuses on the two months between his November 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Trump has denied wrongdoing and has wedded his 2024 presidential campaign to his legal defense and his false claims of 2020 election fraud. Trump has continued to receive endorsements from GOP elected officials throughout the investigations and criminal cases, including on Friday from all six of the state's Republican U.S. House members. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who is waging an unprecedented campaign to try to change Pentagon abortion policy by holding up hundreds of military nominations and promotions, introduced Trump at the dinner on Friday night. 'He's had a tough week. We need to stand behind him,' Tuberville said. 'He needs encouragement. They're after him.' Repeating Trump's frequent refrain, he added, 'They're after you.' Among the opening acts of the dinner were Catherine Engelbrecht and Gregg Phillips, who produced the movie 2000 Mules, which made various debunked claims about mail ballots, drop boxes and ballot collection in the 2020 presidential election. Trump praised the pair in his remarks and said: 'Get ready. Get those votes ready. Just get them ready. Keep those tapes handy because you're going to need them.' The crowd of 2,700 began arriving several hours early for the dinner, a $250-per-ticket fundraiser for the Alabama Republican Party. 'They are excited,' Alabama Republican Party Chair John Wahl said. 'There is so much passion from Trump supporters and voters across the state.' The husband of a Georgia mother-of-four who disappeared three weeks ago has been charged with her murder after her body was discovered by cops. Donell Anderson was arrested by a SWAT team raid the day after investigators found the remains of Imani Roberson, 29, Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett announced on Saturday. 'It was clear that foul play was evident in the disappearance,' he said. Roberson was last seen by her mother Clarine Andujar-White on July 16 after having dinner with her and her four children. When she couldn't get ahold of Roberson the next day, she filed a missing persons report - 10 days before her burned car was found in a wooded area. It would take police another eight days to locate her body, which was found in a wooded area by K-9 cadaver dogs on Friday morning. Anderson was arrested in an Atlanta apartment and charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime. The remains of Imani Roberson, 29, were found Friday morning - three weeks after she was last seen alive Donell Anderson, Roberson's husband, has been charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime Levett said the last time Roberson was seen alive, she left two of her children at her mother's house and returned home with two others, a three-year-old and a baby she gave birth to just a month ago. Roberson left in her white Mazda SUV, which was later seen in Ring doorbell footage obtained by NBC News speeding away from her home the day she went missing. Her family reportedly believe that a gunshot could also be heard in the footage, which was taken from a house across the street, but this has not been confirmed by police. Her mother visited her home the next morning after she couldn't contact her, and she reported her missing after finding the property empty. At a press conference after her daughter's body was found, Andujar-White said as soon as she didn't hear from her daughter, she 'knew something was wrong.' An urgent search was launched as cops combed the Rockdale County area, and Levett said investigators contacted her friends and looked into areas Roberson was known to visit. 'This investigation led us to conduct several search warrants on homes to include the home of our victim, a car and cell phones,' Levett said. 'In addition, we spoke to several individuals, collected a number of evidence to include blood in our victim's home and in other places that I won't be specific on.' Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett (pictured) said 'it was clear that foul play was evident in the disappearance' Grainy Ring doorbell footage showed Roberson's white Mazda SUV speeding from her home the day she disappeared On July 26, investigators found Roberson's burned SUV. It would be another eight days before they were able to locate her body Roberson had given birth just a month before she went missing Her desperate family pleaded with the public for help, the prospects for finding Roberson alive took a major hit when investigators located her white Mazda on July 27. The vehicle appeared to have been burned from the inside, cops said, and images showed the car's logo had been singed into the ground around ash and debris. Police announced her remains had been found Friday, but have not yet said where the body was discovered besides in a 'wooded area'. Authorities were able to identify her through her tattoos and images provided by her family. Announcing the arrest of Anderson, Levett said authorities received information almost immediately that led them to suspect Roberson's husband. He did not elaborate on what led them to Anderson, and added that the investigation is still ongoing and more arrests could come. At a press conference after her burned vehicle was discovered, Levitt said all four of her children were safe but declined to give details about their whereabouts. The mother-of-four was discovered in a 'wooded area' 19 days after she disappeared Cops were able to identify Roberson's remains by her tattoos and images provided by her family Roberson's heartbroken mother and father spoke after the arrest of Anderson was announced as they revealed their anguish over losing their beloved daughter. 'Today is a very difficult day for our family,' Andujar-White said. 'Late last night, my worst fears were confirmed and our family is devastated.' 'Being here today is extremely difficult for us,' she continued, thanking the public, media and police for searching for Roberson. 'We thank you for your continued prayers and support as we work to care for Imani's beautiful boys without a mother.' Roberson's father broke down as he said at the press conference Roberson was 'the third child I've lost to the state of Georgia.' 'I've seen all I can see - three of my babies gone,' he said. 'It's not the news that we wanted, but I'm happy that we can hold him accountable.' He urged the public to continue helping with the ongoing investigation A Seattle Museum has airbrushed JK Rowling from its hall of fame and Harry Potter exhibition over her gender-critical views. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Washington hit out at the famous author and accused her of holding 'super hateful and divisive' opinions. It defended its decision to remove all references to Rowling, 58, in a lengthy blog post on Saturday. The museum still has Harry Potter memorabilia on display but any mention of the author of the franchise has been airbrushed. Rowling has faced criticism for her views on transgender issues after she argued women should not be fired for believing biological sex is real. A Seattle Museum has airbrushed JK Rowling from its hall of fame and Harry Potter exhibition over her gender-critical views The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Washington hit out at the famous author and accused her of holding 'super hateful and divisive' opinions The museum still has Harry Potter memorabilia on display but any mention of the author of the franchise has been airbrushed out Its exhibitions project manager Chris Moore, who is transgender and uses the pronouns he/they, confirmed the museum would no longer contain any references to Rowling. 'Theres a certain cold, heartless, joy-sucking entity in the world of Harry Potter and, this time, it is not actually a Dementor,' he wrote in a 1,400-word blog post on Saturday. 'We would love to go with the internets theory that these books were actually written without an author, but this certain person is a bit too vocal with her super hateful and divisive views to be ignored.' Moore explained the decision to airbrush her and said: 'For the time being, the curators decided to remove any of her artefacts from this gallery to reduce her impact. 'Its not a perfect solution, but its what we were able to do in the short-term while determining long-term practices.' Rowling was inducted into its Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2018 which was a year before she first expressed her views on trans issues publicly. The museum described the Harry Potter books as 'beloved' and shared a three-paragraph biography about her literary achievements at the time. But Moore accused the author of using 'racial stereotypes', 'fat-shaming' and a 'lack of LGBTQIA+ representation' in the books. 'We learned that [Rowling] was a problem, which is why youll see the artefacts without any mention or image of the author,' he said. Its exhibitions project manager Chris Moore, who is transgender and uses the pronouns he/they, confirmed the museum would no longer contain any references to Rowling MoPOP defended its decision to remove all references to Rowling in a lengthy blog post on Saturday 'After all, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are all incredibly vocal allies.' Radcliffe who shot to fame playing Harry Potter in the film series last year said young fans had been 'hurt' by Rowling's views on trans issues. While Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, said: 'trans women are women, trans men are men'. Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, donated money to transgender lobby charity Mermaids in 2020 and asked her Twitter followers to do the same. Rowling has received abuse online for her gender-critical views and in 2021 she said she received 'enough death threats to paper my house' after trans activists leaked her address online and staged a protest outside it. She has spoken out about her concerns making it easier to legally change gender over the safety concerns of biological women. The author was extremely critical of former Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeons attempts to change the law to allow people to self-identify without a medical certificate. A MoPOP spokesman said told The Telegraph: 'MoPOP is proud to support our employees and unequivocally stands with nonbinary and transgender communities. In an increasingly divided world, pop culture can unite, inspire, and spark important conversations. 'Education and creative expression are the heart of our mission and in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, we strive to elevate those that are left out of the mainstream pop culture conversation, by amplifying voices and stories that are not always seen on museum walls.' Dailymail.com has contacted MoPOP for comment. An American tech millionaire who is a major supporter of left-wing causes in the US and Britain has been named as the central figure in a globe-spanning network of pro-China propaganda. Neville Roy Singham, 69, runs a 'lavishly funded influence campaign that defends China and pushes its propaganda' around the world, according to a New York Times investigation published Saturday. The report identified Singham, an avowed socialist, as a major backer of trans-Atlantic activist collective No Cold War as well as Code Pink, the US anti-war group that once criticized China's rights abuses, but now parrots Chinese Communist Party talking points. Singham's millions in funding, funneled through non-descript US non-profits, also back a liberal think-tank in Massachusetts, a political party in South Africa, and news organizations in India and Brazil, according to the report. The groups in the network often appear to blend traditional progressive concerns, such as climate change and racial justice, with strident pro-China talking points, including defending the detention of ethnic Uyghurs in Xinjiang, and bashing pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Neville Roy Singham, seen with wife Jodie Evans, runs a 'lavishly funded influence campaign that defends China and pushes its propaganda' around the world, according to a New York Times investigation In February, Code Pink activists disrupted a House a hearing of a special House committee dedicated to countering threats from China According to the Times, the groups often share staff and offices, promote each others' social media content, and interview one another's representatives without disclosing their ties. Singham, who lives in Shanghai, shares an office there with a Chinese media company called Maku Group, which appears to be dedicated to producing foreign propaganda. In a statement to the Times, Singham said: 'I categorically deny and repudiate any suggestion that I am a member of, work for, take orders from, or follow instructions of any political party or government or their representatives.' 'I am solely guided by my beliefs, which are my long-held personal views,' he added. The son of leftist academic Archibald Singham, Neville Roy Singham made his millions from ThoughtWorks, the software company he founded in Chicago in the late 1980s. In 2017, he married Jodie Evans, a former Democratic political adviser and the co-founder of Code Pink, the anti-war group founded in 2002 to oppose the US invasion of Iraq. Six months after his wedding, he sold ThoughtWorks to a private equity firm for $785 million, according to the Times. Since then, Code Pink has received about $1.4 million in donations from groups linked to Singham, according to the Times, accounting for about a quarter of the group's donations. Singham is seen with Code Pink co-founder Jodie Evans (center) and progressive philanthropist Abigail Disney at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016 In London, the Singham-backed group No Cold War helped organize this 2021 rally against racism -- but clashed with pro-democracy groups who spoke against the Chinese government US Capitol Police officers remove a protester during a hearing of a special House committee dedicated to countering China in February One activist held up a sign that read 'China is not our enemy,' while another held up a similar hand-drawn sign, doing so upside-down, that said, 'Stop Asian Hate' Evans, once a critic of China's authoritarian ruling Communist Party, has changed her tune. She now vocally supports China, branding the ethnic minority Uyghurs as terrorists and supporting their detention in one 2021 video. In February, Code Pink activists disrupted a House a hearing of a special House committee dedicated to countering threats from China. One activist held up a sign that read 'China is not our enemy,' while another held up a similar hand-drawn sign that said 'Stop Asian Hate,' a slogan that first arose to protest racist violence against Asian Americans. Code Pink did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on Saturday. Evans told the Times that Code Pink had never taken money from any government, saying: 'I deny your suggestion that I follow the direction of any political party, my husband or any other government or their representatives.' 'I have always followed my values,' she added. A Rhode Island man who was arrested in June and accused of stealing sex toys from women in a string of bizarre robberies is back in custody this time accused of peering in through a mother's window as she changed her baby's diapers. Benjamin Nawdrowski, 32, told arresting in officers on July 21 that he was merely exercising outside the woman's home and smoking a cigarette when she saw him and called the police, reports WPRI. The suspect, who says on his Facebook page that he is the father of two boys and that he has been sober since 2021, also claimed that he knew the area where he was exercising because he made food deliveries in that community. 'I wasnt looking into anybodys windows, I swear to God!,' Nadrowski can be heard saying in a bodycam video released to the public. Witnesses say that the suspect had a female passenger in the car with him when he exited in order to look in through the window. A Rhode Island man is back in custody, six weeks after he was arrested for allegedly stealing sex toys from women's homes in June Benjamin Nawdrowski, 32, was arrested in July and accused of peering through a woman's window as she changed her baby's diaper On his Facebook page, Nawdrowski says that he is the father of two boys and that he has been sober since 2021 Nawdrowski is facing disorderly charges on top of the breaking and entering counts he is charged with in relation to the sex toy thefts in June. At the time of his June arrest, the suspect said that he was planning to give the stolen items to a female friend as a gift. He had been out of bail but due to the July arrest, Nawdrowski is now being held without bond. In June, Nawdrowski told arresting officers about why he was in the area where the sex toy thefts took place, including that he was searching for items that were being discarded by college students heading home for the summer and that he was in the area to buy weed. During one attempted robbery, he was confronted by a tenant of the home who chased him away. That tenant later called the police after he saw Nawdrowski's car in the area again later that night. When arrested, Nawdrowski said that he was merely exercising and smoking a cigarette outside of the woman's home According to his Facebook page, Nawdrowski said that he works for Walmart and is a resident of East Providence, Rhode Island. Online records show that this is not Nawdrowski's first brush with the law, in 2012 and 2013, he was accused of physically attacking his then-wife. In the 2012 incident, he admitted to officers that he consumed 12 beers prior to the altercation. A year later, police were called to his home after he was accused of striking his wife with his elbow. The pair were set to have gotten to an argument over selling items on Craigslist that ended up with Nawdrowski being accused of cheating by his wife. The mother of a 15-year-old schoolgirl who was bludgeoned to death with a rock by her ex-boyfriend has vowed to keep the murderer behind bars as he is eligible for parole next year. Joshua Davies lured 15-year-old Rebecca Aylward to a secluded spot in Bridgend, South Wales in 2010, where he killed her so he could win a bet over a free fried breakfast. Davies, who is now 29, has been behind bars for almost 14 years and is eligible for parole next year. Sonia Oatley, Rebecca's mother, has vowed to do everything in her power to block his release from prison and said: 'He will kill again.' She told the Mirror: 'Joshua's sentence is shorter than Rebecca's life it's an insult. That cowardly monster planned to kill my beautiful daughter in the most horrific way possible he should never be released.' Rebecca Aylward (left), of Bridgend, South Wales, was murdered by Joshua Davies (right) Sonia Oatley (pictured), Rebecca's mother, has vowed to do everything in her power to block his release from prison and said: 'He will kill again' Ms Oatley added: 'He's threatened my other daughter Jessica, and another of Becca's friends we cannot risk. He is dangerous and knows how to manipulate people and the authorities and he should stay locked up for the public's safety.' In January 2010, Davies left Rebecca for another girl. She then found another partner - only for her ex-boyfriend to persuade her to end it and meet up with him. In the court case the following year it emerged that in the time before the meet-up in October, the killer had been publishing hateful material against Rebecca online. To friends he bragged he was going to poison her with plants like deadly nightshade, or else push her over a quarry or into a river. 'Becca never told me that (it was abusive) but there must have been some controlling element looking back now,' Ms Oatley said previously. 'In January 2010 he left Becca for another girl. She was absolutely devastated and I hated seeing her so hurt. 'But in time she started going out with another boy herself - only for Josh to convince her to end it and to meet up with him. 'She did so, almost instantly, thrilled at the thought of their reconciliation.' Ms Oatley (pictured here with Rebecca) added: 'He's threatened my other daughter Jessica, and another of Becca's friends we cannot risk. He is dangerous and knows how to manipulate people and the authorities and he should stay locked up for the public's safety' Mother Sonia Oatley moved away from her home in Maesteg, near Bridgend, after the murder and is bereft her daughter's killer might be released As the day of the meet-up wore on, concern started to grow as Rebecca failed to return home. That evening the police were called. At this point Rebecca had last been seen at 12.30pm. Ms Oatley would later learn that after leaving the woods Davies went back to an aunt's house. He then attempted to create a fake alibi on Facebook about 'chilling out with friends' while watching Strictly Come Dancing on the TV. What would you do if I DID kill her... teenage murderer's chilling text message to friend Joshua Davies and his teenage friends inhabited their own online world in which the line between fiction and reality often became blurred. They would use textspeak, jargon and symbols in a language so impenetrable that the jury had to be given translations. The apparently playful way in which the schoolchildren communicated in sentences peppered with smiley faces and symbols belied the sinister nature of Davies's intentions. In the months and weeks leading up to Rebecca's murder, he would post messages on social networking sites including Facebook, MSN Messenger and Bebo, saying he wanted to kill Rebecca. His friends would respond to these sickening threats in jest, often egging him on in the mistaken belief that he was messing around. But Davies was deadly serious and continued sending the messages until just days before he battered her to death in a woodland clearing. Before he left to meet his ex-girlfriend on the day of the murder he told one friend: 'The time has come.' In one chilling exchange seen by the jury, Davies texts his friend asking: 'What would you do if I actually did kill her?' The friend replies: 'Oh, I would buy you breakfast.' Two days before the brutal murder Davies says: 'Don't say anything but you may just owe me a breakfast.' His friend replies: 'Best text I have ever had mate. Seriously, if it is true I am happy to pay for a breakfast. I want all the details. You sadistic bastard.' The text finishes with a smiley face symbol. The friend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said in court that he did not believe Davies and had not known how his texts would be taken, suggesting an extraordinary disconnect between the online world and reality. 'I didn't mean I wanted him to kill her,' he said. 'I thought he was only joking so I was messing about with him. 'I honestly didn't think he was going to do it I was just playing along.' Davies posted Facebook updates saying he was 'just chilling with my two friends' while watching Strictly Come Dancing to imply he was at home at the time the murder took place. He later posted the Facebook status update: 'I enjoyed a rather good day and a lovely breakfast', in a clear reference to the bet he had made with his friend. And he posted his own concerned messages on Facebook after Rebecca was reported missing, suggesting he was genuinely worried and giving her family no cause to suspect he was involved. 'I feel sorry for her mother,' the murderer wrote on Facebook. When asked why, he replied: 'Well if I was a parent I'd be worried if my daughter was missing.' Advertisement On the same night the teenager sent texts to Rebecca's phone, knowing she was dead, pleading with her to let people know where she was. After a night of searching, Rebecca's body was found at around 9am the next day near Aberkenfig. The wooded area was said to have been popular with teenagers. Two 15-year-old boys were taken in for questioning and an appeal for further witnesses was put out. Speaking in court the following year, PC Gemma Tibbott described spotting Rebecca's body lying face down from a slightly raised embankment in the woods. She described the teenager as being an 'ashen colour', wearing her new jacket with the hood over her head. Ms Oatley said: 'I wasn't there when the news came. It was the Sunday morning and the police came to my sister's house where the family were. 'We were out in Aberkenfig searching for her and my sister stayed back with Jack. She rung my brother to tell him to bring Sonia back.' As the weeks stretched into months after Rebecca's death, Ms Oatley was faced with the agony of waiting for Davies's trial to begin. As an important witness, police and prosecutors were unable to divulge more than basic facts, leaving the mother's mind to fill in the blanks and prepare for the funeral. Looking back, Ms Oatley said: 'Before the trial I knew nothing at all. They told me what had happened but they couldn't go into any detail. It was just waiting. 'You were just left to it, to your own thoughts - there was no information. We had Becca's birthday in the February and we had Christmas which was a nightmare. 'I didn't want to decorate anything, Jack was eight and Jessica was 13 but I couldn't face it. They decorated, I just helped them with it. I had to do it for them. 'I couldn't handle people talking to me. My family liaison officer was really down to the point which suited me.' In June 2011, eight months after Bridgend High School pupil Rebecca's death, the trial opened at Swansea Crown Court. Davies, who had since turned 16, was accused of Rebecca's murder after bludgeoning her to death with a large rock. With Ms Oatley sitting in court alongside family and friends, the horrifying details of what happened that day began to emerge. During evidence it was heard that Davies had told a friend he was going into the forest with Rebecca and smiled as he said 'the time has come'. The same friend later phoned Joshua to ask if he was with Rebecca. The defendant replied with two words - 'define with'. After summoning the fellow 16-year-old into the forest, the murderer then told his friend he had hit Rebecca from behind with a rock until she stopped screaming, before discarding the bloody weapon into the undergrowth. His demeanour was described merely as 'cool'. Together the boys went home, in full knowledge that Rebecca's body lay in the woods behind them. There, they met a third friend and made a round of tea, discussing the day's events. A pathologist said Rebecca died from brain injuries caused by 'blunt force injury'. Throughout the trial Davies denied any wrongdoing. Instead, he blamed Rebecca's murder on his friend and described seeing his friend hit her over the head 'six or seven times' with the rock. According to Ms Oatley, worse still were the witness statements detailing Davies's obsession with killing his former girlfriend. As the trial progressed, the jury heard how the teenager's favourite point of conversation among his friends was the method by which he would kill Rebecca. Rebecca's body was found in a wooded area that was said to have been popular with teenagers Ms Oatley with her two other children, Jessica, and Jack, at a remembrance bench for Rebecca in 2018 Rebecca, pictured with Ms Oatley as a child, was a popular and intelligent girl growing up It emerged that one friend even promised to buy Davies a cooked breakfast if he carried out his threat. Two days before the murder, Davies texted his friend. The message read: 'Don't say anything, but you may just owe me a breakfast'. In court the boy who placed the bet told the jury he thought it was only a joke, and that the defendant 'was messing about'. On July 27, 2011 the jury returned to the court room after four days of deliberation. Davies was found guilty of murder on a 10-2 majority verdict. Members of Rebecca's family, sitting in the public gallery, cheered briefly, before releasing a statement stating they would 'never forgive' Davies for his crime. During a later sentencing, the 16-year-old was given a life sentence at Swansea Crown Court and told he would serve a minimum of 14 years in prison. Davies only confessed eight years into his sentence after blaming his friend for years. Ms Oatley now also issued a plea for tougher sentences for murderers, which comes after the Justice Secretary Alex Chalk unveiled plans for stricter jail terms for those who murder their ex-partners. She said: 'I am ashamed of our laws in the UK they are archaic and I want to know why murderers are offered such different sentences. If youve taken a life you should serve a life its as simple as that.' was the head of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence while allegedly orchestrating a drug and gun trafficking ring A gun violence prevention advocate has been arrested in a major drug and guns bust after being snared in a two-year investigation dubbed 'Operation in Plain Sight'. Michael Rodriguez, 49, was arrested in his home in Yonkers, New York on July 26 after cops seized a cache of illegal contraband including over a kilo of cocaine, three pistols and a shotgun. The activist was also found with $165,000 in cash and $50,000 in jewelry, and is accused of orchestrating a major trafficking ring all while acting as executive director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence. Rodriguez was among 15 people arrested in the major operation, as officials placed him at the top of a criminal organization distributing drugs and guns across Orange County, New York. Just days before his arrest, Rodriguez praised his organization's work to Bronx News 12 at the group's annual cookout, saying the event was to celebrate 'bringing peace to the community.' Michael Rodriguez, 49, was leading the Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence organization while allegedly a member of a drug and gun trafficking ring Rodriguez praised his organization just days before his arrest, saying it brought 'peace to the community' Officials proudly presented a huge cache of illegal guns and drugs they seized from Rodriguez's Yonkers apartment at the end of the two-year investigation Rodriguez's organization, known as B.R.A.G, specifically worked with at-risk youth's in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City to halt the spread of gun violence in the area. But just an hour's drive away, he was allegedly orchestrating the spread of guns and crime across the towns of Middletown, Port Jervis and the surrounding areas. The county's District Attorney David Hoovler condemned the activist as he announced the arrest, saying Rodriguez's alleged double-life was 'unconscionable'. 'The very guy that we have that is supposed to be stopping gun violence in one jurisdiction in New York City, is poisoning our jurisdiction up here,' he told a press conference. 'It is unconscionable that the Director of a respected group which has pledged to reduce gun violence and help at-risk youth would himself choose to become a major drug dealer and commit weapons offenses.' Officials placed Rodriguez at the top of a criminal organization distributing drugs and guns across Orange County, New York A trove of illegal weapons and drugs were seized at the end of the two-year operation Investigators relied on court-ordered eavesdropping tactics in the wide-ranging probe, which led to the execution of seven search warrants, according to the Yonkers Ledger. Rodriguez and another individual, Angelica Rodriguez, who is not related, are accused of supplying cocaine to other lower-down players who then distributed the drugs around the community. Rodriguez's organization, known as B.R.A.G, specifically worked with at-risk youths to halt the spread of gun violence 'In the early stages of this investigation, the Narcotics Unit realized this had tentacles that reached well beyond the borders of Middletown,' said Middletown Police Chief John Ewanciw at the press conference, noting the size of the alleged operation. Both Rodriguez's are charged with drug possession, and all 15 of those arrested in the sting are charged with conspiracy. The activist has also been charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. In a statement to Bronx News 12, a B.R.A.G spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the investigation and the charges that have been made. 'While we work to learn more, our primary focus remains on the communities we serve and our programs that are helping to keep them safe.' The arrest was announced Saturday by Orange County DA David Hoovler, who condemned Rodriguez' alleged double life as 'unconscionable' Rodriguez was acting as executive director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence while allegedly running a major drug and guns ring Authorities said almost all the drugs found in Rodriguez's apartment had been laced with fentanyl, a highly toxic and dangerous opioid. Hoovler noted the damage that the drug is doing across America as he announced the arrests, citing how between 2017 and 2022, an average of 117 people a year died from fentanyl overdoses in his county. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark also spoke at the press conference, as he branded the allegations against Rodriguez 'shocking and disturbing'. 'Especially since he has attended anti-violence events and peace marches portraying himself as someone who cares about stopping the violence in our community,' he added. 'These charges are the exact opposite of the good work cure violence groups are doing.' The two-year investigation included city police from Middletown, Port Jervis, and Yonkers, the Orange County Drug Task Force and District Attorneys Office, State Police violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement team, sheriffs Special Operations Group, and Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center. A pair of Canadian men, 68, found out through home DNA tests that they had been separated at birth and had been raised by each other's biological families. One of the men, Richard Beauvais, grew up believing he was indigenous, facing foster care and discrimination for his presumed ethnicity, but was actually Ukrainian. Beauvais told the New York Times that he discovered his true ethnicity when his daughter gifted him a 23andMe test in 2020. The test revealed that his ethnicity was Ukrainian, Polish and Ashkenazi Jewish, despite being raised indigenous and with some French heritage. In 2022, a woman named Evelyn Stocki took a similar test and discovered that Beauvais was her full-blood sibling. She then realized that Beauvais and her brother Eddy Ambrose were born on the same day in 1955 in Manitoba in the same hospital, leading to the discovery of the switch. Beauvais and Ambrose eventually connected and discussed their shared twist of fate. 'We both agree that if we opened up and nobody else knew about it, we have just shut the book, and we wouldn't have told anyone,' Beauvais told the Times. Eddy Ambrose, a Manitoba man who was switched at birth, holds photos of his parents James and Katherine Ambrose The story first appeared in the Globe and Mail in Canada in February and was the subject of a feature of a New York Times' feature this month. Beauvais, whose mother was part Cree, said in his interview with the Times that he fell victim to government policy that saw indigenous children separated from their parents and brought into white families. The practice became known as the Sixties Scoop. 'Richard told me I probably wouldn't have survived - it was that brutal,' Ambrose said in the Times' piece. He described his childhood as happy as he was raised in a Ukrainian culture. Ambrose worked as an upholsterer and is now retired. 'I've been robbed of my life. It's something I won't get back. I lost that time. But there is the time now on,' Ambrose told the Globe and Mail in February. He added that the pair planned a joint birthday party in June. Despite the results of the DNA test, Beauvais maintains that he's still indigenous saying 'just because I'm not Native now, in my mind, I always will be.' A photo of the biological siblings of Eddy Ambrose, a Manitoba man who was switched at birth, photographed at his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba The switch occurred at a small hospital in Manitoba named the Arborg Hostpial on June, 28, 1955. Beauvais told CTV in February that he hadn't given much thought to his test results until Ambrose's family contacted him. 'The hardest time in my life, I think, is when I had to phone my two sisters and tell them that I was not really their brother,' he told the station. 'How do you have the wrong baby and give it to the parent? What happened at that time? Its something I will never be able to explain. Obviously, it was a big, careless mistake,' Ambrose added. The pair have recruited a lawyer to get to the bottom of how and why they were switched. Their attorney, Bill Gange, told CBC in February that they were told in by the health department that the organization is accepting no liability and will not offer any compensation to the pair. Beauvais told the station at the time: 'I think it's shameful that the government won't at least try to help us straighten this out.' The switch occurred at a small hospital in Manitoba named the Arborg Hostpial on June, 28, 1955. This is Eddy as a baby 'It took a lot out of me. I lost a whole chunk out of me basically. It felt like someone ripped your heart out,' Ambrose said in his interview with CTV. Beauvais said that since Ambrose learned that he's not really Ukrainian, he is eager to learn about Native culture. He applied to join the Manitoba Metis Federation, an Indigenous organization. Beauvais went on to speak about the difficulty in learning that he's not Native by blood. 'I guess I fought for the right to be native. Whenever anyone teased me about it, I would fight them when I was a kid, and I was kind of proud to say I was native. And you dont understand it until its taken away from you suddenly,' he said. While Ambrose said that even though he and Beauvais are not brothers, they have an eternal connection. 'I call him my brother. Even though we are not brothers, we are brothers in a way.' A 17-year-old suspect in the fatal stabbing of dancer O'Shae Sibley has been charged with murder as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon, officials announced Saturday. Sibley, 28, was stabbed to death at a Brooklyn gas station last weekend after doing the 'vogue' dance move to a Beyonce song. A friend of the dancer said he was surrounded by as group of men shouting anti-LGBTQ slurs after he broke out into dance, which led to the tragic stabbing. Joseph Kenny, assistant chief at the NYPDs detective bureau, said the arrested teen will be the only person charged in relation to the killing. He has not named the arrested individual, but said he is from Brooklyn and attends a nearby high school. O'Shae Sibley, a 28-year-old gay professional dancer, was stabbed to death last weekend The suspect was identified as this teenager shown wearing red shorts and a black t-shirt O'Shae was a talented dancer and choreographer from Philadelphia Officials have not said whether the arrested teen will be charged as an adult after they arranged his surrender through an attorney on Friday. Kenny noted that the decision was made to charge the teen with a hate crime 'based on the statements from the group in general.' 'You have a lot of anti-gay statements, and a lot of derogatory statements being made anti-Black from the group and from the defendant himself,' he said. New York City Mayor also spoke at the press conference, as she slammed the killing as 'something that was clearly a hate crime.' 'This is a city where you are free to express yourself, and that expression should never end with any form of violence,' Adams added. The moments before the fatal stabbing was caught on shocking surveillance footage, showing Sibley 'vogueing' before he was confronted by a group of teens. He was shirtless and wearing shorts, which offended a group of young, 'Muslim' teens nearby. One is said to have yelled at him to stop dancing, shouting: 'I'm Muslim'. The two groups then became involved in a scuffle which led to Sibley being stabbed multiple times. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. Sibley's death sparked outrage among the LGBTQ community, and Beyonce uploaded a tribute to her website which reads: 'Rest in Power O'Shae Sibley.' Moving: Beyonce has now honoured Sibley with a tribute on her website, with a simple black and white message reading: 'REST IN POWER O'SHAE SIBLEY' Upsetting: Footage showed the moment Sibley was accosted by a group of men who told him to 'stop dancing' and started using vile slurs Sibley's friend Otis Pena said he was celebrating his birthday with his friends and the group intended to drive to his home shortly before he was stabbed. He said in a tearful Facebook Live: 'They killed him right in front of me. 'I'm covered in his blood. I was holding his stab wounds.' Witnesses described how the teen pulled out a knife suddenly once the two groups started arguing. Sibley's friends and family say he was a 'peacemaker.' Pena, the friend who witnessed his death, said Sibley had been standing up for the group when he was attacked. On his second day as US President, Barack Obama signed an order directing that the Guantanamo detention camp should shut within a year. His decision was globally acclaimed since the military-run detention centre in Cuba had come to symbolise the shameful excesses of Washingtons so-called war on terror. Obama had decided that the 19 methods of torture used including waterboarding, sexual harassment and sleep deprivation were not moral, legal nor effective. But more than 14 years on from Obamas noble declaration, Guantanamo remains open with 30 captives still confined in the planets most infamous prison camp. They include Khalid Ahmed Qasim, aged 46. He has spent almost half his life in hell there. He has suffered mental and physical torture, including almost a decade in solitary confinement, and spent seven years on hunger strike to protest his innocence, during which he was force-fed repeatedly. Qasim has never been charged with a crime nor put on trial. Even the authorities holding him accepted last summer that he should be released. HORRIFIC LIMBO: Detainees in a holding area at Guantanamo Bay in 2002 as a military police officer provides them with water The Mail On Sunday's haunting front page from January 2002 But the wheels of justice turn painfully slow for these last remaining prisoners at Guantanamo. So, last week, his British lawyers filed a petition against President Joe Biden seeking urgent release of Prisoner 242, who is trapped in legal limbo as he cannot be returned home to war-torn Yemen nor find a country willing to take him. In clearing Khalid for release many months ago, the top six US intelligence agencies essentially agreed with what we have been telling them all along he was never a terrorist like they pretended, said civil rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith. Yet the most cruel thing is that now he is told he is cleared but cant leave. Qasim is one of the forever prisoners men caught in the fetid legal swamp of this prison that soils the reputation of the US, undermining the powerful nations proclaimed stance as a bastion of democracy and human rights. President Obamas attempts to close it were defeated by Congress. Donald Trump signed an order to keep it open. Biden has promised again to empty it before leaving office. Yet the camp, set in a sprawling US navy base spread over 45 square miles in the south of Cuba, stands in defiance of the wishes of the elected leader of the Western world. The 30 men from 12 nations locked in its cells are guarded by 1,500 soldiers at an estimated cost of about 30,000 a night for each prisoner. Many have been incarcerated for more than two decades. These are the last of the 780 Muslim men who were blindfolded, bound and flown half-way around the world to be locked in solitary confinement, beaten, blasted with heavy metal music, waterboarded, forced to suffer food and sleep deprivation, and sometimes sexual abuse all in the name of supposedly defending freedom. Qasim was captured on his first trip abroad when claiming to look for work in Afghanistan. His lawyers say he was tortured and coerced into giving a false confession to having trained with Al Qaeda, then sold for a bounty to the US. In recent years, as Guantanamos regime loosened a little, Qasim has learned English and Spanish, taken up poetry and become an artist even using instant coffee to paint a landscape of mountains he recalls from the distant past. Painting has been my relief, he wrote last year in a letter to Biden. Stafford Smith, who has represented 86 inmates and visited the camp 42 times, said the mental torment for such prisoners is almost worse than the physical pain of their interrogation. He says 16 have been cleared for release but remain there. On his second day as US President, Barack Obama (pictured in 2015) signed an order directing that the Guantanamo detention camp should shut within a year A typical cell at the US Guantanamo Naval Base on October 15, 2018, in Guantanamo Base, Cuba Their future depends on the US governments ability and desire to find suitable countries to host prisoners unable to return home to nations such as Afghanistan and Yemen. Qasims lawyers hope Ireland might be a possible destination. This year an inmate was sent to Belize, two went home to Pakistan and another repatriated to Algeria. The last of the 17 British citizens or residents held at the camp a Saudi national married to a British woman who was captured by bounty hunters in Afghanistan was returned to the UK eight years ago. Only one current inmate has been convicted, while ten more await trial, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks. Over the years since the camp opened, just eight men have ever been convicted and four of these verdicts were reversed. Earlier this year, Fionnuala Ni Aolain, a Belfast law professor who serves as United Nations monitor on human rights, was given unprecedented access by Bidens administration as the first UN official allowed into the facility. She was the first independent person some prisoners had met in 20 years yet every inmate told her she had arrived too late. They were right, she told me. These are all torture victims that we failed. Her 23-page report argues that not only was Guantanamos systematic use of torture a terrible stain on Americas reputation but also a betrayal of the rights of the families of the 9/11 victims whom she met before visiting the camp. The drive for justice was taken away from them by torture because all the evidence was tainted so could not be used, she said. The CIA torture programme, partly based on research into dogs given electric shocks, was created by two psychologists. Navy lawyers serving in Guantanamo included Ron DeSantis, Trumps rival for the Republican nomination for next years presidential election. One inmate claims he was hooded, held naked, hung from the ceiling, starved and had his head smashed repeatedly against the wall. Another, a courier for Al Qaeda, described being beaten, sexually assaulted, submerged in freezing water and having mashed food forced up his rectum. Ni Aolain says the vast majority of men were taken there without cause and had no ties to the crimes against humanity committed on 9/11, yet every captive has suffered intense psychological and physical trauma. Some abuse continues. Ni Aolain said every inmate was in shackles when brought to meet her, which is not even standard procedure for convicted terrorists. Her report noted undue use of restraints and solitary confinement procedures still being used. The Mail on Sundays famous front page story in January 2002 headlined Tortured, showing manacled prisoners in orange uniforms arriving at Camp X-Ray deprived of sight, sound, smell and touch, ignited global outrage. These unlawful combatants were subject to neither US courts nor protected by the Geneva Conventions. Military commissions, set up later to give a veneer of justice, were hampered by the inadmissibility of evidence gained under torture. The entrance to Camp VI is seen at the U.S. military prison for 'enemy combatants' on June 26, 2013 in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba After some US politicians tried to stop the transfer of these prisoners to US territory, Obama and now Biden had to find other governments to take detainees who have not been charged. There is little doubt many innocent men were swept up in the dragnet or sold for bounties after being beaten into confessing terrorist links. More detainees have died in the camp than been convicted of terrorism. Among those early captives was Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian who spent 14 years in Guantanamo. I first met him two years ago after he wrote Guantanamo Diary, a damning account of his treatment that was turned into a harrowing film called The Mauritanian. He was freed finally in 2016 six years after a federal judge first ordered his release. Now 52, he says: I am horrified and saddened to know this place still exists. He endured extensive torture, including being headbutted and made to drink water until he vomited. This torture was to extract confession of non-existent ties to the 9/11 murders. He had fought briefly with Al Qaeda and the Mujahedin in Afghanistan almost a decade earlier but on the same side as US interests. Yet this son of a camel herder a thoughtful man who speaks four languages is a forgiving character. He tells me he loves American people his son is now a US citizen and sees no point in bitterness. Inevitably, he suffers from post-traumatic stress. Yet his darkest fear is that US actions in Guantanamo gave a green light to repressive regimes to carry out atrocities while posing as democracies that are fighting terrorism. All the while, though, the shame of Guantanamo drags on as Khalid Ahmed Qasim clings to hope of finally attaining his freedom. I dont know where I will go or what I will do, he wrote to President Biden. But there is another life for me outside this prison. Environment Secretary Therese Coffey has said the Tories will lose the next General Election if they abandon green policies. In a warning to her colleagues who are lobbying the Prime Minister to drop climate commitments due to the cost-of-living crisis, she said voters cared about the planet. The Cabinet Minister addressed the issue for the first time since the Conservatives Uxbridge by-election win prompted a rethink on the environmental agenda. In order to win the next Election, we need to continue to show that we care about the environment, she told The Mail on Sunday. We also need to show that there is a way to do that which doesnt put burdens on hard-working people. Environment Secretary Therese Coffey has said the Tories will lose the next General Election if they abandon green policies The Environment Secretary said voters cared about the planet and the Government needed to 'continue campaigning to protect the climate' Her remarks will be taken as a show of defiance amid rumours that she is likely to be moved during a Cabinet reshuffle, which is expected in September. She said that the environment was important to voters and the Party, adding: Conservation is literally in our name. Theres been a lot of noise over the last few weeks about this Government walking away from the environment but the reality couldnt be further from the truth, she said. Trust us on our record, not on the clickbait, she added, insisting that the Government needed to continue campaigning to protect the climate to win over voters. READ MORE: Hundreds of motorists fight back against Sadiq Khan as they launch protest against ULEZ through London Advertisement Its a Conservative Government that has cut carbon faster than any G7 nation, and we did that while proving you dont need to add burdens on people. Ms Coffey added: Any Conservative knows that to have sustainable food security and economic prosperity you need to protect the environment. 'Our constituents care about their green spaces, and MPs get more emails about animal welfare than anything else. We have created or restored habitat the size of Dorset, established 100 Marine Protected Areas, improved the conservation status of 96 priority species and more. She added that Rishi Sunak himself was committed to setting environmental targets and working globally to protect the climate. Her defence came after former environment minister Zac Goldsmith claimed the Prime Minister was uninterested in green issues. That commitment to the environment extends to the Prime Minister himself, she said. One of the first things I spoke to him about was setting legally binding environmental targets, and the importance of agreeing a Global Deal for Nature at the UN summit in Montreal, which we were crucial to securing. As an MP, he personally campaigned for the coast-to-coast path, which will help improve peoples access to some of the loveliest parts of our country. The Tories narrowly retained Boris Johnsons former seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip in last months by-election. The unexpected win was attributed to how unpopular London Mayor Sadiq Khans Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) is in outer London. The result prompted calls for a rethink on the green agenda in both the Conservative and Labour parties. Mr Sunak later told motorists he was on their side, ordering a review of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, while Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Khan should reflect on Ulez. Mr Khan has increased the amount available under the scrappage scheme for vehicles but is pressing ahead with the extension of Ulez to outer London later this month. Under the scheme, drivers of the most polluting vehicles will be subject to a 12.50 daily charge. Transport for London 'broke the law' by using CCTV and not traffic wardens to fine drivers to fine drivers, according to a landmark ruling. Motorists could be owed millions of pounds in refunds from penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued illegally in London after a panel of lawyers ruled against the capital's transport authority acting for Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan. The test case found that TfL broke government guidance by using CCTV rather than civil enforcement officers (CEOs), traffic wardens, to fine motorists parked in bays on red routes in London. In 2015, the government introduced laws to limit the use of CCTV in issuing fines because of 'overzealous enforcement by local authorities'. The judgement on eight appeals against red route fines has come as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a review of the roll out of low-traffic neighbourhoods across the country and said he was 'on the side of motorists'. Sadiq Khan's (pictured) Transport for London 'broke the law' by using CCTV and not traffic wardens to fine drivers to fine drivers, according to a landmark ruling The test case found that TfL broke government guidance by using CCTV rather than civil enforcement officers (CEOs), traffic wardens, to fine motorists parked in bays on red routes in London (stock photo) They said that motorists who have parked legally, for example in a loading and unloading bay, but are accused of contravening rules based on CCTV evidence, 'may find it impossible to obtain the necessary evidence, after the event, to discharge the burden of proving loading/unloading' The ruling from London Tribunals could be used in appeals against parking offences across the country. A spokesperson for the service told The Telegraph that while it did not set a legal precedent, other adjudicators 'may take previous decisions into consideration before reaching a conclusion'. Around 435,000 PCNs of all kinds are issued by TfL each year, according to data, seen by The Telegraph. Paid at a full charge of 160, this is around 69million. The three adjudicators said that the travel authority had acted with 'procedural impropriety' by using CCTV to issue fines where government rules say they should have used traffic wardens. They said the latest guidance from the Department for transport says that 'approved devices', primarily automatic number plate recognition CCTV cameras, 'are used only where enforcement is difficult or sensitive and enforcement by a Civil Enforcement Officer is not practical'. They said that motorists who have parked legally, for example in a loading and unloading bay, but are accused of contravening rules based on CCTV evidence, 'may find it impossible to obtain the necessary evidence, after the event, to discharge the burden of proving loading/unloading'. But if a motorists parked in one of these bays encounters a traffic warden, they can show them at the time that they are using it for its intended purpose, and avoid the ticket. The judgement on 'Commercial Plant Services and others versus TfL', which is 22 pages long, studied the precise language of laws and government guidance after Tory councillor Ivan Murray-Smith, presented the case - which is now considered 'key' by London Tribunals. TfL even attempted to overturn the ruling when they hired top lawyer Timothy Korner, KC, to represent them at a tribunal hearing last month, but chief adjudicator Anthony Chan refused to review the case. He hit out at TfL as it continued to use CCTV to fine drivers despite being told they were illegal, describing transport authority as 'quasi prosecutorial'. According to The Telegraph, he said: 'I am of the opinion that if a public authority becomes aware that the imposition of a penalty may be unlawful, it should seek to clarify the position before issuing more PCNs. 'Mr Korner does not think that is an issue because motorists can always challenge the PCNs I do not find this argument attractive.' A car driving down a red route bus lane in central London The judgement on 'Commercial Plant Services and others versus TfL' studied the precise language of laws and government guidance after Tory councillor Ivan Murray-Smith (pictured), presented the case - which is now considered 'key' by London Tribunals He also said that TfL had difficulty disclosing the number of drivers who had challenged PCNs because the figures were 'embarrassing'. TfL lost 420 cases between June last year and March this year where CCTV evidence was used - and a total of 2,735 appeals were lodged with London Tribunals in the same period. Mr Murray-Smith, 35, welcomed the rulings and accused TfL of 'getting away with' unlawfully using CCTV cameras to enforce parking rules for years. But TfL has dug in and said they will not be revoking PCNs that have been issued, but they are considering their next steps about enforcement of parking rules in red route bays. A TfL spokesperson said: 'We are committed to keeping London moving safely and efficiently, and compliance on the Transport for London Road Network is essential to achieving these aims. 'Enforcement by our compliance officers using CCTV cameras is an important part of tackling this and we are exploring next steps. Non-compliance impacts London's air quality, creates safety risks, disrupts traffic and creates congestion for everyone.' Vladimir Putin bombed a Ukrainian blood bank tonight in revenge for drone strikes on Russian warships in the Black Sea. President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the deadly strike on a blood transfusion centre in the Kharkiv region of northeast Ukraine as a 'war crime' as Moscow escalated its attacks in the war-torn country. A separate strike struck a key factory, both attacks coming just hours after Kyiv hit a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait. The attacks were the latest since Moscow exited a deal last month that had ensured Ukrainian grain exports despite the ongoing conflict. A 'guided air bomb' hit the centre in Kupiansk, a city a few dozen kilometres from the Russian border, Zelensky said. President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the deadly strike on a blood transfusion centre in the Kharkiv region of northeast Ukraine as a 'war crime' as Moscow escalated its attacks in the war-torn country 'Rescuers are extinguishing the fire,' he wrote on social media, adding: 'This war crime alone says everything about Russian aggression.' The strike came shortly after Zelensky said Russian missiles had hit a facility of the Ukrainian aeronautics group Motor Sich, a maker of plane and helicopter engines and other components. It is one of several companies requisitioned by the government since Moscow's invasion. The Motor Sich site is near Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine, around 190 miles southwest of Kyiv. The region, home to a major Ukrainian airbase, has been regularly targeted by Russian strikes in recent months. In his evening address, Zelensky remained defiant, insisting that 'no matter how many such Russian attacks there are, they will still do nothing for the enemy'. Earlier Saturday, Ukraine claimed it 'blew up' a Russian tanker, the 'SIG', that was transporting fuel for Russian troops, a Ukrainian security source told AFP. The tanker was hit at around 11:20 pm (2020 GMT) on Friday south of the Kerch Strait, Russia's Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport said. Footage shows how the 4,754-ton SIG oil and chemical tanker was struck by a marine drone The crew on board reported significant damage and flooding in the engine room of the 463ft-long vessel following the strike Pictured is the damage on board the SIG tanker after it was hit by the drone which saw the 11 crew members suffering abrasions from shattered glass The ship was holed at the waterline in the area of the engine room but was still afloat, the agency said. In a video obtained by AFP purporting to show the attack, a vessel is seen approaching a large ship before the connection cuts off. The Ukrainian source said the 'successful special operation', which involved a naval drone and explosives, was carried out jointly with the navy in Ukrainian territorial waters. The SIG oil and chemical tanker is under US sanctions for supplying jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria, who are supporting President Bashar al-Assad. The Russian foreign ministry condemned the attack on a 'civilian vessel', adding that the crew had not been injured. Footage shows a huge explosion from one of the vessels in the harbour after Vladimir Putin's forces reportedly deployed two warships to counter the strikes on Thursday night Pictured is the Russian landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak (centre) docked in a port after it was damaged in a drone attack Traffic on a key bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Moscow-annexed Crimea peninsula to Russia's mainland resumed early on Saturday after a three-hour halt, according to the Russian highways information centre's Telegram channel. Crimea has been disrupted by several strikes throughout the war but it has seen more frequent attacks in recent weeks. Russian forces on Saturday downed a drone over the sea near Sevastopol, city governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said. Tensions have risen on the Black Sea overall since Russia pulled out of the agreement protecting grain exports via the shipping hub during the conflict. On Friday, Ukraine struck the Olenegorsky Gornyak vessel at the Novorossiysk base in southern Russia, a Ukrainian security source told AFP, 'to show that Ukraine can attack any Russian warship in that zone'. Russia said it had repelled the attempted attack. On the front line, Russia said Saturday it had captured the settlement of Novoselivske in northeastern Ukraine, where Kyiv said it was confronted with a growing number of attacks. Footage shows the moment a maritime drone hits a Russian landing ship Footage from the Russian army showed Novoselivske completely destroyed, with white smoke billowing over crumbling buildings. Ukrainian army spokeswoman Ganna Malyar said Friday that Russian troops were aiming to draw Ukrainian resources to the east, as Ukraine pursues its counter-offensive in the south. Ukraine began a fresh attempt in June to push back Russian troops but it has made only modest progress, its forces contending with well-entrenched Russian positions built up over several months. With both sides focused on winning on the battlefield, any chance to secure peace looks thin. Saudi Arabia is nevertheless hosting talks on the war with representatives from nearly 40 countries - including China, India and South Africa - but not Russia. The talks concluded Saturday and as expected, no final declaration was released. But a European source said there had been agreement that respect for Ukraine's 'territorial integrity and sovereignty' should be 'at the heart of any peace settlement'. It aims to tackle attempts to 'lure' asylum seekers onto small boats to enter UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is working with tech firms such as TikTok and Twitter Social media companies are to work in partnership with the Government to crack down on posts by people-smugglers touting for Channel migrants. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the agreement with tech firms including TikTok, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) would tackle attempts to lure asylum seekers on small boats. He added that the voluntary partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA) would help to combat the vile trade. It comes after the Mail on Sunday revealed that people traffickers were using ship and flag emojis to bypass filters aimed at blocking online advertising for illegal crossings. The arrangement will seek to direct users away from such content in the way already used to tackle content promoting extremism or eating disorders. A group of people thought to be migrants crossing the Channel in a small boat headed in the direction of Dover, Kent (File Photo) Among the symbols being adopted by the gangs are small boats and lorries, as well as the British and French flags and a variety of landmarks It will also aim to prevent criminals sharing information about illegal Channel crossings, such as group discounts, free spaces for children and offers of false documents. An online capability centre backed by 11 million in funding will be established so officers at the NCA can work with the Home Office to report promotional posts. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok and X, have all signed up to the plans, Downing Street confirmed. Mr Sunak said: To stop the boats, we have to tackle the business model of vile people-smugglers at source. That means clamping down on their attempts to lure people into making these illegal crossings and profit from putting lives at risk. This new commitment from tech firms will see us redouble our efforts to fight back against these criminals, working together to shut down their vile trade. Home Secretary Suella Braverman told the Mail on Sunday: Thousands of these adverts are spread online encouraging people to hand over tens of thousands of pounds to get a journey on a flimsy dinghy in freezing cold conditions and risk their lives to engage in a criminal enterprise to cross the Channel. These gangs and their actions are reprehensible. They are outrageous. We need to stop the gangs because they are a root cause. At the beginning of small boats week, No 10 said the legacy backlog of asylum applications made before the end of June 2022 has been reduced by a third since December. But Labour claimed it will take until 2036 to clear the existing backlog for the removal of failed asylum seekers now standing at 40,000. The provisional total of crossings detected by the Home Office is nearly 15,000 so far this year. Meet acting PM... nicknamed 'Olive' He's the man in charge of the country while Rishi Sunak is on holiday, but many know surprisingly little about Oliver Dowden. So here is a quick introduction to our Deputy Prime Minister: AGE: 45 FAMILY: Married to Blythe, a teacher, with two children and family dog Betsy. Nickname: Known as Olive after a misspelt email sign-off while at the Conservative Research Department, following a stint teaching English in Japan. Background: Grew up in Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire, and went to state secondary school before studying Law at Cambridge. Once likened by The Guardian to an easily shocked and slightly liberal Church of England vicar. Says Conservative values are hard work, aspiration and getting on with life. Elected: Became MP for Hertsmere in 2015, beating Rishi Sunak in the selection process. In his maiden Commons speech, he said EastEnders characters Phil Mitchell and Ian Beale were his constituents calling himself the MP for Albert Square. The deputy PM is married to Blythe, a teacher, with two children and family dog Betsy RELAXATION: Likes pub lunches and countryside walks. Honours: Awarded a CBE in recognition of his five years as an adviser to David Cameron. In 2020, he became Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and, the following year, chairman of the Conservative Party until he resigned and returned to the backbenches in June 2022. Four months later he was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster by Mr Sunak then, in April 2023, Deputy Prime Minister. A top cancer doctor has killed herself and her baby in her $1million Westchester home in what police are calling a 'murder-suicide.' Dr. Krystal Cascetta, 40, was a Hematology-Oncology specialist with Mount Sinai in New York City. The horrific incident took place in the baby's bedroom at about 7am on Saturday in the town of Somers, which is in Westchester County, according to ABC7. Police confirm the scene was 'consistent with a murder/suicide.' The age and gender of the baby have not yet been released by police but a due date shared online suggests that Cascetta was due in March of this year. DailyMail.com contacted her husband Tim Talty, 37, on Saturday. An upset-sounding Talty said: 'Can you give us some time?' The couple married in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, in 2019 in a gorgeous ceremony, with Cascetta wearing a stunning white fishtail gown for her big day. It is unclear if the couple have any other children. Dr Krystal Cascetta, right, is said to have murdered her child before turning the gun on herself. Pictured here with husband Tim Talty Dr Krystal Cascetta, a renowned cancer doctor, is believed to have killed herself and her baby at her Westchester home A statement from state police said: 'The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Somers are investigating a murder/suicide in the town of Somers. 'A preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 7:00 a.m., Krystal Cascetta entered her childs room and shot her baby and then turned the gun on herself. 'The scene is consistent with a murder/suicide.' Dr Cascetta had lived in the Granite Springs area of Somers in New York State at the $1 million home with Talty. On his Instagram page, he had shared images of the two in Austin, Texas, when he said Cascetta had came to visit him when they first started dating. The two had married in 2019 during a celebration in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, after what Talty described on social media as 'so special'. At the time, he said: 'My Wife! It took us a year to plan and a lifetime to gather all of the wonderful people to make our wedding so special!' Cascetta had lived in the Granite Springs area of Somers in New York State inside a $1 million home with her husband Tim Talty, pictured here Talty runs his own energy bar company, called the Talty Bar, and shared online how his wife had used her medical and scientific knowledge to help advise on how to create the best product. Cascetta was a board certified Hematologist and Medical Oncologist in New York City, specializing in breast cancer. She had received her medical degree from Albany Medical College, where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society for demonstrating excellence in humanistic clinical care, leadership, compassion, and dedication to service. In a bio about Cascetta, she was described as an avid runner and fitness enthusiast. The bio also says that being a doctor 'was in her DNA' and was routinely found as a child wrapping her dolls in gauze. When she was in 8th grade her mother's best friend passed away from breast cancer and this event is said to have spurred her on to pursue a career in medicine. The two had married in 2019 during a celebration in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, in what Talty described in a social media post as a 'so special' Talty, pictured here with Cascetta and friends, runs his own energy bar company, called the Talty Bar, with his wife advising on it as a medical professional. Due to this event, Cascetta was an active investigator of breast cancer clinical trials. As a resident in internal medicine at the Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine at North Shore University Hospital she received the Intern of the Year award. iFrame is not supported! She had also served as Chief Fellow at Mount Sinai Hospital after completing a fellowship program in Hematology and Medical Oncology. Cascetta is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. The innocent man who was wrongly jailed 17 years for a rape he did not commit will not have to pay living costs covering his time in prison following a dramatic intervention by Rishi Sunak's Government. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk KC made the change covering wrongly convicted people with immediate effect on Sunday after the miscarriage of justice case of Andrew Malkinson sparked outrage. Mr Malkinson spent 17 years in prison for a rape he did not commit, and appeal judges quashed his conviction last week after DNA linking another man to the crime was produced. The 57-year-old expressed concern that the rules meant expenses could be deducted from any compensation payment he may be awarded to cover the costs of his jail term. Downing Street indicated that the Prime Minister believed the deductions were unfair amid demands to drop the charges. Mr Chalk has now updated the guidance dating back to 2006 to remove them from future payments made under the miscarriage of justice compensation scheme. The reform to eligible cases was broadly welcomed, but there were calls to pay back the money already deducted from wrongly convicted individuals. Andrew Malkinson, who served 17 years in prison for a rape he did not commit, outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London Andrew Malkinson arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, ahead of his hearing at the Court of Appeal over his 2003 rape conviction The Justice Secretary said: 'Fairness is a core pillar of our justice system and it is not right that victims of devastating miscarriages of justice can have deductions made for saved living expenses. 'This common sense change will ensure victims do not face paying twice for crimes they did not commit.' Sir Bob Neill, the Tory MP who chairs the Commons Justice Committee, said he was 'delighted' that Mr Chalk has 'moved so swiftly on this'. 'Big credit to Andrew Malkinson, his family and supporters,' Sir Bob told the PA news agency. But he suggested ministers should go further and make payments to miscarriage of justice victims who have already had their compensation docked. 'I wonder if the Government could consider ex-gratia payments on a case-by-case basis to make up for that if people can demonstrate they fulfil all the criteria,' the MP said. Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Alistair Carmichael echoed the sentiment. 'To take someone's liberty wrongfully and then charge them for prison living costs reads like some kind of sick joke,' he said. Secretary of State for Justice Alex Chalk made the change covering wrongly convicted people with immediate effect on Sunday 'The Government must now review past cases where people have been forced to pay for saved living expenses after being wrongfully convicted with the view to compensate these individuals fully.' In order to be eligible for a payment, people must apply for compensation within two years of being pardoned or having their convictions reversed. The reversal must be on the basis of a new fact that demonstrates 'beyond reasonable doubt' they did not commit the offence and they must not be responsible for the non-disclosure of the evidence. The maximum payments under the miscarriage of justice compensation scheme is 1 million for more than 10 years' imprisonment. Independent assessors could make deductions based on 'saved living expenses' such as rent or mortgage payments. But the Ministry of Justice said the independent assessor has not done this in the last 10 years. Crooked House pub fire is being treated as ARSON: Specialist sniffer dog is sent to examine rubble as police say they 'continue to engage with' new owner - who is revealed to be glamorous wife of plant hire boss who has premises nearby The Duchess is a big fan of Sophie Habsburg, a distant relative of her husband Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh is thought of as one of the most stylish members of the Royal Family. She generally chooses soft hues, floral prints and well-matched millinery, with Emilia Wickstead, Suzannah and Jane Taylor being her go-to designers. But when it comes to bags there is one brand always on her arm: Sophie Habsburg. Bags and clutches from this bohemian designer frequently give the Duchess's outfits an individual touch - through embroidery, luxe fabrics and woven textures - which contrasts with her generally classic look. Sophie is rarely seen without a handbag by the Rome-based designer, and owns no fewer than 60 different bags. Sophie opted for a bold red shirt dress by Giuliva Heritage, teamed with cream wedge sandals and a Sophie Habsburg Tahiti bag for her meeting with Philip Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia in April 2022 A closer look at the Tahiti bag carried by the Duchess Sophie of Habsburg, Archduchess of Austria presenting her bag collection in Madrid's El Corte Ingles in 2011 Queen Maxima of the Netherlands carrying her Sophie Habsburg 'Moneypenny' clutch in her bike basket in June 2020 Her daughter Lady Louise, apparently inspired by her mother, has been seen with Habsburg bags, also. Mother and daughter carried matching Sophie clutches to the Platinum Jubilee service of thanksgiving at St Paul's last year. The woman behind the bags is Her Royal and Imperial Highness Sophie Habsburg, Archduchess of Austria. I made three bags because I couldnt find a fun, interesting piece for myself. Then after countless requests from friends I decided to make a business from it, she has explained. Its a winning recipe. Today, Sophie counts the Duchess of Edinburgh, Lady Gabriella Windsor and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands among her most loyal clients. Right at the beginning I met Sophie at a wedding as we are related through the Duke of Edinburgh, Habsburg explained. 'She saw my bag and said that she loved it.' Since then, it seems, the Duchess has become something of a superfan with a large collection. Shes very loyal, says Sophie, and makes a huge impact on sales when she wears one of my designs, particularly within the Commonwealth. The Duchess of Edinburgh dressed for the sunshine at the royal Windsor Flower show in June 2023 as she stepped out in a colourful patterned Etro dress teamed with the 132 Ischia large raffia beach basket complete with an orange leather tassel and handle Ischia large raffia beach basket complete with an orange leather tassel and handle At the Order of the Garter Service in 2019 the Duchess of Edinburgh matched her Chenille clutch her coral Suzanna skirt and the feather on her Jane Taylor hat. The 333 metal cylindrical clutch has a satin base and has also been spotted on her daughter Lady Louise Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attending the wedding of Flora Ogilvy and Timothy Vesterberg wearing Emilia Wickstead with her 316 Sophie Habsburg 'Limited Bean Bag' in pink cream with handwoven Ikat from Uzbekistan and crochet raffia flap that matched her dress perfectly The Sophie Habsburg Limited Bean Bag in pink Cream with handwoven Ikat from Uzbekistand and a crochet raffia flap Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh co-ordinating her burgundy Sophie Habsburg clutch with her flowery outfit whilst accompanying Prince William at a private screening of 'Rhino Man' at Battersea Power Station This 333 hand-painted python clutch perfectly complements the print work on the Duchess of Edinburgh's Suzannah silk tea dress when attending the 75th anniversary of the NHS at Westminster Abbey in 2023 Sophie Habsburg 'Cleo' clutch in burgundy Bold blues reigned supreme at a Musical spectacular at Horse Guards Parade in July 2023. The 333 cleo python clutch accentuates the blue forals on Sophie's Emilia Wickstead belted shirt dress Sophie Habsburg 'Cleo' clutch in blue Shades of purple reigned supreme at Royal Ascot in 2018 when Sophie accessorised her feathered Jane Taylor hat with the 281 'Ginny' clutch in suede calf leather and water snakeskin The Duchess of Edinburgh was a vision in blue for Royal Ascot 2022. Wearing the same bag she wore to the event the previous year but this time in blue, the 281 Ginny clutch complimented her Suzannah dress and Jane Taylor hat Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attending an Armistice service in Bedworth carrying a Sophie Habsburg 'Lunatic Caviar' clutch with snake detail in burgundy on November 2021 Sophie Habsburg 'Lunatic Caviar' clutch with snake detail comes in burgundy and black Sophie Wessex was glamorous in a floor-length burgundy gown which she teamed with her 'Amber' clutch in black snake at the Arab women of the Year Awards in March 2022 The statement 333 hand painted Cleo clutch was the star of Sophie's monochrome outfit whilst attending engagements in Guildford in June 2023. The printed bag was worn with a Sandro blazer and Me+Em dress Close-up of the 333 hand painted Cleo clutch by Sophie Habsburg Radiant in florals at Ascot in 2022, Sophie matched the blooms on her Suzannah frock with the 316 Bean Bag in orange Sophie visiting Guildford looking elegant in a velvet Laurie and Jules jacket and the 307 Gilda Nappa bag. The black tote bag features a long chain and leather strap with pendants Stepping out on Christmas Day in 2022, the Duchess of Edinburgh dressed in classic tones for a masterclass in neutrals. Her 281 Belle de jour clutch in calf hair features a metal clip closure and was worn with a Joseph coat, Jane Taylor hat and Reiss Boots Sophie teamed her Alexander McQueen dress with her 219 Luisa tote in blue. The khaki canvas of the tote matched the colour of the dress perfectly A derelict World War Two observation tower which was being marketed as a potential quirky holiday home has failed to attract any bids. Hopeful estate agents had invited offers of around 160,000 for the ugly concrete structure, noting that it enjoyed spectacular views over the Suffolk coast and nearby farm lagoons. There were hopes that it might appeal to someone with deep pockets wanting to carry out a Grand Designs style makeover of the property. But the three-storey tower which has its inside walls covered in graffiti failed to attract any bids in an online auction, despite it including a surrounding 0.2 acre strip of land. One stumbling block might have been that the building is Grade Two listed meaning that special permission would be needed to alter its appearance. A derelict World War Two observation tower which was being marketed as a potential quirky holiday home has failed to attract any bids Hopeful estate agents had invited offers of around 160,000 for the ugly concrete structure, noting that it enjoyed spectacular views over the Suffolk coast and nearby farm lagoons The three-storey tower which has its inside walls covered in graffiti failed to attract any bids in an online auction One stumbling block might have been that the building is Grade Two listed meaning that special permission would be needed to alter its appearance The tower with its three internal floors measuring 17ft by 14ft was built in 1940 as a command post and to house range finding equipment for a battery of coastal defence guns at Bawdsey, near Woodbridge, Suffolk. It was abandoned at the end of the war, and has remained empty ever since with no services connected. The tower also has no staircases, so its lower ground floor and first floor currently have to be accessed by rusty metal ladders. Estate agents Clarke and Simpson described it as an 'unusual three storey reinforced concrete structure with scope for various uses, with views out to sea'. Stuart Clarke, a partner in the firm said he believed the property which a local landowner wanted to sell could be converted into a one bed holiday home. He admitted that the stark-looking structure appeared 'brutal' before the auction which failed to attract a single bid, despite the tower being in an area which is hugely popular with well-heeled second home owners Mr Clarke added: 'Someone could have an open plan kitchen and sitting room on one floor and have a bedroom with spectacular views over the fresh water lagoons and the sea. 'It is a fairly remote spot and quite isolated, but it is in an area of wild beauty and the views it has from all directions are simply stunning. 'The walls are made of reinforced concrete and the whole structure is incredibly sturdy as it was built to form part of Britain's coastal defences. 'It might look brutal, but we have had a few people express an interest in it.' The tower has three internal floors measuring 17ft by 14ft and is located near Woodbridge, in Suffolk It also has no staircases, so its lower ground floor and first floor currently have to be accessed by rusty metal ladders The tower was built in 1940 as a command post and to house range finding equipment for a battery of coastal defence guns at Bawdsey The tower is in an area which is hugely popular with well-heeled second home owners, according to estate agents The Battery Observation Post was built when it was feared that German forces could invade the east coast of England. It is believed that high precision range finders were housed in the upper storey of the tower which acted as the centre of communications for searchlight positions and guns. Local councillors refused planning consent for it to be converted into a home in the 1980s. But planning permission and listed building consent was granted in 2002 for the building to become 'a holiday unit', although the change of use was not implemented at the time. Mr Clarke said any change of use would have to be applied for again. But he suspects any application would be viewed sympathetically due to nearby Martello towers dating back to the Napoleonic era having been converted into homes. He said: 'The permission for it to be turned over to holiday use was given at a time when the local council was keen to encourage commercial activity. 'It is likely that it would have to be rented out for a certain number of days a year to qualify as a holiday building.' A self-declared 'millionaire' who bought a disused stairwell for 25,000 at an auction has revealed he wants to turn it into an office - provided that he can get planning permission. Simon Squibb snapped up the quirky property in Twickenham, West London after feeling an affinity to the listing. Formerly homeless, the entrepreneur claims he's a self-made millionaire and wants to use the stairwell as a series of office pods for start-up companies that he can let out rent-free. A virtual tour of the property behind a Starbucks shows the space littered with cardboard boxes, rusty bikes, dingy pieces of furniture, potted plants and piles of fire extinguishers. Broken windows and stained walls can also be seen in some of the pictures posted on housing website Zoopla. The stairs are not connected to the block of flats that it used to serve. A self-declared 'millionaire' who bought disused stairwell for 25,000 at an auction has revealed he wants to turn it into an office And feeling a connection to the strange property, 49-year-old businessman Simon Squibb (pictured) held his son in the air and bid 5,000 over the guide and shouted 'we got it!' But the issues did not deter father-of-one Mr Squibb, from North London, who said it was 'worth taking a risk' after formulating his plan to buy the odd property just within the last two days - even admitting his team had not yet seen it and did not know if they could get planning permission, the BBC reports. The new staircase owner is the chief executive of 75,000-strong online community HelpBnk, which rewards users for helping others and 'allows entrepreneurs to get the help they need for free'. His experiences of being made homeless at age 15 led him to set up the business so others could have the support network he did not - and he has also set up other firms. Barnard Marcus Auctions Partner, James Paterson earlier told MailOnline following the sale: 'The staircase generated a good amount of interest. We've had more than 8,000 hits on our YouTube video. 'There's potential for it to be used for storage or possibly development.' But Mr Squibb wants to use his new stairwell as a place where he can help small businesses have a place to live and work from for free. But if planning permission is not forthcoming 'the worst outcome will be that we just make this our walk-in office, where we can meet people and they can tell us their dreams', he told The Times. Mr Squibb's vision differs from what others may have dreamt up for the space, as after the advert came out, viewers and property experts suggested the stairwell could be turned into office pods, a vertical farm, a gallery and even a 'wellness' space. Property expert previously Chris told MailOnline: 'I would guess that the staircase would be used as an advertising asset, or gifted to a community or charity to use to design and showcase artwork. 'I guess it could even be used as an abseiling or climbing wall.' Michelle Niziol, owner of IMS Property Group, earlier said: 'I think we are going to see more of these 'spaces' being sold off, as commercial properties aim to streamline profits, tackle energy costs and utilise unused space. It could potentially create a boom of sustainable, urban spaces, which have the potential to benefit and positively affect the local and wider communities. 'An obvious choice for the stairwell would be cubed office spaces, or even a co-working space for local small business owners. Whoever buys the stairwell could be quite clever with the space to maximise use and profits. 'However, I think the best use of the stairwell is to create a living wellness space that everyone can benefit from. I can imagine the walls be turned into living walls, using plants and greenery, and the space used for wellness activities such as meditation, holistic therapy and yoga. A property expert had earlier suggested the space could be used as a climbing wall (stock image) Viewers of the Twickenham property previously suggested it could be used as office pods (stock image) 'The space will adapt quite well for this, and wellness practitioners can rent the space, or studio time and people could hire out space for their own wellness practices. It could be a peaceful haven within the city.' Mr Paterson earlier told The Times newspaper: 'Previous quirky buildings we have sold include an iconic red telephone kiosk in South Kensington a few months ago.' Average property prices in London have increased by 63 per cent in the last decade from 322,000 to 525,000. And this bizarre stairwell is the latest wacky property to go on the market as the London housing crisis worsens. One 'cosy' flat in West Kensington, costing 520 per month, had no toilet and came with a shower located directly under the bed. And in Hendon a landlord was fined for making tenants crawl up the staircase to reach their room which was situated in the attic, for 420 per month. The UK Government has announced plans to tackle the housing crisis by making it easier to turn empty shops and offices into homes. Have you ever ordered the wrong food on holiday because you couldn't read the menu? Or perhaps you've found yourself wandering around a city for hours, unable to get to your destination because the signs weren't in English. Well, a little-known app could save you from these two major holiday stresses. Google Lens is a free app, available on both Android and iOS, and is described as a 'travel companion' during the holiday season. Google Lens is a free app, available on both Android and iOS, and uses the built-in smartphone camera to identify real-world objects It is essentially a real-life Google search and uses the built-in camera on a smartphone to scan and identify real-world objects. According to the Google blog website: '[It] can instantly translate the text in front of you, whether youre looking at a menu or street sign. 'Point Lens at any text and it will automatically detect the language and overlay the translations right on top of the original words.' You can find Google Lens in the Google app, it's the tiny camera icon next to the search bar. Once you've tapped it you are given several options including 'Search' and 'Translate'. The app directly translates more than 100 languages, and will instantly detect the native dialect and translate it into the language of your choice. Many people have used it to solve their menu woes by simply hovering the camera above the menu and watching it ac The travel hack has been well appreciated by TikTokers, who are only just discovering the feature. The app directly translates more than 100 languages, and will instantly detect the native dialect and translate it into the language of your choice It is able to translate real-world objects such as medicine labels, food packages and menus One user @TravelTok described the app as a 'game changer,' and demonstrated that it was quickly able to translate both medicines and food packaging. Another frequent traveller, who goes by the username @raimeetravels, showed how quickly the app can identify buildings or objects. Hovering her phone outside the entrance of Centre Pompidou Malaga, the app instantly gave Raimee the name of the contemporary art museum. Adding in the caption, she wrote: 'My new favourite thing.' Some TikTokers have only just found the hidden feature, and are sharing their discovery on the app One TikTok traveller demonstrated how to get Google Lens to identify buildings, and scanned a building before her The app quickly identified the building as an art museum in Spain called, Centre Pompidou Malaga TikTokers flocked to the comment section, grateful of the post, one said: 'I used the translate option a lot last week in Japan. So helpful!' The same feature is also available on the Google Translate app, which TikTok user Kate Bacon demonstrated. Posting a tutorial to her account @kbacon, she said: 'You go to the Google Translate app, select your languages, click on the camera icon, and it will translate all of the text you see.' Phone owners can access the same feature via the Google Translate app, all you need to do is click on the camera option The app will access Google Lens and translate word for word the object before them The 'quick and easy life hack' was appreciated by her followers, who commented 'Thank you' and 'That's definitely been a tremendous help!' Not only does Google lens work for travel, you can also sharpen your shopping skills. For example, if you see a random item you want, outside of the store, all you need to do is scan it and Google Lens will provide similar suggestions - all without having to articulate what you're looking for. Prices vary depending on the kind of fish you've caught, from lobster to flounder Diners are given rods to reel in a catch from tanks inside the restaurants Would you have the stomach to reel in your own fish dinner from a tank? There are quirky restaurants in Japan that give you a chance to find out the answer - they store fish in huge tanks, with guests given fishing rods and nets so that they can catch one for the chef to cook for them. Several TikTokers have captured footage of the highly novel eateries - with many commenters left feeling queasy about the concept. One viral video by Australian travel blogger Tina Pik documented her trip to the Osaka branch of Fishing Restaurant Zauo, a restaurant chain thats been inviting dinners to catch their own supper since the 1980s. In it, she shows how staff bang a drum when diners successfully catch a fish and how chefs transform the catch into a yummy sashimi or deep fried or steamed fish dish. The video snapped up more than 17million views, but reactions were mixed, with user 'Nawiti Nkhoma123' writing: 'I cant eat something Ive met face to face that just changed everything.' TikToker 'Clayton' added that it 'just feels wrong'. TikTokers have captured footage of highly novel restaurants in Japan where diners can catch their own fish for dinner, such as Jumbo-tsuribune Tsurikichi in Osaka (above) Another user, 'Porseleinen_Ponnie', said: 'Try to imagine this from the point of view of the fish.' And 'niknak8519' remarked: 'My problem is I'd feel sorry for the fish I caught, put it back and go home hungry.' Others, however, were more enamoured by the prospect. User 'Alex' said: 'I love food and I love fishing, so I need to go here!' And user 'Nor' said: 'I'm going to add this to my tour plan.' San Diego-based bloggers Brandon and Mary, who run the YouTube channel 'Ferrers In Flight', shared a video from the same restaurant on a holiday in Osaka, explaining how lobster, prawns, clams and flounder are among the seafood that can be plucked from the tanks. A sign outlines how to catch a fish in Jumbo-tsuribune Tsurikichi Costs vary depending on the type of fish you've caught. If diners struggle to catch anything, staff can step in and reel in a catch for them. Pictured above is Jumbo-tsuribune Tsurikichi Lobster steamed in garlic and butter at Jumbo-tsuribune Tsurikichi The costs vary depending on the type of fish you've caught. A red snapper, for instance, is around 17.50 (3,245 Japanese yen/$23). If diners struggle to catch anything, staff can step in and reel in a catch for them. Speaking to MailOnline Travel about the experience, Brandon and Mary explain how the staff 'provide some bait you can put on the hook' when you start fishing. They continue: 'Once you drop the hook in front of [the fish], they are quick to bite!' The couple, who visited the eatery with their young daughter, managed to catch one fish, which they shared between the three of them. They say: We picked for half of our fish to be fried, and half grilled. They have a variety of ways to have it prepared, and you really cant go wrong with any combination. TikToker Nicholas Teo (above) shared a video that showed him catching his supper in a Tokyo branch of the popular Zauo restaurant chain Their footage captures the dining experience, with seats built inside the wooden boats at the centre of the restaurant. Overall, they said it was a 'great experience, adding: It was fun to see tourists and locals alike enjoying a nice meal that we happened to have caught ourselves! Another TikToker, Nicholas Teo, shared a video that showed him catching his supper in a Tokyo branch of the popular Zauo restaurant chain. In it, he reveals that 'you can actually come here and eat without fishing, but if you fish they give you a discount. The various fish that can be caught at the Zauo restaurant chain, which has been running since the 1980s Jumbo-tsuribune Tsurikichi's facade. TikTok user Parisa admits she was 'a little sceptical' about the experience before visiting the restaurant He adds that the chefs can use the 'fish head and bones to make miso soup for you'. Another restaurant, Jumbo-tsuribune Tsurikichi, which is located in Osakas Shinsekai neighbourhood, offers the same experience, as documented in a video by TikTok user Parisa. She admits that she was 'a little sceptical' about fishing for her dinner at first, but thought she would give it a try anyway. And she was pleasantly surprised. The travel TikToker describes the fishing restaurant as unlike any place she's ever been to, saying: 'We ended up going for the lobster steamed in garlic and butter and prawns tempura style... this was some of the best seafood I've ever had. The freshness is unmatched and I would highly recommend this place if you're looking for a unique dinner experience.' She added: 'Although I'm not a fishing expert, I will admit that the experience was a fun blend of challenge and enjoyment. While I found handling the fishing rods a bit tricky it didn't take away from the experience. 'Fortunately, the restaurant provided nets for those of us who struggled, and I ended up using one myself. Curiously, it seemed like the fish had a hunch they were on the menu and purposely avoided the rods, creating a game of cat and mouse in the underwater world.' This phenomenon briefly made its way overseas - Zauo opened a New York restaurant in 2018, but it shut down after less than two years in business. Flight delays and cancellations have unfortunately become a routine part of any airplane journey these days - however, help is now on hand from a top travel expert, who is sharing a series of tips to help you avoid any vacation nightmares. According to recent data from flight tracking company FlightAware, there are around 30,000 delayed flights per day globally with 7,000 to 9,000 of these being flights in or out of the US. Some of the contributing factors to mounting flight delays and cancellations include severe weather, staffing shortages, overscheduling and mechanical failures. In a bid to navigate any travel chaos, Chicago-based travel expert and founder of Empire Tours and Productions Steven Garcia has shared his top tips with DailyMail.com including everything from only booking direct flights to always having an alternative plan. Read on for his insights... According to recent data from flight tracking company FlightAware, there are around 30,000 delayed flights per day globally with 7,000 to 9,000 of these in or out of the US (stock image) Scrap stopovers If you can, Garcia advises flying direct to your destination. He explains: 'Even if you have to drive three or four hours to a different airport to fly direct it is worth it. 'If your connecting flight gets cancelled or delayed it can ruin part of, if not your entire vacation. 'I drive to from Charleston to Charlotte to do this all the time. I also do the same thing when I'm in the Midwest.' Points mean prizes! If you are flying regularly, Garcia highlights the importance of saving air miles and points and trying to get the highest status as possible with your preferred airline. The travel pro reveals: 'If you are loyal to an airline, you will be surprised the lengths they will go to you for you and they will even hold connecting flights for you. 'I have friends who conduct international business and have been flying with the same airlines for decades. 'They are literally treated like kings and queens. I was with one of these friends once flying under his United Airlines account. 'They held our connecting flight for 30 minutes in Washington, D.C. just for him and when we landed they had a Mercedes waiting on the tarmac to drive us to get on the next plane!' Being nice goes a long way Being kind to airline and airport staff is key in getting your travel plans back on track, Garcia says. 'They have more power than you think to change things around and get you on another flight to your destination,' he explains. If you are rude and the passenger next to you is nice, Garcia highlights that you won't make any progress and 'they will put the other person on the next flight over you anytime.' Chicago-based travel expert and founder of Empire Tours and Productions Steven Garcia has shared his top tips with DailyMail.com Some of the contributing factors to mounting flight delays and cancellations include severe weather, staffing shortages, overscheduling and mechanical failures (stock image) Nothing fancy for the first night Instead of booking an expensive hotel for the first night of your vacation, Garcia recommends opting for something cheaper close by in case of flight cancellations or delays. That way, you won't feel hard done by in case of any hiccups and you won't have to go about trying to claim money back. The globetrotter says even if your flight isn't delayed for the first night, 'you will usually be tired anyway from the travel and it doesn't really matter if you sleep at a cheaper hotel and check into the fancy one the next day. 'You can then use the money you saved on a nice dinner or activity instead.' The earlier the better! In terms of what time to arrive at the airport, Garcia says the earlier the better. He recommends arriving at least two hours before a flight, even if it is domestic. This way, if you find out you flight has been delayed or cancelled the 'attendants might just have enough time to get you on another flight.' Plan for things to go wrong If you go into a trip with low expectations, Garcia says 'your entire travel experience will be more relaxing' and you'll be able to deal with obstacles easier. For example, he says you'll have an attitude of 'oh, they just delayed our flight another four hourslets hit the bar woo-whoo!!!' instead of 'freaking out and being disappointed you'll be arriving late at your final destination.' Keep calm and carry on Travelers get 'super stressed' when things go wrong but Garcia says it is important to keep your cool. With flight delays you might find yourself getting frustrated but concentrate on the task in hand and speak to staff calmly. Garcia advises: 'You might start getting annoyed about little things. 'However, if someone tries to skip you in line just let them. 'If you get in an altercation at the airport you won't be flying anywhere and the staff will notice your heated behavior!' Always be prepared If you are connecting at an airport, Garcia recommends researching some fun things to do at that location in case of a flight delay or cancellation. That way, if you are stuck there for a day or overnight you can make the most out of the situation and put a positive spin on it. The Chicago native says: 'It doesn't take long to Google some things to do and then at least you have some tricks up your sleeve if disaster strikes.' Two God-fearing influencers are taking social media by storm with their bombshell good looks and love of the Lord. Best friends Arielle Reitsma, 33, and Angela Halili, 27, have racked up millions of views online since they launched their Christian podcast Girls Gone Bible in May. The glamorous pair, both models and actresses in Hollywood, are fast becoming the church's answer to Call Her Daddy with weekly sermons that span everything from their love of Jesus and their favourite smoothies to sobriety and idol worship. A recent episode saw the Bible-thumping beauties discuss the power of prayer, their addiction to salad chain Sweetgreen, and their experience of being brought to tears by re-watching Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ multiple times. In another episode, they stressed the importance of modesty while baring their abs in stylish midriff tops and donning crucifix earrings. The Girls Gone Bible podcast is taking social media by storm with its modern approach to Christianity and bombshell hosts Angela Halili, 27, (left) and Arielle Reitsma, 33 (right) The glamorous pair, both models and actresses, are becoming the church's answer to Call Her Daddy with their weekly episodes that cover everything from Jesus to their favorite smoothies They discussed how they are unfairly criticised and judged on their looks, and how women who post thirst traps are sometimes kinder than conservative Christians. 'I can wear the same exact outfit as a girl who's extremely thin with no curves and just because of my body type I'll look promiscuous in it and she won't,' said Angela. Arielle chimed in: 'I know some girls that take photos in their crop tops and their bikinis but they have more compassion in their hearts and more empathy and they would never write the things that some of these Christians are writing.' The pair have been targeted by other believers for their provocative approach to preaching, with evangelicals often leaving cruel comments on their Instagram accounts. Some trolls have even gone as far as to accuse the genetically blessed duo of being Jezebels due to their sexy social media snaps. Arielle (left) and Angela's (right) racy social media posts have raised eyebrows among some evangelicals, who believe they are too provocative to represent the Christian faith 'Witchcraft counterfeit seductive immodest Christianity,' raged one troll under a photo of Arielle in a plunging floral dress with a thigh-high split. 'What happened to modest apparel? Causing men to sin and lust,' seethed another. 'Angela, as a brother in Christ, I urge you to please consider the type of posts you are putting up. Many of these posts are not truly honouring our Lord in the way He desires,' wrote another concerned follower. Other critics have accused the actresses of using religion to build their star power and social media followings. 'Worldly gratification for eternity in the pit. You sold your soul in the worst way possible - for what, 100,000 likes? You will not be forgiven for mocking the Holy Spirit,' cursed one follower beneath a jaw-dropping video of Angela seductively tousling her ombre locks. Another wrote, 'The fact she ignores all the comments and keeps the video up shows she has no real love for the church and most likely struggles with narcissism.' Some trolls have gone as far as to accuse the genetically blessed duo of being Jezebels due to their sexy social media snaps. (Pictured: Arielle in a revealing swimsuit) 'What happened to modest apparel? Causing men to sin and lust,' a critic wrote on Instagram Indeed, Angela and Arielle aren't shy when it comes to showcasing their God-given beauty on social media. Between posts about Jesus and promotional clips for their podcast, the pair also flaunt their all-American good looks in low-cut dresses and midriffs. In a recent episode of Girls Gone Bible, Angela said she was 'trying to change' her social media presence and had started removing certain posts from her grid to shift to a more modest image. 'It's okay to look good as a Christian,' Arielle insisted. 'But as I became more of a woman, I actually felt more beautiful being more covered up,' she added, explaining she had started to attract more 'godly people' since attempting to become more chaste. Other believers have accused Arielle (pictured) and Angela of using religion to build their star power and social media followings Angela left little to the imagination as she posed in a sheer top, a bra and tiny denim shorts Years before her Christian reinvention, Arielle worked as a model and even graced the pages of racy men's magazines like FHM and Maxim. To this day, there are still raunchy pictures of the blonde squeezing her curves into lingerie and skimpy swimsuits plastered all over the internet. She also has an IMDB page that would rattle most holy rollers, including the role of 'slutty girl' in 2012's Rock of Ages and 'gypsy woman' in the devilish thriller American Satan. Not to be outdone, Angela has quite the pearl-clutching acting career of her own. She appeared in American Horror Story and Hulu's stripper drama Welcome to Chippendales, and perhaps most sacrilegious of all, she played a scantily clad nun in Marilyn Manson's We Know Where You F**king Live music video. Years before her Christian reinvention, Arielle worked as a model and even graced the pages of racy men's magazines like FHM and Maxim. (She is pictured at a Hollywood party in 2019 for the fast-fashion brand Naked Wardrobe) Angela (left) played a scantily clad schoolgirl in a season of American Horror Story Angela also played a half-naked gun-toting nun in a Marilyn Manson music video in 2017 Despite their checkered pasts and modern approach to Christianity, many fans of Girls Gone Bible insist the podcast has helped them grow closer to Jesus. 'I'm so proud of you both for sharing a piece of your journey in finding your foundation with God! It's so inspiring and beautiful to acknowledge perfection isn't what's expected,' gushed one listener. 'I'm not a Christian but I like hearing your stories and reading scripture which is weird because Im far from God,' added another. 'You girls are so uplifting and encouraging. I love seeing beautiful, relevant LA women using their talent for the Lord,' exclaimed another. 'Christianity doesn't have a "look"... don't listen to the detractors. Thank you for using your platform for good and pushing through the tough comments.' Angela (pictured) recently said that God had put her and Arielle in Hollywood so they could spread His word in a place where it was needed the most The stunners often accessorise with stylish Christian jewellery, including crucifix earrings In a recent episode of Girls Gone Bible, Angela addressed criticism that they weren't fit to follow Jesus due to their careers as actors in Hollywood. 'I so strongly disagree with that because God put me here for a reason. We are on assignment,' she said. 'We are on a mission and there's not a single day that we are in this town [Los Angeles] or in this industry where we're not aware of our purpose here.' She continued, 'I think we've been given gifts by God himself to carry out the mission and the assignment ... I'm aware of why I'm here and it's to bring light to the darkness. 'Why wouldn't I be in a place where Jesus is so unbelievably not accepted to change that? And why wouldn't we go to the place where the media is what's getting pushed? Why wouldn't we go there try and get into that spotlight to bring people to Jesus?' It's been 20 years since the first episode of groundbreaking teen drama The O.C. hit screens. The beloved series followed a group of wealthy yet troubled teenagers in Orange County, California and often featured hard-hitting storylines. The series was an instant success and made the likes of Mischa Barton, Rachael Bilson, Adam Brody and Ben McKenzie household names, or at least their alter ego monikers of Marisa, Summer, Seth and Ryan. The O.C. came to an end in 2007 after four seasons and since then the main cast have gone on to achieve varying levels of success in surprising new ventures. Now MailOnline takes a look at what the cast have been getting up to over the past two decades. Anniversary: It's been 20 years since the first episode of groundbreaking teen drama The O.C. hit screens (L-R) Melinda Clarke as Julie Cooper-Nichol, Peter Gallagher as Sandy Cohen, Kelly Rowan as Kirsten Cohen, Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan Atwood, Mischa Barton as Marissa Cooper, Rachel Bilson as Summer Roberts, Adam Brody as Seth Cohen Then and now: Mischa Barton's character Marisa (left) was the epitome of a spoilt rich kid but loveable all the same. Mischa now stars on Australian soap Neighbours Struggles: Just like her alter ego, Mischa struggled during her young adult years; getting arrested in 2007 and receiving a DUI for marijuana possession and driving without a licence Mischa Barton - Marisa Cooper Mischa Barton's character Marisa was in every sense the girl-next-door, however she also had a wardrobe full of Chanel, pots of money and a fairly substantial alcohol and drug problem. Following her character's tragic death in season three, Mischa, 37, later claimed that she departed the series because of 'bullying' behind the scenes but has never alluded to who was the bully. Just like her alter ego, Mischa struggled during her young adult years; getting arrested in 2007 and receiving a DUI for marijuana possession and driving without a licence. The actress, who was born in Hammersmith, London, was sent to court-ordered rehab as part of her sentence, however two years later, she was admitted to a mental health ward. Mischa was sent to the venue under a psychiatric hold, after she started exhibiting worrisome behaviour that she later attributed to exhaustion. The star was hospitalised again for a mental health evaluation in 2017, the same year two ex boyfriends teamed up to try and sell an intimate tape and photos of her that were taken without her consent. Mischa successfully sued to have distribution of the video and images blocked and following the court case spoke out saying she 'came forward to fight this not only for myself but for all women out there'. Going through a difficult private life, Mischa's career took somewhat of a backseat, starring in a number of limited-release movies and short-lived series, including The Beautiful Life: TBL, The Hills: New Beginnings, Virgin Territory and American Beach House. In 2019 she came 11th on season 22 of Dancing With the Stars. Mischa is currently starring on Australian soap Neighbours, playing Reece, an American who is new to Erinsborough who is 'not quite who she appears to be'. Her character is designed to appeal to American viewers, as Neighbours, which is set in a fictional Melbourne suburb will screen in the U.S. on the streaming platform Amazon Freevee. Ben McKenzie - Ryan Attwood Successful: Just like his former character Ryan Attwood (left), Ben's career has gone from strength to strength and the actor continues to be busy Financially savvy: Ben has co-written a book about the dark side of cryptocurrency (seen at a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in 2022) As The O.C's resident bad boy Ryan Attwood, Ben McKenzie made a leather jacket and grey hoodie look really attractive. Since the show came to an end in 2007 with his character an architect, Ben, 44, has also bagged himself a number of successful roles. He starred in acclaimed TNT drama Southland from 2009 to 2013, and then scored the lead role on FOX's Batman prequel series Gotham. On the set of that show he met and began dating actress Morena Baccarin. The couple got married in 2017 and share daughter Frances and son Arthur. Ben's career continues to be busy, with the actor appearing in romantic comedy I Want You Back in 2022, and most recently scoring the leading role in The Hurt Unit, an upcoming medical drama from ABC. He has also made a surprise move into investigative journalism, embedding himself in the cryptocurrency community, and writing a book about the dark truth behind digital currencies. Rachel Bilson - Summer Roberts Wow: Rachel as Summer (left) was apparently only supposed to be a supporting character on The O.C. but she was upgraded to become one of the show's four main stars No hard feelings: Rachel and Adam, who played Seth, started dating before splitting in 2006 but they are still on good terms (pictured in 2019) Summer was apparently only supposed to be a supporting character on The O.C. but after Rachel nailed the role, her character was upgraded to become one of the show's four main stars. As Marisa's best friend and the object of Seth's obsession, life later imitated art as Rachel and Adam, who played Seth, started dating before splitting in 2006. Speaking about working with her ex while having to play his girlfriend on set, Rachel told Armchair Expert in 2021: 'We broke up at the very end so there wasn't much [for us to film] after the breakup. 'We did get married after we broke up. That's always fun. 'They totally did that on purpose. That was the only scene left to shoot, was the wedding. '[The writers were] like, 'You broke up? Let's give you a wedding'.' However it seems the former couple are still on great terms as Rachel told Dax Shepherd: 'I had so much, and still do, love and respect for Adam. 'We went through so much together, being so young and everything with the show. 'And I'm so happy for him with his family and his beautiful wife and kids and everything.' Two years after the show ended, during April and May 2009, Rachel was burgled by The Bling Ring group three to six times, amounting to between $130,000 and $300,000 of stolen property. Rachel went on to date her Jumper co-star Hayden Christensen, with the pair dating on and off for 10 years, during which time they welcomed their daughter Briar Rose in 2014. The two called it quits in 2017 amid reports he cheated with his Little Italy co-star Emma Roberts. Career-wise, Rachel starred in Hart of Dixie from 2011 to 2015, had stints on How I Met Your Mother and Nashville. In 2021, she began hosting a popular podcast, aptly titled - Welcome to the OC, B**ches - with former co-star Melinda Clarke, who played Julie Cooper. During each show they rewatch an episode of The O.C., often with members of the cast for a delicious taste of nostalgia. Adam Brody - Seth Cohen Good times: Seth, played by Adam Brody, was a fan favourite. Most recently, he once again reprised his role as the superhero version of Freddy in the sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods Cute couple: After splitting from co-star Rachel Bilson in 2006, Adam, 43, started dating Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester in 2011, who he met while filming indie film The Oranges The slightly nerdy comic-book-loving Seth, played by Adam Brody, was a fan favourite on the show and Adam himself wasn't short of female attention. After splitting from co-star Rachel Bilson in 2006, Adam, 43, started dating Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester in 2011, who he met while filming indie film The Oranges. The couple got married in 2014 and welcomed a daughter, Arlo Day and a son, who they've yet to reveal his name but describe as their 'dream boy'. Adam has appeared in several films as supporting roles, including Mr. & Mrs. Smith, alongside Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Jennifer's Body with Megan Fox, Scream 4 and Baggage Claim. Most recently, he once again reprised his role as the superhero version of Freddy in the sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Tate Donovan - Jimmy Cooper One to watch: Tate had a hugely successful career before playing Jimmy Cooper in The O.C. and has continued to bag major roles ever since it ended Wow: Following the end of The O.C, Tate has appeared in a number of incredible titles including Oscar-winning film Argo Tate Donovan played Jimmy Cooper, who put on a happy-go-lucky front but was actually in mountains of debt from trying to live up The O.C.'s way of life. The actor, 59, had many high-profile romances with Jennifer Aniston and Sandra Bullock back in in the '90s, before eventually getting hitched in 2005 to actress Corinne Kingsbury. Sadly the couple didn't work out and they got divorce in 2008. Following the end of The O.C, Tate has appeared in a number of incredible titles including Oscar-winning films Argo, Manchester by the Sea and Rocketman. The star has also starred in acclaimed shows Respect, the Aretha Franklin biopic, in 2021, Damages, 24: Live Another Day, The Man in the High Castle and MacGyver. In addition to acting, Tate is also an award-winning director, with episodes of Gossip Girl, Glee, Madam Secretary, Bloodline and more all under his belt. Peter Gallagher - Sandy Cohen Those eyebrows are still as iconic as ever! Peter played Seth Cohen's dad and the saviour of young hoodlam Ryan Attwood Working hard: The actor joined Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Alan Hamilton for its 18th season in 2021 Playing everyone's favourite dad Sandy Cohen, Peter Gallagher already had a hugely successful career including Titanic, While You Were Sleeping and American Beauty - before he starred as the lawyer-come-surfer in show The O.C. Married to Paula Harwood since 1983, the couple have two grown up children, James and Kathryn. The actor has appeared on shows like Rescue Me, Californication and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and even joined Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Alan Hamilton for its 18th season in 2021. Since The O.C. he's also starred on the Netflix show Grace and Frankie and Apple TV's Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. This year it was announced he had joined Apple TV+ crime drama series Truth Be Told. Kelly Rowan - Kirsten Cohen Keeping quiet: Kelly's character Kristen was a workaholic and alcoholic and was the one to usually put a dampener on things. Kelly has since stayed out of the limelight Retired: Kelly's last acting credit was in 2016 for Hallmark Channel made-for-TV movie Tulips in Spring (pictured: movie poster with Fiona Gubelmann and Lucas Bryant) As Seth Cohen's workaholic and alcoholic mother, Kelly Rowan's character Kristen went through a lot before the end of the show, which ended on a happy note with her giving birth to a baby girl. In life imitating art, one year after the show ended Kelly, 57, also gave birth to a little girl with media mogul billionaire David Thomson. However, the couple called it quits right before their daughter Braelin arrived. Since the end of The O.C. Kelly landed roles in the film Perception and made an appearance on the hit show Castle. Focused on private life and raising her daughter, Kelly's last acting credit was in 2016 for Hallmark Channel made-for-TV movie Tulips in Spring. Melinda Clarke - Julie Cooper Iconic: Melinda nailed the role of Julie Cooper (left) so execs made her a main character. After leaving The O.C. Melinda had minor roles in Entourage, Gotham and The Vampire Diaries Friendly: She has kept in touch with her former co-stars and sent fans into a frenzy last year when she reunited with her on-screen husband and daughter Melinda Clarke, 54, starred as Julie Cooper and she had plenty of drama in the show - including sleeping with her daughter's boyfriend. She is another character who was only supposed to bit part at the start but secured her place by nailing the role. Julie was KiKi's, aka Kirsten's BFF, but was married to Jimmy who was also Kirsten's ex-boyfriend, which made things really awkward. And things got even more confusing later on when Julie married Kirsten's dad. Following the end of the show, Melinda starred on Nikita from 2010 to 2013, and also had minor roles in Entourage, Gotham and The Vampire Diaries. Although she hasn't appeared in anything since 2018, Melinda is enjoying success as co-host of podcast Welcome to the OC, B**ches, along with her The O.C. co-star Rachel Bilson. Elsa Hosk looked stunning as stepped out for a day at the beach with her boyfriend Tom Daly in Ibiza on Friday. The 34-year-old Swedish model showcased her slimline figure as she stripped down to a tiny floral print bikini top and a pair of Daisy Duke denim shorts. She could be seen carrying her blue top and sandals in her hand as she walked along in the shallow water on the beach. The former Victoria's Secret Angel shielded her eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses as she walked next to her partner. Tom cut a casual figure as he wore a white T-shirt and a pair of orange shorts with a black stripe down the side. Fun in the sun: Elsa Hosk, 34, looked stunning as stepped out for a day at the beach with her boyfriend Tom Daly in Ibiza on Friday Summer ready: The Swedish model showcased her slimline figure as she stripped down to a tiny floral print bikini top and a pair of Daisy Duke denim shorts Keeping it casual: She could be seen carrying her blue top and sandals in her hand as she walked along in the shallow water on the beach He wore a pair of flip flops for his outing and also donned a pair of sunglasses. On Friday, Elsa took to her Instagram Stories to share some pictures from her trip to the Spanish island. In one image she could be seen sitting on a yacht, while another gave her followers a glimpse at the view she had from the vessel. Elsa and Tom have been in a relationship since 2015 and have two-year-old daughter Tuulikki together. Elsa has been traveling for weeks and was in the Aeolian Islands in early June, followed by a visit to Florence, Italy. In mid-June, a trip a month ago to Sweden, followed by a stop in Ibiza last month, with the fashionista returning to the island again this week. Elsa modelled for Victoria's Secret from 2011 to 2018 and earned her Angel wings in 2015. She opened the Victoria's Secret fashion show in 2016. Heating up: The former Victoria's Secret Angel shielded her eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses Cooling off: Elsa was seen standing in the shallow water during her time in the beach as she cooled off slightly from the heat of the day Stepping out: Elsa was seen glancing back over her shoulder as she made her way to the jetty before heading out on a boat trip Relaxed: She looked in a calm mood as she walked through the water as the waves lapped the sandy shore Coupled-up: Tom cut a casual figure as he wore a white T-shirt and a pair of orange shorts with a black stripe down the side All aboard: Elsa was seen climbing into a boat before heading out to a yacht to enjoy some time at sea Doting partner: Tom was seen carrying a white beach bag as he stepped onto the boat on Friday Hitting the waves: The pair were seen sitting on the boat as they prepared to head out to the yacht Selfie: Elsa took a picture of herself as she sat on the yacht out at sea during her holiday this week Her modelling career blossomed exponentially after her time working for the world-famous lingerie brand. She has walked and posed for major brands and designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier, and many more. However, the statuesque beauty is also a dedicated fashion entrepreneur. In 2022, Elsa launched her own 'love letter to Scandinavia' and the 'values [she] grew up with' in Sweden, according to the model herself. Heidi Klum showcased her incredible figure as she cuddled close to her husband, Tom Kaulitz, in new photos shared to Instagram on Friday amid their lavish getaway to Capri. The German-American model, 50, who recently celebrated her fourth wedding anniversary with the Tokio Hotel guitarist, 33, has been soaking up the sun on the scenic island off the coast of Italy. In the first image she uploaded to her 11.2 million followers, the beauty could be seen lounging in a colorful, halter-styled bikini top along with matching, drawstring bottoms to flaunt her toned midriff. She threw on a pair of circular shades and could be seen flashing a smile as she rested on a small boat next to Tom. The musician leaned in for the cute snap, and slipped into swim trunks while also adding a pair of reflective sunglasses. Vacation mode: Heidi Klum, 50, showcased her incredible figure as she cuddled close to her husband, Tom Kaulitz, 33, in new photos shared to Instagram on Friday amid their lavish getaway to Capri. The couple could be seen spending time on a boat which gently floated on the cool water. A large cliff towered above Heidi and Tom, with a circular opening in the distance. In the second image, the America's Got Talent judge could be seen striking a pose with the sun's bright rays shining down on her. She threw on a straw hat to partially shade her face from the light and held a cheerful smile on her face. A large bag with the word 'Capri' embroidered in colorful lettering was placed next to the star as she held a cup filled with red wine in her left hand. In the caption of the star's latest post, she simply typed out to her fans, 'We LVE you Capri.' Earlier on Thursday, the two lovebirds had the chance to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary in the romantic town of Capri. She took to her Instagram page to also share snaps and a video in celebration of the milestone. Heidi sported an animal-print, plunging bikini top along with matching trousers as she enjoyed a date night with Kaulitz. Along with showing the breathtaking views of the town, she also added a clip as she shared a loving kiss with her husband. Soaking up the sun: In the second image, the America's Got Talent judge could be seen striking a pose with the sun's bright rays shining down on her Celebration: Earlier on Thursday, the two lovebirds had the chance to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary in the romantic town of Capri Special milestone: Heidi took to her Instagram page to also share snaps and a video in celebration of the milestone She captioned the photo series as, 'Ich bin soooo verliebt in Dich Tom Kaulitz ,' which means, 'I am so in love with you Tom Kaulitz,' in German. She also added, 'Happy Anniversary mein Liebling.' In a separate post, Klum uploaded a selfie of the two as they gazed up towards the camera. 'I love your cute face,' the model sweetly wrote. The TV personality was first romantically linked to the guitarist back in March 2018, and a few months later in May, the pair made their red carpet debut as a couple. In December 2018, Heidi and Tom became engaged after the Tokio Hotel member popped the big question. The two legally tied the knot during a private ceremony in February 2019, and later that same year on August 3, the stars held a larger wedding ceremony on a spacious yacht in Capri. Last year after ringing in their third wedding anniversary, Heidi opened up to E! News Daily Pop and gushed about her relationship with Tom. Summer style: She captioned the photo series as, 'Ich bin soooo verliebt in Dich Tom Kaulitz ,' which means, 'I am so in love with you Tom Kaulitz,' in German Lovebirds: In a separate post, Klum uploaded a selfie of the two as they gazed up towards the camera and sweetly wrote, 'I love your cute face' 'I just know him so well. We just gel really well,' she expressed. 'I just feel like, 'Finally, I found the one.' So far so good. I hope it stays that way.' Earlier this year in February, the former Victoria's Secret Angel made an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show and during a Ja or Ne game (Yes or No in German) she was asked if she would 'ever have another baby?' In response to the question, the supermodel admitted that the desire to have another child 'depends' on the day. She currently has four children: daughter, Leni, 19, whom she welcomed with ex Flavio Briatore; daughter Lou, 13, and sons Henry, 17, and Johan, 16, with ex-husband Seal. He notably adopted Leni in 2009 during their marriage, which ended in 2014. BBC presenter Jeremy Vine has insisted he is 'cool' with the corporation's apparently 'ageist' policy towards its older talent after bosses shipped off Ken Bruce and Steve Wright for younger DJs. Vine, 58, has hosted his Radio 2 lunchtime show since taking over from Sir Jimmy Young in 2003. Speaking to Kaye Adams and Karen MacKenzie's How to be 60 podcast, the presenter said: 'We have to accept that because what you cannot do is say how unfair. Look - the unfairness is that we've done it for so long! I think I'll be cool with it actually. I think I will.' The BBC has come under fire for replacing a host of 'older' talent including Bruce, Wright and Vanessa Feltz with younger DJs such as Vernon Kay and Scott Mills - with the broadcaster facing accusations of 'ageism'. Jeremy Vine has said he is 'cool' with BBC bosses being 'ageist' towards older talent It comes after the BBC shipped out a host of 'older' talent, such as Ken Bruce (pictured after his move to Greatest Hits Radio), Vanessa Feltz and Steve Wright Vine insisted that he had discussed the matter with close pal and fellow Beeb presenter Fiona Bruce, 59, and said they would 'go for a massive lunch and say it's been great'. He said that Sir Jimmy Young, whom he replaced, was 'so angry' when he was told to leave that he refused to have lunch with him. But Jeremy's approach to leaving the BBC is a much more relaxed one, he insisted. He added: 'Suddenly I'm the oldest one now! I was the youngest one for ages. I've interviewed every Prime Minister going back to 1997. I think that's quite an asset!' Bruce, 72, left the BBC in March after hosting his mid-morning BBC 2 show since 1986. He was replaced by Kay, 49, in a decision which appeared to leave fans in tears and some vowed they would never listen to Radio 2 again after Bruce left for Greatest Hits Radio. His 9.30am to 12pm programme, including the daily PopMaster quiz, was the most popular on British radio with more than 8.5 million listeners a week. A BBC spokesperson at the time confirmed that he had been offered a new contract to stay but had chosen to go to a rival. Other stars caught up in the exodus include Steve Wright, 68, replaced by Scott Mills, 50, and Vanessa Feltz, 60, who had accused bosses of the 'merciless chasing of younger audiences'. Meanwhile former X-Factor contestant Rylan Clark, 34, now presents a three-hour show on Saturday afternoons as the BBC looks to bring in yet more young blood. Other stars caught up in the exodus include Steve Wright (left), 68, replaced by Scott Mills, 50 (right) Meanwhile former X-Factor contestant Rylan Clark, 34, now presents a three-hour show on Saturday afternoons for the BBC And late star Paul O'Grady, 67, announced his departure last year, with sources close to him telling the Mail On Sunday that he felt there was an age issue surrounding his departure. Feltz claimed that she was cut loose by the broadcaster after she passed 60. She said earlier this year that older presenters are 'not valued in the same way', adding: 'The music isn't as appealing because they've changed it to appeal to a younger crowd they're so desperate to get'. She told ITV's This Morning: 'Think of all of the people who have left: Paul O'Grady's gone. I've gone. Steve Wright's there, but not much. Chris Evans has left. Graham Norton too'. Radio 2 has been trying to modernise in recent months - playing less music from before the 1990s and bringing in younger DJs, including from Radio 1. Jeremy Vine said that, if asked to leave, he and Fiona Bruce would head out for a 'big lunch' Love Island star Adam Farrugia is engaged to his stunning influencer girlfriend Renee Ashley. The former reality star and tradesman shared the happy news on Instagram on Friday, after dropping down to one knee that same day. 'Lock it in Eddy. 04/08/23,' the post was captioned. Adam proposed by setting up an elaborate display of Polaroid pictures of the couple together, which led Renee out to the back deck of a home where he dropped down to one knee alongside their pet pooch. As Renee burst into tears, Adam was nervously laughing and asked her: 'Will you marry me?' Love Island star Adam Farrugia is engaged to his stunning influencer girlfriend Renee Ashley 'I'm shaking!' Renee replied, before hugging Adam and slipping on her new sparkling diamond ring. For the proposal, he bought Renee a gorgeous bunch of white flowers and set up some champagne for the pair to enjoy. In the post, the couple can be seen gazing at each other affectionately as they prepared for their new life together, and in another image, Renee can be seen proudly showing off her new ring. The former reality star and tradesman shared the happy news on Instagram on Friday, after dropping down to one knee that same day. 'Lock it in Eddy. 04/08/23,' the post was captioned As Renee burst into tears, Adam was nervously laughing and asked her: 'Will you marry me?' In the post, the couple can be seen gazing at each other affectionately as they prepared for their new life together, and in another image, Renee can be seen proudly showing off her new ring The smitten couple went Instagram official in January 2021. At the time, Adam was still living in Queensland, while Renee was based in Melbourne. He's best known for his dramatic split from Cartier Surjan on season two of Love Island in 2019. BBC gameshow Total Wipeout is reportedly set to return to screens with an X-rated new twist. The programme, which was hosted by Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram, was axed in 2012 after six series'. Total Wipeout saw contestants clambers across obstacles over large bodies of water, or mud, in an attempt to win 10,000. According the The Sun, the series will be making a come back, although it will likely be snapped up by Channel 4 or ITV, due to the daring new format. A TV insider told the publication: 'Total Wipeout was one of the unsung heroes of British telly, even though it had a huge following when it was on our screens.' Exciting: BBC gameshow Total Wipeout is reportedly set to return to screens with an X-rated new twist They added: 'Producers are keen to tap into that again only this time it may end up with a different name and it will be getting this very modern twist with the nudity element. 'But they may have to think twice about a celebrity version just like the original show as its unlikely to get many takers.' Producer's aren't worried that the nudity element will put off potential contestants due to the popularity of similar shows. MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. The Saturday night show that ran from 2009 until 2012 was a big success for the BBC. However, a source told the Mail that while Wipeout still gets 'reasonable' ratings, bosses felt it had served its purpose after six series. A BBC spokeswoman said: 'After four very successful series of Total Wipeout, and one series of Winter Wipeout, the BBC has taken the decision that the next series, due for later this year, will be the last.' There have been various spin-off versions of the BBC1 show, such as Winter Wipeout and Celebrity Wipeout. Throwback: The programme, which was hosted by Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram, was axed in 2012 after six series' Each week, 20 contestants competed in a series of gruelling challenges in an attempt to win 10,000. These challenges were based in large pools of water or mud, with participants tasked with going through the Wipeout Zone, billed as the toughest obstacle course in the world in the quickest time possible at the end of the show. But the show was not without controversy. In 2009, two celebrities sought legal advice over injuries they had sustained while filming Total Wipeout. Former Kenny Everett sidekick Cleo Rocos and Jade Goody's personal trainer Kevin Adams asked actors' union Equity for legal advice on whether they had a case to demand compensation. Both were injured during a celebrity edition of the tough It's A Knockout-style show. Kevin tore ligaments while Celebrity Big Brother star Cleo suffered a knee injury which left her on crutches for three weeks. Drama: Former EastEnder Joe Swash dislocated his shoulder while taking part in the celebrity edition (pictured in May 2023) They were not the only celebrities to suffer injuries during filming of the celebrity special in Argentina. Former EastEnder Joe Swash dislocated his shoulder, ex-Olympic hurdler Sally Gunnell suffered severe bruising on her thighs, children's presenter Kirsten O'Brien had a damaged knee and TV host Dominic Littlewood hurt his leg. At the time, producers Endemol stressed they take health and safety extremely seriously and require potential contestants to fill in lengthy forms about their health. A TV source said today that Endemol already have an idea for a replacement for the Wipeout series. The most recent series of Winter Wipeout averaged 3.85million viewers and the normal series from January to March last year pulled in an average of 4.8million. Katie Holmes demonstrated her winning street style when she was spotted stepping out in New York City this Friday. The Batman Begins actress, who shares her 17-year-old daughter Suri with her ex-husband Tom Cruise, plumped for a matchy-matchy ensemble. Tucking her sky blue T-Shirt into a pair of jeans, she accessorized with a straw handbag and warded off the August rays with a pair of cat-eye shades. Gathering her luxurious dark hair back into a long ponytail, the Dawson's Creek alum rounded off the look with a pair of wedges. Her latest sighting comes after her name was dragged back into the headlines by way of her 2006 Scientologist wedding to Tom. Off she goes: Katie Holmes demonstrated her winning street style when she was spotted stepping out in New York City this Friday In the city: The Batman Begins actress, who shares her 17-year-old daughter Suri with her ex-husband Tom Cruise, plumped for a matchy-matchy ensemble On the go: Gathering her luxurious dark hair back into a long ponytail, the Dawson's Creek alum rounded off the look with a pair of wedges King Of Queens star Leah Remini, an ex-Scientologist who has since become an outspoken critic of the organization, has sued the Church's leader David Miscavige for 'harassment and intimidation.' She accuses him of having 'ruined her life' after she raised questions about why David's wife Michelle 'Shelly' Miscavige was absent from Tom and Katie's wedding. Leah, who was a Scientologist for over three decades, claims the Church waged a 'campaign to destroy' her after the nuptials. Her suit alleges that after being questioned at the wedding, Leah was 'held' at Scientology's spiritual HQ and 'put through a process that cost her hundreds of thousands of dollars and nearly led her to have a psychotic breakdown.' The Church of Scientology told DailyMail.com that Leah's allegations were 'ludicrous' and 'pure lunacy.' Shelly has not been glimpsed in public since her father's funeral, which took place in 2007, the year after Tom and Katie tied the knot. After Leah filed a missing persons report in 2013, LAPD went in search of Shelly and then closed their investigation, announcing that they had met with her. 'The LAPD has classified the report as unfounded, indicating that Shelly is not missing,' Detective Gus Villanueva told E! News. Journalist Yashar Ali reported years later that the LAPD neglected to properly verify the identity of the woman they met who claimed to be Shelly. Backdrop: Her latest sighting comes after her name was dragged back into the headlines by way of her 2006 Scientologist wedding to Tom Allegations: Leah, who was a Scientologist for over three decades, claims the Church waged a 'campaign to destroy' her after Tom and Katie's nuptials Throwback: Tom and Katie held a Scientologist wedding at the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Bracciano in November 2006, seven months after their daughter was born Claims: David Miscavige's father told the MailOnline that Katie's misgivings about Scientology - including the effect it could have on Suri - contributed to her decision to leave Tom On the strength of 11 sources who declined to be named out of fear, the Yashar Ali report asserted that the fingerprints provided by the woman were so faint that the authorities were unable to establish a positive match to Shelly's records. Furthermore, the security footage of the coffee shop where the meetup took place was allegedly all mysteriously scrambled, according to the report. After the story went public, the Church Of Scientology retorted: 'The Los Angeles Police Department has already stated that the case is closed and that the report filed by Leah Remini was unfounded.' Multiple ex-Scientologists have filed suit against David, but he has now also apparently vanished, rendering him unable to be served with paperwork. Tom and Katie held a Scientologist wedding at the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Bracciano in November 2006, seven months after their daughter was born. Katie filed in 2012 for a divorce that was finalized only 10 days later with Suri's mother retaining primary custody, though Tom could visit, according to People. David Miscavige's father Ron told the MailOnline in 2016 that Katie's misgivings about Scientology - including the effect it could have on her daughter - contributed to her decision to leave Tom. Tom has not been pictured with Suri in about a decade, on which subject an Us Weekly source alleged in 2018: 'Every person is allowed to see their child if they wanted to. He chooses not to because she is not a Scientologist.' Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine Baumgartner was pictured for the first time since being kicked out of the couple's $145M California mansion last week. Baumgartner, 49, looked stylish during her outing, toting an ombre grey Prada bag retailing for $4,800.00 while leaving a bank in Santa Barbara. The 68-year-old Yellowstone actor's ex showed off her summer style in a colorful tank top and light blue jeans. She finalized her look with a pair of Birkenstock sandals and a number of gold accessories. The-mother-of-three appeared in good spirits just a week after she was court-ordered to vacate the pair's marital home. Out and about: Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine Baumgartner was pictured for the first time since being kicked out of the couple's $145M California mansion Stylish: Baumgartner, 49, looked stylish as ever, toting an ombre grey Prada bag while leaving a bank in Santa Barbara Luxury item: The chic handbag retails for a whooping $4,800.00 Though Christine may have left the lavish oceanfront compound in Santa Barbara, California, but she didn't go far. Following her move last Friday, an insider revealed the mother-of-three is staying 'at a smaller house on the property that's been used as a staff quarter.' 'This is a temporary solution,' the insider adds. 'She is still looking for another house. She is staying in the area to not disrupt the kids' lives. They will be back at school in the fall with their friends,' the insider told People. She is also reportedly 'trying to keep everything as normal as possible' and is solely focused on her and Costner's three children: Grace, 13, Hayes, 14, and Cayden, 16. The update comes less than 24 hours after DailyMail.com shared pictures of her belongings being placed into her new abode, which sits on a vacant lot owned by the Yellowstone actor. The large lot, which is located on the same street as her marital home, was littered with shipping containers and a miniature home isolated in the middle. Baumgartner, who filed for divorce from the Yellowstone star in May, has complained of struggling to find an appropriate rental in the area. Since proceedings began, the divorce has been far from amicable, from Kevin claiming that his ex refused to leave the mansion despite giving her $1.45 million for a new residence, to Christine alleging the actor was trying to make her and their children 'homeless.' Christine insisted she has no plans to 'strip' their mansion in Santa Barbara of items before leaving the grounds which she has been ordered to do by July 31. Kevin who was spotted with the pair's three kids the day prior in Aspen, Colorado and Christine have been locked in a very contentious split over the past few months. Chic: The 68-year-old Yellowstone actor's ex showed off her summer style in a colorful tank top and light blue jeans Accessories: She spruced up her look with a number of gold accessories Good spirits: The-mother-of-three appeared in good spirits just a week after she was court-ordered to vacate the pair's marital home Blondie: She wore her blonde tresses pulled into a casual bun Hard to maintain the lifestyle: Christine has previously complained of struggling to find an appropriate rental in the couple's high-end neighborhood The drama goes back weeks when Kevin asked her to exit the home. Now the tension has been focused on what she takes when she leaves the house. Earlier this month sources told DailyMail.com that Baumgartner fears the performer is 'out for revenge' against her after she filed for divorce, and will have police escort her out of their Santa Barbara home. 'He wants to humiliate her,' a close friend of Christine said. 'This isn't about the house, it's about making Christine's life a living hell for actually going through with the divorce.' 'Christine said she wouldn't be surprised if Kevin had her escorted off the property by police,' the friend says. 'It was Christine who wanted to make this transition as peaceful as possible for the sake of the children. 'Kevin has done the complete opposite. He's not thinking about the kids, about how traumatizing this is.' Baumgartner shared in new legal documents that she will be showing photos in a PDF to Kevin's attorneys of what she plans to remove from the mansion, according to a report from ET. And that means there should be no 'emergency hearing' over what belongings will be taken out. Christine said a hearing was 'uncalled for.' Also in the filing, it was revealed that Baumgartner rented an 'off-site' storage unit to house some silverware, some pots and pans, a Peloton bike, family heirlooms, clothing and personal items from friends. There was also a 'mother/daughter horse picture' she wanted to keep. And it was added that Costner would 'not be harmed' by Baumgartner during the removal of her items. Last week, a judge ruled she must confer with Kevin before taking any property from the estate. She has been barred from taking art, furniture, furnishings or appliances with her, without his explicit consent. Adjusting: She was seen adjusting her sunglasses Difficult: Since proceedings began, the divorce has been far from amicable, with Kevin claiming that his ex refused to leave the mansion despite giving her $1.45 million for a new residence Mini home: Baumgartner moved into a mini-home, which sits on a vacant lot owned by the Yellowstone actor just down the street from their marital home, days before she was court ordered to vacate the property Ruling: Last week, a judge ruled she must confer with Kevin before taking any property from the estate Barred: She had been barred from taking art, furniture, furnishings or appliances with her, without his explicit consent Personal belongings: It was also stated that she was barred from removing any property apart from her clothing, toiletries, handbags and jewelry from the mansion Hesitant to leave: Baumgartner previously wrote in court filings that she was hesitant to leave her home without having a plan and funding in place It was also stated that she will be barred from removing any property, apart from her clothing, toiletries, handbags and jewelry from the mansion. This comes after he accused her of ransacking the home that they had previously shared. Through his attorney, the Yellowstone star accused his ex of taking his belongings 'without his knowledge or consent,' which he claims has increased significantly. Baumgartner previously wrote in court filings that she was hesitant to leave her home without having a plan and funding in place, if only for the sake of her children, whom she doesn't want to have to move multiple times. She claimed that 'Kevin wants me to rent [a] place without [a] financial plan in place. However, [I] have our three children to think about. It is contrary to their best interests to commit to rental that [I] may not be able to afford, particularly as that would ultimately lead to multiple relocations. 'My goal has been and continues to be maintaining as much stability for our children as possible, which includes having the proper resources and plan in place so that [I] can establish [a] stable home for them, rather than making temporary and inconsistent housing arrangements,' she continued. The Let Him Go actor was on the hook to help his estranged wife relocate per their prenuptial agreement, but it was a relatively paltry sum for their lifestyle. Costner would have paid her a reported $1.5million to find a new home, but with California's elevated home prices particularly if she tried to stay near Costner she may have had difficulty finding something similar to the luxury she and her children are accustomed to. Costner has deposited $1.5million in Baumgartner's bank account to get her to move out of his mansion, and he said he had given her $200,000 earlier in their marriage in line with their prenuptial agreement. Leaving the mansion behind: Last Friday Baumgartner was court-ordered to vacate the couple's $145M lavish California mansion New digs: Following her move, an insider revealed the mother-of-three is staying 'at a smaller house on the property that's been used as a staff quarter' and is owned by Costner However, Baumgartner hasn't touched the money, as she says doing so would rob her of her ability to contest the prenup's validity. The former couple initially tied the knot in 2004, with Christine filing for divorce on May 1 after 18 years of marriage. She noted that their date of separation was on April 11, and cited the reason for the split was due to 'irreconcilable differences.' The divorce filing had left Kevin 'blindsided' and the star actually had plans to file for divorce first, sources told The Sun last month in June. He had assumed that the two were going to split amicably and follow steps in their prenuptial agreement. Costner also claimed Baumgartner had made payments to her own divorce attorney via a credit card that belongs to one of Costner's employees, according to documents obtained by TMZ. The latest bickering between the former couple comes just days after a judge determined that Costner must pay $129,000 per month in child support, which was a little over half of what Baumgartner had been requesting, but more than double what the actor and director said he should pay. In documents, Costner's legal team wrote that Baumgartner 'has shown a disturbing propensity in the last several months, both before and after separation, to take [Kevin's] property without his knowledge or consent, especially since this case was filed.' One of the more puzzling claims in the documents is that Baumgartner allegedly paid a criminal defense attorney $25,000 that came from a property fund that Costner had set up. He claimed that he was unaware of the payment, and the money should only have been used for real estate transactions regardless. More puzzling, though, is why Baumgartner would want or need a criminal defense attorney in the first place, and the filing doesn't appear to clear up that question. The documents allege another inappropriate payment, this time a sum paid to Baumgartner's divorce attorney Susan Wiesner, which Costner's team claims was charged to 'the credit card of an employee which is traditionally used for Costner family house charges and paid by [Kevin].' Over: Baumgartner filed for divorce from the Hollywood star in May, after 18 years of marriage; The pair seen in 2022 They also accuse the designer of getting cash advances on multiple credit cards paid by her ex but issued to household staff members. The arrangement with the employee credit cards appears to allow Costner's employees to buy necessary supplies for the family immediately, without having to come to him or his estranged wife for funds. Although several of the claims in the filing appear to have allegedly taken place after Baumgartner filed for divorce from the Dances With Wolves star, Costner's lawyers also appeared to accuse her of having planned out her split in advance with large purchases. The filing claimed that Baumgartner had purchased a luxury car months before separating or filing for divorce, which might not be out of the ordinary for the wife of an ultra-wealthy star like Costner, but the documents claim that the couple normally leased all of their cars. However, the former couple's prenuptial agreement allegedly allows Baumgartner to keep her current car, and the new filing suggests that she may have upgraded it in order to have a better car after the divorce. The attorney's allege that the pricy purchase indicates that Baumgartner 'had been planning her exit long before she told [Kevin] in April 2023.' Costner's lawyers state in the filing that he tried to address these alleged purchases by asking Baumgartner to sign a document stating that she would not 'loot the residence' before departing, though she refused to sign it. They further claim that the Waterworld actor is find with her taking all of her property, and he is supposedly open to her taking other things as long as she tells him before hand and they agree on it. The details of the couples prenuptial agreement reportedly required her to move out within 30 days of either party filing for a divorce, a deadline she had missed after she was the first to file. She previously said in court filings that she would leave the estate on August 31, following the results of a court date originally scheduled for July 12. Ugly divorce: The couple tied the knot after four years of dating in September 2004. Baumgartner filed for divorce in May after 18 years of marriage; seen together in 2008 Parents of four: The former couple share three children: sons Cayden, 16; and Hayes, 14; along with their younger daughter Grace, 13 In the documents, Baumgartner agreed to vacate the premises at the end of August as long as Costner complied 'with whatever support and fee orders that the court makes on July 12,' according to TMZ. The latest decision stipulates that both Costner and his ex will split their children's healthcare costs 5050. Baumgartner previously claimed in court docs that Costner informed their children about their split over a 10-minute Zoom call without her. In court papers obtained by PEOPLE in June, Baumgartner claimed that Costner blindsided their children with the divorce over Zoom despite her wishes to deliver the news together. 'After a 24-year relationship, from his hotel room in Las Vegas, Kevin told our three children that we were getting divorced over a 10-minute Zoom call without me present,' she alleged. 'I am still confused by his motivation to do this via a very short Zoom session, especially since he was planning on being home five days later. 'He also could have easily come home from Las Vegas to have the conversation in person.' Christine had wanted to tell their children about the divorce with Kevin. Sofia Vergara dazzled in a sparkly ensemble when she arrived at Taylor Swift's barnstorming Los Angeles concert Friday. Taylor was on night two of her sold-out six-show engagement at the massive SoFi Stadium, which seats over 70,000. Although she herself is world-famous for her turn on Modern Family, Sofia was part of the throng Friday night, ready to lap up the latest show of Taylor's Eras Tour. The 51-year-old sitcom star, who is in the midst of her divorce from Joe Manganiello, was joined by one of her gal pals for her latest night outing. She was spotted at the concert venue arm in arm with 'Eyebrow Queen' Anastasia Soare, who founded the iconic salon Anastasia Beverly Hills. Looking fab: Sofia Vergara dazzled in a sparkly ensemble when she arrived at Taylor Swift 's barnstorming Los Angeles concert Friday Dynamic duo: She was spotted at the concert venue arm in arm with 'Eyebrow Queen' Anastasia Soare, who founded the iconic salon Anastasia Beverly Hills Anastasia Beverly Hills is a particular favorite of celebrities, who turned out in force this January to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Sofia was part of that party's guest list, amid a claque of boldface names including Jennifer Aniston, Sharon Stone, Heidi Klum and Priyanka Chopra. This Friday night, Anastasia and Sofia were together again, even wearing complementary outfits done in black and silver. Sofia brought back the 1970s in a dark, flared jumpsuit streaked with silver pinstripes that gleamed under the lights as she headed into the stadium. Her latest sighting comes two nights after her last luxurious night out on the town - an evening with friends at SoHo House. The sitcom queen - who has agreed to handover custody of their beloved dog was spotted arriving at the West Hollywood location on Wednesday. She hopped out of her black luxury car in a stylish outfit that included a pair of tall black heels, high-waisted denim jeans and a busty black bodysuit that also showed off her sculpted arms. Her honey-toned hair looked freshly blown out and a white woven Birkin bag was slung across her svelte frame. Superstar: Taylor was on night two of her sold-out six-show engagement at the massive SoFi Stadium, which seats over 70,000; she is pictured on night one The Colombian beauty showed up to the members-only club solo. Earlier this week, Vergara asked the judge overseeing her divorce from Manganiello to stick to the terms of a prenuptial agreement they signed. She made the request in a new filing, while also requesting that she be able to retain her current assets, according to documents obtained by People. The latest legal development for her and her 46-year-old estranged husband comes after claims that one of the biggest stumbling blocks for the couple was the True Blood star's desire to have children. Manganiello had previously cited 'irreconcilable differences' when he filed for divorce two days after the couple announced their split, and Vergara responded with the same reason for the separation in her filing from July 26. In addition to requesting the court follow the terms of their prenuptial agreement, she also asked that she be allowed to keep her jewelry, artwork and 'other personal effects,' which she considered assets. She has also said that she should be able to retain all of her earnings from before she tied the knot with Manganiello, as well as any income from while they were married. While the couple's money and possessions should be easy enough to divide, especially if Manganiello opts not to challenge the prenup, it's less clear what will happen with one of their most beloved and furry assets: their ChihuahuaPomeranian mix, Bubbles. 'They still have a few issues to figure out, like custody of their dog, Bubbles,' an insider told Us Weekly late last week. 'But Sofia hopes they can move forward in a calm, fair fashion.' Under California law, pets were previously treated similarly to property, so the partner who originally adopted the animal would likely get precedence when it came to dividing their assets. Earlier this week, Vergara asked the judge overseeing her divorce from Manganiello to stick to the terms of a prenuptial agreement they signed; seen in March However, a law passed in the state in 2019 gives judges more discretion to determine which party will get pets or how the exes will share the animals. That might increase the odds of Joe spending more time with Bubbles, even though Sofia was the one who apparently bought the dog. In a 2021 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Colombian-born actress joked that the tiny pooch instantly preferred spending time with the Magic Mike actor after she brought it home. 'I don't have a dog. It's not mine, it's Joe's dog,' she said, even though she originally purchased Bubbles as her own pet. After the comedian showed her audience a cute photo of Bubbles, Sofia chimed in and called the dog an 'idiot.' 'It doesn't even look like a Chihuahua, it looks like some sort of teddy bear,' she said in a comically dismissive tone. 'The dog was for me, I got the dog, but she arrived and completely ignored me. Went straight to Joe. She has taken everything that was mine.' Even though she had the audience in stitches, the actress added, 'It's not funny it's horrible, she's taken my husband, my bed.' However, she added that it wasn't Joe's fault, as it was Bubbles who was 'obsessed' with him. He has often appeared on his and her Instagram pages, and in public, with Bubbles in his arms, and when Manganiello made a brief appearance via video chat in Magic Mike's Last Dance earlier this year, his character held Bubbles on camera. Holding on to it: Vergara, who announced her split from Manganiello this month, jewelry, artwork and 'other personal effects,' as well as all income from before and during the marriage; seen together in 2020 Sticking point: While the couple's money and possessions should be easy enough to divide, especially if Manganiello opts not to challenge the prenup, it's less clear what will happen with one of their most beloved and furry assets: their ChihuahuaPomeranian mix, Bubbles 'She hates me!' In a 2021 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Colombian-born actress joked that the tiny pooch instantly preferred spending time with the Magic Mike actor after she brought it home Fans began to suspect that something was wrong with Sofia and Joe's relationship after she was seen celebrating her birthday in Italy alone, and a birthday message that Joe shared on Instagram added to concerns due to its supposedly 'cold' tone. The exes were introduced by Sofia's Modern Family costar Jesse Tyler Ferguson at the 2014 White House Correspondents' Association dinner. At the time, she was still engaged to the businessman Nick Loeb, but after they split a few weeks later, Joe enquired about her number. The two were engaged within the year, and they tied the knot in 2015. Catherine Zeta-Jones and husband Michael Douglas are enjoying a holiday in Italy. The Welsh superstar, 53, looked incredibly chic in a maxi dress and wide brim hat, on Friday, as they headed for lunch on the Amalfi Coast. Styled to perfection, Catherine carried her belongings in a white woven top-handle bag as she strolled along in a pair of sliders, while accessorised with gold jewellery. Actor Michael, 78, put on a more casual display in an aqua coloured T-shirt, teamed with stone chinos and brown shoes. The famous couple took a boat to Conca del Sogno, a high-end beach club in the picturesque seaside village of in Nerano. Glamorous: Catherine Zeta-Jones, 53, looked incredibly chic in a maxi dress and wide brim hat, on Friday, as she headed for lunch at Conca del Sogno on the Amalfi Coast Low-key: Michael Douglas, 78, put on a more casual display in an aqua coloured T-shirt, teamed with stone chinos and brown shoes Gorgeous: Styled to perfection, Catherine accessorised with gold jewellery. The Fatal Attraction star and the Wednesday actress, who is 25 years his junior, have been married since 2000. The couple tied the knot at the Plaza Hotel in NYC after they began dating two years earlier, and have grown into one of Hollywood's most enduring couples. In 2001, Catherine told Larry King of how their relationship began: 'We met in 1996 at the Deauville Film Festival...I think it was 1996!' 'I had been told Michael Douglas wanted to meet me. I was a little nervous because I didn't quite know what he wanted to meet me about.' Douglas was promoting A Perfect Murder and Zeta-Jones was promoting The Mask of Zorro. Their friends Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith - who used to be married - introduced the actors at a private dinner. Michael asked Catherine if he could sit next to her. He famously told her he was going to be the father of her children which shocked her, and he sent flowers soon after to apologize. They started a friendship. 'Nine months later, I'm still having long conversations with him on the phone, having great dinner dates, constantly wondering, "Why are we not together?"' she told King. 'We looked at each other one day and said, "We're having a lot of fun together,"' she said. Michael proposed at his Aspen home on New Year's Eve in 1999 with a $1 million diamond ring. 'Both of us were sick as dogs because we had [the] flu,' the actor told ITV's Ross King in 2016. Together, Catherine and Michael have son Dylan, 22, and daughter Carys, 20. Michael also has son Cameron Douglas, 43, from his first marriage with Diandra Luker. Gogglebox's Ellie Warner was recently rushed to hospital after experiencing a burst abscess that left her in 'so much pain.' The TV personality, 32, shared a candid post explaining her breastfeeding journey with her baby son Ezra - who she shares with partner Nat Eddleston. Taking to Instagram, Ella wrote that Ezra had tongue tie which she sought treatment for when he was three weeks old. Alongside a snap of her son laying across her legs in hospital, Ella penned: 'By this point I'd developed a blocked duct and tried various methods to clear it but nothing worked. 'Eventually it turned into mastitis. I went to the GP who prescribed antibiotics but after 10 days, it turned into an abscess.' Health update: Gogglebox's Ellie Warner was recently rushed to hospital after experiencing a burst abscess that left her in 'so much pain.' She continued: 'The morning that the abscess burst, I was in so much pain that I was crying. I was scared to feed off the affected boob and couldn't get seen by my own GP. 'I managed to get an appointment at the out-of-hours GP, who told me to go to A&E. I was beside myself and in a lot of pain, but the consultant in A&E was kind and referred me to the breast clinic the next day. 'I didn't want this to be the end of my breastfeeding journey, as I wasn't ready to stop. I was proud of what I'd achieved so far.' It comes after Ellie shared a sweet moment breastfeeding her newborn son Ezra in a sling. The star took to Instagram to share the revealing snap of her son feeding while wrapped up tightly in a sling. Ellie gave birth to her son three weeks ago in a home water-bath birth and has since shared on Instagram her motherhood journey. She looked radiant as she beamed a smile for the camera while she cradled her Ezra in one arm and posed a peace sign in the other. Her fans were supportive of her taboo breastfeeding snap and praised the star of her breastfeeding awareness. Opening up: The TV personality, 32, shared a candid post explaining her breastfeeding journey with her baby son Ezra - who she shares with partner Nat Eddleston Alongside a snap of her son laying across her legs in hospital, Ella penned: 'The morning that the abscess burst, I was in so much pain that I was crying. I was scared to feed off the affected boob and couldn't get seen by my own GP' Ellie revealed she got Mastitis which is an inflammation in breast pain among women who are breastfeeding, which can cause swelling, warmth and redness. She captioned the post: 'Today at the sling library! Can't wait to take it out for a test drive. Got a bit of mastitis, but it's getting better now thank god.' WHAT IS MASTITIS? According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Mastitis can occur when a milk duct in the breast becomes blocked. This leads to milk banking up and the surrounding tissue becoming inflamed, with initial signs including flu-like symptoms, aches and sore breasts with red marks. Treatment of antibiotics and plenty of rest is recommended as soon as the illness is detected. Advertisement Ellie looked sensational in her trendy casual jumpsuit as she posed for a photo. Among her 488K Instagram following, fans commented: 'Thank you for normalising breastfeeding.' 'Amazing, great breastfeeding awareness. Mastitis is painful hope it gets better soon. I loved my sling for breastfeeding.' 'Such a beautifully natural photo.' 'This is what I need to learn!' In another adorable Instagram post, Ellie shared her first try at using a sling to fellow mothers as she practised holding Ezra in it. She captioned: 'Took the stretchy wrap for a test drive.' She took to Instagram last month to share a sweet snap of her baby boy sleeping in a yellow blanket and confirmed his name is Ezra. On the show, Ellie told her sister how, despite being a new mother, she is still showering 'twice a day' and her joked her personal hygiene is 'fantastic'. Her sister Izzi then asked for a turn cuddling the baby boy, telling her sister not to 'hog' him, as the pair were then seen sharing a sweet moment together. Motherhood: Ellie gave birth to her Ezra three weeks ago in a home water-bath birth and has since shared on Instagram her motherhood journey Sisters: Her sister Izzi asked for a turn cuddling the baby boy on the show, telling her sister not to 'hog' him, as the pair were then seen sharing a sweet moment together Moments after the show, Ellie took to Instagram to confirm she and Nat had named their newborn son Ezra. She wrote: 'Sweet baby Ezra, he has made our lives complete, we love you so much son.' Ellie confirmed she and boyfriend Nat were expecting their first child together back in December. She confirmed her pregnancy on Gogglebox, where she appeared alongside her sister Izzi, who she showed her ultrasound scan to. Doutzen Kroes put on a very loved up display with husband DJ Sunnery James Gorre on Thursday as they hit the beach during their idyllic getaway in Ibiza. The model, 38, couldn't keep away from her DJ partner, 42, as they shared a passionate kiss while cooling off in the water together. And as well as sharing the love with her husband, Doutzen was sure to set the pulses racing for other beachgoers too as she flaunted her incredible figure in a skimpy mismatched bikini. The former Victoria's Secret model showcased her washboard abs and toned legs in a tiny black bikini top and grey bottoms as she strolled across the sand and splashed in the water. Doutrzen, who also added a white beach hat to her ensemble, looked on fine form while happily soaking up the sun. Kiss kiss: Doutzen Kroes put on a very loved up display with husband DJ Sunnery James Gorre on Thursday as they hit the beach during their idyllic getaway in Ibiza Wow: As well as sharing the love with her husband, Doutzen was sure to set the pulses racing for other beachgoers too as she flaunted her incredible figure in a skimpy mismatched bikini Loved up: The model, 38, couldn't keep away from her DJ partner, 42, as they shared a passionate kiss while cooling off in the water together And it appeared that Dutch DJ Sunnery was certainly appreciative of his wife's figure as he was seen affectionately tapping her bottom before drawing her in for another kiss. The pair are on their Spanish getaway with son Phyllon Joy and daughter Myllena Mae. The couple have been married since 2010 with Doutzen telling The Times of their relationship: 'We still have so much passion together, its just that now were in a grown-up situation.' Doutzen began her modelling career in 2003, and is said to be one of the highest-paid models, with an estimated income of more than $5 million per year. Back in 2014, she came in second on the Forbes top-earning models list, estimated to have earned $8 million in one year. Style maven Doutzen was a Victoria's Secret Angel from 2008 to 2014, and in 2013 she made history as the first model to land four different solo international covers of Vogue's September issue in a single year. Despite her success, Doutzen didn't dream of becoming a model and only started doing it as a way to earn extra pocket money as a teen. Recalling her early days in New York, she said: 'I was 18, but I think I came across as someone who was 13, oblivious to everything that was happening. Being from a very small village, I always wanted to go home. Its almost like I didnt want it.' Making a splash: The model was in great spirits as she enjoyed a refreshing dip in the sea Flaunt: The former Victoria's Secret model showcased her washboard abs and toned legs in a tiny black bikini top and grey bottoms as she strolled across the sand and splashed in the water Beach babe: Doutrzen, who also added a white beach hat to her ensemble, looked on fine form while happily soaking up the sun Devoted: It appeared that Dutch DJ Sunnery was certainly appreciative of his wife's figure as he was seen affectionately tapping her bottom before drawing her in for another kiss Fun times: The pair were having a great time as they larked about in the water together Angela Rippon has predicted she won't win the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing as she revealed her personal goal for the competition. During the BBC's The One Show on Friday, the broadcaster, 78, was confirmed as one of the first stars for the upcoming series of Strictly, becoming show's oldest contestant. Angela said: 'I have to admit, the first words out of my mouth when I was asked were: 'Well why didn't they ask me ten years ago when I was a little bit younger!' Why? well, I love dance. I presented Come Dancing. 'The serious reason behind doing it is because I've been advocating, ever since I did a series called How to Stay Young, where we demonstrated as part of the programme that dance is the complete full body and mind exercise for everybody regardless of your age but particularly for people as they get older. 'Now as I'm 78, I'll be 79 when we're actually doing the programme, it would be lovely to demonstrate. Oh! Angela Rippon, 78, has predicted she won't win the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing as she revealed her personal goal for the competition Signed up! During the BBC's The One Show on Friday, the broadcaster was confirmed as one of the first stars for the upcoming series of Strictly, becoming show's oldest contestant Aim: 'it would be wonderful if I could last long enough, a few weeks, and demonstrate that even at my age that it genuinely is possible for people who are older to be able to dance' 'I know I'm not going to lift that Glitterball, I'm being honest with myself, it would be wonderful if I could last long enough, a few weeks, and demonstrate that even at my age that it genuinely is possible for people who are older to be able to dance.' Angela also revealed that her decision to take part in Strictly as she approaches the age of 79 was a 'scary one' as she prepares to perform the Argentine Tango as the show's oldest ever contestant. Confirming she has signed up for the BBC One dance programme, she said: 'Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. 'A scary one, considering I'm about to be 79. But I'm looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.' Her appearance on the show comes 47 years after high-kicking dance routine she performed during Morecambe and Wise's 1976 Christmas special which was watched by 27 million viewers. While she admits she is only able to kick her leg up to waist height, Angela still takes regular ballet classes in an effort to stay fit and healthy. She told recently the Sunday Mirror: 'I still do a ballet class as often as I can. I worked on a documentary which found that dance is the best way of staying fit, supple and strong. 'I studied classical ballet until I was 17 and you never forget the basics. Can I still hold the positions? Well, yes. Well practiced: The former newsreader hosted Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991, before returning in 1998 when the show ended for good 'Put it this way the mind is willing, the body sometimes says, 'What the hell do you think you're doing?' I used to be able to do 10-to-six high-kicks but I can probably do to about [waist height] now.' Angela hosted Come Dancing - described as the 'original Strictly' between the years of 1988 and 1991. Last year she appeared on the dance show as part of the BBC's 100th birthday celebrations where she took part in a skit where she introduced Kym Marsh and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima's routine. BBC bosses are said to be 'thrilled' that she has signed up, with some expecting her to decline the offer due to her age. Until now the oldest ever competitor was comedian Johnny Ball who took part in 2012 at the age of 74. A source close to the show told the Mail on Sunday last month: 'It's such a coup to get Angela. She was Mrs Come Dancing so what a wonderful thing that she is going to be on Strictly all these years later.' Angela, Amanda Abbington and Layton Williams have been confirmed as the first three stars for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. The news was announced during the BBC's The One Show on Friday, with all three stars making an appearance. Born to perform: Layton Williams, who is known best for performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone's Talking About Jamie, is an early favourite to win the competition Performer: Layton is likely to prompt controversy as he is a fully trained dancer and has been performing on stage since he was just six-years-old On stage: Layton started his career at the age of 12 playing the title role in the West End production of Billy Elliot (pictured in 2016 as Angel in musical Rent) Seasoned performer: The West End performer starred in hit musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie, which is based on the 2011 BBC documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 Theatre star Layton Williams's inclusion is likely to prompt controversy as he is a fully trained dancer and has been performing on stage since he was just six-years-old. Layton, who is known best for performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone's Talking About Jamie, is an early favourite to win the competition. Speaking taking part on the show, the 28-year-old said: 'Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! 'It's time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins ALL the sequins!' He added that he would like to be paired with a male professional dancer so he can be lifted up during the performances. He has also appeared as Stephen Carmichael in the Bad Education movie and the television series that followed, as well as Beautiful People, Benidorm, The Cleaner, and I Hate Suzie. Twinkle-toed: The BBC also announced during The One Show on Friday that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington will also be joining the line up Overcoming fears: Amanda said: 'I'm thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I'm really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things' Tough time: Amanda revealed that she considered suicide after her split from ex-husband Martin Freeman left her 'hating herself' (pictured together in 2014) Former love: The pair met on the set of the film Men Only in 2000 and went on to play formidable duo John and Mary Watson in the acclaimed BBC drama Sherlock (pictured) Amanda, 49, who starred as Mary Watson alongside her former partner Martin Freeman in the drama series said: 'I'm thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I'm actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things. 'I get to learn to dance which I am incredibly excited about and I'm really looking forward to the training too, I'm quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you.' Amanda's appearance on the show comes after she revealed earlier this year she contemplated suicide after her devastating split from Martin in 2016 left her 'hating herself'. The pair never married but were together for 16 years and share two children; Joe, 17, and Grace, 16. Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed former Family Fortunes host Les Dennis, 69, is set to slip on his dancing shoes for this year's competition. They will join BBC presenter Angela Scanlon, actor Nigel Harman and former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott. Also tipped to appear are Bobby Brazier, son of the late Big Brother star Jade Goody, and actor Adam Thomas, who stars in BBC One drama Waterloo Road. The eldest daughter of celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo has paid tribute to her late father on what would have been his 47th birthday. Ava Zonfrillo, 22, shared a poignant memory of her dad in a post to Instagram Stories on Friday. She captioned a photo of herself as a child with her father: 'Missing you more every day. Happy birthday dad'. In May, Ava broke her silence on her father's death with a heartwrenching tribute to the chef. 'Still can't accept that we'll be remembering you for more time than we had you, but doesn't mean we'll love you any less,' Ava wrote under an Instagram post. The eldest daughter of celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo has paid tribute to her late father on what would have been his 47th birthday. Ava Zonfrillo, 22, shared a poignant memory of her dad in a post to Instagram Stories on Friday. Both pictured 'I love you dad, always,' she added. The post was accompanied by eight photos and two videos of Zonfrillo, some of them featuring the father and daughter together both in Ms Zonfrillo's childhood and some more recent snaps. Ava is the daughter of Jock and first wife Amanda Ewing. She initially followed her father's footsteps into the culinary world, working hospitality public relations. Jock died in his hotel room at Zagame's House on Lygon Street in Carlton. He was found by police at around 2am on Monday, May 1. She captioned a photo of herself as a child with her father: 'Missing you more every day. Happy birthday dad' Ava is the daughter of Jock and first wife Amanda Ewing. She initially followed her father's footsteps into the culinary world, working hospitality public relations The tragic loss came the same day Channel Ten was meant to premiere the fifteenth season of MasterChef Australia. He is survived by his third wife Lauren, and his four children: grown-up daughters Ava and Sophia from his first two marriages and Alfie and Isla with Lauren. The media personality was scheduled for several publicity engagements for season 15 of MasterChef when he died suddenly. He had only recently returned to Australia from Italy after moving there with third wife Lauren and their children, five-year-old Alfie and two-year-old Isla, choosing the hotel for its proximity to where the family used to live. Ulrika Jonsson has slammed Catherine Tyldesley after a local bakery owner refused to make her 100 cakes for her birthday in exchange for social media and magazine plugs. The TV presenter, 55, branded Catherine, 39, 'cheeky and cocky' for expecting free products from a small business in return for exposure. Ulrika wrote in her column for The Sun: 'It's cheeky, cocky and often with an utter disrespect for the businesses trying to stay afloat. 'It's the asking that makes me so uncomfortable. I'm happy to stand corrected, but I don't believe in the 35 years of relative fame I've enjoyed that I have ever asked for a freebie. 'You could argue that if you don't ask, you don't get. But when I think of the incredibly tough time small businesses have had, it blows my mind how thoughtless you would be to expect them to give anything away.' Brutal: Ulrika Jonsson has slammed Catherine Tyldesley after a local bakery owner refused to make her 100 cakes for her birthday in exchange for social media and magazine plugs Opinion: The TV presenter, 55, branded Catherine, 39, 'cheeky and cocky' for expecting free products from a small business She added: 'Besides, if you can afford a party planner, you can surely afford a couple of cakes?' The local baker who refused to make Catherine 100 cakes for her birthday in exchange for social media and magazine plugs has broken her silence after the Coronation Street star accused her of 'craving exposure.' Rebecca Severs, from Keighley, has responded on Instagram by thanking people for their support for small businesses amid the row, and shared a cheeky AI-generated snap of the cake she was asked to make for the 'camp as t*ts' themed party. A row broke out earlier this week when Rebecca shared a Facebook post with a screenshot of an email exchange between her bakery and the PR company representing an unidentified 'well-known' celebrity, asking for a 40th birthday party cake, 100 cupcakes and a smaller birthday cake for the star's husband. The founder of Three Little Birds Bakery wrote: 'This poor celebrity apparently can't afford to pay people for their products and services. Spare a thought! What happened to women supporting women.' The Mail revealed that the party planners were in fact organising a 40th birthday bash for Catherine - and the actress didn't hold back when she accused the 'cake lady' of 'craving exposure' in a video posted yesterday. Now Rebecca has responded, sharing a snap on her Instagram and writing: 'I wish I had time to reply to all your amazing messages one by one. But I totally don't!' She continued: 'Please know that knowing how much solidarity is out there for small business is incredible and every message of support means a lot.' The baker went on to reveal her brother-in-law had created an AI drawing of the 'infamous cake request'. The image shows a three tiered bright pink cake, covered in flamboyant decorations and flowers. Atop was perched a number of flamingo decorations. It was the bakery's first comment since Catherine accused the owner of 'seeking exposure' in a clip shared yesterday. Starting the video, the actress said: 'Cake gate! WHAT! 'So I had no idea those emails were being sent. I'm not working with the lovely Ok magazine on anything that I'm aware of and NVRLND are an amazing company. 'They've supplied me with performers in the past;. They're insane and they've been completely misrepresented in this matter. 'Utterly bizarre. I don't really know what to say. I mean I hope the cake lady got the exposure she was craving.' Rebecca Severs, from Keighley, won praise for her response to a company asking for a free birthday cake for Catherine The email from the celebrity management team, which was posted on Facebook by Rebecca this week, read: 'We are organising a 40th Birthday Party for a well-known celebrity on the 1st of September 2023 in Manchester. 'In return for being a supplier for the event, payment would be made in the form of promotion on their socials with over 700K followers, as well as promoted on OK Magazine. 'They will be crediting all the suppliers on these platforms.' It continued: 'The party has a guest list full of celebrities and industry people from tv/film and music, so loads of work would come from it.' The email went on to outline that the birthday theme has been designed with 'pinks, sparkles and a touch of flamingos'. They then requested one birthday cake with the theme 'camp as tits', as well as 100 cupcakes. Finally, they asked for another, smaller, birthday cake because 'it's actually her husband's birthday that day and we wanted to surprise him.' Photographer Tom Pitfield, turns 37 on the day of the Manchester bash. In return, the small bakery would be rewarded 'in the form of promotion on their [the celeb's] socials with over 700k followers, as well as promoted in OK Magazine,' while the party promised 'a guest lists full of celebrities and industry people from TV / film and music, so loads of work would come from it'. Ms Severs, 37, did not know it was the former Strictly star and mum-of-two she would be providing for but it mattered not. And in posting her pithy response to social media, she has won herself a new army of fans. Replying to Leeds-based party planners NVRLND, Ms Severs confirmed she had availability but jokingly said: 'I'm so sorry to hear that your client has fallen on such hard times they can't afford to pay small businesses their products. 'Unfortunately as my mortgage provider doesn't take payment 'in the form of promotion on their socials', and my staff can't feed their kids with exposure on Instagram, I'll have to decline your very generous offer.' The bakery was met with a wave of support for the post, with one person commenting: 'Best response! Good for sticking to your guns!' Meanwhile another added: 'Good for you!' A third wrote: 'Love it!' A fourth commented: 'Got yourself a new follower here, purely because this response is exactly the level of business like sarcasm I aspire to. Fab response.' Another person wrote: 'We have this a lot. Influencers are very frustrating and most expect everything for free. 'It happens more often than people know. Like you say, exposure doesn't pay the mortgage.' Best known for playing Eva Price on Weatherfield's famous cobbles for seven years until 2018, Ms Tyldesley, has starred in BBC sitcom Scarborough and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 The list of requests included a main cake to fit in with the theme of 'pinks, sparkles and a touch of flamingos', a separate cake for Tydesley's husband, photographer Tom Pitfield (pictured together, above), who turns 37 on the day of the Manchester bash Earlier this week, Catherine had claimed she had 'no plans' for a big birthday bash and said she 'still felt 21' Days later, the bakery put another post up on social media saying they have now been 'threatened' with legal action and added: 'I've now been threatened with legal action by.as a response to this post which they say is encouraging defamation of their business.' The bakery's Facebook page last night said: 'Hi to all our new followers. We deal in delicious cakes and a generous side of sarcasm when necessary. 'We are getting a massive amount of phone calls, emails and messages as a result of the media coverage of the news story that is us refusing to work for heart emojis. 'We are blown away by all your support and so happy to see that so many other people agree that small business shouldn't be taken advantage of!' And speaking to local station Rombalds Radio, Rebecca said: 'It's really important to highlight the issue of small businesses, especially in female-dominant industries, not earning a fair wage for their time and skill, especially in the cost-of-living crisis we are experiencing. 'We are proud of our team who are all highly skilled at cake baking and decorating, and proud to have built a successful business based on correct pricing which means our staff are paid a decent wage and have job stability. 'We wish the same for NVRLND and offer them and their clients our best regards for the future.' Last night a different cake baker, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the Mail that they had also been passed on the opportunity to make cakes for the same party planners. The small business owner confirmed that the request was for Ms Tyldesley's 40th birthday party. Best known for playing Eva Price on Weatherfield's famous cobbles for seven years until 2018, Ms Tyldesley, has starred in BBC sitcom Scarborough and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019. The star is very active on social media which she regularly uses to promote brands, businesses and products. Earlier this week, she had shared a post claiming she was not due to have a 40th birthday party. In response to a fan questioning if she hoped to have a 'big birthday bash', she said: ''No plans. We've got a weekend away booked to one of our fave cities. 'And my fave restaurant in town. Can't wait. I still feel 21...I should probably grow up.' In a statement, Leeds-based event management firm NVRLND said its email had been 'completely misconstrued'. The email claimed to be from the management company of a 'well-known celebrity' who was having a 40th birthday party Rebecca emailed the company back, explaining that she would be declining the 'very generous offer' Online, Rebecca is described as leaving her career as an editor in legal publishing after welcoming three daughters before setting up her business Founder Victoria Eames said: 'NVRLND contacted Three Little Birds Bakery to offer them the opportunity to collaborate with one of our clients to cater for a party. 'As part of the collaboration, our client would cover all of Three Little Birds Bakery's expenses and costs in exchange for social media content and local and national exposure for their business. To confirm, NVRLND are also retained on the same expenses-only basis. 'We selected Three Little Birds Bakery to collaborate with a view to support a local business and help them grow. 'Our aim is to connect small local businesses with the opportunity of growth and the possibility of a full diary which is what we have experienced when working on past collaborations. We would never expect any business to be out of pocket and nor would our client. 'Our email communication to Three Little Birds has unfortunately been completely misconstrued. 'Due to contractual obligations, we are unable to comment on the identity of our client.' Ms Tyldesley's agent did not return request for comment. Last night, Mr Pitfield insisted he knew nothing about the cake controversy or if his wife was involved. BBC News star Jane Hill revealed she walked out of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer film halfway through after spotting a major flaw that left her 'disappointed'. The newsreader, 54, took to Twitter to share her unsatisfactory cinema experience, revealing she complained to staff after only managing to watch 'half of it'. Since hitting UK cinemas last month, the atomic bomb thriller - which stars Cillian Murphy in the titular role - has been given a slew of five star ratings while critics branded it Nolans 'best and most revealing work'. However, it appears Jane was certainly not in agreement as she shared that she frustrated at not being able to hear the film's dialogue properly due to the loud soundtrack - and was even more astounded to learn that the issue occurs in almost 'all' of Nolan's films. She told her followers: 'Saw Oppenheimer. Well, managed half of it. Disappointed that music & effects often drowned out the actors, I missed whole chunks of dialogue. Not impressed: BBC News star Jane Hill revealed she walked out of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer film halfway through after spotting a major flaw that left her 'disappointed' Film: The newsreader, 54, took to Twitter to share her unsatisfactory cinema experience, revealing she complained to staff after only managing to watch 'half of it' (Cillian Murphy pictured in the film) 'Told the cinema I thought the sound needed rebalancing - staff said "we have this issue with all Christopher Nolan films". Seriously?' And it appears that several of her followers were in agreement, with some complaining of hearing issues with others confirming that sound issues are common in Nolan films including Batman Begins. One person wrote: 'Its not the cinema, its the directors vision. Nolan has done this in a lot of his films.' While another shared: 'Colleague at work said that as well about the music drowning out the dialogue.' 'Seems to be Nolan thing. I recall seeing one of his batman movies and having the same experience', tweeted a third. With another adding: 'Yup. His movies always have sound issues.' Jane was quick to add that she doesn't blame the cinema for her poor experience, writing: 'I should be clear that I dont believe the problem was with the cinema?. there was nothing wrong with the sound on the trailers!' Before she then later shared her relief at not being the only person struggling to hear Oppenheimer's dialogue. Popular: Since hitting UK cinemas last month, the atomic bomb thriller has been given a slew of five star ratings while critics branded it Nolans 'best and most revealing work' Wow: However, Jane shared she was not able to hear the film's dialogue properly due to the loud soundtrack - and was even more astounded to learn that the issue occurs in almost 'all' of Nolan's films (Christopher Nolan pictured last month) Verdict: She told her followers: 'Saw Oppenheimer. Well, managed half of it. Disappointed that music & effects often drowned out the actors, I missed whole chunks of dialogue' She penned: 'Thanks for so many replies to my Oppenheimer observation. Im relieved its not just me who couldnt hear the dialogue yet what madness! How can you follow a film if you cant hear the actors?!' Director Christopher Nolan recently addressed reports that the dialogue in the film is unintelligible due to the sound, confirming in an interview that it was a 'artistic choice.' He told Insider that he didn't want to use additional dialogue recordings (ADR) in post-production as he'd rather capture the dialogue in the moment rather than request actors repeat their lines later in a soundproof booth. He said: 'I like to use the performance that was given in the moment rather than the actor revoice it later. Which is an artistic choice that some people disagree with, and that's their right.' Despite Jane's woes, Oppenheimer has scored epic reviews among UK publications with a slew of four and five star ratings - after winning huge praise in the US. Christopher Nolan's latest epic tells the story of the theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, also known as 'father of the atomic bomb', with Cillian Murphy nabbing the titular role, in which he delivers a chilling performance. Agree: Several of her followers were in agreement, with some complaining of hearing issues with others confirming that sound issues are common in Nolan films including Batman Begins Opinion: Jane was quick to add that she doesn't blame the cinema for her poor experience Phew! Before she then later shared her relief at not being the only person struggling to hear Oppenheimer's dialogue Reason: Director Christopher Nolan recently addressed reports that the dialogue in the film is unintelligible due to the sound, confirming in an interview that it was a 'artistic choice' It's a hit! Despite Jane's woes, Oppenheimer has scored epic reviews among UK publications with a slew of four and five star ratings - after winning huge praise in the US The film received a perfect five stars from Daily Mail's Brian Viner, who wrote that Nolan 'magnificently' balances thriller elements with 'profound questions about the morality of laying Hiroshima and Nagasaki to nuclear waste.' As well as Daily Mail's glowing response, BBC and Empire both offered up five stars while The Guardian, Independent, Financial Times and Digital Spy gave four. The historical epic was almost universally praised for its chilling treatment of the development of the first nuclear bombs and for Cillian Murphy's title performance. Also getting plenty of praise were Nolan's astounding ensemble cast of A-list actors including Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Florence Pugh and Emily Blunt in small supporting roles. Despite not being matched together, Evelyn Ellis and Duncan James have emerged as the strongest couple to come out of Married At First Sight's most recent season. So it's no surprise that the pair stole the show at the red carpet premiere of Elvis The Musical in Sydney on Saturday as they led the celebrity arrivals. Evelyn, 27, looked sensational in a skintight black dress with a thigh-high split and a cut-out panel around the chest that showcased her cleavage. The former lingerie model paired the frock with a pair of chunky black lace-up boots and a matching black handbag. She slicked her hair back and accessorised with sparkling chandelier earrings. Despite not being matched together, Evelyn Ellis and Duncan James have emerged as the strongest couple to come out of Married At First Sight's most recent season Evelyn Ellis, 27, looked sensational in a skintight black dress with a thigh-high split and a cut-out panel around the chest that showcased her cleavage Meanwhile, Duncan looked decidedly dapper in a black blazer, scoop-neck T-shirt and matching pants. Professional makeup artist and TikTok sensation Janelle Han was also in attendance, stepping out with her friend Helen. Janelle, 28, oozed confidence in a racy black slip on dress that she teamed up with a faux fur jacket. She slicked her hair back and accessorised with sparkling chandelier earrings Duncan James looked decidedly dapper in a black blazer, scoop-neck T-shirt and matching pants Married At First Sight's Selina Chhaur also stepped out in style. The hairdresser-turned-influencer dared to bare in a slinky semi-sheer dress that showcased her enviable figure. Selina's red carpet appearance comes just days after it was announced that she would be taking over co-star Al Perkins' Nova podcast, Back To Reality. Professional makeup artist and TikTok sensation Janelle Han was also in attendance, stepping out with her friend Helen Janelle, 28, oozed confidence in a racy black slip on dress that she teamed up with a faux fur jacket Elsewhere, MAFS groom Jack Millar and his pregnant fiancee Courtney Stubbs were also glowing on the red carpet. Jack looked dapper in a grey suit, which he teamed up with a pair of leather shoes and tined sunglasses. Courtney, meanwhile looked stunning in a black dress and heels. Married At First Sight's Selina Chhaur also stepped out in style. The hairdresser-turned-influencer dared to bare in a slinky semi-sheer dress that showcased her enviable figure Elsewhere, MAFS groom Jack Millar and his pregnant fiancee Courtney Stubbs were also glowing on the red carpet Bachelor babe Thomas Malucelli looked dapper in a denim jacket that he teamed up with a matching shirt and black jeans Radio personality Justin Hill looked sensational on the red carpet dressed in a velvet pink blazer which he teamed up with high-waisted trousers and black shoes TV personality Matty Mills was also a vision, opting to dress in all-white for the special event Popular Sydney drag queen Carla from Bankstown was dressed to impress in all-white Influencer Danijela Dacic also dolled up for the event, slipping into a gorgeous gown that featured a thigh-high split Social media star Sabrina Treffiletti looked stunning in a bejewelled black and white bodysuit as she took on red carpet hosting duties. The mother-of-three looked sensational as she sparkled while chatting to celebrities on arrival. She had her hair curled to perfection by professional stylist Fatima El-Dayri (@fatimadayrihair) and makeup done by @makeupbywally_. Sabrina, who boats over 369,000 Instagram followers, is on the rise after recently joining Chop Out Media's rising talent agency. Social media star Sabrina Treffiletti looked stunning in a bejewelled black and white bodysuit as she took on red carpet hosting duties Sabrina, who boats over 369,000 Instagram followers, was all glam for the outing and had her hair curled to perfection by stylist Fatima El-Dayri and makeup done by @makeupbywally_. First Dates star James Devlin was not afraid of showing off his best Elvis impressions as he played it up for photographers He was once the darling of the culinary scene and the first British chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. But after launching a new career as a boutique hotel owner, fiery Marco Pierre-White appears to have gone off the boil. His Cotswolds hideaway, the Rudloe Arms, is slated by some guests as a nightmare and likened to Fawlty Towers. It has suffered a raft of negative reviews on Tripadvisor recently, with some warning would-be guests to approach with caution and give it a very wide berth. Pierre-White, 61, bought the Grade II-listed Rudloe, in Corsham, near Bath, in 2012 and after extensive refurbishment the 40-bedroom hotel won rave reviews. Pierre-White, 61, (pictured) bought the Grade II-listed Rudloe, in Corsham, near Bath, in 2012 Three years ago some viewers complained about steamy artwork on the Rudloes walls after Channel 4 featured it on A Very British Hotel Chain: Inside Best Western But in recent months, guests at the original Hells Kitchen stars hotel, where a double bedroom costs from 145, have complained of terrible food and service. One recent visitor described it as like staying at Fawlty Towers. Another said: I can only suggest to anyone that you avoid this hotel like the plague!! 'Marco Pierre White, Im not sure if you know whats going on in your name, but if you do hang your head in shame. If you dont, maybe you should. Another review last month reads: I was sceptical about this hotel after reading the bad reviews and I was right to be. 'Our experience has been awful. Appalling experience, appalling hotel. The Rudloe Arms, is slated by some guests as a nightmare and likened to Fawlty Towers Another said: What a load of TRIPE. Would we come back again? 100% NO. (Unless there was an apocalypse and the showers were still running.) Some guests were happy though, one giving it a very good rating for its perfect food and incredible, caring staff where nothing is too much trouble. The hotels website says it takes pride in providing a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. It says of the Rudloes restaurant: Perfect food and incredible, caring staff where nothing is too much trouble is what makes this truly unique and boutique English country house No 1 in the area. Three years ago some viewers complained about steamy artwork on the Rudloes walls after Channel 4 featured it on A Very British Hotel Chain: Inside Best Western. Pierre-White became the first UK chef to win three Michelin stars when he was 33. He was mentored by Albert and Michel Roux in Mayfair and later worked with Gordon Ramsay until the pair fell out. Molly-Mae Hague gave fans a glimpse at her sixth holiday of the year on Friday after jetting off to Spain with baby Bambi. The former Love Island star, 24, shared an adorable snap of herself and her daughter after checking into the lavish 1,000-a-night Puente Romano Beach Resort in Marbella. She captioned her post: 'Booked a last min flight and hopped on a plane with my girl.' Television personality Molly-Mae and Bambi, six months, will be treated to a 24-hour VIP service as they enjoy their luxury suite which overlooking the sea. The reality star also shared a picture of her breakfast at the Fendi-managed resort, with the fashion label's logo burned onto her toast. Jet set: Molly-Mae Hague, 24, gave fans a glimpse at her sixth holiday of the year on Friday after jetting off to Spain with baby Bambi Vacation: The former Love Island star shared an adorable snap of herself and her daughter after checking into the lavish 1,000-a-night Puente Romano Beach Resort in Marbella Last month, Molly-Mae revealed her daughter Bambi had already visited five countries prior to their current trip to Spain. Addressing her fans in a pre-recorded vlog, the influencer was speaking about going to Ibiza for an event, unaware at the time it had been organised by Tommy Fury for his surprise proposal. Speaking about the 'last minute' trip, which followed on from holidays in Dubai, Barbados, Greece and Paris, Molly Mae mused: 'This is Bambi's fifth country and she's only six months, she's basically doing a country a month!' Molly-Mae admitted she was conscious about talking about Bambi in her vlogs after fans criticised her new content. She explained: 'I've been getting a lot of comments recently saying I used to way prefer your content before it was a lot of baby stuff and that makes me feel quite sad.' It comes after Molly-Mae and Tommy were slammed for 'flaunting their wealth' after a number of Instagram posts. The influencer and the boxer, both shared snaps on a private jet with their daughter Bambi, after flying back from Ibiza where they got engaged. On return to the UK they used the lavish and expensive form of transport but their followers have called them out for the impact on the environment and the insensitivity during a cost of living crisis. Lavish: The reality star also shared a picture of her breakfast at the Fendi-managed resort, with the fashion label's logo burned onto her toast Fun in the sun: Television personality Molly-Mae and Bambi, six months, will be treated to a 24-hour VIP service as they enjoy their luxury suite which overlooking the sea Well travelled: Last month, Molly-Mae revealed her daughter Bambi had already visited five countries prior to their current trip to Spain Newly-engaged Molly-Mae shared a photo of her sat on the plane with Bambi on her lap and captioned it: 'Flying home a fiance.' Referring to recent wildfires in Europe in reaction to the post, one person wrote: 'Molly the world is literally burning, please no more private jets.' A second wrote: 'You went from being a lovely relatable down to earth girl to a complete show off and shoving your luxury life in people's faces with every post. Is it really necessary?' Another commented: 'I think you mean flying home with a huge carbon footprint and a guilty conscience - what a way to celebrate an engagement.' Someone else remarked: 'Happy for you but private jet?! Is that really necessary? The world is burning :(.' Kanye West and his 'wife' put on a loved up display as they toured around Tuscany on Saturday. The rapper, 46, who is auctioning off a replica of his childhood home, looked stylish in a black jacket without a shirt and matching pants. The Praise God artist wore black shoes and carried a a black crossover bag. He was accompanied by his 'wife' of eight months, Bianca Censori, 28. The model left little to the imagination in a diaphanous cream-toned leotard and leggings. Tuscany: Kanye West and his 'wife' Bianca Censori put on a loved up display as they toured around Tuscany Saturday Stylish: Kanye, 46, looked stylish in a black jacket, without a shirt, and matching pants. The Praise God artist wore black shoes and carried a a black crossover bag The Australian beauty wore white pumps with her sexy ensemble and placed a brown toque over her brunette hair. The pair were joined by a friend who at first glance looked a lot like Kanye's ex, Kim Kardashian, 41, even as Bianca's appearance and manner of dress have been compared to Kanye's ex-wife. The pal showed off her toned core in a gray bra top with a gold zipper in front and matching gray leggings. She also wore thong kitten heel sandals. Kanye and Bianca wed in a private ceremony in Beverly Hills in January, about two months after the rapper's divorce to Kim was finalized. However, the legality of the union is in question, as they did not file a marriage certificate. The pair seem to have been inseparable ever since. Bianca has a degree in architecture and worked Kanye's design company Yeezy prior to their getting together. Sheer: Bianca Censori, 28, left little to the imagination in a sheer cream-toned leotard and leggings. The Australian beauty wore white pumps with her sexy ensemble and placed a brown toque over her brown hair Friend: The pair were joined by a friend who at first glance looked a lot like Kanye's ex, Kim Kardashian, 41, even as Bianca's appearance and manner of dress have been compared to Kanye's ex-wife Toned abs: The pal showed off her toned core in a gray bra top with a gold zipper in front and matching gray leggings. She also wore thong kitten heel sandals Married?: Kanye and Bianca wed in a private ceremony in Beverly Hills in January, about two months after the rapper's divorce to Kim was finalized. However, the legality of the union is in question, as they did not file a marriage certificate She joined the company in 2020, according to Marie Claire. It's unclear if she still works at Yeezy. The couple have also been spotted vacationing in the ancient city of Florence. Kanye, who suffered serious public and financial losses after making several antisemitic comments last fall has been working toward a comeback. The Sun reported he has leased a 7,400 sq. ft showroom on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles which will serve as a Yeezy headquarters, according to an insider. The building is reportedly just a few doors away from an Adidas store. The shoemaker ended its collaboration with Kanye last year after he made the antisemitic remarks. 'The vision for its use has changed to being multi-purpose, it's not just going to be a store,' the source claimed in May. They revealed that the rapper, who changed his name to Ye, had been hosting parties at the venue and gave away sample pieces from his latest collection. The insider reported the Bound 2 artist had also hosted movie nights for friends and Sunday Service sessions with students from his Donda Academy performing. The outlet reported the Grammy winner has been dealing with numerous lawsuits filed by staff from the private Christian academy that accuse it of racial discrimination and labor violations. Other complaints include claims that the building in which the school is housed is unsafe. Comeback: Kanye has reportedly been working on a comeback after he suffered serious public and financial losses after making several antisemitic comments last fall Twitter: The rapper's X/Twitter account has been restored after he reportedly gave assurances he would not 'share antisemitic or otherwise harmful language' Former teachers allege the students are behind their grade level and are only allowed to eat sushi for lunch. Kanye's account on X, formerly known as Twitter, has been restored. He was kicked off the social media platform in December after sharing a photo of a Nazi swastika embedded inside the Star of David. The Wall Street Journal reported the Gold Digger artist had given his assurances to the platform that he would not 'share antisemitic or otherwise harmful language.' The Jonas Brothers took the stage at radio station Wild 94.9's WAZZMATAZZ concert in Mountain View, California, on Friday night. The trio who recently announced new tour dates blew the crowd away with their fiery set. Kevin, 35, Joe, 33, and Nick, 30, dazzled the audience as they headlined their performance for the Bay Area station at the popular Shoreline Amphitheatre. Also performing at the event were artists including Kim Petras, Conan Gray and Charlie Onna on Friday. The lineup for the show was announced in May, with tickets sold on Live Nation. Headliner: The Jonas Brothers took the stage at radio station Wild 94.9's WAZZMATAZZ concert in Mountain View, California on Friday night Electric: The trio who recently announced new tour dates blew the crowd away with their fiery set The three brothers who began their careers together in adolescence showed off their individual styles during their set. Oldest brother Kevin wore a woven green short-sleeve shirt with a checkered pattern featuring black and tan accents. He teamed it with black trousers and shiny black dress boots while rocking a low beard and his signature curly locks. For his part, Joe, who is married to actress Sophie Turner, looked fashion-forward in a tan co-ord made up of a jacket and cargo pants. He layered his jacket over a white graphic T-shirt with blue trim at the collar, and rounded out the look with blue and white sneakers. And Nick also went for a cool and casual ensemble in a partially buttoned cream-colored shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He layered it over a white tank top and added light-colored pants while rocking a beard and fluffy curls. On Saturday, Joe shared outtakes from the show with his 12.6 million Instagram followers and wrote in the caption, 'Wild at #WAZZMATAZZ. Gonna be even more wild next week at Yankee Stadium!!' Stage presence: Kevin, 35, Joe, 33, and Nick, 30, dazzled the audience as they headlined their performance for the Bay Area station Style savvy: Oldest brother Kevin wore a woven, green, short-sleeved shirt with a checkered pattern featuring black and tan accents Social media: On Saturday Joe shared outtakes from the show with his 12.6 million Instagram followers and wrote in the caption, 'Wild at #WAZZMATAZZ. Gonna be even more wild next week at Yankee Stadium!!' Fashion-forward: Nick also went for a cool and casual ensemble in a partially buttoned cream-colored shirt with the sleeves rolled up The Jonas Brother have added 50 tour dates to their upcoming summer shows which will see the siblings make stops at venues across North America, Australia and Europe. The hitmakers have added 26 new North American concerts, along with numerous other dates which will see the band play in Australia for the first time. The first new show will take place in Atlanta on October 1, before the group continues through North America and Canada. In February they will perform in Auckland, New Zealand, before heading to Australia for dates in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The band will then head to Europe in May before wrapping up the shows in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on June 20. The Tour is set to kick off on August 12 with two sold-out nights at Yankee Stadium. Their traveling production now totals 90 shows in 20 countries and is the biggest tour the band has ever done. Presale tickets for The Jonas Brothers UK Tour went live on Wednesday, August 2 on Ticketmaster. Professional: Kevin got the crowd excited with his enthusiastic stage presence Looking amazing: Kim Petras sizzled in a mini skirt and two layered crop tops Petras also made a splash at the show, and she sizzled in a mini skirt and two layered crop tops one matching the skirt along with a white tank. The Grammy-winning 30-year-old pop star showed off her toned legs in the trendy look and finished with a pair of white boots. Her frosty platinum blonde locks were arranged in a deep side part and a swoop bang with the long hair falling down her back and over her chest. The Unholy music artist commanded attention as she took to the stage in a pair of sporty and sleek green sunglasses. Actor Tom Hollander is to become a dad for the first time at the age of 55, after rekindling his romance with interior designer Fran Hickman. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the star of The Night Manager is 'beyond thrilled' that Ms Hickman, 39, is expecting their first baby, which is understood to be due within weeks. Their news comes after they got back together during lockdown, ten years after they called off their engagement in 2010. Last week the couple were seen enjoying lunch near Mr Hollander's home in Notting Hill, West London. Ms Hickman was dressed in a checked shirt, leggings and a pair of white plimsolls, and her bump was clearly visible. Mr Hollander, who turns 56 in three weeks' time, arrived on his bicycle. One onlooker said: 'They looked very much like the happy couple. Tom was seen putting his arms around Fran quite a lot.' Happy: Tom Hollander spotted looking loved up with girlfriend Fran Hickman at a Notting Hill Cafe Embrace: The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the star of The Night Manager is beyond thrilled that Ms Hickman is expecting their first baby Ms Hickman moved into Mr Hollander's 2million flat during the pandemic and friends say 'she never left'. In 2021 Mr Hollander, whose 5ft 4in height earned him the nickname 'sex thimble', was seen having dinner with Ms Hickman at Mayfair restaurant Scott's. Friends have previously told of their hopes that the actor, who starred in the BBC's sitcom Rev and thriller The Night Manager, and played an English expat in Sky Atlantic drama The White Lotus, would propose to Ms Hickman, but it appears he has not yet. Stroll: Fran Hickman was spotted leaving sporting a baby bump Drama: The actor famous for his role in the Night Manager and Baptiste is currently starring as billionaire Boris Berezovsky in the West End production of Patriots During his time apart from Ms Hickman, Mr Hollander dated film-maker Jemima Goldsmith in 2013, but that ended and she later dated comedian Russell Brand. And in the early 2000s he had a relationship with fashion designer and former model Daphne Guinness the daughter of peer and businessman Jonathan Guinness. Mr Hollander gave a candid insight into his life in 2020, when an article he wrote for The Sunday Times went viral, just after he and Ms Hickman got back together. He was lauded for his honest confessions, including night trips to the loo. He wrote: 'I wake at 3 or 4am. Not because I'm like Mrs Thatcher, but because I need to pee. I pee in the darkness using my phone screen to illuminate the target.' Legendary disc jockey Tony Blackburn has revealed his daughter turned down his offer to DJ at her wedding telling him it's because he is too 'cheesy'. Tony, 80, said 26-year-old Victoria told him: 'That's very lovely of you Dad, but we don't want any cheese at the wedding!' He laughingly told his listeners on Radio 2's Sounds of the 60s show yesterday: 'Honestly, how hurtful' adding that he had offered her a discount. Tony, 80, was the first DJ on Radio 1 in 1967 and has two lifetime achievement awards from the Radio Academy. But he has always been renowned for corny jokes. Paul Whitehouse's comically dim DJ character Dave Nice (half of Smashie and Nicey) was said to be based on him. Yesterday morning Tony said Victoria, his daughter with his second wife Debbie, has declined his suggestion to play the music when she marries fiance Chris Howard. Tony, 80, said 26-year-old Victoria told him: 'That's very lovely of you Dad, but we don't want any cheese at the wedding!' He laughingly told his listeners on Radio 2's Sounds of the 60s show yesterday: 'Honestly, how hurtful' adding that he had offered her a discount. Tony, 80, was the first DJ on Radio 1 in 1967 and has two lifetime achievement awards from the Radio Academy He told listeners: 'My daughter is getting married next June. Actually Victoria is planning her wedding at this moment. The other day she was talking about a disco and I said, 'I'll do the disco for you at a reduced rate obviously'.' He laughed at being rebuffed as he has previously said he has no regrets about his perceived cringiness, adding: 'I'm an entertainer, I've got to entertain. So what if people say I'm cheesy? Nothing wrong with that.' Tony also has a son, advertising executive Simon, 50, by his first wife, actress Tessa Wyatt. When Tessa, star of sitcom Robin's Nest, ended that marriage in 1977 after five years following his alleged affair with a neighbour, Tony was so heartbroken he played Chicago's If You Leave Me Now repeatedly on Radio 1 and begged for her to return. He calls this his 'one big broadcasting mistake'. The presenter, who hosts Sounds of the 60s between 6am and 8am on Saturdays, has gained a reputation over the years for being 'cheesy' and author of cringe-inducing one liners. Paul Whitehouse's comically dim character DJ Dave Nice (half of Smashie and Nicey) was said to be based on him. But the DJ, who became the first person to broadcast on Radio 1 in 1967 and hosted the breakfast show until 1974, has said previously he has no regrets about his perceived cringiness, adding: 'I'm an entertainer, I've got to entertain. So what if people say I'm cheesy? Nothing wrong with that.' In 1977, when he split from his actress wife Tessa Wyatt, he played Chicago's If You Leave Me Now repeatedly on his radio show and begged for her to return. This he calls his 'one big broadcasting mis-take'. He remained at Radio 1 until 1984 and while at the station he became a household name. He also hosted Top of the Pops throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He recalled: 'The Radio 1 DJs were a massive attraction. We were mobbed everywhere we went.' Helen Skelton has allegedly come under fire from BBC bosses after plugging brands during her time working on Morning Live. The television presenter, 40, has gone against the strict guidelines of the broadcasting corporation by tagging the brands of clothing, jewellery and cake makers in her Instagram posts. Guidelines state that 'no on-air talent should promote products, goods, services or clothing they use'. The BBC, which is funded by the license fee, does not allow advertising or product placements on its television or radio outputs, or on its websites. Helen has since removed the tags and did not receive payment for naming the brands on her social media channel. Controversial? Helen Skelton, 40, has allegedly come under fire from BBC bosses after plugging brands during her time working on Morning Live Name drop: On Friday, Helen shared a picture of herself with some cakes made by 2018 Great British Bake Off winner Briony May Williams, who she tagged in her Instagram post A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Helen pays for the clothes she wears on the show and does not have relationships with the brands tagged. 'She has now removed brand mentions from social posts linked to the programme.' MailOnline has contacted a representative for Helen for comment. On Friday, Helen shared a picture of herself with some cakes made by 2018 Great British Bake Off winner Briony May Williams. Bosses of clothing brand Dancing Leopard had also shared a picture of Helen wearing its pink dress, urging customers to buy the item, while staff of jewellery brand Loel & Co had shared a picture of Helen wearing one of their necklaces. It comes after it emerged Helen was reportedly dating again, one year after her 'trust was broken' by ex-husband Richie Myler. The television presenter announced her split from England and Leeds Rhinos rugby league star Richie, 33, in April last year. Helen, who shares sons Ernie, eight, Louis, five, and 16-month-old daughter Elsie with Richie, is now 'reluctantly dipping her toe back into the dating pool'. Tagged: In another picture taken in the Morning Live studio, Helen tagged luxury womenswear brand ME + EM A source told OK! magazine: 'After her trust was broken, she's nowhere near ready for an all-in long-term romance. 'But she's not closing herself off to anything anymore. She's open to new adventures in all respects and is making it her aim to say 'yes' to more things that excite her.' Helen is also moving on from Richie by putting the marital home they once shared on the market. A source told the Mirror: 'Helen has moved on with her life and feels it's time to start with a clean slate. 'She's put the house they shared on the market and is looking for a new place she can move to with the kids in the coming months.' Single and ready to mingle: Helen is reportedly dating again one year after her 'trust was broken' by ex-husband Richie Myler Ex: The TV star announced her split from England and Leeds Rhinos rugby league star Richie, 33 (pictured), in April last year Since his split from Helen, Richie has gone on to have a baby with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, 32, the daughter of Leeds Rhinos president Andrew. Former Strictly Come Dancing star Helen and Richie married in 2013 and moved into their Yorkshire property together seven years later. The ex couple poured cash into a various renovations on the property until they split last year. Months later, Helen appeared on Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House and said she'd 'sold a load of stuff' as she cleared her life out. Angus Cloud's grieving mother Lisa Cloud has spoken out against speculation that her son, who died on Monday, July 31, at 25, intended to take his life. Lisa used Facebook to share an emotional note that read, 'Friends, I want you all to know I appreciate your love for my family at this shattered time. 'I also want you to know that although my son was in deep grief about his father's untimely death from mesothelioma, his last day was a joyful one.' She detailed the Euphoria star's final activities, which included 'reorganizing his room,' leading her to believe Angus was not suicidal. She additionally noted that the late actor had mentioned wanting to help family members with college, another indication that he didn't plan to end his life. Cause of death: Angus Cloud's mourning mother Lisa Cloud has spoken out against speculation that her son, who died on Monday, July 31 at age 25, intended to take his life Final hours: 'Friends, I want you all to know I appreciate your love for my family at this shattered time,' Lisa wrote on Facebook. 'I also want you to know that although my son was in deep grief about his father's untimely death from mesothelioma, his last day was a joyful one'; still from Euphoria The mother-of-three said in her post, 'I don't know if or what he may have put in his body... I only know that he put his head on the desk where he was working on art projects, fell asleep and didn't wake up. 'We may find out that he overdosed accidentally and tragically, but it's abundantly clear that he did not intend to check out of this world.' It was added, 'Social media posts have suggested his death was intentional. I want you to know that is not the case. To honor his memory, please make random acts of kindness part of your daily life.' It comes after a family statement confirming his untimely death suggested he may have died by suicide. According to TMZ, sources also shared that Angus had been having suicidal thoughts recently. Cloud died at his family home in Oakland, California after he struggled with the loss of his father, his family said in a statement. His mother, who called 911, reported it as a 'possible overdose.' The actor was staying with his family as he tried to cope with his grief, the outlet said. Remembering him: Sydney Sweeney posted a slew of throwback images with the late star and added a heartfelt caption Angus, born Conor Angus Cloud (named after his father Conor Cloud), played the character Fezco on Euphoria from 2019 until 2022. Sydney Sweeney took to Instagram on Tuesday afternoon to pay tribute to her Euphoria costar. The 25-year-old Handmaid's Tale actress posted several throwback images with the late star and added a heartfelt caption. She joined her other HBO costar Zendaya, 26, who also broke her silence on Cloud's unexpected death in an Instagram post. 'Angus you were an open soul, with the kindest heart, and you filled every room with laughter. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to post, and im struggling to find all the words,' Sydney wrote. The Spokane, Washing native added, 'You will be missed more than you know, but I'm so blessed to have known you in this lifetime, and I'm sure everyone who has ever met you feels the same. 'This heartache is real and I wish we could've had one more hug and 711 run. All my love is with you,' she ended the somber note. Angus' mom reported he had no pulse when she called 911, and the actor was pronounced dead at the scene when responders arrived. Another one: Zendaya said 'words are not enough to describe the infinite beauty that is Angus' 'It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a on, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways,' his family shared. 'Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend,' the statement continued. 'Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence. 'We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss,' the message concluded. Katie Holmes embodied casual chic during an afternoon stroll in New York City on Saturday. The 44-year-old Batman Begins star wore her long chestnut tresses loose around her shoulders. She paired her white graphic T-shirt and gray sweatpants with a pair of boxy brown sunglasses. Keeping it casual, the Dawson's Creek star wore sensible black Adidas trainers with white socks. The Ohio-born beauty added a touch of elegance to her low-key look with a black handbag slung over her shoulder. Down to earth girl: Katie Holmes cut a casual figure in a white t-shirt and grey sweatpants during afternoon stroll in NYC on Saturday Casual and chic: The Alone Together star sported a perfect tan during her casual day out Cementing her status as one of Hollywood's sweethearts after her famous Dawson's Creek role as Joey Potter, Katie's fame skyrocketed with numerous television and film roles. Having been the only star to appear in all 128 episodes of the beloved WB teen drama, Katie went on to garner critical acclaim in her first film role post-Dawson's Pieces Of April. However, the star made a misstep after she was praised for her performance as Bruce Wayne's love interest in Batman Begins. She chose not to reprise her role for The Dark Knight, picking the movie Mad Money instead. Mad Money flopped, while The Dark Knight quickly became known as the best film in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. Career lows aside, The Kennedys star's love life heated up when Top Gun star Tom Cruise publicly declared his love for her during a viral Oprah interview. The pair tied the knot in 2006 in Italy, after Katie gave birth to their only daughter, Suri. The Alone Together director filed from divorce from the Mission Impossible star in 2012. After she moved on with Jamie Foxx (and ultimately broke things off with the Ray star), the Hollywood A-list actress dated Bobby Wooten III. Girl on the go: The Mad Money star strode purposefully towards an unknown destination during her afternoon walk A for effort: The Logan Lucky star is known for her straightforward, easygoing fashion sense Girl next door: The brunette beauty flaunted her radiant, make-up free complexion Back in the day: The Jack Reacher's star's very public declarations of love for Katie garnered widespread media attention during the couple's relationship The couple split in 2022. The Wanderers star hasn't been linked to anyone romantically since, keeping herself busy with tackling new projects. Her last film, Rare Objects, which Katie co-wrote, co-produced, directed and starred in had a sweet dedication to her daughter at the film's end. 'For Suri,' she wrote, in honor of her 17-year-old mini-me daughter. Jamie Lee Curtis was on clean-up duty Saturday after some of her comments regarding the current SAG-AFTRA strike were construed as being 'neutral.' The actress, 64, was at a Project Angel Food event when she was asked about current negotiations in the stand off between the actors union and Hollywood producers. She told Reuters, 'I hope that I can be Switzerland in all this and say that I hope that both sides see the value of continuing conversation.' 'The issues are real,' the Halloween star said, 'and my hope is that no one will be happy with a settlement, but we will get back to work. The Oscar winner explained what she meant by that contending, 'And that's just the nature of a settlement, is both sides aren't happy.' Clean up: Jamie Lee Curtis was on clean-up duty Saturday after some of her comments regarding the current SAG-AFTRA strike were perceived as being 'neutral' WATCH: Jamie Lee Curtis said she is hopeful that both studios and striking Hollywood actors see the value of continuing conversation to resolve their issues pic.twitter.com/OuFrzVyPTA Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) August 5, 2023 'So, we're all going to have to give up something to get something,' she continued, 'and I hope that what we get to do, ultimately, is to continue our work.' When Reuters shared the interview on Twitter they labeled the video as 'Jamie Lee Curtis says she is neutral on the strike, but hopeful.' After several news outlets picked up on the neutral label, Jamie Lee felt the need to clarify. She took to social media Saturday to make her position clear. 'TO CLEAR UP ANY CONFUSION!' she began on Twitter with a photo of herself and Melanie Griffith on the picket line, 'I attended @projectangelfood event & was asked about the strike & I made a comment about wanting to be like Switzerland.' 'TBC I FULLY SUPPORT @sagaftra strike, made signs & donated to the relief fund. I SUPPORT the leadership and SUPPORT our demands.' On Instagram, the Haunted Mansion actress was just as adamant, writing, 'WHAT DO WE WANT? A FAIR CONTRACT! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? NOW!' next to a strike sign with a photo of the late Paul Reubens dressed as his beloved character Pee Wee Herman. Some 160,000 actors walked off the job when contract negotiations fell apart July 12. They joined some 11,000 writers who have been on strike since the beginning of May. The writers' representatives resumed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) Friday, but with no new agreement. Switzerland: When asked about the current actors strike, the Oscar winner said 'I hope that I can be Switzerland in all this and say that I hope that both sides see the value of continuing conversation.' Reuters labeled her comment as being 'neutral on the strike, but hopeful' Confusion: Jamie Lee quickly took to social media to clear up any confusion about her position, posting a photo of herself and Melanie Griffith from the picket line and reiterating her support for the strike Contract: On Instagram, the Haunted Mansion actress was just as adamant, writing, 'WHAT DO WE WANT? A FAIR CONTRACT! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? NOW!' next to a strike sign with a photo of the late Paul Reubens dressed as his beloved character Pee Wee Herman Profile pic: Jamie Lee changed her profile picture on Instagram to one reflecting her support for the actor's strike at the beginning of the walkout 'As of now, there is no agreement on these items, because the AMPTP said they needed to consult with their member studios before moving forward, the union said in a statement late Friday.' This is the first time both writers and actors have been on strike at the same time since 1960, when former President Ronald Reagan was the president of the actors union. Better pay and increased residual fees on streaming platforms are at the heart of talks with both unions. They are also seeking protections from artificial intelligence, which could be used to write scripts or digitally alter performances or images. The economic impact of the dual strikes could reach at least $4 Billion globally, according to the Milliken Institute. Warner Bros studio has said the walkout has saved it some $100 million over the last financial quarter, according to Variety. Danniella Westbrook is selling her breast implants on OnlyFans for 40,000, MailOnline can exclusively reveal. The former EastEnders actress, 49, has returned to Turkey for her eighth boob job, just weeks after her surgery 'nightmare'. Danniella told MailOnline: 'I'm here in Turkey which is my comfort zone. They have reinstalled my faith in having surgery done in Turkey thank goodness after last time I was here. 'I've had my implants taken out and I'm selling them on OnlyFans and looking for around 40k, how exciting!' Danniella is currently recovering after undergoing breast enlargement surgery at Comfort Zone Surgery in Istanbul. EXCLUSIVE: Danniella Westbrook is selling her breast implants on OnlyFans for 40,000, MailOnline can exclusively reveal Surgery: The former EastEnders actress, 49, has returned to Turkey for her eighth boob job, just weeks after her surgery 'nightmare' Appearing on Channel 5's Celebrity Botched Up Bodies, she told how she went from a 34B to a 34D, and up again to a 34DD. Danniella recently spoke about her nightmare surgery at a different clinic in Turkey which she had in a desperate bid to save her collapsing face. The actress- whose wounds have been stitched up with non-dissolvable fishing wire - previously detailed the horrifying procedure as she revealed she will 'go back' to her original doctor in the UK to have corrective surgery. She claimed the painful operation she has waited years for was performed without anaesthesia. Danniella alleged the surgeon even slapped her during the op, and her phone was confiscated by an assistant as she begged for him to stop. She said: 'He was going to me, 'Stop crying, stop crying.' I said, 'I'm in a lot of pain. Please, please. I'm frightened. I'm in a lot of pain. I didn't know this was going to happen.' It was really frightening'. She then began to panic, and continued to tell the rogue doctor she was in serious pain, but she said he told her to 'Stop f*****g moving, I tell you, stop moving.' Despite undergoing another procedure in Turkey in a bid to save her collapsing face, Danniella has since admitted she hates her new look. Painful: Danniella recently spoke about her nightmare surgery at a different clinic in Turkey which she had in a desperate bid to save her collapsing face Scary: Danniella explained the surgeon even slapped her during the op, and her phone was confiscated by an assistant as she begged for him to stop Danniella had a thread lift, liposuction in her cheeks and lips, fat grafting on her chin and her jawline etched after her septum collapsed from excessive drug use in 2002. Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a photo of herself taken before the surgery and said she couldn't believe what had been done to her. She wrote: 'Three months ago I looked like this and thought I looked awful. I'd give my world to look like this again... 'I can't believe what's been done to me with this surgery.' When Danniella first woke up after the lengthy procedure, she said she looked 'like she had done 10 rounds with Tyson Fury'. She wanted the reconstruction for the past seven years, but was unable to find a surgeon who would operate because her septum had completely collapsed. The actress' battle with drugs has been well-publicised, and she famously had her nose reconstructed after her septum collapsed from excessive cocaine use in 2002. At the height of her use it was reported she would take up to five grams of cocaine a day, blowing close to 250,000 on the drug. Danniella will no doubt be enjoying a change of scenery on her Turkish getaway after splitting from her jailbird fiance . The former soap star announced last year that she was waiting on David to be released from prison so that he could propose in style. And earlier this week she was pictured trying on wedding dresses ahead of what was going to be her big day. But now it has been reported that the couple have called it quits after a seven-year on-off relationship. Former self: At the height of her use it was reported she would take up to five grams of cocaine a day, blowing close to 250,000 on the drug (pictured in 1996) It has been reported that David is serving time in prison for counterfeit goods and engaging in various physical altercations but will be released in September, just before her 50th birthday. A friend of the star reportedly told The Sun of their 'split' which happened on Tuesday: 'Danniella was heartbroken last night. 'Both Danniella and David have decided to cancel their wedding plans and, it seems, their whole relationship. 'She has spent nearly seven years travelling all over the country to visit him but it seems the closer he is to coming home, the more the cracks are showing. 'They have both just changed so much since they first got together.' Ferne McCann enjoyed a boozy night out at swanky private members club Twenty Two in Mayfair, London on Friday. The First Time Mum star, 32, who welcomed a baby girl with her businessman fiance Lorri Haines last month, opted for an ultra chic look in a beige blazer and a black jumpsuit. She carried a matching handbag while accessorising with glasses and a silver necklace. Ferne was all smiles during the night out as she drank wine with her friends before heading home. It comes after Ferne was praised by fans for sharing a candid snap of her body, four weeks after giving birth to her baby daughter Finty. Night out: Ferne McCann enjoyed a boozy night out at swanky private members club Twenty Two in Mayfair, London on Friday Fun: Ferne was all smiles during the night out as she drank wine with her friends before heading home She shared a lengthy Instagram post detailing how she's 'in awe' of her body after welcoming her second child, and she's 'ready to feel confident in her own skin.' Ferne shared a snap of her post-baby figure in a black bikini to launch her new nutrition plan, noting she wouldn't begin exercising until she was cleared to do so by her doctor. Her post was soon flooded with comments from fans praising her honesty about her body, despite Ferne's admittance she was 'unsure' whether to post the snap. The former TOWIE star welcomed a baby girl with her businessman fiance Lorri Haines, 31, on July 6. Ferne wrote: 'Finty's arrival has left me in awe of my body all over again. I carried the flame and birthed the fire. 'I really wasn't sure whether to share this picture because it's a funny thing isn't it? People have so much to say about other people's choices with THEIR bodies. 'This is what MY BODY looks like post birth. I know some people will likely say I look great or I don't need to put pressure on myself. 'Let me clear - I'm not. However I'm ready to feel more confident and comfortable in MY own skin & I want to inspire other women to feel the same. 'I won't be exercising until I've been given the all clear after my 6 week check but I can still lose weight and have energy and prioritise my well being. 'Our Healthy Body Healthy Mind Focus starts on Monday 7th August and it's the perfect combination of mind and body. 'I feel so ready to nourish my body, to be fuelled so that I can be the best for my two girls, to work on my mindset, to be kind to myself. 'Who's with me? No pressure, no crazy restriction just great low calorie nutrition to supplement a healthy day.' Stylish: The First Time Mum star, 32, who welcomed a baby girl with her businessman fiance Lorri Haines last month, opted for an ultra chic look in a beige blazer and a black jumpsuit Looking good: She carried a matching handbag while accessorising with glasses and a silver necklace Ferne's post was soon flooded with praise from her followers, including her pal Danielle Armstrong, who welcomed her second daughter with husband Tommy Edney in June. Danielle wrote: 'Looking beautiful my darling, the female body is powerful. I'm sure this post will defo inspired many women to join you on your journey.' Vicky Pattison added: 'Still stunning mate.' One fan commented: 'Most beautiful picture ever. The woman's body is an unbelievable thing. You showing and letting everyone see how you are as a person and spreading the love for ourselves with everything you do in ur life is unbelievable. 'You are an Angel. Beautoful inside and out I see that.' 'More of this is needed! There's so much pressure but I've noticed us women are taking power back to say you know what - we're women our body does wonders we're human and balls to anyone that doesn't like the 'realness' of it. Massive respect for this,' a second added. In an interview with OK! magazine, Ferne shared that the couple have opted to name their little one Finty Francis Haines-McCann. Ferne said she chose Francis for her daughter's middle name , using the traditional male spelling, to honour a very special family member. Explaining the sweet reason for her middle name, Ferne said: 'Francis is my grandad's name it's a nod to Grandad Frank.' The traditional name is of Latin origin, meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free man'. Going on to reveal the inspiration behind Finty's unqiue name, she said: 'I dont know where I got it from, but when I typed it in [on Google ] I saw Judi Dench s daughters nickname is Finty. 'I want to inspire others': Ferne has been praised by fans for sharing a candid snap of her body, four weeks after giving birth to her baby daughter Finty Insight: The First Time Mum star shared a lengthy Instagram post detailing how she's 'in awe' of her body after welcoming her second child 'I've always loved it and never heard it anywhere else before. I just feel so connected to the name she came out and she was just Finty. I think she sounds like a character out of Bridgerton.' The reality star then went on to explain the meaning behind Finty's middle name, noting that there was a special family connection. She said: 'Francis is my grandads name its a nod to Grandad Frank.' And Ferne confessed that she loved the names so much that she was really hoping to give birth to another girl, joking that she sees herself as the 'the Essex Kris Jenner' with an 'army of girls'. She added that she sees herself having 'two more' children, quipping that she'd 'have another one tomorrow' if she could, though she 'couldnt see myself' with a baby boy. Kylie Jenner dropped a series of sexy images to Instagram on Friday. The Reality Star and Founder of Kylie Cosmetics, who turns 26-years-old on August 10th, promoted her brand's new offerings on the Kylie Cosmetics Instagram account. The lipkit mogul showed off her incredible figure in a nude colored figure-baring outfit comprised of a beige sequined crop top and a pair of nude high-waisted underwear. 'forever a gloss drip girl . kylie wearing shade sweet like hunny launching august 8 #glossdrips.' Kylie Cosmetics wrote in the caption. She wore her dark long hair down and had her skin oiled up. The star had a fresh manicure done as well, with her finger nails painted with nude-colored nail polish. Sultry snaps: Kylie Jenner, 25, showed off her incredible figure in a nude colored figure-baring outfit to promote her brand Kylie Cosmetics on Friday The first photo she had her head back slightly as some of her hair partially covered her face. Meanwhile, the second photo showed Jenner having some of her hair covering her face still, this time however with her looking straight into the camera. Both images were used to promote the beauty company's new lip gloss line as she held the product in her hand. Three new shades of Kylie Cosmetics's award-wining Gloss Drip will be released on August 8. It will be available for purchase only on KylieCosmetics.com. The three new shades of Gloss drip will come in the following options: Playfully Pink, Fall in Love, and Sweet Like Hunny. In both of the pictures in Kylie Cosmetics's Instagram post, Jenner is seen wearing the Sweet Like Hunny shade of Gloss Drip. Jenner included the second photo from Kylie Cosmetics's August 4 Instagram post when she announced the release of the new shades of Gloss Drip in a post that she shared on her personal Instagram account on Monday. 'Ask and you shall receive 3 yummy new award winning GLOSS DRIP shades dropping August 8th. KylieCosmetics.com,' Jenner wrote in the caption of her July 31st Instagram post. Gloss Drip: Kylie thrilled in a beige sequined crop top and a pair of nude high-waisted underwear New: Both images were used to promote the beauty company's new lip gloss line, set to be released on August 8 Provocative: The star has shared a number of sexy snaps promoting the new line over the past week Kylie Cosmetics: Jenner founded her cosmetics company in 2014 and stated in a 2018 interview with Teen Vogue that she used her former insecurity regarding her lip size as the inspiration for the brand Also included in Jenner's post on her personal Instagram account were photos of models wearing the three new shades of Gloss Drip, a closeup of all three shades in its tubes, and two images featuring reviews of the products. Jenner founded her cosmetics company in 2014, with its original name being KYLIE Lip Kits, as the brand initially sold a liquid lipstick and lip liner set. In February 2016, KYLIE Lip Kits was renamed to its current name Kylie Cosmetics. Jenner serves as the chairperson of Kylie Cosmetics while Anna von Bayern serves as the CEO. During a May 2018 interview with Teen Vogue, Jenner revealed that she used her former insecurity regarding her lip size as the inspiration for Kylie Cosmetics. 'Its the most authentic thing Ive done in my career... I was insecure about my lips, and lipstick is what helped me feel confident. And I feel like people could see that its authentic to me, and it was organic, and it just worked!' Jenner stated. The snaps come following conflicting news regarding her and rumored boyfriend Timothee Chalamet, 27. Despite reports that they had split, sources told TMZ earlier this week that the pair were still an item and 'any reports that say otherwise are false.' The Lady Bird's star's 'personable' nature is reportedly what drew in Kylie as the DailyMail reported previously, the American-French actor has been 'quietly' dating the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star since April. Still an item: Despite reports that she and rumored beau Timothee Chalamet, 27, had split, sources told TMZ earlier this week that the pair were still an item; He is seen in April The ex: Kylie shares two kids with ex-boyfriend Travis Scott, 32. The pair split earlier this year; the two seen in 2019 An anonymous source tipped off DeuxMoi, a celebrity gossip Instagram account, that the A-list pair had been dating on the down low for months. Page Six even caught the pair wining and dining with Kendall Jenner and her Puerto-Rican rapper boyfriend Bad Bunny back in March of this year. The Call Me By Your Name star had been previously romantically linked to beauties like Madonna's daughter Lourdes, Lily-Rose Depp, and Eiza Gonzalez. His reported new beau also has a long laundry list of famous exes, including Tyga, Cody Simpson, and the father of her two children, Travis Scott. Timothee and Kylie have yet to publicly comment on their reported relationship status. Krishnan Guru-Murphy has been confirmed as the fourth star appearing in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. The news was announced during Strictly host Claudia Winkelman's BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday morning. Confirming he has signed up for the BBC One dance programme, the journalist, 53, said: 'It's me Krishnan!' When Claudia asked why he's signed up for the show, he said: 'You only live once. I'm here for the joy for the fun. I love my job, I speak to amazing people and go to incredible places. But this was just irresistible. 'I told my wife first and she said definitely do it. I have an 18-year-old daughter who said it is a great idea but my 16-year-old son is applauded. Signed up! Krishnan Guru-Murphy has been confirmed as the fourth star for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing Exciting: The news was announced during Strictly host Claudia Winkelman's BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday morning 'I haven't been an avid viewer because I'm either working or on the way home but when Bill Bailey did it I thought he was amazing!' Speaking about his concerns, he added: 'I'm slightly worried about my health, I'm not that fit I'm slightly overweight and I have a heart condition. Krishnan is best known as the main anchor of Channel 4 News, as well as reporting for the foreign affairs series Unreported World and hosting live debates for Channel 4 during elections, referendums and major crises. He also won the Royal Television Society Journalism Award for best Network Presenter in 2022. After the announcement, Krishnan said: 'I'm surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of 'you only live once!' and I can't wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude. 'I know I'm going to love it and have a brilliant time and just hope I'm not the only one enjoying my participation.' It comes after Angela Rippon, Amanda Abbington and Layton Williams were confirmed as the first three stars for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. The news was announced during the BBC's The One Show on Friday, with all three stars making an appearance. Career: Krishnan is best known as the main anchor of Channel 4 News, as well as reporting for the foreign affairs series Unreported World and hosting live debates for Channel 4 during elections, referendums and major crises Arrival: He arrived in a green cape to hide his identity before the announcement Speaking about his concerns, he added: 'I'm slightly worried about my health, I'm not that fit I'm slightly overweight and I have a hear condition.' As the host of Come Dancing, Angela Rippon knows a thing or two about ballroom. But she has revealed that her decision to take part in Strictly as she approaches the age of 79 was a 'scary one' as she prepares to perform the Argentine Tango as the shows oldest ever contestant. Confirming she has signed up for the BBC One dance programme, she said: 'Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. 'A scary one, considering Im about to be 79. But Im looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.' Appearing on The One Show on Friday, Angela revealed the first thing she asked the BBC show when they approached her was 'why didn't they ask me 10 years ago'. She added: 'The serious reason behind doing it is because I've been advocating ever since I did a series called How To Stay Young with Chris van Tulleken where we demonstrated as part of the programme that dance is the complete full mind and body exercise for everybody, regardless of your age, but particularly for people as they get older.' Her appearance on the show comes 47 years after high-kicking dance routine she performed during Morecambe and Wises 1976 Christmas special which was watched by 27 million viewers. While she admits she is only able to kick her leg up to waist height, Angela still takes regular ballet classes in an effort to stay fit and healthy. She told recently the Sunday Mirror : 'I still do a ballet class as often as I can. I worked on a documentary which found that dance is the best way of staying fit, supple and strong. Signed up! Angela Rippon has been confirmed as taking part on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing Well practiced: The former newsreader hosted Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991, before returning in 1998 when the show ended for good 'I studied classical ballet until I was 17 and you never forget the basics. Can I still hold the positions? Well, yes. 'Put it this way the mind is willing, the body sometimes says, "What the hell do you think youre doing?" I used to be able to do 10-to-six high-kicks but I can probably do to about [waist height] now.' The BBC also announced on Friday that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington will also be joining the line up, as well as theatre star Layton Williams - who is likely to prompt controversy as he is a fully trained dancer and has been performing on stage since he was just six-years-old. Amanda, 49, who starred as Mary Watson alongside her former partner Martin Freeman in the drama series said: 'Im thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. Im actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things. 'I get to learn to dance which I am incredibly excited about and Im really looking forward to the training too, Im quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you.' Angela hosted Come Dancing - described as the 'original Strictly' between the years of 1988 and 1991. Last year she appeared on the dance show as part of the BBCs 100th birthday celebrations where she took part in a skit where she introduced Kym Marsh and her dance partner Graziano Di Primas routine. Twinkle-toed: The BBC also announced during The One Show on Friday that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington will also be joining the line up Overcoming fears: Amanda said: 'Im thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. Im really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things' BBC bosses are said to be 'thrilled' that she has signed up, with some expecting her to decline the offer due to her age. Until now the oldest ever competitor was comedian Johnny Ball who took part in 2012 at the age of 74. A source close to the show told the Mail on Sunday last month: 'Its such a coup to get Angela. She was Mrs Come Dancing so what a wonderful thing that she is going to be on Strictly all these years later.' Amandas appearance on the show comes after she revealed earlier this year she contemplated suicide after her devastating split from Martin in 2016 left her hating herself. The pair never married but were together for 16 years and share two children; Joe, 17, and Grace, 16. Meanwhile, Layton, who is known best for performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyones Talking About Jamie, is an early favourite to win the competition. Speaking taking part on the show, the 28-year-old said: Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! Its time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins ALL the sequins! He added that he would like to be paired with a male professional dancer so he can be lifted up during the performances. Born to perform: Layton Williams, who is known best for performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyones Talking About Jamie, is an early favourite to win the competition Performer: Layton is likely to prompt controversy as he is a fully trained dancer and has been performing on stage since he was just six-years-old He has also appeared as Stephen Carmichael in the Bad Education movie and the television series that followed, as well as Beautiful People, Benidorm, The Cleaner, and I Hate Suzie. Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed former Family Fortunes host Les Dennis, 69, is set to slip on his dancing shoes for this years competition. They will join BBC presenter Angela Scanlon, actor Nigel Harman and former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott. Also tipped to appear are Bobby Brazier, son of the late Big Brother star Jade Goody, and actor Adam Thomas, who stars in BBC One drama Waterloo Road. Tori Spelling's mom has maintained a stony silence when she was asked why she isn't helping her daughter who is now living in an RV with her five grandchildren. Candy Spelling, the multimillionaire philanthropist and widow of Hollywood producer Aaron Spelling was filmed as she exited a restaurant in Los Angeles. When asked why she wasn't helping her daughter Tori, who recently split with her long-term husband Dean McDermott, she remained icy and silent. It comes after her daughter was pictured staying at a seedy $100-a-night motel in Los Angeles with her five kids earlier this month. She has since moved to a campground in Ventura County, where they all appear to be spending time in a Sunseeker E450 RV. Spelling was spotted leaving Yu/Mi Sushi in Beverly Hills on Friday afternoon after enjoying lunch with friends Her daughter and grandchildren are currently residing on a campground in Ventura County after she split with her husband It's a stark contrast from the 56,500-square-foot mansion she grew up in with her TV mogul father Aaron Spelling and her mother Candy. In images obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, Spelling and her young family are seen unloading several items from the RV, including camping chairs, a cooler, a stove, a pop-up table - and even a large rug to cover the dusty ground. 'I'm happy to report that my roses are blooming,' Candy captioned a clip that showed the flowers perched on the porch of her glamorous abode Candy, on the other hand, currently resides in a $47 million penthouse apartment in Century City, California, while she waits for her new home in a nearby development to finish construction. She was slammed earlier this month after posting about her roses being in bloom, while her kids and grandkids live in a RV. Tori appeared perfectly at ease with her new surroundings - at one point kicking back to relax in one of the camping chairs, while attempting to maintain a touch of Hollywood glamour by sporting a pair of large white sunglasses as she scrolled on her phone. Indeed, despite her rather cramped quarters, Tori went through several different outfits in a matter of days - kicking off her stay in a baggy brown T-shirt and cut-off denim shorts, before later adding her sweater and then a pair of matching green sweatpants. But any attempt she made to turn her camping trip into a 'glamping' trip was quickly undone when the former on-screen star had to do some chores - drying out some clothing outside the RV before preparing to cook dinner. She also had to venture out to stock up on supplies for the family's stay, hopping back behind the wheel of the RV in order to head to a local Walmart, where she and her daughter Stella were seen wheeling a grocery cart filled with plastic shopping bags. Candy was walking to her chauffeur driven Mercedes Limo, while dodging questions about her daughter Tori She was whisked away in the black Mercedes earlier today On June 16, Tori's estranged husband Dean revealed in a since deleted Instagram post that he was parting ways with Tori after 18 years. The post read: 'Its with great sadness and a very very heavy heart that after 18 years together and 5 amazing children, that @torispelling and I have decided to go our separate ways, and start a new journey of our own. 'We will continue to work together as loving parents and guide and love our children through this difficult time. We ask that you all respect our privacy as we take this time to surround our family with love and work our way through this. 'Thank you all for your support and kindness.' Several days later, the troubled noTORIous star was photographed unloading suitcases and other belongings at a friend's house. In the photos, she clearly looked distressed with all five kids in tow. Dean was then seen moving his belongings into storage, while Tori was photographed wearing a 'Boys Lie' T-shirt. Tori Spelling and Candy Spelling attend LA's Best annual family dinner 2015 L-R, Stella Spelling, Tori Spelling, Beau Spelling, Dean McDermott, Finn Spelling, and Hattie Spelling attend the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children, Kids Gala at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 10, 2023 Tori Spelling, Aaron Spelling & Candy Spelling during The 15th Carousel Of Hope Ball, Aaron died in 2006 According to a close mutual friend of the couple, Dean, 56, feels as though he has done everything in his power to make his wife happy, but believes that his efforts have not been reciprocated in any way. 'Dean has changed and worked very hard to be the husband she needed him to be but she is still demanding and entitled. Nothing he does or has done will ever be good enough for her,' the insider told DailyMail.com at the time. Tori and Dean, who tied the knot in 2006, have never had the easiest marriage, with every aspect of the roller coaster romance played out in a very bitter and public way, something that the source says has taken a serious 'toll' on the actor. Dean has not been seen publicly since he packed his belongings after their split. Meanwhile, Tori's close friends are said to be 'worried sick' about the actress who has gone 'AWOL' amid her split from Dean. The insiders told DailyMail.com just two weeks ago that she has been ignoring calls and texts from her pals, and even missing out on events to promote her new home decor line. Pictured Tori Spelling, Josh Flagg, Andrew Beyer and Candy Spelling dining in Paris in July 2022 Candy Spelling was spotted leaving Yu/Mi Sushi in Beverly Hills 'Tori has not been returning calls and has kind of gone AWOL, which has her close friends worried sick,' the friend said. The source further revealed that Tori's estranged husband Dean has serious concerns about his wife staying in a motel with their children - although it remains to be seen how he will feel about the RV set-up. 'Dean is also taking up some issue with the kids being with Tori at these motels,' the source said. 'He thinks that the kids should be at home and not motel hopping with Tori. he just believes that this is not what is best for them at this time.' Tori grew up in a life of luxury, with her TV mogul father Aaron Spelling constructing a sprawling mansion in 1988. Her stunning childhood home had 123 rooms including 27 bathrooms and 14 bedrooms on five acres of land and was listed for sale in February 2022 for $165million. However the list price has been dropped down in recent months to $155 million. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Argo Group International (NYSE:ARGO Free Report) in a research report report published on Tuesday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock. Separately, TheStreet raised shares of Argo Group International from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Get Argo Group International alerts: Argo Group International Price Performance Shares of ARGO opened at $29.73 on Tuesday. Argo Group International has a fifty-two week low of $19.00 and a fifty-two week high of $32.29. The firms 50 day moving average price is $29.69 and its 200 day moving average price is $29.50. The company has a market cap of $1.05 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.76 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Argo Group International Argo Group International ( NYSE:ARGO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The company reported ($0.31) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.80 by ($1.11). Argo Group International had a negative return on equity of 4.57% and a negative net margin of 12.43%. The business had revenue of $419.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $461.90 million. On average, research analysts forecast that Argo Group International will post 1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its position in shares of Argo Group International by 334.7% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 926 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 713 shares during the last quarter. Spire Wealth Management grew its position in shares of Argo Group International by 50.0% in the 1st quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 1,680 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,000 after buying an additional 560 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Argo Group International by 148.0% in the 1st quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,793 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 1,070 shares during the last quarter. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc purchased a new position in shares of Argo Group International in the 3rd quarter valued at $59,000. Finally, Citigroup Inc. grew its position in shares of Argo Group International by 34.5% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 3,976 shares of the companys stock valued at $116,000 after buying an additional 1,019 shares during the last quarter. Argo Group International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. underwrites specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty markets. The company operates in two segments, U.S. Operations and International Operations. It offers primary and excess specialty casualty, general liability, commercial multi-peril, and workers compensation, as well as product, environmental, and auto liability insurance products; management liability, transaction liability, and errors and omissions liability insurance; primary and excess property, inland marine, and auto physical damage insurance; and surety, animal mortality, and ocean marine insurance products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Argo Group International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Argo Group International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Brunswick (NYSE:BC Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Tuesday. A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on BC. B. Riley reduced their price objective on Brunswick from $108.00 to $106.00 in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Brunswick from $106.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Brunswick from $105.00 to $100.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on Brunswick from $106.00 to $102.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on Brunswick from $122.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $99.92. Get Brunswick alerts: Brunswick Stock Performance NYSE BC opened at $84.57 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $5.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.11 and a beta of 1.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 1.92 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $84.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $83.15. Brunswick has a 1-year low of $64.55 and a 1-year high of $93.15. Brunswick Announces Dividend Brunswick ( NYSE:BC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The company reported $2.35 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.32 by $0.03. Brunswick had a return on equity of 33.86% and a net margin of 8.21%. The business had revenue of $1.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.75 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.82 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Brunswick will post 9.5 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 22nd. Brunswicks dividend payout ratio is presently 21.02%. Insider Buying and Selling at Brunswick In other Brunswick news, VP Brenna Preisser sold 1,309 shares of Brunswick stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.21, for a total value of $99,758.89. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 52,174 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,976,180.54. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.58% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brunswick Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BC. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Brunswick in the 1st quarter valued at about $52,000. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in Brunswick by 140.4% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 41,387 shares of the companys stock worth $3,496,000 after acquiring an additional 24,171 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its position in Brunswick by 10.5% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 28,255 shares of the companys stock worth $2,286,000 after acquiring an additional 2,694 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in Brunswick by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 6,426,552 shares of the companys stock worth $519,843,000 after acquiring an additional 46,519 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its position in Brunswick by 9.7% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 45,006 shares of the companys stock worth $3,746,000 after acquiring an additional 3,992 shares in the last quarter. 93.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Brunswick (Get Free Report) Brunswick Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets recreation products worldwide. It operates through three segments: Propulsion, Parts & Accessories, and Boat. The Propulsion segment provides outboard, sterndrive, and inboard engines for independent boat builders and governments through marine dealers and distributors, specialty marine retailers, and marine service centers; and propulsion-related controls, rigging, and propellers to original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket retailers, distributors, and distribution businesses. 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. Shares of Canadian Life Companies Split Corp. (TSE:LFE Get Free Report) were down 3.2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as C$3.58 and last traded at C$3.58. Approximately 3,750 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 82% from the average daily volume of 20,742 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$3.70. Canadian Life Companies Split Stock Performance The companys fifty day moving average price is C$3.41 and its 200 day moving average price is C$3.35. The company has a market cap of C$41.51 million, a PE ratio of -8.26 and a beta of 2.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 296.48, a current ratio of 1.33 and a quick ratio of 1.33. Canadian Life Companies Split Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Life Companies Split Corp. is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Quadravest Capital Management Inc It invests in the public equity markets of Canada. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating in the life insurance sector. It primarily invests in stocks of four publicly traded life insurance companies namely Great-West Lifeco Inc, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc, Manulife Financial Corporation, and Sun Life Financial Inc The fund employs fundamental analysis with a focus on such factors as a firm's earning history, relative price-earnings multiple, cash flow, dividend yield, market position, and growth prospects to create its portfolio. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Life Companies Split Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Life Companies Split and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital Power (OTCMKTS:CPXWF Free Report) had its target price trimmed by TD Securities from C$52.00 to C$51.00 in a research report released on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Credit Suisse Group raised their price objective on Capital Power from C$54.00 to C$56.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. National Bank Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Capital Power from C$53.00 to C$52.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Scotiabank upped their price objective on shares of Capital Power from C$51.00 to C$52.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 17th. CIBC cut their target price on shares of Capital Power from C$50.00 to C$49.00 in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Finally, Desjardins lowered their price target on Capital Power from C$58.00 to C$57.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Get Capital Power alerts: Capital Power Price Performance OTCMKTS CPXWF traded up $0.57 during trading on Thursday, hitting $30.66. 1,200 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,919. Capital Power has a 12 month low of $29.39 and a 12 month high of $39.87. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $32.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $32.32. Capital Power Company Profile Capital Power Corporation develops, acquires, owns, and operates renewable and thermal power generation facilities in Canada and the United States. It generates electricity from various energy sources, including wind, solar, waste heat, natural gas, and coal. The company owns an approximately 7,500 megawatts of power generation capacity at 29 facilities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Capital Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capital Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $1.81-$1.85 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.87. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Douglas Emmett also updated its FY23 guidance to $1.81-1.85 EPS. Douglas Emmett Stock Performance NYSE:DEI remained flat at $14.23 during trading hours on Friday. 2,743,786 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,053,667. The stock has a market cap of $2.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.12 and a beta of 0.99. Douglas Emmett has a 52 week low of $10.09 and a 52 week high of $22.98. The company has a quick ratio of 2.54, a current ratio of 2.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $12.97 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.26. Get Douglas Emmett alerts: Douglas Emmett Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 18th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.34%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. Douglas Emmetts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 230.31%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Insider Activity at Douglas Emmett DEI has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. TheStreet downgraded shares of Douglas Emmett from a c rating to a d+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Douglas Emmett from $20.00 to $15.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 10th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Douglas Emmett from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Raymond James dropped their price objective on shares of Douglas Emmett from $17.00 to $16.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $15.00. In other Douglas Emmett news, Director William E. Simon, Jr. bought 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 8th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $12.42 per share, for a total transaction of $124,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 91,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,130,220. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 14.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of DEI. Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new position in shares of Douglas Emmett in the first quarter worth about $40,000. Advisory Services Network LLC raised its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 94.7% during the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 3,695 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 1,797 shares during the last quarter. Aspire Private Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 300.5% during the 1st quarter. Aspire Private Capital LLC now owns 6,649 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 4,989 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 14.4% during the 1st quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 13,412 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $165,000 after purchasing an additional 1,693 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 9.1% during the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 13,533 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $167,000 after purchasing an additional 1,131 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.37% of the companys stock. Douglas Emmett Company Profile (Get Free Report) Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Douglas Emmett Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Douglas Emmett and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC Free Report) from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note released on Thursday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. BMO Capital Markets currently has $25.00 price objective on the stock, down from their prior price objective of $27.00. A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on DXC. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded DXC Technology from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $35.00 to $23.00 in a research note on Thursday. TheStreet downgraded DXC Technology from a b- rating to a c- rating in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on DXC Technology from $30.00 to $25.00 in a research note on Friday, May 19th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on DXC Technology from $27.00 to $25.00 in a research note on Friday, May 19th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada downgraded DXC Technology from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $34.00 to $29.00 in a research note on Thursday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $28.62. Get DXC Technology alerts: DXC Technology Stock Up 1.1 % DXC stock traded up $0.21 during trading on Thursday, reaching $19.32. The stock had a trading volume of 5,344,135 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,862,658. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $26.63 and a 200 day moving average price of $26.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The company has a market capitalization of $4.07 billion, a P/E ratio of -6.80, a PEG ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 1.94. DXC Technology has a 1-year low of $18.61 and a 1-year high of $30.27. Institutional Investors Weigh In On DXC Technology DXC Technology ( NYSE:DXC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.63 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.82 by ($0.19). The business had revenue of $3.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.56 billion. DXC Technology had a negative net margin of 4.47% and a positive return on equity of 16.70%. The firms revenue was down 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.75 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts anticipate that DXC Technology will post 3.83 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. North Star Investment Management Corp. raised its holdings in shares of DXC Technology by 3,054.8% during the first quarter. North Star Investment Management Corp. now owns 978 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 947 shares during the last quarter. Cornerstone Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of DXC Technology during the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Bartlett & Co. LLC acquired a new position in shares of DXC Technology during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of DXC Technology by 656.6% during the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,150 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 998 shares during the period. Finally, Lindbrook Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of DXC Technology by 186.4% during the first quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 1,283 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 835 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 91.42% of the companys stock. DXC Technology Company Profile (Get Free Report) DXC Technology Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides information technology services and solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Australia, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Infrastructure Services (GIS). Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for DXC Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DXC Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report published on Thursday. EMR has been the topic of several other reports. Wells Fargo & Company raised Emerson Electric from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the stock from $90.00 to $105.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Loop Capital decreased their price target on Emerson Electric from $115.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Emerson Electric from $107.00 to $116.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Wolfe Research upgraded Emerson Electric from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $103.00 price target for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Finally, HSBC upgraded Emerson Electric from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $79.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 14th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $101.41. Get Emerson Electric alerts: Emerson Electric Stock Down 0.4 % NYSE:EMR traded down $0.34 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $95.55. 3,481,449 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,317,456. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 1.19. Emerson Electric has a twelve month low of $72.40 and a twelve month high of $99.65. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $88.13 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $86.07. The firm has a market cap of $54.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.19, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 1.41. Emerson Electric Announces Dividend Emerson Electric ( NYSE:EMR Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The industrial products company reported $1.29 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.09 by $0.20. Emerson Electric had a return on equity of 16.31% and a net margin of 80.41%. The company had revenue of $3.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.89 billion. On average, research analysts expect that Emerson Electric will post 4.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 11th will be given a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.18%. Emerson Electrics dividend payout ratio is currently 9.09%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Emerson Electric news, VP Lisa Flavin sold 48,718 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.65, for a total value of $4,367,568.70. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 51,748 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,639,208.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Emerson Electric Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. MAI Capital Management raised its holdings in shares of Emerson Electric by 10.1% in the 4th quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 21,486 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,064,000 after buying an additional 1,972 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 88,517 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,713,000 after purchasing an additional 3,786 shares in the last quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 116.7% during the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC now owns 754 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $72,000 after purchasing an additional 406 shares in the last quarter. Equitable Trust Co. increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 4.5% during the 4th quarter. Equitable Trust Co. now owns 4,393 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $422,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 74.9% during the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 19,200 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,673,000 after purchasing an additional 8,225 shares in the last quarter. 75.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Emerson Electric (Get Free Report) Emerson Electric Co, a technology and engineering company, provides various solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The company operates through Automation Solutions, AspenTech, and Commercial & Residential Solutions segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Emerson Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Emerson Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Mexican Gold Corp (CVE:FMG Get Free Report) dropped 2.5% on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.39 and last traded at C$0.40. Approximately 58,211 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 55% from the average daily volume of 37,447 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.41. First Mexican Gold Trading Down 2.5 % The firm has a market capitalization of C$17.52 million and a PE ratio of -131.67. The company has a current ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.62. The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$0.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$0.40. About First Mexican Gold (Get Free Report) First Mexican Gold Corp. through its subsidiary, Cornelius exploration S. de R.L. de C.V., engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Mexico. It explores for gold and silver deposits. The company holds interests in the Hilda Properties comprising the Hilda 30 property; the Hilda 37/38 property with two mining exploration concessions; and the Hilda 31/32 property with three mining exploration concessions comprising a total area of 1,350 hectares in the Yecora District, State of Sonora, Mexico. See Also Receive News & Ratings for First Mexican Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Mexican Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gray Television (NYSE:GTN Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Friday. The company reported ($0.10) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.19) by $0.09, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $813.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $797.17 million. Gray Television had a return on equity of 18.22% and a net margin of 9.92%. The businesss revenue was down 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.91 earnings per share. Gray Television updated its Q3 2023 guidance to EPS. Gray Television Price Performance Shares of Gray Television stock traded up $1.78 during trading on Friday, reaching $10.51. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,053,676 shares, compared to its average volume of 986,027. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $8.18 and a 200-day moving average price of $9.17. Gray Television has a 12-month low of $6.50 and a 12-month high of $20.83. The company has a market capitalization of $1.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 1.61. The company has a quick ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98. Get Gray Television alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Gray Television A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of GTN. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Gray Television by 45.5% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 17,516 shares of the companys stock valued at $136,000 after purchasing an additional 5,475 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in Gray Television by 18.2% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,247,711 shares of the companys stock worth $10,881,000 after buying an additional 191,800 shares during the period. Susquehanna International Group LLP increased its holdings in Gray Television by 13.2% in the first quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 288,728 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,518,000 after buying an additional 33,648 shares in the last quarter. Penn Capital Management Company LLC lifted its position in shares of Gray Television by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. Penn Capital Management Company LLC now owns 1,098,930 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,630,000 after acquiring an additional 58,349 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Gray Television by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,857,103 shares of the companys stock worth $16,194,000 after acquiring an additional 25,589 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.58% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Gray Television Company Profile Several brokerages have weighed in on GTN. Barrington Research lowered their target price on Gray Television from $15.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Gray Television in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating on the stock. Finally, Guggenheim cut their price objective on shares of Gray Television from $16.00 to $15.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $13.00. (Get Free Report) Gray Television, Inc is a television broadcasting company, which engages in owning and operating television stations and digital assets in markets throughout the United States. It operates through the following segments: Broadcasting, and Production Companies. The Broadcasting segment operates television stations located across local markets in the United States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Gray Television Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gray Television and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GSK (LON:GSK Free Report) had its price objective lowered by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from GBX 1,400 ($17.97) to GBX 1,300 ($16.69) in a report published on Tuesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. A number of other research firms have also issued reports on GSK. Shore Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of GSK in a research report on Friday, June 16th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating and issued a GBX 1,700 ($21.83) price objective on shares of GSK in a report on Monday, June 26th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and issued a GBX 1,575 ($20.22) price objective on shares of GSK in a report on Monday, June 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,700 ($21.83) price objective on shares of GSK in a report on Thursday, June 8th. Finally, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,730 ($22.21) price objective on shares of GSK in a report on Friday, July 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 1,560 ($20.03). Get GSK alerts: GSK Price Performance LON GSK opened at GBX 1,347 ($17.29) on Tuesday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 1,368.30 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 1,419.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 184.80, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The firm has a market capitalization of 55.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,060.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.31. GSK has a 52-week low of GBX 1,280.92 ($16.45) and a 52-week high of GBX 1,669.80 ($21.44). GSK Dividend Announcement Insider Buying and Selling at GSK The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 12th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 17th will be issued a dividend of GBX 14 ($0.18) per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 17th. This represents a yield of 1.01%. GSKs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 4,409.45%. In related news, insider Jonathan Symonds acquired 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 23rd. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 1,440 ($18.49) per share, for a total transaction of 86,400 ($110,925.66). Insiders have purchased a total of 6,027 shares of company stock worth $8,677,269 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 1.74% of the companys stock. GSK Company Profile (Get Free Report) GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development and manufacture of vaccines and specialty medicines to prevent and treat disease in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. See Also 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. Horace Mann Educators (NYSE:HMN Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY23 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $1.20-1.45 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $1.37. Horace Mann Educators Stock Up 1.5 % Shares of HMN stock traded up $0.42 on Friday, hitting $28.87. The stock had a trading volume of 225,068 shares, compared to its average volume of 255,332. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -106.92 and a beta of 0.40. The stocks 50 day moving average is $29.81 and its 200-day moving average is $32.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 0.10 and a current ratio of 0.10. Horace Mann Educators has a 52-week low of $28.07 and a 52-week high of $40.13. Get Horace Mann Educators alerts: Horace Mann Educators (NYSE:HMN Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The insurance provider reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.21 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $353.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $367.60 million. Horace Mann Educators had a negative net margin of 0.77% and a positive return on equity of 3.24%. As a group, research analysts expect that Horace Mann Educators will post 1.3 earnings per share for the current year. Horace Mann Educators Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a $0.33 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.57%. Horace Mann Educatorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -488.87%. Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Horace Mann Educators in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Insider Activity at Horace Mann Educators In other Horace Mann Educators news, SVP Michael Weckenbrock sold 1,600 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.82, for a total transaction of $52,512.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 5,424 shares of the companys stock, valued at $178,015.68. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 3.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Horace Mann Educators Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Bank of America Corp DE increased its holdings in shares of Horace Mann Educators by 11.9% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,756,943 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $58,822,000 after acquiring an additional 186,368 shares during the period. Citadel Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Horace Mann Educators by 128.0% in the 3rd quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 219,829 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $7,758,000 after acquiring an additional 123,432 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Fund increased its holdings in shares of Horace Mann Educators by 13.3% in the 1st quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 769,260 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $25,755,000 after acquiring an additional 90,113 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in shares of Horace Mann Educators by 190.2% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 136,803 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $5,113,000 after acquiring an additional 89,661 shares during the period. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its holdings in shares of Horace Mann Educators by 194.1% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 134,400 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,500,000 after acquiring an additional 88,700 shares during the period. About Horace Mann Educators (Get Free Report) Horace Mann Educators Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an insurance holding company in the United States. The company operates through Property & Casualty, Life & Retirement, and Supplemental & Group Benefits segments. Its Property & Casualty segment offers insurance products, including private passenger auto insurance and residential home insurance; and provides auto coverages including liability and collision, and property coverage for homeowners and renters. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Horace Mann Educators Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Horace Mann Educators and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report) insider Alyssa R. Flynn sold 2,293 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $314.30, for a total value of $720,689.90. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 3,471 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,090,935.30. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Hubbell Stock Down 1.1 % NYSE HUBB traded down $3.33 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $303.25. 329,115 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 430,672. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.25 billion, a PE ratio of 25.29, a PEG ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a current ratio of 2.06, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Hubbell Incorporated has a 12 month low of $204.01 and a 12 month high of $340.06. The company has a 50 day moving average of $317.23 and a two-hundred day moving average of $271.10. Get Hubbell alerts: Hubbell (NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The industrial products company reported $4.07 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.63 by $0.44. The business had revenue of $1.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.37 billion. Hubbell had a net margin of 12.55% and a return on equity of 29.48%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.81 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Hubbell Incorporated will post 15.32 earnings per share for the current year. Hubbell Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be issued a $1.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. This represents a $4.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.48%. Hubbells dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.24%. A number of research firms have weighed in on HUBB. StockNews.com cut Hubbell from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Hubbell from $300.00 to $370.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Hubbell from $287.00 to $318.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $265.17. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hubbell Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Hubbell by 122.7% in the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 98 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC bought a new stake in Hubbell in the second quarter valued at $28,000. First Manhattan Co. acquired a new position in shares of Hubbell during the first quarter valued at $28,000. IFP Advisors Inc grew its position in shares of Hubbell by 120.6% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 289 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Johnson Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Hubbell in the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. 89.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Hubbell (Get Free Report) Hubbell Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells electrical and utility solutions in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Electrical Solutions and Utility Solutions. The Electrical Solution segment offers standard and special application wiring device products, rough-in electrical products, connector and grounding products, lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment for use in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities by electrical contractors, maintenance personnel, electricians, utilities, and telecommunications companies, as well as components and assemblies. Further Reading 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. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note published on Thursday morning. A number of other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Piper Sandler cut their price objective on Hudson Pacific Properties from $8.00 to $6.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on Hudson Pacific Properties from $8.00 to $7.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 10th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Hudson Pacific Properties presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $7.94. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: Hudson Pacific Properties Price Performance Shares of HPP traded up $0.13 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $6.03. The stock had a trading volume of 2,533,956 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,927,684. The companys 50-day moving average is $5.03 and its 200 day moving average is $6.68. Hudson Pacific Properties has a 12-month low of $4.05 and a 12-month high of $15.62. The company has a current ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37. The company has a market capitalization of $849.63 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.89 and a beta of 1.10. Hudson Pacific Properties Cuts Dividend Hudson Pacific Properties ( NYSE:HPP Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 8th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.14) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.42 by ($0.56). Hudson Pacific Properties had a negative return on equity of 2.39% and a negative net margin of 7.74%. The firm had revenue of $252.26 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $261.21 million. On average, equities analysts predict that Hudson Pacific Properties will post 1.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, June 20th were issued a $0.125 dividend. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.29%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 16th. Hudson Pacific Propertiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -81.97%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hudson Pacific Properties Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of HPP. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its position in Hudson Pacific Properties by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 18,542 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $514,000 after buying an additional 612 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp increased its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 76,876 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,133,000 after purchasing an additional 651 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 3.5% in the 4th quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 29,088 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $283,000 after purchasing an additional 994 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 10.9% in the 4th quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 12,625 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $123,000 after purchasing an additional 1,246 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 81,235 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,254,000 after purchasing an additional 1,611 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.55% of the companys stock. Hudson Pacific Properties Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) is a real estate investment trust serving dynamic tech and media tenants in global epicenters for these synergistic, converging and secular growth industries. Hudson Pacific's unique and high-barrier tech and media focus leverages a full-service, end-to-end value creation platform forged through deep strategic relationships and niche expertise across identifying, acquiring, transforming and developing properties into world-class amenitized, collaborative and sustainable office and studio space. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Free Report) from a hold rating to an underperform rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have $25.00 price target on the airlines stock. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on LUV. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered Southwest Airlines from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $52.00 to $38.00 in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Raymond James downgraded shares of Southwest Airlines from a strong-buy rating to an outperform rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $47.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded shares of Southwest Airlines from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $41.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Monday. TD Cowen cut their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $40.00 to $37.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Bank of America cut shares of Southwest Airlines from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the company from $45.00 to $35.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Southwest Airlines presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $38.81. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: Southwest Airlines Trading Up 1.5 % NYSE LUV traded up $0.47 on Thursday, reaching $32.73. The stock had a trading volume of 8,261,504 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,367,262. The firm has a market capitalization of $19.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.66, a P/E/G ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. Southwest Airlines has a 12-month low of $28.40 and a 12-month high of $40.39. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $34.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $33.15. Southwest Airlines Dividend Announcement Southwest Airlines ( NYSE:LUV Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The airline reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.08 by $0.01. Southwest Airlines had a return on equity of 5.81% and a net margin of 2.31%. The company had revenue of $7.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.30 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Southwest Airlines will post 2.34 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 6th will be given a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.20%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 5th. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 81.82%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. CoreCap Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Southwest Airlines during the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC raised its stake in shares of Southwest Airlines by 247.5% during the 1st quarter. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC now owns 702 shares of the airlines stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Pacific Center for Financial Services bought a new stake in shares of Southwest Airlines during the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Southwest Airlines by 279.2% during the 2nd quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 948 shares of the airlines stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 698 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines in the 4th quarter valued at $38,000. 75.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Southwest Airlines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co operates as a passenger airline company that provide scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2022, the company operated a total fleet of 770 Boeing 737 aircrafts; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Friday. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.30 by $0.14, RTT News reports. LyondellBasell Industries had a return on equity of 28.95% and a net margin of 6.40%. The company had revenue of $10.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.79 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $5.19 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 30.5% on a year-over-year basis. LyondellBasell Industries Trading Down 0.7 % Shares of NYSE:LYB traded down $0.72 on Friday, hitting $95.71. The company had a trading volume of 2,357,338 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,013,517. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.44, a P/E/G ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.22. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $91.27 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $92.52. LyondellBasell Industries has a 1 year low of $71.46 and a 1 year high of $101.30. Get LyondellBasell Industries alerts: LyondellBasell Industries Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 6th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 30th were issued a $1.25 dividend. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.22%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 26th. This is a positive change from LyondellBasell Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $1.19. LyondellBasell Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 54.11%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Hedge Funds Weigh In On LyondellBasell Industries Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. KeyCorp reduced their price objective on shares of LyondellBasell Industries from $81.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. 888 reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on LyondellBasell Industries from $109.00 to $100.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of LyondellBasell Industries from $100.00 to $110.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $97.06. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of LYB. Compass Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in LyondellBasell Industries in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries during the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Alpha Paradigm Partners LLC grew its position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 59.2% during the third quarter. Alpha Paradigm Partners LLC now owns 465 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares in the last quarter. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in LyondellBasell Industries in the 4th quarter worth approximately $44,000. Finally, Covestor Ltd raised its holdings in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 33.9% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 446 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 113 shares in the last quarter. 70.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About LyondellBasell Industries (Get Free Report) LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates as a chemical company in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Poland, France, Japan, China, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company operates in six segments: Olefins and PolyolefinsAmericas; Olefins and PolyolefinsEurope, Asia, International; Intermediates and Derivatives; Advanced Polymer Solutions; Refining; and Technology. Read More Receive News & Ratings for LyondellBasell Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for LyondellBasell Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The oil and gas producer reported $0.79 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.05, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $814.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $779.77 million. Murphy Oil had a return on equity of 19.42% and a net margin of 30.08%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 26.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.93 earnings per share. Murphy Oil Price Performance Murphy Oil stock traded up $0.38 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $43.68. 1,835,527 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,741,839. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $39.26 and a 200-day simple moving average of $38.64. Murphy Oil has a 12 month low of $31.24 and a 12 month high of $51.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.72. The firm has a market cap of $6.82 billion, a PE ratio of 5.41 and a beta of 2.38. Get Murphy Oil alerts: Murphy Oil Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Monday, August 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.275 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 11th. This represents a $1.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.52%. Murphy Oils payout ratio is currently 13.63%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Insiders Place Their Bets MUR has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. UBS Group initiated coverage on Murphy Oil in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. They set a neutral rating and a $45.00 target price on the stock. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on Murphy Oil from $59.00 to $51.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. Mizuho reduced their target price on Murphy Oil from $50.00 to $48.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. KeyCorp started coverage on Murphy Oil in a research report on Monday, July 10th. They set an overweight rating and a $47.00 price objective for the company. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Murphy Oil from $34.00 to $41.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $46.90. In other Murphy Oil news, CFO Thomas J. Mireles sold 14,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.14, for a total transaction of $509,530.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 58,372 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,051,192.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 5.92% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Murphy Oil Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Murphy Oil by 68.2% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 900 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 365 shares in the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp increased its holdings in Murphy Oil by 50.0% in the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 1,800 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $77,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new position in Murphy Oil in the 1st quarter worth about $97,000. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Murphy Oil in the 4th quarter worth about $204,000. Finally, Ethic Inc. increased its holdings in Murphy Oil by 24.4% in the 1st quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 5,955 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $220,000 after purchasing an additional 1,169 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.02% of the companys stock. Murphy Oil Company Profile (Get Free Report) Murphy Oil Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an oil and natural gas exploration and production company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company was formerly known as Murphy Corporation and changed its name to Murphy Oil Corporation in 1964. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Murphy Oil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murphy Oil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Procore Technologies (NYSE:PCOR Free Report) had its target price raised by The Goldman Sachs Group from $75.00 to $85.00 in a research note published on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock. PCOR has been the topic of several other reports. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $75.00 target price on shares of Procore Technologies in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on Procore Technologies from $79.00 to $67.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Piper Sandler upped their target price on Procore Technologies from $82.00 to $84.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. KeyCorp upped their target price on Procore Technologies from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Loop Capital downgraded Procore Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the company from $80.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Thursday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Procore Technologies has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $79.07. Get Procore Technologies alerts: Procore Technologies Stock Down 2.3 % Shares of PCOR traded down $1.56 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $65.60. 1,529,332 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,041,039. Procore Technologies has a 1 year low of $41.80 and a 1 year high of $76.86. The firms fifty day moving average is $67.23 and its 200-day moving average is $61.37. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -35.46 and a beta of 0.65. Insider Activity Procore Technologies ( NYSE:PCOR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported ($0.32) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.45) by $0.13. Procore Technologies had a negative return on equity of 18.17% and a negative net margin of 31.15%. The firm had revenue of $213.53 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $203.24 million. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Procore Technologies will post -1.55 earnings per share for the current year. In other news, CEO Craig F. Jr. Courtemanche sold 26,775 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.00, for a total transaction of $2,008,125.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 3,434,135 shares in the company, valued at approximately $257,560,125. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, Director Elisa Steele sold 6,180 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.00, for a total value of $463,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 76,640 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,748,000. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Craig F. Jr. Courtemanche sold 26,775 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.00, for a total transaction of $2,008,125.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 3,434,135 shares in the company, valued at $257,560,125. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 197,907 shares of company stock worth $12,736,483 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 39.20% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in Procore Technologies by 311.8% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 487,908 shares of the companys stock worth $28,280,000 after purchasing an additional 369,427 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Procore Technologies by 33.1% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 15,927 shares of the companys stock valued at $924,000 after buying an additional 3,959 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. raised its position in shares of Procore Technologies by 41.9% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 8,019 shares of the companys stock valued at $465,000 after buying an additional 2,367 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Procore Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new stake in shares of Procore Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $2,460,000. 82.32% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Procore Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Procore Technologies, Inc provides a cloud-based construction management platform and related software products in the United States and internationally. The company's platform enables owners, general and specialty contractors, architects, and engineers to collaborate on construction projects. It offers Preconstruction that facilitates collaboration between internal and external stakeholders during the planning, budgeting, estimating, bidding, and partner selection phase of a construction project; and Project Management, which enables real-time collaboration, information storage, design, BIM model clash detection, and regulation compliance for teams on the jobsite and in the back office. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Procore Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procore Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RediShred Capital Corp. (CVE:KUT Get Free Report) shares were up 0.5% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$3.70 and last traded at C$3.70. Approximately 1,102 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 81% from the average daily volume of 5,739 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$3.68. RediShred Capital Stock Performance The company has a market capitalization of C$67.71 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.21 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 75.74. The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$3.90 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$3.83. Get RediShred Capital alerts: RediShred Capital (CVE:KUT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 25th. The company reported C$0.04 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.05 by C($0.01). The firm had revenue of C$17.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$15.00 million. RediShred Capital had a net margin of 10.27% and a return on equity of 14.21%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that RediShred Capital Corp. will post 0.1398866 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About RediShred Capital RediShred Capital Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates the Proshred franchise and license business in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Franchising and licensing, Corporate Locations, and Corporate. It grants and manages shredding business franchises under the Proshred brand, as well as operates fifteen corporate shredding locations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for RediShred Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RediShred Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ryan Specialty (NYSE:RYAN Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.42 by $0.03, Briefing.com reports. Ryan Specialty had a net margin of 10.11% and a return on equity of 40.74%. The business had revenue of $585.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $575.80 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.39 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 19.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Ryan Specialty Stock Performance Shares of NYSE RYAN traded down $1.12 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $43.19. 1,303,272 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 664,305. Ryan Specialty has a 1 year low of $32.13 and a 1 year high of $46.40. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 77.12 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a current ratio of 1.25. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $43.62 and a 200 day moving average of $42.12. Get Ryan Specialty alerts: Insider Activity In other Ryan Specialty news, President Timothy William Turner sold 689,909 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.45, for a total transaction of $29,976,546.05. Following the completion of the sale, the president now directly owns 4,058 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $176,320.10. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, President Timothy William Turner sold 689,909 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.45, for a total transaction of $29,976,546.05. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now directly owns 4,058 shares in the company, valued at approximately $176,320.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Nicholas Dominic Cortezi sold 4,750 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.10, for a total value of $204,725.00. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 9,570,575 shares of company stock valued at $416,223,691 in the last quarter. 54.51% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Ryan Specialty Analyst Ratings Changes Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Eaton Vance Management increased its stake in Ryan Specialty by 13.2% in the first quarter. Eaton Vance Management now owns 1,784,019 shares of the companys stock worth $69,202,000 after purchasing an additional 207,710 shares during the period. California State Teachers Retirement System increased its stake in Ryan Specialty by 0.8% in the first quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 60,793 shares of the companys stock worth $2,358,000 after purchasing an additional 466 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in Ryan Specialty by 8.7% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 444,577 shares of the companys stock worth $17,245,000 after purchasing an additional 35,638 shares during the period. Graham Capital Management L.P. purchased a new stake in Ryan Specialty in the first quarter worth $459,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in Ryan Specialty by 258.9% in the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 30,612 shares of the companys stock worth $1,187,000 after purchasing an additional 22,082 shares during the period. 30.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Several research analysts recently issued reports on RYAN shares. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Ryan Specialty from $51.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Ryan Specialty from $44.00 to $45.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Ryan Specialty from $50.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Ryan Specialty from $39.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $48.29. About Ryan Specialty (Get Free Report) Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc operates as a service provider of specialty products and solutions for insurance brokers, agents, and carriers. It offers distribution, underwriting, product development, administration, and risk management services by acting as a wholesale broker and a managing underwriter. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ryan Specialty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ryan Specialty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tate & Lyle plc (OTCMKTS:TATYY Get Free Report) shares shot up 0.5% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $38.35 and last traded at $38.35. 6,081 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 247% from the average session volume of 1,752 shares. The stock had previously closed at $38.15. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently issued reports on TATYY. Barclays boosted their price target on Tate & Lyle from GBX 940 ($12.07) to GBX 970 ($12.45) in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Berenberg Bank boosted their price target on Tate & Lyle from GBX 940 ($12.07) to GBX 960 ($12.33) in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Get Tate & Lyle alerts: Tate & Lyle Stock Up 0.5 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 2.24. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $38.05 and a 200-day moving average price of $38.69. Tate & Lyle Increases Dividend Tate & Lyle Company Profile The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 7th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.5954 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 2.17%. This is an increase from Tate & Lyles previous dividend of $0.22. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 22nd. (Get Free Report) Tate & Lyle PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage, and other industries in the United States, the United Kingdom, other European countries, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Food & Beverage Solutions, Sucralose, and Primary Products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tate & Lyle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tate & Lyle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telecom Argentina S.A. (OTCMKTS:TCMFF Get Free Report) was up 128,471.4% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $0.90 and last traded at $0.90. Approximately 900 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 36% from the average daily volume of 1,400 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.00. Telecom Argentina Price Performance The companys fifty day simple moving average is $0.93 and its 200 day simple moving average is $0.94. About Telecom Argentina (Get Free Report) Telecom Argentina SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services. The company offers mobile telecommunications services, including voice communications, high-speed mobile Internet content and applications download, online streaming, and other services; and sells mobile communication devices, such as handsets, Modems MiFi and wingles, and smart watches. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Argentina Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Argentina and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unity Software (NYSE:U Free Report) had its target price increased by Barclays from $40.00 to $42.00 in a research note released on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the stock. Several other research firms have also weighed in on U. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Unity Software from $48.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Piper Sandler increased their price target on Unity Software from $43.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Unity Software from $27.50 to $28.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. DA Davidson increased their price target on Unity Software from $45.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $44.00 price target on shares of Unity Software in a research report on Friday, April 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $44.29. Get Unity Software alerts: Unity Software Trading Down 2.3 % Shares of U stock traded down $0.94 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $40.18. The company had a trading volume of 10,455,541 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,589,509. Unity Software has a 12 month low of $21.22 and a 12 month high of $58.63. The firms fifty day moving average is $40.24 and its 200 day moving average is $34.30. The company has a current ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 2.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. Insider Activity Unity Software ( NYSE:U Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported ($0.37) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.49) by $0.12. Unity Software had a negative return on equity of 20.05% and a negative net margin of 54.46%. The company had revenue of $500.36 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $477.42 million. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Unity Software will post -1.05 EPS for the current year. In other news, insider Tomer Bar-Zeev sold 75,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.08, for a total value of $3,381,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 1,301,459 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $58,669,771.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, Director Shlomo Dovrat sold 116,775 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.91, for a total transaction of $3,492,740.25. Following the sale, the director now owns 105,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,150,420.30. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Tomer Bar-Zeev sold 75,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.08, for a total value of $3,381,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 1,301,459 shares in the company, valued at approximately $58,669,771.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 573,735 shares of company stock valued at $22,207,524 in the last 90 days. 9.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Unity Software Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. IFP Advisors Inc increased its holdings in Unity Software by 373.7% during the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 919 shares of the companys stock worth $63,000 after purchasing an additional 725 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in Unity Software by 74.5% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 977 shares of the companys stock worth $96,000 after purchasing an additional 417 shares in the last quarter. Ellevest Inc. increased its holdings in Unity Software by 133.2% during the 4th quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 1,005 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 574 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. bought a new position in Unity Software during the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA increased its holdings in Unity Software by 2,000.0% during the 4th quarter. Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA now owns 1,050 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.82% of the companys stock. Unity Software Company Profile (Get Free Report) Unity Software Inc operates a real-time 3D development platform. Its platform provides software solutions to create, run, and monetize interactive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices. The company offers its solutions directly through its online store and field sales operations in North America, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, China, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as indirectly through independent distributors and resellers worldwide. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Unity Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unity Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of WPP (NYSE:WPP Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Tuesday. WPP Stock Performance NYSE WPP opened at $51.61 on Tuesday. WPP has a 1-year low of $39.67 and a 1-year high of $64.07. The company has a market cap of $11.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.43, a P/E/G ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 1.34. 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 stock has a 50-day moving average of $53.95 and a two-hundred day moving average of $55.98. Get WPP alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On WPP Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in WPP by 17.6% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 103,940 shares of the business services providers stock worth $5,434,000 after buying an additional 15,519 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its holdings in shares of WPP by 85.1% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 583 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 268 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in WPP by 15.2% during the 2nd quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 37,261 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,948,000 after buying an additional 4,925 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in WPP during the 2nd quarter worth $5,455,000. Finally, Nemes Rush Group LLC acquired a new position in WPP during the 2nd quarter worth $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 4.10% of the companys stock. WPP Company Profile 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. See Also 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. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. acquired a new position in Envista Holdings Co. (NYSE:NVST Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 146,213 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,977,000. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. owned 0.09% of Envista as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC bought a new position in Envista during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $652,000. Front Street Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Envista by 4.1% in the 4th quarter. Front Street Capital Management Inc. now owns 150,145 shares of the companys stock worth $5,055,000 after purchasing an additional 5,927 shares during the last quarter. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. boosted its stake in Envista by 25.1% in the 4th quarter. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. now owns 4,194,779 shares of the companys stock worth $136,793,000 after purchasing an additional 842,522 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its position in Envista by 44.0% during the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 62,852 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,116,000 after purchasing an additional 19,193 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Eversept Partners LP increased its stake in Envista by 1.5% during the 4th quarter. Eversept Partners LP now owns 642,405 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,630,000 after purchasing an additional 9,404 shares in the last quarter. Get Envista alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In NVST has been the subject of several analyst reports. TheStreet downgraded shares of Envista from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Bank of America lowered their price target on Envista from $47.00 to $45.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $45.20. Envista Trading Down 1.9 % Envista stock opened at $33.63 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. The company has a market cap of $5.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.34, a P/E/G ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 1.41. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $33.78 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $36.42. Envista Holdings Co. has a 52-week low of $31.20 and a 52-week high of $43.29. Envista (NYSE:NVST Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.02. Envista had a net margin of 8.40% and a return on equity of 7.60%. The business had revenue of $662.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $655.81 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.48 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that Envista Holdings Co. will post 1.85 EPS for the current year. Envista Profile (Free Report) Envista Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells dental products in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Specialty Products & Technologies, and Equipment & Consumables. The Specialty Products & Technologies segment offers dental implant systems, guided surgery systems, biomaterials, and prefabricated and custom-built prosthetics to oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and periodontists; and brackets and wires, tubes and bands, archwires, clear aligners, digital orthodontic treatments, retainers, and other orthodontic laboratory products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Envista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Envista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advanced Drainage Systems (NYSE:WMS Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The construction company reported $2.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.51, Briefing.com reports. Advanced Drainage Systems had a return on equity of 50.53% and a net margin of 16.82%. The business had revenue of $778.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $746.08 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.22 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 14.9% on a year-over-year basis. Advanced Drainage Systems updated its FY 2024 guidance to EPS. Advanced Drainage Systems Price Performance WMS stock traded up $4.40 on Friday, reaching $130.23. The company had a trading volume of 1,116,154 shares, compared to its average volume of 675,140. Advanced Drainage Systems has a 1 year low of $75.02 and a 1 year high of $153.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 2.78. The companys fifty day moving average is $114.00 and its 200 day moving average is $96.70. The company has a market cap of $10.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.60, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.40. Get Advanced Drainage Systems alerts: Advanced Drainage Systems Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be paid a $0.14 dividend. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.43%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. Advanced Drainage Systemss payout ratio is currently 9.29%. Analyst Ratings Changes Insider Activity at Advanced Drainage Systems WMS has been the topic of several recent research reports. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on Advanced Drainage Systems from $125.00 to $155.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Advanced Drainage Systems in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Barclays boosted their price target on Advanced Drainage Systems from $138.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. KeyCorp assumed coverage on Advanced Drainage Systems in a research report on Monday, July 24th. They set an overweight rating and a $150.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on Advanced Drainage Systems from $125.00 to $131.00 in a research report on Friday, May 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $136.29. In related news, insider Tim A. Makowski sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $109.25, for a total value of $327,750.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 8,647 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $944,684.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Advanced Drainage Systems news, EVP Michael G. Huebert sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.57, for a total transaction of $1,055,700.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 36,798 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,884,764.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Tim A. Makowski sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $109.25, for a total value of $327,750.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 8,647 shares of the companys stock, valued at $944,684.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,102,000. 3.79% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Advanced Drainage Systems A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in WMS. Neo Ivy Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of Advanced Drainage Systems during the 2nd quarter worth $33,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 47.8% in the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 495 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 160 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Middle East FZE acquired a new stake in Advanced Drainage Systems in the 4th quarter valued at $88,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 98.2% in the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,132 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $134,000 after purchasing an additional 561 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 54.3% in the 4th quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,047 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $167,000 after purchasing an additional 720 shares in the last quarter. 82.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Advanced Drainage Systems Company Profile (Get Free Report) Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc designs, manufactures, and markets thermoplastic corrugated pipes and related water management products, and drainage solutions for use in the construction and agriculture marketplaces in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally. The company operates through Pipe, International, Infiltrator, and Allied Products & Other segments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Advanced Drainage Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advanced Drainage Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agricultural Bank of China Limited (OTCMKTS:ACGBF Get Free Report) shares shot up 6.1% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $0.36 and last traded at $0.36. 1,565,000 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 1,821% from the average session volume of 81,473 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.34. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group cut shares of Agricultural Bank of China from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, July 4th. Get Agricultural Bank of China alerts: Agricultural Bank of China Price Performance The businesss 50-day moving average is $0.37. About Agricultural Bank of China Agricultural Bank of China Limited provides banking products and services. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, and Treasury Operations segments. It offers demand, personal call, foreign currency call, time or demand optional, foreign exchange call, foreign exchange time, savings, agreed term, and negotiated deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; and loans, including housing, consumer, business, fixed asset, working capital, real estate, and entrusted syndicated loans, as well as trade finances, guarantees and commitments, and loans with custody of export rebates accounts. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Agricultural Bank of China Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agricultural Bank of China and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Owens & Minor, Inc. (NYSE:OMI Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Reduce from the five brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have issued a hold rating on the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $18.83. Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Owens & Minor from $22.00 to $24.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on shares of Owens & Minor from $18.00 to $21.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Owens & Minor in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Get Owens & Minor alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Owens & Minor In other Owens & Minor news, CEO Edward A. Pesicka sold 118,927 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.86, for a total value of $2,480,817.22. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,142,716 shares in the company, valued at $23,837,055.76. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Edward A. Pesicka sold 118,928 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.19, for a total value of $2,520,084.32. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 904,861 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,174,004.59. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Edward A. Pesicka sold 118,927 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.86, for a total transaction of $2,480,817.22. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,142,716 shares in the company, valued at $23,837,055.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 286,635 shares of company stock worth $5,958,129 over the last quarter. 3.59% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Owens & Minor Owens & Minor Stock Up 1.4 % Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. bought a new position in shares of Owens & Minor in the second quarter valued at about $395,000. Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in Owens & Minor during the second quarter worth about $880,000. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in Owens & Minor during the second quarter worth about $1,331,000. Handelsbanken Fonder AB increased its position in Owens & Minor by 6.8% during the second quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 14,200 shares of the companys stock worth $270,000 after acquiring an additional 900 shares during the period. Finally, Truist Financial Corp bought a new position in Owens & Minor during the second quarter worth about $451,000. 96.83% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Owens & Minor stock opened at $19.04 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.45 billion, a PE ratio of -33.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 0.51. Owens & Minor has a twelve month low of $11.79 and a twelve month high of $35.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.56. The company has a 50 day moving average of $19.31 and a 200-day moving average of $14.21. Owens & Minor (NYSE:OMI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The company reported $0.18 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.18. Owens & Minor had a negative net margin of 0.41% and a positive return on equity of 12.12%. The business had revenue of $2.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.49 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.76 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Owens & Minor will post 1.36 EPS for the current fiscal year. Owens & Minor Company Profile (Get Free Report Owens & Minor, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a healthcare solutions company worldwide. It operates in two segments, Products & Healthcare Services and Patient Direct. The Products & Healthcare Services segment offers a portfolio of products and services to healthcare providers and manufacturers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Owens & Minor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Owens & Minor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. APi Group (NYSE:APG Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.01, Briefing.com reports. The business had revenue of $1.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.77 billion. APi Group had a net margin of 1.66% and a return on equity of 17.56%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.37 EPS. APi Group updated its FY 2023 guidance to EPS and its Q3 2023 guidance to EPS. APi Group Stock Performance NYSE APG traded down $0.34 during trading on Friday, reaching $28.12. The companys stock had a trading volume of 846,304 shares, compared to its average volume of 628,208. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 1.42 and a current ratio of 1.53. The firm has a market cap of $6.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 104.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.59. APi Group has a twelve month low of $13.09 and a twelve month high of $29.57. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $26.49 and its 200-day moving average price is $23.55. Get APi Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of APi Group from $28.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of APi Group from $26.00 to $29.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on shares of APi Group from $25.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of APi Group from $29.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $30.00. Insider Buying and Selling at APi Group Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other APi Group news, Director James E. Lillie sold 19,414 shares of APi Group stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.42, for a total value of $454,675.88. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 4,390,965 shares in the company, valued at $102,836,400.30. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . In other news, Director James E. Lillie sold 57,580 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.62, for a total transaction of $1,302,459.60. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 4,500,052 shares in the company, valued at $101,791,176.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, Director James E. Lillie sold 19,414 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.42, for a total transaction of $454,675.88. Following the transaction, the director now owns 4,390,965 shares in the company, valued at $102,836,400.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 16.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of APi Group by 1.3% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 18,749,793 shares of the companys stock worth $248,811,000 after acquiring an additional 232,473 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of APi Group by 4.1% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 15,083,919 shares of the companys stock worth $339,087,000 after acquiring an additional 593,023 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of APi Group by 4.9% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,343,571 shares of the companys stock worth $97,643,000 after acquiring an additional 201,805 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in APi Group by 4.6% during the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,892,745 shares of the companys stock worth $87,509,000 after buying an additional 172,683 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ADW Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in APi Group by 1.9% during the first quarter. ADW Capital Management LLC now owns 3,100,000 shares of the companys stock worth $65,193,000 after buying an additional 57,000 shares in the last quarter. 72.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About APi Group (Get Free Report) APi Group Corporation provides safety, specialty, and industrial services in North America, Europe, Australia, the Asian-Pacific, and other countries. It operates through Safety Services and Specialty Services segments. The Safety Services segment offers safety solutions focusing on end-to-end integrated occupancy systems, such as fire protection solutions; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions; and entry systems, which include the design, installation, and inspection and service of these integrated systems. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for APi Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for APi Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assetmark Inc. lessened its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (NYSEARCA:EWL Free Report) by 10.1% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 873,910 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 97,856 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc. owned 3.09% of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF worth $39,606,000 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. Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 66.6% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,016 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 406 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC raised its position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 7,471.4% in the 1st quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 1,060 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 1,046 shares during the period. CoreCap Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $58,000. Parallel Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $62,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA raised its position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 247.3% in the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA now owns 1,799 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $88,000 after purchasing an additional 1,281 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:EWL opened at $46.52 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $1.19 billion, a PE ratio of 15.35 and a beta of 0.73. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $46.47 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.95. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF has a one year low of $36.01 and a one year high of $48.94. About iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Switzerland 25/50 Index (the Index). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Macro S.A. (NYSE:BMA Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Monday, July 31st, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 8th will be paid a dividend of 0.452 per share by the bank on Tuesday, August 15th. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 7th. This is a boost from Banco Macros previous dividend of $0.45. Banco Macro has a dividend payout ratio of 2.2% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Banco Macro to earn $1.26 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.08 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 6.3%. Get Banco Macro alerts: Banco Macro Trading Up 2.9 % Shares of Banco Macro stock opened at $24.37 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.72. Banco Macro has a 52 week low of $12.38 and a 52 week high of $27.96. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $24.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $20.96. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Banco Macro ( NYSE:BMA Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 17th. The bank reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by $0.26. Banco Macro had a return on equity of 8.14% and a net margin of 5.15%. The company had revenue of $913.72 million for the quarter. Sell-side analysts forecast that Banco Macro will post 2.27 earnings per share for the current year. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of BMA. Barclays PLC purchased a new stake in shares of Banco Macro during the 2nd quarter valued at $53,000. UBS Group AG boosted its holdings in shares of Banco Macro by 980.3% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 3,889 shares of the banks stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 3,529 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Banco Macro by 456.9% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,298 shares of the banks stock worth $109,000 after buying an additional 5,167 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Banco Macro in the 2nd quarter worth about $134,000. Finally, Engineers Gate Manager LP purchased a new position in shares of Banco Macro in the 1st quarter worth about $253,000. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Banco Macro in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Banco Macro Company Profile (Get Free Report) Banco Macro SA provides various banking products and services to retail and corporate customers in Argentina. It offers various retail banking products and services, such as savings and checking accounts, time deposits, credit and debit cards, consumer finance loans, mortgage loans, automobile loans, overdrafts, credit-related services, home and car insurance coverage, tax collection, utility payments, automated teller machines (ATMs), and money transfers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Banco Macro Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Macro and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Black Hills (NYSE:BKH Free Report) had its target price lowered by Wells Fargo & Company from $66.00 to $62.00 in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the utilities providers stock. Several other research firms also recently issued reports on BKH. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Black Hills from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Mizuho cut their target price on Black Hills from $60.00 to $56.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 21st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and four have issued a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Black Hills has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $66.29. Get Black Hills alerts: Black Hills Price Performance Black Hills stock traded down $0.94 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $56.89. The company had a trading volume of 474,923 shares, compared to its average volume of 932,483. Black Hills has a fifty-two week low of $56.60 and a fifty-two week high of $79.78. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. The company has a market cap of $3.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.25, a P/E/G ratio of 7.05 and a beta of 0.58. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $60.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $63.31. Black Hills Dividend Announcement Black Hills ( NYSE:BKH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $411.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $552.13 million. Black Hills had a return on equity of 7.92% and a net margin of 9.46%. The companys revenue was down 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.52 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Black Hills will post 3.73 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Friday, August 18th will be given a $0.625 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 17th. This represents a $2.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.39%. Black Hillss payout ratio is 67.02%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CFO Richard Kinzley sold 10,033 shares of Black Hills stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.49, for a total transaction of $657,061.17. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 36,576 shares in the company, valued at $2,395,362.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.61% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Black Hills A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of BKH. Belpointe Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Black Hills in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp purchased a new position in shares of Black Hills during the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Black Hills in the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Black Hills by 594.7% in the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 521 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 446 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bartlett & Co. LLC bought a new stake in shares of Black Hills in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $48,000. Institutional investors own 86.24% of the companys stock. Black Hills Company Profile (Get Free Report) Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 220,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,482 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,024 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 91.7% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 99,437 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 47,577 shares during the quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $6,892,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of BMY. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.7% during the 4th quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 55,629 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,024,000 after acquiring an additional 956 shares in the last quarter. Meritage Portfolio Management boosted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Meritage Portfolio Management now owns 39,915 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,872,000 after acquiring an additional 1,288 shares in the last quarter. Talbot Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $4,482,000. Baron Silver Stevens Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $316,000. Finally, Atlas Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $276,000. 74.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently weighed in on BMY shares. Bank of America reduced their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $85.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 28th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $78.00 to $65.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 28th. Cantor Fitzgerald reduced their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Credit Suisse Group reduced their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $66.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Finally, 51job reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bristol-Myers Squibb has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $71.14. Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance Shares of NYSE:BMY opened at $60.49 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $63.80 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $67.51. The stock has a market cap of $126.37 billion, a PE ratio of 16.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.39. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a one year low of $60.05 and a one year high of $81.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.99 by ($0.24). The company had revenue of $11.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.81 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 17.62% and a return on equity of 50.51%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs quarterly revenue was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.93 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 7th were paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.77%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 6th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 60.64%. Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. See Also 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. Brookfield Renewable Co. (NYSE:BEPC Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Friday, August 4th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be given a dividend of 0.338 per share on Friday, September 29th. This represents a $1.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. Brookfield Renewable has a dividend payout ratio of -843.8% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Research analysts expect Brookfield Renewable to earn ($0.18) per share next year, which means the company may not be able to cover its $1.35 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of -750.0%. Get Brookfield Renewable alerts: Brookfield Renewable Trading Up 1.3 % Shares of NYSE BEPC traded up $0.36 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $28.68. 994,546 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 488,379. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $32.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $32.08. Brookfield Renewable has a one year low of $27.19 and a one year high of $42.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a current ratio of 0.34. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brookfield Renewable Brookfield Renewable ( NYSE:BEPC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The company reported ($0.09) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $1.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.21 billion. Brookfield Renewable had a return on equity of 1.88% and a net margin of 5.75%. As a group, research analysts predict that Brookfield Renewable will post -0.41 EPS for the current year. Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc acquired a new position in shares of Brookfield Renewable during the third quarter worth $30,000. Federated Hermes Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Brookfield Renewable during the first quarter worth $35,000. Chilton Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Brookfield Renewable during the first quarter worth $51,000. 1832 Asset Management L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 20.6% during the first quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 2,390 shares of the companys stock worth $103,000 after purchasing an additional 409 shares during the period. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 154.7% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 3,601 shares of the companys stock worth $158,000 after purchasing an additional 2,187 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.04% of the companys stock. Brookfield Renewable Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brookfield Renewable Corporation owns and operates a portfolio of renewable power and sustainable solution assets primarily in the United States, Europe, Colombia, and Brazil. It operates hydroelectric, wind, and solar power plants with an installed capacity of approximately 12,857 megawatts. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Renewable Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Renewable and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) and RB Global (NYSE:RBA Get Free Report) are both large-cap business services companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, earnings and analyst recommendations. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Broadridge Financial Solutions and RB Global, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Broadridge Financial Solutions 0 1 2 0 2.67 RB Global 0 1 8 0 2.89 Broadridge Financial Solutions presently has a consensus target price of $161.40, suggesting a potential downside of 2.61%. RB Global has a consensus target price of $65.00, suggesting a potential upside of 11.09%. Given RB Globals stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe RB Global is more favorable than Broadridge Financial Solutions. Dividends Institutional & Insider Ownership Broadridge Financial Solutions pays an annual dividend of $2.90 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. RB Global pays an annual dividend of $1.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Broadridge Financial Solutions pays out 62.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. RB Global pays out 117.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Broadridge Financial Solutions has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and RB Global has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years. 89.1% of Broadridge Financial Solutions shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.3% of RB Global shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.6% of Broadridge Financial Solutions shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 4.3% of RB Global 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. Profitability This table compares Broadridge Financial Solutions and RB Globals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Broadridge Financial Solutions 9.33% 40.29% 9.36% RB Global 5.94% 5.97% 2.51% Volatility and Risk Broadridge Financial Solutions has a beta of 1.02, indicating that its stock price is 2% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, RB Global has a beta of 0.94, indicating that its stock price is 6% less volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Broadridge Financial Solutions and RB Globals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Broadridge Financial Solutions $5.71 billion 3.42 $539.10 million $4.66 35.56 RB Global $2.47 billion 4.30 $319.66 million $0.92 63.60 Broadridge Financial Solutions has higher revenue and earnings than RB Global. Broadridge Financial Solutions is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than RB Global, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Broadridge Financial Solutions beats RB Global on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Broadridge Financial Solutions (Get Free Report) Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. It also offers ProxyEdge, an electronic proxy delivery and voting solution; data-driven solutions and an end-to-end platform for content management, composition, and omni-channel distribution of regulatory, marketing, and transactional information, as well as mutual fund trade processing services; data and analytics solutions; solutions for public corporations and mutual funds; SEC filing and capital markets transaction services; registrar, stock transfer, and record-keeping services; and omni-channel customer communications solutions, as well as operates Broadridge Communications Cloud platform that creates, delivers, and manages communications and customer engagement activities. The company's Global Technology and Operations segment provides solutions that automate the front-to-back transaction lifecycle of equity, mutual fund, fixed income, foreign exchange and exchange-traded derivatives, order capture and execution, trade confirmation, margin, cash management, clearance and settlement, reference data management, reconciliations, securities financing and collateral management, asset servicing, compliance and regulatory reporting, portfolio accounting, and custody-related services. This segment also offers business process outsourcing services; technology solutions, such portfolio management, compliance, fee billing, and operational support solutions; and capital market and wealth management solutions. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Lake Success, New York. About RB Global (Get Free Report) RB Global, Inc., an omnichannel marketplace, provides insights, services, and transaction solutions for buyers and sellers of commercial assets and vehicles worldwide. Its marketplace brands include Ritchie Bros., an auctioneer of commercial assets and vehicles offering online bidding; IAA, a digital marketplace connecting vehicle buyers and sellers; Rouse Services, which provides asset management, data-driven intelligence, and performance benchmarking system; SmartEquip, a technology platform that supports customers' management of the equipment lifecycle; Xcira that provides live simulcast auction technologies; and Veritread, an online marketplace for heavy haul transport solution. The company serves customers across various asset classes, including automotive, commercial transportation, construction, government surplus, lifting and material handling, energy, mining, and agriculture. RB Global, Inc. was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Westchester, Illinois. Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gibraltar Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Free Report) by 7.0% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 23,818 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,565 shares during the quarter. Constellation Brands comprises 2.5% of Gibraltar Capital Management Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Gibraltar Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $5,380,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Integrated Advisors Network LLC grew its position in shares of Constellation Brands by 28.7% in the first quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC now owns 1,162 shares of the companys stock valued at $262,000 after purchasing an additional 259 shares during the last quarter. Perpetual Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Constellation Brands in the first quarter valued at approximately $426,000. Assetmark Inc. grew its position in shares of Constellation Brands by 14.9% in the first quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 19,755 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,462,000 after purchasing an additional 2,560 shares during the last quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Constellation Brands by 1,223.0% in the first quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 19,368 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,375,000 after purchasing an additional 17,904 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. grew its position in shares of Constellation Brands by 2.9% in the first quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 56,828 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,837,000 after purchasing an additional 1,616 shares during the last quarter. 86.49% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Insider Transactions at Constellation Brands In other news, major shareholder Business Holdings Lp Ajb sold 650,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $223.53, for a total value of $145,294,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 3,365,715 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $752,338,273.95. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, Director Richard Sands sold 3,858,476 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $223.53, for a total value of $862,485,140.28. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 20,488,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,579,865,487.54. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Business Holdings Lp Ajb sold 650,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $223.53, for a total transaction of $145,294,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 3,365,715 shares in the company, valued at $752,338,273.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 4,573,486 shares of company stock valued at $1,025,201,775. Company insiders own 16.19% of the companys stock. Constellation Brands Price Performance NYSE:STZ traded down $0.71 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $268.02. The stock had a trading volume of 1,184,033 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,055,789. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $252.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of $234.62. Constellation Brands, Inc. has a 52 week low of $208.12 and a 52 week high of $273.44. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, June 30th. The company reported $2.91 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.83 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $2.51 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.47 billion. Constellation Brands had a negative net margin of 3.14% and a positive return on equity of 22.32%. Constellation Brandss revenue was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.66 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Constellation Brands, Inc. will post 11.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Constellation Brands Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 24th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 10th will be paid a $0.89 dividend. This represents a $3.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.33%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 9th. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio is currently -194.54%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades STZ has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $265.00 to $280.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $295.00 price target on shares of Constellation Brands in a report on Monday, April 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $273.00 to $276.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 3rd. HSBC raised their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $275.00 to $280.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 7th. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $200.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, April 10th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $266.24. About Constellation Brands (Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Premier, Corona Familiar, Corona Light, Corona Refresca, Corona Hard Seltzer, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, Modelo Chelada, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Free Report) had its target price boosted by Credit Suisse Group from $281.00 to $292.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the industrial products companys stock. Other analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $183.00 to $181.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. 3M reissued a maintains rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $235.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $203.00 to $210.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Illinois Tool Works has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $236.75. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Illinois Tool Works Price Performance NYSE ITW opened at $246.64 on Wednesday. Illinois Tool Works has a 52 week low of $180.27 and a 52 week high of $264.19. The company has a current ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25. The stock has a market cap of $74.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.46 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $245.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $237.43. Illinois Tool Works Increases Dividend Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $2.41 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.39 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $4.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.14 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 94.14%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.37 EPS. Analysts forecast that Illinois Tool Works will post 9.74 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 12th. Investors of record on Friday, September 29th will be paid a $1.40 dividend. This is a positive change from Illinois Tool Workss previous quarterly dividend of $1.31. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.27%. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 51.83%. Insider Activity at Illinois Tool Works In related news, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 5,425 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $239.23, for a total value of $1,297,822.75. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 8,870 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,121,970.10. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.88% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Illinois Tool Works Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Spire Wealth Management boosted its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 39.8% in the 4th quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 3,055 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $673,000 after purchasing an additional 870 shares during the period. Balentine LLC boosted its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 25.9% in the 4th quarter. Balentine LLC now owns 5,063 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,115,000 after purchasing an additional 1,043 shares during the period. Flputnam Investment Management Co. boosted its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 41.6% in the 1st quarter. Flputnam Investment Management Co. now owns 7,547 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,837,000 after purchasing an additional 2,216 shares during the period. CX Institutional lifted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 77.6% during the 4th quarter. CX Institutional now owns 2,092 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $461,000 after acquiring an additional 914 shares during the period. Finally, Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 13,920 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,067,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares during the period. 79.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Illinois Tool Works (Get Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Curtiss-Wright (NYSE:CW Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The aerospace company reported $2.15 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.97 by $0.18, reports. Curtiss-Wright had a return on equity of 16.58% and a net margin of 11.77%. The company had revenue of $704.40 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $648.77 million. Curtiss-Wright updated its FY23 guidance to $8.90-9.15 EPS and its FY 2023 guidance to $8.90-$9.15 EPS. Curtiss-Wright Stock Performance NYSE CW traded up $3.84 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $202.35. The companys stock had a trading volume of 266,993 shares, compared to its average volume of 165,466. Curtiss-Wright has a 12 month low of $136.21 and a 12 month high of $203.24. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $181.02 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $173.57. The company has a market cap of $7.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.36 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 2.11 and a quick ratio of 1.37. Get Curtiss-Wright alerts: Curtiss-Wright Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 5th. Investors of record on Friday, June 16th were issued a $0.20 dividend. This is a positive change from Curtiss-Wrights previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.40%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 15th. Curtiss-Wrights payout ratio is presently 9.63%. Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Trading of Curtiss-Wright In other Curtiss-Wright news, Director David Charles Adams sold 4,660 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total value of $885,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 41,559 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,896,210. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . In other news, VP Paul J. Ferdenzi sold 2,064 shares of Curtiss-Wright stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total transaction of $392,160.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 17,082 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,245,580. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, Director David Charles Adams sold 4,660 shares of Curtiss-Wright stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total value of $885,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 41,559 shares in the company, valued at $7,896,210. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders acquired 219 shares of company stock worth $34,039. 0.67% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. First Hawaiian Bank increased its position in Curtiss-Wright by 1.2% in the second quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 5,136 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $943,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC grew its position in Curtiss-Wright by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC now owns 2,505 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $348,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC boosted its position in Curtiss-Wright by 26.8% in the 1st quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 303 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 64 shares during the period. New Hampshire Trust lifted its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter. New Hampshire Trust now owns 1,245 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $229,000 after purchasing an additional 68 shares during the period. Finally, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 11,286 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,885,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.31% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets CW has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Curtiss-Wright from $190.00 to $211.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. William Blair assumed coverage on Curtiss-Wright in a research note on Friday, May 19th. They set an outperform rating for the company. StockNews.com lowered shares of Curtiss-Wright from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $200.00 to $204.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $200.00 to $228.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Curtiss-Wright currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $200.20. About Curtiss-Wright (Get Free Report) Curtiss-Wright Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides engineered products, solutions, and services to the aerospace, defense, general industrial, and power generation markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Aerospace & Industrial, Defense Electronics, and Naval & Power. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Curtiss-Wright Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Curtiss-Wright and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan has met with the Ambassador of India to Armenia Nilakshi Saha Sinha. During the meeting Minister Ghazaryan spoke about the ongoing reforms in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, particularly detailing the work in the subordinate divisions, the ministry said in a readout. Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha underscored the existing close relations and expressed readiness to strengthen and enhance cooperation. The future directions of cooperation and other issues of mutual interest were also discussed. Dine Brands Global (NYSE:DIN Free Report) had its price target lowered by Barclays from $80.00 to $75.00 in a research report report published on Friday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the restaurant operators stock. DIN has been the topic of several other research reports. Wedbush reissued a neutral rating and set a $65.00 target price on shares of Dine Brands Global in a research note on Friday, July 28th. KeyCorp reduced their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $78.00 to $68.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Dine Brands Global from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. 888 reissued a downgrade rating on shares of Dine Brands Global in a research report on Wednesday, June 14th. Finally, Piper Sandler initiated coverage on Dine Brands Global in a research note on Monday, July 17th. They set a neutral rating and a $63.00 target price on the stock. Four 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.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $72.17. Get Dine Brands Global alerts: Dine Brands Global Stock Performance NYSE:DIN traded down $0.40 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $57.25. 232,526 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 206,924. Dine Brands Global has a 12 month low of $56.00 and a 12 month high of $82.43. The company has a fifty day moving average of $59.72 and a 200 day moving average of $66.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $896.54 million, a P/E ratio of 11.59 and a beta of 1.83. Dine Brands Global Dividend Announcement Dine Brands Global ( NYSE:DIN Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The restaurant operator reported $1.82 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $208.40 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $209.60 million. Dine Brands Global had a negative return on equity of 36.32% and a net margin of 9.03%. The companys revenue was down 12.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.65 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Dine Brands Global will post 6.3 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 7th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 20th were paid a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 16th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.56%. Dine Brands Globals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 41.30%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of DIN. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in Dine Brands Global by 12.1% in the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 3,753 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $293,000 after acquiring an additional 404 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Dine Brands Global by 2.2% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 15,537 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,210,000 after buying an additional 331 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its holdings in shares of Dine Brands Global by 3.8% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 5,659 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $440,000 after purchasing an additional 209 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its position in Dine Brands Global by 57.0% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 8,526 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $665,000 after buying an additional 3,097 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of Dine Brands Global by 7.0% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 42,324 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $3,299,000 after acquiring an additional 2,775 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.75% of the companys stock. About Dine Brands Global (Get Free Report) Dine Brands Global, Inc owns and franchises casual and family dining restaurants. It operates through the following segments: Franchise, Rental, Company Restaurant, and Financing Operations. The Franchise Operations segment consists of royalties, fees, and other income for Applebees and IHOP franchised and area licensed restaurants. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dine Brands Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dine Brands Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dominion Energy (NYSE:D Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Friday. The utilities provider reported $0.53 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.05, Briefing.com reports. Dominion Energy had a return on equity of 12.67% and a net margin of 7.05%. The company had revenue of $3.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.72 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.77 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. Dominion Energy updated its Q3 guidance to $0.72-0.87 EPS and its Q3 2023 guidance to $0.72-$0.87 EPS. Dominion Energy Stock Down 3.0 % NYSE:D opened at $49.21 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $41.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.41, a PEG ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 0.45. Dominion Energy has a 1-year low of $48.47 and a 1-year high of $86.28. The companys fifty day moving average price is $52.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $55.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.62. Get Dominion Energy alerts: Dominion Energy Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be paid a $0.6675 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $2.67 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.43%. Dominion Energys payout ratio is currently 186.71%. Insider Transactions at Dominion Energy Institutional Trading of Dominion Energy In related news, COO Diane Leopold sold 6,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.16, for a total transaction of $307,250.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 100,115 shares in the company, valued at $4,921,653.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Company insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock. Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of D. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in Dominion Energy by 50.4% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 17,980,124 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,005,266,000 after purchasing an additional 6,028,220 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 2.1% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 14,768,160 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $823,620,000 after buying an additional 303,891 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 93,554.0% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 9,865,509 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $604,953,000 after buying an additional 9,854,975 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp raised its position in Dominion Energy by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 8,883,631 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $754,843,000 after purchasing an additional 234,077 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc raised its position in Dominion Energy by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 8,583,891 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $526,366,000 after purchasing an additional 282,999 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.58% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Guggenheim decreased their price target on Dominion Energy from $63.00 to $60.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Dominion Energy in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. They set a neutral rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on Dominion Energy from $59.00 to $58.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. 51job reissued a maintains rating on shares of Dominion Energy in a research note on Friday, June 9th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Dominion Energy from $58.00 to $55.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $57.70. Dominion Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through four segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Gas Distribution, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Assets. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.7 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Dominion Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dominion Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Donoghue Forlines LLC grew its holdings in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 2.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 8,393 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 206 shares during the quarter. Donoghue Forlines LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $1,369,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Rebalance LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Chevron in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its position in Chevron by 52.3% during the 1st quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 195 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares during the period. Artemis Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Chevron during the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Chevron during the 1st quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Red Tortoise LLC acquired a new stake in Chevron during the 4th quarter worth approximately $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.65% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Chevron from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $161.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. Citigroup decreased their price objective on Chevron from $180.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Chevron from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the stock from $166.00 to $187.00 in a research note on Monday, July 31st. HSBC raised Chevron from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $189.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised Chevron from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their target price for the stock from $165.00 to $180.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Chevron has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $191.05. Chevron Trading Down 0.2 % Shares of CVX stock traded down $0.36 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $159.31. 10,185,371 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,992,524. Chevron Co. has a fifty-two week low of $140.46 and a fifty-two week high of $189.68. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $156.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $162.12. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The stock has a market cap of $301.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.10, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.17. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 28th. The oil and gas company reported $3.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.95 by $0.13. Chevron had a return on equity of 19.46% and a net margin of 13.54%. The business had revenue of $48.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $48 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $5.82 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 28.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Chevron Co. will post 13.01 EPS for the current fiscal year. Chevron Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Investors of record on Friday, August 18th will be issued a $1.51 dividend. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.79%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 17th. Chevrons payout ratio is currently 38.30%. Chevron Profile (Free Report) Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. They presently have a $30.00 price target on the shipping companys stock. Jefferies Financial Groups target price suggests a potential upside of 5.89% from the companys previous close. Several other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Evercore ISI raised Dorian LPG from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the stock from $25.00 to $32.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Dorian LPG in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, DNB Markets lowered shares of Dorian LPG from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $26.90 price target on the stock. in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Dorian LPG currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $26.98. Get Dorian LPG alerts: Dorian LPG Stock Performance NYSE LPG opened at $28.33 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 2.50 and a quick ratio of 2.47. The company has a market cap of $1.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.72 and a beta of 1.14. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $25.44 and a two-hundred day moving average of $22.74. Dorian LPG has a 1-year low of $12.90 and a 1-year high of $30.09. Insider Activity at Dorian LPG Dorian LPG ( NYSE:LPG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The shipping company reported $1.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by ($0.43). The company had revenue of $111.56 million during the quarter. Dorian LPG had a net margin of 46.96% and a return on equity of 22.93%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.56 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Dorian LPG will post 4.86 EPS for the current year. In other news, CFO Theodore B. Young sold 3,000 shares of Dorian LPG stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.00, for a total value of $78,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 87,805 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,282,930. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Dorian LPG news, Director Thomas Jason Coleman sold 17,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.60, for a total transaction of $418,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 298,000 shares in the company, valued at $7,330,800. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Theodore B. Young sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.00, for a total transaction of $78,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 87,805 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,282,930. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 63,700 shares of company stock valued at $1,621,038. Company insiders own 28.60% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dorian LPG Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in Dorian LPG by 134.6% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,715 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 984 shares in the last quarter. Dorsey Wright & Associates purchased a new stake in shares of Dorian LPG during the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position in Dorian LPG by 30.7% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,412 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $48,000 after acquiring an additional 566 shares in the last quarter. Optimum Investment Advisors purchased a new position in Dorian LPG in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $59,000. Finally, Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in Dorian LPG in the first quarter valued at approximately $61,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.37% of the companys stock. Dorian LPG Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dorian LPG Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through its LPG tankers worldwide. It owns and operates twenty-five very large gas carriers (VLGCs). The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dorian LPG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dorian LPG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO Free Report) (TSE:ELD) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday. Several other equities research analysts have also issued reports on EGO. TD Securities lowered their price target on shares of Eldorado Gold from $12.00 to $11.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 31st. BMO Capital Markets initiated coverage on Eldorado Gold in a report on Friday, June 9th. They set an outperform rating and a C$17.00 price objective on the stock. National Bank Financial upgraded Eldorado Gold from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus cut Eldorado Gold from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eldorado Gold currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $13.57. Get Eldorado Gold alerts: Eldorado Gold Price Performance Shares of EGO stock opened at $9.24 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 115.51, a P/E/G ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a current ratio of 3.75, a quick ratio of 2.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. Eldorado Gold has a 12 month low of $5.06 and a 12 month high of $12.11. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $10.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of $10.10. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Eldorado Gold Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in EGO. Barclays PLC raised its position in Eldorado Gold by 271.5% in the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 41,976 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $424,000 after purchasing an additional 30,676 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia acquired a new position in shares of Eldorado Gold during the second quarter valued at $134,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its holdings in Eldorado Gold by 981.7% in the second quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 1,205,563 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $12,202,000 after acquiring an additional 1,094,114 shares during the last quarter. Helikon Investments Ltd increased its position in Eldorado Gold by 13.6% in the second quarter. Helikon Investments Ltd now owns 28,936,990 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $292,264,000 after purchasing an additional 3,464,840 shares during the period. Finally, Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC acquired a new position in Eldorado Gold during the 2nd quarter valued at about $88,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.09% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Eldorado Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, development, and sale of mineral products primarily in Turkey, Canada, Greece, and Romania. The company primarily produces gold, as well as silver, lead, and zinc. It holds a 100% interest in the Kisladag and Efemcukuru gold mines located in western Turkey; Lamaque gold mines located in Canada; and Olympias, Stratoni, Skouries, Perama Hill, and Sapes gold mines located in Greece, as well as the 80.5% interest in Certej development projects located in Romania. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eldorado Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eldorado Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE:EXK Get Free Report) (TSE:EDR) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Buy from the four ratings firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $6.25. A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on EXK shares. Alliance Global Partners lifted their price target on shares of Endeavour Silver from $5.25 to $5.75 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Endeavour Silver in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Finally, HC Wainwright increased their price target on Endeavour Silver from $5.50 to $8.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Get Endeavour Silver alerts: Institutional Trading of Endeavour Silver Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EXK. ETF Managers Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Endeavour Silver in the 1st quarter valued at about $21,148,000. Van ECK Associates Corp raised its stake in shares of Endeavour Silver by 9.5% in the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 21,668,423 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $84,074,000 after purchasing an additional 1,879,509 shares during the period. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Endeavour Silver by 40.3% in the 1st quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. now owns 5,269,365 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $20,169,000 after purchasing an additional 1,513,939 shares during the period. Two Sigma Investments LP raised its stake in shares of Endeavour Silver by 547.0% in the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 821,994 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $2,663,000 after purchasing an additional 694,940 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in shares of Endeavour Silver by 924.9% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 684,840 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $3,185,000 after purchasing an additional 618,022 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 27.69% of the companys stock. Endeavour Silver Trading Up 1.3 % NYSE:EXK opened at $3.20 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 3.02, a quick ratio of 2.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. Endeavour Silver has a 1-year low of $2.47 and a 1-year high of $4.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $612.83 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -320.00 and a beta of 1.44. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $3.15 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $3.39. Endeavour Silver (NYSE:EXK Get Free Report) (TSE:EDR) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The mining company reported $0.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.03. Endeavour Silver had a net margin of 0.48% and a return on equity of 3.32%. The business had revenue of $55.46 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $50.31 million. On average, equities analysts expect that Endeavour Silver will post 0.14 earnings per share for the current year. About Endeavour Silver (Get Free Report Endeavour Silver Corp., a silver mining company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of mineral properties in Mexico and Chile. The company explores for gold and silver deposits, and precious metals. The company was formerly known as Endeavour Gold Corp. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Endeavour Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Endeavour Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lindenwold Advisors INC increased its stake in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 2.2% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 11,138 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 241 shares during the quarter. Lindenwold Advisors INCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $1,277,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of EOG. Sigma Planning Corp grew its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 5.6% during the first quarter. Sigma Planning Corp now owns 6,723 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $771,000 after purchasing an additional 356 shares during the last quarter. Perpetual Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of EOG Resources during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $983,000. Sandy Spring Bank lifted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Sandy Spring Bank now owns 9,192 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,054,000 after acquiring an additional 306 shares during the period. Alpha DNA Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of EOG Resources by 8.3% during the 1st quarter. Alpha DNA Investment Management LLC now owns 7,608 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $872,000 after purchasing an additional 586 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. raised its position in shares of EOG Resources by 23.3% during the 1st quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 524,230 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $60,092,000 after purchasing an additional 98,916 shares during the last quarter. 89.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get EOG Resources alerts: EOG Resources Stock Down 1.4 % EOG Resources stock opened at $129.80 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 1.90 and a current ratio of 2.17. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 52-week low of $97.39 and a 52-week high of $150.88. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $117.42 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $118.03. The firm has a market cap of $75.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.75, a PEG ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.55. EOG Resources Dividend Announcement EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy exploration company reported $2.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.28 by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $5.57 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.74 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 33.58% and a return on equity of 28.98%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 24.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.74 EPS. Equities analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 10.49 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 17th will be issued a $0.825 dividend. This represents a $3.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.54%. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.24%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently issued reports on EOG. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $147.00 to $138.00 in a research note on Monday, May 15th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $128.00 to $125.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Raymond James cut their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $150.00 to $140.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Scotiabank upgraded shares of EOG Resources from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $150.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $170.00 to $155.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $144.92. Insider Activity at EOG Resources In related news, EVP Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,031 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.26, for a total value of $238,155.06. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 37,607 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,409,796.82. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total transaction of $579,350.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 149,689 shares in the company, valued at $17,344,464.43. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,031 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.26, for a total transaction of $238,155.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 37,607 shares in the company, valued at $4,409,796.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About EOG Resources (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). 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. Floor & Decor (NYSE:FND Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $0.66 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.66, Briefing.com reports. Floor & Decor had a return on equity of 17.34% and a net margin of 6.55%. The firm had revenue of $1.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.15 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.76 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. Floor & Decor updated its FY23 guidance to $2.30-2.50 EPS and its FY 2023 guidance to $2.30-$2.50 EPS. Floor & Decor Stock Down 7.7 % FND traded down $8.52 during trading on Friday, hitting $102.53. The company had a trading volume of 3,071,430 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,247,503. The company has a market capitalization of $10.90 billion, a PE ratio of 38.39, a PEG ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 1.90. Floor & Decor has a one year low of $63.51 and a one year high of $116.03. The firms 50-day moving average price is $102.98 and its 200 day moving average price is $96.51. The company has a quick ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. Get Floor & Decor alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently commented on FND shares. Wedbush lowered their price target on shares of Floor & Decor from $115.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Friday. Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on shares of Floor & Decor from $120.00 to $115.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Credit Suisse Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $95.00 price target on shares of Floor & Decor in a research report on Friday. Telsey Advisory Group upped their price objective on Floor & Decor from $85.00 to $105.00 in a report on Friday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Floor & Decor from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $110.00 to $108.00 in a report on Friday, July 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $102.06. Insider Activity at Floor & Decor Institutional Investors Weigh In On Floor & Decor In related news, CEO Thomas V. Taylor sold 18,656 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total value of $1,958,880.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 215,203 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $22,596,315. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . In other Floor & Decor news, EVP David Victor Christopherson sold 5,804 shares of Floor & Decor stock in a transaction on Friday, June 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.00, for a total value of $580,400.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 42,356 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,235,600. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Also, CEO Thomas V. Taylor sold 18,656 shares of Floor & Decor stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $1,958,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 215,203 shares in the company, valued at $22,596,315. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 48,920 shares of company stock valued at $5,323,160. 2.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Stephens Inc. AR increased its stake in Floor & Decor by 72.5% in the 1st quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 545 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after buying an additional 229 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new stake in Floor & Decor in the 1st quarter valued at $57,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its stake in Floor & Decor by 168.4% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 730 shares of the companys stock valued at $59,000 after buying an additional 458 shares during the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund increased its stake in shares of Floor & Decor by 273.9% during the 1st quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 789 shares of the companys stock worth $64,000 after purchasing an additional 578 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors increased its stake in shares of Floor & Decor by 54.4% during the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,790 shares of the companys stock worth $145,000 after purchasing an additional 631 shares during the last quarter. Floor & Decor Company Profile (Get Free Report) Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-channel specialty retailer and commercial flooring distributor in Georgia. The company offers tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, and natural stone flooring products, as well as decorative accessories, wall tiles, and installation materials and tools. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Floor & Decor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Floor & Decor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. (NYSE:GSBD Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, August 3rd, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Saturday, September 30th will be given a dividend of 0.45 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, October 27th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 12.35%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. Goldman Sachs BDC has a dividend payout ratio of 86.1% indicating that its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the companys earnings tumble. Equities analysts expect Goldman Sachs BDC to earn $2.12 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 84.9%. Get Goldman Sachs BDC alerts: Goldman Sachs BDC Stock Performance Shares of Goldman Sachs BDC stock traded up $0.53 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $14.58. 793,617 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 456,569. Goldman Sachs BDC has a 12 month low of $12.75 and a 12 month high of $18.10. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $13.98 and a 200 day simple moving average of $14.22. The company has a market capitalization of $1.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.57 and a beta of 1.19. Analyst Ratings Changes Goldman Sachs BDC ( NYSE:GSBD Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The financial services provider reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.54 by ($0.09). The company had revenue of $107.40 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $107.34 million. Goldman Sachs BDC had a return on equity of 15.11% and a net margin of 21.16%. Analysts predict that Goldman Sachs BDC will post 2.08 EPS for the current year. Separately, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Goldman Sachs BDC in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $15.67. Insider Buying and Selling In other Goldman Sachs BDC news, insider David Miller bought 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $13.16 per share, for a total transaction of $263,200.00. Following the purchase, the insider now directly owns 20,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $263,200. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.11% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GSBD. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Goldman Sachs BDC in the first quarter worth about $209,000. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC bought a new stake in Goldman Sachs BDC in the first quarter valued at approximately $245,000. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs BDC by 139.2% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 676,501 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,266,000 after purchasing an additional 393,739 shares during the period. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can grew its holdings in shares of Goldman Sachs BDC by 203.2% in the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 39,232 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $819,000 after purchasing an additional 26,293 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Trust N.A. increased its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs BDC by 63.6% in the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 36,809 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $721,000 after buying an additional 14,311 shares during the period. 28.86% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Goldman Sachs BDC (Get Free Report) Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc is a business development company specializing in middle market and mezzanine investment in private companies. It seeks to make capital appreciation through direct originations of secured debt, senior secured debt, junior secured debt, including first lien, first lien/last-out unitranche and second lien debt, unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt and, to a lesser extent, investments in equities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs BDC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs BDC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horizon Family Wealth Inc. decreased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 12.2% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,538 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 352 shares during the quarter. Horizon Family Wealth Inc.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $236,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 27.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 32,513,567 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,421,936,000 after acquiring an additional 7,045,899 shares during the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 25,228,676 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,346,771,000 after acquiring an additional 810,901 shares during the last quarter. Fiera Capital Corp boosted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 15,419,976 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,434,366,000 after acquiring an additional 173,053 shares during the last quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group boosted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 11,342,489 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $844,902,000 after acquiring an additional 394,914 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 9.6% in the first quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 10,876,895 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,011,769,000 after buying an additional 953,346 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.41% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Needham & Company LLC cut their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $118.00 to $115.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 21st. StockNews.com lowered shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Finally, Susquehanna boosted their price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $128.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Friday, July 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $108.33. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Up 1.2 % Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend TSM opened at $96.16 on Friday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a twelve month low of $59.43 and a twelve month high of $110.69. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $101.29 and a 200 day simple moving average of $93.85. The company has a quick ratio of 2.04, a current ratio of 2.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $498.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.87, a P/E/G ratio of 3.25 and a beta of 1.06. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be issued a $0.489 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.03%. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.36. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is 22.94%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. Member of Knesset Ofer Cassif has criticized the government of Israel for supporting Azerbaijans dictatorial regime. Israel is not only exporting weapons to any dictatorship which wants it, but is also exporting ethnic cleansing and blockades. With Israeli military support, the Azerbaijani soldiers are carrying out a deadly blockade of the Armenians of Artsakh, blockading the Lachin Corridor. The blockade continues and 120,000 people, including 30,000 children are in life-threatening condition due to famine and disease. Stop the support to dictatorships, the Israeli lawmaker wrote in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:H Free Report) had its price objective cut by Morgan Stanley from $136.00 to $132.00 in a report released on Friday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the stock. Several other research firms have also weighed in on H. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $113.00 to $121.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $113.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $126.00 to $123.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating and set a $122.00 price objective on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a report on Friday, June 30th. Finally, 22nd Century Group reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a report on Friday, June 30th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Hyatt Hotels currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $122.11. Get Hyatt Hotels alerts: Hyatt Hotels Price Performance NYSE:H opened at $112.23 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $11.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.34, a PEG ratio of 19.50 and a beta of 1.37. Hyatt Hotels has a one year low of $77.70 and a one year high of $127.80. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $115.76 and a 200 day moving average price of $113.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.64. Hyatt Hotels Cuts Dividend Hyatt Hotels ( NYSE:H Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The company reported $0.82 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.83 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.65 billion. Hyatt Hotels had a net margin of 6.88% and a return on equity of 13.36%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.46 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Hyatt Hotels will post 2.66 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Investors of record on Friday, August 25th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 24th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.53%. Hyatt Hotelss dividend payout ratio is presently 14.63%. Insider Activity at Hyatt Hotels In related news, insider H. Charles Floyd sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.00, for a total value of $684,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 32,927 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,753,678. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 21.24% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hyatt Hotels Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in shares of Hyatt Hotels by 59.4% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 256,384 shares of the companys stock worth $24,472,000 after purchasing an additional 95,574 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Hyatt Hotels by 31.4% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,991 shares of the companys stock worth $381,000 after purchasing an additional 953 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. raised its position in shares of Hyatt Hotels by 13.2% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 18,865 shares of the companys stock worth $1,801,000 after purchasing an additional 2,194 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Hyatt Hotels during the first quarter worth approximately $1,214,000. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Hyatt Hotels during the first quarter worth approximately $94,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 46.57% of the companys stock. About Hyatt Hotels (Get Free Report) Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates as a hospitality company in the United States and internationally. It operates through Owned and Leased Hotels, Americas Management and Franchising, ASPAC Management and Franchising, EAME/SW Asia Management and Franchising, and Apple Leisure Group segments. The company manages, franchises, licenses, owns, and leases portfolio of properties, consisting of full-service hotels and resorts, select service hotels, resorts, and other properties, including timeshare, fractional, residential, vacation, and condominium units. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hyatt Hotels Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hyatt Hotels and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE Free Report) had its target price upped by Raymond James from $130.00 to $133.00 in a report issued on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. Raymond James currently has a strong-buy rating on the financial services providers stock. Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $125.00 to $126.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $130.00 to $135.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Citigroup raised shares of Intercontinental Exchange from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $117.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Friday. Rosenblatt Securities reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $168.00 price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Finally, Barclays began coverage on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. They set an equal weight rating and a $123.00 price target on the stock. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Intercontinental Exchange currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $131.91. Get Intercontinental Exchange alerts: Intercontinental Exchange Stock Performance Intercontinental Exchange stock traded up $1.93 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $114.00. 2,743,091 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,250,817. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $112.27 and its 200 day simple moving average is $107.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.10. The firm has a market cap of $63.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.87, a P/E/G ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.94. Intercontinental Exchange has a 52 week low of $88.60 and a 52 week high of $117.85. Intercontinental Exchange Announces Dividend Intercontinental Exchange ( NYSE:ICE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The financial services provider reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.06. Intercontinental Exchange had a net margin of 17.64% and a return on equity of 13.11%. The company had revenue of $1.90 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.89 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.32 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Intercontinental Exchange will post 5.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th will be issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.47%. Intercontinental Exchanges dividend payout ratio is presently 55.81%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Christopher Scott Edmonds sold 1,044 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.54, for a total value of $120,623.76. Following the sale, the insider now owns 16,256 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,878,218.24. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Christopher Scott Edmonds sold 1,044 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.54, for a total value of $120,623.76. Following the sale, the insider now owns 16,256 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,878,218.24. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 85,461 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.89, for a total transaction of $9,220,387.29. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,188,085 shares of the companys stock, valued at $128,182,490.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 97,978 shares of company stock worth $10,606,289 in the last quarter. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. RB Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Intercontinental Exchange by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 4,044 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $534,000 after buying an additional 126 shares during the period. United Bank lifted its stake in Intercontinental Exchange by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 15,988 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,112,000 after purchasing an additional 422 shares in the last quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Intercontinental Exchange by 13.5% in the 1st quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,855 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $245,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. lifted its stake in Intercontinental Exchange by 31.5% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 204,883 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,077,000 after purchasing an additional 49,081 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prudential PLC purchased a new stake in Intercontinental Exchange in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,679,000. 87.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Intercontinental Exchange Company Profile (Get Free Report) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of market infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions for financial institutions, corporations, and government entities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, India, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Exchange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Exchange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stuart Chaussee & Associates Inc. lessened its stake in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:IGM Free Report) by 0.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 41,583 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 170 shares during the period. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF accounts for approximately 4.8% of Stuart Chaussee & Associates Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th largest holding. Stuart Chaussee & Associates Inc. owned about 0.50% of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF worth $14,110,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its stake in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 10.8% in the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 748 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $248,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Destination Wealth Management boosted its holdings in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 2.1% in the first quarter. Destination Wealth Management now owns 169,569 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $57,538,000 after acquiring an additional 3,486 shares in the last quarter. ZRC Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF in the first quarter worth about $158,000. Signature Estate & Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 3.2% in the first quarter. Signature Estate & Investment Advisors LLC now owns 211,191 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $71,661,000 after acquiring an additional 6,632 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rollins Financial acquired a new stake in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF in the first quarter worth about $201,000. Get iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF alerts: iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Stock Down 0.8 % Shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF stock traded down $3.05 on Friday, reaching $396.55. 30,489 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 33,584. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF has a twelve month low of $261.80 and a twelve month high of $414.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.20 and a beta of 1.18. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $392.28 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $349.81. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Company Profile iShares North American Tech ETF, formerly iShares S&P North American Technology Sector Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, of the United States-traded technology companies, as represented by the S&P North American Technology Sector Index (the Index). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sageworth Trust Co decreased its holdings in shares of iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report) by 62.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 18,242 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 29,923 shares during the quarter. Sageworth Trust Cos holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $682,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Financial Freedom LLC acquired a new position in iShares Gold Trust in the 4th quarter worth $30,000. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. grew its position in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 42.1% during the 1st quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 1,012 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. grew its position in iShares Gold Trust by 191.8% in the 2nd quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 1,103 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 725 shares during the last quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares Gold Trust by 278.2% in the 4th quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC now owns 1,286 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 946 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New Hampshire Trust acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the 4th quarter worth approximately $47,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.53% of the companys stock. Get iShares Gold Trust alerts: iShares Gold Trust Trading Up 0.3 % Shares of NYSEARCA:IAU traded up $0.12 during trading on Friday, reaching $36.77. The company had a trading volume of 3,498,271 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,979,454. The firms fifty day moving average is $36.86 and its 200 day moving average is $36.80. iShares Gold Trust has a twelve month low of $30.69 and a twelve month high of $39.04. iShares Gold Trust Profile iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of OUTFRONT Media (NYSE:OUT Free Report) from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report released on Friday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has $14.00 price target on the financial services providers stock, down from their previous price target of $20.00. Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on OUTFRONT Media from $19.00 to $18.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. StockNews.com cut OUTFRONT Media from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, May 12th. Finally, Oppenheimer cut OUTFRONT Media from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $20.25. Get OUTFRONT Media alerts: OUTFRONT Media Trading Down 16.3 % Shares of NYSE:OUT traded down $2.37 during trading on Friday, reaching $12.14. 9,146,512 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,619,668. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.30, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.57. OUTFRONT Media has a 12-month low of $11.54 and a 12-month high of $21.65. The firm has a market cap of $2.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.69. The firms 50-day moving average price is $15.23 and its 200 day moving average price is $16.26. OUTFRONT Media Announces Dividend Hedge Funds Weigh In On OUTFRONT Media The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. OUTFRONT Medias dividend payout ratio is presently -47.24%. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of OUT. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of OUTFRONT Media by 793.0% during the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 279,622 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,636,000 after buying an additional 248,311 shares during the last quarter. Everence Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of OUTFRONT Media during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $309,000. Schroder Investment Management Group boosted its stake in shares of OUTFRONT Media by 9.3% during the 4th quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 842,357 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,966,000 after buying an additional 72,007 shares during the last quarter. M&G Investment Management Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of OUTFRONT Media during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $229,000. Finally, Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of OUTFRONT Media by 102.8% during the 4th quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 301,463 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,998,000 after buying an additional 152,798 shares during the last quarter. OUTFRONT Media Company Profile (Get Free Report) OUTFRONT leverages the power of technology, location and creativity to connect brands with consumers outside of their homes through one of the largest and most diverse sets of billboard, transit, and mobile assets in North America. Through its technology platform, OUTFRONT will fundamentally change the ways advertisers engage audiences on-the-go. Read More Receive News & Ratings for OUTFRONT Media Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OUTFRONT Media and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mattern Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB Free Report) by 6.5% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 5,151 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 316 shares during the quarter. Mattern Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF were worth $555,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Providence Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Tri Star Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 1st quarter worth $29,000. First Manhattan Co. bought a new stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Finally, EPG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. Get iShares National Muni Bond ETF alerts: iShares National Muni Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:MUB opened at $105.74 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $106.54 and its 200-day moving average is $106.82. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $101.35 and a 1 year high of $108.66. iShares National Muni Bond ETF Company Profile iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond 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 National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index). Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MUB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Navios Maritime Partners L.P. (NYSE:NMM Get Free Report) crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $23.72 and traded as high as $23.89. Navios Maritime Partners shares last traded at $23.82, with a volume of 74,999 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, StockNews.com upgraded Navios Maritime Partners from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. Get Navios Maritime Partners alerts: Navios Maritime Partners Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $718.28 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 2.02. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $21.88 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $23.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.65. Navios Maritime Partners Dividend Announcement Navios Maritime Partners ( NYSE:NMM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 23rd. The shipping company reported $2.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.75 by $0.38. Navios Maritime Partners had a return on equity of 18.26% and a net margin of 46.18%. The firm had revenue of $309.52 million for the quarter. Analysts forecast that Navios Maritime Partners L.P. will post 10.78 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 11th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 8th will be given a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.84%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 7th. Navios Maritime Partnerss dividend payout ratio is presently 1.04%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Navios Maritime Partners Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Navios Maritime Partners during the first quarter worth $28,000. Credit Suisse AG acquired a new position in Navios Maritime Partners in the 2nd quarter valued at about $43,000. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in Navios Maritime Partners by 147.4% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,549 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 923 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its stake in Navios Maritime Partners by 14.0% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 3,421 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $79,000 after purchasing an additional 421 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State of Wyoming increased its stake in Navios Maritime Partners by 17.6% during the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 3,442 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $89,000 after acquiring an additional 514 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 21.05% of the companys stock. Navios Maritime Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Navios Maritime Partners L.P. owns and operates dry cargo vessels in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. The company offers seaborne transportation services for a range of liquid and dry cargo commodities, including crude oil, refined petroleum, chemicals, iron ore, coal, grain, fertilizer, and containers, as well as charters its vessels under short, medium, and longer-term charters. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Navios Maritime Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Navios Maritime Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New Relic (NYSE:NEWR Free Report) had its target price lifted by TD Cowen from $73.00 to $87.00 in a report released on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. TD Cowen currently has a market perform rating on the software makers stock. NEWR has been the subject of several other reports. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of New Relic from $88.00 to $87.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $75.00 target price on shares of New Relic in a research note on Tuesday. DA Davidson cut their target price on shares of New Relic from $100.00 to $95.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, May 24th. Credit Suisse Group cut shares of New Relic from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the company from $113.00 to $87.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut shares of New Relic from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and cut their target price for the company from $95.00 to $87.00 in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $82.00. Get New Relic alerts: New Relic Price Performance Shares of NEWR stock opened at $84.42 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $5.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -34.45 and a beta of 0.87. New Relic has a one year low of $50.24 and a one year high of $86.00. The companys fifty day moving average price is $70.69 and its 200-day moving average price is $71.33. Insider Buying and Selling New Relic ( NYSE:NEWR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 23rd. The software maker reported ($0.23) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.36) by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $242.49 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $241.02 million. New Relic had a negative net margin of 17.59% and a negative return on equity of 20.55%. Equities research analysts expect that New Relic will post -0.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In related news, Chairman Lewis Cirne sold 15,000 shares of New Relic stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.54, for a total transaction of $983,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 5,100,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $334,316,787.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CRO Mark Dodds sold 9,008 shares of New Relic stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.95, for a total transaction of $612,093.60. Following the completion of the sale, the executive now owns 13,143 shares in the company, valued at approximately $893,066.85. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Chairman Lewis Cirne sold 15,000 shares of New Relic stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.54, for a total transaction of $983,100.00. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 5,100,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $334,316,787.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 79,063 shares of company stock valued at $28,408,639. Company insiders own 23.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On New Relic A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NEWR. Norges Bank bought a new stake in New Relic during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,552,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its holdings in shares of New Relic by 104.9% in the 2nd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 956,457 shares of the software makers stock valued at $62,591,000 after purchasing an additional 489,634 shares in the last quarter. Senvest Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of New Relic by 55.8% in the 4th quarter. Senvest Management LLC now owns 1,146,711 shares of the software makers stock valued at $64,732,000 after purchasing an additional 410,931 shares in the last quarter. SQN Investors LP bought a new stake in shares of New Relic in the 4th quarter valued at about $21,225,000. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of New Relic in the 1st quarter valued at about $20,695,000. Institutional investors own 82.03% of the companys stock. New Relic Company Profile (Get Free Report) New Relic, Inc, a software-as-a-service company, delivers a software platform for customers to collect telemetry data and derive insights from that data in a unified front-end application. It offers a suite of products on its open and extensible cloud-based platform, which enables users to collect, store, and analyze telemetry data. Read More Receive News & Ratings for New Relic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Relic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed their underweight rating on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH Free Report) in a report published on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has a $14.50 price objective on the stock. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $17.00 to $19.00 in a research report on Monday, June 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $15.00 to $16.00 in a research report on Monday, June 12th. Susquehanna downgraded shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from a positive rating to a neutral rating and set a $17.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Wednesday. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $22.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $18.32. Get Norwegian Cruise Line alerts: Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Performance Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line stock traded down $0.33 on Friday, hitting $17.95. 14,479,947 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 14,886,227. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $19.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.61 billion, a PE ratio of -8.89 and a beta of 2.59. Norwegian Cruise Line has a 1 year low of $10.83 and a 1 year high of $22.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 184.14, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a current ratio of 0.29. Insider Transactions at Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line ( NYSE:NCLH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported $0.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.27 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.17 billion. Norwegian Cruise Line had a negative net margin of 11.88% and a negative return on equity of 674.16%. The companys revenue was up 85.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted ($1.22) EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Norwegian Cruise Line will post 0.56 EPS for the current year. In other news, EVP Daniel S. Farkas sold 38,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.46, for a total value of $739,480.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 244,261 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,753,319.06. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, EVP Daniel S. Farkas sold 38,000 shares of Norwegian Cruise Line stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.46, for a total transaction of $739,480.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 244,261 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,753,319.06. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Rio Frank J. Del sold 300,000 shares of Norwegian Cruise Line stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 926,505 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,084,752.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 358,511 shares of company stock worth $6,654,392 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.87% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Norwegian Cruise Line Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC boosted its position in Norwegian Cruise Line by 62.3% in the 4th quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 3,690 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 1,416 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its position in Norwegian Cruise Line by 248.1% in the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 9,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $116,000 after buying an additional 6,700 shares during the period. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its position in Norwegian Cruise Line by 13.7% in the 4th quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 6,902 shares of the companys stock valued at $84,000 after buying an additional 830 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc. boosted its position in Norwegian Cruise Line by 4,080.0% in the 1st quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 802,273 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,791,000 after buying an additional 783,080 shares during the period. Finally, Picton Mahoney Asset Management purchased a new stake in Norwegian Cruise Line in the 4th quarter valued at about $146,000. 57.22% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Norwegian Cruise Line Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Owens & Minor (NYSE:OMI Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Friday. The company reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.18, Briefing.com reports. Owens & Minor had a positive return on equity of 12.12% and a negative net margin of 0.41%. The business had revenue of $2.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.49 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.76 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Owens & Minor updated its FY 2023 guidance to $1.30-$1.55 EPS and its FY23 guidance to $1.30-1.55 EPS. Owens & Minor Stock Up 1.3 % OMI traded up $0.24 on Friday, hitting $19.02. The company had a trading volume of 1,891,804 shares, compared to its average volume of 489,815. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $19.31 and a 200-day moving average price of $14.21. Owens & Minor has a 12-month low of $11.79 and a 12-month high of $35.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.56, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 1.39. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -33.96, a P/E/G ratio of 3.70 and a beta of 0.51. Get Owens & Minor alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on Owens & Minor from $18.00 to $21.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Citigroup decreased their target price on Owens & Minor from $23.00 to $21.00 in a research report on Friday. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Owens & Minor from $22.00 to $24.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Owens & Minor in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and four have issued a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $19.50. Insider Buying and Selling at Owens & Minor Institutional Investors Weigh In On Owens & Minor In other Owens & Minor news, CEO Edward A. Pesicka sold 118,928 shares of Owens & Minor stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.19, for a total value of $2,520,084.32. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 904,861 shares in the company, valued at $19,174,004.59. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . In other Owens & Minor news, CEO Edward A. Pesicka sold 118,927 shares of Owens & Minor stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.86, for a total value of $2,480,817.22. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,142,716 shares in the company, valued at $23,837,055.76. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, CEO Edward A. Pesicka sold 118,928 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.19, for a total value of $2,520,084.32. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 904,861 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,174,004.59. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 286,635 shares of company stock worth $5,958,129 over the last quarter. Insiders own 3.59% of the companys stock. A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Owens & Minor by 1.4% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 11,896,845 shares of the companys stock worth $523,700,000 after acquiring an additional 168,282 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Owens & Minor by 1.6% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,266,167 shares of the companys stock worth $199,214,000 after acquiring an additional 126,389 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in shares of Owens & Minor by 1.0% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 7,552,955 shares of the companys stock worth $332,482,000 after acquiring an additional 77,252 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of Owens & Minor by 1.2% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,030,814 shares of the companys stock worth $44,098,000 after acquiring an additional 37,167 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Owens & Minor by 5.3% during the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,434,750 shares of the companys stock worth $20,876,000 after acquiring an additional 72,859 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.83% of the companys stock. Owens & Minor Company Profile (Get Free Report) Owens & Minor, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a healthcare solutions company worldwide. It operates in two segments, Products & Healthcare Services and Patient Direct. The Products & Healthcare Services segment offers a portfolio of products and services to healthcare providers and manufacturers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Owens & Minor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Owens & Minor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The US administration is temporarily suspending a number of assistance programs for Niger, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement published on Friday. August 5, 2023, 10:06 Blinken announces suspension of part of assistance programs for Niger STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 5, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The U.S. government is pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger. This interim measure does not impact all U.S. foreign assistance programs in Niger," he noted Blinken stressed that "the provision of life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue." The United States has until recently provided assistance to Niger, in particular in the areas of economy, development and security. "Further, we are continuing U.S. government activities in Niger where feasible to do so, including diplomatic and security operations, for the protection of U.S. personnel," Blinken added. "The U.S. government will continue to review our foreign assistance and cooperation as the situation on the ground evolves consistent with our policy objectives and legal restrictions. We remain committed to supporting the people of Niger to help them preserve their hard-earned democracy and we reiterate our call for the immediate restoration of Nigers democratically-elected government." He noted that "the provision of U.S. assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order." "This is consistent with steps taken by ECOWAS and the African Union. The U.S. government will continue to review our foreign assistance and cooperation as the situation on the ground evolves consistent with our policy objectives and legal restrictions, Blinken added. "We remain committed to supporting the people of Niger to help them preserve their hard-earned democracy and we reiterate our call for the immediate restoration of Nigers democratically-elected government," he concluded. Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 40.3% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,482 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the quarter. Wealth Advisors Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $343,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PM. ProVise Management Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 24.0% in the first quarter. ProVise Management Group LLC now owns 134,186 shares of the companys stock worth $13,050,000 after buying an additional 26,004 shares during the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 7.9% in the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 26,745 shares of the companys stock worth $2,564,000 after buying an additional 1,962 shares during the last quarter. Perpetual Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth about $201,779,000. Delta Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.1% in the first quarter. Delta Investment Management LLC now owns 5,161 shares of the companys stock worth $502,000 after buying an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 183.5% in the first quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 200,651 shares of the companys stock worth $19,513,000 after buying an additional 129,881 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.43% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Price Performance NYSE PM opened at $96.21 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $149.35 billion, a PE ratio of 18.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 0.69. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $82.85 and a one year high of $105.62. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $96.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $97.43. Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The company reported $1.60 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.50 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $8.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.76 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 127.84% and a net margin of 11.63%. Philip Morris Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.48 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.2 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Investors of record on Friday, June 23rd were given a dividend of $1.27 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 22nd. This represents a $5.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.28%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 98.26%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have weighed in on PM. Citigroup raised Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $109.00 to $117.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. 22nd Century Group reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. They set a buy rating and a $114.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $111.40. Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) 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 primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Plains All American Pipeline (NYSE:PAA Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Friday. The pipeline company reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.21 by $0.04, Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $11.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.28 billion. Plains All American Pipeline had a net margin of 2.18% and a return on equity of 10.39%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 29.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.30 earnings per share. Plains All American Pipeline Stock Performance NYSE PAA traded up $0.20 on Friday, hitting $14.92. 5,089,762 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,542,715. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.82 and a beta of 1.70. Plains All American Pipeline has a 12 month low of $10.17 and a 12 month high of $15.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 0.95. The businesss fifty day moving average is $14.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $13.22. Get Plains All American Pipeline alerts: Plains All American Pipeline Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.2675 per share. This represents a $1.07 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.17%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. Plains All American Pipelines dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 70.39%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Plains All American Pipeline Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new position in Plains All American Pipeline during the 1st quarter valued at about $28,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Plains All American Pipeline during the 1st quarter valued at about $84,000. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Plains All American Pipeline during the 2nd quarter valued at about $116,000. Chiron Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in Plains All American Pipeline by 97.5% during the 1st quarter. Chiron Investment Management LLC now owns 9,994 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $125,000 after buying an additional 4,933 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Plains All American Pipeline in the 1st quarter valued at $130,000. 41.79% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Several research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Plains All American Pipeline from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Plains All American Pipeline in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Plains All American Pipeline from $15.00 to $17.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Plains All American Pipeline from $17.00 to $19.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. Finally, Raymond James raised their price target on shares of Plains All American Pipeline from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Plains All American Pipeline has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $16.27. About Plains All American Pipeline (Get Free Report) Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., through its subsidiaries, engages in the pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage, and gathering of crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) in the United States and Canada. The company operates in two segments, Crude Oil and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL). The Crude Oil segment offers gathering and transporting crude oil through pipelines, gathering systems, trucks, and at times on barges or railcars. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Plains All American Pipeline Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Plains All American Pipeline and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Private Capital Advisors Inc. trimmed its position in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 4.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 111,096 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 5,771 shares during the period. EOG Resources comprises 2.4% of Private Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Private Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in EOG Resources were worth $12,735,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 94.6% during the 4th quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 69,704 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $9,028,000 after purchasing an additional 33,889 shares during the last quarter. Natixis grew its stake in EOG Resources by 56.2% in the 4th quarter. Natixis now owns 351,270 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $45,496,000 after acquiring an additional 126,454 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in EOG Resources by 6.3% in the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 11,160 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,279,000 after acquiring an additional 666 shares in the last quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in EOG Resources by 61.3% in the 4th quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,611 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $468,000 after acquiring an additional 1,372 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cravens & Co Advisors LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources in the 4th quarter worth about $1,155,000. 89.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. 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 shares were sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total value of $579,350.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 149,689 shares in the company, valued at $17,344,464.43. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,031 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.26, for a total transaction of $238,155.06. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 37,607 shares in the company, valued at $4,409,796.82. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total transaction of $579,350.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 149,689 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,344,464.43. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets EOG Resources Stock Performance EOG has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $128.00 to $125.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Mizuho raised shares of EOG Resources from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $150.00 to $146.00 in a research report on Friday, May 19th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $141.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $152.00 price target for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, EOG Resources currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $144.92. Shares of NYSE EOG traded down $1.89 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $129.80. The company had a trading volume of 5,719,696 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,963,382. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $117.42 and its 200 day simple moving average is $118.03. The stock has a market cap of $75.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.75, a P/E/G ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.55. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1 year low of $97.39 and a 1 year 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. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy exploration company reported $2.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.28 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $5.57 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.74 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 33.58% and a return on equity of 28.98%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 24.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.74 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 10.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. EOG Resources Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 17th will be paid a $0.825 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, October 16th. This represents a $3.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.54%. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is currently 22.24%. About EOG Resources (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Featured Articles 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 Free Report). 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. Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Get Free Report) Director George L. Fotiades sold 10,711 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $123.98, for a total transaction of $1,327,949.78. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Prologis Trading Down 1.3 % PLD stock opened at $122.24 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $112.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.17, a PEG ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a quick ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $123.49 and a 200-day simple moving average of $123.63. Prologis, Inc. has a 52 week low of $98.03 and a 52 week high of $138.86. Get Prologis alerts: Prologis (NYSE:PLD Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.83 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.68 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $2.45 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.72 billion. Prologis had a return on equity of 6.17% and a net margin of 42.52%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 95.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.11 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.59 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of Prologis Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PLD. Atwood & Palmer Inc. purchased a new stake in Prologis during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC purchased a new stake in Prologis during the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Sageworth Trust Co purchased a new stake in Prologis during the 1st quarter worth $26,000. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in Prologis during the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. purchased a new stake in Prologis during the 1st quarter worth $31,000. 91.74% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. A number of research analysts have issued reports on PLD shares. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Prologis from $160.00 to $159.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 28th. BTIG Research raised their price objective on shares of Prologis from $152.00 to $154.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Prologis from $157.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and set a $128.00 price objective on shares of Prologis in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Prologis in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $143.48. Prologis Company Profile (Get Free Report) Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At March 31, 2023, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (113 million square meters) in 19 countries. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. M.D.C. (NYSE:MDC Get Free Report) had its price target upped by investment analysts at Raymond James from $55.00 to $60.00 in a report released on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the construction companys stock. Raymond James price target would indicate a potential upside of 17.90% from the stocks previous close. Several other research analysts have also issued reports on MDC. Seaport Res Ptn reissued a neutral rating on shares of M.D.C. in a research report on Wednesday, June 14th. StockNews.com started coverage on M.D.C. in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Wedbush raised their price objective on M.D.C. from $28.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $46.17. Get M.D.C. alerts: M.D.C. Trading Up 2.5 % NYSE MDC opened at $50.89 on Thursday. M.D.C. has a fifty-two week low of $27.04 and a fifty-two week high of $51.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 3.77 and a current ratio of 9.07. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $46.02 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $41.14. The stock has a market cap of $3.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.46 and a beta of 1.41. Insider Activity at M.D.C. M.D.C. ( NYSE:MDC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The construction company reported $1.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.55. M.D.C. had a return on equity of 12.80% and a net margin of 7.74%. The firm had revenue of $1.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $939.10 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.59 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 23.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that M.D.C. will post 4.15 earnings per share for the current year. In related news, Director Raymond T. Baker sold 29,160 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.24, for a total transaction of $1,202,558.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 48,526 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,001,212.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other M.D.C. news, Director Raymond T. Baker sold 29,160 shares of M.D.C. stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.24, for a total value of $1,202,558.40. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 48,526 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,001,212.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Michael A. Berman sold 17,000 shares of M.D.C. stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.15, for a total value of $767,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 22,085 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $997,137.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 1,422,556 shares of company stock valued at $63,033,884 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 23.30% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of M.D.C. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of M.D.C. by 239.9% in the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,074 shares of the construction companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 758 shares during the last quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP purchased a new position in shares of M.D.C. in the 4th quarter worth $1,880,000. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of M.D.C. by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 22,404 shares of the construction companys stock worth $871,000 after buying an additional 435 shares during the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of M.D.C. by 8.7% in the 4th quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 148,179 shares of the construction companys stock worth $4,682,000 after buying an additional 11,861 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its stake in shares of M.D.C. by 19.5% in the 4th quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 14,737 shares of the construction companys stock worth $465,000 after buying an additional 2,406 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.19% of the companys stock. M.D.C. Company Profile (Get Free Report) M.DC Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the homebuilding and financial service businesses. Its homebuilding operations include purchasing finished lots or developing lots for the construction and sale primarily of single-family detached homes to first-time and first-time move-up homebuyers under the Richmond American Homes name. See Also Receive News & Ratings for M.D.C. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M.D.C. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Schroder Japan Trust plc (LON:SJG Get Free Report) shares passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 224.42 ($2.88) and traded as high as GBX 229 ($2.94). Schroder Japan Trust shares last traded at GBX 226.50 ($2.91), with a volume of 25,889 shares. Schroder Japan Trust Stock Up 0.7 % The company has a quick ratio of 3.60, a current ratio of 3.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.96. The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 224.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 214.68. The firm has a market capitalization of 274.24 million, a PE ratio of 1,900.00 and a beta of 0.58. Schroder Japan Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Schroder Japan Growth Fund plc is an open-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of Japan. It invests in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund typically invests in value stocks of companies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Schroder Japan Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schroder Japan Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arlington Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF (NYSEARCA:FNDX Free Report) by 1.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 503,707 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 8,121 shares during the period. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF makes up approximately 10.7% of Arlington Financial Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its largest position. Arlington Financial Advisors LLC owned 0.26% of Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF worth $27,664,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its position in shares of Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF by 4.2% during the 4th quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 4,830 shares of the companys stock worth $258,000 after purchasing an additional 194 shares during the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its position in shares of Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 6,359 shares of the companys stock worth $349,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Advisors Inc. now owns 40,557 shares of the companys stock worth $2,227,000 after purchasing an additional 203 shares during the last quarter. Avidian Wealth Solutions LLC lifted its position in shares of Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Avidian Wealth Solutions LLC now owns 48,071 shares of the companys stock worth $2,569,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Asset Planning Corporation lifted its position in shares of Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Asset Planning Corporation now owns 26,202 shares of the companys stock worth $1,400,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. Get Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF alerts: Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF Price Performance Shares of FNDX opened at $58.61 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $57.40 and a 200 day moving average price of $55.86. The stock has a market cap of $11.70 billion, a PE ratio of 13.00 and a beta of 1.00. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF has a 1-year low of $47.50 and a 1-year high of $59.97. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF Profile The Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF (FNDX) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell RAFI Large Company US index. The fund tracks a fundamentally selected and weighted Russell index based on sales, cash flow and dividends\u002Fbuybacks. FNDX was launched on Aug 15, 2013 and is managed by Charles Schwab. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Select Medical (NYSE:SEM Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY23 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of $1.86 to $2.03 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $1.92. The company issued revenue guidance of $6.55 billion to $6.7 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $6.59 billion. Select Medical also updated its FY 2023 guidance to $1.86-$2.03 EPS. Select Medical Stock Down 1.6 % SEM stock opened at $29.94 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.71, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.66, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.11. Select Medical has a one year low of $18.86 and a one year high of $33.51. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $29.88 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $28.56. Get Select Medical alerts: Select Medical (NYSE:SEM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The health services provider reported $0.61 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.61. The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.65 billion. Select Medical had a net margin of 3.14% and a return on equity of 14.87%. Select Medicals revenue for the quarter was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.43 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Select Medical will post 1.93 EPS for the current year. Select Medical Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be issued a $0.125 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.67%. Select Medicals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.25%. SEM has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $38.00 price target on shares of Select Medical in a report on Thursday, July 20th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Select Medical from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Wednesday, May 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on shares of Select Medical from $35.00 to $37.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Select Medical in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Select Medical has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $35.75. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Select Medical news, Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.68, for a total value of $1,484,000.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 6,989,668 shares in the company, valued at approximately $207,453,346.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio sold 100,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.00, for a total transaction of $3,200,000.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 1,279,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $40,928,000. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.68, for a total transaction of $1,484,000.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 6,989,668 shares in the company, valued at approximately $207,453,346.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 294,011 shares of company stock worth $8,948,306 in the last quarter. 19.14% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Select Medical Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in Select Medical by 288.3% during the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,516 shares of the health services providers stock worth $65,000 after acquiring an additional 1,868 shares during the period. UBS Group AG increased its stake in shares of Select Medical by 252.4% in the first quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,844 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $69,000 after purchasing an additional 2,037 shares during the period. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Select Medical in the first quarter valued at approximately $132,000. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its stake in shares of Select Medical by 35.5% in the first quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 5,931 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $142,000 after purchasing an additional 1,555 shares during the period. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its stake in shares of Select Medical by 6.8% in the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 7,386 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $163,000 after purchasing an additional 473 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 79.99% of the companys stock. About Select Medical (Get Free Report) Select Medical Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States. It operates through four segments: The Critical Illness Recovery Hospital, The Rehabilitation Hospital, The Outpatient Rehabilitation, and The Concentra. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Select Medical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Select Medical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sigma Planning Corp lowered its holdings in iShares Global Energy ETF (NYSEARCA:IXC Free Report) by 6.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 117,364 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,457 shares during the period. Sigma Planning Corp owned about 0.25% of iShares Global Energy ETF worth $4,432,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Citigroup Inc. raised its stake in iShares Global Energy ETF by 23.7% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 18,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $665,000 after acquiring an additional 3,523 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can raised its stake in iShares Global Energy ETF by 9.1% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 172,815 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,334,000 after acquiring an additional 14,483 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in iShares Global Energy ETF by 78.2% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 30,290 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,095,000 after acquiring an additional 13,294 shares in the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. bought a new stake in iShares Global Energy ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $406,000. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in iShares Global Energy ETF by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 125,994 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,555,000 after acquiring an additional 4,007 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Global Energy ETF alerts: iShares Global Energy ETF Stock Performance IXC opened at $39.12 on Friday. iShares Global Energy ETF has a one year low of $31.91 and a one year high of $42.11. The stocks fifty day moving average is $37.40 and its 200-day moving average is $38.07. The company has a market capitalization of $1.80 billion, a PE ratio of 14.37 and a beta of 1.13. About iShares Global Energy ETF iShares Global Energy ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Global Energy Sector 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 Global Energy Sector Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the S&P Global 1200 Index, and measures the performance of companies that S&P deems to be part of the energy sector of the economy. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares Global Energy ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Global Energy ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SM Energy (NYSE:SM Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The energy company reported $1.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.26, reports. The firm had revenue of $550.75 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $555.46 million. SM Energy had a return on equity of 22.48% and a net margin of 41.36%. SM Energy Trading Up 2.8 % Shares of SM stock traded up $1.03 on Friday, hitting $38.33. The stock had a trading volume of 1,593,548 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,512,088. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 1.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.34 and a beta of 4.39. SM Energy has a 1 year low of $24.66 and a 1 year high of $48.55. The companys 50 day moving average price is $31.49 and its 200-day moving average price is $30.08. Get SM Energy alerts: SM Energy Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 7th. Investors of record on Friday, July 21st will be issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 20th. This represents a dividend yield of 1%. SM Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 6.80%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Institutional Investors Weigh In On SM Energy A number of brokerages recently commented on SM. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on SM Energy from $43.00 to $41.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. TheStreet upgraded SM Energy from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Raymond James lifted their price objective on SM Energy from $41.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Susquehanna lifted their price objective on SM Energy from $30.00 to $32.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on SM Energy in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $39.80. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SM. Eaton Vance Management grew its stake in SM Energy by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Eaton Vance Management now owns 8,361 shares of the energy companys stock worth $326,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares in the last quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY boosted its position in shares of SM Energy by 4.5% during the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 7,630 shares of the energy companys stock worth $266,000 after acquiring an additional 326 shares in the last quarter. Byrne Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of SM Energy by 30.0% during the 4th quarter. Byrne Asset Management LLC now owns 1,690 shares of the energy companys stock worth $59,000 after acquiring an additional 390 shares in the last quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of SM Energy by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 12,177 shares of the energy companys stock worth $385,000 after acquiring an additional 419 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners boosted its position in shares of SM Energy by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Boston Partners now owns 118,109 shares of the energy companys stock worth $4,114,000 after acquiring an additional 498 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.10% of the companys stock. About SM Energy (Get Free Report) SM Energy Company, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, gas, and natural gas liquids in the state of Texas. It also has working interests in oil and gas producing wells in the Midland Basin and South Texas. The company was formerly known as St. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for SM Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SM Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Josko Gvardiol has made 88 appearances for RB Leipzig Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed defender Josko Gvardiol is having a medical and should complete his move from RB Leipzig "in the next hours". City have agreed a 77m fee for the 22-year-old Croatia international. "He is here," said Guardiola. "He is doing medical tests and hopefully we can finish the deal in the next hours." Guardiola also discussed the uncertain futures of Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva. Bayern Munich are keen to sign England defender Walker, 33, whilst Portugal winger Silva, 28, has attracted huge interest from Saudi Arabia, in addition to long-time admirers Barcelona. "We will do everything to keep them," he said. "It is not like [Ilkay] Gundogan as they have contracts. "We want them to stay because they want to stay. Losing Kyle and Bernardo would be so difficult." So far this summer City have already lost former captain Gundogan, who joined Barcelona after his contract at the Etihad expired, and forward Riyad Mahrez, who was purchased by Al-Ahli as part of the Saudi Pro league's significant recruitment drive. Guardiola says his priority is to work with players who want to continue at City, and also claimed the club has to pay an additional 'tax' to bring in new additions because of their status. "I want to work with guys who want to stay. [If they don't], we have to get a proper offer [for them]," Guardiola said. "If we don't get a proper offer, he's [Silva] our player and we want him. If they [Barcelona] want him, they will take a plane and come here and talk to our sporting director and CEO to make an agreement. "For us to buy a player, just because we are Man City it is 10-15m more expensive than other clubs all the time. If people want our really really important players, first they have to make an offer - and that hasn't happened. "When it happens, we will fight to extend the contract and [have them] be with us. That has happened with all of our players since day one." Story continues Silva is understood to be conflicted about his future. He recognises the achievements he has had at City, and their chances of further success in the future. But he is unsure whether it is time for another challenge, and a move to a climate more in keeping with his Portuguese roots. Playing for Barcelona is a long-held dream for Silva, although he also understands the club's financial problems mean they may not be able to put a deal together that would suit City. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 75.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 85,366 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 36,843 shares during the quarter. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $6,210,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 8,253 shares of the companys stock worth $646,000 after acquiring an additional 594 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 95,612 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,417,000 after acquiring an additional 1,612 shares during the period. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 1,348,690 shares of the companys stock worth $104,618,000 after buying an additional 57,434 shares during the last quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 27.0% during the 1st quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 88,779 shares of the companys stock worth $6,887,000 after buying an additional 18,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 12,575 shares of the companys stock worth $975,000 after buying an additional 719 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Trading Down 0.5 % USMV traded down $0.41 on Friday, reaching $74.30. The stock had a trading volume of 2,113,813 shares. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $47.44 and a fifty-two week high of $55.45. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $73.77 and a 200-day moving average of $72.85. The company has a market capitalization of $28.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75. About iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USMV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TELUS International (Cda) (NYSE:TIXT Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Citigroup from $15.00 to $11.00 in a report published on Friday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of TELUS International (Cda) in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of TELUS International (Cda) from $26.00 to $21.00 in a research report on Sunday, July 16th. TD Securities lowered their price objective on shares of TELUS International (Cda) from $30.00 to $18.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 17th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of TELUS International (Cda) from $26.00 to $21.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of TELUS International (Cda) from $21.00 to $14.00 in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, TELUS International (Cda) currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $20.07. Get TELUS International (Cda) alerts: TELUS International (Cda) Trading Up 3.8 % Shares of NYSE TIXT traded up $0.34 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $9.38. 594,750 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 554,169. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $13.44 and a 200 day simple moving average of $18.01. The stock has a market capitalization of $685.49 million, a P/E ratio of 15.38, a PEG ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 1.30. TELUS International has a twelve month low of $8.74 and a twelve month high of $31.52. Institutional Investors Weigh In On TELUS International (Cda) TELUS International (Cda) ( NYSE:TIXT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 4th. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $667.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $663.11 million. TELUS International (Cda) had a net margin of 6.38% and a return on equity of 17.21%. As a group, equities analysts expect that TELUS International will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of TELUS International (Cda) in the 1st quarter valued at $46,000. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC acquired a new stake in TELUS International (Cda) during the 3rd quarter worth $101,000. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale acquired a new stake in TELUS International (Cda) during the 2nd quarter worth $63,000. Citigroup Inc. raised its stake in TELUS International (Cda) by 18.8% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 4,781 shares of the companys stock worth $96,000 after acquiring an additional 755 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC acquired a new stake in TELUS International (Cda) during the 1st quarter worth $101,000. 61.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About TELUS International (Cda) (Get Free Report) TELUS International (Cda) Inc design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, and the Central America. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for TELUS International (Cda) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS International (Cda) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Noesis Capital Mangement Corp raised its position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 50.7% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 4,753 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,600 shares during the period. Noesis Capital Mangement Corps holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $249,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of SCHW. Beacon Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP purchased a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Charles Schwab by 54.8% during the 1st quarter. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 565 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Rocky Mountain Advisers LLC grew its stake in Charles Schwab by 704.2% during the 1st quarter. Rocky Mountain Advisers LLC now owns 571 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.77% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have weighed in on SCHW shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $74.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Raymond James upgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $63.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Monday, May 15th. Argus upped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $81.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Redburn Partners downgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Wolfe Research cut their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $62.00 to $60.00 in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $72.09. Insider Activity at Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Stock Performance In related news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 72,047 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.66, for a total value of $4,802,653.02. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now owns 59,748,538 shares in the company, valued at $3,982,837,543.08. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . In other Charles Schwab news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The shares were 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 in the company, valued at approximately $3,093,761,349.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 72,047 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.66, for a total transaction of $4,802,653.02. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 59,748,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,982,837,543.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 225,447 shares of company stock worth $13,866,915 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock. NYSE:SCHW traded down $0.95 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $64.92. 7,367,023 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 11,961,210. The firm has a market capitalization of $114.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.93, a P/E/G ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a 50-day moving average of $58.45 and a 200 day moving average of $61.33. The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 1-year low of $45.00 and a 1-year high of $86.63. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.04. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 33.15% and a return on equity of 27.81%. The company had revenue of $4.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.97 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.27 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Investors of record on Friday, August 11th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.15%. Charles Schwab Company Profile (Free Report) 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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). 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. Vedanta Resources plc (LON:VED Get Free Report) crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 832.60 ($10.69) and traded as high as GBX 838 ($10.76). Vedanta Resources shares last traded at GBX 832.60 ($10.69), with a volume of 162,101 shares trading hands. Vedanta Resources Stock Up 0.9 % The business has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 832.60 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 832.60. About Vedanta Resources (Get Free Report) Vedanta Resources plc operates as a diversified natural resources company in India, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, the United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Australia, and Liberia. It primarily produces zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, and aluminum deposits. The company also explores for, extracts, and processes minerals, as well as oil and gas. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Vedanta Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vedanta Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Verus Financial Partners Inc. increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 8.3% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,012 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 155 shares during the period. Verus Financial Partners Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $223,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 242.6% in the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 47,700 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $5,331,000 after purchasing an additional 33,776 shares during the last quarter. Perpetual Ltd acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at about $820,000. Delta Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Delta Investment Management LLC now owns 7,342 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $743,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the last quarter. Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. now owns 15,911 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,611,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GFG Capital LLC raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 25.5% in the 1st quarter. GFG Capital LLC now owns 4,697 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $411,000 after purchasing an additional 954 shares during the last quarter. 73.08% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total transaction of $5,688,000.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 6,775,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $770,759,948.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.1 % NYSE ABT traded up $0.11 on Friday, reaching $107.65. The company had a trading volume of 3,231,105 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,906,567. The firm has a market capitalization of $187.20 billion, a PE ratio of 36.74, a P/E/G ratio of 4.80 and a beta of 0.67. Abbott Laboratories has a 1 year low of $93.25 and a 1 year high of $115.83. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $107.01 and a 200-day moving average of $106.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.22. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.08 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.05 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $9.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.71 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.60% and a net margin of 12.83%. The businesss revenue was down 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.43 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.4 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, July 14th will be given a dividend of $0.51 per share. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.90%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is currently 69.62%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts recently weighed in on ABT shares. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. BTIG Research upped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $112.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $120.82. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Recommended Stories 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 Free Report). 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. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The technology company reported $3.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.45 by ($0.74), Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.94 billion. WESCO International had a net margin of 3.81% and a return on equity of 20.41%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $4.19 EPS. WESCO International updated its FY 2023 guidance to $15.00-$16.00 EPS. WESCO International Trading Down 0.1 % NYSE:WCC opened at $153.17 on Friday. WESCO International has a 52 week low of $112.08 and a 52 week high of $185.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a current ratio of 2.39. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $167.40 and its 200 day moving average price is $153.53. The company has a market capitalization of $7.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.15, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 2.00. Get WESCO International alerts: WESCO International Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were issued a $0.375 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.98%. WESCO Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 9.94%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Insider Transactions at WESCO International A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on WCC shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of WESCO International in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. KeyCorp decreased their target price on shares of WESCO International from $210.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Robert W. Baird upgraded shares of WESCO International from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $180.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Oppenheimer reduced their price objective on shares of WESCO International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on shares of WESCO International from $214.00 to $189.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, WESCO International presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $185.57. In related news, EVP Nelson John Squires III sold 3,490 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.00, for a total value of $628,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 66,147 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,906,460. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other WESCO International news, EVP Nelson John Squires III sold 3,490 shares of WESCO International stock in a transaction on Friday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.00, for a total transaction of $628,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 66,147 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,906,460. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP James Cameron sold 7,687 shares of WESCO International stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total value of $1,179,723.89. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 35,811 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,495,914.17. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 14,668 shares of company stock worth $2,418,849. Insiders own 2.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of WESCO International A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WCC. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of WESCO International by 403.2% during the 1st quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,424 shares of the technology companys stock worth $220,000 after buying an additional 1,141 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of WESCO International by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 615,883 shares of the technology companys stock worth $95,179,000 after buying an additional 22,340 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in shares of WESCO International by 10.5% during the 4th quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 2,814 shares of the technology companys stock worth $352,000 after buying an additional 267 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 14.3% during the 4th quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,977 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $247,000 after purchasing an additional 247 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Eagle Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 29.4% during the 4th quarter. Eagle Asset Management Inc. now owns 190,100 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $23,711,000 after purchasing an additional 43,238 shares in the last quarter. 92.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. WESCO International Company Profile (Get Free Report) WESCO International, Inc provides business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), Communications & Security Solutions (CSS), and Utility and Broadband Solutions (UBS). See Also Receive News & Ratings for WESCO International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WESCO International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Free Report) had its price objective cut by Oppenheimer from $190.00 to $185.00 in a research note published on Friday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the technology companys stock. Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. StockNews.com started coverage on WESCO International in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. KeyCorp dropped their target price on WESCO International from $210.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday. Loop Capital increased their target price on WESCO International from $170.00 to $210.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 21st. Finally, Robert W. Baird upgraded WESCO International from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $180.00 target price for the company in a report on Friday, May 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, WESCO International presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $185.57. Get WESCO International alerts: WESCO International Stock Performance WCC stock traded down $0.12 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $153.17. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,296,931 shares, compared to its average volume of 719,197. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $167.40 and its 200 day moving average price is $153.53. The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 2.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22. WESCO International has a 1 year low of $112.08 and a 1 year high of $185.23. The stock has a market cap of $7.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.15, a PEG ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 2.00. WESCO International Announces Dividend WESCO International ( NYSE:WCC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The technology company reported $3.71 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.45 by ($0.74). WESCO International had a net margin of 3.81% and a return on equity of 20.41%. The firm had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.94 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $4.19 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that WESCO International will post 17.44 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were issued a $0.375 dividend. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.98%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. WESCO Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 9.94%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP James Cameron sold 7,687 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total value of $1,179,723.89. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 35,811 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,495,914.17. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP James Cameron sold 7,687 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total transaction of $1,179,723.89. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 35,811 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,495,914.17. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Nelson John Squires III sold 3,490 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.00, for a total value of $628,200.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 66,147 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,906,460. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 14,668 shares of company stock worth $2,418,849. 2.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of WESCO International A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of WCC. MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 55.8% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 23,551 shares of the technology companys stock worth $3,065,000 after purchasing an additional 8,430 shares in the last quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 55,479 shares of the technology companys stock worth $7,220,000 after purchasing an additional 2,304 shares in the last quarter. UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. increased its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 29.5% in the 2nd quarter. UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. now owns 82,766 shares of the technology companys stock worth $8,864,000 after purchasing an additional 18,860 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 35.2% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 3,212 shares of the technology companys stock worth $344,000 after purchasing an additional 837 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC increased its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 33.0% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 21,877 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,612,000 after purchasing an additional 5,424 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.78% of the companys stock. WESCO International Company Profile (Get Free Report) WESCO International, Inc provides business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), Communications & Security Solutions (CSS), and Utility and Broadband Solutions (UBS). Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for WESCO International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WESCO International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of WidePoint (NYSE:WYY Free Report) in a research note published on Friday. The brokerage issued a sell rating on the stock. WidePoint Stock Performance Shares of WYY stock traded up $0.03 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $1.82. 10,845 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 59,513. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.00 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.66 and a beta of 1.17. WidePoint has a one year low of $1.70 and a one year high of $3.06. Get WidePoint alerts: WidePoint Company Profile (Get Free Report) See Also WidePoint Corporation provides technology management as a service (TMaaS) to the government and business enterprises in North America and Europe. The company offers TMaaS solutions through a secure federal government certified proprietary portal and secure enterprise portal that provides ability to manage, analyze, and protect communications assets, as well as deploy identity management solutions that provide secured virtual and physical access to restricted environments. Receive News & Ratings for WidePoint Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WidePoint and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. On Monday, Peter Bruce received a greeting card with the words sweet sixteen scrawled on the envelope. The card wasnt intended to help celebrate a birthday; in fact, Bruce has graced the airwaves in northern Arizona with his one-of-a-kind baritone for much longer than 16 years. This week he was marking a different kind of milestone all together. For decades Bruce has been sharing more than his iconic voice with northern Arizonans. Hes also been sharing his blood 16 gallons of it over the course of 128 donations. Bruce is a longtime KAFF Country disc jockey. His voice is the unmistakable anchor of KAFF Legends (AM 930), and hes the host of programs such as Under Western Skies, a Sunday morning radio staple featuring cowboy poetry and traditional music. In 2021, Bruce won the International Western Music Association Radio Program/DJ of the Year award. The warehouse where Bruce gave his 128th pint of blood is unassuming and dimly lit. One folding table by the door functions as a donor check-in station, another is stacked with water and snacks. Scrub-clad techs stand by with blood bags, near two clinical chairs. The air is sterile. The room is nothing special, but its the site of something very special indeed. In this room, everyday people give the gift of life. And that gift is desperately needed. Right now the State of Arizona is faced with an emergency blood shortage meaning hospitals and medical centers have less than a three-day supply of blood on hand. It takes 600 individual donations to account for a single days supply. According to Carina Fors, a senior account manager at Vitalant and the person in charge of scheduling blood drives in northern Arizona, the average car accident victim needs about 50 units of blood. A lot of people will come out when they hear about massive shootings and things like that, but there are everyday needs accident victims, cancer patients and people with blood-related diseases that need monthly blood transfusions. Theyre relying on those blood donations that come in daily, Fors said. The most critical donors are people like Bruce, those who come in whenever they can and loyally give their lifeblood to keep Arizonas supply where it has to be to support people in need. I come in as soon as Im eligible which is once every 80 days. That is the threshold. Theyll send me a reminder that my time is up and that its OK to move forward as far as a donation, Bruce said. At that rate I give five or six times a year. Bruce has been giving blood since high school, and his dedication to sitting for donations is unusual and becoming more so by the day. Its very rare. Im at a little over 10 gallons myself. We do have loyal donors that are up there with 15, 20 gallons donating, Fors said. If you figure, hes donated 128 pints or times, and one of those pints could help support up to three people. Red cells, plasma and platelets, theyre separated. Just know the amount of lives hes touched by simply donating an hour to an hour and a half of his time four or five times a year. Bruce said his parents were part of the World War II generation. Their lessons about community service are what got him started on his giving journey. They instilled in me the importance of giving back to your community. So, in that same breath, Ive always been conscientious about giving blood because I am an eligible donor and its a way to help my fellow man, he said. These days, Fors said, there is a generation gap in giving. That gap is a driver for what feels like a near-constant blood shortage, she said. A lot of donors, like Bruce, start giving in high school, but Fors said a lot of people stop signing up to give after graduation. With high school, they do get out of class, except for Flagstaff Unified, to donate, so thats like a perk. It seems after high school, donors just kind of drop off. As the older generation is not able to donate, were really focused on educating the younger generation that there is no substitute for blood, Fors said. She said the majority of northern Arizonas regular, foundational donors are older than the age of 50. A number of her steady lifelong donors are aging out. I just think younger people need to get on board. I think there is a lack of education and awareness concerning the blood donation process. The next generation of folks needs to step up and do their part. They are the future of blood donation. Weve got to keep it rolling, Bruce said. Money cant buy blood, at least in the traditional sense. Chatting with Bruce, Fors pointed that out. She cant take a monetary donation to Costco and help medical centers stock up. That fact alone makes blood a commodity thats hard to come by. Its a finite resource in that the only way the medical centers and hospitals and trauma centers can get blood is from human beings to help with operations and emergencies and traffic accidents. Theres no way around that, Bruce said. Youve got to be willing to step up and provide that resource because there is no other option. Fors said she can speculate that younger people arent giving blood because they dont understand how critical their donation might be. She also wonders if a fear of needles holds most people back. I think that is an invalid excuse for a lot of people. A lot of people utilize that, Oh, Im afraid of needles. An IV is not in any way shape or form an intimidating thing. Its something that every person comes into contact with throughout their lives, Bruce said. Fors said she encourages people who are afraid of needles to consider the patient on the other end of their donations patients who have to face month transfusions, and regular blood work. Theres a little girl who has diamond black fan anemia and she needs a transfusion every month. Just think about the needles in her arm constantly, she said. And 128 pints of blood could help save close to 400 lives. Thats a legendary gift from the KAFF Legends DJ. However, Fors said, she hopes younger donors wont just aspire to follow in Bruces footsteps. Theyll check on their eligibility and fill some blood bags of their own. Eligibility standards change, and often factors donors believe will limit their ability to give are temporary. Details such as getting a tattoo, traveling overseas or taking regular medication might not be the barriers they once were. Would-be donors with questions about eligibility can call Vitalant at 877-258-4825 (877-25-VITAL). At the end of the day, Fors said, a new wave of regular donors is the best and likely only cure for the states blood shortage and the only way to soothe the near constant crisis. We need help getting out of these emergency blood shortages. We need people to step up so that were not continually desperate for help, she said. Union home minister Amit Shah in Bhubaneswar (DC) Bhubaneswar: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday remembered the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 in the Parliament on August 5, 2019. August 5 marks the fourth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35 A. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 was introduced and passed by Rajya Sabha on August 5, 2019. A day later, the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha. Shah, who is on a two-day visit to the state to inaugurate two National Highway projects and review the Leftwing Extremism situation in the state, said with the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A as well as the enactment of The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 the people J&K had joined the mainstream of India life and the state saw massive economic prosperity. "Its a glorious occasion today to remember the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and the passing of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 in the Parliament on August 5, 2019. On this occasion, we all extend our sincere thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his inspiring and visionary leadership for such bold moves," said Shah. The home minister also underlined the decline in Maoist activities in the country. "The Naxal activities in the country have declined by 30 percent. Similarly, there has been a 32 percent decline in the casualty of security personnel engaged in anti-Maoist activities. Besides, there has been a drastic fall in the stone-pelting activities," said Mr Shah. He thanked Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Naveen Patnaik for his "continuous cooperation" to the Union government in its fight against the Maoists. "The Union government is committed to wage a decisive battle against the Maoists. Odisha has always strongly contributed to this fight," he said. The home minister also lauded the Odisha government and CM Naveen Patnaik states exemplary performances in disaster management. "The 1999 Odisha Super-cyclone killed thousands of people. Odisha learnt from it and prepared a robust disaster preparedness strategy. In subsequent cyclones and other natural disasters, it has always achieved zero casualties. Odisha has in fact shown the path to the Union government and other provincial establishments on how to put in place strong disaster management mechanisms," Shah said. hree army jawans, who were injured during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday, succumbed to their injuries (Representational image: AFP) Kulgam (Jammu and Kashmir): Three Army jawans have been killed in a gunfight with separatist militants underway in the woods of south Kashmir's Kulgam district since Friday midnight. Confirming it, a defence spokesman here said on Saturday that the soldiers grievously injured in the clash in the Hallan forest area of Kulgam's Damhal Hanjipora area succumbed at a medical facility. Army's Srinagarbased 15 Corps tweeted "On specific inputs regarding presence of terrorists on higher reaches of Hallan in Kulgam, operations launched by security forces on 04 Aug 23. In exchange of firing with terrorists, three personnel sustained injuries and later succumbed. Search operations are continuing". The fighting broke out on the eve of the 4th anniversary of Centre's stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and splitting it up into two Union territories. The BJP has planned celebrations throughout the region to mark the day whereas opposition PDP has sought permission from the district authorities to hold a rally in capital Srinagar against the August 5, 2019 decisions of the Narendra Modi government. Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, however, alleged that the police is detaining her party's activists ahead of the proposed rally. Posting a video on the micro-blogging site, she wrote, "Why is @JmuKmrPolice detaining PDP leaders on the eve of 5th August? Arif Laigroo has been taken by the police in this video. BJP is given a free run to carry out the tamasha of celebrating illegal abrogation of Article 370 in Srinagar. All this is being done to hoodwink the public opinion in the country. Just goes on to expose the facade of normalcy - a fake narrative to justify their illegal actions. @manojsinha_ @AmitShah". Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) employees have organized a protest rally in Hyderabad on Saturday (Representational image: DC file) Hyderabad: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) employees have organized a protest rally in Hyderabad on Saturday, demanding governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan clear the the TSRTC merger Bill. The rally was taken out from Tankbund Indra Gandhi statue to Raj Bhavan. Over 3000 employees participated in the rally. Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan has sought clarification from the government on certain aspects of the proposed merger of TSRTC with the state government. The Governor who is currently in Puducherry has invited leaders of TSRTC for a discussion through video conference. "I am pained to know about the strike conducted by RTC employees creating inconvenience to common public...I want to convey that I am always with them even during the previous strike I was with them ..now also I am studying it carefully because their rights should be safeguarded", the Governor tweeted, responding to the RTC employees protest. A sweet stall owner in the industrial town of Korba in Chhattisgarh was seen displaying tomatoes along with Rasgolla, Gulap Jamun, Cham Cham and other sweets Raipur: The escalating price of tomatoes has made the vegetable share space proudly with sweets in shops. A sweet stall owner in the industrial town of Korba in Chhattisgarh was seen displaying tomatoes along with Rasgolla, Gulab Jamoon, Cham Cham and other sweets in the de-freezers of his shop for sale. "The market price of tomato is exorbitant", he tells the consumers visiting his stall. A video of the sweet stall owner Shaji Bhai selling tomatoes in his shop has gone viral on social media. Shaji has attracted more curious onlookers than buyers to his shop since he started selling tomatoes along with other sweets in his shop, Naresh Mishra who visited the stall on Friday, said. Like other states, tomato prices have skyrocketed in Chhattisgarh also. The commodity is selling at prices ranging from Rs 150 a kilo to Rs 200 a kilo at various places in the state, Govind Patel, one of the leading tomato producers of Chhattisgarh, told this newspaper. The farmer, based at Durg in the state, said that the price of tomato has started shooting up since the last four months and is yet to come down. The price of tomato is expected to fall in September when the crop is harvested, he said. Chhattisgarh produces around 3,75,000 tons of tomato annually which is three times the states demand. Durg district is the largest producer of tomato in Chhattisgarh. The state yields two tomato crops annually in September-March, Dr Bhupen Pandey, additional director in state horticulture department told this newspaper. Transplantation of the crop has already begun and the first tomato crop of the year is expected to be harvested in September, he added. The tomato yield per hectare in Chhattisgarh ranges from 15 tonnes to 20 tonnes. Chhattisgarh exports tomatoes to different states and other countries like Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan, according to Mr Patel. Like in other tomato-producing states, tomato crop was damaged in the outgoing season due to rains leading to skyrocketing of the price of the commodity, Dr Pandey said. The PM, accompanied by Cabinet members and senior government officials, was jointly hosted onboard by the Indian Navy and High Commissioner of India Inbasekar Sudaramurthi. ANI Visakhapatnam: INS Sahyadri of the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam, and INS Kolkata on deployment to the Eastern Indian Ocean Region received Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape who visited the ships during their port call to Port Moresby. The PM, accompanied by Cabinet members and senior government officials, was jointly hosted onboard by the Indian Navy and High Commissioner of India Inbasekar Sudaramurthi. In his address, PM Marape welcomed the Indian Naval Ships to PNG. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting PNG in May 23 and highlighted his stellar efforts in strengthening India-PNG ties. Speaking on the need for greater defence cooperation, Marape said more visits by Indian Naval ships that would help build people to people connect should be encouraged. A captivating cultural show and a delightful selection of Indian cuisine formed part of the Naval reception which was also attended by members of the Indian High Commission and the Indian diaspora. The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany Aug 6 The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 423 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff. 978-774-2911. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Come join in prayer, fellowship, friendship, come and see! www.epiphanyaz.org, or 978-774-2911 for more info. https://go.evvnt.com/1834277-0. BEACON UU SUNDAY SERVICE: "The Origins of Rock - 1955 to 1965," Annual Rock n Roll Service Aug 6 Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 510 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff. (928) 779-4492. 10-11 a.m., ALL ARE WELCOME! You BELONG at Beacon - Spiritually open and intentionally inclusive since 1958. During the decade of 1955 to 1965, quite a few Unitarian-Universalists developed many of their attitudes and values. One of the major influences on their thinking was the beginning of rock n' roll. This annual rock n' roll service will honor some of those early rock artists - Little Richard; Chuck Berry; Elvis Presley; Buddy Holly; the Everly Brothers; Bob Dylan; Peter, Paul, and Mary; the Beach Boys; the Beatles; and the Rolling Stones. Dr. Andy Hogg will be joined by Kim Angelo, Tom Barberic, Steve Ochi, and Simon Cunningham in discussing how that decade of music changed their lives, including their beliefs about social justice. Music is one of the best ways to have a spiritual experience. Come to sing along and dance to the music. "Just don't step on my blue suede shoes.". https://go.evvnt.com/1871697-0. PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Aug 6 3430 N. Fourth St., 3430 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. 928-526-9578. 10-11 a.m., We invite you to join the family of Peace Lutheran Church (LCMS) on Sunday at 10:00am for in person blended service (Combined Liturgical, hymnal based and Praise Worship) with Holy Communion. Pastor William Weiss Jr. (Pastor Bill) will be presiding. The service will be live streamed on our website (peacelutheranflagstaff.org) and on YouTube. Fellowship and refreshments are available before the worship service beginning 9:15am. https://go.evvnt.com/1870688-0. Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center Aug 6 Unity of Flagstaff, 1800 S. Milton Road, Flagstaff. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Not only is NOT Feeling your Feelings bad for your mental health, your relationships and your physical health, but it could it be a deterrent to your Spiritual Maturity! We hear a lot about Emotional Intelligence in todays world. Lets explore and discover with Rev. Penni how Feeling our Feelings may not only FEEL GOOD but perhaps may Light the way to healing, to a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and to a closer connection to the Spiritual source in YOUR life. THAT feels pretty good! Join us at 10:30 a.m. Live and LIVESTREAM this Sunday. 1800 S. Milton, Suite 103. Unity of Flagstaff - TOOLS not Rules! Where God is too Big for Religion. https://go.evvnt.com/1876606-0. Flagstaff Federated Community Church Please join us for in person services Sundays at 10 a.m. We are located at 400 W Aspen Ave. on the corner of Aspen and Sitgreaves in Downtown Flagstaff. All are welcome to our services. For more information about Flagstaff Federated Community Church please call our office at 928-774-7383, Mon Thurs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Church of the Resurrection Sunday Church Services 740 W. University Heights Drive S., 740 W. University Heights Drive S., Flagstaff. 928-853-8522. 10-11:30 a.m., Church of the Resurrection Presbyterian Church in America (PCA): We invite you to join us for worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 740 W. University Heights Drive South. Please feel free to contact us for information on our mid-week gatherings and for more information on our church. You can find us at www.cor-pca.org and www.facebook.com/CORFlagstaff or we can be reached at corflagstaff@gmail.com and (928) 699-2715. Leupp Nazarene Church The church, near mile post 13 or Navajo Route 15, has been holding services by teleconferences and doing drive-up meetings. For information, call pastor Farrell Begay at 928-853-5321. Teleconference number: 1-7170275-8940 with access code 3204224#. Services are 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Christian Science Society of Flagstaff 619 W. Birch Ave. Bible Lesson services every Sunday 10-11am (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/369812794). Testimony Meetings every Wednesday: 5:30-6:30pm (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/971672834). Zoom password: CSS. This request for clarification is made in the best interests of both the TSRTC employees and the State. DC Image HYDERABAD: Around eight platoons of armed personnel, police personnel from law and order, and central and west zone task force wings were deployed to man the stretch from PVNR marg to Raj Bhavan in view of the rally taken out by TSRTC employees here on Saturday. Police stopped the protestors from entering the Raj Bhavan road. It was only after union leaders assured them that it was a peaceful protest that the police removed the barricades. The rally, which started from PVR marg at around 10.20 am, reached Raj Bhavan by 11 am, where the workers warned of intensifying their stir if their demands were not met. Meanwhile, police diverted traffic from IMAX towards Panjagutta junction. Commuters were not allowed to proceed towards Raj Bhavan. Many commuters' complained of getting struck around IMAX junction, Necklace road, Lakdi-ka-Pul, Khairatabad, Erram Manzil, Punjagutta and Ameerpet. "I use the Khairatabad road to reach my office, which is in AG Colony. What normally takes 20 minutes took over one hour to reach my office," said M. Jagdish, a civil engineer. M. Nandita, from a software company, said that she had booked a cab to reach the office at Krishnanagar to attend an emergency meeting. The entire road was heavily guarded and she was delayed, she said. "We deployed over 200 police personnel drawn from various wings as a precautionary measure," said Joel Davis, DCP, west zone. Although Tamailsai Soundarajan was not in Raj Bhavan around that time, she had a video conference interaction with some of the union leaders, who were allowed inside the Raj Bhavan. She assured the agitators that she would look into their demands and take appropriate decisions. She urged the protestors not to cause inconvenience to the people. Following the Governors assurances, the protestors left the spot. Telangana state Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan. (Image Source:Twitter/@DrTamilisaiGuv) HYDERABAD: The tussle between Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan and the state government over the proposed Bill to merge the TSRTC with the state government deepened further on Saturday as the Governor sought a few more clarifications before she permitted its tabling. Earlier, the state government gave point-by-point clarifications to five queries that the Governor raised, plunging into uncertainty the presentation of the Bill in the Assembly on Sunday, the last day of the ongoing Monsoon Session. The fresh clarifications the Governor sought comprised queries on whether the state government had obtained the concurrence of the Centre, which holds a 30 per cent stake in the RTC, for the merger. Dr Soundararajan sought a copy of the concurrence and, if it was not taken, asked for the steps taken by the government to ensure legal compliance. She sought clarification on the number of permanent and temporary employees and the mechanism being adopted for ensuring the job security of non-permanent employees. Dr Soundararajan sought clarification if the movable and immovable properties of the corporation will continue to remain with the corporation or would the state government take them over. Clarification was also sought if the authority would be responsible for operating the fleet of buses. "If the employees are absorbed as government servants, it needs to be clarified who will be responsible for controlling their functioning and assigning duties for running the fleet. Additionally, the role of the corporation in this regard is to be specified, with a focus on the interests of the employees and daily commuters," the Governor stated in a query. She asked for clarity over the employees, who, once absorbed into government service, will continue to work in the corporation on deputation or in other similar arrangements. Earlier, Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari had written to the Governor on Saturday giving clarifications on the five doubts raised on Friday. The CS clarified that the proposed Bill only provided for the absorption of TSRTC employees into government service and the corporation continued to function in its existing legal entity and form in all other respects. The CS said that the equity contributions of the state and Centre to the APSRTC in the united Andhra Pradesh were 140.20 crores and 61.07 crores, respectively. The Corporation Board would continue as the apex body of the TSRTC, under the provisions of the RTC Act, 1950, to manage issues pertaining to equity, loan, grant or other assistance of the Centre and related matters. Hence, it is not necessary to mention any of these details in the Bill, she said. "The nature of the Corporation would not be changed till bifurcation issues are settled. The issues pertaining to bifurcation are under examination by the Government of India, after submission of views by both the state governments," the CS said. "The applicability of the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act after absorption of the TSRTC employees into government service, would be as per the provisions of the said Act. No provision in this regard is required in the proposed Bill. The interests of the existing employees are best served by absorption into the state government, which in fact is one of the main objects of the proposed Bill," the CS stated. There is no ambiguity in the proposed Bill with regard to the applicability of pension provisions or other provisions applicable to government employees to TSRTC employees, post their absorption into government service, Santhi Kumari said. "No employee would be put to any hardship in terms of salaries and allowances. There is no bar to continue the various categories and cadres presently in TSRTC, post their absorption in government service also, by framing suitable service rules in that regard," she said. "In fact, the limited object of the subject matter Bill is to provide an exception to the provisions of the Telangana Prohibition of Employees of State Government Public Sector Undertakings into Public Service Act, 1997, State Act 14 of 1997, which prohibits absorption of employees working in PSUs into public service and matter related thereto," the CS stated. TS gives 5 answers, Gov. asks for more Governors Sat. queries: Has the government taken concurrence of the Centre, which is a RTC stakeholder; provide a copy of the concurrence Number of permanent, temporary staff; job security of non-permanent staff Who will operate the buses Govts Friday replies: Bill absorbs RTC staff, corporation will continue to operate buses Corporation Board would continue unchanged, no need to provide data on shareholding No ambiguity over staff salary, allowances, pension Venugopal is said to have stressed the need for leaders to bury their differences with colleagues, opining that the chances of Congress coming to power were the best in Telangana, among the poll-bound states. (Image By Arrangement) Hyderabad: The political affairs committee (PAC) of the Congress on Saturday, with K.C. Venugopal, AICC general secretary incharge of the organisation, in attendance, directed its leaders to shed all differences and work unitedly for the next 100 days. Venugopal is said to have stressed the need for leaders to bury their differences with colleagues, opining that the chances of Congress coming to power were the best in Telangana, among the poll-bound states. He is said to have stressed this when leaders like N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Damodara Raja Narasimha and Renuka Chowdary lamented the absence of any knowledge regarding the formation of various committees, until they were finalised. Conducted an orientation session for the AICC observers appointed for the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections, Venugopal also shared his experience on social media. Briefing the media on the proceedings, PAC convener Shabbir Ali said, "We have been directed to follow the Karnataka model in our campaign by K.C. Venugopal. We will file a chargesheet on the land scams happening in the state. Four public meetings will be held between August 15 and September 15 in the Zaheerabad, Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda Parliamentary constituencies. Each of them will be attended by a senior leader. The leaders have been asked to stay in tribal hamlets on Tribals Day." Senior leader and former PCC president V. Hanumantha Rao is said to have stressed on giving BCs their due, given that all parties are trying to woo them. The BJP is also focusing on them after Rahul Gandhis message of Jitne Hissedari Utna Bhagidari. While some leaders are said to have stressed the urgency to fill vacant posts at the mandal level, the need to accommodate those serving the party for a long time was also reminded. The PAC meeting was attended by AICC incharge of Telangana Manikrao Thakre and TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy, among others. The embassy cited statements by Russian officials that Russia welcomes and does not have discriminatory policies against Chinese citizens, as well as that the destination on their visa application of the five Chinese did not match their actual destination. Saud on Saturday called Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami and formally requested him for the urgent search and rescue of the Nepalese pilgrims who went missing in the landslides that have occurred in Gauri Kund of Rudraprayag district since Thursday night following incessant rain, according to the ministers secretariat. Also Read | Man from Nepal wanted by NIA held in Bihar A section of Delhi BJP leaders believe Mishra will "prove to be an asset" to the party. "He will not only prove effective in taking on his former boss (Delhi Chief Minister) Kejriwal and the AAP but also bolster the BJP's appeal among Delhi people with his fiercely pro Hindu stand," said a senior Delhi BJP leader. About the future of opposition alliance in the state, Yadav said, "The SP is there. More parties that are willing to join the I.N.D.I.A alliance are welcome. Our PDA (Pichhade, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) will defeat the BJP this time. The BJP has done nothing except dividing the society." "I want to assure you that anyone involved in the violence won't be spared," Vij told reporters in Ambala, adding, the detainees are being questioned. "It is a big gameplan every person had a lathi in his hand. Were these being distributed for free? Someone must have arranged these. Bullets were being fired. From where did weapons come ? We will go to the depth of the matter," he said. Balaji, who is now a minister without portfolio in Chief Minister M K Stalins cabinet, was arrested by the ED on June 14 in the cash-for-job scam. However, he was taken to the Government Omandurar Hospital after he complained of chest pain and later admitted to a private hospital where he underwent a by-pass surgery. He is now in Puzhal Central Prison. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said PFI leaders and members associated with overseas entities were developing a residential project -- Munnar Villa Vista Project (MVVP) -- at Munnar with a motive to "launder" money collected from foreign countries as well as within the country, and to generate funds for PFI to "finance" its radical activities and the project was being developed by forming a company in the name of Munnar Villa Vista Pvt Ltd (MVVPL). The duo, both operatives of Islamic State (IS), were arrested in October 2017 by the Gujarat ATS and were charged under Indian Penal Code sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 121-A (sedition) and 125 (waging war against any Asiatic power in alliance with India), apart from sections 17, 18, 19 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Shares of Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:LEU Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Friday following a better than expected earnings announcement. 269,377 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 82% from the previous sessions volume of 148,139 shares.The stock last traded at $42.06 and had previously closed at $35.03. The basic materials company reported $0.83 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.39. The firm had revenue of $98.40 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $63.50 million. Centrus Energy had a negative return on equity of 78.14% and a net margin of 18.38%. Get Centrus Energy alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, StockNews.com raised Centrus Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, June 9th. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Centrus Energy Stock Performance A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Swiss National Bank lifted its stake in shares of Centrus Energy by 7.7% during the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 25,200 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $849,000 after purchasing an additional 1,800 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of Centrus Energy by 22.5% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,598 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $155,000 after acquiring an additional 845 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Centrus Energy in the first quarter worth about $269,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Centrus Energy by 57.0% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 5,454 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $184,000 after acquiring an additional 1,980 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers lifted its stake in shares of Centrus Energy by 10.8% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 11,938 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $402,000 after acquiring an additional 1,168 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 40.43% of the companys stock. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $32.96. The firm has a market cap of $618.54 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.89 and a beta of 2.06. About Centrus Energy (Get Free Report) Centrus Energy Corp. supplies nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry in the United States, Japan, Belgium, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and Technical Solutions. The LEU segment sells separative work units (SWU) component of LEU; SWU and natural uranium components of LEU; and natural uranium for utilities that operate nuclear power plants. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Centrus Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centrus Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL Free Report) by 4.6% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 100,815 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,405 shares during the quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd.s holdings in Ecolab were worth $16,688,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. CWM LLC increased its position in Ecolab by 0.7% during the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 9,377 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,552,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares during the period. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC increased its position in Ecolab by 4.5% during the first quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 1,432 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $238,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares during the period. Benjamin Edwards Inc. increased its position in Ecolab by 13.3% during the first quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 545 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $90,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the period. Country Club Bank GFN increased its holdings in Ecolab by 3.1% in the 4th quarter. Country Club Bank GFN now owns 2,170 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $316,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Finally, Pine Haven Investment Counsel Inc increased its holdings in Ecolab by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Pine Haven Investment Counsel Inc now owns 2,447 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $405,000 after buying an additional 67 shares during the period. 73.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Ecolab alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes ECL has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Ecolab from $163.00 to $181.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Ecolab from $164.00 to $182.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. StockNews.com raised shares of Ecolab from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Ecolab from $186.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, VNET Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Ecolab in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $191.93. Ecolab Stock Up 0.6 % NYSE:ECL opened at $182.53 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $181.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is $168.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 0.79. Ecolab Inc. has a one year low of $131.04 and a one year high of $191.41. The company has a market cap of $51.97 billion, a PE ratio of 44.41, a P/E/G ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 1.02. Ecolab (NYSE:ECL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The basic materials company reported $1.24 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.21 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $3.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.86 billion. Ecolab had a net margin of 7.96% and a return on equity of 18.55%. The firms revenue was up 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.10 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Ecolab Inc. will post 5.03 earnings per share for the current year. Ecolab Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 16th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 19th will be given a $0.53 dividend. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.16%. Ecolabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 51.58%. Insider Transactions at Ecolab In other news, EVP Nicholas J. Alfano sold 1,098 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total value of $192,150.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,717 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,700,475. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Larry L. Berger sold 21,708 shares of Ecolab stock in a transaction on Friday, June 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.67, for a total value of $3,943,692.36. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 12,442 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,260,338.14. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Nicholas J. Alfano sold 1,098 shares of Ecolab stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total transaction of $192,150.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 9,717 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,700,475. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 32,600 shares of company stock worth $5,889,204. Company insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock. Ecolab Company Profile (Free Report) Ecolab Inc provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segments. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ecolab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ecolab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. trimmed its holdings in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) by 7.2% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 162,578 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 12,640 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd.s holdings in General Electric were worth $15,542,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in GE. Sei Investments Co. increased its stake in shares of General Electric by 10.0% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 305,384 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $27,925,000 after buying an additional 27,682 shares during the period. Prudential PLC bought a new position in shares of General Electric in the 1st quarter worth $1,518,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of 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 last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of General Electric in the 1st quarter worth $388,000. Finally, West Family Investments Inc. bought a new position in shares of General Electric in the 1st quarter worth $230,000. 74.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get General Electric alerts: Insider Activity at General Electric In other General Electric news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 112,614 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.20, for a total transaction of $12,973,132.80. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 57,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,672,729.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, SVP Scott Strazik sold 173,873 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $99.56, for a total transaction of $17,310,795.88. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 56,049 shares in the company, valued at $5,580,238.44. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 112,614 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.20, for a total value of $12,973,132.80. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 57,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,672,729.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 344,779 shares of company stock valued at $36,385,935. 0.67% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In General Electric Price Performance Several research firms have recently issued reports on GE. Bank of America raised their price target on General Electric from $108.00 to $120.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 6th. Oppenheimer lowered General Electric from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Citigroup raised their price target on General Electric from $126.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Argus lifted their target price on General Electric from $112.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on General Electric from $100.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $118.47. NYSE:GE opened at $113.06 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.25. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $108.37 and its 200 day simple moving average is $97.19. The company has a market cap of $123.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.41, a P/E/G ratio of 6.85 and a beta of 1.28. General Electric has a 52-week low of $48.06 and a 52-week high of $117.96. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by $0.22. The business had revenue of $15.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.76 billion. General Electric had a return on equity of 9.30% and a net margin of 13.32%. General Electrics quarterly revenue was up 18.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.78 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that General Electric will post 2.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. General Electric Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 25th. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 11th were given a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.28%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 10th. General Electrics dividend payout ratio is currently 3.80%. About General Electric (Free Report) General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers. Read More 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. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report) by 15.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 31,340 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 4,307 shares during the period. Mutual of America Capital Management LLCs holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $3,936,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV raised its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 2,512 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $366,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares during the period. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. raised its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 3.7% during the 4th quarter. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. now owns 1,841 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $268,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 3,083 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $449,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the period. Seaport Global Advisors LLC raised its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 7.5% during the 4th quarter. Seaport Global Advisors LLC now owns 1,047 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $153,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares during the period. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC raised its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 7.3% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 1,086 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $219,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 85.60% of the companys stock. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $198.00 to $166.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. JMP Securities reduced their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $180.00 to $160.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. Evercore ISI reduced their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $141.00 to $137.00 in a research report on Monday, July 3rd. StockNews.com cut shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 14th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $180.00 to $145.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $160.88. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Trading Down 1.3 % ARE stock opened at $120.75 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a current ratio of 0.39. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $118.15 and a 200 day moving average price of $129.68. The firm has a market cap of $20.89 billion, a PE ratio of 35.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.37 and a beta of 0.93. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $108.81 and a fifty-two week high of $172.65. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by ($1.69). The company had revenue of $713.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $700.22 million. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 20.65% and a return on equity of 2.54%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.10 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 8.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were issued a $1.24 dividend. This is an increase from Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.21. This represents a $4.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.11%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 29th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess payout ratio is presently 147.18%. Insider Activity at Alexandria Real Estate Equities In other news, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.20, for a total transaction of $916,500.00. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 351,354 shares in the company, valued at $42,935,458.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Alexandria Real Estate Equities (Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since its founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ARE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report). 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. Dennis Heaney was only 21 years old when he was shot dead at the bottom of Derrys Harvey Street by British undercover soldiers. Dennis, who had received a death threat from RUC Special Branch officers three weeks earlier, on his release from Strand Road barracks, was assassinated on June 10, 1978. As he was leaving the barracks following a three-day arrest, a Special Branch detective told Dennis: When we get our chance, well ******* stiff you. Speaking to Derry Now, Dennis sister Stella, who narrated his British Legal Impunity film, along with her brother, Bernard, said initially the family had had mixed feelings about taking part in the project. When the family was approached by the Pat Finucane Centre (PFC) about making this short film account about our brother Dennis we had mixed feelings whether to be involved in this project or not, said Stella. Dennis violent death has had a huge traumatic effect on every member of the family since the day he was killed. We feel it is also very important to continue to highlight his killing, particularly now that the British Government is planning to shut down all investigations into the deaths of loved ones by introducing The Troubles Legacy Bill. Dennis was only 21 years old when he was shot dead at the bottom of Harvey Street by British undercover soldiers. It was extremely difficult to revisit that awful day but equally it was very important that his story was told and how his death affected our family at that time and right up to this day. On June 10, 1978, Dennis was shot and wounded by British undercover soldiers in Harvey Street. As he lay helpless on the ground, he was then shot in the back several times by a British soldier. There was no attempt to arrest Dennis. Stella said the Heaney family believed Dennis brutal killing was part of the British Governments shoot-to-kill policy introduced by British Secretary of State, Roy Mason in 1977. Taking part in the British Legal Impunity: The stories of women, men and children killed by the British army and RUC project has been very painful and emotional for us, she said. Dennis death 45 years ago completely changed the lives of all our family. He had three brothers and nine sisters. Sadly, our parents, Eilis and Denis, have died, never knowing the truth about the brutal killing of their son. My daddy died at 63 and it was really from a broken heart. However, as a family, we will continue to pursue the truth into the circumstances of Dennis death, which we believe was a planned assassination. At the launch on Saturday, it was extremely upsetting to hear the harrowing stories from the other families talking about the devastating deaths of their loved ones. It reinforced the importance for us and all families to seek the truth and justice no matter how long it takes. Stella added that nobody deserved to be killed in such a brutal way. What we want to know as a family, she said, is who sanctioned Dennis killing and why there was a Special Branch death threat made to him shortly before he was murdered? As my brother Bernard said in the film, It is just a shame really that those in power hold onto information and hold onto it in such a vindictive way. They have already killed our brother Dennis, now they want to punish us forever and ever and ever. Thats what they do. Criminal charges have been filed in connection to a drive-by shooting in Billings last month. Azuriah Austin Stallcup, 19, is facing multiple felonies in Yellowstone County District Court, including assault with a weapon, criminal endangerment and assaulting an officer. His arrest in July followed an investigation by the Billings Police Department and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Bullets struck a home on the 3900 block of Chamberlain Drive on July 6. BPD investigators later determined that seven shots were fired. While nobody was injured, several rounds made their way deep into the interior of the house. A woman was inside the home when gunfire erupted, court documents said. An alleged witness to the shooting told police that Tyrell Johnson was responsible. The name was later confirmed to be an alias for Stallcup, according to charging documents. Stallcup allegedly shot at the home while riding in the passenger seat of a stolen vehicle. With the assistance of the ATF, Billings police tracked the vehicle to a residence on Louise Lane north of Poly Drive. While conducting surveillance on the home, court documents said, law enforcement planned to use a vehicle pin technique to prevent Stallcup from driving away from the scene, or running away on foot. When Stallcup allegedly came out of a house along the block and got into the vehicle, several police cruisers attempted to block his escape. Stallcup struck two police vehicle, according to charging documents, then rolled into a driveway of another home and into its garage, damaging the garage door and a parked truck. While Stallcup was running away on foot, court documents said, an officer saw him reach into his pants and toss away a handgun. The owner of the damaged home allegedly caught up to Stallcup while he was trying to climb a fence and detained him for police. ATF agents recovered the handgun, according to charging documents, and Stallcup entered Yellowstone County Detention Facility on July 7. In total, Stallcup has been charged with felony counts of assault with a weapon, assaulting an officer, tampering with evidence, theft, criminal endangerment, two counts of criminal mischief and one misdemeanor charge of obstructing an officer. He is currently being held in custody on a $250,000 bond. BPD is currently investigating a string of drive-by shootings in the past month, one of which put an 11-year-old girl in the hospital. Gunfire has killed three people in Billings this year, the youngest of whom was 20 years old. Indian government imposes restrictions on laptop and PC imports to boost local manufacturing By Aniket Gupta In a move to promote domestic production in the electronics sector and especially curbing imports from China, the Indian government has imposed immediate restrictions on importing laptops, tablets, and personal computers falling under the HSN 8741 category. The restrictions, as per a government notification, will allow the import of these items only against a valid license, signaling a major shift in the existing regulations that previously allowed companies to import laptops freely. However, it is important to note that the new restrictions will not apply to imports under the baggage rules. This means that individuals travelling to India can still bring personal laptops and tablets without needing a license. The decision is considered a direct support for the government's recent programme, known as the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which aims to encourage the manufacturing of IT hardware in the country. The government's decision comes amid a steep increase in imports of electronic goods, laptops, and computers in recent years. In the second quarter of this year (April-June), the import of electronic goods experienced a big hike, reaching $6.96 billion against $4.73 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. A significant portion, approximately half, of these restricted items, were shipped from China. And that is seen as further ground for the new restrictions, given that the relationship between India and China has experienced strains since border clashes in 2020. Data indicates that India's imports of personal computers and laptops from China dropped 23.1 percent in the fiscal year 202223, amounting to $4.10 billion, compared to $5.34 billion in 202122. There was a steep upswing in the imports of PCs and laptops from China. They were up 44.7% to $3.52 billion in 2020-21 and rose 51.5% to $5.34 billion in 2021-22. And that is what seems to have triggered the governments reaction. The reaction of Ali Akhtar Jafri, former director of the electronics industry body MAIT, was that the essence of the initiative is to encourage manufacturing to relocate to India. He said that it's not merely a gentle nudge, but a robust push. While the measure is intended to encourage local production, industry executives have raised concerns about prolonged wait times for each new model's launch due to the licensing regime. Major foreign players in the Indian market for laptops and computers, such as Dell, Acer, Samsung, Panasonic, Apple, Lenovo, and HP, have been taken aback by the sudden imposition of licensing requirements. Laptop makers were already anticipating government measures to reduce reliance on imports and promote local production, but the immediate implementation of licensing seems to have caught the industry off-guard. Tech firms are now engaging with the Indian government to understand the licensing process and so as to expedite the acquisition of licenses, especially as India's festival shopping season and back-to-school period approach. The need for licenses makes things more difficult for manufacturers, who are already facing an excess of products worldwide and struggling to increase sales. This may lead to delayed product launches in India or even shortages in a market that relies heavily on imports. Will the government move boost local manufacturing and by reducing imports remains to be seen. Manufacturers and consumers alike are keeping their fingers crossed. A man has been charged in connection with a spate of burglaries in south west Donegal. While the man has been charged by Gardai, a male juvenile, who was also arrested on Friday morning, has been released without charge. The man, who is aged in his 20s, will now appear before Letterkenny District Court on August 31. The pair were arrested on Friday on suspicion of committing a number of burglaries in the Kilcar and Ardara areas. The alleged offences were committed between January and August of this year. The two were arrested when Gardai swooped following a planned operation by officers in the Ballyshannon Garda District. A number of items of stolen property were also recovered during the operation. After being arrested, the two were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The man was charged by Garda in Ballyshannon. The male teenage juvenile was released without charge. Gardai say that a file will be prepared for consideration for admission to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. A Garda spokesperson said investigations are ongoing. Work to upgrade the treatment facilities at the Greenmount Water Treatment Plant is expected to be completed in September 2026 according to a report on water quality published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The plant which supplies water to the mid-Louth area has been slated for works for a number of years with the last estimate putting the cost of works at between 5- 10 million. The report also gives an expected completion date of October 2023 for work to replace the Tallanstown PWS (Public Water Supply), which serves 1,932 people, with water from the Cavanhill PWS. The EPA notes that it required compliance on these works by December 2020. Further work on the Greenmount plant was directed by the EPA in March last year and this was completed by the end of June 2022. The report also notes that a boil water notice was in effect for ten days in the middle of July last year for 278 customers on the Greenmount water supply due to Enterococci bacteria, and a further boil water notice was in place for twelve days in late July and early August last year for customers on the same system. Nationally, the report found that the quality of drinking water from public supplies remains very high, with over 99.7% of samples compliant with bacterial and chemical limits. However , 481,000 people are currently served by at-risk supplies on the EPAs Remedial Action List (RAL), up from 374,000 people in 2021. Launching the report, Dr Tom Ryan, EPA Director said: Our public water quality remains very high, which means that the public can be confident that the drinking water supplied to their homes is safe to drink. Uisce Eireann has made good progress in delivering necessary new drinking water infrastructure such as the new plant at Lee Road in Cork which now supplies high quality drinking water to 97,000 people. However, the EPA through our inspection and monitoring programme, continues to identify drinking water plants that are at risk and require improvements and upgrades. At the end of 2022, there were 481,000 people being served by at risk supplies on EPAs RAL. Uisce Eireann needs to prioritise investment in those plants to improve the resilience of drinking supplies, to provide a safe and secure supply into the future. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Republicans have a new shining star for the 2024 presidential election in the way of Georgia State Rep. Mesha Mainor. Mainor, an African American who has been serving the Georgia state legislature since January 2021, announced two weeks ago that she is leaving the Democratic Party and becoming a Republican. This is a decision of notable courage in that District 56 that she represents, located in the area around Atlanta, is deep blue. Writing an open letter to the nation in the New York Post, she talks about leaving a Democratic Party that very much defined her roots growing up around Atlanta, remarks that ironically strike a note similar to the famous quote of Ronald Reagan, who began his political life as a Democrat. Reagan's famous line: "I didn't leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me." Mainor talks about her concerns principally about education, her support for school choice that Democrats oppose, but in addition her disillusionment with a Democratic Party soft on crime and soft on law enforcement. Poll after poll shows overwhelming support from African Americans for school choice. Most recently from EdChoice, 78% of African Americans said they view education savings accounts favorably, 79% vouchers favorably, 74% charter schools favorably and 78% open enrollment favorably. According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the nation's report card, less than a third of fourth and eighth grade students in Georgia are proficient or better in reading. It's also clear that Black Americans are not on the same page with the Democratic Party on the woke issue. On the question of whether a child's sex is genetically "determined" at birth, per Pew polling, 68% of Black Americans say "yes," compared to 38% of those identified as Democrat or "leaning Democrat." Mainor's honesty and courage are worthy of admiration and respect. But what will Republicans do with this? Georgia is a key swing state, won by Donald Trump in 2016 and then recaptured by Joe Biden in 2020, winning by a margin of three-tenths of one percentage point. The Black vote constitutes some 30% of the overall vote in Georgia and is critical. Commentator Karl Rove recently observed that a 1% drop in Black voter turnout will flip Georgia back to Republicans. But Republicans should not be trying to figure out how to get Black voters to stay home. They should be working to support the courageous and principled Mainor and should work to get other Black legislators and voters, in Georgia and nationwide, to see and appreciate the truths that she now articulates. It is instructive to view polling over time regarding Americans' trust in government. In October 1964, per Pew, 77% of Americans said they trust the government to do what is right "just about always" or "most of the time." By April 2022, this was down to 20%. Of the 20%, 16% were white and 24% black. Back in 1964, both 77% of whites and Blacks expressed trust in government. In 1964, federal government spending took 17% of GDP. By 2022, it was up to 24%. In other words, as government has expanded, trust in government has diminished. And this is true for all races. In latest Gallup polling, only 18% express satisfaction with the direction of the country, half the historic average. When asked, "What do you think is the most important problem facing the country today?" the highest response was "government." Mesha Mainor is a heroine who sees that too long Black Americans have bought into the distortion that government is the answer rather than the problem. Republicans and all Americans that care about the state of our free nation under God must help get her message out. Kai Cenat, a Twitch streamer, attempted to organize an ad-hoc Playstation giveaway event in New York City. Thousands of people turned upand then a few thousand more, with the surging crowd descending into chaos, setting off fireworks, jumping on cars and choking traffic for hours around Union Square. Cenat was immediately taken into custody and is to be charged with inciting a riot, according to media reports. Cenat, 21,had been removed from the area for his safety after thousands of mostly young people descended on Manhattan's Union Square on Friday afternoon, Maddrey said earlier. Maddrey said that 65 people were arrested. Thirty of them were juveniles, he said. They were taken into custody after people threw bottles, fireworks, rocks and paint cans that had been taken from a construction site at the park, Maddrey said. Just think, if only Trump had offered to give away Playstations on Jan 6, 2021, he'd have been charged with the one thing he was conspiciously not charged with earlier this week! I wonder what it is about Trump that's different from popular Black man Kai Cenat. Over 35 buildings will be open and 60 events will take place as part of Cork Heritage Open Day which will be held on Saturday, August 12. The festival represents a wonderful celebration of the built heritage in Cork. Organised by Cork City Council in partnership with the Heritage Council, Cork Heritage Open Day marks the start of National Heritage Week which runs from Saturday, August 12 to Sunday, August 20. Cork Heritage Open Day will feature guided tours of buildings from all over Cork city including Riverstown House in Glanmire, the National Sculpture Factory, City Hall, Heineken Ireland (Murphys Brewery), Dance Cork Firkin Crane, Elizabeth Fort, St Peters Cork, Cork Opera House, the Masonic Hall and Fota House. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy said the event is important to Corks sense of pride. Cork Heritage Open is not only a celebration of some of our most beautiful buildings and their details and nuanced stories, but also an annual call that Corks history and its architecture are important to mind and important to Corks sense of pride and sense of place, he said. Throughout Cork Heritage Open Day, several free talks will take place showcasing the history and people of Cork. Several outdoor family events are also taking place for Cork Heritage Open Day, including the Coal Quay Festival featuring music, song, and family fun activities and an opportunity to create an 18th-century dollhouse out of a shoebox at Nano Nagle. While all events are free of charge, some events must be booked in advance. See www.corkheritageopenday.ie for a list of all events, those which require pre-booking and starting times and meeting points for all talks and walking tours. The highly-anticipated Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival made its return in recent days with a series of events in the city and county, culminating in the Cork Pride Parade in the city centre tomorrow. The theme for this years festival is 30 Years On..., marking the 30-year anniversary of the 1993 decriminalisation of homosexuality in Irish law. This years theme 30 Years On.. reminds us how far we have come as both a community and a country, as consecutive Governments have legislated to progress, protect, and enshrine the rights of LGBT+ citizens across the State, chairperson at Cork Pride, Clive Davis, said, speaking ahead of the commencement of the festival. David Norris paved the way over 30 years ago for LGBT+ rights and this years festival will be in celebration of those rights and what rights are hopefully to come for the generations that follow us. Lucy Furr a.k.a. the alternative Miss Cork taking part in the Pride parade in 2006. Picture: Richard Mills. While Pride events had been held in Cork in previous decades, 2006 marked a milestone year as the inaugural Pride parade was held in Cork. Gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people will participate in a series of events set to take place in the city during the week - including Corks first ever Gay Pride parade through the city on Sunday, June 4, an article in the then titled Evening Echo on May 17, 2006, stated. The article continued: The co-chairman of Cork Pride 2006, Paul McAndrew, said that the parade which will be led by the Alternative Miss Cork Lucy Furr, promises to be a colourful celebration of what it means to be Gay in modern day Cork. The parade will be a flamboyant and colourful occasion, with up to 500 people taking part. There will be a 120-metre Gay Pride flag carried along by people, as well as colourful floats and of course plenty of music, said Mr McAndrew. Parades are by their very nature a celebration of some aspect of life. This is our way of saying that the Gay scene in Cork is alive and vibrant. There has been a Gay float in the St Patricks Day parade for many years. This is simply a natural extension of that, he added. People celebrating at the Cork Pride parade on Grand Parade in 2010. Picture: Darragh Kane Speaking at the time, Mr McAndrew had said organisers wanted to create the same sort of buzz that surrounds other well-known parades such as Notting Hill and Rio di Janeiro. This is the first year that we have felt there would be enough support from within the Gay community for a parade. We are confident that everyone, not only Gay people, will join in the fun, he added. Cork Pride supports and encourages a positive social, cultural and economic landscape for the Cork LGBT+ community. Each year, the festival includes events and initiatives such as its family fun day, work with Pride diversity and inclusion conference and the much-loved Cork Pride parade followed by the Party at the Port. People celebrating at the Cork Pride parade on Grand Parade in 2010. Picture: Darragh Kane Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity. Last year, the 2022 Pride parade drew a crowd of almost 15,000 people, while the overall attendance for events across the week was over 30,000. The parade tomorrow will assemble on the Grand Parade at 1pm and will commence at 2pm, with organisers promising an afternoon of magical floats, music and mayhem, sequined drag queens glitter-covered guys and girls, families, friends and allies. Party at the Port takes place afterwards from 3-8pm at the Port of Cork, with Dublin pop band Wild Youth announced as the headline act for the post-parade event. For more see www.corkpride.com. There are currently over 6,000 learner drivers waiting to sit their driving test in Cork. The figures were recently released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh O Laoghaire following a parliamentary question. The confirmed figures as of yesterday indicate that there are now 6,356 learner drivers waiting for a test in Cork. The figures also show that the average wait for a driving test in Sarsfield Road, Wilton is 38 weeks, while the average wait in Ballincollig is approximately 12 weeks. The RSA also confirmed there are currently 1,723 people scheduled to sit their driving test in Cork, while there are 2,281 confirmed bookings for Cork theory test centres until the end of September. Deputy O Laoghaire said the situation is simply not good enough and has called on the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to tackle the backlog. This problem is particularly bad in Cork. "The average wait time for a driving test in Wilton is a staggering 38 weeks. That is simply not good enough. To have 6,356 learner drivers waiting for a test date in Cork is shocking. These are people who are eligible to sit their test, who need their driving licence to get to work and drop kids to school, he said. The Cork TD said public transport is not always an option for people depending on their circumstances. Public transport is not always an option, particularly for night workers or those living or working in more remote areas. I have been contacted by constituents whose employment is at risk due to being unable to transport themselves to and from their place of work and for them to be told that they will be waiting for almost a year to sit a test is a devastating blow. The Minister isnt treating this issue with the urgency it deserves, said Deputy O Laoghaire. Failing to plan and prepare has been a consistent theme throughout this governments term, and the driver testing system is just the latest hallmark of this. "I have written to the Minister, urging him to seek a solution as a matter of urgency. While I accept some of the backlog can be attributed to delays in testing due to pandemic restrictions, there was also a failure by the Department of Transport in terms of their workforce planning. The additional 30 testers announced in July 2022 were not fully deployed within the current system until March. The additional 75 testers announced in April are not expected to be operating within the system until towards the end of this year, he added. STUDENTS and apprentices from County Cork will put their talents and knowledge to the test next month, when they compete at the countrys largest experiential skills, apprenticeships, and careers event. Worldskills Ireland 2023 will take place at Dublins RDS from 20 to 22 September and will welcome 13 students and apprentices from County Cork to the three-day event. Over 22,000 people, including students, parents and teachers, are expected at Worldskills, which will be a live celebration of apprenticeships, skills and careers, with interactive demonstrations, career zones and employers who are ready to recruit. Over 160 national finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades including automation, constructions skills and culinary arts, for a chance to win the prestigious Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Silver Medal, and to represent Ireland at Worldskills Lyon next year. Joining the other national finalists from across the country are 13 County Cork natives, including: Maksim Mrdanov, from Cork, who is competing in the Cloud Computing competition; and Benita Kretschmer, from Douglas, who is competing in the Cookery competition. Dean Brennan, from Cobh, Anna Kellegher, from Buttevant, Amy ONeill, from Midleton, and Luke Woodside, from Kilworth, are competing in the Cyber Security competition. Gavin England, from Mallow, is competing in the Electrical Installations competition; and Conor Kilkenny, from Ballincollig, is competing in the Hairdressing competition; while Joe Hughes, from Clonakilty, is competing in the Plastic Die Engineering competition. Sean Healy, from Cork, Luke Hurley, from Drimoleague, and Adam McAuliffe, from Banteer, are competing in the Plastering and Drywall Systems competition, while Jordan OConnor, from Mahon, is competing in the Sheetmetal competition. Supported by industry partners SISK, the Construction Industry Federation, ESB Networks, Autodesk, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus and education partners including the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority, SOLAS and NAO, Worldskills Ireland 2023 is designed to give students a chance to discover the key skills and sectors that drive the Irish economy. THE Bishop of Cloyne, the Most Reverend William Crean, has announced a number of new appointments of priests and lay people to leadership and pastoral care positions in the Diocese of Cloyne. In a letter to parishioners, Bishop Crean outlined the various moves in the diocese. The bishop accepted the resignation from office, on the grounds of retirement, of Very Reverend William ODonovan. The parish priest (PP) of Conna will take up residence in Doneraile and his retirement comes into effect at noon on September 2. The following appointments also come into effect the same day: PP of Banteer, Very Rev William Winter, is to be PP in Conna, and Rev Patrick Corkery, Catholic Curate (CC) in Fermoy, is to become CC in Charleville. Rev Thomas Lane, CC Mallow, will move to be CC in Mitchelstown, and Rev Paul Bennett, CC Cobh, is to be PP in Banteer. Rev Anthony Sheehan, Apostolic Prefect in Charleville, is to be CC in Mallow; Rev Gerard Cremin, CC Youghal, will move to be CC in Cobh, and Rev Patrick ODonoghue, CC Mitchelstown, will be CC in Youghal. Bishop William Crean, Bishop of the Diocese of Cloyne. Pic: Brian Lougheed Bishop Crean announced that the Rev Roman Biletskyy of the Diocese of Kyiv- Halych, Ukraine, will take up the position of CC in Fermoy and will be serving the pastoral area of Fermoy/Kilworth. The diocesan secretary for primary education, Dan Leo, is to retire and will be replaced by Michael Walsh. The people of the diocese are deeply grateful to our priests for their generosity of spirit and commitment, said Bishop Crean. As Fr Billy ODonovan retires from full- time ministry, we are grateful to God for his ministry in the various parishes he served. Planning for the future is part of our responsibilities in life, said Bishop Crean in his letter. So too for the Church and the Diocese. These appointments take place shortly before Catholic Church representatives gather for a Synod in Rome. Pope Francis has convened this meeting to empower parishes and communities to a more effective exercise of co-responsibility in leadership and pastoral care. We in Cloyne seek to be part of this project of renewal and revitalisation. The bishop said personal maturity is required to tackle corrosive forces in Irish society. As a nation there are many signs that life is very difficult for many individuals and families. Many are under strain due to the cost-of-living increases. "Addiction is rife, and while alcohol is the most prominent, the proliferation of cocaine and other drug use is alarming. Regulation and policing will only do so much. Personal maturity and moral awareness is required if we are to tackle these corrosive forces. We urgently need to discover a new well of spiritual consciousness to draw from if we, as individuals and families, are to live more wholesome and authentic lives, he said. A precautionary boil water notice, in place since midnight on Thursday and affecting over 20,000 people living on the outskirts of Cork city, has been lifted. The boil notice, which was imposed by Uisce Eireann and Cork County Council last week, affected approximately 20,941 customers supplied by the Glashaboy Water Treatment Plant. Now, following consultation with the HSE, the notice has been lifted with immediate effect. The water utility company, which changed its name earlier this year from Irish Water, said last week that the notice was issued due to planned industrial action, arising from a dispute between the Unite trade union and eight local authorities. Uisce Eireann said that members of the public served by the Glashaboy public water supply scheme were advised to boil their water before consuming from midnight on Thursday until further notice. The Glashaboy scheme covers parts of Glanmire, Glounthaune, Little Island, Carrigtwohill and surrounding areas. On Saturday, the water utility company said people living in those areas could now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth as the boil water notice had been lifted. Uisce Eireanns, head of water operations, Margaret Attridge, acknowledged the impact of the notice and thanked the local communities affected in Cork. Uisce Eireanns primary focus remains the protection of public health, she said. Due to the strike action arising from a dispute between the Unite Trade Union and seven local authorities, Uisce Eireann had no choice but to put this Boil Water Notice in place to protect public health. Once the strike ended, crews were mobilised immediately to carry out remedial works, Ms Attridge said. Uisce Eireann said its customer contact centre, open 24/7 on freephone 1800 278 278, was available to answer queries in relation to the lifting of this notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie. I frequently see this tee shirt or a variant of it at Disneyland. The "Thin Blue Line" of I support cops over black people's lives is pretty offensive, and while Disney doesn't make or sell the shirt they do let folks into the park wearing it. It is not over-sensitive to think someone wears that shirt to Disneyland only to ruin someone else's day passively. They are the asshole. What is the thought process one must go through to buy and wear that shirt to Disneyland, where everyone goes to enjoy a peaceful land of fantasy? What do they think the shirt says? Is it what I fear? They want us to know they hate people who are different, even at Disneyland. While Disney has a miserable record with IP, I think they should sue the racist thieves who are making unlicensed racist tee shirts and not allow people wearing them into their parks. Featured Image via Etsy Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Tropical forests are the most biologically diverse land-based ecosystems on the planet, sometimes nurturing hundreds of tree species within one square mile. The concentration of diversity is astounding, even to scientists. In a new study conducted in a Panamanian forest, researchers from The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) discovered that adult trees were three times farther away from other adults of the same species than from those of different species, effectively distancing themselves in order to flourish. A tree is more likely to survive when surrounded by different tree species with different resource needs, diseases, and herbivores, the authors of the study wrote. The researchers examined data from a century-old research plot on the Panama Canals Barro Colorado Island and found that the trees distance from each other was much farther than seeds usually travel during dispersal, a press release from UT Austin said. This is a steppingstone to understanding the dynamics of things like carbon storage that matter in relation to climate change, said Annette Ostling, one of the authors of the study and an associate professor with UT Austins Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Integrative Biology, in the press release. Its such a fundamental question that, even if the applications are not yet known, theres still a lot to learn, and this is one ingredient in understanding. The study, Pervasive within-species spatial repulsion among adult tropical trees, was published in the journal Science. The research team discovered that individual species are more negatively impacted by the same species and the fungi, pathogens and insects that plague them. Thus, they create space in order to prevent the domination of any particular species, which leads to greater forest diversity. Due to an abundance of available data on this particular forest, we knew the exact location of every tree and also how far seeds travel, said postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the study Michael Kalyuzhny in the press release. We were able to ask: How should the forest look if trees just established where the seeds fell? With our computational models, it turned out that the real forest does not look like this at all the real trees are much more far apart. The team said the study helps reconcile contrasting theories regarding the development of forests, as well as provides essential information on how tropical forests and their residents evolve and diversify in a period of mass extinction. Trees are the engineers that provide resources for the entire ecosystem, and since most of the species in the world reside in the tropics, we must better understand what maintains the biodiversity of planet Earth, Kalyuzhny said in the press release. Many medications are sourced from the tropics, including thousands of substances with anti-cancer activity. The research digs into this fundamental question about the natural world. A week after one volunteer was acquitted on a charge of illegally feeding homeless people in Houston, police there realized the better part of valor and failed to show up in court to defend the next batch of tickets. A judge tossed the cases Friday. Houston judges on Thursday dismissed eight tickets issued by the Houston Police Department for feeding the unhoused outside a downtown library. The dismissals come after a jury returned a not guilty verdict in the first trial against a member of the nonprofit Food Not Bombs. According to the Houston Chronicle's R.A. Scheutz, the volunteers' lawyer Paul Kubosh explained that two municipal judges dismissed the eight cases because the police officers subpoenaed for the trials didn't show up. "I'm just happy," said Food Not Bombs volunteer Shere Dore, who had seven tickets dismissed on Thursday, per the Chronicle's Scheutz. "It revitalizes our spirit to know there are a lot of people who stand behind us." Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centers board of directors hired a law firm in spring 2021 to investigate how the hospital handles discrimination complaints made by employees. The lawyers from Cozen OConnor didnt stop there. Report found 'significant and pervasive' diversity issues at Roswell Park Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center on Thursday released a diversity report that hospital officials had refused to release for months. The document, marked confidential throughout, is blunt: Roswell Park has significant and pervasive problems with racial discrimination. Employees feel hospital leadership isnt committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. The complaint reporting system is garbled, and employees lack confidence that administrators will aggressively pursue their claims or that offenders will face serious consequences. These findings about the state of diversity at Roswell Park were kept secret from April 2022, when the firm completed its work, until Thursday, when officials released the report. In my opinion, withholding the investigation report was unfortunate because it delayed the healing and renewal that the community desperately needs, said Steve Weiss, who resigned his Roswell Park board seat last year. I am hopeful that Roswell Park will embrace the changes needed to reach its full potential. In response, hospital leaders said they have made significant progress in improving how discrimination complaints are addressed. They also said the hiring of a new chief diversity officer is just one example of Roswell Parks sharper focus on improving the culture at the 125-year-old Buffalo institution. Roswell Park spending up to $500,000 on PR firm focused on diversity, equity and inclusion Western New York's premier cancer institution is looking to hire a public relations firm to promote its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, a contract with an estimated value of $50,000 to $500,000 over a term of three to five years. And that greater focus is going to be coupled with an unprecedented with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability, Board Chair Leecia Eve told The Buffalo News. Here are more takeaways from, and reactions to, the 43-page report. Why now? It is not clear why the hospital changed course after arguing for months that the Cozen OConnor report was a privileged legal communication. Roswell Parks board of directors voted behind closed doors during a special board meeting Thursday to release the report. Roswell Park hired a firm to investigate allegations of racism. It's kept the findings secret After Roswell Park received an anonymous letter raising concerns about how its employees of color were treated, it hired an outside firm to investigate. The hospital won't release the findings. One small step for Roswell. A giant leap for DEI, Dr. Greg Daniel, a board member, said Friday, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion. Asked why this vote was held in executive session, Eve said, No particular reason. She also declined to elaborate on the boards reversal. Weiss said he believes Gov. Kathy Hochul played a decisive role. I knew Gov. Hochul would cause the report to be released once she was fully briefed on the gravity of its contents, he said. Hochul accepts resignation of Roswell Park board chair after racism claims against his company Michael Joseph had been on Roswell Park's board for 19 years, including the last 16 as board chair, but had recently faced a growing chorus calling for his removal from that post after his development company was hit last week with a federal racial discrimination lawsuit. Hochul named Eve to replace the former board chair, Michael Joseph, who resigned under pressure in May. Gov. Hochul is grateful to Chair Leecia Eve and the board of directors for voting to release this critical document, and will continue working with Roswell to ensure the institution lives up to the highest ethical standards, Hochul spokesman Matt Janiszewski said Friday. Dr. Mary Bassett, an ex-officio board member during her tenure as state health commissioner, said Roswell Park waited too long, but shes glad the report is finally public. The report is troubling, as I think anybody who reads it will discover. And it should be read, Bassett said. Discrimination claims The investigators interviewed 14 people, some more than once, and collected numerous claims of bullying, micro-aggressions and other harassment directed at women and employees of color. An employee of color reported being stopped and questioned as to whether he worked for Roswell Park. Others reported references to Black employees as animals. And a Black anesthesiology technologist, spotted putting on gloves, was asked, You can put those gloves on faster than that, cant you, O.J.? The claims of discrimination rarely led to discipline, according to employees interviewed for the report. For example, when a white nurse told a Black nurse that George Floyd deserved to die, a nurse-supervisor simply told the white nurse to knock it off. The report is also entirely consistent with our complaint, which describes a long history of discrimination by Roswell Park, senior leaderships lack of commitment to confront it and retaliation against those who speak up about it, said Laura Edidin, an attorney representing Dr. Anne GrandMaison in a discrimination lawsuit filed against the hospital. Roswell Park denies GrandMaisons claims. Racial, power dynamics Most of Roswell Parks physicians and senior leadership are white and male as is the case at many cancer hospitals. Of 200 Roswell Park physicians who identify their race, five are Black and four are Latino, numbers the institution said align with national data for practicing oncologists. The most diverse area of the hospitals workforce is the group of employees who clean the facility, Roswell Park constituents told the investigators. Many workers said they often felt their complaints went unheard, especially if they were directed at a higher-ranking physician. Employees are hesitant to report physician misconduct because of a paralyzing power dynamic between doctors and other employees, one interview subject said, adding that this isnt unique to Roswell Park. The lack of diversity makes it even harder to bring doctors and nurses of color to Roswell Park, officials conceded to the reports authors. Interviewees also pointed out Roswell Park is based on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, but the workforce doesnt reflect the diversity of the surrounding, largely Black community. Black doctors frustration The few Black doctors at Roswell Park reported enduring mistreatment despite their higher status at the hospital, with one describing a persistent hostility toward minority physicians. Others said they were marginalized, undermined or underpaid compared to white colleagues. The report refers to a Black physician who rose to the hospitals second-highest position. The name is redacted, but this was Dr. Kunle Odunsi, who left in 2020 to run a cancer hospital in Chicago. Odunsi isnt quoted directly in the report. However, he spoke to another official about the disrespect he felt when, as deputy director, he was forced to sit with support staff during board meetings because he didnt have a seat at the main table. Roswell Park CEO Candace Johnson her name, too, is redacted, but her identity is clear from the context of the description of a conversation told Cozen OConnor that Odunsi never shared his concerns with her before his departure. Odunsi did not respond Friday to a message seeking comment. Several interviewees said Odunsis departure and the litigation brought by Dr. Willie Underwood III, a nationally prominent urologist, cast a shadow over the institution. Underwood received $4 million from the hospital to settle his lawsuit. Recommendations, response The report called for wholesale changes to how Roswell Park handles discrimination complaints. The lawyers wrote that the system in place at least at the time then was confusing, failed to properly document discrimination claims, too quickly shifted those complaints to a mediated response, limited communication and rarely provided meaningful information to the complainant once the investigation was complete. We ultimately recommend hiring a trained investigator whose sole responsibility is to receive and investigate discrimination-related reports, the authors wrote, an investigator who should serve as chief diversity officer. More fundamentally, the report states, Roswell Park must address the perception despite past, well-intentioned efforts that it doesnt prioritize diversity. Eve, the board chair, said Roswell Park is doing that, notably by hiring Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney as senior vice president and chief diversity officer with a mandate and budget to effect change. Eve and Rodriguez-Dabney said the report reflects the views of a small portion of the hospitals nearly 4,000 workers, and every institution must confront these issues. This was an organization that was brave enough to say, What can we do better? Where have we gone wrong? Rodriguez-Dabney said. And I challenge other organizations locally to do the same. To look at their own biases, to look at their own policies and procedures, and make and take proactive measures to change those things. Basmati is one of the premium paddy varieties that has been cultivated for centuries in the foothills of Himalayan mountain ranges, largely falling under Indian and Pakistani territories. Basmati possesses an appealing aroma, fluffy texture after cooking, higher extent of linear elongation during cooking compared to the breadthwise swelling, excellent palatability, easy digestibility, and longer shelf life (Singh et al 2018). The evolution of basmati development and cultivation has an interesting history. There are some mega basmati varieties evolved from India and Pakistan which created an international impact. Basmati-370 developed in 1933 in undivided India (now in Pakistan) at the Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku, is considered the mother of the entire scientific basmati development and evolution. Pakistan being at an advantage of having a well-established basmati breeding system, took lead to develop improvement over the classical Basmati-370 and released Super Basmati in 1996 with higher yield and better grain quality (Akhter and Haider 2020). However, Indian basmati breeding system still showed better robustness by breeding Pusa Basmati 1121 (Pusa-1121) in 2003 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi which was released in 2008 (Joshi et al 2018), and due to some basmati-specific issues, is a magical variety that changed the entire basmati scenario in the western Indo-Gangetic belt. This variety was the first basmati to achieve a yield of 13.7 quintal (q)/acre in Punjab along with its numerous advantageous attributes (PAU 2023). Pusa Basmati 1509 (Pusa-1509), another mega basmati variety by the IARI, New Delhi, was developed in 2013 with several desirable attributes (yield of 15.7 q/acre) in addition to Pusa-1121 (PAU 2023); however, better aroma and tremendous popularity of Pusa-1121 kept its success subdued. Pusa Basmati 1718, another improved basmati variety by the IARI, New Delhi (developed in 2019), was an improvement of Pusa-1121 in terms of bacterial blight resistance, shorter duration and higher yield (PAU 2023); however, premium consumers still keep Pusa-1121 as their top choice. Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to 19 more years in prison, bringing to a close his trial on six separate charges, including inciting and financing extremist activity and creating an extremist organization. The Russian army destroyed 180 000 tons of grain in Ukrainian ports over weeks of ruthless attacks on the port infrastructure. This food terror must end with the liberation of Crimea. Ukrainian authorities conduct the Crimea Platform Summit exclusively for diplomatic and military liberation of the peninsula, which is closer every day. Two Black Democratic lawmakers, who were expelled from the Tennessee legislature earlier this year after angering the Republican majority with a protest against gun violence, won a special election to serve out the remainder of their terms. Two US Navy sailors have been arrested on charges of handing over sensitive national security material to China, US officials said. One African's Incredible Journey of Hunger and Sacrifice in Pursuit of the American Dream "Lovers of international stories of perseverance, history, and politics will enjoy this memoir, which is as illuminating as it is inspiring." Publishers Weekly Philadelphia, PAThe Literary Titan Book Awards have declared The Boy from Boadua a Gold Book award winner in their recent award ceremony. Growing up in the jungles of Ghana and now thriving in suburban America, Patrick Asare defied all odds on his journey through life. In his incredible memoir, The Boy from Boadua: One African's Journey of Hunger and Sacrifice in Pursuit of a Dream, he recounts his childhood, family, education, and the experiences that made him into the person he is today, in addition to reflecting on socio-cultural relations, race, and the social structures in the different countries that he has lived. Patrick Asare offers a new perspective as someone who has had first-hand experience in a variety of cultures, specifically within the education system. The Literary Titan awards books that have 'astounded and amazed' their judging panel with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. Watch the book trailer here: https://bit.ly/TheBoyFromBoaduaTrailer "Patrick Asare delivers his life experiences in his memoir - a book that not only is well written, but also provides one of the most informed visions of life from a vantage rarely equaled While it is important to view his life journey as a series of successful achievements, the joy of reading this book is the candor and honesty and constant sense of discovery that exudes from every page." Grady Harp, Amazon Top 100 Hall of Fame Reviewer Patrick was born and raised in Boadua, a small village in Ghana, Africa. His family lived in extreme poverty, relying on farming and selling fish to get by. He attended elementary school in Boadua, where most children were not expected to gain a higher education. However, Patrick discovered a love for reading and knowledge at a young age, and he would stop at nothing to continue his schooling in order to give himself and his family a better life. After being accepted into secondary school, he eventually traveled to the Soviet Union to continue his education, and finally, to America, where he gained advanced degrees in engineering. "Nothing stops Patrick Asare. An incredible story of how he escaped abject poverty in Africa by realizing at a young age the importance of learning how to read. It was his ticket to becoming formally educated in Ukraine and the United States. A truly inspirational and uplifting memoir deserving of Hollywood attention." Flying Books Review Patrick Asare's love of education is evident in his story: his motivation is seeking knowledge and pulling himself out of poverty by doing so. He writes, "My journey began with the accidental discovery of an interesting piece of information on a discarded scrap of newspaper. That information triggered the series of events that ultimately took me on a magical journey around the world." He worked for a time as a teacher in America, and the behavior of his students led him to explore the socio-cultural differences between Ghana and America, and how circumstances can create drastically different people. "'The Boy from Boadua' is a reflection on education, society, culture, and the impact that different forces have on a developing person, and he leads the reader through the harrowing but miraculous journey of his life. This combination makes for a fascinating read." Lauren Lee, Writer This is a journey that is both inspiring and heart-wrenching as Patrick recalls his triumphs and hardships. Each experience he recounts further explains his view on the world and different cultures, which he reflects on in the latter part of the book. The Boy from Boadua is an unbelievable true story for all ages that teaches the importance of education and understanding the social, cultural, and political factors that shape a person. It's a fascinating read: from working in the harsh jungle and struggling to even afford food, to traveling to a new country without knowledge of the language, and finally, to confronting the American school system, race relations, and much more. Patrick brings his story together in a thought-provoking, exciting, and compelling way that combines his journey with the lessons he learned along the way. The Boy from Boadua, ISBN: 979-8218101008, $16.95 Paperback, $5.99 Kindle, 268 Pages, 2022. Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and the author's website: https://patrickasareauthor.com/ About Patrick Asare: Patrick was born and raised in Ghana. After completing secondary school, he attended university in the former Soviet Union, studying electrical engineering at Donetsk National Technical University in the then Soviet republic of Ukraine. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and also completed a certification program to become a Russian language teacher. Patrick resided in the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991, during the historic perestroika era, when President Mikhail Gorbachev introduced the reforms that ultimately led to the breakup of the Soviet Union. He traveled extensively throughout Eastern and Western Europe and became one of the few people with firsthand knowledge of ordinary life on both sides of the Iron Curtain. After graduating from Donetsk, Patrick immigrated to America, where he initially taught Russian and math in public schools in Buffalo, New York. He earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1995 and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in 2003. Patrick is a principal at UGI Energy Services, LLC, a diversified energy services firm in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his family. He previously worked as a senior electrical engineer at Caterpillar, Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana. Patrick has written extensively on social, political, and energy policy topics. He is a Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, an Accra-based think-tank. Some of Patrick's energy policy articles have received attention worldwide. Media Contact: For a review copy of The Boy from Boadua or to arrange an interview with Patrick Asare, contact book publicist Scott Lorenz of Westwind Book Marketing at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090. Reach Lorenz on Twitter @abookpublicist Two bodies were recovered Friday from the Niagara River in the Town of Lewiston, according to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office. While the identities of the two victims were not known Friday afternoon, a preliminary investigation determined that the victims were an adult man and an adult woman, the Sheriff's Office said. The Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting a sighting of two bodies floating in the Niagara River in front of the New York State Power Authority on Lewiston Road. New York State Police assisted in the search for the bodies and located them in the river near Stella Niagara. The Sheriff's Office Marine Unit received help from the U.S. Coast Guard in retrieving the bodies. An investigation by the Niagara County Criminal Investigation Bureau is ongoing. Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. High around 80F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Clear. Low around 50F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Stony Hill Communication Site was wrapped by firefighters on Monday, July 31st. (Photo courtesy Tin Soldier Complex incident management) Much of northwest Montana will be under Stage 2 fire restrictions that ban campfires starting Sunday as severe drought conditions have expanded, bringing extreme fire danger to the entire region, fire managers said Friday. The move to Stage 2 restrictions comes a week after Flathead, Lincoln and Sanders counties adopted Stage 1 fire restrictions. But a dry lightning event last weekend sparked several new wildfires across the region that have burned thousands of acres, leading Lake County and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to adopt Stage 2 restrictions earlier this week and Flathead County commissioners to declare an emergency. FWP said in a news release the extreme fire danger can cause fires of any type to burn quickly and intensely. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the very high fire danger level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very dangerous and often last for several days, the department said. There are 44 active fires across Montana currently, according to the Department of Natural Resources, but the vast bulk of them are concentrated in northwest Montana, including several that have topped 10,000 acres and are 0% contained. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms throughout the weekend in northwest Montana, though high temperatures during the day should be cooler than they have been for the past several weeks. But fire managers said any spark can quickly lead to a wildfire in current conditions. Most of Sanders, Lake, Flathead and Glacier counties are seeing severe drought this week, as are parts of Lincoln and Toole counties, according to this weeks update from the U.S. Drought Monitor. The Stage 2 restrictions ban all campfires, though people can use fuel stoves that can turn on and off. Using motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails is banned. And between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m., using internal combustion engines without a spark arresting device or outside of an enclosed building is banned, as is welding or using explosives. FWP said the restrictions will be in place until further notice to try to cut down on human-caused fires, which account for about 75% of the blazes in Montana. Where the fire restrictions will be in effect The Stage 2 fire restrictions will be in effect for: Flathead National Forest, including Hungry Horse, Glacier View, Swan Lake, Spotted Bear and Tally Ranger Districts to include the Great Bear Wilderness, Mission Mountain Wilderness, and the Flathead National Forest portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. including Hungry Horse, Glacier View, Swan Lake, Spotted Bear and Tally Ranger Districts to include the Great Bear Wilderness, Mission Mountain Wilderness, and the Flathead National Forest portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Kootenai National Forest, including Rexford, Fortine, Three Rivers, Libby and Cabinet Ranger Districts including Rexford, Fortine, Three Rivers, Libby and Cabinet Ranger Districts Glacier National Park US Fish & Wildlife Service Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation , including Kalispell, Libby, Stillwater, Swan and Plains Units. , including Kalispell, Libby, Stillwater, Swan and Plains Units. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks , within Flathead County, Lake County, Lincoln County, Sanders County. , within Flathead County, Lake County, Lincoln County, Sanders County. Flathead County Lake County Lincoln County Sanders County Flathead Indian Reservation Green Diamond Resource Company Not allowing campfires Not allowing campfires Flathead Ridge Ranch Prohibits campfires Prohibits campfires Southern Pine Plantation of Montana Not allowing campfires Not allowing campfires Stimson Lumber Company Not allowing campfires Not allowing campfires F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company lands closed to public access of any kind starting Aug. 7 The post Stage 2 fire restrictions go into effect Saturday across NW Montana appeared first on Daily Montanan. UPDATE, AUG. 9: Containment on the Colt Fire has grown to 45%, with the majority of added containment being on the southern edge, the Northern Rockies Team 5 reported. As crews continue to mop-up the southern and northern edges, they work east to west to increase containment in the coming days. More showers are expected over the fire area Wednesday evening with warm, dry weather anticipated for Thursday. UPDATE, AUG. 8: Containment on the Colt Fire has increased to 39% as crews were able to take advantage of quieted fire behavior from the moisture and mop-up on residual heat on the northeast and eastern edges. The current size of the fire is 7,179 acres with 506 total personnel working to fight the fire. Air operations will be using two unmanned aerial systems (UAS drones) over the coming days to map out areas of heat within the fire area. The UAS aircraft is best able to pick up areas of heat within the fire late at night and early in the morning due to lower air temperatures at these times. For this reason, the temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the fire area (FDC 3/7867) has been extended from 8am-10am to a full 24-hour restriction. Today, crews will continue to mop-up remaining residual heat along the fire's northern and eastern edges between Colt Lake and Beaver Lake. They will also continue to construct lines west to Sunset Ridge on the south flank and heavy equipment will assist crews with additional line construction on the northwest corner of the fire. UPDATE, AUG 7: The Colt Fire remains at 25% contained as of Monday morning at 9:22am. Northern Rockies Team 5 sent out a press release saying while rainfall in the area decreased fire activity, it also limited firefighters' ability to access roads in certain areas of the fire. Crews were able to mop-up some residual heat from much of the fire's northern and eastern edges. Right now, crews are continuing to mop-up residual heat. Heavy equipment will search for opportunities to construct line further along the fires southwest edge near Sunset Ridge. Hand crews will again be in the area, searching for a path to continue the line beyond the ridge. Along the southern edge of the fire crews will continue to construct handline above West Fork Clearwater River. Aircrafts will be available to assist firefighters as needed as long as conditions allow. The release says showers and thunderstorms may return this afternoon, bringing with them a risk of heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty outflow winds. While the rain has lessened fire activity for the time being, fire activity is expected to increase later in the week as temperatures rise and relative humidity's decrease. This incoming warm weather with possible gusty winds will increase the chances of larger fuels burning, as the dryness of these fuels is still near record lows. UPDATE, AUG. 6: The Colt Fire is now 25% contained as of Sunday morning. Crews are working to mop-up residual heat along the fires north perimeter from Beaver Lake to Colt Lake. On the east side of the fire, heavy equipment will begin constructing line from Sunset Ridge east, continuing the progress of the line constructed by hand crews. Firefighters will continue constructing handline along the south edge of the fire Sunday, as weather permits. The fires forward progression has been slowed by recent rain, with growth mainly contained to the southwestern portion of the fire. While the fire will likely exhibit creeping and smoldering behavior in the coming days, single tree torching is possible if the fire burns into large areas of unburned ground fuels, the Northern Rockies Team 5 reported. As the weather warms towards the middle of the week, with less precipitation anticipated, an increase of fire activity is expected. UPDATE, AUG. 5: The Northern Rockies Team 1 transitioned command of the Colt Fire to the Northern Rockies Team 5 Saturday. Monsoonal moisture in the upper atmosphere and cloud cover of the fire area subdued fire activity Friday, however, persistent dry conditions at the surface keep the potential for fire spread high. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity with a chance of rain are being forecasted for the weekend. Acreage was reportedly added to the fire Friday, however, there was no overnight infrared mapping flight to verify the increase. The following are the planned actions Saturday: In the southwest corner of the fire heavy equipment and crews will continue to construct indirect control lines. Along the west side, crews will prepare roads and handlines and use hose lays to secure and mop up the fire edge. On the north and east sides of the fire, personnel will patrol, hold, and mop up where needed. Crews that have been working from east to west on the south side of the fire north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River will continue handline construction. The crews are working in steep terrain and the handline construction is slow and steady. Helicopters will be used to cool hot spots and slow fire spread. Operations personnel from both teams will work together on all sides of the fire to transfer knowledge and situational awareness to provide for a safe and efficient team transition. The Missoula County Sheriffs Office has issued the following evacuations and closures: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE, AUG. 4: The Colt Fire is burning an estimated 7,179 acres and is 23% contained as of Friday morning. Fire activity was the highest in the southwestern corner due to persistent dry conditions over the area, the Northern Rockies Team 1 reports. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and a chance of rain are forecasted for the area in the coming days. Crews on the southwest corner of the fire are working to keep the fire north of Sunset Ridge. Engines are patrolling, holding and mopping up along the north and east side of the fire. Helicopters are being used to cool hot spots and slow fire spread. The Structure Protection Group will continue structure protection assessment work in the Lindbergh Lake area and will be patrolling the Highway 83 corridor and other identified structure zones. The following evacuation and closures are in pace according to the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order UPDATE, AUG 3: The Colt Fire is now 6,860 acres large and 19% contained as of Thursday morning. The Northern Rockies Team 1 says fire personnel in the southwest corner will be re-evaluating the locations planned for indirect control line construction and adjusting those actions based on where the spot fire moved. On the forest road systems west of the fire, heavy equipment and crews will work on linking roads and control lines together forming indirect control lines. Along the north side, east side (Forest Road 646), and southeast corner firefighters will continue to hold and mop up along the line. On the south side, and north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River, four crews will continue to build fire control line moving from east to west. These crews may camp closer to the line to decrease travel time. Helicopters and airplanes will continue to be used to keep the fire checked up on the west side and southwest corner. The Lindbergh Group will continue structure assessments as well as look for indirect control line opportunities that would have the highest opportunity for success ahead of the fire. A night shift of engines will patrol and monitor fire conditions. The following evacuation and closures are in pace according to the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order UPDATE, AUG. 2 AT 11:14 A.M.: The evacuation orders in the areas of Rovero Flats East and Rovero Flats West have been lifted Wednesday, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook. Those areas are now under evacuation warning. MCSO said residents may notice law enforcement taking down the red order cards and replacing them with yellow warning cards. MCSO shared a map reflecting evacuation status in the identified zones: Red means the zone is under evacuation order, yellow means warning and green means pre-identified zones in the event the fire approaches those areas. Currently, there are more zones that have been pre-identified and are in green: Fawn, 83 N, 83 S, Boy Scout N, and Boy Scout S. For the more updated information on wildfires in Montana, visit mtfireinfo.org. UPDATE, AUG 2: The Colt Fire is burning 6,860 acres with containment at 19% Wednesday morning. The Northern Rockies Team 1 reports a high-pressure ridge weather system is keeping smoke from nearby and far away wildfires in the area. In addition, the ream is reporting warm, dry weather could lead to active fire behavior, Wednesday. The following actions are planned for the day: On the southeast corner and east side along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) firefighters will continue to hold and mop up along the line. Patrol and mop up will also continue in areas on the north side of the fire. In the northwest corner crews will continue to construct indirect line working to connect between Colt and Beaver Lakes. Along the west side crews and equipment will access the area and start working to prepare Forest Road 9570 as an indirect control line. Access routes have been found and an attempt will be made to bring equipment into the southwest corner if fire activity safely allows. Helicopters will continue to be used to keep the fire checked up on the west side and southwest corner. On the south side, and north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River, crews will move from east to west working on fire control line construction. These crews will start to spike camp closer to the line to decrease travel time. The night shift of engines will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Evacuation warnings and orders: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. The list of current closures includes: Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Alva Lake Campground Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Lakeside Campground Lake Inez Campground Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall) Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720) For the more updated information on wildfires in Montana, visit mtfireinfo.org. UPDATE, AUG. 1: The Colt Fire grew an additional 527 acres, burning 6,704 acres total with containment increased to 8%. According to Inciweb, fire activity continued Monday due to increasing temperatures and decreasing relative humidity. Fire crews continued holding efforts on all sides of the fire. Crews held the fire line and looked out for hot spots on the southeast corner, helicopters cooled hot spots where necessary. On the east side, personnel mopped up and put effort into raising containment along Forest Road 646, Colt/Uhler Road. Firefighters will resume holding, securing and mopping up Forest Road 646, Colt/Uhler Road. Crews on the north side, crews and equipment worked to hold along the existing fire lines and resumed building control lines. Crews will work a mix of indirect line preparation along Forest Road 906, holding the existing lines and looking out for fire spots. Crews on the west side took the chance on working on a direct fire line upslope from Colt Lake. Aircraft dropped fire retardant to slow fire spread on the southwest corner, and will continue to be used in this area if necessary. On the west side of the fire, there is a plan in place for access and indirect control line building on the west side of the fire, and according to Inciweb, "These plans will start to be implemented as crews can be shifted from other parts of the fire area." On the south side, crews will be working on direct control line moving east to west while north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River. A group will resume evaluating structure protection. Evacuations and closures: The Missoula County Sheriffs Office Evacuation Warning and Order summary: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. If conditions rapidly change an Evacuation Order may be issued with no prior notice or warning. Home and property owners in the surrounding area should remain vigilant and prepared. Have an evacuation plan for family, pets, and livestock; sign up for emergency alerts at Smart911.com; and be familiar with the Missoula County evacuation process and what an order and warning means by clicking on the following link: https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/publicsafety/officeofemergencymanagement/evacuationinformation. For evolving Evacuations and Warnings please visit the Missoula County Sheriffs Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice . The Lolo and Flathead National Forests have closed several forest roads, areas, and campgrounds near the fire area for public safety. The list of current closures includes: Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Alva Lake Campground Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Lakeside Campground Lake Inez Campground Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall) Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720) UPDATE, JULY 30: Containment on the Colt Fire grew to 6% by Sunday morning. Fire growth was reported, however, the exact figure is unavailable. Moderate growth is expected Sunday with the fire moving through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation. The following are the planned actions for Sunday, according to the Northern Rockies Team 1 update: On the southeast corner of the fire personnel will continue firing operations and secure the line north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River and tie in with Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road). Crews will continue to hold and mop up along the eastern control lines along Forest Road 646. On the north side, crews will hold and secure the fire along Forest Road 4356 and look for opportunities for fire control line from Colt Lake to Beaver Lake. North and South Structure Protection will assist with burning operations and holding operations on the east and southeast sides of the fire. Structure Group remains ready to respond for structure protection as needed. A night shift of engines and personnel will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Helicopters and airplanes will be used to drop water and retardant on the fire as needed. The Missoula County Sheriffs Office has the following evacuations and closure orders in place: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE, JULY 29: The Colt Fire is 5,475 acres large and 3% contained as of Saturday morning. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate with the active fire edge moving through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation. On Saturday, crews will hold and secure the eastern control lines along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) as well as on the north side of the fire where burning operations have taken place, according to the Northern Rockies Team 1. On the southeast corner, crews will continue burning operations and work on securing that area and tying in with Road 646. On the south side, crews will look for potential control features north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River. To the north, the Heavy Equipment Task Force will continue working on control line preparation along the Beaver Creek Road. South Structure Protection will conduct structure assessments and protection work at Lake Inez. A night shift of engines and personnel will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Helicopters and airplanes will be used to drop water and retardant on the fire as needed. The following evacuation and closures are in place by the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order UPDATE, JULY 28: Pilots are being reminded of a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in the area of the Colt Fire. The closure is for firefighting aircraft to safely work the fire. In addition, the Condon air strip has been closed for general aviation as it is being used as a firefighting helicopter base. Overnight, the Colt Fire was estimated to have grown to 5,252 acres, according to an update from the Northern Rockies Team 1. Fire behavior Friday is expected to be low to moderate with the active fire edge moving through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation. Torching and spotting are possible in the subalpine fir and lodgepole pine. Fridays planned actions include: Crews will continue burning operations along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) to secure the north and east flanks of the fire. On the south side, crews will continue to secure the spot fires, construct direct hand line towards the west, and assess road systems for potential control features near the West Fork of the Clearwater River. A Heavy Equipment Task Force and crews will continue working on vegetation removal and control line preparation along the Beaver Creek Road on the north side of the fire. South Structure Protection will continue structure assessments and protection work at Lake Inez. A night shift of engines and personnel will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Helicopters will be used to drop water on the fire as needed and where they can be most effective The following are current evacuations and closures from the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE, JULY 27 AT 9:56 AM: The Colt Fire has grown more than 500 acres since Tuesday, for a total of 4,937 acres burned. Fire containment is at 0% Thursday. An update from the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 says fire activity remained moderate on Wednesday even as temperatures started trending a few degrees warmer and relative humidity levels started dropping a few points lower. Temperatures in the area of the fire are expected to range from mid60s to high70s Thursday depending on the location of the fire, with relative humidity levels as low as 20%. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate. Crews will be doing the following planned actions Thursday, according to the update: Crews will continue to secure the spot fires on the east flank of the fire and continue to burn ground vegetation in select locations between the fires edge and Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road). On the south side, crews will work to hold fire spread by constructing direct hand line where appropriate and continue to assess road systems as potential control features near the West Fork of the Clearwater River. On the north side of the fire a Heavy Equipment Task Force and crews will continue working on vegetation removal and control line preparation along the Beaver Creek Road. The north and south Structure Protection Groups will conduct structure assessments, remove fuels, and install water handling equipment where needed. Helicopters will be used to drop water on the fire and have been very effective when needed. As fire suppression work continues, firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority. The following evacuations and closures are in place by the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE, JULY 26 AT 9:55 AM: A dry cold front along with cooler temperatures and lighter winds provided for moderate fire activity in the area of the Colt Fire the last couple of days. An update on the size of the fire was not provided Wednesday morning as cloud cover prevented an overnight infrared mapping flight from gathering information. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate Wednesday as personnel continue working on securing spot fires on the east flank and begin to burn ground vegetation in select locations between the fires edge and Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road), an update from the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 said. At this time, the following forest roads, areas and campgrounds near the fire area have been closed: Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Alva Lake Campground Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Lakeside Campground Lake Inez Campground Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall) Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720) The Missoula County Sheriffs Office has issued the following evacuation warnings and orders: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE: Tuesday, July 25 at 2:19 p.m. The Colt Fire is burning an 4,390 acres as of Tuesday and remains 0% contained. Fire personnel will be leading a public meeting Tuesday from 78 p.m. at the Seeley Lake Elementary School gym. The meeting will be streaming online via the Colt Fire Facebook page. UPDATE: Monday, July 24 at 11:08 a.m. The Colt Fire has nearly doubled in size Monday, now burning nearly 3,000 acres. According to Inciweb, the Colt Fire is 2,927 acres big and is still zeropercent contained as of Monday morningthe size of the fire grew by 1,352 acres within two days. The fire is lightningcaused. Sunday fire activity was moderate with faint winds and stable air in the area, according to Inciweb. More fire crews and equipment are responding to the fire. Crews resumed placing an indirect fire line along Forest Road 646, northeast area of the fire, by clearing out brush and ground vegetation. In the south, west and north areas, personnel were scoping out road systems for access and opportunities to build direct or indirect fire lines. The Structure Protection team were doing assessments and preparations for sturcture protection along Highway 83 and near the lakes south and east of the fire. Air crews were scooping water on areas of the fire. The National Weather Service put out a Red Flag warning in place from 2 p.m. to midnight Mondaypilots and public boaters on Seeley Lake and Lindbuergh Lake are asked to keep away from firefighter aircrafts when they are scooping water from lakes. Inciweb said crews finished clearing brush ground vegetation and improved access along Forest Road 646. Crews will be working on the north and south parts of the fire to open existing roads and start building fire lines in places with high chances of containing the fire. According to Inciweb, north side of the fire is demonstrating more difficulties for access the Structure Protection team is continuing structure assessments and preparations. Aircraft will keep scooping water depending on if the flying conditions are still safe. With the Red Flag warning in place, fire personnel will be assessing escape routes and safety zones with an increased awareness of fluctuating weather and fire activity. Weather conditions are forecasted with low humidity levels at 30 percent and strong winds of 20 milesperhour with 30 mileperhour wind gusts blowing over the fire area. The following evacuations are in place, according to Inciweb: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. The following closures are in place: Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Alva Lake Campground Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Lakeside Campground Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access Forest Road 5507 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall) Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720) UPDATE: Monday, July 24 at 9:29 a.m. Smoke was moving through several valleys Sunday night and into Monday morning due to the Colt Fire burning northwest of Seeley Lake. Air quality is at unhealthy conditions from Lake Inez through Condon Monday morning. Missoula CityCounty Air Quality Specialist Sarah Coefield said in a release air quality in Seely Lake is overall moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups. The smoke drifted all the way down to the Potomac Valley where air quality is at unhealthy for sensitive groups, and reached the Mission Valley where air quality sits at unhealthy for sensitive groups. "Due to overhead smoke mixing down to the valley floors, air quality for those near the Colt Fire may get a bit worse this morning before it gets better," Coefield said in the release. However, Coefield said the air quality is expected to get better by Monday afternoon. "The high pressure ridge that caused our hot temperatures these last several days is breaking down and that will create a turbulent atmosphere, which means air will be more capable of moving up and down and shaking it all around. For the short term, this is good, because it means smoke should easily lift out of the valleys by this afternoon and folks should see decent air quality." But, Cofield said there will be heavy winds a significant portion of Monday afternoon and a lot of Tuesday. A red flag warning is in place over the Colt Fire, with winds picking up over the course of Monday from the south, southwest and west. Coefield said fire activity and a big column of smoke is expectedfast winds may be heading towards the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Smoke is expected to impact the Highway 83 corridor, and northwest breezes are expected to push smoke to Seeley and Salmon lakes. Southerly winds are likely to spread the fire north bringing more overnight smoke into the Swan Valley, Coefield said. In Missoula, Frenchtown, Lolo, air quality improving is based on how the weather affects the fires in Idaho. "One of the smoke models thinks the Little Bear Fire is going to get feisty and send smoke to Lolo. The Little Bear Fire has been slowly fiddling around in a previously burned over area, but based on heat detections, it has started picking up acreage. It may see enough wind and activity today to send smoke our way, so keep an eye out," Coefield said. The Little Bear Fire has been increasing acreage, and there may be enough wind to push smoke towards the Missoula area. Coefield said the general haze throughout Missoula County is due to fires burning in the region and is fluctuating air quality from good to moderate Monday morning; but, Coefield said the air quality should not be a huge worry by Monday afternoon. UPDATE, JULY 23: Another 500 acres have been burned by the Colt Fire overnight Saturday, making the fire a total of 1,575 acres in size. As of Sunday afternoon, containment on the fire is still at 0% and the fire is active on all sides. Brent Olsons Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the fire Sunday morning and additional fire personnel and equipment have been arriving and are being integrated into fire operations. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Monday, July 24. The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 warns that hot, dry, and windy conditions may lead to critical fire weather conditions on existing or new fires. The Missoula County Sheriffs Office have issued the following evacuation warnings and evacuation orders: Residences on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under Evacuation Order Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under Evacuation Warning. USFS has issued emergency closures of Rainy Lake Campground and the main Lake Alva Campground and Lakeside at Alva Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order The Red Cross shelter at the Ovando church is going on standby. If you are evacuated due to the Colt Fire and need shelter, you can call the Red Cross at (406) 2151514. The following are the planned actions for Sunday according to the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1: Crews will work on clearing vegetation along the Colt and Beaver Creek Roads to improve fuel break areas. On the south and east areas of the fire, personnel and crews will be looking for direct and indirect opportunities to prepare containment lines and fuel breaks. Direct and indirect fire suppression tactics will be assessed and prepared to be implemented as fire conditions allow. Structure protection assessments and preparations will continue. As new crews arrive, they will be safely orientated to the fire area and begin working where safe to do so. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority as this fire response transitions into longer duration suppression work. Air resources will be used as needed to slow fire spread and cool down areas of heat. UPDATE, JULY 22 AT 5:00 PM: An evacuation warning has been issued for residents on the east side of Lake Inez, specifically those residences on Beargrass Ln. and West Lake Way. Residents are being warned that due to the possibility of rapidly changing conditions, an evacuation order may be issued with no prior warning. The Missoula County Sheriffs Office is asking people to not stop along Highway 83 for the safety of firefighters and first responders. Missoula County 911 reports that the Red Cross shelter at the Ovando church is on standby due to lack of demand. If you are evacuated due to the Colt Fire and need shelter, you can call the Red Cross at (406) 2151514. UPDATE, JULY 22 AT 10:38 AM: Overnight, the Colt Fire has grown to about 1,000 acres as active fire behavior continues on all sides. Predicted burning conditions anticipate the fire to continue to grow, the Montana DNRC reported. Ground crews are continuing to perform structure protection northeast of the fire while aviation resources continue suppression efforts by cooling hotspots and slowing the fires rate of spread. An Evacuation Order is still in place for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and 31(Rainy Lake to Summit Lake). An evacuation warning has also been issued for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 15.5 and 27. Those evacuated due to the fire can go to a Red Cross shelter that has been set up at the Blackfoot Community Bible Church in Ovando at 209 Birch St.. A Complex Incident Management Team will be inbriefed Saturday to assume command of the fire Sunday. Multiple aviation resources including four CL415 super scoopers,one very large air tanker, and multiple large air tankers. Fire managers are using all available tools to suppress the, for lives, homes, property. People are being reminded to not fly drones while crews are working on a fire after a drone incursion happened in the area Friday. It is a criminal misdemeanor in Montana to fly drones that interfere with fire suppression efforts, with a fine of up to $1,500 and the potential of being charged with firefighting costs. According to the Montana DNRC, the following are the planned actions for Saturday: Crews will continue working along Colt Road, clearing vegetation, and creating a stronger fuel break. Engine crews will continue structure assessment in the Summit Lake housing area. Incoming resources will start clearing vegetation along the Beaver Creek Rd. Aviation resources will continue suppression efforts by cooling hotspots and slowing the fires rate of spread. The Missoula CityCounty Health Department is donating air purifiers to daycare, nursing homes and community businesses as the fire season begins. UPDATE, JULY 21 AT 6:00 PM: Red Cross has been contacted and is working to secure a location for those evacuated by the Colt Fire, according to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office. If you have questions, you may contact them at 1800REDCROSS or, in Montana, at 4062151514. UPDATE, JULY 21 AT 3:45 PM: Residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and mile marker 31 (Rainy Lake to Summit Lake) have been ordered to immediately leave the area. The Missoula County Sheriff's Office is reporting incident conditions present an immediate threat to people in the area. For evacuation information, you can call 2584636. UPDATE, JULY 21: An evacuation warning has been issued for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and mile marker 31 (Rainy Lake to Summit Lake) due to the Colt Fire. The Missoula County Sheriff's Office is warning the conditions can change quickly and that if fire activity increases, emergency personnel may not be able to make personal notifications. InciWeb is reporting the Colt Fire grew to about 200 acres Friday due to late afternoon fire conditions. Crews reengaged the fire Friday morning after having to back off due to the increased activity. A Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage the fire and will be debriefed Saturday and take formal control of the fire Sunday. As of Friday afternoon, the fire is not contained and is active. SEELEY LAKE, Mont. - A 15 acre fire is burning in dense timber northwest of Seeley Lake. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation reports the Colt Fire was detected July 18 and is burning about 15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake. It was reportedly started by lightning. At this time, the fire is on land managed by the Lolo National Forest but under Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation fire protection and is currently 0% contained. Firefighters are working the perimeter of the fire with chainsaws to create a break in fuels (saw line)and finding success with aerial resources committed to the fire. No structures are threatened and no evacuations are in place, however, the public is being told to avoid the Beaver Lake and Colt Lake areas where crews are actively working. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is said to have celebrated her 42nd birthday early by going to see the Barbie movie with her friends but not Prince Harry. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is said to have celebrated her 42nd birthday early by going to see the Barbie movie with her friends but not Prince Harry The former Suits actress, 42, reportedly went to the film with Portia De Rossi, 50, and other pals at a Santa Barbara theatre earlier this week, while her husband the Duke of Sussex, 38, stayed home at their $14 million mansion in Montecito, California. A source also told Page Six Meghan kept the festivities going by joining friends at the posh San Ysidro Ranch hotel in Santa Barbara on Monday (31.07.23) night. The outlet added: We hear the controversial royal posed for photos and made videos with a bachelorette group that was celebrating at the hotel. It said an onlooker revealed: Meghan went over to wish the bride good luck. Even though Harry stayed home while Meghan apparently attended Barbie, the Sussexes were spotted on Wednesday (03.08.23) having dinner at celebrity favourite restaurant Tre Lune in Montecito. Page Six said Meghan and Harry planned to spend her 42nd on Friday (04.08.23) at home with their two children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two. Earlier this week, Harry and Meghan presented a united front to the world in the face of widespread reports their marriage is in trouble. The couple sat cosily side-by-side on Wednesday (02.08.23) for a video in support of the young peoples foundation the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund after reports they have been spending time apart. As they spoke about their two children, Harry said about the good cause: Thank you for doing everything that you do. Our kids especially are incredibly grateful. Meghan chimed in: They dont know it yet, but they will. The couple made the clip as their Archewell Foundation is on the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund Advisory Committee. Insiders have denied widespread reports in the US the couple have been giving each other space. One source insisted Page Six: Its not true its literally made up. The reports the couple were taking time apart were spurred on by the fact Meghan has hardly returned to the UK since Megxit, and was not with Harry when he returned to Britain in May to see his father King Charles coronation at Londons Westminster Abbey. A source told The Sun: Harry was desperate to come back for the Coronation and spend quality time with his family. Meghan stayed in their mansion in California for their boy Archies fourth birthday. The video comes after Harry and Meghans big-money Spotify deal ended in June, while the Duke of Sussexs green travel project Travalyst made a major announcement about a huge revamp in May without mentioning him. Their appearance also comes as it was announced the couple will attend the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf together next month for the events between September 9 and 16. Rebel Wilson would love to have another baby. Rebel Wilson wants to have another baby The 43-year-old actress already has a nine-month-old daughter called Royce, and Rebel has revealed that she's keen to have another child one day. She told E! News: "I would like to have another child." Despite this, Rebel acknowledged that she'll need a bit of luck if she is to have another child. The Hollywood star - who is engaged to Ramona Agruma - explained: "It's just like, well, is that possible? I have to do IVF. We'll see how it goes. "Roycie is such a miracle. And if she's my only child, then amazing." Rebel's experience of motherhood has lived up to her hopes. However, the actress has also surprised herself with how "soft" she's been with her baby girl. She shared: "Obviously I was hoping that I would have that feeling. I thought I was going to be a strict parent. And everyone's like, 'No, no,' I'm, like, so soft. Because I just melt every time I'm with her." Rebel announced her engagement to Ramona earlier this year, and the actress' friends are said to be "thrilled" for her. A source previously told Us Weekly: "Rebels closest friends couldnt be more thrilled for her engagement to Ramona. They know that her and Ramona make an amazing couple together and are so happy they found each other. "Rebels friends have been so supportive of her over the years, been by her side throughout her ups and downs, through past relationships etc. They feel like this is her real fairytale come true and she deserves all of it and more."Rebel has a huge heart and shes one of the most genuine people youd ever meet. They are all celebrating her engagement and are ecstatic for her next chapter." To continue reading this news, become a member today. PRIME Unlimited Access to F2F Prime Content All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials. Avneet Kaur Bikini Pics: Avneet Kaur, the popular young starlet who recently starred in the film Tiku Weds Sheru, is taking some well-deserved time off after her movie release. Kaur has been making the most of her vacation, enjoying the sights and sounds of different cities. Starting her adventure in London, Avneet was seen strolling through the charming streets and experiencing the vibrant nightlife. After London, her next stop was Paris, where she gave a glimpse of the concert she attended by the famous rapper The Weeknd. AVNEET KAUR SIZZLES IN A STRIPED BIKINI After having a blast in Paris, she is currently exploring iconic European cities. Avneet is unwinding in the beautiful Spanish destination, Ibiza. In the pics from Ibiza, she can be seen chilling by the pool. She looked hot in a sultry green and white striped bikini. She styled her look with a white sarong. She rounded off the chic look with white sunnies, delicate jewelry pieces, and subtle pink makeup. Check out the stunning pics. Her pictures went viral as soon as they surfaced on the internet. However, it did not sit down well with the netizens who brutally trolled her. NETIZENS REACT TO AVNEET KAUR'S PICS A user wrote, "Nange ghumne and chapri wala chasma pehnne se koi hot nhi ho jata, she looks hot in Indian attire." Another social media user wrote, "Ek movie me ye haal he..." "Chashma to dhang ka khareed leti," commented a third user. One more social media user wrote, "Plzz someone enlighten her that she's not a Selena Gomez." AVNEET KAUR'S WORK-FRONT Meanwhile, on the work front, Avneet was recently seen in Kangana Ranaut's Tiku Weds Sheru also starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The film which had an OTT release, garnered mixed responses from the viewers. Avneet's lip-lock with Nawazuddin in the film garnered several eyeballs. She will be next seen in Luv Ki Arranged Marriage alongside Sunny Singh. 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. A panel of Appellate Division judges upheld on Friday the City of Niagara Falls decision to authorize condemnation of 12 privately owned acres that it wants to obtain through eminent domain and develop into a $150 million indoor and outdoor public events center. The Appellate Division judges dismissed an appeal by Niagara Falls Redevelopment LLC and an affiliated company, Blue Apple Properties Inc. It rejected the companies contention that the condemnation will not serve a public use or benefit. It also denied their request to annul the citys determination because the city has not established how it plans to pay for the redevelopment project called Centennial Park. Comedian Telephone Raj Accuses Director Mari Selvaraj: Famous comedian Telephone Raj said in an interview that Maamannan director Mari Selvaraj is hitting the actors on the set. Controversial Filmmaker Mari Selvaraj Mari Selvaraj's Maamannan released in theaters worldwide on June 2023. His speech at the film's audio launch caused a lot of trouble earlier. More than a month after the release of the film, it continues to stir up various controversies In this case, popular comedian Telephone Raj has given an interview to a leading YouTube channel. "Making a film that incites caste hatred is a very despicable act. The youth of today do not know what caste is. After watching Maamannan movie, many youngsters ask what is caste. Why bring up something that everyone has forgotten? People like Mari Selvaraj, Pa Ranjith are making films today to promote caste. They are inciting casteism among today's youth by telling that they are beating us and insulting us. If their film is released, many will watch it as caste fanatics and not as fans. Do Not Beat Actors Mari Selvaraj is a psycho, Udhayanidhi himself has said this in an interview, 'he is a psycho sir.. he will beat everyone..' He beats many actors on the set. Can you beat someone like this? In a scene where the police beat up people in the movie Karnan, an actress is actually beaten up like that. Only then it will look real, he says. I have the audio of that girl talking on my phone about this. He will shoot in his own town. Actors will be casted just to get beaten up, and then how will it become fair to make only his caste people to speak dialogues? Have fun making pictures. Why do you hit someone like this? A law should be made not to make films that incite caste hatred, the director's association should not allow such films to be made, if this is done, Tamil cinema will not develop" says Telephone Raj. Jailer Ticket Booking Starts Today In Tamil Nadu? While fans are waiting to see the Thalaivar Rajinikanth on silver screen, Chennai Kamala Cinemas has released an amazing update that the ticket booking of Jailer movie in Chennai will start today. Booking Starts Today At 6 PM Kamala Cinemas owner's son have also published a picture taken with Superstar Rajinikanth and made fans excited. While ticket bookings have already started in foreign countries including America, it seems that ticket pre-booking will start from today (August 5, 2023) in Chennai. While positive updates have leaked out saying that Rajinikanth starrer Jailer is sure to be a huge hit, within hours of ticket bookings in America, several theaters have turned into houseful shows. Even some companies declared August 10 as a holiday. Tamil Nadu Rajinikanth Fans Are Upset Rajinikanth's mass is still proving to be undiminished across the globe. As huge anticipation is building overseas for Rajinikanth's film Jailer, which will be released on Thursday next week, it has been announced that ticket booking will begin in Chennai from today. Kamala Theater owner's son shared a photo with actor Rajinikanth and announced that the ticket booking for Jailer will start today and the timings will be announced soon. The ticket booking is expected to start in Chennai at 6 pm today. Fans are frantically waiting to know how many minutes it will take to sell out. Jailer movie special shows are announced at 6 AM in Karnataka. So before Tamil Nadu fans, Jailer will be watched by fans in various other states and abroad including the United States. Also in Chennai, it is said that Jailer also has no special show and the first show will be released only at 9 AM. Due to this, Rajinikanth fans in Tamilnadu are very upset. Vikram Helped Bedridden Pithamagan Producer: Actor Vikram is said to have helped Producer VA Durai to fit a prosthetic leg in his poor financial condition. Fans are appreciating his kind heart in social media. Pithamagan To Thangalaan Vikram, who is one of the leading actors in Tamil cinema, is currently acting in the film Thangalaan directed by Pa Ranjith. The movie stars Parvathy, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathy and many others. Music for the most important film in Chiyaan Vikram's film career is composed by GV Prakash Kumar. Sethu and Pithamagan directed by Bala Actor are the breakthrough films for Vikram. These two films were critically and commercially well received. But it is said that Vikram was cheated by the producer VA Duraiby by not paying 25 lakh rupees for acting in Pithamagan. Did VA Durai Cheated Vikram & Bala? While the problems related to this has been going on for a long time, producer VA Durai was living in a friend's house in Saligramam due to the loss of his movie Gajendra. Producer VA Durai had released a video showing the poor condition of his diabetic foot ulcer and asking his friends in film industry to help him with the medical expenses. Also Durai said, "Two years ago I paid Rs 25 lakh to Bala for a new film. But when I asked him to return it, he cheated me by saying that it was my due to him for Pithamagan film. Now I am sick and in bad shape. So Please return the money." Subsequently, actors including Rajinikanth, Suriya and Karunas helped him with his medical expenses. His health is improving. But due to the increased level in diabetes, there has been a situation to remove one of his legs. After knowing this, Chiyaan Vikram has helped the producer who was struggling without enough money to fit a prosthetic leg. Fans are appreciating that actor Vikram has helped the producer who cheated him of 25 lakh rupees while he was growing up, forgetting the 20-year feud. Bigg Boss OTT 2 Update: The second season of Bigg Boss OTT, hosted by Salman Khan, premiered in June this year on Jio Cinema, sparking immediate interest among dedicated viewers who swiftly chose their favored contestants. Among the familiar faces such as Pooja Bhatt, Avinash Sachdev, Falaq Naaz, and Jiya Shankar, one participant, in particular, has consistently grabbed eyeballs: Manisha Rani. While YouTubers Abhishek Malhaan aka Fukra Insaan and Elvish Yadav are counted among the strongest contestants of Bigg Boss OTT 2, Manisha Rani is undoubtedly the most entertaining housemate and is giving both of them tough competition in terms of popularity. Alongside Fukra Insaan and Elvish, the Bhojpuri actress is swiftly ascending the ranks as one of the most potent contenders. MANISHA RANI TRENDS WITH ONE MILLION TWEETS As the grand finale of Bigg Boss OTT 2 is just eight days away now, Manisha Rani has achieved a big milestone and has become the third contestant to do so after Fukra Insaan and Elvish Yadav. After both the YouTuber, she has now become the third contestant of BB OTT 2 to trend on Twitter with over one million tweets. Yes, you read that right! Today (August 5), the fans of Manisha Rani have been trending 'Deserving Winner Manisha' on Twitter, and the trend has crossed the one million mark on the microblogging platform. Bigg Boss OTT 2 | EX Contestant Blasts Elvish Yadav Fans For 'Unfollowing' Salman: Jhandu Log Aate Jaate... Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin | Bhavika Sharma On Difficulty In Taking Ayesha Singh's Place: Previous Cast... From her friendship with other members of the FAME gang to fights with Bebika Dhurve, Manisha Rani has been continuously grabbing eyeballs ever since her entry into the Bigg Boss house. Now, the huge Twitter trend further proves her popularity among Big Boss fans. BIGG BOSS OTT 2: NOMINATED CONTESTANTS THIS WEEK After Aashika Bhatia's departure in the previous Weekend Ka Vaar episode, the ongoing week within the Bigg Boss house witnessed the nomination of four contestants for potential elimination: Jad Hadid, Jiya Shankar, Avinash Sachdev, and Manisha Rani. As Sunday approaches, anticipation builds for the impending departure of one of these contestants from the show. While speculations hint at the prospect of a double eviction, no official confirmation has surfaced thus far. GRAND FINALE DATE OF BIGG BOSS OTT 2 Concluding a two-month journey, the eagerly awaited grand finale of Bigg Boss OTT 2 is scheduled for August 13 (Sunday). While Fukra Insaan has secured a place in the finale week, it'll be interesting which other contestants are going to join him. Keep watching this space for more updates! Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Update: Concluding a remarkable journey spanning around eight months in Harshad Chopda and Pranali Rathod starrer YRKKH, television star Jay Soni is ready to part ways with his cherished role of Abhinav. Making his entry into Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai earlier this year, he has continuously captured hearts with his exceptional on-screen prowess. In recent developments, the show's helmer Rajan Shahi officially confirmed Jay Soni's departure from the popular family saga, thanking him for his substantial contribution to the narrative. Additionally, he hinted at the potential reunion of Abhimanyu and Akshara, suggesting an intriguing twist in the storyline. Ahead of his exit, Jay Soni recently opened up about his onscreen chemistry with Pranali Rathod and Akshara-Abhinav scenes in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. JAY SONI ON CHEMISTRY WITH PRANALI RATHOD IN YRKKH Talking to BollywoodLife, Jay stated that both of them collaborated on the scenes, aiming to infuse authenticity into their performance. Given that it was kind of a fresh character for Pranali Rathod after the leap, they were committed to executing it with excellence. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai | Amid Jay Soni's EXIT, Actress Reacts To CHANGES In Her Character: It'll Be Fun... Fahmaan Khan's Heroine Kritika Singh Yadav Dating THIS Dharampatnii Co-Star? Actress Breaks Silence According to Jay, their dedication to the task was evident, complemented by valuable support from the direction team. The evolution of their chemistry was a gradual and deliberate progression, akin to a meticulous journey of refinement. He added, "Soon, we also got to know that this is working and this is not working and how we should move forward. So it was a team effort aur sabne ekdam sambhalke ye scenes kiye hai. People then started loving it and accepting them. So it was like a win win situation for us. As an actor, we always want to make scenes believable. It was a task for everyone." HERE'S HOW ABHINAV'S ROLE WILL END IN YEH RISHTA KYA KEHLATA HAI As revealed earlier, Abhinav will die in the upcoming episodes and Abhimanyu will be held responsible for his death. Now, it'll be interestintg to see how he'll win back Akshara and Abhira after Abhinav's death. Keep watching this space for more updates! BEIJING, Aug. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tamer M.A. Shehab, an official from the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, experienced being a "pilot" during his recent trip to Shanghai. At a local exhibition center of the G60 Science & Technology Innovation Valley (G60 valley), Shehab sat in a flight simulator of a passenger aircraft. He saw the vast blue sky through the windows on each side of the simulator. The simulator was made by a Shanghai-based tech company, which also produces flight simulator equipment for China's self-developed large passenger aircraft C919. After exiting the simulator, Shehab asked the exhibition center for information on the latest scientific and technological achievements of the G60 valley in the field of aerospace. "They [the achievements] are the future," he said. The G60 valley in East China, containing Shanghai and its eight surrounding cities, is one of the country's most urbanized economic belts and home to tens of thousands of innovative high-tech entities. The valley's exhibition center in a Shanghai suburb that Shehab visited is a must-see destination for many foreign officials and scholars who try to explore the experiences of the Chinese path to modernization in Shanghai. The G60 valley showcases the latest technological developments in China, and supports sustainable economic development, said Iyad Zoukar, professor and deputy director of the Syrian Diplomatic Institute at Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. "The innovative spirit and cutting-edge technologies showcased at the G60 valley were truly impressive," Zoukar told the Global Times. "It was fascinating to witness firsthand advancements in various fields there, such as in renewable energy, electric technology, and silicon chip manufacturing," he recalled. Zoukar and Shehab are among the delegation of officials who visited Shanghai early this summer under the "Seminar for Arab Officials by the China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development (CARC)" or the "Seminar for Arab Diplomats in China by the CARC" programs. Zoukar attended the 13th Seminar for Arab Officials held in early June, traveling over 4,000 miles from Syria to Shanghai. Apart from G60 valley, the visit to Xiaotaoyuan Mosque was also a memorable experience to Zoukar. "The Xiaotaoyuan Mosque served as a testament to the importance of promoting mutual understanding and respect among diverse communities," said Zoukar. "It was inspiring to witness the peaceful coexistence of different religions in the city and learn about China's policies on nationalities and religions." View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-times-come-and-experience-arab-diplomats-officials-explore-chinese-modernization-practices-in-dynamic-inclusive-shanghai-301894057.html With the drama reality show Bigg Boss OTT 2 nearing its finale, the contestants are in high spirits to take up the challenge and emerge as the winner, even if it means getting into a fight with each other every now and then. The recent episode of the Salman Khan-hosted show saw unexpected arguments unfold between once cherished friends. The controversial show also highlighted Jiya Shankar, who was made the heroine of the BB house by Pooja Bhatt; turn a traitor, a title given by Bebika Dhurve during the duos latest argument. In addition, the episode saw Jiya talking to Abhishek about Manisha as she stood eavesdropping behind them. Take a look at the latest happenings inside the Bigg Boss house. Jiya Shankar and Bebika Dhurve lock horns Jiya Shankar and Bebika Dhurve found themselves caught in a war of words as they got ready in the dressing room. The fight started after Jiya asked Bebika what made her bring so much makeup to the BB house. The reason behind asking was that it might get destroyed during the tasks. However, without truly understanding the motive behind it, Bebika gave a blunt response saying she would punch anyone who touched her makeup kits. Additionally, she did not spare Jiya and said she wouldnt mind even punching her in case she ever thought of touching it. Jiya, on her part, challenged Bebika to punch her. To this Bebika replied that the audience would do the needful, if required. Jiya expressed frustration at Bebikas comment and claimed that negativity and rudeness had limits. The heated exchange didnt stop here as Bebika labeled Jiya a dhokebaaz and mocked her for trying to be on everyones side. Jiya, however, responded that shes maintaining pleasant relations with everyone on the show. Jad Hadid talks about Jiya Jad Hadid opened up to Manisha about what he thinks about his former long-term friend Jiya Shankar. Jad told her that Jiya was polite to Manisha because she wanted to be part of her group and she had no one else to converse with. He also mentioned Jiyas proximity to Abhishek and that it is the sole reason behind her hanging out with them. Later, in a conversation with Abhishek, Manisha and Elvish, the Lebanese-born model talked about Jiyas take on actors being different from social media influencers. Jiya on Manisha Rani Jiya Shankar asked Abhishek Malhan about the discussion between the participants as she saw them sitting in a group and talking. To which the video creator replied that Jad mentioned her but in a general context. Jiya defended herself by saying that if Jad ever watched the show outside, he would see that she never spoke ill about Abhishek. As the conversation progressed further, Jiya said that she and Abhishek did not know each other personally as Manisha had been with them from the beginning. Jiya Shankar explained that she tried to establish a close relationship with Manisha Rani but it never worked out. The episode saw Manisha hearing their conversation without them knowing. Later, Manisha talked to Elvish Yadav. She said, So it seems that Jiya is only interested in Abhishek. But she has to sit with us due to Abhishek. The Weekend Ka Vaar is set to bring another rollercoaster ride of emotions. It will be interesting to watch the events unfold from here. The engagement party of filmmaker Anurag Kashyaps daughter Aaliyah Kashyap with fiance Shane Gregoire in Mumbai was a star-studded event. From star kids Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor and Alaya F to actress Kalki Koechlin, who arrived with her daughter and boyfriend, the event was graced by several celebrities. Aaliyah Kashyap and fiance Shane Gregoire, who announced their engagement in May, were seen posing for photographers. While Aaliyah donned an embellished white lehenga adorned with intricate floral detailing, Shane looked resplendent in a white and silver ensemble for their ceremony. Aaliyah Kashyap shared some photos from her special day on her Instagram handle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by aaliyah (@aaliyahkashyap) Popular celebrity paparazzo Varinder Chawla shared the pictures on his Instagram account. Check out some of the posts below: Calling the duo, Suhana Khan and Khushi Kapoor, Saree Stunners, the photojournalist asked the viewers which designer Arpita Mehta drape they preferred more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla) The actors, who are making their debut with Zoya Akhtars The Archies exuded grace as they arrived at the event wearing sarees. While Suhana chose blue for the occasion, Khushi looked trendy in a pink and silver saree. Actress Palak Tiwari, who made her Bollywood debut with Salman Khans film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, shared her pictures on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palak Tiwari (@palaktiwarii) Anurag Kashyaps ex-wife Kalki Koechlin also shared pictures on Instagram. She captioned the post, In the mood for celebration. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kalki (@kalkikanmani) In May, 22-year-old Aaliyah Kashyap announced her engagement to Shane Gregoire in an Instagram post. She captioned the post, soooooo THIS HAPPENED!!!! To my best friend, my partner, my soulmate and now my FIANCE! You are the love of my life. Thank you for showing me what real & unconditional love feels like. Saying yes to you was the easiest thing ive ever done & i cant wait to spend the rest of my life with you, my love. View this post on Instagram A post shared by aaliyah (@aaliyahkashyap) Based on The Indian Express report, Aaliyah received hate while answering questions related to her life and decision to get hitched at 22 on social media platforms. In an answer to one such question that went, Are you getting hate for getting engaged at 22? she said that she used to believe that 22 is too young to get engaged, but accepted that if you meet the right person, everything falls into place. Today (5 August) marks the fourth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir. It was also on 5 August 2019 that the then state was bifurcated into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). Justifying the Central governments decision, Union home minister Amit Shah had said that the removal of Article 370 was necessary to end terrorism in J&K. Earlier this February, Shah said that the number of terror incidents has fallen sharply post the abrogation. Today I can say with satisfaction that terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have reduced drastically after the abrogation of Article 370. And a record number of tourists visit Jammu and Kashmir. It is a matter of satisfaction, the home minister said, as per Indian Express. So, four years later, how has the security situation changed in the UT? Lets take a closer look. Stone-pelting incidents According to a report by J&K Police headquarters in Srinagar, a major decline has been seen in stone-pelting incidents post the revocation of Article 370. From 5,050 such incidents before the abrogation, the number has come down to 445, a remarkable plunge of 92 per cent, Greater Kashmir cited the police report as saying. This decrease signifies improved public order and a more peaceful environment, the police said. As per the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data, 618 incidents of stone pelting were reported in the Valley during the January-July period in 2019. This fell to 222 incidents over the same period in 2020, and further to 76 in 2021, reported Indian Express. What about militancy? As compared to 930 militancy incidents that rocked the Valley in the three years prior to the scrapping of Article 370, only 617 such incidents were reported in the three years post the revocation, reported The New Indian Express (TNIE). Active militancy has abated in J&K after the Centre revoked Article 370. Citing the official figures, Scroll reported in January this year that the number of active militants has decreased from 250 at the end of 2019 to little above 100 towards the end of 2022. The security forces are aiming to bring down this to below 100. A total of 750 militants have been killed by security forces in the UT over the last four years, as per the digital news outlet. From 1 January to 5 August this year, 35 militants were neutralised by security forces in several operations. Last year, 186 militants, including 56 foreigners, were killed, as per Deccan Herald (DH). The number of local youths joining militant groups has also reduced. From 206 in 2018 and 143 in 2019, only 100 Kashmiri youth were recruited by militants in 2022, reported Scroll. According to police data, 174 police and security personnel were killed in militancy violence in Kashmir between 5 August 2019 to 4 August last year, a decrease from the 290 personnel who were martyred over the three years before the revocation, reported TNIE. Loss of civilian lives during militancy violence has also gone down. 110 civilians were killed in three years post Article 370 revocation while 191 civilians died in militancy violence in three years before Article 370 abrogation, TNIE cited the police data as saying. The MHA data showed that more over-ground workers (OGWs) of militant groups were arrested, with 82 in 2019 (January-July) to 178 over the same period in 2021, reported Indian Express. ALSO READ: J&K: How Amit Shah abrogated Article 370 and deftly managed the fallout Overall law and order situation A 32 per cent decline was reported in encounters and counter-terrorism operations, from 539 in the pre-abrogation period to 369 after the revocation. The number of civilians killed in terrorist violence reduced from 155 in the pre-Article 370 period to 138 in the post-Article 370 period, reflecting a 11 per cent decrease. This decrease indicates improved security measures and a more effective counter-terrorism strategy to protect civilians, according to the J&K police report, reported Greater Kashmir. A significant reduction in civilian casualties during law and order situations has also come to light. No such instances were recorded post the abrogation, as compared to 132 before, Greater Kashmir reported citing police data. The number of IED blast figures remained unchanged, with 19 incidents reported both pre and post-abrogation period. As Hindustan Times noted, That the number has not increased to a new mark indicates better security measures, intelligence gathering and a better approach to counter-terrorism. From 302 before, just 31 hartal/bandh calls were issued post the revocation period. Another positive impact on public safety of the historic decision is seen in the fall of grenade attacks, from 162 before to 138 after. This decrease indicates improved socio-political stability and a reduced impact on daily activities due to strikes or shutdowns, Greater Kashmir cited the police report as saying. Moreover, compared to the 10 months before the Article 370 revocation, government data says there was a 32 per cent decline in acts of terrorism between 5 August 2019 and 6 June 2022, reported Indian Express. With inputs from agencies The alleged gang-rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl in the Bhilwara district has rocked Rajasthan. The minor girls charred remains were found in a charcoal furnace in a village on Wednesday (2 August) evening. The Rajasthan Police have so far booked 10 people, including four women, in connection with the case, reported news agency PTI. The incident has spurred a political slugfest in the poll-bound state, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trying to corner the Ashok Gehlot-led state government. According to Times of India (TOI), Rajasthan has recorded as many as 10 cases of sexual assault between 4 July and 3 August. How did the Bhilwara incident come to light? What has the initial police probe revealed? Lets understand. Bracelet, bones in furnace The minor girl had left home to graze goats early on Wednesday morning, as per an NDTV report. However, when she did not return till the evening, her family and villagers launched a frantic search for her. We started looking for her in the afternoon when the cattle returned but my sister didnt return with them, the girls brother said, as per Hindustan Times (HT). Around 10 pm, he saw smoke billowing from one of the charcoal furnaces (kilns) set up by those from a nomadic community, reported TOI. He grew suspicious and checked the furnace, noticing human bones, reported HT. During the rains, these kilns that use wood of babool trees are rarely lit by the people. The girls brother rummaged through the kiln with a stick and sifted through the charred items. He found a bracelet and recognised it as that of his sister, a police official told TOI on condition of anonymity. The police reached the spot, along with FSL officials, and found some cloth pieces among the charred items. They also discovered the minors footwear near the furnace, reported TOI. A DNA test will be conducted of the bone samples found at the furnace for further investigation, Bhilwara police superintendent (SP) Adarsh Sindhu was quoted as saying by HT. Five suspects were detained and being interrogated, the police said on Thursday. A case of gang-rape along with sections of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act was also registered by the police. 10 booked in Bhilwara case Speaking to reporters on Friday (4 August), the Rajasthan Police said some half-burnt body remains which are believed to be of the victim were recovered from a pond in the village, PTI reported. According to Bhilwara SP Sidhu, some of the girls body parts were set alight in the furnace, while others were disposed of in a nearby pond to get rid of evidence. After investigating the case, we found that around 10 people were involved, of which six are male and four are female two wives, one mother and one sister (of the accused). There is also a juvenile who has been detained. We have arrested four people and detained one person. The other accused are being tracked, he told reporters, as per Indian Express. Those arrested include Kalu Lal (25) and his brother Kanha Lal (21), Pappu (35) and Sanjay Kumar (20), reported TOI. The age of the detained minor is yet to be determined. According to the Rajasthan police, Kanha and Kalu were allegedly involved in the gang rape. They said they are also investigating if the girl was alive when she was put into the furnace. The police said the women helped in destroying the evidence. As for the involvement of the women, we have learnt that when the girl was gang-raped and brought near the furnace, the women helped open it and light the fire. From the investigation so far, it appears that the women were not present during the gang-rape, SP Sidhu was quoted as saying by Indian Express. He also said that all efforts will be made to ensure the accused are awarded the death penalty in what he called the rarest of the rare case, reported PTI. An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of Kotri police station has also been suspended for alleged delay in action when informed that the girl was missing, as per TOI. ALSO READ: Gang-raped, assaulted, killed: How women have become easy targets in Manipur BJP trains guns at Congress government The BJP alleged on Thursday that Rajasthan has become the rape capital of India. Calling for chief minister Gehlots resignation, Rajasthan BJP president CP Joshi said, Such an incident would not have happened anywhere in the country. Rajasthan is being tarnished by such incidents. Some state BJP leaders also visited the village. VIDEO | The CM (Ashok Gehlot) should resign. These kinds of incidents are regularly happening in Rajasthan, says Rajasthan BJP president @cpjoshiBJP on Bhilwara incident. pic.twitter.com/rgPYWa2euG Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 3, 2023 BJP president JP Nadda on Friday formed a four-member committee of women MPs of the party to probe the Bhilwara incident. There was also a furore in Rajya Sabha, with the saffron party demanding a discussion on the law and order situation in Rajasthan. As BJP lawmakers raised slogans of Rajasthan pe charcha ho, the Opposition countered by shouting Manipur, Manipur to discuss violence in the conflict-ridden state. The Upper House was then adjourned for the day following the uproar, reported Indian Express. Rajasthan minister and Congress leader Dheeraj Gurjar, who visited Kotri on Thursday, said he would push for immediate compensation for the girls family. I also demand the perpetrators of this heinous crime be hanged, he said, as per HT. With inputs from agencies A Buffalo man accused of fatally stabbing another man inside a building in the city's Elmwood Village neighborhood was arraigned Friday on an indictment charging him with one count of first-degree manslaughter. Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn said 31-year-old Anthony Reynolds is accused of stabbing the victim, Marquese Smith, 26, once in the torso in a building on West Utica Street, between Linwood Avenue and Main Street, on April 6. Smith died at the scene. Reynolds, who remains held without bail, is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 22 for a pretrial conference before state Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek. If convicted of the charge against him, Reynolds faces a maximum of 25 years in prison. A Delhi court on Saturday accepted a bail bond furnished by Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in a case related to the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand noted that an anticipatory bail has already been granted to the accused by a sessions court. The court further directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to provide a copy of the charge sheet to Tytler. Bail bond furnished. Accepted, subject to conditions imposed on bail order, the magistrate said. The matter will now be heard on 11 August. On Friday, the sessions court granted the relief to Tytler on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and one surety of the like amount. It also imposed certain conditions on him, including that he will not tamper with the evidence in the case or leave the country without permission. Meanwhile, a minor clash erupted in the national capital after members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) held a protest outside Delhis Rouse Avenue Court against Jagdeep Tytlers bail. #WATCH | A minor clash erupts between members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and Delhi Police outside Rouse Avenue Court. The Delhi Police has closed the entry gate of the courtroom due to security reasons. pic.twitter.com/B69wCqOeTS ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2023 #WATCH | Members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) hold a protest outside Delhis Rouse Avenue Court against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler over the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots case. pic.twitter.com/LpzMAxGoe9 ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2023 The magisterial court had on July 26 summoned Tytler on August 5. It passed the order after taking cognisance of a charge sheet in the case. With inputs from agencies Union Home Minister Amit Shah is due to hold a crucial meeting on Left-wing extremism in Odisha on Saturday. He will also launch a national highway project and attend a disaster management meeting at the state secretariat. The Home Minister reached Bhubaneswar late on Friday night and was received at the airport by BJP state president Manmohan Samal and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, among others. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is also expected to attend the two back-to-back meetings at the state secretariat on Saturday. Shahs visit to the state comes amid the BJD extending its support to the bill replacing the Delhi services ordinance in a boost to the treasury benches, especially in the Rajya Sabha, and also backing the BJP-led NDA government against the no-confidence motion brought by opposition parties in Parliament. The Home Minister will visit the BJPs state office this afternoon, and hold a closed-door meeting with key Odisha BJP leaders. His last visit to the state on 17 June was cancelled due to Cyclone Biparjoy hitting the coast of Gujarat. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed its scientific survey at the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi on Saturday to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. The survey began in the morning and is expected to conclude by 5 pm on Saturday. Visuals of security deployment at Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi where the ASI survey is underway. pic.twitter.com/4P4J5a8Q8F Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2023 On Muslim side extending support to Gyanvapi survey, Vishnu Shankar Jain, lawyer of Hindu side, said that They (Muslim side) are not supporting us. VIDEO | They (Muslim side) are not supporting us. They are here because of the court order. They fought in three courts, when they couldnt win, they are participating, says Vishnu Shankar Jain, lawyer of Hindu side, on Muslim side extending support to Gyanvapi survey. pic.twitter.com/0O3mwsudn6 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2023 Whereas, Mumtaz Ahmad, one of the lawyers for Anjuman Committee, said that We will support it. VIDEO | We will support it, says Mumtaz Ahmad, one of the lawyers for Anjuman Committee, on ASI survey in Gyanvapi Mosque complex. pic.twitter.com/I83tte8FCj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2023 We want people to cooperate in the survey and get it completed as soon as possible, said Sudhir Tripathi, lawyer of the Hindu side. #WATCH | Varanasi, UP: As the ASI arrives for the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex today, lawyer of the Hindu side, Sudhir Tripathi says, The survey starts at 9 am todayIt is the second day of the surveyWe want people to cooperate in the survey and get it pic.twitter.com/BFUm0CawwS ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2023 The Supreme Court on Friday declined to stay the Allahabad High Courts order regarding the ASI survey, despite objections from the Muslim side who believe it may reopen wounds of the past. The bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, asked the ASI not to carry out any invasive act during the survey. This ruled out excavations, which the Varanasi court had said can be conducted if necessary. The Supreme Court nod on Friday came just hours after an ASI team had already resumed the detailed scientific survey ordered by the Varanasi district court on 21 July. The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee had challenged the district courts order in the Allahabad High Court, which dismissed its petition on Thursday. The Muslim body then quickly approached the Supreme Court. On Friday, the Varanasi court also granted the ASI an additional month to complete the survey, extending its original deadline from Friday to 4 September. With inputs from PTI The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly condemned the alleged abduction and rape of a minor girl in Rajasthans Bhilwara. Earlier this week, a 14-year-old girl from Bhilwara was thrown into a coal furnace after she was allegedly gang-raped. The victim was identified by her bangles and the pair of footwear she wore when she went missing. The victims elder brother said that the girl had left home at 8 am on Wednesday but never returned home following which her family members initiated a search, visiting the houses and fields of relatives in the village. In a statement, the NCW said, In response to this grave incident, the NCW, under its constitutional mandate, immediately took action and visited the crime site. It added, It is the fourth visit of the NCW inquiry committee to Rajasthan regarding women-related crimes in the last month. What did the NCW find? In its investigation, the NCW found that there was a delay in the filing of an FIR when the girl went missing. It also learned that 11 individuals, including a minor, have been accused of the crime. Five of the accused are currently absconding. Taking cognizance of the severity of the situation and the paramount importance of upholding justice, the NCW has ensured that appropriate measures are implemented to bring the perpetrators to justice, NCW said. Meanwhile, the Station House Officer (SHO), who has been held responsible for delaying the registration of an FIR has been suspended. NCW added, The family of the victim, burdened by immense trauma and sorrow, has refused any compensation offered in relation to the case. As a constitutional organization entrusted with safeguarding the rights and welfare of women and minors, the NCW demands that the state authorities, including the Police and the Chief Secretary, take every possible measure to maintain law and order in the state, it noted. What else the police will do? Earlier today, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that the police arrested 4-5 accused yesterday. Yesterday in the Bhilwara incident, the police arrested the 4-5 accused at night. What else the police will do? In terms of carrying out an action, we are number one among all the states, he said. #WATCH | Jaipur: After the burnt body of a minor girl was found in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, CM Ashok Gehlot says, Yesterday in the Bhilwara incident, the police arrested the 4-5 accused at night. What else the police will do? In terms of carrying out an action, we are number one pic.twitter.com/C8fQwBHgFz ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) August 5, 2023 To dilute the Manipur incidents where PM Modi has committed a huge blunderYou are comparing such a state (Manipur) with Rajasthan and ChhattisgarhThis is politics and we dont approve of it. Bihar police have arrested a man from Nawada district who allegedly abducted and killed his sister by slitting her throat due to her alleged extra-marital affair. Police launched a probe after the victims father-in-law a complaint. A team was formed and with the help of technical analysis, the brother of the woman was held. He was taken to the forest area and the womans body was found after a thorough search. During the questioning, the accused confessed to his crime, senior police officer Mahesh Choudhary told India Today. The victims body was recovered from the spot and the machete used to kill her was also seized, police said. The accused was quoted as saying that his married sister was in a relationship with a man from the neighbourhood which angered him. He thereby decided to allegedly kidnap her and took her to the jungle. Last week, in another case of honour killing, a woman along with her two sons allegedly strangled her daughter to death in the Sitamarhi district. The incident took place at Parsauni Madhwar village late on July 23. According to the SHO of Parsauni police station, the accused woman was arrested, while her two sons were on the run. The victim allegedly had an affair with a youth from the same village, which her parents and two brothers did not approve of. As she was firm on her decision to marry the youth, her mother and two brothers allegedly strangulated her to death. After the murder, they even buried the dead body in a vacant plot, but a few villagers somehow felt that something was wrong and informed the local police. In April this year, a woman was arrested in the Hajipur area of the Vaishali district in connection with the murder of her two daughters in a suspected case of honour killing, police had said. After the incident, her husband, who is also the prime accused, managed to flee. With inputs from PTI. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with the 1984 Sikh riots case. According to the CBI, Tytler is accused of instigating a mob to attack Sikhs near Gurudwara Pul Bangash in Delhi, resulting in the deaths of three Sikh individuals and the burning of the Gurudwara. An eyewitness, whose shop was burnt down during the riots, stated that Tytler emerged from his white ambassador car and provoked the mob to target Sikhs first and then loot their shops. The chargesheet also includes a statement from the son of Tytlers driver, reported News18. Sufficient material is available on record to show that Jagdish Tytler was a part of the unlawful assembly committing rioting that had assembled near Gurudwara Pul Bangash. This unlawful assembly violated the prohibitory orders, instigated, incited and provoked the mob to kill Sikhs, the CBI contended in the chargesheet. This is a developing story. More details are awaited. With inputs from agencies A Delhi court will conduct day-to-day hearings to hear arguments in the UAPA cases related to the alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 northeast Delhi communal riots starting from September 11. Twenty people, who include activists Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Khalid Saifi, and former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, have been booked for their alleged involvement in the conspiracy to incite the riots. Two accused, Suleman Siddiqui and Amanullah, have been declared proclaimed offenders in the case. The compliance under Section 207 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (supply to the accused of copy of police report and other documents) qua all the charge-sheeted accused persons is complete. Hence, list the matter for arguments on the point of charge on September 11, 2023, onwards for day-to-day hearing, Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat said in an order passed on Saturday. The judge said the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) will begin the arguments on September 11 and all accused have to appear physically during the hearings. SPP Amit Prasad will appear on behalf of the Delhi Police. The investigating officer (IO) concerned shall remain present on the next date of hearing, ASJ Rawat said. He said a copy of the order be sent to the police commissioner Sanjay Arora and others. On June 14, the Delhi Police had filed its fifth supplementary charge sheet in the case. The accused have been booked under the Anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA, and provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and the Arms Act. The case registered by the crime branch is being probed by the special cell of Delhi Police. A Muslim boy was thrashed by men from a right wing group in Tripura on Friday because he objected to their gesture of preventing Muslim girls from entering a school wearing hijab. Local people present at the spot said the victim, a class 10 student, was dragged out and beaten in front of the school, while no teacher, including the headmaster, came to his rescue. The incident has sparked outrage among locals, who blocked roads in protest. The attackers were outsiders, reportedly not linked to the school in any way. The police have said the situation is now under control. The area, Bishalgarh subdivision of Sepahijala district, remained tense following the incident. According to the school authorities, a week ago, a group of former students, who claimed to be affiliated with a right wing organisation, came to the school and raised concerns about allowing Muslim girl students wearing hijab within the school premises, and requested the headmaster to enforce a ban on it, terming it non-compliance with the prescribed government uniform. Priyatosh Nandi, the headmaster of the government-aided Karaimura Class 12 school, said a group of former students, all affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), met him. Since there are no clear instructions from the concerned government department about such a rule, the headmaster verbally informed the students not to wear hijab in the school. According to the police, it is not a communal issue, as some media houses have reported it. They registered a case and have also tweeted that their investigation is on. Theres heavy police deployment in the area since it is a mixed population locality with members of different communities. As a precautionary measure, classes have been suspended in an effort to de-escalate the situation. The INDIA blocs third meeting is scheduled to take place in Mumbai from August 31 to September 1, which will be attended by prominent leaders from various opposition parties including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi representing Congress, along with chief ministers from at least five states. Senior leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) convened in the Maharashtra capital on Saturday to lay out the preliminary plans for the upcoming conclave. The meeting will be hosted by Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray. Congress leader Nana Patole emphasized the significance of the upcoming INDIA allies meeting, especially in light of the Supreme Courts recent verdict staying Rahul Gandhis conviction in a defamation case. Members of INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) will discuss various issues facing the country and the role of the Central government at the upcoming meeting, MVA leaders said. The MVA meeting was attended by NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, state Congress chief Nana Patole and other senior leaders from the three constituent parties. The two-day deliberations, which will be held at Grand Hyatt in the suburbs, will begin in the evening of August 31 and from 10 am on September 1. The meeting will be followed by a press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut told reporters. He said Thackeray will host visiting opposition leaders, including five chief ministers, for dinner on August 31. Patole said the INDIA alliance is against the dictatorial Central government and the first victory was achieved with the SC staying Rahul Gandhis conviction in the defamation case. He said the INDIA alliance will expose the corrupt face of the BJP which accuses others of being indulged in such practices. Various topics will be discussed at the Mumbai meeting. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and heads of constituent parties of the alliance, chief ministers, opposition leaders and other key leaders will attend, Patole told reporters. He said MVA leaders deliberated to ensure that the upcoming conclave of opposition grouping in Mumbai is successful. The INDIA alliance has been established to oppose the dictatorial system prevalent in the country for the past nine years. The MVA is preparing to make the Mumbai meeting successful like similar meetings held earlier in Patna and Bengaluru, Patole added. Accusing the BJP of corruption, Patole claimed many ministers in the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra are corrupt. We have information about their corruption and soon they will be exposed. The Prime Minister alleges corruption of Rs 70,000 crore in the Water Resources Department (when UPA was in power) and then within two days the same party (NCP-Ajit Pawar group) was made a part of the government. How is that possible? Do they become clean once they join the BJP? Patole questioned in an apparent reference to some NCP MLAs led by Ajit Pawar joining the Shiv Sena-BJP government last month. He said each of the three parties- Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and Congress- has formed a group of five leaders to monitor preparations for the upcoming INDIA session. Former chief minister Ashok Chavan will head the group of leaders from Congress, which will include ex-minister Naseem Khan, Mumbai unit chief Varsha Gaikwad, and former MP Sanjay Nirupam. The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party will be represented by Supriya Sule, Jayant Patil, Anil Deshmukh, Jitendra Awhad and Narendra Verma. A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said it will announce the names of the five leaders on Sunday. Raut said MVA leaders will talk to the state government on issues of logistics and security for the visiting leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. Senior Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat, opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar, former CMs Ashok Chavan and Prithviraj Chavan, state NCP president Jayant Patil (Sharad Pawar group), ex-minister Anil Deshmukh, MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Subhash Desai, Anil Desai, Raut and others also attended the MVA meeting here. MVA leaders will talk to the state government on issues of logistics and security for the visiting leaders, including Congress Rahul Gandhi, Raut said. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is an opposition alliance of 26 parties formed recently to take on the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is an opposition alliance of 26 parties formed recently to take on the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The first meeting of the opposition parties was held in Patna and the second one at Bengaluru. At the conclave held in the Karnataka capital last month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had said the opposition will fight the 2024 elections unitedly and succeed. Rahul Gandhi had said their fight was against BJPs ideology. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had dared the BJP-led NDA to challenge INDIA. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had publicly derided the opposition alliance INDIA, citing names such as East India Company and SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) to assert that people cannot be misled merely by the use of the countrys name. A bus carrying passengers fell into a river in Jharkhands Giridih district on Saturday night, , killing at least three persons while 24 others were injured. Banna Gupta, Health and Disaster Management Minister said that district administration has started the rescue operation. Giridih Deputy Commissioner has been instructed to expedite the rescue operation, he said, adding that all necessary medical facilities will be provided. The accident took place at Giridih Dumri Road around 8.40 pm when the bus fell into the Barakar River while on its way to Giridih from Ranchi, Giridih Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Anil Kumar told PTI. More details cannot be assessed right now as rescue and relief operations are being carried, the official said. Giridih Civil Surgeon, Dr SP Mishra told PTI: Three persons have been declared dead while 24 are injured in the incident. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the district administration and police are engaged in rescue operations. Soren in a tweet in Hindi said Sad news has been received that a bus from Ranchi to Giridih met with an accident in the Barakar river in Giridih, Jharkhand. Rescue work is being done by the district administration Giridih Superintendent of Police, Deepak Sharma said he was on the spot overseeing rescue operations. The exact number of passengers on the bus is still to be ascertained. With inputs from PTI. Heeding public cries for justice in the death of Clara Gomez, 58, the well-known panhandler killed May 23, Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn described Friday why he also personally wanted a resolution. She was an iconic figure here in the city, Flynn said of the woman commonly known as Claire. She had a lot of friends out there, and a lot of people who cared for her over the years, because she was on again, off again homeless. She deserves justice as much as any CEO or any celebrity it doesnt matter who you are, he continued. Today, she got justice. In Buffalo, from east to west, everyone knew 'Claire,' pedestrian who died in crash Tuesday Clara Gomez, 58, well known in Buffalo as 'Claire,' was identified as the victim of the fatal crash outside the Metro station at Main and West Utica streets. Marlon D. Servance Jr., a 22-year-old Buffalo man, pleaded guilty on Friday to the highest charges: second-degree manslaughter and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Servance faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail when he returns to court in October. While Servance did not drive the vehicle that ran over Gomez on the sidewalk before cracking the cement wall of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority metro station at Main and East Utica streets, Flynn explained why the defendant faced the charges. Servance and an on-again, off-again girlfriend met in their vehicles at a gas station-convenience store hybrid at Jefferson Avenue and East Ferry Street, and an argument ensued, Flynn said, citing video evidence. The unidentified woman, who was accompanied by another woman, drove off, with Servance following at a high speed. Suspect in chase that led to pedestrian death faced earlier charges in attack on cops at Burgard Marlon Servance, 22, who pleaded guilty to third-degree assault in the earlier case, was granted youthful offender status and put on probation after the 2019 incident. Further investigation found that Servance, in pursuit, fired seven gunshots near Jefferson Avenue and Best Street. His aim was uncertain, as no bullets struck the womans car, Flynn continued. The district attorney said the woman was driving 83 mph during the chase. The woman turned right at Main and Best streets with Servance close behind, Flynn said, then veered to her right to avoid rear-ending another car. The sudden change of course took her onto the sidewalk, where she struck Gomez and then the metro station wall. Gomez died immediately at the scene. No charges were pressed against the woman being pursued by Servance. She was being chased with a guy shooting at her, Flynn said. The immediate focus after the crash was on Gomezs life. Flowers were placed next to the accident scene, public tributes were held and interactions with Claire were shared across social media in the days following her death. Stories described a woman who battled drug addiction and mental illness, but was harmless and endeared herself to a city that looked after her. She was, tragically, in the wrong place at the wrong time, said Raymonda Reynolds, a witness who spoke to The Buffalo News the day after Gomezs death. It was no fault of her own. That is why Flynn felt the push. She had a lot of interaction with law enforcement, but that still doesnt matter, Flynn said. What matters is she was a human being and she deserves the dignity of all human beings. Thats why there was private justice on my part. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday joined his counterparts from several countries on the first day of a two-day conference in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah that is aimed at finding ways for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The conference, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, is being attended by top security officials of around 40 countries. However, Russia has not been invited to it, according to diplomatic sources.US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinas Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui are among those attending the deliberations. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday that Indias participation in the meeting would be in consonance with its long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy are the ways forward to resolve the Ukraine crisis. Doval arrived in Jeddah on Saturday morning. Ahead of the high-level conference, Saudi Arabia said it is aimed at Riyadhs attempt to contribute to reaching a solution that will result in permanent peace and to reduce the impact of the crisis. The government of the Kingdom looks forward that this meeting contributes to reinforcing dialogue and cooperation through the exchanging of views, coordination, and deliberations at the international level on ways to ensure a solution to the crisis through political and diplomatic means, it said in a statement. India has been maintaining that the Ukraine crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. In May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held in-person talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima. In the talks, Modi conveyed to Zelenskyy that India will do whatever possible to find a solution to the conflict. On his part, Zelenskyy briefed the Indian side in detail on his peace formula and urged New Delhi to join in its implementation. At a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin on September 16 last year in the Uzbek city of Samarkand, Modi said, Todays era is not of war and nudged the Russian leader to end the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that it is very important that the world sees a fair and honest end to the Russian aggression. I am grateful to Saudi Arabia for this platform for negotiations. Recently, a meeting in the same format was held in Copenhagen. We are moving step by step towards the Global Peace Summit, he said on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. Liberating Ukrainian land from the occupiers means restoring full respect for international law and the UN Charter, he added. I am grateful to all those who support the peace formula and have already joined the joint efforts for the full implementation of the Formula, Zelenskyy said. President Zelenskyy put forward a 10-point peace plan for ending the conflict that included punishing those responsible for the war crimes, withdrawing all Russian troops from Ukraine and restoring his countrys territorial integrity. Under the plan, he also called for ensuring energy security, food security, and nuclear safety. Three persons, including a father and his son, were killed by unidentified men in Manipurs Bishnupur district late night on Friday. The three were gunned down while they were sleeping and later slashed with swords at Kwakta in the district, police said on Saturday morning, adding that the assailants came from Churachandpur. The three used to stay in a relief camp but had returned to their residences at Kwakta on Friday after the situation had improved, police said. Soon after the incident, an irate mob gathered at Kwakta and wanted to head towards Churachandpur but was stopped by security personnel, police said. Three persons including one policeman were injured following heavy exchange of fire between state forces and militants near Kwakta on Saturday morning. The policeman sustained splinter injuries on his face. All the three have been brought to Raj Medicity in Imphal for treatment. They are out of danger, police said. Meanwhile, the district administration has shortened curfew relaxation hours in the twin Imphal districts because of the violence. Instead of curfew relaxation from 5am to 6pm in the twin Imphal districts, it has now been shortened to 5am to 10.30am, an official said. On August 4, Manipur police said a joint security force conducted an operation in the Koutruk hill range and destroyed as many as seven illegal bunkers. Meanwhile, the 24-hour general strike called by the co-ordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies in Manipur on Saturday paralysed normal life in Imphal Valley, with markets and business establishments remaining shut in almost all localities. With inputs from PTI Paying rich tributes to freedom fighter and Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi on his death anniversary, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated the much awaited four-laning of Kamakshyanagar-Duburi section of National Highway-53 on EPC (Procurement and Construction) mode here in presence of Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik. Shah, who was here on a two-day tour to this eastern state, started his programme with a tribute to Bordoloi and credited him as the person for whom the entire northeast region is now part of India. VIDEO | I hail from Gujarat. I want to tell the people of Odisha that people of Gujarat have the same devotion for Lord Jagannath as you, says Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Bhubaneswar. pic.twitter.com/VeQcq6rOec Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2023 VIDEO | The four-laning project of Kamakhayanagar-Duburi section of NH-200 is dedicated to the nation. The 51-km-long road stretch has been constructed for Rs 761 crore, says Union Home Minister @AmitShah after inaugurating a national highway project in Odisha. pic.twitter.com/ZYA5XHEQD1 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2023 Bordoloi, who was the first chief minister of Assam, made immense contribution to keep the northeast region as an integral part of India, Shah said. While thanking the state government and Odishas popular chief minister Naveen Patnaik, the Union home minister said the Centre has spent Rs 761 crore for four-laning the 51km national highway connecting Kamakshyanagar and Duburi. This road will link the mineral rich Angul and Dhenkanal districts with the NH and will act as an economy booster for the region, he said. Describing the national highways as the fate-line of the nation, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always stressed on infrastructure development projects as they change the fate of a region. Like Odisha, people of Gujarat also worship Lord Jagannath. On August 5, 2019, Modi had taken the historic decision to scrap Article 370. On this occasion, I thank the PM on behalf of people of the country, Shah said. The naxal menace has been contained and there has been a drop in left-wing extremism. Odisha government has always supported the Centre to fight Naxalites, he added. Shah along with Patnaik also laid the foundation stone for the widening and strengthening of Moter to Banner via Ladugaon Road in Kalahandi district. The programme was held at the convention centre in Lok Seva Bhavan, the state secretariat, in Bhubaneswar. The 51km-long 4-lane Kamkhyanagar and Duburi stretch has two major bridges, seven minor bridges, seven underpasses, two animal underpasses, and 1.73km long bypass. For safe passage of wild animals through the stretch, a 160-metre and another 80-metre animal underpasses have also been constructed. Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Minister, Odisha Minister Prafulla Kumar Mallik were also present on the occasion. Shah, who reached Bhubaneswar on Friday night, is scheduled to hold review meetings on left-wing extremism (LWE) and disaster management with the state government officials on Saturday. Later in the afternoon, Shah will hold a closed-door meeting with newly appointed state office bearers of the BJP and discuss the preparedness and strategies of the party for the next Lok Sabha and Assembly elections due in 2024. With inputs from PTI On day two of razing illegal encroachments, the administration demolished several illicit constructions near SKM Government Medical College in Haryanas Nuh district. The demolition was carried out amid heavy security. VIDEO | Several illegal constructions were razed to the ground in bulldozer action by the authorities in Haryanas Nuh amid heavy police deployment earlier today. The action comes days after clashes between two groups in the area that claimed six lives. pic.twitter.com/KGfb0lNIKR Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2023 Similar bulldozer actions were carried out yesterday in Nuhs Tauru where a similar Hindu-Muslim riot had occurred back in 2014. The demolition drive comes days after clashes between two groups triggered widespread violence in the area. More than 45 commercial shops built illegally are being demolished on Nalhar road, the District Town Planner of Nuh said. Sub Divisional Magistrate of Nuh, Ashwini Kumar said, This has been done on the direction of CM Manohar Lal Khattar. The encroachment was spread across 2.5 acresAll of it was illegal construction. It has been found that some of these people had involvement in the recent clashes. #WATCH | After Haryana administration demolishes illegal constructions near SKM Government Medical College in Nuh district, SDM Nuh, Ashwani Kumar says, This has been done on the direction of CM Manohar Lal Khattar. The encroachment was spread across 2.5 acresAll of it was pic.twitter.com/SHsAtr0nRw ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2023 Meanwhile, the Home Minister of Haryana Anil Vij has claimed that the violence behind the clashes in Nuh was part of a big game plan. Till now, 176 arrests have been made for the communal clashes that first broke out on Monday during a Hindu religious procession in Nuh district, after rumours spread that the absconding cow vigilante Monu Maneser, a key accused in Bhiwani killings, would also attend the event. There is a big game plan behind this. People climbed hills next to the temples, had lathis in their hands and gathered at entry points, all this is not possible without a proper plan, Vij said. Healthcare plays a fundamental role in the process of nation-building. A robust and efficient healthcare system is not only essential for the well-being of its citizens but also vital for driving economic growth and social development in the country. As Mahatma Gandhi said, It is health that is real wealth, not pieces of gold and silver. Over the last nine years, under the leadership of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Indian healthcare system has undergone transformative reforms and witnessed remarkable progress. One of the key initiatives launched in 2018 was the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which is the worlds largest health insurance scheme fully financed by the government. It has provided coverage to over 50 million beneficiaries and ensured access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the National Health Mission has been strengthened, focusing on maternal and child health, immunisation, and disease eradication programmes. The introduction of telemedicine and digital health initiatives has improved healthcare access, particularly in rural and remote areas. The governments focus on medical infrastructure development, research, and technology has enhanced the countrys healthcare capacity. All these initiatives have helped make quality healthcare more accessible to the citizens and advance India towards being a healthier nation. Even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, India showcased its resilience and determination in the healthcare sector through progressive and impactful steps driven by collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. One of the most significant achievements was the successful launch of the worlds largest vaccination drive across the entire nation, along with protecting frontline workers and vulnerable populations. India also displayed its commitment to global solidarity by supplying vaccines to other nations. India is moving fast today, embracing the principle of Think Big, Dream Big, Act Big. We are building bigger, better, and faster than ever before. Today, India is undergoing a revolution of new development. India is progressing and moving forward, addressing old challenges, and seeking innovative solutions. The focus is on finding lasting solutions for various issues. Taking thalassemia as a case study, currently, over 1.5 lakh people are living with thalassemia major in India, and despite being a preventable condition, over 10,000 children are born with thalassemia major every year. The Government of India (GoI) has been addressing the issue of thalassemia to find effective solutions. Among a pool of numerous initiatives, the Union Health Ministry has been implementing the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY) since 2017, and the third phase was recently launched in May 2023 to continue to provide financial assistance to the patients. Based on the necessity to manage thalassemia, guidelines have also been set by the National Blood Transfusion Council to ensure blood is provided free of charge to thalassemia patients in all states and union territories. In addition to this, the GoI has been planning and implementing appropriate initiatives to ensure prevention of Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTIS) through safe blood transfusions through promotion of Voluntary Blood Donation and world class blood screening methodologies like Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAT). Thalassemia is a preventable disease if it is screened and treated early. The government has been emphasising the need to prevent thalassemia through awareness and screening because they are crucial to reducing the disease burden of thalassemia in the country. The public and private sectors need to come together and collaborate to create mass awareness around the disease on a national level. For instance, with a focus on making India TB-free by 2025, the GoI announced nation-wide campaigns and programmes to partner with corporations. Due to the increased awareness, there has been an increased emphasis on driving health-seeking behaviour amongst the citizens by promoting regular health checkups to detect tuberculosis in the early stages. Similarly, the government is now increasing its focus on improving screening and treatment facilities to fight blood disorders such as thalassemia. The government has recommended that advanced screening methods be implemented to reduce the incidence of thalassemia. However, this needs to be intensified with robust implementation. The country can significantly benefit from targeted efforts to upgrade the overall healthcare infrastructure, provide training to healthcare workers, and invest in new screening technologies. As far as management of thalassemia is concerned, there is an urgent need to reinforce the blood screening guidelines and their implementation. A standardised approach to the guidelines can help remove any gaps, while patient advocacy groups can work closely with healthcare providers to spread credible information around blood safety and the risk of TTIs and remove social stigma and other misconceptions. With a population of more than 1.4 billion, we have a huge opportunity in the form of voluntary blood donation, which should be further encouraged in our country. Indias resilience and collective spirit have proven time and again that we can overcome even the most formidable challenges posed by pandemics and diseases. We need to unite to combat diseases like thalassemia to unlock the true potential of our nation and pave the way for a brighter future where every individual can thrive without the burden of preventable diseases. Through the unwavering dedication and cooperation of the government, private sector, and citizenry, we can create a healthier and stronger India, standing tall as a beacon of hope and progress for the world. The writer is a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and a Member of Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. With the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1947 and the upgradation to a strategic partnership in 1998, India and France have come a long way to improve their bilateral relationship. It allows them to act together and build a high level of mutual trust, understanding and shared commitment to preserve global order. Indias PM Modis visit to France coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French strategic partnership; it also resulted in the announcement of the Horizon-2047. As the year 2047 marks 100 years of diplomatic partnership and fifty years of strategic partnership, the Horizon document laid a long roadmap for both countries to improve Indo-French strategic and defence relationship. The road map will bring both countries closer and enhance their bilateral relationship and strategic and defence partnership. The visit was part of the process to advance their understanding and cooperation to secure their shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Among other developments, the visit culminated in the decision to purchase 26 Rafale M-88 and three Scorpene-class submarines for the Indian Navy. Frances SAFRAN and Indias DRDO will jointly produce engines for Rafale M-88 and SAFRAN and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Multi-role Helicopter (IMRH). The visit resulted in France proposing a 100 per cent transfer of technology to co-produce a 110 KN high-thrust fighter jet engine which will be manufactured by DRDO and SAFRAN, powering the AMCA Mk-2 fifth-generation stealth jet. Such agreements and purchases will further enhance Indo-French relationship and defence and technology cooperation to a great height with the Horizon-2047 vision will act as a guiding light to achieve it in the coming times. Key agreements signed during PM Modis visit to France Indias outreach to enhance its global position and secure its strategic interest over the years has strategically and tactically aligned to further expand defence cooperation with like-minded nations, which was reflected in PM Modis visit to the US and France. As French President Emmanuel Macron states, India as a strategic partner and a friend of France, who is a giant in the history of the world and will have a determining role in our future. The visit is a reflection of the strong and vibrant ties India and France enjoyed over the decades, and the visit is the fruition of a strong Indo-French bilateral relationship, which will become stronger in the 21st century. Extending cooperation Considering Indias relationship with the West in the past, the Indo-French ties run deep and reflected when France didnt bandwagon with the West to impose sanctions against India when India conducted a nuclear test in 1998. With Indias reliance on Russia for military arsenal and hardware is well-known, on the other hand, France has continued to supply fighter jets to India since the 1950s. It has come a long way from Dassault Ouragan (Toofani) in 1953 to Dassaults Rafael in 2016. As India is looking to enhance its defence production capacity and capabilities and secure its defence requirements and security concerns, it was reflected in PM Modis visit to the US and to France. Russias inability to perform maintenance work impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict has made India worried. Thus, a joint production of jet engines with like-minded countries with a 100 per cent transfer of technology has become a priority for India, reflected in PM Modis visit to France to address such concerns. With India and Frances interests aligned in the Indo-Pacific region, India is viewed as a crucial strategic partner allowing France to consolidate its alliance network in the region after being snubbed during AUKUS formation. The visit was a win-win scenario, as it upped Indias global position and also expanded Frances defence cooperation with its key reliable strategic friend and partner India in the Indo-Pacific region. Relevance of the visit and key developments The PM Modis visit to France includes various agreements which include signing of a defence deal worth US$13.3 billion. Considering, Indo-US Defence deal, both defence agreements will address Indias concerns of how to deal with China and situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). With 36 Rafale with Indian Air Force and 5 Scorpene class submarines with the Indian Navy and sixth submarine undergoing trials, purchase of 26 Rafale M-88 and three Scorpene-class submarines will further enhance Indias naval power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). With Indias first Integrated Theatre Command for the armed forces will be implemented in August 2023, such deals, agreements and procurement will allow forces to address issue like two-front war situation well. The Indian Navy will head maritime theatre command, while the Army and Air Force will head the rest of two commands on a rotation basis. The development will allow the defence forces to jointly maintain the common weapon platforms like Rafael, Apache, and Predators, enhancing forces lethal capabilities to deter an aggressor. Unlike US and China, Indias theatre command is based on the One Border One Force concept, which will enhance and transform the Indian armed forces capacities to be efficient, focused and effective to utilise its resources. The Indo-French defence deal will enhance maritime theatre command strength, which will come in handy considering the developments in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Indo-Pacific region. Under the theatre command, it gives a command to utilise all military resources of all three services to address a security concern in a particular geographical theatre. In such context, earlier PM Modis visit to the US and now to France is intended to improve, enhance and diversify Indian armed forces capabilities and military resources available to use to thwart adversaries and protect the national interest. Further, concerning the revised Joint Statement, it emphasised those deals that will be implemented and omitted those which are works in progress. It omitted a reference to a roadmap on joint development of a combat aircraft engine and construction of three additional Scorpene submarines. As both nations failed to complete the negotiation and complete its fine details before the visit ended. Former Indian Ambassador Anil Wadhwa states, the deal would take time to fine-tune its details, and once signed, will boost Indo-French defence cooperation enhancing Indias naval power in the IOR. Meanwhile, India and France have announced a roadmap for joint actions in the Indo-Pacific region, where both nations are resident powers with vital stakes. As both nations are committed to work together in the interest of global peace and stability and reaffirm their commitment to a rules-based order in the region. The statement emphasises trilateral cooperation with like-minded countries as a key pillar of such cooperation in the region and thus sets up the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund which will finance sustainable development projects by other nations in the region. Further, today, Outer Space has become a new frontier of power politics to expand power and dominance among space and great power. It resulted in major air powers to shift to become an aerospace force which also reflects in Indias IAF 2022 Doctrine. PM Modis visit has allowed India and Frances space agency CNES and ISRO, respectively, to enhance their cooperation concerning the reusable launchers, to finalise joint Earth observation satellite and complete the first phase of Trishna, a constellation of a maritime surveillance satellites in the IOR, namely. Considering all the developments, PM Modis visit was a special one which gave a boost and defined a new era in the already strong Indo-French bilateral relationship to seek and address to secure their shared interests and global challenges. Relevance of Indo-French defence cooperation As India and France share a longstanding culture, trade, economic linkages and defence ties, the Indo-French strategic partnership over the years has gained significant momentum and has evolved into an even closer multifaceted relationship. Horizon-2047 Roadmap is enhancing the future of Indo-French strategic partnership to chart out the next phase of the relationship. The roadmap is primarily based on three critical pillars for a partnership concerning security and sovereignty, for the planet and for people. It will give a boost to co-production and co-development in new emerging technologies, the manufacturing sector and defence cooperation. Given Indias deep defence engagement with the French industry, the spin-off effects of PM Modis visit will expand our defence manufacturing capabilities and technologies. In this regard, PM Modis visit to France following his visit to the US is a reflection of such aim, interest and priority. Considering recent geopolitical developments and great power competition between the US and China it only impacts the global order. As it provides many opportunities and challenges, India and France, on the other hand, have undertaken consistent efforts towards broadening their strategic partnership to jointly address their issues. PM Modis visit is a step to deliver on key concrete issues assisting India and France to enhance their bilateral defence cooperation and relationship. The regular exchange of visits at the level of Service Chiefs and the defence exercises will deepen their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and in the defence, security, and technological domains. Defence cooperation drives Indo-French strategic partnership, it has propelled them to have a convergence of views and allowed them a close and strong bilateral relationship which is reflected in various regional and multilateral forums. Future ahead As the Indo-French Defence Cooperation is growing and reflected in the success they achieved following the creation of the Annual Defence Dialogue at the Ministerial level in 2018. It only increased military-to-military cooperation, which is visible in Garuda exercise between both air forces, the Shakti exercise between both armed forces and the Varuna exercise between both naval forces. As the forum discusses defence industrial cooperation with a focus on Make in India as its key area, transfer of jet engine technology by French aerospace giant SAFRAN will pave the way for more such collaborations and co-production opportunities in the future. As there is a need to have a deep understanding and convergence on key areas and issues, the forum will further enhance the Indo-French Defence Cooperation to work together and enhance cooperation in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora with a prime focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Considering the timing of PM Modis visit to the US and France, we should also focus on how it benefits India and secure its interest as Chinas actions in the Indian Sub-Continent, LAC, and the IOR pushed the Indian government to have a different orientation of its foreign policy. The below statement is a reflection of how India is moving forward to enhance its armed force capabilities and address Dragon: India always had Defence Cooperation with France. Even the Dassault Mirages were inducted into the air force as early as 1985. The cooperation is nothing new. Scorpene submarines also have their origin in France. For strategic autonomy, India cannot be dependent on one nation for its defence procurements. Hence, we should see the two events are not linked to each other; it is the relentless pursuit of our national interest. The US knows that it has not been Indias reliable partner. It is wooing India now due to her own interest in posing a second front to China. We should take the unique strategic advantage that India has now and need to cooperate with all in order to challenge China. Lt. General PG Kamath (Retd), Indian Army PM Modis visit to France highlights such aspects which didnt stop them from enhancing their strategic and defence cooperation and partnership. It reflects the depth in the Indo-French bilateral relationship and showcases Indias tactical strategy to secure its national interest. With defence cooperation as a key pillar in the Indo-French bilateral relationship, PM Modi during the visit states that both sides should work on co-production of military platforms to meet their own needs and those of friendly third countries. Conclusion The visit holds immense significance as it paves the way for enhanced collaboration between India and France in the realm of defence as both nations aim to bolster their defence capabilities and contribute to global security. PM Modis visit aimed to foster a stronger relationship between the two nations and explore opportunities in the defence sector. India and France have pledged to enhance collaborative efforts in defence research and development. By pooling their intellectual and technological resources, both nations aim to spur innovation, develop cutting-edge defence technologies, and address their common security challenges. This collaborative approach ensures the Indo-French defence cooperation remains dynamic and future-oriented. The transfer of knowledge not only enhances the defence capabilities but also fosters economic growth and job creation. As PM Modis visit opened new avenues for economic and industrial partnership, including in the defence sector, the visit will expand economic ties, boost trade, and attract investments propelling economic growth in both nations. The visit has set the stage for a promising future in the Indo-French defence cooperation which will contribute to global peace and security while securing their shared interest. The author is a Research Associate, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Recent observations highlight the expanding development occurring in Jammu and Kashmir. This is evident, in particular, in an updated affidavit the Centre filed with the Supreme Court on July 10, which asserts that Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing an unprecedented era of peace, progress, and prosperity as a result of the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The Centre has predicted that there will likely be no organised stone-pelting events connected to the terrorism-separatist agenda in 2023, down from 1,767 in 2018. Bandhs and hartals have also faded into obscurity. According to the Home Ministry, resolute anti-terror actions had destroyed the terror ecosystem, which substantially decreased the number of people joining terrorist organisations from 199 in 2018 to 12 as of today. The Home Ministry has the certainty to assert that street violence, which was encouraged by terrorist and separatist networks, has significantly decreased. The government has also put in place a variety of schemes to help non-militant youth wean themselves off it. In reality, the government has practised its right to use the efforts for regional development as a result of the scrapping of Article 370. This is demonstrated by the completion of large-scale projects, the advancement of current initiatives, and the execution of centrally supported programmes, which have proved to be beneficial for the people (as claimed). These programmes are carried out by the district administration as well as various departments for the effective implementation of government schemes on the ground for eg; the recent smart city project in Srinagar. The government also ensured that the prevalence of mobile networks and banking connectivity reaches every village. Moreover, the region is viewed with exponential potential for tourism which is considered to be a pathway to restore normalcy and a steady push towards development. According to the Centre, the abrogation of Article 370 gave Jammu and Kashmirs women equal rights. The 70-year-old anti-women statute, known as Article 370, was in effect in Jammu and Kashmir, though there were some amendments which were made beforehand. Its repeal has sparked a profound shift in politics and society in the area, with women emerging as the face of the new order. Before August 2019, J&Ks women were prohibited from purchasing real estate in the state if they married a man outside the state. This restriction restricted womens rights and their ability to choose a life partner. However, the Central government has granted the husband domicile status, allowing women to purchase property and submit employment applications. Moreover, the right to property is a powerful pathway in ensuring the elevation of power and status of women of Kashmir. Another aspect which needed due attention is the dynamic in the Valley between the Shia and Sunni Muslims, which is the most intriguing aspect of Kashmiri society. To further trace the positive impact of the abrogation of Article 370, it is important to understand the history and status of the Shia community in J&K. Shiism in Kashmir has a turbulent history that dates back more than a thousand years. In the Budgam district, the percentage of Shias is roughly 40 percent. Shia Muslims make up around 20 to 25 percent of the total Muslim population in Kashmir, according to estimates. They primarily live in Kashmirs north and centre. The resurgence of sectarian politics and the spectacular rise of anti-Shia groups in Pakistan in the middle of the 1980s added fuel to the communitys anxieties. After the armed uprising in Kashmir began in the late 1980s, the communitys concerns worsened as some militant groups, actively supported by the Pakistani government and perceived by the community to be influenced by anti-Shia hate propaganda that was shattering Pakistans dreams, took the lead. Although they are relieved that Article 370 is no longer in effect, the Shias were anxious that their situation will not get any better. On the other side, the Sunnis worry that theyve irrevocably lost control and that nothing will ever be the same again. This environment is stressed by a recent event that took place in the region which is being considered as a pivotal historical shift. The 8th Muharram mourning procession was held on the customary route from Shaheed Gunj to Dalgate, passing via Lal Chowk, after a 34-year time hiatus. Starting from the morning of July 27, 2023, the Muharram procession moved through Srinagar. More than 25,000 Kashmiri Shia Muslims took part in the cortege. The UT Administration, under the direction of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, made it possible for the procession to proceed successfully. The original Gurubazar commission and leaders of the Shia community shared several rounds of accommodations with the authorities. The customary path through Srinagar megacity was blocked for the Muharram procession more than 30 times by the ancient siyasat of Kashmir. The processions blessing is noteworthy because it was preliminarily interdicted for more than three decades. After all, the government believed that actors were sympathising with the secessionist movement. When J&K first saw bellicosity in 1990, it was outlawed. Shias and security forces have disaccorded for the past three decades over the prohibition on gumming processions on the eighth of Muharram, the Islamic month when the community remembers and laments the casualties of the Battle of Karbala. Deputy Director General of Police in Srinagar, Vijay Kumar presided over a concerted meeting of the police and Central Armed Police Forces. According to a police spokesman, elderly officers talked about medications for Muharram, difficulties, security measures, and procession operation. The crowd has been covered via drones. Overall, the procession was well-planned and devoid of any of the former conflicts. Members of the Shia community including Shia leaders; Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi and Imran Raza Ansari took part in the procession, expressing their gratitude and joy for witnessing a scene that was unthinkable for them three decades ago. Many cases that have passed to demonstrate the success of the repeal of Article 370 are discussed in this article. The goal is to keep moving forward in a way that guarantees J&Ks growth and integrity, free from any kind of outside hindrance or malign purpose. The author is a research associate with Policy Perspectives Foundation and is pursuing PhD from Bennett University. Her areas of work include gender intersectionality, conflict and development. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Two broad theories of International Relations realism and idealism are perhaps being used by Beijing simultaneously, to realise its Chinese dream. In line with the ongoing scheme of things in the Middle East like the Saudi-Iran rapprochement and peace initiatives in Yemen, The Economic Times recently reported, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to visit Beijing and he may seek Beijings assistance to secure a deal with the Saudis. Netanyahus trip to China was initially planned for July month, but as per The Times of Israel, it may take place in October, after the Jewish High Holidays. Very recently, in June 2023, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited the Middle Kingdom, where he backed the One China Policy. And, China, in turn, supported the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. It is widely being understood that China seeks to mediate in the Israel-Palestine conflict. China is already enthusiastic with the recent appraisal it got for bringing two anti-poles of the Islamic world together with Saudi-Iran rapprochement which further facilitated the dialogue to bring ostensible peace to the worlds largest humanitarian crisis ongoing in Yemen. It certainly has larger plans for West Asia and North Africa as it tightens its grip across Central Asia and the Indo-Pacific, something we saw in the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and has been watching in its dealings in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and with economic and strategic interests along ASEAN nations. The only difference is that while it appears to be much more assertive in the East, it appears like an angel with a hallow in the West of Asia. The recent three initiatives of China, namely the Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, all attach significant importance to the Middle East, centric to which has been the issue of Palestine. It boosts the legitimacy of China when Palestine agrees to participate in Chinese president Xi Jinpings Belt and Road initiative and the other three aforementioned initiatives. China enjoys goodwill in the region for having a history of not interfering in the domestic politics of the nations concerned. Also, respect for diversity and non-interference under GCI boost this confidence in a geopolitical arena which has not been very known for upholding Western democratic credentials. Added to this China has also promised its support to the full membership of Palestine in the United Nations knowing how distant this dream is. Will Xis magic wand be able to solve the decade-old conflict in the region that has traditionally been a stronghold of the US? Afraid not! Foremostly, Saudi and Irans rapprochement was motivated by the realist interests of both nations who deem themselves on an equal footing, plus it was limited in dimensions. Here, clearly, Palestine is a diminishing nation while Israel continues to expand into the territories the former deems belonging to them, furthermore, a solution of two-state advocated by China and accepted by Palestine might be an offer of the past for Israel. In an interview with CNN, Netanyahu said negotiations with Palestinians are no more a priority, and US-led abraham accords and peace with the Arab countries will be given due preference. The notion that China can take advantage of the growing divide between Israel and the US to make roads into the region, might yet be a very far contemplation when it comes to solving the Israel-Palestine conflict. Both US and Israel know why they need each other and would not let China push into the region by laying a red carpet for its arrival, especially considering the role China has been playing to curb the isolation of Iran, the principal enemy of both US and Israel, in the region. Further, Palestinian Authority is still dependent on the US for its economic survival, though it is diversifying its funding by reaching out to China. Moreover, using trade as a peace tool, the apparent Chinese angle cannot bring sufficient giveaways from the Jewish Holy Land, as since 2020 (the year Israel set up an advisory committee to inspect national security aspects of foreign investmentsto scan deals with China as a potential national security threat, under the US influence), Chinese investments have gone down there. In fact, Israel which is being ruled by a far-right government has very less chance to accommodate Palestinian demands. So, Chinese endeavours might not have a way here. But doesnt the Dragon already know this? Apparently, China has very realist interests under the veil of very decent-looking liberal interests, and thats how it uses both the broad aforementioned theories in its agenda setting. The foremost interest of China is to safeguard and expand its investments in the Middle East and hence it seeks to ensure every major power in the region. Next, China aspires to become a global leader in economic peacemaking and to prove its credentials chooses a region hitherto dominated by the US. Finally, comes setting up alternatives and alter-narratives as China escalates in the global order. Despite, perhaps knowing the gravity of the situation and the wider range of issues attached to it, Beijing seeks to show its global outreach and acceptance, moreover, it seeks counter Western pressures over issues like Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, South China Sea, etc. So while Beijing seeks to show the world that it wants to bring peace through economic development and its outreach to the world is entirely dedicated to the aforesaid purpose, it has a very power-philic realist interest in dominating the world, and its probable efforts to resolve Israel-Palestine conflict will more be the expression of this objective than a genuine concern for the solution. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Chinese embassy in Russia expressed criticism over the treatment of five Chinese citizens who were denied entry into Russia. The embassy mentioned that this treatment contradicted the overall friendly relations between the two countries. The five individuals attempted to enter Russia from Kazakhstan at the end of last month. However, after undergoing a four-hour examination, they were denied entry and their visas were canceled, reported Reuters. Following the incident, the embassy held a meeting with Russias foreign ministry and border agencies. During the meeting, they clearly pointed out that the harsh and excessive law enforcement by Russia in this particular case seriously infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens. In response, the embassy referred to previous statements made by Russian officials, which indicated that Russia welcomes Chinese citizens and does not implement discriminatory policies against them. However, the embassy also highlighted that the destination mentioned in the visa application of the five Chinese citizens did not match their actual intended destination. Beijing and Moscow have repeatedly spoken of their strong relations since presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin announced a no limits partnership in February 2022, when Putin visited Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics days before he launched the Ukraine invasion. On Friday China said it would send a senior official to Saudi Arabia for weekend talks seeking a peaceful settlement to the war in Ukraine at a forum that excludes Russia a diplomatic coup for Kyiv, the West and the Saudi hosts. With inputs from agencies Floodwaters accumulated in the aftermath of Typhoon Doksuri continued to deluge farms and cities in northeast China on Saturday, with the countrys disaster relief systems struggling to deal with the deluge caused by one of the strongest storms in years. A total of 15,000 residents were moved out of the city of Shulan in corn-growing Jilin province, where one person died and four others are missing, according to state media. It has rained continuously in Shulan since 1 August, some areas getting 489 mm of rainfall, five times the earlier record. Bridges have collapsed and roads were damaged across the city, Chinese state media reported. State news agency China News Service showed images of waterlogged streets around factories and homes in Shulan, a city of more than 700,000. The record-breaking rains arrived in late July as the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri moved inland, battering northern China and causing massive floods, disrupting the lives of millions. Around 1.54 million people had been evacuated from at risk areas in north Chinas Hebei province as of Saturday morning, Xinhua reported. On Saturday, water levels in Zhuozhou to the southwest of Beijing began to drop, with search and rescue and flood drainage efforts continuing in Hebei provinces hardest hit city, according to state media. Around 100,000 people a sixth of its population have been evacuated. On Saturday, water reached warning levels and continued to rise on the Muling river in northeast Chinas Heilongjiang province, known as the nations great northern granary, the provincial hydrology office said. China has long been aware of urban waterlogging risks, with rapid development creating metropolitan sprawls that cover flood plains with concrete. Extreme weather driven by global warming is making it worse. The impact of typhoons is rare in Chinas northeast, with most typhoons moving away west or northwest after making landfall in China, Chinese meteorological experts say. Seneca Nation lawmakers want to make it easier to ban non-Senecas who enter their territory to sell drugs or create other mayhem that endangers the public safety. The Native American nations government has asked Senecas to give their comments about a proposed Exclusion Law that would be used to banish outsiders who pose a threat to Seneca families. Seneca President Rickey Armstrong Sr. declined to discuss the proposed law with The Buffalo News on Friday, but the tribes official newsletter carried a description of the measure in its July issue. The proposed Exclusion Law is an effort by the Seneca Nation to protect our communities from non-Senecas that pose a threat to the safety and well-being of Senecas living on territory, the newsletter said. The proposed law provides a mechanism for identifying non-Senecas that pose a danger to our people and sets forth a formal process to prohibit those individuals from entering, residing, or remaining within Seneca Nation territories, it said. The newsletter added that the proposed law would provide penalties for violations of the law, including penalties for Senecas that aid or assist excluded persons to return or remain on territory. The Seneca Nation invited its approximately 8,000 members to voice their comments on the proposal to the government. Armstrong said Friday it would be premature to comment on the proposal because it has not been approved by Tribal Council members. Lucille White, a former Seneca Nation official who co-founded an organization called Seneca Mothers Against Drugs, said the new law if passed could help fight the drug problem. If this law was used in the right way in the fight against drug dealers, that would be really good for our nation, White said. Seneca mothers and elders founded SMAP because we have seen the damage caused by drugs. Many of the women in our group have known people who were killed by drugs. Its a very serious problem. Several other Senecas declined to discuss the proposal with a News reporter on Friday. Its a touchy issue with many people, theres been a lot of talk about it, one Seneca business executive said. I think most (Senecas) support the idea of keeping out the drug dealers who have caused so much harm to our children and grandchildren in this community. But some people are worried that it could be used to punish people who speak out against the wrong politicians. Many, many Seneca families have been hurt by drug trafficking in the Seneca territories, much of which the Senecas blame on non-Senecas who bring in illegal drugs from other communities, said the business executive, a close follower of Seneca politics. I know a young woman who died last year from taking heroin that was brought here by an outside drug dealer, said the business executive, who is not authorized to speak for the Nation and spoke on the condition that he or she would not be named. A law enforcement official who works frequently with Seneca Nation marshals said the Indian tribe wants to improve its procedures for banishing and excluding drug dealers from its territories. Several years ago, Senecas who were upset with the harm caused by a non-Seneca drug dealer set fire to the drug dealers home on Seneca land, the law enforcement official said. In 2018, White and other Seneca women who were outraged over drug overdoses started the SMAD organization, which lobbies for stronger efforts to stop drug trafficking and other crimes. The drug dealers house was burned by people who were angry about his harmful activities, one SMAD member told The News. The dealer was not in his house when it burned. We didnt do it, but some people blamed us for it. While declining to address the issue with The News on Friday, Seneca Nation officials have spoken out about drug crimes in the past. In 2016, the Seneca Nation announced that it had banished six people from its territories for drug dealing. In 2020, Seneca government issued posters describing two men who had been excluded from Seneca land for dealing drugs. Armstrong, as president, issued a statement in December 2020 about the drug epidemic affecting America. Armstrong said the Senecas and other Indian tribes were disproportionately affected by problems with drug addiction. The Seneca Nation will not stand for non-native drug dealers operating on our territory, Armstrong said at the time. Police have declared a high-security alert in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid apprehensions of protests after the courts verdict, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. Security has been beefed up after Imran Khans PTI party called for peaceful protests across the country within the ambit of the law and the Constitution. However, scores of party supporters and the public reportedly hit the street in support of the ex-Pakistan Prime Minister. Khan was shifted to Attock jail in Pakistans Punjab province amid tight security on Saturday after a trial court found the former prime minister guilty of corrupt practices in a corruption case and sentenced him to three years in prison. Pakistan High Comission right now overseas protest against the arrest of Imran Khan. pic.twitter.com/avTgTHqdqc Maheen Faisal (@MaheenFaisal20) August 5, 2023 A police spokesperson said that the federal police of Pakistan has declared a security alert in Islamabad. Police said, All officers have been directed to remain in their respective areas and checking enhanced in all areas of the federal capital, according to ARY News report. The police spokesperson further said that traffic flow has been routine and people can inform the police in case of any eventuality. #PAKWatch: In less than an hour after former PM Imran Khans arrest, PTI party supporters took to the streets in protest:pic.twitter.com/eCCxyTs7t6 Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) August 5, 2023 Rawalpindi police have been kept on high alert with special instructions given to police to tackle possible protests after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khans arrest. A security alert has been declared within and outside Adiala jail, ARY News reported. Police personnel have been deployed at key roads of Rawalpindi. Police authorities have asked subordinates to keep vigil over the situation. Imran Khan is likely to be taken to Adiala Jail after his arrest in Lahore, ARY News reported citing sources. The case alleges that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief deliberately concealed details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana, a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept, during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales. Khan has been shifted to Attock Jail in the city of Attock, PTI spokesperson Zulifi Bokhari said. Police said that Khan was taken to jail amid tight security. Security has been on high alert on the route leading to jail, they said. It is the same jail where former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was kept after his arrest following the toppling of his government by former president Pervez Musharraf. Attock is located on the bank of the River Indus, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province lying on the opposite bank of the historic river. It is also the last major town of Punjab province along the Grand Trunk Road. In the aftermath of Typhoon Doksuri, northeastern China continues to endure heavy rainfall, leading to unfortunate fatalities and missing individuals. According to state media reports, one person has died, and five others are missing in the city of Shulan, located in Jilin province, which has experienced unrelenting rainfall for five consecutive days. To mitigate further risks, authorities have evacuated more than 14,300 people from the city, which is home to a population of over 700,000, as reported by the local disaster relief agency. Images captured by China News Service depict waterlogged streets surrounding homes and factories in the affected region. The city has recorded an average precipitation of 111.7 mm (4.4 inches) as of Friday afternoon. China is struggling with record-breaking rainfall in some areas while others suffer scorching summer heat and drought that threatens crops. The heavy rains remnants of Typhoon Doksuri have battered northern China since late July, disrupting the lives of millions. Flooding near Beijing and in neighbouring Hebei province this week killed at least 22 people. In northeastern Heilongjiang province, which is known as Chinas great northern granary, rain inundated farms and flooded streets, leading to the evacuation of thousands. In the city of Shangzhi, heavy rainfall turned roads into rivers and inundated thousands of households. National emergency management authorities said 25 rivers across Heilongjiang threatened to burst their banks, while disaster relief groups have been dispatched to the province. In Heilongjiangs capital of Harbin, more than 53,000 people had to be evacuated as multiple reservoirs and rivers exceeded safety levels while some 41,600 hectares (103,000 acres) of crops were damaged. In the city of Yushu in Jilin province, about 120 kilometers south of Harbin, flooding forced the evacuation of around 19,000 people. Meanwhile, in Hebei province around Beijing, which saw some of the regions worst flooding in the past few weeks, authorities issued fresh alerts for rainstorms on Saturday. Floodwaters in Zhuozhou, southwest of Beijing started to recede Saturday, state media reported, allowing some of the 125,000 evacuated residents to return to their homes. The death toll in the 11 million-strong city of Baoding reached 10 while another 18 people are still missing, local authorities said Saturday. Floods damaged roads and washed away bridges in the citys Yesanpo Scenic Area, a national park known for its gorges and mountains. With inputs from AP. Amid more and more armed clashes in the area, Saudi Arabia called on its citizens to quickly move out from Lebanese territory and to avoid approaching tense regions, the Saudi embassy in Lebanon said in a statement posted late on Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter. The West Asian kingdom did not specify which areas in Lebanon that it was advising its citizens to avoid. The importance of adhering to the Saudi travel ban to Lebanon, is something that the embassy stressed on in its statement. Neighbouring Kuwait also issued an advisory early on Saturday calling on Kuwaitis in Lebanon to stay vigilant and avoid areas of security disturbances but stopped short of asking them to leave the country, according to a statement by the Kuwaiti Foreign ministry posted on X. On 1 August, the United Kingdom also updated its travel advice for Lebanon, advising against all but essential travel to parts of Lebanons south near the Palestinian camp of Ain el-Hilweh. At least 13 people, most of them militants, were killed in fighting that broke out in the camp on 29 July between mainstream faction Fatah and hardline Islamists, security sources in the camp said. Ain el-Hilweh is the largest of 12 Palestinian camps in Lebanon, hosting around 80,000 of up to 250,000 Palestinian refugees countrywide, according to the United Nations agency for refugees from Palestine. Latvia, an EU state, will issue notices to over 6,000 Russians next month ordering them to leave the country within 90 days. Ingmars Lidaka, the head of the parliamentary committee on citizenship and migration, said, There are 5,000 to 6,000 of them. These are people who have not shown any desire, either to take the exam or to obtain a temporary residence permit. They are silent. According to news agency Elta, the Latvian Interior Minister has confirmed that the notices are currently being drafted and will be sent out by September to around 6,000 recipients. Russians take language test to avoid expulsion In May, dozens of Russians in Latvia took a language test to prove their loyalty to the country where they have lived for decades. Speaking Russian instead of Latvian had not been a problem until the war in Ukraine changed the picture. Last years election campaign was dominated by questions of national identity and security concerns. (If I am deported), I would have nowhere to go, I have lived here for 40 years, said Valentina Sevastjanova, 70, a former English teacher and Riga guide said. Before Moscow invaded Ukraine last February, tens of thousands of Russian speakers in Latvia used to gather every May 9 around a monument in the Latvian capital of Riga to commemorate the Soviet victory in World War Two. Their gatherings were banned after the invasion and the 84-meter structure was crushed on the orders of the government which is dominated by ethnic Latvians and which would now prefer to bury the memories of being part of the former Soviet Union. Latvia bans Russian state media Before its long-awaited independence in the 1990s, Latvia was part of the Soviet Union following which it gained membership in the European Union and NATO. Since then, Latvia has been trying to erase its Soviet past. Even before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, authorities in Latvia began pulling the plugs on Russian state media within Latvian borders. Last year in August, the National Electronic Mass Media Council banned over 20 Russian media outlets, deeming them a threat to national security. Following the Russian offensive against Ukraine, the war-torn country has found immense support from Latvia, both in terms of humanitarian and military assistance. With inputs from Reuters Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in response to the upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Turkey, mentioned that although a specific date has not been set, ongoing discussions are taking place. Erdogan expressed his optimism that the visit will likely occur in August. He made these remarks in Istanbul after Friday prayers. The date is not clear, but the foreign minister, head of the intelligence organization, they are all holding talks, said Erdogan. Within the framework of these talks, I think that this visit will take place hopefully in August, he added. Erdogans words came after a phone call with Putin on Wednesday, during which they agreed Putin will visit Turkey in the coming days. Erdogan also told Putin that Turkey will continue its intense efforts and diplomacy for the resumption of the Black Sea grain deal. On 17 July, Russia withdrew from a deal made in July 2022 with Turkey, the United Nations, and Ukraine to restore grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports that had been halted since the Russia-Ukraine war began. Moscow has protested that the Russian portion of the agreement has not been carried out. On Putins recent offer to send grain to African countries free of charge, Erdogan said, Were in line with Russia on this issue, that is, we will turn the grains coming from Russia through the Black Sea corridor into flour and we will transport (flour) to poor African countries and underdeveloped countries. Even now, Turkey will continue to take these steps and give its support and aid to poor countries, he said. During the phone call on Wednesday, the two leaders also agreed on Putins visit to Turkey, according to the statement. Expressing that steps should not be taken to escalate tensions during the Russia-Ukraine war, President Erdogan underlined the importance of the Black Sea Initiative, which he considers a bridge of peace, reads the statement. Pointing out that the long-term shutdown of the Black Sea Initiative will not benefit anyone, and that the countries in need of grain and low income will suffer the most, President Erdogan pointed out that the prices of grains, which decreased by 23 per cent during the implementation period, increased by 15 per cent in the last two weeks, it added, reported CNN. President Erdogan noted that Turkey will continue to carry out intensive efforts and diplomacy for the continuation of the Black Sea Initiative, the statement said. With inputs from ANI The United States government is pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger. But, this interim measure does not impact all US foreign assistance programs in the West African nation and provision of life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue, US State Secretary Antony Blinken said in a statement on Saturday. The US governments activities in Niger will continue where it is feasible to do so, including diplomatic and security operations, for the protection of US personnel, the statement read. The US government is pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger. This interim measure does not impact all US foreign assistance programs in Niger. Most importantly, the provision of life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue, the statement said. It added that the US assistance to Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for the constitution. As we have made clear since the outset of this situation, the provision of US assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order, Blinken was quoted as saying in the statement. This is consistent with steps taken by ECOWAS and the African Union. The US government will continue to review our foreign assistance and cooperation as the situation on the ground evolves consistent with our policy objectives and legal restrictions, the statement said. We remain committed to supporting the people of Niger to help them preserve their hard-earned democracy and we reiterate our call for the immediate restoration of Nigers democratically-elected government. Earlier this week, the United States extended support to the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to defend constitutional order in Niger. The move came as the Niger military held Mohamed Bazoum, the elected president in the third attempt to depose a Sahelian leader in as many years. The US further called for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family and the restoration of all state functions to the legitimate, democratically-elected government. Earlier on Sunday, ECOWAS, sought Bazoums release and reinstatement within a week on Sunday, according to CNN. The group declared it would take all necessary measures to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger, including the use of force if the junta remained in power. A slew of punitive measures, including the closure of the land and air borders with Niger, were also announced by ECOWAS. The group declared that it will reject any sort of supposed resignation from Bazoum, whom they view as a hostage. France and the European Union have announced their support for ECOWAS organisations in their decision to impose sanctions on the junta. The two had previously stopped providing money to Niger. News / National by Staff reporter WITH three weeks before Zimbabwe holds general elections on August 23, there is already a sense of deja vu among those following the run up to the polls.This week, leading analysts said they were concerned that President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ruling Zanu-PF could be manipulating electoral processes behind the scenes, to extend its 43-year hegemony.But some also believe that the Nelson Chamisa led main opposition, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has flopped in its bid to fend off Zanu-PF shenanigans, which has helped it maintain a full grip on Zimbabwean politics.Chamisa's 'strategic ambiguity' plan, a fairly new concept in local politics, left many wondering what the youthful politician was up to when he announced it.Those sceptical about his strategy have been exonerated, seeing how the concept has boomeranged, sparking off confusion in and out of the party.Yet despite his school boy blunders, Chamisa remains popular in the opposition's urban strongholds and in some rural communities where he has drawn large crowds on his campaign trail.In the fight for presidency, Chamisa will fight it out against an incumbent who combines his ability to master trends, vast experience, State machinery and apparently an unlimited budget to maintain power.The police, according to Chamisa have blocked more than 160 of his rallies, while the judiciary has become the latest thorn in his campaign.Zimbabwe's courts are still to decide the case in which 12 of his House of Assembly candidates were barred from contesting after allegedly filing nomination papers after the deadline on June 21.Mnangagwa has denied allegations that he is riding on the power of incumbency to interfere with the courts."I am nowhere near the court," he said recently."I have never taken anybody to court, so if they are making such allegations, it means they do not have much education."Arguments over who will be ruling Zimbabwe after August 23 are getting complex, with some scholars believing Mnangagwa may get a rude awakening in this month's polls. Still, some say Chamisa's game plan has not been up to scratch. Academic and political commentator Alexander Rusero agrees that Zanu-PF will not leave anything to chance."Zanu-PF is not a political saint," he said."It has never been one right from its inception in 1963. However, it is important to take stock of the opposition's administrative deficiencies and incompetence. The narrative of the court case in Bulawayo has been reduced to a narrow depiction of Zanu-PF shenanigans yet CCC slept on the job.""They were supposed to know better how any political protagonist would capitalise on the confusion of rivals," Rusero told the Independent.Stephen Chan, a world politics professor at the University of London said the ruling party had carefully spotted flaws in CCC's camp and moved with speed to exploit them."The Bulawayo 12 is a case in point," Chan told the Independent."The 12 could easily have filed (their papers) well ahead of time. Zanu-PF took advantage of the fact that the candidates filed close to the deadline and raised legal challenges as to the exact nature and timing of the deadline."If the CCC appeal against nullification fails, that's 12 seats lost and 12 seats surely gained by Zanu-PF," Chan added."This raises the possibility that, even if Chamisa wins the presidency, he may have to deal with a Zanu-PF parliament. Having said that, so far, the Zanu-PF machinations seem not to have diminished what seems to be the popularity among electors of Chamisa himself. The opinion polls suggest that."Another political analyst Vivid Gwede said Zimbabwe's courts were turning into a key factor in elections."Due to the high level of litigation the courts are becoming a player in this election. Unfortunately, the decisions they have been making seem inclined towards barring Mnangagwa's opponents from participating in the elections."Add to this, the number of CCC rallies banned by the police, then you cannot escape the conclusion that the playing field is tilted because of capture of key institutions by the incumbent," he said.Gwede, however, argued that Chamisa cannot be blamed for the disqualification of his candidates."In terms of disqualification of the 12 candidates, it is difficult to see how Chamisa can be blamed when even Zimbabwe Electoral Commission admitted that they submitted their papers on time," he said.United Kingdom-based analyst Masimba Mavaza, however, blamed CCC for the chaos."On the 12 Bulawayo candidates, they submitted their papers to the Electoral Register at 16:01. This was clearly after the appointed deadline. The submissions were rightly disqualified on the basis that they were late submissions."These individuals and their parties are playing hard and fast with the concept of electoral fairness. For a start, they are demanding the bending of the rules in their favour, but where it suits them, they project themselves as advocates for astute compliance with rules and with fairness."Mavaza accused CCC for failing to understand reasons behind the requirement of a deadline."The underlying principle behind a deadline is democracy and fairness in electoral processes," he argued."The deadline marks the beginning of the election process, which culminates at the ballot box. The whole train of events, from the submission of candidature papers to voting is strictly regulated and must be marked by transparency and fair play." The Atomic 77 - a build thread I have been chomping at the bit to start this build thread for the restoration/modification of my Grandpa's 1977 4x4 F150 shortbed Ranger. I was hoping to get some early photos of it when he had it, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any. Anyway, on to the story of this rig:Growing up, I used to spend a week or two at a time in the summers up at my Grandpa's place up in Northern Colorado. He had a cabin that he built himself sitting on about 35 acres out in the middle of nowhere. I used to love that place, and I especially loved his 1977 Ford truck. I remember lugging around in that thing with him exploring and finding new fishing spots.Both sides of my family were Ford people, and there were F series everywhere. My first truck in high school was a 1976 F150 4X4 longbed. I have a particular soft spot for the dentsides. They made great trucks growing up in the mountains of Colorado. I drove my '76 through college and ended up selling it when I graduated and took a job out in Illinois. I almost immediately regretted selling my '76, as well as taking a job out in the flatlands. I stuck it out in Illinois for about 3 years while saving money. I purchased an old, beat up 1979 F150 shortbed prior to returning to Colorado to attend graduate school at CSU.One of the nice things about going to school at CSU was that I was fairly close to Grandpa. I would frequently visit him and Grandma while attending school. He liked my '79 and often told me to let him know if I ever sold it so he could use it as a parts truck to freshen up his '77. When I graduated from CSU, I purchased a new Ram 2500 and subsequently gave my '79 to my Grandpa to use as he pleased. After graduate school, I took a job in Northern New Mexico and have been down here ever since. I kept in pretty good contact with Grandpa. He did use my '79 to start refreshing his truck (pretty much took the front clip off of the '79 and put it on his '77).In the meantime, I purchased a 1969 Bronco and started a frame-up restoration on it. Fairly early in the build, Grandpa told me that he was moving back to town to be closer to medical facilities. His and my Grandma's health had been deteriorating over the years, and it was just too risky for them to stay up there by themselves. He asked if wanted his '77, and I immediately said yes.I decided to pull the engine from Grandpa's '77 (a 351M) and use it as the base for my '69 Bronco project. It eventually became a fuel-injected 406 with Aussie 302 heads:(Pulling the engine from the '77)(The final product in my '69 Bronco)Shortly after giving me the '77, Grandpa passed away. I was really sad, and I really wanted to get working on Grandpa's truck and make it nice again. The '69 project took nearly 8 years to complete. At the time, I was the only income for the family, and I refuse to go into debt because of a project. Day after day, I would see that '77 sitting on the side of the house rotting away and it would make me sad. I had a friend that is a big ford guy (he owns like 8 different F series) that would frequently ask me to sell it to him. Eventually, I broke down and sold it to him. I wanted to see the truck get built and used, and at the time, there wasn't a way for me to do that.The new owner is the type that has many projects going on all at once. However, he did immediately start doing some work on the '77. He put a dana 60 with a limited slip and 4.10s in the rear. He also did an 8-lug knuckle conversion for the dana 44 in the front. However, over time, life also happened for him, and the truck just started sitting outside of his place. It was infested with rodents and was rotting at a higher rate up here in the mountains. So, he shipped it to a friends place down in Southern New Mexico. It sat down there for several years:Over time, things changed for me. The kids were growing, and my wife decided to start working again after they were all in school. Finances eased and I was able to start "projecting" again. I purchased an old '96 Land Cruiser and turned it into my camping rig. I have had a lot of fun building it and exploring the mountains of NM and CO in it. But, I started wanting to get an old dentside again. I started looking here and there, but really wished that I could get Grandpa's truck. Out of the blue a few months ago, my buddy asked if I wanted to buy it back from him. Of course, I said yes, and we immediately went down to get it:Over the last week or so, we started tearing into it.(we found plenty of rats nests - and a dead mouse)My plans aren't completely solidified yet, but I am excited to get into this thing. More to come. The body of a snowmobiler missing since March in Boise County has been found, the county sheriff said. Tyler Beyer, 30, a U.S. Forest Service employee, was last seen March 12 in Lowman and authorities believed he was riding a snowmobile at the time he disappeared, according to a missing person flyer circulated by the Boise County Sheriffs Office. On Thursday, hikers found his snowmobile and body on the back side of Red Mountain, Sheriff Scott Turner told the Idaho Statesman. He apparently was caught in an avalanche, Turner said, and had not been found previously because the snow in that area only melted in the last two weeks. Boise County Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Johnson told the Statesman that Beyers death was accidental and due to suffocation and hypothermia. Recovering Beyers body was difficult, Turner said, because it was in a remote field of rocks. His office, Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue and the Forest Service removed the body at 5 p.m. Friday after working to recover it for eight hours that day, he said. They made an initial attempt Thursday night, but left because of darkness, pouring rain and lightning, he said. Turner said his agency notified Beyers family and that they were relieved to finally know what happened. I think it was closure, he said. A Russian tanker with 11 crew members has been hit in a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea, Russian officials say. They said the vessel's engine room was damaged in the overnight strike in the Kerch Strait. No-one was hurt. Ukraine has not publicly commented. But a Ukrainian security service source told the BBC a sea drone had been used. Saturday's attack is the second in as many days involving such weapons. Russia, however, has not admitted any damage during Friday's attack. Naval drones, or sea drones, are small, unmanned vessels which operate on or below the water's surface. Research by BBC Verify suggests Ukraine has carried out several attacks with sea drones. The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, separating Crimea - Ukraine's peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014 - and Russia's Taman peninsula. The Ukrainian security service source told the BBC Saturday's operation was also conducted jointly with the Ukrainian navy and that 450kg of TNT explosive had been used. The tanker was loaded with fuel, they said so the "fireworks" were visible from afar. Russia's maritime transport agency says the Sig tanker was located 17 miles (27km) south of the Crimean Bridge. Russia's state-run Tass news agency quoted an official from the country's regional Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) as saying that two tugs had already arrived at the scene of the attack - just to the south of the Kerch Strait. "The engine room was damaged. Not much, but it was damaged," the official said. Russia's maritime transport agency RosMorRechFlot later said the vessel had a hole "in the area of [the] engine room near the waterline from the starboard side, presumably as a result of an attack by a sea drone". "The ship is afloat," it added. Russian state-run media also reported that lights on the Crimean Bridge - further north - were turned off and all traffic halted amid warnings of an imminent attack. Story continues On Saturday, Ukraine said it had designated six Russian black sea ports as being in "war risk" areas, indicating that it could be preparing further attacks on Moscow's territory. Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, warned that Kyiv was preparing to the expand the "scale" and "range of combat operations" in Russia. Map of the area where the tanker was hit On Friday, a Russian naval ship suffered a serious breach in a Ukrainian naval drone strike near Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, Ukrainian security sources told the BBC. Footage later emerged purportedly showing the drone hitting the Olenegorsky Gornyak large landing ship. Another unverified video showed a heavily listing vessel being towed to port. Russia's defence ministry said it had repelled a Ukrainian attack on its naval base in Novorossiysk which involved two sea drones, but did not admit any damage. Novorossiysk, a major hub for Russian exports, lies to the south-east of the Kerch Strait. Clashes in the sea have increased in recent weeks, after Russia abandoned a major UN deal that enabled grain to be safely exported across the Black Sea. Ukrainian ports have been pummelled by Russian drones and missiles, and Kyiv has threatened to retaliate. Sea drones "It is clear that it is impossible to win the war if you are not actively attacking," said Ukraine's presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, when asked about Western allies who may be becoming nervous about this war spilling well beyond its borders. He believes the apparent images of damaged Russian vessels will make Moscow "think twice about using the Black Sea for blackmail". While Kyiv denies drone strikes deeper inside Russia, it says it sees threats on occupied territories and surrounding waters as fair game. Russia enjoys complete control of the Black Sea and Sea of Azov and two reportedly damaged ships are unlikely to change that. But previous Ukrainian counter-offensives have been fuelled by their ability to cut off major Russian supply lines. If it has indeed been able to immobilise a large Russian warship and oil tanker in two days, it will hope more will follow. This war's footprint seems to be getting bigger. In a separate development, talks started in Saudi Arabia on Saturday on ways to end the war in Ukraine. Invitations have been sent to about 40 countries - but not Russia - to attend the meeting in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Western leaders have been keen to downplay to potential for any major breakthrough at the conference, but China has agreed to send its special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. President Zelensky posted a photo purportedly showing Kupiansk's blood transfusion centre on fire after the Russian attack A Russian "guided bomb" has hit a blood transfusion centre in north-eastern Ukraine, killing two people and injuring four, Ukrainian officials say. Volodymyr Zelensky posted an image of the building on fire as a result of Saturday night's attack around Kupiansk, in the Kharkiv region. "This war crime alone says everything about Russian aggression," he said. Russia has not commented. It has previously denied all allegations of targeting civilians - or war crimes. The city of Kupiansk and nearby settlements were seized by Russian troops in the first few days of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022. The area was liberated during a Ukrainian counter-offensive last September, but comes under missiles and shelling daily. In a post on social media, Mr Zelensky described the perpetrators as "beasts". "Defeating terrorists is a matter of honour for everyone who values life," he added. Mr Zelensky did not give details of the casualties. But local officials later posted the same image adding details about the attack on what they described as a non-residential building. President Zelensky also said that on Saturday Russia separately carried out a missile attack, targeting an aeronautical company run by group Motor Sich in the western Khmelnytskyi region. On Sunday, Russia's air defences destroyed a drone as it approached Moscow, the city's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said. Last week, an office block on a Moscow skyscraper was hit two days in a row by Ukrainian drones, Russian authorities said. Ukraine has not publicly admitted carrying out such attacks. Moscow has also accused Ukraine on Saturday of hitting a Russian tanker with 11 crew members in the Black Sea - the second such sea drone attack in as many days. Russian maritime officials said the engine room of the Sig tanker was damaged in the attack in the Kerch Strait. No-one was injured. Story continues The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, separating Crimea - Ukraine's peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014 - and Russia's Taman peninsula. Ukraine has not publicly commented. But a Ukrainian security service source told the BBC a sea drone had been used. In another development, the Chonhar road bridge linking mainland Ukraine to Crimea was hit by a Ukrainian missile strike on Sunday, according to Russia's RIA news agency. This is the second time Ukrainian missiles have hit the bridge after an earlier attack in June forced it to close for repairs. Moscow-installed Kherson regional governor Vladimir Saldo wrote on Telegram that another small bridge, connecting the port city of Henichesk and the narrow Arabat Spit on Crimea's north-east coast, had been shelled. A civilian driver was hurt and a gas pipeline was damaged, leaving 20,000 people without gas. Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko Poland is deploying combat helicopters and increasing troop levels at its border with Belarus in response to what Warsaw claims was a violation of its airspace this week. Polands Ministry of Defense said that two Belarusian helicopters training near the border violated Polish airspace in the eastern Bialowieza region. The U.S. Department of Defense characterized the incident as an incursion into Polish airspace by Belarusian aircraft in a statement Friday. Polish troops are getting redeployed from the west to the eastern border, Polands Defense Minister, Mariusz Blaszczak, said. Helicopters from the 1st Aviation Brigade of the Land Forces and the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade are now headed towards the border with Belarus, according to Gen. Marek Sokolowski, a training inspector at the Armed Forces General Command. And they wont hesitate to respond with arms. The helicopters are armed and ready for combat. There are some very experienced pilots with full flight authorizations, there are pilots here who used onboard armament and missiles in Afghanistan and Iraq, Sokolowski said, according to TVP. If there is anything of concern, they will not hesitate to use armaments. The flare up and rapid buildup on the border is the latest sign that Russias war in Ukraine and its cascading geopolitical consequences are creating yet another possible military flashpoint. High Alert After Russian Jet Nearly Crashes Into Polish Plane Polish officials have been warning against possible aggression since Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko made a deal with the Wagner Group to call off a rebellion in Russia and relocate to Belarus. Wagner mercenaries have since been filtering into Belarus, according to a recent White House National Security Council assessment. The Russian mercenaries have been training with Belarusian troops six miles from the border with Poland for several weeks now. Approximately 100 Wagner mercenaries moved closer to Poland, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki warned Saturday. The fighters were approaching the Suwalki Gapa strategic swath of territory between Belarus and Kaliningrad, a Russian territoryfueling concern that extremely dangerous Wagner fighters are preparing for a hybrid attack on Polish territory, Morawiecki said. Story continues As the thinking goes, Wagner fighters, with either Lukashenkos or Russian President Vladimir Putins blessing or urging, may seek to lash out against neighboring Poland, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Poland has served as a major hub for channeling Western military aid for Kyiv since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, making it a prime target. Lukashenko himself has suggested that the Wagner mercenaries are itching for their next conflict. The Wagner guys have started to stress us. They want to go west. Lets go on a trip to Warsaw and Rzeszow, Lukashenko said just last week. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Polands defense minister Blaszczak over the phone on Friday to discuss how the Biden administration and Poland can work together to prevent broader conflict given the recent incidents, according to a readout from Polands defense ministry. Our commitments and allied tasks are cleartogether we take care of our security. We are allies, Blaszczak said. Austin expressed support for Polands response, adding that he and Blaszczak are mutually committed to continue monitoring the situation closely, according to a Department of Defense readout. Everyones Problem Its not just Poland eyeing Belarus with increased consternation about possible confrontationLithuania and Latvia are on edge as well. Poland and Lithuania held an urgent meeting Thursday to discuss the growing threat from Wagner mercenaries. Lithuanias President, Gitanas Nauseda, warned that the Suwalki Gap, which also runs along Lithuanias border, could be a first objective for Belarus and Russia if they sought to expand the war in Ukraine to more direct confrontation with NATO, of which Lithuania is also a member. The Suwalki Corridor remains a potential target of provocation by both Russia and Belarus, Nauseda said. Wagner Group is an additional security risk factor for Lithuania, Poland and NATO allies We remain vigilant and prepared for any possible scenario. Lithuania has started taking action against Belarusians looking to live in the country in recent days. The government has identified 254 Belarusian citizens as threats to national security, and is revoking hundreds of Belarusians temporary residence permits this week, local outlet LRT reported. Lithuania has also revoked some Belarusians permanent residency permits, while others have been denied new permits. Hundreds of Belarusians and Russians have been banned from entering Lithuania as part of the action. Polands interior minister and Lithuanias interior minister were in talks Friday about how to close all border crossings to people in Belarus. In a telephone conversation with the Minister of the Interior of Lithuania [Agne Bilotaite] we agreed on the schemes of joint reactions and to emerging threats from [Belarus], up to the possible closure of all border crossings and complete isolation of the Lukashenko regime, Kaminski said Friday. Latvia is also carefully watching Belarusian military actions, since Belarus no longer has just regular Belarusian guards stationed at the border, according to the Latvian Border Guard. Latvia has been using drones, helicopters, and satellite data to collect intelligence on what the Belarusians are up to. Based on observations of Latvias border with Belarus, there are signs of possible aggression, Guntis Pujats, the commander of the Latvian Border Guard, said Thursday. Russia Celebrates Ukraine Anniversary With Threat to Invade Another Country Latvias border guards have begun trainings for a special task force as a result, Pujats said. Polands foreign ministry has worked to calm tensions with Belarus in recent hours. The ministry summoned the charge d'affaires of the Belarusian embassy to issue a firm protest to the alleged violation of Polish airspace, the ministry said in a statement. Poland expects Belarus to refrain from such activities, the ministry said. Belarus defense ministry has remained steadfast, denying the accusations, according to Belta. Polish officials have been calling on Belarus to fess up amid repeated denials. The foreign ministry called on Belarus again Friday to urgently clarify this incident and to stop all provocations along the Polish-Belarusian border. Other government agencies in Poland are springing into action to try to tamp down on threats from Belarus and Russia. On Friday, the Internal Security Agency (ABW) of Poland detained a Belarusian suspected of conducting espionage activities in Poland and working as part of a spy network, making him the 16th member of the alleged network to get nabbed, according to Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski. He allegedly conducted reconnaissance against military facilities and ports and worked on Russian propaganda. ABW detained another suspected of participation in a Russian spy network, Kaminski said Friday. He was taken into custody. The U.S. Department of Defense is working in close communication with Polish officials to keep a careful watch on possible threats from Belarus, according to the Pentagon. But the Pentagon is not, for the time being, changing its force posture regarding possible threats from Belarus, Pentagon Press Secretary Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters in a briefing Thursday. Im not aware of any imminent risk right now, as it relates to cross-border operations, Ryder said. But again, you know, when it comes to the Wagner Group, I think we all keep a close eye all of the time. 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. Import Ban On Laptops, PCs, Tablets Rolled Back: But Is India Bringing Back License Raj? News oi -Alap Naik Desai The Government of India has essentially delayed its drastic decision of banning all pre-assembled computing devices. However, the administration may be reintroducing the dreaded "License Raj". The Indian government shocked the country earlier this week when it banned all imports of laptops, tablets, and all pre-assembled computers, including compact, Small Form Factor (SFF), and all-in-one PCs. However, the central administration has now indicated that it is postponing the decision by three months. Let's take a look at the latest developments and how they could impact Indian consumers and computer users. Importers Given Three Months As Partial Reversal Of Import Ban On Pre-Assembled Computers The Indian Government has reportedly softened its stand in regards to outright banning all pre-assembled laptops, desktops, tablets, and other computing devices. The central administration has essentially retracted its decision, but only partially. The current central government has postponed the ban it had imposed on the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers. It is offering a transition period of about three months for all importers, distributors, and computer brands, a notification from the government stated: "Import consignments can be cleared till October 31 without a license and a government permit would be required for clearance of import from November 1." Essentially, the Indian Government is proposing a new licensing regime for imports of laptops, tablets, and personal computers. In other words, businesses and manufacturers will need an import license to import pre-assembled computers in India. Deputy IT and Electronics Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has assured the government would be prompt in issuing licenses and not create supply gaps in the market. The government will issue licenses for companies to import laptops and tablets within two days. Import Licenses can be applied for and even obtained online. Businesses will have to submit information on consignment origin, number of pieces, and past import history. Why Is The Indian Government Mandating Import License For Pre-Assembled PCs? Recently, the Indian Government completely banned all imports of pre-assembled PCs. These include laptops, tablets, compact PCs, Small Form Factor (SFF) PCs, and even all-in-one PCs. Needless to say, this sent shockwaves not only among businesses, brands, distributors, and resellers but also among consumers. After all, this decision would invariably cause prices of pre-assembled PCs, laptops, tablets, and other computing devices to skyrocket. However, it appears that the India Government may have reconsidered its decision. This could be because it takes a long time to setup up assembly plants, logistics, and reliable supply chains. The Indian Government appears to have rolled back the ban but is now insisting that importers declare their consignments. Chandrasekhar assured the move is aimed to "ensure trusted hardware and systems" and reduce dependence on imports. Best Mobiles in India Report: iPhone 15 to Receive New Stacked Camera Sensor, iPhone 15 Pro to Miss Out News oi -Kabir Jain According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the upcoming iPhone 15 series, specifically the vanilla iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, will come equipped with an impressive 48MP main sensor, a significant upgrade from the current 12MP resolution. The highlight of this development lies in the incorporation of Sony's groundbreaking stacked image sensor technology. He further added that the new sensor is better than the one used in the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. Sony's Stacked Image Sensor The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are set to improve their photography prowess with the introduction of Sony's stacked image sensor design. This technology enables better light capture and higher-resolution images, promising better picture quality for smartphone users. Delay Challenges and Market Demand While the anticipation for the iPhone 15 range is high, the production challenges related to the stacked image sensor design have raised concerns about potential delays. However, Kuo's comprehensive report highlights the continued demand for Sony's high-end CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) capacity, indicating a promising future for the iPhone 15 series. Looking beyond the iPhone 15, Apple's ambitious roadmap includes equipping the iPhone 16 Pro models also with Sony's stacked-design CIS. Vivo's Alternative Approach As Apple gears up for the release of the iPhone 15 series, other smartphone manufacturers are also exploring innovative camera technologies. Vivo, for instance, plans to incorporate the Sony Lytia LYT800 sensor in its upcoming X100 series, aiming to deliver comparable performance to a 1" sensor with a traditional design. The Road Ahead Furthermore, it is essential to mention that within the iPhone 15 series, only the iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature a periscope camera. As we turn our attention to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, users can look forward to the addition of an exclusive "super telephoto" periscope camera, which will further elevate the device's photography capabilities. Source Via Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung Accidentally Reveals Names of Upcoming Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series Tablets; Indian Price Leaked News oi -Kabir Jain In a recent discovery, MySmartPrice noticed the FCC certification of the upcoming Wi-Fi and 5G variants of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. While the certification revealed some key specifications of the tablets, Samsung accidentally confirmed the monikers of the highly anticipated Galaxy Tab S9 FE series tablets. Let's delve into the details of this exciting revelation and the leaked specifications of the forthcoming tablets. Samsung Accidentally Reveals Tablet Names The names of the upcoming tablets were discovered on a dedicated page showcasing the key features of the Bixby assistant on Samsung's France website. The eagle-eyed tipster, Roland Quandt, shared an image confirming the names of the tablets. Moreover, even a Google search result for Samsung India and Samsung Malaysia displayed the monikers of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series tablets. FCC Certification and Key Features A few days ago, the Tab S9 FE+ was spotted in the FCC certification with the model numbers SM-X610 and SM-X616B. The tablet is expected to come with 45W fast charging support, S-Pen compatibility, and keyboard support. The schematics in the FCC listing also confirm that the tablet will boast a dual-camera setup. Previous renders and specifications shared by OnLeaks and Media Peanut suggest that the tablet might feature a 12.4-inch display and be powered by the in-house Exynos 1380 SoC. The device will also have a dual-speaker setup and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Design and Display The upcoming tablet will have dimensions of 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.54 mm, and it is expected to have extremely thin bezels on the display, as seen in the CAD renders. The leaked CAD renders also reveal the design of the vanilla Galaxy Tab S9 FE, which is likely to have a smaller 10.9-inch IPS LCD display and will be equipped with the same Exynos 1380 SoC. The vanilla model will be paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, running on OneUI 5.1 based on Android 13 out of the box. Pricing and Specifications According to the tipster, the Wi-Fi variant of the tablet will come with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, and it will be priced at Rs 63,000. However, it is important to note that Samsung has not yet officially confirmed the existence of the upcoming FE series tablets. The company has taken measures to update its website and remove the leaked names. Nevertheless, the names can still be seen through a cached version of Samsung's France website. Via 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. 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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 US navy sailors arrested for allegedly selling secrets to China The two are accused of passing on sensitive defense information for cash. By Chris Taylor for RFA 2023.08.04 -- Two U.S. Navy sailors have been arrested for allegedly spying for China, federal prosecutors announced Thursday. Accused of passing on naval secrets to Chinese agents for cash, Jinchao "Patrick" Wei, 22, and Wenheng Zhao, 26 were arrested on Wednesday in separate cases. Wei, a petty officer 2nd class aboard the amphibious ship USS Essex, currently stationed in San Diego, was arrested and charged with espionage - specifically, providing defense information to aid a foreign government. Zhao, who worked at the U.S. Naval Base in Port Hueneme, California, has an active U.S. security clearance and was charged with conspiracy and receipt of a bribe by a public official. Wei's indictment alleges that in June 2022, he sent a Chinese intelligence officer approximately 30 technical and mechanical manuals. The manuals detailed the operations of multiple systems aboard the Essex and similar ships, including power, steering, aircraft and deck elevators, as well as damage and casualty controls. The indictment alleges that Wei was paid U.S.$5,000. Zhao's indictment alleges he passed on sensitive U.S. military information to an individual posing as a maritime economic researcher - actually a Chinese intelligence officer. Zhao, who held a U.S. security clearance, beginning in August 2021 and continuing through at least May 2023, allegedly recorded military information, photographs and videos, before transmitting to the "maritime economic researcher." The Chinese intelligence officer paid Zhao approximately $14,866, the indictment alleges. Both men pleaded not guilty in federal courts in San Diego and Los Angeles, according to reports. They are being held until their detention hearings, which will take place on August 8 in the same cities. "Through the alleged crimes committed by these defendants, sensitive military information ended up in the hands of the People's Republic of China," Matthew Olsen, the Justice Department's assistant attorney general for national security, said on August 3 at a press conference in San Diego. "The charges demonstrate [China's] determination to obtain information that is critical to our national defense by any means so it can be used to their advantage," said Olsen. "The alleged conduct also represents a violation of the solemn obligation of members of our military to defend our country to safeguard our secrets and to protect their fellow service members." Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division said, "These arrests are a reminder of the relentless, aggressive efforts of the People's Republic of China to undermine our democracy and threaten those who defend it. "The PRC compromised enlisted personnel to secure sensitive military information that could seriously jeopardize U.S. national security. The FBI and our partners remain vigilant in our determination to combat espionage, and encourage past and present government officials to report any suspicious interactions with suspected foreign intelligence officers." China has yet to comment. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Allies continue to safeguard NATO skies on the Baltic Sea together NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Aug 3 2023 RAMSTEIN, Germany -- The Alliance's enduring Air Policing mission in the Baltic region continues as outgoing air force detachments hand over the responsibility to incoming Allies at Siauliai, Lithuania, and Amari, Estonia. On August 3, Portuguese and Romanian detachments at Siauliai and the Royal Air Force detachment at Amari ended their four-month tours safeguarding the airspace of NATO's Allies in the Baltic Sea and handed the baton to incoming detachments from Italy and Spain, respectively. At Siauliai, Italy took over the responsibility from Portugal as Baltic Air Policing; Italian Eurofighters - after an 8-month deployment for the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania - will be securing skies above Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the coming four months. This is the ninth Italian deployment to the Baltic region besides protecting their skies at home and above Albania, Montenegro, and Slovenia with their Eurofighters under NATO Air Policing arrangements. Earlier in the day, the Royal Air Force Typhoon detachment handed their mission to incoming Spanish Eurofighters. The Spanish Air Force first deployed fighter jets to the Baltic Sea region in 2006 in support of both NATO's Baltic Air Policing and enhanced Air Policing - five times as lead nation and five times augmenting the mission - with their F-18s and the Eurofighter. NATO and the Allies have been conducting Baltic Air Policing since April 2004 as a regional arrangement of peacetime Air Policing demonstrating the ability to share and pool existing capabilities. In 2014, enhanced Air Policing was introduced under NATO's Assurance Measures to demonstrate the collective resolve of Allies, show NATO's commitment to collective defence, and deter Russia from aggression or the threat of aggression against NATO Allies. Starting in February 2022, NATO has substantially increased the number of fighter jets on alert across Eastern Europe in response to Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine. In addition to the Air Policing mission, the Alliance has introduced Air Shielding efforts representing a long-term increase in the air and missile defence posture along the eastern flank of the Alliance. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saturday's result allows Prime Minister Hun Sen to proceed with his plan to install his son as his successor Cambodia's outgoing leader Hun Sen has marked his 71st birthday with official confirmation of his party's landslide victory in last month's election. Electoral officials said on Saturday that his ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) had swept 120 of 125 seats. Critics called July's poll a sham after the main opposition, the Candlelight Party, was banned on a technicality. But the result allows Hun Sen to proceed with a plan to appoint his son as his successor in the coming days. Hun Manet, 45, was until recently the commander of the Royal Cambodian Army and has long been groomed for the role. The transition was first flagged in 2021, but until July it was unclear when the change of power would occur. Saturday's confirmation that Hun Manet had been elected an MP removed the only remaining procedural hurdle to his taking office. His father is now expected to ask the King to appoint him prime minster on Monday. Hun Sen has said the succession is designed to maintain peace and avoid "bloodshed" should he die in office. He is expected to become president of the Senate early next year and will serve as acting head of state when King Norodom Sihamoni is abroad. Since he came to power following the fall of the murderous Khmer Rouge regime four decades ago, Hun Sen's rule has become increasingly authoritarian. He has consolidated power through control of the military, police and moneyed interests. Observers say he has dispatched opponents through co-opting, jailing or exiling them. Indeed, there was little doubt over the result of last months poll, with some critics branding it more like a coronation than an election. The Candlelight Party, Cambodia's main opposition and the sole credible challenger to Hun Sen, was disqualified from contesting the election in May after officials accused the party of filing incorrect paperwork. Apart from the CPP, the royalist Funcinpec Party took five seats, while the remaining 16 opposition parties all failed to gain any representation. Story continues The CPP took 6,398,311 votes from a total of 8.2 million ballots cast, or 78% of the popular vote. Before the poll, the government criminalised any attempt to boycott the election or spoil the ballot papers. The US, EU and other Western nations refused to send observers to the poll, saying it was neither free not fair. EU officials said the vote was "conducted in a restricted political and civic space where the opposition, civil society and the media were unable to function effectively without hindrance". Hun Manet celebrated Saturday's result by posting a photo to Instagram showing his young son presenting Hun Sen with a bouquet of blue and yellow flowers, captioned with the message: "Happy birthday to respected and beloved father". Navy Approves Service Life Extension for Four Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyers US Navy - Press Release 03 August 2023 WASHINGTON (August 2, 2023) -- The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Surface Warfare Division (N96) recently approved the service life extension of four Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyers. USS Ramage (DDG 61), homeported in Norfolk, VA, and USS Benfold (DDG 65), based in Yokosuka, Japan, have been extended by five years to FY 2035 and FY 2036, respectively. USS Mitscher (DDG 57), also homeported in Norfolk, and USS Milius (DDG 69), homeported out of Yokosuka, have been extended by four years to FY 2034 and FY 2035, respectively. These extensions follow the March 2023 extension of USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) by five years through FY 2031.The extension puts each destroyer beyong their estimated service life of 35 years. "These service life extensions demonstrate the Navy's commitment to ensuring the surface fleet has the right capability and capacity," said Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, director of Surface Warfare (N96) "Adding 23-years of service life cumulatively over the last six months is a significant investment in surface warfare. These extensions align to Secretary of the Navy Del Toro's commitment to Congress during the FY-24 posture hearings to analyze service life on a hull-by-hull basis and extend the correct ships in order to be good stewards of resources invested in the U.S. Navy by the American people." Each of these ships have received Aegis baseline nine upgrades through the DDG Modernization program. The program provided a comprehensive mid-life modernization to these destroyers, ensuring they have the right systems to remain capable and reliable to the end of their service life. Based on analysis by the Navy's technical community, these extensions were feasible because each ship properly adhered to lifecycle maintenance plans and were well maintained in good material condition by their crews. "These DDGs bring the right capability and capacity to our operational commanders in an affordable manner maximizing the Navy's targeted return on investment for these ships," Pyle added. "Each of these extensions takes into account where these ships are in their lifecycle maintenance schedules. Extending Mitscher and Milius by an additional year to five years would require each ship to spend a year of that extension in a docking availability, which would not be a prudent use of resources entrusted to the Navy." The surface community will continue to evaluate the service life of each surface ship based on combat relevance, reliability data, and material condition. Currently, the Navy has 73 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in service and is continuing to modernize the class with the latest technologies and capabilities. For more information on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, please visit: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169871/destroyers-ddg-51/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USAFRICOM leaders visit Cote d'Ivoire, Togo U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, command senior enlisted leader, traveled to Cote d'Ivoire and Togo, July 24-27, to further cooperation between the United States and the two countries. In the past year, General Langley has prioritized travel to Africa to meet with partner nations. By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Aug 04, 2023 STUTTGART, Germany -- U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, command senior enlisted leader, traveled to Cote d'Ivoire and Togo, July 24-27, to further cooperation between the United States and the two countries. In the past year, General Langley has prioritized travel to Africa to meet with partner nations. The two met with host nation civilian and military leaders, U.S. State Department officials, and U.S. service members. "Cote d'Ivoire and Togo are on the front lines of addressing complex issues like the expansion of violent extremist organizations and maritime security threats in the Gulf of Guinea," Langley said. "Security, stability, and economic prosperity in West Africa are interests shared by the United States and our African and international partners. We are stronger when we work toward these goals together." "Service members from the United States and our counterparts in Coastal West Africa regularly partner in security initiatives and multinational AFRICOM exercises, like Flintlock and Obangame Express," Woods said. "This week, we were able to highlight their professionalism and look to future security, training and professional military education cooperation." In Cote d'Ivoire, Langley, Woods and U.S. Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba met with Vice President Tiemoko Meyliet Kone, Minister of Defense and State Tene Birahima Ouattara and Chief of Defense Staff Lt. Gen. Lassina Doumbia. The leaders discussed Cote d'Ivoire's role as a valued bilateral, regional and global leader in the promotion of economic prosperity. Further highlighted were the country's efforts to counter the spread of violent extremism and Cote d'Ivoire's leadership during regional multinational exercises. During the second leg of the trip in Togo, the leadership team and U.S. Ambassador to Togo Elizabeth Fitzsimmons met President Gnassingbe, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Tassounti Djato, and Minister of Security and Civil Protection Brig. Gen. Damehame Yark. They discussed Togo's leadership in maritime security and whole-of-government efforts to bolster regional security. Throughout their trip, Langley and Woods also met with U.S. Embassy teams and recognized U.S. service members for their accomplishments. The United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), alongside its African and interagency partners, is charged with the responsibility of enhancing security and stability in Africa to advance and protect U.S. national interests. For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 4, 2023 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Poland's Minister of National Defence Mariusz Baszczak Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Polish Minister of National Defence Mariusz Baszczak. Secretary Austin emphasized U.S. support for Poland's response to the August 1 incursion into Polish airspace by Belarusian aircraft. The leaders also discussed the Wagner Group's new presence in Belarus and mutually committed to continue monitoring the situation closely. Secretary Austin thanked the Minister for Poland's significant efforts to support Ukraine, and the leaders reaffirmed the importance of continued, robust security assistance to Ukrainian people. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3483709/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 4, 2023 By Jim Garamone , DOD News Austin Praises Outgoing Army Chief of Staff Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today praised the stewardship of Gen. James C. McConville as he relinquished his duties as Army chief of staff. Austin also marked the transfer of responsibility of the sergeant major of the Army from Michael A. Grinston to Michael R. Weimer. Gen. Randy A. George has been nominated to serve as acting Army chief of staff, but his confirmation is on hold. "We're here to celebrate the United States Army," said Austin, who spent 41 years in the service himself. "Even before the United States declared its independence, our new republic stood up an Army. And ever since, American soldiers have had one core mission: to fight and win our nation's wars. That takes tenacity. It takes teamwork. And it also takes transformation." McConville and Grinston led by Army Secretary Christine Wormuth worked tirelessly to transform the service to face new threats. "Today, the entire Army enterprise is updating itself to ensure that our soldiers stay ready for any challenge that the 21st century can throw at them," Austin said. "The Army is becoming a multi-domain force." The Army is developing and fielding advanced capabilities, like long-range precision fires, next-generation combat vehicles, missile defense and more. New capabilities without doctrine are useless, so the service is also updating its doctrine for the 21st century. "You've created new organizations that can provide more and better capabilities to combatant commanders and strengthen our partnerships around the world and sustain the fight whenever and wherever needed." These new capabilities are on display in Europe where Army units deployed to safeguard NATO Eastern flank in the wake of Russia's unlawful invasion of neighboring Ukraine. The Army is also increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific. "Throughout all these changes, the Army is putting people first, and that has been Gen. McConville's philosophy throughout his career as chief," Austin said. "So, the Army has been investing in housing, increasing access to child care, making moves easier, and much, much more. And the Army is making sure that all of our soldiers can contribute the full range of their talents and their skills." McConville's motto is "Winning matters," and he's noted there is no winning without people. "Today, the United States Army is the strongest Army, and we have the strongest military that the world has ever known," Austin said. "And it's amazing the distance that the Army has traveled since I took the oath myself back in 1975. All that progress has been powered by patriotism." Military service is a choice. Patriots serve in the military from all walks of life "who volunteer to support and defend our Constitution and to be part of something bigger than themselves and to protect our country and our founding values of freedom and democracy," the secretary said. "Now, we're marking the 50th anniversary this year of the start of our all-volunteer force. And every American soldier today chose to serve. They chose to sign up. They chose to risk their lives for the common defense." They deserve the best leaders, Austin said. "Unfortunately, today, for the first time in the history of the Department of Defense, two of our services will be operating without Senate-confirmed leadership, and 301 nominations for our general and flag officers are being held up," he said. "So, let me be clear: In our dangerous world, the security of the United States demands orderly and prompt transitions of our confirmed military leaders. "Great teams need great leaders," he continued. "That's central to maintaining the full might of the most lethal fighting force on Earth. It's vital for our global leadership and for the trust and confidence of our outstanding network of allies and partners. The failure to confirm our superbly qualified senior uniformed leaders undermines our military readiness. It undermines our retention of some of our very best officers. And it is upending the lives of far too many of their spouses, children and loved ones. And this disruption is the last thing that America's military families deserve." Austin said he is confident the Senate will speedily confirm the next Army chief of staff. In his remarks, McConville stressed the emphasis on people. "Without people, the Army is a bunch of combat equipment parked in motor pools, hangars and arms rooms," he said. "It's all about people. And I have watched .... people do the most incredible things over the last four years during the most challenging of times, always doing the right thing the right way; responding rapidly to crisis in the Middle East and Eastern Europe when freedom was threatened; providing hope and relief to local communities during a global pandemic; standing strong with our allies and partners on the frontlines of freedom around the world to secure peace and stability." McConville said he and his wife Maria are proud "to have served with you, and know that whenever the nation called, wherever the Army was sent, our soldiers didn't go to participate. They didn't go to try hard they went to win, because soldiers in the United States Army know that winning matters, winning matters." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 4, 2023 By Joseph Clark , DOD News U.S., Australian Air Force Units Emphasize Interoperability For the U.S. and Australian pilots and ground crews operating out of a secluded base in the far reaches of Australia's Northern Territory, Exercise Talisman Sabre 23 has provided a critical opportunity to train for the future of air warfare. Throughout the 15-day exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability among key allies, U.S. Air Force pilots flew a series of elaborate training missions with their Royal Australian Air Force counterparts, involving multiple fighter, tanker and patrol aircraft. "You're talking about getting 40 to 50 aircraft all up in the same piece of sky super complex," said Air Force Capt. Christopher Loo, an F-22 pilot with the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron based out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. "It's all basically practicing how we play," he said. "It's getting us ready for the next big fight because that's how we force package and how we actually go to war." Loo's unit, based during the exercise out of RAAF Base Tindal about 200 miles southeast of Darwin, is one of several U.S. squadrons operating out of bare-bones bases scattered throughout northern and western Australia. In addition to Tindal, the U.S. and Australia have operated side-by-side from RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Curtin in western Australia. They're fielding U.S. F-22 and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft alongside a variety of Australian aircraft, including the F-35 A Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet, E/A 18G Growler, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, and P-8A Poseidon. The deployment-like setting and large-scale training missions reflect the reality of operating out of the Indo-Pacific, said Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Lopez, commander of the 199th Air Expeditionary Squadron. "I think it's putting the airmen in the right mindset from a readiness perspective," he said. "Whenever the military instrument of power is called upon, we have to be ready to go. And I think exercises, such as Talisman Sabre 23, provide an environment for us to exercise some of those skill sets." This year marks the 10th iteration of Talisman Sabre, a biennial exercise designed to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. The spelling of the name sabre vs. saber reflects which country is leading the exercise: Talisman Sabre when Australia leads and Talisman Saber when the U.S. leads. Nearly 30,000 troops from 13 different countries are participating this year. Several Pacific Island partners including Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tonga are participating for the first time. Throughout the exercise which includes large-scale logistics, amphibious assault training operations, multinational firepower demonstrations, field training exercises and large-scale air-warfare training missions leaders have emphasized the importance of deepening U.S. interoperability with partner forces in the region. That interoperability is essential not just for the pilots in the cockpit, but also for the maintainers, fuelers, weapons specialists and planners on the ground who have sustained the can-do grit needed to meet the demands of a future fight, Lopez said. The U.S. Air Force has worked extensively to shape its force structure at the tactical level to become agile teams that are capable of deploying the lean and lethal forces required to succeed in combat environments. By seizing on the partnerships forged in the region, the U.S. and its allies can better tap into critical skillsets across the coalition. "We're literally force multiplying by working across our nations," said Wing Commander Fiona Pierce, commanding officer of No. 17 Squadron who overseas operations at RAAF Tindal. The exercise has provided a critical platform for airmen from the deployed squadrons to work alongside their Australian counterparts and share best practices essential for achieving mission success. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Borja, who's assigned to the 254th Security Forces Squadron based in Guam is at RAAF Tindal for the exercise, said the opportunity to train with his Australian counterparts has been crucial. "When it comes down to it, it is one big fight with everyone, and we need to be tighter with our own allies," he said. "That way, we know how to operate more efficiently as one team." Borja spoke from a small arms range on Tindal yesterday, where U.S. security forces conducted a live-fire familiarization shoot on the Australian Defence Force's newly fielded EF88 Austeyr rifle. Similar integration occurred among U.S. and Australian maintainers, weapons specialists and refuelers throughout the exercise. U.S. maintainers were given the opportunity to observe as Australian crews from the RAAF No. 75 Squadron performed aircraft inspections on Australian F-35s. "I think it's good to train with other countries, other allies to see how they work and how we work with one another," said Air Force Airman 1st Class Melissa Ramiro, a crew chief with the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. She said exercises like Talisman Sabre are critical for readiness. That sentiment has taken root across both U.S. and Australian units. Flight Lieutenant Mitchell, an F-35 pilot with RAAF No. 17 Squadron, said interoperability with allies has been emphasized throughout Australian units over the past few years. "No matter the theater, now, we're going to be working with the U.S.," he said. "It's just so much more seamless now. When we get together, we know what to expect from each other. It just makes everything a lot easier now." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 4, 2023 By David Vergun , DOD News Five Korean War 'Firsts' Had Lasting Impacts The Korean War, which ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953, is sometimes referred to as the "forgotten war" or a "police action" because it was overshadowed by World War II several years earlier, and Congress never declared war on North Korea. Despite being sometimes forgotten, the war had five unforgettable firsts. Air Force Combat Tested In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, creating a new military department, the Air Force, which had been part of the Army. The Korean War was the first major combat action of the new department. Although the Air Force still relied on World War II-era, propeller-driven combat aircraft, the war debuted the first U.S. use of jet fighters in combat. The National Security Act also placed the War and Navy departments into the Defense Department, which was under leadership of the defense secretary. The act created the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Council, as well. United Nations Combat Tested The United Nations Command was established on July 7, 1950, following the U.N.'s recognition of North Korean aggression against South Korea. The command signified the world's first attempt at collective security under the U.N. U.N. Security Council Resolutions 83 and 84 provided the legal authority for member states to restore peace on the Korean peninsula and designated the United States as the leader of the unified command. During the war and reconstruction period following the signing of the armistice, 22 nations contributed either combat forces or medical assistance to support South Korea under the U.N. flag. Since the Korean War, forces under the U.N. have participated in multiple peacekeeping missions around the world. Containment Policy The Truman Doctrine, also known as the policy of containment, laid out a key tenet of Truman's foreign policy, which stipulated that the U.S. would provide political, military and economic aid to democratic countries under communist threat. The Korean War was the first wartime test of this new policy, ending the de facto pre-World War II policy of isolationism. Today, the U.S. still provides defensive security assistance to democracies under threat, most notably from China and Russia. Integration of Armed Forces The Korean War was the first war in which the military was desegregated. On July 26, 1948, Truman signed an executive order, desegregating the armed forces. Although African Americans had served in previous wars, they did so in mostly segregated units. The executive order stated that "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces without regard to race, color, religion or national origin." Code of Conduct The code of conduct is an ethics guide for the armed forces, addressing how to act honorably in combat. Although the code didn't exist during the Korean War, it was a result of that war because the communists tortured and tried to brainwash prisoners. When the war was over, 21 Americans chose not to be repatriated, attesting to a degree of brainwashing effectiveness, according to a history of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Korean War. The topic of brainwashing was relatively new to the American public until the 1959 novel "The Manchurian Candidate" was published. The plot involves a U.S. soldier who was taken prisoner during the Korean War and brainwashed. He was repatriated and became a communist sleeper agent who was later tasked with killing a U.S/ political figure. The book was adapted to a 1962 film of the same title starring Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury. In 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower enacted an executive order for the Code of Conduct. It states: "Every member of the armed forces of the United States are expected to measure up to the standards embodied in the Code of Conduct while in combat or in captivity." It is an ethics guide and a Defense Department directive consisting of six articles that address how service members should act in combat when they must evade capture, resist while being held prisoner, or escape from the enemy. The Code of Conduct: I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense. I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist. If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy. If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way. When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause. I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia says against foreign interference in Niger Iran Press TV Friday, 04 August 2023 6:52 PM Russia says it is against foreign interference of any type in Niger following a military coup in the Sahel state. The Kremlin said potential interference of non-regional powers, such as the United States, in Niger's domestic affairs was unlikely to help improve the situation. Niger's elite presidential guards seized President Mohamed Bazoum and sequestered him in the presidential palace on July 26. "It is unlikely that the intervention of non-regional forces is capable of changing the situation for the better," the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday. Russians were "monitoring the situation very closely, we are concerned about the tension in Niger, and we continue to favor a swift return to constitutional normality without endangering human lives," he said. Niger's Western partners and regional allies, including former colonial power France, have imposed sweeping sanctions on the coup-hit country in an effort to mount international pressure on the putschists to reinstate Bazoum. The ousted president himself has appealed to the international community, the United States in particular, to intervene militarily and restore his presidency. The self-declared new military leader of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani, 59, remains defiant. He says the junta will not back down despite the "inhumane" sanctions. Tiani is the powerful former head of Niger's presidential guard and enjoys the support of the armed forces as well as fellow juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso. Tiani is also backed by the Wagner group which has deployed fighters in Mali and the Central African Republic. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas, Islamic Jihad condemn Israeli killing of Palestinian teen in West Bank Iran Press TV Friday, 04 August 2023 6:31 PM The Palestinian resistance movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad have condemned the recent Israeli killing of an 18-year-old boy in a violent raid in the occupied West Bank. Mahmoud Abu Sa'an was shot in the head at point-blank range at dawn on Friday as Israeli forces clashed with residents of the Nur Shams refugee camp, located to the east of the town of Tulkarm. According to local media reports, the Israeli military stormed the camp, heavily firing live ammunition, tear gas canisters, and stun grenades at the camp's residents. The Palestinian teenager was transferred to a hospital in Tulkarm, where he was pronounced dead shortly after. In a press statement, Hamas offered its condolences to the family of Sa'an and praised the resistance fighters for their unrelenting struggle against Israel. "We condole the family of the martyr... and salute our steadfast people, and the heroic resistance fighters who bravely defended the camp and repelled the aggression," the statement said. Hamas also underlined that killings, executions, assassinations and plans to desecrate al-Aqsa Mosque will not bring security to Israel. "Our people's revolution continues until the end of the occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state with al-Quds as its capital." And the Islamic Jihad also mourned the martyrdom of the Palestinian teen. "As we condole the family of the martyr and our people in Tulkarm, we affirm that these crimes will not weaken the resolve of our people and their insistence on continuing their battle until victory, and will increase the bill of reckoning that the enemy will pay at the hands of our brave resistance fighters equal to the size of its crimes and terror," the Islamic Jihad said in a statement. Israeli forces launch raids on various cities of the West Bank on an almost daily basis under the pretext of detaining "wanted" Palestinians. The raids usually lead to violent confrontations with residents. Over the past months, Israel has ramped up attacks on Palestinian towns and cities throughout the occupied territories. As a result of these attacks, dozens of Palestinians have lost their lives and many others have been arrested. More than 200 Palestinians have been killed this year in the occupied Palestinian territories and the besieged Gaza Strip. The majority of these fatalities have been recorded in the West Bank. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Niger junta scraps military pacts with France Iran Press TV Friday, 04 August 2023 7:41 AM Niger's military junta has scrapped a series of military cooperation agreements with France in a bid to put an end to the French forces' presence across the country and the subsequent looting of the resources of the impoverished nation. In a televised speech on Thursday, Amadou Abdramane, the representative of the military government, announced his decision to cancel five military contracts with France that date between 1977 and 2020. Abdramane added that a diplomatic notice will be sent to France in this regard. France has not shown any immediate reaction. Like recent coups in neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, last week's military takeover in Niger came amid rising anti-French and anti-colonial sentiments, with Nigeriens accusing the former colonial ruler of meddling in their country's affairs. France has between 1,000 and 1,500 troops in Niger, who are claiming to be fighting the so-called 'war on terrorism'. In Niger, there are not only French forces but American and European soldiers as well. Burkina Faso and Mali have already expelled French troops, many of whom are now stationed in Niger. Meanwhile, the turmoil has prompted some European nations to evacuate citizens by plane. Paris said on Thursday it has completed the evacuation of hundreds of French and European citizens. Niger's regional and Western partners, including France, have imposed sweeping sanctions in a bid to pressure coup leaders to give the power back after Bazum's ouster. However, Abdourahamane Tiani, the former leader of Niger's presidential guard, and the leader of the military government, said that these sanctions will not make them retreat from their position. Tiani has won the support of the military in Mali and Burkina Faso, citing ongoing insecurity as his main justification for taking power. In another example of the junta's resistance to former allies, Niger suspended government-backed international news outlets France 24 and RFI early Thursday - a move France's foreign ministry condemned. In a move after the military coup, hundreds of people in Niger took to the streets to show their support for the military that removed Bazoum from power. Many of them chanted anti-Western slogans and waved Russian flags as they gathered outside the National Assembly. The angry protesters also denounced the main regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has imposed sanctions on Niger and said it could authorize the use of force if soldiers did not restore Bazoum to power by Sunday. A number of demonstrators on Thursday in Niamey held a placard that said: "Long live Niger, Russia, Mali, and Burkina. Down with France, ECOWAS, EU." An ECOWAS delegation is in Niamey hoping to reach "a definitive and amicable solution", while the bloc's defense chiefs are also meeting this week to discuss a possible military response, which they say could be a last resort. On Thursday, the military junta announced that any aggression or attempted aggression by ECOWAS would be met with an immediate and unannounced response by Niger's armed forces against ECOWAS member states except those friendly to Niger. Mali and Burkina Faso have said they would treat an intervention in Niger as a "declaration of war" against them too and would come to Niamey's defense. Tiani sent a general to both countries on Wednesday to shore up support. France has a long history in West Africa, where it was a colonial power until 1960. Since independence, France has maintained a military presence in the region, which has caused long-term tensions that now seem to be reaching new heights. French troops withdrew from Mali in 2022 and Burkina Faso in 2023 following military coups. New leadership in Niger could lead to another withdrawal from a country France saw as a key ally in the Sahel. Western countries are also concerned that Niger could emulate those neighbors in turning towards Russia. China said on Thursday it believed Niger and regional countries had the wisdom and capability to find a political solution. Over the past decade, Russia and China, in particular, have consolidated their relations with African states in a number of domains, from trade to energy and military cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Azadi Briefing: Taliban Shuts Down Offices Of Prominent Iranian Charity Amid Tensions With Tehran By Frud Bezhan August 04, 2023 The Key Issue The Taliban has closed many of the Afghan offices of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, a prominent charity linked closely with the Iranian government, according to Iranian media reports. Iran's Jamaran news website said the charity's offices in the cities of Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-e Sharif have been shut down and sealed by Taliban fighters in recent weeks. The website -- which is close to the family of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic -- added that the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee was not given prior notice or offered any reasons for the closures. Only the charity's office in the Afghan city of Zaranj, near the Iranian border, is still believed to be operating. Both the charity and the Taliban have yet to comment on the reported shutdowns. The charity, whose head is chosen by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has a long history of operations in Afghanistan and was registered with the Taliban's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Why It's Important: Iran has been suspected of using the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee and other state-backed charities to promote its conservative brand of Shi'a Islam around the world. The charities spread anti-Western propaganda and are seen to be tied to Tehran's long-standing effort to export the Islamic Revolution. Many of the charities build schools and mosques and help the poor. An extremist Sunni militant group, the Taliban has imposed increasing restrictions on Afghanistan's Shi'ite minority, which makes up around 15 percent of the population. The Taliban has prevented Afghan Shi'a from marking important religious holidays and banned the teaching of Shi'a jurisprudence in universities in Afghanistan. The closure of the offices of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee is likely an attempt by the Taliban to curb Iran's influence in Afghanistan. It also comes amid tensions between the Taliban and Iran over cross-border water resources. Following deadly border clashes in May, the Taliban and Tehran have traded threats and accusations. What's Next: With tensions still high between the sides, the Taliban and Iran are likely to engage in tit-for-tat moves. In recent months, the authorities in Iran have intensified the deportation of Afghan refugees and migrants and imposed more restrictions on Afghan nationals living in the Islamic republic. In retaliation, the Taliban could target more Iranian organizations and activities in Afghanistan. What To Keep An Eye On The Taliban has shut down three local media outlets -- Hamisha Bahar Radio and Television, Radio Nan, and Radio Jawanan -- in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Taliban fighters stormed the studios of Hamisha Bahar Radio and Television on July 31 after the media outlet provided journalism training for young Afghans, including girls, according to an employee who spoke to RFE/RL's Radio Azadi on condition of anonymity. The employee said Taliban fighters beat the reporters and sealed the studios of the station. Why It's Important: Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban has waged a brutal crackdown on independent reporters and media outlets. The militants have beaten and jailed reporters and forcibly closed down scores of radio and TV stations as well as newspapers. In its attempts to crush dissent, the Taliban has also targeted human rights defenders, women activists, and intellectuals. Cases of arbitrary arrests and detention, threats, and intimidation of journalists have sharply increased during the past year. The Taliban has also severely restricted female education and banned co-education. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azadi-briefing- afghanistan-taliban-iran-tensions/32534168.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 Anti-Trump Republican candidates say they see donor bumps when they attack him A few Republican presidential candidates polling near the middle and back of the primary field say they have found a fundraising sweet spot: Cash flows in when they jab at front-runner Donald Trump, even if their voter support doesn't jump the same way. Former Vice President Mike Pence, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd are among the 2024 GOP hopefuls still trying to meet the donor thresholds in order to make it on the first Republican primary debate stage, on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. But all three are inching nearer to the Republican National Committee-set benchmark of meeting 40,000 unique donors from 20 different states, according to the candidates or their campaigns -- progress that coincides with what aides and sources describe as donation surges after the candidates rebuke the former president. At the same time, however, none of the candidates have seen their polling numbers jump in the same way, according to FiveThirtyEight. In Pence's case, his numbers have been dropping for more than a week even as he has shared some of his strongest criticism to date of his old boss. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a vocally anti-Trump Republican candidate who has already passed the donor threshold and has polled high enough to make the debate, also has seen certain bumps in fundraising after earned media hits, according to his campaign. Many of those appearances hit directly at Trump. PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former Texas Congressman Will Hurd speaks to guests at the Republican Party of Iowa 2023 Lincoln Dinner, July 28, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) According to a polling average by FiveThirtyEight, Pence was at 4.9% in an aggregation of national surveys as of Thursday while Hutchinson was at 0.8% and Hurd was at 0.2%. Christie was at 1.8%. Trump, by contrast, maintains an enormous national lead in early primary surveys and was at 53.3% on Thursday. He has repeatedly dismissed other Republicans who attack him, as when he claimed Christie was a "failed" governor and candidate. They're polling at zero, many of these guys, Trump told Fox News in June of his opponents. Story continues MORE: Pence says 'crackpot lawyers' told Trump what he wanted to hear At the Lincoln Dinner in Iowa last week, Hurd was booed off the Des Moines stage for publicly lashing out at Trump over Trump's mounting legal challenges, including three indictments. (Trump denies wrongdoing in each). Hurd said that he was expecting the indignation, but his campaign said that after the viral remarks he gained a significant amount of traction. PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate and former Vice President Mike Pence greets guests before speaking during a stop at the Indiana State Fair, Aug. 2, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Darron Cummings/AP) Donor intensity has increased, voter engagement and grassroots interest has seen a major uptick, and a number of our internal campaign metrics have substantially improved, a campaign spokesperson said. Pence also appeared to gain financial momentum this week as he took on his former running mate more directly, in the wake of Trump's third indictment, related to Jan. 6 and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The Pence campaign on Thursday began offering "Too Honest" merchandise -- referencing how Trump has described him, according to the indictment -- and Pence's campaign said the merchandise could put him over the 40,000-donor mark required to make the debate stage. According to the new indictment, Trump berated" Pence in a New Year's Day phone call in 2021 and told him, "You're too honest," after Pence said he didn't have a constitutional basis to return or reject electoral votes in his role as president of the Senate. More than 7,400 individuals donated to Pence online on Wednesday, the same day he passed the 30,000-donor mark, coinciding with the former vice president offering some of sharpest condemnation yet of his former boss. PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson speaks to guests at the Republican Party of Iowa 2023 Lincoln Dinner, July 28, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) That same day, Pence told reporters at the Indiana State Fair: "The president was surrounded by a group of crackpot lawyers that kept telling him what his itching ears wanted to hear. And while I made my case to him, with what I understood my oath of the Constitution to require, the president ultimately continued to demand that I choose him over the Constitution." Pence has already met the RNC polling criteria required for entrance on the debate stage. MORE: Chris Christie booed at Faith and Freedom Conference after criticizing Trump Hutchinson has likewise seen measurable increases in small dollar donations when he is critical of the former president, according to a source close to his campaign, noting that there are significant upticks in donations when he appears on CNN. PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie addresses a gathering during a campaign event at V.F.W. Post 1631, July 24, 2023, in Concord, N.H. (Charles Krupa/AP) Hutchinson -- who has loudly rebuked Trump, like Hurd and Christie -- has said he met the polling criteria to get on the debate but has a long ways to go getting donors before candidates hit the stage in three weeks. Just yesterday, we had 900 brand-new donors to our campaign. That's a lot in my book. And so, let's continue this so we make the debate stage. We need your help in that, Hutchinson said in New Hampshire on Wednesday. ABC News' Libby Cathey contributed to this report. Anti-Trump Republican candidates say they see donor bumps when they attack him originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Kyrgyzstan Says Border With Tajikistan Can Reopen 'Gradually' After Delimitation Work By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, RFE/RL's Tajik Service August 04, 2023 BATKEN, Kyrgyzstan -- Authorities in Kyrgyzstan's southern region of Batken say the border with Tajikistan, shut down more than two years ago following a deadly standoff, can "gradually reopen" after delimitation and demarcation work between the two Central Asian nations is fully accomplished. The Batken regional administration said on August 3 that border issues had been discussed last month by officials of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, adding that the issues of security and safety in areas close to the three nations' borders were the main focus. The statement came hours after Rajabboi Ahmadzoda, the governor of Tajikistan's Sughd region bordering Batken, said he and his Batken counterpart, Abdikarim Alimbaev, had reached an agreement at talks last month in the Kyrgyz resort town of Cholpon-Ata to reopen the Tajik-Kyrgyz border for residents of the areas close to the border and vendors. Kyrgyzstan closed the border in spring 2021 after an armed conflict along a disputed segment of the border left 36 Kyrgyz nationals, including two children, dead and 154 injured on the Kyrgyz side of the border. Tajik authorities officially said at the time that 19 Tajik citizens were killed and 87 injured at the time. In all, the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is 972 kilometers, of which 664 kilometers have been agreed upon, while the rest remain disputed. Many border areas in Central Asian former Soviet republics have been disputed since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The situation is particularly complicated near the numerous exclaves in the volatile Ferghana Valley, where the borders of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan meet. Tensions in those areas have led to clashes between local residents and border guards of the three countries. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-border- delimitation/32534256.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 Moscow: Intervention in Niger Should Be Avoided Sputnik News 20230804 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Intervention in Niger where rebels came to power after having ousted President Mohamed Bazoum should be avoided, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Friday. Earlier in the week, Bazoum said in an op-ed of an American newspaper that he has been taken hostage by the military takeover in the country and called on the US and international community to help restore constitutional order. "Intervention [in Niger] should be avoided. They should resolve their issues on their own," the source stressed, answering the question whether Moscow considers Bazoum's remarks as a call for foreign intervention. The situation with military takeover in Niger is the country's domestic affair, the source added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nigerien President Bazoum in Op-Ed Says He's Been 'Taken Hostage' Sputnik News 20230804 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, said in an op-ed for American media that he has been taken hostage by the military coup in the country and called on the US and international community to help restore constitutional order. "I write this as a hostage," Bazoum said on Thursday. "Niger is under attack from a military junta that is trying to overthrow our democracy, and I am just one of hundreds of citizens who have been arbitrarily and illegally imprisoned." Bazoum further said the military coup has no justification, and if it succeeds, it will have devastating consequences for Niger, the region, and the entire world. The president of Niger called on the US government and the entire international community to help the country restore constitutional order. He claims the coup plotters falsely claim they acted to protect Niger's security. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday that the United States believes there is still some time to resolve the situation in Niger through diplomacy. Rebels in Power Denounce Military Pacts With France Rebels in Niger who came to power after ousting Bazoum have since reportedly denounced several military pacts with France. "Faced with France's careless attitude and its reaction to the situation [in Niger], the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland decided to scrap the cooperation agreements in the field of security and defence with this state," French media reported, quoting one of the rebels reading out a statement in a televised appearance on a national broadcaster. Rebels have also allegedly vowed to respond "immediately" to any "aggression" by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). "Any aggression or attempted aggression against the State of Niger will see an immediate and unannounced response from the Niger Defence and Security Forces on one of [ECOWAS'] members, with the exception of suspended friendly countries," the media quoted one of the rebels as saying. The leaders of the coup in Niger have also ended the mandates of the country's ambassadors to France, Nigeria, Togo and the United States. "The functions of the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Niger to France, Nigeria, Togo and the United States are terminated," the statement said. Bazoum was removed from power by Niger's presidential guard on July 26. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has proclaimed himself the country's new leader. The new Nigerien authorities urged people to protest against France, which had exercised colonial rule over Niger for more than 60 years, and ECOWAS, citing the possibility of their forces' intrusion into the country. The concerns of the coup participants increased last Sunday after ECOWAS said it might use force if Bazoum was not returned to power within a week. 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.. Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Signing Ceremony with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, D.C. August 4, 2023 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. It's a - please, be seated. It's a great pleasure, Prime Minister, to receive you here. The United States and Mongolia are very close third neighbors. We have a shared commitment to democracy. We have a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and a shared commitment to deepen and strengthen even more the partnership between our countries. And that's going to be evidenced very shortly by the signing of an Open Skies Agreement between us which will facilitate even more people-to-people exchanges, having more visitors, having more tourists, more students, more business leaders go back and forth - and, but as well, the economic roadmap that we'll be signing, which will, I think, strengthen even more our trade and investment relationship, including on the clean energy transition, including on things like critical minerals. So we couldn't be more grateful, Prime Minister, to have you here today. I know what a good meeting you had with Vice President Harris yesterday, and we really welcome you to the State Department. PRIME MINISTER OYUN-ERDENE: Thank you for welcoming me and my delegations. We truly enjoyed to now (inaudible) coming up, so thank you for taking the time. So I really enjoyed coming to meet the Vice President. It was very constructive and frank discussions. I was (inaudible). Thank you. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. MODERATOR: Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Batmunkh are now signing the Economic Cooperation Roadmap for the strategic Third Neighbor Partnership between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the United States of America. (The agreement was signed.) Secretary Blinken and Transport Minister Byambatsogt are now SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. MODERATOR: Secretary Blinken and Transport Minister Byambatsogt are now signing the U.S.-Mongolia Air Transport Agreement. (The agreement was signed.) SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement Condemning Atrocities in Darfur Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) statement condemning the atrocities in Darfur, Sudan 4 August 2023 The Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing violence in Darfur, especially reports of killings based on ethnicity and widespread sexual violence by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias. We call on all parties to immediately cease attacks and prevent the further spread of fighting. Those responsible must be held to account. Full access to conflict-affected areas must be granted so that abuses can be properly investigated and so that life-saving humanitarian aid can reach survivors who urgently need it. We are gravely concerned about reports of a military build-up near El Fasher, North Darfur, and Nyala, South Darfur, where further violence will put more civilians at risk. The expansion of the needless and ruinous conflict between RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to Darfur has caused incalculable human suffering. Those responsible for any atrocities against civilians, especially those including Conflict Related Sexual Violence and the targeting of humanitarian relief actors, medical personnel, and other service providers, must be held to account. We remind the parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law related to the protection of civilians. We call on all parties to the conflict to enable humanitarian access in Darfur and throughout the country. The SAF and the RSF must silence their guns and find a negotiated exit from the conflict they started. The security forces must relinquish their hold on power to a civilian transitional government that fulfils the Sudanese people's aspirations for freedom, peace, and justice. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban's remarks on the situation of children in Sudan, at the Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General UNICEF As prepared for delivery 04 August 2023 NEW YORK, 4 August 2023 "Good afternoon. Last week I was in Sudan, a country I have visited many times over the past 25 years, a country I lived in 18 years ago, and a country where children have consistently borne the brunt of recurring violence, upheaval and displacement. "It is no exaggeration to say that the situation facing children in Sudan today is unprecedented. Before the war erupted on 15 April, Sudan was already grappling with a humanitarian crisis. Now, more than 110 days of brutal fighting have turned the crisis into a catastrophe, threatening the lives and futures of a generation of children and young people- who make up over 70 per cent of the population. "The numbers are staggering. Almost 14 million children - a number roughly equivalent to every single child in Colombia, France, Germany, or Thailand - are in dire need of humanitarian support. 1 out of every 2 children in Sudan are now facing unimaginable challenges to their safety and well-being. Every single day. "1.7 million children have been driven from their homes - parents are making the impossible choice to uproot their children and leave behind everything they have ever known - and are now on the move within Sudan or crossing its borders, vulnerable to hunger, disease, violence, and separation from their families. This number is in addition to the 1.9 million children who were displaced within Sudan prior to this latest crisis. "At least 435 children have been reported killed in the conflict, and at least 2,025 children injured. That is an average of one child killed or injured every hour since the war began. We know that this is an underestimate, and the true toll is likely to be far higher. I saw the consequences of the atrocities committed against children and women during the darkest days of the Darfur conflict, 18 years ago. I am deeply concerned that we are witnessing a repetition of these terrible days. "The ramifications of this crisis also extend beyond Sudan's borders, directly impacting countries like Chad, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, and the regional and global implications are significant. "The impact of this crisis is shown in the faces and stories of the children, parents and grandparents I met whilst in Sudan and Adre, a village on the Chad-Sudan border, which is now hosting hundreds of thousands of women and children who have fled West Darfur in search of safety. "I spoke to a woman named Fatma in Adre. She had come across from Geneina into Chad with her three children and spoke of going through 11 checkpoints to get there, each requiring a bribe to get through with the constant fear of gender-based violence. Children coming dehydrated, malnourished, arriving in a weakened state, many on the verge of death. In Attbara, north of Khartoum, I spoke to an 11-year-old boy who described his harrowing journey getting out of Khartoum, witnessing the horrors of the war and missing his friends, his home and everything he left behind. "Each and every day, children are being killed, injured, abducted, and seeing the schools, depend on damaged, destroyed or looted. We have received reports of abductions, recruitment of children into armed groups, ethnically targeted violence, and gender-based violence against women and girls. Three million children under five are malnourished with 700,000 at risk of severe acute malnutrition and mortality. 1.7 million children under the age of one are at risk of missing critical vaccinations, raising the risk of disease outbreaks. In White Nile State, we have a lethal combination of acute watery diarrhoea, measles and malnutrition. Unless this is contained the consequences could be severe. "Amid the devastation of the conflict, it was inspiring to see the dedication of UNICEF and UN colleagues and our humanitarian partners and their determination to stay and deliver life-saving services for children and families. UNICEF, with partners, has reached over 3 million children and women with health supplies, 2.1 million people with safe drinking water, and 2 million children with screening for malnutritionof which approximately 107,000 have received life-saving treatment. In addition, almost 200,000 children and caregivers are benefitting from psycho-social counselling, learning, and protection support, as well as play activities and the chance to just be a child again, including through over 400 safe spaces established across the country. "To date, UNICEF delivered over 5,500 metric tons of lifesaving supplies across Sudan, including in hotspot areas in Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum. However, while fighting continues, needs will only increase, with many vulnerable communities remaining out of reach of humanitarian support. Over the next 100 days, UNICEF urgently needs US$400 million to sustain and scale its crisis response to support the most vulnerable children. "We cannot accept the toll this war is taking on Sudan's children, their families. We remember the outrage when the Darfur crisis was at its utmost horror. We cannot go back to that situation. So, our message to the parties to the conflict is clear. Stop the fighting and commit to a durable cessation of hostilities. All parties must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect civilians - including preventing and ending grave violations against children. All parties should ensure the humanitarian community can safely reach children and families in need by respecting humanitarian workers and their premises, removing bureaucratic and administrative barriers and facilitating access. "We hope the talks in Jeddah and other negotiation processes can urgently make progress in this regard. "Thank you." ##### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. 4th Fleet Announces Continuing Promise 2023 Deployment US Navy 04 August 2023 From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs The U.S. Navy expeditionary fast transport USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) will deploy to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations over the next two months as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet's Continuing Promise 2023 mission. Detailed planning has wrapped up for the Burlington to visit Panama, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada. During these mission stops, Continuing Promise medical teams will focus on working alongside partner nation medical personnel to provide care in community clinics to increase medical readiness, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the combined capabilities of the U.S. Navy and partner nations to respond to public health disasters and humanitarian crises. "The Continuing Promise mission reflects our enduring commitment to the region as we work collaboratively with our friends to ensure a secure, free, and prosperous hemisphere," said Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. "Continuing Promise 2023 allows us to work together with our friends in partner nations to improve lives." The Burlington will bring a medical engagement team to each mission stop to provide some direct patient care in community clinics and through host nation medical facilities. The team includes veterinarians who will work with animals in the host nation, biomedical technicians, Navy Seabees who will conduct small engineering projects, and the U.S. Fleet Forces Navy Band Detachment, which will entertain people through school visits and concerts. Cmdr. Charles Castevens will serve as the Continuing Promise 2023 Mission Commander. "This is an ideal opportunity for us to make a difference in four partner nations," said Castevens. "Continuing Promise 2023 will strengthen partnerships and positively impact the people we come into contact with," he said. Continuing Promise 2023 will also include training and subject matter expert exchanges on various medical and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief topics, and leading seminars on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). WPS is a United Nations initiative that started with UNSCR 1325 signed in 2000. It was a public acknowledgement that women are more adversely impacted by conflict and crisis, and that including women in security planning will lead to a more peaceful world. The Department of Defense (DoD) signed the WPS Implementation Plan in 2020. It outlines defense objectives and goals that the DoD will strive to achieve in order to move the bar toward full WPS implementation. U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet are dedicated to WPS and the promotion of gendered perspectives. Continuing Promise 2023 marks the 13th mission to the region since 2007 and the first involving USNS Burlington. The mission will also foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-government organizations, and international organizations. The USNS Burlington is an Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), a shallow draft, all aluminum, commercial-based catamaran capable of regional transport of personnel and cargo lift, providing combatant commanders high-speed sealift mobility with inherent cargo handling capability and agility to achieve positional advantage over operational distances. The Burlington will bring the personnel, equipment and supplies necessary to conduct the Continuing Promise mission. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Nuclear-Powered Submarine Visits Western Australia, First Since AUKUS Announcement US Navy 04 August 2023 ROCKINGHAM, Western Australia (Aug. 4, 2023) -- USS North Carolina (SSN 777) docked at HMAS Stirling, a naval base in Western Australia, today following participation in Talisman Sabre 2023. This marks the first visit by a Virginia-class submarine to the country since the leaders' announcement of the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) Optimal Pathway. Initially announced in September 2021, the AUKUS partnership is designed to bolster the security and defense capabilities of the three nations and promote security in the Indo-Pacific region. "North Carolina's presence in HMAS Stirling is an example of the United States' full commitment to the AUKUS partnership starting with a promised increase in SSN port visits to Australia in 2023," said Mr. Abe Denmark, Senior Advisor for AUKUS to the Secretary of Defense. "These port visits are an essential step for Australia to build the necessary operational capabilities and skills to steward and operate its own fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines." The Optimal Pathway is a phased approach that represents an ambitious plan to provide Australia with a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability at the earliest possible date while ensuring Australia's capacity to safely operate, maintain and regulate this technology, and setting the highest standards for nuclear non-proliferation. Phase One includes increased SSN port visits aimed to expand Australia's knowledge of SSNs ahead of establishing Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-W) as early as 2027. SRF-W will start a rotational presence of up to four Virginia-class submarines (US), and one United Kingdom Astute class submarine at HMAS Stirling. Phase Two begins in the early 2030s, pending approval from the U.S. Congress, with the United States selling Australia three Virginia class submarines, with the potential to sell up to two more if needed. Phase Three sees the combination of a base British submarine design and advanced United States technology to deliver SSN-AUKUS, the future attack submarine for both Australia and the United Kingdom. Australia plans to deliver the first Australian-built SSN-AUKUS in the early 2040s. "Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States share a long history of security cooperation around the world," said Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, Commander, Submarine Group (CSG) 7. "I am impressed every day by our ability to work together seamlessly during undersea warfare training and operations." CSG 7 directs forward-deployed, combat-capable forces across the full spectrum of undersea warfare throughout the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address West African Military Chiefs Draw Up Intervention Plan as Niger Talks Falter By VOA News August 04, 2023 West African defense chiefs have drawn up a plan for a possible military intervention in Niger if that country's military coup is not reversed by a Sunday deadline and President Mohamed Bazoum is not released and reinstated. "All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out here, including the resources needed, the how and when we are going to deploy the force," Abdel-Fatau Musah, Economic Community of West African States commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said Friday. Several ECOWAS military chiefs convened from Wednesday to Friday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to discuss the political crisis in neighboring Niger. A separate diplomatic delegation that arrived in Niger's capital, Niamey, on Thursday ended up leaving without meeting junta chief General Abdourahamane Tchiani or Bazoum. The leaders of the attempted coup have shown no sign of backing down, warning that the ECOWAS threat of force would be met with force. The warning came with an exception to "suspended friendly countries" a reference to Burkina Faso and Mali, two countries that have fallen to military coups in recent years. Late Thursday, junta spokesperson Amadou Abdramane read a decision on national television ending bilateral military agreements with France, Niger's former colonial ruler. France has about 1,500 soldiers in the country focused on counterterror operations. Abdramane also announced the dismissal of the Bazoum government's ambassadors to France, the United States, Togo and neighboring Nigeria, which is leading dialogue efforts by ECOWAS. The coup has been widely condemned by the African Union, Western governments and the United Nations. U.S. President Joe Biden called Thursday for Bazoum's immediate release, adding that Niger is "facing a grave challenge to its democracy." The U.S. paused some aid programs that benefited the government of Niger, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday in a statement. But he said humanitarian and food aid would continue. "As we have made clear since the outset of this situation, the provision of U.S. assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order," Blinken said in the statement. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told VOA on Friday that the coup was "an unacceptable action by the military, and we have to work together with the region to try to push back on this." She said the U.S. was in the process of "removing some American citizens in an ordered departure" from Niger. "But our embassy remains open," she added. "Our diplomatic contacts with the various parties, including with President Bazoum, continue in Niger." Bazoum, who has been under house arrest with his family since July 26, described himself in a Washington Post column Thursday as a "hostage," and warned that if the mutiny proved successful, "it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world." He called on "the U.S. government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order." On Monday, Tchiani, the former head of Niger's presidential guard, declared himself the new leader, saying the move was necessary because of insecurity in the country caused by an Islamist insurgency. But violent incidents in Niger actually decreased by almost 40% in the first six months of 2023 compared with the previous six months, according to data published Thursday by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. The project is a crisis-monitoring group in the United States. Its data also indicate that insecurity in Niger was improving because of strategies of Bazoum's government and assistance from French and U.S. forces. The United States has about 1,100 military personnel in Niger. U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A federal judge has asked Rudy Giuliani to clarify his seemingly incongruous and certainly puzzling caveats in a recent filing in which he appears to admit he made false and defamatory statements about two Georgia election workers in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. But Mr Giuliani and his attorney have argued that the extremely carefully worded filing which attempts to move the case along to avoid revealing more evidence is not an admission. He concedes solely for the purposes of this litigation that he made false statements about Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss that carry meaning that is defamatory per se, according to the filing on 26 July. US District Judge Beryl Howell, however, wants to know precisely what hes admitting to. In their testimony to the House select committee investigating the events surrounding the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, Ms Freeman and Ms Moss revealed the depth of abuse they endured, forcing them from their jobs and making them feel unsafe after the former president and Mr Giuliani promoted debunked conspiracy theories involving them. Those claims also are included in a federal indictment accusing Donald Trump of three criminal conspiracies and obstruction surrounding his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. One of the six unnamed co-conspirators in the indictment is believed to be Mr Giuliani. During a committee hearing in Georgias House of Representatives on 10 December 2020, Mr Giuliani baselessly accused the women of quite obviously surreptitiously passing around USB ports as if they are vials of heroin or cocaine and suggested that they were criminals whose places of work, their homes, should have been searched for evidence of ballots, for evidence of USB ports, for evidence of voter fraud, according to the indictment. Prosecutors added that women received numerous death threats after the hearing. They later filed a defamation suit against Mr Giuliani as well as right-wing outlet One American News Network, which settled with the women last year. Story continues A report from Georgias State Election Board following a year-long investigation also dismissed bogus claims of election fraud and cleared the allegations against the women. The fraud claims were unsubstantiated and found to have no merit, the investigation concluded. A late-night federal court filing from Mr Giulianis attorneys on 25 July states that he concedes solely for the purposes of this litigation that he made false statements about Ms Freeman and Ms Moss, published those statements to third parties, and that they carry meaning that is defamatory per se. The filing also concedes that his statements meet the factual elements of liability for their claims that amounted to intentional infliction of emotional distress. In a video after the filing, he added: I have not admitted that I lied, at any point. I havent. Judge Howells latest filing orders Mr Giuliani to try again without the legalese. Given the seemingly incongruous and certainly puzzling caveats contained in the Giuliani Stipulation, plaintiffs counsel recounts efforts to obtain clarification from defendant Giulianis counsel, the order states. He must submit another filing by 8 August that concedes all factual allegations of the case against him as to his liability for plaintiffs defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil conspiracy claims, and his liability as to plaintiffs claim for punitive damages. The judge also notes that Mr Giuliani may concede that entry of default judgment on liability is appropriate in this case. Mr Giuliani must appear in court on 15 August if he does not file another stipulation. The Independent has requested comment from a spokesperson for Mr Giuliani. US Envoy: Some Americans Leaving Niger, Embassy Remains Open By Margaret Besheer August 04, 2023 The United States took over the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday for the month of August. The Biden administration has used the opportunity to draw attention to global food insecurity, particularly how conflict is a major driver of hunger. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield spoke Friday to VOA about how Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative have impacted international food security. She also discussed U.S. concerns about the attempted military coup in Niger, relations with China at the U.N., and other priority issues for the United States. The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. VOA: This is your third time sitting in the Security Council chair as president and the third time you've used this opportunity to focus on global food insecurity. So, tell us what you hope to achieve drawing the council's attention to this issue, and how it could make a positive difference on the ground. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations: This has been a priority for the administration. It has been a priority for me since I arrived here in New York. And as you know, this is the third time that I will be focusing on this issue. It has gotten worse. It has gotten worse because of Russia's unprovoked war on Ukraine. More than 170 million people have been impacted by conflict, and the conflict that we see in Russia is certainly contributing to that. So, we are focusing on the issue of food being used as a weapon of war. And there is no better example of that no worse example of that than what Russia is doing as it relates to Ukrainian grain being allowed to get into the market to reach the people in Africa, in the Middle East, elsewhere in the world who are dependent on grain coming out of Ukraine. VOA: On the grain, is a return to the Black Sea grain deal, is that even possible now after Russia has spent the last couple of weeks bombing infrastructure at multiple Ukrainian ports? Thomas-Greenfield: Russia's bombing of Ukrainian ports and infrastructure is unacceptable, and of course is making the situation even worse. But I know that [U.N.] Secretary-General [Antonio] Guterres and OCHA [the U.N. office of humanitarian affairs] are continuing to attempt to bring the Russians back into the grain deal. The government of Turkey has also been engaged with the Russians to urge them to come back into this deal. Other countries in the world have issued statements urging Russia to come back into the deal. So, we remain guardedly hopeful, but in the meantime, the impact of this on the world's market is really, really devastating. VOA: What are you hearing from some of your counterparts here at the U.N. about that, from other countries, especially in the Global South? Thomas-Greenfield: Well, we had a Security Council high-level meeting yesterday, where countries from all over the world, including many countries from the Global South, spoke. They all called on Russia to return to the grain deal. They expressed their concerns about the impact this is having on food supplies around the world, and I think the Russians heard the message loudly and clearly that they need to return to this deal. But this is not the only place where Russia has had such a devastating impact on the humanitarian situation. Just look at the situation on the border with Turkey and Syria, where Russia vetoed the resolution that would have allowed for the continuation of needed humanitarian assistance to reach the Syrian people across the border. VOA: Speaking of Russia, there's a bit of breaking news today from Moscow. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to a further 19 years in prison on extremism charges. Your reaction? Thomas-Greenfield: Sad but not surprised. It is clear that the Russian government, that Putin, that this authoritarian government, will use any means to restrict the voices of the opposition, restrict the voices of criticism. Navalny represents that. He is being held in an unacceptable way. He should not have been in this court system, and we condemn the actions of the Russian government as it relates to him. VOA: Moving to another council member there's been a lot of talk and analysis about U.S.-China relations recently. How would you characterize U.S.-China relations here at the United Nations, and are there any areas where you've been able to cooperate? Thomas-Greenfield: We sit on the Security Council together. We are both permanent members of the Security Council; we're part of the P5 [P5 is a nickname for the five permanent members of the Security Council]. We do work together on issues of mutual interests, and there are issues where we have differences. And certainly, we have significant differences as it relates to Russia's unprovoked war in Ukraine. We have differences on how we should respond to the DPRK [North Korea] threats. But there are areas where we're working together with them. We were able to get a resolution on BINUH [the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti] this is the Haiti resolution passed and will hopefully be able to work again with them on Haiti. VOA: Niger: The ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] deadline for the military to reverse the coup and restore President [Mohamed] Bazoum is quickly approaching, but the military seems to be doubling down in the face of possible ECOWAS action. So how worried is Washington that this crisis could rapidly evolve into a regional conflict? Thomas-Greenfield: We have been very, very clear in our support for ECOWAS, for ECOWAS's statements, for ECOWAS's involvement in trying to find a solution. They have called for the military to step aside to restore President Bazoum, who was democratically elected. We support the president, and we continue to support the Nigerien people. This is an unacceptable action by the military, and we have to work together with the region to try to push back on this. VOA: And have nonessential U.S. personnel and their families begun departing Niger? Thomas-Greenfield: We are in the process of removing some American citizens in an ordered departure. But our embassy remains open. Our diplomatic contacts with the various parties, including with President Bazoum, continues in Niger. VOA: Have you spoken to your colleague [Nigerien] Ambassador [Yaou] Bakary here? Because I know today the military has fired some ambassadors, including the ambassador to Washington. Thomas-Greenfield: I have been in touch with him. I spoke to him early on, when the situation started, and I've stayed in contact with him. I've also spoken with President Bazoum. VOA: And finally, Ambassador, I just wanted to ask you about Afghanistan. You've been very outspoken about the Taliban's human rights record. They've not fulfilled many commitments to the international community. They are ignoring international calls to give women their rights, minorities, et cetera. So, is the U.S. considering any alternative approaches to encourage the Taliban to address these demands? Thomas-Greenfield: We are continuing to put pressure on them on issues related to human rights and the rights of women. We have not recognized this government, and we have been clear that we will not recognize them until they are until they behave in such a way to show that they deserve to be to be recognized. So, we're continuing to engage on this issue. We want to be clear to Afghan women and girls that we see no world where the women and girls of Afghanistan cannot be allowed to acquire education, to work, to pursue their dreams like women everywhere else in the world. VOA: Ambassador, before I let you go, anything else you would like to touch upon? Thomas-Greenfield: I'm looking forward to our month as president of the Security Council. We will be looking to bring before the council what is happening still in Sudan, and particularly, we have some concerns about the situation in Darfur, so you can look to the council having meetings on that in the coming days and weeks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Niger Coup Leaders Revoke Military Agreements, Talk Efforts Falter By VOA News August 04, 2023 Niger's military junta has revoked military cooperation agreements with France as a deadline to release and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bozoum looms and efforts by a West African delegation to meet with coup leaders faltered. Speaking on national television late Thursday, junta representative Amadou Abdramane read out the decision to end the military agreements with France, Niger's former colonial ruler. The junta also fired the previous government's ambassadors to France, the United States, Togo and neighboring Nigeria, which is leading efforts by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on dialogue. ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc, has given coup leaders until Sunday to reinstate Bozoum, warning that it could resort to military intervention as a last resort. Junta leaders have responded in turn by saying that force would be met with force. In a statement that was also read on national television late Thursday, the junta said: "Any aggression or attempted aggression against the State of Niger will see an immediate and unannounced response from the Niger Defence and Security Forces on one of (the bloc's) members." The warning came with an exception to "suspended friendly countries," a reference to Burkina Faso and Mali, two countries that have fallen to military coups in recent years. Those countries' juntas have warned any military intervention in Niger would be tantamount to a "declaration of war" against them. ECOWAS has tried unsuccessfully in the past to stop coups and restore democracies and it is doing the same thing with Niger. A delegation that arrived in Niger's capital, Niamey, Thursday ended up leaving without meeting with coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani or Bazoum. Tchiani, the former head of Niger's presidential guard, ousted Bazoum last week in a military coup and declared himself head of state. Tchiani said the power grab was necessary because of ongoing insecurity in the country caused by an Islamist insurgency. But violent incidents in Niger actually decreased by almost 40% in the first six months of 2023 compared with the previous six months, according to data published Thursday by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. The project is a crisis-monitoring group based in the United States. Its data also indicate that insecurity in Niger was improving because of strategies of Bazoum's government and assistance from French and U.S. forces. U.S. President Joe Biden called Thursday for Bazoum's immediate release. He said in a statement that Niger is "facing a grave challenge to its democracy." The White House, which has stopped short of calling this a coup, said Thursday it is "going to continue to review all our options around our cooperation with the Nigerien government." National Security Council spokesman John Kirby refused to predict how the U.S. would react if the putschists ignore the deadline. "You saw ECOWAS come out yesterday and say that, in their view, any use of force would be a last resort," Kirby told reporters. "I think I'd let them speak to that eventuality and the parameters of it. Right now, we're focused on diplomacy. We still believe there's time and space for that." Military leaders put Bazoum under house arrest on July 26 and named Tchiani as their new leader on Monday. On Thursday, Bazoum, who has been held by the coup plotters with his family since his ouster, warned that if the putsch proved successful, "it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world." In a Washington Post column, he called on "the U.S. government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order." The coup has been condemned by Western countries, including the U.S., which says it stands with Nigeriens, ECOWAS and the African Union as they work to roll back the coup. The State Department said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Bazoum by telephone Wednesday to discuss the situation. Some information is from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 4, 2023 By C. Todd Lopez , DOD News Space Plays Larger Role in U.S. Southern Command's Mission An increasing interest in space by partner nations in South America may prove beneficial to the U.S. Southern Command mission there, said its commander. Recently, Army Gen. Laura Richardson, Southcom's commander, spent time with Bill Nelson, NASA's administrator, during his trip though South America. According to NASA, Nelson visited Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Four nations in Southcom are part of the NASA-led Artemis Accords a Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador. Globally, nearly 30 nations are now involved in the program, which, in part, aims to again put humans on the moon and, later, on Mars. Argentina signed on to the Artemis Accords during Nelson's most-recent visit, Richardson said, and Colombia signed on last year. She said those nations have robust space programs, and the U.S. is glad to partner with them on their efforts. "All of these countries have huge space programs," Richardson said during a discussion Friday with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "And having our NASA administrator be able to come there and talk about more collaboration, what NASA is doing, what they are doing, how can we collaborate better together ... we are only limited by the ideas that we come up with of how we can collaborate better together." China already has space capabilities in South America. The Defense Department describes China as a "pacing challenge" and strategic competitor. China's presence so close to the U.S. is a risk to U.S. security, and it's something Richardson said new partnerships like those forged through Artemis can push back on. "That's how we out-compete our adversaries ... like-minded democracies working together on collaborative ideas to make things happen," Richardson said. In Colombia, Richardson said, one of the top priorities of President Gustavo Petro is climate change. Partnerships in space can help that nation and others advance efforts related to climate, she said. "Space has a number of different things that are going on to help countries identify problems from space a with agriculture, for example," she said. "And, so, as you think of the drought corridor in this region a a 1,000-mile drought corridor a you're talking about food insecurity. How can we change that? How can we change disease in crops [and] identify it?" Deforestation is also impacting the Amazon rainforest, which she called "the lungs of the world." Those problems and others that present security challenges in Southcom a including illegal mining and illegal logging operations a can be identified from space, she said. And that information can be shared among partner nations in the region. Richardson also said that while in Colombia, Nelson offered to train a Colombian astronaut as part of NASA's international program, and, then, to put that astronaut into space. She said similar opportunities might also be available to other nations in Southcom that are part of the Artemis Accords program. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU imposes new sanctions on Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland Press releases, 4.8.2023 The European Union has imposed new sanctions on Belarus in response to the deteriorating internal situation in Belarus and to the country's involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The EU Member States approved further sanctions against Belarus on 3 August 2023. The decision harmonises the EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus to prevent circumvention of sanctions against Russia. The EU also imposed sanctions on additional individuals and entities. The EU decided to prohibit the sale, supply, transfer or export of firearms to Belarus. It imposed further export restrictions on dual-use goods and technology, including semiconductor devices, electronic integrated circuits and optical components. The EU also extended the export ban on aviation and the space industry to include aircraft engines and their parts, among other goods and technology. The EU imposed sanctions on Belarus for the first time in 2004. The sanctions list includes both individuals and entities. Other EU restrictions in force against Belarus include the ban on arms exports, the ban on Belarusian air carriers from landing in, taking off from or overflying the territory of the EU and the sectoral sanctions imposed in March 2022. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MFA statement Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland 04.08.2023 On 4 August, the Polish Embassy in Minsk provided the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus with detailed information that irrefutably confirms the fact that on 1 August 2023 two Belarusian military helicopters violated Polish airspace. The presented data contradict the position of the Republic of Belarus as expressed in the official statements from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defence. We call on the Belarusian side to urgently look into the incident, review its position on this matter, and cease all provocations at the Polish-Belarusian border. MFA Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Resolution of barley dispute with China Australia - Minister for Foreign Affairs Joint media release with: Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister for Emergency Management 04 August 2023 Today the Australian Government was notified that from tomorrow, China will remove the 80.5 per cent anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Australian barley. We welcome this outcome, which paves the way for our barley exporters to re-enter the Chinese market - benefiting Australian producers and Chinese consumers. It affirms the calm and consistent approach that the Albanese Government has taken. Since May 2020, China's duties on Australian barley have effectively blocked exports to that market, worth about $916 million in 2018-19. The removal of duties is the result of work by government and industry to resolve this matter. We acknowledge and thank industry and affected businesses for their support and patience throughout the World Trade Organization (WTO) process. In April this year, Australia announced a pathway agreed with China to temporarily suspend our WTO dispute while China conducted an expedited review of the measures. The removal of these duties means that Australia will now discontinue legal proceedings at the WTO. This outcome demonstrates the importance of the WTO dispute mechanism in defending the interests of Australia's world-class producers and farmers. We have been clear that we expect a similar process to be followed to remove the duties on Australian wine. In the meantime, we are continuing to pursue our wine dispute at the WTO and remain confident in a positive outcome. The Australian Government's approach has been to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest. The outcome on barley reflects that approach. We will continue to press for all trade impediments affecting Australian exports to be removed, which is in the interests of both Australia and China. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's decision on Australian barley tariffs 'conducive' to bilateral trade; Canberra urged to be 'pragmatic' Global Times Canberra urged to consolidate positive momentum amid thawing bilateral relations: experts By GT staff reporters Published: Aug 04, 2023 03:22 PM China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Friday announced to end anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on barley imported from Australia starting from Saturday after the change in China's barley market has made it unnecessary for these duties. MOFCOM imposed a 73.6 percent anti-dumping duty and a 6.9 percent countervailing duty on imported barley originating from Australia for a five-year period in May 2020, according to the MOFCOM statement. The ministry decided to review the necessity for whether to continue imposing the duties at the request of the China Alcoholic Drinks Associations in April. MOFCOM ruled that the continued imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of Australian barley was no longer necessary in light of the changing conditions in the Chinese barley market. Experts said the move will further improve the China-Australia relations amid thawing ties which will consolidate and strengthen the bilateral trade and economic exchanges, while expecting the momentum to further last in various sectors. The suspension of the duties will be conducive to push the China-Australia relations back on the track while boosting their sustainable development, as China remains Australia's largest trading partner, Song Wei, a professor at the school of international relations and diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Friday. Song said China attaches great importance to the bilateral exchanges under the scope of promoting the regional cooperation, noting China has been playing a vital and irreplaceable role for Australia's exports which majorly include agricultural products and minerals. At present, China-Australia economic and trade relations are facing an important window period, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian told the Global Times in an exclusive interview in May. Since the imposition of the duties, the market demand from China for barley has been growing steadily with a huge potential from major downstream sectors such as beer brewing and production for feedstuffs. The supply of domestic barley is not capable of meeting the surging demand while the imported barley still remains the major supply source for related downstream merchants, according to the MOFCOM statement. Meanwhile, the global supply and trade of barley has been affected by various uncertainties, resulting in a tightening international supply, said MOFCOM. Ending the duties will have a positive impact on downstream industry players and consumers which also meets the public interests, as the reduction in barley procurement channels and increasing risks for securing a stable and diversified domestic barley supply burdened additional operating costs for downstream businesses, read the statement. Australia remained China's largest source for barley in 2019. In 2020, China imported 1.49 million tons of barley from Australia, accounting for 18.46 percent of the total barley imports that year. After the imposition of the duties, China's barley imports from Australia have been gradually declining, according to official data. The end of the duties on Australian barley will offer more high-quality beer for Chinese manufactures and consumers amid the rising market demand, while Australia still needs to rely on China's ever-expanding market for a promising future for other sectors as well, Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies and director of the Australian Studies Centre at East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Friday. The trade cooperation between China and Australia has been boosted with more unleashed potential under the closer ties. In March, 2023, the Global Times learned that the Australian cotton sales to China started increasing, while Chinese steel companies began resuming coal imports from Australia in January. The trade of Australian timber and lobster also saw fresh signs of trade recovery earlier this year. Chen meanwhile noted that China has conducted the review and implemented decisions based on its own pace, as Australia was urged to give a full trust in China rather than imposing the demand. He noted that China made the adjustment aligning with the actual market changes, and the previous imposition on the duties was made on evidence-based facts. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said on Friday that China's decision was a "positive step in the full resumption of normal trade," according to news.com.au. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also noted that "this is the right outcome for Chinese consumers and Australian producers." Farrell said earlier that Australia expects to hear news within days on China's four-month review of the punitive tariffs on Australian barley exports, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. With just over a week to go until August 11 "deadline," Farrell said in an interview that there was "goodwill" between China and Australia, and he was hopeful of a positive outcome from Beijing, per the report. Australia should not be entangled in the end for whether the reviewing period is three months or four months as it is determined by the legal investigation procedure rather than human factors, Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Friday. Amid the thawing bilateral relations, experts also urged Australia to continue the positive momentum with practical practices and strategic determination rather than following the US and taking a side. Song noted that recently Australia has followed the US in making some public political stances by choosing a side or speculative indications, which is not beneficial for the continued development of China-Australia relationship. China has maintained sincerity to promote the cooperation with Australia, aiming to also boost the regional cooperation and development especially in the Asia Pacific, she said, urging Australia to implement practices for progressing the bilateral relationships with a pragmatic view. Chen echoed with Song, hoping the Australian government to deal with domestic discordant voices with adequate political wisdom and strategic determination. The trade between China and Australia in the first half of 2023 reached $116.16 billion, a year-on-year increase of 8.6 percent, data from Chinese customs showed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Experts urge New Zealand to remain clear-headed on China after release of security strategy Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Aug 04, 2023 10:07 PM New Zealand on Friday released its new defense and national security strategy, which Chinese experts said echoes the US strategy toward China. They remind the New Zealand government to remain clear-headed and vigilant against some domestic hawkish politicians who push for a tougher China stance to divert the current positive China-New Zealand relations onto a more dangerous path. The New Zealand government on Friday presented its first national security strategy, along with the first stage of a defense review. The review outlined how New Zealand will increase its military expenditure to address challenges and priorities in defending the country in the coming decades, according to the New Zealand Herald. Chen Hong, professor and director of the New Zealand Studies Centre at East China Normal University, saw the security strategy from New Zealand as echoing the US' strategy toward China. However, its depiction of New Zealand's relations with China is somewhat ambivalent and ambiguous, which betrays Wellington's reluctance to choose sides between the US and China, Chen told the Global Times. The strategy document outlined China's challenges but at the same time highlighted China's important role to New Zealand. It said "the relationship with China is significant for New Zealand, and its cooperation will continue to be essential in addressing many global challenges. At the same time, the Chinese government's assertive pursuit of its strategic objectives is the major driver for the new era of strategic competition among states." Yu Lei, chief research fellow at the Research Center for Pacific Island Countries of Liaocheng University, attributed the ambiguity of the new strategy to the strategic difficulties facing New Zealand and poor economic performance domestically, so Yu expects to see generally stable relations between China and New Zealand, though it might suffer a short period of fluctuation. The document claims that the "Chinese Government in particular has sought to grow its political, economic, and security influence in the Pacific at the expense of more traditional partners such as New Zealand and Australia." Chen said China's cooperation with Pacific Island countries is open to any third party for the purpose of improving local economic development. He refuted the untenable allegations that China is sacrificing the interests of New Zealand and Australia. Chinese experts said China-New Zealand ties have remained stable and positive in general, especially after the just finished visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to China in June, which he described as fruitful. Chinese experts are urging Wellington to keep a clear head and make judicious decisions when handling its relations with China. The currently positive relationship between the two countries should not be risked for the sake of the US' anti-China strategy. New Zealand is advised to remain vigilant for some hawkish politicians pushing for a tougher China stance, in particular against the backdrop of impending national parliamentary elections in October. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hostile forces hyping up China-Italy BRI cooperation goes against history trend: Chinese FM Global Times By Global Times Published: Aug 04, 2023 12:10 PM Some hostile forces continue to maliciously hype up the cooperation between China and Italy under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which goes against the trend of history and will benefit no one, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday in response to media reports on the bilateral relations between China and Italy. China and Italy have made the right choice to jointly build the BRI cooperation based on historical and cultural origins as well as development needs. The signing of the BRI document has greatly stimulated the enthusiasm and potential for bilateral cooperation, the spokesperson said. China and Italy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly advance the construction of the Belt and Road in March 2019. But recently, some media have reported speculation that Italy may not renew the China-Italy BRI MoU. Over the past five years, bilateral trade between China and Italy has increased by 42 percent, which reached nearly $80 billion in 2022. Italy has served as the country of honor of China International Import Expo and China International Consumer Products Expo, bringing many products into the Chinese market. The two countries have jointly built large cruise ships and carried out cooperation in third-party markets such as Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Italy has become the most popular destination for Chinese tourists in Europe, and its art exhibitions are widely welcomed in China, the spokesperson noted. Since China proposed the BRI in 2013, China has signed more than 200 BRI cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations.aThe BRI has stimulated nearly trillion dollars of investment, formed more than 3,000 cooperation projects, created 420,000 jobs for countries along the route, and lifted nearly 40 million people out of poverty. Facts have fully proved that building BRI cooperation meets the development needs of the world and the expectations of the international community, and has always maintained strong resilience and vitality. China is ready to work with relevant countries to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continue to make greater contributions to global sustainable development and exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. The James B. Distilling Co. just announced the release of the second bourbon in its Hardins Creek Kentucky Series, which is focused on highlighting the effects of maturation at different Beam warehouses on flavor. We got a first taste of this new whiskey called Frankfort, and its another one that bourbon fans will want to seek out. More from Robb Report Hardins Creek launched in 2022, and we reported on the first pair of whiskeys under this name as well as the first in the Kentucky Series called Clermont. The whiskey in the Frankfort expression is the same liquid that is in the first release and will be in the final release due out in September17-year-old bourbon produced at the James B. Distilling Co. (the home of Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Bookers, and more) that was brought to different locations in rural Kentucky an hour or so south of Louisville. The name of the bourbon indicates where it was maturedFrankfort was sent to the campus of the same name where the companys Old Grand-Dad production plant is located. According to the brand, a nearby creek bed contributes to the humidity in the rackhouses located there, imbuing this area with its own unique terroir. These liquids are comprised of the same mash bill, and aged for the same amount of time, but resulted in a different tasting profile, said eighth-generation master distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery, Freddie Noe. Its a real testament to how microclimates and diverse landscapes can impart major differences on the flavor profile of each whiskey. The humidity and airflow in our Frankfort campus influence the evaporation and oxidization processes, making a slower reaction to the color and flavor. Story continues Hardins Creek Frankfort is a ruddy orangish-copper color, with grain, peanut, and oak on the nose. This is a rich, sweet bourbon with a good deal of oak on the palate, but the flavor is not tannic or drying. Theres a burst of honey, brown sugar and caramel as you sip, followed by ripe blackberry, candied orange peel, and some notes of black pepper and cinnamon. Its bottled at 110 proof, but the heat is tempered and does not linger. You can find older expressions of Hardins Creek available to purchase from ReserveBar, but the new Frankfort expression is just rolling out next week and will be available on a limited basis for $170 (expect to pay more than that, however). Well bring you the details on the next release when it arrives in September. 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. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Media Reports that Italy Is Considering Not Renewing the Belt and Road Cooperation Document Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China 2023-08-04 10:44 Q: It was reported that Italy is considering not renewing the Belt and Road cooperation document and it has expressed the hope that this would not affect its relations with China and willingness to continue enhancing cooperation with China. What is your response? A: Engaging in Belt and Road cooperation is a right choice made by China and Italy based on the two countries' historical and cultural bond and practical need for development. The signing of the Belt and Road cooperation document unleashed great enthusiasm and potential for bilateral cooperation. Over the past five years, bilateral trade has increased by 42 percent, reaching nearly USD 80 billion last year. Italy was the guest country of honor at the China International Import Expo and the China International Consumer Products Expo, and many Italian products can be found in the Chinese market. The two countries jointly built large-scale cruise ships and carried out third-market cooperation in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Italy has become the top European destination for Chinese tourists, and Italian art exhibitions and performances are quite popular in China.a Some forces have launched malicious hype and politicized the cultural exchange and trade cooperation between China and Italy under the Belt and Road framework in a bid to disrupt cooperation and create division. This goes against the trend of history and will hurt others without benefiting oneself. A decade on since China proposed the BRI, under the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, we have signed over 200 cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations. The initiative has galvanized nearly USD 1 trillion of investment globally and created more than 3,000 projects and 420,000 jobs for participating countries. According to World Bank data, BRI cooperation will help lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty globally in the mid- to long-term. Facts have fully shown that Belt and Road cooperation meets development needs globally as well as the international community's aspiration and retains strong resilience and vitality. China stands ready to work with participating countries to advance the high-quality BRI cooperation and make greater contribution to promoting global sustainable development and inter-civilization exchanges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Amid a flooding disaster, where's China's leadership? At the beach in Beidaihe, where senior leadership enjoy a chance to discuss policy away from the public eye. By Chris Taylor for RFA 2023.08.04 -- The Chinese Communist Party annual summer holidays are underway, despite the worst flooding in more than 140 years in northern China. The floods have left at least 20 dead and millions displaced. In Hebei Province over 1.2 million people have been evacuated to safety, with some officials coming under fire for suggesting that Hebei and other surrounding areas were sacrificed to alleviate flooding in the Chinese capital, as well as to save pet leadership development projects. In keeping with traditional low-key signaling, on Thursday, the head of the Party's central secretariat Cai Qi met with "experts" in Beidaihe. The two-week holidays in Beidaihe - a coastal resort on Bohai Bay, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of Beijing - are usually announced by a senior Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader meeting with "experts." Cai Qi is No. 5 in the CCP hierarchy. President Xi Jinping and other senior Politburo members have already disappeared from the spotlight for several days - Xi was last seen in public on Monday. Neither Xi nor Premier Li Qiang have spoken in public on the flooding. State broadcaster CCTV continues to report on their directives but not on their whereabouts. Routine government and policy activities will slow down, as they regularly do in the first two weeks of August. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs suspended its daily press conference for two weeks on Monday. Jeremy Goldkorn, editor in chief of The China Project, said in an emailed newsletter: "Beidaihe is like the Hamptons for Chinese communists." @MacroPolo, a Paulson Institute think tank, called Beidaihe China's Camp David. "Just like we never know what New York's financial elite and some of their political friends discuss during their summer breaks at the Hamptons, what happens at Beidaihe stays at Beidaihe," said Goldkorn. Some, including @MacroPolo, would argue that is not entirely correct. Famously, China's disastrous Great Leap Forward - a failed attempt to recast China overnight as a manufacturing giant by melting saucepans and cutlery (leading to mass famine) - was allegedly conceived and launched by the beach in 1958, or at least hastened into being there. In the same year, Mao decided to shell the Kuomintang-held island of Quemoy, now better known as Chinmen, or Jinmen. Attempts to take the island were repelled by KMT troops. In 1971, Lin Biao, a People's Liberation Army general and one of Mao Zedong's most trusted allies is believed to have fled the beach resort, destination the Soviet Union. His plane "crashed" amid one of the biggest purges in the history of the People's Republic of China. The Beidaihe summer retreat was the brainchild of Mao Zedong in 1953, and it grew in importance in the years that followed. "Interrupted during the Cultural Revolution, Beidaihe wasn't restored until 1983 under Deng Xiaoping," writes @MacroPolo. "Under the Deng [Xiaoping] era, the seaside retreat continued to play an important role in Chinese elite politics, where reform decisions and personnel choices were made." Beijing's moat This year's Beidaihe gathering takes place against a background of pointed criticism of government officials over the extensive flooding in northern China. Bloomberg reports that "a hashtag playing off a comment by Ni Yuefeng, the Communist Party boss of Hebei province, had more than 80 million views on China's Twitter-like Weibo on Thursday. Ni riled Chinese "netizens" by calling for cities in the province bordering Beijing to "resolutely play a good role of moat for the capital." The Hebei head official even went so far as to say that the Xiong'an area - a project that Xi has described as being of "millennial significance" - represented "the top priority of flood control in our province." Local Hebei residents have publicly posted accusations on social media that towns such as Zhuozhou, which has a population of 630,000, and Baoding City, with a metropolitan population of more than 2 million suffered due to flood discharges aimed at protecting Beijing. One Weibo user posted a photo of a museum in Baoding with a "sign [that] lists the objectives of the city's flood-control efforts," reported Bloomberg: "First, protecting Beijing and Tianjin. Second, protecting Xiong'an. Third, protecting Baoding itself." "If local leaders dared to put this slogan on a board and showed the public, they should also dare to face people's questioning," said the Weibo user in a post that later disappeared. A middle school teacher in Hebei Province who only provided the surname Tian told the RFA Mandarin service that while natural disasters caused suffering and many deaths in China, "man-made disasters" should not be ignored. "I saw on the Internet that the flood was caused by the water reservoir being opened to protect Xiong'an and Beijing," Tian told RFA. "This natural disaster was mainly caused by man-made disasters. I believe that many people must have died [as a result]." Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China plan to flood villages to spare Beijing sparks clashes in Hebei province Residents guard local levees for fear officials will inundate their homes in the middle of the night. By Gu Ting for RFA Mandarin 2023.08.04 -- Residents of northern China's Hebei province have been taking to the levees protecting their homes to prevent excavation teams from breaching them, amid criticism that official decisions about who gets flooded are highly political. Video clips of scuffles, lengthy altercations and clashes with police have emerged on social media in recent days, showing embattled rural residents facing off with officials who want to flood their homes and farmland to protect Beijing, as well as ruling Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping's pet project -- Xiong'an New Area. In one Aug. 2 clip posted to X by the citizen journalism account "Mr Li is not your teacher" residents of Ci village in Hebei demand an official letter from a demolition team leader getting ready to breach a dyke to allow floodwaters to inundate their village. "This guy was trying to dig through our dyke sneakily," one villager says on the video. "We've been sitting out here protecting it through the night," says another. Another adds: "You don't actually have an official document, right?" "On whose orders are you digging a hole here?" says another resident. "Who ordered this?" They also complained they haven't been able to eat anything lately, and that they lack drinking water. Scuffle over dyke A later video from the same dispute showed villagers piling aboard a police bus, shoving and shouting. In a similar dispute near worst-hit Zhuozhou city, a video clip shows a number of police vehicles on a road in the dark and rain, with the commentary: "The police have suppressed the villagers who were trying to stop them from breaching the dyke - they say that the dyke has to be breached." "They're about to breach it now," the person shooting the clip, also dated Aug. 2, says. Another social media video showed a similar dispute in Zhuzhuang village near Zhuozhou. "We are here watching the levee so they can't come here and dig through it," one villager says on the clip. "If they do, it will destroy several villages." "The excavator is parked right there, so we villagers have to protect ourselves." A Hebei resident who gave only the surname He for fear of reprisals said public trust in the authorities is at a low ebb. "We've seen so many disasters in our lives, whether it be earthquakes or floods, and nobody trusts them any more," he said. "Anyone with any sense knows [what they're like]." "Somebody could just breach the dykes at any time with no regard for danger to people's lives," he said. Buffer for Beijing The disputes came as China's water resources minister Li Guoying called for flood control measures to prioritize protecting Beijing, Daxing Airport and Xiong'an New Area, while Hebei provincial Communist Party secretary Ni Yuefeng called on officials to treat the province as a buffer zone for Beijing. A water conservation expert who gave only the surname Sun for fear of reprisals said both statements were political rather than based on best practice. "The second flood peak is hitting Zhuozhou now, and the water is nearly up to the level of the traffic lights at its deepest point," Sun said. "Basically [allowing the city to flood] will ... put pressure on the Haihe River basin downstream, around Tianjin." "They should just come out and say why they want to protect Beijing at all costs," he said. A compilation of clips from Zhuozhou showed the city and surrounding farmland under water on Friday, with residents walking along railway tracks from which the embankment had been washed away, and hundreds of residents of a tower block stranded, awaiting rescue. The flooding of Zhuozhou comes after China's water resources minister Li Guoying called in an emergency meeting for the protection of Beijing, Daxing Airport and Xiong'an New Area to be prioritized, according to the official China.com news website. "As the flood peaks in the Daqing and Yongding rivers ... move downstream, some designated flood storage areas have already been flooded, and some river embankments are in danger," Li was quoted as saying. "This is a critical moment for our flood defenses." "We must take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the capital Beijing (including Daxing Airport), Xiong'an New Area, and the safety of those living in the flood storage areas," he said. Politics in command Meanwhile, Sun said there is still ongoing pressure on reservoirs upstream of Beijing's flooded western districts, and Zhuozhou, further downstream. "The Shisanling Reservoir in Changping started raising the sluice gates this morning to free up storage capacity and protect Beijing," he said. "Everything in this flooding crisis is being decided first and foremost by political considerations," he said. Germany-based water conservation expert Wang Weiluo said the flooding that hit the western Beijing suburb of Mentougou earlier this week had barrelled down the Yongding River, while the flooding that hit Zhuozhou had come down the Juma River from the western Beijing district of Fangshan. "It was set up this way because the highest priority is to protect Beijing, and it also protects Tianjin," Wang said. Social media comments have complained in recent days that the Communist Party secretary and mayor of Zhuozhou haven't been seen in public for days. "Desperately seeking the mayor and party secretary of Zhuozhou city," said a satirical "missing persons notice" circulating on social media. "Someone needs to take charge of the situation and the people need to know what's really happening," it said. Repeated calls to the volunteer flood hotline went unconnected, while repeated calls to the Zhuozhou municipal government hotline and flood control headquarters rang unanswered on Thursday. Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong police plan to arrest Danish artist, hold trial in mainland China: report Police decline to confirm if Tiananmen massacre sculptor Jens GalschiAt is wanted by national security department. By Jojo Man, Siyan Cheung and Chingman for RFA Cantonese 2023.08.04 -- The Danish sculptor whose "Pillar of Shame" statue commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen massacre was seized by Hong Kong authorities said he is saddened by a report that he faces arrest if he tries to return to the city to retrieve his work. Hong Kong police have declined to comment on a report in a pro-China newspaper Wednesday that they are taking steps to arrest sculptor Jens GalschiAt under a national security law forbidding criticism of the authorities. Asked about the report in the Sing Tao Daily, GalschiAt told Radio Free Asia on Thursday that he hadn't heard of any arrest warrant, but didn't believe such a warrant would be enforceable. He said he was "sad" that he wouldn't be able to return to the city he loves, despite wanting to collect his original artwork and bring it back to Europe. "I know Hong Kong has really changed a lot," he said, adding that almost all of his Hong Kong friends are now in prison amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent. He said of the "Pillar of Shame": "I want it back ... it's my private property." The Sing Tao Daily quoted a source as saying that "the national security department has formulated plans to arrest Jens GalschiAt for intending to use the 'Pillar of Remembrance" to come to Hong Kong to cause a political disturbance." Asked to confirm the report, a police spokesperson replied: "We will act based on the situation, and take action according to law." 'Color revolution' The Sing Tao Daily report also said that if GalschiAt did come to Hong Kong to retrieve his artwork, he could be sent to face trial in mainland China under Article 55 of the law. "They have decided to activate Article 55 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, meaning that the case will be handed over to [Beijing's] National Security Office in Hong Kong, which can exercise jurisdiction to transfer it to the mainland for trial." Article 55 of the law, which was imposed on Hong Kong from July 1, 2020 in a bid to crack down on the 2019 pro-democracy movement, allows for national security cases deemed to be of a "serious" nature to be transferred to mainland China for trial. Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang claimed in a video uploaded to Facebook on Thursday that waves of mass protests against the erosion of the city's freedoms dating back to 2003 were the result of "foreign forces" trying to foment a "color revolution" in Hong Kong. "The intention of foreign forces to make use of Hong Kong to endanger our national security didn't happen overnight," Tang said in the video. "National security incidents have occurred repeatedly in Hong Kong over the past two decades." "External forces were already cultivating certain local opposition groups in Hong Kong as early as 2003, organizing large-scale anti-government demonstrations," he said, over footage of a protest by half a million people against national security legislation, known as Article 23. "The anti-Article 23 protests were a trial run for them." Tang went on to blame the mass protest campaign in 2012 by students -- some of them still in secondary school -- against patriotic education in Hong Kong's schools, the 2014 Occupy Central movement for fully democratic elections, the 2016 "fishball revolution" in Mong Kok and the 2019 movement against extradition to mainland China on the actions of "foreign forces." "Many young people had been radicalized," said Tang, who was chief of police during the 2019 protests. "External forces were up to the same old tricks again." His comments were in stark contrast to the reaction of then chief executive Tung Chee-hwa at the time, who said in a statement: "The ... government fully understands that citizens value human rights and freedoms. The government's position is consistent with that of the citizens." Massive, ongoing crackdown The first public reference to "foreign forces" came from former chief executive Leung Chun-ying in 2014, when he claimed that "foreign forces have always been involved in Hong Kong politics," without giving specific details. But the rhetoric around foreign forces and alleged foreign funding didn't become baked into official statements until after the 2019 protest movement. Even during those protests, police made no claims of foreign involvement or funding during their attempts to quell the mass movement, despite such claims being prominent in the political crackdown that followed. The crackdown has seen senior journalists, pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai and 47 former lawmakers and democracy activists charged with offenses from "collusion with a foreign power" to "subversion." The national security law applies to speech and acts committed anywhere in the world, and has been used to issue the leaders of the London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch with a takedown order for its website. Copenhagen-based regional council member Thomas Rohden said via his X account: "So China has found yet another Danish citizen whom they want imprisoned." "This time it is about the artist Jens GalschiAt. His crime is to draw attention to the Tiananmen Square massacre, through his artistic sculptures. #dkpol," Rohden wrote. According to Sing Tao, the arrest warrant for GalschiAt is linked to the prosecution of Zeng Yuxuan, a doctoral student from mainland China found in possession of posters depicting the "Pillar of Shame," under colonial-era sedition laws. Zeng stands accused of conspiring with U.S.-based democracy activist Zhou Fengsuo to "commit acts with seditious intent" ahead of the June 4 massacre anniversary. Zhou has said he bears full responsibility for creating the materials found in Zeng's possession. Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Analysis: China's Military Influence in Africa Grows as Russia's Diminishes By Kate Bartlett August 04, 2023 China's People's Liberation Army marked the 96th anniversary of its founding this week with President Xi Jinping overseeing celebrations in China, but the anniversary was also commemorated in many African countries where Beijing has influence and is keen on expanding military cooperation. Among them was Zimbabwe, where ties with the PLA date back to the 1960s and China's support for the guerilla movement a now the ruling party a that fought for the country's independence from white minority rule. "The precious memories of the solidarity and synergy between our two armies are our shared legacy which continues to shape and inject momentum to our relations nowadays," China Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said at a reception attended by Zimbabwe's acting minister of defense and army officials from both nations. Zhou noted that just the previous week, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa had commended a group of young Zimbabwean pilots who trained for four years in China, reflecting "the fraternal relations between our two countries and our two militaries," Zimbabwe's state-owned newspaper, the Herald, reported. Mnangagwa himself trained at the PLA Army Command College in Nanjing. Paul Nantulya, a research associate at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, told VOA the PLA anniversary celebrations are not only happening in Zimbabwe. "You're going to see the same thing in South Africa, Kenya and all these embassies where you have a military attachA. ... With the case of Zimbabwe, I think what China wants to put across is the special relationship that it has with Zanu-PF first and foremost," he said, referring to the ruling party. For his part, Zimbabwe's acting defense minister, Daniel Garwe, vowed to continue to cement ties with China "today and in the future as we are both faced with geopolitical threats," the Herald reported. Zimbabwe, where the same party has been in power for over 40 years, is under Western sanctions for corruption and human rights abuses. In neighboring South Africa, also governed by a former liberation movement that benefitted from Chinese support, a local newspaper ran a lengthy op-ed by Major General Shang Hong, Chinese defense attachA to the country. "As an important part of our overall bilateral relationship, the PLA-SANDF (South African National Defense Forces) friendship, guided by our two presidents, has been embracing pragmatic cooperation in various fields with tangible results, including high-level exchanges, mechanism building, joint training and exercise, military academies, medicine and health, international peacekeeping, etc.," he wrote. He noted that South Africa had hosted China, along with Russia, for joint naval exercises earlier in the year and that the head of South Africa's army had recently visited China, "thus laying a solid foundation for enhancing strategic mutual trust and deepening pragmatic cooperation." Events to mark the PLA anniversary were also held in South Sudan, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Nantulya said the PLA uses these occasions to emphasis how it contributes to Africa, whether through participating in U.N. peacekeeping missions or military education. A recent paper by Nantulya details how China "treats the education and training of foreign military personnel as an opportunity to promote China's governance model to develop closer relationships with foreign militaries and governments and to build a shared understanding of security." "Many alumni of these programs go on to play leading roles in their countries' militaries and governments," he wrote, noting that thousands of African officers attend such trainings each year. Russian competition Many analysts contend that in an increasingly polarized world, the African continent a which is resource rich, has a growing population and is strategically located a is a stage where major powers are vying for influence, not only China and the United States but increasingly Russia. Russia a which also has ties to many former liberation movements a has long been by far the biggest arms supplier to Africa. "However, China is ahead on every other metric, when you look at military professionalism, when you look at military training and capacity building, when you look at support to the African Union," said Nantulya. Analysts think the war in Ukraine and related Western sanctions could benefit China in terms of catching up to Russia in weapons sales too. "Russia's ability to supply military equipment, for instance, is hampered both by its expulsion from international cross-border payment networks like SWIFT and by it having to consume most new arms production for its own needs," Darren Olivier, director of conflict research consultancy African Defense Review, told VOA. "China is well placed to take over much of Russia's market share in that regard. It has increasingly been a supplier of weapons to African armed forces over the years, with deliveries ranging from basic infantry weapons to increasingly sophisticated transport aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and air defense systems," he said. Asked whether sanctions on Russia had seen an increase in Chinese arms sales to Africa, the Chinese Embassy in Washington declined to comment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's Mekong River Dams Expected to Worsen Southeast Asian Economies During Drought By Buasawan Simmala, Christy Lee August 04, 2023 A severe drought coupled with Chinese dams blocking the Mekong River as Beijing moves to meet power demands means one of the world's mightiest rivers is likely to face severe water shortages this summer. This will directly create food insecurity with lower crop yields due to irrigation problems and a reduction in nutrient-rich sediment delivered by the Mekong. Indirectly, the reduced water flow will impact the economies of downstream Southeast Asian nations, according to experts who say the loss of food sourced from the Mekong will drive up prices and cause increased hunger, reducing worker productivity. "Climate indicators suggest there is a severe drought developing in the Mekong," said Brian Eyler, senior fellow and director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Stimson Center, who spoke after a recent event in Washington on the Mekong. The Mekong River is Asia's third-largest transboundary river, stretching nearly 5,000 kilometers from China through six countries where it serves as the primary or secondary food source for millions of people. The El Nino weather pattern developing this summer is expected to reduce precipitation, causing a severe drought and dramatically reducing water levels on the Mekong, according to experts at the Stimson Center who presented the assessment of river conditions last month. The situation is expected to be exacerbated by how China uses its 11 dams straddling the Mekong's upper reaches. China takes "water out of the river during the wet season and then puts it back during the dry season for hydropower production," said Eyler. "That exacerbates the kind of drought conditions that are setting in now." He added that China "needs to recognize that wet season flows need to be robust, and to date, China denies this." China has been repeating the pattern for years. In 2020, China's dams removed "as much water" as possible and withheld 10% of the water from the Mekong, reducing the flow of the river downstream during the wet season, said Eyler. Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu in Washington told VOA's Korean Service on Thursday that there is no specific information to share on the situation this summer. But he did mention that in the past, "the international science community and the Mekong River Commission [MRC] have already made a fair judgment on the role of dams on the upper reach of the Lancang River." China refers to the Mekong River as the Lancang. Pengyu continued, "The MRC acknowledged in its report that cascade reservoirs on the Lancang River store water in the flood season for later use in the dry season, which helps maintain the steady flow of the Mekong." He added that Beijing has been providing "year-round hydrological information" on the river and making "contributions to sharing the water resources." The MRC, an intergovernmental organization that fosters cooperation among Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to manage water resources along the Mekong, has invited China to join the commission, according to Anoulak Kittikhoun, the MCR's chief of mission. "We have opened for China and Myanmar to join [the commission] for a long time," but "they still do not want to join," said Kittikhoun. "They said they have been increasingly cooperative." Kittikhoun said the two countries have been dialogue partners since 1996 and have engaged in discussions, joint studies, technical workshops and personnel exchanges "to increase understanding between upstream and downstream countries." However, he added, "Most upstream countries tend to have different perspectives from downstream countries in terms of river management. ... If we talk about obligations or law, it is another perspective." China's two largest dams, Xiaowan and Nuozhadu, both in southwestern Yunnan Province, hold more water than the 53 dams tracked by the Mekong Dam Monitor, which Eyler co-leads. There are 430 dams, 11 of them in China, along the entire Mekong. The river widens and quickens when there is plenty of rainfall during the wet season, from June to November. It contracts during the dry season of December to May. When there is a drought, Chinese dams blocking the river worsen conditions downstream, creating food insecurity for nearly 60 million people in countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam that rely on the river for agriculture and fisheries. Cambodia relies heavily on fisheries in the lower Mekong River Basin for protein intake, and Vietnam produces about 50% of the country's rice using water from the Mekong Delta. Prices of Thai and Vietnamese rice soared in July with the expected drought and the rise in global rice demand. Thailand and Vietnam are the world's second- and third-largest rice exporters after India. "If there's food security crisis, then the industry suffers as well as labor," said Eyler. "If there's no food on the table, then you can't grow economically. Water security is one thing, but water underpins the food security of these countries. And [if] people are starving, what chance is there for economic growth?" Since the pandemic, economic growth in some Southeast Asian nations has come from their emergence as an attractive alternative location for supply chain networks currently in China. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE SECTOR India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 04 AUG 2023 2:02PM by PIB Delhi Government has taken adequate steps to make the country self-reliant by developing indigenous advanced technologies and complex systems. Following are the initiatives/ steps taken by Government for indigenisation of manufacturing of technology-intensive defence equipment and weapons and for creating a domestic defence production eco-system: Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) is promulgated to maximize acquisition of defence equipment through indigenous sources and promote domestic manufacturing. Government of India has ensured that the most preferred option for capital acquisition is 'Buy Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)' category equipment followed by 'Buy (Indian)' category. The 'Make' categories aim to achieve the objective of self-reliance by involving greater participation of Indian industrial eco-system including private sector. The provisions of Government funding have been introduced for Make-I, Technology Development Fund (TDF) and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) projects. TDF Scheme executed by DRDO supports indigenous development of components, products, systems and technologies by MSMEs and Start-ups. Funding under TDF scheme was enhanced from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore per Project, and the same under iDEX Prime scheme has been enhanced from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore It will give further boost to the vision of 'Aatmanirbharta in defence'. Four 'Positive Indigenization Lists' of defence equipment and platforms for which there would be an embargo on the import. The 'Development cum Production Partner (DcPP)' model of DRDO is implemented where-in Industry is taken up as DcPP in system development projects. Both development and production units are manufactured by industry along with life cycle support. DRDO test facilities have been opened to the industries for utilisation. The test facilities have been listed on DRDO website and have been communicated to them. The facilities are being utilized by the industries. Two Defence Industrial Corridors have been set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to catalyse indigenous production of defence and aerospace-related items. Defence R&D has been opened up for industry, start-ups and academia with 25% of defence R&D budget earmarked for the purpose. This is being implemented through various existing schemes and new schemes have been proposed. In order to promote indigenous design and manufacturing, funds have also been earmarked for procurement from indigenous sources. For the FY 2023-24, funds have been earmarked in the ratio 67.75:32.25 between Domestic and Foreign procurement in the Capital Acquisition Budget of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). In addition, the MoD has also directed for spending an amount of Rs 1,500 crore towards procurement from start-ups. Nil Transfer of Technology (ToT) fees are being charged from DcPPs/PAs/LSI. Industries have been provided with free access for DRDO patents. Lists of systems which will be developed by industry only have been identified by DRDO. The same has been promulgated by MoD. DRDO will not develop such systems. DRDO is skilling youth (Internships, apprenticeship, electives in B Tech, M Tech courses) to make ready for Defence industries. Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 43 DRDO developed/ being developed systems has been accorded for induction in the Services during the last three years i.e. 11 in 2021, 25 in 2022 and seven in 2023. During the last three financial years (2020-21 to 2022-23), 122 contracts have been signed for capital procurement of defence equipment, out of which, 100 contracts accounting for 87% of total contracts value, have been signed with Indian vendors for capital procurement of Defence equipment. Ratio of import-export in defence sector for the year 2013-14 as compared to 2021-22 is given below: (Rs in crore) Year 2013-14 2021-22 Import Value (Capital + Revenue) 41,198.61 50,061.67 Export value 1,153 12,815 Ratio (Import to Export) 35.73 3.90 This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Chandra Prakash Joshi and Shrimati Rekha Verma in Lok Sabha today. *** ABB/Savvy/Nirmit (Release ID: 1945710) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WOMEN IN DEFENCE FORCES India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 04 AUG 2023 1:59PM by PIB Delhi The number of women working in various Defence forces across the country at present, service/wing-wise is given below: Indian Army: S No Category Held Strength of Women (as on January 01, 2023) (a) Women Officers (Excluding Army Medical Corps (AMC)/ Army Dental Corps (ADC) 1,733 (b) Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) 00 (c) Other Ranks (ORs) 100 Indian Air Force: S No Category Held Strength of Women (as on July 01, 2023) (a) Women Officers (Excluding Medical & Dental branches) 1,654 (b) Airmen (Agniveervayu) 155 Indian Navy: S No Category Held Strength of Women (as on July 26, 2023) (a) Women Officers (Excluding Medical & Dental officers) 580 (b) Sailors (Agniveer) 726 Medical and Dental Branches: Total number of women (cadre-wise & service-wise) in Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) are as under (as on July 01, 2023): Service Corps Army Navy Air Force Army Medical Corps (AMC) 1,212 151 274 Army Dental Corps (ADC) 168 10 05 Military Nursing Service (MNS) 3,841 380 425 In Indian Armed Forces, there is no distinction in the deployment and working conditions of male and female officers in the Arms and Services in which they serve. The postings are as per organizational requirements. Training, postings, promotions, terms of engagement etc. are common for both women and men. The rules regarding employability in Indian Armed Forces are gender-neutral and provide equal opportunities to men and women. Indian Army: Indian Army is encouraging women officers to join the force by adopting enabling policies for their inclusion. Recent major initiatives are as under: Permanent Commission (PC) is being granted to Women Officers (WOs) in 12 Arms & Services (in addition to Army Medical Corps, Army Dental Corps and Military Nursing Service) where they are commissioned. Indian Army has ensured parity amongst WOs and their male counterparts with a complete gender-neutral environment existing in the 12 Arms/ Services they are presently serving in. A special board to screen all affected WOs has been held and the results have been declassified. In regular boards also, WOs are being considered for grant of PC along with their male counterparts. Armed Forces have opened entry for women candidates in National Defence Academy (NDA) with 19 cadets including 10 for Indian Army joining the academy every six months. First, Second and Third batch of women cadets started training in NDA with effect from July 2022, January 2023 and July 2023 respectively. The organisation is ensuring inclusive measures to carry out all necessary administrative, training and policy changes to enable the same. Indian Army has also opened avenues for WOs to serve as pilots in the Corps of Army Aviation. WOs are also being considered for Colonel (Select Grade) ranks and are being given command appointments. Certain waivers have also been given to WOs to rule out any impediment in career progression of those who could not undergo mandatory career courses during the transition period. Provision for enrolment of women as Other Ranks (ORs) in Corps of Military Police in the Indian Army has been introduced in 2019. Under the scheme, 1,700 women are targeted to be inducted in Indian Army in a phased manner (approximately 100 per year). Indian Navy: In Indian Navy, women are given opportunities for spouse co-location, resettlement posting and compassionate grounds posting in a gender-neutral manner. Other provisions of maternity leave with provisions to conjoin other types of leave (viz. annual, furlough, Child Care Leave) is also being granted. Further, the following steps are being taken to recruit more women soldiers in Indian Navy: Women in all Branches/ Cadre/ Specialisations: Entry of women in all branches/Cadres/Specialisations (except Submarine specialisation) has commenced w.e.f. June, 2023. Entry of women in all branches/Cadres/Specialisations (except Submarine specialisation) has commenced w.e.f. June, 2023. On board Ships: Women officers are also being appointed on board warships in afloat billets and also as Specialist Naval Air Operations (NAO) officers to ship borne helicopters. Women officers are also being appointed on board warships in afloat billets and also as Specialist Naval Air Operations (NAO) officers to ship borne helicopters. RPA Stream: Women officers can now join the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) stream and first women officer joined RPA Squadron in March, 2021. Women officers can now join the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) stream and first women officer joined RPA Squadron in March, 2021. Overseas Assignments: Women officers have also been deputed on Diplomatic assignments and other Foreign Cooperation engagements. Women officers have also been deputed on Diplomatic assignments and other Foreign Cooperation engagements. National Defence Academy (NDA): Entry of women cadets in NDA has been permitted from 2022 wherein women officers are being inducted as PC officers. Three vacancies per batch were initially allocated at NDA for women candidates of Navy and the first batch has joined in June, 2022. The number of vacancies for women cadets at NDA have been further increased from 03 to 12 for subsequent batches w.e.f. January, 2024. Entry of women cadets in NDA has been permitted from 2022 wherein women officers are being inducted as PC officers. Three vacancies per batch were initially allocated at NDA for women candidates of Navy and the first batch has joined in June, 2022. The number of vacancies for women cadets at NDA have been further increased from 03 to 12 for subsequent batches w.e.f. January, 2024. Indian Naval Academy (INA): At INA, women cadets are now eligible to join through '10+2 B.Tech.' entry scheme w.e.f. January 2024. At INA, women cadets are now eligible to join through '10+2 B.Tech.' entry scheme w.e.f. January 2024. Women Agniveers: As a part of the Agnipath Scheme, women have been enrolled as Agniveers commencing from the first batch itself. They are subjected to the same training curriculum, professional courses and retention criteria as compared to their male counterparts. Indian Air Force: In Indian Air Force (IAF), the facilities in terms of infrastructure necessitated at workplace for women personnel are assessed and provided as authorised by Scales of Accommodation, 2022 and relevant Government orders on the subject. Recruitment of officers in the IAF is gender-neutral. Women officers are inducted in all the branches and streams of IAF. Opportunities for a career in IAF are widely publicized through print/electronic media and special publicity drives. An opening has also been provided through NCC Special Entry for flying SSC (Women) from July, 2017 onwards. The experimental scheme to induct women officers in all combat roles, initiated by the IAF in 2015 was regularized in the year 2022 into a permanent Scheme. Such gender-neutral approach is facilitating the employment of women officers of IAF in all combat roles without any restrictions. IAF started inducting women through NDA from the course commenced in June, 2022 (Tech and Non-tech) as PC officers. The intake of women cadets in NDA is fixed at six vacancies (for Air Force) per course for the next five years. 'DISHA' cell at Air HQ conducts various Induction Publicity programmes across the country related to induction/ career of officer cadre in IAF. Women candidates are encouraged during such publicity drives to join IAF as a preferred career option. Conduct of motivational talks by women officers gives opportunity to female students to interact with them and clear their apprehensions. The scope of choosing IAF as a career is covered in terms of prospects, facilities, work profile, benefits etc, during these sessions. IAF is continuously upgrading its environment and infrastructure for its personnel. Induction of women (other than officers i.e. Airmen) is being executed in a gradual manner to ensure that necessary facilities are available for women. The plan is to increase number of women with every intake. This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Tapir Gao and others in Lok Sabha today. ***** ABB/Savvy/Nirmit (Release ID: 1945707) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India's Opposition Leader, Rahul Gandhi, Set to Return to Parliament By Anjana Pasricha August 04, 2023 India's top court has suspended the conviction of Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case, paving the way for the country's main opposition leader to return to Parliament. Gandhi was disqualified from Parliament in March after a lower court in the western Gujarat state handed down a two-year jail sentence to him for remarks he had made four years ago at an election rally alluding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surname. Friday's suspension of Gandhi's sentence is a major boost for the opposition Congress Party as it gears up for next year's general elections. Unless the top court upholds his conviction and two-year jail term in its final judgment, the ruling will enable Gandhi to contest the upcoming polls. Under Indian law, a jail term of two years or more makes a person ineligible to be a lawmaker and to contest elections for eight years. "Come what may, my duty remains the same. Protect the idea of India," Rahul Gandhi tweeted after the ruling. Congress Party leaders hailed the court's decision as a victory for truth and justice. "This is a win for democracy, for our constitution and the Indian people," Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge said at a press conference. Party workers danced, distributed sweets and waved flags as they celebrated outside the party's headquarters in New Delhi. The Congress Party and several other opposition parties had called the case against Gandhi politically motivated and accused Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, of targeting opposition leaders and crushing free speech. The BJP had said due process of law had been followed. The Supreme Court said Friday the lower court had cited no reason for imposing the maximum jail term of two years on Gandhi. Supreme Court Judge B.R. Gavai said that while Gandhi's remarks were "not in good taste" and he "ought to have been more careful while making public speeches," the conviction had not only punished him but also voters, who had elected him to represent their constituency. "The order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication," Gavai said. The defamation case against Gandhi was filed by a BJP lawmaker in Gujarat state, which is ruled by the BJP. The jail sentence was imposed for remarks Gandhi made at an election rally in the run-up to the 2019 general elections. "Why do all thieves have Modi as their surname?" Gandhi said before going on to name fugitive Indian diamond tycoon Nirav Modi, banned Indian Premier League boss Lalit Modi, and Narendra Modi. Gandhi said his remarks were meant to highlight corruption and were not directed against any community. The suspension of Gandhi's conviction will allow him to contest next year's polls unless the top court upholds the two-year jail term in its final judgment. Gandhi's Congress Party suffered crushing electoral defeats in 2014 and 2019 as Modi led his party to huge victories. This time, the Congress Party and a raft of regional parties have formed an alliance called "India" to mount a collective challenge to Modi. While Modi is one of India's most popular leaders in decades, critics accuse him of undermining India's democracy, polarizing the country along communal lines, and targeting opposition leaders. The opposition alliance has said the "character of our republic is being severely assaulted in a systematic manner by the BJP" and stated that its goal in next year's elections is to protect democracy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM, Pakistan army chief discuss expansion of bilateral ties IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 4, 2023 Islamabad, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and exchanged views on the latest developments and bilateral cooperation. The meeting took place at the Pakistani Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi on the second day of Amirabdollahian's official visit to Pakistan. In the meeting, some senior officials of the Pakistan Army, as well as "Reza Amiri Moghadam", the ambassador and Colonel "Mostafa Ghanbarpour", the defense attachA of the Islamic Republic of Iran, were present in Pakistan. Amirabdollahian and General Munir discussed the latest developments related to Iran-Pakistan bilateral relations, especially defense-military cooperation and security in the common borders. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian arrived in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad on Wednesday night, for a three-day official visit. On Thursday, he met with his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to explore new avenues for strengthening political, economic, and defense relations between Tehran and Islamabad. Amirabdollahian also in his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conferred on expanding economic and commercial ties and stressed the need for strengthening border ties between the two neighboring countries. Amirabdollahian is to leave Islamabad for Karachi on Friday to meet with local officials and businesses, as well as Iranians residing there, and also to participate in Friday prayers. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A dog was found abandoned at a Pennsylvania airport after its owner was told it couldnt fly, police said. Around 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 4, officers with the Allegheny County Police Department stationed at the Pittsburgh International Airport were called with reports of a dog on airport property. In the short-term parking area outside the terminal, there was a small brown and white dog sitting in a stroller completely alone, officers said in a Facebook post. The dog was microchipped, but when officers tried to call the dogs owner, they didnt get a response. The owner, police said, had brought the dog intending to take it on a flight. Then, airline officials told the owner the dog needed to be in a crate to go on the plane. The owner decided to leave the dog behind in the parking area and got on the plane, police said. The dog was brought inside and turned over to the state dog warden, according to the Facebook post. A charge of animal abandonment is expected to be filed against the owner by the state dog warden, police said. Many airlines allow cats and smaller dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners, provided they fit in a kennel or crate under the seat in front of you, according to Conde Nast Traveler. It is important to research the rules and regulations of the airline before traveling, the site says. Pittsburgh International Airport is about 20 miles west of the citys downtown. 20-year-old dog confused and heartbroken after being surrendered to Florida shelter Sophia, a 14-year-old golden retriever, surrendered to NY shelter. Heartbreaking Beloved cat that lived at MLB stadium for a decade is looking for a retirement home Pilot gets blind dog a new life after hes dropped off at shelter, Tennessee photos show Iran, Pakistan ramp up annual trade to $2.3 billion: Amir-Abdollahian Iran Press TV Friday, 04 August 2023 3:28 PM Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said that the annual trade between Iran and Pakistan has reached 2.3 billion dollars in recent years despite various restrictions and obstacles. Addressing a meeting on Friday in the city of Karachi on the economic and investment opportunities for Iran and Pakistan, Amir-Abdollahian expressed hope that the volume of trade between the two countries would reach 5 billion dollars per year in the near future. "To this end, promoting cooperation in the field of monetary and financial exchanges as well as reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers between the two countries are of paramount importance," he added. Karachi is the economic and commercial hub of Pakistan. Amir-Abdollahian said Pakistan has always been a significant neighboring country and the economies of the two states are intertwined. "More than 900 kilometers of land border and a profusion of historical, cultural and religious values shared by the two countries have brought about lasting interaction between Iran and Pakistan." Pointing to the effective measures taken by Iran and Pakistan in recent years to expand relations of cooperation, not least in economy, the Iranian minister said the two countries have inaugurated two new border terminals and signed a memorandum of understanding to set up six joint border markets. Amir-Abdollahian underscored the "strategic geographical position" of Iran and Pakistan and the fact that the two neighbors are "located on the path of international transit corridors such as the Belt and Road Initiative." The Iranian foreign minister also placed a premium on the two ports of Chabahar - in Iran - and Gwadar - in Pakistan. He encouraged Iran and Pakistan to exploit the capacities of the two ports to expand bilateral and regional economic cooperation. "Pakistan can be a supplier of Iran's needs in the agricultural sector, and Iran can cover Pakistan's need for energy," Amir-Abdollahian said. Iran has been extending the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline to the border of Pakistan while the Islamic Republic has increased its electricity exports to its neighbor, the minister said. Referring to the undeniable role the private sector plays in developing economic cooperation, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran supported promotion of bilateral tourism. Meanwhile, officials signed a document for the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between the chambers of commerce of Iran and Karachi. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran sees no restriction on expansion of ties with Pakistan, says FM Amir-Abdollahian Iran Press TV Friday, 04 August 2023 11:33 AM Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Islamic Republic observes absolutely no restriction on the expansion of all-out relations and cooperation with neighboring Pakistan in areas of common interest. In remarks during a meeting with Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani in Islamabad on Thursday, Amir-Abdollahian described the current status of the bilateral relations as favorable and oriented towards further development. He referred to the multi-billion gas pipeline between the two countries as one of the notable areas of bilateral cooperation, urging Pakistan to complete its part of the much-delayed project that has been on hold since 2014. The project, launched in 2013, required Pakistan to finish the construction of the pipeline on its territory by the end of 2014. But the work stalled, upsetting Tehran, which has said it already invested $2 billion in the pipeline on its side of the border. Washington has opposed the pipeline, saying it could violate the illegal sanctions imposed on Tehran. The Iranian foreign minister also underlined the importance of developing border trade between the two countries, calling for "timely" implementation of agreements on the expansion and completion of border terminals and markets. Amir-Abdollahian went on to say that Iran has also drawn up plans to set up free commercial and trade zones along its border areas with Pakistan. For his part, Sanjrani described the current level of relations between Pakistan and Iran as "favorable," adding that legislatures in the two countries act very harmoniously in international forums and adopt common positions. He called Iran a powerful country with rich human and natural resources, emphasizing that Pakistan wishes greater prosperity for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Separately, the Iranian foreign minister conferred with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on promotion of mutual economic and commercial ties, stressing the need for stronger border ties between Tehran and Islamabad. The two sides exchanged viewpoints on bilateral relations, and enhancement of economic and trade ties. The top Iranian diplomat briefed the Pakistani prime minister on recently concluded agreements on promotion of all-round relations and development of economic cooperation and bilateral trade between Iran and Pakistan. Sharif, for his part, extended an invitation to Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi to visit Islamabad, expressing hope that Raeisi would be the first head of state to visit Pakistan after the upcoming general elections slated to be held in November. The top Iranian diplomat also met with Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan General Asim Munir, who expressed his country's determination to cooperate with Iran in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan considers Iran's security as its own security and remains steadfast in combating terrorism, the general stated. He also hailed the results of his July visit to Tehran and meetings with senior officials, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri. Amir-Abdollahian, for his part, pointed to the agreements on the security and border issues, reached during his meetings with high-ranking Pakistani officials. He noted that the Pakistani Army's support for the bilateral security deals will help accelerate their implementation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More than 16,500 homes and buildings destroyed by Myanmar junta since coup Evicted residents, who can't afford to buy new houses, have been forced to rent places or return to their villages. By RFA Burmese 2023.08.04 -- Myanmar's military junta has evicted families and destroyed more than 16,500 homes and other buildings in large cities and towns across the Southeast Asian country, claiming that the structures "encroached on land owned by the state," according to data compiled by Radio Free Asia. The data is based on residents' testimonies and notices from local authorities, compiled since the military seized control of the country from the elected civilian-led government in a February 2021 coup. The actual figure may be higher, however. The junta has removed the buildings under the pretext of "encroachment," claiming the land belongs to the railway department, the irrigation department, or the military, or that it has been zoned for municipal infrastructure. The junta also has forcibly evicted people living in informal settlements as part of a bid to increase its land holdings, RFA reported in February. Families who have lost their homes say they are now facing hardship. The military has leveled nearly 11,700 houses and buildings in Yangon region, home to Myanmar's largest city and former capital, and the area with the greatest concentration of buildings. Of that figure, the junta has demolished more than 4,100 houses and buildings in Mandalay, the second-largest city by population, while smaller cities and towns, such as Magway, Naypyidaw, Taungoo, Sittwe and Ann have seen between 75 to 200 demolitions each. The military removed residential houses in Magway, saying they were too close to an Air Force base, demolished civilian homes and buildings in Mandalay on the grounds that the inhabitants were squatting on regional government-owned land, private land or land too close to a railway, and tore down homes in Naypyidaw, claiming they were situated too close to the Yan Aung Myin Forest Reserve. Enter the bulldozers A resident of Myo Thit Ward No. 4 in Mandalay who had lived in a home there for 17 years, said the junta leveled 200 homes in the ward, including his. "There was no deadline in the notice that the authorities sent to us," he said. "It just said that we must move out as soon as possible, so we started collecting our property and disassembling our homes." "But yesterday bulldozers arrived and started bulldozing our houses around noon," said the resident who declined to be identified out of fear of retribution. "Right now, I have rented a house to live in." A resident who was evicted from Manadalay's Pyigyitagun township told RFA that he could not afford to buy another dwelling because of high commodity prices. "We had to pinch pennies with a lot of difficulty to save up and buy our house," he said. Patheingyi township administrators under the control of the military issued notices this June to nearly 10,000 households that their homes would be removed on the grounds that they had been built on farmland without permission. Similarly, in Yangon region, the junta demolished homes it claimed were built on lands owned by public parks, the regional government or the military. In November 2022, soldiers knocked down about 100 houses in Yangon's Mayangon township they claimed was on land owned by a stadium, forcing nearly 300 people into homelessness. A resident who refused to be named for safety reasons told RFA he had to rent a house to stay on the outskirts of the city because he could not afford to buy a new one. "No one could buy another house again after the evictions," he said. "All of them have to live as tenants now. Some had to go back to their villages." Human rights violation Rights activist Zaw Yan of the Yangon People's Welfare Network told RFA that the junta's demolition of civilian homes under the pretext of encroachment is a violation of human rights. "From a human rights standpoint, it is a violation of Article 13 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights," he said. "Also, they've violated [Myanmar's] constitution which says that every citizen has the right to live in any region within the country according to the law." In a statement issued on Dec. 2, 2022, U.N. human rights officials said the junta's act of removing houses by force was a violation of basic human rights and a war crime. Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for Myanmar's State Administration Council, the official name of the regime, told RFA in March 2022 that the junta had to focus on encroachment issues because previous governments did not resolve them. A Yangon-based attorney who knows about the demolitions told RFA that previously the removal of homes was usually suspended or postponed through negotiations with administrative officials, though that's no longer possible under current military rule. Translated by Myo Min Aung for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transactions with Sanctioned Burmese Banks Must Be Wound Down by August 5, 2023 US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson August 4, 2023 On June 21, 2023, the United States designated two of Burma's military regime-controlled banks, Myanma Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB). MFTB and MICB have been instrumental in facilitating the regime's use of foreign currency to procure arms and jet fuel abroad and to access international markets using offshore accounts. Through these offshore accounts, MFTB and MICB have facilitated the regime's profiteering from Burma's extractive industries, including oil and gas, teak, gemstones, and other natural resources. The designations of MFTB and MICB impose a significant impact on the regime's ability to fund the violence it inflicts on the people of Burma. At the time of the designation of these two banks, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General License 5 (GL 5) to allow entities engaging in transactions with MFTB and MICB to wind these down in an orderly fashion. Following the expiration of GL 5 on August 5 at 12:01 a.m. (EST), the United States will continue to carefully monitor compliance and scrutinize transactions with an MFTB or MICB nexus to counter evasion or other behavior that contravenes the intent of these designations and U.S. policy. We will pursue enforcement actions as appropriate. The United States will not waver in its support for the people of Burma as they seek peace, justice, and an inclusive, democratic future for their country. We will continue to engage with our partners and allies in the broader international community to constrain the regime's ability to exploit the international financial system. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Is China Responsible for Pakistan's Debt Problem? By Sarah Zaman August 04, 2023 Pakistan and China are marking a decade of economic cooperation with much fanfare these days as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, popularly known as CPEC, completes 10 years. Experts say while the mega-project helped Pakistan develop much-needed infrastructure, the less-than-generous loans from Beijing coupled with Islamabad's mismanagement has kept the project from turning Pakistan's economy around. Estimated to be the largest partnership of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global investment and infrastructure project, CPEC launched in 2013 with more than $45 billion in planned investments. Over time, it grew to more than $62 billion, of which at least $25 billion was invested in Pakistan, according to both governments. Mustafa Hyder Sayed, executive director of the Islamabad-based, nongovernmental Pakistan-China Institute, told VOA that the project came at a critical time for Pakistan. "At that time, we had a lot of terrorism, there was a lot of turmoil and it [Pakistan] wasn't seen as one of the best places to invest in, particularly," he said. "And China reposed its trust in Pakistan at that time and dove right in. All in." Pakistani government data indicates CPEC has so far created 200,000 jobs, built more than 1,400 kilometers (897 miles) of highways and roads and added 8,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. The country's deep-sea southwestern port of Gwadar, the centerpiece of CPEC, handled 600,000 tons of cargo in the last 18 months, according to officials. At an event in Islamabad this week celebrating a decade of CPEC, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the project a game-changer. "And this was the result of vision and commitment and friendship," Sharif told an audience of Pakistani and Chinese dignitaries. Visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who received Pakistan's highest civilian honor for his services in promoting economic cooperation, called the project exemplary. "It has set an example of common trust and mutual development," Lifeng said. While Pakistan is among the top recipients of China's infrastructure and energy investments, Islamabad now owes nearly one-third of its overwhelming external debt to Beijing. Research shows that Chinese investments, largely shrouded in secrecy, do not come cheap. A 2021 report by U.S.-based research lab AidData found that most Chinese development financing in Pakistan between 2000 and 2017 were loans, not grants, given at or near commercial rates. Pakistan-based economist Ammar Habib Khan, a nonresident senior fellow with the Washington-based Atlantic Council, told VOA this financial burden is partly why Pakistan has struggled to stimulate its economy through CPEC. "A lot of that infrastructure came at a fairly high cost, and a lot of that borrowing was essentially in dollar terms and fairly higher than market terms," he said. "Because of that, Pakistan continues to make significant dollar payments for the Chinese debt. Because of that we continue to have a current account crisis and some serious debt issues." In 2018, complaining of unfavorable terms, then-Prime Minister Imran Khan's government set out to review CPEC projects. By 2021, the government was promising to prioritize the projects, however, in a bid to revive cooling bilateral relations that observers believe stemmed from the Khan government's unease with CPEC's terms. Economist Khan said Pakistan definitely has a debt problem but not a Chinese debt problem. He blamed Islamabad for mismanaging resources. "We added a lot of generation capacity, but we did not make efficient the distribution channels, due to which whatever electricity is generated, a lot of it is wasted," Khan said. That wasted electricity is costing the government millions of dollars every year, and its debt to power plants built under CPEC is piling up. Islamabad and Beijing reject Washington's assertion that China's development financing to Pakistan and other BRI recipients is a debt-trap. Pakistan has plenty of say in CPEC projects, Sayed said, through the Joint Coordination Committee that includes Chinese and Pakistani officials. "So, this perception of China coming in by predatory financing and weakening a host country and gaining political influence is unfounded," he said. A report last year by Taiwan-based anti-disinformation lab DoubleThink's China in the World network placed Pakistan at the top of the list of countries most exposed to Chinese influence. According to the AidData report, Chinese loan terms are less generous than what Western countries usually offer. Khan said a lack of Western funding for Pakistan left Islamabad with little choice. "The choice was simply whether to have a power plant or whether to have 12 to 15 hours of electricity shutdown," Khan said. "So, yes, CPEC did provide Pakistan with a base of necessary infrastructure required for industrial growth. Meanwhile, Western countries have not been able to provide the same over the last many years." Under the BRI, China is spending over eight times more in Pakistan than the United States is, according to AidData's research. The U.S. spends on soft infrastructure in Pakistan such as education, governance, and law and order capacity building, while China spends on hard infrastructure there. Pakistan is the biggest recipient of China's energy investment in Asia, while its share of BRI's transportation and storage projects is the highest in the world. Along with being Pakistan's biggest single creditor country, China also routinely rescues it from economic collapse. In the last few months, Beijing rolled over close to $8 billion in debt, according to the Pakistani government, preventing Islamabad from default. Experts say that to lessen the debt burden stemming from CPEC, Pakistan must find ways to efficiently use the energy and infrastructure it acquired through the mega-project and strengthen domestic production and exports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As Expected, Navalny Found Guilty On Extremism Charges, Sentenced To 19 Years By RFE/RL's Russian Service August 04, 2023 Jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who is already serving a nine-year prison sentence on embezzlement charges that he and his allies say are politically motivated, has been sentenced to 19 years in Russia's harshest prison regime after being found guilty on charges of extremism related to his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). The court, which was set up in the penal colony where the 47-year-old is being held, 250 kilometers east of Moscow, convicted him on August 4 under six articles of the Criminal Code, including creating and financing an extremist community, calling for extremism, rehabilitating Nazism, and involving minors in dangerous acts. The prosecution, which sought a 20-year prison sentence, had asked the court to order Navalny to serve any new prison term in a "special regime" penal colony, a term that refers to a prison with the highest level of security and the harshest restrictions for inmates. The designation comes even though Russian law states it should be given to those with life sentences or "especially dangerous recidivists." Navalny reacted to the sentence on Facebook, saying the number of years does not matter. "I perfectly understand that, like many political prisoners, I am sitting on a life sentence. Where life is measured by the term of my life or the term of life of this regime," he said. Navalny urged his compatriots to keep resisting the Kremlin and what he said are its attempts to "frighten" Russians "and deprive you of the will to resist." He added that Russians are being forced to surrender their country "without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power.... Don't lose the will to resist." Other reaction to the sentence came swiftly from the European Union and the United States, which slammed the verdict in comments that referred to a "sham" and "unjust" trial. "The latest verdict in yet another sham trial against Aleksei Navalny is unacceptable. This arbitrary conviction is the response to his courage to speak critically against the Kremlin's regime," European Council President Charles Michel said in a social media post after the verdict was announced. The United States condemned the sentence in a statement issued by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, who said the charges against Navalny were unfounded. "This is an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial," Miller said. "For years, the Kremlin has attempted to silence Navalny and prevent his calls for transparency and accountability from reaching the Russian people," Miller said. Noting the secrecy of the trial and lack of access to evidence provided to his lawyers, Miller said Russian authorities "illustrated yet again both the baselessness of their case and the lack of due process afforded to those who dare to criticize the regime." British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly condemned the jail term and said the United Kingdom calls for his immediate release. Amnesty International called the new sentence "little more than a stealthily imposed life sentence" and "a sinister act of political vengeance that not only targets Navalny personally but serves as a warning to state critics across the country." Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said the new sentence "raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalization of the court system for political purposes in Russia." It was not immediately clear if Navalny's new sentence was added to his previous ones, or if he now faces a total of 19 years in prison. Navalny spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh told AFP that the new sentence will take into account the around two and a half years he already served as well as a 10-month house arrest in 2014-15. Navalny's co-defendant, the former technical director of Navalny Live, Daniel Kholodny was sentenced to eight years in a penal colony, Novaya Gazeta.Europe reported, citing his lawyer. The case against Navalny dealt with the FBK, which, at the request of the prosecutor's office, was declared extremist in 2021, banning all its activities in Russia. The "special regime" colony that the prosecution requested is a system in which inmates stay in cells either alone, in pairs, or in fours. The cells have additional metal bars on windows and doors, nonstop lighting and video surveillance. Inmates are not allowed to talk to cellmates and when they move inside the penitentiary, it is in a bowed position with their hands cuffed behind their back as they are escorted by guards and a dog. They can request one or two hours of walking outside in specially fenced cubes where there is no direct sunlight. Special regime inmates are not allowed to communicate with friends or relatives, and can have no visits in the first 10 years of their sentences. Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin's fiercest critics, had predicted the harsh sentence in a post on social media a day earlier, saying he expected a sentence of 15 years to 20 years, despite what he claimed was "nonsensical" evidence presented during his closed-door trial. He rejected all the charges against him as politically motivated and accused the Kremlin of seeking to keep him behind bars for life and to keep Russians from voicing dissent. Navalny's current combined prison sentence is 11 1/2 years, including the embezzlement conviction, which was added to a shorter sentence for violating the terms of an earlier parole when he was medically evacuated after suffering a near-fatal poisoning. All the charges are widely seen as retribution for his efforts to expose what he describes as the pervasive lawlessness, corruption, and repression by Putin and his political system. Despite harassment, arrests, physical attacks, and the nerve-agent poisoning in August 2020, Navalny continues to play the role of opposition agitator, striving to remain relevant even in isolation. With reporting by AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny-sentenced-19- years-/32534422.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 The Week In Russia: Off-Ramps And Obsessions By Steve Gutterman August 04, 2023 Russian President Vladimir Putin says he's not against negotiations for peace in Ukraine. Analysts say that, despite setbacks in the more than 17 months since he launched Russia's large-scale invasion, he is still bent on "destroying and subordinating" that country and determined to "redraw the world map." Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward. 'Fatal Mistakes' Headlines can be misleading, miss the point, or highlight a remark that -- while it may arguably be technically accurate -- skews the relevance of what was said. Example: After Putin met with African leaders at a summit in St. Petersburg last week, several news stories appeared under headlines citing Putin as saying that Russia does not oppose holding peace talks with Ukraine. Putin can say what he wants, but there are so many caveats that the statement itself is almost meaningless. For one thing, Putin immediately blamed Ukraine for the absence of peace talks, also saying that calls for a cease-fire made little sense amid a Ukrainian counteroffensive. "We can't cease fire when we are under attack," he said, neglecting to mention that Kyiv would not be mounting a counteroffensive if it were not under attack -- if Russia had not launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. And then there's this detail: Putin may not have mentioned it specifically in his comments to media outlets on July 29, but he and other Russian officials have repeatedly said that Ukraine and other participants in any negotiations on the war in Ukraine would have to accept the "new realities." That term is shorthand for Kremlin claims that do not reflect reality: Last September, Putin asserted that Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions are now part of Russia. In fact, Russian forces do not hold any of those regions in their entirety, and the claim is based on little or nothing beyond so-called referendums deemed illegitimate by most of the world. Based on those statements, regardless of Ukraine's position and what's happening on the long front line, Russia has strongly suggested that it is unwilling to negotiate without a guarantee that it would end up with even more Ukrainian territory than it currently controls. Meanwhile, there's a broader issue, and a more far-reaching one: The widespread suspicion that Putin still wants more than those regions -- that despite a series of setbacks, starting with Russian forces' failure to take Kyiv and push President Volodymyr Zelenskiy from power in the first weeks of the invasion, he is still determined to seize Ukraine, subjugate it, or both. Pointing to factors including legislation adopted last week to raise the maximum age for mandatory military service for men to 30 from 27, analyst Alexander Gabuev wrote that, "Far from seeking an off-ramp from his disastrous war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin is preparing for an even bigger war." "Putin has made plenty of fatal mistakes," Gabuev, who is director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, wrote in The Financial Times. "But as long as he is in charge, Moscow will dedicate its still vast resources to achieving his obsession with destroying and subordinating Ukraine." 'Powerful Lessons' Putin prefaced the full-scale invasion by repeatedly stating or suggesting that Ukraine has no right to exist unless it is closely tied to Russia. In remarks since the invasion, he has said more of the same, giving no indication that his goals -- which go beyond Ukraine -- have changed. Putin's "mission" is "to redraw the world map with the borders that he and his ideologists call 'historical Russia,'" Andrei Kolesnikov, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, wrote in Novaya Gazeta Europe. No wonder Kyiv is wary of negotiations -- and might remain so if Putin's rule were to come to an end. "Powerful lessons from Ukraine's own past, as well as its neighbors' history and present, have taught Ukrainians that Moscow can't be trusted," Andreas Umland, an analyst at the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, wrote in Politico. "And according to their experience and comparative analysis, if the Russian state exists in its current form, it will not engage in sincere negotiations, or sign a peace deal in good faith." Of course, it's impossible to say for sure how a country will act in the future, even the very near future. But in the present, since the full-bore invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, there have been plenty of signs that Putin is not ready to scale down his goals. For one thing, when it comes to the parts of Ukraine that it does currently control, Russia is trying to turn what it calls the new realities into actual realities - with devastating consequences for the Ukrainians who have not fled or been killed. In his Novaya Gazeta Europe article, Kolesnikov wrote that in Putin's Russia, the Soviet-era state ideology of Marxism-Leninism has been replaced by "so-called traditional values" and a "glorious, mythologized history of Russia." "Historical politics is also acquiring a practical political application -- it is becoming an instrument for the rule of the country," he wrote. And if there are few signs that Putin is willing to give up his most aggressive goals when it comes to Ukraine, there may be even fewer indications that the state is preparing to let up on its clampdown on all forms of dissent. That impression may be reinforced by the verdict and sentence that is to be handed down to Putin's most prominent foe, Aleksei Navalny, at a hearing scheduled to start on August 4, wrapping up a trial on extremism and other charges that he and supporters dismiss as politically motivated and absurd. Navalny is already serving prison sentences of nine years and 2 1/2 years on charges that he also rejects, and a conviction is a foregone conclusion in a country where the acquittal rate is well below 1 percent. A 'Stalinist' Sentence Last month, in a trial held behind closed doors, the state prosecutor asked the court to sentence Navalny to another 20 years in prison. Analyst Kolesnikov wrote that while post-Soviet Russia has ditched Marx and Lenin, Putin has increasingly turned to narratives from the "ideological arsenal of the Stalin era" -- such as the claim that Russian invasions of other countries are not attacks but "missions of liberation." In a comment on the eve of the verdict hearing, Navalny also made reference to the Soviet dictator and his terror-filled times, saying he expects a "Stalinist" sentence -- a long one, that is. In another prominent case that has served as a sign of the times, an appeals court upheld the guilty verdict and 25-year prison sentence against Kremlin opponent Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was convicted of treason and other crimes in a trial he and his supporters say was politically motivated punishment for his criticism of Putin and the war on Ukraine. The still-spiraling state clampdown has also claimed many lesser-known critics of the war. On August 3, a court convicted a 19-year-old man, Danil Berdyugin, of treason and sentenced him to six years in prison. Berdyugin had taken part in anti-war protests in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk and signed several petitions demanding that Russia halt its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-week-russia-gutterman-ukraine-redrawing-map-analysis/32533851.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 Moscow Court Imprisons Man Wanted In Dubai For Alleged Involvement In Murder Of Kadyrov Foe By RFE/RL's Russian Service August 04, 2023 A military court in Moscow has sentenced Zelimkhan Mazayev, who is wanted in the United Arab Emirates on suspicion of involvement into 2009 killing in Dubai of Sulim Yamadayev, to eight years in prison on a terrorism charge. The Second Western District Military Court sentenced the 42-year-old Mazayev after finding him guilty of robbery, armed robbery, and financing an Islamic terrorist's trip to Syria in 2014, the Kommersant daily reported on August 4. Since Mazayev has already spent four years in custody, he is eligible to apply for early release later this year. In 2009, investigators in Dubai said Mazayev was one of 10 individuals who arrived from Russia to assassinate the 35-year-old Yamadayev, a member of a family that at the time was at odds with the authoritarian leader of Russia's Republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov. According to U.A.E. authorities, Mazayev shot Yamadayev to death in an underground parking lot of a residential building in Dubai. Mazayev and others fled the U.A.E. for Russia, while a Tajik citizen and an Iranian national who worked at a stable in Dubai taking care of horses belonging to Kadyrov, were caught and subsequently tried in Dubai for their roles in the murder. Both were sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in the assassination. In September 2008, Ruslan Yamadayev, a State Duma member and Sulim's brother, was shot dead in Moscow. A year later, Kadyrov ordered the destruction of a mosque in Chechnya raised to honor the eldest of Yamadayev's brothers, Dzhabrail. The youngest of Yamadayev's brothers, Isa, has survived several assassination attempts and in 2010 publicly announced that he and Kadyrov had reconciled. With reporting by Kommersant Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-kadyrov-foe-yamadayev- mazayev-imprisoned-dubai/32534562.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's article Colonial Pressure for Izvestia MIC, August 4, 2023 4 August 2023 11:14 1553-04-08-2023 Articles 73 and 74 of the UN Charter deal with "non-self-governing territories," a rare term that officially means "territories whose peoples have not yet attained a full measure of self-government." Essentially, they deal with colonies. This is clear from the tentative list of such territories approved by the UN Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, also known as the Special Committee on Decolonisation or C-24. The UN is also authorised to regularly update and publish the list of non-self-governing territories whose people remain in colonial dependence on their metropoles. The last time that list was updated was three months ago, on May 10. The C-24 list includes 17 colonies. Can you imagine this in the 21st century, in 2023? Here they are: - three US colonies (United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam); - two French colonies (French Polynesia and New Caledonia); - 10 British colonies (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands/Malvinas, Monserrat, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, Gibraltar and Pitcairn). When the British monarch "apologises" for the colonial crimes his predecessors committed in Africa and other parts of the world, he knows very well that according to the UN, he is the head of a colonial power, even though the UK has the right of veto at the UN Security Council. Moreover, his government is ready to kill and die for these colonies - I am referring to the 1982 Falklands War. There is more. Some forces in the United States are fighting for the recognition of Alaskan tribes as people without self-government. For example, 227 Alaskan tribes were federally recognised as recently as 1994, thanks to the Alaska Inter-Tribal Council. It is a very slow process, but it is ongoing. In 2001, the federally recognised tribes established a government-to-government relationship with the federal authorities. It looks like a good solution for a country that began its history with a bloody genocide of indigenous peoples. The colonial powers will not endlessly suppress the independence and sovereignty of peoples, although their desire to have more colonies fits their logic. Just look at how Paris is suffering when things in Africa go off the course chartered in France. But freedom will prevail, and the process of decolonisation will not stop until the last non-self-governing territory attains independence, as it has happened in New Hebrides (Vanuatu), Fernando Po (Equatorial Guinea), British Honduras (Belize), Basutoland (Lesotho), Bechuanaland (Botswana), Gambia, Fiji and many other countries. They were once non-self-governing territories but have now attained full self-government. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian military delegation hold working meeting with Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Republic of Union of Myanmar 04.08.2023 Representatives of the Russian Defence Ministry held a working meeting with Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar General Maung Maung Aye. During the meeting, head of Russian delegation Deputy Commander of the Eastern MD's Forces Lieutenant General Mikhail Nosulev discussed with Maung Maung Aye the stages of the command-staff training exercise on countering terrorism with the participation of countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and dialogue partners of ADMM Plus. Representatives of military departments also noted the increasing level of co-operation and high professionalism of the servicemen involved in the training. Officers of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the Eastern MD and the Pacific Fleet together with servicemen from other ASEAN countries are taking part in a joint command and staff training exercise, began on 2 August 2023 in Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar). Military officials from Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and India oversee the drills. ADMM Plus is a mechanism of interaction between the defence departments of ten countries of Southeast Asia (ASEAN) and dialogue partner states (Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, USA), established in April 2010 at the initiative of Vietnam. The activities of specialists within ADMM Plus are carried out in seven Expert Working Groups: on humanitarian demining, humanitarian assistance and emergency response, military medicine, maritime security, counter-terrorism, organisation of peacekeeping operations, and cyber security. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Reinvestigation: True Picture of China's global port investments Xinhua) 10:01, August 05, 2023 Instead of creating "security worries" as some Western media claimed, China's expanding investments in overseas ports have in fact garnered considerable revenue for local governments, driven economic development, boosted the construction of local infrastructure, and increased employment in these regions. BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- In the past few months, the Voice of America (VOA) and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), among other U.S. media outlets, have been hyping up the narrative of "security concerns related to Chinese investments in overseas ports," alleging that they "could be used for military purposes" in the future. Besides commercial value, "Chinese-run port terminals can be used not only for logistics support but also intelligence gathering and as future potential basing options," a WSJ report entitled "China's global port investments give rise to security worries" claimed, citing American security analysts, yet without giving any evidence. "As commercial ports could be used for military purposes, analysts have long been concerned about the security implications of ports controlled by Beijing," another report by the VOA, entitled "China's Global Network of Shipping Ports Reveal Beijing's Strategy", said. The above claims are nothing but groundless speculations, analysts say, emphasizing the fact that whether an investment in a foreign port can be used militarily depends on many conditions, among which is permission from the government of the host country as a sovereign state. In fact, China's rapidly expanding investments in overseas ports in recent years are a natural outcome of its rapidly growing trade with the international market. Given China's status as the world's largest trader of goods and a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions around the world, it is not in line with commercial logic if China did not expand its investments in overseas ports considering such factors as trade and shipping facilitation and transaction cost saving, the analysts say. THE TRUE PICTURE "Chinese companies' investment in some foreign ports is first and foremost an economic act, and its starting point and focus are to facilitate China's ocean freight logistics," said Wang Zaibang, a senior fellow at Taihe Institute, a Beijing-based think tank. "This kind of investment is not only beneficial to the business activities of China's overseas shipping companies, but also conducive to stimulating the local economy and promoting employment. We can be optimistic that, barring extreme circumstances, such investment can only grow as the size of China's economy and the stock of overseas interests continue to grow," he told Xinhua in a recent interview. Currently, China's shipping fleet control capacity has risen to the second place in the world from the third place in 2015. As the world's most important intermediate goods provider and the largest supplier of final products, China's docking with the international market not only requires the continuous facilitation of bilateral or multilateral trade and investment, but also the orderly docking and arrangement of global transportation channels, said Zhang Yugui, dean of the School of Economics and Finance of Shanghai International Studies University. Over the past decade since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was launched in 2013, China has signed more than 200 cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations, resulting in more than 3,000 cooperation projects and generating nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars in investment, official statistics show. Under the joint efforts of participating countries, a connectivity framework involving six corridors, six types of routes, multiple countries and multiple ports have taken shape, playing a key role in transcending geographical constraints and cultural differences, and in facilitating economic development across the world. During this process, Chinese companies and overseas local authorities have carried out port cooperation projects with an aim to create opportunities for common development under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits on the basis of respecting the will of relevant countries. China has never interfered in other countries' internal affairs, targeted a third party, or posed a security threat to any country. This aerial photo taken on Feb. 15, 2019 shows a container ship of the COSCO Shipping approaching Piraeus port, Greece. (Xinhua/Wu Lu) Since 2009, Chinese shipping giant COSCO has invested more than 600 million euros (about 660 million U.S. dollars) in the construction and upgrading of the Container Terminals 2 and 3 in Greece's Piraeus port. In 2019, the port's container throughput has exceeded 5.65 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit), becoming the first integrated port in the Mediterranean, the fourth largest in Europe and one of the fastest growing container ports in the world, with revenue of 195 million euros (214.5 million dollars) in fiscal year 2022, an increase of 26.2 percent, and a net profit of 52.9 million euros (58.2 million dollars), an increase of 43.9 percent. The Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka, the first special economic zone constructed and operated by Chinese firms outside of China, has been designated as one of the "Five New Cities Affecting the Future" by Forbes magazine in the United States. According to management consulting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers Consulting, Colombo Port City will attract more than 9.7 billion dollars in foreign direct investment for Sri Lanka during its development and operation, generate more than 5 billion dollars in fiscal revenue for the Sri Lankan government, and create more than 400,000 quality jobs for the locals. The project "will promote Sri Lanka's economic development, improve people's livelihood and boost the modernization process of Sri Lanka," said Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Palitha Kohona, adding that "many of the great changes that have taken place in Sri Lanka have benefited from the BRI." Launched in January 2023 and invested, constructed and operated by China Harbour Corporation, the Nigerian Lekki Deep Water Port project is Nigeria's first modern deep-water port and one of the largest ports in West Africa, with an annual designed handling capacity of 1.2 million standard containers, which can accommodate the world's largest container ships. Nigeria's former President Muhammadu Buhari said that the Lekki Port will "open up a new pattern for Nigeria's economic development, strongly promote the export of Nigerian products, especially agricultural products," and create many jobs, contributing to poverty reduction goals. Built by Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd., the new Port of Haifa in Israel opened in September 2021, becoming the first large new port in Israel in nearly 60 years. It is by far the most advanced, greenest, fastest and most cost-effective terminal on the Mediterranean coast, using the most advanced port technology in the world. "We have high hopes for the new port of Haifa to serve the entire region and become a regional logistics hub," said Yitzhak Blumenthal, CEO of the government-owned Israel Ports Company. The above are just a few examples of the cooperation projects Chinese companies have implemented overseas, which have not only garnered considerable revenue for local governments and driven economic development, but also boosted the construction of local infrastructure and increased employment in these regions. STRONG REBUKES As a country long committed to peaceful development and promoting a community with a shared future for mankind, China currently has only one overseas naval support base in Djibouti, the main function of which is to serve the Chinese warships fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Wang said. Responding to the WSJ report's claim that "China's navy has stopped for replenishment or diplomacy at a third of the ports where China-based firms have investments," Wang said it is a matter of course and nothing wrong with China investing in foreign ports for non-war operations in peacetime. As the world has been constantly threatened by hegemonism and power politics, terrorism and extremist forces, as well as local wars and regional conflicts, and Western countries led by the United States have been waging color revolutions in many countries triggering regional unrest, there is often a need for non-war operations such as the evacuation of Chinese nationals. "Under such circumstances, warships of any country can naturally dock at foreign ports for supplies or transshipment, which is really not surprising," Wang said. Meanwhile, various countries have come out to deny the U.S. allegations about the Chinese-invested ports' so-called "military purposes". In a recent interview with France 24, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, "So far there has been no (Chinese) military base in Hambantota harbour... the security is controlled by the government of Sri Lanka... these are just speculations... We have no military agreement with China, there won't be a military agreement, I don't think China enters into one." As for the Gwadar port in Pakistan, Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, chief executive officer of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development, an Islamabad-based think tank, has also recently said that "there was no (Chinese) military involvement." This aerial photo taken on June 4, 2022 shows a port for fishermen in Gwadar of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan Province. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao) "The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a purely economic development initiative... Since the very beginning, Western countries and their allies in the region have started propaganda. Why did they start to malign the BRI and the CPEC by one name or another name? Because they cannot compete in the development," Ramay told Xinhua. Besides the "military purposes" hype, the WSJ report also alleged that "They (Chinese companies) are also aggregating shipping data in ways that some in Washington worry could give Beijing access to information about rivals' supply-chain vulnerabilities." On that topic, insiders and analysts from Germany have provided an opposite perspective. Chinese companies have contributed to the alleviation of the supply chain crisis in the Port of Hamburg through mutual cooperation and learning from German companies. In the future, Chinese companies will also play an important role in addressing challenges such as the digitalization and sustainable development of the Port of Hamburg, said Angela Titzrath, chairwoman of Hamburg Ports and Logistics AG. "Both sides have established an equal and trusted partnership," she added. "Numerous Chinese companies have settled in the city (Hamburg) and in the port, with whom the players in the port as well as we have been cooperating successfully for a long time," Axel Mattern, chief executive officer of Port of Hamburg Marketing, told Xinhua. "In addition, cooperation with Chinese companies secures cargo in Hamburg and thus the supply flows in Germany and Europe," he added. "The Chinese investment in the port of Hamburg is normal. (Yet) (t)here is a tendency that wants to separate the German economy from China, and the German government is facing pressure and constraints from this," Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and chairperson of the German think tank Schiller Institute, told Xinhua. "I would say this is purely ideological, so I'm quite glad that the agreement of the Port of Hamburg went through at the last moment," she said. Yannis Stournaras, governor of the Bank of Greece, told media recently: "Greece is one of the few countries in Europe (where) China has a very crucial investment, the Piraeus port, and it is going very well... Piraeus was a big port with huge competitiveness problems and now is one of the most competitive ports in Europe, so I think it was a successful investment." MOTIVE BEHIND "CHINA THREAT" As a matter of fact, the United States has also benefited from Chinese companies' investments in port management. Since 2002, COSCO Group has been an important customer and partner of Boston Port, and practical cooperation between both sides during the past 20 years has not only saved 9,000 jobs in Boston Port, but also created 400,000 more new jobs. Mike Meyran, director of the Boston Port Authority, said that the Boston Port "is a perfect example of U.S.-China economic and trade cooperation." However, some U.S. politicians and media have been wilfully neglecting these positive exchanges between their country and China, and have been continuing to churn out various versions of the "China threat" for many years, as a result of "the hegemonic behavior and deep-rooted militaristic thinking of the United States in the past hundred years," said Wang. Yet these allegations are increasingly losing appeal. Even Americans are now beginning to see the truth. "Do you know how many military bases we have surrounding China? Three hundred and thirteen. Americans need to wake up. It is a different world. We have about 750 military installations in 80 countries," U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson said recently. Civic groups and local residents take to the streets to protest against the U.S. biological labs near a U.S. military base in Busan, South Korea, April 5, 2022. (Photo by James Lee/Xinhua) "Look at how the rest of the world sees this. Do you think that they see China as a greater military threat to global security or the United States as a greater military threat to global security?" she asked. The motive behind the U.S. exaggerations is "to sow discord and undermine the mutually beneficial cooperative relations between China and relevant countries," Wang said. In the context of a serious decline in the United States' ocean transportation capacity, the U.S. playing up this new version of "China threat" is only meant to intimidate countries that accept Chinese port investments into giving up or weakening their cooperation with the Chinese side, with the intent to hurt China and hurt the investment target countries for its own benefit, Wang noted. (Xinhua reporters Jiang Chao in Islamabad, Du Zheyu in Berlin and Chen Zhanjie in Rome contributed to the story.) (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) Home > 2023 > Thai democracy faces the elephant in the room | Pavin Chachavalpongpun 24 July 2023 After the judicial coup [1] to oust Pita Limjaroenrat, Thailands democratic future straddles the fault lines of its royalist elite and the will of its people. Thailands democracy is at a crossroads after Mays election result was effectively struck down by the courts. Last Wednesday in Bangkok, as the second round of voting to approve Pita Limjaroenrat as Prime Minister was in progress, the Constitutional Court ordered that he be suspended as a member of parliament [2]. The court alleged that Pita, the leader of the Move Forward Party that won the most seats in Mays election [3], held shares in a now-defunct media company, which rendered him unqualified under local law to run in the election. This was not the first time the Constitutional Court interfered in politics [4] in an apparent attempt to undermine political opponents of the old establishment. The future of Pita is unknown at best, or bleak to be more accurate. Thai politics was already in a precarious position in the post-elections period after the Senate also blocked the premiership of the progressive leader [5]. Pita must secure at least half of the votes from the combined two Houses (House of Representatives of 500 and the Senate of 250 votes). The veto of the Senate reaffirmed the staying power of the old establishment. The members of the Senate and the Constitutional Court were appointed under the direct guidance of the old establishment, which broadly consists of the military, the judiciary, senior bureaucrats as well as powerful businesses. The Constitutional Court, founded in 1997, reemerged as a key political referee in the aftermath of the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016. The Senate was reconfigured [6] by the junta in the wake of the 2014 coup. Both were designed [7] as instruments in preserving power interests of the old establishment [8]. They were inventions in the long line of strategies to eliminate political enemies. For a long time, Thailands old establishment has had little interest in investing in electoral politics, but has instead relied on shortcut strategies, such as staging a coup, to manage political challenges. The country has witnessed 12 successful military coups [9] in the past century. The latest political intervention of the Constitutional Court was a blunt obstruction of democracy in Thailand. Its been dubbed a "judicial coup" which robbed power from the Thai voters. While the electoral victory of the pro-reform Move Forward Party signals Thailands hope for a growing democracy, it continues to be impeded by the entrenched power of the old establishment. Today, the forces behind the old establishment have succeeded in installing a political infrastructure favourable to their own position. The powerful are becoming more sophisticated in exploiting the parliamentary and legal process to their advantage. The early demise of Pita Limjaroenrat does not rest solely on the allegation of the shares controversy, which the leader claims should not render him unfit to run, as he inherited them from his father [10]. But more concerning, is that his Move Forward party is the only one which has proposed to reform Article 112, or lese-majeste law, in the Criminal Code which punishes anyone defaming the monarchy for up to 15 years in prison. The main debate during the first round of voting for Pitas premiership focused specifically on the reform of Article 112 [11]. Pita and his party were accused of trying to overthrow the monarchy, considered a serious crime in Thailand. Such debate illustrates the central role of the monarchy in the political deadlock. King Vajiralongkorn is a politically active king. Unlike his father, he has directly interfered in politics, requesting the amendment of the constitution [12] to empower himself. In 2020, Thai youths staged protests to call for immediate royal reforms [13]. Not only was their call ignored, but they were targeted in a harsh crackdown by authorities [14]. So when the Move Forward Party built its platform on the demand of the protesters, it was perceived as anti-monarchist, thus deserving to be annihilated. The fault lines of Thai politics are traced back to the monarchy. In this fight, the Move Forward Party is alone. The second most successful party, Pheu Thai, backed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been playing a double game. In public, Pheu Thai has appeared to be willing to partake in a coalition led by Move Forward. In reality, Pheu Thai has tilted more toward reconciling with the monarchy, which has long been a policy of Thaksin. Thaksin himself declared he wanted to return home this month [15], but recently rolled back his plan given he failed to secure a landslide win. For Move Forward, Pheu Thai is not a reliable bedfellow. It is now increasingly likely that Pheu Thai will nominate one of its candidates from Mays election to become Prime Minister with former property mogul Srettha Thavisin, a close ally of the Shinawatra family [16], firming to take the top job, despite the election results. It raises debate over the slim chances progressive politics has to rule in the current political climate, with the international community crucial in influencing and pressuring those in power in Thailand to respect the will of the voters. The USs concern over the Thai situation [17] was commended. Any undemocratic effort to disqualify Pita and his party will jeopardise Thailands relations with its key allies. Thailands political parties have a duty to defend parliamentary politics which should be kept free from interference of illegitimate players. Parties will need to be brave to tackle the royal elephant in the room, by openly discussing the issue of the monarchy to break the deadlock. This represents the only way to move the country out of the vicious cycle that has gripped it for almost a century. If this political process fails, it will only drive the people onto the streets. After long years of feeling politically deprived, they are angry. Protests driven by anger are dangerous and could become violent. All sides can prevent bloody confrontations if they choose to respect the rule of democracy. (Author: Pavin Chachavalpongpun is an associate professor at Kyoto Universitys Center for Southeast Asian Studies) [Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info.org] A star, or several, are born, perhaps. Playing early as part of Locarnos Open Doors Screenings, framing new features and shorts from Latin America and the Caribbean, Rimana Wasi: Home of Stories received a rapturous reception, establishing directors Ximena Malaga Sabogal, Piotr Turlej as talents to track. Angelo, and La Distancia Del Tiempo have good word of mouth; theres a large expectation to see the milestone queer doc Eating Papaw on the Seashore. More from Variety Briefly, a drill down on the shorts screening at Open Doors, a new and welcome addition to Locarnos premier industry forum: Angelo Alex Plumb, Bolivia Solitary shoe shiner Angelo spends his days fending off monotony and the despair of life on the streets by cruising through realities. The film paints a delicate portrait of life outside all bounds, capturing the bold colors of the city in contrast to the grit of its avenues and mountain ranges. Produced by Bonadona Studios, Angelo is about the power of our imagination in helping us survive in this world, relays Plumb. The film, a Tribeca competition title, snapped up the Directors Spotlight honor at Dublins Gaze LGBT Film Fest. Angelo La Distancia del Tiempo (The Distance of Time) Carlos Ormeno Palma, Peru An androgynous young man embraces the reality of life without his ailing partner. Black and white scenes shrouded in contemplative silence and city rhythms fuse mourning with grace and gentle acceptance. Produced by Ormeno Palmas La Fiebre Films, the project collected best short film nods from The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival and Perus Trujillo Film Festival. In development, and featured at Open Doors Producers Lab, The Scent of Walls, which Ormeno Palma describes as the first Peruvian film that portrays a non-patriarchal and non-heteronormative father-son connection. Story continues The Distance of Time Eating Papaw on the Seashore Rae Wiltshire, Nickose Layne, Guyana The first Guyanese film to cover same sex intimacy between men tells the coming-of-age story of two queer boys forced to navigate a harshly homophobic society. Adolescent emotions unfold in full in a region where the sentiments are officially criminal. A co-production between Rae Wiltshire Films and Third Horizon, it precludes Wiltshires upcoming projects Into The Room, a silent horror film tackling domestic violence and child abuse in Guyana and Old Toy Train, a drama that muses on the effect aging parents have on their loved ones. La Espiral Roja Lorena Colmenares, Venezuela, Germany Santiago is entrusted with performing the highly-important and daunting task of giving a welcome speech for the first visit of the Great Lord Commandant. Hell practice dutifully within his school that resides in a fascist country, where the walls have ears. Produced by the Universidad de Los Andes and co-produced by Lacau Color Grading, Tonlabor Haw Hamburg, the film remarks on the rigid nature of allegiance. Colmenares is currently developing her first feature El Llanto De Los Grillos which tells a tense within the framework of the brutal Venezuelan blackout of 2019. La espiral roja Plastico Veronica Kompalic, Venezuela A film crew follows a group of naive actors as a ruthless commander prods them into increasingly brutal situations in the name of blind patriotism, providing a satirical look at the propaganda machine. Produced by women-led production house Discordia, the film will be distributed nationally via Whatsapp, as Kompalic remarks that the platform has become a great aid for people to stay connected with their families through the diaspora and receive important information about their situation that wouldnt be printed in the state-owned press. Plastico Rimana Wasi: Hogar de Historias (Rimana Wasi: Home of Stories), Ximena Malaga Sabogal, Piotr Turlej, Peru Quechua stories reach the far flung highlands from the city center of Puno as Chaska attempts to balance her career in radio with familial obligations in some of the nearest highlands. Portraying a rich heritage through quotidian scenes blended together with the modernity of present day, the film paints a tender portrait of community and a woman embracing modernity to promote her cultural roots. Produced by Watay Misita, born from a female film collective and highlighting the stories of Andean women, the project won the Peruvian Bicentennial Shorts award and has screened in numerous festivals. Rimana Wasi: Home of Stories Veo, Veo Tania Cattebeke Laconich, Paraguay During the Paraguayan Civil War of 1947, a girl from the Red Party forms a deep bond with a boy who belongs to the opposing party. Produced by Picante and Brief with co-production credits to Sabate Films, the project won the best international short film prize at the Festival de Cine de Huelva in Spain. Cattebeke, a Berlinale Talents alum, is currently wrapping production on a social justice documentary Yren, which follows a trans activist in conservative Paraguay, as she attempts to preserve the countrys only LGBTQ+ home shelter. Veo, Veo Volivia Leandro Grillo, Bolivia, Chile An experimental collage of found television footage that grapples with reality as its spliced together to form a pixelated beast. Produced by Trisomia Cine, founded by Grillo and Alejandra Antequera, a Puan production manager, the project offers a surreal kaleidoscope of culture that spins out alongside distorted dialogue. Up next for the team is Desidia, at Open Doors Projects Hub, regarding which Grillo proclaims, Ive always been motivated to make films under my own rules, and Desidia is not an exception. Volivia Willkawiwa (El Sagrado Fuego de los Muertos) (Willkawiwa The Sacred Fire of the Dead), Pavel Quevedo Ullauri, Ecuador, Costa Rica Jaime works diligently in the fields of the Ecuadorian Andes. Abruptly struck by a fatal illness thats claimed many in the community, he succumbs and an otherworldly force takes over his body. The film goes on to explore all that is seen and unseen, a mystical and foreboding look at death and the rich possibilities of the afterlife. Produced by Aguacero Cine, the project screened in competition on the festival circuit, including 2022 stops at Mexicos Morbido Fest and the Moscow International Film Festival. Willkawiwa The Sacred Fire of the Dead 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. Russian military delegation presented its approaches to combating terrorism to ASEAN participants 04.08.2023 During the joint command and staff training, a delegation from the Russian Ministry of Defence presented its approaches to combating terrorism to participants from ASEAN member countries and ADMM Plus dialogue partners. Of particular interest to all the military delegations involved in the command and staff training (CST) was the organisation of the Centre for Reconciliation of the Parties, which is charged with the tasks of reconciling the warring parties, monitoring compliance with the ceasefire of hostilities, returning refugees from the territories of foreign countries and their integration into peaceful life, and providing humanitarian assistance to the local population. The training participants also stressed the importance of using modern radio-electronic warfare samples to counter unmanned aerial vehicles and ensure radio-electronic protection of the most important state and military facilities. The CST, which began on 2 August in the capital city of the Republic of Myanmar, involves representatives of the military departments of Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Vietnam. The ADMM Plus mechanism was established in 2010. It allows interaction between the defence departments of ten countries and dialogue partner states. The purpose of ADMM Plus is to create conditions for discussion of defence and security issues and to ensure interaction between partner countries. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ships of Russian Navy and Chinese Navy practise search and destruction of mock enemy submarine 04.08.2023 The ships' crews have already passed the Sea of Japan, La PArouse Strait, the Sea of Okhotsk and Kamchatka Strait. Seamen of the two countries have practised joint tactical manoeuvring, conducted communications training and carried out helicopter landings and take-offs from the decks of each other's ships. In total, the squadron has passed more than 2,300 nautical miles since the start of the patrol. Operating in the south-western part of the Bering Sea, a detachment of ships of the Russian Navy and the PLA Navy conducted an anti-submarine exercise during which the search, escort and destruction of a mock enemy submarine were practised. To detect the submarine, which, according to the exercise legend, had stealthily entered an area prohibited for navigation, shipboard hydroacoustic search equipment and Ka-27PL anti-submarine deck helicopters were used. After determining the coordinates and figures of the target's movement, recommendations for the use of weapons were made. Then the seamen launched a salvo of reactive depth bombs to hit the mock submarine. Information Activities Office of the Primorye region (Vladivostok) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Conviction and Sentencing of Aleksey Navalny on Additional Politically Motivated Charges US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson August 4, 2023 The United States condemns a Russian court's further sentencing and conviction of opposition politician and anti-corruption campaigner Aleksey Navalny to an additional 19 years in prison on unfounded charges of so-called "extremism." This is an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial. For years, the Kremlin has attempted to silence Navalny and prevent his calls for transparency and accountability from reaching the Russian people. By conducting this latest trial in secret and limiting his lawyers' access to purported evidence, Russian authorities illustrated yet again both the baselessness of their case and the lack of due process afforded to those who dare to criticize the regime. Meanwhile, Russian authorities have repeatedly sent Navalny to solitary confinement, infringed upon his access to counsel, and denied him medical care. The United States strongly condemns Russia's continued detention of Navalny, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and the more than 500 other designated political prisoners Russia holds. We will continue to follow their cases closely and advocate for the release of all unjustly detained persons. We once again join Mr. Navalny's family, colleagues, and supporters around the world in calling for his immediate release, and an end to the continued repression of independent voices in Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia: Latest Navalny sentence raises serious concerns, UN rights chief says 4 August 2023 - The new sentence imposed on jailed Russian politician Alexei Navalny on Friday raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalization of the country's court system for political purposes, the UN Human Rights High Commissioner said in a statement. Volker TArk said the 19-year sentence was based on vague and overly broad charges of "extremism" and followed a closed trial on the premises of the prison where Mr. Navalny is already serving two other sentences amounting to 11 and a half years. He recalled that under international human rights law, States have an obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the full range of fair trial and due process rights to all individuals deprived of their liberty. "I call on the Russian authorities to take measures to respect these obligations by immediately ceasing violations of Navalny's human rights and release him," the rights chief said. Repressive crackdown Mr. TArk said this latest sentence against Mr. Navalny comes amid an increasingly repressive crackdown on freedom of expression and political opposition in Russia. Since February 2022, some 20,000 people have been arrested, many of them briefly, for various actions against Russia's war against Ukraine, including protesting and posting on social media. Several were jailed for allegedly spreading false information about the actions of the military and hundreds more have been given administrative fines for "discrediting" the Russian Army, he added. There has also been a sharp increase in the use of the espionage and treason provisions of the Criminal Code to try and convict people that were merely exercising their human rights. Mr. TArk called for a transparent and impartial review of such cases, in accordance with international human rights norms. "Deprivation of liberty for the exercise of human rights, including the freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly and association, constitutes arbitrary detention under international human rights law," he said, adding that "all those arbitrarily detained should be released immediately." The UN Secretary-General supports the High Commissioner's statement, his Deputy Spokesperson told journalists in New York on Friday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question about foreign aid to Ukraine 3 August 2023 20:43 1550-03-08-2023 Question: In July, the Review of Ukraine Foreign Assistance Coordination and Oversight by the Inspector General of the US Department of State was published online. It reads that over the longer run "corruption in the Ukrainian government and private sector poses risks to the effectiveness of US foreign assistance that requires robust oversight." Experts express similar apprehensions, saying that Ukraine may still turn out to be a black hole for Western investment. According to The Washington Post correspondent David Stern, "Ukraine's dream of joining the European Union will hinge in part on the anti-corruption fight." In the meantime, the EU prefers to avoid this issue. Why is Brussels so shortsighted? Maria Zakharova: Ukraine is notorious for its exorbitant corruption. The more money is pumped into Ukraine, the more displeased its Western sponsors will be at Kiev's inability to at least limit the stealing of funds. True, the situation is developing according to a well-known principle of US-EU relations - "Quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi," or "Gods may do what cattle may not." If the US begins to talk about the seriousness of the issue, the EU has been apparently been told to remain silent for the time being. That said, European taxpayers have the same right to know as the Americans how their money is spent. After all, according to the European Commission, as of July, the amount of funds promised to Ukraine by the EU, its member countries, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has already reached about 76 billion euros. Its preliminary report on the implementation by Ukraine of the terms required for the start of talks on joining the EU, which includes undertaking effective anti-corruption efforts, stated that Kiev had achieved "certain progress" on this track. It again merely mentioned the need to take real measures on countering corruption. Brussels refrained from its traditional threats to cut off funding if nothing is done to eradicate corruption although corruption in Ukraine is already astronomical. The EU and Ukraine are staging another bad comedy for the European taxpayers. Ukraine pretends to fight corruption and Brussels pretends to believe in the Kiev regime's ability to end it eventually. Brussels is carefully ignoring the fact that Zelensky is using his anti-corruption struggle only to neutralise his political opponents rather than eradicate this scourge of Ukrainian statehood as a matter of principle. Do the current EU leaders have another choice? This is a rhetorical question. Acknowledging the objective fact that billions in assistance to Ukraine is being shamelessly stolen would mean opening Pandora's box. In this case, the EU leaders will have to answer other uncomfortable questions - about illegal trade and smuggling of arms sent to Ukraine into Europe, massive human rights violations by the Kiev regime and the real beneficiaries of Ukraine's de-sovereignisation. Incidentally, Brussels officials realise that something will have to be done - though quietly, to be sure - with its Kiev clients that are used to living at the expense of others and hope to continue. The European Commission has recently proposed a special 50 billion euro fund for Ukraine for 2024-2027. To control its spending, it suggested establishing a multi-level auditing system that will include the creation of dedicated oversight bodies and regular planned and unplanned EU inspections. It would be interesting to see how successful Brussels will be in this venture. It seems that corruption in Ukraine has long deserved to be a major focus of EU journalists that are usually so eager to conduct high profile investigations. Or do Western scribes now work only on command from above? We will have to wait and see. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview. Friday, 4 August 2023 This list provides an overview of military assistance provided by the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine. It includes deliveries from the Federal Armed Forces, from industry and assistance measures together with partners, which have, inter alia, been financed from Federal Government funds for security capacity building. Funding for the security capacity building initiative amounts to 5.4 billion Euros for 2023 (after 2 billion Euros for 2022) and additional authorisations to enter commitments in the following years amounting to 10.5 billion Euros. These funds are to be used primarily for military assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, they will be used for re-filling Federal Armed Forces stocks for items delivered to Ukraine as well as for Germany's contributions to the European Peace Facility (EPF), from which costs incurred from providing military assistance to Ukraine can be re-imbursed to EU member states. Delivered military support to Ukraine: (Changes compared to the previous update in bold) Armoured fighting vehicles 18 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)* 10 main battle tanks LEOPARD 1 A5* 138 MG3 for LEOPARD 2, MARDER and DACHS ammunition for LEOPARD 1* 18 LEOPARD 2 A 6 main battle tanks with ammunition (German share in joint project with further LEOPARD 2 operators) 40 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER with ammunition (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 50 MRAP vehicles DINGO 54 M113 armoured personnel carriers each with 2 MG* (systems of Denmark, upgrades financed by Germany) Spare parts for LEOPARD 2 and MARDER Air defence 46 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD incl. 21,042 rounds of ammunition* 2 air surveillance radar TRML-4D* 2 air defence system Iris-T SLM* Iris-T SLM missiles* air defence system PATRIOT with missiles 55,000 rounds ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD 4,000 rounds practice ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns 500 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STINGER 2,700 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STRELA Artillery 2 self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway) 5,936 rounds 155mm smoke ammunition 15,510 rounds 155mm ammunition 155mm precision guided ammunition* 5 multiple rocket launchers MARS II with ammunition (German share in joint project with USA and Great Britain) ammunition for multiple rocket launchers MARS II 14 self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000 (German share in joint project with the Netherlands) 20 rocket launchers 70mm on pick-up trucks with rockets* counter battery radar system COBRA* 10 laser target designators and portable fire control modules for VULCANO artillery ammunition* Military Engineering Capabilities 6 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1* (before: 4) 11 mine ploughs for T-72 18 heavy and medium bridge systems and 12 trailers 5 bridges for bridge-laying tank BEAVER 10 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER* 15 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2* 2 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 3 5armoured engineer vehicles DACHS* 3 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems* 6 palettes material for explosive ordnance disposal 12 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann* Protective and Special Equipment 5 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE* 177 border protection vehicles* (before: 168) 84 reconnaissance drones VECTOR* (before:81) 47 mobile antenna mast systems* (before: 42) 20 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN* 18 ground surveillance radars* 10 radio jammers* 57 anti-drone sensors and jammers* 2 spare part packages for VECTOR drones 93 drone detection systems* 40 frequency range extensions for anti-drone devices* 1 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems* 32 reconnaissance drones* 40 laser target designators* 10 unmanned surface vessels* 10 anti-drone guns* 28,000 combat helmets 125 binoculars 600 safety glasses 1 radio frequency system 3,000 field telephones with 5.000 cable reels and carrying straps 353 night vision goggles* 12 electronic anti-drone devices* 165 field glasses* 38 laser range finders* 6 mobile decontamination vehicles HEP 70 including decontamination material 10 HMMWV (8x ground radar capability, 2x jamming/anti drone capability)* 1 high frequency unit with equipment* Logistics 140 trucks Zetros* 32 truck tractor trains 8x8 HX81 and 27 semi-trailers* 14 tracked and remote controlled infantry vehicles THeMIS* 4 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 20 roll of containers* 288 vehicles (trucks, minibuses, all-terrain vehicles) 179 Pick-ups* 12 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh* 26 load-handling trucks 15t* 35 load-handling trucks 8x8 30 protected vehicles* 10 roll off containers Combat Readiness and Survivability 44 ambulances* 8 dental sterilizers 260,000 first aid kits* 107,712rounds ammunition 40mm* 11,000 group module rations 103,000 tourniquets 500 pistols SFP9* 2 hangar tents* 8 lift trucks* 295 generators 10 winter camouflage nets 168 mobile heating systems* 36,400 wool blankets 14,000 sleeping bags Mi-24 spare parts* spare parts for heavy machine gun M2 200 tents 116,000 winter jackets 80,000 winter trousers 240,000 winter hats 405,000 pre-packaged military Meals Ready 67 fridges for medical material* 3,000 anti-tank weapons Panzerfaust 3 with 900 firing devices 14,900 anti-tank mines (9,300* from industry stocks) 22 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms 50 Bunkerfaust with 15 firing devices 100 machine gun MG3 with 500 spare barrels and breechblocks 100,000 hand grenades 5,300 explosive charges 100,000 m detonating cord and 100.000 detonators 350,000 detonators 100 auto-injector devices 15 palettes military clothing 1,200 hospital beds 18 palettes medical material, 60 surgical lights protective clothing, surgical masks 1 field hospital (project jointly financed with Estonia)* medical material (inter alia back packs, compression bandages) Diesel and gasoline* 10 tons AdBlue* 500 medical gauzes* MiG-29 spare parts* 7,944 man-portable anti-tank weapons RGW 90 Matador* Military support to Ukraine in planning/in execution (due to security concerns, the Federal Government abstains from providing details on transportation modalities and dates until after handover) Armoured fighting vehicles 60 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER* (before: 20) 36 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)* 66 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)* 100 LEOPARD 1 A5 main battle tanks* (project jointly financed with Denmark) ammunition for LEOPARD 1* ammunition for MARDER* Air defence PATRIOT missiles 6 air defence system IRIS-T SLM* Iris-T SLM missiles* 12 launchers Iris-T SLS* Iris-T SLS missiles (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 6 air surveillance radars TRML-4D* 6 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD* 300,000 rounds of GEPARD ammunition Artillery 8,064 rounds of smoke ammunition 25,500 projectiles 155mm* 18 wheeled self-propelled howitzers RCH 155* 14 self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway) Military Engineering Capabilities 6 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2 * 7 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems* 16 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER* 2 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann* 36 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1* 2 heavy and medium bridge systems* Protective and Special Equipment 10 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE* (before: 5) 80 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN* 341 reconnaissance drones VECTOR* 121 reconnaissance drones* 10 unmanned surface vessels* 30 ground surveillance radars* 1 Satcom surveillance system* 2,000 portable light systems* 3 mobile antenna mast systems* 328 border protection vehicles* vehicle decontamination system 11 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems* Logistics 12 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh* 30 tank trucks (water/fuel)* 3 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 8 roll of containers* 58 heavy duty trailer trucks 8x8 HX81 and 63 semi-trailers* 2 tractors and 4 trailers* 10 protected vehicles* 52 trucks Zetros* Combat Readiness and Survivability 18,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons* 5 ambulances* 2 dental sterilizers 108,288 rounds ammunition 40mm for grenade launchers* continuing deliveries of medical material* 100 machine guns MG5* 100 grenade launchers GMG* 220,000 first aid kits* 17 mobile heating systems* field hospital (role 2)* * Deliveries from industry stocks financed by German funds for security capacity building. Some of the deliveries require upgrades or productions is ongoing; also training measures take place. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update 177 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine International Atomic Energy Agency 77/2023 Vienna, Austria 4 Aug 2023 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts have observed no mines or explosives on the rooftops of Unit 3 and Unit 4 reactor buildings and the turbine halls at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), after having been given access yesterday afternoon, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today. Following repeated requests, the team had unimpeded access to the rooftops of the two reactor units and could also clearly view the rooftops of the turbine halls. The team will continue its requests to visit the roofs of the other 4 units at ZNPP. Director General Grossi has stressed the importance of IAEA experts being granted timely access to all areas of the ZNPP to monitor full compliance with the five basic principles for protecting Europe's largest nuclear power plant during the current military conflict. "I welcome the news that IAEA experts have finally been granted this additional access at the site. Timely, independent and objective reporting of facts on the ground is crucial to continue the IAEA's efforts to support nuclear safety and security during the military conflict in the country," Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. The access to the roofs on Thursday came just after a successful ninth rotation of teams at the plant with IAEA experts once again crossing the front line as the teams departed and arrived at the plant. On the night before the rotation the team reported hearing a series of detonations in the vicinity of the plant. The team was informed by the ZNPP that there was no impact on the site, the neighbouring industrial area or the city of Enerhodar as a result of these detonations. Director General Grossi said this was another stark reminder of potential nuclear safety and security risks facing the facility. "I reiterate my call on all sides to refrain from any action that could lead to a nuclear accident with potential consequences for public health and the environment," he said. IAEA teams have carried out additional inspections and walkdowns at the ZNPP over the past week. After a walkdown within the site's perimeter on 1 August, the team confirmed that the mines first observed on 23 July were still in place. No new mines or explosives were observed during any walkdowns over the past week. After Unit 5 reached cold shutdown on 28 July, maintenance activities have commenced, including inspection and testing of the safety systems which protect the reactor and its fuel; and cleaning of the heat exchanger. However, the IAEA team has repeatedly requested more complete information regarding the full scope of maintenance activities planned to be conducted on Unit 5, given the limited availability of spare parts and significantly reduced maintenance staff available at ZNPP. The IAEA team at ZNPP are continuing to closely monitor the situation regarding the availability of water for cooling the ZNPP six reactors, and to perform other nuclear safety and security functions. Since the destruction of the dam, the ZNPP has been relying on water from the site's cooling pond, the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP) discharge channel and underground water from the drainage system for its needs. The height of the water in the ZNPP cooling pond continues to reduce at a rate of about 1 cm per day while the water in the ZTPP discharge channel is periodically being topped-up with water that continues to enter the ZTPP inlet channel, primarily from groundwater. There is sufficient water available for many months. On 2 August, the IAEA team conducted a walkdown of the cooling pond area to examine the integrity of the isolation gate separating the cooling pond from what remains of the Kakhovka reservoir after the destruction of the downstream dam in June. The team was able to observe that the isolation gate had been reinforced with concrete blocks and soil to a total thickness of up to 4 metres. Also at the cooling pond, the team visited the location of a pilot well that has been drilled near the port and learned that initial tests of the quality of the water and the groundwater flow rate have been conducted. If the results of all additional tests are positive the ZNPP site plans to extend the diameter of the pilot well, to increase the flow rate of water into the well. Once the well is established, the plant will install pumps and piping to provide an alternate supply of water to the sprinkler ponds that provide the essential cooling to the reactor units. The team also learned that the site is planning to drill an additional well within the perimeter of the ZNPP site. Additionally, the IAEA experts performed radiation monitoring of the cooling pond area and the areas inside the site perimeter during the walkdowns. The measurements data are uploaded by the IAEA to the IAEA's International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS). All radiation levels were normal. Separately this week, IAEA teams at the Khmelnitsky, Rivne, and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site did not report any issues related to nuclear safety and security over the past week. The IAEA conducted successful rotation of its teams at Chornobyl earlier today. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin, African leaders agree to continue dialogue on Ukraine: Kremlin People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:11, August 04, 2023 MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders of seven African countries involved in a peace mission on Ukraine agreed to continue their dialogue, a Russian official said on Thursday. "Indeed, the dialogue will continue," Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told Russia's TASS news agency. "There are no exact dates yet." South African authorities released on Thursday a joint statement by Putin and the African peace mission following their meeting on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg in late July. The mission, led by South Africa, also includes Comoros, Senegal, Zambia, Egypt, the Republic of Congo and Uganda. The statement said that the leaders agreed to continue the dialogue, supported lifting sanctions on Russian grain and fertilizer exports and acknowledged the progress made on humanitarian aspects of the initiative. This was the second round of such talks this summer. The first occurred on June 17, when Putin said Moscow was open to negotiations with Kiev. In June, the African peace delegation visited Ukraine and Russia and presented a ten-point peace plan that calls for ending the conflict through negotiation and diplomatic means and de-escalating tensions on both sides. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia says Ukraine attempted to attack Russia's Black Sea base People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:07, August 04, 2023 MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Defense Ministry said Friday that two Ukrainian unmanned boats attempted to attack the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk, a major Black Sea port, but were destroyed by Russian ships. "Tonight, the Ukrainian armed forces attempted to attack the Novorossiysk naval base with two unmanned sea boats. During the repulsion of the attack, the unmanned boats were visually detected and destroyed by fire from the standard weapons of the Russian ships," the ministry said. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which loads oil onto tankers in Novorossiysk, said its infrastructure was not damaged by the attack and the oil loading is going on as usual. A temporary ban on ship movements in the port has been imposed, it said. The consortium has a pipeline system that connects Kazakhstan with a seaport in Novorossiysk, where oil is loaded onto tankers for shipment to world markets. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 43,000 Ukrainian troops killed since counteroffensive began, Russia claims Iran Press TV Friday, 04 August 2023 4:16 PM The Ukrainian Army has suffered over 43,000 troops since it launched its push against Russian positions two months ago, according to estimates released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Friday. Ukraine began its much-anticipated counteroffensive in early June, but it hasn't made much progress ever since. "Since the start of the so-called 'offensive,' the Ukrainian armed forces lost over 43,000 soldiers in June-July," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. It noted the number does not include the injured, foreign mercenaries as well as the soldiers that were neutralized in long-range high-precision strikes. The statement added that Kiev has also lost 76 US-made M777 artillery systems and 84 Western self-propelled artillery systems over the two months of its counteroffensive operation. As many as 4,900 units of different military equipment have been destroyed on the line of contact since the start of Ukraine's counteroffensive, including 1,800 tanks and armored combat vehicles, including 25 Leopards, the ministry also stated. The West has flooded Ukraine with billions of dollars worth of military equipment since Russia launched what it branded a "special military operation" in eastern Ukraine. Russia began its operation on February 24, 2022. It has repeatedly warned the West about supplying Kiev with weapons, saying the move would only prolong the war. Moscow has accused the US and its allies are using Ukraine as a pawn in their plan to protect their dwindling global hegemony. Moscow says Washington wants Ukraine to fight Russia "to the last Ukrainian". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cumberland County commissioners Thursday allocated $290,000 for roofing projects at two county buildings in Carlisle. The domestic relations office at 13 N. Hanover St. has a ballasted rubber roof that is close to the end of its useful lifespan, Director of Facilities Management Brent Durham said. Were beginning to see some water ponding and flashing coming loose. These are signs that leaks could develop and damage the structure underneath, Durham said. The second building is the Old County Jail on the northwest corner of East High and North Bedford streets. There are quite a few different sections of roofing at this building, he said. The sections range in age from just a few years to 35 years old. Well be replacing the oldest of the rubber roof sections. Commissioners voted Thursday to draw $212,000 from the $25 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds they had set aside last November for facility upgrades and to offset county revenue lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The remaining $78,000 will come out of the general fund, Durham said. In other action Thursday, the commissioners authorized staff to apply for $931,154 in state funds under the Election Integrity Grant Program. The money will offset administrative costs associated with the November 2023 general election and the May 2024 primary election, said Bethany Salzarulo, director of elections and voter registration. Last year, the commissioners allocated money for 15 new voting machines and two scanners used to process absentee ballots. Though the voting machines were acquired, the county had to delay the purchase of the scanners until after the state could approve and certify an upgraded software package, Salzarulo said. As a result, the cost of the scanners increased by $30,000, she said. Commissioners passed a motion Thursday adjusting the allocation for this election equipment to a new total of $497,595. In other action, commissioners: Approved a letter supporting a project by Upward Broadband LLC to bring internet service from Franklin County to 870 unserved locations in Shippensburg Borough and the townships of Hopewell, Shippensburg and Southampton, Director of Business Development Rob Troxell said. Based in Paradise, Lancaster County, Upward Broadband plans to submit the letter to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. Awarded a $25,000 county planning grant for West Pennsboro Township to update its zoning ordinance. The last update was in 2011, County Director of Planning Kirk Stoner said. A lot of changes have happened in the township since then. This grant will be matched with $30,000 in township funding. Awarded a $20,000 county planning grant to Mechanicsburg so the borough could update its 2006 comprehensive plan, Stoner said. The borough will match this grant with $20,000 in cash. Approved a capital project request for $31,980 to replace eight work stations for prothonotarys office staff members with new furniture. Were also looking to update the passport processing station with two tables and four chairs, said Juliana Richmond, first deputy prothonotary. There will be three new stools for the public to use at the public computer terminals. Kiev claims damaging Russian Black sea naval ship in drone attack Iran Press TV Friday, 04 August 2023 11:11 AM A Ukrainian intelligence source says the Russian Navy's landing ship of Olengorsky Gornyak is damaged in a maritime drone attack carried out by the SBU security agency and the Ukrainian Navy near the Russian port of Novorossiysk. "As a result of the attack, the Olenegorsky Gornyak received a serious breach and currently cannot conduct its combat missions," the source said on Friday. Russia's defense ministry confirmed the attack in a short statement but said the attack had been repelled in the waters outside the base and that two sea drones had been destroyed by Russian warships. The Ukrainian source rejected the Russian statements of repelling the attacks and claimed that Gornyak had suffered serious damage and could not conduct combat missions. Ukraine has repeatedly used naval drones laden with explosives to attack Russian naval fleets that dominate the Black Sea, prompting Moscow to block Ukrainian grain exports through its favored export route. The attack came as Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited the frontline headquarters of the "Centre" army group involved in the Ukrainian conflict, thanking the officers and soldiers for "conducting successful operations" near Lyman. During the visit, he was also shown a Swedish CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle that was abandoned by retreating Ukrainian troops after being hit by an anti-tank grenade, and Shoigu learned about the "shortcomings" of the Swedish model, according to Interfax. Shoigu's visit came on the heels of a separate visit to the frontline by General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Army and Commander-in-Chief of Russia's military operation in Ukraine. Russia has doubled its defense spending target in 2023 to more than $100 billion, according to a governmental document. The document, cited by Reuters, shows that in the first half of 2023 alone, Russia spent 12 percent, or 600 billion rubles, more on defense than the 4.98 trillion rubles ($54 billion) it had originally budgeted for 2023. Defense spending in the first six months of 2023 amounted to 5.59 trillion rubles, which is 37.3 percent of the total 14.97 trillion rubles spent in this period. In the Russian budget program, 17.1 percent of the total budget is spent on "national defense". The Western support for Ukraine's military has run into billions of dollars, led by Washington. Russia says its objective of military operation is to demilitarize the breakaway Ukrainian regions with ethnic Russian populations. Since the start of the war, the United States and Europe have slapped waves of sanctions on Moscow and have been assisting Ukraine with financial and military assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Drone Attack On Russian Black Sea Base Damages Warship, Intelligence Sources Say By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 04, 2023 A Ukrainian naval drone carrying 450 kilograms of TNT struck the Russian Navy base at Novorossiisk in the Black Sea, causing extensive damage to a Russian warship docked there, sources in the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) told RFE/RL. Russia's Defense Ministry said earlier on August 4 that its forces had repelled two Ukrainian naval drone attacks on the Novorossiisk base, while Krasnodar regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev told the RIA Novosti news agency that no casualties or damage were reported from the attacks. But SBU sources shared a video with RFE/RL purportedly showing the Russian landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak from the perspective of a camera mounted on a naval drone that ceases its video feed at the moment of the alleged impact. The sources said some 100 crew were on board the ship. "The special operation was carried out together with the navy," one of the sources told RFE/RL. "As a result, the Olenegorsky Gornyak incurred a large hole and is currently unable to perform its combat tasks. Therefore, all the Russians' statements about the 'repulsed attack' are fake," the source said. The claim could not be independently verified. Some posts on social media -- which could not be verified -- showed a ship reported to be the Olenegorsky Gornyak listing severely while being towed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had received a report from the head of the SBU but would not comment on its contents. "I will only say that we are all grateful to the Security Service of Ukraine for returning the war to the aggressor state. What you bring to the world is what you end up with," Zelenskiy said in his evening address. The attack has reportedly prompted a temporary halting of ship movements in Novorossiisk, one of Russia's major commercial ports. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium that operates an oil terminal in Novorossiisk said the port authorities have temporarily halted all ship movement, although installations were not damaged and oil loading continued. The Defense Ministry also said that it had shot down 13 drones over Crimea but that no damage or casualties were reported. However, social media posts said that an oil depot in the port of Feodosyia caught fire and triggered some explosions. Following the Novorossiisk and Crimea drone attacks, an air-raid alert was declared for the entire territory of Ukraine around noon. Attacks in and around the Black Sea have increased since Russia refused to extend a Turkish- and UN-sponsored deal that allowed the shipping of Ukrainian grain by sea. Russia earlier in the week attacked Izmayil, one of the two Danube ports used by Ukraine to export grain. Izmayil is located just 15 kilometers from the Romanian port of Tulcea. British intelligence said on August 4 that Russia appears to prefer striking targets close to NATO territory with Iranian-made drones rathar than cruise missiles to avoid the risk of military confrontation with the alliance. "There is a realistic possibility that Russia is using OWA UAVs (drones) to strike this area in the belief they are less likely to risk escalation than cruise missiles: Russia likely considers them as acceptably accurate, and they have much smaller warheads than cruise missiles," the British Ministry of Defense said in its daily intelligence report. Zelenskiy said "very cruel" fighting was under way on the battlefields in the east. "The occupiers are trying to stop our guys with all their might. The attacks are very cruel," Zelenskiy said, adding that "it is hard everywhere. But whatever the enemy does, it is the Ukrainian force that dominates." The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on August 4 recorded about 40 battles at the front over the past day, with Ukrainian forces continuing their offensive in the south. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said on August 4 that Ukrainian forces in southern Ukraine have already broken through the first line of defense in some places and moved to the intermediate line. "And there they face the fact that the enemy has actually built engineering fortifications on...key commanding heights. This, of course, complicates the movement of our troops and combat operations," she said. Malyar also noted that Russia is shifting reserves both to the south and east, saying these are "mostly professional soldiers." Pavlo Kyrylenko, the governor of Donetsk, said on August 4 that Russian shelling killed two civilians over the past 24 hours in the region. Serhiy Lysak, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said early on August 4 that two civilians were wounded by intense Russian shelling overnight. Meanwhile, the bodies of 44 Ukrainian soldiers were returned to Ukraine, the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories reported on August 4. The bodies were repatriated from Russia-occupied territories, the ministry said in a statement. The bodies will be identified and then handed over to relatives for burial, it said. Last month, the ministry announced the return of 62 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/crimea-drone-attacks-ships- ports-ukraine-russia/32533823.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 Rights Watchdog Calls For Probe Of Deadly Attack On Ukrainian Town Citing Evidence Of Cluster Munitions By Baktygul Chynybaeva August 04, 2023 Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for an investigation into an attack last month on the Ukrainian town of Lyman that killed nine people and injured a dozen others, saying the apparent use of cluster munitions in the attack make it a possible war crime. The attack on July 8 hit a residential district of Lyman in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, which has been the scene of heavy fighting since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "This attack, if confirmed, once again demonstrates the Russian army's contempt for civilians and the international legal restraints of war, as well as the deadly and indiscriminate nature of the weapons," Ida Sawyer, crisis and conflict director at HRW, said in a statement on August 4. HRW said it conducted interviews with people who were at the scene, including an explosive ordnance expert who analyzed remnants of the weapon used and medics who treated the victims. It also analyzed and verified 32 photos and videos posted online that were taken during and after the attack. HRW used this evidence to determine that the attack was carried out with a Smerch cluster munition rocket containing "fragmentation submunitions." It said the attack should be investigated as a war crime. The July 8 attack in Lyman occurred one day after the United States said it would begin sending cluster munitions to Ukraine. The United States until then had avoided providing cluster munitions for fear of alienating allies, but Ukraine requested them and calls for Washington to provide them had grown louder. U.S. President Joe Biden said at the time that it was a difficult decision to approve the weapons, but he believed Kyiv needed them to prevent Russian forces from halting the Ukrainian counteroffensive. The United States also said Russia's use of cluster munitions justified its decision to send them. Ukraine received its first delivery of cluster munitions from the United States on July 13. HRW has previously warned about their use in Ukraine. Cluster munitions are bombs that open in the air and release scores of smaller bomblets, many of which do not explode, putting civilians at risk even long after wars end. HRW has also pointed to an international convention banning the use of cluster munitions. The agreement, which entered into force in 2010, has been implemented by more than 100 countries, but not by the United States, Ukraine, or Russia. Russia has said it has not used cluster munitions in Ukraine. HRW said despite these claims the list of deadly Russian cluster munition attacks grows. Sawyer said both Russia and Ukraine should end their use of cluster munitions "as these weapons are putting civilian lives at risk today and will do so for years to come." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-lyman-cluster-munitions- hrw-investigation-war-crime/32534676.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's reply to a media question regarding the US Secretary of State's statement on the Black Sea Initiative 4 August 2023 16:06 1554-04-08-2023 Question: The US Secretary of State again urged Russia to restore the Black Sea Initiative on the export of Ukrainian food and solemnly repeated that Russian fertilisers and agricultural products are not under the sanctions. Can you comment on his statement? Maria Zakharova: Indeed, in the past few days we have been hearing more statements and loud talk as regards global food security and the alleged key role of the Black Sea Initiative in this issue. The Western capitals are again and again hurling accusations at Russia for suspending the initiative, which in fact became a commercial project to get more money for Ukraine. The real state of affairs is hushed up. They do not mention that Ukrainian grain, primarily fodder grain, was mostly sent to well-fed Europe. Nor do they admit that the Kiev regime was using the maritime humanitarian Odessa-Istanbul corridor for terrorist attacks against Sevastopol, the Crimean Bridge and Russian vessels. They are also silent about the systematic blocking of Russian agricultural exports with the illegal unilateral sanctions, which is why the UN-Russia Memorandum never worked. In this context and in reply to statements by Washington and other Western capitals, we would like to say that enough is enough. Enough of the hypocrisy, lies and distortion of facts, which are stubborn things, as everyone knows. During the year the Black Sea Initiative was implemented, about 33 million tonnes of grain, including a mere 8.8 million tonnes of wheat, were exported from the ports of Odessa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny. That said, global grain exports were 422.4 million tonnes overall, including 205.6 million tonnes of wheat. Ukraine's share is obviously small, but it is still presented as "saving the world from hunger." The Westerners continue talking about a reduction in global grain prices. They don't mention that prices went down from the peak numbers of March 2022, before the Black Sea Initiative was initiated, and are now at a stable low level. Indicatively, the West believes that a de facto ban on the export of Russian and Belarusian mineral fertilisers, which led to their physical shortage, does not have any impact on the prices. And apparently, they don't care about the up to 45 million people that could have been fed with food produced with Russian ammonia fertilisers if the Ukrainians had first not stopped and then later detonated altogether the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline. Nor do the Western capitals comment on their refusal to unblock Russian fertilisers for free transfer to the poorest countries. Instead, they try to play down Russian humanitarian wheat supplies to the needy African countries. People at the UN Secretariat have even coined telling definitions - "a handful of donations" and a "poisoned gift." These examples and rhetoric are further indications of the commercial and limited nature of the Black Sea Initiative. They also reveal the true attitude to the Russia-UN Memorandum on normalising Russian agricultural exports. Lack of progress in its implementation has become one of the main reasons for stopping Ukrainian sea traffic. In these conditions, our position remains the same, and we have expressed it many times: first, they need to resolve the system-related hurdles (reconnecting Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT; resuming parts supplies, reestablishing transport logistics and insurance coverage; and restoring Russian companies' access to their foreign assets). Unfortunately, it is pointless to talk about the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline. Only after all this is done will it be possible to consider the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative with the announced humanitarian goals. There have been no positive changes so far. The Western capitals and the UN tried to present the direct channel established between Rosselkhozbank and American JP Morgan as an alternative to SWIFT, but even this channel was cut off on August 2. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Minister of Defence inspects forward command post of Tsentr Group of Force in special military operation zone 04.08.2023 Sergei Shoigu thanked the commanders and the Group's military personnel for conducting successful offensive operations in Krasny Liman direction and for mastering more advantageous positions by our troops. The Russian Minister of Defence drew particular attention to the need of inflicting an effective preemptive fire attack on the enemy when knocking him out of held positions during combat operations. These measures will make it possible to ensure maximum preservation of the lives and health of Russian servicemen. The Group's commander presented Sergei Shoigu with one of the many enemy armoured vehicles, captured in the course of the battle, in particular the Swedish-manufactured CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle. This fighting vehicle, which entered service with the Swedish Armed Forces in 1993, was disabled and abandoned by retreating Ukrainian servicemen after being hit by a shot from RPG-7 shoulder-launched, anti-tank, rocket-propelled grenade launcher. During the inspection of the trophy equipment, Lieutenant General Andrei Mordvichev drew the attention of the Russian Defence Minister to the lack of spare parts, tools and accessories in the armoured vehicles, supplied by Western countries, which makes it impossible to carry out operational repairs in the areas of combat operations. Another disadvantage of the Swedish armoured vehicle is its low rate of fire. It is fired with three magazines of eight shells each, after which it requires reloading, which can take up to one minute. In addition, the Swedish-manufactured armoured vehicles, supplied to Ukraine, lack a guided weapon systems and have low survivability due to their high silhouette. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Majority of Americans Oppose Additional US Funding for Ukraine - Poll Sputnik News 20230804 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Over half of US citizens disagree with Congress authorizing additional funding to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, according to a poll published by an American news agency on Friday. In total, 55% of Americans are against Congress authorizing more funds for Ukraine, while 45% believe it should authorize such funding, according to the poll conducted by SSRS. Fifty-one percent say that Washington has done enough to help Kiev, but 48% disagree. The latter number is 14 percentage points down from the 62% of those who felt the US should have been doing more, according to a poll conducted in the early days of Russia's special military operation. When asked specifically about types of assistance the US could offer Kiev, only 17% say they would support sending American troops to the battlefield, and 43% prefer providing weapons. Almost two-thirds (63%) said the US could provide intelligence information and about a half (53%) favored military training. The survey showed a partisan divide among Americans, with 71% of Republicans opposing Congressional authorization of additional funding. At the same time, 62% of Democrats favor additional funding. The survey also showed that only 43% of Americans approve of the way US President Joe Biden is handling the relationship with Russia, while 56% disagree. The poll was conducted nationwide from July 1-31 among 1,279 adults. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Over 43,000 Soldiers Since Start of Counteroffensive - Russian Defense Ministry Sputnik News 20230804 Ukraine launched its much-touted counteroffensive in early June. Ukrainian President Zelensky admitted that progress was "slower than desired." The Russian Defense Ministry said that Ukrainian troops had been trying a but failing a to advance in the South Donetsk, Artemovsk (Bakhmut) and Zaporozhye sectors. "Since the start of the so-called 'offensive,' the Ukrainian armed forces lost over 43,000 soldiers in June-July. This number does not include the injured, who were evacuated to hospitals in Ukraine and abroad, foreign mercenaries as well as the soldiers that were neutralized in long-range high-precision strikes in rear areas," the ministry stated. Kiev has also lost 76 US-made M777 artillery systems, 84 self-propelled artillery systems from Western countries over the two months of its counteroffensive operation, it added. As many as 4,900 units of different military equipment have been destroyed on the line of contact since the start of Ukraine's counteroffensive, including 1,800 tanks and armored combat vehicles, the ministry also stated. Russian forces repelled 8 Ukrainian attacks conducted a counterattack and took more advantageous positions near Donetsk direction, the ministry said. The Kiev regime has lost over 1,800 tanks and armored combat vehicles on the frontline, including 25 Leopards during its counteroffensive, the ministry stressed. "The total losses of the enemy in this direction amounted to 185 Ukrainian servicemen, two armored combat vehicles, two pickup trucks, four cars, a Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery mount, and a D-20 howitzer," the ministry said in a statement, adding that Russian forces took better positions following a counterattack. The ministry mentioned that the Ukrainian military continued to make attempts to attack in Donetsk, South Donetsk, Kupyansk and Krasny Liman direction. According to the Russian side, Ukraine lost 130 soldiers in the Zaporozhye direction, 120 soldiers in the South Donetsk direction and 70 soldiers in the Krasny Liman direction in the past 24 hours. "In the Kupyansk direction, the assault detachments of [Russia's] Western grouping of forces continue offensive operations on a broad front and have taken more advantageous positions in the areas of the settlements of Olshana, Petropavlovka and Tokarovka in the Kharkov region," the ministry said. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Foils Ukraine's Attempt to Attack Naval Base in Novorossiysk Sputnik News 20230804 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine attempted to attack a Russian naval base in the city of Novorossiysk overnight with two unmanned boats, which were detected and destroyed by Russia's warships, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. "This night, the Ukrainian armed forces attempted to attack the Novorossiysk naval base with two unmanned sea boats," the ministry said, adding that the boats were "visually detected and destroyed by fire from the standard weapons of Russian ships guarding the outer raid of the naval base." Krasnodar Region Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said on Telegram that the Russian military repulsed the attack, adding that there was no material damage or casualties in the attack. Earlier on Friday, Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to Crimean head Sergey Aksyonov, said on Telegram that air defense systems were triggered in several regions of Crimea overnight and shot down all the targets in the air. There was no material damage and casualties, he said. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, a consortium and an oil pipeline to transport Caspian oil from the Tengiz field in Kazakhstan to an export terminal in Novorossiysk, said on Friday that its infrastructure was not damaged in Ukraine's drone attack and that oil was being loaded on the moored tankers. The company added that a temporary ban on vessel traffic in the port of Novorossiysk was introduced. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fair and honest end to Russian aggression will benefit everyone in the world - address of President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 4 August 2023 - 18:47 Dear Ukrainians, I wish you good health! A brief report for the day. The first is a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff. The meeting was long, much longer than planned. The situation on the front line was analyzed in detail, all areas - those where we are holding the line, and those where we are moving forward step by step. The commanders reported: Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny, General Syrsky, General Tarnavsky. We discussed in detail how and in what terms, what kind of support, what kind of logistics would be the best result for Ukraine. Manufacturing of ammunition and weapons in Ukraine, by our defense industry. We simplify all procedures as much as possible, remove all red tape still hindering manufacturers. Minister for Strategic Industries Kamyshin reported. The result will be. The Black Sea and food exports, the security of our ports - the commander of the Navy, government officials, intelligence chiefs reported. Let not the Russian terrorists even hope they would manage to provoke a global food crisis or create another price calamity. Ukrainian food exports are a key factor in the stability of food markets. And we work with all our partners both in the region and in the world in general to guarantee food security. By the way, Tomorrow in Jeddah - in Saudi Arabia - a meeting of advisors to heads of state and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Peace Formula will begin. Many countries will be represented, different continents, including the countries of the Global South. It is very important because in such matters as food security, the fate of millions of people in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world directly depends on how fast the world will be in implementing the Peace Formula. I am grateful to Saudi Arabia for this platform for negotiations. A meeting in the same format was recently held in Copenhagen. We are moving step by step towards the Global Peace Summit. It is very important that the world sees: a fair and honest end to Russian aggression will benefit everyone in the world. Everyone! Liberating Ukrainian land from the occupiers means restoring full respect for international law and the UN Charter. Eliminating all threats created by Russia to Ukrainian and global security means returning peace to international relations and stability to global life. I am grateful to everyone who supports the Peace Formula and has already joined the joint efforts for the full implementation of the Formula. Today, I had the opportunity to once again thank everyone who in the United States is helping Ukraine to defend its freedom: both parties, Congress, President Biden, every American family and community. American leadership is indeed vital. And not only for freedom in our region - these are global things. And at a meeting with Christopher Christie, one of the influential figures in American politics, a member of the Republican Party, we talked about exactly how important it is to strengthen support for freedom, support for democracy. And I am grateful that Mr. Christie is one of those people who wants to see the situation with his own eyes. He began his visit to Ukraine with a visit to Bucha. There one can fully see what Russian aggression brings to Ukraine and all of Europe, the entire free world. Today, there was also a report by SSU Chief Maliuk. I will not voice the content. I will only say that we are all grateful to the Security Service of Ukraine for returning the war to the aggressor state. What you bring to the world, you end up with it yourself. Thankful to all our heroes! Thankful to everyone in the world who supports Ukraine! Thankful to everyone who brings the implementation of the Peace Formula closer! We must win. And we will win! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a member of the Republican Party, former Governor of New Jersey Christopher Christie President of Ukraine 4 August 2023 - 16:38 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a member of the US Republican Party, Governor of New Jersey in 2010-2018, Christopher Christie, who arrived on a visit to our country. The Head of State thanked Christopher Christie for starting his visit to Ukraine with a visit to Bucha. "I would also like to sincerely thank you and your colleagues, in particular the Congress. We are grateful for the bipartisan support, which is extremely important to us. We are very grateful to President Biden and his administration. It is extremely important that your entire country, all Americans, are on the side of truth and democracy, and they are convinced of Ukraine's victory," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. The President emphasized the importance of increasing assistance from partners for reliable protection against Russian missile terror and successful liberation of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. "The United States is a leader, providing us with the greatest support on the battlefield for our Armed Forces. And, of course, in the financial sector, which is also a powerful support," he said. For his part, Christopher Christie said that he wanted to see what was happening in Ukraine with his own eyes and share the information with the American public, which is extremely supportive of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Educators need to look inward for an outward chance of renewal. That was the word in late July from local school district administrators as they mull over the twin challenge of how to recruit and retain quality professionals. We know theres a crisis, said Nicholas Guarente, superintendent of Big Spring School District. We need to react to that and be proactive with the solution. As summer hiring continues, districts in Cumberland County and across Pennsylvania are grappling with a shrinking pool of applicants brought on by two trends in public education. One, there are fewer college students opting to pursue an education degree. The number of in-state teacher certifications fell by two-thirds from about 15,000 in 2010-11 to about 4,200 in 2021-22, according to the state Department of Education. Two, the number of teachers choosing to retire or resign has risen, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported in early July. The newspaper quoted an assessment by the Penn State Center of Education Evaluation & Policy Analysis that found 7.7% of Pennsylvania teachers, or a total of 9,587, had left their positions between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. Reversing either trend will depend in part on the response by administrators and lawmakers. We have to generate interest in the younger population, Guarente said. Public education experience and employment has to be valued and have a positive connotation to it. Right now, some of the rhetoric is not necessarily flattering towards [public] education. College-bound students looking at career options balk at the negativism in the national and state discussion. To counteract this, educators have to grow their own to maintain morale and to present the profession in a positive light. Most of us got into teaching because we had a great teacher who recommended it as a job to us, said David Christopher, superintendent of the Cumberland Valley School District. We have to ensure the people who come to teach for us believe teaching is a great job and will continue to be a great job. Then they will recommend their kids do it, either their own kids or the kids that come to school here. It only takes the rhetoric of a vocal group of people, negative about public education, to show up in the media and ingrain in local teachers the impression that they are under attack, Christopher said. In reality, our community has been very supportive of our staff and district as a whole. Pipelines also need to be established to encourage the pursuit of an education degree and to expedite the certification process, Guarente said. There are already programs being developed to try and do that starting at the middle school level. One program builds an associates degree pathway at the high school level to jumpstart a post-secondary education, Guarente said. There are also efforts to change the perceptions that some students have of the teaching profession. A survey of 1,300 high school students by Penn State University found that most dont want to be a public school teacher because they believe the wages are too low, Christopher said. Yet there are a lot of places in Pennsylvania where the teachers are relatively well paid compared to [those in] the community in which they live. We have to do a better job talking about the benefits of being a teacher to include how their salary relates to salaries in their community. Perception also plays into the retention of experienced teachers already on the payroll. When I was younger, the older teachers told me, Dont leave. Hang in there. The pension system is worth it, Christopher said. We dont have people say that anymore because its not true. Thats a big hurdle for us. Once a major enticement to public service, the teacher pension looks more like a 401K offered by any number of entities in the public and private sector, Christopher said. If you dont have that pension system then what teachers are really comparing is apples-to-apples. They are looking at the numbers and saying, I can make more money doing XYZ than I could for this. We are in much more competition than what we used to be. Our staff members are hirable with the skill sets that they have. We spend a lot of time working on employee satisfaction, Christopher said. Every year, we ask our principals to have retention plans for our staff. Specifically, we work with our teachers to make them feel supported in school. South Middleton School District grows its staff by providing professional development courses, said Jason Baker, assistant to the superintendent. We try to make them as differentiated as possible to meet their needs so that the teachers find value in what were providing them. This helps to build a positive culture where staff members feel theyre part of a team. By focusing on helping students with special needs, Carlisle Area School District expanded its professional development training to another segment of its workforce. It used to be the first day of school for kids was the first day of school for instructional aides and para-educators, Superintendent Colleen Friend said. Now were bringing them in a couple of days early so they can help us set up technology and get into some classrooms. As part of the Carlisle retention strategy, top-level administrators conduct exit interviews on departing educators to learn why that person is leaving the district, Friend said. A lot of it is they can get closer to where they live. A position opened up in their hometown. Im not finding anything that has me worried about people being disgruntled. Nor am I hearing anyone say that its about salary or leadership. They just have more options than they used to have. Latest in Ukraine: Ukrainian Counteroffensive Moving at Steady Pace By VOA News August 04, 2023 Latest Developments: Poland has detained another suspected member of a Russian spy network, bringing the total number of people detained as part of an investigation to 16, Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said on Friday. The direct channel between the Russian Agricultural Bank and JPMorgan, as part of the U.N.-brokered Black Sea grain deal, was closed on August 2, RIA news agency said, citing Russia's foreign ministry on Friday. U.S. Republican presidential hopeful Chris Christie met Friday with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and toured ravaged villages. He said seeing the "cruelty" and "inhumanity" of war impressed upon him the need for continuing U.S. support of Ukraine against Russia. The International Atomic Energy Agency was granted access to the roofs of reactors three and four of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and found no mines or explosives there, agency chief Rafael Grossi said Friday. ----- Ukrainian forces are breaking through the Russian southern front line of defense, moving to the "intermediate one," Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reported Friday. According to Maliar, Ukraine is prioritizing its counteroffensive operations in the country's south, while for Russia, the focus is the east. Most Russian resources are currently concentrated near Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, as Moscow seeks to retake the territories liberated by Ukrainian forces last fall, Maliar said. "It is important for them both from a morale and a military point of view." Meanwhile, around Bakhmut, Ukrainian troops are "slowly but persistently" moving forward on the southern flank, Maliar told reporters. Russia is attacking the city's northern flank, trying to regain positions previously retaken by the Ukrainian army. "Fierce battles" also continue near Avdiivka and Marinka, Donetsk Oblast, she said. Jeddah summit Chinese Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui will participate in the Saudi Arabia-initiated Jeddah talks on the peaceful settlement in Ukraine, China's foreign ministry said on Friday. "China is willing to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine," Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson at the Chinese ministry, said in a statement. Ukraine and Western diplomats hope the meeting this weekend in the port city of Jeddah will be an opportunity for officials to agree on key principles to inform any peace agreement that would end Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. About 40 countries are set to be represented at the session, but the biggest diplomatic prize would be an endorsement from China, which has kept close economic and diplomatic ties with Russia a and so far has rejected international calls to condemn the invasion. China was invited to a previous round of talks in Copenhagen in late June but did not attend. Ukraine and its allies are optimistic the Jeddah summit will help ramp up global support for a peace plan in Ukraine. Zelenskyy formula In his nightly video address Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope the discussions in Jeddah would lay the groundwork for an upcoming "peace summit" with leaders from around the world this fall. The aim is to endorse the principles based on Zelenskyy's 10-point formula for a peace settlement. "It is very important that the world sees: a fair and honest end to Russian aggression will benefit everyone in the world. Everyone!" said Zelenskyy. "Liberating Ukrainian land from the occupiers means restoring full respect for international law and the U.N. Charter. Eliminating all threats created by Russia to Ukrainian and global security means returning peace to international relations and stability to global life. I am grateful to everyone who supports the peace formula and has already joined the joint efforts for the full implementation of the formula." The main discussions at the Jeddah summit will take place Saturday and Sunday. Russia says it will not be involved in this weekend's talks or the summit planned for the fall. Beyond its Western backers, Ukraine hopes to garner diplomatic support from more Global South countries, including Brazil, India, South Africa and Turkey. Part of Ukraine's strategy to gain support from Global South countries will reportedly be to emphasize how food prices have risen after Russia quit the U.N. brokered Black Sea grain deal last month and began attacking Ukrainian port facilities. That facet of the conflict has been a top priority for U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who on Thursday pressed all countries at the United Nations to tell Moscow to stop using the Black Sea as blackmail after Russia killed the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Russian warships A Russian warship was seriously damaged in an overnight Ukrainian naval drone attack on Russia's Black Sea navy base at Novorossiysk, in the first Ukrainian naval show of power so far from its base. A Ukrainian intelligence source said the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian navy landing ship with about 100 Russian servicemen on board, had been hit by a sea drone carrying 450 kilograms of TNT. "As a result of the attack, the Olenegorsky Gornyak received a serious breach and currently cannot conduct its combat missions," a source told Reuters, adding that the operation had been carried out by Ukraine's Security Service and the navy. "All the Russian statements about a 'repelled attack' are fake," the source said. Video footage verified by Reuters showed the Olenegorsky Gornyak being towed to shore by a tug, listing heavily to its port side. Earlier, Russia's Defense Ministry said the two Ukrainian sea drones had been repelled in the waters outside the base and that the drones had been destroyed. It made no mention of any damage in its short statement. The port, which handles 2% of the world's oil supply and exports grain, temporarily interrupted maritime traffic before resuming normal operations, according to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium which operates an oil terminal there. It is the first time a Russian commercial port has been targeted in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Navalny sentencing In an interview Friday with VOA, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed strong discontent with the announcement by a Russia court Friday of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's additional 19-year prison term on extremism charges. "Sad but not surprised," the U.S. ambassador said. "It is clear that the Russian government, that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, that this authoritarian government will use any means to restrict the voices of the opposition, restrict the voices of criticism. Navalny represents that. He is being held in an unacceptable way. He should not have been in this court system, and we condemn the actions of the Russian government as it relates to him." VOA U.N Correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nuclear Weapon States Working-Level Experts Meeting on Strategic Risk Reduction US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson August 4, 2023 The United States is currently the chair of the dialogue among the five Nuclear Weapon States in an ongoing exchange in the context of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. In this capacity, the United States organized a working-level experts meeting with counterparts from the People's Republic of China, France, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on August 2 in Vienna. Participants discussed strategic risks and measures to reduce those risks. They welcomed the professional approach of the delegations and noted the significance of the substantive and informative expert-level discussions over the course of the last year. They also affirmed the need to continue these challenging but important discussions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Register to View Endexx CEO, Todd Davis, and Hyla CEO, Nick Mehdi CAVE CREEK, AZ, Aug. 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Endexx Corporation (OTC: EDXC), a provider of innovative plant-based wellness and nutritional products, announced today that the company will hold a Q/A & Fireside Chat with C-Suite management live on Twitter Spaces, Monday, 11:30 am EST., 8:30 am PST. Twitter Spaces Details The Twitter Spaces will be hosted from the EndexxCorp account and will feature a live Q/A & Fireside Chat account and will feature a live Q/A & Fireside Chat To ask questions during the Q&A: Participants must join the Twitter Space using a mobile device To listen only: Participants can access Twitter Spaces from a computer RSVP: https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1YpJkgwlqyjJj?s=20 www.endexx.com & www.cbdunlimited.com www.tryhyla.com About Endexx Corporation Endexx Corporation develops and distributes all natural, plant-derived wellness products and topical skincare products. Its products vary from balms, creams, lotions, butters, masks, scrubs, and oils, all with the shared purpose of healthy skin and grooming wellness. The science behind these products involves a decade of clinical research in the field and lab work to provide functional formulation with ingredients for optimal absorption and support of skin health. www.endexx.com Hyla currently markets its proprietary non-nicotine, guarana and L-dopa-based vape products in a wide variety of flavors. The Hyla device is the first non-nicotine vape product to be produced in this manner in the United States and provides an unprecedented 4,500 puffs per device. Hyla is currently being distributed in 10 countries and has signed distribution agreements with an additional nine countries The Hyla vape products bear the Underwriters Laboratories global safety certification and is CE approved. Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 This presentation may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to financial results and plans for future development activities. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys ability to control. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are risks and uncertainties associated with the Companys business and finances in general, including the ability to continue and manage its growth, competition, global economic conditions and other factors discussed in detail in the Companys periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. No Offer or Solicitation. This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and, where applicable, the requirements under the securities laws of any other applicable jurisdiction. For further information, please contact: Endexx Corporation IR@Endexx.com 480-595-6900 Paphos, Cyprus, Aug. 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chase Buchanan Introduces Two New Private Wealth Managers Within the UK Team In the latest news from the rapidly expanding global wealth management for expats provider, Chase Buchanan has announced the appointment of two accomplished Private Wealth Managers. Both will be based within the UK office, which acts as a support and administrative centre for the nine other offices of the firm located throughout Europe and North America. Each wealth manager throughout the Chase Buchanan network provides long-term personalised support for expatriate clients, establishing their financial goals and objectives, crafting strategies for maximum tax efficiency and wealth preservation, and navigating decision- making around areas such as pension transfers and estate planning. The Chase Buchanan International Wealth Management Network The two most recent additions to the Chase Buchanan team supplement a diverse and highly skilled collective of experts in financial planning and advice, assisted by legal and tax specialists, ensuring every client receives specific guidance and recommendations based on their circumstances, tax residency position and ongoing tax obligations. Clients engaging with Chase Buchanan can meet in person with local advisers with on-the-ground knowledge about specific tax regimes and expat tax treatments. The role of a wealth manager covers the scope of personal financial management support, such as: Meeting with clients to establish their financial expectations and changes to plans such as new investment approaches. Ongoing investment management to ensure portfolios are diversified and consistent with the individuals risk exposure profile. Providing updates on adjustments to tax regimes, allowances, inheritance planning factors and other relevant areas of legislation. Designing and maintaining financial strategies and portfolios that perform. Private Wealth Managers work with individuals and families, conducting periodic reviews to assess savings, investments, and other assets, drawing on experience in wealth protections and tax efficiency planning to incorporate clients' business interests, broader family and other factors. Private Wealth Managers at Chase Buchanan UK The first of the recently announced new appointees is John Martins, an experienced wealth manager having worked internationally in the Algarve, a member of the Portuguese Order of Economics and with multiple professional accreditations in analysis, wealth management and other areas of financial administration. Martins focuses on transparent financial planning and establishing client relationships to ensure his services are bespoke and provide outstanding client satisfaction. He offers wealth management expertise in the following: Retirement planning Lump sum savings Investment planning Education fee planning Critical illness and family protection QROPS and SIPPs pension transfers Isobel Jones joins Martins at the UK location, a wealth manager passionate about the value of financial literacy, communicating in a straightforward manner to ensure clients make informed decisions about the right strategies and actions to generate positive outcomes. Jones has previously worked within banking compliance and personal finance and is working towards securing Chartered Practitioner status through the CISI. She says, Working with Chase Buchanan is a natural progression, building on several years of experience in wealth management. The firm's ethos of fee transparency, clear advice and personalised support is synonymous with my approach, and I am delighted to work with new clients and establish the best ways to ensure they achieve their aspirations." Martins echoes the sentiment, saying, Providing customised wealth management advice to global clients is a privilege, and having moved to the UK from Portugal, I have a deep understanding of the complexities of financial planning for so many clients living overseas or relocating as expatriates. I am looking forward to building on the solid reputation Chase Buchanan brings and representing the excellence in service the firm is so well known for." Recent Expansions and Developments at Chase Buchanan The two new Private Wealth Managers are the latest in several exciting announcements, from new office hubs to extensions to the broader Chase Buchanan team. Lee Eldridge, Group CEO, says, Chase Buchanan is a long-standing expat financial advisory and wealth management provider, and as the world becomes digitised and global travel more widely available, we have encountered a profound and ongoing trajectory of upward demand. More and more people recognise the intrinsic value of financial planning and how structuring their assets and wealth correctly can provide tangible benefits; where markets are turbulent and economies volatile, the importance of regulated, trustworthy support becomes even more prevalent. I am pleased to welcome John and Isobel to our UK-based administration centre, and extend our capacity accordingly, and invite any clients wishing to meet either Private Wealth Manager to get in touch." Read more about Chase Buchanan - Chase Buchanan Wealth Management Announces Latest Expansion with a New France Office and Team of Experts About Chase Buchanan Private Wealth Management Chase Buchanan is a highly regulated wealth management company who specialises in providing global finance solutions for those with a global lifestyle. We are global financial advisers, supporting expatriates around the world from our regulated European headquarters, and local offices across Belgium, Canada, Canary Islands, Cyprus, France, Malta, Portugal, Spain, UK and the USA. Chase Buchanan Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission with CIF Licence 287/15. Media Contact: Chase Buchanan Ltd +357 2501 0455 ****** Source Company - https://chasebuchanan.com/ Washington, D.C., Aug. 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, without warning, a Special Committee of the Federal Circuit published documents from their investigation attacking highly-respected veteran circuit judge, the Hon. Pauline Newman. This surprise document drop included a 319-page Special Committee report that falsely accuses her of misconduct and disability. The report recommends that Judge Newman remain barred from hearing new cases, even though the very last page of the report concedes that she passed the cognitive assessment she received. Chief Judge Kimberly Moore and her colleagues released their report prematurely, undermining Judge Newmans statutory right to respond within 21 days, and preventing the public from being fully briefed. As Judge Newmans counsel, NCLA is disappointed with this latest inappropriate move in a long series of due process shortcuts the Special Committee has taken to force Judge Newman out of her constitutional, lifetime-appointed judicial role. Judge Newman vigorously disputes the findings and legal conclusions of the Special Committee report, as will become evident when NCLA files her official response to it. The Judicial Council alleged that 96-year-old Judge Newman was mentally incompetent to fulfill her judicial duties, demanding that she submit to neurological testing. Judge Newman was properly tested. She passed. And yet the Special Committee, though none of its members has medical training, still saw fit to question the reports accuracy and legitimacy. The original sin of this proceeding was removing Judge Newman from hearing cases for an indefinite period before the investigation even began. The 1980 Judicial Conduct and Disability Act does not authorize any such indefinite or pre-investigatory suspension. The procedural shortcomings continued with the Special Committee flouting federal law which requires judges to recuse themselves from proceedings when they have personal knowledge of the facts in dispute. Moreover, similar past investigations of circuit judges have nearly always been transferred to another circuit, but Chief Judge Moore has insisted on keeping this one for herself. So, the premature release of the committees report is just the latest in a lamentable series of improper actions. Indeed, because of these ongoing procedural irregularities, two of Moores predecessor chief judges on the Court, retired Chief Judges Paul R. Michel and Randall R. Rader have spoken out separately in opposition to the blatant due process deficits in this case, decrying the disgraceful treatment of Judge Newman and the Courts damaged reputation from this mishandled investigation. Retired Chief Judge Michel called out the glaring due process problems with the Special Committee: [T]he Chief Judge and the Special Committee are continuing to act as accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge. That would not be acceptable in any other circumstance, and Im hard-pressed to see how it can be acceptable here. It cuts against the very foundation of due process, as well as raising thorny constitutional concerns. An unfair process risks damaging the legacy of all the current judges agreeing to what appears to be a conflicted process. Retired Chief Judge Randall said Judge Newmans colleagues on the Court owe their esteemed fellow judge an apology. He also personally attested to her current competence: I called [Judge Newman] directly [W]ithin five minutes, I could easily and confidently assess that Judge Newman was as mentally sharp and capable as she had been for more than 40 years that I have known her well. Indeed, since that conversation, we have spoken at least once a week at all times of the day and evening. In all of those conversations, including a couple of in person meetings, I have not detected the slightest slippage in her mental acuity. Judge Newmans current colleagues must have the same opportunities to assess for themselves her abilities. Thus, this prolonged proceeding, especially in the face of her entirely successful cognitive medical examination, becomes even more puzzling. NCLA released the following statements: The Special Committees surprise actions undermine public confidence in the Judiciary, and prove, better than any argument that Judge Newman could make, that a transfer of this matter isand always wasnecessary. Greg Dolin, M.D., Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA Judge Newman has not yet had an opportunity to respond to it, but the report itself highlights the lack of procedural fairness. The investigation began by removing her from hearing cases, and the Special Committee is acting as witness, prosecutor, and judge at the same time. Basic fairness requires transferring this matter to a neutral circuit. Andrew Morris, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA It is not surprising that the same judges who falsely accused Judge Newman of having a heart attack are unwilling to accept the medical opinion of Newmans physician that she passed the cognitive assessment he gave her. This tribunal long ago sacrificed any semblance of due process in its concerted effort to keep their famously dissenting colleague off the bench no matter what the medical evidence shows about her competence. This flawed process has indelibly stained the Federal Circuit. If it succeeds, it will jeopardize the independence of all federal judges. Mark Chenoweth, President and General Counsel, NCLA For more information visit the case page here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### TORONTO, Aug. 04, 2023 - Rockcliff Metals Corp. (CSE: RCLF) (OTCQB: RKCLF) ("Rockcliff") today announced the filing of its management information circular (the "Circular") and related materials for the special meeting (the "Meeting") of Rockcliff's shareholders ("Shareholders") to be held to consider the previously announced plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") pursuant to which Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay") would acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Rockcliff that it does not already own. Under the Arrangement, Shareholders will receive 0.006776 of a Hudbay common share for each Rockcliff common share held. The Meeting is scheduled to be held in person at 18 King Street East, Suite 902, Toronto, Ontario on August 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time). At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed advisable, to pass, a special resolution approving the Arrangement. To be effective, the special resolution must be approved by at least two-thirds of the votes cast at the Meeting in person or represented by proxy. Subject to any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting, the deadline for completed proxies to be received by Rockcliff or its transfer agent is August 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time). In connection with the Arrangement, all of the directors and senior officers of Rockcliff as well as Greenstone Resources II L.P. and Olive Resource Capital Inc. have entered into customary voting support agreements with Hudbay, pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their Rockcliff common shares, representing approximately 65% of the issued and outstanding Rockcliff common shares, in favour of the Arrangement. The record date for determining the Shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting has been fixed as at the close of business (Toronto time) on July 31, 2023, as more particularly described in the Circular. The Circular, together with letters of transmittals and related proxy materials are available on Rockcliff's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Receipt of Interim Order Rockcliff also announced today that, on July 27, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) (the "Court") granted an interim order regarding the Arrangement (the "Interim Order"). The Interim Order authorizes Rockcliff to proceed with various matters relating to the Arrangement, including the holding of the Meeting to consider and vote on the Arrangement. Subject to the receipt of the requisite approval of Shareholders, the final approval of the Arrangement by the Court and the satisfaction of other customary conditions (including receipt of all applicable stock exchange approvals), the Arrangement is expected to close in September 2023. About Rockcliff Rockcliff is a Canadian exploration and resource development company with several advanced-stage, high-grade VMS copper-zinc dominant deposits in the Snow Lake area of central Manitoba. The company is a major landholder in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake Greenstone Belt which is the largest Paleoproterozoic VMS district in the world, hosting high-grade mines and deposits containing copper, zinc, gold and silver. The company's extensive portfolio of properties totals approximately 1,800 km and includes six 100% owned high grade, undeveloped VMS deposits. Rockcliff's (49% ownership) seventh high grade VMS deposit, the Talbot copper deposit, is a joint venture with Hudbay (51% ownership). Forward-Looking Information This release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as "defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Rockcliff's expectations or beliefs regarding future events. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements with respect to the consummation and timing of the Arrangement; approval of the Arrangement by Rockcliff's shareholders; the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the Arrangement; expectations regarding the timing, receipt and anticipated effects of court approval and other consents and approvals (including receipt of all applicable stock exchange approvals); and the impact of the Arrangement on Rockcliff, Hudbay and their respective shareholders and other stakeholders. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other 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 the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, amongst others, risks related to failure to receive approval by Rockcliff shareholders, the required court and other consents and approvals required to effect the Arrangement, the potential of a third party making a superior proposal and the possibility that the Arrangement Agreement could be terminated under certain circumstances. Forward-looking information are based on management of the parties' reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Such factors, among other things, include: business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of copper or certain other commodities; change in national and local governments, 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); discrepancies between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Rockcliff undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on the information currently available. 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. For further information, please contact: Rockcliff Ken Lapierre Interim President & CEO (647) 678-3879 ken@rockcliffmetals.com TORONTO, Aug. 04, 2023 - Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. ("Spruce Ridge" or the "Company") (TSX-V: SHL) is pleased to announce that on August 4th, 2023 the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") granted a full revocation of the failure-to-file cease-trade order (the "CTO") issued against the Company on September 2, 2022. The Company had been subject to the CTO for failure to meet the deadlines to file the annual audited financial statements, CEO and CFO certifications, and management discussion and analysis (the "Annual Filings"). The Company completed the filing of the Annual Filings on March 2, 2023. The Company also filed financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the interim periods ended July 31, 2022, October 31, 2022, and January 31, 2023. After a review of the Company's continuous disclosure record by the OSC, the Company has also been advised of its failure to file the letter from the former auditor, and the statement of executive compensation for the year ended April 30, 2022. Copies of all these filings have now been filed and are available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Spruce Ridge is working actively with the TSX Venture Exchange to revoke the trading halt imposed on its common shares. The timing and success of this application is currently unknown, but the Company is working diligently to ensure that its securities resume trading as soon as possible. The Company confirms that its business has not changed and that the Company remains active and well financed with all properties in good standing. Update on Great Burnt Technical Report The Company wishes to comment on its disclosure found in Technical Report entitled "Updated Mineral Resource Estimate, and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) Of The Great Burnt Copper-Gold Property, Central Newfoundland" (the "Report") as requested by the OSC. Page 127 of the Report lists the formula: CuEq% = Cu% + (Au g/t x 0.687). The Company notes that the value 0.687 (not specifically defined in the Report) is the ratio between 1 gram of gold to 1% Cu net of recovery and payables, and at $3.62/lb Cu at 95% recovery and 95% payable would be worth approximately US$73.03 per 1%. At $1,650/oz Au at 95% recovery and 98% payable it would be worth approximately US$49.39 per gram. The ratio between $49.39/$72.03 results in the value of 0.687 which was used to convert gold to copper equivalent. The resource estimate in section 14 was completed about a year prior to the PEA and the metallurgical testwork recorded a recovery of 55% for Au. The economic model in section 22 of the Report uses 55% Au recovery. For more information, readers are encouraged to consult the full text of the Report found on the Company's SEDAR+ page at www.sedarplus.ca. Update on Audit Committee Composition The Company is pleased to confirm the composition of its current audit committee, which consists of H. Vance White (Chair), Stephen Balch, and Birks Bovaird. Messrs. White and Bovaird are independent within the guidelines prescribed by National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committee. Mr. Balch is not independent by virtue of his position as a senior officer of the Company. The majority of the Audit Committee is thus independent. Update on Dispute with Former CEO Upon taking control of the Company's records in August of 2022, current management was notified of funds (the "Receivable") owed to the Company by the former President and CEO. Part of the Receivable was secured by a pledge of shares of another publicly traded company (the "Pledge") between the former President and CEO and the Company, and the funds were reported as a miscellaneous receivable on the Company's most recent financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the nine months ended January 31, 2023. To date, the former President and CEO has not repaid the Receivable. After reviewing the accounting records, current management does not believe the funds were advanced for legitimate business purposes. Further, after reviewing the matter with their legal counsel, current management is of the opinion that the Pledge is unenforceable. Current management has been negotiating with the former President and CEO to reach acceptable repayment terms which would not have a negative impact on the Company. Despite best efforts, current management has been unable to reach an acceptable settlement and has commenced litigation to recover the Receivable and costs by filing a statement of claim with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on April 5, 2023. The Company continues to seek full repayment of the Receivable. Due to these factors, subsequent to filing of the January 31, 2023 financial statements and MD&A, there is now greater uncertainty surrounding the timing of recovery and quantum of the Receivable. As a result of this, management has assessed the receivable for impairment and now intends to impair the full amount of the miscellaneous receivable in the upcoming annual financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2023 which is an amount of $631,030. Current management continues to seek a resolution that will minimize negative impacts on the Company, and will update shareholders as these matters progress. Cautionary Statement: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and include, but are not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, that are based on assumptions and courses of action, and in certain cases, can be 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, or the negative forms of any of these words and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include statements related to future plans for the Company, statements and information regarding the anticipated timeline for revocation of the trading halt, collection of amounts owing by the former President and CEO, economic assessments of the Company's mineral properties, plans to update future financial statements, including impairing the Receivable, and other forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions including with respect to the anticipated actions of securities regulators, management plans and timelines, performance, business prospects and opportunities. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, such assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: delays or failures to resume trading on the facilities of the TSX Venture Exchange; an inability to collect the amounts owing by the former President and CEO in a timely fashion or at all; an inability to develop and successfully implement exploration strategies; the inability to successfully recover mineral property interests; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the lack of available capital; impact of COVID-19 or the evolving situation in Ukraine on the business of the Company; and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law. Contacts: Steve Balch, President & CEO (interim) Phone: 905.407.9586 Email: steve@beci.ca VANCOUVER, Aug. 4, 2023 - TSX VENTURE COMPANIES Canada One Mining Corp. ("CONE") BULLETIN TYPE: Resume Trading BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Further to the Exchange Bulletin dated September 17, 2021, news releases were issued on April 25, 2023 and August 3, 2023, announcing that Canada One Mining Corp., (the "Company") will not be proceeding with its proposed transaction. Effective at the opening, Wednesday, August 9, 2023, the securities the Company will resume trading. __________________________________ RELEVANT GOLD CORP. ("RGC") BULLETIN TYPE: New Listing-Shares BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Effective at the opening on Wednesday August 9, 2023, the common shares of the Company will commence trading on TSX Venture Exchange. The Company is classified as a 'mineral exploration' company. The Company is presently trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Corporate Jurisdiction: British Columbia Capitalization: unlimited common shares with no par value of which 62,291,226 common shares are issued and outstanding Escrowed Shares: 11,328,483 common shares remain escrowed pursuant to a pre-existing escrow agreement Transfer Agent: Computershare Investor Services Inc. Trading Symbol: RGC CUSIP Number: 75941G108 For further information, please refer to the Company's news release dated August 3, 2023 and the Company's continuous disclosure information available on SEDAR+. Company Contact: Robert Bergmann Company Address: 1700 - 1055 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 2E9 Company Phone Number: +1-763-760-4886 Company Email Address: info@relevantgoldcorp.com ________________________________________ 23/08/04 - TSX Venture Exchange Bulletins TSX VENTURE COMPANIES ANGKOR RESOURCES CORP. ("ANK") BULLETIN TYPE: Shares for Debt BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing the Company's proposal to issue 11,131,391 common shares in the capital of the Company at a deemed price of $0.08 per common share to settle outstanding debt totaling $890,511.28 for repayment of six (6) joint venture funding advances and payment of accrued management consulting fees. Number of Creditors: 9 Creditors Non-Arm's Length Party / Pro Group Participation: Creditors # of Creditors Amount Owing Deemed Price per Share Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate Non-Arm's Length Party Involvement: 3 $332,511.28 $0.08 4,156,391 Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: N/A N/A N/A N/A For more details, please refer to the company's news releases dated May 31, 2023 and August 4, 2023. ________________________________________ EVP CAPITAL INC. ("EVP.P") BULLETIN TYPE: New Listing-CPC-Shares BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Reference is made to our bulletin dated August 2, 2023 with respect to the listing of the Company's shares. We have received confirmation that the closing has occurred. Therefore, the common shares of the Company, which were listed at the close of business August 3, 2023, commenced trading at the opening of business on Friday, August 4, 2023. The Company has completed its public offering of securities prior to the opening of market on August 4, 2023. The gross proceeds received by the Company for the Offering are $460,000 (4,600,000 common shares at $0.10 per share). Global Energy Metals Corp. ("GEMC") BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-Brokered BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced on July 20 and 24, 2023: Number of Shares: 3,165,608 shares Purchase Price: $0.10 per share Number of Placees: 6 placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Placees # of Placee (s) Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate Existing Insider Involvement: 4 2,765,608 Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: N/A N/A The Company issued a news release on August 3, 2023 confirming closing of the private placement. [Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term.] ________________________________________ GOLD79 MINES LTD. ("AUU") BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-Brokered BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced on May 10, 2023: Number of Shares: 15,310,457 shares Purchase Price: $0.03 per share Warrants: 15,310,457 share purchase warrants to purchase 15,310,457 shares Warrant Exercise Price: $0.05 for a two-year period Number of Placees: 17 placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Placees # of Placee (s) Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate Existing Insider Involvement: 3 4,700,000 Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: 1 100,000 Aggregate Cash Amount Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate # of Warrants Finder's Fee: $210.00 N/A 7,000 Warrants Finder's Warrants Terms: Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share and a one common share purchase warrant (with the same terms as the private placement warrant) at the price of $0.05 for period of 36 months from the date of issuance. The Company issued a news release on June 26, 2023 confirming closing of the private placement. ________________________________________ Jervois Global Ltd. ("JRV") BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Brokered BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 1 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Brokered Private Placement announced on June 28, 2023 : Number of Shares: 622,700,619 shares Purchase Price: AUD 0.06 per share Number of Placees: 649 placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Placees # of Placee (s) Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate Existing Insider Involvement: 8 299,165,910 Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: NA NA Agent's Fee: Jefferies Australia Pty Ltd received A$1,300,000 cash, and Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited received A$747,00 cash. The Company issued a news release on August 2, 2023 confirming closing of the private placement. ________________________________________ THINK RESEARCH CORPORATION ("THNK") BULLETIN TYPE: Shares for Debt BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 1 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing the Company's proposal to issue 173,826 common shares to settle outstanding debt for CDN$56,250. Number of Creditors: 1 Creditor Non-Arm's Length Party / Pro Group Participation: Creditors # of Creditors Amount Owing Deemed Price per Share Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate Non-Arm's Length Party Involvement: N/A N/A N/A N/A Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: N/A N/A N/A N/A For further details, please refer to the Company's news release dated August 01, 2023. The Company shall issue a news release when the shares are issued and the debt extinguished. ________________________________________ TURNIUM TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. ("TTGI") BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Brokered BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Brokered Private Placement announced on July 13, 2023, July 24, 2023, and July 31, 2023: Number of Shares : 30,210,000 Shares Purchase Price : $0.10 per Share Warrant : 30,210,000 share purchase warrants to purchase 30,210,000 shares Warrant Purchase Price : $0.14 for three year period Number of Place : 48 Placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Placees # of Placee (s) Aggregate # of Shares Aggregate Existing Insider Involvement: Aggregate Pro Group Involvement: N/A N/A N/A N/A Aggregate Cash Amount #Aggregate # Aggregate of Shares Warrants Aggregate # of Broker Warrants Finder's Fee: $46,500 539,450 539,450 1,004,450 Warrant Terms: Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at the price of $0.14 for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance. Broker Warrants Term: Each broker warrant entitles the holder to purchase one unit at a price of $0.10 for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance of the broker warrants, with each unit comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at the price of $0.14 for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance of the broker warrants. Pursuant to Corporate Finance Policy 4.1, Section 1.9(e), the Company issued a news release on August 03, 2023, announcing the closing of the private placement. ________________________________________ Unigold Inc. ("UGD") BULLETIN TYPE: Warrant Term Extension BULLETIN DATE: August 4, 2023 TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has consented to the extension in the expiry date of the following warrants: Private Placement: # of Warrants: 12,596,175 Original Expiry Date of Warrants: August 10, 2023 New Expiry Date of Warrants: December 29, 2023 Exercise Price of Warrants: $0.30 (Unchanged) These warrants were issued pursuant to a private placement of 25,192,350 shares with 12,596,175 share purchase warrants attached, which was accepted for filing by the Exchange effective August 27, 2021. ________________________________________ SOURCE TSX Venture Exchange Its sparked an outpouring of opposition and even a lawsuit, but the glampground on Celt Road off Route 33 in Greene County with 144 luxury, climate-controlled tents with as many as three bedrooms inside is nevertheless expected to be completed by early 2025. Its been the subject of at least three hearings before the Greene County Board of Supervisors, which denied the initial iteration of the project in 2021. But despite hesitancy from certain supervisors and opposition from certain residents, county officials who spoke to The Daily Progress agreed: Glamping will be good for Greene. The site will offer three- to four-star accommodations and amenities alongside opportunities to take advantage of Greenes rural character as well as nearby Shenandoah National Park. With a target audience of millennial couples and families with small children, the glamping project aims to address the lack of upscale and affordable accommodations in Greene. Thats according to Andrew Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Sojourner Glamping Company, the company responsible for the project. If you look at the D.C. area, there are really expensive, high-end places, Murphy said. And then you have at the bottom, a line of hotels and campgrounds. But in the middle, for people who are willing to spend a little more, theres a big gap. A one-night stay for the smallest one-bedroom tent at the planned glampground could cost between $180 to $200, Murphy said. With roughly 217 bedrooms available, Sojourner is expecting around 245 people per night in the busiest summer months. While accommodations are technically tents, the experience is going to be more like a boutique hotel with all the benefits of still being surrounded by nature, Murphy said. The tents include a safari canvas shell, impeccable interior design, a deck and an en suite bathroom, according to the companys presentation to the Greene County Board, where the projects special use permit was approved on 83 acres of land. The term glamping is generally misunderstood, Murphy said. Glamping today is kind of where the hotel industry was in the 1950s, before brands like Hilton, Marriott and Sheraton formed, he said. For his own part, Murphy said he never liked the word glamping. But weve decided that were going to embrace it, and redefine the category, Murphy said. So for us, glamping is camping with resort-style amenities and luxury accommodation in the outdoors. Half of the 144 tents are expected to be standard and deluxe one-bedroom units, with another third as two-bedroom units and 10% as three-bedroom units. With some tents grouped together, the site is perfect for vacations, family reunions, corporate retreats and eco-trips without the mosquito bites to show for it, Murphy said. His company is also tapping into the areas wedding industry, one that demands accommodation for thousands of people in the summer and fall. The company did an analysis of accommodations across Greene, Madison and Orange counties, Murphy said. While there is capacity on any given Saturday for more than 5,000 wedding attendees, there are only 892 rentable units across the three counties. We were kind of blown away by the demand that we saw, Murphy said. The site will have event space to host weddings autonomously. It will also be kid-friendly, with a kids club, adult and family pools, a playground and environmental educators for children, Murphy said. A restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner will accommodate those parents sick of washing dishes as Murphy discovered for himself while introducing his daughters to camping. We went camping in Shenandoah and the Smoky Mountains, Murphy said. I found, as a dad, taking two daughters camping was just exhausting. It was fun for Day One and a Half and by Day Two youre like, I dont want to wash another dish. I dont want to cook another meal. Glamping might be an unfamiliar term, but its not new to Greene. Getaway Shenandoah, a company that advertises 45 tiny cabins across 80 acres of land, ranges from $111 to $358 per night. And for all the concerns about traffic noise expressed in opposition to Sojourners proposal, most residents dont even know Getaway is there, off Madison Road in Stanardsville, according to Dale Herring, chair of the countys board of supervisors. It was so quiet, some people were asking if they were actually still in business which they are, Dale told The Daily Progress. Stanardsville Mayor Michael Payne agreed that residents dont know about Getaway. Still, the site has driven interest and revenue at Stanardsvilles businesses, and Payne said he hopes Sojourner will bring even more of that to the small town. Tourism is a very efficient dollar spent; we get to keep most of that for the community, Payne said. I believe this has strong potential to be a wonderful asset to our community. It brings tourism to Greene, which I think Greene needs, Herring said. The glamping site also expects to partner with local farms to purchase fresh produce, meat and eggs: about 850,000 eggs and 1,000 pounds of chicken a month by the companys estimates, Murphy said. The opposition to the project has argued, Lets keep Greene green. Herring said he hears that a lot. But if you want to maintain your farmland, youd have to give your farmers a place to sell their product, Herring said. The glamping site will bring revenue and jobs to the county, all while keeping impact on infrastructure and traffic minimal, he said. Opponents have also argued that due to its space in the camping category, Sojourner circumvents the zoning laws that prevent hotels from being built on land zoned for agriculture. With commercial structures such as a spa, restaurant, event center and sleeping units, Doug Roberts of Stanardsville has one question: How is this not a hotel? The neighboring property owners never expected the rural farm next door could become a sprawling commercial establishment based on the plain reading of our ordinance, Roberts wrote in a July 30 letter to The Daily Progress. As much as we need businesses in our county, moving the goalposts is never the way to do it. Murphy said the site will have a minimal environmental impact on the land, and Herring and Murphy both agreed the site would have minimal impact on infrastructure and traffic while benefiting the rural county. If we dont take advantage of our assets, then what will eventually happen to our communities is that the farmland that we currently have will be sold and divided into lots, Herring said. As for the opposition, Murphy said it seems bigger than it actually is. There is far more support than there was opposition, Murphy said. In 2021, he advertised on Facebook that he would be at Maybelles Market on Dyke Street every week for a few hours to hear residents concerns. He said he hopes to maintain an open-door policy moving forward. Sojourner was granted a special use permit to develop 144 tents on 83 acres of land in June 2022. The company applied for a permit to develop on 70 acres next to it in order to decrease density for their 144 tents. The decision was postponed in a June 21 board of supervisors meeting, in large part because of a lawsuit against the county. A group of individuals challenged the countys approval of Sojourners special use permit, but Murphy said with 40 years of legal precedent on Sojourners side, he expects to prevail. Having explored Shenandoah National Park as an undergraduate at Georgetown University, Murphy said Sojourner started with a why. For him and his business partner, that why is simple: connection. We think of it as both connecting with yourself and getting time to rest, connecting with the ones you love whether its friends or family, and then connecting with nature as well, Murphy said. The University of Virginia has informed employees that they will be banned from using TikTok and other Chinese-owned social media apps on university devices. UVa officials say students wont be affected by the change. The policy does not apply to students (other than students doing work for the University). Students' use of the listed apps and programs on personal devices will not be affected, even if they are using a University network, spokeswoman Bethanie Glover told The Daily Progress. An email to employees regarding the policy change comes a month after Executive Order 24 from Gov. Glenn Youngkins office took effect. Applications and websites such as TikTok and WeChat provide foreign governments, such as the Chinese Communist Party, with the potential to gain access to the information stored on mobile devices, including location services and browsing history, the order reads. As a result of the growing concern over foreign cybersecurity threats, the Department of Defense has already issued a directive to all service members to remove applications from their government-issued or owned devices. Youngkin did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily Progress. The new policy brings Virginia in line with the nearly half of U.S. states that have taken actions to ban the popular video-hosting social media app from government devices. However, the new changes raise questions over free speech on Grounds at UVa and across the commonwealth. A growing number of universities are banning TikTok. University students want to express themselves. They want to see others expressing themselves. Professors are using TikTok in class to study media and even politics, Adam Schwartz, senior staff attorney for Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates for digital privacy and free speech, told The Daily Progress. This is so irrational to block one social media but not other ones that are not comparable and it harms freedom of expression. Practically, anyone can work around the ban by switching from the school's Wi-Fi to cell service or another Wi-Fi network to access TikTok. We are in the midst of a panic about TikTok in the absence of the federal government coming forward with evidence about it threatening our national security. It raises privacy concerns but so do many other social media companies. Students know and will bypass the rules, Schwartz said. TikTok isnt unique in collecting personal data. American-based social media apps, such as Instagram, Facebook and Tinder, have all faced backlash and lawsuits for not following laws surrounding the collection of data on minors. However, a report by Australian-American cybersecurity firm Internet 2.0 concluded that TikToks data-collection process was more aggressive. The facts are that at the time of our analysis, TikTok was doing things on your phone and getting away with it because the individual using the application was allowing it, Thomas Perkins, head engineer behind the report, told The Daily Progress. Their privacy policy (at the time of analysis) was extremely clear on what they collected, and their terms of service (at the time of our analysis) stated they would, and could, send the information they collect to any entity that requested it. As the new school year begins, UVa said it would review infractions on a case-by-case basis. By notifying University employees of the updated policy and the new state law, we are making them aware of the change and appreciate their cooperation and partnership in complying with the revision. The University will evaluate potential violations on a case-by-case basis, Glover said. National Theatre presents 'Efu Pnk' on August 25&26 Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Aug - 05 - 2023 , 03:20 The National Theatre of Ghana is set to thrill theatre patrons to a total theatre performance when it stages its latest play, Efu Pnk (The Camel) on Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26. The upcoming play which is under the auspices of the Ministry of Arts, Tourism and Culture is a creative collaboration of the resident groups of National Theatre -National Dance Company, National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Drama Company- and the Ghana Concert Party. Efu Pnk is a unique folk story based on the music of the late Bob Cole titled, "dwen re y me". It tells the tale of a community where a certain animal called "Efu Pnk" lives. After eating and getting satisfied, Efu Pnk starts doing foolish things, to the displeasure of everyone. He refuses to listen to the wisdom of his friend the "Cat" to stop the foolishness every time but rather calls him a thief. During one of his foolish acts, he kicks his masters son, hurting him in the process. The masters son is rushed to the hospital for treatment. However, due to the degree of his injury, he dies. The death of the masters son lands all the other animals - Horse, Goat, Sheep, Cow and Fowl in trouble. The Horse gets hurt while running to call the doctor to save the boy's life. Towards the funeral, all the other animals were taken to the slaughter house for the preparation of sumptuous meals for sympathisers, family members and friends, who will come to mourn. The theme of Efu Pnk relates to many negative happenings in todays Ghana such as illegal mining, poor sanitation, ethnic conflicts, teenage pregnancy and school dropouts. It also focuses on highlighting and addressing other issues like rural and urban migration, stowaway through cargo ships bound to other countries, and other social menaces stifling the countrys development. As the drama unfolds with Efu Pnk and Cat playing lead characters, patrons are taken across all the regions in Ghana. The production will be presented through artistic movements, with a blend of percussive dance styles, dramatic sketches with narration incorporated with aesthetically pleasing melodies. Tickets will be selling at GHC100 at the gate. Read also: Ghana International Book Fair to host Gifty Anti, other celeb authors Migrant workers from Mexico, working on six-month visas, pick squash and peppers on a farm in Lyons, Georgia, in July of 2023. Photo: Jose Ibarra Rizo / TIME By Aryn Baker 3 August 2023 GEORGIA (TIME) Just after dawn on a recent July day in Rochelle, Ga., Silvia Moreno Ayala steps into a pair of sturdy work pants, slips on a long-sleeved shirt, and slathers her face and hands with sunscreen. She drapes a flowered scarf over her wide-brimmed hat to protect her neck and back from the punishing rays of the sun. There isnt much she can do about the humidity, however. Morning is supposed to be the coolest part of the day, but sweat is already pooling in her rubber boots. She drinks deeply from a large plastic water bottle, then squeezes out the air until it is flattened enough to tuck into her back pocket. If she is working a blueberry field, she will need her hands for the buckets. If, like today, she is weeding the watermelon fields, she will be carrying tools. Either way, the flattened bottle is her hack for carrying a water supply through the endless furrows. On the days she works the bigger cotton or blueberry fields, it might be hours before she makes it back to the drinks-filled cooler she has left at the fields edge, and she doesnt want to run out before thenshe has heard the horror stories of farm workers dying in the fields, their desiccated bodies only discovered at the end of the day, when they dont return with buckets full of fruit and their co-workers go looking for them. 3 August 2023: By 9 a.m. some 90,000 UPS drivers across the country roll out of distribution centers in their iconic brown delivery trucks, ready to transport the clothes, books, frozen fish, furniture, toilet paper, medicines, and overnight mail that an online-shopping obsessed America has come to depend upon. The trucks, primed for efficiency and easy maintenance, are neither air conditioned nor insulated. When the sun beats down, the accumulated heat blasts out the back like an oven with the door open. Working all day in heat like this is physically painful, says driver Barkley Wimpee as he pulls his truck out of the Rome, Ga., lot on a recent 92F morning. Unlike farm workers, drivers cant take advantage of the pre-dawn cooldeliveries are made during working hours. By the time we get going, the sun is already blazing, says Wimpee, 28. Im sweating before I leave the parking lot. On 16 June 2023, UPSs 340,000 Teamsters union members voted to strike starting August 1, unless their demands for improved working conditions, including air-conditioned vehicles, were included in a new, five-year contract. While climate change was not specifically cited in the union demands, UPSs unwillingness to adapt to the new realities of global warming by providing its employees with heat-adaptation strategies formed the subtext of the campaign. In the final stages of contract negotiations, the company had agreed to air condition all new vehicles starting in 2024. Video: TIME Moreno, a 41-year-old farm worker who came to the U.S. from Mexico as a teenager, accepts headaches, nausea, muscle cramps and dizzy spellssigns of severe heat stressas an inevitable part of her summer workday, but by sipping a little tepid water as she goes, she hopes to stave off a worse outcome. I know people who work watermelons and get so hot they end up in the hospital, she says. Her doctor warns that she might too one day. He says her kidneys, already damaged by years of working in hot conditions, wont be able to take much more. Still, she perseveres through the suffocating heat, earning admiration for her toughness and dedication from Stanley Copeland, her employer of 17 years. Ive seen her load watermelon trucks. It would be so hot, youd faint if you went out there,says Copeland, a third-generation farmer. Like the other workers he employs on his family-owned farm, I guarantee she can take the heat. The numbers say otherwise. Silvia Moreno Ayala says she loves her work as a field crew leader for a South Georgia family-owned farm, yet her doctor has warned her that this type of work is a threat to her health. Photo: Jose Ibarra Rizo / TIME Likely dozens of workers have already died from heat exposure this year in what is shaping up to be the hottest in American history. The death toll started on an abnormally hot and humid New Years Day in Florida when a 28-year-old laborer working on a bell-pepper farm died from heat stroke. On 16 June 2023, the first day of the Texas heatwave, with temperatures hovering around 100F, construction worker Felipe Pascual overheated and died at his worksite near Houston. On 19 June 2023, a 35-year-old lineman repairing an East Texas powerline succumbed to heat exposure on a 96F day. A day later 66-year-old postal worker Eugene Gates Jr. died while making his rounds in a Dallas neighborhood. While a cause of death has yet to be determined, the heat index that day reached a record-breaking 115F. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 40 workers die every year from heat, most in outdoor jobs like farming, construction, and package delivery. But the official statistics dont tell the real story, says Doug Parker, director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which oversees working conditions in the U.S. Were confident thats an undercount. Probably a significant undercount, largely because the role of heat is often overlooked when it comes to issuing death certificates for cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. Public Citizen, a Washington, D.C., based consumer rights advocacy group, estimates that extreme heat contributes to between 600 and 2,000 deaths a year, along with 170,000 injuries, making heat one of the three main causes of death and injury in the American workplace. [] In most American states, you can be fined for leaving a dog outside without water or shade. But with the exception of California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, Americas 2.5 million agricultural workers dont have the same protections under high heat conditions. Nor do roofers, road construction crews, delivery drivers, or garbage collectors, or almost any other kind of outdoor employment, exposing some 50 million American workers across essential industries. Thats an estimated $100 billion annual toll on the economy in lost productivity, increased workers comp premiums, lawsuits, and health care costs. Yet protecting outdoor workers from extreme heat is easy, and in most cases, inexpensive. Public Citizen estimates that requiring employers to provide workers with cool water and periodic shaded rest breaks could prevent at least 50,000 injuries and illnesses a year. [] Why are we being asked to choose between working and staying alive? asks UPS driver Larry McBride, and texts a photo of the temperature reading from the back of his truck. It shows 137.3F. This is just going to continue where we are dropping like flies. [more] Extreme Heat Is Endangering Americas Workersand Its Economy Use new faces Multichoice Ghana to GH filmmakers Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Aug - 05 - 2023 , 10:09 THE Head of Marketing, Multichoice Ghana, Ms Afua Kissi-Nyame, is urging Ghanaian film producers to use new talents for their production. Making a submission on the challenges of marketing Ghanaian movies as a panel member at the third edition of the Graphic Showbiz Forum held recently in Accra, Ms Kissi-Nyame said her outfit received regular feedback from customers about the use of the same faces for productions. When it comes to marketing Ghanaian films, I think its about the acts we use. We get feedback from people saying we are always seeing the same faces. Why dont you change the actors and why are you showing this programme and it is the same cast on the next show? Theres always that feedback from our customers when it comes to Ghanaian film productions and from our side, it is very challenging since the customers are expecting that we bring them fresh content and fresh faces, she said. The third Graphic Showbiz forum held in conjunction with Multichoice Ghana on the theme, Future of Ghana Movie Industry, Bright or Bleak? saw some industry players in the film sector holding relevant conversations on the state of Ghanas movie industry and the way forward. While mentioning some of the possible challenges that had derailed the growth of Ghanas movie industry, Ms Kissi-Nyame listed the lack of support among the players in the film industry as a major contribution. We find that even though we get very good content coming through, we dont get support from people from the industry promoting it. The players themselves are not pushing hard for their own content. There seems to be lots of competition rather so when theres a new movie, you will expect that everybody will jump and push it because word of mouth is very strong. For example, Have you seen Princes movie? but that doesnt happen. And mostly for the actors, it is more about the paycheck so they are kind of removed from what they are part of. If collectively we can decide to push our content, it will grow at a speed that will surprise everybody, she stated. In March 2021, MultiChoice Ghana launched Akwaaba Magic as a channel to provide exciting Ghanaian shows, series and documentaries produced and directed by Ghanaians. Since its establishment with the tagline, Welcome Home, Akwaaba Magic has promoted and shown many Ghanaian productions such as Dede, Madam, To Have and to Hold and High Currency. Afua pointed out that even though the goal of Akwaaba Magic had been focused on the promotion of Ghanaian productions, MultiChioice had rather been accused of supporting the works of some perceived favourites. For us, our main key is to keep the industry going when theres new content. It is something that keeps people on our channel and products. But whenever we show Ghanaian productions, theres this thing of people coming to say we, at MultiChoice, give preferential treatment to certain people but thats never true, she noted. Climate crisis: A silent threat to education in northern Ghana Mohammed Fugu Features Aug - 05 - 2023 , 08:35 Ms. Zulfatu Yakubu a pupil of Wambung Primary School in the Yendi Municipality in the Northern Region, treks about five kilometres every day to fetch water from a nearby dugout. She uses some of the water to bath for school while some is used for house chores such as washing, cooking and cleaning. Fetching water every day before and after school has been a routine activity for her. The situation becomes more worrying during the dry season as the few dugouts which serve the community often dry up, compelling the people to trek several kilometres in search of water. Ms Zulfatu said she often gets to school late and very exhausted, which affects her academic activities. When I fetch the water before going to class, I always become very tired and cant concentrate, and in the evening too I have to go round and search for water for the family, she shared her ordeal to the Daily Graphic. The story of Ms Zulfatu is not different from that of Yakubu Asana, a pupil of the Kpatorigu Primary School in the Mamprugu/Moaduri District in the North East Region. She said during the dry season the only dugout the entire community depended on often dries up, compelling them to trek around in search of water. "It is always not easy for us during the dry season. We always wake up very early to search for water to bath before going to school. It affects our education because you get to school late and very exhausted. You cant even concentrate in class," she said. Lack of water Ms Zulfatu and Ms Asana are part of a number of school children in the Northern and North East Regions who struggle in search of water each day. Lack of access to safe drinking water has been a major issue affecting effective teaching and learning in various schools in the area. Some communities have dugouts which often dry up during harmattan season, whereas others with boreholes are unable to draw enough water due to low water table in area. Checks by the Daily Graphic showed that while some communities did not have any proper water facility, others, which were fortunate to have boreholes, had them broken down for a very long time without being attended to. For instance, in the Wambung community, there is only one borehole which was serving a population of about 1,000. That had compelled the residents to compete with animals for water in a nearby dugout. The situation is not different from that of the Kpandu and Jello communities in the North East Gonja District in the Savannah Region, as lack of access to potable water was affecting attendance and reporting time to school among school pupils. The Head Teacher of Afayili Primary School in the Nanumba North Municipal, John Kpeiga, expressed worry about the situation and said the students always have to walk a long distance to fetch water, and as a result, they are frequently late for school, others even sleep in class during lessons due to the tiredness. Besides the water situation, school children were also bearing the brunt of rainstorms. For the past years, a number of school buildings have been destroyed by rainstorms. Notably among the affected schools were the Lantenkpa Junior High School in the North-East Gonja District in the Savannah Region. The situation brought academic activities to a halt as the roof of entire classrooms were ripped off completely. Perennial floods According to UNICEF, over 27 million children are at risk of devastating floods globally. A large majority of these children affected by flooding in 2022 are among the most vulnerable and are at high risk of a multitude of threats including death by drowning, disease outbreaks, lack of safe drinking water, malnutrition, disruption in learning and violence. The aftermath of floods is often more deadly for children than the extreme weather events that caused the flooding. In the Wambung and Kpatorigu communities, schoolchildren have been enduring the impact of perennial floods for many years. Pupils like Ms Zulfatu and Ms Asana are unable to go to school when parts of their communities gets flooded. Climate crisis The persistent draught, floods and rainstorms being experienced in the various communities in the north are glaring consequences of climate change. These are as a result of the fast depletion of the fragile vegetation cover by human activities such as indiscriminate tree felling and destruction of water bodies. For instance, the Yendi Municipality which is the second largest in the region, registers poor annual rainfall culminating in poor yields which can bring about food insecurity and poverty. Aside from the stress the schoolchildren go through to access water and consequences of the rainstorm and floods, they are also bearing the additional burden of conditions related to climate crisis, compromising their physical and physiological development. Checks in some health facilities in the communities showed that typhoid fever and diarrhoea which was largely spread through contaminated food and water covered about 60 per cent of Out-Patients Department (OPD) cases. Experts have linked the detrimental effects of water pollution on health to lower academic performance. This is because school attendance may decrease due to the effects of diarrhoea disruption and other related illnesses. Worrying situation The Assemblyman for the Kunkun Electoral Area, Danaa George, expressed worry about the situation and said schools in the area were not having access to safe drinking water. He noted that "apart from the few boreholes in the communities and the dugouts the community members share with animals, the schools don't have boreholes for the schoolchildren to even drink. He, therefore, appealed to the government and Non-governmental Organisations to come to the aid of the people by providing them with potable water to ameliorate their plight, particularly schoolchildren. Corroborating the assertion, the Public Relations Officer of the Yendi Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Benjamin Opoku Manu, described the situation as an affront to education in the area. "In fact, climate change is having a toll on education in the municipality, pupils spend several hours searching for water and by the time they get to school they are tired. In the raining season too, floods always cut off most of the communities, which makes it difficult for both teachers and pupils to go to school," he lamented. Advocacy In the midst of the situation, School for Life, an education-centred non-governmental organisation, has been leading a campaign to raise awareness of the growing threat of climate change on education in the country, particularly in the northern region. Through its Citizen-led Educational Accountability and Responsiveness in Ghana (CLEAR) project, the NGO is building the capacity of the community members and the assemblies to find lasting solution to the challenges. In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Advocacy and Policy Influencing Specialist at School for Life, Amadu Zulyaden, said the impact of Climate Change on the development of Ghana, particularly on education could not be underestimated. For us in education, the impact could be direr if urgent measures arent taken to curb the impact of the menace. Schoolchildren often trek long distances in search of water to bath before going to school. This makes them report to school late and even some are unable to go due to tiredness from the long distances covered. For quality education to be achieved, learning spaces must be conducive and welcoming but most schools are faced with ripped off classrooms situations due to storms resulting from the climate impact, he noted. He, therefore, called on communities and local authorities to step up efforts aimed at raising awareness and introducing measures to address the worrying impact of the climate crisis. Climate education Since the launch of Ghanas National Climate Change and Green Economy Learning Strategy in 2016, the country has taken important steps to integrate climate change into the general education system. At the COP26 summit in Glasgow, United Kingdom in 2021, Ghanas Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, said the sector was the hardest hit when climate-induced disasters such as floods, storms and drought occurred, hence the need to introduce children to the nuances of the phenomena to build their resilience. Educational sector is always at the receiving end of disasters. When there is drought, children trek long distances in search of water. They are unable to go to school when a storm rips off roofs of their school building, he said. He noted that over the years, not much attention had been focused on the impact of climate change on education both at the local and international level, explaining that many children especially females had had their education truncated as a result of climate change induced disasters. Rev. Fordjour, however, reiterated the countrys commitment towards increasing the contribution of education to building a more just and sustainable world through the implementation of education for sustainable development by 2030. It is an undeniable fact that climate crisis is biting harder on education than we may be anticipating. For schoolchildren like Zulfatu and Asana, their only wish is for quality and inclusive education which is being threatened by the climatic conditions. To address the growing situation, there is therefore the need for authorities to step up efforts to raise awareness and initiate measures to mitigate the impact of climate change. Also, climate education should be intensified in various schools to sensitise school children and bring them on board in the fight against the menace. Until then, there is no guarantee that there would be the desired progress in ensuring that Ghana achieves the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) which calls for quality and inclusive education for all. Animal farm experience in Ghana Benjamin Kwame Amankwa Opinion Aug - 05 - 2023 , 11:02 The reality of a power-hungry elite exploiting the masses, where a small group of individuals with significant political power and influence use their positions to exploit and manipulate the general population for their benefit, has seemingly crept into Ghanaian politics. Politicians, government officials and affluent people put their interests, power-building and wealth accumulation ahead of the needs and welfare of the general populace. They use a variety of strategies to hold on to their positions of authority, including enacting laws that serve their interests, participating in corruption, stifling criticism, and restricting democratic procedures and accountability. The elite control resources, industries and financial institutions to their advantage while maintaining the majority in a state of poverty and penury. Fostering Fostering social harmony, democratic stability and sustainable development all depend on the promotion of inclusive and unifying policies that place a premium on discourse, respect for differences, and the defence of individual and minority rights. It necessitates being aware of and responsive to the threats posed by divisive and ethnocentric political ideologies. Another major issue is the monetisation of our politics, which has widened socioeconomic gaps and eliminated candidates with limited funding to effectively participate in politics. It may be difficult for someone with low financial resources to participate successfully in Ghanaian politics since wealthy individuals or interest groups disproportionately impact and influence the process. Orwell As George Orwell illustrated and exposed in his book Animal Farm, power can corrupt individuals and revolutionary movements can devolve into authoritarianism. Ethnic and geographic factors affect our political discourse. Despite being vibrant, Ghana's media environment occasionally supports sensationalism and unfair reporting. The calibre and objectivity of political dialogue are compromised by media outlets with party allegiances, amplifying differences and promoting spectacular tales. Even men and women of high political repute make irresponsible statements and because of their influence and position of authority, the impunity continues unabated. Abuse "Animal Farm, a cautionary tale warns against the abuse of power. This is not a critique of oppressive regimes and political systems that betray the very ideals they claim to uphold but a caution of the degradation of our politics. Maintaining a robust democracy requires fostering a more positive and constructive political debate. The risks posed by unfavourable political commentary and campaigning can be reduced by promoting respectful debate, concentrating on policy matters and holding politicians responsible for their decisions and ideas. Galamsey: Ghana's illegal mining menace threatens environment and livelihoods Mary Appiah Opinion Aug - 04 - 2023 , 20:02 Galamsey, an illegal form of small-scale mining, has emerged as a pressing environmental and social issue in Ghana. The illicit mining practice involves the extraction of gold and other valuable minerals from small plots of land, often without proper licensing and environmental regulations. While the activity promises economic gains to individuals and communities, its consequences have been severe, wreaking havoc on the environment, undermining livelihoods, and posing a threat to sustainable development. These illicit acts are being undergone in various communities enriched with minerals such as the Western North, Ashanti Region, Eastern Region, Western Region, and Central Region among others. The unregulated use of mercury and cyanide in the mining process contaminates water bodies and soil, leading to widespread pollution. River bodies and streams are rendered unfit for drinking and a typical example is the River Ankobrah and River Prah, agriculture, and fishing, adversely affecting the health and livelihoods of communities residing nearby. Deforestation Moreover, deforestation and land degradation occur as miners clear vast areas of vegetation and forests to access minerals, leading to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption. However, the influx of illegal miners leads to encroachment on farmlands and displaces traditional livelihoods. This often results in land conflicts and social tensions, leading to the breakdown of community cohesion. Additionally, child labour and hazardous working conditions in galamsey sites expose young individuals to health risks and hinder their access to education, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. One should note that, even though galamsey may provide immediate economic gains for those involved, its long-term economic impact is detrimental. The depletion of natural resources, such as gold, without sustainable mining practices compromises the country's potential for economic growth and diversification. Measures to curb galamsey Illegal mining reduces government revenue from royalties and taxes, hampering investments in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. For how long will these unscrupulous acts continue? Well the Ghanaian government under the auspices of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has undertaken various measures to combat the Galamsey menace. These measures include interagency task forces, the deployment of security forces like the Operation Vanguard to dismantle illegal mining sites, and the revocation of mining licenses of companies involved in illegal activities. Additionally, awareness campaigns and public education initiatives have been launched to sensitize citizens about the adverse effects of galamsey. Despite all these measures, several challenges hinder the successful elimination of the menace. Corruption and weak enforcement of mining regulations allow illegal miners to evade legal repercussions. Selfish interests The lure of quick profits and limited alternative livelihood options in rural areas perpetuate the cycle of galamsey. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that involves stringent law enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable economic development strategies. The galamsey menace poses significant environmental, social, and economic challenges to Ghana's development journey. Immediate and concerted efforts are required to combat this illegal practice and its far-reaching consequences there should be a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, and civil society are essential in implementing long-lasting and impactful interventions to preserve Ghana's natural heritage, protect communities, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. There is one Ghana and as the indigenous cliche goes: Adepa wo fie a oye so should we preserve The Gold Coast. Nation needs robust legislation to protect children CJ Mary Anane-Amponsah Opinion Aug - 05 - 2023 , 08:46 The country needs a robust legislation that will protect and ensure the holistic development of the Ghanaian child, the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has said. She explained that with a robust legislation and policing system, our children are better placed to grow up in a safe environment and achieve their greatest potential. This is what the Childrens Bill seeks to do. In a speech read on her behalf by a circuit court judge, Ellen Ofei-Ayeh, at a National Stakeholders Consultative meeting on two bills, the Childrens Bill, 2021 and the Child Justice Administration Bill, 2021, in Accra, the Chief Justice commended the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) for spearheading the enactment of the two bills which would ensure the welfare and protection of all children, including those in conflict with the law. Justice Torkornoo said the decision by the Ministry to repeal the Childrens Act, 1998 (Act 560), the Childrens (Amendment) Act 2016 (Act 937), and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 (Act 653) was important at a time the family and societal breakdown had become the norm and heightened number of crime cases involving children. The dynamics of crime, abuse, education, parenting, morals, the Chief Justice noted, had changed, so there is the need to be abreast of the changing times to afford our children the much needed protection, whether they are subjects of the court, child victims, child witnesses, or children in conflict of the law. The consultative meeting was to enable stakeholders to renew the commitment of partners and stakeholders to the amendment process and submit the final inputs for incorporation into the bills. It was also to seek consensus on provisions of the bill, form the justification for Cabinet and parliamentary approval, among others. Meeting The participants included representatives from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society groups, including the coalition of NGOs on the Rights of the Child, public institutions, schools, courts, the academia, lawyers, health sector, education, security agencies, religious groups and traditional authorities. The Childrens Bill has been captured in 219 sections which will, among other things, introduce the right to play and social activity, the right to opinion, protection from drugs, protection from cyber /online crimes, protection from sexual abuse/exploitation and protection from and criminalisation of unreasonable force under corporal punishment in the face of the Criminal Offences Act (Act 29), as amended regarding the use of force or a blow by parents, offences related to adoption. The Child Justice Administration Bill, 2021, on the other hand, is to protect the rights of children who are in conflict with the law. It is also to ensure the protection of child victims and child witnesses of crime and provide for related matters. Substance abuse The 2019 Ghana Drug Report had revealed that more than 2,700 boys and 3,100 girls smoked cigarettes and shisha, 70 per cent of inmates in 15 psychiatric hospitals were youth from junior high schools and tertiary institutions for which 20 to 30 per cent were due to substance abuse. Justice Torkornoo cited another research on substance abuse among street-connected Children and Adolescents in Ghana and South Africa which revealed that marijuana, amphetamines and alcohol were predominantly used by children between the ages of 8 and 19 years. Such children got involved in offences such as assault, sexual abuse, robbery and stealing. The Chief Justice said even though section 18(1) of the Childrens Bill 2021 had provided that a child is entitled to protection from drugs, the option of a fine for anyone in breach of the provision was inadequate considering the risks and exposure towards the child. Advisory committee The sector Minister, Zuweira Abudu, said an advisory committee set up, comprising experts from all relevant institutions, to guide the review process had executed its mandate to produce the first draft of the amendment bills. She expressed the hope that the outcome of the consultative meeting would push the bills to the next stage of approval. Ms Abudu acknowledged the immense support of UNICEF and Global Affairs Canada throughout the comprehensive legal review process. Politics and education in Ghana: The bane of our challenges? Dr George Asekere Opinion Aug - 05 - 2023 , 13:43 Charity, they say, begins at home. It is, therefore, commendable that specialised institutions in Ghana, largely, spearhead major developments and reforms in areas where their expertise is required. The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and the Department of Political Science, all at the University of Ghana, Legon, have, over the years produced research findings that have helped shape their respective areas - the economy, medical science and elections. Other universities are doing similar things. Even though it is often said that the easiest way to destroy a country or a people is to destroy its/ their educational system, not much in terms of policy invigorating research findings disseminated in the way ISSER does its work has been heard of in the education sector. Academics The Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies (IERIS) of the University of Education, Winneba, over the week, held the maiden Annual State of Education in Ghana Lecture series. Apart from setting the tone for intellectual discourse aimed at addressing the challenges and nurturing prospects in our educational sector, the Annual State of Education promises to be a medium for the dissemination of research findings in the area of education. It is the case that governments around the world turn to universities for solutions to their problems and universities have proved capable of this task. The timely intervention of the NMIMR at the University of Ghana when COVID-19 visited us is testimony that our universities have what it takes to turn things around. It is a truism that Ghanas educational sector has many problems despite a series of reforms informed by various factors, usually embedded in the ideological inclination of those behind the reforms. That notwithstanding, it is academics who have often chaired the Educational reforms committees. For instance, the Kwapong Committee, the Alottey Committee, and the very recent Anamoah-Mensah Committee were all spear-headed by academics. This, therefore, suggests that the academy cannot be delinked from the state of education today, although we know the overriding influence of the politicians. Politics The talk in town that the solution is to take out politics from our educational sector is utopian; it will never happen. Perhaps, a re-orientation of our mindset could be a game changer. It is only normal to expect policies and policy reforms that reflect the worldview of the President and his core team at any point in time. This is exactly what we have seen from all the policy reforms in our educational sector. Interestingly, none of the policy reforms have successfully taken out the theory-dominated and practical subordinated quagmire which is part of our bane. This explains why we continue to produce graduates who are, primarily, job seekers. But have the politicians - whether left or right - listened to the academics over the period, although they use academics to draft their policies? Surely, they may not need to do that if it will not inure to their electoral fortunes. This is where other stakeholders have to come in. How many questions are being asked by the voices of conscience, including the academic community, when our now technical universities are virtually offering theory-laden programmes? How about equipment acquired to beef up our technical and vocational training, with support from the African Development Bank, most of which is being left to rot? Yet, we know that a significant part of the solutions to our problems is in the technical and vocational sector. The influence of politics on education is inevitable and this is not bad. The bane to Ghanas educational sector, which is a threat to sustainable development, is the partisan aspect. Universities in Ghana have detailed research output on the dangers that this poses. If universities constantly bring their superior alternatives with their gown to town and drum the same home with the necessary dissemination, it will form the basis for public discourse on the prospects. For now, we know what does not work in our educational sector. We can adequately focus on what works. Does it make sense, for instance, that although the English Language is the medium of instruction in Ghana from the lowest to the highest level, a Ghanaian travelling to seek job opportunities in the United Kingdom is required to take a proficiency test in the English Language? Yet, if our students fail the English Language and pass any Ghanaian Language, they are denied entry to the next level. It is recommended that stakeholders take a keen interest in the Annual State of Education in Ghana being championed by the Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies (IERIS) of the University of Education, Winneba, where some of the major issues will be highlighted beyond partisan lenses. Department of Political Science Education, University of Education, Winneba The Military, My Life 43 Years -5 Months -25 Days Major Albert B. Don-Chebe (Rtd) Opinion Aug - 05 - 2023 , 11:44 Recently, I was conducting research for a lecture at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) when I discovered that Ghana and Sierra Leone were the champions of the league of coups detat in West Africa. Both chalked up 10 attempts with five successes. Before stumbling upon this fact, I had assumed that Big Brother Nigeria would be head of the host. However, our Nigerian cousins have only managed eight attempts, albeit with more efficiency in the success stakes: they have succeeded six times out of eight attempts. In fact, on the continent of Africa, the most coup-prone country is Sudan with 17 attempts and six successes. Currently, Sudan is in another cycle of violence, and political analysts are still assessing whether this current outbreak is an uprising, a coup, a civil war or a combination of the three. In spite of the return of military coups to the West African sub-region in recent times, the book under review, The Military, My life 43 years-5 months-25 days is not about coups; it is the life story of Brigadier General Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong. This is a soldier who could be described figuratively and literally as both a barracks brat and a born-soldier. He was born in Burma Camp, the son of a soldier, schooled in Burma Camp and other military barracks schools, joined the Army after Mfantsipim School at 17 and spent the next 43+ years soldiering. History Brig. Gen Frimpong takes us back into history and refreshes our memory about secondary school days in the late 60s. Those of us who are 60+ can easily reconnect with the tenor of life in Mfantsipim School (Kwabotwe), the first boys secondary school in Ghana. For the younger ones who did not experience the 0 level and A level secondary school system, Brig. Gen Frimpong provides them with a historical insight into the life a secondary school boy in the 60s. Though this book essentially chronicles the trials and tribulations of Brig. Gen. Dan Frimpong in his 43+ military career, it is an important addition to the collection of books that give us an insight into the turbulent period in the history of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) (1975 1985), when soldiers lived day-to-day. Fathers and husbands left for work and never returned home. Some lost their lives during the various coup attempts and others fled across the borders into exile without a word to their families. This tumultuous period in the history of the GAF is adequately catalogued in the pages of the book. As we follow the life and career of Brig. Gen Frimpong, we uncover a whole new world of life in the GAF. Having been commissioned in 1973, Brig. Gen, Frimpongs military service began in a very auspicious period. The book invariably provides information about some of the major historical events of the 70s and 80s. It gives us a personal experience of the dramatic, and often tragic events of the 1979 1982 period when attempted coups, coups and counter-coups were the order of the day. The twists and turns in the fast-changing events of the period are vividly described and the roll call of memorable military officers, some of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice, are distinctly described. Highs, lows The highs and lows of Brig. Gen. Frimpongs career receive special attention in the book, especially his run-ins with the Military High Command as he doggedly struggled to pursue his academic dreams. The obstacles he surmounted on his way to the acquisition of knowledge and higher education in the 80s and 90s are in sharp contrast to conditions in the GAF today. The GAF today is a very pro-knowledge institution, with several officers acquiring PhDs with the active support of senior commanders who are themselves very highly educated officers. Though the book advertises itself as an autobiography, it sheds light on the GAF as an institution and demonstrates that the GAF provides opportunities for a fulfilling and thoroughly fascinating life. The book documents aspects of military life that are not easily discernible to outsiders. The author documents his experiences during various peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions from the Sinai to South Lebanon and on to Cambodia. It describes the life of a military officer as a diplomat at the United Nations and also as a peace envoy in the jungles of South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We are given rare insights into the behind-the-scenes permutations, and sometimes innocuous and seemingly unimportant developments that affect the direction of an officers career. We are also introduced to some of the challenges confronting military commanders at various levels, and the imaginative and forthright leadership required to ensure that professionalism of the GAF triumphs at the end of the day. Autobiography The Military, My Life 43 Years-5 Months-25 Days may have been conceived as the autobiography of Brig. Gen. Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong; however, it inadvertently succeeds in giving the reader a 360-degree picture of the Ghana Armed Forces as a very human institution, with men and women who have volunteered to serve their country at the peril of their lives. It showcases the domestic life of an officer, recruitment procedures and the stringent training regime of the GAF, career impediments and progression, command opportunities and challenges, retirement and the after-life, and the GAFs centrality to the stability and security of our country. The book is a treasure trove of information for students of the history of the GAF and will aid researchers who are still trying to gather personal stories and anecdotes to fill some of the gaps in the happenings of the turbulent decade (1975-1985), which have shaped the Ghana of today. CNN Lokko's journey as an author: Balancing creativity, responsibility Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah Life Aug - 04 - 2023 , 14:49 Renowned author Christine Naa Norley Lokko-Richter with pen name C.N.N. Lokko, who is known for her captivating storytelling and diverse genre exploration, will release her fourth book for her ever-growing fan base on August 11, 2023 at the Accra Conference Centre. In an exclusive interview, Lokko shared insights into her journey as an author, the challenges faced during her latest project, and her unique approach to writing. Reflecting on her evolution since her first book, Lokko reveals that writing the debut novel was a personal challenge she set for herself. However, with the subsequent success and the launch of a series, she felt the weight of responsibility to her publisher and readers. Despite any reluctance, she acknowledges the honour of having strangers appreciate her work and strives to deliver stories that maintain the same level of engagement and enjoyment. As a seasoned writer, Lokko acknowledges the development of her writing style and themes over time. She actively addresses previous critiques, aiming to create more nuanced and less predictable characters in her latest book, pushing the boundaries of her creativity and storytelling prowess. Her books include: Trinity High: Students in Crime, Trinity High: Back to School and Trinity High: Investigation Galore and the latest being Trinity High: Big Changes. With every book presenting unique challenges, Lokko admits that time management remains her most significant hurdle. To overcome distractions from family and other responsibilities, she adopts a change of environment by working at libraries or fast-food places to maintain focus and allow the creative juices to flow freely. Lokko's previous works have explored various genres, and while she remains tight-lipped about the themes in her latest book, she promises an enthralling experience for readers. Intriguingly, Lokko reminisces about her early days as an author when she and her best friend and fellow writer engaged in a competition to finish a chapter a day. Life's busyness has since changed her writing process, with Lokko now meticulously planning chapter outlines, potential conflicts and resolutions. However, she admits that sometimes the characters take charge, leading the story in unexpected directions. Connecting with her fans is vital to Lokko, and she values their feedback, which has sometimes influenced her writing. Therefore, she encourages her readers to reach out to her through her Facebook page or email with their thoughts and suggestions. Drawing from her personal experiences has been an essential aspect of Lokko's earlier works. Still, as the series progresses and historical events become more relevant, creativity and logic now play a more substantial role in shaping the narrative. As a seasoned author, Lokko seeks to challenge herself with each new project, finding inspiration in life's experiences and allowing time to bring forth fresh ideas for future books. Collaboration has also played a significant role in enriching Lokko's writing process. Her best friend and fellow author, Dr Kezia Awadzi, has been a valuable sounding board, offering recommendations and brainstorming sessions during tough plot dilemmas. For aspiring authors, Lokko advises embracing new experiences and growth while remaining true to their creative vision. She encourages them to persist and find inspiration in everyday life. Finally, despite living abroad, Lokko's motivation for working with Ghanaian publishers such as Afram Publishers remains rooted in the distinctly Ghanaian subject matter of her books, forging a strong connection between her stories and her homeland. C.N.N. Lokko's latest book Trinity High: Big Changes is now available through Afram Publication (Ghana) Ltd, offering readers another opportunity to delve into her imaginative worlds and be captivated by her storytelling prowess. 117 Medical, dental officers inducted Diana Mensah Aug - 05 - 2023 , 08:15 A total of 117 newly qualified medical and dental officers have been inducted into the profession. The inductees were from the University of Ghana Medical School, the University of Ghana Dental School, the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, and foreign-trained doctors, who passed the council's licensure examination. This was after they had completed a prescribed and approved academic and practical training conducted by the Medical and Dental Council (MDC). By their induction and swearing of professional oath, they were required to sign a provisional registration certificate to undergo a mandatory Housemanship. The Board Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council, Prof. Paul Kwame Nyame, administered the oath of the Medical and Dental profession to the officers at the White Coat event in Accra. Commendation The Minister of Health, in a speech read on his behalf by one of his deputies, Alhaji Mahama Asei Seini, congratulated the inductees on the feat. The 117 newly qualified doctors and dentists will augment the current resource strength of about 11,000 doctors and dentists serving in various parts of the country, he said. Alhaji Seini also commended the MDC for the constant upgrading of professionals, including organising a new format for registered examination, also known as objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for foreign trained medical and dental practitioners in their recent examination. The deputy minister expressed the government commitment to ensure that citizens had access to quality healthcare services. He urged the inductees to ensure the highest standards of practice, adding you should be ready to serve in rural areas; although there are challenges, be ready to learn. "Any keen follower of the healthcare sector would have noticed recent media reportage claiming professional negligence, improper conduct and unethical behaviour by healthcare professionals, Alhaji Seini added. Concerns Prof. Nyame, in a speech read on his behalf, expressed concern over migration of health workers abroad, adding our practitioners are forced to migrate for reasons such as further training, family ties and most importantly, financial. It is very worrying to see our qualified trained doctors and physicians leaving to serve in other jurisdictions. It, therefore, behoves us, as a nation, to take urgent steps to address this problem to protect our fragile health system, he said. Prof. Nyame cautioned the inductees against activities that were not permitted by the law, saying it is illegal to do locum or sign medical certificates or excuse duty for people. I want to remind you again to keep updating your knowledge because the field of medicine and dentistry is evolving very rapidly, Prof. Nyame added. 27 Immigration Officers interdicted over recruitment, visa fraud Graphic.com.gh Aug - 05 - 2023 , 11:10 The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has interdicted 27 officers for various offences related to bringing the name of the service into disrepute. The affected officers (three senior officers and 24 junior officers) were alleged to have been involved in offences, including recruitment and visa fraud, among others, contrary to Regulation 138 (1)(a) and (k) of the Immigration Service Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2245). A release signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the GIS, Chief Superintendent Michael Amoako-Atta, stated that the interdiction was to allow for a thorough investigation into their cases, in line with internal disciplinary procedures after which they would be prosecuted where necessary. Affected officers They are Chief Superintendent Philipson Adeti, Superintendent Dominic Eshun, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Marvin Essandoh, Senior Inspector (Snr Insp.) Augustine Nuamah, Snr Insp. Martin Owusu, Inspector (Insp.) Stephen Kofi Acheampong, Insp. Patrick Asante, Insp. Benjamin Darko, Assistant Inspector (Asst. Insp.) Victor Donkor, Asst. Insp. Daniel Danso Ntiamoah, and Asst. Insp. Wisdom Ahorlu. Others are Asst. Insp. Wisdom Elorm Addo, Asst. Insp. Hamdiya Abass, Asst. Insp. Elizabeth Quainoo, Asst. Insp Isaac Dzihlornu and Asst. Insp. Edmund Agbotey. The rest are Assistant Immigration Control Officer I (AICO I) Cosmos Dakora, AICO I Ebenezer Azumah, AICO I Bright Buabeng, AICOI I Collins Nyarko, AICO II Solomon Koney Laryea, and AICO II Samuel Kuranchie, Asst. Insp Mary Agyemang Duah, Immigration Control Officer (ICO) Iddrisu Adam, ICO Christopher Torgbenu, ICO Joseph Ampomah and ICO Francis Dabi. The statement further encouraged members of the general public who had fallen victim to the alleged acts of recruitment and visa fraud to volunteer information to help the GIS in its investigation. Members of the public who have fallen victim to the alleged acts of these officers are encouraged to provide information to the Service to assist in investigations, it added. GIS challenge The GIS has, in recent times, been fighting against recruitment fraud, as some unscrupulous persons dupe unsuspecting people seeking employment with a promise of helping them to be enlisted for a fee. In March 2021, the GIS arrested two men- Awuah Forson, 46, and another, for allegedly defrauding about 30 young people on the pretext of securing placements for them in the service. Forson, together with one Ekow Harkman, 71, was reported to have defrauded about 30 people to the tune of GH250,000.00 with the promise of recruitment into GIS. Also in May 2020, a 53-year-old man, Kojo Sakyi, was arrested by the Western Regional Command of the GIS for engaging in a recruitment scam, involving GH5,000.00. Sakyi, who was arrested at the AGIP filling station, near the Takoradi Jubilee Park, had lured one of his victims to the said location, intending to collect GH5,000.00 from him, after the victim had forwarded his certificates and other relevant documents to the formers WhatsApp number. Maximum July temperatures averaged over the length of the heat events defined for the WWA study published on 25 July 2023 (left-hand side) and the same but expressed in anomalies with respect to 1950-2023 (right-hand side). The first row shows the Western USA and Mexico, the second Southern Europe and the third row China. Graphic: World Weather Attribution 25 July 2023 (World Weather Attribution) Following a record hot June, large areas of the US and Mexico, Southern Europe and China experienced extreme heat in July 2023, breaking many local high temperature records. July 2023 saw extreme heatwaves in several parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including the Southwest of the US and Mexico, Southern Europe and China. Temperatures exceeded 50C on the 16th of July in Death Valley in the US as well as in Northwest China (CNN,2023). Records were also reached in many other weather stations in China and the all-China heat record was broken in Sanbao on the 16th of July. In Europe, the hottest ever day in Catalunya was recorded and highest-ever records of daily minimum temperature were broken in other parts of Spain. In the US, parts of Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico tied their all-time high, parts of Arizona, Cayman Islands, highest ever nighttime temperatures in Phoenix, Arizona which also had its record for longest time without falling below 90F/32.2C. Several heat deaths have been confirmed in the US, including migrants on the US Mexican border. In Mexico alone over 200 people died due to the heat. Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Algeria, and China also reported heat deaths, as well as a large increase in hospitalisation due to heat related illnesses. Large parts of the population in Italy and Spain and over 100 million people in Southern US are under heat alerts. In all three regions, demand for power spiked and negatively impacted a number of important crops, including olive oil in Spain and cotton in China. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution initiative collaborated to assess to what extent human-induced climate change altered the likelihood and intensity of the extreme July heat in these three regions. Using published peer-reviewed methods, we analysed how human-induced climate change altered the likelihood and intensity of 1) 18-day average maximum temperatures over the most affected regions in western US, Texas and northern Mexico (fig 1, top). 2) 7-day average maximum temperatures over land in the rectangular box (5W-25E, 36-45N) covering the most affected region (fig1, middle). 3) 14-day average maximum temperatures over the lowlands of China, again covering the most affected region (fig 1, bottom). Main findings Heatwaves are amongst the deadliest natural hazards with thousands of people dying from heat-related causes each year. However, the full impact of a heatwave is rarely known until weeks or months afterwards, once death certificates are collected, or scientists can analyse excess deaths. Many places lack good record-keeping of heat-related deaths, therefore currently available global mortality figures are likely an underestimate. In line with what has been expected from past climate projections and IPCC reports these events are not rare anymore today. North America, Europe, and China have experienced heatwaves increasingly frequently over the last years as a result of warming caused by human activities, hence the current heat waves are not rare in todays climate with an event like the currently expected approximately once every 15 years in the US/Mexico region, once every 10 years in Southern Europe, and once in 5 years for China. Without human induced climate change these heat events would however have been extremely rare. In China it would have been about a 1 in 250-year event while maximum heat like in July 2023 would have been virtually impossible to occur in the US/Mexico region and Southern Europe if humans had not warmed the planet by burning fossil fuels. In all the regions a heatwave of the same likelihood as the one observed today would have been significantly cooler in a world without climate change. Similar to previous studies we found that the heatwaves defined above are 2.5C warmer in Southern Europe, 2C warmer in North America and about 1C in China in todays climate than they would have been if it was not for human-induced climate change. Unless the world rapidly stops burning fossil fuels, these events will become even more common and the world will experience heatwaves that are even hotter and longer-lasting. A heatwave like the recent ones would occur every 2-5 years in a world that is 2C warmer than the preindustrial climate. Heat action plans are increasingly being implemented across all three regions and there is evidence that they lead to reduced heat-related mortality. Furthermore, cities that have urban planning for extreme heat tend to be cooler and reduce the urban heat island effect. There is an urgent need for an accelerated roll-out of heat action plans in light of increasing vulnerability driven by the intersecting trends of climate change, population ageing, and urbanisation. Extreme heat in North America, Europe and China in July 2023 made much more likely by climate change Building prosperous nation: Consensus critical - President urges on Founders' Day Donald Ato Dapatem & Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Aug - 05 - 2023 , 08:01 Senior citizens of between 62 and 92 years joined President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other government officials at a banquet to mark the Founders Day celebration in Accra yesterday. The merrymaking event, addressed by just one speaker, was characterised by song renditions by two vintage musicians, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and Pozo Hayes, backed by the Police Band. The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo; the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare; former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings; members of the Council of State, current and former government functionaries, and retirees from various institutions, among others, were also present at the fourth Founders Day celebration introduced in 2019 to replace the July 1 Republic Day holiday, which the country had marked since 1960. Addressing the event, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo called for a consensus to build a prosperous, peaceful and a happy nation. This, he said, was crucial while government worked to address the economic challenges facing the country. As I have stated before, I want us, on this occasion, when we are celebrating the founders of our nation, to believe in our capacity to build a modern developed progressive nation, he said. Responsibility President Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to recognise the responsibility as the first sub-saharan colonial country to gain independence not to simply build an independent country, but that we owe it to the rest of the continent and the black race to demonstrate that, indeed, we can build and run a successful, prosperous and happy country. He expressed confidence that the country would soon overcome the current challenges and build a new Ghanaian civilisation marked by fair opportunity for all and unlimited access to the educational system that embraced Science and Technology, but, particularly, the digital revolution. He said the new civilisations would also include affordable and accessible healthcare where hard work, enterprise, and creativity were rewarded as a basis for individual wealth, and also a country with abundance of decent, good paying jobs, especially for the youth. He said the new era would be marked by dignified retirement for the elderly; social safety net for the vulnerable and the disadvantaged; a governance system based on the separation of powers which was free from corruption and respectful of the rule of law, individual liberties, human rights and the principles of democratic accountability. Debate President Akufo-Addo said it was heartwarming that this years Founders Day celebration did not attract intense and needless debate. This, he explained, was due to the fact that majority of Ghanaians had come to acknowledge that the process of liberating the country from the shackles of colonialism and imperialism was borne across many decades by many Ghanaians, some of whom had to pay dearly with their lives. President Akufo-Addo traced the liberation from the days of the Aborigines Rights Protection Society, which protected the countrys lands from the grasp of imperialists to the fight for independence. He said the country was in a second struggle to free the nation from the economic arrangements designed by the former colonial power to serve its particular purpose at the time, which, he said, continued to bind the country. We must make concerted efforts to break away from the neocolonial structure of the raw material producing and exporting economy, which has largely been our lot, and take decisive steps to reach our goal of building a Ghana beyond aid, he stressed. He indicated that he had preoccupied himself, since assuming office as President, with the laying of the foundation of the transformation of the economy from the export of raw materials and retailing of imported goods to a modern value-adding industrialised one. Work President Akufo-Addo said before the onset of COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country made modest but important gains in every aspect of the economy. He added that in spite of the difficulties, the goal of the government remained the same; to enhance the integrity of the Ghanaian and lift the standard of living of the citizenry. Put lands to judicious use - Dr Awal charges regional CNCs Haruna Yussif Wunpini Aug - 05 - 2023 , 08:20 The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has charged the regional offices of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) to put to good use the vast lands on which their offices are located. He suggested that they partnered their respective Regional Coordinating Councils, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lands were put to judicious use. Dr Awal, therefore, directed them to come out with a two to three-year roadmap to accomplish the objective. The minister gave the charge when he addressed a two-day mid-year performance review meeting of the CNC in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, on the theme: "Towards effective operations of CNC: The role of partnerships and collaborations. It was attended by regional directors and accountants of CNC who appraised their performances and activities, including challenges and the way forward. Rich culture Dr Awal said the nation abounded in rich culture which, when harnessed, could rake in about six billion dollars within the next three years. That, he explained, could be accomplished, if each of the expected two million tourists, who would visit the country, spent 3,000 dollars during their stay. The minister, therefore, encouraged the regional centres to make promotion of culture a priority since it was the bedrock of tourism. He also urged the regional directors to package programmes that would have the buy-in of the private sector to drive growth for improved revenue, adding "we must come out with projects that would bring in money". The Executive Director of NCC, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, said the commission would be coming out with a comprehensive five-year medium-term development plan that would include an in-depth assessment of its performance over the years. The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, in a speech read on his behalf by the Regional Coordinating Director, John Donkor, said investing in the culture sector was essential for the overall growth and development of the regions and the country as a whole. He, however, said the CNC in the regions must be equipped with the needed resources to make them more effective and efficient as the body responsible for the development of culture and tradition in the country. The Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, whose speech was read on his behalf by the Akwadumhene, Nana Osei Owusu Agyare, said culture portrayed the values and identity of people, for which it must jealously be protected for posterity. Speak out on national issues - Theologians urged Gertrude Ankah Nyavi Aug - 05 - 2023 , 10:15 Theologians in Africa have been encouraged to speak out on issues affecting their countries and Africa at large. By doing so they will be helping the Church to play its role as the moral conscience of society. The Executive Secretary of the Kenya-based Theology Interfaith and Eccelesial Leadership Development, Father Dr John Njorog, who made the call, said the Churchs role as the moral conscience of society did not allow them to be passive in the governance of their respective countries and the continent to which they belonged. You are the mouthpiece of God, so you must voice out, theological and prophetic voice of God to African political leaders, Fr. Dr Njoroge stressed at the opening of the Biennial Conference 2023 and 50th anniversary celebration of the West Africa Association of Theological Institutions (WAATI) in Accra last Wednesday (Aug 3, 2023). The four-day conference in on the theme: The bible, Migration and Nationalism in Africa. Role in national development The Leadership Development Executive Secretary noted that the development of Africa would be far advanced if theologians commented boldly on national issues without fear. He said they must be able to ensure that political leaders in Africa created jobs for the youth and a conducive working environment for graduates on the continent. Remaining confined to lecturing to theology students, holding only theology-professors-oriented conferences and publishing articles is not very impactive to the society today, he stated. He also called on the theologians to be the mouthpiece for the citizens, since they looked up to them to be their advocates. The church is an influential social entity and people in Africa are religious, and if they rely on the church as part of the voices to which they can influence the government to be able to act on their behalf, they must be able to voice out the concerns of the people, he explained Mentorship Fr. Dr Njoroge said the reason why most of the youths in Africa were migrating was because Christian leaders had failed to mentor them. He said most Christian leaders had become prosperity preachers, which he stressed was not the way to mentor the youth. When you mentor your children to the right direction, they know where to go. Young people of today feel they are not mentored to be able to achieve their dreams and vision. Thus, beside teaching, Christian leaders such as the ministers, theological educators need also to be mentors, they need to mentor our young people. The church is our home, its our spiritual home whereby we should get mentorship, but what we are getting today in Christianity, in churches is this whole kind of prosperity preaching, prosperity gospel which is not mentoring young people, he added. Migration now a pandemic The immediate past Vice-President of the Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, Rev. Professor Dorothy Akoto, said migration had become a pandemic in Africa. She said Africans had become addicted to moving from their countries to other countries to seek greener pastures. And it has become a real headache because people leave their countries thinking that there is a pie in the sky in another country but they get there only to see that things are not as rosy as they thought they would be. Prof Akoto who was the guest speaker said the church had the responsibility to address the problems leading to the citizens moving away to other countries. One of those things is unemployment, even if they have employment because the condition of service is not conducive they think when they go outside they can get something better from there. So they keep migrating to those places She also called for a collaboration of all stakeholders to come out with a programme that will train the youth in all aspects of their lives. In his welcome address, the founder and leader of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, charged Christians to capitalise on migration to spread the gospel abroad. Citing Matthew 28:16-20, Archbishop Agyinasare who is also the Chancellor of Perez University College, said Christian missions had the potential of converting none Christians in the diaspora, introducing the chaplaincy to the migrants in the diaspora and engaging in best mission work. The international mission brought Christianity to Africa and some part of the globe, now there is the need for Africans to send the gospel to Europe and other parts of the globe, he intimated. Tarikpaa community gets CHPS compound Mohammed Fugu Aug - 05 - 2023 , 16:31 Residents of Tarikpaa, a farming community in the Savelugu Municipality in the Northern Region, will now heave a sigh of relief following the construction of a Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound in the area. The facility consists of an outpatient department (OPD), pharmacy department, child welfare unit, consulting, delivery, store and sluice rooms as well as washrooms. Constructed by the World Vision Ghana, the facility is to help bring healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the people in the community and its environs. Hitherto, residents in the area had to travel about 15 kilometres to the Municipal capital, Savelugu, to access health care. The facility would, therefore, help boost the local economy of the Tarikpaa community, since the residents would no longer spend productive time to trek to access health care. Inauguration of the facility formed part of activities to officially close the Savelugu Area Programme of the World Vision after 24 years of investments in critical sectors in selected communities in the Savelugu Municipality and parts of the Nanton District. The National Director of World Vision Ghana, Laura Del Valle, the Municipal Chief Executive for Savelugu, Seidu Ayishetu, and the Paramount Chief of the Zugu Traditional Area, Naa Professor Yakubu Nantogma, together inaugurated the facility and closed the Savelugu Area Programme last Tuesday. Quality healthcare delivery At the ceremony, Ms Valle said the CHPS would go a long way to bring quality healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the people. She indicated that over the past 24 years, the organisation had impacted over 152,398 beneficiaries, comprising 35,101 girls, 33,309 boys, 43,404 women, and 40,874 men, with interventions in sectors such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), primary healthcare and nutrition, education, community and child-led advocacy, and child protection and sponsorship programming. "Since its inception, WVG has invested approximately $2,673,278 to support the most vulnerable including children and their communities. Today, I am excited to see the results of 24 years of transformative development in the lives of children and their families, with one of them chairing this closure durbar," she said. Through the interventions, she added that the lives of many children have been transformed, stating "a total of 107 boreholes and 10 limited mechanised safe water systems have been provided, serving over 56,000 people directly and over 152,000 indirectly in the area programme". While thanking the various donors and stakeholders for the support for the past years, the National Director urged beneficiary communities to take proper care of the projects undertaken to enable them to serve the intended purposes. For her part, Hajia Ayishetu commended WVG for initiating numerous interventions which were improving on the fortunes of the area. She expressed the assembly's commitment to ensuring the regular maintenance of the projects for their sustainability. The Paramount Chief of the Zugu Traditional Area also thanked the NGO for its efforts in bringing positive change to the area over the years. World Education employs technology to boost reading skills of girls Mohammed Fugu Aug - 05 - 2023 , 11:56 World Education, an education-centered non-governmental organisation has piloted the use of educational technology to support former out-of-schools girls to strengthen their English language proficiency in the Tolon District in the Northern Region. Dubbed "Google Read Along App", the intervention is being rolled out in schools such as a Kpana Presbyterian Primary School, Gburimani Ahmadiyya Primary School and Nyankpala D/A Primary School. A total of 65 girls who underwent the Complimentary Basic Education (CBE) programme under the Strategic Approach to Girls Education (STAGE) project were selected for the programme. The beneficiaries had been provided tablets with the Google Read Along application installed to support the beneficiary girls from basic 3 to basic 6 to acquire reading skills. The Google Read Along application contain over 1,000 stories in four readability levels in multiple languages. Each day, the girls supported by thier trained mentor teachers practice for 15 minutes outside of school hours using the Google Read Along application which provides stories aligned to their reading levels. The app operates offline and is devoid of distracting advertisements or in-app purchases. During a recent visit to some of the beneficiaries schools, it was observed that the girls who could not read hitherto were now improving in thier english proficiency. Boosting reading skills The Project Lead of World Education, Stephen Konde indicated that the intervention was a build up of the STAGE project which aimed at improving the reading proficiency of former out-of-schools girls. He said a lot of the school girls were facing challenges transitioning to the formal school because the language of instruction in grade 3 and higher was English. He added that the app allows children to play with decoded and word recognition games as well as read stories. Mr Konde said by leveraging the Google's text-to-speech recognition and artificial intelligence, the children practicing reading has improved their readability skills which would support them to participate in class during teaching. "If you go to our schools there are no storybooks but if you have the application installed on your tablet or smartphone it would go a long to support your children to understand how to read," he said. He indicated that 80 per cent of girls that were at letter and word levels could now read a sentence, adding that there were a few girls that need special attention. Mr Konde therefore appeal for funding to scale up the program to cover the entire district to improve the english language proficiency in the region and the country. Unlocking potentials For his part, the Tolon District Education Director, Alhassan Sumani said the initiative had come at a time the Ghana Education Service (GES) was putting in measures to improve upon the reading skills of the school children. "The ability of a child to read is key to unlocking the potentials of school girls, this will support them in every discipline they find themselves" he said. Sharing thier experiences, some of the beneficiaries said they could now spell and pronounce words through the app. NPP youth urged to serve as exemplary ambassadors - Salam Mustapha GraphicOnline Politics Aug - 04 - 2023 , 16:10 The National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has called upon the party's youth wing to play a pivotal role in the pursuit of the party's vision to 'break the 8' in the upcoming 2024 elections. Mr. Mustapha emphasized that the success of the NPP in previous elections within the fourth republic has been heavily reliant on the active and vibrant participation of its youth. He firmly believes that the party's triumph in the next elections will largely depend on the enthusiasm and dedication of the youth in leading the party's campaign. Speaking at the Mentorship Forum held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, on August 3, 2023, Salam Mustapha praised the exemplary leadership set by past youth leaders of the party and encouraged the present youth to be innovative in their efforts to attract more support for the NPP. He urged them to take pride in the party's traditions and principles and act as ambassadors for both the NPP and the government in their respective institutions and organizations. "As the national youth wing, we believe in the immense power of the youth. In the 2016 elections, we proved our strength by surpassing expectations and defeating the NDC with over 1 million votes," Mr. Mustapha said. 'Breaking the 8' is a formidable task, according to him, which is why the national youth wing seeks to engage more young people who can continue the party's legacy and traditions. "We aim to nurture responsible leaders for both the party and the nation. Let us all become exemplary ambassadors of the NPP. The knowledge we gain here should be shared with others, spreading the positive message of the NPP, its policies, achievements, and the core principles that define us," he urged. Mr Sammy Awuku, the former National Youth Organizer of the NPP and Director-General of the National Lotteries Authority, also highlighted the crucial role of TESCON in communicating the NPP's achievements and promises. He emphasized that with passion and determination, the youth wing can convincingly convey the party's message and garner appreciation from the Ghanaian populace for the NPP's hard work. Providing valuable insights into effective political communication, Mr. Awuku recommended the inclusion of TESCON in the NPP's communication strategies to effectively market the party, its ideologies, and its achievements. Xiaomi held an event in New Delhi, India on August 1 for the global debut of the Redmi 12 5G, where it also announced the Redmi 12 4G for the Indian market. Both smartphones went on their first sale in India yesterday and helped the Chinese brand achieve a milestone of INR 3 billion ($36 million/32 million) in sales. Xiaomi also said it sold 300,000 units of the Redmi 12 series smartphones in its first sale yesterday but didn't reveal how many were 4G and 5G models. The Redmi 12 4G starts at INR9,999 ($120/110), while the Redmi 12 5G's base model costs INR11,999 ($145/130). Thank you India for the overwhelming response! Your unwavering support has been indispensable in making this achievement a reality. We are thrilled to announce the #Redmi12 Series witnessed an astounding sale of 300,000 units. This remarkable success underscores the pic.twitter.com/L6TFRDxiIH Xiaomi India (@XiaomiIndia) August 4, 2023 The Redmi 12 5G is India's first Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC-powered smartphone. It's built around a 6.79" FullHD+ 90Hz LCD and packs a 5,000 mAh battery with 18W charging support. The smartphone comes with three cameras for photography - 8MP selfie, 50MP primary, and 2MP depth. Redmi 12 4G Redmi 12 5G The Redmi 12 4G, on the other hand, is powered by the Helio G88 chip. It shares most of the specs with its 5G counterpart, except that it sports an 8MP ultrawide camera on the rear and comes with eMMC 5.1 storage instead of UFS 2.2 like the Redmi 12 5G. You can check the detailed specs comparison of the Redmi 12 4G and Redmi 12 5G here to know more about them. Map of surface temperature in South America on 1 August 2023. The winter of 2023 in South America saw temperatures as high as 38.9C in the Chilean Andes, much higher than what Southern Europe had in mid-summer at the same elevation. Graphic: MetDesk / WXCharts.com By Sophie Tanno 4 August 2023 (CNN) Parts of South America are sweltering under abnormally hot temperatures despite being in the depths of winter as the combination of human-caused climate change and the arrival of El Nino feed into extreme winter heat. Southern Cone countries including Chile and Argentina have experienced summer-like conditions as a heat wave, beginning in July, pushed temperatures higher than 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) in some places dramatically above average for this time of year. Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist who tracks extreme temperatures across the globe, told CNN that South America is experiencing a fierce winter heat wave. While such heat waves are not unheard of for the continent, this one has exceptional characteristics for its area, duration, intensity and being early August, Herrara said, adding dozens of stations are recording their highest ever temperatures in the first half of August. August in the Southern Hemisphere is equivalent to February in the Northern Hemisphere. Chiles environment minister, Maisa Rojas, said that the world has been experiencing extreme events for weeks. Yesterday it was the turn of South America and Chile, she said in a Twitter post Wednesday. Aerial view of smog caused by high temperatures in the city of Santiago, Chile on 2 August 2023. Photo: Martin Bernetti / AFP / Getty Images In the mountainous Chilean Andes region, temperatures climbed to 38.9 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, according to Herrara, who described the event as unbelievable for mid-winter and rewriting all climatic books. In the Coquimbo region in northern Chile temperatures average around 22 degrees Celsius (72 Fahrenheit) in February, at the height of its summer. But this year, in mid-winter, they have soared far higher. The commune of Vicuna reached 37.1 degrees Celsius (98.8 Fahrenheit) on August 2. This temperature is the highest recorded in this period in all of Chile, a spokesperson for the Meteorological Directorate of Chile told CNN. It also marks the second-highest temperature on record for the countrys winter which runs from June until August. Only in August 1951 was a higher temperature of 37.3 degrees Celsius (99.1 Fahrenheit) recorded in Copiapo. Tuesday was likely the warmest winter day in northern Chile in 72 years, Raul Cordero, a climatologist at University of Groningen in the Netherlands, told CNN. [] For Cordero, this winters unusual heat is alarming. Just like the rest of the world, the combination of climate change and El Nino is pushing temperatures into the unknown, he said. [more] Parts of South America are sweltering under a fierce heatwave and its the middle of winter People from all walks of life have pledged and donated anywhere from hundreds of dollars to $100,000 to help save and preserve the historic significance of a Guam property where a visiting pope, who later became a saint, stayed overnight in 1981. Within days, a private group of Catholics that was formed to save the Agana Heights chancery property has been able to raise some $100,000. Thats 20% of the remaining $500,000 it needs by the bankruptcy court-set deadline of Oct. 17. The quick response is an encouraging sign that the overall fundraising goal will be reached in two months, according to Benny Paulino, vice chairman of the new nonprofit organization called The Phoenix Foundation, and a former adjutant general of the Guam National Guard. Chris Felix, also a member of the foundation and president of Century 21 Realty Management, said the varying sizes of donations and pledges show theres grassroots support as well. Among them are families with limited income and nuns. We wont go very far without the big donors but were also very touched by the others who dont have much but believe in what were trying to achieve here, Felix said on Saturday. The Phoenix Foundations goal in buying the prime property on San Ramon Hill is to preserve the chancery complexs historic and religious significance, and allow the Archdiocese of Agana to continue its use for the Catholic Church. A majority of the Guam population is Catholic. Felix and Paulino said the foundation needs to raise half-million dollars to be able to complete its $2.3 million purchase of the chancery property where Pope John Paul II rested and stayed the night some 42 years ago. Thats so far the only time a pope has visited Guam. The pope was canonized and became Saint John Paul II some three decades after his 1981 visit to the island. There was a quick and favorable reaction from the community to help save the chancery property and we are grateful. We are hopeful we will be able to raise some $400,000 more before the deadline, Paulino said. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood, who served as bankruptcy judge in the archdioceses case, approved the foundations offer to buy the property at the appraised value of $2.3 million. The chancery complex is among the archdioceses prime properties for sale, proceeds of which will cover some of the churchs bankruptcy costs and help settle the claims of about 280 survivors of Guam clergy sexual assaults that happened as far back as the 1950s. Could be $1 a year So what happens if the foundations fundraising goal is not met? Paulino said that would mean the property will be back in the market again, and the next potential buyer wont necessarily share The Phoenix Foundations vision of preserving the chancery complexs place in Guam history. But when the goal is met and the bankruptcy court-approved purchase is completed, The Phoenix Foundation will then become the new owner of the chancery complex and the archdiocese will become its tenant, Paulino said. Details of this landlord-tenant relationship are being worked out. Its going to be an extremely minimal charge to the archdiocese, Paulino added. It could be as low as $1 rent a year for the archdiocese, Felix said. The idea is for the archdiocese to continue to use the property for its mission, which also means preserving a saints legacy on Guam. The foundation was formed to keep the property and allow the archdiocese to continue to use it. This means, among other things, that the chancery property as owned by the foundation is shielded from being taken away by way of any other lawsuits involving the archdiocese. The archdiocese, Paulino said, will be spending more money if its chancery and other offices were to relocate to portions of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna and other locations. The hillside chancery property has a sweeping view of the cathedral basilica, other historic landmarks in downtown Hagatna, and the Agana Bay. The property where the chancery complex sits was donated to the archdiocese by the estate of Henry Flores Nelson in 1950. Tremendous rescue initiative Apostolic Administrator Father Romeo Convocar said the archdiocese is indebted to the members of The Phoenix Foundation for the tremendous initiative to rescue the chancery offices and the home of the archbishop. The property is home to the offices and functions of the archdiocese, such as the archbishop and chancellor offices, the Marriage Tribunal, the Safe Environment Office, the Catholic Schools, Archives, Finances and Communication sections, among others. Most of all, the unique distinction of the Chancery as a place where a saint visited, rested and slept overnight is one of the main reasons for preserving the site, Convocar said in a statement. As mentioned, it has great historical, spiritual and cultural significance to not just Catholics but the people of Guam in general. Convocar oversees the Catholic Church on Guam until the pope names a new archbishop to replace the now Archbishop Emeritus Michael Jude Byrnes, who stepped down in March over a life-changing illness. Tony Diaz, director of communications for the archdiocese, said the chancery property not only hosted the first and only pope to visit Guam, but has also been the official residence of Guams bishops and archbishops for some 65 years, starting with Bishop Apollinaris Baumgartner, who passed away in 1970. He also said the Feb. 22 to 23, 1981 papal visit to Guam deeply moved Catholics and non-Catholics. That the highest leader of our Church cared enough to visit this remote dot in the Pacific, clasp the hands of its people, embrace our infants, and celebrate Mass with us, continues to be a treasured part of Guams history, Diaz said. Mawars impact The original court deadline to complete the chancery property under the archdioceses bankruptcy case was July but Typhoon Mawar recovery efforts derailed the foundations fundraising efforts. We got an extra 90-day period to complete it, Felix said. So on Aug. 1, the foundation issued a statement seeking the general publics help in raising $500,000 to help save the historic chancery where Saint John Paul II stayed. Former Gov. Eddie Calvo, chairman of The Phoenix Foundation, said the organization has so far borrowed and raised nearly $1.8 million, including portions from a group that he said is willing to provide a bridge loan of $1 million on generous terms, to help close the chancery property purchase. When the purchase is completed, the foundation will be in a good position to pay off the loan through conventional bank financing, Calvo said. However, for our immediate needs, we are still short some $500,000 to complete and close the purchase, and we only have until October 17th to raise the $500,000. Since the Aug. 1 public plea, people have reached out to the foundation to pledge and donate a total of about $100,000, Paulino said. For those who want to make a donation, the foundation directs them to Chris Felix at (671) 647-5003 or felix@guam.net. The Phoenix Foundation is not an organization affiliated with Father Duenas Memorial School and is not under the archdiocese. Its other members include Tim Oftana, Bank of Guam President & CEO Joaquin Cook, Frank Shimizu Sr., Edward Untalan and Annmarie Muna. FHP property Besides the chancery property, the archdiocese also got the bankruptcy court to approve the $3.5 million leasehold sale of its FHP/TakeCare property in Tamuning to AMBC P.C., which also owns the Central Medical Clinic in Dededo. There are 82 other archdiocese properties, including those adjacent to or near Catholic parishes and schools, that were transferred to a clergy abuse survivors trust. The trust can then use the proceeds of the sale of these properties to help settle the claims of former altar boys and others who said that when they were still minors, they were molested, abused or raped by priests and others associated with the Catholic Church. The named perpetrators included former Archbishop Anthony Apuron, who was stripped of his power after a Vatican tribunal convicted him of sexual molestation of multiple children. As the free public residential debris removal program has just begun in Yigo and Malesso, the US Army Corps of Engineers has noted that the public must be informed on what is eligible. Eligible disaster-related debris includes the following: Vegetative debris Appliances, such as refrigerators or laundry machines Construction and demolition debris Metal Were asking the residents to help separate when they put the materials out on the right-of-way, said Todd Turner, USACE Debris Mission Manager. This is for efficiency. If we have everything separated beforehand, it makes the process that much quicker. Turner added that all roads will be searched. As long as its safe on the right-of-way, well find you. Were not going to leave anyone behind, stated Turner. Sara Goodeyon, USACE Public Affairs Officer, added that each type of eligible debris will be picked up by a different truck, but if the road has already been cleared by USACE, they will not return. Separation crews are already in the villages of Barrigada and Dededo to expedite the project. Residents are also requested to place it within the right of way within 10 feet of the curb. The debris should not block the roadway, fire hydrants, powerlines, utilities or transformer boxes. It also should not be blocked by parked or abandoned cars. The following items are still ineligible for pickup by USACE: Household trash. Tires, vehicles, car parts and boats. Porcelain, such as toilets or bathtubs. Electronics and hazardous waste, including oil, batteries, pesticides, paint and cleaning supplies. The illegal dumping and the ineligible materials are really slowing us down, added Turner. Ineligible materials are still being accepted at the Harmon transfer station. Ineligible materials can also be taken to the Hagat and Malojlog transfer stations from Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a nominal fee. Anything that is ineligible may become the responsibility of the resident or the government of Guam, added Goodeyon. USACE is still expecting to complete the project by the end of October to pick up all debris and clear out the landfills at Tiyan, Ypao Point, and the old transfer station in Dededo. Were still committed to the 150 days for the contract, so were working through that. Were not expecting the contract to take any longer than that, added Turner. Well have those areas cleaned up and back to what they were before the debris got there. Two days after the 37th Guam Legislature passed multiple bills to address concerns with the Guam Department of Education, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has signed four bills into law to support the timely opening of the islands public schools. Each of the bills represents an honest effort at solving the crisis that the flawed passage of Public Law No. 37-4 created and the severe damage Typhoon Mawar caused, according to a news release from the Office of the Governor of Guam. One of the bills, Bill Number 158-37 which is now Public Law 37-32, has now authorized GDOE to continue to operate schools that are still awaiting inspections by the Department of Public Health and Social Services. It also allows GDOE schools that have failed inspections to continue to operate at the discretion and approval of GDOEs superintendent and DPHSS director. As amended on the floor, P.L. 37-32 also requires GDOE to submit monthly reports to the legislature regarding each schools compliance status. GDOE may also be subject to monthly legislative oversight hearings until all GDOE public schools have obtained their sanitary permits. These monthly requirements are also stated in Bill Number 159-37, which is now P.L. 37-33. P.L. 37-33 also gives GDOE until the school year 2024-25 to come into full compliance with the DPHSS sanitary regulations that were established in 2019. Bill Number 156-37, which is now P.L. 37-34, allows DPHSS to award GDOE variances for inspections on the requirement that detailed statements and plans from GDOE are provided to DPHSS director. P.L. 37-34 sets monthly requirements on the director of DPHSS to report to both the Guam Education Board and the legislature. The new law also authorizes the governor to detail inspectors from other government agencies to assist Environmental Health inspectors with school inspections until December 31, 2023. To help expedite the inspection process, P.L. 37-34 also allows DPHSS to hire retired government of Guam inspectors with the continuation of receiving retirement benefits due to the critical need to open as much schools as possible. I thank the bipartisan efforts of Minority Leader Frank Blas, Jr. and Sen. Dwayne San Nicolas, added the governor in her signing statements. Recognizing a failure in policy and choosing to resolve it rather than lay blame demonstrates that government can come together to do good for Guam. The governor further added that none of the measures are a universal cure for the challenges in the public schools. GDOE can meet these challenges without the unreasonable burden of an arbitrary timeline, one that changed from one legislature to the next, added the governor. For the past several weeks, a community-wide effort engaging a myriad of organizations, government agencies and the Guam National Guard has worked to help GDOE prepare our public schools for the opening of the school year. That effort has called on people from every walk of life. It is blind to partisanship or the last election, and most importantly, it has been focused unwaveringly on our school children. The news release also stated that the governors administration, DPHSS and GDOE have maintained that Public Law 37-4 prevented schools from opening on time due to unrealistic requirements for schools to meet prior to opening. Sen. Joe San Agustins Bill 91-37 was also signed into law, which seeks to incentivize and attract facilities and maintenance personnel to fill up to 20 vacant positions needed to help GDOE upkeep and repair the public schools. The incentive will pertain to retired government of Guam employees who can continue to receive retirement annuities if employed by GDOEs facilities and maintenance division, regardless of what agency they retired from. Many of GDOEs facilities now require more than the usual maintenance response as many schools have experienced some level of damage as a result of Typhoon Mawar, and certain schools served as shelters, added the governor in her support for the bill. By crafting solutions to GDOEs personnel challenges, we are all working to ensure the health and safety of our children and GDOE personnel and a conducive setting for learning. A man faces multiple felony charges for his alleged involvement in a case where a stolen credit card was used to purchase items from Home Depot in May, 2022, according to court documents. According to a magistrates complaint filed in the Superior Court of Guam on Aug. 4, Edwin Perez Jr. was operating a motorcycle on Aug. 2 at the NCS Market in Dededo. Police officers ran a check on the license plate and learned the plates belonged to another motorcycle. While searching Perezs pockets, officers also located a glass pipe with contents that tested positive for methamphetamine. During Perezs arrest, officers asked him if he knew a man named Juan Salas, who was charged in May 2022 for fraudulent use of a stolen credit card to purchase items from Home Depot. According to the complaint, Perez told officers he knew they were asking about the incident at Home Depot, that he drove Salas to the store, that he knew the location of the stolen items but wouldnt tell, and that he would not snitch on anyone else involved because they are his family. Police added two felony charges for complicity in the 2022 Home Depot theft to the fraudulent license plate and drug possession charges. Footage allegedly shows woman cracking windshield Tracey Alten faces a third-degree felony charge after a witness identified her neighbor as the woman who threw something to her co-workers Toyota Prius while it was parked at Ritidian Mart in Dededo. According to a magistrates complaint, at 7:09 p.m. Aug. 3. police responded to a criminal mischief complaint at the store. The victim provided security footage of the incident to police, who watched as a woman sitting on concrete walked to the side of the store before returning and throwing an item at the victims vehicle. Alten appears to have a long list of multiple arrests dating back to 2016 for various charges, including five other charges of criminal mischief. Man charged in Hagat stabbing Police responded to an early morning stabbing complaint in Hagat, where they found a man bleeding from the neck, staunched by a friend holding a cloth to the injury. The friend told police that Paulis approached a residence earlier that morning and started causing trouble. They told Paulis to leave and he complied. But he returned and attempted to punch one of them before running to an abandoned house. One witness allegedly saw Paulis stab the victim. Another witness allegedly saw Paulis flee through one of the windows. The report also stated that Paulis admitted to arguing with the victim, that he had a knife in his possession and used it to stab the victim and that he had lost the knife. Paulis was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, with one carrying a special allegation of use of a deadly weapon in commission of a felony. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 1 vacated the Guam District Courts injunction against an in-person counseling requirement from a 2012 law, for persons seeking an abortion on Guam. The decision was met with polarized opinions for proponents and opponents of abortion. The decision to vacate means that persons on Guam who seek an abortion must receive in-person consultation. Very disappointing, said Jayne Flores, director of the Bureau of Womens Affairs, to the news of the appellate courts decision. Flores said that while she recognizes the U.S. Supreme Courts opinion that abortions are fundamentally different from other medical procedures, no other in-person consultation for the purposes of informed consent is required for any other type of virtual medical consultations. Unfortunately, the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit states from legislating abortion in this manner, where laws can regulate the circumstances under which medical advice may be provided, Flores said. Flores praised the introduction Wednesday of Sen. Will Parkinsons Bill No. 160-37, which allows patients seeking an abortion to use virtual medical consultations. We thank Sen. Parkinson for his swift introduction of a bill to allow virtual medical consultation in place of in-person counseling. Bill No. 160-37 also eliminates the printed materials requirements for patients seeking abortion. These amendments reduce some of the obstacles to receiving this important medical procedure on Guam. We also encourage anyone who is sexually active to seek out the free birth control options offered at our Department of Public Health and Social Services Family Planning Clinic at the Northern Health Center, noted Flores. As well, we encourage the use of condoms, not only to protect against unwanted pregnancy, but also, to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Flores reminded that abortion is still legal on Guam, and that safe access to it is an important part of the full range of reproductive health care that should be available to every person who lives here. Fr. Romy Convocar, Apostolic Administrator for the Archdiocese of Agana, also released a statement: We are encouraged by the recent decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which will help limit abortions on Guam, therefore saving lives of helpless children in the womb and saving scores of women from lifetimes of regret, he wrote. The ruling by the federal court upholds a legal requirement that women who seek abortion on Guam must first be provided in-person consultation with a doctor and important information about abortion. It vacates the preliminary injunction that had been placed on a Guam law mandating face-to-face consultation. Two doctors in Hawaii have been enabling abortion for Guam women through telemedicine and the prescribing of abortion pills. Convocar said that in-person contact is important because it helps women under distress and in need of vital, complete information about a life-altering procedure. He said that a face-to-face consultation can often save women and girls from a lifetime of regret. In the opinion, written by circuit judge Kenneth K Lee, the panel rejected claims that the law violated due process clause, and also rejected claims that the law undermined informed consent. It further rejected claims that the law violated equal protection rights. In 2018, the last doctor known to provide abortions in Guam retired. And because no physician on Guam has been known to provide abortions since, those who seek an abortion must seek medical care from Guam-licensed physicians located off the island. They can provide medical care via telemedicine, and prescribe medication abortions. Tragically, abortion remains legal on Guam. The people, groups and forces who insist that the killing of innocent babies in the womb is a human right even a necessary or good thing are relentless, wrote Convocar. Haiti - FLASH : Former President a.i. Boniface Alexandre passed away (messages) Friday August 4th, 2023, former interim President Boniface Alexandre (87) born July 31, 1936 in Ganthier died in his private residence in Delmas 75, following a long illness. In the 1990s, Me Boniface Alexandre joined the Court of Cassaton, of which he was appointed President in 2002 by President Jean Bertand Aristide. Despite the strong ties that Boniface Alexandre had with Aristide, he was not a member of the Lavalas Party. On February 29, 2004, Boniface Alexandre assumed the interim presidency of Haiti a few hours after the resignation and deportation of President Aristide. He left office on May 14, 2006 after Rene Preval was elected president. In October 2020 he joined President Jovenel Moise to head the Independent Advisory Committee for the development of a draft new Constitution. Messages of condolences: Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry: "The death of the former provisional President of the Republic, Me Boniface Alexandre, saddens me deeply. The Nation loses a great servant of the State, a brilliant lawyer and jurist, an eminent professor of civil law and civil procedure. "Me Boniface was a man of integrity, of great morality and who made republican values his own. With rigor and modesty, he had devoted almost an entire life to serving the litigants and justice in his country. "On behalf of the Haitian people and my government, I offer my condolences to his family, his relatives and former collaborators struck by this loss." Josue Pierre-Louis, Secretary General of the Presidency : "The death of Me. Boniface Alexandre, early in the morning of August 4th, 2023, is undoubtedly a huge loss for the country in general and for the University in particular. History will have remembered that Mr. Alexandre was, during his lifetime, a true 'Public Servant' having devoted more than half a century of his life to the judiciary and the teaching of civil law in Haiti." Former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe : "This morning, we learned with sadness of the death of this great man who was the former provisional President Boniface Alexandre had made the great crossing. His commitment and dedication to Haiti will remain etched in our memories. In these difficult times, we extend our most sincere condolences to his son-in-law Mi-chel Brunache, to his family and loved ones, and to all Haitians affected by this bereavement." Former Prime Minister Claude Joseph : "It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of Mr. Alexandre Boniface, former Provisional President of the Republic of Haiti. In this time of mourning, I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family, his loved ones and to all those who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him. May his memories bring comfort in these difficult times and may his soul rest in peace." Ex-President a.i. Jocelerme Privert : "I learned with sorrow the news of the death of former President Boniface Alexandre who led the country from 2004-2006. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family, to his former collaborators and to the Haitian people in general." Ex-Minister of Justice Camille Edouard Jr. : "Former Minister of Justice Camille Edouard Jr. salutes the memory of his professor of civil law, the eminent lawyer and magistrate Boniface Alexandre. His foresight and his balance preserved the continuity of the State during the period 2004-2006 when he exercised the function of Provisional President of the Republic. Condolences to his family." S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Antigua and Barbuda ready to deploy troops After the Bahamas and Jamaica, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Brown says he is ready to join the intervention force in Haiti "The government is ready to deploy troops in Haiti", reports the newspaper "Jamaica Gleaner". Several other African countries, including Senegal, would also be willing to participate in this force. To be continued... 3 farmers murdered by a gang Friday, August 5 in the early morning in the Artibonite, three farmers were murdered at "Kafou Pey" as they went to the field by men from the "Gran Grif" gang of Savien according to testimonies... US optimistic about Security Council vote Friday, August 4th, 2023, Barbara Feinstein, Under Secretary of State for Caribbean Affairs, said in a virtual press briefing that the United States intends to "strongly and solidly" support the multinational force that should be deployed in Haiti, whether "in personnel, equipment, training or other assistance in kind..." Regarding the adoption of the American resolution authorizing the deployment of a non-UN international force in Haiti, she affirms that the United States is very optimistic for its adoption. Canada ready to "work with Kenya" Canada said it was ready "to work with Kenya" and all participating countries to ensure the success of the imminent reconnaissance mission and any possible subsequent deployment, under the mandate of the United Nations Security Council. 2 former P.M. salute the countries ready to help Haiti Former Prime Ministers Joseph Jouthe and Evans Paul welcome the willingness of several foreign countries to help resolve the insecurity crisis in Haiti through a non-UN multinational force. 5 senior officials invited by the courts Five senior officials : Ministers Ricard Pierre (Planning), and Michel Patrick Boisvert (Economy), Directors General Amos Zephirin (interior), Guito Edouard (DINEPA,) and Jeantel JOSEPH (ANAP), are also invited as witnesses to the office of judge Walter Wesser Voltaire. HL/ HaitiLibre Changes of sea surface temperature (SST) gradient anomalies and the spatial distribution of SST to a changing CO 2 pathway. (A) Time evolution of latitudinal gradient of sea surface temperature anomaly (unit: C) in the SH (pink) from its PD value. (B) Same as (A) but for the NH (black), the North Pacific (NP; 120E to 90W, green dotted line), and the North Atlantic (NA; 70W to 0E, orange dashed line) sectors with the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) strength anomaly from its PD value (skyblue; unit: Sv). The SST gradient is determined by the SST differences from the tropics (0 to 15) to the midlatitudes (45 to 60) in each hemisphere. The AMOC strength is defined by averaging annual-mean Atlantic meridional ocean stream function within the latitudinal band from 35N to 45N at a depth of 1000 m. Note that the weakening of AMOC is upwards in the right axis in (B). All values are based on the ensemble mean of 28 members (subjected to an 11-year running mean), with their 1 SD ranges across the ensemble members marked with shading. (C to E) SST changes (unit: C) for peak (21212160) minus early RU (20012040) periods, late RD (22412280) minus peak periods, and late RD minus early RU periods, respectively. Climatological SST in the PD climate (unit: C) is contoured in (C) to (E). The hatched regions in (C) to (E) indicate where temperature changes are statistically insignificant at the 95 percent confidence level. The SH, NP, and NA sectors for the SST gradient in (A) and (B) are denoted by colored boxes in (C) to (E). Graphic: Kim, et al., 2023 / Science Advances By Tereza Pultarova 28 July 2023 (Space.com) Removing carbon from Earths atmosphere may not reverse devastating changes to weather patterns in vulnerable areas, a new study suggests. In the study, Korean researchers simulated how removing large quantities of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the air might affect the progress of local climate changes related to global warming. The study, based on computer modeling, examined a hypothetical scenario, in which carbon dioxide concentrations continued to rise from present-day levels for 140 years, then were gradually reduced back to the initial levels over another 140-year period. The researchers were particularly interested in how these changes would affect vulnerable subtropical regions, which are known to suffer from more intense and more frequent droughts as climate change progresses. The study results suggest that the local climate in these areas would not return to normal for more than 200 years after the carbon dioxide concentrations drop. The Mediterranean region, for example, plagued by ever more severe heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires , would continue to suffer and could become even drier, the study found. In the study, the researchers modeled the changes to the air circulation pattern called the Hadley Cell, which transports moisture from the equatorial regions toward the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, which lie at about 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator, respectively. Scientists have known for years that the Hadley Cell circulation responds to climate change by expanding toward the poles. The humid air that rises from around the equator gets dumped back to Earth at higher and higher latitudes, causing worsening droughts in subtropical regions. The modeling done by the Korean team found that when carbon dioxide is removed from Earths atmosphere , the Hadley Cell doesnt recover its original shape and extent even after another 220 years. In the Northern Hemisphere, the area where moisture arrives from tropical regions moves closer to the equator, a shift that could make the Mediterranean region drier than it is today. In the Southern Hemisphere, on the other hand, the cell remains slightly expanded toward the South Pole, possibly altering precipitation patterns over Australia. Hadley cell (HC) responses to a changing CO 2 pathway, 2001-2500. (A) Time evolution of the Hadley cell width (blue line) and CO 2 concentrations (black line) from a changing CO 2 pathway and after CO 2 removal (CDR). (B and C) Same as (A) but for the Southern Hemisphere (SH) and Northern Hemisphere (NH) HC edges, respectively. All values are based on the ensemble mean of 28 members subjected to an 11-year running average. 1 SD is denoted with shading. The means of the HC in the present-day (PD) state and their 1 SD ranges are denoted by horizontal solid and dashed lines, respectively. RU, ramp-up; RD, ramp-down; RST, restoring; ppm, parts per million. Graphic: Kim, et al., 2023 / Science Advances Study lead author Seo-Yeon Kim told Space.com that the unpredictable recovery of the crucial atmospheric circulation pattern has to do with the response of the global ocean to the decrease in temperatures prompted by the carbon dioxide removal. One of the main reasons for this asymmetrical response [of the Hadley Cell] is the different response of the northern and southern oceans, said Kim, a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at Seoul National University in South Korea. Its related to ocean circulation. The response of the ocean is always slower than the removal of the carbon dioxide, and how fast the ocean responds then determines the recovery of the Hadley Cell. [] Kim cautions that the modeling results show that, while carbon removal might reduce temperatures, environmental changes caused by the warming may continue to affect millions of people in vulnerable regions even centuries later. I think that the main message of our study is that we should reduce carbon dioxide emissions now, because afterwards it gets really difficult, she said. We cannot control nature, we cannot reverse the consequences that easily; we cannot fix nature. [more] Removing carbon from Earths atmosphere may not fix climate change Changes of the tropical edges defined by precipitation minus evaporation (P-E) to a changing CO 2 pathway. (A) Time evolution of the P-E width (blue), the latitudinal length from SH to NH P-E edges, and CO 2 concentrations (black) from a changing CO 2 pathway. (B and C) Same as (A) but for P-E edges in the SH (B) and in the NH (C), respectively. All values are based on the ensemble mean of 28 members subjected to an 11-year running average. 1 SD is denoted with blue shading. The climatological mean of the P-E edge latitude and its 1 SD range in the PD state are denoted by horizontal solid and dashed lines, respectively. Graphic: Kim, et al., 2023 / Science Advances Hemispherically asymmetric Hadley cell response to CO 2 removal ABSTRACT: A poleward shift of the Hadley cell (HC) edge in a warming climate, which contributes to the expansion of drought-prone subtropical regions, has been widely documented. The question addressed here is whether this shift is reversible with CO 2 removal. By conducting large-ensemble experiments where CO 2 concentrations are systematically increased and then decreased to the present-day level, we show that the poleward-shifted HC edge in a warming climate does not return to its present-day state when CO 2 concentrations are reduced. While the Southern Hemisphere HC edge remains poleward of its present-day state, the Northern Hemisphere HC edge ends up farther equatorward of its present-day state. Such hemispherically asymmetric HC edge changes are closely associated with the changes in vertical wind shear in the subtropical atmosphere, which result from the long adjustment time of the ocean response to CO 2 removal. Our findings suggest that CO 2 removal may not guarantee the recovery of the subtropical dryness associated with the HC changes. Korean Movie | 2015 Drama Directed by Lee Sang-min-III () Written by Lee Sang-min-III () 88min | Release date in South Korea: 2016/05/19 Synopsis Freelance actor bonds from the station Jeong Eun-kyeong. After the divorce , losing a son in a sudden accident after a day out painfully . Only people passed around the top , saying "Stop, forget" Eun-kyeong. Eun-kyeong is ready to send his son is displaced. Now even open the door just come as a son. Used cars for sale, and living in Jeju Yang Sang-moon. Sang-moon also lost a son can go out after a long day. Sang-moon heard uploaded to Seoul one day bring Eun-kyeong comes to Jeju. Eun-kyeong go and heal the pain of losing a son Sang-moon slightly from each other. So let go of a little boy in Jeju. Source A PUPIL from Sonning Common Primary School competed in a national diving competition. Thomas Oxlade was one of only nine boys his age to qualify for the Swim England national skills diving finals held in Leeds. The nine-year-old was watched by his parents, Alan and Wendy Oxlade, who own the Shoulder of Mutton in Playhatch and closed the pub for three days to be there. Thomas, who is a member of the Albatross Diving Club in Reading, took part in the competition after winning a gold medal at the South-East regional skills qualifier in May. He was judged in three categories, 1m springboard, 3m springboard and poolside dive, performing four dives in each. His dives included a back tuck, an inward tuck and a back straight dive. Although he was not placed, he had fun. Thomas, who has been diving since he was six, said: It was really enjoyable and I would definitely do it again. I love diving and the competitions are so enjoyable. My favourite dive is a back tuck roll off 3m because its more thrilling. Going to Leeds was a thrill and an exciting experience. The finals were so much fun. I really enjoyed it, even though I didnt get a medal this time. I really liked my family being there watching me. It made me more happy and confident. Mrs Oxlade said: Tom did so well. He is an August baby so was competing against boys older than him in his category. I had confidence he would do well so was a bit devastated when he didnt place but he came out all smiling and laughing. Hes so positive, its inspiring. Mr Oxlade said that he was really proud of Thomas achievements, adding: He works so hard at his training and has aspirations to become an Olympic diver. Mrs Oxlade added: Even though diving is a solo sport, within Toms club its really a team sport. They are all really friendly and supportive of one another and all cheering each other on. Tom is as good friends with them all as with his schoolmates. Running the pub means that we dont really go on holiday and living in Playhatch means that he doesnt get to see his school friends much over the summer. Mrs Oxlade first noticed Thomass interest in diving when watching him somersault into a swimming pool while on a family holiday on the Isle of Wight. She said: He has always been a good swimmer as we took him to a water babies class when he was six months old. Thomass diving club, which has been running for over 40 years, does not currently have its own pool so he has to travel to various places to train, including the Abbey School in Reading during the week and Hemel Hempstead and Southampton at weekends. Mrs Oxlade said: Toms hobby has become his passion and its taking over our lives. If Im not running the pub, Im taking him diving. Its a massive commitment. Ive had to juggle staff and occasionally close the pub but its hard to say no when hes so good at it and the medals keep coming. Its so frustrating that Reading doesnt have a pool we are waiting for the new Rivermead pool to open but it keeps getting delayed. Mrs Oxlade said many of the pubs customers were encouraging and liked talking to the family about Thomass progress. Thomas recently plucked up the courage to dive off a 10m platform at a pool in Southampton and he will be taking part in his first international competition in Ireland in November. Thomas said he was inspired by Australian diver Sam Fricker who he watches in acton on Instagram. He hopes to one day emulate Tom Daley, the British diver who won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2020 and was a triple world champion. Lifeguard Callum Glover cools off during a safety break at the Memorial Park swimming pool on Wednesday, 28 June 2023, in Houston. There is a 10-minute safety break each hour in which swimmers must exit the pool, and lifeguards take a break and rotate then their stations. Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle / AP By Steven Monacelli 6 July 2023 (Texas Observer) As a part of a bill critics have dubbed the Death Star billan expansive law that preempts legislation in eight key areas of local governmentthe Legislature has overridden local ordinances that require giving workers water breaks. Otherwise known as House Bill 2127, it was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on 6 June 2023. Since then, 11 people between the ages of 60 and 80 have died of heat-related illness in Webb County, the Associated Press reported. Most did not have air-conditioning in their homes. A teen and stepfather died while hiking in extreme heat at Big Bend National Park, per a National Park Service release. According to the Texas Tribune, at least nine inmates, including two men in their 30s, died in Texas prisons that lack air-conditioning. And at least three workers have died after collapsing on the job while laboring in triple-digit heat: a post office worker in Dallas, a utility lineman in East Texas, and a construction worker in Houston. While the precise nature of worker deaths is being investigated, hyperthermia is the likely cause. Climate scientists have projected that Texas summers will get increasingly hot if climate change continues, exacerbating the public health risk. For every heat-related workplace death, dozens more workers fall ill. Since 2011, the state has seen at least 42 heat-related deaths on the job, and at least 4,030 incidents of heat-related illness, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 11 July 2023: We take a closer look at the impact of the massive heat dome in Texas, where extreme heat is bearing down on some of the states most vulnerable populations, including workers and prisoners. At least three people have died after working in triple-digit heat, just as Republican Governor Greg Abbott signs into law a new measure that overrides mandatory water breaks for workers. Meanwhile, 32 people have been reported to have died in Texas prisons, most of which lack air conditioning and are prone to increased rates of heat-induced cardiac events. We are joined on Democracy Now! by Steven Monacelli in Dallas, who is The Texas Observers special investigative correspondent. His recent piece is headlined Texans Die from Heat After Governor Bans Mandatory Water Breaks. Video: Democracy Now! Local ordinances mandating water breaks for workers outdoors, passed in Austin in 2010 and in Dallas in 2015, have contributed to a significant decrease in annual heat-related illnesses and heat deaths. Since 2011, annual workplace heat-related illness numbers have dropped by 78 percent, while workplace heat-related deaths have cut in half. San Antonio considered a similar ordinance before the Death Star zapped its chances. In addition to overturning existing local ordinances, House Bill 2127 bans cities and counties from passing new ones at the risk of legal action. These include any bills concerning agriculture, finance, insurance, labor, natural resources, property, business and commerce, and occupations. A spokesperson for Abbott said in a statement that ensuring the safety of Texans is a top priority as our state experiences high summer heat, noting that invalidating local ordinances wont prevent workers from taking breaks under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) standards. Andres Matamoros wipes the sweat from his face while selling fresh fruit and cold coconuts from his roadside stand Wednesday, 28 June 2023, in Houston. Photo: David J. Phillip / AP Photo But come 1 September 2023, those water breaks in Dallas and Austin will no longer be mandatory. Some workers fear that bosses seeking to increase production will eliminate existing breaks. The City of Houston has already filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Death Star bill, alleging it is unconstitutional under the Home Rule provision of the Texas State Constitution. Although Houston does not have a mandatory water break ordinance, Mayor Sylvester Turner pointed to a city program that provides 30,000 uninsured people with healthcare that will be in danger if the courts do not intervene. HB 2127 reverses over 100 years of Texas constitutional law without amending the Constitution, Turner said in a public statement. Because Texas has long had the means to preempt local laws that conflict with State law, HB 2127 is unnecessary, dismantling the ability to govern at the level closest to the people and therefore punishing all Texas residents. Houston will fight so its residents retain their constitutional rights and have immediate local recourse to government. Texans Die from Heat after Governor Bans Mandatory Water Breaks Daily global surface air temperature, 1940-2023. July 2023 was the hottest July on record. The chart shows average global air temperature at 2 metres above the surface (land and sea). Data: Copernicus/ERA5. Graphic: The Guardian By Ajit Niranjan 27 July 2023 (The Guardian) The era of global warming has ended and the era of global boiling has arrived, the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has said after scientists confirmed July was on track to be the worlds hottest month on record. Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning, Guterres said. It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C [above pre-industrial levels] and avoid the very worst of climate change. But only with dramatic, immediate climate action. Guterress comments came after scientists confirmed on Thursday that the past three weeks have been the hottest since records began and July is on track to be the hottest month ever recorded. Global temperatures in July 2023 have shattered records, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the EUs Copernicus Earth observation programme, stoked by the burning of fossil fuels and spurring violent weather. The steady rise in global average temperatures, driven by pollution that traps sunlight and acts like a greenhouse around the Earth, has made weather extremes worse. Humanity is in the hot seat, Guterres told a press conference on Thursday. For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe, it is a cruel summer. For the entire planet, it is a disaster. And for scientists, it is unequivocal humans are to blame. All this is entirely consistent with predictions and repeated warnings. The only surprise is the speed of the change. Climate change is here, it is terrifying, and it is just the beginning. The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived. Average global surface temperature for the first 23 days of July, 1940-2023. July 2023 was the hottest July on record. Data: Copernicus/ERA5. Graphic: The Guardian Guterres urged politicians to take swift action. The air is unbreathable, the heat is unbearable, and the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable. Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy, no more excuses, no more waiting for others to move first. There is simply no more time for that. It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C and avoid the very worst of climate change but only with dramatic, immediate climate action. We have seen some progress a robust rollout of renewables and some positive steps from sectors such as shipping but none of this is going far enough or fast enough. Accelerating temperatures demand accelerated action. The WMO secretary general, Petteri Taalas, said: The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is more urgent than ever before. Climate action is not a luxury but a must. Other climate scientists confirmed the findings. Karsten Haustein at Leipzig University found the world was 1.5C (2.7F) hotter in July 2023 than in the average July before industrialisation. Temperatures this month had been so outrageous that scientists could predict it would be the warmest on record, even before it was over, he said. Haustein took global temperature estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US and found July 2023 was likely to beat the previous record from 2019 by 0.2C. Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist at the US nonprofit Berkeley Earth, used tools from Japanese and European meteorologists to estimate the record would be broken by closer to 0.3C. He said: Barring a major asteroid impact today, it is virtually certain that July 2023 will be the warmest month on record by a large margin. I personally find the magnitude of this record a bit stunning. We dont see anything analogous in the historical record for the month of July. [more] Era of global boiling has arrived, says UN chief as July set to be hottest month on record The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has issued guidelines to its drivers who travel on Bengaluru Mysuru highway. Recently, a video went viral where a KSRTC bus was seen taking a reverse turn on the busy highway, violating the traffic rules. Don't exceed 80kmph on Bengaluru Mysuru highway: KSRTC directs bus drivers(PTI) Also Read - KSRTC bus takes reverse turn on Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway, drives on wrong route. Video The KSRTC directed the drivers not to cross the speed limit of 80kmph on the highway. The drivers are also asked to use only two lanes on the highway and leave the other lanes for fast moving vehicles. The Karnataka police identified around 25 blackspots on this highway and the drivers also asked to observe them to avoid accidents. The speed limit for regular vehicles on this newly launched highway is 100kmph. On Saturday, Karnataka additional director general of police (traffic and road safety), Alok Kumar said that the number of road accidents on the highway has reduced in the last one month. In an X post, he said, Largely due to proactive efforts by Police no of deaths due to crash on Bengaluru - Mysore Highway is down to 8 in July 23. May -29 deaths. June -28 deaths. The NHAI also issued a ban on the non-motor vehicles, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws on the Bengaluru - Mysuru highway, starting from August 1. The decision was made after an increasing number of accidents on this newly inaugurated road. Only fast-moving vehicles such as cars, buses, trucks and other heavy vehicles are allowed to ply on this fully access controlled road. The 119-km highway was built for Rs. 8,408 crore. Of the total length, 52 km is a greenfield consisting of five bypasses to reduce traffic congestion. This project includes 11 overpasses, 64 underpasses, five bypasses, 42 small bridges. The expressway also has six lanes with additional two-lane service roads on both sides. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a formal event, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah launched the Gruha Jyoti scheme on Saturday at Kalaburagi. The scheme that provides free electricity of up to 200 units to each household every month was implemented from August 1 and registered people who use less than 200 units of electricity will not have to pay any electricity bill in upcoming months. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah formally launches Gruha Jyoti scheme in Kalaburagi Also Read - Bengaluru consumers with electricity bill arrears to get benefited by Gruha Jyoti scheme In an X post, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, The Gruha Jyoti Yojana is launched in Kalaburagi, which will provide free electricity facility up to 200 units per month to all eligible household consumers of the country. The national president of Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge also attended the event. Gruha Jyoti is Congress one of the five poll promises during the Karnataka assembly elections. How to register for Gruha Jyoti? People can open the custom page for this scheme at Karnataka government's seva sindhu portal and upload the scanned copies of Aadhar and customer ID as mentioned on the electricity bill to register for the scheme. The registrations can also be done through offline mode by walking into nearby Bangalore One, Grama One and Karnataka One centers. For all additional queries, people can call the 24/7 toll-free number 1912. Who is eligible for Gruha Jyoti? All the residential households of Karnataka whose monthly electricity usage is less than the average monthly consumption for the previous financial year + 10% are eligible to avail this scheme. It also applies for tenants in the state and even those who are living on rental houses can register for free electricity of 200 units. However, if the monthly electricity consumption is more than 200 units, the household is supposed to pay the bill for entire electricity consumed. 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 Hours after praising the AAP government's Mohalla Clinic initiative, Karnataka Health Minister and Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday said it is "overhyped" and he was left "disappointed" after a visit to one such facility. K'taka minister praises Delhi's Mohalla Clinic initiative, takes U turn later Also Read - Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah formally launches Gruha Jyoti scheme in Kalaburagi The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in a statement, alleged that Rao received a phone call after praising the mohalla clinic initiative and thereafter changed his stance. Rao alone can clarify why his statement changed from praising the mohalla clinic to criticising it, the AAP said, adding it was "unfortunate". The Congress and the AAP are members of the opposition INDIA bloc. On Friday, Rao visited an 'Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinic' at Panchsheel Park here. He was accompanied by Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and Karnataka Bhavan medical officer Karthik, according to an official statement. Almost four hours after praising the mohalla clinic initiative, Gundu Rao made a U-turn. "Visited a mohalla clinic in Delhi with hardly any people there. Our clinics in Karnataka have more facilities, including a laboratory, to do immediate tests for patients," the Congress leader tweeted. "I guess it is overhyped and I came back feeling disappointed," he said on Twitter. During the visit, the Karnataka minister saw the facilities at the mohalla clinic and enquired about the welfare of staffers. Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Panchsheel Park mohalla clinic, Rao had praised the mohalla clinic model and said that it is functioning "very well". "I had heard a lot about mohalla clinics and I wanted to see them personally. I wanted to discuss how they (AAP government) are implementing the health policies," he had told reporters. "In southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, health has always been a priority. Every state has got something good that we can learn from. We have something similar (to mohalla clinics)... we have 'namma clinics'. We wanted to see how we can improve our system. I saw the mohalla clinic and it is functioning very well People are also appreciating it," he had said. The AAP said the comparison between the mohalla clinic and namma clinic is "unjust". "Dinesh Gundu Rao received a phone call. Following the call, he mentioned an important meeting and left the location. A while later, he tweeted criticising the mohalla clinic. However, only Dinesh Rao can clarify why his statement changed from praising the mohalla clinic to criticising it after the phone call. "In his tweet, he claimed that Namma Clinic in Karnataka had better infrastructure than Mohalla Clinic. To verify this claim, Aam Aadmi Party's Karnataka team visited a Namma Clinic in his constituency. "They found that both Namma Clinic and Primary Health Centre were located adjacent to each other. People mentioned that the Primary Health Centre had been closed for a long time. Namma Clinic, in reality, is just a name. It was initiated by the BJP government. The clinic provides only primary treatment for some illnesses like fever. Patients are referred to other hospitals...," the AAP said. The comparison between Namma Clinic and Delhi's Mohalla Clinic is unjust, the AAP said, adding mohalla clinics are well-equipped and treatment is provided free of cost. The claim made by Rao that Namma Clinic's infrastructure is superior to Mohalla Clinic is "false". Namma Clinic lacks good facilities, it alleged. The Delhi government's mohalla clinic is a neighbourhood facility for providing free primary healthcare to residents. The mohalla clinic programme is among the flagship initiatives of the Arvind Kejriwal government to boost the primary healthcare system in Delhi. In his interaction with reporters during his visit to the Panchsheel Park mohalla clinic, the Congress minister was also asked whether this visit was planned since they are allies now, to which he said this is a "department" matter and not a "political" one. "Alliance is a different issue and a political one. We will go to other states. Rajasthan has a health policy. It can be a BJP state also (where we can visit). That is the concept of federalism," he said. Slamming the BJP-led Centre, he said that it "is creating a situation where this approach of working together is getting lost". "They look at opposition-ruled states as enemies. Politically they give trouble and they even trouble the state governments. The (services) ordinance is overruling people's issues. If you weaken an elected government it weakens democracy. Exchange of views is something that is good and should be done always. I have also extended invitation to Delhi health minister to see what is being done on various fronts (in Karnataka)," he told reporters. Bharadwaj said his Karnataka counterpart told him about how good the hospitals are in the southern state. "We will also visit his state. All states should learn from each other. I am very happy that they have come here," he said. Earlier in the day, quote-tweeting Bharadwaj's tweets on Gundu Rao's visit, Kejriwal had said Delhi will learn from the good work done by the Karnataka government. "Karnataka health minister visits Delhi mohalla clinics. We welcome him and his team. We all have to learn from each other. Delhi will also learn from the good work done by Karnataka govt," he had tweeted. Currently, there are more than 500 mohalla clinics in the national capital that offer free primary healthcare services to patients, including 212 different types of medical tests. The Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, better known as the Chhatbir zoo, on Saturday welcomed two Royal Bengal tiger cubs into its growing family. Eight-year-old white tigress Gauri and three-year-old Royal Bengal tiger Arjun were paired together in April under expert supervision. (HT Photo) Sharing details, zoo field director Kalpana K said female white tigress Gauri delivered two healthy cubs during the wee hours of August 3. She also gave birth to four stillborn babies. The two cubs have bolstered the total strength of the tigers in Chhatbir zoo to eight. Kalpana credited the dedicated staff, including zoo keepers, veterinary wing officials and biologist, for successfully pairing eight-year-old Gauri with the three-year-old male tiger Arjun, lauding their scientific management practices. The last time the zoo welcomed Bengal tiger cubs was in May 2021, with white tigress Diya giving birth to two cubs. Pairing efforts began in April The efforts to pair the couple began in April, with Gauri giving birth to the cubs nearly 100 days on. The zoo field director said the teams had made all arrangements to ensure prenatal, neonatal and postnatal care to the mother and cubs, and had eyes on 24x7 though camera monitoring. Mother, cubs under observation The mother and the two cubs, who are in a quarantine to safeguard them from infection of any form, have so far exhibited normal behaviour. The two cubs have been observed to be actively suckling, officials said, adding that Gauri was offered supplements for letting down of mother milk, calcium supplements, mutton soup and chicken. Joyed by the birth of the cubs, zoo staff members said Gauri and Arjun will welcome more children in the future. Gauri had arrived at Chhatbir from Rajkot zoo in 2019 as a four-year old. Arjun, meanwhile, was born at Chhatbir in 2019. Speaking about the stillborns, zoo public relations officer Harpal Singh said it was a natural phenomenon and similar cases had been witnessed in the past as well. Growing family Earlier on April 8, a female hippopotamus calf was born at the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park after a gap of 15 years. Earlier in March, the zoo had also introduced new species including a sloth bear couple. Two pairs of marsh crocodile, a medium-sized broad-snouted subspecies, also known as mugger crocodile. Besides, the zoo also welcomed a pair of bonnet macaques. Among the other animals who found a new home at the city zoo included golden jackals, chausinga, mouse deers, sarus cranes, white doves, silver pheasants and grey pelicans. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As many as 10 dengue cases have been reported in Mohali in just five days of August. Mohali DC Jain urged resident welfare associations and maintenance societies to keep roofs clean and drain out stagnant water to keep the mosquito larvae away. (HT Photo) Health officials shared this during a review meeting chaired by deputy commissioner Aashika Jain. Officials said in all, 39 dengue cases had been reported in the district since January. Civil surgeon Dr Mahesh Kumar Ahuja shared teams out to detect larvae breeding spots found more larvae in Kharar, Zirakpur and Dera Bassi, including Sunny Enclave, Jhungian Road, Balaji Society, Trivedi Camp, Sushma Joynest, Bhabat and Amandeep Colony. During inspections from August 1 to 5, dengue larvae were found in 308 containers and 143 challans were issued to violators. Through a similar drive in July, 290 challans were issued after larvae were spotted in 1,085 containers. Jain urged resident welfare associations and maintenance societies to keep roofs clean and drain out stagnant water to keep the mosquito larvae away. She instructed SDMs to take stringent action under Section 133 of the CrPC against owners of poorly maintained vacant plots that had become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. She said awareness drives regarding dengue prevention should be intensified in both urban and rural areas. All administrative officials, including ADCs, SDMs and officials of the health department, including SMOs and EOs, attended the meeting. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Upping the ante in his running spat with Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, the states governor Banwarilal Purohit has accused him of making derogatory references to him in the last assembly session in June, and said that he would file a criminal complaint for assaulting the governors image against Mann if he makes similar insinuations outside the House. Bhagwant Mann (PTI) You read the defamatory speech delivered by Mann in the assembly. He used derogatory language against me, saying Letter likhta rehta hai (keeps writing letters) and called me vehla (idle). This is not done, Purohit said in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times on Friday. The chief minister has certain legal protections in the House. Let him utter such remarks against me outside. The day he does, I will tell my office to file a criminal complaint against him and book him under Section 124 of the Indian Penal Code (assaulting the reputation of President or governor with intent to compel or restrain the exercise of any lawful power), said Purohit in a warning tone. Read more: Exclusive| AAP govt not listening, theres no transparency: Punjab governor The governor said, Even an attempt to put pressure or overawe the governor makes him (Mann) liable for criminal action. Nobody can defame the governor. The chief minister, Purohit said, will have to be mindful of his language and cant go on abusing me for no reason. A governor has a lot of power, he added. For last one year, the AAP government and Purohit have been at the loggerheads over a raft of contentious issues, with the governor accusing Mann of not replying to his official communication seeking information on administrative matters. The latest flashpoint was the two-day special assembly session in June which passed four bills, one of them divesting the governor of powers to appoint vice-chancellors to state universities. Purohit had termed the session patently illegal, saying it violated the Constitutional provisions --- a stance contested by the AAP government. Purohit charged the Mann government for violating the Section 167 of the Constitution stipulating that the chief minister is duty-bound to furnish any administrative information sought by the governor. Even the Supreme Court in March had counselled them to respect this Constitutional provision, he said, adding that he had written 10 to 15 letters to the chief minister but got no or incomplete response. They (the Mann government) are against the Constitution and get angry the moment I ask for any information, the governor said. Asserting that all his actions are within the confines of the Constitution, Purohit contested Manns statement that he is answerable only to three crore Punjabis, and not Raj Bhavan. But he has to run the state according to the Constitution, not on his whims. Aap badshah thodi ho (Youre not a king), said Purohit. Asked about his options if the Mann government continues to deny him information, Purohit said, When all means are exhausted, I will do whatever needs to be done. I am now moving in that direction. I will send a detailed report to the President to do what she deems fit. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala on Saturday said police will deal strictly with those involved in the communal violence in Nuh and Gurugram districts. Interacting with reporters here after chairing a grievances meeting, Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala said that some people have been trying to disturb the harmony within the state in the name of cow protection. (HT File) Interacting with reporters here after chairing a grievances meeting, Dushyant said that some people have been trying to disturb the harmony within the state in the name of cow protection. It is easy for these people to disturb peace and brotherhood, and fan communal tensions. Such people have a dhanda (profession) in the name of cow protection. Lets check how many cow vigilantes have cows at their homes. We will deal strictly with anyone be it an MLA or Monu Manesar, whose role is found in the communal clashes, said the deputy CM. Reacting to Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlots statement that the Haryana government was not cooperating in the arrest of Monu Manesar, Dushyant said the neighbouring states police had conducted raids on three occasions and Haryana police extended full cooperation to them every time. I want to urge Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot to form a joint team of police officials from both states and conduct raids against people involved in communal incidents. The need of the hour is to work closely and take action against people trying to disturb brotherhood in the state, the deputy CM added. He further said people of Nuh have a great history and their role in Indias freedom cant be forgotten and no such communal incident took place there in the last 600 years. Police investigation is on and the names of more persons is likely to emerge. Cops are also investigating the online posts made by a few activists which fuelled tensions, he added. The Deputy CM had heard 13 grievances and resolved most of them. He asked the farmers to share details of their damaged crops on the government portal. The Haryana government on Saturday extended the suspension of mobile internet service in Nuh and Palwal districts till August 8, according to an official order. Rapid Action Force(RAF) has been deployed at Gurugram-Sohna road in Badshahpur village to maintain law and order on Saturday, (Parveen Kumar/HT) Suspension of SMS services in these two districts has been extended till 5 pm on August 7, it said. Mobile internet and SMS services were suspended after clashes erupted in Nuh on July 31 over an attempt to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession and spread to Gurugram and other districts of the state. Six people have died in the clashes. The order to extend the suspension was issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home), T V S N Prasad, on Saturday evening. The Haryana government had earlier suspended mobile internet and SMS services and later extended till August 5. This order is extended to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of district Nuh and shall be in force up to 08.08.2023 (23:59 hrs), it stated. It has been brought to my notice by the deputy commissioners of Nuh that the law-and-order situation has been reviewed and intimated that conditions are still critical and tense in their respective districts. After assessment of the current prevailing law-and-order situation as well as recommendation of the deputy commissioner, Nuh, I am of this view that there is a clear potential of disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in district Nuh on account of misuse of internet services by way of spread of inflammatory material and false rumours, which are being or could be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/messaging services on mobile internet services, SMS services and other dongle services, order stated. In a separate order, the ACS (Home) said, This order extended to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of district Palwal, Haryana, and shall be in force up to 07.08.2023 (1700 hrs). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi to discuss the devastating impact of floods and heavy rains in the state. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi to discuss the devastating impact of floods and heavy rains in the state. (HT File Photo) During the meeting, Sukhu briefed Kharge on the relief and rescue operations carried out by the state government and the challenges faced during the evacuation of stranded tourists from Chandratal in Spiti. Sukhu said the rescue operation at the 14,100 feet high Chandratal Lake was one of the most demanding tasks undertaken by the state government. A 40-member rescue team, accompanied by revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi and chief parliamentary secretary Sanjay Awasthi worked throughout the night to clear the blocked road from Gramphu to Kaza, caused by heavy snowfall and landslides. More than 255 stranded tourists were rescued and brought to safety. He updated Kharge on his meetings with BJP national president JP Nadda, home minister, and defence minister, where they discussed various issues concerning Himachal. Kharge commended Sukhus hands-on approach in personally supervising the relief and rescue operations. During the meeting, apart from the flood-related devastation, they also addressed party-related matters. The flooding and torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh have caused immense hardship to the people, with widespread damage to infrastructure and agricultural lands. The state government, along with various rescue teams, has been working to provide aid and assistance to the affected communities. To foster peace and brotherhood in the state which is caught in the midst of communal tensions, various khap heads, farmer leaders and social outfits on Saturday held a Sarv dharma samelan (all religion conference) in Jinds Uchana and passed several resolutions. After the communal violence in Nuh, Rapid Action Force(RAF) has been deployed at Gurugram-Sohna road in Badshahpur village to maintain law and order, in Gurugram, India, on Saturday. (Parveen Kumar/HT) They also took out a march in Uchana and raised slogans of unity. In the meeting, heads and representatives of Kandela khap, Binain Khap, Majra, Ujhana, Narwana, Thuwa, Chahal, Mor, Daharan, Khera khap and farmers leaders from Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha and former army personnel were present. Azad Palwa, a farmer leader from Jind, said they passed several resolutions, including ban on RSS, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, ensuring unity of all religions, refraining the telecast of communally-coloured debates. We will run a campaign in the villages to appraise people about the agendas of some outfits that are dividing people in the name of religion with an aim to garner votes during next years elections, he added. Suresh Koth, a senior farmer leader of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, said there are 70-odd active khaps in Haryana, all of which are standing in solidarity with people of Nuh. People of Nuh are our brothers and they have a history of participating in the freedom movement, he added. He further added that a mahapanchayat has been called at Hisars Bass village on August 9 to decide the future course of action. We will not allow Haryanas soil to be used to divide people on the lines of caste and religion, he added. Om Prakash Kendela, who heads the Kandela khap, said the Haryana government was protecting Monu Manesar, an accused in the killing of two Muslim men. If Monu Manesar was arrested before he made the derogatory videos, these clashes may not have happened. Law and order has completely collapsed in Haryana, he added. Firoj Khan, who attended the samelan, thanked Khaps and farmers unions for extending support to them. The khaps have saved Haryana from burning as they foiled the agenda of some outfits. Our community also wants to stay in harmony with the others. The accused have no caste and no religion. Strict action should be taken against those involved in the communal incidents, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON To foster peace and brotherhood in the state which is caught in the midst of communal tensions, various khaps and social outfits of Haryana have called a sarva dharma sammelan (all-religious conference) in Jind on Saturday. People stand next to a burnt structure in Gurugram, Haryana, on August 4, following sectarian riots.(AFP) Also Read| Hate speech charge added to 8 FIRs over protests in Delhi According to khap leaders, a delegation of khap heads, Sanyukt Kisan Morcha leaders and members from various civil societies will visit Nuh district and urge people to maintain peace and harmony. Anil Godara, head of Rajthal village in Hisar, said, There is a conspiracy to divide people on communal lines, to garner votes. The communal incident cant take place without the patronage of government. Why has the government not arrested cow vigilante Monu Manesar for issuing derogatory statements and videos. We will reach out to villages and urge people to maintain peace, he added. Also Read| Didnt know of Nuh clash till 3pm, says Haryana home minister Anil Vij Azad Palwa, a Jind-based farmer unionist, said people from all religions will take part in the sarva dharma sammelan on Saturday and send out a message of unity. Our delegation of peace committee has decided to visit the affected area soon, he added. The state special operation cell (SSOC) of Punjab police recovered 4-kg heroin more during follow-up investigation of the cross-border drug smuggling module busted on Thursday. A case was registered under Sections 21, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act in this regard. The module was busted with the arrest of a drug smuggler identified as Shinder Singh of Bute Dian Chhana village in Jalandhar and a consignment of 6-kg heroin and 1.5 lakh drug money was recovered from his possession. Sharing more details, SSOC AIG Sukhminder Singh Mann said on the revelations of the accused, the police also nominated his four accomplices, who are on the run and expected to have a big haul of heroin. Police teams are on manhunt to nab them and more recovery of drug is expected. The AIG, however, didnt disclose the names of the four members of the module. The SSOC sources identified three of the four absconding members as Joga Singh of Ludhiana, Shinder Singh of Ferozpur and Gurdeep Singh. A case was registered under Sections 21, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act in this regard. Divulging details, Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the Amritsar SSOC had reliable inputs that Shinder Singh and his accomplices had procured a big consignment of heroin pushed into the Indian territory by Pak-based smugglers and agencies using the riverine route in Ferozepur sector. During questioning, the accused, Shinder Singh, revealed that he had concealed 4-kg heroin beneath a road being constructed in his village Bute Dian Chhana. The police teams managed to retrieve the consignment from the location shared by the accused. The number of people affected in the Gaurikund landslide incident in Uttarakhand rose to 23 on Saturday with chances of survival of 20 missing almost nil. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhamis scheduled visit to the landslide spot was cancelled due to bad weather. (HT Photo) Bodies of three people were recovered from the debris of the landslide on Friday. They were identified as that of Nepali residents -- Devi Bahadur, 45, Prakash Tamta, and Tek Bahadur. The affected people include 17 Nepali natives. NK Rajwar, Rudraprayag disaster management officer (DDMO), said, We ascertained the identities of three bodies recovered on Friday but their names didnt match with those in the list of affected prepared yesterday on the basis of inputs of local people. Now the number of affected people has increased to 23, with 20 still missing. Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Saturday early morning restarted their search operation for 20 people after the landslide on Thursday late night washed away a clutch of tarpaulin-covered shops along the Kedarnath Yatra route near Gaurikund into the Mandakini river, but the missing people remained untraced till the search operation was suspended at 5.30pm before sunset. The personnel involved in the search operation faced challenges as the area witnessed boulder fall, intermittent light intensity rain and drizzle at internals. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhamis scheduled visit to the spot was cancelled due to bad weather. Personnel involved in the search operation said the hope of survival of 20 missing was dim with over 40 hours already passed (at the time of writing the report). With the Mandakini river in spate since Thursday evening, the missing people are most likely to have been washed downstream, even crossing the Kund barrage (2 km downstream). Those washed away may even have crossed the Kund barrage due to rapid flow of water in the swollen Mandakini. Otherwise, they would have been trapped in the gates of the barrage, said Lalita Negi, media in charge, adding that a team has been searching at the barrage. The 20 people who were washed away include Ashu, 23 (Rudraprayag), Priyanshu Chamola, 18, (Rudraprayag), Ranbir Singh, 28 (Rudraprayag), Amar Bohra,28 ( Nepal), Anita Bohra, 26 (Nepal), Radhika Bohra, 14 (Nepal), Pinky Bohra, 8(Nepal), Prithvi Bohra, 7 (Nepal), Jatil, 6 (Nepal), Vakil, 3(Nepal), Vinod, 26 (Khanwa Bharatpur), Mulayam, 25, (Nagla Banjara Sahanpur), Sugaram, 45( Nepal), Bam Bohra, 31 (Nepal), Chandra Kami, 26 (Nepal), Dharamraj, 56 (Nepal), Neer Bahadur, 58, (Nepal), Sumitra Devi, 52 (Nepal), Kumari Nisha, 20 (Nepal)and Rohit Bisht (Utsuya Chopra). The rescue team engaged in the search operation includes 20 personnel of NDRF, 15 personnel of SDRF and 11 personnel of District Disaster Response Force (DDRF). Meanwhile, the Rudraprayag district administration on Saturday removed around 30 shops set up illegally in such landslide-prone areas along the Kedarnath track. Tehsildar Ukhimath Diwan Singh Rana said, We have removed around 30 shops set up illegally along the Kedarnath track near Gaurikund. More illegal shops have been identified. They will also be removed so that such incidents dont occur again. HT on Friday reported that the mushrooming of shops along the Kedarnath route has taken place despite Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal being among the districts to have the highest landslide density according to a March 2023 satellite based study of 147 vulnerable districts by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). Disaster Management secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha, Garhwal commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey and Kedarnath MLA Shaila Rani Rawat visited the landslide-hit site and oversaw the search operation. Sinha said, CM Dhami couldnt visit the site due to bad weather. All possible help will be made available to the kin of deceased and missing people. Sinha also instructed the officials concerned to remove people living in unsafe and sensitive areas along the Kedarnath route. A survey team will be sent from Dehradun to disaster sensitive areas to take appropriate action, he said. Garhwal commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said, Our priority is searching for the missing people. The kin of the affected people will be given all sorts of support, including compensation. The Kedarnath MLA said, Kedarnath area is disaster sensitive. I demand a special package from the state government for the area. She said, Local people are heavily dependent on the Kedarnath yatra. If anybodys shop is removed, alternative employment opportunities should be ensured. According to the State Disaster Control Room, 31 people have lost their lives in rain-related events and an equal number of people have got injured since June 15, 2023. Uttarkashi district has seen a maximum of seven deaths, followed by five in Haridwar. Nearly one-and-a-half months after a 13-year-old girl was gang-raped by five people in two separate instances on the same night in outer Delhis Swaroop Nagar, the crime branch has arrested a 23-year-old suspect for his alleged involvement in the crime. The suspect, identified by the police as 23-year-old Karan Singh alias Rahul, is the fourthsuspect arrested so far in the case. (FILE) The suspect, identified by the police as 23-year-old Karan Singh alias Rahul, is the fourthsuspect arrested so far in the case. Rahul was arrested from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday based on a tip-off after a court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. Rahul was found to be involved in five previous crimes ranging from attempt to murder to offences under the Arms Act, said Ravindra Singh Yadav, special commissioner (crime branch), on Saturday. The girl lives with her parents in Swaroop Nagar and is a Class 8 student at a government school there. According to the police, on June 23, the girl was allegedly going to meet a friend in Swaroop Nagar when two people known to her allegedly lured her to an abandoned building around 7pm, and raped her there. The accused let her off about four hours later. While returning home after the assault she met her maternal uncle and told him about the crime. Her uncle asked, Rahul, and a juvenile, both known to him, to drop the girl home. However, the two took her to a house instead where the two and a third suspect, Kamal (full name) gang-raped her, said Yadav. She returned home in the early hours of June 24, and told her mother about the two crimes, police said. Her mother reported the matter to the police following which a case of gang rape, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint and offences under the Pocso Act was registered at Swaroop Nagar police station on June 24. The police apprehended three suspects WHEN, but Rahul and Kamal were allegedly absconding. Now, Kamal (full name) is the only suspect in the case who is still on the run. Meanwhile, when the girl was recorded her statement before a magistrate, she mentioned that she was sexually assaulted by four others about seven months earlier also, sometime late last year (either seven months earlier or late last year, confusing timing), police said. The girl told the magistrate that two boys who studied with her lured her to a wooded area in Swaroop Nagar on the pretext of sharing notes. Two adults later joined the two boys, and the four gang-raped the girl. However, she did not report the matter to anybody, before mentioning it during her testimony before the magistrate, police said. After the identified all the four suspects by their names, the police registered a separate case of gang rape and under Pocso Act on June 30 at Swaroop Nagar police station. All the four suspects in the second case have been arrested, the police said. A Delhi court on Saturday directed that a day-to-day hearing will be conducted for arguments on charges in the larger conspiracy case regarding the 2020 north-east Delhi riots, in which Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and Tahir Hussain among others are accused. 53 people died and about 700 people were injured in the February 2020 communal riots in north-east Delhi. (HT photo) The compliance under section 207 CrPC qua all the chargesheeted accused persons is complete.....Hence, list the matter for arguments on point of charge on 11.09.2023 onwards for day-to-day hearing, said additional sessions judge Amitabh Rawat in his order. The Delhi police had in the case alleged that the communal riots, which took place in 2020 in which approximately 53 people died and about 700 people were injured, was a result of a conspiracy which was allegedly formulated by the accused persons. The riots had taken place while there were protests going on against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The court further directed that all the accused persons in the matter shall appear physically before the court from the next date onwards. There are a total of 20 accused in the matter out of which two accused, Suleman Siddiqui and Amanullah have been declared proclaimed offenders. The Delhi Police had registered a case against the accused under various sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Arms Act. The Delhi police had filed the chargesheet in the case on September 16, 2020, which was followed by three supplementary chargesheets filed on November 22, 2020, February 24, 2021, and March 2, 2022. The court, considering that the process of scrutiny of documents is completed, will now proceed with the matter by hearing the arguments of the prosecution on the point of framing of charges against all the accused on September 11. The Delhi government on Saturday announced that the 4th Van Mahotsav will be organised on Sunday at Polo Ground of Delhi University to promote tree plantation. Rai said the Delhi government is planting trees and distributing saplings in various Lok Sabha constituencies of Delhi through the Van Mahotsav programme. (HT Photo) To accelerate the tree planting campaign outlined in the Summer Action Plan, it has been decided to commemorate the fourth Van Mahotsav event in Chandni Chowk Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, continuing the series of Van Mahotsav events that commenced at IARI Pusa on July 9. This year, our government is undertaking the task of tree plantation and sapling distribution in various Lok Sabha constituencies of Delhi through the Van Mahotsav program. Representatives from Delhis RWA, Paryavaran Mitra, and students and educators from Eco Clubs will also be present during this event, environment minister Gopal Rai said. The minister said after AAP came to power in Delhi in 2015, the Capitals pollution levels have seen a downward trend. In Delhi, where the percentage of green areas was 20% 2013, it has now risen to 23.06% in 2021 due to the efforts of the Arvind Kejriwal government. Tree plantation drive is being conducted every year to increase the green belt of Delhi and reduce the pollution of Delhi. In the second term of the Kejriwal government, from 2020 till 2022-23, over 10 million saplings have been planted. This year also our government has set a target of planting 52 lakh saplings, which will be accomplished by the green agencies of 21 concerned departments. Apart from this, NDMC will plant about 5million saplings/shrubs, said Rai. An official aware of the matter said that medicinal plants will be given to people attending the Van Mahotsav. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Haryana home minister Anil Vij on Friday said he was informed about Mondays communal violence in Nuh only at 3pm, hours after clashes first erupted during a religious procession, adding that senior administration functionaries and police officers were also not aware of the incident when he first spoke to them. Haryana home minister Anil Vij. (HT Photo) Also Read| Nuh violence aftermath: DC, SP shunted out Earlier on Friday, the state administration transferred Nuh police superintendent Varun Singla, who was on leave when the clashes erupted, and posted him in Bhiwani district. Vij said he was only informed about the violence by a private person and not a government official. Till 3pm on that day, I didnt know what was happening in Nuh. No police officer or any other government functionary informed me, Vij told reporters. I was told that the rampaging mobs had already vandalised a large number of establishments. No one had even informed me about this religious yatra which was attacked by the rioters, he added. Also Read| Haryana: Khaps, farmers unions call all-religion conference His statements underline the Haryana administrations failure to address the violence at the source, and to keep the violence from spreading. Questions have earlier been asked of the speed of the states response, with violence spreading in under 24 hours from Nuh to Gurugram. Vij said he alerted the states police officers, including the additional director general of police, or ADGP, (law and order) and then spoke to Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar. Later in the day, we updated each other over the phone, Vij said. I also called up chief secretary Sanjeev Kaushal. When I called additional chief secretary (home) TVSN Prasad, he said that he was in Vaishno Devi, Vij said. Vij also said that the states CID chief Alok Mittal had not shared any intelligence input with the home department, even though he reports to the CM. Meanwhile, according to an order, Narendra Bijarniya will replace Singla as Nuh police chief. Bijarniya was posted in Nuh till October 2021, and was then transferred to Jind and later Bhiwani. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police on Saturday arrested two men for allegedly killing their 32-year-old friend in Sadar Bazar area in North Delhi, officers said. On Saturday, Rizwan and Aamir were arrested from different places in Brahmapuri in east Delhi. (FILE) Mohd Samir was killed by Mohd Rizwan, 31, and Mohd Aamir, 31 on Tuesday last week while they were consuming liquor on Chameliyan Road, police said. On Saturday, Rizwan and Aamir were arrested from different places in Brahmapuri in east Delhi. They are both residents of Ahata-Kidara, said Sagar Singh Kalsi, deputy commissioner of police (north). During interrogation, Aamir revealed that he was in love with Samirs wife and hatched out a conspiracy to kill Samir with the help of Rizwan, the officer said. The two used a liquor bottle to kill Samir, police found during investigation. Police have also recovered the motorcycle of the deceased, clothes worn by the accused at the time of offence and three mobile phones from their possession, officials said. According to the DCP, Aamir was a close friend of Samir, as both were born and brought up in Ahata-Kidara. Aamir is married and has one son, but his wife deserted him last year. Rizwan works at Ghazipur slaughtering unit, and originally belongs to Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, the officer said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday arrested Sushil Gurjar, the husband of the Jaipur Municipality Corporation- Heritage (JMC-H) mayor Munesh Gurjar, with his two middlemen for allegedly accepting a Rs.2 lakh bribe from a person for issuing a land lease. Rajasthan ACB raids husband of Jaipur Municipality Corporation- Heritage (JMC-H) mayor Munesh Gurjar (Twitter Photo) ACB additional director general (ADG) Hemant Priyadarshy said that the ACB received a complaint through the Jaipur special investigation wing (SIW) that Sushil was constantly demanding a bribe for issuing the lease through his middlemen Narayan Singh and Anil Dube. Based on the complaint, an ACB team on Friday under the supervision of deputy inspector general of police (DIGP) Randheer Singh laid a trap in which Narayan Singh was caught red-handed while accepting the Rs.2 lakh bribe from the complainer. Sushil Gurjar and Anil Dube were also held for their alleged involvement in the matter, said Priyadarshy. The ACB team also conducted a raid in the residences of the accused on Friday night and seized over Rs.40 lakh cash and the file of the complainers lease from Sushils house. They also seized around Rs.8 lakh cash from Narayan Singhs residence. The accused are being interrogated as per DIGP Singhs direction. We are also in the process of searching their houses in different locations. A case was also filed under the relevant sections of the Prevention of the Corruption Act against the accused, the ACB said in a statement. The three accused will be produced in court on Saturday, said people familiar with the development. No matter whether its the Bharatiya Janata Party or the Congress- our government will never tolerate such corruption by any public representative, said state food and civil supplies minister Paratp Singh Khachariyawas. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The husband of the 34-year-old Rajasthan woman who reportedly crossed the Wagah border on the pretext of going to Jaipur on July 20 to marry her Pakistani Facebook friend, lodged a complaint against her on Saturday accusing her of threatening him over the phone. The woman has said that she came to Pakistan as she just wanted to visit the place. (PTI) The woman, Anju Rafael, an employee of a private firm in Bhiwadi, has been married to Arvind for 16 years and also has two children. According to media reports, Anju met 29-year-old Nasarullah on Facebook four years ago and eventually fell in love with him following which they decided to meet in Pakistan. Anju also reportedly got married to Nasarullah in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on July 25, a day after the incident caught the media attention. However, in an interview with an Indian TV channel on July 24, she said, I came to Pakistan as I just wanted to visit the place. I didnt tell my family anything about it because I thought they wont allow me to go. I dont have any intention to marry Nasarullah. I will be back to my family soon. Meanwhile, the Pakistan police also confirmed that she has a valid visa for 30 days and no illegal immigration issue was found. On Saturday, Arvind, who left his Bhiwadi house with two children after a few media reported Anjus marriage with Nasarullah, accused Anju in his FIR at the Phulbagh police station of constantly threatening him, said an official familiar with the matter. Bhiwadi assistant superintendent of police, Sujeet Shankar, said, Arvind said that Anju has been reaching out to him through their daughters cell phone and threatening him for life. She told him that shell come back to India to take her 2 children along with her to Pakistan. Arvind said that he is afraid of his and the childrens security and filed the complaint. Arvind also accused her of getting married to another man despite having two children and married to him for 16 years. He also said in the FIR that the Pakistani man Nasarullah induced his wife to go to Pakistan. A case was filed under IPC sections 366, 494, 500, 506, and 47/66 of the IT Act. Further investigation is underway, said Shankar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Forest officials in north Bengal recovered the severed head of an elephant floating down a river in Alipurduar district on Friday. Forest officials suspect that the elephant was killed by poachers somewhere in Assam. (Representative Image) The elephants tusks were missing and this prompted the officials to suspect that the animal was killed by poachers somewhere in Assam. Preliminary investigations suggest that the elephant was not killed in our territory. It was killed somewhere in Assam. Search operation is going on. We are coordinating with our counterparts in Assam, Debashis Sharma, deputy field director of Buxa Tiger Reserve (East), told the media. He said that poachers might have killed the elephant for its tusks in Assam. After receiving the tusks, they severed the head and threw it in the river to dispose of, he added. On Friday evening, villagers living near Volka range of Buxa Tiger Reserve spotted the severed elephant head floating in the Sankosh river in Alipurduar. The area from where the head was found is close to the Bengal-Assam border. Officials apprehend that the animal was killed recently. It appears that the elephant was killed recently, said Prabhat Barman, Volka forest range officer, who was among the first few persons to rush to the Shalbari area on the banks of Sankosh River upon receiving the report. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Trinamool Congress member of Parliament (MP) Sunil Kumar Mondal was purportedly caught on camera while he was allegedly assaulting an employee at a toll plaza in West Bengals East Burdwan district on Thursday. Locals said that the MPs car was crossing the toll plaza at plaza in East Burdwan when the incident took place. (Video grab) The lawmaker, however, told the media that he didnt assault the employee but just pushed him as the latter couldnt recognise him. I pushed him and asked him whether he recognised me. I never thrashed him. I am repentant. I am hurt with what happened, Mondal told media persons. Locals said that the MPs car was crossing the toll plaza at plaza in East Burdwan when the incident took place. The toll plaza employee, Ujjwal Singha Sardar, alleged that the MPs car had hit a stopper at the toll plaza. The stopper went under the car and when he requested the driver to move the car, Mondal came down from the car and assaulted him, he said. I was not drunk. He abused me and threatened to throw me out of the job. Had I known him or had he told me that he was a MP, I wouldnt have stopped him, Sardar told media persons. I was in hurry as I had to attend a programme of the chief minister. I have never faced such an incident at any toll plaza. That man was illiterate and drunk. He was not allowing us to go. My security requested him but he was adamant. I was already late. I got down to ask him whether he doesnt recognise me and I pushed him. I am not denying this. But I never beat him, Mondal told media persons The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took a dig at Mondal saying that he was another example of the TMCs idea of a gentleman. Sunil Mandal, another example of TMCs idea of a gentleman, beat up a dutiful young man for doing his job correctly... We condemn such rampant & unrestricted atrocities of TMC-backed leaders on the people of Bengal...#shameonmamata #shametmc, tweeted Sukanta Majumdar, BJP state president. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ram Shankar Katheria was on Saturday handed two-year imprisonment by an Agra court in connection with a 2011 assault case. BJP lawmaker Ram Shankar Katheria(Saumya Khandelwal/HT File) Katheria, a former Union minister, is accused of assaulting an employee of the power supply company way back in 2011. With today's court order, Katheria is likely to be disqualified from the Lok Sabha. He is the sitting Lok Sabha member from Etawah in Uttar Pradesh. An elected representative sentenced for any offence for two years or more faces immediate disqualification under the Representation of People Act, 1951. ...I appeared before the court normally. Court has given a decision against me today. I respect the court, I have the right to appeal and I will exercise it, Katheria told news agency ANI. Who is Ram Shankar Katheria? Ram Shankar Katheria is a Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Etawah's Uttar Pradesh. He had served as the Union Minister of State, Ministry of Human Resource Development from November 2014 to July 2016. Katheria has also served as the chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Castes. He is a member of Parliament's Standing Committee on Defence and Consultative Committee, Ministry of Home Affairs. In 2019, Katheria was booked in a case related to attack on a toll plaza staff in Agra. Bodyguards of the lawmaker allegedly beat toll plaza employees and fired in the air. The assault was caught on the toll plaza's CCTV cameras. But the BJP leader alleged that it was toll plaza employees who had attacked his security guards, forcing them to open fire in self defence. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK), hosted the launch of the brochure of Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) 2023, the countrys scientific talent search examination based on digital devices, this week. Jointly organised by Vijnana Bharati, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan 2023 aims to identify and nurture scientific talent among students. For representation only (HT File Photo) Students from Classes 6 to 11 of all Boards can register for the examination on - vvm.org.in. The examination will be held on October 29 and/or October 30, 2023, between 10 AM to 6 PM (90 minutes). The results will be announced on November 10, 2023. In all, 120 students from Uttar Pradesh will have the opportunity to participate in the state-level camp. The top 18 achievers will receive cash prizes of 5000, 3000, and 2000, respectively. The top 12 students will advance to the national camp. Every participant will receive a district-level certificate. The examination will comprise 100 questions to be answered within 90 minutes, mostly application-based questions. The last date for applying to Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan is September 15, with a registration fee of 200. Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan 2023-24 edition will provide special opportunities to participating students, including training and internships (01 to 03 weeks) at reputed national research laboratories or institutions like Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), etc., for the national (Himalayans) and regional winners. Additionally, they will be granted a scholarship of 2000 per month. The national winner (Himalayans) will also be assigned a prestigious project/activity for one year, to be periodically evaluated. Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday stressed on giving more display to ODOP products at all important places across the state to increase their visibility. While reviewing the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana, Yogi Adityanath directed that other traditional trades should also be identified and included in the scheme. (Pic for representation) The Yogi Adityanath government had launched its flagship ODOP scheme on January 24, 2018. Under this scheme, indigenous products from all 75 districts of the state have been selected. Reviewing progress of the MSME department, the chief minister stressed on displaying ODOP products at important places, including railway stations, Gandhi Ashram, private hotels and those run by the tourism department. The ODOP products will also be displayed in the state capital and Gorakhpur. During the meeting, it was also decided to promote these products through shopping malls of the Lulu Group and e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon. The chief minister also stressed on utilizing all budget of the ODOP. In line with the announcement of Unity Malls in the Union Budget earlier this year, the Uttar Pradesh government also gave a big push to this crucial infrastructure in its budget in February this year. In a fillip to the states flagship One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, the U.P. government made a provision of 200 crore in the budget to promote marketing of products through the Unity Mall. The state government is promoting these products at national and international platforms. While reviewing the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana, Yogi Adityanath directed that other traditional trades should also be identified and included in the scheme. Besides, proper training should be given to beneficiaries and they should also be informed about the market related to their trade. He also directed officials to develop a portal having complete details of all trained workers so that people could avail their services. During the meeting, chief minister also reviewed preparations for the UP International Trade Show (UP ITS - 2023) proposed in Greater Noida from September 21 to 25. The CM was also apprised of the progress of the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), UP Design Institute, Unity Mall and Pledge Park. Yogi instructed officials to complete all work in a time-bound manner. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Lucknow: The Yogi government and Mexican state Nuevo Leon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Saturday for investment in tourism, infrastructure, pharma and medical sectors in Uttar Pradesh. The MoU was signed in the presence of chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Nuevo Leons governor Samuel Garcia Cefalveda. The MoU was exchanged between IIDC Manoj Kumar and Nuevo Leons minister of economics Ivan Rivas Rodriguez. CM Yogi Adityanath with Nuevo Leons governor Samuel Garcia Cefalveda. (HT) Welcoming Cefalveda and the delegation accompanying him, Yogi said: Strong industrial relations are being established between U.P. and Nuevo Leon today based on friendship, trust and harmony with the signing of the agreement. Uttar Pradesh was the leading state in the country in terms of ease of doing business, the chief minister added. He said that it was very important for Uttar Pradesh that the governor of Nuevo Leon along with his team was exploring possibilities of industrial investment in the state. Uttar Pradesh had also become the best investment destination for the world under the guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both UP and Nuevo Leon are dedicated to development and we are committed to carrying forward this tradition. Uttar Pradesh is a very important place not only for agriculture, but also for the tourism sector. The state boasts of modern infrastructure, network of expressways, excellent interstate connectivity, air connectivity, rail network, access to eastern port through inland waterway and dedicated freight corridor junction. Today UP has become the hub of logistics and transport. Apart from this, we have brought 25 sectoral policies to attract industrial investment. Today, investors are being given excellent facilities for investment in Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi said. Excited to work with UP govt: Governor Samuel Nuevo Leon governor Garcia Cefalveda said: It is a matter of good fortune for me that I am establishing mutual business relations by meeting Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and members of his cabinet. We look forward to working together in various fields. Uttar Pradesh and Nuevo Leon are very close to each other. Our state is an industrial region of Mexico and in the same way investments are being made on a large scale in Indias Uttar Pradesh today. India and Mexico are not far from each other despite the distance of 14,000 kilometres between the two countries. Just as Uttar Pradesh has a zero-tolerance policy against crime, in Nuevo Leon we have been able to maintain the rule of law. We invite Team UP to Nuevo Leon. We both have to increase trade with each other through mutual cooperation. I am sure that with todays MoU, both of us will move forward on the path of development and progress. Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, state fisheries minister Sanjay Nishad, industrial development minister Nand Gopal Nandi, Nuevo Leon deputy secretary for investment Emmanuel Loo, Uttar Pradesh chief secretary Durga Shankar Mishra, IIDC Manoj Kumar Singh and principal secretary, home Sanjay Prasad were present on the occasion. Mumbai: As part of his two-day visit to Pune, Union home minister Amit Shah held meetings on Saturday with chief minister Eknath Shinde, his two deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar along with key BJP leaders and took stock of the political scenario in the state. **EDS: IMAGE VIA @CMOMaharashtra** Pune: Union Home Minister Amit Shah being received by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others upon his arrival, in Pune, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. (PTI Photo)(PTI08_05_2023_000220A) (PTI) According to sources, he discussed the preparations for forthcoming local body and general elections and the alliances target of winning 45 seats from Maharashtra. Shah arrived in Pune at 7.40pm for his two-day tour and reached a hotel after visiting a relative in the city. Also present at the meeting were party leaders Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Chandrakant Patil at the hotel. Shinde and Ajit dada received Amit Shah at Pune airport in the evening. While Fadnavis joined Shah at the hotel. There are no official meetings with the party or the alliance partner leaders, but the union minister held meetings with the chief minister, both the deputy chief ministers and key party leaders to take stock of the political atmosphere. He discussed the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled to be held next year and the partys prospects in Pune and western Maharashtra. The party expects better performance in Pune and other western Maharashtra districts like Satara, Ahmednagar, Sangli after the induction of Ajit Pawar faction in state government. The party leadership believes that the alliance with the NCP faction would help them in scoring better in western and central Maharashtra, said a BJP leader requesting anonymity. Shah will chair an official function of launching a web portal meant for the multi-state cooperative banks at a function at Ramkrishna More auditorium in Pimpri Chinchwad. The meetings of the CM and his deputies were related to the government functioning and the perception among the people after third ruling partner joined. Shah was also apprised about the schemes launched by the government and the steps taken to take them and the central scheme to the people. They also spoke the expansion of the cabinet to induct more MLAs from three parties and the possibilities of more NCP MLAs joining Ajit Pawar faction, said a leader from Shiv Sena-led by Shinde. According to the BJP leader Shah also discussed law and order situation in the state in the wake of current crime incidents. Cases of communal tension, attempts of Love Jihad are believably supported by a few political parties, the party leaders believe. Shah discussed them with Fadnavis and also took information about the killing of four people in Jaipur Express four days ago, he said. Mumbai: Deepak Kochhar, husband of former MD and CEO of ICICI bank, Chanda Kocchar, had threatened Videocon Group promoter Venugopal Dhoot to transfer a flat at CCI Chambers in Churchgate to them or else his wife would declare all the loan accounts of Videocon Group as non-performing assets (NPA), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheet stated. Mahesh Punglia, another chartered accountant connected to Dhoot, in his statement, said that Deepak Kocchar had approached Dhoot for investing 64 crore in his company and in return, Chanda Kochhar would help in getting loans from the bank. (HT PHOTO) The chargesheet, filed in March before the special CBI court in Mumbai, became available last week. It also revealed that Dhoot had warned Deepak Kochhar that the transfer of the flat would land his wife in trouble, and she could end up in prison. Also Read: Decoding ICICI-Videocon loan fraud case in which Chanda Kochhar was arrested The CBI initiated a probe into the irregularities in the grant of 1,875 crore in loans to six companies of Videocon Group when Chanda Kochhar was at the helm of affairs at the private bank. The loans were later restructured, and the total dues were shown to be 1,730 crore, of which 1,033 crore was outstanding when an FIR was registered. The CBI, in its chargesheet, has attached statements of two chartered accountants connected to Dhoot, who described how Deepak Kochhar lured Dhoot to invest 64 crore in his company and later coerced Dhoot to transfer the CCI Chambers flat to their family trust. Also Read: ICICI Bank sanctioned 300-crore loan to Videocon Group company when it had no cash flow: CBI The statement of Atul Galande, a chartered accountant associated with Videocon group companies, revealed that Deepak Kochhar coerced Dhoot to transfer the ownership of the flat to him, failing which Deepak threatened to ruin Dhoot. Galande in his statement said that the CBI questioned him about a meeting held between Dhoot and Deepak Kochhar in 2016. Galande went to see Dhoot for some documentation when he noticed the two were engaged in an altercation. There was a nasty altercation going on between Dhoot and Deepak Kochhar, who was telling that the flat at 45 CCI Chambers belonged to him, Galande said in his statement. Dhoot told him that he had paid 5.38 crore to State Bank of India Home Finance Ltd. and released the title of flat, as such it belonged to him. Dhoot added that he had allowed Kochhars to stay there free of cost does not mean it was Deepak Kochhars flat, Galande said in his statement. He added, Deepak Kocchar became infuriated and told Dhoot to sell all the shares of Quality Appliance Pvt. Ltd. at 11 lakh, this way flat would be transferred to his family trust Quality Advisor, otherwise Chanda Kochhar would declare his loan accounts with ICICI Bank NPA. Galande added that Dhoot had warned Kochhar to not get the flat transferred in such a way, as it could land Chanda Kochhar in trouble. Dhoot told him not to transfer the flat in such a way as Chanda Kocchar would be in trouble, and she would land up sharing a jail room with Indrani Mukherjee, who was lodged at Byculla jail then. An infuriated Deepak Kochhar told Dhoot to listen to his advice, otherwise, he would ruin him, Galande said in his statement. The chargesheet mentioned another instance where Deepak Kochhar allegedly negotiated a deal taking reference to Chanda Kochhars position. Mahesh Punglia, another chartered accountant connected to Dhoot, in his statement, said that Deepak Kocchar had approached Dhoot for investing 64 crore in his company and in return, Chanda Kochhar would help in getting loans from the bank. Deepak Kochhar met Dhoot in the office of Videocon and asked for an investment of 64 crores for setting up a Wind Power Division. He created a web structure for incorporation of a new venture for his wind power division and named it NuPower Renewables Limited, Punglia said in his statement. The entire plan was hatched for extracting investment from VIL and then issuing share warrants convertible into equity on conversion, ensuring his future ownership of NuPower Renewables Limited investment through Supreme Energy Private Limited to camouflage the transaction. Deepak Kochhar used to tell that Chanda Kochhar has not disclosed the relationship of her husband with Videocon Group as it would attract conflict of interest, Punglia said in his statement who was later made one of the directors of NuPower Renewables Limited. This was confirmed by Navin Sharma Head of Business Internal audit of ICICI bank in his statement recorded on January 4, 2023. Sharma in his statement claimed that, the Bank came to know about the same only on April 30, 2018 when the same was disclosed by Smt. Chanda Kochhar to the Bank in reply to SEBIs query regarding investment of M/s VIL in M/s NRL. The RTL of Rs. 300 crore was sanctioned to M/S VIEL on 26/08/2009 and till then Smt. Chanda Kochhar had not disclosed to the Bank that her husband Shri Deepak Kochhar had business dealings with M/S VIL. However, as per RBI rules it was mandatory for her to disclose about the business dealing of her husband with Videocon group of companies, whose proposal for loans she was dealing with. Besides, that as per rules she should not have been part of the committee deciding on the loans. MUMBAI: The chairman and other office-bearers of a cooperative credit society, Mumbai Nagrik Sahakari Patsanstha, have been booked on Friday night for allegedly duping several depositors to the tune of crores of rupees on promise of high returns. HT Image According to the Kalachowki police, the accused include society chairman Shantaram Tupe, vice-chairman Amish Bhalerao, administrator Usha Chavan and others on the board of directors of the society. The accused promised huge returns on investments. They initially created confidence among the people and later started defaulting on payments despite fixed deposits (FDs) maturing, a police officer said. They distributed huge loans, which they could not recover and diverted money to various real estate projects, thus creating a fund deficit, the police officer added. The cooperative credit society had nine branches, but eight of them were shut. The depositors then held several meetings with the cooperative credit society officials and gave them six monthstill Juneto recover their outstanding loans and return the money to the depositors and investors. Later, three depositors approached the police and registered a case that they have lost 1.41 crore in the fraud. Presently, there are eight complainants and more are likely to approach us after coming to know about the FIR, the police said, adding several middle and lower middle-income people have invested with the cooperative society. A case has been registered under section 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (In Financial Establishments) Act, 1999, DCP Prashant Kadam of Zone IV said. Mumbai: A dearth of specialists, affordable healthcare and infrastructure in the country continues to pose immense challenges to children with congenital heart disease. In order to address this urgently, the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children in Parel is set to start a heart transplant programme. HT Image Currently, the childrens hospital has a liver and kidney transplant programme. While Fortis Hospital in the city has a dedicated paediatric heart transplant team, Wadia Hospitals heart transplant programme will be a boon to patients who cannot obtain essential health services. Dr Minnie Bondhanwala, CEO, Wadia Hospital said, We have infrastructure and a team. We will be applying for the heart transplant licence. The hospital already has a licence for liver and kidney transplants. The cost of heart transplant surgery at a private hospital is close to 25 lakh. A heart transplant is seen as a last resort for end-stage heart disease patients. The right match proves to be a challenge for young patients. Doctors said an affordable paediatric transplant programme will help deal with one of the many challenges a paediatric heart transplant programme face. The biggest lacunae remain on awareness of organ donation in Maharashtra as compared to south or Gujarat. Other challenges like arranging finance for the transplant or post-transplant medication can still be worked out, said Dr Swati Garekar, a paediatric cardiologist from Fortis Hospital- Mulund. She added that there is still not much awareness among people that a heart transplant is an option for end-stage heart failure. The number of children who need a donors heart is more than what we actually see on the list. Dr Supratim Sen, paediatric cardiologist at NH SRCC Hospital in Haji Ali said they advise 2-3 patients in a year for a heart transplant who are generally referred to Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bengaluru. Dr Sen said continuing follow-ups and immunosuppressive medicines post-transplant play a vital role in paediatric heart transplants. Transplant is not the end of the journey. Cardiac biopsies at regular intervals have to be undertaken to check for rejection. In a paediatric case, the transplanted heart works for 10-15 years. Thats the biggest challenge is the timeline after which the child will require another transplant, he said. Dr Sen also added that the other challenge that remains is getting a donors heart. A 15kg child can be given the heart of a donor weighing 20-25 kg but not more. An adult heart cannot be transplanted in a child. Most of the donor pool is from accident cases. We do not see paediatric donations much, he said. Embed: Mumbais first paediatric heart transplant patient passes away. The city saw its first paediatric heart transplant on a seven-year-old girl from Goregaon, at Fortis Hospital, Mulund in January 2016. The girl passed away a few months back after she stopped immunosuppressant-also called anti-rejection drugs- and her body rejected the transplanted heart. The immunosuppressant drugs are to be taken lifelong to avoid rejection of the transplanted organ. Doctors say non-compliance with heart transplant medicines and immunosuppressant drugs remains a big issue amongst teens apart from awareness of heart transplant and cadaver organ donation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mumbai: Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnaviss remarks that the anti-development lobby is active in anti-Barsu refinery protests has snowballed into a controversy. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) termed the comments as anti-Maharashtra and an insult to the people of Konkan, the anti-Barsu refinery committee demanded that either Fadnavis should prove his allegations or should tender an apology. HT Image There is a lobby which always opposes developmental projects in India. Some people involved in anti-Barsu protests have links with these people and organisations. All these people were also seen in the anti-Aarey carshed protests, anti-bullet train protests and other developmental projects. It is revealed that some people who were active in the Barsu protests visited Bengaluru often. They have links with banned organisations like GreenPeace. It was also revealed that these people received money from some accounts from Bengaluru, Fadnavis said. He questioned their source of funding. On Saturday, Amol Bole, Nitin Jathar, Narendra Joshi, Satyajeet Chavan and others from the Barsu-Solgaon anti-refinery organisation demanded an apology from Fadnavis in a press conference. The anti-Barsu refinery committee was ready to submit their bank account details and passbooks to the government to prove they did not receive any funds from any outsiders. The Shinde-Fadnavis government is trying to defame the locals, who were protesting against the oil refinery. But this is an insult to all those in the state who have to fight for their rights as citizens. the committee said in a statement. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said the remarks show that BJP is anti-Konkan and hates Maharashtra. Be it Nanar or Barsu. It is often seen that BJP is a Maharashtra hater, and along with that, it is seen that traitors (CM Shinde) betray the Konkani people. By alleging links of local protestors with Pakistan, and foreign funding, these Maharashtra haters (Fadnavis-Shinde) were trying to show that Konkani people are anti-national. Tomorrow these people will call Konkani people Naxalites and will frame them under the sedition law. Thackeray said. Meanwhile, PWD minister Ravindra Chavan tweeted that Dy CM Fadnavis has urged the common man from Barsu and local villagers that the government will listen to them, but they should keep outsiders away from the protests. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A central committee, headed by former Niti Aayog chief executive officer Amitabh Kant and mandated to formulate an effective policy that can address the issues being faced by the real estate sector across the country,in its report has recommended to the Uttar Pradesh government that the three authorities -- Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway-- should allow registry of flats without asking the defaulter developers to clear land cost dues against a housing project. The new report suggests that the authorities must focus on making sure the buyer gets flat possession, and registry is executed and then they can recover their dues later. (HT Photo) The committee made multiple recommendations to the Uttar Pradesh government that it will look into and take appropriate decisions, which will impact the fortunes of at least 167,000 homebuyers who have been waiting for their homes for almost a decade. This committee on Monday sent the report to the Uttar Pradesh government that on Thursday sent the same to the three authorities for deliberation and action. The top officials of Noida, Greater Noida and Yeida said the report will be discussed, tweaked and a decision taken on it in the board meetings of the three authorities. The Uttar Pradesh government will then give its final approval to the report either in its original form or after changes are made to make it more effective. We will discuss the report in the upcoming board meeting scheduled on August 13 and take an appropriate decision. We will follow the UP governments directive on its implementation, said Lokesh M, chief executive officer, Noida authority. The new report suggests that the authorities must focus on making sure the buyer gets flat possession, and registry is executed and then they can recover their dues later. Also, the report said the developer cannot levy any penalty for delay payment penalty on homebuyers who have already been harassed by developers. The Kant report has suggested that Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP-Rera) must identify projects that are complete but for which occupancy certificate is not being issued only because the developer has financial dues. After identification, the UP-Rera must get the occupancy certificate issued and then facilitate the registry of flats in the name of homebuyers in around 300 stalled projects in Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway areas. Another suggestion is that the authorities can recover their dues later by taking over unsold flats or undeveloped land in a realty project. The report further suggested that a developer be allowed to bring in a new developer to complete a delayed project, beside allowing three years additional time to complete a delayed project without any charges. The report said authorities should not levy any penal interest from developers facing a financial crisis, and authorities must issue mortgage permission without any charges or demand of payment of old dues. It recommended that authorities not cancel the lease-deed of realty projects on the ground of financial default and work under UP-Rera supervision, among others. While the report is mostly in favour of builders, it is to be noted that the three authorities are struggling to recover around 50,000 crore from builders of around 3,000 realty projects, who have delayed project completion, thereby causing sufferings to 167,000 homebuyers, said officials. The Union housing and urban affairs ministry had in March 2023 formed the committee headed by Kant and comprising officials of expert agencies such as the Real Estate Regulatory Authorities of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, among others, to carry out the deliberations and meetings with stakeholders, including realtors, and formulate an effective policy that can address the issues being faced by the real estate sector across the country, including Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway. Before the Kant report came, the UP-Rera, under then chairman Rajive Kumar had also made similar suggestions that registry of flats should be de-linked from financial dues in a stalled realty project. As per the rules, registration cannot be allowed if a developer fails to clear its dues against a realty project causing distress to homebuyers. The developers, citing fund crisis, refuse to pay the land cost dues thereby causing homebuyers to suffer, who have been waiting for their flats for more than a decade in some cases. Amit Modi, secretary, Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI), a realtors lobbying group, said, The suggestions made in this report are practical and we have requested via a letter that the state government must adopt this and implement it for the revival of the real estate sector. With this report implementation, at least 60-70% of issues will be resolved in Noida and Greater Noida. Former national president of CREDAI and chairman of ATS Group Getambar Anand said, This report has come as a much-needed relief for the real estate sector and we hope that the state cabinet approves it and implements it as this has already been approved by the Centre in the interests of thousands of homebuyers. Homebuyers are also hopeful of a positive outcome. We cannot believe such reports until it is implemented and its results are visible on the ground in addressing our long standing grievances. In the past, too, we have seen many such reports but nothing happened. We believe serious effort is needed to address the ongoing crisis in the realty sector in Noida and Greater Noida, and not just to create a positive sentiment before the General Elections in 2024, said Bharat Arora, a homebuyer. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A five-day exhibition showcasing a model of the ancient temple of Adi Vishweshwar Baba Kashi Vishwanath with pictures of Gyanvapi concluded at Bharatiya Shiksha Mandir Inter College, Englishia Line, Varanasi, on Saturday. An event on the sidelines of the expo in Varanasi on Saturday (Ht Photo) Vice-president, Indian Association Industries, RK Chowdhary, who inaugurated the exhibition, attended the concluding ceremony as chief guest. He said that the Dharma Raksha exhibition has proved a milestone in creating awareness among people about the ancient temple. He assured the organisers full support in organising such exhibitions in the future too. The organisers said that the Dharma Raksha Exhibition successfully met its purpose to create awareness among people about the ancient temple through a model and the truth of Gyanvapi through pictures. Managing trustee of the Shri Adimahadev Kashi Dharmalay Mukti Nyas, which organised it, RP Singh said, A large number of people visited the exhibition and asked about the rare pictures of the Gyanvapi exhibited here. The people also clicked pictures of the model of the ancient temple of Adi Vishweshwar Baba Kashi Vishwanath and took information about it. We will start preparations to hold the exhibition in Lucknow in the last week of August. Thereafter, we will plan to organise the same exhibition in New Delhi. A total of 62 panels carrying pictures of Gyanvapi were exhibited, said Anurag Trivedi, an office-bearer. Executive president of the Nyas, Sanjiv Chandra Tripathi, and Sunil Agarwal, Sanchay Rastogi and Ajai Pandey, gave information to the people about the pictures and model to the visitors. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Odisha government on Friday said that the flood situation in the state was under control even as the flood in Mahanadi river systems as well as few other rivers like Baitarani and Brahmani affected more than 4 lakh people in 15 districts of the state and left 7 people dead in last 3 days. More than 1.4 lakh people have been affected so far due to floods in Odisha (File Photo) The flood in Mahanadi river system and Brahmani caused 5 breaches submerging hundreds of villages in Jajpur and Jagatsinghpur districts. Bhadrak district, which bore the brunt of current flood, people in 326 villages were marooned by the surging floodwaters. In Keonjhar district, the state fire services team evacuated a farmer with his 11 goats from a marooned place in Samana under Hatadihi block while in kendrapara district, fire personnel rescued four persons who were stuck inside the village. Nearly 75 teams have been deployed with boats in flood rescue. In Bhadrak district, a youth was washed away in the floodwaters while he had gone to buy groceries. The youths body was rescued by locals, but he died on his way to hospital. Several villages of Banki and Athagarh area in Cuttack district were inundated due to the backwater flow of the Mahanadi river. This apart, many areas in Nayagarh, Boudh, and Sonepur districts were also waterlogged due to heavy rain and flood water of Mahanadi. Some areas in Khurda and Puri districts also remained inundated. Special relief commissioner Satyabrata Sahu said the water level in all rivers are receding as there was no rain yesterday and today. The peak flood passed through through some tributaries of Mahanadi in Kendrapara district on Friday afternoon. Our people are guarding the embankments and efforts are on to stop all possible breaches, said Sahu. Sahu said the India Meteorological Department has issued no more rain warning for Odisha. Light to moderate rain or thundershower is likely at many places in North Interior Odisha and at a few places in remaining parts of the state on Friday and Saturday, he said. Though floodwaters were receding in villages, health officials said there is a possibility of breakout of water-borne diseases in affected districts. Director of Public Health Dr. Niranjan Mishra said all field-level health officials in Odisha have been directed to be alert and prepared for any emergency arising out of a flash flood situation. A comprehensive guideline has been sent to the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers of all districts in this regard, he said. Though no major damages to houses in villages have taken place, the flood has affected vegetable farming in districts where farmers were ready to harvest crops. In Banki, Damapada, Badamba and Athagarh blocks of Cuttack district who had grown vegetables on their riverside land could not salvage their crop. In fresh violence in Manipur, three men were allegedly shot dead in their homes in the Kwakta area in Bishnupur district in the early hours of Saturday, officials aware of the matter said. The incident took place in the wee hours around 3am. The armed miscreants also hacked the bodies of the villagers before fleeing the spot, they said. The recent incident is a cause of great concern as the attackers were able to breach the buffer zone, between hills and valleys, manned by central security forces (File Photo) The deceased have been identified as Yumnam Pishak Meitei (67), his son Yumnam Premkumar Meitei (39) and their neighbour Yumnam Jiten Meitei (46) all residents of Kwakta Lamhai Ward 8, said the people mentioned above. The recent incident is a cause of great concern as the attackers were able to breach the buffer zone, between hills and valleys, manned by central security forces, said people. Also Read: 1 killed; Manipur mob loots large cache of arms, ammo The area around Kwakta has been tense in the past few weeks with incidents of firing reported between the tribal and non-tribal groups. The state government has posted police and paramilitary forces in the area to ensure the violence does not escalate. Following the incident, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA RK Imo, said they have submitted a memorandum to the Union home minister about the security lapse as there were security forces present in the Kwakta area at the time of the incident. All forces were on duty. How can people from a different district enter the region and kill three men? Strict action must be taken against the force posted there. How on earth could there be such a security lapse? Some forces are helping the armed miscreants. We have written this in the letter to the home minister, stated the memorandum. Over the last four days, a high alert has been sounded across Manipur. Curfew has also been suspended at different places. On Thursday, a large cache of arms 235 assault rifles, 21 sub-machine guns and 16 pistols and ammunition 19,000 rounds of bullets and 124 hand grenades was looted from an armoury and a Manipur rifles personnel succumbed to his injuries. This was the second time in the last three months that the armoury was looted. On Thursday, security forces had to fire tear gas shells and bullets in the air in Bishnupur after women groups tried to cross over the buffer zone. The Union government was forced to intervene after the ITLF (Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum), an umbrella body of different tribal groups, announced they would hold a mass funeral and bury the 35 bodies of those who died in the ethnic clashes at a place in S Boljang village near the Churachandpur-Bishnupur border. Also Read: Inside Manipurs battle zones, the State is missing The proposed mass burial has been postponed for a week after opposition from Meitei groups and also on the orders of the high court, which ordered status quo ante at the burial site. Since May 3, the northeastern state has been gripped by ethnic clashes primarily between the tribal Kukis, who reside mostly in the hill districts, and the majority Meiteis, the dominant community in Imphal valley in which at least 150 people have died and over 50,000 have been displaced. Clashes first broke out on May 3 in Churachandpur town after Kuki groups called for protests against a proposed tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting scheduled tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. Violence quickly engulfed the state where ethnic fault lines run deep, displacing tens of thousands of people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Imagine if your child has to go to school and there is a daily risk of encountering wild animals like tigers, leopards, crocodiles and rhinos or elephants along the way. Or you have to seek treatment for an ailing parent, or any other work, and there is a danger to life because of wild animals. What would be your priorities? Education, health or life? DM Bahraich Monica Rani while crossing Geruwa River to visit Bharthapur village (HT Photo) That is the question that faces every villager of Bharthapur. It is the last village of India located on the Indo-Nepal border, in district Bahraich. Bharthapur is a village where residents risk their lives daily to avail of amenities like education and health. Surrounded by the Geruwa and Kaudiyala Rivers in the middle of forests, it is located about 122 kilometers from district headquarters. It has been registered as a revenue village since 1834 in revenue departments records. For common people, the waterway is the only way to reach the village. After crossing dense forests of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS), one can reach the village by crossing the Geruwa River with the help of a boat. Having crossed the river, one has to walk several kilometers to reach the village. Officials of the district administration follow the same arduous route to bring government schemes to the people here. Bharthapur is connected to Amba Gram Panchayat which is located about 15 kilometers from the village. Talking to HT, Iqrar Ansari, village head of Amba, said that life in Bharthapur is really very risky and tough. Iqrar said a person can reach the village only by walking about 6 km through muddy forests which are full of dangerous animals. He said many people have left the village to live a better life. He said at present there are 526 people living in the village. Taking note of the matter, district magistrate Monica Rani visited the village with the help of a motorboat along with a team of forest department officials, recently. The DM was surprised to see rhinos and crocodiles while crossing the Geruwa River. Seeing the district magistrate in the village, most of the women requested her to relocate them somewhere else. Villagers told the DM that they have to risk their lives every time they move out of their houses. The villagers complained that the education of their wards is also suffering as the area is surrounded by dangerous wild animals. Besides, there are limited sources of income, so it is hard for people in the area to earn their daily bread, the villagers said. Understanding the difficulties of the villagers, the DM assured the villagers of a solution soon. The DM held a meeting with concerned officials along with the divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) to chalk out a plan to relocate the villagers. The DM also constituted an eligibility assessment committee (EAC) which comprised sub divisional magistrate, divisional forest officer, chief medical officer, district supply officer and other administrative officials. Acting on the DMs directive the forest department has conducted a survey along with a team of revenue and other departments. DFO KWS Akash Deep Badhawan said as per voluntary displacement policy, 257 families were found eligible for a compensation of 15 lakh each. Meanwhile, 73 families will have their assets evaluated to relocate from Bharthapur. The DM said that two proposals have been made in connection with relocating the villagers. Monica said one proposal has been sent to the government while another would be sent within 15 days. She said this work should have been done several years ago so we have taken up the task and will execute it rapidly. If all goes well, Bharthapur will be the first village to be relocated in the state. SHARIQ RAIS SIDDIQUI SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A minority student of a school in Tripuras Sepahijala district was allegedly beaten by an outsider mob after the former protested against them for preventing the female minority students from entering school wearing hijab. (Representative Photo) Police said Aliaaj Sarkar Suman, 16, a student of Class 10 of Karaimura higher secondary school at Bishalgarh sub-division, was beaten outside school premises on Friday. The victim has filed a complaint at the Bishalgarh police station against unknown people, police said. We received a complaint from the student who accused some outsiders of beating him. The case will be registered, said assistant inspector general of police Jyotisman Daschowdhury. The incident sparked outrage among the locals who protested outside the school for not preventing atrocities against its students. They alleged that the school headmaster or the teachers did not take any action at the time of the incident. Following the outrage, police personnel were deployed in the area to pacify the crowd. Currently, the situation is under control, said a senior police official. People familiar with the matter said a delegation of Vishwa Hindu Parishad met the school headmaster a few days ago and requested him not to allow the minority female students to enter the school wearing a hijab as it is non-compliance with the prescribed government uniform. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday met the leaders of the states ruling alliance, the Mahagathbandhan, at his residence to discuss the grievances of school teachers and reportedly assured to look into the demands, according to a few leaders who attended the meeting. CM Nitish Kumar with his deputy Tejashwi Yadav. (HT file) They, however, did not give any deadline and specifics about the outcome of the meeting. Congress legislature party leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan said talks were positive, but working out modalities may take some time. The CM was also positive, but how it has to be done cannot be announced without consultation with officials. But things are moving in the positive direction, he said. CPI-ML MLA Mehboob Alam, who was present at the meeting, also said the CM was positive. The teachers have been demanding government employee status without any exam rider and requisite changes in the Bihar state school teachers (appointment, transfer, disciplinary action, and service condition) rules, 2023, under which the government plans to carry out future appointments under a new cadre. The CM called the education department officials also. A beginning for fulfilling the teachers demand, which is mainly government employee status to them, has been made, and after completing the necessary formalities, the proposal will go to the cabinet. There is no need for teachers to do any agitation anymore, said Alam, whose party has backed agitating teachers. Deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, education minister Chandrashekhar, Congress leader Madan Mohan Jha and officials of the education department were also present at the meeting. Nearly a dozen leaders drawn from different parts of the state and representing various associations waited anxiously outside the CM residence, and later expressed disappointment over the outcome. Merely positive talks will not suffice now. We will wait till August 15 for the government to make some concrete announcement and after that plan our next course of statewide agitation. We expected some clarity today, which has not come, said leaders and Pramod Yadav and Brajnandan Brajwasi. Under the new rules, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has already moved ahead with its exercise for conducting examinations scheduled from August 24-27 to recruit 1.70 lakh teachers. The government wants to complete the exercise by the end of the year. However, the number of applicants for higher secondary schools received by the BPSC is still lower than the number of seats available and the last date for submission has ended. The working teachers mostly stayed away from applying under the new rules. Bihar secondary teachers association president Shatrughan Prasad Singh said, We are waiting patiently. There is no concrete outcome of this meeting so far to be happy about, but if it is positive, it will reflect in actions in the next few days. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The administration of Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU) in Darbhanga is embroiled in a controversy following the reappointment of Dilip Kumar as the financial advisor despite his previous termination in 2020 based on allegations of doubtful integrity and misconduct. People familiar with the development said that the reappointment was made when a writ petition filed by Kumar against his dismissal remained sub judice. Lalit Narayan Mithila University in Darbhanga. (File) In November 2020, Kumar was terminated based on a report by the LNMU vice-chancellor (VC) citing doubtful integrity, misconduct, wilful disobedience, and unlawful activities during his tenure. HT has seen a copy of the notification. The then principal secretary to the chancellor-cum-governor, Chaitanya Prasad, issued a notification, dated November 15, 2020, for termination of his appointment by the order of the chancellor. However, a recent notification from the Raj Bhawan dated August 2, 2023, announced the appointment of Kumar, a retired Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, as the new financial advisor for a three-year term. The latest notification was issued by incumbent principal secretary to the chancellor, R L Chongthu. Some senior LNMU officials expressed their astonishment on the decision while requesting anonymity. Kumars petition (case number CWJC-2449/2021) in the Patna high court challenging his dismissal was filed against the state of Bihar and the chancellor of universities of Bihar was made respondent number two among others. The court is yet to pass any orders on the matter. Talking to HT on Friday evening, Kumar claimed that the appointment was made because the allegations against him lacked substance. He said that he will be joining the new assignment on Saturday itself, which coincidentally happens to be 51st foundation day of LNMU. VC of LNMU, Prof Surendra Pratap Singh, refrained from commenting on the matter. Singhs term is set to expire in September. When I was returning with the students, we encountered the mob in Churachandpur. They blocked our path and inquired as to where I was taking the children. They finally let us go after the students in the local dialect informed them that I was their teacher and was returning with them to their school in Maharashtra, said Anant Allishe, a teacher at Jnana Prabodhini School in Solapur, who brought back 14 students so that they can resume studies. Anant Allishe (centre), a teacher at Jnana Prabodhini School in Solapur, brought back 14 students from Manipur so that they can resume studies (HT PHOTO) Also Read| Manipur unrest: Meghalaya MPs meet Shah, seeks his intervention to restore peace The ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has thrown life out of gear for citizens since early May, leading to widespread deaths, violence and displacement. Allishe had travelled to Manipur in April this year to drop off the students for their summer holidays. Days later, when violence erupted in the northeastern state, he returned to Manipur and brought the students with him so that they can begin the next academic year. The school offers education to the children of remote areas, especially in the countrys border states, including Manipur. Also Read| Inside Manipurs battle zones, the State is missing Under the initiative, in 2022, Allishe stayed in Manipur for three months, and after spending over 90 days in three different districts, he gained the trust of locals and got the kids along with him to Solapur with the aim of imparting education among them. A total of 14 students from Manipur are currently studying in the school, one in Class 7, nine students in Class 6 and four in Class 5. Along with the school curriculum, the students also get training in computers, programming, and coding programmes, said Allishe. As the violence erupted, their return looked thin as parents were worried to send them back. A father of one of the students, Jaidinglung Pamaye from Dailong village in Tamenglong district, said, We were worried to send our children back to school due to the conflict, as travelling back was very risky. At the same time, we realise that education opportunities are very thin here with the unemployment rate high. When Allishe came all the way to Manipur to receive them, parents agreed to send the students back. My son, like the other students, has an opportunity to receive high-quality education, even if it is in a different state. So, when a teacher came all the way to Manipur, we decided to send our children back, said Pamaye. The students who returned to Solapur are mostly from three districts of Manipur - Tamenglong, Pukhri and Churachandpur. It was Churachandpur where the violence initially began in the first week of May, days after students returned here on April 27. For the next many weeks, violence continued at Churachandpur even as Allishe reached there during the first week of July to bring other four students. Four students of our school were stuck in Churachandpur, a riot-hit area. After the initial fear, the parents wanted to get the children out of that situation and return to studies, said Allishe. As the internet service was marginally restored after two months, the school got a call from the parents, requesting them to take the students back. Nagmilen Hawkip, the father of a student from Songpi village in Churachandpur district, said, My son has been studying at Jnana Prabodhini School in Solapur district of Maharashtra for the last one year. He has learnt many new things at the school. So, once the situation improved a little, we called the school officials and requested to take our children back. Even though the school was not willing to send a teacher, Allishe decided to visit Manipur to bring the students back. This time I decided to go to Manipur via Mizoram instead of going to Imphal. A parent told me that this route is relatively safe, said Allishe. Allishe recounted his experience of bringing the students back when he was staying at a students house in the forest area of the Aizu district in Mizoram. This place was safe, but Allishe wanted to go to Churachandpur to bring back students and although the distance is 300-350 km and he had to travel for two days to cover the distance. Due to the conflict, government vehicles were not available for commute. One gentleman known to the family I was staying with was going to Churachandpur on a train of foodgrains. I travelled with him for two days and reached Churachandpur from where I was returning to Mizoram with my students when we encountered the mob, Allishe said. Finally, on July 5, I returned to Solapur with my students safely, he said. Now, these students are back to their normal lives in Solapur. Along with their studies, they are also learning other like playing harmonium, tabla and singing. Themjan Horam, father of a student from Kharasonam village in Ukhrul district in Manipur said, I am happy my son is now studying in a good school despite several odds. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren has approved a 354.28 crore investment to build the countrys first Hydrogen fuel plant in Jamshedpur, officials familiar with the developments said. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has approved a 354.28 crore investment to build countrys first Hydrogen fuel plant in Jamshedpur (ANI) According to the officials, the project will pave the way for hydrogen fuel in vehicles across the country, replacing conventional fuels like petrol, diesel, CNG, and batteries. This will also be the second hydrogen fuel-related plant globally, with the first operational in Germany. This MoU will pave the way for the countrys first hydrogen fuel-related plant in Jamshedpur where the latest technology for making hydrogen engines will be used, which will benefit the entire country in the coming times. This plant is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for 310 persons, said Soren. The plant will be set up in collaboration with TCPL Green Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd (TGESPL), a joint venture between Tata Motors Ltd and Cummins Inc, USA. Soren granted his consent on July 29 for the signing of MoU with the TGESPL on the said investment proposal, awaiting approval of the single window clearance committee and high power committee for the establishment of a unit for manufacture/production of advance chemistry battery, H2 fuel cell and H2 fuel delivery systems, a note from the chief ministers secretariat stated. The capacity of the proposed unit will be 4000+ Hydrogen IC Engine/Fuel Agnostic Engine and 10,000+ battery system. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Amidst a tussle with the central PSUs over outstanding dues, Jharkhand finance minister Rameshwar Oraon has said that taking coercive measures like blocking coal supply would be detrimental to the Union and the state government. Jharkhand finance minister Rameshwar Oraon said taking coercive measures like blocking coal supply would be detrimental. (ANI) Replying to a question from Congress legislator Pradeep Yadav during the last day of the monsoon session of the assembly on Friday, the finance minister said that the state government, however, has the option of filing a certificate case against the coal mining firms to get the dues cleared. Resorting to coercive steps would not be advisable. Actions like economic blockade and stopping coal supply from the state would be detrimental to both the Centre and the state. It would also affect the industry, power situation, and consequently employment and the labour force both within and outside the state. The best way forward is a dialogue with central PSUs through bodies like Niti Ayog and East Zonal Council, said Oraon. In his written reply, the finance minister informed that the central public sector undertakings (PSUs) owe around 35,000 crore to the state government under different heads. Although the state has the option of filing a certificate case, they want the dues to be cleared mutually. Before 2019, the Centre would not even concede that they owe anything to the state. Later, as per the law, they conceded that surface land belongs to the state and only the sub-surface material belongs to the Centre. Hence, they have to pay royalties for the mined land as well as the usage of water resources. They later conceded to it but disputed the royalty rates. Now, things have been settled on those fronts. They have also started paying, and the coal ministry has paid around 2,500 crore until now, said Oraon. The payment of outstanding dues has been a bone of contention between the Centre and the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government. While the Hemant Soren government claims that the Centre owes around 1.32 lakh crore under different heads, the latter disputes the claim. In October 2020, chief minister Soren had purportedly threatened a coal blockade after tensions between the state and the Narendra Modi government escalated over the financial conflict. Soren had targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government for its decision to deduct 1,417.50 crore from Jharkhands account with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), claimed as electricity dues owed to the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), a central PSU. The Jharkhand Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has conducted raids on 230 hideouts of criminals associated with various gangs in the past two weeks, top officers said in a joint press conference on Saturday. AV Homkar said that all districts have been sent a proposal to monitor the 338 individuals associated with criminal gangs. (HT Photo) During this time, police arrested 17 criminals after verifying 130 suspects and identified 338 people who are under the radar after a special drive to dismantle organised gangs in the state. Addressing the press conference at the police headquarters in Ranchi, inspector general of police (operation) AV Homkar, DIG of the South Chotanagpur Range Anoop Birtharay, and ATS superintendent of police (SP) Surendra Jha shared details of the actions taken, particularly in crime-prone districts like Ranchi, Ramgarh, Dhanbad, and Jamshedpur. Homkar said that all districts have been sent a proposal to monitor the 338 individuals associated with criminal gangs. The ATS team is creating a database of criminals from various gangs as per the directives of the director general of police (DGP). Adopting a zero-tolerance policy, ATS action against the gangster will continue. Any criminal involved in organised crime and the persons giving shelter to them will not be spared, he added. The gangsters whose 230 hideouts were raided include Aman Srivastava, Aman Sahu, Aman Singh, Prince Khan, and Kalu Lama. During the raids, the police recovered five pistols, one revolver, eight rounds of bullets, two magazines, 49.83 lakh in cash, one SUV, two bikes, and 22 mobile phones, Homkar said. Out of eight gangsters identified, six, including Akhilesh Singh, Aman Sahu, Aman Singh, Luvkush Sharma, Vikas Tiwari, and Aman Srivastava, have been arrested, while two, Dablu Singh and Prince Khan, are still absconding. Akhilesh and Aman Sahu are in Dumka jail, Aman Singh and Luvkush are in Dhanbad and Sahibganj jail, Vikas Tiwari is at Hazaribagh Jail, and Aman Srivastava is in Ranchi Jail, ATS SP Jha said. The top officials also shared that action will be taken against 119 criminals from 12 criminal gangs in the Jharkhand capital. Out of these, 64 criminals have been verified, and the process of verification for the rest is ongoing. The Ranchi Police are maintaining records of the criminals, like their names, gang affiliations, bailers, incarceration status, family details, property ownership, shelter locations, and criminal histories, the officials said. According to Homkar, the police have conducted verification and bail cancellation for 66 out of 108 bailers of the 119 vicious criminals from 12 gangs. Additionally, 12 cases against criminals have been selected for a speedy trial, and 49 land mafias and land brokers have been verified. The Ranchi Police have sent three proposals under section 12(ii) of the Criminals Code of Act (CCA) and 14 proposals for station attendance action. Moreover, 17 proposals were submitted for surveillance proceedings, the officials said. Meanwhile, Ranchi Police is conducting an anti-crime checking campaign thrice every day. Apart from this, 14 places have been selected for effective checking, and checking is being done from 9 the night to 5 in the morning, said Homkar. Moreover, 18 Shakti commandos have been deputed to monitor schools, colleges, parks and other crowded places for the safety of female students in Ranchi. Prevention of snatching, loot and other criminal incidents and control of criminal incidents as well as checking plans have been prepared, keeping in mind the situation of communal tension. Action has been taken against 39 police personnel who were negligent during anti-crime checking, and an explanation has been sought from them, said Homkar. Celina Jaitly has penned a note for all those young girls who face negative comments for their brown skin colour and want to look like Barbie instead. She has asked them to not try to look lik a plastic doll and has talked about how every skin colour is beautiful. The actor said she addressed the issue when a girl wrote to her that she hates her brown skin. Also read: Celina Jaitly recalls losing her newborn son to a heart condition in 2017: 'Finally summoned the courage to talk' Celina Jaitly shared a new picture of herself while talking about brown skin. What the brown girl wrote to Celina Sharing a stunning picture of herself, Celina wrote about the girl, Didi I hate my brown skin. A 15 year old girls (name withheld on request) message to me prompted me to post this version of my photograph created specially for her, to show her that the colour of your skin, eyes or hair does not dictate perception of beauty." Celina said in the note that the girl wrote to her: Didi I want to look like you and I want be a real Barbie who is fair and has your eye. I hate my brown colour skin and black eye and hair. Everyone making fun of my dark colour with my aunty from neighbours house ppl call me brown bakri (goat). How can I be like you Why am I like this?" Celina on the Barbie trend Calling it an aftereffect of the Barbie trend, Celina wrote, With the entire #barbie AI trend why am I feeling authentic and inclusive representation of different races and ethnicities is lacking on social media. In this entire recent #barbie movies trend on social media beyond the inaccuracies in cultural attire, the AI-generated Barbies everywhere on social media are whitewashed tremendously and I wondered about what message am I personally putting out there to little girls in promoting ideology of beauty. She continued, So I want every girl out there to know that you are beautiful irrespective of your skin colour or eye colour or hair colour. Black is beautiful, brown is beautiful, white is beautiful Diversity is beautiful. While the social narrative needs to change I want all of you out there reading this to love yourself irrespective of anyone might tell you. Work on being the best version of yourselves and not some Celina Jaitly and definitely NOT a plastic doll. Work out, eat well and healthy, laugh a lot, hang out with positive people who uplift you. You dont need to be a certain type of narrative of beauty to be successful you need to be the best version of your unique self. Love & hugs little one my best wishes to you alwaysContinue to love yourself and grow up to be a a wonderful accomplished young woman ! #hadtobedone, she added. Celina lives in Austria with her hotelier husband Peter Haag and their three sons, 11-year-old twins Winston and Viraaj and five-year-old Arthur. She has worked in several Hindi films like Janasheen, No Entry, Apna Sapna Money Money, Jawani Diwani: A Youthful Joyride and Golmaal Returns.A 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 Mira Rajput, wife of actor Shahid Kapoor, has shared with her fans and followers how she felt after taking a break from Instagram recently. Taking to the social media platform on Friday, Mira also posted a video collage from her recent trip to Landour with her family. Mira also shared how her vacation included treks, unending breakfast, and late-night chats. (Also Read | Mira Rajput takes 'too many jumps' into freezing Switzerland lake, shares pic) Mira Rajput shared a post from her family holiday. Mira Rajput takes a trip to Landour In the clip, Mira gave a glimpse of the greenery, mountains and flowers around their stay in Landour. She also gave a quick peek of a tea shop at Char Dukan, a selfie with her family from their walks, their meals, and how they played cards. Mira also posted her photos as she sat outdoors, spend time with her family and made goofy faces with her sister. Mira spoke about taking a break from Instagram Sharing the video collage, Mira captioned the post, "Ive taken some time off Instagram - well Ive been on it, posting stories here and there, traveAt least I did, and I thought Id enjoy the summer without that pressure. Whenever I felt like it I would go ahead, but there was no compulsion. And it felt amazing (smiling face emoji)." Mira talks about her trip She also added, "Now Im back with the Insta-bug again, so heres a glimpse of the trip I took with my family to the Hills. Everything about it brought back our summers as kids. And no matter what age you are, youre never too old to be pampered by your parents. So sandwiched between generations, this was #SummerStories2023 in Landour. Treks, unending breakfast, late night chats with my sister (my brother-in-law was surprised we were still chatting 3 hours after he left us), and hugs from Mom & Dad." Mira's recent vacation Before Landour, Mira travelled to Greece and Switzerland with Shahid Kapoor. They got married on July 7, 2015, in an intimate wedding in Delhi. The duo had an arranged marriage. They are doting parents to daughter Misha and son Zain. Misha was born in 2016 while Shahid-Mira welcomed Zain in 2018. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Salman Khan attended the birthday party of his brother Arbaaz Khan on Friday night. Several pictures and videos of the actor arriving at the venue emerged online. Salman attended the bash with his friend. (Also Read | Salman Khan wishes sis Arpita Khan Sharma on birthday with perfect throwback pic) Salman Khan celebrated Arbaaz Khan's birthday. Salman opts for pink and grey outfit In a video shared by a paparazzo account on Instagram, Salman opted for a black T-shirt under a grey jacket, wore printed pink denims and black shoes. Apart from his turquoise bracelet, he was also seen wearing a silver turquoise watch. Fans react to Salman's outfit Before entering the venue, the actor briefly posed for pictures for the paparazzi stationed at the venue. Reacting to the video, a person wrote, "Bhaijaan what are these Barbie-inspired pants? Absolute shocker." A person commented, "He is promoting Barbie Oppenheimer alone." A comment read, "Salman also does Barbie challenge." Arbaaz Khan celebrated his 56th birthday on Friday Salman's recent birthday post for sister Arpita Recently, Salman shared a sweet wish for his sister Arpita Khan on her birthday. On Instagram, Salman posted an adorable throwback picture of himself and baby Arpita. Sharing the picture, he wrote, Happy birthday Arpita. Salman shares a great bond with Arpita and is often seen celebrating special occasions with her. Salman's projects Currently, Salman is busy hosting Bigg Boss OTT 2, which is streaming on Jio Cinema. Recently, on the Weekend Ka Vaar, Salman shared how his fans are his biggest strength and they keep motivating him to come back on Bigg Boss sets. He had said, "My fans are my biggest achievement and pride! I am what I am because of them. Yes, I lose my cool on the show and sometimes even walk out but I always come back only and only for my fans who patiently wait for my Weekend ka Vaar". Salman will be next seen in his much-awaited film Tiger 3. The third part of the Tiger franchise, the film has been directed by Maneesh Sharma. The film will release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu this Diwali. The upcoming actioner also stars Katrina Kaif. Reportedly, Shah Rukh Khan has a cameo in the film. The official announcement is awaited. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jenifer Anniston has come out to make her stand clear on the antisemitism row triggered by Jamie Foxx few days back with his social media post on Jesus. Actor shared a cryptic and since-deleted post to his IG that read as follows: "They killed this dude name Jesus...what do you think they'll do to you???!" Jennifer Aniston and Jamie Foxx get embroiled in antisemitism row As obvious, his fans and critics didn't take it well and the actor faced severe backlash. The post was interpreted as antisemitic belief of Jewish decide which the American Jewish Committee defines as the charge that Jews bear eternal responsibility for the death of Jesus Christ. Jamie Foxx's cryptic post on Jesus has triggered severe backlash The actor deleted the post later but not before fans noticed that it was liked by Jennifer Aniston. Distancing herself from the Like Comment she took to Instagram to refute any claims that she might've been supporting any messages affiliated with Jamie's deleted post. "This really makes me sick," her statement began. I did not like' this post on purpose or by accident. And more importantly, I want to be clear to my friends and anyone hurt by this showing up in their feeds' She further went on to add, I do not support any form of antisemitism. And I truly dont tolerate HATE of any kind Period.' Jennifer Anniston posts her statement on antisemitic post she liked on Instagram Jamie Foxx too reacted to the backlash and apologised to the Jewish community stating, I know my choice of words have caused offense and Im sorry. That was never my intention.' He further went on to clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend and thats what I meant with 'they' not anything more. I only have love in my heart for everyone. I love and support the Jewish community. Jamie was forced to apologise after netizens slammed him for his anti-semitic thinking. Even some compared Jamie's now-deleted post with Kanye West's antisemitism. One user wrote: ''For crying out loud. Has Jamie Foxx gone full Kanye on us?'' "Did Kanye hack Jamie Foxxs Instagram account?" Another user wrote. However, Jamie's fan and supporters claim he was referring to Judas, Jamie Foxx was talking about Judas betraying Jesus and yall turned it into him hating Jews. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Greta Gerwig celebrated her 40th birthday on August 4. To surprise on her special day, Ryan Gosling planned a surprise birthday gift for his Barbie director by organising a dance mob. Ryan stars as the plastic doll Ken in Greta's July release Barbie, which is inching closer to grossing a worldwide collection of $1 billion. (Also read: Marc Maron reviews Barbie, says men who have a problem with the film are insecure babies) Ryan Gosling planned a surprise birthday present for his Barbie director Greta Gerwig. Ryan's surprise for Greta The official Instagram handle of Barbie, @Barbiethemovie, shared a video of Greta being surprised by a group of dancers at her Pilates class. The caption said, "As Kens know. Sometimes the only way to express your feelings is through song and dance! Ken Ryan sent these special Barbies and Kens to start Gretas birthday with all the feelings!!" In the video, a group of men start dancing to 'I am just Ken' and then as several other female dancers arrive, the song then transitions to Dua Lipa's Dance The Night and everyone dances to the choreographed steps. After the performance, everyone starts to cheer and wish the director happy birthday in unison. Greta is seen wiping off tears of happiness and saying, "I had no idea!' She also goes ahead and hugs everyone. Fan reactions Reacting to the wholesome post, many fans added their comments. A fan said, "I feel like Greta is one of those people who are just an absolute joy to exist around and a great friend. working with her for a whole movie?! Yes please!" Another said, "This is so sweet!!!!" A second fan said, "Happy birthday to the Queen Greta! Thank you for all you do & bringing healing to so many." "Happy birthday!! Thank you for giving us the event of the year!! Love you," wrote another. Aprt from Ryan Gosling, Greta Gerwig's Barbie stars Margot Robbie in the lead, as stereotypical Barbie, with an ensemble cast that includes America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Dua Lipa, Emerald Fennell, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera and Will Ferrell. The premise reads, After being expelled from the utopian Barbie Land for being less-than-perfect dolls, Barbie and Ken go on a journey of self-discovery to the real world. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Chairman of the US House of Representatives' Ways and Means Committee Jason Smith. Photo by VNA Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for a delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives led by Chairman of its Ways and Means Committee Jason Smith, in Hanoi on Friday. The PM affirmed that Vietnam always treasures the comprehensive partnership with the U.S., and welcomed the U.S.s increased cooperation with Vietnam, respect for political institutions and support for a "strong, independent, self-resilient and prosperous" Vietnam. In the coming time, Chinh suggested the countries continue promoting bilateral visits and contacts, enhancing cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, sci-tech, education-training, innovation, semi-conductor chip production, digital transformation, energy transition, green growth, supply chain diversification and climate change response. He proposed the U.S. Congress continue increasing support for Vietnams efforts to overcome war consequences, and creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the U.S. The guests spoke highly of Vietnams development achievements, especially maintaining high economic growth, guaranteeing food security, energy, healthcare and public finance sustainability. They said they wish to further promote the two countries relations, especially in economy and trade, and affirmed to cooperate with Vietnam in responding to regional and global challenges. BTS member Jimin joined fellow group member Suga at his D-Day concert in Seoul on Saturday. Jimin surprised fans with a brief performance on stage with Suga. Several videos and pictures from the Seoul concert have also surfaced online. (Also read: Jungkook apologises to Suga, BTS ARMY for forgetting lyrics during Seoul concert; asks HYBE for another chance) Jimin made a surprise appearance during Suga's D-Day concert. Jimin's surprise appearance In a video that emerged on Instagram from an ARMY account, it was at the moment Suga was performing on their collaboration Tony Montana, when Jimin appeared on stage and shocked everyone. The crowd erupted into applause when the two started singing together. Suga appeared in a white printed shirt over a black tee and black pants, while Jimin opted for a blue jacket over a white tee. They even shared a hug on stage. Jimin's solo performance After performing with Suga, Jimin then went ahead and belted out a solo performance on his track, Like Crazy. The ARMY cheered for the performance and took videos, several of which have now appeared online. After his performance, he waved goodbye to the audience and made his exit. Fans then spotted Suga sitting in one of the front rows of the audience in a white tank top. Pictures of Jimin sitting and enjoying the show appeared on the microblogging site too. Fan reactions Reacting to his performance, one fan said, "His vocals was on fire today," while another wrote, "OMGGGG Im screaming in my bed at five in the morning like my voice is already half way gone." A second said, "This is truly one for the books." "you are not crying but I am (crying emoticons)" reacted a second fan. Before Jimin, it was Jungkook who joined Suga on stage a day ago. The two also shared a hug on stage after their performance. After returning home, he had also held a live session on Weverse where he apologised to Suga and the BTS ARMY for forgetting lyrics during the show. Suga will be performing between August 4 to 6 as a part of his D-Day tour in Seoul. It's the last leg of his tour which will take place consecutively at KSPO Dome. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will not be a part of the tribute event to mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth IIs death. According to a report by The Sun, the couple was not invited to join the royal family at Balmoral Castle. This news comes after the royal family did not wish Meghan Markle on her birthday on August 4. (Also read: Royal family silent on Meghan Markle's 42nd birthday; aides insist they only post on birthdays of working royals: Report) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have not been invited to join the royal family at Balmoral Castle according to a new report. (AP Photo) What sources said about Queen Elizabeth's memorial As per sources reported by The Sun, both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been invited to join the rest of the family at Balmoral Castle. The source said, There hasnt been any outreach to them. If they are not included in any of those plans they will find a way to mark the significance in their own way. This comes even as the couple reportedly has plans to be present in Dusseldorf, Germany for their Invictus Games the day after the memorial. Reportedly, to mark the one-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's passing, a guest list has been formed. All close members of the Royal Family are expected to be present for the special tribute. Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from official royal duties in 2020. Harry and Meghan were last spotted together with the rest of the members of the royal family during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, which took place last year in 2022. Queen Elizabeth II died at 96 last September. King Charles was crowned at the coronation ceremony that took place at Westminster Abbey earlier this year in May. Prince Harry at coronation Prince Harry marked his presence at the coronation ceremony, where he was placed two rows behind his brother, Prince Williams. There he was seen alongside his cousins and controversial uncle Prince Andrew. Meanwhile, his wife Meghan Markle had decided to skip the coronation ceremony to stay in the States. She was later seen hiking with her close friends. Apparently, she had declined the invitation ceremony because the date of the coronation coincided with the 4th birthday of their son Archie. The coronation ceremony was the first time Harry was seen with the royal family after the release of his memoir Spare, earlier this year, where had detailed his life as a member in the royal household. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Official Twitter (now X) accounts for King Charles and Prince William usually share birthday messages for Prince Harry's wife and former actor Meghan Markle, but this year marks a shift as they remained silent on social media. As per a Daily Mail report, royal aides responded to the royal family's failure to publicly send Meghan birthday wishes by stating that birthdays of only working royals were marked on social media despite sharing birthday messages for Meghan in previous years. Also read: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle planning to return to the UK Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the 2021 Global Citizen Live festival in New York City. (File Photo: AFP) Royal family didn't wish Meghan Markle on birthday Meghan Markle celebrated her 42nd birthday on August 4, but there was radio silence from senior members of the royal family. Daily Mail reported that on Friday, royal aides said 'they only marked the birthdays of working members of the Royal Family on their official social media accounts'. The report added that royal watchers view it as evidence of the even more strained relations in recent months between the Sussexes and Harry's brother William, sister-in-law Kate, father Charles and stepmother Camilla. Meghan reportedly celebrated her 42nd birthday early by going to see the Barbie movie with her friends, and later stepping out for dinner with Prince Harry, as per Page Six. Royal family shared messages wishing Meghan earlier Last year, the official Twitter accounts for the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and King Charles and Queen Camilla, publicly shared birthday wishes for Meghan on social media. Wishing a happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex! wrote the @KensingtonRoyal Twitter account for Meghans 41st birthday, sharing a picture of Meghan smiling. The Clarence House account, which at the time was being used by then Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, shared an identical tweet with a different picture of Meghan. Meghan-Harry's kids didn't get birthday wishes too In June this year, there was also silence from senior members of the royal family on social media as Harry and Meghans daughter, Princess Lilbet, celebrated her second birthday. Moreover, Prince Archie also did not receive a birthday wish from the royal family on his fourth birthday, which fell on the same day as King Charless coronation in May. Relations between Harry and Meghan and the royal family have soured in the past year, since the release of Harry and Meghans Netflix docuseries Harry and Meghan as well as Harrys tell-all memoir Spare, in which he made a series of claims about the royal family, and how Meghan and him were treated during their time as working royals. Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from official royal duties in 2020. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON He did the web show Tanhaiyan in 2017 when OTT wasnt big in India. And now, with over 12 web releases, actor Barun Sobti has had three releases this year. When I did Tanhaiyan, tab OTT ka culture India mein bilkul nahin tha. I didnt do a lot of work for sometime before 2017, as I didnt want to do run-of-the-mill projects. Thats when the digital revolution happened in the US and I consumed a lot of terrific content from the West. It was like a training ground for me. It gave me clarity on the kind of work I wanted to do. I was certain that a digital revolution would happen in India too, which did happen and I am glad I got to ride the wave, says the Asur actor, as he goes on to talk about OTT and the love coming his way. Barun Sobti With back-to-back releases, 2023 has been great for you so far. Did you expect things to be like this? Over the last two years, I shot five projects. At one point, I was shooting for three shows simultaneously and was shuttling different looks and avatars. So yes, I knew Id have a flurry of projects coming out one after the other. I also knew that all my releases - Asur 2, Badtameez Dil and Kohrra - would do well. Barun Sobti in a still from Asur Youve had quite diverse roles in your web outings so far. Was there a prep involved? Yes, a lot! Asur felt like homecoming, because I had already got into the skin of the character in the first season. I did a lot of workshops for Badtameez Dil, as the character was quite layered. The prep for Kohrra was pretty extensive. I did a lot of workshops in Punjab to get into the skin of the character. I also spoke to writer Gunjit Chopra at length to understand Amarpal Garundi (his character in the show) well. Badtameez Dil OTT, as a medium, is known for giving a lot of scope for characters to grow. Do you enjoy that? Aisa nahin hai ki OTT projects ko shoot karne ke liye aapko bahut time milta hai. The first scene that you shoot is not necessarily the first scene of the show. So you have to dive in immediately. The great thing about web is that it gives the time for the characters to be etched out really well in terms of writing. As an actor, if you know how the character is shaped up at the very outset, you put your heart into it. Kohrra What do you think about the way OTT has evolved in India? Abhi bahut kuch hona baaki hai. We have just started understanding the value of the long format. As an actor, you dont feel any monotony as you get to do five different kinds of projects over two years. Also, the writers get so much time to research and write a character. For instance, in case of Kohrra, Gunjit researched in Punjab for a long time. So, whenever I asked him a question about my character, I got such valid answers that I didnt have to go back to him with more queries. Gaurav (Shukla; writer-creator of Asur) had the idea for the first season for eight years! Given the kind of time that goes into writing web shows, it takes time to make them, which creates curiosity and excitement among audiences too. Of late, some actors have expressed concerns about the star culture taking over the web space too. What do you feel about it? I think if a performance is good, its impossible for it to go unnoticed. As far as stars exploring the medium is concerned, besides the money involved, theres also a lot of pull that long-format storytelling has. The way the audiences embrace a show acts like a huge factor too. For instance, people usually click pictures with me. But ever since the release of Kohrra, people stop me to talk about the show. Theres a different level of appreciation that comes with good OTT projects and perhaps thats making everyone explore the medium. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday continued his swipe on the Supreme Court's relief for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Modi surname defamation case by pointing out three sentences from the top court's order which were not highlighted. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (File Photo) The parts of the Supreme Court's verdict, which were not highlighted yesterday in the midst of so-called celebration, Sarma wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Para 8, the Hon Supreme Court states - the utterances by Rahul Gandhi are not in good taste; a person in public life is expected to exercise a degree of restraint while making public speeches and he ought to have been more careful. The order has a clear reference to Rahul Gandhis 2019 contempt case in the Hon'ble Supreme Court underlining his credibility as a repeat offender, the CM mentioned. In the third point, Sarma said, the Hon'ble SC makes it clear that the stay will not influence the ongoing appeal process at the lower court. Earlier on Friday, Sarma took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi after the apex court stayed his conviction in the 2019 Modi surname defamation case, Heights of duplicity! You abuse the judiciary when you get convicted, and when the same judiciary grants you bail, you say justice has prevailed." A three-judge top court bench of justices B R Gavai, P S Narasimha, and Sanjay Kumar restored Rahul Gandhi's status as a member of Parliament on Friday saying, The ramifications of Gandhi's conviction are wide since it will also affect the right of the electorates who elected him. "No reason has been given by the trial judge for imposing maximum sentence, the order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication," the bench said. On March 23, a magisterial court had convicted Gandhi based upon the complaint filed by BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi in 2019 over his "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?" remark made during an election rally in Karnataka Kolar in 2019. Slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmeds lawyer Vijay Mishra, who recently was arrested outside Hotel Hyatt Legacy in Lucknow in connection with the Umesh Pal murder case, was gifted an iPhone and used to FaceTime with Atiq and his brother Ashraf. Slain mafioso-politician Atiq Ahmed (HT File Photo) Mishra was accused of sharing Umesh Pal's location from Prayagraj court before he along with two policemen was shot dead on February 24. He has been arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Explosives Act, Criminal Law Amendment Act, and SC/ST Act. As reported by LiveHindustan, the Uttar Pradesh Police is planning to seek custody of Atiq's lawyer. The police will look through his phone to recover chats. Police sources said Atiq and Ashraf had given iPhones to those operating with them while conspiring for Umesh Pal's murder. As per reports, Atiq's son Asad Ahmad had FaceTime IDs for everyone to communicate with ease. Umesh Pal and two policemen deployed in his security were shot dead on February 24. Pal was the main witness in the BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case. Atiq and Ashraf, the main accused named in the case, were shot dead by three youths on April 15 outside a hospital in Prayagraj while they were being taken for a medical check by police. Along with Asad and Mishra, the shooters and helpers in the murder were also given iPhones, the report added. Last month, police filed a charge sheet against eight accused in the Umesh Pal murder case. The charge sheet mentioned Atiq, Rakesh alias Nakesh alias Lala, Arshad Katra, Niyaz Ahmad, Iqbal Ahmad, Shahrukh, Akhlaq Ahmad, and Khan Shoulat Haneef as accused. iPhone recovered from Atiq's advocate Khan Saulat Haneef In May, Atiqs another lawyer Khan Saulat Haneef informed the police that the gangster-turned-politician had given him an iPhone for communicating with him, Ashraf and Asad through the FaceTime app. The police had also found FaceTime ID of the trio on the iPhone. The police had also found a record of transactions worth several crores while scanning a chat history of the iPhone recovered after questioning Saulat. Saulat also told the police that Atiq had entered into an argument with Umesh Pal over the phone and their altercation led to the latter's killing on February 24. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A delegation of Bangladeshs Awami League party is set to arrive in New Delhi on Sunday for meetings with top leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and ministers, months ahead of a crucial general election in the neighbouring country. The Bangladesh delegations visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas planned trip to New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit in September and the general election due in the neighbouring country by January 2024. (File) The five-member delegation, led by Awami League presidium member and agriculture minister Abdur Razzaque, will visit India at the BJPs invitation. The delegation includes party joint secretary general and information and broadcasting minister Hasan Mahmud, party organising secretary Sujit Roy Nandi and two women MPs. The delegation is expected to meet senior BJP leaders and Union ministers during the three-day visit. According to Vijay Chauthaiwale, who heads the BJPs foreign affairs department, the delegation will visit BJP headquarters on Monday and interact with party leaders. The Awami League leaders will also be given an overview of the BJP and how it functions. Because of the ongoing Parliament session, we are in the process of working out the schedule for a meeting with BJP president JP Nadda and some senior ministers, he said. The delegation will meet leaders from BJPs Yuva Morcha and Mahila Morcha. It will be taken to the Prime Ministers Museum and the war memorial, which has plaques in memory of those who died during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The BJP invited the Awami League leaders as part of its Know the BJP initiative and an external outreach. The visit is aimed at enhancing party-to-party interaction. The Bangladesh delegations visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas planned trip to New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit in September and the general election due in the neighbouring country by January 2024. Bangladesh is among the guest countries under Indias G20 presidency. In recent months, Prime Minister Hasinas government has faced pressure from the West, especially the United States, for holding free and fair elections. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has demanded the election be held under a neutral caretaker administration, but this has been rejected by the Awami League. The Awami League, which has been in power for almost 15 years, has asserted that the election can be free and fair under the oversight of the Election Commission. The pressure over the election comes at a time when the Bangladesh government is grappling with an economic crisis and a wave of protests by the BNP and its allies. The Bangladeshi side recently turned to the Indian government to intercede with the US on these issues. External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi made it clear this week that India wouldnt take a position on the Bangladesh oppositions demand for elections under a caretaker regime. The whole world may comment on it, but India is India, and we have a very special relationship with Bangladesh. What happens in Bangladesh, it impacts us. And I think, the election and the democratic processes should be held as per how the Bangladesh people determine it, he said. We would hope that there is peace and there is no violence, and the elections are held as per plans. On the issue of caretaker governments and all, I certainly dont have any comments, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A mob allegedly assaulted a Class 10 boy studying in a government school in Tripura on Friday after he objected to hijab-clad Muslim girls being prevented from attending their classes, news agency PTI reported. In a rerun of the Karnataka Hijab controversy, the incident occured after an argument broke out among the Hindu and Muslim students of the Koroimura Higher Secondary School over Muslim girls wearing a hijab. (File) The student, identified as Iliyas Sarkar Suman, was dragged out of his classroom by a right-wing mob and was thrashed in front of the entire school but no teacher or the headmaster came to the boy's rescue, reported NDTV. In a rerun of the Karnataka hijab controversy, the incident took place after an argument broke out among the Hindu and Muslim students of the Koroimura Higher Secondary School over Muslim girls wearing a hijab, the PTI report added. The Bishalgarh subdivision area of Sepahijala district was reportedly tense after the incident. Locals took to the streets after the incident came to light. PTI reported that Iliyas allegedly joined a group of students in ransacking the school principal's office after some Muslim girl students were asked to not wear hijab and go to school in a proper uniform. After that, a mob gathered outside the school and attacked the teenager, leaving him badly wounded. Iliyas, a resident of Prabhurampur, was rushed to a healthcare centre near the school. After a meeting with teachers, I recently directed all students to attend school wearing proper uniforms. However, girl students from the minority community said they cannot follow the directive as wearing hijab is a religious belief, the school's headmaster Priyatosh Nandi told reporters. Tension over the hijab row has been continuing for a while now in the northeastern state. Nandi also said that a group of former students, affiliated to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), recently met and urged him to ask students of all religions to wear proper school uniforms and enforce a ban on women students wearing hijab. Since Muslim students continued to wear hijab in school, some Hindu students attended the school in saffron-coloured kurta on Thursday. When the headmaster asked the students in saffron kurtas to wear school uniform they asserted they will wear school uniform provided all the students come to the institute in proper school uniform. The police, meanwhile, claimed that it was not a communal issue. As the tension prevails, a heavy police force was deployed in the area. Classes have also been cancelled to de-escalate the issue. The police also said the state authorities were closely monitoring the issue and working towards restoring peace in the area. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sanskriti Falor Sanskriti Falor is a Senior Content Producer at the News Desk of HT Digital. Having worked in Digital Media for the past two years, she is interested in covering civic issues and global affairs. ...view detail A day after the Supreme Court stayed the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case, the Congress party on Saturday asked why Gandhi was not yet reinstated as a member of Parliament. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leaves after a meeting at AICC headquarters, in New Delhi, Friday, Aug. 4.(PTI) Also Read| On Rahul Gandhi's conviction case, ex-Congress leader Kapil Sibal suggests courts be more concerned Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha a day after a Surat court convicted him on March 23 and sentenced him to two years in prison. Parliament authorities should show the same haste in reinstating him after the Supreme Court on Friday stayed the conviction, according to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha. The speed with which Rahul Gandhi was disqualified should be the same to reinstate him, Chowdhury told ANI news agency. Also Read| Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's swipe at SC relief for Rahul Gandhi: Parts which weren't highlighted' Chowdhury had called on speaker Om Birla in this connection. As per his suggestion, when I called him up once again this morning (Saturday), he told me to speak to the secretary general and submit the documents to his office, he said I called up the secretary general, who said that his office is closed today and told me to submit the letter to the Speaker... I sent the letter by post. They signed the letter but did not stamp it. When he (Gandhi) has been granted relief by the court, we are requesting the speaker to see that he faces no issue in coming back, the leader said. 26 hours after @RahulGandhi was convicted by the Sessions Court in Surat, the notification of his disqualification as MP was issued. 26 hours have passed since the Supreme Court stayed his wholly unjustified conviction, Congress spokesman Jairam Ramesh tweeted. Why hasnt his position as MP been restored yet? Is the Prime Minister afraid of his participation in the No Confidence Motion? Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Lok Sabha official said the process to reinstate Gandhis membership is likely to start on Monday. Gandhi approached the Supreme Court last month, challenging a Gujarat high court order that refused to stay his conviction. The top court on Friday stayed his conviction, observing that the Surat court had provided no reason for the maximum punishment of two years, triggering the disqualification from Parliament. Gandhi has challenged the conviction at the Surat sessions court. The opposition filed a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government on July 26 in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament. The Lok Sabha is expected to start debating the matter on August 8. Days after Gautam Adani-owned Ambuja Cements Ltd announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Sanghi Industries, the Congress party accused the government of handing over prized assets to the beleaguered billionaire by unleashing probe agencies on his competitors. Listing a 'chronology' of the takeover, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said India's third-largest cement producer Shree Cement was reported to be in talks to acquire Sanghi Industries but exit the race after it was raided by the Income Tax department. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani with Sanghi Industries Chairman & Managing Director Ravi Sanghi.(PTI) Ramesh said that Adani-owned Ambuja Cements' move to acquire Sanghi Industries and the associated Sanghipuram Port will also further facilitate Adani's ports monopoly. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving no stone unturned to ensure control of important assets by the Adani Group. What we are seeing is part of a longstanding pattern of misuse of investigative agencies to enrich the PM's cronies. Agencies like the ED and CBI are not only being used to break apart opposition parties and bring down opposition-ruled governments, with 95% of investigations aimed against opposition leaders, the Rajya Sabha MP said in a statement. Prized assets like Mumbai airport, Krishnapatnam Port and, now, Sanghi Industries are being handed over to the Adani Group following raids by these agencies, he added. Ambuja Cements, a part of Adani Cement Ltd (ACL), will buy a 56.74 per cent stake in Sanghi Industries Ltd (SIL) from its existing promoter group - Ravi Sanghi & family. Besides, it would make an offer to acquire another 26 per cent or 6.71 crore equity shares from SIL's public shareholders. ACL will also invest in expanding the captive port at Sanghipuram to handle larger vessels. Ramesh alleged that Prime Minister Modi is overseeing an unprecedented amassing of wealth in the hands of his close cronies even as inequality in India reaches historic highs and Indian citizens are crushed by record price rise and joblessness. The Congress party, especially its leader Rahul Gandhi, has been attacking PM Modi consistently due to his perceived proximity to Gautam Adani, who is facing allegations of stock manipulation and fraud following a scathing report by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research. 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 National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (L) shakes hands with Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Puan Maharani at a meeting in Jakarta, August 4, 2023. Photo by Vietnam News Agency National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and his Indonesian counterpart Puan Maharani pledged to bring bilateral trade to over US$15 billion from last years figure of $14.1 billion. During a meeting with the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives in Jakarta on Friday, Hue emphasized the importance to Vietnam of developing its strategic partnership with Indonesia. The two sides agreed to facilitate trade activities, reduce trade barriers, and promote the development of new and strategic supply chains, bringing into full play the potential and strengths of both countries. Hue suggested that Indonesia open its market to Vietnamese agricultural products, especially Halal foods and fruits, and create favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to operate in the country. Puan Maharani affirmed that Vietnam is a regional partner of strategic importance to Indonesia. Both two leaders agreed to step up promotion and create conditions for businesses of the two sides to diversify their fields of investment cooperation, share legislative experiences, and create a legal corridor for cooperation in areas of global importance. Both two leaders also agreed to increase the frequency of direct commercial flights and expressed their hopes of eventually opening a direct route between Hanoi and Jakarta. Both pledged to strengthen cooperation in the sea and fisheries sectors, promote the settlement of issues related to regulations against illegal, undeclared and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, safety, security and freedom of navigation in the East Sea, internationally known as the South China Sea, maintained ASEAN's solidarity and common stance on the East Sea issue, and promoted the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and speed up negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. Both leaders then signed a cooperation agreement between the two legislative bodies. Hue began his official visit to Indonesia on Friday and plans to attend the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). Hue became the first Vietnamese National Assembly chairperson to officially visit Indonesia in 13 years. The visit took place on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between the two countries. During the four-day visit, which will last until Aug. 7, Hue is also expected to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Vietnam and Indonesia became strategic partners in 2013. Indonesia is Vietnam's third largest trade partner in ASEAN, while Vietnam is the fourth largest trade partner for Indonesia within the bloc. Trade turnover between the two countries reached $14.1 billion in 2022, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Within the first four months of 2023, bilateral trade turnover reached over $4.2 billion, and may reach $15 billion for the entirety of 2023. Vietnam supplies the Indonesian market with rice, coffee, cell phones and metal. Vietnamese businesses often import Indonesian coal, cattle feed and metal. The severed head of an elephant, with tusks missing, was recovered from a river in Alipurduar district of north Bengal on Friday, forest officials said. Officials familiar with the matter said the animal is suspected to have been killed by poachers in Assam. Debashis Sharma, deputy field director of Buxa Tiger Reserve (East), said poachers might have killed the elephant for its tusks in Assam. (HT Archives (Photo for representation)) Also Read| Bihar: Valmiki Tiger Reserve on alert to stop poaching amid influx of nomads Preliminary probe suggests that the elephant was not killed in our territory. It was killed somewhere in Assam. We are coordinating with our counterparts in Assam, Debashis Sharma, deputy field director of Buxa Tiger Reserve (East), told the reporters. He said poachers might have killed the elephant for its tusks in Assam. After getting the tusks, they severed the head and threw it in the river to dispose it. Also Read| Wildlife Bureau issues red alert against poachers, hunters in all tiger reserves On Friday evening, villagers living near Volka range of Buxa reserve spotted the severed elephant head in Sankosh river, close to Bengal-Assam border. It appears the elephant was killed recently, said Prabhat Barman, Volka forest range officer. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON On Imran Khan's arrest, Congress MP says Pakistan following India model in Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Saturday equated the arrest of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to India model in preventing the principal opposition leader from contesting elections. Read more Congress MP Karti Chidambaram(PTI) During Gyanvapi mosque survey, ASI found not idols, but'; Updates so far Not idols, but remains of fragmented idols have been found in the debris and we are hopeful that idols will be recovered, lawyer from the Hindu side Sudhir Tripathi shared updates on the survey being conducted by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. Read more Shabana Azmi on Zeenat Amans Instagram presence: 'She is talking about the life she has lived and that is attractive' This year, veteran actors such as Zeenat Aman and Saira Banu made their Instagram debut. In a new interview with India Today, Shabana spoke about how being on social media 'brings a certain visibility' to senior actors. Read more Independence Day 2023 long weekend trip ideas: 6 places perfect for a getaway August is the perfect time to plan a holiday if you have been craving some time away from work and the fast-paced city life. The month has two long weekend opportunities. And the first weekend is just around the corner. Come Independence Day, and you can take a five-day-long vacation by taking just one day's leave from work. Read more Watch: Dinesh Karthik's million-dollar 'height' reaction as he stands in middle of Shaheen Afridi, Stuart Broad Shaheen Afridi made an electrifying start to his The Hundred campaign on August 2; the Pakistan bowler picked two wickets off his first two balls, removing Phil Salt and Laurie Evans in succession. Read more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The female cheetah Dhatri at the Kuno National Park (KNP) died of infection resulting from maggot infestation, also known as myiasis, according to the post-mortem report released on Friday. At present, Kuno has 15 cheetahs, including a cub (File Photo) The female cheetah translocated from Namibia was found dead on Wednesday morning, taking the death toll of cheetahs at KNP in Madhya Pradesh to nine. There were two female cheetahs in the wild Dhatri and Nirva while the other 14 cheetahs, including a cub, are in the enclosure. This is the third cheetah death due to myiasis at the KNP, officials familiar with the report said. One of the female cheetahs from Namibia, Dhatri (Tbilisi), has passed away. CCFs conservation release programme manager Barth Balli spent 10 days tracking her to get close enough for recapture. Though he could not capture her, he saw that she had successfully hunted, informed Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) through Twitter. In partnership with the veterinary team at Kuno National Park, CCF conducted a post-mortem examination, revealing that the cause of death was an infection resulting from maggot infestation, also known as myiasis, said the CCF. The CCF further informed that the radio collars around their necks had also been taken off, due to which they were found infected, as the focus was on designing and testing improved collar materials for their monitoring devices. While two female cheetahs remain in the wild, our efforts are concentrated on bringing them back for comprehensive health assessments and any necessary treatments, the statement adds. Explaining the cause of death CCF said, The rapid incubation rate of fly eggs, along with the inconspicuous nature of the larvae, pose challenges for early detection. Within a span of mere days, these larvae mature rapidly, and the phenomenon of myiasis is not exclusive to cheetahs; its also observed in humans. It tends to be prevalent in rural regions with tropical climates, such as India, or during rainy seasons in arid climates, like Namibia. Our utmost priority lies in ensuring the well-being of these magnificent creatures and their successful reintegration into their natural habitat. Drawing from previous release studies conducted between 2004 and 2018, we observed a high success rate ranging from 75% to 96% among selected individuals in achieving independence post-release, said the CCF. We are committed to the protection of cheetahs in Kuno, working persistently to restore them to their native environment, it added. Meanwhile, experts from South Africa have suggested in a report to the government, measures like shaving off the winter fur to be able to deal with any kind of infection. All the remaining 14 cheetahs seven males, six females and one female cub are kept in bomas at KNP and their health is being regularly monitored by the team comprising of Kuno wildlife veterinarians and the Namibian expert. In the first inter-continental translocation project, eight cheetahs were brought to Kuno from Namibia on September 17 last year, after a decades-long effort to restore a species that was declared extinct from the country in 1952. Another 12 cheetahs were translocated from South Africa on February 18 this year. Of the 20 cheetahs, 10 were released into the wild, of whom four have died so far. The remaining, mostly captive-bred, were kept in the six square km enclosure, of which two have died. Of the four cubs born in India to a Namibian cheetah, three have died. At present, Kuno has 15 cheetahs, including a cub. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Upping the ante in his running spat with Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, the states governor Banwarilal Purohit has accused the CM of making derogatory references to him in the last assembly session in June, and said that he would file a criminal complaint for assaulting the governors image against Mann if he makes similar insinuations outside the House. Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit interacting with HT at Punjab Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh on Friday. (Keshav Singh/HT) Also Read| AAP govt not listening, theres no transparency: Punjab guv Purohit You read the defamatory speech delivered by Mann in the assembly. He used derogatory language against me, saying Letter likhta rehta hai (keeps writing letters) and called vehla (idle). This is not done, Pruohit said in an interview with HT on Friday The chief minister has certain legal protections in the House. Let him utter such remarks against me outside. The day he does, I will tell my office to file a criminal complaint against him and book him under Section 124 of Indian Penal Code (assaulting the reputation of President or governor with intent to compel or restrain the exercise of any lawful power) said Purohit in a warning tone. Also Read| Another letter bomb: Now, Punjab guv questions Mann govts home delivery of atta plan The governor said, Even an attempt to put pressure or overawe the governor makes him ( Mann) liable for criminal action. Nobody can defame the governor. The chief minister, he added, will have to be mindful of his language and cant go on abusing me for no reason. A governor has a lot of power. For last one year, the AAP government and Purohit have been at loggerheads over a raft of contentious issues, with the governor accusing Mann of not replying to his official communication seeking information on administrative matters. The latest flashpoint was the two-day special assembly session in June which passed four bills, one of them divesting the governor of powers to appoint vice-chancellor to state universities. Purohit had termed the session patently illegal, saying it violated constitutional provisions, a stance contested by the AAP government. Asserting that all his actions are within the confines of the Constitution, Purohit contested Manns statement that he is answerable to three crore Punjabis, and not Raj Bhawan. But, he has to run the state according to the Constitution, not on his whims. Aap badshah thodi ho (Youre not a king). Asked about his options if the Mann government continues to deny him information, Purohit said, When all the means are exhausted, I will do whatever needs to done. I am now moving in that direction. I will send a detailed to the President to do what she deems fit. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Residents in Gurugram have begun reaching out to district authorities after people working from them, mostly from the Muslim community, left their homes for their hometowns or refused to step out following threats of reprisal attacks from right-wing Hindu groups in the aftermath of the communal violence in Muslim-majority Nuh. Residents prepare to shift from Sector-71 area following incidents of violence, in Gurugram, Friday, August 4. (PTI) Also Read| Suspension of mobile internet, SMS services in Nuh, Palwal extended Hundreds of migrant workers from at least six Gurugram neighbourhoods left the city after they were threatened by right-wing groups, people in these areas said, prompting resident welfare associations and traders group to complain of lack of essential staff. The exodus started on Tuesday and intensified in the following days, especially in Tigra, Wazirabad, Tigaon, Badshahpur, Sector 70A, Sector 57, Sector 56, Dundahera, Palam Vihar, Manesar, Sukanderpur, Nathurpur, Teekli, Kasan, IMT and Ghata village. Some locals on motorbikes had come to our slums and threatened that if we didnt leave, they will set our hutments on fire at night while we will be sleeping. We could not sleep for three nights and any vehicular noise that came, threatened us, said Nagma Khatun, who moved to the city from a village in West Bengal two years ago to work as a domestic help. She and others in her neighbourhood have not left home since Tuesday. Also Read| Nuh admin razes 200 dwelling units of alleged rioters Salli Rehmu Khan, who came from Malda in West Bengal and has been working as a security guard in Sector 57, said he and his family were evicted by the landlord. The landlord and contractor asked us to leave overnight. We had no place to go so we shifted to a friends place in Badshahpur and we are leaving Saturday night with our group of 35 people including children, he said. Residents in high-rises close to slum clusters said their domestic helps, car cleaners, cooks, security guards and drivers did not report to work since Tuesday, citing the threat to their lives. They said they have now approached the deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav and requested him to visit the areas and convince them to stay back. Also, we wanted that DC should meet the remaining families and to motivate them not to leave the city. To address their safety and security concern, said Ajay Sharma, member of Tulip Ivory RWA in Sector 70. Shveta Sharma a resident of Tulip Orange, Sector 70, said her domestic help and car cleaner did not turn up. These people are scared and in panic. My helps husband is a barber in a nearby shop. He was asked not to come to the shop if he wanted to live. He was slapped by some men, who took his picture and said that they had circulated it his photograph in several groups and if anyone saw him next, he would be shot dead, she said. Joginder Singh, the former RWA president of Sector 57, said: Most of the residents here are working couples and without help they are finding difficult to manage. Despite offers of extra money and shifting to employers residences, they are not ready to come. The situation is grim in Sector 57 area. All dhaba, fruits, vegetable and barber shops have been shut, he said. After the threat incidents, police teams have been deployed in the affected areas and also in plain clothes to keep a check on any suspicious activity taking place in the area, said police. DC Yadav said he visited slum areas in Sohna, Sector 58 and sector 70 where he met several groups of people who complained of panic. Many of the migrants workers said they were fearing for their lives and were suspecting that they might be attacked by locals but they were assured of action if anyone tried to trouble or threaten them. I have motivated them to work fearlessly. We have also deployed teams of rapid action force at various places in the district, he said. Yadav said many have left the city and their friends and relatives have informed them to return as the situation was better. Officials said the district administration was conducting confidence building exercises for migrant workers and will continue till they are back. Gurugram police commissioner Kala Ramachandran said they have deployed forces at all areas near slums for the safety and security of migrant workers. We have not received any complaint regarding any threats from locals or landlords. We are keeping close watch on all affected areas, she said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mansi Desai, daughter of art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, who allegedly died by suicide at his ND Studio in Maharashtra Karjat on Wednesday, issued a statement on Saturday saying that her father had no intention to cheat anyone. Mansi Desai, daughter of art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai(ANI) Read here: Aamir Khan says 'everyone must have a reason' when asked about low celebrity turnout at Nitin Desai's funeral "My father had no intention to cheat anyone and he was going to make all the payments that he promised. Due to the pandemic, there was no work and the studio was closed. And due to this, he was not able to make his regular payments," she told news agency ANI. Mansi also revealed that her father had borrowed a loan of 181 crore from a company, out of which he had repaid 86.31 crore. "The loan amount was 181 crore, and we already made a payment of 86.31 crore. We made all the payments in Feb 2020. Then they also wanted a six-month interest which my father paid by selling his office in Powai. He had no intention to fraud anyone and he was going to make all payments that he had promised," she added. Mansi also urged the media to stop making false and defamatory statements against her father and bring the truth to life. "We would like to request the media to stop making defamatory statements against him and stop spreading false information. Please consult us before releasing any information," she added. Mansi further claimed that the loan company gave him "false assurances and initiated legal proceedings against the late art director. Read here: 5 Edelweiss officials booked for abetting Desai suicide "Even after pandemic, he repeatedly made attempts to meet with the company to negotiate with them for restructuring or some kind of leeway so he could still finish paying what he owed. The company gave him false assurances and started legal proceedings on the side," she said. Nitin Desai's daughter also urged the Maharashtra government to take cognizance of the matter and take charge of the studio. "I appeal to the government of Maharashtra to look into this matter and also, as per his last wish, take charge of ND Studios. Please give him justice," she said. Nitin Desai was found hanging at his ND Studio in Karjat. He has worked as an art director in movies like '1942: A Love Story', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Devdas', 'Lagaan', 'Jodhaa Akbar', 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbai', 'Dostana', 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai', 'Munnabhai MBBS', and 'Slumdog Millionaire'. (With inputs from ANI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader RP Singh on Saturday hit out at Congress MP Karti Chidambaram over his Pakistan following India model remark on former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest, saying that Karti himself is involved in a case related to corruption and he is endorsing Pakistan's corruption. Congress leader Karti Chidambaram. (PTI) Earlier in the day, the Congress MP equated Imran Khan's arrest to India's model in preventing the principal opposition leader from contesting elections - drawing parallels with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's conviction issue over his Modi surname remark. Notably, the opposition Congress has been alleging that Rahul Gandhi's indictment in the Modi surname case was made in an attempt to muffle his voice and bar him from contesting the upcoming general election. Corruption works across the border. Rahul Gandhi's issue has no relation to what is happening in Pakistan, BJP's RP Singh told news agency ANI. Imran Khan was sentenced to three-year imprisonment by an Islamabad court in the Toshakhana case pertaining to the improper acquisition of state gifts on Saturday. The court also levied an additional 1 lakh (Pakistani rupees) on Khan, saying that if he fails to pay the fine, there could be an additional six months of imprisonment. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief's arrest could see him being barred from politics for the next five years as the law says people with a criminal conviction cannot hold or run for public office. (With inputs from ANI) Hyderabad Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday blamed both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led central government and the Manipur government for the ongoing violence in NE state. (Hindustan Times) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) lawmaker and Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Raos daughter Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday blamed both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led central government and the Manipur government for the ongoing violence in the north-eastern hill state. Taking part in the short-discussion on tribal welfare and distribution of forest land among the tribals for podu (shifting) cultivation in the state legislative council, Kavitha alleged that the violence in Manipur was state-sponsored, as the BJP government in that state had created a rift between the two ethnic groups Kukis and Meiteis. The BJP has pitted the two communities in Manipur against each other and turned the state into a war zone. Its a state-sponsored violence. Everyone should condemn it, she said, adding that both the central and the state governments had miserably failed to deal with the situation in Manipur. Alleging that the saffron party was following the divide-and-rule policy for electoral gains, Kavitha said that in Telangana, the chief minister is heading the state on the path of development with the motto of unite and prosper. Congress MLC T Jeevan Reddy appealed to the state government to pass a resolution in the assembly condemning the violence in Manipur. The people of Manipur should know that people of Telangana are with them. We need to condemn the violence with one voice, he said. Reddy agreed with Kavitha that the BJP government in Manipur had failed in restoring peace in that state. Yes, it is indeed a state-sponsored violence, he said. On the tribal welfare, Kavitha alleged that the Centre was not implementing the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act properly thereby infringing on the tribal rights. Telangana is the only state in the country where the PESA Act is being implemented in letter and spirit, she said. The BRS lawmaker alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had diluted Forest Acts to benefit rich corporate houses by bringing in new forest conservation rules. She further said the Centre was not releasing funds to states under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan. On the other hand, the Telangana government has brought the ST Special Development Fund (STSDF) under which it has allocated 91,531 crore and spent 56,000 crore on various schemes and development programmes for tribals, she claimed. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail Bombay high court judge Justice Rohit B Deo on Friday said he had resigned due to personal reasons. According to a lawyer, who was present in the courtroom - the high court's Nagpur bench, Justice Deo also said he could not compromise on self-respect. Justice Rohit B Deo of the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court. "Those who are present in the court, I apologise to each one of you. I scolded you because I want you to improve. I don't want to hurt anyone of you because you all are like family to me and I am sorry to tell you that I have submitted my resignation. I can't work against my self-respect. You people work hard," Justice Deo was quoted as saying in the court by the lawyer. Who is Justice Rohit Deo? Justice Rohit B Deo was a judge of the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court. Justice Deo was appointed an additional judge in June 2017 when he was Maharashtras advocate general. In April 2019, Justice Deo was elevated as a permanent judge. He was due to retire on December 4, 2025. Justice Deo led the high courts two-judge bench that last year struck down the conviction and life term handed down to former Delhi University professor Gokalkonda Naga Saibaba, for shoddy paperwork and faulty procedure adopted by the trial court. In April this year, the Supreme Court set aside Saibabas acquittal and sent the matter to the Nagpur bench to be decided afresh by a different bench. The top court had also asked the high court to decide the case within four months. Last week Justice Deo stayed the operation of a Maharashtra government Resolution (order) of January 3 through which the state was empowered to cancel punitive proceedings initiated by the revenue department related to illegal excavation of minor minerals by contractors engaged in the construction of the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway. In January, he heard a petition filed by a wager and activist, Lalan Kishore Singh, assailing a notice issued to him by the Nagpur Police. The daily wager was summoned for questioning after he filed an application under the RTI Act seeking information about the security provided at the headquarters of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur. The government pleader apologised to the petitioner in court and assured the bench that the police will not take any further action against him. In view of this statement, the Court disposed of the petition, Bar and Bench reported. In May 2020, Justice Deo exception to the unusual and humiliating punishments meted out by police officers under the garb of enforcing Covid-19 lockdowns. The court had directed that no extra-legal measures or punishments should be taken recourse to while enforcing the lockdown, Bar and Bench reported. Justice Deo told reporters on Friday that he had quit due to personal reasons, and sent his resignation letter to the President of India. (With inputs from Pradip Kumar Maitra) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Leaders of Kashmiri political parties hit out at the Union government on Saturday for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, while the lieutenant governor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders said people in the region were much better off the two sides sparring on the day that marked four years since Article 370 was withdrawn. A BSF personnel stands guard on a street, a day before the fourth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, in Srinagar, Friday. (PTI) Also Read| 4 years of Article 370 abrogation: Mehbooba under house arrest; NC office sealed Security was stepped up in the state, the Amarnath Yatra called off, and forces were engaged with militants in at least two locations as the symbolism of the anniversary put the state on edge, especially at a time when the Supreme Court (SC) is hearing the legality of the August 5, 2019, decision by the Narendra Modi government to rescind the special constitutional protections. Ive been put under house arrest along with other senior PDP leaders today. This comes after a midnight crackdown where scores of my party men are illegally detained in police stations. GOIs false claims about normalcy to the SC stands exposed by theirs actions driven by paranoia, said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, in a post on the social media service X (formerly Twitter), where she also posted pictures of her locked house entry. Also Read| Terror eco-system ended in Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation: L-G Manoj Sinha J&K L-G Manoj Sinha said the decision four years ago when the Union government removed the special protections to the region under Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two Union territories has laid a new foundation for growth and prosperity. On August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended the discriminatory system which harboured separatism and nepotism. He ushered sustained peace, dignity, security, equal access to resources for new aspirations, new resolutions for J&Ks glorious future, he said. Sinha said the biggest change is visible on the ground as people are living freely after so many decades. Street protests, closure of schools, colleges for 150 days a year, stone pelting and separatism have ended The BJP too celebrated the day in public meetings in Srinagar, where its rivals staged protests, with the Congress calling it a black day. In Jammu, the Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Peoples Conference and the PDP staged separate protests to mark the day. The states other major political party, the National Conference, said its office had been sealed by police and it too questioned the normalcy narrative. True to form and in keeping with the clampdown on mainstream democratic activities organised by parties opposed to 5th August 2019, the JKNC office has been sealed by the police. No one is being allowed in or out of the office. These steps betray the nervousness of the administration & render hollow their claims regarding great improvements in the last 4 years, NC spokesman Imran Nabi Dar said in a post on X. National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah too hit out in a post, tagging a TV channels video purporting to show the progress over the last four years. On a day 3 soldiers laid down their lives in the line of duty in Kashmir we are treated to this puff piece by the latest entrant in to the ranks of godi media. Amazingly ALL the infrastructure projects they have highlighted here came before 2019, the roads & tunnels were started thanks to Dr Manmohan Singh, as was the Chenab railway bridge. The Gulmarg gondola was conceived & inaugurated when Dr Farooq Abdullah was CM. Congress members led by the partys J&K chief, Vikar Rasool Wani, held a demonstration outside the partys headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk, demanding restoration of statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, protection of land rights and 100% reservation for locals in jobs. Mufti posted a video of PDP workers being whisked away by police, where the party claims they are being held illegally. On one hand, giant hoardings calling upon Kashmiris to celebrate the illegal abrogation of Article 370 have been put up across Srinagar. Whereas brute force is being used to choke the actual sentiment of the people. Hope the Honble SC takes cognisance of these developments at a time when Article 370 has come up for hearing, she added. In a few months, it will be nine years since the last Assembly elections took place in Jammu and Kashmir. We would have been preparing for another election but even the first elections are yet to take place, said former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is know the chairman of Democratic Progressive Azad Party. On August 2, the Supreme Court began day-to-day hearings of a clutch of petitions pertaining to Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status on Jammu & Kashmir but was abrogated in August 2019 through a presidential order. Observing prior to the hearing that the challenges were a pure question of constitutional validity, a five-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and Surya Kant, set down the matter for an extensive hearing from August 2. On the first day, the Union government told the bench that Article 370 was not an embodiment of any special status to Jammu and Kashmir but was only a stop gap arrangement in the process of its complete integration with the Union of India. On Thursday, the most recent day of the hearing, the Supreme Court fleshed out two issues for its consideration: on whether Article 370 was a permanent feature of the Constitution and if not, whether the process adopted for its abrogation by the Centre was correct. As the arguments remained inconclusive, the bench posted the matter for hearing on August 8. The damage to the Olenegorsky Gornyak landing ship is a "significant blow" to the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, most of whose units were previously relocated to Novorossiysk due to the high threat of attacks on Sevastopol, according to British intelligence. "During the night of 3-4 August 2023, the Russian Navy landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak almost certainly suffered serious damage after being struck while near the Black Sea Fleet's (BSF) Novorossiysk base," reads a summary published on Twitter by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense on Saturday morning. As noted, images of the vessel listing at 30-40 degrees suggest that several watertight compartments were breached, or that the crew's damage control efforts were ineffectual. "Routinely assigned to Russia's Northern Fleet, the vessel has augmented the BSF since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has often ferried military and civilian traffic between Russia and occupied Crimea when the Kerch Bridge has been disrupted due to attacks," British intelligence said. "The 3600 tonne, 113 metre long Olenegorsky Gornyak represents the largest Russian naval vessel seriously damaged or destroyed since the sinking of the cruiser Moskva on 13 April 2022. This is a significant blow to the BSF, which previously relocated most of its units to Novorossiysk due to the high threat to Sevastopol," British intelligence analysts said. The Lok Sabha on Friday passed a bill that seeks to make the President of India Visitor at all Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), even as a few Opposition members raised concerns that the legislation could limit the autonomy of Indias premier business schools. Lok Sabha (File Photo) The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) (Amendment) bill 2023 which seeks to make amendments in the 2017 IIM Act empowers the Visitor to nominate the chairperson of the board of governors, oversee appointment as well as removal of directors, and audit the functioning of the institutes. The government dismissed apprehensions that the legislation could see its interference with the autonomy of the institutes. The bill was tabled by Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the Lower House on July 28 but could not be taken up for discussion amid disruptions by the Opposition over the Manipur violence. It was passed by a voice vote on Friday. There are 20 IIMs in the country. Replying to the debate on the bill, Pradhan said the government has brought the legislation to ensure management accountability of IIMs and also asserted that it has no intention of interfering with their autonomy. The President of India is the Visitor to all the other top-ranking institutes, including the IITs, IISERS and the NITs, and never has a question been raised on the academic autonomy of these institutions. Similarly, in case of IIMs as well, we dont have any intention of interfering with their autonomy, we are ensuring that in this House, he said. Pradhan also said that the 2017 IIM Act, which came into force in January 2018, empowered the IIMs to grant degrees for various courses as, until then, these institutes could only offer diploma and certificate courses after attaining the status of Institute of National Importance. However, over the past three-four years, it has been observed that these institutes did not comply with several constitutional obligations such as providing reservations to backward categories during the appointment of teachers or being accountable to the governments GFRs (General Financial Rules) as well as its service conduct rules. These things have not been followed, he said. The 2017 IIM Act provides the institutes a higher degree of autonomy over its functioning, with a very limited role of the government. The board of governors of each institute, comprise 19 members, including one representative each from the central and state governments. The bill that was cleared in the Lower House on Friday, however, seeks to nominate the President as Visitor of each IIM, with complete power to nominate the chairperson of the board of governors, and also have its nominee in the search-cum-selection panel for the directors appointment. Currently, the chairperson of the board of governors is appointed by the board itself, from among eminent persons distinguished in the field of industry, education, science, technology, management and public administration among others. The board of governors is the principal executive body of each IIM, and has the power to appoint search panels for appointments of new directors, take policy decisions, approve annual budgets and determine fees. Pradhan said the government has spent over 6,000 crore in setting up these institutions. We have to ensure the government property should be converted into private prosperity. Therefore, the bill has been brought to fix the management accountability of these institutions. The academic autonomy of these institutes will remain intact, he said. During the debate, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu of YSRCP said the bill has provisions incongruent with the aspect of institutional autonomy envisaged in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NEP was launched by the ministry three years ago, ensuring more autonomy and freedom to the institutes. But this bill is going in the opposite way.., he said. The concept of Visitor in IIMs was first introduced in the draft of the 2017 Act released by the Centre in 2015. The idea was resisted by the institutes. It was later removed from the final bill. The President, however, is the Visitor of all central universities and IITs, and is empowered to appoint their vice chancellors and directors. The bill also seeks to allow the central government to constitute an interim board in case of suspension and dilation of the current board of governors. It further makes it mandatory for the board to take prior approval of the Visitor to remove any director from office in case of any violation of norms. The proposed legislation intends to bestow extra obligations on to the President of India, one of which will be to serve as a Visitor at all IIMs. This is a welcome step aiming to improve supervision and accountability, both of which are essential components of effective institutional governance. We hope that this new amendment supports the IIMs sustained expansion and outstanding performance, IIM-Raipur director Ram Kumar Kakani said. IIM-Raipur Director Ram Kumar Kakani said, The proposed legislation intends to bestow extra obligations on to the Honble President of India, one of which will be to serve as a visitor at all Indian Institutes of Management. This is a welcome step aiming to improve supervision and accountability, both of which are essential components of effective institutional governance. We hope that this new amendment supports the Indian Institute of Managements sustained expansion and outstanding performance. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A few days ago, when we lost Shri Madan Das Devi Ji, lakhs of Karyakartas, including myself, were saddened beyond words. Its a challenging reality to grapple with the idea that a personality as impactful as Madan Das Ji is no longer among us. Yet, we are consoled by the knowledge that his influence will live on. His teachings and principles will continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration and guidance in the journey ahead. Madan Das Devi Jis life journey illustrates the wonders that can be achieved when the self is put on the back burner and the collective is given prominence. (Twitter) I had the privilege of working closely with Madan Das Ji over the years. I saw, at very close quarters, his simplicity and soft-spoken nature. He was the quintessential organisational man, and I, too, spent a substantial time working in the organisation. So, it is natural that aspects relating to organisational development and growth of Karyakartas featured regularly in our conversations. During one such conversation, I asked him where he originally belonged. He told me that while he is from a village near Solapur in Maharashtra, his ancestors were from Gujarat. But he was not aware of the exact place they were from. I told him that I had a teacher with the surname Devi and that teacher belonged to Visnagar. Later on, he even visited Visnagar and Vadnagar. Our conversations also took place in Gujarati. Among the many specialties of Madan Das Ji, one of them was his ability to go beyond words and understand the emotions behind those words. Soft-spoken and always smiling, he could also summarise hours-long discussions in just a few sentences. Madan Das Jis life journey illustrates the wonders that can be achieved when the self is put on the back burner and the collective is given prominence. A Chartered Accountant by training, he could have led a comfortable life, but his calling lay elsewhere in shaping minds and working towards Indias development. Madan Das Ji had unwavering faith in the youth of India. He could connect with youngsters across the length and breadth of India. No wonder, he immersed himself in strengthening the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. One of his key influences in this journey was Yashwantrao Kelkar Ji. He was deeply inspired by him and would often talk about him. Madan Das Ji always emphasised involving more girl students in the working of the ABVP and empowering them with a platform to contribute to social welfare. He often said that when girl students are involved in any collective effort, that effort will always be more sensitive. For Madan Das Ji, affection for students was above everything else. He would be among students all the time but, like a lotus in the water, he would never involve himself in university politics. I can think of several leaders who owe their rise in public life to the mentoring received from Madan Das Ji during their younger days. But it was never in his nature to make tall claims about it. Nowadays, the concepts of people management, talent management, and skill management are extremely popular. Madan Das Ji was an expert at understanding people and mapping their talents onto organisational goals. He was special because he understood peoples capabilities and assigned work based on that. He never agreed with the premise that people must be moulded as per his requirements. That is why if any young Karyakarta had a new idea, Madan Das Ji was the obvious sounding board. That is also why a lot of people who worked with him were self-motivated to leave a mark based on their own respective strengths. Therefore, organisations grew massively under his leadership and yet remained cohesive and effective even as they became bigger in scale and scope. Needless to say, Madan Das Ji had a packed travel schedule. Beyond his duties, he was selective when it came to meeting people and was always well-prepared for a meeting. But his programmes were always simple and not heavy, never a burden on any Karyakarta. This trait remained integral to him until the very end. He braved long illnesses, but when I would ask him about it, he would talk about it only after multiple enquiries. He would remain happy despite the physical pain. Even in illness, he used to continuously think about what he could do for the country and society. Madan Das Ji had a brilliant academic record and this also shaped his meticulous way of working. A voracious reader, whenever he read something good, he would send it to the person working in that domain. I have been fortunate to receive such things very often. He was also blessed with a sound understanding of economics and policy matters. He envisioned an India where no person was dependent on others and where each individual could stand on their own feet, empowered by opportunities for self-improvement and growth. Madan Das Ji envisioned an India where self-reliance was not just a goal but a lived reality for every citizen, with a society rooted in the principles of mutual respect, empowerment, and shared prosperity. Now, as India becomes more and more self-reliant in various domains, nobody would be happier than him. Today, when our democracy is vibrant, youth is confident, society is forward-looking, and the nation is brimming with hope and optimism, it is important to remember people like Shri Madan Das Devi Ji, who dedicated their entire lives to service and towards putting the nation on such an upward trajectory. The government is likely to bring the Delhi services bill for its consideration and passage in Rajya Sabha on Monday, sources said. Rajya Sabha(PTI) The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 to replace the ordinance on transfers and postings of senior officers in the Delhi government was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday amid a walkout by the opposition parties. "The Delhi services bill will come up in Rajya Sabha on Monday. Voting for the passage of the bill will be held the same day in the evening after the conclusion of a discussion on the bill," a source said. Senior Congress leader and Supreme Court lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi is likely to initiate the debate from the opposition side, the sources said. Singhvi had represented the Delhi government in the Supreme Court in the matter related to control of administrative services. On Friday, some leaders of the INDIA bloc met Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi to discuss the way out to end the ongoing impasse on the Manipur issue. Sources said the opposition members sought the revocation of the suspension of Congress MP Rajani Patil during the meeting and they were indicated that a "sympathetic view" can be taken in her case. But, AAP MP Sanjay Singh's suspension is unlikely to be revoked, the sources added. They said the government is ready to hold a discussion on the Manipur issue but it is up to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to decide the rule under which a discussion could take place. "The opposition members have been urged to share the draft of their proposal for the discussion on the Manipur issue. They are yet to share the draft. Let's see if it comes on Monday," a source added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has arrived in Jeddah to participate in a summit of national security advisers and other officials being hosted by Saudi Arabia on Saturday to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Ajit Doval, NSA arrived in Jeddah to take part in National Security Advisors' meeting on Ukraine. Doval was welcomed at the Jeddah Airport by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, and Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam. Shri Ajit Doval, NSA arrived in Jeddah to take part in National Security Advisors' meeting on Ukraine. He was welcomed at Jeddah Airport by Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said on Twitter. The meeting is being organised in the coastal city of Jeddah to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys plan for peace amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday confirmed Indias participation in the summit. "India will participate in this event and our participation is in consonance with our long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward," said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. "Yes, India has been invited to a meeting being hosted by Saudi Arabia on Ukraine in Jeddah," Bagchi said while replying to a question at a press briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs. Russias state-run Tass news agency reported Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov as saying: Russia will keep an eye on this meeting but would need to fully understand what goals are being set. The Wall Street Journal, on July 29 first reported on the summit citing diplomats involved in the discussion, and said the talks would take place on August 5 and 6, in the city of Jeddah, with some 30 countries attending. WSJ also said that Ukrainian and Western officials are hopeful that the efforts could conclude in a peace summit later this year where global leaders would sign up to shared principles for resolving the war. For the Jeddah summit, the 30 invitees include Chile, Egypt, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia, according to WSJ. Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said on Sunday that officials from several countries would take part in the Saudi Arabian summit but did not say when or in which city the meeting will be held, reported Al Jazeera. Yermak wrote on Telegram, that discussions will take place on the Ukrainian Peace Formula, which contains 10 fundamental points, the implementation of which will not only ensure peace for Ukraine, but also create mechanisms to counter future conflicts in the world. We are deeply convinced that the Ukrainian peace plan should be taken as a basis because the war is taking place on our land, Al Jazeera quoted Yermak as saying. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has always maintained that the conflict must be resolved by dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said, "India is ready to do whatever it can for a peaceful resolution of the conflict." On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War which began in 2014. The invasion has killed tens of thousands on both sides. Russian forces have been accused of mass civilian casualties and of torturing captured Ukrainian soldiers. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Amid the controversial scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex housing a mosque, All India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday said that the observation of the Supreme Court regarding the Places of Worship Act in the landmark Ayodhya judgment must not be dishonoured. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi at Parliament House complex.(PTI / Fle) Owaisi said he hopes incidents of neither 23rd December nor 6th December will be repeated once the reports of the survey conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are made public. The dates mentioned by Owaisi were in reference to the first time when the idol of Ram Lalla (the child deity) is believed to have appeared inside the Babri Masjid in 1949 and the demolition of the mosque by Kar Sevaks in 1992. Once the #Gyanvapi ASI reports are made public, who knows how things will pan out. One hopes that neither 23rd December nor 6th December will repeat, the AIMIM president posted on X. The observation of the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya judgement regarding the sanctity of the Places of Worship Act must not be dishonoured. The hope is that the floodgates for a thousand Babris will not be opened, he added. A team of ASI is conducting a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex to determine if the mosque located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple is built upon a temple. The mosque's 'wazukhana', where a structure claimed by Hindu litigants to be a 'shivling' exists, will not be part of the survey following an earlier Supreme Court order protecting that spot in the complex. Hindu activists claim a temple existed earlier at the site and was demolished in the 17th century on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the Allahabad high court order on the survey, an exercise that the Muslim side says will reopen wounds of the past. The bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, asked the ASI not to carry out any invasive act during the survey. 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 Move over Seema Haider and Anju, this Pakistani woman's online marriage to an Indian man is now the talk of the town these days. Karachi-based Ameena decided to tie the knot with her Indian fiance Arbaaz virtually after having failed to obtain an Indian visa for her marriage. Ameena and Arbaaz's marriage is another tale of cross-border relationships which have hogged limelight after another Pakistani national Seema Haider along with her four children sneaked into India via Nepal in May to be with her partner Sachin Meena in Greater Noida. On the other hand, 35-year-old Anju travelled to Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to meet her lover Nasrullah, whom she later married. According to Live Hindustan report, Jodhpur resident Arbaaz's family are related to Ameena's family in Pakistan. A member of his family is already married to a girl from the neighbouring country. A grandson of mine is a chartered accountant, who is married to a girl from Pakistan. Seeing their happiness, Ameena's family asked our son's hand in marriage, which we accepted, Arbaaz's father Mohammad Afzal said. According to reports, Arbaaz along with his procession reached Jodhpur's Oswal Samaj Bhawan where he tied the knot with his bride virtually. The groom's father Mohammad Afzal, a contractor by profession, said the marriage was held in a simple way with less expenses. Ameena will apply for visa. I didn't marry in Pakistan as it would not be recognised and we would have to remarry on reaching India. A bride for Pakistan does not get an Indian visa to get married. Hence, we got married online and obtained a certificate from the cleric, which is legal, Arbaaz, a DTP operator by profession, said. Although the marriage has been solemnised, but Ameena is yet to meet her husband in Jodhpur. She will have to go through the entire visa and immigration process. Ameena married her fiance virtually after having failed to obtain an Indian visa.(Live Hindustan) Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday urged Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla to reinstate Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's parliament membership at the earliest after the Supreme Court stayed the latter's conviction over 'Modi' surname defamation case on Friday. Congress Leader Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury(ANI/ Twitter) "Supreme Court said that it is staying the conviction of Rahul Gandhi. What does it mean? It means that he will get the opportunity to participate in the Parliamentary proceedings once again. The speed with which Rahul Gandhi was disqualified, should be the same to reinstate him," Chowdhury told ANI. The Congress leader earlier on Friday met the speaker Birla and urged him to revoke Gandhi's suspended parliament membership. "I called up the Speaker last night in this connection. Speaker suggested meeting him the next day. As per his suggestion, when I called him up once again this morning, he told me to speak to the Secretary-General and submit the documents to his office. I called up the Secretary-General who said that his office is closed today and told me to submit the letter to the Speaker...I sent the letter by post. They signed the letter but did not stamp it. When he has been granted relief by the court, we are requesting the speaker to see that he faces no issue in coming back," he said. Chowdhury further clarified that he is not nurturing any sort of suspicion on the speaker but claimed that the speed at which Rahul Gadhi was disqualified is not evident so far in reinstating his membership. "I am not nurturing any sort of suspicion. I have simply depicted to you the efforts taken from our end in order to restore Gandhi's membership of the Parliament. He is an elected personality and entitled to join the Parliament when it is in session and when the issues which bear importance are being discussed in the Parliament. Yesterday also we said that the speed which was adopted during his disqualification is not evident so far in reinstating," he said. The Supreme Court on Friday, in an interim order, stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case over 'Modi surname' remark. On March 23, the magisterial court convicted Gandhi for his remarks made during 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign. "No reason has been given by the trial judge for imposing maximum sentence, the order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication," the bench said. Former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi had filed the case against Rahul Gandhi over his "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?" remark made during an election rally in Karnataka Kolar in 2019. Following conviction, the former Congress president was disqualified as the Lok Sabha MP from Kerala's Wayanad, on March 24 following notification of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, under the rigours of the Representation of People Act. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday demanded the immediate restoration of Rahul Gandhi's status as Lok Sabha MP, this day after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in the 2019 Modi surname defamation case. Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh. "26 hours after @RahulGandhi was "convicted" by the Sessions Court in Surat, the notification of his disqualification as MP was issued. 26 hours have passed since the Supreme Court stayed his wholly unjustified conviction. Why hasnt his position as MP been restored yet? Is the Prime Minister afraid of his participation in the No Confidence Motion?", Ramesh posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi eligible to return to Parliament as early as Monday Earlier in the day, Congress leader of Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said he called up Speaker Om Birla last night, seeking urgent restoration of Gandhi's membership. The Congress MP claimed he called Speaker once again on Saturday morning, who told him to speak to secretary general and submit the documents to the office. I called up the Secretary-General who said that his office is closed today and told me to submit the letter to the Speaker...I sent the letter by post. They signed the letter but did not stamp it. The House should function and Rahul Gandhi comes back there. When he has been granted relief by the Court, we are requesting the Speaker to see that he faces no issue in coming back, Chowdhury told news agency ANI. On Friday, a three-judge top court bench stayed Gandhi's qualification in a 2019 defamation case filed by BJP ML Purnesh Modi over the ex-Congress chief's "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?" during a poll rally in Karnataka. No doubt the utterances were not in good taste and a person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches. Taking into consideration these and that no reason has been given by the trial judge for imposing the maximum sentence, the order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication, the top court bench said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with the bail granted to Preeti Chandra, the wife of former Unitech promoter Sanjay Chandra, by the Delhi high court in a money laundering case but directed her not to leave the limits of the National Capital Region (NCR) or dispose of any property without trial courts permission. Supreme Court of India (File Photo) The bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said, We are not inclined to interfere with the high court order under Article 136 of the Constitution, particularly since she has undergone 620 days of custody. The Court also noted the proviso to Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) dealing with the grant of bail which says, Provided that a person, who is under the age of 16 years or is a woman or is sick or infirm...may be released on bail, if the special court so directs. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenging the Delhi high courts order on the ground that the investigations revealed her active involvement in money laundering proceeds of crime not as the wife of Sanjay Chandra alone, but as a director in several companies situated in Cayman Islands, Singapore and Mauritius that were used to take the money collected by innocent homebuyers who invested in Unitech housing projects out of India. In order to assuage the concerns of the ED, the bench imposed further conditions for the grant of bail by directing Preeti not to leave the limits of the NCR region, report to the investigating officer once in two weeks and not dispose of any property without permission of the special PMLA court. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Preeti told the Court that she was already in the process of giving up her foreign citizenship and had applied for Indian citizenship. He pointed out that the Indian authorities should be asked to expedite her citizenship process as in the event her existing citizenship is gone, she will be rendered stateless. The Delhi high court in its order held that Preeti will give up her citizenship in the Dominican Republic, a country having no extradition treaty with India. The Supreme Court told Sibal, You have to give up your citizenship. We are aware of how much money has gone abroad to the Cayman Islands. Incidentally, CJI Chandrachud was part of the bench which ordered a forensic audit of the Unitech group that revealed how the money of homebuyers was illegally diverted abroad by the promoters of Unitech. However, to allow time for Indian authorities to process her request for Indian citizenship, The application (for citizenship) shall be processed as per law. The time for surrendering her Dominican Republic citizenship is extended by two weeks, the bench said. Sibal argued that the offence for which Preeti Chandra is in jail is punishable with a maximum sentence of seven years. She was arrested on October 4, 2021, and the charge sheet is yet to be submitted. In this scenario, he said there was no chance of trial beginning soon and this entitled her to remain on bail. The ED represented by additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju took the Court through the evidence to suggest that Unitech group had diverted Rs.380 crore from the money deposited by homebuyers and parked it abroad through a web of companies. From this amount, Rs.107.4 crore was transferred to a firm called Prakausali through its holding company Mayfair and Preeti Chandra was the director of both companies. Preeti has further been accused of incorporating, overseeing and managing a benami organisation called Trikar Group along with her husband. It was alleged that the laundered money was kept in foreign accounts of Trikar Group in the Cayman Islands, Singapore and Mauritius and a sum of Rs.401 core was brought into Unitechs Indian entities between 2015 and 2018. Looking at the submissions, the Supreme Court told ED, No doubt there is copious material against her. But what is bothering us is that the maximum punishment to be imposed is seven years and she has already undergone over 600 days in custody and being a woman, it may dilute the rigors of Section 45. With 7,000 odd pages of records and hundreds of witnesses to be examined, by the time the trial is over, her sentence will be over. ASG Raju said that the investigation in the case got delayed due to the accused against whom collection of evidence has become a challenge as it is spread over several countries. At his request, the bench said that being a woman wont necessarily entitle a person to bail as the law officer felt that this order may be cited as a precedent in other cases for seeking bail. Preeti was arrested in connection with the money laundering case registered by the ED in 2018 against the ex- Unitech promoters Sanjay and Ajay Chandra. She was arrested from the airport in March 2021 while trying flee the country. Bhubaneswar: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday praised the Odisha government headed by chief minister Naveen Patnaik for their efforts in bringing down human casualties in natural disasters and to curb Maoist activities in the eastern state. Union home minister Amit Shah held a review meeting in Bhubaneswar on the disaster management and left-wing extremism situation in Odisha, which was attended by chief minister Naveen Patnaik and senior officials from Union and state government. (ANI) Shah held a review meeting on the disaster management and left-wing extremism (LWE) situation in Odisha, which was attended by Patnaik and senior officials from Union and state government. I thank Naveen babu and the Odisha government for reducing the Maoist menace. Odisha has also achieved almost zero casualties [during natural calamities] through disaster management, Shah said in Bhubaneswar. Naveen babu has supported the Narendra Modi governments anti-Maoist and disaster management initiatives. The home minister, who was on a day-long visit to Odisha, stressed that the Centre is committed towards eliminating LWE from the country. The Odisha government and Naveen babu have always supported the Centre in combating Naxals. The [Bharatiya Janata Party] BJP government at the Centre is committed to rooting out Naxalism from the country, Shah said. Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated the Kamakhya Nagar-Duburi Section of National Highway-53 and dedicated it to the nation. Patnaik, who recently set the record of becoming the second longest serving chief minister of a state in the country, said Odisha always believed in cooperative federalism. I thank the government of India for its support to the state in its development agenda, Patnaik said in response to Shahs praise on his government. Shahs visit to Odisha came two days after Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) extended support to the Union government on the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in Parliament. The contentious bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday by a voice vote, amid an Opposition walkout. The BJD has also announced its decision to vote against the oppositions no-confidence motion, which is likely to come up in Parliament next week. The BJD and BJP fight against each other in the state assembly elections, which are held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. In the past, Shah had targeted Patnaik, calling him a burnt-out transformer. Amit Shah praised Naveen Patnaik for the good work and governance. However, unlike other CMs, Naveen Patnaik believes in cooperative and constructive federalism and he has always taken steps in the best interest of the state. Nothing more should be read into the situation, senior BJD leader and states revenue minister Pramila Mallik said. BJP state president Manmohan Samal said the Union home minister in a meeting with party leaders made it clear the BJP has to fight tooth and nail against the BJD. He asked us to further strengthen the party and reach out to the people, Samal added. Germany hands over five SurveilSPIRE mobile intelligence systems to Ukraine as part of new military aid package Germany has handed over a new aid package to the Ukrainian army, which includes mine clearing tanks, reconnaissance drones and mobile systems, as well as self-propelled guns, the press service of the German government reports. So, according to the published list, the new assistance package included two Wisent mine-clearing tanks, 11 T-72 mine ploughs, five SurveilSPIRE mobile reconnaissance systems, nine border protection vehicles, three Vector reconnaissance drones and five mobile antenna mast systems. In addition, as part of a joint project with Denmark and Norway, two Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers were transferred. Also, according to information on the website, the list of assistance that is planned to be provided includes 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, six Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles, seven mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems, five SurveilSPIRE mobile reconnaissance systems and 18,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons. A soldier was injured in an attack on the patrolling party in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The soldier has been rushed to a hospital. The militants fired at the patrolling party of 9 Rashtriya Rifles and threw grenades hours after three army personnel were killed in action during a cordon and search operation in the higher reaches of the Halan forest area of Kulgam. Patrolling party attacked in J-K's Kulgam.(ANI / Representative image) The search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired at the security forces, who retaliated. In the exchange of fire, three security forces personnel were injured, and they succumbed during treatment. "Operation Halan #Kulgam. On specific inputs regarding presence of terrorists on higher reaches of Halan in Kulgam, operations launched by Security Forces on 04 Aug 23. In exchange of firing with terrorists, three personnel sustained injuries and later succumbed. Search operations are continuing, Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Army said in a tweet. A tight cordon was maintained throughout the night and the search operation was launched on Saturday morning to trace the ultras, believed to be three in number, reported PTI citing quoting officials. The group is believed to have reached Kulgam district through the Pir Panjal range, according to the report. (This is a developing storyPlease check back for updates) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Haryana home minister Anil Vij has claimed that there was a big game plan behind the Nuh communal violence. Vij, however, said the Haryana government will not rush to an early conclusion without a thorough investigation into the violence that erupted between two groups during a religious procession on Monday. Vij said internet services will be restored after the situation improves. Haryana home minister Anil Vij. (HT File Photo) People climbed hills next to the temples, had lathis in their hands and gathered at entry points, all this is not possible without a proper plan. Bullets were fire, Someone must have arranged these. Bullets were being fired. From where did weapons come ? All this is part of a plan, Vij told reporters on Friday. We are getting information that firing incidents were pre-planned...stones were collected on the roofs and people went to the hills and opened fire. We are collecting information and taking action against the people responsible, the Haryana home minister claimed. However, at a press conference on Friday, Nuh superintendent of police Narendra Singh Bijarnia said they have so far found no indication of there being a mastermind behind the clashes. Bijarnia said the investigation so far has suggested the involvement of disparate elements, which are being identified and arrested. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Muslim-dominated Nuh when a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by mobs. 102 FIRs registered and over 200 arrested Vij said a total of 102 FIRs have been registered and 202 people have been arrested, while 80 are in preventive detention. "We will run bulldozers as and when required. We will investigate if there was any prior input regarding the incident The culprits will not be spared. Whoever masterminded the violence will also pay. The rioters will be made to pay for the damage to public property," Vij added. Vij said police were recording people's statements and scanning CCTV footage. He also urged the journalists who have been to Nuh to cover the clashes since Monday to provide videos and feeds to the authorities to help them investigate the clashes. He made the same request to people who were part of the procession where the violence first broke out. (With inputs from ANI, PTI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Telangana government and state governor Tamilisai Soundararajan indulged in virtual see-saw battle on Saturday over the draft bill on merger of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) with the state government. Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) employees stage a protest outside Raj Bhavan over the delay in TSRTC merger draft bill approval in Hyderabad on Saturday. (PTI) The draft bill Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (Absorption of Employees into Government Service) Bill, 2023, was sent to the Raj Bhavan on Thursday evening seeking the approval of the governor for introduction in the ongoing monsoon session of the state assembly. The governors permission to the bill is mandatory because it is a money bill. However, till Saturday, Tamilisai did not give her consent to the bill, creating a tense situation for the state government, as the assembly session is set to conclude on Sunday. Angered due to the lack of response from the governor, the RTC employees, belonging to the Telangana Mazdoor Union (TMU) affiliated to the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), held a strike on Saturday. All bus services were stalled for two hours during the day and the employees staged black-badge demonstrations at the bus depots all over the state. It is not correct on the part of the governor refusing permission for the bill proposed by chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao that would benefit 43,373 families of RTC employees, TMU general secretary Thomas Reddy said. In the afternoon, the Raj Bhavan issued a statement saying the governor had written to chief secretary Shanti Kumari seeking certain clarifications on the bill. The bill had no mention of the equity, loan, grant, or any other assistance from the Government of India, the statement quoted the governor as saying. Secondly, the bill had no clarity on the issues concerning bifurcation of the RTC assets between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, since the corporation was included in Schedule IX of the A P Reorganisation Act 2014. Tamilisai also pointed out that the draft bill does not specify whether the Industrial Disputes Act and labour laws is applicable to the workers or not, as they safeguard the interests of the existing employees of TSRTC. Similar doubts were expressed over the applicability of pension provisions to TSRTC employees on par with other government employees and cadre normalisation of the employees after absorption into the government. Within hours, the chief secretary Shanti Kumari sent clarification to all the doubts raised by the governor. In a statement, she said the central governments equity in the erstwhile APSRTC was 61.07 crore. The proposed bill provides only for absorption of the employees of the TSRTC into government service and the corporation would remain as it is to manage the issues pertaining to equity, loan, grant or other assistance of Government of India, she said. Shanti clarified that the nature of TSRTC would not be changed till the bifurcation issues were settled and there was no need to apply industrial disputes act for the employees, whose interests would be protected in the state government. They would get pensions on par with the other employees, the chief secretary said. Late in the evening, the governor, who returned from Puducherry to Hyderabad, sought further clarifications from the state government on the bill. A senior official of the transport department, seeking anonymity, said, We are awaiting response from the governor. If she is satisfied, she would give the consent to the bill, which we are hoping for, the official added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The mystery of how a mobile repairman learned to make a crude bomb remained unanswered for eight months, puzzling Karnataka police. The accused in the Mangaluru blast claimed he acquired the skills to make improvised explosive devices by watching videos, but the explanation failed to convince the authorities. The CCB on July 18 busted a terror module. (HT Archives) Also Read| NIA makes sixth arrest in ISIS module case On November 19, an explosion in an auto-rickshaw in Mangaluru injured the driver and a passenger, prompting the state police chief at that time, Praveen Sood, to declare it an act of terror with the intention to cause serious damage on November 20. During the investigation, the bomber was identified as Mohammad Shariq. Police found that the bomb used potassium chlorate, a substance commonly used in making matchboxes and crackers. Later in the month, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the probe into the Mangaluru blast from Karnataka police. Also Read| 338 people on Jharkhand ATS radar; 17 arrested in two weeks A recent revelation by Nagpur police indicated that Afsar Pasha, an operative of the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, trained the accused involved in the Mangaluru bomb blast to prepare crude bombs. Pashas involvement came to light during his interrogation by Nagpur police after he was taken into custody from Belagavi jail in Karnataka. Pasha provided training in making cooker bombs to the accused while they were in prison in Karnataka, police said. Notably, Pasha had received bomb-making training in Bangladesh and had orchestrated a blast in Dhaka. During his imprisonment for terror activities, Pasha formed a group in Belagavi jail, indoctrinating prisoners from the moniority community to participate in terror missions against India. Shariq had been previously arrested in December 2020 when pro-terror graffiti was discovered in Mangaluru. His associate, Mazz Muneer Ahmed, was also arrested in connection with the case. While Karnataka police are yet to establish the connection claimed by Nagpur police, it remains uncertain if Shariq had spent time in Belagavi in connection with the graffiti case. Police are checking whether he was transferred there at any point. This case raises concerns about prisons in Karnataka becoming hotbeds for indoctrination, training and recruitment for terror activities. The revelation comes shortly after the Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested a suspected terror module on July 18. The arrested individuals include Syed Suhel Khan (24), Mohammed Umar (29), Zahid Tabrez (25), Syed Mudassir Pasha (28) and Mohammed Faisal (30), all suspected to be part of the terror module. The raid yielded significant evidence, police said, including seven locally made pistols, 45 rounds of ammunition, walkie-talkie sets, a dagger and 12 mobile phones. Moreover, crime branch officers discovered four hand grenades at one of the suspects residences. The police revealed that the prime accused Mohammad Junaid played a pivotal role in directing the five individuals currently in custody, police said on, possessing exclusive knowledge of a plan to acquire arms and explosives. However, during their investigation, crime branch sleuths uncovered that Junaid was receiving guidance from Tadiyantavide Nazir, also known as T Nazir, who was located in. Nazir, a native of Kerala and the former South India commander of Lashker-E-Taiba, was arrestedin connection with the Bengaluru blasts in 2008. We believe that Nazir was crucial in radicalising these men who were in prison in connection with a murder case, Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda said. The suspects, previously employed as mechanics and drivers, were initially arrested in 2017 by the RT Nagar police for the kidnapping and murder of a businessman named Noor Ahmad, but during their stay, Nazir ideologically motivated them to take up arms. When asked how a terror suspect held in a high-security wing of the prison came into contact with the murder accused, the police commissioner explained that an altercation among the gang during their prison stay resulted in their move to the high-security wing. Nasir, who has been in prison for over 13 years, radicalized a few members of a group of 20 youth who were lodged in the Bengaluru Central Prison between 2018 and 2019, police said. It is not the first instance of terror recruitment occurring within prison walls. Syed Abdul Rehman, arrested for murder and dacoity in 2011, was allegedly radicalized by two terror-accused inmates, Mohammed Fahad Khoya, a Pakistani national, and Afsar Pasha, accused of the 2005 attack at the Indian Institute of Science. When Rehman was out on bail, he allegedly put together a terror module, leading to their arrest. In March 2023, a special court convicted the two suspects of radicalization. After the investigation uncovered radicalization and recruitment within the prison, Bengaluru police raised their concerns with prison authorities, Dayanand said. We have shared our findings and concerns over the issue, the police chief said. We have asked the prison department to take appropriate action to curb this issue. Malini Krishnamurthy, director general of police, prisons, did not respond to calls despite several attempts.AA SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hyderabad: Four people were killed and one person sustained injuries, when the car which they were travelling in lost control and hit a roadside tree, in Andhra Pradeshs Anantapur district in the early hours of Saturday, police officials familiar with the matter said. Andhra: Four people were killed and one person sustained injuries in a car accident (Representative Image) According to the police, the incident happened at Ravi Venkatampalli village of Tadipatri Mandal (block) on the national highway (NH 544D). The deceased were identified as Mohan Reddy (27), Vishnu Chowdary (24), Naresh Reddy (28) and Maru Sagar Reddy (28). Another person, Srinivas Reddy, received serious injuries. He was rushed to the government hospital at Tadipatri and his condition is stable at present. The bodies of the deceased were also shifted to the same hospital for post mortem, Tadipatri (rural) sub-inspector of police Ghouse Mohammad Basha said. According to the SI, the victims were returning from a party hosted by Mohan Reddy, who had bought the new car recently. They all consumed liquor and had a late-night dinner at Tadipatri. Later, they came out on the highway for a drive, he said. At Ravi Venkatampalli, Mohan Reddy who was driving the vehicle at a high speed, lost control over the steering as a result of which it swerved off the road and hit a tree, resulting in the instant death of four persons and injuries to another, the SI said. The police registered a case of accident and are investigating the incident. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Friday told the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that investigation into bank frauds involving high stakes should be taken up on priority basis as it is often the case that once bail is granted to the accused, the matter becomes difficult to decide. The Supreme Courts observation came while hearing a bail plea filed by Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor in a 600- crore money laundering case involving DHFL promoter Kapil Wadhawan. (File) The observation of the court came while hearing a bail plea filed by Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor in a 600- crore money laundering case involving DHFL promoter Kapil Wadhawan. Kapoor was allowed to withdraw his bail plea to pursue other remedies in law available to him for seeking bail. The bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti said, In all such cases where heavy stakes are involved and where money is to be recovered, you (ED) have to take it up on priority basis...Once the accused get bail, the matter will never be decided in another 10 years. ED arrested Kapoor on March 8, 2020. His bail plea was rejected twice by the Bombay high court during his total custody period of three years and five months. He approached the top court against a May judgment passed by the high court refusing bail. The bench said, The period for investigation (under the Code of Criminal Procedure -CrPC-) is at the most 90 days and you have gone beyond 360 days. There is something wrong. You cannot take up the investigation in this manner. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Kapoor argued that the minimum sentence for his offence of money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is already over. Section 4 of PMLA provides for a minimum sentence of 3 years and maximum of 7 years. In September, Kapoor will have undergone half the period of his maximum sentence, Singhvi said, adding that this was a fit case for bail. The bench told Singhvi, This is not a case for us to interfere at this stage. You can move for bail later. The bench further observed, The period undergone by you is substantial, but this is a case which rocked the entire banking system. It did affect Yes Bank and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had to step in to protect investors. Singhvi replied, It is true Yes Bank went into lot of difficulty, but it is factually wrong that it rocked the banking system. He pointed out that Kapoor demitted office in 2019 and it was in March 2020, temporary restrictions were introduced imposing a withdrawal limit of 50,000 but the money of investors remained protected. He further informed the court that the first charge sheet was filed by ED in May 2020. Since then, the investigation has become never ending with subsequent charge sheets getting filed in 2021 and 2022. I will have done almost 50% of maximum sentence by next month. This will automatically entitle me for bail under Section 436A of CrPC. This provision states that if an undertrial has undergone half the maximum punishment, he shall be released by the court on bail. The court allowed Singhvi to withdraw the plea after recording in its order, The petitioner seeks liberty to withdraw the special leave petition and states that if so advised, the petitioner will file application in terms of Section 436A of CrPC. Taking this statement on record, the appeal is dismissed as withdrawn. The present case against Kapoor relates to the allegation that in 2018, Yes Bank invested around 4,000 crore in bonds issued by DHFL. In return, as a quid pro quo it was alleged that a loan of 600 crore was received from DHFL into companies where Kapoors family members held stakes. Both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and ED in their probes found that the loan received amounted to kickbacks. While dismissing Kapoors bail, the Bombay high court in its May 4 order said, Investment relating to exact layering of proceeds of crime is still under investigation. The applicant (Kapoor) and his family members have incorporated or have beneficial interest in various companies. These factors cannot be ignored considering the role of the applicant in the crime, the magnitude and seriousness of the crime, the applicant is not entitled for bail. Denouncing Union Home Minister Amit Shah's "audacious push" for Hindi acceptance, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday said that "we won't be enslaved by Hindi." Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin Earlier on Friday, Union Home Minister presided over the 38th meeting of the Committee of Parliament on official language in New Delhi and said that Hindi must be accepted without opposition even if the pace of the acceptance is slow, according to media reports. Shah also said that Hindi is not in competition with other languages and the nation will be empowered only by promoting all Indian languages. "I strongly denounce Union Home Minister @AmitShah's audacious push for Hindi acceptance. It's a blatant attempt to subjugate non-Hindi speakers. Tamil Nadu rejects any form of Hindi hegemony and imposition. Our language and heritage define us we won't be enslaved by Hindi!," MK Stalin tweeted. Stalin also asked Shah to take note of "vehement" opposition to the "imposition" of Hindi in states like Karnataka and West Bengal. Also read: CM Stalin writes to Modi over Cauvery dispute "Many states like Karnataka, West Bengal also have been vehemently resisting #HindiImposition. Hon'ble @AmitShah, please take heed of the growing resistance! Igniting the embers of the '1965 Anti-Hindi Imposition Agitations' would be an unwise move," he tweeted. Through his travels, Zac OYeah, 56, has let his nose lead the way. PREMIUM (Clockwise from above left) The House of MG Gujarati thali; mutton pallipalayam from Tamil Nadu, OYeahs current favourite meal; and Gobi Manchurian, his least-favourite Indian food invention. (The House of MG; Zac OYeah; Adobe Stock) The Swedish writer has lived in Bengaluru, with his wife, the writer Anjum Hasan, for more than 20 years. In that time, he has travelled across India, and around the world, recording the quirkiest quirks of local cuisine, digging into culinary histories, tracing recipes and ingredients to their roots. He has written numerous travelogues and novels, in Swedish and in English. His latest work is the culinary memoir Digesting India: A Travel Writers Sub-Continental Adventures with the Tummy (A Memoir A La Carte) (Speaking Tree; June 2023). I was looking for a common thread that would tie all my travels in India together, says OYeah. Food does this rather neatly. OYeah wrote Digesting India as a way of tying together his three decades of travelling around India. He first headed to Mangaluru, for instance, after mistaking pomfret (the fish) for pommes frites (French fries, in French) at a Mangalorean restaurant in Mumbai (this was right in the beginning, soon after he first arrived, he would like to stress). India was one big jigsaw puzzle when I landed here in the 90s, says OYeah. Over the years I starting piecing it together through the food. Here are notes on some of his most-engaging encounters. . The strangest ingredient hes eaten so far: Spiced goats eye, in Bengaluru As I stared at it, he says, it stared back at me. It was delicious, he adds, as long as one didnt think too much about what it was; or make eye contact. In the book, OYeah also makes special mention of a sausage made of barley stuffed into sheeps intestines (below) and steamed, that he ate in Himachal Pradesh. It seems to be party food here and I found it the perfect complement to a tumbler of local apple wine, he writes. (Zac OYeah) . His current favourite meal: Mutton pallipalayam from Tamil Nadu Specifically Kongu Nadu, in western Tamil Nadu, OYeah says. The meat is cooked without marination, preserving its meatiness. There are fewer spices used here than in regions such as Chettinad, and little to no oil. The meat is allowed to cook in its own fat. Its an ancient Indian dish that could give French nouvelle cuisine a run for its money. Its a hard cuisine to find, outside the homes where it is cooked. OYeah recommends Junior Kuppanna, a chain with a branch behind the railway station at Tiruppur. . The dish that says home: The meat-and-potato stew, aloo ghosht The canteens south of the Jama Masjid in Delhi are the best places to get this, says OYeah. To me, it feels very homely because in Sweden we have a version called kalops, a slow-cooked meat gravy with potatoes, that I was served almost daily growing up. . The one he yearns to try: Snails, the north-eastern way There are numerous traditional snail recipes in Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland. He hasnt come upon any of the dishes yet, OYeah says. I recently heard from a friend, the chef Prem Koshy, that there might be a restaurant on the outskirts of Bengaluru where they occasionally prepare snails in the north-eastern style. So thats probably my next food adventure. . Least-favourite Indian invention: Gobi Manchurian OYeah says he loves seedy bars, and this is often a safe, fast-moving option on the menu. Hes had a lot of it, but never quite enjoyed it. The dish is an extra-spicy vegetarian starter designed for the Indian customer looking for an unusual / Chinese / Chindian experience. But ultimately, how much deep-fried red-painted MSG-flavoured cauliflower can one eat? . A dish hed never eat again: A Pakistani curry in Hyderabad He ordered it at a restaurant near the Charminar, he says. In his book, he describes it as a vividly phlegm-green mixture of salt, caramel colour, possibly nuclear waste, and microscopic pieces of something goatish. Not one to waste food (he generally eats everything on his plate), I decided to abort this meal. Curiosity kills not only cats but can seriously hurt the sentiments of food writers too. . The spiciest so far: The Bhutanese cheese-and-chilli dish, ema datshi (Adobe Stock) The book Digesting India ends with a detour to Bhutan, where the chilli is treated like just another vegetable, OYeah says with alarm. That countrys national dish, ema datshi, typically consists of about 250 gm of green chillies and cheese, melted down in some water. It is often available in and around Tibetan settlements in India. I suffered a thousand deaths as it released its bombastic fury, OYeah says. . A surprise hes never forgotten: The spicy custards of Gujarat The writer most recently sampled this cuisine at the famous rooftop restaurant at The House of MG, a 1924 mansion that once belonged to textile baron Mangaldas Girdhardas and is now a heritage hotel. OYeah ordered what is pegged as the states most expensive thali. He writes of encountering farsan, dhoklas, kachoris, chaat, vegetables, numerous mithais, and homemade fig ice-cream. But the first time he had a thali at a restaurant, in Vadodara, some 30 years ago, I got quite culture-shocked when I dipped my roti in the dal and it tasted like a spicy custard, he says. . The dish hes obsessively hankered after: The bonda His tryst with the bonda began with the RK Narayan novel The Guide (1958), where the protagonist fantasises about this deep-fried snack, while he is fasting. I got addicted too, OYeah says. Ever after, he was unable to walk past a bonda stall without having one. Until he gave it up cold turkey. He was becoming seriously concerned about its impact on his blood pressure and cholesterol levels, he says. Experience unrestricted digital access with HT Premium Explore amazing offers on HT + Economist Start 14 Days Free Trial Already Subscribed? Sign In Friendship Day honours the meaningful bonds we share with our friends over the course of our life. After all, friendship is one of the most genuine relationship forms, not based on societal expectations, caste, creed, colour, age, religion or ethnicity. Friends are the family we choose. They stand up for us in our happiest and saddest moments. A friend not only cheers for us during our achievements, but they also call out our problematic behaviour or give us a shoulder to cry on during hard times. Friendship Day commemorated this special relationship. So, we decided to share everything you need to know about this day to celebrate it with your gang. Know all about the date, history, significance, and celebrations of Friendship Day in India. (HT Photo) Friendship Day 2023 in India Date: When is Friendship Day? In India, Friendship Day falls on the first Sunday in August. Therefore, this year, it will be celebrated on August 6, Sunday, 2023. Apart from India, a few other countries also mark Friendship Day on the same day, including Bangladesh, UAE, Malaysia, and the US. Friendship Day 2023 History and Significance: Joce Hall, the owner of Hallmark Cards, proposed Friendship Day celebrations for the first time in 1958 in Paraguay. However, it was in 2011 when United Nations announced an official date to mark the festival. They declared July 30 as International Friendship Day. However, it is celebrated on different dates throughout the world. Often, we take the bonds we share with our friends for granted. Therefore, a day like Friendship Day reminds us to show gratitude to our friends for their presence in our lives and for all that they have done for us. After all, friends are irreplaceable in life. They pick us up when we fall, give us their shoulders to cry during hard times, fight for us, and create a lifetime of memories. Friendship Day 2023 Celebrations: People celebrate Friendship Day by showering their friends with surprises, meaningful gifts or spending the day with them doing activities they enjoy. Apart from this, you can also go on trips, take them out for dinner, join hobby classes, and more. If you need more ideas, check out our list here. Economists are arguing fiercely about the direction of the Indian economy. Does the prime minister (PM) believe industrialisation is the way ahead or is he trying to develop an inclusive economy? When he coined the phrase Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (development with all, for all) he seemed firmly set on the inclusive way forward. Then, there were also schemes to benefit individuals such as building lavatories, distribution of domestic gas cylinders, and the encouragement to open bank accounts. There was also the Swachh Bharat or Clean India campaign. However, the tribal region of Madhya Pradesh, which I know well, doesnt seem much cleaner. Many of the built lavatories are being used for storage. It seems as if these schemes may not have been as successful as suggested by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and reiterated by some television networks that have become accustomed to toeing the governments line. PREMIUM In India, the poorest of the poor live in the forests and are dependent on them for their livelihood. (HT file) The PM seems to have furthered his image of a man who believes that inclusive economics needed another boost. On April 21, PIB announced that the PM would be launching nine campaigns under the theme of Samaveshi Vikas or inclusive development. Among the areas to be covered are employment, health, social inclusion, social security and livelihood creation. Of course, there is a website and a mobile app. There is clearly politics involved in these inclusive programmes as they were launched from Madhya Pradesh, which is headed for an assembly election this year. But this week, the two Houses of Parliament passed an amendment to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 which shows that PM Narendra Modi still wants to go ahead with privatisation for accelerating the growth rate of India, but for which the poor might pay a price. This is the liberal economy seen in the case of former British PM, Margaret Thatcher, which swept aside so many of the benefits of the poor won by previous socialist governments. In India, the poorest of the poor live in the forests and are dependent on them for their livelihood. They are the ones who will be the hardest hit by the amendments to the Forest Conservation Act. In the now famous case of the Niyamgiri forests, the tribals forced the mining giant Vedanta to abandon its plans to mine bauxite in the hills. Noted environmentalist Sharachchandra Lele recently argued that these hills are not notified forests, and according to the amendment, mining can now start again. The state of Odisha faces this problem in other forests as well, as do the northeastern states. The northeastern states are also threatened by the Centres ability to construct linear projects within 100 km of any international border. A linear project could mean a connection between two places, not just roads and railways but also possibly drainage systems, airports, pylons and plenty of other things. The Centre stated that the linear projects will be of national importance and concerning national security. And who decides this? The central government. The amendments, as a whole, undermine Indian federalism. The Northeast shares international borders with China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and it has problems with all of them. The amendments to the forest law could create further challenges for the security forces of the region. Of course, there is a threat to its forests as well. And the amendments also open the gates to developers looking to profit from the Northeasts natural wealth. Some experts have argued that the commercialisation of the Northeast and the forests of central India is one of the main aims of the amendments. Is this the price we have to pay for development? The views expressed are personal. Lithuania soon to transfer NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine Ministry of Defense Lithuania is preparing a new military assistance package for Ukraine, which will include NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems, anti-drones and logistical equipment, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense reported on its website on Friday. "NASAMS missile launch systems, anti-drones, logistic equipment, cots and a lot of other support will soon be handed over to Ukraine," the ministry said. The ministry said that during the first seven months of 2023, the military support transferred by Lithuania includes Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft guns with ammunition, M113 armored personnel carriers, millions of rounds, and grenade launcher ammunition. Chandrayaan-3 Tracker Highlights: India's third moon mission's spacecraft inched closer to lunar landing, with the significant Lunar Orbit Injection (LOI) undertaken on August 5 at approximately 7:00 pm. Catch the highlights here. Indian spacecraft Chandrayaan-3, the word for "moon craft" in Sanskrit, travels after it was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, Friday, July 14, 2023. (AP) It is one of the wonders of the worldor, more accurately, off the world. The Starlink constellation currently consists of 3,335 active satellites; roughly half of all working satellites are Starlinks. In the past six months new satellites have been added at a rate of more than 20 a week, on average. SpaceX, the company which created Starlink, is offering it as a way of providing off-grid high-bandwidth internet access to consumers in 45 countries. A million or so have become subscribers. PREMIUM The SpaceX logo at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US.(Reuters) The orbits used by Starlinks much smaller satellites are far lower: around 550km. This means that the time between a given satellite rising above the horizon and setting again is just minutes. Making sure coverage is continuous thus requires a great many satellites, which is a hassle. But because each satellite is serving only a small area the bandwidth per user can be high. And the systems latencythe time taken for signals to get up to a satellite and back down to Earthis much lower than for high-flying satellites. High latencies can prevent software from working as it should, says Ian Muirhead, a space researcher at the University of Manchester. With software, rather than just voice links, increasingly used for tasks like controlling artillery fire, avoiding glitches caused by high latency is a big advantage. Starlink does not just provide Ukraines military leaders with a modicum of connectivity. The rank and file are swimming in it. This is because of the singular capacities of the Starlink system. Most satellite communications make use of big satellites which orbit up to 36,000km. Perched at such a height a satellite seems to sit still in the sky, and that vantage allows it to serve users spread across very large areas. But even if such a satellite is big, the amount of bandwidth it can allocate to each user is often quite limited. Crucially, Starlink has become the linchpin of what military types call C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance). Armies have long relied on satellite links for such things. An hour before Russia launched its attack, its hackers sought to disable thousands of modems associated with the terminals which provide access to the main satellite used by Ukraines army and government, among many other clients. But the capabilities Russia sought to degrade in that pre-emptive strike were far less advanced than the capabilities Ukraine enjoys today. By May around 150,000 people were using the system every day. The government quickly grew to rely on it for various communication needs, including, on occasion, the transmission of the nightly broadcast by Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president. Because the dishes (some of which are round and some rectangular) and their associated terminals are easily portable and can be rigged to run off a car battery, they are ideal for use in a country where the electricity and communication networks are regularly pounded by Russian missiles. When Kherson was liberated in November Starlink allowed phone and internet services to resume within days. Mr Musk replied to him within hours, saying that the Starlink service had been turned on over Ukraine and that the hardware would follow. Within days lorries full of the pizza-sized flat dishes used to access the satellites began to arrive in Ukraine. And a huge part of the traffic flowing through the system currently comes from Ukraine. Starlink has become an integral part of the countrys military and civil response to Russias invasion. Envisaged as a celestial side-hustle that might help pay for the Mars missions dear to the founder of SpaceX, Elon Musk, it is not just allowing Ukraine to fight back; it is shaping how it does so, revealing the military potential of near-ubiquitous communications. Its a really new and interesting change, says John Plumb, Americas assistant secretary of defence for space policy. Franz-Stefan Gady, of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a think-tank, recently visited the Ukrainian front lines and saw an example of what cheap, ubiquitous connectivity makes possible: a sort of Uber for howitzers. Ukrainian soldiers upload images of potential targets via a mobile network enabled by Starlink. These are sent to an encrypted group chat full of artillery-battery commanders. Those commanders then decide whether to shell the target and, if so, from where. It is much quicker than the means used to coordinate fire used up until now. The system also makes drone warfare much easier. In September a Ukrainian naval drone washed up in Sevastopol, the Crimean headquarters of Russias Black Sea Fleet with what looked like a Starlink terminal attached to its stern. In late October seven similar drones were used to mount a successful attack on the port. Ukraine published a video of the attack shot from the boats bow. Ukrainian military operations are hugely dependent on having access to the internet, says Mr Gady, so Starlink is a most critical capability. A Ukrainian soldier puts it more starkly. Starlink is our oxygen, he says. Were it to disappear Our army would collapse into chaos. This kind of connectivity is something no previous army has enjoyed. Western armies fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq had access to some vast flows of data. For the most part, though (with special forces being the notable exceptions) they found it very hard to get that information to where it was needed in a timely manner. One former member of the British armed forces recounts an operation he conducted a decade ago to find some explosives. While he flew to the site where they were thought to be, a surveillance drone showed them being moved elsewhere. Brigade headquarters, which could see the drones feed, passed on the intelligence to his company command over a satellite channel by voice. The company command then relayed the news to his helicopter by high-frequency radio. Each hop added time and confusion. In todays Ukraine, he notes, he could simply have accessed the live drone feed himself. Such frustrations led the Pentagon to start talking of Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2, for those keeping score at home), an approach which would allow information from more or less any drone, plane or soldier to be easily sent to whatever missile, gun or aircraft might be best placed to use it. If that sounds familiar, it should. What we are seeing with Starlink is where the US wants to be in terms of connectivity, says Thomas Withington, an expert on battlefield communications. Developing such a capability within the military-industrial complex has been slow; the bureaucracy has proved predictably resistant. Now it seems all but available off the shelf. This would be of only theoretical interest if Starlink, conceived as a civilian service, were an easy target in times of war. So far it has not been. Russias armed forces have lots of electronic-warfare equipment that can locate, jam or spoof radio emissions. But the Starlink signals are strong compared with those from higher flying satellites, which makes jamming them harder. And the way that the dishes use sophisticated electronics to create narrow, tightly focused beams that follow satellites through the sky like invisible searchlights provides further resistance to interference. Unless you can get a really good bead on where that beam is coming from, its very hard to get a jamming signal into the receiver, says Mr Withington. If its signals cannot be jammed, the system itself could be attacked instead. In September the Russian delegation to a UN working group on space security hinted that, despite its status as a nominally civilian system, Starlink might be considered a legitimate military target under international humanitarian lawwhich is probably a fair assessment. In May researchers affiliated with the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army published a paper calling for the development of countermeasures that could be used against Starlink. Cyber-attacks like the one aimed at Ukraines legacy satellite system on February 24th are one possibility. So far, though, similar sallies against Starlink appear to have been ineffective, in part thanks to SpaceXs ability to quickly update the systems software. Dave Tremper, director of electronic warfare for the Office of the Secretary of Defence, has said the speed of the software response he witnessed to one attack was eye-watering. Physical attacks are also possible. Starlink satellites relay signals they receive to fairly nearby ground stations. They in turn send the data on to the internet or back up to another satellite, depending on where the intended recipient is. They thus represent a vulnerability. But with ground stations which handle the traffic to and from Ukraine on NATO soil, a physical attack would be a severe escalation. And then there are the satellites themselves. America, China, India and Russia have missiles that can shoot satellites out of the sky. Again, though, using them would seem like a severe escalation. It would also be a lot less useful against a constellation like Starlink than against older systems. Knocking out a single Starlink would achieve more or less nothing. If you want to damage the space-based bit of the system, you need to get rid of lots of them. Scorched orbits One possibility would be to try to trigger a chain reaction in which the debris from one target goes on to destroy secondary targets, debris from which spreads the destruction yet farther in a sort of scorched-orbit strategy. Such a wholesale attack on a global commons would be a desperate measure. Experts contacted by The Economist were also unconvinced that it would be of military benefit. For one thing, debris clouds would start out mostly confined to particular orbits, and expand only gradually. Its not obvious to me that, even if you deliberately set out to create as much debris as possible, that you could deny the use of Starlink on a timescale that was relevant to a war, says Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at Harvard who keeps a census of objects in orbit For another, if debris is tracked, smart satellites can dodge it. Debris created by an irresponsible Russian missile test in November 2021 came within 10km of a Starlink satellite some 6,000 times, according to COMSPOC, a firm which monitors satellites and debris. But no harm has been done, partly because Starlink satellites can tweak their orbits to reduce the risks from incoming debris. They did so 7,000 times in the six months from December 2021. And when satellites are small and mass-produced, as the Starlink ones are, they can be replaced with much less fuss than would previously have been the case. Brian Weeden of the Secure World Foundation, an NGO, reckons that Starlinks use in Ukraine marks the beginning of the end for the value of anti-satellite missiles. [It] turns out theyre only useful if your adversary relies on small numbers of really large/expensive satellites. A good indicator that adversaries do not see Starlink as fatally vulnerable is that they are scrambling to develop similar things themselves. In 2020 China filed documents with the International Telecommunication Union, a UN body, for a 13,000-satellite constellation of its own. Russia has ambitions for a 264-satellite constellation designed to operate in higher orbits than Starlink. Americas allies are enthusiastic too. In 2020 Britains government, Bharti, an Indian multinational, and Eutelsat, a satellite operator, rescued OneWeb, a firm which had gone bankrupt building a constellation of Starlink-like satellites. In November 2022 the EU agreed to begin developing its own low-orbit communications system, IRIS2. Starlink also has an American would-be competitor in the form of Kuiper, a planned constellation bankrolled by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and of Blue Origin, a rocket firm. But Starlink has a huge advantage: SpaceXs launch capacity. SpaceX has the worlds best satellite-launch system, the partially reusable Falcon 9 rocket. That allows it to launch satellites at an unmatchable rate. There were 61 Falcon-9 launches in 2022. The company is talking of getting its Falcon-9 launch rate up to two rockets a week this year, with one a week devoted to Starlink. Each such launch will add another 50 or so satellites. Starships and enterprise More is to come. The company is working on a much larger, fully reusable spacecraft called Starship which would be capable of launching some 400 Starlinks at a time, and thus taking the constellation from thousands of satellites to tens of thousands. The long-delayed first attempt to get a Starship out into space and back is expected this year. The programme has seen explosive failures in the past and may well do so in the future; among other things Starships will have to re-enter the atmosphere at much higher speeds than the first stage of a Falcon 9 does. But investors in the company, which is privately held, seem confident. SpaceX raised $2bn in 2022; it is said to be in the process of raising more at a price which values the company at $137bn. Meanwhile, other launch systems are either unavailable, undersized or have yet to get up and running. American rules stop Western companies from buying launch services from China, and since the war began launch contracts with Russia have been cancelled. OneWeb, which relied on Russian launchers for its launches until this year, now uses SpaceXs Falcon 9 and a launcher developed by India. The United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin which is SpaceXs only direct American competitor in the launch market is retiring its current launchers in favour of a new one, the Vulcan Centaur, which has yet to fly. Much the same is going on at Arianespace in Europe. The first flight of the New Glenn launcher being developed by Mr Bezoss Blue Origin is not expected to take place until the end of the year, if then. This means that Mr Musk currently has a dominant position in both the launch market and satellite-internet operations. This concentration of power provides three causes of concern. Mr Musk is an unaccountable single individual; Mr Musks other business interests may play a role in his decisions; and Mr Musk is Mr Musk. In September Ukrainian officials told The Economist that Mr Musk had rejected a Ukrainian request to allow Starlink to be used in Crimea, a part of Ukraine which Russia invaded and annexed in 2014, and where Ukraine has conducted numerous raids on ports and air bases. In October Mr Musk polled his followers on Twitter as to whether Ukraine should cede territory to Russia as part of a peace deal, which provoked outrage from the countrys leaders. Mr Musk replied by suggesting that SpaceX would stop carrying the costs for Ukraines use. But he quickly changed course, and relations seem to have settled down since. Im super grateful to them for what theyre doing for us, says Mr Fedorov, the minister for digital transformation. Still, SpaceX has continued to restrict the use of Starlink in Russian-occupied territory, according to Ukrainian officials, a power that is unusual for a commercial company, to say the least. Per bellica ad astra If service is denied in some places, it can be permitted in others, even if it is unwelcome. Some countries do not want Starlink services making the internet uncontrollable, and so do not allow the company to operate within their borders. But this can be circumvented when ground stations in neighbouring countries are close enough. Starlink services are currently being used by protesters in Iran , says Mr Musk, despite the country not officially allowing the technology in. In future, service will be possible even in places with no convenient ground stations nearby; the next generation of satellites is intended to be able to pass messages between themselves, rather than sending them back down to the nearest ground station, creating a network which could be much more unevenly tethered to the Earth. But that does not mean countries will be forced to accept Starlink; some will have ways to fight back. Given the importance of its Shanghai gigafactory to the fortunes of Tesla, Mr Musks car company, for example, it would be something of a surprise to see Starlink being made available to internal opponents of the Chinese state. And could Taiwan, if push came to shove, depend on Starlink in the way that Ukraine has come to? Just conceivably notwhich may explain why the island is accelerating efforts to develop its own satellite constellation. All that said, Mr Musk also has reason to keep on the right side of the government closest to him: Americas. And that might make good business sense. SpaceX already gets a lot of money from government contractsit is NASAs biggest commercial supplier, and launches big satellites for the countrys soldiers and spooks. And for all Starlinks impact in Ukraine, it is not as yet a commercial success. Flat antennae which can scan the skies currently cost more than most customers are willing to pay; the company is subsidising them in the hope that, as the market grows, the costs will fall. But military users of the system can be expected to pay full price, and then some, from day one. In December SpaceX revealed the existence of Starshield, a subsidiary aimed explicitly at serving such customers. It is hard to doubt that the decision to help Ukraine was idealistic. But it could well prove to have been a fortuitous loss-leader, too. Read more of our recent coverage of the Ukraine crisis. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com A former TikTok influencer and her mother have been found guilty of engineering a fatal car crash that killed two men. Mahek Bukhari, 24, and her mother, Ansreen Bukhari, 46, were convicted alongside two other defendants of killing Saqib Hussain and Hashim Ijazuddin, both 21, by ramming their car off the road in February 2022, The Guardian reported. Mahek Bukhari (left) and her mother Ansreen. The prosecution had alleged that Mahek, a British Pakistani, and Ansreen had lured Hussain to a car park to confront him about the sexual photos and videos he had of the latter. with whom he had been having an affair for about three years. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Hussian had threatened to divulge the affair by sharing sexual photos and videos of them. When Hussain and Ijazuddin drove off, their car was pursued by two vehicles driven by fellow defendants Rekhan Karwan and Raees Jamal at speeds reaching 100mph before their car was rammed off the road, causing it to split in two and catch fire upon hitting a tree. Hussain, who was riding shotgun, made a desperate call to 999 moments before the crash, pleading for help as the assailants tried to force their car off the road. During the emergency call, Hussain said: Theres guys following me. Theyve got balaclavas on. Theyre trying to ram me off the road. Theyre trying to kill me Im going to die. While Rekhan Karwan and Raees Jamal were found guilty of murder, Natasha Akhtar, Ameer Jamal, and Sanaf Gulamustafa were convicted of manslaughter. Another co-accused, Mohammed Patel, was found not guilty, The News International reported. The jury reached the verdict after 28 hours of deliberation in a three-month trial at Leicester Crown Court. Judge Timothy Spencer KC warned the defendants that the sentences would be severe. The sentencing is scheduled for September 1st. Enquiries showed that Ansreen Bukhari had decided to end the relationship with Hussain, but Hussain could not accept this. This led to him allegedly making threats to tell Ansreen Bukharis husband about the affair and to share sexual images and videos of Ansreen Bukhari, according to Leicester police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Toronto: Canada authorities are investigating a series of anti-India posters targeting its senior-most diplomats in the country, even as New Delhi has sought remedial action to prevent such incidents. Khalistan flags at an event in Toronto, Canada in 2021. (Supplied photo) Following the appearance of a poster outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver on Tuesday, Canada has started probing the matter. In a tweet, Public Safety Canada, the countrys internal security department, said, There is no place in Canada for the incitement of violence. Law enforcement has been engaged following the circulation of an online video in relation to threats against Indian diplomatic officials. India has sought action from Ottawa in this regard, so that perpetrators are identified and deterred from undertaking such provocation in Canada, as per its laws. The poster outside the consulate was similar to those that appeared at various locations in the Metro Vancouver region earlier, particularly in the town of Surrey. These posters use the word Wanted under the photographs and names of Indias senior-most diplomats in Canada its High Commissioner to Ottawa and consul-generals in Vancouver and Toronto. The poster near the entrance to the building housing the consulate was removed after it was discovered on Tuesday morning. It appears to have been placed there in the early hours. While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is responsible for diplomatic security, the Vancouver Police Department is the local agency in charge. The lapse occurred despite the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) group warning in advance about besieging Indian missions on August 15, and similar posters already making their appearance in the region. As with the Kill India posters earlier, videos of the posters being placed at the consulate were circulated on social media on Monday. The series of posters have referred to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, SFJs principal figure in British Columbia. Nijjar was murdered in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Singh Gurdwara Sahib he headed in Surrey on June 18. SFJ has blamed India for his assassination. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), which is probing the killing, has not ascribed any motive while it seeks the murderers. Several similar posters had appeared at various locations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) last month, prior to SFJ conducting the latest round of the so-called Khalistan Referendum in a gurdwara in the area on July 16. As with the previous campaign, the new posters have appeared before SFJs organises its next referendum in September in Surrey. SFJ has said the posters do not call for violence against the diplomats but is a reminder that the high commissioner is the face of the Indian government in Canada, which it holds responsible for the assassination. Meanwhile, the gurdwara that Nijjar led has circulated an online petition calling upon the Canadian government to launch an investigation into the murder. The e-petition has been sponsored by Liberal Party MP Sukh Dhaliwal, and said the assassination of Nijjar had raised serious concerns which warrant immediate and utmost attention of the Canadian government at the highest level. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON US President Joe Biden will depart for New Delhi on September 7 to attend the G20 Summit, being hosted by India under its presidency, and return to Washington DC on September 10, sources said. United States President Joe Biden with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremonial welcome hosted for PM Modi at the South Lawns of the White House in Washington DC. (File) India will host the G20 leaders summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. It assumed the presidency of the G20 for a year from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, and has been hosting several meetings across the country. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State visit to the US in June, President Biden said he was looking forward to the G20 Summit in September in New Delhi. He (Biden) applauded Indias leadership in its ongoing G20 Presidency, which has brought renewed focus on strengthening multilateral institutions and international cooperation to tackle global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, fragility and conflict, along with work to accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and lay the foundation for strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth, a joint statement India and the US said. Prime Minister Modi and President Biden are united in their determination to use the G20 to deliver on shared priorities for the G20 Leaders Summit, including improving the sovereign debt restructuring process; advancing the multilateral development bank evolution agenda, including mobilizing new concessional financing at the World Bank to support all developing countries; and raising the level of ambition on mobilizing private sector investment for quality, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, the statement added. Earlier, US assistant secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu said President Biden would travel to India for G20 Summit in September. This is gonna be a big year for the India-US relationship. India is hosting the G20 and the US is hosting APEC, Japan the G7. We have lots of QUAD members who are taking on leadership roles and it provides us with opportunities to bring our countries closer, Lu said. In March, US secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to India for the G20 foreign ministers meeting, while treasury secretary Janet Yellen and commerce secretary Gina Raimondo visited India and also attended India US Forum in New Delhi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The father of Goldman Sachs analyst named John Castic who went missing in New York and was later found dead has revealed the cause of his death. According to a report by the New York Post, Jeffrey Castic on Thursday said his sons official cause of death is drowning. Goldman Sachs analyst John Castic(Twitter) Earlier, the deceased's father speculated that a fatal allergic reaction to peanut products might have been the cause of his son's death. We think he either had an allergic reaction he was allergic to peanuts and maybe ate something without realizing that it contained peanuts or there was an undetected allergy mixed with alcohol, Jeffrey had told the Daily Mail on Wednesday. John worked as a senior analyst at Goldman Sachs and was originally from Chicago. He mysteriously disappeared after leaving a nightclub at 2.30am on Sunday in Brooklyn, New York. He had visited the Brooklyn Mirage club with his friends, to attend a music gig featuring the Canadian electronic duo Zeds Dead. In an interaction with the Daily Mail, the deceased's father had shared that John left the club after telling his friends that he wasn't feeling well. He was at the club and he started to catch ill so he said to his friends that he was going home, Jeffrey had said. ALSO READ| 10 trillion gallons of water lost in Colorado River Basin due to rising temperatures: Report John's body was recovered after a man spotted a bloated, shirtless body floating in the English Kills, a branch of the East River tributary, near 1100 Grand St. According to police sources, there was no visible signs of trauma, apart from drowning. John's death has happened after a similar incident in the same creek. A person named Karl Clemente disappeared near the Brooklyn Mirage in June and was found dead in Newtown Creek. However, police sources tell the two cases aren't related. A Japanese man spent $14K to get a hyper-real costume of a collie breed dog but he has been told it's not good enough by a an American Kennel Club judge, who has given the canine morphosis a thumbs down. The judge felt that the man-dog had a heavy head and wasn't regal enough. He is very stiff and needs a lot of room to roam and work on that muscle tone, The human-dog, who goes by the name Toco, has a Youtube channel named I want to be an animal where he posts videos of himself going on and about in Tokyo in his costume. The custom-made suit of the collie dog took 40 days to be made and cost him two million yen- as per its creator Zeppet's website. However, in a recent turn of events, American collie breeders and dog-show judges went ruff on the human collie, with the stand that he doesn't stand a chance against the standard-bearers of the breed. Many from the American Kennel Club had varied views of this transformation. The umbrella organisation monitors and addresses canine legislation and offers a wide variety of educational material on canines. The AKC judges, who judge a variety of dog shows and events, are required to have a minimum experience of 12 years with owning, breeding and raising dogs which leads to their brutal observations of Toco. Jeffrey Presley, AKC judge, had quite a few views on the dog's appearance. He criticized the headpiece for being overly large and giving the impression of a heavy head. He also commented on his disassociation from the breed A collie should look regal, and I dont know that he does. [He] should have an expression of real intelligence, he said of Toco, who became an international sensation after sharing a video of himself walking on all fours in his collie suit. Several dog experts were raunchy over the furry being's choppy and cumbersome gait which was far from the effortless stride expected from the herding group's top dog. "He is very stiff and needs a lot of room to roam and work on that muscle tone," said Katie Skilton-Rendina, district director for Ohio and Michigan, Collie Club of America. AKC judge and collie breeder Erin Blaisure was of the view that Toco needs to make an appointment with the groomer and needs to lay off the chow. However, it's not like all is not well for Toco as some were seen charmed by the dog's friendly demeanour which is duly complimented for his breed. They're not aloof to strangers and very much a family dog, welcoming towards other people and dogs and that is how Toco was playing in the video of him on the streets, said Robette Johns, AKC judge. Over the past year, Toco has been posting footage of his dog days on YouTube for the past year, where his almost 50,000 subscribers can watch him eat fake dog goodies from a dish and shimmy inside his wire cage. His YouTube bio reads this channel will bring you unusual videos and lo and behold people are completely intrigued by the new dog and life. Editors note (August 1st 2023): This story was updated after Mr Trump was federally indicted for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. PREMIUM Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump looks on as he attends the ALGOP Summer Meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. August 4, 2023. REUTERS/Cheney Orr(REUTERS) Donald Trump is facing, by some counts, around 20 criminal investigations and civil lawsuits. On August 3rd Mr Trump is expected to be arraigned in a Washington, DC court on criminal charges related to his role in the January 6th 2021 attack on the Capitol and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. (The former president denied the allegations.) The charges will not be the first to be brought by federal prosecutors against a former president: Mr Trump is already facing a separate federal indictment, for mishandling classified documents, and a criminal indictment, filed by local prosecutors in New York. What are the most prominent inquiries involving Mr Trumpand how much trouble might he be in? The attempts to overturn the 2020 election On August 1st federal prosecutors charged Mr Trump with four crimes, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official government proceeding (in this case, the certification of the vote) and conspiracy against rights the right to vote and have your vote counted. The indictment described six unnamed co-conspirators. In announcing the charges against the former president, Jack Smith, an independent special counsel who oversaw the investigation, said the probe into co-conspirators continues. Previously, the most public investigation into Mr Trumps efforts to overturn the election was an 18-month probe by the House of Representatives January 6th committee. The bipartisan committee lacked the power to charge the former president. Fani Willis, the district attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, is conducting a separate investigation into whether the president and his associates tried to overturn the election results in that state. Georgia law criminalises solicitation of election fraud. Some experts believe that Mr Trumps notorious leaked phone call to Georgias secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, in which the former president asked him to find 11,780 votes, might constitute evidence of that offence. Lawyers advising Mr Trump also drew up a hare-brained scheme to manufacture a false slate of electors in order to award Georgias 16 electoral college votes to Mr Trump. They claimed that this ruse would allow Mike Pence, Mr Trumps vice president, either to overrule Joe Bidens narrow win in Georgia or let it be adjudicated by a special vote in the House of Representatives (which would have gone in Mr Trumps favour). A grand jury has recommended that Ms Willis charge more than a dozen people in the scheme, though precisely whom was not made public. She is expected to announce a possible indictment by the beginning of September. The classified-documents probe On June 9th federal prosecutors unsealed a 37-count indictment against Mr Trump for mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House and obstructing investigators. The charges include violations of the Espionage Act of 1917, which makes it a crime to hold secret government documents without authorisation. Mr Trump allegedly retained records about Americas nuclear weapons programme and other countries military capabilities. Prosecutors said that Mr Trump stored numerous boxes containing the material in a ballroom and a shower at his Florida estate, and shared a plan of attack prepared for him by the Pentagon with guests who were unauthorised to see it. After the FBI opened an investigation into Mr Trumps retention of the documents in March 2022, Mr Trump allegedly hindered their probe by suggesting that his attorney not play ball. Later one of Mr Trumps attorneys falsely certified that he had handed over all the material sought by a grand jury. Walt Nauta, an aide to Mr Trump, was also charged with several crimes. The investigation is being handled by Jack Smith, a special counsel, and court proceedings will take place in Florida. Merrick Garland, the attorney-general, appointed Mr Smith to avoid the impression of political bias. The hush-money probe In March a grand jury in Manhattan indicted Mr Trump for falsifying business records to hide the payment of hush money to Stormy Daniels (nee Stephanie Clifford), a porn actress who says she slept with him in 2006. The case will go to trial in March 2024. To buy Ms Cliffords silence, Michael Cohen, then Mr Trumps lawyer, paid her $130,000 shortly before the 2016 presidential election. The money came from Mr Cohens pocket, allegedly at his bosss direction. Later Mr Trump personally signed cheques to reimburse Mr Cohen. Those payments were falsely marked as legal expenses by the Trump Organisation, his property firm. Mr Cohen says that Mr Trump knew about the misleading records; Mr Trump denies that as well as the affair with Ms Daniels, and says that any suggestion of criminal conduct on his part is a fairy tale. The case is far from straightforward. Falsifying business records is a misdemeanour. To treat the allegedly fraudulent record-keeping as a felony, prosecutors must prove that it facilitated another crime: failing to report what was, in effect, a campaign expense. That is an untested legal strategy. In 2018 Mr Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to the hush money, as well as tax evasion, and served just over a year in prison. Mr Trump was not charged at the time; the Department of Justice (DoJ) has guidelines that recommend against the indictment of a sitting president. Mr Trumps lawyers will probably argue that Mr Cohen told his boss that the scheme was legal. Even if convicted the former president is unlikely to go to jail. If charged as a felony, falsifying business records carries a maximum prison sentence of four years, but first-time defendants rarely serve time. Fraud and civil liabilities Mr Trump also faces probes over his business dealings. Letitia James, New Yorks attorney-general, has sued Mr Trump , three of his children and his business, the Trump Organisation, for committing staggering fraud over a decade. Although Ms James is not able to bring criminal charges, she is seeking the return of $250m in allegedly ill-gotten gains and to have Mr Trump permanently barred from running a business in the state. The case goes to trial in October 2023. Ms James alleges that Mr Trump and his subsidiary businesses grossly inflated his net worth and the value of his properties to mislead prospective lenders. In 11 annual statements between 2011 and 2021, government attorneys found 200 instances in which they claim that the value of assets was fraudulently inflated. In 2015 Mr Trumps flat was valued as though it were 30,000 square feet (2,787 square metres) when it was in fact around 11,000 square feet. Its purported value was $327mat a time when only one New York apartment had ever been sold for more than $100m. Mar-a-Lago was valued at $739m on the premise that the land could be developed for flats, though Mr Trump had previously signed away those rights (and sought an income-tax deduction for doing so). An honest evaluation would have valued the property at a little more than one-tenth of the amount claimed, the attorney-general writes. Allen Weisselberg, the chief financial officer for the Trump Organisation, pleaded guilty in August to unrelated charges of tax fraud. He testified in a separate criminal trial against the company, which was found guilty of dodging taxes on December 6th. The potential penalties stemming from that conviction, at $1.6m, are pocket change for the firm, but the verdict is nonetheless an embarrassment. Prosecutors said Mr Trumpwho was not indictedhad been explicitly sanctioning tax fraud. Slow justice The former president faces numerous other civil lawsuits. In May a jury in Manhattan found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, an author, who accused him of sexually assaulting her 26 years ago. So far, none of the investigations or lawsuits he faces has significantly damaged his standing on the right. He claims to be the victim of a Democratic witch-hunt. Some Democrats hope that Mr Trump will be in jail by the time of the presidential election in 2024. That is exceptionally unlikely. The pace of criminal investigations can be plodding. Finding an unbiased jury to try a former president would be fiendishly hard. It is almost impossible to imagine a charge against Mr Trump speeding through indictment, trial, conviction and all possible appeals in merely two years. And even if one did, that need not be the end of Mr Trump. In 1920 Eugene Debs, a socialist convicted of sedition, ran for president from his prison cellin Georgia. More from The Economist explains: Who is Clarence Thomas? Why is the electoral cycle of Americas Congress so short? How should Joe Bidens economic record be judged? 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya has permitted the former president to withdraw his second arraignment in court on Thursday with no limitations to his travel or financial security. Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya warned Trump before he left court. Here's what stood out(REUTERS) Trump immediately dropped a fiery tweet, making pointed and threatening remarks toward prosecutors, judges, and juries IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU! Donald J. Trump(Twitter) On Thursday, Upadhyaya let the former president leave his second arraignment in federal court without imposing any travel restrictions or a cash bond on him. But, she also reminded him of the terms of his release and warned him not to break them. She also scheduled the next court hearing in the case for Aug. 28. The terms of his release were similar to those set by a judge in Miami federal court. Trump argued not guilty to the allegations connected with claims of mishandling of classified documents recovered from his Florida resort. The unprecedented arraignment of former President Donald J. Trump on charges linked with his apparent endeavors to have tampered with the 2020 official elections closed with a couple of customary cautions from the judge who led the session. Refrain from conversing about the case with any witnesses One who abstains from compelling witnesses receives additional consideration. The 45th US president was informed that he is denied from discussing the ongoing process of the case with any witnesses. Upadhyaya mentions, Trump might actually speak with a witness about the situation within the sight of his lawyer. Upadhyaya also reminds former President Trump that it is an offense to threaten a witness or endeavor to fight back against any individual who could provide testimony. It is a crime to try to influence a juror or to threaten or attempt to bribe a witness or any other person who may have information about your case, or to retaliate against anyone for providing information about your case to the prosecution, or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. The board didn't find the witness; The New York Times revealed that witness Cassidy Hutchinson, Trump's helper, had gotten the contact, provoking the Jan. 6 board to climb the meeting highlighting her public declaration. Why Jan. 6? Possible witness tampering to DOJ? The Jan. 6 committee said it referred a possible case of witness tampering to the Justice Department. The committees vice chair, Liz Cheney, said a former Trump White House aide received a call from someone who tried to influence her testimony. The witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, told the committee, (A person) let me know you have your deposition tomorrow. He wants me to let you know that hes thinking about you. He knows youre loyal, and youre going to do the right thing when you go in for your deposition. The committee did not name the caller, but The New York Times reported that it was former President Trumps chief of staff, Mark Meadows. The committee moved up Hutchinsons public hearing after learning about the call. ALSO READ: Donald Trump pleads not guilty to charges he tried to overturn election loss Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unsubstantiated Donald Trumps election fraud theories in Iowa As Trump hung over the table with his hands folded, The judge let Trump know that the main state of delivery is that he commits no offenses. In failing to do so, the former President could be revoked. While Trump might actually confront his fourth indictment in Georgia with links to theinvestigation of electoral obstruction in the 2020 presidential race, criminal allegations in Georgia are probably not going to abuse the release conditions. The warning given by the judge is likely to apply to criminal charges carried out after the trial, so an indictment in the state of Georgia wouldn't mean Trump neglected to consent to his terms of release. Trump need not appear in federal court for his next hearing, which is to take place in Washington on August 28th. Upadhyaya told Trump his appearance would be waived at the next hearing if he was represented by his lawyer. Just weeks before the one-year anniversary of the major protests caused by Mahsa Amini's death, Iranian authorities are preparing a new Bill on hijab-wearing that experts fear would put unprecedentedly harsh punitive measures into law, according to CNN. A portrait of Mahsa Amini is held during a rally calling for regime change in Iran following the death of Amini, a young woman who died after being arrested in Tehran by Iran's notorious "morality police," in Washington, on Oct. 1, 2022. (AP) The 70-article draft law sets out a range of proposals, including much longer prison terms for women who refuse to wear the veil, stiff new penalties for celebrities and businesses who flout the rules, and the use of artificial intelligence to identify women in breach of the dress code. Experts said the Bill, which has yet to be passed, was a reminder to Iranians that the regime will not back down from its stance on the hijab despite the country's enormous protests last year, according to CNN. The Bill was submitted by the judiciary to the government for consideration earlier this year, then forwarded to the parliament and subsequently approved by the Legal and Judicial Commission. It is set to be submitted to the Board of Governors this Sunday before it is introduced on the floor of parliament, state-aligned news agency Mehr reported Tuesday. Irans parliament would work on finalising the text and voting on the Bill in the next two months, Mehr said. Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, died last September after being detained by the regimes infamous morality police and taken to a re-education centre, allegedly for not abiding by the countrys conservative dress code, CNN reported. While not officially disbanded, the morality police had largely pulled back following last years protests, which have gradually waned. But earlier this month, police spokesman General Saeed Montazerolmahdi said the morality police would resume notifying and then detaining women who are caught without the Islamic headscarf in public. The hijab has long been a point of contention in Iran. It was barred in 1936 during leader Reza Shahs emancipation of women until his successor lifted the ban in 1941. In 1983 the hijab became mandatory after the last shah was overthrown in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, CNN reported. Iran has traditionally considered Article 368 of its Islamic penal code as the hijab law, which states that those in breach of the dress code face between 10 days to two months in prison, or a fine between 50,000 to 500,000 Iranian rials, what is today between USD 1.18 to USD 11.82. The new Bill would reclassify failure to wear the hijab as a more severe offence, punishable by a five-to-ten-year prison sentence as well as a higher fine of up to 360 million Iranian rials (USD 8,508). That fine is far beyond what the average Iranian could pay, as millions are below the poverty line, Hossein Raeesi, an Iranian human rights lawyer and adjunct professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, told CNN. Another section states that in order to enforce the new law, Iranian police must create and strengthen AI systems to identify perpetrators of illegal behaviour using tools such as fixed and mobile cameras. Earlier this year, state media reported that cameras would be installed in public places to identify women who violate the countrys hijab law, CNN reported. Under the new draft law, business owners, who do not enforce the hijab requirement, will face steeper fines, potentially amounting to three months of their business profit, and face bans on leaving the country or participating in public or cyber-activity for up to two years. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The State Committee of Azerbaijan for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons held a draw among the families who will be resettled in Azerbaijan's Fuzuli region on August 5, the State Committee told Trend. Representatives from the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in the freed regions that are part of the Karabakh Economic Region (with the exception of the Shusha district) and the executive power of Fuzuli district attended the ceremony. The draw was attended by 144 households (509 persons). According to the family makeup, 51 have two-room apartments, 76 have three-room apartments, and 17 have four-room flats. These family have resided in Baku and Sumgayit, as well as in temporary settlements on the Absheron district's land, till today. The lotteries are designed to promote neutrality and openness in the transferring of former internally displaced persons. Moreover, the participants in the draw noted that they feel great joy in connection with returning to their native places. They expressed their deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for the conditions created in the territories liberated from occupation and the care given to the former internally displaced persons. The families participating in the draw will be sent to the city of Fuzuli as soon as possible. The victory in the 44-day Second Karabakh War led by victorious Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev allowed our compatriots, internally displaced people who had been yearning for their native land for nearly 30 years, to return to their native lands in the territories liberated from occupation. Throughout their time as displaced people, the Azerbaijani government has given them extra attention and care. The strategy line, outlined by the great leader Heydar Aliyev and continued by President Ilham Aliyev, is aimed at improving living conditions, ensuring social protection, and securing the employment of internally displaced people, and it is now being implemented regularly. First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva constantly examines matters concerning internally displaced persons with exceptional sensitivity and assists in resolving their challenges. With Imran Khan's sentencing and quick arrest on Saturday in a corruption case, Pakistan has maintained its notoriety for jailing former prime ministers while shying away from taking any action against military dictators who repeatedly violated the Constitution. (Follow LIVE updates on Imran Khan's arrest here) Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan(Reuters) Khan, the chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore after an Islamabad-based sessions court sentenced him to three years in prison on the charges of hiding the proceeds from the sale of state gifts from the Toshakhana. The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet Division that stores gifts given to rulers and government officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries. Khan bought some gifts including a precious watch given to him by the Saudi crown prince and sold the same for profit. The 70-year-old leader was authorised to buy the gifts from Toshakhana and also carry out the sale but failed to inform the Election Commission of Pakistan about the money he made for which he was accused of concealment which is a crime under the law. In better times, Khan might have escaped with a warning or a fine by the court, but he had already run out of luck when he fell out with the powerful military establishment that led to his ouster from the government in April last year. Khan is not the first Pakistani premier to end up in jail, the country has numerous unenvious examples of the treatment meted out to elected leaders in its sordid history. The first on the list is Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, a Bengali politician from then East Pakistan who served as the fifth prime minister. He was arrested in January 1962 and put in jail on bogus charges of anti-state activities. His actual crime was his refusal to support military ruler General Ayub Khan. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who served as the ninth prime minister, was arrested on the charges of conspiracy to murder a political opponent in 1974. He was sentenced to death and hanged on April 4, 1979. Benazir Bhutto served as the premier twice from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996. The country's only woman prime minister was arrested several times -- first in 1985 and put under house arrest for 90 days. In August 1986, she was arrested for denouncing the military dictator Ziaul Haq at a rally in Karachi. In April 1999, she was sentenced to five years imprisonment for corruption and disqualified and fined more than 5 million pounds. She avoided arrest as she was in self-exile. Nawaz Sharif was arrested in 1999 after General Pervez Musharraf took over and later on exiled for 10 years. In July 2018, he was sentenced to 10 years in jail along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz in a corruption case. In December of the same year, he was handed over seven years in prison in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. He went to London for treatment in 2019 and never came back. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was arrested in July 2019 in connection with a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) corruption case but later on, bailed out. Imran Khan was also arrested on May 9, 2023 in another corruption case but released after a couple of days after the intervention by the Supreme Court. He was sentenced to three years in jail in the Toshakhana case on August 5, 2023. Commenting on his conviction and arrest, famous journalist and Geo News anchorman Hamid Mir said that he was not the first prime minister sent to jail and may not be the last one. First Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, then Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, then Benazir Bhutto, then Nawaz Sharif and now Imran Khan. Prime Ministers and politicians are always punished, he tweeted. He also said that no prime minister in the history of Pakistan has yet served their full five-year term. In stark contrast, none of the four military dictators Auyb Khan, Yahya Khan, Ziaul Haq and Pervez Musharraf faced justice for toppling elected governments and subverting the Constitution. The powerful Pakistan Army, which has ruled the coup-prone country for more than half of its 75 years of existence, has wielded considerable power in matters of security, foreign policy as well as politics. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister, was reportedly arrested after a trial court on Saturday sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts, also known as the Toshakhana corruption case, and disqualified him from politics for five years. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan(REUTERS) Legal experts said a conviction in the case could end Imran Khan's chances of participating in national elections that have to be held before early November. "Judge Humayun Dilawar announced that involvement in corrupt practices has been proven," Pakistan TV said. Khan was not in court for the hearing, and the judge ordered his arrest. The court imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on the Tehreek-e-Insaf chief, Dawn reported. Khan was indicted in the case on May 10 on a criminal complaint filed against him by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts. During the hearing on Saturday, additional district and sessions judge Dilawar ruled that charges against the former prime minister in the case were proven. Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details to the Election Commission of Pakistan and is found guilty of corrupt practices, Dawn quoted the judge as saying who sent the PTI chief to jail for three years under Section 174 of the Election Act. Dilawar also directed that a copy of the order should be sent to the Islamabad police chief for the execution of the court orders. What is Toshakhana corruption case? Imran Khan, 70, was convicted in the Toshakhana case which was filed last year on the complaint of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which had earlier disqualified him in the same case. The verdict came a day after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) set aside a session courts verdict to uphold the maintainability of the Toshakhana case for criminal proceedings against Khan. The Toshakhana issue over the sale of state gifts received by the former cricketer-turned-politician became a major issue in national politics after the ECP disqualified Khan on October 21, 2022, for making false statements and incorrect declaration. The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet division that stores gifts given to rulers and government officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries. Khan bought some of the gifts, including a precious watch, and sold the same for profit. Imran Khan case verdict biased: PTI Calling it a biased verdict, Imran Khan's PTI party said it will challenge the ruling in a higher court. A very biased decision of the additional district and sessions judge in the Toshakhana case. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rejected the biased decision of the biased judge Humayun Dilawar. Another black mark was placed on the forehead of the justice system by the Toshakhana case. The trial was conducted in the most absurd manner in history by the biased judge Dilawar. In this worst trial in history, an attempt was made to kill justice at the hands of a biased and morally corrupt judge, it said. The nation will never accept such a conspiracy and revenge attempt against the most popular and reliable political leader of the nation. There will be no tunnels in the face of judicial protection provided to fascism and the worst state oppression, the PTI spokesman said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Health authorities in the United Kingdom have flagged concerns of a significant spread of a new Covid variant Eris (EG.1.5). Derived from the Omicron strain, the EG.1.5 variant now constitutes 14.6% of total Covid cases in the region, making it the second most prevalent form of the virus, as per official health data. New Covid variant Eris is found in UK. (HT FILE PHOTO) What is new Covid variant Eris? According to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), originally identified as a signal on July 3, 2023, amid increasing international reports, especially in Asia, the EG.1.5 variant was upgraded from a signal to a designated variant (V-23JUL-01) on July 31, 2023, due to the growing number of genomes in UK data and its continued global expansion. Starting from the week of July 10, one out of every nine cases was attributed to this variant. Recent data indicate that its prevalence has escalated to 14.6% of cases, making it the second most widespread variant in the UK. The variant's rapid spread might be contributing to the recent surge in cases and hospitalisations, as reported by Sky News. Covid cases in the UK COVID-19 surveillance data up to the end of week 30 indicates a continued rise in case rates compared to the previous report. Of 4,396 respiratory specimens in the Respiratory DataMart System, 5.4% tested positive for Covid-19, compared to 3.7% in the previous report, the UKHSA noted. The overall hospital admission rate for Covid-19 in week 30 rose to 1.97 per 1,00,000 population, an increase from 1.17 per 1,00,000 in the previous report. However, ICU admission rates decreased to 0.05 from 0.07 in the previous report, it added. The elderly, particularly those aged 85 years and above, witnessed higher hospital admission rates, increasing to 20.49 per 100,000 from 9.8 per 100,000 in the previous report. Among those aged 75 to 84 years, admission rates rose to 9.45 per 100,000 from 5.54 in the previous report. What do health experts say on UK Covid rise? In this weeks report, we continue to observe a rise in COVID-19 cases. There has also been a slight increase in hospital admission rates across most age groups, particularly among the elderly. While overall admission levels remain extremely low and ICU admissions are not exhibiting a similar surge, we will maintain close monitoring of these rates, said Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UKHSA. In a shocking incident, guests at an amusement park in United States' Ohio went through a frightening ordeal after they were forced to evacuate and walk down a 200-plus-foot roller coaster by stairs after it suffered a mechanical snag at its highest point, leaving them suspended mid-air, Fox News reported. The shocking incident took place at Cedar Point in Sandusky.(Twitter/ @Moluskein) The incident happened at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, on Monday, when a mechanical malfunction made the riders walk down the towering 205-foot Magnum XL-200 roller coaster through stairs. Tony Clark, Director of Communications at Cedar Point, explained that it was a routine ride stoppage, similar to a "check engine light" situation, which required the ride to be temporarily halted and couldn't be restarted immediately. As a precautionary measure, guests were safely evacuated to ensure their well-being, he added. Visuals on the social media show park staff leading the riders down a steep set of stairs, gripping a handrail. All passengers appeared uninjured. According to Cedar Point's website, the Magnum XL-200 roller coaster, which holds the Guinness Book of World Record for its leading edge height, debuted in 1989 and it was the "fastest and steepest" complete circuit coaster in the world. Earlier, a similar incident took place in the UK when eight riders, including an eight-year-old were left stranded at the top of a 72-foot-high roller coaster that stalled at the Adventure Island theme park in Southend, Essex. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Trend reports via the Turkish Foreign Ministry. During the call, the two officials discussed various significant matters, including the developments in the South Caucasus region and the ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Additionally, they addressed the resumption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the security situation in the Black Sea, and the topic of NATO expansion. US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said during a briefing on July 31 that US continues to talk about peace agreement with Azerbaijan and Armenia. "We continue to believe that a peace agreement is within reach," he said. Miller pointed out that the Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been remained engaged in talking to leaders of both Armenia and Azerbaijan to help reach an agreement. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held bilateral talks on June 27-29 at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia. They met with US Secretary Anthony Blinken and Assistant to the President and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Washington. The ministers and their teams continued progress on the draft bilateral Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations. They reached an agreement on additional articles and achieved mutual understanding on the draft agreement, meanwhile acknowledging that the positions on some key issues require further work. Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360. If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email. remaining of Thank you for using HudsonValley360! On your next view you will be asked to log in or create an account to continue reading. Governor Signs Supplemental Budget Delivering $20M in Farm Relief BOSTON Governor Maura T. Healey signed a supplemental budget that makes $20 million available to support Massachusetts farms that have been impacted by severe weather in 2023. The fund will be administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. The administration is working to stand up a grant program to get relief out as soon as possible. "In the days following the heavy rainfall and severe flooding the devastated so many Massachusetts farms, the Lieutenant Governor and I went directly to the farmers and promised them that we would get them relief," said Governor Healey. "Just weeks later, we are proud to have delivered on that promise on multiple fronts securing $20 million in state aid, supporting a philanthropic relief fund and receiving a federal natural disaster designation. I am grateful to the Senate President, Speaker and legislative leadership for prioritizing and providing this relief. Team Massachusetts has come together in a big way to support our farmers, and I am deeply grateful for the partnership of agencies across our administration, the State Legislature, the federal delegation, the Biden Administration and the philanthropic community." Earlier this month, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) announced the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund. The fund is a partnership between philanthropic organizations and private foundations intended to support Western and Central Mass farms impacted by recent flooding and strengthen farm resiliency in the long term. More information about the fund can be found here and at unitedwaycm.org/farmfund. "I've spent the past several weeks out in the field, connecting with farmers and identifying ways we can support them," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "As a fifth-generation dairy farmer myself, I understand how devastating this year has been for our famers, but I also know that they are strong in the face of adversity. Our farmers should know that our administration and the Legislature have their backs. I'm incredibly grateful to the Legislature for delivering such fast relief and empowering the Department of Agricultural Resources to assist the farming community." The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated seven Massachusetts counties as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by excessive rain and flooding from July 9 through July 16, 2023. The disaster declaration allows farms to apply for low-interest loans and refinance existing loans, effective immediately. In addition, farms can utilize the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), which is a cost-sharing program for debris and clean-up costs as they relate to natural disasters such as the flood and recent rain events. The seven counties are Berkshire, Bristol, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk and Worcester. Contiguous counties are also eligible. More information for farmers can be found here. The supplemental budget signed by Governor Healey also included $180 million for financially-strained hospitals and extends authorization for racing and simulcasting until December 15, 2025. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5.The form, content and procedure for submitting financial statements of a political party have been approved, Trend reports. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov signed a corresponding decree. In addition, the updated provision was developed in accordance with the law "On Political Parties,", which regulates legal and organizational issues related to the form, content, and presentation of the financial statements of a political party. Moreover, a political party prepares financial statements in accordance with the laws "On accounting" and "On accounting in political parties", approved by Resolution No. 238 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated August 30, 2013. The terms used in the new decree emphasize the importance of the laws "On political parties" and "On accounting" provided for by the Civil Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as other regulatory legal acts of Azerbaijan. The composition of the financial statements of a political party consists of: - statement of financial position (annex No. 1); - report on the results of financial and economic activities (annex No. 2); - important accounting policies and explanatory notes. The report form provided for above is determined by Annexes No. 1 and 2 to this order. In addition, the decree applies to financial statements prepared for 2023 and subsequent years. Pittsfield Street Improvement Project: Aug. 8 PITTSFIELD, Mass. The following work is planned to take place starting Tuesday, Aug. 8. Tuesday, August 8: Pave first course blacktop on Cloverdale Street Wednesday, August 9: Finish first course Cloverdale Street and start first course on Tamarack Rd. Thursday, August 11: Pave first course on Lucia Drive and Quirico Drive This work will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is subject to change based on weather or other unexpected circumstances. On-street parking is prohibited between the hours of 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. Use caution when traveling on these roads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Changes have been made to the decree "On additional measures in the field of alternative and renewable energy" dated February 1, 2013, resulting in the abolition of "Azalternativenergy" LLC, which was subordinate to the State Agency on Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, and the engagement of the private sector in the sphere of utilizing renewable energy sources, Trend reports. In this regard, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a new decree. According to the decree, following the civil legislation requirements, after settling the accounts with creditors during the liquidation process, the remaining assets of "Azalternativenergy" will be declared open for privatization. The Ministry of Economy, following the "II State Program on the Privatization of State Property," approved by the decree of the head of state on August 10, 2000, will make decisions on the methods of privatization, taking into account the specifics. Foreign investors will be allowed to participate in privatization along with local investors. The "Azalternativenergy" LLC, established by Decree No. 810 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated February 1, 2013, ensured the management and operation of the solar energy systems installed in a number of social facilities, including the Surakhani, Pirallahi, Sahil, Samukh, and Gobustan hydropower plants. The company carried out work on the exploration, development, energy production, transportation, and distribution of renewable energy sources in the field of using renewable energy sources, including the design, production, construction, operation, and infrastructure provision of equipment, installations, and facilities for energy purchase. 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 }} There is, its fair to say, nothing more important to the movies than actors. The right performance can tip a film into the realm of greatness; a bad one can doom an otherwise promising project to mediocrity or ridicule. What would There Will Be Blood be without Daniel Day-Lewis at its centre? Would The Godfather still sparkle without Al Pacino and Marlon Brando? These are not questions anyone is keen to know the answer to. The best performances are irreplaceable; they are key to the very essence of cinema. But what happens when one good performance isnt enough to save a film? When a terrific performance is wasted on a substandard story? From Anthony Hopkins to Leonardo DiCaprio, many of the finest actors working today have lent their talents to inferior projects. Sometimes they simply phone it in, but other times, they manage to shine despite the material. Heres The Independents list of 23 secretly brilliant performances in bad films... Phillip Seymour Hoffman Along Came Polly (2004) The late, great Phillip Seymour Hoffman was that rarest of things; an actor who brought depth to even the flimsiest of roles, from The Hunger Games Plutarch Heavensby to Mission: Impossible IIIs villainous Owen Davian. The critically lambasted romcom Along Came Polly may be the best example of this, however, as Hoffman delivering a coruscating comic turn that stole not just a scene but the whole film from under Ben Stiller and Jennifer Anistons noses. Margot Robbie Suicide Squad (2016) Suicide Squad - Trailer One of the worst blockbusters in living memory, David Ayers supervillain dirge Suicide Squad was met with unanimous damnation from the critical community. Reviews were also unanimous, however, in their praise for Margot Robbies performance, with the Australian star later reprising the role in two subsequent movies. Tom Hanks The Ladykillers (2004) The Ladykillers is rightfully considered the nadir of the Coen brothers otherwise pretty miraculously consistent filmography. But thats not at all down to Tom Hanks, who compellingly reinvented a role so brilliantly inhabited by Alec Guinness in the classic Ealing original. Unctuous, erudite and deeply sinister, the felonious band leader is a far cry from any other character Hanks has tackled; he devours the Coens typically sardonic dialogue with a grin. A not-so-serious man: Tom Hanks as Professor Goldthwaite Higginson Dorr in The Ladykillers' (Buena Vista Pictures) James McAvoy Split (2016) M Night Shyamalans pulpy multiple-personality horror Split had plenty of issues, but James McAvoys showstopper performance wasnt one of them. Playing, essentially, eight characters in one is a tough task to pull off, but McAvoy manages it with theatrical aplomb. 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 Kristen Stewart American Ultra (2015) Though Kristen Stewart has been in a few of the best films of the last 10 years, shes still had her fair share of misfires. The 2015 stoner-thriller American Ultra was inarguably a misfire, as she played the girlfriend and handler of Jesse Eisenbergs amnesiac government sleeper agent. Its a bad film that never lives up to its larger-than-life premise, but Stewart turns in some remarkably good work here. Peter Dinklage Pixels (2015) Theres almost nothing good to say about this insipid Adam Sandler video game comedy from 2015. But what little there is exclusively concerns Game of Thrones Peter Dinklage, who turns in an incongruously funny performance as obnoxious video game champion Eddie "The Fireblaster" Plant. Peter Dinklage in the insipid 2015 gamer comedy Pixels' (Sony) Thomas Hayden Church Spider-Man 3 (2007) Probably the worst Spider-Man film to ever grace cinemas, Sam Raimis trilogy capper was a torrid mess of plotlines, too many villains and bad haircuts. The films only sincere pathos comes from Thomas Hayden Church, who manages to somehow survive the carnage with his head held high, playing the tragically fated Flint Marko, AKA Sandman. John C Reilly Kong: Skull Island (2017) On paper, Kong: Skull Island should have been a blast. It had a solid cast (including Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L Jackson, and John Goodman), an intriguing premise (King Kong during the Vietnam War) and the 104ft ape we all know and love. But the film was a major disappointment. The only saving grace was John C Reilly, whose brief appearance as a WWII pilot stranded on Skull Island after his plane was shot down felt like it was from another film entirely. Uma Thurman Batman & Robin (1997) Uma Thurman knew how to pitch her performance better than anyone else in this despised 1997 superhero flick. In the role of fern fatale Poison Ivy, Thurman gives a performance of enjoyable camp extremity. To quote Janet Maslin in her contemporaneous review for the New York Times: As played by Uma Thurman, Poison Ivy is perfect, flaunting great looks, a mocking attitude and madly flamboyant disguises. Like Mae West, she mixes true femininity with the winking womanliness of a drag queen. Uma Thurman as Dr Pamela Isley, AKA Poison Ivy, in Batman & Robin' (Warner Bros) Michelle Pfieffer Grease 2 (1982) The original Grease has not endured the ravages of time with a whole lot of grace, and its reviled 1982 sequel has fared even worse. Nevertheless, Grease 2 had one living, breathing redeeming quality: its 23-year-old newcomer star Michelle Pfieffer, whose charisma and talents survived the stink of the whole schlocky affair. Alan Rickman Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) Kevin Costner may have failed to set Sherwood Forest alight with his role in the ropey Robin Hood adaptation Prince of Thieves, but the same cant be said for his co-star Alan Rickman. The Die Hard star gave an outstanding performance as the nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham. Was Rickman playing to type? Well, yes, but there was pretty much no one better at doing what he does here. Martin Freeman The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) Forged in the afterglow of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jacksons Hobbit prequels were doomed to live in the shadow of their predecessors. But not many people were ready for quite how bad they were. Look past the dodgy CGI and over-egged plotting, however, and Martin Freeman was an inspired choice as a young Bilbo Baggins: no-one plays a genial, put-upon everyman (or should that be everyhobbit?) quite like him. Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' (New Line Cinema) Max von Sydow Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011) This skin-crawling 9/11 drama was criticised upon its release for being exploitative and trying to milk sentiment from real-life tragedy. Max Von Sydows performance was spared the knives, however, with the legendary Swedish actor giving a moving and wordless turn as an elderly renter. His efforts didnt go unacknowledged, and von Sydow was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Phil Hartman Jingle All the Way (1996) Barring a few notable exceptions (such as The Simpsons and NewsRadio), the late Phil Hartman pretty much made a career out of radically outshining his co-stars. During his eight-year stint on Saturday Night Live, a low period for the shows reputation, Hartman was known as the glue. He didnt manage to hold all the cracks in the wretched holiday comedy Jingle All the Way together, but he was nonetheless an enjoyable, consistently funny presence, playing Arnold Schwarzeneggers smarmy neighbour. Leonardo DiCaprio The Great Gatsby (2013) Baz Luhrmann was always an odd choice to adapt F Scott Fitzgeralds literary classic; his brand of cinema is one of bombast and flash. While Tobey Maguire was a pretty drab Nick Carraway, and the usually brilliant Carey Mulligan underwhelming as Daisy Buchannan, DiCaprio was perfectly cast as Gatsby, striking the right balance of insecurity, bluster and poignancy. Boats against the current: DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby' (Warner Bros) Anthony Hopkins Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) For an actor of the highest calibre, Anthony Hopkins has still been known to phone it in from time to time; when he receives a script, he reportedly marks certain pages with the letters NAR (No Acting Required). Hed have been forgiven for just dialling it in for this dismal Transformers sequel, but instead, hes unnecessarily compelling, playing a sagacious astronomer whos studied the history of Transformers. Oscar Isaac Sucker Punch (2011) Even by director Zack Snyders own standards, Sucker Punch was something of a spiky, unpleasant misstep. The film, a fantasy about a woman who tries to escape a mental institution through a series of fantasy worlds, was savaged by critics. Oscar Isaac, not yet a name movie star, acquitted himself shockingly well, however, playing a despicable orderly at the facility. Adam Driver Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Theres much to detest about the final film in the so-called Skywalker Saga, from the dialogue and the lazy fan pandering, to the way in which it all but abandoned story arcs previously given to characters like Finn (John Boyega) and Rose (Kelly Marie Tran). Though his masked villain, Kylo Ren, is rushed through a slipshod redemption-by-numbers story, Adam Driver doesnt stop turning in good work, however. The force was certainly weak with this one, but Driver emerged from the wreckage with his reputation utterly unscathed. Adam Driver as Kylo Ren in The Rise of Skywalker' (LucasFilm) Ewan McGregor Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith (2005) Driver wasnt the only actor who valiantly struggled to provide a good performance in a thoroughly bad Star Wars film. Ewan McGregors work as Obi-Wan Kenobi came under scrutiny throughout the first two of George Lucass maligned prequels, but by the third, he had well and truly found his footing. Michael K Williams Assassins Creed (2016) Even by the metric of video game adaptations, Assassins Creed was capital-b Bad. Usually bankable actors like Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard were histrionic and laughable here; the plot and characterisation almost defy belief. But in the midst of this is The Wires Michael K Williams, delivering a typically classy turn as a Haitian Assassin called Moussa. Florence Pugh Black Widow (2021) The Marvel Cinematic Universe has lured a number of elite actors to its shores, from veterans like Robert Redford and Michael Keaton to younger stars like Michael B Jordan and Zendaya. In terms of up-and-comers, there are few better than Florence Pugh, who appeared as Yelena in the otherwise dreary 2021 blockbuster Black Widow. Pugh makes the films lead, Scarlett Johansson, pale in comparison, but the materials simply not up to snuff. Matthew Lillard Scooby Doo (2002) Say what you will about the puerile 2002 movie adaptation of the classic kids cartoon Scooby-Doo, but you cant really fault the casting. Linda Cardellini, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr are all well-suited to the roles of Velma, Daphne and Fred respectively, but theyre not a patch on Matthew Lillard (Scream; Twin Peaks: The Return), whose big, swing-for-the-fences performance as the feckless slacker Shaggy Rogers is a masterclass in understanding the assignment. Matthew Lillard as Shaggy Rogers in Scooby-Doo: The Movie' (Warner Bros) Raul Julia Street Fighter (1994) The Addams Familys incomparable Raul Julia died tragically in 1994 at the age of 54, having suffered a stroke. While it may seem like a shame for his final major film to be as shoddy an effort as Street Fighter, Raul Julias performance in it is nothing short of a cult sensation. Playing the villainous M Bison, Julia is laugh-out-loud funny, a wonderful foil for a set of unworthy adversaries. 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 United States has opted not to designate Army Private Travis King as a prisoner of war, even as the active-duty soldier crossed into North Korea last month and remains in the nations custody. The 23-year-old who darted across the heavily guarded border at the demilitarised zone separating North and South Korea during a civilian tour has sparked open questions for the US military on how he should be classified. According to four US officials familiar with the matter, factors like Kings decision to sprint across the US allys territory and into North Korea of his own free will in civilian attire, appear to have stripped him of the right to claim the POW status. The US still has the option to call King a prisoner of war. The formal status of the private army personnel is AWOL or absent without leave. As per the military regulations, he will be automatically declared a deserter after 30 days of being AWOL. While declining to comment on Kings POW status, a Pentagon spokesperson said that the defence departments priority was to bring him back to his home nation and that it was working to achieve that through all active channels. Private King must be treated humanely in accordance with international law, the spokesperson said. This message has been conveyed to Pyongyang in private communications, the US officials said, adding that these communications have not seen POW status being invoked. There was no final decision, a US official, however, told Reuters on the condition of anonymity. The USs view on Kings status could evolve as it learns more about his case, the official said. If not classified as a POW, King will not be covered by the protections entitled to prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention. The decision could prove to be critical for the US military given its commitment to leave no soldier behind enemy lines. King, the active-duty soldier, might appear to qualify as a POW as the US and North Korea technically remain at war in the prolonged armistice they entered after the 1950-53 Korean War, which did not end in a peace treaty. 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 World Scout Jamboree in South Korea came under pressure after facing calls to be cancelled on Saturday, as groups from the United States and Britain decided to depart a week ahead of schedule due to severe heat and adverse weather conditions. The withdrawal of the US on Saturday deals a new setback to both the organisers and the South Korean government. Just the day before, the government had pledged increased provisions such as water trucks, air-conditioned areas, and medical personnel in an effort to salvage the event. The mercury has climbed to 34 degrees Celsius in Saemangeum, situated near the city of Buan on South Koreas western coastline. This is where 39,000 participants, primarily scouts aged 14 to 18, have been camping since Friday. The two-week-long outdoor event began on Tuesday as authorities issued the highest-level warning for extreme temperatures for the first time in four years. At least 400 people were treated for heat-related illnesses at the gathering. Over 43,000 young scouts from 158 countries are participating in the World Scout Jamboree held on land reclaimed from the sea in the southwestern town of Buan. During the opening ceremony on Wednesday, at least 108 people suffered from heat-related illnesses and exhaustion and were taken to the hospital, the authorities said. The ceremony was attended by president Yoon Suk Yeol along with chief scout, Bear Grylls. The temperature there reached 35C on Wednesday. By Thursday the number of people falling sick due to extreme temperatures had risen to at least 400. Most of them were experiencing mild symptoms, such as headache, dizziness and nausea and all returned to their campsites, a Jeonbuk Fire Service official said. The US contingent is set to participate in a jamboree programme on Saturday, followed by their relocation to the US Army Garrison Humphreys near the jamboree site on Sunday, Reuters reported, citing an email the news agency reviewed. The US Contingent to the World Scout Jamboree has made the difficult decision that we will be departing the 25th World Scout Jamboree site early because of ongoing extreme weather and resulting conditions at the jamboree site, the email sent to parents by the US groups media team read. The Singapore Scout Association also said on Saturday that they would be transferring from the jamboree site to Daejeon Metropolitan City. The safety and welfare of our young people and adult volunteers are of the utmost importance, said the association. On Friday, Britain, the largest group participating in the jamboree, announced their decision to relocate to hotels in Seoul for the remainder of their stay, aiming to ease the strain on the event site. The World Organization of the Scout Movement said in a statement on Friday it had asked the Korean Scout Association to consider alternative options to end the event earlier than scheduled and support the participants until they depart for their home countries. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least three more people were killed and several houses were torched in Indias Manipur in a fresh wave of violence, police officials said late on Friday, as the remote northeastern state continues to tether on the brink of civil war. More than 180 people have already died between May and July in Manipur, and thousands have been displaced from the Indian state bordering Myanmar, amid reports of rape, beheadings and violence in the region. The three victims killed on Thursday night belonged to one of the two sparring communities the majority Meitei group in the states Bishnupur district, a police spokesperson said. Two communities Meitei and Kuki have been up in arms against each other and have carried out killings in the ethnic violence since early May after a court order asked the state to consider extending economic benefits and quotas security in government jobs and education to the majority group of Meitei population, sparking uproar among the locals. The state benefits were previously reserved for the minority tribal community of Kuki people, comprising nearly 84,000 in the state population of 3.2 million. Manipur, about 1,519 miles [2444.5km] from New Delhi, has been the scene of near-civil war where mobs have been seen rampaging through villages and torching houses, and even parading women naked and sexually assaulting them. A dated video of the incident had sparked a huge uproar nationwide, forcing official comment from prime minister Narendra Modi while his administration has been criticised for maintaining a public silence for months. Additionally, the administration has imposed an internet shutdown and kept journalists locked out of the state. The Christian Kuki community has been protesting against the special status for Meiteis, claiming that it would allow the majoritarian sect to buy land in the hills populated by Kukis and other tribal groups and get a share of government jobs. The warring factions have also formed armed militias and gunfire continues to plague remote isolated villages. More than 60,000 people have fled to packed relief camps. 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 convoy of dozen Pakistan police vehicles sped through the streets of Lahore, home of the now-imprisoned former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, as they took the prominent opposition leader to prison on Saturday after a court convicted him in an asset concealment case. This is the second time this year Mr Khan has been detained in just one of more than 150 legal cases slapped on him since his ouster from the top office last year. He has been charged with illegally selling state gifts worth more than 140m Pakistani rupees ($635,000) during his tenure from 2018 to 2022. The three-year-long prison sentence could keep Mr Khan away from his political protests, high-voltage rallies and a powerful bid to make a comeback as the countrys prime minister again as the law deems people with criminal convictions ineligible from holding or running for public office. Mr Khan is named in more than 150 legal cases, including several on charges of corruption, terrorism and inciting people to violence over deadly protests in May. The violent protests saw Mr Khans ardent supporters attack government and military property across the country, resulting in him getting named in dozens of cases across the country within a short span. He is facing a multitude of charges in different institutions and courts since his removal for graft, murder, sedition and corruption, including Saturdays conviction by a trial court. Last month, the interior minister in the current administration of Shahbaz Sharif had warned that the authorities were going to open criminal proceedings against Mr Khan on charges of exposing official secrets related to diplomatic communication between the US and Pakistan. Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari, former cabinet member and Mr Khans advisor told the Independent: Imran Khans arrest has been on the cards for a few weeks. It was obvious that they are trying to eliminate him from the political landscape of Pakistan. But what is not being understood is that the entire country is behind him. However, Mr Khan is Pakistans leading opposition figure and has support from his followers despite his ouster. His party spokesperson said that Mr Khans trial in the illegal sale of government gifts is the worst in history and tantamount to the murder of justice. While this temporarily halts Mr Khans political pursuit to return to power, his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, said it will challenge the decision in a superior court. Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the vice chairman of PTI will lead the party in Mr Khans absence. The more than 150 cases will also keep Mr Khan from smoothly entering back into the political ecosystem as he continues to challenge his rivals in the current administration and the Pakistan military. Even if the apex court suspends the conviction, the ultimate power to dictate Mr Khans political eligibility rests with the countrys election body which can disqualify him from politics. Rife with a history of military takeovers, political upheaval and social unrest, Pakistan has seen its share of top figures being arrested over the years with interventions from a dominant military force, making Mr Khan the seventh ex-PM to be arrested in Pakistan. The current turmoil comes as the already embattled country struggles with a dire economic situation, a spike in militancy, and the impact of last years catastrophic floods, compounded by severe climate crisis events this year as well. Mr Khans supporters are expected to take over the streets across Pakistan after Saturdays verdict, throwing the nation into a volatile atmosphere again as they are determined to see him returned to power. Mr Bukhari, however, added that fear has been spread all over. 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 local Taliban officials have reportedly banned girls over 10 years of age from attending primary school classes in some provinces of Afghanistan in its latest set of restrictions against female education. Officials from the Taliban-ruled Ministry of Education have told the principals of schools and short-term training classes in Ghazni province that any girl over 10 years of age is not allowed to study in primary schools, reported BBC Persian on Saturday. A student in sixth grade, the standard to which the Taliban had permitted education last year, said that girls who are over 10 years old were not allowed to enter the school. The report added that in some provinces, the local authorities of the Ministry for Preaching and Guidance, formerly the Womens Affairs Ministry, separated girls based on age and asked the principals of the girls school to send the female students above the third grade home. The Independent has not verified the claims. Shortly after the fall of Kabul and the exit of the US and Nato-led regime in Afghanistan, the Taliban in September 2021 banned girls from secondary education and ordered high schools to be reopened for boys only. Last December, it dealt a significant blow by prohibiting college and university-going women, imposing an indefinite ban on university education for thousands. The hardline Islamist regime is the only administration across the world to prohibit nearly half of its population from obtaining secondary education. Last month, the UN blamed the Taliban authorities for further increasing restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan in recent months, including on their education and employment. The regime has barred women from most areas of public life and work and cracked down on media freedoms. It has banned girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade and prohibited Afghan women from working at local and non-governmental organisations. The ban was extended to employees of the United Nations in April. 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 }} Thai ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced the delay of his return from self-imposed exile as Thailand struggles to resolve a political impasse resulting from the victory of anti-military parties in the May general election. Mr Thaksin, once a telecommunications magnate who assumed office as prime minister in 2001 before being deposed by the military in 2006, continues to cast a long shadow over Thailands political landscape. Despite residing in self-imposed exile since 2008 to evade politically-motivated corruption convictions after his governments removal in a 2006 coup, his influence remains substantial, local reports said. On Saturday, Mr Thaksin said in a post on X formerly known as Twitter that he needed a medical checkup and would delay his return, originally planned for 10 August by a couple of weeks. In the May election, Mr Thaksins supported Pheu Thai Party secured the second position, trailing behind the progressive Move Forward Party. Despite the efforts of the two parties that emerged victorious in the election to forge a government in collaboration with six like-minded allies, their progress has been impeded by the Senate. The Senate is under the influence of military appointees and conservative opponents. Earlier this week, Pheu Thai assumed the initiative in attempting to establish a government independently of Move Forward. The latter partys endeavours to create a government were met with unrelenting resistance from pro-military conservatives who were against its reform-focused agenda. Local reports said that the constitution, formulated under military rule, mandates a collaborative session involving the elected lower house and the appointed Senate to cast their votes for a prime minister. On two occasions, Move Forward attempted to secure the endorsement of party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as the prime minister through both houses of parliament. However, despite winning the largest number of seats in the election, these efforts were thwarted. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The Working Group on environmental issues of the Interdepartmental Center, operating under the Coordination Headquarters for addressing the issues in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan in a centralized manner has held a meeting in Shusha city, Trend reports. Representatives from the working group's respective state structures, including the Special Representative Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shusha District, Shusha City State Reserve Management, and the Special Representative Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan districts of the East Zangazur Economic Region, attended the meeting. Delegates from the Special Representative Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region (except for Shusha District), the Karabakh Economic Region Restoration, Construction, and Management Service, and the East Zangazur Economic Region Restoration, Construction, and Management Service No. 1 also attended the event. Vugar Karimov, the Head of the Working Group and Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, provided updates on the ministry's environmental efforts in the Shusha district. These efforts encompass reforestation, the creation of new green areas, protection of special natural territories, and measures to preserve the Dashalti State Nature Reserve established in 1988. The reserve is dedicated to safeguarding rare natural complexes, historical and paleontological landmarks, and maintaining them as exemplary areas within the administrative territories of Khojaly and Shusha districts. Karimov highlighted that out of the 8,526 hectares of forest resources in the Shusha district, 2,972 hectares were destroyed, along with 50 hectares from the Dashalti State Nature Reserve, which originally spanned 450 hectares. Additionally, among the eight mineral deposits registered in the 1990s, only four were exploited. The official also mentioned the ongoing exchange of information with experts engaged in the international legal assessment of the ecological damage caused by Armenia during the 30-year occupation. Furthermore, the installation of an automatic weather station equipped with all necessary sensors in Shusha city has been completed, aiming to restore the hydrometeorological network. This station now enables the assessment of climatic conditions in the Shusha district, leading to improved accuracy in meteorological forecasts and warnings, which is particularly beneficial for industrial and agricultural sectors operating in the area. In addition to the intensive development and beautification efforts in the liberated territories, there is a strong focus on restoring the environment. To achieve this goal, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has compiled a list of trees and shrubs suitable for planting in new green zones, considering their bio-ecological characteristics. Furthermore, a classification based on planting types has been prepared to guide the restoration process. To kickstart the restoration efforts, suitable tree species have been planted on a 1.5-hectare plot adjacent to the Topkhana forest in the Shusha district. Additionally, a 0.02-hectare plot to the left of the entrance to Shusha city has also been planted with appropriate trees to further contribute to the greening of the area. A representative from the Special Representative Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district provided valuable insights into the planning and project work for the restoration and reconstruction of Shusha city, which holds significant historical, cultural, and strategic importance for Azerbaijan. It was emphasized that ecological concerns are given special attention during the ongoing construction and restoration work in Shusha. Under the Master Plan of Shusha city, projects for constructing houses and other structures are carefully designed to include measures for preserving and relocating trees from areas designated for creating green alleys and parks in the new districts. This approach ensures that the city's greenery and natural environment are well-preserved during the development process. The favorable geographical location and rich nature of the Shusha district offer extensive opportunities for the development of the service and tourism sectors. In line with this potential, the special representative office collaborates with relevant institutions to create a comfortable and healthy living environment for the residents of Shusha who are returning to their homeland, as well as for visiting guests. To achieve this, they aim to implement innovative methods that align with environmental standards, promoting sustainable development practices in the city. Moreover, the future concept for the development of Shusha city and its surrounding areas takes into account the potential of the rivers located in the district, the Dashalti State Nature Reserve, and the abundant mineral water source, Turshsu, to develop tourist zones. This strategic approach aims to harness the natural resources of the region for tourism development while ensuring their conservation and protection. During the meeting, the participants were also informed about the management of solid household waste in the liberated territories. The "Temiz Sheher" (Clean City) state-owned company is actively engaged in solid household waste management in Shusha city. A total of 121 containers have been strategically placed across 70 sites throughout the city to facilitate waste disposal. Additionally, in collaboration with the Shusha City State Reserve Management, the company has set up six landfill sites for underground waste containers, with plans to establish more in the future. This effort includes the acquisition of six units of specialized equipment and four types of underground containers, meeting modern waste management requirements in the city. During the presentation, Faig Mutallimov, the department head at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, emphasized the ministry's commitment to promoting a circular economy in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. To ensure efficient utilization of natural resources, the ministry has initiated the recycling of construction waste generated during restoration and reconstruction works in Kangarli village, located in the Aghdam district. To ensure sustainable waste management in response to the increased volume of construction and demolition waste resulting from restoration efforts in the liberated territories, a pilot project was launched in the Aghdam district. This project aims to set a precedent for the effective recycling of waste in the region. Mutallimov shared that the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, with the assistance of experts from the UN Environment Program, conducted laboratory analysis of samples taken from debris in Shusha city and the Aghdam district. The analysis confirmed that the waste is suitable for recycling and can be utilized in construction activities. In addition to Mutallimov's presentation, Irada Huseynova, a member of the Working Group on Ecological Issues and Vice-President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), highlighted the significance of Shusha for every Azerbaijani citizen, as it was emphasized by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. She pointed out that after the liberation of Azerbaijani lands by the victorious Azerbaijani army, scientific organizations and researchers enjoying the opportunities created for the "Great Return of Science" to Karabakh have been carrying out comprehensive biological and radiological monitoring, studying the land and water resources in the region, including Shusha and its surrounding area. During the meeting, Irada Huseynova presented valuable information about the landscape, soil cover, biological diversity, and rich flora and fauna of the Shusha district, including the Dashalti State Nature Reserve. She highlighted the presence of rare species from the "Red Book" of the Republic of Azerbaijan inhabiting these areas. The presentation included details about the results of biological, radiological, and microbiological monitoring conducted by relevant research institutes, shedding light on the ecological health of the region. The presentation also revealed that two substantial chapters in a book published by the renowned Springer publishing house in English are dedicated to the medicinal and food plants of Karabakh and their use by the local Azerbaijani population. This highlights the rich natural resources and traditional knowledge of the region that can contribute to its sustainable development. Furthermore, a representative from the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan provided important information about the reconstruction of the drinking water supply systems in Shusha. In the first phase of the project, new reservoirs were constructed to ensure a sustainable water supply for the city, benefiting around 25,000 people while considering the city's future development needs. To meet the city's demand for drinking water, existing sources such as Kichik Kirs, Zarisli, and the Zarislichay reservoir, commissioned in 2022, will be utilized. Additionally, three reservoirs with a total capacity of 6,000 cubic meters are being planned to further ensure a sustainable water supply for Shusha. The construction of the first reservoir is set to be completed by the end of the current year. In addition, water treatment facilities with a capacity of 8,000 cubic meters per day are being constructed to ensure the complete purification and treatment of wastewater generated in Shusha city, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable water management practices. Following the liberation of Shusha, the restoration work for the city's drinking water supply was promptly initiated. A project was introduced to create an alternative water source due to a significant decrease in the productivity of the Kichik Kirs and Zarisli springs at certain times of the year. To address this, a reservoir with a capacity of 25,000 cubic meters was constructed in the Zarisli River bed. The project also included the establishment of a pumping station and a new pressure pipeline extending 2.9 kilometers. Thanks to these efforts, water supply from the new source was made available to the city in December of the previous year. Additionally, there are plans to expand the Zarislichay reservoir, increasing its capacity to 7.5 million cubic meters, further ensuring a stable and sufficient water supply for Shusha. During the meeting, the participants engaged in discussions about the prospects of utilizing construction and demolition waste as secondary raw materials. Strategies to minimize environmental impact during road infrastructure projects, protection, and enhancement of green vegetation in Shusha, as well as the supply of materials needed for the construction of the Shusha road, were also addressed. Effective waste management solutions for the waste generated during construction works in the liberated territories were part of the discussions. Furthermore, environmental assessments of projects implemented in Shusha city were reviewed to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly development in the region. After the meeting, the participants had the opportunity to visit the Dashalti State Nature Reserve and the Topkhana Forest, gaining firsthand knowledge of the natural treasures of the area. Additionally, they were acquainted with the functioning of the automatic meteorological station in the city, contributing to improved understanding and management of climatic conditions in the region. 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 }} While capitalising on the blockbuster success of the Barbie movie, Ginos Cheese Steak and Onion in Fayetteville, New York, has gone through nearly 20 gallons of its pink sauce since the film premiered on 21 July. Barbiemania has spread far and wide with brand partnerships galore, and the runaway success of the film has led to not only big businesses cashing in on the Barbie magic but small businesses like Ginos, too. Josh Amidon, the owner of Ginos and a self-described Cheesesteak Jedi, was eager to get in on the action. In an interview with Today, Amidon said: Its genius and I wanted to be a part of it because everyone else was being a part of it, and Ill be damned if Im not gonna get in on a trend. As other restaurants churned out pink Barbie drinks and desserts, Amidon realised that although he was more than game to join in on the fun, he didnt want to replicate what was already out there. Instead, he wanted to try something fun and different. Before Amidon bought Ginos at the height of the pandemic in 2020, he previously worked in marketing, so using his expertise from his old career, Amidon introduced a new twist to Ginos namesake sandwich: a hot pink sauce dubbed Malibu Barbie Dream Drizzle. While describing his creative process, Amidon explained: Because I am a freak, I have to taste everything nine times and try everything a little bit differently. And then finally when the doors opened, were just kind of like, Hey, I guess were going with this thing. Amidon and his staff ultimately tested 20 different versions of the sauce before launching it in store on the films premiere date. To say the Barbie pink sauce is a hit is an understatement. The drizzle made up of red dragon fruit and house-made ranch with splashes of garlic, chili, and lemon has a lot of buzz on social media. The glittery aesthetics of the sauce have led to people flocking from near and far just to get a taste of that sauce. The last Ive heard is weve had someone drive from as far as New Jersey, Amidon recalled. She came in wearing pink cheetah print and a cowboy hat, and we had so much fun with her. Since then, customers have had no problem driving hours just to try the saucy sandwich, and social media cant get enough of it. On Facebook, one of Ginos posts reached over 10 million users, a testament to the power of Barbie. Based on the reaction, Amidon deduced that Ginos was going to have to make some more of that pink sauce. But according to Amidon, they ended up making a lot more than they could have possibly imagined, with nearly 20 gallons of sauce sold to date. Amidon says they use two ounces of sauce per sandwich. The sauce may have been inspired by the viral Pink Sauce condiment that blew up on Tik Tok last summer, but Amidon clarified: I have nothing but respect for the original. I am super proud of what weve done with it and what our staff has done with it, and how weve, in my humble opinion, elevated it. 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 }} Senior figures at The Royal Thames Yacht Club are reportedly hoping that Kate Middleton might be willing to take over an important role from her father-in-law, King Charles III. The Knightsbridge-based club includes Lord Mountbatten and Prince Philip among its former royal patrons. Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, stepped down as commodore in 2021 due to his links with Jeffrey Epstein, and the role was taken over by his older brother, Charles. Earlier this week, the yacht club hosted a new event on the Isle of Wight, titled Women Who Rock the Boat, in an effort to encourage women to take up sailing. According to the Daily Mails Diary Editor Richard Eden, a senior member of the club said Kate would be a great role model were she to take on a position. The Princess of Wales is a noted sailing enthusiast. Last year, she joined the Team GB sailing team in Plymouth for a friendly race against New Zealand. In 2019, she accompanied her husband, Prince William, with their children Princess Charlotte and Prince George, to the charity Kings Cup regatta on the Isle of Wight. The trouble is, royal protocol dictates that it's up to her and the Royal Family to make the first move, the Royal Thames Yacht Club member reportedly said. This means that the Palace would need to approach the club and discuss the prospect of Kate taking on the role of commodore. Kate celebrates with the Great Britain SailGP Team (Ricardo Pinto for SailGP/PA) (PA Media) In recent years, yacht clubs around the UK have been endeavoring to improve gender representation, and overhaul the sports image as an old-boys network. A female commodore was elected by the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club in Dover, Kent one of the oldest Royal yacht clubs in Britain for the first time in its 150-year history, in 2019. Kate and William during a sailing excursion (Getty) Two years later, Sarah Hancock was appointed as the first female commodore of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. Next month, the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to be among the senior royals gathering with King Charles to commemorate his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at Balmoral Castle. The day will also mark the anniversary of the Kings accession. It has been reported that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have been snubbed from the event, despite Harry having a gap in his schedule that could allow him to attend. 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 }} Meghan Markle celebrated her 42nd birthday on Friday but there was radio silence from senior members of the royal family. Last year, the official Twitter accounts for the royal family, including the now Prince and Princess of Wales and King Charles and Queen Camilla, publicly shared birthday wishes for Meghan on social media. But neither of the official Twitter accounts wished the duchess a happy birthday this year. Wishing a happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex! wrote the @KensingtonRoyal Twitter account for Prince William on Meghans 41st birthday, sharing a picture of Meghan smiling while wearing a white coat and matching hat. The Clarence House account, which at the time was being used to share updates on the then Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, shared an identical tweet with a different picture of Meghan. However, in June this year, there was radio silence from senior members of the royal family on social media as Harry and Meghans daughter, Princess Lilibet, celebrated her second birthday. Prince Archie also did not receive any birthday wishes on his fourth birthday, which fell on the same day as King Charless coronation in May. The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace for comment. This year marks a very different birthday for Meghan and her husband Prince Harry. Relations between the Sussexes and the royal family have soured in the past year, given the release of Harry and Meghans Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan and Harrys tell-all memoir Spare, in which he made a series of claims about his fraught relationship with senior members of the royal family. Tensions are thought to have consistently worsened since Harry and Meghan decided to step back from royal duties in 2020 and move to Los Angeles. The Sussexes reportedly did not receive an invitation for a royal family gathering to mark the anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. On 8 September, King Charles III is expected to commemorate his mother at a gathering in Balmoral Castle. The day will also mark the anniversary of the Kings accession. A source told The Sun that there has not been any outreach to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding the royal event. If they are not included in any of those plans they will find a way to mark the significance in their own way, the source said. Meghan and Harry were spotted leaving a celebrity hotspot restaurant in Montecito, California on Wednesday night, ahead of Meghans birthday on Friday. 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 skipper of a rented motorboat involved in a crash off the Amalfi Coast that killed a US tourist is being investigated for suspected manslaughter, a prosecutor in southern Italy said Saturday. Salerno Chief Prosecutor Giuseppe Borrelli told a news conference in that port city that the skipper, an Italian who hasn't publicly identified, is also being investigated on suspicion of causing a shipwreck. No charges have so far been filed against him, and the investigation is still ongoing. Adrienne Vaughan, 45, was killed and her husband and the skipper of the rented motorboat were injured in the accident Thursday afternoon off a stretch of coastline popular with tourists. The motorboat slammed into a chartered sailboat, where some 70 guests aboard were enjoying a wedding reception. Blood samples were taken from the skipper to determine alcohol and drug levels. But Mr Borrelli indicated that for now the results were inconclusive. The results are being evaluated by a consultant of the prosecutor's office since the data per se aren't necessarily significant, Mr Borrelli. He added that more evaluation was needed to determine "the incidence of the levels on the ability of the subject to pilot the boat. Recommended American publishing chief killed in boating accident on Amalfi Coast On Friday, Italian news reports said that the blood toxicology tests had found traces of cocaine. Investigators have questioned the skipper who remains hospitalised with what Italian media said are pelvis and rib fractures. The victim's husband, Mike White, is being treated at another hospital for a shoulder injury, according to reports. Authorities have spoken to him and plan to do so again, Borrelli said. The couple's two young children were uninjured. Vaughan was thrown into the water by the impact and was repeatedly struck by the motorboat's propeller, according to Italian news reports. Two doctors who were among the passengers on the sailboat dived into the sea to help Vaughan, while a nearby vessel brought her to shore. Mr Borrelli said the woman died before a medical helicopter and local ambulance could take her to hospital. The sailboat's captain has told Italian media that the motorboat was speeding when it smashed into the stationary sailboat's bow. The prosecutor said investigators also questioned the captain of the sailboat as well as some 70 passengers including American and other foreign tourists. The motorboat had set sail from the town of Amalfi, Mr Borrelli said. According to Italian media, the family was headed to Positano, another popular coastal town when the crash happened. Vaughan was president of Bloomsbury Publishings US branch, which counts writers ranging from bestselling novelists Sarah J. Maas and Susanna Clarke to historian Mark Kurlansky among its roster of authors. A Bloomsbury book, Chasing Me to My Grave: An Artists Memoir of the Jim Crow South, by the late Winfred Rembert (as told to Erin I. Kelly), won the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 2022. 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 }} Slovenia has faced the worst-ever natural disaster in its history, Prime Minister Robert Golob said Saturday, after devastating floods caused damage estimated at half a billion euros ($550 million). Devastating floods on Thursday and Friday killed three people and destroyed roads, bridges and houses in the small Alpine country. Two thirds of the territory had been affected, Golob said. The floods were the biggest natural disaster in Slovenia's history, Golob said after a meeting of the country's National Security Council on Saturday. Luckily, last night was easier than the one before." After three weather-related deaths were reported on Friday, Slovenian media said on Saturday that one more person was found dead in the capital Ljubljana. Police are yet to confirm the report. The floods were caused by torrential rains on Friday which caused rivers to swell swiftly and burst into houses, fields and towns. Slovenia's weather service said a month's worth of rain fell in less than a day. Experts say extreme weather conditions are partly fueled by climate change. Parts of Europe saw record heat and battled wildfires during the summer. Golob said road and energy infrastructure were hit particularly hard, as well as hundreds of homes and other buildings. Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes and many had to be rescued by helicopters or firefighters in boats. Slovenia's army has joined the relief effort, with troops reaching cut off areas in the north to help. Photos from the scene showed entire villages under water, outdoor camping sites destroyed, cars stuck in mud and children's toys crammed against fences. The STA news agency reported that major roads in parts of Slovenia also remained partially closed on Saturday because of the flooding, including the main highway through the country. Dozens of bridges have also collapsed, and the authorities urged people not to go anywhere until damage is fully assessed. Several severe storms in the Alpine nation earlier in the summer blew off roofs, downed thousands of trees and killed one person in Slovenia and four others elsewhere in the region. Flash floods were reported also in neighboring Austria, where some 80 people were forced temporarily to leave their homes in the southern Carinthia province. 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 }} This is the moment a woman bravely fought off a sex attacker as she repeatedly told him please go away. She was one of the six lone women Hanok Zeray, 32, targeted and sexually assaulted in Brighton city centre over the course of last year. She cannot be named for legal reasons but the woman has agreed to the clip being shared. In the footage taken on her mobile phone at a bus stop in October, the woman can be heard repeatedly telling Zeray to leave her alone as he persists in asking her where she is from. Hanok Zeray grins during the encounter even though the woman is clear she wants him to leave (Sussex Police) Next, he appears to lean in to try and hug her. Pulling away, she says, Dont touch me, I dont like being touched. Then, a struggle breaks out and a loud noise is heard as the woman screams. The woman reported the frightening encounter to Sussex Police, who subsequently arrested Zeray. An investigation was launched after a woman reported being raped in the Old Steine in Brighton on 16 April. Zeray was arrested the following day on suspicion of rape but was released under investigation while evidence was collected to pursue a charge. On 22 May, two women reported being sexually assaulted on London Road and Southover Street in the early hours of the morning. The Southover Street victim was chased by a stranger later identified as Zeray but managed to escape by locking herself in her flat. Pulling away as Zeray appears to try and hug her, the woman says, Dont touch me, I dont like being touched (Sussex Police) Enquiries were underway to identify a suspect when, on 23 October, a third woman reported being sexually assaulted by a stranger in the city. He harassed her persistently, but she was the victim who managed to capture the sexual assault on film. Officers identified Zeray from the footage and he was arrested shortly after. He was charged with rape and three counts of sexual assault and remanded in custody. While remanded, Zeray was charged with three additional counts of sexual assault after three more women came forward to report being attacked. One on the 22 May on London Road, one on Gladstone Place on 19 June, and a third on 23 October five minutes before Zeray was filmed assaulting the woman who filmed him. Zeray targeted and sexually assaulted six women in Brighton city centre over the course of last year (Sussex Police) At Brighton Magistrates Court on 24 February, Zeray pleaded guilty to all six counts of sexual assault and not guilty to rape. The rape charge was later discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service. At Lewes Crown Court on 21 July, Zeray was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison, with an extended licence period of five years. Superintendent Adele Tucknott, Sussex Polices lead for violence against women and girls, said: The behaviour shown by Hanok Zeray will not be tolerated in Sussex from the persistent harassment of women through to the sexual assaults for which he has been jailed. Women and girls should be safe to walk the streets alone at any time of day or night without being targeted by predatory men. We have a range of measures to keep people safe at night and it is so important that any incidents are reported so we can take positive action. In an emergency, always call 999. You can also download the Safe Space app, which has a list of designated safe spaces across Sussex where you can seek help. Download the app here Safe:Space Sussex - Safe Space Sussex Application. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A British hiker has been missing in the Swiss Alps for more than a month, as his family continue the search to find him. Aidan Roche, 29, travelled to Switzerland for a two-week solo holiday in June, where he planned to track a mountain trail in the Grindelwald area. He was last heard from on 22 June, 12 days into his two-week trip and there has been no trace of him since. His brother Connor said of the experienced hiker: Its not something he wouldnt have been able to manage. But sometimes you know, all it takes is a freak occurrence for something to go wrong. Aidan Roche has been missing in the Swiss Alps since June (Supplied) His family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help support further search efforts, as they say the Swiss police and mountain rescue service have ceased their efforts having exhausted every option. The campaign has now exceeded its 30,000 goal, with funds going towards generating new leads by raising awareness in the area, as well as the use of a search helicopter. Below we look at everything we know about the search so far. Who is Aidan Roche? Aidan Roche is an experienced hiker from Middlesbrough. The 6ft 2in tall 29 year old works as an offshore chemical engineer. He grew up in Longlands, a central Middlesbrough neighbourhood, and was living in Leeds at the time he went missing. He had planned to move back to Middlesbrough after his trip. Hes a character and this solo travel thing is exactly the type of thing he loves, his brother Connor has said. He can talk to absolutely everyone and he can just make friends with anyone. Aidans friend Beth Taylor says he had a distinctive tattoo on his arm reading MAYASWELLMAYSENYA and loved to play blaring music from a speaker as he walked. Where was he last seen? A video taken at 11:36am BST places Roche a short distance away from the village of Grindelwald, which sits at the foot of the Eiger mountain. Friends say this is the last footage he sent to them. In this video, and two others sent on the same day, other hikers can be seen in the background. Ms Taylor posted an appeal on TikTok, asking anyone with information about these people to come forward it has been viewed 26,000 times. She says his family are looking for a woman seen sitting on a rock in a video filmed at 11:05 BST and five people near a waterfall filmed in the final video. I know he would have spoken to the girl sitting near him in the video, and the people walking towards him. Were just hoping that someone can identify them and give us a new lead. The family have also released Aidans last text messages before he went missing, sent to an unnamed friend, where the 29-year-old wrote: Hello, hello. I should be in Grindelwald in about two hours, followed by a picture of the view from the trail, and his final message: Im still pretty high. Ill see you back at camp. What is the latest on the search? Mr Roches family went to Switzerland on 21 July to try and find him themselves. They have been forced to continue the search alone after the Swiss police and mountain rescue teams ended their efforts after exhausting every option. Connor Roche provided an update on 30 July: We just need some more information. Weve had nothing coming in from any of the missing posters. Weve also now been given the bill for the search helicopter, which came to 7k. His other brother Niall explained how the search effort went: Theres none of his bag or anything that he had with him. It doesnt make sense how we havent found anything. From the timestamp of the picture he sent, its about 90 minutes of hiking and its not particularly difficult. What have his friends and family said? In her TikTok video, Ms Taylor said Mr Roche had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. Speaking to The Guardian, Connor said: I try and keep up hope that maybe hes decided to wander off, or hes hit his head and forgotten who he is, but I have to drag myself back to what we actually know and the evidence suggests that hes still on the mountain and we havent found him yet. Theres the outside chance that he has some crazy survival story. You cant help but imagine the worst of things sometimes especially with it being this long since he went missing. But then you feel guilty for imagining those things. Right now we just need more information anything that can help us find him and bring him home. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunak has been accused of cooking the books as thousands of asylum claims are removed from the system following his vow to clear a historic backlog by the end of this year. More than 6,000 people have been wiped off the list without being fully assessed in just three months, for reasons such as failing to attend interviews or appointments, and not filling in new fast-track questionnaires. The figures have quadrupled since the prime minister pledged in December to clear the pre-June 2022 asylum backlog. The government is now withdrawing more claims than it decides, sparking accusations the backlog is being cut by the back door. Official guidance seen by The Independent states that applications can be withdrawn by the Home Office without the asylum seekers consent even if it has been unable to contact them and does not know where they are, with a notification letter served to file only. Once removed from the system, people are ineligible for the housing and financial support offered to destitute asylum seekers, with a Tory MP warning they can then disappear without a trace. Labour accused the government of cooking the books to reduce backlog numbers, while charities accused ministers of leaving asylum seekers at risk of deportation and homelessness. Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay told The Independent: This seems to be an amnesty by the back door and yet another loophole allowing many thousands of potential asylum claimants with or without a valid claim to just disappear into the underground economy without a trace. The use of the tactic has rocketed since the prime minister pledged to clear the 92,000 asylum applications waiting by June 2022 by the end of this year. In the three months before Mr Sunak made his vow, 397 asylum claims were withdrawn by Home Office officials without the applicants consent, but between January and March the number rocketed to 2,029. The government made a further 4,039 asylum withdrawals in the period for other reasons, including when someone formally consented. Only 5,800 cases were fully decided in that time, with 4,000 people granted protection and 1,800 claims refused. Sunak announces plan to fast-track removal of Albanian asylum seekers A Home Office official told The Independent that failures to attend asylum interviews or report to an immigration centre were being used a lot to trigger withdrawals. This is done to basically bring the backlog down, they added. A lot of interviews were booked to withdraw as many claims as possible [if people didnt turn up]. Official figures suggest the tactic is mainly being used against Albanians, but Afghans are the next highest nationality affected, and Syrians, Iranians, Eritreans and Iraqis are also being caught in the process. Stephen Kinnock, the shadow immigration minister, said the government had created the backlog itself by slowing down asylum decisions. The government claims it is on track to clear the legacy backlog but is withdrawing more claims than it decides (PA) The Conservative government is cooking the books and not being honest with people, he added. They need to come clean on how many of these withdrawn asylum seekers are simply getting the green light to drift off into Britains underground economy, never to be heard of again, and how many are being removed from the UK. A National Audit Office report published in June suggested the drive was intensifying further, with almost three-quarters of the asylum outcomes in April recorded as withdrawals. It found that Albanians were being specifically targeted with the tactic, saying it was requiring them to physically report to Home Office officials, and then withdrawing their claim if they do not turn up without a good reason. Steve Smith, chief executive of the refugee charity Care4Calais, said the government should not be clearing the backlog through backdoor withdrawals which are leaving thousands of people with no future. The way refugees engage with the asylum process hasnt changed, so why have withdrawals quadrupled since Rishi Sunak pledged to clear his governments own legacy backlog? he asked. Albanians have been a key target of the policy, despite the number arriving on small boats plummeting this year (Getty) Behind every claim is a real person and the reality is that refugees left with no asylum claim are even more vulnerable to exploitation. Out of the 2,029 involuntary withdrawals in the first three months of this year, almost 1,400 were for Albanian claimants, 92 were for Afghans, 36 for Syrians and smaller numbers for nationalities including Eritrean, Iraqi, Iranian and Yemeni. Home Office guidance states the policy targets people who show no real interest in pursuing their claim by failing to comply with the process, failing to provide up-to-date contact details, absconding or leaving the UK without permission before a decision. Triggers listed for withdrawal include failure to complete an asylum questionnaire, failure to attend a reporting event, failure to attend the substantive asylum interview and absconding. The guidance says claims should be removed unless asylum seekers can provide evidence that their absence was due to circumstances beyond their control, such as medical appointments or travel disruption. The total asylum backlog has hit a new record high (Home Office) People must be issued a formal warning and offered a new appointment before the process starts, normally following two no-shows. But charities have raised concerns about Home Office errors seeing communications sent to old addresses, and low financial support leaving asylum seekers struggling to travel to appointments. Asylum Aid said it was particularly troubling that the failure to return fast-track questionnaires was being used as a basis for withdrawal, when the forms were being sent in English, under very short timeframes for people who may not be able to access legal advice. Director Alison Pickup added: We have seen in our own caseload real problems with the Home Offices record-keeping around the questionnaire process and there are serious concerns about the fairness of these decisions, which could result in people being sent back to countries where they are in danger without any substantive consideration of their claim or right of appeal. Tim Naor Hilton, the chief executive of Refugee Action, called the situation extremely concerning. It means many people will wait even longer for a decision on their claim, during which time they live in limbo on very low levels of support, with no right to work, and in terrible housing, he added. The Home Office said it was making every effort to deport people whose claims had been withdrawn, although the only operational returns agreement is with Albania. A spokesperson added: We are on track to clearing the legacy asylum backlog latest figures show a reduction of 17,000 cases, and the number of decisions made overall is up by 35 per cent. Our efforts to streamline processing means statistics now show an increase in the number of withdrawn claims, which occur for a number of reasons including where someone has already left the UK before their claim was considered or they choose to pursue another application for permission to stay. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Jamaican ex-banker who was unlawfully detained by the Home Office has won his right to remain in the UK, The Independent can reveal. James Matthews, 34, was awaiting the outcome of his application for leave to remain before being detained in Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre in May 2022 and labelled an overstayer. The former Jamaica National Bank employee had applied for leave to remain on the basis of his relationship with a British citizen in July 2020, but the Home Office said this application was refused on 2 February this year. However, Mr Matthews says he wasnt notified about this. Consequently, the ex-banker and legal representatives at MTC Solicitors launched legal action arguing he was still lawfully resident in the UK. On Thursday, it emerged that the government was defeated in its attempt to remove Mr Matthews from the country and no Home Office representatives showed up to the court hearing to argue its case. This past year and a half has probably been the most difficult time for me and my family, especially my fiancee, her parents and my dad who worried about this situation but tried not to voice it. However, I could see it, Mr Matthews said. Im sorry for the stress that Ive caused them but I thank God that its over now. Before life became a misery in May 2022, I was a happy and carefree man. But, after having immigration officers barge into the place where I sleep, I know that I will never look at them the same. Nowadays, I dont like seeing planes flying overhead and I know its because of how I used to see them going past while being detained at Harmondsworth Detention Centre. Mr Matthews is relieved his legal fight is over (James Matthews) Mr Matthewss fiancee, an NHS doctor who asked not to be named, told The Independent the couple look forward to closing this painful chapter in their lives. It feels like a weight has been lifted, she said. This unnecessary situation imposed upon us by the Home Office is finally over, although it will never be forgotten. Im British and felt as though I was being punished for falling in love with a non-Brit. Where we come from should not matter, but that has not been the case in the UK. He is not a criminal and yet he was detained like one. When visiting him, I and his loved ones were patted down as if visiting a criminal. Even on release, the fact that the case was ongoing meant that it has been in the back of my mind even when at work, trying to serve as a doctor. The couple expressed gratitude to MTC Solicitors, advocacy group Here to Stay UK and local MP Wes Streeting for their support. Mr Matthews came to the UK in October 2019 on a visitors visa and was unable to return to Jamaica at the time after his visa expired in April 2020, as travel to and from Jamaica was suspended because of the Covid pandemic. The Home Office extended his stay to 31 July 2020 because of the extenuating circumstances, and he was advised of his right to apply for leave to remain in the UK from within this country referred to as in-house again, because of the pandemic. His application was lodged on 28 July 2020 but a response was not received from the government. Mr Matthews had feared he would be put on a deportation flight (Getty) Mr Matthews would have been deported last year, if MTC Solicitors had not intervened and lodged a last-minute judicial review injunction, having only received instructions some hours before a flight he was to be put on. Public law solicitor Naga Kandiah of MTC Solicitors told The Independent: There is currently a hostile environment marketed by the Home Office, which has also sadly targeted immigration solicitors due to the disappointing actions of a few bad lawyers. But what is being forgotten is the necessity of lodging last-minute applications to halt great injustices from happening to the individual person when the state clearly makes unreasonable or wrong decisions. Such actions and procedures are there for a reason, and must be used only after a solicitor has exercised the utmost diligence in analysing and preparing a case. Mr Kandiah said that Mr Matthews had done everything in his power to comply with the rules and accused the Home Office of failing to justify their inhumane and cruel decision to detain him and put him on the charter flight. Though Mr Matthews is now able to legally remain in the UK, the matter of legal accountability for his detention by the Home Office remains ongoing. The Home Office has been approached for comment. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Students attending vocational-technical schools in Azerbaijan will now have access to student educational loans, Trend reports. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the relevant changes in the "Procedure for providing student educational loans from the student educational loan fund" through decree No. 226 on July 24, 2021. Prior to this update, only students of higher vocational-technical schools were eligible for these loans. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Holidaymakers have been warned not to swim at a popular British beach, as the water is deemed unsafe due to health fears. Red flags were put in place on the shore of Wells-next-the-Sea on Wednesday (2 August), after concerns were raised by Environment Agency officers about the levels of bacteria in the seawater. North Norfolk District Council was advised of a pollution risk by the EA, leading to do not swim signs being put in place. A spokesperson from North Norfolk District Council said: The safety of our residents and many thousands of visitors to our popular beaches is of paramount importance to us. Red flags advising against swimming at Wells Beach have been put in place as a precautionary measure after we received an automated pollution risk advisory from the Environment Agency. We will await further updates from the Environment Agency before making any further comment. The health fears have been raised during the beach resorts annual carnival week. A council spokesperson told the Eastern Daily Press that the risk forecast alert was different from a controlled spillage overflow alert, based on data predictions and modelling. The owner of Wells-next-the-Sea, Holkham Estate, also said the pitching of red flags was not related to raw sewage. A spokesman from the Holkham Estate told The Mirror: The bacteria at Wells is natural and related to the salt marshes and wash off of bird/animal faeces. Beach huts at Wells-next-the-Sea. (Adam Batterbee) On Friday (4 August), an Environment Agency spokesperson said: A Pollution Risk Forecast (PRF) was issued for Wells yesterday. These forecasts are based on rainfall, wind and tidal patterns and alert people when water quality may be poor. Throughout the bathing season (May to September), the Environment Agency will issue warnings of any forecasted pollution risk on its Swimfo website. Since 2018 the water quality of Wells Beach has been deemed sufficient by the Environment Agencys advice website Swimfo and received a good classification in 2022. The Liberal Democrats prospective parliamentary candidate for North Norfolk, Steffan Aquarone, said he was disgusted and dismayed after red flags were planted for one day at another Norfolk seaside, Mundesley Beach, The Sun reported. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A British dog walker has been left unable to leave his house after tick bites left him with a potentially fatal allergy to red meat. Christopher Goldman, 28, caught alpha-gal syndrome after being bitten by a tick in December. He was walking in woodland near his home in Woking, Surrey at the time and has since been bitten at least four times. Speaking to Sky News, Goldman explains that he now exclusively wears vegan-approved clothing and uses guaranteed animal-free products. Anything he previously had in his home that contains animal products has been quarantined to a room at the front of his house which he no longer visits. Female lone-star tick, known to spread AGS in the US (CDC) On 28 June, he had his most serious episode when he suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction to red meat he had eaten a few hours before. He said:I woke up with intense itching and I was very hot, he explained, my skin was crimson red and I had hives all over my body. Heres everything you need to know about the tick-bourne disease: What is alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)? AGS is a serious, potentially fatal allergic condition. It is an allergy to the alpha-gal sugar molecule, which is found in most mammals. Alpha-gal can be found in meat (pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, venison, etc.) and products made from mammals (including gelatin, cows milk, and milk products). It is not found in fish, reptiles, birds, or people. AGS symptoms will generally occur after people eat red meat or are exposed to any product containing alpha-gal. Can I get alpha-gal syndrome from a tick bite? Yes. Although there is little research into alpha-gal syndrome, especially in the UK, evidence suggests it can be linked to tick bites. A small number of ticks can be infected with bacteria or viruses, and through biting humans can pass these on. Lyme disease is the most common disease spread this way, with up to 4,000 cases in England and Wales every year. Speaking to Sky News, Professor Richard Wall from the University of Bristol explains how alpha-gal syndrome can be caught from tick bites: The ticks have got this alpha-gal sugar in their saliva, when they feed they inject that into your blood stream, you then mount an immune response to that sugar. You have antibodies against it. How high is the risk? While the risk of catching alpha-gal syndrome in the UK is low, cases of Lyme disease have shown to be steadily on the rise, possibly due to an increase in bites. From 2013 to 2020, recorded cases rose by nearly 35 per cent. Professor Wall said climate change may be linked to an increase in tick bites: With the changing climate were seeing them certainly biting all winter and were seeing a gradual change in seasonal patterns. So, the risk of biting is now fairly common all season round. However, only around 1-5 per cent of tick bites lead to Lyme disease and cases of tick-borne encephalitis that can cause alpha-gal syndrome remain even less common than this. To minimise the risk of tick bites, the UK health security agency recommends wearing clothing that covers your skin while walking in wooded areas. They also suggest using insect repellent and ensuring you check your pets for ticks. What are the symptoms of AGS? The US CDC outlines the main symptoms of AGS as: - Hives or itchy rash - Nausea or vomiting - Heartburn or indigestion - Diarrhea - Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing - Drop in blood pressure - Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eye lids - Dizziness or faintness - Severe stomach pain If you are worried you are suffering with AGS or any tick-bourne illness, you should contact NHS 111. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Social media companies like Tik Tok are to join forces with the National Crime Agency to crack down on heartless adverts luring people into deadly small boat crossings with promises of group discounts and free places for children. But the drive to hurt the business model of vile people smugglers is voluntary. A similar push three years ago saw just over 4,700 posts, pages or accounts removed or suspended. Rishi Sunak said that the new commitment from tech firms including Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok and X, formerly known as Twitter, would redouble government efforts to fight back against these criminals. He said that in order to meet his flagship pledge to stop the boats: We have to tackle the business model of vile people smugglers at source. That means clamping down on their attempts to lure people into making these illegal crossings and profit from putting lives at risk. Home secretary Suella Braverman warned heartless people smugglers must not succeed, saying the "strengthened collaboration would ensure the vile content doesn't see the light of day. The crackdown comes at the start of a week in which ministers are expected to highlight small boats, an area where senior government insiders believe they have an advantage over Labour. No 10 also said that the legacy backlog of large numbers of asylum applications made before the end of June 2022 has been reduced by a third since December. The new drive will target posts advertising, among other things, safe crossings and offers of false documents, Downing Street said. Social media giants will also use tactics learnt from tackling extremist content to redirect people away to safer topics. As well as the agreement with tech firms a new centre, backed by 11m in funding, will be established at the NCA so officers can work with the Home Office to report promotional posts. Ministers will also organise a hackathon to try to use the power of AI to crack down on the deadly adverts. But the new system is a voluntary arrangement with the companies, which own some of the biggest social media networks in the world. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said the announcement was tinkering around the edges when much larger reforms are needed. The public has lost all faith in this government when it comes to the asylum system, and this latest announcement will do little to change that, he said. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Indiana mother of two died in July after drinking too much water too quickly, according to her family. Ashley Summers was enjoying a visit to Indianas Lake Freeman over the Fourth of July weekend when she told those around her she was feeling dehydrated, light-headed, and felt she couldnt drink enough water. After consuming multiple bottles of water in a short span, she went home, where she passed out in her garage. Her family rushed her to the IU Health Arnett Hospital, but she never regained consciousness, succumbing to water toxicity. "It was a shock to all of us. When they first started talking about water toxicity. It was like this is a thing?" Devon Miller, Ashleys brother, told WRTV. "Someone said she drank four bottles of water in 20 minutes. I mean, an average water bottle is like 16 ounces, so that was 64 ounces that she drank in a span of 20 minutes. Thats half a gallon. Thats what youre supposed to drink in a whole day," he added. "Its relatively rare," Dr Alok Harwani, a physician at the hospital, told WLFI. "Now, what we are concerned about is just drinking too much water in a short period of time. Your kidneys can really only clear about a liter of water per hour." The doctor said its a good idea when spending a lot of time outside in hot weather to continue to eat or drink things with electrolytes, like fruit or Gatorade, in addition to plain water, helping maintain the balance of water and sodium in the blood. Ashley Summers, an Indiana woman who died of water toxicity in July (WLFI) "Things to look out for are if you just start feeling really out of it, very tired, very fatigued," he added. "Sometimes patients feel like theyre starting to have a mild headache, or are just feeling overall unwell. Those could be early signs of water intoxication ... So, if youre really concerned that you or a family member is not acting right and youre worried about water toxicity, dont hesitate to call 911, dont hesitate to go to the [emergency room]." Deaths from water toxicity have happened before in a variety of contexts. According to Scientific American, people have died from the condition in everything from a radio stations on-air water drinking contest, to a fraternity hazing ritual in which a California university student was forced to drink copious amounts of water in between rounds of push-ups. Clubbers, particularly those on drugs like MDMA, can be susceptible to the condition as they sweat profusely and rehydrate with water over hours of dancing. 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 Florida man who confessed to the 1997 murder of his wife was executed for the 1988 murder of another woman who he repeatedly raped, strangled with her bathrobe belt, and killed with a hammer, before setting her bed on fire. James Phillip Barnes, 61, refused a last meal and had nothing to say on Thursday before receiving a lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Starke. He was pronounced dead at 6.13pm. Barnes was the 104th person executed in Florida since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, according to Department of Corrections records. His execution was Floridas fifth in the past six months under 2024 Republican presidential candidate Gov Ron DeSantis. The inmate had been serving a life sentence for the 1997 strangulation of his wife, 44-year-old Linda Barnes, when he wrote letters in 2005 to a state prosecutor claiming responsibility for another murder. DNA evidence later linked Barnes to the 1988 killing of 41-year-old nurse Patricia Patsy Miller and in December 1997, he was sentenced to death. The sentencing order stated that on 20 April 1988, Barnes broke into Millers condo through a bedroom window and repeatedly raped her, strangled her with her bathrobe belt, killed her by striking her head with a hammer, and then set her bed on fire with her body on it to eliminate evidence. In the letter mailed to Assistant State Attorney Michael Hunt in Viera, Barnes said a fellow inmate, who he described as my Muslim brother, had convinced him to confess an unresolved matter that happened in 1988 in Melbourne. Contrary to popular opinion, Im not looking to go to death row, Barnes wrote. As you can tell from the video, I like fresh air and sunshine and being healthy. I plan on living another 40+ years. Just 18 years later, however, Barnes was executed with about 20 witnesses gathered inside an execution-chamber viewing room. The curtain opened to show Barnes on a gurney with IV tubes in his left arm James Barnes was a violent and ruthless criminal, Melbourne Police Chief David Gillespie said in a statement. And, while todays execution ensures he will never harm another individual again, let us not forget the victims and the torture they had endured. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. Andrew Miller, the brother of the victim, spoke following the execution praising Melbourne police for their hard work. He also noted the similarities between his sister and Barnes other victim, his wife. "The commonality between these two women? They were both hard-working professionals. They were someones daughter. They were someones sister. They were someones mother," Miller said. "No one should live in fear within the safety of their own home. We do. My family does," he said. "The execution took place without incident," Kayla McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, said during a press conference on Thursday. Close Search of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killers home ends 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 Gilgo Beach murders victim previously known only as Jane Doe 7 has finally been identified more than 26 years after her partial remains were first discovered along the Long Island shores. In a press conference on Friday, Long Island officials announced that they had identified the victim as Karen Vergata, a 34-year-old who was last seen alive in Manhattan in 1996 while working as an escort. Police refused to take any questions and would not comment on whether or not they believe her disappearance and murder may be linked to serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann. This comes as prosecutors have asked the court to obtain a swab of DNA from Mr Heuermann and as his wife broke her silence in her first interview since his shock arrest to reveal she is filled with anxiety and their two children cry themselves to sleep every night over the horror case. Mr Heuermann, 59, was arrested on 13 July and charged with the murders of Amber Castello, Megan Waterman and Melissa Barthelemy. He is also the main suspect in Maureen Brainard-Barnes killing. The women all went missing in 2009 and 2010 before their remains were found along Gilgo Beach. 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 husband of a Georgia mother-of-four who disappeared more than two weeks ago has been arrested for her murder. Imani Roberson was last seen on 16 July in Conyers, where she was leaving her mother's home. Her car was later found burned and broken into pieces near Atlanta, approximately 24 miles away, according to NBC News. Her body was reportedly found on Friday. Her husband Donell Anderson was then arrested at an apartment complex in Atlanta, and was charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm, according to Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett. He said during a news conference that more arrests were coming in the case. "This investigation is still ongoing and I can assure you that another arrest will be made," he told reporters. Police said Roberson disappeared after she and her four children visited her mother's house for a family dinner. She left two of the children with her mother and returned home with her three-year-old and one-month-old. The next day Roberson's mother called her repeatedly, but she did not answer. When she traveled to her daughter's house to find her, she found no one there. She filed a missing person's report on 17 July. All four of Roberson's children are currently safe, police said. Clarine Andujar-White, Roberson's mother, said the day that Mr Anderson was charged had been a "very difficult day" for her family. Imani Roberson, a Georgia mother-of-four who was allegedly killed by her husband, according to police (Roberson Family provided photo) "When I couldnt reach Imani almost three weeks ago, I knew something was wrong," she said. "Late last night my worst fears were confirmed and our family is devastated." Her father, Ronald Acklin, said that it was "not the news" the family was hoping for. The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office has asked members of the public with information regarding Ms Roberson's disappearance to come forward. "Put yourself in the shoes of this family. Put yourself in the shoes of this mother and father who not only just lost a daughter, they lost a daughter that has four children that's young as 1 month old," the sheriff said. "If you have a heart and you know something ... you would call and give us information." 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 }} Social media influencer Kai Cenat has been charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly after his promised giveaway event in Manhattans Union Square descended into violence. Thousands of Mr Cenats fans gathered in the park on Friday afternoon after he announced a huge giveaway in a Twitch livestream. The scene quickly turned violent as aerial footage showed fights breaking out, people hurling stones and chairs at police officers, climbing onto a subway station entrance and tearing down metal barriers. An unknown number of people were hurt, including several officers, and dozens were arrested. Mr Cenat, 21, who has 6.5 million followers on Twitch and more than four million on YouTube, was surrounded by hundreds of fans as the chaos unfolded before he left with a police escort and was later taken in for questioning. On Friday night, NYPD chief of department Jeffrey Maddrey announced Mr Cenat was facing two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, among other charges that were not disclosed. Mr Maddrey confirmed that there had been no coordination with police ahead of the event. Mr Cenat has not spoken publicly about the incident. In total, police arrested 65 people, including 30 juveniles. Mr Cenat announced his giveaway in a Twitch stream on Wednesday, promising to hand out computers, Play Station 5s, microphones, keyboards, webcams, gaming chairs, headphones and giftcards. I feel like New York really deserves it, he said. A huge crowd gathered in Union Square for a giveaway by YouTuber Kai Cenat (NBC New York) Police confront Kai Cenat fans in Union Square (Getty Images) Fans began gathering in Union Square at around 3pm Friday, an hour before Mr Cenats anticipated arrival. The park was quickly overwhelmed as the crowds spilled into the streets, with Mr Maddrey saying: We went from 300 kids to a couple of thousands of kids in minutes. The NYPD activated its highest level of disaster response, Level 4, after initial attempts to clear the crowds faltered and violence exploded. A citywide alert went out for every available officer across the five boroughs up to 1,000 officers to go straight to Union Square to deal with the rioting. Mr Maddrey said that the teenagers broke into a construction site in the square and threw rocks, bottles, paint cans and lit fireworks at officers. Our officers were attacked, we were crushed, we were pushed, I had officers on the floor, Mr Maddrey said. Kai Cenat stands at the centre of a crowd in Union Square on Friday (Getty) You had people were walking around with shovels, axes... a lot of young people got hurt. A line of police with clubs and shields smashed through the crowd at around 4.30pm, and began to regain control of the situation, according to reporters on the ground. One police officer was reportedly jumped by rioters and severely beaten. Mr Maddrey said he had been in the thick of the riot, and suffered injuries after being hit with flying objects. As you see Im a little embarrassed, Im very dirty right here. I was in the middle of the crowd, I was hit with a couple of objects as well. I think I have a couple of injuries but Ill figure that out when I have time to think about it. NYPD chief of department Jeffrey Maddrey was injured in the riot before fronting a press conference on Friday afternoon (NYPD) I had officers who were hit and were hurt, but they stayed to help us resolve this. Mr Maddrey saw young people in the crowd with severe injuries, and suffering panic attacks and anxiety attacks. People were suffering out here. It was a lot of people, it was uncontrolled, it took us a while to get it under control, and a lot of young people got hurt. Many of the injuries were sustained by teenagers throwing objects at one another, he added. He said police were still gauging the exact number of injuries. Kai Cenat (Getty) Earlier, CBS News New York showed live video footage showing several people had climbed onto a roof at the entrance to Union Square. Our officers used great restraint despite the aggression they were met with, Mr Maddrey said. The gathering was declared an unlawful assembly, and officers tried to encourage them to leave the area. After numerous warnings and assailed, we started to make arrests and clear out the park. Traffic was snarled in streets surrounding the square, with groups of youths climbing on top of vehicles. Rioters used makeshift weapons to hit cars (Associated Press) People could be seen pounding on the side of a bus, and climbing on top of another bus and jumping up and down. The MTA prevented subway trains from stopping at Union Square for about an hour, before resuming regular services just before 5pm. A large amount of paint was splattered across the south side of Union Square Park. Police erected metal barricades to try to push the crowd back. They issued a warning over loudspeakers: This gathering is unlawful. You are ordered to disperse. New York Police put up barricades in Union Square as they struggled to contain the crowd (Associated Press) If you leave voluntarily, no charges will be placed against you. If you refuse to leave you will be arrested for unlawful assembly. After Union Square quieted down, Mr Maddrey said police were continuing to monitor groups of rioters who had spread out around Manhattan. We have encountered things like this before, but never to this level of dangerousness where young people would not listen to our commands, they were fighting each other and they were hurting each other. This is the power of social media, the danger of social media, Mr Maddrey said. We cant allow this to happen again. 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 sons of a newly-identified Gilgo Beach murders victim reportedly were not notified by Long Island police before her name was revealed to the public. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney held a press conference on Friday to announce that the victim known only as Jane Doe 7 had finally been identified as Karen Vergata, more than 26 years after her partial remains were first discovered along the Long Island shores. Vergata, 34, was last seen alive in Manhattan in 1996 while working as an escort. The huge breakthrough in the case comes almost three decades after some of Vergatas remains were first discovered and just weeks after Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old father-of-two architect, was arrested and charged with the murders of three other Gilgo Beach victims. Mr Tierney told reporters that Vergata had been positively identified via DNA in August 2022 but investigators kept the development under wraps due to the ongoing investigation into Mr Heuermann. Officials refused to comment on whether or not her murder may be linked to the suspected serial killer. The district attorney also attributed the delay to the need to contact Vergatas family members. However, it has since emerged that Vergatas two biological sons - Eric and Gary Doherty - apparently were not informed before Fridays announcement. Karen Vergata (Suffolk County DA) Erics girlfriend Michelle Nolan told the New York Post that he only found out after the press conference when they were contacted by the woman who adopted them as young children a few years before Vergatas death. Ms Nolan said Eric was distraught, having believed that Vergata was only missing. Mr Tierneys office did not return the Posts request for comment about family notification, the outlet reported. Ms Nolan said Eric and Gary grew up with little knowledge of their biological mother after having been adopted by Edward and Diane Doherty in 1992. She explained that Vergata had been struck by a truck while she was pregnant with Gary in the late 1980s, which is thought to have led to him being born with cerebral palsy. Shortly after Eric was born in 1990, Vergata took off, Ms Nolan said. She was a drug user and their father took her and helped her, she said. Ms Nolan said the boys father was believed to have died from tuberculosis, but she wasnt sure when. She said that Gary is now living in an facility for adults with special needs and has not been informed about his mothers death. Recommended How the Gilgo Beach serial killer turned the Long Island shore into a graveyard Vergata vanished without a trace around 14 February 1996 Valentines Day, according to officials. She lived on West 45th St in Manhattan and is believed to have been working as an escort at the time of her disappearance. Police said that no missing persons report was filed at the time. On 20 April 1996, a womans legs were found wrapped in plastic at Davis Park on Fire Islands Blue Point Beach. Almost exactly 15 years later on 11 April 2011, the womans skull was then found off Ocean Parkway during the search for Gilgo Beach victims. The skull was located close to the remains of another unidentified victim Jane Doe 3, also known as Peaches. The two sets of remains in Fire Island and Ocean Parkway were later found to belong to the same person. Before now, investigators had long been unable to identify Jane Doe 7 and the victim became known as Fire Island Jane Doe. She was described only as a white woman aged 18 to 50 years old who had several notable scars including evidence of surgery on her left ankle. She was one of 11 victims whose remains were found dumped along the shores of Gilgo Beach back in 2010 and 2011 several of whom are also yet to be identified. Investigators are seen searching the shores of Gilgo Beach in 2011 (AP2011) Decades later, investigators were finally able to identify Fire Island Jane Doe using genetic geneaology and her surviving relatives DNA. In August 2022 around six months after the new Gilgo Beach taskforce was launched a DNA profile suitable for genealogical comparison was developed from the remains of the victim, officials said in a press conference on Friday. The next month, the FBI was able to presumptively identify the victim using genetic genealogy as Vergata. Then, that October, investigators tracked down a relative of Vergata and took a buccal swab. Using this, they were able to definitively identity the victim as Vergata. At Fridays press conference, Mr Tierney said investigators kept that breakthrough hidden until now due to both the ongoing investigation into Mr Heuermann and the need to contact all of Vergatas family members. Prior to disclosing, we needed to contact all Vergatas family members and around the same time we were beginning the grand jury confidential investigation into the murders of the victims known as the Gilgo 4, he told reporters. So we decided not to make it public... until the results of that investigation became public and we had made notice to Vergatas family. He added: Today we are here to announce that as part of the Gilgo taskforces reexamination of all evidence in the case we are able to identify Fire Island Jane Doe as Karen Vergata. It is important that we remember and honour not only Ms Vergata but all the vicitms on Gilgo Beach, he added. While this marks a major breakthrough in the case, many questions still remain. In Fridays press conference announcing her identity, Suffolk County officials refused to take any questions and would not comment on whether or not Vergatas murder could be the linked to Mr Heuermann who has so far been tied to four of the victims found along the Long Island shores. At this time, no one has been charged in connection to her homicide and her cause of death is unknown. Map showing sites where victims remains found along Gilgo Beach (Suffolk County Police Department) DA Tierney said that while there are no charges at this time, that the confidential investigation is ongoing. He would not confirm or deny any ties to accused killer Rex Heuermann or say if there was any potential suspects on his radar. We are going to continue to work this particular case as we did the Gilgo Four investigation, he said. Were not going to comment on what if any suspects we developed at this time. This is a confidential investigation so Im not going to be taking any questions. This major development comes as prosecutors are seeking to obtain a swab of DNA from Mr Heuermann, the man arrested and charged with the murders of three of the victims and suspected of a fourth killing. In a court filing this week, prosecutors said that the DNA sample would provide further relevant evidence of the defendants identity as the perpetrator of the crime. Prosecutors have so far obtained hundreds of hours of footage from the suspects home in Massapequa Park and his office in Midtown Manhattan, 2,500 pages of documents, crime scene photographs and autopsy reports in the high-profile case. The trove of evidence was turned over to Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei and Mr Heuermanns attorney Michael Brown on Tuesday as the accused killer appeared in court for a brief preliminary hearing. Suffolk County DA Tierney said last week that a massive amount of evidence had been recovered from the home which Mr Heuermann grew up in as a child and which he went on to share with his family up until his sudden arrest. No human remains were discovered, but a trove of around 270 guns were seized from the home. The DA previously revealed that they believe at least some of the murders may have taken place inside the home. Mr Heuermanns wife and two adult children were out of town at the time of each of the three murders he is charged with, according to court records. The 59-year-old architect was taken into custody on 13 July, almost 13 years after the bodies of at least 11 victims were discovered along the shores of Gilgo Beach on Long Island. He was charged with the murders of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello. He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes who was last seen alive in early June 2007 in New York City and who, with the three other women, is known as the Gilgo Four. Rex Heuermann appeared in court on Tuesday (jtc) All four women worked as sex workers and disappeared after going to meet a client. They were all found in December 2010 within one-quarter mile of each other, bound by belts or tape and some wrapped in burlap their bodies dumped along Gilgo Beach. They are among 11 victims whose remains were found along the shores of Long Island in 2010 and 2011, sparking fears of one or more serial killers. As well as looking into his connection to the murder of Brainard-Barnes and the other Gilgo Beach victims, law enforcement agencies are now also looking into unsolved murders and missing persons cases all across the country. Police in Las Vegas and South Carolina where Mr Heuermann owns properties and Atlantic City where several sex workers have been found murdered have confirmed they are eyeing the suspect in cold cases. Court records show that Mr Heuermann was linked to the Gilgo Four murders through a tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches, phone calls taunting victims families, his wifes hair found on the victims bodies and a pizza crust. The first piece of the puzzle came when a witness in the Amber Costello case revealed details about a vehicle that a client was driving when she was last seen alive. Costello, who worked as a sex worker, was seen alive on the evening of 2 September 2010 when she left her home in West Babylon. A witness said she had gone to meet a client who was driving a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche. Last year, a registration search showed that local man Mr Heuermann owned a first-generation model of the truck at the time of Costellos disappearance. He also matched the witness description of the man believed to be the killer: a large, white ogre-like male in his mid-40s, around 64 to 66 tall, with dark bushy hair, and big oval style 1970s type eyeglasses. Rex Heuermanns home being searched by investigators (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The discovery of the car led investigators to hone in on Mr Heuermann including executing 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain evidence to determine his potential involvement in the killings. Among this was Mr Heuermanns alleged use of burner phones, with prosecutors saying that he used burner phones to contact the three women and arrange to meet them at the time when they went missing. He also allegedly took two of the victims cellphones and used one to make taunting phone calls to one of their families where he boasted about her murder, court documents state. Mr Heuermanns DNA was found on one of the victims, while his wifes hair was found on three of the four women he is connected to. Following his arrest, his wife Asa Ellerup filed for divorce. She has since told The New York Post that she has been left filled with anxiety and their two children cry themselves to sleep over the horror. I woke up in the middle of the night, shivering... anxiety, she said. My children cry themselves to sleep. I mean, theyre not children. Theyre grown adults but theyre my children, and my son has developmental disabilities and he cried himself to sleep. Mr Heuermanns sudden arrest comes after the horrific serial killer case has captured the nations attention for more than a decade. The Gilgo Beach murders had long stumped law enforcement officials in Suffolk County who believed it could be the work of one or more serial killers who targeted sex workers and dumped their bodies along the remote beaches on Ocean Parkway. The case began in May 2010 when Shannan Gilbert vanished after leaving a clients house on foot near Gilgo Beach. She called 911 for help saying she feared for her life and was never seen alive again. Crime scene investigators use metal detectors to search a marsh for the remains of Shannan Gilbert in December 2011 During a search for Gilbert in dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered the remains of another woman. Within a matter of days, the remains of three more victims were found close by. By spring 2011, the remains of a total of 10 victims had been found including eight women, a man, and a toddler. Police have long thought that it could be the work of one or more serial killers. Gilberts body was then found in December 2011. Her cause of death is widely contested with authorities long claiming that it is not connected to the serial killer or killers but that she died from accidental drowning as she fled from the clients home. However, an independent autopsy commissioned by her family ruled that she died by strangulation and her mother believes she was murdered. Like Gilbert, most of the victims targeted were sex workers, while some are yet to be identified. 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 federal jury in Louisiana on Wednesday acquitted a white state trooper charged with violating the civil rights of a Black motorist despite body-camera footage that showed the officer pummeling the man 18 times with a flashlight. The case of Jacob Brown was the first to emerge from a series of FBI investigations into troopers beatings of Black men during traffic stops in Louisiana and underscored the challenges prosecutors face convicting law enforcement officials accused of using excessive force. After a three-day trial in Monroe, jurors found Mr Brown not guilty of depriving Aaron Bowman of his civil rights during a 2019 beating that left Mr Bowman with a broken jaw, broken ribs and a gash to his head. Mr Brown, who defended the blows to investigators as pain compliance, would have faced up to a decade in federal prison if convicted. Mr Browns defence attorney, Scott Wolleson, told The Associated Press he was grateful for the verdict. "The men and women of the jury recognized the risks law enforcement officers like Jacob Brown face on our behalf every day, he said. Mr Bowmans attorney, Ron Haley, said the acquittal shows its incredibly hard to prove a civil rights violation in federal court. He added that the attack had fundamentally changed Mr Bowmans life. He was low-hanging fruit for Jacob Brown, Mr Haley said. Because hes looked at as just a drug user, he was treated like he wasnt human. The acquittal comes as federal prosecutors are still scrutinizing other Louisiana state troopers caught on body-camera video punching, stunning and dragging another Black motorist, Ronald Greene, before he died in their custody on a rural roadside. That federal probe is also examining whether police brass obstructed justice to protect the troopers who beat Greene following a high-speed chase. Body-camera footage of both the Bowman and Greene beatings, which took place less than three weeks and 20 miles apart, remained under wraps before the AP obtained and published the videos in 2021. The cases were among a dozen highlighted in an AP investigation that revealed a pattern of troopers and their bosses ignoring or concealing evidence of beatings, deflecting blame and impeding efforts to root out misconduct. State police didnt investigate the MrBowman attack until 536 days after it occurred and only did so weeks after Mr Bowman brought a civil lawsuit. It ultimately determined Mr Brown engaged in excessive and unjustifiable actions," failed to report the use of force to his supervisors and intentionally mislabeled his body-camera video. The AP found Mr Brown, who patrolled in northern Louisiana, was involved in 23 use-of-force incidents between 2015 and his 2021 resignation 19 of which targeted Black people. Mr Brown still faces state charges in the violent arrest of yet another Black motorist, a case in which he boasted in a group chat with other troopers that it warms my heart knowing we could educate that young man. In the wake of the AP's reporting, the US Justice Department last year opened a sweeping civil rights investigation into the state police that remains ongoing. On the night that Mr Bowman was pulled over for improper lane usage, Mr Brown came upon the scene after deputies had forcibly removed Mr Bowman from his vehicle and taken him to the ground in the driveaway of his Monroe home. Video and police records show he beat Mr Bowman 18 times with a flashlight in 24 seconds. Im not resisting! Im not resisting! Mr Bowman can be heard screaming between blows. Mr Brown is the son of Bob Brown, a longtime trooper who oversaw statewide criminal investigations and, before retiring, was the agencys chief of staff. The elder Mr Brown rose to the agency's second in command despite being reprimanded years earlier for calling Black colleagues the n-word and hanging a Confederate flag in his office. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Aug.5. Irans non-oil imports from Azerbaijan through the Astara railway terminal in Gilan Province (northern Iran), increased by 114 percent in volume, during the first four months of the current Iranian year (March 21 through July 22, 2023), compared to the same period in the last year, Director General of Iran's Northern Railway Department Gholam Hossein Valadi said, Trend reports. According to Valadi, nearly 69,500 tons of goods were imported from Azerbaijan through the Astara railway terminal in 4 months, while in the same period last Iranian year, the figure stood at 32,400 tons. The official added that the imported goods were mainly wood and wood materials, corn, lentils, etc. "In addition, Iran exported 68,300 tons of non-oil products to Azerbaijan through the Astara railway terminal in 4 months. Whereas, the figure was 68,200 tons in the same period in the last year," he said. Valadi also pointed out that citrus fruits, cement, chemicals, salt, etc. were the main exported goods to Azerbaijan within the mentioned period. "During 4 months, about 88,200 tons of cargo were transited through the Astara railway terminal in 4 months, which is an increase of 133 percent compared to approximately 37,900 tons in the same period of the last Iranian year. The transited products mainly consisted of flour, millet, barley, wheat, chemicals and others," he noted. Valadi said that about 226,000 tons of goods were traded (import, export, transit) through the Astara railway terminal over 4 months. This is 63 percent more compared to about 139,000 tons in the same period last year. Iran's Astara railway terminal is located near the border with Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur 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 suspect in the shooting of two Florida police officers was fatally shot by SWAT team members Saturday several hours later after he barricaded himself in a hotel in Orlandos tourist district, the culmination of a manhunt across central Florida, police officials said. The Orlando Police Department officers stopped a vehicle around 11pm Friday as part of an investigation of a Miami homicide and were shot by the suspect in the car, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said during a press conference early Saturday. The officers, who were not immediately identified, were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Hospital officials said Saturday afternoon that the officers were expected to fully recover. Both officers are with us. They are with their families. We have been taking care of them throughout the night, Michael Cheatham, a surgeon at the hospital, said at an afternoon news conference. We expect them to fully recover from their injuries sustained in the line of duty. After shooting the officers, the suspect carjacked another vehicle and police pursued, but did not immediately catch the suspect. About seven hours later, officers tracked the suspect down to a Holiday Inn near Universal Orlando Resort in the citys tourist district and evacuated guests staying at the hotel. The suspect refused to come out of the hotel room and fired shots at officers who returned fire, Mr Smith said at an afternoon news conference. Our officers faced danger throughout the night trying to locate the suspect as two of our own were critically injured, Mr Smith said. They are lucky to be alive, and we ask that you continue to pray for them. Mr Smith said the suspect had an extensive criminal history. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he had visited the hospital and met with the families of the officers. Our entire communitys thoughts and prayers are with these officers, Mr Dyer said at the news conference. 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 YouTuber is facing charges after thousands of people piled into a New York square for a console giveaway event that turned into a riot. Sixty five people were arrested at the gathering that promised free PlayStation 5s on Friday afternoon (4 August). The organiser, Twitch gaming streamer Kai Cenat, faces charges of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly among other charges, the NYPD chief of department Jeffrey Maddrey said following the chaos. Video footage of the hyped-up event shows fights breaking out in Manhattans Union Square, with rioters hurling stones and chairs at police officers, climbing onto a subway station entrance and tearing down metal barriers. Our officers were attacked, we were crushed, we were pushed, I had officers on the floor, Mr Maddrey said. You had people were walking around with shovels, axes... a lot of young people got hurt. Huge crowds turned out for the giveaway in Manhattans Union Square (Getty Images) Police arrested dozens of people when the event descended into chaos (REUTERS) Who is Kai Cenat? Cenat is part of the YouTube group AMP (Any Means Possible) (Getty) The 21-year-old, who has 5.5m followers on Instagram, rose to fame by creating comedy-based content on YouTube and the streaming service Twitch. In February he became the most-subscribed Twitch streamer of all time and was named Streamer of the Year at the 2023 Streamer Awards. The content creator, famous for reaction and prank videos, attended the State University of New York at Morrisville in 2019 but dropped out the following year to focus on content creation. Cenat is part of the YouTube group AMP (Any Means Possible), a six-man comedy group popular with Gen Z viewers. Kai Cenat at his gathering in Union Square, Manhattan (Getty) What happened in New York? More than 1,000 people poured into Union Square for the Playstation 5 giveaway (ABC 7) People stand on top of a street vendor's cart during the riot (AFP via Getty Images) At 1.30pm on Friday afternoon), the New York Police Department became aware of an influencer who was encouraging all of his followers on social media to come to Union Square in Manhatten, Chief Maddrey said at a press conference. In a Twitch stream on Wednesday, Cenat said he would be hosting a huge giveaway on Friday - promising computers, Play Station 5s and other technology to his millions of followers. By 3pm the post by Cenat encouraging his fans to attend had gone viral, with thousands of young people flocking to the park for the chance to bag something from the giveaway. A number of people were injured in the clashes (REUTERS) Police officers push back the crowd during the riot (AFP via Getty Images) I feel like New York really deserves it, he said in the live stream. Soon after Cenat arrived at Union Square, violence broke out with people throwing fireworks and various objects at each other and the police, Mr Maddrey reported. A number of people were injured during the chaos and thousands of police officers were called to break up the scene. The aftermath NYPD officers turned out in force (REUTERS) Police officers line up to control the crowd (AFP via Getty Images) Cenat was removed by police from the park for safety reasons, Chief Maddrey said. He has been charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly among other charges, the police have said. The police made 65 arrests, including 30 people under the age of 18. One fan commented on Cenats recent Instagram post, saying: Bro you just messed up. Feds gonna indict you on in-sighting a riot. Theyre gonna make a example out of you. 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 woman who was traveling with her 10-year-old daughter is suing Southwest Airlines after she claims she and her child who she describes as mixed-race Black were victims of racial profiling. An airline employee reportedly saw the two together and became suspicious that the child was being trafficked. The employee then called the police. Mary MacCarthy filed a suit on Thursday in Colorado, according to Newsweek. Police arrived at the Denver International Airport to investigate the trafficking claims on 22 October 2021. The mother and daughter were eventually allowed to leave, but not before they experienced "extreme emotional distress," according to the lawsuit. The litigation is requesting economic damages, compensatory damages, as well as punative and exemplary damages. Ms MacCarthy told Newsweek that she felt the need to be "hyperaware" of any interaction between her and her daughter due to fears that someone else might call the police on them. She said being "on alert" about her "most basic behaviours" is "exhausting." Mary MacCarthy and her daughter Moira (Mary MacCarthy) Her attorney, David Lane, told the outlet that the lawsuit was intended to bring accountability to Southwest Airlines and force it to re-examine its training policies. "Just as the police are constitutionally not permitted to stop-and-frisk young men of color based upon their race, corporate America is similarly not permitted to resort to such profiling to use law enforcement to stop and question racially diverse families simply based upon their divergent races, which is what Southwest did," Mr Lane told the outlet. Southwest Airlines said it did not have further comment on pending litigation. In November 2021, the airline said it would conduct an internal review of the incident. "We were disheartened to learn of this mother's account when traveling with her daughter," Southwest said at the time. "We are conducting a review of the situation internally, and we will be reaching out to the customer to address her concerns and offer our apologies for her experience traveling with us." Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} For the first time in 72 years, Oregon motorists can grab a fuel nozzle and pump gas into their cars on their own, since a decades-old ban on self-serve gas stations has been revoked. Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill on Friday allowing people across the state to choose between having an attendant pump gas or doing it themselves. The law takes immediate effect. That leaves New Jersey as the only state that prohibits motorists from pumping their own gas. A few countries also ban it, including South Africa, where attendants offer to check fluid levels and clean the windshield, with tipping expected. Its about time. Its long overdue, said Karen Cooper, who lives in Salem, said shortly before the bill was signed. Ive spent a lot of time in California, Cooper said. I know how to pump my own. Everybody should know how to pump their own gas. Kacy Willson, 32, who has lived in Oregon her whole life, said she doesn't have much interest in pumping her own gas. She's only tried it a few times in her life. Its kind of nice to have someone do that, she said at a Portland gas station Friday. I dont really leave Oregon very much, and when I do, I have to ask someone how to pump gas, and I feel weird. When Oregon prohibited self-service in 1951, lawmakers cited safety concerns, including motorists slipping on the slick surfaces at filling stations subject to Oregons notoriously rainy weather. In recent years legislators relaxed the rule and allowed rural counties to have self-serve gas available at night. Then they extended it to all hours in eastern Oregons sparsely populated areas, where motorists low on gas could be stranded when theres no attendant on duty. The COVID-19 pandemic labor shortage helped drive a renewed push to allow self-serve across the state. We live in a small town in a large county and cant find employees to pump fuel, Steve Rodgers, whose community is at the base of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, complained to lawmakers. We are paying top dollar and also offering insurance, paid time off and retirement benefits, and still cannot fully staff. Haseeb Shojai, who immigrated from Afghanistan in 2004 and owns gas stations in central Oregons high desert, also lamented the labor shortage and described how wildfires, with increased intensity and frequency due to climate change, are having a major effect. The state fire marshal lifted the self-serve ban during dangerous heat waves the past couple of summers. Wildfires have been a factor in operating our business in the summer months, when it is hard for our gas attendants to stay for long periods outside in smoke and in heat, Shojai said. We dont know if we can stay open tomorrow or the next day or even next week due to the labor shortage. A union representing workers at grocery store fuel stations in Oregon predicted job losses and called the the law a blatant cash grab for large corporations. With over 2,000 gas stations in Oregon, laying off just one employee per location represents millions of dollars a year that giant corporations are not paying in wages, benefits and public payroll taxes, said Sandy Humphrey, the secretary-treasurer of UFCW Local 555. Under the new law, there cant be more self-service pumps at a gas station than full-service ones. And prices for motorists must be the same at both types. Still, opponents of the measure worry that it could lead to the demise of full-service pumps, depriving older adults and people with disabilities of that option. I have some real concerns that we are progressively getting closer and closer to eliminating Oregons fuel service law entirely, Democratic state Sen. Lew Frederick said on the Senate floor in June before voting against the bill. Brandon Venable, a service station manager, had urged lawmakers to reject the bill, saying some customers are careless and that attendants keep people safe. I deal with many dangerous situations daily created by people smoking, leaving their engines running, getting in and out of their vehicles creating static electricity, trying to fill up random bottles and jugs, and driving off with the pump still in the vehicle, Venable said. Others wonder if motorists who are now clamoring to pump their own gas might be less keen on doing so when they have to stand out in the rain, cold and snow instead of remaining in their warm, dry cars. Republican state Sen. Tim Knopp, who leads the minority GOP caucus, downplayed safety concerns as he described being allowed to pump his own gas because he belongs to a commercial fueling cooperative. I have yet to light myself on fire. I have yet to cause any problems whatsoever as it relates to self-serve gas, Knopp said during debate on the bill. So, colleagues, lets make New Jersey the only state in the country that has a law against self-serve gas. The state Senate then approved the bill on a 16-9 vote. The House earlier passed it 47-10. New Jerseys 1949 ban on self-service pumps remains a source of pride for some in a state where bumper stickers declare Jersey Girls Dont Pump Gas. Since New Jersey has lower gas prices than New York and Pennsylvania, many drivers from neighboring states cross the state line to fuel up. In 2015, lawmakers proposed ending the New Jersey ban, but the measure died because of opposition from the powerful state Senate president. ___ Associated Press reporters Michael Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey, and Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, contributed to this report. 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 Colombian judge on Friday night ordered President Gustavo Petros son freed from detention while he is investigated on allegations of illicit enrichment and money laundering. Nicolas Petro was arrested early Saturday, and this week was charged with the two crimes. He agreed to cooperate in the probe, and prosecutors said he acknowledged Thursday that his fathers 2022 election campaign received money of dubious origin. Mario Andres Burgos, the prosecutor in charge of the case, said Nicolas Petro assured that he would deliver audios and documents to corroborate that part of the money given to him ended up financing his fathers candidacy. The Attorney Generals Office presented evidence that it said shows the younger Petro received money illicitly. But the judge said prosecutors did not substantiate the need to keep the president's son in detention or under house arrest. He was ordered released under the condition that he not leave Colombia or participate in political activities. Nicolas Petro is a legislator for the northern coastal region of Atlantico, but has said he will resign the seat. Burgos has said the younger Petro revealed that unjustified increases detected in his assets came from two individuals being questioned by Colombian authorities. The money went partly into the son's own accounts and partly into the campaign that made his father Colombia's first elected leftist president, the prosecutor said. On Tuesday, when he was charged, prosecutors said the younger Petro took thousands of dollars from drug traffickers and used it to buy luxurious homes and expensive cars. Nicolas Petro, 36, pleaded innocent to the charges, but agreed to cooperate with authorities. The case has come at a time when Colombias president is losing popularity and has been exposed to attacks by opposition parties, which have become increasingly reluctant to cooperate with his legislative agenda. The president has said he would not interfere with the investigation, and wrote a message on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, in which he said he hoped his son would reflect on his mistakes. 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 }} U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell received a rousing welcome from the party faithful Saturday at a high-profile home-state political gathering amid renewed scrutiny of his health after the 81-year-old lawmaker froze up midsentence during a recent Capitol Hill news conference. This is my 28th Fancy Farm, and I want to assure you its not my last, McConnell said at the top of his breakfast speech before the annual picnic that is the traditional jumping off point for the fall campaign season. It was his only reference, however vague, to his health. McConnell, who is widely regarded as the main architect of the GOPs rise to power in Kentucky, arrived to a prolonged standing ovation and promoted the candidacy of a protege running for governor this year. McConnell has been a fixture on the stage at Fancy Farm, where he long has relished jousting with Democrats. His health has drawn increased attention since he briefly left his own news conference in Washington on July 26 after stopping his remarks midsentence and staring off into space for several seconds. GOP colleagues standing behind him grabbed his elbows and escorted him back to his office. When he returned to answer questions, McConnell said he was fine. Asked if he is still able to do his job, he said, Yeah. McConnell was out of the Senate for almost six weeks earlier this year after falling and hitting his head after a dinner event at a Washington hotel. He was hospitalized for several days, and his office later said he suffered a concussion and fractured a rib. His speech has sounded more halting in recent weeks, prompting questions among some of his colleagues about his health. He has said he plans to serve his full term as Republican leader he was elected to a two-year term in January and would be up for reelection to that post again after the 2024 elections. McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and has been the Republican leader since 2007. He would face reelection to the Senate in 2026. At the breakfast event Saturday, McConnell did not delve into national issues or comment on former President Donald Trump's legal entanglements, and he did not meet with reporters afterward. In his nine-minute speech. McConnell accused Democrats of having turned their backs on rural America. McConnell also praised Daniel Cameron, the state's attorney general who is challenging Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in one of the nation's most closely watched elections this year. McConnell said he first met Cameron when Cameron was a student at the University of Louisville. Cameron went on to serve on McConnell's staff as legal counsel. Ive watched him over the years," McConnell said. "And now you have. And youve seen his leadership skills, his ability to rally people together. A rift between Trump and McConnell has reverberated in Kentucky, where both men are popular with Republican voters. The split grew after the senator publicly refuted Trump's claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, ending an uneasy partnership that had helped conservatives establish a firm majority on the Supreme Court. McConnell has been mostly silent since then and has been loath to comment on any of the three indictments of Trump this year. The two have found common cause again in the candidacy of Cameron, who was the beneficiary of Trumps endorsement during the hard-fought Republican primary for governor. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump was equal turns defiant and self-pitying in his first major public event since being indicted earlier this week on charges he conspired to overturn the 2020 election and deprive voters of their civil rights in the process, claiming the charges against him were illegitimate but would help his campaign. Its not going to make any impact. Every time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls, Mr Trump said Friday at the Alabama Republican Partys 2023 summer meeting in Montgomery. We need one more indictment and this election is closed out, nobody has even a chance, he added. At the same time, Mr Trump hammered the special counsel overseeing the case, accusing deranged Jack Smith of pursuing an outrageous criminalisation of political speech. Its not fair and its probably not legal what theyre doing, Mr Trump argued. They want to interfere in my campaign. Prosecutors allege that Mr Trump and a group of co-conspirators knew they had lost the 2020 election, but tried to manipulate the process and be declared the winners anyway, infringing on US voter rights in the process. Former US President and 2024 hopeful Donald Trump speaks during the Alabama Republican Party's summer dinner in Montgomery, Alabama (AFP via Getty Images) The only civil rights that have been violated in this manner are my civil rights, Mr Trump said at the event. Even though Donald Trump faces increasing legal jeopardy two federal indictments, plus another major case from the Manhattan district attorney and a looming potential indictment in Georgia over election meddling his campaign for the White House looks relatively unimpacted even as Mr Trump could be the first former president to be imprisoned. According to a New York Times poll on Thursday, Donald Trump and Joe Biden are at a dead heat when it comes to support from registered voters, each maintaining 43 per cent. Within the Republican field, Mr Trump has a comfortable lead over his opponents, even as rivals like Mike Pence have seized on the recent indictment to criticise the former president. A recent poll found that Donald Trump is still comfortably leading the pack of GOP hopefuls ahead of 2024, with 54 per cent support compared to his nearest rival, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who only had 17 per cent. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has now added a third criminal case to his list of ever-growing legal troubles this time for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the subsequent January 6 attack on the US Capitol. The former president was indicted by a grand jury in Washington DC on 1 August on four charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy against rights and obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding. The indictment came after an investigation from Special Counsel Jack Smith, whose office is also leading the criminal investigation into Mr Trumps handling of classified documents on leaving the White House. Mr Trump surrendered to authorities in Washington DC on 3 August to be arrested before appearing for his arraignment. In the courtroom, Mr Trump and his nemesis Mr Smith stared each other down as the former president pleaded not guilty to all charges. A statement from Mr Trumps campaign called the latest indictment disgraceful and political targeting. The lawlessness of these persecutions of President Trump and his supporters is reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, the former Soviet Union, and other authoritarian, dictatorial regimes. President Trump has always followed the law and the Constitution with advice from many highly accomplished attorneys, the statement from Mr Trumps campaign read. What charges is he facing? The indictment in the 2020 election interference case charges Mr Trump with four counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy against rights and obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding. This is the second set of federal charges filed against Mr Trump and the third indictment hes received this year thus far, adding to the legal pressure against him as he seeks to win the Republican Partys nomination in the primary next year. It is also the first criminal case over his alleged actions while he was running the country. Former President Donald Trump walks over to speak with reporters before he boards his plane at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport after his arraignment (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The first federal indictment against the ex-president occurred on 8 June, when a grand jury in Mr Smiths investigation charged Mr Trump and his co-defendant Walt Nauta on 37 counts related to Mr Trumps alleged unlawful retention of national defence information and obstruction of justice. Those charges stem from a case that began early last year after National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) officials discovered more than 100 classified documents in boxes that were retrieved from Mr Trumps Palm Beach, Florida residence. This came after his first criminal indictment in March on state charges in New York. In that case, he appeared in a Manhattan courtroom to face criminal charges following Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs investigation into hush payments leading up to the 2016 presidential election. After the first two arraignments, he returned to his properties to deliver remarks to crowds of supporters to cast himself as a victim of political persecution, baselessly accusing his political rivals of interfering with his chances of winning election to the presidency in 2024. In all three cases, Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty. In this handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, stacks of boxes can be observed in the White and Gold Ballroom of former U.S. President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida (Getty Images) But these cases are not necessarily his last, as prosecutors in Georgia also appear to be on the cusp of bringing charges. A years-long investigation in Atlanta has been probing his attempts to reject the results of that election in the state of Georgia. That Georgia grand jury probe is also expected to result in charges against the ex-president and others in his orbit sometime in August or early September. So will he go to jail? With his growing list of criminal cases, speculation is mounting as to whether Mr Trump will face jail time. If convicted, federal and state prosecutors and judges could have to decide whether to jail a presidential candidate or even the potential victor in the 2024 race. Following the first federal indictment, experts said that the Justice Department was likely to attempt to have Mr Trump incarcerated if hes convicted. Each charge in that case the classified documents case carries a maximum sentence ranging from five years to 20 years. A potential sentence, if convicted, could include decades in prison. National security lawyer and George Washington University law professor Kel McClanahan said that the department will probably want to go for incarceration in the case of Mr Trump, according to Insider. Mr McClanahan said that the evidence in the indictment is intended to show that Mr Trump is a kingpin who knowingly broke the law, endangered national security, endangered nuclear weapon security, [and] endangered other countries national security. Former US President Donald Trump waves from his vehicle following his appearance at Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. United States Federal Courthouse, in Miami, Florida, on June 13, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) The consensus among most legal experts commenting on the indictment appears to be that Mr Trump is in serious legal jeopardy. A former assistant US attorney in the Southern District of New York, Sarah Krissoff, said that to the extent that theres a conviction here, the Department of Justice is going to want to be seeking a real sentence because of the nature of the conduct, how long it lasted, his involvement, the involvement of other people, working allegedly at Trumps direction. She noted that if Mr Trump is convicted, the sentence would depend on the judge, which seems likely to be Trump-appointee Aileen Cannon in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Meanwhile, Mr Trump could be looking at a maximum of five to 20 years of prison time if he is convicted in the January 6 charges. He has pleaded not guilty in all three cases. Mr Trumps next hearing in the January 6 probe will be the 28 August. Close Trump claims Georgia DA had an affair with a gang member 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 previously unseen legal memo by Kenneth Chesebro , a lawyer from Donald Trumps failed 2020 re-election campaign, laid out how the ex-presidents efforts to interfere with certification of that years electoral college results were meant to buy time and delay the joint session at which Mr Trumps defeat to Joe Biden would be made official. The memo, which was first reported on by The New York Times, was referenced in the four-count indictment returned against the former president by a Washington DC grand jury last month. Mr Chesebro is described but not named in the indictment as an un-indicted co-conspirator in the alleged conspiracy to obstruct certification of the 2020 election. The first hearing is scheduled for Friday at 10am. Meanwhile, former New Jersey Governor and presidential candidate Chris Christie has hit back at the latest cheap barb levelled against him by the former president. Mr Trump emphasised comments referring to Mr Christie as a fat pig at a New Hampshire rally on Tuesday. The former governor responded on social media: If you had the guts you would show up to the debate and say it to my face. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former vice president and 2024 candidate Mike Pence is capitalising on Donald Trumps recent federal indictment by drawing positive attention to his own campaign with joking merchandise and snapping back at hecklers. While on the campaign trail in New Hampshire this past week, Mr Pence was confronted by a group of Mr Trumps supporters who called him a sellout and traitor for refusing to falsely and unlawfully certify the 2020 election results in Mr Trumps favor. Why didnt you uphold the Constitution? one protester shouted at Mr Pence on Friday. Mr Pence notoriously refused to engage in Mr Trumps alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election which ultimately made him a target during the Capitol riots. The ex-vice president calmly turned to the group of Trump supporters and responded, I upheld the constitution. Read it. As Mr Pence pursues the White House, he has used Mr Trumps attacks and actions in the weeks leading up to the insurrection to make himself appear to be a more honest and reliable presidential candidate. So much so, Mr Pence has even begun selling merchandise that directly quotes Mr Trump calling him too honest from the most recent federal indictment against the ex-president. The indictment, which was brought forth against Mr Trump on Tuesday, alleges that on 1 January 2021 Mr Trump tried to bully Mr Pence into joining his efforts to overturn the election. After Mr Pence refused to do so on the basis of it being improper Mr Trump allegedly told Mr Pence Youre too honest. Now, on Mr Pences campaign website, supporters can purchase hats and T-shirts with the phrase Too honest. The ex-vice president has pitched himself to Republican voters as a true conservative who can produce a more stable administration than Mr Trump. Though Mr Pence and Mr Trump worked closely together during the four years they were in office, Mr Pence has distanced himself from the ex-president. But the former vice president has seemingly had difficulty picking up traction in his campaign as his name is forever tied to Mr Trump and January 6th. Mr Pence has yet to qualify for the first Republican National Committee debate set to occur later this month mainly due to a lack of fundraising. During his speech on Friday, Mr Pence tried to find common ground with protestors saying, Ill tell you there is a lot of passion out there. But I just I reject your suggestion that that passion is translated into the violence and vandalism of that day, he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 6. Iran's non-oil exports to Uzbekistan increased by 69.2 percent in value and 63.7 percent in volume, during the first three months of the current Iranian year (March 21 through June 21, 2023), compared to the same period in the last year, Trend reports. As reflected in the report of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), Iran exported nearly 118,000 tons of non-oil products worth $78.4 million to Uzbekistan within 3 months. Meanwhile, Irans non-oil exports to Uzbekistan stood at 72,000 tons worth approximately $46.4 million in the same period last Iranian year. Alone in the 3rd month of the current Iranian year (May 22 through June 21, 2023), Iran exported about 55,400 tons of goods worth $30.7 million to Uzbekistan. Within 3 months, Iran mainly exported milk and dairy products, petrochemical products, various types of pipes, glassware, agricultural equipment, and etc. to Uzbekistan. Overall, Iran exported 35.5 million tons of non-oil products worth $12.5 billion within the first three months of the current Iranian year. This is a decrease of 8.84 percent in value, while an increase of 24.4 percent in volume compared to the same period last year. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur 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 Texas judge has sided with a group of women who were denied abortions in the state, putting their health and lives at risk during dangerous complications. The judge has temporarily blocked the states ban on abortions during medically complicated pregnancies in response to a lawsuit from 13 women seeking urgent clarity in the states anti-abortion law. An injunction from District Judge Jessica Mangrum on 4 August follows harrowing courtroom testimony from five plaintiffs during a two-day hearing in which they were cross-examined by attorneys for the state, which has sought to toss the case out altogether. The judge has also rejected that request. For the first time in a long time, I cried for joy when I heard the news, lead plaintiff Amanda Zurawski said in a statement from the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing the women in the case. This is exactly why we did this. This is why we put ourselves through the pain and the trauma over and over again to share our experiences and the harms caused by these awful laws, she added. I have a sense of relief, a sense of hope, and a weight has been lifted. Now people dont have to be pregnant and scared in Texas anymore. Were back to relying on doctors and not politicians to help us make the best medical decisions for our bodies and our lives. Texas outlaws most abortions except for conditions that qualify as medical emergencies, sparking widespread confusion among providers and hospitals fearing legal blowback or severe criminal penalties. Healthcare providers in the state found in violation of those laws could lose their medical license, face tens of thousands of dollars in fines, or prison. The lawsuit asked the court to help provide clarity around what circumstances qualify as exceptions, allowing doctors to use their own medical judgment without fear of prosecution. In her ruling, Judge Jessica Mangrum wrote that doctors cannot be prosecuted for using their own good faith judgment in providing such care, and that physical medical conditions include, at a minimum: a physical medical condition or complication of pregnancy that poses a risk of infection, or otherwise makes continuing a pregnancy unsafe for the pregnant person; a physical medical condition that is exacerbated by pregnancy, cannot be effectively treated during pregnancy, or requires recurrent invasive intervention; and/or a fetal condition where the fetus is unlikely to survive the pregnancy and sustain life after birth. The injunction will be temporarily blocked if and when the state appeals the decision. This makes me hopeful that we can continue to provide competent rational care, said Dr Damla Karsan, who is among two obstetrician-gynecologists who joined 13 other Texas women in the case. Its exactly what we needed, she added. The court has guaranteed that we can once again provide the best care without fear of criminal or professional retribution. We can once again rely on our knowledge and training especially in challenging situations where abortions are necessary. More than a dozen states, largely across the US South, have effectively outlawed abortions in the aftermath of the US Supreme Court decision to revoke a constitutional right to abortion care. The decision to overturn Roe v Wade and ensuing anti-abortion laws have upended access to care for millions of Americans who are forced to travel outside their states where abortion is protected, compounding the already-fractured and patchwork system for abortion care across the country. Anti-abortion laws in Texas have paralyzed health providers from being able to properly counsel and advise their patients, Dr Austin Dennard testified during the Texas abortion lawsuit hearing. Were truly doing the best that we can with the situation that has been given to us, she 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 }} Prosecutors in the Department of Justice asked the judge overseeing Donald Trumps most recent federal indictment for a protective order after the ex-president issued a seemingly threatening statement on Truth Social. Mr Trump was indicted and arraigned this past week on four federal charges stemming from a DoJ investigation into his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the subsequent January 6 attack on the Capitol. The day after Mr Trumps arraignment he took to his social media platform where he seemingly threatened revenge on those pursuing him. IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU! the ex-president wrote. Hours after his post, federal prosecutors asked District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to issue an order that would limit what discovery evidence Mr Trump and his legal can share publicly, citing Mr Trumps love for ranting on social media. The request included a screenshot of Mr Trumps post. All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public, federal prosecutors wrote in the protective order request. "Such a restriction is particularly important in this case because the defendant has previously issued public statements on social media regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others associated with legal matters pending against him, it continued. Mr Trump has continuously attacked prosecutors, judges, witnesses and more involved in his many legal battles to maintain his innocence and discredit their arguments. Before the indictment against the ex-president was made public on Tuesday, 1 August, Mr Trump used Truth Social to inform his followers he expected to be federally indicted at 5pm and called the prosecutor, Jack Smith, deranged. The protective order would limit what Mr Trump and his attorneys could publicly say in order to protect the integrity of the case. Mr Trumps campaign issued a statement regarding the request for the protective order saying, The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech, and was in response to the RINO, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs, like the ones funded by the Koch brothers and the Club for No Growth. Mr Trumps attorneys have publicly used the First Amendment as a defence against the indictment which charges Mr Trump with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy against rights and obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding. They have argued that the statements Mr Trump issued claiming there was election fraud and he actually won the 2020 election were only political speech and he had a right to say them. The indictment clearly mentions that while Mr Trump had the right to say what he wanted he unlawfully took steps to try and change election results in his favour. 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 }} Nigers new military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the deadline nears for it to release the countrys ousted president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc, according to an analyst. The request came during a visit by one of the coup leaders, Gen. Salifou Mody, to neighboring Mali, where he made contact with someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, told The Associated Press. He said three Malian sources and a French diplomat confirmed the meeting first reported by France 24. They need (Wagner) because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power, he said, adding that the group is considering the request. Nigers junta faces a Sunday deadline set by the regional bloc known as ECOWAS to release and reinstate the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has described himself as a hostage. Defense chiefs from ECOWAS members finalized an intervention plan on Friday and urged militaries to ready resources after a mediation team sent to Niger on Thursday wasnt allowed to enter the city or meet with junta leader Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. After his visit to Mali, run by a sympathetic junta, Mody warned against a military intervention, vowing that Niger would do what it takes not to become a new Libya, Nigers state television reported Friday. Niger has been seen as the Wests last reliable counterterrorism partner in a region where coups have been common in recent years. Juntas have been rejecting former colonizer France and turning toward Russia. Wagner operates in a handful of African countries, including Mali, where human rights groups have accused its forces of abuses. One can't say there's any direct implication of Russia in Niger's coup, but clearly, there's an opportunistic attitude on the part of Russia, which tries to support destabilization efforts wherever it finds them, French foreign affairs ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told broadcaster BFM on Friday. Days after Niger's junta seized power, residents waved Russian flags in the streets. The spokeswoman described Wagner as a recipe for chaos. On Saturday, Frances foreign affairs minister, Catherine Colonna, said the regional threat of force was credible and warned the putschists to take it seriously. Coups are no longer appropriate ... Its time to put an end to it, she said. The ministry said France supports with firmness and determination the ECOWAS efforts to make sure the coup leaders fail, and it called for Bazoum and all members of his government to be freed. Nigers military leaders have been following the playbook of Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso, also run by a junta, but its moving faster to consolidate power, Nasr said: (Tchiani) chose his path, so hes going full on it without wasting time because theres international mobilization. One question is how the international community will react if Wagner is brought in, he said. When Wagner came into Mali at the end of 2021, the French military was ousted shortly afterward after years of partnership. Wagner was later designated a terrorist organization by the United States, and international partners might have a stronger reaction now, Nasr said. And much more is at stake in Niger, where the U.S. and other partners have poured hundreds of millions of dollars of military assistance in efforts to combat the regions growing jihadi threat. France has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, though coup leaders say they have severed security agreements with Paris, and the U.S. has 1,100 military personnel in the country. At the moment, theres no real indication that the (junta) is going to soften its tone or make concessions ahead of the deadline, said Andrew Lebovich, research fellow with the Clingendael Institute and postdoctoral fellow with the Danish Institute for International Studies, saying an intervention "potentially serious consequences for Niger and for the region. Its unclear what an intervention would look like or when it would begin. Nigers junta has called on the population to watch for spies, and self-organized defense groups have mobilized at night to monitor cars and patrol the capital. Any intervention is fraught with risk, said a report by the Hudson Institute. If the junta were to dig in its heels and rally the populace around the flag possibly even arming civilian militias the intervention could morph into a multifaceted counterinsurgency that ECOWAS would not be prepared to handle, it said. While some in Niger are bracing for a fight, others are trying to cope with travel and economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS after the coup. The sanctions have closed land and air borders with ECOWAS countries and suspended commercial and financial transactions with member states. Residents said the price of goods is rising and theres limited access to cash. We are deeply concerned about the consequences of these sanctions, especially their impacts on the supply of essential food products, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products and electricity, said Sita Adamou, president of Nigers Association to Defend Human Rights. ___ Associated Press reporter Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed. 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 }} Establishing accurate data on the number of military casualties sustained since Russias invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022 is difficult for two reasons. The severity of the fighting on the ground and the fact that both sides are inclined to keep their cards close to their chests to avoid damaging morale especially at a time when the war is entering a pivotal new stage. The Kremlin, in particular, is unlikely to admit to high fatality rates among its troops because to do so would amount to a confession that Vladimir Putins spurious war to de-Nazify Russias neighbour state is not going according to plan and, in fact, represents a monumental miscalculation on the part of its leader, who is already under pressure at home over the attempted uprising by Wagner Group mercenaries. Moscow is more likely to downplay its own (rarely offered) numbers putting the official number at around 6,000 and accuse its enemies of dishonestly briefing against it whenever outside estimates are offered that imply significant Russian losses. Ukraine, meanwhile, posts a daily report on its Ministry of Defence website listing a cumulative total of the number of enemy personnel liquidated, alongside other combat losses, which stood at the much higher total of 249,110 on 5 August. Most tolls typically refer to casualties as the preferred military euphemism, under which combatants killed and injured can be grouped together, whereas liquidated seems to imply killed only. Overseas observers offer a more dispassionate (if still not entirely impartial) assessment of the situation on the ground, which might equally be flawed by their far remove from the realities of life on the frontline. Local independent media group Mediazone, branded a foreign agent by the Kremlin, nevertheless work hard, operating within a tightly-controlled environment, to offer its own running total of Russian casualties in Ukraine based on what its journalists can corroborate from publicly available information, which currently puts the total at just 28, 652 as of its latest update of 28 July. It works with the BBC but explains: These numbers do not represent the actual death toll since we can only review publicly available reports including social media posts by relatives, reports in local media, and statements by the local authorities. The real death toll is much higher. Besides, the number of soldiers missing in action or captured is not known. Another Mediazone partnership with fellow Russian independent outlet Meduza (now forced to operate from Lativa) and Germanys Tubingen University used Russian government data to cast a different light on the question and put the total number of Russian deaths twice as high, at nearly 50,000. For this count, they relied on a statistical concept popularised during the Covid-19 pandemic called excess mortality. Drawing on 11m inheritance records from the National Probate Registry and official mortality data, they estimated how many more men aged under 50 had died between February 2022 and May 2023 than normal. According to their analysis, 25,000 more inheritance cases were opened in 2022 for males aged 15 to 49 than expected. By 27 May 2023, the number of excess cases had shot up to 47,000. Discussing the two approaches, Mediazone editor Dmitry Treshchanin told the Associated Press the first represents only soldiers who we know by name, and their deaths in each case are verified by multiple sources. As for the second: The estimate we did with Meduza allows us to see the hidden deaths, deaths the Russian government is so obsessively and unsuccessfully trying to hide. Russians who are missing but not officially recognised as dead, as well as citizens of Ukraine fighting in units of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics, are not included in these counts. One of the most significant insights to be volunteered so far from Ukraines allies, watching on, came from John Kirby, the White Houses National Security Council spokesperson, who said on 1 May citing newly declassified information that the US believed Russia had suffered 100,000 casualties between December 2022 and April 2023, amounting to 20,000 deaths and 80,000 injuries, after becoming caught up in a grinding war of attrition around Bakhmut during the freezing winter months. Its really stunning, these numbers, Mr Kirby said. Its three times the number of killed in action that the United States faced on the Guadalcanal campaign in the Second World War. That followed an estimate given by Mark Milley, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, the previous November, when he told an audience in New York that the number of Russian casualties in the first eight months of the war stood at well over 100,000. If that figure is accurate and is added to Mr Kirbys update, that would put the total well north of 200,000 by this point, roughly in agreement with Ukrainian accounting, although the Kremlin has inevitably disputed Americas calculations and dismissed them as anti-Russian propaganda. Russian soldiers march towards Red Square as part of a Victory Day military parade in Moscow on 9 May 2023 (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP) The US has declined to estimate the number of Ukrainian casualties publicly, arguing that doing so would betray sensitive military information and risk undermining an ally. However, the top secret Pentagon documents leaked on social media in April if accurate suggested that the US Defence Intelligence Agency believed that Ukraine had suffered between 15,500 and 17,500 fatalities at that stage and seen between 109,000 and 113,500 of its soldiers injured. Those documents, incidentally, put the agencys assessment of Russian casualties at between 189,500 and 223,000, including between 35,500 and 43,000 soldiers killed in action and between 154,000 and 180,000 wounded. That likewise tallies with the other estimates seen so far. Elsewhere, Norways defence chief, Eirik Kristoffersen, offered a similar ballpark figure when he told his countrys TV2 on 22 January that he believed Russia had suffered around 180,000 deaths and injuries while Ukraines total casualties was significantly lower, closer to 100,000. In February, the UKs Ministry of Defense said it believed approximately 40,000 to 60,000 Russians had been killed in the war. As for civilian casualties, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) publishes regular updates of its tallies based on the latest intelligence from the conflict zone. The most recent such report from the OHCHR was published on 18 June 2023, recording that 9,803 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since the invasion began 16 months ago and another 15,779 people have been injured. Of these numbers, 7,072 deaths and 13,001 injuries occurred in territory controlled by Ukraine. In Russian-occupied territory, 2,011 people have been killed and 2,778 injured since the attempted conquest began last year. These latest figures, recorded between 1 June and 18 June, added 557 civilian casualties in Ukraine to the running total, of which 112 were killed and 445 injured. However, even here, the OHCHR notes that the actual figures are likely to be considerably higher than those it can substantiate on account of the inevitable delay in receiving information from the most fiercely contested areas, underlining the complexity of saying anything definite about the state of play in Ukraine. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Harrowing new accounts of Ukrainians being tortured during Russias eight-month occupation of Kherson are just the tip of the iceberg, an international team investigating the alleged war crimes has warned. The acts described by those detained in dozens of makeshift detention centres including the use of sexual violence as a common tactic among Russian guards, and genital electrocution are evocative of genocide, the team of lawyers and prosecutors said this week. The UNs special rapporteur on torture, Dr Alice Jill Edwards, told The Independent that similarities in the accounts of victims across several different regions of Ukraine expose a deeper concern that torture and intimidation are a policy and strategy of the Russian state. A corridor in one detention centre fleeing Russians attempted to burn to hide evidence, prosecutors allege (Mobile Justice Team) Top Ukrainian officials have accused Moscow of genocidal aims ever since Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, with The Independent among the first to witness evidence of human rights abuses by Russian troops in the aftermath of the first Russian retreats from territory near Kyiv. Accounts of torture chambers in Kherson first began to emerge soon after Russias forces retreated from the key Black Sea port city in November, having captured it one month into their full-scale invasion. Earlier this week, a team of prosecutors, experts and analysts funded by Britain, the EU and the US helping Ukraines prosecutor general to sift through that evidence published a summary of its findings among an initial pool of 320 detainees held at more than 35 detention centres. Of those victims, at least 43 per cent explicitly mentioned practices of torture in those centres with commonly used techniques including suffocation, waterboarding, severe beatings and threats of rape, said the team led by humanitarian law firm Global Rights Compliance. Prosecutors said 30 people were held for two months in the basement of this Kherson office building (Reuters/Anna Voitenko) At least 36 detainees mentioned the use of electrocution during interrogations, often genital electrocution. Other victims mentioned threats of genital mutilation, and at least one victim was forced to witness the rape of another detainee by a foreign object covered in a condom, the group said. While those detained included medical workers, teachers, volunteers, activists, community leaders, and law enforcement officials, current and former soldiers appear to be the detainees most likely to have experienced torture in the facilities, according to the investigators. The team of investigators says it has managed to identify individual Russian perpetrators including one soldier, Oleksandr Naumenko, alleged to have ordered the genital electrocution of 17 different victims. A chair is seen down the hallway of a building which Ukrainian civilians said had been used as a torture site (AP/Evgeniy Maloletka) However, the Kremlin has consistently denied allegations of war crimes in Ukraine, and Russias defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reports findings. Responding to the findings, the UNs special rapporteur said: The recent collection of interviews are similar in a number of key respects to testimonies I have received as special rapporteur on torture, albeit my representations to the Russian authorities are based on information in the regions of Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. The similarities in practice across regional zones expose a deeper concern that torture and intimidation are a policy and strategy of the Russian state. And as such, it is presently hard to envisage that perpetrators will face justice in Russia. That said, the careful and continuous collection of evidence must go on. Oleksandr Naumenko, the Russian commander accused of ordering the torture of Ukrainians (Ukrainska Pravda) Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty Internationals deputy director for eastern Europe and central Asia, told The Independent: Sadly, these practices are very, very familiar to any one of us who has done research into the Russian security forces and how they deal with civilians. Pointing to past human rights abuses by Russian troops in the North Caucasus and occupied Crimea, he added: So it is not at all surprising, but no less shocking, to read about this in territories that Russian forces have occupied in Ukraine. Mr Krivosheev said many of the details of the Kherson report chimed with his own past experience of Russian torture practices in those arenas, where captives suffered a lot of sexualised violence and electrocution, with it being very common to target the latter on detainees genitalia. Compounding fears of a concerted effort by Moscow to subjugate Ukraines population using such methods, Global Rights Compliance co-founder Wayne Jordash KC unveiled evidence in March suggesting the Kherson torture chambers were planned and directly financed by the Russian state. A gas mask lies on the floor of a school in Izium used as a headquarters by Russian forces, where civilians said they were held and tortured (AP/Evgeniy Maloletka) Commenting on the new findings, he said: The torture and sexual violence tactics the [Ukrainian prosecutors office] is uncovering from the Kherson detention centres suggests that Putins plan to extinguish Ukrainian identity includes a range of crimes evocative of genocide. At the very least, the pattern that we are observing is consistent with a cynical and calculated plan to humiliate and terrorise millions of Ukrainian citizens in order to subjugate them to the diktat of the Kremlin. Ukrainian authorities are reviewing more than 97,000 reports of war crimes across Ukraine and have filed charges against 220 suspects in domestic courts. High-level perpetrators could be tried at the International Criminal Court, which has already issued a warrant for Mr Putins arrest. Plastic ties for torture and a broken chair are seen inside a basement of an office building, where prosecutors say 30 people were held for two months (Reuters/Anna Voitenko) The true scale of Russias war crimes remains unknown, but what we can say for certain is that the psychological consequences of these cruel crimes on Ukrainian people will be engrained in their minds for years to come, said Anna Mykytenko, a senior legal adviser at Global Rights Compliance. What we are witnessing in Kherson is just the tip of the iceberg in Putins barbaric plan to obliterate an entire population. Justice will be served for Ukrainian survivors as we continue our mission to identify and hold perpetrators accountable. Impunity is not an option. While Mr Krivosheev said he could not say based on the evidence available to Amnesty that alleged torture in Kherson was a way of dealing with the entire population, he said he had certainly witnessed Russian troops using such practices to instil fear across whole populations previously. Condemning a failure among the international community to properly address Russias past crimes in the North Caucasus and Crimea, Mr Krivosheev said Amnesty would strive alongside those seeking to bring all those responsible to account for war crimes, including torture, in fair trials. These crimes have no statute of limitation, and this is the only way to ensure justice and prevent such crimes in the future, he said. On a small Indonesian island in April 1815, a volcano changed the course of human history. The super-colossal eruption of Mount Tambora was the most violent volcanic eruption ever recorded, blasting so much ash and debris into the upper atmosphere that it induced a period of global cooling known as the Year Without a Summer. The volcanos impact on Earths climate resulted in crop failures, famine and social unrest. Some historians have even attributed Napoleons loss at Waterloo to the two months of unseasonal rain that preceded the battle. Temperatures around the world dropped by an average of 3 for several years before the plumes microparticles dissipated and the climate returned to pre-eruption levels. Now, 200 years later, some climate scientists are proposing a technique known as stratospheric aerosol injection that would artificially mimic the effects of a massive volcanic eruption. If successful, it could slow down, or even reverse, the worst effects of human-induced global warming. Eight pro-LGBT+ protesters were detained by Malaysian police outside the Sogo Kuala Lumpur shopping centre on 29 July. Protesters were holding placards saying Only God can judge and Being gay is not a crime. Sodomy has been outlawed in Malaysia for 152 years and those caught face a punishment of caning or imprisonment of up to 20 years. The protest came a week after British band The 1975s performance in Malaysia was cancelled after they criticised the country's LGBT+ laws on stage. Malaysia is also one of the only countries to completely outlaw the gender expression of trans people. A sea drone has damaged a Russian tanker near a bridge linking Russia to Crimea, Russian authorities said on Saturday, 5 August. No injuries were sustained on the SIG vessel - which was sanctioned by the US in 2019 - approaching the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, Russian media reported. Ukraines Interfax agency, citing an unnamed security service source, said Ukraines navy was behind the attack with drones in its territorial waters. Ukrianian officials did not immediately comment on the attack. Waves crashed against the shore in Portland, Dorset, as the Met Office issued a danger to life warning after Storm Antoni hit the UK on Saturday, 5 August. An amber warning, which indicates flying debris is possible and could lead to injuries or danger to life, is in place for southwestern areas of both England and Wales until 7pm. A yellow warning for unseasonably windy weather has been issued for southern parts of the UK until 8pm, warning that "injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties." The head of Irelands nursing homes representative body has accused the Government of ignoring the sectors financial plight. Tadhg Daly, the chief executive of Nursing Homes Ireland, insisted that despite further home closures expected by the end of this year, the Government has failed to address what he says is a crisis in the sector. He told the Irish Independent that while a report prepared for the sector by PwC earlier this year pointed out that about a third of all public nursing homes had made a loss last year, that figure is now likely around 50pc. In its pre-Budget submission this week, Nursing Homes Ireland called on the Government to make an immediate 191m financial intervention to stabilise the sector. The money would be used to provide additional funds to the Fair Deal system that subvents nursing home costs for residents. Nursing Homes Ireland has pointed out that 34 nursing homes have closed in Ireland during the past three years, cutting more than 1,000 beds from the total available. There are currently about 440 nursing homes in Ireland, providing about 26,000 beds. But soaring costs and just marginal increases in the rates made available under the Fair Deal scheme mean that nursing homes are struggling to survive, according to Mr Daly. When you contrast the comments from politicians in terms of job losses in other sectors, theres a silence around this issue, said Mr Daly. Its deafening in many respects. Its having a huge impact across Ireland. He said he met Mary Butler, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, at the end of July to press the case for immediate additional funding and for measures and a commitment in the forthcoming budget to tackle the longer term financing issues. We were disappointed to be honest, Mr Daly said of the Government response, adding that its focused on examining budget estimates rather than assessing any immediate funding requests. Thats her position, shes entitled to that position, but the absence of immediate intervention is going to lead to further closures, according to Mr Daly. He added that the fact that nursing homes are closing rather than being sold as going concerns, underlines the difficulties the sector is having in trading profitably. He said that further closures will heap pressure on an already struggling HSE. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Aug.5 In a forecast extending until 2050, geopolitical risks in the energy sector are expected to maintain a significant presence, prompting governments to prioritize energy security over climate concerns in the medium term, Trend reports. Many markets are shifting their focus on energy security, leading governments to backtrack on reducing fossil fuel incentives for new investments. As a result, the fiscal and regulatory environment for international oil companies is improving in mature markets in the short term. While government opposition to new projects is currently subdued due to the need to bolster hydrocarbon supply amidst ongoing energy security concerns and high prices driven by global market tightness, the outbreak of the war in Ukraine has further fueled this reversal. However, Fitch Solutions anticipates that policies will become less accommodating in the coming decades, posing risks to the sustainability of new long-term investments. Anticipating increased fragmentation between world powers in the coming decades, nation states and businesses will aim to decrease their reliance on energy imports, particularly from non-aligned actors, to shield themselves from future supply shocks and price instability. Consequently, efforts will shift towards sustaining oil and gas production domestically in the medium term. Furthermore, there will be a surge in investment in low-carbon and locally sourced energy, with a specific focus on renewables, ultimately displacing dwindling reserves and reducing demand for fossil fuels. Wind and solar energy sources are expected to prominently contribute to the decline in oil and gas consumption until 2050, especially in developed markets (DMs). Europe, at the forefront of low-carbon investments, is projected to experience the largest declines in oil and gas consumption until 2050. Driven by the aftermath of the war in Ukraine, Europe will emerge as the fastest-moving region towards energy diversification. The impact of the conflict on oil and gas supply has motivated companies operating in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to prioritize energy security as a driving factor for low-carbon investments. As low-carbon investment accelerates over the next three decades, existing energy dependency partnerships, such as the one between Russia and the EU, will increasingly be replaced by new relationships as countries seek arrangements with like-minded states to secure essential energy supplies. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn The firm also says its Shelbourne Hotel is outperforming the market Kennedy Wilson is close to completing the Coopers Cross development beside the IFSC in Dublin, which includes 400,000 sqft of commercial space and 471 apartments US property giant Kennedy Wilson says it has seen very good demand from prospective tenants for its major new Coopers Cross office development in Dublin, despite broadly higher vacancy rates across the capitals office space. Taped dialogue between The Monk and former Sinn Fein councillor was key part of the failed Regency Hotel murder prosecution On Monday, March 7, 2016, Jonathan Dowdall was secretly followed by the National Surveillance Unit (NSU) as he picked up Gerry The Monk Hutch and headed for Northern Ireland. Over the next 10 hours, every word they exchanged was recorded on the audio device the NSU had planted in the jeep. Sinn Fein up three points as Fianna Fail dip and Fine Gael unchangedLatest poll a blow to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar VOTER support for Sinn Fein has increased to its highest level since last year as Mary Lou McDonalds party strengthens its position as the most popular in the country. Sinn Fein is up three points to 34pc in the latest Ireland Thinks poll for the Sunday Independent which shows mixed fortunes for the three Coalition parties. Fine Gael is unchanged on 19pc while Fianna Fail has dropped by a point to 18pc. There is better news for the Green Party which is up two points to 5pc. Sinn Fein bounce back in latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll The latest poll findings will come as a blow to Fine Gael and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who has been prominent in the media over the last week setting out his ambitions for the remainder of the Coalitions term in office. By contrast, Ms McDonald has remained out of the public spotlight since she announced at the end of June she was recovering from surgery and would be back in action in a number of weeks. However, Sinn Fein spokespersons have been particularly active with policy initiatives and media appearances in recent weeks. The poll rating is its highest since last December. There is also bad news for Fine Gael when it comes to law and order in the wake of industrial unrest in An Garda Siochana and fresh debate about the safety of Dublin and other urban areas. More than half of voters polled 51pc said they were not satisfied with the performance of Helen McEntee as Minister for Justice. Just 29pc said they were satisfied and 20pc said they were not sure. There is further good news for Sinn Fein when voters were asked if they would exclude any party from their voting preference in the upcoming election with 42pc responding to Sinn Fein, a drop of four points since June. It remains behind the Greens who continue to be the most transfer toxic of the main parties, unchanged on 48pc, while Fine Gael is on 40pc, up one, and Fianna Fail is down one to 35pc. Elsewhere in the state of the parties, the Social Democrats have dropped by a point to 5pc, Labour is up two points to 3pc and Solidarity-People Before Profit is down one to 2pc. Aontus support has dropped by a point to 2pc while support for Independents and Others is down three to 10pc. When it comes to transfer toxicity, 25pc of those polled said they would not give any preference to Labour, up two points, while 17pc said they would not give a preference to the Social Democrats, down one. Aontu stands at 41, up one with Solidarity-People Before Profit unchanged on 38pc, with Independents up two to 8pc, and others up four to 6pc. Only 6pc of those polled said they would not exclude any part, up one point from the last poll on this question. The poll was carried out on Friday and Saturday of this week among a sample size of 1,272 which means a margin of error of 2.8pc. Residents of a Dublin suburb have been evacuated from their homes following flooding in the area overnight. Eight people were evacuated by firefighters in Clontarf this morning. The basement of the Castle Court and Auburn apartments also flooded as cars and property were damaged by the deluge. Counties in Connacht, north Leinster and the greater Dublin areas have been heaviest hit by the wet weather as Storm Antoni moves eastwards. Approximately 30-40mm of rain fell overnight, according to early figures from Met Eireann. Clontarf residents evacuated after housing estate flooded by Storm Antoni Thousands across the country have woken up to major disruptions following downpours overnight, while others are waking up in windy conditions in festival tents in Cork and Waterford. Munster bore the brunt of the high winds and heavy rainfall overnight with two major festivals taking place - Indiependence in Mitchelstown, Co Cork and All Together Now outside Portlaw in Co Waterford. Indiependence organisers told campers to stay in their tents where possible and ensure their belongings are secure in a social media post earlier this morning. "Met Eireann weather update that this wind [will] last for another couple of hours at least. A festival spokesperson said that, despite the wind and rain, no major damage was caused to key festival infrastructure. Rainfall at the Mitchelstown site was not as bad as witnessed in Dublin. However, "some cosmetic work" was required in terms of repairs in the wake of the storm. Festival goers were warned that the opening of the Saturday programme could be delayed by up to one hour as a result. Hundreds of festival revellers in Cork and Waterford were left with damaged or swamped tents as well as soaked possessions. Meanwhile, Waterford is hosting the three-day All Together Now festival which will feature headliners Iggy Pop, Lorde and Jamie XX. "Please be advised Met Eireann have issued a yellow weather warning. We would encourage you to secure any loose items for the safety of all festival goers, organisers said. Gardai warned those travelling to festivals today to allow extra time for their arrival given delays potentially caused by roads hit by storm debris and slower than anticipated festival ground access due to the heavy rainfall. IMPORTANT WEATHER UPDATE Please be advised Met Eireann have issued a yellow weather warning. We would encourage you to secure any loose items for the safety of all festival goers. All Together Now (@ATNfestival) August 5, 2023 Dozens of trees were brought down by the winds which gusted close to 110kmh with thousands of homes left without power. A number of roads across Cork were also left impassable due to fallen trees and storm debris including routes in Midleton and Ballygarvan. Over a dozen roads were impacted by trees brought down by the high winds. Cork County Council had clean-up crews working to reopen roads while ESB repair crews were tackling fallen power lines as soon as it was safe to do so. The worst power outages in Cork were in Carrigaline where 2,400 homes lost power, as well as hundreds of homes without electricity in Crosshaven, Enniskeane, Whitechurch and Blarney. In Dublin, there have been a number of disruptions to DART and rail services in the capital as a result of flooding near train stations. Dublin Bus are honouring rail tickets in the affected areas as services are currently suspended between Killester and Clontarf Road as well as Pelletstown and Broombridge. Earlier this morning, trains travelling on the line between Bray and Dun Laoghaire were suspended as a result of flooding. Services resumed shortly after 7.30am, though were continuing to operate with knock-on delays. The ESB is continuing work to restore power to a number of affected areas across the country, including locations in Dublin, Cork, Tipperary, Galway and beyond. According to the ESB Networks Powercheck resource, some 5,741 customers are impacted in Grange in north Dublin. Customers can report a fault and receive updates about the restoration of the power supply on the Powercheck website. A number of parkrun events were also cancelled this morning following heavy rain or courses becoming blocked by fallen trees. Met Eireann have issued Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and counties in Munster with a Status Yellow wind warning that is valid until 1pm. A Status Yellow Wind warning also remains in place in Dublin and Wicklow until 1pm while a separate wind warning was issued for Louth and Meath earlier his morning. It was in effect between 4am and 9am. Meanwhile, a Status Yellow Rain warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow was issued by Met Eireann and was in effect from 6.21am this morning until 11am. Met Eireann's Liz Walshe said that conditions will improve from lunchtime today though showers will remain a possibility. "Brighter and drier conditions with scattered showers in the west will gradually extend to all parts by the early afternoon," she said. "There will be strong and gusty northwest winds in the south, moderate to fresh elsewhere, and will ease by the early afternoon with highs of 14C to 18C." Ms Walshe said that while the weather will improve as Saturday progresses, it will remain a mixed bank holiday weather-wise. "It will be dry in many areas on Saturday night with clear spells with showers becoming increasingly confined to Atlantic coastal counties and lowest temperatures of 9C to 13C." "Sunday will be a bright day with a mix of sunshine and showers. The showers will be heaviest and most frequent in the north and east and with maximum temperatures of 16C to 20C." However, further showers may develop Sunday and into the early hours of Monday morning. "The bank holiday Monday will become cloudy with outbreaks of rain in the west and southwest spreading to all areas through the afternoon and evening." "The rain will be heavy in places, with the potential for spot flooding." "It will be quite cool for the time of year, with maximum temperatures of just 14C to 17C degrees in light to moderate southerly winds." Next week will also prove to be disappointing for holidaymakers with a mix of drizzle and patches of sunshine. The good news is that, from mid week, it will become slightly warmer and drier though there is no sign of a return to the glorious early summer weather Ireland enjoyed last May. Pakistani police have arrested former prime minister Imran Khan at his home in the eastern city of Lahore after a court convicted him in an asset concealment case and handed him a three-year prison sentence. Is it against the law to be Donald Trump? At his latest arraignment, the former president was charged with a rather odd collection of crimes: obstructing the US government when he was the head of the government, conspiring to commit a fraud that was not ultimately committed, and so on. Kolkata: IEEMA, the apex association of manufacturers of electrical, industrial electronics and allied equipment in India, has expressed willingness to partner with the West Bengal government in conducting market research to understand the current state of the electrical and electronics industry in the state. Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association (IEEMA), the apex association of manufacturers of electrical, industrial electronics and allied equipment in India, flagged off its `Bengal Power Conclave- 2023 on Friday. IEEMA DG Charu Mathur, while delivering her inaugural address, said the association can collaborate with the government to identify potential growth opportunities, key players, and challenges in the market, finding innovative startups and facilitating Start-up Conclave and promoting Govt schemes for Startups in West Bengal. We would also like to engage in networking events, trade shows, and conferences to establish connections with industry stakeholders, government officials, and potential customers, Mathur said. A coffee table book "The Bengal Story A Chronicle of Power & Progress" was formally launched on this occasion. This coffee table book tells the story of the remarkable journey through the power sector of Bengal; the key milestones and achievements. The Conclave provided a unique platform for experts to share the best practices and deliberate upon key topics such as Energy Pathways, Smart Power Generation, Smart Grid, Transmission & Distribution and Smart Metering Journey. Damodar Valley Corporation Chairman R N Singh emphasised that electricity is one of the essential components necessary to sustain day-to-day life and nothing can be achieved without the support of Industry & IEEMA. He said there has been a tremendous improvement in the sector in the last decade. Also, India has the second largest Power transmission network in the world. He laid emphasis on the use of renewable energy and pumped hydro storage in the state. However, the increasing demand of power should not hinder our carbon goals, he added. IEEMA Vice-President Sunil Singhvi appreciated the State Government for bringing down WBSEDCL's AT&C loss from 29.84% in 2015-16 to 16.65% in 2021-22. The dignitaries present at the Conclave included R N Singh, Chairman, Damodar Valley Corporation, Praloy Majumdar, WBCS(Exe), Joint Secretary, Department of Power, Government of West Bengal, Hamza Arsiwala, President-Elect, IEEMA, Sunil Singhvi, Vice President, IEEMA&Mr SiddharthBhutoria, NEC Member, IEEMA. West Bengal achieved 100% household electrification in 2017 and now the focus of the Department of Power is on strengthening the transmission and distribution network in the State along with ambitious plans for the promotion of green/renewable energy and for the installation of grid-connected, ground mounted, roof-top and oating solar power plants. The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited leads the Nation among all India Thermal Power Plants based on PLF ranking (FY 22-23) by CEA, Ministry of Power, Govt of India with Bakreswar Thermal Power Station ranked 1st, Santaldih Thermal Power Station ranked 2nd and Sagardighi Thermal Power Plant ranked fifth. A joint venture between DVC and NTPC RE Ltd. is actively working on Renewable Energy Projects and awarded the contract for setting up a 10 MW Ground Solar Plant at Koderma along with initiatives of setting up EV Charging Infrastructure. The RE expansion plan includes the addition of 5929 MW through the installation of solar and pump storage projects. IEEMA, which completed 75 years last year, has about 1000 members. IEEMA members contribute to more than 95 percent of the power equipment installed in India and represent a turnover of over 50 billion dollars. Indian Ambassador to Ukraine Harsh Jain hands over 14th consignment of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Photo Courtesy: India in Ukraine Twitter page India on Thursday handed over the 14th consignment of humanitarian aid, which also included medicines, to crisis-hit Ukraine. Indian Ambassador to Ukraine Harsh Jain handed over the consignment to the authorities in the nation which was invaded by Russia last year. It was handed over to Ukraines Deputy Minister of Health Ihor Kuzin. The Indian Embassy in Ukraine tweeted: "Ambassador Harsh Jain handed over the 14th consignment of humanitarian aid comprising essential medicines to H.E. Mr. Ihor Kuzin, Deputy Minister of Health, who thanked the government of India for the assistance." Ambassador Harsh Jain handed over the 14th consignment of humanitarian aid comprising essential medicines to H.E. Mr. Ihor Kuzin, Deputy Minister of Health, who thanked the government of India for the assistance @MEAIndia @MFA_Ukraine @MoH_Ukraine pic.twitter.com/0UhFXCSBwb India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) August 3, 2023 India on Monday handed over humanitarian aid comprising sleeping bags, blankets and tents to crisis-hit Ukraine. A tweet on the issue read: "Ambassador Harsh Jain handed over humanitarian aid comprising sleeping bags, blankets & tents to Shyroke Village Council & Zaporizhzhia Geriatric Boarding House in presence of H.E. Mr. Yuriy Malashko, Head of Zaporizhzhia state administration." Last month, the ninth round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Ukraine was held when the two sides reviewed bilateral ties in their entirety and also exchanged perspectives on the ongoing conflict and peace efforts. India, Malawi officials participate in second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on August 4. Photo Courtesy:Puneet Roy Kundal Twitter page India and Malawi officials recently met in Lilongwe city when they discussed multilateral issues of mutual interest which include UN Security Council reforms. "The two sides agreed to continue high-level political exchanges and regular meetings of the joint institutional mechanisms to keep the partnership vibrant and mutually beneficial," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday on the second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) meet. The Indian side was led by Puneet R. Kundal, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa ) and the Malawi side was led by Bernard H. Sande, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malawi. During the FOC, both delegations reviewed their wide-ranging bilateral relationship, covering political exchanges, development partnership, defence cooperation, trade and economic matters, consular issues and cooperation in areas such as Agriculture, Education, Health, Mines & Minerals, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy, Art & Culture, etc. Both sides agreed to further diversify cooperation in various areas to further strengthen this relationship. "During the FOC, both delegations reviewed their wide-ranging bilateral relationship, covering political exchanges, development partnership, defence cooperation, trade and economic matters, consular issues and cooperation in areas such as Agriculture, Education, Health, Mines & Minerals, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy, Art & Culture, etc. Both sides agreed to further diversify cooperation in various areas to further strengthen this relationship," read the statement. The Indian side invited Malawi to join the Coalition for Disaster, Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). During the meeting, it was agreed that the next round of Consultations will be held on mutually convenient dates in 2024 in New Delhi. Image: PIB Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reviewed the disaster management and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Odisha in Bhubaneshwar on Saturday. Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, Union Home Secretary and senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and State Government attended the meeting. Home Minister welcomed the initiative of the State from disaster response towards disaster mitigation, which is in line with the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making India disaster resilient. Amit Shah assured the State Government to provide all requisite support of Central Government in their mitigation efforts to make Odisha disaster resilient. Amit Shah appreciated the preparedness of the State, which has made a lot of progress on disaster management after the super cyclone of 1999. He advised that AAPDA Mitra and disaster warriors in the state should be imparted multi disaster training, especially in chemical and nuclear disastersand handling those disasters, which occur without any warning. Home Minister also suggested that the Home Guards volunteers should be strengthened and given training in disaster response. Further for ensuring maintenance of Multi-purpose cyclone shelters, established in the state, regular funding from the budget head should be provided. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stressed that the State administration should adopt SoPs and take appropriate preparedness and mitigation efforts to save lives from lightening, heat wave and forest fire. He also emphasised to focus upon the safety of animals during disasters. Home Minister thanked the State Government for providing an excellent response during Balasore train accident and appreciated the efforts of village level volunteers and the entire state administration machinery. On Left Wing Extremism, Union Home Minister appreciated the efforts of state government and advised to make investment in infrastructure development in the LWE affected areas to supplement the efforts of the Central Government. He assured the state government of the support of central forces to eliminate Left Wing Extremism. He also assured all possible support in strengthening road and communication network in the affected areas,especially connecting all villages with internet. Union Home Minister said that we should address all issues which contribute to the growth of LWE, including the absence of connectivity, education and employment. The state should also consider earmarking funds for the establishment of PDS shops, construction of roads and provision of electricity in LWE affected areas. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 4. The price of Azeri LT CIF Augusta brand totaled $90.11 per barrel on August 4, increasing by $1.21 compared to the previous price, Trend reports, referring to the source from the country's oil and gas market. Azeri LT FOB Ceyhan brand currently costs $89.18 per barrel, which is $1.22 more than the previous price. In addition, Azerbaijan sells its URALS oil through the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline from the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. URALS cost $73.29 a barrel when shipped from the port, a growth of $2.05 from the previous price. Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent Dated oil produced in the North Sea rose by $1.06 from the previous day on August 4 to $86.86 per barrel. (1 USD = 1.7 AZN on August 5, 2023) New Delhi: All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Saturday termed the Supreme Court's refusal to stay the ASI survey of Varanasis Gynavapi mosque as "surprising and unfortunate". Muslims of the country are deeply disappointed with the apex courts order, AIMPLB said. It said that the Board and Muslims of the country fear that Supreme Courts order may pave the way for a fresh dispute. "The approval of the judgment by the Supreme Court on the Gyanvapi Mosque survey is surprising and unfortunate. AIMPLB and Muslims of the country are deeply disappointed," the AIMPLB said. AIMPLB spokesperson Dr SQR Ilyas said that the decision of the Allahabad High Court was against the law and principle of secularism. "The Board and Muslims in the country fear that this survey may pave the way for a fresh dispute which could be stopped at this stage by applying the 1991 Act," Ilyas said. The AIMPLB further said it was expected that the SC would intervene in the matter, as it is related to the existing religious character of the religious place, especially after the top court already explained the ambit of the Places of Worship Act 1991 in the Babri Masjid Judgment. When the law on Places of Worship was enacted by the Parliament, it was assured that after the Babri Masjid dispute, this law was being brought in to block the way for further new dispute. This law clearly states that it is the law "to prohibit conversion of any place," it said. Yesterday, the top court refused to stay the Allahabad HC order directing ASI for a survey of Gyanvapi mosque. The court in its order said that ASI would not damage the structure as it preserves monuments. It said that ASIs job was to maintain such properties. Ilyas said that in the previous survey, a Shivling was claimed to have been found at the fountain of the Gyanvapi mosque and Muslims were prevented from performing ablution. The lower court has repeatedly said that the aim is not to damage the structure of the mosque but to ascertain what lies beneath the mosque. The question arises what purpose it will serve. (With UNI inputs) An image of actor Mark Margolis shared on the official Facebook page of Breaking Bad. Photo Courtesy: Breaking Bad Facebook page Los Angeles: Actor Mark Margolis, who is known for his performance in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, has died, his family confirmed on Saturday. He was 83. He passed away in a New York City hospital on Thursday after a short illness, his son said in a statement as quoted by BBC. Born in Philadelphia, his performance in Breaking Bad was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2012. He regularly performed in the films of director Darren Aronofsky, appearing in his first six films beginning with Pi (1998). He was also known for playing Alberto "The Shadow" in Scarface and Antonio Nappa in Oz. The official Facebook page of Breaking Bad posted following the death of the actor: " We join millions of fans in mourning the passing of the immensely talented Mark Margolis, who - with his eyes, a bell, and very few words - turned Hector Salamanca into one of the most unforgettable characters in the history of television. He will be missed." Thalaiva Rajinikanth retreats to the luxurious Kuda Villingili Resort in the picturesque Maldives for a 12-day vacation, after completing the filming of his highly anticipated movie, 'Lal Salaam,' and ahead of the release of 'Jailer.' The iconic superstar, renowned for his charismatic on-screen presence and unmatched acting skills, sought solace amidst the serene surroundings and turquoise waters of the resort. During his stay at Kuda Villingili Resort, Thalaiva Rajinikanth enjoyed the finest amenities. From lavish overwater villas with stunning views of the Indian Ocean to personalized butler service, world-class spa treatments, and mouthwatering cuisine prepared by skilled chefs from around the globe, the superstar experienced the epitome of luxury. Ensuring utmost privacy and security for their high-profile guests, the resort's staff was trained to provide discreet hospitality, ensuring a peaceful and secluded experience. Thalaiva Rajinikanth expressed his delight, stating, "It was a superb experience to stay at the Kuda Villingili Resortit is paradise. Now it has become my home. He relished the resort's relaxing, private, and peaceful ambiance and savored a delightful array of cuisines, including Lucknowi Biryani, Malabari Chicken Curry, Fresh Fish Chettinad, and healthier options, all meticulously prepared by the resort's talented chefs. This visit by him also highlights the Maldives' status as a premier travel destination for celebrities. With its breathtaking natural beauty and warm hospitality, the archipelago continues to attract international jet-setters and A-list celebrities seeking a luxurious and idyllic escape. The Kuda Villingili Resort in the Maldives remains on of the best places for those who want to experience the ultimate luxury and rejuvenation amidst paradise offering unparalleled opulence and world-class services, as exemplified by the esteemed superstar's memorable stay. Nairobi, Kenyas capital, and largest city is a great addition as the 27th international and 105th overall destination in the 6E network. A momentous opening for IndiGo as this new route marks IndiGo's maiden foray into the African subcontinent, representing a significant step in the airline's international expansion strategy. With this direct connectivity, IndiGo aims to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers while fostering strategic bilateral ties between the two countries, contributing to economic growth. Not only to Kenya but even beyond into Africa as Nairobi will open doors further into the African continent for our customers. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, We are thrilled to commence our maiden flight between Mumbai and Nairobi, symbolising our arrival in the African subcontinent. First time for IndiGo touching the African soil and we could not have chosen a better location to do so. Kenya, known for its ethereal wildlife beauty and historical landmarks, is intent on enhancing its economic growth through tourism, cultural exchange, and collaboration in various fields. This aligns with our overall vision of providing accessibility and connecting people with places. This new route further enhances connectivity in the region as envisioned in IndiGos international growth strategy. On his part, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the government's commitment to improving air travel and infrastructure across Kenya. He stated, "As part of our aviation development policy, we aim to create a more accessible and efficient air travel network within Kenya and beyond. Indigo Air's direct flights between Mumbai and Nairobi aligns perfectly with this vision, enabling seamless connectivity and enhancing the overall travel experience for our citizens and visitors alike. Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza who was present during the reception highlighted the positive impact that the direct flight would have on the tourism industry in Kenya. "Tourism plays a vital role in our economy, and with the commencement of Indigo Air's direct flights, we anticipate a surge in tourist arrivals from India. Kenya's diverse wildlife, breath-taking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage will now be more accessible to Indian travellers, offering them unique and unforgettable experiences. Photo Courtesy: Imran Khan Instagram page Pakistan police on Saturday arrested PTI chief Imran Khan, shortly after an Islamabad trial court declared him guilty of corrupt practices in the Toshakhana case. He was reportedly arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore. PTIs Punjab Chapter confirmed the reports with a tweet as quoted by Dawn News: Imran Khan is being moved to Kot Lakhpat Jail. The court sentenced the former Pakistan PM to three years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on him for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts. Neither Imran Khan nor his lawyers were present in the court at the time of the hearing. Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar was quoted as saying by Dawn News: "Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details [of Toshakhana gifts] to the ECP and is found guilty of corrupt practices." ADSJ Dilawar also directed that a copy of the order should be sent to the Islamabad police chief for the execution of the court orders. What is Toshakhana Case? Under the rules governing Toshakhana a Persian word meaning "treasure house" government officials can keep gifts if they have a low worth, while they must pay a dramatically reduced fee to the government for extravagant items. reports Geo News. The Toshakhana has been under a microscope ever since the emergence of the allegations that Khan purchased the gifts he received as prime minister at throwaway rates and sold them off in the open market for staggering profits. 70-year-old Imran Khan was accused of misusing his position as the PM to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad and worth more than Rs140 million ($635,000) between 2018 to 2022. Nearly 40% of the roads that the BRO has constructed in the last three years are in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, according to data submitted by Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha. Bhatt added that of the total of 2,445 km of roads constructed in all of Indias border states/UTs, 507 km the largest chunk was in Arunachal Pradesh. In response to China's expansionist policy The border state of Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a 65% growth in construction of national and state highways from 2015-16 to 2022-23, according to the Arunachal Pradesh government. Representative image/ FB According to data shared by ET, from 30,692 km in 2015-16, road construction covered up to 50,555 km in 2022-23, of which 2,506 km are border roads. This results from Indias push for border infrastructure, especially in the backdrop of China's aggressive expansionist policy and India's standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020. Major projects with strategic significance A major project in Arunachal Pradesh is the Arunachal Frontier Highway which was envisaged by the Army in 2012 as a 2,000-km long road for seamless movement of defence forces and equipment to the border, which had been seeing repeated incursions by the Chinese army. Described as one of India's "biggest and toughest" road-building projects, this is to cover the entire LAC adjacent to Arunachal Pradesh. With this project, Arunachal Pradesh is set to get three national highways the Frontier Highway, the Trans-Arunachal Highway and the East-West Industrial Corridor Highway. Recently, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.) visited the site of the ongoing two-kilometre-long tunnel works near Sela, West Kameng District in Arunachal Pradesh. The Sela tunnel is aimed at enhancing the security forces' operational capability. Sela tunnel/ AFP Another tunnel that is under construction is the Nechipur tunnel. Both of these tunnels aim to improve vehicular movement in the state, which becomes difficult due to heavy snowfall in winter. Under 'Project Arunank', the BRO is also developing six-foot tracks in Arunachal to repopulate that area and allow sumos and jeeps to ply on these tracks. A major reason behind focusing on infrastructure development is to keep up with China, which has been building infrastructure on its side at a greater speed over the years. For more on news, sports and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. India is still largely an agricultural country, and 18.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022-23 came from the sector. The agricultural sector accounted for nearly 45 per cent of all jobs in the Financial year 2022 in India. AFP Being labour-intensive at every stage, from sowing the seeds to harvesting, has always been the nature of farming in India, and the high labour costs directly impact the income that the farmers generate from their fields. Robots to spray pesticides In recent years, mechanisation has been catching up in the agriculture sector in India as well, and an agri-tech startup from Bengaluru is taking it to new heights. Niqo Robotics is using robotics and artificial intelligence to make pesticide spraying in farms more efficient and reduce costs. Niqo Robotics According to the company, its Niqo RoboSpray reduces chemical usage by up to 60%, saving farmers money in chemical input and spraying and takes a fraction of the time it takes for humans to do it. From Wall Street to farm robots Niqo Robotics was founded by Jaisimha Rao, an Electrical and Computer Engineer from Carnegie Mellon University in the US. Rao, born to Kannadiga parents in Kuwait, started his career in Wall Street with investment management company BlackRock. Niqo Robotics After seven years at BlackRock, where he rose to the rank of Vice President, Rao quit his job to return to India with a plan to do something different. "I wanted to start something on my own. So I quit my job and moved to India. My family is from Sakleshpura near Chikmagalur, and after spending some time at our coffee plantation, I realised how much technology can make farming more efficient," Rao told Indiatimes. Why traditional pesticide spraying is inefficient One of the main problems Rao found in the traditional farming practices was how labour-heavy and costly the pesticide spraying process was. "Almost all spraying of pesticides happens on a blanket basis, where the chemicals are sprayed across the field, be it manually or by using drones. But the pesticide should only be sprayed on the plant, and whatever was being sprayed elsewhere is a waste of time and money," Rao said. To solve this wastage, Rao and his team worked with farmers to understand their problems. They designed a robot with multiple AI-enabled cameras that do a real-time field analysis and spray the pesticides on the plants, not the ground. Niqo Robotics How the robot sprayer work "We built our custom cameras from scratch. Inside the cameras is an AI-based processor that processes the video imagery to identify where to spray the pesticides. Then the message is sent to the nozzles. From the capture of the imagery to analysis and spraying, it only takes 150 milliseconds. All these processing are done on the machine and not in the cloud," Rao explained. Niqo RoboSpray, which can spray pesticides on around seven acres of land in an hour, can be used on a wide range of fields , including vegetables to sugarcane and cotton. Niqo Robotics Largest fleet of precision spot spray robots Niqo RoboSpray made its market debut in 2022. So far, the company has deployed 50 of them in three states across India -- Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka making it the largest fleet of precision spot spray robots in Asia. "We work with Village Level Entrepreneurs like pesticide dealers, tractor dealers, and some farmers who lease the machines from us for about Rs 5 lakh a year. They can then deploy these robot sprayers on the local farms on an hourly or daily basis. On average, they are charging around Rs 300-400 per acre from the farmers," he said. It is not easy to convince farmers Rao, who said that his company aims to reach one lakh acres this year, admitted that it was not easy to convince the farmers to try their robots on their farms. Niqo Robotics "Between 2015 and 2019, we experimented with different products, including drones and the feedback from farmers was not really encouraging, and many were not willing to take a risk and experiment with something new. Terms like robotics and artificial intelligence might sound fancy, but it doesn't mean anything to farmers. Only if you can show them the direct financial benefits of using the technology they will be open to the idea of using it," Rao said. Niqo Robotics which currently has a team of 51 employees, including 38 involved in designing robots, is also working on other AI-enabled farm robots. Future of agri-tech in India According to data by NASSCOM, India had around 450 agri-tech startups in 2022, with the number growing at 25% year-on-year. Niqo Robotics Rao said that he was upbeat about the sector's future and that the key to moving forward is to make a visible impact on farmers' livelihoods. "I think the future is really bright. Our job is to make sure that farmers are able to farm their land with less labour and increase yields. There is much more scope for products like smart seeders, harvesters for chillies and cotton, etc," he said. For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. With a production of 338.98 metric tons in 2020-21, Assam produced 18.75% of total pineapple in India, ranking second in pineapple production in the country. sahasa But this year, impacts of climate change can be seen in Lakhipur of Barak Valley, which has substantially affected pineapple production. Lakhipur known globally for flavorful pineapples Lakhipur, located in Cachar district in the southern part of Assam and sharing a border with Manipur, has a long history of producing flavourful pineapples. The region has earned a name globally for producing tasty pineapples. Lakhipur's tryst with pineapple production began during British rule when the region's Jujang Hill (locally known as Jujang Pahar) was used for cultivating the fruit. Pineapple orchard (representative image)/ BCCL In July last year, pineapples from Lakhipur had reached Dubai, as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organised an in-store export promotion event in Dubai to promote the state's pineapples, considered to be the sweetest in the world. Promotion of Assam pineapples in Dubai/ BCCL A consignment of 10,000 pineapples of the Kew variety (weighing around 15 metric tonnes) was exported from Lakhipur to Dubai then. Apart from Cachar district, the Nalangapahar village of Goalpara district is also known for its pineapple cultivation. Considered exceptionally sweet and flavourful, the cultivation done here is entirely organic without the use of pesticides. Lack of rainfall impacted pineapple production Pineapple growers of Lakhipur claim that there has not been adequate rainfall this year. Further, other years had seen much higher rates for pineapples than this year. This has hit the pineapple farmers badly, they said. East Mojo quoted Manthang Hmar, a local research person and a member of the board of directors of Hmar Agro Organic Producer Company, saying that several people in Lakhipur earn their livelihood by cultivating and selling pineapples. Usually, they earn good money every year, but the unsuitable climate has brought woes for them this year, Hmar said. Manthang added that pineapple exports to Dubai was impossible this year due to less production. discovereast.in One pineapple grower of Lakhipur, as mentioned by East Mojo, urged the government to help them with the latest technologies so that they do not face losses because of unfavourable climate in the future. Earlier this year, Manthang Hmar was conferred with "Assam Gaurav", the third-ranking civilian award in Assam, for his contribution in the field of Agriculture & Allied (Pineapple farmer and exporter). For more on news, sports and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. A recent study in the US looked at computer usage to find the most and least productive days for workers. Surprisingly, Monday was the most productive day, while Friday afternoon was the least effective. Researchers at the Texas A&M School of Public Health studied 789 employees for two years. They analyzed objective data, such as typing speed, mouse activity, and typing errors. The study's results raise important questions about the advantages of flexible work arrangements like hybrid and four-day work weeks. Based on these findings, employers seek the right balance between productivity and employee well-being. Many employees still work on-site, despite the increasing popularity of remote and hybrid work models. This shows a need for a broader change in work culture. Representational Image Dr. Taehyun Roh, an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, reported that workers were most active regarding computer usage from Monday to Thursday. However, productivity decreased notably on Fridays, according to the New York Post. There were some interesting findings from a different survey that Canon USA conducted. It showed that 28% of workers consider Monday their most productive day, with introverts mainly preferring the start of the week for peak productivity. The study also found that employees were less active in the afternoons and made more typos, especially on Fridays. This trend aligned with a decrease in task completion towards the end of the week. Unsplash Dr. Mark Benden, the director of the Ergonomics Center at Texas A&M, thinks these findings provide valuable insights for business leaders to improve work performance and workplace sustainability. A recent experiment conducted in the US, Canada, the UK, and Ireland showed that a compressed workweek, with longer hours but fewer days, resulted in reduced burnout, better overall health, and increased job satisfaction. While flexible work arrangements offer potential advantages, their full-scale adoption is still a work in progress. In May, a study by WFH Research revealed that nearly 60% of full-time employees continued to work entirely on-site. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. 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. Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ruminate on measures to be taken in restoring democratic governance in Niger Republic. Recall that on July 26, Nigers Commander of the Presidential Guard, Abdourahamane Tchiani ousted the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum. However, in a letter written to Tinubu, George who noted that Nigeria has numerous challenges, urged the President to focus on solving the challenges, rather than embarking on a needless war. He said the steps the President has taken so far is commendable but he needs to think twice before entering another country militarily. We should think twice before entering another country militarily. Dont start what you cannot finish. You may have been told that even a Brigade of the Nigerian Army, commanded by a Colonel, can crush the soldiers in Niger Republic. Now, my observations: READ ALSO: Shehu Sani, Reno Omokri React As Tinubu Plans Niger Military Invasion First of all, you have done the right thing by sending a delegation consisting of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, a retired Brigadier-General, to meet the Military High Command in Niger. It is okay to send a delegation, he said. According to him, rather than go to war with Niger, Nigeria should use diplomacy to resolve the crisis in the country. Diplomacy is always a better option to war. To jaw jaw is better than war war. But, I believe, it would have been better if the full Nigerian colouration was reflected in that delegation. Some diplomats (serving or retired) should have been included in the delegation. Diplomats are trained for a situation like this. What is happening in Niger right now is not only for the military, he stated. Chief George who said countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have threatened to take sides with Niger Republic, wondered if Nigerias sending military troops to Niger Republic will not lead to the collapse of ECOWAS. The Borno State government has stated that it will implement a six-month maternity leave for working mothers on the state governments payroll. Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mohammed Ghuluze, stated this on Friday at a media briefing to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week in Maiduguri. According to him, the state government provided four months of maternity leave for working mothers and that efforts were being made to extend it to six months. Ghuluze noted that this years World Breastfeeding Week, is intended to galvanise action across multiple sectors, including the private sector, on how to improve existing breastfeeding facilities, create new ones where none exist, and consider the possibility of legislating policies that promote breastfeeding-friendly work environments. READ ALSO: There Are Better Days Ahead, Be Patient With Tinubu Lagos CAN The permanent secretary furthered that the state government was stepping up efforts to meet the United Nations target of 50 percent exclusive breastfeeding, up from the current 40 percent. He said working mothers struggle to balance child care and work responsibilities, resulting in early breastfeeding cessation. Women therefore need continued support from the government, health system, workplace and communities to play their critical role in empowering them and sustaining breastfeeding-friendly environments Ghuluze said. Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court Abuja has issued a temporary order stopping the move by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, to impeach his Deputy, Phillip Shaibu, over their differences. Justice Mohammed issued the order while ruling in a motion on notice filed by Shaibu praying the court to stop the move to ease him out of office by his principal. Shaibu, in his originating summons, prayed the court to determine whether, in view of the provisions of sections 186 and 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Governor Obaseki has the power to instigate the IGP and SSS to harass, and prevent him from accessing his office to carry out his constitutionally guaranteed duties. He also asked the court to ascertain whether the governor has the power to instigate the Speaker and the Chief Judge to commence impeachment proceedings against him with a view to remove him from office on any other ground other than allegations of misconduct as contained in section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. The Deputy Governor further prayed the Court to decide whether, in view of the provisions of Section 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Obaseki can deliberately refuse to carry him along or inform him of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting or any other meetings or functions within and outside Edo without violating the express provision of the law. READ MORE: Subsidy Removal: Reject FGs Palliative Fraud Obaseki Backs NLC Protest Shaibu also asked the court to declare that the IGP, SSS, and Obaseki lacked the power to intimidate, harass, embarrass, or molest him. He also sought the courts declaration that Obaseki, the Speaker, and the Chief Judge lacked power to impeach him on any ground other than gross misconduct and that the Speaker and the Chief Judge at the same time, lacked requisite power to set up a 7-man panel of inquiry on the same ground. Among others, Shaibu requested for order of injunction restraining IGP, SSS, and Obaseki and their agents and privies from harassing, embarrassing, intimidating, and preventing them from stopping him to carry out his legitimate functions. He further prayed for an order of injunction restraining Obaseki, the Speaker, and the Chief Judge from taking any action, plan, or step on the impeachment plan and another order specifically stopping the Chief Judge from taking instructions from Obaseki and the Speaker to set up any panel of Inquiry for the purpose of impeaching him. The Lagos State Government said, the installer of a faulty elevator that claimed the life of a medical doctor, Vwaere Diaso, at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos-Island, last Tuesday, has been handed over to the police for interrogation. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the elevator was said to have been previously faulty, and staff had complained about it before the sad incident. However, the incident, sparked outrage on and off social media, which prompted the state government to institute a panel to investigate the elevator accident and conclude its findings within 48 hours. In a statement on Friday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy in the state, Olumide Sogunle, said an inquiry has commenced into the accident. The investigation panel will submit a report of its initial findings on Saturday, Sogunle said. He said, The panel also invited a lift expert to the accident scene to look at the lift and give a preliminary opinion. Other experts would now take the elevator out for a thorough mechanical and electrical examination. READ MORE:Unqualified Engineer Installed Elevator That Killed Lagos Doctor Medical Guild As part of the panels activities from the first day when they interviewed the lift installer, they handed him over to the Police for questioning and further interrogation. This is to ensure that the installer will always be available if the panel needs him for further questions. Six house officers and representatives of the medical associations were appointed as witnesses. Representatives of the House Officers and medical associations were allowed to be part of the panel. The panel was given 48 hours to conclude action and so it will be submitting a report of their initial findings on Saturday. And any other steps to be taken after that would be done by the appropriate authorities. When contacted, spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said, I am not the state did not hand him over but I cannot confirm it yet. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Saturday said it will embark on peaceful protests from Wednesday, August 9, 2023, if the Federal Government does not meet its demands. NARD also said it will be picketing the Federal Ministry of Health, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and the federal and state tertiary health institutions in the country. The association made this known in a circular titled, Notice of nationwide mass protests and picketing by NARD, and addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Olufunso Adebiyi. The circular was signed by the President of the association, Dr. Emeka Orji, and the Secretary General of the association, Dr Kelechi Chikezie. Recall that NARD embarked on an indefinite strike on July 26, 2023, following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum it issued to the government to meet its demands. READ ALSO: Unqualified Engineer Installed Elevator That Killed Lagos Doctor Medical Guild The doctors are demanding the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act; among others. Meanwhile, the FG had in a circular dated August 1, 2023, directed the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in the Federal Tertiary Hospitals to implement the no work, no pay policy on the striking members of NARD. The FG also directed the hospitals to maintain an attendance register for all resident doctors willing to work. However, NARD in a circular dated August 5, 2023, said it will be embarking on a daily peaceful protest and picketing of the government to press home its demands. The circular read in part, We wish to bring to your notice, the decision of the National Executive Council of NARD to embark on daily peaceful protests and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide, with effect from Wednesday, August 9, 2023, by 10 am. This has become necessary to press home our demands which have been largely neglected by our parent ministry and the Federal Government. We are pained that rather than make genuine and concerted efforts to resolve the challenges that led to the industrial action despite repeated ultimatums, our parent ministry and the Federal Government have chosen to demonise Nigerian resident doctors instead, after all, their sacrifices and patriotism. We, therefore, resolved that it is time the whole world hears our side of the story the decay and corruption in the health sector, as well as the neglect the public health institutions have suffered all these years that led to repeated industrial actions. We believe that the government still has time to genuinely address the issues at stake before Wednesday, 9th August 2023, or leave us with no other option. The Lagos State Police Command has disclosed that three policemen and two officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) respectively, have been nabbed for extorting truck drivers and motorists. The state police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday. Hundeyin said the officers were nabbed at the Mile 2 area of the state, described as the hotbed of extortion. According to Hundeyin, the operation was carried out on Friday following reports of extortion of truck drivers and other motorists by thugs and some law enforcement officers. READ ALSO: Policeman Shoots Father Of Three Dead In Rivers, Command Begins Probe He said, The Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has set up an enforcement team with the mandate of raiding spots that have been identified as notorious for such nefarious activities. The enforcement team which commenced raids on Friday was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) and comprised tactical teams and provost officers from the state headquarters. A total of 15 thugs were arrested in the act while three police officers, one FRSC, and one LASTMA personnel were also arrested for being in cahoots with the touts, the police spokesman stated. Hundeyin said the CP had warned that any law enforcement personnel, irrespective of their agency, found complicit in extortion racketeering would not be spared as they would be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, the CP has assured Lagosians, especially motorists that the newly set-up enforcement team will sustain the raids and definitely replicate them in other parts of the state where the same issues exist until total sanity is restored, he added. Despite political differences, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the three senators of the Peoples Democratic Party from Osun state to support former Governor Gboyega Oyetola during his Senatorial screening. Oyetola appeared before the Godswil Akpabio-led Senate for his screening on Friday alongside the new National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Bashiru. Recall that Adeleke (PDP) defeated Oyetola of the APC in the July 16, 2022, governorship election in the state. However, Adeleke directed the three senators of the PDP from his state to support the former Governor during his screening on the floor of the Senate. Conveying the governors message, the senator representing Osun West senatorial district, Olalere Oyewunmi, noted that Oyetola has the full support of the governor. He said, The three of us representing Osun state in this hallowed chamber met with the governor [Adeleke] yesterday (Thursday). READ MORE: Gov. Adeleke Bans Monarch From Selling Lands In Osun The governor urged us to give the nominee [Oyetola] the full support to become the next minister from Osun State. The state is a young state yearning for development, and we believe hes the right person. Speaking further, Akpabio hailed Olaleres speech as good for Nigerias democracy. I think this is very good for Nigerian democracy when you hear the opposing party speak on behalf of a nominee from the majority party. That is why the Senate is totally different. We speak across party lines; we are not interested in parties once you come here. Restaurant workers in Philadelphia demonstrated at Broad and Chestnut Streets in 2020 demanding a $15 minimum wage for all workers in Philadelphia. Read more For minimum-wage workers, Philadelphia is one of the U.S. cities where its most difficult to make ends meet. Philadelphia has the fourth lowest real minimum wage, according to a recent study by SmartAsset, a personal finance website. The study recorded the minimum wage in 79 cities, adjusted that wage to account for the cost of living in each city, and ranked them. Minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate. Philadelphia is bound by the states minimum wage law. Adjusted for cost of living, that comes out to about $6.69 per hour, SmartAsset found. The only cities that ranked lower than Philadelphia were New Orleans ($6.54); Plano, Texas ($6.47); and Honolulu ($6.47). Across the state in Pittsburgh, the minimum wage is the same as in Philadelphia, but the cost of living is lower, making for a real minimum wage of $7.20. Who decides minimum wage in Philadelphia? Pennsylvania is one of 20 states where the minimum wage is not higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25, which was set in 2009. Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was inaugurated Tuesday, wants to change that. He has advocated for raising the minimum wage to at least $15 per hour. Advertisement Shapiros predecessor, Tom Wolf, also wanted to raise the minimum wage, urging the state legislature to pass bills introduced by Democratic lawmakers. Neither bill made it to a vote last session, but Wolf did raise the minimum wage for state workers to $15 per hour last year, using an executive order that does not require legislative approval. The circumstances may be different for Shapiro, who may not have to convince two Republican-majority chambers in Harrisburg. Special elections next month to fill three Pennsylvania House vacancies will determine which party controls the House, and all three seats are in Democratic-leaning districts. In Philadelphia, specifically, city lawmakers have made efforts to increase wages for workers despite the states minimum wage. In 2018, Mayor Jim Kenney signed a law requiring a gradual increase in the minimum wage for city workers, contractors and subcontractors, which brought it up to $15 per hour last year. In 2021, City Council passed a wage increase for airport workers that brought their pay up to $15.06 per hour and added a benefits supplement. Whats a living wage? The cost of living in Philadelphia is often touted as being low, compared with other large cities on the East Coast, such as New York and Washington. But the minimum wage in those cities is $15 and $16.10, respectively. By SmartAssets calculation, that makes the real minimum wage $8.05 in New York and $10.43 in Washington. Newark, N.J., has both beat, with a minimum wage of $14 and real minimum wage of $11.48. By more than one measure, the federal minimum wage is not a living wage in Philadelphia. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that in Pennsylvania, single adults with no children need $16.67 per hour to support themselves; a single adult with one child needs $32.42 per hour; and a household with two working adults and two children needs $23.28 per hour, per adult. Wolf pointed to the MIT calculator last year when arguing that the minimum wage in Pennsylvania must be increased. Another measuring stick, more specific to Philadelphia, is the self-sufficiency standard developed by economic inequality expert Diana Pearce. Its now used in 37 states. According to a self-sufficiency calculator from Pathways PA, using Pearces methodology, a single adult in Philadelphia working 40 hours a week requires $11.38 per hour to be self-sufficient. A single adult with one infant requires $25.16 per hour, and a household with two adults, one newborn and one preschooler needs $17.97 per hour, per adult. And yet, labor costs are rising Against this minimum wage backdrop, employers are struggling to acquire, retain and pay talent in the Philadelphia area. Three of the four top concerns of business leaders region are related to labor, according to a recent survey of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Leaders top problem in 2022 was labor availability, followed by worker wages, then financing, followed by labor quality, at fourth, the survey found. Less than 30% of the respondents said they have been able to hire without difficulty in the last three months, and more than one-third said they had difficulty hiring because candidates were not satisfied with the pay they offered. Firms wages and benefit costs rose, with nearly all respondents reporting slightly or significantly higher labor costs in 2022 than the year before, Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker said Friday at a Chamber event where he discussed the survey results. To hire new workers or retain existing staff, many respondents have raised compensation, introduced a remote work policy, or promoted existing employees. The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of more than 20 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 5. The Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan has allocated funds totaling 134,020 somoni ($12,265) for road maintenance and repair in the Jaloliddin Balkhi district of the Khatlon region in the first half of 2023, Trend reports. A major portion of the allocated funds, amounting to 56,283 somoni ($5,151), was dedicated to the repair of bridges and pipes; three water supply lines were renovated using the same funds. Additionally, road maintenance work, costing 29,747 somoni ($2,722), involved the resurfacing of 700 square meters of road markings and the installation of 31 road signs. The head of the state institution responsible for maintaining the district's road network, Mahmadsarif Salimzoda, said that approximately 38.5 kilometers of districtwide roads have been repaired. Furthermore, both entrepreneurs and residents of the region have actively participated in road and bridge repairs and reconstructions, collectively investing 914,040 somoni ($83,653). As a result of their contributions, 0.6 kilometers of roads have been asphalted, and four bridges have been repaired and reconstructed. The Jaloliddin Balkhi district's road network consists of 250.7 kilometers of public roads. This includes 34 kilometers of international roads, 42.3 kilometers of national roads, and 174.4 kilometers of local roads. Alexander Zwil helps daughter Gwen Baraniecki-Zwil on with her white coat, as Temple's incoming medical school students receive their white coats at Temple University in Philadelphia on Friday. Read more Gwen Baraniecki-Zwil beamed with joy from the stage of Temple Universitys Performing Arts Center as her father helped her into a white medical coat. Friends, family, and future colleagues cheered as she turned, hugged him, and officially marked the beginning of her journey to become a physician. Temple Universitys Lewis Katz School of Medicine on Friday held a white coat ceremony for roughly 200 members of its incoming class. During this rite of passage, medical students were individually called to the stage to put on their first white coat, a symbol of the power and responsibility that comes with their profession. Together, they recited the Geneva Declaration, a modern variation on the classic oath to do no harm. It was really meaningful, Baraniecki-Zwil said after the ceremony. Her father, Alexander Zwil, graduated from Temples medical school in 1984. He was tearing up a little bit, she said. A faculty member or an alumni family member helped each medical student into their coat. Advertisement One student was assisted by his wife, who wore a baby carrier under her own white coat. Another by their grandmother, in honor of their late alumnus grandfather. Amy Goldberg, the medical schools dean, urged each student to be a sponge throughout their training and career. The awesome responsibility and rare power of medicine will be in your hands, Goldberg said. Not today, not tomorrow, but soon enough. READ MORE: Jefferson Health is getting in the business of making doctors better teachers for trainees Altha Stewart, a psychiatrist and dean at the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, returned to her alma mater to deliver the ceremonys keynote address. Her advice to the students: Always mix the science of medicine with humanity. Focus on the patient and not the illness. She congratulated them on the first step toward what can be a long and fulfilling career. Welcome to the team, she said. A moment of pride On Monday, the first-year medical students will start their anatomy course, the first of many learning experiences they will share. But each persons path to this point has been different. Medicine will be Baraniecki-Zwils second career. The 29-year-old South Jersey native was a professional dancer, a field in which retirement age is earlier than that of most jobs. She didnt plan to follow in the footsteps of her parents, both of whom are physicians, but after spending some time working in research, she found herself doing exactly that. She said she is attracted to the depth of knowledge that medicine offers. I wasnt at [age] 3 saying I want to be a doctor, she said. Nagendra Dhanikonda, 22, had a more traditional academic path. He left his home in San Ramon, Calif., for undergrad at Washington & Jefferson College in Western Pennsylvania. He graduated this year, after completing his premed requirements and spending summers working as an intern in medical research institutions. Dhanikonda, whose parents immigrated from India, said he was inspired to become a physician after seeing health inequities when he traveled to visit family in his parents homeland. I wanted to be able to be in a profession that can help out people who dont have access to health care, he said. READ MORE: 1 in 4 emergency medicine residency spots at Jefferson Health, Einstein unfilled ahead of Match Day, following unprecedented national trend Dhanikondas parents initially didnt like the idea of their son going to medical school. There are no other physicians in his family, and the training seemed long and the profession difficult. But on Friday, his family from California stood next to him to celebrate the beginning of his medical education. They say when a son or daughter is born, thats not when actually you need to celebrate. You celebrate the moment they actually make you proud, said his father, Uday Dhanikonda, repeating an Indian saying. This is one of those moments. The scene on the 1700 block of West Venango Street, where it was reported that an FBI agent shot a man Friday while serving a search warrant in Philadelphia. Read more The family of a man shot Friday by an FBI agent attempting to serve an arrest warrant in Philadelphias Nicetown-Tioga neighborhood is questioning the circumstances behind the shooting. Stacey Weeks said her son Tahiem Weeks-Cook, 22 was shot four times after a bureau SWAT unit arrived just before noon Friday at his apartment on the 1600 block of Venango Street. Since then, Weeks, 41, has had trouble finding out what led to her sons shooting, while doctors at Temple University Hospital have worked to try to keep him alive. Theyve told me nothing, she said of the FBI. They were at the hospital. They refused to talk to me. They told the nurses that this was an ongoing situation, and they dont have to tell me anything. A spokesperson for the FBIs Philadelphia office has said the shooting remains under review by the bureaus Inspection Division, a unit that investigates agent-involved shootings. But so far, authorities have released little information including a confirmation of the identity of the man who was shot, anything about what led up to the shooting, or a description of the charges that first led them to the apartment on Venango Street. Advertisement Court records indicate that the same day Weeks-Cook was shot, he was charged by authorities in Upper Southampton Township on state felony counts of robbery, conspiracy and making terroristic threats. The documents do not indicate that he had been arrested on those charges, which stem from a July 30 episode. But officers from that townships police department were spotted outside Weeks-Cooks apartment in North Philadelphia following Fridays shooting. Bucks County authorities have so far declined to discuss the case. And in that silence, Weeks and her familys lawyer, Paul Hetznecker, said theyve heard concerning things from neighbors who said they witnessed the shooting Friday morning including that Weeks-Cook was unarmed and fleeing from authorities when he was shot. Neighbors at the scene Friday could not immediately confirm those details in interviews with The Inquirer. FBI spokesperson Carrie Adamowski declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. Still, Hetznecker called on the bureau to provide a full account as soon as possible. The information that the family has provided is extremely troubling, Hetznecker said. I have grave concerns about the independence of any investigation conducted by the FBI without some sort of independent inquiry. Meanwhile, Weeks-Cooks condition remains precarious. His mother described him as an auto-body mechanic who has been a role model to his two younger brothers in the five years since their father died. He remains hospitalized and doctors amputated his right-leg Saturday morning, Weeks said. While she waited on news of her sons condition, she left the hospital to see the scene of the shooting, near the intersection of 17th and Venango Streets, for herself. Gone were the police cordons that a day earlier had kept curious neighbors at bay while investigators in hazmat suits searched under a row of cars parked along the street. Gone were the rows of law enforcement vehicles, standing ready as agents removed evidence from Weeks-Cooks apartment. Theres just so much blood, Weeks said, as she shot video of the remnants of the scene. I dont understand how you can shoot a person in broad daylight. I want it out there. My son is fighting for his life. Staff writer Rodrigo Torrejon contributed to this article. One Shot Coffee, in Northern Liberties, stole $1,200 in tips from workers, according to the city's Department of Labor. Read more One Shot Coffee, a Northern Liberties cafe, stole $1,200 in tips from two workers, Philadelphias Office of Worker Protections says, and it took two years for the business to pay back one of the workers the amount owed. The citys enforcement was among 55 wage-theft cases the Department of Labors Office of Worker Protections closed last year. As a result of its investigations, the office, which enforces seven labor laws, recovered more than $180,000 for workers last year, according to a report released this month. That includes a $24,5000 Fair Workweek settlement with Del Friscos Double Eagle Steakhouse and paid sick-leave settlements with St. Christophers Hospital and Maxim Healthcare. According to a 2015 Sheller Center for Social Justice at Temple University Law report, in any given week about 130,000 Philadelphia workers experience wage theft. Advertisement The One Shot cases show the difficulty of enforcing the citys seven-year-old wage-theft law, which was designed to make it easier for workers to take action against employers who do not pay workers what theyre owed. READ MORE: Philadelphias real minimum wage is among the worst in the U.S. In September 2020, after a worker filed a complaint, the city found One Shot had shorted that worker $424 in tips and ordered the business to make the worker whole. When One Shot did not pay the full amount and did not respond to the citys demands for payment, the city placed the cafe on its Bad Actors list, which it uses to try to publicly shame employers who refuse to comply with the law. Two years later, acting on another complaint, the city found One Shot had stolen $775 in credit-card tips from a different worker and once again ordered the business to make that worker whole. In both cases, workers kept copies of sales reports as evidence and shared them with the city, according to determination letters it sent to One Shot. The city also told One Shot owner Melissa Baruno that if the business did not comply with the 2020 order, the matter would head to the Law Department, which could file a court case to collect the stolen wages and assess fees and penalties. The city did so because One Shot was a repeat offender, said Candace Chewning, director of Philadelphias Office of Worker Protections. Last August, One Shot paid the two workers the tips they were owed. READ MORE: A workers guide to wage theft: What to do if your boss steals your wages in Pa. The Office of Worker Protections did not originally assess One Shot fees and penalties because it generally does not do so with small businesses, Chewning said. In a series of text messages, Baruno said there was no truth to the citys findings of wage theft: I am admitting to zero wrongdoing and I wanted the case to just be done. I could have kept going because I had otherwise evidence and records but Im a single parent and very busy business owner and needed to move on after 1.5 years, Baruno wrote, adding that I had 4-5 really disgruntled employees in a year and that One Shot pays an amazing hourly wage of $16-17 an hour. I love my staff and count on them to help me run my shop, they said. The tips that they earn are automatically calculated for them on my [point-of-sale] system. I have nothing to do with it. Barunos lawyer, William Harvey, added in a statement: The facts are that, promptly after the complaint was filed by a former employee, One Shot responded with facts and documents to rebut the claimants assertions. Twelve months then passed at which time, like many small businesses would, One Shot made a decision that it was more economical to settle with the former employees rather than spend money with an attorney to continue to defend itself, money that it didnt have. Harvey described One Shot as an iconic institution and that since opening in 2005 it has had more than 100 employees and has NEVER been sued by a current or former employee. Baruno also said they appealed the case, though Harvey declined to share documentation of any appeal, citing privacy concerns. The citys Office of Worker Protections said this was not the case. Latiaynna Tabb (left), who runs a community project management company, and Penn Museum archaeologist Megan Kassabaum work in an excavation hole at Heritage West, an urban archaeology project in the parking lot behind the Community Education Center on Lancaster Avenue. Read more Buttons, pennies, and glass shards might not look like much. But theyre a reminder that West Phillys Black Bottom neighborhood still matters decades after it was demolished. Earlier this week, the team behind the Heritage West community archaeology project broke ground on their excavation of the neighborhood. The collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Museum, and local community groups aims to unearth pieces of the once thriving Black community that was ultimately cleared by Penn and Drexel to create the present-day University City. READ MORE: Speak its name: The director of a play about West Phillys Black Bottom talks about the power of community and living history There [is] a real opportunity for archaeology to add something to this history and to try and integrate what we as archaeologists do with what historians do and what local community community members remember and know about these neighborhoods, said Megan C. Kassabaum, one of the project directors and an associate professor of anthropology at Penn and the Weingarten Associate Curator for North America at the Penn Museum. Advertisement Sarah Linn, another project director and an associate director of academic engagement with the Penn Museum, said that archaeology can add materiality to these stories. It can provide a little deeper history than what people remember, she said. Documenting displacement The excavation site is in the parking lot of the Community Education Center in Powelton Village at 3500 Lancaster Ave. This block was once home to community centers, theaters, and residences as Black Bottom thrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before Penn, Drexel, and Presbyterian Hospital banded together to buy properties and redevelop the area. An estimated 5,000 residents were displaced as the universities West Philadelphia Corp. used tactics like eminent domain to claim the land. Penn archaeologists believe that where this parking lot now sits, there once stood several brick rowhouses and twin wooden homes constructed as early as the 1840s. The first stage of the dig is exploratory. Previously, the archaeologists used ground-penetrating radar to identify where the bulldozed rubble and basement walls of those structures lie beneath the surface. This week, they began excavating in roughly 3-by-3-foot boxes to find the areas with the most promise. READ MORE: How The Inquirer covered the clearing of West Philadelphias Black Bottom As Penns classes begin at the end of the month, the more thorough, comprehensive excavation will begin. The archaeologists will work with a class of Penn undergraduates and interested community members through November to excavate and expand the chosen site to roughly the size of a car, digging just a couple of feet below ground level. Were not looking for cultural heirlooms, the types of things that wouldnt be left behind. Because in reality, those are the types of things that often make it into the historical record. Those are the things that people have oral histories about, Kassabaum said. She explained that mostly, they expect to be sifting through trash. Often, when homes were cleared in the 20th century, developers filled in the holes in the ground with the remains of the house to save money. But those behind Heritage West hope that whatever is left behind can still say a lot about life in the historic neighborhood. Were more interested in things like, what did people eat? What types of activities did they do in their backyards? What sort of plates were they eating off of? What sort of beverages were they drinking? Kassabaum said. Were taking a very small window in and trying to get a lot of information out. Working alongside community People are very proud of the history in this neighborhood, said James Wright, the director of strategic partnerships and major gifts with HopePHL, a social services agency and one of Heritage Wests community partners. Hes heard extensively from people about the nostalgia for this slice of Black Bottom on Lancaster Avenue. It really was this cultural center in West Philadelphia, he said. Wright explained how from the planning stages, the project has worked closely with community members and the people who still carry the legacy of Black Bottom with them. People were really interested in [this project] because of the fact that it dealt so specifically with something that Penn needs to reckon with. Megan C. Kassabaum Heritage West held workshops at the Community Education Center to help people trace their family histories and learn how to preserve their own family artifacts. They worked with other community partners like the Black Bottom Tribe and Penn professor Walter Palmer, who grew up in Black Bottom, to understand the neighborhood better. They also spoke with community members at local events about what they would like to see from the project. Its actually wonderful to see [this] happen and connect the dots in all the stories, Wright said. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to help with the excavation on Fridays this fall, or with future elements of the project. You can fill out an interest form on Heritage Wests website. One especially successful community collaboration was the creation of an interactive West Philadelphia timeline. The Heritage West team created a large written timeline for the neighborhood, but left space for community members to write in their memories of events and what the area was like. Wed love to hear from community members about what theyd want to see happen with the material. Sarah Linn On the first day it was up, one man told the Heritage West team about how elaborately people used to decorate Lancaster Avenue for Christmas. When its just oral history, even though we know its real, and our children may know its real because of how we speak to them and tell them about it ... a lot of times as we move and get older and move out, those stories get lost, and the neighborhood could be written over, Wright said. Though he grew up in Southwest Philadelphia, his aunt lived in Black Bottom and told him about her neighborhood and her pride for it. [This is] really helping to make sure that people get to get their stories in ink, he said. The Heritage West team isnt sure what the projects end product will be. Kassabaums dream is an exhibit that is located in both the Penn Museum and the West Philly community. That way, it might draw typical Penn Museum-goers out into the community and community members into the museum. But things are still very flexible, and Heritage West is looking for guidance. Wed love to hear from community members about what theyd want to see happen with the material, said Linn. For now, for everyone involved, it just feels good that a project with Penns backing is making a small step to take accountability for its role in clearing Black Bottom. People were really interested in [this project] because of the fact that it dealt so specifically with something that Penn needs to reckon with, Kassabaum said. We cant make the University of Pennsylvania be something that its not ... so what can we do? And for us it was well, we can marshal the resources available to archaeologists at Penn to do something good with all of that brain power and resource thats sitting here in the city. Here's where to reach out for support if you've been sexually assaulted. Read more If you have experienced a sexual assault, there are many places where you can turn for support, whether or not its a recent incident. Nationally, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network offers a free 24-hour national sexual assault hotline at 800-656-4673, or you can chat with a counselor at hotline.rainn.org/online, and connect with local resources. Here are some Philly groups that can help: What they do: WOAR is a Philly-based nonprofit that provides free trauma therapy to children and adults who have experienced sexual violence. It doesnt matter when the sexual trauma took place. The group works to eliminate all forms of sexual violence through specialized treatment services, prevention and education programs, as well as advocating for the rights of sexual assault survivors. 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite #800, Emergency hotline: 215 985-3333 (24 hours a day), woar.org Help make this guide better See something missing? If you spot an error or omission in any of our guides, please let us know by emailing us at phillytips@inquirer.com What they do: PCAR works to support people in Pennsylvanias 67 counties who have experienced sexual assault. Their programs include counseling, follow-up services, and advocacy. PCAR partners with a network of rape crisis programs to bring help, hope, and healing to survivors of sexual violence. You can reach out to PCAR for help connecting with resources where you are, anywhere in Pennsylvania. The hotline operates 24 hours a day. Emergency hotline: 888-772-7227 (24 hours a day), pcar.org What they do: This clinic provides 24/7 support for sexual assault survivors 16 years of age and older. You will be seen by a specially trained sexual assault nurse examiner, who will perform a forensic rape examination and evidence collection. The exam can be performed within three days of the assault. The clinic is managed by the Drexel School of Nursing. The clinic was started in 2011 because sexual assault survivors often waited a long time to be seen in hospitals if they didnt have immediately critical medical needs. PSARC is housed in the same facility as the special victims unit of the Philadelphia Police Department, but it operates independently from police. If you visit the center, you are not obligated to file a report or press charges. If you choose, state law allows for anonymous kit exams, where evidence is provided to police but with a code number, not your name. The clinic can also refer you for trauma counseling and support through WOAR, either immediately or for follow-up. PSARC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 300 E. Hunting Park Ave., Emergency hotline: 215-425-1625 to talk to the on-call sexual assault nurse examiner (24 hours a day), Info line: 215-800-1589, drexel.edu/medicine/forensic-emed What they do: DCVAC provides counseling and support to survivors of sexual assault. The group operates a 24/7 hotline with staff trained in crisis intervention and trauma counseling. All calls are confidential. DCVAC also offers support if you want someone to accompany you to the hospital, police station, or court. This service is available 24 hours a day. Therapy is also available in individual and group settings. Emergency hotline: The hotline for sexual assault victims can be reached at 610-566-4342 (24 hours a day), delcovictimassistance.org What they do: CVC is a private, community-based nonprofit that supports victims of crimes in Chester County, including sexual assault. The CVC advocates for your rights, whether or not you choose to report crimes to law enforcement. The group provides counseling as well as support if you want someone to accompany you to the hospital, police station, or court. Emergency sexual assault hotline: 610-692-7273 (24 hours a day), cvcofcc.org What they do: Founded in 1974, NOVA supports, counsels, and empowers people who have experienced sexual assault and other serious crimes in Bucks County. The group offers a 24/7 hotline and will also accompany you if you want support at the hospital or police station. NOVA also provides services for children who have been sexually assaulted. Emergency hotline: 800-675-6900 (24 hours a day), novabucks.org What they do: SERV supports survivors of sexual violence in Camden, Gloucester, and Cumberland Counties. They also offer support to the family and friends of victims. SERV offers counseling services, a 24/7 hotline, online chats, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, safe housing, education counseling, and support groups. All services are free of charge, strictly confidential, culturally sensitive, and bilingual. Emergency hotline: Gloucester & Camden 866-295-7378 (24 hours a day); Cumberland: 800-225-0196 (24 hours a day), centerffs.org Ever since I was a boy, Ive loved political scandals. In Northern Ireland, they were fairly thick on the ground. You couldnt throw a rock, or a petrol bomb, without hitting some local councillor whod done something they didnt ought to, an MLA or MP who was taking a few quid from somewhere beneath their office. I inherited this passion from my father, an inveterate newshound who has never had any interest in gossip of the personal, everyday kind, but whose heart gleams with joy at the intricacies of any governmental scuttlebutt that comes his way. To this day, any time I scent a scandal in the wind, my first impulse is to call him, and inevitably discover he has the whole sad shambles imprinted on his brain as if he was in the room where it happened. Its maddening. Most sought after, therefore, are those times when I scoop him; bringing him some scandal hes never heard, to which hell listen with rapt attention. A greater level of attention, I sometimes think, than he does when I call to give him updates from my own life, or those of his grandchildren. One of my proudest moments was the case of the former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif. Following the release of the Panama Papers, Sharifs family was accused of forging documents from 2006 to hide ownership of overseas properties, because said documents were written in Microsofts Calibri typeface, which had not been released until 2007. Since my dad is as obsessed with home computing as he is unfamiliar with Pakistani politics, his ecstatic reaction when I brought this to his attention remains one of the highlights of my life. All of which brings me to one of my true, blue bugbears; those scandals which blaze in full primary colours, at deafening volume, without their true dazzling insanity cutting through. So, its worth addressing just how insane it is that Americas former president, and far-and-away frontrunner to the Republican nomination for the next election, is currently under investigation in at least three criminal cases so bafflingly ridiculous that it is hard to get this fact across without sounding hyperbolic. Having spotted a distinct lack of clarity in describing the scope and nature of these cases, I thought Id channel my lifelong attention to quagmire-watching, and attempt as brief a precis as I can. The updated indictment against former President Donald Trump, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira is photographed Thursday, July 27, 2023. Pic: AP Photo/Jon Elswick ALLEGED ATTEMPTS TO OVERTURN THE 2020 ELECTION RESULT: Late on Tuesday, the US Department of Justice issued Trump with four charges related to his efforts to overturn the result of the 2020 election. Crucially, they allege he did so knowingly, creating sham investigations, pressuring state representatives, and ignoring the expert advice he was given that the results were legitimate. At least one of his six co-conspirators appears to be former New York Mayor and current international laughing stock, Rudy Giuliani. CLASSIFIED FILES ALLEGEDLY IN THE BATHROOMS OF MAR-A-LAGO: Thats all separate from the 40 charges the Justice Department has levelled relating to Trumps mishandling of highly sensitive classified documents since leaving office. Put simply, prosecutors say he not only failed to turn over said documents, but had lawyers lie that they had been returned, and stored them haphazardly in his Mar-a-Lago resort where, memorably, he had boxes of Top Secret documents piled high in his bathroom and even within his actual shower. He is also charged with showing such documents to unauthorised individuals and in a truly astounding flourish for any good scandal-watcher a recording of one such presentation shows Trump declaring as president I could have declassified it now I cant, you know, but this is still a secret, rather puncturing his earlier claim that such documents were no big deal. ALLEGED INTERFERENCE IN ELECTION 2020: Those are likely to soon be joined by an indictment from Georgia relating to accusations of election interference, not least a taped phone call to Georgias Secretary of State and most Americanly named man of all time Brad Reffensperger, in which Trump said he needed to find 11,780 votes, and threatened the Secretary with criminal prosecution if he didnt help him do so. While charges have not yet come through, they are expected to be imminent, meaning that the first former President to ever be indicted, may soon be on the receiving end of four simultaneously. Fourth? Well, yes. All of the above is almost enough to make one forget that New York state is currently accusing Trump of falsifying business records to pay off a porn star. ALLEGED FALSIFICATION OF BUSINESS RECORDS: Adult performer Stormy Daniels, who claimed she had a sexual relationship with the former president, was given $130,000 by Trumps lawyer Michael Cohen, who was, in turn, paid back in a series of instalments from Trumps organisation, made to look like legal expenses. While most people have heard of the above, I find it truly shocking that anyone ever talks about anything else. Seamas O'Reilly. Picture: Orfhlaith Whelan I can forgive a certain degree of amnesia around the vagaries of document handling, or even the intricacies of electoral interference but, to paraphrase Samuel Pepys, when one is tired of a political scandal in which the soon-to-be-President of the United States gave hush money to a literal porn star, one is tired of life. If we miss the opportunity to engage with these stories as theyre happening, I lament the decreasing appetite for political scandal it suggests. Enjoying them for their insanity alone may, after all, be all we have. Whether any of these indictments will be successful is debatable and, in any case, none have yet made a dent in his polling. This week, the New York Times reported that Trump has 54% of the preference for the Republican nomination, more than three times that of second place Ron DeSantis. Most staggeringly of all, among voters who believe he has committed serious federal crimes, that number is 22%. So, there may well be no telling some people, but that doesnt mean we shouldnt tell everyone we know while the going is good. Now, if youll excuse me, I have to go ring my dad. Steven Simon was in a London taxi when he heard the news that a plane had crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001. My first reaction was to shout, He did it! He fucking did it! Simon explains from his home in Virginia, in the United States. He had been expecting the news for some time. Waking up in the year 2000, some may have decided that Washington had hyped the prospect of an attack by Osama bin Laden and his allies beyond reason, but that conclusion is wrong, Simon explained in an article he co-wrote with Daniel Benjamin for The New York Times on January 4, 2000. The CIA had been trying to get the White House to pay attention that an attack was imminent, but they failed, says Simon, who served as the National Security Council senior director for counterterrorism in the Clinton White House and for the Middle East and North Africa in the Obama White House. Simon then cites a story from a prominent Washington politico, who told him several years ago that on balance, 9/11 had represented a good deal: forty years of cheap oil for 3,000 killed on one day in 2001. That is one chilling, repulsive perspective, the former foreign policy planner writes in Grand Delusion: The Rise and Fall of American Ambition in the Middle East. The book notes that by the time the George W Bush administration had reassembled for an NSC meeting in the Situation Room four days after the 9/11 attacks, then deputy secretary of defense, Paul Wolfowitz, was quick to speculate on Iraqi complicity. Wolfowitz said: Its Iraq, we have to go after Iraq, Simon recalls. There was a solid argument for Saddams willingness to use terror to achieve his goals. There just wasnt any evidence that he had consorted with al-Qaeda to attack the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the White House, or the Capitol, says Simon. Al Qaeda did have state support. But it was from Saudi Arabia, not Iraq. Simon began his career in Washington during the 1980s, working at the State Department, where he developed a diplomatic strategy to facilitate the Reagan administrations plans for military operations in the Middle East, which began in Lebanon. His latest book examines the rise and fall of American engagement in the Middle East over the last four decades. The narrative begins in 1979. That year, Saddam Hussein became president of Iraq. Meanwhile, Iraqs neighbour, Iran, disposed of its monarchy and became an Islamic Republic, led by Shia cleric, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iraq invaded Iran one year later. A million perished on both sides in a brutal conflict that dragged on for eight years. The Reagan administration had asserted neutrality in the Iran-Iraq War, but gradually tilted toward Iraq, while hedging its bets by secretly transferring desperately needed weapons to Iran. But following the election of George HW Bush as president in November 1988, the United States sought to improve its relations with Iraq. This meant looking the other way, as the brutal Iraqi regime killed tens of thousands of Kurds, using chemical weapons in the north of the country. Simon also explores how reconstruction of Iraq, after the Iran-Iraq war, meant contracts for major US infrastructure companies including Brown and Root, Halliburton, and the Bechtel Group. Indeed, the general view in Washington at the time was that the United States needed export markets, and Iraq [was] a potential market, he explains. Then when Saddam launched Iraqs invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, Washingtons relations with Baghdad went south. The George HW Bush administration decided it would force Saddam out of Kuwait militarily, and without a whole lot of serious thought as to what would happen after that, Simon explains. Grand Delusion: The Rise and Fall of American Ambition in the Middle East, by Steven Simon He believes that with the First Gulf War (from August 1990 to February 1991) George HW Bush made a grave mistake: thinking that victory in Iraq would be swift and decisive. In the short term it was. But the war ended by leaving Saddam in power. It also withdrew US military power from the region, Simon stresses. This meant enforcing draconian sanctions, which were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children, while still hoping and planning for regime change in Iraq. During Clintons two terms in the decade that followed, most conversations on Iraq tended to focus on looking for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) that werent there, as Simon puts it. He notes that Saddam certainly had ambitions to develop nuclear weapons; in 1981 Iraq had lost its brand-new nuclear reactor to an Israeli air strike for this very reason. Simon also points out, however, that between 1991 and 1998, the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) uncovered and destroyed all of Iraqs chemical and biological warfare stocks and completely dismantled the vast production system that had been built over the years by Saddam to research, develop, and fabricate these lethal weapons. As Bush launched the so-called war on terror after 9/11, however, Washington was plagued by mass paranoia. This was especially true of Dick Cheney. The then US vice president peddled a belief that Saddam was close to a nuclear weapons capability and was preparing to unleash other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) on the west. The idea seems to have had no basis in US intelligence analysis, says Simon. The only large-scale coordinated intelligence assessment of Iraqs weapons of mass destruction programme was completed in 2002 at the request of Congress, not the White House, or any other executive branch department. George W Bush himself never read it. The Bush administration needed an [argument] it could bring to the United Nations, says Simon, and WMD was always going to have to be used as a justification to invade Iraq. Tony Blair bought into the idea. In March 2003, the then-British prime minister told the House of Commons: We are now seriously asked to accept that in the last few years, contrary to all history, contrary to all intelligence, Saddam decided unilaterally to destroy the weapons. Such a claim is palpably absurd. Blair mentioned WMD at a meeting Simon attended at 10 Downing Street, in November 2002 with Blair, his foreign secretary Jack Straw, and chief of staff, Jonathan Powell. Blair also asked Simon and his Washington cohorts would Iraqis be better off with Saddam or without him? They informed him that removing Saddam could possibly unleash severe intercommunal violence in a politically unstable country like Iraq. Pursuing regime change, therefore, would not be a good idea, they added. Blairs response was simply to repeat the question, it was a perverse situation, Simon recalls. Anything that would call into question the feasibility of the proposed war was simply not welcome. This past March marked the 20th anniversary of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. The Brown University Cost of War Project claims the Iraq war is responsible for the deaths of 300,000 individuals. The nonpartisan research team also estimate that up to 4.6m people have been killed in post-9/11 conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Simons book concludes with the net assessment that the United States would have been better off today had it not been so eager to intervene in the Middle East. However moral honesty or integrity doesnt count for much in the slippery world of geopolitics, says Simon. Foreign policy is largely about saying you are going to do one thing, and then doing another, Simon concludes. I cannot think of a single government on earth whose foreign policy is not hypocritical. That just comes with the territory. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 5. Farmers in the Balkan region located in the west of Turkmenistan plan to harvest more than 52,000 tons of melons and watermelons this season, Trend reports. According to official data, watermelons and melons in the region are planned to be harvested from an area of 2,620 hectares this season. This harvest was made possible thanks to the careful care of farmers and improved agricultural technologies that were introduced in the region. To ensure efficient logistics, the harvest will be sent to the capital and other regional centers of the country, which will allow timely delivery of fresh products to consumers. Such a successful harvest not only contributes to the strengthening of the region's economy but also allows for meeting the demand for fresh produce in the country and, possibly, even exporting it abroad. All Together Now has returned to Curraghmore, Co Waterford, for it's fourth instalment this bank holiday weekend and the good word from last year seems to have spread as the event feels bigger and busier than ever. There are installations all over and so much going on, from impromptu conga lines to guest collaborations on stage. "Where's Nowhere Land?" we're asked early on Friday afternoon. Er, we don't think it exists actually but with the ever-sprawling ATN site, maybe it will have appeared come Sunday night. Baby's first festival? All Together Now on Friday evening. Picture: Aron Cahill As for Friday, yes the dreaded rain that had been forecast that evening duly arrived. Drops started during Sorcha Richardson's early evening set, it got heavier during Jessie Ware's disco inferno, and because a deluge for Annie Mac's set at the Lovely Days stage. But when Annie dropped a Bicep mashup with Sinead O'Connor's 'Nothing Compares 2 U', well, the rain didn't feel that bad after all. Gemma Dunleavy at All Together Now on Friday evening. Picture: Aiesha Wong That was the third tribute to the late singer that's we'd come across on Friday, the loss still evidently palpable ten days on. The underrated millennial chronicler Ailbhe Reddy finishes on am impressive cover of 'The Last Day of Our Acquaintance', while a short while later a rejuvenated David Kitt segues into 'Mandinka'. "I think we all felt that one," he says after seguing into the led cover cover announcing afterwards, "Rest in peace our patron saint Sinead O'connor." It's an eye-opening performance from the grizzled Dublin veteran, eschewing a traditional band for a backing singer/dancer and a saxophone player. While it helps that 2023's Idiot Check is his best album in years, Kitt teases us with a couple of songs from the Big Romance, suggesting that he'll have to come back and play it in full sometime. Yes please! All Together Now on Friday evening. Picture: Aron Cahill As for the big hitters on day one, Jessie Ware only lasted 55 minutes on the main stage but what a performance. With dancers gyrating around her and a guitarist raised on Prince, 'What's Your Pleasure?' Is surely the sexiest song ATN has even seen, Ware cracking a whip attached to her mic. Proving that variety is the spice of festival life, the second stage is crammed for Lankum's set straight after Ware. They seem to revel in the raucousness of the crowd, some of their trad songs ready to take the roof off. From there the night devolved into a slew of superlative DJs. London duo Overmono bring out David Balfe aka For Those I Love for an incendiary, undeniable song of his, 'I Have a Love', his own ode to a friend sadly lost. Norwegian DJ Todd Terje practically walks us back to our tents around 3am, trudging through the mud. Saturday started with strong winds, thankfully due to abate around lunchtime, and no more rain is forecast. All Together Now has all the ingredients in place for another deliriously good weekend. An Irish naval vessel has been forced to cut a sea patrol short and go into "quarantine" after a number of crew were diagnosed with covid. The LE James Joyce had to return to the naval headquarters at Haulbowline Island, in Cork after the onboard outbreak was diagnosed by medical personnel. Cold Case murderer Noel Long claimed that during a 1981 interrogation by gardai he was beaten and brought into a dark room, where his head was repeatedly immersed in glass containers containing what he was told were body parts. One of the last surviving members of the "Murder Squad", an historic garda unit involved in many high-profile investigations in the 1980s, denied the allegation and called it extraordinary. I can say this to my Lord: we don't have body parts lying around in Garda Stations, retired detective Gerry O'Carroll told a hearing that took place in the weeks before a jury was empanelled. Mr O'Carroll also characterised as "extraordinary" and "fanciful" Long's recollection of being visited during the interview by someone dressed as a priest or a monk. During the pre-trial hearing, Mr O'Carroll was cross-examined on the role religion played in his interrogations and of reciting a Hail Mary with serial killer John Shaw before he confessed to murdering two women in the 1970s. Mr O'Carroll, who was also involved in the Kerry Babies investigation, said that on July 6, 1981 barely a month after Nora Sheehan's body was discovered Long confessed that he had picked up the mother-of-three in his car after gardai told him they had forensic proof of matches between her clothing and Long's car. He also said that Long's account of being prevented from using the toilet during his questioning and having to urinate into a can in an interview room was "nonsense". "To force him into this indignity is beyond comprehension," he told Long's defence counsel. Long disputed making any confessions to Mr OCarroll and did not give any evidence about the allegations at the pre-trial hearing. In the pre-trial hearing on June 15 this year, the prosecution tendered Mr OCarroll for the defence, where he was questioned at length by Long's senior counsel Mr Michael Delaney. Mr OCarroll, who took the stand with the aid of a walking stick, said he recalled fairly well his dealings with Long that day at Union Quay Garda Station in Cork city. The witness said he was a detective sergeant attached to the investigations section within the Garda Technical Bureau at the time and the section was headed up by Chief Superintendent Dan Murphy and assisted by the now deceased Detective Superintendent John Courtney. He said he was aware that Long was invited into the station and had come voluntarily to help gardai with their inquiries. Mr O'Carroll said he interviewed Long that July morning for three hours with another detective. 'I didn't believe it was happening' When they asked Long if he had picked up anybody in the last month in his blue Opel Kadett, the suspect said that nobody except his wife had been in his car for the previous 12 months. He said that Long was very quiet and silent for long periods of time and only spoke when spoken to. He was not very loquacious and forthcoming as naturally he was quiet and reserved and composed. Mr OCarroll testified that he remembered putting it to Long that gardai had incontrovertible forensic proof that "the murdered lady", Mrs Sheehan, was in his car, which gardai would prove with forensics. The witness said the mention of forensic evidence had taken the suspect by surprise. It was at this point that Mr Carroll claimed that Long blurted out: "I did pick her up. I did give her a lift. I'm sorry for her family, I am sorry for my family. I didn't believe it was happening." When the detective sergeant asked Long what it was he "didn't believe" was happening, he said the suspect replied: "I can't say any more" before lapsing into a long silence. He said he thought Long was remorseful when he said he "didn't believe it was happening'. Forensics Mr OCarroll said Long was amenable to meeting two forensic experts in the adjoining room around 4.30pm that afternoon. The witness said that two detectives from the Garda Technical Bureau informed Long it was conclusive from the evidence found at Shippool Woods, and from that gathered from his car, that the suspect had contact with the victim. When the witness was returned to the interview room, Mr OCarroll said he asked Long how he now felt having heard from the forensic experts that there was conclusive, irrefutable proof that Mrs Sheehan had been in his blue Opel Kadett. Mr OCarroll said he put it to the suspect: Are they correct? Are those men telling the truth? to which Long had replied: They are, they are telling the truth. Now I can't say anymore. "And he never did," added the witness. Mr O'Carroll said Long would not answer any other questions that were put to him that day and remained silent. Mr Delaney told the witness that his client disputed making any confessions to him, but Mr OCarroll disagreed. Counsel also put it to the witness that Longs recollection included him not being permitted to go to the toilet and having to urinate into a can in the interview room. Mr OCarroll countered that this was a falsehood. Oh, that is nonsense. I never in all my years 37 years in the police would I make a person, especially, I mean, somebody who had volunteered voluntarily to come to the station; to force him into this indignity is beyond comprehension. "Certainly it is not correct and if Mr Long states that, it is not correct. It is not right." Mr Delaney put it to the witness that his client said he was never invited into a room next door and showed forensic evidence with a discussion taking place around it. That is exactly what happened..my recollection is correct. And he agreed to go into the room, protested Mr OCarroll. Voluntary Asked by Mr Delaney if it irritated him that Long stopped engaging in the interview, the witness said he was used to it as he had been in interview rooms with paramilitaries, who wouldn't "open their mouths" over 48 hours. And Mr Long was not arrested; he wasnt even an arrested person. That was his prerogative to remain silent. We understood that, said the witness. When asked if he was maintaining that Long was still in the station on a voluntary basis at 6.45pm that night, having been already questioned for nearly 11 hours, Mr OCarroll said if the suspect had said to him I want out of here, I'm going home, I'm not arrested then he could have walked out of the station. Noel Long (pictured) disputed making any confessions to Mr OCarroll and did not give any evidence about the allegations at the pre-trial hearing. File picture: Collins Courts. When it was suggested by counsel that the witness was lying about not detaining Long against his will and that he was free to leave at any time, Mr OCarroll said he deeply resented that comment and called it a scurrilous remark. Mr Delaney put it to the witness that no interview notes were attached to the file that was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions later that year. Mr O'Carroll said that surprised him as he took notes and his colleague witnessed him reading over the notes to Long. "I was a scrupulous keeper of every document I had during my career; and it might seem strange that about 12 months ago, every document I possessed in my 36 years as a detective garda I incinerated. I have nothing left of my career, only very little of my notes," Mr O'Carroll said. 'The Murder Squad' Changing direction in his line of questioning, Mr Delaney asked Mr OCarroll if a particular section of the Garda Technical Bureau at the time was known as the murder squad. The witness said the whole section was the murder squad and that "the four inspectors, eight detective sergeant's and about 30 or 40 detectives" that made up the elite unit were sent to the four corners of Ireland and outside Ireland to investigate serious crime, mostly murders. I think youre on record as having stated in the recent past that the murder squad that you joined was a very exclusive and select unit, Mr Delaney put to the witness. Mr OCarroll agreed, saying that 40 good detectives" had been handpicked, that the unit was needed at the time and that he is very proud he was a member of it. He added: We had a lot of killings and murders and we had a war going on in the north of Ireland. I saw 12 of my colleagues killed. And murder was commonplace armed robberies, gunmen taking over villages and towns, IRA men robbing banks at will, stripping policemen of their uniform. "And I think in 1980 it was decided they wanted a unit set up of dedicated, committed members. John Shaw confession The barrister went on to ask the witness about his interviewing techniques and in particular about the confession deviant serial killer John Shaw had made to him about murdering Mary Duffy and how he was on record as saying that it was the reciting of the rosary with Shaw that brought about that confession. English national Shaw (76) is Ireland's longest-serving inmate and has been in prison since 1976 when both he and another English man, Geoffrey Evans, were arrested for the abduction, rape, torture and murder of Elizabeth Plunkett (22) in Wicklow and Mary Duffy (24) in Mayo that year. Shaw and Evans were both given life sentences at the Central Criminal Court in 1978. In 2020, the Minister for Justice accepted a Parole Board recommendation that Shaw be granted two days of escorted temporary release per year. Evans died in 2012 from an infection after spending more than three years in a vegetative state. Is it fair to say that religion has had a role from time to time in your interrogation of suspects? probed Mr Delaney. Mr OCarroll said he had made a heartfelt plea" to "a very violent man who gardai believed had committed two murders and who had held out in an interview for the best part of two days. He added: When I interviewed him I felt this man is very disturbed... and I said, John we'll say a prayer together, that was all. I never said did you kill anybody? Or did you kill Mary Duffy? Did you kill Elizabeth Plunkett? I never said a word." "It wasn't the full rosary now, but I said we'll say the Hail Mary. I said, 'You're a Catholic,' he said, 'I am.' ... I said, 'You made your Holy Communion; you wore a little rosette with a badge and your confirmation,' I said, 'Your parents were proud of you. You remember that John?' And he said, "Yes, I do remember very well, detective." And I said, 'And look at the monster you've turned into.' I said, 'We'll say a prayer for you.' "And it was during that little tiny interval where I said, 'Let's say a prayer,' - and he might've never said a Hail Mary in a long, long time. "And the next thing he saw what I'd like to put as the error of his ways and he broke down and wept and he said, 'Yes, I've done terrible things and I've killed Mary Duffy and I killed Elizabeth Plunkett.' And he made a full statement that night. That was it basically. The witness went on to tell the judge how he had been involved in almost 100 murder investigations and had given evidence in every court "in and outside the land". Mr OCarroll said that whilst he has no special skills, he was sympathetic to people. "I don't admit to being a saint; I am not. But you give everybody a fair chance, a fair shake down and I felt sorry for John Shaw at that moment". Noel Long claims against gardai Mr Delaney explained that the reason he had asked about this aspect of the witnesss interview with Shaw was because Longs recollection was that he was visited in the garda station that day [July 6, 1981] by someone dressed as a priest or a monk. Mr OCarroll remarked that this was "extraordinary" and "fanciful" and denied it ever happened, replying: I'd have known if a priest came into the room or a monk with a cowl. Mr Delaney said his client recalled being beaten throughout the day and a chair being pulled out from under him so that he would fall to the ground and get kicked. The witness denied ever assaulting Long and said he had never seen anyone lay a finger on him, calling it absolutely untrue and "extraordinary". Noel Long (pictured) recalled being beaten throughout the day in a garda interview and a chair being pulled out from under him so that he would fall to the ground and get kicked. File picture: Collins Courts. "And can Mr Long say who did this terror to him?" asked the witness. Mr Delaney replied: "Well, it's 42 years ago, Mr O'Carroll. He says at one stage one of the gardai had his head pinned between his boots. And he was also pinned against the wall in the room with one garda on either side of him". The witness also denied asking Long to sign his name "on a flap of a cigarette packet". Mr Delaney finally put it to the witness that his client maintained he was brought into a dark room where his head was repeatedly immersed in glass containers which contained what he was told were body parts. The witness denied this ever happening and called the allegation extraordinary. Mr O'Carroll said: I can say this to my Lord: we don't have body parts lying around in Garda Stations. Mr Delaney put it to the witness that he had given an interview in the recent past about the existence of a so-called heavy gang within the murder squad, which was in operation at the time. But Mr OCarroll asked the lawyer to rephrase that, as he took umbrage at that comment and had gone to the High Court, where he had received considerable damages on two occasions. Mr O'Carroll claimed that veteran journalist Vincent Browne had originally coined the phrase before it was taken up by other commentators, who he said "wouldn't be that friendly" towards the gardai. He said he had sued two people for using that expression. He told the court that even now he would certainly take legal action against anybody who used that expression "outside the confines of this court and privilege". Later that night on July 6 when Long was still present in the garda station, the Director of Public Prosecutions gave directions that he was to be charged with the murder of Mrs Sheehan. Long was duly charged and brought before the District Court in Cork the following day. Cocaine worth up to 4.2m was seized after two vehicles were stopped by gardai in Cork early this morning. Three men were arrested at about 3am after gardai found some 60kg of cocaine worth an estimated 4.2m in two vehicles that were stopped and searched towards the Dunkettle area of Cork. The men, who have been living in Ireland but are not Irish nationals, may have links with international organised crime groups, a source said. The arrests followed an intelligence operation between gardai and Revenue Customs officers. The drugs are believed to have come into Ringaskiddy Port in a freight container. The suspects are currently being questioned by gardai in Cork garda stations, including Gurranabraher and Togher. The drugs have been removed for analysis. The Port of Cork's container terminal at Ringaskiddy. File Picture: Dan Linehan On first inspection, gardai believe that 60kg of cocaine, which would have a street value of 4.2m, was seized although the seizure could be worth up to 5m, a source said. The men are being held on suspicion of drug trafficking. It is expected that they will be charged tomorrow or Monday. They could be held for questioning for up to one week with court-ordered extensions. Ringaskiddy Port is under significant garda surveillance, a source said. Two of the men are in their 20s and one is in his 30s. They are currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. During this operation, Revenue officers seized approximately 60 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated value of 4,200,000. The operation on Saturday was part of an intelligence led operation targeting persons suspected of involvement with organised crime conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and personnel attached to the Revenue Customs Service. This morning's seizure is the latest in a series of significant drug seizures in the country in recent weeks. An estimated 9.3m worth of cocaine was seized at Rosslare Europort last week. Another consignment of cocaine, with an estimate street value of 11.4m, was seized in Rosslare on July 13. On July 18, 69kgs worth of cocaine was discovered in a number of packages which washed up along the coast of Donegal. In April, 3.85m worth of cocaine was seized during a garda operation at Ringaskiddy. A boil water notice has been lifted for some 21,000 homes in Cork, Uisce Eireann and Cork County Council confirmed. Boil water notices have also been lifted in Waterford and Tipperary. Lifting of the notices followed consultation with the HSE. Strike action earlier this week led to the precautionary boil water notice being issued to protect the health of customers supplied by the Glashaboy Water Treatment Plant which serves Glanmire, Glounthaune, Little Island, Carrigtwohill, parts of Midleton and surrounding areas. Customers in those areas can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth, a statement from Uisce Eireann stated. An ongoing dispute between the Unite Trade Union and seven local authorities over terms and conditions of employment resulted in three days of strike action this week, which ended in Cork at midnight last night. Uisce Eireann instated the boil water notice as a precautionary measure as full water quality tests could not be completed while some plants were being picketed. But following a treatment plant assessment this morning and consultation with the HSE, Uisce Eireann and Cork County Council confirmed that the Boil Water Notice could be lifted immediately. Uisce Eireanns, Head of Water Operations, Margaret Attridge acknowledged the impact of the notice and thanked the local communities affected in Cork. Uisce Eireanns primary focus remains the protection of public health. Due to the strike action arising from a dispute between the Unite Trade Union and seven Local Authorities, Uisce Eireann had no choice but to put this Boil Water Notice in place to protect public health. Once the strike ended, crews were mobilised immediately to carry out remedial works, she said. I would like thank the communities across Cork who were impacted by the notice for their patience and support. We are also grateful to elected representatives and the media for their assistance in sharing information on the boil water notice over recent days. Waterford and Tipperary Uisce Eireann and Waterford City and County Council confirmed that the precautionary boil water notices affecting some 64,205 customers supplied by Adamstown, Stradbally and Ballylaneen Water Treatment Plants have been lifted following HSE consultation. All customers served by these plants including Waterford City, Tramore, Dunmore East, Passage East, Crooke, Faithlegg, Cheekpoint, Stradbally, Ballylaneen, Kill, Bonmahon, Kilmeaden/Butlerstown, Ballyduff and surrounding areas can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth. And Uisce Eireann and Tipperary County Council confirmed that the precautionary boil water notices affecting approximately 4,585 customers supplied by Crottys Lake and Poulavanogue Water Treatment Plants have been lifted following HSE consultation. However a boil water notice remains in place for customers supplied by Tipperary's Glenary Public Water Supply, which includes parts of Clonmel Town centre and surrounding areas including Cashel Road, Cahir Road and Ring Road; and the Kilcomma/Finger Post areas in Co. Waterford. Outages Uisce Eireann said it is working with Tipperary County Council to restore water supply as quickly as possible to over 30,000 impacted customers following a number of outages across the county. Remedial works were delayed due to the industrial strike action which took place between Wednesday and Friday. Following notification yesterday that the industrial action in Tipperary had ceased, crews were immediately dispatched to return supplies, Uisce Eireann said. Repairs have been completed, however, due to size of the network it could take until Monday for water supply to fully return to some customers especially those at the end of the network. Alternative water supplies will remain in place until normal supply has been fully restored to all customers. All customers supplied by Glenary (Clonmel) Public Water Supply should now have supply returned. A boiled water notice remains in place for these customers and a further update will be provided tomorrow. Reservoir levels supplying Carrick on Suir (Linguan) Public Water Supply are recovering. Some customers at higher elevations are still experiencing low pressure/loss of supply, however, all customers should have normal supply returned by later this evening. The network served by the Galtee Regional Water Supply Network is starting to recharge with water already returned to many areas on the East of the scheme including: Bansha, Kilfeacle, Cashel and New Inn. A burst watermain has occurred and repairs are under way which will delay the return of water to the Donaskeigh area until tomorrow. On the West of the scheme it will take longer for water supply to return to all customers due to the size of the network. Customers in the following areas are still experiencing water outages: Ballyglass, Ardlamon, Ardavillane, Mount Bruise, Kilross, Ballywire, Roseboro, Lattin, Cullen, Limerick Junction and surrounding areas. Some areas will see water return today, however, customers at the extremities of the scheme and at higher elevations will not see normal water supply fully return until Sunday and possibly as late as Monday. Water supply has returned to many areas on the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme, however, water outages are still being experienced in Ballyclerihan Village, Lisronagh Village, Cahir Town, Poulmucka and surrounding areas. Water will continue to return throughout the day with full supply expected to return to all customers tomorrow, Sunday. "Our priority during the dispute was the protection of public health and the environment through the delivery of safe, secure and sustainable water services and we did everything within our power to maintain safe water services and minimise disruption, where possible," a statement from Uisce Eireann said. The Uisce Eireann Customer Contact Centre, open 24/7 on freephone 1800 278 278, is available to answer queries in relation to the lifting of this notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie. You dont need to be a doctor or a nurse, or indeed have any type of training at all. Right now, you can go online and order a range of dermal fillers and other injectable cosmetics, plus other equipment including syringes and cannulas, from an Irish company and within days they will be delivered to your home. If you wanted to, you could set up shop and start injecting fillers the very same day, with no training, no knowledge of anatomy, and no way of providing treatment if things went wrong. And according to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), some of these products may not even be being distributed legally. This is what happened when I ordered a selection of fillers and other intradermal cosmetic products from an online store registered as an Irish company in 2018 and operating out of Dublin. For 214 plus 49.99 Vat and a 9.99 postage fee, three different products were delivered to my home address within a week of me placing an order via a website. A popular brand of filler used to plump the lips, pre-loaded into syringes, came with the warning that it should only be used by an authorized medical practitioner". Two other products, one promising to combat cellulite and one marketed as a depigmentation solution, arrived in ampules. One had no safety information sheet or CE European safety mark on it, despite CE marking having become mandatory for dermal fillers under new EU regulations that came into effect in June, a month before the order was placed. 'Absolutely shocking' Top consultant plastic surgeon and chairman of the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons (IAPS), Professor Sean M Carroll, said he was shocked that I was able to order fillers online with such ease. Its absolutely shocking that as a private person, without any demands as to your experience, these companies will just send these out to you, Prof Carroll said. He said the IAPS had been calling for regulations around fillers to be tightened up for a long time, and that although he doesnt offer fillers himself, his own practice was very frequently contacted by people seeking treatment when things go wrong having had fillers. I get requests to assess clients as to what injuries occurred when they have received treatment from non-licensed people, he said. Many have no medical or nursing experience in any way whatsoever, which is just absolutely shocking. The whole thing needs to be seriously tightened up. The more serious potential impacts of having fillers and other injectable cosmetics done by people without training in anatomy included necrosis and nerve damage, he said. Someone gets fillers on a Thursday: By Saturday, they notice their lip is turning blue. On Sunday, they have a black area of their lip. That black area is due to necrosis of the lip tissue. Necrosis can be caused by too much filler being injected and that causing pressure, but injecting into an artery or vein by accident, can cause necrosis but it can also cause nerve damage. Once a nerve is damaged, there is nothing one can do to repair it. It would be very difficult to repair a nerve with surgery and nerve injuries can be life-changing, can have an impact on the way you talk. Regulation Injectable cosmetics were once the preserve of the wealthy in Ireland, and as a result were more likely to be used by middle-aged professional women with the resources to seek specialist care. But as the cost and ease of purchase comes down, younger women with less cash to spend are seeking cheap treatments: A search through hashtags like LipFillersIreland on Instagram reveals this trend. But Prof Carroll says this is resulting in a wave of DIY approaches: Recently he even heard of someone operating a business out of their garage. He also has serious concerns about the ever-decreasing age profile of the young people, mostly women, that he is seeing opting for fillers. Now that its cheaper, younger people can access it and Im not even sure if anyone is checking if they are over 18 or not, he said. In the EU, as in the US, fillers are not regulated as medicines, so who can purchase them is not restricted. They are largely regulated as medical devices. This doesnt apply to all intradermal cosmetics: Botox, for example, can only be administered by medically qualified people because it is a licensed medicine. The EU Commissions Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) was recently overhauled, with new requirements as of June 2023 that all medical devices come with CE marks and new labelling rules for manufacturers that must clearly state that dermal fillers are not to be used in persons who are less than 18 years old and that they should only be administered by appropriately-trained healthcare professionals. The Irish authority responsible for monitoring the market is the HPRA. It works with Revenues Customs Service and An Garda Siochana to investigate illegal supply of medicines, including online sources, and actively enforces against suspected breaches of the law. It would not provide a represntative for an interview for this article and only communicated via email through a PR firm. The HPRA pointed out that where, how, and by whom fillers are used is not within its remit: It is responsible only for monitoring the compliance and safety of the products being sold in Ireland. With regards to sourcing dermal fillers, the HPRA discourages members of the public from ordering dermal fillers online for use in their own home, it said. Listed substances The group of substances classed as medical devices are listed as products without an intended medical purpose in the MDR. But all three of the products I ordered actually contained small quantities of active ingredients that are licensed as medicines in their own right: The lip filler, mostly consisting of hyaluronic acid, contained 3mg of the anaesthetic Lidocaine. Another of the products, intended to improve the appearance of cellulite, contained Troxerutin, a drug licensed as a medicine for the treatment of varicose veins and haemorrhoids. Another, marketed as a depigmentation solution contained tranexamic acid, which is also licensed as a medicine and use to control heavy bleeding. Ellie O'Byrne. All three of the products I ordered actually contained small quantities of active ingredients that are licensed as medicines in their own right. Picture: David Keane Both also contained numerous other active ingredients including Melilot, a herb from the clover family that is supposed to reduce skin inflammation, vitamins, and the Alzheimers drug Idebenone. Initially, the HPRA pointed to the responsibility of manufacturers when contacted by the Irish Examiner. With regards to devices which contain substances and are regulated under the MDR and interactions with other products or substances, manufacturers should consider risks associated with interactions with products likely to be used in conjunction with their product as part of their risk analysis, the HPRA said through a press spokesperson. With regards to our market surveillance activities relating to dermal fillers, we are continuing to monitor the compliance and safety of such products and associated manufacturers. But the information on the products delivered to me made clear that the risks of interactions between the active ingredients in their products had not been studied. There is no way of knowing that if someone had had previous beauty treatments that there wouldnt be an interaction between different cocktails of active ingredients in injectable cosmetics sold for different purposes. There is no clinical data available concerning tolerance to the injection of this product at a site that has been treated with another permanent or impermanent product, one information sheet read, and no forms of interaction with other medicines are known. Ellie O'Byrne's purchases So I sent the HPRA photos of the packaging and products I had bought. Regarding the image provided, the product does not seem to be a medical device, and from the photograph of the package, appears to contain ingredients available in authorised prescription medicines, and is presented as a medicinal product, it responded. So the HPRA was querying the legality of the products I had purchased. How was it going to proceed? It said it could not comment on individual cases. The HPRA monitors for illegal supply, both in the physical and digital sphere. It has taken action in a number of cases, including in some cases prosecutions in the District Court in relation to illegal supply/administration/advertising of illicit medicines and continues to engage in enforcement of the regulations, its statement said. Ellie O'Byrne with some of the injectable cosmetics she ordered online. A popular brand of filler used to plump the lips, pre-loaded into syringes, came with the warning that it should only be used by an authorized medical practitioner". Picture: David Keane The HPRA earlier this year released its annual enforcement data for 2022 which shows that it detained some 940,000 dosage units* of falsified and other illegal medicines. In addition, 639 websites, e-commerce listings and/or social media pages were amended or shut down. With regard to the products I ordered, Prof Carroll said: The bottom line is that anything that contains a true medicine should not be delivered to someone who is not a professional. To Prof Carroll and other members of the IAPS, safety concerns about the current state of regulation on fillers in Ireland are going nowhere. And he has concerns over whether the HPRA has adequate resources to deal with a world where ordering products online is so easy, so cheap and so difficult to monitor and regulate. The European Commission told me there were no plans to overhaul the MDR soon, but that there will be an evaluation report on the new MDR regulations at the end of May 2027. In the meantime, in the absence of any action to ensure that only medical professionals can get their hands on and use fillers and other injectables, Prof Carroll said theres another approach hed like to see taken, and one where the Government could be pro-active. Hed like to see a public health awareness campaign targeted to young people warning of the potentially life-altering risks of getting fillers and other injectable beauty treatments by untrained personnel. Right now, I think we need warnings online, specifically on channels favoured by young people such as TikTok and Instagram where the information would go to the people who are having this done, he said. No-one could argue that was an unreasonable step and the IAPS would be in favour of that. I have enjoyed drinking alcohol most of my adult life. For many years I have been teaching and practicing mindfulness. Six months ago, I tried to practice drinking alcohol mindfully. The outcome for me was to stop drinking alcohol completely. I can hear many people say, If that happened to me, Id give up mindfulness! Gerry Raftery: "My age group, the over 65s, was identified as a problem group when it came to alcohol consumption. I realised I had to do something to reduce my intake." Picture: Brian Arthur I was delivering a mindfulness course to a group of people living with cancer. The participants found meditation and other mindful practices helped them in managing their illness and coping with the challenges they faced. I was reluctant to talk about alcohol and cancer. However, one member of the group told us that he had to reduce his alcohol consumption in order to manage his cancer treatment. He now drinks two glasses of wine a week. He really looks forward to this weekly tipple. This got me thinking that I would try to drink alcohol more mindfully. Having missed out on 'Dry January' and reading many newspaper articles about the dangers of too much alcohol consumption, I felt I should do something about my own drinking. Like most people I didnt regard myself as a heavy drinker or as drinking hazardously which is the new term for heavy drinking. But how much did I drink? The result of doing an inventory of my weekly consumption of alcohol shocked me. I drank alcohol four nights a week. I consumed two bottles of wine a week, and sometimes more. I drank five or six pints of stout a week, I took the odd glass of whiskey and sometimes a brandy and port. When I honestly added this up, I realised that I was above the prescribed limit for healthy drinking. I read a Health Research Board Report on Alcohol Misuse in Ireland. My age group, the over 65s, was identified as a problem group when it came to alcohol consumption. I realised I had to do something to reduce my intake. Initially I said I would drink one bottle of wine a week and about four pints of stout. I would be careful about spirits. I tried to do this mindfully. However, I realised that when I had one glass of wine it was difficult to resist the second or third. The bizarre result is that the more alcohol you drink the more difficult it becomes to drink mindfully. When you think about it, this makes sense. Mindfulness is about helping us to be aware of our thoughts, emotions and behaviours. This awareness helps us to understand and manage our lives more effectively. On the other hand, alcohol can loosen our self-control, it distorts our emotions and often leads to crazy behaviour. Many of us have been there. I then decided to stop drinking alcohol altogether. My non-drinking wife and my brother who is an addiction counsellor both thought I was foolish. They didnt think I had a problem so why give up something which I enjoyed? Gerry Raftery: "I have discovered the joy of coffee. The creamy latte has replaced the creamy pint. A good coffee shop can be as pleasant as a nice pub." Picture: Brian Arthur I decided to try it for a few weeks and see how I got on. Mindful awareness was helpful. I became aware of all the triggers I associated with alcohol. Weekend nights were going to be different. I found some alternatives in that I drank more water and, surprisingly, enjoyed it. I also began to drink non-alcoholic beers. I began to notice some benefits from not drinking alcohol. While I am generally a good sleeper, I found I slept much better. Oral hygiene improved; the red-wine mouth stains were gone. I didnt need tablets to fend off heart-burn. I had a better sense of well-being. Gerry Raftery: "In all honesty I reckoned I was spending more than 40 a week on alcohol. To many people this doesnt sound much. But its over 2,000 a year." Picture: Brian Arthur There were financial benefits, I wasnt spending money on alcohol. In all honesty I reckoned I was spending more than 40 a week on alcohol. To many people this doesnt sound much. But its over 2,000 a year a substantial saving during a cost-of-living crisis. As a moderate drinker I didnt drink enough to give me bad hang-overs. But after a few glasses of wine, beer and spirits on a week-end night I could wake up next morning feeling quite muggy. This has come to an end. Six months into my voluntary abstention from alcohol I have passed a number of tests. Going away for a short break or a holiday was always associated with drinking creamy pints of stout in congenial pubs. At first, I found it difficult. I had to practice a lot of mindfulness when it came to times and places associated with having a pint. I have discovered the joy of coffee. The creamy latte has replaced the creamy pint. A good coffee shop can be as pleasant as a nice pub. Gerry Raftery: "I began to notice some benefits from not drinking alcohol." Picture: Brian Arthur Perversely in Ireland, there can be a slight stigma associated with not drinking alcohol. I have been almost afraid to tell family or friends that I dont drink anymore. However, I would absolutely encourage people to think about their drinking. We owe it to ourselves and those around us. Some 75% of Irish adults drink alcohol, 52% of these people drink hazardously. This means that one in three people are drinking more alcohol than they should. Its worth doing a personal audit of your drinking. You may not come to the same conclusion as I did. But you might begin to be aware of unhealthy attitudes and behaviours associated with your drinking. We do need to have a national conversation on our use of alcohol. The current Citizens Assembly will not discuss alcohol as its remit is 'illicit drugs'. Perhaps it is time we had a citizens assembly on our use of alcohol. For more information on alcohol use, the Alcohol Action Ireland website is www.alcoholireland.ie Gerry Raftery is a mindfulness teacher living in Co Limerick. He was formerly Chairman of the Cork Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force and CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland. Drill, baby, drill. What was a fun soundbite circa 2008 for extreme conservatives who eschewed any environmental credentials in the US has now become official government policy for a supposedly moderate centre-right Tory Party in Britain in response to an unexpectedly positive by-election result. It was formerly the territory of anti-science, know-nothing-and-proud-of-it good ol boys and gals such as Sarah Palin in US extreme conservative circles. Diehard Republican voters lapped up the anti-environmental distraction messaging of Sarah Palin in 2008, as the rest of the world realised almost immediately just how out of her depth she was on real policy. Drilling for even more oil and gas and abandoning common sense health and environmental policy is now Rishi Sunak et als response to save the ailing Tory party from an electoral meltdown of its own making. All in the middle of a summer season that has shattered records for extreme weather events, as human-induced global warming plays out in real-time. We have seen much of Europe bake in temperatures well into the 40Cs, wildfires take hold in Greece and Italy, record rainfall in Ireland in July after record high overall heat in June, but despite the mounting evidence that the world is changing before our eyes, Rishi Sunak and Tory headquarters are betting on even more fossil fuel production as a way out of political meltdown. Quick backstory Boris Johnson lies to parliament about parties in Downing Street during the covid-19 pandemic lockdown, Johnson quits parliament with a puss after it officially finds that he lied and admonishes him for doing so, and his Uxbridge seat in north London is up for grabs in a by-election, along with two other by-election seats being contested on the same day. In addition to Johnson, the other two seats were up for grabs because another Tory quit in a huff after Johnsons recommendation to make him a lord was rejected, and yet another Tory resigned after harassing women and taking cocaine. Political pundits predicted the three seats would flip to Labour and/or the Liberal Democrats, despite large existing Tory majorities in each constituency. It would be a harbinger of the political self-immolation to come in a general election, most believed. By election day on July 20, the Tories were on course to lose all three by-elections, the worst by-election result for an incumbent Prime Minister for decades. Desperate Tories searched for any message that would stick during a limp campaign, and in Uxbridge, they settled on attacking the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) policy that aims to keep the most polluting cars out of central London, and subsequently in 2023, its surrounding areas. Johnson himself introduced the policy as London mayor in 2015. However, Tories turned it into current mayor and Labour lightning rod Sadiq Khans baby, scaring Londoners into thinking it is an attack on their way of life, and just about successfully fended off the Uxbridge seat swinging Labours way during the by-election in July. By painting it as an attack on hard-pressed motorists and London residents, as opposed to being mindful of the health of the vast majority who breathe the polluted air, the Tories found a winning formula. Emboldened by such shameless anti-environmental rhetoric, Rishi Sunak never gone on the whole climate change thing anyway goes full Sarah Palin this week. Drill, baby, drill. Rishi Sunak, currently on holiday with his family in Santa Monica, California, is as ruthless and calculating as any Machiavellian strategist. With pride, Sunak announces that hundreds of new oil and gas licences will be granted in the UK... as the UK Government continues to back the North Sea oil and gas industry as part of drive to make Britain more energy independent. Giddy fossil fuel industry figures can barely hide their delight. With a straight face, the CEO of Offshore Energies UK, David Whitehouse, said: Domestic production is the best pathway to net zero and the UK Governments commitment to licences is a welcome boost for energy security and jobs. Oil and gas fields decline naturally over time. The UK needs the churn of new licences to manage production decline inline with the maturing basin. There are currently 283 active oil and gas fields in the North Sea, by 2030 around 180 of those will have ceased production due to natural decline. If we do not replace maturing oil and gas fields with new ones, the rate of production will decline much faster than we can replace them with low carbon alternatives. In Mr Whitehouse and Mr Sunaks opinion, the best way to get away from destructive fossil fuel production is to produce more fossil fuel. Never mind that renewable energy is coming on leaps and bounds by the day, and that it simply has to be the long-term strategy for countries the world over in order for human-induced climate change disaster to be averted. At least one prominent Tory MP saw it for what it is this is about saving as many Tory skins as possible when the next general election comes around, and the planet be damned if it gets in the way of short-term political cycles. Chris Skidmore, a longtime environmental advocate, could not contain his anger. This is the wrong decision at precisely the wrong time, when the rest of the world is experiencing record heatwaves. It is on the wrong side of a future economy that will be founded on renewable and clean industries and not fossil fuels, he said. It is on the wrong side of modern voters who will vote with their feet at the next general election for parties that protect, and not threaten, our environment, and it is on the wrong side of history that will not look favourably on the decision taken. Worryingly, this decision has also been announced when MPs are on recess, unable to hold the government to account. Sunak talks about proportionate and pragmatic measures to meet climate ambitions, but it is hard to see what is proportionate or pragmatic about a policy that sees thousands die prematurely every year in the UK due to disease related to air pollution and heavily polluted rivers and coastlines, as well as wilting biodiversity. Dont be fooled by the amiable smile and less rambunctious style of leadership as compared to his predecessor Sunak is as ruthless and calculating as any Machiavellian strategist. Win by any means necessary, the next generation can clean up the mess because well be long gone by then. Drill, baby, drill. When I was growing up, I knew that I was different. What that difference was, I didn't truly know. I knew that I didn't gravitate towards boys and felt safer among girls. I preferred the more reasonable and sensitive nature that is culturally inherent to Irish women from a young age. It's weird, but now I understand it to have been about self-preservation. I remember comments being passed about me long before I knew who I was. People supposed what it was that I would be. When I was young, being gay was treated almost as though you were some sort of creature. A creature to be avoided if possible and quietly admonished. Some concern was voiced for me by the local GAA coach that I did not join the sports team; it wasn't good for me, apparently, to not keep the company of boys and do boyish things. I do not think there was harm in it; in his own way, he thought he was preparing me for the world, and he was entirely kind. A sea of smiles and rainbows as the crowds gathered to enjoy the Cork Pride Family Fun Day on Saturday. Picture: Chani Anderson And, while I was conscious of commentary about me, people trying to suss me out (though it was really none of their business). It wasn't until my teenage years that the children of overprying and judgmental parents did their worst. They tried to force me to meet girls (in the capacity of kissing or becoming sexually involved with them) these bullies were people whom I didn't know and did not want to know. And you see, that whole thing, it was not about me. They knew what I was before I did, and they sought to exploit an awkward situation to humiliate me. There was no escaping from that at the time. Ireland was conservative, constricting, and stifling enough to kill off many of the preceding generation of LGBTQ+, chase off many more and place others in harmful situations. I was a walking target as a teenage boy. I neither had an interest in boys nor girls at the time. In fact, I had more interest in Star Trek and Star Wars. I would spend my free time making plastic model kits from AMT/ERTL and others. I would not develop an interest in men until I was nearing eighteen, so the entire idea of puberty and heterosexuality felt forced upon me by others. The hostility I received in school only deepened and seeded a deep anxiety within me, the kind that crippled me. It would make me freeze in situations where I felt outnumbered, outgunned, and vilified. I remember a time in secondary school when, in woodwork class, a block of wood was thrown at my head. I will never forget the pain and the sound it made as it struck me above the temple. It hit me, making a loud noise, and I stood there at my bench, swallowing the pain because I would never let anyone see my pain. In my mind, I vowed to outlast them, and I did outlast them. A counter-protest at Grand Parade, Cork, with a member of the public seated in front of the counter protest group prior to the FORSA solidarity rally in support of Cork City Library staff. Picture Denis Minihane. I had the most cruel questions flung at me, asking if I was queer, a "faggot, a frigid. Questions I couldnt answer but apparently, they could. It made me switch off from life, and I became anxious, depressed, embittered, and angry. I treated my friends and family in a way that was not ideal. Why? Because when you are the recipient of hate, you don't believe you deserve love. You create distance to hide your sensitivity and pain, and you almost accept it as a state of being. I craved the summer holidays when a summer job and time away from school would allow me to flourish into someone closely representative of who I was meant to be. Every day was a new torment. Some days I would sweat profusely from the anxiety of abuse, but I would not give in to it or them. And really, it was more damaging to me because it was a two-pronged issue. To admit to being bullied was one thing, to admit to being bullied because you were gay was another. One day, while standing outside reception, one person decided to try to prove I was gay by playing footsie with my crotch. They were seated and outstretched their leg across the corridor and right up between my legs. The math class was through a narrow corridor where you couldn't stand two abreast. The preceding bullying was met with laughter, but the invasion itself was met with silence and awkwardness. Suddenly, it went from fun to something that was altogether over the line. No one stopped it, and I was frozen. It was interrupted only when the maths teacher announced their arrival. He did not know what had just happened, nor did he know the sickening nature of it. It was not just that, but comments by strangers in mocking tones (rare but unmistakable), whereby they would refer to me as a girl. I was feminine, but I did not look female or present as female. There was some purpose to it, and it wasn't good. My biology teacher once marked my biology exam and stormed around the classroom in a temper over the results of the assignment. During his tantrum, he said, "I don't care who you are, I don't care if you're fucking queer," and slammed my copybook on the table in front of me. I couldn't understand what drove such an outburst and why he timed it to be at my desk. But my vulnerability at that point made it impossible for me to fight back in any way. The crowd outside Cork City Library, Grand Parade, for the FORSA solidarity rally in support of Cork City Library staff. Picture Denis Minihane. What you see is not only pupils but also how the bigotry of teachers can hurt students. It was a very toxic world back then. The world changed and grew very quickly, and I grew in confidence and ferocity along with it; it became better for people. I am one of the lucky ones who survived the hostility, and while I had the pleasure of seeing the world evolve, my fear is that things are going full circle. My younger years held hints of who I was. I did not have resources to turn to, at least not without feeling like I would be identified. Fearing that my parents or friends might see me entering the LGBTQ+ resource centres, I spent my time in a newsagents on Patrick's St, paying 1 for 10 minutes on the internet trying to find answers for questions that I had about myself but couldn't take to my parents for fear of judgment. If I had a library that supported my development, if I had books to help me navigate the world I lived in, then how different things might have been. The guilt, the confusion, the feelings of being lesser, the feelings of shame these would be things I would have understood and likely avoided. There is nothing wrong with growing up gay; censoring young adults' access to information that helps them navigate the world only serves to drive us to other resources, resources that might not be age-appropriate or adequate. The best way to fight ignorance is through information; if information is stifled, it won't get rid of LGBTQ+ youth... it will just drive us into hiding and unsafe surroundings. Some of the crowd gathering outside Cork City Library, Grand Parade, for the FORSA solidarity rally in support of Cork City Library staff. Picture Denis Minihane. When I see people protesting against the LGBTQ+, I see the same hate that severely hurt my childhood and young adult years. I see the same hate that has placed anxiety deep in my core. I see the same hate that puts me on the offensive for fear of being put in a position where I need to defend myself. I see the same hate that has cut short the lives of people I know. I see the same hate that has seen people leave this country. And I see that same hate making young queer people feel unsafe now. And it is because of that, that I will not allow hate to destroy lives again; I will never allow hate to imprison the LGBTQ+ in years of self-doubt. We have come too far for that. I should add that throughout my experiences (while I might not have shared all of them with family), that once I came out, my family grew as I did and learned to love the most authentic version of me. We all grew in love, acceptance, and understanding. Don't feel sorry for me; I'm alright, but do better for those coming up. Which is we must defend our LGBTQ+ young adults, defend their access to information, and defend our librarians who do their jobs now in fear of being called groomers, pedophiles. If we are not striving to better the world, then we leave it stagnate in the anger of those who would make it worse. I don't give hateful people my tears because I don't owe them my pain. I don't give them anything. I am now what I couldn't be then, and in spite of my journey, I survived where I could have thrived. I regret all that could have been but remain hopeful for all that still could be. A Southern California judge has been arrested in connection with the killing of his wife, authorities said on Friday. Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson was arrested late on Thursday after police received reports of a shooting in an Anaheim home and found the judges wife, Sheryl Ferguson, shot inside, Anaheim police said. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 5. Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover from January through June 2023 amounted to $29.2 billion, Trend reports. According to the data published by the statistics committee of the country, this figure increased by $4.7 billion, or 19.4 percent, year-on-year ($24.4 billion from January through June 2022). In particular, Uzbekistan's exports in the reporting period of 2023 totaled over $12 billion, which is an increase of 23 percent, compared to the same period last year ($9.8 billion). The country's exports accounted for 41.6 percent of the total trade turnover in the reporting period of the current year. At the same time, the country's imports from January through June 2023, growing by 17 percent year-on-year ($14.5 billion in Jan.-Jun. 2022), amounted to $17 billion. Moreover, Uzbekistan's imports accounted for 58.4 percent of the total trade turnover of the country. The resulting trade balance was negative, amounting to $4.8 billion ($4.6 billion over the reporting period of 2022). As of today, Uzbekistan has established trade relations with 183 countries worldwide. The highest foreign trade volume is recorded with China (18.1 percent), Russia (15.1 percent), Kazakhstan (7.5 percent), Turkiye (5.1 percent), and South Korea (3.6 percent). In 2022, Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover amounted to $50 billion - up by 18.5 percent or $7.8 billion, year-on-year ($42.1 billion in 2021). Exports from Uzbekistan in 2022 totaled $19.3 billion, while imports to the country amounted to $30.6 billion. Former US president Donald Trump, fresh off his third appearance in court as a criminal defendant, has delivered a speech full of defiance and bluster, insulting prosecutors and declaring that the charges he faces only help his 2024 presidential campaign. Any time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls, Mr Trump said at a Republican Party dinner in Alabama. We need one more indictment to close out this election. One more indictment, and this election is closed out. Nobody has even a chance. Mr Trump pleaded not guilty on Thursday to crimes related to his efforts to overturn the results of his 2020 election loss. Donald Trump dances as he leaves the stage after speaking at a fundraiser event for the Alabama Republican Party in Montgomery, Alabama (Butch Dill/AP) Although it is his third criminal indictment this year, this case is the most serious, with the federal government he once ran charging him with orchestrating a scheme to block the peaceful transfer of power. But Mr Trump was characteristically unapologetic as he took the stage on Friday night to Lee Greenwoods God Bless The USA, flashing a thumbs-up at the crowd, raising his fist and taking in a standing ovation of nearly three minutes. Were gonna be here for a little while, he joked, asking the crowd to take a seat. The latest set of charges focuses on the two months between his November 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden and the January 6 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol. Mr Trump has denied wrongdoing and has wedded his 2024 presidential campaign to his legal defence and his false claims of 2020 election fraud. In a sign of that defiance, his campaign released an online ad on Friday attacking Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who led the investigation that resulted in Mr Trumps latest charges and a separate case where he is charged with mishandling classified documents. The ad, which is expected to start airing on television next week, also attacks Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, who has charged Mr Trump in a hush money case, and Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis, who is believed to be close to filing charges in her investigation into efforts by Mr Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. A Trump aide said the ad will start airing on Monday and Tuesday in Washington, DC, New York, Atlanta and on national cable. Former US president Donald Trump speaks at a fundraiser event in Montgomery, Alabama (Butch Dill/AP) The ad was also shown to the crowd at the Alabama dinner on Friday night. Mr Trump has continued to receive endorsements from Republican elected officials throughout the investigations and criminal cases, including on Friday from all six of the states Republican US House members. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who is waging an unprecedented campaign to try to change Pentagon abortion policy by holding up hundreds of military nominations and promotions, introduced Mr Trump at the dinner on Friday night. Hes had a tough week. We need to stand behind him, Mr Tuberville said. He needs encouragement. Theyre after him. Repeating Mr Trumps frequent refrain, he added: Theyre after you. Among the opening acts of the dinner were Catherine Engelbrecht and Gregg Phillips, who produced the film 2000 Mules, which made various debunked claims about mail ballots, drop boxes and ballot collection in the 2020 presidential election. Mr Trump praised the pair in his remarks and said: Get ready. Get those votes ready. Just get them ready. Keep those tapes handy because youre going to need them. Donald Trump speaks at an event in Montgomery, Alabama (Butch Dill/AP) The crowd of 2,700 began arriving several hours early for the dinner, a 250 dollar-per-ticket (196) fundraiser for the Alabama Republican Party. They are excited, Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl said. There is so much passion from Trump supporters and voters across the state. Mr Trumps mounting legal troubles do not seem to be dampening his support in the Deep South state that is among more than a dozen that will hold primary contests on Super Tuesday. The March 5 slate of elections is increasingly seen as one of the last chances for any other Republican presidential candidate to try to make inroads in Mr Trumps front-runner status. Mr Trumps closest rival, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, has been making a play for Super Tuesday states. In Alabama, though, one gauge of interest does not bode well for the governor: the state Republican Party sold about 1,000 fewer tickets for a similar dinner in March when Mr DeSantis spoke. Robin Rowan, the owner of a financial company, wore a button and sash with Mr Trumps image and Not Guilty emblazoned in sequins as she waited on Friday to hear Mr Trump speak. Former US president Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Thursday (Butch Dill/AP) Ms Rowan, who does not believe the criminal accusations against Mr Trump, said the charges have galvanised support for Mr Trump rather than making voters doubt him. We know the truth. They are trying to wear us down. They are not going to wear us down, Ms Rowan said. Rich Foster, a retired police officer wearing a black Bikers for Trump T-shirt, said he believes some crimes were committed on January 6, such as the attacks on police officers defending the Capitol, but does not consider Mr Trump responsible for the violence that happened. I dont think Trump committed a crime that day, Mr Foster said. He said he believed that Mr Trump, as president, had a right to speak out about the election. Mr Trump has not been charged with inciting the attack, but prosecutors accused him of exploiting the violence and chaos at the Capitol to continue making false claims of election fraud and trying to halt the certification of the election results. Mr Foster said he and other Trump supporters viewed the charges as an attempt to keep Mr Trump from winning in 2024. He said he would write in the former presidents name if he had to. If they get him off the ballot somehow, he said, I know how to write Donald J Trump on the ballot. Nigers new military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the deadline nears for it to release the countrys ousted president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc, according to an analyst. The request came during a visit by one of the coup leaders, General Salifou Mody, to neighbouring Mali, where he made contact with someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Centre, told The Associated Press. He said three Malian sources and a French diplomat confirmed the meeting first reported by France 24. They need (Wagner) because they will become their guarantee to hold on to power, he said, adding that the group is considering the request. A supporter of Nigers ruling junta holds a placard in the colours of the Russian flag reading Long Live Russia, Long Live Niger and Nigeriens in Niamey on Thursday (Sam Mednick/AP) Nigers junta faces a Sunday deadline set by the regional bloc known as Ecowas to release and reinstate the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has described himself as a hostage. Defence chiefs from Ecowas members finalised an intervention plan on Friday and urged militaries to ready resources after a mediation team sent to Niger on Thursday was not allowed to enter the city or meet with junta leader General Abdourahmane Tchiani. After his visit to Mali, run by a sympathetic junta, Gen Mody warned against a military intervention, vowing that Niger would do what it takes not to become a new Libya, Nigers state television reported on Friday. Niger has been seen as the Wests last reliable counterterrorism partner in a region where coups have been common in recent years. Juntas have been rejecting former coloniser France and turning towards Russia. Wagner operates in a handful of African countries, including Mali, where human rights groups have accused its forces of abuses. One cannot say there is any direct implication of Russia in Nigers coup, but clearly, theres an opportunistic attitude on the part of Russia, which tries to support destabilisation efforts wherever it finds them, French Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told broadcaster BFM on Friday. Days after Nigers junta seized power, residents waved Russian flags in the streets. Supporters of Nigers ruling junta hold a Russian flag at a protest in Niamey, Niger, on Thursday (Sam Mednick/AP) The spokeswoman described Wagner as a recipe for chaos. On Saturday, Frances foreign affairs minister Catherine Colonna said the regional threat of force was credible and warned the putschists to take it seriously. Coups are no longer appropriate Its time to put an end to it, she said. The ministry said France supports with firmness and determination the Ecowas efforts to make sure the coup leaders fail, and it called for Mr Bazoum and all members of his government to be freed. Nigers military leaders have been following the playbook of Mali and neighbouring Burkina Faso, also run by a junta, but are moving faster to consolidate power, Mr Nasr said, adding: (Tchiani) chose his path, so hes going full on it without wasting time because theres international mobilisation. One question is how the international community will react if Wagner is brought in, he said. When Wagner came into Mali at the end of 2021, the French military was ousted shortly afterwards after years of partnership. Wagner was later designated a terrorist organisation by the United States, and international partners might have a stronger reaction now, Mr Nasr said. At the moment, theres no real indication that the (junta) is going to soften its tone or make concessions ahead of the deadline And much more is at stake in Niger, where the US and other partners have poured in hundreds of millions of dollars of military assistance in efforts to combat the regions growing jihadi threat. France has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, though coup leaders say they have severed security agreements with Paris, and the US has 1,100 military personnel in the country. At the moment, theres no real indication that the (junta) is going to soften its tone or make concessions ahead of the deadline, said Andrew Lebovich, research fellow with the Clingendael Institute and postdoctoral fellow with the Danish Institute for International Studies, saying an intervention has potentially serious consequences for Niger and for the region. It is unclear what an intervention would look like or when it would begin. Nigers junta has called on the population to watch for spies, and self-organised defence groups have mobilised at night to monitor cars and patrol the capital. Any intervention is fraught with risk, said a report by the Hudson Institute. If the junta were to dig in its heels and rally the populace around the flag possibly even arming civilian militias the intervention could morph into a multifaceted counterinsurgency that Ecowas would not be prepared to handle, it said. While some in Niger are bracing for a fight, others are trying to cope with travel and economic sanctions imposed by Ecowas after the coup. The sanctions have closed land and air borders with Ecowas countries and suspended commercial and financial transactions with member states. Residents said the price of goods is rising and there is limited access to cash. We are deeply concerned about the consequences of these sanctions, especially their impacts on the supply of essential food products, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products and electricity, said Sita Adamou, president of Nigers Association to Defend Human Rights. Another power minister unplugged Among regime ministerial posts, the head of the countrys electricity ministry seems especially vulnerable to being fired. Thaung Han became the latest example Wednesday when he was forced to retire on health grounds after more than one year in the job. His predecessor, Aung Than Oo, had suffered the same fate. It means the ministry is already on its third minister in less than two and a half years, following the militarys power grab in 2021. The junta doesnt offer reasons for the forced retirements. However, both electricity ministers presided over continual rolling blackouts that have plagued the country since the coup. To Min Aung Hlaings embarrassment, major cities like Yangon have only a few hours of electricity per day even during the ongoing monsoon season, when the countrys hydropower turbines should be at full capacity. Even the regimes administrative seat of Naypyitaw isnt spared the power cuts. It is now clear that Min Aung Hlaings coup shattered the countrys electrification plan being carried out by the National League for Democracy government, which was ousted in the takeover. Under the plan, the country had achieved 50 percent electrification by December 2019 and was on target for 75 percent in 2025 and full electrification in 2030. Meanwhile, the regimes plan to generate electricity from alternative sources like solar and wind with help from China and Russia has so far failed to bear fruit, as nationwide blackouts persist. So, Min Aung Hlaing has simply vented his anger on his electricity ministers. His next victim in line is the freshly appointed Nyan Tun. With Myanmar still under the cloak of rolling blackouts, keep your fingers crossed, minister! Buddhist humiliation for regime boss For junta chief Min Aung Hlaing who is universally known for bombing his own civilians being told to do no evil is probably the last thing he wants to hear. But hear it he did. To his embarrassment, he was lectured face to face in public. Worse, the encounter was broadcast live on state-owned TV channels. On Tuesday, the regime chief was visibly in high spirits as more than 900 Buddhist monks flocked into Naypyitaw to consecrate his seated Buddha statue that he boasts is the worlds biggest. But his elation was swiftly punctured when a senior monk from the countrys governing religious body gave a sermon to the audience, which included Min Aung Hlaing. Venerable Sandana Thara of Kyaukme from northern Shan State summarized the essence of Buddhism in three short sentences in Burmese, Pali and English: Do no sin or evil. Do good. And purify your mind. Coincidently, the monk raised his three fingers to emphasize the statements. The gesture was the same as the three-finger salute popularized by protesters during nationwide demonstrations against military rule. How Min Aung Hlaing reacted to the sermon was not immediately clear. Although he was on camera at the time, there were no close-ups of his face. But the sermons message was clear to everyone: ordering arbitrary military attacks that kill civilians in their thousands violates fundamental precepts of the Buddhas teaching. The fate of senior monk following his daring sermon is not yet known. But later that same day, Min Aung Hlaing sacked his Minister of Religion and Culture, Ko Ko, who was responsible for overseeing the countrys religious affairs including Buddhist monks. Health reasons were given as the excuse for the removal of Ko Ko and other ministers this week. Regime seeks friends in Mideast, Africa The junta is seeking to establish ties with countries in the Middle East and Africa in a bid to expand its international relations beyond China, Russia and India. On July 31, the regime agreed to the proposed appointment of Malaysia-based Florence Buerki Akonor as Ghanas Ambassador Extraordinary to Myanmar. In March, the regime established diplomatic relations with Africas Guinea-Bissau, which became the 126th country to establish official ties with Myanmar. The joint communique on forging diplomatic relations was signed at the Myanmar Embassy in Beijing. As sanctions imposed by Western powers heighten Myanmars isolation on the world stage, Min Aung Hlaings regime has been busy cementing ties with countries in Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai, Oman and Bahrain. And its focus is now expanding to Africa. So far, though, Myanmar has embassies in just five Middle Eastern and African countries Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Boss again vows to bring control as emergency extended Min Aung Hlaing said further measures were needed to fight terrorism in the country, and reiterated his plan to hold an election. Read more: Military rule prolonged for another 6 months Min Aung Hlaing defies constitution to prolong military rule for the fourth time since 2021 coup, as his regime struggles to quell popular armed resistance. Read more: BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The death toll from the devastating landslide near the Shovi resort in Georgia has risen to 17 people, Trend reports. The Emergency Management Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia confirmed this information. The search for 18 missing individuals is still ongoing. The landslide struck the Shovi resort in western Georgia on August 3, causing immense devastation and loss of lives throughout the day. The authorities and rescue teams continue their relentless efforts to find those still unaccounted for and address the aftermath of this natural disaster. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Africans have completely stopped supplying gold and uranium to France at the moment, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, Trend reports. He stated that numerous countries around the world have documented France's past crimes in Algeria, Rwanda, and Mali. "Africans are well aware of France's crimes, and in response to years of oppression, they have now completely halted the supply of gold and uranium to France." "We try to keep good relations with them," Erdogan remarked. Following the military takeover of power in Niger, the military declared a halt to uranium and gold exports to France. The African country contributed 15-17 percent of the uranium needed for European Union nuclear power plants. Furthermore, the Niger revolt occurred on the night of July 27. The military deposed President Mohamed Bazum, and Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, was designated the new head of state. There is lots to catch up on this week from blood-thirsty watches to economic prospects in China and exciting new releases. See what you missed in our special weekly round-up The Luxury Watch That Decides When You Die Yes, you heard that right. To kick off the week, our Editorial Director, Sophie Furley, shares her latest reading recommendation: a horological thriller about a watch that can slit its owners wrist Find out more about it here (if you have the guts!). New Metals for Perennial Favourites Next, WorldTempus takes a closer look at A. Lange & Sohnes newest additions: the 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar (in white gold with a rose gold dial) and the Lange 1 Time Zone (in platinum with a rhodium-coloured silver dial). 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar A. Lange & Sohne Introducing the Gucci 25H Sophie Furley (as well as the whole editorial team!) was thrilled to get her hands on the Gucci 25H and give it a proper examination. Check out her first impressions in this showcase. The New Carl F. Bucherer World Exciting developments are underway at Carl F. Bucherer Curious? Join WorldTempus as we bring you firsthand insights from their exclusive event in Munich, revealing what lies ahead for the brand. Heritage Chronometer Celebration Carl F. Bucherer A Wave of Hope From China Next, for some business news: our correspondent, Chrostophe Roulet, presents an in-depth analysis of the watch market in China. Discover the impact of its rapidly expanding economy on the timepiece industry in this piece. Six Watches for the Best Summer Vibes What would summer be without watches that ooze good vibes throughout this sun-soaked season!? From classically simple to crazy complications, WorldTempus has curated a selection of watches guaranteed to add excitement to your summer adventures. Regatta Watches Comparison Speaking of watch selections, as the sailing season has officially begun, we explore and compare an array of watches perfect for the occasion regatta timepieces, catering to every budget and ensuring you find the ideal companion for your nautical adventures. Seamaster in steel Omega New Releases Last but not least, for our new releases of the week, we have the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan Sterrato, the H. Moser & Cie. Red Gold Streamliner, Panerais additions to the Luna Rossa collection and the Baillod Chapter 4.6 GMT Tourbillon 1920 Limited Edition. No one is immune to death - not even the beauties smiling on the pages of the most explicit Playboy magazine. It seems as if their lives are carefree and full of vivid emotions, but this is far from the case. ADVERTISIMENT Playboy models have died in car accidents, drug overdoses, suicides, illnesses and murders. Obozrevatel will tell you about 5 models of the American erotic magazine for men who tragically died at a young age. Jane Mansfield Jane Mansfield was one of the brightest blondes in Hollywood and Broadway. At one time, she was one of the first models of an erotic magazine, along with Marilyn Monroe and Bette Page. Jane was repeatedly naked on the pages of the magazine. Mansfield was known for "accidentally" flashing her breasts or underwear in front of photographers. She was married three times and gave birth to five children. The model's life was tragically cut short in a car accident when the actress was just 34 years old. ADVERTISIMENT Anna Nicole Smith When Anna Nicole Smith became a Playboy model in 1992, she took pride of place in the exclusive female community. However, her early death at the age of 39 made her a member of a different club - models of the erotic publication who did not live to be 50. The model was married to Howard Marshall, a wealthy oil tycoon who was four times her age and confined to a wheelchair. Shortly after the marriage, her husband died at the age of 89. Anna herself was twice treated for depression. And at the age of 39, she died, leaving behind a five-month-old daughter. Two illegal drugs were found in her hotel room during a search. ADVERTISIMENT Dorothy Stretten The most high-profile death of a Playboy model before Anna Nicole Smith was the tragic death of 20-year-old Dorothy Stretten. A few months after she became Playboy's 1980 girl of the year, she was murdered by her jealous husband. Playboy's founder, Hugh Hefner, said that he could never overcome the pain of losing Stretten. To honour her memory, a special issue of the magazine was published and a film about her life was made. Stephanie Adams Stephanie became Miss November 1992 in Playboy magazine. She was not just a beautiful girl, but also had a bachelor's degree from a prestigious university and was actively involved in business. In 2003, Adams announced that she was a lesbian, becoming the first Playboy model to come out. ADVERTISIMENT In 2009, Stephanie got married and left the business, and in 2011, she gave birth to her son Vincent. In 2018, on 18 May, she committed suicide by jumping out of a window. But the worst part is that Adams forced her seven-year-old son to do the same. The reason was a conflict with her ex-husband: Stephanie had been suing for custody of the child for several years. The woman could not stand the emotional stress: the last straw was her ex-husband's refusal to let Vincent go on holiday with his mother. Adams's death was ruled a suicide, and her son's was murder. Star Stove Ellen Louise "Star" Stove had a wonderful life. She became a model for an erotic magazine in February 1977, attended glamorous parties with Elton John and, of course, Hugh Hefner. Stove dated the famous musician Gene Simmons, then married Peter Maligo, but soon divorced him. ADVERTISIMENT However, Star later turned to prostitution and became addicted to drugs. In March 1997, when Star was 41 years old, her body was found half-naked in the bushes, strangled, according to police, by a serial killer who specialised in women working in the sex industry. Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote about the fate of the first Miss Ukraine and where she is now. The first national beauty contest was held in Ukraine on 2 and 3 February 1991. In fact, it was the Miss Ukraine-1991 competition, but the name was adapted to the Ukrainian beauty version. The winner was Olga Ovcharenko from Kyiv. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Reddit Email 62 Shares ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) Saudi Arabia is pissed off at Russia. Its not as if the Gulf state has released any angry statements to the press. Rather, Riyadh has made clear its displeasure in an indirect way. It has offered to host a peace summit next week that Ukraine will organize. Brazil, India, South Africa, and China are among the invitees. Heres the kicker: Russia is not on the invitation list. Its quite an embarrassment that all the BRICS countries except Russia are poised to attend the Saudi event. Its also telling that Saudi Arabia, which has long collaborated with Russia on setting the price of oil, is deliberately snubbing its erstwhile petro-ally. True, Saudi heir apparent Mohammed bin Salman has been looking for ways to salvage his international reputation after ordering the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. A very public effort to end the war in Ukraine could go toward rehabilitating the murderous prince (at least among those countries willing to excuse the heinous crime). But the decision to work with Ukraine on such a summit is likely more about Saudi anger over Putins recent decision to destroy the grain deal that facilitated the delivery of Ukrainian agricultural products to global markets. Wealthy Saudi Arabia is not so much worried about feeding itself in the wake of the deals demise. But it is worried about the impact of higher prices elsewhere in the region. The Arab Spring protests, after all, were triggered by the rising cost of basic commodities in Tunisia, Egypt, and elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa. Saudi influence in the region depends on the maintenance of a conservative political order anchored in despotic regimes that can manage the discontent of their own populations. In its blind ambition to destroy Ukraine, Russia is ignoring the more far-reaching consequences of its military policies. Its not just Saudi Arabia thats angry about these consequences. Recently, the Kremlin hosted a second summit of African leaders in Moscow. Back in 2019, 43 leaders showed up for the first such gathering. Last month, a mere 17 bothered to make the journey. Here, too, multiple factors are at play. African leaders are understandably put off by Putins high-handed treatment of the African delegation led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that visited St. Petersburg in June, which turned into a dressing down of the visitors for their presumptuousness at including a Russian troop withdrawal in their peace plan. But another major reason for the no-shows was Russias reckless rejection of the grain deal. African countries are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in the price of grain and have relied a good deal on relatively inexpensive Ukrainian imports. At this point, Vladimir Putin is willing to suffer any number of self-inflicted wounds in order to beat Ukraine into submission. He will alienate a close ally like Saudi Arabia. He will anger an entire continent of people (where Russia already had a low reputation prior to the 2022 invasion). He will make it more difficult for millions of poor people to afford food. He will even complicate the efforts of Russian grain producers to bring their product to market. Threats by Russian leaders to use nuclear weapons jeopardize the livelihoods of everyone on the planet, but such scenarios are highly speculative and constitute a future risk. The Russian campaign to undermine the worlds food supply, meanwhile, jeopardizes the livelihoods of the worlds most vulnerable people in the here and now. Russian Actions in Detail Because of the grain deal inked last summer, Ukraine managed to get to market more than 20 million tons of wheat, corn, and other grains that had been stuck in the countrys southern ports. In all, Ukraine managed to export 36.2 million metric tons of food during the year the deal was in place. Over half of those exports went to the developing world. These shipments brought down the prices of food, which had spiked immediately after Russias invasion last February. The end of the deal did not quite reverse all the progress in keeping food affordable but it did lead to the largest one-day increase in wheat futures since the war began in February 2022. According to The Washington Post, Unless Russia reverses course, this will make low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East more dependent on slightly more expensive Russian wheat, which produces about 20 percent of the worlds supply. Image by from Pixabay Russia didnt just destroy the deal. It has also set out to destroy Ukrainian grain directly by bombing silos and other agricultural infrastructure. In this way, it has managed to remove 60,000 tons of grain from the global food supply. Most recently, it has begun to target ports and storage facilities along the Danube river, an alternative route to get Ukrainian products to market. The latest attacks pushed wheat prices up around 3 percent and corn prices around 2 percent on world markets. Russia is thus deploying two strategies to undercut its agricultural competitor: prevent grain from getting to markets and destroying it in storage facilities. Its not just the Middle East and Africa that will be affected by Russias agricultural warfare. The biggest importer of Ukrainian foodstuffs over the last year was actually China, which received one-quarter of the shipments. So, add China to the list of countries pissed off at the Kremlin for its tactics. And while were at it, lets expand that list to include the UN and everyone at risk of starvation wherever they live in the world. Over the last year, Ukraine supplied the World Food Program with 80 percent of its grain, which was up from 50 percent before the war. With its strategy of bomb and blockade, Russia is literally taking the food out of the mouths of the hungry. But what about the supposed advantages that Russia received from signing the deal in the first place? A parallel deal facilitated by the European Union made it easier for Russia to export its own grain, despite the thicket of economic sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Last year, Russia exported a record 45.5 million metric tons of wheat, with an even larger amount expected this year. As the worlds largest wheat exporter, Russia could even take advantage of the moment to raise export taxes. The bottom line: Moscow doesnt need the deal any longer, especially if its dual strategy of bomb and blockade effectively eliminates a chief competitor. War and Hunger The food-insecure portion of the global population has been hit by a triple whammy: pandemic, climate change, and the war in Ukraine. According to the World Food Program, the number of people facing acute hunger in 2019 was around 135 million. By 2022, that number had risen to 345 million. Ukraine faces significant food insecurity as well. One in three familiesor 11 million peopleare vulnerable. In the 1930s, Stalins regime used hunger as a tool to suppress Ukrainian resistance to Soviet rule and the collectivization of agriculture. Around 3.9 million people died during the Holodomor (death by famine). Putin cant use the same tools as Stalin did to punish Ukraines rebelliousness. But the current Russian government is certainly attempting to destroy or otherwise undermine Ukraines capacity to feed itself. By so doing, the Kremlin is also forcing millions of other people around the world to go hungry. Russia is flexing its muscles because it thinks its self-sufficient. It is the worlds second largest producer of fossil fuels (after the United States), third largest grower of wheat, fifth largest producer of iron and of steel, and eighth largest manufacturer of cement. The world needs what it produces, and large importers of energy and grain like China and India are willing to overlook whats happening in Ukraine despite the occupying armys ongoing violations of international law. But Russias self-sufficiency is illusory. If the war were taking place in the nineteenth century or even the 1950s, Russia could indeed ignore the worlds anger. It can feed itself, power its factories, build its infrastructure. But in todays modern society, advancementor even, treading waterrequires high-tech. And here, Russia is falling behind, thanks to corruption, sanctions, and war-related brain drain. So, Russia pisses off the worldSaudi Arabia, Africa, China, the UNat its own peril. The only question is: how many people will have to suffer for Putins grandiose ambitions before their collective representatives force the Russian government to give back the land it stole? Via Foreign Policy in Focus Reddit Email 86 Shares By Suad Abdul Khabeer, University of Michigan | (The Conversation) I was 9 years old when Eric B. and Rakims Paid in Full dropped. I have vivid memories of the bass-laden track booming out of car stereos and hearing it on Black radio, like Kiss FMs top eight at 8 p.m. countdown. On the track Move the Crowd, Rakim also known as the God MC rhymes All praise is due to Allah and thats a blessing. Growing up as a Black Muslim in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, I was already familiar with the phrase. Like all Muslims, I learned to say it during my daily prayers and as an expression of gratitude. But when Rakim laced those words into the lyrics of what ultimately became a popular song, he affirmed what I was seeing around me in my Brooklyn community that Islam and Muslims were prominent features of Black life. A key concept Rakim dropped another familiar phrase in the song: knowledge of self. With knowledge of self, theres nothing I cant solve At 360 degrees I revolve This an actual fact, its not an act, its been proven Indeed and I proceed to make the crowd keep moving. When Rakim extols the benefits of knowledge of self to himself as an emcee and a human being, he is drawing on a philosophy that has been critical to Black Islam, a term I use to describe the different forms of Islamic belief and practice found in Black America. Knowledge of self comes from this tradition, beginning roughly a century ago, which has become known for advancing Black consciousness, resistance and redemption. Knowledge of self is an ethical pursuit to understand ones place in and relationship to the world in order to positively change it. In my 2016 book, Muslim Cool: Race, Religion and Hip Hop in the United States, I demonstrate how knowledge of self is fundamental to hip-hop. It is often described as hip-hops fifth element, the others being DJing; emceeing or rhyming; graffiti or writing; and dance, from b-boying to pop locking. While the phrase and the consciousness that it represents have been mentioned in too many songs to count from Public Enemys Fight the Power to Lauryn Hills Doo Wop and Talib Kwelis K.O.S. (Determination) history shows the term has been a part of Islamic literature for nearly a millennium. For example, the first chapter of the celebrated 12th-century Islamic scholar Abu Hamid Al-Ghazalis famous text The Alchemy of Happiness is titled The Knowledge of Self. The concept of knowledge of self was instrumental in Lauryn Hills breakout 1998 single Doo Wop: In my book, I make the case that Islam, specifically Black Islam, gave hip-hop knowledge of self. Suad Abdulkhabeer, Muslim Cool Race, Religion, and Hip Hop in the United States.. Click here. The lessons Rakims reference to knowledge of selfs being an actual fact is a nod to the actual facts of the Lost-Found Muslim Lessons, the catechism taught by Master W.D. Fard Muhammad, who founded the Nation of Islam on July 4, 1930. Master Fard taught these lessons to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who would become the religious movements leader. These lessons are fundamental to the way that the Nation of Islam understands the world and the role of Black people in it. The lessons are also studied by the Nation of Gods and Earths, a related spiritual path, of which Rakim is a member. Knowledge of self comes to hip-hop through these lessons. Rakim was not alone. During the golden age of hip-hop, a period from about the mid-1980s through mid-1990s, rappers influenced by Black Islam steadily proclaimed their knowledge of self in their music. Big Daddy Kane declared theres no pork on my fork, an acknowledgment of the Islamic injunction against the consumption of swine. The Poor Righteous Teachers gave the Arabic greeting as salaamu alaikum with the dome of Harlems Masjid Malcolm Shabazz in the background in the music video for Rock Dis Funky Joint. And from Brooklyn to the California Bay, acclaimed emcees like Guru and local acts were rhyming about praying to the east, a reference to the Muslim practice. The message Long before rappers spoke of knowledge of self in the 1980s, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad expounded on the term in his book Message to the Blackman in America, released in 1965 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. In it, he emphasized Black self-reliance with knowledge of self being a key component. The so-called Negroes must be taught and given Islam, Muhammad wrote. Why Islam? Islam, because it teaches first the knowledge of self. It gives us the knowledge of our own. Then and only then are we able to understand that which surrounds us this kind of thinking produces an industrious people who are self-independent. In some ways, it comes as little surprise that a term promulgated by a fierce advocate of self-reliance in the mid-1960s would be so widely embraced by hip-hop shortly after it was born as a counterculture in the early 1970s. Hip-hops consciousness When Black Islam helped hip-hop culture cultivate knowledge of self, it created an aspiration, arguably unique for contemporary popular music as a whole, to not just rhyme about it or write graffiti about it, and so on, but to apply it in real life. As a result, knowledge of self became hip-hops consciousness, emphasizing an awareness of injustice and the imperative to address it through both personal and social transformation. Critically, this consciousness, while informed by Black Islam, is embraced by hip-hop community members of all stripes. Via Pixabay/ Wikimedia. . The 1989 song Self-Destruction opens with a sample of a speech by Malcolm X. The consciousness led to different forms of hip-hop-based activism. Songs against gun violence like The Stop the Violence Movements Self-Destruction and We Are All in the Same Gang by the West Coast All Stars. Self-Destruction opens, not inconsequentially, with a sample of a speech by Malcolm X, the onetime spokesman for the Nation of Islam and icon of Black Islam. The consciousness also contributed to the formation in 2004 of the National Hip-Hop Political Convention, which set the stage for other, albeit less radical and comprehensive, engagements with politics by the hip-hop generation, like the Vote or Die campaign and the push for Obama in 2008. Nearly 10 years later, this consciousness was on display at the 2017 Grammy performance by A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes and Consequence that was an open call to resist in the Trump era. This consciousness also continues to inspire the many organizations like Kuumba Lynx and the Inner-City Muslim Action Network in Chicago that use hip-hop as a form of arts-based activism for youth. And, of course, it remains in the music. The knowledge continues On the track Family Feud, Jay-Z like Rakim praises God, but this time in Arabic: Alhamdulillah, Mumu Fresh questions others knowledge of self with the line Good morning, sunshine, welcome to reality/I tried to wake you, but you were sleepin so peacefully in your fallacy. Busta Rhymes dropped Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God, full of warnings and prophecies. And in a freestyle viewed around the world, Black Thought rhymes about the wisdom he got at the masjid. This consciousness is so entwined with music that Kendrick Lamars Alright became a Black Lives Matter movement anthem. Like hip-hop, this consciousness operates globally. Take, for example, the Iraqi-Canadian Narcy, Cape Towns YoungstaCPT, Cuban hip-hop artist Robe L. Ninho and the U.K.s Enny, whose works track their own journey for knowledge of self. Things have changed since Rakim dropped Move the Crowd in 1987. Gentrification is pushing my community out of Brooklyn, and Islam and Muslims are more known and subject to the state and interpersonal violence of anti-Muslim racism. Yet hip-hop still affirms what I see around me knowledge of self is as vital as ever. Suad Abdul Khabeer, Associate Professor of American Culture, University of Michigan This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 4, 2023) - Renegade Gold Inc. (TSXV: RAGE) (OTCQX: TGLDD) (FSE: 070) ("Renegade" or the "Company") announces that it has arranged a private placement of up to 9,433,963 units (the "Units") at $0.53 per Unit for total gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000 (the "Placement"). Each Unit will consist of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant, each warrant exercisable into one additional common share for a period of two years from date of issue at a price of $0.75 per share. If at any time following the expiry of the hold period, the closing price of the Company's shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is greater than C$1.25 for seven (7) or more consecutive trading days, the Company may give notice to the holders of Warrants that the Warrants will expire on the 30th business day following the date of such notice. All securities issued under the Placement will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issue. The Company anticipates closing of the Placement (in one or more tranches) as soon as practicable subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Renegade Gold Inc. Renegade Gold Inc. is a growth focused company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. As part of its regional-scale consolidation strategy, the Company has assembled one of the largest prospective land packages in and around the Red Lake mining district in proximity to major mines and deposits, as well as along the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts. The recent completion of the acquisition of Pacton Gold Inc. extends Trillium's ownership in Red Lake to over 89,600 hectares of prospective and diversified exploration properties with significant potential for gold and critical minerals on trend with the major structures hosting known gold occurrences in the Red Lake mining district today. A portfolio of prospective projects in Western Australia has also been acquired. For further information, please contact: Renegade Gold Inc. Nav Dhaliwal President, CEO and Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel: 604-678-5308 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated timing for completion of the Placement and use of proceeds therefrom. The words "anticipate," "significant," "expect," "may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that all requisite approvals will be received and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays; general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes; timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Moscow escalated its attacks in Ukraine on Saturday, with President Volodymyr Zelensky denouncing a deadly strike on a blood transfusion centre as a "war crime". A separate strike struck a key factory, both attacks coming just hours after Kyiv hit a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait. The attacks were the latest since Moscow exited a deal last month that had ensured Ukrainian grain exports despite the ongoing conflict. Russian forces struck the blood transfusion centre in the Kharkiv region of northeast Ukraine, Zelensky said, adding that "dead and wounded are reported". A "guided air bomb" hit the centre in Kupiansk, a city a few dozen kilometres from the Russian border, said Zelensky. "Rescuers are extinguishing the fire," he wrote on social media, adding: "This war crime alone says everything about Russian aggression." The strike came shortly after Zelensky said Russian missiles had hit a facility of the Ukrainian aeronautics group Motor Sich, a maker of plane and helicopter engines and other components. It is one of several companies requisitioned by the government since Moscow's invasion. The Motor Sich site is near Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine, around 300 kilometres (190 miles) southwest of Kyiv. The region, home to a major Ukrainian airbase, has been regularly targeted by Russian strikes in recent months. In his evening address, Zelensky remained defiant, insisting that "no matter how many such Russian attacks there are, they will still do nothing for the enemy". - Attack on fuel tanker - Earlier Saturday, Ukraine claimed it "blew up" a Russian tanker, the 'SIG', that was transporting fuel for Russian troops, a Ukrainian security source told AFP. The tanker was hit at around 11:20 pm (2020 GMT) on Friday south of the Kerch Strait, Russia's Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport said. The ship was holed at the waterline in the area of the engine room but was still afloat, the agency said. In a video obtained by AFP purporting to show the attack, a vessel is seen approaching a large ship before the connection cuts off. The Ukrainian source said the "successful special operation", which involved a naval drone and explosives, was carried out jointly with the navy in Ukrainian territorial waters. The SIG oil and chemical tanker is under US sanctions for supplying jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria, who are supporting President Bashar al-Assad. - Crimea focus - The Russian foreign ministry condemned the attack on a "civilian vessel", adding that the crew had not been injured. Traffic on a key bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Moscow-annexed Crimea peninsula to Russia's mainland resumed early on Saturday after a three-hour halt, according to the Russian highways information centre's Telegram channel. Crimea has been disrupted by several strikes throughout the war but it has seen more frequent attacks in recent weeks. Russian forces on Saturday downed a drone over the sea near Sevastopol, city governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said. Tensions have risen on the Black Sea overall since Russia pulled out of the agreement protecting grain exports via the shipping hub during the conflict. On Friday, Ukraine struck the Olenegorsky Gornyak vessel at the Novorossiysk base in southern Russia, a Ukrainian security source told AFP, "to show that Ukraine can attack any Russian warship in that zone". Russia said it had repelled the attempted attack. - Frontline fighting - On the front line, Russia said Saturday it had captured the settlement of Novoselivske in northeastern Ukraine, where Kyiv said it was confronted with a growing number of attacks. Footage from the Russian army showed Novoselivske completely destroyed, with white smoke billowing over crumbling buildings. Ukrainian army spokeswoman Ganna Malyar said Friday that Russian troops were aiming to draw Ukrainian resources to the east, as Ukraine pursues its counter-offensive in the south. Ukraine began a fresh attempt in June to push back Russian troops but it has made only modest progress, its forces contending with well-entrenched Russian positions built up over several months. With both sides focused on winning on the battlefield, any chance to secure peace looks thin. Saudi Arabia is nevertheless hosting talks on the war with representatives from nearly 40 countries -- including China, India and South Africa -- but not Russia. The talks concluded Saturday and as expected, no final declaration was released. But a European source said there had been agreement that respect for Ukraine's "territorial integrity and sovereignty" should be "at the heart of any peace settlement". Italian TV presenter, socialite and model Gessica Notaro is increasingly making headlines. Six years ago, she almost died when her ex-boyfriend poured sulphuric acid on her face. She underwent several surgeries but lost an eye. ADVERTISIMENT In 2007, Notaro was in the final of the Miss Italy pageant, and 10 years later she said goodbye to her beauty. However, she re-learned how to be beautiful and proved that it is possible to survive the most cruel vicissitudes in life. OBOZREVATEL showed how the woman has changed and what she is doing now. Since childhood, Gessica Notaro has been singing on stage, participating in talent shows, and in 2007 was one step away from winning the Miss Italy beauty pageant. After that, she started her career in television. ADVERTISIMENT Gessica was dating George Edson Tavares from the African Republic of Cape Verde. In the winter of 2017, the beauty decided to break off the relationship because he was an abuser and a tyrant. After the breakup, she wrote several statements to the police, fearing for her life. Her ex-boyfriend threatened to kill her. The police even issued a ban on the man's approach to his ex-girlfriend, but this did not stop him. Georges tracked Notaro to her home and doused her with sulphuric acid. The attacker was initially sentenced to 18 years in prison, but later reduced to 15 years. As a result of the attack, Gessica lost her left eye, but doctors managed to restore the skin of her face and the scars are almost invisible. ADVERTISIMENT In 2017, Gessica Notaro was awarded the Chevalier of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for her courage and determination, for raising public awareness of the issue of combating gender-based violence. Gessica is now involved in charity work, supporting women who have suffered from domestic violence. She often posts stories of victims of tyranny on Instagram. In addition, the girl is dating circus performer Filippo Bogliotti, who proposed to her. ADVERTISIMENT Notaro recently appeared on Italian television singing a song. She still has a bandage on her face to cover her injured eye, but this does not stop her from conquering show business. Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote about the fate of a man who received a face transplant. The guy works as an electrician and plans to get married. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Surgeon, model and TV presenter Iryna Bilotserkivets, who was wounded in a shelling in Kyiv region and lost her eye, became the heroine of the first print issue of Playboy during the full-scale war. The beautiful woman appeared for the cover and gave an interview. ADVERTISIMENT In a conversation with journalists, she told how she survived the fateful shelling. This is stated on the official website of the publication (to see the photo, scroll to the bottom of the page). On 26 February 2022, Iryna and her children came under fire from the Russian occupiers. The model's husband is an assistant to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, but she is not sure that the Russians made a deliberate attempt. Doctors fought for her life in Berlin. The Ukrainian woman underwent several months of treatment and reconstructive surgery. She has become a symbol of resilience and the heroine of the Women Stay Strong issue. ADVERTISIMENT "I was missing an eye, had tubes sticking out everywhere, and my hair was shaved after surgery. There were stitches, scars, wounds everywhere. I was a Frankenstein's monster. My jaw broke like a twig. I don't have a beautiful face anymore, but the rest of my body is beautiful," said the model, who now works with the Ukrainian Cultural Forces, an association of artists and musicians who organise events to boost the morale of troops on the frontline. The magazines of the first printed edition were not put on the shelves of shops. They were sent to hospitals, clinics and rear command posts, the website says. The historic issue was called a "media projectile of goodness and beauty". ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL wrote, Playboy has been one of the most popular and respected magazines in the world for many decades, and therefore it can be safely called a cult. Find out how the stars of the covers have changed here. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Julia Grassmick, 9, grins as she swings with her best friend Emily Anderson at the official opening of Julia's Junction, West Kelowna's first accessible playground, on Monday morning. A sign that translates to "risk of drowning," is shown next to the St. Lawrence River in Montreal on Monday, June 26, 2023. It has been a particularly deadly year on the water in Quebec, which so far accounts for more than a third of all drownings reported in the country. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes What teens and parents need to know about nose jobs [PODCAST] Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join Babak Azizzadeh, a facial plastic surgeon, in discussing the sensitive topic of getting a nose job, or rhinoplasty, particularly for teenagers. We delve into the importance of thorough research, honest communication with parents, and understanding the risks and long-term effects of the procedure. Babak shares valuable insights on finding a qualified doctor, addressing parents concerns, and involving them in the decision-making process. Join us as we explore the crucial aspects of this life-changing decision and empower teenagers and their parents to make informed choices for their health and well-being. Babak Azizzadeh is a facial plastic surgeon. He discusses his KevinMD article, How to approach teen nose jobs with parents. The Podcast by KevinMD is brought to you by the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience. With a growing physician shortage, increasing burnout, and declining patient satisfaction, a dramatic change is needed to make health care more efficient and effective and bring back the joy of practicing medicine. 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An explosion on the territory of the Votkinsk plant was heard in the Russian republic of Udmurtia. The plant produces military equipment, Iskander missiles in particular. ADVERTISIMENT The incident was reported by the press service of the plant. They said it was the "triggering of the equipment, accompanied by blast and smoke". The enterprise assured that no one was injured as a result of the incident and the plant continues to operate in normal mode. The reasons for the explosion were not disclosed. However, the "Udmurtia Against Corruption" Telegram channel reported that at first it was assumed that the enterprise was attacked by a drone, but then it was found out that the explosion in shop No. 95 was caused by the detonation of the product in the armored capsule. The hull of the workshop where the test was conducted survived but suffered significant damage. ADVERTISIMENT "One of the hulls in which missiles were being assembled to be sent to the war in Ukraine was damaged. No one was seriously injured in the explosion. Even the ambulance left empty," a source at the enterprise said. However, residents commented that the workshop was secret and workers there do not have cell phone service, so they expressed doubts that there were no casualties from the explosion as smoke was seen outside the city. According to open sources, the Votkinsk plant was used to produce Topol-M missiles. It also started serial production of Iskander-M missiles in 2006. The enterprise is sanctioned in the United States, Japan, the EU, Ukraine and Sweden since 2022. ADVERTISIMENT The day before, a series of explosions occurred in the harbor area in Novorossiysk (Krasnodar region of the Russian Federation). The Defense Ministry of the aggressor country said that the cause of this was the "attack of the AFU drones" on the naval base which "were destroyed." Later it was confirmed that as a result of the attack one of the landing ship capsized. Russian propagandists later accused the Russian Defense Ministry of lying about an August 4 attack by naval drones on a bay in Novorossiysk, Russia's Krasnodar Territory. They pointed to the ministry's first false statement that Russian Forces allegedly intercepted all drone strikes instead of acknowledging damage to the Olenegorsk Miner landing ship. As reported by OBOZREVATEL: - A massive fire broke out in the Russian city of Bryansk late in the evening of August 1. According to some reports, residents heard an explosion before the incident. ADVERTISIMENT - Explosions were also heard in the center of Moscow on the same day, Several drones allegedly attacked the Russian capital, one of them hitting the Moscow City business center. Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through time as the 59th National Steam Rally rolls into Stradbally this weekend, August 6 and Bank Holiday Monday, August 7. This eagerly awaited event, hosted by passionate steam enthusiasts, promises an extraordinary showcase of vintage machinery, heartwarming nostalgia, and a celebration of Ireland's rich heritage. The excitement kicks off today with a Steam and Vintage Parade through Stradbally town, starting at 7pm. Witness the grandeur of beautifully restored steam engines and vintage vehicles as they trundle and glide through the streets, lighting up the evening with a spectacle like no other. For the main event on August 6 and 7, Stradbally will transform into a vibrant hub of steam-powered marvels, drawing visitors from all corners of Ireland and beyond. The National Steam Rally is considered the premier steam and vintage event in Ireland, bringing together a diverse array of historic exhibits and activities that will captivate attendees of all ages. The National Steam Rally promises an immersive experience that transcends generations. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of majestic steam engines roaring to life, harkening back to a bygone era when these iron giants played a vital role in shaping Ireland's industrial heritage. The event also showcases a Miniature Steam Engine Display - smaller in scale, but equally as impressive as their mighty counterparts. From vintage vehicle parades, steam-powered demonstrations and oil engine displays, to live music, artisan foods, amusements, craft village, and trade stalls, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The 59th National Steam Rally welcomes families with open arms! Create lasting memories as you explore the rich history of steam power together, bonding over shared experiences that will be cherished memories for years to come. The first contact of mankind with representatives of extraterrestrial civilisation can be anything, depending on who leads the Earth's representatives, but in the end, it will most likely end in genocide committed by representatives of a more advanced race. The history of human discovery of new lands and continents fully confirms this theory. ADVERTISIMENT This statement was made by representatives of a working group that spoke at a seminar related to the SETI project, which is searching for alien life. David Delgado Shorter, Professor of World Arts and Cultures/Dance at the University of California, Kim Tallbear, Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Alberta, and William Lempert, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Bowdoin College, wrote in an article for The Conversation. First of all, they called for a recognition that first contact with alien life is actually already underway, as "we see first contact not so much as an event as a long process that has already begun". They also drew attention to the issue of ethics, which is something that few people think about in the search for aliens. According to the authors of the article, the search for aliens is usually carried out either by the military or by researchers with a technical education, so it is simply not their place to think about the moral side of this issue. ADVERTISIMENT The situation will not be any better if the first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence is established by representatives of private companies, which have already begun to obtain permits for space tourism and future mining on space bodies. Meanwhile, according to scientists, the first contact scenario may include: finding artifacts of extraterrestrial beings; detection of signals from thousands of light years away; overcoming language incompatibility; searching for microbial organisms in space or on other planets, and biological contamination of their or our species. Each of these options for first contact requires the right ethical approach, so it is crucial that it is carried out by people who are trained not only to find aliens, but also to convey human values and convince them that we are a peaceful and friendly species. ADVERTISIMENT It is precisely with peacefulness and benevolence, as the article points out, that problems may arise, since we have already crossed the ethical line and are listening to and spying on our space neighbours without even knowing whether they like it or want to be spied on. At the same time, SETI does not understand "what harm can be done by simply listening" and defends its own methods. "Our working group drew on the history of colonial contact to show the dangers of assuming that entire civilisations are relatively advanced or intelligent. For example, when Christopher Columbus and other European explorers arrived in the Americas, these relationships (with the indigenous population - Ed.) were shaped by the preconceived notion that the "Indians" were less developed because they had no written language. This led to decades of slavery of Native Americans," the scientists said in a statement. ADVERTISIMENT They also emphasise that the act of listening in itself is already a "phase of contact". "Like colonialism itself, contact is best seen as a series of events that begins with planning, rather than a single event. From this perspective, isn't potential warrantless listening another form of surveillance? It seems contradictory that we begin our relationship with foreigners with warrantless wiretapping while at the same time actively working to prevent other countries from listening to certain American communications. If humans are initially perceived as disrespectful or uncaring, contact with them could lead to aliens colonising us," the scientists emphasise. The researchers also note that "throughout the history of Western colonisation, even in the few instances where those who made contact intended to protect, contact led to brutal violence, pandemics, enslavement and genocide" of local populations. ADVERTISIMENT As an example, they mentioned James Cook's voyage on the Endeavour in 1768, which was initiated by the Royal Society. The purpose of this voyage was exclusively scientific and Cook was strictly forbidden to engage in any colonial activity. But, in the end, it ended in the large-scale colonisation and eviction of indigenous peoples throughout Oceania, including the violent conquests of Australia and New Zealand. "The history of imperialism and colonialism on Earth illustrates that not everyone benefits from colonisation. No one can know for sure how the interaction with aliens will end, although it is better to consider cautionary tales from Earth's own history sooner rather than later," the scientists concluded. Earlier, OBOZREVATEL also reported on a bold theory by scientists who suggested that humans and aliens may be so different from each other that an alien species would not even understand that earthlings are living beings. ADVERTISIMENT Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL's Telegram, Viber and Threads channels to keep up with the latest developments. The HelioLinc3D computer algorithm, which is supposed to detect celestial bodies that are potentially dangerous to the Earth, has spotted a skyscraper-sized asteroid that is hidden from astronomers despite its proximity to the planet. The space rock, more than 180 metres wide, is potentially dangerous to humans. ADVERTISIMENT The discovery was reported by LiveScience, citing a statement from scientists. The asteroid was named 2022 SF289. It is large and orbits close enough to the Earth for scientists to recognise that it could pose a danger to the planet. But there is no need to panic, as it is only one of about 2,300 similar objects that could cause widespread destruction on Earth if a direct collision occurs. However, according to NASA's calculations, a collision is unlikely to occur. The asteroid passed the closest point to Earth in September 2022, when it flew at a distance of about 7.2 million kilometres from the planet. Interestingly, despite such a close flyby, it was not noticed by any of the Earth's astronomers because it was hiding in the light of the Milky Way. Now, during the test of the new algorithm, the asteroid was detected. ADVERTISIMENT The very fact that the algorithm was able to spot something that trained astronomers did not, according to scientists, is a huge confirmation of the effectiveness of such a system. The algorithm managed to "catch" the first potentially dangerous asteroid while studying the archived data of the Asteroid Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii. This system takes at least four photos of the same area of the sky every night. Despite this vigilance, ATLAS missed a large asteroid visible in three separate images of the sky taken on 19 September 2022, as well as over the three nights that followed. The asteroid was "ignored" because ATLAS only identifies an object as an asteroid when it appears in four separate images taken on the same night. Since 2022 SF289 did not meet this criterion, the world might not have known about its approach. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, the HelioLinc3D algorithm is capable of detecting asteroids based on much less data. More discoveries are likely to be made in the near future, as the algorithm is now being used to analyse data collected by the Rubin Observatory, a state-of-the-art telescope in the Chilean mountains. From the beginning of 2025, this telescope will be used for asteroid hunting. According to the researchers, the Rubin Observatory, for which the algorithm was developed, scans the sky only twice a night, although with much greater detail than most modern observatories. The team is confident that 2022 SF289 is just the tip of the asteroid iceberg for Rubin and the new algorithm. There could be thousands of hidden potentially dangerous asteroids circling our planet, waiting to be discovered. "From HelioLinc3D to artificial intelligence codes, the next decade of discovery will be a story of algorithm development as much as it will be a story of new, big telescopes. This is just a small fraction of what we can expect from Rubin Observatory in less than two years, when HelioLinc3D will discover similar objects every night," said Mario Juric, director of the Institute for Intensive Research in Astrophysics and Cosmology at the University of Washington and leader of the team behind the new algorithm. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZREVATEL reported that scientists had discovered "planet-killing" asteroids hiding in the sun's glow. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL's Telegram, Viber and Threads channels to keep up with the latest developments. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly sunny skies. High near 85F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms later during the night. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 67F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. COLUMBIA An adult male who police say was suicidal died Friday afternoon after he was shot by officers. Columbia Assistant Police Chief Lance Bolinger said officers were called to The Landing at CoMo apartment complex on Campusview Drive at 3:05 p.m. for a report of a suicidal subject. Officers spoke to the man and cleared the call. Then around 3:57 p.m., the man called 911 and requested officers back to the scene, according to Bolinger. 7:23 WATCH: Columbia police hold press conference after officer-involved shooting The Highway Patrol is investigating the shooting at the request of the Columbia Police Department. When officers arrived, police say the man was armed and started firing shots into the air. Then the man started directing gunfire toward officers, Bolinger said. Officers returned fired at the suspect, resulting in the man's death. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control unit will investigate the shooting, according to a tweet from the patrol. Police did not release additional information due to the ongoing investigation. At least a dozen police cars, a crime scene van and Highway Patrol troopers were parked outside the apartment complex. Crime scene tape was up around the parking lot, and a KOMU 8 reporter also saw an ambulance leave the scene. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. An autopsy will be completed. Bolinger said suicidal subject calls are one of the "most difficult, challenging calls that officers have to handle." "We give them a priority list of how they should handle it. We call them our safety priorities," Bolinger said. "We literally engrain it in new officers from the time they start to the time they end. And it starts with priorities of life." He added that CPD is working to develop a program which would involve mental health specialists responding to certain scenarios alongside police officers. Columbia Assistant Police Chief Jill Schlude said dangerous situations like this one will be taken into account as they develop this program. "Sometimes with mental health calls, they can become dangerous very quickly. So, when we put that program together, we're going to be very deliberate keeping in mind things like this," she said. Mental health specialists were not involved in the response to this scene. "Safety of all people is our highest priority. Law enforcement, we get into law enforcement to save people, to help people, and sometimes it's just beyond our control and we have to react to dangers that we face," she continued. Weather Alert ...DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. * WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Illinois and central, east central, northeast and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT this morning. * IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for rapidly changing visibility conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. && So-called Russian bloggers have accused the Russian Defence Ministry of lying about the attack by maritime drones on the bay in Novorossiysk (Krasnodar Region of the Russian Federation) that took place on 4 August. The propagandists believe that the terrorist state should set up a full-fledged monitoring system and cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea. ADVERTISIMENT They complain that other tactics, such as strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure, have not prevented an attack on Russian ships at sea. This is stated in an analysis by the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW). It is noted that "bloggers" pointed to the first false statement of the agency that Russian forces allegedly intercepted all drone strikes, instead of recognizing the damage to the landing ship Olenegorsk Miner. In addition, the ministry was also criticized for previously spreading false information about the alleged destruction of Ukrainian drone assembly plants. The bloggers said that Russian forces should block Ukraine's access to the Black Sea to prevent maritime drone attacks from civilian ships. As the analysts noted, some Russian "bloggers" believe that the Russian Defense Ministry does not have a consistent information policy, which creates conditions for public outcry in the Russian information space after each Russian military failure. ADVERTISIMENT Explosions were heard in the harbor area of Novorossiysk on the morning of August 4,. The Defense Ministry of the aggressor country stated that the reason for this was the "attack of the AFU" on the naval base by drones, which "were destroyed." However, as it turned out, the large landing ship Olenegorsk Miner was hit during a night attack by naval drones. One of its compartments was flooded, causing the ship to capsize. It was towed to the shore by two ships. ADVERTISIMENT It was later known that the operation in the bay of Novorossiysk was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine. The UAV that attacked the bay was carrying 450 kilograms of TNT. About 100 crew members were on board the Olenegorsk Miner. As noted by sources in the SSU, the special operation was carried out together with the Navy. According to the results of the attack, the "Olenegorsk miner" received a serious breach and can not fulfill its combat missions no more. All the Russian statements about the "repulsed attack" are fake. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZREVATEL: - Russians were hysterical after the loud night and morning of August 4 in temporarily occupied Feodosia (Crimea) and Novorossiysk (Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation). It is noteworthy that the explanation of the events in both locations was issued by the Defense Ministry of the aggressor country only a few hours after the strikes. It stated that all "drones were destroyed" and "there were no destructions and victims." The Russians demanded to shell Ukraine again in response, as well as Britain, which had previously handed over naval drones to the AFU; - Dictator Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on the drone attack on Novorossiysk. The Russian dictator's henchman redirected the issue to the Russian Defense Ministry. Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Belden (NYSE:BDC Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The industrial products company reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.75 by $0.16, Briefing.com reports. Belden had a net margin of 10.97% and a return on equity of 27.11%. The company had revenue of $692.25 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $687.49 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.60 earnings per share. Beldens revenue was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Belden Stock Down 1.7 % BDC stock opened at $87.25 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.53, a quick ratio of 2.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. Belden has a twelve month low of $58.53 and a twelve month high of $99.13. The companys 50 day moving average is $94.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $86.89. The stock has a market cap of $3.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.02 and a beta of 1.32. Get Belden alerts: Belden Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were issued a dividend of $0.05 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.23%. Beldens payout ratio is currently 2.99%. Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Investors Weigh In On Belden In other Belden news, CEO Ashish Chand sold 26,371 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.81, for a total transaction of $2,500,234.51. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 45,682 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,331,110.42. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . In other Belden news, EVP Brian Lieser sold 829 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.34, for a total transaction of $78,207.86. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,363 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,638,025.42. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, CEO Ashish Chand sold 26,371 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.81, for a total transaction of $2,500,234.51. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 45,682 shares in the company, valued at $4,331,110.42. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 34,421 shares of company stock valued at $3,241,593. 1.42% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in BDC. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd boosted its position in shares of Belden by 88.0% during the 1st quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd now owns 515 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 241 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Belden by 287.2% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 453 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 336 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP raised its stake in shares of Belden by 153.6% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 459 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 278 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Belden during the 1st quarter worth $55,000. Finally, State of Wyoming raised its stake in shares of Belden by 193.4% during the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 1,109 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $80,000 after buying an additional 731 shares during the last quarter. Analyst Ratings Changes BDC has been the subject of several recent research reports. StockNews.com lowered shares of Belden from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Belden from $107.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Belden presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $101.80. About Belden (Get Free Report) Belden Inc provides portfolio of signal transmission solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates in two segments, Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions. The Enterprise Solutions segment offers copper cable and connectivity solutions, fiber cable and connectivity solutions, interconnect panels, racks and enclosures, and signal extension and matrix switching systems for use in applications, such as local area networks, data centers, access control, 5G, fiber, and home and building automation. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Belden Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Belden and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Berenberg Bank restated their hold rating on shares of Travis Perkins (LON:TPK Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. Berenberg Bank currently has a GBX 955 ($12.26) price target on the stock. Several other analysts have also recently commented on the company. Barclays lowered their target price on Travis Perkins from GBX 965 ($12.39) to GBX 850 ($10.91) and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Travis Perkins from GBX 850 ($10.91) to GBX 780 ($10.01) and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, June 19th. Shore Capital reissued a sell rating on shares of Travis Perkins in a research note on Monday, June 19th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on Travis Perkins from GBX 1,250 ($16.05) to GBX 1,200 ($15.41) and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, June 19th. Finally, Numis Securities reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a GBX 935 ($12.00) target price on shares of Travis Perkins in a research report on Friday, June 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 988.50 ($12.69). Get Travis Perkins alerts: Travis Perkins Stock Up 1.7 % Shares of Travis Perkins stock opened at GBX 885.40 ($11.37) on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 57.30. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 850.87 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 927.32. The stock has a market capitalization of 1.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 994.83, a PEG ratio of 6.44 and a beta of 1.49. Travis Perkins has a twelve month low of GBX 707.80 ($9.09) and a twelve month high of GBX 1,082.50 ($13.90). Travis Perkins Cuts Dividend Travis Perkins Company Profile The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 5th will be issued a dividend of GBX 12.50 ($0.16) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 5th. This represents a yield of 1.44%. Travis Perkinss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 4,382.02%. (Get Free Report) Travis Perkins plc engages in distribution of building material products in the United Kingdom. It operates through Merchanting and Toolstation segments. The company supplies tools and building materials. It also distributes pipeline related products, as well as provides heating solutions. In addition, the company engages in civils and drainage related services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Travis Perkins Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travis Perkins and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Erdene Resource Development Co. (TSE:ERD Get Free Report) passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$0.37 and traded as high as C$0.37. Erdene Resource Development shares last traded at C$0.36, with a volume of 62,213 shares. Erdene Resource Development Stock Down 1.4 % The company has a market capitalization of C$122.26 million, a P/E ratio of -17.75 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.97, a quick ratio of 4.27 and a current ratio of 1.81. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of C$0.37 and a 200 day moving average price of C$0.36. Erdene Resource Development Company Profile (Get Free Report) Erdene Resource Development Corporation focuses on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metal deposits in Mongolia. The company explores for copper, molybdenum, gold, silver, lead, and zinc deposits. Its principal projects are the Bayan Khundii Gold project and the Altan Nar Gold-Polymetallic project located in southwest Mongolia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Erdene Resource Development Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Erdene Resource Development and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Morgan Stanley from $79.00 to $73.00 in a research report report published on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating on the information technology services providers stock. A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on FIS. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on Fidelity National Information Services from $81.00 to $71.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Fidelity National Information Services in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Robert W. Baird lowered their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $80.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Monday, July 3rd. 22nd Century Group reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, Atlantic Securities upgraded Fidelity National Information Services from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $84.62. Get Fidelity National Information Services alerts: Fidelity National Information Services Stock Up 2.7 % FIS traded up $1.52 during trading on Thursday, hitting $58.81. 4,899,742 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,791,523. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $57.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $59.40. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Fidelity National Information Services has a 12-month low of $48.57 and a 12-month high of $103.62. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.48, a PEG ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 0.83. Fidelity National Information Services Announces Dividend Fidelity National Information Services ( NYSE:FIS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The information technology services provider reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.48 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $3.75 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.71 billion. Fidelity National Information Services had a positive return on equity of 11.32% and a negative net margin of 161.74%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.73 EPS. Analysts predict that Fidelity National Information Services will post 5.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 22nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be given a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.54%. Fidelity National Information Servicess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -5.23%. Insider Buying and Selling at Fidelity National Information Services In related news, CFO Erik D. Hoag sold 3,451 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.15, for a total value of $186,871.65. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 19,887 shares in the company, valued at $1,076,881.05. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CFO Erik D. Hoag sold 3,451 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.15, for a total value of $186,871.65. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 19,887 shares in the company, valued at $1,076,881.05. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Ellen R. Alemany purchased 760 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 17th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $58.82 per share, with a total value of $44,703.20. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 3,743 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $220,163.26. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fidelity National Information Services A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 3.0% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 58,898,093 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $3,199,933,000 after buying an additional 1,728,137 shares in the last quarter. Dodge & Cox raised its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 4.9% in the first quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 27,493,640 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,493,729,000 after buying an additional 1,273,025 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 1.4% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 26,456,658 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,437,381,000 after buying an additional 367,417 shares in the last quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC raised its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 34.0% in the first quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC now owns 11,216,799 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $609,409,000 after buying an additional 2,848,636 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 1.0% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,572,297 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $573,144,000 after buying an additional 107,041 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.21% of the companys stock. About Fidelity National Information Services (Get Free Report) Fidelity National Information Services, Inc provides technology solutions for financial institutions and businesses worldwide. It operates through Banking Solutions, Merchant Solutions, and Capital Market Solutions segments. The Banking Solutions segment provides core processing and ancillary applications; mobile and online banking; fraud, risk management, and compliance; electronic funds transfer and network; card and retail payment; wealth and retirement; and item processing and output solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity National Information Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity National Information Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jervois Global Limited (ASX:JRV Get Free Report) insider Peter Johnston purchased 833,333 shares of Jervois Global stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 28th. The shares were bought at an average price of A$0.06 ($0.04) per share, with a total value of A$49,999.98 ($33,557.03). Jervois Global Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 60.19, a current ratio of 3.04 and a quick ratio of 1.13. Get Jervois Global alerts: Jervois Global Company Profile (Get Free Report) Further Reading Jervois Global Limited engages in the exploration, development, and production of mineral properties. The company explores for cobalt, nickel, copper, and gold deposits. It holds 100% interest in the Idaho Cobalt Operations project located in the state of Idaho, the United States; the Sao Miguel Paulista nickel cobalt refinery in Sao Paulo, Brazil; and the Nico Young nickel-cobalt deposits in New South Wales, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for Jervois Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jervois Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pinnacle West Capital (NYSE:PNW Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Thursday. The utilities provider reported $0.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.19 by ($0.25), Briefing.com reports. Pinnacle West Capital had a return on equity of 6.51% and a net margin of 8.92%. The company had revenue of $1.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.09 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.45 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Pinnacle West Capital updated its FY23 guidance to $4.10-4.30 EPS and its FY 2023 guidance to $4.10-$4.30 EPS. Pinnacle West Capital Trading Down 0.9 % PNW stock opened at $78.58 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.01 and a quick ratio of 0.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.95, a P/E/G ratio of 2.96 and a beta of 0.47. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $81.68 and a 200 day moving average price of $78.67. Pinnacle West Capital has a fifty-two week low of $59.03 and a fifty-two week high of $86.03. Get Pinnacle West Capital alerts: Pinnacle West Capital Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 1st will be given a dividend of $0.865 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, July 31st. This represents a $3.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.40%. Pinnacle West Capitals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 96.65%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pinnacle West Capital Several brokerages recently issued reports on PNW. Bank of America reduced their price objective on Pinnacle West Capital from $80.00 to $78.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Mizuho upped their target price on Pinnacle West Capital from $80.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Pinnacle West Capital from $89.00 to $88.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday. KeyCorp boosted their price target on shares of Pinnacle West Capital from $55.00 to $61.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $78.00 price objective (up from $73.00) on shares of Pinnacle West Capital in a report on Friday, July 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Pinnacle West Capital has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $78.00. A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of PNW. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Pinnacle West Capital by 1.8% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,338,202 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,041,714,000 after purchasing an additional 241,019 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in Pinnacle West Capital by 2.7% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 10,307,741 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $816,785,000 after purchasing an additional 273,945 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of Pinnacle West Capital by 1.0% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,634,622 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $492,509,000 after purchasing an additional 74,164 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Pinnacle West Capital by 29.6% in the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,537,942 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $276,313,000 after buying an additional 808,207 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Pinnacle West Capital in the 4th quarter valued at $104,067,000. 85.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Pinnacle West Capital Company Profile (Get Free Report) Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, through its subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company, provides retail and wholesale electric services primarily in the state of Arizona. The company engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity using coal, nuclear, gas, oil, and solar generating facilities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pinnacle West Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pinnacle West Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. (CVE:PGE Get Free Report)s share price was up 2.6% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as C$0.20 and last traded at C$0.20. Approximately 33,250 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 55% from the average daily volume of 73,107 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.19. Stillwater Critical Minerals Trading Up 2.6 % The company has a market capitalization of C$38.44 million, a PE ratio of -9.75 and a beta of 1.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 5.39 and a current ratio of 10.49. The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$0.19 and a 200 day moving average price of C$0.20. Stillwater Critical Minerals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. The company explores for gold, platinum group metals, palladium, nickel, copper, and cobalt deposits. Its flagship project is the 100%-owned Stillwater West project that comprise 763 claims covering an area of approximately 61 square kilometers located in Stillwater District, Montana. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Stillwater Critical Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stillwater Critical Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at roundtable on food security at the Rockefeller Foundation in New York, Aug. 3. AFP-Yonhap The United States is suspending some aid programs to the Niger government, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday, more than one week after the country's president was toppled in a coup. "The U.S. government is pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger," the top diplomat said in a statement, without providing details on those programs. However, "life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue" and the U.S. would still carry out diplomatic and security operations to protect its personnel in the country. The move came as West Africa's regional bloc said its military chiefs had agreed on a plan for a possible intervention in Niger, including the potential use of force. Men hold Niger and Russian flags as they gathers with thousands of anti-sanctions protestors in support of putsch soldiers in the capital Niamey, Niger, Aug. 3. Reuters-Yonhap The work of Zaporizhzhya NPP will be sabotaged by Russian occupation troops. And after the liberation of Energodar, it is likely that the Russian Federation will bring the station to an "inoperable state". ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by Energy Minister German Galushchenko in an interview with TIME. "I don't believe they will leave the plant in an operational state," he said. "They can do a lot of damage, so much damage that it will be very difficult for us to operate the plant," the minister added. Since early June, all six of the plant's nuclear reactors have been put into cold shutdown mode, suspending power generation and reducing the risk of an accident that could release large amounts of radiation. Engineers at the plant took this precaution shortly after Russia's destruction of the dam caused catastrophic flooding and jeopardized the water supply needed to cool the reactors. Galushchenko said the destruction of that dam in the occupied town of Novaya Kakhovka had dampened Ukrainian authorities' hopes that Russia might leave the nuclear power plant unharmed. "I can tell you that when they leave, when they flee from there, they extract almost everything in the energy infrastructure", - said the Minister of energy. ADVERTISIMENT We will remind, the mayor of Energodar Dmitry Orlov said that the Russian occupants have turned the captured Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant into a "nuclear fortress". They are hiding equipment, ammunition and personnel in the perimeter of the plant . Recently, the Ministry of Energy said about the risk of a disaster at Zaporizhzhya NPP. According to the Ministry, the invaders have installed explosive mines near it. The Ukrainian side does not yet have any control over the plant, at the same time the nuclear reactor can explode at any moment. Meanwhile, the US urged Russia to stop immediately, noting that "the ZNPP mines pose a danger to the entire region." Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 78F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. Low near 60F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Sunny along with a few clouds. High near 80F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 60F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The Russian tanker Sig, which was shot down in the Black Sea on the night of 5 August, was making regular voyages from the terrorist country of Russia and the temporarily occupied Crimea to Syria. The vessel made the vast majority of its voyages with its AIS (Automatic Identification System) transmitter switched off. ADVERTISIMENT The tanker was transporting oil products to the Syrian port of Tartus to supply a group of Russian troops. This was reported on Facebook by Andriy Klymenko, project manager at the Institute for Black Sea Strategic Studies (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the photo). According to him, the Sig tanker was first recorded by the BlackSeaNews Monitoring Group as a violator of Crimean sanctions in May 2017. At that time, it delivered 6,500 tonnes of diesel fuel from Novorossiysk to the Feodosia oil depot. In total, at least 21 such flights were recorded before the Kerch bridge was put into operation. Klymenko noted that the tanker made most of its voyages to Feodosia with the AIS transmitter switched off. In addition, Sig regularly transported fuel from the Feodosia oil depot to the Syrian port of Tartus. In this way, the aggressor country was supplying the Russian military grouping in Syria. The tanker returned from its last voyage from Syria on 1 August without cargo to a raid anchorage south of the Kerch Strait in Ukraine's territorial sea. ADVERTISIMENT Klymenko noted that the Sig tanker switched off its AIS in the Mediterranean Sea on the approach to Cyprus and entered the Syrian port with the identification system switched off. In the port of Tartus, the tanker was recorded at the Russian Navy naval base. "This vessel (its shipowner) most likely has a long-term contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence to supply oil products to the Syrian group of Russian troops. The Yaz tanker (YAZ, IMO 9735323), which belongs to the same shipowner, is constantly carrying out the same transportations," Klymenko said. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, a marine drone crashed into a SIG tanker 30 miles from the Kerch Strait on the night of 5 August. Later, Russian media published a photo of the damaged SIG tanker. It had a hole in the engine room area. The crew remains on the ship, as there is allegedly no threat of sinking. Earlier it was reported that the attack on the large Russian oil tanker SIG, which was transporting fuel for Russian troops, was the work of the Security Service and the Ukrainian Navy. The special operation followed a classic scenario: a surface drone, 450 kg of TNT, and an explosion. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! PNN New Delhi [India], August 5: In remarkable recognition of his exemplary achievements, Anshul Garg, an alumnus of the Amity Business School and Managing Director at Mohan Group of Companies, was conferred with the Amity Alumni Achiever Award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship at Reunion 2023, where Gargs exceptional journey as an entrepreneur was celebrated and acknowledged by his alma mater, Amity University. Also Read | Rain Forecast in India: IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall Across Country in Next 4-5 Days, Northeast To Witness Increase in Rain Activity. This recent milestone follows his prestigious achievement wherein he was Shortlisted for the 2nd Edition of Business Icons of India 2023, showcasing his unwavering commitment to excellence and accomplishments. The Amity Alumni Achiever Award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship is an accolade to honor the outstanding achievements of exceptional entrepreneurs in various domains. Anshul Garg was honored with the award for consistently demonstrating unparalleled dedication, innovation, and resilience in entrepreneurship. Also Read | UP Board Compartment Result 2023: UPMSP Class 10th and 12th Compartment Examination Results Likely To Be Declared Soon at results.upmsp.edu.in, Know How To Download. This award not only celebrates Anshul Gargs success but also motivates current students and aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their goals with tenacity and passion. We extend our heartiest congratulations to Anshul Garg on this well-deserved recognition and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors. Addressing this award, Anshul Garg shared in an interview with us, "As an entrepreneur, I am focused on sustainability and corporate social responsibility under the aegis of MEPL to support education, eradicate hunger, children, and awareness programs. Receiving this award has become a tremendous source of inspiration, motivating me to persist and strive for even greater heights. Anshul Garg has garnered immense recognition from industry experts worldwide. Fuelled by an unwavering passion for excellence and an innovative mindset, Garg has masterfully steered the Mohan Group of Companies (Est. 2002) to unparalleled success, establishing it as a dominant force in the business landscape. The occasion was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, Dr W. Selvamurthy, President of Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation, and Dr D.K. Bandopadhyay, Chairman of Amity Law School, along with a significant turnout of HOIs and students from Amity. During the Alumni Reunion 2023, distinguished founder Atul Chauhan of Amity University and Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla - Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Bansal Dean-FMS & Director ABS AUUP, came together to honor Gargs exceptional achievements. The ceremony was graced with inspiring speeches, highlighting his journey and the values he embodies as an entrepreneur and alumnus of Amity University. The Amity University Noida campus came alive with emotions and nostalgia. A considerable gathering of Amity Alumni, accompanied by their families, attended the heart-warming event. Reuniting with fellow classmates and mentors, they all shared smiles and heartfelt gratitude, making the event truly special. At the reunion, the Amity Alumni exuberantly engaged in various activities. Amity Alumni and their children enjoyed a fun-filled day in every sense. From seeking hideout zones to playing tambola everyone got a chance to bond with their batchmates, spouses, and children. The event was filled with enthusiasm and excitement as old connections were rekindled and new memories were created. Please visit the following link for award receiving video & speech https://www.mepl-mmw.com/awards.php Watch our YouTube Channel to get a glimpse of the award function. https://youtube.com/@anshulgarg5740 (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PNN. 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) PNN New Delhi [India], August 5: The Bamboo Bae was born with the fundamental belief that even the smallest of changes can make a significant impact in the world. The core mission behind the company is to bring forth a range of plastic-free products that can positively influence the world. Through extensive research, it was discovered that a plethora of bamboo byproducts can be sourced from the lush jungles of Northeast India. The Bamboo Bae already has 74 SKUs (as of July 23, 2023) and they are planning to launch 100 SKUs in the next 3 months and stand out as India's one-stop solution for affordable Eco-friendly products. Since the products have shown great demand with a lot of scopes in the future, The Bamboo Bae is aiming for a USD 1 Million initial first round of financing. Also Read | HC on Widows Entry in Temple: Marital Status Cannot Take Away Womans Identity, Says Madras High Court After Widow Denied Entry Into Periyakaruppan Temple in Erode. Year over Year, The Bamboo Bae has shown the Compound Annual Growth Rate (31st March 2023) is 205.71% whereas the growth rate for the Financial Year Ending 2023 has been 233% as compared to the Revenue (as of the financial year ending 2022). The current anticipation and expected investment, The Bamboo Bae is expecting to grow by multiple folds, especially in D2C. Their current strategies involve new market acquisitions such as Exports, Hotels & Corporates along with the availability of products in retail stores. With the current growth rate, they are expecting to hit a revenue of INR 100 cr. by 2025. According to a recent report published by The Economist Intelligence Unit, over the past 5 years, the demand for sustainable products has increased by 71%. The Bamboo Bae has seen a Compound Annual Growth of 205% (CAG) over the past 3 years. Bamboo Bae's growth compares to the overall industry growth in the sustainability segment. Also Read | Mohammedan SC vs Mumbai City FC, Durand Cup 2023 Live Streaming Online: How to Watch Indian Football Match Live Telecast on TV & Score Updates in IST?. Speaking about the companys future, Anuj Sagar & Sanchit Goyal the Co-Founder of The Bamboo Bae said Our strategy roadmap emphasizes strengthening and growing our footprint globally, with Phase 1's key focus being on markets in the Middle East and Africa. Our ambitious goals call for entering the European market in Phase 2. We have made a huge step by opening our first overseas office in the vibrant city of Dubai in order to support this growth and outreach. The beginning of our road to securing a firm presence in these areas and beyond is marked by this crucial move. Based in the vibrant city of Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the firm is dedicated to enlightening people about the vital importance of embracing handcrafted bamboo products in todays world, sustainability has taken center stage as an urgent priority. With environmental consciousness on the rise, bamboo has emerged as a leading contender for eco-friendly alternatives. The companys mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and awareness of bamboos immense potential in promoting a greener and sustainable future. The allocated funds will be strategically directed toward key areas that are vital to our growth and success. These include team expansion to enhance our capabilities, investment in product development to innovate and improve our offerings, acquiring current inventory to meet growing demand, implementing effective marketing strategies to reach a wider audience, and initiating steps for expanding into international markets. By allocating the funds to these crucial aspects, the company aims to bolster its position in the industry and achieve our objectives with confidence. The Bamboo Bae has set out to develop a better market position because of its sustainability as well as affordability. The products are priced considering maximum affordability as well as quality. The primary goal of Bamboo Bae is to reach every household and educate people on the harms of using plastic products. Alongside, The Bamboo Bae also helps hotels and corporations switch and adapt to eco-friendly products which helps them reach their sustainability goals. The company always strives to develop sustainably as well as functional products, so far the organization has been able to develop more than 30 products that are being offered either directly to the consumer or Institutions like Hotels, and Corporates. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PNN. 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) Art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai's death, allegedly by suicide, has shocked the entire nation. Desai was found hanging at his ND Studio in Karjat, Maharashtra on August 2, and since then several reports circulated online that he may have died by suicide owing to financial constraints. Speaking to ANI, Desai's daughter Mansi revealed that her father had borrowed a loan of Rs 181 crore from a company and out of which he had repaid Rs 86.31. RIP Nitin Desai: Ashutosh Gowariker Is 'Shocked' to Know About Lagaan's Art Director's Alleged Death by Suicide. Desai's daughter said that her father had no intention to cheat anyone."He was going to make all the payments that he promised. They (lenders) also demanded a six-month interest in advance which my father provided by selling his Powai office. He had no intention to fraud anyone and he was going to make all payments that he had promised," Mansi told ANI. Mansi claimed that the loan company gave him "false assurances while initiating legal action against him. "Due to the pandemic, the industry was affected, there was no work and the studio was closed. He could not make regular payments and there were some delays. Even after that, he repeatedly made attempts to meet with the company to negotiate with them for restructuring or some kind of leeway so he could still finish paying what he owed. The company gave him false assurances and started legal proceedings on the side," she said. Nitin Chandrakant Desai Funeral Update: Aamir Khan Attends Last Rites of His Lagaan Art Director (Watch Video). Mansi also requested media to stop making defamatory statements against her father. "We would like to request the media to stop making defamatory statements against him and stop spreading false information. Please consult us before releasing any information," she added. Desai's daughter further requested the government of Maharashtra to look into this matter. "I appeal to the government of Maharashtra to look into this matter and also, as per his last wish, take charge of ND Studios. Please give him justice," the bereaved daughter urged. Desai (57) worked as an art director in movies like 1942: A Love Story which made him popular in the industry. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, Dostana, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Munnabhai MBBS and Slumdog Millionaire among others are the movies he worked too. New Delhi, August 5: The National Investigation Agency Saturday said it made a major arrest in a case linked to an ISIS terror module, nabbing a suspect who was allegedly involved in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). A spokesperson for the federal agency said Aakif Ateeque Nachan was also wanted for arranging a hideout for two other terror operatives in Maharashtra. He is the sixth accused to be arrested in the case. Five others -- Tabish Nasser Siddiqui from Mumbai, Zubair Noor Mohammed Shaikh alias Abu Nusaiba and Adnan Sarkar from Pune, and Sharjeel Shaikh and Zulfikar Ali Barodawala from Thane -- were arrested by the agency last month. NIA Busts ISIS Module in Maharashtra After Raids in Mumbai, Thane, Pune; Arrests Four Persons. "Nachan was found actively involved in the promotion of terror-related activities of the designated foreign terrorist organisation in collaboration with four other arrested accused - Barodawala, Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki and Abdul Kadir Pathan along with some other suspects. "Khan and Saki, members of the 'Sufa terrorist gang' had been declared 'most wanted' by the NIA in a case relating to recovery of explosives from a car in Rajasthan in April last year (before their arrest by ATS Pune last month)," the spokesperson said. The official said Nachan was arrested after a series of raids in Borivali in Thane. Incriminating material including electronic gadgets and documents were also seized during the raids. Besides assembling IEDs and purchasing material and components for their fabrication, he had facilitated the stay of Khan and Saki at a house in Kondhwa in Pune, the spokesperson said, adding the accused had organised and participated in bomb-making workshops in Kondhwa in 2022. NIA Arrests Aligarh Muslim University Student From Uttar Pradesh Working As ISIS Operative. He was also involved in preparation of a demo IED and conduct of a controlled explosion at this location, the spokesperson said. The official said that according to investigations the accused hatched a conspiracy to further the terrorist activities of ISIS, also known as Islamic State, and had planned to commit terrorist acts to disturb unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of the country, and wage a war against the Government of India. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) There was "no panic" in temporarily occupied Sevastopol in southern Crimea over a maritime drone detected by Russian occupation troops. The illegal "authorities" admitted that there was a drone in the Sevastopol sea zone, but claimed there was no need to evacuate beaches. The occupiers announced that the drone had allegedly been eliminated at 14:28. ADVERTISIMENT The so-called governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozzhayev reported the detection of a surface UAV in the open sea at noon on Saturday, August 5. He wrote that the drone continued moving and all necessary measures were taken to destroy it," the Kremlin aide said. He said Russian security services had decided to restrict the movement of skiffs (small dinghies) from the Balaklava district to the beaches and back. "There is no need to evacuate people from the beaches, the situation is fully under the control of the fleet. Stay calm and do not panic," the occupant wrote. He claimed that the traffic restriction will be allegedly removed after 13:00. ADVERTISIMENT A resident of Crimea published a video online that shows the alarming situation in Sevastopol: Razvozzhayev announced that the fleet of the aggressor country allegedly destroyed a drone "at a great distance from the shore in the Sevastopol maritime zone" at about 14:30. The occupiers lifted restrictions on the movement of water transport in the area of the Balaklava raid. As OBOZREVATEL wrote: - A maritime drone attacked the Russian Olenegorsk Miner landing ship in the bay of Novorossiysk in Russia's Krasnodar region on the morning of August 4. ADVERTISIMENT - Russia lied that all the drones were destroyed. It turned out that the vessel had received a serious breach, capsized and could no longer fulfill its combat missions. - According to media reports, the operation in Novorossiysk Bay was carried out by the SSU together with the Navy. The drone that crashed into the ship and caused the explosion was carrying 450 kilograms of TNT. - The head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Malyuk advised the occupants to leave our territorial waters and our land on August 5. The faster they do it, the better it will be for them, the head of the security service said. Only verified information from us on Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! New Delhi [India], August 5 (ANI): A Delhi court on Saturday allowed actor Jacqueline Fernandez to travel to San Francisco, USA to perform promotional activities for the company Show Blast LLC from August 7 to August 23. She is accused in Rs 200 crores money laundering case. Sukesh Chandrasekhar is also one of the accused in the matter. Also Read | Odisha: Irate Mob Storms Phiringia Police Station in Kandhamal, Attacks Police Officials; Probe Ordered. Special judge Shailender Malik allowed Jacqueline Fernandez to travel to San Francisco, USA from August 7 to August 23 to perform promotional activities. She was invited for the same by the company Show Blast LLC. The court while granting permission to travel abroad, rejected the contention of ED's counsel related to visa. He also submitted that these promotional activities could take place through video conferencing. Also Read | Anju-Nasrullah Case: Indian Woman's Husband Files FIR Against Her for Marrying Another Man Without Filing for Divorce. The court said that the American embassy/visa issuing authority will examine the case of the applicant independently. It is not for the court to decide. It is for the host company in the USA to decide whether such promotional activity can be undertaken physically or through VC. The court has imposed some conditions while granting permission including the application shall submit an FDR of Rs One crore. She will also submit her travel itinerary and detail of the place of stay. An application seeking permission to travel to the USA to engage in professional services for promotion of the company's client of Show Blast from August 10 to August 20, 2023. Advocate Aman Nandrajog, Shakti Singh and Gaurav Arora appeared for the actor. (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], August 5 (ANI): The Delhi Police Crime Branch apprehended an absconding criminal wanted in the gangrape case of a minor and who had been previously convicted in five other cases, police said on Saturday. According to the police, the accused identified as Karan Singh alias Rahul (23) is a resident of Delhi's Swaroop Nagar. Also Read | Child Trafficking Racket Busted in West Bengal: Kolkata Police Busts Illegal Child Selling Racket Involving Around 100 Surrogate Mothers. "A team of Crime Branch has arrested a desperate criminal Karan Singh alias Rahul of Swaroop Nagar, Delhi. He was wanted in the gang rape of a minor girl in case FIR No. 446/2023 under sections 342/363/376D/377/34 of IPC and 4 POCSO Act, PS Swaroop Nagar, Delhi," said officials. The accused is also a history-sheeter of Delhi's Police Station Narela area and was previously involved in five criminal cases, officials said. Also Read | Bug Bounty Reward: Google Awards USD 15,000 to Apple Security Team for Finding Bug in Chrome Web Browser. As per police information, the minor had told her maternal uncle about being assaulted by two persons on June 26. After listening to her the uncle asked her to return home in the company of Karan alias Rahul and another juvenile on their scooty. Karan the other juvenile took the girl to the room of one Kamal Singh alias Pahari where all the three raped her. Police said that three persons were arrested but Karan alias Rahul and Kamal Singh alias Pahari managed to escape. Subsequently, non-bailable warrants (NBWs) were issued by a court against Karan alias Rahul and Kamal Singh alias Pahari. Karan Singh alias Rahul has been arrested, police said today. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 5 (ANI): Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has seized Rs 22 lakh in cash during search operations at nine locations in connection with its ongoing money laundering investigation against DMK MLA and Tamil Nadu minister Thiru Senthil Balaji, according to an official release on Saturday. Balaji was arrested in a cash-for-jobs scam and is currently in Central Prison in Tamil Nadu's Puzhal. Also Read | Anju-Nasrullah Case: Indian Woman's Husband Files FIR Against Her for Marrying Another Man Without Filing for Divorce. According to the release, ED initiated the investigation on the basis of three FIRs registered by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Chennai, related to the Cash for Jobs Scam. During the investigation, intelligence inputs indicated that Balaji's close associate, ST Saminathan, possessed incriminating documents/proceeds of the crime and attempted to hide/transfer them. Also Read | Earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir: Another Quake of Magnitude 5.8 on Richter Scale Jolts Kashmir, No Casualty or Damage Reported. "Consequently, searches were conducted at his premises. It was discovered during the search that a relative of ST Saminathan, Shanthi was seen moving bags containing documents and valuables," the release added. The release said that as a result of this, the investigative teams covered Shanthi's premises but she was not present at the location. Further scrutiny of CCTV footage and investigation revealed that the bags had been handed over to the driver, Thiru Shiva. When Shiva's house was searched, it was found that he already absconded and turned off his mobile phone upon hearing about the searches at Shanthi's house. The release said that during the search at Shiva's residence, cash amounting to Rs 22 lakhs and unaccounted valuables worth Rs 16.6 lakhs along with unexplained property documents for 60 land parcels has been found. Shanthi is a housewife and did not cooperate and participate in the search proceedings. ED investigation revealed that she has no source of income, added the release. The release noted that Shiva, in his statement, admitted that Shanthi gave him the bags out of fear that incriminating details would be discovered and based on the ongoing investigation, it appears that the seized property and cash belong to ST Saminathan, a close associate of V Senthil Balaji. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Imphal, Aug 5 (PTI) The 24-hour general strike called by the co-ordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies in Manipur on Saturday paralysed normal life in Imphal Valley, with markets and business establishments remaining shut in almost all localities. Public transport stayed off the road and only a few private vehicles were seen plying on the streets. Also Read | Highest-Earning MLAs in India: Jharkhand MLAs Set To Get Monthly Salary, Allowance of Rs 2.88 Lakh; Highest in Country. Schools also remained closed due to the strike from midnight. The hill districts, however, have largely been unaffected by the strike, which was called by the committee to demand an emergency assembly session to discuss various issues. Also Read | West Bengal Tragedy: Infant Down With TB Dies Nine-Days After Contracting COVID-19 in Nadia. The committee's convenor L Binod had earlier said that the strike is not to add to the hardships of the people, but to pressure the government. Meanwhile, the Manipur Cabinet on Friday recommended Governor Anusuiya Uikey to convene a session of the assembly from August 21. The previous assembly session was held in March. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence that broke out in May, and sporadically continued to plague the northeastern state for the last three months, claiming over 160 lives. The state, which remains curfew bound, has seen a recent flare-up of hostilities between the two warring communities -- the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis, after an announcement of a public mass burial of tribals killed during the ongoing race riots. Tension between the two communities also heightened after talks between former Kuki militant organisations and the Centre were restarted. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 5 (ANI): One terrorist was killed in the Khawas area of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday in an encounter with security forces, the police official said. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of Jammu Mukesh Singh said that the police force has been deployed at the spot. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorist Killed in Encounter With Security Forces in Rajouri District. Encounter going on at Khawas area of Rajouri. Police party on the spot. As per ground feedback one terrorist killed so far, Singh said. More details are awaited. (ANI) Also Read | Haryana Violence: Authorities Assure Migrant Workers of Safety Amid Exodus of Labourers After Communal Clashes in Nuh and Gurugram. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Srinagar, August 5: Security forces have launched drones to locate a group of three to four terrorists hiding in the Halan Heights area in Kulgam, where three Indian Army soldiers were killed during an encounter late on Friday. In the encounter that is ongoing in the area Indian Armys Para Special Forces have also been moved into the area for search and destroy mission, sources in the security forces said. Security forces had launched a joint operation in the area in dense vegetation with a lot of undergrowth after agencies received inputs about the presence of a group of three to four terrorists, they said. The security forces are carrying out intensified search operations and trying to establish contact with terrorists, they said. Earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir: Quake Measuring 5.2 on Richter Scale With Epicentre in Pakistan Jolts Union Territory. On Friday, the search operation turned into an encounter after terrorists fired at the security forces who retaliated. In the exchange of fire, three security forces personnel were injured, the official said, adding, they succumbed during treatment. Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists and Security Forces at High Reaches of Halan Forest in Kulgam. "Operation Halan #Kulgam. On specific inputs regarding the presence of terrorists on higher reaches of Halan in Kulgam, operations launched by Security Forces on 04 Aug 23. In exchange of firing with terrorists, three personnel sustained injuries and later succumbed. Search operations are continuing," Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Army said in a tweet. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Pune (Maharashtra) [India], August 5 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Pune, Maharashtra on Saturday evening. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and Minister Chandrakant Patil received the Home Minister at the airport. Also Read | Tigress Enters Private University Campus in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, No Man-Animal Conflict (Watch Video). The Home Minister will launch the digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office in Pune on Sunday. This move comes as part of the Ministry of Cooperation's commitment to bolster the cooperative movement in the country and aligns with PM Narendra Modi's vision of "Sahkar se Samridhi". Also Read | G20 Summit 2023: PWD, Delhi Civic Body Told To Frame Contingency Plan for Waterlogging in Case of Heavy Rainfall. The computerization of the Central Registrar's Office is aimed at promoting ease of doing business in the cooperative sector and streamlining various processes. The main objectives of this initiative include implementing completely paperless applications, ensuring automatic compliance with the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act (MSCS Act) and rules through software, enhancing the ease of doing business, enabling digital communication, ensuring transparent processing, and improving analytics and management information systems, read Ministry of Cooperation press release. The digital portal will encompass various modules, including registration, amendment of bye-laws, annual return filing, appeal, audit, inspection, inquiry, arbitration, winding up, liquidation, ombudsman, and election. It will also incorporate the recently passed amendments to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002, and its rules. The portal will expedite the processing of applications and service requests through electronic workflow, facilitating a time-bound approach. It will also feature provisions for OTP-based user registration, validation checks to ensure compliance with the MSCS Act and Rules, hearing through video conferencing, issuance of registration certificates, and electronic communication, read the release. With the implementation of the digital portal, all activities related to multi-state cooperatives will be streamlined, ushering in a new era of efficiency and transparency. Additionally, the Ministry invited suggestions and feedback from all National Cooperative Societies and Multi-State Cooperative Societies to ensure that the portal meets the needs of stakeholders effectively. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Nuh (HR), Aug 4 (PTI) Hindus and Muslims who bore the brunt of Nuh violence which saw six people killed and many shops gutted, say the region has not seen communal clashes at such a big scale since 1992, with each party attributing the flare-up to either Hindu rights group or local Muslim leaders. The Vishva Hindu Parishad which organised the rally which forms the kernel of the confrontation claims the ruckus was doing of some "anti-national people", who disrupted the procession. Also Read | Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Lays Foundation Stone for Archeological Museum in Tamil Nadu's Adichanallur (See Pics). A senior member of the Hindu right-wing group alleged local Muslim leaders provoked people to create unrest. Srikishan, a local resident, on the other hand, attributed the triggering of violence to administrative negligence and claimed there were very few policemen to begin with to manage the procession. Also Read | German City Sends in Snowplows After Summer Hailstorm. "Those who participated in the religious procession made provocative speeches hours before the clashes took place. There were few policemen at the spot. The administration and police swung into action much later, by the time violence had already started," Srikishan said. "I am 65 years old and I haven't seen such violence after 1992," he added. Refuting the allegations, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal claimed the strife was caused at the instigation of local Muslim leaders. "This issue is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. Some anti-national people with criminal mindsets, who want to harm our community created unrest. Society was united earlier and it will remain united. The local politicians should also be held accountable, for they provoked the people to indulge in clashes," Bansal told PTI. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Muslim-dominated Nuh when a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by mobs on Monday. The violence subsequently spread to neighbouring Gurugram as well. Speaking about the impact of the violence, another Nuh resident, Dalchand, who works as a labourer, said people in the area are distressed by the violence which has hit their livelihood. "I was at work in Mewat when I got to know about the violence. I returned to Nuh later, but I still haven't got my money for the day (Monday). I don't have any money to have a meal for one time," Dalchand told PTI. A total of 202 people have been arrested so far and 80 taken into preventive detention in connection with the communal clashes in Haryana, state Home Minister Anil Vij said on Friday. Vij also said 102 FIRs have been registered in connection with the clashes so far, half of which are in Nuh alone and the rest in other districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad and Palwal. Another local resident, Javed, claimed that no communal clashes took place in Nuh since 1992, the year of Babri Masjid's demolition, and the latest flare-up could have been prevented if only the administration was more "vigilant" about the procession. "The administration should have taken adequate measures for this procession. I haven't seen communal riots at this scale since '92 in Nuh. It has thrown the entire district in disarray," Javed claimed. Waris Khan, who runs a fruit cart in Nuh, said people in the area are fear-struck since the clashes. "We all are scared. Some people came and ransacked and burned down everything and now because of them everyone in Nuh is suffering," Waris said. Meanwhile, the investigation has so far revealed that there was no mastermind behind the clashes in the Nuh district, which was the doing of several disparate groups, a senior police officer said on Friday. The officer's remarks in effect contradicted the state home minister's conjecture, according to which the violence was engineered and had a mastermind behind it. Sadir Hussain, another local resident who runs a vegetable shop, said that the incident has impacted them not just mentally, but financially as well. "Shops are still closed. We all are distressed as there is no work. Because of the violence, we all are suffering. My family members have been living under fear since the whole incident," Hussain told PTI. (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, Aug 5 (PTI) Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday said he has sent all documents pertaining to revocation of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha to the Speaker and his membership should be restored immediately. He said Speaker Om Birla should restore his membership with the same pace as he was disqualified after a Gujarat court convicted him in a defamation case pertaining to Modi surname remarks. Also Read | AIAPGET Answer Key 2023 Out at aiapget.nta.nic.in: NTA Releases Provisional Answer Key of All India Ayush Post Graduate Entrance Test Examination, Check Direct Link and Know How To Download. Chowdhury said he had called the Speaker last night as well as this morning and later sent the documents to the Speaker's office since the Secretary General's office was closed due to a holiday. "Rahul Gandhi's Parliament Lok Sabha membership should be reinstated with the same pace and swiftness as he was disqualified," the Congress leader in Lok Sabha said, adding he hoped this would be done before Lok Sabha sits on Monday. Also Read | Home Minister Amit Shah To Launch Digital Portal of Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies in Pune on August 6. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said 26 hours after Gandhi was "convicted" by the sessions Court in Surat, the notification of his disqualification as MP was issued. "26 hours have passed since the Supreme Court stayed his wholly unjustified conviction. Why hasn't his position as MP been restored yet," he questioned on Twitter. "Is the Prime Minister afraid of his participation in the No Confidence Motion," he also asked. "The Supreme Court has stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi, which means he should be allowed to attend Parliament," Ramesh said. Chowdhury said the speaker told him to meet the secretary general and hand over the documents. He lamented that the secretary general told him that since his office was closed due to a holiday, the documents should be sent by post. "We have handed over the documents, which have been received by the Lok Sabha secretariat but they have not issued any receipt. Chowdhury said at 2.05 PM on Friday, he had told the house for revocation of Gandhi's disqualification and then went to the Speaker's residence and apprised him of the relief granted by the court to Gandhi. "I even spoke to the Speaker at night," he said. Asked if he feared deliberate delay on the part of authorities, he said, "My intention is not to put anyone in the dock and the Speaker is respected by all." "We are only seeking our rights, as it was taken away on the court's orders and now he has received relief on court orders, we only want our right to be restored. They can take any legal advice and this should be done today or tomorrow," he said. "We have got impatient that Rahul Gandhi should get justice and the Supreme Court has granted relief. His rights should be restored and our demand is that his rights should be protected," he said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) Aaftab Amin Poonawala, the man accused of slaying his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar, told the victim's father he chopped her body into pieces in the toilet of their rented home and disposed them of over time in Chattarpur Pahadi. Vikas Madan Walkar, Shraddha's father, testified before a Delhi court that Poonawala, upon reaching the nala (drain) behind the Shamshan Ghat Mandir (Cremation ground temple) on '100 Futa Road' in Chattarpur Enclave, pointed at the exact place where he disposed of the body parts. Also Read | Kargil Council Election 2023: 26 Seats of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council on September 10. Delhi police recovered around 13 bones, including the pelvic bone of the deceased, at the place, he said. The Delhi court was recording the testimonies of witnesses in the sensational murder case. Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: Woman Killed Over Property Dispute in Devanahalli; Son, Daughter-in-Law Arrested. Shraddha Walkar, who was in a live-in relationship with the accused, was allegedly strangled by Poonawala on May 18 last year. The accused was alleged to have sawed her lifeless body and kept it in a fridge before disposing of the pieces in desolate places across the city over several days to dodge the police and the public. Many of her body parts were discovered later in a nearby forest. Vikas Madan Walkar, who was examined as a prosecution witness by the public prosecutor before Additional Sessions Judge Manisha Khurana Kakkar, testified that Poonawala strangulated his daughter on May 18, 2022. He then cut her body into small pieces for easy disposal. Poonawala led the police team to the place where he had killed my daughter (the rented house in Chhatarpur). He pointed out the place where he had killed my daughter and also the place where he had cut my daughter into pieces, which is the toilet/bathroom, he said. Poonawala then disclosed he had packed the pieces of the body in trash bags and stored them in a refrigerator in the living room. When his new girlfriend visited the accused, he would remove the trash bags from the fridge and store them on a wooden shelf in the kitchen, Vikas Walkar said. He said Poonawala also led the police team to a place at the drain behind the the Shamshan Ghat Mandir on '100 Futa Road' in Chhatarpur Enclave. Upon reaching the place, he pointed out the exact place where he had disposed of the body parts, and on his pointing out, a total of 13 bones, including one pelvic bone were recovered by the police, he said. During the proceedings on Saturday, which lasted around six hours, the refrigerator, where the body parts had been allegedly kept, and the wooden pieces suspected of having the deceased's blood stains were produced in court. Vikas Walkar identified the pieces of evidence, following which the video and audio clips of Poonawala and Shraddha were also played in the court. After Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad completed the examination-in-chief, Poonawala's counsel started the cross-examination which continued for around two hours. It is wrong to suggest that I deposed regarding the fight between my daughter and Poonawala based on the information given by my (late) wife. Voluntarily, before the death of my wife, I had called my daughter home and personally inquired about the fact and she confirmed that the accused used to fight with her and beat her, he said. He claimed Poonawala disclosed about having killed his daughter around 6 pm on May 18. The court has posted the matter for further cross-examination on Monday. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) On the night of 4-5 August, explosions were heard in the temporarily occupied city of Kerch in Crimea. They were heard in the area of the illegally built Crimean bridge. Russia claimed a drone attack, and a Russian tanker was hit. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by monitoring publics. Photos of the sunset in the area of the crossing were also posted online. Residents of the Arshintseve district and the villages of Heroivka and Yakovenkove reported that the explosions shook their windows. Russian media outlets reported that the Crimean bridge was completely shut down, all lights were switched off, and evacuations were underway. The Russian Federation reported an attack by "Ukrainian drones" in the Kerch Strait, both surface and airborne. The Centre of the Kerch Strait Vessel Traffic Control Service with the call sign "Kavkaz-Trafik" informs that "there are incidents". The anchored vessels were ordered to increase surveillance. It was also reported that the occupiers had launched fighter jets to intercept air targets. ADVERTISIMENT Russian propagandists also confirmed the attack, saying that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were trying to attack the bridge using naval drones. According to Russian "military experts", the attack was successful, and its consequences for the ferry are serious. Meanwhile, the so-called adviser to the occupying head of Crimea, Oleg Kryuchkov, said that he "cannot confirm the information about explosions near the Crimean bridge", but reported that "all services are working". "The loud noises heard by Kerch residents an hour ago had nothing to do with the Crimean Bridge. An attack threat has been announced. After it is lifted, traffic will resume," he said. ADVERTISIMENT Later, Kryuchkov wrote that the Crimean 'authorities' are not responsible for the Kerch Strait and anchorages and cannot control the situation in the Black Sea. At the same time, collaborator Vladimir Rogov says that there was an explosion, and a fire broke out afterwards. Russian tanker was damaged Russian public media, citing a source close to Rosmorrechflot, reported that a marine drone crashed into a tanker 30 miles from the Kerch Strait. This information was later confirmed by the Taman Sea Rescue Sub-Centre. A Russian SIG tanker was hit. The Russians launched a fake news story that it was allegedly Turkish, but this is not true. In fact, SIG was built in 2014 and has been transporting oil under the Russian flag since then. ADVERTISIMENT SIG also delivered aviation fuel from Crimea to Syria, which was included in the US sanctions list. The first audio intercept from the hit tanker appeared. It could not move on its own, the engine room was flooded. The Russian media reported that two tugs had arrived at the scene of the attack. It should be noted that the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has warned that starting from 21 July 2023, all vessels travelling in the Black Sea towards Russian seaports and Ukrainian seaports located in the territory temporarily occupied by Russia may be considered by Ukraine as carrying military cargo with all the relevant risks. ADVERTISIMENT A traffic jam formed on the Crimean bridge after the explosions. The Atesh military movement of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars reports that the Russian army in Crimea, especially in Sevastopol, is on high alert. As a reminder, on the morning of Friday, 4 August, explosions and the sound of shooting were heard in Novorossiysk (Krasnodar Territory, Russia) near the harbour. The Ministry of Defence of the aggressor country stated that the reason for this was an "attack by the Armed Forces of Ukraine" on the naval base with drones, and a landing ship was damaged. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine says that incidents with explosions on the Crimean bridge will continue. This will continue until the bridge is dismantled and Ukraine is liberated from Russian troops. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Chandigarh, Aug 5 (PTI) A case was registered against unidentified persons after some people allegedly threw stones at the gate of a mosque in Haryana's Rohtak, police said on Saturday, as Nuh and other parts of the state return to normal after communal clashes that left six dead. Police said the Rohtak incident took place Friday around 10:30 pm at Aanwal village and a case was lodged by mosque cleric Iqbal. They said security around the mosque has been tightened. Also Read | Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Lays Foundation Stone for Archeological Museum in Tamil Nadu's Adichanallur (See Pics). They said some unidentified people allegedly pelted stones at the gate of the mosque's boundary wall. Upon getting information, Rohtak Additional Superintendent of Police Medha Bhushan reached the site Friday night with her team. Also Read | German City Sends in Snowplows After Summer Hailstorm. Police said a case has been registered and further investigation was underway. The case was registered under relevant sections including 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) of the Indian Penal Code against unidentified people, said Inspector Ramesh Kumar, police station Kalanaur in Rohtak. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh over an attempt to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession and spread to Gurugram over the last few days. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hathras, August 5: At least five people were killed and over a dozen injured after a tractor-trolley and a dumper collided in the Hathras district late on Friday night, said the police on Saturday. According to Superintendent of Police Devesh Pandey, the deceased were identified as Vikram, Madhuri, Hemlata, Lakhmi, and Abhishek. Kolkata Road Accident: Child Killed, Father Injured After Bicycle Hit by Truck in Behala Chaurasta Area; Residents Stage Protest. The SP said that the Hathras occupants of the tractor-trolley were pilgrims on their way from Jalesar to Goverdhan. The SP added that the incident took place when the tractor-trolley that had reached the Sadabad road collided with the dumper. The official further said that more than a dozen people were injured in the accident. Maharashtra: Drunk Man Sets His Bike on Fire In Sangli's Miraj, Video Surfaces. "Some of the injured were brought to the Community Health Center while three were sent to the district hospital," said the SP. The seriously injured were referred to Agra from the Sadabad Health Centre while one was referred to Aligarh Medical from the district hospital, added the official. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 5 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh's Yogi government has formulated a strategy to position the agricultural sector as a core industry in the state in order to realise the 1 trillion dollar economy goal. In a recent meeting of the Chief Secretary with representatives from the World Bank, the state's rapid advancements in the field of agriculture were presented, shedding light on the prospects in the sector. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorist Killed in Encounter With Security Forces in Rajouri District. Deloitte India, which is working as a consultant to the government to achieve the goal of making Uttar Pradesh a one trillion dollar economy, presented before World Bank representatives how agriculture will play a pivotal role in achieving the ambitious target. Over the past 6 years under CM Yogi's leadership, several new innovations have been introduced in the agricultural sector, resulting in noticeable improvements in agricultural productivity. The state now leads in wheat production and holds the second position in rice production, and a diverse range of crops are also being cultivated in the state. Also Read | Haryana Violence: Authorities Assure Migrant Workers of Safety Amid Exodus of Labourers After Communal Clashes in Nuh and Gurugram. Furthermore, the power of innovation within agriculture is being harnessed, paving the way for advanced agricultural techniques to become the foundation of future farming. As per the CMs intention, the adoption of high-tech agricultural investments is not only attracting attention but also increasing public interest in this field. According to a government release, the strategy devised for agriculture has been divided into two main segments. The first segment pertains to crops and crop processing, while the second segment is related to dairy, poultry, and fisheries. Under the first segment, which covers crops and crop processing, strategies have been formulated for improving crop yields through the creation of seed parks and agri-junctions. This approach will raise awareness about modern farming practices among people, the release said. Furthermore, efforts will be made in mission mode to promote cultivation of pulses, sesame, millet, and maize. Agricultural mechanization, involving the use of machinery in farming, has also received significant emphasis. "Besides, there is a strong focus on partnerships with as many start-ups as possible to enhance the use of technology in agriculture. This involves activities such as crop mapping and transforming raw food materials from fields to consumers into ready-to-eat food products, giving priority to all associated processes. Additionally, post-harvest development of fundamental structures has also been prioritized. Efforts will be directed at minimizing post-harvest losses, improving agricultural logistics, and reducing paperwork", the release stated. The release further said that emphasis has also been laid on working out a strategy for improvement in the dairy, poultry and fisheries segments. In line with this, efforts are being directed towards improving dairy production. The aim is to increase the average milk yield from 4.2 kilograms per day to 5 kilograms per day. Additionally, there will be a focus on breed improvement, semen technology, feed, and animal care. Similarly, for enhancing fish farming and fish productivity, a strategy has been formulated to increase the utilization of water resources, promote quality seeds and feed, and advance shrimp farming. The strategy also includes increasing the production of quality seeds and feed, and enhancing shrimp farming. Furthermore, a strategy has been developed to expand poultry production, with a focus on clusters, feed management, and increasing egg production (from an average of 265 to 300 eggs per year per bird), it 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) Kabul [Afghanistan], August 5 (ANI): Several medical patients and passengers at the Torkham crossing complained of harassment by the Pakistani police, Tolo News reported on Friday. The Afghans also said that the Pakistani police demanded money from them under a variety of pretexts. Also Read | Kai Cenat, Twitch Streamer, Taken Into Custody After Chaotic Giveaway at NYC's Union Square. They said that despite having the legal documents, there was no convenience for them, and that all passengers, including women and children, are facing problems. The travelers further said that Pakistan has not properly addressed this issue, and patients and passengers have been dealing with it for years. Also Read | Bestiality in US: Woman Arrested for Having Sex With Dog, Possessing Child Porn in Alabama. "They mistreat us. They do not let us pass. They force us to pay them, Tolo News quoted a patient named Shir Ali, who went to Pakistan for his illness to be treated. "They say the scanner is broken, although it is functional. They bother passengers for cash. You may pass with ease if you give a thousand, said Zabihullah, another passenger. Medical patients and passengers asked the Taliban authorities to solve this problem, Tolo News reported. "I ask both sides to be kind to the passengers and provide facilities for them. Facilitate visa and transportation convenience. Why do they stop us when we have a passport?" said Rustam Khan, a passenger. The Torkham Commission officials said they have spoken with Pakistani authorities about this issue, but the commitments made in this respect have not been fulfilled. "We shared the issues with high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, and in the same way we shared with the Consul General of Pakistan here, Tolo News quoted Hafiz Ismatullah, the commissioner at Torkham. According to official figures, 2,400 people from Afghanistan have visited Pakistan for medical treatment in the past three months, at an average of 120 patients each day, Tolo News reported. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Beijing, August 5: As the heavy rains in China finally ceased on Tuesday, much of Beijing was spared because officials made sure the flooding flowed to the cities surrounding Beijing, reported the New York Times. Chinese State media reported that officials in Hebei Province, which borders Beijing, had activated flood gates and spillways in seven low-lying flood control zones to prevent rivers and reservoirs in Beijing and the region's main metropolis, Tianjin, from overflowing. Ni Yuefeng, the Communist Party head of Hebei, stated that he ordered the "orderly activation of flood storage and diversion areas in order to relieve pressure on Beijing's flood control and resolutely build a 'moat' for the capital". The move further overwhelmed the nearby city of Zhuozhou in Hebei, which was already dealing with floods caused by a broken levee and an overflowing local river. According to the New York Times, its streets and neighbourhoods turned into a brown, muddy lake, with water up to 23 feet deep demolishing homes and businesses. China Floods: 11 Dead, 27 Missing in Beijing as Heavy Rains Hit Chinese Capital, Cause Widespread Flooding. China Floods: Moment #Floodwater Surged into Supermarket: Direct Evidence of Unannounced Water Discharge by #CCP According to villagers in #Zhuozhou, Hebei Province, after the CCP sent armed police to breach the river embankment for water discharge, they were discovered by villagers. Instead pic.twitter.com/9FLbOuYUk1 Inconvenient Truths by Jennifer Zeng (@jenniferzeng97) August 3, 2023 Nearly a million people have been forced to evacuate in the province and in adjacent villages on the fringes of Beijing. In some areas, the flooding disrupted power supplies as well as internet and mobile connections. Residents posted online pleas for help in finding hundreds of missing people. In China, the crisis in Zhuozhou set off widespread anger as, in some areas, help arrived slower than expected, leaving many stranded. Survivors also complained that they were not given ample warning about the discharge of floodwaters, and questioned if they would be compensated for their losses, New York Times reported. In particular, people have denounced what they perceive as a Hebei leadership that has been more interested in appeasing national leaders in Beijing than in safeguarding millions of Chinese citizens. To protect Beijing, no one cares if we in Hebei are being flooded, a resident of a village on Zhuozhous outskirts complained on Friday morning, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal for criticising the government. China Floods Videos: Floodwater Enters Supermarkets, Several Homes Flooded in Zhuozhou and Other Parts of Hebei Following Record Rainfall. No one ever informed us of the flood discharge or told us to prepare to evacuate if we had known this information, we would not have left so many things behind, said a villager, who gave his family name as Yu. Everything is soaked in water. I can barely calculate my loss," he added. The government and party have set aside at least USD 20 million for flood prevention, relief and reconstruction efforts in Beijing and Hebei; another USD 63 million was allocated on Friday to Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei for the restoration of dams, reservoirs and other water facilities, New York Times reported. China has also built one of the worlds largest international airports in southernmost Beijing next to the Hebei border, with five runways instead of the usual two or three. After commercial jetliners ended up sitting wheels-deep in the water there on Monday, closing the airport, top officials ordered action. Ensure the absolute safety of key defence targets such as Xiongan New Area and Beijing Daxing Airport, Li Guoying, Chinas minister of water resources, ordered on Tuesday, according to New York Times. China has, for several years, been dealing with extreme weather emergencies across the country. The worlds heaviest single hour of rain ever recorded in a major city occurred two years ago in the central city of Zhengzhou, flooding a subway train and road underpasses. This weeks downpour along the Beijing-Hebei provincial border, with almost 30 inches of rain falling in northwestern Beijing, came soon after the most severe heat wave in Beijing since modern temperature readings began in 1961. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lahore, Aug 5 (PTI) Pakistan's ousted prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday in a pre-recorded video said that his arrest was "expected" and asked his supporters "not to sit silent" and stand up for their rights and freedom. The 70-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman was arrested from his Zaman Park residence here after the Islamabad trial court convicted him in the Toshakhana case and sentenced him to three-year imprisonment. Also Read | Pakistan Census 2023: PM Shehbaz Sharif Chairs Meeting of Council of Common Interest. In a pre-recorded statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Khan said, "By the time this video message reaches you, I would be arrested and in jail...which is why I have a request...an appeal to all of you...you should not sit at home in silence. These earnest efforts of mine are not for me but for my people, my community, for you. I am doing it for you. I am doing it for the good fortune of your children. "If you will not stand for your rights, you will live a life of slavery, and mind you, slaves do not have a life," he said. Also Read | Earthquake of Magnitude 6.0 on Richter Scale Jolts Argentina, No Casualty Reported. Freedom, the former prime minister said, doesn't come on a platter. "They (the military establishment and the Shehbaz Sharif-led government) want to enslave you, but you have to stand up for your rights and freedom," he said, urging people to exercise their voting rights to remove the corrupt government in the next elections. Pakistan is likely to have general elections in the coming months as the current National Assembly's term will end on August 12. In the tweet accompanying the video, Khan said his arrest was expected, so he recorded the message before his arrest. "It is one more step in fulfilling the London Plan (made by PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif) but I want my party workers to remain peaceful, steadfast and strong. We bow before no one but Allah who is Al Haq. We believe in La illaha Ilallah," he said in the tweet. Earlier on May 9, Pakistan saw unprecedented nationwide anti-government protests by PTI supporters following Khan's arrest by paramilitary Rangers in a corruption case. He was later released on bail. Dozens of military installations and government buildings, including the military headquarters in Rawalpindi, were damaged or torched during the riots. Over 100 vehicles of police and other security agencies were set on fire. After the May 9 violence, the police backed by the military launched a crackdown on the PTI and arrested 10,000 party workers, including women. Over 100 have been handed over to the military for their trial under the Army Act. The PTI contests that its members were not involved in the attacks, but the government and military reject the claims and say they have "irrefutable evidence" of their involvement. Khan is also facing numerous cases related to attacks on military installations. Currently, he is facing more than 150 cases related to terrorism, murder and blasphemy. Khan was ousted from power in April last year after losing a no-confidence vote in his leadership, which he alleged was part of a US-led conspiracy targeting him because of his independent foreign policy decisions on Russia, China and Afghanistan. The US has repeatedly dismissed his allegations. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 5 (ANI): On the eve of the anniversary of the amendment of Article 370 which removed special status for Jammu and Kashmir, British-Arab influencer, Amjad Taha, famed for his posts on paradise on earth visited the valley to see for himself what the current status of Kashmiris is like. After his visit, Taha said he felt inspired by Indias peace measures that signals hope for future generations. Also Read | Kai Cenat, Twitch Streamer, Taken Into Custody After Chaotic Giveaway at NYC's Union Square. Revisiting Indian Kashmir, I'm again inspired by India's peace measures there, prioritizing sustainable solutions over temporary ones. Despite past turmoil, the region now signals hope for future generations. Kashmir: a land of incredible people and beauty, Taha posted on Twitter- which goes by X now. His post had several thousand likes and retweets. Also Read | Bestiality in US: Woman Arrested for Having Sex With Dog, Possessing Child Porn in Alabama. The social media influencer of British-Bahraini origin had earlier this May ahead of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar, highlighted the peaceful coexistence and mutual enjoyment of the diverse land by Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians in Kashmir, all of whom contribute to global innovation and development. https://twitter.com/amjadt25/status/1687457794272706561?s=20 The British Arab influencer described the beauty of Kashmir as a "paradise on Earth," and said that this place has protected the Earth and may be the answer to climate change. Meanwhile, two-time Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor has praised the crucial role played by local Kashmiris and their unwavering resilience in preserving the heavenly paradise. Meet Jannat, a 7-year-old wonder, who tirelessly cleans and preserves the serenity of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Kudos to the local Kashmiris, whose unwavering resilience has played a crucial role in preserving the heavenly paradise, she posted on Twitter adding a short video clip of a young girl from Srinagar who is on a mission to keep the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar clean. https://twitter.com/guneetm/status/1687359448631717888?s=46&t=QcUjcte07kBCsdhKK45XmA The girl who is identified as Jannat, has been taking out garbage from the lake since she was five. Today marks the fourth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 under which Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed special status in the Union of India. Along with the scrapping of the law, the erstwhile state was bifurcated into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Notably, Article 370 which was a temporary provision as per the Indian Constitution providing special rights to the J-K region was scrapped by the current Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre. Ever since the abrogation of Article 370, infrastructure has grown at a rapid pace, and peace has been restored in the valley. Influencers and celebrity figures have further highlighted the rising public confidence in the region. Meawhile, Supreme Court has begun hearing petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) London, August 5: A TikTok influencer of Pakistani heritage and her mother were convicted of engineering a fatal vehicle crash that killed two young men, The News International reported. The jury reached the verdict after 28 hours of deliberation in a three-month trial at Leicester Crown Court. The victims Saqib Hussain and Hashim Ijazuddin, both 21 died when their car was rammed off the road in February 2022. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Mahek Bukhari, a 24-year-old TikTok influencer, set up a trap for Saqib Hussain by inviting him to a meeting under false pretences. Prosecutors stated that this was in response to Hussain's threats to divulge an affair he had with Mahek Bukhari's mother, Ansreen Bukhari, according to The News International. TikTok Star Mahek Bukhari Murders Two Men in 'High-Speed Car Crash' After One of Them Threatened To Leak Her Mother's 'Sex Tape'. The court heard that the victim's car was pursued by two vehicles driven by fellow defendants Rekhan Karwan and Raees Jamal. The pursuers rammed the victim's car, causing it to split in two and catch fire upon hitting a tree. The front-seat passenger, Saqib Hussain, made a desperate 999 call moments before the crash, in which he pleaded for help as the assailants tried to force their car off the road. The jury also found Rekhan Karwan and Raees Jamal guilty of murder, while Natasha Akhtar, Ameer Jamal, and Sanaf Gulamustafa were convicted of manslaughter. Another co-accused, Mohammed Patel, was found not guilty, The News International reported. TikTok Star Mahek Bukhari Denies Murdering Men Who Threatened to Leak Her Mothers Sex Tape. The families of the victims expressed their grief in statements, emphasising the senselessness of the act that had taken their loved ones away. The judge, Judge Timothy Spencer KC, warned the defendants that the sentences would be severe. The sentencing is scheduled for September 1st. According to Leicester police, when the murder investigation was launched, it was established that one of the victims, Saqib Hussain had been in a relationship with Ansreen Bukhari, Mahek Bhukari's mother for around three years. Enquiries showed that Ansreen Bukhari had decided to end the relationship with Hussain, but Hussain could not accept this. This led to him allegedly making threats to tell Ansreen Bukharis husband about the affair and to share sexual images and videos of Ansreen Bukhari, according to Leicester police. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) The Russian national flag flies in front of the Great Hall of the People. (Image Credit: Reuters) Moscow [Russia], August 5 (ANI): The Chinese Embassy in Moscow criticised Russia for its treatment of Chinese citizens, who were refused entry into the latter country and called to investigate the incident of 'violation of rights, TASS News Agency reported. On its WeChat page, the Chinese Embassy said that on July 29 the Russian side denied entry to five Chinese citizens and even cancelled their tourist visas. It also claimed that Russia allegedly interrogated them for four hours. Also Read | Imran Khan Arrested: Police Declare High-Security Alert in Islamabad, Rawalpindi After Former Pakistan PM Gets 3-Years Jail in Toshakhana Case. According to the embassy, the Russian authorities denied entry to the Chinese citizens "because the purpose of their trip indicated in the application for obtaining a visa, did not coincide with the real situation, which is a violation of the relevant norms of Russian legislation." "The embassy demanded from Russia to immediately investigate the reasons for the incident and take active measures, maximum efforts to eliminate the negative consequences of this incident," the message said. The Chinese diplomatic mission also asked to respect the rights of Chinese citizens and guarantee that such cases will not happen again, reported TASS News Agency. Also Read | Pakistan Census 2023: PM Shehbaz Sharif Chairs Meeting of Council of Common Interest. The Chinese diplomats appealed to the relevant Russian state bodies, including the Russian Foreign Ministry. According to the statement, the Russian side called the incident an isolated case and expressed readiness to receive Chinese citizens on a non-discriminatory basis. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Istanbul [Turkey], August 5 (ANI): On the Russian president's forthcoming visit to Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that no date has been established, but talks were ongoing and Vladimir Putin is expected to visit in August, according to Turkish News Agency Anadolu Ajansi (AA). "The date is not clear, but the foreign minister, head of the intelligence organization, they are all holding talks, Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers in Istanbul. Also Read | Cross-Border Marriage: Bride From Karachi in Pakistan, Groom From Rajasthan in India Tie Knot Online, Rituals of Nikah Performed. "Within the framework of these talks, I think that this visit will take place hopefully in August," Erdogan said. Erdogan's words came after a phone call with Putin on Wednesday, during which they agreed Putin will visit Turkey in the coming days, according to AA. Also Read | Boat Crash in Italy: US Publishing Executive Dies in Boating Accident off Amalfi Coast. Erdogan also told Putin that Turkey will continue its intense efforts and diplomacy for the resumption of the Black Sea grain deal. On July 17, Russia withdrew from a deal made in July 2022 with Turkey, the United Nations, and Ukraine to restore grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports that had been halted since the Russia-Ukraine war began. Moscow has protested that the Russian portion of the agreement has not been carried out. On Putins recent offer to send grain to African countries free of charge, Erdogan said, "Were in line with Russia on this issue, that is, we will turn the grains coming from Russia through the Black Sea corridor into flour and we will transport (flour) to poor African countries and underdeveloped countries. Even now, Turkey will continue to take these steps and give its support and aid to poor countries, he said. During the phone call on Wednesday, the two leaders also agreed on Putin's visit to Turkey, according to the statement. "Expressing that steps should not be taken to escalate tensions during the Russia-Ukraine war, President Erdogan underlined the importance of the Black Sea Initiative, which he considers a 'bridge of peace'," reads the statement. "Pointing out that the long-term shutdown of the Black Sea Initiative will not benefit anyone, and that the countries in need of grain and low income will suffer the most, President Erdogan pointed out that the prices of grains, which decreased by 23 per cent during the implementation period, increased by 15 per cent in the last two weeks," it added, as per CNN. "President Erdogan noted that Turkey will continue to carry out intensive efforts and diplomacy for the continuation of the Black Sea Initiative," the statement said. Erdogan also thanked his Russian counterpart for the 2 amphibious firefighting aircraft sent by Russia to Turkey for its battle against the forest fires. Erdogan "expressed his satisfaction with the increasing interest of Russian tourists in Turkey, and expressed his belief that a record will be broken in tourism this year with joint efforts," according to the statement, CNN reported. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Russian Tula Region Governor Alexei Dyumin has facilitated the reinstatement of Major General Vladimir Seliverstov, commander of the Russian 106th Airborne Division of the Russian Armed Forces. Anton Vaino, the chief of staff of the Russian Presidential Administration, was his accomplice whom he met on July 21 and who is trying to remove the aggressor country's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu from his post. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in the report of the American Institute for the Study of War (Institute for the Study of War, ISW) of August 4. The analysts recalled that Russian propagandists had earlier announced Seliverstov's dismissal on July 14 "for unknown reasons." The speculations then stated that it might have been due to his reputation for protecting the interests of his soldiers. ISW concluded that Seliverstov's dismissal may have been part of an ongoing purge of "unruly" commanders on July 15. An unnamed source told the "VCHK-OGPU" Russian Telegram channel (allegedly linked to Russian security forces) that Dyumin bypassed the Russian Defense Ministry to reinstate Seliverstov through Vaino and Putin's administration. It was noted that Dyumin's decision to bypass the military chain of command had already caused conflicts between Putin's administration and Shoigu and that Dyumin was trying to remove Shoigu from his position. Dyumin allegedly tried to prevent Seliverstov's dismissal during his visit to Moscow on July 14 but failed. ADVERTISIMENT "If true, Dyumin probably favored Seliverstov in opposition to Shoigu or Russian Chief of General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov or because the headquarters of the 106th Airborne Division is located in the Tula region," the ISW report said. Analysts noted that Vaino holds one of the most influential positions in Putin's entourage and has reportedly served as an intermediary between the Kremlin chief and figures such as PMC Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin. Dyumin's successful meeting with Vaino indicates that "elected" members of Putin's administration are capable of overturning and undermining decisions made by the Russian Defense Ministry. ISW continues to believe that the Kremlin's chronic disregard for the Russian chain of command is likely hampering Shoigu and Gerasimov in their efforts to quell insubordination and establish full control over Russian troops in Ukraine, the report said. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZREVATEL: - Occupiers from the 106th Airborne Division of the Russian Armed Forces are fighting against Ukraine in the Bakhmut direction. Seliverstov recently allegedly appealed to the Russian high command because of poor conditions and lack of supplies. This could have led to his removal. - National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said that the occupiers can dream all they want about a repeat of the "march on Kyiv," but it is more likely that the Kremlin will have to respond to a second march on Moscow. - To find out what the provocations of the Wagner group and Lukashenko on the border with the EU mean, read our material. Only verified information we have in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Islamabad [Pakistan], August 5 (ANI): The spokesperson of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Saturday said that the arrest of the former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan cannot be equated with other politicians, ARY News reported. In response to the arrest of the PTI chairman, PDM spokesperson Hafiz Hamdullah stated that the PTI chief's crimes carry significant weight in terms of recent penalties, adding that the PTI chief was geared towards an agenda that aimed to destabilise the country economically, financially, and internationally. Also Read | Earthquake of Magnitude 6.0 on Richter Scale Jolts Argentina, No Casualty Reported. Hafiz Hamdullah stressed that the arrest of the former prime minister and PTI supremo cannot be compared to other politicians' arrests. Earlier in the day, the district and sessions court in Islamabad sentenced the PTI chief to three years in prison and fined him PKR One Lakh in the Toshakhana criminal case. Also Read | Imran Khan Arrested: Former Pakistan PM Gets 3-Years Jail in Toshakhana Case; Disqualified From Politics for 5 Years. The former prime minister was also barred from holding public office for five years, according to the court, ARY News reported. The court had also issued an arrest warrant in the Toshakhana case, leading to his apprehension in Lahore and transfer to Kot Lakhpat Jail. Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case today, Geo News reported. Ahead of todays proceedings, a large contingent of police was deployed outside the court premises with only lawyers allowed inside the courtroom. The development comes after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday set aside the session courts verdict on the Toshakhana reference against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman as maintainable and ordered the lower court to rehear the case. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, Aug 5 (PTI) Mexican state Nuevo Leon and the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday signed an agreement for investment in several sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, pharmaceutical and agriculture. The agreement was signed between UP Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC) Manoj Kumar and Nuevo Leon's Minister of Economics Ivan Rivas Rodriguez in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia, said an official statement issued here. Also Read | Earthquake in Afghanistan: Quake of Magnitude 5.8 on Richter Scale Hits Hindu Kush Region; Tremors Felt in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram. In a statement, Adityanath welcomed the Governor of Mexico as well as the delegation accompanying him and said that strong industrial relations are being established between UP and Nuevo Leon with friendship, trust and harmony. The chief minister said that it is very important that the governor of Nuevo Leon along with his team is exploring possibilities of industrial investment in Uttar Pradesh. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Speaks With Nepalese Counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Reviews Various Aspects of Indo-Nepal Cooperation. Today India is playing a leading role on the global stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, adding that both Uttar Pradesh and Nuevo Leon are dedicated to development and "we are determined to carry forward this tradition". According to the statement, Nuevo Leon governor said Uttar Pradesh and Nuevo Leon are very close to each other. "We invite Team UP to Nuevo Leon," he said, adding, "we both have to increase trade with each other through mutual cooperation." Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, state fisheries minister Sanjay Nishad, industrial development minister Nand Gopal Nandi and officials from Nuevo Leon were present on the occasion. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kathmandu, Aug 5 (PTI) A Nepalese and a Norwegian mountaineer were felicitated here on Saturday after they set a new world record of becoming the fastest climbers to scale all 14 above 8,000-metre peaks within three months. Both Kristin Harila and Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa were welcomed by Deputy Tourism Minister of Nepal Sushila Shirpali Thakuri after returning to Kathmandu from their last leg of the expedition on the summit of Mt. K2 in Pakistan ten days ago. Also Read | Imran Khan Arrested: Police Declare High-Security Alert in Islamabad, Rawalpindi After Former Pakistan PM Gets 3-Years Jail in Toshakhana Case. Nima Rinji Sherpa, 17, who set the record of becoming the youngest person to climb Mt. K2 was also felicitated upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Similarly, at a formal programme organised by the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nima Nuru Sherpa handed over certificates of appreciation to the four Sherpa brothers, who climbed Mt. K2 together set a world record, for the fastest climbers Kristin and Tenjen, who climbed 14 eight peaks of more than 8,000 feet in 92 days and youngest climber of Mt. K2, Nima Rinji. Also Read | Pakistan Census 2023: PM Shehbaz Sharif Chairs Meeting of Council of Common Interest. Ang Dawa Sherpa, Muktu Lakpa Sherpa, Ngima Dorchi Sherpa and Pechhumbe Sherpa wrote a unique chapter in history by becoming the first set of siblings from the same parents to conquer the challenging heights of Mt. K2 together. Speaking at the felicitation programme Norwegian record climber Kristin thanked the Nepali Sherpa guides and the organiser 'Seven Summit Trek' for extending support to achieve her dream. Answering a question on whether she will make further mountaineering attempts, Kristin said she wants to rest now as she has already climbed above 8,000 peaks 28 times including the toughest Mt. K2 two times. I will always come back to Nepal but not to climb another mountain, I love mountains and the people of Nepal, she remarked. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Aug 5 (PTI) Pakistan's general elections could be delayed, albeit briefly, following the unanimous endorsement of the latest census results by a top constitutional body on Saturday. The Ministry of Planning in a briefing to the meeting of the Council of Common Interest (CCI), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by Cabinet ministers, provincial chief ministers as well as other senior officials, showed that Pakistan's population had reached 240.10 million. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Speaks With Nepalese Counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Reviews Various Aspects of Indo-Nepal Cooperation. All participants unanimously approved the results of the census carried out in March and April with enumerators going door to door, while people also had an option to login and register their family details. After the approval of its result, it is mandatory for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to carry out a new delimitation exercise to determine new electoral districts in the entire country for elections, which is expected to impact the 60 or 90 days period needed to hold the upcoming elections after the end of the term of the current national assembly. Also Read | Imran Khan Arrested: Police Declare High-Security Alert in Islamabad, Rawalpindi After Former Pakistan PM Gets 3-Years Jail in Toshakhana Case. Former secretary of the ECP Kanwar Dilshad had earlier told Geo News that if the CCI approved the census 2023, elections would be held in 2024. If the gazette notification of the new digital census is issued on the recommendations of the CCI, then the ECP is legally bound under Article 51(5) of the Constitution to conduct fresh delimitation, he said. Elections should be held within 60 days if the assembly completes its term, which is August 12 in the case of the existing assembly, while the limit for polls is 90 days if the National Assembly is dissolved even one day before its completion. The government will dissolve the parliament on August 9 to get 90 days for the election but even then it may not be possible to hold polls on time. Law Minister Azam Tarar told Geo News that the CCI approved the census results and after its decision, the ECP needed at least 140 days to carry out the delimitation of constituencies. It is up to the ECP to determine when an election will be held, he said. The minister also said the number of seats in the National Assembly and the share of provinces would remain the same. He also clarified that the caretaker government would run the country until elections were held and there was no legal bar on it. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) By Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza New Delhi [India], August 5 (ANI): August 3 marked the beginning of a new wave of unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as thousands of people took to the streets in Muzafarabad, Kotli, Mirpur, Dadyal, Tatapani, Chaksawari, Khuirata and Nakyal to vent their anger against added taxes to their electricity bills, wheat shortages, cuts in subsidies, load shedding and the ever-rising cost of living. Also Read | Cross-Border Marriage: Bride From Karachi in Pakistan, Groom From Rajasthan in India Tie Knot Online, Rituals of Nikah Performed. The protests were taken out in all three divisions of Mirpur, Poonch and Muzafarabad. An ultimatum was issued to the PoJK government to withdraw extra-added taxes in two weeks or face a state-wide shutter-down strike accompanied by the siege of the legislative assembly building in Muzafarabad, the capital city of PoJK. Among the protestors were people from all walks of life. Students, lawyers, transporters, pensioners, traders and different sections of civil society blocked roads, observed sit-ins and held rallies at each and every road crossing and town/city square in the above-mentioned urban and semi-rural centres. Also Read | Boat Crash in Italy: US Publishing Executive Dies in Boating Accident off Amalfi Coast. This is not the first time that PoJK has been engulfed in state-wide demonstrations against the same. Only this time round the anger of the masses seems more coherent in terms of cross-state networking and coherent demands. However, it still lacks a political programme that would lead the anger of the masses towards change in the legal status quo of PoJK. Therefore, each time previous protest movements have lost their momentum and have proven to serve as a mechanism to exhaust their frustration. Seventy five years of Islamic/two-nation theory-based brainwashing engineered by the Pakistan military establishment and replacing facts with false narratives regarding the reality of the political crisis of Jammu and Kashmir is proving to be the biggest obstacle in unifying the population of PoJK on a consensus about the actuality of the so-called Kashmir issue. The only way to overcome this obstruction is to consistently, persistently and patiently explain the true nature of the issue that on October 22, 1947, Pakistan attacked and forcibly annexed western parts of Jammu province and Gilgit-Baltistan thereby creating a hostile regional environment. The purpose of the annexation was simple. Firstly, the purpose of annexation was to block Indias access to central Asia via land route. But more importantly, the occupation was to plunder the natural resources of the region. According to estimates derived from geological surveys, it is revealed that PoJK is rich in precious stones and both metal and non-metal natural resources as well as in forest wood and river water. It is estimated that PoJK has roughly Rs 78 trillion worth of minerals and precious stone deposits. These include Ruby, granite, limestone, coal, marble and others. The total value of Granite deposits alone is estimated at Rs 40 billion. The total population of PoJK is around 4.5 million out of which 700,000 of our youth are unemployed and two million are working in foreign countries. Hundreds of our youth are fleeing PoJK in desperation for a better future. Millions of rupees are handed over to dodgy human traffickers who promise to take them to Europe. Recently, on June 14, at least 166 young men drowned in the Mediterranean Sea after a boat carrying illegal immigrants capsized due to overloading. 385 Pakistani illegal immigrants were rescued on July 31 from a warehouse near Tabrouk in Libya where human traffickers had kept them before embarking on a similar journey. It is understood that among these 385 many would be from PoJK. Under such desperate circumstances, it is high time that the Indian government takes the lead in addressing the crisis we face in PoJK. After all, they are Indian citizens. And what makes them all Indian citizens is the instrument of accession signed between King Maharaja Hari Singh, and the last governor-general of India, Lord Mountbatten. Therefore, 4.5 million PoJK and 2 million Gilgit-Baltistan residents are all Indian citizens by default. The humanitarian crisis that the people of PoJK face today is caused by the 75 years of looting of natural and human resources. Unless a coherent policy of mass education is introduced in PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, any adventurous attempt to regain PoJK could easily backfire. And unless the false narrative of 75 years is countered by a historical and factual-based counter-propaganda campaign, it will not be possible to link today's plight of the people of PoJK with a political program that advocates reunification of these occupied territories with mother India. Whether the recent wave of unrest in PoJK is the final countdown toward the final goal only time will tell. But without a mass education campaign, the chances of achieving the desired result could be a far-fetched thought. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza is an author and a human rights activist from Mirpur, PoJK. He currently lives in exile in the UK. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Beirut, Aug 6 (AP) Bahrain called on its citizens on Saturday to leave Lebanon "for their own safety", hours after Saudi Arabia did the same without giving a reason. The decision by the two Gulf nations came after days of fighting in the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon between members of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah group and militants of Islamic groups. Also Read | Anju-Nasrullah Case: Indian Woman's Husband Files FIR Against Her for Marrying Another Man Without Filing for Divorce. The four days of fighting in the Ein el-Hilweh camp near the southern port city of Sidon has left 13 people dead and dozens wounded. Bahrain's Foreign Ministry said Bahrainis should abide by the government's previous decisions to avoid travel to Lebanon. Also Read | Earthquake in Afghanistan: Quake of Magnitude 5.8 on Richter Scale Hits Hindu Kush Region; Tremors Felt in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram. The Saudi embassy in Beirut posted a statement late on Friday night on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling on its citizens to avoid going to areas where there are "armed conflicts" and also to leave Lebanon quickly. (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, August 5: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) is expected to announce the results of the Class 10th and Class 12th Compartment examination 2023 results soon. Once declared, students can check their UP Board Compartment Result 2023 by visiting the official website of UPMSP at results.upmsp.edu.in to check and download their results. Students can check their scores using their roll numbers. The UPMSP conducted the high school and intermediate improvement or compartment examinations in July 2023 at 96 centres across the state. A total of 93.86 percent of the candidates who had registered themselves for the Class 10th and Class 12th Compartment examination 2023 appeared for the exams. WB JELET Result 2023 Out at wbjeeb.nic.in: West Bengal Board Declares JELET Examination Results, Get Direct Link and Know Steps To Download Rank Card. Steps To Check UP Board Compartment Results 2023: Visit the official website of UPMSP at results.upmsp.edu.in. On the homepage, click on the "Class 10 or Class 12 Compartment exam result" link Next, enter using login details and other credentials Click on submit Your result will be displayed on the screen Take a printout for future reference "Out of the total 18,400 candidates who registered for the high school improvement/compartment exams held in the morning shift, 1,624 candidates didnt take them. Likewise, out of the total 26,269 candidates who registered for the intermediate compartment exam, 1,120 remained absent." Dibyakant Shukla, UPMSP Secretary said. CBSE Compartment Result 2023 Out at results.cbse.nic.in: CBSE Board Declares Class 10 Supplementary Exam Results, Get Direct Link and Know How To Download. Meanwhile, the Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET) March 2023 examination results were announced yesterday, August 4. Candidates who appeared for the examination can check the KTET March 2023 exam results by visiting the official website of KTET at ktet.kerala.gov.in. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2023 02:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Bhubaneswar, August 5: Paying rich tributes to freedom fighter and Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi on his death anniversary, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated the much awaited four-laning of Kamakshyanagar-Duburi section of National Highway-53 on EPC (Procurement and Construction) mode here in presence of Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik. Shah, who was here on a two-day tour to this eastern state, started his programme with a tribute to Bordoloi and credited him as the person for whom the entire northeast region is now part of India. Bordoloi, who was the first chief minister of Assam, made immense contribution to keep the northeast region as an integral part of India, Shah said. Amit Shah to Launch National Highway Project, Hold Meeting on Left-Wing Extremism in Odisha. While thanking the state government and Odisha's popular chief minister Naveen Patnaik, the Union home minister said the Centre has spent Rs 761 crore for four-laning the 51km national highway connecting Kamakshyanagar and Duburi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik PM @narendramodi Ji's vision of development is taking shape in the nooks and corners of India. Inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of several developmental projects in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The projects include the inauguration of the Kamakhyanagar-Duburi road construction pic.twitter.com/5LVEFov1ny Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 5, 2023 "This road will link the mineral rich Angul and Dhenkanal districts with the NH and will act as an economy booster for the region," he said. Describing the national highways as the "fate-line" of the nation, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always stressed on infrastructure development projects as they change the fate of a region. "Like Odisha, people of Gujarat also worship Lord Jagannath. On August 5, 2019, Modi had taken the historic decision to scrap Article 370. On this occasion, I thank the PM on behalf of people of the country," Shah said. "The naxal menace has been contained and there has been a drop in left-wing extremism. Odisha government has always supported the Centre to fight Naxalites, he added. Shah along with Patnaik also laid the foundation stone for the widening and strengthening of Moter to Banner via Ladugaon Road in Kalahandi district. The programme was held at the convention centre in Lok Seva Bhavan, the state secretariat, in Bhubaneswar. The 51km-long 4-lane Kamkhyanagar and Duburi stretch has two major bridges, seven minor bridges, seven underpasses, two animal underpasses, and 1.73km long bypass. Amit Shah Arrives in Odisha, to Attend Meetings with Patnaik. For safe passage of wild animals through the stretch, a 160-metre and another 80-metre animal underpasses have also been constructed. Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Minister, Odisha Minister Prafulla Kumar Mallik were also present on the occasion. Shah, who reached Bhubaneswar on Friday night, is scheduled to hold review meetings on left-wing extremism (LWE) and disaster management with the state government officials on Saturday. Later in the afternoon, Shah will hold a closed-door meeting with newly appointed state office bearers of the BJP and discuss the preparedness and strategies of the party for the next Lok Sabha and Assembly elections due in 2024. Bhubaneswar, August 5: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to launch a national highway project here on Saturday, besides attending meetings on Left-wing extremism and disaster management at the state secretariat. The home minister flew into Bhubaneswar late on Friday night, and was received at the airport by BJP state president Manmohan Samal and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, among others. Delhi Ordinance Bill: Amit Shah Lashes Out at AAP and INDIA in Lok Sabha, Says Opposition to Delhi Services Bill Aimed at Hiding Corruption (Watch Video). Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is also expected to attend the two back-to-back meetings at the state secretariat. There is, however, no official confirmation about any one-to-one meeting between Shah and Patnaik. Amit Shah Arrives in Odisha, to Attend Meetings with Patnaik. Shah's visit to the state comes amid the BJD extending its support to the bill replacing the Delhi services ordinance in a boost to the treasury benches, especially in Rajya Sabha, and also backing the BJP-led NDA government against the no-confidence motion brought by opposition parties in Parliament. The home minister will also visit the BJP's state office on Saturday afternoon, and hold a closed-door meeting with party leaders. His last visit to the state on June 17 was cancelled in view of cyclone Biparjoy' hitting Gujarat. Kolkata, August 5: The Kolkata Police have reportedly busted an illegal child selling racket in the city involving around 100 surrogate mothers and a network of hundreds of agents and sub-agents. Mamata Patra, one of the principal brains behind this racket, has been taken into police custody. The police have also been able to identify the involvement of a popular In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) centre in the racket. Raid and search operations have already been conducted at the said IVF centre located at Anandapur in the southern outskirts of Kolkata. The cops came to know about this racket while probing a case where a mother, Rupali Mondal, was arrested on August 1 for attempting to sell her child to another woman, Kalyani Guha. Both Modal and Guha were taken to custody by the cops of the city police. Child Trafficking Racket Busted by Kolkata Police, Mother and Five Others Arrested for Selling 21-Day-Old Baby for Rs 50,000. Later as our sleuths went deep into the integration they identified the major racket behind it. Once any couple unable to bear a child in a normal process contacted the IVF center, its staff used to contact Mamata Patra, who promised the couple a child after a reasonable period of time. In the meantime, Patra through her agent network would contact any woman coming from a financially backward section with a proposal for purchasing theirwomb at an amount ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. Child Trafficking in India: Parents Selling Kids to Child Traffickers for Rs 500 in Exchange of Fake Promises, Mostly From Bihar. After the baby was born, it was handed over to the couple at an amount ranging from Rs 4,00,000 to Rs 4,50,000, confirmed an official of the city police on strict condition of anonymity. He said that recently Patra even rented her womb and earned a hefty amount by selling the newborn out of it. In her case also the IVF center under scanner was the venue of surrogacy. We are now trying to track that particular newborn, the city police official said. Involvement of some IVF specialists in the matter is not being ruled out. Earlier on July 23, a couple Jaideb Chowdhury (father) and Sathi Chowdhury (mother) were arrested by the cops of Khardah Police station in North 24 Parganas district of the state for selling their own child to get money to purchase alcohol. Kanai Chowdhury, the grandfather of the child was also arrested. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2023 03:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Dozens of Russian oligarchs are helping to support Russia's war against Ukraine. Their companies produce equipment and ammunition for the Russian army that is worth billions of dollars. ADVERTISIMENT It is noteworthy that most of them have not been sanctioned by the European Union or other Western countries. This was stated in an interview with the Lithuanian news agency LRT by Ekaterina Reznikova, a journalist from the Russian Project publication. According to her, most of the richest Russian citizens from the Forbes list do not publicly express their position on the war but do support the Russian occupation army. A total of 82 oligarchs were identified. Moreover, the company of one of them also contributed to the deportation of Ukrainian children to the territory of the Russian Federation. Russian oligarchs contribute to the war in Ukraine in a variety of ways. Their companies produce components for bombs and spare parts for tanks and airplanes. In addition, some provide various communication and insurance services. ADVERTISIMENT The journalists identified specific war crimes, such as the massacre in Bucha and the bombing of Mariupol, to list all the wealthy Russians who may have been involved in committing these crimes. The investigation revealed that the biggest contributor is billionaire Mikhail Shelkov. He is the owner of the VSMPO-AVISMA company, which supplies products to the Russian army for the production of armored vehicles and aircraft that are now fighting in Ukraine. Yuri Kovalchuk is the second on the list. He is an oligarch close to the Russian dictator. He has signed multi-billion dollar insurance contracts with the Russian army. The third oligarch, who helps Putin to fight against Ukraine, was Boris Rotenberg. His company was engaged in the construction of facilities, transportation and installation of equipment. High-frequency devices that are used in the military industry were among them. ADVERTISIMENT It is worth noting that almost all of the 82 oligarchs fall under sanctions. However, the problem is that usually these sanctions are announced only by the Ukrainian government. Russian oligarchs do not fall under sanctions in the US, Canada or the EU. In particular, only 31 of the 82 oligarchs who assist the army of the Russian Federation are under sanctions. The USA declared its readiness to impose sanctions against the states that will provide Russia with military assistance to wage an aggressive unprovoked war against Ukraine. These restrictions can be applied, among other things, against the DPRK if it provides Russia with ammunition, weapons or military equipment. The Western mass media recently reported that China was secretly providing Russia with military equipment to be used in the war against Ukraine. In particular, they sent body armor, thermal imaging scopes and drones. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Chennai, August 5: The Madras High Court has said a woman by herself has a status and an identity, and that cannot be taken away depending on her marital status. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh made the observation while hearing a petition filed by a widow, P. Thangamani, who was prevented from entering Periyakaruppan temple in Erode, saying that she was a widow. He said that no person has the right to prevent a widow from entering a temple. It is quite unfortunate that archaic beliefs like a widow entering a temple will cause impurity continue to prevail in this state. Even though the reformers are attempting to break all these senseless beliefs, it continues to be practiced in some villages, he said. Bombay HC on Widowed Daughter-in-Law: Wife of Deceased Husband Not Liable To Maintain Her Parents-in-Law Under Section 125 CrPC. Justice Venkatesh further said, These are the dogmas and rules framed by man to suit his convenience. It actually demeans a woman just because she has lost a husband. All these can never be allowed in a civil society governed by the rule of the law. The judge said that the police were duty bound to act against such persons indulging in these acts. Petitioners counsel V. Elangovan brought it to the notice of the court that his client Thangamani was actually the widow of the former priest of the Periyakaruppan temple in Nambiyur Taluk of Erode district. HC on Rape Charges: 'Relationship Appeared Consensual, Woman Was in Contact With Man Despite Having Knowledge of His Marriage', Says Bombay High Court While Granting Anticipatory Bail To Rape Accused. The counsel briefed the court that Thangamani's husband Pongiyannan passed away on August 28, 2017 leaving behind her and their only son. Advocate Elangovan informed the court that the Aadi festival is scheduled to be held in the temple on August 9 and 10, but two persons, Kuppusamy alias M. Murali and M. Ayyavu barred her from entering the temple. The counsel informed the court that hence he was moving a petition in the court for providing police protection to his client. After hearing the counsel, the court directed the Inspector of Siruvalar police station to summon the two individuals and to inform them that they cannot stop the widow or her son from entering the temple or attending the festival. The court said that despite the warning, if these individuals create any trouble, necessary action should be taken against them immediately. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2023 04:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Tejashwi Yadav is currently in Delhi and is expected to return soon. Once he returns, we will have a discussion with the Chief Minister and finalise the date of cabinet expansion, Singh said while celebrating the Supreme Court verdict pertaining to Modi surname. Mumbai, August 5: Mahek Bukhari, a 24-year-old TikTok star was recently convicted in a double murder case for engineering a fatal vehicle crash that killed two young men in London, United Kingdom. The Leicester Crown Court also convicted Mahek Bukhari's mother Ansreen Bukhari for her alleged involvement in the double murder case. The victims were identified as Saqib Hussain and Hashim Ijazuddin. The victims both 21, reportedly died after their car was rammed off the road in February 2022. The jury of Leicester Crown Court reached the verdict after 28 hours of deliberation in a three-month-long trial. While Mahek Bukhari and her mother Ansreen Bukhari have been convicted, it is important to know who Mahek Bukhari is. Mahek Bukhari Convicted in Double Murder Case: British-Pakistani TikTok Influencer, Her Mother Ansreen Bukhari Found Guilty of Murdering Two Men in Fatal Vehicle Crash. Who Is TikTok Star Mahek Bukhari? Mahek Bukhari is a 24-year-old TikTok star and social media influencer of Pakistani heritage. She is presently living in the United Kingdom. Mahek Bukhari is also known as "Maya" to her followers. She has over 1,20,000 followers on TikTok, the Chinese video-sharing app. The mother-daughter duo were found guilty of murdering two men in a fatal car crash which took place in Leicestershire. The 24-year-old social media star found fame on TikTok after she started posting videos on the Chinese video-sharing app in 2019. Mahek Bukhari makes content on topics including clothing hauls, makeup, dancing and even lip-syncing videos. Once Mahek Bukhari shared a video with her mother Ansreen Bukhari which had an audio titled "Hot Mom check". Mahek Bukhari has posted numerous videos with her mother between 2019 to 2022 where the duo can be seen dancing and lip-syncing to different audios. Bukhari's recent video was with her mother Ansreen Bukhari with the caption reading, "To the women who birthed me, I appreciate you so much". Her last video was about her fake eyelashes which she shared on February 7, 2022, nearly four days before the "deliberate high-speed crash" in Leicestershire. The evidence presented during the case's trial revealed that Mahek Bukhari allegedly set up a trap for deceased Saqib Hussain after she invited him for a meeting under false pretences. Prosecutors told the court stated that Mahek Bukhari laid the trap in response to Hussain's threats to divulge details of his affair with Mahek Bukhari's mother, Ansreen Bukhari. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2023 08:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New York, August 5: Mega-popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, along with another streamer Fanum, were taken into custody for free giveaways at New York City's Union Square as people swarmed the area. Cenat, one of the most popular streamers and social media influencers online, along with "a few other people" were arrested from the venue late on Friday, reports NBC 4. NYPD chief of department, Jeffrey Maddrey, confirmed the arrests, but didn't give details. Some in the crowd acted violently and the police removed Cenat from the park "before eventually declaring the gathering an unlawful assembly". Twitch Streamer Kai Cenats PS5 Giveaway Turns Into Total Chaos as Attendants Throw Objects at Police in Manhattan (Watch Video). "Cenat had told his online followers to come out to Union Square where he would be handing out free PlayStation consoles and gift cards, among other items," the report noted. Twitch Streamer Kai Cenat Arrested KAI CENAT JUST GOT ARRESTED pic.twitter.com/gjtVWY4sIY SWB (@ykkswb) August 4, 2023 The commotion prompted the highest level of police mobilisation by the NYPD. Cenat was eventually pulled out from the massive crowd by police officers and seen speaking to several officials. US: Social Media Influencers Giveaway Leads to Chaos in New York. "Initial estimates from the department were that 65 people had been cuffed, 30 of whom were described as juveniles," the report mentioned. Cenat is a Twitch streamer and YouTuber who has been making online content since 2018. He is the most-subscribed Twitch streamer of all time, with more than 100,000 subscribers. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2023 10:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Authorities in Mexico have found another dead migrant floating near Texas Governor Greg Abbott's now-infamous floating barriers along the Rio Grande. The dead body was confirmed as a 20-year-old migrant from Honduras. It was his mother who identified his remains. The Mexican Department of Foreign Relations stated that the dead migrant's body was recovered by Mexican authorities around 3 miles upriver from where the floating barriers were placed. The body was already badly decomposed because of the water but it was still identified by his mother. However, fingerprint tests would still be needed for confirmation, according to the Associated Press. The mother is also a Honduran migrant who is staying at a migrant shelter in Piedras Negras, just across the Rio Grande from Eagle Pass, Texas. She stated that she identified her son's body through the tattoos. Previously, a dead body was found near the floating barriers, though it still has not been identified yet, according to Mexican authorities. Nobody came forward and claimed the body, though the Coahuila state prosecutor's office stated that it is working to positively identify the bodies and determine the cause of death. That unidentified dead body was found lodged against the buoys by the force of the river. It was the Texas Department of Public Safety that alerted the authorities to this dead body. Texas DPS noted that this one "drowned upstream from the marine barrier and floated into the buoys." DPS director Steve McCraw added, "There are personnel posted at the marine barrier at all times in case any migrants try to cross." The bright orange buoys that form the Texas floating barrier were installed along the Rio Grande as part of Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star, which also involves low-lying razor wire fences and allowing the Texas National Guard to arrest migrants for trespassing. READ MORE: Mexico Files Diplomatic Complaint After Texas Breaks Boundaries Treaty With Floating Barriers Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Slams Greg Abbott's Floating Barriers During his daily press briefing, Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador addressed the floating barriers issue and condemned Texas over them, He called the installation of these buoys "inhumane" after bodies were found in the Rio Grande after the barriers were installed. "No one should be treated like this. That kind of treatment does not come from a good person; only by being good can we be happy," said AMLO in his address. CNN reported that he then addressed Greg Abbott directly, saying, "Abbott shouldn't act like that; it's inhumane." The Texas governor has since doubled down on his floating barriers despite the threat of litigation from the Biden administration and the diplomatic complaint from Mexico. Migrants Undeterred by Texas Floating Barriers Abbott's administration is currently facing a lawsuit from the federal government over these floating barriers, with federal authorities citing that the buoys break several federal laws and present "humanitarian concerns." However, Abbott has dug in and says he is willing to go to the Supreme Court if he has to. Abbott claims that the floating barriers are there to deter migrants from crossing the Rio Grande. However, as current events have shown, migrants either just ignore the barriers and try to swim through them or worse, find more dangerous parts of the river and cross there. These could force drownings either way as migrants remain undeterred. Many still find a way, though reports of children getting cut by Abbott's razor wire have become more and more common. READ MORE: Texas: Floating Barriers Brings Headache to Greg Abbott Instead of Relief This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Body found in floating barrier at Texas border, Mexican government says - FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth Authorities in New York have identified one of the bodies believed to be another victim of the alleged Gilgo Beach Murders suspect Rex Heuermann. Police believe he is the serial killer responsible for a string of disappearances and dead bodies found at Gilgo Beach in Long Island, New York. According to CNN, the dead body, which was discovered back in 2011, was identified as Karen Vergata, a 34-year-old escort from Manhattan. She went missing on Valentine's Day in 1996 and before her body was identified, she was known as "Fire Island Jane Doe." Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced the identification of one of the Gilgo Beach Murders victims but did not yet link her to alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann, adding that it is currently a "confidential investigation" and that there are "no charges at this time" as investigators continue to work on this case. "I think it's important that we remember and honor not only Ms. Vergata but all the victims on Gilgo Beach," he said. She is one of the dozens of bodies found along Gilgo Beach's Ocean Parkway between 2010 and 2011. Four of the bodies that have been identified became known as the "Gilgo Four." They were all linked to New York architect Rex Heuermann, who has already been charged with the deaths of three of them. The alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer was previously charged with three counts of first-degree murder for the killings of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. He is also the prime suspect in the 2007 disappearance and death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Police are still trying to determine his connection to the fourth victim. Accused Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Rex Heuermann's Wife Breaks Silence Following the arrest of her husband for being a suspected serial killer, Asa Ellerup, 59, finally broke her silence on the matter as she sat down with The New York Post for an interview, admitting that she has anxiety. "I woke up in the middle of the night, shivering," she told the newspaper. She also admitted that Long Island home has been left a complete wreck inside after authorities raided it for 12 days, looking for evidence. Ellerup added that the damage was so bad that she did not even have a bed to sleep in. READ NEXT: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders Suspect Arrested She also talked about how this has affected her kids, saying, "My children cry themselves to sleep. I mean, they're not children. They're grown adults but they're my children, and my son has developmental disabilities and he cried himself to sleep." Her daughter, Victoria Heuermann, has also stated that she feels "not human" after it came out that her father might be a serial killer. As for Ellerup, she has since filed for divorce. Rex Heuermann's Wife Finds an Unlikely Ally, Another Serial Killer's Family Member The family members of serial killers often do not know what they were up to yet they are often judged and bear the brunt of the criticisms directed at the serial killers themselves. Melissa Moore, daughter of notorious the "Happy Face Killer" Keith Jesperson, knows this too well. Moore decided to help out Ellerup and the rest of Heuermann's family who might be getting harassed by people over the actions of their relative. She has set up a "Go Fund Me" page for them and stated, "People may know me as the daughter of the serial killer known as the 'Happy Face' killer captured in 1995." She admitted that she did not know what her father did as he led his double life but added that she and her mother are also his victims. With this, she decided to help out Ellerup and her family with the fundraiser through this tough time. It has since received over $13,000 in donations. READ MORE: Richard Ramirez: A Look at Horrific Crimes of 'Satanic' Serial Killer Dubbed the 'Night Stalker' This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Investigators identify Jane Doe No. 7 in Gilgo Beach murders - ABC News The Lithuanian government has decided to hand over a new military aid package for the Ukrainian army, which is conducting a counter-offensive on the frontline to liberate the territories seized by Russian troops. The Defense Forces will receive NASAMS SAMs, counter-drone weapons and other assistance. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported on the official website of the Ministry of Defense of Lithuania on Friday, August 4. As noted, the state continues to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's full-scale invasion. NASAMS SAMs, UAVs, logistical equipment, folding beds and much more will be transferred to Ukraine in the near future, the ministry said. The ministry added that in addition to the transferred military equipment and gear, Lithuania is constantly actively involved in the training of Ukrainian soldiers, provides treatment and rehabilitation of Ukrainians, organizes consultations with specialists and allocates money to international funds to support Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT Military support transferred by Lithuania included Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 air defense systems with ammunition, M113 armored personnel carriers, millions of rounds of ammunition and ammunition for grenade launchers during the first seven months of 2023. NASAMS is a medium to long-range surface-to-air missile system that can perform air defense functions. The system can shoot down airplanes, helicopters, drones and missiles. Such SAMs are in service with Norway, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia and three other countries around the world. Now they are among the most modern and effective offerings on the international arms market. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZREVATEL, earlier it became known that Bulgaria will donate a hundred armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. They are in the reserve of the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior, but are not used by the agency. From 1913 to 2010, Allentown State Hospital was a self-contained entity focused on mental health care. After being closed by Pennsylvanias government and its buildings demolished in 2020, the hospital grounds are now eyed for an estimated $1.2 billion mixed-use redevelopment called Northridge by Allentown-based City Center Investment Corp. The company presented concepts for the project Saturday during an open house hosted by the East Side Youth Center. City Center staff were stationed by plans and renderings mounted on easels to guide visitors through the vision, gather feedback and answer questions. We presented a concept plan here to the community, and really the concept plan is all based on the feedback and input weve received from the city and neighbors over the last several months, City Center President J.B. Reilly told lehighvalleylive.com. With plans and renderings mounted on easels manned by staff to guide visitors through the vision, gather feedback and answer questions, City Center Investment Corp. presents its concept for Allentown State Hospitals redevelopment as Northridge during an open house Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at the East Side Youth Center, 1140 E. Clair St. in Allentown.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com The concept includes a mix of rental and for-sale homes, targeted as what Reilly called the affordable, middle-income housing that the East Side of Allentown has long been known for. Age-restricted housing is also a possibility, as is assisted living. Retail and services convenient to the surrounding community are envisioned, from health care to dry cleaning and potentially grocery, Reilly said. We also heard theres interest in having a school here, so we put in our concept plan a potential location for a school, he said. City Center Investment Corp. proposes in its concept for Allentown State Hospitals redevelopment as Northridge to keep about 85 of the nearly 200 acres as open space, for about 42% of the total property along the Allentown-Bethlehem border. Trails would be cut along the slope that descends to the Lehigh River, the land permanently preserved under an agreement with Lehigh County-based Wildlands Conservancy, according to the concept.Courtesy image | For lehighvalleylive.com Community interest is also calling for open space and recreational areas. City Center proposes in its concept to keep about 85 of the nearly 200 acres as open space, for about 42% of the total property along the Allentown-Bethlehem border. Trails would be cut along the slope that descends to the Lehigh River, the land permanently preserved under an agreement with Lehigh County-based Wildlands Conservancy, according to the concept. Reilly envisions a seven-to-eight-year buildout. Initial challenges include environmental remediation to address the sites nearly 100-year use as a state hospital that had its own sewer system completely on-site. Utilities will have to be laid through subsurface rock for water and sanitary and stormwater sewer systems. The infrastructure work alone is estimated at $75 million, City Center spokesman Jeff Vaughan said. Reilly is no stranger to tackling challenging projects, having remade Center City Allentown under a decade-long, $1.5 billion redevelopment thats added 14 apartment complexes and five office towers. In Easton, his company is partnering with Michael Perruccis Peron Development on redeveloping the Pine Street Garage into The Marquis and the old Days Inn into The Confluence, creating a mix of retail, 444 apartments and parking. We feel good about it, he said of the Allentown State Hospital site along Hanover Avenue. Were confident that were up for the challenge. City Center Investment Corp. presents its concept for Allentown State Hospitals redevelopment as Northridge during an open house Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at the East Side Youth Center, 1140 E. Clair St. in Allentown.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Richard Englert, 71, has lived on property abutting the grounds for 50 years. He said, in particular, he would like to see a school on the site, arguing that the elementary schools serving the neighborhood are overcrowded and rely on temporary trailers, and there is no middle school at all on the East Side. It looks nice, but its still a concept, Englert said after being among an estimated 100-120 open-house guests over the first two hours. Nothing is finalized in blood. Nearby residents Paul Fondl, Mary Jo Makoul and Terry Kloiber attended the open house together. Theyve been keeping a close eye on another major redevelopment along Hanover Avenue near their homes the proposal for 317 apartments atop a former car dealership where Hanover becomes West Broad Street on the Allentown-Bethlehem border. They shared concerns Saturday about still more development adding to the busy and dangerous series of intersections where Hanover Avenue/West Broad Street meet North Wahneta Street and Eaton and Club avenues. Fondl counted four crashes in that area in three months. Maybe a roundabout is needed there, he suggested. Stormwater is also an issue even without the new development, they said. Makoul shared cellphone video of flooding along their Grandview Boulevard neighborhood, and Kloiber produced enlarged photos of the flooding around cars and up to homes just from June. Whats happening now, whats going to happen? Kloiber asked. Highlighting concerns about stormwater from new development, resident Terry Kloiber displays a photo of flooding from June 2023 along Grandview Boulevard at Ritter Street as City Center Investment Corp. presents its concept for Allentown State Hospitals redevelopment as Northridge during an open house Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at the East Side Youth Center, 1140 E. Clair St. in Allentown.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Reilly said that in addition to the utility improvements, planning for the Allentown State Hospital redevelopment will include detailed traffic planning and probably a new traffic light at the main access route along Hanover Avenue, plus a possible extension of North Wahneta Street as a new access route. With 200 acres you have an ability to do a lot of things and so we want to make sure we do the right things in the right context, he said. And today was really about just getting feedback from the community to get some new ideas, and we got some feedback on our ideas. Northridge is projected by City Center to create 2,227 construction jobs and 385 long-term positions, in addition to $9.35 million in annual tax revenue. Legislation sponsored by former state Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, and signed into law last November by then-Gov. Tom Wolf as Act 100 specifically authorized the conveyance of the 195-acre property along Hanover Avenue to City Center Investment Corp. for $5.5 million. The site of the former Allentown State Hospital is shown surrounded by existing land uses, as part of a redevelopment concept called Northridge by City Center Investment Corp.Courtesy image | For lehighvalleylive.com Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. In a time when Germany was still divided, Musikfest was making connections. The festival was conceived as a European-style event that showcased Bethlehems German and Moravian heritage. Each year, a different German municipal band was invited to play. Naturally, the music led to a broader exchange. During a previous Musikfest visit, Wolfgang Schuster, mayor of Bethlehems (eventual) sister city in Germany, suggested more interaction between the two cities. As a result, Lehigh University chemistry professor Henry Leidheister Jr. and chemist Christof J. Raub of the Center for Surface Treatment Technology in the German city of Schwabisch Gmund, agreed to give guest lectures at each others schools starting in 1988. Musikfest 88 also spurred feelings of gemutlichkeit coziness or friendliness among Germans living locally like Annemarie Marino, a Phillipsburg resident but native of Bretten in West Germany. It reminds me of home, she said. More on Musikfest 88 Musikfest 40 for 40: 1988Ashli Truchon | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Musikfest has a new executive director, 37-year-old Tom Kwiatek, who handles a hectic opening day with a series of minor disasters not enough cars in the parade, more fencing needed at Kunstplatz, Miss Pennsylvania asking about lunch. Now youre learning that the festival runs itself. We just steer it along, a board member tells him. Do you remember? A Two Fifths of Beethoven concert where almost anything that could go wrong, did. There were periods of rain, insects, thunder and lightning, flash cameras, walkie-talkies, a noisy stagehand wrapping up a sound system in plastic and tape, speaker feedback, heat and humidity, according to a review. Credit was given to the conductor who didnt miss a beat when one side of his podium collapsed and he had to continue standing at an angle. Musikfest 40 for 40: 1988Ashli Truchon | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Headliners: Bethlehem American Legion Band; The Tannahill Weavers; The Marvelettes; The Four Freshmen; Kevin Eubanks; Queen Ida & The Bon Temps Zydeco Band; Chuck Mangione; Tito Puente; Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra; The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra; The Mamas & the Papas; Tom Chapin; Rita Coolidge; The Marshall Tucker Band; Stadtkapelle Berching German Municipal Band; Maureen McGovern Estimated attendance: 683,000 Musikfest 40 for 40: 1988Ashli Truchon | lehighvalleylive.com contributor MUSIKFEST 40 FOR 40 Musikfest 40 for 40 is a special series based on archived stories from The Express-Times and lehighvalleylive.com, one for each year of Musikfests four decades. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Jim Sulfare was assigned one of the most important jobs at Musikfest 89: protect the Chicken Lady. Pat Holetz, a Bethlehem Steel office manager and Musikfest volunteer, first donned the feathers in Bethlehems 1984 Halloween parade and became an instant and enduring symbol of the Fest, the leader of parades and the Chicken Dance. To understand just how big of a deal the Musikfest Chicken was, for years the daily schedule in The Express-Times had a special symbol a waving chicken to denote the time and platz she would appear. The poultry is a very delicate woman, a very nice woman, said Sulfare, a Pennsylvania State Trooper and fellow Fest volunteer assigned to escort Holetz, in a 1989 Musikfest preview story. But she was doing the dance [in 1987] and an exuberant person wanted to help her dance, and they picked her up and put her down too hard. They broke her foot. For 1989, people were encouraged to follow Holetzs lead in the Chicken Dance but no one was permitted to dance with her. There is only one Musikfest Chicken, Holetz told The Express-Times. And, the story noted, only one Poultry Protector. More on Musikfest 89 Musikfest 40 for 40: 1989Ashli Truchon | lehighvalleylive.com contributor New for 89: The souvenir Musikfest mug flies solo. The festival previously paired them with pitchers, too, but decided just using open-topped mugs would encourage responsible consumption. The Bethlehem Post Office makes a special limited-issue Musikfest postmark. Bethlehem has a musical exchange program with German sister city Schwabish Gmund. Two West Germans, pianist Konrad Elser and vocalist Renee Morlock, perform at Musikfest with plans for two from Bethlehem, Bach Choir director Greg Funfgeld and Godfrey Daniels founder Dave Fry, to perform overseas. Musikfest 40 for 40: 1989Ashli Truchon | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Headliners: Allentown Band; The Duprees; The Lettermen; The Sammy Kaye Orchestra; Livingston Taylor; Buskin & Batteau; Flora Purim; The Duke Ellington Orchestra; The Dan Seals Show; The Clancy Brothers; Johnny Rivers; The Sun Rhythm Section; Nancy Wilson; Christopher Hollyday & His Quartet; The Association Estimated attendance: 770,000 Musikfest 40 for 40: 1989Ashli Truchon | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Ode to Those Who Served By Bethlehem Police Capt. Francis Boyle, written while on patrol during Musikfest 89 There they stand straight and tall dressed in blue waiting to serve you. Musikfest has yet begun, Theyre waiting by for the starting gun. Soon the action will begin, men and women out and in. Busy through the day and night, never a moments rest in sight. A short pause and then, back to work again and again. Nine days is so long, but there they stand ever so strong. Now the end is drawing near, Is it not time to give a cheer, For those who served? Nine days pass by with never a moan or a groan, Never a sigh or cry. Standing yet so tall and straight, Dressed in blue waiting to serve you. Who are these knights so brave and tall, Who fought the battle for us all? Dont you know of who I speak, Theyre with us every Musikfest week. Nine days now over I say goodbye, With a tear in my eye. To those who served By now you know of who I speak, Theyre the Port-a-Jons We use for over a week. MUSIKFEST 40 FOR 40 Musikfest 40 for 40 is a special series based on archived stories from The Express-Times and lehighvalleylive.com, one for each year of Musikfests four decades. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. UPDATE: Musikfest bomb threat suspect jailed on charges. Details kept secret under judges order. A Bethlehem man is in police custody after he allegedly threatened to build and detonate an improvised explosive at Musikfest, according to Bethlehem police. There is no ongoing threat to the public, the police news release says. The criminal investigation remains active, it says. Police received information Thursday about the mans intentions, the release says. No specific timeframe or location was provided by the person or people reporting the information about the explosive device to police. Investigators were able to link the man to at least three recent incidents in and around Bethlehem where someone detonated firework-sized devices, police said. These incidents were at unspecified times and dates in the 200 block of West Goepp Street, the 700 block of Wyandotte Street and the area of the Hill-to-Hill Bridge, police said. The man was picked up Friday at the home where he was staying in the 700 block of Wyandotte Street, police said. He remains in police custody. Lehighvalleylive.com is not naming the man because he hasnt been charged with a crime. A Bethlehem police captain didnt answer the phone number provided for media inquiries, so lehighvalleylive.com couldnt obtain more specific information beyond what was in the news release issued Friday night. Additional information will be released at a later time, the release says. Performances went on uninterrupted Friday, the second day of the music festival that continues through Sunday, Aug. 13. The Bethlehem festival is the largest free music festival in America with weekly attendance figures that in recent years have topped 1 million. A warrant was served at the mans home with the help of the Bethlehem Police Department Emergency Response Team, the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team, the FBIs Allentown office and the Bethlehem Fire Department bomb squad. The news release thanked the Allentown Police Department and Northampton County District Attorneys office for their help with the investigation in addition to the previously listed law enforcement agencies. The results of this investigation would not have been possible without the information passed onto the department from our community members, the release says. Bethlehem police ask anyone to report suspicious or unusual behavior by dialing 911. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. After Eagles offensive lineman Josh Sills was acquitted by an Ohio jury of accusations that he raped and kidnapped a woman in 2019, he appears to be headed back to the team. A Guernsey County jury found Sills not guilty Friday of felony rape and kidnapping charges from an alleged December 2019 incident in which Sills was accused of engaging in sexual activity that was not consensual and held a victim against her will. Hollywood actor Domhnall Gleeson is urging people across Laois to host coffee mornings next month to help raise 2million for extraordinary hospice services. The actor who has stared in blockbusters like Star Wars, Harry Potter and The Revenant is lending a helping hand to Laois Hospice and other Hospice organisations is supporting Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice, a fundraising drive which has generated 43.2million since 1992. He joined Hospice hosts and volunteers at Bewleys cafe on Grafton Street on August 2, and asked everyone in Laois and Ireland to host or support this years event on September 21. Mary Delaney, Chairperson of Laois Hospice, was among those to meet the son of actor Brendan Gleeson at the launch. We are delighted Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice, which is one of Irelands longest and most loved fundraisers, is now entering its fourth decade of raising funds in support of Hospice in-patient and community services around Ireland. It is a chance to celebrate our many coffee morning hosts across the county, who are an incredible testament to the dedication and committed nature of Hospice supporters in local communities. This ongoing support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives enhancing care for patients living with a life limiting illness, she said. Both of Gleesons grandparents his father Brendans parents spent their final days in St Francis Hospice in Dublin. My grandma (Pat) was only there for a few weeks and that was my first experience of being around a Hospice. I was incredibly close to her and I was struck by the atmosphere of care and kindness. She had a rough journey before she got there - and all of a sudden, that difficult road seemed less punishing to travel, he said. He recalled thinking she seemed as safe and cared for as possible. It was such a relief, he said. In terms of my granddad (Francis), we had been looking after him for a long time, probably about a year, and didnt think he was going to last that long in Hospice, but he was there for months. The care was extraordinary, but he had a new lease of life, it (Hospice care) gives their body the care it needs, and makes them feel special. He told how Francis constantly joked with staff who, he said, see beyond the illness or life-limiting condition. Theres a focus on creating a connection and patients are not just a problem to be solved on the way to the next problem along the corridor. Each persons journey is different, and each one matters to the people working there. I dont know how they do it; there is an incredible giving of oneself. So I am asking everyone in Laois on September 21, or whenever suits them, to organise, support or donate to a coffee morning, wherever it might be held. Now in its 31st year, organisers hope to raise 2 million in 2023, returning the countrywide fundraiser to pre-Covid levels and bringing the total raised since its inception beyond the 45million mark. Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, represents 26 Hospice and specialist palliative home care providers supporting patients and their families. Funds raised locally stay local and go back into each Hospice service, helping to pay for medical and general staff, palliative care beds, home care visits, specialist equipment and new hospice builds. Jason Doyle, Managing Director at Bewleys Ireland & UK, said the company has stood side by side with Hospice since 1992. Our business was founded on the principle of caring for people and communities, so we urge everyone to host a coffee morning social to help support the incredible work Hospice carries out every day. The organisation helps patients to live life as fully as possible with dignity, respect and comfort," he said. You can register to host a coffee morning on September 21, or on a date that suits them, to support Laois Hospice, at www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996. If you cannot host or attend one, you can make a donation at www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate Caolan Byrne from County Kildare, is set to represent Ireland at the prestigious World Sheepdog Trials, which is taking place from September 13 to 16 at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore, County Down. Coming to Northern Ireland for the very first time, the global event has been organised by the International Sheepdog Society and is expected to welcome over 30,000 spectators alongside 240 sheepdogs and their handlers from all over the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Finland. Caolan, from Kilcullen, will join his fellow competitors all vying to be named as top dog with a World Champion announced at the end of the four-day event, which is sponsored by Randox Health, ABP Food Group and Gilbertson & Page Ltd. John McCullough, Chairman of the World Trial Committee said: Were delighted to have Caolan representing Ireland at this years trials. Caolans extensive experience and dedication will be a great source of inspiration and encouragement to the wider team and were looking forward to seeing him put on the great performance we know hes more than capable of producing. John adds: "The arrival of the World Sheepdog Trials in Northern Ireland is a momentous occasion. We are truly honoured to showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of sheepdogs and their handlers on the global stage. With competitors hailing from diverse countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Finland, this event truly exemplifies the universal appeal of sheepdog trials. Well have some of the worlds best sheepdogs and their handlers descending into Ireland in September and it is sure to be a spectacle not to be missed! Isabel Branch, CEO of the International Sheepdog Society, comments: "We are thrilled to announce that the World Sheep Dog Trials are making history in Northern Ireland, as we proudly host this prestigious event for the very first time. The World Sheepdog Trials are very much the Olympics of the sheepdog world, so we are expecting extremely tough competition in each of the classes. This is a fantastic opportunity to observe the best of the best, and we cant wait to welcome enthusiasts and spectators, from across Ireland and further afield, to join us in this momentous occasion. For more information on the four-day event, visit: www.worldsheepdogtrials.org. Nearly 80% of Lynx fans in Connacht agreed that it was the most iconic fragrance and half of those from Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal said theyd received compliments when they wore it, a recent survey has revealed. Lynx Africa, the iconic men's fragrance, has been officially recognised as the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.) in Ireland after a survey of men from all over the country revealed some astonishing statistics confirming Lynx Africa's unparalleled popularity, maybe even bigger than the spicebag or full Irish. A nationwide survey was carried out with men across the country and the results found that 85% of Irishmen have donned the quintessential scent at some point and over 70% of men agree that Lynx Africa is Irelands most iconic scent. More than a third of respondents have received a compliment while wearing Lynx Africa while lmost 80% of Dubs reckoned that could identify Lynx Africa in a smell test. A whopping quarter of fellas from Munster have worn Lynx Africa for over 11 years. Since its inception Lynx Africa has sold enough product to fill Dublins convention centre over 54,000 times. Viral sensation Ryan Mar and TikTok GOAT Daniel Devlin join Lynx in its celebration of Lynx Africa and are on a search for a guy that has never worn the iconic fragrance, and if they find one theyll set them up with Lynx Africa goodies with more information on their TikTok and Instagram. Ryan had this to say of Lynx: Lynx Africa is one of those scents everyone knows and loves. I was delighted when Lynx asked me to create some fun content around the most iconic scent of all time. It's been a staple in my bathroom since I was a kid, and Im glad its now officially Irelands favourite fragrance. Jennifer King, Marketing Manager, Lynx Ireland, said: The research speaks for itself and has solidified Africa as the G.O.A.T. and go-to fragrance for Irish men. The iconic scent has transcended generations and has now left an indelible mark on the country and firmly cemented its G.O.A.T. status. The German authorities are delaying the delivery of the military aid package promised to Kyiv in May. Germany has so far handed over only 10 Leopard 1 tanks. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the German edition of Die Welt, citing its calculations. Thus, Berlin pledged to provide weapons in May as part of the new package as soon as possible, but Ukraine has received little of it so far. Official and unofficial sources confirm that Germany has provided Ukraine with only 10 Leopard 1 tanks out of 110 promised in the spring. Kyiv has also yet to receive four IRIS-T missile defense systems in addition to the two delivered. No Marder vehicles have been sent to Ukraine since May as well. Kyiv has received only 12 of the 18 Gepard self-propelled air defense systems. This situation has drawn criticism from the opposition. "I'm not sure the federal government has fully realized the gravity of the situation," said Thomas Erndl, a politician from the CSU who is deputy chairman of the Bundestag's foreign affairs committee. ADVERTISIMENT According to him, "despite all the full-fledged statements of support," Germany's behavior does not justify its responsibility for security in Europe. It is worth noting that the Leopard 1 (called simply Leopard before the new Leopard 2 model) is a second-generation German main battle tank that was developed and produced in West Germany from 1965 to 1984. The basic version of the tank has a welded hull, a cast turret and an unstabilized L7A3 rifled 105 mm gun with a 51 caliber barrel length. The ammunition consists of 60 rounds, 45 of which are located in the tank hull and 15 in the turret. Additionally, there is a twin 7.62 mm MG3 machine gun with 1250 rounds of ammunition. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier it was reported that Germany will provide Ukraine with military aid worth about 17 billion euros by 2027. This means that the FRG will provide "the greatest support, including military" among Ukraine's partners after the United States. According to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Germany is the country that provides the most support to Ukraine after the USA. We shall remind you that Germany urged the authorities to provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus cruise missiles with a range of up to 500 kilometers once again. They believe that these missiles would help Ukrainian forces to interrupt the logistical chains of the Russian army and could revitalize Ukraine's counteroffensive. ADVERTISIMENT The Mauritian oil tanker Tresta-Star ran aground during the night of February 3, 2022, on the coast of Reunion, at Saint-Philippe. Aerial view from February 11, 2022. RICHARD BOUHET / AFP For the past year and a half, its green deck and rust-stained red hull, torn open by the waves, have blended with the black of the volcano, the blue of the Indian Ocean and the white of the foam. With its bow mounted on the lava flow of 2007, the Tresta-Star is now part of the scenery of Reunion's "wild south." Suffering from repeated engine failures, the tanker, which was refueling other vessels at Port-Louis harbor in Mauritius, struck the Reunion coast on the night of February 3, 2022. Out of control and buffeted by the violent gusts of wind and heavy swell generated by cyclone Batsirai, the 74-meter vessel belonging to an Indian company drifted from Mauritius, 231 kilometers east of Reunion. Fortunately, its tanks were empty. Its crew, 11 people from India and Bangladesh, survived. The sailors were evacuated under extreme conditions. Curious onlookers no longer come to see this beached wreck, which remains a novel medium for graffiti artists and a shooting location for music videos, despite the dangers of the site. The July 2 report by the Marine Incidents Investigation Bureau (BEA-mer) on the causes of the shipwreck was a reminder that the vessel remains anchored indefinitely on the coast of the national park classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Olivier Riviere, mayor of Saint-Philippe, the commune where the boat ran aground, is once again calling for it to be dismantled. "I can't accept that this wreck should just sit there," said Riviere. "A solution must be found to restore the site." "I think that if this wreck had been in Saint-Tropez or Brittany, the reaction would have been different. A solution would have been found much more quickly," said Ruth Dijoux, the head of the local chapter of the environmentalist party Generation Ecologie. Waiting for the ship to break up Whether it be the government, shipowner, insurer or local authorities, all imagined that the Tresta-Star would quickly disappear from the landscape, breaking in two under the huge blows of the swell, before sinking. Although not stable, the boat remains in this precarious position, with gaping holes in the hull. In December 2022, the prefect of Reunion, Jerome Filippini, announced that the French government would no longer require dismantling operations. Since March 2022, various options by sea, air and land had been studied. An initial appraisal was carried out by Dutch insurer MS Amlin. This was followed by a second assessment requested by the French government. "Each time, the difficulties seem insurmountable. It's unreasonable to undertake such work," stated Jerome Lafon, the French government's assistant director for Indian Ocean affairs. These operations, costing a minimum of 15 million, would prove perilous for the technicians involved. The swell at this point on the Reunion coast would make the work of a crane boat difficult. Another unknowable factor is that the ship could break up at any moment. For this reason, the site has been closed to the public. "It's reckless to get on this boat," stressed Lafon. You have 45.62% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Protest against a police operation that left more than a dozen people dead in Guaruja, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, on August 2, 2023. TUANE FERNANDES / AP "Stop killing us! The people want to live!" chanted nearly 200 people gathered on Wednesday, August 2 in the town of Guaruja, on the coast of Sao Paulo state, where a deadly police operation has been underway since July 28. In the wake of the murder of policeman Patrick Bastos Reis while on patrol, the Sao Paulo State Police deployed 600 officers to the area, leading to a police operation which has left 16 people dead. It's a "revenge operation," said local residents. Over the past week, at least 45 people have been killed in various police raids across Brazil. On the day of the Guaruja operation, the northeastern state of Bahia launched a simultaneous law enforcement action against drug trafficking in three cities, killing 19 people. Five days later, a police raid against criminal factions in the Penha complex, a group of favelas in Rio de Janeiro, left 10 dead. Schools in the area were forced to close, leaving 3,000 students without classes. "There was an immediate reaction [from the police], which seems disproportionate to the crime committed," acknowledged Justice Minister Flavio Dino when asked by journalists about the operation in Guaruja on July 31 as he left the Palacio do Planalto. In Sao Paulo, the police ombudsman's office has received multiple complaints of homicide, torture and threats. "The important thing is to ensure that investigations [into each death] take place," said Dino. Seventeen deaths a day in 2022 However, the minister's statements are not enough to reassure human rights activists. "We are very worried about these [police] operations," said David Marques, coordinator of the Brazilian Public Security Forum, an NGO that collects statistics on police violence. "We have noticed a systematic use of excessive force by certain police forces," he added. According to the NGO's statistics, over 6,429 people were killed by the police in Brazil in 2022, an average of 17 a day. On May 25, 2022, Brazil was especially moved by one such case: Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, a 38-year-old Black man suffering from schizophrenia. He suffocated after he was placed in the trunk of a car by the police, into which a tear-gas grenade had been thrown. A video showing him in agony went viral on social media, sparking protests against police violence and racism. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes In Brazil, asphyxiation death of a Black man in the trunk of a police car sparks outrage "[We are] in a country where people are afraid of the police," admitted Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on March 15. He was speaking a few weeks after his presidential inauguration and was announcing the resumption of a national program for public safety and citizenship, created during his second presidential term (2007-2011). It was abandoned under the government of Jair Bolsonaro, who was president from 2019 to 2022. It aims to prevent violence by implementing social policies in cities with the highest homicide rates. "Society doesn't need more police, it needs more state," said Lula, a former metal worker. You have 46.77% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. An image taken from a video released by the Ukrainian army shows a drone approaching a Russian warship, near Novorossiysk, Russia, on August 4, 2023. AP The conflict in Ukraine suddenly shifted to the eastern coast of the Black Sea with an attack on the city of Novorossiysk by Ukrainian naval surface drones on the morning of Friday, August 4. The strike on this Russian port, which houses a military base, commercial facilities and an oil terminal, damaged a military vessel and interrupted shipping traffic for several hours. In 18 months of war, this is the first time that a Russian commercial port, described as crucial for wheat exports, has been targeted. On Saturday, Russian media reported that a Russian oil tanker had also been hit by Ukrainian drones in the Kerch Strait, briefly interrupting traffic on the strategic bridge linking Crimea to Russia. Moscow claims to have repelled Friday's attack, adding that two of its vessels, Olenogorski Gorniak and Suvorovets, succeeded in destroying two suicide drones. The brief statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense made no mention of any damage. However, a video posted the same day on The Military Observer, a Russian Telegram channel, shows Olenogorski Gorniak clearly leaning on its left side, being towed by another ship. Military blogger Vladimir Romanov, who supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine, also posted a video of the tow. This footage shows that the patrol boat, actually a landing ship designed to carry men and heavy equipment, has suffered water damage, its hull having probably been pierced by a drone explosion. Russia's Black Sea fleet will not be particularly affected by this incident, as Moscow has decided not to organize a landing on the Ukrainian coast, which is well defended. "This type of [landing] ship, of which there are nine in the Black Sea, acts as a link between Russia and Crimea due to Ukrainian attacks on the Kerch Bridge," explained Alexandre Sheldon-Duplaix, a naval analyst and historian. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Ukraine uses naval suicide drones for the first time against Russian fleet in Crimea Ukraine taunts the enemy Warships from the Russian fleet at the Navy Day celebrations in Novorossiysk, Russia, on July 30, 2023. STRINGER / AFP Another symbol of rising tensions in the area, this road and rail bridge linking annexed Crimea to the Russian Federation was partially damaged by naval drones on July 17. Part of the road is currently being repaired, but trains carrying most of the military equipment to the southern front (Kherson and Zaporizhzhia) continue to run. Crimea is also under constant attack from aerial drones. In recent weeks, arms and ammunition depots have been destroyed, and a bridge (Chonhar) and an airfield (Dzhankoi) have been partially damaged. On Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry said it had thwarted another night-time attack by unmanned aerial vehicles in Feodossia, a military logistics hub in the east of the peninsula. You have 44.91% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. ECOWAS Senegalese troops hold their position in Barra, across from the Gambian capital of Banjul, on January 22, 2017. JEROME DELAY / AP West Africa's regional bloc said on Friday, August 4, that its military chiefs have agreed to a plan for a possible intervention in Niger, after the junta failed to restore civilian rule there following last week's coup. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday gave the junta that toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum in a July 26 coup one week to reinstate him or face the potential use of force. Military chiefs from the grouping were meeting in Nigeria's capital Abuja to discuss ways to respond to the crisis, the latest of several coups to hit Africa's Sahel region since 2020. "All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out," ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah said after the talks finished. These included "the resources needed, and including the how and when we are going to deploy the force," he added. "We want diplomacy to work, and we want this message clearly transmitted to them [the junta] that we are giving them every opportunity to reverse what they have done," Musah said. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Coup in Niger: neighboring Nigeria on the front line An ECOWAS delegation arrived in Niger's capital Niamey on Thursday but did not stay overnight as scheduled. It did not meet with Bazoum or coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani, a delegation member said on Friday. In a deepening of the crisis, the junta announced earlier on Friday it was scrapping military pacts between Niger and France, citing the former colonial ruler's "careless attitude and its reaction to the situation." Meanwhile, Washington is suspending some aid programs to the Niger government, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said without giving details. However, "life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue" and the United States will still carry out diplomatic and security operations to protect its personnel in the country, he said. Niger has played a key part in Western strategies to combat a jihadist insurgency that has plagued the Sahel since 2012, with France and the US stationing around 1,500 and 1,000 troops in the country, respectively. France rejected the coup leaders' severing of military ties, insisting only the "legitimate" government could decide. 'Authoritarian repression' Anti-French sentiment in the region is on the rise, while Russian activity, often through the Wagner mercenary group, has grown. Thursday saw thousands of people rally to back the coup on the anniversary of Niger's independence, some waving Russian flags and chanting anti-French slogans. Read more Niger coup: ECOWAS delegation leaves without meeting junta leader A French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said "authoritarian repression" was gripping Niger, with members of Bazoum's government and civil society figures being arrested, political parties closed, protests banned and independent media suspended. Bazoum's detention conditions were worsening, Anne-Claire Legendre told BFM TV, citing information from Niger's ambassador to France, Aichatou Boulama Kane. The deposed president "is being taken hostage, he has no electricity and has no access to his telephones," Legendre said. Bazoum, 63, has been held by the coup plotters with his family in his official Niamey residence since July 26. In a column in the Washington Post on Thursday his first lengthy statement since his detention he said a successful putsch would "have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world." Bazoum, who in 2021 won an election that ushered in Niger's first-ever transfer of power from one civilian government to another, urged "the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order." Warnings against military intervention Regional powerhouse Nigeria holds the rotating ECOWAS presidency. Its leader, Bola Tinubu, has said the bloc would do "whatever it takes" to resolve the crisis amicably, with military intervention a last resort. The bloc has already imposed trade and financial sanctions on the junta, with key electricity supplier Nigeria cutting its deliveries. The junta has warned it would meet force with force. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Niger coup: Grip tightens around former regime Mali and Burkina Faso, where military juntas have taken power since 2020, have warned any regional intervention would be tantamount to a "declaration of war" against them. Russia, which has increased its footprint across the Sahel in recent years, said a foreign intervention would not resolve the crisis. Neighboring Benin and Germany on Friday urged continued diplomacy to defuse the situation. Nationwide protests On Friday, there were sporadic rallies both for and against the coup. Around 100 people from several West African nations rallied in Niamey to protest against any potential military intervention. But in the western town of Tahoua, several hundred people gathered to show support for Bazoum and demand his unconditional release, one local journalist reported. Interview Article reserve a nos abonnes Niger: 'Coup leaders who stir up anti-French sentiment in the Sahel distract from France's real mistakes' In a sign of a partial return to normality, the junta on Friday lifted a curfew in force since the takeover. France has evacuated 1,079 people from the country, more than half of them French nationals, while the United States said it had chartered a plane to evacuate non-essential personnel and US citizens wishing to leave. Spain said it had evacuated more than 70 people, including 16 Spanish nationals, from Niger aboard a government-chartered Airbus A330 military plane. A sea of 1.5 million pilgrims packed a riverside park near Lisbon on Saturday, August 5, for a vigil held by Pope Francis as part of a global Catholic youth festival. Worshippers cheered as the 86-year-old pontiff slowly drove by on his "popemobile" to the stage at the Parque Tejo on the outskirts of the Portuguese capital. "We are the pope's youths!" they chanted as national flags fluttered in the crowd estimated at around 1.5 million people according to the Vatican, citing local officials. The Argentine pope urged the crowd to "pick themselves up" whenever they suffer a setback in life. "Those who remain on the ground have retired from life, have lost their hopes and dreams," he added. Drones formed the words "rise up" and "follow me" in the sky above the stage as the pope spoke. Many waited for hours under a blazing sun for the start of the vigil, singing, dancing and playing cards to pass the time at the park, which was built for the occasion on a former landfill site. There was little shade, and worshippers protected themselves from the sun with umbrellas or makeshift tents made from sheets, or tried to cool off by pouring water over their heads. 'Powerful moments' Portugal's state weather office has put Lisbon on alert for scorching temperatures that reached nearly 36C on Saturday. The vigil is part of World Youth Day festivities, which is actually a week of religious, cultural and festive events held every three years in a different city. Read more Pope Francis arrives in Portugal for Catholic Church's World Youth Day Santi Salvador, a 19-year-old Spanish student, said he walked to Lisbon from Barcelona to attend the event, a distance of some 1,300 kilometers. "We left 40 days ago (...) It's a pilgrimage to see the pope," he told Agence France-Presse. The leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics will deliver a final open-air mass on Sunday morning at the Parque Tejo before returning to Rome. Many pilgrims who attended Saturday's vigil planned to sleep in the park to be there for the service. 'Everyone can enter' Earlier Saturday, Francis visited the shrine of Fatima, a revered site north of Lisbon devoted to the Virgin Mary, where he was welcomed by around 200,000 people. He recited the rosary with sick and disabled youths at the chapel built on the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. In an address to the crowd, the pontiff reinforced calls made many times during his trip for an inclusive Church. "This little chapel where we find ourselves, is like a beautiful image of the Church, welcoming, without doors," he said in improvised remarks. "The Church does not have doors, so that everyone can enter," he added to applause from the crowd. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes 'World Youth Day was created with both a religious and geopolitical objective' The pope prayed in silence for several minutes before a statue of the Virgin Mary in the chapel. In a text published later on Twitter, recently rebranded as X, the pontiff said he had prayed for the "church and the world, especially for countries at war." The pontiff, who now uses a wheelchair or walking stick to get around, arrived in Portugal on Wednesday for the World Youth Day jamboree. World Youth Day, created in 1986 by John Paul II, is the largest Catholic gathering in the world and features a wide range of events, including concerts and prayer sessions. This edition, initially scheduled for August 2022 but postponed because of the Covid pandemic, will be the fourth for Francis after Rio de Janeiro in 2013, Krakow in 2016 and Panama in 2019. Saudi Arabia hosted talks on the Ukraine war on Saturday, August 5, in the latest flexing of its diplomatic muscle, a session that Kyiv had predicted would "not be easy" given the wide range of countries represented. The meeting, which Ukrainian organizers said would include representatives from nearly 40 countries but not Russia, concluded on Saturday evening after several hours of statements from the various delegations and a lengthy closed discussion, participants said. As expected, no final declaration was due to be released, though a European source said there had been agreement on key points, including that respect for Ukraine's "territorial integrity and sovereignty" should be "at the heart of any peace settlement." Organizers succeeded in bringing together representatives of the four members of the influential BRICS bloc besides Russia: Brazil, India, China and South Africa. "China participated actively and was positive" about meeting again, the European source said. Yet the head of Brazil's delegation, foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim, used his prepared remarks to stress that "any real negotiation must include all parties," including Russia, according to a copy of his statement shared with Agence France-Presse. "Although Ukraine is the biggest victim, if we really want peace, we have to involve Moscow in this process in some form." Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Ukraine seeks new support in Jeddah Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, failing in its attempt to take the capital but seizing swathes of eastern territory that Western-backed Ukrainian troops are fighting to recapture. Ukraine had gone into Saturday's meeting expecting tension. "I predict that the conversation will not be easy, but the truth is on our side," the head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, said in an interview broadcast on Friday. "We have many disagreements and we have heard many positions, but it is important that we share our principles," said Yermak, who headed Kyiv's delegation to the talks. "Our task is to unite the whole world around Ukraine." Bringing in BRICS The Jeddah meeting followed talks in Copenhagen in June that were designed to be informal and also did not yield a final declaration. Diplomats said the Ukraine-organized meetings were intended to engage a range of countries in debates about a path towards peace notably members of the BRICS bloc with Russia that have adopted a more neutral stance on the war in contrast to Western powers. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan headed Washington's delegation, a senior White House official said. In his evening address on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that 42 countries were represented in Jeddah and that the Ukrainian delegation was pushing his 10-point peace formula, which calls for the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. It also calls for the restoration of Ukraine's borders including the territory of Crimea, unilaterally annexed by Russia in 2014. Russia has in the past said any negotiations would need to take into account "new territorial realities." A Saudi balancing act The meeting highlights Saudi Arabia's "readiness to exert its good offices to contribute to reaching a solution that will result in permanent peace," the official Saudi Press Agency said Friday. The world's biggest crude exporter, which works closely with Moscow on oil policy, Riyadh has touted its ties to both sides and positioned itself as a possible mediator in the war. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Saudi Arabia and Russia clash over Ukraine and oil In May, the kingdom hosted Zelensky at an Arab summit also in Jeddah, where he accused some leaders of turning "a blind eye" to the horrors of Russia's invasion. Riyadh has adopted a "classic balancing strategy" that could soften Russia's response to this weekend's summit, said Umar Karim, an expert on Saudi politics at the University of Birmingham. Saudi officials see Saturday's talks as evidence of its global clout and vindication of its emphasis on diversifying diplomatic partners. "These talks are a prime example of the success of Saudi Arabia's multipolar strategy of maintaining strong ties to Ukraine, Russia and China," said Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the government. Moving forward Riyadh "wants to be in the company of an India or a Brazil, because only as a club can these middle powers hope to have impact on the world stage," said Joost Hiltermann, Middle East program director for the International Crisis Group. "Whether they will be able to agree on all things, such as the Ukraine war, is a big question." BOSSES of a Limerick electrical company have signed a new deal with one of New Zealand's top power providers. Viotas, which is based at Castletroy, has teamed up with Kiwi electrical provider WEL Networks. Staff of both companies will work to reduce gas emissions from the electricity supply of WEL customers around the city of Hamilton on New Zealand's North Island. This latest deal means that Viotas and its systems are now active not just in Ireland and New Zealand, but also in France and Australia. Its system is designed to empower management at commercial and industrial organisations to earn revenue by becoming active participants on the power system. Viotas staff will provide WEL Networks with the required hardware, software and training to allow its workers to manage increasing amounts of renewable energy on the grid. The services will be provided remotely from the Viotas base at Melbourne in Australia, with support from Limerick. Duncan OToole, the firms commercial director said: Viotas is marking 10 years in business this year. From humble beginnings with three employees operating out of a box room in Limerick, weve grown to be recognised as a leader in the power demand response space due to our continuous investment in research and development. We are delighted to be working with WEL Networks in New Zealand. We have an ambitious strategic plan to continue to grow our business and provide high-quality employment, especially in Limerick and the Mid-West, he added. Mr OToole said this year, the firm welcomed its 100th staff member, and has a number of openings. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A major safety issue has been detected in popular bikes sold to hundreds of Irish consumers. According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the issue was discovered with woom bicycles and balance bikes, including balance bike woom 2 (age 18 to 42 months), balance bike 1PLUS (age 36 to 54 months), and bicycle woom 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The stem of the bike can loosen or detach which may lead to the loss of the ability to steer, possibly leading to falls and injuries. The risk is increased when the stem clamp bolt is not fully tightened to the recommended torque of 10 Nm. There are approximately 675 affected products in the Republic of Ireland. Customers are advised to ensure they have assembled the product correctly in line with the assembly instructions provided on this link. woom advises customers to use an online service tool called the woom Online Stem Checker to help customers identify their bike and determine if it is one of the affected models. If so, they can immediately order a free woom ORIGINAL Stem Maintenance Kit, which includes a torque wrench, a 5mm hex key, assembly paste, and accompanying instructions. With their Stem Maintenance Kit, customers can service the stem at home. As an additional option, customers will receive a voucher for a complimentary stem service at participating woom dealers. For information regarding the product safety information notice, please email woom on productsafetyEU@woom.com. A hot Israeli startup promised to use artificial intelligence to spread the risk of insurance policies. Now, Vesttoo is embroiled in scandal thanks to an old-fashioned problem: an alleged multibillion-dollar fraud involving faked letters of credit. Vesttoos platform acts as a kind of dating service connecting insurers, brokers and big investors. Problems emerged when a policyholder made a substantial intellectual-property claim. The policy had supposedly been sold to investors via Vesttoo, according to people familiar with the matter. It couldnt be determined who sold the policy or who made the claim. The insurance company called on the letter of credit backing the deala form of guarantee from a bank that the investor has the money. China Construction Bank, whose name was on the letter of credit, denied all knowledge of the document, the people added. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, several state insurance commissioners and the Bermuda Monetary Authority are among those trying to figure out what happened, according to company statements and people familiar with the matter. More than $2 billion of the alleged fraud occurred in the U.S., according to one of the people familiar with the matter. The alleged fraud affects a multitude of insurance players, including global brokerages and several U.S. insurers. Investigators are following a trail that winds from insurers in North Carolina and other southern states to Vesttoos Tel Aviv headquarters, and includes Bermuda-based brokers, London insurance syndicates and the giant Chinese bank. State-owned China Construction Bank didnt respond to requests for comment. Vesttoo said Thursday that its board is considering the removal of two of its co-founders, Chief Executive Yaniv Bertele and Chief Financial Engineer Alon Lifshitz, who have both been put on paid leave. Bertele said a continuing outside investigation has found no suspicion against any members of the companys management." Lifshitz didnt respond to a request for comment. We want to emphasize that there are no plans to liquidate the company," Vesttoo added. Vesttoo had previously attracted top-tier backers, including Goldman Sachs, with its promise of shaking up the reinsurance market. The five-year-old firm was valued at $1 billion in October in its last round of fundraising. Goldman, which invested in the October fundraising round, no longer owns equity in Vesttoo, a person close to the bank said. Insurance broker Aon was one of a chain of firms involved in the allegedly fraudulent deal, according to people familiar with the matter. Aon said it is facing potential legal action from clients and counterparties over its role in certain Vesttoo deals. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims," the company said in a filing. Beyond Vesttoo, the faked letter of credit caused alarm bells to ring throughout the industry. An attorney acting for a U.S. insurer said he went to China Construction Banks New York branch last month to verify a letter of credit for a different Vesttoo deal. The banks security staff threw him out, according to the lawyer, who didnt want to be named. The scandal also has roiled the $38 billion market for insurance-linked securities, where financial engineering converts policies into bundled-up packages of risk that are sold to investors such as hedge funds and large asset managers, analysts said. This has shaken the confidence of investors," said Marcos Alvarez, global head of insurance at credit-rating firm DBRS Morningstar. Much as the financial crisis led to tougher rules on mortgage deals, he added, youre going to see increased scrutiny and tightening of controls on this section of the market." Vesttoo specializes in risks that arent related to natural disasters, covering everything from copyright theft to bad drivers and long-haul trucking. That contrasts with the catastrophe bonds that dominate the insurance-linked securities market, where investors promise to pay out in the event of hurricanes or other natural disasters, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Vesttoo deals include policies written byso-called fronting insurers, a fast-growing sector of the insurance industry that typically pays a group of reinsurers to back their policies. Premiums for a group of 19 fronting insurers rated by AM Best more than doubled in two years, from $4.8 billion in 2020 to $10.6 billion last year. Some of that reinsurance involves securitized deals arranged by Vesttoo and sold to investors. The Vesttoo blowup has prompted U.S. state insurance commissioners to scrutinize whether the fronting model of selling on risks could leave policyholders exposed, people close to the regulators said. We are looking closely at [Vesttoos] relationship with ourinsurers and how those entities may be impacted," a spokesman for the North Carolina Department of Insurance said. North Carolina fronting insurer Clear Blue Insurance Group last year announced a $1 billion partnership" with Vesttoo. Rating firm AM Best last month put Clear Blues excellent" rating under review with negative implications." Clear Blue said in a statement it has already replaced half the reinsurance affected by Vesttoo. It added that it has retained premiums related to the Vesttoo deals, which are more than sufficient to pay all claims on the affected programs." One question echoing through the reinsurance world is why none of the lawyers, auditors and other professionals paid handsomely to vet the transactions apparently thought to call China Construction Bank to check if the letter of credit was genuine. Insurer Clear Blue said its Vesttoo business was done through a Bermuda reinsurance unit of Aon called White Rock. Under Bermuda law, White Rock is required to provide appropriate collateralsuch as letters of creditto complete each reinsurance transaction, Clear Blue said. It added that it strongly disagrees with any assertion that Aon did not have a legal responsibility to receive and verify collateral prior to effecting reinsurance." Aon takes a different view. A spokesman for White Rock said the responsibility to conduct the due diligence rested with the beneficiaries of the letters of creditthe insurersand whoever arranged the collateral. White Rock doesnt fall into either camp, the statement said. Vesttoo CEO Bertele blamed his potential ouster on investors trying to grab his company by spreading false information. Parties with vested interests have decided to exploit the temporary crisis the company is facing, aiming to facilitate a hostile takeover," he said. Former U.S. presidential national security adviser (2018-2019) John Bolton said that the United States would likely withdraw from NATO if the country's 45th president, Donald Trump, takes power again by winning the 2024 election. According to Bolton, Trump's foreign policy is chaotic and ineffective. ADVERTISIMENT This was said in an interview with The Hill program on August 3. Thus, Bolton made sharp remarks about his former boss and leading Republican presidential candidate after he called Trump's behavior "erratic and irrational" in his recent article. "Donald Trump doesn't have a philosophy as we understand it as politicians. He doesn't think about policy directions when he makes decisions, especially in the area of national security," he said. Bolton also criticized Trump for his foreign policy legacy on the alliance, saying that "He has threatened the existence of NATO, and I think we would almost certainly have withdrawn from NATO during Trump's second term." The former adviser also criticized Republicans who have praised Trump for his foreign policy positions. "Those who make these claims about what Trump has done in his first term don't understand how we got where we are. A lot of the things that are now attributed to Trump were to be done in the opposite direction." ADVERTISIMENT Bolton accused Trump of "neglecting knowledge" and "treating the relationship between the United States and foreign countries, as well as adversaries predominantly as a personal matter" in his article published on Thursday. "Foreign leaders, friend or foe, are far more likely to view him as ignorant, inexperienced, boastful but still fake "big boss" that is highly susceptible to flattery." These characteristics were a constant source of risk in Trump's first term and will be such in his second one," Bolton said. He condemned Trump for his decisions by saying, "In addition to relying on inadequate information, thoughts or deliberation, Trump is also helpless even after making decisions. When something goes wrong or when he simply changes his mind afterwards (a common case), he tries to distance himself from his own decision for fear of negative media coverage or political criticism." ADVERTISIMENT Bolton, a former Trump associate and member of his administration, railed against his former boss after he left the office in 2019. He has since become a prominent critic of the former president and has written a book, "The Room Where It Happened," detailing his experience in the White House. As reported by OBOZREVATEL: - Trump was arrested after the case of his hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on April 4. He became the first current or former US president to face criminal charges. Trump pleaded not guilty to all 34 charges. - Prosecutor's office stated that Trump handled restricted documents and participated in a conspiracy to obstruct justice improperly. He was also accused of illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election. Trump was later cleared of formal arrest. ADVERTISIMENT - Criminal charges related to the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, are also pending. - The D.C. Circuit Court selected a restraining order against Trump in the case of attempted rigging of the 2020 election on Aug. 4. The former president pledged not to violate U.S. laws, as well as to sign commitments to appear in court, to appear when summoned and not to communicate with witnesses. Only verified information we have in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Lenders to one of Indias hottest tech startups , Byjus, created bogus default claims tied to $1.2 billion in loans as part of a scheme to gain control of the education technology provider, the firms lawyer told a judge. The distressed-debt lenders are playing hardball" to create leverage in negotiations to restructure the loans and causing problems for Byjus executives, Sheron Korpus, a lawyer for the Bengaluru-base company, said at a hearing in state-court in Delaware Friday. Lenders, including US investment firms Redwood Investments LLC and Silver Point Capital LP, are making extortionate demands" of Byjus, putting the ed-tech firm under a lot of pressure," Korpus told Delaware Chancery Court Judge Morgan Zurn. Byjus wants the judge to rebuff the lenders default claims. Zurn said shed rule later on the case. An attorney for the lenders Friday waved away Korpuss claims, noting Byjus had repeatedly violated the loan agreements terms and acknowledged the defaults. Filing suit over the loans is not predatory behavior," Brock Czeschin, the creditors lawyer, told Zurn. The dispute is another complication for the high-flying startup founded by Byju Raveendran in 2011. Byjus had already been working to appease creditors trying to restructure $1.2 billion in loans when government investigators searched company offices in April. The fight also has prompted some investors write down their stakes in the firm. Also Friday, Aakash Educational Services Byjus tutoring business unit agreed to add two independent directors to its board at the behest of creditor Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP, Bloomberg News reported. Davidson Kempner, which manages more than $38 billion, forced the changes in Aaksahs board as the borrower was in breach of some covenants on a $250 million loan, according to people familiar with the deal. Byjus officials are in ongoing talks with lenders to amend terms of the $1.2 billion in loans and Korpus said the firm still wants to make a deal" to resolve the dispute. But lenders are trying to use the bogus default claims to wrongfully seize control" of Byjus from its founder, Korpus added. The case is Glas Trust Company vs Riju Ravindran, 2023-0488, Delaware Chancery Court (Wilmington). This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Consumers are unlikely to get any relief from the high rates of vegetables, especially tomatoes even in August. According to wholesale traders, the tomatoes price are likely to touch 300 per kilogram in the coming days and the prices of other vegetables are also likely to shoot up. Tomato prices have been under pressure for more than a month now. Besides, rain fury has worsened the supply, causing further price increases. "There is a lot of difficulty in the transportation of vegetables due to landslides and heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh. It takes 6 to 8 hours more than usual in the exportation of vegetables from the producers due to which the price of tomato might reach nearly 300 per kilogram," Azadpur Mandi wholesaler Sanjai Bhagat told PTI. Wholesale prices of tomato at Azadpur mandi in Delhi, Asia's largest wholesale fruits and vegetables market, were hovering between Rs170-220 per kg, depending on the quality. In south and central India too, the rainfall has disrupted the prices of tomatoes. At the beginning of August, wholesale rates of tomatoes touched new peaks of 180- 200/ kg for superior varieties in Karnataka and Maharashtra. 'COSTLY ONIONS' After tomatoes, costly onion rates will pinch the household budgets of the common man, according to the report by Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics. According to the report, prices of onions are likely to go escalate in September. Onion prices are likely to start shooting up in the retail market towards the end of August before going up further to around 60-70 per kg next month due to tightened supplies. Crisil report said, "The supply-demand imbalance is expected to reflect in onion prices towards end-August. As per our ground interactions, prices are expected to show a significant increase from early September in the retail market, reaching up to 60-70 per kg during the lean patch. However, prices will remain below the highs of 2020". 'PRICE STABILISATION' Crisil report has anticipated that onion supplies will ease once Kharif arrivals start in October. The price movement in the festive months (October-December) is expected to stabilise, the report stated. New Delhi: The Centre has recently made it mandatory for medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in making drugs to follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) at the pharmaceutical manufacturing site. As part of the plan, pharma companies having an annual turnover of over 250 crore will have to compulsorily follow GMP within six months, while those with a turnover of less than 250 crore will have to do so in a 12-month period. The government amending schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 will lead to an upgrade and tightening of the GMP norms for pharma firms. This compulsory compliance comes after the government inspection found serious lapses in the maintenance bythese drug firms. Mint takes a closer look at it. What are good manufacturing practices (GMP) for pharma companies? Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are mandatory standards that aim to bring quality into product by way of control on materials, methods, machines, processes, personnel, facility and environment etc. GMP was first incorporated in Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 in the year 1988 and the last amendment was done in June 2005. Existing schedule M under the Drugs Rules, 1945 prescribes details of requirements of facilities and their maintenance, personnel, manufacture, control and safety testing, storage and transport of material, written procedures, written records, traceability, etc. How many MSME drug firms are GMP certified in India? India is major exporter of medicines to Low-Middle-Income-Countries (LMIC) which require WHO GMP certification. There are around 10,500 manufacturing units in the country out of which around 8500 fall under MSME category. We have around 2,000 units in the MSME category in the country having WHO GMP certification. Why are GMP norms so important for drug makers? Pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality domain has developed significantly in the last 15-20 years. The linkage between good manufacturing practice and product quality is interdependent. Hence, to keep pace with fast changing manufacturing and quality domain, there was a necessity to revisit and revise the principles and concept of GMP mentioned in current Schedule M. This would bring Indias GMP recommendations and compliance expectation at par with global standards, specially to those of WHO, and ensure production of globally acceptable quality of drug. Why was there a need to revise GMP regulations? The Indian government has tightened GMP norms for the drug makers, especially for MSMEs because in the recent past several reports alleged that some Indian cough syrups made by MSMEs were linked to childrens deaths in many developing countries, including 66 in Gambia. Following this, the government has conducted Risk Based Inspections 162 units and 14 public testing labs till now. Major issues found during inspections were poor documentation, lack of process and analytical validations, absence of self-assessment, absence of quality failure investigation, absence of internal product quality review, absence of testing of incoming raw material, infrastructural deficiency to avoid cross-contamination, absence of professionally qualified employees, faulty design of manufacturing and testing areas etc. What change will it bring? The upgraded and revised GMP will ensure quality of drugs and patient safety at large. This will address most of the deficiencies related to documentation, failure investigation and technically qualified personnel with the right person doing the right job. It will support the development of robust quality management system in the pharma company, thereby enabling production of globally acceptable quality medicine. Better quality management will help manufacturers grow their business nationally and internationally which is a huge opportunity for Indian pharmaceutical business. Therefore, in order to have smooth transition from the present Schedule M to revised schedule M, the union government has decided to provide a transition period of six months and 12 months for large manufacturers and MSME respectively to adopt GMP guidelines. Will it increase costs for manufacturers and consequently prices for consumers? Maintenance of manufacturing unit is a part of their routine work, but companies fail to do so. This should not increase the cost for either manufacturers, or consumers. What is the revenue limit? Do big listed companies also come under its ambit? As of now, there is no upper limit for revenue. Big pharma companies already follow the GMP rules and get the certification to bring their products on par with global standards. CRCS Sahara refund begins: Weeks after launching the CRCS Sahara portal, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah on Friday transferred the funds to the genuine depositors through the dedicated portal. 112 beneficiaries have received 10000 each into their bank accounts today, soon all the investors will get their money back, read the Ministry of Cooperation press release Sahara portal refund transfer begins: How much time the refund will get deposited? Once the claim is submitted, Sahara Society will verify and process the claim within 30 days. The authorised verifiers and CRCS will process the claim in the next 15 days after the verification is completed. The refund will be credited to depositors' bank accounts within 45 days after filing their online claims, subject to fund availability and verification. They will be intimated of the status through SMS/Portal. Sahara portal refund transfer begins: How to know if a depositor has received a refund? Once the refund is credited to the depositors' account, they will be intimated of the status through SMS or email. They can also check the Sahara portal for the same. Sahara portal refund transfer begins: How to know if a claim submission for a refund was successful? As per the Sahara refund portal website, an acknowledgment number will be displayed on the portal upon the successful filing of the claim, and a confirmation SMS will also be sent to the depositor's registered mobile number, Sahara Refund Portal direct online link The link to the website to apply for Sahara Refund online is https://mocrefund.crcs.gov.in The portal has been developed for the submission of claims by genuine depositors of Cooperative Societies of Sahara Group -- Sahara Credit Cooperative Society Limited, Saharayan Universal Multipurpose Society Limited, Hamara India Credit Cooperative Society Limited, and Stars Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited. On July 18, Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the 'CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal' to facilitate the return of the money of investors stuck in four cooperative societies of Sahara Group. The government had said in March that money will be returned to 10 crore investors of the four cooperative societies within nine months. Income Tax Return (ITR) filing is done, now waiting for an income tax refund. Is there any delay in getting a tax refund? If you are eligible for a refund, how much time does it take? But first, check whether you have e-verified your ITR. If you do not e-verify your ITR, the filing process is treated as incomplete and your ITR becomes invalid. As people are waiting for their tax refunds to be credited, a new phishing scam in the name of an income tax refund message is doing the rounds on social media. The governments official fact-checker, PIB FactCheck alerted people against fake messages regarding income tax refunds. Mumbai-based income tax and investment expert Balwant Jain said that you will get the refund after your ITR is processed. Please note that the refund does not come instantly but will be issued to you after the details of taxes already paid are verified by the income tax department from the information available with it," Jain said. As per the press release by the income tax department 61% of e-verified returns have already been processed - which means an intimation for processing, refund, or adjustment whichever applies must have been sent out, and refund due if any is usually credited between 10 days to 2 weeks after processing," said Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO, Clear Normally, it takes 20-45 days for the refund to reach you after filing and verifying your ITR. However, this FY 2022-23, the tax department has expedited the processing of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) using advanced technology. As a result, the average processing time has been impressively reduced to only 16 days," said Abhishek Soni, CEO and Co-founder of Tax2win. Hence, the timing of your filing and the accuracy of your data play a major role in the ITR processing speed and receiving your refund, added Soni. How to check income tax refund status online -Go to the income tax India website -Log in using your USER ID (PAN number), the password, and the captcha code. -Go to the View Returns / Forms -Click on Select An Option and then click on Income tax Returns from the drop-down menu. -Fill in the assessment year and then submit. -Click on the relevant ITR acknowledgment number to check your ITR refund status. Taxability of income tax refund According to Balwant Jain as far as the taxability of the amount received is concerned, the net amount of excess tax paid is not taxable at all. As per the provisions of the income tax act, the taxpayer is entitled to receive interest in respect of excess of advance tax and TDS/TCS over the net tax liability. NEW DELHI : The air freight sector is navigating a transition at a time the world is recovering from the covid pandemic and the intensified Russia-Ukraine conflict, Blue Dart Express Ltd managing director Balfour Manuel said. Unpredictable demand from the US and Europe, compounded by domestic disturbances, has posed difficulties for Indias air cargo sector, Manuel said in an interview, adding the companys outlook remains buoyant for a bounceback in freight volumes. Air cargo trade from India is facing challenges due to demand fluctuations from the US and Europe, along with certain domestic disruptions. However, we remain optimistic; there will be a resurgence in cargo volumes. As the world overcomes the challenges posed by the covid-19 pandemic and the escalated war, various sectors including air cargo are going through a transitional phase," Manuel said. As per the latest data from the Airports Authority of India, domestic air cargo in the June quarter fell 4.7% from a year earlier to 315,530 tonnes, while international air cargo rose 0.1% during the same period to 479,960 tonnes. Blue Dart is an Indian logistics company providing courier delivery services. Blue Dart Aviation has a fleet of six Boeing 757 aircraft offering 74 route connections. The company recently acquired two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which will increase the companys capacity to 650 tonnes per day from 500 tonnes. The Mumbai-based company remains optimistic about the outlook for domestic as well as international cargo. Domestically, with the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences, the demand for faster and more reliable deliveries is expected to continue driving the growth of domestic cargo shipments. For overseas cargo, as Indian businesses expand their footprint abroad, the need for efficient overseas cargo services is on the rise," Manuel said. In India, the company is facilitating business for various sectors, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance), consumer electronics and automotives. With Air India expected to increase its wide-body aircraft count, the company is working on raising the quality of its product to face competition. The airline industry is our natural alliance and, therefore, complementary to our volumes. Competition is a natural aspect of any industry, and it motivates us to continuously improve and enhance services," he said. For the current year, the companys investments are tilted towards capacity creation through the induction of the two new aircraft, automation and digitalization and retail expansion. We will continue to invest in capex plans based on the return on investment," he said. The company is also looking at acquisitions in India as part of its strategy going forward. We are open to keeping options open for all opportunities aligned with our strategic roadmap," Manuel said. DHL Express (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (DHL") holds 75% of the equity capital of Blue Dart. Amarnath Yatra will be suspended for a day from the Jammu base camp today owing to possible security concerns. August 5 marks the fourth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35 A. As a precautionary measure the yatra shall remain suspended from Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Saturday,", LiveMint's sister publication Hindustan Times quoted a top official as saying. The report noted that there have been intelligence inputs suggesting a possible terror strike during the yatra which prompted the decision by the government. Jammy Deputy Commissioner Avny Lavasa also confirmed the news of the suspension of the yatra for a day while speaking to news agency PTI. The union government had revoked Article 370 and Article 35 A which accorded special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. The government also bifurcated the erstwhile state into two union territories Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh. A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud began hearing the petitions related to the abrogation of Article 370 earlier this. Meanwhile, 33rd batch of the Amarnath pilgrims with 1,181 devotees left the base camp in Jammy for the holy shrine in sourth Kashmir amid tight security arrangements on Friday, reported PTI. Over 4.5 lakh devotees have visited the shrine since the start of yatra on July 1 and the 62-day yatra is set to conclude on August 31. NEW DELHI: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) should continue to hold global significance for being the most populated marketplace, driven by the knowledge, creativity and innovation economy. Addressing the 11th BRICS STI ministerial meeting at Goeberha in South Africa through a virtual medium on STI Priorities and Policies Updates", the minister said, the grouping could collaborate to identify and explore regional scientific research challenges through joint S&T solutions suited to local economies. Jitendra Singh said India would support BRICS efforts in developing innovative and inclusive solutions including digital and technological tools to deepen science and technology cooperation in the areas like health, agriculture, water, marine sciences, renewable energy, biotechnology, advanced digital technologies and environment etc. to promote sustainable development and facilitate affordable and equitable access to global public goods for all. He said, India looks forward to working closely to enhance the BRICS collaboration in the field of science, technology and innovation. Jitendra Singh said, the National Research Foundation approved by the Modi Cabinet will ensure that scientific research is funded equitably and greater private participation is forthcoming. For this NRF will have to nudge companies to invest in R&D. Several khap outfits and farmers' organisations in Haryana have called an all-religious conference (Sarva Dharma Sammelan) in Jind on Saturday to foster harmony and brotherhood as the state reels from communal tensions. Today, several khap heads and leaders from Sanyukt Kisan Morcha leaders and members from civil societies will visit Nuh and urge people to maintain unity, peace, and harmony. Anil Godara, head of Rajthal village in Hisar told Hindustan Times, Livemint's sister publication, " The communal incident cant take place without the patronage of government. Why has the government not arrested cow vigilante Monu Manesar for issuing derogatory statements and videos? We will reach out to villages and urge people to maintain peace". NUH VIOLENCE On Monday, 31st July, communal clashes broke out in Haryana's Nuh which steadily spread in neighbouring Gurugram, causing loss of lives and properties. The violence was triggered in mUslim-dominated Nuh after rumours were strife that Bajrang Dal member Monu Manesar was going to participate in the Vishva Hindu Parishad procession on Monday. Manesar is wanted by police over accusations that he was responsible for the lynching of two Muslim cattle traders in another part of Haryana state. The alleged vigilante leader regularly posts videos celebrating attacks on Muslims accused of transporting or killing cows, which are considered sacred by Hindus. Before Monday's clashes, a video of Manesar that he would join the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek procession in Nuh was widely circulated on social media. Following this news, violence erupted between two religious groups on Monday's procession. Two home guards were shot dead and about a dozen policemen were injured during the violence. According to the police, 141 have been arrested and 55 FIRs registered in connection with the violence and rioting in Nuh district. The toll in the violence that broke out between two groups stood at 6, including 2 police home guards, while another 88 were injured, police informed further. Meanwhile, the Gurugram Police said it has filed 27 FIRs and arrested 38 accused persons, so far. Indigo aircraft made an emergency landing for the second time in a week on Saturday. To avert a major accident, the Indigo flight from Delhi to Ranchi returned to Delhi on Saturday due to a momentary technical caution, said Indigo Airlines on Saturday. A similar incident took place on Thursday when Indigo flight had to make an emergency landing in Patna. "IndiGo flight 6E 2172 operating from Delhi to Ranchi returned to Delhi today as a precaution due to a momentary technical caution," says the airline company, reported ANI. On Thursday, IndiGo flight 6E 2433 had to made an emergency landing in Bihar's Patna airport because of some technical issue. Emergency landing was made after the plane reported one engine as inoperative minutes after taking off from Delhi. Due to the technical reason, the aircraft landed safely around 9 am in Jharkhand. Since the incident, the airport continued to function normally. Moreover, all the passengers safely reached to their destination on a separate flight. A Ukrainian woman has died as a result of a landslide in the Georgian village of Shovi. Her child has disappeared. Search operations at the scene are ongoing. ADVERTISIMENT The information about the possible presence of other Ukrainians at the site of the landslide is being checked. This was reported in the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (to see the photo, scroll to the end of the page). The deceased Ukrainian woman was in the village of Shovi together with her child. The woman's body was found, but the child is missing. Now rescuers are searching for him. The Ukrainian embassy in Georgia has established contact with relatives of the deceased and is cooperating with the Georgian authorities to prepare the repatriation of the body. According to the Georgian media, a total of 12 bodies were found at the scene of the accident, but only six of the dead have been identified. Twenty-four people are considered missing. About 600 people are working at the scene, including rescuers with special equipment and the military. They managed to make their way to the destroyed cottages. There are also several cars found in the ground. Specialists warn that the ground at the site of the landslide is unstable, so rescuers asked volunteers to leave the scene. ADVERTISIMENT The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili stated that all the victims and their families will be provided with necessary financial support. ADVERTISIMENT A pedestrian bridge in Ivano-Frankivsk was washed away as a result of flooding. There are no casualties. As reported by OBOZREVATEL, 600 households, basements and road sections were flooded due to downpours in Ivano-Frankivsk. Residents from several settlements are evacuated. Only verified information from us on Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! NEW DELHI: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for an archeological museum in Adichanallur in the Thoothukudi district on Saturday, the Ministry of Finance said. During her visit, the minister assessed the Adichanallur Parambu region, where removal work has been ongoing since around 2021. Adichanallur was one of the five archaeological sites declared to be developed as Iconic Sites in the Union Budget 2020-21. It is an archaeological site located on the banks of river Thamirabarani in this district. The main objective of the museum would be to focus on establishing the significance of the archaeological sites identified as part of the cultural landscape of the Thamirabarani valley, not limiting to the site of Adichanallur. The museum will be built as a tribute to the history of Iron Age culture in southern India, in the context of Adichanallur, her office said in one of a series of tweets. The finance minister was accompanied by Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi among others. Sitharaman, in her remarks during the ceremony, noted the unique and rich history encapsulated by the Adichanallur site. Various objects dating back to 467 BCE and food grains such as millets and paddy dated 665 BCE have been unearthed here. The upcoming ASI Museum will showcase all these artefacts in-situ, providing a world-class experience to visitors and researchers alike. The FM shared that plans are in place for the ASI to construct an amphitheatre equipped with a light and sound show to further enhance the visitor experience. As part of a concerted effort to preserve Indias rich cultural heritage, Sitharaman shared that the government is working tirelessly to repatriate artefacts belonging to Adichallanur from abroad, with a focus on items currently held in Berlin. Thus far, the governments efforts have resulted in the return of over 350 ancient artefacts and items of historical importance to India. The Supreme Court of India on Friday stayed the conviction order by a trial court in Surat in the Modi surname remark case. The stay order enables Rahul Gandhi disqualification as an MP to be revoked and also grants him right to contest elections. To read more click here SC on Manipur violence case The Supreme Court of India on Monday heard pleas regarding the Manipur Viral video case. The apex court directed expedited action on the ethnic violence crimes that took place in the violence stricken Manipur. The top court called for evolving a broad mechanism to deal with violence against women and asked how many FIRs have been registered in such incidents in the state since May. To read more click here Gyanvapi Mosque: ASI conducts non-invasive survey After multiple challenges and pleas against the survey, the Supreme Court of India declined to stay the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi. On day 2 of the survey, the Hindu side lawyer has claimed that not idols but fragments of idols have been found. The ASI is conducting a survey to find if the mosque was built by demolishing a temple. To read more click here Delhi Ordinance Bill passed The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill-2023 to replace services ordinance by voice vote. The bill was passed after a nearly four-hour-long debate in the Lok Sabha which was replied to by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. To read more click here Data Protection bill introduced Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led union government on 3 August introduced the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha. The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill is legislation that frames out the rights and duties of the citizen (Digital Nagrik) on one hand and the obligations to use collected data lawfully of the data fiduciary on the other hand. To read more click here India mulls cutting 40% import tax on wheat Food Corp. of India (FCI) has recommended the government to remove import duty on wheat till February 2024 till fresh arrivals start to maintain the countrys food security and arrest rising food prices, a government official said. To read more click here Chandrayaan-3 enters lunar orbit The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, which has covered about two-thirds of the distance to the Moon since its launch on July 14, has successfully entered the lunar orbit. To read more click here Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan arrested Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been sentenced to three years in jail in connection with the sale of expensive state gifts when he was in power or the Toshakhana corruption case, is being held at an undisclosed location, according to the Pakistani media. Imran Khan will be transported to Islamabad via an aircraft. Imran Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore after his sentencing was announced by Islamabad court. To read more click here The Rajasthan government has greenlit the formation of 19 new districts and three new divisions. The proposal put forward by a high-level committee was approved by the Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan cabinet on Friday. The western state will now have 50 districts - up from 33 - and 10 divisions. have 50 districts - up from 33 - and 10 divisions. After the Cabinet meeting, the chief minister told reporters that Following an official communique the state will now Jaipur district has been divided into Jaipur and Jaipur Rural, and Jodhpur district into Jodhpur and Jodhpur Rural. The other new districts are Apoongarh, Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Dudu, Gangapur City, Kekri, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Neem ka Thana, Phalodi, Slumber, Sanchore and Shahpura. The new divisions are Banswara, Pali and Sikar. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot indicated that ministers in charge of the new districts will do a formal launch on August 7. A high-level committee had been formed in March last year to give recommendations about the formation of new districts. Based on its recommendations the CM had told the state Assembly about the formation of 19 new districts and three divisions earlier this year. Gehlot said that the formation of new districts will improve governance and bring relief to people who have to cover long distances to go to district headquarters for various works. The tenure of the high-level committee has been extended for a period of six months so that people can send their suggestions to it. (With inputs from agencies) Tamil actor Mohan died at the age of 60 under mysterious circumstances on July 31 when his body was found on the road near Thiruparkundram temple in Madurai. Madurai. Locals found the actor's body on the road and subsequently informed the police. Also Read: Marathi actor Ravindra Mahajani found dead in Pune The police officials have sent Mohan's body for post-mortem examination to the Madurai Government Hospital, following which the actor's mortal remains will be handed over to his family, reported ANI. TThe Tamil actor played mostly supporting roles in many south Indian movies in the 80s and 90s. He was mostly seen on Chariot Road in Madurai till his death. Mohan made his debut with the 1989 movie titled Apoorva Sagodhargal, where he played one of the three friends of Kamal Hasaan in the movie. He also worked in the critically acclaimed movie Naan Kadavul starring Arya and Pooja, where he played the role of a beggar, reported The Indian Express. The 2009 film depicts the horrific conditions faced by physically challenged people and how they are sometimes forced to beg on the streets. According to a report in HT Kannada, the actor had returned to his hometown of Thiruparankundaram due to lack of opportunities in films and adverse financial conditions that forced him to take up begging. (With inputs from ANI) Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Pal Singh Tomar has raised concerns in Parliament regarding the rising toxicity in Kali, Yamuna, and Hindon rivers. Tomar alleged that the rivers have become a "source of cancer" in over 100 villages located along these water bodies, Times of India reported. The BJP MP told parliament, "Wherever samples were taken from the Kaliriver, the oxygen level was found zero, making it unfit not only for drinking but also for irrigation". The MP blamed the sugar and paper mills for releasing the effluent discharge into the rivers. The people of, the Saini and Chilora villages, which are close to these rivers also spoke about the grim situation, the TOI report mentioned. RIVERS CAUSING CANCER In a report in TOI, Meerul zila panchayat Gaurav Chaudhary said around 100-150 people have died due to cancer in the surrounding villages due to polluting rivers. A Chilora village resident said he lost his wife, 35, and two uncles, aged 56 and 60 to cancer. The villagers told the daily that water from tubewells and handpumps is contaminated because of untreated industrial waste and urban waste too. BJP's Tomar has urged Centre to intervene and take urgent action. Citing an officer from the UP Pollution Control Board, a TOI report said for the treatment of water, a total of 18 STP (sewage treatment plants) have been set up with a total capacity of approximately 180 MLD (million litres per day). However, the STPs are not fit for drinking water, the official added. 'POLLUTED RIVERS IN INDIA' In 2018, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) identified 351 polluted river stretches in India. As per the CPCB, Maharashtra had the highest number of polluted river stretches (53), followed by Assam (44), Madhya Pradesh (22), Kerala (21), Gujarat (20), Odisha (19), and West Bengal and Karnataka (17). Read full report on polluted rivers on this link United States President Joe Biden will be visiting India to attend the G-20 Summit on September 7 and return to Washington DC on September 10, sources were quoted as saying. G-20 Summit is being held under Indias presidency. The G-20 Summit is set to take place in India next month, in September. The G20, or Group of Twenty, is an intergovernmental forum of the world's 20 major developed and developing economies, making it the premier forum for international economic cooperation. With more than 12,300 delegates from over 110 nations, the in-person participation in India's G20 Presidency is the largest ever hosted by any G20 country so far. Back in June during PM Modis visit to the United States, President Biden had said that he was looking forward to the G-20 Summit in India. A joint statement by India and the US said, He (Biden) applauded Indias leadership in its ongoing G20 Presidency, which has brought renewed focus on strengthening multilateral institutions and international cooperation to tackle global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, fragility and conflict, along with work to accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and lay the foundation for strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth." Ahead of Joe Bidens visit to India in September, US official Donald Lu had said that the US President was looking forward" to traveling to India for the G20 Leaders Summit. "I know our President is looking forward to traveling to India in September. That will be his first trip to India as part of the G-20 Leaders Summit. We're really excited about what's to come in the next few months," he said. "We are really thankful for the tremendous work India has done by hosting the G-20 Foreign Ministerial meeting last month, and we look forward to actively participating in the many future G-20 meetings coming up this year, including the New Delhi Leaders Summit in September," Lu said. (With agency inputs) A high alert has been sounded in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid apprehensions that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's supporters will charge into the streets following the court verdict in the Toshakhana case which led to his arrest. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman was pronounced guilty in a case pertaining to the sale of a range of expensive state gifts when Imran Khan was in power. After the verdict, Imran Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence. Imran Khan was also sentenced to three years in jail. His last arrest in May 2023 from an Islamabad court premises had resulted in protests and violence across the country. Police said, All officers have been directed to remain in their respective areas and checking enhanced in all areas of the federal capital." A security alert has also been declared within and outside Adiala jail, according to reports. Police personnel have been deployed at key roads of Rawalpindi. Police authorities have asked subordinates to keep vigil over the situation. Imran Khan is likely to be taken to Adiala Jail after his arrest in Lahore. For now, Imran Khan has been kept at an undisclosed location. THE CASE A Pakistan district and sessions court on Saturday sentenced Imran Khan to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case i.e. for illegally selling state gifts and he has been disqualified from politics for a period of five years, local media reported. The court also imposed a fine of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 100,000 on the PTI chief. In a pre-recorded statement later on, Imran Khan asked his supporters to protest peacefully. Meanwhile, Shah Mehmood Qureshi has called the court's verdict "politically motivated" and "state-sanctioned." He said, "PTI will use its right to challenge the decision by knocking on the doors of the higher judiciary." (With agency inputs) Prominent Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to 19 years in prison on Friday. The move came amid a historic crackdown on dissenting voices as Moscow's assault on Ukraine stretches into its second year. The trial was held behind closed doors at the IK-6 penal colony - a maximum-security prison some 250 kilometers east of Moscow where Navalny is jailed. They want to frighten you, not me, and deprive you of the will to resist. You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power. Don't lose the will to resist," Navalny - who had mobilised the largest protests against President Vladimir Putin - wrote in a Facebook post. The US State Department called the verdict "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial", while the European Union condemned what it called another politically motivated ruling and called for Navalny's immediate release. "His abuse shows Russia's complete disregard for even the most basic of human rights," British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted. The new charges against the politician relate to the activities of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation and statements by his top associates. the well-known activist and his supporters have faced a relentless crackdown by Russian authorities since Putin ordered the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Putin's fiercest domestic critic, is already serving sentences totalling 11-1/2 years on fraud and other charges that he says are also bogus. His political movement has been outlawed and declared "extremist". "Nineteen years in a maximum security penal colony. The number does not matter. I understand perfectly well that, like many political prisoners, I am serving a life sentence. Where the life sentence is measured by the length of my life or the length of the life of this regime," said Navalny. (With inputs from agencies) India is one of the biggest agricultural countries in the world. More than half the population depends on agriculture and its allied sectors for livelihood. The country has the second-largest area under agriculture, after China, and is one of the largest crop-based food producers. It ranks among the top 10 global agri exporters with agriculture constituting about 12 per cent of all domestic merchandise exports annually. And yet, these singular achievements hide the real potential of the Indian agriculture sector whose growth has averaged a modest 4.6 per cent in recent years. This is in spite of the fact that in the course of 75 years of independence the land of the farmer has evolved from a state of food shortage to one of food surplus. A multitude of challenges the unsustainable use of land and water; fragmented landholdings preventing farmers from adopting modern agri practices; lack of affordable credit; inadequate infrastructure such as market access, transportation and storage facilities; the spread of pests and insects; and price volatility, among others has been impacting farm productivity, sustainability and growth. But these issues can be addressed through a holistic approach backed by cutting-edge techniques and the involvement of key stakeholders including farmers, policymakers, researchers and private entities. Perhaps, the biggest threat to agriculture in our times is climate change, the intermittent cycles of heat and drought on one hand and heavy rains and floods on the other. These extreme weather patterns result in either water scarcity or water surplus and in both cases lead to a decline in cultivable land and crop production. The situation calls for urgent risk-mitigation strategies such as climate-resilient sustainable farming systems, especially in vulnerable regions. This will certainly help farmers cope with the adverse impact of climate change. A recent Niti Aayog vision document calls for a paradigm shift in agriculture and charts a path to making India a developed nation by 2047. It addresses four priority areas, among others, which will help farmers overcome challenges and explore emerging opportunities in sustainable and inclusive agri food systems. This will, in turn, shape Indias agricultural legacy for the next 25 years the end of which will mark 100 years of Independence thus achieving the goals set for Amrit Kaal, or Golden Era. Enhancing food security and nutrition Indias winning proposal to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets is aimed at strengthening domestic and global food security and nutrition. However, this goal can succeed only if the growth rate of food production surpasses that of human population. Now that India is a food-surplus nation, it is perhaps time to emphasise on nutritive and healthy foods, as well as biofortification, the process of improving the nutritional quality of food crops. Adopting a climate-smart approach With unpredictable weather conditions rendering farmers more vulnerable to crop and income losses, we need to tackle climate change on a war footing. India must provide farmers with cheap finance and skill training so that they can adopt climate-friendly technologies that will help them anticipate and prepare for unexpected weather events and conserve resources during pre- and post-harvest activities. There is also a need to expand the use of seed technology so as to improve the quality of their food crops and livelihoods. Promoting value chains for small farmers With nearly 70 per cent of landholding in India being less than one-hectare, small farmers are at a disadvantage when it comes to adopting innovative practices, maximising productivity and generating higher incomes. There are two ways to improve their plight: One, give the farmers access to affordable credit, tech-based knowledge and necessary skills to produce high-value crops. And two, develop efficient post-harvest food systems, including value chains that will give them access to better markets and procurement prices. Here, the role of agritech startups in adopting new-age technologies such as AI, IoT and Big Data Analytics to improve the food value chain cannot be underscored enough. These startups are providing farmers with unique solutions, including for weather forecasting and farm mapping, thereby helping them to boost farm processes and productivity. Moving from traditional to digital farming Agriculture is changing at a rapid pace due to digital and other emerging technologies, leaving behind farmers engaged in traditional agri-food systems. These farmers need a transformative breakthrough if they are to catch up with the tech-driven agri space. The dissemination of knowledge and training in the effective use of technologies like app-based platforms, e-commerce and digital payments will open up new marketing and income opportunities for farmers. And it is herein that the collaboration between the new-age and traditional companies will go a long way in reaching out to the farmers across the length & breadth of the country. Conclusion The Indian agriculture sector is on the cusp of change. Technology and innovation are slowly and steadily enriching the agri space, as evident from the advances in farming including mechanisation, conservation practices, food diversity and sustainability, cost-effective crop production and employment opportunities. Additionally, new regulations are creating a favourable environment for the private sector vis-a-vis pre- and post-harvest phases, output and income growth, and land-lease market. While all these are positive developments for the sector, a possible source of concern is the lack of interest in agribusiness among the younger generation. While we are educating farmers about new farming and sustainable practices, we should simultaneously encourage the young to enter the agribusiness and become agricultural entrepreneurs thereby driving socio-economic change across the sector. Balram Singh Yadav, managing director, Godrej Agrovet Ltd. Gujarat's influential BJP leader Pradipsinh Vaghela resigned from the general secretary post on Saturday. Vaghela was also in charge of the party's state headquarters, Shree Kamalam in Gandhinagar. The resignation followed close on the heels of an alleged rebellion against Gujarat BJP president C R Paatil in south Gujarat. Earlier this week, three BJP workers were arrested by the Surat Crime Branch from south Gujarat for accusing Paatil of corruption over the allocation of portfolios to various party leaders. The arrest happened following an FIR registered by the bJP MLA Sandeep Desai from the Choryasi constituency. In a similar case, Jinendra Shah was arrested by the Surat Crime Branch in a case related to defaming Paatil in July. Earlier in April this year, general secretary Bhargav Bhatt was relieved from the top post by the party's high command. At present, Gujarat BJP is left with two general secretaries from four earlier. Rajni Patel and Vinod Chavda are Gujarat BJP general secretaries currently. Kazakhstan's state bodies together with the Prosecutor-General's Office are working out legal grounds for banning Russian symbols of war in Ukraine. It will include Z and V symbols, which the invaders use to mark their equipment. ADVERTISIMENT The ban will also apply to other symbols and slogans that are associated with the Russian occupation army. This is reported by NUR.KZ. According to the prosecutor of the Department of Protection of Public Interests of the Prosecutor's Office of Semey City Kuat Bapinov, the practice shows that individual representatives of different ethnic groups in the public field demonstrate various symbols, including those associated with the countries of their historical origin and the like. He also drew attention to the fact that the use of clothes, toys and vehicles for these symbols became more frequent in Kazakhstan last year. The Prosecutor also emphasized that there are facts of the sale and advertising of children's products under various names in retail chains, Army of Russia and Polite People in particular. ADVERTISIMENT "The General Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan last year sent a proposal to the Government on the legislative ban and the establishment of administrative responsibility for the manufacture, storage, import, transportation and distribution on the territory of the country attributes, symbols, signs used by the opposing sides in armed conflicts, in military or other violent actions against the sovereignty and political regime of another state", the prosecutor said. The Cabinet of Ministers enacted a decision to ban the order and production of individual license plates that contain symbols associated with totalitarian regimes and a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. However, this ban does not apply to state registration license plates for electric cars. As OBOZREVATEL reports, Russian propagandists are trying to come up with new meanings for their occupation symbols to give them more significance. Thus, the correspondent of "Zvezda" TV channel said that Z symbol was allegedly invented by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information from us on Telegram channels Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using Hindutva to divide" the society and grab power, while asserting that it needs to be saved. Akhilesh Yadav also said that the I.N.D.I.A bloc will uproot the BJP government in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. There is need to save 'true Hindutva', BJP's Hindutva is to divide society and grab power. The I.N.D.I.A bloc will uproot 'divisive' BJP govt in 2024 with support of PDA (Pichhade, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) in Uttar Pradesh," Akhilesh Yadav was quoted as saying by PTI. Akhilesh Yadav also accused the BJP government of conducting fake encounters" and coining fake lies". "BJP-ruled Mainpur and Haryana are burning. There was a conspiracy to trigger riots in Bareilly. The BJP patronises rioters and punishes officers who work to maintain law and order," Yadav alleged. When asked how the Opposition alliance and his party will counter the BJP challenge in the Lok Sabha election, Akhilesh Yadav said, "They [the BJP] have done a lot of fake encounters. Now people will encounter the BJP government in 2024." Akhilesh Yadav said, "The SP is there. More parties that are willing to join the INDIA alliance are welcome. The BJP has done nothing except dividing the society." Coming back to true Hindutva", Akhilesh Yadav said, True Hindutva is to save the honour of women, eating Shabri's 'ber' [ending discrimination], hugging Kewat [referring to the boatman hugged by Lord Ram as mentioned in the epic Ramayana], spreading love and increasing tolerance." "Spreading the 'GangaJamuni Tehzeeb' [a syncretic fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultural elements] and Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam worldwide is what true Hindutva says. It is the responsibility of Hindustanis to spread true Hindutva," he said. (With agency inputs) The Supreme Court's put a stay on Rahul Gandhi's conviction in the case of his alleged remark on 'Modi' surname on Friday. The Congress declared the decision to be a victory of love over hate. Also read: Rahul Gandhi meets Lalu Yadav after big relief from Supreme Court, Congress says, 'fortunate for his guidance' Senior advocate and former Congress leader, Kapil Sibal, also hailed the decision and expressed his grief on the unhealthy practice of using court trials for political agendas. In his latest tweet, he claimed that since the conviction of Rahul Gandhi, he was sure that the decision is unwarranted and will not stand. To explain the reason behind his statement he quoted Supreme Court's statement on the case. Supreme Court Stays Rahuls conviction. On the day Rahul was convicted I publicly said the conviction is unwarranted and will not stand. The reason I gave is what the Supreme Court said yesterday Unfortunate that court procedures are used for political agendas !" tweeted Kapil Sibal on Saturday. Also read: Modi surname case: 5 things SC said while staying Rahul Gandhi's conviction Rahul Gandhi defamation case over Modi surname remark On Friday, Congress leader received a huge relief from the Supreme Court when the apex court stayed his conviction in a 2019 criminal defamation case. The case was registered when Rahul Gandhi allegedly made remark over Modi surname. The case was filed by Purnesh Modi in 2019. The main objection was raised against Rahul Gandhi over his remark, How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?" Also read: 'Rahul Gandhi is still a convict': Lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani on SC stay order The conviction stay will enable Rahul Gandhi to contest Lok Sabha 2024 election. The suspension was followed after the trial court in Surat in Gujarat failed to explain why he deserved the maximum two-year punishment upon his conviction. The top court also underlined the fact that the sentence would not have attracted disqualification had it been a day lesser. The court also observed that the utterances of Gandhi were not in good taste and a person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches. The apex court also mentioned that his conviction and disqualification not only hindered his right to continue in public life but also that of the electorate which elected him. -With agency inputs That urge to gulp huge amount of water after missing regular intake of water throughout the day can be lethal. In a recent case of dehydration, a 35-year-old woman lost her life after drinking around 2 litres of water in 20 minutes in the USA. According to media reports, she felt severely dehydrated and drank huge amount of water in short time. Ultimately she collapsed and died due to water toxicity. During her trip to Lake Freeman with her husband and two young daughters in July fourth week, Ashley Summers began feeling severely dehydrated. The mom of two, shared with her family that she felt like she couldn't drink enough water to feel satiated. Also read: Watch: This lake in Florida fumes poisonous gas. Here is why To feel better, she ended up drinking an excessive amount of water in a short span of time. In minutes after galloping huge amount of water, the she collapsed and passed away from water toxicity. Water toxicity is a rare consequence of drinking too much water too quickly. Also Read: Yamuna river's pollution doubled in 8 years of Kejriwal govt, says LG sources Someone said she drank four bottle of water in 20 minutes," her brother Devon Miller told WRTV. He also expressed his surprise the huge amount of water consumed by her sister in such a small time. He said "an average bottle is like 16 ounces, so that was 64 ounces that she drank in a span of 20 minutes. Thats half a gallon. Thats what youre supposed to drink in a whole day," quoted WRTV. Also Read: 80% Indians likely drinking poisonous' water, shows govt data. Read here Soon after drinking the water, she made it to home, but collapsed in her garage. She was immediately taken to hospital, but didn't regained consciousness from there. Doctors told that she died of water toxicity. What is water toxicity? Water toxicity occurs when someone drinks too much water in a very short time. Dr Blake Froberg told WRTV that the situation is more likely to occur in certain situations. He also highlighted that it is a rare occurrence. But it is common in summer, and with people who work outside or exercise a lot. He also suggested to maintain a hydration plan for such people. Also Read: What happens when you drink too much water? "The overall thing that happens is that you have too much water and not enough sodium in your body," said Dr. Blake Froberg, a toxicologist with IU Health told WRTV. Dr Froberg also advised people to make sure that they are drinking things that have electrolytes and sodium and some potassium. He said that people will often experience symptoms like feeling generally unwell, experiencing muscle cramps and soreness, nausea and headache. The news website also reported that Summers was an organ donor, and she was able to donate her heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and some long bone tissue. With employers fighting for a limited pool of office workers, those offering remote-friendly jobs appear to have the upper hand. Companies that allow at least one day of remote work each week increased staffing at nearly twice the rate in the year ended in May than those with full-time office requirements, according to an analysis of more than 3,600 companies by Scoop Technologies, a software firm that tracks workplace policies, and People Data Labs, a data technology company. The trend highlights Americans ability to command flexibility, along with better pay and benefits. It also points to the staying power of remote work after daily life otherwise largely returned to normal as the pandemic faded. Many workers have the leeway to demand at least partially remote jobs because the labor market is tilted in their favor. The unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in July, the Labor Department said Friday. That is just a tick above a half-century low, showing a limited pool from which to hire. Wages grew a historically high 4.4% in July from a year earlier, well above prepandemic rates and another sign of workers strong bargaining power. Many bosses soured on remote work last year, saying flexible arrangements harm productivity, and required workers to spend all or most of their time in the office. Flexible arrangements seen as equivalent to a raise The Scoop analysis showed that head counts at firms allowing at least one day of remote work increased 5% in May 2023 from June 2022, while those at fully in-person companies gained 2.6%, on average. One of the more straightforward potential explanations is that people put a really high value on being remote and generally having flexibility, so recruitment is likely quite a bit easier," said Emma Harrington, a University of Virginia economist. Separate research also shows that workers view hybrid work arrangements as equal to an 8% pay increase, said Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford economics professor. When Cassandra Wilander began a job search last year in Chicago, she rejected listings that required her to be in the office five days a week. To me that just screams that they dont respect work-life balance and wont be flexible with my time," the 37-year-old said. She ultimately accepted a hybrid job last September as a marketing communications strategist at a commercial real-estate firm. After working remotely during the pandemic, Wilander didnt want to return to a daily commute to downtown Chicago on the L" train, which she said can be unreliable and at times felt unsafe. Instead, she wanted a job that would allow her to work from home part of the time to focus on solo tasks and spend time in the office to collaborate and bond with colleagues. Its easier to get people to help you out, versus just being someone on a screen saying, Hey, I need your bio updates," she said. The share of U.S. job postings advertising hybrid work arrangements has increased as fully remote postings have fallen, according to separate data from LinkedIn. The gain in hybrid work postings is spread across most industries, said Guy Berger, principal economist at LinkedIn. Some of that is remote switching to hybrid and some is from companies that were on-site only increasing their willingness to do hybrid, potentially to lure more talent," he said, adding that the pullback in tech industry hiring is also weighing on growth in advertisements for fully remote positions. Flexible work at Gas South Flexible work policies at Gas South, a retail and wholesale natural gas marketer with operations in Atlanta and Gainesville, Fla., have helped the company expand and improve performance, said Kevin Greiner, the companys CEO. The company employs 425 workers, up from 400 in the first quarter of 2022, and is hiring for numerous roles. Retention has improved, with attrition at 19% last year, down from 25.5% in 2019. Greiner said reduced worker turnover has lowered training costs, improved customer satisfaction and increased worker performance, particularly in the call center. Gas South moved to flexible work for all workers after reviewing productivity and employee feedback from when offices were closed during the pandemic. Many employees at Gas South set their own schedule, with the balance of remote and in-office work depending on work roles. Executives are expected in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at a minimum. Call-center workers are required to come to the office one day a month for team meetings and training. The ability to be able to manage your own schedule more has become of primary importance to a lot of people, and our ability to accommodate those desires more effectively has definitely helped us to bring folks into the organization," said Greiner. Write to Gwynn Guilford at gwynn.guilford@wsj.com AMERICAN AND British intelligence agencies watched as Russia massed its troops on the border with Ukraine in the early weeks of 2022. They knew that Vladimir Putin had planned an invasionthey had stolen his plans. But would Mr Putin go through with it? One indicator that he would, says Major-General Tim Hodgetts, the surgeon-general of Britains armed forces, was that field hospitals were moving to Russias border with Ukraine. That was telling, but not damning. Russia had deployed hospitals for exercises in the past. More worrying were the ongoing blood drives among the countrys university students. Red blood cells last only six weeks if not frozen; donors can be bled only every three months. Even more troubling was what was happening inside the field hospitals. Russian surgeons were practising operations on large, anaesthetised animals. Medical indicators and warnings are predictive of war," concludes General Hodgetts. It is a vital lesson from Ukraine for future conflicts. The war in Ukraine is the largest in Europe since 1945. Russia and Ukraine have fought at a scale and intensity that Western armies have not encountered since the Korean war. Military casualties have dwarfed those of recent American and European campaigns. America lost over 7,000 troops in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2019. Ukraine has lost more than twice as many in a year, according to leaked American documents, Russia six to seven times more. The experience will change military medicine for good. In Afghanistan and Iraq, Americas army and its allies made astonishing progress in wartime medical care. Since the majority of deaths occur before soldiers arrive at a hospital, much was gained by evacuating wounded troops by helicopter and treating them within the golden hour", a period in which the chance of survival is far higher. Soldiers who once would have died pulled through. View Full Image ... The ratio of those wounded to killed, around three- or four-to-one in Vietnam, where care was poorer, shot up to as high as ten-to-one (see chart). In Ukraine the figure has plummeted back to Vietnam levels, say people familiar with the classified data. No more than 2% of American soldiers were killed or wounded in the post-2001 wars; the comparable figure is estimated at 5-10% for Ukraine. A study from 2022 by the Royal United Services Institute, a think-tank, suggested that 40% of wounded Ukrainian personnel were suffering permanent injuries. To a certain extent these figures reflect the limitations of medical care on both sides. Russias army treats infantry as disposable. Wounded soldiers have been sent back to the front lines with serious shrapnel wounds and cardiac problems. Tanisha Fazal of the University of Minnesota, an expert on medical care in war, says her jaw dropped when she saw a video of a Russian officer using an obsolete rubber tourniquet. It was of the sort that America used in Afghanistan in the early 2000s. For its part, Ukraine is in the midst of a transition away from Soviet-style care. Before 2017 it had no professional cadre of combat medics, says Maria Nazarova, an instructor in the countrys armed forces. By 2022 it had trained 650 of them, a drop in the ocean for a notional million-man army. The training centre, short of instructors and facilities, now prepares fewer than 300 people per month for the battlefield, each of whom has had just those four weeks of instruction. The current counter-offensive, which is forcing Ukrainian troops to cross minefields in the teeth of drone and artillery attacks, is intensifying the burden on medical care. I have not seen such a spike in the demand for tourniquets since June last year," says Evgen Vorobiov, a lawyer in Kyiv who works as a volunteer with six different brigades. He adds that chest seals and ultrasound devices are also needed. The shortages are compounded by structural problems. The supply of military equipment to front-line units remains inefficient and ad hoc, says Mr Vorobiov. Senior medics spend their time filling out paper forms to request supplies that arrive erratically and in small quantities. There is frequent tension between front-line units and the general staffs central medical command, which sees its job as running hospitals rather than supporting front-line care. It does not provide vital kit, such as portable ultrasound or intraosseous access devices, which are needed to get fluids into patients when veins cant be founda common problem for soldiers in shock, says Ms Nazarova. Over 90% of medical supplies for combat medics are purchased by volunteers, she says. This bureaucratic infighting has more serious consequences, too. Americas army realised in the 2000s that transfusing wounded soldiers with whole" blood, rather than components like plasma, was saving lives. Last summer Ukraines health ministry legalised that practice. The medical command, in a fit of bureaucracy, then stepped in to ban it. But many modern-thinking" Ukrainian brigades continue doing it regardless, says Ms Nazarova, using personal contacts with local blood-donation centres. The result is uneven levels of care throughout the armed forces. Western armies would enjoy many advantages in a big war, including more skilled personnel and better equipment. But American and European military doctors acknowledge that a large conflict would prove a huge shock to medical care honed over decades of counterinsurgency campaigns against opponents lacking in artillery, missiles and drones. Take helicopters, which are critical for transporting the wounded. Just 70 American ones were downed by fire between 2001 and 2009 in Afghanistan and Iraq. Russia has lost 90 in 17 months. This recognition that the next war will likely be very different in air superiority has changed lots of paradigms within the US and NATO militaries," says John Holcolmb, a professor at the University of Alabama who led the US Armys Institute of Surgical Research. There will be prolonged field care" outside hospitals. Clinical outcomes will be poor," warns General Hodgetts. Injury patterns will differ, too. Around 79% of Americas casualties in the wars after the attacks of September 11th, 2001 were from improvised explosive devices. More than 70% of Ukrainian casualties are from artillery and rocket barrages, according to a recent paper published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. These tend to affect a larger number of soldiers at once, causing polytrauma"damage to multiple body parts and organs. Treating such injuries at scale will tax European armies. Consider blood. It is a strategic commodity" for the alliance, writes Ronald Ti, a military-medical logistician at Kings College London. A military health-care system that cannot provide it risks systemic collapse of morale", he warns. Dr Ti gives the example of Estonia: its main peacetime stock of blood could be exhausted in a single day of war (on NATOs standard assumptions about rates of use). Yet stockpiling blood is not like storing ammo. Its shelf life when fresh is weeks (and, when frozen, months), not years. Thawing it from frozen takes time. Moreover, blood-donation levels in Britain routinely drop below a weeks worth of reserves, notes General Hodgetts. The war is helping to resolve previously knotty legal issues in NATO around the interoperability of blood products and drugs. Britain is now investing to produce its own freeze-dried plasma, having previously depended on scarce French and German production that might be swamped in wartime. Another problem is how to shift tens of thousands of wounded soldiers. On July 11th NATO leaders approved the alliances first comprehensive defence plans since the cold war. They included specific plans for mass-casualty transport across Europe, including how to distribute casualties among different allies, an issue neglected for years. NATO medical chiefs, sometimes joined by Ukraines surgeon-general, have been meeting regularly to test how those procedures would fare in wartime. Up to 60% of Ukraines military casualties have been moved by rail. View Full Image ... Medics once wanted hospitals to stand out in a war zone. The lesson from Ukraine, where Russia has struck facilities with large red crosses on the roof, is that it may be better to blend in. The World Health Organisation estimates that there have been almost 900 attacks on health facilities in the war (see map). Medical doctors are considering how to harden, camouflage or disperse their facilities. But light and agile field hospitals will inevitably provide more limited care. Another growing challenge is how to ensure that the electronic emissions of medical equipment do not serve as a beacon to enemy bombs. Ready for action The war has also put nuclear weapons back on the agenda. In the autumn Western leaders grew concerned that Russia was preparing to use tactical nuclear weapons. America, Britain and France warned the Kremlin that it would face serious military consequences if it took that step; the danger subsided. In the cold war NATO planned to fight through a nuclear battlefield. Those plans faded away in the 1990s. Many officials now worry that America and its allies are medically unprepared for nuclear conflict. Vast numbers of burn kits would be needed, for example. Finally, Ukraine illustrates how technology is changing military medicine. A study published in February 2021 by Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Maddry and his colleagues at the US Armys Institute of Surgical Research examined the records of 1,267 patients transported with traumatic injuries. Half did not receive any life-saving intervention en route and so might have been moved safely by drone. Ukraine is testing that theory. It has already used large cargo drones, capable of carrying 180kg loads up to 70km, to evacuate wounded personnel, becoming the first country to conduct this sort of robotic medevac. As technology advances," write Lieutenant-Colonel Maddry and his co-authors, robotics aboard [drones] could provide pain medications, blood products, oxygen, airway management, and even surgical procedures"though the drones are subject to the same risks as helicopters, points out Dr Fazal. The challenge is to learn from such experiments and Ukraines broader experience. That requires turning anecdotes into hard data. America has offered to help Ukraine build a trauma registry" of the sort that it used in Afghanistan and Iraq, a database which logs how patients are injured, how they have been treated and how they fare. Analysis will benefit not just allied armies, but also the wider public. Dr Holcomb has said that he was able to reduce the number of trauma deaths at his hospital, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, by 30% by applying skills picked up in the army. Ukraines pain will lead to medical gains. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com In a recent tweet, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued an urgent warning about a malicious and widespread mobile app campaign. Fraudsters have been circulating phishing links on a large scale, attempting to deceive unsuspecting users into downloading a fake 'IRCTC Rail Connect' mobile app. The objective of these scammers is to trick common citizens into fraudulent activities. The IRCTC, which handles online ticketing and other railway-related services, has alerted the public to be cautious and vigilant. They advise users to avoid falling prey to these deceptive tactics by downloading only the official IRCTC Rail Connect Mobile Apps available on Google Play Store for Android users and the Apple App Store for iOS users. The official numbers published on the IRCTC official website, https://irctc.co.in, should be used to reach IRCTC Customer Care. This fraudulent mobile app scam is particularly concerning due to its potential to harm unsuspecting users who may unknowingly share sensitive personal information or become victims of financial fraud. The app's fake nature and deceptive interface might lead users to input confidential details such as login credentials, payment information, and personal data, exposing them to identity theft and financial loss. Alert: It has been reported that a malicious and fake mobile app campaign is in circulation where some fraudsters are sending phishing links at a mass level and insisting users download fake IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app to trick common citizens into fraudulent activities. People are advised not to fall prey of such fraudsters and use only IRCTCs official Rail Connect Mobile Apps from Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and call IRCTC Customer Care on official numbers published on IRCTC official website https://irctc.co.in. Be Alert! Be Safe!" tweeted IRCTC. To counter this threat, IRCTC has urged all commuters and users of its services to stay informed and follow security measures to protect themselves from falling victim to such fraudulent activities. Staying cautious while browsing the internet and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading apps from unverified sources is crucial. US is making Taiwan the next Ukraine: The US has been increasing its military support for Taiwan in recent years. The US has been sending high-level officials to Taiwan, which is a direct provocation of China. The US has refused to rule out the use of military force to defend Taiwan, which has further raised tensions with China. Washington is seeking to incite a new major conflict because global hegemony is slipping out of its grasp, the United Nations must condemn the US for purchasing weapons for Taiwan because these provocative actions risk triggering a major conflict involving China, the speaker of the Russian State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, has said. Writing on Telegram on Saturday, Volodin claimed that Washington is preparing Taiwan to follow the fate of Ukraine and chided US President Joe Biden for making yet another mistake by planning to provide military aid to the self-ruled island using some of the money earmarked for Ukraine. The speaker of the state assembly was referring to a recent Financial Times report alleging that the White House is set to ask Congress to expedite arms funding for Taipei by including a request in the budget focused on helping Kiev fight Russia. He explained that, after the failure of its Ukraine policy, the US is now seeking salvation in a new conflict while being confronted by the risk of losing its hegemony. The MP went on to highlight a growing list of problems piling up on the US economy, while also recalling that Bidens approval ratings have hit an all-time low, and predicting that he wont win the [presidential] election with such [poll] results. This means Biden would need to instigate a conflict over Taiwan to distract American voters from the US internal problems, Volodin suggested, adding that Washington has already used such tactics in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine. The term military-industrial complex was first used by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his farewell address in 1961. He warned that the close relationship between the military and the defense industry had the potential to create a danger to our liberties. The military-industrial complex is a network of government agencies, defense contractors, and other organizations that are involved in the production and maintenance of military equipment. This network has a significant influence on US foreign policy, and it has been accused of promoting unnecessary wars and of wasting taxpayer money. There are a number of factors that contribute to the power of the military-industrial complex. One factor is the size of the US defense budget. The US spends more on defense than any other country in the world, and this provides a lot of money for the defense industry. Another factor is the close relationship between the military and the defense industry. Many defense contractors have former military officers on their boards of directors, and the military often relies on the defense industry for advice on weapons and equipment. The military-industrial complex also has a strong lobbying presence in Washington, DC. Defense contractors spend millions of dollars each year lobbying Congress for favorable legislation. This gives them a lot of influence over US foreign policy. The military-industrial complex has been criticized for its influence on US foreign policy. Critics argue that the complex has a vested interest in war, and that it has promoted unnecessary wars, such as the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. They also argue that the complex wastes taxpayer money, and that it diverts resources away from other important areas, such as education and healthcare. With this in mind, Volodin urged the UN to condemn Bidens provocative actions in the region. If the UN is incapable of preventing conflicts and ensuring global security, then there is as much sense in this organization as there was in the now-defunct League of Nations, the assembly speaker said, referring to the UNs predecessor, dissolved in 1946 for having failed to prevent WWII. In recent years, the US has approved billions of dollars in security assistance to Taiwan, drawing condemnation from Beijing, which has accused Washington of turning the island into a powder keg. China considers Taiwan a part of its sovereign territory and has said that, while it would like to reunite with the island peacefully, it has not ruled out the use of force to accomplish this goal. At the same time, the US, while formally adhering to the One China policy and recognizing a single Chinese government, has pledged to defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion. Stargazing enthusiasts and astronomy geeks from all around the world, including Egypt, are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Perseid meteor shower, set to peak on the nights of 12-13 August. The Ballymahon Twinning Group is eagerly counting down the days to welcome their 15 French guests on Saturday evening, August 5 next. This marks the first visit of the French delegation from Landevant in Brittany to the town since before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, making it an exceptionally special occasion for both communities. The Landevant delegation is brimming with anticipation as they prepare to embark on this memorable journey to Ballymahon. Thrilled to immerse themselves in the vibrant community and rich culture of the picturesque South Longford town, the French visitors are eager to form lasting connections and create cherished memories during their week-long stay. Embracing the ordinary daily life of their host families in Ballymahon is at the top of the French delegation's agenda, seeking authentic experiences and forging meaningful bonds with their local hosts. The Ballymahon Twinning Group has put together an exciting and diverse programme of events for the French group. The itinerary showcases the finest heritage and cultural aspects of Ballymahon, promising an enriching and memorable experience for all participants. The carefully curated programme includes a range of activities that will immerse the French delegation in the essence of Ballymahon's natural beauty and fascinating history. Some of the itinerary is as follows: Forest and Nature Walk: A scenic walk along the ancient woods and River Inny at Newcastle will introduce the visitors to the breathtaking landscapes and tranquillity of the area. Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre: The group will have the unique opportunity to visit the internationally renowned Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre in Granard, where they can delve into the rich history of the region. Workshop on Waterboarding: At Branigan on the Royal Canal, the delegation will partake in a distinctive workshop on waterboarding, offering an insightful perspective on Canal practices. Formal Civic Reception and Traditional Music Recital: Ballymahon Municipal District of Longford County Council will extend a warm civic reception at the Ballymahon Community Library. The event will be graced with a captivating recital of Irish traditional music performed by local musicians under the direction of Geraldine McGlynn. Exploration mining in County Leitrim: The group will be travelling to The Arigna area of County Leitrim for an immersive experience at The Arigna Mining Experience. Fleadh Cheoil Experience: The group will introduce The Fleadh to a lively Brittany dance and singing performance at the Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar on the Market Square at 12 noon on Wednesday, August 9. Additionally, Geraldine McGlynn will conduct an Irish tin whistle workshop at the Fleadh, ensuring that each participant leaves with at least one memorable tune. On Friday, August 11, the French visitors will enjoy a relaxed day in Ballymahon. The morning will begin with a warm reception and a brief tour of Bridgeways Family Resource Centre, providing an insight into the town's local services and initiatives. Later in the day, they will meander through the charming shops and cafes of Ballymahon, eagerly looking forward to exchanging greetings with as many locals as possible. The delegation have expressed their eagerness to visit St Mels Cathedral and The Albert Reynolds Peace Park in Longford town and they hope to explore the beauty of Corlea Bog. And finally Skellys Bar is set to host a captivating Community Night also on Friday, August 11, bringing together the finest Traditional Irish and Brittany music and singing. This vibrant event promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees, with everyone warmly invited to join in the celebration of these rich musical traditions. The Ballymahon Twinning Group is dedicated to facilitating cultural exchange and fostering meaningful connections between communities. This thoughtfully designed programme promises to create enduring bonds and unforgettable memories for both the French visitors and the welcoming Longford locals. In case you missed them, the Luxembourg Times has selected the best stories of the week for you Luxembourg households brace for financial trouble The gloomy outlook that Luxembourg consumers have expressed about their own finances and the national economy deepened last month, a view shared by companies outside the financial industry. Consumers increasingly said they planned to hold off on major purchases like furniture, electrical devices and cars and projected their household finances will get worse, the Banque centrale du Luxembourg found in its July survey. Trade group attacks Fayot over home construction collusion claim In a departure for consensus-driven Luxembourg, a trade lobby group on Wednesday targeted Economy Minister Franz Fayot after he spoke out in support of competition officials who said last month they suspected potential collusion for driving up home prices. 'The Federation des Artisans, which describes itself as representing the interests and reputation of 4,000 craft businesses in Luxembourg, criticised the government in an open letter to Fayot posted on the trade groups web site. It reacted to what it said was an unfair implication of construction companies and related crafts in dodgy deals worsening the country's housing crisis. SES to spend 150M to boost share price Luxembourg satellite pioneer SES has completed requirements to score a $3 billion payday (2.75 billion) by year-end and is rewarding shareholders with 150 million in buybacks, the company said Thursday while announcing a 9% decline in profits. Societe Europeennes des Satellites (SES) reported profits of 92 million during the first half of this year, compared to 101 million in the same period of 2022, the company said. SES also described an adjusted net profit of 116 million, down 31% from 168 million in last year, after accounting for a foreign exchange loss, a tax benefit and 21 million in acquisition and restructuring costs.Luxembourg offices tied to Lebanon central banker searched last year. Luxembourg offices tied to Lebanon central banker searched last year Luxembourg police searched companies owned by Lebanon's central bank chief last year amid an ongoing European probe into the man blamed for the country's financial collapse and who is suspected of embezzlement and money laundering. "I can only confirm that there have been a number of searches here in Luxembourg and that the investigation is continuing", a spokesperson for Luxembourg's prosecution said in an email on Wednesday without offering further details. Appeal lodged against convictions in 2m CNS fraud case An appeal has been lodged against convictions handed down to a former employee of Luxembourgs national health insurer, and her family and friends, in a 2 million embezzlement case. Five defendants were given fines and prison sentences las month in the case, which arose after suspicions of fraud were raised at the Caisse Nationale de Sante (CNS) in late 2018, leading to an audit that cast doubt over some transactions and led to criminal charges against five people. The price increase for diesel fuel may go higher than projections and hit an additional P4 per liter by Tuesday, as Russia and Saudi Arabia continue to cut down on oil production, Energy Director Rino Abad said. The Department of Energy had already confirmed Friday the projections that diesel will likely go up by P3.40 to P3.60 per liter, kerosene by P2.45 to P2.65 per liter, and gasoline by P0.15 to P0.35 per liter, based on the benchmark Mean of Platts Singapore trading and foreign exchange movement for the first four days of the week. But Abad said China also delivered on its commitment to reduce oil production this month, as kerosene prices are also seen rising by P2.70 to P3 per liter, while gasoline will go up by P0.20 to P0.50 per liter. This means diesel prices will have increased by around P10/liter for the past five weeks, while gasoline prices have already risen by P5/liter for the same period. However, Leo Bellas, president of Jetti Petroleum, doesnt see oil prices rising as drastically as last year when diesel reached an all-time high of P83.70 per liter in June. It will go higher, but we dont see it going past or reaching the levels it did last year, Bellas told ABS-CBN News. China actually delivered on their commitment to reduce their production of oil this July, bringing it down to 860,000 barrels, Abad told Teleradyo Serbisyo on Saturday. But at the same time, because (Chinas) commitment (is to produce under) 1 million (barrels), coincidentally Russia made the same pronouncement, when before it did not make the same commitment in July. But all of a sudden, this month or next month they can cut an additional 5,000 barrels per day, he added. In an advisory, fuel firm Unioil said diesel will increase its products by P3.70 to P3.90 per liter, while gasoline will go up by P0.20 to P0.40 per liter. This comes just a week after a major pump price hike of P3.50 for diesel, P2.10 for gasoline, and P3.25 for kerosene. Its also the fifth straight week of increases for diesel and kerosene and the fourth in a row for gasoline. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Charles J. Ogletree Jr., a law professor and civil rights scholar with a distinguished career at Harvard Law School and whose list of clients ranged from Anita Hill to Tupac Shakur, died Friday after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers disease. He was 70. A California native who often spoke of his humble roots, Ogletree worked in the farm fields of the Central Valley before establishing himself as a legal scholar at one of the nations most prominent law schools where he taught Barack and Michelle Obama. Harvard Law School Dean John F. Manning shared news of Ogletrees death in a message to the campus community Friday. Charles was a tireless advocate for civil rights, equality, human dignity, and social justice, Manning said in the message that the law school emailed to The Associated Press. He changed the world in so many ways, and he will be sorely missed in a world that very much needs him. Ogletree represented Hill when she accused Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment during the future U.S. Supreme Court justices Senate confirmation hearings in 1991. He defended the late rapper Tupac Shakur in criminal and civil cases. He also fought unsuccessfully for reparations for members of Tulsa, Oklahomas Black community who survived a 1921 white supremacist massacre. Ogletree was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully at his home in Odenton, Maryland, his family said in a statement. Ogletree went public with the news that hed been diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2016. He retired from Harvard Law School in 2020. The Merced County courthouse in Californias agricultural heartland was named after him in February in recognition of his contributions to law, education and civil rights. Ogletree didnt attend the ceremony unveiling his name on the courthouse His brother told the crowd that gathered in the town in the San Joaquin Valley that his brother was his hero and that he would have expected him to say what hed said many times before: I stand on the shoulders of others. He always wants to give credit to others and not accept credit himself, which he so richly deserves, Richard Ogletree told the gathering. Charles J. Ogletree Jr. grew up in poverty on the south side of the railroad tracks in Merced in an area of Black and brown families. His parents were seasonal farm laborers, and he picked peaches, almonds and cotton in the summer. He went to college at Stanford University before Harvard. Manning said in his message Friday that Ogletree had a monumental impact on Harvard Law School. His extraordinary contributions stretch from his work as a practicing attorney advancing civil rights, criminal defense, and equal justice to the change he brought to Harvard Law School as an impactful institution builder to his generous work as teacher and mentor who showed our students how law can be an instrument for change, he said. Ogletree is survived by his wife, Pamela Barnes, to whom he was married for 47 years; his two children, Charles J. Ogletree, III and Rashida Ogletree-George; and four grandchildren. Egypt welcomed on Monday the renewal of diplomatic representation between Qatar and UAE, announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. The two countries announced the reopening of their diplomatic missions earlier in the day. Egypt lauded this positive step, affirming that such decisions strengthen joint Arab action and unity, the statement continued. Finally, Egypt affirmed its support of all efforts to strengthen Arab relations at all levels to protect the interests of their people. The UAE and Qatar lacked diplomatic representation until now, despite the signing in early 2021 of the A l-Ula agreement for reconciliation. The agreement restablished diplomatic ties between Qatar and Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. The quartet of Arab states had cut ties with Qatar in June of 2017, accusing it of backing Iran and terrorist groups. Search Keywords: Short link: SPRINGFIELD Last year, the Community Legal Aid program helped over 200 people expunge and seal their criminal records. This year, the group hopes to help many more. Senior Supervising Attorney Alyssa Golden said criminal records create barriers that make it hard to move on after a case is resolved. We assist people with a wide range of civil consequences as a result of such records, Golden said. We represent those denied public housing subsidies, employment or termination because of criminal records. Last week, the nonprofit program launched a three-month advertising campaign to raise awareness about how it can help people overcome past mistakes. Funding from the state helped to support the outreach. The nonprofit serves low-income and elderly residents of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties. Billboards were placed in Worcester and along Interstate 91 south and West Columbus Avenue in downtown Springfield. The outreach seeks to alert people that there are ways to break free of criminal records, a process known as expungement. Dont let your past hold you back, the message reads. Additionally, ads equipped with QR codes that bring people right to an application page will be on public transportation in all five counties of central and western Massachusetts. Many people do not know that their criminal record may be eligible for sealing after a period of time with no new convictions, said Golden. How system works According to Golden, certain employers with access to the Criminal Offender Record Information system are able to see cases that has been dismissed, especially jobs working with vulnerable populations like children, adults with disabilities and the elderly. Alyssa Golden is senior supervising attorney with Community Legal Aid. The nonprofit is helping clients seal or expunge old criminal records that stand in their way. Petitions to seal or expunge records carry no cost. Obtaining a copy of a CORI report costs $25. People with low income can ask for a waiver. Most people that we work with, because we have an income cap, are eligible, Golden said. People can submit a CORI waiver and a petition to seal or expunge records on their own behalf by finding the forms online at Mass.gov. They can get help filing by calling Community Legal Aid at 1-855-252-5342. Sealing records prevents employers from seeing the records in a CORI check. Expungement is the complete destruction of the case file. According to Golden, a common assumption is that dismissals of criminal cases are automatically sealed. Its not true, Golden said. People have to seek to seal dismissed charges. Another common misconception is associated with the time frame of sealing and expunging records. Examples of crimes Records eligible for expungement include many marijuana-related offenses, offenses that are no longer a crime in Massachusetts and convictions that were vacated and dismissed due to the Massachusetts drug lab scandals, she said. People have the right to get a simple possession and other marijuana-related offenses expunged depending on the amount involved, she said. Lets say you had a simple possession with intent to distribute, the court may go back and look to see if the amount is now within the legal limits, she said. There is also a difference in the process to petition for record sealing and expungement. Sealing records are more widely available, expungement is specific, Golden told The Republican and MassLive. A record can be sealed by a petition submitted to the office of probation. If it is a non-conviction (charges that were dismissed) that [is] older, you can file a petition in court that handled the criminal case, and a judge will decide, she said. If the petition is denied by the judge, Golden said, a reconsideration or a new petition can be filed to seal the record in the future. Judges are more likely to deny sealing a record if the non-conviction is recent, Golden said. The judge will consider all aspects, time and what barriers or anticipated barriers a person may be facing in housing or employment because of the charge. Golden described the process of expunging records. With expungement, a petition with the court that the case was handled in can be filed. Most cases are discretionary. There will be a hearing in front of the judge where you would explain the impact of having a record and why the charge or conviction should have never been on your record in the first place, Golden said. This can be done in the case of marijuana, where it is no longer a crime, or a vacated conviction. Thats when there was fraud or a material mistake made by an expert witness, she said. Golden said that when she was a public defender, she saw firsthand how the courts cycle people in and out of the system and the impact criminal records have on basic survival. I believe it is incredibly important to have opportunities and more than second, third and fourth chances, she said. People deserve more than that. I love to help people push away barriers so they are able to survive and thrive the way they would like. The new campaign is a unique opportunity for us to try something new and creative to reach residents of Central and Western Massachusetts, she said. Golden said her group is growing. By September there will be seven staff members plus herself. Were expanding our capacity to do this kind of work. We are flexible and responsive to new and legal issues a head. Days after former President Donald J. Trump pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he stoked the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol building, investigators are still pursuing thousands who wreaked havoc and violence at the nations Capitol. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps a database of defendants, their charges, summaries of criminal allegations and dispositions of their cases related to the riot. According to that database, the number of Massachusetts defendants stands at 10 ranging from those who participated in the violence of that day to those who merely showed up to protest and meandered through the building. This states Jan. 6 defendants represent 1% of the 1,000 men and women who have been charged with roles in the breach of the Capitol over claims that President Joe Bidens win was fraudulent and Trump should remain in office. A newly released indictment alleges Trump prodded elected officials, lawyers and aides to perpetuate the Stop the Steal movement and gin up the general public to resist Bidens presidency. Trump appeared in a federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., Thursday to plead not guilty to three criminal charges related to the Capitol breach. Prosecutors allege Trump stirred voters up with a plea to come to D.C. to protest what he and certain of his allies deemed a stolen election. The latest criminal indictment was Trumps third in a year but perhaps the most significant given its historic implications. The Jan. 6 riot claimed the lives of five; nearly 140 police were injured; and four officers involved in the fracas died by suicide in the months following the clash, according to court records and published reports. The price tag on the vandalism to the Capitol building and grounds is estimated at nearly $1.5 million. Most convicted defendants have been saddled with small restitution orders to chip away at that figure, court records show. The undisputed ringleaders of the insurrection Oath Keepers and Proud Boys have been convicted of sedition, with Stewart Rhodes of the Proud Boys sentenced in May to 18 years behind bars. Massachusettss defendants have been subjected to far less. Here is a summary of state defendants ensnared in the ongoing prosecution. Chase K. Allen, Seekonk Arrested and charged June 21, 2021 Charges: Destruction or injury to buildings or property in special maritime and territorial jurisdiction; act of physical violence on grounds. Pleaded guilty on Nov. 22, 2022. Outcome: Sentencing held on April 20. Defendant sentenced to three years of probation, $500 restitution and $10 special assessment. Summary: On January 6, in the afternoon, Allen went to the Capitol Grounds. At about 5:00 p.m., Allen approached a media staging area that was set up outside the northeast corner of the U.S. Capitol, on U.S. Capitol Grounds. Metal barricades had been set up around the area, but individuals had moved past those, forcing media members to flee before recovering all their cameras and associated equipment. Members of the crowd had begun destroying the media equipment, including tripods, lights, shades, and remote broadcasting equipment that belonged to various media outlets. While there, Allen participated in the assault on the media staging area by kicking and/or stomping on equipment that belonged to media outlets, destroying a pelican case. Noah S. Bacon, Somerville Arrested: June 30, 2021 Charges: Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; enter or remain in the gallery of either House of Congress; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; obstruction of justice/Congress. Outcome: Sentenced to one year in federal prison. Additional sentences were concurrent. Summary: Self-admitted Proud Boy who sent message of Instagram telling followers he was in D.C. and something beautiful was going to happen. He was spotted in Senate chambers and elsewhere in the Capitol wearing an I Love Trump T-shirt, but was not caught on video committing acts of violence. Stefanie Chiguer, Dracut Arrested: January 2022 along with her former girlfriend, whose charges were dismissed in this case, according to court records Charges: Entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Outcome: Chiguer signed a plea agreement in April 2022. Summary: Chiguer was captured on video charging through the Capitol building with an American flag but is not accused of violence. Her former girlfriend who accompanied her and allegedly smashed a window in the building sent a social media just prior to Jan. 6 that said grab your popcorn ... according to court records. They also disclosed associations with the Proud Boys, court documents said. Kim Marie Connolly, Boston Arrested: Jan. 20, 2023 Charges: Entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disrnptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Outcome: Scheduled to plead guilty on Sept. 12. Summary: Connolly admitted she breached the Capitol, mingled with rioters, took a few photos and left when Capital police told her to leave. Vincent Gillepsie, Athol Arrested: Feb. 18, 2022 Charges: Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; civil disorder; entering and remaining in a restricted building; disorderly conduct in a restricted building; engaging in an act of physical violence in a restricted building; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and committing an act of violence in a Capitol building or grounds. Outcome: Sentenced in April to 68 months in prison after a trial earlier this year. Summary: Gillepsie was among those who muscled through the perimeter that law enforcement made to stop the swell of protesters and was captured on surveillance video shoving his way through the swell and stealing a police riot shield. Between approximately 4:11 p.m. and 4:13 p.m. Gillepsie is seen and heard on the body worn camera of a Metropolitan Police Department officer pushing his way through the crowd towards the law enforcement officers; using a police shield to ram the law enforcement officers; and screaming traitor more than once and treason, as he points to a law enforcement officer, court records say. Sue Ianni, Boston Arrested: Jan. 19, 2021 Charges: Disruptive behavior at the Capitol. Outcome: Pleaded guilty in September 2022 and sentenced in December to 15 days of incarceration, 30 months of probation, 60 hours of community service and $500 restitution. Summary: Ianni was a regional leader in Super Happy Fun America, an organization that purports to be an advocate for the straight community, bearing the motto, Its Great to be Straight. She organized nearly a dozen buses to travel to D.C. for the insurrection. She walked into the Capitol during the riot but is not accused of violence or vandalism. Brian McCreary, Springfield Arrested: Feb. 4, 2021 Charge: Obstruction of an official proceeding; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Outcome: Guilty plea on Oct. 14,2021, and sentenced to 36 months of probation, including 42 days of intermittent incarceration and two months of home detention, $2,500 fine, $500 restitution. Summary: McCreary traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of the Stop the Steal movement among Trump supporters and admitted he flitted in and out of the Capitol and into the Senate building among throngs of other rioters because he was frustrated an audit of the election results had not been conducted. He was not charged with crimes related to violence or destruction and entered doors to the building that had already been kicked in, according to court records. Mark Sahady, Boston Arrested: Jan. 19, 2021 Charges: Entering or remaining in restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. Outcome: Case remains pending. Summary: Also a Super Happy Fun America member, Sahady allegedly posted on social media, specifically about January 6, 2021, stating that it is important that millions of Americans show up in DC on January 6 to support the legitimate President, Donald Trump, and show Democrats what they will be facing if they continue to try and steal the Presidency. When someone tweets at him asking about transportation, SAHADY responds on December 31, 2020, that we have 7 buses coming. And that there is more space. As January 6, 2021 approaches, SAHADY posts again on January 4, 2021, simply January 6 Washington, DC It begins. Sahdady allegedly breached the Capitol, but is not accused of violence or vandalism. Troy Sargent, Pittsfield Arrested: March 9, 2021 Charges: Forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding federal officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; knowingly engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in restricted building or grounds; knowingly engaging in physical violence in restricted building or grounds; willfully and knowingly engaging in physical violence in Capitol grounds or buildings. Outcome: Pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022, and was sentenced to 14 months incarceration, 24 months supervised release and $500 restitution. Summary: Sargent punched a police officer at the Capitol during the riot and later boasted about it on social media, according to court records. Dr. Jacquelyn Starer, Ashland Arrest: Dec. 20, 2022 Charges: Forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding federal officers; civil disorder; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct, and knowingly engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, engaging in physical violence in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Outcome: No plea or sentencing scheduled, according to the court docket. Summary: Starer breached the Capitol and punched an officer in the face during the riot, according to court records and surveillance footage. The death of Denise Damato Coe, a 59-year-old woman who was found shot and killed in her home in Danville, New Hampshire earlier this week, is under investigation as a homicide, authorities disclosed Saturday. An autopsy by New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jennie Duval concluded Coe died from multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of her death was homicide, according to a statement from New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella, New Hampshire State Police Executive Major Matthew S. Shapiro and Danville Police Chief Wade Parsons Danville police officers responded to a call at 48 Back Road in Danville late Thursday evening and discovered Coe dead inside her home, the statement said. Investigators are asking for the publics assistance in their investigation. Anyone with information about Coes death is asked to contact the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit by telephone at (603) 223-3856 or by email at MCU@dos.nh.gov. People may also call the New Hampshire State Police Communications Center at (603) 223-4381. A man was convicted for the 2020 murder of Deija Mendez, a 23-year-old Boston woman who he killed during an argument over a car, The Boston Globe reported. Xavier DeJesus, 23, fatally shot Mendez in Lowell in June 2020 during the dispute, the Globe reported, citing police and prosecutors. On Wednesday, a Middlesex Superior Court jury found the Lowell man guilty of second-degree murder and multiple firearm charges. He is expected to be sentenced Monday, Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryans office told the newspaper. It is alleged DeJesus shot Mendez in the head outside of a house on Coral Street in Lowell around 3:30 p.m. on June 23, 2020. He was in the drivers seat of a black Chevrolet Tahoe. Authorities said Mendez and DeJesus may have known each other and been fighting over the car before he shot her. DeJesus was arrested in late July 2020 following a month-long search for the man and after the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section added him to its most wanted list. State Police troopers and officers found DeJesus hiding in the basement of his Fall River home. He tried to run out the back door of the resident but ran back inside after seeing police behind the house, according to authorities. Xavier was taken into custody, returned to Middlesex County and charged with murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, carrying a firearm without a license and possession of ammunition without an FID card, the district attorneys office said. Trigger warning: This article includes graphic descriptions of alleged severe abuse. The father of Jaevion Riley, a 7-year-old boy who died earlier this year after being found severely beaten and burned in Manchester, New Hampshire, was indicted Friday in connection with the boys death, authorities said. Murtadah Mohammad, 25, is accused of scalding Jaevion with hot liquid, burning him with a hot pan, whipping him with a cord and striking him in the face in Manchester, New Hampshire before his death Jan. 24. A Hillsborough County grand jury returned indictments charging the man with second-degree murder for allegedly causing his sons death recklessly under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of the boys life by subjecting him to abusive violence and not getting him timely medical aid for his injuries, according to a statement from the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office. He has been indicted on various assault charges as well, including two counts of first-degree assault for allegedly scalding and burning Jaevion and two counts of second-degree assault for allegedly whipping and striking him, the attorney generals offices statement said. Mohammad is also accused of deleting internet data from his cellphone, deleting the call history from his phone a false accident scene, and he has been indicted on three counts of falsifying physical evidence in connection with the allegations, according to the statement. Authorities are seeking longer terms of imprisonment for Mohammad based on Jaevions age and the infliction of exceptional cruelty or depravity upon him, the attorney generals office noted. Mohammad is being held without bail, the statement said. On Jan. 17, emergency medical personnel responded to a home in Manchester for a report of a minor in distress. There, police found Jaevion with significant burns to his face and body. The boy was not conscious or breathing, the Manchester Police Department noted. Jaevion was ultimately taken to a hospital in Massachusetts for treatment, where he died seven days later, according to the attorney generals office. The boy was taken for advanced treatment to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where medical professionals indicated he had suffered other injuries as well, WCVB reported. Jaevion had second-degree burns to 30% of his body, a fractured skull and broken ribs, and he was in a coma, according to a GoFundMe set up for the child. MassLive reporter Alvin Buyinza contributed to this report. Saturday marks 30 years since 10-year-old Holly Piirainen disappeared while on vacation with her family. To this day, the Grafton girls decades-old abduction and murder remain unsolved. Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gullunis office continues to ask members of the media and the public at large for help with the 30-year-old homicide investigation, releasing evidence as recently as February that included a white tank top-style shirt with a blue, purple and pink colored Boston motif on the front of it. The shirt, which has no tags or size information, was found near where Hollys remains were recovered in the fall of 1993. On the morning of Aug. 5, 1993, Holly was vacationing with her family at a cottage in Sturbridge when she disappeared. She was last seen by her father 11:45 a.m. heading toward a home in the area of Allen and South Shore Roads in Sturbridge to play with puppies she new were at the residence. About one hour later, Holly was reported missing by her father, after she did not return, the district attorneys office detailed in a statement. PLEASE: SHARE: Evidence released in Holly Piirainen homicide investigation; Hampden District Attorney calls on the... Posted by Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 Hollys father immediately began looking for her, finding only her sneaker on South Shore Road, according to Gullunis office. Authorities were notified, and a massive search soon began that included local police, Massachusetts State Police, multiple sheriffs offices and law enforcement agencies from Connecticut and Rhode Island. It wasnt until Oct. 23, 1993, after weeks of searching, that Hollys remains were found by hunters in a wooded area off Five Bridge Road in Brimfield. The crime scene was photographed by State Police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Items discovered at or near the location of Hollys remains were documented and seized, and they have been maintained by State Police since then. As a part of the district attorneys offices efforts to solve outstanding homicide cases, Hollys case has remained in focus and has been continually reviewed to determine if the application of further forensic and scientific examination would be beneficial, Gulluni noted. Evidence has been reviewed, identified for forensic analysis and subjected to various testing procedures. For the past thirty years, the Piirainen family has been coping with this unimaginable tragedy, Gulluni said in his offices statement. In this endeavor to seek justice for Holly, we work as many hours as we can devote, we spare no expense, we deploy only the best investigators, and we employ the latest technologies; however, in many instances, we cannot do it alone. We need the publics assistance; we need someone, who knows something, to stand up with us and do whats right. we are issuing a clarion call to the public, and together as a community, to finally bring justice for Holly and her family, the prosecutor added. Case items documented in 1993 were identified for further forensic testing in 2022 and 2023, according to Gullunis office. Regarding the Boston tank top, the publics assistance is being sought, the prosecutor noted. Anyone with information about the Boston tank top, or anything related to Hollys murder, are asked to contact the tip line set up for the cold case: (413) 426-3507. People can also text a tip by texting the word CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) and typing the word SOLVE into the body of the message followed by the tip. Sen. Ed Markey wants there to be television cameras inside federal courtrooms, including the one former U.S. president Donald Trump was arraigned in yesterday, despite fears that televising him could incite dangerous activity from some of his supporters. There are cameras in the United States House of Representatives in the United States Senate. There are cameras in many courtrooms all across our country. But there are no cameras in federal courthouses or in the Supreme Court of the United States, Sen. Markey said to a pool of reporters inside the Old South Meeting House in Boston Friday morning. This crime that Donald Trump attempted to perpetrate should have the American public able to view it on television because its a trial that has democracy, has our republic, actually at the center of what is at stake. Trump pleaded not guilty to accusations of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday. The former president appeared before a magistrate judge in Washingtons federal courthouse two days after being indicted by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. Of the three criminal cases hes facing, the most recent charges are especially historic since they focus on Trumps efforts as president to subvert the will of voters and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Bidens victory. His refusal to accept defeat and his lies about widespread election fraud helped fuel the violent riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya set the next court date for Aug. 28, when a tentative trial date will be set, and directed Trump not to communicate directly about the facts of the case with any individual known to be a witness. In the wake of the third arraignment against former U.S. president Trump, Sen. Markey has renewed his bipartisan push to allow cameras into federal courtrooms. In 2015, the United States Senator introduced the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2023, a bill that would allow for television cameras in federal courtrooms. Read More: Trump charged by Justice Department for efforts to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss Federal courts like the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, where Trump was arraigned yesterday, never allow television cameras into its courtrooms, especially for criminal cases. But, the crime that Trump is accused of overturning the 2020 election results is one that warrants public viewing as it pertains to the countrys democracy, Sen. Markey said. Sen. Markey is joined by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, and Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, both of whom sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Im going to work hard with my colleagues to find a way to force that trial to be televised, Markey said. So the American people can see the most important trial weve ever had in our countrys history, an attempt by a former president to stay in power, like undermining the United States Constitution. However, many critics of Trump have argued that giving him any type of platform could be dangerous as it could incite his supporters, some of whom take to extreme measures to defend the former president. Sen. Markey said he believes that the American people must show the same courage the original colonists did when they rose up to King George III during the Boston Tea Party. The original colonists, they rose up to create the liberty which we enjoy today and this generation, similarly has to rise up in order to protect our liberty, knowing that there is going to be fierce pushback by the MAGA right-wing of Trump supporters all across our country, Sen. Markey said. But equally, the people who want to protect our democracy have to rise up as well. There is no option, this generations existential fight begins with this trial. Read More: Donald Trump to make first court appearance Tuesday As the 2024 election is just in its earliest phases Trump who is running for the Republican partys nomination already has a strong lead in the polls. The former president holds a 54% lead among GOP voters, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll. Some experts are already questioning whether Trump can take another election win, even amid criminal charges. Obviously, he has a hardcore of supporters, who want him in office at any price, Sen. Markey said. But for the majority of Americans, they realize the price is too high if democracy is compromised if the Constitution is compromised and thats the struggle that were in right now. And this trial is getting right to the heart of that struggle. Material from The Associated Press was used in this article. Each weekend over the next month, theres a New England country fair within 45 minutes of Westfield. With affordable admission prices of $10 or less, often free for young kids, the entire family can enjoy tractor and truck pulls, youth dairy and sheep shows, craft barns, live music, tasty fair food and petting zoos, to name a few. We clearly have an epidemic of substance abuse disorder in Westfield, as well as the rest of the commonwealth and country. We also have advocates and experts doing their best to save lives from opiate use on many levels. Usually the overwhelming and primary difficulty in implementing a solution to any community problem is money. A recent court settlement ensures an influx of funds. Federal opiate settlement monies are a result of the Massachusetts attorney general settling lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors and retailers for their responsibility in contributing to the opioid crisis. Massachusetts is receiving about $90 million from Purdue Pharma alone. The settlement requires that states and municipalities receive billions of dollars annually, with a current end date of 2038. The money is to be used for opioid prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. The commonwealths State-Subdivision Agreement states that 40% of the funds go directly to municipalities and 60% to the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund. Municipalities receive input from the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council on how to best to use the money. The council is made up of 20 public health experts, government leaders and families affected by opioid use. The state Legislature passed a law in 2020 that the funds be used for prevention and treatment of opioid disorders. It clarifies that they must supplement existing funding rather than replace it. The law also established the council. Clark University is asking the city to sign off on a waiver that would help transform a block of Main South by demolishing three buildings and constructing a 156,000-square-foot building in their place. The buildings 926-928, 930 and 932-934 Main St. are all designated historic buildings since they were built in 1914 and 1925. Due to their historic designation, the university needs permission from the citys Historical Commission to demolish them without waiting the usual 12 months, a delay intended to allow time to find a suitable reuse for the property. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb has called for Islamic-Islamic dialogue between Islamic scholars around the world, of all sects and schools, to establish unity following the frequent Quran-burning incidents in the past two months in Europe. In a recent statement, El-Tayeb reiterated Al-Azhars condemnation of all forms of disrespect for the Quran and Islam, and framed current events as an impetus to pan-Muslim unity. Al-Azhar expresses its hope that this inhumane and uncivilized incident, and others like it, will be the greatest incentive to heal rifts and unite Muslims around the globe to stand up to the challenge of those who assail their security, and mock their sanctities, without the least respect for their religious feelings, said the sheikh. El-Tayeb also confirmed in his statement his determination to move forward in holding an "Islamic-Islamic" dialogue between Islamic scholars of all countries and sects, united against contempt for the faith. The Grand Imam also noted that he had recently received a letter from Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, head of Irans most influential Shia seminary, thanking him for Al-Azhars condemnation of insults against Islams holy book. The prominent position of noble Egypt and its forums of religious knowledge, especially Al-Azhar University, is prestigious, decisive, and inspiring, said Arafi. The Grand Imam replied to the Ayatollah with his sincere appreciation for the gesture. El-Tayeb, who heads the worlds most influential Sunni institution, has been vocal since the beginning of the Quran-burning incidents in Sweden and Denmark in recent weeks. The sheikh has called for a broad boycott of both countries products. Al-Azhar also renewed its call to all Arab and Islamic peoples to continue boycotting all Swedish and Danish products in support of Allah and His Holy Book. Said El-Tayeb in his statement on Tuesday. Search Keywords: Short link: Senior Russian diplomat Oleg Ozerov spoke to Ahram Online about Russia's effort to consolidate the sovereignty of African countries and to raise their representation in the Security Council and international organizations, in order to transform the continent into an internationally influential force. Ozerov, who is Russias ambassador at large for special missions and head of the secretariat of the Russian-African Partnership Forum, made his remarks on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit, which was held in St. Petersburg 27-29 July. Ahram Online: What were the most important goals for the second Russia-Africa Summit? Oleg Ozerov: The main objective was to assess the achievements of the first summit held in Sochi in 2019, under the joint chairmanship of presidents Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Vladimir Putin. The summit is the largest and most important event in the relations between Russia and the countries of the African continent. The goals included exchanging views with African countries on strengthening cooperation programmes at the political, economic, and humanitarian levels before the next summit in 2026. Views on a full range of strategic cooperation issues were reviewed, and the development of Russian-African cooperation aspects was discussed. Additionally, the summit aimed to foster multilateral joint action between Russia, African countries, and African economic organizations and blocs to identify real projects of cooperation. One of the key political philosophies of the summit was to strengthen the sovereignty of African countries as a goal of Russia's foreign policy. The aim was to consolidate the sovereignty of African countries across political, economic, technological, scientific, and educational levels, empowering countries to develop their national economies. This, in turn, would transform the African continent into a new pole and an influential force on the international stage. Contrary to the expectations of Western countries, the summit and forum witnessed significant momentum and an overwhelming presence from the majority of African countries. Official delegations from 49 African countries participated, 27 of which were represented by their presidents, along with delegations at the level of prime ministers and ministers, and representatives from African organizations and economic blocs. This reflected the high level of interest from all participants. Discussions were centred on achieving promising successes for the economies of their countries, coordinating foreign policies, increasing trade and investment flows, joint industrial cooperation, and deepening the Russian-African partnership. President Putin was keen on meeting with all African heads of state who participated in the summit and forum, led by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. AO: How does Russia view the role of the African continent in the future? OO: Our primary goal was to lead the construction of an international policy and a world order based on equal rights and capabilities for all countries, including African nations, and to build a multipolar system where there are no dictates from any one pole in any field economic, political, or social. Russia believes that the African continent will play a pioneering and greater role in the future, and this was emphasized in the closing statement of the summit. Russia supports raising the level of representation of African countries in the Security Council and even restructuring the council to ensure broader representation for Africa. Economic reports suggest that the African continent is growing at a faster pace than other continents and is expected to become one of the largest economies in the world within the next 20 to 30 years. Hence, Russia supports efforts aimed at consolidating integration at the continental level and strengthening economic relations between African countries. AO: Did the summit achieve its desired goals? OO: Despite criticism from Western countries, the summit achieved its desired goals at all levels, particularly in the political field. It marked a true beginning for the principle of building a new multipolar world, free from external dictates on the African continent. The participants also emphasized their rejection of conflict, unilateral sanctions, and any forms of new colonialism in the world. The summit addressed the economic development of African countries, aiming to move away from the influence of Western countries. The final statement of the summit outlined a program for joint action among all participating African countries and Russia, fostering multiple relations in the coming period. The summit resulted in five main documents, including the Declaration of the Second Russian-African Summit, the Declaration on Preventing an Arms Race in Outer Space, the Declaration on Cooperation in the Field of Ensuring International Information Security, the Declaration on Strengthening Cooperation in Combating Terrorism, and the Action Plan of the Russian-African Partnership Forum for the period 2023-2026. The forum also witnessed the signing of numerous memorandums of understanding with African blocs, including 161 agreements covering various areas of cooperation, such as humanitarian, international and regional cooperation, education and science, scientific and technical cooperation, and export and economic activity. AO: What about the cooperation and projects with Egypt came out of the summit and the forum? OO: Egypt is a strategic partner for Russia, and the two countries will soon celebrate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. During the summit, discussions focused on developing relations and joint projects, including the establishment of the Dabaa nuclear power plant and the industrial zone project in the Suez Canal area. Additionally, there were talks about supplying Egypt with Russian-made trains and establishing a train maintenance factory. The discussions between presidents El-Sisi and Putin also covered grain and wheat exports from Russia to Egypt in the long term and at the international level. AO: What is Russias expected role towards Africa, especially after the summit? OO: The summit approved the action plan of the Russian-African Partnership Forum for the period from 2023 to 2026, and our focus now is on implementing it. Over the next year and the following three years, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the foreign ministries and concerned ministries of African countries, will discuss how to develop relations and work on implementing ongoing and future projects. As the general secretariat of the summit and the forum, we will make significant efforts to achieve the goals outlined in the plan. Working visits to African countries will be organized, with Egypt being one of the first countries on our list. Search Keywords: Short link: Sweden condemns the regrettable acts of Quran burnings and is studying ways to curb these racist acts as well as various forms of intolerance towards religions and beliefs, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Tobias Billstrom said on Friday. Billstrom made the remarks in a phone call with Egypts Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry, following repeated instances of Quran burnings and desecration in Sweden, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. The ministry stressed that these incidents represent a flagrant violation of the right to freedom of expression and a misuse of this right in a way that provokes Muslims around the world. Such provocative acts undermine interfaith dialogue that seeks to promote social coexistence and peace, Shoukry warned. In recent weeks, Egypt has strongly condemned such acts, and in response, summoned both the Danish ambassador to Egypt and the charge daffaires at the Swedish Embassy in Cairo to address the matter. In a recorded speech on 11 July at a meeting held by the UN Human Rights Council against the backdrop of the Quran burnings, Shoukry called for Western governments to take action against religious hatred. Legal measures Recent Quran burnings in Denmark and Sweden have brought wide-ranging condemnation from Muslim states and even caused diplomatic tensions. In a statement late in July, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he has been in close dialogue with his government as well as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Kristersson said Stockholm has already started analyzing the legal situation, including the Public Order Act. The Swedish FM said in a tweet early this month that the government is very clear in its rejection of the Islamophobic acts carried out by individuals at demonstrations in Sweden. The Government is very clear in its rejection of the Islamophobic acts carried out by individuals at demonstrations in Sweden. The Ministry of Justice is analysing the legal situation, including the Public Order Act. Tobias Billstrom (@TobiasBillstrom) August 1, 2023 Billstrom said Sweden will also examine proposals and recommendations included in the resolution on repeated Quran burning and desecration crimes adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) late in July. We will examine these [proposals] carefully and continue our important dialogue with the OIC and its member states. We have an interest in close cooperation, Billstrom added. In its resolution, the OIC urged its 57 member states to consider taking any necessary decisions and actions that they deem appropriate in their relations" with the countries where Quran burnings and desecration take place, including recalling their ambassadors in Denmark and Sweden. For his part, Denmark's Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Rasmussen also affirmed in a phone call with Shoukry on Friday that his government is studying several measures and legislations to prevent the recurrence of Quran burnings. Search Keywords: Short link: Saudi Arabia hosted talks on the Ukraine war Saturday in the latest flexing of its diplomatic muscle, a session that Kyiv acknowledged would "not be easy" given the wide range of countries represented. The meeting, which Ukrainian organisers said would include representatives from nearly 40 countries but not Russia, began on Saturday afternoon in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, participants said. According to an agenda seen by AFP, the session was expected to feature three hours of statements from various delegations before a two-hour closed discussion and a dinner. "I predict that the conversation will not be easy, but the truth is on our side," the head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, said in an interview broadcast on Friday. "We have many disagreements and we have heard many positions, but it is important that we share our principles," said Yermak, who headed Kyiv's delegation to the talks. "Our task is to unite the whole world around Ukraine." Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, failing in its attempt to take the capital but seizing swathes of eastern territory that Western-backed Ukrainian troops are fighting to recapture. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's office said this week that the meeting would focus on his 10-point peace formula that calls for the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. It also calls for the restoration of Ukraine's borders -- including the territory of Crimea, unilaterally annexed by Russia in 2014. Russia has in the past said any negotiations would need to take into account "new territorial realities". Bringing in BRICS The Jeddah meeting follows talks in Copenhagen in June that were designed to be informal and did not yield an official statement. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan headed Washington's delegation at the talks, a senior White House official said. While Washington does not expect a major breakthrough or joint statements to come out of Saturday's session, diplomats said the Ukraine-organised meetings were intended to engage a range of countries in debates about a path towards peace -- notably members of the BRICS bloc with Russia that have adopted a more neutral stance on the war in contrast to Western powers. China, which says it is a neutral party in the conflict but has been criticised by Western governments for refusing to condemn Russia, announced on Friday it was sending its special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui. India and South Africa also sent officials to Jeddah, while Celso Amorim, special adviser for international affairs to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, participated via video conference, according to Brazil's foreign ministry. Speaking on Friday, Zelensky welcomed the participation of developing countries hit hard by the surge in food prices triggered by the war. Yet Brazil's Amorim told Saturday's meeting that "any real negotiation must include all parties," including Russia, according to a copy of his statement shared with AFP. "Although Ukraine is the biggest victim, if we really want peace, we have to involve Moscow in this process in some form." Saudi 'balancing' The meeting highlights Saudi Arabia's "readiness to exert its good offices to contribute to reaching a solution that will result in permanent peace", the official Saudi Press Agency said Friday. The world's biggest crude exporter, which works closely with Russia on oil policy, Riyadh has touted its ties to both sides and positioned itself as a possible mediator in the war. In May, the kingdom hosted Zelensky at an Arab summit also in Jeddah, where he accused some leaders of turning "a blind eye" to the horrors of Russia's invasion. Riyadh has adopted a "classic balancing strategy" that could soften Russia's response to this weekend's summit, said Umar Karim, an expert on Saudi politics at the University of Birmingham. Saudi officials see Saturday's talks as evidence of its global influence and vindication of its emphasis on diversifying diplomatic partners. "These talks are a prime example of the success of Saudi Arabia's multipolar strategy of maintaining strong ties to Ukraine, Russia and China," said Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the government. Moving forward Riyadh "wants to be in the company of an India or a Brazil, because only as a club can these middle powers hope to have impact on the world stage," said Joost Hiltermann, Middle East programme director for the International Crisis Group. "Whether they will be able to agree on all things, such as the Ukraine war, is a big question." Search Keywords: Short link: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has laid out options to ensure key military jobs still get done as a standoff in the Senate over confirming senior military nominees shows no signs of ending any time soon. In a memo dated Aug. 2, Austin recommended several ways to "mitigate the harms caused by the hold" that Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has placed on all nominees to become one-star generals and admirals and above. "This unprecedented, across-the-board hold is having a cascading effect, increasingly hindering the normal operations of this department and undermining both our military readiness and our national security," Austin wrote in the memo, which was obtained by Military.com and first reported by CNN. Read Next: Army's New Enlisted Leader: The Bet a Green Beret Can Lead the Rank and File While Austin urged the Senate to "fulfill its responsibilities," he added that "for now, the department must make every effort to limit the damage caused by this hold, including the disruption that it is causing our military families." Among the options Austin provided the military departments is that, in "extraordinary cases," two-star generals and admirals or below who are not normally in the line of succession can temporarily lead an organization if they're not the nominee to be the permanent leader. Since late February, Tuberville has used a procedural tactic known as a hold to block confirmation of all general and flag officer nominees over his opposition to the Pentagon's recently implemented policy covering travel and leave for service members seeking abortions. He has vowed to maintain the hold until the Pentagon repeals the policy or Congress enshrines it in law. While a hold cannot prevent a nominee from being confirmed, it means the Senate must take individual roll call votes on each rather than confirming them in batches in voice votes as it usually does for noncontroversial military nominees. And the Democratic Senate leadership has resisted scheduling individual roll call votes, both because of the time-consuming process and for fear of emboldening senators to use the same tactic as Tuberville in the future. Even if Democrats were inclined to hold roll call votes, the Senate is on its summer recess, meaning the soonest they could do so is September. Tuberville has pushed back on accusations that his hold harms the military, in part by arguing that no job will go undone. "All of these jobs are being done. My holds are NOT affecting national security," Tuberville posted Monday on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, in response to a White House post criticizing him. As the hold nears the six-month mark and ensnares about 300 nominees, it has been hitting increasingly prominent positions. On Friday, the Army chief of staff retired, leaving the service with an acting chief. The Marine Corps has also been without a Senate-confirmed commandant since July, making Friday the first time ever two U.S. military services have been led by acting chiefs at the same time. By mid-August, the number of services without full-time chiefs will grow to three as the Navys chief of naval operations retires. And at the end of September, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must depart too. Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have legally mandated term limits, meaning they have to step down even if their successors aren't in place. Outside the Joint Chiefs of Staff, leaders can stay until their successors are confirmed, but military officials have said some officers have personal circumstances that make staying difficult -- something Austin alluded to in his memo. "Incumbent heads of organizations may be asked to remain in place until their successor has been nominated, confirmed and appointed," he wrote. "Officers in the grades of O-9 and O-10 who are candidates to remain in place will be considered on a case-by-case basis for retention in their position, taking into account any hardship that may result from remaining in place." Consistent with the normal line of succession, officers serving right now in deputy or vice positions are allowed to temporarily take over top jobs regardless of whether they have been nominated for that job, he added. Three- and four-star officers can't leave their current positions if they're waiting to be confirmed for a new job, but they can perform the duties of another senior officer job in an acting capacity if they are in the line of succession, according to the memo. "I understand that these steps will not end or offset the risk to our readiness or our global leadership position," Austin wrote. "Nor will they resolve the uncertainty and stress inflicted upon our general and flag officers and their families, or alleviate the worries rippling further down our ranks. Let me again urge all those affected to remain resilient." -- Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report. -- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel. Related: 'Waiting Is Not an Option for Marines': Top Marine Officer Issues Guidance as Confirmation Stalls How to use the mindat.org media viewer Click/touch this help panel to close it. 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Summary of all keyboard shortcuts A huge fire that broke out Saturday at the old headquarters of the Ministry of Religious Endowments in Cairos city centre has been brought under control. No casualties have been reported due to the fire, the Cairo governorate said in a statement. Cairo Governor Khaled Abdel-Aal said that civil protection forces have put out the fire and are working to prevent it from reigniting. The governor ordered the formation of an engineering committee to check on the condition of the building after the incident. The damaged building will be cleaned up after the Public Prosecution and criminal investigation department inspect the building to determine the cause of the fire, Abdel-Aal noted. The city centre headquarters was empty as employees had been relocated to the ministry's new headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, east of Cairo, three weeks ago, sources at the ministry said. According to reports, 12 fire engines rushed to the scene to limit the spread of fire to neighbouring buildings in the densely populated neighbourhood. Search Keywords: Short link: DETROIT, MI A 29-year-old Lansing resident was critically injured Saturday morning after being thrown from a motorcycle on I-94 in Detroit. Michigan State Police troopers say the crash occurred around 4:50 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, on westbound I-94 at I-75. The driver of the motorcycle, a 30-year-old man, told police he was run off the interstate roadway by an unknown vehicle, causing him to lose control, troopers said. The motorcycle drove into the ramp lane and then began to tumble, throwing the driver and the Lansing resident, who was his passenger, from the bike, according to troopers. The passenger suffered critical injuries, and the driver suffered minor injuries. Troopers say they suspect drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. It remains under investigation. Read more on MLive: Tour a 16-acre Michigan estate with a farmhouse and wedding barns listed at $2.85M Seva celebrates 50 years of bringing vegetarian options to Ann Arbor Study examines race and criminal sentencings in Washtenaw County WASHTNEAW COUNTY, MI -- A study of Washtenaw Countys circuit court has shown white defendants are more likely to be given harsher sentences than their Black counterparts, in addition to revealing individual judges sentencing practices. A study conducted by the University of Michigan Criminal Justice Administrative Records System looked at more than 4,100 cases sentenced between 2015 and 2019 in Washtenaw Countys 22nd Circuit Court, specifically exploring variation in sentencing practices across judges. The goal of Michigans judiciary must be individualized sentences without disparity due to the race or ethnicity of the defendant, said Tom Boyd, state court administrator, in a statement announcing the study. This study will help trial judges become aware of disparities, so that they can take action to make sure their courts treat all defendants equally. The study found judges were varied in how they sentenced cases where prison time was mandated. It specifically looked at whether individual judges sentenced below, within or above the recommended length of sentence. While Judge Carol Kuhnke gave Black defendants sentences below the recommended range roughly 30% of the time, Judge Darlene OBrien did so 50% of the time. However, OBrien gave Black defendants sentences in the bottom third of the range just 23% of the time, compared to the 48% of the time similar sentences were given by Kuhnke. White defendants were given below-range sentences roughly 30% of the time, regardless of who was sentencing. Judges Archie Brown and David Swartz sentenced white defendants to the bottom third more than 37% of the time, while Kuhnke and OBrien did so fewer than 29% of the time. Overall, 77% of Black defendants were sentenced below or in the bottom third of the recommended range, compared to 64% of white defendants. Of the more than 4,100 cases looked at in the study, 55.7% involved Black defendants, while 44.3% involved white ones, according to the study. I wouldnt expect every judge to look the same, Kuhnke, who has served as the chief judge of the 22nd Circuit Court since 2019, told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. I will say that probably the biggest reason that we were very interested in doing this work is because we cant achieve equity without transparency. The study was done in partnership between the court and the State Court Administrative Office, Kuhnke said, adding there are plans to make similar data available statewide. Chief Judge Kuhnke is to be commended for supporting this important work, for playing a key role in helping it move forward, and for wanting it to be widely shared, Boyd said in an email to MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Her commitment to equity and transparency is an example for judges statewide. The study also looked at cases in which the judge could choose between a variety of sentences, spanning from probation alone to prison time. For every case, the court creates a Prior Record Variable score (PRV) and an Offense Variable score (OV), using the defendants previous record and current offense details. The scores are then entered into a sentencing guideline grid to provide proper sentencing guidelines to judges. Black defendants were more likely to receive higher sentencing guidelines when compared to white defendants, according to the study. But, as both the report and Kuhnke pointed out, higher scores can also be a result of other factors in the judicial system. I would have been surprised if there was absolutely nothing if the result was that Black people and white people are sentenced exactly the same, Kuhnke said, adding the study tried to account for other disparities. We know that racism is baked into our society from A to Z. However, the study found that the sentencing scores did not fully account for which defendants were sentenced to prison. While both Black and white defendants were given sentences of prison or jail alone at similar rates, regardless of judge, variations were apparent for sentences of probation alone or jail and probation. For cases in which judges could choose what type of sentence defendants received, OBrien was more likely than her peers to sentence white defendants to jail and probation, while significantly less likely to give a sentence for probation alone for defendants of either race. The study is an important step in transparency, OBrien said in an email to MLive/The Ann Arbor News. I always strive to treat every person who appears before me fairly and to impose just, individualized sentences without regard to race or ethnicity, OBrien wrote. ...A more in-depth analysis will likely reveal other important factors not considered here... Other factors could include prior sentences given to the defendant, repeated victimization of the same person or whether an agreement had been reached between defendant and prosecution, OBrien said. I think every judge can do better, Kuhnke said. I know that we work regularly to improve our decision making and to achieve the most equitable and fair results that we can. Being able to see it like this is helpful. The study was inspired by a 2020 study conducted by Citizens for Racial Equity in Washtenaw that found Black defendants receive more charges, more convictions and harsher sentences than whites, Kuhnke said. The courts are mysterious, Kuhnke said, and we want to take away some of that mystery and let the public see what were doing so that we can be held accountable and we can hold ourselves accountable. Read the full study here. 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: We need some relief. Talks of reparations for Black residents underway in Ypsilanti Double amputee shot in back of head is among rash of panhandler victims in Detroit Shipwreck hunters find vessel in deep water of Lake Michigan NEWAYGO, MI Pettit Lake had lots of police presence on Saturday, not because of an emergency, but for a day of boating and fishing. With fishing poles and tackle boxes laid out across picnic tables, the Uptown Church GR invited the Grand Rapids Police Department and Kent County Sheriffs Office to interact with children. Law enforcement officers spent time getting to know the kids through fishing for the second year in a row. One of the children, Jose Vazquez Jr., is back for his second time around, ready to show the cops what he can do. His goal was to catch at least two fish. His little brother, Joshua Vazquez said his goal was 30 fish. Last year, I had no luck, Jose said. Jose said he was going for the biggest catch. The boys father, Jose Vasquez Sr., said he brought his three children for the first event last year, seeing the vision of bringing the community together and showing the children of the church what the cops do to protect and serve communities. I enjoy myself and the kids enjoy themselves fishing and swimming and getting on the boats, so here we are again this year, Jose said. Related: MLive reviewed 10 police union contracts in Michigan. Heres what we found. The free event was completely community-run, as church member Agnes Kerkstra loaned out her house for the day to hold a picnic and use the dock to launch boats. Eight fishing boats and pontoons were loaned out by the Pettit Lake community this year, an increase from the single boat they had last year. Gregory Amunga, senior pastor of Uptown Church, said the idea behind the program was to build relationships early on with police in the neighborhood and build rapport with children. With three or four kids to a boat, Amunga hopes the conversations can be personal to each child. One of the officers looking to make a difference was Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Eric Winstrom. Winstrom said he loves to take opportunities to meet children in his community because in his early career, the only time he would interact with kids was when they were responding to a call from their house or pulling over their parents for a traffic stop. We want to let the kids know were very much human, Winstrom said. We very much care about the kids and were not the enemy. Were not. We care about them here and we care about them when were at work, patrolling the area. Winstrom said it has been hard to make community connections in the past few years after public opinion of police soured following high-profile police shootings of civilians like George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. Related: Appeal in Patrick Lyoya killing set for September argument Locally, West Michigan residents protested the Grand Rapids Police Department after former GRPD Officer Christopher Schurr shot and killed 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya last April. Lyoya was shot in the back of the head after a struggle with Schurr. Winstrom feels lucky to have an event like this to share what they do with the community. Policing is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future, and police are necessary, Winstom said. Having adults in Grand Rapids that still embrace us and say, Hey, we know that the police department is important and we want to support them, and making these connections for us is huge. Winstrom said he looks forward to not talking about policing once he gets on the boat, but connecting with the children through fishing. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Read more on MLive: Early morning apartment fire displaces 16 residents in Grand Rapids A few changes to early week storm you should know Michigans 20 most dangerous intersections in 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A man sought help at a Grand Rapids fire station after being shot in a leg on Friday, Aug. 4. The shooting was reported about 7:25 p.m. on Brown Street just west of Division Avenue. A Grand Rapids fire station sits right at the intersection. Police said the man had injuries not considered life-threatening. There was no immediate suspect information. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Beltline Bar has been in the community for almost 70 years, changing the face of Tex-Mex cuisine in West Michigan. Located at 16 28th St. SE, Beltline Bar is known as the original home of the wet burrito, a Midwestern staple since it was coined at the restaurant in 1966. Titled the Famous Burrito, it is a ground beef and bean burrito combination of locally-sourced fresh ground beef, marinated and cooked in-house with homemade refried beans, lettuce and tomato all rolled up with homemade burrito sauce and freshly grated Colby Jack cheese on top for $13. General Manager Sean Karim said they serve guests in their 50s the same burritos they had in the same booths as a kid, becoming a staple in the community for delicious food. Before they put a man on the moon, we put a wet burrito in someones stomach, Karim said. While Karim has only been a general manager since November, he took the job with pride based on the accolades over the past 60 years such as being coined the best burrito in all of Grand Rapids. While every burrito is a wet burrito at Beltline Bar, there are 12 different styles of wet burritos for customers to choose from. Their best seller is the Old Mission, a steak fajita burrito with queso on top instead of red burrito sauce for $19. While there are wet burritos specifically on the menu, Beltline Bar can customize any wet burrito as well as accommodate gluten free customers with gluten free shells or switch the classic burrito to a burrito bowl. If youre looking for something other than a burrito, Karim suggests the fajitas that come out of the kitchen sizzling with marinated in-house fajita vegetables and steak. When you smell those fajitas and you see them sizzling in the air, its just a whole unique experience, Karim said. Beltlines steak fajitas are $20 and their chicken fajitas are $18. The appetizer Karim wants people to try more often is their flautas de pollo, which he calls fancy taquitos, deep frying chicken in a corn tortilla and served with spicy cream sauce for $16. When it comes to the bar, Karim calls his bartenders liquid chefs, creating all sorts of margarita and drink specials that go well with any happy hour. Karim recommends Beltline Bars house margarita. Customers are also able to take their margaritas with them in pouches with matching plastic margarita glasses, taking the lime and salt with you. Beltline Bar is celebrating its 70th birthday soon with some special deals such as $7 wet burritos for the entire weekend of Sept. 15-17 and other birthday festivities. Our rich history being in the community for over 69 years now is something that we consider ourselves to be a big pillar of the Grand Rapids community, Karim said. Beltline Bar is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sundays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 11 a.m.-midnight Thursdays through Saturdays. Full menu options can be found at beltlinebar.com. Contact the restaurant at 616-245-0494 or beltlinebar@4gr8food.com. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Read more: Laser tag, bowling coming to Grand Rapids-area mall Neighborhoods around West Michigan gather for National Night Out New mammography bus to reduce health inequities for vulnerable women in Grand Rapids Michigans Best Local Eats: Arturos Tacos in Grand Haven offers authentic Mexican cuisine GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Colorful tents filled with handmade jewelry, clothing and pottery lined the entrance of the 45th annual Hispanic Festival on Saturday at Calder Plaza. The free event benefits the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and takes place from Aug. 4-6 celebrating Latin Americas cuisine, music and culture. Related: Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival returns to Calder Plaza with live music, artisan market I just love the music, the food and I even get to practice my Spanish, said Laura Standel of Grand Rapids. Standel tries to make it to the Hispanic Festival every year. I love coming here but the food is definitely my favorite part, Rafael Castanon of Grand Rapids said while putting toppings on his taco at La Favorita Mexican Restaurants tent. Handmade artists like Ana Luz Sainz-Rodriguez set up their stand for people to shop. Sainz-Rodriguez, born in Mexico, came to Michigan when she was young and has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico. She moved back for a few years to Michoacan until coming back to Michigan for high school. Sainz-Rodriguez started Light Studio Pottery selling handmade mugs, vases, bowls and more. The event continues through Sunday, Aug. 6, featuring bands Son De Mexico, BM All Stars, Los Ramones De Nuevo Leon and Banda Maguey until 6 p.m. For event updates, visit the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival Facebook page. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Read more from MLive: Early morning apartment fire displaces 16 residents in Grand Rapids A few changes to early week storm you should know Michigans 20 most dangerous intersections in 2022 ROTHBURY, MI - For those in West Michigan looking for a new go-to spot to stop for a quick bite, this small-town Mexican restaurant has everything a foodie can want and more. Federico Flores opened Ricos Tamales at 7807 S. Michigan Ave. in Rothbury on July 4, 2015, to a crowd of hungry customers eager for a homey meal and a refreshing drink to complete the fun night full of red, white and blue fireworks. Flores said he started out the business by word of mouth, resulting in the surprising constant flow of customers. As the months and years went by, more people found out about it, he told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. We didnt really do a lot of marketing. Everybody that came was just from word of mouth. And every year that comes by, we get a lot busier. Flores said all of the recipes on the menu are created by him and his wife. He said that they tried and tried to perfect it, and finally wrote the recipe down and stuck to it. We played a little bit with the ingredients here and there until we got where people just loved it, he said. Were planning to add a few more items to the menu, but we just have to wait and see when were ready to do it. But theres a surprise and I know people are going to love it. In the meantime, Flores said the menu is going to stick to the basics, which he already knows the customers are a fan of. Some of the best sellers on the menu include the savory tamales, barbacoa tacos and combination plates with refried beans, rice, tacos, and tamales. Customers can order the tamales with beef, chicken, cheese and jalapeno, chicken and cheese, or steak and cheese. Each order by the dozen ranges between $15-$17 and $8.50-$9 for a half-dozen. If anybody asks me, What are the best sellers? I believe they are all equal, Flores said. Still, he said that he and his team are making tamales around the clock to keep up with demand. I tell everybody that were making tamales constantly, Flores said. We always have to get ready for the next day. As soon as we make some, they fly out the door. As soon as were done, we just keep cooking them. All day were cooking tamales, making tamales. We just never stop. He said he encourages customers that have a craving for tamales to always call ahead of time, especially one day ahead. Other options on the menu that customers can take home are the homemade hot sauces that are available for the tacos, tamales and sides. Flores touts the space as a comfortable space thats just been remodeled to fit the traditional flare and bigger dining space. He said that he tries to have a great relationship with every customer. We want to make the people feel like its not just a franchise where you order food and go home, Flores told MLive. I want them to come in and make them feel like they belong somewhere, make them feel at home. Youre coming for good customer service and good food. In the future, he said he hopes to add more team members so he can stay open later. Hours of operation for Ricos Tamales are Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call the restaurant at 231-343-6596 to place an order ahead of time. Want more Muskegon area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. Would you like MLive to consider featuring your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Skyla Jewell-Hammie at sjewell-hammie@mlive.com. Read more: 5 fun things to do in Muskegon this weekend (Aug. 4-6) $11M Meijer Sports Complex halfway to fundraising goal, building 20 pickleball courts Mr. Burger restaurant chain to open its 8th location in Grand Rapids area New bar offers live entertainment, yard games in Montague The Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) was filled to capacity on Friday, August 4, 2023, as music lovers from all over Ghana gathered to celebrate the life and music of legendary Highlife musician Pat Thomas. The Pat Thomas Highlife Night concert was a star-studded event, with performances by some of Ghanas biggest music stars, including KK Fosu, Kwabena Kwabena, Okyeame Kwame,Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Oheneba Kissi and Sherifa Gunu. The concert also featured special appearances by former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, and aspiring presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Alan Kyeremanten. The concert was a celebration of Pat Thomass long and illustrious career in music. Pat Thomas is a highlife legend, and his songs have been enjoyed by generations of fans. He is known for his hit songs such as Sika Ye Mogya, and Mewo Akoma, . The concert was also a way to raise money for the Pat Thomas Music Foundation in order to set up a music school at Agona in the Ashanti Region to train young talents. The Pat Thomas Highlife Night concert was a huge success. The audience were treated to a night of great music, and they were able to celebrate the life and music of one of Ghanas most beloved musicians. Watch how President Akufo-Addo arrived at the concert Source: GhanaWeekend.com France on Friday rejected a move by Niger's junta to scrap bilateral military pacts, saying only the west African country's "legitimate" leadership was entitled to do so. Meanwhile a regional Ecowas delegation quit the country after failing to secure the return to power of Niger's elected government. "The legal framework of France's defence agreement with Niger is based on accords that were signed with the legitimate Nigerien authorities," the foreign ministry said, after the junta in Niamey said it was cancelling military cooperation agreements with Paris. The news came after a team from west African bloc Ecowas left Niger on Friday without meeting the country's junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani. The Economic Community of West African States delegation arrived in the capital on Thursday "but did not spend the night" as scheduled, nor meet with General Tchiani or ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Nigeria, which holds the rotating presidency of Ecowas, has imposed sanctions on Niger on Sunday and gave the coup leaders a week to restore Bazoum to power or risk possible armed intervention. However, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu said the bloc would do its best to resolve the crisis amicably but Ecowas said it could use military force as a last resort. Regional military chiefs are currently in Nigeria's capital Abuja to discuss the possibility of such an intervention. EU condemns French media blackout in Niger Also on Friday, the European Union "strongly condemned" the blocking of France 24 and RFI broadcasts in Niger, where the coup has sparked protests against the country's former colonial ruler. "This step is a serious violation of the right to information and freedom of expression. The EU strongly condemns these violations of fundamental freedoms," EU spokeswoman Nabila Massrali said on Twitter. In a statement from France Medias Monde, "The broadcasting of RFI and France 24 has been interrupted in the country. France Medias Monde deplores this decision taken outside any conventional and legal framework, further depriving citizens in the region of their access to free and independent information. "This incident follows previous cases of censorship faced by RFI and France 24 in Mali and Burkina Faso in recent months. The group reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the freedom of information, and the safety of its journalists," it added. Meanwhile Niger's coup leaders have lifted the curfew they imposed after taking power on 26 July. "The curfew imposed since July 26, 2023 is officially lifted as of today," according to a decree dated late Thursday and signed by General Tchiani. Egypts Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry will head to NDjamena, Chad on Sunday to participate in the first ministerial mechanism meeting aimed at addressing the ongoing Sudanese crisis, according to a statement by the ministry on Saturday. In the meeting, the foreign ministers of Sudan's neighbouring countries will deliberate on the security, political, and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis, read the statement. They will also assess its impact on the Sudanese people and its wider regional and international repercussions. The primary objective will be to devise actionable proposals for neighbouring states to help end the crisis. The proposed solutions will aim to preserve the unity of Sudan, ensure regional stability, and safeguard the countrys valuable resources, the statement added. The ministerial mechanism was established during the Sudans Neighbouring Countries Summit held on 13 July in Cairo. During the summit, participating countries, including Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central Africa, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, along with representatives from the Arab League and the African Union Commission (AUC), discussed strategies to halt the bloodshed in Sudan and manage its repercussions on neighbouring nations. Search Keywords: Short link: 05.08.2023 LISTEN NPP Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso constituency, Dr. Stephen Amoah is asking Ghanaians to be patient and understanding as the Akufo-Addo government works towards stabilising the economy from the ruins of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a discussion on Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show on the mid-year budget review presented by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Parliament, Dr. Stephen Amoah noted that though government has not completely resolved all the challenges facing the country, there has been a significant turning point in the efforts made to restore the economy post-COVID. "If we say we have solved the problems of the country, it is not true but there has been a turning point...We are deepening restoration. "Were attaining growth and stability gradually post COVID economy," Dr. Stephen Amoah stated. He urged Ghanaians to bear in mind that the road to economic recovery is a gradual process. Dr. Amoah called for a change in the behaviour and mindset of citizens and support the government's efforts. He stressed that regardless of who leads the nation if Ghanaians' attitudes and behaviours do not change, it will be challenging to achieve the desired development. "We can bring back past leaders - we can bring former President Mahama back. We can bring Nana Addo back. We can bring former President Kufour back. We can bring Tony Blair back, but unless the mindset and attitude of us as citizens change, progress will remain elusive," he asserted. The Nhyiaeso MP identified the need for a paradigm shift in how the nation addresses common issues, particularly when it comes to the importation of certain basic items. He questioned why Ghana imports basic items such as oranges, suggesting that the country should aim for self-sufficiency in producing and providing such essential goods. "We must sit and think as stakeholders why Ghana should import things like oranges...these are the basic problems and things that, as a country, we should say enough is enough," he urged. Dr. Stephen Amoah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Nhyiaeso constituency has candidly admitted that the previous and current government are to be blamed for the predicament the Komenda Sugar Factory finds itself in. During an interview on Peace FM's Kokrokoo morning show, Dr. Stephen Amoah acknowledged that though the factory collapsed during the previous Mahama government, the current administration must also take the blame for its handling of the factory, as it failed to implement proper plans to revive the facility. "I blame the NDC and my government for doing a fine thing to create jobs but everyday we say the problem is sugarcane. So, what measures did we put into planning before we established that company that we couldn't think of the availability of raw materials?" he questioned. Highlighting the importance of investing in the agricultural sector, the Nhyiaeso MP urged the NPP government to take the matter seriously. He stressed that strategic planning and foresight are essential when establishing industrial projects, especially those that heavily rely on specific raw materials like the Komenda Sugar Factory. The MP also touched on the government's "Planting for Food and Jobs" policy, commending it as a laudable concept for promoting local agriculture, job creation, and food security by reducing the need for imports. However, he emphasized that the effectiveness of such policies hinges on the precise design and implementation of value chains that can be adapted to meet the country's overall demand. He said, the Planting for Food and Jobs policy is a very good concept. It's the best for the country, so we cut down on importation. We create jobs and have our own food security well-managed, he stated. However, he questioned that, "at the end of day, what goes into the plan, the framework, the design of the value chain that can be modeled and that can be adjusted to meet aggregate demand?" The MP believes that Ghana can achieve economic self-sufficiency by retooling the economy and reducing its dependence on food imports. Central Regional Police Command is investigating a 14-year-old boy for his alleged involvement in a robbery that led to him sustaining deep machete wounds. The suspect was arrested while receiving medical treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. Residents of Potsin in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region got terrified after Philip Dadzie, a JHS 2 student was discovered in a bush in a pool of blood on July 26th 2023. He had sustained severe machete wounds on various parts of the body. At the time, he told rescuers that he was attacked by some unknown assailants who had asked for directions from him while embarking on an early morning jog on Wednesday, 26TH July 2023 along the Potsin Dominase stretch. News of his attack attracted public sympathy and even prompted some members of the community in the diaspora to make financial contributions towards his medical bills. But residents are shocked over the latest development of the matter as it has been revealed that the teenager rather sustained the machete wounds as a result of a clash between him and some security men at the Dominase Onion Market in an attempt to steal from the market. According to Citi News sources, the suspect on that fateful day went to the market in the company of four other suspects who are older than him and fall within the ages of 25 and 30 and that the suspect upon being intercepted by one of the security guards at the market pulled a knife to attack the guard who also retaliated by slashing the suspect with a machete multiple times. The suspect was, however, able to flee the scene and was later rescued by his other colleagues who dumped him on the outskirts of the Potsin township and coerced him to give his earlier narrative. The market's security guards upon seeing the media report followed up to the Potsin police station where the correct narrative was given. The suspect admitted to his involvement in the attempted stealing at the market following police interrogation. A resident who has been following up on the incident Ebo Anderson tells Citi News the latest turn of events marvels them. We are shocked to hear that a little bit of such age can engage in such an act and deceive the entire community to believe that he was actually attacked, Ebo Anderson said. The suspected has been discharged from the 37 Military Hospital in Accra where he received treatment and is currently assisting police with their inquiries while the other suspects are being pursued by the Police. Police has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a female adult, Akua Serwaa Kyei, on 3 August 2023, at Atwima Bebu in the Ashanti Region. According to the husband of the deceased, he returned home at about 5: 30 pm on 3 August 2023 and found the victim lying unconscious at the back of their house and rushed her to the hospital but she was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. He further alleged that their living room and bedroom were ransacked and a television set stolen. An initial assessment of the incident scene by the Police Crime Scene team revealed that no doors or windows in the house had been broken. Also, upon an inspection of body of the deceased at the hospital, no marks of violence or gun shot wound were found. The body has been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy as the investigation continues. The police has visited the family of the deceased and is working with them to get to the bottom of the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Inspector-General of Police has also spoken to the family via a telephone call and assured them of a thorough investigation into the case. A police clinical psychologists has also been assigned to the family to assist them in these trying times. Meanwhile, the deceased has been identified as the daughter of the muncipal chief executive of Bekwai. Historian and Lecturer at the Department of History, University of Cape Coast, Kwame Adjei Adjepong believe in founders' and not founder's day celebration in Ghana. He argued that according to historical records, Ako Adjei wrote that Paa Grant should be recognised as the founder of Ghana. According to Adjei Adjepong, he had the opportunity to edit Ebenezer Ako Adjeis primary account of his life, capturing his political activities with the UGCC and the CPP. "Ako Adjei had emphasised in this account that in view of the fact that George Alfred Grant was the founder of the independence movement in the country (UGCC), and to the extent that he invested a considerable part of his money in promoting the political advancement of Ghana to nationhood, he (Paa Grant) is the indisputable Father of the Nation Ghana", Adje Adjepong recounted. In a special holiday GBC Radio Central Morning, hosted by Miss Ruby Adams, August 4, 2023, Mr Adjei Adjepong however, averred that the founders' day is not only celebrating the Big Six as known in Ghana but celebrating all those who had contributed in diverse ways in helping Ghana achieve her independence. Highlighting whether we should celebrate Founder's or Founders', he said "I think Ako-Adjei looking at the monumental financial contributions of Paa Grant thinks that he deserved to be considered the founder of Ghana as such the country should celebrate the contributions of all others regarding our independence struggle and not just Nkrumah." According to Adjei Adjepong, African resistance to European presence and activities has generally been divided into three parts, namely primary resistance, secondary resistance and nationalism. "All of these took either the form of passive resistance: where the people resorted to non-payment of taxes, migration from their original place of abode to a new settlement, or any other form that showed their repugnance for the treatment they were being subjected to; or active or militant resistance: where the people physically engaged their enemies in armed encounters. "Primary resistance usually refers to any effort on the part of the local people to be concerned with any European activity, whether economic, social or political, that conflicted with their culture. It covers the period from the arrival of the Europeans to the period of the European scramble and partition of Africa," he stated. Secondary resistance according to Adjei Adjepong also refers to efforts Africans made to resist the official imposition of European rule on Africa from the 1880s to about 1914. This period he noted experienced several armed clashes between the European invaders and the African defenders. According to him, there is a theory, historic connexions of resistance movements, formulated by nationalist and anti-colonial historians, including Thomas Hodgkin, Ruth Schachter Morgenthau, and A.B. Davidson, to explain the relationship between the three stages of African resistance to European domination. "That theory shows African resistance struggles against European domination was a process and not an event which can be attributed to one person effort as is being peddled in Ghana. "The founding of Ghana he adds, is a long process. Several people contributed towards Ghana's independence. But, Nkrumah's contributions as the finisher of our independence struggle is monumental and pre-eminent", the historian emphasized. 05.08.2023 LISTEN The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has taken a strong stance against the government's decision not to scrape taxes on sanitary pads in the mid-year budget review. Despite his previous appeal to the government to use the budget review to eliminate taxes on this essential item, the Finance Minister's presentation on Monday failed to address the issue, disappointing many. During a parliamentary debate, the Speaker reacted to the matter raised by Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra, who defended the imposition of taxes on sanitary pads. Speaker Bagbin, however, expressed deep concern about the impact of these taxes on manufacturers and consumers. He said, "The government must reconsider its stance on sanitary pads. The taxes not only apply to imported products but also to locally manufactured ones, and even raw materials are subject to taxation." This issue is of great significance, and I take it seriously. Taxing women, including my mother, who brought me into this world, is something I cannot support. The state should address this matter seriously, he added. The Speaker further drew attention to the fact that there are countries where sanitary pads are provided for free, and many other nations have already removed the heavy taxes on them. He urged Ghana to follow suit and address this matter with all seriousness. West African regional bloc ECOWAS said on Friday its military chiefs had agreed a plan for a possible intervention in Niger, after it failed to secure a return to civilian rule there following last week's coup. "All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out, including the resources needed, and including the how and when we are going to deploy the force," said ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah. "We want diplomacy to work, and we want this message clearly transmitted to them (the junta) that we are giving them every opportunity to reverse what they have done," he added. The chiefs of staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) took the step after a delegation from the 15-nation bloc failed to broker a return to power of President Mohamed Bazoum, and the junta curtailed military cooperation with former colonial power France. The ECOWAS delegation had arrived on Thursday in the capital Niamey but did not stay overnight as scheduled, nor meet either Bazoum or coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani, a delegation member said on Friday. The bloc's military chiefs subsequently said they had agreed an intervention plan as Sunday's deadline neared for the junta to reinstate 63-year-old Bazoum, who was deposed on July 26. In a deepening of the regional crisis, the junta announced earlier on Friday it was scrapping military pacts between Niger and France, citing the former ruler's "careless attitude and its reaction to the situation". A T-shirt proclaming support for coup leaders in Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. By - (AFP) Niger has played a key part in Western strategies to combat a jihadist insurgency that has plagued the Sahel since 2012, with France and the United States stationing around 1,500 and 1,000 troops in the country respectively. France rejected the coup leaders' severing of military ties, insisting only the "legitimate" government could decide. Niger's ambassador to France said she did not recognise her sacking by the putschists and was loyal to Bazoum, feted in 2021 after winning an election that ushered in Niger's first-ever transfer of power from one civilian government to another. Warnings against military intervention Regional powerhouse Nigeria holds the rotating ECOWAS presidency, which has imposed sanctions and on Sunday gave the putschists a week to restore Bazoum to power or risk possible armed intervention. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said the bloc would do its best to resolve the crisis amicably, with military intervention a last resort. The junta has warned it would meet force with force. Russia, which has increased its footprint across the Sahel in recent years, said foreign intervention would not resolve the crisis. "It is unlikely that the intervention of any extra-regional force can change the situation for the better," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Niger, 2nd biggest natural uranium supplier to the EU. By Sylvie HUSSON, Valentina BRESCHI (AFP) Neighbouring Benin said diplomacy must remain the preferred solution. But Mali and Burkina Faso, which have both seen military governments take power in the past three years, have cautioned against any regional intervention, their respective juntas warning that would be tantamount to a "declaration of war". The European Union said it "strongly" condemned the blocking of French media broadcasts in Niger, where there have been protests against Paris since the coup. "This step is a serious violation of the right to information and freedom of expression. The EU strongly condemns these violations of fundamental freedoms," EU spokeswoman Nabila Massrali said on Twitter, which is being renamed X. Anti-French sentiment in the Sahel is growing -- as is Russian activity, often via Wagner. By - (AFP) Germany meanwhile urged continued "mediation efforts" to defuse the situation. Bazoum, held by the coup plotters with his family, said on Thursday that if the putsch proved successful, "it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world". In a column in The Washington Post -- his first lengthy statement since his detention -- Bazoum urged "the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order". Nationwide protests Thursday saw thousands of people rally to back the coup leaders on the anniversary of the country's 1960 independence, some waving giant Russian flags and chanting anti-French slogans. Anti-French sentiment in the region is on the rise, while Russian activity, often through the Wagner mercenary group, has grown. On Friday there werew sporadic rallies both for and against the putsch. Bazoum was elected in 2021, in Niger's first ever civilian transfer of power. By YVES HERMAN (POOL/AFP) Around 100 people from several western African nations rallied in Niamey to protest at any idea of a military intervention. But in the western town of Tahoua, several hundred people gathered to show support for Bazoum and demand his unconditional release, one local journalist reported. Bazoum warned on Thursday that Niger's neighbours have increasingly invited in "criminal Russian mercenaries such as the Wagner Group at the expense of their people's rights and dignity". "The entire Sahel region," he said, "could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner Group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine". In a sign of a partial return to normality, the putschists on Friday lifted a curfew in force since the July 26 takeover. France has evacuated 1,079 people from the country, more than half of them French nationals, while the US State Department said the United States has chartered a plane to evacuate non-essential personnel and US citizens wishing to leave the country. Spain's foreign ministry said Madrid had evacuated more than 70 people, including 16 Spanish nationals, from Niger aboard a government-chartered Airbus A330 military plane. The plane arrived at Torrejon airbase outside Madrid late on Friday afternoon with citizens from several countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on social media. Would-be fathers must endeavour to accompany their wives to ante-natal clinics as a way of supporting them to nurture the unborn babies and know what to expect during delivery. Ms Rosemary Fosuaa, a Senior Midwife at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) in Tema, said when men joined their partners to antenatal clinics where pregnancy schools were held, they would also have the knowledge of what to expect and the precautions to take. Speaking at the Ghana News Agency's health communication platform in Tema, dubbed; Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility, she said it was important to properly prepare both women and men ahead of delivery and post-natal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. When the men have the needed knowledge, they will be in a better position to support the women well in the various changes throughout the gestation period, Ms Fosuaa said. Going through the antenatal school enables men to understand that pregnancy brought minor changes in the physical being of the woman to accommodate the growing foetus. Men should also attend antenatal school; it is very important that we plan with the men and encourage them to attend all antenatal clinic sessions before joining in the delivery room. She said that helped eliminate shock as they were able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the men as to whether they could withstand the delivery process. We have had issues where some men signed in to be with their partners during delivery and ended up fainting on us, Ms Fosua said. She said to attract more men to attend antenatal care with their partners, the IMaH ensured that women accompanied by their partners received early care. Ideally, both the father and mother should have some psychological care after every delivery due to the numerous challenges that pregnancy and delivery expose them to, especially the women.'' GNA The Police in Ashanti Region have commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a female adult, Akua Serwaa Kyei on August 3 at Atwima Bebu, a statement on the official Facebook page of the Ghana Police Service, has revealed. It said the husband of the deceased returned home at about 17:30 hours and found the victim lying unconscious at the back of their house and rushed her to the Hospital but she was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. He alleged that their living room and bedroom were ransacked, and a television set stolen. An initial assessment of the incident scene by the Police Crime Scene team revealed that no doors or windows in the house had been broken into. Also, upon an inspection of deceased body at the hospital, no marks of violence or gunshot wound was found. The body has since been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy as investigation continues. The Police have visited the family of the deceased and are working with them to find the underlying cause of the matter and bring the perpetrators to book. The Inspector-General of Police has also spoken to the family via a telephone call and assured them of a thorough investigation into the case. A Police clinical psychologist has also been assigned to the family to assist them in these trying times, according to the statement. GNA West Africa's regional bloc said on Friday its military chiefs had agreed a plan for a possible intervention in Niger, after it failed to restore civilian rule there following last week's coup. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday gave the junta that toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum in a July 26 coup one week to reinstate him or face the potential use of force. Military chiefs from the grouping were meeting in Nigeria's capital Abuja to discuss ways to respond to the crisis, the latest of several coups to hit Africa's Sahel region since 2020. "All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out," ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah said after the talks finished. These included "the resources needed, and including the how and when we are going to deploy the force", he added. "We want diplomacy to work, and we want this message clearly transmitted to them (the junta) that we are giving them every opportunity to reverse what they have done," Musah said. Anti-French sentiment in the Sahel is growing -- as is Russian activity, often via Wagner. By - (AFP) An ECOWAS delegation arrived in the capital Niamey on Thursday but did not stay overnight as scheduled. It did not meet Bazoum or coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani, a delegation member said on Friday. In a deepening of the crisis, the junta announced earlier on Friday it was scrapping military pacts between Niger and France, citing the former colonial ruler's "careless attitude and its reaction to the situation". Niger has played a key part in Western strategies to combat a jihadist insurgency that has plagued the Sahel since 2012, with France and the United States stationing around 1,500 and 1,000 troops in the country respectively. France rejected the coup leaders' severing of military ties, insisting only the "legitimate" government could decide. 'Authoritarian repression' Anti-French sentiment in the region is on the rise, while Russian activity, often through the Wagner mercenary group, has grown. Economic Community of West African States. By Nalini LEPETIT-CHELLA (AFP) Thursday saw thousands of people rally to back the coup on the anniversary of Niger's independence, some waving Russian flags and chanting anti-French slogans. A French foreign ministry spokeswoman said "authoritarian repression" was gripping Niger, with members of Bazoum's government and civil society figures being arrested, political parties closed, protests banned and independent media suspended. Bazoum's detention conditions were worsening, Anne-Claire Legendre told BFM TV, citing information from Niger's ambassador to France, Aichatou Boulama Kane. The deposed president "is being taken hostage, he has no electricity and has no access to his telephones", Legendre said. Bazoum, 63, has been held by the coup plotters with his family in his official Niamey residence since July 26. Bazoum was elected in 2021, in Niger's first ever civilian transfer of power. By YVES HERMAN (POOL/AFP) In a column in The Washington Post on Thursday -- his first lengthy statement since his detention -- he said a successful putsch would "have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world". Bazoum, who in 2021 won an election that ushered in Niger's first-ever transfer of power from one civilian government to another, urged "the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order". Warnings against military intervention Regional powerhouse Nigeria holds the rotating ECOWAS presidency. Its leader Bola Tinubu has said the bloc would do "whatever it takes" to resolve the crisis amicably, with military intervention a last resort. The bloc has already imposed trade and financial sanctions on the junta, with key electricity supplier Nigeria cutting its deliveries. Niger's dependence on electricity. By Sylvie HUSSON, Jean-Michel CORNU, Valentina BRESCHI (AFP) The junta has warned it would meet force with force. Mali and Burkina Faso, where military juntas have taken power since 2020, have warned any regional intervention would be tantamount to a "declaration of war" against them. Russia, which has increased its footprint across the Sahel in recent years, said a foreign intervention would not resolve the crisis. Neighbouring Benin and Germany on Friday urged continued diplomacy to defuse the situation. Nationwide protests On Friday there were sporadic rallies both for and against the putsch. Around 100 people from several western African nations rallied in Niamey to protest any potential military intervention. But in the western town of Tahoua, several hundred people gathered to show support for Bazoum and demand his unconditional release, one local journalist reported. In a sign of a partial return to normality, the putschists on Friday lifted a curfew in force since the takeover. France has evacuated 1,079 people from the country, more than half of them French nationals, while the United States said it had chartered a plane to evacuate non-essential personnel and US citizens wishing to leave. Spain said it had evacuated more than 70 people, including 16 Spanish nationals, from Niger aboard a government-chartered Airbus A330 military plane. Not every person's life is meaningful to others. Several people lead an existence that provides no enlightenment or guidance to anyone. And yet, we come across people whose existence leaves an indelible mark and whose lives shine with the light of wisdom, love, guidance and benevolence. The late Pope Shenouda ranks highly among the latter. His presence was a source of light, his ideas a path, and his voice had genuine warmth. The musician Hany Shenouda once said: "The words of Pope Shenouda delight the ears whether he was speaking about religion or worldly matters. His words tend to touch people's hearts as if they were playing a symphony that resembles the singing of a choir of nightingales." Pope Shenouda lived to be 89, and throughout his life, he experienced glory and pain. Though oppressed and treated unjustly, he never relented or showed weakness, remaining steadfast and loyal to his principles. He could also love and forgive those who hated or betrayed him, treating everyone with love. For years, his teachings guided us, and as soon as we established a close and personal connection with him, he became a source of inspiration who taught us, through his life, valuable lessons of great depth and profundity. Pope Shenouda was born to a wealthy family in the village of Salam in Assiut Governorate in 1923. His mother passed away after birth, and his older brother Raphael looked after him. They moved between cities due to his brother's work in the Ministry of Finance. In 1938, he moved to Cairo, where his older brother became the head of a department in the Ministry of Finance. They resided in Hassan Basha Helmi Street in Shubra, where he joined the Iman Secondary School. Pope Shenouda used to observe from his window a poorly dressed young man searching for food in the garbage. This sight filled him with great pain, so he noted when the young man usually arrived and started putting a bag of food and fruits for him before his arrival. He instructed us to put bags of tightly sealed food in the garbage so that poor people passing by may find them and eat. He joined the Faculty of Arts (Fouad I University), majoring in archaeology. In his third year, he also joined the Clerical College while completing his studies, graduating from the Faculty of Arts with honours. Pope Shenouda then joined the Reserve Officers' College and graduated as an infantry officer in 1948. Pope Shenouda joined the Wafd Party and won the admiration of its leader, Makram Obeid. He also recited poetry at conferences held by Wafd, which awarded him the title "the Wafdian poet." He later worked as a teacher and then resigned to teach at the Clerical College. On July 18, 1954, he resigned from the college, entering the Syrian Monastery to become a monk and was given the name Antonios the Syrian. In 1959, he decided to live in a cave in the mountains in solitude and prayer. He continued to do so until Pope Cyril VI appointed him as his secretary and later, in 1962, as bishop for preaching and religious institutes. From that point onwards, he became known as Anba Shenouda and started delivering sermons that thousands attended. After the passing of Pope Cyril, he was chosen Pope in 1971. Despite his dedication to the church, Pope Shenouda always cared deeply for Egypt. He used to say, echoing Makram Obeid, that "Egypt is not just a country we live in, but it's a country that lives within us." He was also concerned about global issues and the injustice faced by the Palestinians. Just a month after his enthronement, in December 1971, he delivered a lecture at the Journalists Syndicate on Christianity and Israel, in which he repudiated the myth that the Israelis were God's chosen people. When he visited the United States and met with President Jimmy Carter, he was asked about his view on the claim that Israel is God's chosen people. He replied, "If they are, then who are we?". The Pope continued to advocate for the Palestinian cause and even refused to enter Jerusalem without "our Muslim brothers". His stance on this issue drove a wedge between him and President Sadat. Nevertheless, he remained a true patriot whose teachings inspired us to love Egypt unconditionally. In 1972, the Pope went to the frontlines to support the army before the war. During the war, he visited hospitals, provided aid and medicine, and declared that "the Second Army, led by Ahmed Badawi, and the Third Army, led by Fouad Aziz Ghali, fought for Egypt without discriminating between Muslim and Christian." His disagreement with Sadat never altered his stance on national issues. In 1989, he refused to establish a Christian party, saying, "For the sake of our nation and its unity, I reject the establishment of any Christian party." The Pope also said, "We are Egyptians, a part of Egypt's people, and we do not like to consider ourselves a minority. To preserve national unity, we should not say 'Christian' or 'Muslim,' but rather, 'Egyptian'." He also rejected any foreign intervention in the affairs of Copts. Pope Shenouda was a prolific writer who had 91 books to his name. Universities worldwide honoured him, granting him seven honorary doctorates from American and European universities. He also received the UNESCO Prize for Religious Tolerance in 2000. The great writer Ibrahim El-Wardani praised him, saying, "The epic of Pope Shenouda, how magnificent and creative it is! In it, we discover an Egyptian leader who embodies Egyptian history, wiping the national forehead with the leaves of oud, flowers, fragrance, love, and tolerance." Pope Shenouda departed from our world in March 2012, but his voice, spirit, and life remain an eternal beacon. Search Keywords: Short link: West Africa's regional bloc said Friday its military chiefs have agreed a plan for a possible intervention in Niger, after the junta failed to restore civilian rule there following last week's coup. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday gave the junta that toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum in a July 26 coup one week to reinstate him or face the potential use of force. Military chiefs from the grouping were meeting in Nigeria's capital Abuja to discuss ways to respond to the crisis, the latest of several coups to hit Africa's Sahel region since 2020. "All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out," ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah said after the talks finished. These included "the resources needed, and including the how and when we are going to deploy the force", he added. "We want diplomacy to work, and we want this message clearly transmitted to them (the junta) that we are giving them every opportunity to reverse what they have done," Musah said. Anti-French sentiment in the Sahel is growing -- as is Russian activity, often via Wagner. By - (AFP) An ECOWAS delegation arrived in Niger's capital Niamey on Thursday but did not stay overnight as scheduled. It did not meet with Bazoum or coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani, a delegation member said on Friday. In a deepening of the crisis, the junta announced earlier on Friday it was scrapping military pacts between Niger and France, citing the former colonial ruler's "careless attitude and its reaction to the situation". Meanwhile, Washington is suspending some aid programmes to the Niger government, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said without giving details. However, "life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue" and the United States will still carry out diplomatic and security operations to protect its personnel in the country, he said. Niger has played a key part in Western strategies to combat a jihadist insurgency that has plagued the Sahel since 2012, with France and the United States stationing around 1,500 and 1,000 troops in the country, respectively. France rejected the coup leaders' severing of military ties, insisting only the "legitimate" government could decide. 'Authoritarian repression' Anti-French sentiment in the region is on the rise, while Russian activity, often through the Wagner mercenary group, has grown. Economic Community of West African States. By Nalini LEPETIT-CHELLA (AFP) Thursday saw thousands of people rally to back the coup on the anniversary of Niger's independence, some waving Russian flags and chanting anti-French slogans. A French foreign ministry spokeswoman said "authoritarian repression" was gripping Niger, with members of Bazoum's government and civil society figures being arrested, political parties closed, protests banned and independent media suspended. Bazoum's detention conditions were worsening, Anne-Claire Legendre told BFM TV, citing information from Niger's ambassador to France, Aichatou Boulama Kane. The deposed president "is being taken hostage, he has no electricity and has no access to his telephones", Legendre said. Bazoum was elected in 2021, in Niger's first ever civilian transfer of power. By YVES HERMAN (POOL/AFP) Bazoum, 63, has been held by the coup plotters with his family in his official Niamey residence since July 26. In a column in The Washington Post on Thursday -- his first lengthy statement since his detention -- he said a successful putsch would "have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world". Bazoum, who in 2021 won an election that ushered in Niger's first-ever transfer of power from one civilian government to another, urged "the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order". Warnings against military intervention Regional powerhouse Nigeria holds the rotating ECOWAS presidency. Its leader, Bola Tinubu, has said the bloc would do "whatever it takes" to resolve the crisis amicably, with military intervention a last resort. The bloc has already imposed trade and financial sanctions on the junta, with key electricity supplier Nigeria cutting its deliveries. The junta has warned it would meet force with force. Mali and Burkina Faso, where military juntas have taken power since 2020, have warned any regional intervention would be tantamount to a "declaration of war" against them. Russia, which has increased its footprint across the Sahel in recent years, said a foreign intervention would not resolve the crisis. Neighbouring Benin and Germany on Friday urged continued diplomacy to defuse the situation. Nationwide protests On Friday, there were sporadic rallies both for and against the coup. Around 100 people from several West African nations rallied in Niamey to protest against any potential military intervention. But in the western town of Tahoua, several hundred people gathered to show support for Bazoum and demand his unconditional release, one local journalist reported. In a sign of a partial return to normality, the junta on Friday lifted a curfew in force since the takeover. France has evacuated 1,079 people from the country, more than half of them French nationals, while the United States said it had chartered a plane to evacuate non-essential personnel and US citizens wishing to leave. Spain said it had evacuated more than 70 people, including 16 Spanish nationals, from Niger aboard a government-chartered Airbus A330 military plane. The Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs at Dodowa has injuncted two factions of the Dangmebiawe Clan in the Ada Traditional Area, from carrying themselves as heads of the clan at this year's Asafotufiami festival. The injunction stems from a longstanding feud between one Victor Larweh Okumo and Enoch Lanuerh Okumo, both from the same clan regarding the rightful heir to the Dangmebiawe Wetsoyi, the clan headship. Chaos erupted between supporters of the above rivalry factions at the 2017 Asafotufiami festival regarding a successor to the late Nene Osabutey Larnuer Okumo lll who passed on in 2016. To avert the recurrence of the 2017 incident, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs accordingly bares both factions from holding themselves as the Wetsoyi, at the 2023 Asafotufiami festival which commences from Friday August 4, 2023, until the pending case at the house is determined. Victor Larweh Okumo, one of the factions speaking on the issue welcomed the restraining order and urged his followers to remain calm and obedient in the interest of peace. The other faction, Enoch Lanuer Okumo, on the other hand, claims he has personally not received the said restraining order, adding that he will go ahead to carry himself as such in readiness to face the consequences. The funeral of the late Nene Osabutey Okumo lll is yet to be performed as a result of the dispute since per the custom of the people Ada, the one who performs the funeral of the clan head automatically becomes a successor to the demised. 05.08.2023 LISTEN The AUSMIN 2023 talks held between the US Secretaries of State and Defense and their Australian counterparts, confirmed the increasing, unaccountable militarisation of the Australian north and its preparation for a future conflict with Beijing. Details were skimpy, the rhetoric aspirational. But the Australian performance from Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, was crawling, lamentable, even outrageous. State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III could only look on with sheer wonder at their prostrate hosts. Money, much of it from the US military budget, is being poured into upgrading, expanding and redeveloping Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases in the Northern Territory city of Darwin, and Tindal, situated 320km south-east of Darwin, the intended to address functional deficiencies and capacity constraints in existing facilities and infrastructure. Two new locations are also being proposed at RAAF Bases Scherger and RAAF Curtin, aided by site surveys. The AUSMIN joint statement, while revealing nothing in terms of operational details or costs, proved heavy with talk about the ambitious trajectory of Enhanced Force Posture Cooperation across land, maritime, and air domains, as well as Combined Logistics, Sustainment and Maintenance Enterprise (CoLSME). Additionally, there would be Enhanced Air Cooperation with a rotating US Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft in Australia to enhance regional maritime domain awareness, with an ambition of inviting likeminded partners to participate in the future. Further details have come to light about the money being spent by the Pentagon on facilities in Darwin. The unromantically titled FY22 MCAF Project PAF160700 Squadron Operations Facility at the RAAF Darwin base includes the construction (design-bid-build) of a United States Air Force squadron facility at the (RAAF) in Darwin, Australia. The project is deemed necessary to add space for aircrew flight equipment, maintenance and care, mission planning, intelligence, crew briefings, crew readiness, and incidental related work. Some of the systems are mundane but deemed important for an expanded facility, including ventilating and air conditioning, water heating, plumbing, utility energy meters and sub-meters and a building automation system (HVAC Control system). Correspondents from the Australian Broadcasting have gone further into the squadron operations facility, consulting US budget filings and tender documents to reveal cost assessments of $26 million (A$40 million). A further parking apron at RAAF Darwin is also featured in the planning, estimated to cost somewhere in the order of $258 billion. This will further supplement plans to establish the East Arm fuel storage facility for the US Air Force located 15 kilometres from Darwin that should be able to, on completion by September this year, store 300 million litres of military jet fuel intended to support US military activity in the Northern Territory and Indo-Pacific region. According to the tender documents, the squadron operations facility also had a broader, more strategic significance: to support strategic operations and to run multiple 15-day training exercises during the NT dry season for deployed B-52 squadrons. The RAAF Tindal facilitys redevelopment, slated to conclude in 2026, is also intended to accommodate six B-52 bombers. Given their nuclear capability, residents in the NT should feel a suitable degree of terror. Michael Shoebridge, founder and director of Strategic Analysis Australia, is none too pleased by this state of affairs. He is unhappy by Canberras reticence on US-Australian military arrangements, and none too keen on a debate that is only being informed by US-based sources. A public debate needs to be enabled by information and you cant have a complete picture without knowing where the money is being spent. While it is hard to disagree with that tack, Shoebridges outfit, in line with such think tanks as the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, is not against turning Australia into a frontline fortress state ready for war. What he, and his colleagues take issue with, is the overwhelmingly dominant role the US is playing in the venture. Those in Washington, Shoebridge argues, seem to understand the urgency we dont seem to. Rather than questioning Australias need for a larger, more threatening military capability to fight phantoms and confected foreign adversaries, he accepts the premise, wholeheartedly. Canberra, in short, should muck in more, pull its weight, and drum up Australian personnel for the killing. Anthony Bergin, a senior fellow of Strategic Analysis Australia, teases out the idea of such mucking in, suggesting a familiar formula. He insists that, in order to improve our national security, we should be looking at options short of conscription which wouldnt be as hard to sell to the Australian people. He thought the timing perfect for such a move. Theres now a latent appetite for our political leaders to introduce measures to bolster national resilience. This silly reading only makes sense on the assumption that the Australian public has been softened sufficiently by such hysterical affronts to sensibility as the Red Alert campaign waged in the Fairfax Press. Options to add padding to Australias military preparedness include doubling or tripling school cadets and cadet programs of the outdoor bound type based in the regions. But more important would be the creation of a national militia training scheme. Bergin is, however, displeased by the difficulty of finding volunteers of any kind, a strange comment given the huge, unpaid volunteer army that governs the delivery of numerous services in Australia, from charities to firefighting. Alison Broinowski, herself formerly of the Australian diplomatic corps, safely concludes that the current moves constitute another step in the same direction a step that the government has been taking a series of for years; accepting whatever the United States government wants to place on Australian soil. Mores the pity that most details are to come from Washington sources, indicating, with irrefutable finality, Canberras abject subordination to the US imperium and its refusal to admit that fact. Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He currently lectures at RMIT University. Email: [email protected] 05.08.2023 LISTEN From early childhood, I wanted to become a Kindergartener with the dream one day to head the home for semi-criminal youth in Feuerbergstrasse, Hamburg, Germany. As a teenager in my free time, I volunteered to help out in Kindergartens playing with the younger ones or feeding them. I applied for a mandated one-year internship but was refused multiple times. Two of my former classmates who never showed so much interest in this profession got admission. My time at school was about to end. Out of desperation, I applied for training to become a logistics manager. The HR manager of Kuehne&Nagel in Hamburg refused me as he was of the view I should better pursue my academic career by being so talented. I was accepted by a Gymnasium/Secondary School in Hamburg and passed my A-levels ready for University. I wanted to become a teacher subsequently. In the late 1980s teachers of English, Politics, and History were mostly unemployed driving taxis for survival. Again my dreams were shattered. (today Germany has a serious shortage of teachers anyone with an academic degree and interest in this field will be accepted). I was asked to finish my studies with a Diploma degree after five years. Would I have ever studied as a Kindergartener, written 23 books, traveled the world, seen and partially understood the problems of Africa with the wish to help, met my wife Alberta as was prophecied by her pastor from Assemblies of God in Kumasi in 1998 (years before I met my ex-wife 2003 from Kenya that became a bridge for me to enter Africa never wanting to go there ever), met even a former advisor to the late US President John F. Kennedy Prof. Dr. Sir Joseph Seiller to be eventually my late friend among others? Most likely not. The popular phrase "Never give up" and "Winners never quit" must be valued before the background of a higher truth. Sometimes we think to embark on the journey to our truthful destiny with all our heart and soul. As most of us do not know the end of our life and the uncertainty it presents to us regularly should be more observant before holding on to slogans that have their rightful place in our life. Inventor Thomas Edison said to his critics when wanted to light up London with electric bulbs: "I have failed one thousand times. My breakthrough is near." One day he left his workshop after another unproductive day of failed tests. By "accident" one button of his suit fell to the ground along with a wool thread. He picked up the thread and put it into the testing apparatus and it sustained the electricity for a few moments the birth of the light bulb. Charles Goodyear ruined his health, his son died as his money went into the invention of rubber for tires and rubber boots during the Civil War in the USA. One night his pot with liquid rubber fell into the ashes below. Ashes fell into it which made him angry. The next day the rubber was dry and finally stable the bike tire was "born" and today the process is called galvanization. What can be observed after years of "Never give up" some finally want to end the long road of suffering. When God is challenged by these intentions but he wants the road to lead to success he will end the story well. If you give up time is never wasted as the long training before is the stepping stone for greater achievement and your true outcome in life. Kinshasa, August 4, 2023Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should investigate and hold to account police officers who assaulted journalists Louis France Kuzikesa and Will Claes Nlemvo in an Ethiopian airport, and stop law enforcement officials from intimidating the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On July 30, a dozen men dressed in civilian clothes repeatedly punched and yanked the clothing of Kuzikesa, a presenter and general manager of privately owned CML13TV, and Nlemvo, a reporter with the privately owned news site Actualite.cd, in the Ethiopian capitals Bole International Airport, according to Nlemvo, who spoke to CPJ, and a statement by a Congolese media rights group. Nlemvo told CPJ that the men identified themselves as members of a Congolese police unit responsible for the protection of senior state officials while punching Kuzikesa, and said that the CML13TV journalist was too critical of President Felix Tshisekedi. The DRC police officers responsible for attacking journalists Louis France Kuzikesa and Will Claes Nlemvo in Addis Ababas airport should be identified and held accountable, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator, in Durban, South Africa. This unprovoked assault demonstrates just how far Congolese authorities will go to intimidate those deemed critical of the government, both within and beyond DRCs borders. Kuzikesawho presents a political talk show called Libre Opinion (Free Debate)declined to speak with CPJ, citing safety fears. Kuzikesa said on Facebook that he was in transit to the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, when the men, who identified themselves as security officers for Tshisekedi, attacked him and snatched his two phones and hand luggage. Nlemvo told CPJ that he started filming the incident on his phone but the men grabbed the device and started punching him as well. Kuzikesa posted Nlemos video on X, formerly Twitter, showing a group of men shouting at the CML13TV journalist in the airport. DRC reporter Will Claes Nlemvo said he was attacked by men who identified themselves as members of a police unit responsible for protecting senior state officials (Credit: Will Claes Nlemvo) Nlemvo said Ethiopian police intervened to stop the violence and returned his phone, but the assailants continued to shout that they would find the journalists in Kinshasa. Nlemvo said the reporters delayed their flight home by a day because they feared for their safety, adding that he received treatment in a Kinshasa hospital for pain in his mouth and chest from the beating, while Kuzikesa was unharmed. On May 22, DRCs media regulator, Conseil Superieur de lAudiovisuel et de la Communication (CSAC), banned Kuzikesa from working as a journalist for 72 days and ordered a 45-day suspension of CML13TVs broadcast signal. CSAC said in a statement, reviewed by CPJ and reported on by local media, that Kuzikesa interviewed two politicians who made tribal remarks that threatened national cohesion. CPJs calls to Kinshasa police chief Blaise Kilimbalimba rang unanswered. CPJ has repeatedly documented how journalists in the DRC have been arrested, accused of alleged crimesincluding defamation and sharing false informationand criminally prosecuted in connection with their work. CPJ has called for politicians in the DRC and their supporters to respect journalists rights to report freely and safely in the lead-up to national elections on December 20, as previous polls have been marred by press freedom violations. At least seven journalists reporting on political candidates were assaulted in three separate incidents in late July. 05.08.2023 LISTEN The Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams has revealed that the next NDC Government would review the Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE). Speaking at a Tertiary Education Institute Network (TEIN) meeting at the Jasikan College of Education, the Buem Constituency legislature indicated that, its really disturbing to see several trained teachers sitting home because they couldnt make it through the licensure examination. It is very difficult to understand how someone, who has gone through College of Education, undergone the compulsory teaching practice and passed all his examinations would be sitting home while someone who has not undergone any form of training in teaching would be posted to teach in the classroom all in the name of NABCO, he stated. Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams believes if NABCO personnel are qualified to teach, even without license, then newly trained teachers are more than qualified to teach since they have the requisite training to teach in the schools. According to him, the next government to be formed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), would take a second look at the principles behind the licensure examination and make sure things are put in proper perception. The Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) was introduced in 2018 by the National Teaching Council (NTC) to license teachers in Ghana. Currently, the council has opened and extended the deadline for registration and urging all students from the Colleges of Education, Universities and other training institutions, who would love to teach in Ghana to register for the examination since the license is a requirement to qualify to teach. TEIN JASICO Chapter held its maiden meeting for the Semester at the Jasikan College of Education Assembly Hall to deliberate on how best to keep the members active with a focus on capturing power for the NDC in 2024. Meanwhile, the event was graced by the following Executives of the NDC in the Buem Constituency: Abubakar Sibaway (Constituency Youth Organiser), Carlos Darko (Dep. Constituency Youth Organiser), Mr. Francis Segbefia (Patron TEIN JASICO), Charlotte Agyei (Constituency Other Youth) and other party officials. Economist and Director of Operations at Dalex Finance Mr Joe Jackson has dismissed claims by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, that Ghanas economy has turned the corner and is on the path to recovery. According to him, Ghanas economy is still in the Intensive Care Unit adding that Finance Minister should have been truthful with his comments when he addressed Parliament on the Mid-Year Budget review. Mr Ofori-Atta during his address to Parliament said Ghana is making modest gains in turning the economy around after facing severe economic hardships in 2022. He highlighted that the government's plans and programs are beginning to yield positive results and urged the nation to acknowledge the major milestones achieved in the past three years. Mr. Speaker, we have turned the corner and, more importantly, we are determined to continue down that path. Soon, we expect the measures taken to result in economic activity greater than anything experienced in the history of the Fourth Republic. Our plans and programmes should soon lead to a sustained increase in domestic production, including manufacturing and farming, replacing many of the products that we are used to importing, the Finance Minister stated. But Mr Joe Jackson, speaking on the Big Issues on Citi TV highlighted several key issues plaguing the nations economy. He pointed out the persistent challenges in revenue generation, the rising public debt, and the lack of substantial economic growth that could lead to meaningful development for the country. I will say that we have turned the corner when we have moved to the recovery ward but at this moment this economy is still in the ICU and I think it is a disservice to the people of this country to say that we have turned the corner, Mr Jackson said. The economist also emphasized the importance of cutting unnecessary government expenses to address the fiscal deficit. He urged the government to reduce the size of the government, streamline bureaucratic structures, and prioritize essential sectors to ensure sustainable financial management. By Citi Newsroom Speaking to RFI, French Foreign Minister Christine Colonna urged the leaders of a coup in Niger to abandon their takeover attempt before a deadline set by the West African bloc Ecowas expires on Sunday. She said the threat of regional military intervention should be taken "very seriously". Ecowas has given the junta until Sunday to reinstate the elected president of Niger or face the potential use of force. With hours to go until the ultimatum, Colonna met Niger's official prime minister, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, in Paris on Saturday. Military officers claim to have deposed Mahamadou and President Mohamed Bazoum, and replaced the government with a military council. Bazoum remains at his palace in Niamey, where members of the presidential guard have been holding him captive since 26 July. "The international community, like the other countries in the region, are unanimous in condemning this attempt, this adventure led by a part of the military in Niger," Colonna told RFI following her meeting with Mahamadou, whose government France considers the only legitimate power in Niger. The foreign minister said that the threat of a military intervention by Ecowas "must be taken very seriously". 'Adventurism' While France backs the regional bloc's efforts to apply pressure, Colonna stressed that it was not involved in plans for military action. Ecowas said on Friday that it had agreed on a contingency plan for a possible intervention. That includes "the resources needed, and including the how and when we are going to deploy the force", according to Ecowas commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah. "The unanimous request of the international community is, I repeat, to restore democracy immediately and before the deadline set by the other countries in the region expires tomorrow," Colonna said. "So they have until tomorrow to abandon this adventurism, these personal adventures, and restore democracy in Niger." The junta in Niger has warned that it will meet force with force. Mali and Burkina Faso, where military leaders have also taken power in coups since 2020, have warned any regional intervention would be tantamount to a "declaration of war" against them. Fears for civil liberties France has suspended civil and military cooperation with Niger, which until recently was its primary partner in the fight against jihadists in the Sahel region. Around 1,500 French troops are based there. Niger's new junta said it had suspended military pacts with France, a decision that Paris says it is not entitled to make. "Obviously we don't recognise decisions taken by putschists, we only recognise the decisions of legitimate authorities," Colonna said. The minister said France was also concerned about "the repression underway" in Niger, including attacks on the freedom of the press and arrests of government officials. Broadcasts by RFI and its sister TV station France24 have been blocked in the country, while several local reporters have reported being threatened or attacked. Meanwhile several senior politicians have been detained, including the minister for mining, the head of the ruling party and the oil minister, among others. "Niger elected its president democratically and it must return to constitutional order the will of the Nigerien people must be respected," Colonna said. "That is the message from France, from the countries in the region, from the United Nations and the entire international community. There is no place for coups d'etat." The Reverend Dr Stephen Wengam, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, has charged leaders of the Church to fast track the church's vision of planting more churches. He urged them not to delay in carrying out the important mandate because, the coming of Christ is very close to us. We can't afford to waste time anymore. Rev Dr Wengam, who is also the Vice President of the Africa Assemblies of God Alliance, was speaking as a special guest at the Ethnic Fellowship Night of the USA Assemblies of God General Council Meeting in Columbus, Ohio. He noted that church planting in particular and missionary work in general had become complex throughout the world, however, once we depend on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we will witness the greatest harvest ever in history, he said. Rev Dr Wengam said the Church had signed a covenant to increase its branches from 6,000 to 12,000 thousand in the next 10 years. This target can easily be exceeded if each local church plants two churches within a year, he said. Rev Dr Wengam was full of praise for the American missionaries who founded the first Assemblies of God Church in Yendi in 1931. Assemblies of God worldwide has a target of one million new churches by the next decade, and Africa, 300,000 from the current 98,000 churches. GNA The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP) held a day national stakeholders consultative meeting on the amendment of child-related legislation. The meeting aimed to renew the commitment of partners and stakeholders on the amendment process, and seek consensus on provisions of the Bill to form the justification for Cabinet and Parliamentary approval. The UN Convention on the right of the child passed in 1989 explains who children are and all their rights. Ghana was the first country to ratify the convention in 1990. Setting the swiftness in advocating child rights, many years have gone by and recent occurrence has proven that the country must amend the Children's Bill. Judge Ellen Ofie Ayeh, a circuit court judge who represented the Chief Justice explain in detail what the amended law will be. According to her, with a robust legislation and policing system, children are better placed to grow up in a safe environment and achieve their greatest potential. "The Childrens Bill in 219 sections, will introduce the right to play and social activity, the right to an opinion, protection from drugs, protection from cyber /online crimes, protection from sexual abuse/exploitation, protection from and criminalization of unreasonable force under corporal punishment vis a vis section 41(1) (a) of the Criminal Offences Act, Act 29, as amended regarding the use of force or a blow by parents, offenses related to adoption, Reunification Orders for parents and guardians, determination of age in the judicial process, foster care agreement and services, child protection code, and a host of other more provisions to secure the best interest of the child," she said. Hon Lariba Zuweira Abudu, minister of MOGCSP in her keynote address said her outfit is conducting this final national consultation to present the Children's Bill and the Child Justice Administration Bill for the stakeholder's final input. She added that the inputs and comments that would be shared at the meeting will be consolidated and submitted to the Attorney General for advice. The Ministry will then present the Bills for Cabinet approval, after which Parliamentary passage would be sought. She indicated that, when these two Bills are passed, will ensure that children are protected and cared for in a more dignified manner. Hon Lariba Zuweira Abudu commends UNICEF for its continued support and investment towards the entire system strengthening and the amendment. The Children's Rights Bill, intended to safeguard and promote the rights of every child in Ghana, aims to provide special attention to the rights of children considering their vulnerability and developmental needs. Additionally, the Child Justice Administration Bill seeks to enhance the criminal justice system for children, ensuring their rights are well protected. The conflict in Sudan has left 24 million people half the countrys population in need of food and other assistance, but only 2.5 million have received aid because of vicious fighting and a lack of funding, two senior U.N. officials said Friday. Eden Worsornu, director of operations for the U.N. humanitarian agency, and Ted Chaiban, deputy executive director of the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF, who just returned from Sudan, painted a dire picture of devastation and upheaval in Sudan, with no peace talks in sight. Worsornu said hotspots, such as the capital of Khartoum and the southern Kordofan and western Darfur regions, "have been shattered by relentless violence. Nearly 4 million people have fled the fighting, facing scorching heat up to 48 degrees Celsius (118 F), and threats of attacks, sexual violence and death, she said. The now nearly four-month conflict has killed more than 3,000 people and wounded over 6,000 others, according to the last government figures, released in June. But the true tally is likely much higher, doctors and activists say. Before the war erupted on the 15th of April, Sudan was already grappling with a humanitarian crisis, Chaiban said. Now, more than 110 days of brutal fighting have turned the crisis into a catastrophe, threatening the lives and futures of a generation of children and young people who make up over 70 percent of the population. The fighting pits top army Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, against his rival and former deputy, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Worsornu and Chaiban, who previously worked in Sudan, said ethnic violence has returned to Darfur, where attacks two decades ago by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias on people of Central or East African ethnicities became synonymous with genocide and war crimes. Now it is worse than it was in 2004," Worsornu said. The statistics are grim: 24 million people need food and other humanitarian aid, including 14 million children, a number equivalent to every single child in Colombia, France, Germany and Thailand, Chaiban said. The U.N. has been trying to get aid to 18 million Sudanese, but 93 of its humanitarian partners were able to reach only 2.5 million between April and June because of the severe fighting and difficulties getting to those in need. Right now, Sudan is one of the most dangerous places to operate, Chaiban said. So, to do 2.5 million people, 780 trucks, mobilizing and negotiating to get in, has been no small feat. Worsornu said 18 aid workers had been killed so far in Sudan. But, she added, Humanitarian aid is just a band aid. Basic social services have completely broken down, banking systems do not work and schools have collapsed. After the conflict erupted, the U.N. increased its humanitarian appeal to $2.6 billion. Woorsornu said the appeal had received just $625 million, barely 25 percent. We cannot do more without funding, she said. Chaiban said 3 million children under age 5 are malnourished, with 700,000 at risk of severe acute malnutrition and mortality. He said UNICEF has gotten life-saving treatment to 107,000, but that is only about 15 percent of those who need it. Sudan borders seven nations Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Libya and Egypt and most of them would be vulnerable to upheaval if the conflict should spill over. We need to be careful that if the situation in Sudan is not contained, it will have a devastating impact on the region, Worsornu said. Search Keywords: Short link: 05.08.2023 LISTEN The body politics in Ghana has sadly rendered many a Ghanaian almost an inhibited person. Many such a Ghanaian is so consumed by propaganda that they have become mentally blind to the reality and truth about issues but only to swallow them hook, line and sinker, whatever their leaders throw at them. What a bunch of zombies! Today, I am going it the tough way, speaking my mind as it should, without any ifs or buts. I am getting fed up with how some Ghanaians residing abroad behave equally irresponsible as their fellow partisan counterparts in Ghana. Look at these two true cases below and judge for yourself what the people are, how they should be seen and classed. There is a fellow Ghanaian counterpart at my workplace. He works in a different department and for a different company. He is by his actions and pronouncements a typical NDC fanatic. I dont want to mention his tribal extraction to avoid any expressions of prejudicial sentiments from whomever. This fellow Ghanaian has cultivated that most despicable, if not the bushmans, attitude, of always approaching me in the presence of my white work colleagues in raised voice, as though he was readying for a fight, to announce to them with a finger pointing at me, His government and president are fucked. They dont know what they are doing. They have spoiled the country. They have stolen all the money, etc. He will keep ranting and raving like a bitter man whose wife or girlfriend has painfully been snatched away from him by another man. Whenever he does that and I start to walk away from his hostile environment, he will tell them, Look, he is running away because he has no defence to put up These white colleagues will not say a word because they dont know where he is coming from and heading towards with such seeming bestial attacks on the Ghana government and me. They look shocked! They are not interested in Ghana politics. It is of total irrelevance to them so why should they be interested in his public demonstrations of a typical uncivilized African doing his monkey tricks (mischievous behaviour)? As it the way politics is done? Why cant he after his over twenty years residing in the United Kingdom learn to behave as a human being when it comes to doing politics? If he has any differences, why cant he discuss it with me alone but always in the presence of white work colleagues who have absolutely no interest in Ghana politics? He appears to be over the moon about Ghana facing untold economic challenges. Since it is not the political party and government he supports that are facing such economic challenges, the problems had better come to stay! What a nutter and a malicious nonentity he is! There is this second Ghanaian of a different tribal extraction other than that of mine or the persons in the first case. He lives a few blocks away from where I live. Whenever we come across each other in the street, he will ask, thus, How are you? How is your family? How is Nana Akufo-Addo? How is Ghana going, etc.? When I answer fine, he will then teasingly say, Nana Akufo-Addo and your NPP government have spoiled the country. When I ask him to explain how they have spoiled the country, he begins to talk about the economic hardships people are going through in the country come about as a result of the perceived economic mismanagement of the country by President Nana Akufo-Addo and his NPP government. When I ask him if he knew why and how prices of essential commodities, etc., have gone up, he will reply, I know you will be mentioning Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. When I ask him about the sharp increases in prices of goods and services in his own United Kingdom backyard for the past two to three years, he fumbles for words. I would point out to him as following, Two big broilers sold for 5.00 pre Covid-19 and Russia-Ukraine, are now selling for 5.00 a broiler at some street markets and 6.00 at others. Again, a bottle of 5-litre Sunflower oil sold at 3.99 before the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is now selling for 10.00 to 12.00 depending on which shop you buy it from When I told him that about three weeks ago, I bought a 5-litre bottle of Sunflower oil from Asda supermarket for 12.00, he said it is now selling for 8.00 in some shops. Without the need for engaging a fool in an argument, I asked him, has the price not doubled even at the 8.00 since it was selling for 3.99 before the Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war? Have the Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war not affected many countries including the United Kingdom, the USA, France and Ghana, just to mention a few countries? When it comes to the two phenomena impacting the economies of the UK, these two irrational NDC fanatics do accept it but when you equate the situation to Ghanas, they straight away say no, Ghanas is down to the mismanagement by President Nana Akufo-Addo and his NPP government. What annoys me most is the fact as soon as they see me, being an Ashanti, straightaway they see and tag me as a member of NPP hence they have every reason to mock me for the perceived economic failure of the NPP government. Rockson Adofo 05.08.2023 LISTEN In the past four years, the geopolitical landscape of West Africa has been significantly reshaped by a series of military coups, with the most recent one occurring in Niger. This political upheaval has emerged during a period marked by severe economic challenges and unpredictable climatic conditions, adding another layer of complexity to the region's struggles. The situation is further complicated by increasing concerns about foreign interference, particularly from Russia. There is a growing fear that the region is becoming a pawn in a larger game of international politics, manipulated to serve external political and economic interests. This is a critical issue that demands careful examination, as the potential repercussions of such foreign infiltrations could be far-reaching. They could not only exacerbate the region's existing problems but also incite further conflicts through the rise of insurgencies and armed factions. France's influence over its former colonies, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and now Niger, is visibly diminishing. This shift in power dynamics could create a vacuum that other foreign powers might be eager to fill, further destabilizing the region. The potential for increased foreign intervention and the subsequent impact on the region's sovereignty and self-determination is a matter of grave concern. West Africa's history is steeped in conflict, often characterized by gross human rights violations and significant loss of life. The recent military takeovers in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, justified on the grounds of economic distress and international politics, pose a significant threat to the region's stability. The military's rationale for these takeovers, predominantly centred on economic instability, lacks credibility. The competence of these military leaders is under scrutiny. Doubts have been raised about their capacity to manage the economy effectively or negotiate international trade and diplomatic relations. These leaders, exploiting their positions and access to weaponry, seize power, often resulting in national discord and insecurity. These developments could lead to insecure borders, arms trafficking, and regional migration, potentially destabilizing other parts of the community. Intriguingly, citizens in other West African nations, disenchanted by widespread corruption, are advocating for similar takeovers in their countries. This sentiment reflects a deep-seated frustration with the status quo and a desire for change, even if it means resorting to drastic measures. Regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have a crucial role to play in this situation. They need to amplify their sanctions against these military leaders and work towards restoring democratic governance in the region. Despite grappling with the Boko Haram insurgency, Nigeria has shown readiness to intervene in Niger's situation, demonstrating leadership in the region. The impending threat of conflict in West Africa is a serious concern. In the end, it is the ordinary citizens, especially women and children, who bear the brunt of these conflicts. These coups, often rationalized on economic grounds, perpetuate a cycle of instability and hardship for the most vulnerable. To break this cycle, it is high time for ECOWAS to champion sustainable development and good governance. By strengthening democracy within the community, they can alleviate the hardship and inequality endured by many citizens. This approach requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, as well as a concerted effort to address the root causes of the region's economic challenges. Only then can the region hope to achieve long-term stability and prosperity. Isaac Ofori Human Rights Advocate The Council of State has told the National Democratic Congress that it is "impossible" for it to review its earlier approval of and advice to President Nana Akufo-Addo to appoint Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani as members of the Electoral Commission board. The Council stated in a letter responding to a petition from the biggest opposition party for the withdrawal of the two appointments after it came to light that they were pro-NPP, that once it had thoroughly assessed the nominees' CVs and provided its advice to the president, the process was considered complete. The subsequent swearing-in of the appointees further solidified the Council's role in the appointment process. Nana Otuo Siriboe, the Chairman of the Council of State, clarified that it is not within their jurisdiction to review recommendations once they have been submitted to the president and acted upon. This decision effectively closes any possibility of revisiting the approval process for the two individuals, the letter said. The nomination of Electoral Commission members is a crucial step in upholding Ghana's democratic process, and the Council of State plays a vital role in vetting and advising on these appointments to ensure transparency and integrity. Despite concerns raised by the NDC about the members' affiliation with the NPP, the Council's response indicates that the approval process was carried out in line with established procedures. -Classfmonline Modera Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 1.3% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,174 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the period. Modera Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $1,030,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Scissortail Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,475,747,000. Aspire Private Capital LLC purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $16,271,874,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. FWL Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.08% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total transaction of $5,688,000.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 6,775,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at $770,759,948.16. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 1.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 0.1 % Several research firms have recently issued reports on ABT. BTIG Research lifted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 17th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $127.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $118.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $120.82. Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $107.66 on Friday. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $93.25 and a 52-week high of $115.83. The company has a quick ratio of 1.22, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $107.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is $106.25. The firm has a market cap of $187.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.80 and a beta of 0.67. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.05 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $9.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.71 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.83% and a return on equity of 20.60%. The businesss revenue was down 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.43 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.4 earnings per share for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.51 per share. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is currently 69.62%. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Read More 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 Free Report). 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. Aguia Resources Limited (CVE:AGRL Get Free Report)s share price dropped 7.1% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.13 and last traded at C$0.13. Approximately 361,698 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 14% from the average daily volume of 418,301 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.14. Aguia Resources Trading Down 7.1 % The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$0.13 and its 200 day moving average price is C$0.13. The firm has a market capitalization of C$24.14 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -10.00. Aguia Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Aguia Resources Limited engages in the exploration and development of mineral resource projects in Brazil. Its flagship Rio Grande phosphate assets include the Tres Estradas, Joca Tavares, Porteira carbonatite, and Cerro Preto deposits located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Aguia Resources Limited was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Aguia Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aguia Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Air Lease Co. (NYSE:AL Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, August 3rd, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 12th will be given a dividend of 0.20 per share by the transportation company on Friday, October 6th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.93%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 11th. Air Lease has increased its dividend payment by an average of 11.8% per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 9 consecutive years. Air Lease has a dividend payout ratio of 14.1% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Air Lease to earn $5.80 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 13.8%. Get Air Lease alerts: Air Lease Stock Up 0.9 % NYSE:AL traded up $0.36 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $41.42. 1,127,430 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 721,334. The firm has a market cap of $4.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.70, a P/E/G ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.76. Air Lease has a twelve month low of $30.08 and a twelve month high of $46.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.88, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.03. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $41.63 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $40.94. Analysts Set New Price Targets Insider Transactions at Air Lease Several research analysts have weighed in on AL shares. Citigroup started coverage on Air Lease in a research report on Monday, May 15th. They issued a neutral rating and a $41.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on Air Lease in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. In related news, Director Yvette Hollingsworth Clark purchased 2,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 31st. The stock was bought at an average price of $37.96 per share, for a total transaction of $98,696.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 19,856 shares in the company, valued at approximately $753,733.76. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, EVP Alex A. Khatibi sold 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.00, for a total transaction of $1,000,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 89,266 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,570,640. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Yvette Hollingsworth Clark bought 2,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 31st. The shares were acquired at an average price of $37.96 per share, with a total value of $98,696.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 19,856 shares in the company, valued at $753,733.76. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 6.50% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Air Lease A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Invesco Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Air Lease by 141.3% in the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,714,362 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $165,846,000 after buying an additional 2,175,100 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in Air Lease by 36.7% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,446,382 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $243,180,000 after purchasing an additional 1,460,769 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership acquired a new stake in Air Lease during the 1st quarter valued at $58,077,000. Penn Capital Management Company LLC acquired a new stake in Air Lease during the 1st quarter valued at $46,494,000. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Air Lease during the 4th quarter valued at $41,846,000. Institutional investors own 89.61% of the companys stock. Air Lease Company Profile (Get Free Report) Air Lease Corporation, an aircraft leasing company, engages in the purchase and leasing of commercial jet aircraft to airlines worldwide. It also sells aircraft from its fleet to third parties, including other leasing companies, financial services companies, airlines, and other investors. In addition, the company provides fleet management services to investors and owners of aircraft portfolios. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Air Lease Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Lease and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ashtead Group (OTCMKTS:ASHTY Free Report) had its target price hoisted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from GBX 6,200 ($79.60) to GBX 6,300 ($80.88) in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on ASHTY. Societe Generale assumed coverage on shares of Ashtead Group in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Ashtead Group from GBX 5,450 ($69.97) to GBX 5,500 ($70.61) in a research report on Thursday, June 15th. Berenberg Bank boosted their target price on shares of Ashtead Group from GBX 405 ($5.20) to GBX 450 ($5.78) in a research report on Wednesday, May 10th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Ashtead Group from GBX 4,460 ($57.26) to GBX 5,100 ($65.48) in a research report on Thursday, June 15th. Get Ashtead Group alerts: Ashtead Group Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of OTCMKTS ASHTY traded up $0.21 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $297.20. The stock had a trading volume of 2,672 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,329. The firm has a market cap of $32.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 1.81. Ashtead Group has a twelve month low of $165.51 and a twelve month high of $300.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 1.01. The companys 50 day moving average price is $276.20 and its 200 day moving average price is $259.04. Ashtead Group Increases Dividend Ashtead Group ( OTCMKTS:ASHTY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, June 13th. The company reported $3.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.22 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $2.13 billion for the quarter. Ashtead Group had a net margin of 17.30% and a return on equity of 30.50%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Ashtead Group will post 17.68 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 11th will be paid a dividend of $3.35 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. This is a positive change from Ashtead Groups previous dividend of $0.55. Ashtead Groups payout ratio is 7.38%. Ashtead Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Atlantic Securities upgraded shares of The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Free Report) from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat reports. They currently have $351.00 price target on the investment management companys stock, up from their previous price target of $330.00. A number of other analysts have also commented on the company. Barclays cut their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $495.00 to $437.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and set a $347.00 target price (up previously from $337.00) on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Friday, July 21st. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $433.00 to $483.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $385.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $396.93. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance The Goldman Sachs Group stock opened at $353.22 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $117.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.07, a PEG ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.39. The business has a 50-day moving average of $333.46 and a 200-day moving average of $337.50. The Goldman Sachs Group has a 1 year low of $287.75 and a 1 year high of $389.58. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 19th. The investment management company reported $3.08 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.25 by ($0.17). The firm had revenue of $10.90 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.61 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 9.74% and a return on equity of 8.08%. The Goldman Sachs Groups quarterly revenue was down 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $7.73 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group will post 25.92 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be issued a $2.75 dividend. This is a positive change from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.50. This represents a $11.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.11%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 30th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 42.66%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 9,000,000 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.73, for a total value of $105,570,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 51,676,439 shares in the company, valued at approximately $606,164,629.47. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, CEO David M. Solomon sold 4,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $356.28, for a total transaction of $1,496,376.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 124,782 shares of the companys stock, valued at $44,457,330.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 9,000,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.73, for a total value of $105,570,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 51,676,439 shares of the companys stock, valued at $606,164,629.47. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 34,979,159 shares of company stock worth $660,308,838. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Goldman Sachs Group Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.6% in the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 5,619 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,812,000 after buying an additional 145 shares during the period. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 7.6% during the 2nd quarter. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 6,600 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,058,000 after purchasing an additional 466 shares during the period. Callan Capital LLC bought a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $245,000. Motco lifted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter. Motco now owns 23,165 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $7,472,000 after purchasing an additional 1,277 shares during the period. Finally, Capital Wealth Planning LLC lifted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Wealth Planning LLC now owns 1,215,188 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $391,947,000 after purchasing an additional 53,185 shares during the period. 76.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About The Goldman Sachs Group (Get Free Report) 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. Further Reading 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. Guardian Investment Management boosted its position in AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T Free Report) by 187.4% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 190,163 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 124,000 shares during the quarter. AT&T comprises about 4.3% of Guardian Investment Managements holdings, making the stock its 4th largest position. Guardian Investment Managements holdings in AT&T were worth $5,756,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. AlphaMark Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of AT&T by 45.5% during the 4th quarter. AlphaMark Advisors LLC now owns 4,849 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $89,000 after acquiring an additional 1,516 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Europe London LLP acquired a new position in shares of AT&T during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,443,000. Hills Bank & Trust Co increased its stake in shares of AT&T by 147.1% during the 1st quarter. Hills Bank & Trust Co now owns 38,395 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $739,000 after acquiring an additional 22,854 shares during the last quarter. Viking Fund Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of AT&T by 25.4% during the 1st quarter. Viking Fund Management LLC now owns 395,000 shares of the technology companys stock worth $7,604,000 after purchasing an additional 80,000 shares during the period. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of AT&T by 41.8% during the 1st quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 269,201 shares of the technology companys stock worth $5,182,000 after purchasing an additional 79,366 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.09% of the companys stock. Get AT&T alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently issued reports on T shares. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $20.00 target price on shares of AT&T in a report on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on AT&T from $22.00 to $20.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 20th. TD Cowen decreased their target price on AT&T from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 21st. Moffett Nathanson upgraded AT&T from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $17.00 price target for the company in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut AT&T from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $22.00 to $17.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $20.27. AT&T Stock Performance Shares of T stock traded down $0.09 on Friday, hitting $14.00. 38,965,007 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 66,509,664. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The company has a market capitalization of $100.09 billion, a PE ratio of -11.48, a PEG ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 0.65. AT&T Inc. has a 1-year low of $13.43 and a 1-year high of $20.50. The companys fifty day moving average is $15.30 and its 200 day moving average is $17.42. AT&T (NYSE:T Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The technology company reported $0.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $29.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $30.07 billion. AT&T had a positive return on equity of 15.91% and a negative net margin of 7.22%. The businesss revenue was up .9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.65 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that AT&T Inc. will post 2.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. AT&T Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 10th were given a $0.2775 dividend. This represents a $1.11 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.93%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 7th. AT&Ts dividend payout ratio is presently -90.98%. AT&T Company Profile (Free Report) AT&T Inc provides telecommunications and technology services worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Communications and Latin America. The Communications segment offers wireless voice and data communications services; and sells handsets, wireless data cards, wireless computing devices, and carrying cases and hands-free devices through its own company-owned stores, agents, and third-party retail stores. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AT&T Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AT&T and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. B&G Foods (NYSE:BGS Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY23 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of $0.95-1.15 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $1.00. The company issued revenue guidance of $2.11-2.13 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $2.12 billion. B&G Foods also updated its FY 2023 guidance to $0.95-$1.15 EPS. B&G Foods Price Performance Shares of B&G Foods stock opened at $14.35 on Friday. B&G Foods has a twelve month low of $10.91 and a twelve month high of $24.53. The firms 50-day moving average price is $13.59 and its 200 day moving average price is $14.14. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 4.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65. Get B&G Foods alerts: B&G Foods (NYSE:BGS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The company reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $469.64 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $461.03 million. B&G Foods had a positive return on equity of 9.46% and a negative net margin of 1.00%. On average, research analysts expect that B&G Foods will post 1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. B&G Foods Dividend Announcement Analyst Ratings Changes The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be paid a $0.19 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.30%. B&G Foodss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -262.07%. BGS has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on shares of B&G Foods from $15.00 to $14.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of B&G Foods from $16.00 to $15.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on B&G Foods in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and six have assigned a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $13.42. Insider Activity at B&G Foods In related news, EVP Jordan E. Greenberg sold 13,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.45, for a total transaction of $174,850.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 56,999 shares of the companys stock, valued at $766,636.55. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 2.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On B&G Foods Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in B&G Foods by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 11,268,543 shares of the companys stock valued at $185,818,000 after acquiring an additional 145,921 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in B&G Foods by 5.6% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,543,629 shares of the companys stock valued at $140,884,000 after buying an additional 453,830 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its stake in B&G Foods by 2.3% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,829,591 shares of the companys stock worth $64,883,000 after purchasing an additional 85,627 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in B&G Foods by 3.2% during the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,368,223 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,249,000 after acquiring an additional 42,781 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in B&G Foods by 8.2% in the third quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,337,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,059,000 after buying an additional 101,926 shares during the period. 63.64% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. B&G Foods Company Profile (Get Free Report) B&G Foods, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the manufacture, sale, and distribution of shelf-stable frozen food, and household products in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Its products include frozen and canned vegetables, hot cereals, fruit spreads, canned meats and beans, bagel chips, spices, seasonings, hot sauces, and wine vinegar. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for B&G Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for B&G Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Egypts President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met in Alamein City on Saturday with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to discuss global and regional developments. According to the Egyptian Presidency, El-Sisi met Al-Nahyan earlier on Saturday, with whom he discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, including economy and development, to achieve the aspirations of the Egyptian and Emirati peoples towards progress, stability, and prosperity. The Egyptian Presidency added that the two leaders see eye to eye about the importance of intensifying joint Arab efforts to address the growing challenges in the region and the world. Later on Saturday, El-Sisi also met with the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, in New Alamein, according to the Egyptian Presidency. The two leaders discussed the relations between their countries at the political, economic and developmental levels. El-Sisi and Al-Khalifa also reviewed recent regional and international developments and problems, affirming the necessity of intensifying cooperation and joint Arab action to face these challenges across the region. Mohamed bin Zayed arrived earlier in Egypts North Coast. He was spotted on Friday in summer resorts and cities, including Emirati-owned Marassi Resort and New Alamein City, mingling with people and taking selfies. Search Keywords: Short link: Black Diamond Group Limited (TSE:BDI Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, August 3rd, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Saturday, September 30th will be given a dividend of 0.02 per share on Sunday, October 15th. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.34%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 28th. Black Diamond Group Price Performance Shares of Black Diamond Group stock traded up C$0.18 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching C$5.98. 34,607 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 86,509. The stock has a market capitalization of C$362.51 million, a PE ratio of 13.59 and a beta of 1.51. The business has a 50-day moving average of C$6.03 and a 200 day moving average of C$6.19. Black Diamond Group has a fifty-two week low of C$3.59 and a fifty-two week high of C$7.30. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 86.13. Get Black Diamond Group alerts: Black Diamond Group (TSE:BDI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported C$0.07 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.11 by C($0.04). Black Diamond Group had a net margin of 7.98% and a return on equity of 10.90%. The firm had revenue of C$81.50 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$80.10 million. On average, analysts predict that Black Diamond Group will post 0.4002761 EPS for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades About Black Diamond Group Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group lowered their price target on shares of Black Diamond Group from C$8.50 to C$8.25 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. (Get Free Report) Black Diamond Group Limited rents and sells modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. It operates through two segments, Modular Space Solutions and Workforce Solutions. The Modular Space Solutions segment provides modular space rentals to customers in the construction, real estate development, education, manufacturing, health care, financial, government, and defense industries in North America. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Black Diamond Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Diamond Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT boosted its holdings in shares of Amphenol Co. (NYSE:APH Free Report) by 0.4% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 438,839 shares of the electronics makers stock after purchasing an additional 1,572 shares during the quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT owned approximately 0.07% of Amphenol worth $35,862,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Caprock Group LLC increased its stake in Amphenol by 5.8% during the first quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 9,861 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $808,000 after acquiring an additional 538 shares during the last quarter. Ieq Capital LLC lifted its holdings in Amphenol by 9.9% during the 4th quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 43,291 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $3,296,000 after buying an additional 3,893 shares during the last quarter. Claro Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Amphenol in the 4th quarter valued at about $450,000. Xponance Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Amphenol by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 114,206 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $9,333,000 after purchasing an additional 2,255 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Veritas Investment Partners UK Ltd. increased its position in Amphenol by 11.1% in the 1st quarter. Veritas Investment Partners UK Ltd. now owns 1,855,048 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $151,508,000 after acquiring an additional 185,447 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.93% of the companys stock. Get Amphenol alerts: Amphenol Stock Down 1.3 % Shares of Amphenol stock traded down $1.18 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $87.30. 1,611,972 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,591,523. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $82.79 and a 200-day simple moving average of $79.60. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 2.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The company has a market cap of $52.07 billion, a PE ratio of 28.44, a PEG ratio of 3.57 and a beta of 1.24. Amphenol Co. has a twelve month low of $65.21 and a twelve month high of $90.28. Amphenol Announces Dividend Amphenol ( NYSE:APH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The electronics maker reported $0.72 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.04. Amphenol had a net margin of 15.15% and a return on equity of 25.85%. The business had revenue of $3.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.95 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.75 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Amphenol Co. will post 2.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 11th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 19th will be issued a dividend of $0.21 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 18th. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.96%. Amphenols dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.36%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Richard Adam Norwitt sold 650,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.43, for a total transaction of $56,829,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 967,424 shares in the company, valued at $84,581,880.32. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Amphenol news, CEO Richard Adam Norwitt sold 650,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.43, for a total value of $56,829,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 967,424 shares of the companys stock, valued at $84,581,880.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Craig A. Lampo sold 300,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.11, for a total value of $26,433,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 87,045 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,669,534.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 1,474,062 shares of company stock valued at $126,798,979. Insiders own 2.22% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have issued reports on APH shares. Truist Financial boosted their target price on Amphenol from $93.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on Amphenol from $80.00 to $88.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on Amphenol from $89.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Credit Suisse Group lowered Amphenol from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the company from $91.00 to $77.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Amphenol from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, July 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Amphenol has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $93.00. About Amphenol (Free Report) Amphenol Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, primarily designs, manufactures, and markets electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors in the United States, China, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Harsh Environment Solutions, Communications Solutions, and Interconnect and Sensor Systems. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Amphenol Co. (NYSE:APH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Amphenol Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amphenol and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush reissued their outperform rating on shares of Builders FirstSource (NYSE:BLDR Free Report) in a research note published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $175.00 price objective on the stock. BLDR has been the topic of several other research reports. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Builders FirstSource from $166.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Builders FirstSource from $110.00 to $138.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. DA Davidson boosted their price objective on shares of Builders FirstSource from $80.00 to $105.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Builders FirstSource from $135.00 to $162.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, 888 restated a maintains rating on shares of Builders FirstSource in a report on Monday, June 26th. Four 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 currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $147.17. Get Builders FirstSource alerts: Builders FirstSource Stock Performance BLDR traded up $5.00 during trading on Thursday, hitting $149.65. The stock had a trading volume of 1,957,692 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,050,654. The firm has a market cap of $19.18 billion, a PE ratio of 11.59 and a beta of 1.99. Builders FirstSource has a 12 month low of $52.70 and a 12 month high of $156.85. The company has a current ratio of 1.83, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $132.58 and a 200-day simple moving average of $108.73. Insider Buying and Selling at Builders FirstSource Builders FirstSource ( NYSE:BLDR Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $3.89 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.69 by $1.20. The firm had revenue of $4.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.24 billion. Builders FirstSource had a net margin of 10.04% and a return on equity of 44.33%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 35.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $6.26 EPS. Analysts expect that Builders FirstSource will post 10.38 EPS for the current year. In other Builders FirstSource news, insider Jami Beckmann sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.69, for a total value of $241,380.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 41,262 shares in the company, valued at $4,979,910.78. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 1.90% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Builders FirstSource Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Altshuler Shaham Ltd lifted its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 5.2% during the first quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd now owns 1,759 shares of the companys stock worth $156,000 after purchasing an additional 87 shares in the last quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co lifted its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 3.5% during the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 2,716 shares of the companys stock worth $369,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares in the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV lifted its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 27.7% during the second quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 424 shares of the companys stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. lifted its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 3.3% during the second quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. now owns 3,478 shares of the companys stock worth $473,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Macquarie Group Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 5.4% during the first quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 2,269 shares of the companys stock worth $201,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. 94.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Builders FirstSource Company Profile (Get Free Report) Builders FirstSource, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and supplies building materials, manufactured components, and construction services to professional homebuilders, sub-contractors, remodelers, and consumers in the United States. It offers lumber and lumber sheet goods comprising dimensional lumber, plywood, and oriented strand board products that are used in on-site house framing; manufactured products, such as wood floor and roof trusses, steel roof trusses, wall panels, stairs, and engineered wood products; and windows, and interior and exterior door units, as well as interior trims and custom products comprising intricate mouldings, stair parts, and columns under the Synboard brand name. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Builders FirstSource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Builders FirstSource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank Financial cut shares of Canadian Natural Resources (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Several other equities analysts have also commented on the stock. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on Canadian Natural Resources in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Canadian Natural Resources currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $88.17. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: Canadian Natural Resources Trading Up 1.6 % NYSE CNQ opened at $60.90 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $56.64 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $66.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.43, a PEG ratio of 11.12 and a beta of 1.58. Canadian Natural Resources has a 12 month low of $44.45 and a 12 month high of $62.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.57. Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend Canadian Natural Resources ( NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNQ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.25 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.20 by $0.05. Canadian Natural Resources had a net margin of 20.63% and a return on equity of 29.39%. The firm had revenue of $6.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.26 billion. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Canadian Natural Resources will post 5.04 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a $0.6744 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $2.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.43%. This is a positive change from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.66. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 41.02%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Canadian Natural Resources A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CNQ. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 30.3% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 13,128 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $814,000 after purchasing an additional 3,055 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources during the 1st quarter worth about $403,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 26.0% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 16,727 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $1,036,000 after acquiring an additional 3,448 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 31.5% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 896,093 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $55,540,000 after acquiring an additional 214,665 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Trust N.A. raised its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 8,432 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $523,000 after acquiring an additional 191 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.24% of the companys stock. Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB.PD Get Free Report)s share price traded down 0% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as C$24.28 and last traded at C$24.33. 500 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at C$24.34. Canadian Western Bank Stock Up 0.2 % The stocks 50-day moving average price is C$23.94 and its 200-day moving average price is C$24.37. The company has a market capitalization of C$2.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.45 and a beta of 1.64. About Canadian Western Bank (Get Free Report) Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services primarily in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, cash management, US dollar, senior, chequing, youth, and student accounts, as well as specialized accounts, including corporate and commercial, organization, strata solution/condo, general trust, and trust fund investment accounts. See Also 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. Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) (CVE:BANC Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 8.5% on Friday . The company traded as high as C$0.32 and last traded at C$0.32. 80,972 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 230% from the average session volume of 24,545 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.30. Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) Stock Performance The company has a market capitalization of C$11.23 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.17, a current ratio of 0.01 and a quick ratio of 0.01. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of C$0.32 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$0.32. Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bankers Cobalt Corp., a natural resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of cobalt and copper mineral projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia. The company explores for nickel, gold, platinum, and palladium deposits. It holds 100% interest in six concessions located in Namibia. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Credit Suisse Group (NYSE:CS Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the financial services providers stock. Credit Suisse Group Stock Performance Shares of Credit Suisse Group stock opened at $0.89 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.53, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.79. The firm has a market cap of $2.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.27. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.89 and a 200-day simple moving average of $1.57. Credit Suisse Group has a fifty-two week low of $0.82 and a fifty-two week high of $6.36. Get Credit Suisse Group alerts: Institutional Trading of Credit Suisse Group Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of Credit Suisse Group by 20.8% during the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 212,663 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $189,000 after purchasing an additional 36,599 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of Credit Suisse Group by 17.3% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 182,501 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $162,000 after purchasing an additional 26,887 shares during the period. Advisory Services Network LLC raised its position in shares of Credit Suisse Group by 45,035.2% during the first quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 48,746 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 48,638 shares during the period. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Credit Suisse Group during the first quarter valued at $904,000. Finally, Apollon Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Credit Suisse Group during the first quarter valued at $27,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.20% of the companys stock. Credit Suisse Group Company Profile Credit Suisse Group AG is a holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following four divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Bank, Swiss Bank and Asset Management and four geographic regions: Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, and Americas. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Credit Suisse Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Credit Suisse Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Credit Suisse Group restated their outperform rating on shares of Block (NYSE:SQ Free Report) in a research note published on Friday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $100.00 price objective on the technology companys stock. Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Stephens dropped their price objective on shares of Block from $90.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Block from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Block from $108.00 to $105.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Block from $103.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Sunday, May 7th. Finally, Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Block from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and twenty-one have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $91.43. Get Block alerts: Block Stock Performance Shares of NYSE SQ traded down $10.03 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $63.52. 33,475,980 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,245,675. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 1.83 and a quick ratio of 1.83. The companys 50 day moving average is $68.85 and its 200 day moving average is $69.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $38.42 billion, a P/E ratio of -144.47 and a beta of 2.34. Block has a one year low of $51.34 and a one year high of $93.19. Insider Buying and Selling at Block Block ( NYSE:SQ Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The technology company reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.04. Block had a negative net margin of 1.38% and a negative return on equity of 0.62%. The firm had revenue of $5.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned ($0.19) EPS. The businesss revenue was up 25.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Block will post -0.08 EPS for the current year. In other Block news, insider Alyssa Henry sold 2,357 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total value of $140,500.77. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 486,262 shares in the company, valued at $28,986,077.82. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CAO Ajmere Dale sold 629 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total transaction of $37,494.69. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 74,458 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,438,441.38. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Alyssa Henry sold 2,357 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total transaction of $140,500.77. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 486,262 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,986,077.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 37,868 shares of company stock worth $2,545,857 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 10.79% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of SQ. IAG Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in Block by 100.0% during the 1st quarter. IAG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 400 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new stake in Block during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $31,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC acquired a new stake in Block during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Tobam increased its position in Block by 885.7% during the 2nd quarter. Tobam now owns 483 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 434 shares during the period. Finally, Hollencrest Capital Management acquired a new stake in Block during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.97% of the companys stock. Block Company Profile (Get Free Report) Square, Inc provides payment and point-of-sale solutions in the United States and internationally. The company's commerce ecosystem includes point-of-sale software and hardware that enables sellers to turn mobile and computing devices into payment and point-of-sale solutions. It offers hardware products, including Magstripe reader, which enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Contactless and chip reader that accepts EMV chip cards and Near Field Communication payments; Chip card reader, which accepts EMV chip cards and enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Square Stand, which enables an iPad to be used as a payment terminal or full point of sale solution; and Square Register that combines its hardware, point-of-sale software, and payments technology, as well as managed payments solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Block Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Block and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Raymond James from $17.00 to $16.00 in a research report report published on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Douglas Emmett from $20.00 to $15.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 10th. StockNews.com cut shares of Douglas Emmett from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, TheStreet downgraded Douglas Emmett from a c rating to a d+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Douglas Emmett currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $15.00. Get Douglas Emmett alerts: Douglas Emmett Trading Down 0.1 % DEI traded down $0.01 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $14.22. 2,743,786 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,584,888. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.12 and a beta of 0.99. The firms 50 day moving average price is $13.03 and its 200-day moving average price is $13.24. The company has a quick ratio of 2.54, a current ratio of 2.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. Douglas Emmett has a 1-year low of $10.09 and a 1-year high of $22.98. Douglas Emmett Dividend Announcement Insider Buying and Selling The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 18th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.34%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. Douglas Emmetts payout ratio is 230.31%. In related news, Director William E. Simon, Jr. purchased 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 8th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $12.42 per share, for a total transaction of $124,200.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 91,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,130,220. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 14.00% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Douglas Emmett Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. abrdn plc raised its position in Douglas Emmett by 5.4% in the 2nd quarter. abrdn plc now owns 33,702 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $424,000 after buying an additional 1,739 shares during the last quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its holdings in Douglas Emmett by 51.0% in the second quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 18,750 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $236,000 after purchasing an additional 6,330 shares during the last quarter. Barclays PLC boosted its holdings in Douglas Emmett by 18.2% in the second quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 147,898 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,859,000 after purchasing an additional 22,785 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Douglas Emmett by 73.2% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 6,366 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $80,000 after buying an additional 2,691 shares during the period. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp purchased a new stake in Douglas Emmett during the second quarter valued at $153,000. 97.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Douglas Emmett (Get Free Report) Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Douglas Emmett Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Douglas Emmett and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ecolab (NYSE:ECL Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Barclays from $165.00 to $200.00 in a research note released on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Barclays currently has an equal weight rating on the basic materials companys stock. A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com raised shares of Ecolab from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Ecolab from $175.00 to $195.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Northcoast Research lowered shares of Ecolab from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 5th. VNET Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Ecolab in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Ecolab from $163.00 to $181.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Ecolab has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $191.93. Get Ecolab alerts: Ecolab Trading Up 0.6 % NYSE:ECL opened at $182.53 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $51.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 44.41, a PEG ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 1.02. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $181.66 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $168.77. Ecolab has a 12 month low of $131.04 and a 12 month high of $191.41. Ecolab Dividend Announcement Ecolab ( NYSE:ECL Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The basic materials company reported $1.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.21 by $0.03. Ecolab had a net margin of 7.96% and a return on equity of 18.33%. The firm had revenue of $3.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.86 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.10 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Ecolab will post 5.07 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 16th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 19th will be paid a dividend of $0.53 per share. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.16%. Ecolabs dividend payout ratio is currently 51.58%. Insider Activity at Ecolab In related news, Director Arthur J. Higgins sold 2,400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.33, for a total transaction of $435,192.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 23,975 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,347,386.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Ecolab news, EVP Nicholas J. Alfano sold 1,098 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total value of $192,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,717 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,700,475. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Arthur J. Higgins sold 2,400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $181.33, for a total transaction of $435,192.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 23,975 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,347,386.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 32,600 shares of company stock valued at $5,889,204. Corporate insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ecolab A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its stake in Ecolab by 2,145,367.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 184,660,374 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $34,474,245,000 after buying an additional 184,651,767 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Ecolab by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 22,118,829 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $3,661,330,000 after buying an additional 883,380 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in Ecolab by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 11,327,373 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,875,020,000 after buying an additional 96,475 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Ecolab by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 11,229,633 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,864,760,000 after acquiring an additional 141,180 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in shares of Ecolab by 58.0% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,510,224 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $802,069,000 after purchasing an additional 2,023,685 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.73% of the companys stock. Ecolab Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ecolab Inc provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segments. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ecolab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ecolab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Political leaders in Nigeria are urging President Bola Tinubu to reconsider a threatened military intervention against junta leaders in neighbouring Niger, ahead of a Sunday deadline to reinstate the country's elected government. As Africa's most populous country and its biggest economy, Nigeria would play a leading role in any intervention threatened by the ECOWAS regional bloc, which Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced on July 30. On Saturday, the country's Senate met behind closed doors to discuss the situation, and afterwards its president, Godswill Akpabio, set out their position to journalists. "The Senate calls on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as chairman of ECOWAS to further encourage other leaders of ECOWAS to strengthen the political and diplomatic options," he said. Nigeria's constitution requires Senate approval to deploy armed forces for combat duty outside the country, unless the president determines that national security is under "imminent threat or danger". Risk to civilians Senators from northern Nigerian states, seven of which share a combined border of roughly 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) with Niger, have already advised against any intervention until all other options had been exhausted. "The consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business," Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, spokesman for the Northern Senators Forum, said just after the ECOWAS ultimatum. The northern regions have deep social and trade links with southern Niger, where local populations share many cultural, religious and linguistic heritages. Sumaila also warned of insecurity risks if Niger is destabilised as the Sahel region battles long-running Islamist insurgencies. "We are also aware of the situation of Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven Northern states if military force is used," he said. Mali and Burkina Faso have warned that any regional intervention in Niger would be considered "a declaration of war" on them. Both are run by military rulers who toppled democratically elected leaders. Sumaila warned that there would be serious implications for the country "if military force is used without exhausting all the diplomatic channels". 'Overstretched' Those concerns were shared by the country's largest opposition grouping, which denounced the potential military operation in Niger as "absolutely thoughtless". "The Nigerian military have been overstretched over the years battling terrorism and all manners of insurgency that are still very active," the Coalition of United Political Parties said Saturday. Besides insurgency groups in the northeast, Nigeria's security forces are battling organised crime gangs in the centre and northwest, and separatist groups in the southeast. The country has also plunged deeper into economic hardship with Tinubu's decision to end fuel subsidies last May. His goal was to free up funds for investment, in agriculture and social programmes in particular. The immediate result however was a quadrupling of fuel prices for a country where nearly half the population is estimated to live in extreme poverty. "Nigeria, in its current socioeconomic state, cannot afford such a costly intervention," the coalition argued. "President Bola Tinubu should avoid plunging Nigeria's fragile economy into more depression by intervening militarily in another country." A potential Niger intervention has also been criticised on social media in Nigeria, with users voicing concern about the roughly 200,000 Nigerian refugees who have fled jihadist violence to seek shelter in Niger. Others worry about a potential influx of refugees from Niger, which could further strain the humanitarian crisis facing much of Nigeria's north. Search Keywords: Short link: Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed their outperform rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Free Report) in a report released on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $96.00 price target on the medical research companys stock. A number of other research analysts have also recently weighed in on EW. Mizuho lifted their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $95.00 to $102.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. TheStreet raised shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $83.00 to $88.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $103.00 to $107.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 25th. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $94.00 to $102.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $92.68. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Edwards Lifesciences Stock Performance Edwards Lifesciences stock opened at $79.55 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 3.15 and a quick ratio of 2.30. Edwards Lifesciences has a 1-year low of $67.13 and a 1-year high of $107.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.34 and a beta of 1.02. The companys 50-day moving average is $88.51 and its 200 day moving average is $84.26. Insider Buying and Selling at Edwards Lifesciences Edwards Lifesciences ( NYSE:EW Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The medical research company reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.01. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 24.56% and a return on equity of 25.43%. The firm had revenue of $1.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.51 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.63 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that Edwards Lifesciences will post 2.55 EPS for the current year. In other Edwards Lifesciences news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.27, for a total value of $676,673.85. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,795,260.96. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.27, for a total value of $676,673.85. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,795,260.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Michael A. Mussallem sold 19,875 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.49, for a total transaction of $1,758,738.75. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 81,725 shares in the company, valued at $7,231,845.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 217,666 shares of company stock worth $19,258,019 in the last ninety days. 1.29% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Edwards Lifesciences A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 98,836.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 759,315,387 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $71,626,220,000 after buying an additional 758,547,908 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 27.5% during the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 21,874,280 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,632,040,000 after buying an additional 4,712,819 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 15,850,055 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,311,275,000 after buying an additional 578,319 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 104,971.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,399,249 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,148,938,000 after buying an additional 15,384,593 shares during the period. Finally, Brown Advisory Inc. increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 14,341,102 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,069,990,000 after buying an additional 115,268 shares during the period. 79.78% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Edwards Lifesciences (Get Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Element Fleet Management (TSE:EFN Free Report) had its price target hoisted by CIBC from C$22.00 to C$24.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock. Element Fleet Management Price Performance Element Fleet Management stock opened at C$21.03 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of C$8.20 billion, a PE ratio of 21.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.97 and a beta of 0.61. Element Fleet Management has a 52-week low of C$14.90 and a 52-week high of C$21.67. The company has a quick ratio of 5.70, a current ratio of 6.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 251.18. The companys 50 day moving average is C$20.58 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$19.33. Get Element Fleet Management alerts: Element Fleet Management (TSE:EFN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 9th. The financial services provider reported C$0.31 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.27 by C$0.04. Element Fleet Management had a net margin of 24.17% and a return on equity of 11.53%. The business had revenue of C$303.96 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$289.00 million. On average, research analysts expect that Element Fleet Management will post 1.2643068 EPS for the current fiscal year. Element Fleet Management Announces Dividend Element Fleet Management Company Profile The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 30th were issued a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.90%. Element Fleet Managements payout ratio is 40.82%. (Get Free Report) Element Fleet Management Corp. operates as a fleet management company primarily in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. It offers end-to-end fleet cars, trucks, and material handling support equipment acquisition; and end-to-end electric vehicle fleet including fleet planning, charging infrastructure solutions, acquisition, financing, maintenance, and remarketing. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Element Fleet Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Element Fleet Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group (OTCMKTS:EUBG Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as $0.33 and last traded at $0.33, with a volume of 4084 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $0.31. Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group Price Performance The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $0.23 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $0.22. About Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group (Get Free Report) Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group, through its subsidiaries, provides digital marketing consultation services in the Hong Kong and People's Republic of China. It offers consulting, sourcing, and marketing services. The company was formerly known as REE International, Inc and changed its name to Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group in April 2020. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank of Canada lowered shares of European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:ERE.UN Free Report) from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report report published on Friday, BayStreet.CA reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has C$3.50 target price on the stock, down from their prior target price of C$4.25. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on ERE.UN. National Bankshares cut their target price on shares of European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$3.35 to C$2.90 in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. TD Securities lowered their price target on European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$4.00 to C$3.75 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Finally, Raymond James lowered their price target on European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$4.00 to C$3.75 in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$3.95. Get European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust alerts: European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Trading Down 2.5 % ERE.UN stock opened at C$2.75 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$2.87 and a 200 day moving average price of C$3.20. European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust has a fifty-two week low of C$2.70 and a fifty-two week high of C$3.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 295.04, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a current ratio of 0.10. The firm has a market cap of C$248.90 million, a PE ratio of 10.58 and a beta of 1.18. About European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust ERES is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. ERESs REIT units are listed on the TSX under the symbol ERE.UN. ERES is Canadas only European-focused multi-residential REIT, with a current initial focus on investing in high-quality multi-residential real estate properties in the Netherlands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Excalibur Management Corp increased its position in shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI Free Report) by 3.2% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,151 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 314 shares during the period. Excalibur Management Corps holdings in British American Tobacco were worth $357,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. bought a new stake in shares of British American Tobacco during the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. bought a new stake in British American Tobacco in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC bought a new stake in British American Tobacco in the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Motco boosted its holdings in British American Tobacco by 1,025.4% in the 4th quarter. Motco now owns 754 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 687 shares during the period. Finally, Ahrens Investment Partners LLC bought a new stake in British American Tobacco in the 1st quarter valued at $30,000. 7.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get British American Tobacco alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. British American Tobacco Price Performance About British American Tobacco NYSE:BTI opened at $32.58 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $33.02 and a 200-day moving average of $35.25. British American Tobacco p.l.c. has a 52 week low of $31.64 and a 52 week high of $42.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. (Free Report) British American Tobacco p.l.c. engages in the provision of tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It offers vapour, tobacco heating, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible cigarettes; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Vuse, glo, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Newport, Vogue, Viceroy, Kool, Peter Stuyvesant, Craven A, State Express 555 and Shuang Xi brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for British American Tobacco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British American Tobacco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by research analysts at Stephens from $69.00 to $72.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the information technology services providers stock. Stephens price objective suggests a potential upside of 22.43% from the stocks current price. A number of other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on FIS. 22nd Century Group reissued a maintains rating on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a report on Friday, April 28th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $81.00 to $71.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Credit Suisse Group decreased their price objective on shares of Fidelity National Information Services from $75.00 to $70.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Fidelity National Information Services from $58.00 to $62.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Finally, Atlantic Securities raised Fidelity National Information Services from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Fidelity National Information Services presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $84.62. Get Fidelity National Information Services alerts: Fidelity National Information Services Stock Performance NYSE FIS opened at $58.81 on Thursday. The companys fifty day moving average is $57.01 and its two-hundred day moving average is $59.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $34.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.48, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.74. Fidelity National Information Services has a 52-week low of $48.57 and a 52-week high of $103.62. Insider Transactions at Fidelity National Information Services Fidelity National Information Services ( NYSE:FIS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The information technology services provider reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.48 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $3.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.71 billion. Fidelity National Information Services had a positive return on equity of 12.54% and a negative net margin of 161.74%. Fidelity National Information Servicess quarterly revenue was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.73 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Fidelity National Information Services will post 6 EPS for the current year. In other Fidelity National Information Services news, Director Ellen R. Alemany acquired 760 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 17th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $58.82 per share, for a total transaction of $44,703.20. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 3,743 shares of the companys stock, valued at $220,163.26. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Fidelity National Information Services news, Director Ellen R. Alemany bought 760 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 17th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $58.82 per share, with a total value of $44,703.20. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 3,743 shares in the company, valued at $220,163.26. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Erik D. Hoag sold 3,451 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.15, for a total transaction of $186,871.65. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 19,887 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,076,881.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.56% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. AlphaMark Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Fidelity National Information Services in the first quarter valued at $27,000. Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new position in Fidelity National Information Services during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Elequin Securities LLC bought a new stake in shares of Fidelity National Information Services in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Fidelity National Information Services during the first quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its position in Fidelity National Information Services by 83.3% during the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 286 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.21% of the companys stock. Fidelity National Information Services Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fidelity National Information Services, Inc provides technology solutions for financial institutions and businesses worldwide. It operates through Banking Solutions, Merchant Solutions, and Capital Market Solutions segments. The Banking Solutions segment provides core processing and ancillary applications; mobile and online banking; fraud, risk management, and compliance; electronic funds transfer and network; card and retail payment; wealth and retirement; and item processing and output solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity National Information Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity National Information Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flowserve (NYSE:FLS Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from $40.00 to $42.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. The firm presently has a sector perform rating on the industrial products companys stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price target suggests a potential upside of 7.25% from the companys previous close. FLS has been the subject of several other research reports. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Flowserve from $42.00 to $49.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Flowserve from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Mizuho boosted their price target on shares of Flowserve from $37.00 to $40.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of Flowserve from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Friday, April 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $40.00. Get Flowserve alerts: Flowserve Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSE:FLS opened at $39.16 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a current ratio of 2.00. The company has a market cap of $5.14 billion, a PE ratio of 21.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 1.63. Flowserve has a 52 week low of $23.89 and a 52 week high of $40.15. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $36.77 and a 200 day simple moving average of $34.86. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Flowserve ( NYSE:FLS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.52 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $1.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $979.68 million. Flowserve had a net margin of 5.98% and a return on equity of 11.76%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 22.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.30 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Flowserve will post 1.96 earnings per share for the current year. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Flowserve by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,796,396 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $310,952,000 after buying an additional 160,054 shares during the last quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC grew its position in Flowserve by 2.6% in the 4th quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 11,008,936 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $337,754,000 after purchasing an additional 279,330 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in Flowserve by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 10,793,498 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $387,485,000 after purchasing an additional 88,950 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP acquired a new stake in Flowserve in the 1st quarter worth $163,840,000. Finally, State Street Corp grew its position in Flowserve by 2.4% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,770,040 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $128,931,000 after purchasing an additional 86,815 shares during the last quarter. 97.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Flowserve Company Profile (Get Free Report) Flowserve Corporation designs, manufactures, distributes, and services industrial flow management equipment in the United States, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Europe. It operates through Flowserve Pump Division (FPD) and Flow Control Division (FCD) segments. The FPD segment offers custom and pre-configured pumps and pump systems, mechanical seals, auxiliary systems, replacement parts, upgrades, and related aftermarket services, including installation and commissioning services, seal systems spare parts, repairs, advanced diagnostics, re-rate and upgrade solutions, retrofit programs, and machining and asset management solutions, as well as manufactures a gas-lubricated mechanical seal for use in high-speed compressors for gas pipelines. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Flowserve Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flowserve and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fortitude Advisory Group L.L.C. acquired a new stake in ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (NYSEARCA:UPRO Free Report) during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 5,415 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $209,000. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Quent Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 by 16.7% in the first quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 4,403 shares of the companys stock valued at $170,000 after purchasing an additional 629 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 by 18.4% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 4,223 shares of the companys stock valued at $270,000 after purchasing an additional 656 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 in the first quarter valued at about $45,000. Royal Bank of Canada purchased a new stake in shares of ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 in the first quarter valued at about $51,000. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 by 7.7% in the third quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 20,095 shares of the companys stock valued at $570,000 after purchasing an additional 1,430 shares in the last quarter. Get ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 alerts: ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 Price Performance Shares of UPRO opened at $47.85 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $46.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is $40.75. ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 has a 1 year low of $25.94 and a 1 year high of $52.22. ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 Company Profile The ProShares UltraPro S&P500 (UPRO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 index. The fund provides 3x leveraged daily exposure to a market cap-weighted index of large-cap and mid-cap US companies selected by the S&P Committee. UPRO was launched on Jun 25, 2009 and is managed by ProShares. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UPRO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (NYSEARCA:UPRO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Glaukos (NYSE:GKOS Get Free Report) was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report issued on Friday. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $89.00 price target on shares of Glaukos in a research note on Thursday. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Glaukos from $65.00 to $77.00 in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Glaukos from $63.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, July 14th. BTIG Research increased their price objective on shares of Glaukos from $83.00 to $86.00 in a report on Thursday. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of Glaukos from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $77.56. Get Glaukos alerts: Glaukos Stock Performance Shares of GKOS stock traded down $0.01 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $74.42. 521,917 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 450,343. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $69.80 and a 200 day moving average price of $57.17. The company has a market cap of $3.59 billion, a P/E ratio of -28.19 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 6.67 and a quick ratio of 6.02. Glaukos has a 12-month low of $40.45 and a 12-month high of $80.28. Insider Transactions at Glaukos Glaukos ( NYSE:GKOS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The medical instruments supplier reported ($0.55) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.57) by $0.02. The business had revenue of $80.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $74.73 million. Glaukos had a negative net margin of 42.61% and a negative return on equity of 19.16%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.83) earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Glaukos will post -2.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, CEO Thomas William Burns sold 30,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.95, for a total transaction of $2,338,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 673,963 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $52,535,415.85. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Thomas William Burns sold 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.95, for a total value of $2,338,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 673,963 shares in the company, valued at $52,535,415.85. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, COO Joseph E. Gilliam sold 42,099 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.34, for a total value of $3,298,035.66. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 120,484 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,438,716.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 179,706 shares of company stock worth $12,981,522 in the last three months. Insiders own 7.80% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Glaukos Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Glaukos by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,380,720 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $286,470,000 after acquiring an additional 23,473 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in Glaukos by 6.8% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 4,684,699 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $234,703,000 after purchasing an additional 299,043 shares in the last quarter. Brown Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Glaukos by 7.1% during the 1st quarter. Brown Capital Management LLC now owns 2,904,658 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $145,523,000 after purchasing an additional 191,849 shares during the period. Braidwell LP raised its position in Glaukos by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. Braidwell LP now owns 1,806,651 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $90,513,000 after purchasing an additional 144,800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Glaukos by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,750,876 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $87,719,000 after buying an additional 44,555 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.50% of the companys stock. About Glaukos (Get Free Report) Glaukos Corporation, an ophthalmic medical technology and pharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of novel therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal disorders, and retinal diseases. It offers iStent, iStent inject, iStent inject W micro-bypass stents that enhance aqueous humor outflow inserted in cataract surgery to treat mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Glaukos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Glaukos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN.A Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Friday, August 4th, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a dividend of 0.08 per share on Friday, September 29th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. Gray Television Stock Up 18.4 % GTN.A stock traded up $1.64 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $10.53. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,932 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,372. The company has a market cap of $1.00 billion, a PE ratio of 3.19 and a beta of 1.29. Gray Television has a 12 month low of $7.40 and a 12 month high of $19.50. The company has a current ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98. The firms 50-day moving average is $9.04 and its 200-day moving average is $9.42. Get Gray Television alerts: Gray Television (NYSE:GTN.A Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The company reported ($0.10) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.19) by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $813.00 million for the quarter. Gray Television had a return on equity of 18.22% and a net margin of 9.92%. About Gray Television Gray Television, Inc, a television broadcast company, owns and operates television stations and digital assets in the United States. As of February 28, 2019, it owned and operated television stations in 91 television markets broadcasting approximately 400 program streams, including approximately 150 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, the NBC Network, the ABC Network, and the FOX Network. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Gray Television Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gray Television and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hoylecohen LLC reduced its holdings in shares of Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ Free Report) by 3.6% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,137 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 300 shares during the period. Hoylecohen LLCs holdings in Block were worth $559,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Assetmark Inc. raised its stake in shares of Block by 105.5% in the first quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 3,315 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $228,000 after acquiring an additional 1,702 shares during the last quarter. Transatlantique Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Block during the 1st quarter worth $205,000. Commerce Bank raised its position in shares of Block by 11.6% during the first quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 18,274 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,255,000 after acquiring an additional 1,903 shares during the last quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC bought a new position in Block in the first quarter valued at about $940,000. Finally, Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC lifted its position in Block by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC now owns 10,890 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $748,000 after purchasing an additional 669 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 63.97% of the companys stock. Get Block alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently weighed in on SQ. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $90.00 price objective on shares of Block in a report on Friday. StockNews.com upgraded Block from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Block from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Truist Financial reduced their price target on shares of Block from $90.00 to $85.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Block from $103.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Sunday, May 7th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and twenty-one have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $91.43. Insider Buying and Selling at Block Block Price Performance In related news, insider Brian Grassadonia sold 5,431 shares of Block stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.84, for a total value of $363,008.04. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 310,570 shares of the companys stock, valued at $20,758,498.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . In related news, Director Lawrence Henry Summers sold 3,669 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.46, for a total transaction of $295,207.74. Following the sale, the director now owns 18,611 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,497,441.06. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, insider Brian Grassadonia sold 5,431 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.84, for a total value of $363,008.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 310,570 shares of the companys stock, valued at $20,758,498.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 37,868 shares of company stock valued at $2,545,857 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 10.79% of the companys stock. NYSE:SQ opened at $63.57 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $68.85 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $69.48. Block, Inc. has a 12-month low of $51.34 and a 12-month high of $93.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $38.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -144.47 and a beta of 2.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.83, a current ratio of 1.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Block (NYSE:SQ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The technology company reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.04. Block had a negative return on equity of 0.62% and a negative net margin of 1.38%. The business had revenue of $5.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.10 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted ($0.19) EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 25.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Block, Inc. will post -0.08 earnings per share for the current year. Block Profile (Free Report) Square, Inc provides payment and point-of-sale solutions in the United States and internationally. The company's commerce ecosystem includes point-of-sale software and hardware that enables sellers to turn mobile and computing devices into payment and point-of-sale solutions. It offers hardware products, including Magstripe reader, which enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Contactless and chip reader that accepts EMV chip cards and Near Field Communication payments; Chip card reader, which accepts EMV chip cards and enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Square Stand, which enables an iPad to be used as a payment terminal or full point of sale solution; and Square Register that combines its hardware, point-of-sale software, and payments technology, as well as managed payments solutions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Block Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Block and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Installed Building Products (NYSE:IBP Free Report) had its target price raised by The Goldman Sachs Group from $142.00 to $158.00 in a report issued on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the construction companys stock. A number of other research firms also recently commented on IBP. BTIG Research assumed coverage on shares of Installed Building Products in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. They set a neutral rating for the company. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Installed Building Products in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Stephens lifted their price target on shares of Installed Building Products from $140.00 to $168.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Installed Building Products from an underperform rating to a sector perform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $85.00 to $111.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Installed Building Products from $140.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $146.25. Get Installed Building Products alerts: Installed Building Products Price Performance Shares of NYSE:IBP traded up $3.92 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $154.10. 232,648 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 223,425. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $132.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $119.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.38 billion, a PE ratio of 17.73 and a beta of 1.78. Installed Building Products has a 12 month low of $74.69 and a 12 month high of $156.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 2.19 and a current ratio of 2.73. Installed Building Products Dividend Announcement Installed Building Products ( NYSE:IBP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The construction company reported $2.05 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by ($0.15). The business had revenue of $659.31 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $698.36 million. Installed Building Products had a return on equity of 55.12% and a net margin of 8.73%. Equities research analysts expect that Installed Building Products will post 8.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a $0.33 dividend. This represents a $1.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.86%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. Installed Building Productss payout ratio is presently 15.58%. Insider Buying and Selling at Installed Building Products In other Installed Building Products news, CEO Jeffrey W. Edwards sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.61, for a total value of $5,980,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 2,747,819 shares in the company, valued at approximately $328,666,630.59. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, CAO Todd R. Fry sold 500 shares of Installed Building Products stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.24, for a total transaction of $57,120.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,943 shares in the company, valued at approximately $678,928.32. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Jeffrey W. Edwards sold 50,000 shares of Installed Building Products stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.61, for a total transaction of $5,980,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 2,747,819 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $328,666,630.59. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 51,197 shares of company stock worth $6,117,956. 17.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Installed Building Products Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Benjamin Edwards Inc. bought a new position in Installed Building Products during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in Installed Building Products by 112.4% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 582 shares of the construction companys stock worth $49,000 after acquiring an additional 308 shares during the last quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new position in Installed Building Products during the 4th quarter worth approximately $49,000. Strs Ohio bought a new position in Installed Building Products during the 1st quarter worth approximately $68,000. Finally, US Bancorp DE boosted its stake in Installed Building Products by 291.4% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 685 shares of the construction companys stock worth $78,000 after acquiring an additional 510 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.82% of the companys stock. About Installed Building Products (Get Free Report) Installed Building Products, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the installation of insulation, waterproofing, fire-stopping, fireproofing, garage doors, rain gutters, window blinds, shower doors, closet shelving and mirrors, and other products in the continental United States. The company offers a range of insulation materials, such as fiberglass and cellulose, and spray foam insulation materials. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Installed Building Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Installed Building Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com cut shares of KB Financial Group (NYSE:KB Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report published on Friday morning. KB Financial Group Stock Up 0.9 % NYSE:KB traded up $0.35 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $39.87. The stock had a trading volume of 120,265 shares, compared to its average volume of 214,908. The company has a market capitalization of $16.09 billion, a PE ratio of 4.64, a PEG ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 0.95. KB Financial Group has a twelve month low of $30.14 and a twelve month high of $48.28. The company has a current ratio of 1.69, a quick ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.43. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $37.70 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $38.60. Get KB Financial Group alerts: KB Financial Group (NYSE:KB Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, May 15th. The bank reported $2.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.80 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $3.81 billion for the quarter. KB Financial Group had a net margin of 14.72% and a return on equity of 8.92%. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that KB Financial Group will post 10.06 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On KB Financial Group About KB Financial Group A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of KB. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in KB Financial Group by 2.0% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 18,979 shares of the banks stock valued at $927,000 after acquiring an additional 378 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of KB Financial Group by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,419,748 shares of the banks stock worth $69,327,000 after purchasing an additional 23,138 shares during the period. Allianz Asset Management GmbH grew its holdings in shares of KB Financial Group by 19.4% during the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 18,669 shares of the banks stock worth $911,000 after purchasing an additional 3,032 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of KB Financial Group by 57.9% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 8,795 shares of the banks stock worth $429,000 after purchasing an additional 3,225 shares during the period. Finally, Royal London Asset Management Ltd. lifted its position in KB Financial Group by 17.5% during the 1st quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 720,294 shares of the banks stock worth $35,226,000 after acquiring an additional 107,023 shares in the last quarter. 5.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. (Get Free Report) KB Financial Group Inc provides a range of banking and related financial services to consumers and corporations in South Korea and internationally. The company operates through seven segments: Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Other Banking, Credit Card, Securities, Life Insurance, and Non-Life Insurance. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for KB Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KB Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kranot Hishtalmut Le Morim Ve Gananot Havera Menahelet LTD acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSEARCA:EWY Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 143,958 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $8,735,000. Kranot Hishtalmut Le Morim Ve Gananot Havera Menahelet LTD owned about 0.26% of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 2.1% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 7,864 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $560,000 after purchasing an additional 160 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 14.2% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 15,163 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,080,000 after purchasing an additional 1,886 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 17.9% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 14,549 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,036,000 after purchasing an additional 2,206 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 84.2% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,750,438 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $124,683,000 after purchasing an additional 800,235 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 1.0% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 68,846 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $4,904,000 after purchasing an additional 701 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI South Korea ETF alerts: iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Trading Down 0.9 % Shares of EWY traded down $0.62 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $64.83. 3,964,850 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,477,676. The business has a 50-day moving average of $65.43 and a 200 day moving average of $62.62. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF has a one year low of $47.19 and a one year high of $67.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.39 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Profile iShares MSCI South Korea Capped ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Stock Market Division of the Korean Exchange. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, July 19th, RTT News reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 8th will be given a dividend of 0.20 per share by the casino operator on Wednesday, August 16th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 7th. Las Vegas Sands has a dividend payout ratio of 24.6% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Las Vegas Sands to earn $2.98 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 26.8%. Get Las Vegas Sands alerts: Las Vegas Sands Stock Down 0.2 % LVS opened at $57.94 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $44.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 827.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.25 and a beta of 1.17. Las Vegas Sands has a one year low of $33.38 and a one year high of $65.58. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $58.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $57.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.57, a quick ratio of 2.75 and a current ratio of 2.76. Institutional Trading of Las Vegas Sands Las Vegas Sands ( NYSE:LVS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The casino operator reported $0.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.41 billion. Las Vegas Sands had a return on equity of 5.73% and a net margin of 0.75%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 143.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.34) EPS. Analysts anticipate that Las Vegas Sands will post 1.87 EPS for the current year. Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 13.9% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 46,767 shares of the casino operators stock worth $1,818,000 after purchasing an additional 5,716 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in Las Vegas Sands by 17.1% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 13,612 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $529,000 after acquiring an additional 1,985 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its position in Las Vegas Sands by 6.9% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 33,282 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $1,294,000 after acquiring an additional 2,145 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC increased its position in Las Vegas Sands by 26.7% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 13,502 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $525,000 after acquiring an additional 2,848 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in Las Vegas Sands by 47.6% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 27,000 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $1,050,000 after acquiring an additional 8,711 shares in the last quarter. 39.66% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently commented on LVS. StockNews.com began coverage on Las Vegas Sands in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Roth Mkm lifted their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $74.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $62.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $69.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price target on Las Vegas Sands from $76.00 to $80.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $70.81. About Las Vegas Sands (Get Free Report) Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the People's Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. See Also 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. Metals Acquisition Limited (NYSE:MTAL Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $13.10 and last traded at $12.68, with a volume of 15716 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $11.97. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have recently weighed in on MTAL. Canaccord Genuity Group initiated coverage on Metals Acquisition in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. They issued a buy rating and a $13.00 target price for the company. Canaccord Genuity Group initiated coverage on Metals Acquisition in a research note on Tuesday, July 25th. They issued a buy rating and a $13.00 target price for the company. Get Metals Acquisition alerts: Metals Acquisition Stock Up 1.6 % The business has a 50 day moving average price of $10.25 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.21. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Metals Acquisition Metals Acquisition Company Profile Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Boothbay Fund Management LLC acquired a new stake in Metals Acquisition during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $2,724,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp bought a new position in Metals Acquisition during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,992,000. Sea Otter Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Metals Acquisition by 365.9% during the 1st quarter. Sea Otter Advisors LLC now owns 101,866 shares of the companys stock worth $1,041,000 after buying an additional 80,000 shares during the last quarter. Deutsche Bank AG lifted its holdings in Metals Acquisition by 130.7% during the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 100,487 shares of the companys stock worth $1,005,000 after buying an additional 56,931 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC bought a new stake in shares of Metals Acquisition in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $386,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.94% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Metals Acquisition Limited focuses on operating and acquiring metals and mining businesses. It operates the CSA copper mine in Cobar, Australia. Metals Acquisition Limited is headquartered in St. Helier, Jersey. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Metals Acquisition Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Metals Acquisition and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northcoast Research downgraded shares of Mueller Water Products (NYSE:MWA Free Report) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report released on Friday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. MWA has been the topic of several other research reports. TD Cowen upgraded shares of Mueller Water Products from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their price target for the company from $11.00 to $19.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. DA Davidson reissued a neutral rating on shares of Mueller Water Products in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Seaport Res Ptn reissued a buy rating on shares of Mueller Water Products in a report on Tuesday, May 9th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Mueller Water Products in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Mueller Water Products has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $13.67. Get Mueller Water Products alerts: Mueller Water Products Stock Performance Shares of NYSE MWA opened at $14.19 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $15.62 and a 200 day moving average of $14.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.31. Mueller Water Products has a 12-month low of $9.90 and a 12-month high of $16.62. The company has a current ratio of 3.50, a quick ratio of 1.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Mueller Water Products Announces Dividend Mueller Water Products ( NYSE:MWA Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The industrial products company reported $0.18 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $326.60 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $351.74 million. Mueller Water Products had a net margin of 5.77% and a return on equity of 12.35%. Mueller Water Productss quarterly revenue was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.19 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Mueller Water Products will post 0.68 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 21st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.061 per share. This represents a $0.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.72%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 9th. Mueller Water Productss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 48.98%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mueller Water Products Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of MWA. MQS Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Mueller Water Products by 24.2% in the 4th quarter. MQS Management LLC now owns 29,204 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $314,000 after acquiring an additional 5,684 shares during the last quarter. Mayfair Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in Mueller Water Products during the 4th quarter worth about $134,000. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its stake in Mueller Water Products by 181.3% during the 1st quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 164,311 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,290,000 after acquiring an additional 105,899 shares in the last quarter. Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. lifted its stake in Mueller Water Products by 3.5% during the 4th quarter. Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. now owns 28,351 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $305,000 after acquiring an additional 953 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank lifted its holdings in Mueller Water Products by 11.9% during the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 66,279 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $713,000 after buying an additional 7,054 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.98% of the companys stock. Mueller Water Products Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mueller Water Products, Inc manufactures and markets products and services for the transmission, distribution, and measurement of water used by municipalities, and the residential and non-residential construction industries in the United States, Israel, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Water Flow Solutions and Water Management Solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mueller Water Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mueller Water Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stephens restated their overweight rating on shares of Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a $370.00 target price on the specialty retailers stock. Several other research analysts also recently commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Murphy USA from $325.00 to $330.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. StockNews.com raised Murphy USA from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, May 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Murphy USA presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $318.60. Get Murphy USA alerts: Murphy USA Price Performance Shares of NYSE MUSA traded up $5.28 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $300.53. 193,604 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 289,837. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.50, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.53. Murphy USA has a twelve month low of $231.65 and a twelve month high of $323.40. The company has a market cap of $6.55 billion, a PE ratio of 11.87 and a beta of 0.81. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $299.25 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $277.16. Insider Transactions at Murphy USA Murphy USA ( NYSE:MUSA Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The specialty retailer reported $6.02 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $6.09 by ($0.07). The company had revenue of $5.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.61 billion. Murphy USA had a return on equity of 81.42% and a net margin of 2.59%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Murphy USA will post 20.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, SVP Robert J. Chumley sold 1,075 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $277.72, for a total value of $298,549.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 6,661 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,849,892.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, SVP Robert J. Chumley sold 1,075 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $277.72, for a total value of $298,549.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 6,661 shares in the company, valued at $1,849,892.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Jeanne Linder Phillips sold 550 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $283.97, for a total value of $156,183.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 2,874 shares in the company, valued at approximately $816,129.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 1,628 shares of company stock worth $455,611 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 9.04% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Murphy USA Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Aviance Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Murphy USA during the second quarter worth $218,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Murphy USA by 12.7% during the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 3,471 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $1,080,000 after acquiring an additional 391 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC increased its holdings in shares of Murphy USA by 3.5% in the second quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 29,678 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $9,233,000 after purchasing an additional 1,006 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in shares of Murphy USA by 38.9% in the second quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 393 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $122,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the period. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Murphy USA by 70.8% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 111 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.01% of the companys stock. Murphy USA Company Profile (Get Free Report) Murphy USA Inc engages in marketing of retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise. The company operates retail stores under the Murphy USA, Murphy Express, and QuickChek brands. It operates retail gasoline stores principally in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest United States. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Murphy USA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murphy USA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nigers new military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the deadline nears for it to release the countrys ousted president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc, according to an analyst. The request came during a visit by a coup leader, Gen. Salifou Mody, to neighboring Mali, where he made contact with someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, told The Associated Press. He said three Malian sources and a French diplomat confirmed the meeting first reported by France 24. They need (Wagner) because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power, he said, adding that the group is considering the request. A Western military official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, told the AP they have also heard reports that the junta asked for help from Wagner in Mali. Nigers junta faces a Sunday deadline set by the regional bloc known as ECOWAS to release and reinstate the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has described himself as a hostage. Defense chiefs from ECOWAS members finalized an intervention plan on Friday and urged militaries to prepare resources after a mediation team sent to Niger on Thursday wasnt allowed to enter the city or meet with junta leader Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. After his visit to Mali, run by a sympathetic junta, Mody warned against a military intervention, vowing that Niger would do what it takes not to become a new Libya, Nigers state television reported Friday. Niger has been seen as the Wests last reliable counterterrorism partner in a region where coups have been common in recent years. Juntas have rejected former colonizer France and turning toward Russia. Wagner operates in a handful of African countries, including Mali, where human rights groups have accused its forces of deadly abuses. One can't say there's a direct Russian implication in Niger's coup, but clearly, there's an opportunistic attitude on the part of Russia, which tries to support destabilization efforts wherever it finds them, French foreign affairs ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told broadcaster BFM on Friday. For days after Niger's junta seized power, residents waved Russian flags in the streets. The spokeswoman described Wagner as a recipe for chaos. Some residents rejected the junta's claims. Its all a sham, said Amad Hassane Boubacar, who teaches at the University of Niamey. They oppose foreign interference to restore constitutional order and legality. But on the contrary, they are ready to make a pact with Wagner and Russia to undermine the constitutional order...They are prepared for the country to go up in flames so that they can illegally maintain their position." On Saturday, Frances foreign affairs minister, Catherine Colonna, said the regional threat of force was credible and warned the putschists to take it seriously. Coups are no longer appropriate ... Its time to put an end to it, she said. The ministry said France supports with firmness and determination the ECOWAS efforts and called for Bazoum and all members of his government to be freed. Nigers military leaders have been following the playbook of Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso, also run by a junta, but its moving faster to consolidate power, Nasr said: (Tchiani) chose his path, so hes going full on it without wasting time because theres international mobilization. One question is how the international community will react if Wagner comes in, he said. When Wagner came into Mali at the end of 2021, the French military was ousted soon afterward after years of partnership. Wagner was later designated a terrorist organization by the United States, and international partners might have a stronger reaction now, Nasr said. And much more is at stake in Niger, where the U.S. and other partners have poured hundreds of millions of dollars of military assistance to combat the regions growing jihadi threat. France has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, though coup leaders say they have severed security agreements with Paris, and the U.S. has 1,100 military personnel there. Its unclear what a regional intervention would look like, when it would begin or whether it would receive support from Western forces. Nigers junta has called on the population to watch for spies, and self-organized defense groups have mobilized at night to monitor cars and patrol the capital. If the junta were to dig in its heels and rally the populace around the flag possibly even arming civilian militias the intervention could morph into a multifaceted counterinsurgency that ECOWAS would not be prepared to handle, said a report by the Hudson Institute. While some in Niger are bracing for a fight, others are trying to cope with travel and economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS after the coup that have closed land and air borders with ECOWAS countries and suspended commercial and financial transactions with them. Residents said the price of goods is rising and theres limited access to cash. We are deeply concerned about the consequences of these sanctions, especially their impacts on the supply of essential food products, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products and electricity, said Sita Adamou, president of Nigers Association to Defend Human Rights. Search Keywords: Short link: Perpetual Ltd acquired a new position in Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 275,651 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,246,000. Perpetual Ltd owned approximately 0.13% of Molson Coors Beverage as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 25.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 23,269 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,242,000 after buying an additional 4,792 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 17.1% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 18,462 shares of the companys stock valued at $985,000 after buying an additional 2,700 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 45.7% during the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 3,834 shares of the companys stock valued at $205,000 after buying an additional 1,203 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 4.5% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 16,654 shares of the companys stock valued at $889,000 after buying an additional 720 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Natixis Advisors L.P. grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 26.3% during the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 14,411 shares of the companys stock valued at $769,000 after buying an additional 3,001 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.73% of the companys stock. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Molson Coors Beverage Trading Up 0.3 % Shares of Molson Coors Beverage stock opened at $65.31 on Friday. Molson Coors Beverage has a 1 year low of $46.69 and a 1 year high of $70.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 0.87. The company has a market capitalization of $14.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 408.19, a PEG ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 0.86. The companys fifty day moving average is $66.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $59.10. Molson Coors Beverage Dividend Announcement Molson Coors Beverage ( NYSE:TAP Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.28. The business had revenue of $2.35 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.23 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a net margin of 0.31% and a return on equity of 8.17%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.29 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Molson Coors Beverage will post 5.03 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.51%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio is currently 1,025.00%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have weighed in on TAP. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $61.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Wedbush upped their price objective on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $53.00 to $60.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $63.00 price objective on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $74.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Molson Coors Beverage currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $61.59. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Geoffrey E. Molson sold 1,840 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.62, for a total transaction of $111,540.80. Following the sale, the insider now owns 25,904 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,570,300.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 2.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. Molson Coors Beverage Profile (Free Report) Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, and ready to drink beverages. It provides its products under Aspall Cider, Blue Moon, Coors Original, Hop Valley brands, Leinenkugel's, Miller Genuine Draft, Molson Ultra, Sharp's, Staropramen, and Vizzy Hard Seltzer above premier brands; Bergenbier, Borsodi, Carling, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Jelen, Kamenitza, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian Lager, Molson Dry, Molson Export, and Niksicko, Ozujsko under the premium brands; and Branik, Icehouse, Keystone, Miller High Life, Milwaukee's Best, and Steel Reserve under the economy brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sandy Spring Bank raised its position in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (NYSEARCA:KRE Free Report) by 5.9% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 40,292 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 2,227 shares during the period. Sandy Spring Bank owned 0.06% of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF worth $1,767,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of KRE. Sculptor Capital LP bought a new position in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF in the first quarter worth $84,199,000. Two Sigma Investments LP bought a new position in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $69,548,000. Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its position in SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF by 12,898.7% in the 4th quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 1,017,800 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $59,786,000 after buying an additional 1,009,970 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI grew its position in SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF by 300.1% during the first quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 715,925 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $31,400,000 after acquiring an additional 536,985 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Credit Suisse AG lifted its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF by 48.8% in the 4th quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 547,325 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $32,150,000 after acquiring an additional 179,400 shares during the last quarter. Get SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF alerts: SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF Price Performance Shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF stock opened at $48.55 on Friday. SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF has a one year low of $34.52 and a one year high of $68.83. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $43.55 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $47.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.19 and a beta of 1.10. About SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF SPDR KBW Regional Banking ETF, formerly SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF, seeks to closely match the returns and characteristics of the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index. Its approach is designed to provide portfolios with low portfolio turnover, tracking, and lower costs. As of October 27, 2011, the Companys holding included Privatebancorp Inc, Webster Finl Corp Conn, Umpqua Hldgs Corp, Firstmerit Corp, East West Bancorp Inc, Fifth Third Bancorp, Fnb Corp Pa, Susquehanna Bancshares Inc and Keycorp New and First Rep Bk San Fran Cali. See Also Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Schneider National (NYSE:SNDR Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.01, Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.43 billion. Schneider National had a return on equity of 16.82% and a net margin of 7.23%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 22.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.72 earnings per share. Schneider National updated its FY23 guidance to $1.75-1.90 EPS and its FY 2023 guidance to $1.75-$1.90 EPS. Schneider National Stock Down 1.4 % Shares of Schneider National stock traded down $0.44 during trading on Friday, hitting $31.03. 570,106 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 584,287. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $28.24 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $27.40. Schneider National has a twelve month low of $20.26 and a twelve month high of $31.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 1.96 and a current ratio of 2.05. The stock has a market cap of $5.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.93 and a beta of 1.07. Get Schneider National alerts: Schneider National Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.09 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.16%. Schneider Nationals dividend payout ratio is 13.85%. Institutional Trading of Schneider National Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Schneider National in the first quarter worth $26,000. Quarry LP lifted its stake in shares of Schneider National by 252.2% during the first quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,627 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 1,165 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Schneider National by 39.8% during the first quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,226 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,000 after acquiring an additional 634 shares during the period. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Schneider National by 223.0% during the second quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,395 shares of the companys stock valued at $76,000 after acquiring an additional 2,344 shares during the period. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its stake in shares of Schneider National by 240.1% during the first quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 4,166 shares of the companys stock valued at $106,000 after acquiring an additional 2,941 shares during the period. 59.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. A number of research firms have issued reports on SNDR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Schneider National from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $29.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Schneider National from $35.00 to $33.00 in a report on Monday, May 22nd. Stephens lifted their price target on Schneider National from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on Schneider National from $29.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, Susquehanna lifted their price target on Schneider National from $33.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Friday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Schneider National currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $32.57. Schneider National Company Profile (Get Free Report) Schneider National, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of surface transportation and logistics solutions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company operates through three segments: Truckload, Intermodal, and Logistics. The Truckload segment offers over the road freight transportation services primarily through dry van, bulk, temperature-controlled, and flat-bed equipment across either network or dedicated configurations. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Schneider National Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schneider National and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Select Medical (NYSE:SEM Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Thursday. The health services provider reported $0.61 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.61, Briefing.com reports. Select Medical had a return on equity of 13.35% and a net margin of 2.82%. The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.65 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.43 earnings per share. Select Medicals quarterly revenue was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Select Medical updated its FY23 guidance to $1.86 to $2.03 EPS and its FY 2023 guidance to $1.86-$2.03 EPS. Select Medical Stock Down 1.6 % NYSE SEM traded down $0.50 during trading on Friday, hitting $29.94. The stock had a trading volume of 871,194 shares, compared to its average volume of 543,258. The company has a market capitalization of $3.81 billion, a PE ratio of 21.09, a P/E/G ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.39. The companys 50-day moving average price is $29.83 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $28.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.66, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.11. Select Medical has a 12 month low of $18.86 and a 12 month high of $33.51. Get Select Medical alerts: Select Medical Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.67%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. Select Medicals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.21%. Insider Buying and Selling at Select Medical Institutional Trading of Select Medical In other Select Medical news, Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.36, for a total value of $1,518,000.00. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 6,889,668 shares in the company, valued at approximately $209,170,320.48. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . In related news, VP Robert G. Breighner, Jr. sold 10,044 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.45, for a total transaction of $295,795.80. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 32,989 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $971,526.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.36, for a total value of $1,518,000.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 6,889,668 shares in the company, valued at $209,170,320.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last quarter, insiders have sold 294,011 shares of company stock worth $8,948,306. Corporate insiders own 19.14% of the companys stock. Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in Select Medical by 68.5% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 280,612 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $7,254,000 after purchasing an additional 114,065 shares during the period. Susquehanna International Group LLP lifted its position in shares of Select Medical by 96.2% during the 1st quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 53,660 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $1,387,000 after acquiring an additional 26,308 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Select Medical during the 1st quarter valued at $491,000. Penn Capital Management Company LLC bought a new stake in shares of Select Medical during the 1st quarter valued at $694,000. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Select Medical by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 80,958 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $2,093,000 after acquiring an additional 918 shares during the period. 79.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have issued reports on SEM. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $38.00 price objective on shares of Select Medical in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on Select Medical from $35.00 to $37.00 in a research note on Monday, May 8th. TheStreet upgraded Select Medical from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 17th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Select Medical in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Select Medical currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.75. About Select Medical (Get Free Report) Select Medical Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States. It operates through four segments: The Critical Illness Recovery Hospital, The Rehabilitation Hospital, The Outpatient Rehabilitation, and The Concentra. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Select Medical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Select Medical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Serengeti Resources Inc. (CVE:SIR Get Free Report) was up 2.1% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.50 and last traded at C$0.49. Approximately 70,621 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 28% from the average daily volume of 97,510 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.48. Serengeti Resources Stock Performance The company has a market cap of C$54.39 million and a PE ratio of -8.60. The firms fifty day moving average is C$0.49 and its 200 day moving average is C$0.49. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. About Serengeti Resources (Get Free Report) Serengeti Resources Inc acquires and explores for mineral properties in Canada. It company explores for gold, copper, and silver deposits. The company's flagship property is the Kwanika project that covers an area of 25,928 hectares located in the northern Quesnel Trough, British Columbia. It also has an option to acquire 100% interest in Top Cat project covering an area of approximately 21,600 hectares situated in central British Columbia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Serengeti Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Serengeti Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shah Capital Management lowered its holdings in shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:FXI Free Report) by 1.2% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 82,039 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 961 shares during the quarter. iShares China Large-Cap ETF makes up approximately 0.7% of Shah Capital Managements holdings, making the stock its 14th biggest position. Shah Capital Managements holdings in iShares China Large-Cap ETF were worth $2,422,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in FXI. Spire Wealth Management purchased a new stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its holdings in iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 118.3% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,799 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $53,000 after acquiring an additional 975 shares in the last quarter. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $89,000. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 92.5% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 3,225 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $109,000 after acquiring an additional 1,550 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Turim 21 Investimentos Ltda. purchased a new stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $98,000. Get iShares China Large-Cap ETF alerts: iShares China Large-Cap ETF Trading Down 1.4 % iShares China Large-Cap ETF stock traded down $0.42 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $29.13. The stock had a trading volume of 34,826,681 shares, compared to its average volume of 32,639,102. The firms fifty day moving average is $27.90 and its two-hundred day moving average is $28.76. The company has a market capitalization of $5.46 billion, a PE ratio of 9.27 and a beta of 0.44. iShares China Large-Cap ETF has a 52-week low of $20.87 and a 52-week high of $33.38. iShares China Large-Cap ETF Profile iShares China Large-Cap ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the FTSE China 25 Index (the Underlying Index). The Funds portfolio of sectors include Financials, Telecommunication, Oil & gas, Technology and Consumer goods. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares China Large-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares China Large-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sigma Planning Corp increased its holdings in shares of DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE Free Report) by 3.4% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 58,653 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,932 shares during the quarter. Sigma Planning Corps holdings in DTE Energy were worth $6,425,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of DTE Energy during the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in DTE Energy in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC grew its position in DTE Energy by 462.0% in the 1st quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 281 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 231 shares in the last quarter. OLD Second National Bank of Aurora acquired a new position in DTE Energy in the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Carmichael Hill & Associates Inc. acquired a new position in DTE Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $37,000. 74.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get DTE Energy alerts: DTE Energy Price Performance DTE Energy stock opened at $107.90 on Friday. DTE Energy has a 12 month low of $100.64 and a 12 month high of $136.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $111.51 and a 200-day simple moving average of $82.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $22.25 billion, a PE ratio of 16.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.59. DTE Energy Cuts Dividend DTE Energy ( NYSE:DTE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.10. DTE Energy had a return on equity of 10.44% and a net margin of 8.02%. The business had revenue of $2.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.04 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.88 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that DTE Energy will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, October 15th. Investors of record on Monday, September 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.952 per share. This represents a $3.81 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 15th. DTE Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 59.25%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth DTE has been the subject of several research reports. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on DTE Energy from $120.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. UBS Group raised DTE Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their target price for the company from $129.00 to $124.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on DTE Energy in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. 58.com reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of DTE Energy in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price objective on DTE Energy from $119.00 to $121.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $81.76. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, SVP Joann Chavez sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.53, for a total transaction of $283,825.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 12,107 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,374,507.71. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other DTE Energy news, SVP Joann Chavez sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.53, for a total value of $283,825.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 12,107 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,374,507.71. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Lisa A. Muschong sold 700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.41, for a total value of $77,287.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 5,455 shares in the company, valued at approximately $602,286.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.61% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. DTE Energy Profile (Free Report) DTE Energy Company engages in the utility operations. The company's Electric segment generates, purchases, distributes, and sells electricity to approximately 2.3 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southeastern Michigan. It generates electricity through fossil-fuel, hydroelectric pumped storage, and nuclear plants, as well as wind and solar assets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for DTE Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DTE Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Southern (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The utilities provider reported $0.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.74 by $0.05, Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.47 billion. Southern had a return on equity of 10.78% and a net margin of 11.53%. Southerns revenue was down 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.07 earnings per share. Southern Stock Down 1.1 % SO traded down $0.78 on Friday, hitting $67.84. The company had a trading volume of 4,095,411 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,219,508. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $70.78 and a 200-day moving average price of $69.71. Southern has a 12-month low of $58.85 and a 12-month high of $80.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $73.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.88, a P/E/G ratio of 4.93 and a beta of 0.50. Get Southern alerts: Southern Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 21st will be paid a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 18th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.13%. Southerns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 90.32%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Insider Buying and Selling at Southern A number of analysts recently issued reports on SO shares. VNET Group restated a maintains rating on shares of Southern in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Mizuho lowered their price target on Southern from $77.00 to $76.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Southern from a buy rating to a conviction-buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 3rd. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating and set a $60.00 target price on shares of Southern in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Southern from $75.00 to $74.00 in a research report on Friday. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $73.57. In other Southern news, CEO Thomas A. Fanning sold 50,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.16, for a total value of $3,758,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 847,592 shares in the company, valued at $63,705,014.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Southern news, CEO Thomas A. Fanning sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.16, for a total value of $3,758,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 847,592 shares of the companys stock, valued at $63,705,014.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Bryan D. Anderson sold 9,491 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.03, for a total value of $712,109.73. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 36,119 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,710,008.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 225,678 shares of company stock worth $16,334,121 over the last quarter. Insiders own 0.28% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Southern Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in Southern by 30.8% in the first quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 71,233 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,956,000 after acquiring an additional 16,777 shares during the period. Providence Capital Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Southern by 6,858.0% in the first quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 108,197 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,555,000 after acquiring an additional 106,642 shares during the period. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC lifted its holdings in Southern by 1.0% in the first quarter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC now owns 638,467 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $44,425,000 after acquiring an additional 6,340 shares during the period. Apexium Financial LP lifted its holdings in Southern by 10.9% in the first quarter. Apexium Financial LP now owns 3,841 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $267,000 after acquiring an additional 378 shares during the period. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its holdings in Southern by 20.6% in the first quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 86,313 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,999,000 after acquiring an additional 14,771 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.25% of the companys stock. About Southern (Get Free Report) 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. See Also 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. Springfield Properties Plc (LON:SPR Get Free Report)s share price dropped 3.6% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 67.30 ($0.86) and last traded at GBX 67.50 ($0.87). Approximately 62,024 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 38% from the average daily volume of 99,988 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 70 ($0.90). Springfield Properties Price Performance The companys fifty day moving average price is GBX 73.62 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 81.75. The stock has a market cap of 79.99 million, a P/E ratio of 482.14 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.84, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 4.14. About Springfield Properties (Get Free Report) Springfield Properties Plc, together with its subsidiary, engages in the house building business in the United Kingdom. The company operates in Private Housing and Affordable markets. It is also involved in hiring plants and machineries, property development, buying and selling real estate and residential property, manufacturing timber kit, and management services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Springfield Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Springfield Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ethiopian authorities have arrested people connected to "the security crisis in Amhara", the government said Saturday after imposing a state of emergency on the northern region following clashes between local fighters and federal troops. The fresh unrest in Africa's second most populous country comes just nine months after the end of a devastating two-year war in the neighbouring region of Tigray which also drew in fighters from Amhara. The government said Friday that the emergency measures would cover Amhara "for six months" but could be imposed "nationwide in relation to any situation or movement that aggravates the security problem". Tensions have been rising since April when the federal government announced it was dismantling regional forces across Ethiopia, triggering protests by Amhara nationalists who said the move would weaken their region. Clashes in Amhara have escalated in recent weeks, prompting travel warnings from foreign governments and the grounding of flights, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office on Friday saying emergency measures were needed "to control this unacceptable movement". On Saturday, the government communications service said those who "exacerbate the security crisis... (and engage in) various acts of destruction have been arrested", without giving details about the number of detainees or the timing of the arrests. According to the emergency decree, anyone found violating its provisions could face "imprisonment of between three to ten years". The decree also allows for suspects to be searched and held without a warrant. Towns under militia control Local fighters from Amhara's Fano militia have taken control of three towns in the region, residents told AFP. According to residents of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its 12th and 13th-century rock-cut churches, Fano fighters took over the town and its airport earlier this week. Shops were open on Saturday but streets were largely deserted, Lalibela resident Aneley told AFP. "Lalibela is calm, no fighting... (but) people's movement isn't like it used to be before," he said, adding that the town was suffering from intermittent power and internet outages. The mood was similarly tense in the cities of Gondar and Dessie, locals told AFP. "Things look calm but there is no activity... almost all shops, cafes are closed," said Simachew, a rickshaw driver in Gondar, which witnessed fighting on Thursday before federal troops retreated to its outskirts. "People are indoors in their homes," he said, with Fano fighters blocking routes in and out of the city. 'On alert' Amir, a businessman from Dessie, told AFP that there was "no fighting here", with Fano members in control of the city. "Markets and shops are open but people here are... on alert." Another Dessie resident, Mohammed, said internet was down but phone lines remained functional. "We hope this (conflict) will come to an end soon," he told AFP. An Amhara resident who fled the town of Kobo on Saturday said government security forces had "severely restricted" the movement of people. Kobo "has been under a curfew for a while, with locals prohibited from moving around after dark", he told AFP, adding that access to internet and running water was blocked. "Fighting has eased for now, but there is a high degree of tension and uncertainty." The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on Friday said civilians had been attacked, with damage reported to property, while transport services and internet had been suspended in some areas of Amhara. Web security firm Cloudflare told AFP they "saw (internet) traffic in Amhara drop around 18:00 UTC (GMT) on Wednesday". National carrier Ethiopian Airlines has cancelled flights to Dessie, Lalibela and Gondar. The United States has "expressed concern" about the violence, while Britain and Spain have both warned their citizens against travelling to parts of Amhara. Search Keywords: Short link: Standex International (NYSE:SXI Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The industrial products company reported $1.76 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.67 by $0.09, Briefing.com reports. Standex International had a return on equity of 14.67% and a net margin of 17.91%. The company had revenue of $188.33 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $184.81 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.54 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Standex International Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:SXI traded up $8.61 during trading on Friday, hitting $155.06. The stock had a trading volume of 66,549 shares, compared to its average volume of 64,224. Standex International has a 12-month low of $80.88 and a 12-month high of $156.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a quick ratio of 2.73, a current ratio of 3.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $141.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $127.60. Get Standex International alerts: Standex International Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 9th will be issued a $0.28 dividend. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.72%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 8th. Standex Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 10.10%. Insider Transactions at Standex International Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other news, CEO David A. Dunbar sold 12,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.00, for a total value of $1,620,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 3,637 shares in the company, valued at $490,995. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . In related news, CFO Ademir Sarcevic sold 755 shares of Standex International stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $140.45, for a total transaction of $106,039.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 9,720 shares in the company, valued at $1,365,174. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CEO David A. Dunbar sold 12,000 shares of Standex International stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.00, for a total value of $1,620,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 3,637 shares of the companys stock, valued at $490,995. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 15,204 shares of company stock worth $2,073,120 over the last three months. 2.28% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Standex International by 1.1% in the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,927,460 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $157,378,000 after acquiring an additional 20,952 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Standex International by 0.9% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,397,241 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $114,084,000 after acquiring an additional 12,403 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in shares of Standex International by 0.5% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 569,786 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $69,764,000 after acquiring an additional 2,787 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Standex International by 0.6% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 480,861 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,262,000 after acquiring an additional 2,937 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Standex International by 5.9% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 229,809 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,138,000 after acquiring an additional 12,802 shares during the last quarter. 89.15% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades SXI has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Barrington Research reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Standex International in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of Standex International in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Standex International in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Standex International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Standex International Corporation, together with subsidiaries, manufactures and sells various products and services for commercial and industrial markets in the United States and internationally. It operates through five segments: Electronics, Engraving, Scientific, Engineering Technologies, and Specialty Solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Standex International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Standex International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLC lowered its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 17.6% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 258,883 shares of the companys stock after selling 55,119 shares during the period. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $12,564,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Good Life Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 25.8% in the first quarter. Good Life Advisors LLC now owns 5,869 shares of the companys stock worth $285,000 after acquiring an additional 1,205 shares in the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 59.9% in the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 85,165 shares of the companys stock worth $4,211,000 after acquiring an additional 31,898 shares in the last quarter. Alpha DNA Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the first quarter valued at about $287,000. C2P Capital Advisory Group LLC d.b.a. Prosperity Capital Advisors boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 122.8% during the first quarter. C2P Capital Advisory Group LLC d.b.a. Prosperity Capital Advisors now owns 17,166 shares of the companys stock valued at $833,000 after buying an additional 9,463 shares during the period. Finally, Sax Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 0.9% during the first quarter. Sax Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 50,492 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,450,000 after buying an additional 461 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Price Performance BATS EFV traded up $0.27 during trading on Friday, hitting $49.68. 2,803,696 shares of the companys stock traded hands. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $49.23 and a two-hundred day moving average of $49.08. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 12-month low of $49.15 and a 12-month high of $59.57. The firm has a market cap of $15.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.51 and a beta of 0.84. About iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Almaden Minerals (NYSE:AAU Free Report) in a research report released on Wednesday. The firm issued a sell rating on the stock. Almaden Minerals Price Performance Shares of NYSE AAU opened at $0.15 on Wednesday. Almaden Minerals has a twelve month low of $0.11 and a twelve month high of $0.28. The company has a 50 day moving average of $0.14 and a 200 day moving average of $0.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 23.80 and a current ratio of 23.80. Get Almaden Minerals alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Almaden Minerals Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new position in Almaden Minerals in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP raised its stake in Almaden Minerals by 564.4% during the 4th quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 233,188 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after buying an additional 198,088 shares during the last quarter. HRT Financial LP purchased a new stake in Almaden Minerals during the 4th quarter valued at $64,000. Millennium Management LLC raised its stake in Almaden Minerals by 587.9% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 485,878 shares of the companys stock valued at $119,000 after buying an additional 415,244 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in Almaden Minerals during the 4th quarter valued at $119,000. Almaden Minerals Company Profile Almaden Minerals Ltd., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral properties in Mexico. The company's principal asset includes a 100% interest in the Ixtaca gold-silver project located in Puebla State, Mexico. Almaden Minerals Ltd. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Almaden Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Almaden Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teekay Tankers (NYSE:TNK Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The shipping company reported $4.38 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.28 by $0.10, Briefing.com reports. Teekay Tankers had a return on equity of 39.74% and a net margin of 32.12%. The firm had revenue of $370.70 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $242.67 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.76 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 52.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Teekay Tankers Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:TNK traded down $0.20 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $43.88. The company had a trading volume of 614,207 shares, compared to its average volume of 491,346. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 2.79 and a quick ratio of 2.42. The company has a market cap of $1.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.67, a PEG ratio of 1.07 and a beta of -0.08. Teekay Tankers has a 12-month low of $22.38 and a 12-month high of $48.05. The company has a fifty day moving average of $38.59 and a two-hundred day moving average of $39.01. Get Teekay Tankers alerts: Teekay Tankers Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 11th. This is a positive change from Teekay Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.24. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.28%. Teekay Tankerss payout ratio is currently 8.36%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Teekay Tankers Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. FMR LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Teekay Tankers by 41.9% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,019 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 301 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. bought a new position in shares of Teekay Tankers during the 4th quarter valued at about $46,000. Citigroup Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Teekay Tankers by 157.0% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 1,537 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $66,000 after purchasing an additional 939 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Teekay Tankers during the 1st quarter valued at about $234,000. Finally, Alpha Paradigm Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Teekay Tankers in the 3rd quarter valued at about $152,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 48.81% of the companys stock. Several research firms recently issued reports on TNK. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on Teekay Tankers from $51.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. StockNews.com raised Teekay Tankers from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Teekay Tankers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Teekay Tankers Ltd. provides marine transportation services to oil industries in Bermuda and internationally. The company offers voyage and time charter services; and offshore ship-to-ship transfer services of commodities primarily crude oil and refined oil products, as well as liquid gases and various other products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Teekay Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teekay Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Telia Company AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:TLSNY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $4.00 and last traded at $4.01, with a volume of 146354 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $4.13. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Berenberg Bank lowered Telia Company AB (publ) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. Citigroup raised Telia Company AB (publ) from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, May 26th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $33.25. Get Telia Company AB (publ) alerts: Telia Company AB (publ) Stock Up 0.8 % The firm has a 50 day moving average of $4.47 and a 200-day moving average of $4.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.90 billion, a P/E ratio of -5.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 0.28. Telia Company AB (publ) Increases Dividend Telia Company AB (publ) ( OTCMKTS:TLSNY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The technology company reported $0.04 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.21 billion for the quarter. Telia Company AB (publ) had a negative return on equity of 19.99% and a negative net margin of 16.39%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Telia Company AB will post 0.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 18th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be issued a $0.0916 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 28th. This is a positive change from Telia Company AB (publ)s previous dividend of $0.06. Telia Company AB (publ)s payout ratio is -33.78%. About Telia Company AB (publ) (Get Free Report) Telia Company AB (publ) provides communication services to businesses, individuals, families, and communities in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. It offers mobile, broadband, television, and fixed-line services; and networking, cloud and security, mobility, enterprise mobile network, contact center, managed mobility services, collaboration solutions, enterprise telephony, Internet of Things (IoT), carrier ethernet, dedicated internet access, wavelengths, IP Transit, dark fiber, and colocation solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Telia Company AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telia Company AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TELUS International (Cda) Inc. (TSE:TIXT Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as C$11.71 and last traded at C$11.75, with a volume of 161530 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$12.09. TELUS International (Cda) Price Performance The companys 50-day simple moving average is C$17.88 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$24.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 95.75, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.30. The company has a market cap of C$924.86 million, a PE ratio of 15.74 and a beta of 0.68. About TELUS International (Cda) (Get Free Report) TELUS International (Cda) Inc design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, and the Central America. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TELUS International (Cda) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS International (Cda) 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 Free Report)s stock price passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $2.44 and traded as low as $2.35. 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 Stock Performance The business has a 50 day moving average price of $2.44 and a two-hundred day moving average price 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. Shore Capital restated their buy rating on shares of Virgin Money UK (LON:VMUK Free Report) in a research note published on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Several other research analysts have also commented on VMUK. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 205 ($2.63) to GBX 220 ($2.82) and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, May 9th. Berenberg Bank restated a hold rating and issued a GBX 195 ($2.50) price target on shares of Virgin Money UK in a report on Wednesday, July 5th. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 230 ($2.95) to GBX 200 ($2.57) and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 21st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 209 ($2.68). Get Virgin Money UK alerts: Virgin Money UK Price Performance Shares of VMUK stock opened at GBX 176.50 ($2.27) on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of 2.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 519.12, a PEG ratio of -0.56 and a beta of 1.95. Virgin Money UK has a 1-year low of GBX 117.25 ($1.51) and a 1-year high of GBX 200 ($2.57). The firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 159.39 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 162.35. Insider Buying and Selling at Virgin Money UK About Virgin Money UK In other Virgin Money UK news, insider David Duffy sold 6,683 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 157 ($2.02), for a total value of 10,492.31 ($13,470.68). In related news, insider Sara Weller acquired 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 26th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 152 ($1.95) per share, for a total transaction of 30,400 ($39,029.40). Also, insider David Duffy sold 6,683 shares of Virgin Money UK stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 157 ($2.02), for a total transaction of 10,492.31 ($13,470.68). 18.47% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. (Get Free Report) Virgin Money UK PLC provides banking products and services for consumers, and small and medium sized businesses under the Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, and Virgin Money brands in the United Kingdom. The company offers savings and current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and home loans; business loans, overdraft facilities, treasury solutions, and corporate and structured finance; asset and invoice finance services; risk management; international trade services; and home, car, and life and critical illness insurance products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Virgin Money UK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Virgin Money UK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New Jersey Resources (NYSE:NJR Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $47.00 in a report issued on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the utilities providers stock. Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Mizuho decreased their price target on New Jersey Resources from $51.00 to $49.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of New Jersey Resources in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Finally, Guggenheim boosted their target price on New Jersey Resources from $46.00 to $47.00 in a report on Monday, April 24th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have issued a hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.25. Get New Jersey Resources alerts: New Jersey Resources Stock Performance NYSE NJR traded up $0.26 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $44.56. The company had a trading volume of 938,371 shares, compared to its average volume of 895,207. New Jersey Resources has a fifty-two week low of $38.07 and a fifty-two week high of $55.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $46.98 and a 200-day simple moving average of $49.84. The firm has a market cap of $4.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.62. New Jersey Resources Announces Dividend New Jersey Resources ( NYSE:NJR Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.03) by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $264.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $546.21 million. New Jersey Resources had a return on equity of 14.64% and a net margin of 11.77%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 52.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned ($0.04) earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that New Jersey Resources will post 2.7 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 2nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 20th will be given a $0.39 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 19th. This represents a $1.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.50%. New Jersey Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 53.79%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Stephen D. Westhoven sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.04, for a total transaction of $250,200.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 180,372 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,025,814.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.72% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On New Jersey Resources Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of New Jersey Resources by 172.2% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 14,056 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $645,000 after buying an additional 8,893 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in shares of New Jersey Resources by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 52,212 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,421,000 after purchasing an additional 1,664 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its holdings in shares of New Jersey Resources by 10.1% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 35,205 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,615,000 after purchasing an additional 3,233 shares during the period. APG Asset Management N.V. acquired a new position in shares of New Jersey Resources in the 1st quarter valued at about $2,081,000. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its position in New Jersey Resources by 12.7% in the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 114,869 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,510,000 after buying an additional 12,945 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.15% of the companys stock. About New Jersey Resources (Get Free Report) New Jersey Resources Corporation, an energy services holding company, provides regulated gas distribution, and retail and wholesale energy services. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Distribution, Clean Energy Ventures, Energy Services, and Storage and Transportation. The Natural Gas Distribution segment offers regulated natural gas utility services to approximately 569,300 residential and commercial customers throughout Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Sussex counties in New Jersey; provides capacity and storage management services; and participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for New Jersey Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Jersey Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Thursday following a weaker than expected earnings announcement. The stock had previously closed at $179.46, but opened at $146.85. WESCO International shares last traded at $148.87, with a volume of 374,359 shares trading hands. The technology company reported $3.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.45 by ($0.74). The company had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.94 billion. WESCO International had a net margin of 3.81% and a return on equity of 20.41%. WESCO Internationals revenue was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $4.19 earnings per share. Get WESCO International alerts: WESCO International Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were issued a $0.375 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.98%. WESCO Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 9.94%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Insider Transactions at WESCO International WCC has been the topic of several research reports. KeyCorp reduced their price target on shares of WESCO International from $210.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Loop Capital boosted their price target on shares of WESCO International from $170.00 to $210.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st. Robert W. Baird upgraded WESCO International from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $180.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Friday, May 5th. StockNews.com started coverage on WESCO International in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Oppenheimer reduced their price target on WESCO International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, WESCO International has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $185.57. In related news, EVP James Cameron sold 7,687 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total value of $1,179,723.89. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 35,811 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,495,914.17. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other WESCO International news, EVP Nelson John Squires III sold 3,490 shares of WESCO International stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.00, for a total transaction of $628,200.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 66,147 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,906,460. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP James Cameron sold 7,687 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total value of $1,179,723.89. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 35,811 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,495,914.17. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 14,668 shares of company stock valued at $2,418,849. Corporate insiders own 2.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of WESCO International Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Park Place Capital Corp purchased a new position in shares of WESCO International in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd purchased a new position in WESCO International in the 1st quarter valued at $36,000. Whittier Trust Co. increased its stake in WESCO International by 4,980.0% in the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 254 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 249 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp purchased a new position in WESCO International during the 1st quarter worth $45,000. Finally, RFP Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of WESCO International in the 2nd quarter worth $55,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.78% of the companys stock. WESCO International Trading Down 0.1 % The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 2.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22. The companys fifty day moving average price is $167.40 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $153.53. The firm has a market cap of $7.85 billion, a PE ratio of 10.15, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 2.00. About WESCO International (Get Free Report) WESCO International, Inc provides business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), Communications & Security Solutions (CSS), and Utility and Broadband Solutions (UBS). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for WESCO International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WESCO International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Xinyuan Real Estate (NYSE:XIN Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Friday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the financial services providers stock. Xinyuan Real Estate Trading Down 0.9 % Shares of XIN traded down $0.03 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $3.16. The companys stock had a trading volume of 13,211 shares, compared to its average volume of 17,729. Xinyuan Real Estate has a 1 year low of $2.95 and a 1 year high of $7.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 24.87, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.96. The business has a fifty day moving average of $3.32 and a 200 day moving average of $4.07. Get Xinyuan Real Estate alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Xinyuan Real Estate stock. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. (NYSE:XIN Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 478,629 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $536,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. owned 0.90% of Xinyuan Real Estate at the end of the most recent reporting period. 1.62% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Xinyuan Real Estate Xinyuan Real Estate Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in residential real estate development and construction in the People's Republic of China, the United States, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. The company develops residential projects, such as multi-layer apartment buildings, sub-high-rise apartment buildings, high-rise apartment buildings; auxiliary services and amenities, such as retail outlets, leisure and health facilities, kindergartens, and schools, as well as office, mixed-use, and commercial properties. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Xinyuan Real Estate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xinyuan Real Estate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM Free Report) had its price target cut by Royal Bank of Canada from $139.00 to $138.00 in a research note published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the restaurant operators stock. Several other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. TD Cowen lifted their target price on shares of Yum! Brands from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Yum! Brands from $145.00 to $151.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Yum! Brands from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Citigroup dropped their price target on Yum! Brands from $179.00 to $173.00 in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Piper Sandler began coverage on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. They issued a neutral rating and a $142.00 price objective for the company. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Yum! Brands has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $148.47. Get Yum! Brands alerts: Yum! Brands Stock Down 0.9 % NYSE:YUM traded down $1.27 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $134.35. 1,378,858 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,627,569. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $135.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $132.97. The company has a market cap of $37.63 billion, a PE ratio of 27.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 1.01. Yum! Brands has a 12-month low of $103.96 and a 12-month high of $143.24. Yum! Brands Announces Dividend Yum! Brands ( NYSE:YUM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The restaurant operator reported $1.41 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by $0.17. Yum! Brands had a net margin of 20.31% and a negative return on equity of 16.02%. The firm had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.75 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.05 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Yum! Brands will post 5.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, May 30th were issued a dividend of $0.605 per share. This represents a $2.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.80%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 26th. Yum! Brandss payout ratio is 48.99%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Yum! Brands news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,884 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $136.87, for a total transaction of $531,603.08. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,846,072.75. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,884 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $136.87, for a total value of $531,603.08. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 57,325 shares in the company, valued at $7,846,072.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP David Eric Russell sold 5,000 shares of Yum! Brands stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $137.27, for a total transaction of $686,350.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 16,052 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,203,458.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 16,681 shares of company stock worth $2,289,403 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Yum! Brands Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Yum! Brands by 7.5% in the 2nd quarter. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 10,373 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,399,000 after purchasing an additional 726 shares in the last quarter. Smith Salley & Associates grew its holdings in Yum! Brands by 2.2% during the second quarter. Smith Salley & Associates now owns 6,214 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $861,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the period. American International Group Inc. increased its position in Yum! Brands by 3.2% in the second quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 86,816 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $12,028,000 after buying an additional 2,715 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp raised its stake in shares of Yum! Brands by 77.3% in the second quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 89,547 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $12,407,000 after buying an additional 39,051 shares during the period. Finally, Quantinno Capital Management LP lifted its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 26.6% during the 2nd quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 4,686 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $649,000 after buying an additional 984 shares in the last quarter. 92.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Yum! Brands (Get Free Report) Yum! Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through four segments: the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division. It operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Yum! Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum! Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zinc Media Group plc (LON:ZIN Get Free Report) shares traded down 1.7% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 86 ($1.10) and last traded at GBX 88.50 ($1.14). 1,200 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 89% from the average session volume of 11,204 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 90 ($1.16). Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Shore Capital reissued a not rated rating on shares of Zinc Media Group in a report on Thursday, May 25th. Get Zinc Media Group alerts: Zinc Media Group Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of 19.08 million, a PE ratio of -729.17 and a beta of 0.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.91, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.35. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 93.31 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 92.16. About Zinc Media Group Zinc Media Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, produces television and cross-platform content in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in two segments, Television and Content Production. The Television segment engages in the production of television content under the Blakeway, Brook Lapping, Films of Record, Red Sauce, Supercollider, REX, and Tern names. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Zinc Media Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zinc Media Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Infosys Executive Vice President and former head of human resources Richard Lobo has resigned from the company, marking the latest in a series of top-level exits at the company. Lobo had moved to a special projects team under Parekh after Sushanth Tharappan was appointed as the head of HR last month. This is to inform that Richard Lobo, Executive Vice President and Senior Management Personnel, has resigned from the services of the Company. His last date with the company would be August 31, 2023. The Company places on record its deep sense of appreciation for the services rendered by him and for his contributions to the company, Infosys informed exchanges late on August 4. In his resignation letter to Chief Executive Officer Salil Parekh, Lobo wrote, Im writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position at Infosys. Im grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had during my time here. Lobo is an Infosys veteran, and served as the head of HR at the company from 2015 to 2023. Lobo also joined Infosys in 2000 and headed HR for some industry practices. He is an alumnus of Xaviers Institute of Management and a mechanical engineer from the Manipal Institute of Technology. Tharappan taking over the role of head of HR was the second change in the HR function at the company this year. In March, Shaji Mathew took over as global head of HR following Krish Shankars retirement. Lobos exit also comes at a time that several members of Infosys top brass have exited the company, and many have gone on to become head honchos at other companies. Well-documented are the exits of two presidents Mohit Joshi and Ravi Kumar S both of whom were future CEO candidates who resigned from the company within a six month span. Both have gone on to become CEOs of Infosys rivals: Ravi Kumar S as the CEO of Cognizant, and Mohit Joshi as the incoming CEO of Tech Mahindra where he takes charge in December. The latest exit is of Global Head of Account Expansion Charles Salameh, who becomes the new CEO of Sangoma Technologies Corporation on September 1. In July, Global Chief Information Security Officer and Business Head at Infosys Vishal Salvi left the company to be appointed the CEO of cybersecurity company Quick Heal. Narsimha Rao Mannepalli, EVP & Co-Head of Delivery & Head of Cloud, Infrastructure and Cybersecurity left Infosys in June after 22 years. In March, SVP and Global Head of Engineering Services and Blockchain Gopikrishnan Konnath exited the company to join Cybage Software as President, and EVP Global Head of Sales and Enterprise Capability at Infosys BPM Kapil Jain left in April, and joined eClerx as CEO in May. Konnath and Jain were both Infosys veterans, having been at the company for 28 and 22 years respectively. When asked about top-level exits at the company after the company presented its results for the first quarter of FY24, CEO Parekh said the company has rolled out a new leadership structure within the company. We have the great fortune of having incredible leadership talent within the company. And each of them, several of them are stepping up into new roles, driving the growth of this business, he said. In a note, Kotak Institutional Equities said that the company does have bench strength. At the same time, we also recognize that it takes time for new leaders to settle into the roles. Further, senior leaders that departed recently may tap in to the Infosys talent pool. We do expect some transient impact although it is difficult to quantify, the note read. Opposition MPs have moved the Lok Sabha, proposing amendments to the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, which includes changing the definition of children to mean those below 18 to those below 15, introducing a three-member committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and so on. The amendments have been proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Party's (RSP) N K Premachandran, Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s (CPIM) AM Arif, Janata Dal (United)'s (JDU) Alok Kumar Suman and Indian National Congress' Benny Behanan. These proposed amendments are likely to be heard when the government moves the Lok Sabha to pass the bill on August 7. Earlier Opposition MPs, at the time of the introduction of the bill in the Parliament on August 3, had alleged that the bill, currently, went against Right to Privacy, and urged the government to send it to a Parliamentary Committee. CPIM's AM Arif has proposed that the definition of children be lowered from meaning those below the age of 18 to those below 15. Earlier, Moneycontrol had reported how many stakeholders were opposed to the current definition of children in the bill. Also read: DPDP Bill: Restrictions on processing children's data will curtail innovation, say experts RSP's Premachandran has proposed an amendment, which would impose an additional requirement on platforms to obtain consent from users in the form a written signature. In line with that, Premachandran has sought an amendment to the definition of data breach, to mean acquiring data "without obtaining consent in writing with signature". He also sought a revision in the "legitimate uses" clauses of the bill, which gives provisions to government and platforms to access data without consent of an individual. In certain cases, the MP has said that the government should take permission of a three-member committee consisting of a retired judge of Supreme Court, and two retired High Court judges as members. JDU's Alok Kumar Suman in a proposed amendment to the bill has recommended that the chairperson of the data protection authority be appointed from the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community. Congress' Behanan proposed that the chairperson and members of the data protection board have at least seven years of experience. Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw will move for the bill to be passed in Lok Sabha on August 7. If the bill is passed in the Lok Sabha, it will then go the Rajya Sabha, where again, if it's passed, the Bill will be enacted into a law. Currently, Bharatiya Janata Party has a majority in the LS, but lacks a clear majority in the RS. The incident of the cables of a lift failing at a high-rise society in Noidas Sector 137, causing the death of an elderly woman, has once again raised concerns about lack of proper maintenance and operational audits of lifts in condominiums in the region. The mishap has revitalised the residents demand for legislation to oversee installation of lifts and to fix the responsibility of maintenance and also ensure safety of residents of high-rises. Apartment owners associations (AOAs) in the region have long been demanding such a law in the state. Following the August 3 incident, the umbrella bodies of AOAs in Greater Noida and Noida, the Delhi satellite towns in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, have decided to write to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and demand the implementation of the UP Lift Act, which has been drafted but not yet passed. According to officials, currently there is no law to govern the installation and maintenance of lifts in high-rises. In the absence of such an act, builders many a time install substandard lifts that lack automatic braking and rescue device systems, and also do not service lifts regularly. Since no accountability is fixed, the monitoring is also compromised, be it by the builder or by AOAs, officials said. Lift malfunction incidents In the latest instance, the cable of a lift snapped, leading to a free fall. The mishap took place in Paras Tiera society in Sector 137 in Noida on the evening on August 3. Police said the victim was immediately rushed to a local hospital, where she was declared dead by doctors. Moneycontrol reached out to the developer of Paras Tiera society and also to the AOA of the society but there was no response. This is not the first instance of a lift collapsing in Gautam Buddh Nagar. In January this year, an engineer was killed after a lift fell from the 25th floor at a construction site of a high-rise society. Similarly, in July 2022, an elderly woman got injured after a lift in her building in Supertech Supernova society allegedly malfunctioned went into free-fall from the 34th floor to the 17th. Demand for an Act for lifts Rajiva Singh, president of the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners Associations (NOFAA), said that Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad house the majority of high-rise structures and hence there is an urgent need for a lifts act so that regular audits can happen and lives can be safeguarded and injuries prevented. Accountability needs to be set with proper governing laws for elevators. High-rise societies face lift mishaps due to poor quality lifts installed by developers. Over 12 states in the country such as Maharashtra already have lift and elevator regulation act but the UP Lift Act is long awaited. In the interim, any states act can be implemented for Uttar Pradesh and amendments can be made later as per requirements, Singh told Moneycontrol. He said that AOAs met the UP CM in July 2023 and raised the demand of an act for lifts and elevators. We will again write to him on the issue, Singh said. Abhishek Kumar, president, Noida Extension Flat Owners Welfare Association, said that residents have been demanding an act for lifts and elevators but to no avail. We will be writing to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the issue and further reiterate our demand of implementing the UP Lifts and Elevators Act. The act will help authorities in governing the installation, operation and maintenance of elevators in condominiums. It will also fix responsibility in case of any mishap, he said. Rahul Rastogi, a resident of a high-rise society in Sidhartha Vihar in Ghaziabad, also voiced similar concerns and said that once the act is implemented, the local authority can use it to fix responsibility and take appropriate action in case of a lift failure. In the absence of an act, builders install poor quality lifts or dilute the AMC (annual maintenance contract) terms and conditions in connivance with the company and officials, Rastogi claimed. Officials in Noida Authority said that a draft of the Lifts and Elevators Act was prepared and sent to the government for approval in 2018 but there had been no progress since then. They also said that officials conduct regular checks during time of construction to ensure good quality lifts are installed in the building. Maintenance challenges NOFAA president Singh further said that AOAs face several challenges in maintenance of elevators such as funds crunch and hefty maintenance charges by companies, among others, which force some AOAs to go for local vendor contracts which at times become dangerous and also invalidates the warranty and insurance provided by the original supplier. He stressed that blaming AOAs and residents welfare associations is not a solution as they are often unnecessarily made scapegoats. The accountability has to be with the builders and manufacturers of these lifts and also the agencies providing AMCs, he added. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on August 5 resumed its scientific survey work at the Gyanvapi mosque here to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. Five members of the Muslim side also participated in the survey. Its advocate Tauheed Khan said advocates of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Akhlaq and Mumtaz accompanied the survey team. The Muslim side did not participate in the survey on Friday. Government counsel Rajesh Mishra, who was with the ASI survey team during the day-long exercise a day before as well, on Saturday said the team started work in the morning and it would continue at 5 pm. Lawyer for the Hindu side Sudhir Tripathi claimed, "Not idols, but fragments of idols have been found in the debris. We are quite hopeful that idols will also be recovered The Intezamia Masjid Committee is cooperating they gave the keys which they were not giving earlier." Another lawyer of the Hindu side Subhash Nandan told reporters that the ASI team is examining the central hall under the main dome. Late on Friday night, joint secretary of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Muhammad Yasin said in a letter that they would cooperate in the survey work, honouring the orders of the Supreme Court. "Keeping in mind the Supreme Court's orders refusing to stay the survey work, the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid has unanimously decided that while honouring the orders of the Supreme Court, it will cooperate with the ASI in the survey work," he said. "It is hoped that the orders of the honourable court will be impartially complied with, and our mosque will not be damaged. Along with this, our religious rights will remain protected as per previous orders of the court," Yasin said, appealing to people to maintain peace. A team of experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) is assisting the ASI in the survey work. IIT-K Director Abhay Karandikar told India is within a pole-vaulting distance of being able to replace China as the factory to the world and the suspicions of the neighbours ambitions and post-Covid supply chain disruptions have also worked in the countrys favour, Mahindra Group Chairman said on Friday. In his address to the shareholders of Mahindra & Mahindra at the companys AGM, Mahindra used the metaphor of a pole vaulter, who needs multiple factors to converge for a successful pole vault and said the comparison is even more apt in todays times because India is ready to pole vault. We are well into the run-up. The Indian economy is growing at 7 per cent when many countries are heading for recession, Mahindra said. Geopolitical tensions with China are pushing many manufacturers in Indias direction, he said, adding, But that is not the only reason. Economics also enters into it. India actually has the cheapest manufacturing costs in the world. It is not surprising that, of late, companies of the stature of Apple, Samsung, Boeing, and Toshiba have shifted a significant amount of their manufacturing activity to India. It is not just the Western nations, Mahindra said, adding, Would it surprise you to know that the second largest investor in India is Singapore? We are within pole-vaulting distance of being able to replace China as the factory to the world. He further said, Suspicions of Chinas ambitions and post-Covid supply chain disruptions have also worked in Indias favour. And we are well placed to take advantage of this. We have massively improved our performance on the World Banks Logistic Performance Index. Our thrust on infrastructure is paying off. As the world functions digitally today, Mahindra said India is in an enviable position on digital infrastructure. The cost of 1 GB of mobile data in India is the cheapest among major economies, and how. So is the cost of mobile internet. We are 73 times cheaper than South Korea, which has the highest cost of mobile data among major economies. I believe India is generating enough kinetic energy for a spectacular pole vault takeoff, he asserted. He stressed taking the fullest advantage of Indias increasing stature on the world stage. The world is at a stage where Chinas political ambitions are being viewed with alarm, and India is seen as an obvious buffer and counterbalance to China. There are many countries wooing us today, Mahindra said, adding that Indias foreign policy has been outstanding and the country handled the Ukraine crisis well. India is one of the few nations whose economy and oil supplies are not affected, and the country has pulled off the trick of being seen as a helpful and neutral party, he said. We are contending for political leadership in South Asia. The leadership of the G20 has amplified our voice in the climate change and environment scenario. We are more respected internationally than ever before, Mahindra asserted. Indias raucous, chaotic, and vibrant democracy is the pole that will convert the kinetic energy of 1.3 billion people into the gravitational energy that is needed to vault higher, faster, stronger, he added. (With inputs from PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Saturday and reviewed various aspects of the India-Nepal cooperation to strengthen the deep bonds of friendship between the two countries. The telephone conversation between PM Modi and Prachanda continues the tradition of high level exchanges between the two countries. "The two leaders reviewed various aspects of the India-Nepal bilateral cooperation and followed-up on discussions held during Prime Minister Prachanda's recent visit to India from 31 May to 3 June 2023, so as to advance the bilateral partnership and to further strengthen the deep bonds of friendship between the two countries," a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi said. Nepal, a close and friendly neighbour, is a key partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, it said. In a tweet later, PM Modi said, "Pleased to have spoken with Prime Minister @cmprachanda of Nepal today. Building upon our fruitful talks in New Delhi on 1 June 2023, we are in agreement about the need to expedite the implementation of key decisions from our discussions." "This will further strengthen the multifaceted partnership between India and Nepal," 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 President Droupadi Murmu visited the Theppakadu elephant camp in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district on August 5 and had a word of praise for tribals involved in preserving India's cultural heritage. She stressed that it was very important to ensure these tribal communities exercise their constitutional rights. Murmu fed sugarcane to the pachyderms there, and later interacted with the tribal couple, Bomman and Bellie, who were featured in Oscar-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers'. She also interacted with other mahouts and cavadies (elephant caretakers) on the occasion. Bellie was recently appointed as the first woman cavady by the Tamil Nadu government. Posting pictures of her visit to the elephant camp, the official Twitter account of the President said she interacted with mahouts and cavadies and appreciated them for their contribution to wildlife conservation. She said that it was our national responsibility to protect elephants. "The President said that tribal communities are playing an important role in preserving India's cultural heritage. She added that it is very important to ensure that these communities are given their constitutional rights," the tweet said. She said that it was our national responsibility to protect elephants. Earlier, the President who arrived at the Masinagudi helipad from Mysuru, was received by Tamil Nadu Forest Minister M Mathivendan, Tourism Minister K Ramachandran, district collector S P Amrith, and other officials. She was accorded a warm reception upon her arrival and later taken around the elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve that accommodates about 23 elephants. On August 6, she is scheduled to address the 165th convocation of the University of Madras in Chennai and later rename the Durbar Hall at Raj Bhavan in the state capital as 'Bharathiyar Mandapam', after the national poet Subramanya Bharathi. During her two-day visit to Puducherry, the President will take part in several programmes including inaugurating the Linear Accelerator of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), on August 7, and pay a visit to Auroville the next day. Saudi Arabia advised its citizens to leave Lebanese territory and to avoid approaching areas where there have been armed clashes, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday. The Saudi embassy in Lebanon posted the statement on X, formerly Twitter. The embassy stressed the importance of adhering to the Saudi travel ban to Lebanon, the statement said, but the kingdom did not specify which areas in Lebanon that it was advising its citizens to avoid. Kuwait also issued an advisory early on Saturday calling on Kuwaitis in Lebanon to stay vigilant and avoid areas of security disturbances but stopped short of asking them to leave the country, according to a statement by the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry posted on X, local Kuwaiti press said Saturday. On August 1, the United Kingdom also updated its travel advice for Lebanon, advising against all but essential travel to parts of Lebanons south near the Palestinian camp of Ain El Hilweh. At least 13 people, most of them militants, were killed in fighting in the camp on 29 July between mainstream faction Fatah and hardline Islamists, Lebanese security sources said. Ain El Hilweh is the largest of 12 Palestinian camps in Lebanon, hosting about 80,000 of up to 250,000 Palestinian refugees countrywide, according to the UN agency for refugees from Palestine. On Thursday, Lebanons caretaker prime minister called the Palestinian president Thursday to demand an end to the volatile situation in the countrys largest Palestinian refugee camp, warning that Lebanese troops may intervene to stop the fighting that has left dozens dead and wounded. Search Keywords: Short link: The third meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc will be held in Mumbai on August 31- September 1 which will be attended by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi from Congress and chief ministers of at least five states. Leaders of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) met in the Maharashtra capital on Saturday to plan the outline of the upcoming conclave which will be hosted by Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, senior leaders said. Congress leader Nana Patole said the upcoming meeting of INDIA allies is very significant because of the Supreme Court's verdict staying Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a defamation case. Members of INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) will discuss various issues facing the country and the role of the Central government at the upcoming meeting, MVA leaders said. The MVA meeting was attended by NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, state Congress chief Nana Patole and other senior leaders from the three constituent parties. "The two-day deliberations, which will be held at Grand Hyatt in the suburbs, will begin in the evening of August 31 and from 10 am on September 1. The meeting will be followed by a press conference," Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut told reporters. He said Thackeray will host visiting opposition leaders, including five chief ministers, for dinner on August 31. Patole said the INDIA alliance is against the "dictatorial" Central government and the first victory was achieved with the SC staying Rahul Gandhi's conviction in the defamation case. He said the INDIA alliance will expose the "corrupt face" of the BJP which accuses others of being indulged in such practices. "Various topics will be discussed at the Mumbai meeting. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and heads of constituent parties of the alliance, chief ministers, opposition leaders and other key leaders will attend," Patole told reporters. He said MVA leaders deliberated to ensure that the upcoming conclave of opposition grouping in Mumbai is successful. "The INDIA alliance has been established to oppose the dictatorial system prevalent in the country for the past nine years. The MVA is preparing to make the Mumbai meeting successful like similar meetings held earlier in Patna and Bengaluru," Patole added. Accusing the BJP of corruption, Patole claimed many ministers in the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra are corrupt. "We have information about their corruption and soon they will be exposed. The Prime Minister alleges corruption of Rs 70,000 crore in the Water Resources Department (when UPA was in power) and then within two days the same party (NCP-Ajit Pawar group) was made a part of the government. "How is that possible? Do they become clean once they join the BJP? Patole questioned in an apparent reference to some NCP MLAs led by Ajit Pawar joining the Shiv Sena-BJP government last month. He said each of the three parties- Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and Congress- has formed a group of five leaders to monitor preparations for the upcoming INDIA session. Former chief minister Ashok Chavan will head the group of leaders from Congress, which will include ex-minister Naseem Khan, Mumbai unit chief Varsha Gaikwad, and former MP Sanjay Nirupam. The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party will be represented by Supriya Sule, Jayant Patil, Anil Deshmukh, Jitendra Awhad and Narendra Verma. A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said it will announce the names of the five leaders on Sunday. Raut said MVA leaders will talk to the state government on issues of logistics and security for the visiting leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. Senior Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat, opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar, former CMs Ashok Chavan and Prithviraj Chavan, state NCP president Jayant Patil (Sharad Pawar group), ex-minister Anil Deshmukh, MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Subhash Desai, Anil Desai, Raut and others also attended the MVA meeting here. "MVA leaders will talk to the state government on issues of logistics and security for the visiting leaders, including Congress' Rahul Gandhi," Raut said. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is an opposition alliance of 26 parties formed recently to take on the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is an opposition alliance of 26 parties formed recently to take on the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The first meeting of the opposition parties was held in Patna and the second one at Bengaluru. At the conclave held in the Karnataka capital last month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had said the opposition will fight the 2024 elections unitedly and succeed. Rahul Gandhi had said their fight was against BJP's ideology. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had dared the BJP-led NDA to challenge INDIA. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had publicly derided the opposition alliance INDIA, citing names such as East India Company and SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) to assert that people cannot be misled merely by the use of the country's name. A Delhi court on August 5 accepted a bail bond furnished by Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in a case connected with the Pul Bangash killings during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand, who had on July 26 summoned Tytler on August 5 in connection with the case, noted that the accused has already been granted anticipatory bail by a sessions court. The court further directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to provide a copy of the charge sheet to Tytler. The Congress leader appeared before the court amid high security. "Bail bond furnished. Accepted, subject to conditions imposed on bail order," the magistrate said. Tytler's wife, Jennifer Tytler, stood security for him in the case. The court verified her identity and financial status, and after noting that she was financially independent, accepted her as a surety. The judge will now hear the matter on August 11. On August 4, the sessions court granted the relief to Tytler on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and one surety of the like amount. It also imposed certain conditions on him, including that he will not tamper with the evidence in the case or leave the country without permission. The magisterial court had on July 26 summoned Tytler on August 5. It passed the order after taking cognisance of a charge sheet in the case. Three people were killed and a gurdwara was set ablaze in the Pul Bangash area here on November 1, 1984, a day after the then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. PTI UK IJT IJT 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 Lantern-lit boats Littered on the sea Which one will take me? Towards the end of his life in 2003, strapped to a hospital bed in Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, V. P. Singh read out to me a couple of poems he had written. One morning I woke up very early, and looked out of the window, V. P. Singh mused, I saw lantern-lit boats sail towards me. He was at the time staying at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai by the seaside. These were small boats out at the sea with lights on them.... In our religion and mythology, they say you undertake your last journey by boat. VPs kidneys had got damaged in 1994 after a dharna at Mumbais Flora Fountain. He was now tied to the dialysis machine every second day. Then he got myeloma, a form of blood cancer, which damaged 50 per cent of his bone marrow. The doctors advised chemotherapybut he managed to avoid it. He was in a reflective mood that day. Suddenly, he said, All my life I scribbled. Now, he added, I need an eraser. You come to a stage when you askwhat is the meaning of all this? After going out of power in 1990, he had gone back to painting and writing poetry, which he had started to do in his earlier yearsfirst in Hindi, then in English, between interludes of dialysis. The Mandal messiah was looking back at his lifes journey. Some of the images he saw now inhabited his poems. I used to play with paper boats in my childhood.... When you are finishing your journey, you are reminded of your... paper boats. Suddenly I found afloat My childhood paper boat It signalled Come its time to go. Vishwanath Pratap Singh was arguably the most controversial prime minister India has had. Undoubtedly, he was chaiin or politically craftyand he could be tough. But there was also an emotional side to him, which his poetry reflected and it defined this complex personality. VP was a contradiction in many waysfeudal and yet not feudal, a loyalist and rebel at the same time, a man of character and a political hypocrite. Many who knew him well said that it was impossible to know the real VP or where his loyalties lay. While he was a loyalist par excellence in the early phase of his political career, he would often say in later years that there was no such thing as loyalty in politics, it was all about the convergence of interests. What V. P. Singh did, no one else who had left the Congress over the years had managed to do. Neither Chandra Shekhar, nor Sharad Pawar, nor Ramkrishna Hegde, nor Mamata Banerjee, nor Jagan Mohan Reddy. They too had, like VP, severed relations with the Congress leadership in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in the last century, and also in the twenty-first century. Hegde, Pawar, Banerjee, Reddy went on to replace the Congress in their states and became chief ministers, ironically sometimes in alliance with the Congress they had quit. Chandra Shekhar had become prime minister at the head of a rump supported by the larger, domineering Congress. But none had managed to create a national alternative to the Congresslike VP did, though it lasted just under a year. He brought together almost all the anti-Congress forces, of the Right, Left, Centre, and the regional parties on one platform in the first truly national coalition. It was a three-tiered arrangement, in what was a rare show of Opposition unity. He gave the regional parties a stake in national governance at the centre. Even when the DMK did not have a single MP, I brought it into the cabinet, he would say. The idea was that once they start to participate in the management of the country, there would be no fissiparous tendencies. He saw this as one of his major achievements. Mandal speeded up the downfall of the Congress Party which fell between the two stools of caste and community, popularly referred to as the Mandal versus Kamandal face-off. Breaking the hegemony of the Congress Party, VP inflicted such a body blow on the Congress that the grand old party of Indiawhich had ruled the country for four decades, until VP took over (barring the interregnum when the Janata Party ruled in 197779)never recovered after that. Nor did it get a majority on its own. P. V. Narasimha Rao came to power in 1991 at the head of a minority government and Manmohan Singh headed a coalition for ten years from 200414. VPs emergence as Rajiv Gandhis successor marked the end of the rule of the NehruGandhi family. No member of Indias first family, has since then, till the time of writing, led a government. V. P. Singhs name continues to arouse passionsreviled by some, revered by others. Some see him as a cunning politician who in a desperate attempt to retain power let a genie out of the bottle which could not be put back. Others call him the messiah of social justice, and that is the way he liked to see himself. Some run governments, he told me, speaking about the processes he had unleashed. I ran history. It will define governments and coalitions in the time to come. Excerpted from the chapter "The Crafty Prime Minister Who Remade Indian Politics: V.P. Singh's Mandal Gambit" in How Prime Ministers Decide by Neerja Chowdhury, with permission from Aleph Book Company. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party on August 5 filed a petition in the Lahore High Court terming the arrest of its chief Imran Khan as "abduction at gunpoint" by the Punjab police. Petitioner Umair Niazi, PTI additional secretary general, requested the court to take up his petition without any delay and direct the Punjab police and government to produce the former prime minister before it to ensure his safety. "The government has kept Mr Khan in illegal custody. Imran Khan was attending a meeting at his Zaman Park residence at 12:45 pm today when some 200 policemen barged into the house and abducted him at gunpoint. They are keeping him in illegal custody," the petitioner said, and requested the court to take up the petition today (Saturday) itself and order the authorities to produce him before it. Niazi alleged the police "kidnapped" Khan without showing him the court order of his conviction in Toshakhana case. Khan has been taken to an undisclosed location, thereby, it is requested to produce him before the LHC, Niazi pleaded before the court. Earlier in the day, 70-year-old Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore after the Islamabad trial court convicted him in the Toshakhana case and sentenced him to three-year imprisonment. Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court Bar Association condemned the conviction of Khan, saying, "it is a slaughter of justice and violation of law pertaining to fair trial". PTI MZ SCY AKJ SCY SCY 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 president of the publishing house that brought out the Harry Potter books died in a speedboat crash in Italy on Thursday. 45-year-old Adrienne Vaughan, who served as the chief of Bloomsbury USA that published the novels, was holidaying with her husband and two children on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. As per a report in The Mirror, the family chartered a boat on Thursday which collided with a tourist vessel at around 6:30 pm with 85 people aboard who were celebrating a wedding. Reportedly, Vaughan was thrown into the water and hit by the boat's propellers. Vaughan's husband Mike suffered limb injuries after he, too, was thrown from the boat. The couple's kids were not injured in the collision. The local port authority have begun investigating into how the collision took place. Vaughan became the chief of the Bloomsbury USA publishing house in September 2021, which had published all seven Harry Potter books, a year after joining the organisation as executive director and chief operating officer. As per LinkedIn, before working at Bloomsbury USA, Vaughan had worked for three years between June 2015 and October 2018 at Disney Publishing Worldwide where she had served as a director. This was her second stint at Disney, having previously worked in the organisation in senior positions in the finance team between April 2007 and February 2013. The last of the Harry Potter books- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"- was published in July 2007. Also read: How Harry Potter helped UP man crack IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta interviews 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 Creator of one of the few detective-fiction protagonists from Bengaluru, detective Hari Majestic, is Bengalurus own Zac OYeah. He is actually Swedish but having lived in the city for about three decades, Zac is practically an old-time Bengalurean. Over the decades, Zac has travelled the length and breadth of India along with his wife, author and poet Anjum Hasan, delighting in the sights and cuisines. After publishing 15 books, both fiction and nonfiction, the forced sojourn at home during Covid-19, got the author to finally write about his culinary adventures. The book Digesting India (Speaking Tiger) has a cheery narrative of food from different regions he had travelled as a travel writer. To make the best of the lockdown, I decided to spend it in contemplation and think through what I had done in the past and if theres any red thread, and it struck me that more than anything else Ive been obsessed about finding good food, exciting eats, rare restaurants, Zac said over email. I realized that my life had been a great grub adventure through the cuisines of India and then I figured it might be something worth writing about: A memoir of meals. I asked a friend, Mita Kapur, who has also written books on food, if I should really write it and she said, absolutely yes, and shes of course working as a literary agent so even before I wrote it, she knew itd get published. Zac isnt on social media or phone - although a sneaking suspicion lingers that he has a stealth phone hidden away - he is prompt on email. And unlike what we think of Swedish noir writers, Zac is funny and entertaining. And, if you have ever met him, you can imagine his blue eyes twinkling with mirth, at the funniness of it all. Excerpts from an email interview: The book is about you eating your way through India. Could you share the highlights with us? There are too many highlights when you talk about Indian food, which is why I had to write a nearly 400-page book about memorable meals. Let me put it this way: it's a bit pointless to speak of Indian cuisine at all, but rather one should really rephrase it as the cuisines of India. Like Europe that has so many cuisines, from Greek to French, Italian to Spanish, Nordic to... I was about to say British, but if it wasnt for the Indian influence in the form of Chicken Tikka Masala, the Britons wouldnt even have a national dish; but anyhow, India is as complex from a culinary point of view. Even samosas differ depending on where you travel, theres not one single samosa but many kinds. Thats the beauty of eating in India, the food isnt standardised as a one-dish-fits-all concept...here you get so many versions of lets say, just to take one random example, biriyani. Theres probably a hundred different ways to cook it even if the name is the same. Somebody once told me that in India, if you travel a hundred kilometres, the food will be completely different from the previous town. So, in my book, I look at just this. I travel and then I eat, and Im in a new paradise, often about some interesting story behind its food. In Tamil Nadu, for instance, everybody will go to Chettinad which is getting pretty famous for its cuisine in recent decades, and which I love by the way, but you can also travel virtually next-door to any place in the Kongunad region, which seems to be the heartland of the state, and find gourmet dishes that are probably cooked the same way today as millennia ago. A thrilling dish I stumbled upon there is the Mutton Pallipalayam which one only finds in Kongunadu-style restaurants, although Kongu restaurants are quite rare and the only one I know of is Junior Kuppanna which is a small local chain that has branches here and there in south India. Otherwise, I believe, the cuisine is mostly home-cooked. And this Pallipalayam is actually a rather humble dish to be Indian, with less masalas and very little oil compared to Chettinadu cooking, but thats also what makes Kongu food so alluring. Its homely, a bit rustic, very natural, and I believe Mutton Pallipalayam is actually cooked without adding oil at all, but just the fat of the meat itself does the job. And then the spicing is very subtle, apparently the meat isnt even marinated before-hand, so here we have an ancient Indian dish that could give French nouvelle cuisine a run for its money! What is your memory of the first Indian food you ever ate in India? This is a bit of a trick question I think, as I was pretty much an idiot when I first came to India. I remember asking for a spring roll and rice in some restaurant in Delhis Connaught Place. This must have been way back in 1991 on my first visit and my idea of Asian food was really hazy. Today I ask myself, why did I fly to India to eat spring rolls when Delhi is famous for butter chicken? And naturally, the waiter objected and said that Id need some gravy to go with that. I told him that in Sweden we always have spring rolls and rice and ignored his advice. Afterwards, I realized that he was completely right and I was being stupid. So, to eat in India is an IQ test and I think my IQ went up from 130 to 180 after I started writing about Indian food. Whats your advice to first-time travellers to India who are eager to try out the cuisine and to those who are apprehensive to try out its cuisines? Apprehension causes unnecessary tension, so stop apprehending. Other than that, I think facilities have improved here so much from how it was 30 years ago. Those days it was mandatory for tourists to sample Delhi Belly, Bangalore Bowels, Bombay Bathroom Foxtrot, and Calcutta Chromosomes. These days the hospitality industry is doing a world-class act and one neednt worry unnecessarily if one eats in good restaurants. Even street food is generally safe. The only recent mishap Ive had was when I was in a rush and ate a burger in one of those American chain restaurants and that really put my motions in motion. But as long as I stick to my vada-sambar religiously, I never have any gas tricks. So, my main advice to anybody travelling around India, is to stay away from international burger chains and stick to local foods. Then you cant really go wrong. Some places, like Kozhikode, you have described in detail as a hotspot for spices. Tell us more about such hotspots. Kerala is definitely a major hotspot when it comes to spice trading, especially the north Kerala towns like Kozhikode that you mention but also Thalassery which has lent its name to the finest quality of pepper on sale in European shops, often labelled as Tellicherry Black. These were essentially port towns from where the spices that grew in the Western Ghats were shipped out. Then there are the old colonial harbours, like Goa and Puducherry, which were occupied by the Portuguese and the French, respectively, and where interesting hybrid fusion traditions sprung up. I mean, if it hadnt been for the Portuguese planting chillies in Goa, Indian food would not be so spicy. Today, chillies are the number one ingredient in many Indian dishes. On my latest visit to Puducherry, I scored a bag of vadavams that are sun-dried spice balls typical of a particular Tamilian community, but which fascinated the French colonials so much that if you travel to Paris, youll find that they even today have a beloved spice mixture that goes by the name of vadouvan that they use to make mild Indian-flavoured soups, seafood preparations and, especially, duck stews. So, to get back to your question, India is full of spicy hotspots where food comes in steaming hotpots. What is your comfort food? Do you cook? If so, which is your signature dish? When one is travelling and tired and eventually reaches someplace, really the best thing to have is thick dhal served with warm rotis. Though I dont cook it myself, at home my wife cooks Indian staples, because all of them are too complicated for me to figure out, you know, measurements like take the suitable amount of panchphoron and cook it in the proper manner are hard to decipher for somebody who grew up with Swedish cookbooks where measurements are extremely precise. Therefore, when I cook, it is either Chinese or Mediterranean, stuff that Im fond of preparing, and is generally quite easy to make. Like, north African couscous with grilled veggies or a Chinese-Vietnamese style noodle soup. Simple food, but only if one sources very good ingredients, is hard to fail. What drink would you pair with most Indian dishes? Now that you ask, Id say that a pint of lager goes well with almost any Indian dish. And if you need proof, then just consider how popular B&B is across India, probably half of all restaurants tempt you with that combo of beer and biryani. Every single pub Ive gone to in Britain inevitably will offer curry, if you want something a little substantial to eat with your stout. It is a perfect pairing. On July 26, 2023, Samsung made another big pitch for foldable smartphones with the high-decibel global launch of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 in Seoul. The brand has pivoted to two big smartphone events as part of its annual calendar. A first-quarter launch for its premier non-foldable smartphone (the Galaxy S23 trio this year) and a third-quarter launch to showcase its two big foldable smartphones. Its fair to say that foldable smartphones have been one of the most exciting trends weve witnessed in the smartphone space. Numbers continue to rise, even as overall smartphone numbers have begun to stagnate around the world. Foldables on the upswing The numbers tell the story. According to global analyst firm Canalys, global smartphone sales dipped 11 percent (year-on-year) in the second quarter of 2023. However, the numbers for foldable smartphones are firmly northbound. IDC predicts a staggering 27.6 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the foldable segment, predicting a rise from 14.2 million shipments in 2022 to 48.1 million shipments in 2027. The other key stat is the overall market share for foldable smartphones. By 2027, foldables are tipped to constitute 3.5 percent of the overall market share (compared to 1.2 percent) in 2022. Whats driving the numbers Most numbers suggest that Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, could see a wider adoption of foldables. Most Chinese brands from Xiaomi to Vivo and OPPO have jumped into the fray. OnePlus has already teased its new OnePlus Open that is likely to debut in end August. Weve also seen Moto and OPPO aggressively market their foldables in India. But its Samsung that has raced ahead in the global smartphone segment. According to Canalys, Samsung cornered 80 percent of global sales. Most industry observers agree that its the quest for new user experiences that is leading consumer adoption of foldables. While weve seen bigger displays, better cameras and improved battery life, the conventional smartphone experience has become quite predictable. This is one reason why the lure of dual screens seems to be winning over consumers who like to live on the cutting edge. This brings us to the obvious question. Are you considering flipping to a foldable and what form factor should you choose. Is 2023 the year of the Flip? While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 remains the brands premier foldable and most expensive smartphone, this year the Z Flip 5 seems to have hogged more of the attention. The 2023 Flip is a bigger upgrade than the Fold. The big change is the cover display that expanded from 1.9 inches to 3.4 inches. Motos new Razr 40 Ultra and OPPOs Find N2 Flip also boast of cover displays that are above 3-inches. This means you dont need to keep flipping the phone open for notifications. Aside from the obvious price difference, flip devices are outselling the book-type foldable smartphones for their compact form factor and selfie camera. Brands like Samsung and Moto are riding on the free-standing form of flip smartphones that allow you to capture cool selfies, hyper-lapse videos and night-mode pictures without a tripod. This might well be the clincher for Gen Z audiences who want to break away from conventional smartphone experiences. Whats the right foldable for you? As always, it comes down to your use-case scenarios; as Ive discovered, its not an easy choice. Im torn between the convenience of a clamshell-style flip device that fits in your palm versus the sheer joy of flipping through a book or gaming on a mini tablet-style display on devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. This year Samsung has closed the gap with an improved hinge design and further reduced the heft of the Fold 5. To put the form factor in perspective, its just about 5 percent heavier than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Can devices like the Google Pixel Fold (that hasnt been launched in India) or Z Fold 5 replace a full-screen tab as a productivity device? The short answer is no. Ive tried using the Z Fold as my only work device for a couple of days. While it was comfortable to type short emails with one-half of my smartphone display doubling up as a touch keypad, its tough to type a long document at the same pace as a large tablet. Samsungs DeX solution was handy when I connected the phone to a large display via HDMI but I eventually used a Bluetooth Keyboard to work at my usual laptop pace. The Z Fold 5 wins on the same counts as a small tab (like the iPad mini). Its perfect for eBooks, or even scrolling through documents / email attachments and great for dashing off replies or short emails. The Z Fold 5 has a better rear camera system than the Z Flip 5 and also has the edge on the battery life front. But if youre not looking at a productivity-first device, then Id recommend the Flip. Its certainly more pocketable think skinny jeans and clutch purses, and is definitely for you if youre likely to shoot more selfies (those selfie previews are very handy) than images on your rear cam. So, will you flip or fold? A US woman has broken the world record for the worlds loudest burp by a female. Kimberly Winters record-breaking burp was 107.3 decibels loud louder than some motorcycles at full throttle, according to Guinness World Records. Winter broke the previous world record for the loudest burp, held by Elisa Cagnoni of Italy who belched at 107 decibels in 2009. It took 14 years for someone to surpass Cagnonis record. To achieve this feat, Winter visited the studios of iHeartRadio station in order to eliminate reflected sound. She burped live on air during the Elliot in the Morning show while standing 8 feet and 2 inches away from the microphone, which the required distance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Guinness World Records (@guinnessworldrecords) According to Guinness World Records, the Maryland resident prepared by eating a full breakfast and drinking coffee and beer. She took weeks to decide her pre-burp meal, experimenting with several combinations to see which one would allow her to burp the loudest. About her process, Winter said she tries to take a deep breath and manipulate that into something monstrous and magical. She also enjoys surprising strangers with her monster burps - That is just magic to me, she says. I love to see their face. Winter has possessed an innate skill for really loud burping ever since she was a child. In fact, her parents would beg her to burp more quietly when she was younger, and she was once thrown out of a bar for belching too loudly. But Winters talent has also brought her social media fame she has thousands of followers on TikTok and YouTube who encouraged her to attempt a Guinness World Record, which she did successfully. In a significant move toward the integration of Credit Suisse following its emergency takeover by UBS Group AG in June, the Swiss banking giant is reportedly set to announce substantial changes within its investment banking division as early as Monday, Reuters reported. The proposed restructuring aims to establish cohesive teams after the completion of the merger and encompasses various dealmaking groups such as healthcare, consumer/retail, financial sponsors, and equity capital markets. While some Credit Suisse bankers are anticipated to assume larger roles within the consolidated entity, others are expected to exit. Similarly, certain UBS bankers may also depart due to the reshuffling. These anticipated shifts underscore CEO Sergio Ermotti's ongoing efforts to navigate the challenging integration process between UBS and Credit Suisse, a process acknowledged to carry significant workforce implications. Among the changes, Jeff Rose, UBS's global head of consumer products and retail deals, is reportedly considering an exit, with discussions underway to potentially replace him with Jon Levin, who previously served as Credit Suisse's head of retail investment banking. In a parallel development, Laurence Braham, recently appointed from Barclays Plc, is poised to be named global co-head of technology for UBS's technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) group. Christian Lesueur, the existing global head of TMT investment banking, would be his co-head, with Steve Pettigrew overseeing software M&A and Neil Meyer co-leading media and communications dealmaking globally. Notably, UBS has been striving to reclaim its position in dealmaking, with recent rankings reflecting a decline in global mergers and acquisitions league tables. The integration process also seems to suggest a potential reduction of up to a third of the combined workforce, amounting to around 30,000 to 35,000 jobs. As the details continue to evolve, an official announcement is yet to be made. The sources, requesting anonymity, cautioned that the restructuring plans are subject to change. Spokespeople for the involved individuals and UBS declined to comment on the matter. (Inputs from Reuters) Mourners on Saturday attended the funeral of a Palestinian killed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, after the UN warned of a dramatic spike in such cases. The Palestinian health ministry in a statement late Friday announced the death of Qusai Jamal Maatan, 19, saying he was "shot dead by settlers in the village of Burqa", east of Ramallah. At the funeral procession, Maatan was wrapped in a black and white keffiyeh head covering and Palestinian flag. Mourners carried his body through the village streets before his burial, said an AFP journalist at the scene. On early Friday, the Palestinian health ministry said 18-year-old Mahmoud Abu Saan was "killed this morning by live bullets from the occupation (Israel) in Tulkarm". Also on Friday, Israeli soldiers shot dead another Palestinian, Mahmoud Abu Saan, 18, in the West Bank community of Tulkarm. Since early last year, the West Bank has seen a string of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets, in response to Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities and regular raids by Israeli occupation forces. In a statement Saturday, the Israeli army cited Palestinian reports and witnesses as saying clashes broke out between Palestinians and Israeli civilians who were herding sheep near Burqa village. Both sides threw rocks, the Palestinians let off fireworks and "Israeli civilians shot towards the Palestinians," the occupation army said. Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War. Excluding occupied Jerusalem, the territory is home to nearly three million Palestinians and around 490,000 Israelis who live in settlements considered illegal, constituting a flagrant violation under international law. Incidents rising The UN humanitarian agency OCHA on Friday said it had recorded 591 settler-related attacks in the occupied West Bank in the first six months of 2023 resulting in Palestinian casualties, property damage, or both. "That's an average of 99 incidents every month, and a 39-percent-increase compared with the monthly average of the whole of 2022, which is 71," spokesman Jens Laerke told reporters in Geneva. Search Keywords: Short link: August 05, 2023 Ukraine Open Thread 2023-185 Only for news & views directly related to the Ukraine conflict. The current open thread for other issues is here. Please stick to the topic. Contribute facts. Do not attack other commentators. Posted by b on August 5, 2023 at 16:25 UTC | Permalink Comments next page The Israeli occupation forces and settlers committed 897 attacks against Palestinians, their properties, and their holy places during July, according to the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Palestine News Agency WAFA said. These assaults encompassed direct attacks on individuals, property vandalism, land leveling, village storming, tree uprooting, and property confiscation. The majority of attacks occurred in the Jerusalem governorate (148), followed by Nablus (140) and Hebron (113). Settlers were responsible for 202 attacks, concentrated mainly in Nablus (65), Ramallah (35), and Hebron (28). The Commission said that July saw 139 demolition, construction stoppage, and facility evacuation orders issued, describing it as a record rise that warns of many more demolitions in the next period. Jericho had the highest number of notices (53), trailed by Hebron and Salfit with 19 each. Occupation forces demolished 41 homes and commercial establishments, predominantly in Hebron and Jerusalem. The report said the Israeli forces and settlers vandalized a total of 2,552 trees by cutting and uprooting them, mainly in the Nablus governorate (1,173), followed by the Hebron governorate (695). Additionally, in July, the Israeli occupation authorities approved 310 settlement units in 33 structural plans, with 622 more settlement units on the table, impacting a vast area of 925,328 dunums of Palestinian land. Search Keywords: Short link: An American Airlines passenger listens to a conference call as he waits for his flight in Terminal A at DFW Airport on Feb. 23, 2022, in Dallas. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) Turkish companies Vestel, a home and professional appliance manufacturer, and Zorlu, a multinational holding company, are planning to establish a home appliances factory in Egypt with over $70 million investment for the first phase. Egypts Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir announced the news after meeting with officials from the two companies as well as other Turkish entities on Saturday as he concluded his multi-day visit to Ankara, the first by an Egyptian trade minister in a decade. Samir invited Vestel and Zorlu officials to visit Egypt during the coming period to finalise the studies required to establish the factory. Potential investments Samir revealed that Turkish Milat Carpet and Berdan Civata, Turkish fastening-components manufacturer, are willing to explore investment opportunities in Egypt. Meanwhile, Turkey's largest state-owned bank Ziraat Bank is considering opening a representative office in Egypt to prepare the ground for the establishment of a branch in the country in coordination with the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), Samir added. On Friday, Samir also met with representatives of Koc Holding, which plans to establish factories for automotive industries and pharmaceuticals. The company, the largest Turkish investment group, also plans to cooperate with the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) in renewable energy, wind, and yacht marinas and also with the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) to manufacture furnaces, Samir added. Koc Holding already pumped huge investments into the Egyptian market recently, including through the establishment of a factory for electrical appliances with a $110 million investment, the companys representatives said in the meeting. The factory will start production early next year and aims to export 60 percent of the output to foreign markets, they added. Industrial cooperation Last week, Samir met with Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir, where they proposed signing an MoU to address issues of industrial cooperation between the two states. They also proposed the establishment of a working group comprising officials from both ministries to integrate the economies of both countries. During his visit, Samir stressed the Egyptian governments keenness to provide all possible support to Turkish companies operating or planning to operate in the Egyptian market in the near future. Investments, trade A total of 790 Turkish companies operate in Egypt with Turkish investments in Egypt amounting to $2.5 billion in addition to $400 million in investments that were added in 2020, according to recent data by the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry. Turkish investments are concentrated in the fields of medical industries, furniture, cosmetics, food industries, chemicals, and engineering industries. Trade exchange between Egypt and Turkey totaled $7 billion in 2022 and investments, the ministry said. Egypt plans to increase the volume of bilateral trade with Turkey to $15 billion over the next five years, said Samir last week. Search Keywords: Short link: You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close U.S. Army Chief of Staff General James McConville testifies before the House Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. June 29, 2021. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Micah Lawrence, left, a representative from the Missile Defense Agency, provides information on the proposed enhanced air and missile defense system for Guam during a meeting Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. Attendees are provided with information during a meeting Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa in Tumon on the Enhanced Air and Missile Defense system on Guam, which is expected to start deployment in 2027. The third part of Nadine Khans television series Why Not? was screened earlier this month on the streaming platform Shahid. The trilogy sparked widespread interest in the emotional suffering of single mothers in Egypt, but did it raise awareness of the issue in a way that might actually help such people? The burden of financial responsibility combined with the social stigma and being the target of predatory behaviour all make the topic far weightier and more complicated than the series focus on the protagonist Nelly aka Sherihans son Yassin opposing the idea of her marrying a second time. This is partly to do with the clear inclination of Sard, the workshop behind the script, headed by Mariam Naoum, to focus on women from the upper echelons of society. Yet even for such single mothers the difficulty of fitting in with married couples or having a serious relationship are fundamental aspects of life the series ignores. Directed by filmmaker Nadine Khan and starring the megastar Nelly Karim, the 15-episode series has obvious shortcomings despite its enthusiastic reception on social media. Sherihan a psychology teacher with two teenage children, Yassin and Yasmine divorced her irresponsible husband early on and raised her two children alone. As of the first episode it is clear that her love life is kept secret for fear of Yassins reaction. The young man, played by Moataz Hisham, is selfish and arrogant, and when he discovers the existence of her lover Karim he is enraged. In a sense the entire series is Sherihans attempt to calm him down and persuade him of her right to marry the man she loves. The children of others in all kinds of arrangements, including open relationships, are not dealt with as much as such issues as mental health and patriarchal society, but the reason behind Yassins difficult character remains unclear. Yasmine, brilliantly played by young Farida Ragab, is just the opposite. She has developed an independent and strong character, but is also isolated from her mother, aunt and grandfather. She seems to represent another kind of divorce victim, having been deprived of the care of her father who lives with his second family in Alexandria as well as discriminated against by her mother who like most Egyptian mothers upholds the tradition of privileging the male child. The number of episodes is only 15, which is a positive new trend in Egyptian television, but the script is not as gripping as the previous two parts (the first starring Amina Khalil and screened in 2020 and the second starring Menna Shalabi and screened in 2021). Khalil played a young woman who refused an arranged marriage and moved out to live on her own while Shalabi plays an unmarried doctor who decides to adopt a child and face the social consequences (which in Egypt are considerable). Sherihan is less exemplary in that, though a psychologist, she has obviously failed to raise her two children in a positive way or maintain healthy relations with either of them. The best parts were Sherihans well thought out conversations with Karim, played by Ahmed Tarek, and her best friend Noshka, played by Nadine, another divorcee who chooses to live freely without the headache of a stable relationship. But they do not make up for the lack of drama. Over 15 episodes nothing much happens besides the slow daily routines of a typical middle-class family interspersed by repetitive platitudes along the lines of you have every right to marry again and stop playing the victimised mother. Sherihan goes through with her engagement to punish Yassin, but eventually decides to prioritise her children and breaks it off. In an honest scene, it becomes clear that this decision has left her lonely and unhappy. The closest thing in the series to a dramatic climax is the peak of Yassins delinquency, which involves insulting Sherihan and her father, played by the comedian Salah Abdallah, as well as befriending a drug addict named Sherbini (Youssef Omar). At the same time Karims mother (Aida Riyad) does not want him to marry a divorced woman with two children, even though she herself ends up falling in love with and agreeing to marry a widower her age she meets at a summer resort, a trope Sard also utilised in The Seventh Itch even though marriage at that age is extremely uncommon in Egypt. But perhaps the weakest aspect of Why Not III is how all the conflicts and difficulties in the face of Sherihans marriage are smoothly resolved in the last two episodes. Yassin is so transformed he takes his sister out to dinner and actively helps to reconcile his mother and Karim a ridiculously unconvincing happy ending. When Karim finally agrees to the weekend marriage Sherihan has been suggesting all along, I found myself exclaiming: How sweet! Isnt it strange that, as a single mother myself, I have been suffering for 20 years? * A version of this article appears in print in the 3 August, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Scouting body asks South Korea to cut World Scout Jamboree short as heat wave prompts exodus View Photo SEOUL, South Korea (AP) The world scouting body urged South Korea to cut short the World Scout Jamboree as thousands of British scouts began leaving the coastal campsite Saturday because of a punishing heat wave. American scouts were preparing to pull out, too. Hundreds of participants have been treated for heat-related ailments since the Jamboree began Wednesday at the site in the coastal town of Buan as South Korea grapples with one of its hottest summers in years. The World Organization of the Scout Movement said it asked South Korean organizers to consider alternative options to end the event earlier than scheduled and support the participants until they depart for their home countries. Should organizers decide to proceed, there needs to be stronger assurances they will do everything possible to address the issues caused by the heat wave by adding additional resources, the body said in a statement. We continue to call on the host and the Korean government to honor their commitments to mobilize additional financial and human resources, and to make the health and safety of the participants their top priority, it said. The statement came after the U.K. Scout Association announced it was pulling out more than 4,000 British Scouts from the Jamboree and moving them into hotels over the weekend. The departure of the Jamborees largest national contingent represented a huge public relations setback for the South Korean hosts, who scrambled to continue the event. Hundreds of American scouts were also expected to depart the site on Sunday and relocate to a U.S. military base near the South Korean capital, Seoul, said an email the contingent sent to members. It said leaving was necessary because of the extreme weather and resulting conditions. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to questions on whether the plan to accommodate the scouts at Camp Humphreys had been finalized. But the South Korean organizing committee confirmed that the Americans were among three national contingents that decided to leave as of Saturday afternoon, a group that also included dozens of Singaporean scouts. Organizers have canceled activities requiring hard physical effort and added more emergency vehicles, medical staff and air conditioning to the site, while Seouls Foreign Ministry is operating a special taskforce to address concerns raised by foreign diplomatic offices over the safety of the event. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol promised an unlimited supply of air-conditioned buses and refrigerator trucks to provide chilled water to the site. South Korea this week raised its hot weather warning to the highest level for the first time in four years, and temperatures around the country hovered between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius (95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday. According to South Koreas Ministry of the Interior and Safety, at least 19 people have died from heat-related illnesses across the country since May 20. About 40,000 scouts, mostly teenagers, from 158 countries came to the Jamboree at a campsite built on land reclaimed from the sea. About 4,500 were from the U.K. Long before the start of the event, critics raised concerns about bringing that many young people to a vast, treeless area lacking protection from the summer heat. According to South Koreas government, 138 Jamboree participants received treatment for heat-related illnesses Thursday alone. At least 108 participants were treated for similar ailments following Wednesdays opening ceremony. Choi Chang-haeng, secretary-general of the Jamborees organizing committee, insisted that the event is safe enough to continue. He linked the large number of patients Wednesday to a K-pop performance during the opening ceremony, which he said left many of the teens exhausted after actively releasing their energy. By KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated Press One person with major injuries flown from the HWY 12 crash in the area of Valley Springs in Calaveras County View Photo Valley Springs, CA Additional details are being released on yesterdays solo vehicle rollover crash on Highway 12 in the Valley Springs area of Calaveras County, where one person was flown from the scene with serious injuries. The collision happened just after 2 p.m. on Thursday near Double Springs Road. A Ford Explorer SUV overturned multiple times, blocking the entire highway and shutting down that section of roadway, as earlier reported here. Calaveras Consolidated Fire (CCF) updated that a male adult was ejected from the vehicle and flown to a Central Valley hospital, suffering major injuries. They added, This was the second accident in two days with the same vehicle. The day before, this vehicle was involved in a two-vehicle accident on Nove Way and Highway 26 in downtown Valley Springs. It was also the same yet-to-be-named driver behind the wheel for both wrecks. CHP officers directed traffic for more than an hour, including detouring traffic onto Double Springs Road while a tow crew removed the wreckage. The CHP is still investigating the cause of this crash. A feud between a patriarch and a militia leader adds to the woes of Iraqi Christians A feud between a patriarch and a militia leader adds to the woes of Iraqi Christians View Photo IRBIL, Iraq (AP) Iraqi Christians have struggled since the Nineveh plains, their historic homeland of rolling hills dotted with wheat and barley fields, were wrested back from Islamic State extremists six years ago. Although the threat from IS has receded, some towns are still mostly rubble. There are few inhabited homes or basic services, including water. Many Christians have given up and left for Europe, Australia or the United States. Others are trying to follow. Now the shrinking religious minority that was also violently targeted by al-Qaida before the rise of IS has been rocked by yet another crisis in the form of a political showdown between two influential Christian figures a Vatican-appointed cardinal and a militia leader, with land and influence at the core of the drama. The dispute adds to the woes of Iraqi Christians, who have often felt sidelined in the political order. A 2021 visit by Pope Francis provided a glimmer of hope that quickly faded. Meanwhile, the Christian population has plummeted. The number of Christians in Iraq today is estimated at 150,000, compared to 1.5 million in 2003. Iraqs total population is more than 40 million. The political tension rose last month when Cardinal Louis Sako withdrew from his headquarters in Baghdad to northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region after Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid revoked a decree recognizing his position as patriarch of the Chaldeans, Iraqs largest Christian denomination and one of the Catholic Churchs eastern rites. Sako said he will not return to Baghdad until his recognition is reinstated. His departure added to the feeling of helplessness among many Christians. Of course, this affects us psychologically, said Sura Salem, a Christian social activist in Baghdad. You feel like a family without a father. Christians staged a small protest in Baghdad over Sakos departure, but Salem said listening to the voice of the Christians is the last concern of Iraqi leaders. Sako blames a campaign against him by Rayan al-Kildani, a fellow Chaldean Christian who formed a militia called the Babylon Brigades that fought against IS and still patrols much of the Nineveh plains. The group is affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces, a collection of primarily Shiite, Iran-backed militias. Its associated political party, the Babylon Movement, won four of five Christian-designated seats in Iraqs 2021 parliamentary elections. Sako believes al-Kildani is angling to take over Christian endowments and properties. Al-Kildani has made similar allegations about Sako. I have stood up to this militia and others who wanted to take over what rightfully belongs to the Christians, Sako told The Associated Press, days after arriving in Irbil to a warm welcome from Kurdish officials. Of course, no one defends Christians other than the church. In Baghdads upscale Mansour neighborhood, al-Kildani was busy building political alliances. On a recent afternoon, several couches in the palatial lobby of his party headquarters were occupied by well-dressed women wearing hijabs, beneath a painting of the Last Supper and a portrait of al-Kildani. One by one, the women entered the inner office, each one emerging with a gift bag. One of the visitors explained that they were political candidates interested in running on al-Kildanis list in Mosul in Decembers provincial elections. After the visitors departed, a smiling and courtly al-Kildani made his entrance. He insisted that he had no role in the withdrawal of the patriarchs decree and dismissed allegations that he was seeking to seize church lands. I am the son of this church, and it is my duty to respect it, but it is unfortunate when a clergyman accuses someone without proof, he said. Al-Kildani has accused Sako of selling off church properties, allegations the patriarch denies, and he has filed a lawsuit against Sako alleging slander. But al-Kildani said he is ready to meet with Sako to reconcile. Sako rejected the suggestion. Al-Kildani has a militia, and his loyalty is not to the church, the patriarch said. He is not a respectable person. The Iraqi president has downplayed his revocation of Sakos recognition as bureaucratic housekeeping, claiming it did not diminish the patriarchs legal or religious status. The Vatican has remained largely silent. Its embassy in Baghdad said in a statement that the Iraqi Constitution guarantees that the heads of churches can administer church properties. A senior Vatican official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment to the media, said the decree was unnecessary given the constitutional guarantees. He said the Holy See did not want to get involved in the dispute but had invited Sako to tamp down tensions with the Iraqi authorities for the sake of Iraqi Christians. The United States sided with Sako. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said last month that the U.S. is concerned that Sakos position is under attack by a militia leader who in 2019 was slapped with U.S. sanctions for his alleged involvement in human rights abuses, including cutting off a captives ear. Al-Kildani denied the allegations and accused the international community of being ungrateful after his groups role in the fight against IS. He accused the Kurdistan Democratic Party the ruling party in the Kurdish region and a rival of the Iraqi presidents Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Party and the United States of engineering Sakos withdrawal from Baghdad for political reasons. For some Christians, the drama is overshadowed by more pressing problems. As Baghdad resident Anan al-Dawi left a sparsely attended Mass on Sunday, her main concern was a recent power outage in the scorching summer heat. She struck a diplomatic tone regarding the feud between Sako and al-Kildani. Although physically absent, she said, Sako lives in all of our hearts. As for al-Kildanis group, she said: I serve the country in my way. You serve it in yours, and they are also serving their country. Back in the Nineveh plains, in the town of Batnaya, patrolled by members of Kildanis militia, Lawrence Sabah owns a small factory where he makes mop handles out of wood imported from Russia. Sabah did not share his opinion on Sako or al-Kildani, but he had other complaints. There are no services, even the water sometimes doesnt come, and 70 or 80 percent of the houses were destroyed, he said. He is hoping to join his parents and siblings, who have resettled in California. Some 8 kilometers (5 miles) to the north, in Kurdish-controlled territory, Raad Ekram owns an electrical supply store in the sparsely populated town of Telskof. When his family was displaced from the village to the city of Dohuk, Ekram believes he got short shrift from both the Iraqi government and the church. We never saw the patriarch, he said. Of course, I dont accept what happened to him and I dont accept for him to be harmed. But the patriarch didnt do everything he should have done for us. He is encouraging his children to seek their fortunes abroad. Theres nothing left in Iraq, he said, especially for the Christians. ___ Associated Press writers Nicole Winfield in Rome and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. By ABBY SEWELL and SALAR SALIM Associated Press Syrias main al-Qaida-linked group denies it was behind the killing of an Islamic State leader Syrias main al-Qaida-linked group denies it was behind the killing of an Islamic State leader View Photo BEIRUT (AP) Syrias main insurgent al-Qaida-linked group denied it was behind the killing of the Islamic State groups leader in the countrys northwest saying it would have otherwise claimed responsibility. The security arm of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, made the announcement Friday night, a day after IS blamed the Syrian insurgent group for the death of its little-known leader, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurayshi, who headed the extremist organization since November. We categorically deny this claim, the spokesman of HTS, General Security Diaa al-Omar, said in a terse statement. He said HTS would continue to fight evil acts by IS in rebel-held parts of Syria, adding that had his group been behind al-Qurayshis death we would have given the good news to Muslims and announced it directly. Al-Qurayshi was the fourth IS leader to be killed since the group was founded by Iraqi militant Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and declared a caliphate in large parts of Syria and Iraq in June 2014 before its defeat years later. Abu Hafs al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi was named the groups new leader on Thursday. The Islamic State group broke away from al-Qaida a decade ago and attracted supporters from around the world. Despite its defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, IS militants still carry out deadly attacks in both countries and elsewhere. Since IS broke away from al-Qaida, both groups fought deadly battles over the past years in northern Syria. In April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkish intelligence agents had killed al-Qurayshi in northern Syria a statement that IS denied saying he was killed by HTS and was later handed over to Turkish authorities. US and UN should impose more sanctions on Sudanese leaders for alleged atrocities, rights group says US and UN should impose more sanctions on Sudanese leaders for alleged atrocities, rights group says View Photo CAIRO (AP) A leading human rights group called Friday on the United States and the United Nations to impose further sanctions on those in Sudan responsible for the atrocities in the troubled Darfur region, where evidence of scorched-earth attacks is mounting. The northeast African country plunged into chaos in April when monthslong tensions between the military, led by Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, exploded into open fighting in the capital of Khartoum, and elsewhere. In Darfur, the scene of genocidal war in the early 2000s, the conflict has morphed into ethnic violence, with the RSF and allied Arab militias targeting African communities in the western region, U.N. officials say. In a press release, Human Rights Watch said Washington should impose targeted sanctions to ensure that the U.N. Security Council finally acts to protect civilians and to hold those responsible for the atrocities to account. The U.S. took over the rotation presidency of the U.N. Security Council on Aug. 1. The New York-based watchdog group said at least seven villages and towns have been almost completely burned to the ground or destroyed in West Darfur alone, according to satellite footage and testimonies analyzed by the group. These include Habilla Kanari, Mejmere, Misterei, Molle, Murnei, Gokor, and Sirba. The world should not stand by as town after town in West Darfur is burned to the ground, sending tens of thousands of civilians fleeing for their lives, said Tirana Hassan, executive director at HRW. In June, the U.S. imposed sanctions against four key companies either linked to or owned by the warring factions. The White House also placed visa restrictions on army and RSF officials, and leaders from the former government led by ousted President Omar al-Bashir. It did note specify which individuals were affected. Al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan for more than 30 years, is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide linked to the Darfur conflict. Later Friday, the U.S., Britain and Norway called in a joint statement for an end to the bloodshed in Darfur. The three countries condemned the ongoing violence, especially reports of killings based on ethnicity and widespread sexual violence by the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias. Since the latest fighting erupted in mid-April, there have been at least nine temporary cease-fire agreements between the military and the RSF, most of which were brokered by Washington and Riyadh during cross party talks in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah. However, all the truces foundered. Last Month, Karim Khan, a prosecutor from the ICC, told the United Nations that he would be investigating alleged new war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur. Earlier this week, the rights organization Amnesty International separately accused both warring parties of committing extensive war crimes, including deliberate killings of civilians and mass sexual assault. Amnesty said almost all rape cases were blamed on the RSF and its allied Arab militias. In its 56-page report, Amnesty said the RSF abducted 24 women and girls some as young as 12 and held them for several days during which they were raped by several RSF members. The now nearly four-month conflict in Sudan has killed more than 3,000 people and wounded more than 6,000 others, according to the last government figures, released in June. The true tally is likely much higher, according to doctors and activists. Meanwhile, the fighting has forced 4 million people to flee their homes either to safer areas inside Sudan or to neighboring countries, according to figures from the U.N. migration agency. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, or FAO, said on Thursday that 20.3 million people in the country now face severe hunger, double the number from the same time last year. By JACK JEFFERY Associated Press A Florida shooting puts 2 officers in the hospital; the suspect is later killed in hotel shootout A Florida shooting puts 2 officers in the hospital; the suspect is later killed in hotel shootout View Photo ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) A suspect in the shooting of two Florida police officers was fatally shot by SWAT team members Saturday several hours later after he barricaded himself in a hotel in Orlandos tourist district, the culmination of a manhunt across central Florida, police officials said. The Orlando Police Department officers stopped a vehicle around 11 p.m. Friday as part of an investigation of a Miami homicide and were shot by the suspect in the car, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said during a press conference early Saturday. The officers, who were not immediately identified, were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Hospital officials said Saturday afternoon that the officers were expected to fully recover. Both officers are with us. They are with their families. We have been taking care of them throughout the night, Michael Cheatham, a surgeon at the hospital, said at an afternoon news conference. We expect them to fully recover from their injuries sustained in the line of duty. After shooting the officers, the suspect carjacked another vehicle and police pursued, but did not immediately catch the suspect. About seven hours later, officers tracked the suspect down to a Holiday Inn near Universal Orlando Resort in the citys tourist district and evacuated guests staying at the hotel. The suspect refused to come out of the hotel room and fired shots at officers who returned fire, Smith said at an afternoon news conference. Our officers faced danger throughout the night trying to locate the suspect as two of our own were critically injured, Smith said. They are lucky to be alive, and we ask that you continue to pray for them. Smith said the suspect had an extensive criminal history. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he had visited the hospital and met with the families of the officers. Our entire communitys thoughts and prayers are with these officers, Dyer said at the news conference. "It fills a gap in our current regime," said Cordell Hull, a former U.S. Commerce Department official. "We have prohibitions on exporting the technology. We have restrictions on in-bound investment. This will help to plug that gap on funding and know-how and give the government visibility into these capital flows." The order is expected to target U.S. private equity, venture capital and joint venture investments in China in semiconductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Most investments captured by the order will require that the government be notified about them. Some transactions will be prohibited, sources have said. The goal of the order is to prevent U.S. capital and expertise from accelerating the development of technologies that would support China's military modernization and threaten U.S. national security. President Joe Biden is expected to issue his long-awaited executive order to screen outbound investments in sensitive technologies to China early next week, according to people familiar with the matter. The regulations are not expected to take effect right away, and the administration will solicit comments on its proposals, according to sources. It has already conducted meetings with stakeholders and has been consulting with allies. The topic also came up during U.S Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's recent trip to China. Yellen last month described the potential restrictions as "highly targeted, and clearly directed, narrowly, at a few sectors where we have specific national security concerns." Laura Black, a former policy director for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which reviews certain transactions in the United States, said the order was not expected to establish a "reverse CFIUS," because it would not involve a case-by-case review in which a committee would clear, mitigate or block a transaction. However, it is expected to prohibit certain investments, she said. Two sources said briefings were expected Monday, with the announcement Tuesday. But the timing has slipped many times before and could do so again. Sources have told Reuters the investments that will be restricted are expected to track export control rules for China issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce in October. Emily Kilcrease, a former U.S. official who has worked on China investment policy, said the U.S. also has been trying to define what counts as artificial intelligence, and aiming to control offshore investments by U.S. people and companies. She described the order as a major step in setting up a U.S. system of oversight to screen transactions to countries of concern and said that it was expected to expand in time. She also said the United States should be prepared for retaliation by China. Social media influencer Kai Cenat faces charges of inciting riot after thousands cause mayhem in NYC View Photo NEW YORK (AP) Social media influencer Kai Cenat is facing charges of inciting a riot and promoting an unlawful gathering in New York City, after the online streamer drew thousands of his followers, many of them teenagers, with promises of giving away electronics, including a new PlayStation. The event produced chaos, with dozens of people arrested some jumping atop vehicles, hurling bottles and throwing punches. Cenat was released early Saturday from police custody after being issued a desk appearance ticket, which is issued by police to require a suspect to appear in court to answer charges. A police spokesperson said he is to appear in court on Aug. 18. The mayhem in New York Citys Union Square Friday afternoon put further focus on the hold social media influencers have on the people who follow and fawn over them. Our children cannot be raised by social media, Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday during a press briefing on an unrelated crime. Police said they arrested 65 people, including 30 juveniles. Several people were injured, including some with bloodied faces. At least four people were taken away in ambulances. I dont think people realize the level of discipline that we showed to take a very dangerous, volatile situation and to be able to bring it to a level of resolve without any loss of life or any substantial damage to property and without young people harming themselves, Adams said. Cenat, 21, is a video creator with 6.5 million followers on the platform Twitch, where he regularly livestreams. He also boasts 4 million subscribers on YouTube, where he posts daily life and comedy vlogs ranging from Fake Hibachi Chef Prank! to his most recent video, I Rented Us Girlfriends In Japan! His 299 YouTube videos have amassed more than 276 million views among them. In December, he was crowned streamer of the year at the 12th annual Streamy Awards. Messages sent to his publicist, management company and an email address for business inquiries were not immediately returned. Livestreaming on Twitch from a vehicle as the event gathered steam, Cenat displayed gift cards he planned to give away. Noting the crowd and police presence, he urged, Everybody whos out there, make sure yall safe. Were not gonna do nothin until its safe. Eventually he and an entourage got out of the vehicle and hustled through a crowd, crossed a street and went into the park, where Cenat was surrounded by a cheering, shoving mob. Chief Jeffrey Maddrey of the New York Police Department said Cenat at some point in the afternoon was removed for his safety and police were in contact with him. Videos posted on social media and taken from news helicopters showed Cenat being lifted over a fence and out of the crowd and then placed in a police vehicle. Aerial TV news footage showed a surging, tightly packed crowd running through the streets, scaling structures in the park and snarling traffic. Shouting teenagers swung objects at car windows, threw paint cans and set off fire extinguishers. Some people climbed on a moving vehicle, falling off as it sped away. Others pounded on or climbed atop city buses. Skylark Jones, 19, likened the scene to a movie, as police arrived with riot gear and began, he said, charging at people. Jones arrived with a friend hoping to get a chance at getting one of the giveaways. When they arrived the scene was already packed and things became unruly even before Cenat appeared, he said. Maddrey said three officers were hurt. We have encountered things like this before but never to this level of dangerousness, Maddrey said. Listen, were not against young people having a good time, were not against young people gathering, Maddrey said. But it cant be to this level where its dangerous. A lot of people got hurt today. By BOBBY CAINA CALVAN Associated Press New liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court majority moves to weaken conservative chief justice View Photo MADISON, Wis. (AP) Liberals who gained majority control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court this week voted Friday to reduce powers of the conservative chief justice and make a series of other changes to how the court operates, moves that the chief justice derided as an overreach by rogue justices. It marked the second time in three days that Chief Justice Annette Ziegler accused her liberal colleagues of a raw exercise of overreaching power. Liberal Justice Rebecca Dallet said their moves were designed to make the court more accessible and more accountable to the people of Wisconsin. The public airing of conflicts on the court set the stage for deep divisions in the battleground state on major cases that could determine the legality of abortions and voting rules, as well as legislative boundary lines. Conservatives controlled the court for 15 years until Tuesday. Liberals will have the majority for at least the next two years. Under conservative control, the court upheld Republican-drawn legislative maps in 2011 that helped the GOP increase its majorities, affirmed a state law that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public workers, and declared absentee ballot drop boxes illegal. Deep partisan divisions on the court arent new. Tensions were so high in 2011 as the court considered a case about collective bargaining rights that a liberal justice accused one of her conservative colleagues of trying to choke her. On Friday, liberal justices voted to make a wide array of changes to how the court operates, including reducing powers of the chief justice, making its administrative meetings open to the public and forming a committee to study when justices should recuse themselves from cases. The courts administrative conferences had been open since 1999 until conservatives closed them in 2012. Justices dont discuss cases in public, but the meetings are used to talk about budgets, court policies and other issues. Ziegler accused four rogue members of the court of meeting in a secret, unscheduled, illegitimate closed meeting in an attempt to gut the Chief Justices constitutional authority as administrator of the court. She said any such action is illegitimate and unenforceable. Dallet responded to Ziegler with a statement accusing her of publicly litigating issues typically discussed privately, calling it deeply inappropriate. She also accused Ziegler of declining to agree to holding a meeting in August. Dallet said all justices were notified of Fridays meeting, but some which she did not name did not attend. There appears to be no interest in reaching compromise, Dallet said. Ziegler first made the accusation when the four justices voted to fire the state court director, Randy Koschnick. He was a judge for 18 years before he served six years overseeing Wisconsins court system. Koschnick ran for the state Supreme Court as a conservative in 2009 and lost. Republican legislative leaders sent the court a letter Friday saying the appointment of a Milwaukee County judge to serve as interim court director was unconstitutional. They argue that the Wisconsin Constitution prohibits Judge Audrey Skwierawski from holding any office besides judge during her term. The lawmakers demanded that her appointment be rescinded. But if a lawsuit is brought over that, its final stop would be the state Supreme Court controlled by the very justices who fired Koschnick. That fight, and others, expected to come before the court include: REDISTRICTING Two lawsuits were filed this week asking the court this week to throw out Republican-drawn legislative maps, arguing they are an unconstitutional gerrymander. The court must first agree to take the case, which seems all but certain given the 4-3 liberal majority, and then rule on whether the current maps are constitutional. If it tosses them, the court will then have to determine a remedy, which could lead to the enactment of more Democratic-friendly maps before the 2024 election. Republicans have held a majority in the Legislature since 2011, the year they drew the maps that are in place now and were largely unchanged after the last round of redistricting. ABORTION Wisconsin clinics stopped performing abortions last year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, citing an 1849 state law banning abortion. A lawsuit seeking to undo the state ban is currently in county circuit court and could get before the state Supreme Court later this year. 2024 VOTING RULES National Democrats filed a lawsuit last month trying to undo the courts ruling disallowing absentee ballot drop boxes so they can be used in the 2024 presidential election. Other lawsuits could be forthcoming that target the states voting rules, including a voter ID requirement in place since 2011. A fight also looms over the states top elections administrator. The rules of elections are particularly critical in Wisconsin, a state where four of the past six presidential elections have been decided by less than a percentage point. The state Supreme Court came within one vote of overturning President Joe Bidens win in 2020, with a conservative swing justice siding with the then-minority liberal justices to reject Donald Trumps arguments. CHIEF JUSTICE And anger among Republicans over longtime Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson led to the Legislature putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2015 that gives justices on the court the ability to choose who serves as chief instead of going to the most tenured member. It passed, and the courts conservative majority immediately ousted Abrahamson. She sued in federal court to retain her title, but lost. The constitution requires the chief justice to be elected to a two-year term. The current chief justice, Ziegler, was first elected in 2021 and then again for another two-year term that began in May. Liberals on Friday voted to give the chief justices powers to an administrative committee made up of two majority-appointed justices and the chief justice. UNION RIGHTS The fight over union rights defined Republican Scott Walkers time as governor, fueling massive protests in 2011, a failed attempt to recall him from office in 2012 and his subsequent run for president in 2015. Democrats and unions sued numerous times to regain rights lost during Walkers eight years in office. More challenges are expected. VETO POWER Wisconsin governors have wide veto power, which has drawn bipartisan complaints and constitutional amendments to reduce the breadth of what they can do. But when Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in June used his veto to enact a school funding increase for 400 years, Republicans promised to sue. SCHOOL CHOICE Democrats, including the current governor, have long opposed Wisconsins school choice program, which allows students to attend private schools using taxpayer-funded vouchers. Liberals have been talking about bringing lawsuits to scale back the program, which was the nations first when enacted in Milwaukee in 1990. It has since grown statewide. ___ Associated Press writer Harm Venhuizen contributed to this report. By SCOTT BAUER Associated Press WALLINGFORD Mental health and illness are often stigmatized within many Latino and Hispanic communities in the United States, resulting in prolonged suffering in solitude. However, many Latinos and Hispanics undergo experiences like immigration, trauma and generational disputes that can result in deteriorating mental health. Similarly, the Latino and Hispanic communities also face fundamental barriers to access to mental health aid. Adriana Rodriguez, the executive director at the Spanish Community of Wallingford, said since the pandemic, the organization has received a rise of calls from clients seeking information and resources on mental health services. With this, SCOW often hosts mental health programs for community members to access mental health help and resources in a bilingual, understanding and judgment-free environment. People of all ages and backgrounds have expressed interest in these programs, and we are pleased to see the participation in the weekly sessions and educational workshops, Rodriguez said. Having access to more culturally appropriate information and resources is vital for the emotional well-being of our community. It is SCOWs priority to continue providing these essential programs. SCOW has hosted Chats with Jasmine every Friday since July 21. The program is a weekly morning open discussion with Jasmine Bustillo, a social work intern from Sacred Heart University, available to anyone over 18. Its goal is to allow participants time to talk about mental health and receive guidance and resources to improve their well-being. The program concludes on Friday. The Chats with Jasmine program has begun to address an increasing need among our Hispanic-Latino community for information about self-care, mental health issues and ways to break down the stigmas of these topics, said Lizandra Mejias-Salinas, the assistant executive director at SCOW. In addition, SCOW hosted an open discussion titled Breaking the Silence: Understanding the Impact of Trauma with Bustillo and Liz Schacht, a licensed clinical social worker, on Aug. 3. The speakers enlightened guests on the impact of trauma and some healing strategies. Mejias-Salinas said its essential for community members to utilize similar future programs at SCOW because of its ability to seize the stigmas of mental health among Latino and Hispanic communities. Taking advantage of the mental health and wellness educational programs offered at SCOW is important because it gives our community an opportunity to learn about the importance of self-care and prioritizing their mental health, Mejias-Salinas said. It also breaks down the stigmas of discussing mental health among Latinos and allows participants the opportunity to freely share their experiences in a trusting environment. Latinos and Hispanics often hesitate to seek help for deteriorating mental health and prioritize self-care. Bustillo said the hesitancy comes from various cultural, social, and systemic factors. For example, in my Latino household, seeking mental health help is stigmatized because its seen as a sign of fragility. In addition, many Latinos and Hispanics might not want to prioritize their own mental health because theyre too busy attending to the needs of their family and community, Bustillo explained. Seeking help for emotional or psychological challenges may be seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of faith in ones resilience, Bustillo said. As a result, individuals may avoid addressing mental health concerns to avoid potential judgment or shame. In many Latino cultures, there is a strong emphasis on family and community. However, Bustillo said it is crucial to take the time to focus on self-care, and its a sign of strength, not weakness. If you dont take care of yourself, who else will? Connect with a mental health professional who understands your background, Bustillo said. Share your feelings with trusted loved ones and look for resources tailored to the Latino community. Prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and practice mindfulness. Challenge any stigma and celebrate your resilience. Your mental health matters, and theres support available to help you through this journey of healing and growth.\ Hispanic and Latino immigrants with 21 or more years in the United States have higher rates of psychological distress than those who have lived here for less than 10 years, according to the National Library of Medicine. Bustillo said the stress of preserving their cultural identity while adopting a new culture can impact an individuals mental health negatively, along with discrimination and racism many immigrants face additionally. Marginalized groups, including Latinos, may experience discrimination in various aspects of life, which takes a toll on their mental health over time, she said. Also, English proficiency may improve, but the language barrier can still hinder effective communication and access to mental health services. This can impede seeking help when needed. Finally, many Latino immigrants may have experienced trauma in their home countries or during the immigration process. The long-lasting effects of such experiences can manifest in mental health difficulties over time. The availability of bilingual therapists, social workers and counselors is limited, which pushes many Latinos and Hispanics away from seeking professional help for their mental health. Nonetheless, Bustillo and Schacht said its important to advocate for more diverse mental health services for the Hispanic and Latino populations. It is important to have a therapist that speaks ones language, and that is bicultural because cultures have their own intrinsic values, Schacht said. Values that sometimes impact the way we see mental health, trauma, responses to trauma, and the ways that we seek help. It is important that therapists also have cultural humility and learn from their clients if they do not know something about their cultures. In my work as a field instructor, I try to instill this in my MSW students. In a sensational twist, self-exiled presidential candidate Saviour Kasukuwere is now placing all his bets on the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) to rule in his favour just before the printing of ballot papers begins. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on! During a gripping case management session on Thursday, ConCourt judge Justice Paddington Garwe dropped a bombshell, announcing that the printing of the crucial ballot papers would commence on Wednesday. With the stakes so high, Garwe emphasized that the case must be swiftly resolved before that fateful day. In a surprising turn of events, Kasukuweres legal representative, advocate Method Ndhlovu, gave consent to have the case heard on Tuesday, leaving the judges with a nail-biting race against time to deliver their ruling before the ink hits the paper. Representing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec), lawyer Tawanda Kanengoni concurred, confirming that the printing of postal ballots is set to commence on Wednesday, adding even more urgency to the situation. Kasukuweres candidacy was challenged by a member of Zanu PF, resulting in the High Court nullifying his bid and forcing him to take his battle to the Supreme Court. Unfortunately for Kasukuwere, the Supreme Court upheld the High Courts ruling, leaving him no choice but to make a desperate plea to the ConCourt. Article continues below these jobs... Work In Zimbabwe Latest Jobs Class 1 Auto Electrician on 10 August 2023 Our client in the auto [] Bus Driver on 10 August 2023 Proton Bakers is currently [] Driver/Salesman on 10 August 2023 Proton Bakers is currently [] Electrician on 10 August 2023 Proton Bakers is currently [] In his appeal, Kasukuwere argued that the Supreme Courts decision encroached upon his right to legal protection. He boldly asserted, The decision of the Supreme Court does violate the common law of Zimbabwe and is, in fact, an abrogation of the judicial function. With the clock ticking and the printing presses ready to roll, all eyes are now on the ConCourt as the fate of Kasukuweres presidential bid hangs in the balance. Will the court deliver a last-minute twist, or will Kasukuweres hopes be dashed just in time for the printing of the crucial ballot papers? Stay tuned for the electrifying conclusion to this political rollercoaster! Breaking News via Email Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Friday to three new charges related to his handling of U.S. classified documents after he left the White House in 2021, a court filing showed. Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, also waived his right to be present in Florida federal court for his arraignment on the three additional charges on Aug. 10. The action came a day after Trump appeared in federal court in Washington to plead not guilty to separate charges that he orchestrated an illegal plot to try to overturn his 2020 election loss. Trump now faces 40 charges in the documents case after originally being indicted on 37 counts last month. His valet, Walt Nauta, is also facing new charges, and prosecutors added a third defendant and another Trump employee, Carlos De Oliveira, to the case in a superseding indictment last week. It was unclear on Friday whether Nauta and De Oliveira would be present in court to enter their pleas on Aug. 10. Their lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. FOLLOWING a bloody shootout in which two police officers were seriously injured in Bulawayo, three suspected armed robbers have been arrested. In statement today, National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the suspects attacked a family at Insindi Ranch in Gwanda. Police are hunting Simelweyinkosi Dube who escaped after using his girlfriend as a human shield from police gunfire at her home in Cowdray Park suburb. The girlfriend was injured and has been rushed to Mpilo Central hospital. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Alex Cabangani Moyo (37), Vusumuzi Moyo (27) and Mlungisi Sibanda (44) after a shoot-out in Bulawayo. This is in connection with a case of armed robbery which occurred at Insindi Ranch, Gwanda on 30th July 2023 where three (3) family members were attacked before US$7 800 cash, jewellery worth US$200, a Bulawayo Agricultural Show Society trophy, 15 X 9 mm live ammunition, FN 9 mm Pistol loaded with 13 rounds, Cadix 0.38 revolver and an empty magazine were stolen, said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi. Article continues below these jobs... Work In Zimbabwe Latest Jobs Class 1 Auto Electrician on 10 August 2023 Our client in the auto [] Bus Driver on 10 August 2023 Proton Bakers is currently [] Driver/Salesman on 10 August 2023 Proton Bakers is currently [] Electrician on 10 August 2023 Proton Bakers is currently [] Detectives from CID Homicide acted on received information which led to the arrest of Mlungisi Sibanda in the city centre. On 31st July 2023, detectives from CID Homicide arrested Mlungisi Sibanda in Bulawayo City Centre, along Jason Moyo Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues, after receiving information which linked him to the robbery case, he said. The suspect implicated Alex Cabangani Moyo leading to his arrest in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo on 01st August 2023. The arrest led to the recovery of two (2) pellet guns, 9 mm Pak Retay Mod 92 firearm with five (5) rounds and a Bulawayo Agricultural Show Society trophy, he said. Cabanaganis arrest led the police to Vusumuzi Moyo who also implicated other suspects who injured the police and escaped during the shoot-out. Alex Cabangani Moyo implicated Vusumuzi Moyo, leading to his arrest at a house in Nketa 9, Bulawayo, after a shoot-out. Vusumuzi Moyo implicated Simelweyinkosi Dube (28) and led detectives to Simelweyinkosi Dubes girlfriend, Siwinile Ndlovus residence in residence in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo where Simelweyinkosi Dube managed to escape after a shoot-out, Insp Nyathi said. Simelweyinkosi Dube was using Siwinile Ndlovu as a shield during the shoot-out. As a result, two (2) detectives, Detective Assistant Inspector Richard Charamba (47) and Detective Constable Albert Madziva (41) as well as Siwinile Ndlovu were injured and are admitted at Mpilo Hospital, he added. The police are appealing to the members of the public for information that may help locate the armed robber, Simelweyinkosi Dube. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Simelweyinkosi Dube whose known residential address is number 5865, Emganwini, Bulawayo. Anyone with information to contact National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station, said Insp Nyathi. Meanwhile, the Police warns armed robbery syndicates that there is no going back in the fight against crime. Therefore, any form of confrontation or resistance will be met with appropriate response. Breaking News via Email Dear patient readers, Links are a little light at launch today due to the need to say at least a little about the blockbuster RKF, Jr. suit against Google for YouTube censorship. See the accompanying post. We should add more goodies by 8 AM EDT at the latest. Korat Candle Procession 66 event upstaged by scene-stealing cat Thaiger (furzy) Cuddling is just what the doctor ordered for a 200-pound walrus calf rescued this week in Alaska Associated Press Fritz the hippo is on a watermelon sugar high (Video) New York Post (furzy) Welcome to Slowjamastan! The desert micronation with no Crocs and no taxes Guardian (furzy) The sad death of the Australian backyard MacroBusiness #COVID-19 Not up to the minute, but makes the point clearly: If you have relaxed them, it is time to ramp up precautions. Cases rising: https://t.co/6AXfaJye2p Yaneer Bar-Yam (@yaneerbaryam) August 2, 2023 Climate/Environment China? Niger Niger is Fourth Country in Sahel to Experience Anti-Western Coup Defend Democracy European Disunion Old Blighty New Not-So-Cold War Syraqistan Imperial Collapse Watch Trump Biden Part 2 of our interview with Devon Archer is over an hour long and is out this morning. Check out Part 1 if you missed it. https://t.co/HyjB7YzN7a Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 4, 2023 2024 Obama biographer who revealed ex-presidents gay fantasies and cheating behind Michelles back brands him as insecure as TRUMP and warns lazy ex-leader would be terrible on SCOTUS Daily Mail Dianne Feinstein has surrendered decision-making on legal matters to her daughter, but the 90-year-old is still one of the most powerful lawmakers in the country Business Insider (Kevin W) Mexican cartels exploit US governments CBP One app Washington Examiner (guurst) Twitch streamers huge giveaway sparks police response at Union Square in NYC CNN (furzy) Our No Longer Free Press Woke Watch Doing the Work:The Protestant ethic and the spirit of wokeness Ian Buruma, Harpers (Anthony L) AI What Can You Do When A.I. Lies About You? New York Times. BC: People need to grow up and learn the limits of this type of technology. It is impossible to prevent incorrect information coming out of a tech that is essentially only (a very good) auto-complete engine. AI does not remove the responsibility of humans in the loop, and if there is no human in the loop, then who cares what some AI said? If your neighbor asks a Magic Eightball if you stole their Amazon package, and then decides to act relying solely on that information, then you should be able to sue your neighbor if they defame or damage you erroneously. However, suing the manufacturer of the Magic Eightball is ridiculous. Its also like suing your weather app when your event is ruined because there was a storm on a day that it said would be clear. How bonds ate the entire financial system Financial Times (Kevin W). Ahem, private equity is far and away the biggest source of fees not only to major financial firms but also the most prestigious and influential law firms in the US and UK, and the big international consulting firms too. The Bezzle On ethics and economics Lars P. Syll (UserFriendly) Class Warfare Antidote du jour (Robert H). It is way too easy to anthropomorphize cats, but that facial expression looking at a big heap of what no self respecting cat would regard as food See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. SPEECH POLICE? Australian parliament calls on intelligence agencies to tackle online misinformation that they claim endangers the countrys national security Australian intelligence agencies are being told by the country's parliament to counter so-called "misinformation" online that potentially endangers national security Joint Parliamentary Committee for Intelligence and Security Chairman Peter Khalil of the left-wing Labor Party made a "recommendation" to Australia's six main intelligence bodies to consider taking advantage of other opportunities to come out against so-called misinformation and propaganda online. (Related: Online censorship is killing free thought and ushering in period of left-wing tyranny: Matt Taibbi.) These six main intelligence agencies make up what is known as the Australian Intelligence Community (AIC), and are led by the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, the country's main national security intelligence organization. "The committee sees an opportunity for Australia's intelligence agencies to take an increasing role in sharing information with the Australian public where appropriate on matters relating to misinformation, disinformation and harmful propaganda," stated Khalil as he reported the committee's recommendations during a parliamentary session.- According to the Intelligence and Security Joint Committee, an annual review of the AIC found a spike in so-called misinformation over 2020 and 2021, which is what warranted the committee's current recommendation. Australian parliament says COVID-19 claims responsible for rise in "misinformation" Khalil blamed the rise in misinformation with the period in Australia when the country's Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdowns began and the security environment in Australia began rapidly fluctuating to be broadly in favor of more government control over Australian social life. "The committee received evidence of how misinformation and disinformation both COVID related and then, more broadly, contributed to the rapid change in the security environment during 2020 and 2021," he said, claiming that the wave of so-called misinformation during the early days of the pandemic significantly amplified the country's security concerns and thus necessitate the AIC's robust redressal. Despite calling for the AIC to come out more against online misinformation, the joint committee claimed that amidst the changing strategic environment and the significant impact of COVID-19 on Australia, the AIC "largely worked in an effective and increasingly collaborative manner." "The Committee found that, on the whole, agencies performed their roles well, particularly considering the challenging operational environment faced over the reporting period," said Khalil. The "suggestion" by the parliament to the AIC on tackling online misinformation will be received very controversially by free speech advocates in Australia and abroad who caution about government overreach. This recommendation is also just one of four other suggestions put forward by the Intelligence and Security Joint Committee in its latest annual review of the AIC. Two of the other three recommendations focused on improving the sharing of information by the six agencies with the joint committee as well as with the auditor-general, the main watchdog institution for the Australian parliament and government. Other recommendations included improving information sharing between the six agencies of the AIC and the four agencies of the National Intelligence Community which includes the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force. The last recommendation addressed staffing issues within the AIC's sister organization, the National Intelligence Community (NIC) a group of four agencies that includes the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Border Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. This specific recommendation asked that the Office of National Intelligence, a member of the AIC, work with the NIC to develop a more consistent data collection program for its workforce, with a focus on recruiting and retaining talent for the NIC. "The people who work in Australia's intelligence agencies are our greatest asset. By developing a whole-of-NIC recruitment and retention strategy, Australia will be better positioned to deliver on its intelligence priorities," said Khalil. "This includes securing a recruitment pipeline through effective security clearance processes as well as maintaining the 'value-proposition' agencies offer, to remain market competitive." Learn more about attempts by governments around the world to limit online speech at Censorship.news. Watch this clip from Nine News in Australia reporting on the Western Australia Police's new tyrannical search powers. This video is from the channel Alex Hammer on Brighteon.com. More related stories: WeChat facing potential BAN in Australia over repeated no-shows at government hearings. Aussie gov't gives Elon Musk 28 DAYS to combat "online hate" on Twitter. Australia launches CBDC test program, complete with carbon credit trading. Australia's largest bank is now tracking the carbon emissions of its clients through their financial transactions. Australia following Communist China's footsteps with digital ID. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org AU.News.Yahoo.com NationalTribune.com.au Brighteon.com MILLIONS die every year from superbug infections because the medical establishment wont dare talk about CHLORINE DIOXIDE, which kills superbugs Antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" are on the rise globally, and are now killing more people every year than HIV/AIDS or malaria. Now one of the leading causes of death in America, superbugs have captured the attention of scientists who say they have no idea what to do about them, even though there are natural solutions that the establishment ignores. (Related: Check out our recent coverage about how chlorine dioxide is a powerful remedy against MRSA and other hospital superbugs.) "That resistance out there is actually now one of the leading causes of death in the world," says Dr. Chris Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The author of a new study on the subject that was published in the United Kingdom journal The Lancet, Murray found that in the year 2019 alone, drug-resistant infections directly killed at least 1.2 million people in the study pool, and about five million people worldwide. Murray and his colleagues set out to quantify the degree to which antibiotic resistance is afflicting the world. They discovered that superbugs are mutating to evade antibiotic pharmaceuticals at a much faster rate than many researchers had previously determined. "These deadly new strains of bacteria are causing untreatable blood infections, fatal pneumonia, relentless urinary tract infections, gangrenous wounds and terminal cases of sepsis, among other conditions," reports NPR. Sub-Saharan Africa sees most superbug deaths, Australia the least While it used to be the case that this systemic failure of antibiotics was just a "first world" problem, it has now spread to the third world as well. Pretty much everywhere is now afflicted with antibiotic resistance, which represents a serious threat to human survival. "In the past, we all thought that you had to be rich enough to use a lot of antibiotics inappropriately to have this problem," Murray says. "But that's not the case." Sub-Saharan Africa leads the pack for clocking the most deaths directly from superbugs: about 24 deaths per 100,000 people annually. In high-income countries, conversely, the average fatality rate is about 13 per 100,000 people. Australia currently clocks the lowest mortality rate from drug-resistant superbugs with just six deaths per 100,000 people. Right in the middle is Latin America, where frequency of superbug deaths is dependent upon the types of antibiotics that are used in a given country or area. "We do have a very high frequency of resistance to different types of antibiotics, first line and second line [antibiotics]," says Fiorella Krapp Lopez, an infectious disease physician in Lima, Peru. "And the problem has been increasing in the last years." While in the past, physicians would see minor wounds that required just a bandage, now such wounds are increasingly leading to multidrug-resistant infections that, in many cases, result in death. "Unfortunately, I think it's everywhere," she added. "We are seeing it in the community with infections that used to be very simple to treat, like urinary infections. And we also see it in very sick patients with bloodstream infections or very severe pneumonia. So unfortunately, it's across the full spectrum of bacterial infectious diseases right now in Peru." Lopez contributed to Murray's study, providing data specifically on drug-resistant microbes in Peru. She says the problem is much harder to address than many people think, especially when antibiotics are readily available, even to people who do not have a prescription. Antibiotic overuse is something that was programmed into the masses particularly in the Western world as the solution to just about every health problem. Doctors used to prescribe antibiotics for pretty much everything, including viral infections and now here we are with a growing superbug pandemic. The latest news about the threat of antibiotic resistance can be found at Superbugs.news. Sources for this article include: NPR.org Newstarget.com Missouri Democratic Party deletes tweet calling for burning down Trump-supporters home Quick, what do you do when you pass by a house or car that has a lot of political signs and slogans on it from a party you don't like? (Article by Monica Showalter republished from AmericanThinker.com) You probably do what I might do: you say "ewww" or "tasteless" and move on. But then there are powerful Democrats, who aren't quite like the rest of us. According to the Epoch Times: A social media account belonging to the Missouri Democratic Party appeared to promote the idea of setting fire to the home of an apparent avid Trump supporter in a now-deleted post. On Monday, Democratic Party activist Jon Cooper took to Xthe app formerly known as Twitterto share a photo of a house covered in flags and signage supporting former President Donald Trump. Mr. Cooper included the caption "What would you do if this was your next-door neighbor?" Mr. Cooper's X post garnered thousands of replies, including one from an official account for the Missouri Democratic Party, which read "The roof, the roof is on [fire], we don't need no water, let the 'insert your word' burn!" The X post also included the note, "#VoteBlue2024." The post from the Missouri Democratic Party account included fire emojis and appeared to be a reference to the 1984 song "The Roof is on Fire" by Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three. The lyrics to the song go, "The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire. We don't need no water, let the [expletive] burn." The original tweet with the offending house was here: What would you do if this was your next-door neighbor? pic.twitter.com/WG97Gitp0S Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) July 31, 2023 I would even question why Cooper, a Democrat operative whose past work, based on his Twitter feed, says he was involved in some kind of "Draft Biden" activity, would post such a tweet, given that such houses can be found on both sides of the spectrum, and have been, for years. Why did Cooper want to post that provocative picture to all his little Democrat followers to react to? What was he looking for? I was amused by this tweet about sending a photo of the house to the homeowner's association, which revealed the Inner Karen of this Democrat, but even that made me wonder how many times he has already done it, given how quick and natural his response was. But the actual Missouri Democratic Party Twitter account made a recommendation to burn the home down, as described in the Epoch Times passage, before deleting the tweet after top Republicans criticized it, releasing this mealy-mouthed and hard-to-believe explanation: "It was inappropriate and was immediately taken down on our own initiative because it did not represent the need, even in these divided political times, for spirited yet constructive dialogue," Missouri Democratic Party Executive Director Matthew Patterson said in an emailed statement to NTD News. "The staff member in question has been appropriately reprimanded." The Missouri Democratic Party declined a request for additional details about how the staff member in question was reprimanded. I guess we are supposed to take their word for it that they are sorry and wouldn't dream of advocating for anything but "spirited yet constructive dialogue." This hasn't been their pattern in the past. The call to burn down a Trump-supporter's house comes just weeks after a powerful Rhode Island state senator who served as the Senate Democrat policy, yes, policy chairman was found guilty of keying a Trump-supporter's car and then lying to the cops about it even though it was caught on camera, then trying to pull rank on the beat cops investigating, and then blaming the victim, before being forced to own up. So much for spirited bipartisanship there. The Democrat party, in fact, is full of rabid, rabid hate for Trump-supporters, with no introspection whatsoever about where that is leading. More likely than being regretful, the Missouri Democrats were probably protecting themselves from potential legal liability, because, knowing what the rabid Trump-hating culture in their party is like, if any Democrat ever did set fire to to the house, they'd probably be sue-able. The homeowner should probably sue them to pay for extra security now, to ensure that that does not happen, but that is up to him. Why Democrats cannot mind their own business and just put up their own versions of signage if that matters to them is beyond most of us. What we know from this is that this is a party boiling with rage and unable to observe even the minimal requirements of civility in politics. Read more at: AmericanThinker.com Pyramid discovered beneath the ice in Antarctica is actually a mountain Conspiracy theorists have had many hunches about Antarctica throughout the years. For example, the area gained the attention of many upon the discovery of the "bleeding waterfalls," which remains one of the strangest natural phenomena in Antarctica. Others also talk about the mystery of an alleged "pyramid" that was discovered on the continent. But according to research, the pyramid is actually a mountain. Ellsworth Mountains in Antarctica The Ellsworth Mountains were discovered by the British Antarctic Expedition of 1910-1913. At the time, they referred to the mountain as "The Pyramid" to keep the true nature of the discovery a secret from others. They also continued to use that name on all geological surveys of the area. But in the last hundred years, people have begun speculating about the true nature of the location, even though proof exists that the "pyramid" is a mountain because it can be seen poking out of the ice. (Related: Volcanoes beneath ice in Antarctica could erupt and leave the planet uninhabitable, warn researchers.) Now, a second interesting geographical feature has been discovered and people are once again excited about the "pyramid" in Antarctica. The location is found at the coordinates 795839.25?S 815732.21?W, which is a much-searched spot on Google Earth. Dr. Mitch Darcy, a geologist at the German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, explained that the pyramid-shaped structures can be found in the Ellsworth Mountains, which is a range more than 400 kilometers (248.5 miles) long. Because the mountains are enormous, its not surprising that their rocky peaks crop out above the ice. The peaks are made of rock, and it's a coincidence that one particular peak has a pyramid-like shape. "It's not a complicated shape, so its not a special coincidence either. By definition, it is a nunatak, which is simply a peak of rock sticking out above a glacier or an ice sheet. This one has the shape of a pyramid, but that doesn't make it a human construction," said Darcy. This information confirms that the mysterious "pyramid" is a mountain poking out of the ice in Antarctica. The history of Ellsworth Mountains The Ellsworth Mountains were discovered by Lincoln Ellsworth, an American, on November 23, 1935, during his flight across Antarctica. This flight was also the first to cross the continent. Ellsworth flew from Dundee Island near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula to the Ross Ice Shelf, which was only several miles short of Admiral Byrds Little America base, where he ran out of fuel. The first detailed work in the Ellsworth Mountains was conducted in the 1961-1962 austral summer by John Splettstoesser and three others working for the US Antarctic program. The team used motor toboggans to explore most of the Sentinel Range to the north, and part of the Heritage Range to the south. Other speculations about Antarctica Antarctica has been the subject of many speculations recently, especially after conspiracy theorist Eric Hecker described the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station by the South Pole as an "air traffic control" hub for aliens. Hecker said that in 2010, Raytheon Company, the U.S. aerospace and defense conglomerate, chose him to be a contractor at the research center operated by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Hecker claimed there was "much more to the station than first met the eye." Visit Discoveries.news for more stories about archaeological finds and ancient civilizations. Watch the video below for more secrets about Antarctica. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Researchers discover bizarre holes on ocean floor that spit fluids like a fire hose. 30-foot-long secret corridor discovered in Great Pyramid of Giza. Archaeologists discover statues that may be depicting people from the lost civilization of Tartessos. Sources include: Indy100.com 1 IFLScience.com Antarctic-Logistics.com Indy100.com 2 Brighteon.com Tax-funded Ohio group sponsors monthly drag tutorials grooming children to be drag queens The Colors+ Youth Center, an LGBTQ+ organization funded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, is offering monthly drag tutorials to teach children as young as 11 years old the fundamentals of drag, such as makeup, costume design and performance. Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, a tax-funded organization in Ohio, stated on its website that it aims to "inspire and strengthen the community by investing in arts and culture." This mission explains the organization's support for the youth center, claiming that these programs are essential for fostering a more inclusive and accepting community for LGBTQ+ youth. The youth center, in collaboration with Drag Queen Story Hour Cleveland, features popular drag performers like Sassy Sascha, Rhett Corvette, Veranda L'Ni and Zoey Zegai to read age-appropriate books with positive themes for LGBTQ+ youths. (Related: Disney+ features drag queen, grooming another superhero.) Furthermore, the center also offers other programs like sexual health classes; a Clothing Affirmation Program (CCAP) to explore self-expression and identity; and self-defense classes for parents. Drag programs grooming children draw criticisms from conservative groups After funding the tutorial program, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture has faced criticism from conservative groups. They argue that such exposure may not be age-appropriate and could potentially confuse children about their gender identity and sexuality. They also note that Cuyahoga Arts and Culture investments should align with traditional family and community values and reflect the beliefs of the taxpayers who fund these initiatives. "Your tax dollars are funding the grooming of kids," the Libs of TikTok tweeted. Last April, a similar incident happened when The Young Actors' Theatre Camp hosted its first-ever weekend camp in the mountains of California, introducing kids as young as eight to the "Art of Drag." Parents, activists, and concerned citizens on social media platforms denounced the event as disturbing and inappropriate. "Parents that take their kids to this should be arrested," one Twitter user posted. Many others agreed, suggesting that exposing children to drag, which is often associated with adult-oriented themes and sexualized performances, is unacceptable. Another critic urged adults to keep children out of drag shows altogether. The backlash was not limited to conservative voices. Even some people who looked at drags as an art form criticized the idea of teaching it to children. They say that while drag shows can be entertaining for adults, they should not be a part of kids' experiences. In the summer of 2019, the Delaware County Library System offered a Drag 101 class. The course sought to educate participants on the art of drag. "It's nothing to do with sex or gender identity at all," Selena West, the teacher of the course, clarified. But Delaware County District Library Director George Needham acknowledged that Drag 101 became one of the most controversial programs the library system has ever undertaken. The controversy had not escaped the attention of Melissa Ackison, a mother of four. "My first concern was are there background checks for this program and how are they vetting candidates who come in for something like this," Ackison said. She questioned whether offering Drag 101 is an appropriate use of tax dollars and class time for young participants. The latest news about America's transgender obsession can be found at Transhumanism.news. Watch this video calling out parents to disconnect from Disney because the company is grooming children. This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: SICK! Drag queen teaches young girl to twerk while shaking his nearly naked butt in front of children at all-ages drag show. The North Face unleashes trans-pushing commercial with adult drag queen demanding that children come out! MAKE IT STOP Little girl repeatedly rubs her hand up and down genitals of little mermaid drag queen while another drag queen spread legs wide open on stage for toddlers. Largest teachers union in United Kingdom votes to have drag queen grooming hour in all schools. Demonic Washington Post says LGBT drag shows for children are "family-friendly." Sources include: Breitbart.com TheFederalistPapers.org Brighteon.com CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Trump case assigned to Obama-appointed, J6-hating D.C. judge who worked at the same law firm as Hunter Biden Known as one of Washington D.C.'s "toughest punishers of J6 protesters" and a former POTUS appointee, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan was assigned to hear the second federal case against former President Donald Trump . She will oversee the case accusing Trump of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in the two months leading up to the "assault" on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. The 61-year-old federal judge, who was installed into her position by ex-President Barack Obama, has been pushing the harshest possible sentences for every January 6 political prisoner that has hit her courtroom. According to an analysis done by Associated Press on court records, she has convicted at least 38 people of Capitol riot-related "crimes." All came with prison terms ranging from 10 days to over five years. Other judges have handed down sentences that are more lenient than those requested by prosecutors. Also, she worked at Boies Schiller Flexner (BSF), the same law firm as Hunter, President Joe Biden's "controversial" son. She was confirmed in 2014 as a federal judge, according to replies she provided to a Senate "questionnaire for judicial nominees" reviewed by Headline USA. Chutkan's tenure at BSF overlapped with Hunter's stint at the firm, where he was listed as counsel from 2009 to 2014. Photo credits: U.S. Courts Administrative Office via AP Moreover, this is not the first time that the two will face each other in court. Chutkan has also ruled against Trump before in a separate Jan. 6 case. In Nov 2021, she refused his request to block the release of documents to the House's J6 committee by asserting executive privilege. She rejected his arguments that he could hold privilege over documents from his administration even after Biden had cleared the way for the National Archives to turn the papers over. She wrote that Trump could not claim his privilege "exists in perpetuity." In the past ruling, the judge said, "Presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff is not President." The federal appeals court in Washington affirmed her ruling and the Supreme Court rejected Trump's appeal. Podcaster and former Assistant Treasury Secretary Monica Crowley posted on X, the microblogging site formerly called Twitter. She tweeted: " This is the level of contempt they have for the Constitution, the rule of law, and YOU," with an attached screenshot of a news article titled, "Face-off with DC 'punisher.'" According to contributor Mark Pellin of the news site Headline USA, Chutkan harnesses deep ties to the Democrat Party and has also expressed a strong dislike of Trump. (Related: RIGGED: Daughter of judge overseeing Trump's Manhattan DA case is Democrat activist who worked to elect Biden.) JD Rucker: Trump's indictment is a distraction from exposing Biden family crimes Analysts are crying out for the judge to recuse herself from Trump's case for "conflict of interest." Experts are even seeing the occurrences as the Biden family syndicate's way to steer the wheel away from their own controversies. Christian internet personality JD Rucker also emphasized this in a Liberty Daily article. He wrote: "This entire debacle is designed to distract us from news of undeniable corruption from the Biden crime family. They timed this indictment perfectly to get patriots and conservative news outlets talking about the Trump indictment instead of the Biden crimes." Had they dropped it before Devon Archer's testimony on Monday, it would have been overshadowed. If they dropped it Monday as bombshells from Archer's testimony were being revealed, the news would have shared space in the conservative news echo chamber," The "JD Rucker Show" podcast host pointed out. Hunter's former business partner and close friend testified before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee and admitted that the younger Biden used then-Vice Joe Biden's "brand" while working for Burisma. According to lawmakers present during the closed-door questioning, 49-year-old Archer told them that at a meeting in Dubai on Dec. 4, 2015, Burisma's owner Mykola Zlochevsky and top-tier official Vadym Pozharski asked him and Hunter for help. Hunter's associate further detailed that company executives wanted to get Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who was investigating the company for corruption, fired. "The witness indicated that Hunter spoke to his father every day and Hunter may have put his father on the phone with any number of different people, and they never once spoke about any business dealings," Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) told reporters. He said that included times when the younger Biden was with friends. There were also times when he was with "potential business partners or business partners." But Joe met and spoke more than 20 times with various business associates who were paying for access to the Biden family, Archer admitted. After a few months, the prosecutor got fired and the older Biden even bragged about it in a public speech back in January 2018, claiming he was personally responsible for getting that firing accomplished so quickly. He said he bullied the Ukrainian government by threatening to withhold a billion-dollar loan guarantee unless he got what he wanted. "Well, son of a bitch, he got fired," Biden proudly said. Visit Trump.news for more news related to the ongoing legal battle the former president is fighting. Sources for this article include: MSNBC.com APNews.com TheLibertyDaily.com Nuclear war is one of the major threats the world has been facing for decades since the initial atomic bomb tests were conducted between 1945 and the 1950s. The thought of such war may occur is both theoretically and literally terrifying. The threat involves at least two or more countries possessing the said armament and launching it against each other or even other nations, creating a chain effect. In this scenario, regional or global nuclear bomb explosions endanger not only humans but also animals, plants, and the wider environment making up Earth. Based on previous tests, as well as the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, the immediate impact of the explosion and its radiation is enough to kill instantly or gradually those affected by the blast. Now, researchers have collectively warned, through more than 100 top medical journals, about the looming nuclear threat. They highlighted a 'potential nuclear catastrophe' is drawing near amid the current global conditions, including the tensions in Europe due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The warning also acknowledges the dangers even of a 'limited nuclear war,' as cited by reports. Nuclear Catastrophe Threat In a rare collaboration, over 100 medical journals worldwide issued the warning on Thursday, August 3, calling for an urgent action to end nuclear weapons. Researchers involved in these journals highlighted that the nuclear catastrophe threat is "great and growing," as cited by Science Alert. The dire warning comes as Russia have repeatedly issued threats that it may use nuclear weapons on Ukraine, which has sought and received help from Europe and the United States. The said conflict has dragged on for more than a year now since it started in late February 2022, when Russia entered eastern Ukraine. Some of the journals include the BMJ, JAMA, Lancet, and the New England Journal of Medicine, where the urgent call was published as editorials. Researchers involved in the collective warning also belong in the medical field. With this, they have warned health professionals across the globe to alert their citizens and leaders regarding the serious threat to public health posed by using nuclear weapons, Science Alert reported. Also Read: International Nuclear Fusion Project for Carbon-Free Energy Source Faces Major Delay Nuclear Disarmament and Deterrence Calls for nuclear disarmament date back decades ago from none other than the "father of the atomic bomb" itself, J. Robert Oppenheimer, an American theoretical physicist. Oppenheimer's just after the world's first nuclear explosion on July 16, 1945. The practice of disarmament aims to either mitigate or eliminate the possession and use of nuclear weapons. Since then, international policies surrounding nuclear weapons have been applied such as the United Nations' Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which was signed in 1968 and enforced in 1970. Since then, nuclear deterrence has been used involving nuclear-armed countries worldwide, including the U.S. and Russia. Based on the deterrence theory, nuclear weapons serve to deter or discourage other nations from attacking with their own nuclear arsenal through the guarantee that such action will be reciprocated with the same means. Related Article: Survival 101: Here are 7 Animals That Can Survive a Nuclear War Officials are concerned that a massive fish kill could occur in Berkeley Marina in San Francisco as a result of a toxic algal bloom or red tide in the area. Harmful Algal Bloom in Berkeley Marina Red tide, a harmful algal bloom, is currently affecting Berkeley Marina, and scientists think it is the same species that devastated Berkeley Marina's mussels and horrifyingly killed off fish in Oakland's Lake Merritt last August. There are grounds for alarm even if there haven't been any confirmed mass fish deaths in the Bay Area, according to officials. The hazardous species linked to the red tide, heterosigma akashiwo, is rarely in such high concentrations in the water of the Bay. There hadn't been a bloom of that size in the estuary environment of the Bay for almost 20 years before last year's bloom. Nobody is entirely sure what causes it to bloom or how long it will continue, but scientists do know that the algae are fed by the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, which are present in sewage and agricultural runoff. Tidal motions and warm temperatures also contribute. The Spread and Challenging Weather However, officials do not see agricultural runoff as the cause of this current bloom with their multiple water treatment processes in place. On July 26, the environmental organization San Francisco Baykeeper received a tip informing them about tea-colored water streaks near the Berkeley Marina. They later corroborated this information by using a drone to hover over the region. According to Julia Dowell, an SF Baykeeper field investigator, the group got numerous reports of cloudy water in Richmond, Tiburon, Emeryville, and Alameda over the following five days. The Alameda estuary was clear when Dowell, an Alameda homeowner, observed it on Saturday; but, on Sunday, the murky, darker swirls of water had already started to spread. The past few months have been difficult for the local aquatic life. Naturalists and marine specialists were baffled in February when dead leopard sharks along with bat rays were discovered in tidal lagoons such as Berkeley's Aquatic Park following a series of intense atmospheric rivers. Reduced salinity, less oxygen, or toxic algae are all possible causes. According to Dowell, the timing of those deaths suggests they have nothing to do with the current red tide. Also Read: Great Barrier Reef has Chlamydia-Like Bacteria That Steal Nutrients From Corals Red Tide Heterosigma Akashiwo According to the NOAA, heterosigma akashiwo does not pose a threat to the general public's health whether consumed or touched by water. The California Department of Public Health advised against swimming in murky ocean water because of the potential for skin irritation from any chemicals created by the dense algae or other related biological activities in the water. According to Dowell, the huge marine die-off that occurred last year began about three weeks after the bloom was first noticed developing in the Alameda region. Dowell says that there is no way to tell beforehand if this bloom will have the same impact on marine life as last year's bloom or progress in the same manner. She cautioned that a second year of fish deaths may be "devastating" for the neighborhood environment, but there isn't much that could be done right now. As one of the numerous species affected by the die-off last year, the white sturgeon, North America's largest freshwater fish, has battled to recover. Additionally impacted fish species include sharks, striped bass, bat rays, smelt, and anchovies, according to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Although scientists are still working to completely grasp the connection between the algal blooms and the fish deaths, they are certain that the fish most likely suffocated to death. Fish along with other marine creatures suffocate as algae waste decomposes both during and following a bloom, eating up the oxygen in the water, Berkeleyside reports. Related Article: Toxic Algal Bloom Makes Sea Lions Go Aggressive, Attacking Los Angeles Beachgoers Han Ji-min and Lee Min-ki are teaming up for a new TV series set to air on cable channel JTBC next week. "Behind Your Touch" is a comedy drama set in a peaceful small town. It revolves around a veterinarian and a hot-blooded detective who wants to use the vet's psychometric powers to achieve his goal of joining the investigation team at his employer's headquarters. Expectations are high for the pair's strong comic chemistry. The producer of the series said audiences can look forward to the two stars' comical portrayals of the characters, adding that they will not let viewers down. The new series will begin airing on Aug. 12. White-nose sickness has claimed 90% of Pennsylvania's little brown bat population. The species is currently considered endangered. Little Brown Bat Now Endangered in Pennsylvania Due to the catastrophic effects of a deadly fungal infection affecting bat species in Pennsylvania and around the country, Doug Wentzel, program director at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center in Huntingdon County, has observed bats become considerably fewer at Shaver's Creek during the past ten years. A powdery white growth on the faces of bats is caused by a fungus, which is speculated to have originated in upstate New York. It initially decimated a colony of hibernating bats in a cave and subsequently spread from bat to bat across the entire country. The Little Brown Bat, which was formerly the most widespread species of bat in Pennsylvania, is now listed as an endangered species by the state. The disease, which is presently referred to as White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), has killed more than 90% of bats and destroyed their populations throughout North America, according to reports from Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Bats lose their ability to fly and hunt as a result of the fungus' gradual breakdown of the delicate skin tissue that lines their wing membranes. Many bats stricken by WNS perish from malnutrition or freeze to death, according to wildlife rehabbers. In testimony at a 2011 hearing on WNS, Gabriela Chavarria, the US Fish and Wildlife Service director's science advisor, said the organization was "concerned" about the effect the sickness will have on bat populations across the nation. Currently, according to bat researchers, WNS is to blame for 98-99% of Pennsylvania's Little Brown Bat population decline. Wentzel acknowledged that the outlook for tiny brown bats is not favorable because there is no known cure for WNS. The Role of Bats in the Ecosystem As the Pennsylvania Bat Rescue executive director and a licensed bat rehabilitator, Steph Stronsick is working to inform the public once again about the crucial function that Pennsylvania's nine native species of bats play in the ecosystem. Stronsick said that multiple species are impacted. Without bats to eat the insects, she added, bug populations might grow unrestrained. According to Stronsick, there is currently no information on the immediate ecological effects of a declining bat population. However, she warned that an unchecked number of insects could ruin crops and Pennsylvania's $132.5 billion agriculture industry, a number confired by the Deparetment of Agriculture. Stronsick stated that she is especially concerned about how WNS would spread across migratory bat species as a result of human-caused climate changes. Also Read: World's Cutest Bat: Honduran White Bat and 4 Others in the Running Conservation Even in the unlikely event that Little Brown Bat survives WNS, scientists predict that it will take over four hundred years for the population to reach pre-WNS levels. However, that estimate is predicated on the notion that no more ecological catastrophe will jeopardize the existence of the species. Wentzel is glad to announce that bats are once more residing in the bat boxes installed on the northeast corner of the property, nearly ten years after WNS caused the demise of the bat colony at Shaver's Creek. According to Wentzel, there are currently about 20 bats living in the boxes. By growing native plants, using fewer chemical pesticides, and notifying a nearby wildlife rehabilitation facility if they spot an injured bat, people can help their local bat populations, according to Stronsick and Wentzel. Stronsick emphasized that not all bats had vanished and that saving the colony meant rescuing the people as well, Lehigh Valley High reports. Related Article: Nebraska Wildlife Rehab Releases 400 Bats as Temperatures Warm, Insects Increase An opinion piece that you describe, praises or criticizes, on the whole or partly, to cultural or entertainment work. It must be written by an expert on the matter The film Call Jane was released a year after the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative supermajority overturned Roe v. Wade in a decision that set millions of womens reproductive rights back by half a century. The movie tells the story of the Chicago womens collective that created a clandestine abortion network to help each other in the 1960s. They went by the name of the Janes. On the heels of the acclaimed HBO documentary The Janes, this movie by Carol screenwriter Phillis Nagy marks her feature-film debut after a long career in the theater and previous experience as the director of the 2005 made-for-TV movie Mrs. Harris, a thriller about the murder of a well-known doctor starring Annette Bening and Ben Kingsley. Call Jane was praised at the Sundance festival, thanks to the films backdrop of 1960s suburban life and the work of its cast, led by actress Elizabeth Banks and, especially, a splendid performance by Sigourney Weaver. Weaver plays the groups activist leader, a character who was inspired by a real person, Heather Booth, the founder of the Janes. The film is set in 1968 Chicago, amid the convulsive protests of the Yippies during the Democratic convention, which led to the Trial of the Chicago Seven. In this context, highlighted in the first sequence of the film, a housewife (played by Banks) who is married to a criminal lawyer and is the mother of a teenage daughter experiences a life-threatening pregnancy. Call Jane follows her political awakening in a life-or-death situation. Call Jane is well done without hiding its current relevance in the context of a historic setback for American women. While the movie recreates a very complex and terrible episode in a somewhat idealized and simplistic way, it also conveys an exciting sisterhood in which women from all walks of life, including a nun, risked their lives to help others. The story provides a concrete and real example of how this abortion network worked before the Supreme Court legalized the right to terminate a pregnancy in 1973 with the Roe v. Wade decision, a conquest won half a century ago and lost in an unimaginable way not long ago. CALL JANE Directed by: Phillis Nagy. Starring: Elizabeth Banks, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Mara, Chris Messina. Genre: Drama. United States, 2022. Running time: 121 minutes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Dipak Mondal By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The big poverty debate that refuses to die down has been reignited by the recent Niti Aayog report on the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). As per the recent MPI report, which measures 'poverty' beyond the income parameter, 14.96% of the population in India was multidimensionally poor during 2019-21, a sharp decline from the 2015-16 level of 24.85%. And even though multidimensional poverty is different from the traditionally measured poverty level measured through consumption expenditure, it has refuelled the poverty debate. The National MPI measures simultaneous deprivations across the three equally weighted dimensions of health, education, and standard of living that are represented by indicators such as nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets, and bank accounts. But does it correctly represent the poverty level in India? OPINION | Focus on reducing poverty instead of boosting GDP "Poverty is an income concept. Multidimensional index is a deprivation concept they are two different things," says Pronab Sen, the former chief statistician of India. He adds that the multidimensional poverty index actually measures deprivation, and deprivation may or may not have anything to do with poverty. He explains: "Think of an old zamindar. He lives in the old family mansion -- a pakka house-- but he is broke. But in terms of the multidimensional poverty index, he may not be so." Amit Basole, Associate Professor of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, at Azim Premji University, says that the Multidimensional Poverty Index is not a substitute for the traditional way of measuring poverty. According to him, multidimensional poverty captures slightly different indicators such as standard of living, etc. "If you think about educational attainment, as more and more people are getting educated, there will be a reduction in multidimensional poverty. Now, it is possible that this educational attainment is achieved by borrowing or selling assets rather than an increase in people's income," explains Basole. Purpose of a multidimensional poverty index? According to Sen, it is very useful for targeting government social expenditures. It helps in determining where the fault lies within the education system, health system or the housing system. You can find where the problem is, so you can target those, says Pronab Sen. He further stressed that MPI is very useful for targeting, but completely useless for measuring poverty. According to Basole, MPI and income and consumption surveys should complement each other to arrive at the larger picture. OPINION | Equal opportunity, not freebies, will save the poor "We should have data on income and expenditure and we should also have data on these kinds (MPI) of outcomes. We should put them together, and see if overall things are improving along all the dimensions including income," he says. The confusion over poverty level According to experts, the official way in which we have been measuring poverty (through the consumer expenditure survey) is not available, which is why people have been using different approaches. Some people use the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) consumption data, some people have been using the CMIE data. Comparability becomes an issue in all of these, feels Basole. The earlier poverty number of 23% was based on the Consumer Expenditure Survey conducted by NSSO in 2011-12. The Until new numbers come out which will come out soon we have no comparable number to that 22-23%. The Consumer Expenditure Survey of 2017-18 was junked by the government after the survey findings indicated fall in consumer spendings. However, the latest round of the survey having been conducted recently, and the report of which is likely to come in by next year, experts are hopeful that the cloud over Indias poverty number finally gets cleared. NEW DELHI: The big poverty debate that refuses to die down has been reignited by the recent Niti Aayog report on the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). As per the recent MPI report, which measures 'poverty' beyond the income parameter, 14.96% of the population in India was multidimensionally poor during 2019-21, a sharp decline from the 2015-16 level of 24.85%. And even though multidimensional poverty is different from the traditionally measured poverty level measured through consumption expenditure, it has refuelled the poverty debate. The National MPI measures simultaneous deprivations across the three equally weighted dimensions of health, education, and standard of living that are represented by indicators such as nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets, and bank accounts.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); But does it correctly represent the poverty level in India? OPINION | Focus on reducing poverty instead of boosting GDP "Poverty is an income concept. Multidimensional index is a deprivation concept they are two different things," says Pronab Sen, the former chief statistician of India. He adds that the multidimensional poverty index actually measures deprivation, and deprivation may or may not have anything to do with poverty. He explains: "Think of an old zamindar. He lives in the old family mansion -- a pakka house-- but he is broke. But in terms of the multidimensional poverty index, he may not be so." Amit Basole, Associate Professor of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, at Azim Premji University, says that the Multidimensional Poverty Index is not a substitute for the traditional way of measuring poverty. According to him, multidimensional poverty captures slightly different indicators such as standard of living, etc. "If you think about educational attainment, as more and more people are getting educated, there will be a reduction in multidimensional poverty. Now, it is possible that this educational attainment is achieved by borrowing or selling assets rather than an increase in people's income," explains Basole. Purpose of a multidimensional poverty index? According to Sen, it is very useful for targeting government social expenditures. It helps in determining where the fault lies within the education system, health system or the housing system. You can find where the problem is, so you can target those, says Pronab Sen. He further stressed that MPI is very useful for targeting, but completely useless for measuring poverty. According to Basole, MPI and income and consumption surveys should complement each other to arrive at the larger picture. OPINION | Equal opportunity, not freebies, will save the poor "We should have data on income and expenditure and we should also have data on these kinds (MPI) of outcomes. We should put them together, and see if overall things are improving along all the dimensions including income," he says. The confusion over poverty level According to experts, the official way in which we have been measuring poverty (through the consumer expenditure survey) is not available, which is why people have been using different approaches. Some people use the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) consumption data, some people have been using the CMIE data. Comparability becomes an issue in all of these, feels Basole. The earlier poverty number of 23% was based on the Consumer Expenditure Survey conducted by NSSO in 2011-12. The Until new numbers come out which will come out soon we have no comparable number to that 22-23%. The Consumer Expenditure Survey of 2017-18 was junked by the government after the survey findings indicated fall in consumer spendings. However, the latest round of the survey having been conducted recently, and the report of which is likely to come in by next year, experts are hopeful that the cloud over Indias poverty number finally gets cleared. By PTI NEW DELHI: Nearly four years after he switched to the BJP, former AAP minister and firebrand leader Kapil Mishra was on Saturday appointed as vice-president in the party's Delhi unit. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said Mishra's name was on the list of the new office-bearers of the party announced earlier this week but it could not be declared due to some reason. Mishra was formerly a minister in the AAP government here, but he joined the BJP in August 2019 after his differences with party supremo Arvind Kejriwal became public. Known for his "fiery" speeches on Hindutva ideology, his name had also surfaced in connection with the northeast Delhi riots for allegedly making hate speeches. He was accused of "instigating" people by asking them to forcibly remove those sitting in protest at Jafrabad against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Over 50 people were killed and hundreds injured in the February 2020 riots. Mishra was not given any organisational responsibility in the Delhi BJP since his joining, but he was fielded by the party in the 2020 Delhi Assembly election from the Model Town constituency but lost to the AAP's Akhilesh Pati Tripathi. A section of Delhi BJP leaders believe Mishra will "prove to be an asset" to the party. "He will not only prove effective in taking on his former boss (Delhi Chief Minister) Kejriwal and the AAP but also bolster the BJP's appeal among Delhi people with his fiercely pro Hindu stand," said a senior Delhi BJP leader. Although Mishra started his political journey from the AAP, his family has been closely associated with the BJP. His mother Annapurna Mishra was mayor of erstwhile East MCD ruled by the BJP in 2012. After his appointment as vice president of the Delhi BJP, Mishra said an ordinary worker being given such an important responsibility in the party is only possible in the BJP. In a tweet, he thanked party leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP's national president JP Nadda and Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva. "It was only in the BJP that an ordinary workers was so affectionately embraced," he tweeted in Hindi. He was congratulated by a wide range of people including Union minister Smriti Irani and party MP Manoj Tiwari. Some social media users, however, jeered at him by sharing his old speeches and comments against the saffron party and its leaders. A video of Kapil Mishra and Bittu Bajrangi (linked to Nuh violence) is also under circulation on social media. NEW DELHI: Nearly four years after he switched to the BJP, former AAP minister and firebrand leader Kapil Mishra was on Saturday appointed as vice-president in the party's Delhi unit. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said Mishra's name was on the list of the new office-bearers of the party announced earlier this week but it could not be declared due to some reason. Mishra was formerly a minister in the AAP government here, but he joined the BJP in August 2019 after his differences with party supremo Arvind Kejriwal became public.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Known for his "fiery" speeches on Hindutva ideology, his name had also surfaced in connection with the northeast Delhi riots for allegedly making hate speeches. He was accused of "instigating" people by asking them to forcibly remove those sitting in protest at Jafrabad against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Over 50 people were killed and hundreds injured in the February 2020 riots. Mishra was not given any organisational responsibility in the Delhi BJP since his joining, but he was fielded by the party in the 2020 Delhi Assembly election from the Model Town constituency but lost to the AAP's Akhilesh Pati Tripathi. A section of Delhi BJP leaders believe Mishra will "prove to be an asset" to the party. "He will not only prove effective in taking on his former boss (Delhi Chief Minister) Kejriwal and the AAP but also bolster the BJP's appeal among Delhi people with his fiercely pro Hindu stand," said a senior Delhi BJP leader. Although Mishra started his political journey from the AAP, his family has been closely associated with the BJP. His mother Annapurna Mishra was mayor of erstwhile East MCD ruled by the BJP in 2012. After his appointment as vice president of the Delhi BJP, Mishra said an ordinary worker being given such an important responsibility in the party is only possible in the BJP. In a tweet, he thanked party leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP's national president JP Nadda and Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva. "It was only in the BJP that an ordinary workers was so affectionately embraced," he tweeted in Hindi. He was congratulated by a wide range of people including Union minister Smriti Irani and party MP Manoj Tiwari. Some social media users, however, jeered at him by sharing his old speeches and comments against the saffron party and its leaders. A video of Kapil Mishra and Bittu Bajrangi (linked to Nuh violence) is also under circulation on social media. Ronnie Kuriakose By Express News Service KOCHI: As the sun dips below the horizon, amber and gold pour forth from taps across the state, signalling the start of another merry evening. While it is true that one does not need a reason to clink their glasses, for those barley able to resist the temptation, it helps that there are days like yesterday to celebrate the elixir that has become a staple of camaraderie and cheer, Beer! Whether its a smooth lager that tickles your taste buds or a hop-heavy IPA that leaves you beaming, beer has the uncanny ability to add an extra ale of joy to any gathering. So, slow down, grab a growler, and fill it to the brink. Lets sip and savour this brewtiful drink. For millennia, beer has flowed through the veins of diverse cultures, leaving a heady trail in its wake. But where does it all begin? The origins of beer are as enigmatic as the brew itself. Now, with the hangover of International Beer Day (August 4) easing, TNIE takes a deep dive into the frothy layers of this intoxicating story. A sip into history takes us to the cradle of civilisation itself, present-day Iraq, where the Sumerians are believed to have been the first beer brewers around 5,000 BC. They considered beer a divine gift, and its creation was interwoven with their religious practices. Clay tablets recovered from the region reveal several tantalising brewing recipes. From there, the art of brewing followed the ancient trade routes, reaching the banks of the river Nile, where beer became a staple drink in the land of pharaohs. But beers journey did not end there. It cast its seductive bubbles across Europe, with early evidence of beer-making discovered in Neolithic sites like Gobekli Tepe in Turkey. As the craft evolved, a game-changing discovery awaited the hops, the flowers of the hop plant Humulus lupulus, transformed the drink by adding a new dimension of flavour and enhancing its preservation. Beyond a mere beverage, beer became a companion to voyages of exploration and conquest. Beyond the bloodshed, this centuries-long scramble of empires also left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape, facilitating the global movement of foodstuffs. It served as a catalyst for the spread of Europes treasured beers to all corners of the world. Lagers, especially the iconic Pilsner, transcended borders, delighting palates far and wide. But the journey of beer was far from over. Darker and bolder styles like Porter and India Pale Ale (IPA) made their grand entrance, staking their claim and earning a seat of distinction in the pantheon of brewing history. The India story Though not the most popular alcoholic beverage in India, the country has a long association with beer, even dating back thousands of years. The Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BC) reveals archaeological traces of pottery vessels believed to be used in the brewing of beer a revelation that speaks volumes about the integral role beer played in everyday lives then. The traditional brew of ancient India was rice beer, known as handia, crafted by the indigenous tribes. Noted biologist J B S Haldane observed that this local beer likely played a role in preventing diseases like Beriberi among communities. Enter the Europeans The romance between India and European beer began in 1716 when the flavours of English pale ale and Burton ale graced Indian shores. However, the long and treacherous sea journey posed challenges, demanding the beer to withstand the elements and arrive fresh. Brewers rose to the occasion by increasing alcohol content and introducing hops, giving birth to the legendary IPA around 1787. The most significant milestone in Indias brewing history arrived in 1830 when Edward Abraham Dyer laid the foundation for the countrys first brewery: the Kasauli Brewery. This historic establishment birthed the renowned Lion beer brand, which continues to grace the market to this day. As the thirst for beer grew across the subcontinent, breweries sprouted in India, Burma, and Sri Lanka. By 1882, a total of 12 breweries had come to life, with a substantial portion of 4,831,127 gallons of beer produced that year being allocated to the British commissariat, while the rest delighted the civilian population. Fast forward Time carried the legacy forward, and today, Indias beer culture has blossomed into a vibrant landscape. Embracing a new generation of beer enthusiasts, microbreweries and craft beer establishments dot the urban landscape. The worlds most expensive beer Arctic Ale by The Allsopp holds the title of the worlds most expensive beer due to its historical significance and rarity. This over 140-year-old bottle of beer originates from the Arctic expedition of 1875, led by Sir George Nares. A cache of this bottle was discovered by accident in a garage in Gobowen, Shropshire, England. It was initially acquired for USD 304 on eBay in 2007, along with a USD 19.95 delivery charge from a Massachusetts merchant. An old handwritten note from Percy G Bolster that accompanied the cache revealed that it was produced in 1852 for a polar trip. The beer was subsequently connected to Sir Edward Belchers cache of supplies for the Arctic in 1852 while searching for Sir John Franklin and his crew. The eBay seller originally listed one of the bottles at USD 150,000, but bidding quickly drove the price up to the final astounding sum of USD 503,300. Whether the buyer ever dared to taste this expensive relic remains unknown. DID YOU KNOW? While its the general impression that it was likely the British or another colonial power that brought the heady drink to India, it is not the case. What the Europeans brought was simply their version of the drink. Lemon Garlic prawns Ingredient for marination Tomato paste: 20 gram Smoked paprika: 10 gram Cumin powder: 5 gram Lemon juice: 20 ml Garlic paste: 25 gram Oil: 20 ml Bamboo skewers Tiger prawns with head and tail: 500 gram Method of preparation Mix all the marination ingredients and apply them to the prawns. Leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Arrange the marinated prawns in the skewers. Heat charcoal on medium heat and grill the prawns for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with paprika and mayonnaise sauce. Paneer fingers Ingredients Paneer: 300 gram Maida: 20 gram Salt to taste Bread crumbs: 30 gram Turmeric powder: 2 gram White pepper powder: 5 gram Mint sauce: 20 gram Honey yoghurt: 20 gram Sunflower oil to deep fry Lemon juice: 5 gram For garnish: shredded capsicum, round slice carrots, micro greens and pomegranate seeds Method of preparation Cut the paneer into finger shapes. Make a batter with maida, white pepper, salt, lemon juice and turmeric powder and then dip the finger-shaped paneer in the batter and coat it with breadcrumbs. Deep fry in sunflower oil until it turns brown. Place the fried paneer on a plate. Pour the sauces over the paneer and garnish with shredded capsicum, round sliced carrots, microgreens and pomegranate seeds. KOCHI: As the sun dips below the horizon, amber and gold pour forth from taps across the state, signalling the start of another merry evening. While it is true that one does not need a reason to clink their glasses, for those barley able to resist the temptation, it helps that there are days like yesterday to celebrate the elixir that has become a staple of camaraderie and cheer, Beer! Whether its a smooth lager that tickles your taste buds or a hop-heavy IPA that leaves you beaming, beer has the uncanny ability to add an extra ale of joy to any gathering. So, slow down, grab a growler, and fill it to the brink. Lets sip and savour this brewtiful drink. For millennia, beer has flowed through the veins of diverse cultures, leaving a heady trail in its wake. But where does it all begin? The origins of beer are as enigmatic as the brew itself. Now, with the hangover of International Beer Day (August 4) easing, TNIE takes a deep dive into the frothy layers of this intoxicating story.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A sip into history takes us to the cradle of civilisation itself, present-day Iraq, where the Sumerians are believed to have been the first beer brewers around 5,000 BC. They considered beer a divine gift, and its creation was interwoven with their religious practices. Clay tablets recovered from the region reveal several tantalising brewing recipes. From there, the art of brewing followed the ancient trade routes, reaching the banks of the river Nile, where beer became a staple drink in the land of pharaohs. But beers journey did not end there. It cast its seductive bubbles across Europe, with early evidence of beer-making discovered in Neolithic sites like Gobekli Tepe in Turkey. As the craft evolved, a game-changing discovery awaited the hops, the flowers of the hop plant Humulus lupulus, transformed the drink by adding a new dimension of flavour and enhancing its preservation. Beyond a mere beverage, beer became a companion to voyages of exploration and conquest. Beyond the bloodshed, this centuries-long scramble of empires also left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape, facilitating the global movement of foodstuffs. It served as a catalyst for the spread of Europes treasured beers to all corners of the world. Lagers, especially the iconic Pilsner, transcended borders, delighting palates far and wide. But the journey of beer was far from over. Darker and bolder styles like Porter and India Pale Ale (IPA) made their grand entrance, staking their claim and earning a seat of distinction in the pantheon of brewing history. The India story Though not the most popular alcoholic beverage in India, the country has a long association with beer, even dating back thousands of years. The Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BC) reveals archaeological traces of pottery vessels believed to be used in the brewing of beer a revelation that speaks volumes about the integral role beer played in everyday lives then. The traditional brew of ancient India was rice beer, known as handia, crafted by the indigenous tribes. Noted biologist J B S Haldane observed that this local beer likely played a role in preventing diseases like Beriberi among communities. Enter the Europeans The romance between India and European beer began in 1716 when the flavours of English pale ale and Burton ale graced Indian shores. However, the long and treacherous sea journey posed challenges, demanding the beer to withstand the elements and arrive fresh. Brewers rose to the occasion by increasing alcohol content and introducing hops, giving birth to the legendary IPA around 1787. The most significant milestone in Indias brewing history arrived in 1830 when Edward Abraham Dyer laid the foundation for the countrys first brewery: the Kasauli Brewery. This historic establishment birthed the renowned Lion beer brand, which continues to grace the market to this day. As the thirst for beer grew across the subcontinent, breweries sprouted in India, Burma, and Sri Lanka. By 1882, a total of 12 breweries had come to life, with a substantial portion of 4,831,127 gallons of beer produced that year being allocated to the British commissariat, while the rest delighted the civilian population. Fast forward Time carried the legacy forward, and today, Indias beer culture has blossomed into a vibrant landscape. Embracing a new generation of beer enthusiasts, microbreweries and craft beer establishments dot the urban landscape. The worlds most expensive beer Arctic Ale by The Allsopp holds the title of the worlds most expensive beer due to its historical significance and rarity. This over 140-year-old bottle of beer originates from the Arctic expedition of 1875, led by Sir George Nares. A cache of this bottle was discovered by accident in a garage in Gobowen, Shropshire, England. It was initially acquired for USD 304 on eBay in 2007, along with a USD 19.95 delivery charge from a Massachusetts merchant. An old handwritten note from Percy G Bolster that accompanied the cache revealed that it was produced in 1852 for a polar trip. The beer was subsequently connected to Sir Edward Belchers cache of supplies for the Arctic in 1852 while searching for Sir John Franklin and his crew. The eBay seller originally listed one of the bottles at USD 150,000, but bidding quickly drove the price up to the final astounding sum of USD 503,300. Whether the buyer ever dared to taste this expensive relic remains unknown. DID YOU KNOW? While its the general impression that it was likely the British or another colonial power that brought the heady drink to India, it is not the case. What the Europeans brought was simply their version of the drink. Lemon Garlic prawns Ingredient for marination Tomato paste: 20 gram Smoked paprika: 10 gram Cumin powder: 5 gram Lemon juice: 20 ml Garlic paste: 25 gram Oil: 20 ml Bamboo skewers Tiger prawns with head and tail: 500 gram Method of preparation Mix all the marination ingredients and apply them to the prawns. Leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Arrange the marinated prawns in the skewers. Heat charcoal on medium heat and grill the prawns for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with paprika and mayonnaise sauce. Paneer fingers Ingredients Paneer: 300 gram Maida: 20 gram Salt to taste Bread crumbs: 30 gram Turmeric powder: 2 gram White pepper powder: 5 gram Mint sauce: 20 gram Honey yoghurt: 20 gram Sunflower oil to deep fry Lemon juice: 5 gram For garnish: shredded capsicum, round slice carrots, micro greens and pomegranate seeds Method of preparation Cut the paneer into finger shapes. Make a batter with maida, white pepper, salt, lemon juice and turmeric powder and then dip the finger-shaped paneer in the batter and coat it with breadcrumbs. Deep fry in sunflower oil until it turns brown. Place the fried paneer on a plate. Pour the sauces over the paneer and garnish with shredded capsicum, round sliced carrots, microgreens and pomegranate seeds. By Express News Service KOCHI: Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided the residential premises of the proprietor of Mathew International Overseas Recruitment Agency in Kochi, Alappuzha and Mumbai. The raid was held on the residential premises of Puthenveetil Joseph Mathew alias P J Mathew, proprietor of the recruitment agency, in connection with the Kuwait nursing recruitment scam case. During the search, documents related to bank deposits to the tune of Rs 76 lakh were seized. The officials also recovered documents related to immovable properties worth Rs 12 crore. ED has decided to freeze the bank accounts and temporarily attach Mathews immovable properties. The scam pertains to the recruitment of nurses to Kuwait charging around Rs 20 lakh from each individual while the rule insists that only Rs 19,000 can be charged to a job aspirant. In 2015, the CBI unearthed major irregularities committed by recruitment agencies in Kerala, which charged exorbitant amounts from nurses selected for jobs in Kuwait in 2015. KOCHI: Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided the residential premises of the proprietor of Mathew International Overseas Recruitment Agency in Kochi, Alappuzha and Mumbai. The raid was held on the residential premises of Puthenveetil Joseph Mathew alias P J Mathew, proprietor of the recruitment agency, in connection with the Kuwait nursing recruitment scam case. During the search, documents related to bank deposits to the tune of Rs 76 lakh were seized. The officials also recovered documents related to immovable properties worth Rs 12 crore. ED has decided to freeze the bank accounts and temporarily attach Mathews immovable properties. The scam pertains to the recruitment of nurses to Kuwait charging around Rs 20 lakh from each individual while the rule insists that only Rs 19,000 can be charged to a job aspirant. In 2015, the CBI unearthed major irregularities committed by recruitment agencies in Kerala, which charged exorbitant amounts from nurses selected for jobs in Kuwait in 2015. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Yeshi Seli By NEW DELHI: Residents of Delhi-NCR will be issued an advisory to stay at home and only step out for essential services for three days in a row as a run-up to the G20 Summit that will be held in Delhi on September 9 and 10. The Delhi government is being urged to declare September 8 (Friday) as a holiday, wherein schools and offices would be closed. The two days of the summit happen to be on the weekend, so the movement will be restricted. Thousands of people will be part of the entourage of the G20 members and in order to make their movement within the city seamless without traffic jams, these steps would be taken, said a source. Most arrivals of the delegations are expected to take place around September 8 evening and departures by the evening of September 10 or the morning of 11. Around 28 premier hotels in and around Delhi-NCR have been booked for the delegates. With big leaders such as US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, British PM Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron expected to attend this summit in person, these steps would ensure that movements within the city are seamless and uninterrupted. The best hotels have been identified and earmarked, especially for the guests and their teams. Some member countries had reservations about staying in proximity to the Chinese and Russian delegations. So, arrangements have been made for friendly countries to stay in the same property. For instance, Chinese and Brazilian delegations are likely to be staying in proximity, the source added. The entourage of some countries is expected to be big, especially that of the US, which is expected to include over 500 people. The delegations from China and Japan are going to be large too. Saudi Arabia, which is a guest country, has reportedly booked an entire hotel as they too will have a large entourage. Meanwhile, the official venue International Exhibition Cum Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan will have a rest area for the delegates and a facility for a live screening of the meetings. Bilateral meeting rooms have also been set up. Interestingly, for the spouses who will accompany the delegates, the programmes that they can opt for include visits to places of cultural and historic interest and also places from where they can shop for traditional stuff. NEW DELHI: Residents of Delhi-NCR will be issued an advisory to stay at home and only step out for essential services for three days in a row as a run-up to the G20 Summit that will be held in Delhi on September 9 and 10. The Delhi government is being urged to declare September 8 (Friday) as a holiday, wherein schools and offices would be closed. The two days of the summit happen to be on the weekend, so the movement will be restricted. Thousands of people will be part of the entourage of the G20 members and in order to make their movement within the city seamless without traffic jams, these steps would be taken, said a source. Most arrivals of the delegations are expected to take place around September 8 evening and departures by the evening of September 10 or the morning of 11. Around 28 premier hotels in and around Delhi-NCR have been booked for the delegates.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); With big leaders such as US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, British PM Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron expected to attend this summit in person, these steps would ensure that movements within the city are seamless and uninterrupted. The best hotels have been identified and earmarked, especially for the guests and their teams. Some member countries had reservations about staying in proximity to the Chinese and Russian delegations. So, arrangements have been made for friendly countries to stay in the same property. For instance, Chinese and Brazilian delegations are likely to be staying in proximity, the source added. The entourage of some countries is expected to be big, especially that of the US, which is expected to include over 500 people. The delegations from China and Japan are going to be large too. Saudi Arabia, which is a guest country, has reportedly booked an entire hotel as they too will have a large entourage. Meanwhile, the official venue International Exhibition Cum Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan will have a rest area for the delegates and a facility for a live screening of the meetings. Bilateral meeting rooms have also been set up. Interestingly, for the spouses who will accompany the delegates, the programmes that they can opt for include visits to places of cultural and historic interest and also places from where they can shop for traditional stuff. By PTI LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday accused the BJP of employing its own version of 'Hindutva' to "divide" society and grab power, and asserted there is a need to save the "true Hindutva". He also accused the BJP government of conducting "fake encounters", and said people will "encounter the BJP government in 2024" which "is necessary for saving the Constitution". Yadav also claimed opposition alliance INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) will uproot the "divisive" BJP government in 2024 with the support of the PDA (Pichhade, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) in Uttar Pradesh. "They (the BJP) have done a lot of fake encounters. Now people will encounter the BJP government in 2024," Yadav told PTI in an interview when he was asked how the INDIA bloc and the SP will counter the BJP challenge in the Lok Sabha polls. About the future of opposition alliance in the state, Yadav said, "The SP is there. More parties that are willing to join the INDIA alliance are welcome. Our PDA (Pichhade, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) will defeat the BJP this time. The BJP has done nothing except dividing the society." He also alleged the BJP "misused" the medium of communication and coined "new lies" everyday, and it is imperative they are stopped from coming to power so the Constitution made by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar is saved. The BJP's 'Hindutva' is focussed on dividing society and there is a need to save the "true Hindutva" by true Hindus, he said. "We have to save people from fake Hindus who misused Hindutva for grabbing power." "True Hindutva is to save the honour of women, eating Shabri's 'ber' (ending discrimination), hugging Kewat (referring to the boatman hugged by Lord Ram as mentioned in the epic Ramayana), spreading love and increasing tolerance," he said. "Spreading the 'Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb' (a syncretic fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultural elements) and Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam worldwide is what true Hindutva says. It is the responsibility of Hindustanis to spread true Hindutva," he said. The BJP, he alleged, is spreading hatred in the entire country and disturbing social amity to achieve its political agenda. "The BJP's model is to spread hatred and divide society. The BJP is the enemy of peace and development." "BJP-ruled Mainpur and Haryana are burning. There was a conspiracy to trigger riots in Bareilly. The BJP patronises rioters and punishes officers who work to maintain law and order," Yadav alleged. He claimed people are "fed up" with the BJP government and will vote it out. "The health system of Uttar Pradesh has collapsed. The stray cattle menace has made the life of farmers and common man miserable. Headlines of newspapers contradict the tall claims on law and order. Why will people vote for the BJP? We are there for people, raising their issues," he said. Yadav said the BJP failed to deliver on the promises made to people, while price rise, unemployment and corruption are at peak. "To divert attention of the people from core issues, the BJP is pushing the country towards riots. The BJP sees political gains by getting people to fight with each other," he added. LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday accused the BJP of employing its own version of 'Hindutva' to "divide" society and grab power, and asserted there is a need to save the "true Hindutva". He also accused the BJP government of conducting "fake encounters", and said people will "encounter the BJP government in 2024" which "is necessary for saving the Constitution". Yadav also claimed opposition alliance INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) will uproot the "divisive" BJP government in 2024 with the support of the PDA (Pichhade, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) in Uttar Pradesh.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "They (the BJP) have done a lot of fake encounters. Now people will encounter the BJP government in 2024," Yadav told PTI in an interview when he was asked how the INDIA bloc and the SP will counter the BJP challenge in the Lok Sabha polls. About the future of opposition alliance in the state, Yadav said, "The SP is there. More parties that are willing to join the INDIA alliance are welcome. Our PDA (Pichhade, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) will defeat the BJP this time. The BJP has done nothing except dividing the society." He also alleged the BJP "misused" the medium of communication and coined "new lies" everyday, and it is imperative they are stopped from coming to power so the Constitution made by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar is saved. The BJP's 'Hindutva' is focussed on dividing society and there is a need to save the "true Hindutva" by true Hindus, he said. "We have to save people from fake Hindus who misused Hindutva for grabbing power." "True Hindutva is to save the honour of women, eating Shabri's 'ber' (ending discrimination), hugging Kewat (referring to the boatman hugged by Lord Ram as mentioned in the epic Ramayana), spreading love and increasing tolerance," he said. "Spreading the 'Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb' (a syncretic fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultural elements) and Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam worldwide is what true Hindutva says. It is the responsibility of Hindustanis to spread true Hindutva," he said. The BJP, he alleged, is spreading hatred in the entire country and disturbing social amity to achieve its political agenda. "The BJP's model is to spread hatred and divide society. The BJP is the enemy of peace and development." "BJP-ruled Mainpur and Haryana are burning. There was a conspiracy to trigger riots in Bareilly. The BJP patronises rioters and punishes officers who work to maintain law and order," Yadav alleged. He claimed people are "fed up" with the BJP government and will vote it out. "The health system of Uttar Pradesh has collapsed. The stray cattle menace has made the life of farmers and common man miserable. Headlines of newspapers contradict the tall claims on law and order. Why will people vote for the BJP? We are there for people, raising their issues," he said. Yadav said the BJP failed to deliver on the promises made to people, while price rise, unemployment and corruption are at peak. "To divert attention of the people from core issues, the BJP is pushing the country towards riots. The BJP sees political gains by getting people to fight with each other," he added. Nirmala Murali By Online Desk The Centre said there was no proposal under contemplation for fixing deadlines of pending cases in the district courts in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The Minister of Law Arjun Ram Meghwal while replying to a query said, "The disposal of cases or fixing time lines for disposal lies within the exclusive domain of the judiciary and the Central Government has no direct role in the matter." This response came at a time when the total number of pending cases in various courts including subordinate courts, High court and Supreme Court crossed the five-crore mark. HIGH COURTS The number of pending cases in High Courts in the country stood at 59,78,714 in 2022 from 56,49,068 in the previous year. In the past five year, it increased by 15,29,788 cases in the past years. The top three High Courts with highest backlog cases were the Allahabad HC with 10.3 lakh cases, Bombay HC at 6.1 lakh and Rajasthan at 6.3 lakh. The northeastern states accounted for the lowest number of pending cases in HC with 165 in Sikkim, 1,188 in Meghalaya, 1,601 in Tripura. Against the overall trend of rising pendency, the High Courts of Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Sikkim and Tripura were able to reduce the number of pending cases. For example, the HC of J&K lowered its count from 64,042 in 2018 to 44,256 in 2022. The number of pending cases in Kerala HC went from 1.93 lakh to 1.97 lakh in 2018. Meanwhile, Tripura High Court saw pending cases decline to 1,601 from 2,977 in 2018. TRIAL COURTS & SUPREME COURT The number of pending cases in subordinate courts also showed a rising trend. They rose to 4.32 lakh as of the end of last year from 3.34 lakh in 2018. Meanwhile, the pending cases in the Supreme Court increased to 69,768 by the end of 2022 from 57,346 four years earlier. The SC had the highest number of backlog in 2021 with 70,239 cases. The Centre said there was no proposal under contemplation for fixing deadlines of pending cases in the district courts in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The Minister of Law Arjun Ram Meghwal while replying to a query said, "The disposal of cases or fixing time lines for disposal lies within the exclusive domain of the judiciary and the Central Government has no direct role in the matter." This response came at a time when the total number of pending cases in various courts including subordinate courts, High court and Supreme Court crossed the five-crore mark. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); HIGH COURTS The number of pending cases in High Courts in the country stood at 59,78,714 in 2022 from 56,49,068 in the previous year. In the past five year, it increased by 15,29,788 cases in the past years. The top three High Courts with highest backlog cases were the Allahabad HC with 10.3 lakh cases, Bombay HC at 6.1 lakh and Rajasthan at 6.3 lakh. The northeastern states accounted for the lowest number of pending cases in HC with 165 in Sikkim, 1,188 in Meghalaya, 1,601 in Tripura. Against the overall trend of rising pendency, the High Courts of Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Sikkim and Tripura were able to reduce the number of pending cases. For example, the HC of J&K lowered its count from 64,042 in 2018 to 44,256 in 2022. The number of pending cases in Kerala HC went from 1.93 lakh to 1.97 lakh in 2018. Meanwhile, Tripura High Court saw pending cases decline to 1,601 from 2,977 in 2018. TRIAL COURTS & SUPREME COURT The number of pending cases in subordinate courts also showed a rising trend. They rose to 4.32 lakh as of the end of last year from 3.34 lakh in 2018. Meanwhile, the pending cases in the Supreme Court increased to 69,768 by the end of 2022 from 57,346 four years earlier. The SC had the highest number of backlog in 2021 with 70,239 cases. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service Tomatoes disappear from Raj Bhawan Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit had issued an order to temporarily halt the consumption of tomatoes at the Raj Bhawan in solidarity with citizens who are facing the impact of rising prices. He said, Stopping or reducing the consumption of an article is bound to have an effect on its price, as reducing demand will automatically lower the price. I hope people will use alternatives in their household for the time being and help to curtail the surge in tomato prices.With the move, Purohit aims to underscore the importance of responsible use of resources during challenging times, sources said. Anti-Hooda camp within Haryana Cong In the Haryana Congress, former union minister Kumari Selja, AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and senior party leader and Tosham MLA Kiran Choudhry have put up a united front against former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Many leaders and loyalists are following behind them and are identifying as part of the SRK grouping abbreviated with the first letters of the three leaders names. These days the Selja-Randeep-Kiran clique is rarely seen at the partys state unit meetings called by either Bhupinder Singh Hooda as the CLP leader or state party chief Udhai Bhan. Mann-Manpreet rift widens after land case The war of words between Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and former Punjab Finance Minister BJPs Manpreet Singh Badal escalated this week after the Punjab vigilance came knocking on the latters door. Manpreet and Mann have been trading barbs at each other after the former was summoned by the Punjab vigilance in connection with a land case in Bathinda. Terming Manpreet the biggest dramebaaz, Mann said those living in palatial houses must be thrown into political oblivion. In his sharp reaction, Manpreet likened Mann to a Muglia Shehzada and called him a power-drunk royal. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com Tomatoes disappear from Raj Bhawan Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit had issued an order to temporarily halt the consumption of tomatoes at the Raj Bhawan in solidarity with citizens who are facing the impact of rising prices. He said, Stopping or reducing the consumption of an article is bound to have an effect on its price, as reducing demand will automatically lower the price. I hope people will use alternatives in their household for the time being and help to curtail the surge in tomato prices.With the move, Purohit aims to underscore the importance of responsible use of resources during challenging times, sources said. Anti-Hooda camp within Haryana Cong googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In the Haryana Congress, former union minister Kumari Selja, AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and senior party leader and Tosham MLA Kiran Choudhry have put up a united front against former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Many leaders and loyalists are following behind them and are identifying as part of the SRK grouping abbreviated with the first letters of the three leaders names. These days the Selja-Randeep-Kiran clique is rarely seen at the partys state unit meetings called by either Bhupinder Singh Hooda as the CLP leader or state party chief Udhai Bhan. Mann-Manpreet rift widens after land case The war of words between Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and former Punjab Finance Minister BJPs Manpreet Singh Badal escalated this week after the Punjab vigilance came knocking on the latters door. Manpreet and Mann have been trading barbs at each other after the former was summoned by the Punjab vigilance in connection with a land case in Bathinda. Terming Manpreet the biggest dramebaaz, Mann said those living in palatial houses must be thrown into political oblivion. In his sharp reaction, Manpreet likened Mann to a Muglia Shehzada and called him a power-drunk royal. Harpreet BajwaOur correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Calling upon the researchers working under the Chief Ministers Fellowship Scheme in aspirational development blocks of the state to work with full commitment, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked them to consider themselves as a connect between the public and the state. Addressing the scholars during an event on Friday, the CM said, Researchers working on fellowships for three years in their respective development blocks should act as a connect, linking the public with the welfare schemes of the government. All research scholars should proceed with a common goal of getting 100 per cent participation of their respective blocks in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan till the end of their research tenure. Yogi said that Uttar Pradesh had neither a shortage of funds nor manpower. Focus on the work in education, health, farmers, women and infrastructure in aspirational development blocks. The research scholars, who will complete their tenure of three years with diligence and commitment and will present the best research management in writing, will be given weightage in government jobs along with age relaxation. Emphasising that NITI Aayog had selected 112 districts as aspirational districts in 2018, the CM said, Eight UP districts Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Chitrakoot, and Fatehpur also figured on the list. All of them were in the most backward position in terms of education, healthcare, agriculture, water resources, employment, skill development, financial inclusion and infrastructure. Awareness about government schemes related to farmers, women and girls should be created in the people and they should be encouraged to take benefit of the welfare schemes, he said. LUCKNOW: Calling upon the researchers working under the Chief Ministers Fellowship Scheme in aspirational development blocks of the state to work with full commitment, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked them to consider themselves as a connect between the public and the state. Addressing the scholars during an event on Friday, the CM said, Researchers working on fellowships for three years in their respective development blocks should act as a connect, linking the public with the welfare schemes of the government. All research scholars should proceed with a common goal of getting 100 per cent participation of their respective blocks in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan till the end of their research tenure. Yogi said that Uttar Pradesh had neither a shortage of funds nor manpower. Focus on the work in education, health, farmers, women and infrastructure in aspirational development blocks. The research scholars, who will complete their tenure of three years with diligence and commitment and will present the best research management in writing, will be given weightage in government jobs along with age relaxation. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Emphasising that NITI Aayog had selected 112 districts as aspirational districts in 2018, the CM said, Eight UP districts Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Chitrakoot, and Fatehpur also figured on the list. All of them were in the most backward position in terms of education, healthcare, agriculture, water resources, employment, skill development, financial inclusion and infrastructure. Awareness about government schemes related to farmers, women and girls should be created in the people and they should be encouraged to take benefit of the welfare schemes, he said. Greta Gerwig who celebrates her 40th birthday today first gained recognition as an actress at 27 after starring in the film Greenberg alongside Ben Stiller, directed by Noah Baumbach. However, writing had always been an integral part of her artistic development and it quickly became a focus after finding her place in cinema. While studying English and philosophy at Barnard College, she landed a minor role in Joe Swanbergs second feature, LOL, which marked the beginning of her writing partnership with Swanberg. They later collaborated on Swanbergs film Hannah Takes the Stairs, in which Gerwig also starred as a college graduate torn between three different men. Hannah Takes the Stairs received mixed reviews from critics, but many praised the scripts realistic tone. Reece Goodwin, curator of the ACMI, wrote about the film: So naturalistic are the performances that the line between character and actor feels fuzzy: how much of Hannah are we seeing on screen, and how many idiosyncrasies are Greta Gerwigs own? This question resurfaced in discussions about subsequent projects like Frances Ha, which she co-wrote with her partner Noah Baumbach, and Lady Bird, which she directed, as Gerwig seemed to incorporate parts of reality into her works. Gerwig and Swanberg collaborated again on Nights and Weekends, with Gerwig taking on the role of director as well. The film explores the complexities of a long-distance relationship and resonates with the uncertainty about the future that is recurrent in Gerwigs work, especially in Lady Bird, which many consider her most accomplished project. Greta Gerwig on the set of 'Lady Bird'. Merie Wallace (AP) Following Nights and Weekends, Gerwig co-wrote and starred in Northern Comfort alongside Rod Webber, known for his improvisational films and documentaries. The film, made with a low budget and a DIY approach, tells the story of two travelers who meet in Canada and their encounters along the way. Gerwig expressed her interest in low-budget filmmaking due to the collaborative opportunities it provided, helping her further develop her unique voice and style as a writer and director. After her successful collaborations with Joe Swanberg, Gerwigs career took a significant turn with the release of Frances Ha which she co-wrote with Noah Baumbach. She also starred as another confused character: a 27-year-old dancer who is trying to find her way in the world. The movie garnered critical acclaim and solidified Gerwigs reputation as a talented screenwriter and actress. It showcased her ability to infuse her characters with authenticity and depth, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. I put a lot of myself in there, but also I took from a lot of people. [...] Only I couldve created (Frances), she said to Lily Rothman in an interview about the film. She later co-wrote Mistress America with Baumbach. Lady Bird Gerwigs most personal work came with the Academy Award-nominated script of Lady Bird, which she spent several years developing. Although the writer and creator has clarified that it is not auto-biographical, she said to IndieWire: (The film) has a core of truth that resonates with what I know, and that it is a love letter to Sacramento, where she was born and raised. As a director, Gerwig used several places from her past, and told Sam Levy that she wanted the film to look like a memory. The film received several accolades and Gerwig was also nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards. Before the success of Lady Bird, Gerwig was hired to write a new adaptation of Louisa May Alcotts classic Little Women. During a Directors Roundtable, The writer and director said That book meant so much to me. I dont remember not knowing who the March sisters were. (...) They became part of the inner landscape of myself. They felt like my memories. Anthony Lane of The New Yorker later wrote: (Little Women) may just be the best film yet made by an American woman, while other critics highlighted the script and how the story, despite not being an original work, still shows more about Gerwigs vision as a writer and as a director. Little Women, Richard Brody wrote, is just such a work of poetic smuggling: a movie made within the norms of the industry that also reflects Gerwigs own personal artistic ideas, ideals, and obsessions. Barbie Greta Gerwig's most recent film is 'Barbie'. EFE With the career Gerwig created for herself, at that point it seemed an odd decision to take over a then untitled Barbie project inspired by the famous blonde doll. However, the success of the film has proved that there was no better choice. I wanted to make something anarchic and wild and funny and cathartic, she said to The New York Times, and the idea that its actually being received that way, its sort of extraordinary. Gerwig was approached by Margot Robbie who joined as producer of the film after being cast as the main character after seeing Little Women and gave her complete creative freedom, something one wouldnt expect from a studio that wants a film about a toy. This liberty allowed her and Noah Baumbach once again his co-writer to explore familiar ideas and use influences that range from Jacques Demis classic The Umbrellas of Cherbourg to Pedro Almodovars Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown to Tim Burtons Pee-Wees Big Adventure, while mocking capitalist ideals, exploring themes like existentialism, individualism, feminism and masculinity. While Barbie couldve been just another forgettable summer big studio project, it showed that even in a commercial project, a writer and director like Gerwig could infuse depth and thought-provoking ideas, leaving audiences discussing the themes for even days after leaving the theater. As she approaches her fourth decade, it will be intriguing to see which projects Gerwig chooses to develop and the themes her scripts will explore. One upcoming project is a live-action adaptation of Snow White, co-written with playwright Erin Cressida Wilson, set to be released in March 2024. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition By PTI GURUGRAM: In a bid to stop the exodus of migrant workers from the city, district authorities Saturday visited a few slum areas and urged the labourers to go for their daily work without any fear. Lots of workers started fleeing to their native places in different states in view of violence that flared up here and in Nuh earlier in the week. Gurgugram Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav Saturday visited the slums near Sector 58 and 70 here as part of the ongoing exercise to build confidence among common people about their safety, along with maintaining law and order. "The situation here is peaceful now and there is no need to panic," Yadav said. He urged the slum residents to go about their daily activities without any fear and assured them of their safety. Interacting with the migrant workers, the DC told them that if anyone threatens them to leave the place, they should immediately inform the district administration and the nearest police station so that appropriate legal action can be taken against the miscreants. ALSO READ | While bulldozers raze shanties in Haryana's Muslim-dominated Nuh, no action against Bajrang Dal men The migrant workers said people have started returning to work after officials of the Rapid Action Force, police and district administration frequented their slums to assure safety. The DC, who was accompanied by Sohna SDM Pradeep Singh and Badshahpur SDM Satish Yadav, instructed the police officers to step up patrolling in these slum areas. Teams of Rapid Action Force have been deployed at various places in the district and the Haryana police are trying to arrest all persons involved in anti-social activities, he said. In the 28 cases of violence registered at different police stations in the district, 43 accused have been detained while preventive action has been taken against 62 persons to maintain peace, the DC added. GURUGRAM: In a bid to stop the exodus of migrant workers from the city, district authorities Saturday visited a few slum areas and urged the labourers to go for their daily work without any fear. Lots of workers started fleeing to their native places in different states in view of violence that flared up here and in Nuh earlier in the week. Gurgugram Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav Saturday visited the slums near Sector 58 and 70 here as part of the ongoing exercise to build confidence among common people about their safety, along with maintaining law and order.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "The situation here is peaceful now and there is no need to panic," Yadav said. He urged the slum residents to go about their daily activities without any fear and assured them of their safety. Interacting with the migrant workers, the DC told them that if anyone threatens them to leave the place, they should immediately inform the district administration and the nearest police station so that appropriate legal action can be taken against the miscreants. ALSO READ | While bulldozers raze shanties in Haryana's Muslim-dominated Nuh, no action against Bajrang Dal men The migrant workers said people have started returning to work after officials of the Rapid Action Force, police and district administration frequented their slums to assure safety. The DC, who was accompanied by Sohna SDM Pradeep Singh and Badshahpur SDM Satish Yadav, instructed the police officers to step up patrolling in these slum areas. Teams of Rapid Action Force have been deployed at various places in the district and the Haryana police are trying to arrest all persons involved in anti-social activities, he said. In the 28 cases of violence registered at different police stations in the district, 43 accused have been detained while preventive action has been taken against 62 persons to maintain peace, the DC added. Preetha Nair By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Even as only six sittings are left in the monsoon session of Parliament, both Houses failed to function as the Manipur row dominated the proceedings on Friday. There were signs of a truce between the Opposition and treasury benches on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha after both sides held a meeting to resolve the impasse. It was, however, short-lived as the face-off continued on Friday. The government appears to be not serious about resolving the stalemate, said Opposition leaders. Though the government agreed to discuss Manipur unrest under Rule 167 in the Rajya Sabha, it offered that the debate be held on August 11, the last day of the monsoon session, according to the Opposition leaders. Taking to social media, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, Yesterday INDIA parties offered a middle path solution to the Modi government to enable the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha. We said let us have a mutually negotiated motion on Manipur under Rule 167 and start a discussion on it. The Modi government appeared to agree but indicated that the earliest that the discussion could take place was only on Friday, August 11. This shows the government is not serious, he further said. As the Opposition and treasury benches locked horns in RS, a notice under Rule 176 was moved by the ruling benches to discuss crimes against women in Rajasthan, following the alleged gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old. While members from the treasury benches raised slogans, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said Parliament is not the right forum to raise the issue and it should be raised in the Rajasthan assembly. Both the Houses adjourned till noon amid protests. As chaos persisted after resumption at noon, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day. Amid sloganeering, the LS passed two bills the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023. NEW BILLS TABLED Inter-services Organisations Bill The Bill approved by the Lok Sabha seeks to empower the commander-in-chief and the officer-in-command of inter-services organisations with disciplinary and administrative powers over personnel from other forces serving in such establishments. Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Bill passed by LS entrusts the management accountability of IIMs with the President, who will have powers to audit their functioning, remove directors and nominate members to the selection committee. Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill-2023 This Bill introduced by Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh seeks to set up a Rs 50,000-crore fund to seed, grow and promote R&D across institutes. NEW DELHI: Even as only six sittings are left in the monsoon session of Parliament, both Houses failed to function as the Manipur row dominated the proceedings on Friday. There were signs of a truce between the Opposition and treasury benches on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha after both sides held a meeting to resolve the impasse. It was, however, short-lived as the face-off continued on Friday. The government appears to be not serious about resolving the stalemate, said Opposition leaders. Though the government agreed to discuss Manipur unrest under Rule 167 in the Rajya Sabha, it offered that the debate be held on August 11, the last day of the monsoon session, according to the Opposition leaders. Taking to social media, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, Yesterday INDIA parties offered a middle path solution to the Modi government to enable the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha. We said let us have a mutually negotiated motion on Manipur under Rule 167 and start a discussion on it.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Modi government appeared to agree but indicated that the earliest that the discussion could take place was only on Friday, August 11. This shows the government is not serious, he further said. As the Opposition and treasury benches locked horns in RS, a notice under Rule 176 was moved by the ruling benches to discuss crimes against women in Rajasthan, following the alleged gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old. While members from the treasury benches raised slogans, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said Parliament is not the right forum to raise the issue and it should be raised in the Rajasthan assembly. Both the Houses adjourned till noon amid protests. As chaos persisted after resumption at noon, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day. Amid sloganeering, the LS passed two bills the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023. NEW BILLS TABLED Inter-services Organisations Bill The Bill approved by the Lok Sabha seeks to empower the commander-in-chief and the officer-in-command of inter-services organisations with disciplinary and administrative powers over personnel from other forces serving in such establishments. Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Bill passed by LS entrusts the management accountability of IIMs with the President, who will have powers to audit their functioning, remove directors and nominate members to the selection committee. Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill-2023 This Bill introduced by Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh seeks to set up a Rs 50,000-crore fund to seed, grow and promote R&D across institutes. Fayaz Wani By SRINAGAR: On the 4th anniversary of the scrapping of Jammu and Kashmirs special status and bifurcation of erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories, the former J&K Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti was placed under house detention and many of her party leaders detained. The National Conferences office was sealed while Lt Governor Manoj Sinha claimed that the biggest change of Article 370 revocation is that J&K common man is living life on his own terms without any fear. Ive been put under house arrest along with other senior PDP leaders today, Mehbooba tweeted. She also posted pictures of the locked gate of her house on the outskirts of Srinagar. The house arrest comes after a midnight crackdown where scores of my party men are illegally detained in police stations. GOIs false claims about normalcy to the SC stands exposed by theirs actions driven by paranoia, Mehbooba further tweeted. On one hand, giant hoardings calling upon Kashmiris to celebrate the illegal abrogation of Article 370 have been put up across Srinagar whereas brute force is being used to choke the actual sentiment of the people. Hope the Honble SC takes cognisance of these developments at a time when Article 370 has come up for hearing, tweeted the former CM. Ive been put under house arrest along with other senior PDP leaders today. This comes after a midnight crackdown where scores of my party men are illegally detained in police stations. GOIs false claims about normalcy to the SC stands exposed by theirs actions driven by pic.twitter.com/gqp25Ku2CJ Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) August 5, 2023 Many other PDP leaders including Naeem Akhter and Ghulam Nabi Hanjoora were also placed under house detention while many youth leaders were detained. A PDP leader Parvez Waffa was also detained in Jammu after he attempted to stage a protest against Article 370 revocation. Today was the 4th anniversary of the scrapping of J&Ks special status. By now most of the PDP youth leaders have been rounded up. Guards have been told not to let me go out on August 5. Celebrating the scrapping of J&K state, tweeted another PDP leader and former minister, Naeem Akhtar. READ HERE | What was Article 370 of the Constitution? Why was it revoked? Meanwhile, J&Ks grand old party National Conference alleged that its party headquarters in Srinagar has been sealed. True to form and in keeping with the clampdown on mainstream democratic activities organised by parties opposed to Aug 5, 2019, the JKNC office has been sealed by the police. No one is being allowed in or out of the office, the NC tweeted. "These steps betray the nervousness of the administration & render hollow their claims regarding great improvements in the last 4 years," it further said. True to form and in keeping with the clampdown on mainstream democratic activities organised by parties opposed to 5th Aug 2019, the JKNC office has been sealed by the police. No one is being allowed in or out of the office. These steps betray the nervousness of the Additionally, Peoples Conference chairman and former minister Sajjad Gani Lone termed August 5 as a 'sad day.' "A sad reminder of the disempowerment of the people of J&K. The process of disempowerment continues," Sajjad tweeted. And the belittling of institutions, individuals and the people of J&K continues. For those patting their own backs and believing in their own fiction dont mistake fear for consent, he said. The Valley remained peaceful on Article 370 revocation anniversary day with no shutdown, no strike and no protests. In Jammu, the Congress leaders and workers staged a protest against Article 370 abrogation. Meanwhile, BJP is celebrating, stating that after the abrogation, J&K has become part of the development mainstream of the country. On August 5, 2019, the Centre scrapped Articles 370 and 35A and bifurcated erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). SRINAGAR: On the 4th anniversary of the scrapping of Jammu and Kashmirs special status and bifurcation of erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories, the former J&K Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti was placed under house detention and many of her party leaders detained. The National Conferences office was sealed while Lt Governor Manoj Sinha claimed that the biggest change of Article 370 revocation is that J&K common man is living life on his own terms without any fear. Ive been put under house arrest along with other senior PDP leaders today, Mehbooba tweeted. She also posted pictures of the locked gate of her house on the outskirts of Srinagar. The house arrest comes after a midnight crackdown where scores of my party men are illegally detained in police stations. GOIs false claims about normalcy to the SC stands exposed by theirs actions driven by paranoia, Mehbooba further tweeted. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On one hand, giant hoardings calling upon Kashmiris to celebrate the illegal abrogation of Article 370 have been put up across Srinagar whereas brute force is being used to choke the actual sentiment of the people. Hope the Honble SC takes cognisance of these developments at a time when Article 370 has come up for hearing, tweeted the former CM. Ive been put under house arrest along with other senior PDP leaders today. This comes after a midnight crackdown where scores of my party men are illegally detained in police stations. GOIs false claims about normalcy to the SC stands exposed by theirs actions driven by pic.twitter.com/gqp25Ku2CJ Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) August 5, 2023 Many other PDP leaders including Naeem Akhter and Ghulam Nabi Hanjoora were also placed under house detention while many youth leaders were detained. A PDP leader Parvez Waffa was also detained in Jammu after he attempted to stage a protest against Article 370 revocation. Today was the 4th anniversary of the scrapping of J&Ks special status. By now most of the PDP youth leaders have been rounded up. Guards have been told not to let me go out on August 5. Celebrating the scrapping of J&K state, tweeted another PDP leader and former minister, Naeem Akhtar. READ HERE | What was Article 370 of the Constitution? Why was it revoked? Meanwhile, J&Ks grand old party National Conference alleged that its party headquarters in Srinagar has been sealed. True to form and in keeping with the clampdown on mainstream democratic activities organised by parties opposed to Aug 5, 2019, the JKNC office has been sealed by the police. No one is being allowed in or out of the office, the NC tweeted. "These steps betray the nervousness of the administration & render hollow their claims regarding great improvements in the last 4 years," it further said. True to form and in keeping with the clampdown on mainstream democratic activities organised by parties opposed to 5th Aug 2019, the JKNC office has been sealed by the police. No one is being allowed in or out of the office. These steps betray the nervousness of the JKNC (@JKNC_) August 5, 2023 Additionally, Peoples Conference chairman and former minister Sajjad Gani Lone termed August 5 as a 'sad day.' "A sad reminder of the disempowerment of the people of J&K. The process of disempowerment continues," Sajjad tweeted. And the belittling of institutions, individuals and the people of J&K continues. For those patting their own backs and believing in their own fiction dont mistake fear for consent, he said. The Valley remained peaceful on Article 370 revocation anniversary day with no shutdown, no strike and no protests. In Jammu, the Congress leaders and workers staged a protest against Article 370 abrogation. Meanwhile, BJP is celebrating, stating that after the abrogation, J&K has become part of the development mainstream of the country. On August 5, 2019, the Centre scrapped Articles 370 and 35A and bifurcated erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Faced with an uncertain future amid the ethnic violence, displaced people in strife-torn Manipur, particularly children, are slowly slipping into depression, officials said. They started arriving at the relief camps in early May, with the children highly traumatised. Despite repeated counselling, they have not fully recovered. We have started noticing symptoms of depression in people displaced due to violence, especially children. There are some who do not want to venture out of their rooms a telltale sign of depression, said Yurembam Indramani, District Child Protection Officer, Imphal West. There is violence almost every day. Anxiety has set in among the inmates. They wonder for how long they will have to stay in relief camps and if they would ever be able to return to their villages, he said. A team from NIMHANS Bengaluru will visit the relief camps and assess the nature of the children's mental health. They will also hold a workshop for counsellors from August 7-10. ALSO READ | Bnei Menashe community: India's 'lost tribe' of Israel worst hit in Manipur violence Sandhyarani Mangshatabam, programme officer of the State Child Protection Society, said, The Manipur Social Welfare Department has a child protection unit in every district. Each district has a counsellor. We also have childcare institutions in every district. The counsellors of all these institutions are working in tandem, she said, adding, I cant say the childrens mental condition has improved. Elderly inmates often discuss violence. The children get to hear their discussions. This is greatly affecting them. The children are still traumatised. Their fear somewhat reduced after they started going to schools, Indramani said. About 11,000 displaced children are lodged in 337 relief camps 167 of them are set up in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur (Meitei-majority districts) 170 are placed in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal (Kuki-majority districts) More than 160 people have lost their lives and several hundreds have been injured since ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur 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 little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. READ STORIES RELATED TO MANIPUR VIOLENCE HERE GUWAHATI: Faced with an uncertain future amid the ethnic violence, displaced people in strife-torn Manipur, particularly children, are slowly slipping into depression, officials said. They started arriving at the relief camps in early May, with the children highly traumatised. Despite repeated counselling, they have not fully recovered.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); We have started noticing symptoms of depression in people displaced due to violence, especially children. There are some who do not want to venture out of their rooms a telltale sign of depression, said Yurembam Indramani, District Child Protection Officer, Imphal West. There is violence almost every day. Anxiety has set in among the inmates. They wonder for how long they will have to stay in relief camps and if they would ever be able to return to their villages, he said. A team from NIMHANS Bengaluru will visit the relief camps and assess the nature of the children's mental health. They will also hold a workshop for counsellors from August 7-10. ALSO READ | Bnei Menashe community: India's 'lost tribe' of Israel worst hit in Manipur violence Sandhyarani Mangshatabam, programme officer of the State Child Protection Society, said, The Manipur Social Welfare Department has a child protection unit in every district. Each district has a counsellor. We also have childcare institutions in every district. The counsellors of all these institutions are working in tandem, she said, adding, I cant say the childrens mental condition has improved. Elderly inmates often discuss violence. The children get to hear their discussions. This is greatly affecting them. The children are still traumatised. Their fear somewhat reduced after they started going to schools, Indramani said. About 11,000 displaced children are lodged in 337 relief camps 167 of them are set up in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur (Meitei-majority districts) 170 are placed in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal (Kuki-majority districts) More than 160 people have lost their lives and several hundreds have been injured since ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur 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 little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. READ STORIES RELATED TO MANIPUR VIOLENCE HERE By PTI NUH: Hindus and Muslims who bore the brunt of Nuh violence which saw six people killed and many shops gutted, say the region has not seen communal clashes at such a big scale since 1992, with each party attributing the flare-up to either Hindu rights group or local Muslim leaders. The Vishva Hindu Parishad which organised the rally which forms the kernel of the confrontation claims the ruckus was the doing of some "anti-national people", who disrupted the procession. A senior member of the Hindu right-wing group alleged local Muslim leaders provoked people to create unrest. Srikishan, a local resident, on the other hand, attributed the triggering of violence to administrative negligence and claimed there were very few policemen to begin with to manage the procession. "Those who participated in the religious procession made provocative speeches hours before the clashes took place. There were few policemen at the spot. The administration and police swung into action much later, by the time violence had already started," Srikishan said. "I am 65 years old and I haven't seen such violence after 1992," he added. Refuting the allegations, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal claimed the strife was caused by the instigation of local Muslim leaders. "This issue is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. Some anti-national people with criminal mindsets, who want to harm our community created unrest. Society was united earlier and it will remain united. The local politicians should also be held accountable, for they provoked the people to indulge in clashes," Bansal told PTI. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Muslim-dominated Nuh when a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by mobs on Monday. The violence subsequently spread to neighbouring Gurugram as well. Speaking about the impact of the violence, another Nuh resident, Dalchand, who works as a labourer, said people in the area are distressed by the violence which has hit their livelihood. "I was at work in Mewat when I got to know about the violence. I returned to Nuh later, but I still haven't got my money for the day (Monday). I don't have any money to have a meal for one time," Dalchand told PTI. A total of 202 people have been arrested so far and 80 taken into preventive detention in connection with the communal clashes in Haryana, state Home Minister Anil Vij said on Friday. Vij also said 102 FIRs have been registered in connection with the clashes so far, half of which are in Nuh alone and the rest in other districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad and Palwal. Another local resident, Javed, claimed that no communal clashes took place in Nuh since 1992, the year of Babri Masjid's demolition, and the latest flare-up could have been prevented if only the administration was more "vigilant" about the procession. "The administration should have taken adequate measures for this procession. I haven't seen communal riots at this scale since '92 in Nuh. It has thrown the entire district in disarray," Javed claimed. Waris Khan, who runs a fruit cart in Nuh, said people in the area are fear-struck since the clashes. "We all are scared. Some people came and ransacked and burned down everything and now because of them everyone in Nuh is suffering," Waris said. ALSO READ | While bulldozers raze shanties in Haryana's Muslim-dominated Nuh, no action against Bajrang Dal men Meanwhile, the investigation has so far revealed that there was no mastermind behind the clashes in the Nuh district, which was the doing of several disparate groups, a senior police officer said on Friday. The officer's remarks in effect contradicted the state home minister's conjecture, according to which the violence was engineered and had a mastermind behind it. Sadir Hussain, another local resident who runs a vegetable shop, said that the incident has impacted them not just mentally, but financially as well. "Shops are still closed. We all are distressed as there is no work. Because of the violence, we all are suffering. My family members have been living under fear since the whole incident," Hussain told PTI. NUH: Hindus and Muslims who bore the brunt of Nuh violence which saw six people killed and many shops gutted, say the region has not seen communal clashes at such a big scale since 1992, with each party attributing the flare-up to either Hindu rights group or local Muslim leaders. The Vishva Hindu Parishad which organised the rally which forms the kernel of the confrontation claims the ruckus was the doing of some "anti-national people", who disrupted the procession. A senior member of the Hindu right-wing group alleged local Muslim leaders provoked people to create unrest.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Srikishan, a local resident, on the other hand, attributed the triggering of violence to administrative negligence and claimed there were very few policemen to begin with to manage the procession. "Those who participated in the religious procession made provocative speeches hours before the clashes took place. There were few policemen at the spot. The administration and police swung into action much later, by the time violence had already started," Srikishan said. "I am 65 years old and I haven't seen such violence after 1992," he added. Refuting the allegations, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal claimed the strife was caused by the instigation of local Muslim leaders. "This issue is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. Some anti-national people with criminal mindsets, who want to harm our community created unrest. Society was united earlier and it will remain united. The local politicians should also be held accountable, for they provoked the people to indulge in clashes," Bansal told PTI. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Muslim-dominated Nuh when a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by mobs on Monday. The violence subsequently spread to neighbouring Gurugram as well. Speaking about the impact of the violence, another Nuh resident, Dalchand, who works as a labourer, said people in the area are distressed by the violence which has hit their livelihood. "I was at work in Mewat when I got to know about the violence. I returned to Nuh later, but I still haven't got my money for the day (Monday). I don't have any money to have a meal for one time," Dalchand told PTI. A total of 202 people have been arrested so far and 80 taken into preventive detention in connection with the communal clashes in Haryana, state Home Minister Anil Vij said on Friday. Vij also said 102 FIRs have been registered in connection with the clashes so far, half of which are in Nuh alone and the rest in other districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad and Palwal. Another local resident, Javed, claimed that no communal clashes took place in Nuh since 1992, the year of Babri Masjid's demolition, and the latest flare-up could have been prevented if only the administration was more "vigilant" about the procession. "The administration should have taken adequate measures for this procession. I haven't seen communal riots at this scale since '92 in Nuh. It has thrown the entire district in disarray," Javed claimed. Waris Khan, who runs a fruit cart in Nuh, said people in the area are fear-struck since the clashes. "We all are scared. Some people came and ransacked and burned down everything and now because of them everyone in Nuh is suffering," Waris said. ALSO READ | While bulldozers raze shanties in Haryana's Muslim-dominated Nuh, no action against Bajrang Dal men Meanwhile, the investigation has so far revealed that there was no mastermind behind the clashes in the Nuh district, which was the doing of several disparate groups, a senior police officer said on Friday. The officer's remarks in effect contradicted the state home minister's conjecture, according to which the violence was engineered and had a mastermind behind it. Sadir Hussain, another local resident who runs a vegetable shop, said that the incident has impacted them not just mentally, but financially as well. "Shops are still closed. We all are distressed as there is no work. Because of the violence, we all are suffering. My family members have been living under fear since the whole incident," Hussain told PTI. Parvez Sultan By Express News Service NEW DELHI: To ensure the successful execution of road infrastructure projects and keep a tab on the fitness of critical bridges and tunnels, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set up a design division. The unit will formulate policy and guidelines for planning, soil investigation, design, construction and maintenance of bridges, tunnels and other structures that are being maintained by the agency. One of the principal objectives of the decision to create a dedicated division is to carry out a study and analyse failed projects bridge, tunnel or reinforced earth wall and prevent future occurrences. According to the NHAI officials, the approval to set up the division at NHAIs headquarters was granted in a meeting of the executive committee held in July. The unit has been mandated to review the design of all bridges, tunnels or structures of certain specifications. One of the functions is to review standalone bridges and specialised structures at Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, which have already started after June 30. The officials said that it will also empanel design consultants, proof consultants, soil or material testing labs, and bridge, tunnels, reinforced earth walls or geotech experts. To undertake the review of construction methodologies, temporary structures, lifting and launching methods, pre-stressing method, etc. of selected bridges and structures with a span of more than 200 metres and special structures on a random basis...To nominate the team of experts from the empanelled list in case of failures of bridges, structures, tunnels and RE walls for detailed analysis and issue guidelines to prevent such failures in future, read the circular issued by the NHAI. The newly created entity will also develop an IT-based monitoring system for bridge inventory, inspection records, and identification of distressed bridges and propose an annual plan for the repair or reconstruction of distressed bridges. The unit has been allowed to engage advisors, consultants, or Geotech experts as and when required. Design division may also seek help from design experts, research scholars, and postgraduate students from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes Of Technology (NITs), stated the note. NEW DELHI: To ensure the successful execution of road infrastructure projects and keep a tab on the fitness of critical bridges and tunnels, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set up a design division. The unit will formulate policy and guidelines for planning, soil investigation, design, construction and maintenance of bridges, tunnels and other structures that are being maintained by the agency. One of the principal objectives of the decision to create a dedicated division is to carry out a study and analyse failed projects bridge, tunnel or reinforced earth wall and prevent future occurrences.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to the NHAI officials, the approval to set up the division at NHAIs headquarters was granted in a meeting of the executive committee held in July. The unit has been mandated to review the design of all bridges, tunnels or structures of certain specifications. One of the functions is to review standalone bridges and specialised structures at Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, which have already started after June 30. The officials said that it will also empanel design consultants, proof consultants, soil or material testing labs, and bridge, tunnels, reinforced earth walls or geotech experts. To undertake the review of construction methodologies, temporary structures, lifting and launching methods, pre-stressing method, etc. of selected bridges and structures with a span of more than 200 metres and special structures on a random basis...To nominate the team of experts from the empanelled list in case of failures of bridges, structures, tunnels and RE walls for detailed analysis and issue guidelines to prevent such failures in future, read the circular issued by the NHAI. The newly created entity will also develop an IT-based monitoring system for bridge inventory, inspection records, and identification of distressed bridges and propose an annual plan for the repair or reconstruction of distressed bridges. The unit has been allowed to engage advisors, consultants, or Geotech experts as and when required. Design division may also seek help from design experts, research scholars, and postgraduate students from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes Of Technology (NITs), stated the note. Ramashankar By Express News Service PATNA: Two suspected members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) have been arrested from Bihar's East Champaran district. The suspectsShahid Reza and Md. Kaifwere being interrogated by senior officials at Chakia police station in East Champaran district. Superintendent of Police (SP), East Champaran, Kantesh Kumar Mishra said that one country-made pistol was recovered from the possession of one of the suspects identified as Shahid. The two were picked up from the Officers' Colony at Chakia. SP Mishra said that a two-member National Investigation Agency (NIA) team had reached Motihari, the district headquarters of East Champaran, with specific information about Shahid and Kaif. We cooperated with the NIA team in the arrest of the suspected PFI operatives, he told the media. The NIA team swung into action and arrested Shahid and Kaif on the basis of information elicited from a kingpin of the group Md. Sultan alias Usman alias Yaqub, who was arrested from East Champaran district by Bihar's special task force on July 19. A day earlier, NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against four accused in the Phulwarisharif terror module case involving activists of outlawed PFI. Altogether 15 members have been arrested so far in connection with the case. On July 12 last year, the investigating agency had registered an FIR against 26 persons for being allegedly involved in anti-India activities. Those charge-sheeted in the supplementary chargesheet on Friday include Mohammad Tanveer, Mohammad Abid, Mohammad Belal and Mohammad Irshad Alam, all residents of Bihar's East Champaran district. The first supplementary chargesheet was submitted in the special NIA court in Patna on January 7 this year. In the chargesheet, it was alleged by the investigating agency that Mohammad Irshad Alam was an active member of PFI. Besides, Alam was closely associated with a criminal syndicate that used to supply illegal weapons. Alam along with Mohammad Abid and Mohammad Tanveer had hatched a conspiracy to spread hatred in the society by killing a youth belonging to a particular community. During the investigation, it came to light that Mohammad Yaqub worked as a master trainer who used to impart physical training to youths under the banner of PFI. In addition, he was charged with imparting training of weapons to youths. Camps were organised to impart training of weapons in different parts of the state under the garb of physical training. The investigating agency further alleged that the motive behind the organisation of such training camps was to spread violence and hatred in society to destabilize the nation. On July 19, Yaqub alias Sultan alias Usman was arrested from the East Champaran district. He was on the radar of the NIA ever since the terror module was busted in Patna's Phulwarisharif area last year. PATNA: Two suspected members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) have been arrested from Bihar's East Champaran district. The suspectsShahid Reza and Md. Kaifwere being interrogated by senior officials at Chakia police station in East Champaran district. Superintendent of Police (SP), East Champaran, Kantesh Kumar Mishra said that one country-made pistol was recovered from the possession of one of the suspects identified as Shahid. The two were picked up from the Officers' Colony at Chakia. SP Mishra said that a two-member National Investigation Agency (NIA) team had reached Motihari, the district headquarters of East Champaran, with specific information about Shahid and Kaif. We cooperated with the NIA team in the arrest of the suspected PFI operatives, he told the media.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The NIA team swung into action and arrested Shahid and Kaif on the basis of information elicited from a kingpin of the group Md. Sultan alias Usman alias Yaqub, who was arrested from East Champaran district by Bihar's special task force on July 19. A day earlier, NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against four accused in the Phulwarisharif terror module case involving activists of outlawed PFI. Altogether 15 members have been arrested so far in connection with the case. On July 12 last year, the investigating agency had registered an FIR against 26 persons for being allegedly involved in anti-India activities. Those charge-sheeted in the supplementary chargesheet on Friday include Mohammad Tanveer, Mohammad Abid, Mohammad Belal and Mohammad Irshad Alam, all residents of Bihar's East Champaran district. The first supplementary chargesheet was submitted in the special NIA court in Patna on January 7 this year. In the chargesheet, it was alleged by the investigating agency that Mohammad Irshad Alam was an active member of PFI. Besides, Alam was closely associated with a criminal syndicate that used to supply illegal weapons. Alam along with Mohammad Abid and Mohammad Tanveer had hatched a conspiracy to spread hatred in the society by killing a youth belonging to a particular community. During the investigation, it came to light that Mohammad Yaqub worked as a master trainer who used to impart physical training to youths under the banner of PFI. In addition, he was charged with imparting training of weapons to youths. Camps were organised to impart training of weapons in different parts of the state under the garb of physical training. The investigating agency further alleged that the motive behind the organisation of such training camps was to spread violence and hatred in society to destabilize the nation. On July 19, Yaqub alias Sultan alias Usman was arrested from the East Champaran district. He was on the radar of the NIA ever since the terror module was busted in Patna's Phulwarisharif area last year. By PTI NEW DELHI: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday said he has sent all documents pertaining to the revocation of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha to the Speaker and his membership should be restored immediately. He said Speaker Om Birla should restore his membership at the same pace as he was disqualified after a Gujarat court convicted him in a defamation case pertaining to Modi's surname remarks. Chowdhury said he had called the Speaker last night as well as this morning and later sent the documents to the Speaker's office since the Secretary General's office was closed due to a holiday. "Rahul Gandhi's Parliament Lok Sabha membership should be reinstated with the same pace and swiftness as he was disqualified," the Congress leader in Lok Sabha said, adding he hoped this would be done before Lok Sabha sits on Monday. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said 26 hours after Gandhi was 'convicted' by the sessions Court in Surat, the notification of his disqualification as MP was issued. "26 hours have passed since the Supreme Court stayed his wholly unjustified conviction. Why hasn't his position as MP been restored yet," he questioned on Twitter. "Is the Prime Minister afraid of his participation in the No Confidence Motion," he also asked. "The Supreme Court has stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi, which means he should be allowed to attend Parliament," Ramesh said. 26 hours after @RahulGandhi was "convicted" by the Sessions Court in Surat, the notification of his disqualification as MP was issued. 26 hours have passed since the Supreme Court stayed his wholly unjustified conviction. Why hasnt his position as MP been restored yet? Is Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 5, 2023 Chowdhury said the speaker told him to meet the secretary general and hand over the documents. He lamented that the secretary general told him that since his office was closed due to a holiday, the documents should be sent by post. "We have handed over the documents, which have been received by the Lok Sabha secretariat but they have not issued any receipt. Chowdhury said at 2.05 PM on Friday, he had told the house for revocation of Gandhi's disqualification and then went to the Speaker's residence and apprised him of the relief granted by the court to Gandhi. "I even spoke to the Speaker at night," he said. Asked if he feared deliberate delay on the part of authorities, he said, "My intention is not to put anyone in the dock and the Speaker is respected by all." "We are only seeking our rights, as it was taken away on the court's orders and now he has received relief on court orders, we only want our right to be restored. They can take any legal advice and this should be done today or tomorrow," he said. "We have got impatient that Rahul Gandhi should get justice and the Supreme Court has granted relief. His rights should be restored and our demand is that his rights should be protected," he said. READ MORE: 'Court procedures are used for political agendas': Sibal slams conviction after SC relief to Rahul NEW DELHI: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday said he has sent all documents pertaining to the revocation of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha to the Speaker and his membership should be restored immediately. He said Speaker Om Birla should restore his membership at the same pace as he was disqualified after a Gujarat court convicted him in a defamation case pertaining to Modi's surname remarks. Chowdhury said he had called the Speaker last night as well as this morning and later sent the documents to the Speaker's office since the Secretary General's office was closed due to a holiday.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Rahul Gandhi's Parliament Lok Sabha membership should be reinstated with the same pace and swiftness as he was disqualified," the Congress leader in Lok Sabha said, adding he hoped this would be done before Lok Sabha sits on Monday. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said 26 hours after Gandhi was 'convicted' by the sessions Court in Surat, the notification of his disqualification as MP was issued. "26 hours have passed since the Supreme Court stayed his wholly unjustified conviction. Why hasn't his position as MP been restored yet," he questioned on Twitter. "Is the Prime Minister afraid of his participation in the No Confidence Motion," he also asked. "The Supreme Court has stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi, which means he should be allowed to attend Parliament," Ramesh said. 26 hours after @RahulGandhi was "convicted" by the Sessions Court in Surat, the notification of his disqualification as MP was issued. 26 hours have passed since the Supreme Court stayed his wholly unjustified conviction. Why hasnt his position as MP been restored yet? Is Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 5, 2023 Chowdhury said the speaker told him to meet the secretary general and hand over the documents. He lamented that the secretary general told him that since his office was closed due to a holiday, the documents should be sent by post. "We have handed over the documents, which have been received by the Lok Sabha secretariat but they have not issued any receipt. Chowdhury said at 2.05 PM on Friday, he had told the house for revocation of Gandhi's disqualification and then went to the Speaker's residence and apprised him of the relief granted by the court to Gandhi. "I even spoke to the Speaker at night," he said. Asked if he feared deliberate delay on the part of authorities, he said, "My intention is not to put anyone in the dock and the Speaker is respected by all." "We are only seeking our rights, as it was taken away on the court's orders and now he has received relief on court orders, we only want our right to be restored. They can take any legal advice and this should be done today or tomorrow," he said. "We have got impatient that Rahul Gandhi should get justice and the Supreme Court has granted relief. His rights should be restored and our demand is that his rights should be protected," he said. READ MORE: 'Court procedures are used for political agendas': Sibal slams conviction after SC relief to Rahul Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: Amid indications that the BJP is trying to turn the Rajasthan assembly election into a PM versus CM fight, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot targeted the BJP at a press conference in Jaipur on Friday. Gehlot asked why the BJP is bringing in Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state election. Taking a jibe at Modi, Gehlot said, Modi is an international leader. Why is the BJP bringing him? I am a servant of Rajasthan, and Modi is Vishwaguru, how can I compete with him? Commenting on BJPs infighting for the post of chief minister, Gehlot asked why the BJP is shying away from naming Vasundhara Raje as the partys CM face. Vasundhara Raje should be the real CM face. They have kept it hidden. Here BJP leaders cannot become the CM face even in 25 years. Even after winning 4-5 elections, the BJP high command is underestimating Raje, Gehlot said. Attacking the vying of other BJP leaders such as Rajendra Rathore and Union Minister Gajendra Singh for the post, Gehlot said, Regarding the self-declared CM faces of BJP, are these people worthy of becoming the chief minister? Will the people of Rajasthan accept them? They are so incompetent. These people say they will contest elections on the face of PM. I will contest elections on the basis of my work done in Rajasthan. Taking a dig at BJP leaders comments on his leg injury, Gehlot said, BJP leaders are saying that I am not hurt, that I have intentionally tied the strap. If they ask, I can send my CT scan report to them. They are such shameless people. They are not even ashamed that they are making such comments about the injury of their Chief Minister. They are saying that Gehlot has deliberately tied the belt. I have fractures on both my legs. One leg has three fractures on the toe and one has a hairline fracture, Gehlot said. Comparing his injury to Mamata Banerjees during the West Bengal election, Gehlot said, Mamata Banerjee was moving around in a wheelchair, but she won the election. BJP people are afraid that even Ashok Gehlot can win the election by roaming around in a wheelchair. JAIPUR: Amid indications that the BJP is trying to turn the Rajasthan assembly election into a PM versus CM fight, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot targeted the BJP at a press conference in Jaipur on Friday. Gehlot asked why the BJP is bringing in Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state election. Taking a jibe at Modi, Gehlot said, Modi is an international leader. Why is the BJP bringing him? I am a servant of Rajasthan, and Modi is Vishwaguru, how can I compete with him? Commenting on BJPs infighting for the post of chief minister, Gehlot asked why the BJP is shying away from naming Vasundhara Raje as the partys CM face. Vasundhara Raje should be the real CM face. They have kept it hidden. Here BJP leaders cannot become the CM face even in 25 years. Even after winning 4-5 elections, the BJP high command is underestimating Raje, Gehlot said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Attacking the vying of other BJP leaders such as Rajendra Rathore and Union Minister Gajendra Singh for the post, Gehlot said, Regarding the self-declared CM faces of BJP, are these people worthy of becoming the chief minister? Will the people of Rajasthan accept them? They are so incompetent. These people say they will contest elections on the face of PM. I will contest elections on the basis of my work done in Rajasthan. Taking a dig at BJP leaders comments on his leg injury, Gehlot said, BJP leaders are saying that I am not hurt, that I have intentionally tied the strap. If they ask, I can send my CT scan report to them. They are such shameless people. They are not even ashamed that they are making such comments about the injury of their Chief Minister. They are saying that Gehlot has deliberately tied the belt. I have fractures on both my legs. One leg has three fractures on the toe and one has a hairline fracture, Gehlot said. Comparing his injury to Mamata Banerjees during the West Bengal election, Gehlot said, Mamata Banerjee was moving around in a wheelchair, but she won the election. BJP people are afraid that even Ashok Gehlot can win the election by roaming around in a wheelchair. Amit Mukherjee By Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday said that there is a need to address all issues which contribute to the growth of Left-wing extremism, including the absence of connectivity, education, and employment that would further help address the issue in a comprehensive manner through socioeconomic measures. The Union Minister while reviewing the disaster management and Left-wing extremism in Odisha in Bhubaneshwar along with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, urged the affected states to consider earmarking funds for the establishment of PDS shops, construction of roads and provision of electricity in Left-wing extremism affected areas to address the lack of development including the absence of connectivity, education and employment that has been triggering the menace. Shah appreciated the efforts of the Navin Patnaik-led state government regarding Left-wing extremism initiatives and suggested that investments be made in infrastructure development in the Left-wing extremism-affected areas to supplement the efforts of the Central Government. He assured the state government of the support of central forces to eliminate Left-wing extremism. He also assured all support in strengthening the road and communication network in the affected areas, especially connecting all villages with internet connectivity. The Home Minister also lauded the initiative of the state from disaster response towards disaster mitigation. Om Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of making India disaster resilient. He assured the State Government to provide all requisite support of the Central Government in their mitigation efforts to make Odisha disaster resilient. The Union Home Secretary and senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Odisha Government also attended the meeting. Shah appreciated the preparedness of the State, which has made a lot of progress in disaster management after the super cyclone of 1999. He advised that AAPDA Mitra and disaster warriors in the state should be imparted multi-disaster training, especially in chemical and nuclear disasters and handling those disasters, which occur with no warning. The Home Minister also suggested that the Home Guard volunteers should be strengthened and given training in disaster response. Further, for ensuring the maintenance of Multi-purpose cyclone shelters, established in the state, regular funding from the budget head should be provided. The Minister stressed that the state administration should adopt SoPs (standard operating practices) and take appropriate preparedness and mitigation efforts to save lives from lightning, heat waves, and forest fires. He also emphasized focusing on the safety of animals during disasters. The Home Minister lauded the Odisha Government's efforts to provide an excellent response during the Balasore train accident and appreciated the efforts of village-level volunteers and the entire state administration machinery. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday said that there is a need to address all issues which contribute to the growth of Left-wing extremism, including the absence of connectivity, education, and employment that would further help address the issue in a comprehensive manner through socioeconomic measures. The Union Minister while reviewing the disaster management and Left-wing extremism in Odisha in Bhubaneshwar along with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, urged the affected states to consider earmarking funds for the establishment of PDS shops, construction of roads and provision of electricity in Left-wing extremism affected areas to address the lack of development including the absence of connectivity, education and employment that has been triggering the menace. Shah appreciated the efforts of the Navin Patnaik-led state government regarding Left-wing extremism initiatives and suggested that investments be made in infrastructure development in the Left-wing extremism-affected areas to supplement the efforts of the Central Government. He assured the state government of the support of central forces to eliminate Left-wing extremism. He also assured all support in strengthening the road and communication network in the affected areas, especially connecting all villages with internet connectivity.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Home Minister also lauded the initiative of the state from disaster response towards disaster mitigation. Om Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of making India disaster resilient. He assured the State Government to provide all requisite support of the Central Government in their mitigation efforts to make Odisha disaster resilient. The Union Home Secretary and senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Odisha Government also attended the meeting. Shah appreciated the preparedness of the State, which has made a lot of progress in disaster management after the super cyclone of 1999. He advised that AAPDA Mitra and disaster warriors in the state should be imparted multi-disaster training, especially in chemical and nuclear disasters and handling those disasters, which occur with no warning. The Home Minister also suggested that the Home Guard volunteers should be strengthened and given training in disaster response. Further, for ensuring the maintenance of Multi-purpose cyclone shelters, established in the state, regular funding from the budget head should be provided. The Minister stressed that the state administration should adopt SoPs (standard operating practices) and take appropriate preparedness and mitigation efforts to save lives from lightning, heat waves, and forest fires. He also emphasized focusing on the safety of animals during disasters. The Home Minister lauded the Odisha Government's efforts to provide an excellent response during the Balasore train accident and appreciated the efforts of village-level volunteers and the entire state administration machinery. Zimbabwe's main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at his offices in Harare, Monday, Aug 31, 2023. Zimbabwes main opposition leader accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of violating the law and tearing apart independent institutions to cling to power. In an interview with The Associated Press, Nelson Chamisa also warned that any evidence of tampering by Mnangagwas ruling party in upcoming elections could lead to total disaster for a beleaguered nation that is in economic ruin and already under United States and European Union sanctions for its human rights record. Chamisa, who will challenge Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU-PF partys 43-year hold on power in the Aug. 23 presidential, parliamentary and local government elections, claimed widespread intimidation against his opposition party ahead of the vote. Chamisa said Mnangagwa has utilized institutions like the police and the courts to crack down on critical figures, ban opposition rallies and prevent candidates from running. In the AP interview, he laid out a series of concerns that indicate the country, with its history of violent and disputed elections, could be heading for another one. In rural areas far from the international spotlight, many of Zimbabwes 15 million people are making their political choices under the threat of violence, Chamisa alleged. People are getting driven to ruling party rallies and threatened to support Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front if they want to stay safe or even alive. Chamisa, who leads the Citizens Coalition for Change party, called it a choice of death or ZANU-PF for some. Mnangagwa is clearly triggering a national crisis, he said during the interview in his 11th-floor office in Zimbabwes capital, Harare. He is driving the country into chaos. He is actually instigating instability. He is violating the law. He is tearing apart institutions of the country. On Thursday, a man wearing the yellow colors of Chamisas CCC party was beaten and stoned to death on the way to a political rally, police said. The CCC accused ZANU-PF followers of killing him and attacking other opposition supporters. Mnangagwa has repeatedly denied allegations of intimidation and violence by authorities or his party and has publicly called on his supporters to act peacefully during the campaign. But Chamisas portrayal of a highly repressive political landscape in the southern African nation where the removal of autocrat Robert Mugabe in 2017 appears to have been a false dawn is backed by reports released by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch ahead of the elections taking place in less than three weeks. They will take place amid five years of brutal crackdowns on human rights, Amnesty said, since Mnangagwa gained power from Mugabe in a coup and then won a disputed presidential election by a razor-thin margin against Chamisa in 2018. In its assessment, Human Rights Watch said Zimbabwean authorities have weaponized the criminal justice system against the ruling partys opponents and the buildup to the vote has not met free and fair international standards. Zimbabwe has significant mineral resources including Africas largest deposits of highly sought-after lithium and rich agricultural potential, and could be of huge benefit to the continent if it gained the political and economic stability that has eluded it for years. Zimbabwe was shunned by the West for two decades because of abuses during the regime of Mugabe, who died in 2019. Mugabes removal sent Zimbabweans into the streets to celebrate, and Mnangagwa promised democracy and freedom would be born from the coup. He maintained recently that Zimbabwe is now a mature democracy under him. Rights groups say its a mirage and the 80-year-old Mnangagwa, a former Mugabe ally once known as his enforcer, has been as repressive as the man he removed. Under Mnangagwa, critics and opposition figures have been jailed, including CCC lawmaker Job Sikhala, who has been in detention for over a year after accusing ruling party supporters of hacking to death an opposition activist. Some have faced legal backlash for seemingly minor criticisms, like world-renowned author Tsitsi Dangarembga, who was arrested for participating in a protest that called for better services for citizens. A court decision disqualified all 12 CCC candidates in Bulawayo, the second-largest city, from standing in the election, even after the electoral agency said they had registered properly. They successfully appealed to the Supreme Court to be allowed to stand. I am nowhere near the court, Mnangagwa said, denying any influence on the initial decision to bar the opposition candidates. Chamisa, a 45-year-old lawyer and pastor, said Mnangagwa was now overseeing a second coup in Zimbabwe. You cant have a contest without contestation. You cant have an election without candidates, Chamisa said. Once you eliminate candidates, you are actually eliminating an election. And thats the point we are making. Its a coup on choices. The elections will be monitored by observers from the European Union and African Union, who were invited by Mnangagwa. He says he has nothing to hide. Human Rights Watch has questioned if the observers will be allowed to access all parts of the country, while their small numbers make it likely they wont be able to monitor the entire vote. There are 150 observers from the EU and more than 12,500 polling stations across the country. Chamisa told the AP that his party has put in place systems to be able to independently check vote counts, but there are also doubts that the CCC can deploy enough members to watch over those stations, many deep in rural areas regarded as ZANU-PF strongholds. Should their calculations show fraud this time, as was alleged in 2018 and other elections before that, Chamisa warned it will plunge the country into total disaster and chaos. He urged Mnangagwa to step back from his repressive policies in a country denied democracy under white minority rule before 1980 and again according to international rights groups under the only two leaders it has seen since: Mugabe and Mnangagwa. He must be stopped because he cant drive the whole nation and plunge it into darkness and an abyss on account of just wanting to retain power, Chamisa said of Mnangagwa. Zimbabweans deserve peace, they deserve rest. They have suffered for a long time. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition By PTI AGARTALA: A class 10 student of a government school in Tripura's Sepahijala district was injured on Friday when he was assaulted by a mob for allegedly supporting the wearing of hijab by Muslim girls in the institute, a police officer said. The incident followed a division between Hindu and Muslim students of the Koroimura Higher Secondary School over wearing head scarf by minority community girls, in a rerun of the Karnataka Hijab controversy. The class 10 student had allegedly joined other students in ransacking the headmaster's room along with others. These students were angry as the headmaster had asked Muslim girl students not to wear hijab and come to school in proper school uniform, the police officer said. Following this, a mob gathered outside the school and attacked the student when he came out, inuring the teenager, a resident Prabhurampur under Bishalgarh police station. He was rushed to a nearby healthcare centre, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Law & Order, Jyotishman Das said. "After a meeting with teachers, I recently directed all students to attend school wearing proper uniform. However, girl students from the minority community said they cannot follow this directive as wearing hijab is a religious belief," the headmaster, Priyatosh Nandi, told the media. The headmaster said that a delegation of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had also met him recently and had urged him to ask the students irrespective of religion to attend classes in school uniform. As Muslim girls continued to attend their classes wearing hijab, a group of Hindu students went to the school in saffron coloured kurta on Thursday. Nandi said he asked those students wearing saffron kurtas to follow the school uniform rule. " But these students asserted they will wear school uniform provided all the students come to the institute in proper school uniform, the headmaster said. Although tension prevails in the area, the situation is under control, said the police official. A controversy erupted in Karnataka early last year after a college barred wearing Hijab inside classrooms. The matter became a statewide issue soon and the case is currently pending in the Supreme Court. AGARTALA: A class 10 student of a government school in Tripura's Sepahijala district was injured on Friday when he was assaulted by a mob for allegedly supporting the wearing of hijab by Muslim girls in the institute, a police officer said. The incident followed a division between Hindu and Muslim students of the Koroimura Higher Secondary School over wearing head scarf by minority community girls, in a rerun of the Karnataka Hijab controversy. The class 10 student had allegedly joined other students in ransacking the headmaster's room along with others.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); These students were angry as the headmaster had asked Muslim girl students not to wear hijab and come to school in proper school uniform, the police officer said. Following this, a mob gathered outside the school and attacked the student when he came out, inuring the teenager, a resident Prabhurampur under Bishalgarh police station. He was rushed to a nearby healthcare centre, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Law & Order, Jyotishman Das said. "After a meeting with teachers, I recently directed all students to attend school wearing proper uniform. However, girl students from the minority community said they cannot follow this directive as wearing hijab is a religious belief," the headmaster, Priyatosh Nandi, told the media. The headmaster said that a delegation of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had also met him recently and had urged him to ask the students irrespective of religion to attend classes in school uniform. As Muslim girls continued to attend their classes wearing hijab, a group of Hindu students went to the school in saffron coloured kurta on Thursday. Nandi said he asked those students wearing saffron kurtas to follow the school uniform rule. " But these students asserted they will wear school uniform provided all the students come to the institute in proper school uniform, the headmaster said. Although tension prevails in the area, the situation is under control, said the police official. A controversy erupted in Karnataka early last year after a college barred wearing Hijab inside classrooms. The matter became a statewide issue soon and the case is currently pending in the Supreme Court. Ramashankar By Express News Service PATNA: A day after the Supreme Court stayed the conviction of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in 'Modi surname case', Bihar's deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Saturday said that not just Rahul Gandhi but all Opposition leaders are being harassed by the Modi government. Those who fight will win and those who are scared will be defeated, he told the media soon after landing at Patna airport from New Delhi along with his father and RJD chief Lalu Prasad. Lalu and Tejashwi went to New Delhi to depose before a special Enforcement Directorate (ED) court in connection with an alleged land-for-job scam case. The court will hear the case again on August 22. Lalu and his family members have been charge-sheeted in the case. Hailing the SC's stay on the conviction of Rahul, the deputy chief minister said that Friday was a historic day as justice was done with the Congress leader. Earlier, RJD chief Lalu Prasad welcomed the decision of the apex court. We are unitedly fighting against Fascist forces, Tejashwi tweeted after the order of the Supreme Court. On Friday, Rahul called on Lalu and Tejashwi at the residence of Rajya Sabha member Misa Bharti in New Delhi and held a discussion with the two leaders on strengthening the Opposition unity ahead of the Lok Sabha election. Rahul got a reprieve from Supreme Court on Friday after the latter stayed his conviction in the 2019 case. A three-bench judge observed that the utterances of Rahul Gandhi were not in good taste and that a person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches. The apex court said that the ramifications of the trial court were wide. It observed that the trial court didn't mention the reason for imposing a maximum penalty on the accused. No reason has been given by the trial court judge for imposing maximum sentence, order of conviction needs to stay pending final adjudication, it said. Rahul's membership in Lok Sabha was suspended by Speaker Om Birla following the order of the trial court. After the SC's stay on conviction, Rahul may contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election, a senior advocate of Patna High Court Rajiv Ranjan Pandey said. PATNA: A day after the Supreme Court stayed the conviction of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in 'Modi surname case', Bihar's deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Saturday said that not just Rahul Gandhi but all Opposition leaders are being harassed by the Modi government. Those who fight will win and those who are scared will be defeated, he told the media soon after landing at Patna airport from New Delhi along with his father and RJD chief Lalu Prasad. Lalu and Tejashwi went to New Delhi to depose before a special Enforcement Directorate (ED) court in connection with an alleged land-for-job scam case.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The court will hear the case again on August 22. Lalu and his family members have been charge-sheeted in the case. Hailing the SC's stay on the conviction of Rahul, the deputy chief minister said that Friday was a historic day as justice was done with the Congress leader. Earlier, RJD chief Lalu Prasad welcomed the decision of the apex court. We are unitedly fighting against Fascist forces, Tejashwi tweeted after the order of the Supreme Court. On Friday, Rahul called on Lalu and Tejashwi at the residence of Rajya Sabha member Misa Bharti in New Delhi and held a discussion with the two leaders on strengthening the Opposition unity ahead of the Lok Sabha election. Rahul got a reprieve from Supreme Court on Friday after the latter stayed his conviction in the 2019 case. A three-bench judge observed that the utterances of Rahul Gandhi were not in good taste and that a person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches. The apex court said that the ramifications of the trial court were wide. It observed that the trial court didn't mention the reason for imposing a maximum penalty on the accused. No reason has been given by the trial court judge for imposing maximum sentence, order of conviction needs to stay pending final adjudication, it said. Rahul's membership in Lok Sabha was suspended by Speaker Om Birla following the order of the trial court. After the SC's stay on conviction, Rahul may contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election, a senior advocate of Patna High Court Rajiv Ranjan Pandey said. By PTI KOLKATA: A daily wager accused of theft died allegedly in police custody at a village in Murshidabad district, triggering protests by locals, officials said on Saturday. Police had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the agitators, they said. The labourer was taken into custody on Wednesday in connection with a theft at a policeman's house. The father of the deceased has alleged that his son was beaten to death in custody on Friday evening, a charge denied by the police. "My son was innocent. He was picked up by the police on Wednesday, and they killed him in custody," he claimed. A senior police officer at Nabagram Police Station claimed the accused was neither beaten up nor was he in lock-up. "He was being questioned at a spot behind the police station, where we found him dead around 8 pm on Friday," the officer said. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the matter. "The body of the deceased will be sent for post-mortem examination. We will also check CCTV footage for more details," he added. KOLKATA: A daily wager accused of theft died allegedly in police custody at a village in Murshidabad district, triggering protests by locals, officials said on Saturday. Police had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the agitators, they said. The labourer was taken into custody on Wednesday in connection with a theft at a policeman's house.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The father of the deceased has alleged that his son was beaten to death in custody on Friday evening, a charge denied by the police. "My son was innocent. He was picked up by the police on Wednesday, and they killed him in custody," he claimed. A senior police officer at Nabagram Police Station claimed the accused was neither beaten up nor was he in lock-up. "He was being questioned at a spot behind the police station, where we found him dead around 8 pm on Friday," the officer said. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the matter. "The body of the deceased will be sent for post-mortem examination. We will also check CCTV footage for more details," he added. By Online Desk The BJP government in Haryana has moved bulldozers to the Muslim-dominated Nuh after the region witnessed communal clashes on August 1. Anti-Muslim sentiments are at a peak in Haryana with Hindutva outfits running berserk targetting Muslims and their properties. Around 150 migrant families lost their shelters as bulldozers razed their shanties on August 4. Swarajya put the number of shanties razed to the ground as 250. They were called "illegal encroachments." The Swarajya story was headlined, "Following Yogi Model? Haryana Govt Demolishes 250 Shanties Of Bangladeshi Immigrants Near Violence-Hit Nuh. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij suggested that the "bulldozer is part of the treatment." The demolition, according to a report, also targeted structures on forest department land. Five acres behind the Nalhar Shiv temple and six acres in Punhana, among others, were freed from encroachments. According to Zee News, the police stated that there was no mastermind behind the clashes in Nuh and that the violence was the result of actions by several disparate groups. But Anil Vij claimed that there was a mastermind. Nuh Superintendent of Police Varun Singla and Deputy Commissioner Prashant Panwar were transferred following the incidents. Meanwhile, over 200 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence. As many as 80 people were taken into preventive custody. The immediate trigger of the August 1 violence is stated to be the obstruction and pelting of stones at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) 'Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra,' by young men near Khedla Mod. Stones were also pelted at police vehicles, reports said. However, a few triggering videos on social media by Monu Monesar, who is absconding in the Bhiwani double-murder case and another Bajrang Dal leader Bittu Bajrangi, set the stages for the Nuh violence. ALSO READ | Haryana communal clashes: SITs to probe 44 cases, cow vigilante Monu Manesar's role in violence Bajrang Dal member and cow vigilante Monu Manesar was linked to the killing of two alleged cattle smugglers in Bhiwani in February this year. Videos of Monu Monesar saying that Haryana police is helping him are under circulation on social media. Hate crimes are being reported from different parts of the country, including the incident of RPF jawan shooting dead four people--three of the victims being Muslims-- on board the Jaipur-Mumbai Express recently while the train was running between Vaitarna and Mira Road stations on July 31. The BJP government in Haryana has moved bulldozers to the Muslim-dominated Nuh after the region witnessed communal clashes on August 1. Anti-Muslim sentiments are at a peak in Haryana with Hindutva outfits running berserk targetting Muslims and their properties. Around 150 migrant families lost their shelters as bulldozers razed their shanties on August 4. Swarajya put the number of shanties razed to the ground as 250. They were called "illegal encroachments."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Swarajya story was headlined, "Following Yogi Model? Haryana Govt Demolishes 250 Shanties Of Bangladeshi Immigrants Near Violence-Hit Nuh. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij suggested that the "bulldozer is part of the treatment." The demolition, according to a report, also targeted structures on forest department land. Five acres behind the Nalhar Shiv temple and six acres in Punhana, among others, were freed from encroachments. According to Zee News, the police stated that there was no mastermind behind the clashes in Nuh and that the violence was the result of actions by several disparate groups. But Anil Vij claimed that there was a mastermind. Nuh Superintendent of Police Varun Singla and Deputy Commissioner Prashant Panwar were transferred following the incidents. Meanwhile, over 200 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence. As many as 80 people were taken into preventive custody. The immediate trigger of the August 1 violence is stated to be the obstruction and pelting of stones at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) 'Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra,' by young men near Khedla Mod. Stones were also pelted at police vehicles, reports said. However, a few triggering videos on social media by Monu Monesar, who is absconding in the Bhiwani double-murder case and another Bajrang Dal leader Bittu Bajrangi, set the stages for the Nuh violence. ALSO READ | Haryana communal clashes: SITs to probe 44 cases, cow vigilante Monu Manesar's role in violence Bajrang Dal member and cow vigilante Monu Manesar was linked to the killing of two alleged cattle smugglers in Bhiwani in February this year. Videos of Monu Monesar saying that Haryana police is helping him are under circulation on social media. Hate crimes are being reported from different parts of the country, including the incident of RPF jawan shooting dead four people--three of the victims being Muslims-- on board the Jaipur-Mumbai Express recently while the train was running between Vaitarna and Mira Road stations on July 31. By PTI JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said his government has taken incidents like those in Bhilwara and Jodhpur very seriously and has directed the state police to deal strictly with people involved in crimes against women. He also accused the BJP of trying to defame Rajasthan and turning a blind eye when such incidents happen in states ruled by the party. His remarks came as the BJP targeted the Gehlot government over the murder of a minor girl who was later burned in a coal furnace in Bhilwara. Locals claimed she was gang-raped too. The BJP's youth wing BJYM held a protest here on Saturday over the issue. Gehlot later tweeted, "Police have so far arrested seven accused in the heinous incident of Bhilwara. These accused will be given severe punishment as soon as possible by presenting charge sheet in minimum time in a fast track court". 7 CS, DGP Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 5, 2023 "Some mischievous (manchale) boys spoil the whole atmosphere. Yesterday, we told the Director General of Police, the Chief Secretary and other officers to bring them to justice," the chief minister earlier told reporters. "The government is taking incidents like those in Bhilwara and Jodhpur very seriously and efforts are being made to punish the culprits at the earliest," he said. He said people with a criminal mindset who misbehave with women will not be tolerated in the state. Asked about the opposition BJP's criticism of the law and order issue, Gehlot said the party was deliberately trying to create a perception "that is far from reality". "Rajasthan is a very peace-loving state. An attempt is being made to defame it by comparing it with Manipur. Some incidents have happened. Such incidents happen in every state, for example, Madhya Pradesh. But they turn a blind eye when it comes to these states," he said. Gehlot stressed educating society on issues like atrocities on women. "Such a situation should not arise that boys and girls leave the house without asking." He said that family members should also take care of their children and try to understand what is going on in their hearts and mind. ALSO READ | Minor Dalit girl gang-raped on Jodhpur campus in front of boyfriend, accused arrested "Many children commit suicide. Many children kill each other. This can stop only when the parents have a big heart. Suppose someone has a love affair, then parents should explain and give them permission to get married. The children leave the house in anger when they make it a question of their prestige," he said. Gehlot, in his interaction with the media, targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Manipur issue, saying they had made a "huge blunder". "Manipur is burning. And you compare Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh with that state. This is pure politics. We reject it," he said. On the Supreme Court's stay on the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in a 2019 defamation case, Gehlot said the court's remarks are enough to send a message to the people of the country and alleged that the case was a conspiracy to remove Rahul Gandhi from Parliament. JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said his government has taken incidents like those in Bhilwara and Jodhpur very seriously and has directed the state police to deal strictly with people involved in crimes against women. He also accused the BJP of trying to defame Rajasthan and turning a blind eye when such incidents happen in states ruled by the party. His remarks came as the BJP targeted the Gehlot government over the murder of a minor girl who was later burned in a coal furnace in Bhilwara. Locals claimed she was gang-raped too.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The BJP's youth wing BJYM held a protest here on Saturday over the issue. Gehlot later tweeted, "Police have so far arrested seven accused in the heinous incident of Bhilwara. These accused will be given severe punishment as soon as possible by presenting charge sheet in minimum time in a fast track court". 7 CS, DGP Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 5, 2023 "Some mischievous (manchale) boys spoil the whole atmosphere. Yesterday, we told the Director General of Police, the Chief Secretary and other officers to bring them to justice," the chief minister earlier told reporters. "The government is taking incidents like those in Bhilwara and Jodhpur very seriously and efforts are being made to punish the culprits at the earliest," he said. He said people with a criminal mindset who misbehave with women will not be tolerated in the state. Asked about the opposition BJP's criticism of the law and order issue, Gehlot said the party was deliberately trying to create a perception "that is far from reality". "Rajasthan is a very peace-loving state. An attempt is being made to defame it by comparing it with Manipur. Some incidents have happened. Such incidents happen in every state, for example, Madhya Pradesh. But they turn a blind eye when it comes to these states," he said. Gehlot stressed educating society on issues like atrocities on women. "Such a situation should not arise that boys and girls leave the house without asking." He said that family members should also take care of their children and try to understand what is going on in their hearts and mind. ALSO READ | Minor Dalit girl gang-raped on Jodhpur campus in front of boyfriend, accused arrested "Many children commit suicide. Many children kill each other. This can stop only when the parents have a big heart. Suppose someone has a love affair, then parents should explain and give them permission to get married. The children leave the house in anger when they make it a question of their prestige," he said. Gehlot, in his interaction with the media, targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Manipur issue, saying they had made a "huge blunder". "Manipur is burning. And you compare Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh with that state. This is pure politics. We reject it," he said. On the Supreme Court's stay on the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in a 2019 defamation case, Gehlot said the court's remarks are enough to send a message to the people of the country and alleged that the case was a conspiracy to remove Rahul Gandhi from Parliament. By PTI Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has announced that he has introduced a private bill in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The Healthcare Personnel and Healthcare Institutions (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2023, if passed, he would like it to be called the Dr Vandana Das Act, after the young doctor who was murdered by a patient at a government hospital in Kerala's Kollam district, on April 10. Today I introduced The Healthcare Personnel and Healthcare Institutions (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2023 in the LokSabha. On May 10, 2023, Dr Vandana Das, a young doctor driven by a commitment to serve humanity, tragically lost her life at the hands pic.twitter.com/IHQFG6Rucz Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 4, 2023 Meanwhile, the Kerala government on Saturday dismissed G Sandeep, the accused in the killing of a woman doctor Vandana Das at a hospital in Kollam district recently, from the post of school teacher. General Education Minister V Sivankutty said Sandeep was dismissed from the service and has been disqualified for future appointments. Sandeep, who was brought to the Taluk Hospital there by the police for medical treatment during the early hours of April 10, went on a sudden attacking spree using a pair of surgical scissors kept in the room where his leg injury was being dressed. He had initially attacked the police officers and a person who had accompanied him to the hospital and then turned on the young doctor who could not escape from the assault. Das was stabbed several times and later succumbed to her injuries in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram where she was rushed following the attack. Recently, several other incidents of doctors being assaulted by violent bystanders or patients were reported from the state prompting the government to issue an ordinance. On May 23, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan had signed an ordinance that provides for stringent punishment, including imprisonment of up to seven years and a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh for those found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to those working in the health services sector in the state. (With inputs from Online Desk) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has announced that he has introduced a private bill in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The Healthcare Personnel and Healthcare Institutions (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2023, if passed, he would like it to be called the Dr Vandana Das Act, after the young doctor who was murdered by a patient at a government hospital in Kerala's Kollam district, on April 10. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Today I introduced The Healthcare Personnel and Healthcare Institutions (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2023 in the LokSabha. On May 10, 2023, Dr Vandana Das, a young doctor driven by a commitment to serve humanity, tragically lost her life at the hands pic.twitter.com/IHQFG6Rucz Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 4, 2023 Meanwhile, the Kerala government on Saturday dismissed G Sandeep, the accused in the killing of a woman doctor Vandana Das at a hospital in Kollam district recently, from the post of school teacher. General Education Minister V Sivankutty said Sandeep was dismissed from the service and has been disqualified for future appointments. Sandeep, who was brought to the Taluk Hospital there by the police for medical treatment during the early hours of April 10, went on a sudden attacking spree using a pair of surgical scissors kept in the room where his leg injury was being dressed. He had initially attacked the police officers and a person who had accompanied him to the hospital and then turned on the young doctor who could not escape from the assault. Das was stabbed several times and later succumbed to her injuries in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram where she was rushed following the attack. Recently, several other incidents of doctors being assaulted by violent bystanders or patients were reported from the state prompting the government to issue an ordinance. On May 23, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan had signed an ordinance that provides for stringent punishment, including imprisonment of up to seven years and a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh for those found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to those working in the health services sector in the state. (With inputs from Online Desk) By Express News Service CHENNAI: VietJet will operate three direct flights a week between Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Tiruchy from November 2. Flights from Tiruchy will take off at 12:30 am and land in Ho Chi Minh at 7 am (local time) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Return flights will depart from Ho Chi Minh at 8 pm (local time) and arrive in Tiruchy at 11:30 pm on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. With this new route, the airline will now operate 35 weekly return flights between India and Vietnam, connecting cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Tiruchy with the Southeast Asian country. The airline will offer a 24-hour flash sale of up to 88 % discount to all passengers on August 8. The offer is applicable for all routes. People can further plan their Deepavali travel with Vietjet's signature mega sale promotions on every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a one-way ticket price from only `5,555. Details are available at www.vietjetair.com or mobile app. CHENNAI: VietJet will operate three direct flights a week between Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Tiruchy from November 2. Flights from Tiruchy will take off at 12:30 am and land in Ho Chi Minh at 7 am (local time) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Return flights will depart from Ho Chi Minh at 8 pm (local time) and arrive in Tiruchy at 11:30 pm on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. With this new route, the airline will now operate 35 weekly return flights between India and Vietnam, connecting cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Tiruchy with the Southeast Asian country. The airline will offer a 24-hour flash sale of up to 88 % discount to all passengers on August 8. The offer is applicable for all routes. People can further plan their Deepavali travel with Vietjet's signature mega sale promotions on every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a one-way ticket price from only `5,555. Details are available at www.vietjetair.com or mobile app. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); By PTI Chennai: The Madras High Court has said 'dogma' like preventing entry of a widow into a temple cannot happen in a civilised society governed by law and made it clear that a woman, by herself, has an identity. The court observed it is quite unfortunate that archaic beliefs like that of a widowed woman entering a temple causing impurity to the shrine continue to prevail in the State. Justice N Anand Venkatesh made the observation in his order dated August 4 while disposing of a petition filed by Thangamani. She sought a direction to the police to provide protection to her and her son in order to enter the Periyakaruparayan temple situated at Nambiyur Taluk in Erode District. She wanted to participate in the two-day temple festival on August 9 and had given a representation in this connection last month. The case of the petitioner was her deceased husband used to be the 'Poojari' (priest) of the said temple. During the ongoing Tamil 'Aadi' month, the temple committee decided to conduct a festival on August 9 and 10, 2023. The petitioner and her son wanted to participate in the festival and offer worship. Two persons-- Aiyavu and Murali seemed to have threatened her stating she should not enter the temple since she is a widow. Hence, she made a representation to the authorities to give police protection and since there was no response, she moved the HC. The judge said though reformers are attempting to break such senseless beliefs, it continues to be practiced in some villages. These are the dogmas and the rules framed by man to suit his convenience and it actually demeans a woman just because she has lost her husband. All this can never continue in a civilised society, which is governed by rule of law. If any such attempt is made by anyone to stop a widow from entering the temple, action must be taken against them in accordance with law, the judge added. The court said a woman, by herself, has a status and identity and that cannot in any way come down or be taken away depending upon her marital status. In view of the same, Aiyavu and Murali do not have any right to stop the petitioner and her son from attending the festival and worshipping God, the judge added. The court directed the Inspector of Police, Siruvalur Police Station, to inform Aiyavu and Murali they cannot stop Thangamani and her son from entering the temple and attending the festival. If they attempt to create a law and order problem, action shall be taken against them immediately. The Inspector of Police shall ensure that the petitioner and her son participate in the festival both on August 9 and 10, 2023, the judge added. Chennai: The Madras High Court has said 'dogma' like preventing entry of a widow into a temple cannot happen in a civilised society governed by law and made it clear that a woman, by herself, has an identity. The court observed it is quite unfortunate that archaic beliefs like that of a widowed woman entering a temple causing impurity to the shrine continue to prevail in the State. Justice N Anand Venkatesh made the observation in his order dated August 4 while disposing of a petition filed by Thangamani.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); She sought a direction to the police to provide protection to her and her son in order to enter the Periyakaruparayan temple situated at Nambiyur Taluk in Erode District. She wanted to participate in the two-day temple festival on August 9 and had given a representation in this connection last month. The case of the petitioner was her deceased husband used to be the 'Poojari' (priest) of the said temple. During the ongoing Tamil 'Aadi' month, the temple committee decided to conduct a festival on August 9 and 10, 2023. The petitioner and her son wanted to participate in the festival and offer worship. Two persons-- Aiyavu and Murali seemed to have threatened her stating she should not enter the temple since she is a widow. Hence, she made a representation to the authorities to give police protection and since there was no response, she moved the HC. The judge said though reformers are attempting to break such senseless beliefs, it continues to be practiced in some villages. These are the dogmas and the rules framed by man to suit his convenience and it actually demeans a woman just because she has lost her husband. All this can never continue in a civilised society, which is governed by rule of law. If any such attempt is made by anyone to stop a widow from entering the temple, action must be taken against them in accordance with law, the judge added. The court said a woman, by herself, has a status and identity and that cannot in any way come down or be taken away depending upon her marital status. In view of the same, Aiyavu and Murali do not have any right to stop the petitioner and her son from attending the festival and worshipping God, the judge added. The court directed the Inspector of Police, Siruvalur Police Station, to inform Aiyavu and Murali they cannot stop Thangamani and her son from entering the temple and attending the festival. If they attempt to create a law and order problem, action shall be taken against them immediately. The Inspector of Police shall ensure that the petitioner and her son participate in the festival both on August 9 and 10, 2023, the judge added. By AFP BELEM: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will host a regional summit next week with planetary stakes, as leaders of the countries that share the Amazon seek a roadmap to save the world's biggest rainforest. The meeting of the eight-nation Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization on Tuesday and Wednesday in Belem, the capital of the Amazon state of Para, will serve as something of a dress rehearsal for the COP30 UN climate talks, which the city will also host in 2025. It is the 28-year-old organization's first summit since 2009, as Lula seeks to deliver on his pledge that "Brazil is back" in the fight against climate change after a period of surging destruction in the Amazon under his far-right predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. With hundreds of billions of carbon-absorbing trees, the Amazon is a key buffer against global warming. But scientists warn deforestation is pushing it dangerously close to a "tipping point," beyond which trees would die off and release their carbon stores back into the atmosphere, with catastrophic consequences for the climate. Already, carbon emissions from the Amazon increased by 117 per cent in 2020 compared to the annual average from 2010 to 2018, according to the latest figures from researchers at Brazil's national space agency, INPE. Veteran leftist Lula, who returned to office in January, said he planned to work together with the group's other members -- Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela -- to develop the Amazon basin "without destroying" it. Leaders are due to discuss strategies to fight deforestation and organized crime and seek sustainable development for the region, home to 50 million people -- including hundreds of Indigenous groups seen as crucial to protecting the forest. The summit will conclude with a joint declaration, expected to be "ambitious" and set out "an agenda to guide countries in the coming years," said Brazilian foreign ministry official Gisela Padovan. Crime in the jungle Brazil, which holds around 60 per cent of the Amazon, has pledged to eradicate illegal deforestation by 2030 and is pushing other countries to follow suit. Deforestation is driven mainly by cattle ranching, though it is fueled by a murky mix of corruption, land-grabbing and organized crime whose tentacles extend to the illegal traffic of drugs, arms, timber and gold. In Brazil, the world's top exporter of beef and soy, the destruction has already wiped out around one-fifth of the rainforest. But after a 75-percent jump in average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon under Bolsonaro (2019-2022) versus the previous decade, there are signs of progress. From January to July, deforestation fell by 42.5 per cent from the same period last year. Ahead of the summit, more than 50 environmental groups called on the region's governments to adopt a plan "to stop the Amazon from reaching a point of no return." The petition, published by the Climate Observatory, calls on countries to join Brazil's pledge for zero illegal deforestation by 2030, strengthen Indigenous rights and adopt "effective measures to fight environmental crimes." Lula said Thursday he was confident that "for the first time, jointly and cohesively," the region would "accept its responsibility" to fight rampant crime in the rainforest. The world's problem Lula insists responsibility for saving Amazon extends worldwide. "The world needs to help us preserve and develop the Amazon," he said Wednesday. "Investing is cheap if it's a matter of saving the rainforest." Paola Arias, a climate scientist at the University of Antioquia in Colombia, underlined that the cattle and crops produced in the Amazon are often exported abroad. Deforestation "is not just the Amazon countries' fault," she said. "It's leveraged by a world agro-industry that generates profits for the global north. Those connections to Europe, North America and Australia have to be part of the debate." Six presidents are due to attend the summit, with Ecuador and Suriname represented by cabinet ministers. Norway and Germany, key contributors to Brazil's Amazon Fund to protect the rainforest, are also invited, along with France, which has a share of the Amazon via the territory of French Guiana. Brazil also invited tropical rainforest nations Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. BELEM: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will host a regional summit next week with planetary stakes, as leaders of the countries that share the Amazon seek a roadmap to save the world's biggest rainforest. The meeting of the eight-nation Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization on Tuesday and Wednesday in Belem, the capital of the Amazon state of Para, will serve as something of a dress rehearsal for the COP30 UN climate talks, which the city will also host in 2025. It is the 28-year-old organization's first summit since 2009, as Lula seeks to deliver on his pledge that "Brazil is back" in the fight against climate change after a period of surging destruction in the Amazon under his far-right predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); With hundreds of billions of carbon-absorbing trees, the Amazon is a key buffer against global warming. But scientists warn deforestation is pushing it dangerously close to a "tipping point," beyond which trees would die off and release their carbon stores back into the atmosphere, with catastrophic consequences for the climate. Already, carbon emissions from the Amazon increased by 117 per cent in 2020 compared to the annual average from 2010 to 2018, according to the latest figures from researchers at Brazil's national space agency, INPE. Veteran leftist Lula, who returned to office in January, said he planned to work together with the group's other members -- Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela -- to develop the Amazon basin "without destroying" it. Leaders are due to discuss strategies to fight deforestation and organized crime and seek sustainable development for the region, home to 50 million people -- including hundreds of Indigenous groups seen as crucial to protecting the forest. The summit will conclude with a joint declaration, expected to be "ambitious" and set out "an agenda to guide countries in the coming years," said Brazilian foreign ministry official Gisela Padovan. Crime in the jungle Brazil, which holds around 60 per cent of the Amazon, has pledged to eradicate illegal deforestation by 2030 and is pushing other countries to follow suit. Deforestation is driven mainly by cattle ranching, though it is fueled by a murky mix of corruption, land-grabbing and organized crime whose tentacles extend to the illegal traffic of drugs, arms, timber and gold. In Brazil, the world's top exporter of beef and soy, the destruction has already wiped out around one-fifth of the rainforest. But after a 75-percent jump in average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon under Bolsonaro (2019-2022) versus the previous decade, there are signs of progress. From January to July, deforestation fell by 42.5 per cent from the same period last year. Ahead of the summit, more than 50 environmental groups called on the region's governments to adopt a plan "to stop the Amazon from reaching a point of no return." The petition, published by the Climate Observatory, calls on countries to join Brazil's pledge for zero illegal deforestation by 2030, strengthen Indigenous rights and adopt "effective measures to fight environmental crimes." Lula said Thursday he was confident that "for the first time, jointly and cohesively," the region would "accept its responsibility" to fight rampant crime in the rainforest. The world's problem Lula insists responsibility for saving Amazon extends worldwide. "The world needs to help us preserve and develop the Amazon," he said Wednesday. "Investing is cheap if it's a matter of saving the rainforest." Paola Arias, a climate scientist at the University of Antioquia in Colombia, underlined that the cattle and crops produced in the Amazon are often exported abroad. Deforestation "is not just the Amazon countries' fault," she said. "It's leveraged by a world agro-industry that generates profits for the global north. Those connections to Europe, North America and Australia have to be part of the debate." Six presidents are due to attend the summit, with Ecuador and Suriname represented by cabinet ministers. Norway and Germany, key contributors to Brazil's Amazon Fund to protect the rainforest, are also invited, along with France, which has a share of the Amazon via the territory of French Guiana. Brazil also invited tropical rainforest nations Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. By AFP BANGKOK: A Spanish man has confessed to murdering and dismembering the body of another foreigner on the popular Thai tourist island of Koh Pha Ngan, police said Saturday. Police believe body parts including hips and thighs that were found at a rubbish dump on Thursday belong to a 44-year-old Colombian plastic surgeon they named as Edwin Arrieta Arteaga. Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, 29, who arrived in Thailand on July 31 as a tourist, has confessed to the murder, police said. "He admitted it," Koh Pha Ngan's police chief Panya Niratimanon, told AFP, adding the investigation is ongoing. "The victim and the suspect knew each other before they came to Thailand, and his dubious activities indicate that he might murder the victim," Panya said. The suspect works as a chef and is the son of well-known Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho, according to media reports. Photos of the suspect appear to match pictures on Daniel Sancho's Instagram account, which also follows the victim's account. The Instagram account has been previously tagged in Rodolfo Sancho's posts. The Spanish embassy in Bangkok, Rodolfo Sancho and his agent did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment. Thailand is a relatively safe country where violent crimes are rare. Koh Pha Ngan is famed for white sandy beaches and draws thousands of backpackers to its notoriously wild "full moon" parties. In 2014, another tourist island Koh Tao was rocked by the double murder of two young British backpackers. Two Burmese nationals are serving sentences of life imprisonment for the murders, but rights groups have accused Thai authorities of using the men as scapegoats. BANGKOK: A Spanish man has confessed to murdering and dismembering the body of another foreigner on the popular Thai tourist island of Koh Pha Ngan, police said Saturday. Police believe body parts including hips and thighs that were found at a rubbish dump on Thursday belong to a 44-year-old Colombian plastic surgeon they named as Edwin Arrieta Arteaga. Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, 29, who arrived in Thailand on July 31 as a tourist, has confessed to the murder, police said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "He admitted it," Koh Pha Ngan's police chief Panya Niratimanon, told AFP, adding the investigation is ongoing. "The victim and the suspect knew each other before they came to Thailand, and his dubious activities indicate that he might murder the victim," Panya said. The suspect works as a chef and is the son of well-known Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho, according to media reports. Photos of the suspect appear to match pictures on Daniel Sancho's Instagram account, which also follows the victim's account. The Instagram account has been previously tagged in Rodolfo Sancho's posts. The Spanish embassy in Bangkok, Rodolfo Sancho and his agent did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment. Thailand is a relatively safe country where violent crimes are rare. Koh Pha Ngan is famed for white sandy beaches and draws thousands of backpackers to its notoriously wild "full moon" parties. In 2014, another tourist island Koh Tao was rocked by the double murder of two young British backpackers. Two Burmese nationals are serving sentences of life imprisonment for the murders, but rights groups have accused Thai authorities of using the men as scapegoats. On July 16, the so-called Team Europe represented by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the prime ministers of the Netherlands (Mark Rutte), and Italy (Giorgia Meloni) signed a collaborative agreement with Tunisia on the subject of migration management. Meanwhile as the signing was taking place hundreds of migrants and refugees struggled to survive without food or water, in a strip of several miles of desert between the Libyan and Tunisian borders. They were deported by the Tunisian security forces in early July. Some 200 people still remain there in inhumane conditions, according to the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), the main foundation specializing in national migration issues. According to Libyan military sources, at least 18 people have already died there. Its truly a tragedy, and a shame for Tunisia and for the European Union, which have remained silent, says Romdhane Ben Amour a FTDES investigator in an interview with EL PAIS. The area is military territory and, therefore, entry is prohibited to civilians. The armies of both countries have only allowed the Red Crescent access, to provide help to migrants including children and pregnant women who are living out in the open in an area with extreme temperatures that sometimes reach 122F during heat waves. Weve been working for more than two weeks providing emergency aid water, food and coverings to protect themselves from the sun to migrants stranded on the Libyan-Tunisian border in harsh weather conditions, says Taufik Shukry the spokesman for the Libyan Red Crescent in a statement. On social media, this entity reported that it had delivered 350 food rations, 6,000 liters of water and 350 boxes with personal hygiene kits to the stranded migrants. This help comes too late for some 20 people, who perished as victims of starvation and the ravages of extreme temperatures. This was the case of Fati and her daughter, Marie, whose corpses were found embracing under the sun a couple of weeks ago, an image that circulated around the world. The NGO Refugees in Libya was able to identify them and track down Pato the victims husband and father who told their story. The couple she an Ivorian national and he a Cameroonian met in a detention center in Libya in 2016. The following year, their little girl was born. Deported in the desert, they split up in search of food and got lost. He managed to cross the border, where he learned of the death of his loved ones. The armies of both countries have only allowed the Red Crescent access, to provide help to migrants including children and pregnant women who are living out in the open in an area with extreme temperatures that sometimes reach 122F during heat waves Security forces arrested all Black foreigners and put them on buses to Sfax (a Tunisian city). It didnt matter if many were here legally, or if they were students, refugees recognized by UNHCR, or asylum-seekers, explains a leader of the sub-Saharan community in Tunisia, who prefers to remain anonymous for security reasons. Many of the individuals suffered ill-treatment and humiliation, including beatings, insults, sexual assault, as well as the burning of their passports and identity documents. Likewise, their mobile phones were confiscated, so that they couldnt tell anyone what was happening. Its estimated that, during the first week of the agreement being in effect, some 1,200 people were deported to the border between Tunisia and Libya, while 500 were sent to the border with Algeria, also in the desert. After these inhumane actions caused an international scandal, Tunisian authorities rescued some of them after a week. The Tunisian Red Cross took about half of those on the Libyan border and all of those on the Algerian border to public shelters. Now, theyre [kept incommunicado] in public centers; theyre prohibited from leaving. Every day, theyre offered the option of signing a voluntary return to their countries of origin, explains Ben Amour. With access to the area sealed off and their mobile phones having been confiscated, its very difficult to access the testimonies of the deportees. One of the few exceptions is a harrowing video broadcast by Al Jazeera, which shows various people pleading for help. Were about to die. Please, please, help, help, pleads a young woman, with tears in her eyes. We dont know why we are here. We are suffering, without food, without water. I ask the UN, please, come get us out of here, come help us. We are dying, a man identified as George exclaims in English. On Tuesday, Farhan Haq spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres denounced the deaths in the desert and expressed the organizations deep concern. The tragedy of these hundreds of people is the last link in a chain of events triggered by a racist speech given by Tunisian President Kais Said this past February. Adapting an idea held by the most radical fringe of the Western far-right, known as the great replacement theory, Said said there was a criminal plan to change the demographic makeup of Tunisia and replace its Arab and Muslim population with hordes of Black sub-Saharan migrants. The president fully embraced ideas that were circulating in certain circles [and] on social media he gave them legitimacy. The consequence was that these hate speeches jumped from the screens to real life, Ben Amour laments. During the following days across Tunisia, there were dozens of attacks against people from sub-Saharan Africa: many were expelled from their jobs and their homes. One of the points of greatest tension was Sfax, which has the largest sub-Saharan migrant community in Tunisia. This coastal city located about 200 miles south of Tunis is the industrial capital of the country. There are dozens of factories that employ migrants. According to Ben Amour and the anonymous sub-Saharan social leader, in Sfax, criminal groups took advantage of the context of social tolerance towards racist violence. They subsequently organized raids on the homes of migrants and stole their money. This led to numerous violent incidents. In one of these attacks, in early July, a Tunisian citizen was killed. It was in response to this death that the authorities decided, in the following days, to deport hundreds of people to the borders with Libya and Algeria. This isnt a new practice, especially on the Algerian border. But never before [has the Tunisian government] expelled so many people in just a few days, in such a systematic way, Ben Amour emphasizes. He assures EL PAIS that the deaths of at least 20 people have been documented along the border with Algeria since February of this year. His institute the FTDES has long denounced these human rights violations, attributing them to the EUs migration agreements and its indifference in the face of these abuses. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has argued that the deportations should be treated as murders, with the NGO calling for an independent international investigation. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Anuraag Singh By Express News Service BHOPAL: Once identified as the most suitable location for reintroduction of Asiatic Lions, the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradeshs Sheopur district ended up being home to African cheetahs on Prime Minister Narendra Modis 72nd birthdaySeptember 17, 2022. Seventy years after the fastest moving animal on land became extinct due to rampant hunting in the jungles of India, eight semi-adult and adult cheetahs from Namibia were translocated to India as part of the ambitious Cheetah Action Plan to reintroduce the extinct feline variety into the Indian wilds. Five months later, 12 cheetahs from South Africa joined the Namibian felines at the same national park on February 18, 2023, taking the total cheetah strength to 20. Nine deaths However, between March 27 and August 2 this year, six semi-adults and three of four cubs died due to various reasons, leading to concern about their conservation. The Centre through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently told the Supreme Court that the deaths were troubling but not unduly alarming. A joint affidavit, filed on behalf of the environment ministry and the NTCA, said the provisional diagnosis of mortality events points towards natural causes. The NTCA added that it had no reason to believe the mortalities were on account of any inherent unsuitability at the Kuno site. Cheetahs in general have a very low survival rate of 50% in adults even in native species. In the case of introduced population the survival rates are even lower taking other variables into account, which may lead to about 10% survival in cubs, and thus, mortalities (at Kuno) though troubling and in need of redressal and curtailment are not unduly alarming, it said. The Cheetah Action Plan itself says that even if 50% of the translocated felines survive in the first year of introduction, it would be considered successful in the short run. As of now, six of the eight Namibian cheetahs (75%) introduced in September 2022 are surviving, while at least seven out of the 12 SA cheetahs (58%) introduced in February 2023 are stated healthy in bomas while an SA female is untraceable in the jungles. African experts take However, a South African expert associated with the project had a different take. He is among the four international experts aboard the Project Cheetah Steering Committee formed by the NTCA in May. A letter signed by Prof Adrian Tordiffe, veterinary wildlife specialist from the University of Pretoria, SA, said, Currently, 7 out of 8 cheetahs have died in enclosures and the 8th died of infection from the collar. All the 8 deaths were avoidable if there was adequate supervision, monitoring and veterinary intervention. Pointing to the July 11 death of an SA male, he wrote to the SC that wounds on the back of its neck were assumed by forest officers and vets to have been sustained in an altercation with a female cheetah, which was extremely unlikely. The staff left the injured male and tried to locate the female to check the possibility of injuries to her. During the interregnum, the males condition deteriorated and it died in the next three hours. As for the first death outside the enclosures on July 14, one of the letters said, We learned of it through the media and received no communication from the NTCA or the KNP management. Only at 9 pm, we finally received a video clip showing the neck and back of the deceased animal, which made it clear that the male had severe dermatitis in the area of the neck around the satellite collar. The severely inflamed skin was covered in fly larvae (maggots). The very wet weather due to above average and persistent monsoon rains caused the skin under the tracking collar to become moist, macerated and inflamed. The discharge from the inflammation attracted flies and the maggots that hatched from the fly eggs, further damaging the skin, allowing bacteria to invade and spread, resulting in fatal septicaemia shock. Just five days after Tordiffe sent his letter on July 15, two South African experts Vincent Van Der Merwe and Andy Fraiser claimed their names were used in it without consent. An email on July 20 to M K Ranjitsinh, head of committee formed by SC to assist in implementation of Project Cheetah, read: Please know that Dr Andy Frasier and I (Vincent Van Der Merwe) were not supportive of this letter being sent to the top court. We are surprised to see our names reflecting. July 15 letter had names of 3 other experts, including Fraiser and Merwe and Dr Mike Toft. BHOPAL: Once identified as the most suitable location for reintroduction of Asiatic Lions, the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradeshs Sheopur district ended up being home to African cheetahs on Prime Minister Narendra Modis 72nd birthdaySeptember 17, 2022. Seventy years after the fastest moving animal on land became extinct due to rampant hunting in the jungles of India, eight semi-adult and adult cheetahs from Namibia were translocated to India as part of the ambitious Cheetah Action Plan to reintroduce the extinct feline variety into the Indian wilds. Five months later, 12 cheetahs from South Africa joined the Namibian felines at the same national park on February 18, 2023, taking the total cheetah strength to 20. Nine deathsgoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); However, between March 27 and August 2 this year, six semi-adults and three of four cubs died due to various reasons, leading to concern about their conservation. The Centre through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently told the Supreme Court that the deaths were troubling but not unduly alarming. A joint affidavit, filed on behalf of the environment ministry and the NTCA, said the provisional diagnosis of mortality events points towards natural causes. The NTCA added that it had no reason to believe the mortalities were on account of any inherent unsuitability at the Kuno site. Cheetahs in general have a very low survival rate of 50% in adults even in native species. In the case of introduced population the survival rates are even lower taking other variables into account, which may lead to about 10% survival in cubs, and thus, mortalities (at Kuno) though troubling and in need of redressal and curtailment are not unduly alarming, it said. The Cheetah Action Plan itself says that even if 50% of the translocated felines survive in the first year of introduction, it would be considered successful in the short run. As of now, six of the eight Namibian cheetahs (75%) introduced in September 2022 are surviving, while at least seven out of the 12 SA cheetahs (58%) introduced in February 2023 are stated healthy in bomas while an SA female is untraceable in the jungles. African experts take However, a South African expert associated with the project had a different take. He is among the four international experts aboard the Project Cheetah Steering Committee formed by the NTCA in May. A letter signed by Prof Adrian Tordiffe, veterinary wildlife specialist from the University of Pretoria, SA, said, Currently, 7 out of 8 cheetahs have died in enclosures and the 8th died of infection from the collar. All the 8 deaths were avoidable if there was adequate supervision, monitoring and veterinary intervention. Pointing to the July 11 death of an SA male, he wrote to the SC that wounds on the back of its neck were assumed by forest officers and vets to have been sustained in an altercation with a female cheetah, which was extremely unlikely. The staff left the injured male and tried to locate the female to check the possibility of injuries to her. During the interregnum, the males condition deteriorated and it died in the next three hours. As for the first death outside the enclosures on July 14, one of the letters said, We learned of it through the media and received no communication from the NTCA or the KNP management. Only at 9 pm, we finally received a video clip showing the neck and back of the deceased animal, which made it clear that the male had severe dermatitis in the area of the neck around the satellite collar. The severely inflamed skin was covered in fly larvae (maggots). The very wet weather due to above average and persistent monsoon rains caused the skin under the tracking collar to become moist, macerated and inflamed. The discharge from the inflammation attracted flies and the maggots that hatched from the fly eggs, further damaging the skin, allowing bacteria to invade and spread, resulting in fatal septicaemia shock. Just five days after Tordiffe sent his letter on July 15, two South African experts Vincent Van Der Merwe and Andy Fraiser claimed their names were used in it without consent. An email on July 20 to M K Ranjitsinh, head of committee formed by SC to assist in implementation of Project Cheetah, read: Please know that Dr Andy Frasier and I (Vincent Van Der Merwe) were not supportive of this letter being sent to the top court. We are surprised to see our names reflecting. July 15 letter had names of 3 other experts, including Fraiser and Merwe and Dr Mike Toft. Nykaaland: Where Beauty and Fashion Dreams Come Alive New Delhi, Aug 04: Envisioned as an unparalleled experience, Nykaaland guarantees an unforgettable weekend, featuring captivating encounters with renowned brands and influential figures from the realms of beauty and fashion. Nykaaland: Where Beauty and Fashion Dreams Come Alive The first edition of the festival, will be hosted in Mumbai, on 4th-5th November 2023 at the Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalaxmi Racecourse.With its foundation built upon Nykaa's expertise in curation and its robust brand partnerships, it aims to revolutionise our perception and encounter with beauty and fashion.The meticulously planned two-day festival endeavours to push the boundaries of imagination and offer an unconventional experience of these domains, at a grandeur and scale that has never been witnessed in the country before.One can expect a multitude of tech interventions, cutting-edge product experiences, never-seen-before avatars and offerings from brands, along with the world's best makeup artists, dermatologists, entrepreneurs, tastemakers, and opinion leaders coming together for a discourse on everything beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.Nykaa Fashion will bring consumers fashion-centric experiences, helping them discover the latest and the most style-forward collections. And in line with Nykaaland's spirit of self-expression, the programming will include an equally incredible assortment of music and entertainment, making it a must-attend for all, whether they're looking to explore cult brands, discover the latest viral trends or simply be part of the country's first such experience!Anchit Nayar, Executive Director and CEO a Nykaa Beauty said, "Through our decade-long journey in India's beauty and lifestyle industry, Nykaa has been at the forefront of transforming the landscape, introducing consumers to innovative beauty concepts and renowned global brands. Nykaaland embodies our vision to explore the highest realms of experiential lifestyle retail- bringing together consumers, creators, and communities to celebrate extraordinary brands and experiences."Through this event and our partnership with BookMyShow Live, we hope to create a remarkable milestone in India's retail landscape, symbolizing a decade of growth and innovation. From digital aisles to physical store shelves, and now venturing into the experiential Nykaaland, we look forward to connecting with our valued consumers in an unprecedented format and shaping the future of beauty and lifestyle experiences in India."Owen Roncon, Chief of Business a Live Events, BookMyShow said, "The out-of-home entertainment ecosystem in India is a melting pot of growing recreational preferences, with users lapping up unique experiences like never before.As BookMyShow Live forays into yet another unique experiential category with India's first-ever beauty festival 'Nykaaland', we are delighted to partner with Nykaa, to bring together the best of both worlds, combining our expertise in curating unforgettable live experiences and Nykaa's unmatched prowess in the beauty and lifestyle industry. This extraordinary collaboration seeks to empower individuals, inspire self-expression, and revolutionize the way India experiences beauty.Nykaaland will serve as a platform to celebrate diversity, inspire creativity, and redefine the way India indulges in the world of beauty. The debut edition of the festival will bring together a highly desirable, curated ensemble of unique events and experiences, giving millions of consumers access to local and international beauty and fashion brands as also artists, leaving an indelible mark on the beauty landscape."IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.inIANS04 August 2023 Shared Recently! Retail Solution and Technologies Unveils Revolutionary Retsol POS Machine RPS-6412, Set to Transform Indias Retail Industry BusinessWire India, Chennai, August 4: Retsol is a leading brand owned by Retail Solution and Technologies, the trailblazer in the Automatic Identification and Data Capture industry in India for the past two decades. RST and RETSOL team are glad to announce the launch of their latest innovation, the Retsol POS Machine RPS-6412. Retail Solution and Technologies Unveils Revolutionary Retsol POS Machine RPS-6412, Set to Transform India's Retail Industry This cutting-edge product is poised to revolutionize the retail industry, empowering businesses with enhanced efficiency, advanced functionality, and seamless customer experiences. Headquartered in Chennai, Retsol has been at the forefront of delivering state-of-the-art solutions and products in the AIDC and POS market segment from 2015.With a deep understanding of the industry's evolving needs, Retsol has continuously launched high performance products such as Barcode Scanners, Thermal POS Printers, POS Machines and Barcode Label Printer. One of Retsol's key achievements is the immense success of their flagship product, the Retsol LS-450 barcode scanner. This high-performance scanner has emerged as the best-selling barcode scanner on the esteemed Amazon e-commerce platform.The overwhelming positive response from customers demonstrates Retsol's commitment to delivering top-notch products that meet the needs of both businesses and consumers. The latest launch is the Retsol POS Machine RPS-6412 built on the Intel J6412 platform and M.2 SSD provides top notch performance for highly demanding billing needs of various customers in RETAIL and Hospitality. With its sleek design and robust functionality, this advanced Point of Sale system enables retailers to effortlessly manage transactions faster and deliver a good customer experience but quick check outs."Retail Solution and Technologies is thrilled to introduce the Retsol POS Machine RPS-6412 for the Retail and Hospitality Industry," said Anbazhagan Ramasamy, Managing Director of RST. "This product is a result of our extensive research and continuous development efforts, aimed at addressing the evolving challenges faced by retailers in today's competitive market. We are confident that the RPS-6412 will empower businesses to optimize their operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth." The Retsol POS Machine RPS-6412 will be available for purchase from August onwards at authorized dealers and retail. Retailers across India can now elevate their operations to new heights by harnessing the power of this game-changing solution.ANI04 August 2023 Shared Recently! Shreeyam Power & Steel Ltd.'s National TMT Bars awarded as Gujarats first Green Pro Certified steel TMT bars Gandhidham, August 4: Shreeyam Power and Steel Industries Limited, a leading steel bar manufacturer, has achieved a remarkable feat by being recognised as Gujarat's first Green Pro Certified company for its Steel TMT bars. Shreeyam Power & Steel Ltd.'s National TMT Bars awarded as Gujarat's first Green Pro Certified steel TMT bars The prestigious certification, conferred by the CII-Green Products & Services Council, affirms National TMT's dedication to meeting the highest environmental standards in its product offerings. Receiving the prestigious Green Pro Certification is a proud moment for the company and it reaffirms that its steel TMT bars meet the highest environmental standards."The recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and eco-consciousness and empowers us to serve our customers and the environment better," said Devesh Khandelwal, Managing Director of Shreeyam Power and Steel Industries Ltd. .National TMT CMO Dr. Shailesh Joshi said, "The Green Pro certification comes at a time when National TMT is in the process of expanding its steel melting capacity from 3 lakh tonnes per annum to 6 lakh tonnes per annum. We are also entering the retail market in Gujarat. The certification makes National TMT bars an excellent product for Gujarat's dealers, distributors, developers and builders."The Green Pro Certification bears numerous benefits for product manufacturers, supporting the inclusion of certified products in National & International Green Building Rating systems. This recognition makes it easier for National TMT to engage with Green building architects, developers, corporates, and consultants, differentiating their Green products from the competition and enhancing market reach. The certification also paves the way for Green product innovation, ensuring that National TMT remains at the forefront of eco-conscious solutions.The Green Pro Certified National Steel TMT bars also offer several benefits for users, developers, and contractors. Achieving national and international Green Building Certification becomes more accessible, thanks to National TMT's eco-friendly products. These certified TMT bars lead to improved performance during use, contributing to reduced environmental impact. Additionally, the certification saves valuable time and effort in selecting a green product while ensuring the use of toxic and hazardous substances-free materials.For structural designers, National TMT's high-quality steel bars ensure better design and longer durability of structures, reducing the need for due diligence in verifying sustainable steel rebars.The Green Pro Certification adds to Shreeyam Power & Steel Industries Ltd.'s impressive array of certificates, including ISO 90012015, ISO 140012015, ISO 45001 2018, NABL approved fully equipped laboratory and Tempcore Certificate.ANI04 August 2023 Shared Recently! As SC debates Article 370, IANS provides insights New Delhi, Aug 4: The ongoing hearings over the abrogation of Article 370 vis-a-vis Jammu and Kashmir are predicated on senior advocate Kapil Sibal challenging the validity of the revocation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir. As SC debates Article 370, IANS provides insights Advocate Kapil Sibal cites that since Jammu and Kashmir Constitution of 1957 had no provision to alter the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as Parliament cannot assume the role of the state legislature to recommend truncation of the said provision and moreover divide the state into two Union Territories.The argument being that once the Constituent Assembly lapsed in 1957 without providing any mechanism in the J&K Constitution to amend, alter or abrogate Article 370, it assumed a permanent character which the Union government was aware of since 1957 till August 5, 2019 when it was abrogated.Kapil Sibal went on to say for the petitioner that this was done through an amazing piece of handiwork containing a mosaic of illegalities that deserve to be junked by the SC.Equally, it is well established that morally, legally and constitutionally the state of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India and has since been an integral part of the Union of India.For the uninitiated on February 15, 1954, the Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly members who were present cast a unanimous vote ratifying the state's accession to India.The Constituent Assembly was later dissolved in 1957 and a Constitution was drafted which came into force on January 26, 1957 based on the Syed Mir Qasim resolution which had been adopted and ratified on November 17, 1956.Part II, section 3 of the Constitution stated that the State of Jammu and Kashmir is and shall be an integral part of the Union of India.Let us look at the facts and timelines as they unfolded. The Instrument of Accession itself, executed on October 26, 1947 under which Maharaja Hari Singh handed over the State to India, had three specific clauses which remain relevant todayClause 3 I accept the matters specified in the schedule hereto as the matters with respect to which the Dominion Legislature may make laws for this State.Clause 5 The terms of this Instrument of Accession shall not be varied by any amendment of the Act or of the Indian Independence Act, 1947, unless such amendment is accepted by an instrument supplementary to this instrument.Clause 7 Nothing in this Instrument shall be deemed to commit me in any way to acceptance of any future Constitution of India or to fetter my discretion to enter into arrangements with the Government of India under any such future Constitution.It should become clear that we are taking the position that our autonomy should be consistent with this document that is, autonomy should be in consonance with the Instrument of Accession.It is pertinent to note that in October 1949, Drafting Committee member Gopalaswami Ayyangar said before the Constituent Assembly"We have also agreed that the will of the people through the Instrument of the Constituent Assembly will determine the Constitution of the State as well as the sphere of Union jurisdiction over the Statea.You will remember that several of these clauses provide for the concurrence of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir State. Now, these relate particularly to matters which are not mentioned in the Instrument of Accession, and it is one of our commitments to the people and Government of Kashmir that no such additions should be made except with the consent of the Constituent Assembly which may be called in the State for the purpose of framing its constitution. In other words, what we are committed to is that these additions are matters for the determination of the Constituent Assembly of the State."In 1951, when the Constituent Assembly of J&K state was convened, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah addressed the members and said"You are no doubt aware of the scope of our present constitutionalities with India. We are proud to have our bonds with India, the good will of whose people and Government is available to us in unstinted and abundant measure. The constitution of India has provided for a federal Union and in the distribution of sovereign powers has treated us differently from other constitutional units, with the exception of the items grouped under Defence, Foreign Affairs and Communication in the instrument of Accession. We have complete freedom to frame our constitution in the manner we like. In order to live and prosper as good partners in a common endeavour for the advancement of our people, I would advise that while safeguarding our autonomy to the fullest extent so as to enable us to have the liberty to build our country according to the best traditions and genius of our people, we may also by suitable constitutional arrangements with the Union establish our right to seek and compel federal co-operation and assistance in this great task, as well as offer our fullest cooperation and assistance to the Union."The Delhi Agreement of July 1952 was supposedly an agreement between two individuals, Sheikh Abdullah and PM Nehru. After being signed, the Delhi Agreement was debated in the Lok Sabha on July 24, 1952 by Nehru. It was then adopted. The Rajya Sabha then discussed the agreement on August 5, 1952 and approved it.On August 11, 1952, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah presented it before the Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly, which also gave its approval. It was, clearly, backed and authorised by the legislatures of both India and Kashmir giving it a stamp of finality. The salient points of the Delhi Agreement also need to be reiterated thusThe decision to abolish the hereditary Dogra dynasty was accepted by New DelhiThe Indian Citizenship Act was made applicable to the state, but the state legislature was empowered to regulate the rights and privileges of permanent residents, specially over acquisition of immovable property and appointment to servicesThe right of state nationals who had gone to Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 1947 or earlier, to return to their homes was acknowledgedThe President of India was empowered to declare a state of emergency in case of external danger, but in case of internal disturbance the power could be exercised only at the request, or the concurrence of, the state governmentThe President of India was empowered to grant reprieve and commute death sentencesIndia's agreement to the confiscation of jagirs without compensation shall permanently standThe state was allowed its own flag, which was the flag of the National Conference partyThe jurisdiction of the Supreme Court was extended to certain matters; andIt was agreed that Jammu and Ladakh should have cultural and regional autonomy.Autonomy demandAs Sheikh Abdullah wrestled with the pros and cons of the concept of 'full integration' through the Delhi Agreement, he quickly realised that his dream of limited autonomy was slipping away.His actions thereafter belied his nationalist character and in a silent coup d'etat, Director of Intelligence Bureau, B N Mullick's dramatic operation saw Abdullah being arrested in Gulmarg.By the mid-1990s, the demand for autonomy had grown and most people agreed that if there was a solution to the problem, it was the restoration of autonomy.In a 1994 resolution, the National Conference (NC) clearly stated that "At this sensitive moment we want to remind the Government of India that the people of the State had joined Indian Union on the basis of some shared principles. The Constitution got stability when the State of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Union entered into an agreement in 1952 which is commonly known as Delhi Agreement. After that, the relations got disrupted because the Union of India did not stand by its assurance which resulted in the loss of Autonomy."The State Autonomy Committee Report of 2000, after long hours of angry deliberation in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, is itself vague on specifics.It points to the 42 constitutional application orders that were issued making Union legislation applicable to the State between 1954 and 1986, as visible evidence of an "erosion of autonomy". It then enters the plea that "not all of these orders can be objected to," though "it is the principle that matters."At the level of principle, the Central government may have found it difficult to accept that the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir ceased to have any legal validity after Sheikh Abdullah was dismissed from his post as Wazir-e-Azam and imprisoned in 1953.It was on this account that the accord negotiated between Sheikh Abdullah and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975 laid down strict limits on the scope of constitutional review.It allowed for a review of the constitutional provisions that had been applied to Jammu and Kashmir in a modified form, but affirmed that all provisions applied "without adaptation or modification" would be "unalterable".The July 4, 2000 meeting of the Union Cabinet called Farooq Abdullah's autonomy demand "unacceptable" and threw it out.Instead, the 'Autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir and the Restructuring of Indian Federalism' was spelt out alliteratively by Narendra Modi, the then party general secretary in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir development, democracy, dialogue, and the use of the defence forces.Now the same party official, Modi is the PM and has the chance to make game-changing decisions.The following section examines some facts pertaining to Kashmir and autonomyWhat is 'greater autonomy', or the Pre-1953 position? The debate in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature expanded on this themeCongress leaders, especially Nehru, created an impression that it was essential to grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir due to its peculiar position.The term 'peculiar position' led communal elements to interpret that Congress had accepted in principle that the 51 Muslim-majority character of the State shall be maintained at all costThe State was accorded 'Special Status' under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution with hardly any discussion in the Constituent AssemblyIn 1952, Delhi Agreement was concluded between Nehru and Sheikh to give practical shape to the 'Special Status'Under the agreement, the State was given a separate Constitution and its own flag. The Head of the State and Government were given the nomenclature of Sardar-i-Riyasat and Wazir-i-Azam, respectivelyThe people who wished to enter the State of Jammu and Kashmir or go out were required to seek 'Permit' from state authoritiesThe accession of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union was accepted only in terms of three subjects, vis-a-vis defence, foreign affairs and communicationsUnder the circumstances, the Jammu and Kashmir Praja Parishad launched a movement demanding Ek Pradhan, Ek Vidhan and Ek Nishan. More than a dozen workers sacrificed their lives at Hiranagar, Jourian, Sunderbani and Ramban and thousands were arrestedBharatiya Jan Sangh under Shyama Prasad Mookerjee launched a nationwide satyagrah in support of the movement. Mookerjee entered the State on May 8, 1953 without 'Permit'. He was arrested and sent to jail at Srinagar, where he died on June 23, 1953 under mysterious circumstancesSheikh Abdullah, who had succeeded in achieving maximum possible autonomy for the State, was found conspiring with American and Pakistani agents to separate J&K from the Indian Union. He was arrested on August 9, 1953, thus ending one phase of the separatist movement in Jammu and KashmirAn erosion in the State's autonomy set in between 1953-1975 as pliant governments in Kashmir did the Centre's bidding. During this period, 13 steps were taken systematically, sometimes surreptitiously, to extend various provisions of the Indian Constitution to the Jammu and Kashmir State. The following are some of themBy 1954 Presidential Order the operations of Customs, Central Excise, Civil Aviation, Post and Telegraphs were extendedIn 1958 All India Services a IAS, IPS was introduced and the functions of Comptroller and Auditor General were extendedIn 1959 the legislative entry relating to Census was applied, making way for the conduct of Census of 1961 under Central LawIn 1960 J&K was brought under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The jurisdiction of the Election Commission of India was extendedIn 1964 Articles 356 and 357 of the Constitution were applied, making way for the introduction of President Rule in emergenciesIn 1965 a number of legislative entries relating to Welfare of Labour, Trade Unions, Social Security and Social Insurance, were appliedIn 1966 provisions related to direct elections to Lok Sabha were appliedSince 1953 about 337 laws were extended to Jammu and Kashmir State, including those related to Chartered Accountants Law, Coinage Act, Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggler Activities Law, Contempt of Courts Law, Customs law, CopyRight Act, Dangerous Drugs Act, and DelimitationThe visa-type 'Permit System' was abolishedA general sense of ennui soon drifted into the Valley, with the people getting the sense that they had become more weak, as Delhi continued to push the envelope and enfeeble Article 370 and even the Delhi Agreement which, in itself, was the first such attempt at paving the way for full integration rather than limited autonomy.The bottomline was that Sheikh Abdullah signed off on the Delhi Agreement and then realised that his idea of an autonomous, even semi-independent Kashmir, was merely a delusion, an unreachable pie in the sky.What were the dangers implied in the recommendations of the State Autonomy Committee? Why did the Union cabinet trash it completely?One of the recommendations of the Committee was that Article 370 which has been incorporated as 'Temporary' be made 'Special' ArticleThe Committee recommended that J&K's accession with the Indian Union be reverted to only three subjects, vis-a-vis Defence, External affairs and Communication. In all other matters, the State will remain independentThe nomenclature of the 'governor' and 'Chief Minister' changed to 'Sadar-i-Riyasat' and 'Prime Minister', respectivelyThe said Sadar-i-Riyasat was to be elected by the State Assembly, making him responsible not to the President of India but to the State AssemblyAnother recommendation provided for the repeal of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, Election Commission of India, and Comptroller and Auditor General of IndiaThe Committee had also recommended the deletion of Articles 12 to 35 relating to Fundamental RightsThe report had provided for the withdrawal of Central Services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS)It provided that Articles 356 and 357 be made non-applicable to the State of J&KWhat would have been the state of affairs in 1989, when Pakistan-sponsored 'death by a thousand cuts' militancy had engulfed the whole Kashmir Valley, had the President of India not declared President's rule in J&K?Furthermore, National Conference did not exactly cover itself with glory in the first flush of achieving autonomy in 1950. The following are some facts relevant to today's examinationThe September 1951 election to the State Constituent Assembly was conducted under State's Election Law. The NC elected all the 75 members rejecting the nomination papers of opposition candidatesThe Kashmiri leaders have grossly misused powers they got under special status to deprive the people of Jammu and Ladakh (more than 50 percent of the population) of their legitimate rights. These people have lived as second-class citizens for the last 50 yearsThe NC government is lending full support (overtly and covertly) to plans of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to convert Jammu and Ladakh to Muslim-majority provinces. During the last few years, about 25,000 Muslim families from Kashmir Valley have constructed their houses in Jammu Province, encroaching on government landsAfter coming to power under the Indra-Sheikh accord of 1975, the NC government passed the Resettlement Bill which provides for the return of thousands of families who left J&K for Pakistan in 1947. The Supreme Court has ordered the withholding of the said bill. What would have been the fate of J & K had the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court not extended to the State?Granting autonomy to J&K has miserably failed to bring the State closer to India as is claimed by the propounders of the idea of 'Greater Autonomy'. On the contrary, it has become a major factor in converting J&K into a breeding ground for ISI and giving rise to militant Muslim separatismIn the 1996 Assembly election the NC obtained less than 15 percent of the total votes. In those elections people had voted for the restoration of democracy. Moreover, it was not a referendum on greater autonomy as is claimed by NCBarring a few, almost all sections of Kashmiri society have expressed their opposition to NC's demand for more autonomy. They include people of the Jammu and Ladakh regions, as well as the Gujjars, Shias, Sikhs and Kashmiri HindusAfter coming to power in 1975, Sheikh Abdullah had also appointed a similar committee under D.D. Thakur, a senior NC Minister, to review various laws extended to J&K from 1953 to 1975. The D.D Thakur Committee recommended that all the legislative entries made during that period are in the interest of the people of the State and thus should not be touched. Sheikh Abdullah had accepted the findings of the CommitteeFailed four-point formulaIn 2006 the world came close to witnessing the forging of what would be known as the four-point formula for Kashmir which was negotiated between then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and then Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.The formula had sought a non-territorial solution for Kashmir. The LoC would become a line on a map that facilitated free and easy travel to Kashmir on both sides; the State would be demilitarised; both parts of the State would receive an agreed quantum of self-rule or 'azadi'; there would be a "joint mechanism" of representatives from both parts, with no executive powers, to supervise the working of the accord and consult on matters of common interest. The solution included free trade and movement across LoC.WikiLeaks had revealed a US embassy cable, dated April 21, 2009, where Singh had confirmed this 'formula' to a visiting US delegation. Singh told the US delegation that Delhi and Islamabad had made great progress prior to February 2007, when President Musharraf ran into trouble."We had reached an understanding in back channels," Singh related, according to the cable.Singh went on to add that India wanted a strong, stable, peaceful, democratic Pakistan and made no claim on "even an inch" of Pakistani territory.It is noteworthy that this formula did not incorporate the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, including the Dogras, Kashmiri Pandits, Ladakhis, Sikhs, Christians. The Kashmiri Muslims of all hues including Sunnis, Shias, Gujjars, Bakarwals and Pahadis.After all, the call for 'azadi' is primarily among the Sunni Kashmiri-speaking Muslims who inhabit the Valley who continue to reject the very idea of being integrated into the Indian Union. Without this crucial input, the Four-Point Formula obviously could not succeed.Historian and Kashmir expert, AG Noorani, once said as he weighed in on the Singh-Musharraf formula"No Indian government can possibly accept Kashmir's secession from the Union and survive; no Pakistani government can possibly accept the LoC [Line of Control] as an international boundary and survive; the Kashmiris will not acquiesce to the partition of their State or the persistent denial of self-rule and human rights."The four-point formula seemed to have passed Noorani's test It did not spell Kashmir's secession; did not make the LoC an international boundary; and reunited the State de facto while granting an agreed measure of human rights for east as well as west Kashmir.There is no difference of opinion with respect to the accession of State with India on two main issues that is -- the Instrument of Accession and the Delhi Agreement.The rest of the powers, including residual sovereignty, were vested with the State under Article 370. All the Princely States were authorised to frame their own constitution in their respective constituent assemblies.At that time only four States namely, Saurashtra, Travancore and Cochin, Mysore and J&K chose this option and set up their own Constituent Assemblies. Three of these States did not frame their Constitution, and only J&K formed its own Constituent Assembly and framed its Constitution.A note of October 26, 1947 to Hari Singh's Prime Minister, Mehar Chand Mahajan, was explicit."The Government of India will accept this accession provisionally subject to their declared policy that such matters should be finalised in accordance with the will of the people. Any reference to the people can only take place when law and order have been fully established."The word 'provisional' occurs in most official documents of the time including the Government of India's White Paper of 1948; at some places the word 'conditional' was used.Few know that on January 31, 1948, even while the war was on, Hari Singh threatened to 'withdraw the accession that I have made to the Indian Union' (Sardar Patel's Correspondence; page 162). Vallabhbhai Patel overlooked that. He was less generous to Abdullah.Historian A.G Noorani writes "In 1953, Nehru concluded an accord with Muhammad Ali Bogra on a regional plebiscite that he did not intend to carry out. It was a tactic to keep the UN out and get time for Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad. Sheikh Abdullah realised too late in the day the wisdom of the advice his colleague Pandit Prem Nath Bazaz gave him in 1947 - decide the issue of accession according to the people's wishes. On the accession, the people were not with him. Both Nehru and Abdullah were opposed to Kashmir's accession to Pakistan. But Nehru was opposed also to its autonomy, except in name. He fought on both fronts and created a mess. Had he fought on one, he might have pulled it off.Sheikh Saheb could not ignore Nehru's moves, nor the growing popular alienation and his own isolation from the people. He decided to follow the people's mood, not Nehru's, and was jailed.IANS04 August 2023 Shared Recently! Dematerialisation and the Role of Depositories in the Market New Delhi, August 4: In today's digital age, the concept of dematerialisation has revolutionised the way we handle securities. Dematerialisation and the Role of Depositories in the Market Dematerialisation refers to the process of converting physical securities, such as share certificates and bonds, into electronic form. This transformation eliminates the need for paper certificates and offers several significant advantages to investors, including ease of trading, reduced risk, cost efficiency, and investor convenience.Benefits of dematerialisationEase - One of the primary benefits of dematerialisation is the ease of trading it offers to investors. By holding their securities in electronic form, investors can quickly and efficiently buy or sell their holdings through a simple online process. This eliminates the need for the physical transfer of securities and significantly reduces the time taken for settlement. In contrast to the traditional method of physical transfer, which could take weeks, electronic transfers are often completed within a matter of minutes or hours, making the market more agile and responsive.Reduced risk - Dematerialisation minimises the risk associated with physical securities. With paper certificates, investors face the threat of loss, theft, or damage, which may result in a complete loss of their investment. By converting these securities to electronic form, the risk of physical loss or damage is eliminated. This improves the overall safety of investments, enhancing investor confidence in the market.Cost effectiveness - Cost efficiency is another significant advantage of dematerialisation. Holding physical securities involves costs related to storage, handling, and safekeeping, both for investors and market intermediaries. However, with electronic holdings, these costs are virtually eliminated, leading to significant cost savings. Investors no longer need to worry about keeping physical certificates safe or paying fees for their storage, while intermediaries can streamline their operations and reduce administrative expenses.One-stop access to securities - Dematerialisation offers unprecedented convenience to investors. With a Demat account, investors can access their holdings and detailed transaction history at any time through online portals provided by depositories. This empowers them to track their investments, monitor market movements, and make informed decisions conveniently from the comfort of their homes or offices. Consequently, investors can manage their portfolios more efficiently and take advantage of investment opportunities promptly.The Role of depositoriesCentral to the dematerialisation process are depositories, which play a vital role in the market. Depositories act as custodians for electronic securities, safeguarding the interests of investors and facilitating smooth transactions.An investor or entity has to Open a demat account online with a depository to encash the benefits of dematerialisation. Depositories serve as the backbone of the dematerialisation process. These institutions act as intermediaries between investors, stock exchanges, and other market participants. Their primary role is to hold investors' securities in electronic form and facilitate the smooth functioning of the market.There are two prominent depositories in India, the Central Depository Services Limited and the National Securities Depository Limited . To open a demat account is a catchphrase often associated with these depositories, as individuals or entities need to open an account with one of them to participate in the dematerialisation process.Depositories provide a wide range of services to investors, including the issue and acceptance of electronic securities, settlement of trades, holding and transferring securities, and record maintenance. They ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain the integrity of the market by enforcing strict standards and procedures.Additionally, depositories add an extra layer of security to the market. They implement robust systems and technologies to safeguard investors' holdings, protecting them against fraudulent activities and unauthorised access. By reducing the risk of theft or forgery, they contribute to the overall trustworthiness of the market, attracting more investors and fostering its growth.ConclusionDematerialisation has transformed the securities market by eliminating the need for physical securities and replacing them with electronic holdings. Open Demat account is a critical step in the dematerialisation process, allowing individuals and entities to participate in the market efficiently. Depositories play a vital role in this process as custodians of electronic securities, providing a range of services and ensuring the integrity and security of the market.Dematerialisation offers numerous advantages, including ease of trading, reduced risk, cost efficiency, and convenience for investors. By embracing dematerialisation and utilising the services of depositories, investors can take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the digital era, further driving the growth and development of the securities market.ANI04 August 2023 Shared Recently! Anant Maheshwari returns to Honeywell as High Growth Region President, CEO Maheshwari will succeed Ben Driggs, who will take another leadership role in the company. He will be a Corporate Officer of the Company, reporting directly to Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur and will be located in Dubai. Anant Maheshwari returns to Honeywell as High Growth Region President, CEO Maheshwari will succeed Ben Driggs, who will take another leadership role in the company. He will be a Corporate Officer of the Company, reporting directly to Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur and will be located in Dubai.He previously had leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Honeywell from 2004 to 2016, launching new businesses and leading mature business portfolios.Maheshwari then joined Microsoft, where he served as President and CEO of Microsoft India."Maheshwari's experience over the last two decades proves that he has an ability to deliver impactful results for a diverse set of industries. He is the right person to continue to deliver our local-to-local presence and expand Honeywell's business in controls and automation, software and digitalization, and sustainability," said Kapur.In his new role, Maheshwari will lead business growth across Honeywell's geographies in China, India, Southeast Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Latin America.During his years at Microsoft India, he led the transformation to become the fastest growth geography for the company, setting the company's benchmarks for new business models.Maheshwari earned an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, graduating as an industry scholar in 1998.IANS05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Telangana Guv seeks more time to take decision on giving permission to state govt to introduce TSRTC Bill Hyderabad, August 4: Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Friday sought more time to take a decision on whether to give the state government permission to introduce the TSRTC Bill in the Assembly. Telangana Guv seeks more time to take decision on giving permission to state govt to introduce TSRTC Bill The K Chandrashekar Rao government has sought the Governor's permission to introduce the bill in the ongoing session of the Assembly which began on Thursday.The Raj Bhavan said that it had received the bill only on Wednesday and needs more time to peruse it and seek legal opinion for taking a decision on the request."The Assembly was scheduled to meet on 03.08.2023 and the Draft Bill of 'the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation Bill, 2023' was received at Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad on 02.08.2023 at about 03.30 pm only requesting for permission to introduce the same in Assembly," said a press release by the Rajbhawan on Friday said."It requires some more time to examine it and obtain legal opinion for taking a decision on the request," the press release added.As the TSRTC bill is a financial bill, it needs the prior approval of the Governor for its introduction in the Assembly. The bill seeks to merge State Road Transport Corporation with the government. The bill was recently approved by the Telangana cabinet.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Bishop Rolando Alvarez, in May 2022. MAYNOR VALENZUELA (REUTERS) Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Alvarez completed one year in prison on August 4. Since his violent capture at the headquarters of the diocese of Matagalpa, in northern Nicaragua, the prelate has been under house arrest, was sentenced to 26 years in prison for treason, transferred to the penitentiary system and has resisted on two occasions to be banished from his homeland. Under total isolation in La Modelo prison, the religious leader has emerged as the most solid symbol of resistance faced by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. Monsignor Alvarez is a very annoying political prisoner for the presidential couple who, in two attempts to get rid of him, have tried to force him into exile. However, the bishops consistency in remaining in his country has been immovable. First, he refused to board the exile plane in which 222 political prisoners traveled to the United States last February. And then, a negotiation between the Sandinista regime and the Vatican fell off due to the same refusal of the religious man. As EL PAIS had reported at the beginning of last July, Pope Francis asked the president of Brazil, Lula Da Silva, to intercede in order to free the bishop. We continue, we are trying to negotiate, the Pontiff told Vida Nueva, a digital magazine focused on religious topics. Diplomatic sources have told EL PAIS that Monsignor Alvarez insisted that he would only accept to leave prison if it was to stay in Nicaragua, at the same time he demanded the regime to cease the persecution of Catholicism. Since there was no agreement between the parties, the Vatican did not decide to force the bishop to go into exile, as they did with the auxiliary bishop of Managua Silvio Baez in April 2019. The Holy See has assessed that Alvarez, symbol of a persecuted church, is too popular and keeps afloat the faith of devotees whose freedom of worship is severely limited in Nicaragua. Various political, religious and social sectors protested on August 4, day that marked the first year of Alvarezs imprisonment. The movement Accion Dale Vida Nicaragua launched a day of prayer and a campaign, called Eucharist for Monsignor Rolando Alvarez, in which it invites the Nicaraguan people to show their support and demand that the religious be allowed to receive communion and celebrate the Eucharist, since this August 4 marks one year since he has been unable to perform these sacred acts. As St. Paul says, the word of God is not chained. With you also share the unjust isolation and loneliness of some priests of our suffering Church, who have only wanted to be faithful to Jesus by announcing the truth of God and being at the side of the most suffering people, said Monsignor Baez from his exile in Miami, who together with Alvarez is another of the bishops most abhorred by the Ortega-Murillo family. Pastor Cash In an attempt to counteract the conversation generated by the anniversary of the imprisonment of Monsignor Alvarez, the regime has organized an evangelist crusade in Managua, called nights of glory. Several evangelical pastors arrived at the Managua airport to participate in the event, but among them was Cash Luna. This Guatemalan pastor is the most controversial since, according to a Univision investigation, he started his church, Casa de Dios, with money from drug trafficking and money laundering. The Sandinista government has also masked religious persecution in recent weeks by promoting celebrations in various cities: from dances, bullfights and processions, while attacks against Catholic religious continue. At the same time, the case of money laundering that the Sandinista justice system is pursuing against the Catholic Church continues. The accusations - so far presented without proof - even reach Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes and the diocese presided over by Bishop Alvarez. Former Judicial Branch official and expert in the administration of justice Yader Morazan made an account this Friday of the arbitrariness in the trial and conviction of Monsignor Alvarez. Although you may not believe it, Monsignor Alvarez was left waiting for a mock trial, but neither he nor his lawyer, nor the witnesses were taken to court or to depose lies, and he knew of his 26-year sentence, until the day he was exhibited, said the jurist in exile. Morazan had access to the judicial file used against the bishop and revealed that the evidence on which the prosecution is based are tweets, videos, interviews of the religious and media articles that reviewed the critical homilies of Monsignor Alvarez. It is important to highlight that Monsignor Alvarez has been deprived of his physical and religious freedom for 365 days, he was subjected to a trial in absentia and was denied even the right to know his sentence and the right to appeal. All for preaching the truth, accompanying his flock and refusing to be expelled from the country together with 222 political prisoners, criticized the lawyer. Bishop Alvarez is the most prominent Catholic figure to be imprisoned by the Ortega and Murillo regime. However, two other priests are imprisoned and two more remain under investigation. The regimes onslaught has also forced at least 80 religious leaders - 44 men and 36 women - to leave Nicaragua between 2018 and 2023. Of these, 41 were expelled from the national territory, 19 left the country for personal security reasons, 12 were denied re-entry to the country and eight were banished and stripped of their Nicaraguan nationality. So many times during this time I have asked myself why you are there... Those who, insatiably thirsty for power and blinded by arrogance and evil, have Nicaragua subdued, want to show you as responsible for non-existent crimes that they themselves have invented, said Baez, who last spoke with his counterpart hours before being imprisoned a year ago. They have fought to break you and, unable to do so, they have fabricated a case against you with cynicism and slander, as Herod and Pilate did with Jesus. They have fought to silence you and, failing to do so, they have subjected you to a farce of a judicial process that not even they themselves believe, until they have unjustly imprisoned you in jail. They want to deceive us, but they will be the ones deceived; they want to condemn you, but they are condemning themselves (...) Your word and your presence made the tyrants uncomfortable, that is why they have imprisoned you. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition India, Malawi hold 2nd round of Foreign Office Consultations, reviews defence cooperation, trade and economic matters Lilongwe, August 4: India and Malawi held the second Foreign Office Consultations in Lilongwe on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. India, Malawi hold 2nd round of Foreign Office Consultations, reviews defence cooperation, trade and economic matters The Indian side was led by Puneet R Kundal, Joint Secretary and the Malawi side was led by Bernard H Sande, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malawi."5th India-Malawi FOC held in Lilongwe today. Co-chaired by JS @prkundal & Principal Secretary Bernard Sande of @ForeignMalawi. Both sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways for strengthening cooperation in development partnership, trade & economic relations, digital technology, agriculture, health, mining, defence, consular and cultural issues among others," tweeted MEA official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday.During the FOC, both delegations reviewed their wide-ranging bilateral relationship, covering political exchanges, development partnership, defence cooperation, trade and economic matters, consular issues and cooperation in areas such as Agriculture, Education, Health, Mines & Minerals, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy, Art and Culture, etc.Both sides agreed to further diversify cooperation in various areas to further strengthen this relationship.Both sides also discussed multilateral issues of mutual interest, including UN Security Council reforms, peace and security in Southern Africa, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the South African Development Community, read an MEA's official release.The two sides agreed to continue high-level political exchanges and regular meetings of the joint institutional mechanisms to keep the partnership vibrant and mutually beneficial.The Indian side invited Malawi to join the Coalition for Disaster, Resilient Infrastructure and the International Big Cat Alliance .It was agreed to hold the next round of Consultations at mutually convenient dates in 2024 in New Delhi, the official release said.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! World's oceans set new surface temperature record, scientists fear could rise even further amid climate change Brussels, August 4: World's oceans set new surface temperatures as it broke the 7-year record and hit its highest-ever level this week, Euro News reported citing Copernicus Climate Change Service . World's oceans set new surface temperature record, scientists fear could rise even further amid climate change This week, the average surface temperature of the world's oceans reached 20.96C, breaking the 2016 record of 20.95C.The ocean temperature records are being broken around the world with dire consequences for the health of the planet.Scientists believe that the record is likely to be broken in future as well as temperatures are usually highest in March, not August. And this is not a good signal for the Earth.It follows a pattern of marine heatwaves and record sea surface temperatures around the world.Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Sea recorded its highest-ever surface temperature last week at 28.71C. Waters around the Florida Keys were similar to the temperature of a hot tub, hitting highs of just over 38C and possibly breaking a world record.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also reported last Friday that the North Atlantic may be the hottest it has ever been. And it's getting hotter much earlier in the year with previous records set in September, according to Euro News.The rise in the ocean's temperature will impact the climate as they are the ones that absorb heat, drive weather patterns and act as a carbon sink but if they keep getting warmer then it will be less effective at doing this job.The cycle means that as ocean temperatures rise, they become less effective at absorbing CO2 leading to an increase in the amount of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.Ice also melts as waters warm increasing the severity of sea level rise. And high ocean temperatures can also increase the chance of hurricanes, cyclones, storms and extreme weather.Hotter oceans also have an effect on marine life with whales and some fish species moving to cooler waters which upsets the food chain. The record-high temperatures also put corals at risk with reefs off the coast of Florida now facing a severe threat of bleaching due to the marine heatwave, reported Euro News.Earlier, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that "short of a mini-ice age" in the coming days, July 2023 would likely "shatter records across the board"."Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning," said the UN chief, warning that the consequences are as clear as they are tragic "children swept away by monsoon rains, families running from the flames workers collapsing in scorching heat," Guterres said.Speaking at UN Headquarters, the Secretary-General underscored the need for global action on emissions, climate adaptation and climate finance.He warned that "the era of global warming has ended" and "the era of global boiling has arrived."Although climate change is evident, "we can still stop the worst," he said. "But to do so we must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition."ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Bangladesh emphasizes need for collective approach to tackle global food insecurity Dhaka, August 4 : Bangladesh has emphasized the need for a collective approach instead of a fragmented approach to address the conflict-induced global food insecurity, reported Dhaka Tribune. Bangladesh emphasizes need for collective approach to tackle global food insecurity A permanent representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, while addressing the Security Council's open debate on Famine and Conflict-induced Global Food Insecurity on Thursday, said, "In the face of conflict-induced global food insecurity, a fragmented approach will not suffice. We must come together in a collective endeavour to address this crisis."Ambassador Muhith stated the devastating impact of the ongoing conflicts and climate change on global food security and highlighted the various measures taken by the Bangladesh government to address food insecurity at both national and international levels, Dhaka Tribune reported.Moreover, he added that the Bangladesh government has taken various fiscal and policy measures to tackle the conflict-driven global food crisis. He also said that the government has also prioritized investments in agri-food systems.Adding to that, he said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also urged all the citizens to actively participate in homegrown food production practices and cultivate unused lands in every household.Furthermore, he mentioned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon all the citizens to actively participate in homegrown food production practices and cultivate unused lands in every household.Muhith further stressed the need of addressing underlying factors that affect food prices and access to food during conflicts, according to Dhaka Tribune.To improve the food supply, he moreover, pledged full support for the secretary general's call to keep markets open, remove unnecessary export restrictions, and release food reserves.He also shed light on the urgency of renewing the "Black Sea Grain Initiative" to ensure stable food supplies.Furthermore, he emphasized the need for increased international cooperation, climate financing, technology transfer, and South-South cooperation to support vulnerable countries like Bangladesh in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change on food security.India's permanent representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj also said that India supports the efforts made by the UN Secretary-General in continuing the Black Sea Grain Initiative."We must work together to find common solutions through dialogue and diplomacy. Choosing peace, cooperation and multilateralism is essential for building our collective future. Strengthening the international architecture and governance systems to protect the global order. Global laws and global values must therefore be a shared responsibility," Kamboj suggested.Kamboj also recalled how even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, India provided food aid in the form of thousands of metric tons of wheat, rice, pulses and lentils to several countries, including in our neighbourhood and Africa, to strengthen food security."In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, india commenced the donation of 50,000 metric tons of wheat to the people of Afghanistan," she said.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Commerce Secretary calls for greater collaboration between India, Latin American and Caribbean countries New Delhi, August 4 : Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, underscored the significance of India-Latin American and Caribbean collaboration in achieving energy transition goals and called for fresh perspectives in renewable energy, and battery manufacturing. Commerce Secretary calls for greater collaboration between India, Latin American and Caribbean countries On the last day of the 9th CII India-LAC Conclave, Barthwal highlighted the immense potential for expanding bilateral trade between India and Latin American & Caribbean countries, according to a statement released by Commerce Ministry.He also emphasized upon the need for innovative approaches to diversify trade exchanges, especially in the context of a re-globalized world and changing energy landscapes. He highlighted the role of the G20, particularly under India's presidency, in addressing the concerns of the Global South and deeper engagements with the LAC region during the G20 Presidency of Brazil in 2024."Proposing a collaborative framework, Shri Barthwal suggested a Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation model and emphasized the importance of unified efforts in addressing issues at the international forums," the statement read.He reiterated the remarks of the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal that "Trust is the bedrock of cooperation and collaboration between Indian and the Latin American and the Caribbean countries".The closing ceremony of the '9th CII India-LAC Conclave' was graced by the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi and Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez, Executive Vice President and Minister of People's Power for Economy, Finance & Foreign Trade of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.At the event, Lekhi said that India, Latin America and the Caribbean countries need to speak in one voice globally in the true spirit of South-South Cooperation.Stating that India has set sights on becoming the third largest economy by the year 2047 when the country completes 100 years of Independence, Lekhi said that when India does well, the world does well, and urged LAC countries to work closely with India by leveraging the complementarity that exists between the two regions.Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez, Executive Vice President and Minister of People's Power for Economy, Finance and Foreign Trade of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in her address said the two regions need to consider conducting trade in local currency.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Connect with audience gives Vijay Varma freedom to make bold choices Mumbai, Aug 4: Actor Vijay Varma, who is known for 'Gully Boy', 'Pink', 'Dahaad' and others, is on cloud 9 with the response to his recent releases like 'Lust Stories 2', 'Dahaad' and 'Kaalkoot'. The actor says that the connection that he has established with the audience gives him the motivation to make bold choices. Connect with audience gives Vijay Varma freedom to make bold choices With each project, Vijay has effortlessly demonstrated his versatility as an actor, garnering accolades and applause from critics and fans alike.Reflecting on his recent string of successes, Vijay said, "It feels awesome to have back to back successes and to receive this magnitude of love and compliments. Wherever I go I keep hearing about 'Dahaad', 'Lust Stories 2' and now 'Kaalkoot'".He further mentioned "I've realised that there's a strong connection that the audience has with me and that gives me motivation to make bolder choices and work harder. I am on cloud 9 and want to thank everyone who applauded for me.. like any performer would do on stage. Taking a bow."Looking at Vijay Varma's upcoming projects, the actor has a very interesting lineup. He will be next seen in 'Mirzapur 3' and 'Devotion of Suspect X', in which he will share the screen with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat. He also has 'Murder Mubarak' in the pipeline in which he will be seen opposite Sara Ali Khan.IANS05 August 2023 Shared Recently! M. Nassar wants to spend quality time with family after shooting for The Jengaburu Curse in Odisha Mumbai, Aug 5: Veteran actor M. Nassar, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming streaming show, 'The Jengaburu Curse', he shared that he would like to spend some quality time with his family in the state of Odisha where the show has been shot. M. Nassar wants to spend quality time with family after shooting for 'The Jengaburu Curse' in Odisha With a focus on showcasing the actual people, culture, and locations of the state, 'The Jengaburu Curse', which is touted to be a Cli-fi thriller series, has been extensively shot in Odisha. And the lead stars of the series, M. Nassar and Faria Abdullah, who spent months away from the comforts of a familiar city and their homes, cannot seem to get over the spell bounding experience they had while filming in the deep forests of Odisha.Talking about the experience of shooting in Odisha, Nassar who plays the character of Ravichandran Rao in the series, said "My visit to Odisha for the shoot took me to the heart of India. I was absolutely in awe. When we were shooting there, I realized why it is called the best hidden secret of India, it is so beautiful and extremely meditative to be in Odisha. The place is like heaven."He further mentioned "It makes you feel as if you are in the lap of mother nature. In all honesty, I had a very shallow knowledge about Odisha, but once I got to live there, spend time with the locals and native people, and got familiar with their art and culture, I was amazed at how little we know. The people are so innocent and filled with humility. I have travelled all over India, but Odisha is different, so calm and content. It was such a surreal and riveting experience. I would definitely like to spend some quality time with family there and soak in everything that the nature has to offer in all its abundance that is available in this beautiful state."In agreement with her co-star, Faria Abdullah said "Being in the heart of Odisha was a transformative journey. Staying in the forests and real locations allowed me to connect with the simplicity of the Odia people's lifestyle. It felt like a detox for my mind and body, stepping away from the hustle of everyday life. The natural surrounding beauty was not only awe-inspiring but also provided the perfect canvas to bring our characters to life. The show truly is a heartfelt tribute to the enigmatic charm of Odisha, and I am glad I got to be a part of it."Set in a small town in Odisha, 'The Jengaburu Curse' delves into the repercussions of mankind's never-ending need for nature. Produced by Studio Next, the show is created and directed by Nila Madhab Panda.The series also stars Makarand Deshpande, Sudev Nair, Deipak Sampat, and Hitesh Dave in pivotal roles.The show will be available to stream on Sony LIV from August 9.aa/kvd/shaIANS05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Anger builds after China deliberately floods towns to save Beijing Beijing, August 5: As the heavy rains in China finally ceased on Tuesday, much of Beijing was spared because officials made sure the flooding flowed to the cities surrounding Beijing, reported the New York Times. Anger builds after China deliberately floods towns to save Beijing Chinese State media reported that officials in Hebei Province, which borders Beijing, had activated flood gates and spillways in seven low-lying flood control zones to prevent rivers and reservoirs in Beijing and the region's main metropolis, Tianjin, from overflowing.Ni Yuefeng, the Communist Party head of Hebei, stated that he ordered the "orderly activation of flood storage and diversion areas in order to relieve pressure on Beijing's flood control and resolutely build a 'moat' for the capital".The move further overwhelmed the nearby city of Zhuozhou in Hebei, which was already dealing with floods caused by a broken levee and an overflowing local river. According to the New York Times, its streets and neighbourhoods turned into a brown, muddy lake, with water up to 23 feet deep demolishing homes and businesses.Nearly a million people have been forced to evacuate in the province and in adjacent villages on the fringes of Beijing. In some areas, the flooding disrupted power supplies as well as internet and mobile connections. Residents posted online pleas for help in finding hundreds of missing people.In China, the crisis in Zhuozhou set off widespread anger as, in some areas, help arrived slower than expected, leaving many stranded. Survivors also complained that they were not given ample warning about the discharge of floodwaters, and questioned if they would be compensated for their losses, New York Times reported.In particular, people have denounced what they perceive as a Hebei leadership that has been more interested in appeasing national leaders in Beijing than in safeguarding millions of Chinese citizens."To protect Beijing, no one cares if we in Hebei are being flooded," a resident of a village on Zhuozhou's outskirts complained on Friday morning, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal for criticising the government."No one ever informed us of the flood discharge or told us to prepare to evacuate -- if we had known this information, we would not have left so many things behind," said a villager, who gave his family name as Yu."Everything is soaked in water. I can barely calculate my loss," he added.The government and party have set aside at least USD 20 million for flood prevention, relief and reconstruction efforts in Beijing and Hebei; another USD 63 million was allocated on Friday to Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei for the restoration of dams, reservoirs and other water facilities, New York Times reported.China has also built one of the world's largest international airports in southernmost Beijing next to the Hebei border, with five runways instead of the usual two or three. After commercial jetliners ended up sitting wheels-deep in the water there on Monday, closing the airport, top officials ordered action."Ensure the absolute safety of key defence targets such as Xiong'an New Area and Beijing Daxing Airport," Li Guoying, China's minister of water resources, ordered on Tuesday, according to New York Times.China has, for several years, been dealing with extreme weather emergencies across the country. The world's heaviest single hour of rain ever recorded in a major city occurred two years ago in the central city of Zhengzhou, flooding a subway train and road underpasses.This week's downpour along the Beijing-Hebei provincial border, with almost 30 inches of rain falling in northwestern Beijing, came soon after the most severe heat wave in Beijing since modern temperature readings began in 1961.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Farmers get fair prices for crop due to proper agricultural produce market system in state: MP CM Chouhan Bhopal, August 4: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that farmers are getting fair prices for their crops due to the excellent arrangement of agricultural produce markets in the state. Farmers get fair prices for crop due to proper agricultural produce market system in state: MP CM Chouhan CM Chouhan made the remark while addressing the Golden Jubilee Festival of Madhya Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board at the Academy of Administration in the state capital Bhopal on Friday."Due to the excellent arrangement of agricultural produce markets in the state, farmers are getting fair prices for their crops. All this is the result of the continuous efforts of all of you that the market committees have achieved the highest ever increase in the arrival of commodities and the income of the market. My best wishes to all the farmers of the state and the entire team of the Mandi Board," the CM said."Basically all of us are farmers. I have done farming and ploughing. Therefore, I understand the pain and sufferings of the farmers. The government is continuously working for the welfare of the farmers and to provide them fair prices for their crops," the CM said, adding that the remaining class IV employees of the board will also be absorbed.All kinds of facilities are being provided to the farmers in the state. Farmers can now easily sell their agricultural produce from anywhere in their home, farm or warehouse through the MP Farm app. From the electronic weighing system to the government employees for bidding, the system has been made transparent. Farmers have been given the facility to sell their crops from their own farms and barns, he further said.The Chief Minister added that the officers of the board should keep in mind that no more than 2 percent commission should be deducted from the auction held in the mandi.CM Chouhan extended best wishes and congratulations to all concerned for the successful journey of 50 years of the board and expressed hope that in future also the board will continue to work for the welfare of the farmers and development of the state.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Resolve pending cases at the earliest, but follow judicial process: Rajnath Singh to Armed Forces Tribunal New Delhi, August 4: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has exhorted the Armed Forces Tribunal to fast-track resolution of pending cases while ensuring that the judicial process is followed earnestly without any violation. Resolve pending cases at the earliest, but follow judicial process: Rajnath Singh to Armed Forces Tribunal While addressing an event organised to celebrate AFT Raising Day in New Delhi today, the Defence Minister asserted that while there is a huge number of pending cases in different courts across the country, specialised tribunals are set up to reduce the burden.He emphasised that while such a number poses the challenge of justice not being provided to the people at the right time, quick disposal without paying attention to the judicial process is even more dangerous."It is said that 'justice delayed is justice denied'. People's faith in the judicial system decreases if there is delay in justice. Fast-track courts and tribunals etc. are established from time-to-time to speed up the judicial process. But, there is a need to be careful while expediting the judicial process, otherwise there is a danger of 'Justice hurried is justice buried'. There is a need to strike a balance between time and procedure to dispose of cases and provide justice to the people. Conscience is another factor that plays a major role. Without justice, no society can attain perfection. It is our duty to deliver justice to the right person at the right time", Rajnath Singh said.Stressing further on the need to adopt a balanced approach in the functioning of AFT, Rajnath Singh asserted that the cases should be resolved while keeping in mind the needs, interests, resources and limitations of all involved parties.He explained it with the reference of a democratic system, where people's representatives fulfil the needs of different sections of society by maintaining a balance.He added that as the country has entered 'Amrit Kaal' and set the goal of building a developed India by 2047, it needs to be ensured that affordable justice is provided to all strata of society. The Government is fully committed to achieving the objective, he said.The AFT was established in terms of Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007. It was inaugurated by the President of India on August 08, 2009. It was established to ensure speedy and inexpensive justice to Ex-Servicemen, their families and war-widows, besides the serving personnel of the Armed Forces.As on June 30, 2023, it has disposed of more than 74,000 cases out of total over 97,500 cases, keeping the disposal rate of about 76%.On the occasion, the first volume of 'AFT Law Journal' containing references answered by the AFT so far was also unveiled by the Raksha Mantri. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and AFT Chairman Justice Rajendra Menon were among those present on the occasion.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! British-Arab influencer Amjad Tahas tweet on hope in Kashmir goes viral Srinagar, August 5: On the eve of the anniversary of the amendment of Article 370 which removed special status for Jammu and Kashmir, British-Arab influencer, Amjad Taha, famed for his posts on "paradise on earth" visited the valley to see for himself what the current status of Kashmiris is like. British-Arab influencer Amjad Taha's tweet on hope in Kashmir goes viral After his visit, Taha said he felt "inspired" by India's peace measures that "signals hope" for future generations."Revisiting Indian Kashmir, I'm again inspired by India's peace measures there, prioritizing sustainable solutions over temporary ones. Despite past turmoil, the region now signals hope for future generations. Kashmir a land of incredible people and beauty," Taha posted on Twitter- which goes by X now.His post had several thousand likes and retweets.The social media influencer of British-Bahraini origin had earlier this May ahead of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar, highlighted the peaceful coexistence and mutual enjoyment of the diverse land by Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians in Kashmir, all of whom contribute to global innovation and development.https//twitter.com/amjadt25/status/1687457794272706561?s=20The British Arab influencer described the beauty of Kashmir as a "paradise on Earth," and said that this place has protected the Earth and may be the answer to climate change.Meanwhile, two-time Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor has praised the crucial role played by local Kashmiris and their "unwavering resilience" in preserving the "heavenly paradise.""Meet Jannat, a 7-year-old wonder, who tirelessly cleans and preserves the serenity of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Kudos to the local Kashmiris, whose unwavering resilience has played a crucial role in preserving the heavenly paradise," she posted on Twitter adding a short video clip of a young girl from Srinagar who is on a mission to keep the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar clean.https//twitter.com/guneetm/status/1687359448631717888?s=46&t=QcUjcte07kBCsdhKK45XmAThe girl who is identified as Jannat, has been taking out garbage from the lake since she was five.Today marks the fourth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 under which Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed special status in the Union of India. Along with the scrapping of the law, the erstwhile state was bifurcated into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.Notably, Article 370 -- which was a temporary provision as per the Indian Constitution providing special rights to the J-K region -- was scrapped by the current Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre.Ever since the abrogation of Article 370, infrastructure has grown at a rapid pace, and peace has been restored in the valley. Influencers and celebrity figures have further highlighted the rising public confidence in the region.Meawhile, Supreme Court has begun hearing petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! In 1977, workers building a highway in Maryland stumbled across an abandoned cemetery in the middle of a forest. The unmarked graves, it would later be determined, contained the remains of mostly women and children. The oldest dated back to the 18th century. The people buried there were Black workers enslaved at the Catoctin Furnace, an iron forge that once operated nearby. Now, in an unprecedented genealogical study, researchers have extracted the DNA from 27 of the cemeterys corpses, shedding new light on their histories, tracing their origins back to Africa, and identifying tens of thousands of present-day relatives, including nearly 3,000 direct descendants. The project is a major and unprecedented achievement in a country where Black people were not included in the national census until 1870, and rarely have any records of their ancestry. The vast majority of the 45 million Black Americans living in the United States are descended from the roughly half a million people who were taken from Africa and enslaved between the 16th and 19th centuries. The lack of ancestral records means that most African Americans do not know their specific family origins before the last third of the 19th century. Frederick Douglass, a Maryland slave who managed to escape, reunite with his wife, and devote the remainder of his free life to the cause of abolition, described the situation in 1855 in his memoirs. Slaves, he said, know as little about their age and origins as horses, and their masters took great care to keep it that way. Genealogical trees do not flourish among slaves, he wrote. The new study was made possible thanks to the support and involvement of various nonprofit associations, family members, experts in ancient DNA, and a massive gene database operated by the biotech company 23andMe, a veritable Google of genetics, with over 14 million users worldwide. A few years ago, the organizations that excavated the old cemetery near the Catoctin Furnace requested that the company search for people with genetic sequences that matched those of the 27 sets of human remains buried there between 1774 and 1850. The more DNA fragments that matched, the closer the descendants would be related. The results, published on Friday in the journal Science, tell a story that spans three centuries and three continents. Researchers analyzed the genomes of 9.2 million 23andMe customers in the US who had given permission for their results to be anonymized and used for research purposes. In the end, 41,779 descendants of the enslaved iron forge workers were identified. Among these, 2,975 had retained 0.4% of their ancestors DNA, meaning they are most likely direct descendants. The great-great-great-grandchildren of the enslaved Inigo Olalde, a geneticist at the University of the Basque Country and a co-author of the study, explains how, for many of the individuals identified, the level of genetic kinship is equivalent to one of the slaves being the father or mother of their great-great-grandfather or great-great-grandmother. In other cases, he says, the relationship is less direct, and they may have only shared a common ancestor, like a cousin. Olalde explains: Until now these kinds of studies were limited to DNA from living people and used only small databases; now, we have millions of people, which has allowed us to shed new light on the family history of modern-day African Americans. Unlike written records, DNA cannot be erased. At least five different families were buried in the cemetery near Catoctin Furnace. Most were women and children, including a mother in her thirties whose young son was buried on top of her shortly after her death. It is not known why so few men were buried there. Perhaps they were sold to other salve-owners, or were buried elsewhere. The skeletal remains unearthed from the cemetery retain the marks of a violent and abusive existence: back injuries from carrying heavy loads, dental issues, and extremely high levels of zinc from breathing smelting fumes. Genetic analysis shows that most of the enslaved people had descended through their paternal line, from men with English and Irish blood. This further corroborates historical claims that white masters raped or sexually subjugated enslaved women to produce offspring, according to the study. The DNA reveals that the people enslaved at the iron forge had originated from the Wolof and Mandinka peoples of modern-day Senegal and The Gambia, and Central Africas Kongo people. This is a level of precision that has not been achieved before, says Cristian Capelli, a professor of human evolution at the University of Oxford and the author of one of the most comprehensive studies on the genetic origins of enslaved people in the Americas. In his earlier studies, the lineage was more mixed, and corresponded mainly to the national origins and countries of operation of slave ships. In the case of Catoctin, we are probably dealing with a very compact group that had just arrived from Africa, he says. Judging by the places of origin, they most likely arrived aboard British slave ships. Current view of the Catoctin smelter, in the state of Maryland (United States). Cam Miller The Catoctin Furnace was fully operational as early as 1776. It employed some 270 enslaved workers who manufactured, among other things, some of the bombs used during Americas War of Independence against England. England had promised the slaves their freedom if it won the war, so after the fighting was over, the workers remained the property of their owners, who included George Washington, the first president of the United States. If the British had won the war and kept their word, African-American slaves could have been free 100 years earlier, or roughly five generations, geneticist Fatimah L. C. Jackson writes in a companion article to the study. It is disappointing, Jackson adds, that genetics related to chronic diseases in African Americans has yet to be analyzed, given that the demographic has higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes than other groups of European descent in the US. In the mid-19th century, the workers enslaved at the Catoctin Furnace were replaced by wage laborers of European descent. We do not know what happened to these workers after the transition, but the study reports that most of their modern-day descendants still live in the state of Maryland. Others joined a large migratory movement out of the state, and their direct relatives now live thousands of miles away, in southern California. Treated like animals Historian Elizabeth Comer is president of the Catoctin Historical Society and her mother, also a historian, was involved in cemetery excavations in the late 1970s. Comer has spent nearly 10 years compiling official, church and personal records in an attempt to identify descendants of people enslaved in Catoctin. So far, she has been able to connect two sets of descendants with names and surnames. The first are Crystal Emory and Steve Pilgrim, the white descendants of Robert Patterson, an African American who worked at the iron forge. On the other side are the Winston sisters and their mother, the direct, African-American descendants of Henson Summers, who began his life as a slave and ended it as a free man. My dream is to reconnect all of Catoctins descendants with their past, Comer explained in a telephone interview. Among the documents she recovered are 16 newspaper advertisements offering rewards for escaped Catoctin slaves. The men are simply identified as Negro Harry, Negro Len... and the advertisement describes them as if they were animals, referring to their hair, for example, as wool. A newspaper advertisement offering a reward for the apprehension of two escaped slaves. CFHS The study is so unprecedented that the repercussions of its findings remain unknown. The company 23andMe is currently considering if and how to inform its customers of their kinship with the ancestors buried in the Catoctin cemetery they may not want to know and is determining how to proceed in a manner consistent with privacy agreements and regulations. At the same time, the biotech company is also in the process of analyzing the genomes of already identified offspring, in order to provide them with the results. Eadaoin Harney, a geneticist at 23andMe, explains: Around 80% of our customers agree to have their genome used for research. That makes us the largest database of its kind in the world much larger than any public repository. In the future, we want to figure out how to connect more people to their origins. I am often asked, Frederick Douglas once wrote, how I felt when I first found myself in the free land... Few things in my experience have been able to give a more satisfying answer. A new world opened up to me. If life is more than breath and quick circulation of blood, then I have lived a day longer than a year in slavery. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan 2.0: Kolkata's Post Office gearing up for I-Day celebrations Kolkata, August 5: As the 76th Independence Day is around the corner, the General Post Office, Kolkata is gearing up for 'Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan 2.0' by selling the Tricolour for Rs 25 and spread the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of people. Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan 2.0: Kolkata's Post Office gearing up for I-Day celebrations The Government of India under the aegis of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav ' introduced the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' Campaign last year. The campaign was an immense success in 2022 where 23 crore households hoisted the Tiranga at their homes physically and six crore people uploaded selfies on HGT Website.This year, India Post is selling and facilitating the national flag through its 1.6 lakh post offices to celebrate 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, the government said earlier.Bidhan Chandra Roy, Chief Postmaster General, West Bengal, Sikkim and Andaman & Nicobar Islands circle told ANI that this year they aim to breach the last year's target of selling around 4.5 lakh national flags."In my circle area, West Bengal is the hub and focus for us. Last year around 4.5 lakhs flags were sold here. This year we are hoping this number to increase. We are ready for this initiative. In rural areas of Sikkim, Andaman and Bengal it is tough for people to buy flags. But this year we will try to take the Tricolour to remote areas," Roy said.He said that one can buy the national flag from his nearest post office and as well as online through the Post Office website epostoffice.gov.in.The post offices have also set up selfie points in an effort to raise awareness of the campaign.As part of Har Ghar Tirangan Abhiyan 2.0, the government has announced that citizens can buy national flags from their nearest post office for a nominal cost of Rs 25, like last year. This initiative aims to promote patriotism and national pride among citizens.People can place order flags by entering their mobile number and a one-time password. During the order placement, essential details such as name, address, mobile number, and the number of flags required will be required.A man who bought a Tricolour from the counter in GPO said that this is the second time he is purchasing a Tiranga, which is the country's pride."Tiranga is our pride. Last year also I bought a flag from here and this year too. This is a very good initiative by Government. This noble initiative serves as a reminder that the Indian Tricolour is not just a piece of cloth, but it represents the unity and diversity of the nation," he told ANI.Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his monthly radio programme-- Mann Ki Baat-- also urged the countrymen to continue the tradition of 'Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan' this year too.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! IMD forecasts rainfall across India, northeast to witness increased activity New Delhi, Aug 5: The India Meteorological Department on Saturday said that isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Uttarakhand, north Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during the next 4-5 days, while an increase in rainfall activity is expected over the northeast in the coming five days. IMD forecasts rainfall across India, northeast to witness increased activity In a bulletin released by the weather forecast agency, it said that in Northwest India, there is a forecast of light to moderate rainfall, scattered to fairly widespread, with isolated heavy rainfall.This is expected in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh from Saturday to August 9, in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana-Chandigarh on Saturday and Sunday, in Punjab, East Rajasthan, and Jammu on Saturday.Additionally, isolated very heavy rainfall is likely in East Uttar Pradesh from Sunday to August 8, and in Uttarakhand from Sunday to August 9.In Central India, there will be light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over East Madhya Pradesh, and heavy rainfall over West Madhya Pradesh, particularly on Saturday.The IMD further predicted that in East India, there will be light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, with isolated heavy rainfall in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar from Saturday to August 8, in Jharkhand on August 6 and 7, and in Gangetic West Bengal on August 7 and 8."Isolated very heavy rainfall is likely in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on August 7 and 8, and in Bihar till August 8," said the IMD.For the northeast, light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Manipur."West India will witness light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall, with the likelihood of continuation in Konkan, Goa and ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra over the next five days. There might be isolated heavy falls over ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra on Saturday and Sunday," said the IMD.In South India, subdued rainfall activity is expected over the region during the next five days.IANS05 August 2023 Shared Recently! For Dravidian parties, anti-Hindi protests a way to re-assert Tamil identity Chennai, Aug 5: Tamil Nadu, for time and again, has witnessed anti-Hindi agitations since the early 20th century and often these demonstrations have turned into mass protests carried out by student and political movements in the state. For Dravidian parties, anti-Hindi protests a way to re-assert Tamil identity The first such agitations in the state were carried in 1937 after Hindi teaching was made compulsory in the erstwhile Madras presidency by the first Congress government of the state led by C. Rajagopalchari.This move was opposed by E.V.S. Ramasamy Periyar or Thanthai Periyar considered as the father of the Dravidian movement.The major opposition party of those days, Justice Party also commenced its opposition to the imposition of Hindi teaching.The agitation continued for a period of three years and was multifaceted with conferences, fasts, protests on the streets and picketing. In the agitation that often turned violent, two protestors died and 1,198 people, including women and children, were arrested.The mandatory imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu was later withdrawn by the British Governor of Madras Presidency, Lord Erskine in February 1940 after the Congress government had resigned in 1939.After Independence, Hindi was made the official language of the country and English continuing as an associate official language for 15 years.This was to come into being on January 26, 1965 and when the day of switching over to Hindi as sole official language approached, agitations broke out in Tamil Nadu.On January 25, 1965 a full-scale riot broke out in Madurai. Meanwhile, riots also spread across Tamil Nadu for the next two months and were marked by violence, arson, looting, police firing and lathi charges.Paramilitary forces were called and in the ensuing shoot out 70 people lost their lives, including two policemen.The agitations came to an end after the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shashtri gave an assurance that English would continue as the official language as long as non-Hindi speaking states wanted.Interestingly, the riots of 1965 led to major political changes in the state and in the Assembly elections of 1967, the DMK government came to power and after this Congress could never return to power in the state of Tamil Nadu.In 1986, then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi introduced the new National Education Policy which led to the setting up up of Navodaya schools across the country.The DMK, which was in opposition then, stated that the Navodaya Schools would again lead to imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu.The AIADMK, led by actor-turned-politician M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), was in power and the DMK was in opposition.On November 17, 1986, the DMK called a major agitation and 20,000 party members, including M. Karunanidhi, was arrested.Karunanidhi, the former Chief Minister who was then the leader of opposition, was sentenced to rigorous punishment for 10 weeks.Twenty-one people died by self immolation and DMK members were expelled from the Assembly, including senior leader K. Anbahazhagan.Rajiv Gandhi assured the MPs from Tamil Nadu that Navodaya Schools would not be established in Tamil Nadu. Till this day, Tamil Nadu is the only state in India without a Navodaya school.The next bout of protests came in 2014 when the Union Home Ministry ordered that all government employees and officials of all ministries, departments, corporations or banks who have made official accounts on social networking sites should use Hindi or both Hindi and English.This faced stiff opposition from Tamil Nadu with then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa terming the move as being against the letter and spirit of the Official Language Act.She had also said that this would lead to disquiet to the people of Tamil Nadu who were very much passionate and proud about their linguistic heritage.The Chief Minister asked the Prime Minister to suitably modify the instructions to ensure that English was the language of communication on social media. The protests led to the continuing official use of English language.In 2022, the DMK youth wing announced stiff protests against the announcement by a parliamentary panel led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make Hindi the medium of instruction in central educational institutions.The DMK leaders said that the move was against the feelings of the non- Hindi speaking states and claimed that in all Union recruitment examinations, there was a recommendation to provide preference for Hindi over English.The leaders also said that this would lead to a situation wherein only people who knows Hindi alone participate in such tests.Chief Minister M.K. Stalin even warned the Central government to remember the old days of anti- Hindi agitation carried out in Tamil Nadu and said that the government would learn lessons from the anti-Hindi agitations of the past.Stalin has said that the DMK was not against any language but imposing Hindi on a society would be stiffly opposed.The Chief Minister said that the Central government was trying to impose Hindi and the DMK will try to raise the issue again in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections if there is any move on the part of the government of India to foist Hindi.Dr R. Aravindan, a social scientist and retired professor in political science from Tiruchy, told IANS "Tamil identity is different which the policy makers must first understand. We are not against Hindi but against the forceful imposition of the language which we will never accept."Tamil Nadu will oppose any move from the Central government to impose Hindi on the people of our state and for that all the Dravidian parties are in unison."IANS05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Two cheetahs - Tejas & Suraj died of infection: Minister Bhopal, Aug 5: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday said that two cheetahs -- Tejas and Suraj, died at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park due to infection.A . 'Two cheetahs - Tejas & Suraj died of infection': Minister The Forest and Environment Minister said that the cheetahs developed infections due to heavy rains.Yadav, however, said that even as infections were noticed, wildlife officials along with Namibian cheetah experts were working to resolve the issue.The minister's statement, though, was different from what the Centre and National Tiger Conservation Authority of India (NTCA) had stated earlier.The nodal agency of the ambitious 'Project Cheetah' and the Centre have so for maintained that Tejas and Suraj died a natural death, and denied all speculation and other media reports.The minister said "We are committed to make this project successful. It is a long project wherein cheetahs would be trans-located from the overseas countries every year. The experts are working to find out a solution to the problem of infection causing death of cheetahs at Kuno."He further claimed the cheetah management team is engaged in this project with full seriousness, and worried about making the project successful, so that the cheetahs can be translocated every year.As many as nine cheetahs have died so far at KNP. Namibian female feline Dhatri was the latest casualty.A female Cheetah, Sasha, was the first to die on March 27 due to a kidney ailment.Subsequently, Uday passed away on April 23 due to cardio-pulmonary failure while Daksha, another female cheetah, lost her life on May 9.Two Cheetah cubs also succumbed to "extreme weather conditions and dehydration" on May 25.Tejas died on July 11 while Suraj died on July 14.IANS05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Smart wearable devices revolutionise blood pressure control New Delhi, Aug 5: Technology is revolutionising blood pressure control, empowering individuals to monitor and manage their BP more effectively. Smart wearable devices revolutionise blood pressure control Smart wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, now include blood pressure monitoring features, providing real-time data and tracking trends over time.According to health experts, these devices offer convenience and accessibility, promoting regular monitoring and early detection of any anomalies."Mobile applications and digital health platforms complement wearables by enabling users to record and analyse their BP readings, offering personalised insights and actionable recommendations. This integration fosters better self-awareness and encourages proactive lifestyle changes to improve overall cardiovascular health," Dr Mukesh Goel, Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic and Heart Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, told IANS.Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring have also emerged as valuable tools in BP management.Patients can consult healthcare professionals virtually, receive personalised guidance, and have their BP remotely monitored, enhancing care accessibility and convenience, especially for those in remote areas."With technology's continuous advancements, data-driven approaches and AI algorithms are being explored to predict and prevent blood pressure fluctuations and potential complications," said Goel.These innovations promise a future where precision medicine and personalised interventions can optimise blood pressure control and promote better cardiovascular outcomes.However, it's essential to strike a balance between technological reliance and professional medical advice to ensure safe and effective blood pressure management, advised health experts.US engineers recently developed a simple, low-cost clip that uses a smartphone's camera and flash to monitor blood pressure at the user's fingertip.The clip, developed by a team at the University of California San Diego, works with a custom smartphone app and currently costs about 80 cents to make. The researchers estimate that the cost could be as low as 10 cents apiece when manufactured at scale.The technology, published in the journal Scientific Reports, can help make regular blood pressure monitoring easy, affordable, and accessible to people in resource-poor communities. It could benefit older adults and pregnant women, for example, in managing conditions such as hypertension."Because of their low cost, these clips could be handed out to anyone who needs them but cannot go to a clinic regularly," said Edward Wang, Professor of electrical and computer engineering at UC San Diego."A blood pressure monitoring clip could be given to you at your checkup, much like how you get a pack of floss and toothbrush at your dental visit," he added.To measure blood pressure, the user simply presses on the clip with a fingertip. A custom smartphone app guides the user on how hard and long to press during the measurement.The researchers tested the clip on 24 volunteers from the UC San Diego Medical Center. Results were comparable to those taken by a blood pressure cuff.According to Dr (Maj Gen) Susheel Kumar Malani, HoD, Cardiology, DPU Private Super Specialty Hospital in Pimpri, Pune, the proper control of blood pressure requires regular self-monitoring by the patient and also by the treating doctor."There are various gadgets available for self-blood-pressure monitoring at home that are quite reliable. These are digital blood-pressure measuring instruments that use an oscillometric method to record your blood pressure," Dr Malani told IANS.It is important for patients to understand that these real-time blood pressure records should be maintained in writing in order to show them to the doctor as and when required.There are 24-hour ambulatory monitors available these days for patients whose blood pressure is not very well controlled despite good medication or keeps fluctuating irregularly at various times a day."Also, there are various AI-backed blood pressure-analysing instruments available that help the patient monitor blood pressure along with other key vitals. It can be done through wearable tech and applications that map the vitals," said Dr Malani.na/shaIANS05 August 2023 Shared Recently! UP Govt formulates strategy to elevate the agriculture sector to realise USD 1 trillion economy goal Lucknow, August 5: Uttar Pradesh's Yogi government has formulated a strategy to position the agricultural sector as a core industry in the state in order to realise the 1 trillion dollar economy goal. UP Govt formulates strategy to elevate the agriculture sector to realise USD 1 trillion economy goal In a recent meeting of the Chief Secretary with representatives from the World Bank, the state's rapid advancements in the field of agriculture were presented, shedding light on the prospects in the sector.Deloitte India, which is working as a consultant to the government to achieve the goal of making Uttar Pradesh a one trillion dollar economy, presented before World Bank representatives how agriculture will play a pivotal role in achieving the ambitious target.Over the past 6 years under CM Yogi's leadership, several new innovations have been introduced in the agricultural sector, resulting in noticeable improvements in agricultural productivity. The state now leads in wheat production and holds the second position in rice production, and a diverse range of crops are also being cultivated in the state.Furthermore, the power of innovation within agriculture is being harnessed, paving the way for advanced agricultural techniques to become the foundation of future farming. As per the CM's intention, the adoption of high-tech agricultural investments is not only attracting attention but also increasing public interest in this field.According to a government release, the strategy devised for agriculture has been divided into two main segments. The first segment pertains to crops and crop processing, while the second segment is related to dairy, poultry, and fisheries.Under the first segment, which covers crops and crop processing, strategies have been formulated for improving crop yields through the creation of seed parks and agri-junctions. This approach will raise awareness about modern farming practices among people, the release said.Furthermore, efforts will be made in mission mode to promote cultivation of pulses, sesame, millet, and maize. Agricultural mechanization, involving the use of machinery in farming, has also received significant emphasis."Besides, there is a strong focus on partnerships with as many start-ups as possible to enhance the use of technology in agriculture. This involves activities such as crop mapping and transforming raw food materials from fields to consumers into ready-to-eat food products, giving priority to all associated processes. Additionally, post-harvest development of fundamental structures has also been prioritized. Efforts will be directed at minimizing post-harvest losses, improving agricultural logistics, and reducing paperwork", the release stated.The release further said that emphasis has also been laid on working out a strategy for improvement in the dairy, poultry and fisheries segments. In line with this, efforts are being directed towards improving dairy production.The aim is to increase the average milk yield from 4.2 kilograms per day to 5 kilograms per day. Additionally, there will be a focus on breed improvement, semen technology, feed, and animal care.Similarly, for enhancing fish farming and fish productivity, a strategy has been formulated to increase the utilization of water resources, promote quality seeds and feed, and advance shrimp farming.The strategy also includes increasing the production of quality seeds and feed, and enhancing shrimp farming. Furthermore, a strategy has been developed to expand poultry production, with a focus on clusters, feed management, and increasing egg production, it added.ANI05 August 2023 Shared Recently! Without content moderators, there would be no Facebook. I assure you that if the content moderators werent there, you wouldnt spend a single minute on those platforms you cannot imagine the amount of toxic, dirty, unbearable content thats published. From Nairobi the capital of Kenya this is how Nathan Nkunzimana describes the hidden side of social media. An enormous number of publications get caught in the content moderation filter, making the face of these platforms at least minimally tolerable. For the past two years, Nkunzimana has been one of the anonymous pawns in that final line of defense, moderating content for much of sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout the workday and virtually without interruption a group of people like him have to view and filter out all kinds of aberrations, including extremely violent video footage that get posted online. The conditions in which theyve been carrying out this work led them to form a union: African Content Moderators. This is one of the first unions in this sector created in the world. It was set up with support from the Kenyan Communications Workers Union (COWU). Ridiculously-low salaries, unfair dismissals, exploitation and psychological problems derived from the tasks were all factors that justified the labor struggle. This past May 1, more than 150 content moderators and data taggers working for Facebook, ChatGPT and TikTok gathered at a Nairobi hotel to share their experiences and concerns. They also met to take a definitive step: agreeing on a constitution for the union. Benson Okwaro a veteran trade unionist and general secretary of COWU acknowledges that many global companies dont like unions in their offices, but notes that local laws do recognize the right of workers to freely organize. However, he highlights the difficulties involved in this, as these large firms dont have formal headquarters in the countries where they employ workers, as they try to avoid national legislation. This is why we need to be united and look for joint solutions now, Okwaro emphasizes. In February of 2019, Meta announced the opening of the first Facebook content review center in sub-Saharan Africa, in Nairobi, as part of its continued investment in that part of the African continent and its commitment to security on the platform. In the same publication (which was posted on Facebook), the firm assured that it would do all of this in collaboration with Samasource. However, it was the American company Sama that formally hired the moderators. Okwaro explains that Sama was a subcontractor. Nkunzimana and the rest of the moderators allege that their main employer was Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. They hold this conglomerate responsible for their working conditions. Daniel Motaung a South African employee of Sama already tried to organize his colleagues during the first summer of Metas sub-Saharan expansion, with a union calling itself The Alliance (which never came to fruition). This attempt at mobilization was stifled. Disgruntled workers were called to order, Motaung was immediately suspended and, a few weeks later, he was fired. This former Facebook moderator unleashed a storm when, in February of 2022, he told his story to Time magazine and revealed the working conditions in the Nairobi offices, where social media content for East Africa was being reviewed: The work we do is a kind of mental torture. After this revelation, different legal processes were opened: first, Motaung sued Meta and Sama for labor exploitation and union repression. This subsequently triggered a cascade of lawsuits and media scandals, exposing the low salaries of data taggers hired by the same company to fix the toxicity of ChatGPT. Following these problems, Sama resigned from its contract with Meta (replaced by Majorel) in January of this year and announced that it was shutting down operations. This triggered new, more discreet mobilizations. Employees denounced their dismissals before the courts, claiming that they had been let go while attempting to establish a union. In April of 2021, Nathan Nkunzimana started working for Sama as a content moderator. During the average workday, he would review between 1,500 and 2,000 social media publications. Based on a quick analysis, he had to decide whether to delete a post, leave it be, or send it to another point for review. This Burundian citizen who arrived in Kenya 12 years ago to complete his studies explains what was included among the content: Sexual harassment, child abuse, sexual activities... that happens on social media and it happens live. There are terrorist groups that kill people in broad daylight and try to distribute [the footage] publicly on those platforms. He himself acknowledges that this exposure has caused him social, psychological and personal problems. There were days when I came home and had the feeling that I didnt feel anything, he sighs, having to carry that weight while supporting his wife and three children. In addition to the harshness of the content, moderators had to face working conditions that aggravated the situation. You couldnt talk to anyone about it, because there was a confidentiality clause. You couldnt even share with your partner what you were going through the nature of the job [is that it] destroys your personal life. It was frustrating, he laments. To this was added the pressure of productivity: If, in one week, you didnt reach the required metrics, the next [week] you would receive an email warning you that you werent meeting the objectives. The programs controlled how much time you spent on each piece of content. You couldnt take your eyes off the screen all day. It took two or three seconds from the moment you clicked on a publication until the machine placed another one for you to review. It didnt give you a moment of calm even taking a minute to go to the bathroom meant a problem with your supervisor. The icing on the cake was that, the moment in which Sama announced the cessation of activities, the moderators immediately stopped receiving their salaries, despite the fact that they had long denounced the irregularity of payment. 90% of content moderators are foreigners. What we have experienced during the process is very hard spending three months without receiving a salary, in a country that isnt yours. You cannot pay the rent, you cannot buy food, Nkuzimana explains. Cori Crider co-director of Foxglove, a British organization that is supporting the workers in this process adds that this situation forces [the content moderators] to continue accepting insecure jobs to remain in [Kenya], despite the serious risk to their mental health. Moderators have resorted to crowdfunding, so that they can support their families as the legal fight unfolds. This Burundian moderator says that the text content was forwarded to other offices, but the system sent the images and videos to our offices in Africa. As a result of other complaints in other content moderation centers, certain firms have obtained psychological support for their employees, but these conditions have not been the norm. The situation in this content moderation center is especially bad, because the remuneration is usually extremely low: around $2 or $3 per hour. Just 260 moderators worked in the Nairobi hub, responsible for reviewing content for the eastern and southern African region about 500 million people. The result is an appalling workload, explains Cori Crider. We have the legitimacy to convince these big technology companies that they have a responsibility to regularize our working conditions. A content moderator in Africa is earning $500 or $600 [per month]. It gives you enough to pay the rent and the bare minimum you need to live, because life here [in Nairobi] is very expensive. The same goes for psychological support. When we have demanded it, weve received messages [from management that try to] frighten us: If you continue like this, you will end up going home, Nkuzimana explains. Those who run Sama have declined to answer questions from EL PAIS. Siasa Place is a Kenyan youth organization that has also covered the mobilization of content moderators. Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, the director, emphasizes that some Big Tech companies are taking advantage everywhere, but especially in the Global South. There are a number of gaps when it comes to policies, such as data protection or the working conditions of employees. An unequal fight with the tech giants For his part, Nkuzimana makes it clear: Our request is that our human, constitutional and labor rights be respected we only ask for that. He also demands that the platforms take responsibility for the people who moderate content. We are more than moderators we are the soldiers who sacrifice to make communities safe. But the companies that manage these communities do not take care of the people who protect them. Meanwhile, over the course of several trials, the courts have handed down encouraging rulings for employees. Meta attempted to avoid a legal complaint because it doesnt have a corporate residence in Kenya, but the court rejected this argument. In the same way, another judge forced Meta to suspend its contract with Majorel Samas replacement company until the fate of former employees is decided on. Veteran unionist Benson Okwaro says that Kenyan laws are very worker-friendly. And for Foxgloves Cori Crider, companies like Facebook, Google and TikTok are some of the most powerful in the world, with almost unlimited resources. It takes incredible bravery to face them with collective power alone. Nerima Wako-Ojiwa approaches this situation as being key to a future model for organzing: There are many questions about unions and labor rights, especially regarding virtual work and national labor laws. These are questions that countries will have to begin to answer. As tech companies continue to grow, the way people work and interact with them will require legal responses. Many large companies evade responsibilities or taxes by resorting to third-party companies. This activist insists on the particularities of the African continent: Definitely, [the fight waged by] content moderators is an unequal fight but thats the future of work and its here to stay. We have to have decent work for people. These are things that the ministries and private companies will have to sit down at the table to negotiate. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 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. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 82F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy this evening then becoming foggy and damp after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Cloudy this evening then becoming foggy and damp after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Many Americans really want to lose weight and a new poll shows nearly half of adults would be interested in taking a prescription drug to help them do so. At the same time, enthusiasm dims sharply if the treatment comes as an injection, if it is not covered by insurance, or if the weight is likely to return after discontinuing treatment, a new nationwide KFF poll found. Those findings display the enthusiasm for a new generation of pricey weight loss drugs hitting the market and illustrate possible stumbling blocks, as users potentially must deal with weekly self-injections, lack of insurance coverage, and the need to continue the medications indefinitely. For example, interest dropped to 14% when respondents were asked if they would still consider taking prescription medications if they knew they could regain weight after stopping the drugs. One way to interpret that finding is "people want to lose a few pounds but don't want to be on a drug for the rest of their life," said Ashley Kirzinger, KFF's director of survey methodology. The monthly poll reached out to 1,327 U.S. adults. The U.S. represents a large market for drugmakers who want to sell weight loss prescriptions: An estimated 42% of the population is classified as obese, according to a controversial metric known as BMI, or body mass index. In the KFF poll, 61% said they were currently trying to lose weight, although only 4% were taking a prescription medication to do so. That gap between the 4% taking any kind of prescription weight loss treatment and the number of Americans deemed overweight or obese is the sweet spot drugmakers are targeting for the new drugs, which include several diabetes treatments repurposed as weight loss drugs. The drugs have attracted much attention, both in mainstream publications and broadcasts and on social media, where they are often touted by celebrities and other influencers. Demand jumped and supplies have become limited. About 7 in 10 adults had heard at least "a little" about the new drugs, according to the survey. The newer treatments include Wegovy, a slightly higher dose of Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, and Mounjaro, an Eli Lilly diabetes treatment for which the company is currently seeking FDA approval as a weight loss drug. Weight loss with these injectable drugs surpasses those of earlier generations of weight loss medications. But they are also costlier than previous drugs. The monthly costs of the drugs set by the drugmakers can range from $900 to more than $1,300. At, say, a wholesale price tag of $1,350, the tab per person could top $323,000 over 20 years. The drugs appear to work by mimicking a hormone that helps decrease appetite. Still, like all drugs, they come with side effects, which can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. More serious side effects include the risk of a type of thyroid cancer, inflammation of the pancreas, or low blood sugar. Health officials in Europe are investigating reports that the drugs may result in other side effects like suicidal thoughts. The KFF survey found that 80% of adults thought insurers should cover the new weight loss drugs for those diagnosed as overweight or obese. Just over half wanted it covered for anyone who wanted to take it. Half would still support insurance coverage even if doing so could increase everyone's monthly premiums. Still, 16% of those surveyed said they would be interested in a weight loss prescription even if their insurance did not cover it. In practice, coverage for the new treatments varies, and private insurers often peg coverage to patients' BMI, a ratio of height to weight. Medicare specifically bars coverage for drugs for "anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain," although it pays for bariatric surgery. "Unfortunately, a lot of insurers have not caught up to the idea of recognizing obesity as a disease," said Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Employers and insurers must consider the potential costs of covering the drugs for enrollees perhaps for them to use indefinitely against the potential savings associated with losing weight, such as a lower chance of diabetes or joint problems. Stanford said the drugs are not a miracle cure and do not work for everyone. But for those who benefit, "it can be significantly life-altering in a positive way," she said. It's not surprising, she added, that the drugs may need to be taken long term, as "the idea that there is a quick fix" doesn't reflect the complexity of obesity as a disease. While the drugs currently on the market are injectables, some drugmakers are developing oral weight loss drugs, although it is unclear whether the prices will be the same or less than the injectable products. Still, many experts predict that a lot of money will be spent on weight loss products in the coming years. In a recent report, Morgan Stanley analysts called obesity "the new hypertension" and predicted industry revenue from U.S. sales of obesity drugs could rise from a current $1.6 billion annually to $31.5 billion by 2030. Punjab and Sind Bank on Saturday, August 5, reported a 25.37 per cent decline in its net profit to Rs 153 crore for the April-June 2023 quarter, compared with the Rs 205 crore reported a year ago. The state-owned banks asset quality, however, improved, with its gross NPA declining to 6.8 per cent of the total advances, from 11.34 per cent a year ago. On a year-on-year basis also, there is a significant decline in the net profit of 66 per cent from Rs 456.99 crore recorded in the quarter ended March 2023. The bank on Saturday also announced that it will enter the mutual fund business, and the partner for that is expected to be finalised by September. Punjab and Sind Banks MD Swarup Kumar Saha said the business is likely to be started from Q3. Punjab & Sindh Banks interest income rose 28 per cent to Rs 2,315.7 crore during Q1FY24 from Rs 1,800.4 crore a year ago. Sequentially, the interest earnings rose 10 per cent from Rs 2,104.9 during the quarter ending March 2023. The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is gearing up to release the admit cards for the Bihar Teacher Recruitment Examination 2023. With a staggering number of vacancies available, this examination presents a significant opportunity for aspiring teachers in the state. Here are all the essential details for candidates planning to apply and appear for the examination. The online application process commenced on June 15, providing interested individuals with an opportunity to register for the coveted positions. The initial deadline for applications was July 12, but the BPSC extended it to July 15, allowing aspirants more time to complete the process. For candidates eager to secure their admit cards, the good news is that the BPSC will make them available on August 15. These admit cards will serve as an entry ticket for the examination, which is scheduled to be held on August 24, 25, 26, and 27, 2023. Aspirants can access the official website of BPSC at https://bpsc.bih.nic.in/ to download their admit cards. The candidates who have already applied have an age limit specified for the positions. For unreserved male applicants, the maximum age limit is 37 years, while for SC/ST candidates, it is 42 years. Its important to be aware of the application fees as well. SC/ST, female, and disabled candidates had paid a fee of Rs 200, whereas other candidates paid Rs 750. The total number of vacancies available for the teaching positions stands at an impressive 1,70,461. These openings are for teachers who will be responsible for classes 1 and between 9-12. To download the admit card, candidates can follow these simple steps: Visit the official BPSC website at https://bpsc.bih.nic.in/ Navigate to the Admit Card" hyperlink and click on it. Enter the application number and password provided during the application process. Click the Download Admit Card" button to access and save the admit card. Make sure to print a copy for examination day. The examination will consist of two parts: a written test and an interview. The written exam will comprise two papers: a language paper and a general studies paper. Candidates must prepare for languages like English, Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali. The general studies paper will encompass topics such as elementary mathematics, mental ability test, general awareness, general science, social science, Indian national movements, geography, and environment. The written exam will last for four hours and will be conducted in an MCQ format. Those who qualify the written test will progress to the interview stage, where they will have an opportunity to showcase their abilities and expertise in their chosen field. I confess: I havent looked at the sky very much. This actually is not so rare there are many professional astrophysicists who are not very fond of looking through a lens or an amateur telescope camera: we go straight to writing commands on a computer and seeing images on DS9 (one of the most used professional programs for astrophysical image visualization). Then there are the astrophysicists who got into this after looking at the starry sky one night in August and enjoying one of the astronomical spectacles that occur sporadically; thanks in part to this repetition, these phenomena teach us a lot about what the universe is like and where we came from. In a few days we will be able to witness two of these spectacles which invite us to look at the skies. One of the great astronomical events of this summer is the opposition of Saturn, which will take place on August 27. This phenomenon occurs when Saturn, the Earth and the Sun are aligned almost in a straight line, with our planet between the two celestial bodies, the Sun facing one side and Saturn the opposite. It is one of the best moments to observe the most beautiful planet, because its distance from Earth is at a minimum. However, this minimum distance is not always the same; it depends on the year. You will need a telescope to be able to watch Saturns rings well. Before that, an astronomical event that is best observed without binoculars or a telescope will occur: the Perseid meteor shower. For a few days now, the Earth has been passing, in its annual journey, through the trail of material left by a comet known as 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The densest of that cloud of debris will occur sometime around August 12, and we will be crossing it on August 24. First, some useful information: there will be a crescent moon on that date, and the new moon is on August 16, so 2023 will be a very favorable year to watch the great summer meteor shower. You have to look towards the constellation of Perseus, which will appear before the Moon at about midnight; it will be visible all night long, remaining above the Andromeda galaxy, which is well worth observing with binoculars. Now some astrophysical data: what we see every year are particles from a cloud left behind by Comet 109P. The P in the names of the comets means that they are periodic; that is, that they have a closed orbit. They travel from the outer zones of the Solar System to the inner ones in periods of less than 200 years. The 109P was discovered in July 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace Parnell Tuttle (hence its name). It has only come close to us twice since it was identified as a comet; the second time and the last, so far was in 1992. The third will be in 2125 and perhaps someone who has already been born will be able to enjoy it. It comes closest to the Sun very close to our orbit and then it goes away, past Pluto (which is 50 times farther from the Sun than Earth). Apparently, the Chinese had already observed this celestial object 23 centuries ago; there is a document (from a Jesuit in China, dated 1737) that mentions a comet that could be this one. Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle is unique in several respects. Almost twice the size of the famous Halleys Comet, it has a highly inclined orbit, that is, very far from the plane in which all the planets move (with fairly small deviations). That plane is known as the ecliptic. If we consider the plane of the ecliptic and the line that joins a body with the Sun at its maximum distance from the plane, we can define the orbital inclination. An inclination of 0 degrees implies that the body moves in the plane of the ecliptic (that is what the Earth does, because its orbit is precisely the one that defines the ecliptic). A 90 degree tilt implies that the orbit is perpendicular to the ecliptic (said to pass through the ecliptic poles). The 109P/Swift-Tuttle has a tilt of almost 114 degrees. This angle greater than 90 degrees means that its orbit is retrograde: it revolves around the Sun in the opposite direction to that of the planets. Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle only produces one meteor shower each year, while there are others (such as Halleys) that produce two annual showers, because their orbit intersects that of the Earth at two points. A long-exposure photograph taken during a night of shooting stars in Saint- Cergue, Switzerland. SALVATORE DI NOLFI (EFE) It is noteworthy that, despite its rather long period, its great inclination and its retrograde orbit, this comet still passes very close to Earth. It is estimated that in 2126 it will pass through the vicinity of Earths orbit at the end of July, just 15 days before the Earth passes through roughly the same area, so hopefully the calculations are accurate, because otherwise we will need a hero a la Bruce Willis in Armageddon (1998). However, the calculations are indeed comforting: they indicate that there is no danger that both orbits will coincide in the following millennia. Where does Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle come from? Has it been there since the beginning of the Solar System? What is its destiny (and ours)? We dont have concrete answers, but the comets we have discovered teach us a lot about our origins. There must be a large number of icy objects (which is what comets are) beyond at least 50 times Plutos orbit: between 2,000 and 100,000 times the distance between the Sun and Earth, in what is known as the Oort cloud, which has not been directly observed. In our beginnings, these objects were swept out of the inner parts of the Solar System by Jupiter, perhaps around the same time that the Earth could have received the water of our oceans. Some comets can have very elongated (eccentric) orbits that bring them closer from that deep space to Earth orbit over periods of millennia. Others may remain in the Oort cloud with stable orbits, and we will never see them approach. And others could be disturbed by nearby massive objects (such as the hypothetical Planet X) and be redirected towards the inner Solar System with open orbits: they will pass by and never return. Some of these may interact with other celestial bodies (especially Jupiter) and end up having a closed orbit, with shorter periods. This last type of comet periodic should not last very long (on astronomical scales), because comets lose mass, especially when they pass through the closest point to the Sun. For example, Halleys will disappear in a few millennia. The fate of these comets (the P type) is to evaporate or collide with another celestial body, as was the case of Comet Shoemaker-Levy, which collided with Jupiter in 1994. That may be our fate. Perhaps at some point we will come across a type C comet (not periodic, but with an open orbit, which can reach higher speeds), as in the movie Dont Look Up (2021). May the mention of that apocalyptic fiction serve as an invitation to enjoy the skies, the shooting stars and the rest of the summer worlds, and as a reminder that they will not be there forever. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The government has reinstated the seats on the condition that the colleges receive the appropriate no-objection certifications or permissions from the authorised authorities. 9,000 engineering seats from the final seat matrix have been reinstated. The Karnataka government reinstated 9,000 engineering seats from the final seat matrix a day after the state higher education department advised the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) to remove them due to irregularities by several colleges. If the judgement is reversed, the same number of seats will become available for allotment once more, as per reports. KEA had removed up to 9,000 KCET engineering seats from colleges and institutions. Seats from MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, RV University, and Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering were among those available. On August 4, Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar met with representatives of the Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association and senior education authorities, and the decision was made. Sudhakar, after conversations with private institutions, has agreed to limit the surge in admission fees for government seats to 7 per cent, after it was raised by 10 per cent for engineering programmes. Director of the KEA, S Ramya, stated that the government has reinstated the seats on the condition that the colleges receive the appropriate no-objection certifications or permissions from the authorised authorities. Previously, roughly 90 colleges gained approval for new engineering programmes from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) without going through the government. According to the protocol, VTU must send a Local Inquiry Committee (LIC) to colleges to investigate and approve the courses. Following clearance from the All India Council of Technical Education, the government must grant a NOC (no-objection certificate). However, many of the colleges did not have the LIC report, hence the government declined to provide a NOC. The option admission procedure for all professional programmes, including medical, dentistry, and engineering degree programmes, will begin on August 5. While the deadline for option submissions is August 9. The KEA has made it possible for all courses to have choice entry at the same time. Candidates who have completed their offline document verification process and have UGCET 23 evaluation slips should use the same secret key for option entry of medical courses if they are eligible for admission to medical courses by completing the registration process for UGNEET 23. All private schools in Uttar Pradesh will be closed on August 8, 2023. The initiative is taken by all the private schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE and UP Board in the state to show solidarity against arrest of Azamgarh School principal. The decision is taken by the Unaided Private School Association meeting. However, it is worth noting that UP Government has not ordered any official holiday on August 8, 2023. The government schools in UP will work normally. Further it is advised to the parents whose wards are studying in UP private schools to contact school authorities for more updates on the closure. The decision comes in the backdrop after the arrest of a school principal and teacher in Azamgarh. The duo was arrested when a girl from their school jumped off the school building on Monday and died. The information was shared by Anil Agarwal, president of Unaided Private School Association, UP. The parents of the deceased girl alleged that their daughter took the extreme step after getting harassed by the teacher and the principal. The Unaided Private School Association in a press release said that parents of the deceased girls are not listening anything and they threaten them to file an FIR on a slightest issue. If a student takes any wrong step, the entire blame falls on the school management or on the principal or the teacher, said the association in the press release. The girls father reported the two to the police on Monday night, saying they had been ill-treating" his daughter and had made her feel ashamed in front of those around her. According to authorities, more investigation is ongoing, and decisions will be made based on the available data. A panel of doctors performed the autopsy, and the event was recorded on camera, according to Anurag Arya, Superintendent of Police in Azamgarh. Arya promised that the inquiry would be conducted scientifically and that anybody found guilty would face punishment. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) Earlier reports had claimed that Bigg Boss OTT 2 host, Salman Khan lost nearly three million followers after he slammed YouTuber Elvish Yadav for his derogatory comments on co-contestant Bebika Dhurve. After the episode aired on July 29, a screenshot of the actors past" and present" Instagram follower count went viral. While talking to the media recently, Rakhi Sawant addressed this incident, showing major support for Salman. Rakhi said, Aap jo Elvish Yadav ko support kar rahe ho, uske liye salute hai (I salute you for supporting Elvish). Lekin, Salman Khan ke followers gir rahe hain (But Salman Khan is losing followers), unko toh main" Rakhi then pretended to kick those who were unfollowing Salman. Bilkul nahi, khabardaar. Jab tak suraj chand rahega, Salman Khan, aapka aur aapke followers ka naam rahega (No, beware. Salman Khan will remain popular till the Sun and the moon exist)," she said. Rakhi then told the paparazzi, Oye, Im a Hollywood star. Band kar (Oh, Im a Hollywood star. Stop this now)." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) The Quint had done a fact-check on this claim and found it to be false. According to their report, Salman Khan did not lose three million followers on Instagram. Instead, since the episode aired, the actor has been gaining new followers every day. The report claimed that during that weekend, Salman had gained over 40,000 followers and lost only 829. While the screenshot claimed that Salman used to have 66 million followers on the social media platform, Quint reported that this was never the case. At the time of publishing their report, the superstar had 63.7 million followers. The actors current follower count on the platform stands at 63.8 million. The false claim was made viral by Elvishs fans who were upset with Salman after seeing the YouTuber break into tears on the episode. Keith Sequeira and Rochelle Rao recently announced that they are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. Bigg Boss 9 couple who have captured hearts with their love story shared the good news on social media. Amidst the whirlwind of congratulatory messages, Rochelle Rao has now shared an enchanting video clip from her beachside maternity photoshoot. The captivating footage showcases Rochelle in a resplendent pink ensemble, gracefully posing against the backdrop of the sun-kissed shoreline. The location of the photoshoot holds a deep significance for Rochelle, as she reminisces about her past iconic shoots on the very same beach. Her caption reads, Unplanned Beach Barbie & Ken Moment! Some of my best memories have been on this beach, and my most iconic shoots have been on the beach." The post is a heartfelt homage to cherished moments and milestones in her life. Rochelle went on to express her gratitude to the photographer and her husband Keith Sequeira for bringing her creative vision to life. Fans and followers flooded the comment section with messages of love and congratulations. The captivating visuals and Rochelles radiant glow drew admirers, with one fan commenting, Beautiful pictures," and another sharing their sentiments, Lovely photography! Congratulations to the mommy and daddy!" The outpouring of love extended to concerns for Rochelles well-being, with a fan adding, Congratulations Maam. Please take care and stay safe." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rochelle Rao Sequeira (@rochellerao) On August 2, Bigg Boss 9 couple delighted their fans and followers with the heartwarming news. Referring to their future baby as an incredible gift, Keith Sequeira and Rochelle Rao humbly asked for blessings from everyone. Alongside this heartwarming message, they unveiled a series of snapshots from their enchanting maternity shoot, where the couple donned matching shades of pink while gracefully posing by the seaside. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keith Sequeira (@keithsequeira) Keith and Rochelle first crossed paths in a church group and their romance took off from there. However, it was their joint appearance on Bigg Boss 9 that truly brought their relationship into the limelight. Many people perceived their romantic relationship as a publicity stunt. However, in 2018, Keith proposed to Rochelle, and the couple tied the knot in the Maldives. However, like any couple, Keith and Rochelle faced their share of trials. In 2021, they chose to seek guidance from a marriage counsellor to navigate the challenges in their marriage. Keith later revealed that the counselling had a positive impact on their relationship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation of 508 redeveloped railway stations across the country on Sunday, said Union Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in an interview with CNN-News18 on Saturday. This project marks the governments master plan," which strategically looks ahead for the next 50 years, he said. There is a master plan in place for the redevelopment of railway stations," he said. The focus of this redevelopment initiative is to ensure that the upgraded stations can serve the needs of passengers for the next 50 years," he added. The project aims to achieve multimodal development," Vaishnaw said. The Union Minister said the redevelopment plan for railway stations has been formulated by incorporating ideas from people, particularly students. Over three lakh students have actively participated and provided their inputs on how they envision the future of India and, more specifically, the future of Indian Railways," he said. The Railway Minister said the process of redeveloping railway stations is a complex exercise, requiring meticulous planning and execution. The aim is to ensure that it aligns with the best planning practices, he added. He highlighted that these transformations must take place without causing disruptions to the operational processes of rail travel. He also mentioned the launch of the governments Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The ambitious scheme that plans to redevelop 1,309 stations across the country will entail a cost of over Rs 24,470 crores, according to a PMO statement. Prime Minister will lay the foundation for 34 stations in Madhya Pradesh and 21 in Telangana, both of which are soon going to polls this year. Additionally, 49 stations in Bihar and 44 in Maharashtra will also undergo redevelopment. Jammu and Kashmir will witness the redevelopment of three stations, including Budgam, Jammu Tawi and Udhampur. Railway Minister Vaishnaw will participate virtually in the program, while central ministers, chief ministers, deputy chief ministers, local MPs, and MLAs have been physically invited to attend the event at different stations on Sunday. In another crucial manoeuvre, Indias third unmanned Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 successfully entered the lunar orbit, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Saturday. It happened 22 days after the spacecraft was launched for a far more complicated 41-day voyage to reach the lunar south pole where no other nation has gone before. The ISRO shared a message from the satellite to its centres, which read," MOX, ISTRAC, this is Chandrayaan-3. I am feeling lunar gravity". The required manoeuvre that brought it closer to the moon was carried out without any glitches from the space facility in Bengaluru. The injection into the lunar orbit marked a major milestone in the space agencys ambitious Rs 600 crore mission. Chandrayaan-3 has been successfully inserted into the lunar orbit. A retro-burning at the Perilune was commanded from the Mission Operations Complex (MOX), ISTRAC, Bengaluru," the space agency said, adding, The next operation - reduction of orbit is scheduled for Aug 6, 2023, around 23:00 Hrs. IST." Chandrayaan-3 Mission:MOX, ISTRAC, this is Chandrayaan-3. I am feeling lunar gravity Chandrayaan-3 has been successfully inserted into the lunar orbit. A retro-burning at the Perilune was commanded from the Mission Operations Complex (MOX), ISTRAC, Bengaluru. The next pic.twitter.com/6T5acwiEGb ISRO (@isro) August 5, 2023 The next operation-a reduction of orbit-will be done at 11 PM on Sunday, the ISRO said. After the Sunday maneuver tomorrow, there will be three more operations till August 17 following which the Landing Module Vikram carrying the rover Pragyan inside will break away from the Propulsion Module. After this, de-orbiting maneuvers will be carried on the lander before the final powered descent on the moon. Since its launch on July 14, the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has covered approximately two-thirds of the distance to the Moon. In the past three weeks, ISRO has executed five strategic moves, gradually lifting the spacecraft into orbits increasingly distant from Earth. On August 1, a crucial slingshot manoeuvre was successfully performed, propelling the craft towards the Moon from Earths orbit. Lunar Orbit Injection After successfully escaping Earths orbit, the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is now on its way towards the moon. In the next crucial manoeuvre, the Lunar Orbit Injection (LOI), scheduled for around 7 pm on August 5, the spacecraft was scheduled be precisely injected into the moons orbit. This critical manoeuvre was to be executed at a point when Chandrayaan-3s orbit is closest to the Moon, as stated by ISRO, the national space agency based in Bengaluru. The space agency has confirmed that the spacecraft is in good health, and they plan to attempt a soft-landing on the lunar surface on August 23. (with inputs from PTI) To gain or stay in power in Chhattisgarh politics, it is necessary to keep the tribal class happy and the parties do not want to lag in this. The Bhupesh Baghel government is setting up statues of Veerangana Rani Durgavati at various places to maintain its deep influence among the tribals. Durgavati, the queen of the Gondwana kingdom, is also revered by the tribal community as a goddess. In Chattisgarh, the tribals have been considered the key to power, because they comprise about 34 per cent of the voters in the state and have 29 of the 90 Assembly seats reserved for them. In the last one year, the Bhupesh Baghel government has left no stone unturned to woo the tribals. On the one hand, where the campaign for propagation of tribal culture is going on, on the other hand, statues of Rani Durgavati are also being installed in the state. Earlier, the statues of Gunda Dhur and Veer Gaind Singh along with Rani Durgavati were unveiled at Antagarh in Kanker district. Similarly, a life-size statue of Rani Durgavati was installed in the Mahasamund district. A huge statue of Rani Durgavati has also been unveiled in Gariaband district. Political analysts believe that the present government is making every possible effort to awaken the sense of Chhattisgarhi identity among the people of the state and that is why it is giving special importance to Teej, festivals, tribal communities in terms of state politics. According to political experts, in the last assembly election in 2018, the Congress won 28 of the 29 seats reserved for the tribal class and the party wants to maintain its performance. For this, it is necessary that special importance should be given to the ancestors of the tribals, that is why the Congress government is not only organising programmes, functions for this class, but also providing special facilities. The Enforcement Directorate has taken possession of four villas and 6.75 acres of land in Keralas Munnar district as part of a money laundering investigation against the banned Popular Front of India. The assets are worth a total Rs 2.53 crore (book value) and belong to Munnar Villa Vista Pvt Ltd. They were provisionally attached by the federal probe agency on January 7 and the adjudicating authority of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) confirmed it on June 30, the ED said in a statement on Saturday. The order of the adjudicating authority paved way for the agency to take possession of the land and the four villas, it said. The Popular Front of India (PFI) was banned under provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in September last year over its alleged links with terror activities. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said PFI leaders and members associated with overseas entities were developing a residential project Munnar Villa Vista Project (MVVP) at Munnar with a motive to launder money collected from foreign countries as well as within the country, and to generate funds for PFI to finance its radical activities and the project was being developed by forming a company in the name of Munnar Villa Vista Pvt Ltd (MVVPL). The agency said its probe found infusion of a large volume of unaccounted cash in the project, subscription of shares of MVVPL in cash in the name of ghost shareholders, transfer of shares of MVVPL without any consideration, and bogus transfers made to other companies without any supply of goods or services. The money laundering case stems from a National Investigation Agency (NIA) FIR which alleged that a group of PFI/SDPI (Socialist Democratic Party of India) activists entered into a criminal conspiracy to impart training to their cadres in use of explosives and weapons, and organised a terrorist camp at Narath in Kannur. The PFI was formed in 2006 in Kerala and had its headquarters in Delhi. Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, walked out of prison in Navi Mumbai on Saturday afternoon with a special court here issuing their release order a week after they were granted bail by the Supreme Court. The two accused were lodged in Taloja jail. Some supporters and kin of the two activists waited outside the prison to receive them, a police official said. With their release, five out of the 16 accused arrested in the case are now out on bail. One of the 16 accused Jesuit priest Stan Swamy died at a private hospital here in July 2021 during judicial custody. Earlier in the day, a lawyer linked to the case said a special court hearing cases related to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) issued their release order on Friday. The apex court on July 28 granted bail to the two accused, noting that the actual involvement of Gonsalves and Ferreira in any terrorist act has not surfaced from any third-party communications. The SC bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia granted bail to them, noting that mere holding of certain literature through which violent acts may be propagated would not attract the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Considering the fact that almost five years have elapsed, we are satisfied they have made out a case for bail. The allegations are serious, no doubt, but for that reason alone, bail cannot be denied to them," the bench said. The apex court also asked them not to leave Maharashtra without the trial courts permission and surrender their passports. It also directed the two activists to use one mobile each and let the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, know their addresses. It also granted liberty to the NIA to seek cancellation of their bail if there is any violation of the bail conditions. The activists had moved the top court against a Bombay High Court order rejecting their bail pleas. The special NIA court imposed additional conditions for their bail, directing the accused to furnish a personal recognizance (PR) bond of Rs 50,000 each and asking them not to speak to the media about the case. It also directed them to attend the proceedings before the court unless exempted from personal appearance. Gonsalves and Ferreira were arrested in August 2018 for their alleged role in the case and were in judicial custody since then. Three other accused in the case are already out on bail. While scholar-activist Anand Teltumbde and lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj are out on regular bail, poet Varavara Rao is out on bail on health grounds. Another accused, activist Gautam Navlakha, is currently under house arrest as per the Supreme Courts directions. The prosecutions case is that Gonsalves and Ferreira played an active role in the recruitment of and training cadres of banned CPI (Maoist), and Ferreira also had a role in managing the finances of that organisation. The case pertains to the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which, according to the Pune police, was funded by Maoists. The inflammatory speeches made there led to violence at the Koregaon Bhima war memorial in Pune the next day, police had alleged. The case was later taken over by the NIA. Tensions escalated in the Kwakta area of Manipurs Bishnupur district again on Saturday after three persons including a father-son duo were killed by militants on Friday night while another three sustained bullet wounds following heavy exchange of fire between state forces and armed men in the same district. The 24-hour general strike called by the coordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies paralysed normal life in Imphal Valley, police said. The three were gunned down while they were sleeping and their bodies were later slashed with swords at Kwakta in the district by unidentified men, police said on Saturday morning, adding that the assailants came from Churachandpur. The three used to stay in a relief camp but had returned to their residences at Kwakta on Friday after the situation improved," police said. The situation remains tense in the region as a team of police led by the Superintendent of Police of Bishnupur district encountered blockades by Assam Rifle personnel near Kwakta. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The remaining occupants of the village fled as a result of the attack. Police with additional reinforcement rushed to the areas and recovered the bodies. The deceased were identified as Yumnam Pishak Meitei (67) and his son Yumnam Premkumar Meitei (39) and a neighbour Yumnam Jiten Meitei (46). Public transport stayed off the road and only a few private vehicles were seen plying on the streets. Schools also remained closed due to the strike from midnight. The hill districts, however, have largely been unaffected by the strike, which was called by the committee to demand an emergency assembly session to discuss various issues. The state, which remains curfew bound, has seen a recent flare-up of hostilities between the two warring communities the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis, after an announcement of a public mass burial of tribals killed during the ongoing race riots. The tension between the two communities also heightened after talks between former Kuki militant organisations and the Centre were restarted. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipurs population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. (with inputs from PTI and IANS) A photo of Karen Vergata is displayed at a news conference on August 4, 2023, in Hauppauge, New York. A woman whose remains were among discoveries that became known as the Gilgo Beach killings has been identified after 26 years, authorities said Friday. Known until now to the public only as Jane Doe No. 7, she was Karen Vergata, 34, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney told a news conference. She vanished around Valentines Day in 1996. The development was part of a reinvestigation that, last month, spurred the first arrest in connection with the long-unsolved string of killings that emerged when remains of 10 people were found over a decade ago along a coastal parkway in Gilgo Beach, on Long Island in New York. But it is unclear whether Vergatas death might ever be tied to the ongoing case against Rex Heuermann, an architect who has been charged with three of the killings and named the prime suspect in a fourth. Tierney declined to comment on what, if any, suspects we developed in Vergatas death. Some of Vergatas remains were discovered in 1996 on Fire Island. More of her bones were found in 2011 near Gilgo Beach, more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of the original location. Vergata lived in Manhattan, Tierney said. He said investigators believed she was working as an escort; most of the other victims in the Gilgo Beach killings also were sex workers. No missing persons report was filed when Vergata disappeared, Tierney said. A new investigative task force, formed last year to investigate the Gilgo Beach killings, developed a DNA profile of the woman whom investigators called Jane Doe No. 7, Tierney said. Then the FBI used genetic genealogy techniques to identify her tentatively as Vergata and the task force obtained a relatives DNA to cement the identification in October, he said. Its important that we remember and honor not only Ms. Vergata but all the victims on Gilgo Beach, the prosecutor said, adding that the investigation into all of their deaths continues. He declined to answer any questions at the news conference. Authorities have yet to identify some other victims, including a woman whom investigators nicknamed Peaches, after a tattoo on her body. Some of her remains were discovered stuffed inside a plastic tub in Hempstead Lake State Park in 1997; others turned up near Gilgo Beach in 2011, along with the remains of an unidentified toddler believed to be her daughter. Tierney said authorities held off releasing Vergatas name while contacting her relatives and furthering their investigation, which led last month to Heuermanns arrest in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello. Prosecutors say they also are working to charge him with the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, but they have not yet done so. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer says the 59-year-old denies killing anyone. Authorities have said he is unlikely to be responsible for all the deaths. Authorities zeroed in on him as a suspect in the killings of Barthelemy, Brainard-Barnes, Costello and Waterman when the task force ran an old tip about a Chevy Avalanche pickup truck through a vehicle records database. The records search turned up an Avalanche belonging to Heuermann, who lived in a Long Island neighborhood police had been focusing on because of cellphone location data and call records, authorities said. Detectives said they were later able to link Heuermanns DNA to a hair found on a restraint used in one of the killings. After his arrest, investigators spent nearly two weeks combing through his home, including digging up the yard, dismantling a porch and a greenhouse and removing many contents of the house for testing. Earlier this week, prosecutors said they have begun providing Heuermanns lawyer, Michael Brown, with reams of evidence including autopsy findings, DNA reports and crime scene photos. The case first drew headlines in 2010, when police began searching for a missing woman named Shannan Gilbert near Gilgo Beach. Instead, they discovered 10 sets of remains of other people, including eight women, one man and the toddler. Gilberts body was found in December 2011 in the marsh in the community of Oak Beach, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) east of where the other 10 sets of remains were discovered. Investigators have found she drowned accidentally; her relatives have long disputed that determination. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition It was a usual Friday for Nagpur. The city was functioning like any other day, and so were courtrooms. In one such court, a judge of the Bombay High Court arrived for the days hearings. The proceedings that were supposed to be a routine took a surprising turn, creating history. Rohit Deo, senior high court judge, arrived in the courtroom and left everyone stunned as he put off hearings of all cases before him on Friday. Apologising to the lawyers and and litigants, Deo announced his resignation as a judge with immediate effect in open court. He also sought forgiveness if he ever had hurt the lawyers and litigants during hearings. News agency PTI quoted a lawyer present in the Nagpur court as saying that Justice Deo said that he could not compromise on self-respect. Those who are present in the court, I apologise to each one of you. I scolded you because I want you to improve. I dont want to hurt anyone of you because you all are like family to me and I am sorry to tell you that I have submitted my resignation. I cant work against my self-respect. You people work hard," Justice Deo was quoted as saying in the courtroom by the lawyer. A report in Times of India, however, stated that Deo rejected these claims by some lawyers. The Justice was quoted as saying that he had never disclosed the reason for his resignation to anyone and neither made a statement regarding self-respect. I just told them that all of them are like family to me and I never intended to hurt anyone, he added. Did Rohit Deo Create History? The TOI quoted lawyers present in the courtroom as saying that this is perhaps the first time in history that an HC judge has made his resignation public in open court. Why Did Rohit Deo Resign? The report stated that the Nagpur lawyers attributed his move to the sudden transfer order issued by the HC registry on the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium on Thursday in which he was given the option to move to the Allahabad HC. The TOI report, however, stated that Deo himself only said that his resignation was due to personal reasons. Deo spoke to the publication at his official bungalow and said that he had directly sent his resignation to Droupadi Murmu". The Justice, however, refused to reveal the reason behind his sudden move, saying only that it was purely a personal decision and that he was content with it. I had first emailed it to them and then sent a hard copy by post in the morning itself. A copy was also marked to Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Chandrachud and Bombay high court Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyay, he was quoted as saying. Rohit Deos Bombshell at Customary Tea Before making his resignation public, Deo surprised his fellow judges on Friday morning when he skipped the online ceremony of Justice Anil Pansares appointment as permanent HC judge. According to the TOI report, the Justice arrived when the judges were sitting for the customary tea. He dropped the bombshell when they asked him why he had missed the event. The shocked judges asked why and requested him to reconsider, but he said he had already made up his mind, the lawyers were quoted. The report stated that during an interaction with High Court Bar Association (HCBA) members in his chambers, many advocates became emotional while pleading with him to stay on. Even the judge grew emotional while speaking to them and wept before departing. Rohit Deos Achievements Deo is a former assistant solicitor-general of India, who had over two years of his tenure left. He was to retire on December 4, 2025. TOI report stated that Deo is the second judge in the recent past to resign, after Justice Pushpa Ganediwala who quit on February 11, 2022. Justice Deo was elevated as a judge to the Bombay high court in 2017. Before that, he was the Advocate General of Maharashtra in 2016. In 2022, Justice Deo acquitted former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba in an alleged Maoist links case, setting aside the life imprisonment awarded to him and noting that the trial proceedings were null and void in the absence of valid sanction under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Supreme Court later stayed the order and ordered the Nagpur bench of the High Court to hear the case afresh. Last week, Justice Deo stayed the operation of a Maharashtra Government Resolution (order) of January 3 through which the state was empowered to cancel punitive proceedings initiated by the revenue department related to the illegal excavation of minor minerals by contractors engaged in the construction of the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway. Hello, readers! In todays evening digest, News18 brings to you the latest updates on thr Jagdish Tytler case, Massive landslide hits Rudraprayag and other stories. Jagdish Tytler Told Mob to First Kill Sikhs, Then Loot Shops: Eyewitness Account in CBI Chargesheet | Exclusive Jagdish Tytler came out of the car and instigated the mob to first kill Sikhs an eyewitness reportedly recounted to the Central Bureau of Investigation as per the agencys chargesheet against the Congress leader in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. CNN-News18 has accessed a copy of the chargesheet. READ MORE Uttarakhand: 3 Dead, 17 Missing As Massive Landslide Hits Rudraprayag; Traffic Movement Disrupted At least three died while 17 people were left injured after a massive landslide and flash floods hit Uttarakhands Rudraprayag officials, police said on Saturday. READ MORE Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan Jailed For Three Years in Toshakhana Reference Case, Fined PKR 1 Lakh Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was sentenced to three years imprisonment in the Toshakhana case on Saturday by a Pakistan court. He has also been disqualified for five years which means he may not be able contest in the upcoming polls. READ MORE Ukraine Conflict: India at the High Table of Peace Talks Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is currently in Jeddah participating in a Saudi-led peace effort to end the Ukraine crisis. Repeated invitations for India to attend such significant events related to global peace underscore its escalating status as an international powerhouse. Previously, India was a guest at the G7 summit in Tokyo, where the Ukraine issue was a central topic. READ MORE Sushmita Sen Recalls Being Trolled For Taali Poster, Says People Writing Chhakka | Exclusive The teaser of Taali, which was recently unveiled, has won Sushmita Sen heaps of praises for her portrayal of transgender activist, Shreegauri Sawant. Based on the latters life, the web series chronicles Shreegauris daring transformation, incredible motherhood and iconic battle that led to the inclusion of the third gender on every official document in India. However, Sushmita reveals that she was immensely trolled when the first look of her from the series was unveiled. READ MORE Australian Open: HS Prannoy Beats Compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat to Books Spot in Final Indias HS Prannoy defeated his compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat to book their place in the final of the Australian Open Super 500 badminton tournament in Sydney on Saturday. READ MORE Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday dedicated a mega national highway (NH) project connecting Kamakhyanagar to Duburi during a programme in Bhubaneshwar. The four-laning of the Kamakhyanagar-Duburi Section of NH-53 was inaugurated by Amit Shah and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneshwar. The two leaders also laid the foundation stone for widening and strengthening the road from Moter to Banner via Ladugaon in the Kalahandi district. The 51 km-long Kamakhyanagar-Duburi road will be built at a cost of Rs 761 crore having two major bridges, 10 minor bridges, seven vehicle underpasses, two animal underpasses and a 1.73 km-long bypass. Many development projects are underway in Odisha for which Centre has sanctioned giving immense priority to the eastern region of the country. With the completion of the two NH projects, the people of Odisha will be benefited, said Amit Shah, who is on a two-day visit to Odisha since Friday evening. All five accused alleged associates of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have been sent to the custody of the Pune Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) till August 11, a court said on Saturday. The ATS said they found an Indian map containing several cities marked and retrieved laptops revealed that the accused had studied the modus operandi of terror attacks. The ATS, after its investigation, informed the court that all accused arrested are associated with ISIS. The agency mentioned that the initial probe indicated the accuseds link to the Al Sufa module. However, investigations has now revealed that they are all part of ISIS, they said. The ATS also submitted an Indian map with several cities marked on it as evidence before the court. However, the ATS did not mention the names of the cities in the open court. Accused terror operatives Mohammad Imran Khan and Mohammad Yunus Saki received training to make bombs by Zulfikar Ali and others among five arrested by Pune Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in a case involving links to the Islamic State (ISIS or IS), according to the latest updates. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) made several arrests in connection with the case. On July 3, the agency arrested four people Tabish Nasser Siddiqui from Mumbai, Zubair Noor Mohammed Shaikh also known as Abu Nusaiba from Pune, and Sharjeel Shaikh and Zulfikar Ali Barodawala from Thane. A few days later, on July 18, the Pune ATS arrested Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Yunus, who worked for the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) offshoot SUFA and were wanted in an NIA case. They were arrested in Kondhwa. On a subsequent date, the ATS arrested Simab Nasaruddin Qazi for aiding Shahanawaaz Alam, who is currently on the run, after the arrests of Khan and Saki. Zulfikar Ali, who was arrested by NIA in Thane in July, was later taken into custody by the Pune ATS from Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. On Saturdays most recent development, the NIA took custody of Aakif Ateeque Nachan. He is alleged to be involved in the fabrication and testing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) for the commission of terrorist acts and arranging a hideout for two other terror operatives, according to an official statement. The ATS has also seized a 2-wheeler used by the absconding accused, while a 4-wheeler and 5 live cartridges were seized from the two accused who were arrested. Zulfikar, Others Taught How to Make Bombs According to the latest information, Zulfikar and the other accused, who are currently in ATS custody, allegedly taught Mohammad Imran Khan and Mohammad Yunus Saki how to make bombs. They imparted knowledge about creating bombs using explosive powder, acids and timer mechanisms as part of the process. Khan and Saki arrived in Maharashtra during Ramzan in 2022 and have been residing in Pune on rent since then. During a search of their residence, the ATS discovered electronic gadgets and a white powder, prompting the deployment of a dog squad for further investigation. White powder seized from their residence has been sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed analysis. The seized materials consisted of chemical powder, charcoal, a thermometer, a dropper, a soldering gun, a multimeter, small bulbs, batteries, an alarm clock, and a spanner, which was allegedly used in stealing motorcycles, according to an official statement. Aadhar Card Link to be Probed Explosives, drones, and acids were purchased by these accused by producing their Aadhaar cards, the court was told. ATS will now question those from whom these products were purchased. Studied Past Attacks by Terror Organisations, Modus Operandi Details retrieved from seized laptops showed that the accused had downloaded and studied literature related to attacks carried out by various terrorist organisations. They had also studied the modus operandi of these attacks, how they were planned, and how terrorists would escape after executing such attacks. On July 18, Khan and Saki (24) were arrested by the Pune police from the Kondhwa area in connection with an alleged terror-related case in Rajasthan. The ATS later took over the investigation. A passenger travelling from Saudi Arabia to Mumbai was arrested after he was allegedly caught smoking on an IndiGo flight. The incident took place on August 3 on an IndiGo aircraft. Kawraj Tagat Singh, a resident of Rajasthan, was on an Indigo Airlines flight from Dubai to Mumbai when he was caught smoking inside the toilet. The crew noticed the could smell of smoke coming from the lavatory. Upon investigation, a piece of burnt cigarette was found inside the toilet, while the crew asked the passenger about smoking he submitted a cigarette pack and lighter to the crew members. The incident prompted the flight crew to immediately intervene and report the matter to the Sahara police station after the flight landed. The case has been registered under section 336 (endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC Act and 25 of Aircraft rules. Lately, cases of passengers smoking on a flight have been on the rise despite the act being prohibited on airplanes. Smoking is now prohibited by almost all airlines and by many governments around the world. Last month, a case was registered against a 28-year-old man for smoking in the lavatory of a Bahrain-Mumbai flight. The incident took place when the IndiGo flight 6E-1202 was on the way to the Mumbai International Airport, Earlier in March, another passenger onboard an IndiGo flight was also caught smoking inside the aircraft. The airport authorities at the KempeGowda International Airport in Bengaluru then arrested the offender. The arrested person was identified as Shehari Choudari, and he committed the act while travelling from Assam to Bengaluru on 6E 716 Indigo flight. The accused passenger had smoked in the toilet while the flight was in the air endangering the safety of other passengers. From tweaking All India Service (AIS) rules and bringing an ordinance to fighting a legal battle in the Supreme Court, the Narendra Modi government has done all to keep three civil service officers two IAS and an IRS at the top positions. Apart from these three, two civil service officers an IPS and another IAS are also in the governments good books. Commonly called the two pillars of the government, one of them is responsible for the countrys national security and another heads and manages the highest office PMO. These five retired bureaucrats are often mentioned by their peers and in the bureaucratic circle as the PMs Panch Ratna (five precious stones) or Modis Five Stars. They seem indispensable to the government, said a senior IAS officer. These are Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA); PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the PM; Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary; Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Union Home Secretary and ED Director Sanjay Mishra. Even though the positions of the NSA and the principal secretary have traditionally been held by retired officers, depending on the governments comfort and trust factors, the tenures for the cabinet secretary, home secretary and the ED director have been stretched to the longest-ever under the Modi government. In the past governments, retired officers like Pulok Chatterjee and TKA Nair held the positions of principal secretary to the PM, while the NSA post was also held by retired IFS and IPS officers, including Shivshankar Menon and MK Narayanan although their stint did not cross five years. Doval, however, was appointed as the NSA in 2014, got an extension for next five years in 2019 and was elevated to cabinet rank. Mishra was appointed as the director of the ED in 2018, while Gauba and Bhalla were appointed as the cabinet secretary and home secretary in 2019. The cabinet secretary, according to the AIS rules, gets a two-year tenure, and after the end of the term, he may get two extensions, stretching the tenure of the cabinet secretary to four years, say AIS rules. However, the government amended the rules this year to give a years extension to Gauba, making his tenure the longest-ever in the position. The indispensables: Gauba, Bhalla The government does not want to disturb the equilibrium before the upcoming general elections, said a senior IAS officer in the know about issues related to extensions and appointments. Transfer or fresh appointment in important positions will unsettle the administrative structure. It will have a domino effect on other important positions too as other officers would then need to be pulled out of their respective ministries or departments. The government does not want that situation to emerge before such a crucial election," said the officer. Gauba, a 1982 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, and Bhalla, a 1984 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, are known to be trusted by the prime minister. Bhalla came to Delhi on central deputation in 2010 and since then, he has been serving at the Centre. He joined the central government as the Joint Secretary of mines, minerals and coal between 2010 and 2015, and moved to the commerce ministry in 2015 as Additional Secretary. He served as Secretary, energy and power between 2017 and 2019. In 2019, he was appointed as the Union Home Secretary. Gaubas stint on central deputation re-started in 2016 as the Secretary to the urban development ministry, following a brief break when he held the position of Jharkhands Chief Secretary between 2015 and 2016, says his executive record sheet. Before returning to his cadre in 2015, Gauba served as the Additional Secretary, Union home ministry. In 2017, he was appointed as the union home secretary and in 2019, he became cabinet secretary. Both Gauba and Bhalla have served in positions that are seen to be crucial for any government, said a retired IAS officer. Before Gauba, the UPA government amended the AIS rules and gave a years extension to KM Chandrasekhar. He served a four-year-long stint as the cabinet secretary between 2007 and 2011. His term was extended as the country was hosting the Commonwealth Games then. The AIS rules can be amended depending on the circumstances and requirements, but it has to be approved by the cabinet," said Chandrasekhar. The asset: Mishra In the second week of July, the Supreme Court cancelled ED Director Sanjay Mishras extension and directed the government to appoint a new director from August 1. Hours after the Supreme Court verdict, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted: Those rejoicing over the Honble SC decision on the ED case are delusional for various reasons. This was a reaction to the celebration by some leaders from the opposition bloc. Powers of the ED to strike at those who are corrupt and on the wrong side of the law remain the same. ED is an institution which rises beyond any one individual and is focused on achieving its core objective - i.e. to investigate offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws, Shah said. He added: Thus, who the ED director is - that is not important because whoever assumes this role will take note of the rampant corruption of a cozy club of entitled dynasts who have an anti-development mindset. The home ministers tweet was self-explanatory. It was one of those rare occasions when the government publicly defended both the position and the bureaucrat. The tweet also explained how important an asset the senior IRS officer was to the government. The tweet was also a hint of the governments decision to fight a legal battle for Mishra and defend his tenure. The move worked and the Supreme Court extended his term by two months from July. Mishra, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, is in his fifth year as the ED director, the maximum on a post for any bureaucrat. He got a third extension last year. He is called Modis man and the fighter, who remained relentlessly diligent in his effort to expose scams by senior politicians. During his stint as the director of the ED, at least 17 senior politicians including ex-finance and home minister P Chidambaram, deputy chief minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia, ex-chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah, Tamil Nadus influential minister Senthil Balaji, Bengals senior minister Partha Chatterjee, and over a dozen IAS officers have gone behind bars. According to his colleagues, Mishra knows the minute details of every case, goes through all case documents personally and works non-stop. The Reservations The decision of the government retaining the officers also earned some criticism from the political and bureaucratic circle as they say that extending tenures year after year for a retired officer minimises the chances of other senior bureaucrats reaching those positions. A senior IAS officer said, This way, there would be just one cabinet secretary across at least seven to eight batches and one home secretary across five batches. This is unfair. But the government can amend any rule." The SC in July cancelled Mishras extension calling it invalid and illegal. However, just four days before his scheduled deadline for his term, the government moved a petition before the court, citing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review. Are you not giving a picture here that your entire department is full of incompetent people except for this one person Is it not demoralising for the entire force that except for this one person, the entire department will collapse, Justice Gavai asked, before extending Mishras tenure in public interest. Jagdish Tytler came out of the car and instigated the mob to first kill Sikhs an eyewitness reportedly recounted to the Central Bureau of Investigation as per the agencys chargesheet against the Congress leader in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. CNN-News18 has accessed a copy of the chargesheet. The eyewitness quoted above was a shopkeeper whose establishment was burnt down in the anti-Sikh riots in November 1984 following then prime minister Indira Gandhi assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. Jagdish Tytler came out of his white ambassador car and started instigating the mob. He instigated the mob to first kill Sikhs and then asked them to loot their shops, the chargesheet quotes the eyewitness as saying. The document also includes a statement by the son of the Congress leaders driver. The CBI has contended in the chargesheet that sufficient material is available on record to show that Jagdish Tytler was a part of the unlawful assembly committing rioting that had assembled near Gurudwara Pul Bangash. This unlawful assembly violated the prohibitory orders, instigated, incited and provoked the mob to kill Sikhs. Three people were killed and a gurdwara was set ablaze in the Pul Bangash area of the national capital on November 1, 1984, a day after the then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. A city court had on July 26 summoned Tytler on August 5 after taking cognisance of a May 20 chargesheet filed by the CBI in the case. While seeking the relief, Tytlers lawyer had told the court his client was anticipating arrest and he should be granted bail. The exact time of the crime was not ascertained by the probe agency and multiple closure reports were filed in the case Delhi Police twice and CBI once said nothing was found against Tytler, Tytlers advocate Manu Sharma told the court. He said the CBI, after having filed a closure report in the case, submitted a charge sheet against Tytler on the basis of the statements of some new witnesses just 11 months before the Lok Sabha elections. CBI filed closure report several times in the case and opposed the protest petition too. CBI had given a clean chit while filing charge sheet in 2007 and 2014, he said. He also pointed out that the CBI did not arrest Tytler during the entire investigation. The witnesses included after 25 years cannot be trusted. Tytler is not a flight risk. He is the age of 79 and having medical issues, the Congress leaders counsel told the court. During the hearing, the CBI had opposed Tytlers application. The witnesses have come forward showing great courage and the possibility of influencing them cannot be ruled out. As per the statement of new witnesses, prima facie the role of Jagdish Tytler appears, the CBI said. The agency has invoked charges under sections 147 (rioting) and 109 (abetment) read with 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), among others, against Tytler. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary consultative committee for external affairs, during which India-US relations and Prime Minister Narendra Modis Washington visit were discussed. The government highlighted that the United States is Indias most significant partner in its fight against terrorism. The US is the biggest partner in the fight against terrorism. It has openly called out Pakistan for its terrorist activities and even designated terror outfits like Hizbul among others," the EAM is said to have told the panel. Jaishankar made the statement in response to a question raised by an MP regarding the perpetrators of the 26/11 terror attack, the largest attack in India, and whether they would be held accountable. The MP also inquired about the US stance regarding the matter, particularly in light of the writ of habeas corpus filed by Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana. Ranas filing challenges a recent US court order that paved the way for his extradition to India to face trial for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. UNSC Membership Push He also stated that India remains extremely hopeful about its push for membership in the UNSC, even though China continues to block the same. The US has strongly and positively supported Indias membership to the UNSC. This is a significant push, considering that now four out of five countries back us. We will wait to see how this progresses," Jaishankar is said to have told the MPs present. PM Modis US Visit In the meeting, the members also inquired about what transpired during the recent visit of the Prime Minister to the US. The government highlighted key developments, especially in the field of technology and trade, among others. One of the key achievements of the visit was a massive boost to Indias semiconductor mission. On July 28, Prime Minister Modi stated that India would emerge as a global hub for the semiconductor and chip-making industry. He made a strong pitch to global investors while inaugurating the Semicon India 2023 conclave in Gujarat. Visa Hurdles In response to a question asked by a few members about the delay in visa applications, the minister assured them that there was no delay from the Indian side. In fact, India has started to offer e-visas to more than 150 countries. Visa processes in India have seen a significant overhaul, and hopefully, other countries will follow suit," Jaishankar is said to have told the committee. Regarding the specific question about US visas, as committed by the Prime Minister, this matter was taken up during his recent visit to the consulate in Bengaluru. With the aim to consider its opening up in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, hopefully, things will improve," Jaishankar told the MPs. It is worth noting that both Gujarat and Karnataka, especially Bengaluru, have a large number of people who travel to and from the US. In the meeting, the minister highlighted that the Prime Minister politely and assertively presented Indias perspective during his various meetings in the US. Members also asked questions on Indias drone policy, QUAD and the countrys participation in the upcoming BRICS summit. Sources say that the meeting was held in a very cordial manner with all questions asked by the members duly responded to by the minister. Congress Remains Absent Interestingly, no member from the Congress party, including former EAM Shashi Tharoor, who is a member of the committee, was present today. Many members who attended todays meeting included MOS MEA Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and officials of the External Affairs Ministry. BJP MPs GVL Narasimha Rao, Dr Rajdeep Roy, Mahesh Jethmalani, BJD MP Sujeet Kumar, Shiv Sena faction MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and RJD MP Prem Chandra Gupta, among others, were present at todays meeting. Space Exploration During the Prime Ministers visit to the USA in June 2023, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) signed the Artemis Accords with the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for cooperation in the civil exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes. GE Aerospace announced that they signed an MOU with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the manufacture of jet engines for our light combat aircraft in India through the transfer of technology. During the Prime Ministers visit to the US, both sides affirmed that the movement of professional and skilled workers, students, investors and business travellers between the countries contributes immensely to enhancing bilateral economic and technological partnerships. The Joe Biden government announced that it would launch a pilot to adjudicate domestic renewals of certain petition-based temporary work visas later this year, including for Indian nationals. A 30-year-old woman, who was arrested for attempting to murder her friends wife by posing as a nurse at a private hospital near here, was remanded to judicial custody on Saturday. The incident occurred at a hospital in Parumala near here on Friday where Kayamkulam resident Sneha (24) was admitted for post-delivery care. Anusha, a friend of Snehas husband, was nabbed by the hospital staff after she allegedly tried to inject air into the vein of the victim under the pretext of administering medicine, police said. Her intention to harm the victim was clear, they said. After recording her statement and collecting evidence, the accused was produced before a local court which remanded her to judicial custody. On August 4, the accused woman had entered Snehas room in the hospital disguised as a nurse and told her that one more injection has to be administered. She attempted to inject air into the vein of the victim using an empty syringe twice but failed. When she attempted it again, Snehas mother grew suspicious and informed the nursing staff," police said. The hospital staff caught the accused and handed her over to the police. The health condition of the victim was said to be stable. The mobile phone of the accused woman was seized and it is said that she was close to Arun, the victims husband. Anusha, a pharmacist at a private hospital, disguised herself as a nurse after purchasing a syringe, glouse and a coat, police said. Actress turned politician Hema Malini has said that she is ready to make comeback in films. However, she has clearly specified that she does not want to do a negative roles, similar to what Jaya Bachchan did in Karan Johars recent directorial Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Somebody should come and sign me up with a good role. It should be appropriate for my age. It can be glamorous but befitting my age," Hema Malini told Times Now. I do not want to do a negative role. I am not a negative person at all. I cannot think of myself like that. I do not think bad for anybody so how can I do a negative role. I mean, role toh kar sakte hai kuch bhi, but wesa role nahin karna (I can do any kind of role, but I do not like doing those kinds of roles). The role has to be positive and should have a positive message," the actress added. Hema Malini was last seen in the 2020 movie Shimla Mirchi which also starred Rajkummar Rao and Rakul Preet Singh in key roles. Interestingly, this comes at a time when Hema Malinis husband and veteran actor Dharmendra has also been ruling headlines for his performance in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His on-screen kiss with Shabana Azmi in the film has become the talk of the time. In the same interview, Hema also reacted to it and with a laugh, said, I am sure people have loved the film. I am so happy for Dharam ji, because he loves to be in front of the camera all the time. He loves it. Recenty, Dharmendra also opened up about kissing Shabana Azmi during a press conference in Mumbai when he said, Unfortunately, I couldnt attend the premiere, but Ive received a lot of messages from people. Maine bola, Yaar, yeh toh mere daaye haath ka kaam hai (Its no big deal for me). As everyone laughed at the comment, Dharmendra added, Baaye haath se karwana hai, woh bhi karwa lo (I can do it effortlessly). Activists march towards the Rankin County Sheriff's Office in Brandon, Miss., Wednesday, July 5, 2023, calling for the termination and prosecution of Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey for running a law enforcement department that allegedly terrorizes and brutalizes minorities. Men who had sworn an oath to protect and serve were huddled on the back porch of a Mississippi home as Michael Corey Jenkins lay on the floor, blood gushing from his mutilated tongue where one of the police officers shoved a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. As Jenkins writhed in pain, the six white officers devised a scheme to cover up dozens of stunning acts of brutality that they had just carried out during a 90-minute period of terror against Jenkins and a second Black victim. The officers planted drugs. They stole surveillance footage from the house. They tried to dispose of other evidence. They agreed on a set of lies that would further upend their victims lives. And that was just the cover-up. Careful to avoid security cameras at the house, they burst in without a warrant, starting the torture session of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. They handcuffed Jenkins and his friend Eddie Terrell Parker and poured milk, alcohol and chocolate syrup over their faces. They forced them to strip naked and shower together to conceal the mess. They mocked the victims with racial slurs. They shocked them with stun guns. The officers had meant to torture the men without leaving physical scars. But one shot Jenkins in the mouth. Miraculously, Jenkins survived. The six officers pleaded guilty Thursday to a long list of federal civil rights charges. The Mississippi attorney generals office announced afterward that it had filed state charges that include assault, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Law enforcement officers are seldom charged for crimes committed on the job, and its rarer still for them to plead guilty. The charges follow an investigation by The Associated Press that linked some of the deputies to at least four violent encounters with Black men since 2019 that left two dead and another with lasting injuries. The officers included Christian Dedmon, Hunter Elward, Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke of the Rankin County Sheriffs Department and Joshua Hartfield, a Richland police officer. They pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy against rights, obstructions of justice, deprivation of rights under color of law, discharge of a firearm under a crime of violence, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The terror began on Jan. 24 in a racist call for extrajudicial violence that felt like it was from a bygone era. A white neighbor phoned Rankin County Deputy Brett McAlpin and complained that two Black men were staying with a white woman inside a Braxton home. McAlpin told Deputy Christian Dedmon, who texted a group of white deputies so willing to use excessive force they called themselves The Goon Squad. Are yall available for a mission? Dedmon asked. They were. Opdyke admits he was wrong for his part in the horrific harms and is prepared to face the consequences of his actions, attorney Jason Kirschberg said in a statement. Hartfields attorney Vicki Gilliam said while he cannot change what he did, he has shown that he is ready to accept consequences. Attorneys for the other men did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The deputies were under the watch of Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, who called it the worst episode of police brutality he has seen in his career. Law enforcement misconduct in the U.S. has come under increased scrutiny. The 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police ignited calls for sweeping criminal justice reforms and a reassessment of American race relations. The January beating death of Tyre Nichols by five Black members of a special police squad in Memphis, Tennessee, led to a probe of similar units nationwide. In Rankin County, the brutality visited upon Jenkins and Parker was not a botched police operation, but an assembly of rogue officers who tortured them all under the authority of a badge, which they disgraced, U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca said. The county is just east of the state capital, Jackson, home to one of the highest percentages of Black residents of any major U.S. city. A towering monument topped by a Confederate soldier stands across the street from the Rankin County sheriffs office. Federal court records detail how they burst into the home without a warrant and tortured Jenkins and Parker before the shooting. As Jenkins lay bleeding, the officers knew the mission had gone too far. Instead of coming clean, they devised a hasty cover-up that included a fictitious narcotics bust and threats. The officers warned Jenkins and Parker to stay out of Rankin County and go back to Jackson or their side of the Pearl River, court documents say, referencing an area with higher concentrations of Black residents. Kristen Clarke, head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said the trauma is magnified because the misconduct was fueled by racial bias and hatred that recalled the 1964 kidnapping and killing of three civil rights workers. After Dedmon summoned The Goon Squad, the officers crept around the ranch-style home to avoid a surveillance camera. They kicked down the carport door and burst inside without a warrant. Opdyke found a sex toy, which he mounted on a nearby BB gun and forced into Parkers mouth. Dedmon tried to sexually assault Jenkins with the toy. The officers used stun guns on them, comparing whose weapons were more powerful. Elward forced Jenkins to his knees for a mock execution, intending to fire the gun without a bullet. But it was loaded, and discharged, cutting Jenkins tongue, breaking his jaw and exiting through his neck. As Jenkins bled on the floor, the officers devised a cover story for investigators: Elward brought Jenkins into a side room to stage a drug bust over the phone and said Jenkins reached for a gun when he was released from handcuffs. Middleton offered to plant an unregistered gun, but Elward said he would use the BB gun. Dedmon volunteered to plant methamphetamine he had received from an informant. Prosecutors in Rankin County initially charged Jenkins with a felony based on the methamphetamine. That was later dropped. Opdyke put one of Elwards shell casings in a water bottle and threw it into tall grass nearby. Hartfield removed the hard drive from the homes surveillance system and later tossed it in a creek. Afterward, McAlpin and Middleton made a promise: They would kill any of the officers who told the truth about what happened. The officers kept quiet as pressure mounted from a Justice Department civil rights probe. One came forward in June, Sheriff Bailey said. Bailey said Thursday that he was lied to and only learned the truth when he read unsealed court documents. McAlpin and Elward worked under Bailey for years and were sued several times for alleged misconduct. The sheriff said the deputies violated existing body camera rules by not wearing them when in uniform. He promised to mandate body cameras be turned on with fewer exceptions and said he was open to more federal oversight. He also called the officers criminals, echoing federal prosecutors. Now, theyll be treated as the criminals they are, U.S. Attorney LaMarca said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Kajols success in the film industry is undeniable, but like any other journey, it has been accompanied by its fair share of challenges. Despite her remarkable achievements, she has encountered difficult moments that tested her resilience including massive online trolling. On her 49th birthday today, Kajol has a special message not just for her kids Nysa and Yug, but for everyone who faces the brunt of online trolling. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Kajol opened up about how she often talks to her children about handling online trolls. She advises Nysa (20) and Yug (12) to take the negativity with a pinch of salt. Kajol believes that its essential not to take everything said by trolls seriously or respond to each and every comment. Because roz kuch na kuch nikal raha hai, roz kuch na kuch bol rahe hain, she added. In past, Kajols daughter Nysa, in particular, has been subjected to a lot of trolling. Addressing this issue, the actress said she often tells her kids not to pay any attention to it. She added that on her birthday she wants to encourage people not to be swayed solely by the opinions of a few voices on social media. She wants them to use their own brains, trust their instincts, and form their own judgments. Kajol further emphasised how these trolls should not be given any importance. I read some headlines that say brutally trolled. And Im like, What does it exactly mean and who are these people brutally trolling me or my family? Also, saying that an actor got brutally trolled for wearing a pair of shoes and going to the airport is like too much. One has to take it with a pinch of salt and have that bit of sense of humour, she said. During her chat with the news portal, Kajol also took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support during the times she faced nasty trolling incidents. On the professional front, Kajol recently stepped into the world of OTT with projects such as Lust Stories 2 and The Trial. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who is currently on a one-year acting break, recently made headlines when a report came in that she has taken financial help for her treatment. Well, today she has finally reacted to the report. The Citadel actress took to her Instagram stories and shared a post in which she has denied saying that I was not paid in marbles. For More: Samantha Ruth Prabhu DENIES Taking Financial Help For Treatment: Dont Think I Was Paid In Marbles The teaser of Taali, which was recently unveiled, has won Sushmita Sen heaps of praise for her portrayal of transgender activist, Shreegauri Sawant. Based on the latters life, the web series chronicles Shreegauris daring transformation, incredible motherhood and iconic battle that led to the inclusion of the third gender on every official document in India. However, Sushmita reveals that she was immensely trolled when the first look of her from the series was unveiled. For More: Sushmita Sen Recalls Being Trolled For Taali Poster, Says People Writing Chhakka | Exclusive Expectations were high for Kartik Aaryans Shehzada, especially after the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which went on to be a hit, making over 260 crore worldwide. However, Shehzada, directed by Rohit Dhawan and a remake of the Telugu film Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), failed to make a mark. The film also featured Kriti Sanon, Paresh Rawal, Manisha Koirala, Ronit Bose Roy, Ankur Rathee, Sachin Khedekar, and Rajpal Yadav in a special appearance. For More: Kartik Aaryan Says He Wont Do Remakes: With Shehzada, I Felt Like Somebody Has Done It Before Dulquer Salmaan, Mrunal Thakur and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Sita Ramam is one of the most talked-about films in recent times. The movie released exactly one year ago and has tugged everyones heartstrings with its soulful music, powerful and stirring performances and a good story. The film completed one year today and the leading star, Dulquer Salmaan, penned a note thanking everyone who worked on the film. For More: Dulquer Salmaan Marks Sita Ramams One Year With A Sweet Note; Praises Mrunal Thakurs Timeless Portrayal Rapper Raftaar will reportedly make an appearance on Bigg Boss OTT 2 for this Weekend Ka Vaar episode on Saturday. He will accompany Bigg Boss 13 alum, Mahira Sharma to promote their upcoming web series Bajao, releasing soon on Jio Cinema. He recently spoke to the media in Mumbai, hinting at a possible collaboration with current contestants and YouTubers Abhishek Malhan and Elvish Yadav for a music video. For More: Raftaar Hints At Featuring Bigg Boss OTT 2s Abhishek Malhan, Elvish Yadav In Music Video, Says Ho Sakta Hai Avneet Kaur is one of the most popular actresses and never leaves fans with their impeccable fashion sense. Today, the actress has once again set the internet on fire with her latest photos from Spain. Avneet has been sharing a lot of updates from her vacation and leaving fans in awe of her beauty. In the photos, Avneet is seen wearing a green colour bikini which she has paired with a white colour high-slit skirt. She is looking glamorous in this look. The actress has applied minimalistic makeup and kept her hair in a bun style. In the series of photos, we can see her enjoying vacation by a poolside. As soon as the photos went viral, fans rushed to the comment section. One of the fans wrote, Literally sizzling in Spain babes. Another wrote, Hope she doesnt get burnt with the hotness. Take a look at the photos here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Avneet reveals that she was rather nervous and star struck by the Tanu Weds Manu (2011) and Thalaivii (2021) actor in the beginning. When I met her and began talking to her, I was obviously star struck. I mean, who wouldnt be? But shes very sweet as a person. She made me feel like a part of her family on set and that also made me look at her like family. I was so nervous but she made me feel very comfortable, she tells us. Avneet, who has also appeared in small roles in Mardaani (2014) and Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017), further continues, Ive always wanted to become an actor like her. So, to receive guidance and tips from her was truly incredible. She gave me the opportunity to be a part of this film alongside Nawaz sir. I dont think there could have been a better debut than this. One of the most influential and prominent film families in Bollywood is the Kapoor family. Their association with films started with Prithviraj Kapoor. Now the fourth generation of Kapoors, spearheaded by Ranbir Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, is ruling the world of cinema. Most of Prithviraj Kapoors descendants followed their fathers steps into Hindi cinema, thus becoming the only Bollywood family to span across so many generations. Be it Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor or the next generation, Rishi Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor or Randhir Kapoor, most of the Kapoor scions have had a successful film career. There are some exceptions. The most prominent example is Shashi Kapoors son Karan Kapoor. Karan Kapoor tried his hand in films but he was outright rejected by the audience. His failure has mostly been attributed to his appearance rather than his acting skills. Karan is the son of Shashi Kapoor and his British wife Jennifer Kendal. He took after his mother, inheriting his mothers looks. His anglicised accent made it hard for him to act in Hindi films. He gained recognition early in his career as a well-known model, thanks to the Bombay Dyeing advertising campaign. Karan Kapoor then appeared with Dharmendra in Loha and Sultanat opposite Juhi Chawla. None of these films were successful. He also appeared in a supporting role in Aparna Sens Bengali and English bilingual film 36 Chowringhee Lane, which was produced by his father Shashi Kapoor and starred his mother Jennifer Kendal. After a failed stint as an actor, Karan Kapoor turned to photography and has made a thriving career out of it. He relocated to London with his wife and pursued his photography career there. Karan has recently re-emerged into the public eye and has made a return to India with a series of his photographic exhibitions called Time & Tide. In November 2016, Mumbai hosted the opening of his Time & Tide photography show, which continued into 2017 in Bangalore, Kolkata, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. Director Nitesh Tiwaris Bawaal has opened to mixed reviews, but the films male lead Varun Dhawan has impressed the masses and critics with his stellar performance. Janhvi Kapoor too was heaped praises for essaying the character of Nisha to perfection in the romantic drama. Varun has hit a success streak, delivering three back-to-back hits, namely Jugg Jug Jeeyo, Bhediya, and Bawaal. Now the actor seems to have shifted his focus to his personal commitments. Recently, a video of Varun visiting a construction site with his wife Natasha Dalal and mother Lali Dhawan has given rise to speculations that he might be on a new property hunt in Mumbai. The video was dropped by paparazzo Manav Manglani on Instagram. Varun Dhawan with wife Natasha Dalal and Mom clicked as they check out new properties in Mumbai today, informed the caption. The video showed Varun Dhawan outside his car, reaching inside to grab his sunglasses. He was dressed in a casual avatar, wearing a round-neck white T-shirt with red borders on the collar and sleeves. He teamed up his attire with light blue, distressed denim jeans and bluish-white sneakers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) Moments into the video, Varun Dhawans wife Natasha Dalal and his mother Lali Dhawan stepped out of the car. Natasha donned a white shirt that she paired with dusty brown, printed flared trousers. She kept her hair open and sported a face mask. The actors mother wore a green co-ord set. The trio was seen heading inside an under-construction premise, wearing helmets. The video might be an indication that Varun is on the lookout for a new residence in Mumbai. But an official confirmation is awaited. After Bawaal, Varun Dhawan would yet again be appearing on the OTT platform with the Indian adaptation of the American spy thriller series Citadel. He will be sharing screen space with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Directed collaboratively by Raj and DK, Citadel has recently wrapped up its filming schedule and is in the final stages of production. Speaking about his theatrical venture, Varun Dhawan has reportedly joined hands with Jawan filmmaker Atlee for an untitled commercial entertainer, the details of which are currently under tight wraps. Vicky Kaushal has started 2023 on a good note. The actor who was last seen in the Laxman Utekar directorial Zara Hatke Zara Bachke co-starring Sara Ali Khan, impressed the masses and critics with his stellar performance. Now, he is gearing up for another intriguing biopic on the late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, titled Sam Bahadur. Keeping aside his work commitments, Vicky Kaushal was recently spotted at a charity campaign. He was one of the Bollywood celebrities who attended the Jewellers for Hope, a charity dinner, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The campaign is responsible for donating Rs 1 crore to NGOs and other organisations, that look after the well-being of the underprivileged. A video of Vicky Kaushal attending the charity event was dropped on Instagram by Bollywoodpap. It showed the actor marking his suave presence at the premise, dressed in a grey-striped formal suit, exuding sophistication. With an innate ease, he connected warmly with attendees. Vicky was seen interacting with them. The actor also posed for a photograph with an elderly man at the event, amid beefed-up security and paparazzi all around. Vicky also interacted with the crowd, delivering a speech. Later on, he greeted fans with the esteemed members at the event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Pap (@bollywoodpap) On the work front, Vicky Kaushal has been chosen to embody the legendary character of Sam Manekshaw in the much-anticipated film Sam Bahadur. The ensemble cast is equally impressive, featuring actors like Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Neeraj Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick, Richard Bhakti Klein, Saqib Ayub and Krishna Kant Singh Bundela. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Sam Bahadur revolves around the life of Sam Manekshaw, the revered Chief of the Indian Army Staff during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, who achieved the extraordinary feat of becoming Indias first field marshal. Earlier, there were speculations regarding a potential change in the release date of Sam Bahadur. However, in a conversation with Pinkvilla, producer Ronnie Screwala dismissed all rumours and emphasised that there would be no alteration to the scheduled release date and that the film will release on December 1, this year. Windows usually open in Jammu and Kashmir to breathtaking views. But the repeal of Article 370 four years ago, coupled with central government measures and the crumbling of Pakistans economy, has presented the region with a window which is not just pretty but could prove to be destiny-altering. Separatists and pro-Pakistan elements had weaponised temporary provisions Article 370 and Article 35A to fan separatism and derail J&Ks integration with India. These laws robbed the states women, LGBTQ+ persons, Dalits and menial labourers and others of their rights. With these gone, J&K is slowly emerging out of its decades-old cycle of Islamist terrorism, intifada-style stone-pelting and halted growth. The Modi governments vision is unfolding with 3Ds development, delimitation and domicile. A slew of development schemes has rolled out since August 5, 2019. This year on March 16, for instance, the much-awaited T-5 tunnel at Panthyal in Kashmirs Ramban district became open to the public. This 870-metre-long tunnel was completed at a cost of Rs 100 crore. The Panthyal stretch of the strategic national highway (NH44) used to be considered as a death trap because of landslides. In September, the road had shut down, causing Rs 1,500 crore loss to Kashmirs economically crucial apple industry. The 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will be completed by 2025. Once done, the USBRL, with 38 tunnels, will be an engineering marvel. The worlds highest Chenab Bridge is the topping to this rail connectivity project. Apart from hundreds of infrastructure projects, 1.27 crore tourists have landed in Jammu and Kashmir till June this year. It is set to break last years record of 1.83 crore. Stability has brought with it prosperity. The second D of delimitation balances the skewed power equation between Hindu-majority Jammu and Muslim-majority Kashmir. The number of Assembly constituencies in Jammu, the BJPs stronghold, has been increased from 37 to 43. But seats in Kashmir have gone up from 46 to 47. Nine seats have been earmarked for the Scheduled Tribes six in Jammu, three in Kashmir so no Muslim candidate can contest from these constituencies. The third and pivotal change is being quietly brought about with the states new domicile policy. Families of forces, migrant workers and others are getting domicile under a simplified, online process. A domicile certificate is being issued within 15 days. One can appeal to the competent authority in case of a deliberate delay by officials. Till last count, more than 61 lakh (61,47,482 to be precise) domicile certificates had been issued. Moreover, for the first time since Independence, more than one lakh people who migrated from West Pakistan to Jammu in 1947 are set to get full citizenship and domicile rights including the ownership rights of immovable properties, right to vote in all elections and eligibility for government jobs. Islamist lobbies, legacy parties and families that till 2019 monopolised political power in J&K are naturally alarmed. They have started building conspiracy theories of a demographic shift. The latest target is the proposal to earmark five marlas of land for 1,99,550 landless people in the Union Territory. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has termed this as an attempt to further the demographic shift and alleged that the number of homeless in the state are far fewer. Undeterred by such Islamist fear-mongering, the central government has started settling non-Muslim populations in eight safe enclaves in Kashmir. The shift has palpably begun. But it is more democratic and developmental than demographic. The Lok Sabha election is knocking on the door and the larger opposition has come under one umbrella INDIA with an intent to stop what is perceived to be unstoppable the Narendra Modi juggernaut. No wonder, the NDA isnt sitting idle. While the prime minister has already addressed the brand new NDA constituents 38 political outfits where he gave a clarion call for next years election, he is also meeting NDA MPs in separate bunches behind closed doors to give zone-specific prescriptions of another win. So far, he has met MPs of Western (like Braj area) and Eastern (like Awadh area) Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, southern states, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand. News18 has compiled five big messages that BJPs campaigner-in-chief has delivered in his various meetings so far, many of which lasted beyond the stipulated time. 1. RAM MANDIR WONT GET YOU VOTES The prime minister knows that his party MPs, even NDA MPs, in the north of Vindhyas are particularly hopeful of electoral benefits when the Ram Mandir is thrown open sometime in January next year. He is also mindful of the complacency that may set in, particularly among BJP MPs from Uttar Pradesh, where the party won 62 of 80 seats. No wonder his message was clear Ram Mandirs promise was from an ideological standpoint, not from an electoral perspective. PM Modi went a step further to say that advertising about Ram Mandir in their respective constituencies wont get votes. During his address on what not to do (which is equally important as what to do in polls), Modi is also believed to have referred to the abrogation of Article 370. He is learnt to have told the MPs that drumming up the issue will not be beneficial to them either. Then, what is to be done? 2. POVERTY IS THE BIGGEST CASTE Addressing MPs in the new Maharashtra Sadan, the prime minister asked them to work for the poor and tell them about the pro-poor schemes the Centre has come up with. He told the MPs, Garibi sable badi jaati hai (poverty is the biggest caste). The PM is mindful of the caste sensitivity in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In UP, PM Modi asked MPs to rise above caste considerations. A top BJP leader said: Even by statistics, the prime minister is right. If one can segregate on economic conditions, the poor will be the single-largest electoral bloc. It comes as no surprise then that Modi also wanted the MPs to make people aware of the schemes so that the poor can take advantage of them. The Centre, in Modis second term, has initiated many schemes like Garib Kalyan Rozgaar Abhiyaan, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna and Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi scheme, targeting the economically marginalised. 3. SUBTLE MESSAGE: DONT USE INDIA FOR OPPN BLOC Though he did not ask any MPs to stop using the term INDIA for the opposition bloc, PM Modi made it clear that he does not prefer it himself. Rather, in his second meeting with MPs from West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand, the prime minister pronounced the term as I.N.D.I.A. No wonder, MPs who attended the meeting also started using it in the same fashion. Bengal MP from Balurghat and party state president Sukanta Majumder said: The PM told us that the UPA was so tainted with scams like 2G and coal scam that it had to take refuge in I.N.D.I.A which is another form of UPA. Even in Modis meeting with NDA MPs from Bihar, he targeted the opposition alliance bloc as Ghamandia (the alliance of the arrogant). 4. ZABAN SAMBHAL KE The BJP post-2014 has been very particular in that it doesnt want its ministers or MPs to be all over the media. One of the key messages the prime minister reiterated was to stay away from the mic. But the bigger point he underscored was to control their tongue, avoid giving unnecessary sound bites to the media and definitely stay miles away from creating or indulging in any controversy, say sources. Addressing NDA MPs on Thursday, he asked, Why to speak out of turn? What is the need? Instead he advised them, Let your work on the ground speak for itself. The BJP faced some major embarrassments to even international crises for its leaders controversial remarks which includes Nupur Sharmas statement on a TV channel which led to a diplomatic row with certain Islamic nations. However, News18 has learnt that the PM did not give any reference during his speech. 5. CALL CENTRES AND HASHTAGS The prime minister asked MPs from Eastern UP to set up call centers in each constituency with immediate effect. During Parliament sessions or party work, MPs stay away from their respective constituencies when many constituents may need their help. Hence, call centers with dedicated numbers should be put in place through which they can reach their MPs with their grievance or problems at any given time, feels PM Modi. He even termed it Sansad Samvad, say sources. He also stressed the need to have professional social media teams for every MP. Be more proactive on social media, he is learnt to have told them. An avid user of social media himself who is available from Twitter to Instagram Modis message was clear: Counter oppositions baseless allegations in real-time. He is also believed to have criticised freebies, which is increasingly a viral trend in Indian politics, as he has asked MPs to spend most of their time in their respective constituencies. However, the five bold messages were clear and articulated with precision by the prime minister. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will host the third meeting of the opposition bloc INDIA in Mumbai on August 31-September 1, party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters after a Maha Vikas Aghadi meeting in this connection, Raut said Thackeray will host visiting opposition leaders, including five chief ministers, for dinner on August 31. The two-day deliberations, which will be held at Grand Hyatt in the suburbs, will begin on the evening of August 31 and from 10 am on September 1. The meeting will be followed by a press conference, Raut informed. MVA leaders will talk to the state government on issues of logistics and security for the visiting leaders, including Congress Rahul Gandhi, he said. The MVA leaders who met today resolved to ensure the INDIA meeting is a success on the lines of the ones in Patna and Bengaluru. We have assigned responsibilities to each of the leaders for preparations for the two-day meeting," Raut said. Among those who were present for Saturdays meeting were NCP founder Sharad Pawar, his partys state unit chief Jayant Patil and national working president Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray and colleagues Subhash Desai and Raut, Congress leaders and former chief ministers Prithviraj Chavan and Ashok Chavan, Congress Legislature Party chief Balasaheb Thorat, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar and Congress state unit chief Nana Patole. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is an opposition alliance of 26 parties formed recently to take on the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. It was an unusual meeting when Prime Minister Narendra Modis sister, Basanti Ben, landed at a shop owned by Sashi Devi, the elder sister of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. According to sources, the prime ministers younger sister reached Rishikesh for a private visit. The guests from Gujarat (PMs sister) stayed at Dayanand Ashram, said a source, who did not wish to be named. Accompanied by her husband Hansmukh and some relatives, Basanti Ben visited the famous Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the Bhuvaneshvari temple near Kothar village in Pauri Garhwal after walking close to 2 km on foot. On her way back, she landed at Sashi Devis shop. A photograph shows both sisters meeting and hugging each other. The sisters of the countrys two powerful and popular leaders spent some time together and Prime Minister Modis sister appreciated Sashi Devis humble lifestyle. In fact, PM Modi and Adityanaths relatives usually stay away from the limelight. Sashi Devi lives in Kothar village and runs a shop called Maa Bhuvneshwari Prasad Bhandar, which sells bells, vermillion among others items used for pooja. Her husband runs a small tea shop named Jai Shri Guru Gorakshnath ji. Incidentally, Adityanath is the mahant (head) of Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur. The chief minister is from Uttarakhand and his mother as well as brothers live in Pauri districts Panchoor village. Last year, Adityanath visited his mother and, in a recent interview, he spoke about meeting his mother and even talked about his sister. KYODO NEWS - Aug 5, 2023 - 10:47 | Arts, All, Japan A Smithsonian museum is planning to display photographs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the wake of the U.S. atomic bombings in the closing days of World War II as part of a forthcoming exhibition. "World War II in the Air," an exhibition covering developments in military aviation during the era, is expected to open in 2025 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, a curator told Kyodo News earlier this month. The plan is under way almost three decades after the museum was forced to scrap a proposal to display the fuselage of the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the Little Boy atomic bomb on Hiroshima, alongside graphic photos and other historical materials on the damage caused by the two bombings. At the time, the exhibit, planned for the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II in 1995, sparked a huge controversy in the United States over the historical context of the atomic bombings and drew protests from veterans' and other organizations. The aircraft is now on display at the museum's annex in Virginia on the outskirts of the U.S. capital, but historical narratives about the decision to use the weapons remain delicate in the country. In addition to photos of the devastated Japanese cities, the forthcoming exhibition is expected to include a "Little Boy-type bomb casing," said Jeremy Kinney, the museum's associate director for research and curatorial affairs. But he added, "The museum does not currently plan to present photos or personal belongs of the (bomb) victims." "This is not an atomic bomb exhibit," Kinney said, pointing out it will "examine how the wartime revolution in technology and tactics redefined the promise and peril of military aviation and will explore the dramatic changes to flight and America's role in world affairs." "The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are part of that story," he said. The museum, one of the Smithsonian Institution's facilities, houses the world's largest collection of aviation and space artifacts. The section of the exhibition covering the world's first atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and then another three days later on Nagasaki, will be supported with "artifacts, images and other historical material from the museum's collection," he said. Related coverage: Japan petition urges "Barbenheimer" hashtag ban over A-bomb memes Atomic-bomb survivors' kin race against time to preserve family histories Warner Bros. apologizes over A-bomb-related social media flap TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday asked if projects in the YSRCP-ruled Andhra Pradesh will get completed if state ministers are the alleged contractors. He raised questions over the role of state minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and accused him of amassing wealth from new irrigation projects. Speaking to the media after a comprehensive power-point presentation highlighting the dismal state" of irrigation projects in the combined Chittoor district, Naidu claimed that Peddireddy ranks second in looting, following state Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy as per his assessment. According to him, Peddireddy has siphoned off Rs 40,000 crore" from the states coffers and claimed that all embezzled funds will eventually be reclaimed. We have sounded the call for Yudha Bheri in defence of irrigation projects, and in response, the ruling party has declared a form of warfare to spill blood within the State," the former chief minister said. The TDP leader said that the YSRCP days are numbered, pointing to the growing unrest among the populace as evidence. In a plea to the police, Naidu urged them not to fall prey to the manipulative tactics of ruling party leaders and emphasised the importance of upholding democratic values. Naidu further said that his unwavering resolve has driven his active involvement in politics for the past four decades. Drawing attention to the numbers, he claimed that, out of the total land area of 37.43 lakh acres in the combined Chittoor district, only 10.08 lakh acres are under cultivation, and a mere 4.33 lakh acres are under irrigation. Delving into details about irrigation projects within the district, he accused Jagan Reddy for halting progress during his four-year term. He claimed that while 102 projects in Rayalaseema were halted, the combined Chittoor district alone witnessed the pre-closure of 25 projects. Naidu questioned the feasibility of project completion when the state ministers also serve as contractors". He said, As I fight on behalf of all of you, the ruling party leaders audaciously call for a bandh." The third meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc will be held in Mumbai on August 31- September 1 which will be attended by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi from Congress and chief ministers of at least five states. Leaders of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) met in the Maharashtra capital on Saturday to plan the outline of the upcoming conclave which will be hosted by Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, senior leaders said. Congress leader Nana Patole said the upcoming meeting of INDIA allies is very significant because of the Supreme Courts verdict staying Rahul Gandhis conviction in a defamation case. Members of INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) will discuss various issues facing the country and the role of the Central government at the upcoming meeting, MVA leaders said. The MVA meeting was attended by NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, state Congress chief Nana Patole and other senior leaders from the three constituent parties. The two-day deliberations, which will be held at Grand Hyatt in the suburbs, will begin in the evening of August 31 and from 10 am on September 1. The meeting will be followed by a press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut told reporters. He said Thackeray will host visiting opposition leaders, including five chief ministers, for dinner on August 31. Patole said the INDIA alliance is against the dictatorial Central government and the first victory was achieved with the SC staying Rahul Gandhis conviction in the defamation case. He said the INDIA alliance will expose the corrupt face of the BJP which accuses others of being indulged in such practices. Various topics will be discussed at the Mumbai meeting. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and heads of constituent parties of the alliance, chief ministers, opposition leaders and other key leaders will attend, Patole told reporters. He said MVA leaders deliberated to ensure that the upcoming conclave of opposition grouping in Mumbai is successful. The INDIA alliance has been established to oppose the dictatorial system prevalent in the country for the past nine years. The MVA is preparing to make the Mumbai meeting successful like similar meetings held earlier in Patna and Bengaluru, Patole added. Accusing the BJP of corruption, Patole claimed many ministers in the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra are corrupt. We have information about their corruption and soon they will be exposed. The Prime Minister alleges corruption of Rs 70,000 crore in the Water Resources Department (when UPA was in power) and then within two days the same party (NCP-Ajit Pawar group) was made a part of the government. How is that possible? Do they become clean once they join the BJP? Patole questioned in an apparent reference to some NCP MLAs led by Ajit Pawar joining the Shiv Sena-BJP government last month. He said each of the three parties- Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and Congress- has formed a group of five leaders to monitor preparations for the upcoming INDIA session. Former chief minister Ashok Chavan will head the group of leaders from Congress, which will include ex-minister Naseem Khan, Mumbai unit chief Varsha Gaikwad, and former MP Sanjay Nirupam. The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party will be represented by Supriya Sule, Jayant Patil, Anil Deshmukh, Jitendra Awhad and Narendra Verma. A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said it will announce the names of the five leaders on Sunday. Raut said MVA leaders will talk to the state government on issues of logistics and security for the visiting leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. Senior Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat, opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar, former CMs Ashok Chavan and Prithviraj Chavan, state NCP president Jayant Patil (Sharad Pawar group), ex-minister Anil Deshmukh, MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Subhash Desai, Anil Desai, Raut and others also attended the MVA meeting here. MVA leaders will talk to the state government on issues of logistics and security for the visiting leaders, including Congress Rahul Gandhi, Raut said. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is an opposition alliance of 26 parties formed recently to take on the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The first meeting of the opposition parties was held in Patna and the second one at Bengaluru. At the conclave held in the Karnataka capital last month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had said the opposition will fight the 2024 elections unitedly and succeed. Rahul Gandhi had said their fight was against BJPs ideology. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had dared the BJP-led NDA to challenge INDIA. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had publicly derided the opposition alliance INDIA, citing names such as East India Company and SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) to assert that people cannot be misled merely by the use of the countrys name. In a series of meetings with clusters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet MPs from eight northeastern states on Monday. The meeting will be hosted by union ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Kiren Rijiju and will also be attended by national president JP Nadda and union transport minister Nitin Gadkari. On coming to power at the Centre, Modi had named the eight northeastern states Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim as Ashtalakshmi. Known for their distinct culture, these states also boast of unique flavours in their cuisines. Hence, a lot of thought has gone into preparing the menu for the meeting, with representation from each of the eight states. A BJP source said each of the states want to present their speciality. Assam, which is said to be the gateway to the northeast, is all set to serve guests its traditional joha rice, aloo pitika and sauteed dhekia xaak. Joha rice is a popular variety of rice grown in Assam, known for its delicate flavour and aroma. It is a staple in an Assamese meal as is aloo pitika, which is essentially mashed potatoes with green chillies, coriander and onion flavoured with mustard oil. Dhekia xaak, also known as fiddle fern, are popular protein-rich greens eaten as a cooked vegetable. Bilahir tok a sweet and sour tomato chutney is also part of the meal to be served. From Manipur, singju and chak hao kheer will be served. Singju is made out of chana powder, salt, chillies and green leafy vegetables. The kheer is a pudding made out of authentic black rice, which Manipur trades not only within India but exports across the world. Nagaland has listed its traditional boiled vegetables for dinner, while from Mizoram, the guests shall be served purun zung bai, a dish made of some roots, including spring onions. A typically Bengali-style mixed vegetable sabzi with panch phoron (tempering with traditional five-spice powder) is being served from Tripura, while Sikkim will add its all-time favourite vegetable momos. Meghalaya is bringing a recipe of fried beetroot leaves to the plate alongside oying a traditional stew with boiled vegetables spiced up with chillies and ginger from Arunachal Pradesh with khaisa fry, a dish of fried raw bamboo shoots. Even accompaniments like lemons and chillies are being brought from the northeast, like kaji nemu from Assam. The northeast is said to be the chilli capital of India with at least 11 different kinds among which bhut jolokia is the second spiciest chilli of the world. This variety along with the Naga king chilli are likely to make it to the table. The northeast has been a special focus of the Narendra Modi-led government, especially with its Act East policy. Modi has visited the region more than 58 times, which is more than any other prime minister. The NDA MPs from the eight states will deliberate on how to keep their performance and focus up, especially at a time when Manipur has been in the grip of violence for three months now. Apart from infrastructure, development and recognition of culture and heritage, there is also a strong representation of leaders from this region at the Centre. Five union ministers, including two cabinet ministers, are in Modis team Rijiju (Arunachal Pradesh), Sonowal (Assam) Rajkumar Ranjan Singh (Manipur), Rameswar Teli (Assam) and Protima Bhowmick (Tripura). The BJP is in power in Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, while it is in an alliance in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Sikkim. Parties in the National Democratic Alliance include Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura, Mizo National Front, Asom Gana Parishad, United Peoples Party Liberal, National Democratic Progressive Party, Naga Peoples Front, National Peoples party (NPP) among others. An author, philanthropist, and educator, the chairperson of Infosys, Sudha Murty has taken on multiple inspirational roles. She was awarded the fourth highest civilian award, Padma Shri in 2006 for empowering women and breaking stereotypes. A student of computer science and engineering, Sudha Murty was the only girl in a class of 599 boys. During her appearance on Amitabh Bachchans Kaun Banega Crorepati 11, she candidly spoke about her struggles of being the only female student while also facing familial disagreements. Apparently, her parents werent happy with her decision of choosing an engineering career. With dejected support from family, Sudha Murty didnt back down and had to follow special rules on her college campus. She was strictly ordered to wear only saree every day and wasnt allowed to visit the college canteen or talk to boys. But it was only after she topped her class, that fellow students began recognising her talent and treating her equally. During her time as a student, Sudha also wrote an angry letter to JRD Tata urging him to remove his companys no women policy. Recalling the 1972 incident on The Kapil Sharma Show, the entrepreneur said she was trying to get a scholarship to do a Ph.D. in America while completing her M. Tech at the Tata Institute, Bangalore. Also Read: Sudha Murthy Trolled for Saying She Carries Indian Food Abroad, Rishi Sunak Makes Surprise Entry One day I was returning to my hostel and I read a notice that read TELCO, Pune was inviting young, bright engineers with a good salary, but in the end, they had mentioned that ladies students need not apply. It really made me angry. I was 23 years old, you tend to get angrier at that age, she said. With the intention of challenging the prejudice against female engineering students, Sudha decided to write a letter to JRD Tata. In my letter, I wrote to him, Sir, JRD Tata, when the country was not independent, your group started the chemicals, locomotive, iron, and steel industry. You are always ahead of the times. In this society, there are 50 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women. If you dont give an opportunity to women, then you are cutting off the services of women. That means your country will not progress. If women dont get an education and job opportunities, then society or a country never rises, and this is one mistake of your company, she said. Also Read: Did You Know Narayana Murthy Quit Job on His Wifes Birthday in 1976? Heres How She Reacted Her efforts did come to fruition and eventually, Tata removed their no-women policy. A Russian tanker was damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Kerch Strait, briefly halting traffic on the strategic bridge linking Crimea to Russia on Saturday, a day after one of Moscows warships was hit in the Black Sea. The number of attacks in the Black Sea has increased from both sides since Moscow exited a deal last month that had allowed Ukrainian grain exports via the shipping hub during the conflict between the two countries. The Russian tanker SIG was hit around 11:20 pm (2020 GMT) Friday south of the Kerch Strait, Russias Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport said. The SIG suffered a hole at the waterline in the area of the engine room, presumably as a result of an attack by a marine drone", the agency said on Telegram. The ship is afloat." An oil boom had been placed around the vessel and preparations were under way to patch the damage, it said. The Marine Traffic vessel-tracking website showed the SIG stationary and attended by tugs just south of the strait. The oil and chemical tanker is under US sanctions for supplying jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria supporting President Bashar al-Assad. Russias state RIA Novosti news agency said there were no casualties in the attack, citing the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of Novorossiysk. Traffic on the bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula to Russias mainland was halted for around three hours and resumed early Saturday, according to the Russian highways information centres Telegram channel. Warship hit The latest attack in the Black Sea came a day after Ukraine said it had carried out a seaborne-drone strike on a Russian navy ship at Novorossiysk naval base in southern Russia. In a video of the purported attack on the warship obtained by AFP, a naval drone is seen speeding towards the darkened silhouette of a military vessel before the connection abruptly cuts off. A Ukrainian attack targeting the Olenegrorsky Gornyak landing ship was successful", a Ukrainian security source told AFP Friday. The goal was to show that Ukraine can attack any Russian warship in that zone," the source added. Russia said it had repelled an attempted attack on the naval base by the Ukrainian armed forces with the use of two unmanned sea boats". Russias Black Sea Fleet has been targeted since the beginning of Moscows military campaign in Ukraine more than a year ago, but attacks have increased in recent weeks. Another Russian ship is on the edge of its fall," the Ukrainian foreign ministry said on social media, alongside a video of a military vessel listing heavily to one side. The presence of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea will be put to an end," Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak said. Ukraine will ensure freedom and security in the Black Sea for world trade." The port of Novorossiysk also hosts the terminus of a pipeline that carries most Kazakh oil exports through Russia. The fuel arterys operator Caspian Pipeline Consortium said it was continuing to ship oil to moored tankers at the terminal, Russian state media reported Friday. Crimea attack Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, has been targeted by Kyiv throughout Moscows Ukraine offensive but has seen more intense attacks in recent weeks. Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea in July blew up an ammunition depot and damaged the strategic bridge across the Kerch Strait. The Russian defence ministry on Friday said it had downed 13 drones over the Crimean peninsula, without recording casualties or damage. Earlier this week, Russias defence ministry said it foiled a Ukrainian drone attack targeting patrol boats in the Black Sea. Also announced Friday was Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigus visit to a combat zone in Ukraine to inspect a command post and meet senior military officers. Shoigu got an update on the situation on the front and thanked commanders and soldiers for successful offensive operations" in Lyman in eastern Ukraine, the army said, without mentioning when the visit took place. Ukraine counteroffensive Shoigu last visited the front at the end of June after an aborted rebellion by the Russian paramilitary group Wagner fighting along with Moscows forces in Ukraine. Ukraine began its long-awaited counteroffensive in the same month but has made modest advances in the face of stiff resistance from Russian forces on the front line. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that the counteroffensive was difficult, reporting very violent" fighting in the key areas on the eastern and southern fronts. Late summer and early autumn 2022, Ukraine retook swathes of territory around Kherson and Kharkiv in rapid counteroffensives. But Ukrainian forces are now contending with well-entrenched Russian defensive positions built over several months. A cyberattack on a US hospital group has forced the closure of urgent care and other critical health services at its facilities across at least four states, officials said Friday. Prospect Medical Holdings, which operates 16 hospitals across California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, suffered a data security incident," a spokeswoman said in a statement to AFP. Upon learning of this, we took our systems offline to protect them and launched an investigation with the help of third-party cybersecurity specialists," she said. The groups Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut said the computer outage was affecting all inpatient and outpatient operations, with staff using paper records, until this is resolved." The Eastern Connecticut Health Network said its urgent care center was closed, and elective surgeries canceled, until further notice. The incident appeared to be a ransomware attack, but was still under investigation, the spokeswoman said. Ransomware attacks typically access vulnerable computer systems and encrypt or steal data, before sending a ransom note demanding payment in exchange for decrypting the data or not releasing it publicly. Healthcare groups are frequently targeted. While our investigation continues, we are focused on addressing the pressing needs of our patients as we work diligently to return to normal operations as quickly as possible," said the statement. West Africas regional bloc said Friday its military chiefs have agreed a plan for a possible intervention in Niger, after the junta failed to restore civilian rule there following last weeks coup. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday gave the junta that toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum in a July 26 coup one week to reinstate him or face the potential use of force. Military chiefs from the grouping were meeting in Nigerias capital Abuja to discuss ways to respond to the crisis, the latest of several coups to hit Africas Sahel region since 2020. All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out," ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah said after the talks finished. These included the resources needed, and including the how and when we are going to deploy the force", he added. We want diplomacy to work, and we want this message clearly transmitted to them (the junta) that we are giving them every opportunity to reverse what they have done," Musah said. An ECOWAS delegation arrived in Nigers capital Niamey on Thursday but did not stay overnight as scheduled. It did not meet with Bazoum or coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani, a delegation member said on Friday. In a deepening of the crisis, the junta announced earlier on Friday it was scrapping military pacts between Niger and France, citing the former colonial rulers careless attitude and its reaction to the situation". Meanwhile, Washington is suspending some aid programmes to the Niger government, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said without giving details. However, life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue" and the United States will still carry out diplomatic and security operations to protect its personnel in the country, he said. Niger has played a key part in Western strategies to combat a jihadist insurgency that has plagued the Sahel since 2012, with France and the United States stationing around 1,500 and 1,000 troops in the country, respectively. France rejected the coup leaders severing of military ties, insisting only the legitimate" government could decide. Authoritarian repression Anti-French sentiment in the region is on the rise, while Russian activity, often through the Wagner mercenary group, has grown. Thursday saw thousands of people rally to back the coup on the anniversary of Nigers independence, some waving Russian flags and chanting anti-French slogans. A French foreign ministry spokeswoman said authoritarian repression" was gripping Niger, with members of Bazoums government and civil society figures being arrested, political parties closed, protests banned and independent media suspended. Bazoums detention conditions were worsening, Anne-Claire Legendre told BFM TV, citing information from Nigers ambassador to France, Aichatou Boulama Kane. The deposed president is being taken hostage, he has no electricity and has no access to his telephones", Legendre said. Bazoum, 63, has been held by the coup plotters with his family in his official Niamey residence since July 26. In a column in The Washington Post on Thursday his first lengthy statement since his detention he said a successful putsch would have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world". Bazoum, who in 2021 won an election that ushered in Nigers first-ever transfer of power from one civilian government to another, urged the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order". Warnings against military intervention Regional powerhouse Nigeria holds the rotating ECOWAS presidency. Its leader, Bola Tinubu, has said the bloc would do whatever it takes" to resolve the crisis amicably, with military intervention a last resort. The bloc has already imposed trade and financial sanctions on the junta, with key electricity supplier Nigeria cutting its deliveries. The junta has warned it would meet force with force. Mali and Burkina Faso, where military juntas have taken power since 2020, have warned any regional intervention would be tantamount to a declaration of war" against them. Russia, which has increased its footprint across the Sahel in recent years, said a foreign intervention would not resolve the crisis. Neighbouring Benin and Germany on Friday urged continued diplomacy to defuse the situation. Nationwide protests On Friday, there were sporadic rallies both for and against the coup. Around 100 people from several West African nations rallied in Niamey to protest against any potential military intervention. But in the western town of Tahoua, several hundred people gathered to show support for Bazoum and demand his unconditional release, one local journalist reported. In a sign of a partial return to normality, the junta on Friday lifted a curfew in force since the takeover. France has evacuated 1,079 people from the country, more than half of them French nationals, while the United States said it had chartered a plane to evacuate non-essential personnel and US citizens wishing to leave. Spain said it had evacuated more than 70 people, including 16 Spanish nationals, from Niger aboard a government-chartered Airbus A330 military plane. Dramatic visuals emerged from Lahores Zaman Part on Saturday after former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was arrested in connection with the Toshakhana case. The former Pakistan premier was arrested from his Lahore residence after the court declared him guilty of corrupt practices in recording and handling the state gifts. Khan was sentenced to three years in prison and imposed a fine of 100,000 Pakistani rupees on him for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts. Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details of Toshakhana gifts to the ECP and is found guilty of corrupt practices, Additional District and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar noted while delivering the verdict. As Imran Khans arrest ahead of the General Elections is likely to unfold another political crisis in the cash-strapped country, heres a brief timeline of the controversial Toshakhana case. August 2022: The Toshakhana case came to the fore in August 2022 when the current government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) filed a case against Khan alleging that he failed to reveal complete information on gifts presented to Toshakhana as well as the proceeds from the illegal sale of some of those gifts. August 2022: National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf sent the Toshakhana case against Khan to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by the Articles of the Constitution. September 19, 2022: ECP reserved judgment in the case. October 21, 2022: The ECP ruled that while the sales werent illegal because the items belonged to Imran as he had paid for them, but found that he did make false assertions and erroneous declarations about the gifts. The apex poll body also barred Khan from holding public office for 5 years. November 21, 2022: The ECP moved a session court in Islamabad for criminal proceedings against Khan. February 28, 2023: A district court in Islamabad issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Imran Khan after he skipped hearings in the Toshakhana case. March 5, 2023: The Pakistan police raided Khans Zaman Park residence in Lahore and arrested dozens of workers of his party claiming to have seized weapons and petrol bombs. May 9, 2023: Khan was arrested outside the Islamabad High Court by paramilitary Rangers following a hearing in a corruption case causing massive protests across Pakistan. May 10, 2023: The trial court indicted Khan. July 4, 2023: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) overturned the trial courts ruling on the maintainability of the case and directed it to rehear the petitioner and decide the matter within seven days. July 8, 2023: Judge Humayun Dilawar declared the Toshakhana case against Khan as maintainable. August 2, 2023: The trial court rejected the list of witnesses presented by Khan. August 4, 2023: Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq referred the matter back to the trial court with a direction to re-examine the jurisdiction and any procedural lapse in the filing of the complaint by the Election Commission. August 5, 2023: Judge Dilawar found Khan guilty of corrupt practices in the Toshakhana case and sent the PTI chief to jail for three years. (With inputs from PTI) Online video sharing and social media website YouTube took down Pakistan-based YouTube channel named Ahsan Mewati Pakistani after Indian authorities raised concerns regarding the channels role in inciting the recent communal violence in Haryanas Nuh (formerly Mewat). The channel which uploaded 273 videos since its inception and has 80,000 followers dedicated itself to spreading misinformation and promoting violence during the recent clashes in Nuh and fueled the unrest. Zeeshan Mushtaq runs the channel and people familiar with the developments told News18 that Mushtaq was traced to Pakistan capital Islamabad. The people mentioned above also found that the IP address used by Mushtaq belonged to Pakistan Education & Research Network (PERN). He travelled to Kot Mumin, near Sargodha in Pakistans Punjab province where he recorded some of his incendiary videos using a broadband network whose service provider was Telenor. He then moved to Lahore where he shot some more videos after changing his service provider once more. A video recorded by him on August 1 was shot near the Bismillah Montessori Schools playground. The location is noteworthy because of its close proximity to the Punjab province chief ministers secretariat. The people mentioned above pointed out that Zeeshan was using two mobile phones and used seven email addresses. He also has three other social media accounts on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the communal clashes that erupted in Nuh when miscreants clashed earlier this week. A total of 202 people have been arrested so far and 80 taken into preventive detention and 102 FIRs registered in connection with the communal clashes. The clashes later spread to Gurugram and its adjoining areas forcing the administration to shut schools and ask office-goers to work from home. The investigation conducted by Haryana police revealed that the clashes were the doing of several disparate groups, a senior police officer was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Saudi Arabia hosted talks on the Ukraine war Saturday in the latest flexing of its diplomatic muscle, a session that Kyiv had predicted would not be easy" given the wide range of countries represented. The meeting, which Ukrainian organisers said would include representatives from nearly 40 countries but not Russia, concluded on Saturday evening after several hours of statements from the various delegations and a lengthy closed discussion, participants said. As expected, no final declaration was due to be released, though some delegations were planning to take part in bilateral meetings in Jeddah on Sunday, participants said. Organisers succeeded in bringing together representatives of the four members of the influential BRICS bloc besides Russia: Brazil, India, China and South Africa. Yet the head of Brazils delegation, foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim, used his prepared remarks to stress that any real negotiation must include all parties," including Russia, according to a copy of his statement shared with AFP. Although Ukraine is the biggest victim, if we really want peace, we have to involve Moscow in this process in some form." Ukraine had gone into the meeting expecting tension. I predict that the conversation will not be easy, but the truth is on our side," the head of Ukraines presidential office, Andriy Yermak, said in an interview broadcast on Friday. We have many disagreements and we have heard many positions, but it is important that we share our principles," said Yermak, who headed Kyivs delegation to the talks. Our task is to unite the whole world around Ukraine." Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, failing in its attempt to take the capital but seizing swathes of eastern territory that Western-backed Ukrainian troops are fighting to recapture. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys office said this week that the meeting would focus on his 10-point peace formula that calls for the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. It also calls for the restoration of Ukraines borders including the territory of Crimea, unilaterally annexed by Russia in 2014. Russia has in the past said any negotiations would need to take into account new territorial realities". - Bringing in BRICS - The Jeddah meeting followed talks in Copenhagen in June that were designed to be informal and also did not yield a final declaration. Diplomats said the Ukraine-organised meetings were intended to engage a range of countries in debates about a path towards peace notably members of the BRICS bloc with Russia that have adopted a more neutral stance on the war in contrast to Western powers. China, which says it is a neutral party in the conflict but has been criticised by Western governments for refusing to condemn Russia, announced on Friday it was sending its special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui. India and South Africa also sent officials to Jeddah. Speaking on Friday, Zelensky welcomed the participation of developing countries hit hard by the surge in food prices triggered by the war. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan headed Washingtons delegation at the talks, a senior White House official said. - Saudi balancing - The meeting highlights Saudi Arabias readiness to exert its good offices to contribute to reaching a solution that will result in permanent peace", the official Saudi Press Agency said Friday. The worlds biggest crude exporter, which works closely with Moscow on oil policy, Riyadh has touted its ties to both sides and positioned itself as a possible mediator in the war. In May, the kingdom hosted Zelensky at an Arab summit also in Jeddah, where he accused some leaders of turning a blind eye" to the horrors of Russias invasion. Riyadh has adopted a classic balancing strategy" that could soften Russias response to this weekends summit, said Umar Karim, an expert on Saudi politics at the University of Birmingham. Saudi officials see Saturdays talks as evidence of its global clout and vindication of its emphasis on diversifying diplomatic partners. These talks are a prime example of the success of Saudi Arabias multipolar strategy of maintaining strong ties to Ukraine, Russia and China," said Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the government. Moving forward Riyadh wants to be in the company of an India or a Brazil, because only as a club can these middle powers hope to have impact on the world stage," said Joost Hiltermann, Middle East programme director for the International Crisis Group. Whether they will be able to agree on all things, such as the Ukraine war, is a big question." KYODO NEWS - Aug 5, 2023 - 12:02 | All, Japan Lower house member Masatoshi Akimoto quit the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday in the wake of allegations that he accepted bribes from a wind power company, the LDP said. His resignation from the party, tendered and accepted on Saturday, comes a day after Tokyo prosecutors searched his offices and home in connection with the allegations involving Japan Wind Development Co., prompting him to quit as parliamentary vice foreign minister. The prosecutors on Saturday also searched the home of the Tokyo-based wind power company's president, Masayuki Tsukawaki, suspecting that he gave Akimoto, 47, a bribe in the form of investments in a racehorse owners' group effectively run by the lawmaker, according to sources close to the matter. Tsukawaki's lawyer has denied the allegation, saying the company president jointly ran the racehorse group and that around 30 million yen he paid to it was not meant to be money personally given to the lawmaker. Japan Wind Development was bidding for offshore wind power projects in Aomori Prefecture and other locations. During a session of the House of Representatives in February 2019, Akimoto said he wanted to see wind power facilities developed in the sea off Aomori and hoped no excessive or unnecessary restrictions were placed on such projects. LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi said in a statement issued after Akimoto's resignation that his departure from the party is "extremely regrettable" and the party hopes he will "account for his actions and clarify the allegations." For around a year through October 2018, Akimoto served as parliamentary vice minister at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. During his stint, he pushed for legislation setting uniform rules for offshore renewable energy development in a bid to promote wind power. The legislation was enacted in November 2018. Based on the legislation, the government designated three marine zones in Akita and Chiba prefectures for electricity generation for up to 30 years. Related coverage: Bribery claims lead Japan parliamentary vice foreign minister to quit Former national security adviser John Bolton said his former boss Donald Trump will likely withdraw from NATO if he wins the 2024 US Presidential Elections. Bolton also criticised Trump for being erratic, irrational and unconstrained in an op-ed. Donald Trump doesnt really have a philosophy, as we understand it in political terms. He doesnt think in policy directions when he makes decisions, certainly in the national security space, Bolton was quoted as saying by the Hill. He threatened the existence of Nato, and I think in a second Trump term, wed almost certainly withdraw from Nato, Bolton told the news outlet. Bolton served as Trumps national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019. He also pointed out that Republicans who praised Trumps foreign policy decisions are also not understanding American foreign policy. He said that the US would not have been able to go to places where it has gone in the past decade if it would have followed Trumps foreign policy. He said Trump gets the credit for many things, despite the fact that he did not want to do those things in the first place. Bolton harshly criticised his boss by saying that Trump disdains knowledge and said the former president saw relations between US and other nations, including adversaries, predominantly as matters of personality. Foreign leaders, friend or foe, are far more likely to see him as ignorant, inexperienced, braggadocious, longing to be one of the big boys and eminently susceptible to flattery, Bolton wrote in his op-ed. He said the aforementioned characteristics were a persistent source of risk during his first tenure and will continue to be so going into the future if he is elected. Bolton also revealed that Trump is afraid of negative media coverage or political criticism and when things go wrong due to a wrong decision taken by him, he tries to distance himself from his own decision. The former president is facing 78 criminal counts and could, theoretically, be sent to prison for hundreds of years. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all of these charges. He is charged in the hush money payments to adult film actor Stormy Daniels case along with charges for hoarding classified documents at his Florida resort and making illegal moves to reverse the 2020 election results. The timing of the arrest and sentencing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supremo and former prime minister Imran Khan has raised questions in the minds of many. Imran Khan was arrested on Saturday and sentenced to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case by a Pakistan court. The district and sessions court in Islamabad also disqualified Imran Khan, barring him from contesting the upcoming polls which will be held within 90 days of August 9. People familiar with the developments pointed out that the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently declared the date the caretaker government would take over the reins of the government. The elections will now be held 90 days after the caretaker government steps in. Sharif also sent a list to his elder brother and former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif with names of probable candidates. It should also be noted that Nawaz Sharif was in Italy weeks ago. Around the same time, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) president and former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari was in Paris. People mentioned above said that Zardari and Nawaz held a meeting in Switzerland. There are also questions if the former prime minister was arrested to expedite elections within 60 days. Zardari returned earlier this week to Islamabad. The people mentioned above also highlighted that the judgement was announced during Saturdays session and Imran Khan was arrested before order was written. The Islamabad high court had granted Imran Khan temporary relief only 24 hours ago on Friday but on Saturday the PTI chief was arrested within 15 minutes of the judge pronouncing the judgement in the case. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif summoned the Council of Common Interests meeting on Saturday to discuss the new census and the possible date for the upcoming elections. The meeting will be attended by chief ministers of the four provinces and federal ministers. The elections come at a time when over 10,000 workers of the PTI are languishing in jails across the country due to their alleged role in May 9 violence where clashes erupted between them and the Pakistan police over the arrest of Imran Khan in a separate case by the nations National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Florida governor and 2024 presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis himself dealt a blow to his own chances of succeeding in the Republican primaries when he said he would start slitting throats in the federal bureaucracy starting from the day he steps into office. On bureaucracy, you know, were going to have all these deep state people, you know, were going to start slitting throats on day one and be ready to go. Youre going to see a huge, huge outcry because Washington wants to protect its own, DeSantis was quoted as saying by the Guardian. DeSantis was addressing a gathering in New Hampshire when he made the above remarks. The phrase slitting throats has featured several times during DeSantis campaign trail. It is similar to the usage of the phrase drain the swamp which in itself became a popular catch phrase when Trump ascended to power in 2016 US Elections. Both phrases are reflections of a Republican ideology which believes that there exists a so-called deep state which is formed by government officials and bureaucrats who are opposed to the Republican agenda. It is a common feature in many far-right campaigns across the world. DeSantis in July said that if voted to power he would appoint a defence secretary who would slit some throats and be very firm, very strong. The National Treasury Employees Union president, Tony Reardon, and president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Everett Kelley, condemned DeSantis remarks. Governor DeSantis threat to start slitting throats of federal employees is dangerous, disgusting, disgraceful and disqualifying, Everett was quoted as saying by the Guardian. DeSantis is way behind former president Donald Trump in terms of popularity and polling percentages but stands second in the list of Republicans who are in contention in the primaries. These public servants deserve respect and commendation from our nations leaders. No federal employee should face death threats from anyone, least of all from someone seeking to lead the US government. Governor DeSantis must retract his irresponsible statement, Kelley further said, pointing out that public servants work for the country be it supporting the military, providing healthcare to US veterans, enforcing laws, delivering benefits to nations most vulnerable citizens, keeping skies safe for air travel, protecting human health and environment. This story has been updated with the judge's deadline. When Donald Trump was arraigned on Thursday on felony charges that he tried to overturn results of the 2020 election, he was told he wouldn't be detained. The presiding judge warned the former president, however, that it was a crime to try to "influence a juror or try to threaten or bribe a witness or retaliate against anyone" tied to the case, per NPR . Trump said at the time he understood as much, but on late Friday evening, prosecutors working for special counsel Jack Smith filed a request for a protective order that would set limits on Trump's team sharing evidence in the caseand they cited one of Trump's social media posts to bolster their argument, report CNN and Politico . Just after 3:30pm ET on Friday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform a video that attacked Smith and other prominent names taking Trump on over his various legal issues, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Fani Willis, the DA for Fulton County, Georgia. Trump called the foursome President Biden's "unscrupulous accomplices ... assembled to get Trump." Then, not even 45 minutes later, Trump posted again, with a shorter, more cryptic message: "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!" It was that second post prosecutors cited in their Friday request to US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, asking her to grant their order that would keep Trump from sharing sensitive discovery evidence to the public. The prosecutors noted Trump's Truth Social post sent up a red flag that he might do just that via social media. "Such a restriction is particularly important in this case because the defendant has previously issued public statements on social media regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others associated with legal matters pending against him," the filing notes. "And in recent days, regarding this case, the defendant has issued multiple postseither specifically or by implication." Shortly after midnight, a "Trump spokesperson" put out a statement apparently responding to the filing, and the Truth Social post that was referenced in it. "The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech, and was in response to the RINO, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs, like the ones funded by the Koch brothers and the Club for No Growth," read the statement, which didn't elaborate further. The judge responded on Saturday, setting a 5pm Monday deadline for Trump's lawyers to answer the government's filing, per the Washington Post. That would include any changes proposed to the requested protective order. (Read more Donald Trump stories.) KYODO NEWS - Aug 5, 2023 - 08:01 | Feature, All, World, Japan Since the Seoul Halloween crowd crush in October last year, exchanges have gotten under way between bereaved family members in South Korea and Japan to glean lessons from the deadly accident and other such incidents that have occurred in recent years in both countries to prevent future tragedies. An interview by South Korean reporters of a family member of a victim who died in the pedestrian bridge accident in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, in 2001, led to the exchanges. Now, their goal is to further improve cooperation to learn the facts behind such accidents. In January, Seiji Shimomura of Kobe, 65, who lost his 2-year-old son in the Akashi pedestrian bridge accident, received an interview request from South Korean reporters planning to visit Japan to "learn lessons" from the walkway tragedy that occurred in Seoul last year, in which 159 people, including two Japanese, were killed. Shimomura explained to his interviewers about an independent investigation that was conducted into the Akashi accident by a third-party panel and the mutual support he saw between families of the victims and other accidents, including the 1985 Japan Airlines jumbo jet crash. "I think (the reporters) found refreshing the fact that there were interactions among the bereaved families," Shimomura said, reflecting back. Following the release of his interview, Shimomura received a request in early March for advice from a South Korean organization supporting Seoul crush victims' families. Together with other bereaved family members of the Akashi accident, Shimomura visited South Korea to meet with them later the same month. Participants in the meeting included families of victims in the 2014 sinking of the ferry Sewol, which left more than 300 people dead or missing, many of whom were high school students. Japanese families of victims in the pedestrian bridge crush, which killed 11 people on July 21, 2001, were willing to cooperate, citing the need for better safety measures and psychological support for affected people regardless of where they come from. In South Korea, there remain calls for more fact-finding about the Halloween crush on Oct. 29, 2022, and greater efforts to hold accountable those who were responsible. The victims' families asked Shimomura and others from Japan for advice on the accident investigation and were eager to hear about the criminal trial of the former deputy chief of the Akashi Police Department who, despite being exempt from prosecution on charges of professional negligence resulting in death in the case, was subsequently indicted after a review by an independent committee for prosecution. Although the case was ultimately dismissed by a court on the grounds that the statute of limitations had expired, it was the first mandatory prosecution in Japan. The meeting between the victims' families ended with an agreement among participants to continue their cooperation. Shimomura initially felt a wall between the Japanese and South Korean families of accident victims. But he recalled that when they shared drinks at night, the tension eased, and despite the language barrier, they could better understand each other. "As victims' families, we can smile and weep together. It's important to continue to value that," he said. Song Jin Young, 54, of Daejeon in the central-west region of South Korea, who lost his 20-year-old daughter in the Halloween tragedy, said he shared a profound sense of grief with Shimomura. "When he said that even after 22 years from the accident, he still carries the same pain, it was a sadness that could only be understood by people who have lost their loved ones. Empathy offers great comfort," Song said. Ayumu Tomikawa, 61, of Nemuro, Hokkaido, whose 26-year-old daughter Mei died in the Seoul crush, also finds solace through exchanges with Shimomura and Song. "Since we had no connection with any of the bereaved in Japan, we were grateful that Mr. Song was the first to get in touch with us," he said. Shimomura, at the request of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, has been serving as an advisor to the families of victims in the sinking of a tourist boat off Hokkaido's Shiretoko Peninsula in April 2022. Twenty people died and six went unaccounted for in the incident. When he was in South Korea, family members of the sunken Sewol ferry left him a message to pass to the families of victims in the Shiretoko incident. At a memorial ceremony held in the Hokkaido town of Shari in April, Shimomura read the message saying, "Our heart is with you even though we are from different countries." He said, "I hope to become a bridge between Japan and South Korea to prevent more people from losing their loved ones" in accidents. Song added, "I will contribute to improving cooperation to facilitate the fact-finding processes (for each accident)." Hundreds of thousands of women suffer from postpartum depression annually, and while the serious condition that emerges after childbirth often resolves within weeks, for other women, it can stretch for months, even years, and cause feelings that may even prove dangerous. Now, the Food and Drug Administration has announced a possible game-changer: a pill it has approved designed specifically for postpartum depressiona medication that until now could only be administered by IV. The zuranolone pill will be sold under the brand name Zurzuvae, manufactured by Sage Therapeutics, per an FDA release . "Having access to an oral medication will be a beneficial option for many of these women coping with extreme, and sometimes life-threatening, feelings," says Tiffany Farchione, the FDA's director of psychiatric drugs. The new pill stands out from other antidepressants in a couple of ways. First, in clinical trials it showed itself to be fast-acting, having an effect in some patients in just three days, instead of the typical two weeks or more that other antidepressants take. Second, it's only taken once a day for two weeks, not for months. Experts also hope that patients who may be reluctant to take antidepressants will still try this one, as it's specifically geared toward women with postpartum depressionmeaning it "could help reduce the stigma of postpartum depression by underscoring that it has biological underpinnings and is not something women should blame themselves for," as the New York Times puts it. In its studies on Zurzuvae, Sage Therapeutics found that women who took the pill reported fewer signs of depression over four to six weeks, compared with those who received a placebo, and that many of the subjects felt effects from the medication within three days of initially taking it. Sahar McMahon was one of the women who participated in the studies, and she attests to the drug's efficacy, per the AP. "I planned my pregnancies, I knew I wanted those kids, but I didn't want to interact with them," the 39-year-old describes how she felt following the birth of her second daughter in 2021. After taking Zurzuvae, however, "it was a quick transition for me just waking up and starting to feel like myself again." No price has been announced for the pill, which is expected to be made available after a mandatory 90-day review by the Drug Enforcement Administration. (Read more postpartum depression stories.) Some Wells Fargo customers have had a question this week when they checked the balance in their accounts: Where's my money? The bank has acknowledged that some people can't see or access amounts that were supposed to have been deposited, CNN reports. That's caused problems, with customers reporting they were charged overdraft fees and small-business owners saying they couldn't meet payroll. A Dallas woman told NBC News she had to borrow $500 from a friend to move into her new apartment after deposits not only were missing, but her account was hundreds of dollars overdrawn. Amber Matherly said she felt "entirely panicked." It's the second time this year Wells Fargo has had this problem. In March, it took the bank a few days to restore balances. Wells Fargo offered assurances Friday that the issue was mostly resolved and would be completely solved soon. An analyst at Bankrate suggests that anyone who spots a problem with their account contact the bank's customer service staff by phone, social media, or any other available means. Those with a linked savings account might consider moving money from it to cover bills until the problem is fixed, Greg McBride said. In the meantime, customers are losing faith in their bank. A woman in Alaska should've had her rent and utility bills paid by Friday with deposits due Wednesday. Instead, Wells Fargo told her Friday that she won't be able to get to her account for three to five days. "I simply cannot live without my funds now," Jeani Cortez told NBC. A customer in Texas who also suffered through the March outage plans to switch banks. "The words 'banking' and 'confidence' shouldn't end in a question mark," he said. Two weeks ago, he was laid off. "That money was a little bit important to me yesterday," Brent Morrison said Friday. (Read more Wells Fargo stories.) An opposition leader and former prime minister was sentenced to three years in prison Saturday after being convicted of corruption, a verdict that probably ends the possibility of Imran Khan running in the next election and deals a setback to Pakistan's efforts to solidify its democracy. Khan was arrested at his home in Lahore after the verdict was announced, the New York Times reports. The leader of the nation's largest opposition party, Khan had been mounting a political comeback after losing his office last year on a no-confidence vote in parliament. He denies the allegations against him, which involve selling gifts he received from other nations and hiding the proceeds. Khan has blamed the military establishment for his ouster, and analysts say it has tried to intimidate his supporters. No prime minister has ever completed a five-year term; all have clashed with the military. The nation has often been under military rule but has had a democratically chosen government since 2008. The coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the verdict and said it wasn't political persecution or intended to keep Khan out of the elections. "My message to Imran Khan is straightforward: Your time is up," Sharif's information minister said. A lawyer for Khan said he plans to appeal the verdict. Those elections are now in doubt, after the government announced Saturday that they'll be postponed. The constitution calls for the vote be held by early November, but the date has been moved to around February. The reason given was to allow time to align the process with the recent census. There's concern that with the constitution being overridden, the delay could turn to to be much longer, per the Wall Street Journal. "The future of democracy is bleak," said Abid Saqi, a lawyer. "When the entire constitution has been put into slumber, I don't see elections in the near future." (Read more Pakistan stories.) 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. KYODO NEWS - Aug 5, 2023 - 13:16 | Sports, All, Japan Fans and people in the hometown of Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu celebrated his marriage on Saturday, a day after he broke the news on social media. The two-time Olympic champion has retired from competitive figure skating and turned pro but still has passionate fans around the world, including China where the news quickly became the top trending topic on social media. "That's a cause for celebration. I hope he will have time to relax with his family when he is away from work," said a 46-year-old resident of Hanyu's hometown Sendai in Japan's northeast. "He has given us a lot of courage. I will continue to root for him," said Akihiko Shibuya, 63, who runs a restaurant in Ishinomaki where Hanyu once visited as part of his charity activities to support northeastern regions severely affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. A 16-year-old student from China who is visiting Japan on vacation was also happy to hear the news. "I prayed for his and his loved one's happiness," she said as she visited Yuzuruha Shrine in Kobe, a place well-known among Hanyu's fans. The Shinto shrine became popular for having a name similar to Hanyu's first name. According to the shrine's priest, Masayasu Sawada, Hanyu himself visited the shrine for the first time when he was a junior skater. "I have watched him grow as a skater. I would be delighted if he and his wife visit here together one day," Sawada said. Hanyu was the first figure skater not from Europe or the United States to win gold in the men's singles competition at the Olympics when he got his first title at the Sochi Winter Games in 2014. In 2018, he achieved a historic repeat at the Pyeongchang Games, becoming the first skater to successfully defend his gold medal in the event since American Dick Button, 66 years earlier. Hanyu became the youngest recipient of the Japanese government's People's Honor Award at age 23 that year. He did not provide details of his partner in his post late Friday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. Related coverage: Japanese figure skating icon Yuzuru Hanyu announces marriage Yuzuru Hanyu opens ice show commemorating earthquake-tsunami disaster Figure skating: Yuzuru Hanyu performs solo ice show at Tokyo Dome TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Preparations have kicked off to make the eagerly anticipated New Years Eve 2024 and Bahrain Festival City 2023 celebrations in the Kingdom memorable and exciting for GCC and regional tourists. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has officially opened the bidding process for event management companies and attracted three companies. The primary objective of both events is to attract visitors from across the GCC and the wider region, thereby promoting tourism and instilling a sense of positivity within the community. Bahrain International Circuit quoted BHD 1,620,493.600, Pico International (Bahrain) wrote BHD 1,601,160.000, and FY Advertising and P Publicity suggested BHD 764,500.000. With the goal of surpassing the success of previous editions, the BTEA seeks companies to leverage the achievements of past events to maximise their potential and success. To ensure an unforgettable experience, the authority mandates the use of top-tier equipment, exceptional venue setups, and seamless logistical arrangements. Bidders are required to strictly adhere to the terms, regulations, and safety measures set forth by governmental entities, including the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI). TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifas visionary approach to achieving an independent judiciary contributed significantly to the progress of Bahrains judicial system, said Adel bin Abdulrahman Al-Asoomi, the Speaker of the Arab Parliament. Al-Asoomi made the remarks during a meeting with Counsellor Adel Fahim Mohamed Azab, the President of the Egyptian State Council, and members of the Councils General Assembly. The speaker also stressed that the collective efforts of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalif and the government, under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, backs the judiciary in upholding rights, fostering social security, and maintaining stability within the kingdom. He further expressed gratitude for the directives of both His Majesty King Hamad and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to strengthen bilateral ties across various levels. Counsellor Mohamed Azab praised Bahrains Supreme Judicial Councils (SJC) presidency of the Arab Union of Administrative Judiciary (AUAJ), headquartered at Egypts State Council. He expressed confidence in Bahrains ability, as AUAJ President, to foster brotherhood and friendship among Arab administrative courts and state councils. Furthermore, he lauded the Arab Parliaments efforts, under the leadership of Speaker Adel Al-Asoomi, to bolster joint Arab action and enhance cooperation among Arab nations. The meeting stressed the shared commitment to advancing the principles of justice, equality, and collaboration throughout the Arab world. Agencies | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain Labour Minister and Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) chairman Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan affirmed the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister is continuing to accelerate the rate of employment of Bahrainis in various private sector establishments. This is done by attracting more job-generating investments, enhancing the work environment, diversifying training and qualification policies, and providing many advantages and incentives for the private sector so that Bahrainis will be the first choice for recruitment in the labor market, the minister said. The ministers statement came during the Cabinet review of labor market indicators in the second quarter of 2023 where he underlined that 14,163 have been employed between January and June at the rate of 71% within the economic recovery plan, which amounts to 20,000 hiring operations annually, stressing that this reflects the stability of the labour market and its growth towards generating more jobs in various productive sectors. Humaidan said that the number of citizens benefiting from various training programs reached 7,237 trainees, which constitutes 72% of the declared goal of training 10,000 Bahrainis annually as part of the Economic Recovery Plan. This includes beneficiaries from programmes offered by the Labour Ministry in cooperation with the Labor Fund (Tamkeen), in addition to training programmes where business owners and individuals registered directly with Tamkeen, as well as training courses funded by business owners for their employees directly with training institutes. The Labour Minister noted that inspection campaigns were intensified to correct the conditions of foreign workers within the registered employment system, and he indicated that the campaigns would continue in cooperation with the relevant government agencies, praising the ongoing cooperation with the Interior Ministry. On wages of citizens working in the private sector, Humaidan Saud that wages witnessed an increase of 6.3%, especially after the launch of several initiatives aimed at increasing the wage support and improving the level of wages of new employees in the private sector. He pointed that the higher wages in the private sector contributed to attracting more citizens to work in the private sector, which is the main driver of the kingdom's economy. Humaidan praised the cooperation of business owners with the Ministry's projects and programmes aimed at enhancing the integration of citizens seeking jobs in various private sector establishments. He affirmed that investing in Bahrainis achieves more gains for companies and institutions, especially in light of the encouraging incentives offered by the government to the private sector to fully play its role in the national economy. The Labour Ministry will publish an announcement in the local newspapers of the names of the companies and institutions contributing the most to the employment of Bahrainis during the period from January to June 2023, and publish the full list of the names of the establishments and the number of employees in them on the Ministry's website. AFP | Beirut The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Lebanon marked three years since one of history's biggest non-nuclear explosions rocked Beirut with hundreds of protesters marching alongside victims' families Friday to demand long-awaited justice. Nobody has been held to account for the tragedy as political and legal pressures impede the investigation. On August 4, 2020, the massive blast at Beirut port destroyed swathes of the Lebanese capital, killing more than 220 people and injuring at least 6,500. Authorities said the disaster was triggered by a fire in a warehouse where a vast stockpile of ammonium nitrate fertiliser had been haphazardly stored for years. Three years on, the probe is virtually at a standstill, leaving survivors still yearning for answers. Protesters, many of them wearing black and carrying photographs of the victims, marched towards the port shouting slogans including: "We will not forget". Some protesters waved a Lebanese flag covered in blood-like red paint while others carried an enormous flag covered in a written pledge to keep fighting for justice. "The blast investigation is hampered by the political elites and certain judges who are on their side," said lawyer Cecile Roukoz, who lost her brother in the explosion. She said that after three years, the international community needed to take action. "Please, it's time to act." The blast struck amid an economic collapse which the World Bank has dubbed one of the worst in recent history and which is widely blamed on a governing elite accused of corruption and mismanagement. - 'Until our last breath' - Since its early days, the probe into the explosion has faced a slew of political and legal challenges. In December 2020, lead investigator Fadi Sawan charged former prime minister Hassan Diab and three ex-ministers with negligence. But as political pressure mounted, Sawan was removed from the case. His successor, Tarek Bitar, unsuccessfully asked lawmakers to lift parliamentary immunity for MPs who were formerly cabinet ministers. The powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah group has launched a campaign against Bitar, accusing him of bias and demanding his dismissal. The interior ministry has refused to execute arrest warrants which the lead investigator has issued. In December 2021, Bitar suspended his probe after a barrage of lawsuits, mainly from politicians he had summoned on charges of negligence. But in a surprise move this January, Bitar resumed investigations after a 13-month hiatus, charging eight new suspects including high-level security officials and Lebanon's top prosecutor, Ghassan Oueidat. Oueidat then charged Bitar with insubordination and "usurping power", and ordered the release of all those detained over the blast. Bitar has refused to step aside, but has not set foot inside Beirut's justice palace for months. "Work (on the investigation) is ongoing," said a legal expert with knowledge of the case, requesting anonymity due to its sensitivity. Bitar is determined to keep his promise to deliver justice for victims' families, the expert added. Paul Naggear, who lost his three-year-old daughter in the blast, said he had "not been able to grieve for three years". "We will keep demanding justice until our very last breath," he said. Rima al-Zahed, whose brother was killed in the explosion, said the judiciary was "shackled" but "the truth does not die so long as there is someone to demand it." - Accountability - French President Emmanuel Macron, told Lebanese: "I am thinking of you". "Lebanon was not alone then, and it isn't alone now. You can count on France," he posted. Washington condemned the long delay in holding those responsible to account. "The lack of progress towards accountability is unacceptable and underscores the need for judicial reform and greater respect for the rule of law in Lebanon," said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. On Thursday, 300 individuals and organisations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International, renewed a call for the United Nations to establish a fact-finding mission -- a demand Lebanese officials have repeatedly rejected. "If those responsible are not held accountable, it will put the country on a trajectory that allows this kind of crime to be repeated," HRW's Lama Fakih told AFP. Agencies | Riyadh The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia for finding a peaceful settlement to Ukraine war will have the presence of a senior official from China. China was invited to a previous round of talks in Copenhagen in late June but did not attend. Representing China in the Jeddah talks will be Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui, Chinas foreign ministry said yesterday. China is willing to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson at the Chinese ministry, said in a statement. Ukrainian and Western diplomats hope the meeting in Jeddah of national security advisers and other senior officials from some 40 countries will agree on key principles for a future peace settlement to end Russias war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday he hoped the initiative will lead to a peace summit of leaders from around the world this autumn to endorse the principles, based on his own 10-point formula for a settlement. Zelenskiys formula includes respect for Ukraines territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops, anathema to Moscow which claims to have annexed occupied Ukrainian territory forever. Ukrainian, Russian and international officials say there is no prospect of direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at the moment, as the war continues to rage and Kyiv seeks to reclaim territory through a counter-offensive. But Ukraine aims first to build a bigger coalition of diplomatic support beyond its core Western backers by reaching out to Global South countries such as India, Brazil and South Africa, many of which have remained publicly neutral. Earlier this week, the Kremlin said it would keep an eye on the Jeddah meeting, while restating Moscows position that it currently saw no grounds for peace talks with Kyiv. One of the main aims of this round of negotiations will be to finally fix a common understanding of what the 10 points are about, Ihor Zhovkva, Zelenskiys chief diplomatic adviser, told Reuters on Thursday. The 10-point plan also calls for protection of food and energy supplies, nuclear safety and the release of all prisoners. Earlier this week, the Kremlin said it would keep an eye on the Jeddah meeting, while restating Moscows position that it currently saw no grounds for peace talks with Kyiv. A senior European Union official said Saudi Arabia reached into parts of the world where (Ukraines) classical allies would not get to as easily. Senior officials from the United States, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, will also attend the talks. japan-guide.com - Aug 08 In this video, we'll cover all the basic things to know about the Japan Rail Pass, how to buy it, how to use it and answer some of your most frequently asked questions. KYODO NEWS - Aug 5, 2023 - 23:00 | All, World, Japan The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Football: Japan beat Norway 3-1 to reach Women's World Cup quarterfinals WELLINGTON - Risa Shimizu scored the decisive goal before Hinata Miyazawa bagged her fifth of the tournament as Japan beat Norway 3-1 in the round of 16 to reach the Women's World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday. Nadeshiko Japan opened the scoring when Miyazawa's cross was deflected for an own goal by the Norwegian defense, but Guro Reiten's header erased the deficit in the first half at Wellington Regional Stadium before the Asian side made their domination count after the break. ---------- 40 C heat logged in Japan for 1st time this summer as nation swelters TOKYO - Japan experienced its first 40 C day this season, with the mercury hitting the scorching level in the northeastern region, according to the weather agency. Among the 914 observation points nationwide, temperatures had risen to 35 C or above at about 300 locations, with Date in Fukushima Prefecture logging 40.0 C around 2 p.m., the Japan Meteorological Agency said. ---------- Ex-Pakistan PM arrested after court gives him 3-year prison sentence ISLAMABAD - Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested Saturday after a court sentenced him to three years in prison for improperly selling state gifts, local media reported. National elections are expected to be held as early as in the fall, but a conviction in the case could prevent Khan, a cricket star-turned-politician, from running for office, regional experts said. ---------- Rugby: 14-man Brave Blossoms go down to Fiji TOKYO - Japan will leave these shores for the Rugby World Cup on the back of another loss after they were beaten 35-12 by Fiji in the Pacific Nations Series at a sold-out Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday night. With just a game away to Italy before they kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign against Chile on Sept. 10 in Toulouse, France, the Brave Blossoms once again paid the penalty for indiscipline and poor tackle technique. Although, to their credit, they never gave up competing and showed glimpses of how dangerous they can be with ball in hand. ---------- Figure skating: Yuzuru Hanyu thanks fans, athletes in marriage message TOKYO - Japanese figure skating icon Yuzuru Hanyu thanked fans and vowed to keep performing on the ice as he received a flood of congratulatory messages following his marriage announcement Friday. The two-time Olympic champion, who retired from competition and became a professional exhibition skater in July 2022, made his announcement at 11:11 p.m. on Friday, believed to be an auspicious day in Japan in this year's calendar. ---------- Student arrested for alleged possession of cannabis, stimulant drug TOKYO - A 21-year-old member of Nihon University's American football team was arrested Saturday for alleged possession of cannabis and an illegal stimulant, investigative sources said. The arrest came after police searched the team's dormitory in Tokyo two days ago. The team is a 21-time winner of the Koshien Bowl, the national college American football championship game. ---------- Japan lawmaker embroiled in bribery allegation leaves ruling party TOKYO - Lower house member Masatoshi Akimoto quit the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday in the wake of allegations that he accepted bribes from a wind power company, the LDP said. His resignation from the party, tendered and accepted on Saturday, comes a day after Tokyo prosecutors searched his offices and home in connection with the allegations involving Japan Wind Development Co., prompting him to quit as parliamentary vice foreign minister. ---------- Cambodia's ruling party dominates lower house with 120 seats PHNOM PENH - The ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen won 120 out of the 125-seat lower house in the country's parliament, according to official results of last month's general election released Saturday by Cambodia's National Election Committee. The ruling party's landslide victory means it has become certain that a new Cabinet, led by Hun Sen's eldest son Hun Manet as the new prime minister, will be launched. ---------- U.S. approves 1st oral medication for postpartum depression WASHINGTON - U.S. regulators approved the first oral medication to treat postpartum depression, in a move expected to simplify treatment that previously required a lengthy stay at a medical facility. On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the new drug, zuranolone, commercially branded as Zurzuvae. Until now, patient treatment has been limited to intravenous injections, necessitating a 60-hour stay at a medical facility. ---------- Baseball: Darvish's strong start not enough as Padres fall to Dodgers SAN DIEGO, California - Starter Yu Darvish tossed seven innings of two-run ball but received no decision after the San Diego Padres bullpen came undone in a 10-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. The veteran right-hander surrendered a solo home run to James Outman in the top of the second but otherwise kept the Dodgers in check, limiting them to five hits with four strikeouts and no walks. ---------- Tennis: Nishikori out of National Bank Open with left knee injury NEW YORK - Japan's Kei Nishikori will miss the National Bank Open in Canada, an ATP Masters 1000 event, due to a left knee injury, the tournament organizers said Friday. The 33-year-old has withdrawn from two tour events in a row after he also skipped the ongoing ATP 500 Mubadala Citi DC Open with the same setback. ---------- Ex-PM Thaksin postpones return to Thailand from exile by 2 weeks BANGKOK - Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Saturday he will postpone his return to Thailand from exile, initially planned for next Thursday, by around two weeks, citing the need for a medical checkup. In a message he posted on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, Thaksin said his return would be postponed by "not over two weeks." ---------- Video: Figure skating icon Yuzuru Hanyu announces marriage A new church called Ogbanje Church of All Nations has been opened in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State. Members of the congregation had their first worship service at the church, where they sang and danced to a compilation of songs eulogising the names of some popular river goddesses in Nnewi. This was corroborated by a video currently trending in social media, showing members of the church as they rejoiced and danced to the tune of songs composed in praise of goddesses of some popular rivers in Nnewi. While addressing the congregation at the uncompleted building, the cleric, presiding over the service, advised the congregation to worship what they know, rather than what they dont know. The clergyman, who did not mention his name, spoke in Igbo and said people had used the names of Bethsaida, Jericho, Samaria, and some other biblical locations to compose songs without knowing the meaning of those locations. Supported by echoes of joy and commendations from the congregation, the cleric who did not mention his name, thereafter began singing a praise song in reverence to the Ogbanje, while the church members cheerfully dance around in joy. He said, People usually sing and dance to songs composed with names and places in the Bible while they do not actually know who, what, or where they are and what they represent. It is high time we started going back to our culture and tradition. People should start singing songs composed with names of rivers that are known to them and the goddesses of those rivers, rather than singing and dancing to the names of what they dont know. Together with the congregation, he mentioned some names of rivers and some river goddesses in the area including Obo River, Mmiri Ele, Oraso River, Mmiri Edo, Ofala River, Ota, and Ezu River, among others. While proudly identifying as an Ogbanje, the cleric claimed that he and other people who were Ogbanje usually shine, prosper and live fine from year to year because they worship the rivers and the goddesses of the rivers they know, rather than those unknown to them. Former military governor of old Ondo State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has advised President Bola Tinubu against the invasion of neighbouring Niger Republic, saying any war is not a tea party. George, a retired Commodore of the Nigerian Navy in a letter yesterday made available, said he is writing as a patriot and a statesman. The letter reads: I write to you as a Nigerian, a retired General in the Nigerian military, a patriot and a war tactician. On July 26, 2023, the Commander of the Presidential Guard in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, seized power and is now the new strongman of the Nigerien Armed Forces. As the leader of ECOWAS, you immediately invited other West African leaders and an ultimatum was given to Tchiani that Bazoum must be reinstated or else, a strong military force (just like ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone) will invade Niger Republic and forcefully reinstate him. The population of Niger Republic is 27,294,785 (just like Lagos State). Niamey is the capital and the population is 1,437,000 (not up to Alimosho Council in Lagos) and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who gets security briefings everyday since you were sworn-in on May 29, 2023, you may have been told that even a Brigade of the Nigerian Army, commanded by a Colonel, can crush the soldiers in Niger Republic. Now, my observations: First of all, you have done the right thing by sending a delegation consisting of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, a retired Brigadier-General, to meet the Military High Command in Niger. It is okay to send a delegation. Diplomacy is always a better option to war. To jaw jaw is better than war war. But, I believe, it would have been better if the full Nigerian colouration was reflected in that delegation. Some diplomats (serving or retired) should have been included in the delegation. Diplomats are trained for a situation like this. What is happening in Niger right now is not only for the military. Number two, when you have a crisis within, you solve that first before going international with a Big Brother posture. In your last national broadcast, you even admitted that Nigerians are going through a lot and everything is being done to alleviate their suffering. In Nigeria today, there is no food, no financial power to buy fuel, no light, no money. Nigerians are psychologically stranded and people are really going through a lot. So, I dont know what our going to Niger Republic with full military power will achieve. If you remember, Nigeria, almost singularly, financed ECOMOG military operations and that was when our economy was better. Which economy are we going to use now to finance a full military operation in Niger Republic, when Mali and Burkina Faso have threatened to take sides with Niger Republic? Will this not lead to the collapse of ECOWAS? Do we really know the type of partisan game Western Powers, on one hand, Russia and China, on another hand, and some other African countries, are playing behind the scene? Can we really trust any one of them? Should Nigerias interest not play a major role before taking any decision of this gargantuan dimension which can lead to loss of lives and destruction of properties? I saw a video today of some Nigeriens, on a road show, backing Tchiani and abusing you. That may have been arranged by the coupists quite alright but do we need that type of distraction now when everything is being done to ensure that Nigeria moves its economy to the next level? Do we know the involvement of Russians because of the Uranium in Niger? In Nigeria, the electoral process is yet to be concluded, the palliatives you promised because of the removal of fuel subsidy payment are still in the air, so why do we want to send our soldiers to engage in a needless war? In ECOMOG, Nigeria paid for almost everything. But the economy then was different from what we have now. We all know that Nigeriens, directly or indirectly, are fighting the French because of Assimilation Policy which has affected the Francophone speaking countries, unlike what we have in English speaking countries, like Nigeria. We should think twice before entering another country militarily. Dont start what you cannot finish. Niger is one of the largest (land border) countries in the world and also one of the poorest. What exactly do we gain if we go to war in Niger? What? So that people can praise us as a defender of democracy? When people are dying at home, do we need that type of commendation from anybody? I am a retired General. So, I know that war is not easy. Please, dont force Nigerians to engage in an endless war. Despite its mineral wealth, Niger Republic has been held down by its leadership for decades. More than 75 per cent of Nigeriens are poor and uneducated. At the right time, if they dont want Tchiani, they will get rid of him. Let Nigeriens deal with their rot and let us focus on how to save our own situation back home. I am sure you know that seven Northern states Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno share a 1,608 kilometres long border with five regions in Niger Republic. In case of any war, residents of these states will be direct targets of bullets and missiles. This can also lead to a resurgence of criminal activities in the border areas. Also, some countries, such as Algeria, Libya, Chad, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali share borders with Niger Republic. Can we trust these countries to support us militarily and otherwise in case of a war with Niger Republic? In all of these, we should ask ourselves, why did we finance a rail line to Maradi during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration? Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago. Thousands of people soldiers and civilians have been killed, billions of dollars worth of properties have been destroyed and there is still no end in sight. In International Relations and Politics, you protect your national interest first. Burkina Faso and Mali openly declared that they would support Niger. Can we also trust Chad which has been under military rule since April 2021? Are we sure this move to invade Niger Republic will not affect ECOWAS? Is this the right time to spend the money Nigeria doesnt have to fight in another country? Politically, economically, socially, we are still in a quagmire. Then you want to add the fourth one: Warfare. Anybody who has been in the military will tell you war is not an easy thing. We must be careful. Thank God you have started the diplomatic move Let the envoys continue the diplomatic discussion in Niger. War is not a tea party. The former director-general of the Peter Obi presidential campaign, Doyin Okupe, has drummed support for President Bola Tinubus military intervention against the Niger junta. Okupe disclosed this on Friday through his Twitter handle while reacting to the political situation in Niger Republic. Recall that the military junta in Niger said it had cut ties with Nigeria. Okupe condemning the action of the juntas in Niger, said any action taken to rubbish Nigeria should not be tolerated. According to him, all Nigerians must set aside all political differences and join hands to protect the nations democracy. Tunde Akinmoyewa, an ex-convict, met his untimely demise on Friday in Ondo State while carrying out a traditional experiment to assess the effectiveness of a purported bullet repelling charm. It was gathered that the 27-year-old victim was fatally shot with a dane gun by his friend identified as Bode. The tragic incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. within Laoso camp, located in Ondo West Local Government Area of the State. Eyewitnesses revealed that the deceased and his friend had consumed a specially concocted portion, believed to be capable of rendering them immune to bullet wounds. The charm was prepared by a native doctor who assured them of its invincibility against gunfire. Seeking to put the charms efficiency to test, Tunde purportedly requested that Bode should fire the first shot at him. However, as soon as the dane gun was discharged, Tunde immediately collapsed, losing his life in the process. Upon realising the tragic outcome of their ill-fated experiment, Bode fled the scene in panic, leaving behind the lifeless body of his friend. One of the sources added that following the incident, Tunde was rushed to a clinic at the camp, where he was confirmed dead. Meanwhile, the incident has left the community in shock and disbelief. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Olufumilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, described the deceased and his friend as cultists. He said, one Tunde Akinmoyewa, a male ex-convict who is also a cultist, while testing a locally made gun believed to be newly procured, was accidentally shot by one of his boys, named Bode. As a result of which he died while being taken to the hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased have been deposited in the mortuary, and efforts are in top gear to arrest the suspect. DAMASCUS, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- "One of the ugliest images of the U.S. violations of human rights in Syria was stealing the oil derivatives from the national resources in Syria," said a Syrian analyst. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has reportedly won the Manchester United takeover race. According to The Sun UK, Hamad Al Thani has made a significant breakthrough in talks with the Glazers over a sale of the Premier League club. Hamad Al Thani now looks set to beat British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe to a 6billion takeover at Old Trafford. It is said that there is confidence at Man United that Hamad Al Thani will seal a deal by November. Recall that the takeover of Manchester United has dragged on for many months. Hamad Al Thani and Ratcliffe are the two frontrunners to buy the Red Devils. Hamad Al Thani had tabled a fifth offer of around 6billion on June 7. President Bola Tinubu has promised to address the complaints of marginalisation by leaders of the Okun people in Kogi state. On Thursday, leaders of the Okun Development Association led by Micheal Ikupolati, a professor, met with Tinubu at the presidential villa, in Abuja. The group appealed to the president to back Kogi west senatorial district to produce the next governor of the state ahead of the November 11 election. Since the creation of Kogi state in 1991, someone from Kogi west senatorial district has not become a governor. The development has elicited concerns among stakeholders of the district, who are currently clamouring for a power shift to Kogi west. Okun is a major ethnic group in Kogi west senatorial district. Addressing the Okun leaders, Tinubu said there is a need for fair representation in the governance of the state, adding that democracy is a game of numbers. Democracy is about horse trading, numbers, about conflicts and conflict resolution, Tinubu was quoted in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson. I appreciate your leadership and your position. One of your sons, James Faleke, has worked very closely with me and I know about the issue when the late Prince Audu was alive. But that was the way of God Almighty. He passed on and the arrangement didnt work and there was a judgement from the supreme court that was the last bus stop. That brought about the present government in the state, who is also a member of our party. When you talk about domination, Ill have to dig deeper on the issues. Yes, the question of rotation was agreed upon by Prince Audu and some other leaders but death didnt allow him. God Almighty knows the reasons and we cannot question him. May Edochie has reportedly filed for divorce from Yul Edochie, her husband. Yul and May tied the knot in 2004. But in April 2022, Yul unveiled Judy Austin as his second wife. He also announced their first child together to the displeasure of May. On Tuesday, DPA Family Clinic, a law firm, revealed the legal charges by May against Yul and his second wife via its Facebook page. Emeka Ugwuonye, a legal practitioner at the firm, said May is demanding N100 million in damages against Judy for adultery with her husband. The lawyer also said May filed for a court order restraining Yul from accessing their former matrimonial home because of security concerns. Ugwuonye said Yul and May are already aware of the lawsuit against them but they are avoiding service of court process. May Yul-Edochie filed a divorce petition against Yul. She also filed against Judy and she is asking for 100 million naira in damages against Judy for adultery with her husband, he wrote. Yul and Judy are not husband and wife, and cannot be so until Yul and May are divorced. It is a combination of delusion and absurdity for the two to call themselves husband and wife yet. Both Judy and Yul are aware of the lawsuit. They are avoiding service of the process upon them. The court bailiff has tried many times to serve them but they have evaded service of court process. Despite the social media stunts, Yul Edochie and Judy are facing serious legal challenges and they seem ill-prepared for them. May also filed for an order of court restraining Yul from accessing their former matrimonial home. That application is based on the fact that there are genuine security and safety concerns. Yuls behavior has been erratic, irrational, aggressive and increasingly threatening. He seems to have been under some influence, the full extent or scope of which we are yet to ascertain. But measures are being taken to protect May and her children. Last weekend, Yul attempted to access the home but he was stopped by the intervention of law enforcement. He was reminded that all issues involving his marriage to May are subjudice. He should consult his lawyer and be guided by such lawyer. After the event of last weekend, it was not surprising at all to hear that Yul and Judy would be on social media in a comic display where Judy showers Yul with unfettered adulation. It is totally understandable that he would need such extreme ego massage. May is the sharp opposite of Yul and Judy. She is calm, rational and incredibly stoic. Despite the enormous losses and suffering she has endured lately, she held on to high values of honor and integrity and remains calm and focused in face of turbulence. May is represented in court by Femi Falanas Firm and Eculaw Group. Our Family Law Clinic plays a support role aside from litigation activities. In a chat with Premium Times on Thursday, Ugwuonye confirmed that May actually filed for divorce. He, however, said the law firm wishes to honour the courts order to avoid media statements and to protect Mays interests. On the May Yul-Edochie matter, we do not wish to make any statement beyond the note we posted yesterday on our Facebook page, he said. I would not like to speak about the litigation strategies for three reasons. Firstly, Femi Falana is the leader and should be the one to do that. Secondly, the judge admonishes the parties to avoid undue media commentaries. Thirdly, it is generally not our clients interest to disclose her plans and strategies in advance. We intend to honour that warning. The Coalition of United Political Parties on Saturday warned the Federal Government against the planned military intervention in Niger Republic to reinstate the ousted civilian President, Mohammed Bazoum, saying, the sick cannot treat the sick. While describing the planned intervention as costly, unnecessary and absolutely thoughtless, the CUPP said it is neither a war that Nigeria can afford nor win, especially in the face of the overwhelming popularity of the coup among the generality of Nigeriens. The organisation said its opposition became necessary because the Nigerian military have been overstretched over the years battling terrorism and insurgency that are still very active and draining the countrys resources to the tune of billions of Naira weekly. The co-National Spokesperson of CUPP, Mark Adebayo, expressed these reservations in a statement in Abuja. He said, It has come to our notice the preparations by Nigeria and some other West African countries for a military intervention in Niger Republic ostensibly to reinstate the overthrown civilian government in the country. First, Nigeria, in its current socioeconomic state cannot afford such a costly intervention. The Nigerian military have been overstretched over the years battling terrorism and all manners of insurgency that are still very active and draining the countrys resources to the tune of billions of Naira weekly. It is not only unnecessary but absolutely thoughtless for Nigeria to contemplate intervening militarily in the internal affairs of another country when the security situation in our own country remains a serious challenge to our military and other security agencies with an economy that is currently sick. It is neither a war that Nigeria can afford nor win especially in the face of the overwhelming popularity of the coup among the generality of Nigeriens. Any military intervention without the support of the the people of Niger is dead on arrival and it is glaring that the coup that toppled President Mohammed Bazoum was a widely popular one. Therefore, Nigeria cannot afford to waste its dwindling resources and the precious Iives of our soldiers fighting an unnecessary war that it can ill-afford. The sick cannot treat the sick. Nigeria should rather concentrate on healing itself instead of looking for trouble in another country We support any diplomatic efforts by the West African subregion to resolve the Nigerien impasse. But a military intervention is taking the matter too far and we daresay it would fail catastrophically. Whatever resources are being put together to fight in another mans country should be put to better use for Nigeria and alleviate the suffering of the people under this unfriendly economy rather than be frittered away in a war that doesnt really concern us when we have our own wars internally that we havent overcome. Nigeria and other West African countries desirous of reinstating democracy in Niger Republic should rather deploy their diplomatic assets with possible collaboration of the international community to amicably resolve the situation in Niger Republic without military action and without a single drop of blood President Bola Tinubu should avoid plunging Nigerias fragile economy into more depression by intervening militarily in another country. Even if diplomatic channels have been exhausted, Nigeriens should be allowed to run their country as they deem fit even though we support the survival of democracy based on good governance in Africa. You cant force a people against their own will to do what they dont consider its in their best interests. Nigeria should leave Niger alone to determine its own present and future. Whatever interventions are being contemplated should remain within the purview of diplomacy no more, no less. A social critic, Reno Omokri is of the view that President Bola Tinubu shouldnt have made public his request to the Senate for approval of military action against Niger. Omokri observed that Tinubus request should have been a secret memo and deliberated on secretly by the Senate. His observation was contained in a post via his social media platform on Saturday. The social critic suggested that it was better to strangulate the Nigerien putschists economically until they restore the democratically elected President. He wrote: The request by President Tinubu to the Senate for military intervention in Niger Republic should not have been made public. Not by the Executive or the Legislature. Making it public was a mistake. Except it was done deliberately to intimidate the junta in Niger Republic. If not, it should have been a secret memo, which the Senate should have deliberated on secretly. We do not pray for war, and we should do everything to avert it. It is better to strangulate the Nigerien putschists economically until they restore the democratically elected President. The General who seized power should also be offered amnesty if he returns what he stole to the rightful owner. And if he wishes, he should be free to contest as President in the next election in that country. But war should be a last resort. And if we must resort to war, we should have a UN mandate, and the international community should pay for the war. The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has asked President Bola Tinubu to exhaust all diplomatic means in resolving the crisis in Niger Republic. Suleiman Kawu, the spokesperson of the forum, who spoke in Abuja on Friday, warned that deploying Nigerian troops to the Niger Republic will hurt seven northern states Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno sharing borders with the country. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had given Niger a week from Sunday to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum or face harder sanctions. The northern senators urged the president to be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in the Niger Republic The forum under the leadership of senator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi), has noted with concern and condemned in entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum, NAN quoted Kawu as saying. The northern senators also take cognisance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our dear President Bola Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic. The emphasis, however, is that we should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in the Niger Republic. We also take exception to the use of the military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business. Besides, about seven northern states who share a border with the Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected. We are also aware of the situation of Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven northern states if military force is used. As democrats and representatives of the people, we hereby urge our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub-section (4) (a) and (b) of the constitution. The committee of chiefs of defence staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says interventions in the Niger Republic must encompass political, security and diplomatic dimensions. The defence chiefs spoke on Friday at the end of their three-day extraordinary meeting in Abuja in reaction to concerns amid the deployment of force to deal with the political instability in the West African country. Earlier, President Bola Tinubu, chairperson of ECOWAS, had written to the national assembly, seeking approval for military intervention in Niger. The president said it was part of the blocs conclusions at the meeting held on Sunday in Abuja. Tinubus move came amid calls from various countries, organisations, and concerned individuals against the use of force to intervene in another countrys political affairs. ECOWAS had given the military junta in Niger a week from Sunday to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum or face harder sanctions. Speaking on the issue, Christopher Musa, president of the ECOWAS defence chiefs, commended the bloc for standing firm for democracy, adding that the militaries of the member countries were firmly in support of their stand. Musa, who is Nigerias chief of defence staff, said the committee collectively recognised the gravity of the situation in Niger and the urgent need for a well-coordinated response. We have also deliberated on the broader implication for democracy, peace and stability in West Africa and are pleased to note that our discussions have yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations, Musa said. We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions. It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future. Democracy is what we stand for and democracy is what we will sustain. Musa said the coup in Niger represented blatant disregard for the fundamental principles that underpin regional integration and stability, and condemned the actions of his Nigerien counterparts. According to the general, the defence chiefs had carefully analysed the situation and drawn up recommendations that could drive progress. We must intensify our diplomatic efforts to engage with all relevant stakeholders, Musa said. Dialogue and negotiations should be at the forefront of our approach to resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger. We must engage the traditional authorities, civil society organisations and all the key actors to foster an inclusive and peaceful transition process. The defence chiefs urged member states to hasten the implementation of the recommendations and translate them into tangible actions for quick solutions to the situation in Niger. GIVE PEACE A CHANCE AND LET DEMOCRACY SUCCEED Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said all elements that would go into any intervention had been worked out and were being refined, including the timing, resources needed and how, where and when to deploy such force. However, Musah said the use of force was its last resort, adding that the bloc was determined to explore every approach that would restore peace and stability to the region. He asked the military junta in Niger to do the same. We are giving diplomacy every chance to succeed and there have been multiple approaches to the military junta in Niger, the ECOWAS commissioner said. The results of whatever has been achieved here will be presented very soon to the heads of the central government who will have the last say as to what we are going to do about the situation in the Republic of Niger, provided that all diplomatic overtures do not yield result. So I want to, through this medium also appeal to the military in Niger to give peace a chance, and then think about their populations and do the right thing by immediately restoring constitutional order in their country. That is our message to them and if they dont, then we will make them hand over to civilian authorities and that is the determination of ECOWAS and we want to send that message clearly across to all of them. Countries represented at the meeting included Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Gambia, Cote dIvoire, Cape Verde and Benin, while Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso were absent. Catherine Colonna, the French minister for Europe and foreign affairs, says France is strongly in support of efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to defeat the coup in the Niger Republic. Colonna spoke on Saturday when she visited Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, prime minister of the Niger Republic, at Quai dOrsay. The French minister was accompanied by Aichatou Boulama, Frances ambassador to Niger. On July 25, a coup was staged in Niger, leading to the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum and other political leaders from office. Abdourahmane Tiani, former head of Bazoums presidential guard, later declared himself as the head of state. President Bola Tinubu, chairperson of ECOWAS, had subsequently said military force would be deployed to Niger if Bazoum is not reinstated in one week. Commenting on the series of events on Saturday, the French minister called on the coup plotters to immediately return to democratic rule. France strongly and firmly supports ECOWASs efforts to defeat this coup attempt, she said. Colonna said France remains committed to the future of Niger and the stability of the entire region. ECOWAS gave the putschists a seven-day deadline to end their coup. It expires tomorrow, Sunday, August 6, she said. France solemnly calls on those responsible for this coup attempt to release President Bazoum and all members of his government, and to allow the immediate return to constitutional and democratic order. Investigators on Friday afternoon recovered the fourth body, believed to be the final victim, of Thursdays house explosion in Buena Borough. Everyone is accounted for, Franklin Township Police Chief Michael DeCesari said Friday night in an email, adding that the identities wont be released until the autopsies are complete. The last victim was found around 2 p.m. Friday at the base of the demolished home, police said. Franklin Police said Friday that investigators have confirmed that there was an explosion at the single-family home on the 300 block of Northwest Boulevard. The ATF, the FBI, New Jersey State Police and local law enforcement agencies are working with the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office to determine the cause of the blast. Police and firefighters responded to the single-family house on Northwest Boulevard at 10:35 a.m. Thursday, Franklin Township Police Chief Matthew DeCesari said in a video of a press conference. Multiple area fire agencies put out the blaze. Officers from the Franklin Township police and the New Jersey State Police rescued a 16-year-old girl and a toddler, also a girl, from the house, which was engulfed in flames. Both were taken to St. Christophers Medical Center with severe burns. Franklin Police said the 16-year-old was in stable condition on Friday night; the toddler was critical. A report from 6abc.com said a 2-year-old boy, a 3-year-old girl and two men ages 52 and 73 were missing following the explosion. New Jersey State Police searched the rubble with a K-9 unit and found two bodies on Thursday evening and a third victim earlier in the day on Friday, officials said. Overhead video of the property Thursday showed a pile of rubble where the home stood and debris around the property. Video taken by a witness driving through the area showed flames spreading to neighboring homes. The blast in Buena Borough was not the first deadly house fire in New Jersey this week. On Tuesday, four people died when a fire, pockmarked by explosions, raced through a house in Lacey Township. Investigators say that blaze started on the porch and was caused by improperly discarded smoking material. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. A 14-year-old girl missing from Middle Township since Monday has been found unharmed and two men have been arrested, police said. The teenager was located in Acworth, Georgia, shortly after midnight on Thursday, police said. She was unharmed, Middle Township Captain Tracey Super said in an email on Friday night. Police in Georgia arrested two men in Acworth and charged them with luring the child and conspiracy to lure a child, both second-degree felonies. The suspects, identified as Yester R. Montecillos-Vazquez and Sergio Gomez, are being held in the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center in Canton, Georgia, Super said. Police did not give details as to how the girl got to Georgia, or how she was found. The teenager was reported missing from Middle Township in Cape May County at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, prompting a search that involved the Cape May County Prosecutors Office, the FBI, and police in Georgia. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The number of passenger trips operated by China's railways soared 124.9 percent year on year during the first half of this year (H1), data from the Ministry of Transport showed. More than 1.77 billion passenger trips were made via China's railways during this period, according to the ministry. The country's railways also transported about 2.5 billion tonnes of cargo in the first half of the year, up 0.6 percent from the same period last year. China's fixed-asset investment in railways climbed 6.9 percent year on year to 304.9 billion yuan (about 42.69 billion U.S. dollars) in the same period, the data revealed. The site of a former beloved New Jersey bar is being revived. Dimitrijs Ostrovskis and Michael Ghabryal, the new owners of closed Atlantic City bar formerly called Pic-A-Lilli Pub, plan to reopen the space as Kings Pub, according to The Press of Atlantic City. Kings Pub, which will be located at 226 S. Tennessee Ave., is expected to open in August although an exact date has yet to be determined. RELATED: Introducing NJ.coms 1st food festival, Jersey Eats: A Taste of New Jersey The Pic-A-Lilli Pub was popular among locals for its signature wings. The company still operates the Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Shamong and Donnie Russells Pic III in Medford. Ostrovskis and Ghabryal purchased the Atlantic City property in May 2023. This looks like a good opportunity to try to bring something new to the Atlantic City bar scene. More handmade bar food, more focused on the experience and the details and the customer service, Ostrovskis said. The new owners plan to feature a smaller menu with classic bar eats and cocktails. Renovations being made to the building include changes to the bars signage, lighting and interior decorations. RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING: Mexican chain known for massive taco closes 2 N.J. spots Crunch Fitness announces plans to replace a shuttered Big Lots in N.J. N.J. businesses that have announced closings so far in 2023 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisBurch856. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tip Wind power developers proposed four new projects off the New Jersey Shore on Friday, a surge that would more than double the number of wind farms built off its coast if they are approved by regulators. At least two of them are more than twice as far out to sea than others that have drawn the ire of residents who dont want to see windmills on the horizon. These two would not be visible from the beach, the companies proposing them say. They would join three wind farms already approved by New Jersey regulators as the state races to become the East Coast capital of the fast-growing offshore wind industry. In the first project to be made public Friday by the companies proposing it, Essen, Germany-based RWE and New York-based National Grid applied for permission to build a wind farm in the waters off Long Beach Island. Their joint venture is called Community Offshore Wind, and it aims to generate enough electricity to power 500,000 homes. Unlike other projects that have drawn intense opposition from homeowners in part because they are close enough to the Atlantic City and Ocean City shorelines to be seen by beachgoers, this project would be built 37 miles (59 kilometers) offshore and would not be visible from the shore, said Doug Perkins, president and project director of Community Offshore Wind. He said the project has the potential to transform New Jersey into a nation-leading clean energy development, training and manufacturing hub. He said his company is the second-largest wind power developer globally, following Danish wind developer Orsted. Community Offshore said it has not yet determined how many wind turbines would be built as part of the project. The second bid was submitted by Chicago-based Invenergy and New York-based energyRE for a project 40 miles (64 kilometers) off Long Beach Island called Leading Light Wind. It would consist of up to 100 turbines, enough to power 1 million homes. The company is playing up its American ownership as the foreign ownership of key players in New Jerseys offshore wind industry has generated opposition in some quarters. Leading Light Wind is ready to build out a world-leading domestic offshore wind industry with American-led ingenuity and expertise, said Ryan Brown, energyREs chief operating officer. And the two companies that received approval to build the Atlantic Shores wind farm Shell New Energies US and EDF Renewables North America submitted a bid to build a second as yet unnamed project 10 to 20 miles (16 to 32 kilometers) offshore. The companies have lease areas in the large expanse of ocean between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, but they did not specify exactly where the second project would be built. They also did not say how many turbines it would include or how many homes its electricity could power. Friday night, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said a fourth application had also been received, but would not release any information about it. The company or companies proposing it had not come forward publicly to discuss their plans. Community Offshore and Leading Light said that while they plan to take advantage of existing federal tax credits, they will not seek the same sort of tax break that New Jersey recently approved for Orsted, which is being challenged in a lawsuit brought by opponents of offshore wind. Atlantic Shores, which earlier this year indicated it wanted similar tax relief to that given Orsted, said Friday it is not asking for anything specific from state government but is in talks with the governors office, the utilities board and the Legislature about what might be possible. The proposals unveiled Friday come in addition to the three projects already approved by New Jersey regulators. Orsted is building two wind farms, called Ocean Wind I and II. And Shell New Energies US and EDF Renewables North America are partnering on the Atlantic Shores project. Paul Lawrence is marking his 80th birthday with an age-defying adventure. The retired teacher and avid bicyclist from Hunterdon County is planning to ride 80 kilometers per day the equivelant of 49.2 miles for 80 days, with a day off every week, culminating with his milestone birthday Oct. 9. The night clubs that gave Seaside Heights its reputation as a party town are long closed, and now the Jersey Shore borough is pushing further to remove the stigma through redevelopment. Several projects are already underway and even more are in the works, including for the former Karma, Bamboo and Merge night club sites. Most will bring housing and businesses to outdated, shuttered and underused properties. Now the borough is asking residents and business owners to help shape Seaside Heights new identity. It will hold a Community Visioning Workshop Monday night at 6 p.m. at the George E. Tompkins Municipal Complex. Officials want to engage the community in a consensus on what it should look like in 20 years, where its headed and what has been done to achieve the vision. Mayor Anthony Vaz declined to comment, saying hed rather wait for public comments before expressing his views. He and other town officials have been steadily steering the town to less dense development since Hurricane Sandy, according to Mike Loundy, owner of Seaside Realty who also works for the city as director of Community Improvements. We have been very, very hot here with new development, Loundy said, adding that in the last two to three years, at least 70 new single family homes were built in the 16-block town. They were all sold and are occupied as second homes, primary homes and rentals. At least 14 motels have been torn down and developed into single family homes and condos, he said. And more projects like those are in the works, according to Loundy: K. Hovnanaian is under contract to build 24 condos where the Off Shore Motel now stands. Bamboo is also expected to be redeveloped into condos with retail below, although that plan has not yet been approved. A group from Boston is under contract on five parcels, including the Surfside Motel, which will be developed into a 170-unit hotel with a banquet room and spa. It will have 36 condo units with stores below. The former Karma nightclub will be redeveloped into 36 condos with retail underneath. Two buildings with a total of three townhomes and four stores at street-level and 11 single family homes will be built. The property where Merge once was got final approvals last week for 11 single family homes and two buildings with a total of three townhomes and four stores at street-level. Seventeen units are planned. A parking lot at 1 Ocean Terrace was approved for 18 townhouses. Ten condo units are planned. And another application for 10 townhouses on Ocean Avenue is expected to go before the Planning Board soon. Theres a lot happening here, Loundy said. Seaside Heights has been a well kept secret for years. It has a new, beautiful boardwalk. The pier rides are almost all new. The family that runs the amusements spends a lot of money keeping everything fresh and new. And were usually ranked one of the top 10 beaches in New Jersey. Were one hour from New York City, Philadelphia and Atlantic City. And we have a beautiful bayfront most people dont know about until they come here where you can rent boats, crab, or sit on the beach. Home values in Seaside Heights, like the most of the rest of New Jersey, are on the rise. The median sales price of a single family is up about 12% from $730,000 to $820,000 in the past year, according to data from New Jersey Realtors. Are you an agent, buyer or seller who is active in this changing market? Do you have tips about New Jerseys real estate market? Unusual listings? Let us know. More real estate coverage: Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. If youve been eyeing the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 or Flip5 phones, now is the time to preorder one to snag a big deal. Samsung is offering up to $1,000 in instant trade-in credits with the preorder of the Fold5 and up to $900 in instant trade-in credits with the preorder of the Flip5. The smartphones also come with a free storage upgrade, if you preorder before their release on Friday, August 11. Samsung has also reduced the prices of the Fold5 to $1,800, instead of 1,920 and the Flip5 to $1,000, instead of $1,120. These are the latest phone launches from Samsung that have been highly anticipated by users. The Fold5 comes in five colors, including icy blue, blue, phantom black, cream and gray. The phone has a larger 7.6 inch foldable screen and dual-app viewing among other new features. The Flip5 is a pocket-sized phone that has a cover screen for enhanced camera capabilities. This model comes in eight colors, including gray, green, blue, yellow, graphite, lavender, cream and mint. Shop for the Galaxy Z Fold5 phone deal from Samsung here. Shop for the Galaxy Z Flip5 phone deal from Samsung here. More tech deals from Samsung are available online here. RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING: Samsung deals: How to get up to $1,000 for preordering the newest Galaxy phones Wayfair Back-to-School Sale: These are the best deals on storage, kitchen essentials and more Amazon ideals: Apple AirPods Max headphones are discounted $100 off in a new secret sale Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. 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. BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sino-German joint venture SAIC Volkswagen has started to recall over 83,000 vehicles in China due to defects, according to the country's market regulator. The recall began on Aug. 4 and involves 57,659 units of Polo Plus model manufactured between Oct. 12, 2020 and March 17, 2022, and 25,838 T-Cross vehicles produced between Oct. 12, 2020 and March 25, 2022, according to a statement available on the website of the State Administration for Market Regulation. Fuel deposits may accumulate between the impellers and the impeller housing in the fuel pump, which may lead to the unsmooth operation of the impellers and fuel pump malfunction. In extreme cases, the vehicles may lose power, according to the statement. SAIC Volkswagen said that it will provide free replacement of improved fuel pumps for the vehicles within the scope of the recall to eliminate safety risks. his work is supported with a grant funded by the Walton Family Foundation and administered by the Society of Environmental Journalists. Email Mark Schleifstein at mschleifstein@theadvocate.com or follow him on Twitter, @MSchleifstein. JERUSALEM, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian civilian was killed in clashes with Israeli settlers in the West Bank, the Israeli military said Saturday. The incident occurred on Friday when a group of Israelis came to herd their sheep in an area adjacent to a Palestinian village, according to a statement by the Israel Defense Forces. The Palestinian villagers hurled rocks at the Israeli settlers who responded by opening fire on them, leading to one death and four injuries, said the statement, adding a Palestinian car was burned in the clashes. The military declared the area a closed military zone. Several Israelis were arrested in connection with the incident, and the suspect in the shooting, who also sustained injuries during the clashes, was detained in a Jerusalem hospital, Israeli media reported. Israeli settlers' assaults on Palestinians have increased in recent months in the West Bank since the swearing-in of the right-wing Israeli government late last year. For more than a year, Israeli forces have intensified their raids in the West Bank in an attempt to push back on a wave of Palestinian attacks against Israelis, leading to escalating friction between the two sides. More than 350 businesses from across the South West have already expressed their interest in the new 200 million South West Investment Fund (SWIF) just weeks after its launch. The government-backed fund, which was unveiled last month by the British Business Bank, aims to increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for new and growing smaller businesses across the region. It operates throughout the South West, encompassing Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire. Since its launch in the first week of July, over 350 businesses have expressed an interest in applying to the fund, and more than 300 delegates have attended a series of regional roadshows explaining what the fund is all about, and how businesses can apply via the fund's dedicated fund managers. SWIF offers a diverse range of commercial finance options ranging from small loans from 25,000 to equity investments of 5 million, for companies at all stages of development. It aims to fill the gaps in available finance options in the South West and empower businesses, both those located in busy hubs and in harder-to-reach locations, to unlock their potential. Jody Tableporter, Director of UK and Regional Funds at the British Business Bank said: "We've had a great reception to the funds across the South West both at our roadshows and evidenced by the interest we're seeing from growth-minded businesses across the region. Our fund managers are reporting demand at all levels of the fund, from small loans, larger debt and equity finance, and that's really encouraging. We look forward to announcing our first deals soon." One of the SWIF roadshows was held at Exeter Science Park and the keynote speaker was Chloe Vernon-Shore, partner at Michelmores solicitors. She said: "I absolutely think South West businesses are going to welcome the South West Investment Fund. It's going to offer finance to businesses that might be unable to otherwise access it, and I also think it's going to shine a huge spotlight on the region and encourage private investment." Also attending was Dan Pritchard, co-founder of Tech South West, who said: "This fund can be a catalyst for huge change, not only to unlock those funds into businesses, but all the other things that can then snowball from that in terms of raising the profile of the region and showcasing some of the amazing companies we've got across all sectors. The right type of funding, at the right time, is essential for businesses and looking at this fund it allows different options for different types of companies, and that is really good. Now we've really got to make the opportunity stick." And Jane Dumeresque, a non-executive director of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) added: "I think the opportunity of the debt funding and the equity funding is really exciting. The fund is really needed and I'm looking forward to seeing what impact it can have. It's allowing the South West to be more on the map. The South West is often underappreciated, and I think this gives us the opportunity to join up together, to really shout about what we can do. And I think the success of this fund, what it could do for many of our businesses, is going to transformational." SWIF is the first in a series of six new Nations and Regions Investment Funds being launched by the British Business Bank, the government-owned business development bank. A total of 1.6 billion has been committed to the new funds to drive sustainable economic growth, which was first announced by the government in the 2021 Spending Review. SWIF is managed by a team of four fund managers that have been appointed by the British Business Bank including SWIG Finance, FW Capital, Maven and The FSE Group. Applications for funding are made directly to the relevant fund managers who can be contacted via the SWIF website www.southwestinvestmentfund.co.uk. Chinese prosecutors sue 167 for infringing on business secrets in H1 Xinhua) 10:31, August 05, 2023 BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese prosecutors sued 167 individuals for infringing on business secrets in the first half of the year, up 89.8 percent year-on-year, said the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP). The perpetrators are often employees within an enterprise, especially key technicians and executives, who choose to work for another employer, according to prosecutors. The data was disclosed as part of a review of intellectual property right infringement in China between January and June. Prosecutors also saw new types of intellectual property crimes and an increasing number of tricky and complicated cases, said the SPP, warning that these crimes can cause significant harm to consumers' interests and disrupt the order of the market economy, as well as the society. In an increasingly digital world, the dissemination of written works, audiovisual works, musical works, and computer software has become incredibly convenient and swift. However, this has also resulted in a rise in rights violations and high-tech crimes, said prosecutors. Prosecutors sued 1,122 individuals for copyright infringement between January and June, almost 3 times the figure in the same period in 2022, according to the SPP. More counterfeiting activities have been found in newly emergent industries such as electronic products, car parts and live-broadcast sales. Prosecutors said they will strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights in high-tech fields including electronic information, biological medicine, new energy, and smart manufacturing. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) VLADIVOSTOK, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law prohibiting government agencies and a number of organizations from using foreign geospatial systems, technologies, and tools, local media reported on Saturday. According to RIA Novosti, the ban will apply to state corporations, public companies, and natural monopolies. The ban will also affect business entities in the authorized capital of which the share of participation of the Russian state exceeds 50 percent. Geospatial systems, technologies and tools used by government agencies must comply with the requirements of the federal body authorized by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The Russian government has said that dependence on foreign technologies poses threats to national security. The law comes into force on April 1, 2024. 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. The talent, music and dance moves of Michael Jackson will be celebrated in "MJ The Musical," which officially opens this coming week in Chicago. The first national tour of "MJ The Musical" is currently in previews and opens Aug. 9 at The James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago. It continues to Sept. 2. Starring as the King of Pop in the production is Roman Banks. The show is presented by Lia Vollack, John Branca, John McClain and Broadway In Chicago. It was created by the acclaimed choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and Lynn Nottage. Wheeldon has worked with many artists including The Joffrey Ballet. "It's been such a dream," said Roman Banks, about being cast as Jackson. Banks said he learned he was going to have the lead in the musical last fall. "It's so rewarding and fulfilling. It's such a gift," he said. Banks is a musician and actor who was the first BIPOC artist to portray Evan Hansen in "Dear Evan Hansen" on Broadway. Banks said he's really excited to be able to take the show across the country on the first national tour. Taking on the role of Jackson, Banks said, requires much focus. "It's exciting but it takes a lot of practice to be the best I can possibly be," Banks said. The performer said being in the musical is "magical." Banks said he admired Jackson's great artistry, creativity and "his attention to detail." The entertainer said he grew up listening to the music of Michael Jackson. "It's so wonderful to listen to his music," Banks said, adding Jackson's music was different through the eras, ranging from his days with The Jackson 5 to his solo hits. Banks said he started listening to Jackson's music when he was about 4 or 5 years old. "My mother used to play 'The Ultimate Jackson 5 Collection' and 'Rockin' Robin' was my jam," he said. Banks said working with choreographer/director Wheeldon on this production has been wonderful as the choreographer has a "gentle" and generous spirit and easily shares his knowledge with cast members. Banks said he hopes audience members will celebrate the great music and talent of Jackson when seeing this show. FYI: "MJ The Musical" continues to Sept. 2 at The James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Ticket prices are $52.50 - $132.50 with a select number of premium tickets available. Visit mjthemusical.com or BroadwayIn Chicago.com. INDIANAPOLIS Members of the new Gary Community School Corp. board were introduced during Thursdays Distressed Unit Appeal Board meeting. Michael L. Suggs, chairman of the new school board, introduced members Danita Johnson, Shontrai Irving, Akilia McCain and Vanessa Allen-McCloud to DUAB. Each member expressed gratitude for their appointment and gratitude to the distressed board for leading the school district. In turn, Justin McAdam, chairman of DUAB, said DUAB would do everything it can to support the new school board to make sure it is in the best position to succeed during the transitional period. Gary schools have been managed by DUAB and MGT Consulting since 2017 after years of financial mismanagement by the previous elected school board. In May, legislation was signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb authorizing a five-member appointed school board. The mayor of Gary and the Gary Common Council each had a selection on the school board, while the Indiana secretary of education had the other three picks. The new board went into effect July 1. For now, they are only tasked with advising Mike Raisor, the school districts emergency manager. No earlier than July 1, 2024, will the school board take full control of Gary schools. Raisor informed DUAB that the current school districts administration had met with the members of the new school board, and had set board meeting dates, and a meet-and-greet event for the community. According to Gary Community School Corp. spokesperson Chelsea Whittington, information about those meetings will be on the Gary schools website on the first day of classes Aug 15. DUAB was also updated on the school districts ILEARN scores, which saw proficiency rates in English language arts, and math increase but remain low. There was also a financial update that showed the school district would have a balanced budget for the next five years, however, the estimate was based on conservative forecasting. PHOTOS: Preparing for the Gary Air Show Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy In February, an arbitrator in that dispute ordered the Met to pay her more than $200,000 for 13 canceled performances because of a contractual agreement known as pay or play, which requires institutions to pay performers even if they later decide not to engage them. The Met had argued that Ms. Netrebko was not entitled to payment because of her refusal to comply with the companys demand that she denounce Mr. Putin, which the company said had violated its conduct clause. Still, the arbitrator refused Ms. Netrebkos request for an additional $400,000 in fees for engagements in coming seasons that had been discussed but not formally agreed to, including leading roles in Puccinis Manon Lescaut and Tosca, as well as Verdis Macbeth and Tchaikovskys The Queen of Spades. Ms. Netrebko was earning the Mets current fee for top artists of about $15,000 a performance. The complaint filed by Ms. Netrebko on Friday said that the Met still owed her most of those additional fees, as well as compensation for emotional distress and damage to her reputation. The complaint accuses the Met and its general manager, Peter Gelb, who has been critical of Ms. Netrebko in the news media, of leading a defamatory crusade against her. The suit notes that even after she publicly stated that she opposed the war, Mr. Gelb spoke with her on the phone and asked her to specifically denounce Mr. Putin. Gelb indicated that if Netrebko issued such a statement, the Met would continue its relationship with her, the suit said. Netrebko responded that, as a Russian citizen, she could not make such a statement. The complaint is the latest effort by Ms. Netrebko, a major star and box-office draw, to rehabilitate her image. Ms. Netrebko still has a busy international performing schedule, largely in Europe. But since the invasion, she has faced cancellations and protests elsewhere, including in the United States and parts of Asia. At least four high-ranking New York Police Department officials, all with decades of experience, have been told to retire immediately, according to a senior official and a retired official with knowledge of the decision. The moves were part of a shake-up of the departments upper echelon that Commissioner Edward Caban, who ascended to the top job last month, announced on Friday. The commissioner said in his announcement that he had accepted the resignations of several senior executives without providing names or an exact number. We owe them our deepest thanks, Commissioner Caban said in a statement. The executives, according to the two officials, include James Essig, who has been chief of detectives since 2021; Kim Royster, the chief of transportation; Eugene Whyte, an executive director in the communications unit; and Christopher McCormack, the assistant chief of detectives. Shortly before issuing his announcement, Commissioner Caban sent an email to rank-and-file officers in which he said he would identify the officials who had resigned after their retirements had been formalized. A former police officer in Columbus, Ohio, has been indicted on murder charges in the August 2022 killing of a Black man who was fatally shot in bed while the police tried to serve a felony warrant. Nearly a year after the fatal encounter, a Franklin County grand jury on Friday handed up the indictment against Ricky Anderson, 60, a white former K-9 officer, in the shooting death of Donovan Lewis, 20. In addition to the murder charge, Mr. Anderson, who retired from the Columbus Division of Police in March, was charged with reckless homicide, according to the Franklin County Prosecutors Office. Mr. Anderson, who was booked into the Franklin County Jail on Friday, is to be arraigned on Monday, when bail will be set and when he will enter a plea of not guilty, his lawyers said. Mr. Lewis was fatally shot early on Aug. 30, 2022, while sitting up in bed as police officers were trying to serve warrants against him on charges of improper handling of a firearm, domestic violence and assault. A.P. classes are one of the most popular options for advanced, college-level courses, offered in thousands of high schools around the country. The classes look good on college applications, and students can also get college credit in some cases with a high score on an end-of-year A.P. exam. More than 28,000 students in Florida took A.P. Psychology last year. But under a new Florida rule, instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation is now restricted through 12th grade, putting the A.P. Psychology course in the spotlight. Florida officials had recently asked the College Board to offer assurances that material in its A.P. Psychology curriculum would not violate state laws or rules. The College Board declined, saying it would not censor college-level standards. The section in question comes as part of a unit on developmental psychology, which includes themes on moral development as well as on gender and sexual orientation. A section on gender and sexual orientation has been a part of the course since it was introduced 30 years ago, the College Board said, and the American Psychological Association has said that the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation is a necessary part of studying human development at the college level. The College Board announced on Thursday that school districts in Florida should no longer offer the course if it could not be offered in its entirety. SHIJIAZHUANG, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- In Shawo Village in north China's Hebei Province, floods that have ravaged for days have started to recede. Over the past days, rescuers, equipped with inflatable boats, rafts and even bulldozers, have brought over 100 people to safety there. Due to the impact of Typhoon Doksuri, torrential rains have battered most parts of Hebei since July 27, with the average precipitation in the province exceeding 146 mm. The city of Zhuozhou, which administers Shawo Village, is one of the worst-affected areas in Hebei. Local statistics showed that Hebei has dispatched more than 4,700 rescue teams consisting of over 100,000 people to assist with rescue and relief efforts. In Shawo, support also comes from afar. Blue Sky rescue team from southwest China's Guizhou Province arrived there early Friday. From around 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday, they successfully rescued about 30 stranded villagers. "Getting to the village was challenging as the roads were uneven, with some areas waist-deep in water, making it impossible to use motorized boats. We had to rely on manpower to pull the inflatable boats," said Wang Yi, the team leader. Shawo Village has more than 1,300 residents. Despite days of flooding, all the villagers are now safe. At a temporary flood relief center set up in Zhuozhou No.3 Middle School, flood-affected residents have been receiving essential supplies. The relief center was established on July 29, and currently, more than 4,500 flood-affected people from the surrounding areas are taking shelter in the center. Basic medical supplies, hygiene products, and infant and toddler items are all available. "After the flood, we are putting emphasis on sanitation and epidemic prevention. Our hallways and dormitories undergo disinfection every day," said Zhen Qing, the school principal. "There is no problem with food and water at the relief center, and hot dishes are served in each meal," said Wang Huai, a 67-year-old villager. Since the floodwater inundated Wang's village on July 31, his family of five has stayed at the relief center. "I have never seen water levels this high before, and even now, just thinking about it still fills me with fear," said Wang. "Since arriving here, I have felt a sense of security, and I'm touched by the caring and dedicated service from the staff." An Oklahoma man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to making death threats on social media against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Texas Senator Ted Cruz and other high-profile Republican politicians. As part of a plea agreement filed in the U.S. Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, the man, Tyler Jay Marshall, 37, of Enid, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transmission of threatening communication in exchange for the dismissal of a more serious charge of threatening to murder a U.S. official. Mr. Marshall faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set, according to Tyler C. Box, Mr. Marshalls lawyer. My client is remorseful, Mr. Box said in an interview. He is ready to take responsibility and take the punishment the court sees fit to move on with his life. In accusing former President Donald J. Trump of conspiring to subvert American democracy, the special counsel, Jack Smith, charged the same story three different ways. The charges are novel applications of criminal laws to unprecedented circumstances, heightening legal risks, but Mr. Smiths tactic gives him multiple paths in obtaining and upholding a guilty verdict. Especially in a case like this, you want to have multiple charges that are applicable or provable with the same evidence, so that if on appeal you lose one, you still have the conviction, said Julie OSullivan, a Georgetown University law professor and former federal prosecutor. That structure in the indictment is only one of several strategic choices by Mr. Smith including what facts and potential charges he chose to include or omit that may foreshadow and shape how an eventual trial of Mr. Trump will play out. The four charges rely on three criminal statutes: a count of conspiring to defraud the government, another of conspiring to disenfranchise voters, and two counts related to corruptly obstructing a congressional proceeding. Applying each to Mr. Trumps actions raises various complexities, according to a range of criminal law experts. In her ruling, Judge Jessica Mangrum, elected as a Democrat in 2020, wrote that the uncertainty regarding the scope of the medical exception and the related threat of enforcement of Texas abortion bans has created an imminent risk for doctors who will have no choice but to bar or delay the provision of abortion care to women who require the procedure to prevent death or serious health risks. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit from 13 women who had been denied abortions despite pregnancy complications that they said caused grave and potentially fatal risks to their health. The Center for Reproductive Rights filed the case in March on behalf of the 13 women and two OB-GYNs, citing their stories as examples of what the complaint called the catastrophic harms to women since the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which for five decades protected a constitutional right to abortion. Todays ruling should prevent other Texans from suffering the unthinkable trauma our plaintiffs endured, said Nancy Northup, president and chief executive of the Center for Reproductive Rights. While abortion rights groups and providers had filed many other lawsuits since Roe was overturned in June 2022, this was the first suit brought by women denied abortions under state bans. A man who called for a mass shooting of poll workers and threatened two Arizona county officials and their families over the 2022 election was sentenced on Thursday to three and a half years in federal prison, prosecutors said. The man, Frederick Francis Goltz, 52, pleaded guilty in April to two counts of interstate threatening communications in connection with his threats to two Republican Maricopa County officials in Arizona, the authorities said: Stephen Richer, the county recorder, and Tom Liddy, the county attorneys civil division chief. Mr. Goltz, who is a Canadian citizen and lived in Lubbock, Texas, believed in 2022 that rampant voter fraud was occurring in Arizona, prosecutors said, so he resorted to online threats, saying in a post on a right-wing forum site that referred to Maricopa County officials: Someone needs to get these people AND their children. The children are the most important message to send. His threats continued for weeks. He wrote in an online forum that he was willing to take lives in order to fend off a tyrannical government, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas said in a statement. When Kate Middleton wore a Suzannah London dress in different colors to various events, it prompted Ms. Holmes to ask readers what clothing items they had in multiples. She received more than 300 answers. In her newsletter, she compiled the responses in a spreadsheet and featured a dozen products that had been suggested by more than one person. (The Anthropologie Somerset Dress! The Madewell Whisper Tank!) Comments poured in: I just bought my first Nap Dress off of this list! People loved that because it was a bunch of testimonials of stuff people try and wear and use and buy, Ms. Holmes, 43, said. My audience is women in their 30s and 40s like me, and in some ways, we were the tail-end of the glossy magazine shopping trend, and we definitely experienced the Instagram-influencer beautiful photos. Now, she said, theres more of a community aspect to consumer recommendations and an interest in what normal people are wearing. For some, these communities are a salve for the sheer amount of stuff for sale online, targeted to them in feeds fueled by algorithms. These women want a review of a review and the truth behind a flawless Instagram picture has a real person actually tried that face roller? Has anyone else been targeted by ads for that particular eyeliner? As Ms. Moss put it: So many of the amazing things about the internet are also all of the bad things about the internet when it comes to needing to make a meaningful purchase. Ms. Malinsky, who started her career at the now-defunct Lucky magazine in 2007 and worked at Glamour and GQ before joining The Journal, tells her newsletter subscribers: I scroll so you dont have to. She sends crisp missives that you can count on one hand: five white T-shirts, five dresses for extreme heat or five tips for entertaining on Thanksgiving, with casual photos of herself wearing the clothes shes endorsing. Until last week, Corona Plaza in Queens was bustling: taqueros flipping fresh tortillas and vendors hawking Central American crafts over a soundtrack of cumbia and train traffic. There were produce stands, live bands and surging crowds, all in a public square that was named one of the 100 best places to eat in the city. But last Thursday and Friday, sanitation workers swept through the plaza, removing several stalls and threatening to penalize vendors who did not have a city permit to operate nearly all of the more than 80 who regularly work there. In the days since, the grilled-meat stands and jugs of agua fresca have been replaced with protest signs. It was the latest escalation in the citys tense relationship with the plaza merchants most of them immigrant women, many of them undocumented who have helped revive one of the New York neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. A spokesman for the Sanitation Department said removing the unpermitted vendors was necessary because the plaza had become so crowded that it was impassable, with dirty conditions, with semi-permanent structures bolted into the ground, illegal vending right in front of storefronts. On any given weekday, there is a statistically significant chance that Eric Adams, the mayor of Americas largest city, will be conducting official New York City business next to the upturned tail of the famed Charging Bull sculpture, engaging in what appears to be one of his favorite activities: raising flags. He does it with such frequency that it borders on obsession: Since taking office in January 2022, Mr. Adams has raised flags for at least 31 countries representing 16 percent of the United Nations member states. He has honored some places twice: Haiti, Ireland, Ukraine and the Philippines. His flag-raisings are not limited to countries. He has also raised the flags for one U.S. territory, two transnational organizations and one holiday, Juneteenth. If he keeps his current pace, Mr. Adams is on track to raise flags for roughly 80 percent of the worlds countries by the end of 2029, should he win a second term in 2025 and serve it to completion. A 17-year-old has been charged with murder in the killing of OShae Sibley, who was stabbed to death on July 29 after a dispute over his dancing at a Brooklyn gas station. Mr. Sibley, a gay man who was a professional dancer and choreographer, was returning from New Jersey to his home in Brooklyn with four friends that night when the group stopped at a gas station in the Midwood neighborhood, the police said on Saturday. As they filled up their car, they played Beyonces Renaissance album and began dancing, officials said, at which point a group of men approached and told them to stop. We can see on the video the heated verbal dispute quickly turns physical, Joseph Kenny, an assistant chief at the New York Police Departments detective bureau, said at a news conference with Mayor Eric Adams announcing the arrest. The men yelled homophobic slurs and anti-Black statements at Mr. Sibley, who was Black, and his friends, Mr. Kenny said, all while demanding they stop dancing. Bystanders acted as peacemakers, and the men shouting at Mr. Sibleys group began to disperse, Mr. Kenny said except for the defendant. Charles J. Ogletree Jr., a Harvard law professor who helped reframe debates around criminal justice, school desegregation and reparations during the 1990s and 2000s, all the while mentoring a new generation of Black lawyers that included President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, died on Friday at his home in Odenton, Md. He was 70. Colette Phillips, a representative of the Ogletree family, said the cause was complications of Alzheimers disease. Professor Ogletree was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers in 2015 and publicly announced his condition a year later. A son of California tenant farmers and the first in his family to graduate from high school, Professor Ogletree rose from poverty to become one of the most prominent civil rights lawyers in the country, leaving a mark on the courtroom and the classroom. As a litigator, he defended clients both famous and unknown, including Tupac Shakur and the survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, whom he helped to sue the city and the state of Oklahoma for restitution in 2003. People like to write off New York City, and time and again, this city proves them wrong. Its never been magic, however the resurrection of the greatest city in the world has always required grit and ingenuity, backed by its political, business and civic leadership exerting a will to match the moments greatest problems. On the surface, the citys recovery looks robust. The labor market is strong, and by this spring, New Yorks economy had recovered more than 99 percent of the jobs it lost during the pandemic. Tourism is booming, and the city expects to receive more than 63 million visitors this year. Daily subway ridership in April hit four million for the first time since March 2020. Today, though, these glimmers of hope are dulled by the existential challenges looming. The five boroughs have lost nearly half a million people since April 2020, according to an analysis of U.S. census data for The Times by the Citizens Budget Commission, a nonprofit government watchdog. Much of that flight appears to be among the citys wealthiest residents, further weakening its coffers. Office workers and in fact, entire corporations aren't returning to Midtown Manhattan, threatening not only the livelihood of restaurants and retailing in the central business district but also cultural institutions, chief among them Broadway. People prepare to sink an armored vehicle under the water of the Red Sea to build an underwater military museum in Hurghada, Egypt, Aug. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) HURGHADA, Egypt, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Diving enthusiasts can now descend into the crystal waters of the Red Sea to flit about as Egypt's first underwater military museum opened this week. "The new diving sites will embrace 15 old army machines in certain locations ... it took seven years of careful planning to prepare these sites," Egypt's Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad said at an inauguration ceremony late on Thursday. For a starter, two armored vehicles were sunk to serve as havens for reef-building corals off the coast of Hurghada, a world-renowned diving attraction, thus to create new diving sites and divert people from some over-crowded ones. People prepare to sink an armored vehicle under the water of the Red Sea to build an underwater military museum, in Hurghada, Egypt, Aug. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) "This contributes to relieving pressure on the current diving sites and preserving the natural treasures of the region," Fouad said, adding the artificial wreck would help create an environment for the growth of corals and marine organisms. According to the museum's builders, the chosen vehicles were left unused for decades, and all parts that might be harmful have been removed before being put into the waters to foster corals. The museum is the result of cooperation between the Egyptian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA). Red Sea corals have adapted to a high temperature tolerance thousands of years ago. A number of studies have shown that they are the last coral reefs affected by climate changes around the world, according to the minister. She added that a clear plan was drawn up to preserve the Red Sea corals from all forms of pollution and improper practices. "The implementation of the project came after years of marine scientific studies ... one of the main goals of establishing the underwater museum is preserving the natural coral reefs in the Red Sea," Mahmoud Hanafi, professor of marine sciences and environmental advisor to the Red Sea Governorate, told Xinhua. Mohammed Abdallah, a diving guide with a local marine tourism agency, flashed a happy smile while watching the military vehicles sinking into the deep waters of the Red Sea. An armored vehicle is being sunk under the water of the Red Sea to build an underwater military museum, in Hurghada, Egypt, Aug. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) "This is a new source of income for us ... more divers will love to try the new experience of diving around this new underwater museum," Abdallah told Xinhua. In addition to the financial gains, he said, the new project is important to keep the diving business in Hurghada ongoing. "We will organize less diving activities in older sites, which will help preserve natural coral reefs ... the new alternative sites will be a great experience for divers," Abdallah said. An armored vehicle is being sunk under the water of the Red Sea to build an underwater military museum, in Hurghada, Egypt, Aug. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Tourism is one of the pillar industries of Egypt, accounting for around 12 percent of the gross domestic product. Official data shows the tourist number in Egypt dropped from over 13 million in 2019 to around 3.7 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It gradually recovered to about 8 million in 2021 and further rebounded throughout 2022 to a nearing pre-pandemic level. To the Editor: Re American Theater Is Imploding Before Our Eyes, by Isaac Butler (Opinion guest essay, nytimes.com, July 19): One of the main reasons that nonprofit theaters are closing is the increasingly political nature of the plays they are presenting. More and more, stage plays are becoming narrow, didactic, political propaganda, rather than complex, broad-minded and mature explorations of being human, of life itself. A sizable swath of the country with a different viewpoint has rejected todays theater, and now the subscribers previously committed to supporting theaters are doing the same. Limited, preachy, one-sided plays make not only bad art, but also bad economics. While more federal funding sounds nice, it continues the intrusion of politics into the theater. It has been said: Along with the kings purse comes the king. Scott Klavan Bronx The writer is an actor, a director and a playwright. To the Editor: Having been at the helm of a nonprofit theater for over 12 years, we know the constant struggle that Isaac Butler describes. Rising costs, uncertain audiences and fickle donors are but a fraction of the challenges that theater companies face every day. Its not too much to say that the 2024 Republican presidential primary is effectively over. In fact, its been over. The earliest you could say it was over was Jan. 7, 2021, when most Republican politicians closed ranks around Donald Trump in the wake of the insurrection. The next earliest date was Feb. 13 of the same year, when the majority of Senate Republicans voted to acquit Trump of all charges in his second impeachment trial, leaving him free to run for office. With Trump now shielded from the immediate political consequences of trying to seize power, it was only a matter of time before he made his third attempt for the Republican presidential nomination. And now, a year out from the next Republican convention, he is the likely nominee the consensus choice of most Republican voters. No other candidate comes close. According to the most recent New York Times/Siena poll, 54 percent of Republicans nationwide support Trump for the 2024 nomination. The next most popular candidate, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, gets 17 percent support. The next five candidates have either 2 percent or 3 percent support. You might think that Trumps overwhelming lead is the product of a fragmented field, but thats not true. If every candidate other than DeSantis left the race, and their votes went to DeSantis, Trump would still win by a nearly two-to-one margin. WASHINGTON The man who tried to overthrow the government he was running was held Thursday by the government he tried to overthrow, a few blocks from where the attempted overthrow took place and a stones throw from the White House he yearns to return to, to protect himself from the government he tried to overthrow. Donald Trump is in the dock for trying to cheat America out of a fair election and body-snatch the true electors. But the arrest of Trump does not arrest the coup. The fact is, were midcoup, not postcoup. The former president is still in the midst of his diabolical Who will rid me of this meddlesome democracy? plot, hoping his dark knights will gallop off to get the job done. Trump is tied with President Biden in a New York Times/Siena College poll, and if he gets back in the Oval, there will be an Oppenheimer-size narcissistic explosion, as he once more worms out of consequences and defiles democracy. His father disdained losers, and Trump would rather ruin the country than admit he lost. CharterCARE Health Partners, a Rhode Island affiliate, said on Facebook Thursday that it had to reschedule some of its appointments and to revert to paper records. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that computers were also down at Crozer Health facilities in Delaware County. Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. recently experienced a data security incident that has disrupted our operations, the company said in a statement on Saturday. Upon learning of this, we took our systems offline to protect them and launched an investigation with the help of third-party cybersecurity specialists. The company said it was focused on addressing the pressing needs of our patients as we work diligently to return to normal operations as quickly as possible. It did not provide details on the nature of the security breach. Waterbury Hospital, in Waterbury, Conn., said on Saturday that it was continuing to have disruptions. It also said that some of its outpatient and diagnostic imaging services had not been available on Friday or Saturday. On Thursday, it said it was relying on paper records. Cyberattacks on hospitals have become more common, said John Riggi, national adviser for cybersecurity and risk at the American Hospital Association. Youve got to earn this nomination, Mr. DeSantis said. I think anybody that says somehow that they are above the process, thats not going to land well in Iowa. Thats not going to land well in New Hampshire. Part of the challenge for Mr. Trumps opponents is that even Republicans who want to move past the former president defend him. Sandy Lloyd, a 61-year-old fourth-grade teacher, said she did not plan to vote for Mr. Trump, having grown tired of the frequent controversies surrounding him. Yet she said that she thought the election had been stolen and that she didnt want to see Mr. DeSantis attack Mr. Trump. If Im going for a new job, I dont go into my interview and attack everybody else I tell them why they want me, Ms. Lloyd said. Thats what I want to hear. Why do I want you as president? Other voters, arguing that the criminal charges make Mr. Trump a weak general election candidate, wanted to see his rival be more aggressive. I would love for him to go harder against Trump, said James Smith, a supporter of Mr. DeSantis who drove from Wisconsin to see the governor. Youre not going to win the Republican nomination by not going after the leader. The only way to shake up the race is by attacking. M. Evan Corcoran, a lawyer who accompanied former President Donald J. Trump to court this week for his arraignment on charges of trying to overturn the 2020 election, has given crucial evidence in Mr. Trumps other federal case the one accusing him of illegally hoarding classified documents. Another lawyer close to Mr. Trump, Boris Epshteyn, sat for an interview with prosecutors this spring and could be one of the former presidents co-conspirators in the election tampering case. And Mr. Epshteyns lawyer, Todd Blanche, is defending Mr. Trump against both the documents and election case indictments. The legal team that Mr. Trump has assembled to represent him in the twin prosecutions by the special counsel, Jack Smith, is marked by a tangled web of potential conflicts and overlapping interests so much so that Mr. Smiths office has started asking questions. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan was arrested on Saturday after a trial court sentenced him to three years in prison, a verdict likely to end his chances of running in upcoming general elections. The police took Mr. Khan into custody from his home in the eastern city of Lahore soon after the courts decision was announced in Islamabad. The verdict is a climactic turn in a political showdown between Mr. Khan and Pakistans powerful military that has embroiled the country for over a year. It comes on the heels of a monthslong intimidation campaign by the military aimed at hollowing out Mr. Khans political party and stifling the remarkable political comeback he has made since being ousted from office last year in a vote of no confidence. Remi Lucidi, a sergeant in the French Army, died far from a battlefield. His body was found last week aside a Hong Kong skyscraper where he had been spotted near the rooftop. In his spare time, Mr. Lucidi, 30, was a rooftopper, shorthand for someone who takes photos and selfies from the tops of tall buildings, sometimes by trespassing. After his death was reported, some Instagram users debated the value and purpose of his art, which involved clambering onto ledges and antennae in cities across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. To friends and admirers, Mr. Lucidis spine-tingling photos were the work of a talented, restless adventurer. To his critics, they were a case study in reckless risk-taking. That debate mirrors tensions within a broader movement called urban exploration, or urbex, one that is often associated with people who trespass in order to tell the stories of abandoned properties. Rooftopping is part of urbex, but many of its practitioners are more interested in producing social media content than in exploring marginal urban landscapes with a quasi-academic spirit. A Ukrainian maritime drone packed with explosives rammed into a Russian oil tanker early Saturday off the eastern coast of occupied Crimea, Russian officials and a Ukrainian official said, the second strike on a Russian ship at sea in two days. That attack coincided with a new directive from Ukraines maritime authority, dated Friday, warning that six Russian Black Sea ports and the approaches to them would be considered war risk areas until further notice. The notice expanded on a less specific warning last month that any vessels sailing to ports in Russia or occupied Ukraine would be considered military targets. Taken together, the tanker attack which occurred in the Kerch Strait near a critical bridge connecting Russia and the Crimean peninsula and Kyivs new directive have ratcheted up the threat of expanded violence in the Black Sea. Tensions had already been stoked by Russias sustained aerial assault on Ukraines ports since Moscow decided last month to withdraw from a U.N.-brokered deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports. The moves fit into Ukraines newly emboldened strategy of taking the war into Russian territory, as enunciated recently by the countrys president, Volodymyr Zelensky. It was, inevitable, natural and absolutely fair, he said, that the war is returning to the territory of Russia to its symbolic centers and military bases. The scout motto is Be prepared. But the 25th World Scout Jamboree, taking place as South Korea endures unusually hot weather, has prompted criticism of the events organizers, including scouting organization officials and the national government, for their seeming failure to follow that dictum. Hundreds of young attendees have been treated for heat exhaustion, and on Friday the scouting associations from Britain, Singapore and the United States said their scouts would be leaving the campsite because of safety concerns. Also Friday, the World Organization of the Scout Movement said that it had recommended to the South Korean government and the Korea Scout Association, which are leading the event together with the world scouting body, that the jamboree end earlier than the currently scheduled Aug. 12. Hours before the contingents announced plans to leave, the South Korean government had said it would spend millions of dollars improving conditions at the jamboree site by providing additional water trucks, portable toilets, air-conditioned spaces and medics, as well as step up cleaning and increase the amount of food provided to the scouts. SHENZHEN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The number of devices equipped with HarmonyOS, the operating system developed by Chinese telecom giant Huawei, has exceeded 700 million, the company said on Friday. At its annual developer conference held in Dongguan in south China's Guangdong Province on Friday, Huawei released its HarmonyOS 4 as well as a newly upgraded development kit and developer preview versions for the operating system. Yu Chengdong, the company's executive director and CEO of the consumer business, announced at the meeting that 2.2 million developers have invested in the development of HarmonyOS. HarmonyOS, or Hongmeng in Chinese, is an open-source operating system designed for various devices and scenarios, including intelligent screens, tablets, wearables and cars. It was first launched in August 2019. [Read this article from 2020: How Tech Taxes Became the Worlds Hottest Economic Debate] The tax in Canada will apply to companies with annual revenue of at least 750 million euros, a threshold set through the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The O.E.C.D. is leading negotiations with more than 130 countries in a global deal to end tax havens, but Canada has broken away from the pack by setting its own tax amid delays. My colleagues on the Business desk, Alan Rappeport and Liz Alderman, have been covering the O.E.C.D. negotiations and have reported that the deal is expected to generate around $150 billion in global tax revenue each year. [Read Alan and Lizs article here: Global Deal to End Tax Havens Moves Ahead as Nations Back 15% Rate] Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Britain imposed their own digital services taxes in 2021 and were soon after threatened with tariffs by the United States. Washington stood down after the European nations agreed to eventually remove their taxes, but only after the implementation of the first part of the global agreement, which would give taxing rights to the jurisdictions where those companies make profits. At the time, Canada also agreed to pause its digital services tax and wait for the deal to come into effect. The protest in Londons bustling Chinatown brought together a variety of activist groups to oppose a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. So it was peculiar when a street brawl broke out among mostly ethnic Chinese demonstrators. Witnesses said the fight, in November 2021, started when men aligned with the events organizers, including a group called No Cold War, attacked activists supporting the democracy movement in Hong Kong. On the surface, No Cold War is a loose collective run mostly by American and British activists who say the Wests rhetoric against China has distracted from issues like climate change and racial injustice. In fact, a New York Times investigation found, it is part of a lavishly funded influence campaign that defends China and pushes its propaganda. At the center is a charismatic American millionaire, Neville Roy Singham, who is known as a socialist benefactor of far-left causes. The pope said nothing, said the Rev. Roman Demush, who leads the youth ministry office for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The war should make us scream, and it silences. The Vatican said that the pope had prayed silently for peace and tweeted from the popes account his prayer, which didnt name either country but consecrated the church and world, especially those countries at war, to Mary. Fatima itself has links to Russia that go back more than a century. The town is best-known in Catholic tradition for three secret, apocalyptic prophesies said to be delivered to three children by an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1917, when it was a poor village. One of the children went on to become a nun, and said that one prophecy had been that peace would reign on Earth if the pope and the worlds bishops converted Russia, which became Communist in the year of the apparitions, and consecrated the nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The prophecy has drawn renewed attention since Russias invasion of Ukraine, and the roughly 500 young Ukrainians who made the trip to World Youth Day in Lisbon this week started their pilgrimage in Fatima. Fifteen of them also met with Francis at the Vatican embassy in Lisbon. Ukraine made a renewed push this weekend at a gathering in Saudi Arabia to win the support of dozens of countries that have remained on the sidelines of the war the start of a broader campaign in the months ahead to build the diplomatic muscle to isolate and weaken Russia. Ukraine and Saudi Arabia invited diplomats from some 40 governments to talks in the Red Sea port of Jeddah on Saturday. In addition to the United States and European countries, notable attendees included China, India, Brazil, South Africa and some of the oil-rich Gulf nations that have tried to maintain good relations with both Ukraine and Russia throughout the war, which began in February 2022. Many of the countries that have declared their neutrality appear unlikely to shift their stances, though, and some reject the very concept of choosing sides, framing the war as a contest between superpowers that they want no part in. This is not only a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Celso Amorim, international affairs adviser to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, said in a speech that he delivered virtually during the talks. This is also a chapter in the longstanding rivalry between Russia and the West, he said, according to a copy of the speech obtained by The New York Times. A Palestinian gunman shot and killed an Israeli security guard in central Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, in what the Israeli police described as a terrorist attack. The victim, Chen Amir, 42, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The shooter was also shot and killed at the scene, by another security guard, the police said. A nearby mass protest against Israels judicial overhaul proceeded as planned. The gunman was later identified by the police as a 27-year-old resident of Jenin, a city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank that Israeli soldiers raided last month in an attempt to prevent militants from using it as a safe haven. The attack extended an intense run of violence in which the death rates on both sides this year were already far higher than in the equivalent period of 2022. Palestinian militancy and Israeli settler extremism have both risen sharply as Israels government the most right-wing in its history has taken swift steps to entrench Israels 56-year occupation of the West Bank. According to the indictment, Trump called one of his rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination too honest after he refused to overturn the 2020 election results in Congress. Who is it? An American woman recently set a new world record for the worlds loudest burp by a woman after belching at a measured 107.3 decibels. The previous Guinness record for the loudest burp by a woman dated back to 2009 when Elisa Cagnoni of Italy managed a 107-decibel belch. It was an impressive achievement, but now her record is history. Kimberly Kimycola Winter, a young woman from Maryland who has mastered the art of burping, recently visited a dead room at iHeartRadio where she managed to release a monstrously-loud burp that beat Cagnonis record by 0.3 decibels. Before her historic attempt, Kimycola prepared her body by eating breakfast and drinking coffee and beer. The tried and true combination apparently played a pretty big part in breaking the 14-year-old record. Photo: Guinness Records Kimberly told Guinness Records that she has possessed this gift of loud burping since she was a child, and has been terrorizing her family with loud belching ever since. Theyve gotten used to it over the years, but sometimes they still ask her to keep the belching down. Interestingly, Kimberlys younger sister is a promising burper herself. Before her successful attempt, Kimycola spent weeks experimenting with various foods and drinks to determine which helped her burp the loudest. Spicy foods, soda and alcohol appear to work wonders, but the world record holder admits that sometimes even a little bit of water works. The young Maryland native said that she realized her burping was unusually loud a few years back, when he got kicked out of a bar for burping too loudly. She has been entertaining her friends with he bizarre talent for years, and, thanks to social media, she has been able to build a loyal following online. On TikTok, where she goes by Kimycola, she has thousands of fans who simply love her loud belching. Sometimes the burping just comes out of nowhere, Kimberly explained. A couple of years ago, an Australian man managed to break a decade-old Guinness record by burping at a recorded 112.7 decibels. Thats louder than a motorcycle at full throttle. Its in the bag Donald Trump says he needs one more indictment to secure his election. Georgia will soon deliver the goods, indicting the former president for his role in attempting to overturn the Peach States 2020 election. Trump cant wait. Hes excited about receiving a PR bonus from Georgias law enforcement squad. Fulton County sheriff Pat Labat expects Trump will have to take a mug shot. "Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesnt matter your status, well have a mugshot ready for you," Labat told WSBTV. The mug shot would be PR gold for Trump. It would play into his whining about victimhood. Team Trump will plaster the mug shot all over its never-ending pleas for campaign cash. The mug shot will adorn Trump flags. Even Biden supporters would kick in for a mug shot of Trump. Labat should think twice about boosting Trumps campaign. Hitting those country roads. Trump wants to move the trial for the storming of the Capitol to an impartial Venue, such as the politically unbiased nearby State of West Virginia! according to his post on Truth Social. Trump claims its impossible to get a fair trial in Washington because it is over 95% anti-Trump, & for which I have called for a Federal TAKEOVER in order to bring our Capital back to Greatness, he posted. He is limiting himself. West Virginia only gave 68.6 percent of its vote to Trump in the 2020 election. Why not seal the deal and move the trial to the more-friendly confines of Mar-a-Lago? Trump isnt exactly winning over potential jurors in DC. He posted that Washington is filthy, dirty, falling apart and unsafe. The fact remains that DC is where Trumps alleged criminal activity took place. He was also based in DC on that Jan. 6 day when Americas democracy was on the brink. Trump can always visit West Virginia after he gets out of prison. The good people of the Mountain State will roll out a very deep red carpet for him. DeSantis scores a mighty win. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which the Florida governor installed to go after Walt Disney Co. has abolished DEI programming. The so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that were advanced during the tenure of the previous board were illegal and simply Un-American, said administrator Glenton Gillian. Our district will no longer participate in any attempt to divide us by race, or advance the notion that we are not created equal. The previous board, Reedy Creek Improvement District, of course, used DEI to level the playing field because as George Orwell wrote: All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. Assuming DeSantis hasnt banned Animal Farm from Floridas public libraries, Gillian should take out a copy. Kudos to Apple CEO Tim Cook as the company amasses more than 1B subscribers to its Apple TV+, Apple Music and iCloud. That drove Apple to an all-time high in revenues during the June quarter. Cook, though, should keep the champagne bottle corked. Apples robust 8.2 percent in services growth to $21.2M could not overcome the 4.4 percent profit dip to $60.3M in product (Macs, iPhones, iPads) sales. Apples overall revenues fell 1.4 percent to $81.8B. Apple expects a revenue shortfall in the September period, which would make four straight quarters of revenue drops. Cook claims Apples quarterly June results were strained due to heavy spending on the R&D front, especially in the AI sector. Wall Street wants to see how Apple applies its AI expects to juice the sales of its high-margin product business. A BIRR man is taking part in a humanitarian convoy which is delivering vital aid to Ukraine. James Fanning, from Syngefield, Birr, set out from southern England last week with about 40 other charity workers in a vital operation which is being run by the organisation Jeeps for Peace. The convoy took the ferry over to the continent and spent a few days driving all the way to Lviv in western Ukraine, where they handed over their jeeps and pickup trucks to the medical section of the Ukrainian military. Jeeps for Peace buy old jeeps and pick up trucks and deliver them to the Ukrainian army medical corps who then convert them for ambulance purposes. On arriving in Lviv, James and the group first visited the city's graveyard where their bagpiper played an emotional, contemplative theme as they visited the many graves of those from the city who have died during the war. After this moving event, they drove on to an army warehouse in the city where they handed over their vehicles to the army. Next, they delivered vital medical supplies to the Army Veterans Hospital in the city. According to Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, 500 Ukrainians are wounded in the war every day. Lviv's general hospital is one of 244 across Ukraine which takes in injured soldiers and civilians, treating them for physical and psychological wounds. When you visit Ukraine's hospitals you often see men in military uniform mixing with members of the public; reminding you, of course, that these aren't normal times. In some hospitals you will see that it's mostly young men filling the corridors, many of whom are missing limbs. Artillery fire plays a major part in this war and, according to Ukraine's health ministry, the most common injuries are from exploding shells. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in two Ukrainians needed some form of rehabilitation before the invasion last year, when the country had already seen eight years of fighting in the east. The pandemic has also been partly blamed by the WHO. This need for rehabilitation has hugely increased since the invasion. As well as delivering the vehicles and medical supplies in Lviv, James and the other Jeeps for Peace volunteers visited Kyiv and the south of the country, not far from the intense fighting of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. So far, said James, Jeeps for Peace has supplied 100 jeeps and pickup trucks to the war-stricken country. A lot of ambulances have been destroyed during the brutal war; that's why these humanitarian convoys are so badly needed. Fire trucks are also needed. Nearly 500 fire vehicles have been destroyed during the war. Any secondhand vehicle will do as the Ukrainians can repair and convert them. Fire fighters don't have secure / encrypted radio communications and so the Russians can target and destroy the vehicles. While a hundred vehicles have been driven from the UK to Ukraine, Jeeps for Peace are also very keen for volunteers and vehicles from Ireland. I'd recommend it. It's a very rewarding experience. Once in Ukraine, each vehicle will be modified before being sent to the front-line. There they will be used to deliver critical supplies of food and medicines, evacuate civilians in danger, and retrieve wounded soldiers from the front-line. They can then be rapidly transported to the vital medical teams. Each vehicle directly saves lives and is invaluable. The Jeeps for Peace branch in the UK has been running for the last year, and it has just set up an Ireland branch. If you are interested in volunteering please email j4pireland@gmail.com This photo taken on Aug. 2, 2023 shows a view of the Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park in Huangshi, central China's Hubei Province. (Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park/Handout via Xinhua) WUHAN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- An old factory in central China's Hubei Province has earned a well-deserved spot among the must-visit tourist destinations, as recommended by local travel guides, after undergoing a remarkable transformation. Huaxin 1907, a cement factory-turned-cultural park located in the city of Huangshi, just an hour and a half drive from the provincial capital Wuhan, today hosts an array of attractions such as museums, cafes, bookstores, and hotels, all set within the warehouses and blast furnaces of this old factory. As evening sets in, the massive compound transforms into a teeming night market, bustling with locals purchasing various goods, savoring delectable snacks, and leisurely strolling about. Liu Min is excited to visit the former industrial site with his parents and children this summer. Liu, who grew up in the city but now works in Wuhan, fondly recalls his childhood memories of this place brimming with roaring machines and chimneys billowing smoke. Huaxin, founded in 1907, was one of the earliest cement factories in modern China. Visitors today can still see two production lines imported from the United States in 1946, and one assembly equipment independently designed and developed in 1977. These remarkable installations earned it the title of the "cradle of China's cement industry." During its heyday, the factory served as a vast production and living compound that extended across entire neighborhoods. Within its premises, there were essential amenities such as a hospital, a primary school, and apartment complexes. The mill was shut down by the city government in 2007 due to air pollution concerns and the closure had triggered desolation of the nearby neighborhood. But instead of being demolished, the factory was listed as a national industrial heritage in 2019. Recognizing the potential of its expansive space and affordable rental costs, investors in 2021 began transforming it into a vibrant district featuring parks, museums, art galleries and startup incubators, with an aim to create new value and enrich the surrounding community. Since then, the place has seen an influx of people flocking to start businesses. Companies also come to hold gatherings and activities. The younger generation has taken notice of the place, infusing the industrial relics with a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It attracted wide media coverage for drawing 50,000 visitors during the five-day May Day holiday last year. "The combination of the industrial culture and the interests of the younger generation made the mill's low-carbon transition successful," said Sun Jialin, a local social media influencer. Huaxin 1907 has set a compelling example as a popular option for urban developers seeking innovative ways to revitalize their industrial bases. An increasing number of factories across the province are transforming their industrial sites to capitalize on new opportunities and generate profits. To gain a competitive edge, investors have to dig out the unique stories behind the place to distinguish it from others. The old cement factory holds a special place in the hearts of Huangshi residents, said Huang Jing, the operation manager of the Huaxin 1907 park. Her company is planning to launch some immersive items, allowing visitors to wear blue-collar workwear, watch movies and even take baths in the factory dormitory, recreating the bustling scenes of 50 years ago when hundreds of workers thronged the assembly lines. 26-Year-Old Cab Driver Arrested For Sexually Harassing Pregnant Woman In Bengaluru Bengaluru oi-Madhuri Adnal A 26-year-old cab driver identified as Avinash from Bengaluru's Kammasandra has been arrested for sexually harassing and assaulting a pregnant woman in public, according to the police statement on August 5. The shocking incident occurred on July 29 in the Electronics City police station area. At around 7:30 pm that day, the 32-year-old nurse was walking towards a bus stop from her health center when the accused approached her in an SUV and offered to drive her home. However, the victim declined the offer and continued walking, ignoring him. Undeterred, the accused got out of the vehicle and persisted in following her. He then made disturbing advances, offering her Rs 1 lakh for every hour she spent with him. The woman firmly rejected his advances and shouted at him, even slapping him to protect herself. In response, the accused unleashed a violent attack, repeatedly punching her on the face and ear. New Vande Bharat Express To Connect Bengaluru And Hyderabad: Latest Updates As the woman began to bleed from her injuries, the accused fled the scene. She promptly called one of her colleagues and sought help at the Electronics City police station. After recording her statement, the police reviewed CCTV footage, leading to the swift arrest of the perpetrator. Avinash has been sent to judicial custody pending further legal proceedings. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 14:14 [IST] Andhra Pradesh: Stone Pelting, Arson During Chandrababu Naidus Rally; 20 Cops Injured India oi-PTI At least 20 police personnel and several supporters of TDP as well as the ruling YSRCP were injured in stone pelting and arson during N Chandrababu Naidu's tour of the district on Friday, police said. Thirteen of the policemen were severely injured and are undergoing treatment at Chittoor town government hospital. "The rest of the policemen (seven) are doing fine but were injured by the stones hurled at them. The situation is under control now and I think we don't need to go for (imposing prohibitory orders under) CrPc 144 Section as of now," Chittoor district superintendent of police Y Rishant Reddy told PTI late in the night. Several supporters of Naidu's TDP as well as ruling YSRCP were also injured, police said. Naidu is on a 'Yudha Bheri' tour to highlight the failure of the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government in completing irrigation projects in various districts that were started by him when he was the chief minister. 'Yudha Bheri' is a 2,500-km tour from Nandikotkur to Pathapatnam. Police have started registering cases, though no one has been arrested yet. According to the SP, the altercation started following alleged derogatory remarks by Naidu while addressing a rally at Mulakalacheruvu in Annamayya district as part of his 'Yudha Bheri' tour, where he called Thamballapalle MLA Peddireddi Dwarakanatha Reddy a "Ravan". Chandrababu Naidu's TDP To Support PM Modi Govt Over Delhi Services Bill Reacting to these remarks, the ruling party supporters blocked the way to Angallu in Chittoor where Naidu was heading. This allegedly led to stone pelting by TDP cadres, in which several supporters from either side were injured, said Reddy. "The incident of fierce stone pelting was reported on the way to Punganur where over 20 police personnel were attacked, including the DSP," he said. Amid this riot-like situation, police resorted to lathicharge and dispersed the crowd, said the official. Anticipating further law and order problems at Naidu's next rally scheduled at Punganur, police barricaded the town's entrance and diverted the roadshow via bypass road. TDP cadres waiting for Naidu's arrival there allegedly attacked the police and burnt a bus and a vajra vehicle (water cannon). Police fired teargas shells to disperse the agitators, Reddy said. Meanwhile, Naidu condemned the alleged attacks of YSRCP leaders on TDP activists. He visited the lift irrigation works of Nayani lake in Annamayya district today and later addressed the gathering and expressed concern over the alleged atrocities of the local legislator. "The state will remain in peace only if such persons are sent to jail. If you come with a stick, we will face you with several sticks," Naidu said. Chandrababu Naidu Sounds Poll Bugle In AP, Promises Schemes For Women, Youth There were some YSRCP workers at that meeting, waving black flags, which prompted Naidu to tell them that no power on earth could threaten him. However, when the TDP leader was proceeding towards Angallu village, some YSRCP supporters allegedly tried to attack those who were present there, injuring them. Naidu then warned the ruling party leaders of serious consequences if such violence continues. Later, Naidu asserted that he is a son of Chittoor soil and challenged YSRCP leaders to face him as he is ready to come to Punganur. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 11:41 [IST] Mahmud Mansoori tries to rape minor tribal girl in Sagbara, case filed under POCSO UP woman gets triple talaq and is now being forced to perform nikah halala with father-in-law All is not well: Four in Tamil Nadu arrested for assault on migrant workers BJP MP Ram Shankar Katheria Gets 2-Years Imprisonment In Assault Case India oi-Sushmita Halder An Agra Court on Saturday convicted Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ram Shankar Katheria to two-year imprisonment over a 2011 assault case. Former Union minister Katheria is accused of assaulting an employee of the power supply company way back in 2011. Reportedly, he is likely to be disqualified from the Lok Sabha after the court's order. He is the sitting Lok Sabha member from Etawah in Uttar Pradesh. An elected representative sentenced for any offense for two years or more faces immediate disqualification under the Representation of People Act, 1951. "I appeared before the court normally. Court has given a decision against me today. I respect the court, I have the right to appeal and I will exercise it", Katheria was quoted as saying. Ram Shankar Katheria is a Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Etawah's Uttar Pradesh. He served as the Union Minister of State, Ministry of Human Resource Development from November 2014 to July 2016. Katheria has also served as the chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Castes. He is a member of Parliament's Standing Committee on Defence and Consultative Committee, Ministry of Home Affairs. In 2019, Katheria was booked in a case related to attack on a toll plaza staff in Agra. Bodyguards of the lawmaker allegedly beat toll plaza employees and fired in the air. The assault was caught on the toll plaza's CCTV cameras. But the BJP leader alleged that it was toll plaza employees who had attacked his security guards, forcing them to open fire in self defence. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 20:02 [IST] Explained: Why Sweden witnessing violent riots? What we know so far Gujarat court acquits 22 accused in post-Godhra riots case in which 17 people were killed 2020 Delhi riots: Court refuses bail to one accused, grants relief to 8 others Days After Riots, Bulldozer Action In Haryana's Nuh 'On Chief Minister's Orders' India oi-Madhuri Adnal Several establishments in Tauru, located about 20 km from violence-hit Nuh, were razed down on Saturday in an ongoing "bulldozer action" carried out by the Haryana administration. Officials confirmed that the residents of these establishments were involved in the July 31 riots in the area. Nuh's SDM Ashwini Kumar stated that the demolition drive was ordered by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, citing the constructions as illegal and linked to the riots. The demolition drive also targeted illegal encroachments near Nuh's SKM Government Medical College, and in front of the hospital on the way to Nalhar temple. There Is A Big Game Plan Behind This: Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij On Nuh violence Amid heavy police deployment to prevent any untoward developments, bulldozers were deployed at four locations across Tauru on Friday. Around 40 illegal shops are being demolished in the area, which also witnessed vehicle burnings and stone-pelting during the communal tensions on July 31. Meanwhile, curfew restrictions under Section 144 continue in Nuh, with limited relaxation hours for residents. Regarding the Nuh riots, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij revealed that 202 people have been arrested, and 80 taken into preventive detention. He emphasized that those involved in the violence will not be spared, and the detainees are currently being questioned. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Muslim-dominated Nuh when a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by mobs on Monday. Vij asserted that the violence in Nuh was pre-planned, as evidenced by bullets being fired from hillocks and stones collected on rooftops of buildings. Haryana Violence Row: SITs scan 2,000 social media videos, CCTV clips The police are actively investigating the clashes and have called for journalists who covered the events to provide videos and feeds to assist in the probe. Moreover, Vij hinted at a crackdown on cyber crimes originating from Nuh, comparing it to India's notorious cyber crime hub, Jamtara, in Jharkhand. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 12:55 [IST] Enhancing Passenger Experience: 508 Railway Stations To Be Redeveloped At Cost Of Rs 24,470 Crore India oi-Madhuri Adnal Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to virtually lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across the country on Sunday. The ambitious project is estimated to cost Rs 24,470 crore, making it a historic move as it marks the first time in the world that such a vast number of stations will undergo redevelopment. The railway official stated that the department aims to complete the redevelopment work of these stations by 2025. Prime Minister Modi is actively monitoring the progress of the project, and he has personally provided inputs in the design of these stations. These 508 stations are part of the Amrit Bharat Station scheme and are spread across 27 states and Union Territories. Some of the states with the highest number of stations to be revamped include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Maharashtra. The first phase of the facelift program will cover multiple states, and a second phase for other stations will be explored later. The comprehensive redevelopment plan covers all stations, regardless of size, ensuring that passenger amenities are significantly improved. Rahul Gandhi To Be MP Again As SC Stays His Conviction In 'Modi Surname' Case The intended facilities include foot-overbridges, escalators, elevators, parking areas for two-wheelers and cars, landscaping, integrated passenger information systems, signage, platform enhancements, better illumination, CCTV coverage, and much more. Furthermore, the redevelopment projects will also focus on developing railways as multi-modal hubs, coordinating with ongoing Smart City projects. This major undertaking aims to revolutionize railway station infrastructure, making travel more comfortable and efficient for the millions of passengers who use the Indian railway network. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 11:57 [IST] Adipurush Writer Manoj Muntashir To Get Police Protection After He Cites Threat To Life Case Against Caller Who Threatened To Carry Out 26/11-Like Attack If Seema Haider Not Sent Back Ex-Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar In Trouble, Mumbai Police Files FIR India oi-Sushmita Halder Former city mayor and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar lands in trouble after the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai police filed a case against her and two civic officials over alleged corruption in the purchase of body bags meant for COVID-19 victims. An official of the Economic Offences Wing reportedly said that the case was registered at the Agripada police station on Friday. The complaint in this regard was filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya in July, the police official added. Pednekar belongs to the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena. She held the position of mayor from November 2019 to March 2022. The case against Pednekar and the two senior officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was registered under various Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections, including 420 (cheating) and 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy), he said. The police official did not share any further information regarding the case. Meanwhile, BJP leader Somaiya said, "We had filed the complaint in connection with the body bag scam in July this year. Body bags worth Rs 1,500 each were purchased at Rs 6,700 apiece and funds worth crores of rupees were siphoned." "Based on the complaint, the Mumbai police has now registered the first information report (FIR) against Kishori Pednekar and Assistant Municipal Commissioner. Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also conducted raids in this connection," the former MP added. Manipur Violence: SC Sets Up Panel Of 3 Former HC Judges To Look Into Relief, Rehabilitation Fresh Violence In Manipur's Bishnupur Area; 3 Dead India oi-Madhuri Adnal At least three people from the Meitei community in Kwakta area of Bishnupur, Manipur, were killed in fresh incidents of violence that were reported late on Friday. Haraothel and Senjam Chirang areas in which two persons including one security personnel sustained bullet injuries. Additionally, several houses belonging to the Kuki community were set ablaze during these violent incidents. Tensions have escalated in the Kwakta area as heavy firing continues between the Kuki community and security forces, with Manipur Police and Commandos involved in the conflict. Tragically, three people from the Meitei community lost their lives, and a Manipur commando sustained a head injury in the ongoing gunfire. The situation remains critical in Bishnupur following these recent acts of violence. The injured commando was taken to the Bishnupur hospital for treatment, while paramilitary forces have been deployed to the area. Mob Loots Weapons From Police Armoury In Manipur According to police sources, the violence escalated when some individuals from the Meitei community crossed the buffer zone and opened fire on the Kuki areas. This buffer zone, guarded by central forces, is located over 2 km ahead of the Kwakta area in Bishnupur district. Just two days prior to these incidents, clashes between armed forces and Meitei community protesters had left 17 people injured in Bishnupur district. In response to the escalating violence, the authorities of Imphal East and Imphal West had withdrawn earlier curfew relaxations and imposed restrictions during the day as a precautionary measure. The root cause of the ethnic violence dates back nearly three months ago when over 160 people were killed and hundreds injured. It began on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Manipur: 17 Injured In Clashes In Bishnupur; Curfew Reimposed In Imphal Valley Manipur is home to different ethnic groups, with Meiteis comprising approximately 53% of the population and residing mainly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% and reside primarily in the hill districts. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 9:54 [IST] Gujarat BJP General Secretary Pradipsinh Vaghela Resigns From Position India oi-Madhuri Adnal Pradipsinh Vaghela, a prominent member of the BJP, has resigned from his position as the Gujarat general secretary, according to party officials. While stepping down, Vaghela assured people that "everything will be alright in a few days." Vaghela had held the post of general secretary of the state BJP since August 10, 2016. This development comes just a year ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. In preparation for the polls, Gujarat BJP recently conducted a 'Maha Jan Sampark Abhiyan' or mass contact program, which involved organizing gatherings of intellectuals and conventions of different business communities, among other activities. Gujarat HC Judge Recuses Himself From Hearing Setalvad's Plea Seeking Quashing Of FIR As part of this extensive outreach initiative, the party successfully conducted 100 gatherings of intellectual citizens, conventions for various business communities, events hosted by various cells of the state BJP, and large rallies in all the 26 Lok Sabha constituencies. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 12:48 [IST] Why Nitish Kumar Was Not Keen On Naming Opposition Bloc As INDIA? We Are Political Untouchables For Them: AIMIM On Not Being Invited To Opposition Meet INDIA Coalition's Next Meeting Likely On Aug 31-Sept 1 In Mumbai: Report India oi-PTI Opposition bloc INDIA is likely to hold its next meeting on August 31 and September 1 in Mumbai, sources said on Friday. They said it would be held on the format of the Bengaluru meeting with leaders first confabulating in an informal setting on August 31 before their main meeting the next day. ''The opposition meeting will be a two-day affair and will take place on August 31 and September 1 with all leaders approving the dates,'' a source said. The likely venue would be a hotel in Pawai and there will be a press conference on September 1 evening, the source said. Lok Sabha Passes Delhi Services Bill, Opposition Walks Out There have been several dates that have been talked about earlier but those did not work out as all leaders were not available on those dates. The third meeting of the bloc is being hosted jointly by the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP's Sharad Pawar faction, with support from the Congress -- the three constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. The MVA constituents had been holding parleys to schedule the meeting. The INDIA bloc's first meeting was held in Patna in June and the second in Bengaluru last month. The coalition is also likely to announce the composition of committees for specific actions such as communication and 2024 general election campaign in the run-up to the polls. A joint secretariat for better coordination among the parties will also be announced soon, the sources said. During the meeting, the parties are expected to iron out their differences as much as possible, especially in states where they are in a direct poll battle. At the Bengaluru meeting, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had announced the name of the opposition bloc -- Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) -- after a nearly four-hour-long meeting of the 26 parties. Ask PM To Speak In Parliament, Visit Manipur: Opposition Urges President Murmu He had said a committee of 11 members will also be set up for coordination, and a convenor will be selected at the next meeting in Mumbai. The 26 opposition parties which are part of the opposition alliance are: the Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, JD(U), RJD, JMM, NCP (Sharad Pawar), Shiv Sena (UBT), SP, NC, PDP, CPI(M), CPI, RLD, MDMK, Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK), VCK, RSP, CPI-ML (Liberation), Forward Bloc, IUML, Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Mani), Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), and the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK). For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 11:53 [IST] How replacing of steel barriers with bamboo would prevent road mishaps on Highways Jharkhand: Shocking Bus Accident Kills 3, Several Injured India oi-Sushmita Halder At least 3 persons succumbed to death while several others were injured in a major bus accident that took place in Jharkhand's Giridih district on Saturday night. The accident took place at Giridih Dumri Road around 8.40 pm when the bus fell into the Barakar River while on its way to Giridih from Ranchi. Anil Kumar, Giridih Sub-Divisional Police Officer was quoted as saying, "The accident took place at Giridih Dumri Road around 8.40 pm when the bus fell into the Barakar river while on its way to Giridih from Ranchi. Three people lost their lives and more than 24 persons were injured. More details cannot be assessed right now as rescue and relief operations are being carried." Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren informed that the district administration and police are engaged in rescue operations. Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a tweet in Hindi said "Sad news has been received that a bus from Ranchi to Giridih met with an accident in the Barakar river in Giridih, Jharkhand. Rescue work is being done by the district administration." Meanwhile, Giridih Superintendent of Police Deepak Sharma informed that he was on the spot overseeing rescue operations, the report mentioned. Banna Gupta, Health and Disaster Management Minister, Jharkhand reportedly informed, "A bus carrying passengers fell into a river in Giridih. The district administration has started the rescue operation. Giridih Deputy Commissioner has been instructed to expedite the rescue operation. All necessary medical facilities will be provided. The government is taking necessary action." The exact number of passengers on the bus is yet to be ascertained. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, August 6, 2023, 0:22 [IST] ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's national air carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, announced Friday it has canceled flights to three destinations in the unrest-hit Amhara region. In a press statement, the airline said it has canceled planned weekend flights to the cities of Dessie, Gonder, and Lalibela in the turbulent northern Ethiopian region. It will be ready to serve the customers who bought weekend tickets to the three cities when the flights resume, the airline said. The cancellation of flights to Ethiopia's second most populous region means that the regional capital, Bahir Dar, is currently the only city in Amhara with an air link. Earlier on Friday, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency in the Amhara region amid ongoing clashes between the government military and local militiamen known as Fano. On Wednesday, Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen described the ongoing security situation in the region as "concerning" and called for a peaceful resolution of the conflicts. Lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani Says Rahul Gandhi Is Still A Convict, Despite SC Stay India oi-Madhuri Adnal Congress leader Rahul Gandhi received some relief on Friday as the Supreme Court of India stayed the conviction order by the Gujarat High Court in the Modi Surname Remark Case. Although the apex court stayed the conviction order, it did not adjudicate on the conviction itself. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the complainant Purnesh Modi, stated that in the eyes of the law, Rahul Gandhi is still considered a convict, despite the Court's stay on the conviction. The three-judge bench that granted relief to Gandhi noted that the trial court judge had not provided sufficient reasons for imposing the two-year punishment in the defamation case. The apex court emphasized that adequate reasons should have been given for the maximum punishment. Jethmalani clarified that the 'stay' means that the consequences of conviction, such as disqualification, will be put on hold due to insufficient reasons provided for the sentence. However, there will be an appeal in the sessions court, and the ruling of the magistrates' court regarding both conviction and sentencing remains valid. After the Supreme Court's order, the Lok Sabha speaker can reinstate Rahul Gandhi's membership on his own, or Rahul Gandhi, armed with the apex court order, can seek restoration of his status as an MP. How Rahul Gandhi's Advocate Argued Today In SC In Defamation Case? Highlights Purnesh Modi had filed a criminal defamation case against Rahul Gandhi in 2019 over his remark, "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?" made during an election rally in Kolar, Karnataka, on April 13, 2019. Previously, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a Member of Parliament on March 24, after a Gujarat court convicted him and sentenced him to two years in jail for criminal defamation concerning the Modi surname comment. The high court had dismissed his petition for a stay on the conviction, emphasizing the need for "purity in politics." A metropolitan magistrate's court in Surat had sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail under IPC sections 499 and 500 (criminal defamation), leading to his disqualification as an MP under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 10:50 [IST] Maharashtra: FIR Registered Against NCC Cadet For Thrashing Juniors India oi-PTI Police have registered a case against a cadet of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) after a viral video showed him mercilessly thrashing some junior cadets during a physical training session at a college in Maharashtra's Thane city, an official said on Saturday. The case was registered against the student under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) at the Thane Nagar police station on Friday night after the police took suo motu cognisance of the matter, he said. The action was taken on the day several student unions protested outside the college, while Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured the state legislative assembly that the issue will be probed and necessary steps taken. The incident took place at the Joshi Bedekar College in Thane. The college management said that it has suspended the student, whose act of beating his fellow NCC cadets during the physical training session on a rainy day was filmed by another student. The video that went viral on Thursday sparked public outrage. The viral video showed eight cadets in a puddle amid rain with their heads pinned in the muddy soil instead of using their hands for support. The senior NCC cadet is seen standing behind them, holding a stick, and whacking each of them one by one for failing to execute his challenging drill. The cadets are seen in a push-up position in a water-logged area with their feet and heads touching the ground and hands folded above the back. When a cadet changes posture, the senior student is seen thrashing him with a stick and going on to thrash others too. 'Mantra of unity' the antidote to divisive forces: PM Modi at NCC rally As the video surfaced on social media, several student unions and political parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, protested outside the college on Friday. Nitin Landge of the Shinde group's student wing said the NCC cadets who were at the receiving end and their parents are under extreme pressure from the college management to not complain against the senior. The college must take the incident seriously and lodge a police complaint, he said. Members of the student wing of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) submitted a memorandum to the college management demanding strict action against the senior student. Policemen were deployed at the spot to prevent the protesters from barging into the college. Opposition leader in the assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, on Friday raised the issue in the House. Speaker Rahul Narwekar directed the government to take action. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar assured the House that strict action will be taken against the culprits. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan also sought action against the person responsible under the anti-ragging law. The NCC also came out with a statement, saying what is seen in the viral video is "neither a reflection of NCC ethos nor a part of any organised training or activity". The Joshi Bedekar College in Thane operates the NCC unit along with two other sister concerns, Bandodkar College and VPM Polytechnic. The student, who belonged to Bandodkar College, has been suspended. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 10:09 [IST] Mehbooba Mufti, Others Placed Under House Arrest In J&K On Article 370 Anniversary India oi-Madhuri Adnal Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and other leaders in Jammu and Kashmir were placed under 'house arrest' on the fourth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. Mehbooba Mufti's Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party had sought permission to hold a seminar, but the administration denied the request. Mufti took to Twitter to express her frustration, stating that she and other senior PDP leaders were put under house arrest, and many of her party members were illegally detained in police stations. She criticised the government's claims of normalcy while using brute force to suppress the sentiments of the people. The PDP had sought permission to hold a seminar or discussion with the general public to mark the occasion of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. However, the permission was denied without any reason being given. On the other hand, the BJP was allowed to hold an event at Jawahar Nagar Park and a rally from Nehru Park to the SKICC to "celebrate" the abrogation of the two Articles. Implementing UCC Not Easy Like Revoking Article 370: Ghulam Nabi Azad Ive been put under house arrest along with other senior PDP leaders today. This comes after a midnight crackdown where scores of my party men are illegally detained in police stations. GOIs false claims about normalcy to the SC stands exposed by theirs actions driven by pic.twitter.com/gqp25Ku2CJ Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) August 5, 2023 Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP government of giving a free run for celebrating the "illegal" abrogation of Article 370, claiming it is being done to deceive public opinion in the country. She criticized the administration's dual and dubious approach and labeled it a facade of normalcy to justify their actions. The abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, occurred on August 5, 2019, when the state was bifurcated into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 11:30 [IST] PM Modi's Sister Meets CM Yogi's Sister During Uttarakhand Trip | WATCH India oi-Madhuri Adnal A heartwarming encounter took place during a pilgrimage to Neelkanth Dham in Uttarakhand when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sister, Vasantiben, met Shashi Devi, the sister of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath. A video capturing their warm greetings and an affectionate hug near a temple in Kothari has gone viral on social media. As per a news18 report, Vasantiben, accompanied by her husband Hansmukh and some relatives, was on a private visit to Rishikesh, where they stayed at Dayanand Ashram. During their visit to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the Bhuvaneshvari temple, they had the opportunity to meet Shashi Devi at her shop named 'Maa Bhuvneshwari Prasad Bhandar,' specialising in pooja items. Shashi Devi's husband runs a small tea shop named 'Jai Shri Guru Gorakshnath ji'. 'Should I Do Aarti?': Yogi Adityanath Reacts On Bulldozer Action PM Modis sister Basantiben and CM Yogis sister Shashi meeting exemplifies the essence of simplicity, Indian culture, and tradition. It's heartening to witness their bond, transcending politics, and making us proud of these two remarkable individuals representing India's values. pic.twitter.com/CCYLKkvqVb Advocate Ajay Nanda (@ajay_mlnanda) August 4, 2023 The meeting between the two sisters exemplifies the essence of simplicity, Indian culture, and tradition, as expressed by BJP leader Ajay Nanda on social media. Both Prime Minister Modi's and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's families generally stay away from the limelight, and the encounter highlighted the strong bond between the two families. It is worth noting that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hails from Uttarakhand, and his family continues to reside in Pauri district's Panchoor village. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 11:06 [IST] Why did Justice Rohit Deo Step Down From His Position As Bombay High Court Judge? India oi-Madhuri Adnal Bombay High Court judge Justice Rohit B Deo announced his resignation on Friday, citing personal reasons. During the announcement in the court's Nagpur bench, Justice Deo expressed that he couldn't compromise on his self-respect. He apologized to everyone present, stating that he scolded them to motivate improvement and that he didn't want to hurt anyone since they were like family to him. Justice Rohit B Deo had been a judge in the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court since his appointment as an additional judge in June 2017 when he served as Maharashtra's advocate general. In April 2019, he was elevated to the position of a permanent judge, and he was scheduled to retire on December 4, 2025. Justice Deo was part of a two-judge bench that overturned the conviction and life sentence of former Delhi University professor Gokalkonda Naga Saibaba due to procedural flaws and shoddy paperwork in the trial court's proceedings. The Supreme Court later set aside Saibaba's acquittal in April this year and returned the case to the Nagpur bench for reconsideration by a different bench within four months. Bombay HC Refuses Nod To 17-Year-Old Girl To Abort Pregnancy In recent months, Justice Deo stayed the implementation of a Maharashtra government resolution and also addressed issues concerning lockdown enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he did not provide specific reasons for his resignation and stated that it was due to personal reasons. Justice Deo submitted his resignation letter to the President of India following his announcement in court. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 11:12 [IST] 35-Year-Old Woman Dies After Drinking 2 Liters Of Water In 20 Minutes In US International oi-Madhuri Adnal A day out with her family turned tragic for Ashley Summers, a 35-year-old woman, who lost her life due to water toxicity. During a weekend getaway at Lake Freeman in Indiana, US, with her husband and two children from July 1 to July 4, Ashley suddenly developed a headache and felt lightheaded. On their way back home, Ashley, feeling dehydrated, expressed that she "couldn't get enough water" and consumed four bottles of water, each containing 500 milliliters. Sadly, after arriving home, Ashley collapsed and was immediately rushed to the hospital due to severe brain swelling. Despite medical efforts, she passed away later. The doctors diagnosed her condition as water toxicity, medically known as hyponatremia, which occurs when the sodium level in the blood drops below normal levels. Ashley's brother, Devon Miller, shared the shocking revelation, saying, "It was a big shock to us all. I was just like, this is a thing? She just felt like she couldn't get enough water... When they left the sandbar to when they got to the dock, it was about a 20-minute boat ride... she drank four bottles of water in that 20 minutes." Pakistan Airlines Flight PK248 Enters Indian Airspace, Flies Over 3 States For An Hour Water toxicity is an uncommon condition that may arise when someone consumes an excessive amount of water within a short time frame. In Ashley's case, the rapid intake of water led to this tragic outcome. Dr. Blake Froberg, a toxicologist at the hospital where Ashley was treated, explained that water toxicity is more likely to occur during hot weather or when someone engages in regular outdoor activities or exercises. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying hydrated, but also emphasizes the potential dangers of excessive water consumption in a short period, particularly during certain circumstances. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 12:03 [IST] Explained: What Is Toshakhana Case? International oi-Madhuri Adnal Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in prison and disqualified from contesting elections for five years on Saturday by a Pakistani court in the Toshakhana case. The case relates to Khan's alleged violation of the Toshakhana rules by failing to deposit a diamond-encrusted watch gifted to him by a foreign dignitary in the government treasury. Khan was allowed to purchase the watch at a discounted price, but he is accused of selling it for a profit. The court found Khan guilty of "dishonesty" and "misappropriation of state property". He was also ordered to pay a fine of 1 million Pakistani rupees (around USD 5,000). The Toshakhana case is a corruption case in Pakistan in which former Prime Minister Imran Khan is accused of illegally obtaining luxury gifts from foreign dignitaries and selling them for profit. The case was filed by the Pakistan government in August 2022, and Khan was disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in October 2022 under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution for making "false statements and incorrect declaration" about the gifts. The Toshakhana is a government department that is responsible for receiving and storing gifts that are given to the president, prime minister, and other high-ranking government officials by foreign dignitaries. The gifts are usually expensive and include items such as jewelry, watches, and artwork. Imran Khan Found Guilty In Toshakhana Case, Sentenced To 3 Years In Prison The law states that any gifts that are given to government officials must be deposited in the Toshakhana, and the officials are not allowed to keep them or sell them. However, there is a provision in the law that allows officials to purchase the gifts at a discounted price. Khan is accused of receiving a number of expensive gifts from foreign dignitaries during his time as prime minister, including a Graff wristwatch, a pair of cufflinks, an expensive pen, a ring, and four Rolex watches. He is alleged to have purchased these gifts at a discounted price and then sold them for profit. The government has alleged that Khan's actions constitute a violation of the law and that he has enriched himself at the expense of the government treasury. Khan has denied the allegations and has said that he has done nothing wrong. Former TikTok Influencer And Mother Found Guilty In Fatal Car Crash Case International oi-Madhuri Adnal A former TikTok influencer, Mahek Bukhari, aged 24, and her mother, Ansreen Bukhari, aged 46, have been convicted, along with two other defendants, for engineering a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of two men. The incident occurred in February 2022, and the victims, Saqib Hussain and Hashim Ijazuddin, both aged 21, lost their lives when their car was rammed off the road, split in two, and caught fire after hitting a tree. The tragic event was reported by The Guardian. According to the prosecution's case, Mahek, a British Pakistani, and her mother, Ansreen, had arranged a meeting with Hussain in a car park to confront him about sexual photos and videos he possessed of Ansreen, with whom he had been involved in an affair for approximately three years. The evidence presented during the trial revealed that Hussain had threatened to expose the affair by sharing intimate images and videos of them. As Hussain and Ijazuddin attempted to drive away, they were pursued at high speeds, reaching 100mph, by two vehicles driven by the other defendants, Rekhan Karwan and Raees Jamal. The chase ended tragically when the assailants rammed their car off the road, leading to the fatal crash. Moments before the crash, Hussain made a desperate call to emergency services, 999, seeking help as the assailants tried to force their car off the road. In the call, Hussain expressed his fear, saying, "There's guys following me. They've got balaclavas on. They're trying to ram me off the road. They're trying to kill me - I'm going to die." TikTok CEO faces off with Congress over security fears The jury deliberated for 28 hours during the three-month trial at Leicester Crown Court before reaching their verdict. Rekhan Karwan and Raees Jamal were found guilty of murder, while Natasha Akhtar, Ameer Jamal, and Sanaf Gulamustafa were convicted of manslaughter. Mohammed Patel was found not guilty, as reported by The News International. Leicester police investigations revealed that Ansreen Bukhari had decided to end her relationship with Hussain, but he refused to accept it. This led to alleged threats from Hussain to disclose the affair to Ansreen Bukhari's husband and to share explicit images and videos of her. The sentencing is scheduled for September 1st, and the defendants have been warned by Judge Timothy Spencer KC that they can expect severe sentences. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 12:17 [IST] Donald Trump is set to address supporters after he pleaded not guilty to charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election. Germany's antisemitism commissioner has spoken out about the surge in support for the Alternative for Germany. The far-right party is meeting in Magdeburg to finalize its list of candidates for the 2024 EU elections. The vibrant city of Urumqi played host to the 6th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival, a spectacular two-week event that united talented artists from diverse corners of the world, fostering cultural exchange and mutual enrichment through the power of dance. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Russian officials reported an oil tanker was hit in a drone attack in the Kerch Strait in Crimea. The attack follows one day after a strike on a naval ship nearby. Follow DW for the latest. The strike, near a bridge vital to Russia, is the second Ukrainian sea drone assault on one of the countrys ships in two days. Russian officials reported an oil tanker was hit in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Kerch Strait in Crimea. The attack follows one day after a strike on a naval ship nearby. Follow DW for the latest. After Russia pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July, Croatia has offered to export Ukrainian grain via its river and sea ports. Is it a realistic option or just a meaningful gesture? A Wisconsin judge on Friday directed the state's elections commission to release all of its records on a Republican member who posed as a fake Trump elector in 2020. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is "livid" New York City received over $100 million in FEMA funding to help it deal with its migrant crisis, which she said is eclipsed by Arizona's. E! Online 05 Aug 2023 A Twitch streamer is facing legal trouble after his New York City giveaway event derailed into chaos. Kai Cenat, who promised to.. Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) Framework: India extends INR 450 million advance to expedite the project Posted by Editor on August 5, 2023 - 9:20 am The Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Project Monitoring Committee has taken a decisive step towards the implementation of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) a crucial milestone in the countrys digitization drive, the Presidents Media Division (PMD) reported. During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (August 04), key stakeholders, including Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, Indian High Commissioner, Gopal Baglay, and First Secretary of the Indian High Commission, Eldos Mathew, Secretary of the Ministry of Technology, Prof. M.D. Gunawardena, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, Viyani Gunathilake, and Additional Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, engaged in extensive discussions on the projects execution. During the meeting, it was reported that tenders related to the SL-UDI project had been received and were currently under review, adhering to a meticulous timeline. Signifying the Indian governments commitment to the initiative, the Indian High Commissioner handed over a significant contribution of Indian Rs. 450 million to Minister Kanaka Herath, constituting 15% of the total funds required for the successful implementation of the project as an advance payment, it added. In his directive, Sagala Ratnayaka emphasized the paramount importance of adhering to a well-defined timeline to ensure the projects seamless execution. He further advised convening regular weekly meetings to monitor and evaluate progress, the PMD said in a statement. Acknowledging the projects profound significance in Sri Lankas economic recovery process, Sagala Ratnayaka expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for its unwavering support in this endeavour. The SL-UDI project holds immense promise in bolstering Sri Lankas digital infrastructure and fostering growth across various sectors. With this notable step, the nation inches closer to a more technologically advanced future, poised for enhanced economic development and prosperity, according to the PMD. Oppenheimer, the movie about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project, is a great film, extraordinary, as most movie reviews are accurately saying, and so, so important. Causing the formation of the Manhattan Project was a letter from Long Island, New York to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was signed by Albert Einstein who spent summers in New Suffolk on Long Island. It was 1939 and the splitting of the atom fission had been done the year before in Germany. The Einstein letter said: "This phenomenon would also lead to the construction of bombs, and it is conceivable though much less certain that extremely powerful bombs of this type may thus be constructed." The aim of the Manhattan Project was to fight fire with fire to use fission to create an atom bomb before Hitler and the Nazis did. Einstein in the end regretted the letter. "If I had known that the Germans would not succeed in constructing the atom bomb, I never would have moved a finger," he wrote in his 1950 book Out of My Later Years. I first saw the two-page letter as a boy on a family trip to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, next to what was FDR's home, in Hyde Park in upstate New York. It was there in a glass display cabinet. My sense: what an important letter! Written on its upper right: "Albert Einstein, Old Grove Road, Nassau Point, Peconic, Long Island, August 2nd, 1939." Below and to the left was to whom it was addressed: "F.D. Roosevelt, President of the United States, White House, Washington, D.C." On a personal note, Nassau Point is seven air miles from where my wife and I have lived for nearly 50 years, a hamlet on the South Fork of Long Island called Noyac across Little Peconic Bay from New Suffolk. Oppenheimer takes place largely in Los Alamos, New Mexico where the main work of the World War II crash program was done. Why then was it called the Manhattan Project? Its initial headquarters in 1942 was in Manhattan at the North Atlantic Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. General Leslie Groves, its director, was in the Corps. The story of how several scientists, like Einstein refugees from the Nazis, found Einstein on the North Fork of eastern Long Island is amazing. It has been told by the late British journalist Alistair Cooke. Cooke gave this account over BBC radio as part of his "Letter from America" series. (Cooke incidentally had a home in Cutchogue on the North Fork.) "Well, it began, on a drenching hot day in midsummer 1939 with two men, two refugees getting up in the morning and getting out a map and deciding to drive to the end of Long Island," Cooke related. He said these "these two refugees, both Hungarians who had been run out of their labs in Germany, heard through the underground of their old friends who'd fled to various countries of Europe, two things. One was that there had been a secret meeting of German physicists, in Berlin, and that Germany had, quite suddenly and secretly, forbidden all exports of a certain kind of ore from the occupied country of Czechoslovakia." The "ore" was uranium. "These two refugees wondered, if the American State Department had any notion what the coincidence of these two items could signify." But they were concerned that "if they had gone in person to the State Department or the White House they would quite likely have been waved away, or locked up as nuts." One of the scientists "remembered the old man, another refugee, but better known." This was Einstein. "He might carry a little weight," Cooke went on. "That was it, get to the old man, tell him what was meant by the equation: one secret meeting plus one export ban. But where was the old man? Well, one of them had heard that he was down at the end of Long Island, summering in a cottage rented from a local doctor. Doctor... doctor... wait a minute, Moore that was it? But now the place." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Rob Kall's writings on the "bottom-up" revolution have real potential to show people that they can hold power accountable and improve justice. A book on this subject could help to repair the economic, legal, social, and political fabric of the United States." Paul Craig Roberts, former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, former editor and columnist for the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and Scripps Howard News Service. BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China firmly supports the peace process in Colombia and commends the efforts made by relevant parties towards this end, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Saturday. The spokesperson's comment came after the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) announced earlier this week the entry into effect nationwide of a 180-day ceasefire. "To live in full peace is a cherished hope of the Colombian people. It is also conducive to the stability and development in Latin America, and widely supported by the international community," the spokesperson said. China hopes continued efforts will be made to build consensus for peace and that relevant parties will play a positive role in realizing lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in Colombia at an early date, the spokesperson said. Elizabeth Badger (Image by Elizabeth Badger) Details DMCA Elizabeth Badger is a perennial candidate who in addition to running for a seat on the LAUSD School Board in 2015 and 2020 has also sought positions in the California State Assembly and the Los Angeles City Council. This week she filed with the Los Angeles City Ethics Department for a second rematch against incumbent LAUSD Board member Scott Schmerelson. Prior to the 2020 race, I considered Badger to be a friend. We had gotten to know each other when we were both candidates in 2015 running against the incumbent, Tamar Galatzan. After Schmerelson secured second place in the primary we both supported him in the runoff. During lengthy conversations in the years after Schmerelson won his seat, Badger and I discussed our shared frustrations about his lack of progress on issues that were important to us, particularly in advocating for Special Education. As the next election drew closer, the talk turned to possibly running against him. In the end, I decided that this would open up a pathway for a candidate supporting the charter school industry and did not run. Badger filed to appear on the ballot. When Badger returned the questionnaire that I had given to all three candidates in the 2020 race, it was apparent to me that she had not used the previous five years to immerse herself in LAUSD issues. While her answers indicated that she held positions that were supportive of public education, she did not provide very many details about how she would provide solutions. Two of her five answers were nothing more than "absolutely." In an interview with Nick Melvoin's Speak Up, Badger's willful ignorance was on full display as she made the accusation that: In fact, Schmerelson also headed this same committee when he first took office. He did so until Melvoin and his fellow charter school industry supporters took control of the Board and eliminated all of the committees. When Jackie Goldberg replaced convicted felon Ref Rodriguez, the pro-public school board members reinstated the committees. Schmerelson was then elected by his peers to head both the Special Education and Parent Engagement Committees. Even more concerning was Badger's unsubstantiated personal attacks against the incumbent. Instead of welcoming a lifelong Republican who had fled Trump's takeover to the Democratic party, she claimed to know that his change in registration was done at the direction of UTLA. Even more perplexing, she insisted that she had obtained records showing that Schmereleson had voted for Trump in the 2016 primary. My friendship with Badger ended when the candidate profile I published included the above observations. In an angry phone call, she demanded a retraction of the article. When I refused, the conversation ended with her calling me a "b*tch" and hanging up. Badger's performance did not improve as the campaign wore on. At one forum she spoke against teen pregnancy prevention by giving access to birth control to students. She attacked Schmerelson for speaking out against David Fehte, the El Camino Charter School Principal who had been caught charging personal expenses to the school's credit card. When Badger came in last in the primary she endorsed Marilyn Koziatek over Schmerelson in the general election. In doing so she ignored Koziatek's support from the charter school industry, her ties to anti-gay and anti-abortion groups, and her refusal to disavow support from groups running anti-Semitic ads on her behalf. (Image by Los Angeles City Ethics Commission) Details DMCA The bitterness Badger displayed during the last campaign interfered with her ability to "do good work" and bring positive outcomes for our children. It also made it clear that she was ill-suited to working collaboratively as part of a governing body. Unless she has used the past four years to take deep dives into the issues and is ready to propose solutions, there is no reason to believe that she will do any better in the 2024 elections, especially in a large field that has already reached five candidates. Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. Now, I suppose it's natural for many individuals raised in any given "faith" to feel that it is the "best" religious belief system. This we might call a form of natural "chauvinism" comparable to similar feelings about one's country. In ancient times, while a degree of religious chauvinism could be found in most cultures, there was still, undoubtedly, a grudging respect for other religions. The two main reasons: (1) The vast majority of cultures were polytheistic, naturally accepting other cultures' gods as worthy, if not as powerful, as their own deities. (2) Ancient cultures treated their god(s) as virtual "sponsors," who assisted them, not only with the considerable struggles of everyday life, but in their battles with other nations who were, in turn, sponsored by their own powerful gods. At the same time, it should be noted that, initially, none of these ancient cultures' gods were expected to be what we would call "ethical." I believe that for the most part, the relationship between ancient cultures and their god(s) could best be described as one of "expedience." Thus the "worship" of these gods seems to have been based mainly on "fear," the fear of abandonment, and with it the loss of the god's sponsorship and protection. It had little or nothing to do, apparently, with love or morality. Ironically, many of the most successful ancient empires' "golden ages" seemed to correspond with periods in which the conquerors allowed the subservient cultures to maintain their various religious and social practices. Certainly Alexander's empire as well as those of the Romans and Muslims all seem to fit comfortably into this category. Meanwhile, it seems that with the advent of monotheism, especially the biblical vision of one supreme being as opposed to multiple supposedly "false" pagan gods, the chauvinism seemed to have evolved, or, perhaps we should say "devolved," eventually, into a sort of arrogant assertion that one's religion is the only "true" religion. Now, the primitive idea that a lone god would arbitrarily "sponsor" one chosen culture and not another seems to defy simple logic, of course, unless there were some reason to prefer that culture over others. In fact, the early Old Testament god would have no inherent reason to prefer the Abrahamic fathers over other families. Nonetheless, "He" befriends Abraham, but the hot-headed, jealous deity demands a rather one sided relationship because whenever a lapse occurs, it is never the "god's" responsibility. Thus the characterization of "G-d" described in the early Old Testament is one of "omni-potency," but clearly not "omni-competency," as He supposedly makes one mistake after another, apparently "correcting" each mistake with His favorite method, "mass murder" of His own creations. According to the Bible, He kills every living creature, man or beast, innocent or guilty, save for those on the famous ark, in a flood. Except for Lot, He murders all of His creations in Sodom and Gomorrah and throws in Lot's wife to boot. Later, He murders all the innocent Egyptian first-borns along with the "guilty" ones. In the Sinai desert, meanwhile, He comes within a whisker of executing all the "Children of Israel" before his counselor, Moses, convinces him to kill "only" a few thousand instead. Then, inexplicably, He murders Job's family- on a bet. ON A BET!!!!!!! Fortunately, with the inspiring advent of the Moses character, Judean leaders arrive at what some may call an "epiphany!" For one of the first times in history, "someone" associates their national sponsor, "G-d," with morality. This is really a major step forward in the development of religion. None of the famous secular social ethical systems, not even the Greeks' had ever assigned ethical rules to their god(s)' behavior (similar to the "gods'' on our own Supreme Court). Whenever a Jewish person is asked what is his or her "belief," he is taught to answer "The Lord our G-d is one, there shall be no other gods before Him," and "love your neighbor as yourself." Unfortunately, as more and more events are traced to a single creator, reasons must be invented to disentangle the now "perfect" god from responsibility for his supposed actions. What's more, if the god is to be ethical, "He" cannot arbitrarily play favorites. Thus a righteous person who may even believe in more than one god should be treated with respect according to Hillel, the prototypical and greatest Pharisee. For Hillel, the Torah's main function, despite its glorification of "G-d," is in the explanation of how to treat our fellow human beings as well as "His" other creations. The rest, Hillel claims, is "commentary," that is, interpreting the underlying intent to coincide with changing times. It is not that one should not glorify "G-d," but that the only way to do so is to treat "His" creations with respect. In other words, we need "Him." "He" supposedly does not need us. Ironically, it is Jesus, two generations after Hillel, who quotes the same "Golden Rule" when asked to explain not only the proper way to act, but the most important way to glorify the deity at the same time. Both Hillel and Jesus lack the one thing that eventually plagues their religion and that is "arrogance." Notice that neither condemns those who perform righteous acts but don't worship the "true" G-d. Now, using Jesus' own Pharisaic logic, if Hillel is not arrogant in his attitude toward G-d, how much more so would his G-d have to lack arrogance as well? And, if as most of his followers believe, Jesus is G-d, then how much more obviously would he too lack arrogance? The Pharisees of Hillel's time struggled with this dilemma as had the prophets of the Old Testament. They also had the problem of justifying all of the tragedy and hardship as well as the obvious unfairness so prevalent in their world, especially with one supreme, "perfect" deity supposedly watching over them. Thus they developed the concept that seems to have so badly eluded Paul (Saul of Tarsus), his pagan followers, and the authors of the Nicene New Testament, that is the "Kingdom of G-d." In early Pauline pagan Christianity, the "Kingdom of G-d" was to be found somewhere in outer space, a place where "people" or, more accurately, their "souls" would end up if they simply believed in exactly the same things that Paul and his followers believed, that is, their mythology. This was very alluring, of course, both to those multitudes of people suffering the unrelenting abuse of the ruling class and even more so to their abusers. Unfortunately, while this concept might have allayed the worries of a few of the sufferers, it did little to relieve their actual misery. This problem was severely exacerbated by the utter hatred and vindictiveness exhibited by Paul toward anyone who seemed to disagree with him in the slightest degree. For example, in Galatians 5:12 he wishes anyone being circumcised should be accidentally castrated and in 2 Corinthians 11:6 anyone disagreeing with him should be "accursed." Thus Paul's bitter conflict with the actual flesh and blood followers of Jesus led to a huge schism between the original Jesus Christians and the Pauline (pagan) "Christians." With his utter disdain and hatred for the Jewish roots of Jesus, much of Jesus' message seems to have been lost in Paul's mythology. For the Judeans, there did not seem to be a clear concept of a distinct "soul." In fact, the modern Hebrew word for "soul," nefesh, apparently meant "individual" in the time of Jesus. Thus the Pharisees and certain other sects developed the idea of "t'chiat ha metim," the bringing back to life of dead individuals by G-d re-breathing life into their dead bodies or dust. This privilege was, however, to be based on how well the deceased individual had behaved while alive. This is exactly what Jesus' actual apostles believed and why they believed he had been resurrected and exactly the way Jesus must have anticipated it. As for the "Kingdom of G-d," for the Prophets, the Pharisees, and Jesus, well educated Pharisee that he certainly appears to have been (even in the New Testament), the "Kingdom of G-d" was supposed to be established in Israel as an example to the other nations. That is why they were supposed to have been "chosen" and it is what he keeps preaching to his followers, believing, like John the Baptizer, that if his people will only follow his instructions and do their level best to repent, his "Father in Heaven" will save them from the Roman occupation. Thus they could become that same "shining city on a hill" that Ronald Reagan also sought to build. Instead, Paul and his followers doubled down in their arrogance, essentially changing Jesus' message from one of "Love your neighbor...The rest is all commentary" into Paul's authoritarian message of "believe in my mythology, my religion, and accede to my rules or else your soul will be damned to eternal hell! Believe in me and you can punch your free ticket to a heavenly, eternal resort somewhere in outer space. Essentially, through his supposed "vision" on the way to Damascus while he was acting as a bounty hunter for the Roman appointed oligarch high priests, Paul came up with an ingenious idea, his real "epiphany," a brilliant way to steal Jesus' identity and create his own religious franchises. To do this, he and his followers introduce the concepts of "original sin" and "grace," essentially nullifying all of the progress religion had made in the giant step from the belief in multiple unethical pagan gods to one ethical "G-d." At least the Jewish relationship with their deity involved some sort of straightforward "contract," even if it were sealed, perhaps unfortunately, with the circumcision of male children. Ideally, if His followers acted ethically, the deity promised to make them a successful nation. The fact that the deity seemed to fail, so often, to keep His end of the bargain, led to the aforementioned idea of an afterlife as a just reward for the individual's righteous actions. Thus, somehow the deity could retain His own "righteousness," His own "responsibility," and His own "integrity." By introducing the ideas of "original sin" and "G-d's grace," Paul and his followers effectively demoted their deity, including Jesus, to the level of a human king. In fact, it is exactly how one refers to a human king! The title signifies that any whim the king might have is automatically justified and cannot be challenged, no matter how unjust! Thus the king, "His Grace," needs to take no responsibility for his actions! Unfortunately, in the case of Paul's "deity," because he is not at all responsible for "His" actions, neither are his followers responsible for theirs. That is, anything can be justified by "faith" in a deity that needs to take no responsibility for its own actions. Is this not the "perfect autocratic storm?" Interestingly, in order to establish the concept of "grace," Paul had to first introduce the clearly illogical and indeed, the obscene concept of "original sin." This idea, so counterintuitive to any rational thinker, contends that the newborn child is already saddled with the responsibility for the sin of its earliest, original ancestors, the "possibly" mythical Adam and Eve. Thus the child is assigned responsibility for something he had absolutely nothing to do with and the only one who can save him is Paul's deity who takes no responsibility for anything "He" does. C.S. Lewis, in a rare moment of desperation, called "grace" Christian "love." Thus his deity does not really feel" love" for his creations, but He provides them some reasonable facsimile, arbitrarily, through "grace." In fact, nowhere, in all of history, is there any evidence, apparently, of a deity supposedly displaying any "emotion" except anger or jealousy unless he is partly human! Now, perhaps it is easier to understand why Gnostics were so enamored with the idea of the human Jesus making the old, imperfect G-d "complete." It is only through the humanity of Jesus, his capacity to feel love and compassion (human feelings), that they conceived that an otherwise unfeeling deity could actually experience those emotions. So now we have regressed, it seems, returning to the arrogance and chauvinism of another era. White Paulines ("Christian," being a most honorable designation, I cannot credit them with the title) not only seem to be in total denial of their culture's abuse of African Americans and other minorities, but more importantly they certainly seem to want, very badly, for the abuses to continue. To do this, they insist on censoring historical facts, on government funding of many inferior charter schools, gross gerrymandering of congressional districts and the appointment of clearly incompetent and/or dishonest judges. They don't even deny that they are doing these things, but claim they are somehow "legal," completing the vicious cycle with their own un-Christian justices' support of their utter absurdities. On the other side of the aisle, ultraliberals, mired in self righteousness, have not bothered at all to change their curriculum, to address legitimate (however exaggerated) claims of ashamed Pauline parents that, like those parents, children will also be ashamed of their heritage. Ironically, these changes cannot and will not be possible without highlighting the stark differences between Paul and Jesus, without illustrating that both the greatest heroes and the greatest villains of our history professed to be following Jesus, but that the villains simply did not!!! More than likely, well educated children will be eager to quite proudly right those wrongs in the name of their religion! Meanwhile, autocratic leaning figures like Trump, DeSantis, and so many others will continue to promote the clearly un-Christian values of Paul, spewing hatred and blaming others for our own failings. Note: Let us put our "deity" on one side of the spectrum and what we will call "actual G-d" on the other side. Whether one believes in divine revelation, epiphanies, miracles, mythology or scientific thinking, the "deity" is still only a concept. For "People of the Book," that is Jews, Christians, and Muslims, the "deity" is "anthropomorphic," designed by human beings to have human characteristics. On the other hand, if there is a "G-d," He is an "actual G-d," in no way dependent on our conceptualization of "Him." Thus, if our characterization of "G-d" happens to be true, it is by coincidence. In the same vein, each religion's mythology is just that, "mythology," the authors presenting their best explanation for our own existence. The only meager "proof" we have of our "G-d's" existence, ironically, is in our own existence, in our own ability to think and to feel emotions especially love and compassion. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is visiting Islamabad to join a ceremony to mark 10 years of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The 3,000-kilometer-long CPEC corridor starts from China's Kashi and ends at Pakistan's Gwadar, and connects the Silk Road Economic Belt in the north and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the south. It is a trade network of highways, railways, pipelines and optical cables, and a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative. With an investment totaling US$45 billion, construction of the CPEC is scheduled to be completed by 2030. As the chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission from 2017 to 2023, Lifeng was instrumental in the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan. According to Foreign Office Lifeng's visit was a part of regular high-level exchanges and dialogue between Pakistan and China and reflected the importance attached by both countries to further deepen their "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, enhance economic and financial cooperation, advance high-quality development of CPEC and explore new avenues for strengthening trade and investment ties". At the same time, Global Times said that China and Pakistan, all-weather strategic cooperation partners, have enhanced comprehensive cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the past 10 years. The CPEC is a flagship of the BRI, which has helped improve Pakistani people's livelihood, and created many jobs for locals, experts were quoted by GT as saying while noting that Western countries' disparaging CPEC won't conceal Chinese enterprises' contribution to Pakistan nor hurt the iron-clad friendship of the two neighbors. Gwadar Port One of the watershed developments during the 10 years was the high-octane operation of Gwadar Port, crown jewel of the CPEC. The Peshawar-Karachi Motorway (PKM), the largest transportation project under the CPEC, was completed in 2019. The project gave priority to hiring Pakistani employees, providing more than 23,000 local jobs, according to a statement China State Construction sent to the Global Times. The PKM project has also helped propel the development of services industries such as catering, retailing and transportation, indirectly creating more than 45,000 jobs. PowerChina has completed the construction of 22 wind power projects in Pakistan, with a total installed capacity of 1.14 million kilowatts. Six BRI Corridors The BRI has six main economic corridors: (1) the New Eurasian Land Bridge; (2) the China-Central Asia-West Asia Corridor; (3) the China-Pakistan Corridor; (4) the Bangladesh-China- Myanmar Corridor; (5) the China-Mongolia-Russia Corridor; (6) the China-Indochina Peninsula Corridor. According to U.S. think tank, the Council on Foreign Relations, to date, 147 countries accounting for two-thirds of the world's population and 40 percent of global GDP have signed on to projects or indicated an interest in doing so. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). By Robert Weiner and Charlyn Chu In the history of US leaks, some have benefited the nation, others were a major threat to national security, but none should be possible. An unwarranted release of documents by insiders employees, contractors, even our very own former president is nothing short of embarrassing, and dangerous. Teixeira's leaks exposed America's espionage against Russia and allies alike,angering South Korean officials and possibly causing Russia to adapt communication methods to prevent US interception. Battlefield vulnerabilities outlined forced Ukraine to alter its military plans. Other countries mentioned include the UK, Israel, and UAE. The DOD review that came after Teixeira's leaks seemed more like a cover-up than a true report. According to WSJ when it covered the review, made public July 5, the report "did not uncover widespread failures." How can there NOT be widespread failure on the part of US intelligence if a 21-year-old managed to post hundreds of classified documents on Discord? How can there NOT be widespread failure when superiors noticed Teixeira breaking rules multiple times, his security clearance was not immediately revoked, and the leaks infuriated major allies? Austin's memo that the "overwhelming majority of DOD personnel with access to CNSI are trustworthy," may reassure himself, but certainly not American citizens. A loyal majority is useless if an individual can still leak the nation's top secrets. US National Defense strategy is focused on stopping foreign infiltrations of intelligence systems. Currently, much responsibility and access is given to lower-level people in intelligence agencies, partly due to the promotion of information sharing after 9/11. Employees and tech personnel were needed to sort and process data. Glenn S. Gerstell, former general counsel of the NSA, has stated ideas on how to prevent the next leak: continuous vetting, such as psychological exams and polygraphs; RFID tags on documents; AI to catch atypical behavior or downloads; cameras on every printer. Implementing these intelligence controls may make it harder for those who do "need to know" sensitive material to have access. However, given the severity of these leaks, being concerned about overcorrection is just another cover-up statement to keep things at their status quo. However, tighter controls and tech additions will not completely solve leaks. Government and military officials are only seeing half the problem, and half the solution. There will always be bad apples, spies, impressionable kids who are trying to show off to friends. Those leaks may be mitigated with technical improvements and better background checks, but there are also leaks of another nature. These leaks are from whistleblowers, journalists, publishers. These cannot be solved by tech. If an insider believes there is something unethical that is being wrongfully withheld from the public, they are prone to leaking it, causing a national crisis. Take Ellsberg, Snowden. Look at the public's response. Trust in the government and military eroded; Americans were outraged because the war in Vietnam was immoral, surveillance was unethical. To prevent leaks of this nature, there has to be a new culture of transparency and morality. The intelligence community has to ensure their policies align with public interest. Currently, Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, is being charged under the Espionage Act for leaking government secrets. From the Collateral Murder video to other leaks of war crimes, torture, and the killing of innocent civilians, it's no surprise the government wants Assange extradited. Yet, putting Assange behind bars will do nothing to solve the problem. The problem is not the leakers, the problem lies within the failure of intelligence agencies to disclose information the public should know. In a recent DOD blunder, CENTCOM allegedly killed an unintended target in a drone strike near a chicken farm in Syria. Defense officials had initially claimed the strike killed a highly ranked Al-Qaeda official, but later reneged. The victim was bricklayer Lotfi Hassan Misto. While Misto's family and neighbors offered claims contrary to officials' beliefs that Misto was an AQ leader, no conclusive answers have been reached, at least in the public's eyes officials have declined to identify who the intended target was or how the mistake happened. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Despite massive street protests since January, and international pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to throw out the bill, the judicial reform measure is now law. It passed on a vote of 64-0 amid an opposition boycott. The bill removes the "Reasonability Clause" from being used by the Supreme Court to strike down improper government appointments and executive decisions. The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the most extreme right-wing religious government in Israeli history. Israelis are fearful that the religious extremists in the Netanyahu ruling alliance will railroad bills through the Knesset that will strip away rights from a mainly secular society. Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, formerly convicted on eight counts of terrorism and hate crimes, threatens this bill is just the beginning in a process to change the secular fabric of Israel. Activists in women's rights are most concerned with the prospect of new laws that will make it difficult for a woman to get a divorce, or an abortion. Ben-Gvir and his ultra-religious allies want to institute laws in which Jewish religious law is used for women's issues instead of the secular civil law and massively expand the power of state-run religious courts. The rabbinic courts would be granted the power to officiate on civil issues for the first time in 15 years, giving them equal status to the secular justice system. Rabbinic courts do not allow female judges, and at times will not allow female witnesses even in the case of domestic abuse. Abortions had been usually approved by a committee, but the religious parties now in control are against abortion. With the Supreme Court made impotent, women could be stripped of the right to choose. With the Supreme Court now sidelined from dissent, the government led by the extremist parties can transform Israel into an authoritarian form of government. Netanyahu is powerless to rein in the extremists because his alliance with them is the only thing keeping him out of prison on corruption charges. Israeli society usually stands united amid Palestinian resistance, but this time the water cannons have been turned on peaceful Jewish protesters, not Arabs. Ben-Gvir described the demonstrators as anarchists who posed a danger to the state and even to the lives of individual politicians, and he ordered a zero-tolerance policy. The new law has split the country, with even the military taking a political position. Hundreds of Israeli military personnel have pledged to not perform their duties in opposition to the judicial reform law, and are joined by the medical association and labor union. Former President Reuven Rivlin begged Netanyahu to stop the judicial reform law, and warned of impending civil war. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, the centrist opposition leader, said "The government has declared a war of attrition against its own citizens." Netanyahu, along with his son and brother, have pointed a finger at US President Joe Biden as the instigator and financier of the massive street protests against the law. Ben-Gvir, known for his radicalism, has been convicted of sedition and membership in a terrorist group. He has called for a religious Jewish state including the Palestinian territories and rejected democracy as 'un-Jewish'. He hates Arabs and said they must be expelled. He follows a political doctrine that says a fist in the face of a non-Jew is praise to God. Ben-Gvir and his Jewish Power party advocate 'total war' against Israel's enemies and believe that the Palestinians should be made to leave the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. The possibility of mass deportations of Palestinians exists now that the judicial reform bill has passed. The Biden administration, along with Trump, Obama, and Bush, has abdicated any role in the advancement of the Two-State Solution, which is a UN resolution, and the official US policy. The Israeli public has been content to stand by and watch the Palestinians among them suffer the lack of human rights and freedom, but now the table has turned. Palestinians will never have freedom until their Jewish neighbors demand it and are willing to fight for democracy and freedom for all the people living in Israel and the Palestinian Occupied Territories. Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist The Supreme Court ruled to strike down affirmative action programs at the University of North Carolina and Harvard, ending the systematic consideration of race in the admissions process on June 29. The vote at UNC was 6-3 and 6-2 at Harvard as the court ruled that both programs violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and are thus unlawful. The court's decision is a disadvantage for minority students as it undoes decades of precedents that upheld race-conscious admissions policies as "consistent" with the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. Justice Sonia Sotomayor condemned the Supreme Court's decision in a written statement, stating that the decision cements "a superficial rule of colorblindness as a constitutional principle in an endemically segregated society where race has always mattered and will continue to matter." In fact, the decision to overturn Affirmative Action will significantly hurt states that have already banned affirmative action in higher education. For example, in 2021, the percentage of students who identified as Black at the University of Michigan dropped to 4%. In contrast, it was at 7% in 2006, before Michigan voters prohibited admitting students to college based on their race. I am an LGBTQIA+ Ashkenazi Jewish-American student at California State University, Northridge. CSUN is well known for being one of the most diverse schools in California and within the California State University system, with 77% of its student body identifying as minorities. However, California's ban on affirmative action dates back to 1996, when Proposition 209 was passed against UCLA and UC Berkeley. The decision to ban affirmative action has continued to hurt students who specifically apply to schools in the University of California system, as they are deemed more prestigious. Despite this, the state is trying to recruit more minority students through other means. Ever since conservatives have taken control of the Supreme Court, they have made two decisions that have drastically changed how society looks at people within the past year. The overturning of Roe v. Wade caused women to fight for their constitutional right to have an abortion. This year, Black and Latinx students may not have a chance at getting into their dream schools or get a college degree. They also have made it clear that if you're a black or Latinx student applying in the STEM fields at a school in a state that has banned affirmative action, your chances of getting in are lower. Should the ban on considering race in college admissions be active nationwide, the number of minority students attending college will decrease, especially in public medical schools in states that do not allow affirmative action, as their admission rate numbers dropped by nearly 5%. If this isn't bad enough, the number of minority students that have earned a STEM degree in the same states also fell approximately by 10% in the past five years since the bans set in. The affirmative action ban means one thing: Less diversity. We won't have many Black lawyers who will become partners, judges and justices of the United States Supreme Court, we won't have many Latinx doctors in the country, and there will be even fewer Native Americans in the world of STEM, where it is predominantly white. College is a chance for students to hear stories and viewpoints from people who come from different backgrounds. While merit absolutely should be considered in the admissions process, we should also listen to why these students applied to college in the first place. (Article changed on Aug 08, 2023 at 6:22 PM EDT) Some public school teachers in Punjab province approached me to speak about the enhanced requirement of teaching enhanced nazra (recitation) of the Holy Quran and Islamiat in Arabic in the country's already beleaguered public school system. The authorities have mandated that nazra must be taught with correct Arabic pronunciation in public and private schools. Nazra teaching is a legacy from the Single National Curriculum (SNC) initiative launched by the government of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. To meet the strict nazra guidelines, the School Education Department submitted a proposal to the government to recruit 70,000 Arabic teachers from madrassas as part-time nazra teachers. Madrassa graduates are deemed best qualified to teach nazra Quran because it requires a deep knowledge of tajweed (authentic intonation and pronunciation). But the government could not hire religious teachers due to a lack of funds, so school authorities have ordered teachers who teach English and science to fill the gap, learn Arabic and perform the duty of madrasa graduates. The frustrated teachers who spoke to me also pointed out that the volume of Islamiat content in the curriculum has grown exponentially. It affects compulsory courses like Urdu and English, and forces non-Muslim students into Islamic education in violation of their fundamental rights. Imagine the difficulty of being a student in Pakistan's chaotic and poorly funded public education system. Disadvantaged and malnourished children attend school in horrific conditions such as crumbling infrastructure and lack of sanitation facilities and clean water, shortage of teachers and textbooks, pervasive poverty, and inept administration; it is not a surprise that many throw in the towel. Pakistan has one of the highest drop-out rates in the world, at 41% for primary schooling and 22 million children remain out of school. A telling sign of a failing state is its failure to educate its children. "Education is a vital investment in the future," said Pakistan's early leaders it is an important lesson sadly lost on successive Pakistan governments. It is widely acknowledged that young people and nations benefit from an enlightened education policy because it promotes cohesion and diversity. The ultimate reward is productive citizens with a broad vision who become a critical building block of civilized societies and national progress. Moreover, developing human capital specializing in various fields is vital to a country's competitiveness in a global economy. Not so in Pakistan, where a paltry 2.0% of the GDP is spent on education compared to a whopping 4% on defense. Currently, the education system in Pakistan the three-tier system of a few private schools, collapsing public schools, and growing madrassas is inward-looking, regressive, and dogmatic. The madrassification of public education is reflected in textbooks and curricula that promote a culture of extremism in the minds of the students. Pakistan's constitution prescribes free and compulsory primary education for all children, but this remains an unrealistic goal. Instead of addressing glaring deficiencies that keep over 60% of Pakistanis illiterate in a country with a growing youth population, governments indulge in populist gimmicks. Calls for ideological education in Pakistan grew steadily after independence unsurprising in a Muslim state and conservative society. The first all-Pakistan education conference in 1947 proposed that the educational system should be inspired by Islamic ideology and teachings. It took a great leap forward in 1977, under the Islamization project launched by military ruler General Zia-ul-Haq, widely held responsible for infusing fundamentalism, intolerance, and violence into society. Education policies have not remained immune as the government decided to re-educate students about the state's official ideology and Islam with an increasingly fundamentalist bent. The government stressed that the aim of education would be "to foster in the hearts and minds of the students a deep and abiding loyalty to Islam." It decided to introduce Arabic at the Middle level and made teaching Islamiyat and Pakistan studies compulsory at the undergraduate level. The educational authorities accordingly undertook to review the entire curricula to ensure suitable content on Islam and the ideology of Pakistan. Various governments have tried to make up for the modern education deficit by devising education policies not to produce global citizens but to produce practicing Muslims. The result is that the main focus of the Pakistani education system is to instill holiness and obedience in students, not the ability to think critically, analytically, rationally, and logically; various textbooks and curricula reveal an increasing emphasis on religion with diminishing room for pluralism and secularism. While the politicization of religious education is not a new trend in Pakistan, it is a critical but unspoken reason for the country's dysfunction and extremist image. A major factor in the overload of religious education and the decline in the quality of science and humanities education is the growing political power of religious leaders, who promote religious education and denigrate secular education as conflicting with Islamic principles. Furthermore, cynical leaders in nexus with religious leaders, eyeing increasing power and vote banks, have pushed the Islamization of society and education as a ploy to divert the attention of the people from such alarming conditions as high corruption, dreadful governance, mismanagement, and economic meltdown, to name a few. Pakistan's public education needs urgent reform with more funding and more objective textbooks devoted to the subjects of mathematics, science, and humanities. Its school children deserve an inclusive system without ideological leanings that encourage a shared understanding of religious beliefs and human rights. Undoubtedly, it is a huge task in the charged political, economic, and social climate especially when political will is non-existent. In 750 words or less, what does "Republican" mean today? It means that Donald Trump's history is all good, and nothing controversial about it is to be considered. Why not? Because this is a presidential election season, and he's our guy. Unimportant other concerns are only "election interference." Criminality and accountability are unimportant. Unless we are talking about Joe Biden. Biden "is a criminal" who requires immediate and thorough investigation, followed by immediate impeachment, because he is so, so very guilty. It means that credentials in general are no longer a serious concern for candidate selection and electability, at least for our political party. The ability to attract fringe voters is far more important. It means that a pregnant woman's health, and indeed her life, are completely secondary concerns, and we have to protect that embryo or fetus at all costs, because we are "pro-life." It means we promote the notion that "pro-choice" is an anti-American, unethical, evil talking point, chosen by radicals and subversives, to support the sanctioned murder of innocent children. It means we can and should make it more difficult to vote for those most likely to vote for another political party. It is only fair. It means we can re-draw voting districts any way we desire, to make it more likely that we will win elections, regardless of -- uh, no, we mean "in direct contradiction to" -- the actual preferences of the voting public. It means we are still very proud to be "the party of fiscal conservatism," but now only when Democrats are in control. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). He said It's time to be willing To die for the motherland And stamped my papers But I want my daughter to live in peace! Men are born to fight, he said Don't be a wimp Then he got gloomy and looked at the floor I thought of my friends Who electrocuted toads I thought of the stone fights and the day I knocked my brother's best friend to the ground Because I wanted to pay my brother back For all the humiliations That add up until your blood boils over I asked him Why do men fight? I asked the gloomy man Who just stamped my papers That put all my dreams on hold And he didn't look up Instead he stacked some papers And said Because we don't know who we are Then I woke And I only dimly recalled Going home To tell my wife My daughter's mother Who my mother warned me Was too good for me That I was a conscript in the Russian army Not the hard-working dreamer That she married anymore By Karl Grossman The two nuclear reactors at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, New York were shut down in the late 1990s because they had been leaking tritium into the water table below, part of the island's aquifer system on which more than 3 million people depend on as their sole source of potable water. BNL was established on a former Army base in 1947 by the then U.S. Atomic Energy Commission to develop civilian uses of nuclear technology and do atomic research. BNL scientists were upset with the U.S. Department of Energy over the closures. BNL has been a DOE facility in the wake of the elimination of the AEC by the U.S. Congress in 1974 for being in conflict of interest for having two missions, promoting and also regulating nuclear technology. The water table below BNL flows largely into a community named Shirley. Welcome to Shirley: A Memoir of an Atomic Town is a 2008 book by Kelly McMasters, a professor at Hofstra University on Long Island, who grew up in Shirley. In it she tells of widespread cancer in Shirley noting how BNL was designated as a high-pollution Superfund site in 1989 "with soil and drinking water contaminated with Cesium 137, Plutonium 239, Radium 226, and Europium 154, as well as underground plumes of tritium stretching out towards my town." BNL scientists in the wake of the closure of its two reactors because of the tritium leaks minimized their health impacts noting that tritium is used in exit signs begging the question of why a radioactive substance is used in exit signs. Now, tritium has become a major international issue with the Japanese government planning to release 1.3 million tons of water containing tritium into the Pacific Ocean from the site of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants. It's also been a hot issue in New York State where Holtec International has a plan to dump tritium-contaminated water from the decommissioned Indian Point nuclear power plants, which it owns, into the Hudson River. A number of communities along Hudson River depend on the river for their potable water. Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. As the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in its "Backgrounder on Tritium" acknowledges: "Like normal hydrogen, tritium can bond with oxygen to form water. When this happens, the resulting 'tritiated' water is radioactive. Tritiated water"is chemically identical to normal water and the tritium cannot be filtered out of the water." Regarding the use of tritium in exit signs, what's that about? As the website of a company called Self Luminous Exit Signs, which sell signs using tritium for $202.95 each, says: "World War II created the demand for glowing emergency exits in ships, submarines, barracks and bombers where battery power was unavailable." Something that grew out of war was commercialized afterwards as has nuclear technology been generally. As to dangers, in a posting titled "Tritium in Exit Signs," the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says: "Tritium is a radioactive isotope that needs special handling procedures. Tritium is most dangerous when it is inhaled or swallowed. Many exit signs contain tritium".Tritium exit signs are marked with a permanent warning label. Tritium exit signs are useful because they do not require a traditional power source such as batteries or hardwired electricity." "No radiation is emitted from a working, unbroken, tritium exit sign," EPA goes on. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). SHENYANG/HARBIN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The typhoon-induced heavy rains have pushed the water level of dozens of rivers in northeast China's provinces of Liaoning and Heilongjiang above the warning mark, local authorities said Saturday. At 6 a.m. Saturday, the water level in the main stream of the Liaohe River in Liaoning, one of the country's largest rivers, exceeded the warning mark by 33 cm, according to the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters. From 8 a.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday, torrential rains lashed the central and eastern parts of Liaoning. The total storage capacity of 37 large reservoirs in Liaoning witnessed an increase of over 3.66 billion cubic meters compared with the same period in previous years. Six reservoirs in the province have exceeded flood limits and are discharging water. Eight cities and 45 county-level regions in Liaoning have launched emergency response for flood control, among which the cities of Fushun and Dandong have activated a Level-III emergency response. China has a four-tier flood-control emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe. The Liaoning Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism has canceled the trips of 117 tour groups in the cities of Jinzhou, Yingkou and Panjin from Tuesday to Friday. The Liaoning Provincial Department of Water Resources is closely monitoring the rivers, including the main stream of the Liaohe River, and reservoirs in the rain-affected area. The authorities are conducting an analysis of their rainstorm-resistance capacity to provide valuable assistance in flood control and disaster reduction efforts. In addition, a total of 371 personnel have been mobilized, resulting in the successful rescue of 29 local residents. According to the Heilongjiang Provincial Hydrology and Water Resources Center, as of 8 a.m. Saturday, the water level of 25 rivers in the province had exceeded the warning mark by 6 cm to 3.4 meters, of which five exceeded the guaranteed water level. Four large, seven medium and 35 small reservoirs in Heilongjiang had operated above the flood limit of 4 cm to 4.84 meters as of 8:40 a.m. Saturday, the center said. (Image by World Union of Deists) Details DMCA The religious left in both the US and in Israel seem oblivious to the content and teachings in the "holy" books of Christianity and Judaism. Their seeming lack of awareness of these religious teachings indicates they only focus on some "nice" verses from their religion's "holy" scriptures, and either are ignorant of or ignore the cruel and harmful teachings. This gives them the illusion that they can "reclaim" the religion from the religious right, thus halting the anti-progress advances the religious right is making in society. Advances which are moving us ever closer to living under oppressive and dark theocracies. In the Jewish state of Israel, Jews in the religious left make noble and heroic stances against the state's brutal ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Palestinian East Jerusalem and from the Palestinian West Bank. (Israel refers to the Palestinian West Bank as Judea and Samaria, which were the names of the area in biblical times. This is an example of what the father of the warmongering neoconservatives, Leo Strauss, wrote regarding "progress" in Judaism. In Progress or Return? The Contemporary Crisis in Western Civilization, Strauss wrote, "Judaism is a concern with return; it is not a concern with progress. 'Return' can easily be expressed in biblical Hebrew; 'progress' cannot.") The Jews in the religious left in Israel need to realize that the Jews who created and sustain the daily religious violence and terrorism of the expanding Israeli occupation are not, according to Judaism and the Hebrew Bible, extremists. According to the Hebrew Bible at Genesis 15:18 God gave to Abram, aka Abraham, and all of his descendants all the land "from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates." Judaism and the Hebrew Bible teach Jewish superiority and religious violence when they claim God chose the Jews "above all people that are upon the face of the earth" (Deuteronomy 7:6) and when the ancient Jewish clergymen who wrote the Bible claim at Deuteronomy 7:2 that God commanded the Jews: "And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them." It is obvious that from the perspective of Judaism, the extremists are the Jews in the religious left who don't want to follow these ungodly religious teachings. Likewise, the Christians in the US who are part of the religious left seem focused on only the nice and kind teachings attributed to Jesus by the anonymous authors of the Christian Gospels. They ignore teachings such as Luke 14:26 which has Jesus saying, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Click here for our page on this teaching attributed to Jesus.) The people in the religious left also ignore teachings such as that found at Matthew 25:14-30, which has Jesus portraying God as a cruel slave owner. Verses 29-30 end with, "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Any good and beneficial teaching in the Bible are made useless by its horrific and cruel teachings. The ambiguity in the Bible allows people to make it mean whatever they want it to mean. Thomas Paine addressed this problem in a letter he wrote to a Christian friend who took issue with Paine's important book on God, Deism and religion, The Age of Reason. Paine wrote to his friend, "...the Bible decides nothing, because it decides any way, and every way, one chooses to make it." There is no logical reason why we must hang on to the ancient man-made "revealed" religions. In fact, there are countless reasons why we should let go of them and evolve our thinking and living free of the fear-based superstitions of the ancient "revealed" religions. For just one example, the religious violence promoting teachings in the "revealed" religions mentioned above would no longer have their harmful impact on people and society. That, in and of itself, would make for a much better world. Some people think that caring for people in need has its roots in religion. This is not the case. One example of people in the religious left believing charity is tied to religion is Serene Jones, president of Union Theological Seminary in New York. In this article she said that universal basic income is "a religious foundational principle." In reality, the first person to promote it in America was the Deist Thomas Paine in his booklet Agrarian Justice. The World Union of Deists is working towards creating Deist Reason Centers. Deist Reason Centers will be staffed with knowledgeable Deists who can answer any questions people have about Deism. They will not only educate people about Deism, but they will also serve the needs of people without bombarding them with religious dogma and pressuring them to convert. Deist Reason Centers will be dogma and ritual free. They will have libraries containing books, periodicals, and other media about Deism as well as about science, math, and history along with literacy classes. This is all truly in the spirit of Thomas Paine and progress. Russia's war on Ukraine shows no sign of a resolution and there are growing calls for a diplomatic solution to this seemingly intractable conflict. After a month of intense fighting, Ukraine's spring counteroffensive is facing formidable challenges against the entrenched Russian forces. The situation on the ground has reached a near-frozen state, with both sides failing to make significant territorial gains. This stagnant phase of the conflict has sparked renewed debates and discussions about the potential for negotiating an end to the hostilities. The proposal of an armistice has become a contentious topic among experts and policymakers. Many are skeptical about the feasibility of such an agreement, given their doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin's true intentions. There is a prevailing concern that Putin's long-standing ambition to exert control over the entirety of Ukraine may prevent him from genuinely considering a peaceful resolution. This lack of trust further complicates the prospects for fruitful negotiations. For example, in the past week alone, Russia's military has targeted Odessa and other Ukrainian food export facilities in response to the Kremlin's withdrawal from a UN-brokered sea corridor agreement. This agreement was crucial for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain. Kyiv has accused Moscow of deliberately aiming to disrupt grain supplies and essential infrastructure related to the agreement. According to Ukrainian officials on July 23, fresh Russian missile strikes on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, resulted in the death of one person and 22 others wounded, including four children. Oleh Kiper, the governor of Odessa, reported this information on the Telegram messaging app, expressing his frustration by referring to the attackers as "monsters." The latest strike occurred hours ahead of a planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who arrived in St. Petersburg late on July 22. The international community remains cautious, wary of previous instances where Russia appeared to negotiate in good faith but ultimately failed to uphold agreements. This skepticism has hindered the progress towards finding a sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict. While some argue that pursuing dialogue and an armistice could potentially lead to a de-escalation of tensions, others stress the importance of maintaining a strong defensive posture against Russia's expansionist agenda. The delicate balance between seeking a diplomatic resolution and safeguarding Ukraine's sovereignty has become a central point of discussion in diplomatic circles. In addition to the military and political dimensions, there are humanitarian considerations as well. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on civilians, resulting in loss of life and widespread displacement. The urgency to alleviate the suffering of innocent people adds further complexity to the decision-making process. As Ukraine's spring counteroffensive struggles to make progress, the international community faces an arduous task in navigating the complex web of geopolitical interests, security concerns, and humanitarian implications. The path towards peace remains uncertain, and finding common ground for negotiations with Russia presents an immense challenge. Nevertheless, the call for an end to the conflict persists, and leaders around the world must grapple with the difficult decisions that lie ahead. Ukraine's counteroffensive has encountered significant obstacles due to entrenched Russian defenses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the slowdown in an interview, and in response, NATO allies stepped in by pledging additional heavy weaponry to support Ukraine's efforts. Amidst these developments, the United States offered assistance to Ukraine, promising to provide cluster bombs specifically designed for use against heavily fortified defensive positions. This move aimed to bolster Ukraine's capabilities on the battlefield. Meanwhile, on the Russian side, morale among their forces has been impacted, evident in the dismissal of Major General Ivan Popov, commander of the 58th Combined Arms Army (CAA), after he raised concerns about the extended deployment of his troops in the western Zaporizia region since October. Reports suggest that Russia may be facing a lack of strategic war reserves, possibly affecting their ability to rotate troops effectively. Nevertheless, Russia has continued to disrupt Ukrainian grain shipments by targeting key ports responsible for sending grain to the global market. This aggressive action has resulted in considerable damage to grain infrastructure and heightened risks for shipping in the Black Sea. Despite the challenges and risks, ship owners are interested in transporting Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. However, concerns about potential damages and safety risks have prompted shipping companies to seek insurance coverage. The collapse of a grain deal between Ukraine and Russia led Ukraine to establish its own temporary shipping corridor and provide compensation guarantees for potential damages. In response, Russia warned that ships traversing certain parts of the Black Sea might be perceived as carrying weapons destined for Ukraine. This development has added further complexity to the shipping situation in the region. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Wildfires broke out on July 25 in Latakia province in northwest Syria and are still burning amid new fires being started. The fires spread quickly by a sudden unusual wind which whipped up. The whole country, and the adjacent Mediterranean region, is in a heat-wave which sets the stage for such a devastating fire burning crops, forests and homes. However, this was not a chance wildfire, but was an act of terrorism. General Jalal Dawoud, Head of the Fire Department in Latakia, says the fire was man-made. This was determined because the origin of the fire was not in one place, but was started in scattered areas all at the same time in daylight hours. After the security forces began their investigation, it was found that the fires were started by drones originating from Idlib, under the occupation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, formerly Jibhat al-Nusra, the Al Qaeda affiliate in Syria. Turkey is illegally occupying Idlib as they protect the terrorists under the command of Mohammed Jolani, formerly allied with Abu Baker Al Baghdadi, the head of ISIS who was killed in Idlib by President Trump. The terrorists have been attacking the fire fighters and vehicles. Bassem Bakar, a water tanker driver, was killed when the terrorists targeted his vehicle near Deir Hanna and Rabiah. Two other men with him were injured. Turkey is well known for the manufacture of drones, and has been selling drones to Ukraine recently. On July 25, a fire department vehicle drove over a previously planted mine on Zgharo Mountain, near the town of Maskita, but without injuries. This area was occupied by the terrorists now in Idlib during the 2015 period before they were driven east to Idlib. The Mayor of Latakia, Amer Hallal, said fire depratments from many areas came to fight the fires, and a Russian water tanker airplane came to battle the fires. Civilians were evacuated from homes and farms and taken to a safe area where they were given humanitarian aid. The fire raged in Rabiah which sits on a road that connects directly to Idlib. Other areas burning are Ghamam, Sarsekiah, Ein Zarkha, Deir Hanna, Jib Alahmar, Sed Bradoon, and Jebal al Zahra. A young soldier who volunteered to fight the fires, Mounif Sebry Hassoun, died while fighting the fire due to suffocation in Meshkita. He is from village of Wadi Khelah, in the suburb of Jeblah The Syrian government, Syrian Red Crescent are coordinating efforts to put out the fires and assisting the humanitarian needs of the affected civilians. Local restaurants have been donating meals to the fire fighters. The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Syrian Red Crescent are putting out fires in Rabiah, which is the front line against the terrorists in Idlib. The foreign policy of the US and EU have kept the status quo in Idlib. 3 million civilians there are kept as human shields by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Turkey prevents the SAA and the Russian military from freeing the civilians kept as hostages to an international game of chess played by America. International aid organizations, such as the UN, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and others deliver all the humanitarian aid to the civilians, while Jolani and his terrorists receive all the aid and distribute it to their cronies first, and sell whatever they horde in a huge shopping mall Jolani and partners built. Idlib is an agricultural province with farmers and terrorists selling olives and olive oil to Turkish businesses. The US, EU and UN are enablers of Jolani and the terrorists under his command. Recently, Jolani hung people in Idlib that he perceived were enemies. He and his men oppress women by not allowing social programs directed at women's issues. The terrorists rule under Islamic Law and in the case of a rape, a woman must present the court with three men who are witnesses to the rape in order to get a conviction. In this situation, rapes go unreported as there is no chance for justice. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). A Portland rapper who answered perceived slights with gunfire killing two 30-year-old men over the course of 10 days last year was convicted Friday of first-degree murder in each case. After a two-week trial, a Multnomah County jury of 10 men and two women deliberated for less than four hours before finding Nathaniel Freeman guilty on all counts. As Marcus Nuckolls approached Friendship Park in Imperial Beach, California the final destination on his three-year journey to run the entire West Coast of the U.S. the gate was closed, and so was the park. He planned to stride onto the beach, welcomed by the cheers of his wife and two daughters. Instead, after confirming a trail to the beach was available for public access, he walked, sang songs and danced with his family the final 1.5 miles of his nearly 2,000-mile running project. It was pretty precious, and it was something I didnt know how badly I wanted it until it was there the family finish, Nuckolls said. I couldnt have asked for a weirder or better way for that to be brought about. After running an average of 40.3 miles for 16 consecutive days (about 645 miles), Nuckolls completed the final stretch of the California coast from San Francisco to the Mexico border on Wednesday, July 5. It was his highest average of any segment from the 1,985-mile project, split up over three years. Now, after a four-day trip home to northern Skagit County, Nuckolls is taking time to reflect and recover. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend, Nuckolls said. [Thats] kind of how the last 24 hours have felt. That part of my life was so constant for years. Coincidentally, Nuckolls and his family were driving back into Oregon on Sunday, July 9, the same date exactly one year ago that he began running the 366-mile coast of Oregon. That was a staunch reminder of just how much he has accomplished in the last 365 days alone. It was pretty wild driving north and having the opportunity to relive so many moments over the last few days, Nuckolls said. Over the first three days of running, Nuckolls said he was struggling mentally to find a rhythm. He was self-supported during that period, meaning he had to carry or push everything he needed for three days, aside from what he could purchase. Nuckolls found his groove on day four, he said, and he began to push forward with full confidence. After battling and ultimately avoiding various road closures and military bases, Nuckolls had a calf strain on day 11 that forced him to walk a chunk of miles. While messages poured in imploring him to take a rest day, he pushed forward. On day 12, after walking 10 miles along Laguna and Newport beaches, his calf relaxed. Nuckolls began running again on day 13 and did so until the end. You think your body is saying, No, Im done, but its not. Unless theres an injury thats happened, its just the body reacting to the impact, Nuckolls said. I just kept believing that it was going to recover. Aside from Californias perks, the increase in daily mileage was a struggle, Nuckolls said. Each additional step of the project meant more miles per day, especially since southern California was the longest of any. The variation between a 36-mile run and a 42-mile run those [six miles] are some of the hardest miles, Nuckolls said. Having every day be that 40-plus, it was much harder. Nuckolls, through it all, said no single stretch of the coast stood out as his favorite. They were all different. Running the coast of Washington, where roads were heavily trafficked with few paths or shoulders for him to feel comfortable on the highways, was his original goal. He ran mostly self-supported in Oregon, which presented a heavily taxing mental component. Central and southern California had stretches of walking and biking paths that made for great running. So many memories, places and new faces he met throughout the journey made their own case to be his favorite moment. Each part of [the coast] just has a place in my life, in my mind, in my spirit, Nuckolls said. The coast really holds a lot of me now. Gov. Tina Kotek on Friday vetoed seven items approved by lawmakers, including plans championed by members of her own party to study the impact of decriminalizing sex work and forming a state bank. She first announced her plans to veto the items last week as statutorily required. After a thorough deliberation, including conversations with lawmakers, proponents, my advisors and legal team, I am moving forward on vetoing the list of bills and budget items I provided notice for last week, Kotek said in a statement. Among the items Kotek vetoed was a plan to spend $600,000 on a pair of studies by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission and Oregon Health & Science University that would have examined the potential impact of decriminalizing sex work. Kotek said in her veto notice and a signing letter that she sees the value in the studies, especially as they relate to understanding disproportionate impacts on communities of color, but believes they should be privately funded. One wealthy individual has already showed a willingness to fund efforts to decriminalize sex work. Millionaire Aaron Boonshoft, the son of an Ohio trader in commodities futures, bankrolled a short-lived campaign last year to put the issue on the ballot. He later withdrew the initiative. Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, who championed the studies, said earlier this week that she expects proponents to regroup and have further discussions about a path forward ahead of next years session. Kotek also vetoed funding for a study that would look at the potential impact of a new tax credit and grant program to encourage the preservation of historic property. She said she believes that study can be accomplished without statutory direction. Additionally, she vetoed a controversial bill pushed through by members of her own party to study the possibility of creating a state public bank. She indicated that she supports exploring creation of a state bank but said the Oregon Business Development Department doesnt have the capacity to oversee a new task force and produce a substantive report on an abbreviated timeline. She also vetoed two Salem-area initiatives, rejecting a $250,000 plan to study the feasibility of developing a rail streetcar system in Salem and $1 million for a career academy serving Salem high school students. Kotek said the railcar system is not a priority for the state at this time and that funding for the career and technical training program should be sent directly to the education district that operates the program as opposed to the program itself. The education district could then distribute the money to the program. Finally, Kotek used a line-item veto to give the state more time to recruit and screen new members for the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Oregon Growth Board and Oregon Education Council. The makeup of those boards and commissions must change because Oregon was granted a sixth congressional district after the 2020 census. Instead of going into effect immediately, the bill will now go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The executive branch requires sufficient time to thoughtfully recruit and vet potential appointees and for them to go through the Senate confirmation process, Kotek wrote in a signing letter. Kotek issued a total of 15 signing letters Friday alongside the bills she signed, vetoed or allowed to become law without her signature. In multiple instances, she raised concerns about lawmakers passing bills without allocating the necessary funding needed by agencies to fully implement them, including when it came to water policy and emergency preparedness bills she signed. She also signed a bill that will make domestic terrorism a felony in Oregon, but said she would direct the Criminal Justice Commission to monitor the use of the new law and report back to her office to determine whether the bill is having unintended consequences, such as being used to target political protesters. She allowed another bill regarding proceeds from tax foreclosure sales to go into effect without her signature, but said in a signing letter that not returning those proceeds may be unconstitutional and that lawmakers should take up the constitutionality question next session. Jamie Goldberg; jgoldberg@oregonian.com; 503-221-8228; @jamiebgoldberg Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe A firefighter died in a crash in Coos County Friday, officials said. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest firefighter was traveling with a work crew when the crash occurred, the forest service said. The firefighters were driving in a pickup when the truck left the roadway near Powers, Oregon, according to Coquille Fire and Rescue. The unidentified firefighter who died was from out of state, the fire department said. Local firefighters are holding a vigil until the person can be returned home. The department did not say where the firefighter was from, but he or she was stationed on the Oregon coast. A call to the U.S. Forest Service was not returned Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and our fire service brothers and sisters, Coquille fire said in a statement. Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744 Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Flood victims from Koutou Village, Fangshan District of Beijing, returned to their homes on Saturday from relocation sites after the water receded. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Photo: The Canadian Press Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee speaks with media in Edmonton on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson The police chief of Alberta's capital city stood solemnly at a podium, at moments appearing to be welling up, as he took questions from reporters about the random killing of a mother and child outside a school in May. "I've got three daughters," said Edmonton police Chief Dale McFee as he recalled the sadness he felt that day. He said he also feels frustrated that it couldn't be stopped. "It's impacting everybody." The mother and child were stabbed to death by a stranger outside Crawford Plains School. The man, who police say was known to them and had mental health issues, was shot by officers and later died in a hospital. That tragedy, McFee said, stems from an imbalance between holding people accountable and protecting the vulnerable. He believes the city was close to striking that balance between 2018 and 2021 through community partnerships that helped bring down the crime rates by 20 per cent. "Then, all of a sudden, everything changed," he said. The chief attributed it to the growing mental health crisis in the city, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and criticism police forces and first responders around the world have faced since the death of George Floyd in the United States. When McFee assumed his role four years ago as the head of Edmonton police, he said priority shifted to taking people with mental health problems and addictions out of the justice system and connecting them to services such as health care or rehabilitation. "But at the same time, we got to hold the violent offenders accountable." McFee, who is a former deputy minister of corrections and policing in Saskatchewan, said incarceration isn't always the answer. But for those who have been violent, he added, a different intervention is needed. "We need to jail the people we're afraid of, not the ones we're mad at," McFee said. Edmonton recorded its highest number of violent crimes in 2022, a police report showed, with the numbers still climbing this year. Edmonton saw a jump in fatal and life-altering attacks this year mostly random. The chief recounted a 52-year-old man from the Congo, who was the father of seven children, died in a random stabbing in July. One man was sent to hospital after being stabbed at a downtown food festival and also last month two people were arrested after allegedly shooting at random vehicles around the city. The growing violence, McFee said, doesn't just affect families and communities, but also the first responders. He said the growing frustration among police officers has prompted many to quit the service in recent months. McFee said some officers often don't feel their work is helping keep the community safe or holding people accountable for violence. He added it's equally frustrating that those who need help, such as people living in encampments across the city, often aren't connected to proper social services. "The frustration comes in when you're doing it with the same person over and over and over," McFee said. "Then you start to wonder, 'Wow, even as hard as we work, we can't get anywhere.'" McFee said while officers quit the service, there remains a high demand for police visibility in various parts of the city. "What keeps me up at night is recruiting and trying to find enough people to actually do the job to the effective standards that we want." He said it takes at least 18 months to train recruits on how to interact with the community, and deal with violence and open drug use. McFee said he sees people overdose in the downtown area almost every day on and off duty and so do many officers. "It's the new reality we live in," he said. Police officers have been carrying naloxone kits with them and sometimes administer it several times in a shift, McFee added. He said he is a believer in recovery and making various harm reduction tools available to people instead of prosecuting those facing addiction problems. "But what I can tell you is harm reduction as a single focus will never work, never has worked." McFee said the police force has to work with the government and local groups to restore the balance. An Afghan woman holds her child as she leaves the country at Islam Qala, a town along the border with Iran in the western Herat province of Afghanistan, March 3, 2022. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua) Were you to find a suitable illustration of Washington's deplorable behavior, a striking one would be that of a robber unmasked. BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- In most literary works, robbers are often portrayed wearing masks as an iconic symbol. The rationale behind donning a mask during acts of plunder signifies that even the most ruthless and malicious one still maintains a basic reverence for social norms, and shows some sense of shame in the face of indignity and disgrace. However, when describing Washington's acts of oil and resource plundering in countries like Syria, the traditional image of a masked robber fails to match with its behavior. Robberies committed by the United States, in essence, differ little from those of conventional bandits: it deceives, steals, and robs. The only distinction is that the United States seldom bothers to operate with stealth. It eschews wearing masks, and even dons uniforms to take spoils and raises its flag to assert dominance. Al-Muthana Hasan al-Shoufi, 53, collects cow dung to use later as heating fuel during the harsh winter in Syria on Jan. 23, 2022. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) Were you to find a suitable illustration of Washington's deplorable behavior, a striking one would be that of a robber unmasked. The U.S. forces, as Syria's state news agency SANA has reported, have stolen and illegally transported a substantial amount of wheat bran and oil from Syria's northeast province of Hasakah to its bases in Iraq. Still, the U.S. military has long been using truck convoys to pilfer oil and other resources in Syria. According to official data released by Syria, over 80 percent of the country's oil production in the first half of 2022 was plundered by the U.S. military and its supported armed forces. These brazen acts of resource theft in countries like Syria serve two purposes. To reap colossal profits through the appropriation of valuable resources. According to Syria's official data released in 2022, direct losses resulting from assaults committed by U.S. forces, militias, and affiliated terrorist entities on Syrian territory totaled 25.9 billion U.S. dollars. Of these, a staggering 19.8 billion dollars can be attributed to the looting of oil, gas, and mineral resources, while an additional 3.3 billion dollars resulted from vandalizing and ransacking facilities. On top of it, by depriving disobedient governments of vital resources, to dent their endeavor to upgrade infrastructure, improve the lives of their citizens, and pursue national development. This deliberate resource plundering bolsters Washington's unjustified attacks against these targeted governments, as it typically portrays them as incapable of effective governance due to insufficient resources. No stranger to the rest of the world is Washington's self-serving behavior of exploiting other countries for their own gain. Recently, the United States has reportedly authorized the sale of shares belonging to a subsidiary of Venezuela's state-owned oil company, despite opposition from the Venezuelan government. Fleecing impoverished Afghanistan, the United States has frozen its overseas assets since 2021, and is scheming to redirect these resources for their own purposes. Besides, it has been seizing Iranian oil tankers on international trade routes, surreptitiously bringing Iranian oil back to the United States for sale and attempting to legitimize this act of robbery as "imports." A boy stands in the ruins caused by U.S. air strikes in Sangin district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Aug. 23, 2022. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) As the United States pursues its political agenda through calculated maneuvers, it is the local populace who bears the brunt. Throughout the protracted Syrian crisis, the loss of life has been horrendous, with at least 350,000 casualties recorded and a significant portion of adults enduring poverty below the breadline. Two-thirds of the population relies on humanitarian aid as a lifeline, while over half lack reliable access to food, leaving them vulnerable to hunger and insecurity. Standing in front of a mirror, Washington might still balk at fathoming the outline of its vision as a despicable plunderer under the global gaze. As Ali Asta, a Syrian resident, lamented, "America is Syria's greatest enemy. They came to Syria under the pretext of anti-terrorism, but in reality, they plundered our wheat and oil ... America is the enemy of everyone." Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The Troika on Sudan, comprising Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing violence in Darfur, especially reports of killings based on ethnicity and widespread sexual violence by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias One miner was killed and five injured after an underground tremor occurred on Saturday morning in the Bielszowice mine in Ruda Slaska, Silesia, southern Poland, according to information from Polish Mining Group (PGG), the owner of the mine. The spokesperson for the State Mining Authority, Tomasz Glogowski, told PAP that the shock occurred at around 6.30 a.m. in the area of Longwall 846 - seam 405/2, at a depth of 1,000 metres. He said that six miners were injured: five of them were transported to the surface, they were conscious, but injured. "One miner remained underground, the rescuers and a doctor reached him, unfortunately the miner was pronounced dead at the scene. The family, in the presence of a psychologist, has already been notified," Glogowski said. The most seriously injured miner was flown by a helicopter of the Polish Medical Air Rescue to the hospital in Katowice-Ochojec. The others were taken to nearby hospitals, he added. Glogowski also said that the tremor caused some damage to the underground infrastructure, but not enough to make it significantly difficult to reach the deceased miner. During the years 2018-2022, 19 rock bursts (tremors which cause damage to infrastructure above or below ground - PAP) took place in the Polish underground mining industry. As a result of these events, there were 23 fatal accidents, 3 serious accidents and 98 accidents causing work to temporarily come to a halt. (PAP) mf/mr Photo: (Photo : Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash) With the approaching school year in the United States, health officials are gearing up for the possibility of a "tripledemic" involving COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza. Last year, a surge of these seasonal viruses, coupled with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused significant challenges for children's health and the healthcare system. As the country enters another school year, experts are closely monitoring the situation and urging parents to be vigilant about common illnesses that could impact children during this time. The Road to a "Tripledemic" During the previous year, the U.S. witnessed a rebound of respiratory viruses following a pandemic lull. RSV cases among babies and young children surged, straining children's hospitals nationwide. Concurrently, the country faced waves of COVID-19 infections and an early and severe influenza season. The coexistence of these three viruses, dubbed the "tripledemic," posed substantial health risks throughout the winter. Health experts are cautious as they anticipate the possibility of another "tripledemic" in the upcoming fall and winter. While some respiratory viral diseases have returned to their pre-pandemic seasonal patterns, uncertainties remain regarding the interplay of COVID-19, RSV, and flu. Dr. Mandy Cohen, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasizes the importance of preparedness for any potential scenario. Dr. Thomas Murray, an associate medical director at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, points out two critical factors to watch closely. Firstly, the resurgence of COVID-19 in the fall can affect other respiratory viruses. Secondly, the impact of the RSV vaccine for older adults and the newly approved monoclonal antibody injection for children under 2 on RSV transmission needs to be monitored. While uncertainties remain, experts agree that vigilance and awareness are vital. Read Also: Zika Virus Cure: Is This Teenager's Science Experiment The Answer To Zika? Common Back-to-School Illnesses As schools reopen, several illnesses are expected to circulate among children. Strep throat, caused by Group A streptococci bacteria, tends to spike in the fall and can spread rapidly in classrooms. COVID-19 continues to circulate, and vaccination remains crucial for children's protection. RSV, known for its severity among children, presents a concern, but the newly approved monoclonal antibody injection offers hope. Additionally, influenza, common cold viruses, pinkeye, and stomach viruses may impact schools as they have in the past. According to Today, health experts strongly recommend vaccination to protect children from preventable illnesses. Routine handwashing, avoiding face-touching, and covering coughs and sneezes are essential preventive practices. Maintaining clean surfaces and ensuring proper indoor ventilation can reduce the spread of viruses in classrooms. While masking remains an option, the focus is on vaccination and other preventive measures to safeguard children's health. If children show signs of illness, it is crucial to keep them home until their symptoms resolve. Sending sick children to school not only delays their recovery but also risks infecting their classmates. Parents are urged to consult their child's pediatrician with any concerns and adhere to vaccination recommendations and health guidelines. As the school year nears, health officials are on high alert for a potential "tripledemic" of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. While uncertainties persist, experts stress the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to keep children healthy. By staying vigilant and following health guidelines, parents can help mitigate the impact of seasonal illnesses on their children and the broader community. Related Article: Mysterious Hepatitis Outbreak in 2022 Cause: Studies Link AAV2 to Common Childhood Respiratory Virus Photo: (Photo : Maximilian Simson on Unsplash) On Friday, a tragic school bus accident occurred on an Idaho highway, involving a bus carrying 30 YMCA summer camp kids. Idaho state police confirmed that all 30 children were transported to local hospitals "in an abundance of caution," with 11 of them sustaining injuries and seven in critical condition. The children's ages ranged from 13 to 18 years old. According to ABC 7 Chicago, the incident took place on State Highway 55 near milepost 84 in Boise County around 3 p.m. local time. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and authorities are actively investigating the scene to determine the factors behind the accident. Traffic Disruption: Portion of Highway Closed in Both Directions for Hours According to the reports, the school bus involved was one of four buses assigned to the summer camp program, with the other three not affected by the crash. In responding to the emergency, multiple agencies arrived on the scene to provide assistance, and rescue apparatuses were deployed, as confirmed by the Valley County Sheriff's Office. Due to the severity of the crash, a portion of the highway had to be closed in both directions, causing disruption to traffic for several hours. As the situation unfolds, officials are urging the public to stay informed about any updates regarding the incident. The authorities are actively working to provide information on the children's conditions and the cause of the accident. The community, as well as the parents and guardians of the children involved, are grappling with the emotional toll of this unfortunate event. The YMCA, along with local authorities and first responders, are extending support and resources to those impacted by the crash. According to US News, the incident has brought the issue of school bus safety to the forefront, prompting discussions about measures to prevent such accidents in the future. School bus safety protocols and driver training are crucial aspects that will likely be evaluated during the ongoing investigation. Read Also: Bodies of 2 Parents Found in Sunken Car in Boston Ongoing Updates: Authorities Continue to Share Information on the Children's Conditions In times of such tragedy, communities often come together to support one another. As the news continues to develop, the focus remains on the well-being of the injured children and their families. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward to aid in the investigation. By gathering as much information as possible, law enforcement aims to ensure a thorough examination of the crash and provide answers to the families seeking clarity about the events leading up to the accident. The accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially when transporting children. School buses play a significant role in the daily lives of students, and ensuring their safety should be of paramount concern for all involved parties. As this remains a developing story, authorities, community members, and the public are urged to remain vigilant and responsive to updates from reliable sources. The full extent of the impact of the accident is yet to be understood, and the road to recovery for the children and their families may be challenging. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the injured children and their loved ones. Support from the community and professional counseling services can be valuable resources for those affected by this tragedy. As the investigation continues, additional information will be released to shed light on the cause of the accident and the conditions of the children involved. Until then, the focus remains on providing the necessary medical care and support to those affected by this devastating incident. Related Article: Mom, 4 Children Run Over at NYC School Bus Stop by Driver Trying to Escape Cops People watch Guizhou's self-developed steel cables for bridge construction during the first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 5, 2023. The first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival kicked off at Guiyang International Conference and Exhibition Center on Saturday and will last till Aug. 9. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) People visit the venue of the first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 5, 2023. The first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival kicked off at Guiyang International Conference and Exhibition Center on Saturday and will last till Aug. 9. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) A child tries out a VR device during the first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 5, 2023. The first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival kicked off at Guiyang International Conference and Exhibition Center on Saturday and will last till Aug. 9. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) People visit the venue of the first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 5, 2023. The first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival kicked off at Guiyang International Conference and Exhibition Center on Saturday and will last till Aug. 9. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) People visit the venue of the first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 5, 2023. The first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival kicked off at Guiyang International Conference and Exhibition Center on Saturday and will last till Aug. 9. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) A child visits the venue of the first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 5, 2023. The first Guizhou Science and Technology Festival kicked off at Guiyang International Conference and Exhibition Center on Saturday and will last till Aug. 9. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) Photo: (Photo : Rick Kern / Getty Images) A Texas judge has issued a temporary exemption to the state's controversial abortion ban, specifically allowing women with complicated pregnancies to obtain the procedure. The ruling aims to protect doctors from prosecution if they, in their "good faith judgment," decide to terminate a pregnancy that poses serious risks to the mother's health or when the fetus will not survive after birth. The decision challenges the constitutionality of Senate Bill 8 and brings clarity to doctors, empowering them to use their medical judgment to make critical decisions. However, the state is expected to appeal the ruling, adding further uncertainty to the contentious abortion law. A Judge's Ruling Provides Relief for Complicated Pregnancies The Texas Tribune reported that State District Court Judge Jessica Mangrum of Austin handed down the ruling, which grants temporary respite to pregnant individuals facing complicated pregnancies. The exemption enables doctors to exercise their professional judgment without fearing legal repercussions when deciding to terminate pregnancies that meet specific conditions. Under the ruling, abortion would be permitted when a pregnancy presents a risk of infection, when the fetus is determined to be nonviable after birth, or when the pregnant person requires invasive treatment for a medical condition. Judge Mangrum's ruling also questioned the constitutionality of Senate Bill 8, which severely restricted abortion access in Texas. According to Reuters, the Court's decision highlights the presence of uncertainty surrounding the medical exception within Texas' abortion bans, particularly when it comes to the provision of abortion care based on a physician's good faith judgment and in consultation with the pregnant individual, given a physical emergent medical condition," stated Judge Mangrum in her ruling. The temporary injunction will remain in effect until the ongoing lawsuit against Texas reaches its conclusion, unless a higher court intervenes. The expectation is that the injunction will face an appeal. According to the judge's ruling, doctors will be shielded from prosecution when applying their "good faith judgment" in providing abortions for physical medical conditions. These conditions include instances where the pregnancy poses a risk of infection or endangers the pregnant person's health; cases in which the fetus is unlikely to survive beyond birth, and situations where a medical condition cannot be adequately treated during pregnancy or necessitates frequent and significant medical intervention. The controversial law allowed private citizens to sue those involved in performing or aiding abortions, creating a challenging and restrictive environment for both patients and medical practitioners. The injunction stated that enforcing the abortion ban falls beyond the legal jurisdiction of Texas officials, who have been tasked with prosecuting physicians under this law. Advocacy Groups Celebrate the Ruling's Impact As reported by the Dallas News, upon hearing the court's decision, advocacy groups, including the Center for Reproductive Rights, representing the plaintiffs in the case, welcomed the ruling with enthusiasm. The judgment provides much-needed clarity to doctors, enabling them to offer abortions based on medical necessity and their own expertise. The lawsuit brought by three women against the state aims to define when a medical emergency justifies an abortion, seeking to protect women's reproductive rights and access to timely medical care. In response to the ruling, Amanda Zurawski, the lead plaintiff, expressed relief and empowerment. She stated that the ruling would allow individuals to make the best medical decisions for their bodies and lives without fear of political interference. Read Also: New Jersey Father Drowns While Rescuing His 3 Kids from Distress in Millstone River Potential Appeal and Ongoing Legal Battle Despite the temporary exemption, the state is expected to appeal the ruling, which could potentially block the injunction while the case proceeds through the legal system. The trial to determine the issue and clarify when a medical emergency justifies an abortion has been scheduled for March 25. Until a final decision is reached, the future of abortion access in Texas remains uncertain. In conclusion, Judge Mangrum's ruling offers hope for women facing complicated pregnancies in Texas, providing them with an opportunity to obtain necessary medical care without fear of prosecution for doctors. As the legal battle continues, advocates on both sides of the issue are closely monitoring the developments, knowing that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for abortion rights in the state. Related Article: FDA Approves First-Ever Pill 'Zuranolone' for Postpartum Depression - A Game-Changer for New Mothers Photo: (Photo : Anna Selle on Unsplash) The California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, is looking into the Chino Valley Unified School District because of a contentious policy. Discussions on topics like parental rights, privacy problems, and the wellbeing of transgender students have been sparked by the recent move. In a recent development, a policy mandating instructors to inform parents when a student identifies as transgender or indicates a wish to use a name or pronoun other than what is shown on their birth certificate has been in effect since July. According to AP News, a provision that may possibly require schools to expose the names of transgender kids has raised worries for Bonta, who recently voiced them in a statement. Policy Could Increase Risk of Bullying and Discrimination This development raises the disturbing possibility that these youngsters may experience more bullying and other types of damage. Prompt parental notification about gender-related activities and facility use is mandated under a new policy. In a recent statement, Bonta emphasized how the legislation puts LGBTQ+ students' safety, who are already at risk of harassment and violence, in grave jeopardy. According to Washington Post, he emphasized in a statement how crucial it is to make sure all kids, regardless of who they are, feel safe and comfortable in their classrooms. But the school district board president, Sonjia Shaw, sees it differently. She has accused state officials of overreaching and described the investigation as an intimidation tactic to discourage other districts from adopting similar policies. "I won't back down and will stand in the gap to protect our kids from big government bullies," Shaw said. Bonta previously warned the district in July that the policy might infringe on students' rights. Tony Thurmond, the state superintendent of schools, attended the contentious hearing but abstained after speaking against the proposal. According to Independent, the policy mirrors a failed state bill from earlier this year and is part of a nationwide trend of bills targeting transgender individuals. At least a dozen proposals in various states seek to give parents more rights by requiring schools to inform them of gender identity changes. A split has developed between parents, teachers, and other stakeholders as a result of the contentious topic at hand. Read Also: US Supreme Court Ruling Allows Businesses To Refuse LGBTQ Customers The Disclosure of Children's Gender Identity in Schools Is Controversial The revelation of children's gender identities in schools has sparked a contentious discussion, with supporters pleading for the right to information and opponents raising worries about possible damage to transgender youngsters. These people's well-being as well as the contribution of instructors to the problem's escalation have come under scrutiny as a result of this contentious subject. A 35-mile drive east of Los Angeles, the Chino Valley Unified School District has emphasized the value of family involvement. According to a district spokesman, Bonta neglected to inform them of the continuing probe. There is increased interest among watchers keen to monitor the case's progress since the office of Attorney General Bonta has not provided any more information about the current inquiry. An ongoing inquiry has surfaced amid a national conversation on transgender rights, exploring the complex interactions between privacy, parental rights, and the wellbeing of pupils. This specific case is positioned to be a turning point in a larger conversation about the rights of transgender people, especially those who are most vulnerable inside our educational institutions when more information becomes available. The Chino Valley Unified School District is at the center of a complicated situation that goes beyond the state of California. This policy has sparked debates regarding transparency, parental participation, and the rights and safety of students. Related Article: North Carolina Governor Stands Against Anti-LGBTQ Legislation, Vetoes Trio of Bills For your pleasure. I Like Bats (1987) Polish vampire film, streaming via Shudder, about a woman who tries inpatient treatment to cure her vampirism and falls for her therapist. Some comedy, often courtesy of her aunt, an extremely auntly vampire; some batty pleasures, including a fantastic bat-winged teacup, for my money the best thing in this film; some graphic sex, because the Poles are the Swedes of the Church. The story is played for romance with a touch of horror-comedy. I found it very hard to connect with the blank heroine or her generic blond doctor. To me, at least, this was mostly of interest because I do want to know what kinds of vampire films got made in the Warsaw Pact nations. Dark Waters (1993) Speaking of the Warsaw Pact this is perhaps the first Western film to be shot in Ukraine following the collapse of the Soviet Union, per Wikipedia. A young woman travels to a remote womens monastery to discover the terrible truth about her origins. Quick, elliptical cuts; rich use of candlelight; spooky, synth-heavy score. Do not ever bother asking why characters do what they do. The answer is always vibes and you just have to roll with it. I would like this movie better if it leaned way less on nunslaughter and way, way, way more on having a single thought in its pretty little head. Atmospheric, but a bit empty. The Deadly Doll has a more positive take, and I do agree with this bit: Typically, describing a movie filmed in 1993 as looking like it was found in a dusty Italian vault sealed in 1972 wouldnt be a compliment, but I mean that in the best possible way. Dark Waters has such a striking, timeless look about it, and its sparse dialogue and overwhelming ocean soundtrack feeds into that mystery with so much mood. Hocus Pocus (1993) Okay, calling this spooky kids flick about resurrected Salem-type witches a horror film is a real stretch, but I was pleased to discover that its intense Halloweenery could charm me even though Id never seen it before and therefore harbored no nostalgia for it. Kathy Najimy (sure), Bette Midler (yes), and Sarah Jessica Parker (YES!!!!!) are the witches, on a mission to kidnap kids and make them into a potion? Steal their youth? Do bad things, is the point. Out to thwart their evil plan are a boy and his sister (Thora Birch!) and a talking cat, one of the witches original victims. Hocus Pocus walks a fine line, where we get to enjoy witchy glee but also feel real emotions about their victims (especially Binx the cat and his dad). It overexplains, and there are some just painfully predictable quips and beatsthis movie doesnt respect its child audience as much as it could. Fortunately, every time the film shrugs and offers up some bland comedy thats all it thinks kids are asking for, Sarah Jessica Parker wanders through and says something weird and hilarious. Both her character and her acting really elevate the movie. Shes a delight, and there are several other moments when the dialogue is weirder and smarter than it had to be (the bullies singing Row, row, row your boat; Whos for the jacuzzi?). Production design is fabulous, the whole movie looks like the world a jack-o-lantern would build if it had absolute power. Candyman (1992) Oh, this movie is so good. The overhead shots scored to Philip Glass give you the urban-planning angle, the awe and horror of cities shaped by power and inequality. Virginia Madsen is just luminous as grad student Helen, who ventures into the notoriously violent Cabrini-Green projects seeking information about the urban legend of Candyman (Tony Todd and his voluptuous voice). Theres a lot of painterly color and composition in this story about art as the refuge of memory. Even the trashed-out Cabrini-Green production design is a reeking dreamscape. Candymans seduction of Helen is pure monstrous sexiness, the hook going up her skirt as you suddenly remember that this film began life as a Clive Barker story. Candyman is perfectly shot, and its central characters are iconic; and yet watching it now, after the 2021 sequel/reboot with the same title, it does seem like its screaming out for the kind of reimagining the later movie offered. The black characters other than Candyman feel pretty cardboard, existing solely to fulfill their roles in Helens (and Candymans, but mostly Helens) story. Helen is an amazing charactershes brave and smart, but she can drastically miscalculate; shes tough and vulnerable, open to Candyman in ways sexual, intellectual, political, and supernatural. But shes also the white POV character we always used to get in these stories: stories about black people and communities, but not rooted in those communities. I liked the reboot anyway, but on rewatching the original, I really think they work so well together as a pair. You can feel how much the reboot loves the original, and also reimagines it in the most poignant ways possible. What I always forget about this Candyman is the ending, and I forget it because it sucks. WHY tell me WHY does this movie not end at the funeral scene, or even the courtyard pyre? The dumb coda resolves Helens plotline in a blandly conventional horror-flick way, and also isolates her plotline from Cabrini-Greens, when ending it earlier would make her life inextricably intertwined with the damaged place she came to love, resolving both her plot and the projects plot in tandem. That would be an actual image of racial reconciliation through surrender of power, and resurrection through sacrifice. Instead the last scene brings us back to a familiar story of power and revenge. Lit jack-o-lantern glowing menacingly by huk_flickr, via Wikimedia Commons and used under a Creative Commons license. Here is Prayers Gothic Summer, with a truly great video. Every time World Youth Day takes place, there is a question looming over the event, where will the next one be? On my way to Lisbon, I had a conversation on the plane with a fellow traveler about this. In the recent past, WYD has gone to Latin America twice (Brazil and Panama), Australia and the rest have been in Europe. With the incredible growth of the Church in Southeast Asia, perhaps that is where it should go? It has been almost thirty years since Manila hosted it in 1995. Maybe its time for it to return to that part of the world. Walking around Lisbon, the flags from Southeast Asia really do stand out after European ones. Mostly the Philippine flag, followed perhaps by Korea, India, Singapore and the very unexpected China. Traditionally, the location of the next WYD is announced at the closing Mass on Sunday, so in two days we will know for certain, but I call that it will likely be in Asia. Very likely Korea. This morning our pilgrims attempted to visit Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in downtown Lourdes for an event hosted by the John Paul II Project. Unfortunately, the church filled up (1000 people standing inside), and we were unable to enter. It was interesting that those in line around us for this English-speaking event were Asian. In front of us was a large group from Singapore, behind us a group from Korea. There were so many Korean flags in the line that wrapped all around the church back to the front door. During WYD events, the predominant languages used are Romance languages and English leaving out Southeast Asia. In Fatima however, one of the mysteries of the Rosary during the evening candlelight procession was prayed in Chinese, and another in Vietnamese. Having WYD in Seoul would be a tremendous recognition to the significant number of Catholics that live in Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Timor, India, and so many other countries in that part of the world. We wait and see! I first spotted a Chinese flag while in line at the metro station. Later that same day, I spotted two more groups during the Opening Ceremony. Despite so many challenges, the Catholic Church continues to grow in China. The Death Penalty Project UK has commended Ghana for the repeal of the death penalty. The Ghana Parliament and the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin were commended for their roles in the repeal of the death penalty from Ghanas statute books. Parliament on July 25 2023, and July 27 2023, passed the Criminal and Other Offenses (Amendment) Bill, 2022, and Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2022, to substitute life imprisonment for the death penalty. These amendments which have been described globally by Human Rights watchers as historic were proposed by a private member who is a Human Rights and Public Interest lawyer and Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu. Prior to the amendments, the proposal had received widespread support from key stakeholders including the President, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Police and Prison Services, Religious Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and the Diplomatic Community. During a visit to Parliament, Executive Director of the Death Penalty Project UK, Saul Lehrfreund, said As a Project, we will like to thank the Parliament of Ghana and especially Rt. Hon. Speaker for his historic leadership and guidance without which Parliament may not have been able to take these bold steps. The passage of the Bills form part of efforts by the 8th Parliament to ensure the realization of a free, open, prosperous, inclusive and secure society, where individual rights and freedoms and the dignity of All persons are truly respected and guaranteed as enshrined in Article 15 of the 1992 Constitution. Following the passage of the Bills, Ghana has now become the 29th African country to abolish the death penalty from its statute books for ordinary offenses following neighbours including Sierra Leone, Zambia, Benin, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Togo, Burkina Faso, Chad and Equatorial Guinea, among others. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been handed a further 19 year jail term, at a trial in a remote penal colony. Mr Navalny was found guilty of founding and funding an extremist organisation and activities. He denies the charges. He is already serving a nine-year term for parole violations, fraud and contempt of court. The charges are widely viewed as politically motivated. Since his jailing in 2021, Mr Navalny has been held at a remote penal colony. A hall in the prison, Penal Colony No 6 in Melekhovo, which is 240km (150 miles) east of Moscow, was turned into a makeshift courtroom for the Kremlin's most vocal critic. The proceedings were held behind closed doors. Russian state prosecutors had called for a 20-year prison sentence for Mr Navalny in an even more restrictive "special regime colony". Such prisons are normally reserved for Russia's most dangerous criminals. In a message posted on social media ahead of the verdict, Mr Navalny expressed his belief that he would be handed a "Stalinist" style prison term designed to frighten other potential dissenters. Read Full Story .... HERE >>> : Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Niger's military junta has cut ties with Nigeria, Togo, the US and France following failed talks with a delegation from the regional bloc, Ecowas, that were aimed at resolving the political stand-off after President Mohamed Bazoum's ousting last week. Junta member Col Amadou Abdramane made the announcement on state TV on behalf on the coup leaders, recalling Niger's ambassadors from those four nations. A delegation led by Nigerias former military head of state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, met some members of the military junta on Thursday but left after just a few hours without any sign of progress. The Nigerian President and Ecowas head, Bola Tinubu, has yet to respond to Niger's cutting of diplomatic ties. West African defence chiefs are set to conclude a three-day meeting in Nigeria on possible military interventions to pursue should diplomacy fail. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Minister for Fisheries, Hawa Coomson has backed calls for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the New Patriotic Party into the 2024 elections. According to her, Dr. Bawumia has played assisting role in making the vision of President Nana Akufo-Addo together with the NPP materialize and it is time that he implemented his own vision. "Dr. Bawumia is the Vice President and I am also a Minister. But when we attend Cabinet meetings, he raises his hand to seek permission to speak, just as I, a Minister do. The one behind the seat who grants permission for any of us to speak is the President, so it tells you that Bawumia as the Vice President has his limits," Hon. Hawa Coomson argued. "That is why he is coming to you that he has assisted the President over the years, so he is pleading with you to give him the mandate so he can also implement his own vision for Ghana," she added. She also cited Dr. Bawumia's and dedication to service as part of reasons why he should be elected flagbearer of the NPP. "I am not supporting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia because I am a Minister, or because I have been asked by Akufo-Addo to support him. I am supporting him because of some unique things I have seen about this gentleman: his humility, his dedication and his respect for all, regardless of one's status. No matter who you are, this man has respect for you," she said. She continued; "It is true that when we both go to Cabinet, we raise our hands to seek permission to speak, but the reality is that he is above me in rank. But whenever he sees me, the manner in which he accords me respect, especially in greeting me, I ask myself; who am I to get such respect and courtesies from the Vice President?" "This is a man who is above me in many things: he is older than me, he is richer than me, he is more knowledgeable than, and he occupies a higher position than me, but he accords me much respect." Dr. Bawumia is one of 10 hopefuls vying for the position of NPP flagbearer for next year's election. The party is to hold a Special Delegates Conference to bring the number down to 5 for the main congress to elect the flagbearer in November. Dr. Bawumia is tipped to be the favorite to receive overwhelming votes, having won the support of influential blocks within the party including the Parliamentary Caucus, Regional and constituency executives and more crucially, the grass root. 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 Thousands of Akuapem North Constituency residents have given the strongest indication yet that the Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA)and aspiring parliamentary candidate, Mr Samuel Awuku is their choice to become parliamentary candidate for the Constituency come 2024. The overwhelming support enjoyed by the charismatic Awuku in the Constituency became evident again today, August 4, 2023, as a massive crowd joined organisers and constituents for the maiden edition of the Ofie Mega Health Walk in the Constituency. Shouts of approval and jostling to catch a glimpse of him or to interact evidenced the level of love and support he enjoys as he seeks to become the area's legislator. The health walk marked yet another watershed in the history of the Akuapem North Constituency as thousands of constituents; especially young people marched with the Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA). The event attracted several dignitaries including the Regional Chairman of the party, John Konadu, and other regional executives, CEOs, Deputy CEOs and other dignitaries, including Kwaku Tebi, the Deputy CEO of Ghana Post, Deputy Director of the NLA, Ms Anna, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, Kojo Odame Antwi as well as celebrities including, Edem, Kalybos, Bismark the Joke and Prince David Osei. The walk, which started from the Amanokrom Park through the Mamfi Roundabout, the Larte Junction and finally ended at the Ofie High Street of Akropong, saw several thousands of young people, wearing T-shirts with portraits of Sammi Awuku and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other inscriptions showing support for Mr Awuku. Mr Awuku used the occasion to thank the young people for pouring out in their numbers and demonstrating that NPP is still prepared and preparing for another political campaign and victory in 2024. Many of the young people expressed delight about the Ofie Mega Health Walk. They said they expected their Constituency to be reenergized with the entry of Mr Sammi Awuku into the constituency politics. They pledged to support Mr Awuku come what may and rally behind him to improve upon the partys fortunes in the Constituency. Mr Awuku, who was visibly excited, also took turns to also exchange pleasantries and shook hands with several of these people and moved from place to place, shop to shop on the streets. The Offie Mega Walk, which according to its Organisers is in its maiden edition is expected to be an annual event which will attract several thousands of people. Mr Awuku gave an indication that the party would rally around the chiefs and people as they also prepare to mark this years Ovim and Odwira festivals. Source: Mynewsgh.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 few beachgoers on the shores of Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, at daybreak barely notice as a pair of county health workers stop their white Ford Explorer. In short order, the two take a water sample at the beach, put a stopper on the sterile plastic bottle, plop it into a cooler and head to the next spot. Nine down. More than 20 to go. People dont see it, but were helping to protect them, says Maryanne Mathis, a registered environmental health specialist trainee with the Cape May County Health Department, just after 6 a.m. on Monday, noting that it feels good. Were doing the South run, adds Spencer Hughes, a water sampler collector for the county. We take samples from North Wildwood all the way to Cape May Point and we have another team today thats doing our North run. In all, staff members in Cape May County took small amounts of water at 61 guarded ocean beaches and 2 guarded bay beaches early Monday morning as part of weekly water quality testing. Thats part of a larger set of water samples collected at more than 200 beaches including river and bay beaches in Cape May, Atlantic, Monmouth and Ocean counties along New Jerseys nearly 130 miles of coastline. Water quality monitoring in New Jersey harkens back to 1974 but testing during peak beach season from mid-May to mid-September became much more standardized after 2004 as part of a change in the federal BEACH Act. Beach sample data has in recent years yielded good news. The water at Jersey Shore beaches appears to be exceptionally clean with no bacteria-related ocean beach closures this summer so far, just one beach closed to swimming in 2022, and no ocean beach closures before that as far back as August 2018. Theres days you can really see to the bottom while youre standing waist deep in water, said Hughes, who grew up in Stone Harbor. While the data speaks favorably of the quality of New Jerseys ocean beaches whats traditionally thought of as a beach with a sandy shore these public areas can also be closed to swimmers due to other health risks such as floatable wash-ups (debris and medical waste) or other discharges complicated by the states dated combined sewer system. According to experts, cleaner ocean water may also be a symptom of climate change resulting in dryer conditions and less rain, thus less runoff pushing waste into the ocean via storm drains or over streets. And some climate advocates believe New Jersey could create an even more stringent testing process to sample more regularly and receive results quicker. But, they acknowledge, those steps would also be expensive and access to equipment upgrades could present its own challenges. Really extraordinary water quality As of Aug. 1, New Jersey has had 28 beach incidents, defined as a sample containing a high level of contaminants which places a ocean, river or bay beach under a swimming advisory. Enterococci, the bacteria the state tests in coordination with local health departments, is one indicator of possible contamination that can include human or animal waste. Barring a holiday and as long as theres no thunder or lightning on the shore, testing is typically done on Mondays because that follows the largest influx of visitors to shore towns. If a high level of the bacteria is registered on a Monday, water is tested again the next day. If the follow-up sample is still above standard (more than 104 colony forming units of enterococci), the beach is closed to swimming prior to more testing. Visitors are made aware of any advisories with signs posted at beach entrances. The DEP also informs the public that contact with polluted water can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye and ear, dermatological and flu-like symptoms. Cant see the chart below? Click here. New Jersey beach data figures between 2005 and Aug. 1, 2023 the span available on the state database ranged between 41 and 245 annual incidents, with several years exceeding 100. At this time last year, the state had recorded just 8 incidents. Local health workers and experts attributed more incidents this year to additional rainfall, but noted overall that the health of the Jersey Shores ocean water continues to be stellar. Our water quality in New Jersey is really extraordinary, said Sheri Shifren, and environmental scientist for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the states beach monitoring program manager. That one bacterial exceedance closure on September 8 was in Atlantic City after Labor Day last year, said Shifren. And that was after three-and-a-half inches of rain. So the only time we ever see a problem is after rainfall and thats usually temporary, especially at our ocean beaches. A man goes for a walk along the shore in Wildwood Crest, NJ, on July 31, 2023. Nearby, a white Cape May County Department of Health vehicle stops conduct water samples. The county, like others throughout New Jersey, partners with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to keep residents informed on health advisories and other information tied to the testing.Steven Rodas | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Room for improvement? Todays advisory and closure figures stand in stark contrast to the 1980s when reports of raw sewage outflows and medical waste wash-ups were steady at the Jersey Shore. Back in the 80s, the Monmouth County Health Department was one of the few in the country that actually tested beaches for water quality, said Cindy Zipf, executive director of nonprofit Clean Ocean Action. In the 80s, there was a lot more pollution ... and I think one summer (in New Jersey) we had over 800 closures. Zipf said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., D-6th Dist., and U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-NJ, along with U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, pushed for the passing of the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act which was signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000. It turned out that there were lots of beaches closed all over the country and it wasnt just a New Jersey problem, said Zipf. The law has helped reduce contaminants throughout coastal waterways over the years, she noted. That along with more public awareness on ocean health and additional legislation like New Jerseys plastic bag ban has been a boon for the water quality on our shores, she said. Alexis Mraz, a public health professor at The College of New Jersey, said part of that has to do with the consistent testing and what New Jersey continues to test for. Most states are doing fairly similar water quality monitoring and testing for fecal indicator bacteria, said Mraz of the type of samples taken. But we are more regulated than the majority of states and I do truly think (the DEP) is doing a good job. While Clean Ocean Action was also complimentary of the states efforts and agrees that whats tested for makes sense, organizers said there are other ways water quality monitoring can be improved in New Jersey. Swarna Muthukrishnan, a water quality research director with Clean Ocean Action said one example is using qPCR rapid testing across the state, which would provide results in hours instead of the next day. Jennifer Fairman, director of environmental health at Cape May County, said water sample results are sent to the DEP by Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. New Jersey department officials then post the findings Tuesday afternoon. The qPCR (testing), which is one of the innovative of methodologies ... is definitely more expensive but the advantage is you can get the results of the samples being tested in like a quarter of the time, said Muthukrishnan. All lifeguarded beaches are open today. With the recent heavy rainfall on Saturday night in Atlantic County (.5 in. in one hour), there are 6 ocean beach swimming advisories. Resamples & sanitary surveys have been conducted today, results available tomorrow afternoon. pic.twitter.com/VYl87OCkw6 njbeaches.org (@NJBeachReport) August 1, 2023 More regular and rapid testing, Clean Ocean Action leaders added, would also allow for sample collection to be done immediately following storms. Testing only done Mondays and, if merited Tuesdays and thereafter, can mean elevated bacteria from runoff after a storm later in the week may not be detected or ever known at a Jersey Shore beach until the next required testing day, the group contended. But that comes with its own costs. Speaking of the price difference of equipment thats currently standard, Mraz said she has her own on-campus quantitative PCR machine at TCNJ that cost between $20,000 and $35,000. DEP officials said it has studied the viability of the rapid testing and previously closed beaches after rain in certain circumstances. We did used to have automatic closures after certain rainfalls at certain beaches ... and it was a very long time that we did studies after every rainfall before we were able to lift that and and realized that it wasnt necessary anymore, said Shifren. Shifren said New Jerseys health department follows U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations regarding how often and where it tests water quality at state beaches, accounting for factors like swimmer volume and nearby pollutants. The DEP also recommends beach visitors do not swim during or after rainfall near outfall pipes. Before boarding the car at Wildwood Crest to continue sampling Cape May beaches, Hughes noted he was wary of testing after every storm if it prompts more swimming advisories than are necessary. The EPA recommends sampling as close to the high impact on our infrastructure, as well as being able to resample. So because New Jersey is such a tourist attraction at the beaches and people will come down just for the weekends, the weekends are the highest impact on our infrastructure, Shifren said. Logistically, she added later, its just impossible to get out there every time it rains at every beach. Spencer Hughes, water sampler collector for the Cape May County Department of Health, holds a water sample at the beach in Wildwood Crest on Monday, July 31, 2023, as part of the county's weekly water quality testing. The county, like others throughout New Jersey, partners with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to keep residents informed on health advisories and other information tied to the testing.Steven Rodas | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Steven Rodas may be reached at srodas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @stevenrodasnj. ISLAMABAD, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Islamabad police of Pakistan arrested former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday from his residence in the eastern city of Lahore after a local court sentenced him to three-year imprisonment for hiding his financial assets. The media wing of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) told Xinhua that the former prime minister was arrested after the court released arrest warrants for Khan. Earlier in the day, Additional District and Sessions Judge in Islamabad Humayun Dilawar announced a short order to sentence Khan in the Toshakhana case (national gift case) and disqualified him for five years from holding any office. The case alleges that Khan had deliberately concealed details of the gifts he bought from the Toshaskhana, a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept and then sold to the officials who pay a specific percentage of the actual amount. The court also announced that the PTI chairman was involved in corrupt practices under Section 174 of the Election Act 2017 and had submitted a bogus affidavit to the Election Commission for his assets. Vice Chairman of the PTI Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the media that Khan's legal team is working on filing an appeal in the Islamabad High Court against the decision. Charles J. Ogletree Jr., a law professor and civil rights scholar with a distinguished career at Harvard Law School and whose list of clients ranged from Anita Hill to Tupac Shakur, died Friday after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers disease. He was 70. A California native who often spoke of his humble roots, Ogletree worked in the farm fields of the Central Valley before establishing himself as a legal scholar at one of the nations most prominent law schools where he taught Barack and Michelle Obama. Harvard Law School Dean John F. Manning shared news of Ogletrees death in a message to the campus community Friday. Charles was a tireless advocate for civil rights, equality, human dignity, and social justice, Manning said in the message that the law school emailed to The Associated Press. He changed the world in so many ways, and he will be sorely missed in a world that very much needs him. Ogletree represented Hill when she accused Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment during the future U.S. Supreme Court justices Senate confirmation hearings in 1991. He defended the late rapper Tupac Shakur in criminal and civil cases. He also fought unsuccessfully for reparations for members of Tulsa, Oklahomas Black community who survived a 1921 white supremacist massacre. Ogletree was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully at his home in Odenton, Maryland, his family said in a statement. Ogletree went public with the news that hed been diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2016. He retired from Harvard Law School in 2020. The Merced County courthouse in Californias agricultural heartland was named after him in February in recognition of his contributions to law, education and civil rights. Ogletree didnt attend the ceremony unveiling his name on the courthouse. His brother told the crowd that gathered in the town in the San Joaquin Valley that his brother was his hero and that he would have expected him to say what hed said many times before: I stand on the shoulders of others. He always wants to give credit to others and not accept credit himself, which he so richly deserves, Richard Ogletree told the gathering. Charles J. Ogletree Jr. grew up in poverty on the south side of the railroad tracks in Merced in an area of Black and brown families. His parents were seasonal farm laborers, and he picked peaches, almonds and cotton in the summer. He went to college at Stanford University before Harvard. Manning said in his message Friday that Ogletree had a monumental impact on Harvard Law School. His extraordinary contributions stretch from his work as a practicing attorney advancing civil rights, criminal defense, and equal justice to the change he brought to Harvard Law School as an impactful institution builder to his generous work as teacher and mentor who showed our students how law can be an instrument for change, he said. Ogletree is survived by his wife, Pamela Barnes, to whom he was married for 47 years; his two children, Charles J. Ogletree III and Rashida Ogletree-George; and four grandchildren. President Donald Trump has been arraigned for the third time and likely will face one more indictment in the state of Georgia soon. It is a real possibility that the leading candidate for the Republican nomination for President in 2024 will either be in jail or in court by this time next year. Still, party diehards are standing by Trump. More than half of Republican voters remain on board with his candidacy and many of them willingly contribute to his PAC funds. This despite recent news reports that those contributions are being siphoned off to pay for Trumps mounting legal costs. The indictment alleges criminal intent and actions by the former President as he attempted desperately to hold onto power. The 45-page indictment is a clear and damning presentation of a President orchestrating a scheme to derail the certification process with fake electors, and then pressuring his own vice president to break the law to go along with it. The fact is that the presidents rhetoric and actions may have placed Mike Pences life in danger. The indictment gives a chilling, minute-by-minute account of a corrupt president using the riot to advance his own political purposes. It didnt matter that the mob wanted to Hang Mike Pence. It didnt matter that guards were brutalized and people were killed. Well into the evening of Jan. 6, Trump and his operatives still called their loyalists in a last-ditch effort to hijack the election. Former President Donald Trump walks over to speak with reporters before he boards his plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Arlington, Va., after facing a judge on federal conspiracy charges that allege he conspired to subvert the 2020 election. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)AP Special Prosecutor Jack Smith called Jan. 6 an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy. Others like historian Jon Meacham have said that holding a rogue President accountable for actions and affirming that the rule of law still matters may be the most important trial ever conducted in American history. Despite the gravity of the moment, some GOP politicos are sticking to their scripts. In Pennsylvania, Congressmen Mike Kelley and Dan Muesser brushed aside the latest indictment as being frivolous and a continuation of some plot to weaponize the Department of Justice against their candidate. At least one notable conspiracist, State Sen. Doug Mastriano, is wasting no time in testing the waters for a run for governor based on his pro-Trump credentials and his debunked voter fraud claims. Others have simply remained silent and are unlikely to emerge from their partisan corners as the legal proceedings drag on. But what about voters who are watching the continuing lava spill out of the chaos of the Trump volcano. Have they had enough? It is always risky to read too much into early polling data, but there are some indications that the long-term effect of the mounting evidence against Trump is seeping through. The Hill reports that even some Republican strategists say the Jan. 6 indictment matters. Darrell West of the Brookings Institution says that the latest indictment puts leaders in a difficult position. It puts Republicans who are defending Trump in the stance of opposing democracy. Former Vice President Mike Pence put it this way: On January 6th, former President Trump demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. I chose the Constitution and I always will. A review of a current spate of studies confirms what most observers already know the race for President in 2024 will be close. One New York Times poll has it at Biden 43% and Trump 43%. But consider that number. There are 14% who are not committed. A growing percentage of Republicans already believe that Trump broke the law. They will be watching their candidate deal with serious criminal charges for the next 18 months. A Marist poll notes that three-fourths of independents do not want Trump back in the White House. Also, Bidens edge with young adults, minorities, and college-educated white voters is substantial because of Trumps instability. One pollster put it this way: There is a chaos factor here, a behavior factor, a concern that he might actually go to prison. The other issue that festers just below the daily dose of Trump is the backlash to the Dobbs decision. When the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, they ignited a movement that has already affected elections across the country. Democrats stand to benefit as the protectors of womens rights and voters rights. In an era when divisiveness results in razor-thin election margins, causes like protecting democracy and ensuring womens rights matter. An early perusal of the political landscape shows that Democrats may have the edge with voters who are willing to think outside the Trump box. Mark S. Singel is a former lieutenant governor and acting governor of Pennsylvania. More: Primary results suggest GOP extreme rhetoric has put Dems on solid (middle) ground | Mark S. Singel Surely, we are better than what we have become | Opinion In the story, U.S. Drones harassed by Russian jets killed ISIS leader Usamah al-Muhajir, why wasnt our invasion of Syria, which began in 2014, occupation of one-third of its territory, and cruel sanctions mentioned? Syrians used to be relatively prosperous until the United States and its confederates intervened in what they claimed was a civil war and now a war against ISIS. Syrias government asked Russia and Iran to protect them from the United States and Israel, which continues to bomb its neighbor. Bashar Al-Assad is a cruel dictator. However, many leaders the United States supports are as bad or worse. The United States is ranked 45th in the world for press freedom. Americans dont know whom to believe. The corporate media prevents us from making informed judgments about the conduct of our ruling class. Rob Baker, Director of Principles NOT Parties, Ambler, Pa. Gantry cranes sit idle as a container ship is docked at port during a work stoppage, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Voting among British Columbia port workers on a new agreement with employers is scheduled to conclude today, with the result deciding whether the months-long labour dispute will end or continue. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Write: letters@pentictonherald.ca (letters may not exceed 400 words and must be accompanied with a phone number and address for verification purposes - this information will not be published). The Herald will not publish anonymous submissions. KIEV, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Last month, the Black Sea grain deal collapsed after Russia's withdrawal, prompting concerns about the impact on Ukraine's farming industry and global food security. Russia and Ukraine signed separately with Turkiye and the United Nations the Black Sea Grain Initiative in Istanbul in July 2022, which allowed Ukraine to export its grain and other agricultural products from its Black Sea ports. The deal was extended several times. Experts and local entrepreneurs hope that ways to keep the foodstuffs exports will be found. POSSIBLE IMPACT "The closure of the 'grain corridor' dealt a significant blow to Ukraine's export opportunities. It would have consequences on several levels," said Anton Naichuk, head of Ukraine's Civil Diplomacy Fund. Two-thirds of Ukraine's grain and legume exports were supplied through the corridor in the 2022-2023 marketing year, he noted. The expert also said that the collapse of the deal will reduce Ukraine's budget revenues, cause significant losses to the agribusiness industry, and force Ukrainian farmers to cut next year's harvest. For local entrepreneurs, the breakdown of the grain deal has affected the functioning of their enterprise. "There are no big purchases anymore. Companies that buy (grain seeds) at a good price have suspended their work. Meanwhile, the dealers are buying goods at a reduced price," said Mykhailo Semenikhin, chief of a seed-producing enterprise Experimental Base "Dachna" in the Odesa region. The shutdown of the corridor may also shake the global food market, as Ukraine for years has been one of the key agricultural exporters, producing enough food to feed about 400 million people per year. The International Monetary Fund has warned that the suspension of the grain deal could push up global grain prices by 10-15 percent. ALTERNATIVE ROUTES Ukrainian authorities have been exploring alternative trade routes for grain export, such as establishing a new "grain corridor" through the territorial waters of Romania, Turkiye and Bulgaria. "The weak point in this option is that any ship that enters the territorial waters of Ukraine, and it will enter the Ukrainian waters when it sails to ports, can be fired upon by Russia. Russia has warned that it does not guarantee security," Volodymyr Volya, a political expert, said in a Telegram post. Other options for companies seeking to bring Ukrainian grain to the global market are exports via rail, road and the ports of the Danube River to European countries. However, a limited amount of grain could be exported through these routes given the shrinking transporting capacities, border crossing issues, and rising prices of such transportation. "The situation is somewhat complicated by the political situation in the neighboring countries," Naichuk said, noting that Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia have banned the import of Ukrainian agricultural goods until Sept. 15, fearing this could affect their farmers. CALL FOR SETTLEMENTS During a phone call on Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative, saying its long-term shutdown "will not benefit anyone" and the low-income countries in need of grain will suffer the most. Putin told Erdogan that the extension of the agreement was meaningless without the implementation of the part that concerned Russia and that Russia would return to the deal "as soon as the West fulfills all its obligations" outlined in the agreement. China's permanent representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun said on Thursday that the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the memorandum of understanding on Russia's grain and fertilizer exports had had a positive impact on maintaining global food security, adding that China hopes that all relevant parties can intensify dialogue and consultation to meet each other halfway, and help restore the package agreement as soon as possible. "I do not rule out that after some time, in a month or two, Russia will agree to negotiations," Volya said. But the resumption of the deal would depend on the influence of the global community and the situation on the frontline. Meanwhile, Naichuk said that the issue of the grain deal revival will be discussed during a meeting between Erdogan and Putin slated for later this month. "Ukraine expects that the Turkish side will make efforts to restore the agreements," Naichuk said, adding that if the deal is revived, Ukraine has prospects to export nearly 50 million tons of foodstuffs this marketing year, which runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Legal experts are pointing out that Donald Trump may have violated the conditions of his release after making a threat online 24 hours after being arraigned. Andrew Weissmann tweeted: This is the kind of thing that DOJ alerts the court to with respect to any defendant out on bail (in this case, in 3 criminal cases, and also is a threat in civil cases like E Jean Carroll). Not addressing this will only cause it to metastasize with undue deadly risks. https://t.co/UAjKfM2SfB Andrew Weissmann (weissmann11 on Threads) (@AWeissmann_) August 4, 2023 Trump was warned at his arrangement on Thursday not to commit more crimes and not to intimidate witnesses/jurors. It appears that Donald Trump could not make it through a full day without violating those simple conditions. Trump is used to doing whatever he wants, so the failed former president immediately ignored the conditions that were placed upon his release and started threatening people. The most surprising part of the story is that Trump made it almost 24 hours before violating the conditions of his release. Washington, DC isnt Aileen Cannon in Florida. Roger Stone messed with the DC federal court and quickly found out that those folks were not playing. For Americans dreaming of seeing Trump in an orange jumpsuit and doing a perp walk, your dreams might come true sooner than anyone expected. Trump was incapable of following the most basic conditions even when he was told that his refusal to comply would result in being stuck behind bars. Customers purchase flowers at Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 13, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) Fresh cut flowers for auction are seen at the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 13, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A worker packs fresh cut flowers at a flower industry demonstration base in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 12, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A shopkeeper arranges flowers at a shop in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 3, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A worker carries fresh cut flowers at a flower industry demonstration base in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 12, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Cui Wen) Workers prepare to pack selected fresh cut flowers at a flower industry demonstration base in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 12, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A merchant loads auctioned fresh cut flowers outside the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 13, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A screen displaying information about fresh cut flowers is seen at the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 13, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A worker picks flowers at a flower industry demonstration base in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 12, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A merchant checks auctioned fresh cut flowers at the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 13, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A child takes selfies with flowers at Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 13, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A shopkeeper arranges flowers at a shop in Chaoyang District of Beijing, capital of China, July 29, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang) A worker picks flowers at a flower industry demonstration base in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 12, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) People bid for fresh cut flowers at the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 13, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A worker packs fresh cut flowers at a flower industry demonstration base in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 12, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Cui Wen) A worker grades fresh cut flowers before auction at the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 13, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Cui Wen) Fresh cut flowers are seen at a flower industry demonstration base in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 12, 2023. Yunnan is considered as one of the three major flower producing areas in the world. In recent years, the planting, harvesting, trading, transportation and other procedures of Yunnan flower industry chain have been continuously improved. Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling flower markets in the city of Kunming, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. In the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) auction hall, buyers from all over the country can quickly decide whether or not they should bid for flowers based on information on the varieties, grades and prices displayed on a trading screen. Florists have to seize every second to transport the flowers to guarantee the freshness. When the auction is over, the flowers are packaged before heading to cities across China or to foreign countries. The diversification of sales channels and convenient logistics systems have greatly shortened the time of flowers' journey from fields to customers, and also contributed to a significant increase in sales volume of fresh cut flowers in Yunnan. In recent days, the average daily trading volume at the KIFA has reached five million stems. (Xinhua/Cui Wen) Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Former White House counsel John Dean said that Special Counsel Jack Smith is showing that he will have a low tolerance for Donald Trumps games. Transcript of Dean speaking with CNNs Jim Acosta: ACOSTA: And Trump has been accustomed to saying and blasting out on social media whatever he wants. For example, it will be wild on January 6th. We all remember that one. Is this a message from the special counsel that that is not going to be tolerated or that he is going to ride Trump pretty hard on these social media posts from here on forward? I mean, after all, John, Trump is doing this one day after he was arraigned in Washington, in federal court, on arguably the most serious charges he has ever faced. DEAN: This is a serious case. Its probably the most serious case that the federal judicial system has handled in centuries, if you will. So, uh, his playing fast and loose is not smart. It could actually be to his benefit for the special counsel to ride on him, and I think thats what this indicates, that hes going to have a low tolerance for games, and this is a signal. Well see how the judge reacts to it and, you know, she may or may not do anything at this point. I think that most important is to get the discovery material in the hands of Trumps defense counsel so they dont have any way to stall a trial. It appears that there have been an exchange of drafts and they couldnt agree upon anything, so theyre going right to the court to get that resolved. Video: 8.4.23 11:10 PM ET True Intelligence on Display as Jim Acosta @Acosta hosts John Dean @JohnWDean and speak about Trump's "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!" threat. 10/10 Conversation FULL SEGMENT ( 7:09 ) pic.twitter.com/ZkDcP7ZuTw Jeff Storobinsky (@jeffstorobinsky) August 5, 2023 Jack Smith sent a clear message to the former president when he reported Trumps threat to the court. The message was that Donald Trump would have to adhere to the conditions of his release. He will be treated like any other defendant and will not be allowed to do whatever he wants and run wild. Deans point about placing restrictions on Trump is a good one. The DOJ is going to want the judge to establish safeguards to keep sensitive information out of Donald Trumps hands. The campaign showed its fear of both Smith and the judge as they tried to walk back Trumps threat on Saturday morning. Trump himself could be so deluded and entitled that he doesnt see the jeopardy in which he is placing himself, but some people around him do, as Jack Smith has sent the message that Donald Trumps games will not be tolerated. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print About a dozen Trump supporters started yelling at Mike Pence that he was a traitor, so Pence yelled back, read it, and told them that he upheld the Constitution. Video: A dozen Trump supporters approached Mike Pences vehicle as he entered his Friday event yelling, thats a traitor, youre a sellout, and why didnt you uphold the constitution? I upheld the constitution, Pence shouted back. As they badgered him he yelled, Read it! pic.twitter.com/gKpeB2mntO Kelsey Walsh (@Kjwalsh_news) August 5, 2023 The Trump supporters approached Pence, called him a sell-out, a traitor, and told him to read the Constitution. Pence responded that he upheld the Constitution, then he yelled, Read it, at the Trump supporters. Mike Pence should have been doing this years ago. More Americans might be able to respect him if he had not waited until after Jack Smith indicted Trump to find his courage and tell the truth about Trumps plot to overturn the election. However, the new Mike Pence, who yells back at Trump supporters in parking lots is a fun thing to watch. Pence is polling at 1%-2% in the Republican presidential primary. His only chance at relevance in the election is to pull together a collection of anti-Trump voters and evangelicals in Iowa. Trump polling is soft in the Hawkeye State, so there is an opening for a non-Trump Republican to do well in caucuses. If this is Mike Pences last stand, he is not going the Ron DeSantis route and trying to appeal to Trump voters. Trumps fans think that they can bully and behave like their hero. More Republicans need to be like Mike Pence and yell back. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump sounds scared, and his campaigns response to Jack Smith alerting the court to the former presidents online threat in violation of the conditions of his release reeks of fear. It only took a few hours for federal prosecutors to alert the court to the former presidents threat, generally directed seemingly at everyone associated with his criminal case. The Trump campaign responded to federal prosecutors in a brief statement: The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech, and was in response to the RINO, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs, like the ones funded by the Koch brothers and the Club for No Growth. It is simple to prove that Trump was not talking about Kochs, China, or special interest groups because every post on his account falls into one of two categories. Trump is either posting polls and his hyping his upcoming speeches or posting about the criminal charges that he is facing. There is no mention of any of the topics the campaign suggested around his threat. Trump was posting about his criminal charges before he posted his threat. The former president is terrified. He has finally come up against accountability. Threats are not protected speech under the First Amendment. Threatening violence or retribution is a crime. The posts around Trumps threat make it clear what he was talking about. Trump is terrified, and instead of doubling down, his campaign team offered a scrambled response to keep their candidate out of jail. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then partly cloudy late. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 91F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing overnight. Low 72F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. A financial black cloud continues to hover above one of South Carolina's largest technology businesses, more than three years after a data breach unleashed a litany of legal liabilities. Blackbaud Inc. this week said it has set aside $50 million this year to cover the estimated out-of-pocket costs it could incur from numerous lawsuits and government investigations stemming from the 2020 cyberattack. The Daniel Island-based software firm also said that it's in talks with the attorneys general of 49 states and the District of Columbia grouped into one negotiation to resolve their investigations. Blackbaud finance chief Tony Boor said during an earnings call with investors and financial analysts on Wednesday that the company set aside $19.8 million between April and June to cover costs related to the hack. The company already has exhausted its insurance coverage, putting it on the hook to pay any fines, penalties, damages and other expenses. Blackbaud has reported that the breach cost it about $55.7 million in 2022. It expects to pay out as much as $35 million this year. The fallout is widespread. It includes up to 400 potential requests for reimbursement payments from U.S., U.K. and Canadian customers whose information was compromised, while another 210 such claims have been filed and resolved. Also, 17 U.S. class-action lawsuits have been consolidated into one case in federal court, and another two have been filed in Canada. The security incident has had, and may continue to have, numerous adverse effects on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, the company said in an Aug. 3 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Blackbaud also said it's reasonably possible that our estimated or actual losses may change in the near term for those matters and be materially in excess of the amounts accrued. The company added that it will defend itself vigorously against the claims asserted against us. Should fines or penalties reach a point that it can't pay for them with its own funds, the company said it might need to renegotiate its credit lines or take on new debt and that those two options might not be available at acceptable terms, if at all. In these circumstances, if we were unable to obtain sufficient financing, we may not be able to meet our obligations as they come due, Blackbaud said in the filing. Blackbaud is one of the worlds largest providers of software and analytical services designed to help philanthropic organizations, from private schools to large charities, raise money from donors. The company traced the start of the breach to Feb. 7, 2020. The attack went undetected for more than three months. During that period, the hacker, who hasn't been caught, gained access to sensitive information about donors, potential donors and other individuals with ties to the affected philanthropies. Blackbaud paid an undisclosed ransom in exchange for assurances that the data would be deleted. It said this week that it doesn't believe any of the stolen information "went beyond the cybercriminal, has been misused or has been disseminated or otherwise made available publicly." In March, Blackbaud agreed to pay a $3 million penalty to settle an investigation by the SEC that alleged it issued erroneous statements about the breach that deceived investors. CEO Mike Gianoni didn't bring up the cyberattack in his prepared remarks during this week's quarterly financial update. Analysts who follow the company didn't ask about it. Youre seeing The Post and Courier's weekly real estate newsletter. Receive all the latest transactions and top development, building, and home and commercial sales news to your inbox each Saturday here. New cafes could be open by 2024 A Charlotte-area coffee shop plans to open three cafes, including one with a bakery, in the Charleston area. Summit Coffee is scouting sites across the Lowcountry with the new shops slated for the Charleston peninsula, Mount Pleasant and North Charleston, according to CEO Brian Helfrich. All of the new locations will be corporate-owned stores. Once the Charleston-area sites have been selected, he expects it will take about three or four months before they are ready to open. He's targeting later this year or 2024 to have the sites customer-ready. Helfrich first looked at the Lowcountry two years ago for new stores but decided to hold off on expanding at the time. "It is an awesome destination, but it also has a great culinary scene," he said. "We want to be part of that." The company, founded in Davidson just north of Charlotte in 1998, currently has 10 locations in Asheville, Atlanta and Charlotte, with six others under development in the Queen City and the Georgia capital city. The new Lowcountry sites will bring the company's footprint across three states to 19 shops. "We're immensely excited to deepen our footprint in our core markets in the coming months and years," Helfrich said. "Our focus has been to thoughtfully expand opportunities for more customers to interact with Summit, in a way that ensures we're still delivering a remarkable cafe experience." He added, "We're now prepared to nearly double our cafe count by growth in markets we're already in Charlotte and Atlanta and a market we've long desired to enter in Charleston." Want to receive this newsletter in your inbox every Saturday? Sign up for free. Sign up for our real estate newsletter! Get the best of the Post and Courier's Real Estate news, handpicked and delivered to your inbox each Saturday. Email Sign Up! Mungo Homes has submitted plans to the city to build just over 800 homes in the Long Savannah development off Bees Ferry Road. By the numbers 1.25: Millions of dollars paid for 1.14-acre parcel in Camp Hall where the first retail land has been sold near Volvo Cars manufacturing plant. 2: Number of new retail shops coming to downtown Charleston. 215: Cost in millions of dollars for a new senior living facility coming between Kiawah and Seabrook islands. This week in real estate + New homes: Homebuilder D.R. Horton wants to build nearly 700 homes in a new Summerville development. + In the works: A new 90-unit affordable housing development is in the works near a historic Johns Island plantation home. + Finding a home: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce leases a 2,000-square-foot space. Publix inks deal for 17th Charleston supermarket Publix plans to open near Carnes Crossroads in Goose Creek in 2025. Rendering/Worthen Development Did a friend forward you this email? Subscribe here. Craving more? Check out all of the Post and Courier's newsletters here. They're some of the most-coveted and highest-paying jobs at the Port of Charleston. But for now, at least, they're still up for grabs. The International Longshoremen's Association last month won a court battle to take those jobs at the $1 billion Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston, but the State Ports Authority eyeing a potential appeal continues to let its non-union employees do the work. Not that there's much work to do. Only two ships had tied up at Leatherman in the week leading up to the July 28 appeals court ruling, according to the SPA's vessel report. None are scheduled to dock over the next two weeks. The debate over who will operate cranes at the port's newest container terminal remains deadlocked. And the pricey port facility, once touted as an answer to the nation's snarled supply chain, sits mostly idle. The paralysis on North Charleston's waterfront symbolizes a greater uncertainty throughout the Southeast, as port leaders in the Carolinas and Georgia try to make sense of the potential new reality they've been dealt by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. "I think this is just the beginning of trying to understand what this all means," Ron Brinson, a North Charleston city councilman and former CEO of the Port of New Orleans, said of the appeals court ruling. "Every port authority in the South Atlantic, particularly Savannah, will be watching this with eagle eyes." That clarity could take a while as the SPA contemplates possible legal maneuvers to preserve a decades-old "hybrid labor model" at Southeast ports, where non-union state employees earning $40 an hour or more operate cranes while their ILA counterparts move cargo containers through the terminal yards. "Given the critical nature of this issue to our business and our state, we are still evaluating all our options," Barbara Melvin, the SPA's president and CEO said in a written statement. "A final decision has not been made." She said the port has "been very successful with our hybrid operating model, remaining competitive as the eighth-largest container port in the country." Widespread impact A three-judge appeals court panel, by a 2-1 margin, upheld a National Labor Relations Board ruling that gives the International Longshoremen's Association the right to operate the ship-to-shore cranes at Leatherman, which opened its first phase more than two years ago. The union, which represents dockworkers from Maine to the Gulf Coast, argued that a decade-old revision to its contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance calls for the ILA to run the container cranes at any new terminal that opens in ports that have historically filled that role with non-union workers. The Leatherman dispute was the first test of that pact with the alliance, which represents most of the international container lines that transport goods to and from U.S. ports. It's likely far from the last. Harold Daggett, the ILA's president, said in a written statement that the "Fourth Circuit victory opens the door for hundreds, maybe thousands of new jobs" for the union. "This ruling doesn't just apply to new work in Charleston," he said. "It will apply in Savannah, Ga., and any port area that is constructing new terminals." Daggett was pointing out the Georgia Ports Authority's long-term plans to expand its cargo-handling operations to Hutchinson Island. GPA officials declined to comment on the appeals court ruling and its impact on their business. The union has long been preparing for the possibility that it would prevail in South Carolina. Charles Brave, president of the local that provides dockworkers at the Port of Charleston, said in October that the ILA has been working for months to get members certified to operate the cranes at Leatherman. Some have trained on a simulator in Baltimore. Differing opinions Although the ILA won at the appeals court level, the victory wasn't clear-cut. One of the three judges said in a dissenting opinion that the S.C. State Ports Authority, which owns and operates the Port of Charleston, should have prevailed. That's in addition to an earlier ruling in favor of the SPA by an administrative law judge, whose decision was later overturned by the National Labor Relations Board. That set up the 4th Circuit showdown in Richmond, Va. A labor expert said those prior wins could give the SPA hope that it could ultimately prevail at the highest court in the land. "That's a sound and reasonable decision," Michael Carrouth, a Columbia lawyer who specializes in labor law, said of a U.S. Supreme Court appeal. Other judges have already come to a different conclusion than the appeals court majority, so a further challenge "is not just tilting at windmills," he said. "I would say it gives you very reasonable grounds to say we're going to follow up on the administrative law judge's analysis, and we're going to follow up on this dissent and push that to the Supreme Court," Carrouth said. The SPA could also ask the full Fourth Circuit 18 judges in all to look at the case in what's called an "en banc" or "on the bench" hearing. But it's a long shot. The court has agreed to do so in just 37 cases out of the thousands of appeals it's reviewed over the past decade. The SPA hadn't decided as of last week whether it will challenge last month's decision. S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson "is talking to ports authority officials, and they are exploring their options," a spokesman said, but it's still not clear what the next move will be. If it ultimately winds up before the nation's highest court, politics could play as big a role as law. A majority of the labor board that overturned the administrative law judge's decision was appointed by Democrats, and the current board is seen by analysts as being pro-labor and anti-management. The two appeals court judges who ruled in favor of the ILA were also appointed by Democrats, with the dissenting judge a Republican appointee. Two-thirds of the U.S. Supreme Court's judges were appointed by Republicans typically seen as a pro-business party. Carrouth, the Columbia labor attorney, said that could give the SPA an edge. Room for doubt The Supreme Court doesn't take every case that comes its way. It typically agrees to hear 100 to 150 of the roughly 7,000 disputes it's asked to review and resolve each year. It often takes cases when there's a discrepancy between appeals court rulings in different circuits, but that's not the issue in the Leatherman labor flap. So, it could come down to whether the high court wants to ultimately define a key issue in the case whether the ILA's quest to operate the cranes was a legal effort to preserve jobs for its members or an illegal attempt to expand its workforce. The Fourth Circuit majority said the ILA wanted to preserve jobs because crane operations are among the tasks union workers perform at almost every other port on the East and Gulf coasts. Since the union's contract with the maritime alliance covers all of those locations, it should govern what happens in Charleston as well, the two judges said. The dissenting jurist said it was an illegal job grab, because ILA members have never operated cranes in Charleston. There's enough disagreement to have even the nation's top labor experts wavering. "On the face of it, I would guess that the contract between the ILA and the maritime alliance a freely entered-into agreement by both parties would be upheld. But the state also has an interest in the deal so it may have standing to challenge," said Susan Schurman, distinguished professor of labor studies and employment relations at Rutgers University. Unless an appeal is filed and the decision reversed, the Fourth Circuit ruling will stand. And that has anti-union activists fuming. Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Foundation, called the July ruling "devastating," adding it will "put the jobs of hundreds of union-free South Carolina state employees at Charleston's Leatherman Terminal on the chopping block." The foundation, which opposes mandatory union membership, filed a "friend of the court" brief supporting the SPA in the appeals court case. The ports authority has also raised questions about whether ship operators would use a nearly all-union Leatherman. The maritime agency's in-house study showed container lines are charged nearly two-thirds more per container at Virginia's all-union port than in Charleston. Savannah's costs are also lower than Virginia's. The difference comes down to labor expenses, according to the study, and it means container lines will likely bypass Leatherman in favor of less-expensive options in Charleston or elsewhere. New 'playing field' However the ltigation plays out, the SPA's older terminals in Mount Pleasant and North Charleston will continue to operate under the longstanding "hybrid" arrangement, with state employees running the cranes and union workers moving cargo on the ground down below. In the meantime, Leatherman has been all but shut down. After opening more than two years ago at the south end of the old Navy base, the terminal has operated at about 15 percent of its annual capacity of 700,000 20-foot cargo containers. The ILA has threatened to sue any alliance member that calls on the terminal while non-union workers are operating the cranes. The Fourth Circuit decision said the union has every right to do that. Daggett, the ILA president, doubled down on the legal threat during the union's convention last month, saying the alliance, which goes by the acronym USMX, "did not back us up on our contract." "I knew in my heart that the ILA's position was firm and that we had a right to sue," Daggett told union delegates. "Now I have lost faith in the USMX. You are not honorable." Brinson, the former New Orleans port boss and now a consultant to ports around the country, said any doom-and-gloom predictions might be overblown. He's seen well-run terminals operated by an all-union workforce at other ports, and there's no reason to believe it couldn't work in Charleston. "I don't think this is doomsday. But it's beginning to be a different playing field," he said. Brinson added that the SPA needs to reconcile how the ILA would fit within and change its decades-old division of labor on the waterfront. "It would be a mistake to label the ILA as the bad guys here," he said. "There is one fundamental reality and you can quote this and put it in all caps the productivity of longshore labor is a key to any modern port's competitiveness. Period. You can't take the ILA for granted." COLUMBIA Six years after South Carolina's grand nuclear power ambitions came crashing down, federal prosecutors say they are not backing down in their attempt to hold accountable those they allege are responsible, despite a major setback in the final associated criminal case. The Palmetto State's largest utility providers former electric provider SCANA and the state-owned utility Santee Cooper sought in the late 2000s to usher in a new age of nuclear power but failed to complete a pair of reactors that would have been the first built in the United States in nearly three decades. Instead, as construction wore on for more than a decade at the VC Summer site in Fairfield County, former executives were accused of concealing building flaws and cost overruns from investors, ratepayers, lawmakers and regulators, The Post and Courier previously reported. The botched $9 billion project ultimately left electric customers on the hook for the reactors that never came to fruition after the effort was abandoned in mid-2017. In the aftermath, investigations were launched by two legislative committees, along with South Carolinas attorney general and federal authorities. The private companies involved were driven to bankruptcy, corporate buyouts and hundreds of millions of dollars in legal settlements. Investigations have garnered national attention and resulted in three guilty pleas in federal court so far by former executives of the utility and its lead contractor, Westinghouse. Former Westinghouse Senior Vice President Jeffrey Benjamin was scheduled to stand trial in Greenville in October. His case marked the final legal action in a saga that is likely to drag on for at least six more months. But U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis tossed out the various mail and securities fraud charges against Benjamin last week after ruling that a number of grand jurors who voted to indict him were potentially biased because some of them were ratepayers. Benjamin faced up to 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine if convicted. COLUMBIA Richland County School District One students now have the opportunity to learn about aerospace engineering at any grade level and possibly earn a pilot's license by high school graduation due to a national defense-themed magnet program, the first of its kind in the state. The district styled its Aug. 4 announcement of the new program with a U.S. military attack helicopter demonstration just before freshman orientation at Columbia High School. Richland One received nearly $15 million in federal funds for the program in 2022. "You'll get to go out to the Columbia airport once a month to get some of that on-the-field experience and on-the-job training," said Joy Obidike, Richland One's aerospace and STEM magnet schools consultant. "If I was a freshman, I would sign up." The U.S. Department of Education granted the state's ninth-largest school district $14.9 million in October 2022 through its Magnet Schools Assistance Program. Richland One looks to use those funds over five years, building the magnet program they've dubbed "BLAST" (Building Lasting Aerospace and STEM Trajectories) and centering it at three district schools: Watkins-Nance Elementary, W.A. Perry Middle and Columbia High schools. Teresa Turner, the district's Magnet Schools Assistance Program project director, said the goal for the magnet pathway is to have about 480 spots filled at Columbia High School in the next five years. Starting Aug. 16, the magnet program will open four academies: pre-engineering, biomedical, cybersecurity and aerospace. In each of the academies, students can take dual enrollment courses through Midlands Technical College and the University of South Carolina, or get work experience via internships with Boeing, Fort Jackson, Shaw Air Force Base or the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, district officials said. Fort Jackson is located in Columbia just east of Richland One, while Shaw is about 30 minutes farther east in Sumter. MOSCOW, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Russian tanker was damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Kerch Strait, Russia's Federal Agency for Marine and River Transport said Saturday. The attack caused damage to the engine room of Russia's SIG tanker, but no casualties were reported. Tugboats were deployed to assist the tanker, Russia's TASS news agency reported. According to the report, the attack didn't result in a fuel leak from the tanker. Editor's note: This story has been revised to remove a reference that incorrectly said the Lowcountry Land Trust was asked to comment regarding future educational components of the Angel Oak Preserve and declined. Additionally, the city of Charleston owns and manages the property, not the land trust. Jordan Higgins, a 25-year-old machine operator from Summerville, told his girlfriend Taylor Lenhart Womack to get dressed for dinner. He was taking her to Halls Chophouse to dine with her father or so she thought. With Taylor all dressed up for a charming night out with her two favorite guys, Higgins thought his plan was going smoothly. He was going to propose to his girlfriend of three years. But he wasn't going to do it at Halls Chophouse. "I wanted to do something nobody else I knew had done," Higgins told The Post and Courier. Pretending to drive to the popular downtown steakhouse, Higgins was sure Taylor would think something was afoot. After all, he was texting the photographer he hired to capture the proposal moments before arriving to make sure everything was still going smoothly. "But she didn't notice until we pulled up to the park," Higgins said. "Tears started flowing almost instantly." Higgins proposed under the winding branches of Angel Oak, one of the largest live oak trees east of the Mississippi. The tree is a historical site for Charleston, believe to be at least 400 years old if not older. Mixbook, an online design platform for photo books, carried out a poll of 3,000 singles to ask which iconic landmarks top their list for ideal proposal spots. The survey revealed that Americans are notably drawn towards unique, Instagram-worthy locales for popping the question. Angel Oak was No. 6 among the most-popular proposal spot in the United States. Three other locations in South Carolina also made the list, including the Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant, The Battery in Charleston and Liberty Bridge at Falls Park in Greenville. Angel Oak receives approximately 400,000 visitors each year. And according to Barbara Taylor, manager of the city's Angel Oak Park, proposals under the oak occur on a weekly basis. "We used to have a proposal maybe once every now and again," Taylor said. "And within the last three or four years, we've had at least three to five engagements each week." These are just the proposals they know about. The park requires anyone hosting an event of a certain size to file for a permit to use the area underneath the tree. But others just do it impromptu, meaning there is no way to keep track of just how many relationships were birthed underneath the 65-foot-high tree. Local photographer Brandon McKay said he has helped capture a few proposals at nearly every popular proposal location in Charleston. Recently, he said he captured a surprise proposal for a couple visiting from Florida. Taylor said most of the time people getting engaged underneath the tree have never been there before. "They just feel that it's a sacred and beautiful place to remember their engagement," Taylor said. "And sometimes their parents have gotten engaged here." Angel Oak Preserve sits on roughly 44 acres of land and was previously owned by wealthy slaveholders Justus Angel and Martha Waight. Waight inherited the land from her father, Abraham Waight, a colonist in the Lowcountry who was granted the property in 1717. The descendants of Justus and Martha Angel owned the land until the mid-1900s. The city of Charleston purchased the property in 1991 and maintains the park there. During the time of Justus and Martha Angel, the land was a working plantation. But the exact number of enslaved Africans working there is unknown. To date, there is no evidence, such as educational plaques or other commemorative historical artifacts, to tell the history of the land as a working plantation, Taylor told The Post and Courier. The Lowcountry Land Trust has been stewarding the Angel Oak Preserve initiative that will unify an existing 9-acre city park with the surrounding 35 acres. "The 44-acre preserve design will feature boardwalk trails, a nature play area for kids and educational information about the tree and native people that have held the Angel Oak sacred," the organization's website reads. For more information on the Angel Oak Preserve, visit lowcountrylandtrust.org. MYRTLE BEACH A former Myrtle Beach police captain will be able to pursue his age discrimination lawsuit against the department after the S.C. Court of Appeals ruled that a circuit court judge had prematurely dismissed his case. John Kennedy sued his former employer and three city officials in 2017, alleging the Myrtle Beach Police Department forced the veteran officer out of the agency. Kennedys lawsuit named Police Chief Amy Prock, MBPDs Human Resources Department Head Angela Kegler and then-City Manager John Pedersen as defendants. MBPD representatives did not respond to a request for comment. The defendants' lawyer, Dirk Aydlette, declined to discuss the pending litigation. The lawsuit, which was initially dismissed by Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Culbertson, was later appealed by Kennedy to the S.C. Court of Appeals. The state court released its decision on Aug. 2. The appeals court found that by dismissing the case so early in the process, the circuit court judge prevented Kennedy from "pursuing the novel theories set forth in his complaint as well as his claim that Respondents ignored MBPD's own established grievance procedure in summarily terminating him for ... impermissible age-related reasons related to an effort to bring in 'newer employees.'" Kennedy's case will resume in circuit court. Kennedy worked for the MBPD from 1980 until his retirement in early 2008. Myrtle Beach rehired him in June 2008 as a lieutenant with MBPDs Office of Professional Standards, and he was promoted to captain for the Office of Support Services Division in 2014. Once Prock was sworn in as police chief on July 3, 2017, Kennedy learned about an internal job posting for an assistant police chief, with applications open only to captains within MBPD, according to court records. Kennedy completed the employment application and scheduled an interview. However, the morning of the interview, Prock told Kennedy there was no reason for him to pursue the position because she and the city manager wanted to bring in "newer employees, according to the lawsuit. Prock also informed Kennedy that his employment with MBPD would be ending, according to the lawsuit. Prock told Kennedy to contact Angela Kegler, the human resources director, regarding his termination. Kennedy refused to sign paperwork confirming his employment would end July 31, 2017. Kennedy met with Kegler again on July 17, 2017, and he said he believed Prock's actions constituted age-based discrimination, according to the lawsuit. Kennedy alleges that MBPD retaliated against him by cancelling his registration for a previously scheduled event in Washington D.C. The MBPD also retaliated against Kennedy by locking him out of all police department systems, his email account and the MBPD building, which forced him to remain home through his termination date on July 31, 2017, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit states that Prock and Pedersen, shortly after Prock's promotion to interim chief, changed the qualifications for the captain's position by eliminating the requirement that MBPD captains have a college degree. Kennedy maintains he was replaced as captain by Kegler's boyfriend, who did not have a college degree at the time. Kennedy's lawsuit states that he filed an internal grievance according to MBPD's policies and procedures but the department refused to conduct a grievance hearing. Kennedy then filed the lawsuit. City officials denied the allegations in court papers and asked that the case be dismissed. Kennedy's attorneys did not respond to a request for comment. CONWAY A jury sided with Horry County Schools in a case brought by the families of three St. James Elementary students who became sick after being exposed to mold at school, according to court records. The students parents accused the school district of negligence. Their lawsuit alleged district officials failed to address the building leaks and disrepair that contributed to the toxic mold. The two-year court battle culminated Aug. 3 when the jury ruled that the school district did not act with negligence in the case, court filings show. Lisa Bourcier, spokeswoman for Horry County Schools, declined to discuss the verdict other than to point out it was unanimous. The school district's attorney, Kenneth Generette, did not respond to a request for comment. Attorney William Luse, who represented the students and their families, also could not be reached. A student in the lawsuit, identified only as John Doe, started attending St. James Elementary in 2017 and became sick with headaches, sore throats, mouth sores, fatigue, depression, mood dysregulation and general malaise upon starting school, according to the complaint. The student sought repeated medical treatment for his symptoms while attending school. With blood work and further testing, his family found that some of his infections were associated with exposure to mold and mycotoxins, or natural toxic compounds produced in some fungi, according to the lawsuit. The complaint alleged district officials were aware of water leaks, water damage and mold issues for years within school buildings, but they refused or neglected to make the necessary repairs and remove the toxic mold. When John Does parents requested that he be transferred out of St. James Elementary due to his health conditions, the school district refused to allow the transfer until the family paid a $4,854 transfer fee. The student and his family lived in Georgetown County but they attended school in Horry County. The district admitted that some mold remediation work was done in the school building, but district officials denied all wrongdoing in the case. They also argued the case should be dismissed because the school as a governmental entity had sovereign immunity, which provides it with limited liability over many damages that occur on the property. Regarding the transfer fee, the district argued in court documents that since John Doe was not an Horry County resident, he was required by district policy to pay the transfer fee to cover tuition costs. As a medical educator, Im always thinking about how to mitigate the physician shortage crisis in South Carolina. A recent commentary in The Post and Courier has prompted me to offer some clarification and context around this crisis and how we can better address it. Read moreCommentary: SC needs more doctors. Here's what MUSC is doing about it. After years of disappointment, a groundbreaking new study finds that charter schools are finally living up to their promise, doing a dramatically better job at educating children than traditional public schools. Two earlier studies by Stanford University's Center for Research on Educational Outcomes provided the ammunition for charter critics, who spent the past decade and a half arguing that these quasi-independent public schools do a lousy job educating children. A third study found theyve turned the corner and are providing better student outcomes than traditional public schools. Dramatically better. The studies each looked at five years worth of test scores, which researchers converted into the number of days' progress students achieve during each 180-day school year. In the first study, published in 2007, charter students scored six fewer days of reading progress and 17 fewer days of math progress every year than their peers in traditional public schools; that means after 11 years, theyd be a full year behind traditional public school students in math. The latest study found that charter school students gained 16 more days than traditional students in reading and six more days in math every year. So just the opposite: After 11 years in a charter school, theyd be reading a full year ahead of their peers in traditional public schools. What makes the Stanford study so important is its size (more than 1.8 million students at 6,200 charter schools were studied) and impressive methodology. Instead of just comparing charter school outcomes to public school outcomes, the researchers identified a virtual twin for each charter school student: a student in the traditional public school the charter school student would have attended, with identical demographic traits and aligned prior test scores. If they couldnt find a virtual twin for a charter student, that student was excluded from the study. So its about as apples-to-apples as you can get. Margaret Raymond, founder and director of the Stanford center, said the latest study provides policymakers with reliable examples of strong student learning that they can emulate to make up for past shortfalls." The bigger lesson now in the post-COVID world is, hey guys if youre looking for a way to improve outcomes for kids, here is an absolutely demonstrated framework that you can look at and maybe apply it in other contexts, she told the online journal Education Week. The big exception Beyond the phenomenal results, what should surprise you is that the study was released nearly two months ago. And youre just now hearing about it. Isnt South Carolina full of passionate supporters of what they call school choice? Why havent they been shouting from the rooftops about this we-told-you-so research? Plastering social media with the fabulous news? Demanding that journalists share the success with our readers? Two reasons. First, the most passionate S.C. supporters of school choice reserve their passion for having taxpayers pick up the tab for sending their kids to private schools from which we will demand practically zero accountability once we start doing that next year. Thats the opposite of what states usually demand from charter schools, which are supposed to lose their charters if they do as bad a job as some private and traditional public schools do. Second, the news wasnt all good. Although charter schools in general are doing a fabulous job, charter schools in South Carolina were not. S.C. charter students achieved 47 fewer days of math progress each year than traditional school students. Thats like taking our charter kids out of math class for a quarter of the year, every year. They had eight fewer days of reading progress, which isnt nearly as bad but is still a troubling contrast with what's been going on in most of the country, where recall students were picking up 16 additional days of reading progress. South Carolina, Ohio and Oregon were alone among the 29 states and the city systems in New York and Washington where charter students continued to underperform in both reading and math in the latest study. And again, the study didnt compare S.C. students to kids in Massachusetts or Vermont or even Georgia. It compared S.C. charter school students with their virtual twins in the traditional public schools they would have been attending if they werent in the charter school. Two obvious problems There are two obvious causes for South Carolina's dismal results. First and not surprisingly to anyone who paid attention during the pandemic online charter schools do a lousy job, and South Carolina has an overabundance of virtual charter school seats. Nationally, students in online charter schools lost 58 days of learning in reading and 124 days in math two-thirds of a year, every year compared with their traditional public school peers. Meanwhile, students in brick-and-mortar charter schools gained 22 days in reading and 15 days in math. Second, the report noted, charter schools succeed when sponsors and regulators hold up their end of the bargain, shutting them down when they fail. And that happens far too little in our state. You know how private-school-is-always-better backers say traditional public schools will do better if they have competition a claim that ignores the fact that our Legislature has refused to give traditional schools the option of making many of the changes that would make them better? Its the same principle with charter schools that know theyll be shut down if they fail only charter schools have numerous options traditional schools dont for actually improving themselves. But in South Carolina, we wont give them that incentive to do so. When our Legislature allowed alternative authorizers to rescue failing charter schools from closure, it sent a message to all the charter schools that, really, you dont have to try that hard. So at a moment when we should be celebrating along with charter supporters the nation over, we are instead reaping the bitter consequences of our lawmakers blind faith in the inherent superiority of pretty much anything that isn't a traditional public school. Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier. An excavator removes debris and litter from a bridge in Shuiyuzui Village in flood-hit Mentougou District, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has been speeding up the restoration of key roads damaged in flood-hit areas, such as the districts of Fangshan and Mentougou, since Thursday, to assist with rescue and relief efforts. Chinese authorities had launched massive rescue and relief efforts in response to typhoon-induced torrential rains. Over the past few days, Beijing has seen the heaviest rainfall since records began 140 years ago, leaving 11 dead in the city. A total of 93 highways above the county level in Beijing have been damaged by flooding, all of which are located in the suburbs. Local authorities said the restoration work of damaged roads in Beijing is still facing great pressure. About 840 rural roads and three urban roads have also been damaged by floodwater. However, with manpower and large machinery reinforcements, construction around the clock, and favorable factors such as better weather, the road restoration work continues to make progress. This article in Institutional Investor says that hedge funds are more likely to target companies that have diverse boards of directors: Activist hedge funds are paying attention to board diversity and are using that information to decide on their next targets. New research shows that activist investors are more likely to succeed when boards are less united and slower to act two characteristics that are common among diverse boards, where members come from different backgrounds and tend to bring different perspectives. The study found that hedge funds exploit differences of opinion among board members, as well as their more deliberate decision-making processes, to sway shareholder votes in their favor. These numbers are really striking: The researchers found that the likelihood of an activist investor targeting a board more than triples from 1.3 percent to 5.1 percent, when a boards demographic diversity is high. Of course, the studys authors are quick to tout the benefits of diversity. But then there is this: Instead, he added, this research offers insights for diverse boards, especially at corporations that are underperforming: They could become an activist hedge funds next target. Activist hedge funds target companies that underperform. That is a vastly more significant factor than whether the board is diverse and therefore might be slower to act. If companies with highly diverse boards really are targeted more than three times as often as companies with less-diverse boards, that suggests that companies with diverse boards are more likely to underperform. That would be interesting research, and if true a far more significant finding, but it isnt the question these particular authors wanted to ask. Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time. Winston Churchill Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof. Inscription on the Liberty Bell There is vastly more money on the Left than the Right. You can see this across the country, but Minnesota provides a useful case study. It was the topic of Episode 2 of the American Experiment podcast. In the 2022 election cycle, if you add up all of the various sources of money as best public records allow, the Democrats and their supporters spent two to three times as much money as the Republicans. Altogether, the Democrats spent something like $97 milliona lot of money in some contexts, but a modest price at which to buy a state. The 2022 election here was very close. When the dust settled, there was zero net change in the House of Representatives, and the Democrats gained one seat in the Senateenough to give them controland that seat by only 321 votes. That skinniest of margins was enough to allow the Democrats to increase the states spending by one-third, and move policy in a crazily leftward direction. If the Republicans had anywhere near the financial resources of the Democrats, they would have held the Senate, won the House, elected an Attorney General and state Auditor, and perhaps a governor. Where does Democrat money for Minnesota elections come from? Mostly from public sector unions, which have a a financial interest in ever-expanding government and whose participation is inherently corrupt, and rich liberals from New York, Illinois, California and other states. Relatively little comes from Minnesota voters. When it comes to grass roots, Minnesotas GOP vastly outperforms the DFL. If only people who vote in Minnesota elections were contributing to candidates, Republicans would win going away. But the Democrats can afford to forget about small donors when rich coastal liberals, many armed with inherited wealth, are on their side. Here is our podcast, titled Minnesota For Sale. One worries about the future of our democracy when one political party has vastly greater financial resources than the other, and a medium-sized state can be bought for $97 million: PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-05 02:12:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 670 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 4, 2023 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 15,000,000 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $0.265 per Common Share for gross proceeds of up to $3,975,000 (the "Offering").The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for research, development, and commercialization programs and general working capital purposes. The Offering may close on one or more dates as the Company may determine.The Company may pay a finder's fee in connection with the Offering to eligible arm's length finders in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day following the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. 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 the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.About BioNxt Solutions Inc.BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience accelerator focused on nextgeneration drug formulations and delivery systems, diagnostic screening tests, and new active pharmaceutical production and evaluation, including: precision transdermal and oral dissolvable drug formulations; rapid, lowcost infectious disease and oral health screening tests; and standardization and clinical evaluation of emerging active pharmaceutical ingredients for neurological applications. The Company has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European markets.BioNxt Solutions Inc.Hugh Rogers, CEO and DirectorEmail: info@ bionxt.com Phone: +1 780-818-6422This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. 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. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. 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.Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. Movie Title: Orisa Release Date: 21 July 2023 Director: Odunlade Adekola Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes Cast: Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Shaffy Bello, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Muyiwa Ademola, and Eniola Ajao. July 2023 was one to remember in the context of filmmaking. Moviegoers experienced cases of Barbie fever thanks to the producers colossal marketing budget; fans of Opphemiere and Barbie were caught up in a digital face-off; Femi Adebayo sent thrills down our spines with the trailer of his new epic movie, Jagun Jagun; and Odunlade Adekola brought old Yourba glam to the red carpet during the premiere of his film, Orisa. When discussing the evolution of Nollywood, one cant help but reflect on the vast array of Yoruba films watched while growing up, be it Abeni or Maami. It is why viewers experience a sense of nostalgia and are impressed when film producers such as Odunlade tell indigenous stories. The latest addition to the catalogue of Nollywood films that shun westernised depictions of Nigerian culture is Orisa. With a line-up of both veterans and newbies in the film industry, Orisa takes viewers on an epic journey into a world that offers a solid moral lesson. However, this journey is cut short as it does not provide enough dramatic events to intrigue viewers. While the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as fingers are crossed in anticipation of what might occur to the protagonist, the film is structured in a way that misses the gaps in the plot progression. It also doesnt allude to strong motivation for characters actions, and has some unnecessary details that could have been easily edited out. Orisa is saved by the costumes, production designs, acting performances, and dialogues that immerse viewers in a rich cultural experience. The Plot The film begins with the narrator telling the tale of a king. We see the king, Adefolarin (Odunlade Adekola), being summoned to a witches coven, where he is accused of being disrespectful and proud. Showing no remorse, the witches decide to punish him with insanity. The kingdom is thrown into chaos as news of the kings madness spreads like wildfire. This catches the ears of a long-term nemesis, Komokomo (Femi Adebayo), who uses the opportunity to infiltrate the kingdom and abduct villagers. However, the thrill of destroying lives isnt enough, so he challenges the king for the throne. Appalled, members of the royal council begin to figure out a way out of the mess, searching for a solution to the kings ordeal. They are oblivious that one of the royal family members is responsible for the illness. Once the traitors action is brought to light, the king is healed, but at a price. This leaves him facing Komokomo in an epic battle where only one can survive. The Good It would be hypocritical not to applaud the films scripting vis-a-vis the dialogues. Although primarily premised on a dark tone, the writer found ways to include comic relief that didnt seem forced. The exchange added to the believability of the characters. It did not reflect Yoruba language at a glance but provided an in-depth view, especially with proverbs. The actors also brought their characters and the dialogue to life, as their ability to convey the required emotion for each scene is remarkable. A good example would be the witches scene; the tussle for power was not downplayed, with the witches and the king verbally fighting tooth and nail to see who comes out on top. Shaffy Bello stands out among the cast as she accurately portrays a grieving wife who grows weary of her husbands situation. Her speech towards her daughter is tear-moving and temporarily dismisses her from the list of suspected traitors. Odunlade Adekola offers a relatively good performance as a mad king; Femi Adebayo incites fear in viewers as a ruthless leader; and Woli Awole, despite being in a few scenes, gave us a healthy dose of laughter. Many elements, from the cinematography to the costumes, make Orisa a contender for an award in the indigenous film category. A lot of attention went into refining the final edits on our screens. The Bad Lets begin with the least problematic. Undoubtedly, the editing in Nollywood films is improving, but it needs more work. The Computer Generated-Imagery (CGI) in Orisa was a bit unprofessional and a letdown considering it was aimed at a cinematic-inclined audience. Honestly, the plot dragged out a lot. There were several unnecessary scenes in the movie. For example, in the beginning, we see King Afolarin become a madman. We watched him act insane for about five minutes. It was almost like the writer downplayed the audiences intelligence by reminding us of his madness. It also did not help that his rage is often referred to throughout the movie. Remember, show, dont tell. While the costumes are great, the makeup is not so much. The tribal marks on the characters in the early scene felt like they were drawn with an eye pencil. It wasnt until the later stage that you would notice it looked real. The majority of the problems with Orisa lie in the motives of the characters. First, we have Komokomo. His reason for becoming king of the village felt weak; there was no dramatic explanation. This made him less of a formidable villain, even after he killed the Balogun. The only people with strong motives are the witches, whose thirst for revenge is understandable. Lastly, the execution, storytelling-wise, was a huge miss. Characters kept referring to King Adefolarin as a tyrant and fearful king, but there was no in-depth explanation as to what actions conferred him with such attributes. It would have been great if there had been a flashback of him ruling the village with an iron fist. Final Verdict 7/10. Orisa is similar to an average Yourba movie, but what makes it stand out is its stellar cast, the teaching of a mothers love, and a solid moral lesson on Pride goeth before fall. Orisa is now showing at cinemas. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to commence a daily peaceful protest in the coming week if the federal government fails to meet its demand. This is despite a directive by the Nigerian government to the management of federal tertiary hospitals to commence the enforcement of the no work, no pay policy against the striking doctors. This policy means that the doctors who continue to stay away from their duty posts will not receive their regular salaries while the strike lasts. In a letter dated 1 August, the government instructed the hospitals to implement the no work, no pay policy and also keep an attendance register for resident doctors who are willing to continue working despite the strike. I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of No work, No Pay against the striking resident doctors in line with circular Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016, the letter reads in part. I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register for all residents willing to work and furnish the ministry of such names on a monthly basis. The striking doctors, however, said they are unmoved by the governments decision and promised to escalate the strike next week. Peaceful protest The association, in a circular titled; Notice of Nationwide Mass Protests and Picketing by NARD, said the protest will commence Wednesday, 9 August. NARD said it will be picketing the Federal Ministry of Health, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and the federal and state tertiary health institutions in the country. It said the protest had become necessary to press home its demands which it noted have been largely neglected by the health ministry and the federal government. We wish to bring to your notice, the decision of the National Executive Council of NARD to embark on daily peaceful protests and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide, with effect from Wednesday, 9 August by 10 am, it said. This has become necessary to press home our demands which have been largely neglected by our parent ministry and the federal government. It said rather than make genuine and concerted efforts to resolve the challenges that led to the industrial action, the government has chosen to demonise the doctors. We, therefore, resolved that it is time the whole world hears our side of the story the decay and corruption in the health sector, as well as the neglect the public health institutions have suffered all these years that led to repeated industrial actions. Doctors strike The resident doctors embarked on an indefinite industrial action on 26 July following what they described as the failure of the Nigerian government to meet their demands. The doctors are demanding, among other issues, the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), tangible steps on the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and payment of all salary arrears owed its members since 2015. The doctors also want the immediate massive recruitment of clinical staff in the hospitals and abolishment of the bureaucratic limitations to the immediate replacement of doctors and nurses who leave the system. They also want the immediate review of hazard allowance by all the state governments as well as private tertiary health institutions where any form of residency training is done. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the strike is disrupting health services in health facilities in Lagos and Abuja, Nigerias capital city. The resident doctors comprise the bulk of medical personnel in Nigerias tertiary hospitals; hence health activities are mostly crippled when they are on strike. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print RIYADH, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A meeting on the Ukraine crisis began on Saturday in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. A source from the Ukrainian delegation told Al Arabiya News that during the meeting, the 10-point peace plan proposed by Ukraine was backed by several countries. The meeting, attended by security advisors and representatives from some 40 countries, aims to work out a solution that will achieve permanent peace and reduce the humanitarian repercussions of the Ukraine crisis, according to Al Ekhbariya News. Through the meeting, the Saudi government looks forward to reinforcing dialogue and cooperation at the international level. It also aims to ensure a solution to the crisis through political and diplomatic means and in a way that strengthens international peace and security. Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui attended the meeting at the invitation of Saudi Arabia. Kingswill: Operations in Secrecy This is the second part of this report. You can read the first part here. James, George, and Obi have common tales of urban poverty. Aware of the near impossibility for many young Nigerians to earn a decent wage and the pressure to keep up with global consumerism, operators of surrogacy in Nigeria go for the jugular of vulnerable women, like the ones seated clutching their appointment cards like regular visitors to a hospital. However, I observed that all of them were hiding their cards, especially to conceal the front part. I wondered why since they were inside the clinic and everyone was there for the same purpose. We have been told not to expose the name of the clinic because it is on the card. Even when we are here or outside, we are used to hiding it, James explained. You also know that it is not appropriate for people to see our cards so they wont start asking questions about why were visiting a hospital or thereabouts. Obi corroborated the explanation. She said she usually took permission from work whenever she needed to visit the clinic, not wanting anyone to know what she was doing and exposing the appointment card might jeopardise her chances. Asked how she would cope with work when she needs to stay in the hospital for multiple days at the point of the egg retrieval, Obi said I will take a sick leave and take a picture of myself on the hospital bed. I am sure my boss will even give me money to pay my hospital bills. Her statement made me wonder if truly her salary was not sufficient for her, or if she was just interested in doing what others were doing. The appointment cards were also used as wallets to pay the donors. The nurses would enter the small room, collect cards from people depending on their appointment stage, and return the cards with money. After opening the cards, the women were usually seen calculating how much they had collected so far as transportation costs and how much more to expect. After a lot of zooming in and out on the appointment cards, my spy camera revealed the name of the clinic as Kingswill. Spotlighting Kingswill Clinic A public search on the Corporate Affairs Commissions website revealed that Kingswill Specialist Hospital Limited was registered in July 2017 as a Private Company Limited by Shares with registration number 1424787. However, the online search showed the status as inactive and the purpose of operation as NIL. I checked through the organisations website on 20 May and it indicated that they offer IVF as a service. When I checked the website again on 7 July to extract more details, the website had been suspended by its hosting platform due to non-renewal. On the other hand, the hospital does not have the logo of the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), the agency saddled with the responsibility of monitoring both private and public health facilities to ensure registration and accreditation of all health facilities in Lagos State, and to ensure their operations are in line with ethical standards. Speaking with Yemisi Koya, the chairperson of HEFAMAA, she explained that whichever hospital where you do not see a logo of HEFAMAA, that means that facility is not registered by HEFAMAA, please do not go there. If there is anyone that has HEFAMAAs logo but is involved in illegitimacy, please report to HEFAMAA, she added. Speaking about malpractices in facilities registered under HEFAMAA, Mrs Koya said: The law empowers HEFAMAA to conduct at least two facility visits per year, and we did engage the collaboration of stakeholders; franchise organisations to expand our reach to meet the mandate of the regulation. Through this regular check by HEFAMAA and the franchise organisations, the agency is able to beam its search light on illegal health facilities and stop its operations. In the same vein, Abiola Idowu, the Executive Secretary of HEFAMAA, said the agency was also counting on intelligence sharing from members of the public who might be aware of baby factories in the name of fertility clinics or fertility clinics operating illegally. We regulate fertility clinics, they fall under the Artificial Reproductory Therapy (ART) facilities and it is part of HEFAMAAS regulatory oversight, so we set out standards for them. If we find any facility that is not operating according to the guidelines or is not registered, we will sanction them. I will enjoin the public if they see any facility that is running as a baby factory, they should let us know. If they see any facility without our logo or without our certificate pasted at their entrance, they should report to HEFAMAA, she added. However, when I presented my findings and the name and address of Kingswill Specialist Hospital to HEFAMAA, the monitoring unit of the agency confirmed that the facility is registered with HEFAMAA and is up to date with its annual renewal payment as of last year. Mrs Idowu, however, noted that my findings would be passed to the ART Committee, which is under the board of HEFAMAA, to conduct necessary investigations. Immediately we got your message, we are checking their registration for this year, and if there is any deficit. We have also kicked off our investigation, whatever the outcome is, we will let you know, she said. While Kingswill Hospital might be run by professionals and accredited by HEFAMAA, its mode of engagement with innocent young women as oocyte donors and surrogates, and without proper enlightenment, is unethical. When I contacted the hospital, officially, for comments about the unethical practices and lack of informed consent for donors, the receiver who sounded unsettled after I explained the purpose of the call asked me to call back in five minutes. When I did, the line became unreachable. I sent a text message and received feedback the next day, from a different number, but with the hospitals signature. I was assured that an appointment would be scheduled and I could speak with the hospital management. But I did not get any feedback after many follow-up texts and calls. On the third day when I reached out, another woman picked up the call (on the new number) and said I would be contacted. However, I have not received any feedback as of the time of this report. My turn: No enlightenment for donors, poor attitudes of medical personnel It was already past 3 p.m. and there were just six of us in the room, including my friends and Obi. The nurse who had been hostile and shouting at every provocation became calm and told me she was assisting me because they dont take new intakes on Saturdays. She asked me to use the bathroom after which I would see the doctor. She asked if my friends were egg donors, but I said no, that one of them was pregnant and she wanted to give it out. She corroborated what the agent told me via chat some minutes earlier, as the agent had offered to link my friend up with someone else in Anambra who would adopt the foetus. After our conversation, the nurse hurriedly directed me into a room to meet the doctor and told me to beg the doctor to attend to me, because the doctor was not obliged to attend to first-timers on a Saturday. I wasnt sure of what to say or ask at that point so I remarked that I am on my period. She said that was okay and that I should proceed to meet the doctor. I entered the small testing room where I was supposed to meet the doctor, but I didnt see anyone and I thought I had missed my way. I stepped out of the room, opening another exit door that linked to the hospitals lobby. I saw a couple entering through the main door, it was obvious they were seeking one of the services of the fertility clinic. While wandering and trying to identify the doctors office, I was hushed and directed by the other nurses and asked to go back to the testing room I came from. I went back into the room which had a small bed, a trans-vaginal ultrasound scanner, a table and a few items placed in the wardrobe section. After waiting for about 10 minutes, a female doctor, beautiful, fair and petite came in. She did not ask too many questions, but also verified if I was menstruating and if I had given birth before, both to which I said Yes. She placed a mackintosh on the bed and asked me to lie down for a test and to remove my underwear. I reminded her that I was on my period and asked about what she wanted to do. She told me she wanted to test me. I asked a lot of questions, but she was not interested. All she wanted to do was to conduct the vaginal scan to ascertain if I was okay, could proceed with other blood tests and begin treatment. To do the vagina scan, she would insert the ultrasound probe (transducer), covered with a condom, into my vagina. I genuinely tried to do the vaginal scan, but I couldnt imagine the procedure. On the other hand, the doctor was not sure why a lady who had supposedly given birth before would be cringing all because of a vagina scan. I gave her the excuse that I was menstruating and I found it irritating that she wants to do the scan. Obviously displeased, she shouted at me, saying I should be the one to complain that youre on your period. If youre not ready, I will walk you out and never come back here. She told me if I ever came back, she would be the one to attend to me, and she would need to conduct a vagina scan on me during my menstruation. She thought I was one of the desperate women who dared not complain whenever nurses or doctors treated them badly. I wondered why the doctors or the nurses wouldnt take the time to enlighten a surrogate or donor about the steps they were taking. I believe they were only interested in making money and not in the welfare of innocent young women. I left the room. Of course, I was not interested in going back to the hospital. As I got back into the room where the women were, the doctor came in to complain to the others and the nurses about my bad attitude and how I was not ready. The people in the room could not fathom why I declined. I also do not know why, but I guess I was not mentally prepared for it. I was not ready to go through any form of psychological trauma after the vagina scan. My experience in the room confirmed that surrogates or egg donors were not informed about the life-altering decisions they were taking and they were definitely ignorant about the long-term consequences and health risks involved. Simbiat Bakare, a sexual and reproductive health rights advocate, decried Kingswill Hospitals approach and that of any other fertility clinics that do such. Mrs Bakare described surrogacy as another form of organ trafficking and modern-day slavery. It is harvesting (poor and young) womens eggs and wombs. In some instances, it is the usage of both of a woman and, in other instances, it is getting the eggs and renting the womb from multiple sources. It is deeply disturbing to think that sometimes multiple strange womens bodies are used to produce babies for wealthy couples or all the reproductive facilities of one woman are used to give a child to a richer person. Because for a fact, we know most of the women used as surrogacy mothers and egg donors are young women in need of financial assistance. The SRH advocate added that like prostitution, its an institution taking advantage of the most vulnerable set of women in society either due to their lack of access to credible information, money, naivety, or a combination of all. Although some may argue that surrogacy can be altruistic, it doesnt change the fact that its deeply unethical and like all forms of organ trafficking, it must be stopped. Having a baby is not a human right. It might be a desire or a want, but its not a right. Human Cost: Health and Emotional Consequences There are short and long terms physical risks and complications faced by surrogates and donors. These include psychological and emotional toll on participants in surrogacy arrangements as well as lack of post-surrogacy care and support for the women involved. According to Public Health Post, Egg donors have reported long-term effects, including aggressive breast cancer, loss of fertility, and fatal colon cancer, sometimes occurring just a few years after donation. Without any family history of these illnesses, they suspect their egg donation as the cause. However, without scientific research, no one can confirm or deny a causal association between the medical procedure of egg donation and any reported long-term effect. Regarding the emotional consequences, Dayo Odukoya, the founder of Parah Family Foundation, an NGO that creates awareness among couples going through infertility challenges, said some of the measures that fertility clinics and surrogate agencies take to cut off ties between the surrogate mothers and babies, include delivery through Caesarean section. They dont allow the surrogate mothers to see the baby after being taken out through Caesarean section. They dont want the woman to hear the first cry of that baby or breastfeed the baby at all. This is to avoid any form of bond between mother and child. Mrs Odukoya thereafter noted that these terms are usually known by both parties and should prepare the donors before getting started. However, James didnt have all the information to help her make an informed decision prior to her first surrogacy contract, although she didnt seem keen on knowing too much as she was in it all for the money. According to her, experience is the best teacher. She believed she was better prepared for her second surrogacy contract, which might possibly be her last, but also she was unsure. I have a child before which I delivered through natural birth. This is my second surrogate process and if I deliver through CS, I might not be able to do another one. I also want to give birth later in the future and I dont want to ruin my chances, James added with so much uncertainty. George wasnt worried about any health complications. According to her, You have to take a break for about two or three months before another egg donation so that the eggs can be many before the donation. This is the second part of this report. You can read the first part here. The concluding part will focus on ambiguous laws and illegitimate practices leading to health risks and emotional trauma for surrogates and donors. Editors Note: All the names of the donors in this story are not real names, to protect the identity of the women. This report was supported by the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its Report Women! Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP), champion building edition. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Senators have rejected the request by President Bola Tinubu for permission to deploy Nigerian troops to Niger Republic as part of an ECOWAS force to reinstate the democratically elected president of the country, President Mohamed Bazoum was deposed on 26 July in a coup led by his presidential guards. ECOWAS leaders at a meeting in Abuja four days later gave the coup leaders a seven-day ultimatum to restore constitutional order or face the possible use of force. The regional body imposed sanctions on the coup leaders with Nigeria also cutting electricity supplies and closing its borders with the poor West African nation. Following the refusal of the coup leaders to backtrack, West African defence chiefs said they had drawn a plan for military action as part of which President Tinubu wrote the Senate for permission to involve Nigerian troops in the action. However, at an executive session on Saturday, the senators rejected the request by the president. According to a senator who attended the meeting, senators agreed to pass a resolution condemning the coup and to commend ECOWAS leaders on their efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger, but they ruled out military options. Almost all the senators spoke and totally ruled out the military options because of many factors and also because of the harmonious relationship that Nigeria and Niger has always enjoyed. Senators instead urged President Tinubu to intensify negotiation with the coup leaders by again sending a high-powered delegation to Niamey. Someone suggested that elderstatemen like Obasanjo, Gen Ali Gusau and Abdulsalam Abubakar should be sent as special envoys to dialogue and seek a diplomatic solution. Senators opposed to military action pointed out that our military is highly ill-equipped and not prepared to fight any war.They said that we have fragile peace in Nigeria and that Niger is the highest arms market in Africa. READ ALSO: Senators believe that the Federal Government should focus on solving the Boko Haram, banditry and ESN/IPOB menaces ravaging the country instead of contemplating going to war in a foreign country. Over 90 per cent of senator who spoke are vehement against sending troops/military action, PREMIUM TIMES gathered. The senator said Senate President Goodswill Akpabio appealed to the lawmakers to endorse the steps President Tinubu had taken so far, but they vehemently rejected the appeal. Senators were saying that they will pass a resolution condemning the coup, but on the issue of going to war with Niger, it is a no go area. The Senate has now returned to plenary where they are expected to pass a resolution on the issue. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Nigerian Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has spoken on why the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, cannot make an open broadcast cancelling the controversial sit-at-home orders in South-east Nigeria. Mr Abaribe, who represents Abia South District in 10th Senate, spoke on Friday night when he appeared as a guest on Hardcopy, a Channels TV programme. Background IPOB, in August 2021, introduced a sit-at-home order every Monday across the South-east to pressure the Nigerian government to release Mr Kanu, who is standing trial for alleged terrorism at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The group later suspended the order, in preference for it to be implemented only on days Mr Kanu appears in court. But despite its suspension, many residents of the five South-east states Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia and Anambra have been observing the Monday sit-at-home order, mostly out of fear. IPOB had repeatedly disowned the Monday sit-at-home across the region, saying those who still enforce the order were criminals attempting to blackmail the separatist group. READ ALSO: But a pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, who leads Autopilot, a faction of IPOB, has continued to declare the sit-at-home in the region, despite being suspended by the IPOB faction led by Mr Kanu. Following public outcry, the IPOB leader in late July, via a handwritten letter given to Aloy Ejimakor, his special counsel, ordered Mr Ekpa to stop issuing sit-at-home orders in the region. But Mr Ekpa described the letter as fake, and maintained that the civil action would go on until Mr Kanu speaks to him directly in Finland, a North European country, where he (Ekpa) resides. Many people have continued to argue that in order to eliminate any doubt about the authenticity of the letter, Mr Kanu ought to have publicly announced the order on the sit-at-home rather than doing so through his lawyer. Abaribe speaks Speaking on the issue, Mr Abaribe stressed that Mr Kanu had repeatedly denounced the sit-at-home order. The senator said had he visited Mr Kanu at the facility of the State Security Service (SSS), in 2022, alongside other Igbo leaders over the sit-at-home issue. In the visit were a former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Godfrey Onah; his counterpart in the Anglican Diocese of Arochukwu/Ohafia, Johnson Onuoha and the Secretary-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okey Emuchay. Mr Abaribe said they held a meeting with the IPOB leader during which he denounced the sit-at-home in the region. We all sat with him (Kanu) and he said, No I am not part of this (sit-at-home) and I have denounced it and I have told my people (IPOB) to make a public announcement. I told them we no longer can do that, he said, quoting Mr Kanus comments. On why Mr Kanu conveyed the recent order against sit-at-home through his lawyer, the senator explained that the IPOB leader would not be able to make any public broadcast about the sit-at-home without being authorised by a court given his pending trial and continued detention at the SSS facility When we came out (from the meeting with Kanu) and we engaged the people (of the South-east), they said why didnt you people let him come and talk by himself. And we told them: Here is a man under jurisdiction of a court. It will be very difficult (for him to talk publicly) if the court does not give an order for him to give a verbal or TV interview, Mr Abaribe. The senator added that it would be difficult for a court to grant such an order because it could create a base upon which other detainees will make the same demand. So, because of that, he (Kanu) had to pass that order (ending sit-at-home) to us through his lawyer, he stated. The former Minority Leader at the Ninth Senate, said there were ongoing efforts by the leaders in the South-east to secure the release of the IPOB leader to end the growing insecurity in the region. He explained that the efforts of the leaders followed their findings that the enforcers of the civil action in the South-east were hiding under the cover of seeking Mr Kanus release to cause violence and mayhem in the region. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has directed South-east residents to set aside Mondays as empowerment days in the region. The spokesperson of IPOB, Emma Powerful, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, which was forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Powerful said Mr Kanu gave the directive as a follow-up to his earlier cancellation of the controversial sit-at-home usually enforced by a faction of the IPOB on Mondays. He did not, however, mention when the IPOB leader gave the directive. Economic Empowerment Day connotes a day set aside for mass mobilisation of Biafrans to devote their resources and means towards reversing the sharp and unprecedented decline in the economic needs of our people occasioned by the prolonged sit-at-home, Mr Powerful said. Continuing, he said, During this exercise, Biafrans are encouraged to embark on massive deployment of their resources for their empowerment of the educationally disadvantaged and poverty-ridden population of our people. Through education, employment, health services, a sense of identity and community, our people and indeed, the Eastern region, can begin to thrive and grow. The IPOB spokesperson said the decision was in response to an urgent need to reclaim the lost glory of the South-east residents by empowering them with the resources they need to live beyond mere subsistence. He pointed out that the people had long been noted for their hard work, resilience and greatness. Also, the implication of this Economic Empowerment Day, is that Biafrans are expected to devote significant time to adhere to their routine calendar schedule template strictly and uninterruptedly to make up for humongous time lost to the activities of misguided enforcers of the unsanctioned Monday sit-at-home order, he added. Nnamdi Kanus letter authentic Mr Kanu in late July, via a handwritten letter given to Aloy Ejimakor, his special counsel, had ordered Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran agitator, to stop issuing sit-at-home orders in the region. But Mr Ekpa, who has been issuing sit-at-home orders in the region, described the letter as fake, and maintained that the civil action would go on until Mr Kanu speaks to him directly in Finland, a North European country, where he (Ekpa) resides. Speaking on the issue, Mr Powerful stressed that the handwritten letter from Mr Kanu ordering the cancellation of all sit-at-home orders in the region was authentic and that it was not written under any duress, compulsion or influence of any kind. The IPOB spokesperson said the State Security Service cannot influence the IPOB leader on what to do or say. Anybody questioning the authenticity of the handwritten letter suspending further Monday sit-at-home is patently dishonest and not worthy to be called a Biafran. Anybody who claims to know Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will also know that nobody will be courageous enough to coerce him to do anything that will jeopardise the restoration of Biafra, he stated. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said his administration would soon set up a commission to ensure ease of doing business in the state. Mr Otti disclosed this on Wednesday when some officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), visited him in the state, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Kasie Uko, on Friday. The officials were led by CBN Controller, Abia State Branch, Olaoba Ayotunde. The Chairperson of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Abia State Chapter, Linus Okezie, was also present during the visit. Earlier during the visit, the CBN officials had complained to Mr Otti about some ugly experiences the bank has had with previous administrations in the state, which hindered the implementation of some of their intervention programmes. Kelechi Adiele, who spoke on behalf of the officials, said some of the issues had been a lack of synergy and the necessary structure to work such as carrying out interventions in the state. Another issue that we have which we would like you to help us with, is the issue of recovery. Here (in Abia), we dont have structural traditional institutions to help us get to the grassroots when it comes to recovery, said Mr Adiele, who heads the CBNs Department of Development Finance in Abia State. The officials also drew the attention of the governor to the delay and difficulties people encounter getting a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), which, according to them, has hindered many residents from benefiting from CBN interventions. So many businessmen and women, who are small entrepreneurs, wish to access funds from CBN but they do not have a C of O, and you know what that means, they stated. Otti responds Responding, Mr Otti promised to set up the commission to ensure ease of doing business in the state, explaining that the move would help to eliminate the obstacles residents and investors encounter in their efforts to set up and grow their businesses. We also do know that if it is not easy to do business, people will go to where it is easy to do business. So, we lose by not addressing all the issues, Mr Otti added. The Ease of Doing Business ranking for Abia State dropped from 16th in 2018 to 32nd in 2022, about a 50 per cent drop from its initial position within four years, according to data released by BudgIT. The drop occurred during the administration of the immediate past governor of the state, Okezie Ikpeazu. Ready for partnership Mr Otti, who won the 18 March governorship election in the state, previously worked as a bank official for several years. The CBN officials, during the visit, expressed joy that their former colleague in the banking sector has become the governor of the state. We are glad that someone like you, a very senior colleague, is heading the Abia State Government. That means those of us in the banking industry should be able to relate easier with the state government, Mr Adiele said. The officials told Mr Otti that the CBN has designated Abia State to receive a palliative of food items to mitigate the harsh impact of the removal of fuel subsidy on residents of the state, especially the vulnerable poor among them. They said the CBN was willing to partner with the state government in the area of building Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Village, financing agriculture, cooperatives and other developmental and empowerment programmes. Governor Otti expressed happiness to receive the CBN officials and promised to work on the issues they raised so that residents of the state would benefit from the programmes and interventions of the bank. I agree with you completely. Sometimes recovery becomes a problem when you extend some of the supports that you mentioned. We must go back to think of, first of all, how to encourage our people to benefit from some of the items you mentioned. Most importantly, to also support you in recovering. You also noted the issue of Certificate of Occupancy. Its one of the items that dont help the state in the ease of doing business. The last time I checked, we were somewhere around 20s out of the 36 states. That is not a good place to be for a state that is both the commercial and industrial nerve centre of the South-east, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, has said the newly elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, and the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, are key to the success of the bold reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the buy-in of the National Assembly. Mr Omo-Agege stated this in a congratulatory message signed by his media adviser, Sunny Areh, to the two new leaders of the ruling party. Mr Ganduje, a two-term former governor of Kano, on Thursday emerged as national chairman of APC alongside Mr Basiru who was elected the new national secretary. They were ratified to replace the immediate past National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu and National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, at the National Executive Council meeting attended by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Mr Omo-Agege who is also the governorship candidate of the APC in Delta State, said Messrs Ganduje and Basiru have the task of ensuring that federal lawmakers and indeed all party faithful endorse and support President Tinubu in his bid to chart a fresh course for the economy. Just as Nigerians rightly put their faith in President Tinubu to right the ship of state, the emergence of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru as national chairman and secretary respectively of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle on a productive and progressive team Nigeria needs to return to the path of growth. READ ALSO: Dr. Gandujes broad national outlook and dispassionate perception of issues made him have the remarkable record of being the first and only governor to win a second term in Kano State. He is an achiever. As for Senator Basiru, I worked closely with him in the 9th session of the National Assembly where he was the Senate spokesman. He is very diligent and straightforward. With both of them running the APC, the path to a stable polity is now assured. When the party is in trusted hands and there is a robust and cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive branch, the reform agenda of President Tinubu will be successful, Mr Omo-Agege said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has narrated how absence of doctors and nurses from duty at a federal hospital caused the death of his first grandchild in 2019. Mr Akpabio said his grandchild died after bleeding for several hours because there were no doctors and nurses on duty at the hospital. The senate president narrated the experience on Friday when members of the upper chamber were screening the ministerial nominee from Lagos State, Tunji Alausa. Mr Akpabio did not mention the name of the federal medical center where his first grandchild died but he said the little boy died after losing over 60 per cent of blood while on admission at the hospital. He stressed that all efforts to revive the boy with a defibrillator were unsuccessful because the hospital had not used the equipment for years. Just like every other person here, I have been a victim of medical neglect. I lost my first grandchild in 2019, in a federal medical center. He died through bleeding. He was placed on a drip that ran into the night. There was no help, no doctor, no nurse and he bled until he lost over 60 per cent of his blood. They went to go and bring a defibrillator to attempt to revive the heart, but it did not work. I said for how long, they said it stopped working eight years ago. I used my hand and struggled with my physician, I could not revive him. I had to close his eyes and put him in the mortuary, and then I proceeded to Port Harcourt for our partys rally, Mr Akpabio narrated. Gunshot victims Mr Alausa while responding to a question on hospitals treating gunshot victims maintained that, professionally, hospitals do not need a police report before saving lives from a gunshot victim. You dont need a police report to treat a trauma patient. This should be communicated to the Inspector General of Police. The health care providers are scared to treat people with gunshot injury thinking that the police will go and prosecute them. They are afraid that they could be accused of treating a suspected armed robber. I think somebody with a gunshot injury should be allowed to live to tell his or her story. He should be rescued and treated first. He could be prosecuted later. Health caregiver should do their best to save the lives of all trauma patients. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has chided the Nigerian police over the arrest and detention of Uyo-based entrepreneur, Breshnev Langwa. Mr Langwa, a Cameroonian, is the CEO of Bennycom Agro and Farms Limited, which is into fertiliser importation. Some operatives from Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Lagos Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 14 July, whisked Mr Langwa from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and flew him to Lagos over an allegation of obtaining goods by false pretence and fraud. Mr Effiong, who is Mr Langwas lawyer, described the arrest and detention of his client as unlawful. He accused Frank Mba, a deputy inspector general of police (DIG), of using his office to influence Mr Langwas arrest and detention, an allegation the police have denied. The allegation against DIG Frank Mba, who was not even the AIG in charge of FCID Annex Alagbon when the suspect was arrested, is just a psychological projection and a campaign of calumny, the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Monday. Mr Adejobi, an assistant commissioner of police, said Mr Langwas arrest followed a complaint from a firm, Emb Trade Logistics Nig Ltd. The suspect, who has been off the radar, following the fraudulent transactions as alleged, was arrested in Uyo and brought to Lagos to enable him answer to the allegations against him. Investigations so far by the Police team have clearly established a prima facie case against the suspect, Mr Adejobi said in the statement. No warrant of arrest Mr Effiong, in response to the police statement, said his client was arrested without a warrant. He challenged the police to publish a warrant for Mr Langwas arrest, if there were any. Our client is a known and licensed businessman in Nigeria and has never disobeyed any lawful invitation from the Police. When our client was arrested, he demanded for a warrant but none was shown to him at the point of arrest, Mr Effiong said. Mr Effiong, who said his client was arrested over a N26 million disputed debt with his business partner, Hillary Mba of Emb Trade Logistics Nig Ltd, insisted that the police chief, Mr Mbah, was behind the arrest. He said that Hillary of Emb Trade Logistics is a relative of the DIG, Mr Mba. The lawyer said the police operatives who went for the arrest told Mr Langwa that they had instructions from the police chief to bring him to Lagos. He said Mr Langwa even spoke with Mr Mbah on the phone, and that the police chief asked him to cooperate with the police operatives. A journalist in Uyo, who did not want his name mentioned in the report because of his relationship with an officer who is involved in the case, corroborated the lawyers claim. The journalist told PREMIUM TIMES he was at the police station when the officers brought in Mr Langwa, and that he heard the officers say they were working on DIG, Mr Mbas instruction. The lawyer, Mr Effiong, said it was shocking that the police claimed his client was off the radar, when no one ever invited him to answer to any petition prior to the illegal arrest. He said, Assuming without conceding that the arrest was lawful and that the Police merely wanted Mr Langwa to answer to the allegations against him. Why was Mr Langwa not informed of his offence in writing within 24 hours in line with section 35 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria? Why did the Police blatantly refuse to release Mr Langwa on administrative bail after obtaining his statement despite producing a reliable surety? Why was Mr Langwa detained forsix days from 14 July, 2023 to 20 July 2023 before being surreptitiously taken to Court to seek an Order to further detain him for 30 days in gross breach and violation of section 35 (5) of the 1999 Constitution? Mr Effiong alleged that a police inspector handling the case at FCID Annex Alagbon has been threatening that his client must pay at least 50 per cent of the disputed N26 million before he could be considered for administrative bail. Disputed business transaction Mr Effiong in an earlier statement explained the disputed transaction between his client, Mr Langwa and Hillary. Our client has a commercial dispute with Mr Hillary Emeka Mba, regarding claims and counter claims over computation of profit sharing, costs, expenses, taxes, on their fertiliser trade collaborations; a unique business model where Hillary Emeka Mba buys fertilisers from manufacturers in Nigeria and hands over to our client, who then secures trade licenses, manages logistics, handles Customs duties, and ships the product (fertilisers) to Cameroon, where our client also undertakes the sales of the fertilisers, and subsequently, they both share profit. Hillary Emeka Mba claims our client is owing him, a claim our client vehemently disputes. The lawyer said both parties had agreed to invite a neutral third party to help resolve the dispute before Hillary filed a complaint against his client. In a country plagued by so much nationwide insecurity, we believe very strongly that the Police should rather devote their energy to urgent issues of internal security. Given the manner the Police is going about this case, it is obvious to discerning Nigerians that the promises of police reforms are nothing but empty words, Mr Effiong said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Maryam Shetty, the ministerial nominee, whose nomination was withdrawn while awaiting her screening by the Senate on Friday, has thanked President Bola Tinubu for the honour done to her for the nomination. President Tinubu had initially named the lady from Kano State on the second list of nominees he sent to the Senate on 3 August for screening and confirmation but later withdrew it for reasons yet unknown. The youth mobiliser had arrived at the Senate awaiting her screening until news filtered in that her nomination had been withdrawn and another person, Mairiga Mahmud, was chosen as her replacement. Her nomination, which generated excitement and created a buzz among her supporters on social media, also provoked intense criticisms and condemnation as soon as they knew she would no longer be screened. Similarly, some who criticised Mr Tinubu for the initial nomination also commended the president for substituting her name with Mrs Mahmud, an ex-commissioner in the immediate past administration of former Governor Umar Ganduje. My nomination brought me honour In a post on her verified Facebook page on Saturday, she said the nomination brought her immense honour as it represented a significant stride towards a more inclusive national representation, especially coming from a conservative region like northern Nigeria. In the post titled My Journey of Nomination, Withdrawal, and Hope: A Personal Account, she said, The sheer joy and pride I felt at my nomination were beyond words. It was a validation of my capabilities, a nod to my vision, and a sign that our great nation was ready to embrace a future where young women like me, even from the most traditional parts of Nigeria, can hold positions of influence and power. Life, with its characteristic unpredictability, she said, led to the withdrawal of her nomination. To some, this could seem like a setback, but my faith as a devout Muslim guided my understanding. I saw it as the divine will of Allah, who I believe grants power as He wishes when He wishes. His plans are always superior to ours, she said. Gratitude to President Tinubu, acknowledgement of support Despite withdrawing her nomination, she thanked President Tinubu for nominating her. Even with this unexpected twist, my gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for considering me for such an esteemed position remains undiminished. The journey doesnt end here; I believe this is a mere stepping stone, and the best is yet to come. My resolve to serve my beloved country, Nigeria, in any capacity I can, is stronger than ever, she said She assured her incredible supporters that this is not an end, saying it is the dawn of a new era I urge all of us to continue praying for our nation and to stand behind our president as he strives to better Nigeria. Together, lets press ahead, united under our #WEBELIEVE campaign. It would be unfair of me here if I fail to acknowledge and appreciate the overwhelming support from international organisations and community, a lot have reached out, and I am completely dazed by it all, she said. She said her hope was unwavering despite her nomination being withdrawn. As I have often stated, Hope is not lost; maybe I will come back again. This phase of my life has instilled in me a deeper sense of resilience, faith, and the value of service beyond titles and positions. It has reaffirmed my belief in the potential for change and in the inherent greatness of Nigeria. The dream is still alive, and my commitment to our nation remains steadfast. As we move forward, I pray for the good health and strength to our President Baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. May Allah continue to bless our great nation, The Federal Republic of Nigeria! #webelieve! She appealed to her supporters to know that the only source of interaction on social media is her verified Facebook page and should be wary of cloned accounts bearing my name. Thank you, and God Bless. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print KINSHASA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UPDS) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) visited the DRC from Wednesday to Friday. During the visit, the Chinese delegation,led by Zhu Rui, assistant minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met with President of the Senate Modeste Bahati Lukwebo, President of the National Assembly Christophe Mboso, and Congolese Prime Minister Sama Lukonde Kyenge. The delegation held a discussion with UPDS General Secretary Augustin Kabuya. The Chinese delegation briefed the hosts on the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the CPC and held in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations. The Congolese side said that China's path to modernization represents opportunities for the world, voicing their willingness to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China so as to deliver benefits to the two peoples. The Lagos State Government has said the installer of the faulty elevator which claimed the life of a medical doctor, Vwaere Daiso, at the states General Hospital, Odan, has been handed over to the police. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier ordered an investigation into the death of Ms Diaso, who was on a one-year internship at the hospital and had only about two weeks to complete her programme. According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olumide Sogunle, the panel met with the lift installer and the installation companys representatives. The installer, the statement noted, was thereafter handed over to the police for questioning. The colleagues of the deceased Wednesday protested the unfortunate incident, accusing the hospital management of ignoring earlier complaints about the faulty elevator which they claimed had been faulty for over three years. Submission of findings Highlighting the steps taken by the investigative panel, Mr Sogunle noted that a lift expert was invited to the accident scene to look at the lift and give a preliminary opinion, while other experts would now take the elevator out for a thorough mechanical and electrical examination. The panel was given 48 hours to conclude action, so it will submit a report of its initial findings on Saturday. And any other steps to be taken after that would be done by the appropriate authorities, he said. The statement added that the panel already met with the facilitys manager, management of the General Hospital, Lagos, and the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), to unravel the circumstances surrounding the elevator accident. The permanent secretary noted that six house officers and representatives of the medical associations were appointed as witnesses and as part of the panel. He said the members of the panel include, the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Service Commission (HSC), Permanent Secretary of the Health Service Commission, Director-General of the Safety Commission, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; House officers and representatives of the medical associations. Doctors strike In reaction to the death of Ms Diaso, the states chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the umbrella body for the medical doctors in the country also directed its members across three hospitals in the state to commence an indefinite strike action. NMA Chairman and Secretary in the state, Benjamin Olowojebutu, and Ajibowo Ismail, gave the directive in a joint statement Wednesday. The affected hospitals are the General Hospital, Odan; Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, and Massey Street Childrens Hospital, also located on Lagos Island. The association directed that the strike should continue until investigations into the cause of the death were completed and justice served. NMA also directed all the doctors in other government hospitals in the state to scale down activities as a mark of respect for the late colleague. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has cautioned against the use of military power toward tackling the military coup in Niger Republic, calling for diplomatic options to address the situation. Suleiman Kawu (NNPP-Kano), the spokesperson for the forum, said this when he briefed journalists in Abuja on Friday. The forum under the leadership of Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi), has noted with concern and condemn in entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum. The Northern Senators also take cognissance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our dear President, Bola Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic. The emphasis however, is that we should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic, he said. Mr Kawu added: We also take exception to use of the of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business. READ ALSO: Besides, about 17 northern states who share border with Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected. We are also aware of the situation of Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven northern states, if military force is used. He added that there would be serious implication for Nigeria if military force was considered without exhausting all diplomatic channels. As democrats and representatives of the people, we hereby urge our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub section (4) (a) and (b), he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Kaduna State Chapter, said it started an indefinite strike on Friday. The president of the association, Mahmood Rufai, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that all doctors were given 24 hours to discharge all patients in general and rural hospitals in the state. The association is the umbrella body of all medical doctors working under the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, and State Primary Healthcare Board. The association, after a congress, unanimously decided to issue a one week ultimatum to the state government starting from Friday, July 28 during which complete medical services will be rendered in spite of the ongoing NARD strike. Mr Rufai said the association demanded full implementation of the new Federal Government CONMESS and SKIPPING allowance as well as upward review with immediate effect. The association as an affiliate member of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) held a virtual emergency congress on Friday to scrutinise the attitude of the state government following the two weeks ultimatum. The ultimatum was given to the government on March 6, to discuss lingering challenges affecting the welfare of its members. For the purpose of emphasis, failure of the government to address the above-stated challenges before the timeline of Aug. 4, necessitates the congress to embark on an indefinite strike, he said. Mr Rufai said that doctors were still on 59 per cent of the Reviewed 2009 CONMESS which was implemented in 2014. The congress observed that the insinuation for the full implementation of the 2009 CONMESS has changed following the removal of fuel subsidy, increase in fuel price and cost of living, an upward review of the CONMESS is necessary, he said. Mr Rufai also said the congress observed non-implementation of the Reviewed Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) and non-payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for years which helps doctors on residency programme. He said the congress also expressed concern that the government had yet to release circulars for the recruitment of new staff to replace those who had exited the various Secondary Health Facilities across the state. Unfortunately, doctors in these facilities continue to suffer brain drain and burn out effect due to severe manpower shortage occasioned by the unwillingness of other doctors to come over due to poor pay and preference to state tertiary health institutions and others. The congress demands immediate release of a circular for the recruitment of new staff to curtail the shortage of manpower in the state facilities. READ ALSO: Doctors strike paralyses public hospitals in Ogun We call on the state government to prioritise the provision of adequate medical diagnostic equipment, enhance security in the facilities and improve accommodations to members. We also demand immediate implementation of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) and payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF). We also demand immediate implementation of the new Hazard Allowance with arrears, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Senate has reached a resolution rejecting President Bola Tinubus request to deploy Nigerian troops in Niger Republic to restore democratic rule in that troubled country. Rather the upper legislative chamber advised Mr Tinubu and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), which he leads, to explore political solution to the crisis. The resolution confirms an earlier PREMIUM TIMES report that Senators had taken a decision opposing military action in Niger. President Tinubu had on Friday sought the approval of the upper chamber to mobilise the Nigerian Army to Niger Republic to combat the Nigerien coupists who overthrew their democratically elected president, Mohammed Bazoum. In a resolution after deliberating on Mr Tinubus request at a closed session Saturday, the Senate supported other steps being taking by Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reverse the coup but rejected the option of a military action in the poor West African nation. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, read the resolution after the lawmakers returned to plenary. Me Akpabio suggested that the President did not seek the approval of the Senate to go to war in Niger Republic but that is incorrect because Mr Tinubu clearly indicated a plan to execute an ECOWAS mandate to deploy troops in Niger should the coupists remain recalcitrant. The Senate recognises the fact that the President Tinubu by virtue of the correspondence has not asked for approval of the parliament, approval of this Senate, to go to war as being erroneously suggested in some quarters, Mr Akpabio said. Rather Mr President and the Commander-in-Chief had expressed, and I quote: a wish to respectfully solicit the support of the National Assembly in the successful implementation of the ECOWAS resolutions as outlined in the said communications. But in his letter to the Senate Friday, President Tinubu had listed the measures ECOWAS and Nigeria planned to take to restore democracy to Niger. They include Military build up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they (coupist) remain recalcitrant. THE RESOLUTION The resolutions read by the Senate President are as follows. The Senate commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other heads of states and government of the ECOWAS for their prompt response and the position taken on the unfortunate incident in Niger Republic. The Senate calls on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and chairman of ECOWAS to further encourage other leaders of ECOWAS to strengthen the political and diplomatic options and other means to resolve the political logjam in Niger Republic. The National Assembly supports ECOWAS leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in resolving the political situation in Niger and returning the country to a democratic governance in the nearest future. The leadership of the Senate is mandated to further engage with the President and commander-in-chief on behalf of the senate and national assembly on how best to resolve the issues in view of the existing cordial relationship between Nigeriens and Nigerians. Finally, the Senate calls on the ECOWAS parliament to rise to the occasion by equally condemning this coup and also providing solutions to resolve this logjam as soon as possible. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported how senators, at a closed session on Saturday, rejected President Tinubus request to deploy Nigerian troops to Niger Republic as part of an ECOWAS force to reinstate the democratically elected president of the country. Mr Tinubu is coordinating ECOWAS response to the coup in Niger, including the implementation of the regional bodys sanctions imposed on the neighbouring country to mount pressure on the coupists to restore democracy in the country. ECOWAS also imposed a no-fly zone on Niger as part of the sanction. Although ECOWAS gave a seven-day ultimatum to the coupists to return power to Mr Bazoum, who is still being detained in the country by the junta, the regional body has also been sending emissaries to the junta to restore democracy in the troubled country. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print It is therefore not in our best interest to deepen the crisis in Niger through a military action. Besides, it is not our business to spread democracy, let alone go about this by force. Democracy cannot be introduced from abroad or another country, and should not be by military force. The failure of the all-powerful USA in its many interventions in the world is enough lesson for us in developing countries. The military coup in Niger has provoked a muscular response from President Tinubu and ECOWAS. However, a military intervention in that country will not be in the interest of Nigeria. It will lead to crisis that will inevitably spill into Nigeria, particularly the poor regions in the North. There will be an influx of indigent people from Niger, most of who will not find jobs in Nigeria and might therefore become open to recruitment into the ranks of bandits and insurgents. The impact of our economic difficulties is already biting Niger hard, given their links to our economy. There is evidence of the involvement of nationals of neighbouring countries in the conflicts in our North-East, including banditry and the deadly farmer-herder clashes. Our borders with Niger can not be easily policed. The influx of both refugees and criminal elements into the country cannot be contained if there is crisis in Niger. We will do well to recall what happened at the height of the crisis and instability in Chad. Highways became unsafe, especially in the North of our country, and the military had to be deployed to the Lake Chad area and our roads. Our democracy, like most democracies today, is fragile. Key participants in our past election are still trying to delegitimise its outcome on the flimsy excuse that it was not a perfect election. Our security forces are also overstretched, given the increased number of theatres of insecurity in Nigeria. It is therefore not in our best interest to deepen the crisis in Niger through a military action. Besides, it is not our business to spread democracy, let alone go about this by force. Democracy cannot be introduced from abroad or another country, and should not be by military force. The failure of the all-powerful USA in its many interventions in the world is enough lesson for us in developing countries. In our copycat mentality and delusion of grandeur as the giant of Africa, we tend to adopt the tools of global hegemons. We want to humiliate the military of another country by giving it an ultimatum, and even before the expiration of that ultimatum, we are imposing sanctions on the country. This is a collective punishment of the people of Niger and therefore an immoral tool of hegemons. ECOWAS is not a sovereign; it is just a club. Countries, on the other hand, are sovereigns. Unelected ECOWAS officials should do well to temper their language in this unfolding crisis. The liberation of francophone African countries from the clutches of France has not been completed. France controls the national reserves of 14 African countries. It imposed on them what it calls a colonial debt; a debt these countries purportedly owe France for having colonised (civilised?) them! France tied the currency of the so called francophone countries initially to its own and then to the euro, subsequently. In addition, we should be careful not to back the neo-colonial interests of France that is being challenged in its former African colonies. The liberation of francophone African countries from the clutches of France has not been completed. France controls the national reserves of 14 African countries. It imposed on them what it calls a colonial debt; a debt these countries purportedly owe France for having colonised (civilised?) them! France tied the currency of the so called francophone countries initially to its own and then to the euro, subsequently. This has frustrated the ambition of ECOWAS to have a common currency for the whole of West Africa. All over Africa, there is now an awareness of the dishonourable role of France in the continent. This is true even in Europe. Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of the Italian far right government, in her spat with President Macron, accused France of continuing to exploit Africa, in part, by printing the currency of 14 African countries that are tied to France and charging them mint fees for this. Specifically, on Niger, she accused France of complicity in using child labour to extract minerals from the country; and that while France extracts 30% of the uranium it needs to power its nuclear reactors from Niger, 90% of the population of the African country have no electricity. She concluded that this is the reason why Africans are abandoning their continent. Astonishingly, she said that the solution is not migration but the liberation of Africa from Europeans. how do you trust the people who opened the flood gate of Gaddafis armoury by destroying Libya and killing its president? Massive arms flowed into the Sahel region following that period, along with trained Sahelian citizens working in Libya. Al Qaeda and ISIS took advantage of the opportunity to make greater in roads into West Africa. The French cant claim that they did not see this coming when they and the UK led the invasion of Libya. We must ensure that there is a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Niger. This should include the removal of military bases in the country. France, as well as the USA, have military bases in the country. Also, Belgium, Germany and even a Scandinavian country are said to have troops in Niger. Why? They all say that they are helping to protect the country and contain terrorists in the Sahel. If that is true, they would have threatened to withdraw their troops as a bargaining card for the restoration of President Bazoum, instead their threat is to withdraw humanitarian aid and invade the very country they are supposed to be helping. Nigeria used to be concerned about the presence of foreign military bases in Africa, as part of its Africa-centered foreign policy. It should still be concerned about this. To have military bases in your neighbours land is a security red flag. Moreover, how do you trust the people who opened the flood gate of Gaddafis armoury by destroying Libya and killing its president? Massive arms flowed into the Sahel region following that period, along with trained Sahelian citizens working in Libya. Al Qaeda and ISIS took advantage of the opportunity to make greater in roads into West Africa. The French cant claim that they did not see this coming when they and the UK led the invasion of Libya. All the frontline countries to Libya and North Africa Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad are former French colonies. Since the French sent troops to these countries to atone for their sins in Libya, not much has been shown for it. Some have argued that they use the insurgents as a check on the leaders of these countries. If AU and ECOWAS want to send troops anywhere, they should send them to fight armed insurgents in the Sahel. This will make much more difference to the people of the region and release their potential for democratic governance. Yahaya Hashim wrote from Sokoto Road, Kano. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print It is essential therefore, to recognise that true wisdom emerges from a combination of formal education, experiential learning, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge. Embracing diverse sources of wisdom, including the insights gained from the experiences of others and the teachings of self-taught luminaries, can lead to a well-rounded understanding of the world. Dreams from My Father is a poignant memoir by Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States of America. In this compelling narrative, Obama reflects on his personal journey of self-discovery, identity, and the search for belonging. Spanning his early years in Hawaii to his travels to Africa, the book delves into his complex relationship with his absentee father and the influence of his diverse cultural background. Through insightful storytelling and introspection, Obama shares his experiences as a biracial individual, exploring themes of race, heritage, and the significance of family connections. A father assumes the revered role as the boy childs very first superhero and the manner in which he fulfills this sacred role profoundly impacts the childs holistic development. Barack Obamas compelling and thought-provoking journey of self-discovery, as depicted in the memoir, finds resonance in my personal experiences while contemplating the relationship I shared with my own father during my formative years. As the youngest child in a brood of eight siblings, my entrance into this world was marked by a remarkable age gap due to the observed intervals between pregnancies at the time. Consequently, by the time I made my appearance, my parents were already inching towards the autumn of their lives. In my case, I arrived as an unplanned surprise, emerging more than three years after the birth of my immediate older sister, Priscilla. The villagers, at the time, referred to individuals like me as womb-sealers. Unlike my older siblings, I didnt have the chance to experience my fathers vibrant youth or playfully interact with him. Nevertheless, what I may have missed in experiencing the vibrancy of his youth, I gained manifold from the reservoir of wisdom he generously imparted in me during our moments by the fireplace. To this very day, when faced with daunting challenges, I find solace in tapping into the depths of his extraordinary wisdom. Among his numerous motivational narratives and life-altering anecdotes, one particular story stands out in my memory. It was his narrative about Napoleon Buonaparte, the French military commander and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. One sunny afternoon while growing up, Napoleon was strolling through the lush countryside, when he happened upon an old oak tree, its branches teeming with a vibrant array of spiderwebs. Intrigued, he sat down to observe a tiny spider diligently spinning its delicate creation. The little arachnid would tirelessly weave its web, and test its strength by gently lying upon it. Yet, every time, the web would give way, and the spider would fall to the ground. The scene repeated itself, with the spider undeterred by its failures. Each time it fell, the resilient creature would pick itself up, dust off the sands that clung to its body, and commence crafting a new web. The process went on, and the spider faced numerous frustrations along the way. At times, it seemed tempted to give up, but something deep inside, urged it to keep going. My father, despite only attaining formal education up to Standard Four, proved to be an autodidact, possessing a wealth of wisdom encapsulated in his array of captivating stories. Whether imparting insights on choosing a life partner or giving his exhortations on frugal living, his narratives left an indelible mark on me and my siblings. His wisdom remains an enduring legacy that shapes our lives to this day. Napoleon watched in awe as the spiders determination remained unyielding, despite the setbacks. The young man felt a connection with the creature, as if its struggle mirrored his own battles in life. Inspired by the unwavering spirit of the spider, Napoleon internalised the valuable lesson of perseverance. There is a back story to this; it was 1989, and I had recently completed my secondary school education the preceding year. However, the burden of idling away at home weighed heavily on me, for I had not met the cut off mark in the University Matriculation Exam (UME) for two consecutive sessions, leading me to contemplate abandoning my favoured career aspiration, which was Medicine. As a young man, the dissapointments gnawed at my confidence and perception of self-worth. Although I refrained from voicing my concerns, my insightful father discerned the mask I wore, pretending to be fine. Though I couldnt verify the authenticity of his Napoleon story, the motivational talk, without doubt, served its purpose at the time. Without this inspiration, my lifes trajectory might have been vastly different, and I might not have had the opportunity to escape the daily grind and allocate time to pen these words. My father, despite only attaining formal education up to Standard Four, proved to be an autodidact, possessing a wealth of wisdom encapsulated in his array of captivating stories. Whether imparting insights on choosing a life partner or giving his exhortations on frugal living, his narratives left an indelible mark on me and my siblings. His wisdom remains an enduring legacy that shapes our lives to this day. In the realm of human achievement, the stories of world-famous autodidacts challenge the conventional notion of over-reliance on formal education as the sole path to wisdom and success. History is replete with examples of remarkable individuals who, despite lacking formal education, possessed extraordinary wisdom and made enduring contributions to society. Take, for instance, the legendary polymath and inventor, Thomas Edison. His formal education was minimal, but his insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to become one of the most prolific inventors in history, with over 1,000 patents to his name. Edisons unconventional approach to learning, characterised by his countless experiments and failures, eventually led to groundbreaking innovations that transformed the world. The stories of renowned autodidacts underscore the fallacy of over-reliance on formal education as the sole measure of wisdom and intellect. The world has witnessed great minds who, through self-driven pursuits and the thirst for knowledge, achieved greatness despite their lack of formal credentials. Likewise, the self-taught African-American mathematician, Benjamin Banneker, challenges the notion that formal education is the sole gateway to brilliance. Born into a time when education for blacks and other people of colour was severely restricted, Banneker defied societal limitations and taught himself astronomy, mathematics, and engineering. His knowledge and expertise in these fields culminated in the creation of a functioning wooden clock, as well as almanacs predicting celestial events, garnering him widespread acclaim and respect. These extraordinary individuals prove that natural wisdom and self-education can transcend the limitations imposed by a lack of formal schooling. Conversely, the world is not devoid of educated individuals who remain woefully uninformed. The possession of degrees and accolades does not guarantee wisdom or an in-depth understanding of the complexities of life. It is essential therefore, to recognise that true wisdom emerges from a combination of formal education, experiential learning, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge. Embracing diverse sources of wisdom, including the insights gained from the experiences of others and the teachings of self-taught luminaries, can lead to a well-rounded understanding of the world. The stories of renowned autodidacts underscore the fallacy of over-reliance on formal education as the sole measure of wisdom and intellect. The world has witnessed great minds who, through self-driven pursuits and the thirst for knowledge, achieved greatness despite their lack of formal credentials. Conversely, education, while invaluable, should not be seen as a guarantee of wisdom, as there are educated individuals who remain uninformed and closed-minded. Embracing a holistic approach to learning and being receptive to unconventional sources of wisdom can lead to a more enlightened and enriched existence. Heres raising a toast to my father and other autodidacts who lived way ahead of their times. May the world be blessed with their uncommon wisdom to help navigate todays ginormous challenges. Osmund Agbo writes from Houston, Texas. Email: Eagleosmund@yahoo. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In my analysis, were there to be an invasion, Nigeria will play a lead role. Yet, its military is bogged down by secessionist violence in the South-East, terrorists in the North-East, armed militia storming through the Middle Belt and bandits rampaging throughout the country, especially in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger states. So, would it be wise to pull out troops from this same military and send them into Niger, with which we share a 1,000-kilometre border? The new military rulers in Niger Republic, the country which marked its independence day on Thursday, 3 August, have a Sunday ultimatum from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It is that they give up power and restore elected President Mohammed Bazoum to power or face serious measures, including possible invasion. ECOWAS also imposed sanctions, including border closure, a no-fly zone, and the freezing of Nigerien assets. The options seem to be that if former Presidential Guard head, General Abdourahamane Tchiani and his boys do not give up power by that day, ECOWAS would either add more sanctions and pressure, or invade Niger. The issues are, however, not as straight forward; there are many complications, including foreign interests. As for war, you can only know its beginning, not how it will end; the logic of war is that it has no logic except death and destruction. For instance, ECOWAS can invade Niger only to also be faced by the armies of Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Algeria. Nigerian soldiers can be sent into Niger, only to find out that they are essentially continuing Frances unholy wars of occupation, domination, exploitation, theft and assassination of uncooperative leaders in Africa. The new leaders in Niger accuse France of planning to invade the country because they have asked French troops to leave the country. France has refused to either confirm or deny the allegation but it will be logical for France to want to hold on to Niger after its troops have been kicked out of Mali and Burkina Faso. Those expulsions leave France with only two major military bases: Niger and Chad. In comparison with these, the other French military bases in Africa such as Cote dIvoire, Djibouti, Senegal and Gabon, are small. While ECOWAS motives may be pure, its signals can sometimes be confusing. For instance, the envoy it sent to Niger is Chadian coup plotter, General Mahamat Idriss Deby from Chad, a country that is not even a member of ECOWAS. Mahamat was seven when his father, Idris Deby overthrew the Chadian government. In preparing Mahamat to take over the Chadian government, Deby made him a General at 26. Deby had transitioned into an elected president with a constitution. what is the logic in anti-coup ECOWAS sending a coup plotter to meet a fellow coup plotter in neigbouring Niger? Is it to set a thief to catch a thief or in the hope that General Mahamat would take advantage of esprit de corps to persuade the Nigerien military to restore constitutional rule; the very thing he has for two years refused to do in Chad? When he died on 19 April, 2021, constitutionally, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Haroun Kabadi was to act as president for 40 days, after which fresh elections were to be held. But Mahamat overthrew the government the next day, sacked the executive, dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution. The international custodians of democracy generally gave the coup a nod. France was more direct. Its Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said the coup was justified on the basis of security, adding that overthrowing democracy in Chad was acceptable as: There are exceptional circumstances. Big Brother Nigeria also supported the Chadian coup. Its then Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Jideofor Onyeama, said Nigeria supported the coup because it does not want a power vacuum. Then Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari followed up by inviting Mahamat to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the young General in uniform with military boots thudding the floor, was given a red carpet. Buhari assured him: We will help you in all ways we can. So, what is the logic in anti-coup ECOWAS sending a coup plotter to meet a fellow coup plotter in neigbouring Niger? Is it to set a thief to catch a thief or in the hope that General Mahamat would take advantage of esprit de corps to persuade the Nigerien military to restore constitutional rule; the very thing he has for two years refused to do in Chad? The reason why the Chadian military would not allow democracy of the ballot box is because it is controlled by a tiny ethnic group, the Zaghawa or Beri, which is 1% of the population but has been in power for the past 33 years. While the motives of ECOWAS might be pure, those of some of its leaders at the meeting may not be. For instance, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Cote dIvoire, whose dedication to France is not in doubt, is in his third term in office when the countrys constitution provides for a maximum of two terms. Another ECOWAS leader is Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe, who has been in power for 18 years now. When his father, former Sergeant Gnassingbe Eyadema died on 5 February, 2005, after 37 years in power, Faure overthrew the elected Togolese government. He was in power for 20 days before installing a puppet, Bonfoh Abass in office for 68 days, after which he returned to power. Can the son of a coup plotter, and a coup plotter in his own right, really be against coups? before we invade Niger, let us think through some basic facts. First, the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are said to be in response to Islamic jihadist movements. These terrorist movements have their ancestry in the Mujahedeen created by the Unites States and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Bin Ladens Al Qaeda grew out of that Mujahdeen. Those who advocate the immediate invasion of Niger may be oblivious of the fact that President Bazoum, his family and some officials of the Niger administration are being held by the coup plotters; or would they be mere collateral damage? In my analysis, were there to be an invasion, Nigeria will play a lead role. Yet, its military is bogged down by secessionist violence in the South-East, terrorists in the North-East, armed militia storming through the Middle Belt and bandits rampaging throughout the country, especially in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger states. So, would it be wise to pull out troops from this same military and send them into Niger, with which we share a 1,000-kilometre border? In any case, should an heavily indebted Nigeria, unable to maintain vital subsidies for its populace, spend resources sending and maintaining troops in a foreign country? If the money comes from other countries, at what costs and what guarantees? On the other hand, the invasion of Niger can be sourced to Chad, whose French-backed military is essentially mercenary, has fought in countries like Mali and the Central African Republic, and can source troops from its Zaghawa kith and kin in Darfur, Sudan. Also, before we invade Niger, let us think through some basic facts. First, the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are said to be in response to Islamic jihadist movements. These terrorist movements have their ancestry in the Mujahedeen created by the Unites States and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Bin Ladens Al Qaeda grew out of that Mujahdeen. Then the West, with its Gulf allies, created the Islamic State (ISIS), which spilled out of control, spreading terrorism to various countries, including Mali, where the Nigeria Boko Haram members were trained, financed and armed. Yet, another vital link. The West bombed Ghadafi and his government out of existence, turning Libya not just into a basket case, but also the source of free arms and itinerant terrorists. Before we invade Niger, let us pause and think. Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The profound worth of language cannot be overstated, particularly regarding indigenous languages that encapsulate our shared past, beliefs, cultures, and philosophical perspectives. Preserving endangered languages is a moral duty and a profound responsibility. These linguistic treasures offer unique insights into how humanity perceives and interacts with the world. By safeguarding these languages, we honour the rich cultural heritage they embody The significance of indigenous languages transcends mere communication. These languages possess immense social value, serving as the lifeblood of their respective communities. They play important roles in preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations. These forms of communication are more than means of exchanging information. They serve as portals that offer us the opportunity to understand cultures and histories of various groups of people. Through these windows, we can preserve and honour their symbols, knowledge, and traditions, ensuring they continue to thrive and be appreciated for future generations. The rise of world languages, due to globalisation, is a significant concern as it endangers indigenous languages, pushing them perilously close to disappearing altogether. The pervasive dominance of Western cultures in influential regions, such as the USA, UK, France, Germany, and China profoundly impacts the relevance and survival of indigenous languages. This influence poses a significant threat to these languages, putting them in a precarious position. It is crucial to prioritise urgent and focused revitalisation programmes to protect these linguistic treasures and guarantee their continuous survival. In the face of various obstacles, promising developments bring optimism for the reinvigoration and prosperity of indigenous languages. In an inspiring movement, certain communities have wholeheartedly embraced using their native languages in educational settings. By doing so, they are preserving their rich cultural heritage and ensuring that future generations can learn and sustain their ancestral traditions. This proactive approach to education is a testament to the deep-rooted value these communities place on their native tongues, recognising them as vital tools for transmitting cultural knowledge. The emergence of indigenous media platforms offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate and showcase these languages and share their distinctive stories with a global audience. Furthermore, the persistent utilisation of regional jargon and colloquialisms on social media platforms serves as a means of safeguarding the linguistic diversity and cultural expressions of indigenous communities. The potential influence that languages can have on social and cultural development is truly remarkable. However, we must continue to make sustained efforts to revive and promote these languages, even in the face of the challenges posed by globalisation. In a remarkable display of commitment to human rights, the Democratic Republic of Congo recently achieved a significant milestone after 14 years of tireless advocacy. In November 2022, the country passed the groundbreaking Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Indigenous Pygmy Peoples Act. This landmark law represents a crucial step in safeguarding the cultural heritage and land rights of the nations indigenous communities, particularly the Pygmies. By enacting this law, the Democratic Republic of Congo has demonstrated its dedication to fostering inclusivity and ensuring the well-being of its diverse population. The implementation of this legislative intervention reflects the ongoing efforts of contemporary African nations to safeguard the survival and cultural legacy of indigenous communities. In addition to Kenya and Nigeria, South Africa has also made significant strides in safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities. Notably, South Africa has gone above and beyond by explicitly incorporating the cultural, linguistic, and religious rights of minorities into its constitution. This constitutional provision is a powerful testament to the countrys commitment to upholding its indigenous populations diverse heritage and identities. These countries are actively working towards creating an inclusive and equitable society for all by taking executive and legislative actions. The notion of indigeneity in African societies is a multifaceted concept encompassing communities that have experienced displacement due to European colonialism and subsequent development. In recent times, there has been a significant surge in global endeavours to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities. The widespread acceptance and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People exemplifies this positive trend. The role of language in indigeneity is of great importance, as it serves as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and the safeguarding of knowledge. The emergence of colonialism and globalisation has posed a significant challenge to the preservation and continuity of indigenous languages. Governments and organisations have implemented language revitalisation programmes to preserve endangered languages. The media has emerged as a vital player in this endeavour, contributing significantly to cultural production and facilitating language learning. However, we must make stronger and more comprehensive endeavours to combat the possible disappearance of countless indigenous languages and safeguard their invaluable cultural legacy. The dynamic interplay of cultural exchanges, fueled by colonialism and globalisation, exerts profound influences on language contact, shift, and the fostering of multiculturalism. The presence of European languages in Africa has posed a significant threat to the survival of indigenous languages on the continent. Globalisation, often seen as amplifying Western cultural values, intensifies this pattern even more. The rich tapestry of African languages faces a pressing challenge as several teeter on the brink of extinction. This predicament is particularly pronounced in countries like Nigeria, where the widespread use of English has emerged as a dominant force, posing a significant threat to the survival of minority languages. The effects of globalisation on language shift can be seen in various regions across the globe, including Canada and Mexico. In these areas, native languages are experiencing a decline as a result of the growing influence of more globally recognised languages like English and Spanish. Over the past century, the rate at which indigenous languages have disappeared is alarming. However, a positive shift is happening as more people recognise the immense value of these languages as crucial components of cultural heritage and identity. Technological advancements and the backing of public institutions have significantly strengthened the endeavours to safeguard and rejuvenate these languages. Despite the numerous challenges and potential risks, some scholars recognise the immense potential of globalisation and modern communication media for revitalising languages. Incorporating indigenous languages in rap music and social media illustrates how globalisations infrastructures can be harnessed for positive purposes. By embracing these platforms, cultural expressions and linguistic artefacts can reach a wider audience, fostering a greater appreciation for diverse cultures. Nevertheless, the current emphasis on indigenous language trends highlights the ongoing exploration of using modern communication media to safeguard the vitality of these languages. Over the past century, the rate at which indigenous languages have disappeared is alarming. However, a positive shift is happening as more people recognise the immense value of these languages as crucial components of cultural heritage and identity. Technological advancements and the backing of public institutions have significantly strengthened the endeavours to safeguard and rejuvenate these languages. Efforts like immersion schools and bilingual education models have emerged to seamlessly incorporate indigenous languages into educational systems. These initiatives acknowledge the significance of these languages, not only for the preservation of cultural heritage but also for their potential to enrich the overall learning experience and improve educational outcomes. The influence of media, encompassing both traditional and social platforms, has been instrumental in transforming how indigenous languages are perceived and encouraging their active use. The airing of television and radio programmes in indigenous languages has successfully captivated dedicated viewers and listeners, particularly among older people residing in areas with significant indigenous communities. Social media platforms have changed how we share and promote indigenous languages, empowering communities to preserve and celebrate their linguistic heritage. Obstacles remain, notably the issue of unfamiliarity with these languages. The presence and utilisation of indigenous languages have undergone diverse transformations across various industries throughout history. The film industry, particularly Hollywood, has had a fascinating and intricate connection with indigenous languages. This relationship has recently evolved from problematic and stereotypical depictions to more considerate and authentic portrayals. The music industry has played a significant role in developing and preserving indigenous languages. Songs performed in local languages have not only gained popularity within their communities but have also garnered recognition and acceptance on a global scale. The rapid progress of technology has opened up exciting new possibilities for language learning and the preservation of indigenous languages. With the advent of the internet and gamified learning applications, individuals now have unprecedented access to resources and tools to enhance their language skills and provide exposure to lesser-known languages. These advancements have revolutionised the way we approach language learning, making it more accessible, engaging, and inclusive than ever before. In the digital age, the accessibility and recognition of indigenous languages have been greatly enhanced thanks to the emergence of online platforms. These platforms, equipped with powerful translation APIs and comprehensive multi-language support, have opened new avenues for indigenous languages to flourish digitally. By leveraging these technologies, indigenous communities can connect with a wider audience, breaking down linguistic barriers and fostering a greater appreciation for their unique languages and cultures. This newfound accessibility empowers indigenous speakers to share their knowledge and stories, and promotes inclusivity and diversity in the digital landscape. As a result, indigenous languages are gaining the recognition they deserve, enriching the online world with their rich linguistic heritage and contributing to the preservation of cultural diversity in the digital era. Integrating gamified learning applications in preserving endangered languages and their widespread adoption presents certain challenges. The decline of indigenous languages has far-reaching consequences, often resulting in poverty and marginalisation. This unfortunate trend restricts the opportunities of individuals to access education, secure employment, and receive adequate healthcare. Moreover, the profound influence of language on ones sense of self and identity can harm mental health and overall well-being. Institutional attitudes towards language have significantly transformed over time. Previously characterised by linguistic imperialism, where dominant languages were prioritised and imposed, there has been a notable shift towards recognising and safeguarding indigenous languages. Significant changes bring attention to the need to promote linguistic diversity, as well protect the rich cultural heritage embedded within indigenous languages. Various nations and esteemed organisations, such as the United Nations and UNESCO, have endeavoured to protect indigenous languages and actively encouraged their resurgence. These initiatives involve implementing projects and enacting legislation to preserve and revitalise these invaluable linguistic treasures. The involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has been instrumental in bolstering language preservation efforts, both on a local and global scale. The decline of indigenous languages has far-reaching consequences, often resulting in poverty and marginalisation. This unfortunate trend restricts the opportunities of individuals to access education, secure employment, and receive adequate healthcare. Moreover, the profound influence of language on ones sense of self and identity can harm mental health and overall well-being. Indigenous languages are vital in preserving traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), acting as valuable repositories of wisdom that provide profound insights into human geography and cultural practices. The significance of these languages cannot be overstated when comprehending the intricate dynamics between human societies, diverse cultures, thriving economies, and the natural world. The transmission of indigenous peoples practises and beliefs regarding nature and reciprocity is intricately woven into the fabric of their language. In the coming years, there will be a significant shift towards harnessing the power of indigenous languages to drive sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on areas such as conservation, biodiversity, and climate change. Exploring the realm of traditional practises and language opens up a world of possibilities for unearthing sustainable techniques in agriculture, land use management, and climate change adaptation. By delving into the wisdom of our ancestors, we can tap into a wealth of knowledge that has stood the test of time. These time-honoured practices offer invaluable insights into how we can navigate the challenges of our modern world while preserving the delicate balance of our environment. Through this journey of rediscovery, we have the opportunity to learn from the past and forge a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future. The integration of indigenous knowledge into contemporary planning has the potential to foster greater resilience and promote environmentally sustainable practices. This harmonious approach benefits the preservation of biodiversity and enhances the overall well-being of both humans and the natural world. By empowering indigenous communities to take the lead in conservation efforts using their languages, we can expect to see a significant improvement in the effectiveness and fairness of these strategies. The profound worth of language cannot be overstated, particularly regarding indigenous languages that encapsulate our shared past, beliefs, cultures, and philosophical perspectives. Preserving endangered languages is a moral duty and a profound responsibility. These linguistic treasures offer unique insights into how humanity perceives and interacts with the world. By safeguarding these languages, we honour the rich cultural heritage they embody and ensure that future generations can benefit from the practical advantages they bring to our societies. In the past few years, government agencies, international organisations, and local communities have had a surge in initiatives to safeguard and record indigenous languages and their rich cultural heritage. These efforts have embraced various tools such as media, technology, and other innovative methods. In addition to government efforts, non-governmental agencies and indigenous communities play a vital role in actively contributing to these endeavours. The success of these preservation efforts holds the potential to empower indigenous languages, allowing them to maintain their vital roles in social and cultural development, going beyond mere communication. There is a growing aspiration for academia across the globe, including Africa, to actively support safeguarding indigenous languages. These languages are needed to preserve our rich historical narratives, ancestral heritage, and cultural identity. They serve as the roots that anchor us firmly to our collective past, much like a sturdy tree with deep foundations. 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 excerpted from a Distinguished Public Lecture titled, Communication, Media, Culture, and Evolving Trends in the World of Indigenous Languages, delivered at North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, South Africa, 3 August, 2023. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Dear President Tinubu, It all began as a roadside rumour before blasting its way to the front pages of Nigerian newspapers, and the talking points of the electronic media. Now it has become a news item discussed with torment and trepidation by many Nigerians still struggling to cope with the political dysfunctionalities, socio-economic problems, and numerous anxieties of present Nigerian life. The subject of discourse is the coup detat in Niger, our neighbour to the north, and the present plan by ECOWAS, under your leadership, to force the restoration of democratic governance in that beleaguered country. What has got many Nigerians talking and wondering is the inclusion of military action in the cocktail of options under consideration by the ECOWAS leaders. And this is also the cause of my worry and grave apprehension. Military force to reverse the occurrence of rule by force in West Africa, with you, President Tinubu, the current ECOWAS president, as leader of the pack? I am both astonished and alarmed that a group of people, least of all, leaders of the West African region would contemplate the viability of military intervention as the solution to the present problem in Niger. Mr President, go back to the drawing board you and your ECOWAS colleagues. Think hard. Think well. Think up whatever measures could be devised to restore genuine, lasting democracy by getting the military dictators back to their barracks. Probe the cause, course, and symptoms of the present resurgence of military coups in West Africa. Find a cure for this pandemic. More important, find a cure for the plague of political and socio-economic injustices responsible for the inevitability of its recurrence. Dear President Tinubu, did you and your colleagues think long and deep before including this option? Did you contemplate the hazards of the action and the possible catastrophe of the consequence? Given the historical, geographical, cultural, and economic proximity between Nigeria and Niger (a Siamese closeness inherent even in the very nomenclature), how can you do this without devastating collateral damage to Nigeria, especially its northern flanks? In a region where national borders only exist on a misbegotten colonial map, how will your ECOWAS bullet select its casualties without including Nigerians, the people you have sworn to serve and protect? Will the present human traffic and trade routes between the two countries still continue after the war? What about the possibility of a multiple-front war, considering the solidarity already announced by a league of other countries in the region, such as Mali and Chad and Burkina Faso? To how many fronts will the ECOWAS forces train their guns? For the avoidance of doubt, let no one take my position in this brief intervention as toleration or condonement of military coups and their barbarous assault on human freedom. As a Nigerian victim of about half a dozen coups detat in a single lifetime, I know first-hand how brutal soldier-despots are, and how drastically they deplete our very humanity. This is why I believe military juntas have no place in a civilised polity. This is why I also believe and affirm that genuine democracy is the sure antidote to military misrule a democracy engendered and sustained by respect for human dignity, human and environmental rights, rule of law, liberty, unvarnished integrity of the electoral process, holistic equity, and the right to life that is full, free, and abundant. These virtues are the true and efficacious coup-killers. Not military-contra-military interventions and their thoughtless prosecutions and ceaseless carnage. So, Mr President, go back to the drawing board you and your ECOWAS colleagues. Think hard. Think well. Think up whatever measures could be devised to restore genuine, lasting democracy by getting the military dictators back to their barracks. Probe the cause, course, and symptoms of the present resurgence of military coups in West Africa. Find a cure for this pandemic. More important, find a cure for the plague of political and socio-economic injustices responsible for the inevitability of its recurrence. Remember the present brutish anarchy in Libya and the countless repercussions of the destabilisation of that once blooming country for the West African region. Right now, the Nigerian people have more than enough to worry about, with so much hunger in the land and so many Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) from all manner of bandit attacks. We cannot afford to add war refuges to these crowds. You have promised to reduce the peoples burden. Avoid taking any action that will only add to it. Military action in Niger may only end up complicating the Nigerien fiasco. Remember: a little fire often spirals into an uncontrollable blaze. You may know the beginning of a war; but you can never foretell how it will end. A powerful man may start a war, but it takes a hero to devise a dignifying way of avoiding it. Right now, the Nigerian people have more than enough to worry about, with so much hunger in the land and so many Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) from all manner of bandit attacks. We cannot afford to add war refuges to these crowds. You have promised to reduce the peoples burden. Avoid taking any action that will only add to it. Domestic security is the inevitable foundation for foreign campaigns. Let your charity begin at home, though we know it must never end there. Your Concerned Compatriot, Niyi Osundare. One of Africas foremost poets and academics, Niyi Osundare is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of English, University of New Orleans. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Noor Takaful Insurance Ltd, the leading provider of Takaful Insurance solutions, proudly hosted the African Takaful and Non-Interest Finance Conference. The event gathered industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders across Africa to discuss and explore the transformative potential of technology as it drives Takaful and non-interest finance in Africa. The two-day conference with the Theme Leveraging Technology to Build on the Opportunities of Takaful and Non-Interest Finance in Africa held in Lagos on 1st and 2nd August, 2022, provided a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of Takaful and non-interest finance as ethical and inclusive alternatives to conventional financial systems. Delivering his welcome remarks at the occasion, the Chairman, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Muhtar Bakare explained that the decision to organize the1st conference was borne out of the commitment to deepen understanding and increase awareness about Takaful while also resolving the long-standing socio-economic contradictions on the African continent, notably the issue of mass poverty in Africa. He also informed the gathering that the company planned to make the conference annual.Bakare noted that the conference is intended to create an ecosystem of knowledge sharing while analyzing regulatory frameworks and policy recommendations to support the growth of Takaful and Islamic finance initiatives in Africa. Speaking at the event, special guest of honour, His Royal Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II expressed great delight at the steady growth of Islamic finance in Nigeria. Sanusi noted that there is a need for practitioners to see technology as a big enabler in advancing the Takaful model and non-interest finance in Africa. He also harped on the need for industry players to collaborate on the best way possible to improve regulations. In his keynote address, Deputy Commissioner for Insurance who represented the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Sabiu Abubakar stated that the Commission is trying its best to support operators in promoting the growth of Takaful in Nigeria with market-friendly regulations. Abubakar stressed the need for industry players to embrace technology in the quest to expand the markets and enhance the efficiency of the Takaful model. In his remarks, the Guest Speaker and former Commissioner, National Insurance Commission, Mohammed Kari (The Wazirin Bauchi) noted that though the penetration of non-interest finance is still relatively low in Africa, there is a huge market potential that needs to be tapped. Kari stated that leveraging advanced technology such as chat GPT, blockchain has the potential to enhance transparency, reduce fraud and streamline processes in Takaful and Islamic finance operations. He advised operators to work together in restructuring the regulatory frameworks of the industry in Africa to ensure that it complies with the principles of Shariah as this would go a long way to creating a conducive environmentfor the growth of the sector. On his part, Vice-Chairman, Noor Takaful, Aminu Tukur stated that Takaful has, without a doubt, become the best alternative form of insurance in Africa given the way it has gained acceptance over the years. Tukur who gave more insights on the benefits of Takaful explained there is a need for stronger commitment on the part of stakeholders to deepen penetration. Takaful, which operates in compliance with Sharia principles, is built on equity and fairness to foster prosperity. The two-day event featured several panel sessions that included industry experts from Nigeria and other countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Bahrain, USA among others. Issues ranging from financial education to the role of technology in Takaful among others were deliberated upon at the conference. Another key highlight of the Conference was the call from stakeholders for collaboration on regulations to foster the growth of Takaful in Africa. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has commended African leaders for demonstrating the political will and investments needed to dismantle barriers that prevent women and girls from achieving their potential. Mark Bryan Schreiner, the UNFPA representative in Tanzania, made the commendation in a statement issued on Friday commenting on the recently ended Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit held in Tanzania's commercial hub of Dar es Salaam. He said the leaders demonstrated the political will and investments needed to dismantle the economic, social and environmental barriers that prevent women, girls and young people from achieving their potential and to deliver the greatest returns for the largest numbers of people, and those most left behind. "When a youthful population enjoys good health, continuing education, and can contribute to economic growth -- the national economic payoff can be substantial, and a demographic dividend can then be achieved," said Schreiner. However, achieving a demographic dividend was not automatic, he said, adding that it required multiple investments, with the most essential being building the capabilities of people to realize their rights and achieve their potential. He said for women and girls especially, this means respecting their right to realize their desired fertility, which requires achieving gender equality. A notorious cult leader in Rivers State, South-south Nigeria, on Friday, surrendered some rifles and ammunition to the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. The suspect, identified simply as General 2man, is the leader of the Green Landers, a cult group in the state. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Emeka Nwonyi, disclosed this during a press conference on Friday in Port Harcourt. A text of the conference was posted on the police Twitter handle by the police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police. Mr Nwonyi said the cult leader, who hails from Ogbologbolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state, surrendered one AK-47 and two SMG rifles alongside six live rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition. The police commissioner explained that the suspected cult leader surrendered the rifles and ammunition when some police operatives raided a criminal hideout of his cult group. Effort has been emplaced to launch more raids on the hoodlums for the possible recovery of more arms and ammunition, he said. Foiled kidnap attack Mr Nwonyi said police operatives from Hunter Strike Unit, on Thursday, foiled an attack by three suspected kidnappers at about 11:00 p.m. in Port Harcourt. The police commissioner said the operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers in a shootout when they attempted to kidnap Samuel Okonkwo, a bolt driver and Arinze Okorie, a passenger, while they were travelling in a Toyota Corolla car. As an exchange of gunfire ensued, the hoodlums fled and abandoned the vehicle and victims. Investigation is ongoing to arrest the other members of their gang, he stated. Arrest of murder suspect The Rivers State police chief said police operatives, on Wednesday, arrested a suspect involved in the murder of a female resident, Josephine Ibiju, who resided at Baptist Waterfront in Port Harcourt. The commissioner said the suspect, Isaac Okoma, 39, hails from Alebiri Town in Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. But was arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he resides. He said the murder case was reported to the police on 10 June. A preliminary investigation has commenced, and the case will soon be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Port Harcourt, he said. Arrest of suspected serial fraudster Mr Nwonyi said police operatives also arrested a suspected serial fraudster in a separate operation on Tuesday. He said the suspect, Precious Frank, specialises in generating fake credit alerts from a fake bank app and had been using the same method to defraud innocent POS operators and shop owners. The police commissioner said the suspects arrest followed a complaint from Wale Alabi, one of the victims. The suspect hails from Bakana Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, the police said. Mr Nwonyi said the suspect was arrested after he went to the complainants shop again, carried out a transaction of N100,000 and allegedly generated a fake credit alert, before fleeing from the area. On receiving the complaint, a thorough and diligent investigation was carried out, which led to the arrest of the suspect and the unravelling of the techniques adopted by the fraudsters to defraud the unsuspecting victims, the police commissioner said. The suspect has equally given detailed information that will surely lead to the arrest of other members of the gang, who also go about defrauding unsuspecting victims using the same method in the Port Harcourt metropolis, he added. The police said the fake bank app used by the suspect would always display successful transactions to confuse their victims without remitting the money to victims accounts. Pragmatic efforts are put into ensuring that other culprits are also arrested. Mr Nwonyi said police operatives also recovered several arms and ammunition during separate raids of various criminal hideouts across the state. The police commissioner appealed to residents of the state to support the police in their effort to rid the state of criminals. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brigii, a leading manufacturer of innovative household appliances, has just launched its smallest vacuum cleaner- the MX20. With an advanced brushless DC motor, the MX20 mini vacuum weighs only 0.83 lbs but delivers an impressive suction power of up to 9,000 PA. This allows it to pick up dust, crumbs, and dirt from crevices and other hard-to-reach areas easily. Making it the perfect tool for busy moms who need quick and efficient cleaning for their daily routine. Brigii MX20 Mini Vacuum Maintaining a clean home can be a significant challenge for busy mothers. Children are naturally curious and love to explore their environment, often leaving a trail of messes in their wake. Additionally, household chores such as laundry and dishes can quickly pile up, leaving little time for other cleaning tasks." I can't stand a messy house - it's the one thing that really bothers me! Whenever my home is disorganized, I find it hard to focus and it disrupts my whole day. But luckily, I can now use the MX20 vacuum cleaner to clean as I go about my chores," a mother of two children said. " It easily picks up kids' crumbs and dust that fall between crevices such as kitchen tiles. With its small size, I can now clean anywhere quickly between doing loads of laundry, cooking meals, or helping my children with homework. " The MX20's slim profile allows it to easily reach tight spots and suck up dirt from crevices that bulky vacuums cannot. So you can tackle any of those spots that your regular vacuum might not be able to reach, such as the dreaded gap between the stove and the countertop, between seats and in cup holders, floor lines, and window slots. Unlike traditional brushed motor vacuum cleaners, the Brigii MX20 handheld vacuum uses a brushless DC motor to avoid wearing out or collecting hair around. This makes it maintenance-free while delivering consistent strong suction over time. In addition, there are many advantages to using brushless motors. Better suction - Brushless motors increase suction power by 2x compared to brushed motors. Enhanced efficiency - brushless motors can provide more power with less than 30% energy . Making the MX20 a more environmentally-friendly option. . Making the MX20 a more environmentally-friendly option. Increased longevity - Brushless motors are more durable with a 10x longer lifespan than brushed motors. longer lifespan than brushed motors. Lower noise - Brigii MX20 crevice vacuum operates more quietly than brushed motors vacuum. This can be particularly important for those who live in apartments or have young children or pets that may be disturbed by loud noises. The MX20 has received rave reviews from moms who have tried it out."This little vacuum makes cleaning so much faster. I can quickly spot clean messes instead of lugging out a huge vacuum," wrote Amy L. on Amazon. "The MX20 has become my new best friend. I use it daily to clean up my kids' crumbs and sand. I'm impressed by its small size but mighty suction." added Michelle W. "We are thrilled to introduce the Brigii MX20, our smallest and lightest vacuum cleaner perfect for moms," said the spokesperson of Brigii. " The MX20 vacuum delivers strong suction for crevices cleanups. No more lugging around heavy vacuums for cleaning. Overall, the Brigii MX20 mini vacuum offers a combination of power, convenience, and affordability, making it a smart choice for those seeking a cost-effective and practical cleaning solution." For more information: https://www.brigii.com/ Buy MX20 from Amazon US: https://amzn.to/43KtpSF Connect with Brigii Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brigii.fans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brigii.official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brigii.official About Brigii Founded in 2019, Brigii is an innovative technology brand dedicated to the research, development, and production of smart hardware for homes. With the motto "Serving all families anytime, anywhere", Brigii is proving to be a comprehensive business dedicated to researching, refining, and producing products that ease consumers' day-to-day activities. Media Contacts Company name: Brigii Contact name: Vanessa Email Address: [email protected] Country: China SOURCE Brigii DUBLIN, Aug. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Canada Construction Market Size, Trend Analysis by Sector (Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential) and Forecast, 2023-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Canadian construction industry faces challenges in 2023, with an anticipated contraction of 5.2%. The decline is primarily driven by reduced residential construction activity due to tightening monetary policies and a weaker economic outlook. As early as Q1 2023, evident weaknesses emerged in the residential and institutional construction sectors, marked by year-on-year declines of 10.7% in new residential construction investment and 6.4% in new institutional construction investment. However, the industry is expected to see growth between 2025 and 2027, with an annual average rate of 2.7%, supported by advancements in the industrial, energy, and transportation sectors. However, increased investments in the manufacturing, transportation, and energy sectors, in addition to regional and federal government investments, will provide support for the overall construction industry, helping to generate growth momentum later in the forecast period. The Federal government released the first Budget Estimates for the financial year 2023-24 in February 2023, totalling CAD432.9 billion ($335.9 billion) in expenditures, including CAD198.2 billion ($153.8 billion) in budgetary expenditures for operating and capital expenditures. Last year, the province of Ontario unveiled its 30-year transit plan, which will cost CAD84.7 billion ($65.7 billion) over the next ten years to develop a transportation network focused on the construction of new highways, rail corridors, and subway systems. A large portion of output over the forecast period is expected to be supported by industrial projects. The publisher estimates the project pipeline of metal and material processing plants projects to be CAD122.7 billion ($95.2 billion) as of June 2023, followed by CAD59.2 billion ($45.9 billion) of chemical and pharmaceutical plants projects, and CAD28.6 billion ($22.2 billion) in the construction of manufacturing units, with completion scheduled between 2024 and 2030. This report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Canadian construction industry, including: The Canadian construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, as well as an analysis of key risks and opportunities in the Canadian construction industry Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, focusing on development stages and participants, in addition to listings of major projects in the pipeline. Scope Historical (2018-2022) and forecast (2023-2027) valuations of the construction industry in Canada , featuring details of key growth drivers. , featuring details of key growth drivers. Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline. Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Construction Industry: At-a-Glance 3 Context 3.1 Economic Performance 3.2 Political Environment and Policy 3.3 Demographics 3.4 Risk Profile 4 Construction Outlook 4.1 All Construction Outlook Latest news and developments Construction Projects Momentum Index 4.2 Commercial Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.3 Industrial Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.4 Infrastructure Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.5 Energy and Utilities Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.6 Institutional Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.7 Residential Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 5 Key Industry Participants 5.1 Contractors 5.2 Consultants 6 Construction Market Data 7 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kxnx8y Source: GlobalData 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 MAYWOOD, Neb. , Aug. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A major pig farm investigation by Mercy For Animals released today, August 5, exposes some of the most horrific animal cruelty ever made public. This comes as pro-pork lawmakers reintroduce the Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, a bill that failed to pass in 2021, in response to the Supreme Court's decision to uphold farmed animal protections. This legislation, if passed, would negatively impact the vast majority of land animals raised for food in the United States and reverse decades of progress for hens, pigs, and calves. It would invalidate crucial anti-confinement laws in at least 14 statesincluding California, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Washington, and Ohioand prevent other states from adopting similar policies in the future. Covered by The New York Times, new Mercy For Animals footage exposes cruel conditions at a factory pig farm in Nebraska Tweet this "For decades, we have fought for basic protections for pigsallowing mother pigs enough space to turn around and interact with their babies is hardly a radical reform," said AJ Albrecht, managing director of Mercy For Animals in the United States and Canada. "And the vast majority of Americans surveyed agree, as does the European Union and other nations around the world that banned the archaic use of gestation crates years ago. Yet the U.S. pork industry has steadfastly refused to put compassion over corporate greed. Despite clear-cut state ballot initiatives and lawsand even a recent Supreme Court decisionthe industry refuses to phase out cruel gestation crates." The investigation reveals horrific suffering of mother pigs: Lying in their own waste, often denied water and dehydrated, and dying in pain over many hours, having been forced through labor several times during their short lives. Enduring confinement in individual metal gestation crates, each barely larger than a pig's body, while pregnant and unable to lie down comfortably or even turn around. Suffering without proper veterinary caresome sick and injured pigs with bloody wounds from cage bars or exposed organs after labor. Giving birth directly into piles of feces in uncleaned pens and facing barn floors and animal feed infested with maggots and flies. Consumers deserve to know where their pork comes fromthe conditions animals are raised in and how producers treat them. Under the EATS Act, states could no longer require producers to share this information and would be restricted in regulating the treatment of farmed pigs. In 2021 , nearly 129 million hogs were slaughtered in the United States aloneabout four pigs a second. The United States produces 11% of the world's pork , and in 2022, U.S. pork exports surpassed $7.7 billion in value. The latest data shows that Americans eat an annual 66.18 pounds of pork per capita . U.S. census data and the Simmons National Consumer Study found that 268 million Americans ate bacon in 2020, with over 16 million eating five pounds of bacon or more during the year. The fight to end factory farming faces a critical challenge. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) are expected to sponsor the EATS Act. Support for the 20212022 version of the EATs Act suggests that additional co-sponsors could include Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), as well as nine House members from the Southeast and Midwest. "Pro-pork members of Congress have recently reintroduced the EATS Act as their latest attempt to undermine our progress and keep pigs in extreme confinement," Albrecht continues. "Our undercover investigation footage shows what is at stake and puts a face on the harrowing reality that is life for the vast majority of pigs in the United States." The EATS Act directly conflicts, on several points, with the preferences of recently surveyed U.S. citizens and would further entrench factory farming. Mercy For Animals is a leading international nonprofit working to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. Active in Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico, and the United States, the organization has conducted more than 100 investigations of factory farms and slaughterhouses, influenced more than 500 corporate policies, and helped pass historic legislation to ban cages for farmed animals. Join us at MercyForAnimals.org . SOURCE Mercy For Animals WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- News Advisory: Event: Panel discussion "Why Are They Not Home" to mark the 11th anniversary of the abduction of journalist Austin Tice When: Monday, Aug. 14 at 9:30 a.m. Where: National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC Holeman Lounge Who: Debra Tice, mother of Austin Tice Jason Rezaian of the Washington Post Paul Beckett of the Wall Street Journal Context: In Austin Tice, we have the longest-tenured U.S. hostage. At 11 years he supplanted Terry Anderson also a journalist. At this anniversary, we consider why journalists are so often held the longest or suffer fates like those of Danny Pearl, Jamal Khashoggi, and Shireen Abu Akleh. In light of new hostage cases like that of Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal, we must look at just why the government seems so unable in these cases of aggression toward journalists. In this panel we will try to discover what are the special problems the government encounters when the hostage is a journalist and if there are ways to work around these problems or best practices that should be deployed. It is honestly hard to find a government success story when it comes to freeing journalist hostages in the era of SPEHA. Possibly Danny Fenster would be one but the person who did the most to free him was explicitly told by the government not to do what he did. If left to the government plan, Danny may still be in prison. Jason Rezaian at 544 days was the best example of a successful case we have. This is grim news for Evan and any future journalists taken. As for Austin, we will discuss his case and hear the latest from Debra before the panel begins. The event is open coverage, and we call on all Austin's colleagues to come forward and say hello and support Debra. When a journalist is taken it deprives citizens of the information they need to participate in a functioning democracy. They are more than hostages. And when a hostage is held for 11 years it makes the government look incredibly weak and disorganized and unable to project power around the globe. The event is open to members of the National Press Club, other credentialed media, and invited guests. Join us ahead of the event at 9 a.m. for breakfast provided by the National Press Club. Registering is essential. Please do so at the following link: https://www.press.org/events/why-are-they-not-home The event will be livestreamed as well for those unable to attend. Special thanks to the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal for their support of this event. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for The National Press Club SOURCE National Press Club NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The pulp market size is estimated to grow by USD 41.26 billion from 2022 to 2027. The market is estimated to accelerate at a CAGR of 3.92%, according to Technavio. Download a Sample Report Now! Pulp Market Insights - Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Pulp Market Vendors : 15+, Including Arctic Paper SA, Asia Pulp and Paper APP Sinar Mas., Billerud AB, Canny Tissue Paper Industry, Gulf Paper Manufacturing Co., Hitachi Ltd., International Paper Co., Koch Industries Inc., Mercer International Inc., Metropolis Paper Industries, Metsa Board Oyj, Nath Industries Ltd., Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd., Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Oji Holdings Corp., Sappi Ltd., Shanying International Holding Co. Ltd., Stora Enso Oyj, UPM Kymmene Corp., and WestRock Co. : 15+, Including Arctic Paper SA, Asia Pulp and Paper APP Sinar Mas., Billerud AB, Canny Tissue Paper Industry, Gulf Paper Manufacturing Co., Hitachi Ltd., International Paper Co., Koch Industries Inc., Mercer International Inc., Metropolis Paper Industries, Metsa Board Oyj, Nath Industries Ltd., Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd., Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Oji Holdings Corp., Sappi Ltd., Shanying International Holding Co. Ltd., Stora Enso Oyj, UPM Kymmene Corp., and WestRock Co. Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Segments: Application (Printing and writing paper, Tissue paper, Specialty paper, Packaging paper, and Others), grade type (chemical pulp, mechanical and semi-chemical pulp, and non-wood pulp), and Geography ( North America , APAC, Europe , South America , and Middle East and Africa ) To understand more about the pulp market, request a sample report Pulp Market - Vendor Insights The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors including Arctic Paper SA, Asia Pulp and Paper APP Sinar Mas., Billerud AB, Canny Tissue Paper Industry, Gulf Paper Manufacturing Co., Hitachi Ltd., International Paper Co., Koch Industries Inc., Mercer International Inc., Metropolis Paper Industries, Metsa Board Oyj, Nath Industries Ltd., Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd., Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Oji Holdings Corp., Sappi Ltd., Shanying International Holding Co. Ltd., Stora Enso Oyj, UPM Kymmene Corp., and WestRock Co. Pulp Market Market Dynamics Major Drivers - The increasing consumption of wooden pulp drives the pulp market growth during the forecast period. Chemical wood pulp is basically a lignocellulosic fibrous material that is manufactured by separating cellulose fibers from wood. Softwood fibers are mainly sourced from angiosperm trees. This chemical wood pulp is mainly used to manufacture high-quality paper. The semi-chemical pulp process produces neutral solutions that are widely utilized for cooking wood chips. Semi-chemical wood pulp is cheaper when compared to other chemical methods. Some of the key applications of semi-chemical wood pulping include the manufacturing of tissue, fine paper, cartons, magazines, and paperboard. Factors that fuel the sale of tissue paper include personal hygiene and ease of availability, and recyclability. Furthermore, the rise in usage of cartons, magazines, and paperboard has also fuelled the consumption of semi-chemical pulp which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period. Significant Trends The rising popularity of fluffy pulp is a primary trend in the pulp market growth during the forecast period. There has been an increasing significance for diapers (baby and adult) and hygiene sanitary pads for women over the years. This is mainly due to the growing awareness of safety and health practices. Hence, the main raw materials which are used for the manufacturing of these products are fluffy pulp which is a long fiber made of softwood. The main advantage of fluffy pulp is that it enhances the absorbency of liquid and semi-solids, which prevents leaking. This type of diaper has facilitated families leading a fast-paced lifestyle as they can be disposed of easily. Furthermore, the increase in the aging population has fuelled the demand for adult diapers which has significantly contributed to the market growth. Hence, such factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Key challenges - The high cost incurred in the manufacturing of pulp will be a significant challenge hindering the market growth during the forecast period. There is an increase in investment by several vendors in the market for the degradation of technology to boost pulp production and maintenance. Even though the process of the pulp industry is advanced and efficient, the total energy consumed to manufacture pulp and paper is very high. This complex manufacturing process needs a lot of energy and water to bring down the forests, the high-volume bark, and the tight cellulose fibers. Furthermore, the rise in the price of kilowatt also negatively impacts market growth. Hence, such factors are expected to hinder market growth during the forecast period. Drivers, Trends and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report! The pulp market report provides critical information and factual data, with a qualitative and quantitative study of the market based on market drivers and limitations as well as future prospects. Why Buy? Add credibility to strategy Analyzes competitor's offerings Get a holistic view of the market Grow your profit margin with Technavio- Buy the Report What are the key data covered in this Pulp Market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the pulp market between 2023 and 2027 Precise estimation of the pulp market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the pulp market across North America, APAC, Europe , South America , and the Middle East and Africa , , and the and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of pulp market vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The hardwood market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.74% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 9,554.57 million. This hardwood market report extensively covers market segmentation by application (flooring, furniture, and others), type (ash, cherry, maple, oak, and birch), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The increasing residential and commercial construction activities are significantly driving market growth. The wood pellets market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.84% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecasted to increase by USD 5,283.83 million. This wood pellets market report extensively covers market segmentation by end-user (residential, commercial, and industrial), application (power generation, combined heat and power, and heating), and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The increasing use of bioenergy is notably driving market growth. Pulp Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.92% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 41.26 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 3.3 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 33% Key countries US, Japan, Sweden, Finland, and Brazil Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Arctic Paper SA, Asia Pulp and Paper APP Sinar Mas., Billerud AB, Canny Tissue Paper Industry, Gulf Paper Manufacturing Co., Hitachi Ltd., International Paper Co., Koch Industries Inc., Mercer International Inc., Metropolis Paper Industries, Metsa Board Oyj, Nath Industries Ltd., Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd., Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Oji Holdings Corp., Sappi Ltd., Shanying International Holding Co. Ltd., Stora Enso Oyj, UPM Kymmene Corp., and WestRock Co. 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, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 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 Application Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Grade Type 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 ($ billion) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) 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 pulp market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on global pulp market 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.2 Application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Application Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.3 Grade Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Grade Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 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 Application 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Application 6.3 Printing and writing paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Printing and writing paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Printing and writing paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 36: Chart on Printing and writing paper - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Printing and writing paper - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Tissue paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Tissue paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Tissue paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 40: Chart on Tissue paper - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Tissue paper - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Specialty paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 42: Chart on Specialty paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Specialty paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 44: Chart on Specialty paper - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Specialty paper - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.6 Packaging paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 46: Chart on Packaging paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Packaging paper - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 48: Chart on Packaging paper - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Packaging paper - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 50: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 52: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.8 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 54: Market opportunity by Application ($ billion) Exhibit 55: Data Table on Market opportunity by Application ($ billion) 7 Market Segmentation by Grade Type 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 56: Chart on Grade Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Grade Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Grade Type Exhibit 58: Chart on Comparison by Grade Type Exhibit 59: Data Table on Comparison by Grade Type 7.3 Chemical pulp - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 60: Chart on Chemical pulp - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Chemical pulp - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 62: Chart on Chemical pulp - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 63: Data Table on Chemical pulp - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Mechanical and semi-chemical pulp - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 64: Chart on Mechanical and semi-chemical pulp - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 65: Data Table on Mechanical and semi-chemical pulp - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 66: Chart on Mechanical and semi-chemical pulp - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 67: Data Table on Mechanical and semi-chemical pulp - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Non-wood pulp - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 68: Chart on Non-wood pulp - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 69: Data Table on Non-wood pulp - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 70: Chart on Non-wood pulp - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 71: Data Table on Non-wood pulp - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by Grade Type Exhibit 72: Market opportunity by Grade Type ($ billion) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Market opportunity by Grade Type ($ billion) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 74: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 75: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 77: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 78: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 79: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 80: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 81: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 82: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 83: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 84: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 85: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 86: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 87: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 88: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 89: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 90: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 91: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 92: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 93: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 94: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 95: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 96: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 97: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 99: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 100: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 101: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 102: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 Brazil - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 103: Chart on Brazil - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 104: Data Table on Brazil - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 105: Chart on Brazil - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 106: Data Table on Brazil - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 107: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 108: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 109: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 110: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 Sweden - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 111: Chart on Sweden - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 112: Data Table on Sweden - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 113: Chart on Sweden - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 114: Data Table on Sweden - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Finland - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 115: Chart on Finland - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 116: Data Table on Finland - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 117: Chart on Finland - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 118: Data Table on Finland - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 119: Market opportunity by geography ($ billion) Exhibit 120: Data Tables on Market opportunity by geography ($ billion) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 121: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 122: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 123: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 124: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 125: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 126: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Arctic Paper SA Exhibit 127: Arctic Paper SA - Overview Exhibit 128: Arctic Paper SA - Product / Service Exhibit 129: Arctic Paper SA - Key offerings 12.4 Asia Pulp and Paper APP Sinar Mas. Exhibit 130: Asia Pulp and Paper APP Sinar Mas. - Overview Exhibit 131: Asia Pulp and Paper APP Sinar Mas. - Product / Service Exhibit 132: Asia Pulp and Paper APP Sinar Mas. - Key news Exhibit 133: Asia Pulp and Paper APP Sinar Mas. - Key offerings 12.5 Billerud AB Exhibit 134: Billerud AB - Overview Exhibit 135: Billerud AB - Product / Service Exhibit 136: Billerud AB - Key offerings 12.6 Canny Tissue Paper Industry Exhibit 137: Canny Tissue Paper Industry - Overview Exhibit 138: Canny Tissue Paper Industry - Product / Service Exhibit 139: Canny Tissue Paper Industry - Key offerings 12.7 Hitachi Ltd. Exhibit 140: Hitachi Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 141: Hitachi Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 142: Hitachi Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 143: Hitachi Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 144: Hitachi Ltd. - Segment focus 12.8 International Paper Co. Exhibit 145: International Paper Co. - Overview Exhibit 146: International Paper Co. - Business segments Exhibit 147: International Paper Co. - Key offerings Exhibit 148: International Paper Co. - Segment focus 12.9 Koch Industries Inc. Exhibit 149: Koch Industries Inc. - Overview Exhibit 150: Koch Industries Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 151: Koch Industries Inc. - Key news Exhibit 152: Koch Industries Inc. - Key offerings 12.10 Mercer International Inc. Exhibit 153: Mercer International Inc. - Overview Exhibit 154: Mercer International Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 155: Mercer International Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 156: Mercer International Inc. - Segment focus 12.11 Metsa Board Oyj Exhibit 157: Metsa Board Oyj - Overview Exhibit 158: Metsa Board Oyj - Product / Service Exhibit 159: Metsa Board Oyj - Key offerings 12.12 Nath Industries Ltd. Exhibit 160: Nath Industries Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 161: Nath Industries Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 162: Nath Industries Ltd. - Key offerings 12.13 Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd. Exhibit 163: Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 164: Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 165: Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd. - Key offerings 12.14 Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd. Exhibit 166: Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 167: Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 168: Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 169: Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 12.15 Oji Holdings Corp. Exhibit 170: Oji Holdings Corp. - Overview Exhibit 171: Oji Holdings Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 172: Oji Holdings Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 173: Oji Holdings Corp. - Segment focus 12.16 Sappi Ltd. Exhibit 174: Sappi Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 175: Sappi Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 176: Sappi Ltd. - Key offerings 12.17 WestRock Co. Exhibit 177: WestRock Co. - Overview Exhibit 178: WestRock Co. - Business segments Exhibit 179: WestRock Co. - Key news Exhibit 180: WestRock Co. - Key offerings Exhibit 181: WestRock Co. - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 182: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 183: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 184: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 185: Research methodology Exhibit 186: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 187: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 188: 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 NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of TriplePoint Venture Growth BDC Corp. (NYSE: TPVG) between March 4, 2020 and May 1, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important August 15, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased TriplePoint securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the TriplePoint class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=15759 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 15, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose, among other things, that: (1) TriplePoint had overstated the strength of its various portfolio companies and loan book, as well as the viability of its overall investment strategy; (2) the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to have a material negative impact on the Company's financial position and/or prospects; and (3) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the TriplePoint class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=15759 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, centre right, inspects damage of the Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, Thursday, July 27, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP, File) On the battlefields of Ukraine, the fog of war plagues soldiers. And far from the fighting, a related and just as disorienting miasma afflicts those who seek to understand what's happening in the vast war. Disinformation, misinformation and absent information all cloud civilians understanding. Officials from each side denounce devious plots being prepared by the enemy, which never materialize. They claim victories that cant be confirmed and stay quiet about defeats. None of this is unique to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Any nation at war bends the truth to boost morale on the home front, to rally support from its allies, to try to persuade its detractors to change their stance. But Europes largest land war in decades and the biggest one since the dawn of the digital age is taking place in a superheated information space. And modern communications technology, theoretically a force for improving public knowledge, tends to multiply the confusion because deceptions and falsehoods reach audiences instantly. The Russian government is trying to portray a certain version of reality, but its also being pumped out by the Ukrainian government and advocates for Ukraines cause. And those people currently also have views and are using information very effectively to try to shape all of our views of the war and its impact," says Andrew Weiss, an analyst at the Carnegie Foundation for International Peace. THE FOG IS NOT A NEW DEVELOPMENT Even before the war began, confusion and contradiction were rife. Russia, despite massing tens of thousands of soldiers on the border, claimed it had no intent of invading. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy consistently downplayed the likelihood of war an alarming stance to some Western allies although the defense of Kyiv showed Ukrainian forces were well-prepared for just that eventuality. Within a day of the wars start on Feb. 24, 2022, disinformation spread, notably the Ghost of Kyiv tale of a Ukrainian fighter pilot who shot down six Russian planes. The storys origin is unclear, but it was quickly backed by Ukrainian official accounts before authorities admitted it was a myth. One of the most flagrant cases of disinformation arose in the wars second week, when a maternity hospital in the besieged city of Mariupol was bombed from the air. Images taken by a photographer for The Associated Press, which had the only foreign news team in the city, appalled the world, particularly one of a heavily pregnant woman being carried on a stretcher through the ruins. The brutal attack flew in the face of Russian claims that it was hitting only targets of military value and was avoiding civilian facilities. Russia quickly launched a multi-pronged and less-than-coherent campaign to tamp down the outrage. Diplomats, including Russias U.N. ambassador, denounced APs reporting and images as outright fakes. It claimed that a patient interviewed after the attack who was standing and appeared uninjured and the woman on the stretcher were the same person and that she had been a crisis actor. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alleged Ukrainian fighters were sheltering in the hospital, making it a legitimate target. The patient who was interviewed muddied the situation by later claiming she had not given journalists permission to cite her and sayimg she had not heard planes over the hospital before the blasts, suggesting it could have been shelled rather than bombed. Russian authorities seized on those statements to bolster their claims, although the woman confirmed the attack itself was real. A week later, Mariupols main drama theater was destroyed in an airstrike even though the word children was written in Russian in large letters in two spots around the theater to show that civilians were sheltering there. The blast killed as many as 600 people. Russia denied the attack, claiming again that Ukrainian fighters were sheltering inside and that the fighters themselves blew up the building. RUSSIA MAKES ITS OWN CLAIMS ABOUT ITS PROGRESS The Russian ministry almost daily makes claims of killing dozens or hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers, which cannot be confirmed and are widely believed to be inflated. In January, the Defense Ministry bragged that its forces killed as many as 600 Ukrainian soldiers in a missile attack on buildings in the city of Kramatorsk, where the soldiers were temporarily billeted. However, journalists including an AP reporter who went to the site the next day found the buildings without serious damage and no sign of any deaths. Russia said the purported attack was in retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a Russian base that killed at least 89, one of the largest known single-incident losses for Russia. Sometimes the fact of shocking destruction cannot be denied, but who caused it is disputed. When a renowned cathedral in Odesa was heavily damaged in July, Ukraine said it was hit by a Russian missile; Russia said it was hit by the remnants of a Ukrainian defense missile. The disastrous collapse in May of the Kakhovka dam, which was under Russian control, brought vehemently competing accounts from Russia which claimed it was hit by Ukrainian missiles and Ukraine, which alleged Russian forces blew it up. An AP analysis found Russia had the means and motive to destroy the dam, which was the only remaining fixed crossing between the Russian- and Ukrainian-held banks of the Dnieper River in the frontline Kherson province. Both sides play at demonizing the other with claims of the others devious plans. Sometimes one alleges the other side is preparing a false-flag attack, as when Ukraine claimed Russia planned missile strikes on its ally Belarus in order to blame Ukraine and to draw Belarus troops into the war. Russia and Ukraine both invoke the specter of nuclear disaster. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu grabbed worldwide attention in October with claims that Ukraine was preparing a dirty bomb a conventional explosive that spreads radioactive material. Zelenskyy in turn has repeatedly warned that Russia has planted explosives to cause a catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which it occupies. Corroborating evidence of either is absent. FOG ALSO CLOAKS THE FUTURE In the war, fog shrouds both events that occur and didnt occur and obscures understanding of what may occur next. And it does not creep in on little cat feet, but spreads instantly as Russia and Ukraine each take advantage of social media, messaging apps and the world's hunger for news to put forth both facts and deceptions. And what has or hasn't happened isn't the only fodder. What might or might not happen is fair game, too. Occasionally, dark allegations about what the other side is planning take a step further and complain about what supposedly won't happen. When a Russian journalist died in an attack by Ukrainian forces in July, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed within hours that a reaction to the death from international organizations was unlikely. She fumed that pathological hypocrisy has long been a political tradition of Western liberalism and its unconditioned reflex." Among those who deplored the reporter's death in the following days: the head of UNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists. SYDNEY, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Police in Australia's state of Queensland said on Saturday that a man was shot by police and died at the scene. According to a statement released by Queensland Police, officers came to an address in the City of Moreton Bay in the afternoon to take the 29-year-old man into custody. They were threatened by the man before police discharged their firearm. Immediate first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were provided for the man before he was declared deceased at the scene, the police said. A crime scene has been established at the address while police investigations continue, the police said. NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of NatWest Group plc (NYSE: NWG) resulting from allegations that NatWest Group may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased NatWest Group securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=17876 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On July 26, 2023, NatWest Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") Alison Rose resigned from that role after acknowledging a "serious error of judgment" in discussing former Brexit party leader Nigel Farage's relationship with Coutts, a NatWest-owned private bank, with a BBC journalist. Although CEO Rose initially informed the BBC that Coutts had closed Farage's account because he was not a profitable customer, Farage subsequently obtained a 40-page document setting forth Coutts' view that association with Farage created "significant reputational risks" for the bank, citing Farage's "xenophobic and racist" political views and the widespread perception of Farage as "a disingenuous grifter." Following Rose's resignation, NatWest's American Depositary Receipt price fell sharply, damaging investors. On this news, NatWest Group's American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") fell by $0.17 or 2.67%, to close at $6.19 on July 27, 2023. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Lumen Technologies, Inc. ("Lumen" or the "Company") (NYSE: LUMN). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Lumen 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 July 9, 2023, the Wall Street Journal published an article reporting that more than 2,000 abandoned lead cables, previously used by various telecommunication companies, were degrading and leaching into soil and groundwater, posing a significant public health risk. In related articles, the Wall Street Journal estimated that cleanup costs could run into the tens of billions of dollars, noting that it was difficult to quantify different telecommunication companies' exposures. Following publication of these articles, analysts downgraded multiple telecommunication company stocks. Lumen's stock price fell $0.15 per share, or 8.11%, to close at $1.70 per share on July 17, 2023. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered 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 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 Istanbul, Aug 5 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin could visit Turkey this month. "The date has not been set yet," he told reporters in a live broadcast on Turkish television after attending a religious event in Istanbul on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported. "My Foreign Minister and head of intelligence are holding talks. Within the framework of these talks, I hope that this visit will take place in August," he added. Turkey, which has good relations with both Kiev and Moscow, is working to resurrect a deal that aims to facilitate the export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports and the export of Russian food and fertilisers. Russia and Ukraine signed separately with Turkey and the United Nations the Black Sea Grain Initiative in Istanbul in July 2022. The deal collapsed last month after Russia said its demands were not met and withdrew from the agreement. Erdogan said Turkey and Russia agreed that the grain should be transferred to the countries in need, without elaborating further. "We will convert the grain through the Black Sea corridor into flour, and we will transport them as flour to poor, underdeveloped African countries," he added. London, Aug 5 : To mark the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, the British High Commission is offering young Indian women a chance to spend a day as one of the UK's top diplomats. The annual aHigh Commissioner for a Daya competition, with focus on Sustainable Development Goals, will provide an opportunity to Indian women, aged 18 to 23, to share their strengths with the world, the British High Commission in New Delhi announced on Friday. "The Sustainable Development Goals push for a better planet for everyone, everywhere; just as India is doing with its G20 Presidency. Iam always amazed by the talent spread across this country and have no doubt that Indiaas brilliant youth will lead the drive for a better future in the years to come," Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said. In a statement, Ellis said that the full potential of the worldas youth to solve the worldas biggest challenges cannot be achieved without girls and women. "The International Day of the Girl Child is an important moment to include and inspire. Iam looking forward to seeing numerous fantastic entries," he added. To apply, participants must record and upload a one-minute video answering: aHow can young people help lead the way in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?a The video has to be shared on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn by tagging a@UKinIndiaa and using the hashtag a#DayOfTheGirla. The entries -- only one per participant -- can be submitted by filling an online form available on the High Commission website by August 18. The High Commission also announced that videos exceeding time limit and having plagiarised content will result in immediate disqualification. A jury at the British High Commission will then select the winner, who will be announced on @UKinIndia social media channels. The High Commissioner for a Day programme will take place in-person in Delhi, and in case the winner is not from Delhi/NCR, the High Commission said will fund the travel to Delhi as part of the competition. The British High Commission has been organising the aHigh Commissioner for a Daya competition annually since 2017. Last yearas winner of the competition was 20-year-old Jagriti Yadav from Lucknow who experienced a broad range of diplomatic activities that included leading meetings with diverse stakeholders, chairing discussions and attending several events during the day. She met Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi, the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, and the Executive Chairman of Wipro Rishad Premji. Jagriti also launched a book honouring 75 Indian Women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) alongside Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India. --IANS mi/ksk Moscow, Aug 5 : The prison term of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been extended to 19 years in addition to the nine-year term he was already serving for parole violations, fraud and contempt of court. The trial was held on Friday in a remote penal colony in the town of Melekhovo, 150 miles east of Moscow, where Navalny has been in since 2021, reports the BBC. The proceedings were closed to the press and the public. The Kremlin's most vocal critic, who was found guilty of founding and funding an extremist organisation, will serve his time in a "special regime colony", which Russian state prosecutors had been calling for. Such prisons are normally reserved for dangerous criminals, re-offenders and those with life imprisonment. There he is likely to face greater isolation, with further restrictions on communications with the outside world. He could also receive fewer visitors than he is used to, including his family and defence team, and may face longer periods of solitary confinement, the BBC reported. After the verdict, in a message to supporters posted for him on X (formerly Twitter), Navalny remained defiant. "You, not me, are being frightened and deprived of the will to resist. Putin must not achieve his goal. Do not lose the will to resist," he wrote. "Nineteen years in a special regime colony. The figure doesn't mean anything. I fully understand that, like many political prisoners my sentence is for life. Life is measured either by my lifespan or that of the regime." For over a decade, Navalny sought to expose corruption at the heart of Russian power. His video investigations have received tens of millions of views online. He also seemed to be the only Russian opposition leader capable of mobilising people in large numbers across Russia to take part in anti-government protests. But in 2020, he was poisoned in Siberia by what Western laboratories later confirmed to be a nerve agent. After recovering from the attack, Navalny returned to Russia in 2021 despite warnings that he could face arrest. He was immediately arrested upon arrival at Moscow's Vnukovo airport. Chennai, Aug 5 : Farmers in Tamil Nadu will stage a massive protest on August 15 in Chennai against the state's ruling DMK government's failure to support farming and agriculture. Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association leader, P.R. Pandiyan said the DMK government after assuming office has not done anything for agriculture and due to this there might be a possibility of dip in food grain cultivation in the state in 2021. Pandianas remarks came after a state-level meeting of the Association in Madurai on Friday. The farmers' leader said that the state government has not done anything that the DMK had promised during the run up to the 2021 Assembly elections. He said that the state government has not made any efforts to hike the Minimum Support Price of rice and sugarcane, adding that this was creating difficulties of farmers. Pandian also said that the government has not taken any steps to execute the promise of establishing an agriculture university in Madurai. He charged that the DMK government had not made any efforts for maintenance of water bodies in areas irrigated by the Vaigai and Tamaraibarani rivers. He said that this has led to dip in the water level in storage dams. The farmers' leader said that even after this, the Chief Minister has not held any review meeting on the situation in the ground level. He also said that the Tamil Nadu government was not doing anything against Karnataka's move in constructing a dam at Mekedatu across the Cauvery. --IANS aal/ksk Chennai, Aug 5 : President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a three-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday. President Murmu will reach the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and interact with the Mahouts there. She will also meet Bomman and Bellie, the mahout couple who featured in Oscar winning documentary ,Elephant Whispers at Theppakadu elephant camp. The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Theppakadu Elephant Camp and all the roads leading to the camp will be totally under the control of state police. Police have directed all the hotels and resorts to evacuate people residing there and not to provide any rooms till the Presidential visit is completed. The President will reach Chennai by late evening from The Nilgiris and will stay at the Rajbhavan in Guindy. On Sunday, She will participate in the convocation ceremony of Anna University on Sunday. President Murmu will interact with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups( PVTG) at the Rajbhavan the same day. She will also meet a few personalities at the Rajbhavan after this interaction. On Sunday evening, the President will unveil the portrait of Tamil poet, Subramania Bharathi and will rename the Durbar hall in Rajbhavan as Bharathiyar Hall and attend cultural programmes in the hall. The President will leave for Puducherry on Monday and will attend programmes at the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville Mitramandir and return home the same evening. PHNOM PENH, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A truck transporting garment workers to their factory flipped onto its side in southwest Cambodia's Kampong Speu province on Saturday morning, leaving 60 workers wounded, a provincial senior police official said. The accident occurred in Samraong Tong district when the truck's driver drove fast and crashed at a curve in the road, said Tab Lon, Kampong Speu provincial deputy police chief in charge of road traffic. "The truck overturned and threw workers into a paddy field," he told Xinhua. "Sixty workers got injured including 10 in serious condition." Those ill-fated workers had been rushed to nearby hospitals, Lon said, adding that the police are hunting for the 24-year-old male driver, who escaped the scene soon after the crash. According to the official, the truck carried a total of more than 70 factory workers at the time of the accident. Transporting workers in open trucks to and from factories are common in this Southeast Asian country. According to the National Social Security Fund, some 17 factory workers died, 200 were seriously injured and 479 slightly wounded during their commutes to and from work in the first quarter of 2023. The country's multibillion-U.S.-dollar garment industry comprises roughly 1,100 factories, employing around 750,000 workers. Copenhagen, Aug 5 : Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that his government is considering enacting laws to prevent the recurring incidents of burning and desecration of the Holy Quran. Rasmussen made the remarks during a phone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency. The discussions tackled the repeated incidents of burning and desecration of the Quran, which threatens the peaceful coexistence of societies, according to the statement. Rasmussen expressed his country's regret and dissatisfaction with such incidents in Denmark, noting these behaviors do not reflect Danish societal values. For his part, Shoukry affirmed that Egypt categorically rejects all crimes of burning Quran, expressing resentment at their recurrence in Denmark without decisive measures against the perpetrators. The Egyptian minister stressed the need for tangible evidence of the government's commitment to taking necessary measures to protect the sanctity of individuals' beliefs. On July 27, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry summoned the Danish ambassador to strongly protest the recent incidents of burning copies of Quran in the Scandinavian country. The recurrent burning of Quran in Denmark along with Sweden has ignited fury and criticism from Muslim-majority countries across the world. Washington, Aug 5 : US President Joe Biden is leaning toward designating a vast area near the Grand Canyon as a national monument to safeguard it from uranium mining, a media report said. "Leaders of local tribes and environmentalists have spent years lobbying to protect areas near the park from potential uranium mining, which they say would threaten aquifers and water supplies," Xinhua news agency quoted The Washington Post report as saying citing sources. "They have asked Washington to double the protected area around the canyon by including 1.1 million acres of public lands in a Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument." According to the report, Biden will embark on a tour through Arizona next week. The White House previously announced that the President would make climate change and his environmental agenda a focus of his stops on the tour. Federal officials have started telling tribal and environmental groups to be available for a potential Grand Canyon announcement early next week, which would fall during Biden's travel, said the report. "No decisions have been made," White House spokesman Abdullah Hasan said in an email. "But I can tell you that President Biden has conserved more land and water in his first year than any president since JFK, and his climate protection record is unmatched." Uranium deposits sit deep within sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone layers across the US Southwest. In the Grand Canyon region, uranium ore is found in geologic features called breccia pipes. Uranium mining near Grand Canyon National Park began in the 1950s at Orphan Mine. At least eight uranium mines have operated near the park, including the active Canyon Mine. Since 2012, a 20-year mineral withdrawal has blocked new efforts to mine uranium on 1 million acres of public lands surrounding the Grand Canyon. But the relief is temporary. As of May 2022, there were still nearly 600 mining claims on national forest and other public lands around the Grand Canyon. Patna, Aug 5 : Two operatives of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) outfit were arrested in Bihar's Motihari on Saturday during a joint operation carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the district police. As part of the operation, a raid was conducted at the ward number 8 officers colony following which Sayyed Reza and Mohammad Kaif were arrested. The operation was carried out in the area based on a tip-off by an arrested PFI operative Maroof Riyaz. The joint team also seized a country-made pistol from the duo's possession. The sleuths have taken them tothe Chakia police stationand interrogation is underway. Patna, Aug 5 : National Commission of Women (NCW) has expressed concern over the murder of a seven months pregnant woman in Bihar's Purnia. Angoori Begam was allegedly beaten to death by her in-laws on August 1 over dowry. The accused are absconding now. "The 7 month pregnant woman was killed by her in-laws over dowry was a barbaric incident and highly condemnable.A timely investigation is required in this matter followed by strict action against the accused. We have asked Bihar DGP to submit detailed reports within 7 days," NCW said in its official statement. Munna Alam, the brother of the deceased said: "My sister got married to Millat Khan of Bela village under Rupauli police station eight years ago. After a few months of marriage, her in-laws started demanding dowry. They used to torture her for dowry everyday. Keeping this in view, Panchayat was also held in the village. Following that, the matter also reached the district court and was settled." "On Tuesday (August 1), her in-laws informed that Angoori was dead. We immediately rushed to the village but they refused to hand over the body. When we called the local police, then they fled from the house," Alam said. When contacted, an officer of Rupauli police station said that the post-mortem was conducted in Purnia medical college and handed over to the family. The accused are on the run. They will be put behind bars soon. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday paid tribute to three army personnel who were killed during an encounter with terrorists in Kulgam district in south Kashmir. "I salute the immortal martyrdom of our brave soldiers of the army who laid down their lives while defending the country in a confrontation with terrorists. Our soldiers protect us by risking their lives. The entire nation takes pride in our courageous and valiant warriors," Kejriwal tweeted. Three soldiers were killed during an encounter between terrorists and security forces at the Halan forest area in the higher reaches of South Kashmir's Kulgam district, officials said on Saturday. "On specific inputs regarding presence of terrorists on higher reaches of Halan in Kulgam, operations were launched by security forces on Friday. In exchange of firing with terrorists, three personnel sustained injuries and later succumbed," the army said, adding that search operations are continuing in the area. --IANS atk/svn US space firm Astra cuts 25% of its workforce. Image Source: IANS News San Francisco, Aug 5 : Struggling space firm Astra has reduced its overall workforce by approximately 25 per cent, including a reduction of approximately 70 employees. The affected employees primarily supported the company's launch, SG&A, and shared services functions. Astra Space announced a strategic reallocation of its workforce from its Launch Services organisation to its Astra Spacecraft Engines business to support its growing customer base and order backlog of its spacecraft engines. Astra last announced 278 cumulative committed orders of the Astra Spacecraft Engine, representing approximately $77 million of contract value. In support of the Astra Spacecraft Engine business, Astra has reallocated approximately 50 engineering and manufacturing personnel from Launch Services to Space Products, it said in a statement. "We are intensely focused on delivering on our commitments to our customers, which includes ensuring we have sufficient resources and an adequate financial runway to execute on our near-term opportunities," said Chris Kemp, Founder, Chairman and CEO. According to preliminary second-quarter financial results, Astra is expected to have revenues between $0.5-$1 million, while having just $26-$26.5 million in cash on hand. Astra, a rocket startup based in the US that went public in 2021, fired 16 per cent of its staff last year as part of a wider strategy to increase the shrinking financial runway and decrease expenses. The company expected to conduct initial flight tests in late 2023. Tehran calls for international help as Afghan refugees flood into Iran. Image Source: IANS News United Nations, Aug 5 : The UN humanitarians have warned of critical aid funding gaps for more than 21 million people in Afghanistan, saying that some relief already has been trimmed. With more than halfway through the year, the $3.2 billion appeal to aid almost half the population across Afghanistan is less than 25 per cent funded, Xinhua news agency quoted the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as saying in its latest situation update. "We face critical funding gaps amounting to $1.3 billion, with many programs already ended or considerably scaled back due to insufficient resources and aid pipelines at risk of imminent rupture, including for food assistance," OCHA said. The humanitarian office said it only has a short window of opportunity to procure and position vital assistance and supplies before the lean season and winter begin. After more than four decades of conflict and instability in Afghanistan, an estimated 28.3 million Afghans -- two-thirds of the population, including women and girls -- are in need of humanitarian and protection assistance. More than 1.6 million Afghans have fled the country since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, bringing the total number of Afghans in neighboring countries to 8.2 million -- accounting for one of the largest protracted refugee situations in the world. At least 3.2 million Afghans are displaced within their own country. Meanwhile, two-thirds of the war-torn countryas population is food insecure, including 875,000 children facing acute malnutrition. Women and girls remain most at risk. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 5 : A local court in Kerala's Thrissur district has directed police to register a case against top youth CPI(M) leader Jake C. Thomas over a political speech lashed out at Asianet News and its employees. This comes five months after repeated complaints to Chalakudy Police in Thrissur district to register a case went unheeded. Thomas, while participating in his party state secretariat M.V.Govindanas state wide rally on March 6, lashed out at Asianet News and its employees in the district. Based on this, the Asianet News officials approached the Chalakudy Police station to register a case, but they failed to do so. It was after this, the leading media organisation in the state approached the Chalakudy First Class Magistrate Court and filed a complaint on this issue against the police. Upon hearing the petition, the court directed the local police to register a case and start a probe into this. The now 32-year-old Thomas, presently a top youth leader hailing from Puthupally, has by now contested unsuccessfully two times ( 2016 and 21) against two time former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy from the Puthupally Assembly constituency. This new development comes at a time when Thomasas name is being sounded to contest from Puthupally following the passing away of sitting legislator Chandy, last month. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio along with Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang and state BJP president Temjen Imna Along called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah here and discussed what is given out as governance issues. "We apprised him on the plans and initiatives for the development of Nagaland. Grateful to him for his continued support and visionary leadership," Rio tweeted. The Chief Minister heads regional Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and is a trusted BJP ally for last two decades now. The NDPP-led regime has BJP ministers in the cabinet as well. Temjen Imna Along is also the Minister for Tourism and Higher Education. The meeting assumes significance as it comes on the backdrop of snail progress or even zero progress at the Naga peace talks since 2019. The NNPG, an influential conglomeration of seven militant groups, was keen for early completion of dialogue and signing of a peace pact. But largely owing to NSCN-IM's stance over a separate Naga flag and Constitution, the talks are at standstill notwithstanding much pressure built up for the same from Naga civil society including the Gaon Burrah (Village Elders') Federation and the Nagaland Tribes Council. Now, the NNPG led by mercurial N Kitovi Zhimomi is on aggressive mood and some of its anguish is falling on the Rio regime -- which has been more than once accused of not doing enough to pursue the NSCN-IM to see reason and sign the peace pact. In a strongly worded statement earlier this week the NNPG stated that Rio has "opted to hang onto the Chief Minister chair, foregoing greater responsibility". "Today, rather than facilitating early honourable and acceptable agreement based on the negotiated terms, the state government has once again formed a committee to look into the feasibility of oil exploration with the state's constitutional head, the Governor, as a member." This, the NNPG claims is "against the spirit" of Indo-Naga political negotiations and agreed terms. Such a move from the state government is also against the "spirit of Article 371 (A)", the NNPG says. "All man-made resources in Nagaland have been short-circuited and diverted into their own pockets. Nagaland is a state with the biggest begging bowl. It is morally and ethically wrong to sell untapped wealth of the people for further self-aggrandisement which is why it is unacceptable," said the NNPG statement published widely in local newspapers. The conglomeration further alleged that "a group of vultures are now hovering over the underground wealth of Naga people. Visionless profiteers and wanton politicians cannot repair Nagaland". It has urged all Naga tribes to "oppose tooth and nail all attempts to conduct oil exploration in Nagaland". The NNPG also said that pending Indo-Naga political solution, all Core Committees or Special/High powered team must be abolished. "Venturing into negotiated domain already agreed in principle between negotiating entities, is too dangerous," it warned. Sources declined to divulge on what really transpired at the meeting with the Home Minister. In May, even as oil companies were reportedly taking steps to 'restart oil exploration' in Nagaland after three decades, the NSCN-IM stated that unless an honourable political settlement between the Nagas and government of India is reached, no exploration of oil and natural gas in Naga territories in any form shall be allowed. The Rio government's problems are 'not joining issues' with the militant groups. It has administrative and political compulsion as the state is reeling under immense financial crisis. "We are part of the NDA and even BJP ministers are there in the government, yet the bitter truth is there is financial crisis," a source said on the condition of anonymity. "The financial crisis is a reality. Chief Minister Rio cannot runaway from this. Nagaland is saddled with a huge debt-crisis of around Rs 16,000 crore; whereas the state's own revenue remained at around Rs 650 crore," senior Congress leader Kewekhape Therie told IANS. With 41.16 per cent of the total budget being spent on salaries and wages of government employees, Rio in his Budget for 2023-24 also revealed his government's plan to gradually "scale down" the number of government employees. Often reports surface that many departments are unable pay salaries on time. In other words, Rio remains helpless and has to explore other avenues of revenue generation. Rio has also come under attack for not doing enough and not speaking much on the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur. This has become imperative and quite a serious issue as Manipur also houses a substantial number of Nagas in the hills. "The NNPG believes Nagaland CM has a role to play. He must express and convey collective condemnation of all parents and children of Nagaland on horrific scenes in the daily news and social media. The people expect from their Chief Minister a strong stand against violent communal forces," the influential organisation said Rio must be vocal and partner secular voices in restoring peace and harmony in Manipur. During his stay, Rio and his colleagues also met BJP national president J.P. Nadda. The BJP central leadership is mulling replacing Temjen as the state president essentially to follow party's cherished 'one man, one post' formula. Even otherwise, Temjen's performance as state unit chief has been quiet lackluster. (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) New Delhi, Aug 5 : Actress Shrenu Parikh, who has completed more than a decade in the television industry reminisced her early days of modelling, and how she has made a 'comfortable' space for herself in the showbiz. Shrenu's first television appearance was a cameo role in the show 'Zindgi Ka Har Rang...Gulaal' in 2010. She then bagged her first television lead role in the show 'Havan' in 2011. Shrenu said: "Not everyone knows, but I started my career with a modelling assignment, for which I got only Rs 700. Since I was five years old, I always wanted to become an actor. I would enact scenes from many shows and mimic the actors thinking of myself as an actor." "I remember, in the initial days, I used to travel from Vadodara to Mumbai, give 6-8 auditions, and travel back to my hometown the same day. In fact, my parents also used to travel with me every time." "No one actually knew me back then, but through a lot of hard work and dedication, I feel I have made a comfortable space for myself in the television industry. However, I am not taking it for granted and even after a decade in the industry, I will continue to entertain viewers by experimenting with my characters," she shared. Shrenu, who is playing a lead in the show 'Maitree', is currently seen in a pregnant avatar. Talking about the same, Shrenu said: "In the last 10 years of my career in the industry, 'Maitree' is the first time I have played the role of a pregnant woman with a baby bump. It was a unique experience and while I have always watched such sequences on screen, I used to wonder what it would be like to have a baby bump and shoot." "It was an interesting challenge, and I am blessed to have received so much love and appreciation from the team and my fans. Moreover, during my journey, I got to work with the best producers and channels." The actress said she owes everything to her family and her lovely fans, and she vows to continue entertaining them with newer roles and experimenting with her characters whenever possible. "In fact, it is because of my lovely fans and the support of my family that I have been able to reach this stage. My parents have actually been there with me through thick and thin, they have given me unconditional love and support, and without them, this journey wouldn't have been possible truly. Hence, I would like to dedicate this decade to them and my lovely fans," she added. The show follows the journey of Maitree (Shrenu Parikh) and Nandini (Bhaweeka Chaudhary) who have gone through many ups and downs of life together. In the recent episodes, viewers saw how Saaransh (played by Kunal Karan Kapoor) provoked Nandini against Maitree, making her so angry that she was even ready to kill her soul sister. Thankfully, Maitree and the entire family came to know about their true intentions in time and got Nandini and Saaransh arrested by the police. In the upcoming episodes of the show, viewers will witness how Nandish will get stuck in a drug racket. But will Maitree be able to save Nandish from the drug racket? Or lose him forever? 'Maitree' airs on Zee TV. Policemen stand guard near the residence of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan in Lahore, Pakistan, Aug. 5, 2023. The Islamabad police of Pakistan arrested former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday from his residence in the eastern city of Lahore after a local court sentenced him to three-year imprisonment for hiding his financial assets. The media wing of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) told Xinhua that the former prime minister was arrested after the court released arrest warrants for Khan. (Photo by Sajjad/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A local court in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Saturday sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan to a three-year jail term for hiding his financial assets. A local court judge announced a short order to sentence Khan, chairman of the former ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in a case concerning the illegal selling of state gifts and disqualified him for five years from holding any office. The judge said that the detailed verdict would be shared later. The judge also imposed a fine of 100,000 rupees (around 355 U.S. dollars) on Khan, and if it is not paid, he would have to spend six more months in jail. The court has also released arrest warrants for Khan. The former prime minister was not present in the court when the decision was announced. According to local media reports, Khan is at his home in the eastern city of Lahore and police have cordoned off his residence to arrest him. Policemen stand guard near the residence of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan in Lahore, Pakistan, Aug. 5, 2023. The Islamabad police of Pakistan arrested former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday from his residence in the eastern city of Lahore after a local court sentenced him to three-year imprisonment for hiding his financial assets. The media wing of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) told Xinhua that the former prime minister was arrested after the court released arrest warrants for Khan. (Photo by Sajjad/Xinhua) Policemen stand guard near the residence of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan in Lahore, Pakistan, Aug. 5, 2023. The Islamabad police of Pakistan arrested former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday from his residence in the eastern city of Lahore after a local court sentenced him to three-year imprisonment for hiding his financial assets. The media wing of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) told Xinhua that the former prime minister was arrested after the court released arrest warrants for Khan. (Photo by Sajjad/Xinhua) Policemen stand guard near the residence of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan in Lahore, Pakistan, Aug. 5, 2023. The Islamabad police of Pakistan arrested former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday from his residence in the eastern city of Lahore after a local court sentenced him to three-year imprisonment for hiding his financial assets. The media wing of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) told Xinhua that the former prime minister was arrested after the court released arrest warrants for Khan. (Photo by Sajjad/Xinhua) K'taka water contamination death toll rises to six, 36 more hospitalised. Image Source: IANS News Chitradurga : , Aug 5 (IANS) The death toll from water contamination in Karnataka's Chitradurga district rose to six on Saturday, while 36 more people were hospitalised increasing the overall number of patients to 185, officials said. The incident was reported on July 31 in the district's Kavadigarahatti area. Many of those who have been hospitalised are in critical condition, according to local authorities. Of the victims, a 22-year-old woman Usha lost her child after she consumed the contaminated water. The authorities said that Usha came to her parents' home in Kavadigarahatti for her delivery, during which she drank the water. She immediately started vomiting and showed signs of diarrhoea after which she was admitted to the district hospital. Despite efforts, the doctors could not save her child. Rudrappa, 50, who was admitted to Basaveshwara hospital in Chitradurga, succumbed after severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea on Friday. Manjula (23) and Raghu (27), both residents of Kavadigarahatti, also died. Also on Friday, there were 36 fresh hospitalisations with the same symptoms. Union Minister for State, A. Narayanaswamy, who represents the Chitradurga MP seat, visited the hospital and assured action. Locals had staged a protest in Chitradurga alleging negligence by the administration and local Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra Pappi. Following the protest by religious pontiff Shri Shivasharana Haralaiah and Dalit leaders, Pappi paid a visit to Basaveshwara hospital. As many as 115 are admitted to Basaveshwara hospital and 34 are being treated at the district hospital. The FSL report of the water sample has confirmed that there was no poisonous chemical. It was earlier alleged that miscreants might have poisoned the water after a POCSO Act case was filed against a local resident. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a probe into the incident and directed the district authorities to initiate stern action against the officers found guilty. The authorities have sent a report recommending suspension of AEE R. Manjunath Giraddi and JE S.R. Kiran Kumar, attached to Chitradurga Municipality. Prakash, who worked as a volve operator in Kavadigarahatti was also suspended by the district commissioner. Saluting Indian weavers on National Handloom Day: These Made-in-India D2C Brands are championing the cause!. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Aug 5 : Handloom fashion in India has woven its way through a rich culture and legacy. These timeless designs have been passed on from generations and it is India's diverse artisan community which is keeping it come alive through contemporary designs suiting the evolving needs of today's fashion consumers. From the cotton ikkat weaves to delicate silk saris, Indiaas exquisite handloomshave the world in awe. On this eighth Handloom Day, as we pay tribute to the handloom weavers for their immense contribution to keep the various languishing arts of India alive, we handpicked our favorite made-in-India D2C brands from Myntra which are taking the Indiaas rich cultural and textile legacy forward. The e-commerce companyas propositions including Runway Icons, Myntra Rising STARS and Myntra for Earth are serving as channels of discovery for these brands, building deeper connect with lovers ofhandloom weaves. Apaapi from Myntra Runway Icons is an ode to centuries old tradition. Born out of passion for outfits which were designed using enchanting colours and unique motifs ofNorth-East, but not usually available in the market, Apaapi ensures that their customers feel the warmthof the handcrafted weaves. Through their Khadi weaves, silk and pure cotton collections, Apaapi offers saree lovers the purity and magic of handlooms. The process of weaving is a celebration of centuries oldtradition and the authenticity of crafts in Indiaand with Apaapi efforts are taking the beautiful legacy forward. Suta, on Myntra Rising STARS, is a celebration of raw threads Sutaas design principles of celebrating raw threads, traditional boldness and uninterrupted simplicity arewinning hearts! SUTA meaning, athreada is the basis of the brandas inspiration to weaves its own creationand a reminder of the craft and tradition of India. Their endeavour to create simplistic yetcontemporary designs is also propelling the growth of the Indian handloom industry at scale. Sutaasrange of handloom collections from zari pure linen, hand blocked pure cotton, woven designs to mulmuls are sure to add elegance and class to oneas personality! Triyah, from Myntra Runway Icons is on a mission to take handloom to the global stage! Triyahas mission to support, sustain and grow the weaver communities of India, and to make Indianclothing a global phenomenon stems from the love our artisans and craftsmen receive from all over theworld. These artisans are at the helm of keeping our culture and heritage alive and this brand is makingstrides to weave the rich legacy of Indian textiles in our lives through some of their beautiful handloomweaves including Banarasi, Muga, Jamdani and Bhagalpuri, among others. Taavi, from Myntra House of Brands is supporting thousands of artisans The brand adapts traditional crafts into modern fashion sensibilities, making them more relevant to theIndian youth and brings the consumer closer to the bigger cause of revival of Indian crafts. With their Ikat, Kalamkari, Bagru, Ajrakh, Sanaganeri and many more such collections, Taavi is aiding in the rejuvenation of the languishing form of traditional Indian fabric design and process by complementing itwith a modern fashion identity and exposing it to a new and wider market. Experience Charukritias illustration of beautiful crafts and traditional Indian creations on MyntraRunway Icons With a passion to discover the Indian culture and the commitment to take the Indian heritage through fashion to the world, this brandsas creations have a touch and aroma of land, water, and air of its veryown. The collections, ranging from Taant, Cotton to Silks, are a tribute to those talented hands and smiling faces, from the hinterlands of rich and diverse country. Find your inner peace in the collectionsfrom their range of traditional and contemporary designs for your every delightful occasion and everywonderful story. New Delhi, Aug 4 : Twitter, which is now X Corp under Elon Musk, has failed to publish its monthly India compliance report for the May-June period which includes the details of complaints from users via the India grievance mechanism and action taken on them, as well as information related to Twitter's proactive monitoring efforts under the IT Rules, 2021. The monthly report has not appeared on the X Transparency portal yet, which normally appears on every first day of the month like other social media platforms like Meta and WhatsApp, etc. "Looks like this page doesn't exist. Here's a picture of a poodle sitting in a chair for your trouble," read the message when clicked on the IT Rules report for the May-June 2023 period. The company or Musk were yet to comment or specify why the report is missing, which is for the first time since Twitter began publishing monthly India compliance reports from the May-June 2021 period. In compliance with Rule 4(1)(d) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Twitter is required to publish a monthly compliance report. "We will continue to publish this report on a monthly basis, and will make improvements over time, based on feedback received from the government, or in accordance with internal changes that allow for us to provide more granular data," according to Twitter. In India, Twitter users can report grievances via the Grievance mechanism by using the contact details available on the Grievance Officer - India page. The last report available on X Transparency website is between April 26, 2023 through to May 25, 2023 that included content on Twitter. The report included complaints received from individual users with accompanying court orders. In the last published report, Twitter banned a record-breaking 1,132,228 accounts in India between April 26 and May 25. The ban aimed to curb the promotion of child sexual exploitation and non-consensual nudity. Additionally, 1,843 accounts were taken down for promoting terrorism on the platform. In the reporting period, Twitter received a total of 518 complaints from Indian users through its grievance redressal mechanisms. --IANS na/svn New Delhi, Aug 5 : After sustained buying for three months, FPIs have turned sellers in the Indian market, says V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. During the last seven trading sessions FPIs sold stocks worth Rs 8,545 crore in the cash market. Sharp spike in the US 10-year bond yield above 4 per cent is a near term negative for capital flows to emerging markets, he said. During the last three months, FPIs have been sustained buyers in the Indian market having invested a cumulative amount of Rs 1,37,603 crore. If the US bond yields remain high FPIs are likely to continue selling or at least refrain from buying, he said. FPIs continued to buy autos, capital goods and financials. A significant change in FPI strategy is that they have started buying IT stocks, which they have been selling earlier. This explains the strength in IT stocksrecently, he added. Domestic equities saw some respite after witnessing selling pressure for three consecutive days on the back of Indiaas services activity rising sharply to 62.3, its highest in 13 years, fueled by strong demand, says Siddhartha Khemka, Head - Retail Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Kochi, Aug 5 : Popular Tamil, Malayalam actor Bala on Saturday denied of threatening a You Tuber. Bala was responding after news surfaced that the Thrikkakara police have registered a case against the actor on the charge of trespassing into an apartment and threatening YouTuber Aju Alex. According to Alex, it was on Friday evening that Bala along with three others barged into the house of his friend Abdul Khader and started threatening him using a gun. Alex said at the time Bala was present he was not there and only his friend was there. Bala according to Alex appeared to be upset over a post of his in YouTube channel 'Chekuthan', which runs programmes on current affairs and films. Alex said that in a fit of rage Bala destroyed the backdrops used for content creations and threw out the clothes in the room. But Bala however denied of doing any wrong as in the complaint. The Thrikkakara Police have summoned Bala to appear before them. Mumbai, Aug 5 : Actress Geetanjali Mishra, who replaced Kamna Pathak in the television show 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan', as Rajesh Singh (Rajjo), received a warm welcome on the sets of the show. Rajesh Singh is the 'Dabbang Dulhaniya' of the show's titular character of Daroga Happu Singh (Yogesh Tripathi). The occasion was celebrated with a delightful cake-cutting ceremony, creating cherished memories. The viewers will get to see the new Rajesh from August 7. On receiving a warm welcome and the anticipation around her role, Geetanjali Mishra shared: "Radha Radhe Bol laye hain. I am filled with immense gratitude as I embark on this incredible journey. Initially, I felt anxious about how people would react to my presence on the show, but their overwhelming love and support have instilled newfound confidence in me. The warmth and affection my team embraced me have touched my heart deeply." She further mentioned: "Witnessing the excitement and anticipation in the eyes of those around me, eager to see me as their new Rajesh, is an incredibly beautiful feeling. This opportunity is both an honour and a pivotal moment in my life. Words cannot adequately express the depth of my emotions and gratitude." The actress said that the role truly feels like the opportunity of a lifetime, as she is ecstatic to have been given this chance. With regards to her entry and look in the show, Geetanjali Mishra shared: "The viewers will witness an entertaining track with my entry as Rajesh. Katori Amma (Himani Shivpuri) gets upset because her husband, Khodi Lal (Sharad Vyas), forgets their anniversary and spends a night with his friend Jamila. However, the family decides to throw a surprise party for them, where Katori Amma announces their divorce out of rage. She makes Rajesh (Geetanjali Mishra) the Judge and Beni (Vishwanath Chatterjee) her divorce lawyer." Meanwhile, Happu fights the case against Beni and supports Khodi Lal. Adding a bit about her appearance, she said, aRajesh's appearance has always captivated me, particularly how she exudes a delightful blend of Dabbang attitude and grace adorned in those beautiful sarees. The combination of simple yet vibrant sarees and subtle makeup is simply perfect! The creative team have retained the character's authentic and iconic look with no drastic changes. Nevertheless, each actor brings unique nuances to a role, setting them apart and enhancing their portrayal." "Stepping into such big shoes is a significant responsibility, as the character is widely adored for her catchphrases and distinctive appearance. I sincerely hope the audience embraces their new Rajesh wholeheartedly, showering her with the same love and support as her predecessor. With their warm acceptance, I aim to do justice to this beloved character and make her my own," she added. 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan' airs Monday to Friday on &TV. Jalgaon, Aug 5 : Angry residents of Maharashtra's Bhadgaon town observed a total 'shutdown' on Saturday to protest the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl by a youth on July 30, while the victim's family has demanded capital punishment for the accused. All shops, commercial establishments, eateries and educational institutions were closed to express solidarity with the victim's family and seek justice for the minor who was brutally raped, killed and then dumped under a haystack in a barn. On Thursday, the police arrested the 19-year-old accused, Swapnil V. Patil. Hundreds had marched out in a protest procession on Friday. On Saturday, the girl's distraught mother demanded that "the accused should be given the death penalty" without any delay to ensure justice for their daughter. "The accused has already been arrested and he has also confessed Then what's the problem Ensure that he is punished immediately Hang him," she demanded talking to mediapersons. Taking strong note of the incident, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday called up the victim's family and consoled them while assuring that the culprit would not be spared. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Legislative Assembly that the accused arrested from Gondgaon village will be liable for stringent punishment. According to the police, on July 30 afternoon, the girl was alone at her home in Bhadgaon when the accused lured her to a nearby shed reportedly owned by him. Taking advantage of the situation, Swapnil allegedly forced himself upon her ignoring her cries, protests and threats to "inform her family". Panicking, he grabbed a stone nearby and smashed her at least twice on the face and head, and the profusely bleeding girl succumbed soon afterwards in the shed. Swapnil then hid her body under a haystack there and fled from the scene, even as her family and neighbours launched a massive search for her, and later lodged a 'missing' complaint with Bhadgaon Police. Few days later, locals complained of a stench emanating from the barn, and when they searched it, stumbled across the girl's decomposing body there. They summoned the police and later the victim's parents identified her body. In an immediate reaction, the family and other villagers staged a sit-in protest demanding arrest of the culprit. Swinging into action, the police finally caught Swapnil on Thursday from his village. He has confessed to the heinous crime. The police, local Crime Branch and forensic experts have launched investigations. London, Aug 5 : Opening batter Prithvi Shaw's debut for Northamptonshire in the One-day Cup ended in an bizarre fashion after being out hit wicket on 34 against Gloucestershire. Shaw was trying to get Northants out of a batting collapse which saw them lose five wickets quickly. He and Lewis McManus were in a process of resurrecting the innings, and took Northants past 50. But Gloucestershire fast-bowler Paul van Meekeren bowled a sharp bouncer which Shaw tried to hook against. But he couldnat keep his balance and while going around, he fell down and disturbed his stumps in the process, resulting in his dismissal. Shaw was in disbelief for some time, before making the long road back to the pavilion after making 34 off 35 balls, leaving Northants at 54-6. Though Tom Taylor scored a century, it couldnat prevent Northants from falling to a 29-run loss in Cheltenham. Shaw scored 65 off 39 balls in a warm-up inter-team match for Northamptonshire to start his UK stint. He last played for India on the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in July 2021, and was part of the squad for the three T20Is at home against New Zealand earlier this year, but didnat get to play a match. The right-handed batter had a woeful IPL 2023 campaign and was dropped midway through the competition by his franchise Delhi Capitals. Shaw was recently in action for the West Zone in the Duleep Trophy, where he made one half-century in four innings in the zonal first-class competition. Aastha Sharma calls her father 'best friend': Can talk to him about anything under the sun. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Aug 5 : As the world gears up to celebrate the 'Friendship Day', actress Aastha Sharma shared that her father is her first best friend, and she can talk to him about anything under the sun. Talking about her sweet bond with her father, Aastha said: "My father is my first best friend. He's the first one on the list of people I call when I'm in trouble or seeking an opinion on something that matters to me." "When you are friends with someone, you create a very exclusive language and my dad and I have our own dialect and inside jokes. I can talk to him about anything under the sun," shared Aastha. Aastha, who is currently playing the role of Neerja in 'Neerja... Ek Nayi Pehchaan', said that her father is always present with her on sets, when she is shooting for her show. "He tries to be as tech-savvy as I am, and we have a lot of fun clicking photos whenever we have time. Itas a blessing to be able to not think twice before sharing something with him," added Aastha. 'Neerja' is a captivating family drama that shows the lengths Protima (played by Sneha Wagh), a mother will go to secure her daughter, Neerjaas (younger Neerja played by Myra Vaikul) future, while residing in Kolkata's infamous red-light district, Sonagachi. As she comes of age, sparks of love fly between Neerja (played by Aastha Sharma) and Abeer Bagchi (played by Rajveer Singh), a scion of a reputed family. This bond is opposed by Didun (played by Kamya Panjabi), the madam of Sonagachi; Bijoy (played by Ayub), Abeeras father and Shubhra Bagchi (played by Vibha Chibber) Abeeras paternal aunt. What remains to be seen is if a life of dignity, and love is on the cards for Neerja. Produced by Sudhir Sharmaas Sunshine Productions, aNeerjaa airs on Colors. Bhopal, Aug 5 : Emergency and OPD services in all state government-run hospitals in Madhya Pradesh were affected as the junior doctors, along with members of medical teachers association, went on a protest on Saturday. The junior doctors and teachers of Bhopalas Gandhi Medical College (GMC) have been in protest after the death of Dr Bala Saraswati on July 31. Extending support to GMC doctors, the junior doctors of all major cities a" Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Sagar, Rewa and others have gone on strike affecting medical services especially in OPD and emergency wards. The protest is being carried out under the banner of Junior Doctors Association (JUDA). Adequate infrastructures, grievance redressal system, health working environment, resolution of seat-leave bonding and some others have been constant demands of junior doctors associated with medical colleges in the state. They have staged protests for pushing their demands several times in the past, however, the state administration was yet to come out with any concrete steps to resolve the issues. The fresh round of protest began after the alleged suicide of a female junior Dr Bala Saraswati, a resident of Hyderabad. She was pursuing her post-graduate (PG) in gynaecology from Bhopalas GMC. In her suicide note, Dr Bala has alleged that toxic work culture and harassment forced her to take extreme steps. The doctor was 14 weeks pregnant when she injected an overdose of anesthesia at her room in Koh-e-Fiza area in Bhopal on July 31. It is the second such incident reported at Bhopal's GMC in the last seven months blaming the same toxic work culture. On January 24 this year, a 27-year-old junior doctor Akanksha Maheswari, a resident of Gwalior, had died by suicide and she had also blamed toxic culture at GMC. Dr Nishit Vadaviya, president of JUDA of Sagar Medical College talking to IANS said, "Situation in almost all medical colleges are same in Madhya Pradesh. We can't even complain about harassment. The government would do nothing except pressuring us to work at any condition. And if we raise our voices, they would threaten us to ruin our future. This is the way medical colleges and government-run hospitals in Madhya Pradesh are operating." Dr Ashay Dwivedi, head of junior doctors in Sanjay Gandhi Medical College (SGMC)- Rewa, said the doctors have to bear work in a toxic culture day and night. "Situation in Rewa is worse as we have to work in acute pressure. SGMC caters the patients from five to six adjoining districts. "Besides departmental pressure, we also have to handle political pressure here. Every local politician would come and harass the doctors. This toxic culture needs to be stopped now," Dr Dwivedi added. PHNOM PENH, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) led by Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen won 120 out of 125 parliamentary seats in a recent general election, according to the National Election Committee (NEC) official results released on Saturday. The Funcinpec Party of Prince Norodom Chakravuth gained the remaining five seats, said the results announced on the state-run National Television of Cambodia. "Yes, the official results indicate that the CPP won 120 parliamentary seats and the Funcinpec Party earned five seats in the July 23 general election," the NEC's member and spokesman Dim Sovannarom told Xinhua. Eighteen political parties contested in the seventh general election. The NEC said the CPP garnered almost 6.4 million votes, or 82.3 percent, of the total valid votes, and the Funcinpec Party received 716,490 votes, or 9.2 percent. Hun Sen, who has served as the prime minister of Cambodia for more than 38 years, announced last week that he would step down and hand over the position to his eldest son Hun Manet. However, the 70-year-old leader said he will remain the CPP's president and will also take the position of President of the Senate after the Senate Election on Feb. 25 next year. Hun Sen said the newly elected National Assembly will convene its first session on Aug. 21 and a new five-year-term government led by Hun Manet will be sworn in on Aug. 22. Hun Manet, 45, is currently a member of the CPP's Standing Committee and a deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. Imphal, Aug 5 : Manipur BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh on Saturday claimed that there were huge security lapses in the militant attack in Bishnupur district that killed three people earlier in the day, and demanded action against the paramilitary force personnel for their "negligence in duty". In the early hours of Saturday, the three people, including an elderly man and his son, were killed and a few injured after suspected militants opened indiscriminate fire in Kwakta Lamkhai village. The BJP MLA, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, raised questions and said that despite the presence of a massive number of paramilitary personnel, the militants from other districts came to the village and brutally killed the three people. "The so-called paramilitary forces on duty in the village need to be suspended. We have been writing letters and memorandum regularly to the Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) that certain security forces are creating uneasiness between the people and the state. "Few units of the security forces are creating problems. If the proper action is not taken immediately, peace and normalcy would not be restored in the state," the MLA said in a video message. He said that certain proactive measures need to be taken immediately and the Chief Security Advisor must look into these aspects. "There are people behind the militants to create trouble. Who is supplying arms and ammunition to them (militants). Central government must answer these questions. There is violence going on for more than three months. "Central government must take certain stringent measures to stop violence, otherwise the situation would go out of control. Manipur needs peace and normalcy," the legislator said. Rajkumar Imo Singh had earlier appealed to all MP cutting across party lines not to politicise the Manipur issue and try to bring peace and normalcy in the state. "My humble appeal to all the Parliamentarians in the country cutting across party lines, the whole State of Manipur is looking up to you all and the State deserves to be discussed rather than politicised. "Please understand the issues about Manipur, have an in-depth analysis about the root cause of the issue, and the actions needed to bring peace and normalcy in the state. We all want for hear from the PM, and if allowed for the parliament to function, we will hear his statement, and all the measures by the Home Ministry to tackle Militant/Insurgent Groups, Foreign Militias under operation, Illegal Migrants amongst other issues," he had tweeted. The victim's of Saturday's attack were identified as Yumnam Pishak Meitei (67) and his son Yumnam Premkumar Meitei (39) and a neighbour Yumnam Jiten Meitei (46). There is no reason for ED to call my wife: Nusrat Jahans husband. Image Source: IANS News Kolkata, Aug 5 : Yash Dasgupta, husband of actress-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Nusrat Jahan is confident that his wife will not be summoned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the corporate entity Seven Sense Infrastructure Private Limited, where she was a director, duping people. "The allegations of corruption involving crores of rupees are baseless. I am sure that ED will not summon her," Dasgupta told a section of the media persons. His statements come after a section of the Trinamool Congress leadership gave clear hints of backing Jahan in the matter as they described the event as more of a media trial. While, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given a cautious statement that Jahan is being portrayed as an offender before any proof on this count had surfaced, another actress- turned- politician and state president of the youth wing of Trinamool Congress Sayani Ghosh has directly referred to the media-trial angle in the matter. "From my personal experience I can say that the media-trial is a serious affair. Lots of things are being said in the media before any court has said anything in the matter, where an individual is framed before proven guilty. This is not right. I did not have any discussion with Nusrat on the matter. But everyone has to take care whether such propaganda is harming the image of anyone," Ghosh said. To recall, Ghosh was recently summoned by ED for questioning in connection with the multi-crore school job case in West Bengal. Jahan herself has denied the charges that she purchased her own residential flat from money that the individual gave to the company against promises of providing residential flats at reasonable rates. She claimed that she purchased the flat taking a loan from the said corporate entity which she repaid with interest in March 2017 when she also resigned from the company. However, the current director of the company Rakesh Singh has rubbished her claims. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Delhi Police's Crime Branch has apprehended a 23-year-old 'history-sheeter' wanted in connection with the gang-rape of a minor in the national capital, said an official on Saturday. The accused, identified as Karan Singh alias Rahul, has a criminal record, with involvement in five previous cases, including attempted murder and the arms act. Providing details of the incident, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Singh Yadav stated that on June 23, the victim was physically and sexually assaulted by two individuals known to her, Mohd. Miraj and a juvenile. "After the assault, she confided in her maternal uncle, who then instructed her to return home with Karan and a juvenile. They took her to another accused Kamal Singh's room, where all three of them raped her," said the Special CP. During the investigation, three of the accused were nabbed, but Karan and Kamal managed to escape. "However, specific information led to the tracing of Karan to the area of Kishni Block, Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, where he was subsequently apprehended," said the Special CP. Guwahati, August 5 : A member of the disbanded militant outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) was arrested in Assam's Dhubri district on Saturday. Superintendent of Police in Dhubri Navin Singh told IANS: "We have been looking for the ABT member for the last few days and an operation was on to nab him. He was hiding and somehow evading arrest. But on Saturday morning, we captured him." Recently, another member of ABT was arrested in Morigaon district. He was brought to Dhubri and was interrogated further to find links to the terror module in Assam. "The other member of the ABT earlier caught in Morigaon is in our custody," Singh said. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said: "A member of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) module, Abdus Sukur Ali, son of Akbar Ali, from Takimari near the Bangladesh border, was apprehended early this morning from a remote area called Nayeralga under Bilasipara Police Station by a team led by Dhubri Police. Currently, the police are interrogating the individual extensively." --IANS tdr/ksk Hyderabad, Aug 5 : The Telangana State Road Transportation Company (TSRTC) employees on Saturday protested against Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan for delay in giving her consent on the bill aimed to absorbing 43,000 contractual employees under the government pay scale. The Governor has sought clarification from the government with regard to the bill. After the development, the Governor has invited TSRTC union leaders to the Raj Bhavan. The employees of the corporation wore black badges and shouted slogans against the Governor. They boycotted duties from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The bus services across Telangana are hit as the bus services were disrupted causing inconvenience to large number of passengers. Following the protests, the Governor tweeted that pained to know about the strike. She opined that that it caused inconvenience to the public. She maintained that she is with the employees. The Governor stated that she is studying the bill to ensure safeguarding the rights of the employees. The party workers of ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) also took part in the protest. New Delhi, Aug 5 : One of the leading hair brand in the US, Redken, has made its highly anticipated debut in India. The brand brings together the power of science and the prowess of its hairdressers to empower everyone to express themselves and make a statement with their hair. At its core, the brand is known to deliver powerful hair transformations with its unique pH balanced formulas that preserve the health of hair. Its extensive range of products covers all the bases - colour, care, styling - ensuring they've got your back for every hair need. "In recent years, there has been substantial growth in the number of young affluent consumers in India. These consumers are quite individualistic, experimentative and are willing to spend on specialised products and services best suited to their specific needs. We feel that this is the right time to bring a global brand like Redken to India which offers a performance-driven, comprehensive portfolio to this evolved cohort", said D.P. Sharma, Director Professional Products Division, L'Oreal India. To drive this global mission of the brand, Florian Hurel, an internationally acclaimed celebrity hairstylist, has been announced as Redken's Pro Ambassador for India. Florian's unique approach is deeply rooted in his belief that beauty should be customised for every customer in a way that helps them to reflect their individuality, making him the perfect fit for a young empowering brand like Redken. "I am excited to come on board as the Pro Ambassador for Redken India, supporting a brand where creativity knows no bounds! From cutting-edge trends to hair perfection, I look forward to elevating professional hair experiences in collaboration with Redken", says Florian Hurel, Pro Ambassador, Redken India, who is all set to launch his first salon, Florian Hurel Hair Couture, in association with Redken, in Walkeshwar, South Mumbai. This will be Redken's first flagship in India offering the brand's most iconic and transformative hair treatments and services. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) --IANS ianslife/ tb Mumbai, Aug 5 : At a time where there is cut-throat competition in Hindi cinema, there have been some names who have set friendship goals that go beyond box-office rivalry. With Friendship Day all set to be celebrated on Sunday, here are a few names that have redefined friendship goals in the Hindi film industry. Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar Apart from working in blockbusters such as 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghama' and even the Karan Johar produced 'Dear Zindagi', the filmmaker and the superstar have been friends for over years. The two have been a pillar of support for each other during the crests and troughs in their journey. Karan Johar and Kajol They too have worked together in several hit projects including 'Diwale Dulhania Le Jaayengay', where the filmmaker was seen sharing screen space with the actress and Shah Rukh Khan. The two when together are at a giggle fest and their appearance on 'Koffee With Karan' is a testament to that. Their friendship too saw a rocky phase due to a dispute however, they managed to overcome that and till today are thick friends. Alia Bhatt and Akanksha Ranjan They are childhood besties. They met in school and have been inseparable since then. From going on vacations together to doing a show 'How well do you know your best friend', they have done almost everything. Akanksha was seen having tears of joy when Alia got married to the love of her life, Ranbir Kapoor. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Amrita Arora Without any rivalry or insecurity, their friendship is authentic to the T. Kareena and Amrita have been friends since school. They have been thickest friends even though their journey has been different. They keep updating about their get-togethers and parties on social media with their fans. Vidyut Jammwal and late Siddharth Shukla From training together to spending time together, Vidyut and Siddharth were the closest friends. The action hero was in tears when he lost his friend in September 2021 post which he even paid a heart-wrenching tribute to him. In his tribute, Vidyut had said: "Sidharth Shukla has been my best friend because I've never had a friend like him." Ananya Panday, Suhana Khan and Shanaya Kapoor They are known as the awesome-threesome. They can practically be called sisters as they have grown up together. Their families are close too. All the three are here to take over Hindi cinema as Ananya has already made her debut with 'Student Of The Year 2' in 2019, Suhana will be seen in Zoya Akhtar's 'The Archies', and Shanaya will be seen stepping into the industry with 'Bedhadak'. Ayushmann Khurrana and Rochak Kohli Ayushmann and Rochak, who is a music composer in the industry, have been friends since the eighth grade. From making music together, to standing by each other, they have never left each others' side. In 2020, Ayushmann had made a post about Rochak in social media. The picture featured the two from their college days and the duo were seen sporting a bald look. Ayushmann had then said they "speak almost every second day." Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor To be honest, they are two friends that every group needs. Funny, goofy and a laugh riot together is how one can define them. From starring together in a film to getting roasted for a charity a" they have done it all together. Tiger Shroff and Rinzing Denzongpa Tiger and Rinzing, who is the son of veteran star Danny Denzongpa, have been childhood buddies. A photo from their childhood days had surfaced online and their physical transformation dropped jaws. Kolkata, Aug 5 : Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who was admitted to hospital with breathing complications and low oxygen saturation level, is recovering fast, doctors attending on him in a Kolkata hospital said. With signs of speedy recovery becoming evident, the intravenous antibiotics for Bhattacharjee will be stopped. Considering the better medical conditions, the urinary catheter for the former chief minister has also been removed. The medical board of the hospital constituted for the treatment of Bhattacharjee will meet later in the day and decide on his probable date of discharge from the hospital. CPI(M) politburo member and Bhattacharjee's colleague in the previous Left Front regime, Suryakanta Mishra, who is himself a qualified medical practitioner might also take part in the meeting. According to the morning medical bulletin issued by the hospital authorities, the former chief minister is still kept under conservative medical management, physiotherapy and lung rehabilitation. "His overall clinical status remains stable. He is alert and is responding to doctors and visitors," the morning medical bulletin read. The former chief minister was admitted to the hospital on July 29. Chandigarh, Aug 5 : Nearly 45 illegal commercial shops, comprising chemist stores, near a medical college were razed to the ground on Saturday, the third day of the demolition drive, in Haryana's Nuh district as some belonged to suspects of the violence. Authorities bulldozed illegal constructions on 2.6 acres of land around SKHM Government Medial College on Nalhar Road. Most of the temporary raised shops belonged to immigrants for encroaching on government land. They were demolished amid heavy police deployment. "All of them were illegal constructions. Notices were given to owners for the demolition. Some of owners of illegal structures were involved in the violence too," Sub Divisional Magistrate Ashwani Kumar told the media. On day three of razing illegal encroachments, the prominent demolition was carried out in Nalhar area where shanties mostly belonged to the accused who fired bullets at around 2,500 pilgrims hiding in the Nalhar Mahadev temple. The shanties were illegally raised on the land of the Forest Department. The local administration carried out the demolition of houses believed to be owned by, or utilised by, individuals suspected to be connected to the communal clash that broke out on Monday and resulted in six deaths and 70 injured. State Home Minister Anil Vij has claimed that the violence behind the clashes in Nuh was part of a "big game plan". Till now, 176 arrests have been made for the communal clashes that first broke out on Monday during a Hindu religious procession after rumours that the absconding cow vigilante Monu Maneser, a key accused in Bhiwani killings, would also attend the event. Vij said he was not shared any intelligence input on the July 31 violence and even the Director General of Police (DGP) informed him that "they also don't have the information". "I was not shared any intelligence input. I had even asked the ACS (Home) and the DGP and they said they also don't have the information," Vij told the media in Chandigarh. "Now, a video is going viral in which a CID inspector claimed that he knew everything in advance. If he knew, then who did he inform about this," Vij said on Nuh violence. The state Home Minister smells big game plan behind the violence. "People climbed hills next to the temples, had lathis in their hands and gathered at entry points, all this is not possible without a proper plan. Bullets were firedAll this is part of a plan. We will not rush to an early conclusion without a thorough investigation being done," he said. New Delhi, Aug 5 : A day after the Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited Delhi's Mohalla Clinic and said that it is overhyped, former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, said that he could have shown real truth of Arvind Kejriwal's governance to him. In a tweet, Dikshit said, "Wish you'd met us also Dinesh Gundu Rao -- would have shown real truth of Arvind Kejriwal education, health, finance, environment, water, roads, buses, infra, rampant corruption. Perhaps you could have conveyed this to his new drum beaters in Congress." His remarks came after Rao visited a Mohalla Clinic of the Delhi government in south Delhi along with Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. After visiting ther Mohalla Clinic centre, Rao took to X (formerly Twitter) and said, "Visited a Mohalla Clinic in Delhi with hardly any people there. Our Clinics in Karnataka have more facilities including a laboratory to do immediate tests for patients. I guess it is overhyped and I came back feeling disappointed." The remarks of the Karnataka Health Minister has shown signs of cracks in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) of 26 opposition parties including AAP. Besides Dikshit, several leaders of the Congress including former Union minister Ajay Maken had said that the party should not have any alliance with the AAP in Delhi. Even Punjab Congress leadership had also voiced its concern with the party leadership of not having any kind of alliance with the AAP in the state. EPA Fines Robert Yundt Homes LLC for Clean Water Act Violations The company and its namesake face more than $100,000 in penalties. The EPA took action against a Wasilla, Alaska-based homebuilder for violations of the Clean Water Act. In a release dated August 3, the agency announced it penalized Robert Yundt Homes LLC and Robert Yundt $107,000 for actions that occurred between 2019 and 2021. According to the EPA, the company used heavy equipment to relocate and discharge material into Wasila Lake and Cottonwood Lake, causing environmental harm to the shore and nearby wetlands. As a result, Robert Yundt Homes LLC agreed to pay $29,500 in penalties. And the EPA issued an administrative compliance order on multiple occasions, directing the company to take restorative action to mitigate its actions. However, its noncompliance with these orders led the U.S. Department of Justice to file a complaint against Robert Yundt Homes LLC with the court. As a matter of resolution, all parties agreed to a consent decree requiring Robert Yundt Homes LLC and Yundt to take action to restore the shorelines at Wasilla Lake and continually preserve the wetlands near Cottonwood Lake. In addition, Robert Yundt Homes LLC must pay an additional $77,500 in penalties. Violations of the Clean Water Act can significantly affect the lives of Alaskans, and those who partake in these unlawful actions will face consequences, U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska said in a statement. The U.S. Attorneys Office will continue to support our partners across the nation to protect our communities and ecosystems from the effects of illegal environmental degradation, as in the case of Robert Yundt Homes, LLC. This action is open to public comment until August 30, 2023. Islamabad, Aug 5 : In a major development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday issued its verdict in the Toshakhana case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, sentencing him to at least three-years imprisonment and imposing a fine of 100,000 PKR. The IHC, which has been hearing the case on a daily basis, announced its verdict after hearing versions of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Khan's lawyer, concluding that the former permier was found guilty of corrupt practices in acquiring gifts from Toshakhana, misusing his public office to tailor procedures, evaluation and settlement of gifts, given to him as premier by different countries and delegates. Khan was accused of opting to corrupt practices to not only acquire gifts, jewellery and other items worth billions of rupees, but also using his office to tailor the procedures, get under-valued assessments done and later pay 20 per cent of their under-valued price through undeclared accounts. The Islamabad trial court declared PTI chief as guilty of corrupt practices and concealing details of Toshakhana gifts. "Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details to the Election Commission of Pakistan and is found guilty of corrupt practices," the trial court verdict said Shortly after the IHC order, Khan was taken into custody from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore. The former Prime Minister was indicted in the case on May 10 on a criminal complaint file against him by the ECP, which was then challenged by Khan. However, Khan and his lawyers had been trying their best to ignore and stay away from the proceedings and investigations of the Toshakhana case, which many believe was because he was aware that he would fail to defend himself. The lawyers had also raised concerns over the Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar for being biased against Imran Khan and pleaded for the case to be heard in another judge's court. However, this plea was rejected. Khan had also reached out to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, asking on the apex court to issue a verdict to stop the proceedings of Toshakhana case in the trial court. The apex court rejected his request as well. The ruling party's spokesperson and special assistant to the Prime Minister, Atta Tarar said Imran Khan has finally been caught red handed for not only lying but also for stealing in the Toshakhana case. "Today, the truth about a thief has come out in the open. Who not only took precious gifts from Toshakhana illegally, deliberately refrained from declaring them with ECP, getting illegal and fraudulent evaluations of those items and then even going further to sell them off in the open market," he said. "Today, Imran Khan is a declared and established corrupt person." the PTI legal team maintains that they will challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, claiming that the hasty decision of the session judge in the case raises serious concerns on the intent of the judge himself, who they said has been biased and against Khan. New Delhi, Aug 5 : As the world gears up to celebrate the beauty of friendships on this 'Friendship Day', there's a heartwarming tale of camaraderie that transcends the screens and touches the hearts of millions. The terrific trio of 'Parineetii' - Tanvi Dogra, Anchal Sahu, and Ankur Verma - have breathed life into the show's compelling characters and forged an unbreakable bond offscreen. 'Parineetii' follows the story of two friends, Neetii (Tanvi Dogra) and Parineet (Anchal Sahu), whose lives intertwine after they marry the same man, Rajeev aka Sanju (Ankur Verma). Having ruled the television screen for a year and a half, the trio shares a family-like vibe, and their camaraderie translates impeccably into the narrative of the show. On the eve of this Friendship Day, the cast members come together for joyous celebrations, cherishing their extraordinary bond with heartfelt messages, reminding us all of the power and beauty of true friendships. Tanvi shares: "It is widely believed that conflicts arise between actresses on a show, but that's not the case with me and Anchal. Behind the scenes of the show, Anchal and I share a rare camaraderie, and we have a lot in common. Both of us are very family-oriented." "Another beautiful thing that bonds us together is that we are not party people; we find joy in laughter and spend quality time together. And with Ankur completing our trio, the fun multiplies! His ingenious approach to acting and spontaneous improvisation adds a fun touch to our shoot journey. Throughout these years, we've discovered a bond that goes beyond the script a bond that makes 'Parineetii' truly special for me," added Tanvi. Anchal said: "As we set foot on the wonderful journey of 'Parineetii', little did we know that we were destined to become a family. Tanvi, Ankur, and I have shared an extraordinary bond, one that goes beyond mere professionalism. Our bond is unbreakable. Over the last year and a half, we've been inseparable, standing together through thick and thin." "Laughter, pranks, and lunchtime banter have become our daily rituals, and it's these moments that have woven the fabric of our friendship. I'm grateful for every step of this beautiful adventure with my incredible co-stars," she added. Ankur said: "Being a part of 'Parineetii' has been a journey of a lifetime, brimming with unforgettable moments and cherished friendships. Tanvi and Anchal have become more than just co-stars, they are my pillars of support, and our bond is truly special. Together, we've laughed, learned, and created magic on screen. Their camaraderie and passion for their craft have inspired me endlessly." "With each improvised scene and shared laughter, our connection grows stronger. 'Parineetii' brought us together, and through this beautiful journey, we've transformed into a close-knit family. I am immensely grateful for the love, laughter, and unforgettable memories we've shared, both on and off the screen," he added. 'Parineetii' airs on Colors. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Uttarakhand, north Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during the next 4-5 days, while an increase in rainfall activity is expected over the northeast in the coming five days. In a bulletin released by the weather forecast agency, it said that in Northwest India, there is a forecast of light to moderate rainfall, scattered to fairly widespread, with isolated heavy rainfall. This is expected in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh from Saturday to August 9, in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana-Chandigarh on Saturday and Sunday, in Punjab, East Rajasthan, and Jammu on Saturday. Additionally, isolated very heavy rainfall is likely in East Uttar Pradesh from Sunday to August 8, and in Uttarakhand from Sunday to August 9. In Central India, there will be light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over East Madhya Pradesh, and heavy rainfall over West Madhya Pradesh, particularly on Saturday. The IMD further predicted that in East India, there will be light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, with isolated heavy rainfall in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar from Saturday to August 8, in Jharkhand on August 6 and 7, and in Gangetic West Bengal on August 7 and 8. "Isolated very heavy rainfall is likely in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on August 7 and 8, and in Bihar till August 8," said the IMD. For the northeast, light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Manipur. "West India will witness light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall, with the likelihood of continuation in Konkan, Goa and ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra over the next five days. There might be isolated heavy falls over ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra on Saturday and Sunday," said the IMD. In South India, subdued rainfall activity is expected over the region during the next five days. --IANS ssh/ksk Los Angeles, August 5 : Actor Jamie Foxx got something big off his chest recently as he proceeded to call out 'fake friends' in a cryptic message on social media. After his big health scare, the 'Django Unchained' actor was spotted in Chicago looking well and walking around the city, even meeting up with some fans, many of whom went on to express their relief at the actor's recovery, with Foxx also thanking them for their concern. But not all was well, because despite his recovering health, the actor had some strong words to display where he ended up calling out some of his afake friendsa in his Instagram story, in a very cryptic post which one can't make head or tail of. The post said: "They killed this dude named Jesusa What do you think they'll do to you???!" with a "#fake friends" and "fake love." It is unknown really who the actor was targeting with the post, but he was clearly angry at something or someone. This post comes nearly four months after it was revealed that Jamie had been hospitalized with an unknown medical complication. His oldest daughter, Corinne Foxx, released a statement to his fans on April 12 on Instagram which said: "We wanted to share that my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday (April 11)." "Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time." Then later sharing an update about his health on July 22, the actor had said: "I went through something that I thought I would never, ever go through. I went to hell and back." "My road to recovery also had some potholes, but I'm coming back and Iam able to work. I wanna thank the people that let me work and say I love everybody and I love all the love that I got." Since then the 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' actor has recovered considerably having been spotted outdoors several times and at various parties, and going to movies or just strolling in the city. New Delhi, Aug 5 : A whopping 76 per cent of people want the government to bring mandatory standards for lift maintenance, according to a report on Saturday. According to the report by online community platform LocalCircles, nearly one in six people who use lifts have had one or more family members getting stuck in a lift in the last three years. Only 46 per cent people said they have an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) contract with the manufacturer. The report comes as a 70-year-old lady residing in Noidaas Paras Tiera society in sector 137, lost her life on Thursday after being trapped in the lift for 45 minutes. She experienced a terrifying free fall followed by sudden ascent, and despite rushing to a hospital next door she could not be saved. Media reports said the AMC for lift maintenance had expired a few months ago in June. Such incidents of people getting stuck in lifts, free fall of lifts are common across not just in residential societies, but office buildings, shopping malls, factories and several other establishment types in the country. In another case, last week, two kids under 10 in Pune had a miraculous escape from a lift, which went crashing down. Such incidents are common. LocalCircles conducted the survey on more than 42,000 people living in 329 districts of India. A total of 13,333 people living in buildings with lifts responded to a query on the issue of people getting stuck in lifts. Another 13,954 people answered on how maintenance of lifts is done. Almost 46 per cent indicated that the lift was being maintained by the manufacturer; 42 per cent shared that it was being maintained by third party contractor; 7 per cent claimed it was maintained by the society staff/ other miscellaneous staff and 5 per cent claimed that no one maintains it but when there are people on call as and when required. LocalCircles also sought to find out the way forward on having better maintained lifts, where 76 per cent out of 14,973 shared that the government should create mandatory standards for lift maintenance and enforce it. Given that most new buildings and apartment complexes have lifts, which can be the case for even individual houses having more than one floor, it is important that the government frame mandatory rules for not just the installation protocol of lifts but also maintenance of lifts, they said. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Taking a swipe at the Centre, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday said that the speed at which senior party leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as an MP, the Lower House should now immediately reinstate his membership after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in the Modi surname remark defamation case. Chowdhury also wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla requesting restoration of Rahul Gandhi's membership at the earliest so that he can participate in the House proceedings. Addressing a press conference at his residence here, Chowdhury said: "The Supreme Court is in its order stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi. It means that he should be allowed to participate in the proceedings of the House. And before this is the responsibility of the Lok Sabha secretariat to take note of the same." Taking a swipe at the government for disqualifying Rahul Gandhi within a day of the Gujarat court order on Arpil 24, Chowdhury said: "The speed at which they had disqualified him same should be seen in reinstating his membership." The Congress leader said that he called the Speaker on Friday night saying that he needed to submit the letter of stay on conviction of Rahul Gandhi by the Supreme Court. "He suggested that I will talk tomorrow morning. Today (Saturday( morning I called up Lok Sabha speaker again over phone and he asked me to submit the documents in the Lok Sabha Secretariat office. I called the Lok Sabha Secretariat and he said that the office is closed. And thus I asked if I need to submit it today with him, he said submit it with the Lok Sabha Speaker. And today is holiday. "When I asked what is the other way to submit the letter, he said it can be sent through post. I sent it through post and the letter was received and signed but they did not put the stamp," he added. Chowdhury also said that the House should function and Rahul Gandhi comes back there. "When he has been granted relief by the Court, we are requesting the Speaker to see that he faces no issues in returning," the Congress leader added. In a big relief, the Supreme Court on Friday stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in Modi surname remarks defamation case, which cost him his membership, saying that no reasons were given by the trial judge for imposing the maximum punishment of two years in the case. --IANS aks/ksk Bhopal, Aug 5 : Taking at jibe at the BJP which is inviting people's suggestion for preparing election manifesto for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, state Congress president Kamal Nath said the saffron party should put "solution box" instead of "suggestion box". The state BJP unit has decided to put "suggestion box" at every block and district office to get suggestions. Besides putting the boxes, the BJP is also working on an online platform to invite people to send their suggestions for the same. The Congress has prepared its election manifesto after several rounds of meeting chaired by former chief minister Kamal Nath at his residence. Hitting out at the BJP, Kamal Nath said the people will ask the saffron party as to why it toppled the elected government. "The public will give some suggestions to the BJP that don't divide the country any more and stop the agenda of spreading hate and fear. People will ask BJP to stop insulting women anymore and to provide employment to youths," Kamal Nath said. Veteran Congress leader also suggested that the BJP should put 'Solution Box' instead of 'Suggestion Box' to solve the problems of the people, but BJP will not do this because it considers its political success only in "misleading" the people on useless issues. --IANS pd/svn Mumbai, Aug 5 : Actress Mrunal Thakur, who was recently seen in the streaming anthology 'Lust Stories 2', is celebrating the first anniversary of her Telugu debut film 'Sita Ramam' on Saturday. The film garnered immense love and appreciation from the audience and critics alike, establishing Mrunal's prominent presence in the Southern film industry. On Saturday, the actress took to her social media to share a heartwarming video which captures the moments of the film, never before seen behind the scenes as it reflects about the happiness, joy and tears the film brings out. She wrote in the caption: "Dear Audience, This was my first Telugu debut and the love you all showered me with was just beyond my wildest dreams. You accepted me as your own Telugu Ammai and thank you for making this incredible and memorable journey of love, so so special. I promise to always entertain you with a different range of characters for many many many more years (so be prepared) @hanurpudi thank you for helping me bring out the best version of Sita (sic)." She further mentioned: "@dqsalmaan I can go on and on about how memorable you made this whole experience for me (go read the birthday post I just put up for you, that'll tell you why). Thank you all so much for everything, for the love, the fun, and all the memories. #1YearOfSitaRamam." The movie, which also starred Dulquer Salmaan and Rashmika Mandana, was released in Telugu, along with dubbed versions in Tamil and Malayalam. Following the success of 'Sita Ramam' Mrunal Thakur has bagged two more projects in Telugu cinema. Expressing gratitude on the occasion, Mrunal Thakur said: "It has been an exhilarating journey, and I am incredibly grateful to the audiences, critics, and the entire team of 'Sita Ramam' for showering their love and support. The warm reception and acceptance I received in the Telugu film industry has been overwhelming." She further mentioned: "I am excited about the upcoming projects and looking forward to entertaining my audience with more captivating roles. From chancing upon a dream role to being embraced as Sita Mahalakshmi has been nothing short of a surreal time for me." Meanwhile, the actress also has the Telugu movie 'Hi Nanna' in the pipeline. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Guwahati, August 5 : Assam Police have seized 30 kg of cannabis in Guwahati on Saturday and arrested at least three suspected drug dealers from their possession, officials said. Based on specific intelligence, a Special Task Force (STF) and police team conducted a joint operation in the Khanapara area of the city, a police officer said. "On the foreign market, the seized drugs are estimated to be worth approximately Rs 15 lakhs," the officer added. The police further claimed that the cache of narcotics were being transported from Karimganj district near the Bangladesh border to Baihata Chariali in the Kamrup. "The apprehended persons and the seized cannabis were handed over to Guwahati Police for carrying out investigation by registering a case under proper sections of law," an STF statement said. --IANS tdr/ksk Guwahati, August 5 : Assam Police have seized 30 kg of cannabis in Guwahati on Saturday and arrested at least three suspected drug dealers, officials said. Based on specific intelligence, a Special Task Force (STF) and police team conducted a joint operation in the Khanapara area of the city, a police officer said. "On the foreign market, the seized drugs are estimated to be worth approximately Rs 15 lakhs," the officer added. The police further claimed that the cache of narcotics were being transported from Karimganj district near the Bangladesh border to Baihata Chariali in the Kamrup. "The apprehended persons and the seized cannabis were handed over to Guwahati Police for carrying out investigation by registering a case under proper sections of law," an STF statement said. --IANS tdr/ksk EPA Settles Clean Water Act Violation Claims with CMA CGM The company will pay $165,000 in penalties. The EPA has come to an agreement with CMA CGMthe worlds third largest shipping container companyover claims the Marseille, France-based company violated the EPAs Vessel General Permit, part of the Clean Water Act. In a release dated August 3, the EPA announced CMA CGM will pay $165,000 in penalties as part of the settlement. The decision comes after claims four of the companys ships carried violations for failing to calibrate and apply the ballast water treatment system prior to discharge, monitor and sample discharges of that system, record annual self-inspections and file annual reports. "The Vessel General Permit is a key element of the Clean Water Act. When companies and their ships don't comply with this permit, the quality of our nation's already-challenged waters can be seriously impacted," EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman said in a statement. "It's incumbent upon vessel owners and operators to properly manage what they discharge into our oceans, and to meet their monitoring and reporting requirements." Following news of the settlement between the EPA and CMA CGM, interested parties have 30 days to provide public comment ahead of final approval. Chennai, Aug 5 : AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Saturday urged the Chief Minister M.K Stalin to prevail upon the Karnataka government to immediately release the required water from Cauvery River so that the Tamil Nadu delta farmers get benefitted. "At present Karnataka has 80 per cent water in the reservoir and therefore the Chief Minister Stalin must rush to Bengaluru to meet his counterpart and secure the release of water," the AIADMK leader said. He called upon Stalin to immediately meet the Karnataka Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister and secure the immediate release of Cauvery water. EPS said that Karnataka has not released water in June, July and August 2023 and that if Cauvery water was released properly and timely manner it can save the delta crops, totaling 3.5 lakh acre area. He said that DMK ally -- Congress is in power in Karnataka which is creating problems in releasing the Cauvery water. EPS said that when the AIADMK government was in power in Tamil Nadu it had ensured the proper and timely release of Cauvery water from Karnataka. EPS, who is currently the leader of opposition in the state assembly, said that the Karnataka government was bound to obey the Cauvery Water Management board decision. He said that the Tamil Nadu water resources minister S. Duraimurugan who had recently met the Union Jal Shakthi Minister Gajendra Singh Chouhan in New Delhi had said that the Cauvery Water Management Board had instructed Karnataka government to immediately release water to Tamil Nadu. Chennai, Aug 5 : The Madras High Court has said a woman by herself has a status and an identity, and that cannot be taken away depending on her marital status. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh made the observation while hearing a petition filed by a widow, P. Thangamani, who was prevented from entering Periyakaruppan temple in Erode, saying that she was a widow. He said that no person has the right to prevent a widow from entering a temple. "It is quite unfortunate that archaic beliefs like a widow entering a temple will cause impurity continue to prevail in this state. Even though the reformers are attempting to break all these senseless beliefs, it continues to be practiced in some villages," he said. Justice Venkatesh further said, "These are the dogmas and rules framed by man to suit his convenience. It actually demeans a woman just because she has lost a husband. All these can never be allowed in a civil society governed by the rule of the law." The judge said that the police were duty bound to act against such persons indulging in these acts. Petitioner's counsel V. Elangovan brought it to the notice of the court that his client Thangamani was actually the widow of the former priest of the Periyakaruppan temple in Nambiyur Taluk of Erode district. The counsel briefed the court that Thangamani's husband Pongiyannan passed away on August 28, 2017 leaving behind her and their only son. Advocate Elangovan informed the court that the Aadi festival is scheduled to be held in the temple on August 9 and 10, but two persons, Kuppusamy alias M. Murali and M. Ayyavu barred her from entering the temple. The counsel informed the court that hence he was moving a petition in the court for providing police protection to his client. After hearing the counsel, the court directed the Inspector of Siruvalar police station to summon the two individuals and to inform them that they cannot stop the widow or her son from entering the temple or attending the festival. The court said that despite the warning, if these individuals create any trouble, necessary action should be taken against them immediately. --IANS aal/svn New Delhi, Aug 5 : In a setback for Andhra Pradesh government, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with Telangana High Court decision which had assumed jurisdiction in Margadarsi case. A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Vishwanathan dismissed the special leave petition filed by Andhra Pradesh government challenging the interim orders passed by the Telangana High Court holding that it has the judicial jurisdiction to enquire the cases registered by Andhra Pradesh CID police against Margadarsi Chit Fund. It clarified that the AP government will have to present its final arguments before the Telangana High Court itself. "We feel that Telangana High Court should enquire these cases on the basis of merit and take a decision," the top court said. However, the apex court granted liberty to the state government to challenge the jurisdiction issue again before it. The Supreme Court refused to interfere with orders of the High Court restraining AP government to take action against the Chairman of Margadarsi, Ramoji Rao and M.D. Sailaja Kiran. "Judicial jurisdiction is the focal point in this case. Therefore, we felt that instead of enquiring the petition, which is filed challenging the interim orders, it is better to dispose it," recorded the apex court in its order. It said that it will not keep the transfer petition pending and disposed of the other two petitions challenging the interim orders of the High Court. "If the case is dismissed there (High Court), there will be no questions arising. If permitted, you can approach here and present your arguments about jurisdiction," it remarked. The apex court clarified that the issue of jurisdiction is open. "If you get a judgement against in Telangana High Court, you could come here," added. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing on behalf of Margadarsi, said that already few charge sheets have been filed in Andhra Pradesh. At this senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, representing AP government, said: "Already one early charge sheet is filed. The Trial Court in Andhra Pradesh will look into the charges. Telangana High Court will enquire into. Every accusation mentioned in FIR relates to Andhra Pradesh. In such matters, how can Telangana High Court interfere?" However, the top court dismissed the petition filed by AP government challenging the interim orders of Telangana High Court finding fault with the appointment of chit auditors. Patna, Aug 5 : Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Prasad Singh on Saturday said that the cabinet expansion will take place after Tejashwi Yadav returns from Delhi. "Tejashwi Yadav is currently in Delhi and is expected to return soon. Once he returns, we will have a discussion with the Chief Minister and finalise the date of cabinet expansion," Singh said while celebrating the Supreme Court verdict pertaining to 'Modi surname'. Congress party has 19 MLAs in Bihar while two are cabinet ministers in Nitish Kumar-led government. The party is seeking two more cabinet ministers in the Mahagathbandhan government. "Congress is not a party which is ignored by anyone. We are hopeful for a respectable share in the cabinet. We are hopeful Congress leaders will be accommodated," he said. Bengaluru, Aug 5 : The state of Karnataka has always resonated with feelings of integrity. The regional anthem proudly starts with the line: "Hey Mother Karnataka, who is a great daughter of Mother Bharathi (India), hail thee (Jai Bharata Jananiya Tanujaate Jayahe Karnataka Maate)". The state which hosts most of the important research and science facilities of the country and India's iT capital Bengaluru is known for its cosmopolitan culture. The hostility towards the Hindi language is minimal when compared to the neighbouring states. The presence of the national parties has been dominant from the formative days of the state. Karnataka has given the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army, Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, who led the Indian forces on the western front during the India-Pakistan hostilities of 1947, as also General Kodendera Subbayya Thimayya, who served as Chief of the Army Staff from 1957 to 1961 in the crucial years leading up to the conflict with China in 1962. The erstwhile Mysuru princely state was the first to sign the instrument of accession among the 544 princely states that existed at the time of the independence of India. Mysuru King Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, who owned an aeroplane, gifted it to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his travels across the sub-continent. The act of the Mysuru king inspired many other princely states to join the Indian federation, says Arun Javagal, a Kannada activist. "However, the continuous steps taken by the Union government undermining the sovereignty of the state since the beginning were opposed. In the United States, every state has its own constitution. Australia with a 2 crore population has separate flags for states. The idea of having a separate flag should not be seen as hostility towards the country. Sub nationalism will not challenge the integrity of the country," he says. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka between 2013 to 2018, sent a proposal to the Central government for a separate flag for the state. The Central government has not responded yet. The successive JD-S and Congress coalition government led by H.D. Kumaraswamy had stated that they wonat follow up on this. Now that Siddaramaiah is back at the helm, the discussion on a separate flag has come to the fore again. Javagal states that more and more matters are being moved into the Union list from the state list. The first CM of Karnataka K.C. Reddy and Sahukar T. Channaiah who represented Mysuru state in the constituent assembly had vehemently opposed Central dominance. K.C. Reddy had questioned then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on this. The state already has a separate emblem, so why not a flag? Javagal questioned. The people are becoming aware of the centralisation policy and the reaction could be seen in the merger proposal of the local Nandini brand with Amul. Chief Minister Siddramaiah, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge and many others are strongly opposing the imposition of interests of the people from north India. The policy makers should keep in mind what happened to Russia and other great kingdoms in history which used force. India should adopt a genuine federal structure, Javagal says. Kannada activist Ashok Chandaragi opined that the separate flag would definitely challenge the idea of nationalism it is not a good idea in the interest of the nation. Having a separate emblem is a different matter, he adds. The regional languages will gain prominence in the coming days. The PMO rectified a concern over Kannada language in 24 hours recently. Patna, Aug 5 : Unlike the southern states where sub-nationalism is relevant due to the number of languages they have, in Bihar, nationalism is more relevant than sub- nationalism. If you elaborate sub-nationalism in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, these states have Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu languages dominating and that gives a sub-nationalist experience to those who are the natives of those states. In Bihar, known as a Hindi heartland state, the Hindi 'Khadhi Boli' is not a spoken language. It has three main languages -- Bhojpuri, Magadhi, and Maithili and other languages surround them. Hence, there is a clash among the people as per the region and language they speak. This actually works against the value of sub-nationalism and hence the people of Bihar by and large lean towards nationalism. Bihar has glorious traditions and culture like Jainism, Buddhism, Chandragupta Maurya, Aryabhatta, Nalanda university but they rather have a national impact than a Bihari identity. Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, also has a national stature rather than Bihari. A similar status is accorded to later leaders like Jaiprakash Narayan and Karpoori Thakur rather than projecting them as Bihari pride. The political movements were always over social issues in Bihar right from the non cooperation movement to the Sampoorna Kranti movement, Mandal commission and Ram Mandir movement (Kamandal politics). People were connected with them but on a temporary basis. As a result, they had no impact on society in the long run. In Bihar, the caste factor dominates everything. In the 1990s, a large number of bloody clashes took place between the upper and lower castes. The political parties generally planned their strategies as per the caste equation such as MY (Muslim-Yadav), Luv-Kush (Kurmi Koiri or Kushwaha), EBC, Dalit, Mahadalit. The people are involved in caste equations; in that case, who talks about sub nationalism and even nationalism? Bihar is a state where migration takes place on a large scale. It is known as a labour supplier state. If people have no jobs in Bihar, they have to depend on other states to earn their livelihood, then why will they think about sub nationalism? The people of Bihar are deprived of the basic facilities even 75 years after independence. The people's first priority is to earn and fulfil their daily needs. The challenge of earning their daily bread is more important for them than thinking about sub nationalism. The current leaders of Bihar like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar failed to make any policies which work as a driver to enhance the sub nationalism value. Recently, Nitish Kumar amended the recruitment policy for teachers in the state by opening the gates for job aspirants from the rest of the country. Such a move cannot create sub nationalism in the minds of the common people of Bihar. They would always think that their rights are being snatched away and are being given to the people of other states. In that case too, why would people think about sub nationalism when the state government is not thinking of the people of their own state? Bihar Education Minister Prof Chandrashekher had given a public statement defending the move of the Nitish Kumar government to recruit teachers from other states. He said that the students of Bihar are less knowledgeable in maths, physics, chemistry, and English. These statements also had a negative impact on the common people. Of late, Bihar is looking for a symbol which could trigger sub nationalism among the people. Chatth Puja is one of them which has wide acceptance across all sections. The Bihar government also promoted Madhubani or Mithila painting, Makhana industries and Litchi farming but they belong to one particular region. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The creator and producer of the show 'Shiv Shakti-Tap Tyag Tandav' Siddharth Kumar Tewary says he wishes that the story sends the right message to the new generation, and helps them understand and take pride in our roots. The show portrays the magnificent portrayal of Lord Shiv and Goddess Sati's first love story. While the legendary tale of love has inspired viewers and reaffirmed their faith, it's time for them to witness the poignant moment of Sati Dehan. Capturing the essence of Sati Dehan posed a significant challenge for the show's makers due to its intense emotions. However, their dedication and artistry promise to enliven the saga of love and sacrifice that changed the course of history. In the upcoming storyline Sati's father Daksha during a Mahayagya invites all the greatest deities except Shiv and Sati. Sati comes to the yagya uninvited believing that it will be her father whom she will meet, not the king. Daksha in his arrogance not just insults Shiv but also insults his daughter Sati as a wife and woman. This leads to the heart-wrenching incident - Sati Dehan. After Sati immolates herself to death using her yogic power, a bereaved and inconsolable Shiv expresses his grief through a tandav. Talking about the riveting sequence of 'Sati Dehan', Siddharth of Swastik Productions, shared: "I thank our audiences for the love they have showered on 'Shiv Shakti - Tap Tyag Tandav', and embracing my interpretation of what I believe is the first love story of the universe, wholeheartedly. The Sati Dehan story has played a very important role in our culture and society for centuries, and we needed to understand the core message of the story, and interpret and depict it in a way that sends a positive message to our viewers." "I am also grateful to our creative team, writers, music, VFX, directors, and above all, our actors who have given their best performances to date, bringing this sequence to life and creating the desired impact. I truly believe that Mahadev's blessings are making all of this happen. I genuinely wish that this story sends the right message to our new generation, and helps them understand and take pride in our roots," he added. 'Shiv Shakti a" Tap Tyag Tandava airs on Colors. Amritsar, Aug 5 : Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami on Saturday welcomed the ruling in favour of Sikhs by the Queensland High Court of Australia in a case related to 'kirpan', one of five religious symbols Sikhs carry as part of their faith. Dhami said the 'kirpan' is an important part of the five Sikh 'kakaars', which the Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs are committed to always keeping on their body. "It is good that the Queensland court has set an example by solving this issue related to religious freedom of Sikhs in Australia as per the sentiments of the Sikh community," said the SGPC President in a statement. Appreciating the efforts of the Sikh family and the Sikh sangat of Australia in pursuing the case, he expressed hope that the Sikh community of every country will vigorously pursue the issues related to Sikhs across the globe. Notably, in the past, under a discriminatory law, the Queensland state government in Australia banned Sikh students from wearing 'kirpan' in schools, which was challenged in court by the Sikh community of Australia. In this case, the court has overturned the ban on Sikh 'kirpan' in the school as unconstitutional under the Racial Discrimination Act, with which now the initiated Sikh students will be able to wear 'kirpan' as per the conduct of their faith. Chandigarh, Aug 5 : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday reacted against "the spate of raids being conducted in Punjab on mere suspicion against individuals and organisations linked with Sikhism" and engaged in carrying on social welfare and relief work in the state, the country and abroad. Addressing the media here, senior SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra took strong exception to the manner in which raids were conducted on individuals and offices belonging to the Khalsa Aid. Chandumajra also condemned the manner in which respected Sikh NRI Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, a sitting member of British Parliament, was stopped and harassed before being allowed to board his flight from the international airport in Amritsar. "Deplorable incidents like these remind the Sikh masses of the era of the Congress rule, especially under Indira Gandhi, when even the most highly respected Sikhs like the country's only Marshall of the Air Force, Arjan Singh, and eminent journalist Khushwant Singh were targeted by anti-Sikh mobs in Delhi or when the Akali workers and leaders like Sardar Parkash Singh Badal and Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra were stopped from entering the national capital during the Asian Games," he said. "Raid and others modes of harassment, including false cases, against innocent Sikhs on the merest suspicion intensify the already deep sense of hurt and emotional alienation of the Sikh masses from the national mainstream. It is natural for us to feel targeted," said Chandumajra. Referring to the raid on Khalsa Aid branch in Punjab, he said: "If there was any specific complaint against any individual, he should be questioned and treated under due process of law instead of being harassed and humiliated by government agencies as the Khalsa Aid workers were being subjected to such treatment." "Why should an entire organization, engaged in humanitarian work, be defamed and harassed for the wrong doings of any single individual connected with it, even if the said individual may have violated some clauses of the law of the land," he said. He urged the Union Home Minister to intervene to get such discriminatory acts stopped. Chandumajra said his party will continue to champion the cause and interests of Khalsa Panth and Punjabis against all repressive measures and methods being adopted by the governments of the day. Jaipur, Aug 5 : A man, who was impersonating as captain of the Army, has been arrested from the Salasar Express at Raika Bagh railway station in Jodhpur, said officials on Saturday. The accused has been identified as Ravi Chaudhary, a resident of Khetri, Jhunjhunu. Army uniform, ID card, canteen card and fake stars of Jat Regiment have also been found from his possession. Officials said the accused was traveling from Mahendragarh to Jodhpur by train, and two iPhone mobiles, eight SIMs and 30 debit cards have also been recovered from the arrested youth. His eight email IDs, six bank accounts and Instagram account are also being probed, the officials said. The accused introduced himself as the captain of 11 Jat Regiment. While some officials suspect that he posed as captain to talk to girls on social media, the suspicion of espionage also cannot be ruled out. Military Intelligence has caught the accused and handed him over to the Uday Mandir police station, which registered a case under relevant sections. Military Intelligence, Jodhpur, was informed about the accused in the Salasar Express coming from Delhi, after which they reached the station and arrested him. This article will look at the most welcoming countries for immigrants to see where foreign-born people comprise the largest population percentages. If you want to skip the global immigration landscape, go straight to 10 Countries with the Highest Proportion of Immigrants. As immigration implicates workforce dynamics and human capital value, it enables the host countries to diversify their potential. Canada, for instance, has an economic immigration system of Express Entry that specifically attracts skilled immigrants. Eventually, the deliberate capitalization of immigrants' human capital supports Canada's financial growth strategy. Similarly, in the US, high-skilled immigrants, particularly those in STEM fields, have been central to innovation and entrepreneurship. We have covered 20 Most Immigrant Friendly Countries In The World according to the number of immigrants they currently host and their percentages of migrant stock; give it a read to know which countries are the most accepting of incoming settlers. Inclusion Of Immigrants in the Workforce 30.1% of Australia's population is foreign-born, of which, a two thirds are now residents, owing to the country's market-driven immigration policy. As Australia has family reunification, tertiary education, and investment policies for foreign-born people, the country has attracted high-skilled workers from across the globe. As a result of its inclusive education policy, 55% of adult immigrants in Australia have tertiary education. When it comes to the US, a National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) report states that immigrants founded 55% (or 319 of 582) of the US billion-dollar startups. In comparison, 64% of billion-dollar companies in the country have first or second-generation immigrant founders. Likewise, according to the American Immigration Council, immigrants or their children have founded 43.8% of Fortune 500 companies in the country. The strategic value of immigrants extends to generating jobs, advancing technology, and contributing significantly to the GDP. Story continues Notably, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries rely on temporary migration to meet their labor needs. As evidenced by huge percentages of foreign-born people in Qatar, Kuwait, and UAE, millions of immigrant workers are employed in construction, engineering, and almost every other low-medium income and high-skilled occupation. Even though the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) receives significantly larger numbers of low-skilled workers than other high-income countries, these immigrants don't have citizenship rights. There has also been criticism of workers' poor treatment in the Gulf. According to the World Bank's report, about two-thirds of the labor in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, while 8090% in Qatar, Kuwait, and UAE are temporary migrants. Their stay in the host countries can range from months to several decades. Immigration's impact on business isn't merely economic; it also has social implications. Increased cultural diversity within workforces can foster innovation, but it also requires strategies for integration and cultural sensitivity. Moreover, businesses must navigate regulatory frameworks, which differ significantly across nations. For instance, US companies face challenges related to the H-1B visa cap, which limits the number of foreign workers they can employ annually. Australian businesses, however, operate under a points-based immigration system that prioritizes skills and benefits businesses that require a highly skilled workforce. Global immigration patterns further create a transnational economic impact. Remittances, or the funds that immigrants send back to their home countries, are a significant source of external finance for developing countries. According to the World Economic Forum, global remittances reached $794 billion in 2022, up from $128 billion in 2000. The central recipient countries for international remittances are India, China, Mexico, the Philippines, and Egypt, while the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Germany are the main remittance senders, as per the World Migration Report 2022. Factors like the inclusion of immigrants in the workforce and the potential for skilled workers make countries the best for settling. Know more about which nations are winning in these aspects by reading 30 Best Countries in the World. Companies Making Immigrants' Lives Easier Sending remittances to home countries used to be a big challenge for immigrants before companies like Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) and The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) made international transactions easier. The World Bank has acknowledged the role of The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) in facilitating financial inclusion and economic development in low-income countries by providing accessible remittance channels. The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) 's support for immigrants is evident by its $15M commitment to Opportunity Beyond Borders, a 3-year initiative that aims to help obstacles faced by migrant and refugee youth. Likewise, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) 's subsidiary, Google, provides services that ease immigrants' lives. For instance, Google Translate by Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) aids in overcoming language barriers, and Google Maps assists in navigating new cities. More importantly, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has partnered with Coursera to provide learning resources to immigrants that can help them upskill and adapt to the workforces in the countries they move to. In addition, Google.org (Google's philanthropic arm) has donated to organizations like the International Rescue Committee to help refugees and immigrants. Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) has partnered with IOM, the UN Migration Agency, to provide financial education to immigrants so they can bypass non-recorded payment routes. Also, after recognizing the need for transparent and secure delivery of humanitarian aid, Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) has developed the Mastercard Aid Network. This award-winning, non-monetary technology platform delivers secure resources to people in need. In the broad spectrum, aid can help immigrants and refugees access immediate needs upon arriving in a new country. Let's now find countries with the highest proportions of immigrants. 25 Countries with the Highest Proportion of Immigrants 25 Countries with the Highest Proportion of Immigrants Our Methodology We ranked countries with the highest proportion of immigrants based on the percentage share of immigrants relative to the respective countries' populations. Our primary source for the proportions of immigrants was the Migration Data Portal which displays the number of immigrants and the population percentage these immigrants make in all countries. Other sources to understand global immigration trends and their impact on economies were The World Bank's Migrants, Refugees, and Societies Report 2022, the World Migration Report 2022, and Knomad Database by the World Bank. Note: While there are subtle differences between immigrants and migrants, for the purpose of this study, we have treated them as the same. Based on our findings, here are the countries with the highest proportion of immigrants: 25 countries with the highest proportion of immigrants 25. United States Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 15.3% It's ironic how the country with the largest number of immigrants ranks last among the countries with the highest proportion of immigrants. The number of immigrants in the United States is currently standing at 50.6 million, according to the migration data portal. If we talk about percentages, 15.3% people of the country's current populace of 331 million are foreign-born. Being the largest economy in the world with a current GDP of $25.5 trillion, the US offers work opportunities for incoming settlers along with a benefiting social welfare system. Notably, US natives are getting increasingly unhappy regarding immigrants, as evidenced by a Gallup Poll that shared how 40% of Americans in 2023 want the country's immigrant population to decrease. 24. Norway Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 15.7% In Norway, immigration has become a significant part of demographic growth, and over 15.7% of the total population is foreign-born. Most of these people settle in Norway from Poland, Lithuania, and Sweden. While the country generally offers a high standard of living, there has been debate over integrating immigrants, especially non-European ones. The government has implemented stricter immigration policies over recent years, which makes settling here a long process. 23. Cyprus Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 15.8% Cyprus has a long history of immigration due to its strategic location; the country attracts immigrants from Greece, the UK, and Russia. The immigration process can be complex due to the country's divided status and political challenges. Cyprus' stance towards immigrants can vary based on origin and political considerations, but it is generally seen as moderately accepting. Still, issues such as a strained asylum system have been pressing concerns. 22. Belgium Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 17.3% Belgium's central European location makes it a big receiver of international immigrants from other EU countries like Italy, France, Romania, Morocco, and Turkey. Nearly 17.3% of the country's population is foreign-born, owing to its well-established integration policy that provides language and civic courses. However, there are challenges regarding societal integration and labor market accessibility. Public opinion on immigration is mixed, with right-wing parties advocating for more restrictive policies. 21. Ireland Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 17.6% Ireland has transformed from an emigrant to an immigrant society and now accepts immigrants from Poland, the UK, and other nations who make up around 17.6% of the total population. The government generally adopts a positive stance towards immigration and views foreign-born people as a means to combat demographic challenges and fill labor shortages. Nevertheless, long waiting times for asylum application processing have sparked criticism and calls for reform. 20. Austria Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 18% Austria has a mixed attitude towards immigrants that fluctuates in line with its changing political landscape. For instance, the Austrian People's Party is known for its conservative stance and has often stressed the need for regulated immigration. Nevertheless, immigrants comprise nearly 18% of the population, with a significant portion from former Yugoslavia and Turkey. 19. Germany Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 18.8% Germany is one of the countries with the highest ratio of immigrants. It hosts the 2nd highest number of immigrants that make up the country's 18.8% population as of current. The country's aging population and declining birth rates have encouraged policymakers to accept immigrants as a solution to labor shortages. In 2015, during the refugee crisis, Germany showed exceptional openness by accepting over one million asylum seekers. However, these policies have been met with xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiments. 18. Iceland Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 19.2% Iceland has a growing immigrant population, accounting for about 19.2% of the total populace, as it has been proactive in accepting refugees. The country has also been encouraging immigration to offset the nation's low birth rate and sustain its strong economic growth. Icelandic society generally shows positive attitudes towards immigrants, and the government has implemented various measures to facilitate their integration, including free language courses and the Multicultural and Information Centre that aims to enhance understanding between Icelanders and immigrant communities. 17. Sweden Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 19.8% Sweden is one of the countries with highest proportion of immigrants. It has a multicultural society where 19.8% of the population is born abroad. But notably, the country's generous asylum policies have been tested, particularly following the 2015 refugee crisis. After the huge influx of refugees approached Sweden, along with other countries, tensions surfaced regarding issues of integration and identity. The country accepted approximately 160,000 refugees in 2015 from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. But after that, the Swiss government responded with more restrictive immigration policies and increased focus on integration measures. 16. Canada Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 21.3% Canada has inclusive immigration policies, and upwards of 300,000 new immigrants enter the country annually. These policies reflect Canada's commitment to multiculturalism, as immigrants are seen as catalysts for innovation and population growth. Immigrants often receive substantial government support, including language education and job-search assistance. Most Canadian immigrants are from India, China, and Afghanistan. 15. Israel Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 22.6% As Israel is the homeland of the Jewish diaspora, it has a unique approach to immigration, with its Law of Return offering Jewish individuals automatic citizenship. The country saw large influxes of immigrants, particularly from Russia and Ethiopia, in the 1980s and 1990s. However, non-Jewish immigration is highly restricted and often contentious, as seen with African asylum seekers. 14. Lebanon Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 25.1% Given its economic condition, Lebanon is surely an unusual name amongst the most welcoming countries for immigrants. As per Human Rights Watch, over 50% population of Lebanon lives under the poverty line, and the majority finds it difficult to make ends meet. But despite the challenges, the country has a massive influx of immigrants, mainly refugees from neighboring countries, that make up 25.1% of the country's current population. Lebanon hosts the highest number of refugees per capita in the world, primarily Syrians and Palestinians, which eventually result in a high foreign-born population. 13. New Zealand Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 28.7% New Zealand is among the best countries in the world according to immigrants, owing to its high employment rate of foreign-born people and attractiveness for skilled workers. As of current, 28.7% of New Zealand's population is born overseas, which reflects the country's welcoming stance. New Zealand has a point-based immigration system that prioritizes skilled migrants. A survey by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment found that 54% of New Zealanders feel that immigrants make their country a better place, so incoming settlers often experience a welcoming environment in NZ. 12. Switzerland Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 28.8% Switzerland, though small, is a desirable destination for immigrants from EU/EFTA countries due to its strong economy. Immigrants make up about 28.8% of Switzerland's population. Notably, Swiss immigration policy is regulated by bilateral agreements with the EU and prioritizes skilled immigrants. Despite high immigrant numbers, some immigrants face discrimination and socio-economic disparities. 11. Australia Percentage Of Residents Born in A Foreign Country: 30.1% Australia ranks 11th among countries with the highest proportion of migrants. It has a multicultural society, with immigrants making up nearly 30.1% of its population. The country also follows a points-based system that emphasizes skilled migrants, particularly those who will contribute to the nation's economic growth. While acceptance can vary depending on the political climate, generally, Australia has a favourable view of immigration. However, the country's offshore processing and detention of asylum seekers has drawn international criticism. Click to continue reading 10 Countries with the Highest Proportion of Immigrants. Suggested Articles Disclosure: None. 25 Countries with the Highest Proportion of Immigrants is originally published at Insider Monkey. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Congress on Saturday again attacked the government after the membership of former party chief Rahul Gandhi was not restored saying that 26 hours have passed since the Supreme Court stayed his unjustified conviction and asked is Prime Minister Narendra Modi afraid of his participation in the no confidence motion. Congress general secretary Jairma Ramesh in a tweet said: "26 hours after Rahul Gandhi was 'convicted' by the Sessions Court in Surat, the notification of his disqualification as MP was issued. 26 hours have passed since the Supreme Court stayed his wholly unjustified conviction." "Why hasn't his position as MP been restored yet? Is the Prime Minister afraid of his participation in the No Confidence Motion?" the Rajya Sabha MP asked. His remarks came in the wake of the Lok Sabha secretariat not restoring Rahul Gandhi's membership even a day after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in connection with the 'Modi surname' remarks case. In a big relief to Rahul Gandhi, the SC stayed the conviction that cost him his membership as a Lok Sabha MP saying that no reasons were given by the trial judge for imposing the maximum punishment of two years in the case. Agartala, Aug 5 : In the past over five and a half decades, tribal-based parties in Tripura raised tribal-centric demands including creation of the tribal autonomous body, Roman script for tribal Kokborok language, adopting traditional customary laws, wearing traditional attire, but on their own, they achieved little being short-lived in the absence ofc a serious ideology. Since 1967, more than a dozen tribal-based parties in Tripura emerged and they have tried to play a crucial role in the state's electoral politics, but due to their issue-based politics sans any ideology, they became non-existent after their issues were resolved or when they raised irrelevant demands. Of Tripuraas four million populations, tribals, with 19 communities, constitute one third and out of 60 assembly seats, twenty reserved for the tribals, who belong to both Hindu and Christian faiths. Of the state's two Lok Sabha seats, one a" Tripura East -- is reserved for the tribals, who in terms of economic status are better than the tribals of other states in the northeast region and other parts of the country. In June 1967, the Tripura Upajati Juba Samity (TUJS) was formed as the first major tribal party, raising some tribal-centric demands including creation of the tribal autonomous body. After continuous agitations by the CPI-M led Left parties, the TUJS and a section of Congress leaders, the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) was formed in 1985 under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect and safeguard the political, economic and cultural interests of the tribals. The TTAADC, which has a jurisdiction on over two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 sq km area and is home to over 12,16,000 people, of which around 84 per cent are tribals, is, in terms of its political significance, second to the Tripura Assembly. Tribal parties, including the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), along with the Left parties, are now demanding more constitutional power and more funds for the TTAADC. The TMP, led by former royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, has been governing the TTAADC since April 2021 while the IPFT is an ally of the ruling BJP. Both the TMP and the IPFT, to capitalise the tribal vote bank, raise tribal-centric demands like upgradation of the TTAADC as a separate for the tribals even though they fully aware that such demand would never be fulfilled due to obvious reasons. The TMP, before and after capturing the TTAADC, has been demanding elevation of the areas of the autonomous body by granting a 'Greater Tipraland State' or a separate state status under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution. Both TMP and the IPFT in support of their separate state like demands organised agitations both in the state and in the national capital Delhi. The ruling BJP, CPI-M led Left parties, Congress and the Trinamool Congress have been strongly opposing the demands of both the IPFT and the TMP. The TMP, in its maiden electoral battle, fielded 42 candidates, including 20 on tribal reserved seats, in February Assembly polls, and bagged 13 seats and 19.69 per cent votes as it highlighted its demand for 'Greater Tipraland State' or a separate state. However, after the announcement of the results of the February 16 assembly polls on March 2, the TMP gradually shifted its stand on the demand. Now the party is demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the tribal Kokborok language, the second official language in Tripura. TMP chief Deb Barman said that his party would continue to fight for the all round development of the tribals, who, according to him, were deprived by the mainstream and national parties. Deb Barman, who was a close friend of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, was the President of Tripura Congress but quit the party in September 2019 over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issues. Political commentator and writer Satyabrata Chakraborti said that the tribal parties, raising sentimental and tribal-centric demands, achieved electoral gains but after the elections, they remained indifferent over their demands and are even though not even serious over the basic problems of tribals. "Roads, electricity supply, health services, educational facilities and various other infrastructures are not good in the tribal areas. The tribal-based parties are only focusing on the sensitive, ethnic and emotional issues to get the electoral mileage, forgetting the tribalsa day to day issues and problems," Chakraborti told IANS. Political analyst and author Sekhar Datta termed Deb Barman's politics as "most opportunistic". "What is the meaning and structure of Greater Tipraland State? He is yet to convince the people of Tripura about his demand. He is misleading the people, especially the tribals. "The TMP somehow won 13 tribal reserved seats in the recent polls, but the party's success and survival in future is gripped with deep uncertainty as more than a dozen tribal-based parties have vanished in the past six decades in Tripura," Datta told IANS. Before merger with the Indian union on October 15, 1949, the erstwhile princely state of Tripura was an independent kingdom under the tribal dynasty with about 185 kings ruled the kingdom for several hundred years. However, many of the former kings have promoted Bengali culture and maintained close relations with many top personalities including Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose. Tagoreas close relations with the princely state of Tripura and its four successive tribal kings form an important chapter in the stateas history. This relationship prompted the world famous bard to visit the state as many as seven times between 1899 and 1926. (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in) Patna, Aug 5 : Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government saying that 'Jo Ladega Wo Jitega' (those who fight will win). His statement comes in wake of Supreme Court verdict giving relief to Rahul Gandhi in 'Modi surname'. Tejashwi Yadav, after returning to Patna from New Delhi said that the decision of Supreme Court is a win for justice. "Everyone knows how the people sitting in the central government were penalising Rahul Gandhi. I firmly believe that those who fight will win and those who are scared get defeated," he said. Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Prasad Yadav had gone to Delhi to appear in the special court of ED in land-for-job case. The Special ED court will hear the case again on August 22. On Friday, the SC stayed the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a 2019 defamation case over his Modi surname remark, restoring his status as an MP. A three-judge bench of Justices B R Gavai, P S Narasimha and Sanjay Kumar said no doubt that the utterances were not in good taste and that a person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches. "No reason has been given by the trial judge for imposing maximum sentence, the order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication," the bench said. The top court was hearing a plea by Rahul Gandhi challenging the Gujarat High Court verdict which dismissed his plea seeking a stay on his conviction in a defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. Kolkata, Aug 5 : A fresh tussle is likely between the Raj Bhavan and the West Bengal government as state Governor C. V. Ananda Bose has sent back a list of prisoners who were supposed to be released on the occasion of Independence Day this year. Sources said that the Governor's House has sent back the list forwarded by the state government claiming that list is not cent per cent transparent. Sources added that the Governor's House has also sought clarification on the basis on which the list has been prepared this time. Meanwhile, state government sources said that the usual protocol was followed in selecting the names of prisoners to be released. The first recommendation comes from the state correctional services department on the basis of the conduct of the prisoners housed in different correctional homes in the state. Then there other departments namely state home affairs, law and judicial departments evaluate the list of recommendations sent by the state correctional services department. Only after that, the final list is prepared and sent to the Governor for the clearance from his office. "This time the same protocol was followed and the list has been returned. I do not remember such an event over the issue in the past," said a senior official from the state correctional services department. Already a tussle is going on between the Governors' House and the state secretariat over the decision of the Governor to open anti-corruption cell within the Raj Bhavan premises to address the issues of corruption at the university-level education in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress leadership had launched a scathing attack against the Governor by describing the move as an attempt to run a parallel government. Even Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had claimed that the previous Governor and the current Vice-President of the country Jagdeep Dhankhar was much better than his successor. In such a situation, the Governor's decision to send back the list of prisoners might open another front of tussle between the Governor's House and the state secretariat. Mumbai, Aug 5 : Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who has been on a break and has been treating her fans with beautiful pictures from her holiday, has refuted the claims of her taking Rs 25 crore from a Telugu superstar for her treatment of Myositis. The actress also called out the media for false reportage. Myositis is a medical condition causing inflammation in muscles. Weakness, swelling, and pain are the most common Myositis symptoms. In October last year, the actress shared on her social media that she was diagnosed with Myositis a few back and that the fight against the disease is taking longer than she expected. On Saturday, the actress took to the Stories section of her Instagram and penned a note in which she outrightly denied taking any kind of financial help. She wrote, "Rs 25 crores to treat Myositis!? Someone got you a pretty bad deal. I am glad I am only spending the smallest fraction of that. And, I don't think I was paid in marbles for all the work I've done in my career". She further mentioned that she is capable of taking care of herself and her medical expenses given her work in the industry during all these years. "So, I can easily take care of myself. Thank you. Myosotis is a condition thousands suffer from. Let's please be responsible with the information we put out regarding the treatment," she added. After wrapping up the Indian counterpart of the web series 'Citadel', as well as her Telugu film 'Kushi', Samantha is taking a break from acting for at least one year. During this period, she would primarily focus on her health, and undergo treatment for the autoimmune condition Myositis in the US. As smart watches like Apple Watch come with capabilities to identify common heart rhythm disorder like atrial fibrillation (AFib), researchers have warned that at the moment, wearables do not have a defined place in such risk assessment.. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Aug 5 : Technology is revolutionising blood pressure control, empowering individuals to monitor and manage their BP more effectively. Smart wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, now include blood pressure monitoring features, providing real-time data and tracking trends over time. According to health experts, these devices offer convenience and accessibility, promoting regular monitoring and early detection of any anomalies. "Mobile applications and digital health platforms complement wearables by enabling users to record and analyse their BP readings, offering personalised insights and actionable recommendations. This integration fosters better self-awareness and encourages proactive lifestyle changes to improve overall cardiovascular health," Dr Mukesh Goel, Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic and Heart Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, told IANS. Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring have also emerged as valuable tools in BP management. Patients can consult healthcare professionals virtually, receive personalised guidance, and have their BP remotely monitored, enhancing care accessibility and convenience, especially for those in remote areas. "With technology's continuous advancements, data-driven approaches and AI algorithms are being explored to predict and prevent blood pressure fluctuations and potential complications," said Goel. These innovations promise a future where precision medicine and personalised interventions can optimise blood pressure control and promote better cardiovascular outcomes. However, it's essential to strike a balance between technological reliance and professional medical advice to ensure safe and effective blood pressure management, advised health experts. US engineers recently developed a simple, low-cost clip that uses a smartphoneas camera and flash to monitor blood pressure at the useras fingertip. The clip, developed by a team at the University of California San Diego, works with a custom smartphone app and currently costs about 80 cents to make. The researchers estimate that the cost could be as low as 10 cents apiece when manufactured at scale. The technology, published in the journal Scientific Reports, can help make regular blood pressure monitoring easy, affordable, and accessible to people in resource-poor communities. It could benefit older adults and pregnant women, for example, in managing conditions such as hypertension. "Because of their low cost, these clips could be handed out to anyone who needs them but cannot go to a clinic regularly," said Edward Wang, Professor of electrical and computer engineering at UC San Diego. "A blood pressure monitoring clip could be given to you at your checkup, much like how you get a pack of floss and toothbrush at your dental visit," he added. To measure blood pressure, the user simply presses on the clip with a fingertip. A custom smartphone app guides the user on how hard and long to press during the measurement. The researchers tested the clip on 24 volunteers from the UC San Diego Medical Center. Results were comparable to those taken by a blood pressure cuff. According to Dr (Maj Gen) Susheel Kumar Malani, HoD, Cardiology, DPU Private Super Specialty Hospital in Pimpri, Pune, the proper control of blood pressure requires regular self-monitoring by the patient and also by the treating doctor. "There are various gadgets available for self-blood-pressure monitoring at home that are quite reliable. These are digital blood-pressure measuring instruments that use an oscillometric method to record your blood pressure," Dr Malani told IANS. It is important for patients to understand that these real-time blood pressure records should be maintained in writing in order to show them to the doctor as and when required. There are 24-hour ambulatory monitors available these days for patients whose blood pressure is not very well controlled despite good medication or keeps fluctuating irregularly at various times a day. "Also, there are various AI-backed blood pressure-analysing instruments available that help the patient monitor blood pressure along with other key vitals. It can be done through wearable tech and applications that map the vitals," said Dr Malani. Mahindra University confers degrees to graduating students during its second annual convocation. Image Source: IANS News Hyderabad, Aug 5 : Mahindra University is delighted to announce the celebration of its 2nd Annual Convocation, a momentous occasion that marks the culmination of academic excellence, innovation, and holistic learning. The grand event took place on August 5 at the picturesque Mahindra University campus, where the university community came together to honour and recognise the achievements of its outstanding graduates. The 2nd convocation of Mahindra University is a testament to the institution's commitment to fostering intellectual growth, empowering future leaders, and nurturing a vibrant academic community. Since its inception, the university has strived to redefine education and develop individuals who can positively impact the world through their knowledge and skillsa"the talented cohort of three Ph.D students, 22 M.Tech and 262 B.Tech students graduated this year. The event was further enriched by the inauguration of the Life Sciences Lab Complex and Mahindra e-Hub by Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao and Ronnie Screwvala. The convocation ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, faculty members, and prominent industry leaders coming together to inspire and congratulate the graduating class. The prestigious event was graced by the esteemed presence of Anand Mahindra, Chancellor, Mahindra University, along with Chief Guest Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, Chairman, GMR Group, and Guest of Honour, Ronnie Screwvala, Chairman, upGrad including, Vineet Nayyar, Chairman MEI, CP Gurnani, Board of Management, Mahindra University, Managing Director and CEO of Tech Mahindra, Mohit Joshi, MD and CEO Designate of Tech Mahindra, Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mahindra University, and other esteemed board members were also present to share this special moment with the graduating students. Chief Guest, Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, Chairman, GMR Group, in his address to the graduating class, expressed: "I strongly recommend everyone to behave like a student throughout life; learning attitude is a combination of curiosity, humanity, a strong sense of belief and a value system." He encouraged the students to step out of their comfort zones and develop a strong adversity quotient. Guest of Honour, Ronnie Screwvala, Chairman, upGrad addressed the students and shared his 6 super skills, namely, clarity, connect, conviction, curiosity, change, and choice. He said "the students must develop these 6Cs as they enter the phase of lifelong learning". Furthermore, he stressed on the importance of how we learn and who we learn from. Asking students to constantly reflect on improving the lives of others around them, he urged them to develop a sense of empathy and redefine their own success. Anand Mahindra, Chancellor, Mahindra University, presided over the convocation ceremony and remarked, and referred to the story of Narsimha, the hybrid version of a lion and a human where the lion was the brawn and the muscle and the human half applied to the moral imperative to right the wrong. He remarked: "The more our lives are intertwined with machines the more important it's going to be to preserve and nurture the humanity that distinguishes us from a decision-making algorithm." He emphasised that technology is here only to augment humanity and not replace it. He concluded by motivating students to channel technology to enhance humanity, thereby determining the course of their future. Vineet Nayyar, Chairman MEI, he stated that their core idea is to work towards quality and not quantity. He expressed: "The success that this entity has achieved is because we are basing everything on values." CP Gurnani, Member, Executive Committee (MEI), Managing Director and CEO, Tech Mahindra encouraged the students to express gratitude for their first teachers: their parents and encouraged them to dream with their eyes open and have a wild imagination. With a deep sense of pride, he claimed: "When the Indian economy races to be the number 3 economy in the world, Tech Mahindra is the company that was there 76 years ago and will be there for the next 76 years." Mohit Joshi, MD and CEO Designate of Tech Mahindra sharing his insights, he said: "If you can combine a sense of restlessness, hunger, a sense of passion equally with a deep sense of calm and deep sense of groundedness, there's no doubt you'll be successful." Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor of Mahindra University, welcomed everyone to the 2nd Annual Convocation of Mahindra University; he congratulated the graduating students, especially the first batch of Ph.D. students graduating from the university. With pride, he stated: "The students of Mahindra University are the leaders of tomorrow, entrepreneurs of the new generation, and innovators of the 21st century." During the ceremony, students who demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, research accomplishments, and contributions to the community were recognised and felicitated. Throughout the event, Mahindra University's commitment to cultivating an environment of innovation, inclusivity, and progressive learning was evident. As the second convocation concluded, Mahindra University reaffirmed its dedication to empowering future leaders and making a positive impact on society through transformative education. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday had a telephone conversation with his Nepal counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. The two leaders reviewed various aspects of the India-Nepal bilateral cooperation and followed-up on discussions held during Prachandaas recent visit to India from May 31 to June 3 so as to advance the bilateral partnership and to further strengthen the deep bonds of friendship between the two countries. Nepal, a close and friendly neighbor, is a key partner in Indiaas aNeighbourhood Firsta policy. The telephone conversation continues the tradition of high level exchanges between the two countries, official sources said. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Delhi High Court has granted permission to a US national, Mohd. Yasin Patel, who was convicted in 2003 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and for sedition under the IPC as a member of the banned outfit SIMI, to travel abroad for four weeks. The purpose of the travel is to visit his ailing father in Chicago. The court has allowed this travel subject to certain conditions, including furnishing a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and obtaining surety bonds from his family members. Patel was arrested in 2002 for sticking posters advocating the slogan 'Destroy Nationalism Establish Khilafat' near Jamia Milia Islamia University library. He was sentenced to five and seven years for the respective offences, but the sentence was suspended in 2004, with a restriction on leaving Delhi without court permission. The court noted Patel's compliance with previous travel permissions and his commitment to return within the granted time. "It is not in dispute that vide Order dated 08.12.2022 passed in CRL.M.A. 22880/2022, the applicant/appellant was allowed to travel to Chandpur, Uttar Pradesh (native place), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Vide Order dated 08.04.2005 passed in CRL.M.A. 1086/2005, the applicant/appellant was also allowed to visit Ahmedabad, Gujarat for a period of two weeks. He further concedes that whenever the applicant/appellant was granted permission to leave the territory of this country or jurisdiction of this Court, he has never violated the conditions imposed by this Court," the bench noted. If he fails to return on time, the personal surety bonds will be forfeited, and legal action may be taken, the court said. The court directed the prosecution to release Patel's passport and instructed him to apply for a VISA for his return to India. "The Prosecution is directed to release the passport of the applicant/appellant within two days. The applicant/appellant shall get the ticket booked to Chicago, U.S.A. within one week thereafter," the court said. "Since, the applicant/appellant is an American citizen and is holding American passport, he is directed to apply for VISA for his return to India. Thereafter, he shall submit the itinerary of his visit to Chicago, U.S.A. along with his address and phone number to the concerned Police Station/Investigating Agency through learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing in the present application," the court added. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Congress on Saturday attacked the government over deteriorating situation in Manipur and reports of government arms loot in the violence ridden state. "No wonder that on August 1, the Supreme Court observed that from the beginning of May there was an 'absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery', as also law and order machinery in Manipur. Yet the Prime Minister continues to be silent and allows the totally discredited Chief Minister to continue," Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet. He also shared a news report of the looting of the government arms. The Manipur Police said that it is undertaking a high-level probe into the loot of a large amount of arms and ammunition from two police outposts in Bishnupur district. Manipur Police in a statement late on Thursday night said that a mob ransacked Keirenphabi Police outpost and Thangalawai Police outposts of Manipur Armed Police's 2nd Battalion in Bishnupur and took away a huge cache of arms and ammunition. The mob, comprising men and women, also attempted to snatch arms and ammunition from Heingang police station and Singjamei police station in the same district but security forces repelled them. Reports said that the mob looted sophisticated weapons, including AK and 'Ghatak' series of assault rifles, many self-loading rifles and over 19,000 bullets of different calibres. In this article, we will be taking a look at the 25 countries with lowest life expectancy in the world. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see the top 5 countries with lowest life expectancy in the world. Global life expectancy in 1960 was just 51 years, and due to the dramatic improvements made by science, medicine and technology, this has increased significantly to 71 years, an improvement of two decades for the average life. While the increase may be more pronounced in developed nations (as can be seen in the countries with the highest life expectancy) mainly because of their superior infrastructure and health care, especially in nations with universal healthcare, almost all countries globally have seen their average life expectancy improve. In addition to better healthcare, an increased focus on diet and exercise added to better availability of facilities have played their part too. Despite the U.S. also being the most advanced country in the world, it lags well behind many advanced European nations, even though it was on level footing back in the 1980s. However, in 2019, while the life expectancy was 82.6 years in comparable nations, life expectancy in the U.S., which varies significantly state by state, was just 78.8 years, with a major reason behind this being the fact that healthcare insurance is privatized in the U.S., which in turn leads to few being able to afford it, especially those who do not have jobs. 30 countries with lowest life expectancy in the world Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash However, even 78.8 years is a massive improvement as compared to the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world. It is common knowledge that resources are not distributed equitably across the world and some of the poorest countries in the world will also have a lot in common with nations where life expectancy is the lowest, and unsurprisingly, many such countries have been colonized by richer nations in the past. Further, another issue is that it is always more difficult for poorer nations to invest more in long-term projects as opposed to reducing short-term suffering, considering the fact that their meagre resources are not enough to properly invest in R&D. This is why, of total R&D expenditure in 2017, which was in excess of $1.7 trillion, 10 countries accounted for over 80% of it while sub-Sahara African nations had the lowest contributions, and hence, it's not surprising that African nations have a heavy presence among the nations with the lowest life expectancy in the world. Story continues A lower life expectancy can also have a significant effect on the standards of living being maintained by a nation, and this was mentioned by a study in 2018 which stated " The life expectancy of middle- and older- groups has larger positive impact on GDP per capita than younger group. Meanwhile, the coefficient estimations of life expectancy with respect to the total GDP for three groups present that the life expectancy of the older group has more positive impact on total GDP than other groups." Separately, an additional study from the Lancet stated " Meanwhile according to a study in the Lancet "Longer, healthier lives should be a positive for the economy, and adjusting to longevity offers an opportunity to offset the negative implications of an ageing society. Previous health improvements have been positive for the economy and the task now is to achieve the same outcome for people in their later years. A wide range of policies is needed to achieve this outcome, but ultimately should focus on boosting employment in those aged 50 years or older, increasing education and training at later ages, and tackling health inequalities in ways that exploit the malleability of ageing." Considering the fact that even though there is a negative economic impact of low life expectancy, and while most of these countries may not be among the fastest growing countries in the world, there is still a lot of potential for investment in these nations. And these investments may pay rich dividends in the future if life expectancy can be improved, which is why it is unsurprising that there are many companies operating in this segment. Altos Labs is one of the top companies in this space, and has received major investments from billionaires including Jeff Bezos and Yuri Milner, with the corporation working on cellular reprogramming technology which is expected to increase life expectancy. Another similar company in this space is Juvenescence which was valued at over $500 million and creates products and medical devices by incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence. The success of these companies could also help out nations with the lowest life expectancy in the world. Of course, pharmaceutical companies cannot be forgotten in this respect. Medicines to treat diseases which were previously considered untreatable have saved millions of lives across decades and one of the biggest recent successes in this is the malaria vaccine, the first such vaccine in the world for a disease which kills more than half a million people every single year, with the vaccine being developed by GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE:GSK) and administered for the first time in 2023. Methodology To determine the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world, we headed over to a United Nations report on life expectancy at birth for 2021 and 2020 by country, the latest years on file. We then calculated the rank of each country for each year, and apportioned 70% to its 2021 rank and 30% to 2020, as the latest year is more relevant. 30. Botswana Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 61.1 Even though its considered one of Africa's most stable nations, and one of the biggest producers of diamonds in the world, Botswana is still battling to improve healthcare, which in turn will improve the country's life expectancy. 29. Gambia Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 62.1 Many African countries have a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and Gambia is no exception, with HIV/AIDS resulting in many early deaths in Gambia. 28. Afghanistan Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 62.0 Afghanistan has greatly suffered with violence over the past few decades, with Taliban's brutal rule and American military intervention all resulting in a low life expectancy. 27. Burundi Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 61.7 Food insecurity in Burundi and child malnutrition has contributed to Burundi being counted among the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world. 26. Angola Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 61.6 Despite faring much better than many African countries, the Human Rights Measurement Initiative stated that Angola's healthcare was barely achieving half of what it should've been achieving based on its income. 25. Kenya Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 61.4 While in a much better position than many other African nations, Kenya is still also dealing with a high poverty rate and high child mortality rate, affecting the quality of life in the nation. 24. Niger Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 61.6 Niger was recently the scene of a coup carried out by the country's military, who will have to enact policies to ensure Niger isn't counted among the countries with the least life expectancy in the world. 23. Togo Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 61.6 Togo has added more than 8 years to its average life expectancy in the 21st century and while the life expectancy for females is relatively high, there is a major discrepancy in life expectancy between men and women. 22. Zambia Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 61.2 While Zambia has made significant strides in the standard of living afforded to its residents, but poor hygiene, lack of access to clean water and HIV/AIDS are all still contributing to a low life expectancy in Zambia. 21. Liberia Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 60.7 Liberia has been deeply impacted by violence and war because of which it is still among the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world, but one of the largest steel companies in the world in ArcelorMittal has made significant investments in the country, which is expected to improve the standard of living of the country's residents. 20. Equatorial Guinea Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 60.6 Some of the leading causes for death in Equatorial Guinea are preventable, including HIV/AIDS, pneumonia and influenza, with the government taking steps to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030. 19. Cameroon Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 60.3 Even though Cameroon's own residents have been struggling with poverty for decades, conflicts in neighboring countries have brought tens of thousands of refugees to Cameroon, adding a burden to an already struggling economy. 18. Namibia Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 59.3 While improving, Namibia is still among the countries with the lowest life expectancy with the country still dealing with inconsistent healthcare and many Namibians suffering from preventable diseases. 17. Mozambique Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 59.3 Civil strife has been a major issue in Mozambique which has had a devastating impact on the country's economy which has led to two-thirds of Mozambique struggling with poverty, with per capita income less than half of even Angola, which has also emerged from civil conflict. 16. Sierra Leone Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 60.1 Inadequate nutrition, lack of sanitation, air pollution and unsafe water are all contributors to making Sierra Leone one of the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world. 15. Benin Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 59.8 Benin is impacted by many diseases which are considered to be "diseases of poverty" including lower respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases. 14. Guinea-Bissau Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 59.7 Guinea-Bissau has made improvements in its child mortality rate, with the rate being 125 per 1,000 children in 2008 and a decade later, fell to 81.5 per 1,000 children. Malaria has long been one of the leading diseases in the world, and GlaxoSmithKline plc's (NYSE:GSK) vaccine could help dramatically improve life expectancy in the country. 13. Zimbabwe Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 59.3 In 2006, Zimbabwe had the shortest life expectancy of any country when female life expectancy was only 34 years. 12. Burkina Faso Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 59.3 One of the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world, Burkina Faso's life expectancy in the 1950s was just 30 years, which shows that improvements have been made, though considering the current global life expectancy, it still falls significantly short. 11. Democratic Republic of Congo Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 59.2 DRC is one of the countries with the highest refugees in the U.S., mainly because of decades of conflicts that have resulted in a major refugee crisis, and played a huge role in reducing the life expectancy of the nation. 10. Mali Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 58.9 While Mali has a really high birth rate, its life expectancy rate leaves much to be desired especially because of high infant and child mortality rates. 9. Guinea Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 58.9 Like most countries globally, women in Guinea live longer than men, though in this country, the gap is just one year. 8. Cote d'Ivoire Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 58.6 Cote d'Ivoire has one of the lowest life expectancy rates of any country in the world, mainly because an alarmingly high infant mortality rate, while a lack of quality healthcare has caused major impediments too. 7. Eswatini Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 57.1 In Eswatini, life expectancy has improved by nearly 11 years in the last 2 decades, and while a massive achievement is still well behind where a nation should be today. 6. Somalia Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 55.3 Somalia's life expectancy actually decreased significantly from 2020 to 2021, and a lack of access to clean water has resulted in the nation facing diseases such as cholera. Click to continue reading and see 5 Countries with Lowest Life Expectancy in the World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 30 countries with lowest life expectancy in the world is originally published on Insider Monkey. New Delhi, Aug 4 : Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud on Saturday inaugurated a year-long training programme for the officials of the Supreme Court. In the inaugural session, one day-workshop on 'Leadership and Ethics' was organised by the top court in collaboration with Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), where CJI Chandrachud delivered the keynote address. In his address, he laid special emphasis on the the importance of Gender Sensitization training along with training in ICT skills. CJI Chandrachud stressed upon the need for empathy and compassion in the officials in their dealings with public. He said that the trainings will not only improve the job performance of the employees but "will also equip them to foster their personal development". He motivated the employees of the apex court to embark on the journey of transformation and growth and reiterated his commitment towards making the Supreme Court a fully digitised institution having "paperless functioning". The training calendar, unveiled by CJI Chandrachud for 2023-2024, contains notable trainings planned throughout the year on subjects like Induction Training for newly joined officers, Legal Training, ICT training, Personal Training, Language Training among others. Chandigarh, Aug 5 : Saying he did not have information about intelligence on the possible build-up of tension in Nuh, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Saturday said the police are investigating and the conclusion that will emerge will be made public. "The police are investigating point by point. The conclusion that will emerge after the investigation will be made public," Vij told the media here. He was replying to a question about the role of Pakistan in the violence in Muslim-dominated Nuh, where the curfew was relaxed from 12 noon to 3 p.m. "The police are taking action and so far 104 FIRs have been registered and 216 people arrested. Likewise, 80 people have been detained on suspicion," Vij said. On a question of a viral video of a CID inspector claiming that he knew everything in advance about the violence, the minister said: "I have also seen this video. Will take appropriate action at the appropriate time." Responding to a question regarding a link between the Punjab-registered vehicle and Hyder Ali during the violence, Vij said this information has been forwarded to the authorities for investigation. Earlier on Saturday, Vij said he was not given any intelligence input on the Nuh violence. "I even asked ACS (Home) and the DGP, they said they also did not have the information. Now, a video is going viral in which a CID inspector claimed that he knew everything in advance. If he knew, then who did he inform about this?" The state Home Minister smells big game plan behind the violence. "People climbed hills next to the temples, had lathis (canes) in their hands and gathered at entry points, all this is not possible without a proper plan. Bullets were fireda all this was part of a plan. We will not rush to an early conclusion without a thorough investigation being done," he said. Meanwhile, the demolition drive in Nuh district continued for the third day on Saturday as authorities bulldozed illegal constructions on 2.6 acres of land around SKM Government Medical College. Around 45 temporary structures were demolished as part of the drive, police said. SDM Ashwani Kumar told the media owners of some of these structures were involved in the violence. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Inspector-General Jasbir Singh Sandhu said the situation in Nuh is under control. As per orders of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, companies of Central Reserve Police Force and Rapid Action Force, including women officers and jawans have been deployed in the violence-affected areas, which includes women officers and jawans, he said. The communal clashes first broke out on Monday during a Hindu religious procession after rumours that the absconding cow vigilante Monu Maneser, a key accused in Bhiwani killings, would also attend the event. Los Angeles, Aug 5 : Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' has been a point of contention in the Middle East and a lot of Islamic countries, with certain countries having banned it altogether such as Qatar and Kuwait. The movie was released in the UAE, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was planning on releasing it on August 31 after making a few edits. But now the country is pondering over the possibility of a full on ban. The movie was a big point in the Middle East because despite it being a fun hearted family comedy movie, the filmsa LGBTQ+ themes alongside its consumerist attitude did not fare well in the Middle East, with Israel having released it. Earlier, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had begun promoting its own local pictures such as aSattara which overtook James Cameronas aAvatar 2: The Way of Watera by a massive margin. While they had surprisingly declared that they will release aBarbiea, much to the surprise of many, now the country has hinted at a possible ban. As reported by 'Variety', the reason for this stems from a multi-layered web covering both the countryas politics and religious aspects as well as social and cultural apprehensions. The censor board of the country remains divided on the issue as some suggest that the movie has little to no harm to do the countryas norms and social fabric, and with some edits to the movie, such as Barbie deriding aspects of patriarchy and whatnot, the movie could be released. But now there is a growing fear that the movie will promote too many Western values in the country and also result in people cashing in on Barbie dolls at a difficult economic time. Plus there is the additional fear that this could potentially damage the social fabric of the country, promoting values incompatible with the countryas values. The movie was already aired in the UAE and was even given a massive appearance on the Burj Khalifa, and KSA also had little problem with the movie, but with the increasing criticism the movie has gotten from global audiences regarding its preachy attitude regarding patriarchy and promotion of LBGTQ themes has resulted in the country reconsidering its August 31 release date. As such the movie has been postponed until KSA censor boards come to a full agreement, but as of such, the movie may well just end up facing a ban as many religious clerics have also opposed the film. Some of the other countries where aBarbiea was banned include Bahrain, Iran, Vietnam, Philippines and Russia among others. London, Aug 5 : Days after Akshata Murthy topped Tatler's 2023 list of best-dressed women, her husband and the British prime minister, Rishi Sunak, is being mocked for his choice of trousers. It began with a series of tweets on July 31 by a prominent American menswear writer and blogger, Derek Guy who said: "It's baffling to me how the wealthiest UK prime minister in history could live just steps away from Savile Row, the single greatest concentration of skilled bespoke tailors, and end up paying $2k for a MTM suit with sleeves and trousers 2-4" too short". Dismissing suggestions that Sunak is trying to make himself look taller than his 5.7" height, Guy said: "I don't think this sort of pseudo-science holds water." The tweets were viewed by millions of people, attracting attention by the British media. "Ironically, I think this sort of outfit makes a man look very middle-aged, as it's a 20-year-old trend and young people are wearing baggier clothes," he told Times Radio. Sunak is 43. A prominent tailor in central London, Kathryn Sargent agrees. She says short trousers were a fashion in the noughties not now. "Rishi Sunak needs a better tailored suit," added Sargent. But one of Sunak's bespoke tailors has defended the British prime minister's trousers. "In fact, a slim fit and leg cut to the ankle is everything an on-trend suit wants to be today," Alexander Dickinson, who owns Henry Herbert in central London, told London's Evening Standard. But Sunak, who is currently in California on his first holiday in four years, is not known for paying too little attention to his wardrobe. He has often been attacked for his expensive designer outfits with suggestions that he is out of touch with Britain's ordinary people who are struggling with rising of cost of living. Two months ago, he gave a speech on his plan to stop small migrant boats, wearing $240 Timberland boots, prompting some people to call it as "stop the boots". Earlier, he had been seen wearing $600 Prada shoes. His suits at Henry Herbert are reported to cost $3,000 dollars. Sunak's wife, Akhshata Murthy, on the other hand, has cleverly tried to change her image since moving to the prime minister's official residence, 10 Downing Street, last year. After receiving a lot of flak for her expensive designer taste, Murti is no longer often seen in Gucci trainers and Red Valentino dresses. She recently wore a $19 pink shirt when she went with her husband and daughters to watch the film, Barbie. Except on big occasions, Murthy wears dresses from high street British brands such as Next. But Rishi Sunak is unlikely to abandon his expensive taste, though he may consider changing his clothing style following criticism from Derek Guy. He would like to be called one of Britain's best dressed prime ministers, close to Anthony Eden, who occupied the office from 1955-1957. Eden who was known for his single-breasted waistcoats, lounge suits and varnished fingernails has been described by many as the best dressed British prime minister in the 20th century. Akshata Murthy, who has been fashion designer herself, has work cut out for her husband. London, Aug 5 : Days after Akshata Murthy topped Tatler's 2023 list of best-dressed women, her husband and British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is being mocked for his choice of trousers. It began with a series of tweets on July 31 by a prominent American menswear writer and blogger, Derek Guy who said: "It's baffling to me how the wealthiest UK prime minister in history could live just steps away from Savile Row, the single greatest concentration of skilled bespoke tailors, and end up paying $2k for a MTM suit with sleeves and trousers 2-4" too short". Dismissing suggestions that Sunak is trying to make himself look taller than his 5.7" height, Guy said: "I don't think this sort of pseudo-science holds water." The tweets were viewed by millions of people, attracting attention by the British media. "Ironically, I think this sort of outfit makes a man look very middle-aged, as it's a 20-year-old trend and young people are wearing baggier clothes," he told Times Radio. Sunak is 43. A prominent tailor in central London, Kathryn Sargent agrees. She says short trousers were a fashion in the noughties not now. "Rishi Sunak needs a better tailored suit," added Sargent. But one of Sunak's bespoke tailors has defended the British prime minister's trousers. "In fact, a slim fit and leg cut to the ankle is everything an on-trend suit wants to be today," Alexander Dickinson, who owns Henry Herbert in central London, told London's Evening Standard. But Sunak, who is currently in California on his first holiday in four years, is not known for paying too little attention to his wardrobe. He has often been attacked for his expensive designer outfits with suggestions that he is out of touch with Britain's ordinary people who are struggling with rising of cost of living. Two months ago, he gave a speech on his plan to stop small migrant boats, wearing $240 Timberland boots, prompting some people to call it as "stop the boots". Earlier, he had been seen wearing $600 Prada shoes. His suits at Henry Herbert are reported to cost $3,000 dollars. Sunak's wife, Akhshata Murthy, on the other hand, has cleverly tried to change her image since moving to the prime minister's official residence, 10 Downing Street, last year. After receiving a lot of flak for her expensive designer taste, Murti is no longer often seen in Gucci trainers and Red Valentino dresses. She recently wore a $19 pink shirt when she went with her husband and daughters to watch the film, Barbie. Except on big occasions, Murthy wears dresses from high street British brands such as Next. But Rishi Sunak is unlikely to abandon his expensive taste, though he may consider changing his clothing style following criticism from Derek Guy. He would like to be called one of Britain's best dressed prime ministers, close to Anthony Eden, who occupied the office from 1955-1957. Eden who was known for his single-breasted waistcoats, lounge suits and varnished fingernails has been described by many as the best dressed British prime minister in the 20th century. Akshata Murthy, who has been fashion designer herself, has work cut out for her husband. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) V. K Saxena will re-dedicate the renovated and restored 187 year-old heritage St James' Church at Kashmere Gate on Sunday. The restoration and renovation works have been done by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), with support from INTACH. During the occasion, Bishop of Delhi, Reverend Dr. Paul Swarup and Presbyter of the Church, Reverend Pratik Pillai will also be present. "As part of his persistent efforts to preserve Delhi's heritage, the LG, in November 2022, directed DDA to undertake restoration and preservation of this iconic and grand house of faith. "This Church also known as Skinner's Church, was lying in a dilapidated condition for several years and DDA has been able to achieve a thorough overhaul in a record time," the LG office said. On May, 27, the LG visited the Church to review the progress of works, where he directed the concerned officials and curators to ensure diligent preservation by retaining the originality of the heritage structure. The Church, apart from serving its parishioners, will also serve as a major attraction for tourists visiting the nearby monuments like Red Fort, Jama Masjid and the popular Chandni Chowk among others. LG, while inspecting the renovation work of the Church on different occasions, had instructed the officials to strictly ensure that the originality of the heritage structure is retained. St. James' Church is known to be the official church of the British Viceroy of India in Delhi. LG has been stressing that the Church building and its vicinity be developed in such a manner that it becomes a prominent landmark in the city. St James' Church is one of the oldest churches in the city and is part of the Church of North India Diocese of Delhi. Restoration of the Church assumes great significance as this area has close proximity with several historical monuments in the Old Delhi and is frequented by thousands of visitors every day. LG office said that preservation of the heritage has been a focus area of LG, Saxena, who, ever since taking over in May last year, has personally initiated and monitored the restoration of heritage structures like Gole Market, Anang Tal Baoli, Nizamuddin Basti and Mehrauli Archaeological Park among others. He recently directed DDA to take over the restoration and renovation of the historic Qila Rai Pithora of Maharaja Prithviraj Chauhan. Mumbai, Aug 5 : Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who was most recently seen in 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan', recently left his fans and the Internet amazed when he slipped into a pair of hot pink pants. The superstar attended the birthday bash of his brother Arbaaz Khan recently and chose hot pink coloured pants for the occasion. As the photos & videos from the occasion went viral, it left the Internet bemused about Salman's sartorial choice as the actor, who is known for his hyper-masculine roles on screen, chose a colour which is considered feminine as per societal norms. The Internet had a field day as netizens joined the dots and put together Salman in the 'Barbiecore' trend which emanated from the Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling-starrer 'Barbie'. The Hollywood extravaganza is currently clashing its swords against the Christopher Nolan directorial 'Oppenheimer' in theatres. Netizens were quick to react to the viral pictures and images of Salman from Arbaaz's birthday. They shared hilarious comments like, "Glad to see Salman bhai gracing the Barbie trend". One user wrote, "Bhai-bhi". Another wrote, "Bhaibhenheimer". A third wrote, "Salman bhai couldn't resist giving into the Barbie trend". Salman and Arbaaz have collaborated on several films together. Arbaaz even directed Salman in 'Dabangg 2' with Sonakshi Sinha. He also produced 'Dabangg' and 'Dabangg 3'. Meanwhile, after 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan', which received a rather lukewarm response as per Salman Khan standards, on the work front, Salman will next be seen in 'Tiger 3' which has booked a Diwali release this year. The film will see him reunite with Katrina Kaif for the franchise. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be seen in a cameo in 'Tiger 3' returning the favour to Bollywood's bhai after the 'Wanted' star made a cameo appearance in SRK's 'Pathaan'. Both 'Pathaan' and 'Tiger 3' belong to the YRF spy universe. Kolkata, Aug 5 : The inspector-in-charge of Nabagram Police Station in Murshidabad district of West Bengal Amit Kumar Bhakat has been suspended following a custodial death of an inmate inside the police station. The body of the deceased Gobinda Ghosh, who was arrested as an accused in a theft case, has been sent for post-mortem. The family members of the victim alleged that he was kept in police custody without official arrest warrant. Additional Police Superintendent of Murshidabad Subimal Pal said that a thorough department enquiry will be initiated against the police officers or personnel accused in the matter. "If they are found guilty legal proceedings will be initiated against them as per the legal provision. We are waiting for the post- mortem report of the victim," he said. The family members of the victims alleged that he was picked up by police on Wednesday night on charges of involvement in a theft case. Family said that the police had assured them that Ghosh will be released after some enquiry and interrogation. However, they added, on Friday night they received the news of his death. On Saturday, the local people staged protests at Nabagram police station. Situation turned tense after some protesters pelted stones towards the police station. Police had to resort to lathi-charge and firing of teargas shells to bring the situation under control. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Delhi High Court judge Justice Pratibha M. Singh on Saturday decried the significant gender disparity prevailing within the legal profession in India. In her remarks at an event celebrating 'Lady Lawyers Day', she noted that despite more than half of law school students being women, only 15 per cent of practicing lawyers are female and attributed this gap to the constraints women face at home. She raised questions about the low enrollment of women as advocates despite their strong academic performance and called attention to the struggles many women lawyers face in gaining acceptance within matrimony and in pursuing corporate practices post-marriage. Justice Singh noted that law firms seem to offer better conditions for women, but the challenges persist. Women lawyers often find it challenging to establish themselves outside major metropolitan areas due to inadequate facilities and lingering negative perceptions. She said that women in law need to give 120 per cent instead of 100 per cent to prove themselves due to gender biases. However, she stressed that competence and integrity remain key drivers of success in the legal field, transcending stereotypes. Justice Singh expressed gratitude to the men who paved the way for women in law. She also discussed gender disparity on a global scale and touched upon abortion rights. Furthermore, she pointed out the importance of showcasing one's accomplishments and urged women lawyers to be more visible by arguing cases in court. --IANS spr/vd It's the rise of the robo-money manager: Artificial intelligence stands to bring major disruption to a wealth management industry already locked in a heated competitive battle for fees and inflows. A new PwC survey of asset managers and institutional investors warns that 1 in 6 asset and wealth management companies will be bought or shut down in the next five years. "The tech carnage should be significant," Paul Meeks, a portfolio manager at Independent Solutions Wealth Management, told Yahoo Finance about AIs looming impact on the wealth management industry. Meeks, who has been plowing forward in the industry since the late 1980s, noted that smaller shops will be "forced to consolidate" and spend heavily on "game-changing technology that will replace existing firms if they don't 'circle the wagons.'" Digitally-generated image of artificial intelligence robot. (Getty Creative) Robo-advising where sSophisticated AI-powered models prepare investors for wealth-building actions today and retirement planning for tomorrow are starting to see that game-changing technology. Vanguard, Schwab (SCHW), Fidelity (FIS), Betterment, and Acorns are among the companies already offering and investing in robo-advising services. "The strong will get stronger not only because they have the technology vision but because they have the tremendous resources to execute it," Meeks said. "Schwab and its big peers should have the edge here, but will they deliver?" PwC sees these investments fueling the rise of the robots: The outfit forecasts robo-advisors will grow to manage a whopping $6 trillion by 2027. And as more investors embrace this digital investment advice, its becoming clear from recent dealmaking activity that money management firms are feeling pressure to bulk up to pool investments in tech and ride out the storm. There were 341 M&A deals last year in the wealth management industry, up 11% from 2021 and the most in at least a decade, according to investment bank and consulting firm Echelon Partners. Story continues Notable transactions include Royal Bank of Canada's takeover of wealth management firm Brewin Dolphin, HUB International's acquisition of WealthPlan Advisors, and Alera Group Wealth Services' buyout of Johnson Brunetti. Consolidation has pushed on this year, headlined by JPMorgan's acquisition of stricken First Republic Bank, First Citizens Bank's (FCNCA) rescue deal for Silicon Valley Bank, and UBS's (UBS) emergency takeover of Credit Suisse. All three of these crisis-moment deals have consolidated wealth management operations as the industry eyes an AI-fueled future, pros say. Stephen Dover, head of the Franklin Templeton Institute, told Yahoo Finance he sees wealth management becoming reshaped via a "barbell approach," where large players continue to scale, and smaller, specialized groups will need to be "creative and idiosyncratic" to be successful. In the end, it will prove to be survival of the fittest i.e., embrace the robots or get eaten alive. "Remember what happened when investors threw in the towel and started to invest passively through ETFs?" Meeks said. "It killed many actively managed funds and those who ran and supported them. Those players were forced to consolidate to survive by scaling their expenses." Seana Smith is an anchor at Yahoo Finance. Follow Smith on Twitter @SeanaNSmith. Tips on deals, mergers, activist situations, or anything else? Email seanasmith@yahooinc.com. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Jaipur, Aug 5 : Arvind, the husband of Anju who went to Pakistan to marry her lover, has filed an FIR against her on Friday, saying that she married another man without filing for divorce and also threatened him over the phone. Anju went to Pakistan and married her Pakistani lover without getting divorced. Anju's Pakistani husband, Nasrullah (29) has also been named in the report. It is alleged that Anju married Nasrullah, a resident of Pakistan, without divorcing Arvind. Nasrullah has also been accused of "affecting the marriage", and threatening over the phone. The Phoolbagh Police of Bhiwadi (Alwar) wrote a report on the basis of Arvind's statement. A police officer said that Anju's "first husband" Arvind had registered a case at Phoolbagh police station at 9 p.m. on Friday night. A case under IPC sections 494 (second marriage being already married), 500 (defamation), 506 (threatening to kill), IT Act 43/66 (sending objectionable material through a device/transaction of confidential data) has been filed. In this case, the police have not yet registered any case against Anju or her lover, Nasrullah. Now, after Arvind's complaint, the Bhiwadi Police will investigate the whole matter from the start. Kolkata, Aug 5 : With his lung infection having completely cured, intravenous antibiotics have been completely stopped for former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee since Saturday, hospital sources said. Although the medical board examining the former Chief Minister was supposed to take a decision on his discharge on Saturday, the board members finally decided to keep him under observation for two more days before finally deciding on Monday. According to the evening medical bulletin released by the hospital on Saturday, although the IV antibiotics have been stopped, the former Chief Minister is kept under conservative medical management, physiotherapy and lung rehabilitation. "He is on Ryles tube feeding and swallow assessment is being done. His overall clinical status remains stable," it said. A medical board member said that since Bhattacharjee is having a loss of appetite, the dependence on Ryles tube for the purpose of feeding is continuing. On Saturday, CPI-M politburo member Dr Suryankanta Mishra, who is himself a qualified medical practitioner and the party's state secretary in West Bengal Mohd Salim went to the hospital to meet the former Chief Minister. "He is in a much better medical condition now. He is replying favourably to the ongoing treatment. Much of the crisis has been resolved. I had spoken to him. I wish he will get completely cured soon," Mishra told newspersons while leaving the hospital. Salim said that the medical board members are also confident of his early recovery. "The decision on his date of release from the hospital will be taken by the hospital authorities on Monday," he added. Moscow, Aug 5 : Participants of the third edition of BRICS Youth Camp from five countries including Russia, India, China, Brazil and South Africa on Saturday visited Lenin Memorial House to explore about the history of Russia. There are a total of 60 participants in the third edition of BRICS Youth Camp. Vladimir Lenin was the founder of Soviet Russia, who grew up in the house and spent nine years of his life there. From an early age, he was interested in books especially geography and history and also learnt various foreign languages in the same house. At age 17, he was expelled from Kazan Imperial University, where he was studying law, for taking part in an 'illegal' student protest. Participants of BRICS youth camp explored the house where Lenin's family lived on rent. His mother was a homemaker and father, an academician. The son of Ilya Ulyanov and Maria Alexandrovna Ulyanova, he was the third of six siblings in an educated family. The family's dining room, bedroom, and the library has been kept in the same manner. People from across the world visit the museum to understand the life and work of Lenin. Under Lenin's administration, the Soviet Union became a one-party socialist state governed by the Communist Party. He was ideologically a Marxist and his ideology is known as Leninism. "Lenin was a scholar from his childhood. He played chess, won awards and was a bright child. His father did a lot in the education sector in Ulyanovsk," said the guide at the house. Serene nature, backyard for playing games, vibrant colours and everything minimal is how the Lenin's two-storey house has been preserved. In the backyard of the house there is an apple tree which is over 100 years-old. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday lashed out at the BJP-led government alleging that Delhi University professors are not being paid salary on time. AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha said that the Central government has never taken education seriously in the country. He said that this is the reason that the prestigious Delhi University is in complete disarray. He said that the professors teaching at Delhi University are not getting their salaries on time while the pension has also been stopped. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Delhi Teacher's Association (AADTA) President Aditya Narayan Mishra said that the Central government has stopped providing development and maintenance grants also. "There is no money for new books in Delhi University's library and equipment in laboratories. We sincerely make an appeal to the Central government to find a solution to all the problems otherwise we will be forced to conduct a nationwide action program," Mishra said. He said that the funds collected from students at Delhi University have been insufficient and are about to run out. "As a result, the burden is now directly on the students, and their fees has also being increased. The policies of the BJP government do not seem to have any foresight. Enrollment ratios are declining in good educational institutions. When such a situation persisted, we continuously wrote letters, knowing that it would eventually lead to a salary crisis." New Delhi, Aug 5 : A Bhubaneswar based private firm Sanjeet Granites and Exporters and its concerned officers have been booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for cheating Bank of Baroda to tune of Rs 323.07 lakh. A senior CBI official said that they received a written complaint at their Bhubaneswar office from Bank of Baroda. The said complainant requested for CBI investigation relating to the alleged fraud perpetrated by Surendra Pal, Proprietor of Sanjeet Granites and Exporters, Surendra Pal and Kusani Siva Prasad, Corporate guarantors and Partners S.S. Granites Park and Sanjeet Chowdry. In the complaint, it was alleged that Sanjeet Granites and Exporters was established as a proprietorship firm on October 6, 2018. The firm was engaged in granite tile processing and sanctioned a term loan of Rs 290 Lacs for purchase of machinery by Bank of Baroda on November 15, 2019. The loan was sanctioned against hypothecation of plant and machinery and equitable mortgage of land and building. The firm had submitted the quotation of Rs 324.38 lakhs of Sodhi Engineering Industries for purchase of plant and machinery. During the inspection and unit visit by the bank official, it was observed that only few machines were available and other machines were not available. Further it was observed that the unit was not functioning and only two machines were available and other machines were not available as per the quotation given by the borrower for which the bank had disbursed the amount of term loan. Due to non-payment of loan installments, the borrowal account of Sanjeet Granites and Exporters was classified as NPA in 2021 and the said borrowal account was declared as fraud in 2022. "It was learned that the accused had submitted a fake quotation of Sodhi Engineering Industries where Sanjeet Chowdry was shown as the proprietor. No assets were created out of the bank fund. The amount of Rs 290 lakhs disbursed in the bank account of Sanjeet Granites and Exporters were disbursed in the fictitious account of the supplier Sodhi Engineering Industries," reads the FIR. The bank said that during verification of the said complaint it was found that Surendra Pal the Exporters Sanjeet Chowdry committed criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, in connection with the Term Loan of Rs 290 Lakhs. The accused were also given Rs 58 lakhs by bank and thereby caused wrongful loss of Rs 323.07 Lakhs to the bank. The CBI after receiving the complaint have now lodged an FIR of cheating and forgery. Further investigation into the matter is going-on. New Delhi, Aug 6 : The Delhi Police on Saturday claimed to have recovered more than 200 mobile phones from various states of the country in the last 15 days under a drive "Operation Vishwas". According to the police, the phones were distributed to their actual owners on Saturday. The nation-wide drive to recover stolen and snatched mobile phones was launched by Shahdara district police on July 15. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Rohit Meena said that after conducting technical analysis, around 250 mobile phones involved in various cases from the district were found active in different parts of India, including Delhi. To recover these devices, 16 teams from various police stations within Shahdara district were formed, leading to the recovery of 205 stolen, snatched, and robbed phones. "During the operation, 15 robbers/snatchers were arrested, and more than 162 accused persons were apprehended in accordance with the law," said the DCP. The recovered phones were returned to their rightful owners, with 19 found in Bihar, seven in West Bengal, 32 in UP-West, 12 in UP-East, five in Haryana, and 130 in various locations within Delhi/NCR, the DCP added. Jerusalem, Aug 6 : A Palestinian civilian was killed in clashes with Israeli settlers in the West Bank, the Israeli military has said. The incident occurred on Friday when a group of Israelis came to herd their sheep in an area adjacent to a Palestinian village, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces on Saturday. The Palestinian villagers hurled rocks at the Israeli settlers who responded by opening fire on them, leading to one death and four injuries, said the statement, adding a Palestinian car was burned in the clashes. The military declared the area a closed military zone. Several Israelis were arrested in connection with the incident, and the suspect in the shooting, who also sustained injuries during the clashes, was detained in a Jerusalem hospital, Israeli media reported. Israeli settlers' assaults on Palestinians have increased in recent months in the West Bank since the swearing-in of the right-wing Israeli government late last year. For more than a year, Israeli forces have intensified their raids in the West Bank in an attempt to push back on a wave of Palestinian attacks against Israelis, leading to escalating friction between the two sides. Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Homefirst Services of Santa Clara County, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Homefirst Services of Santa Clara County violated the California Labor Code. The Homefirst Services of Santa Clara County class action lawsuit, Case No. 23CV418047, is currently pending in the Santa Clara County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here. According to the lawsuit filed, Homefirst Services of Santa Clara County allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to pay wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-204, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. Additionally, Homefirst Services of Santa Clara County allegedly failed to reimburse employees for required business expenses. California Labor Code 2802 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties..." During employment, Plaintiff and other California Class Members were allegedly required to use their personal cellular phones as a result of and in furtherance of their job duties. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Homefirst Services of Santa Clara County, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego violated the California Labor Code. The Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego class action lawsuit, Case No. 37-2023-00027035-CU-OE-CTL, is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here. According to the lawsuit filed, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to pay wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-204, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. The complaint further alleges Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego restricted employees from unconstrained walks in which employees could not leave work premises during their rest period. The applicable California Wage Order requires employers to provide employees with off-duty rest periods, which the California Supreme Court defined as time during which an employee is relieved from all work related duties and free from employer control. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** Website.Design Expands to Chicago, Illinois Market. The expansion to Chicago represents a significant milestone for Website.Design. As we extend our footprint to new markets, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients. Website.Design, a renowned web design agency known for its cutting-edge solutions and exceptional client services, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its web design operations to Chicago, Illinois. With a successful track record of delivering outstanding digital experiences to clients worldwide, Website.Design's entry into the Chicago market marks a significant milestone in their mission to empower businesses with effective online solutions. The expansion to Chicago represents a strategic move for Website.Design, as it allows them to extend their premium services to businesses in the Midwest region, offering their expertise and innovative solutions to help clients thrive in the digital landscape. SEO Services: As a leading web design agency, Website.Design offers a comprehensive suite of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services. Their team of Chicago SEO experts employs advanced strategies and techniques to boost clients' online visibility, increase organic traffic, and improve search engine rankings. By leveraging industry-leading tools and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, Website.Design ensures that clients' websites remain at the forefront of search results, driving more leads and revenue. PPC Management: With a focus on driving measurable and immediate results, Website.Design provides top-notch Pay-Per-Click (PPC) management services. 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Combining creativity with technical proficiency, their design team crafts visually captivating and user-friendly websites tailored to each client's unique brand identity. Meanwhile, the Chicago web development team employs the latest technologies to create seamless and responsive websites, ensuring optimal performance across all devices. Samuel Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Website.Design, shared his excitement about the expansion, stating: "We are delighted to bring our industry-leading web design and digital marketing services to the thriving city of Chicago. With our commitment to excellence and dedication to driving tangible results, we look forward to helping businesses in the region achieve their online objectives and grow their digital presence." Timothy Carter, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Website.Design, also expressed his enthusiasm: "The expansion to Chicago represents a significant milestone for Website.Design. As we extend our footprint to new markets, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients. We are confident that our full suite of services, including SEO, PPC management, link building, and website design and web development, will resonate with businesses seeking to enhance their online success." With a successful expansion to Chicago, Website.Design is well-positioned to continue its legacy of driving digital growth for businesses across diverse industries. As they deepen their presence in the Midwest region, the agency remains dedicated to helping clients achieve online excellence through their dynamic and results-driven solutions. For more information about Website.Design and their services, please visit https://website.design About Website.Design: Website.Design is a leading web design agency known for delivering cutting-edge solutions and exceptional client services. With a team of skilled professionals and a strong focus on results, they offer a wide range of services, including SEO, PPC management, link building, and website design and web development. Since its inception, Website.Design has been empowering businesses to thrive in the digital landscape, delivering remarkable online experiences that drive growth and success. Internationally Acclaimed Artists Jason Naylor and Philip Colbert Make Their Debut in Macau, Celebrating the Grand Opening of ASCE's First Store in Macao MACAO, Aug. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited, ("Forward Fashion" or the "Group"; Stock Code: 2528) unveiled its new art label "ASCE", the diverse and explorative art hub, at The Londoner Macao on 2 August, following the successful expansion of its multi-dimensional art space, Artelli, to several international locations within a short span of just 10 months. This move further brings diverse internationally acclaimed characters, uncover brand-new collaborations, exclusive products, creative community events and diverse art experiences to a new generation pursuing a refined lifestyle, and marks a brand-new milestone in the Group's advance into high-end art projects and business diversification. In celebration of the grand opening of ASCE's first store in Macao, the group joined forces with Sands China to present the captivating exhibition "'Meet the Magic' - In Celebration of Disney100 By Philip Colbert & Jason Naylor", which also marks as one of the Special Exhibitions of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023. The two artists made a special visit to Macau and successfully created a buzz in the city's art scene, A Diverse and Explorative Hub for Art, Culture, and Lifestyle Enthusiasts As a newly launched art brand by Forward Fashion, ASCE offers a unique approach to retail and art exhibitions, positioning itself as a playful creativity hub for visionary breakthroughs of internationally acclaimed characters. ASCE serves as a diverse and explorative art hub where collectors gather for social exchange and discover the fabric of everyday life. ASCE embraces the ethos of playfulness, everyday lifestyle, and personalization, uncovering collaborations with internationally renowned artists and brand designers to create seasonal character projects. ASCE playfully blends fashion, art, design, technology, and beyond, crafting diverse art and lifestyle experiences intricately infused with a new way of thinking. It connects creative communities from various fields, initiates exciting events and festivities, and aims to create a vibrant hub for art, culture, and lifestyle enthusiasts. Following the opening of the first ASCE store in Hong Kong in July, the brand has now arrived in Macau, and plans to further expand to major cities in mainland China and international markets. Story continues Guests of honour officiate an opening ceremony at The Venetian Macao Wednesday for Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor. It is one of the special exhibitions of Art Macao 2023 and is on display Aug. 3-Oct. 15 at The Venetian Macao, The Londoner Macao and Le Jardin. Left to right: Lok Hei, president of the Macau Artist Society; Philip Colbert, artist; Cheng Wai Tong, acting director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR; Yin Rutao, deputy director-general of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd.; Patrick Fan, founder, chairman of the board, and executive director of Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited; Jason Naylor, artist; Ung Vai Meng, local artist. Embracing "Art Macao" to "Meet the Magic" with I nternationally R enowned A rtists ASCE, the newest art brand under Forward Fashion, is delighted to participate in "Art Macao", on the occasion of the opening of its first store in the city, by joining hands with Sands China and co-curating with ARTOX GROUP the "'Meet the Magic,' In Celebration of D100 By Jason Naylor & Philip Colbert". This grand showcase of large-scale artworks by two internationally acclaimed artists with distinctive styles: Jason Naylor, a graffiti artist from New York, and Philip Colbert, a contemporary pop art master from Scotland based in London. From 3 August to 15 October, large-scale art installations will be showcased, bringing the enchanting, spectacular and magical art experience to the locals and visitors alike. During the magnificent celebration of Disney's centennial, the two artists have gone beyond creating two large-scale art installations inspired by Mickey Mouse at the lagoon of The Venetian Macao and Le Jardin. They are also presenting several classic reproductions of artworks in the lobby of The Venetian Macao, transforming the space into a vibrant art paradise. Additionally, ASCE, the Diverse and Explorative Art Hub at The Londoner Macao presents its inaugural exhibition - Vibrant Expressions -- Original Works Exhibition of Philip Colbert & Jason Naylor showcases the vibrant original artworks of these two artists, extending the enchantment of summer art through their striking use of colors. The colourful pop art exhibition for Art Macao, Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor is now open for public viewing at The Venetian Macao, ASCE at The Londoner Macao and Le Jardin Artists Make Debut in Macao for the Grand opening with Exclusive Collections Launched To celebrate the grand opening of ASCE's first store in Macao and the opening of the "Meet the Magic" exhibition, artists Jason Naylor and Philip Colbert made their first appearance in Macao on the opening day of ASCE. The 2 artists also engaged in close interactions with local young artists, media, and collectors, sharing their creative insights and attracting a large number of fans, marking the beginning of an art-filled summer. In addition to the opening exhibition, a series of artist collaborations has also been launched in the ASCE space, ranging from collectible limited edition sculptures to lifestyle aesthetics, including limited edition art prints, aromatherapy and pillows, offering a wide range of collecting and purchasing options and bringing art into our daily lives. These limited-edition products are created in collaboration with artists Philip Colbert, Jason Naylor, David Flores, and Hikari Shimoda, and are exclusively available in ASCE. Mr. Patrick Fan, Founder, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited, said, "We are honoured that the opening exhibition of ASCE, a diverse and explorative art hub, has the opportunity to be part of the grand international cultural and art event 'Art Macao 2023', presented in the form of a special exhibition. The Group has always been actively supportive of the Macau SAR Government's '1+4' strategy for moderate and diversified development, in line with the 'Tourism+' strategy, actively exploring high-end art project markets. We hope the launch of the original art brand ASCE can contribute to promoting exchanges between Macau and the international art community, while driving the prosperity of local cultural and artistic development in Macau. " From top: Jason Naylor sharing at ASCE; Philip Colbert sharing at ASCE; Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for the First Macau ASCE Store: artists; founder, chairman of the board, and executive director of FFH; acting director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR; president of Sands China Ltd. "Meet the Magic" is one of the three flagship exhibitions in which Forward Fashion is participating in this year's "Art Macao". The other two exhibitions are "BE@RBRICK MACAU World's First Immersive BE@RBRICK Art Exhibition'' and "Mr Doodle First Exhibition in Macao." Forward Fashion aims to enter the premium art sector by leveraging its experience and advantages in managing over 100 brands through its self-owned brands. With its rich retail experience and IP resources, the company actively seeks brand and cultural art cross-border collaborations, introducing exclusive and debut joint projects to continuously expand the international market. About ASCE A playful creativity hub for visionary breakthroughs of internationally acclaimed characters. ASCE serves as a diverse and explorative art hub where collectors gather for social exchange and discover the fabric of everyday life. ASCE embraces the ethos of playfulness, everyday lifestyle, and personalization, uncovering collaborations with internationally renowned artists and brand designers to create seasonal character projects. ASCE blends fashion, art, design, and technology to build a diverse hub for lifestyle art experiences and boundary-breaking creative exchanges. Strengthening bonds with creative communities, ASCE will be hosting a range of exceptional events, establishing as an exploration hub for art, culture, and lifestyle enthusiasts to connect and exchange ideas. ASCE aims to achieve new milestones in art + commerce in the Greater Bay Area and targets to expand its footprint worldwide in mainland China, and to Tokyo, Seoul, New York, London and Paris. About Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited is an integrated group with three synergistic business segments - fashion, art and lifestyle - and a commitment to creating innovative retail business model. With a track record of managing over 100 brands, the Group has helped many brands to establish their first presence in Greater China. In recent years, the Group has actively enhanced its operations and developed its own brands, to further enrich its brand portfolio. Leveraging its extensive retail experience and IP resources, the Group has spearheaded exclusive collaborations with brands and cultural and art communities to expand into the international market. Mr. Fan Wing Ting, Patrick, is the founder, chairman and executive director of Forward Fashion Holdings. In 2005, he founded the first company of the Group in Hong Kong focusing on fashion apparel retail in Greater China. Following the Group's 2020 listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Forward Fashion has embarked on eCommerce platforms and introduced international fashion and artistic brands and visionary international art projects to Greater China. The Group aims to cater for the preferences and needs of local youths and promotes business diversification. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/asce-the-diverse-and-explorative-art-hub-together-with-sands-china-presents-the-special-exhibition-meet-the-magic-301894101.html SOURCE Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited Marketer.co Expands to Denver, Colorado Market. Denver's dynamic business landscape perfectly aligns with our commitment to driving success for our clients. We are excited to forge new partnerships and help businesses thrive through our data-driven and results-oriented digital marketing strategies. Marketer.co, a leading digital marketing agency, is excited to announce the expansion of its operations to Denver, Colorado. This strategic move comes in response to the growing demand for top-notch https://marketer.co/co/denver [digital market ing services in the Denver area __title__ Denver digital marketing services]. 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(NYSE:BHC) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript August 3, 2023 Bausch Health Companies Inc. beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $0.82, expectations were $0.75. Operator: Greetings. Welcome to the Bausch Health Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. [Operator Instructions] Please note, this conference is being recorded. I will now turn the conference over to your host, John OConnor. You may begin. John OConnor: Good morning, and welcome to Bausch Health's second quarter 2023 earnings conference call. This is John OConnor, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations for Bausch Health. I recently joined the company a few weeks ago, and Im looking forward to leading the Investor Relations effort here at Bausch Health. Participating in today's call with me are Thomas Appio, Chief Executive Officer of Bausch Health; and Tom Vadaketh, Chief Financial Officer. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that our presentation today contains forward-looking information. We ask you to take a moment to read the forward-looking statements at the beginning of the slides that accompany this presentation, as they contain important information. 5 Most Used Prescription Drugs In The US Our actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Please refer to our SEC filings and filings with the Canadian securities administrators for a list of some of the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations. We use non-GAAP financial measures to help investors understand our ongoing business performance. Non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and should be considered along with, but not as an alternative to, measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. You will find reconciliations to our non-GAAP measures in the appendix of the slides that accompany this presentation, which are available on Bausch Health's Investor Relations website. Finally, the financial guidance in this presentation is effective as of today only. We do not undertake any obligation to update guidance. Our discussion today will focus on Bausch Health, excluding Bausch & Lomb. However, we will briefly comment on Bausch & Lombs results announced yesterday. We will refer to year-over-year comparisons with the same period last year, unless otherwise noted. For the benefit of those who may be listening to the replay or archived webcast, this call was held and recorded on August 3, 2023. With that, it is my pleasure to turn the call over to our CEO, Thomas Appio. Tom? Thomas Appio: Thank you, John, and welcome to those of you joining the call this morning. At Bausch Health, our team is focused on enriching lives through our relentless drive to create better health outcomes for our patients and physicians. The BHC team is tirelessly dedicated to business performance, delivering results, and progressing key strategic objectives. This dedication was on full display this quarter, with a number of highlights that I will touch upon. Turning to Slide 6, we had a strong quarter with revenues for Bausch Health, excluding B+L, $1.13 billion, up $106 million or 10% reported and 11% on an organic basis. We received a favorable motion ruling in the Xifaxan litigation, which reinforces our continued investments in the Salix growth strategy. We executed an additional proactive balance sheet initiative that further enhances our liquidity profile. We continued to take thoughtful steps as we evaluate the optimal implementation of a potential Bausch & Lomb distribution, and we continued to progress our R&D pipeline. Let me start by sharing some of our business performance highlights as shown on Slide 7. This quarter, three out of four non B+L business segments, Salix International, and Solta Medical, posted double-digit revenue growth, both on a reported and organic basis. The Diversified segments were a modest decline, an improvement from the last few quarters where we have seen double-digit declines. While neurology and generics remain challenging, we are hopeful that the actions the team has taken will help temper the pressure on these businesses. Let's take each segment in turn. Salix. Q2 net sales for this segment were $557 million, growing 11% in the quarter. I am pleased to report that the investments we have made in this segment are beginning to pay off, building on the plan we laid out since I became CEO. We are continuing to increase our commercial investments to higher than historical levels in sales and marketing to drive profitable revenue growth in this segment. I am pleased to share that we have made significant progress in our AI customer engagement initiative. We launched the new AI engine to our Xifaxan primary care field force team. The AI engine will help our team to understand how to best address patient needs by engaging with the right physicians at the right time. This initiative is a key part of our strategy to improve customer engagement and drive growth. We believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our customers, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation. As part of our continued commitment to improve HE and IBS-D patient care, we expanded Xifaxans medical field team. The team is now fully trained and working to educate physicians and improve care for thousands of patients. The expanded MSL team leverages insights from advanced analytic models to understand the largest patient care gaps and engage with physicians to reinforce established treatment guidelines. Finally, we have increased our investment in education efforts targeted to undiagnosed, untreated consumers for both of our approved indications, IBS-D and HE. These activation campaigns are currently being deployed across a wide range of media channels such as connected and addressable TV, as well as many different digital and social media platforms. We believe Xifaxan and other products in our GI portfolio are effective options for healthcare providers that have not yet met their full potential to provide patients with the healthcare they need. Turning to international, revenues grew by 11% in the second quarter of 2023, both on a reported and organic basis, led by strong performances in EMEA and Canada. While the quarter's growth did benefit from a favorable comparison to the prior year, we are still pleased with our growth in the international business, which was impacted in the quarter by a voluntary recall of our Emerade epinephrine autoinjector, which Tom V. will cover in more detail. While voluntary in nature, our decision to action the recall was in our view, the prudent and responsible decision to take. Solta Medical, revenues increased by 54% on a reported and 60% on an organic basis, reflecting strong growth in Asia Pacific region, which included the unfavorable impact related to limited activity in China in Q2 of last year due to COVID Lockdowns, while performance in other Asia Pacific markets was also very strong. This quarter, I had the pleasure to visit with our US, China, and Hong Kong Solta teams and listen to what they're doing on working to continue to build our aesthetics franchise. The teams are highly motivated and dedicated to deliver results and launch new products as we continue to build a world-class global aesthetics business. More than 70% of Solta revenues are generated from consumable sales, represent an attractive and very durable business profile where we see significant opportunity for long-term growth. We are actively working to accelerate growth in our largest markets by expanding our sales teams in the US and Europe and advance our pipeline of new market authorizations and new generation products. Turning to Diversified, revenues decrease by 3% on a reported and organic basis in the quarter. Dermatology and dentistry had growth in Q2, which helped moderate the decline in neurology and the generics businesses. As noted last quarter, our intention is to increase our marketing and advertising investments for Aplenzin in our neurology business, and to expand our consumer awareness campaign for Jublia in our dermatology business. For the second quarter, dentistry revenues grew by 4% year-over-year, driven by Arestin. We have restructured our sales force in this business and expanded our consumer awareness efforts for Arestin to drive growth. I am pleased with our overall business performance in the second quarter. We are increasing our revenue guidance for Bausch Health, excluding B+L for this year, and as always, Remain committed to delivering long-term value for stakeholders. In addition to the strong business performance, we had a number of other positive developments in the quarter. Turning to Slide 8, we shared in May 2023, the positive news that the US District Court of Delaware denied Norwich Pharmaceutical's motion to modify the court's final judgment and prevent the US FDA from granting final approval for Norwich's ANDA for Xifaxan 550 milligrams before October 2nd, 2029. You may recall that Norwich filed this motion in order to attempt to get a skinny label approved before October of 2029. Norwich appealed this decision. Norwichs appeal is now consolidated with our appeal of the final judgment invalidating the IBS-D and the polymorph patents. We remain confident in our position and expect a decision on the consolidated appeals as early as Q1 2024. Following the denial of Norwich's motion to modify the final judgment, the FDA granted tentative approval to Norwich's ANDA for Xifaxan 550, but confirmed that it remains barred from granting final approval until October 2nd, 2029. Norwich cannot launch its ANDA product until it receives final approval from the FDA. Norwich then sued the FDA in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. This is a separate lawsuit in a different district court than the court that issued the final judgment. Norwich requested that the D.C. District Court direct the FDA to grant final approval of the ANDA, notwithstanding the Delaware Court's final judgment. The FDA opposed Norwich's action and we have intervened in this lawsuit. This matter is currently being briefed and we expect a decision in the fall. We are fully committed to vigorously defending our intellectual property and providing healthcare providers and patients with the safe and effective treatment options that Xifaxan represents. We continued to be successful in proactively addressing our balance sheet, entering into a $600 million non-recourse financing facility with KKR collateralized by accounts receivable, providing us an additional source of liquidity. We continued to make progress on our efforts to complete the potential distribution of Bausch & Lomb, and continue to believe that completing the separation of Bausch & Lomb, makes strategic sense. As we continue to evaluate all relevant factors related to any distribution, we are exploring options for optimizing the structure, if and when a distribution is completed. Our initial intent was to effectuate a potential distribution by way of planner arrangement, but we have since determined that the optimal way to implement the distribution may instead be through a tax reduction of capital, which would provide additional flexibility to the company and Bausch & Lomb. We're continuing to evaluate the structure of any distribution and its other related details, and any distribution continues to be subject to the receipt of applicable shareholder and other required approvals. We are working hard to progress our pipeline as shown on Slide 9. We remain excited about the RED-C program for Xifaxan for the reduction of early decompensation in cirrhosis. The global program is focused on developing novel formulations to address unmet medical needs. Specifically, the treatment is aimed at presenting the first occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy, HE, for patients with mild cirrhosis. Two global Phase 3 studies are currently underway. Enrollment in these studies is progressing, and we expect enrollment to be completed in both trials in Q1 of 2024. To date, we have completed scientific advisory meetings with the Medicines Evaluation Board in the Netherlands, and Health Canada, and have received positive feedback on the program from the National Medical Products Administration in China. We are currently planning to meet with the authorities in Japan later this year. As I have noted, these are global programs. For Amiselimod, a new oral selective S1P receptor modulator that targets the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, the Phase 2 trial completed enrollment in July of this year. In dermatology, we have an upcoming PDUFA date of October 20th, 2023, for our NDA for IDP-126. If approved, this would be a first-in-class treatment for the triple combination of acne vulgaris and welcome addition to our established acne portfolio. Our submission in Canada was completed on May 30th of this year. Our Solta pipeline is active as well. Our next-generation Fraxel, a fractionated laser device for skin resurfacing, remains on track for submission to the FDA later this year, with the potential to launch in the first half of 2024. We are excited about the benefits offered by this product, including its effectiveness in fine-lined wrinkles, surface scarring, pigmentation, and age spots. Our Clear & Brilliant Touch program is also advancing, with Europe and Canada submissions plan for 2024, Asia Pacific for 2025. Clear & Brilliant Touch is a fractionated laser device for skin rejuvenation. Our next generation VASERlipo system, which uses ultrasound energy for aesthetics body contouring, is under development and planned for release in late 2024. Lastly, we are developing several exciting features for Thermage FLX to improve on what is already a leading product in non-invasive skin tightening treatments. Solta is well known for the broad portfolio of products that addresses a range of aesthetic skin and body issues, with continued improvements always in mind. Our focus is on providing consumers with aesthetics and therapeutic benefits based on cutting edge technology, and our R&D team is hard at work on these innovative next-generation enhancements. As a leadership team, we Remain committed to driving profitable growth through commercial excellence, intensifying our focus on business development, expanding and progressing our pipeline, and unlocking the value and potential of our company. It's been an active and productive quarter for Bausch Health, and we are looking forward to building on the momentum across the board. With that, I will turn the call over to Tom Vadaketh, who will provide further details on our second quarter performance. Tom? Tom Vadaketh: Thanks, Tom. Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. We closed the second quarter with consolidated revenues for Bausch Health of $2.2 billion, up 11% on an organic basis over the same quarter last year. Second quarter revenues for Bausch Health, excluding B+L, were $1.1 billion, up 11% on an organic basis. We saw growth in our Salix, International, and Solta businesses, while we experienced a more modest decline in our Diversified segment than in recent quarters. Let's dive into the revenue performance for each segment in more detail, starting on Slide 12 with Salix. Second quarter Salix revenues increased 11% on an organic and reported basis to $557 million, driven by growth in our core products, including Xifaxan 550, Relistor, and Trulance. As Tom mentioned, we're seeing our investment in Salix's commercial organization begin to pay off in the form of increased brand awareness and demand. Growth in Salix was led by Xifaxan, which grew 9% in the second quarter compared to the same quarter last year, and overall demand grew 3% year-over-year. In addition to our demand generation efforts, we are benefiting from a rebound in the long-term care channel, with increases in occupancy levels that while increasing, still remain below pre-pandemic levels. We are also pleased with the second quarter sales performance of Relistor and Trulance, which posted year-over-year growth of 42% and 73%, with total scripts growth of 20% and 14%, respectively. International revenues were $259 million during the quarter, an increase of 11% on a reported and organic basis compared to the prior year period, led by strong growth in our promoted portfolio in Canada and key markets in EMEA. In EMEA, the growth was also benefited from a prior year reduction in revenues of $11 million related to a change in our estimates of future returns in one market. In May, Bausch Health recalled Emerade epinephrine autoinjectors for lots distributed between April 2022 and May 2023. While there was limited revenue impact in the quarter, from a cost perspective, we had write-offs of finished goods and other inventory, as well as charges for outstanding purchase commitments, together totaling $12 million in the quarter. We are actively working to bring this important product back to market for our patients. Solta Medical revenues were $88 million during the second quarter, an increase of 60% on an organic basis over the prior year period. Revenue growth was supported by a soft compare in the prior year quarter due to COVID-related lockdowns in China in Q2 2022. Growth in other Asia Pacific markets was a strong 23%, with overall growth for Solta tempered by a decline in the US in the quarter. With several upcoming pipeline milestones, Solta Medical is primed for continued near and long-term growth. Diversified revenues were $228 million, down 3% on a reported and organic basis in the second quarter, due primarily to decreases in sales across urology and generics, partially offset by an increase in sales in dermatology and dentistry. We continue to see volume erosion for Wellbutrin. For Aplenzin, positive demand growth was offset by a channel inventory drawdown. Lastly, on Jublia, positive demand growth was offset by higher coupons and rebates. Total sales for the segments increased sequentially due in part to gross to net pricing pressure in Q1 that did not carry over into this quarter. With 70% of the segments revenues coming from products that are past their LOE dates, we continue to manage the Diversified business to optimize the revenue trajectory and maximize profitability and cash, with some small targeted investments where there are growth opportunities. For example, for Arestin in dentistry and Jublia in dermatology. As shown on Slide 13, Bausch & Lomb revenues were $1 billion during the second quarter, up 10% on a reported basis and 12% on an organic basis compared to the prior year, with growth across all B+L segments. Turning to the second quarter P&L on Slide 16. Second quarter consolidated adjusted gross margin was 70.1%, 60 basis points lower compared with the prior year. For Bausch Health, excluding B+L, the adjusted gross margin for the second quarter was 79.4%, 140 basis points lower than last year. The decrease was mainly driven by a change in product mix, and the Emerade recall charges in the international segment that I covered earlier. On the B+L side, adjusted gross margin was flat compared with Q2 of 2022. Consolidated adjusted operating expenses for the second quarter were $832 million, an increase of $18 million or 12% on a constant currency basis, driven by higher SG&A expenses, reflecting investments in sales and marketing and higher R&D. For Bausch Health, excluding B+L, operating expenses increased by approximately $34 million, while B+L reported an increase of $46 million in operating expenses. Selling and marketing increased for Bausch Health, excluding B+L, due to the investments we are making in the Salix sales force, our go-to market channels, and advertising and promotional activity. The increase in consolidated adjusted G&A costs reflects the costs associated with standing up two public companies. Adjusted G&A for Bausch Health, excluding B+L, was flat compared to the prior year. Consolidated R&D expense for the quarter increased 23% compared to the prior year, and represented 7% of net sales compared with 6% for the prior year period. For Bausch Health, excluding B+L, R&D expenses increased by approximately $19 million, due primarily to the focus in our clinical programs and regulatory activities to support our mid and late stage product development in the Salix segment. We have been successful in restructuring our approach with our third-party clinical providers, which is accelerating activity and planned spend in the RED-C program. Second quarter consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $727 million, an increase of $26 million or 4% on a reported basis, and 7% on a constant currency basis. For Bausch Health, excluding B+L, adjusted EBITDA was $568 million, an increase of 7% from last year, reflecting the factors previously described. On a consolidated basis, the second quarter adjusted EBITDA margin was 33.5% compared with 35.6% last year. Adjusted EBITDA margin for Bausch Health, excluding B+L, was 50.2%, and for Bausch & Lomb was 17.3%. Turning to cash flow, on a consolidated basis, Bausch Health generated $360 million in operating cash flow in the first six months. The increase versus the prior year was due primarily to decreases in payments of accrued legal settlements related to the Glumetza antitrust litigation, the positive impact of insurance recoveries from prior legal settlements, and changes in business performance. As with recent quarters, we have also reclassified a portion of our cash interest payments to financing cash flows as a result of the accounting treatment for bonds issued as part of our 2022 debt exchange. Adjusted cash flow from operations on a consolidated basis in the first half was $196 million. For Bausch Health, excluding B+L, the year-to-date adjusted cash flow from operations was $234 million from strong cash conversion in the first half, which was in line with our expectations. Adjusted cashflow includes adjustments for the payment of separation costs, business transformation costs, and insurance settlement proceeds, and also includes payment of the full contractual interest. Now, let's turn to our balance sheet. We continue to prioritize the delevering of our balance sheet, and in the second quarter of 2023, we reduced our debt for Bausch Health, excluding B+L, by $181 million, including revolver payments repayments. As shown on Slides 18 and 19, total debt for Bausch Health, excluding Bausch & Lomb at the end of the quarter was $16.3 billion, which consisted of $15.3 billion restricted debt issued by Bausch Health, excluding B+L, and $1 billion of senior secured notes issued by the unrestricted subsidiary created in the third quarter of last year. Excluding B+L debt, approximately 85% of our debt is fixed and approximately 70% of the company's debt on a consolidated basis is fixed. At the end of the quarter, we entered into a $600 million accounts receivable facility with KKR, giving Bausch Health access to an additional liquidity source for approximately five years, with proceeds available for general corporate purposes. We did not draw on the facility in the second quarter, but have subsequently drawn $350 million as of August 2nd. With the closing of the accounts receivable facility, inclusive of cash and cash equivalents, and available capacity under our revolving credit facility, the company has liquidity in excess of $1 billion. Looking ahead towards the second half of the year, we have updated our 2023 guidance for Bausch Health, excluding B+L, which can be viewed on Slide 21. For Bausch Health, excluding B+L, we now expect revenues in the range of $4.5 billion to $4.65 billion, an increase of $50 million in both the low and high end of the range. This change is primarily due to favorable movements in foreign exchange, leaving our view of organic growth of 2% to 5% unchanged. In terms of first half and second half dynamics, within Salix, we typically see a seasonal step-up in sales in the second half, particularly in Xifaxan, primarily due to wholesaler inventory dynamics, as well as patient-level patterns related to insurance deductible activity. We also expect to see continued positive impact from our investments in the Salix commercial organization. For International, our revenue guidance assumes ongoing momentum with promoted brands, and takes into consideration the tailwinds we expect to see as a result of competitor supply shortages. These positives will be somewhat offset by the loss of Emerade revenue due to the recall of that product, as well as new generic entries driving volume declines. For our Diversified segment, we expect sales in the second half to increase sequentially from the first half, with second half revenue relatively flat compared to the prior year, driven by growth in Jublia, Arestin, and Aplenzin, offsetting declines in mature brands across neurology, generics, and dermatology. We continue to expect gross margin to be in the 80% range, in line with prior guidance. Full-year EBITDA for Bausch Health, excluding B+L, is still expected to be $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion. Our adjusted guidance reflects the acceleration of approximately $50 million in R&D spend from 2024 for critical programs, and we currently expect higher R&D investment in 2023 than contemplated when initially providing guidance for the year. Adjusted EBITDA also includes the impact of the Emerade recall. These items are partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange and cost savings. On the expense side, we will continue to invest in sales and marketing activities to drive growth in our key brands in our Salix, International, and Solta Medical segment. These expenditures include sales force expansion, direct to consumer advertising, and investments in sales force tools. As Tom mentioned, we're starting to see the positive impacts from these initiatives on revenues, which we expect to continue through this year. Moving below adjusted EBITDA, we continue to expect our full-year effective non-GAAP tax rate to be approximately 15%. We expect our contractual interest costs to remain unchanged at approximately $1.3 billion. Lastly, we continue to expect Bausch Health, excluding B+L, to generate approximately $625 million in adjusted operating cash cashflow. We have generated less than half of this expected cashflow through the second quarter, which as I said earlier, is in line with our expectations. And adjusted operating cashflow will benefit from the higher second half adjusted EBITDA we're expecting, compared to the first half of the year. As I said earlier, adjusted cashflow includes adjustments for the payment of separation costs, the payment of the full contractual interest, and also includes impact of cash tax payments, inclusive of the tentative Granite Trust settlement, which we expect to be finalized with the IRS in the coming months. I'll now hand the call back to Tom. Thomas Appio: Thank you, Tom. In summary, although we still have much work to do, I am pleased with the quarter business performance and the progress we have made. Our strategic priorities remain intact, as you can see on Slide 23. We have a clear purpose on enriching lives through our relentless drive to create better health outcomes for our patients and physicians. We have made key focused investments in our sales teams, marketing programs, and R&D projects, which will drive future growth. We have progressed key strategic objectives. Finally, and importantly, we have an all-in team that is principled, creative, problem solvers, and results-focused. On behalf of our entire Bausch Health team, I thank you for your interest in and support of our company. With that, we will now take questions. Operator, please open the line for Q&A. See also 12 Best Agriculture ETFs To Buy and 20 Most Educated States in America. Story continues Q&A Session Operator: [Operator Instructions]. Your first question for today is coming from Glen Santangelo with Jefferies. Glen Santangelo: Thanks for taking my question. Hey, Tom, I think I'll ask a question that's kind of on everyone's mind. Everyone's kind of curious about this tax-free reduction of capital. We're wondering if you could maybe put a little bit of a finer point then in terms of what you mean, and I guess why the pivot at this point, because it seems like it had a plan, and now it seems like you may be pivoting and I'm kind of curious as to what changed. Thomas Appio: Yes, Glen, good question. Let me just take it from the top. It's a good question. It's complicated. What I would say is, when we look at it, of course, the spin and the IPO was announced three years ago. It was a different management team at that point, and really trying to, as I took over as CEO and the team took over, really looking at what was going to be the best way to do it. So, basically, when we looked at it, we believed that trying to find a way that could simplify the process to help manage some of the risks identified. And we believe that we can create some additional strategic flexibilities for both companies if we're able to work under a reduction of capital. Tom Vadaketh: Tom, if I'll just add a couple of things. So, Glen, just transactionally what the difference, so what this is, like the term suggests, it's a reduction in capital. And in this case, the reduction is the value of B+L, and effectively the result of those B+L shares being returned to the shareholders. So, that end result is exactly the same in the sense that the B+L shares are distributed as we intended before. No change there, no change in the tax efficiency, et cetera, et cetera. What we're really talking about is behind the scenes almost the bookkeeping changes slightly. Glen Santangelo: But Tom, can I just clarify that a little bit, because I thought maybe the obvious move was to sell another 8% or 9% of BLCO, but maintain that 80% threshold, so you preserve the tax-free nature of the spin. Are you talking about something different than that? Tom Vadaketh: No. Still the same numbers, so they're still the same. The plan right now is the same, is to distribute 80%. No change in that. Glen Santangelo: Okay, perfect. And maybe just my last question then I'll hop is, I'm kind of curious about this $600 million facility and what are the uses of that cash? Because it seems like you already have ample liquidity. You're generating some cash flow, and now you're talking about selling more of BLCO, which would raise potentially more money, or maybe you're just going to spin it depending upon how you transactionally do it. But I just want to make sure I understand what the use of that capital is, because you didn't buy back very much debt in the quarter, and I would've expected a little bit more. So, I'm just kind of curious as to the use of those proceeds. Thanks. Tom Vadaketh: Yes, I mean, look, in the grand scheme of things, it's an efficient and cost-effective source of capital for us. It was available, so we like it. It's a source of capital now for the next five years. As I said in my prepared remarks, as it happens, just shortly after the end of the quarter, we did draw down about $350 million and have paid down the revolver. So, that's one example, but it's essentially for general corporate purposes. We haven't earmarked it for anything in particular, but it's available to do all the things that you just kind of listed, including OMRs, et cetera. We will, in addition to that, as I said, expect to generate more than $600 million in operating cash flow and debt reduction and deleveraging continues to be our priority. Glen Santangelo: Yep, thanks very much. Appreciate the details. John OConnor: Operator, next question. Operator: Your next question is coming from Jason Gerberry with Bank of America. Jason Gerberry: Hey, guys, thanks for taking my question. So, just wanted to follow up on Glen's question a little bit more. So, you talked about added strategic flexibility I think in the PR, pursuing strategic growth via the RemainCo. So, under the revised, I guess, distribution mechanism, would RemainCo carry less debt or have a more favorable leverage ratio. Just kind of curious, thinking about what that entity might look like on the other side and how much firepower the company might have, because we've long thought of like RemainCo as a company that was carrying like north of 6.5 turns of leverage and not a lot of leeway to deploy capital for M&A. Thanks. Thomas Appio: Go ahead, Tom. Tom Vadaketh: I'll start, and maybe Tom will add some comments. Essentially there is no change in our plan, right? So, the company has put out that target of 6.5 to 6.7. that remains the case, and that weve put that out as a kind of threshold in order to complete the distribution. From my perspective as the CFO of the company, that's too high, and we will continue to pay that down, pay the debt down, and reduce it as we go forward. This particular transaction that we are talking about or this change in structure that we are considering, has no connection with those debt targets or the liquidity that we need to be at or anything like that. Thomas Appio: Yes. Jason, this is Tom. Let me just add to that. The objectives and the goals of the transaction haven't changed. We just, when we looked at it, the key was to see how we could simplify it and then really create as much flexibility strategically as possible for both companies now and in the future. John OConnor: Operator, next question. Yes, go ahead, Jason. Jason Gerberry: Well, I was just going to ask to follow-up on the Xifaxan federal circuit appeal. So, is the court reviewing all the patent rulings, or is the court reviewing whether the injunction should be in place still? Just kind of just wondering if we think about early 2024, what that outcome could look like and? Thomas Appio: Yes, so as I said in my prepared remarks, we are appealing the patents on IBS-D and on the polymorphs, which Norwich is appealing the motion, the 60B motion. So, that's where it stands. Of course, the appeals are now together and we're expecting the court to rule in Q1 of 2024. We feel strongly on our position with our patents, and we're going to vigorously defend it. Jason Gerberry: Got it. Thanks, guys. John OConnor: Thanks. Next question. Operator: Your next question is coming from Umer Raffat at Evercore ISI. Umer Raffat: Hi guys. Thanks for taking my question. There's construction behind me, so please bear with me. My question is, going into the Xifaxan district court ruling, this is a Norwich versus FDA. What are you expecting and how does that change whatever plan you have now or whatever the updated plan is on the spin? Thank you. Thomas Appio: Thanks, Umer for the question. When we look at the case that Norwich filed against the FDA, again, we feel confident here. We have intervened as well. So, that's going to progress. And again, we feel confident in where - the FDA's position is they are upholding what the court ruled in Delaware. So, therefore we feel real confident that in that case, we're in good shape. Timeline, again, is the fall of - if we just talk about a timeline, we're thinking of fall of 2023 to hear the outcome of that. John OConnor: Operator, next question. Operator: Your next question is coming from David Amsellem with Piper Sandler. David Amsellem: Thanks. So, looking longer term, as you think about the debt maturities in 2027 and 2028 and the LOE for Xifaxan, this is - based on the settlements that are in place, how do you address that given the importance of Xifaxan to the P&L? And just help us better understand the long-term solvency of the companies in light of what you could be facing later in the decade. Thanks. Tom Vadaketh: Yes, I won't get into any specific long-term forecasting here on this call, but maybe just in generalities, we have a business that's highly cash-generative. This year, as I said about $600 million. We're investing in growth. We're starting to see that momentum build, and we expect to see the business grow between now and say 2027 or 2028, including from Xifaxan and including from Salix. That will significantly increase the cash generation. Any revenue growth should drop right down to the bottom line. And so, we would expect to use or prioritize debt leverage as we have, as the company has for the last five or six years, and we'll continue to do that. And so, we think we'll knock a chunk out of that debt between now and then, David. And then at that point, if there is any debt left over, we will have to refinance it, of course. At that time, what lenders are going to be looking at are forward-looking leverage ratios, and we are investing in a bunch of these products in the pipeline as you heard from Tom, and we would expect many of those to come to fruition. And even though, yes, Xifaxan will go generic in 2028 and we will see a drop in revenue, it will be offset by other products coming into play and growing. And so, obviously it's a very key question. The management team and the board are focused on it and one of the things that we're working through. Thomas Appio: Yes, David, let me just add to that, what Tom said. And clearly, I talked about in my prepared remarks the pipeline. That's why last quarter, this quarter continue to talk about the progress we're making. And as you saw, the investments that we're making in R&D and accelerating the RED-C program, and that is really an exciting program for us. Clearly, we have accelerated now and making sure that we will have, of course, if the data comes through, the product before we would lose Xifaxan. So, and we're very, very excited about it. Of course, this is a huge patient population, much larger today than the current Xifaxan population. So, RED-C is on track. It's accelerated. This is a global program. And so, therefore, we will have the global rights. This will be our first global product at Bausch Health, and we're excited about it. Of course, Amiselimod, the Phase 2 studies have completed enrollment, and we are really excited to get the data as it comes through probably at the end of the year, beginning of next year. John OConnor: Next question, operator. Operator: Your next question is coming from Douglas Miehm with RBC Capital Markets. Douglas Miehm: Yes. good morning. First question, just going back to the change, the tax-free reduction in capital. Could that be affected by moving the HoldCo from the parent that has the 38.7% in the billing and bonds to BLCO? Is that an example of what could occur or something like that, in addition to say the distribution of the remainder of the shares, the 50.1%? Tom Vadaketh: Doug, I dont know if I completely followed what you asked, but as I said, I think maybe to the first question, there is no change in the end result, right, in the sense that we will distribute - the plan right now is to distribute 80% or more than 80% in order to preserve the ta- free or tax-efficient nature of the spin. I dont know if I got the whole of your question. I know we'll have some follow-up discussion after this call. Happy to talk about it a little bit more. Douglas Miehm: Yes, happy to go through that. Second one, Tom, maybe just has to do with RED-C. We know that you expect a complete enrollment of those two Phase 3 clinical trials in Q1 of 2024. But when do we expect the readout? When do we expect the data in our hands? Thomas Appio: Yes. So, Doug, we've completed enrollment, and of course in order to get this product approved prior to Xifaxan going off patent, we'd be looking to see readout of data probably in late - maybe late 2025, early 2026. And then of course have to file. So, that would - I would say probably somewhere in the 2026 range. Douglas Miehm: Okay. That's great. Thanks very much. John OConnor: Next question Operator: Your next question is coming from Mike Nedelcovych at TD Cowen. Mike Nedelcovych: Thank you for the question. I have two. My first question regards the Xifaxan litigation. Given what you know now, is it within the realm of possibility that we get a complete resolution of Xifaxan litigation and IP in the year 2024? That's the first question. And then the second question relates to RED-C. I know that it's a much bigger patient population, but given that HE lifetime risk in cirrhotic patients is well below 100%, do you have any sense whether physicians are prepared to adopt a prophylactic regimen rather than simply administer Xifaxan once symptoms present? Thank you. Thomas Appio: Yes. Mike, two good questions. On the Xifaxan litigation, this appeal, as I said in my prepared remarks and earlier answers to questions, we expect to have a decision in the first quarter. It's a complicated appeal because we're appealing the rulings on IBS-D and the polymorphs. And of course, they're appealing the motion. So, what I would say is, as it plays out, we have submitted our briefs, and we think we have a real good position on our IBS-D patents and polymorph patents. So, if it goes in our favor, clearly this will be resolved specifically on our appeal, all right? So, we'll have to see how it goes, but we're feeling confident about it. Getting to the next question on RED-C, again, we feel - as you said in your question, and as I said previously, it's a much larger patient population. One of the things that we have talked about, and that is one of the reasons why we've invested to accelerate the program, our sales teams and our medical teams will be working to really educate physicians on why prevention is the way to go for HE. If you take a look today, the investments that we're making in Xifaxan, as I talked about in my prepared remarks, on the medical side, still today, you see patients not getting treatment after the first HE episode. And so, clearly if you look at the pharmacoeconomic data as to prevention versus having an HE episode or then multiple HE episodes, we believe from a payer perspective, from a patient perspective, that prevention is going to really be something that people will want and be interested in. If you look at some of the work that we're doing today on direct-to-consumer advertising today is to really educate not only patients, but also educate the caregivers of what goes - what happens to them if you have an HE episode, not only to the patient, but to the caregiver. So, we really think prevention is going to be something that will be very much accepted. But there will be a lot of education between our medical affairs team and our sales teams. But it's a good question. Thank you. Next question, operator. Operator: There are no further questions in queue. Thomas Appio: Okay. So, with no further questions, I would just say, in summary, we had a solid Q2 performance and made good progress on key strategic objectives. We look forward to the second half of 2023, with the focus of profitable growth, driving performance, advancing R&D and BD, and unlocking value. Thank you for joining our call today. Operator: This concludes today's conference, and you may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation. Julie VanLier has been a teacher in southwest Michigan for 22 years, 18 of which she spent in a kindergarten classroom. And until 2019, she was a self-described queen of balanced literacya variation of the whole language reading instruction methodology focused on cueing strategies and exposure to literature, with some phonics added in. When I got my first teaching job, she says, I taught first grade and I dont even know what I did. I want to go back now and say, Im sorry. Back then, we were taught that teachers knew best, and we didnt really have anything to hold us accountable. Her move to kindergarten several years later was, she says, pretty much whatever you wanted to do; we didnt have a curriculum. For 10 years she was in a very affluent school with high parental involvement. And throughout, she embraced the hallmarks of balanced literacy from sight-word songs, class-made books, a cozy reading nook in the classroom, leveled books, etc. She was told not to worry if her kids couldnt read yet; they would get it in first grade, or in second. Everything changed when VanLier accepted a position at a school with one of the highest poverty rates in her district. When my kids came in September, a lot of them couldnt recognize their own names, she recalls. I think I cried for the first year. She doubled down on balanced literacy, reading professional development books, and trying all sorts of new tactics, but nothing worked. Wed sit down at our data meeting at the end of the year, and wed complain, Its because theyre poor. Its because the parents arent involved. Its because theyre sleepy. We always had some excuseand it was never the teachers fault, it was never the curriculums fault. By July 2019, VanLier was at her wits end trying to find solutions for her students and dove headlong into a professional development journey. She discovered a book titled Failing Students or Failing Schools? As I was reading this, I was like, I didnt know that. I was seeing stuff for the first time, she says. It was so different from what I learned in college and my graduate program, and in professional development. She found other illuminating information in a second volume titled Reading Reflex. Then, a Google search on some of the books fine points led VanLier to a Michigan-based Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction training program for teachers, founded by Nora Chahbazi. (See Exploring Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction.) I went to the training and I was totally lost, she says. I thought, Why did I spend all this money? But in the back of my mindbecause test scores had become such a big thing in our stateI kept thinking, Yeah, but these teachers get such good results. School started in September, and instead of being excited about rolling out her new reading instruction approach, VanLier was in a panic. I put it off, thinking this isnt going to work. But it kept nagging at her, so finally, I was sweating bullets when I tried the first lesson, she says. It was quick, the kids were getting it, and they were into it. She built on that base and kept moving forward, but I didnt tell anyone, she says. The kids were mastering everything she threw at them, and her students midyear test scores reflected that growth. Her principal informed her that her test scores were significantly higher than her teaching partners in the other kindergarten class, and he wanted to know what she was doing. Ive always been a rule follower, and I knew what I was supposed to be doing, she says. I asked him, Do you want the truth, or do you want me to lie and tell you what you want to hear? And I told him about the program, and he was okay with it, but didnt want to know too many details. During Covid, at the request of several of her fellow teachers, she taught them the EBLI approacha move that infuriated her districts curriculum director and nearly cost VanLier her job. But test scores and student outcomes reassure her shes on the right path. In fact, she points out that her kids best test scores have been achieved post-Covid. By learning what I learned, its like a whole new lease on life, she says of shifting away from balanced literacy. I had to change my entire mindset about teaching. And I think thats why Im so successful now. I was willing to say I didnt know what I should have known; I accepted that responsibility. And then I went out to find it. As a new school year approaches, VanLier says, Im still doing my own thing. Shes still confidently using EBLI. But the more I learn, the bolder I get, she adds. I pretty much feel like, You leave me alone, Ill leave you alone. I know Im a sore thumb for the district, but youd have to have a reason to kick me out. Im getting good scoresand thats with high poverty, huge class size, and minimal help. More than half of the students are scoring at first grade level when they leave. She knows she could never go back to the old approach. Its gratifying to see what the kids can do when you teach them the right way, she says. Truly, it is our fault. Its not the kids. Its not the parents. Its not the poverty. Its us. I was fortunate that things aligned at the right time and in the right place. Return to main feature. In The Lumumba Plot (Knopf, Oct.) journalist Reid explores the life of Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the CIAs complicity in his 1961 murder. What made Lumumba so popular? He was courageous and unrelenting in standing up to the Belgians, and a tireless, charismatic political organizer. And he was a thrilling speaker, capable of winning people over unexpectedly. But he also faced opposition in the Congo. Why? Partly because of geographical and ethnic divisions. Katanga Province seceded and its leader, Moise Tshombe, hated Lumumbas vision of a united Congo under a powerful central government. Also, the country fell into chaos when he took officethe Congolese army mutinied and the Belgians sent in troops, and Lumumba stumbled in dealing with the crisis. The American government considered Lumumba a communist. Was he? Certainly not. What surprised me in my research was how pro-America Lumumba was. He called for U.S. troops to intervene in the Congonot something you would expect if he were a pro-Soviet communist. You call the Congolese armys chief of staff, Joseph Mobutu, who ousted Lumumba in a coup, the Hamlet of the Congo. How so? Mobutu owed his career to Lumumba, who trusted him as a friend. After he seized power, Mobutu was under enormous pressure from the Americans and Belgians to arrest Lumumba, but he wavered and wavered, which is why the press called him Hamlet. He was torn about betraying Lumumba, even distraught; sources describe him losing 30 pounds, drinking, and taking tranquilizers over it. How culpable was the CIA for Lumumbas downfall? There was a plan to poison him with botulinum toxin. A CIA officer named Sidney Gottlieb flew to Congo with a carry-on bag containing a syringe and vials of toxin. He told Larry Devlin, the CIA station chief, to get it into Lumumbas food or toothpaste so that Lumumba would appear to die of natural causes. The scheme was never carried out. But the CIA financed anti-Lumumba protests, encouraged Congolese president Joseph Kasavubu to dismiss him from office, paid Lumumbas opponents in parliament to vote him out, and pressed Mobutu to seize power, which also took some cash. Then when Devlin got word that Mobutu was about to send Lumumba to his death, he did nothing. Devlin had enormous influence with Mobutu and could have prevented it. Lumumba is considered an anti-colonial martyr. How do you see him? He was the author of his own story, complicated and contradictory. I see him as a man and a leader, not just a symbol. Its terrible that artificial intelligence is kind of being born right now when the book is coming out, says Chilean writer Benjamin Labatut. Its better to announce something that may never happen. Its just more mysterious. The regrettably timely book in question is The Maniac (Penguin Press, Oct.), whose expansive central section focuses on the life of John von Neumann (19031957), a Jewish Hungarian mathematician, physicist, computer scientist, defense consultant, and, yes, early AI proselytizer. This is really the man who birthed the 21st centuryhe just did it in 1950, Labatut explains, speaking via Zoom from his home in Santiago. Hes a monster, a leviathan. The reader hears about von Neumanns life through the voices of his family, colleagues, and friends: from his upbringing in Budapest to his flight to Princeton to escape the Nazis, to Los Alamos, N.Mex., where he works on the Manhattan Project. Along the way, we read about his fateful run-in with Kurt Godel at a conference in Germany in 1930, his listless days in the New Mexico desert playing chess and the ancient strategy game go with Richard Feynman and J. Robert Oppenheimer, and his first encounter with computers, which were being developed at Los Alamos to carry out the calculations needed to produce the atomic bomb. Back at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton after the war, we see von Neumann build his own computerthe prototype of the ones we use todayand become increasingly obsessed with self-reproducing machines and machine learning. Though the events described in The Maniac hew closely to history and the people speaking are real, what they say is mostly imagined. But dont call the book a novel. A novel to me is just the worst possible form, Labatut says. If I was a dictator, I would outlaw them. What is it then? Nothing. A book. A novel is just a novel. But books are wonderful, books are weird, books are rare. To write a book is a difficult thing. I know I did it with my last bookI am absolutely sure of that. I think I failed with this one. People will call it a novel, and I will be ashamed. That last book, When We Cease to Understand the World (Labatuts U.S. debut), became a minor sensation after it was published in translation by New York Review Books in 2021 and was shortlisted for the International Booker and a National Book Award. At its core are three moody and lyrical vignettes exploring the lives of great 20th-century mathematicians and physicists on the brink of unthinkable discoveries, and sometimes madness. Labatut, 43, wrote When We Cease to Understand the World and two previous books (that havent yet been translated) in his native Spanish, but he wrote The Maniac in English, which he speaks fluently. He was born in the Netherlands and attended a British school there until he was 14, when his family returned to Chile. The Maniac is as melancholy and disjunctive as its predecessor, with the long section on von Neumann preceded by a short chapter on Austrian mathematician Paul Ehrenfest (18801933), related by what Labatut calls a depressing Sebaldian narrator. Of the men at the center of the book, Labatut says, Ehrenfest is the closest to my heart. A good friend of Albert Einstein, Ehrenfest felt increasingly baffled and disheartened by contemporary advances in quantum mechanics, whose results were both verifiable and inexplicable, and by regressions in European politics: as a Jew and the father of a boy with Down syndrome, he was personally threatened by Hitlers rise. Like many of the figures in Labatuts books, his intellectual acuity leads him to some dark places. Paul is the one who says, We dont understand this, and if we dont understand this, were heading down an incredibly dangerous road, Labatut explains. We can still create, we can still have fun, we can still destroy, we can do a lot of things. But people kind of gave up on understanding, which is obviously one of my fucking obsessions, right? It obviously is. And to pursue it, Labatut needs von Neumann, who in some sense is Ehrenfests foil. Von Neumanns sheer intellectual capacity is winged and sharp and cutting, Labatut says. It has no gravitas at all. Its just power with no limits. If hes a god, hes a childish god. Von Neumann moves through these pages like a blur, flitting from the foundations of mathematics to nuclear physics to computer engineering and game theory (he coined the expression mutually assured destruction). The reader sees him only through the eyes of others, and others see him as a mercurial alien intelligence. Labatut describes the choral structure here as ghosts speaking around the grave: Theres no way that a single perspective could do justice to the life and work of John von Neumann. Monsters lose their power if you see them up close. When asked if von Neumann is deployed in the book like the shark in Jaws, Labatut nods and looks down. I didnt want Johnny to show up until he had the oxygen tank in his mouth already and was about to explode. Labatuts monster meets a less fiery end than Spielbergs, but its quick all the same. Hes diagnosed with cancer in 1956 (possibly the result of radiation exposure at Los Alamos) and within months has to be sequestered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., lest he let slip any state secrets as his once-powerful mind deteriorates. He dies the following year. The final chapters of the book skip ahead to 2016, describing a series of defeats suffered by Korean go master Lee Sedol at the hands of an advanced AIthe kind that von Neumann dreamed of. At one point, Demis Hassabas, the developer of the AI, thinks, Our monkey brains had taken us as far as they could. Something radically new was needed. A different type of mind, one that could see past us, far beyond the shadows cast by our own eyes. Labatuts books return again and again to the limits of human thought. Tell me where I cannot think past, tell me what things are beyond human considerationthose are the things that I write about, he says. I write these books because Im trying to kind of surround a little tiny speck of unknowability. All of the restits just history. You can find it somewhere else. Everything that I do is to get people to look at something that they cannot comprehend. To me, its like a secret kernel at the heart of things. The same impetus drives science, according to Labatut. Science is in love with mystery, he says. It wants to consume it. It wants to take it into itself. It wants to process it. It wants to, you know, have sex with it. But theres always something that gets away. And that, I think, is the quintessence of what makes science so wonderful, powerful, dangerous, deadly, scary. But hes also keen to emphasize the differences between science and literature. Im not looking for understanding, he explains. I want something very different that only literature can give. What I want is excitement. I want people to be turned on and have a panic attack at the same time. (This from the author of the only book on Obamas 2021 summer reading list to feature a scene in which Werner Heisenberg sees the ghost of Goethe fellating the corpse of a 14th-century Sufi poet.) What can a book give you that a movie doesnt, that art doesnt, that drugs dont? he asks. A book can contain an enormous amount of informationmore than your mind can handle. But it can deliver it in a way that feels like a dream, like youre being whispered to in a dream. Im always trying to get in back of peoples brains and, you know, maybe tickle. Im not going to say what Im tickling, but Im tickling something. Correction: an earlier version of this article mistakenly referred to New Directions as the publisher for When We Cease to Understand the World, when the book was published by New York Review Books. Maddow Takes Fight to Crown For Crown, Gillian Blake took world rights to Rachel Maddows Prequel. The book, subtitled An American Fight Against Fascism, traces, the PRH imprint said, the rise of a radical strain of authoritarianism that has been alive and well in America for the better part of a century. Going back to the start of WWII, Maddow details how extremism has been a part of American politics for decades, and offers a road map from U.S. history, marked both with heroics to emulate and traps and pitfalls to avoid. The book, sold by Laurie Liss at Sterling Lord Literistic, is slated for October 17. Nelson Twists In-N-Out The president and owner of In-N-Out Burger, Lynsi Snyder, sold a book about her family company to Nelson Books. The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger: The Inside Story of Californias First Drive-Thru and How It Became a Beloved Cultural Icon tells the history of the California fast food chain and will be released in October, timed to the companys 75th anniversary. In-N-Out now has more than 390 locations in seven states, and the book, Nelson said, offers an honest reflection of the companys history and how it stayed true to itself despite all obstacles. Jenny Baumgartner, who is no longer at Nelson Books acquired world rights from Tom Dean at A Drop of Ink Literary. Janet Talbert will be editing the title. Avid Reader Wins Ukrainian Novel In a North American rights agreement, Lauren Wein at Avid Reader Press acquired the novel Amadoca by Sofia Andrukhovych at auction. Elianna Kan at Regal Hoffman & Associates represented the author on behalf of Ivan Fedechko at the Ukrainian publisher Old Lion. Written before Russias most recent invasion of Ukraine, the book is, Avid Reader said, a sweeping literary epic that interweaves the major events of Ukrainian 20th-century history up to the war in Donbas in 2014. Andrukhovych is Ukrainian, and the novel was first published there in 2020. The title does not yet have a U.S. publication date. Bryant Gets Elementary at Berkley Elise Bryants Its Elementary was preempted in a two-book, North American rights agreement by Berkleys Esi Sogah. Bryant (Happily Ever Afters) was represented by Taylor Haggerty at Root Literary and the novel, her first for adults, follows, per Berkley, one of the few Black parents at a California elementary school, who finds herself juggling PTA commitments, bake sales, and, unexpectedly, the investigation into the schools missing principal. Its Elementary is set for August 2024. West Meets Cute at Griffin YA novelist Kaise Wests adult romance debut, We Met Like This, sold in a two-book, North American rights agreement to Sara Goodman at St. Martins Griffin. The paperback original, slated for winter 2025, is, Griffin said, about an aspiring literary agent who, down on dating apps, longs to meet someone IRL, but the longest relationship shes had has been with Oliver, the guy she keeps re-matching with online. Michelle Wolfson at Wolfson Literary represented the author. TarcherPerigee Gets Human with Parcak For six figures, Jacob Surpin at TarcherPerigee preempted North American rights to Sarah Parcaks nonfiction work, Humanity. The book, subtitled A Survival Guide: The Eight Traits That Define Us as Human and Have Allowed Us to Thrive, is, the publisher said, a guided tour of the amazing survival story that is human history, centered on eight traits that have come to define us over the last 330,000 years. Parcak (Archaeology from Space) was represented by Steve Ross, who has an eponymous agency. The book is set for fall 2025. A recent New York Times article put a spotlight on the book deals made by sitting justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. The focus was largely on how much the judges were being paid for those agreements, with the Times pointing out that five were earning more from book deals than they were serving on the highest court in the land. The biggest single deal is with the newest justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson, who signed to write a memoir with Penguin Random House for what the Times reported was $3 million. Justice Sonia Sotomayor has earned a total of $3.7 million from writing her memoir and childrens books. But how have books written by Supreme Court justices sold? Turns out, the record shows, like any other book category, there are some hits and misses. And none of the books sold close to the numbers racked up by the Obamas, whose titles have sold tens of millions of copies. Jacksons memoir and a book by Amy Coney Barrett have not yet been released, and chief justice John Roberts as well as associate justices Brett Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan, and Samuel Alito have not written a published book. Of the current justices, Sotomayor has sold the most copies at outlets that report to Circana BookScan, with her five titles selling approximately 665,000 copies (totals include all print formats and physical audio, where sales are minimal). Her bestseller is her first book, My Beloved World, which has sold nearly 331,000 copies since its release in 2013, followed by the childrens book Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You. There really isnt a close second to Sotomayor. The second-most popular book by a justice is My Grandfathers Son by Clarence Thomas, which has sold more than 242,000 copies since it was released in 2007. Neil Gorsuchs A Republic: If You Can Keep It sold almost 43,000 copies since its release in 2019. The top-selling book by a recent justice is My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with sales closing in on 510,000. The book benefitted from Ginsburgs status in pop culturewhich included the nickname Notorious R.B.G.as well as her serving as a role model for many women (Ginsburg, who died in 2020, was the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court). Stephen Breyer, who retired from the court in 2022, had modest successes with his books. The one he wrote shortly before his retirement, The Authority of the Court and the Perils of Politics, has sold almost 13,000 copies. Antonin Scalia wrote several books during his tenure on the court, including two academic works released by West Publishing (now owned by Thomson Reuters). The more trade-oriented title was Scalia Speaks, which was edited by his son Christopher and features speeches and other writing by the justice, who died in 2016. Released in 2017 by PRHs conservative imprint, Forum Books, the book has sold more than 77,000 copies. The accompanying chart shows that PRH appears to be the favorite publisher for High Court justices. Of the 15 books listed, 11 were published by PRH imprints, and both Jacksons upcoming Lovely One and Coney Barretts untitled memoir will be published by PRH. Just hours after we published last week's column, a federal judge in Arkansas struck down two key provisions of Act 372, the state's controversial new 'Harmful to Minors' law. It's a major victory for freedom to read advocates. We reported on the decision for Publishers Weekly, but the 49-page opinion (in which judge Timothy L. Brooks, an Obama appointee, devotes an entire section to defending the work of libraries and librarians) is well worth reading. For more than a century, librarians have curated the collections of public libraries to serve diverse viewpoints, helped high school students with their term papers, made recommendations to book clubs, tracked down obscure books for those devoted to obscure pastimes, and mesmerized roomfuls of children with animated storytelling, Brooks wrote. So, the passage of Act 372 prompts a few simple, yet unanswered questions. For example: What has happened in Arkansas to cause its communities to lose faith and confidence in their local librarians? What is it that prompted the General Assemblys newfound suspicion? And why has the State found it necessary to target librarians for criminal prosecution? You can read Brooks's decision here. Lots of reaction to the Arkansas decision online this week, including ABC News, which talked to Central Arkansas Library System executive director Nate Coulter, one of the lead plaintiffs in the suit. "I've been accused of being a groomer. Or that [librarians] are doing things to drive an agenda," Coulter told ABC's Brad Mielke. "But they are not telling children, 'This is what you ought to read if you want to try this out. I'll help you.' It's just not at all the way it happens. So, there is a huge misperception or misinformation being driven by the people who want to brandish librarians as somehow sexualizing children or creating alternatives for the values that the child's parents may have. That's just not happening." Meanwhile, in Texas, a recently filed legal challenge by a coalition of booksellers and publishing industry associations to HB 900 is moving swiftly. A hearing on the plaintiff's motion to block the law from taking effect is now set for August 18, less than two weeks before the law's September 1 effective date. Among the its controversial provisions, the new Texas law requires library book vendors in the state to rate books based on "sexual" content, with books deemed sexually explicit to be banned from schools. The motion will be argued before judge Alan D. Albright, a Trump appointee. PEN America released an open letter this week calling on school leaders in the Urbandale Community School District in Iowa to reverse an order to remove nearly 400 book from district classrooms." The move comes after passage of a vague new state law that requires libraries to develop age-appropriate collections and ban books that contain virtually any sexual content. An initial list circulated by administrators found some 400 titles to be in potential violation of the law, "including works by a diverse range of celebrated authorsamong them Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Judy Blume, Albert Camus, James Joyce, and Toni Morrisonas well as childrens books like Mayor Pete, an illustrated biography of Pete Buttigieg by Rob Sanders, and several YA novels including The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Looking for Alaska by John Green," PEN America notes. As book banning efforts and attacks on libraries continue to hit the wall in court, in the political arena they are intensifying. On July 28, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Mike Braun (R-IN) wrote a letter to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) demanding an IMLS investigation of the American Library Association. There's so much wrong with the claims in the letter it's hard to read it as anything other than the political theater it is. But the letter's demand that "all current funds, as well as considerations for all future federal funds, to the ALA be immediately halted until such an investigation into the ALAs conduct has concluded" is concerning. In other ALA news, Forbes has named ALA executive director Tracie D. Hall to its 50 Over 50 list for 2023. The annual awards, produced in partnership with journalist Mika Brzezinski and her Know Your Value Initiative, celebrates women leaders. In its article (paywalled) Forbes praises Hall for "leading her fellow warrior librarians in the fight of the century over book bans. ALA is also weighing in this week on a school administrator's controversial plan in the Houston Independent School District to turn the school libraries into "discipline" centers. In an August 1 letter, ALA and AASL (American Association of School Librarians) officials urged the superintendent and school board to reconsider the plan. "To consider using the library space in HISD campuses as a discipline center rather than as a site for learning and literacy demonstrates a concerning disregard for the education of HISDs children," the letter reads. "In fact, strong school libraries led by certified school librarians have the greatest impact on the very students who would be affected by the changes instituted by HISD, 'the most vulnerable and at-risk learners, including students of color, low-income students, and students with disabilities.' We previously expressed concern that Ashcrofts new rule opens the door to book bans in Missouri... but the real effects may be more subtle if no less pernicious: A slight narrowing of library access here, a bit of self-censorship there. In Missouri, The Kansas City Star editorial board weighs in secretary of state Jay Ashcroft's vague new 'harmful to minors' rule, which is reportedly causing confusion among the state's librarians. "We previously expressed concern that Ashcrofts new rule opens the door to book bans in Missouri. Thats still a problem, but the real effects may be more subtle if no less pernicious: A slight narrowing of library access here, a bit of self-censorship there." Local affiliate KCTV5 has an explainer and looks at what some librarians are doing to comply with Ashcroft's new rules in Missouri. For example, the Scenic Regional Library is one of a number of Missouri libraries that "has chosen to expire the library cards of all minors" effective this week. "Scenic Regional Library Director Steven W. Campbell said that, after speaking with legal counsel, it was determined that there were 'not a lot of other good options' aside from the opt-in choice. The penalty for breaking the rule could be the loss of state funding, so it was important to Campbell that Scenic Regional stay well within bounds." Over at Book Riot, Danika Ellis does this week's must-read censorship news column, and leads off by recalling how libraries were not always child-friendly places, and how book banners are making libraries increasingly child-unfriendly again. "Teachers are donating their classroom libraries to make sure they dont violate new laws. Libraries are considering policies that dont allow unattended teenagers in the doors, and dont let children or teens have their own library cards. And as the number of 'acceptable' or 'safe' kids books shrink, as more and more books get challenged for every conceivable reason, why would kids want to come to the library in the first place? If they cant find anything that represents their reality, why would they want to browse the shelves?" In Wyoming, the Gillette News Record reports that, as threatened, the library board has fired longtime Campbell County Public Library director Terri Lesley. While no official reason was given for the termination, the firing comes after Lesley, who has reportedly been with the library for 27 years, balked at the board's suggestion that her staff should just "weed" books considered by some to be "'egregious" in terms of sexual content. The firing came after a heated public meeting in which Lesley's supporters vastly outnumbered her opponents, and apparently let their disapproval with the board's decision be known. School Library Journal reports that librarian and freedom to read champion Amanda Jones has filed an appeal brief in her dismissed defamation case against two men who accused her of attempting to sexualize children after she spoke against banning LGBTQ books at a local library meetings last year. "On behalf of myself, and others who are unable to stand up for themselves, I am proud to announce that we have officially filed the first legal brief for my appeal in the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal. Should we not prevail on appeal, we will be appealing to the Louisiana Supreme Court," Jones reports, adding that all she is seeking in the case is "$1 and a public apology." In her brief, Jones argues that the judge erroneously dismissed the case based on disputed questions of fact and evidence. "A jury should decide this case, and this Court should let it." Via the AFSCME website comes word that the library workers at the Sno-Isle Libraries in western Washington have successfully unionized. "Washingtons Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) verified supermajority support for a union among the workers and sent notification recognizing the union on July 25," the post reads. "The workers announced on May 19 they wanted to form a union to address issues such as unfair compensation, inadequate health and safety protocols, the eradication of discrimination and harassment, and to gain a voice in the library systems decision-making process." Bridge Michigan reports on a new effort to recruit "a citizen army" to defend the freedom to read. "On Tuesday, the Michigan Library Association launched a six-month campaign to encourage residents to join Mi Right to Read, a website that offers updates on book battles in libraries and recommends action, such as posting on social media, writing letters to local media and attending school and library board meetings," the report states. And finally this week, Gothamist has a piece spotlighting the work of the teen council at the Brooklyn Public Library, which is helping to make banned books available to young readers nationwide through its Books Unbanned initiative. "Teen councilmembers say theyve learned a surprising lesson from out-of-state students: Books on the required reading list in many New York City schools are being banned elsewhere," the report states. "Miri Bawa, a 16-year-old from Bay Ridge, was among the local teens who said they had a newfound appreciation for living in New York City. 'I think it's just kind of crazy hearing about all the book bans,' said Bawa, who interns at the library. 'I think about my English teacher and the little library she had in her classroom. I can't really relate to that, because we had books that were written by Black people and by queer people, and I think about how I'm sort of privileged to have the opportunity to read those books.' When Two Lines Press, the San Franciscobased publishing imprint of the Center for the Art of Translation (CAT), was founded in 2013, the U.S. market for translated literature was fairly narrow. It used to be that every few years there was a breakout hit in translationBolano, Knausgaard, Ferranteand then everything else was largely ignored, said Two Lines editor-in-chief CJ Evans. One of the most heartening things about translation now is there are so many translated books that do well. But as interest in translated literature grows, small presses like Two Lines, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this September, are eager to introduce new international authors to Anglophone readers. We constantly ask ourselves about the kinds of books we want to publish, said executive director and publisher Michael Holtmann. Weve got a bit of a contrarian streak, and we take pleasure in surprise. Since its inception, Two Lines has prioritized fresh voices from languages other than French and Spanish, which are by far the most frequently translated into English; its backlist includes titles translated from Arabic, Czech, Finish, Macedonian, Swahili, and Thai. Evans believes that some of todays best writing is being done in languages other than English but is struggling to reach a bigger audience because of the cumbersome machinery that brings a book from one territory to another. To help smooth that path, Italian translator Olivia Sears founded the Two Lines literary journal as a venue for writing in translation in 1993, and then launched CAT in 2000. (Two Lines journal is still run under the auspices of CAT.) The mission of CAT, which is based out of San Francisco, is to champion literary translation through events, advocacy, and educational programming. With Two Lines Press, CAT puts its principles into practice by directly nurturing the work of translators and bringing that work to readers, Holtmann said. Because the press is part of CAT, a nonprofit, its operating budget comes from donations, grants, and book sales. Two Lines publishes three to four titles each spring and fall, and one to two titles each winter. The press is distributed by Publishers Group West and its list comprises 52 titles to date. Its bestselling titles include On Lighthouses by Jazmina Barrera, translated from the Spanish by Christina MacSweeney; Empty Wardrobes by Maria Judite de Carvalho, translated from the Portuguese by Margaret Jull Costam; Mina by Kim Sagwa, translated from the Korean by Bruce and Ju-Chan Fulton; The Sleep of the Righteous by Wolfgang Hilbig, translated from the German by Isabel Fargo Cole; and Self-Portrait in Green by Marie NDiaye, translated from the French by Jordan Stump, which will be reissued in a 10th anniversary edition in the fall. Despite its small seven-person staff, the presss publishing aims are ambitious. In 2020, Two Lines launched its Calico series, which publishes collections of translated writing unified by a single theme; previous themes have included speculative Chinese-language fiction and queer Brazilian literature. The series publishes two new books per year, and will release its ninth edition, Through the Night Like a Snakea collection of Latin American horror storiesin March 2024. Each Calico edition is a snapshot of writing in translation that speaks to our current moment, a way for you to discover your favorite new writers, and a turn away from the static anthology in favor of a literature in flux, said series editor Sarah Coolidge. Translation publishing has come a long way in the last decade, Evans said. The next decade is about how we as a community work to widen and make messy and improve translation publishingfrom acquisitions to contracts to credits to employment to marketing to sales. Holtmann also sees Two Lines playing an important role in the next decade of translation publishing. I want Two Lines Press to do our part, however humble, to transform the literary landscape, he said. We want to be leaders in the field. Its not enough to publish excellent translations. Echoing Evanss concerns about the brass tacks of translation publishing, Holtmann emphasized the presss commitment to inclusive, sustainable business practices and to doing right by translators. Well always offer competitive rates and terms, well always offer translation copyright, and well always put translators names on the covers of our books, he said. Literary translators like Christina MacSweeney, who has translated five books for Two Lines, feel uniquely supported by the press. She began working with Two Lines in 2016, when she was invited to translate Elvira Navarros novel A Working Woman. Its always a positive sign when an editor knows your work well enough to match you with an author, MacSweeney said. From the very first, I was deeply impressed by the support I received throughout the process of getting the novel into print. Even as a freelancer, MacSweeney feels part of the Two Lines team, and even recommends new authors to add to the Two Lines list. Author Jazmina Barrera, whose last three books MacSweeney has translated for Two Lines, feels the press makes a rare and fundamental contribution to bibliodiversity. It is evident to me the strong relationship they cultivate with translators, independent bookstores, other independent publishing houses and reading promoters, she said, and taken together, these efforts strengthen the bonds between all the actors of the publishing ecosystem. There is still far to go to properly represent international literature in the U.S. publishing marketplace and to value the incredible work of translators, Evans said. He envisions a future in which translated literature can thrive on its own terms. When books from many different languages, different publishers, different styles, can all find their audiencethat to me is a healthy publishing culture. To succeed in the part of business where Printers Row Publishing Group operates, you need to be nimble and get ahead of trends, said Simon Tasker, executive v-p, general manager and group publisher. The publishing arm of Readerlink Distribution Services, Printers Row has been nimble enough to have posted solid sales over several years and in the process increased its number of employees to 90, from 60 just before the pandemic. The company stays away from author auctions and bidding wars in favor of developing series and franchises, with most titles developed in-house. Its annual title output ranges between 400 and 500, but this year it will be closer to the lower number, Tasker said, explaining that with backlist performing much better than frontlist, there isnt an urgent need to bring lots of new titles into a crowded marketplace. That doesnt mean Printers Row has no new plans. One of its newest initiatives involves its Canterbury Classics imprint, which publishes public domain titles in two series: the Leather-Bound Classics series, which includes 41 volumes priced at $24.99 each, and Word Cloud Classics, which now has 91 volumes priced at $14.99 each. Together, the two series have sold almost eight million copies. The trick to Canterburys success, said Peter Norton, v-p and Printers Row publisher, is giving each series a unique look. People still like to collect and display books, Norton said, adding that Printers Row applies a books as objects approach for Canterbury. Norton believes the sales success of Canterbury is a testament to the quality of our designs. Canterbury features classic titles that moved into the public domain, as well as newer nonfiction and fiction works where the source material was always publicly available. The top-selling Canterbury titles show the range of offerings: The Complete Novels of Jane Austen; An Encyclopedia of Tolkien; H.P. Lovecrafts Tales of Horror; and The U.S. Constitution and Other Writings. New releases include Barack Obama Speeches and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Dissents. As well as the Canterbury line has done, Norton acknowledges it is a maturing business, so to add more variety it is starting the Crafted Classics series next spring with two titles, H. P. Lovecraft Cthulhu Mythos Tales and The U.S. Constitution and Other Key American Writings. All the books in the series will feature a decorative cover to give a unique embroidered appearance. One key difference of the new line will be its price$16.99between the prices for the two existing series. Norton said each series does better in different channels: Bookstores and warehouse clubs trend to favor the Leather-Bound line, while airports and gift shops lean toward books in the Word Cloud series. Norton hopes Crafted Classics will find homes in all channels. Six titles in all are planned for next year. Another growth area has been Printers Rows licensing program, Tasker said. While licensing has always been a big part of its childrens business, over the past few years Printers Row has signed more agreements for adult licenses, winning deals for such well-known brands as Game of Thrones, Dungeons and Dragons, and Thomas Kinkade. The agreements have helped the publisher expand such areas as adult activity books, adult coloring books, and book-plus packages. One of its steady sellers in that category is its licensed crochet kits, such Harry Potter Crochet, published by its Thunder Bay Press imprint, which have sold more than 250,000 kits. Similar to the rest of the industry, Printers Row is seeing sales of adult titles fare better than childrens this year, Tasker said. Still, the childrens market remains Printers Rows biggest segment. In the first six months of 2023, Youre My Little Cuddle Bug sold nearly 269,000 copies at outlets that report to Circana BookScan, making it the fifth bestselling childrens book through the first six months of the year. Cuddle Bug is part of the Youre My Little... board book series, published by the companys Silver Dolphin imprint and has sold more than 3.5 million copies. Printers Rows roots are in mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs, and those remain solid accounts. Most of the larger players in the field, Tasker said, including Walmart, view book consumers as important customers and want to maintain healthy book departments to help attract families. In addition, Tasker emphasized that with the help of distributor Simon & Schuster, Printers Row reaches all the big customers. And despite a slow period, Tasker believes more growth is ahead as things like BookTok help create the next generation of book lovers. In the minds of most Americans, going to college means pursuing a bachelor's degree with a major in a traditional academic field like psychology, history, or mathematics. But in the last 10 to 15 years, many public community colleges and regional universities have greatly expanded their applied and technical programs, particularly in fields like health care, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. These technical programs in colleges commonly offer certificatesshorter-term credentials that require anywhere from a few months to two years of study in a specific occupational areaas well as applied associate degrees and sometimes applied bachelor's degrees. This stackable credential movement has encouraged colleges to be more intentional in how they build their applied programs, too. Stackable credential pathways allow individuals the opportunity to progress from a shorter-term certificate into other certificates and degrees with overlapping skillas well as courserequirements. For example, an individual can receive a basic welding certificate with only a few months of coursework and after completing that program, can re-enroll at any time and apply that same course credit toward longer-term credentials in, say, industrial welding or even management. The hope is that these stackable, short-term credentials serve as on-ramps into more skilled occupations and longer-term college enrollment, thereby increasing access to middle-class jobs for individuals who complete them. But, until recently, there was little evidence on whether stackable credentials were achieving these lofty aims. New studies released over the past five years examine the stackable credential movement at colleges in California ( PDF ), Colorado, Ohio, and Virginia ( PDF ) and shed some light on the value of these opportunities and just who is benefiting from them. There are at least five important lessons learned from the research so far. Short-term credentials are acting as an on-ramp to a degree for many students in community colleges. In the United States, approximately one million students earn college certificates each year. Many of these certificate earners are going on to earn additional credentials. Findings from several states suggest that approximately 32 to 43 percent of certificate earners are re-enrolling in college and stacking credentials. Among those who stack credentials, most go on to earn a degree. For example, RAND's study of stacking in Ohio found that 71 percent of all individuals stacking credentials went on to earn an associate's degree and 9 percent went on to earn a bachelor's degree. 71 percent of all individuals stacking credentials went on to earn an associate's degree and 9 percent went on to earn a bachelor's degree. Share on Twitter There is some evidence that historically underserved populations are stacking credentials and improving job prospects, but the evidence is mixed and suggests a need for additional work by researchers and practitioners to ensure that the stackable credential movement advances equity. Short-term, stackable credentials may appeal to communities who have not been well served by traditional degree programs. Certificate programs allow earlier opportunities for individuals to receive a credential and move into skilled work, which can make college more economically feasible for low-income students. Stackable credentials also provide more-structured education and credentialing in some fields that have traditionally had limited opportunities for upskilling and career building. But so far, the evidence on how stackable credentials areor are nothelping historically underserved communities is limited and mixed. National data indicate that students of color account for a larger percentage of those who complete certificates than those who complete degrees. RAND's recent research with colleagues from the University of Michigan showed that two-thirds of the individuals who completed certificates in Colorado and Ohio were low income, and low-income certificate earners were more likely to stack credentials and earn degrees relative to their higher-income peers. Furthermore, low-income individuals who went on to earn degrees saw gaps in earnings close relative to higher-income students. But evidence from both California and Ohio ( PDF ) indicates slightly lower rates of stacking for individuals of color relative to white students, and some have raised concerns that there may be barriers to re-enrollment and stacking for these communities. Researchers and practitioners may need to continue to examine and address equity within stackable credential pipelines. The opportunities to stack credentials vary widely across institutions and fields of study. Rates of stacking in community colleges in Colorado and Ohio ranged from 20 to 63 percent, which suggests that students attending different colleges might have different opportunities to stack credentials. Since many individuals who enroll in community colleges and regional universities are geographically constrained, it may be important to consider how to ensure opportunities to stack credentials across all regions. Opportunities to stack may also vary across fields. Studies across states have found that the highest rates of stacking occurred in fields like engineering technology, family and consumer sciences, and IT, while the lowest rates of stacking occurred in fields such as security and health care. Workforce demand may drive some of these differences in stacking rates across fields, but there may be other barriers to stacking in fields like health care, such as competitive admissions and issues with coursework alignment. Colleges and states can take action to ensure more opportunities for stacking credentials across fields. Stacking credentials can lead to higher earnings, but the gains in earnings depend on the types of credentials earned. Research across states indicates that those who go on to earn degrees see the largest earnings gains. For example, RAND's study of Colorado and Ohio showed limited or no gains in earnings from stacking multiple certificates without obtaining a degree. Gains in earnings also vary widely across fields, with the largest gains in fields like health care, IT, and manufacturing and engineering technology, and smaller gains in fields like culinary arts and education/family and consumer sciences. It is essential that individuals have clear information on the earnings potential of different credentials and pathways so they can make informed decisions about college enrollment. States and colleges can use this information on earnings to identify credentials that stand to see the largest gains in earnings and ensure that proper resources are invested in these credentials. When colleges invest in building stackable programs, students may be more likely to re-enroll and stack credentials. Share on Twitter When colleges invest in building stackable programs, students may be more likely to re-enroll and stack credentials. Colleges and states want to understand whether their efforts to expand and redesign programs under the stackable credential movement have paid off. While the evidence so far is limited, there are a few promising studies. A study of stackable credential programs ( PDF ) in California used course catalogs and college websites to measure stackability. It found that individuals who completed certificates in stackable programs were 10 to 16 percent more likely to earn a second credential. Other research suggests that when Ohio community colleges added an additional stacking program, students completing certificates within that narrow field of study saw increases in re-enrollment and stacking without reducing their employment. More evidence on the costs and benefits of these initiatives can help colleges improve their programs to better serve their students. Collectively, the evidence suggests that stackable credentials in college are promising: individuals are stacking credentials at increasing rates and seeing earnings gains, and low-income students are benefiting from stacking credentials. The efforts of colleges to build stackable programs seem to be contributing to these outcomes for students. But we continue to see disparities in rates of stacking across institutions, fields, and race/ethnicity, suggesting states and colleges have more work to do to ensure strong stackable credential opportunities for all students. Lindsay Daugherty is a senior policy researcher at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation whose work focuses on improving education and career opportunities through research partnerships with states and colleges. This commentary originally appeared on Inside Higher Ed on August 3, 2023. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. Amanda Stanton / Instagram By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/04/2023 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. alum Amanda Stanton has announced she's pregnant with her third child.Amanda, who has two pre-teen daughters from her first marriage, took to Instagram on Thursday, August 3 to break the big news that she's expecting her first child with husband Michael Fogel."Mom + Dad," Amanda, 33, captioned two photos in which The Bachelor alum was showing off her bare baby bump in a white T-shirt and jeans.Michael posed with Amanda for the photo, which was posted in black-and-white as well as color, and Amanda added, "Baby Fogel due in January."Amanda told her followers that they have "some catching up to do."The alum -- who shares daughters Kinsley, 11, and Charlie, 9, with ex-husband Nick Buonfiglio -- shared, "I have been dreaming of this day for so long & I am so excited to finally share the news with you all!!"Amanda said of the last few months of her pregnancy, "[They've] truly been everything I have dreamt of and more and I'm finding myself constantly trying to just slow down & soak up every second!"Amanda went on to "thank" family and close friends for being "so supportive," and she continued, "To all of you who secretly knew and were so gracious & patient with me (lol)."The blonde beauty concluded, "I think it's normal to be a bit nervous when deciding to plan a pregnancy and I'm happy to answer questions and share my own personal experience... Can't wait to share the rest of this journey with you all!"Congratulatory messages poured in from Bachelor Nation -- including from Vanessa Grimaldi Becca Tilley , and Adam Gottschalk Lauren Bushnell , who had competed against Amanda on The Bachelor's 20th season starring Ben Higgins , wrote, "YES!!!!!!!!"Season 10 The Bachelorette star Andi Dorfman gushed, "Wooooohoooo! Finally can publicly gush over your bump. But seriously though I'm so over the moon for y'all! Can't wait to auntie!"And Season 12 The Bachelorette star JoJo Fletcher -- who finished as Ben's runner-up on The Bachelor 20 -- commented, "Omg!!!! So so happy for you!!!!"Amanda and Michael were reportedly friends for two years before they began dating. Michael popped the question and the couple got engaged in December 2021.Amanda married Michael in California in September 2022. Amanda called her wedding "pure magic."Amanda revealed on April 3 that she and Michael, a real estate entrepreneur, would "love to start trying at some point soon" for another child.And during a late March Instagram Q&A with her followers, Amanda discussed potentially expanding her family. (She also scolded fans for constantly asking if she was expecting).When a person asked if Amanda wants more babies, Amanda replied at the time, "Yes! I'm not going to lie, though. I'm so nervous. I thought we would have started trying by now, but maybe a few more months?!"Amanda, however, elaborated how it's difficult to truly prepare for having a baby."But then I keep thinking, 'Will we ever feel 100 percent ready for another baby?!' Whenever it happens, I'll be so so excited, whether we're ready or not," Amanda said.Amanda also shared that if she and Michael did try for another baby, she hoped to get pregnant with a little boy "that is exactly like Michael."Amanda was married to Nick from 2012 to 2015. One year after their divorce, she appeared on Ben's The Bachelor season in 2016.After Amanda introduced Ben to her two girls and finished his season in third place, the Lani the Label founder looked for love on Season 3 of .Amanda accepted a marriage proposal from Andi's ex-fiance Josh Murray during the finale, but they called it quits on their engagement and announced their split in December 2016.Amanda and Josh had a nasty public breakup, with Amanda calling Josh "the worst" and admitting she had mistakenly ignored friends' grim warnings about his personality and character.Amanda decided to search for The One on television again by participating in 's fourth edition the next summer, when JoJo's The Bachelorette runner-up, Robby Hayes , pursued her.However, Amanda and Robby's romance was short-lived and she confirmed their breakup in September 2017."Robby was somebody who was doing all these sweet things for me and saying that he wants a family and a future, and then we get off the show and all he wanted to do is party and not call me ," Amanda told People at the finale taping.Amanda subsequently got romantically involved -- off-camera -- with Tillow co-founder Bobby Jacobs and the couple went Instagram official in May 2018.Bobby, however, appeared to break Amanda's heart just about one year later. I'm sad. I cried a lot ... I was completely blindsided [by the breakup] and it just happened very suddenly," Amanda told her fans on social media in April 2019.After a series of heartbreak and men letting her down, Amanda told Us Weekly in April 2020 that dating and getting married again weren't high on her list of "priorities" considering she had "so many other things to worry about" in her life.But Amanda proceeded to date attorney Oren Agman in 2020 before finally getting involved with Michael in early 2021.Amanda made her romance with Michael Instagram official during a vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in February 2021."It's still new, so they're taking things slow and just enjoying their time together," a source told Us at the time. "He has met her daughters, of course, since they're with her half the time."Amanda apparently fell hard and fast for Michael, because in August 2021, she said that she was hoping her man would pop the question soon.When an Instagram user asked last summer when she wanted to get engaged, Amanda reportedly replied, "If we're being honest, yesterday."Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group During World War II, Japan was deterred from invading the U.S. mainland by a fear of American citizens with guns in their closets. Folklore credits Japans Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto as saying: You cannot invade mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass. Our guns were a threat to invaders then, and our guns are deterrents still. But now were seeing a new form of invasion via air, as demonstrated by a series of Chinese aircraft. On February 2, 2023, a Chinese balloon was detected over Montana. While the U.S. government considered the best course of action, many wouldve been happy to see Yellowstones favorite fixer Rip Wheeler take that balloon to the train station and never hear from it again. Downing an aircraft over land necessitates knowing where the debris will fall; this is very different from a berm or other backstop when using a firearm during training. When youre using a kinetic device like the $400,000 AIM-9X Sidewinder missile that eventually brought that bloated aircraft down in the ocean, you need to know where all the debris will end up. Whats the definition of an aircraft, and why would you care? Per the FAAs Title 14, its a device used, or intended to be used, for flight in the air. That includes drones all kinds of them and most of their use cases are for good. UAS Group Maximum weight (lb.) (MGTOW) Nominal operating altitude (ft.) Speed (kn) Representative UAS Group 1 020 < 1,200 AGL 100 RQ-11 Raven, WASP, Puma Group 2 2155 < 3,500 AGL < 250 ScanEagle, Flexrotor, SIC5 Group 3 < 1,320 < 250 V-BAT, RQ-7B Shadow, RQ-21 Blackjack, Navmar RQ-23 Tigershark, Arcturus-UAV Jump 20, Arcturus T-20, SIC25, Resolute ISR Resolute Eagle, Vanilla Group 4 > 1,320 Any airspeed MQ-8B Fire Scout, MQ-1A/B Predator, MQ-1C Gray Eagle Group 5 > 1,320 > FL 18,000 Any airspeed MQ-9 Reaper, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-4C Triton Examples of #DronesForGood would be law enforcements rapid adoption of them for: ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance): These drones are usually the smaller devices deployed for tactical awareness prior to serving a hot warrant, intervening in a domestic crisis, or just about any situation where an officer safety can be enhanced by knowing what theyre walking into. SAR (Search and Rescue): Slightly larger than an ISR drone, the sensors and cameras integrated into these aircraft allow for IR, thermal and powerful magnification to cover more ground more quickly. They may also have a winch and carry an amount of payload that can deliver hydration, blankets, medical kit, and more, until a helicopter gets to a stranded person. DFR (Drones as First Responder): An incredible use case for drones, these are pre-positioned to launch toward a 911 incident call and can arrive much quicker than a cruiser and at a significantly lower cost. They also help to deconflict; for example, they can send images back to command that clearly show a child swinging at a pinata as opposed to the man with a rifle in the park that was called in. But weve all heard stories of those pesky neighbors who dive their drone into your backyard or take dolly shots through sliding glass doors. Tempers flare and people say, I got a shotgun for that but thats a really bad idea. Here comes another Federal law, known as Title 18: Whoever willfully sets fire to, damages, destroys, disables, or wrecks any aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States or any civil aircraft used, operated, or employed in interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce; shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years or both. Drone-dropped contraband seized in a U.S. prison facility. But an annoying neighbors drone isnt the real threat we as Americans are facing. The bad news is that itll only get worse. In CONUS, drones are being used by nefarious actors to conduct attacks between rival cartels and other criminal enterprises, using sophisticated munitions. Theyre also used to deliver contraband such as drugs, cellphones, and firearms onto prison grounds. Add military applications into the equation, as weve seen in the Ukrainian invasion, and the future is now. This is why so much money, manpower, and tech are being applied to the challenge of countering drones. But not all drones are created equal. Lets look at how drones are currently classified by the U.S. government. Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) and Integrated Air and Missile Defense expert Jimi McMahon says: Due to my background in Air Defense and CIED, I observed a lot of similarities both in tactics, procedures, and the process we went through to develop the technology to defeat the UAS threat. Since this is an Air Defense mission, why not use Air Defense Artillery units to take on this threat? The response I received was that Group 1/2 UAS were too advanced for legacy systems and that new technology was needed to defeat the emerging threat of custom off-the-shelf systems. While I did agree with updating legacy systems with new sensors and effectors, I did not agree on not using ADA platforms at all, considering the Group 3/4 threat that had been stewing in Syria since 2010, if not sooner. Syria was the UAS testing ground way before Azerbaijan and Ukraine. Fast-forward to 2019. Im a civilian contractor at a remote Forward Operating Base in Iraq conducting CUAS operations with U.S. Forces for Base Defense Operations. This one night in particular, I was in the Tactical Operations Center observing tracks from the KURFS Radar and multiple other sensors. Myself and three Marines watched four Group 3/4 UAS fly in formation over our location; it was a reality check to us all. The next day we briefed the leadership about the incident, and I suggested bringing in Avenger Weapon Systems for base defense against the Group 3 and above UAS as a kinetic option. My request was denied. Three months later, our bases in Iraq were hit with ballistic missiles from Iran as well as Group 3 Iranian drones and loitering munitions. Within 30 days, Avenger Weapon Systems were brought in from 2nd Battalion/44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, for SHORAD operations. Ironically, this was my unit from when I served. The larger the drone, the bigger the payload and threat. Until recently, most of the deployed counter drone systems were indeed based on Air Defense Systems, which were designed to identify and shoot down large and fast-moving objects like jets, missiles, and even UAS Groups 3 to 5. But drones in Groups 1 and 2 are smaller and slower, and those tactics were not going to work. If we want to defeat smaller drones, we need to first define the kill chain. While it can be broken down to Detect, Track, Identify, and Defeat, its commonly referred to as Detect and Mitigate. DETECTION Detection is generally accomplished by one, several, or all of the following methods, constantly being tuned for new signatures by the companies that provide the hardware: >> Radar >> Radio Frequency Analyzers >> Optical Sensors >> Acoustic Sensors One of the most recent evolutions of detection tech is a collaboration between Echodyne, a leading radar solution provider, and Easy Aerial, a supplier of free-fly and tethered drones. The unit below can carry up to four panels of Echodynes Echoflight Radar. The tethered version offers continuous aerial coverage for stationary deployments or on-the-move operations, while the free-fly version offers forward reconnaissance and early warning against potential inbound hostile drones. The solution provides real-time transmission of detected targets, allowing full situational awareness and integration into multilayered CUAS systems for ongoing target tracking. McMahon manning the EW anti-UAS system, while colleagues handle the fun, kinetic toys. MITIGATION Mitigation countermeasure technology falls into two broad categories: Non-kinetic measures to take control of the drone Kinetic measures that destroy the drone Non-kinetic countermeasures can generally be broken down into three categories: Radio frequency jammers that transmit RF radiation toward an enemy drone, thereby taking over command and control, and allowing you to: a) land the drone safely, b) cause it to fall to the surface, c) return the drone to its set home location, or d) tractor beam it to a designated point where EOD and HAZMAT await. High-power microwave devices that generate a strong electromagnetic pulse that interrupts or destroys onboard electronics. These can cause damage to friendly devices even though theyre usually equipped with directional antennae. Laser devices that generate a high energy beam that can accurately aim, target, and destroy an enemy drone. Kinetic measures include: Artillery: Munitions such as guns and missiles are used but present a greater risk of collateral damage. Drones: Warfighters deploy drones for CUAS missions against enemy drones, destroying them with kinetic payloads or by ramming. Phalanx CIWS, M134D Minigun, or other high rpm systems as displayed in this picture of McMahon operating a Flex Force Enterprises Dronebuster: McMahon explains: The M134D and 240B are point assets used as a kinetic defeat option for Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) against all UAS Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing aircraft. This tactic is also known as Combined Arms for Air Defense (CAFAD). Electronic countermeasures dont have to look like firearms, but there are advantages to this form factor, such as operator familiarity and blending into the surrounding squad. The Dronebuster is a non-kinetic, electronic warfare point asset used to defeat Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Groups 1 and 2 UAS. Point assets like the Dronebuster provides coverage of an area assets dead space in that weapons engagement zone. Dead space occurs from line-of-sight limitations due to terrain or man-made objects such as buildings. In Mosul, we had FOBs with radar tuned to Group 1 to 5 drones, SHORAD resources calibrated for various ranges, a Phalanx three kilometers out, and several Dillon miniguns as a last resort. Last but not least, one of the most important components of the Detect and Mitigate kill chain is having real-time, threat analysis on a global scale. DroneSec is a recognized leader in providing UAS threat intelligence, monitoring, and awareness. Its employed by military and law enforcement units in several countries and within three- and four-letter agencies in the U.S. Their CEO, Mike Monnik, says, In todays world, organizations need a force-multiplier to overcome adversaries. When operating against actors using UAS maliciously, hardware is simply not enough. You need global awareness of the current TTPs and local insight into nearby threat actors and their budget, technology, and procurement chains. The NOTIFY UAS Threat Intelligence platform provides a common operating picture of drone incidents, alerting checklists, guidelines, and reports to keep ahead of the threat. In addition to stationary and mobile detectors and effectors (yet another name for things that mitigate the threat), counter drone companies offer handheld devices resembling rifles as well. DroneShield offers the DroneGun Tactical (bottom image) and DroneGun MK3 (below image). So What? Back to CONUS and your backyard. Can you lawfully react to drone attacks while navigating the federal laws protecting aircraft (FAA) and against using jamming technologies (FCC)? Will civilians be able to own mitigation (RF and GPS jamming) devices to defend themselves? What about just detection? And will a Flex Force Dronebuster be subject to the BATFEs pistol brace and minimum length requirements? If you think we wont be affected by bad drone actors in the near future, consider the less dangerous but still criminal use of drones by porch pirates. They may be using masks and hoodies now, but very soon, the bad guys will use drones to case your joint or use DIY mitigation devices to bring down drones from Amazon, DroneUp, Wing, or other companies thatll be delivering your packages. Since the beginning of 2023, were also seeing rogue states like Iran and Russia producing relatively inexpensive, and larger, Group 3 drones. These are capable of inflicting heavy damage by delivering substantial munitions as suicide or payload-dropping vehicles. The current non-kinetic mitigation devices being used in CONUS wont defeat these weapons, and they can easily be launched from international waters. Flex Force Enterprises outfits teams worldwide with their Dronebuster 4, with the U.S. Army having just purchased 240 of them. It may be worthwhile to take a deep dive into how Israel uses Iron Dome missiles to take out indiscriminately launched missiles and drones from threats surrounding her borders. Since every building in Israel has a safe room with reinforced walls and ceilings, the debris that falls doesnt have the same effect as it would on roofs across America. But we need to start developing contingencies thatll become CONOPS when needed. So, when will we be adding detectors and mitigators to police and civilian gun safes? In the short term, its unlikely. The legal, technological, and operational constraints just arent mature enough to zero in solely on the nefarious actor, while not affecting others in the national airspace. Thats why there are temporary flight restrictions covering a ring of 30 nautical miles (34.5 miles) during events like the Super Bowl, so that DHS can concentrate on just the nefarious or suspicious drones, without affecting other aircraft. The good news is those who help formulate policy at DHS, FAA, NSC, and other stakeholder agencies are aware of the threat and are working toward developing solutions thatll be holistic and safe. Based on a recent conversation with an FAA administrator whose responsibilities include integrating drones into the airspace while figuring out the best way to counter the nefarious ones, he, and the agency at large, really do care about our rights to privacy and protection but they must balance that against the dangers involved in the interference of aircraft operations. With the evolutionary pressures on drone warfare seen in the Ukrainian theater, where both sides are using commercial drones to drop home-made munitions on each other, counter UAS technology in the U.S. is becoming increasingly important. It remains to be seen where the weapon/anti-weapon balance currently lies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first pill designed specifically to treat postpartum depression. Zuranolone, trade name Zurzuvaea steroid that works to rapidly repair dysregulated neuronal networks in the brainis only the second drug approved for the condition, thought to affect one in seven women. The other, Zulresso (brexanolone), was approved by the FDA in 2019. But its administered via IV over time and requires a hospital admission, making it inaccessible to many women. Such a barrier doesnt exist with the newly approved drug, taken at home once daily for two weeks. For many women, one or two courses of the medication over a year will be enough to send them into remission and keep them there, Dr. Kristina Deligiannidisdirector of women's behavioral health at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, N.Y., and lead clinical trial investigator for the drugtold Fortune on Wednesday, ahead of the FDA's decision. Postpartum depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which women experience sadness, guilt, worthlessnesseven, in severe cases, thoughts of harming themselves or their child. And because postpartum depression can disrupt the maternal-infant bond, it can also have consequences for the childs physical and emotional development, Dr. Tiffany R. Farchione, director of the Division of Psychiatry in the FDAs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a late Friday statement. Having access to an oral medication will be a beneficial option for many of these women coping with extremeand sometimes life-threateningfeelings. Improvement in just 3 days In trials, zuranolone showed a rapid reduction of depressive symptoms starting as early as day threeafter two doses of medicineand showed continued improvement through day 15, Deligiannidis said, adding that the drug continues to work even after patients stop taking it, for 45 days in all. The fast-acting, temporary nature of the drug stands in contrast to standard-of-care antidepressants that might otherwise be prescribed. Such medicationstypically SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which increase serotonin levels in the brainusually take four to six weeks to begin to work, and two to three months to fully kick in, according to Deligiannidis. Story continues Women with postpartum depression are busy sustaining a new life, their own life, and perhaps the lives of other children as well. They cant wait months for relief, she said: Especially for women with severe postpartum depression, this could be a life-saving option. Its like Z-Pak for depression, Dr. Craig Chepke, medical director of Excel Psychiatric Associates in Huntersville, N.C., and occasional consultant for Zuranolone co-developer Sage Therapeutics, told Fortune on Wednesday. He referenced azithromycin, a quick-acting five-day course of pills for bacterial infections like bronchitis and pneumonia often prescribed by general practitioners. This is exactly how primary care providers would love to treat depression, he said of the new drug. It fits with the model theyre used to. I think theyre going to feel more comfortable, that its just like treating a UTI or a sinus infection, and think, 'I can do that.' Because Zuranolone works differently than standard depression treatments, and much more quickly, "it offers a lot of hope for people who haven't done well in the past," he added. No weight gain or reduction in libido, trials show Clinical trials showed that patients on zuranolone didn't experience weight gain or reduced sex driveside effects typical of SSRIs that are often "deal killers" for patients. Side effects of the new drug may include drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, the common cold, and urinary tract infections, according to a news release issued Friday by the FDA. But side effects "can't last longer than two weeks, because you only take it for two weeks," Chepke noted. "It changes the calculus for a lot of people who would otherwise quit medication." Because zuranolone is a controlled substance, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration now has 90 days to assign a schedule to it. Earlier this week, Chepke predicted it would be designated a Schedule IV drug, or one with a low potential for abuse and dependence like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Ambien. From there, he anticipated it would soon be in the hands of prescribers and patients, where it's sorely needed. Depression is still widely thought of as a nuisance condition in which "you get down from time to time, but your pick yourself up by the bootstraps," he said. "Even in churches, there's the notion of 'too blessed to be stressed.' It's as if it's not a big deal. But it is a big deal. And we need better treatment options to help." On Wednesday, Deligiannidis was hopeful word of the FDA's approval would come before the end of the work week, and with it, a wave of press that encourages new mothers to seek the help they deservefor their sake, and for their sake of their children. "Depression can increase the risk for poor birth outcomes," and such negative outcomes can continue after a child is born, she said. "For mom's sake, for baby's sake, for the family's sake, we want women to discuss their symptoms with a trusted healthcare provider ASAP." Drug not yet approved for major depressive disorder Sage Therapeutics and co-developer Biogen had also applied for approval to use the drug in cases of major depressive disorder. The federal agency on Friday did not issue a ruling on such use. In 2021, an estimated 8% of American adults21 millionhad at least one major depressive episode, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. If approved for major depressive disorder as well, the drug could shift the paradigm on depression from a chronic condition that requires lifelong medication to an acute illness that, for many, necessitates just a short course of drugs during flares, experts told Fortune. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com More from Fortune: 5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per yearall while working from home Looking to make extra cash? This CD has a 5.15% APY right now Buying a house? Here's how much to save This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. 'Article 370 laid down the edifice of the relationship between J-K and the Union of India.' 'If you look at the Article, what is there now is a provision which states that all provisions of the Constitution of India applies to J-K.' 'The veto that the state could exercise previously on most Union laws has ended.' Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Security personnel maintain a vigil in Kashmir. This week, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court commenced hearing a batch of pleas challenging the Centre's August 5, 2019, decision to revoke the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Dr Dhananjay Yeshwant Chandrachud has been posing questions regarding the abrogation of the Constitutional provision that bestowed special status on the erstwhile state. Last year, Navi Books, an initiative of Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy had published Hamin Ast: A Biography of Article 370 (external link), which was authored by Arghya Sengupta, Jinaly Dani, Kevin James and Pranay Modi. Discussing his book with Rediff.com's Utkarsh Mishra, Arghya Sengupta, founder and research director at Vidhi, discussed the circumstances in which this special provision was made in the Constitution, and why it was applied only to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The first of a two-part interview: while we say that Article 370 has been abrogated, isn't it true that only part of it was repealed and, as the book says, 'without Article 370, the entire edifice of the substantive relationship between J-K and India would collapse in one stroke'? It's incorrect to say that Article 370 has been abrogated. That is why in our book we use the term 'nullified'. This means that the 'special relationship' between Jammu-Kashmir and the Union of India has been brought to an end. If you look at the Article, what is there now is a provision which states that all provisions of the Constitution of India applies to Jammu and Kashmir. So, the substantive relationship has been brought on par with other states in India. The Article exists and is testament to that. Apart from ending its special status, thereby taking away the right to a separate flag and constitution, what more constitutional changes did this move bring to J-K? Article 370 laid down the edifice of the relationship between J-K and the Union of India. That edifice was built on the principle that it takes two hands to clap. Any decision regarding J-K would require the Union of India and the representatives of J-K to consult each other or concur with each other, ie, the state had autonomy. That autonomy has ended and the state will be like any other state in the country. Matters on the Union List of the Constitution like aircraft, banks, insurance etc will be governed from New Delhi; matters on the State List like police, hospitals etc will be governed from Srinagar and matters on the Concurrent List like education by both. The veto that the state could exercise previously on most Union laws has ended. What this also means is that Article 35A, which gave special protections to permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir in government jobs, scholarships and limited buying of property in the state to such permanent residents has also ended. If a temporary provision was made for J-K pending the people's decision on integration with India, then why was the will of the people of Jammu and Ladakh not taken into account, who were demanding complete integration? The will of the people of the entire state of J-K including Ladakh could never be taken into account because a plebiscite could never be held. This is because on 1 January 1948, a ceasefire was called and the LoC was created with one section of the state held by armed tribesmen from Pakistan. Without the state fully being in control of the Union of India, the government refused to hold a plebiscite because it could not guarantee its fairness. So a de facto division was arrived at (with the LoC remaining under the control of Pakistan) and that is the arrangement that continues. The book walks us through the widespread belief within the Indian leadership that the status of Jammu-Kashmir being different from other princely states, it requires a separate constituent assembly, as it didn't have any representative in the Constituent Assembly of India for the most part. But why were no such concessions provided to states in a similar situation like Hyderabad? How was J-K, in legal terms, a unique princely state in India? J-K was unique in the sense that it was a Muslim majority state with a Hindu maharaja. The two other 'outlier states' -- Junagadh and Hyderabad -- were the opposite -- Hindu majority states with Muslim ruling families. Second, its geographical location was unique, placed strategically near the Silk Route, bordering Tibet and the southern regions of the USSR (the then Soviet Union), site of the Great Game. Third, it was bordering the newly created State of Pakistan with a large number of people (particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan) who wanted to be part of Pakistan. Above all it was unique because as on August 15, 1947, it had acceded to neither India nor Pakistan. As we point out in the book, Maharaja Hari Singh had designs on making it a neutral 'Switzerland of the East'. So all in all, it was a fairly unique set of circumstances that applied in the state. It was intriguing to read that 'without the J-K Constituent Assembly', the Constituent Assembly of India could not make any 'final provision bringing Jammu and Kashmir in line with other princely states'. Did any other state get this privilege? This was a unique privilege given to J-K because Lord Mountbatten, as governor-general of independent India, when accepting the accession of J-K had said that the future of the state of J-K would be determined by the 'will of the people'. Accordingly, this provision was put in place. The integration of other states did not have this special condition of acceptance. The predicament of the then ruler of Kashmir in acceding to either dominion can still be understood, but what was the legal basis for Sheikh Abdullah not wanting to be a part of the Indian Constitution? The lapse of paramountcy didn't give him any such powers, so how could he demand a veto over which part(s) of the Indian Constitution applies to the state of J-K? Sheikh Abdullah was the 'prime minister' of Jammu and Kashmir. Legally speaking, the decisions on the future of J-K would be taken by the maharaja as per advice of the prime minister and his cabinet. It is not correct to say that Abdullah did not want to be 'part of the Indian Constitution'. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly and played a role in drafting it. He also was in agreement with large parts of Article 370, though he had some quibbles about the final draft. In fact, he entered into the Delhi Agreement with Nehru which more firmly entrenched the status of J-K in the Union of India. So the factual premise of this question isn't correct. Sheikh Abdullah was even opposed to the Preamble and the chapter of Fundamental Rights being applied to J-K. It was not like other states didn't have people who have distinct cultures and identities, but no one put forth any such demand. We must remember that J-K was differently positioned from other states as discussed above. Abdullah was bargaining about which parts of the Constitution should apply to J-K. This was in consonance with what the Union government itself had promised J-K so it may not be correct to blame him. Other princely states had, by that time, already been integrated. The position of British Indian provinces, as we know, was entirely different. After the Delhi Agreement between Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah, the India government was not ready to issue a resolution confirming Kashmir's accession to India as, the book says, 'it would not bode well for India at the UN' where the issue was still pending. How could India make it a bilateral issue in 1971 as part of the Simla Accord, forbidding the intervention of a third party? Much water had passed under the bridge by 1971, including multiple wars with Pakistan. In 1952, it was still being hoped that the United Nations would resolve the matter and India did not want to aggravate it. But once it was clear that there would be no remedy from the UN, and the Shimla Accord had been signed, India took its stand that the issue was bilateral -- one it has maintained more or less consistently over time. Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, walked out of prison in Navi Mumbai on Saturday afternoon with a special court here issuing their release order a week after they were granted bail by the Supreme Court. IMAGE: Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira walk out of jail in Navi Mumbai. The two accused were lodged in Taloja jail. Some supporters and kin of the two activists waited outside the prison to receive them, a police official said. With their release, five out of the 16 accused arrested in the case are now out on bail. One of the 16 accused -- Jesuit priest Stan Swamy -- died at a private hospital here in July 2021 during judicial custody. Earlier in the day, a lawyer linked to the case said a special court hearing cases related to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) issued their release order on Friday. The apex court on July 28 granted bail to the two accused, noting that the actual involvement of Gonsalves and Ferreira in any terrorist act has not surfaced from any third-party communications. The SC bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia granted bail to them, noting that mere holding of certain literature through which violent acts may be propagated would not attract the provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. "Considering the fact that almost five years have elapsed, we are satisfied they have made out a case for bail. The allegations are serious, no doubt, but for that reason alone, bail cannot be denied to them," the bench said. The apex court also asked them not to leave Maharashtra without the trial court's permission and surrender their passports. It also directed the two activists to use one mobile each and let the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, know their addresses. It also granted liberty to the NIA to seek cancellation of their bail if there is any violation of the bail conditions. The activists had moved the top court against a Bombay High Court order rejecting their bail pleas. The special NIA court imposed additional conditions for their bail, directing the accused to furnish a personal recognizance (PR) bond of Rs 50,000 each and asking them not to speak to the media about the case. It also directed them to attend the proceedings before the court unless exempted from personal appearance. Gonsalves and Ferreira were arrested in August 2018 for their alleged role in the case and were in judicial custody since then. Three other accused in the case are already out on bail. While scholar-activist Anand Teltumbde and lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj are out on regular bail, poet Varavara Rao is out on bail on health grounds. Another accused, activist Gautam Navlakha, is currently under house arrest as per the Supreme Court's directions. The prosecution's case is that Gonsalves and Ferreira played an active role in the recruitment of and training cadres of banned CPI-Maoist, and Ferreira also had a role in managing the finances of that organisation. The case pertains to the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017 which, according to the Pune police, was funded by Maoists. The inflammatory speeches made there led to violence at the Koregaon Bhima war memorial in Pune the next day, police had alleged. The case was later taken over by the NIA. A Catholic priest in Goa was on Friday booked over a remark on Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that he made during a sermon. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo Father Bolmax Pereira was charged under provisions of Indian Penal Code for hurting religious sentiments, police said. The case was filed at 10 pm, officials said. Officials said the case has been lodged at Vasco police station, though complaints were received in other police stations as well, including Cuncolim and Canacona in south Goa. Earlier, Pereira had tendered an apology but had added that his statement on the 17th century king was taken "out of context and misinterpreted". Despite his apology, the Bajrang Dal sought his arrest, while Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said action would be taken against him as per law. A video of the priest, attached to a church at Chicalim near Vasco town, went viral recently in which he said that "Chhatrapati Shivaji cannot be considered as a God". Several right-wing organisations in the state, including Bajrang Dal, condemned his remark. On Thursday late evening, Pereira issued a statement in which he expressed regret over the controversy surrounding his remark and the "misunderstanding" that arose due to the mention of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. "The purpose and intent of making a mention of the great national hero and valiant warrior during the sermon was to tell devotees and viewers that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was revered by people across the country and abroad cutting across religions, castes, creed, languages," he said in a statement. "Hence, attributing him (Shivaji Maharaj) to only one religion would reduce his stature and greatness among the people of other faiths," he said. The priest said that he was shocked to learn that his sermon was "selectively taken out of context" to show only one part of the statement while the other part praising Shivaji Maharaj's valour and heroism as he protected his people and kingdom and stood against invaders, was "maliciously omitted". He said he believed that the omission of the part of his remarks was aimed at inciting anger and creating enmity between communities. Fr Pereira said, "If any individual or organisation has been hurt due to this episode and misunderstanding, I express my deepest regret and hope and pray that the long-lasting bond between communities that has existed since centuries is maintained and grows stronger." Meanwhile, several hundred Bajrang Dal workers marched to Vasco police station on Friday evening seeking his arrest. The area was tense due to their agitation at the police station. "An FIR should be filed against the priest for hurting our religious sentiments. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is no less than God for us," Bajrang Dal Goa co-convener Viraj Desai had said. The agitation by Bajrang Dal workers continued despite an assurance that an FIR will be lodged, Vasco police station inspector Kapil Naik said. Action will be taken against the priest as per law, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters, adding that the situation in Vasco was under control with the superintendent of police and other officials at the site. After the case was filed, while one group of protesters dispersed, some people continued to agitate outside the police station, officials said. The issue had figured during the ongoing Monsoon session of the Goa assembly. While CM Sawant mentioned about Pereira's statement, Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai said the matter should rest since the priest had tendered an apology. Three persons including a father-son duo were killed by militants in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Friday night while another three sustained bullet wounds following heavy exchange of fire between state forces and armed men in the same district even as the 24-hour general strike called by the coordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies paralysed normal life in Imphal valley, police said. IMAGE: Rapid Action Force and Paramilitary personnel stand guard as people protest against the mass burial of Kuki-Zomi people killed in Manipur's ethnic violence, at the Kangvai village bordering Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts of Manipur on August 3, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The three were gunned down while they were sleeping and their bodies were later slashed with swords at Kwakta in the district by unidentified men, police said on Saturday morning, adding that the assailants came from Churachandpur. "The three used to stay in a relief camp but had returned to their residences at Kwakta on Friday after the situation improved," police said. Soon after the incident, an irate mob gathered at Kwakta and wanted to head towards Churachandpur but was stopped by security personnel, they said. Eyewitnesses said several houses were burnt at Ukha Tampak in Bishnupur district by a mob in retaliation of the murders. In another incident, three persons including one policeman were injured following heavy exchange of fire between state forces and militants near Kwakta on Saturday morning, police said. "The policeman sustained splinter injuries on his face. All the three were taken to Raj Medicity in Imphal for treatment. They are out of danger," they said. Across Imphal valley, women protesters came out on the streets and burnt tyres to block the movement of vehicles. In the wake of renewed violence, the district administration clamped curfew from 10.30 am in the twin Imphal districts. "Instead of curfew relaxation from 5am to 6pm in the twin Imphal districts, it has now been shortened to 5am to 10.30am," an official said, adding fierce gunfights have been reported in Kwakta and its neighbouring areas since morning. In a statement, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) asked the state government on the steps being taken to stem the violence. "The ITLF would like to know what government agencies are doing to address the security threat posed by frequent looting of guns and ammunition by mobs and why security forces are still unable to safeguard government-issued weapons three months into the ethnic conflict in Manipur," it said. According to the forum, more than 4,000 weapons and lakhs of ammunition were "looted" from different police stations and armouries by mobs in Imphal and the surrounding valley in May. It said if the central government and security forces do not take cognisance of the risk posed by the circulation of such huge quantities of arms and act to retrieve the weapons, "we are afraid that Manipur could witness a bloodbath, the kind of which the country has not seen in decades." Meanwhile, the 24-hour general strike called by the co-ordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies in Manipur on Saturday paralysed normal life in Imphal Valley, with markets and business establishments remaining shut in almost all localities. Semiconductor chips A taxpayer-backed microchip champion is launching a 100m fundraising drive as it expands its US operations following warnings over Britains meagre support for the industry. Pragmatic Semiconductor, which set up a US subsidiary in February, is seeking fresh investment as it seeks to start building facilities across the Atlantic. Scott White, the companys founder, said: We can put our manufacturing capacity anywhere, and our desire as a British company is to do that in the UK. But it is subject, to a certain degree, to having the right initiatives coming out of the [Governments semiconductor] strategy that give us the support we need to do that and scale effectively within the UK. Pragmatic, set up in 2010, makes low-cost and flexible microchips for use in items such as packaging and clothing. US president Joe Biden has unveiled billions of dollars of subsidies in an attempt to attract tech manufacturing - MICHAEL REYNOLDS/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Mr White described Pragmatics US expansion as an obvious choice both because of the customer base we already have there, the size of that market, and the incentives available under the CHIPS Act. US officials are handing out billions of dollars in subsidies under Joe Bidens $280bn (217bn) CHIPS Act to convince global chip manufacturers to move their operations into the US. British ministers have pledged 1bn to the semiconductor industry over the next decade, a move that one industry boss labelled flaccid when the ten-year plan was unveiled in May. Pragmatics fundraising drive, first reported by The Telegraph earlier this year, seeks more than 100m to fuel the companys expansion into the US. Were not going to be raising 10 times that, but well be raising more than that in this round, Mr White said. Investment bank Lazard is advising on the drive, which would almost double the 148m raised by the microchip design company since its founding in 2010. Current backers of the Cambridge-based company include the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, British chip behemoth Arm and the CIAs In-Q-Tel investment arm. It comes after Pragmatics founder was appointed to a government advisory panel on microchip strategy last week. Story continues The Semiconductor Advisory Panel was formed almost two months after ministers promised to launch the body at the London Tech Week event held in June. Industry sources expressed confusion over why the panel, which is chaired by business minister Paul Scully, took so long to set up. Simon Thomas, the chip executive who described the semiconductor strategy as flaccid in May, said: Although its a month and a half later than promised by the Government, we stand ready to support the panel so they can provide a much-needed strong voice representing the whole sector. Mr Thomas company Paragraf is another British semiconductor business poised to jump ship to the US, having applied for similar CHIPS Act subsidies in May. Pragmatic is the latest microchip manufacturer to distance itself from the UK. In July, Arms chief executive Rene Haas said the company would list on Wall Street in a snub to Rishi Sunak who had attempted to convince it to float on the London Stock Exchange. Britains chip strategy is designed to focus on the UKs traditional strengths in chip design and development rather than manufacturing. Countries such as Taiwan and South Korea dominate the global silicon chip manufacturing sector. Ministers hope to nurture a second success story such as Arm, the Cambridge company whose chip designs are now included in around 90pc of modern smartphones. US moves to onshore chip manufacturing are driven by geopolitical fears over Taiwans future as an increasingly muscular China carries out increasingly large military exercises close to the island. Chinese leaders do not accept that Taiwan is an independent nation state, instead seeing it as a breakaway province to be subjugated back into the mainland. A Government spokesman said: Our targeted strategy doubles down on British strengths to cement our leadership role in an integrated global market; we do not need to get into a costly subsidy race to do this. As set out, we will announce plans by the autumn on support for investment in the semiconductor manufacturing sector, particularly where they are critical to the UKs tech ecosystem or national security. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The 24-hour general strike called by the co-ordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies in Manipur on Saturday paralysed normal life in Imphal Valley, with markets and business establishments remaining shut in almost all localities. IMAGE: RAF and paramilitary personnel stand guard as people protest against the mass burial of Kuki-Zomi people killed in Manipur's ethnic violence, at the Kangvai village bordering Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts of Manipur, August 3, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Public transport stayed off the road and only a few private vehicles were seen plying on the streets. Schools also remained closed due to the strike from midnight. The hill districts, however, have largely been unaffected by the strike, which was called by the committee to demand an emergency assembly session to discuss various issues. The committee's convenor L Binod had earlier said that the strike is not to add to the hardships of the people, but to 'pressure the government.' Meanwhile, the Manipur Cabinet on Friday recommended Governor Anusuiya Uikey to convene a session of the assembly from August 21. The previous assembly session was held in March. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence that broke out in May, and sporadically continued to plague the northeastern state for the last three months, claiming over 160 lives. The state, which remains curfew bound, has seen a recent flare-up of hostilities between the two warring communities -- the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis, after an announcement of a public mass burial of tribals killed during the ongoing race riots. Tension between the two communities also heightened after talks between former Kuki militant organisations and the Centre were restarted. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Lady artists led by Zoya Khan painted murals of Kashmir's women handicraft artists on a four storeyed building in Srinagar this week. Zoya -- who heads Fearless Collective -- wants people to know about the history of Kashmiri craft. Kashmiri women artisans have not been appreciated as much as their male counterparts. All photographs: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Before you buy an apartment within a project meant for senior citizens, ensure that the services are of a high standard. Senior citizens should not sell their current home before they are completely sure about moving into a senior citizens' project. Bengaluru-based Gopalkrishna Vishwanath (aged 69), and his wife (aged 64), moved from their three-bedroom apartment into a two-bedroom apartment in Parkside Senior Living, Brigade Orchards, Devanahalli. Says Vishwanath: "We convinced our children this is the best option so that they don't have to worry about us constantly. We own the apartment and pay for the support services, which are excellent." Rising number of seniors India adds about five-six million senior citizens to its population every year. Improved healthcare has led to life expectancy rising from 41.4 years in 1960 to 68.8 years in 2018. This 'silver tsunami' has led to an increased demand for retirement homes. "By 2026, India is expected to have a population of over 173 million seniors, making retirement homes a promising and underserved market," says Shaan Zaveri, partner, Collated Ventures, IKARIA. IKARIA is a joint venture between Adani Realty and Collated. It is situated at Shantigram township, located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Need for greater support Post-retirement, senior citizens experience difficulty in finding and supervising domestic help and other service providers for maintaining their often-large houses. As health-related issues grow, they require regular medical checkups and supervision. Senior citizens often also suffer from increased loneliness. These issues get compounded by the fact that their children often live in other cities, or abroad. A retirement home tries to take care of all these needs. "We strive to design retirement homes that promote active aging, foster social connections, and offer a wide range of amenities and services that enhance the residents' quality of life," says Ankur Gupta, joint managing director, Ashiana Housing, which recently launched its seventh senior living project, Ashiana Amodh, in Pune. Pay heed to service standards Before you buy an apartment within a project meant for senior citizens, ensure that the services are of a high standard. Says Zaveri: "At IKARIA, our service-led approach is rooted in three aspects: care, community, and convenience. We understand that seniors require a range of specialised services like housekeeping, maintenance, nutritious food options, and emergency medical coordination." The apartments and, in fact, the entire project should have a design that is suited to the needs of senior citizens: larger hallways, adequate radius for wheelchairs to turn, grab bars, sensory lighting, and anti-skid tiles. Says Sanjay Bhatia, senior director, community development, Antara Senior Living, which operates retirement homes in Dehradun and Noida: "At Antara, we are careful about the intricate details in design such as configured rooms, rounded walls and corners to avoid injuries from fall, emergency buttons that are easily reachable, and ramps for easy wheelchair access." Proximity to a high-quality hospital should be a major criterion while selecting a project. It should also not be too distant from the main city. Rent or buy? People planning to move into a retirement home must evaluate whether they would like to rent or buy a house within such a project. "Renting offers greater flexibility. In case the senior citizen couple finds it difficult to adjust in the new community, they will have the option to move out," says Vishal Dhawan, chief executive officer and founder, Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors. The decision to purchase should ideally be made after living within the project for some time. Dhawan adds that senior citizens should also not sell their current dwelling place before they are completely sure about moving into a senior citizens' project. Rules regarding access and stay by friends and family members should be examined closely. "Also remember that selling a house within a retirement project may not be easy since the target segment is limited to people above 55," says Dhawan. Evaluate the cost Factor in the overall costs of moving into a retirement home. Besides the cost of purchasing the house, there will also be costs related to maintenance, caregiving, and other services. Says Colonel Achal Sridharan, founder, CovaiCare, "There is a fixed monthly maintenance cost. In Coimbatore, this is around Rs 6,500-Rs 7,000 (plus 18% GST) per dwelling. In addition, there are variable costs which depend on the services that a person opts for, such as caregivers, housekeeping staff, and so on." Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com The idea of weaponization got a fillip from an unexpected quarter. In the last week of October 1985, Rajiv met US President Ronald Reagan. Reagan told Rajiv, 'Pakistan has already made a bomb.' When Rajiv started talking about disarmament, the US president cut him short, 'Don't talk theory, think of your own protection.' A revealing excerpt from Neerja Chowdhury's fascinating new book, How Prime Ministers Decide. IMAGE: Kindly note the image of a nuclear test has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Burnt Pineapple Productions/Wikimedia Commons At one of the meetings he had with the prime minister -- this was in October 1985 -- K Subrahmanyam told Rajiv Gandhi, 'You can't go on postponing a decision on this (going nuclear). If you go on delaying, the defence expenditure will go through the roof. You shouldn't believe what people are telling you, that the US is putting pressure on Pakistan. You have no choice but to go for a weapons program.' Rajiv decided to go around the room -- and asked for everyone's opinion. Most people sat on the fence. Bimal Jalan said a definite 'no'. 'We can't afford it,' he was clear, 'the economy would be ruined.' It so happened that the army chief, General Arun Sridhar Vaidya, was not there that day. He was represented by the navy chief, R H Tahiliani. Tahiliani played it safe. 'We will study this and tell you at our next meeting.' That very night, Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Raja Ramanna and Subrahmanyam went to see Tahiliani at Navy House in New Delhi. Tahiliani told them, 'I'm going to have a committee to examine the cost of this.' 'Before Vaidya comes back, you should, as the officiating chairman, appoint the committee,' they suggested, 'because we want the committee to be headed by Sundarji.' General K Sundarji was then the vice chief of the Armed Forces. 'He's the only fellow who knows the subject,' they said. Tahiliani appointed a committee headed by General Sundarji. They produced a report within ten days. It projected that in seven years' time India could have a minimum nuclear deterrent of a hundred missiles and warheads at the cost of Rs 7,000 crores. It was at this stage that the idea of weaponization got a fillip from an unexpected quarter. In the last week of October 1985, Rajiv met US President Ronald Reagan. Reagan told Rajiv, 'Pakistan has already made a bomb.' When Rajiv started talking about disarmament, the US president cut him short, 'Don't talk theory, think of your own protection.' S K Singh, then India's high commissioner in Pakistan, told me it was at this time that Rajiv had given instructions to move towards weaponization. 'I was privy to the instructions that Rajiv gave, that nothing would be put on paper and that we would move full scale on weapons acquisition.' After Reagan's words to Rajiv -- that Pakistan already had a bomb -- a worried PM asked S K Singh to confirm whatever he could about Pakistan's enriched uranium facility at Kahuta, 22 kilometres away from Islamabad. 'Rajiv had given me instructions to set up an intelligence-sharing device on top of the roof of my personal home. Two of Pakistan's listening posts were connected to me directly. The result was that I got information directly from the posts in (the) North West Frontier and South East Frontier.' He added, 'We had to provide proof to Britain and America (of what Pakistan was up to).' One of the things he was asked to do, to get the hard information that was needed, was to set up a roadside barber shop near Kahuta. The idea was to obtain the hair of workers at the facility. 'Hair is a sensitive area of (the) human anatomy, which captures and conveys microns and atoms.' Singh said to me, 'Through the hair that was cut of the chaprasis, etc, who worked at Kahuta, we could make out that enriched uranium (was) being used there.... It confirmed what Reagan had told Rajiv.' IMAGE: Then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi with then US president Ronald Reagan, October 20, 1987. Photograph: Kind courtesy Reagan White House Photographs/Wikimedia Commons India's resolve to accelerate the nuclear weapons programme came in early 1987. Pakistan threatened to go nuclear on India during Operation Brasstacks, a large-scale Indian military war-gaming exercise that took place near the border with Pakistan. Spooked by Brasstacks, the junior minister in the Pakistani defence ministry, Zain Noorani (at the time the president of Pakistan, Zia-ul Haq, was also the defence minister) summoned S K Singh, to his office. Singh was called at 10 pm. He was made to wait for two hours before Noorani called him in. He told Singh that he was coming straight from President Zia. The Pakistan president wanted to convey a message to the Government of India: If Indian troops infringed Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pakistan was in a position to inflict 'unacceptable damage' on India. (That was the phraseology employed for the use of nuclear force, S K Singh told me.) Presented with 'incontrovertible evidence' that Pakistan had the bomb in February 1987, Rajiv decided to speed up India's nuclear weapons programme. IMAGE: From right, A P J Abdul Kalam, then scientific advisor to the prime minister, then defence minister George Fernandes, then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and others at the Pokhran nuclear test site in May 1998. Photograph: Press Information Bureau/Facebook On Saturday, 18 March 1989, Rajiv formally gave the go-ahead for making weapons in sufficient numbers and perfecting the delivery systems. He gave the orders to Naresh Chandra, his defence secretary. That morning he was attending an air show at the Tilpat range. Naresh Chandra was also at the event, sitting right behind him. As the show ended, Rajiv asked to have a word with his defence secretary. "Rajiv said to me," Naresh Chandra revealed to me years later, 'Yeh aapko karna hai (>em>You have to do this)'." The prime minister authorised Chandra to oversee the nuclear and DRDO programmes, and the readying of the missiles -- and become the prime minister's principal troubleshooter in everything to do with the nuclear question. Rajiv kept every move of his on the nuclear issue a closely guarded secret. Only a handful of people were directly involved. Even strategic guru K Subrahmanyam, who was deeply embedded in the system, did not get a whiff of it. 'I was told formally and officially about India's bomb (only) in July 1990,' Subrahmanyam said. By then V P Singh had taken over as prime minister. In July 1990, seven months after he took over as PM, V P Singh constituted a high-powered committee to oversee all matters relating to the nuclear bomb 'now that we had got it'. V P Singh was quick to understand the need for the strategic weapons programme to go into an overdrive. He had been defence minister during Operation Brasstacks. However, given the frosty relations between him and his predecessor, Rajiv, who had not updated V P Singh, some concerned nuclear scientists decided to get President R Venkataraman to bring the prime minister up to date. It was only after this that V P Singh knew exactly how advanced the country's nuclear programme was. 'Generally I'd known as defence minister,' V P Singh said, 'that our capability and stocks were there. And our nuclear explosion capacity was there.... When I became PM, all this had to be expedited. As PM, an emphasis was laid on...having an operational bomb.' But in the end V P Singh decided not to go for a test. The border with Pakistan was 'in a critical condition'. Benazir Bhutto, the Pakistani prime minister, had talked about a 1,000-year war with India. Moreover, V P Singh explained, 'The explosion would have annoyed the US and China, when we needed them both.' Then he added wistfully, 'Decisions are not taken in a vacuum.' Excerpted from How Prime Ministers Decide by Neerja Chowdhury with kind permission from the publishers, Aleph Book Company. HSBC Holdings plc (LON:HSBA) is about to trade ex-dividend in the next four days. The ex-dividend date is usually set to be one business day before the record date which is the cut-off date on which you must be present on the company's books as a shareholder in order to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is of consequence because whenever a stock is bought or sold, the trade takes at least two business day to settle. In other words, investors can purchase HSBC Holdings' shares before the 10th of August in order to be eligible for the dividend, which will be paid on the 21st of September. The company's next dividend payment will be US$0.10 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of US$0.42 to shareholders. Based on the last year's worth of payments, HSBC Holdings stock has a trailing yield of around 5.2% on the current share price of 6.364. If you buy this business for its dividend, you should have an idea of whether HSBC Holdings's dividend is reliable and sustainable. So we need to investigate whether HSBC Holdings can afford its dividend, and if the dividend could grow. View our latest analysis for HSBC Holdings Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned in profit, then the dividend could be unsustainable. Fortunately HSBC Holdings's payout ratio is modest, at just 36% of profit. When a company paid out less in dividends than it earned in profit, this generally suggests its dividend is affordable. The lower the % of its profit that it pays out, the greater the margin of safety for the dividend if the business enters a downturn. Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Stocks in companies that generate sustainable earnings growth often make the best dividend prospects, as it is easier to lift the dividend when earnings are rising. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. It's encouraging to see HSBC Holdings has grown its earnings rapidly, up 20% a year for the past five years. Story continues Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. HSBC Holdings has seen its dividend decline 3.2% per annum on average over the past six years, which is not great to see. It's unusual to see earnings per share increasing at the same time as dividends per share have been in decline. We'd hope it's because the company is reinvesting heavily in its business, but it could also suggest business is lumpy. The Bottom Line Is HSBC Holdings worth buying for its dividend? When companies are growing rapidly and retaining a majority of the profits within the business, it's usually a sign that reinvesting earnings creates more value than paying dividends to shareholders. Perhaps even more importantly - this can sometimes signal management is focused on the long term future of the business. In summary, HSBC Holdings appears to have some promise as a dividend stock, and we'd suggest taking a closer look at it. On that note, you'll want to research what risks HSBC Holdings is facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for HSBC Holdings (of which 1 is significant!) you should know about. 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. In a major revelation, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the investors of the Barsu refinery have moved to Pakistan. He also revealed that there is a set pattern by a few protesters against the development project in Maharashtra. He further mentioned that there is a group of people who are present at every protest site and the investigation reveals that they are being funded from Bangalore. Recently, a survey was carried out by the local authorities in Barsu Ratnagiri where the refinery is set to be located. Several local villagers were detained by the police but none of them were booked in any case. Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray also visited the place and extended his support to the protesters. While addressing a question over the refinery in the upper house on Friday, Devendra Fadnavis said, I want to tell this very clearly that the refinery will come up in Ratnagiri as it is for the benefit of Maharashtra. Due to the delay in the project, the investors who were supposed to invest in this project moved to Pakistan. It's true that a few villagers protested while the bore holes were taken, few tried blocking the roads. I want to tell the opposition that there are few people who are against the development of the country, we have found that some people were present in the Aarey Protest and the same group of people were involved in the protest against the Bullet Train Project and now they are protesting against Barsu refinery. There were also a few people who were there in the Narmada protest. I don't want to name them but when we traced them, we found that they have visited Banglore more often. They are getting funds in their account from Banglore. The Green Peace Organisation which is a banned organisation, the ex-cadet of this organisation is connected to these people. The protest is not just limited to the villagers. I am not against any villagers and we are not against anyone who is opposing it but every Incident has another aspect that we need to understand as well. If there is any objection we will fix it, but we can't stop the development which can boost the economy for the next 20 years of the state. When the matter reached the court, none of the villagers or the complainants against this project said that they had been manhandled by the authorities, and hence I am telling this in front of everyone that we will take everyone in confidence and move ahead with this project, Fadnavis added. The family of a deceased youth from the Muthi area of the Jouriyan town in Jammu, who died in Greece, has appealed to the central government to repatriate his mortal remains. Identified as Pankaj Kumar Sharma, the 26-year-old's body is kept at the General Hospital, Neas Ionias, Konstantopouleio, Greece. Pankaj, who had been working in a private company in Greece for the past three years, is survived by his mother Geeta Devi and three brothers, Anil, Sunil and Amit Sharma. Pankaj's father, Yashpal, had passed away a few years ago. The family was informed of Pankajs demise by an official call from the Indian Embassy in Greece. The deceased's family has now sought governtment intervention to bring back his mortal remains to India. Ankush Kumar, Pankaj's cousin, said that the family has appealed to the Union Minister in PMO, Jitendra Singh, and MP Jugal Kishore to facilitate the repatriation so that Pankaj's last rites can be conducted with proper rituals in his native village. According to Pankaj's family, the exact cause of his death is yet to be ascertained. Ashok Kumar, Pankaj's uncle, said, "I want to urge the government to bring back the mortal remains of our son, who died in Greece a few days ago. We came to know about his death day before yesterday. His family members are inconsolable." Jitendra Singh told Republic that he has taken up the issue with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and has sent a written communication to the MEA division concerned to facilitate the repatriation. A new wave of unrest engulfed Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on August 3 as large crowds gathered in various cities including Muzafarabad, Kotli, Mirpur, Dadyal, Tatapani, Chaksawari, Khuirata, and Nakyal. The people were protesting against added taxes on their electricity bills, shortages of wheat, cuts in subsidies, frequent power outages, load shedding and the ever-rising cost of living. Meanwhile, people took to the streets in all three divisions of Mirpur, Poonch and Muzafarabad. The PoJK government has been given an ultimatum to withdraw additional taxes within two weeks, or if they fail to comply, a state-wide strike will take place, and the legislative assembly building in Muzafarabad, the capital city of PoJK, will be besieged. People from all walks of life joined the protest. Students, lawyers, transporters, pensioners, traders and different sections of civil society blocked roads, observed sit-ins and held rallies at each and every road crossing and town/city square in the above-mentioned urban and semi-rural centres. PoJK has experienced state-wide protests before, but this time, the anger of the masses appears more organized with cross-state networking and clear demands. Despite the ongoing protests, there is currently no clear political plan to bring about a change in the legal status of PoJK. As a result, past movements have ultimately fizzled out and left participants feeling drained and frustrated. 75 years of Islamic/two-nation brainwashing theory The Pakistan military establishment has been conducting Islamic/two-nation theory-based brainwashing for 75 years, replacing factual information with false narratives about the political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir. This has proven to be a significant obstacle in achieving a consensus among the population of PoJK regarding the true nature of the so-called Kashmir issue. To overcome this obstacle, it is important to consistently, persistently, and patiently explain the true nature of the situation. On October 22, 1947, Pakistan attacked and forcefully annexed western parts of Jammu province and Gilgit-Baltistan, creating a hostile regional environment. The purpose of the annexation was two-fold. Firstly, it was to prevent India's land access to central Asia. Secondly, it was primarily to exploit the region's natural resources. Based on geological surveys, it has been discovered that PoJK has a wealth of valuable gemstones, as well as abundant natural resources such as metals, non-metals, forest wood and river water. It is estimated that PoJK has roughly Rs 78 trillion worth of minerals and precious stone deposits. These include Ruby, granite, limestone, coal, marble and others. The total value of Granite deposits alone is estimated at Rs 40 billion. PoJK has a total population of approximately 4.5 million, with 700,000 unemployed young people and two million working abroad. Many of our youth are leaving PoJK in search of better opportunities, and unfortunately, some are resorting to dodgy human traffickers who promise to take them to Europe in exchange for large sums of money. Given the dire situation, it is imperative that the Indian government steps up to address the crisis in PoJK, as the residents are Indian citizens. Their citizenship was established through the instrument of accession signed by King Maharaja Hari Singh and the last governor-general of India, Lord Mountbatten. Hence, the citizenship status of 4.5 million PoJK and 2 million Gilgit-Baltistan residents is Indian by default. The current humanitarian crisis faced by the people of PoJK is a result of 75 years of exploitation of their natural and human resources. Unless a well-organized policy of mass education is implemented in PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, any attempt to reclaim PoJK could lead to unforeseen consequences. In order to connect the current struggles of the people in PoJK with the goal of reunification with India, it is necessary to counter the false narrative that has been perpetuated for 75 years. A court here on Saturday extended the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) custody of four men allegedly linked to the terror organisation Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to August 11. On July 18, the Kothrud police in the city arrested Mohammad Imran Khan and Mohammad Yunus Saki, wanted by the National Investigation Agency in a terror-related case in Rajasthan. Subsequently, the ATS arrested Simab Nasaruddin Qazi. Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, arrested by the NIA in Thane, was also taken into custody by the Pune ATS in the same case. The ATS produced the four men in the court on Saturday. They were linked to the ISIS, and banned substances had been seized from them, the prosecution told the court. They were in touch with a suspected handler through email and phone and it was likely that more people were involved in the network, the ATS said. The accused carried out tests of electrical devices used in explosives and possessed technical knowledge of these things despite not being much qualified, the agency said, seeking extension of their custody. Meanwhile, a car with two pistols and five rounds inside was seized by ATS officials on Saturday evening from Kondhwa area during the ongoing probe. The seizure followed interrogation of Mohammad Imran Khan and Mohammad Yunus Saki, an official said. Defence chiefs from West African nations finalised an intervention plan on Friday and urged militaries to ready resources after negotiations deadlocked with Niger's military junta, which says it is severing military agreements with France, its former colonial ruler. With two days remaining before a deadline set by the regional bloc to release and reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or face possible force, the junta announced that it was firing some of the previous government's key ambassadors and warning citizens of the West African nation to watch for foreign armies and spies. In a plea published in a Washington Post opinion piece, Bazoum said, "I write this as a hostage" and urged the US and partners to help. The junta's announcement late on Thursday deepens the post-coup isolation for what had been the United States' and allies' last major security partner in the Sahel, the vast region south of the Sahara desert that Islamic extremist groups have turned into the global centre of terrorism. Niger's soldiers, who staged a mutiny on July 26, face a Sunday deadline set by the regional bloc known as ECOWAS, whose envoys arrived on Thursday for talks. But those discussions stalled, with the delegation unable to meet the coup leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, or go into the capital, Niamey, according to a person with close knowledge of the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment. However, defence chiefs from ECOWAS countries, excluding Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea and Niger, met on Friday in Abuja, Nigeria, concluding with several measures, including a military intervention outlined as recommendations to the regional leaders. "All the elements that would go into any eventual intervention have been brought out here and been refined, including the timing, the resources needed and the how and where and when we are going to deploy such a force," said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security. Musah did not say whether ECOWAS would deploy such a force at the end of the one-week deadline given to the junta, but added that the junta should reinstate Bazoum as president in the coming days or "we will make them hand over to the civilian authorities". Nigerian chief of defence staff asked the regional military chiefs to follow "a sense of urgency" and allocate the necessary resources as they had agreed. "ECOWAS will not be used for coups. Democracy is what we stand for and democracy is what we will sustain," said Christopher Musa, the Nigerian defence chief. He called for action to also address security lapses in West Africa, saying the latest mutiny highlights "the fragility of our region". The junta's announcement brought further scepticism about any deal. It said it was terminating the military agreements and protocols signed with France and announced the end of functions for Niger's ambassadors to France, the United States, Togo and neighbouring Nigeria, which is leading ECOWAS efforts on dialogue. "All aggression or attempt at aggression against the state of Niger will see an immediate response and without warning," said a spokesman for the coup leaders, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, with the exception of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, which have expressed support for the coup. Mali and Burkina Faso have said such an intervention would be a declaration of war against them. France's Foreign Ministry responded that Paris only recognises "the legitimate Nigerien authorities", dismissing the move by coup leaders. France reiterated its call for "the re-establishment of the democratic institutions of Niger", the ministry said. Bazoum wrote that Niger's security situation had been improving before the coup, in contrast to neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso that are led by military juntas, but said that is now at risk because Niger would lose aid from foreign partners and extremist groups would take advantage of the country's instability. "In our hour of need, I call on the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order," he wrote. France has 1,500 military personnel in Niger, which had been envisioned as the base for counter-terror operations in the region after anti-French sentiments grew elsewhere. The US has 1,100 military personnel in Niger, including at a key drone base, and indicates its reluctant to leave, especially with the growing influence of the Russian private military group Wagner in the Sahel. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters it was concerned about emerging regional tensions but the "interference by non-regional powers is unlikely to change the situation for the better". ECOWAS has been unsuccessful in stemming coups and is trying to change course with Niger in a region that has seen five of them in the past three years -- two each in Mali and Burkina Faso. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, fulfilling a legal requirement, informed lawmakers on Friday of the ECOWAS intention to intervene militarily in Niger if the coup leaders "remain recalcitrant". But there are risks that any intervention could get Bazoum killed, said James Barnett, a researcher specialising in West Africa at the Hudson Institute. "You would have to have a very surgical rescue operation to ensure that does not happen," he said. Another concern is that the junta might arm civilian militias to resist any intervention. "I fear the junta would gladly use its own people as cannon fodder or human shields, and ECOWAS militaries do not have a good record when it comes to avoiding collateral damage," Barnett said. Many people in Niamey did not appear concerned that ECOWAS will use force, while others wondered why the regional bloc has not had the same resolve to tackle extremist violence. "If ECOWAS has an army, it could mobilise 1,000 soldiers per country ... 15,000 soldiers. If ECOWAS was serious, why didn't it consider mobilising 15,000 soldiers to help Mali, Burkina and Niger, which are undergoing insecurity?" said Annassa Djibrilla, president of the Dynamic Citizen activist group. Niger's roughly 25 million (2.5 crore) people live in one of the poorest countries in the world, and any cuts in foreign aid could be disastrous. Already, citizens are feeling the effects after ECOWAS suspended all commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger and froze Nigerien assets held in regional central banks. The bloc's sanctions include halting energy transactions with Niger, which gets up to 90 per cent of its power from Nigeria, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. Earlier this week, power transmission from Nigeria to Niger was cut off, an official at one of Nigeria's main electricity companies said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment. The People's Coalition for the Sahel, an informal alliance of several dozen Sahelian and West African civil society organisations, expressed concern for the military takeover and called for the protection of civilian populations to be a priority for all parties. "Nigerien civil and political liberties must be preserved and safeguarded, including protecting the rights of civil society organisations and human rights defenders to continue their activities freely and safely," the group said in a statement. After months of combing through more than 1,000 amendments, the US Senate finally passed its version of the National Defence Authorisation Act last week - and as has been the case in recent years, it was ripe with measures to counter China. The NDAA, legislation that establishes the top-line budget and directs policy for the Pentagon for the coming financial year, is a "must-pass" bill because its enactment is required for members of the military to receive their pay and benefits on time. As a result, provisions not strictly tied to defence often make it into the bill. The Democrat-led Senate passed its version by 86-11, while the Republican-led House narrowly passed its version earlier in July, 219-210. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Reconciliation of the two into a single bill comes next, ahead of sending it to US President Joe Biden to sign into law, typically near the end of the year. With speculation rife that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered People's Liberation Army troops to be ready to take Taiwan by force by 2027, the self-ruled island has been increasingly featured in recent NDAAs. Both versions of the bill have many provisions dealing with Taipei's defence, including assessments of a blockade of fuel to China and other military options in the event of a PLA attack on Taiwan. And for the first time, the NDAA - at least in its House version - calls on the secretaries of State and Defence to maintain a non-combatant evacuation plan for Taiwan. Beijing regards Taiwan as a rogue province that must be eventually be united with the mainland, by force if necessary. Like most countries, the United States - Taiwan's biggest informal ally and arms supplier - does not recognise the island as an independent state. But Washington is committed by law to support Taiwan's military defence capability - a stance Beijing strongly opposes. Story continues Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said that the numerous Taiwan-related provisions in the NDAA indicate a congressional convergence on the likelihood of a conflict with Beijing. "Such new measures appear to have given a more ominous signal of those anxieties," he said. An amphibious landing exercise conducted by the People's Liberation Army marine corps in the Taiwan Strait. Photo: CCTV alt=An amphibious landing exercise conducted by the People's Liberation Army marine corps in the Taiwan Strait. Photo: CCTV> In addition to requesting an overall assessment of Taiwan's defence needs and US military readiness for war, the House version of the bill seeks a feasibility analysis of a US naval blockade of fossil fuels to China in the event of armed conflict. The Senate version requires a risk analysis of a sustained Chinese military blockade of the island, as well as a report on the "range of geopolitical and economic consequences" of a conflict in 2030. It would double the frequency of Pentagon briefings to Congress on Beijing's military posture from annually to every six months. Building on similar measures in last year's NDAA, the Senate bill would also establish a "comprehensive" training, advising, and institutional capacity-building programme for Taiwan's military - the better to improve Taiwan's ability to defend itself. For its part, the House bill wants the Pentagon to consider establishing a combined US-Taiwan military planning group. It also calls on the defence secretary to invite Taiwan to the US-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercises within 30 days of the bill's enactment - setting a deadline for the invitation for the first time. RIMPAC, the world's largest maritime exercise - involving vessels from more than two dozen navies - has been held every other year since 1992 without Taiwan, despite previous legislative calls to include the island. And for the first time, both bills call for cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan to "actively defend military networks, infrastructure and systems". In recent months, Taipei has accused Beijing of increasing its cyberattacks at the island, and The New York Times has reported that the Biden administration has directed a search for hidden malware that could interrupt US military operations in the event of a conflict with China. An Island that lies inside Taiwan's territory is seen with the mainland city of Xiamen in the background. Photo: Getty Images alt=An Island that lies inside Taiwan's territory is seen with the mainland city of Xiamen in the background. Photo: Getty Images> But as with previous years, the bills largely avoid measures that explicitly challenge the US's one-China policy, in which Washington "acknowledges" Beijing's position that Taiwan is part of China. The House bill includes a provision barring the Pentagon from funding any map that depicts "Taiwan, Kinmen [also known as Quemoy], Matsu, Penghu, Wuciou, Green Island or Orchid Island as part of the territory of the People's Republic of China". But this provision contradicts recent US government guidance on maps and is likely to be diluted, as happened last year with a similar proposal in a funding bill for the State Department. Hu Bo, a maritime strategy specialist at Peking University, said that the congressional efforts to bolster Taiwan reflected the Pentagon's "continuous" effort to engage the island, including by increasing the presence of US troops there. "Recently, Washington seemingly wants to reduce the attention and sensitivity regarding Taiwan issues," Hu added, suggesting that the Pentagon intends "to do more and say less". Analysts also question the practicality of some of the proposals. Oriana Skylar Mastro, a fellow at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, called an energy blockade by the US "very feasible" but was sceptical since any PLA attack would likely occur too quickly for such a move to work. "If China finds itself in a protracted war with the US in which that might come into play, it's already in trouble," said Mastro, who is also a non-resident senior fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute. The NDAA drafts also focus on efforts to check Beijing's technological advancement. The Senate bill requires US businesses to notify the Treasury Department before investing in Chinese technologies like advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum information science and hypersonics, areas crucial to the development of military capabilities. Senator Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat who is a cosponsor of the measure, said that it "would shed visibility on US investments going to China in highly sensitive and critical sectors". The White House is expected to release an executive order on outbound investment later this month, which is likely to focus on similar sectors. Responding to the Senate proposal last week, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said: "Arbitrarily placing curbs for normal investment activities in the industrial community and private sectors violates the principle of market economy, disrupts the global industrial and supply chains and will only end up hurting the US investors." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that restricting investments in China would only hurt US investors. Photo: AP alt=Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that restricting investments in China would only hurt US investors. Photo: AP> The House bill calls for the Pentagon's annual China Military Power report to include an assessment of emerging technological developments by Beijing. And both versions take aim at funding towards Beijing, with prohibitions against Pentagon financing research in China, including at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and the EcoHealth Alliance, a US-based non-profit that has partnered with the Wuhan institute. A Senate proposal to keep Chinese firms out of a federal government investment plan was cut, however. As with previous years, restricting Chinese influence in the US remains a focal point. The Senate bill bans entities from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea entities from purchasing American farmland and agricultural businesses - which the sponsoring legislators justified by using food security and espionage claims. The same amendment calls for adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) - the inter-agency committee that screens inbound foreign investment. The House bill includes a measure that would require researchers financed by the Pentagon to disclose personal information like their nationality and educational background - a move that the White House strongly opposes, criticising it for adding administrative burdens, creating "an inadvertent national security risk" and likely deterring the Pentagon's ability "to attract the best and brightest foreign scientists". Several House measures hope to block Chinese ideological influence, including one that prohibits Pentagon support for films that have been censored by China. Both versions target Confucius Institutes, which would effectively close all existing institutes in the US by 2026. Both the Senate and House bills also bolster existing regional security initiatives in the Indo-Pacific. The Senate version supports programmes like a maritime domain awareness initiative with regional allies - including Australia, Japan and India - and the Indo-Pacific Campaigning Initiative, which would increase the frequency of US military exercises and partner engagements in the region. The Senate bill leaves out language that would fast track the transfer of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, part of an effort to persuade the Biden administration - which has already committed to providing such submarines to its Aukus ally - to invest more in domestic production before sending them abroad. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Syrias main insurgent al-Qaida-linked group denied it was behind the killing of the Islamic State group's leader in the countrys northwest saying it would have otherwise claimed responsibility. The security arm of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, made the announcement Friday night, a day after IS blamed the Syrian insurgent group for the death of its little-known leader, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurayshi, who headed the extremist organization since November. We categorically deny this claim, the spokesman of HTS, General Security Diaa al-Omar, said in a terse statement. He said HTS would continue to fight evil acts by IS in rebel-held parts of Syria, adding that had his group been behind al-Qurayshis death we would have given the good news to Muslims and announced it directly. Al-Qurayshi was the fourth IS leader to be killed since the group was founded by Iraqi militant Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and declared a caliphate in large parts of Syria and Iraq in June 2014 before its defeat years later. Abu Hafs al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi was named the groups new leader on Thursday. The Islamic State group broke away from al-Qaida a decade ago and attracted supporters from around the world. Despite its defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, IS militants still carry out deadly attacks in both countries and elsewhere. Since IS broke away from al-Qaida, both groups fought deadly battles over the past years in northern Syria. In April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkish intelligence agents had killed al-Qurayshi in northern Syria a statement that IS denied saying he was killed by HTS and was later handed over to Turkish authorities. Cambodias electoral body on Saturday announced the final results of last months election, sealing a landslide victory for the ruling party of long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen and a mandate for the next five years. In an announcement on TVK state television and government social media platforms, the countrys National Election Committee said Hun Sen's Cambodian Peoples Party won 120 of 125 available seats in the July 23 general election. The royalist Funcinpec Party won five seats, while none of the other 16 political parties gained any seats. The Cambodian Peoples Party received 6,398,311 votes from a total of 8.2 million ballots cast in the popular vote. Funcinpec garnered 716,490 popular votes. There were 8.2 million paper ballots cast, including more than 7.7 million valid votes and 440,154 voided by the committee. In a widely anticipated move, Hun Sen announced on July 27 he was stepping down at the end of the month and handing the premiership to his oldest son, Hun Manet, the countrys army chief. The change in the Cambodian Peoples Party comes after an election that Western countries and rights organizations criticized as neither free nor fair, in large part because the country's main opposition, the Candlelight Party, was barred from the election. The new national leader, Hun Manet, 45, won his first seat in Parliament in July's election. The handover is part of a larger, generational shift: Many younger lawmakers are expected to take up ministerial positions, including Hun Sens youngest son and others related to older party members. Many were educated in the West, like Hun Manet, who has a bachelors degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a masters degree from New York University and a doctorate from Bristol University in Britain, all in economics. Hun Sen, who turned 71 on Saturday, progressively tightened his grip on power during 38 years in office, making him Asias longest-serving leader. He also ushered in a free-market economy that raised the standards of living for many Cambodians. Although stepping aside for his heir, Hun Sen is expected to retain a large amount of control as his partys president and the Senate president. I will still have the ability to serve the interests of the people and help the government oversee the countrys security and public order, as well as joining them in guiding the development of the country, Hun Sen said on July 27. Hun Sen first became known as a middle-tier commander in the radical communist Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, which was blamed for the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians from starvation, illness and executions. He defected to neighboring Vietnam and quickly became a senior member of the new Cambodian government when Hanoi ousted the Khmer Rouge from power in 1979 and helped bring an end to three decades of civil war. Under Hun Sen, Cambodia moved up from a low-income country to a lower middle-income status in 2015 and expects to attain middle-income status by 2030, according to the World Bank. Despite the overall improvement, the gap between Cambodia's rich and poor has widened, deforestation has spread at an alarming rate and land grabs by Hun Sens domestic allies and foreign investors have become widespread. After a 2013 challenge from the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party that the Cambodian Peoples Party barely overcame at the polls, Hun Sen responded by going after opposition leaders, leading to the party's eventual dissolution by the countrys sympathetic courts. Ahead of last month's election, the pattern of crushing any serious opposition repeated when the National Election Committee used a technicality to ban the Candlelight Party, which was the unofficial successor to the Cambodian National Rescue Party. The European Union said the vote was conducted in a restricted political and civic space where the opposition, civil society and the media were unable to function effectively without hindrance. The U.S. went a step further, saying it had taken steps to impose visa restrictions on individuals who undermined democracy and implemented a pause of foreign assistance programs after determining the elections were neither free nor fair. At his first post-election appearance on Thursday to inaugurate the new government, Hun Sen said that following the announcement of the election committee's final result, he planned to make the endorsement of Hun Manet as the next prime minister to King Norodom Sihamoni on Aug. 7. Declaring Thursday's event his last speech as prime minister, Hun Sen said the newly elected National Assembly will hold its first meeting on Aug. 21 and the following day will confirm the new leadership of the lower house and cabinet ministers. Former Mongolian President Enkhbayar Nambar called on Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar here on Saturday. Both the leaders underlined the cherished ideals of democracy and freedom that form the foundation of India-Mongolia relations, the Vice President Secretariat said in a tweet. They also committed to further strengthening the spiritual, cultural and civilisational ties between the two nations. Last year in September during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Mongolia, he was gifted a majestic horse by the country's president. This came at least seven years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a similar gift from the leadership of the country. "A special gift from our special friends in Mongolia. I have named this magnificent beauty, Tejas. Thank you, President Khurelsukh. Thank you Mongolia," Singh had tweeted sharing the the pictures of the white horse. Singh had also called on Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and reviewed the strategic bilateral ties. H.E. Mr. Enkhbayar Nambar, former President of Mongolia called on the Hon'ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas today. Both leaders underlined the cherished ideals of democracy and freedom that form the foundation of India-Mongolia relations, and pic.twitter.com/bxmzldCfKZ Vice President of India (@VPIndia) August 5, 2023 Excellent meeting with the President of Mongolia, H.E. U. Khurelsukh in Ulaanbaatar. Recalled my last meeting with him in 2018, when he was the Prime Minister of the country. We are fully committed to further deepening our multifaceted Strategic Partnership with Mongolia," he had stated in a tweet. In another curb on women's rights and freedom in Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned girls over 10 years of age from attending primary school classes up to third grade approving a slew of restrictions that impact women's education. The Taliban-ruled Ministry of Education has instructed the school principals and teachers to make an announcement in the Ghazni province that any girl over 10 years of age is not allowed to study in primary schools, according to reports. In some schools, the local authorities of the Ministry for Preaching and Guidance, formerly the Womens Affairs Ministry, were separating the girls and boys based on their gender and age, and female students above the third grade were asked to go home. The hardline Islamist regime did not provide any logical reasoning for preventing girls over 10 years of age from attending primary school classes. Last year, the Taliban-run higher education ministry in Afghanistan made a formal announcement about banning women and girls from universities until further notice, a move that impacted the education of Afghan females. Taliban justified the ban on university education saying that the women have to be accompanied by male relatives to the educational institutes, but despite the clear instructions, they have been violating the "laws." Afghan women chant slogans and hold placards during a protest against the Taliban in Kabul. Credit: AP The minister for higher education in the Taliban's de facto government, Neda Mohammad, argued that the Afghan women were ignoring the Islamic instructions based on the Sharia law. They were not adhering to the appropriate moral dress and did not take their male relative along with them to public places in accordance with Islamic rules. Nadeem said that the Afghan women's behaviour was in breach of the country's Islamic moral code of conduct as they were dressed like they were "attending a wedding function". Taliban ban beauty salons in Afghanistan Last week, the fundamentalist regime of the Taliban announced a ban on women's beauty salons in Afghanistan following a one-month deadline. Sadiq Akif Mahjer, the spokesman for the Taliban-run Virtue and Vice Ministry, said that the salons must adhere to the order, but he did not elaborate on whether the Taliban would resort to force against the salons if they do not comply. The ruling was slammed globally as an attempt to stifle women's rights as they had already been banned from education and employment. In its explanation, the Taliban said that it decided to ban beauty salons as they offered expensive grooming services that are forbidden by Islam and caused economic hardship for the families of grooms during the wedding season. Dozens of beauticians and makeup artists gathered in Kabul and protested against the rule, arguing that it would render them unemployed. They were met with fire hoses, tasers, and resonating sounds of gunshots for their defiant movement against the regime. Taliban issued a letter that outlined the verbal order of ban from the supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. The document, which mentioned June 25 as the initial deadline, did not give any specific reasons for the ban. The ruling sparked widespread condemnation including from the United Nations which said in a statement that it was engaged with the authorities in Afghanistan to get the ban on beauty salons reversed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he supports the efforts by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which has called on the de facto authorities to halt the edict closing beauty salons." UNAMA said that such restrictions on womens rights will not only negatively impact the economy but also contradicts the support of womens entrepreneurship. Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has said that if ex-United States President Trump comes to power in 2024, Washington more likely will leave the Western military bloc North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Bolton, who served in the Trump administration for over a year, warned during an interview with NewsNation that Trump's re-election would threaten US' relationship with NATO. Labelling the Republican leader's foreign policy as "erratic" and self-serving, Bolton said, "Donald Trump doesnt really have a philosophy, as we understand it in political terms." "He [Trump] doesnt think in policy directions when he makes decisions, certainly in the national security space. Its really all connected with how things benefit Donald Trump," Bolton stated. Trump's foreign dealings failed: Bolton While many Republicans tout Trump's foreign policy as the best during his tenure in the White House, Bolton argued that Trump will pull out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization if he is reelected. He doesnt think in policy directions when he makes decisions, certainly in the national security space. Its all connected with how things benefit Donald Trump," Bolton said about Trump. During his campaign, Trump reminded the American voters that there were no wars during his presidency in 2020. He opposed the "globalist" interests and claimed that he would avoid "World War III," as well as end the war in Ukraine within "24 hours." Trump administration is credited with brokering the historic peace agreements between Israel UAE, Bahrain Sudan and Morroco via the Abraham Accords. Trump's administration also struck the trade deals between the US, Mexico and Canada. Those who make these claims about what Trump did in his first term dont really understand how we got to the places we did. Because many of the things they now give Trump credit for, he wanted to go in the opposite direction," Bolton said of the Republican supporters. Trump's National Security Adviser reminded that Trump torpedoed the Iran Nuclear Deal, and his negotiations with the Taliban led to the withdrawal of the US military from Kabul. US withdrawal from Afghanistan was a disastrous mistake, Bolton stated, adding that not only did Trump's dealings with Iran failed but he threatened the US relationship with NATO. In a second Trump term, wed almost certainly withdraw from NATO, Bolton claimed. Authorities in Iran are expanding their reach in their efforts to enforce compliance with the country's strict hijab law by pushing popular start-up companies to police their younger, tech-savvy employees. In recent weeks, the operations of at least three web-based companies -- the DigiKala online retailer, the Azki.com insurance company, and the Taaghche book app -- have been shut down. In each case, the closures came after the emergence of photographs showing female employees without the mandatory head scarf. The images had reportedly been posted on employees' personal social-media accounts, not by the companies themselves. But that did not prevent the authorities from going after the start-ups that until recently had been touted for their successful, cutting-edge business models. The pressure on such firms comes after Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili said on July 27 that action would be taken against start-up companies if their employees failed to comply with the Chastity and Hijab Law. But observers say Tehran is playing a dangerous game that threatens to further alienate the younger generation and potentially make entrepreneurs and foreign investors think twice about bringing modern businesses to the Islamic republic. The start-ups that have come under scrutiny vary in their organization, with some being private, some semi-private, and some having strong ties to the government either directly or indirectly, Amir Rashidi, the New-York-based director of Internet security and digital rights at the Miaan Group, told RFE/RL. But they all share common traits and differ from the old way of doing business in Iran, in that they employ young, educated people to deliver services to younger customers using modern technology. "The kind of culture that exists [at the companies] is usually not the kind of culture that could represent the culture of the Iranian government," Rashidi said. "Because this is the new generation. These are the techie people. These are the most connected population of Iranians, who are connected to the outside world because of the Internet, because of the job that they do, who have more opportunity to be in touch with [people] outside the country." In the wake of months of street protests that broke out last year against the Islamic dress code and the clerical establishment, hard-liners have sought to strengthen the Chastity and Hijab Law. According to new draft legislation presented by parliament late last month, fines of up to $720 can be levied against women who defy the law, along with prison sentences of up to three years. The revision of the law was prompted by the protests that began following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was arrested for an alleged hijab violation, and has been described by prominent members of the clerical establishment as necessary to preserve the Islamic republic's fundamental values. Amid a crackdown on the antiestablishment protests that resulted in at least 500 deaths since September, the authorities have disrupted Internet access multiple times and have gone after individuals who used social media to show support for the demonstrations by posting pictures of themselves without head scarves. Prominent female celebrities and athletes have been among those targeted, including three film and television actresses who were sentenced last month and diagnosed as having personality disorders after they were photographed without their hijabs. On July 23, the pressure on start-ups began with the suspension of DigiKala's business. And just a day before parliament published the text of the new Chastity and Hijab bill, and hours after Esmailis warning to start-ups, a legal case was filed on July 27 against the book retailer Taaghche, along with similar actions against Azki.com. The shutdown of the companies had an immediate effect, with customers expressing dismay at being cut off from purchasing books, products, and services online, and business associations warning that the action would harm efforts to develop the business sector. Since then, Azki.com and Taaghche have been allowed to resume operations after releasing public commitments that they and their employees would adhere to the Chastity and Hijab Law. The situation at DigiKala, often described as Iran's Amazon online retailer, remains unclear. On August 2, a post on the company's website said that the "violation" depicted in a photograph posted on the personal site of one of its employees "was not approved by the company's management." DigiKala, the statement continued, "always considers itself obligated to comply with all national laws" and the company hoped that by being allowed to resume operations it "can play a more substantial role in better serving the people and economy of the Islamic republic." Then, within hours, the statement was inexplicably removed, and the company's offices remain sealed and its business suspended. In its effort to exert control over the start-ups, which have been lauded as examples of Iran's ability to successfully launch modern companies on its own despite the hurdle of international sanctions, Tehran is essentially forcing them to police their own employees. But the approach has been met with warnings by the Association of Emerging Businesses of Iran, which following Azki.com's closure said that such suspensions presented a "big and crisis-causing obstacle" to the development of the private sector. Rashidi expressed skepticism that "using people against people" would work, both at the societal and business level. He says that in the absence of digital rights and the recent emphasis on compliance with the Chastity and Hijab Law, the government will be able to catch offenders more easily and to fine and even arrest them. But in the end, he said, "it's going to create more tension and challenges." And outside investors and partners of Iranian companies are likely to take note as well, Rashidi said. "Some of these companies have investors from outside Iran," he said. "And this definitely will affect those companies, because they don't want to be seen internationally as a supporter of censorship." Independent Russian media outlet Mediazona says the latest sentence handed down to jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny will include his previous sentence, meaning he is scheduled to serve a total of 19 years in Russia's harshest prison regime after being found guilty on charges of extremism. Mediazona on August 5 also reported that the politician was cleared of four other charges in the trial held in a facility set up by the Moscow City Court at the prison 250 kilometers east of the capital, where the 47-year-old is being held. Mediazona reported the details after what it said was an analysis of the audio recording from the courtroom. It previously wasn't clear if Navalnys new 19-year sentence would be in addition to or included his previous nine-year term on embezzlement charges. A Navalny aide said the 10 months the politician served under house arrest in 2014-15 would also be taken into account. The sentence will be considered to have started when Navalny was arrested upon his return to Russia in January 2021, the Mediazona analysis indicated. There was no official confirmation on the details or whether the new sentence would be served concurrently or consecutively to the previous term. Navalny was convicted on three counts: financing extremism, creating an extremist community, and calls for extremism. The Mediazona report said the court cleared Navalny of criminal liability on four other charges based on the statute of limitations: rehabilitation of Nazism, involvement of minors in the commission of dangerous acts, the creation of a nonprofit organization that encroaches on the rights of citizens, and on public calls for extremism. Navalny, his allies, rights groups, and Western governments say all the charges are politically motivated. The U.S. State Department called the latest verdict "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial," comments echoed by the European Union, which called for Navalny's immediate release. "The latest verdict in yet another sham trial against Aleksei Navalny is unacceptable. This arbitrary conviction is the response to his courage to speak critically against the Kremlins regime," European Council President Charles Michel said in a social-media post after the verdict was announced. Amnesty International called the new sentence "little more than a stealthily imposed life sentence" and "a sinister act of political vengeance that not only targets Navalny personally but serves as a warning to state critics across the country." The prosecution, which sought a 20-year prison sentence, had asked the court to order Navalny serve any new prison term in a special regime prison, a term that refers a prison with the highest level of security and the harshest restrictions for inmates. The designation comes even though Russian law states it should be given to those with life sentences or "especially dangerous recidivists." Navalny reacted to the sentence on Facebook, saying the number of years did not matter. "I perfectly understand that, like many political prisoners, I am sitting on a life sentence. Where life is measured by the term of my life or the term of life of this regime," he said. Navalny urged Russians to keep resisting the Kremlin and what he said are its attempts to "frighten" Russians "and deprive you of the will to resist." He added that Russians are being forced to surrender their country "without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power.... Don't lose the will to resist." Despite harassment, arrests, physical attacks, and the nerve-agent poisoning in August 2020, Navalny continues to play the role of opposition agitator, striving to remain relevant even in isolation. Russian forces struck a blood-transfusion center in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, causing deaths, and other missiles blasted Ukrainian aerospace firm Motor Sich's facility in western Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, hours after two Russian ships were damaged in explosions in apparent drone attacks in the Kerch Strait. A "guided air bomb" struck the Kupyansk city center, a few kilometers from the Russian border, late on August 5, the Ukrainian president said on social media. He added that "there were dead and wounded" and that rescue crews were still "extinguishing the fire" late into the night. Those remarks came shortly after Zelenskiy said a Russian missile strike hit Ukrainian aerospace firm Motor Sich's facility in western Ukraine. There was no immediate word of casualties. The reports could not immediately be confirmed. "Today, there was another Russian missile attack against our country, Zelenskiy said on August 5 in his regular evening address following the attack on the aerospace firm. "They hit Motor Sich" with Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles and Kalibr projectiles in the Khmelnytskiy region, he added. The Khmelnytskiy region -- in western Ukraine, away from the front lines and about 300 kilometers southwest of Kyiv -- has previously been hit by suspected Kinzhal missiles launched by Russian MiG-31 warplanes. A Ukrainian court seized the assets and all shares of the aerospace company two years ago. Late last year, its assets were nationalized along with those of four other companies to guarantee sufficient military supplies as it fights to repel the Russian invasion. The former head of Motor Sich, Vyacheslav Bohuslayev, was arrested in October 2022 and accused of having aided Russia in its invasion. He denied all charges. Elsewhere, an oil tanker became the second Russian vessel to be damaged in two days in what Moscow said was a Ukrainian drone attack overnight in the Kerch Strait, close to a bridge that links Moscow-occupied Crimea with Russia. Russian state news agency TASS quoted the Marine Rescue Coordination Center as saying that Russian tanker SIG's engine room was damaged by a Ukrainian attack but that the crew was safe and work was under way to tow the vessel, which could not move by itself following the attack. 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. Several crew members were injured by broken glass, according to Vladimir Rogov, a Moscow-installed official in the partially occupied southern Zaporizhzhya region of Ukraine. Kyiv has not explicitly claimed responsibility for the attack, but Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, said on August 5 that Ukrainian capabilities to strike Russia were becoming increasingly competitive. "With each new combat mission, Ukrainian combat UAVs and naval drones become more accurate, operators more experienced, combat coordination more effective, and manufacturers get opportunities to improve tactical and technical characteristics," Danilov wrote on social media, adding, "August was particularly successful for Ukrainian hunters." Danilov said that Ukraine will expand "the scale, range of combat operations, the level, and severity of Russian losses." "Russian targets are the best training ground for Ukrainian weapons," he said. Vasyl Malyuk, the head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), said that any such incident was "an absolutely logical and effective step with regard to the enemy." Separately, the Ukrainian agency for navigation and hydrographic services warned on August 5 that six Russian Black Sea ports were in a "war risk area." In a statement on its website, the agency named the six ports as Anapa, Novorossiisk, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Sochi, and Taman. Earlier, an SBU official told AP that the service was responsible for the attack, which was carried out by a naval drone filled with 450 kilograms of TNT. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give official statements, said the vessel was supplying fuel to Russian forces. The SIG tanker was put under sanctions by the United States in 2019 for supplying jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria. The incident comes a day after a Russian Navy vessel was seriously damaged in the port of Novorossiisk by a drone attack claimed by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). In the attack on August 4, a Ukrainian naval drone carrying 450 kilograms of TNT struck the Russian Navy base in Novorossiisk, causing extensive damage to a Russian warship docked there, sources in the SBU told RFE/RL. The sources shared a video with RFE/RL purportedly showing the landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak from the perspective of a camera mounted on the naval drone that ceases its video feed at the moment of the alleged impact. The sources said some 100 crew members were on board the ship. "The special operation was carried out together with the navy," one of the sources told RFE/RL. "As a result, the Olenegorsky Gornyak incurred a large hole and is currently unable to perform its combat tasks. Therefore, all the Russians' statements about the 'repulsed attack' are fake." The claim could not be independently verified. Some posts on social media -- which could not be verified -- showed a ship reported to be the Olenegorsky Gornyak listing severely in the port while being towed. The attack reportedly prompted a temporary halt of ship movements in Novorossiisk, one of Russia's main commercial ports. Attacks in and around the Black Sea have increased since Russia refused to extend a Turkey- and UN-sponsored deal that allowed the shipping of Ukrainian grain by sea. In Ukraine, two successive air-raid alerts for the whole country were declared in the morning on August 5. Also on August 5, Russia said it dispatched an Su-30 fighter jet over the Black Sea to "prevent a violation of the Russian state border by a U.S. drone. The Russian Defense Ministry said the crew identified the drone as a U.S. Air Force MQ-9A Reaper reconnaissance drone. "As the Russian fighter approached, the foreign reconnaissance drone performed a U-turn," the ministry said. "The Russian aircraft returned safely to its airbase, there was no violation of the border." U.S. officials didn't immediately comment. On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces were continuing their offensive operations in the Berdyansk and Melitopol sectors of the southern region of Zaporizhzhya, the General Staff said in its report on August 5, adding that a total of 36 combat battles took place over the past 24 hours. With reporting by Reuters and AFP People in Turkmenistan now have no functioning instant-messaging app after the last existing one, IMO, became inaccessible in the country. All other messaging apps and social media were already blocked by the authoritarian government in Ashgabat, leaving its citizens nominally cut off from the rest of the world. The Central Asian country has repeatedly been cited by international experts as having the slowest Internet in the world. That snail-paced speed has slowed down even further in recent weeks, making it impossible to open websites and effectively "making IMO disappear" from the country, residents say. "IMO no longer works and everything else was blocked long ago," an Ashgabat resident told RFE/RL via e-mail on August 3. "Even [foreign] television channels are disappearing [from the Internet]. We can't watch Euronews for about a week already," the resident said on condition of anonymity. Some Turkmen continue to access blocked social-media sites via virtual private networks (VPNs) -- risking government retaliation -- but the crawling Internet makes it virtually impossible for many to open sites. Customers say the Internet has been unprecedentedly slow even by Turkmen standards. Along with being extremely slow, it is also one the most expensive services worldwide. A report by the U.K.-based Cable.co.uk on worldwide broadband speed found that Turkmenistan -- with an average Internet speed of 0.50 megabits per second (Mbps) -- was the slowest of all 224 countries and territories surveyed in 2021. The report said it took about 22 hours and 34 minutes to download a film with a size of 5 gigabytes. IMO was the last instant-messaging app still available in Turkmenistan after the authorities blocked the ICQ messenger in late April. WhatsApp, Viber, and other apps have long been inaccessible in Turkmenistan, along with social-media sites like Facebook, Twitter, VK, Odnoklassniki, and the video-sharing platform YouTube. Most online independent and foreign media that focus on Turkmenistan cannot be opened inside the country without a VPN. The Turkmen government is known for taking extreme measures to control the flow of information to and from the country and keeping its people in international isolation. There are no independent media outlets in Turkmenistan and all radio, TV, newspaper, and online news sites are controlled by the state. The government also controls people's movement by preventing many from traveling abroad -- even removing passengers from foreign-bound flights despite valid tickets and visas. "The only means for me to contact people in the outside world is e-mail, which still is accessible via smartphones," the Ashgabat resident said. But they ask not to call them directly via mobile phone or land line because the Turkmen "security services monitor overseas phone calls." Several people told RFE/RL's Turkmen Service that they had complained to the Internet provider -- state-owned Turkmentelecom -- about the continued worsening of the speed of the Internet, but that nothing changed. Others said they tried purchasing more expensive packages with a greater data allowance, hoping to get faster Internet. But they said it was a waste of money, as the Internet remained snaillike regardless of the costlier deals. In 2022, then-President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov ordered the National Security Ministry to impose further controls on an already shackled Internet. Speaking at a televised session of the State Security Council, Berdymukhammedov complained that "control over the Internet had not been properly conducted in 2021." He ordered security services to focus more on people who post "ideas damaging to Turkmenistan's constitutional structures, actions that disrupt social order, and propagate terrorism, extremism, ultranationalism, and other illegal activities." Nothing has changed since he stepped down as president last year and installed his son, Serdar, to replace him. Turkmen authorities are aware that some people access social media via VPNs. In June, police summoned several locally known bloggers and influencers and warned them to only post content that showed Turkmenistan in a positive light. Police said criticism of the government on social media could mean prison, some of the bloggers told RFE/RL. Officers warned that even liking or commenting on content critical of the government was prohibited and could be seen as "anti-government activity," they said. Those who were summoned by the police were young influencers who use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share videos, promote services and products, talk about themselves, or express their opinion on various -- mostly nonpolitical -- topics. State media in Turkmenistan only promote the government's narrative of a "happy and prosperous" nation, depicting staged images and state-organized events and parades. The media and officials make no mention of the severe economic crisis, poverty, and unemployment that have plagued the gas-rich state for several years. Written and reported by Farangis Najibullah with additional reporting by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service From afar, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in his nightly video address called on global representatives gathered in Saudi Araba for a summit on the Ukraine war to ensure that rules-based international order be maintained, even in the face of disagreements over other world affairs. "Different continents, different political approaches to world affairs. But all are united by the priority of international law," he said on August 5. Zelenskiy said that "the international rules-based order, violated by Russian aggression, must be restored." He also urged that the participants of the summit -- attended by some 40 countries and organizations, including the European Union, Britain, the United States, and China, but not Russia -- conduct additional bilateral negotiations while there in an effort to bring a "just peace" to Ukraine and an end to Russian "bombs and missiles." The first day of the two-day meeting in Jeddah concluded late on August 5 with no joint statement after a long closed session but with further meetings scheduled for August 6. A European source told AFP agreements had been reached on several matters, including the principle that respect for Ukraine's "territorial integrity and sovereignty" should be "at the heart of any peace settlement." Four members of the so-called BRICS group -- which have close ties to Russia -- did attend: Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. "China participated actively and was positive" about further meetings, the European source said. Western diplomats said Saudi efforts were key in bringing China to the summit. Saudi Arabia has attempted to maintain relations with both Russia and Ukraine since the Kremlin's Februrary 2022 invasion. China and India have also maintained close ties with Russia and have not condemned the Kremlin for the war. The head of Brazils delegation, Celso Amorim, said in prepared remarks seen by AFP that "any real negotiation must include all parties," including Russia. "Although Ukraine is the biggest victim, if we really want peace, we have to involve Moscow in this process in some form," he said. The gathering is part of a drive by Kyiv to reach out to countries outside of its core Western backers. Zelenskiy has expressed hopes that participants can agree to principles for a summit of global leaders in the autumn. Although not attending, Russia said it would monitor the talks. With reporting by AFP and Reuters Key Insights Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Close Brothers Group's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions A total of 11 investors have a majority stake in the company with 51% ownership Analyst forecasts along with ownership data serve to give a strong idea about prospects for a business Every investor in Close Brothers Group plc (LON:CBG) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 88% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). And institutional investors endured the highest losses after the company's share price fell by 4.7% last week. This set of investors may especially be concerned about the current loss, which adds to a one-year loss of 17% for shareholders. Institutions or "liquidity providers" control large sums of money and therefore, these types of investors usually have a lot of influence over stock price movements. As a result, if the decline continues, institutional investors may be pressured to sell Close Brothers Group which might hurt individual investors. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Close Brothers Group. View our latest analysis for Close Brothers Group What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Close Brothers Group? Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing. Close Brothers Group already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Close Brothers Group, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. Story continues Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Close Brothers Group. Our data shows that abrdn plc is the largest shareholder with 12% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 6.3% and 5.2%, of the shares outstanding, respectively. After doing some more digging, we found that the top 11 have the combined ownership of 51% in the company, suggesting that no single shareholder has significant control over the company. While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily. Insider Ownership Of Close Brothers Group The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. Our data suggests that insiders own under 1% of Close Brothers Group plc in their own names. Keep in mind that it's a big company, and the insiders own UK2.2m worth of shares. The absolute value might be more important than the proportional share. Arguably, recent buying and selling is just as important to consider. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership With a 11% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Close Brothers Group. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Close Brothers Group you should know about. Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Harrison County Supervisor Kent Jones is once again faced with losing the liability bond that allows him to hold office with a contested Democratic primary for his seat only days away. The company that issued his bond, Zurich Surety, first announced it would be canceled after Mississippi State Auditor Shad White formally accused Jones of fraudulently spending county money and demanded that it be repaid. Jones has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime. The auditors investigation and May 18 demand prompted Zurich to notify the county in a June 19 letter that his $100,000 bond would be canceled. The company changed its mind, withdrawing the cancellation notice on July 13 without explanation. The back-and-forth about the bond between the county and insurers has created an uproar on the Board of Supervisors. And the latest development hit days before the August 8 primary. Jones faces Democratic challengers Chris Fisher, a Gulfport attorney and former assistant district attorney, and John Johnson, who has previously served on the county school board and as an interim supervisor. The winner will claim the seat because no independent or third-party candidates are running. County shouldnt defend Jones, supervisor says Board attorney Tim Holleman told supervisors in a July 24 meeting that he believes Jones bond might have been reinstated because of questions Jones attorney raised about the auditors demand. The letter attorney Warren Conway of Gulfport sent the auditors office was copied to Zurich, Holleman said. But Supervisor Marlin Ladner was incensed over separate correspondence: an email Holleman sent answering questions for insurers as they tried to find another bond for Jones after the initial cancellation notice. Jones said during the meeting that the county has a responsibility to secure a bond for him. In the email, Holleman addressed the auditors demand by saying all items bought at Jones request are still in the countys possession and purchasing laws were followed to buy them. Story continues But Ladner said the Board of Supervisors never approved Hollemans correspondence and has taken no position on the auditors demand. Harrison County Board of Supervisors: Marlin Ladner, Rebecca Powers, Connie Rockco, Beverly Martin and Kent Jones. More on state auditors demand The county spent money on items Jones requested for the press box above the Amos Crouch ball field in District 4, which he represents. The auditors office also claims at least some of the purchases were for Jones personal use and says he was living in the press box. White demanded that Jones pay $37,095.28. The total includes $20,705.03 in purchases, plus interest and investigative costs. Jones hasnt repaid the money. Attorney Conway says Jones has done nothing wrong. He says the items purchased belong to the county and Jones was not living in the press box. He didnt take a credit card and buy a TV at Best Buy, Conway said. He requested one and the county bought it. A television set, carpet and blinds are still sitting in the press box, he said. Harrison County Supervisor Kent Jones speaks at an event in 2019 Securing bond for a public official Holleman said he responded to an email from the insurers at the request of the county administrator because she was out of town and there was a deadline. With a quorum of three supervisors present on July 24, board president Rebecca Powers and Ladner voted to inform insurers that the email Holleman sent was not the official position of the board. Jones voted against the motion. Powers then sent an undated letter to insurers saying that Hollemans email was not the boards official position. She also said the purchase orders used to buy items for the ball field were fraudulent. She wrote that she cant answer Insurers questions about how the Board of Supervisors will avoid future purchasing pitfalls. Ladner indicated Whites office has not given supervisors any information about the demand against Jones, including what county employee or employees signed purchase orders for the press box items. Zurich sent a second notice Aug. 1 that Jones bond would be canceled in 30 days. Attorney Conway said Jones has other options for securing a bond. One of the options would be putting up full collateral on the bond. But a new bond could be difficult to secure, said Jaime McGrath, president of Surety Bond Connection in Tupelo. McGrath, who was speaking generally and is not familiar with Jones case, has been securing bonds for public officials for more than two decades. With an outstanding demand for repayment from the state, she said, Theres not going to be a surety company that wants to touch that. Even though there were talks of a coalition between Tata and Chery, we are less likely to see Chery Omoda 5 in India Chinese carmaker Chery has re-entered the Australian market after seven years of absence. Now, Chery is selling its new compact SUV Omoda 5 in Australia. Omoda 5 scored a good 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests (outgoing 2020 2022 rating criteria) and proves its mettle. Last set of Chery vehicles in Australia were on sale 7 years ago. They were J11 and J1 and both of them didnt make a good impression in terms of safety, with 2 and 3 stars respectively. Now Chery is on a quest to establish stronger safety credentials in the Australian market than it could seven years ago. Recent Omoda 5 compact SUV shows steps in the right direction. Chery Omoda 5 Scores 5 Stars In Euro NCAP ANCAP (Australian NCAP) agency didnt seem to physically test the new Omoda 5. Chery launched Omoda 5 in Australia in March 2023 and is the same model as the one sold in Europe. Both Euro and Australian model are likely to show similar crash safety credentials as both Euro NCAP and Australian NCAP have comparable ethos. So, ANCAPs 5 star rating for Chery Omoda 5 is based on Euro NCAPs 5 star crash rating. That said, ANCAP did test Australia-spec Omoda 5s latest lane support software. This way, ANCAP verified subsequent testing done by Euro NCAP with specific attributes like Lane Keep Assist and Emergency Lane Keeping. The additional tests, conducted locally, showed vehicles with the updated software maintained a similar level of performance to the test results obtained in initial European testing, though the local vehicle did not respond in a small number of emergency lane keeping test scenarios and this is reflected in a reduced score for ELK, the safety authority said. How good are the safety credentials? As per the actual crash test rating, Chery Omoda 5 scored 87% adult occupant protection rating, 88% child occupant protection rating, 68% in vulnerable road user protection and 83% in safety assist rating. Currently, these ratings are awarded to 1.5L petrol variants of Omoda 5, but 1.6L and fully electric variants could yield similar scores. The testing agency declared the vehicles structural performance as sound. Some dashboard plastic elements could pose potential risk for knee injuries and side curtain airbags didnt deploy as intended with side impact tests. Chery Omoda 5 gets mandatory autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, emergency lane keeping, cruise assist, lane-keep assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign monitoring, driver attention monitoring, and a lot more safety kit. There were talks of Chery making a grand entrance in Indian market through a coalition with Tata Motors, which didnt see the light of day. So, chances of seeing Chery vehicles on Indian roads are virtually zero at this point. Mahindra is getting ready to unveil exciting new concepts later this month at an event in South Africa With over 50,000 bookings pending, Thar is one of the most popular SUVs in India right now. Popularity is off the roof and most of the newfound demand is due to the newer RWD model. One could only imagine how much more popular a new version of Thar might be. Were not talking about 5-door Thar, which will debut in 2024. Instead, were talking about Thars electric version that will debut on August 15th in South Africa. Latest teaser reveals that Mahindra is calling it Thar.e and the company is highly likely to showcase it in concept form. Mahindra Thar Electric ?? teaser ? pic.twitter.com/hpvdseO4yJ RushLane (@rushlane) August 5, 2023 Mahindra Thar.e Concept Global Debut From the teasers we can see a new design language on board. This will help Mahindra market their Thar as a global SUV and not restricted to a few countries, as is the case with current Thar. In the teaser we can see a concept vehicle with a lot of design flamboyance. It is likely to get Mahindras new INGLO EV platform shared with BE and XUV.e series of future electric vehicles. As of now, Thar gets a rugged ladder frame chassis. Electrifying a ladder frame chassis is tedious and poses production challenges, but it is not impossible. Mahindra is reportedly working on a cost-efficient and feasible way of electrifying a ladder frame vehicle. Toyota is at it too, with electric Innova Crysta. Mahindra Thar.e could feature either a monocoque or ladder frame. Teasers confirm the Thar.e name and nothing more than that. The company will reveal more details on August 15th. It will be Indias first fully electric lifestyle vehicle. Until MGs Yep eSUV arrives, of course. Scorpio N Pickup Apart from Thar electric, Mahindra will also be unveiling Scorpio N pikup truck at the same event on 15th August 2023. This will be a global product and will feature a longer wheelbase than standard Scorpio N to accommodate a load bay. Scorpio N pikup could be launched in global markets before India. Engine options will be similar to Scorpio N while prices could be comparatively lower than its SUV counterpart. Updated Toyota Fortuner in Thailand is available in the price range of 1,375,000 baht to 1,939,000 baht (approx. Rs 32.80 lakh to Rs 46.24 lakh) One of Toyotas popular offerings in Asian and South American markets, Fortuner has received a range of functional updates in Thailand. Three distinct variants are on offer in Thailand Fortuner Leader, Legender and the top-spec GR Sport. Some updates are common to all three models, whereas others are exclusive to each variant. These new set of updates are spread across comfort and convenience, safety, drive dynamics and tech enhancements. A performance boost has been reserved exclusively for the top-spec Fortuner GR Sport. Fortuner Leader and Legender models continue with the existing engine options in the same configuration. Toyota Fortuner new updates (Thailand) Toyota Fortuner Legender and GR Sport benefit from new features such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All three models get a tyre pressure monitoring system. Base-spec Fortuner Leader is now equipped with a wireless charger. In terms of safety, Fortuner GR Sport gets new features via Toyota Safety Sense suite. It includes collision avoidance, lane watch and lane change warning. While leaving a lane, the SUV can be manoeuvred safely with automatic control, delay and speed adjustment. Legender benefits from a similar set of updates. Safety updates for Fortuner Leader variant include RCTA reversing warning system, blind spot warning system on the side mirror and 360 surround view camera. Users who choose Legender or GR Sport variant can expect smoother rides and better control. This has been made possible with upgrades to the suspension setup. Fortuner GR Sport gets monotube shock absorbers, which reduce vibrations and improve driving performance. The suspension setup of Legender variant has also been updated with a similar set of benefits. In other updates, GR Sport gets a new range of accessories. It includes new aluminium accelerator and brakes, smart key and red brake callipers. Fortuner GR Sport gets a more powerful engine For performance enthusiasts, Fortuner GR Sport gets a newly tuned 2.8-litre GD turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. It generates 224 PS of max power and 550 Nm of peak torque. Earlier, the engine used to make 204 PS and 500 Nm. Theres a significant gain of 20 PS and 50 Nm. The 6-speed automatic transmission and switchable part-time 4WD system are the same as earlier. The updated power and torque numbers are now the same as that of Australian-spec Hilux GR Sport. Onboard Fortuner Legender, the 2.8-litre engine will be carried forward in the earlier configuration. Legender also has the option of a 2.4-litre engine that makes 150 PS and 400 Nm. Base-spec Leader has this 2.4-litre engine as the sole option. A 2WD and 4WD option is available with both Legender and Leader variants. Outside, Thai-spec Fortuner is largely the same as earlier. There are no cosmetic touch-ups or new colours on offer. It is likely that much of the interiors will be the same as well. Decrypting DeFi is Decrypt's DeFi email newsletter. (art: Grant Kempster) All eyes are on DeFi this week, after the decentralized exchange (DEX) Curve Finance was hit with an exploit. The platform lets users swap like-assets, such as dollar-pegged stablecoins or various liquid staking tokens, for one another. Maximized to reduce slippage for large trades, Curve is something of an arbitrage traders paradise. Even micro-differences between stablecoins can mean massive profits for whales. Now, though, the projectand its highly-leveraged founder Michael Ergorovare making headlines for a different reason. After a recent vulnerability in the Vyper programming language was exploited last weekend, a rather sophisticated attacker was able to nab funds from Curve Finance, along with any of the projects forks, of $52 million (much of which was also in the projects native CRV token). DeFi Teams Issue Stark On-Chain Warning to Curve Finance Hacker CRV plummeted, which was expected. It dropped from $0.72 on Sunday to as low as $0.50 on Tuesday, per CoinGecko. Things turned from bad to worse, however, after the various loans that Ergorov had taken out against his massive CRV stash began to sour. He had loans across several DeFi lenders, including Aave and Frax Lend. If the token were to drop as low as $0.35, his loans of roughly $110 million would have begun being liquidated at that time. This would have been bad for Ergorov, but it would have also saddled lenders with bad debt. This kind of debt cant be recovered, and would likely be recouped from platform users. Aave, for instance, has a safety moduleessentially a fund of staked AAVEthat would be used for precisely this. None of this happened, though. Instead, Ergorov executed several over-the-counter deals with various notable crypto influencers. These include Tron founder Justin Sun and investor DCF God, while on-chain data shows that several transactions between the Curve founder and other multi-sig wallets from Yearn and Cream Finance also stepped in. Curve Founder sold 106M CRV so far in OTC "handshake" deals, in exchange for $42.4M. pic.twitter.com/EeXoCc0hB3 Sandra (@sandraaleow) August 4, 2023 They bought up various amounts of CRV at roughly $0.40 a pop and have sat on it while the panic passed. As of Friday, Egorov has successfully offloaded roughly $42 million in CRV to various investors. Story continues Now, if you understand the 2008 financial crisis, all of this makes perfect sense and may even seem like a huge save. But if you looked to DeFi as a healthful response to the 2008 crisis, then this weeks events have been a huge loss for the space. In the first timeline, the one where Egorov is completely liquidated, his losses are socialized to users in order to recoup that debt. This makes those lending protocols look pretty careless for allowing the Curve founder to build such a large position. In the second timeline, the one in which were now living, a suite of really wealthy people basically just stopped all of that from happening, allowing Egorov to avoid liquidation. Turning back to the financial crisis, instead of the U.S. government bailing out the banks, it was Justin Sun and a bunch of pseudonymous Twitter accounts that bailed out DeFi. Sure, its different than traditional finance. But is it better? Decrypting DeFi is our DeFi newsletter, led by this essay. Subscribers to our emails get to read the essay before it goes on the site. Subscribe here. Best Sites To Buy Psilocybin Gummies & Magic Mushrooms Alternatives Online In 2023 Are you looking for reputed sites providing high-quality alternatives for Psilocybin Gummies? Continue reading to find out what sites made the list! Equinox Gold Corp. (AMEX:EQX) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript August 3, 2023 Operator: Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to Equinox Gold's Second Quarter 2023 Results and Corporate Update. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded. [Operator Instructions] I would now like to turn the conference over to Rhylin Bailie, Vice President, Investor Relations for Equinox Gold. Please go ahead. Rhylin Bailie: Thank you, [Gillian], and thank you, everybody, for joining us this morning. We will, of course, be making a number of forward-looking statements today. So please do visit our continuous disclosure documents on our website, on SEDAR and on EDGAR. I'd now like to turn the call over to our CEO and President, Greg Smith. Greg Smith: Thanks, Rhylin and good morning, and thanks, everyone, for joining us today, especially at this very early hour on the West Coast here. On the call with me is our COO, Doug Reddy, our CFO, Peter Hardie; our EVP of Exploration, Scott Heffernan and our VP of Investor Relations, Rhylin Bailie, who you just heard from. As a quick introduction to those new to the company, Equinox is a diversified Americas-focused gold producer. We have 7 producing mines across Brazil, Mexico and the United States, and we also have several growth projects, including our large-scale Greenstone Gold mine in Ontario, which is in construction now with our 40% joint venture partner, Orion Mine Finance. So today, we're discussing our 2023 second quarter financial and operating results. But before we jump into those results, I just want to acknowledge the fatality at our Santa Luz mine in June. This was a tragic incident, and we extend our deepest sympathies to our employees, family, friends and coworkers. We had a 1-week site-wide suspension of operations at Santa Luz to facilitate the investigation and to refresh safety training. I'll now start with a broad overview for the quarter, and then I'll turn over the call to Pete and Doug for more details. We had a solid quarter with sales of just over 138,000 ounces at a cash cost per ounce sold of $13.61 and an all-in sustaining cost per ounce sold of 1502. For the first 6 months of the year, we sold 261,000 ounces at cash costs of $13.54 per ounce and all-in sustaining cost of $15.76 per ounce. Story continues This reflects record sales for the company for the first 6 months of the year, and we remain on track to meet our 2023 production and cost guidance. On Tuesday this week, we issued a press release with a full Greenstone update. For those that didn't see it, the team at Greenstone has done a great job of continuing to advance the mine on time and on budget for first gold pour in the first half of 2024. As of July 21, we were 85% complete overall at Greenstone. There's loads of pictures on the website, and you can really see how far the projects come and advance over the course of this year. And Doug will have more to say on Greenstone in a few minutes. During the quarter, we also continued to progress the feasibility study on the addition of an underground mine at Aurizona. And we're going to continue to conduct some additional work, including trade-off studies on throughput from the underground mine. This means we'll complete the study next year. This timing also allows us to proceed with construction of a portal and a decline, which we plan to include in our capital budget for 2024. Our work so far shows excellent potential for a long-life underground mine in Aurizona. So we're keeping our foot on the gas in terms of development while we progress the feasibility study. And Doug will also comment more on this. We finished the quarter with unrestricted cash balance of $174 million, plus approximately $170 million available from our credit facility for a total of over $300 million in available cash liquidity at quarter end. With cash flow from operations, this leaves us well funded through the completion of construction at Greenstone. We also published our third comprehensive ESG report in May. And just recently in July, we published our first water stewardship report. These reports summarize our performance during 2022, our targets for 2023 and our long-term strategy across a range of ESG initiatives. They're both available on our website along with our climate action report, and I encourage everyone on this call to check them out. So with that, I'd like to hand the call over to Peter Hardie to run through our financial results. Peter Hardie: Thanks, Greg. We're now on Slide 6 in the presentation. From a gold sales and revenue perspective, we had our best first half of the year in the company's history. During the quarter, -- for the 138,000 ounces we sold, we received an average realized price of $19.62 per ounce. That's $19.31 year-to-date, generating $217 million in revenue, $506 million year-to-date. We sold 15,000 more ounces in Q2 as compared to Q1 of this year and about 18,000 more ounces than we did for the 120,000 ounces that we sold in Q2 last year. Our cash cost per ounce of $13.61 for Q2 is similar to that of Q1 of this year and down from Q2 of last year of $14.82. Our all-in sustaining cost per ounce of Q2 this year of $15.02 is down from Q1's $15.76 and also down from Q2 last year, last year's $16.57. As to forward views on input costs, unit prices, we're now starting to see decreases in particularly diesel and cyanide in Brazil and the U.S. Those unit cost decreases in Brazil are somewhat offset by the strength of the Real against the U.S. dollar. Our EBITDA in Q2 2023 was $64 million or $71 million on an adjusted basis, and we had net income of $5 million for basic and fully diluted earnings per share of $0.02. On an adjusted basis, we had a net loss of $6 million or $0.02 a share. Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital was $81 million or $0.26 a share. Included in that cash flow from operations is a receipt of an additional $10 million from the gold prepaid arrangement. If you back out those funds, we generated $71 million in cash flow from operations or about $0.20 a share. In terms of liquidity and capital position, we ended the quarter with $174 million of unrestricted cash and $127 million available to draw on our credit facility, giving us total liquidity of a little over $300 million. We did draw the remainder of the revolver on August 1. And -- further to the gold sale prepaid transactions entered in Q1. As I mentioned, we did enter into an additional gold sale prepay on June 23, whereby with one of our -- one of the members of the syndicate that provided the prepay, we received $10 million in exchange for delivering to the lender, 263 ounces of gold per month from October 24 to July 26 for a total of just under 6,000 ounces. Those terms reflect -- and that delivery period reflects that of the prepay that we did earlier in the year. Concurrent with the execution of the gold prepay sale transaction in June, we entered into financial swap agreements that fixed the gold price relating to that $10 million at $21.09 per ounce. Net debt increased from $113 million at the end of Q1 to $548 million -- pardon me, going from $548 million to $661 million at the end of Q2. On Slide 7, what does that mean for Greenstone? Based on progress to date, we believe our share of the remaining construction budget is about $170 million, and we expect to fund that through our cash that we had to the end of the quarter, our operating cash flow and the final draw on the revolving credit facility. Additionally, we still have the $100 million accordion feature in place. And with those sources of liquidity, as Greg mentioned, we believe we're well funded to complete Greenstone construction. With that, I will turn the time over for Doug to review the operations. Copyright: tomas1111 / 123RF Stock Photo Doug Reddy: Thanks, Pete. So as mentioned earlier, we had a very good first half of the year, and we are looking at pushing hard to deliver strong production in the second half. We've noted before that about 55% of production this year is in the second half of the year. have Mesquite. The Brownie pit provided a majority of new ore, about 90% of the ore going to the leach pad and re-leaching on portions of the pad also contributed significantly to the Q2 gold production. Mining costs at Mesquite benefited from a drop in diesel prices. And just, for example, the current price is about 30% lower than it was in Q2 last year. Process costs were reduced through a reduction of cyanide and lime usage. We don't see that staying the same in the second half because we plan on stacking more in the second half. So the overall cost will go up on cyanide mine. At Castle Mountain throughput has increased 40% since the start of the year in the crusher and the crusher run time is up by about 30%. We continue with modifications to the crusher setup and we're planning for those additional modifications to be implemented in Q3. At Los Filos, productivity improvements were seen in both open pit and underground. Open pit has about 15% higher productivity, along with loading improvements and an increase in effective operating hours. For underground is about 23% increase in the ore tonnes being mined. So although we -- but although we have more tonnes going to the leach pad, we did have some challenges on the leach pad that we've been addressing. These include some higher copper ore coming from the Guadalupe open pit. I do note that this is only a portion of the ore, and it represents about 12% of the tonnes being stacked for the remainder of the year. We also had issues with solution management related to some broken pipes in one area of the pad. Those have since been repaired and the pregnant solution in that area where the breakage occurred needs to be drained. That impacts about 8,000 ounces that is slow in coming out of the pad. It will come out. It's just going to be slower to get coming out than originally anticipated. And we also had one portion of the leach pad, which had to be turned again and leached again after a carbonate precipitation occurred, which was hindered recovery. That impacts about 4,000 ounces. Again, those ounces will come out in the second half of the year. At Aurizona, -- in addition to the current mining contractor, we also mobilized a second contractor with articulated dump trucks. They'll be in for most of the rest of 2023. They came in during the rainy season. The rainy season is over now. We're putting a big push on the mining and to establish a larger stockpile in advance of the next rainy season. At Fazenda, we're currently mining mostly from open pits while the underground also catches up on development, and we'll work on bringing additional stopes into production. Drilling continues on the reserve replacement program at Fazenda. It's been successful every year, and we continue doing that to get successful in replacing reserves every year. At RDM, we had good performance from the owner-operated fleet. That fleet is a combination of our own trucks plus 15, 60-ton rental trucks -- the increase in mining of higher grade ore has brought the production up significantly in the quarter. And the mill feed is -- I'll note that mill feed is also being augmented with low-grade stockpile if there is any availability in the mill. At Santa luz, the team continues to gradually bring recovery up, and the plant had an average overall recovery of 67% in the quarter. We are targeting 70% or better for the remainder of the year, and the team continues to work on process and throughput improvements. So moving on to Greenstone. I get the pleasure of being able to speak about a really good story on construction progress, and the team has done a great job. We put out the Greenstone update news release on Tuesday and provided a complete summary of the project status. Essentially, the project is on budget and on schedule for H1 2024 production. Moving on to the next page, looking at progress. Overall progress at Greenstone is 85% complete, which is comprised of construction at 83% complete, engineering is 100% complete and procurement 87% complete. Capital spend at June 30 is $937 million, which is 76% complete of the budget on a 100% basis. And we have approximately $170 million remaining as Equinox Gold's share to fund through to project completion. Facilities handed over to operations so far are the permanent effluent water treatment plant, truck shop, warehouse, sewage treatment plant, potable water treatment plant, the pit and plant site fuel stations, reagent storage building and site mix emulsion or explosive plan. The Ministry of Transport Petrol Yards been turned over to the ministry and the dismantling of the [ Oppatrol ] yard is now complete. Highway 11 realignment is also complete and has now been transferred to the ministry and was open to the public a few days ago. And the natural gas pipeline to site has been commissioned and is now operational. Plant site is 75% complete. The TSF is 80% complete. Operations are now at 240 employees. We'll get to around 360 employees by year-end. We look forward to hosting an analyst and investor visit in early September. And now moving on to our other expansion projects. At Castle Mountain, the -- we continue in permitting. We've responded to queries from BLM, and we anticipate permitting being complete in 2025. In the meantime, it continues with engineering work and with [indiscernible] to support the Phase II of Castle Mountain. At Aurizona, as Greg mentioned, we've been advancing the engineering studies, and these incorporate additional drilling and the recent work looked at the underground mining at a higher production rate given the large scale of the underground resource. And we see benefits in continuing to advance our studies on operating with both open pit and underground to concurrently fill the plant. So we are looking -- we are planning on developing an exploration decline in H1 2024, which would provide us an opportunity to develop down to one of the ore zones, mine in the ore zone and enable collection of geotechnical and hydrogeological information on ore and Wallrock. The plan is to have a fully dimensioned decline that would serve as a production access and would also enable a rapid start to underground production when we've completed our additional studies. And then at Filos, we continue to assess the opportunity to invest in CIL, but we do remain focused on having the right climate in Mexico and within the region before committing to the major investment. And while we also have competing opportunities for capital investment on other projects. So with that, I'm going to hand it back to Greg. Greg Smith: Thanks, Doug. I think I'll just make a final comment here to thank the entire Equinox Gold team in Vancouver and at all of our sites as well as our shareholders and other stakeholders for their continued support. And finish up there and pass it back to Rhylin for Q&A. Perfect. Rhylin Bailie: Thanks. [Gillian], can you please remind people how to ask a question? Operator: Certainly. [Operator Instructions] We will pause for a moment as callers during the Queue. Rhylin Bailie: Thank you. Well, there's no online questions yet. So you can go ahead and take questions from the phone, please. See also 20 Easiest Countries to Adopt a Baby From and 20 Countries With Highest Rates Of Vegetarians. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. Author David Foster Wallace in 1996, shortly after the publication of his bestselling novel "Infinite Jest." (Eric Chu / For The Times) Every so often I like to check back in with my past reading self as a way to gauge who I was then versus who I am now. We all change as we grow older, right? For example, when I was four years old, I wouldve told you my favorite books were Richard Scarrys What Do People Do All Day? and Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown, while today Advertisement Actually, those books still rule, so maybe I havent changed that much. I had a specific occasion to do some reconsidering after reading a typically interesting and insightful essay by author/critic Patricia Lockwood on the work of the late David Foster Wallace, recently published in the London Review of Books. The over 8,000-word piece includes both Lockwoods personal reaction to and relationship with Wallaces work, as well as how Wallaces texts are of great importance and talismanic wisdom to a certain class of young males. Advertisement Guilty as charged. I read Wallaces story collection Girl with Curious Hair as a college freshman and it was like connecting with someone who seemed interested in the same things as me: television, how books work, girls. In graduate school, I became obsessed with Wallaces nonfiction (A Supposedly Fun Thing Ill Never Do Again), essays about his trip on a cruise ship, or my personal favorite, a close observation and deconstruction of the Illinois State Fair. At the end of graduate school, counting the days until I had to move back home to my parents basement, I pared my possessions down to a bedroll, comforter, lamp and copy of Infinite Jest, a long novel about a society-wide existential crisis that sustained me as I went through my own personal existential crisis. Wallaces erudition, his humor, his willingness to blend the low and highbrow felt like the kind of attitude I would like to project to the world, even as I understood my more limited intellectual firepower. I would have called him my favorite writer, no doubt. Lockwood discusses both aspects of Wallace the writer and Wallace the person that perhaps should be grappled with as we consider his work 15 years after his death in 2008. We know that he stalked and intimidated a romantic partner. We know that he could be crude and unkind. He never purported himself to be a saint, but sometimes in death we decide those things dont matter, and maybe we shouldnt. Lockwood suggests that years on, as fresh and new as Wallaces work seemed to be at the time, perhaps it is not as innovative as once believed and that turning Wallace into a guru is a dead end. Interestingly, I found myself agreeing more than disagreeing with Lockwood about her views of Wallace and his work, particularly the notion that he would make a lousy guru, given that its something I sort of tried for a couple of years. It is important we continue to evolve as we experience the world. What a drag it would be to keep reading the same books over and over. Expanding ones worldview is a great pleasure of reading. Advertisement More than 30 years after having first read Wallaces work and being truly wowed by it, literally feeling a jolt of energy, this no longer happens. But at the same time, I feel the echo of that feeling. I am not that young man anymore, but also, I will always be that young man, if that makes sense. Thats not a bad thing either. I can look back on that past self with some fondness and understanding, even though (perhaps especially because) he still had (and has) some growing to do. John Warner is the author of Why They Cant Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities. Twitter @biblioracle Book recommendations from the Biblioracle Advertisement John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books youve read. 1. Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov 2. The Ferryman by Justin Cronin 3. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro 4. The Passenger by Cormac McCarthy 5. The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman by Angela Carter Advertisement Daniel K., Los Angeles I think Daniel will enjoy a novel from 10 years back that probes some of the same existential questions that are central to the books on his list of recent reads. The book: Want Not by Jonathan Miles. 1. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin 2. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin 3. Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny 4. Hamnet by Maggie OFarrell Advertisement 5. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel Wendy T., Chicago A.S. Byatts classic mix of literary mystery and romance should be a good fit for Wendy. The book is Possession. 1. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett 2. Writers and Lovers by Lily King 3. The Stand by Stephen King Advertisement 4. Normal People by Sally Rooney 5. Franny and Zoey by J.D. Salinger Katie M., Grayslake Im sort of hoping that Katie has not previously connected with Rebecca Makkais The Great Believers because its a great match based on this list of recent reads. Get a reading from the Biblioracle Send a list of the last five books youve read and your hometown to biblioracle@gmail.com Russian universities are looking to work with their counterparts in China as the war in Ukraine freezes academic ties with the US and Europe. In one of the latest collaborations, Moscow's Synergy University announced a partnership with Shantou University in southern China's Guangdong province to train students with expertise in international trade as well as the Chinese and Russian languages. According to Russian state news agency Sputnik, 35 Russian students are expected to enrol in the new dual-degree programme in September. After two years in Moscow, they will move to Shantou, where they will study political economy, creative entrepreneurship and international trade in Russian, Chinese and English. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Artem Vasiliev, the university's rector, told Sputnik that the programme was launched to meet demand created by booming bilateral trade. "We are now witnessing rapid growth in Russian-Chinese trade, and therefore specialists in this field are needed," Vasiliev was quoted as saying by Sputnik's Chinese website. "Our new programme is aimed at training such people - specialists with a business education background and bilingualism in Russian and Chinese." With the West seeking to isolate Russia in the wake of the Ukraine war, Russian universities are turning to partners in China, where education has become a top priority as the country seeks greater self-reliance in science and technology amid heightened geopolitical competition with the US. When Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in March, the two sides agreed to "promote cooperation between universities and colleges and support the establishment of an alliance of similar universities and secondary schools in Russia and China", according to a joint statement signed by the two leaders. Story continues The two countries also agreed to step up cooperation in vocational training and language education. Guo Qiang, a professor at Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications who has studied China-Russia educational ties, said the deeper cooperation in higher education was a reflection of stronger bilateral relations overall, largely driven by shared pressure from the West. China has refused to join the West in condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Xi accused Western countries of "containment, encirclement and suppression of China" during a meeting with private sector representatives in Beijing in March. "Both China and Russia are facing ideological pressure and strategic competition from the West," Guo said. "Under these circumstances, deepening mutual trust between China and Russia cannot be achieved without people-to-people cooperation, the most important of which is educational cooperation." China's Shantou University and Moscow's Synergy University are partnering to train students in international trade as well as the Chinese and Russian languages. Photo: Shantou University. alt=China's Shantou University and Moscow's Synergy University are partnering to train students in international trade as well as the Chinese and Russian languages. Photo: Shantou University.> Soon after Putin launched the war in early 2022, many European and US universities suspended cooperation with Russian institutions. Some European countries, including Germany, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Norway and Lithuania, asked their universities to cut ties with Russia altogether. Guo said that rather than deter Chinese universities, the war in Ukraine was likely to encourage them to seek cooperation with Russia - home to one of the largest scientific and technical workforces in the world. "Openness and a cooperative spirit are essential for the development of domestic education," he said. "So to some extent, the Ukraine war may instead increase Russia's incentives to engage with China when its cooperation with the West has been disrupted." Weeks after Xi's visit to Moscow, the Chinese Ministry of Education approved the establishment of an institute between Guangdong Ocean University and St Petersburg State Marine Technical University - Russia's top marine engineering university. The institution will "train bilingual specialists in marine and offshore engineering as well as related international laws", according to the Guangdong Ocean University website. Construction is expected to begin next month on the Chinese campus of the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute in the southern island province of Hainan. According to a tally by the Post based on public information from China's Education Ministry, the country has 21 joint institutions established by Chinese and Russian universities, with a total of 93 educational programmes in areas ranging from computer science and aerospace to art performance. Among the most prominent is Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, which was established in 2016 as a joint venture between Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Beijing Institute of Technology and the Shenzhen government. In 2018, Hangzhou Dianzi University, which focuses on engineering and economics, announced a joint institute with ITMO University, a national research university in Russia focused on information and photonic technologies. Guo said these were examples that China was "trying to import some competitive disciplines" from Russia. Russian universities are also stepping up their efforts to court Chinese students, who traditionally prefer to study in English-speaking countries. In October, Moscow State University, the country's most prestigious, launched an account on Weibo, one of China's top social media networks. In December, Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University signed a deal to publish English-language courses on XuetangX, an online education platform in China. Its first three courses, which include tech leadership and entrepreneurship, launched in June. Kevin Huang, 19, enrolled in a four-year joint programme of Beijing Union University and the Russian University of Transport in the Chinese capital, where he spent much of his first year studying Russian. "We had six Russian lessons a week, while other students in the university only had two English lessons, because we started from scratch and need to equip ourselves with better language skills so we can eventually apply to study in Russia," said Huang, who is majoring in electrical engineering. "I think it's a promising prospect because bilateral relations between the two countries are quite good, and if I can go to Russia, I can learn from both China and Russia and combine the technologies of both sides." This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. nycshooter / iStock.com Florida has consistently ranked as a top destination for retirees because of its sunny climate, tax-free retirement benefits, easy access to healthcare, and lack of inheritance and estate taxes. These advantages not only attract U.S. seniors, but also retirees from across the world many of whom are lured by Floridas cultural and ethnic diversity. See: 10 Cheapest Cities To Live in Florida Find: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement But for seniors from some countries, retiring in Florida could be a problem moving forward because of a new property law that bans certain foreign nationals from buying homes and other real estate in the state. Seven countries fall under the laws umbrella, according to CoStar: China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Venezuela. As CoStar noted, immigrants from those countries cannot own agricultural land or any other real estate in Florida near a military installation or critical infrastructure, such as airports, refineries, power plants and chemical manufacturing facilities. Florida governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis signed the law on May 8, and it became effective a couple of months later. More than a dozen military installations are located in Florida. Many are located within five miles of major cities such as Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Panama City and Key West all of which are attractive to retirees from overseas and elsewhere. China has been a particularly big player in U.S. residential sales over the last decade. From April 2022 to March 2023, China ranked first in U.S. residential sales dollar volume at $13.6 billion, according to new data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This continued a trend that dates back to 2013. Home purchases from Chinese buyers increased after China relaxed the worlds strictest pandemic lockdown policy, while buyers from India were helped by the countrys strong GDP growth, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in an Aug. 1 press release. Story continues Related: These Are the 10 Most Overpriced Housing Markets in the U.S. The NAR also found that Florida remained the top destination for foreign buyers, accounting for 23% of all international purchases during the survey period. Florida, Texas and Arizona continue to attract foreign buyers despite the hot weather conditions during the summer and the significant spike in home prices that began a few years ago, Yun said. The new Florida property rule will make it difficult for retirees from China to relocate to the state. Thats also the case with the six other countries. Retirees from Cuba and Venezuela might be particularly attracted to Florida because of its large Latin American population. The wild card is whether the law will stick around. It is already being challenged in court after a group of Chinese citizens living in Florida sued the state. The plaintiffs, who are being represented by the ACLU, contend that the Florida law is unconstitutional and violates a federal law banning housing discrimination, Reuters reported. For now, the law still has many unknowns, according to Luis Padilla, CEO of Oceanside Realty & Investment Inc./ Padilla Team in Florida. I think its a little bit beyond the real estate practitioners pay grade to really be playing national security agents, Padilla told Yahoo Finance. As a realtor, I think its a law that hurts and borders on redlining citizens just because of their ethnicity or citizenship. If I have to be on one side, Im not for it. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Florida Retirees: Could New Property Law Make It Impossible To Buy Your Dream Home? US-based consumer technology company Honeywell announced that former Microsoft India head Anant Maheshwari has been named President and CEO of Honeywells High Growth Region portfolio, effective from September 4. Maheshwari will succeed Ben Driggs, who will take another leadership role in the company. He will be a Corporate Officer of the Company, reporting directly to Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur and will be located in Dubai. He previously had leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Honeywell from 2004 to 2016, launching new businesses and leading mature business portfolios. Maheshwari then joined Microsoft, where he served as President and CEO of Microsoft India. Maheshwaris experience over the last two decades proves that he has an ability to deliver impactful results for a diverse set of industries. He is the right person to continue to deliver our local-to-local presence and expand Honeywells business in controls and automation, software and digitalization, and sustainability, said Kapur. In his new role, Maheshwari will lead business growth across Honeywells geographies in China, India, Southeast Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Latin America. During his years at Microsoft India, he led the transformation to become the fastest growth geography for the company, setting the companys benchmarks for new business models. Maheshwari earned an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, graduating as an industry scholar in 1998. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Christmas Tree Shops across the country will close for good this week, just three months after the popular company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to the retailers website, the last day to shop in a Christmas Tree Shops store is Saturday, August 12, and prices will be slashed up to 90% until that final date. All gift cards, merchandise credits and store credits are no longer eligible for use, according to the CTS website. The company, which is owned by Handil Holdings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May to restructure its finances and closed 10 stores in order to ensure long-term success and reduce the companys debt. But that process took a detour when Handil defaulted on a $45 million loan that was supposed to help the company maintain normal business operations during the Chapter 11 process. The chain, which has 70 stores across 20 states including one in the Charleston shopping plaza announced the imminent closure of all of its locations in July. Founded as a small holiday store -- called The Christmas Tree Gift Shop -- in the early 1950s on Cape Cod, in Yarmouthport, Mass., the small business was transformed into a destination for one-of-a-kind items with astonishingly low prices sometime in the 1970s by a new owner, Chuck Bilezikian. According to the CTS website, the single Massachusetts store grew into three quaint, treasure-filled spaces: the Barn Shop, the Front Shop and the Back Shop (hence the name Christmas Tree Shops with an s) and became a sort of treasure hunt space for local residents and Cape Cod tourists alike. Though no longer a holiday store, the name Christmas Tree Shops remained, and additional locations began cropping up throughout New England. In 2003, the brand became part of the Bed Bath & Beyond family and expanded beyond the Northeast. The Staten Island store in Charlestons Bricktown Center opened in 2006. BUSINESS NEWS ON SILIVE STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The property owners of a Port Richmond building raided by the NYPD in April now are being sued by the city of New York. In March, police executed a search warrant at a Port Richmond smoke shop operating on the first floor of 207 Port Richmond Ave. It was the culmination of a weeks long undercover investigation by Narcotics Borough Staten Island during which detectives allegedly purchased magic mushrooms and ecstasy in the form of candy bars and other treats. The deed owners for the building are listed as Susan Park, 70, and Tae Suk Park, 71, according to a civil complaint filed last week by the city in state Supreme Court, St. George. Property records list the defendants as residing in a single family house on a well-groomed street in Rossville. Two younger family members also are tied to the address. Property records show the married couple purchased the two floor, single family and commercial space decades ago. The property was assessed in 2022 at about $400,000. They also are tied to real estate transactions in Staten Island and central Florida, including 209 Port Richmond Avenue. Now, amid a wave of smoke shops springing up across the five boroughs some selling black market cannabis or even harder drugs the couples near 40-year-investment on the boroughs North Shore is at the center of whats been deemed a citywide dilemma. The citys lawsuit against the Parks states they should have been aware of the activities unfolding inside the building due in part to the sale of psilocybin products ... transacted openly. One red flag the complaint furthers was the business name: P.A.I.N Station Smoke Shop. City officials had deemed the location a public nuisance, which by law is any building, erection or place, including one or two family dwellings, wherein there is occurring a criminal nuisance. The defendants, court documents allege, had a duty to protect the public from this criminal activity. The suit is seeking $1,000 from each defendant for every day they intentionally conducted, maintained or permitted the public nuisance. The complaint doesnt indicate the degree to which the couple was thought to be associated with the activities allegedly occurring there. According to Google Maps, signs outside the commercial location in question in July 2022 was for an electronics store. The undercover investigation was carried out in February and March of this year. An attorney for the defendants was not listed in court documents as of Monday. P.A.I.N STATION The NYPD raid in March led to the following arrests: Javon Mitchell, 38, of Park Hill Avenue in Clifton; Jamal Wade, 25, of New Street in Port Richmond; Dashaun Lewis, 29, of Richmond Terrace in New Brighton; Theresa Harris-Lacewell, 54, of Bush Avenue in Mariners Harbor; Walter Harris, 37, of New Street in Port Richmond and Ryan Lewis, 35, of Carroll Street in Brooklyn. A criminal complaint submitted in state Supreme Court, St. George, alleged Mitchell was behind the counter when he and Ryan Lewis were caught with MDMA pills, a form of ecstasy, hidden in their pockets. Deshaun Lewis, Harris-Lacewell, Ryan Lewis and Harris were in a back stock room where illegal items were stored, including codeine pills, chocolates, liquids and gummies laced with psychedelic psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and greenish-brown leaves of marijuana, the documents allege. Mitchell allegedly sold cookies and candy bars infused with magic mushrooms to an undercover police officer in February. Wade is accused of selling cereal bars and chocolate candy bars to an undercover officer in March, according to the complaint. The defendants are scheduled to return to state Supreme Court, St. George in August. Records show each defendant was placed either on supervised, non monetary release or released on their own recognizance depending on the charges against them. GOLD RUSH OF SMOKE SHOPS Across the five boroughs theres been what city officials have referred to as a gold rush of smoke shops. While some may be legitimate businesses, NYPD raids in recent months across Staten Island have revealed several are selling illicit substances to clientele whose ages for the most part likely will never be known. In Great Kills alone there are three smoke shops within a few blocks of the train station. I dont think you can go a block without seeing one [smoke shop] and they continue to increase, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said in a recent interview with the Advance/SILive.com. Theyre everywhere. The shops have become increasingly subject to robberies, burglaries and disputes among customers. In South Beach, an armed robbery in February was the latest of three heists at the location. A law enforcement source familiar with the black market shops explained that in some cases entrepreneurs opened the business with above board intentions, on the hope of legally selling cannabis once it became legal to do so in New York. The state, however, as they would come to find out, was only going to delve out a handful of licenses. An NYPD officer who works with youth on Staten Island, when asked about the emergence of the shops, said he takes issue with cannabis or anything else being sold in storefronts frequented by young people. Said the veteran cop: Ive always felt marijuana is a start-up drug that can potentially lead kids down a weary road. RELATED COVERAGE: Staten Island courts >>Staten Island man files $21M lawsuit vs. PPE company alleging faulty goods; plaintiff hit with restraining order >>Mom settles with driver in crash with stroller on Staten Island. Childs case ongoing >>Staten Island woman struck by car while walking dog awarded $1.4M in settlement >>Historic $22.9M settlement secured for Staten Island family man who suffered brain injuries, paralysis >>Staten Island woman, 42, accused of Target shoplifting hauled into court by warrant squad >>Staten Island NYPD officer alleges he was punished for refusing to honor courtesy cards NEW YORK, N.Y. Newly-appointed NYPD police commissioner Edward A. Caban announced the resignations of several senior executives in the department Friday. According to a press release, the move signals one facet of the commissioners ongoing work to assemble the strongest team of executives possible to lead the department into the future. Caban did not name the departing members, but multiple media reports identified Chief of Detectives James Essig as one of the officials to step down. Essig told the Daily News he had a ball and enjoyed his regular briefings with reporters. Chief of Transportation Kim Royster was also expected to step down, according to media reports. Caban thanked the departing officials for their long years of public service. We owe them our deepest thanks, Caban said. The commissioner, working alongside First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella and Chief of Department Jeffrey B. Maddrey, have already appointed several executives to key positions. In a message Friday to all members of the department, Caban said he was placing the right people into the right spots to do the right job for the people of New York City. I ask you to embrace these changes as we step into a future that is as bright as it is promising, he said. I ask you to join me as we salute our departing colleagues, as they exit our privileged arena of public service with their heads held high. And I ask you to welcome the leadership team taking shape before us and to be fully confident in knowing we will all be better for the creative, dynamic, and forward looking individuals at the top. Last month, Mayor Eric Adams appointed Caban, a Bronx native and a 32-year veteran of the NYPD, as the 46th police commissioner. He replaces Keechant Sewell, who announced her resignation in June. MORE NEWS ON SILIVE NEW YORK A six-member crew responsible for more than 200 burglaries in the Lower Hudson Valley, New York City, Long Island and parts of Staten Island, have pleaded guilty to a a number of charges and were sentenced to prison, authorities announced. Josepher Cartagena, 27, Brandon Collazo-Rivera, 26, Douglas Noble, 29, Alexander Santiago, 28, Justin Herrera, 23, and Willie Baines, 47 all admitted to felonies, either grand larceny or burglary, to settle the charges against them. The crew allegedly stole cars, cellular phones, merchandise, and cash valued at more than $3 million, including at least 54 vehicles, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James. The six individuals convicted and sentenced went on a crime spree that impacted businesses and residents throughout downstate New York, said James. These burglars left a trail of broken glass, smashed businesses, and dangerous high-speed chases in their wake. During an 13-month investigation, the crew was connected to more than 200 commercial burglaries in 11 downstate counties, in addition to burglaries in Connecticut and New Jersey. The investigation revealed that members of the theft crew would travel to neighborhoods that contained several car dealerships and cell phone stores, often burglarizing several stores in one night. In the automobile dealership burglaries, members of the crew would smash the large windows at the front of the building, locate boxes in the dealership that contained key fobs, and then drive vehicles they were able to start right through the broken windows, prosecutors said. In the cell phone and ATM store burglaries, members of the crew would smash the glass front doors, enter the stores showrooms and offices, and steal as much merchandise and cash as they could carry out. The theft crew also engaged in high-speed chases from the crime scene, which posed additional risks for law enforcement and the surrounding community. This behavior led law enforcement to dub the investigation Operation Redline in reference to the redline on speedometers and the extreme speeds the burglars would achieve as they fled crime scenes. Authorities did not immediately share what incidents occurred on Staten Island. The suspects were identified through review of video surveillance recordings, data from cell phones and license plate reader data. A search of the residences of two of the individuals allegedly led to the recovery of thousands of dollars in stolen cell phones and key fobs from car dealerships. Additionally, several of the defendants posted photographs on various social media outlets posing with some of the stolen vehicles, and displaying large quantities of cash. Many of the social media posts occurred just minutes after the crimes, allowing investigators to connect the stolen property seen in the posts to specific burglaries and defendants, according to a press release. The investigation involved the cooperation of numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF. Deninos has brought a taste of New York City to the West Coast. The beloved New York City pizzeria and tavern with its 86-year-old flagship location in Staten Islands Port Richmond neighborhood, a 13-year-old Jersey Shore location, and nearly decade-old franchise in Manhattans Greenwich Village recently opened the doors to its newest location in Thousand Oaks, California. The inaugural West Coast franchise co-owned by California-based Leones Italian Ices proprietor Gregory Leone, a former Staten Islander, and restauranteur Kyle Pieroni, of Washington state, with advisory help from original Deninos co-owner and franchise licenser Mike Burke had been in the works for years. It was sparked by Leones desire for Staten Island-style down-home cooking, which he quickly realized he was missing upon relocating to California. Denino's signature pepperoni pie with pepperoni cups. (Courtesy of Megan Lovallo) When I moved here, there was no good food. So in order for me to stay here, I had to open a Deninos, joked Leone, whose 3-year-old Italian ice shop abuts the new restaurant. For years, I was flying back east to eat and buy [Italian] ice, but I couldnt do it anymore. Leone and Pieroni, already familiar with one another following Leones purchase of his storefront property from Pieroni, teamed up in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 to concoct a plan to get Burke stepson of the late Carlo Denino, who introduced the signature crunchy, thin-crust pies to the world in 1951 on board with a West Coast location. Turns out, little convincing was needed. I called Mike and said, You want to open a Deninos? And he said, Ill be there tomorrow. He flew here the next day, said Leone, a friend of Burkes since childhood. Years of planning and perfecting later, Deninos made its California debut. Gregory Leone shows off the structure of a slice at Denino's new location in Thousand Oaks, California. (Courtesy of Megan Lovallo) ALREADY A HIT IN CALIFORNIA Officially open on April 18 yet celebrated with a grand-opening party on July 30, the new franchise at 1710 Thousand Oaks Blvd. with its counter-service window and sprawling wrap-around shaded patio (there is no indoor dining available at the moment) has already gained a devoted following of locals and East Coast transplants. [Its the] best pizza in town, said former Philadelphia resident Adrian, who now resides in Westlake Village with his partner Lynette and their infant son. There was no good pizza until Deninos. It brings that authentic East Coast vibe, added Lynette. Judy, a former New York City resident now living in Thousand Oaks, called Deninos pies some of the best ones available due to their crispy crusts, overall flavor, and ability to hold up really well the next day. Its good, weve already had it like three times, she said. Weve done takeout a few times already. This is now one of our favorite places to get pizza. A customer goes for a slice of broccoli pie. (Courtesy of Megan Lovallo) Madison, a former New Englander who moved to Los Angeles in 2008, made the 45-minute car ride to Thousand Oaks after a friend in New York City convinced her Deninos would be worth the trip. Ive been in search of a good slice for years, she said. This is exactly the kind of pizza that we need. This is what Southern California has been missing, this kind of authentic New York pizza. Its a real taste of home. The Golden State Deninos has also caught the attention of one particularly well-known Hollywood A-lister: Born-and-raised former Staten Islander Pete Davidson. The comedian-turned-actor was among the Thousand Oaks franchises first customers, ordering dozens of pies earlier this year from this location and Deninos Staten Island and Manhattan locations to help promote his semi-autobiographical Peacock series, Bupkis, which premiered in May. That was great, said Burke. Hes become a big fan. His familys great ... he really tries to support Staten Island. Mike Burke, co-owner of the original Staten Island Denino's and franchise licenser. (Courtesy of Megan Lovallo) BUT HOW DOES THIS LOCATION COMPARE WITH DENINOS IN NYC? Many people including this reporter assume New York Citys water is the crucial ingredient that makes or breaks New York-style pizza (and bagels, for that matter). Thats not entirely accurate, said Burke. [That assumption] is not totally wrong, but the California water we use is good, he insisted. Some of the different counties out here, the water isnt good enough. But we found one county, and the pizza came out exactly the same [as our New York City locations pizzas]. Before committing to that H2O, the men shipped dozens of gallons of the water from the West Coast to New York City for analysis and experimentation, in order to ascertain whether they could make authentic Deninos pies roughly 3,000 miles from the flagship location, all while worrying about the results of the most important test: How the pizza would stand up to the original. We experimented [making the dough with the water from California] and [taste testers] couldnt tell the difference, said Pieroni. There is plenty of outdoor seating at Denino's new location in Thousand Oaks, California. The restaurant is currently counter-service, take-out and delivery only. (Courtesy of Megan Lovallo) That feedback was reassuring for Burke, who wants skeptical Californians and New Yorkers to keep open minds. Its the same [pizza], said Burke. Its the same Deninos. Former Tottenville resident Art Smith, who has lived in Southern California for several years, can attest to Burkes claim. Honestly, we found decent pizza out here, but its not pizza. Its a different food form, its not the same, he said. Its pretty cool, pretty amazing and ridiculous to [have Deninos open] in this town, where I just happen to live. Smith added hes looking forward to showing off this Deninos to visiting friends especially those from Staten Island. MAKING IT AS AUTHENTIC AS POSSIBLE Burke, Leone and Pieroni have done all they can to recreate the original Deninos experience out West, down to specialty toppings. It took us a couple of weeks, but we found a guy out here that makes our recipe for the sausage just right, said Burke. He gave an area butcher the original Deninos sausage recipe that was concocted by Staten Island-based Belfiore Meats with Belfiores blessing, of course. So its like a taste of home, added Burke. According to Leone, the men also tried half a dozen pepperoni products before settling on a very special one for the franchise, one that would mimic the original Deninos signature pepperoni cups yet stand in a class all its own. An up-close shot of Denino's pepperoni pizza. According to co-owner Gregory Leone, the team tested several kinds of pepperoni before settling on a special kind. (Courtesy of Megan Lovallo) The trios tedious efforts have paid dividends by way of customer compliments. Its really good, said Sasha of Westlake Village. Really good. The pepperonis are amazing. Those pepperonis, to be honest, nobody else has anything really like that around here. I mean, the flavor is next level. A lot of places are trying to bring New York-style [to California] and its not that good. The pizza [at Deninos] is good. While Deninos pizza is, for the most part, a time-tested hit in New York, Burke understands it could take some of Deninos new Californian clientele a while to get used to the signature lightly charred crust. The one thing [our new customers] have to realize is our pies are crispy, said Burke, who was joined at the grand opening by wife Suzanne and their kids Alyssa and Michael Jr. You know, theres a little charring on the bottom and on the crust. Its not burned, thats just how we make pizza. But if you dont like it like that, let us know. Well make it lightly cooked. Mike Burke's son, Michael Jr., behind the counter at Denino's new location in Thousand Oaks, California. (Courtesy of Megan Lovallo) SAME STYLE, DIFFERENT MENU While the Thousand Oaks franchise shares the same name and pizza philosophy yes, thats absolutely a real thing as its New York roots, its soon-to-expand menu will be a bit different, according to Burke. Items familiar to Deninos existing fanbase, like Buffalo wings, eggplant towers, and fried calamari voted by Staten Islanders in 2022 as the best calamari in the borough have thus far made the cut in Thousand Oaks, as have Deninos beloved clam, M.O.R, margarita and vodka pies. But Burke, Leone and Pieroni are cooking up something special for this new venture. Eventually, said Burke, items exclusive to the Thousand Oaks franchise which also serves wine and beer will be added to the menu. Also in the works is a secret menu a la In-N-Out Burger that will offer creative twists on staple items (a penne vodka pie, for one), as well as some nostalgic fare (like a spaghetti sandwich, Pieronis fathers specialty), noted Leone. That, too, will be exclusive to the California restaurant. Rainbow water ice, cappuccino fudge brownie cream ice and Key lime water ice from Leone's Italian Ices, started by former Staten Islander Gregory Leone. Leone's Italian Ices is steps away from Denino's location in Thousand Oaks, California. (Courtesy of Megan Lovallo) One thing this Deninos and the other locations wont offer? No pineapple on the pizza, laughed Burke. No pineapple. If you want it, bring your own pineapple. Although slightly more expensive than the Deninos sister restaurants on Staten Island and in New Jersey, the Thousand Oaks menu is priced well below its Manhattan franchise counterpart; a cheese pie at the Thousand Oaks location runs for $20.80, compared to the Staten Island and Jersey Shore locations $18.50, and the Manhattan locations $26, for example. HEAD NEXT-DOOR FOR AN ICE According to Leone and probably thousands of Staten Islanders Deninos pies go hand in hand with Italian ices (Ralphs Italian Ices, anyone?), so linking his Leones Italian Ices business with the pizzeria franchise was a no-brainer. Since opening his storefront in November 2020, the now-Thousand Oaks resident has grown his water- and cream-ice menu from six flavors to 60 with more in the works. One particular flavor, spicy cherry, brings true Staten Island flair; it was suggested by Ron Bumblefoot Thal, of Guns N Roses, a friend of Leones and fellow former Staten Islander. With his storefront a 30-second walk from Deninos order window, Leone has carved out the little slice of home he was seeking. The best [Italian] ice and best pizza is in New York. Now its in California, said Leone. Leone's Italian Ices, started by former Staten Islander Gregory Leone, features 60 flavors and is the perfect follow-up after eating at Denino's. (Courtesy of Megan Lovallo) PLANS FOR MORE DENINOS The wait and the work to bring a Deninos franchise to California has been worth it for Leone, Pieroni, and Burke. Expansion is on the already on the horizon; there are plans to open at least 20 more Deninos franchises in the future, from Carmel-by-the-Sea located two hours south of San Francisco down to San Diego, Burke confirmed. Were in it for the long haul, said Pieroni, and were grateful to be here. For more on Deninos Thousand Oaks franchise, visit deninosthousandoaks.com. Follow Deninos (@deninospizza) and Leones Italian Ices (@leones_ices) on Instagram for the latest. Globus Medical, Inc. (NYSE:GMED) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript August 3, 2023 Globus Medical, Inc. beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $0.63, expectations were $0.6. Operator: Welcome to Globus Medical's Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Call. At this time, all lines will be on mute and a Q&A session will be held after the prepared remarks. I will now turn the call over to Brian Kearns, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Investor Relations. Mr. Kearns, please go ahead. Brian Kearns: Thank you, Didi and thank you everyone for being with us today. Joining today's call from Globus Medical will be Dan Scavilla, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Keith Pfeil, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. This review is being made available via webcast accessible through Investor Relations section of the Globus Medical website at www.globusmedical.com. Before we begin, let me remind you that some of the statements made during this review are or may be considered forward-looking statements. Our Form 10-K from the 2022 fiscal year and our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission identify certain factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements made today. Medical devices, medical equipment Copyright: nimon / 123RF Stock Photo Our SEC filings including the 10-K are available on our website. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments. Our discussion today will include certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or GAAP. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide additional information pertinent to our business performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered replacements for and should be read together with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are available in the schedules accompanying the press release and on the Investor Relations section of the Globus Medical website. With that, I'll now turn the call over to Dan Scavilla, our President and CEO. Dan Scavilla: Thanks, Brian and good afternoon everyone. Globus had a fantastic second quarter, setting a new sales record of $292 million, increasing 11% or $28 million versus Q2 '22. Non-GAAP EPS increased to $0.63, up 12% and we had a strong free cash flow of $17 million, up 31% versus Q2 '22. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was 33%. Through the first half of '23, Globus has delivered $568 million, an increase of 15% or $74 million over Q2 -- first half of '22. Non-GAAP EPS was $1.15, up 18% and free cash flow of $54 million was up 44% versus first half '22. These outstanding results are due to the hard work of our dedicated team members across the company and our focus on driving sustainable and profitable growth. Keith will cover these achievements further in his section. US Spine grew 6% in Q2, with notable gains across our product portfolio in biologics, MIS and pedicle screws and 3D-printed implants. This above-market growth is driven by competitive rep productivity and robotic pull-through. In Q2, we launched three new products, REFLECT, MARVEL and Ossifuse. REFLECT is a humanitarian device designed to correct progressive scoliosis in young patients while preserving motion, maintaining stability and allowing for future modulated growth. Unlike rigid metal rods for fusion, the system uses a flexible durable cord tensioned on the convex side of the spine to harness the power of patient growth for curve correction. This is a groundbreaking technology that is now available for children in the US REFLECT technology has been used in over 5,000 procedures worldwide and is quickly becoming a very attractive option for parents and children who can now avoid or delay a fusion. MARVEL growing rods are designed for patients under the age of 10 with early-onset scoliosis to obtain and maintain correction while allowing continued growth through minimally invasive distraction. The powerful geared expansion mechanism access through a small incision provides tactile feedback and a large expansion capability for reliable distraction and minimal soft tissue disruption. REFLECT and MARVEL are part of our strategy to increase innovation and our presence in the pediatric deformity market. Ossifuse HSA or high surface area is composed of 100% allograft bone without an added synthetic carrier. The demineralized cortical fibers have a unique architecture with high surface area for cellular attachment and multiple handling. Ossifuse is a key component in our growing biologic portfolio. As we move into the second half of 2023 and into 2024, I anticipate a strong cadence of product launches throughout our portfolio. Enabling Technology had record sales of $35 million up 18% versus prior year, driven by robotic and imaging system sales. Robotic penetration and adoption continue to be strong, as we open new accounts and markets worldwide. We continue to make positive inroads with our Excelsius3D imaging system in the US and we're also seeing increased interest in sales and combination deals with both ExcelsiusGPS and E3D as surgeons see the advantage of our seamless integrated offering. Robotic procedures continued to accelerate growing 41% versus prior year and exceeding 54,000 robotic procedures performed to-date, driven by strong procedural adoption of pedicle screw placement, interbody placement and cranial applications. We're also expanding our investment in enabling technology product development to enhance our ecosystem offering and bring about more functionality in our Imaging, Navigation, and Robotics current and future portfolio. We're well positioned to partner with our surgeons to bring meaningful innovation into the space. Market interest remains high for our state-of-the-art technologies. And we're entering Q3 with a strong pipeline. Our International Spine business excluding Japan had a record quarter in Q2 growing 29% on a constant currency basis, compared to prior year. We generated double-digit growth and strong momentum in most markets. Spain, UK, Australia, Ireland, India and Poland all produced growth of 30% or more for the quarter. In addition, Japan had 9% constant currency growth for Q2. We expect to see gains in Japan throughout the year as we focus on above-market gains to recapture share. Our trauma business delivered its 14th consecutive quarter of sequential growth, generating 63% growth versus Q2 '22 and 12% sequentially. Trauma performance is driven by sales force expansion and strong uptake in all product lines with substantial growth throughout our portfolio. We have a robust product pipeline in trauma and I anticipate several meaningful launches in the second half of 2023. To update you on merger status, as mentioned in our last earnings call both Globus Medical and NuVasive shareholders voted overwhelmingly in support of the merger with over 99% voting for the transaction. We received a second request from the FTC in May and have been focused on providing the necessary responses, while continuing with cross-functional integration planning. We remain fully committed to the merger and our expected Q3 2023 closure date remains unchanged. In summary, we remain focused on the core elements for long-term and sustained growth Innovative New Product introductions, Robotic Imaging System sales, competitive rep recruiting and Merger Integration planning. 2023 is all about focus on execution to deliver value to our customers and drive growth. I know we are well positioned to achieve our mission of becoming the pre-eminent musculoskeletal company in the world. I will now turn the call over to, Keith. Keith Pfeil: Thanks Dan and good afternoon everyone. I am pleased to report that Globus concluded on an exceptionally strong second quarter. Momentum from the first quarter continued into the second quarter, resulting in record revenue and earnings. Revenue in the second quarter of 2023 was $291.6 million growing 10.6% as reported versus the second quarter of the prior year. Net income was $57.7 million, resulting in fully diluted earnings per share of $0.57. Non-GAAP net income was $63.6 million delivering $0.63 of fully diluted non-GAAP earnings per share resulting in 12.3% growth over the prior year quarter. Q2 musculoskeletal revenue was $256.9 million growing 9.7%, as reported, compared to the prior year quarter led primarily by our Spine business globally as well as trauma. Enabling Technologies revenue was $34.8 million in the second quarter of 2023, growing 18.2% as reported, compared to the prior year quarter. Sales growth was led mainly by our E3D imaging system as well as continued robotic system penetration primarily in the US. Q2 US revenue was $245.5 million, growing 9% versus the prior year quarter led by US Spine and Enabling Technologies. International revenue in the second quarter was $46.1 million, growing 20.2% as reported and 22% on a constant currency basis and largely due to expanding implant sales. Sales growth was led by our key focus countries including Spain, the UK, Australia, India, Poland and Japan. Regionally, growth was primarily driven in the EMEA region as well as APAC. Moving further into the P&L, second quarter gross profit was 73.8% compared to 74% in the prior year quarter. The decline in gross profit rate was driven mainly by the mix of products namely strong growth in capital sales as well as a growing mix of international implant sales. Despite the decline in gross profit rate, gross profit dollars grew 10.2% in the quarter in line with our 10.6% revenue growth. Over the long-term however, our continued expectation is that we are a mid-70s gross profit rate business. Research and development expenses were $21.3 million or 7.3% of sales in the second quarter of 2023 compared to $17.4 million or 6.6% of sales in the prior year quarter. The resulting increase in spend was largely focused on Spine and Enabling Technologies and is reflective of head count growth as we work to develop new technologies to drive continued platforms for future growth. SG&A expenses in the second quarter were $120.1 million or 41.2% of sales compared to $106.7 million or 40.5% of sales in the second quarter of the prior year. The increased spending is reflective of higher sales compensation costs driven by volume, competitive rep conversions and higher G&A costs driven by increased legal expenses as well as bad debt expense. The effective income tax rate for the second quarter was 22.7% essentially in line with the 22.6% noted in the second quarter of the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was 33% lower than the 34.9% noted in the prior year quarter and is reflective of my earlier comments on sales mix changes, increased R&D investments as well as increased G&A spending. As we think about Globus over the long-term, the leadership has and will continue to strive for mid-30s adjusted EBITDA. Consistent with history during periods of heavier investment our adjusted EBITDA will track to the lower range of the mid-30s. The long-term goal remains steadfast. We will focus on continued investment to drive future sales while delivering above-market profitability for our shareholders. Non-GAAP EPS in the second quarter of 2023 was $0.63 or 12.3% higher as compared to the prior year quarter. Our second quarter 2023 includes an approximate $0.04 tailwind of non-operating items mainly driven by higher interest income. Adjusting for this our normalized non-GAAP EPS would have been $0.59. Net cash provided by operating activities was $35 million and free cash flow was $17.2 million. The increase in free cash flow is driven primarily by lower capital expenditures and additional working capital investments namely inventory as well as the timing of higher payable spending. At this time the company is revising its full year standalone 2023 guidance. We now expect full year net sales to be $1.125 billion. Our standalone fully diluted non-GAAP EPS guidance remains unchanged at $2.30 per fully diluted share. Our Q2 results serve to highlight our collective strength record revenue, record earnings and record adjusted EBITDA dollars all while seeing continued improvement in free cash flow when compared to the prior year. Our record revenue was distributed across the business as strength was seen both in the US and international as well as across our musculoskeletal and enabling technologies portfolios. We continue to lead the market with investments in product development and seek to expand our position as a leader in disruptive technology. I want to thank our Globus team members for driving operational excellence and focus while continuing to plan and prepare for our pending merger with NuVasive. Operator, we'll now open the call for questions. See also 15 Cheapest and Safest Countries to Retire In and 15 States That Produce the Most Corn. Story continues Q&A Session Operator: Thank you. [Operator Instructions] One moment for our first question. And our first question comes from Shagun Singh of RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead. Unidentified Analyst: Hi. Congrats on a nice quarter. This is Kendall on for Shagun. I had one quick question about the FTC and the deal closing. I was wondering if you can give any other commentary about the deal and any other hurdles you might have going forward have the deal closed in Q3. And I also wanted to ask about guidance in the second half of the implied guidance. I was wondering if there's any other room for upside given the business momentum in the second quarter? Thank you so much. Dan Scavilla: Thanks, Kendall. This is Dan. I'll start with that and I'll hand it over to Keith. So no there are no other hurdles related to the upcoming merger having gone through what we needed with the SEC, obtained what we needed with the shareholders and now working with and responding to the FTC, we feel like that would be the last step for us to move forward. We've seen no reason to deviate from our planned third quarter that we stated based on the cadence and the amount of activity back and forth. But we still think that that's a reasonable date for us to look forward to. Keith Pfeil: I'll take the second part. Thanks for the question, and thanks for your comments on the quarter. As I think about the new guidance $1.125 billion that implies about 5.3% growth in the second half of the year, we feel good about that. I would say that Globus remains conservative as a company. But when you step back and look at the full year the full year would put us up 9.99%. We've always said that we seek to be a mid- to high single-digits grower, I think that that puts us at the high-end of the range and we think that the guidance that we're putting out there is appropriate given where we're at. Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from Matt Miksic of Barclays. Please go ahead. Matt Miksic: Hi. Thanks for taking the question and congrats on a really impressive quarter. So I wanted to get an idea as to was this quarter -- did this seem like a surprising quarter to you the way it played out the cadence in the quarter. Was it more in line with your expectations? And any color or commentary you can give this I think a lot of people are trying to figure out are we seeing a bigger summer vacation this year. Are we seeing more seasonal dip in Q3. Just without trying to get quantify July comment from you is maybe anything you can give us on your sense so far as to what Q3 should shape up to be relative to what was a very strong Q2? And I have one quick follow-up if I could. Dan Scavilla: Thanks, Matt. So you know we're always going to give you this answer, right? We're not going to comment on the current quarter, just because we're in the process of it. So there's nothing there we'll disclose with that. I would tell you that Q2, I wouldn't consider a surprise. I think we had a solid quarter. There was a lot of great activity throughout the months therein throughout the businesses. So whether you look at spine or our enabling technology or trauma all of those things were well. The international is just solid every single month. It's really I think doing well with the investments we put in this traction. So I would say we were pleased throughout each one of those three months. And like I said, stay tuned for Q3. We'll have to get through those hurdles before we talk about that one. Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from Matt Blackman of Stifel. Please go ahead. Unidentified Analyst: Hi. This is Emily [ph] on for Matt. Just was hoping you could talk a little bit about inbound surgeon training volumes whether on the Enabling Tech side or the core spine side. And maybe any specific color on uptick in interest from NuVa docs? Thanks. Dan Scavilla: Well, thanks for the question Emily. We have a lot of surge in traffic that occurs throughout the week, usually heavier towards the end of the week. But I would tell you that nothing unusually heavy or lighter than the normal flow in which we do. I think we're pleased with the amount of throughput that we do, whether that be cadaveric training or hands on with the robot or everything in between. I'd say it's pretty good that way. With NuVasive itself, there's still a separate entity. And so we haven't done a lot nor can we do a lot with them or their surgeons with planning along those ways. We will expect an uptick when it is approved and we'll go at that in a heavier pace. But right now we're staying within our lane and just focusing on the surgeons that we have. Unidentified Analyst: Thank you. Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from Caitlin Cronin of Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead. Caitlin Cronin : Hi. This is Caitlin on for Kyle Rose. Congrats on an awesome quarter. Just to touch on this topic given what others have called out have you been experiencing any recent supply chain challenges? Dan Scavilla: Hey Caitlin. Thanks. This is Dan. I would say no, just the opposite. We're very pleased with the strength of our supply chain both external and internal, whether itd be the ability to replenish post-surgery. We're set building. I would tell you that we're arguably one of our strongest periods, thanks to the hard work of our operations team throughout the, world but in particular here. So I would say we went through Q2 and we're entering Q3 at a point of strength. Keith Pfeil: Yes. And the only thing I would add to that is if you count back to last year with some of the supply chain challenges that were called out there in the market I think, we feel better positioned about where we are this year versus last year and it really ties back to the statements Dan just made. Caitlin Cronin: Awesome. And then just a quick one on the pediatric deformity products you've launched recently. Any plans to launch any other products? How do you really view the attractiveness of this market? Thank you. Dan Scavilla: I think if I heard you correctly, first, the two products that I referred to which are REFLECT and MARVEL, we're very excited about that, because it's going to give you a lot of options how to treat those young patients in a way that should hopefully reduce surgeries or further incisions and different items like that in a controlled fashion. So look, this is a market that needs innovation. We're leaning into that innovation. There's no doubt that when the right time comes and the FTC approves this, will bring together a NuVa portfolio and come out with an ever stronger offering. These two products REFLECT and MARVEL, are definitely key for us and we're really excited to get this pushed into the hands of the surgeons in the US. Operator: Thank you. [Operator Instructions] And our next question comes from Richard Newitter of Truist Securities. Please go ahead. Lin Zhang: Hi. It's actually Lin on for Rich. So first of all, congrats on the great quarter. So we heard some comments on capital slowdown in the market. Just wondering if you could -- like what you are seeing there? Keith Pfeil: This is Keith. Thanks for the question. I think just to repeat what you said, you asked if there was -- if we were seeing capital slowdowns in the market. I'll start this and Dan feel free to add. I mean I think that where we're at today -- we're extremely happy with the uptake of our E3D system as well as our robot. If I look at where we're at today versus last year at this time on a year-to-date basis, I would say that we're ahead and we're happy with where we're at. We're continuing to try to sell more. But I wouldn't say that we've seen a slowdown in the market especially when we comp to prior year. Dan Scavilla: Yes. And I'll just build on that. I think COVID created some disruption in the market and I think that's carried through the years, not quite solidified and equalized when it comes into the hospitals with what they're struggling with. That said, we're not seeing this year or this quarter any difference as Keith said. It's just out there and we'd all like it to be stronger, but there's nothing noticeable and change for us in Q2 that we would call out as a significant difference. Lin Zhang: That's helpful. Thank you. A follow-up. So on Japan, could you provide us some color like what really drove that strength there? Thanks. Dan Scavilla: I'd say the strength in Japan is really -- the business is really starting to take hold. And as we think about what we've done in the last couple of years our go-to-market plan of controlling the territories with the reps that we have, that is really taking hold and really we're starting to see growth, because we saw a period of time where we saw consecutive sales declines. We're not going the other way and we think that our strategy is starting to take hold. Lin Zhang: Operator: Thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question comes from Steven Lichtman of Oppenheimer & Company. Please go ahead. Q Unidentified Analyst: Hi, guys. This is Ron [ph] on for Steve. Congrats on the great quarter. Wanted to ask, if you guys see any signs of sales force concern or losses, because of the pandemic deal are there any initiatives you were putting in place for sales force retention? Dan Scavilla: Ron, thanks for the question. No, we have not seen anything right now with our sales force in Globus and having concerns with that. Really the best approach that we have is to develop and launch products, get them in their hands, pay them as we do and look to supply them in a stronger supply chain that way. In doing that, and creating that level of innovation and support, we feel like we're one of the best places to be. I think we have to be mindful of what can happen in the future. Certainly, there is concern with that. And so, we're communicating and we're making sure that we interact, with our field at a higher rate just so, they're aware of what's going on and where we're going our commitment to them and how they will remain vital to us, in one of our main growth engines. And so we're really just kind of reminding them of how great they are, making sure that we can provide them with what they need, so that we can drive this forward while we're waiting to get the approval and certainly need their hands on and driving, as we get through the post approval. Keith Pfeil: And the only thing, I'd add to that is as you look ahead, you're bringing together two companies that are committed to product development and that's something we see going forward, as well as surgeon education and you're bringing together two innovators. When it comes to product, I think that should continue to drive excitement across both sales forces. Q Unidentified Analyst: Great. Just a short follow-up. Maybe you guys can give us some commentary about pricing trends in the US, in the recent quarter. Keith Pfeil: Pricing trends really, it's really low single-digit decline. I wouldn't say, that that's really any different. As we think about Globus, what we've done to offset price erosion is really launched new products, bring those to the market. We've done that with some of the product launches Dan talked about earlier, as well as things that we have planned for the remainder of this year. Dan Scavilla: I would just add, we've seen no significant change in pricing pressures or shifts with that as we look over the past multiple quarters. It's been fairly consistent for us. Q Unidentified Analyst: Thanks, guys. Operator: Thank you. With no further questions that concludes the Globus Medical Earnings Call. Thank you for participating and you may now disconnect. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As the U.S. maternal mortality rate continues to remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, a recent report has found that pregnancy care access is declining across the country. While the maternal death rate -- the death of women who are pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy -- has been on the decline since February 2022, it still remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to CDC data. And since January 2023, the maternal death rate has started seeing an uptick. Black pregnant Americans suffer the worst maternal health disparities than other racial groups in the country. In 2021, Black pregnant women died from pregnancy complications at a rate of 69.9 per 100,000 -- which is 2.6 times higher than the rate for white women in 2021, as per a CDC report. Among American Indian and Alaska Native women, the mortality rate for pregnancy-related causes is twice as high as that of white women, according to CDC data. Maternity care gaps in the United States relate to affordability and access, but quality care also hinges on addressing these issues and eliminating care deserts. A report released this past week by the March of Dimes, a non-profit focused on improving the health of pregnant women and babies, found that pregnancy care access is declining across the United States, with a 4% increase in maternity care deserts since 2018. Maternity care deserts are counties that have limited or zero access to birthing hospitals, birth centers offering obstetric care, or obstetric providers. These areas impact more than 5.6 million women and nearly 350,000 births across the United States, according to the report. The report revealed that about 40% of U.S. counties lack an obstetrician or certified nurse-midwife (CNM), while only 6.5% of counties (204 counties) do not have a family physician. The slight increase in the number of counties classified as maternity care deserts in the 2022 report results in 6.9 million women residing in regions with limited or no access to maternity care. New York stats maternity care deserts On average, a woman in New York State travels 5.8 miles to a hospital offering obstetric care, as reported by the March of Dimes. However, women residing in maternity care deserts in the state travel 2.7 times farther, reaching an average distance of more than 15 miles. In the state of New York, 3.2% of counties are considered maternity care deserts, according to data, in contrast to the rest of the United States, where 32.6% of counties fall into this category. There are 4.2% of women in New York who have no birthing hospital within a 30-minute distance from their residence, the report stated. Nationwide, this percentage more than doubles to nearly 10% of women with no access to hospitals within 30 minutes of their home, the data showed. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced it will begin a bus fare evasion crackdown this fall deploying Evasion and Graffiti Lawlessness Eradication (EAGLE) teams to bus stop hubs throughout the city with high rates of fare evasion. The initiative, which is run by uniformed and unarmed MTA officers supported by the NYPD, is scheduled for a September launch, but will kick off along several troublesome routes next week including 22 lines in Staten Island. This approach involves reorienting our customers, so they know that paying the fare is expected, while also educating them on programs that are available for reduced fares, said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. The MTA reports that it lost an estimated $315 million to fare evasion on buses in 2022. The agency says customers commonly evade fares by walking past the farebox without paying, boarding through a back door, short-changing the farebox, or failing to purchase a ticket for Select Bus Service (SBS). The goals of the Bus Stop Hub approach are to improve customer awareness of opportunities to pay lower fares, raise visibility and improve equity of fare evasion inspection on buses in all five boroughs, a press release about the initiative notes. EAGLE Team inspectors are charged with inspecting fares on local and SBS bus routes. The Authority is also partnering with the NYPD to ensure safety of EAGLE Team staff, a move which the agency claims has resulted in a decrease in bus operator assaults. The Bus Stop Hub approach launched in Downtown Brooklyn on July 31 and will continue to branch out to the following locations in the next two weeks: Monday, August 7: Staten Island Ferry 22 Bus Routes: S40, S42, S44, S46, S48, S51, S52, S61, S62, S66, S74, S76, S78, S81, S84, S86, S90, S91, S92, S94, S96, S98 Monday, August 14: Kips Bay along 34 St, 1 Av, 2 Av, and 3 Av 25 Bus Routes: BM5, BXM1, M101, M102, M103, M15, M34, M34A, M9, QM1, QM10, QM12, QM15, QM16, QM17, QM18, QM2, QM20, QM24, QM3, QM4, QM5, QM6, SBS15, X68 Enforcement will spread throughout the rest of the city in September. The hundreds of millions of dollars the MTA loses to fare evasion every year could be used to reinvest into the transit system in the form of more service thats instead totally lost. Its not fair to the millions of riders who do the right thing and swipe or tap in every day, said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber in a statement. RELATED CONTENT STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New Yorkers looking to win big on scratch-off games have nearly two dozens chances to win $5 million or more. The New York Lottery has various $20 and $30 scratch-off games with top-prizes of up to $10 million. While more expensive than your average scratch-off, these games offer the largest payouts available anywhere in the state. As of Friday, there are 21 tickets across 11 different scratch-off games with guaranteed top prizes of $5 million or $10 million. This includes 14 chances to win $5 million and seven chances to win $10 million. Here are the scratch-off games with top-prize tickets of $5 million or $10 million still in circulation as of Friday, Aug. 4, according to New York Lottery data: $5 MILLION PAYOUT $300,000,000 Cash Payout Top prizes remaining: 2 Price: $20 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 5,186,687.50 $5,000,000 Cash Royale Top prizes remaining: 4 Price: $20 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 4,538,562.50 $5,000,000 Riches Top prizes remaining: 1 Price: $20 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 4,393,200 Cash X100 Top prizes remaining: 3 Price: $20 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 4,498,390 VIP Millions Top prizes remaining: 3 Price: $30 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 5,481,975 X Series: 100X Top prizes remaining: 1 Price: $20 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 4,408,000 $10 MILLION PAYOUT $10,000,000 Black Titanium Top prizes remaining: 1 Price: $30 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,598,330 $10,000,000 Bonus Top prizes remaining: 1 Price: $30 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,609,120 $10,000,000 Deluxe Top prizes remaining: 1 Price: $30 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,521,600 200X Top prizes remaining: 1 Price: $30 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,501,640 X Series: 200X Top prizes remaining: 3 Price: $30 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 4,319,110 MORE INFORMATION For more information about the New York Lotterys scratch-off games visit https://nylottery.ny.gov/scratch-off-games. The New York Lottery continues to be touted as North Americas largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.6 billion during fiscal year 2021-2022 to support education in New York State. New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school districts size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of lottery school funding. MORE NY LOTTERY COVERAGE: NY Lottery: 23 chances to turn $2 into $25,000 on these scratch-off games NY Lottery: Want to win $1M or more? Play these $10, $20, $30 scratch-off games NY Lottery: These $3 scratch-off games in circulation have top prizes of $60,000 NY Lottery: Staten Island store sells $1,000 a week for life winning ticket NY Lottery: 1 ticket with a guaranteed $2.5M payout left for this $5 scratch-off game It starts out with an image: Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson, sitting up high behind a bench, black robes flowing, black hair bobbed and perfectly coiffed, laughing and banging their gavels. In the 1960s, many of us thought they would make a far better Supremes Court than the stable of older, wrinkled white guys we were saddled with. Of course, that court was charged with implementing the Civil Rights Act, the results of Roe v. Wade, Brown v. the Board of Education and the sanctity of LGBTQ+ marriage. The current courtnot so much. In recent landmark renderings the court has overturned Roe v. Wade, upending a ruling that directly affects the lives of every woman now living in the United States, and has also ruled on affirmative action, student loan debts, and the rights of businesses to refuse LGBTQ+ customers. Talk about a reversal of fortunes! A Colorado web designer challenged the states public accommodations laws when asked to create a message she disagreed with. Judge Neil Gorsuch drew a line between discrimination and messaging, citing that the Nations answer is tolerance, not coercion. The exact opposite is being perceived. The court also struck down the current Presidents loan forgiveness plan. The weight of student debt often crushes the hopes and dreams of younger people, prohibiting them from taking steps in their lives including marriage, buying a home and raising children. And then, there was the decision on affirmative action, which seemed the Reverse-Flash version of that law. Rep. Mark Takano of California was quoted as saying that sunsetting the policy does not necessarily end the ability to achieve diversity in higher education. It just makes it more difficult. Because, of course, the Supreme Court was established to make folks lives much more difficult. Heres the thing; Thomas Jefferson (one of our often quoted and seriously misunderstood founding fathers) wrote in the Declaration Of Independence Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructiveit is the Right Of The People to alter or to abolish it He also wrote to James Madison, during the French Revolution, which Jefferson witnessed, that Every constitution, then, and every law, naturally expires at the end of nineteen years. If it be enforced any longer, it is an act of force and not of right. Perhaps it was this line of thinking that allowed the more conservative members of the Court to strike down long-standing laws and replace them with decisions that socially set the country back about 50 years. The Supreme Court is an esteemed legal body, but we should never look to them as a moral compass but rather as a bellwether of our countrys current political sway. In other words, it is our right to tell the Supreme Court where to file their obsolete and backward-thinking findings and proceed to do what is right in our day to day lives. The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King spoke of living in a nation where children would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. During the 60s, when I attended college, affirmative action was seen by many as a dumbing down of the college system, a lowering of admission standards, the same way certain tests are now seen as barring certain populations from attending certain institutions of learning. Saying no one should be judged by their gender/race/economic status is fine in a society where all people are considered equal and some have not had to struggle twice or three times as hard to achieve even the most basic human needs. But, thats not the country we live in. And I am sure that there are many cake-makers, web designers, tailors and wedding planners who would more than welcome an LGBTQ+ couple and their business, because if the law states that one is allowed to refuse a clients business, based upon the message it sends then, ipso facto, it allows folks to accept a client and the message that that acceptance sends. They Might Be Giants have a tune entitled Boss Of Me, in which they sing Youre not the boss of me, now/And youre not so big/Life is unfair. That basically is my attitude about the recent Supreme Court rulings. I will do what is right in regard to my neighbors because it is the right thing to do. And that thing is treat everybody I meet with respect and compassion. Life is unfair, unjust, messy and unbalanced. It is the duty of every citizen of our country to rectify that balance in whatever way they can. As William Ernest Henley wrote in the poem Invictus: My head is bloody but unbowed/I am the master of my fate/I am the captain of my soul. Stay strong! Lift those magnificent grey heads high! Comments may be submitted to Talk To The Old Guy on Facebook 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! Caroline* was looking forward to a fresh start. After a difficult two years, during which both her parents passed away, she had moved out of an older, traditional house and into a more modern one in Melbournes inner-city suburb of Windsor. Her new home is a four-minute drive from the Prahran showroom of Fenton & Fenton, a popular, stylish homewares and interiors business that had been around for more than a decade. Caroline began dealing with the brand in late April, visiting the showroom a number of times. An interior stylist came over and went through each room in her house. Fenton & Fenton customer Caroline is among the customers who have revealed steep losses after the collapse of the homewares and interiors business. Credit: Justin McManus Caroline eventually found more than 20 pieces she loved, including a bedhead, rugs, dining tables, pieces of art, delicate vases, and ornaments. On May 31, she made two hefty payments: the first was $42,153, the second $20,786. All up, she spent $62,939. On Tuesday this week, a Fenton & Fenton interior stylist assured her many of the items would arrive around 10am on Thursday. By the next afternoon, the business had collapsed. Bitcoiners rejoiced this week when KPMG, one of the big four worldwide accounting firms, published a report that underscored how the protocol can contribute in a positive manner to the three pillars of the ESG investing framework: environmental, social, and governance. KPMGs research is pivotal, says CH4 Capital co-founder and renowned ESG analyst, Daniel Batten. No matter what your view on ESG, demonstrating how Bitcoin makes positive contributions [to environment, social and governance initiatives] is critical to both mainstream and institutional comfort, he told Decrypt. According to Batten, the KPMG reporttitled Bitcoins role in the ESG Imperativeis an important moment, because it represents for the first time a mainstream financial institution having gone through a thorough due diligence process on Bitcoin. The report documents a deep dive in the frameworks three pillars, beginning with the environmental aspect of Bitcoin miningthe energy intensive and controversial process through which new BTC is created. KPMG says the mining industry is focused on driving towards Net Zero emissions. KPMG showcases how Bitcoin emissions compare to other key worldwide industries (such as tourism and fashion), elucidating it is a mere fraction. The publication outlines several strategies towards reducing the network's carbon footprint, including using renewable energy, and recycled heat among others. 'Unsubstantiated': Expert Refutes Greenpeace Bitcoin Mining Pollution Claims Batten, an expert on ESG matters, explained to Decrypt that he is surprised by the thoroughness of the report. It's usual for reports to let certain folklore slip through the due diligence process such as but Bitcoin takes renewable energy away from other users, he said, praising the KPMG team for the quality of their research and publishing what he considers to be non-obvious truths. The social aspect of the report touches upon the hotly debated Bitcoin is for criminals, narrative, pointing to a recent Chainalysis report. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has repeatedly asserted that cryptocurrency is a favored tool of criminals, fueling societal ills like the fentanyl epidemic. Story continues KPMG countered these claims with the opportunities the protocol presents for financial inclusion, such as crowdfunding Ukraines efforts in its war with Russia, providing access to electricity in Africa, and the role it plays for minorities around the world. Last but not least, KPMG addresses the governance aspect of Bitcoin, and the decentralized aspect of the network specifically, which it writes is one of its most prominent features. The report acknowledges that the networks rules cannot be changed or modified by those in power, pointing to a robust governance structure that provides a high degree of confidence in the overall system. Robert F. Kennedy Jr: Bitcoin Energy Concerns Should Not Be Used as 'Smokescreen' to Limit Freedom The report concludes that Bitcoin provides a number of positive benefits under an ESG investing framework, and ends with a series of questions for ecosystem playersprompting users, miners and other organizations to assess their relationship to the ecosystem. I think it's an important report and a milestone the ecosystem should celebrate, Batten tells Decrypt. He remarked that It's important people read reports put out by Bitcoin opponents, although Batten reckons there is still much work to be done, with several mainstream news channels continuing to publish misinformation about Bitcoin with impunity. He concluded, however, that this will improve education and help the intellectually curious person to form an informed viewpoint on the utility of Bitcoin. Advertisement Eating outBest of How Bellingen became a foodie mecca in regional NSW Bianca Hrovat August 5, 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 Restaurant group Three Blue Ducks has opened a new farm-to-table restaurant in Bellingen, a town on the Mid North Coast of NSW whose fast-growing food scene has made it a thriving travel destination. The Ducks fifth restaurant, helmed by head chef Julien Vasseur, draws on local, sustainable producers such as Levenvale Farm (Bello Beef) and The Patch Organics to produce Asian-inspired dishes such as dirty duck, roasted with citrus fruit and Davidson plum. Three Blue Ducks Bellingen head chef Julien Vasseur and co-founder Darren Robertson. Steven Woodburn It joins more than eight new restaurants, cafes, specialist food stores and bakeries to open across the Bellingen Shire since COVID-19 not bad for a region with a population of about 13,000. Some of the most interesting and awesome food offerings in Australia are now happening regionally, and Bellingen is a big part of that movement, says Three Blue Ducks co-founder and chef Darren Robertson. Advertisement Its a quaint little town, but the standard is incredibly high, whether youre going to the local bottle shop (Libertine Liquor), the brewery (Bellingen Brewing Co) or the restaurants. Located just outside town at The Lodge, a converted roadside motel, Three Blue Ducks has already become a destination restaurant for out-of-towners, particularly from nearby Coffs Harbour, since opening in mid-July. The new Three Blue Ducks restaurant in Bellingen. Steven Woodburn Bellingen Shire has welcomed more than 311,000 domestic visitors in the 12 months to March, a number not seen since 2018, and research by Destination NSW reveals that eating out is the most popular activity. Ask a local for a restaurant recommendation, and theyll invariably direct you to Brunos, a Mediterranean restaurant in a weatherboard cottage on Oak Street, where chef Jesse Dolman, formerly of two-hatted Brunswick Heads restaurant Fleet, heads the kitchen. Advertisement It is the first hospitality venture from brothers Joshua and Oliver Gluck, who moved to the region from Melbourne and Byron Bay during the pandemic. Brunos in Bellingen has become a local favourite. Supplied We opened it for the community in the middle of COVID, when there was no way to target tourists. It was all about what we wanted to experience in Bellingen, Joshua Gluck says. Gluck says their arrival coincided with a boom in local eateries. Since Brunos opened, the former logging town has welcomed restaurants such as Osteria Fiume and Charlies at Church, alongside cafes like Eden and Habitat Coffee House. It has always had a wonderful food scene, but theres definitely an increasing number of venues opening, focusing on quality local produce and a slightly higher end of dining, Gluck says. Advertisement A spread meant for sharing at Brunos in Bellingen. Supplied Its become a destination for dining. Where Bellingen restaurants used to fly under the radar, now theyre put on the map. Outside interest has spread up Waterfall Way to nearby Dorrigo, where Peaches Patisserie opened last year. The small shop is the fulfilment of a childhood dream for owner Beth OLoughlin, who returned to Bellingen Shire after honing her pastry skills in Melbourne. Locals appetite for her seasonal pastries, such as Davidson plum doughnuts and butterscotch and brown butter pie, means OLoughlin has had to step up her working hours, and she has found a strong food culture in the region. Advertisement People are happy to spend money on food, but they do have high expectations. Blackcurrant and raspberry eclairs at Peaches Patisserie in Dorrigo. Supplied OLoughlin suggests it is the regions dense rainforests, waterfalls and creeks (with names like Promised Lands and Diehappy) that attract skilled hospitality workers to the area. Think of Bangalow, or Byron Bay. With beautiful landscapes come creative types, and with creative types come hospitality workers, she says. Thats the case for Gabriel Gutnik and Nathalie Poludniewski, who moved to Bellingen last year after discovering its natural beauty. Operating under the name Ziggys Wildfoods, the pair forage the surrounding landscape for native ingredients and wild invasive species to create a range of condiments, ferments and shrubs, drinks combining fermented plants, vinegar and a sweetener. Advertisement A selection of miso pastes made by Ziggys Wildfoods using foraged ingredients. Supplied In February, they opened their first brick-and-mortar store on the towns main street, and in July, their products were featured at Maaemo, when the Michelin three-star Norwegian restaurant held a weekend-long pop-up at the two-hatted Berowra Waters Inn. The hospitality industrys success is underpinned by a community of growers and producers who draw on the shires rich soil and subtropical climate to supply everything from black truffles to native Dorrigo pepper. For a foodie, Bellingen is like the ultimate dream, Gutnik says. People bring bucketloads of fruit they find or grow on their property. Often we show up at the door and there are buckets of Davidson plums. The yuzu eclair at Three Blue Ducks in Bellingen uses miso made by Ziggys Wildfoods. Steven Woodburn Advertisement To repay their kindness, Gutnik transforms the plums into ferments, or works with family-run gelateria Bellingen Gelato to create small-batch flavours. We want people to be able to fully experience and taste the ingredients growing in the valley and the mountains, he says. There are so many foodies here that care about the land theyre on, and its created a real foodie mecca. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Her family were rice farmers deep in the jungle of Thailands northern mountains, a place steeped in nature and ancient superstition, from which emerged stories of tigers prowling down dirt roads and ancestral spirits singing you lullabies while you slept. It was in that village that 20-year-old Mum, with her lightly freckled cheeks and ink-black hair past her hips, was in a motorbike accident with one of her brothers. She attended a pop-up clinic with a cracked tooth and was treated by a young, handsome dentistry student on overseas placement at the end of his degree. He was 25 and the youngest of a middle-class Catholic family in Sydneys east. She spoke no English and he spoke rudimentary Thai which was passable in the clinic but really thrived in markets and bars. By the end of the consultation, Dad wanted to ask her out; Mum, wanting to seem more sophisticated, told him she was 21. Each time I recounted this story, instead of expected stories of trysts in red-light districts and May-to-December romances in love motels, I was met with varying levels of surprise and bashfulness. As a teen, I would confusedly receive questions about their age difference (five years), what attracted them to each other (probably the usual things), and even why Dad wanted an Asian woman (he didnt, he wanted my mum). It was as if by poking holes, people would uncover some perverted gap in this story I must be concealing, something that explained why an eligible Australian boy would stumble across an Asian farm girl and move mountains to be with her. Thai superstition dictates that you never call a baby cute or beautiful for fear that malevolent spirits will want an attractive baby and come to steal it. Accordingly, Thais will call and even nickname babies undesirable things: ugly, pig-nosed or, in my case, fat. Ouan. Or pum pui. Fatty. In primary school, I was called the Asian Invasion, Ching Chong and, often, the Asian One. I spent afternoons on our tawny carpet amid dolls that were mostly blonde, the brunettes the closest approximation I could get to my own features. I watched TV where the only relatable face was a timid sidekick, often of Japanese descent, often with a coloured streak in her hair, and almost always called Jade. In my attempts to fit what I saw as a mould for my personality, I felt aimless and wrong, like I was left standing in a game of musical chairs because I didnt understand the rules, or even why I was there in the first place. It felt natural, then, that my only option was to lean into my whiteness it was meant to be half of me, after all. Loading Id force my eyes wide, determined that sheer willpower would stop them from looking slanty. I obsessively checked my eyelids in mirrors for fear of developing monolids, lamented the flatness of my facial profile, and slathered myself in coconut oil to tan my way to ethnic ambiguity. I also discarded Mum with unrelenting cruelty, using hateful words and disgusted tones to make her smaller, hoping shed disappear. I refused to recognise a word of Thai, demanded she speak English properly, and berated and tormented her for every misstep. I tried to sever whatever tied her to me, as if by pulling away from her I could rub the stain of her difference from my skin. With time, my skin began to crawl with hormones that made me quick to snarl, that drew my voice high and filled my eyes with tears at the slightest confrontation. My developing frame was soft but shapeless and, in our beachside community, I felt repulsively childlike beside peers who were growing into curves. In my despair, an emboldened resentment arose. I dizzied in rage at Mums attempts to help with Libra pads and hot-water bottles, hurled boardshorts and rashies back in her face, and left uneaten the cut fruit she delivered to me. High school brought an unending downpour of comments about ping-pong shows, happy-ending massages and lady boys. Boys would gyrate and chant Bang-cock at me, would grin and ask about the colour of my nipples, about whether all Thai women could fire objects from their vaginas, about whether my dad had picked up my mum in a topless bar. It felt natural that my only option was to lean into my whiteness it was meant to be half of me, after all. NINA WILTON I didnt have the vocabulary or insight to decipher my growing desire for whiteness, for being normal. I sought affection and validation from boys who were sometimes kind and always white. Some asked about my ethnicity or launched into a racial guessing game before asking my name, only to pointedly lose interest once establishing I wasnt an interesting kind of Asian. Others expressed opinions on Thai dishes, or dismissed me because they didnt like spicy food, or chuckled before telling me that Phuket was their favourite place in the world. Some said they didnt think of me as Asian, or that they didnt see colour. When I went with Dad to the shops, I would call him Dad loudly or talk about what Mum was making for dinner, fearful that people thought we were dating, that in us they saw another dirty old white man with a young Asian girl. I started doing this at 13, and I continue to do it, especially now that I wear a wedding band of my own. I grew into my adult self not as a strong, wilful woman, but as a girl crippled by my sense of ugliness, a belief that my sexuality was not my own but dictated for me, like I was just a porn category. I was filled with mounting confusion about who I was. I had violently ripped out my heritage, only to realise that I would always walk the world as an Asian woman. Once I reached university, I was able to taste invisibility, riding the bus into Sydneys inner west to a melting pot of a campus. I was surrounded by people from different backgrounds, different socio-economic areas, with different facets to their identities, no longer one of a handful of Asian kids measuring my success through conformity. Loading But I also discovered that I occupied a space that was neither white nor Asian. While perceived physically as Asian, I was an outsider to groups of young people with immigrant parents whod grown up in an entirely different part of Sydney, who didnt speak the way I did, whose relationships with their parents, language and culture were entirely different to mine. Often, when meeting new people from other Asian backgrounds, theyd ask whether I spoke Thai, and when I said I didnt, theyd give me this consoling look and say, Im sure your mum is sad about that. To them, I was white. While I was never called a banana or a coconut, my connection to my physical self continued to mutate and devolve. I was a brown husk barely covering the shattered porcelain underneath. I was still tinged with an undesirability that I grew increasingly desperate to clean myself of. Eventually, I met the boy whod become my husband in a friends backyard over a Bunnings table and a pack of Winfield Reds. He had a barking laugh and big round eyes that had earned him the nickname Possum at work. He was easy to talk to, and when someone at the table stumbled for the words to ask me where I came from, he calmly corrected them: You mean, whats her background, right? And with him, I came to understand it was just that: background. It formed part of the whole picture of me, but sat behind who I was as a person, behind my personality, behind my thoughts and feelings and needs. He provided the assurance and space for me to tend to myself and grow. I filled out the parts of me that I had emptied to make space for a false self, reacquainted myself with my face and body, and tiptoed into an abundance of culture that Id always ignored. I spoke clearer and louder. I developed friendships founded in respect and understanding. With time, I came to recognise the chasm I had created between myself and Mum. Slowly, painfully, I began to build a bridge to cross over and reacquaint myself with her. I came to see the village girl who fell off a motorbike, met a boy and crossed an ocean, having packed her bags full of dreams of being my mum. Edited extract from Emergence: The 30 Best New Voices with Powerful Must-Read Stories (Hardie Grant Books), judged by Alice Pung and Christos Tsiolkas, out now. The order requires the council to remedy the potential serious defect in the Pottery Lane building within two months. The issues involved stormwater drain outlets and failure of the roof membrane, which Fair Trading said were serious because they did not comply with building standards. Lane Cove Council faces a hefty bill after it was ordered to fix up serious defects in a residential building in Lane Cove. Credit: James Brickwood The state government last month issued a building work rectification order to Lane Cove Council after inspectors from NSW Fair Trading found multiple defects in a seven-storey building in Pottery Lane in Lane Cove. A council on Sydneys lower north shore faces a hefty repair bill after it was ordered to fix up serious defects in a residential building. A council spokeswoman said Lane Cove Council was the former landowner of the site and did not have any role in the construction of the project. Council is surprised that Fair Trading NSW has determined that it should bear the cost and not the developer or builder, a council spokeswoman said. Given the order was only received last week, council has not sought an estimate of the cost. The order is one of 35 issued to property developers by the NSW government to fix up building defects this year, according to Fair Trading. No other local council appears on Fair Tradings register of building work orders, but Sydney Olympic Park Authority was issued an order to rectify defects in the Opal Tower. The spokeswoman said the council was a strata owner and major tenant of the building, which was completed in 2016: Like all strata owners we are keen to see the issue rectified as soon as possible to ensure the defect does not ultimately directly impact owners. However, she declined to say if the council would challenge Fair Tradings order: Council will act on this matter as soon as complete information is available. There has been a 20 per cent increase in lithium battery-related fires in NSW in the first six months of this year compared with the same period last year as authorities urge residents to think twice about how they dispose of them. Batteries thrown into rubbish bins instead of being disposed of safely also contribute to an increase in recyclable materials winding up in landfill. The NSW government is concerned about the emerging issue of lithium battery fires and is pushing for greater public awareness. Credit: NSW government In the first six months of this year, there were 114 lithium battery-related fires, with key items of concern being power packs and chargers, micro-mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters and portable power banks. Local councils and waste contractors have seen a significant rise in the number of truck and rubbish fires caused by batteries, which if damaged can explode and spark fires that are difficult to put out. A house fire that killed five children and their 34-year-old father on Russell Island, south-east of Brisbane, may yet be determined suspicious as police investigate some aspects of the fire that have raised concerns. Five young boys and their father died after the fire ripped through three houses on the island, off the Redlands coast, on Sunday morning. Early on Monday, Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said there were elements to the investigation that had to play out, and investigators were keeping an open mind. They are set to provide an update into their investigation on Monday morning. 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 It had been some years since I last visited Evgnosia (Effie) and her husband Apostolos (Paul) Tsagalidis at their farm in Plenty. Id dropped by a few times and they werent at home; but I thought they were probably OK. The farm animals still grazed the undulating paddocks and Effies beloved goats were camped up under the old stunted oak tree that stood on the dry hillside next to the house. On this visit, however, in the fading days of summer, while the rest of Melbourne was still awakening from the pandemic, I was alarmed to see the goats and chickens gone. All that remained were the sheep, the rabbits and the brown snakes. The heady days of a vibrant working farm, which Paul and Effie bought in 1966, and the expectation that a unique way of life would resist the urban sprawl died with the couples 58-year-old son Stephen seven years ago. Signs advertising the new River Rise estate loom large at the front gate. Plenty, as its name suggests, has always been considered a place of bounty. The area was subdivided in 1913 into orchards and small farms. That lands worth is now measured by its alluring location and views across the Great Divide, with one-acre plots selling for $1.5 million. The last of the Plenty farmers will be replaced by extravagant homes and lifestyles and the resident mob of kangaroos will need to find a new home. I knocked on the door and called out; it was some time before Effie appeared, dressed in mourning clothes. A decrepit light struggled to fill her home, casting a sombre yellow shroud over the fading curtains. Advertisement Evgnosia (Effie) Tsagalidis on her farm in Plenty. Credit: Justin McManus Justin, Im so happy to see you, come in, would you like a glass of ouzo? I respectfully declined. OK, Ill make you a coffee. As we entered I asked how shed been. Oh, not good, Paul passed away last Friday and now Im on my own. I expressed my condolences as she gathered biscuits to have with coffee. She grabbed a bottle of wine from Stephens wine collection. I would like to give this wine to you, Justin, she said. This is for the interview you recorded with Stephen, it has been a great comfort to me. I listen to it when I feel sad and miss him, so nice to hear his voice and hear him talk about the farm. Loading As Effie brewed the coffee I noticed a yellowing copy of The Sunday Age on a table: it was the edition from 2016 featuring the first story I had written about their life and their resistance to developers who were constantly harassing them to sell the farm. After flicking through the paper I noticed that the double-page feature had been removed. Later, after speaking to a long-time family friend, Alexandra Boursinos, I would discover why. Advertisement Effie and I sat in her lounge drinking coffee and catching up, but mostly we talked about selling the farm, and how she would cope on her own now that Paul and Stephen were no longer with her. Pauls not buried yet, hes still at the undertaker, we will bury him on Monday, she told me. I remember Paul taking you around the farm on the back of his tractor feeding hay, and you taking pictures - he loved that, he loved his tractor. Even on his deathbed he wanted to know if his tractor was OK, and if someone could start it up, just to give it a run. They took him to hospital a couple of times, but he hated it and wouldnt eat or take medicine. He only wanted to come home and die in peace on the farm. Loading After an hour or so, as I bade farewell to Effie, some of her friends arrived to help her with funeral arrangements. Just down the road I stopped and rang Alexandra to express my condolences over Pauls passing. Her first words were: This is freaking me out. Weve been talking about you, Justin, and then you turn up at this time, just after Pauls passing. As a deeply religious Greek Orthodox woman, Alexandra declared that God most certainly had a hand in this coincidence. She then told me about Pauls last moments. Advertisement When Paul was taking his last breaths, Effie went and found the newspaper story you wrote about their life, and laid it over his body like a shroud. It was like she was saying to Paul that you will be remembered, our life and our son will be remembered. And it stayed there until the ambulance personnel removed his body. Pauls funeral was held the following Monday, at St Eleftherios Church in Brunswick. Family and friends gathered to pay respects; many of the very elderly were Paul and Effies contemporaries from the first migration of Greeks to Australia in the 1950s. There was a profound sense of the passage of time among the mourners. A sense of the journey many of these people made across oceans to a new life at the far reaches of the world, and whose final odyssey would see them laid to rest in this once foreign landscape. Effie is comforted by family and friends at her husband Apostolos funeral service at St Eleftherios Church in Brunswick. Credit: Justin McManus Paul lay in an open coffin, a photo of his son Stephen in his crossed hands. As is the Orthodox tradition, there was much talk of the reality of death, the human experience of grief. The ritual culminates in the prayer for Eternal Memory, and the mourners paying their last respects with a bow before the coffin, and their final words to Paul. Effie is in tears, grieving for a lifetime of love, life and shared struggle. Over the next months I visit her regularly; she is consumed with the grief of losing the two men in her life, as well as trying to come to terms with the loss associated with selling the farm. All the while she is trying to work her way through a lifetime of possessions and memories, deciding what to keep and what to burn as she prepares to pack and leave. Effie prepares to leave her home of decades. Credit: Justin McManus Advertisement Since departing in 2019 from the privilege of hosting mornings on the radio for ABC Melbourne (for what seemed an eternity but was only 23 years), I have each weekend offered my thoughts and scribblings through these pages. But after four lively years, this column is my last. A month ago, I was approached about joining the Museums Board. This is Jon Faines final column for The Age. Credit: Matt Davidson Although it is a voluntary position, accepting an appointment from any government presents both the perception and the possibility of a conflict of interest. Serving at the pleasure of a minister on a government board is inconsistent with being an independent scrutineer of that same government. It is not ethically possible to do both. Two women have died and two men are in hospital after they ingested poisonous wild mushrooms at a lunch in south Gippsland. The group of four became sick after eating a meal at a home in Leongatha on July 29, according to Victoria Police. They were all transported to hospital the following day. A 66-year-old woman and a 70-year-old woman, both from Korumburra, died in hospital on Friday. A 70-year-old man and a 68-year-old man remain in hospital. At this time the exact circumstances are still being established and it is not known if the matter is suspicious, a spokeswoman for Victoria Police said. A Department of Health spokesman confirmed they were aware of the incident and said investigations alongside Victoria Police were ongoing. We extend our deepest condolences to the patients family for their loss, he said. It is not yet known what type of mushroom the group ate. An advisory from the health department noted two varieties of poisonous mushrooms the death cap and yellow-staining mushrooms grow in Victoria during wetter and cooler months. There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. 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. So, the natural question for LungLife AI (LON:LLAI) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. In this article, we define cash burn as its annual (negative) free cash flow, which is the amount of money a company spends each year to fund its growth. First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves. Check out our latest analysis for LungLife AI When Might LungLife AI Run Out Of Money? 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. As at December 2022, LungLife AI had cash of US$8.0m and no debt. In the last year, its cash burn was US$5.9m. That means it had a cash runway of around 16 months as of December 2022. Importantly, analysts think that LungLife AI will reach cashflow breakeven in 4 years. That means unless the company reduces its cash burn quickly, it may well look to raise more cash. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below. How Is LungLife AI's Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Although LungLife AI had revenue of US$24k in the last twelve months, its operating revenue was only US$24k in that time period. Given how low that operating leverage is, we think it's too early to put much weight on the revenue growth, so we'll focus on how the cash burn is changing, instead. While it hardly paints a picture of imminent growth, the fact that it has reduced its cash burn by 37% over the last year suggests some degree of prudence. While the past is always worth studying, it is the future that matters most of all. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company. Story continues How Hard Would It Be For LungLife AI To Raise More Cash For Growth? While LungLife AI is showing a solid reduction in its cash burn, it's still worth considering how easily it could raise more cash, even just to fuel faster growth. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. We can compare a company's cash burn to its market capitalisation to get a sense for how many new shares a company would have to issue to fund one year's operations. LungLife AI's cash burn of US$5.9m is about 30% of its US$20m market capitalisation. 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. Is LungLife AI's Cash Burn A Worry? Even though its cash burn relative to its market cap makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought LungLife AI's cash burn reduction was relatively promising. Shareholders can take heart from the fact that analysts are forecasting it will reach breakeven. Even though we don't think it has a problem with its cash burn, the analysis we've done in this article does suggest that shareholders should give some careful thought to the potential cost of raising more money in the future. On another note, LungLife AI has 4 warning signs (and 2 which make us uncomfortable) we think you should know about. 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. Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has refused to confirm reports that WAs controversial Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Law will be scrapped this week. The minister spoke to journalists in Belmont at a press conference on Saturday morning and fielded questions regarding news the Labor Government was planning a massive backflip of its implementation of the Act which was brought in just over a month ago. WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson addresses media at DFES in Perth. Credit: Nine News Since then, concerns have been raised with criticism levied at the government by WAs opposition parties and farmers groups. But Dawson refused to be drawn on the issue, stating only that the government remained focussed on listening to its stakeholder. 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 Max Chandler-Mather estimates he knocked on 15,000 inner-city Brisbane doors in the lead-up to the 2022 election, where he wrested the seat of Griffith from Labor frontbencher Terri Butler. Those thousands of hours gave the Greens MP a message to take to Canberra one that has increasingly frustrated the federal government as it attempts to pass legislation enabling its $10 billion housing affordability fund, a key election commitment. As Labor argues the fund is needed to address the critical problems of housing affordability and availability, Chandler-Mather has one response on behalf of his constituents as well as renters around Australia: not good enough. Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather is taking the fight on housing to the government. Credit: Paul Harris Id certainly had an experience of trying to get a giant pile of rubbish moved out of the yard for like a year, finally issuing a breach notice because the real estate agent tells us to do it, and the landlord literally rocks up the next day and threatens us with eviction, he says. I dont think people in parliament necessarily understand how that makes you feel. Labors frustration with the Greens intransigence on the Housing Australia Future Fund is palpable. A bill that was supposed to sail through parliament has been stymied by the minor party and the Coalition, leading Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to threaten to use it as a double-dissolution election trigger. Advertisement Annoyance boiled ever at the end of the tense winter sitting period when Chandler-Mather accused Albanese of misrepresenting him in question time. Photographs capture Albanese firing back, with sources reporting the prime minister told the first-time MP: Youre a joke mate. The baby-faced 31-year-old father has riled up the hardened political warrior like no other MP. A tense exchange between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Max Chandler-Mather at the end of question time in June. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The level of hostility here [in Canberra] is far, far, far, far greater than anything Ive ever experienced doorknocking, Chandler-Mather says. Give me a choice and I will 100 per cent of the time pick doorknocking in Carina Heights over having to sit through question time. He knows a lot about doorknocking after campaigning over the years for local and state candidates and, mostly recently, himself. You get to the end of a doorknock and you feel great because youve had, like, 10 to 15 conversations with people, youve learned something about peoples lives: it changes your politics a little bit, Chandler-Mather says in an interview in his parliamentary office in Canberra. Advertisement Now he is attempting to change politics more than a little, representing renters at a time when rents are skyrocketing and homeownership looks more unattainable than ever for many people. Chandler-Mather is one of only a handful of MPs who rent, and his message resonates well beyond the chamber with the third of the population that also has a landlord. His social media posts rack up tens of thousands of views and comments, strengthening the Greens resolve to demand greater concessions from the federal government on housing affordability and renters rights. It is a visceral anger and powerlessness and injustice, he says, that has some fundamental effect on the material conditions of your life for no other reason other than our country has decided were going to throw renters to the wolves. He says most politicians are unfamiliar with the reality of renting. I think that probably does affect the way they make decisions around politics or maybe leads them to a decision that its okay for instance not to pursue any rental reforms, assuming that people will be okay to wait for that, he says. But until youve had that experience, maybe you wont understand why a lot of people maybe are switching to the Greens for instance. Advertisement Chandler-Mather himself turned to the Greens less than a decade ago. Loading He grew up in West End, in Brisbanes inner south, in the same electorate he now represents. He describes his parents as big lefties although not politically active; his father was a librarian and his mother was a social worker who later joined the public service. Chandler-Mather joined the Whitlam Club, part of the young Labor movement, at university. I like Gough Whitlam free university, he says, but he quickly grew disillusioned with Labor. You were convinced to join often on the argument that look, you might not agree with everything theyre doing but you can join it and we can change it from the inside, he says. But as an institution, it seemed utterly incapable of changing, and every year things seemed to get worse. Advertisement Chandler-Mather left the party in 2013 because of the then-Labor federal governments decisions on asylum seekers and cuts to the single parenting payment. Loading But he didnt become involved with the Greens until 2016, when he worked on local council elections, an experience he describes as transformative. [We thought] if we can only reach enough people and have these face-to-face conversations and organise at scale and talk about renters rights and talk about these things that electoral politics hasnt focused on in a long time, actually, a lot of people would vote for that, and it happened. The message to voters helped get Jonathan Sriranganathan elected to represent The Gabba Ward on the Brisbane City Council. Sriranganathan, who stepped down earlier this year, says renters were being ignored by the major parties. We recognised that there was another layer of voters out there, particularly younger renters, who were open to swinging to the Greens if we started speaking their language, he says. Max played a big part in helping refine that message and pitch. Advertisement 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 Lucy Carroll captures the difficulties confronted by beginning teachers and highlights some of the limitations of the preparation provided by their university degree (I was thrown in the deep end, July 30). In another life I was Dean of a School of Education and in a staff meeting suggested that our main focus should be on learning (of our students and in turn their students). I dont know if I ever recovered from the loud cries from a section of staff who argued that our main focus should be social justice. This tension about the main role of teacher education and even teaching still exists. In the end we tried to do both, probably not doing full justice to either. Alan Russell, Unley (SA) Perhaps universities should look back at past practices in NSW teachers colleges. At Bathurst Teachers College in the 1960s we attended demonstration lessons at the local demonstration school regularly. We had two practice opportunities per year at schools in the district, ranging from one teacher right through to large primary and secondary schools, and were supervised by classroom teachers and college lecturers. Mary Lawson, Marrickville Woollahra Liberal councillor Mary-Lou Jarvis said new greening rules were prompted by a spate of knockdown rebuilds in Sydneys eastern suburbs that had resulted in the destruction of mature trees. Credit: Nearmap Green utopia There are quite obviously some very sensible people on Woollahra Municipal Council (Council puts tree quota on developments. July 30). Trees, preferably Australian native, are an essential part of any urban landscape for a multitude of reasons, not the least being beneficial for mental health of residents and their essential carbon sequestration. An important consequence of the Council regulation is that new residences or renovations will on average be smaller, with less embodied energy and lower heating, cooling and lighting requirements. We would all like to live in a green utopia and this is a step in the right direction. Geoff Harding, Chatswood Buyers pay Your correspondent (Letters, July 30) suggests a levy on building in greenfield areas to fund infrastructure or to encourage higher density in already-developed areas. Sounds desirable in theory, but to suggest that the electorate may not mind so much if wealthy developers are the only ones paying it is completely unrealistic in practice. Any developer would simply pass such costs onto the buyers, further jeopardising the necessary goals of housing affordability and limiting urban sprawl. Such levies are only likely to work and be cost-effective for buyers if theres an element of carrot as well as stick for the developers: much harder to achieve, but certainly worth pursuing. Jenifer Nicholls, Armadale (Vic) Weve relaunched the Brisbane Times. Take a look at our best stories. Queenslands peak body for community services is warning that the state governments appetite for traffic fines is driving already impoverished families to the brink. The state has some of the most severe penalties in the nation including $1161 for not wearing a seatbelt or for handling a mobile phone and is increasingly deploying its debt collectors to claw the money out. While this driver is wearing their seatbelt correctly in this image, the phone should not be touching any part of their body. As revealed by Brisbane Times last week, the State Penalties Enforcement Register (SPER) hauled in almost $400 million from Queensland debtors over the last financial year. Treasurer Cameron Dick on Saturday triumphantly declared it to be a record, bettering last years efforts by more than $100 million. He framed it as easing the cost-of-living crisis because the money would go back into buildings that Queenslanders need, and the services that Queenslanders deserve. Theres not enough services even if they do travel ... it is just tragically under-serviced. Ping said gaps in regional services was largely due to a lack of resources and capacity, with stretched local GPs and centres trying to meet other healthcare needs. Stigma was still attached to providing terminations, she said. Using data from 1800 My Options, which provides free advice on accessing reproductive healthcare, the auditor-general in May found that there were 17 local government areas (LGAs) with no access to surgical or medical abortions. Based on calls to the hotline, some of the greatest demand came from the growing outer metropolitan areas in Wyndham, Hume, Melton and Whittlesea. Women living in Gippsland consistently reported travelling the furthest to get terminations, the Victorian Auditor-Generals Office said. Womens Health Grampians, in its submission to the Senate inquiry, said it was not uncommon for women to travel four hours for a surgical abortion. While there were 13 LGAs in which the abortion pill was never prescribed in 2021, according to Womens Health Victoria, it was only prescribed a handful of times in others, meaning the option was not genuinely accessible there. The abortion pill will this year be available to be prescribed by every doctor in Australia. Credit: James Alcock The Senate inquiry heard that about 30 per cent of women in Australia, and half in remote areas, lived in regions without local GP provision of medical abortions. From this month, all doctors and nurse practitioners will be able to provide the termination pill under changes announced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. All pharmacies will be able to stock it. Only about 10 per cent of doctors and 30 per cent of pharmacists were certified to deal with the abortion pill, known as MS-2 Step or RU486, prior to the announcement. Loading Shannon Hill, sexual health adviser at Womens Health Grampians, said while the change would remove an administrative burden, its not likely to create an avalanche of providers. Were not expecting that to be a quick change, Hill said. We need to do better to provide that service locally where possible. GPs may still be unwilling or under-resourced to provide access. Medical abortions can only be provided up to nine weeks in Australia, and practitioners often want their patient to be able to access a surgical termination in case of a complication. Carolyn Mogharbel, manager at 1800 My Options, which receives state government funding, said the mapped data showed many people have to travel across multiple local government areas for services. She described the 17 areas without access as abortion deserts. Its not just that theyre remote simply in that LGA where they live. The nearest service is often several LGAs away, Mogharbel said. Its a huge drive. The lack of local access created extra barriers for a range of women including those who may be unable to afford the cost of travel and accommodation, young people, people with caring responsibilities, complex medical conditions, or who were experiencing family violence, Mogharbel said. Sometimes, people end up travelling to Melbourne when they could have accessed a service closer to home because they struggled to get information. That could also delay care and reduce the services available to them, she said. Loading Mogharbel welcomed the changes for prescribing the medical abortion pill. But she said the medication was not suitable for everyone and thus would not resolve the gaps in healthcare across the state. The auditor-general found Victorias Department of Health did not know the total number of sexual and reproductive healthcare providers statewide, including their locations and services. Professor Danielle Mazza, chair of general practice at Monash University, said the state needed to identify gaps and barriers in each local area to properly address them. Lahore: Police arrested Pakistans former prime minister Imran Khan in the eastern city of Lahore on Saturday after a court sentenced the opposition leader to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts. Legal experts say the guilty verdict reached by a district court could end Khans chances of contesting national elections that have to be held before early November. Pakistans former prime minister Imran Khan in 2022. Credit: AP Police have arrested Imran Khan from his residence, Khans lawyer Intezar Panjotha told the Reuters news agency. We are filing a petition against the decision in the high court. Lahores Police Chief Bilal Siddique Kamiana confirmed the arrest and told Reuters the politician was being transferred to the capital, Islamabad. Fitz: Yonks back, the great Banjo Paterson wrote re the Boer War: The English flag it is ours in sooth/We stand by it wrong or right/But deep in our hearts is the honest truth/We fought for the sake of the fight. Were you and your mates going to Vietnam, wanting to serve Australia or stop communism, or are you just wanting to get involved in a big stink? DB: I was on a bit of an adrenaline rush. I can only speak for me, but primarily my main interest was not particularly serving the flag or Australia, but to go overseas and experience life. And all the battles that were happening at that stage in Vietnam did not deter me one bit. It made me more determined to get there. Don Barnby, second from left at the back, with fellow soldiers in Vietnam. The photographer died soon after. Fitz: But at that stage, there were a lot of war protests going on. Did they have any impact on you, before you left? DB: Sort of. There was a big demonstration that was about to happen referred to in the paper, and a few of us travelled in from our base at Liverpool. We turned up in uniform, so it was red-rag-to-a-bull stuff, and they were yelling at us in Martin Place and Angel Place. We deliberately placed ourselves in front of them, I guess, to provoke them. And we got into a bit of a rumble, a bit of biff, and the police were there and they broke it up. A bit of excitement. We went off and had a few beers. And this may sound strange, 50 years later, but we were hoping that the war would not be over before we got there and got into it. As it turned, I was very lucky because I was in the last SAS squadron to serve in Vietnam. Fitz: But when you got to the Australian base at Nui Dat in Vietnam, and headed out on SAS patrols into the jungle, did you not think at some point: Christ almighty, I might get killed, here! DB: Youve interviewed a lot of veterans and you probably know: you feel 10-foot tall and bulletproof as a young teenager, so you do not think like that. Or at least I didnt. Fitz: I know you blokes were the elite of the elite, and the choppers would drop you out in the jungle. DB: Our patrols would normally be planned to last between seven and 10 days. Our primary focus was surveillance, reconnaissance of enemy tracks, bunkers and setting up ambushes. Wed secrete Claymore mines and set up and wait till they came along ... Fitz: At this point, do you hate the Viet Cong or is it just part of your job to kill them? DB: It was just they were the enemy. Ive actually got a lot of respect for them because they were good soldiers. But it was simply a case of you get them before they get you. Loading Fitz: Were you aware that the likes of Gough Whitlam likely to be the next PM was agitating to get you out of Vietnam, putting pressure on the McMahon government to bring you home? DB: We were aware of that. Yep. Fitz: And what did you think about it? DB: Most of us didnt want to get pulled out. But just over nine months into our 12-month tour we got the word. We were going home. Most of us felt, But this jobs not finished yet! We wanted to stay, but history unfolded around us and we had to return. Fitz: OK, so there you are your unit is one of the final ones to leave Vietnam. To misquote Cold Chisel, the last plane back to Sydney is almost gone. Youre on it. How do you feel as youre leaving Vietnam to head back to Australia? Loading DB: Strange. We were flown down to Saigon. And from there I was on a Pan Am flight with Americans going on R&R, heading to Sydney. And after we drank all our duty-free bourbon we then finished all the beer on the plane before we landed in Darwin. And then most of the Aussies had bottles of Chanel No.5 for our wives and girlfriends, which has an alcohol base, and we start mixing that with Coca Cola, which is when things started to get wild. Cause we also had Mikimoto pearls, and started flicking them all around the plane. I will never forget getting off the plane, and the hostesses were all on their knees trying to pick up these really valuable pearls. Fitz: And now youre home! DB: And Mum and Dad were at the airport, but shocked at how much weight I had lost, and how sick and yellow I was. And when I kissed Mum, I burped and said, Sorry, Mum, that was your Chanel No.5. Fitz: The story always goes that Vietnam vets were often greeted by protesters calling them baby killers. Was that your experience? DB: Well, there was a hardcore of protesters at the airport when I got there, shouting abuse, even though it was one oclock in the morning. But by this time, I didnt care. I just walked straight by them. Fitz: I ask this, carefully, because I respect the service of you and yours. But has your perspective changed at all over the years? Do you think that the protesters were right after all, or at least had their hearts in the right places in trying to shut down a wrong war that Australia should not have been a part of? BD: Well, we were involved because of the communists and domino theory and all that sort of stuff. Now, with the benefit of historical hindsight, there were obviously some reasons why we should not have been involved, and there were obviously some reasons why we were. But as a young bloke I didnt have access, nor did I really want to research the reasons why Australia was involved in the Vietnam War. From my perspective, personally, I was glad we were involved. Fitz: Some of those protesters at the airport and at Angel Place, all those years ago, are likely reading this. You have the floor. What do you say to them? BD: Well, we live in a democracy and youre allowed to demonstrate, but I think you had it wrong. You dont demonstrate and throw abuse at the soldiers or the servicemen. You throw abuse and demonstrate against the government. Fitz: These days, in the silent watch of the night, or even at the traffic lights, are you haunted by certain memories of Vietnam? Loading BD: Sometimes they surface in the night, or suddenly something will trigger them and that can be hard. I often remember being up near the May Tao mountains, where the VC had camps, and it was a pretty hot area. And I think back to the night we could hear dogs barking in the distance as they looked for us, cause they had jammed my Morse signals. We could hear voices, and torches getting closer. And those times when it got a bit nasty and your arsehole goes from a 10 cent piece to a dinner plate and back again and again, as you think you are going to die, and then you live. But occasionally theres a trigger, like when I hear Vietnamese voices. Ive been back to Vietnam five or six times and I love the people, but their voices can be triggering. Fitz: You must be very close to men you fought with all those years ago? Ive been back to Vietnam five or six times and I love the people, but their voices can be triggering. Don Barnby, the young SAS soldier in Vietnam. DB: [Softly.] Yes. I dont see them often because they are spread all around Australia but Im still very close to most of them. Some go missing, but others you talk to all the time. I was speaking to one of my mates the other day and he told me that the bloke I shared the tent with for the whole tour, Bill Nisbett, died about a week and a half ago. So that shook me up because Bill and I were very close. Fitz: Tell me about him? DB: He was the medic. We did a lot of patrols together. He was very brave. He got married just prior to going to Vietnam and I knew his wife. He lived in Western Australia, so I lost track of him, and then he went underground for many years nobody knew where he was. Fitz: Might he have been one of those blokes who really struggled with what happened in Vietnam? BD: Well, I cant comment on that. But it sounds like he probably had a few issues. Fitz. So here we are, 50 years later. What do you want the Australian public to know about what you and yours did in Vietnam? BD: We did our job very professionally, and performed magnificently in most cases. I feel like Australian honour was upheld by the Anzacs of the Vietnam era. We upheld their original traditions and fought well. Fitz: Thank you, for everything. Any veteran who is struggling or may need support can contact Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling, day or night, on 1800 011 046. Parable of the week A wise woman who was travelling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveller who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveller saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveller left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. Ive been thinking, he said. I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me something more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone. Quote of the week Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Yevgeny Prigozhin just days after the leader of the Wagner Group spearheaded a short-lived rebellion against Moscow, the Kremlin said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the three-hour meeting, which took place June 29, included 35 people. Commanders of Prigozhins mercenary group also took part in the meeting, Peskov said, which came days after Prigozhin led an armed rebellion with the goal of removing Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu from power. Peskov said Monday that during the meeting, Putin provided an assessment of the Wagner Groups efforts in Ukraine and of the events of June 24. The Kremlin spokesman also noted Putin listened to the explanations of the commanders and offered them options for further employment and further use in combat. The commanders themselves presented their version of what happened. They underscored that they are staunch supporters and soldiers of the head of state and the commander in chief, and also said that they are ready to continue to fight for their homeland, Peskov said. Prigozhin ended the rebellion after making a deal with Putin that reportedly included allowing the Wagner Group leader to go into exile and escape criminal prosecution. After the rebellion, Prigozhin was reported to be in Belarus, but Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said last week that the mercenary leader was in Russia. Its not clear whether Prigozhins reported travel to Russia would violate the deal struck with Putin. Since the rebellion took place, Putin has engaged in a smear campaign against Prigozhin as the mercenary leaders public approval has dropped. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. S ocial media firms will team up with the National Crime Agency to crack down on people smugglers posts encouraging asylum seekers to cross the Channel, ministers have said. Rishi Sunak said the new partnership between law enforcement and tech giants including Facebook, TikTok and Twitter will tackle attempts to lure migrants into paying to make the perilous journey. Group discounts, free spaces for children and offers of false documents are among the posts the Prime Minister wants removed to help achieve his promise to stop the boats. Labour said the action was too little, too late and the Liberal Democrats said it amounted to tinkering around the edges. The voluntary partnership will seek to redirect people away from such content in the same way as is used to tackle content promoting extremism or eating disorders. An online capability centre backed by 11 million in funding will also be established so officers at the NCA can work with the Home Office to report the promotional posts. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok and X, formally known as Twitter, have all signed up to the plans, Downing Street said. Mr Sunak said: To stop the boats, we have to tackle the business model of vile people smugglers at source. That means clamping down on their attempts to lure people into making these illegal crossings and profit from putting lives at risk. This new commitment from tech firms will see us redouble our efforts to fight back against these criminals, working together to shut down their vile trade. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the strengthened collaboration will ensure content promoting unauthorised Channel crossings doesnt see the light of day. Kicking off a small boats week of linked announcements, No 10 said that the legacy backlog of asylum applications made before the end of June 2022 has been reduced by a third since December. But Labour claimed it will take until 2036 to clear the existing backlog for removals of failed asylum seekers, with nearly 40,000 awaiting removal in the latest figures. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said it was just deluded for the Conservatives to boast about progress on tackling the Tories asylum chaos. This is too little, too late, the Labour MP said of the technology partnership plans, accusing the Government of having no idea how to fix the mess they created. Fridays Channel crossings of 262 people including children were the first since July 26 amid poor weather conditions at sea. They take the provisional total detected by the Home Office of making the crossing to nearly 15,000 crossings so far this year. But there were also concerns over the number of people making unauthorised entries through other means. All she ever does is ramp up the rhetoric and make more and more empty promises, while failing to deliver Figures obtained by The Times and not disputed by the Home Office suggested 21,000 migrants entered the UK undetected before going on to apply for asylum. Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said the tech announcement was tinkering around the edges when much larger reforms are needed. The public has lost all faith in this Government when it comes to the asylum system, and this latest announcement will do little to change that, the MP said. T urnout for Brightons Pride festival has been affected by severe rail disruption and rainy weather but organisers are adamant the show goes on. Revellers were encouraged to don ponchos over their colourful outfits and look after friends as they arrived in droves to the seaside city from all over the UK. Attendees opted to travel via buses, cars or arrived a day earlier to avoid the lack of train services between London and Brighton on Saturday on what was meant to be the one of citys busiest days. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) blamed an overtime ban by the drivers union Aslef for the travel disruption to the city. Brighton Prides managing director Paul Kemp said organisers were disappointed a compromise could not be found. He said: It will affect turnout absolutely because people will be cut off from the rest of the country. Im sorry for people who booked hotels and paid for accommodation and now cant get in. But he said it wont derail us and the show goes on as the parade got under way amid wet and rainy conditions. and a yellow weather warning from the Met Office. Saturdays parade was expected to draw 300,000 people to the citys streets as they march to the official Pride community fundraiser Fabuloso in the Park at Preston Park. Getty Images Mr Kemp said: Weve encouraged people to wear ponchos so it might be a little bit Glastonbury. That wouldnt stop us from having a great celebration and a great Pride in our city. He added: Make sure you wear a poncho and slay that poncho, stay dry, look after your friends, dont over do it, make sure youve got somewhere to stay and look out for people. The annual celebration is the citys largest single event, expected to boost the economy by more than 20 million over the weekend. Jamie Sanders, 36, travelled from Hastings, East Sussex, as one of the organisers for Sainsburys parade group. While he was able to book a hotel overnight, out of 100 colleagues expecting to take part in the companys parade, only 60 were able to make it due to the travel disruption. But he said the buses were brilliant, picking people up across other locations to help them get there. Meanwhile Ali and Jo Hood-Green made the seven-hour drive from Bolton, Lancashire, on Friday, saying: It was worth it. Connor Charles, 30, and Alex Fire drove down from London and stayed overnight. Mr Charles said: Its good the weather, it hasnt been as bad as what the forecast said. Its been showering. Leo Gonzales, 54, an NHS nurse, said he and his friends had driven from London on Saturday in what he described as a quite smooth journey. He said despite getting drenched everybody was having fun, as he returned for the third time to Brighton and Hove Pride. He added: Its because of the fun, the beautiful faces of different people. Its so friendly, like a family, the community is very engaging and inclusive. Getty Images This years event, with the theme Dare To Be Different, marks the 50th anniversary of the first Brighton Pride march, organised by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front in July 1973. Mr Kemp said: Those early pioneers 50 years ago who put their head above the parapet in different times, it was a very different environment for LGBT people at that time. Were recognising the trailblazers around the city, we have lamp posts around the city of people who have been part of the movement and are current trailblazers. Were celebrating being different. He said that while Pride is about celebration it is also about protest and in the UK were standing by our trans siblings. He added: Theres a feeling from the LGBT community were being slightly politicised for political reasons, when people really should be focused on the real issues like the environment, cost of living, the things that really affect lives. A skipper involved in a boat crash off Italys Amalfi Coast that killed the head of Bloomsbury USA is being investigated for suspected manslaughter. The skipper, an Italian national who hasnt been identified, is also being investigated on suspicion of causing a shipwreck after the motorboat he was driving with an American family on board collided with a tourist sailboat holding 70 guests on Thursday afternoon. President of the US arm of publishing company Bloomsbury, Adrienne Vaughan, 45, was killed and her husband was injured in the incident, while her two young children on board escaped injury. The skipper was also injured. No charges have so far been filed against him, and the investigation is still ongoing. The motorboat slammed into a chartered sailboat, where some 70 guests aboard were enjoying a wedding reception. Blood samples were taken from the skipper to determine alcohol and drug levels. But Salerno Chief Prosecutor Giuseppe Borrelli said for now the results were inconclusive. The results are being evaluated by a consultant of the prosecutors office since the data per se arent necessarily significant,Mr Borrelli told reporters on Friday. He added that more evaluation was needed to determine the incidence of the levels on the ability of the subject to pilot the boat. On Friday, Italian news reports said that the blood toxicology tests had found traces of cocaine. Investigators have questioned the skipper, who remains hospitalised with what Italian media said are pelvis and rib fractures. The victims husband, Mike White, is being treated at another hospital for a shoulder injury, according to reports. Authorities have spoken to him and plan to do so again, Mr Borrelli said. The couples children are now in the care of one of the their grandfathers who travelled to Italy to help while their father is recovering, the prosecutor said. Mr Borrelli said when the crash happened, Mrs Vaughan was tanning herself on the bow of the boat and bounced into the water at the moment of impact. She was then was repeatedly struck by the motorboats propeller, according to Italian news reports. Mr Borrelli declined to detail her injuries, saying the results of an autopsy are still pending. Two doctors who were among the passengers on the sailboat dived into the sea to to help Mrs Vaughan, while a nearby vessel brought her to shore, Italian state radio said, quoting the sailboats captain. Mr Borrelli said the woman died before a medical helicopter and local ambulance could take her to hospital. The sailboats captain has told Italian media that the motorboat was speeding when it smashed into the stationary sailboats bow. The motorboat had set sail from the town of Amalfi, Mr Borrelli said. According to Italian media, the family was headed to Positano, another popular coastal town when the crash happened. Mrs Vaughan was the president of Bloomsbury USA based in New York. - the publishing company behind J K Rowlings Harry Potter series. She had been promoted to the top role in 2021 after first joining as executive director and COO in September 2020. Her husband posted photos of the family enjoying their summer holiday in Rome on Wednesday. Mrs Vaughan, who had a masters degree in business from New York University, had worked at the Disney Book Group and Oxford University Press among other companies before joining Bloomsbury. She was promoted to president a year later and also served on the board of the industry trade group the Association of American Publishers. Adrienne Vaughan was a leader of dazzling talent and infectious passion and had a deep commitment to authors and readers, said the associations board chair, Julia Reidhead, and its president and CEO, Maria Pallante, in a joint statement. Most of all she was an extraordinary human being, and those of us who had the opportunity to work with her will be forever fortunate. D onald Trump has said being indicted is a truly great badge of honour after his latest round of criminal charges. On Thursday, Mr Trump attended court in Washington to plead not guilty to charges of conspiring to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Joe Biden. It is the third criminal case brought against the 77-year-old in less than six months, after he was first charged in New York with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to an adult film actress during the 2016 presidential campaign. Mr Trump is also accused of 40 felony counts in Florida for allegedly retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and refusing government demands to return them. Speaking to Republican supporters in Alabama on Friday, the former president said he goes up in the polls every time an indictment is filed. He described the allegations against him as fake and a sham. Mr Trump also boasted that he is streets ahead of rivals vying for the Republican nomination, saying: Nobody even has a chance. Mr Trump vowed to evict crooked Joe Biden and expel thugs and criminals from the halls of power in DC if he is re-elected as president. He also accused his successor of being the most incompetent and most corrupt president in the history of the United States and claimed the radical left would not be allowed to rig the election of 2024. It comes after a Reuters/Ipsos poll found that a criminal conviction could dent Mr Trumps chances of returning to the White House should he win the Republican nomination. Conducted before his court appearance, the two-day poll asked members if they would vote for Mr Trump in a presidential election were he convicted of a felony crime by a jury. The results, released after his plea, showed that 45 per cent said they would not vote for him, compared to 35 per cent who said they would. The remaining 20 per cent said they were undecided. A wave of Russian missile strikes have hit Ukraine this evening, several sources report, following a second drone attack on a Russian tanker in the Black Sea overnight. Air raid alerts were heard in both Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia on Saturday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys spokeswoman Iuliia Mendel wrote on Twitter: The missile attack is at Kyiv, Vinnutsia, Zhytomyr, Cherkasy regions. But the alert is all over Ukraine. Ukraines Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Twitter: Russia unleashed another salvo of missiles on Ukraine this Saturday. Russia will not stop until it is stopped. The global community must focus on enforcing a just and lasting peace: arming Ukraine, including with F-16s to close the sky, and implementing Ukraines Peace Formula. Meanwhile governor of the Zaporizhzhia region, Yuriy Malashko, confirmed on Telegram that a missile attack had hit the outskirts of the city, with teams working to extinguish the fire and locate any victims. President Zelensky said a blood transfusion centre in the Kharkiv region was targeted on Saturday evening. Dead and wounded are reported, he wrote on Twitter. My condolences! Our rescuers are extinguishing the fire. The reports come as President Zelensky attended peace talks in Saudia Arabia alongside senior officials from 40 other countries, including the US, China and India. Ukraine and its allies hope the talks will lead to agreement on key principles for a peaceful end to Russias war in Ukraine. The two-day meeting is part of a diplomatic push by Ukraine to build support beyond its core Western backers by reaching out to Global South countries that have been reluctant to take sides in a conflict that has hit the global economy. President Zelensky, who hopes to agree principles for a summit of global leaders that he is seeking on the issue in the autumn, said it would be important to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Jeddah meeting. Speaking on Saturday, he acknowledged there were differences among the countries attending, but said the rules-based international order must be restored. Different continents, different political approaches to world affairs. But all are united by the priority of international law, he said. Russia is not attending, though the Kremlin has said it will keep an eye on the talks. Overnight the Russian tanker with eleven crew members on board was damaged but no injuries were reported. The Crimean Bridge and ferry transport were suspended for several hours, Russian officials said. The SIG tanker... received a hole in the engine room near the waterline on the starboard side, preliminarily as a result of a sea drone attack, Russias Federal Marine and River Transport agency said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. The tanker had been approaching the Kerch Strait - which links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov - when it was hit by an Ukrainian drone, Russia said. Moscow strongly condemned what it saw as a Ukrainian terrorist attack on a civilian vessel in the Kerch Strait, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. Ukrainian sources told Interfax agency that the attack was conducted by Ukraines security and naval forces with sea drones in its territorial waters. Ukraine almost never publicly claims responsibility for attacks inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine. On Friday a Russian warship was seriously damaged in a Ukrainian naval drone attack on Russias navy base at Novorossiysk, the first time the Ukrainian navy has projected its power so far from the countrys shores. Moscow-installed officials in Crimea said the Crimean Bridge, which was completed by Russia in 2018 and has come under serious attack twice in the war, was not targeted in the tanker attack. Once again, there was no direct attack on the Crimea Bridge and there was no explosion in the immediate vicinity, Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the Russia-installed governor of Crimea, said on his Telegram channel. Ukraines UNIAN news agency said three explosions had been reported in the area. R ob Rinder has described feeling super nervous at meeting Monica Galetti ahead of co-hosting the new series of Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby. The former barrister, 45, replaced Giles Coren on the fifth season of the hit BBC programme, alongside original presenter Galetti, going behind the scenes to explore the day-to-day running of extraordinary hotels as they work alongside staff. As a fan of the programme, Rinder described experiencing an instant connection with Galetti ahead of filming the series which he said developed into something really lovely. To meet Monica is to be in the presence of somebody truly unique(I felt) a sense of delicious, bewildered awe of somebody that has achieved so much and yet remains so deeply and profoundly humble and engaged, he said. Ive been in front of High Court judges and dealt with extremely sensitive cases involving international issues relating to money laundering, various tribunals, as you can imagine some of them with far-reaching and potentially catastrophic consequences, but that is nothing until you walk into a room with Monica Galetti and one of the things they might ask you to do is to make tea and serve it to her. Thats a hand-shaking moment. Rinder, who rose to fame as the formidable Judge Rinder on his eponymous ITV reality courtroom show, described former MasterChef judge Galetti as a rare breed of having both a charismatic quality and a kindness to her. He said: Shes got an effortlessness that some people haveshe instantly put me at my ease, and we just had this conversation and sometimes you get that delicious alchemy where, for reasons which are impossible to describe, you just end up connecting and that seemed to happen here. I made her a cup of tea and I was like I definitely want to come on this journey with you and so they let me and that was great. Rinder said one of the first scenes he filmed with Galetti was at the five-star Glenapp Castle in Scotland with the hotels in-house florist. He said: Within minutes, almost like watching some sort of brand of magic, Monica had put together the most exquisite display for the hotel I think the florist had ever seen. Some people dont just have a natural gift for food or for the thing theyre trained in, but also this quality where theyre able to invent and show us beauty and bloody hell does she have that. Rinder also said he received a good luck message ahead of his hosting debut from British journalist Coren, who had presented the BBC Two programme alongside Galetti since its launch in 2017. He was lovely to meHe was just a total mensch. He just wished me luck and said I hope you have a wonderful time. I always take people based upon my experiences and for him to have done that I think represented something super kind and I will take that with me, he said. He continued: Giles was so superb at it and his beautiful chemistry with Monica as well, but for me what I loved was the things that I think television can do at its very best, gives you all of that wonderful, delicious escapism into a world imagined in perhaps rainy England, that you might not have the gift or privilege to see. Also the communities and stories of the people who work thereits really always been about telling those stories, the human stories, the communities that make up businesses or cultures or communities, and thats why I loved it so much. Rinder agreed the series had a profound impact on him, describing the conversations he had along the way with staff and locals as some of the most beautiful. If you sit down long enough, and youre open-minded enough, and youve got, as my mum says two ears and one gob, honestly you get some of the best stories youve ever heard, he said. The broadcaster said there are deeper questions at the heart of the series, including the climate crisis, colonial heritage and conflict among communities, but at its heart it is really fun. He said: Television can just be escapism, we are living in a world at the moment which is really challengingsometimes its useful to gift us the possibility of living within our imagination elsewhere and thats what TV can do at its best. But it also can help us give really interesting, positive examples and those are not always present. If you look at some of the climate change issues, just to see a business modelling how its possible for humankind to come up with a solution, its not Im sure a perfect one, but to be solution-focused as opposed to catastrophe-focused is really a good thing. The first episode of the programme will see the pair exploring Sir Richard Bransons hotel Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby airs on August 6 at 8pm on BBC Two and iPlayer. When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in Rubicon Organics Inc.'s (CVE:ROMJ) instance, it's good news for shareholders. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. Check out our latest analysis for Rubicon Organics Rubicon Organics Insider Transactions Over The Last Year Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by insider Eric Savics for CA$210k worth of shares, at about CA$0.70 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of CA$0.49. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price. In the last twelve months insiders purchased 1.01m shares for CA$683k. On the other hand they divested 106.40k shares, for CA$72k. Overall, Rubicon Organics insiders were net buyers during the last year. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart 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. Rubicon Organics Insiders Bought Stock Recently There was some insider buying at Rubicon Organics over the last quarter. Independent Director John Pigott shelled out CA$39k for shares in that time. We like it when there are only buyers, and no sellers. However, in this case the amount invested recently is quite small. Story continues 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. It's great to see that Rubicon Organics insiders own 43% of the company, worth about CA$12m. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders. So What Do The Rubicon Organics Insider Transactions Indicate? We note a that there has been a bit of insider buying recently (but no selling). Overall the buying isn't worth writing home about. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Rubicon Organics insiders think the business has merit. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. To assist with this, we've discovered 2 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of Rubicon Organics. 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. Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sept 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sept 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (17) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sept 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (134) Jun 2013 (203) Jul 2013 (292) Aug 2013 (350) Sept 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (347) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (437) Jan 2014 (543) Feb 2014 (473) Mar 2014 (525) Apr 2014 (526) May 2014 (470) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sept 2014 (440) Oct 2014 (471) Nov 2014 (496) Dec 2014 (535) Jan 2015 (535) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (578) Apr 2015 (657) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sept 2015 (922) Oct 2015 (919) Nov 2015 (798) Dec 2015 (789) Jan 2016 (781) Feb 2016 (834) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (864) May 2016 (945) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (880) Aug 2016 (1034) Sept 2016 (966) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (884) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sept 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (808) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sept 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (934) Jul 2019 (949) Aug 2019 (936) Sept 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (848) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (787) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sept 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (811) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sept 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (694) Feb 2022 (654) Mar 2022 (740) Apr 2022 (745) May 2022 (748) Jun 2022 (701) Jul 2022 (704) Aug 2022 (702) Sept 2022 (699) Oct 2022 (737) Nov 2022 (718) Dec 2022 (692) Jan 2023 (662) Feb 2023 (611) Mar 2023 (692) Apr 2023 (652) May 2023 (696) Jun 2023 (701) Jul 2023 (742) Aug 2023 (208) The General Inspectorate of the Border Police (IGPF) informs that, on Friday, 181,458 people entered Romania through the border crossing points, including 17,797 Ukrainian citizens. According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Saturday, approximately 345,600 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, with more than 86,800 means of transport, completed the control formalities at the border crossing points throughout the country, both on their way in and on their way out. "The most intense traffic was recorded at the Romanian-Hungarian border, where we had more than 108,500 people and approximately 39,400 means of transport, followed by the Romanian-Bulgarian border, where we had more than 80,200 people with approximately 25,000 means of transport who carried out the control formalities," the same source shows. As of February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict period), 5,395,269 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania.In the areas of operation, the border crossing points and the "green border," the police found 56 illegal acts (35 offences and 21 misdemeanors) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, for which they issued fines reaching approximately RON 67,000.Goods were seized for confiscation in the amount of approximately RON 183,400.On Friday, 34 foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided for by law were not allowed to enter the country and 26 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave for various legal reasons."On the border with Hungary, 12 border crossing points are operational in the international regime for people, cars and trucks, and on the border with Bulgaria, 11 border crossing points are operational", states the IGPF. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri cannabis regulators have stopped three marijuana facilities from operating due to "potential product safety concerns." A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Senior Services, which regulates Missouri's medical and recreational marijuana programs, said Friday the agency had "suspended operations for three facilities to investigate potential product safety concerns." Sami Jo Freeman, spokeswoman for the state health department, said "all product related to these investigations will be placed on administrative hold until the product is deemed safe, remediated or destroyed." She didn't immediately provide additional information, including which facilities were suspended. "Investigations are ongoing, so we cannot comment further at this time," Freeman said. The Missouri cannabis industry publication Greenway Magazine reported Thursday hundreds of products had been placed on hold. Holds initially began Wednesday, the outlet reported. Missouri as of late July had 67 licensed cultivators, 89 manufacturers and 215 dispensaries, according to state records. Missouri cannabis regulations don't allow cannabis flower to be delivered to dispensaries until it passes mandatory testing, outlined in state regulations. The testing is conducted by companies licensed by health department's Division of Cannabis Regulation. Testing licensees aren't allowed to be owned by an "entity or entities under substantially common control, ownership, or management" as a cultivator, manufacturer or dispensary, according to the regulations. It's not the first time the state has investigated product safety concerns. Regulators in 2020 investigated a complaint of moldy medical marijuana sold at a St. Louis dispensary, the Springfield NewsLeader reported at the time. The grower that was subject to the complaint, Perryville-based Archimedes, told the News-Leader the product "passed all statemandated testing" and that the company conducted further testing after a consumer complaint. Archimedes, along with two other license-holders, in 2022 signed an agreement with the state forcing the owners to surrender their licenses and destroy their product, the Post-Dispatch reported last year. Shopify Inc. (NYSE:SHOP) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript August 2, 2023 Shopify Inc. misses on earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $-0.14 EPS, expectations were $0.06. Carrie Gillard: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining Shopify's Second Quarter 2023 Conference Call. Harley Finkelstein, Shopify's President; and Jeff Hoffmeister, our CFO are with us today. After their prepared remarks, we will open it up for your questions. We will make forward-looking statements on our call today that are based on assumptions and therefore, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. We undertake no obligation to update these statements except as required by law. You can read about these assumptions, risks and uncertainties in our press release this afternoon, as well as our filings with the U.S. and Canadian regulators. We will also speak to adjusted financial measures, which are non-GAAP and not a substitute for GAAP financial measures. biggest companies that use shopify Photo by Roberto Cortese on Unsplash Reconciliations between the two are in the tables at the end of our press release. And finally, we report in U.S. dollars. So all amounts discussed today are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. With that, I will turn the call over to Harley Harley Finkelstein: Thanks, Carrie, and good afternoon, everyone. Back in June, Shopify entered its eighth year as a public company and 17th year in existence, an incredible testament to the resilience of our merchants, who propel the economy and our team that shows up every day to help power their success. While a lot has changed since 2006 across the consumer landscape commerce and Shopify. Our commitment to solving the biggest challenges in commerce remains front and center, as we ship more products and solutions to make commerce better for everyone. As a founder-led company, Shopify contains a distinctive mix of passion, vision and entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and a deep understanding of our customer base. In our 17-year history, we've demonstrated our commitment to investing in innovative solutions that simplify commerce and add value for merchants everywhere. Our Q2 results are clear proof points. Revenue growth accelerated to 31%. Our product attach rate continued to expand and we delivered our third consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow, which we expect to continue to trend even higher throughout the rest of the year. We are quickly positioning ourselves to build on the momentum we're seeing across our business, making purposeful changes that support our core focus on commerce and unlock what we believe is a new era of data-driven entrepreneurship and growth, an era where AI becomes the most powerful sidekick for business creation. Commerce is available everywhere anywhere and always, and Shopify's cutting-edge solutions will enable more businesses, large and small local and global to achieve even greater success. Last quarter, I talked about the evolving shape of the larger commerce ecosystem and changes we have made at Shopify to meet that moment. We are already well underway in operating within the new shape of Shopify, a shape that can execute with greater speed and agility on a much larger scale to ship products faster, to bring more merchants onto the platform and further supercharge our merchants' growth for years to come. To do this, we remain committed to the areas where we can add the most value for our merchants, including expanding from first sale to full-scale, building consumer relationships and going global. So let's dive into each area and the key accomplishments we are driving to execute on the massive opportunity ahead. Starting with helping our merchants expand from first sale to full scale. We recognize the immense potential of AI to transform the consumer landscape and commerce more broadly, and we are committed to harnessing its power to help our merchants succeed. We believe AI is making the impossible possible, giving everyone superpowers to be more productive, more creative and more successful than ever before. So, of course, we are building that directly into Shopify. In our additions last week, we unveiled Shopify Magic our suite of free AI-enabled features that are integrated across Shopify's products and workflows, everything from inbox to online store builder and app store to merchandising to unlock creativity and increase productivity. One of the most exciting products, we will be launching soon in early access is our new AI-enabled commerce assistant Sidekick. Powered by Shopify Magic, Sidekick is a new chat interface packed with advanced AI capabilities purposely built for commerce. Merchants will now have a commerce expert in their corner who is deeply competent, incredibly intelligent and always available. With Sidekick, no matter your expertise or skill set it allows entrepreneurs to use everyday language to have conversations that jump start to the creative process, tackle time-consuming tasks and make smarter business decisions. By harnessing a deep understanding of systems and available data, Sidekick integrates seamlessly with the Shopify admin enhancing and streamlining merchant operations. While, we're at the very early stages, the power of Sidekick is already incredible and it's developing fast. By integrating AI directly into Shopify, we are providing businesses with the most modern tools that will enable them to make data-driven decisions, optimize their operations and ultimately achieve greater success from first sale to full scale in today's competitive market. And that's just the beginning. As commerce has continued to evolve pushing transactions far beyond the traditional retail or online stores, we are building the right tools for commerce to be available everywhere, anywhere and always. And that is one of our superpowers and why merchants of all sizes are coming to and building their future on Shopify. We've enabled our merchants to reach a larger base of audiences through deep partnerships with social platforms, apps and creators. Q2 GMV through these channels nearly doubled year-over-year as merchants are adopting these new ways of reaching customers. It's really about leveraging your scale and the breadth of growing brands across the platform to unleash new opportunities that simply do not exist if you are not on Shopify. We are fueling the Shopify flywheel with things like our recently launched Shopify Collective, which creates new pathways for our merchants to not only sell their products, but also each other's products. Collective allows retailers to discover and sell from other top Shopify brands who will ship directly to their customers, allowing them to expand their product offering without the cost and risk of buying inventory. This seamlessly aligns with the advancements, we are making in establishing our wholesale presence, which we refer to as our B2B on Shopify offering. With B2B GMV up 61% in the first half of 2023 and over 45 customizable features tailored to the unique needs of wholesale businesses launched in the past year alone we are getting traction. Some of the most well-known consumer brands around the world, including Kraft Heinz Company, Brooklinen and Momofuku have all adopted this product. We are working hard to create advanced features for B2B that we think will change how the industry works and help merchants grow in this area. Features like volume pricing, company account request and personalized storefronts are all seamlessly integrated into our core platform. This makes the wholesale buying process better and makes it easier to find and win over potential wholesale customers. Even though B2B currently makes up a small portion of our revenue, it represents a huge untapped potential for Shopify and is a channel that we know is especially important for enterprise level merchants. It not only allows us to deepen our engagement with our existing merchants and help them grow this channel, but it also opens up opportunities to serve a new group of merchants who solely conduct B2B transactions. Within retail, our momentum continues. In Q2, offline GMV increased 23% year-over-year as we won larger multi-location merchants across the 14 countries where Shopify point-of-sale operates today. Compared to even a year ago, our deep investment in our point-of-sale platform coupled with transformation in our go-to-market process are enabling us to sell our retail offering more effectively, especially with larger merchants. Among Shopify point-of-sale retailers with more than 20 locations, their Q2 GMV grew over 120% year-on-year, with more than 70% of their GMV coming through Shopify Payments, demonstrating our ability to monetize as we move upmarket. The work we've been doing to transform our go-to-market engine resulted in our Q2 retail point-of-sale business, delivering the highest quarterly GMV wins ever and we believe our momentum is only growing. In addition to bringing on more new brands to point-of-sale in the quarter we're also seeing existing merchants, expand their retail presence with brands like REEF (ph) adding more locations in the quarter. We're also enabling online first Shopify merchants like Babylist to venture into physical retail by opening their first flagship store powered by Shopify point-of-sale. Bringing all of the capabilities that we offer for online, to point-of-sale remains a big opportunity for us, especially as our retail offering represents additional pathways to bring even more merchants and customers into the Shopify flywheel. One example of that integration is Shop Pay instalments for point-of-sale. This feature allows retailers using Shopify point-of-sale to offer their in-store shoppers the same flexible buy-now-pay-later options that they offer their online shoppers. Early results show a 5x increase to retail average order value from installment transactions compared to standard in-store transactions. Beyond driving larger purchases Shop Pay instalments is a major step towards increasing buyer attribution for offline sales, as all in-store Shop Pay instalment orders are associated with the customer. More known buyers means more opportunity to build relationships and drive repurchase activity which fuels our merchants growth. Two years ago, we launched Hydrogen & Oxygen to give merchants that wanted to go headless, an easier development path that would help them get to market faster. Hydrogen, our React-based toolkit is a front-end web development framework used for building custom storefronts. This product just passed an incredible milestone hitting the $1 billion in cumulative GMV mark with 2023 GMV so far this year already 2x as much as we did in all of 2022, validating Shopify as their trusted commerce partner in their shift towards headless commerce. Beyond shipping great products and building more products for every level of complexity from first sale to full scale, we've also been transforming our go-to-market engine. Led by Bobby Morrison, our Chief Revenue Officer over the past year or so our team has been working on implementing new tactics, KPIs and capabilities to accelerate sales, reduce costs and ensure merchant success and it's working. In the past few quarters alone, we've seen sales volumes across key products like Capital, Retail and Payments, gain momentum leading to some of the highest cross-sell volumes, we've ever achieved. But that's not all. We're implementing an end-to-end sales process and methodology that's designed for increased effectiveness and efficiency tailored to various merchant segments and industries and consistently enabled for scalable execution throughout the revenue cycles, Shopify's go-to-market strategy is operating at an unprecedented level. Whether it's attracting new customers to the Shopify platform delivering ongoing value to existing customers or encouraging current customers to utilize more of Shopify's offerings, our team is working tirelessly and executing effectively. With this powerful go-to-market engine beginning to fire on all cylinders, we are seeing more brands come to Shopify across the spectrum from entrepreneur to enterprise. In particular, we continue to bring more of consumers' favorite brands to Shopify including recently signed deals with women's fashion apparel company Soft Surroundings, beauty and skincare brand JAFRA Cosmetics, boots and accessories company Hunter and Meta, who will sell Quest through integration Shopify has with multiple channels. We also saw brands launched in the quarter including subscription Bellwether, Dollar Shave Club, workwear retailer for women, New York & Company, baked goods manufacturer of Mrs. Fields as well as international launches including Paris Fashion House, Nina Ricci owned by Puig, International sites for American headwear company New Era, along with more brands from CPG giant, Nestle and Unilever. Our platform remains the go-to for top celebrities and creators to build their brands. In July, Taylor Swift launched her Era Tour merch shop with us, experiencing unprecedented volume of sales and site visitors on launch day and we were ready for it, proving once again that our infrastructure is scalable, flexible and most importantly reliable. That same week, musician Drake, released his new store Drake Related using our new product Shopify Collective that I mentioned earlier. And finally, Mr.Beast, one of the world's most popular YouTubers revamped his store using one of Shopify's out-of-the-box free themes. This showcases the immense value, accessibility and scalability, we've integrated into every facet of our business. These brands along with many others are recognizing that the speed at which we deliver products and innovate is unmatched. We help them prepare for the future in a world where technology, customer needs and markets are changing quickly. Next is building consumer relationships. Starting with Shopify Checkout which has proven to be the best converting checkout on the Internet. We've invested and our evolved platform because we know that not all checkouts are created equal. Ours convert better, while we have known for years that our checkout is the best, a recent external study from a leading global management consulting firm has confirmed it. In fact, Shopify's overall conversion rate outpaced the competition by up to 36% and on average 15% more than others. The April study also revealed the power of Shop Pay, the highest converting accelerated checkout on the internet. The data shows that the mere presence of Shop Pay even when it is not used by a buyer can boost lower funnel conversion by 5% and when it is used can lift conversion by as much as 50% versus guest checkout. With our accelerated checkout outperforming all other major players by nearly 10%, it is now a competitive disadvantage not to be on Shopify. Even as powerful as our accelerated checkout has become, we know every second matters when it comes to making a sale. And that is why we introduced Sign in with Shop. This enables customers to use their Shop account to log in to merchants' online stores. By Sign in with Shop, shoppers can access their customer account, speed through checkout with prefilled payment and address details and unlock discount codes that will automatically be applied at checkout. By lowering friction, giving faster access to payment details Sign in with Shop is making the Internet's best-converting checkout even better. Shopping behavior continues to shift to mobile with over 70% of online checkouts happening on phones and other small-screen devices in Q2. With this shift, we've seen major brands like Thrive Causemetics, Vessi, and Todd Snyder launched custom Shop storefronts to optimize this shift and we can expect even more brands to follow. Not only because of the Shop app offers an immediate out-of-the-box mobile storefront but also because they can tap in the rapidly growing audience of buyers to reach and retain new customers. For the quarter, Shop Pay facilitated $11 billion in GMV, that's up 37% year-over-year and cumulatively $98 billion since its launch in 2017. As of today, we have now surpassed $100 billion in cumulative dollars through Shop Pay, which is an incredible milestone for the company. Moving on to going global. Our international solutions make it easier for our merchants to take their business to any customer around the world. And we continue to invest in helping merchants of all sizes start and scale their global business all from within their Shopify admin. During the quarter, approximately 15% of total GMV were cross-border sales, supported by the continued adoption of our Markets and Markets Pro offering. In the EMEA region, the rate of new merchant growth continues to surpass that of North America, contributing to the strong growth we witnessed in Europe in the quarter. This was led by Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, all of which experienced GMV growth exceeding 40%. With our Markets Pro offering, which is still an early access and slated for a rollout later this year, we make it easy to expand our merchant's business to over 150 markets all within a single view in the Shopify admin. We are simplifying the onboarding experience expanding shipping support and enabling Shop Pay to all international purchases to continue to enhance the product even further. As a result, more and more merchants across all sizes from SMB to Plus are adopting it and we are excited to bring it to all our U.S. merchants later this year. On top of that, we continue to upgrade capabilities that give merchants more control when selling internationally. Merchants can now effortlessly tailor different experiences and product assortments for various markets. So an apparel merchant like Vuori can promote summer collection in the U.S. and the winter collection in Australia at the same time all from their online store. Our work here includes features like smart order routing, multicurrency payouts and market support for Shopify Functions. These enhancements significantly benefit our merchants making their global expansion goals more attainable simpler to navigate and more customized for each customer in every market that they penetrate. In closing Shopify is rapidly strengthening its position as a leading enabler of global commerce and entrepreneurship. We have successfully established and expanded our unified commerce platform that has continuously gain the trust of our merchants attracted new merchants sped up our momentum and broaden our market presence. The new shape of Shopify is enabling us to make faster decisions, flex with the rapid pace of technology and deliver innovative solutions that increase our merchants' odds of success. And what's most exciting is that even after 17 years and all the changes we have made recently, we know that the opportunities for Shopify are only growing whether that's online or in person, SMB or enterprise, direct-to-consumer or wholesale, domestic or global. We are positioning ourselves to capture it all by innovating, pushing boundaries and leaning even deeper into our mission to make commerce simpler, easier, more democratized, more participatory and more common. And with that, let me turn the call over to Jeff Jeff Hoffmeister: Excellent. Thanks, Harley. We had another quarter of strong financial results. We are shipping products faster, growing our merchant base, expanding around the world and improving our profitability. All of these factors contribute to our flywheel and ensure that we continue to build the best product in the world to make commerce better for everyone. Let's dive into our Q2 results starting with GMV. GMV in Q2 was $55 billion, up 17% year-over-year as merchants delivered another strong quarter of growth. We achieved this GMV strength primarily through growth in our merchant base globally with such being the largest driver of GMV outperformance this quarter, continued resilience of our merchants' consumers with strength in Europe being particularly notable, not only in terms of the durable, same-store sales strength of our existing European merchant base, but even more so on the new merchant acquisition front and same-store sales growth for our existing merchants. Revenue for the second quarter was $1.7 billion, up 31% year-over-year. Key contributors to our revenue growth included: the GMV strength just discussed, the growth in our Merchant Solutions business, which was itself driven by a combination of increased penetration of Payments and continued growth across a broad number of solutions including capital and installments; growth in Subscription Solutions from adding more merchants; two months of contribution of the Deliverr revenue which contributed approximately 3 points of the 31 points of growth in the quarter; and subscription pricing changes. Revenue in the second quarter outperformed our expectations primarily driven by two things, stronger adoption of higher attach rates across our Merchant Solutions product suite including payments penetration and capital, and more robust merchant retention after our recent pricing change. Our product attach rate which is defined as revenue divided by GMV is a key performance indicator of our business and our ability to generate greater value for our merchants. Merchants continue to buy more and more solutions from us, which speaks to both attraction of new products and the trust that merchants put in us. In Q2, our attach rate was 3.08% or 3.01% excluding Deliverr. Continued gains in GPV were the largest contributor to year-over-year growth in our attach rate along with growth in Shopify Capital and gains in newer products including markets, installments and our tax product. Moving to our revenue streams, starting with Merchant Solutions. Q2 Merchant Solutions revenue was $1.3 billion, increasing 35% year-over-year with nearly half the increase due to the growth in GMV. Additionally, growth was driven by continued penetration of Shopify Payments the partial quarter of contribution from Deliverr and strength in some of our other solutions particularly Shopify Capital, Markets and Installments. $31.7 billion of GMV was processed on Shopify Payments in the second quarter, 27% higher than in the second quarter of 2022. The penetration rate of Shopify Payments as a percentage of GMV was 58% compared to 56% in Q1 of 2023. Several factors drove the quarter's higher gross payments volume compared to the prior year, including the strong performance by those merchants utilizing Shopify Payments, an increasing percentage of which are Shopify Plus, new merchant adoption across the globe, greater penetration of Shop Pay and continued growth of our integrated point-of-sale solution in physical retail stores. Subscription Solutions revenue was $444 million, up 21% over Q2 of 2022 primarily due to the growth in the number of merchants on both our Standard and Plus plans. The increase was also driven by the price increases for the existing merchants on our standard pricing plans that went into effect in late April and growth in our variable platform fees. Q2 MRR was $139 million, up 30% year-over-year. The pricing change was the largest contributor of growth in absolute dollars in the quarter. We saw year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter growth in MRR across each of Standard, Plus and Point-of-Sale. All three segments are performing well. Our Plus merchants as a percentage of total MRR decreased to 29% from 31% in Q2 of last year, but that decrease was simply a function of the growth in our Standard MRR from the pricing change. Let's talk a little bit more about the pricing changes that went into effect for our existing merchants at the end of April. Merchants spoke loud and clear regarding their trust in the unmatched value that Shopify provides through our unified commerce platform. We are seeing our merchants, continue to remain on the platform rather than using the price change to move off-platform and largely remain on monthly plans versus moving to annual. For Shopify it provides us with more gross profit dollars to invest back into the business balanced with improved profitability. For the rest of the year, we expect these pricing changes to continue to benefit our Subscription Solutions business and MRR. Moving to gross profit. Gross profit was $835 million for the quarter, up 27% year-over-year. Gross margin for Subscription Solutions was 80.9% compared to 76.7% in Q2 of 2022. Our Subscription Solutions gross margin increase was driven primarily from hosting and support efficiencies with pricing changes also having a positive impact. Gross margin for Merchant Solutions was 38.1% compared to 40.3% in Q2 of 2022. Our Merchant Solutions gross margin was primarily affected by the dilutive impact of Deliverr. Excluding Deliverr, our Merchant Solutions gross margin was essentially flat year-over-year. It's the same factors we experienced in the first quarter, including growth of our lower margin Shopify Payments business were offset by growth in other higher margin Merchant Solutions including Capital Instalments and FX revenue. This brings our overall Q2 gross margin to 49.3% compared to 50.7% in the prior year. Excluding the dilutive impact of Deliverr gross margin in Q2 increased year-over-year, driven by our higher margin Subscription Solution business. Operating expenses on a GAAP basis were $2.5 billion for the quarter, which includes $1.7 billion in one-time charges, comprised of $1.3 billion on the impairment on the sale of our logistics businesses, $165 million in accelerated stock-based compensation also pertaining to the sale of our logistics businesses and $148 million related to severance. When you exclude these items, our Q2 operating expenses were $818 million, down from $846 million in Q2 2022. The decline year-over-year was driven largely by lower marketing expenses this past quarter, as we maintain strict discipline around returns on marketing spend. Moreover, the $818 million is a sequential quarterly decline of 10% compared to Q1 2023 operating expenses of $910 million, all while revenues were up 12% sequentially Q1 to Q2. We have reset the bar for the scale that we can deliver off of a more consistent operating expense base. The sequentially lower expenses are primarily a result of Q2 having only one month of the higher headcount and two months of the expenses from the logistics businesses. Operating loss was $1.6 billion, which includes a $1.7 billion for impairment SBC acceleration and severance that I just mentioned. Excluding these charges, operating income was positive for the quarter compared to a loss of $190 million in Q2 of 2022. Stock-based compensation for Q2 was $280 million or $115 million, excluding the $165 million for the SBC acceleration related to the sale of our logistics businesses. This compares to $139 million for the same period a year ago, primarily driven by the lower headcount. Adjusted operating income for the quarter was $146 million. Capital expenditures were $21 million for the quarter. We have now delivered three consecutive quarters of free cash flow delivering Q2 free cash flow of $97 million or 6% of revenue. Turning to the balance sheet. Our cash and marketable securities balance was $4.8 billion as of June 30 and we had a net cash position of $3.9 billion after consideration of the outstanding convertible notes. Before moving to our Q3 outlook some comments regarding the completed sale of our logistics businesses and what it means for us as we look ahead to the back half of 2023. We are now approximately two months post the closing of the transaction, we continue to work closely with Flexport and the integration in order to make it easier for our merchants to access fast and reliable logistics solutions. While we are still working through the terms of the commercial agreement, we are pleased with how the transition has gone thus far and are excited to be a part of Flexport's mission moving forward. Let's take a moment to discuss how the sale of the logistics businesses will impact our financials in terms of comparability for the third quarter. We expect a headwind of approximately 300 basis points to 400 basis points of revenue growth in Q3, related to the lapping of our logistics businesses. This results in approximately 300 basis points to 400 basis points of tailwind to our gross margin rate compared to Q3 of last year. With that in mind, our expectations for the third quarter are as follows. First on revenue. We expect our third quarter revenue to grow at a low-20s percentage rate year-over-year, which translates into a year-over-year growth rate in the mid-20s when you adjust for the 300 basis points to 400 basis points headwind from the sale of our logistics businesses. We anticipate pricing changes along with adoption of our Merchant Solutions products, led by Payments, will continue to drive our strong top line growth. Q3 gross margin percentage is expected to be approximately 2 percentage points to 3 percentage points higher than our Q2 2023 gross margin of 49.3%, driven by a full quarter of benefit from the sale of our logistics businesses and a full quarter of benefit from the pricing changes, We believe that our Q3 operating expenses will be flat to up slightly compared to our Q2 operating expense dollars of $818 million when excluding one-time items from Q2. Lower headcount and the removal of the logistics, operating expenses are expected to be counterbalanced by targeted increased investments in marketing and the impact of our standard employee compensation review cycle. Starting with marketing. I mentioned earlier in my remarks regarding the Q2 results that lower marketing spend was a leading cause for the year-over-year Q2 OpEx decrease. Over the past few quarters, we have done a lot of work analyzing our return on marketing dollars including tightening payback periods, assessing where our marketing dollars are having the most impact, automating where possible and reducing our spend. This work has also highlighted some areas where we think we should invest more based on the strong paybacks we are seeing and the opportunity to support the success and momentum in our business. In Q3, we expect to increase marketing spending in two areas in particular where we historically spent limited amounts, and where we are seeing strong returns, point-of-sale and offline marketing. For point-of-sale Harley talked through the strength in that business and we plan to lean in further. Regarding offline marketing, we have utilized offline marketing in North America and now seeing an opportunity to replicate that playbook in Europe, which, as I mentioned, this year has been a source of GMV strength for us. Next, talent and compensation. We just went through a compensation review cycle as it had been almost a year since we lasted process, specifically not since the Flex Comp rollout last September and we will see some compensation increases for existing employees in Q3 as a result of that comp review. That said, we will continue to be extremely disciplined regarding our approach to talent and compensation. Q2, excluding one-time items achieved significant operating expense savings, largely driven by the quarter including only one month of the higher headcount. Therefore, Q2's results already reflect approximately two-thirds of the impact to our OpEx base. As a reminder, the $818 million in Q2 OpEx excluding one-time items is a sequential quarterly decline of 10% compared to Q1, all while revenues were up 12% sequentially Q1 to Q2. While we expect Q3 operating expense dollars to be flat to slightly higher than Q2, our Q3 operating expenses on an absolute dollars basis are expected to be lower than Q1 of this year and each of Q2, Q3 and Q4 of last year, excluding any one-time items in those quarters demonstrating our commitment to driving increased productivity and efficiency across our teams with a disciplined approach to our spending. Moreover, the flat to slight increase in Q3 operating expenses relative to Q2 should be kept in context with the continued growth in revenue scale. Moving to stock-based compensation. SBC is expected to be approximately $110 million in Q3. We now expect capital expenditures to be approximately $45 million for all of 2023, which includes $33 million that we incurred related to logistics in the first two quarters of the year. This reduction in capital expenditures expectations versus our previous outlook is driven by changes in our expectations related to leasehold improvements for some of our office spaces, some due to timing and some due to a reduction in total planned spend. Just as with OpEx, we continue to be diligent in our spend, as we look to drive strong free cash flow. Finally, we expect free cash flow for Q3 to be higher than the entire first half of the year. In closing Shopify is moving quickly to capitalize on the momentum we are seeing across our business. Our pace of new product introduction remains excellent. We highlighted some of the additions from additions including Sidekick, Shopify Magic, Collective and the extended functionality of checkout among others. We talked about how we continue to see success in our point-of-sale business and how we continue to enhance that solution in order to allow merchants to offer in-store shoppers the same flexibility that we offer online with the integration of Shop Pay Installments as the latest manifestation of that. We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers expanding our solutions across channels like B2B and point-of-sale, while making it easier and faster for our merchants to make a sale with our accelerated checkout and log in with Shop features. The top-line growth of our business remains very strong. Our focus on operating expenses remains unwavering and our free cash flow generation continues to strengthen, now with three consecutive quarters of positive free cash flow. As we lean into the new shape of Shopify, we believe that we will be able to execute with even greater speed and agility on a much larger scale and deliver a business model that achieves a compelling combination of growth, operating leverage and free cash flow generation. With that, I'll now turn the call back over to Carrie, for your questions. Carrie Gillard: We will now open the call for your questions. [Operator Instructions] Our first question comes from Richard Tse at National Bank. Richard Tse: Yes. Thank you. In light of the recent pricing changes that have been quite successful, how do you think about extracting increasing value from your customers as you add meaningful features like Shopify Magic going forward? See also 20 Most Visited Countries in Asia and 25 Most Famous Bridges in the US. Story continues Q&A Session Harley Finkelstein: It's Harley. I'll take that question. Look, in terms of the pricing increase, that was -- that increase we did a couple of months ago, that was the first increase we did in a very long time, and we saw that merchants were absolutely willing to pay for it, which I think evidence is that the value to cost ratio of Shopify, the product is very much on the side of value. So certainly, there is opportunities for us to continuously review our pricing and figure out where the right pricing is and we will continue to do that. But in terms of features like Magic and Sidekick, which we're really excited about, remember, when our merchants do better, Shopify does better, that is the business model. And so the more they can sell, the faster they can grow, the more we can share in that upside. But the other part that we talked about in the prepared remarks, it's just worthwhile mentioning again is that product attach rate. The fact that we're still -- we're growing that, that we're still above 3%, which is really high. It means that, as we introduce new products and new merchant solutions, whether it's payment solutions, shipping, things like Audiences, anything like Collabs, Collective, more of our merchants are taking more of our solutions. And that is very important because it means that Shopify is becoming the most important piece of software that the millions of merchants on the platform use. And we were happy to see that merchants felt that the additional increase in price was still really good value for the product. Carrie Gillard: Thank you for your question. Our next question comes from Gabriela Borges at Goldman Sachs. Gabriela Borges: Good afternoon. Thank you. Jeff and Harley, I wanted to follow up on how you're thinking about the long-term margin profile of this business. Given your comments on the 3 positive quarters of free cash flow and the exit of logistics. So would love to your thoughts, what sort of free cash flow or EBITDA margin profile do you think Shopify can support longer term? Thank you. Jeff Hoffmeister: Yeah, Gabriela. Thanks for the question. We obviously gave some guidance on Q3 in terms of how we think about gross margin. And you saw in terms of the movement we saw in our margins on the Subscription Solutions side, very positive, up 400 basis points over the quarter. And we talked obviously about some of the margins on the Merchant Solutions side, which with the removal of logistics, obviously, those will be some strong tailwinds for us. We haven't obviously given guidance as it relates to Q4 or long-term in terms of what the operating model looks like. You can sense clearly, though, from what we've said about margins on both of those pieces, both Subscription Solutions as well as Merchant Solutions, that we've gotten to a gross margin profile, which is more similar to where we were, for example, Q1 and Q2 of last year before we got into logistics. And our goal is to, as I alluded to when we were talking about operating expenses, continue to make sure that we stand with this, I guess, stub function, I would say, that we've done in terms of when I talked about the 10% sequential decline in operating expenses and the 12% sequential increase in revenue, talking about a new ratio between those 2 in terms of how we can sustain that going forward and continue to make sure we're doing as much as we can with every OpEx dollar. So I'd love to give you more clarity on what the long-term margin looks like. But I think as you look at Q3, that's -- it's a pretty good snapshot for what the future looks like based on the removal of logistics. Carrie Gillard: Thank you for your question. Our next question comes from Keith Weiss of Morgan Stanley. Keith Weiss: A really nice quarter. And maybe following on Gabriela's question, but talking more about the top line. You guys have a broad solution portfolio already, but the fulfillment business was a big initiative for you guys. And definitely, a big part, I think, of investors' models on like how take rate expands over time. Is there a replacement we should be thinking about? Is there like one initiative or new initiatives that we should think about taking into place of what we had in our model for fulfillment? Or is it just fundamentally a new type of growth profile on a go-forward basis? Harley Finkelstein: Keith, thank you for the kind words, and good to hear from you. Look, part of the model of Shopify is that to get as many merchants using our product as possible, whether they're small merchants or they're large merchants like Mattel, [indiscernible], BLACK+DECKER, Staples, Glossier, some of the ones I mentioned like Dollar Shave Club and now Meta using the product. The key, though, is that if we want to qualify and requalify to be the central nervous system of their business, we have to ensure that whatever issue they have when it comes to commerce and retail, we can serve them. So for example, we talked a little bit about Collabs and what we're doing there. This idea that we can actually match incredible audience -- content creators that have massive audiences with incredible brands, that's not going to be for every merchant or every content creator, but the ones that it is for we'll use it with great efficacy. Things like Audiences, for example, we talked about Audiences 2.0, which, in some cases, are showing a 50% lift in ROAS, Again, not every merchant is always going to use every single merchant solution. But as we build more and more, what it means is that we can help them with a larger piece of their business. And that is really what we're focused on. And then when you think about some of the new things from the new areas we're going into, for example, B2B, which historically, we really focus on the direct-to-consumer point, we know there's pent-up demand to use Shopify for B2B. And so you're seeing us introduce new things like Collective, for example. There's about 45 new features that have come out around just B2B by itself in the last 12 months. So again, there's not going to be one particular merchant solution that every merchant is going to use. I mean, obviously, Shopify Payments is one of those because everyone needs to accept payments. But the idea really is to ensure that we fix merchant pain and give them this incredibly scalable product no matter what they want to achieve on the platform. Carrie Gillard: Thanks, Keith. Our next question comes from Mark Zgutowicz The Benchmark Company. Mark Zgutowicz: Thank you, Carrie. Just a follow-up on the Flexport. Jeff, I know you said you haven't yet signed the commercial agreement. But maybe just 2 related questions. One, can you talk about the integration of Deliverr with Flexport right now and how much of your holiday GMV will be supported by Flexport capacity? And then at a very high level, what -- is it safe to say the considerations in terms of Flexport economics are predominantly profit versus any type of revenue share? Thanks. Jeff Hoffmeister: Yeah. Thanks for your question. I think, firstly, as it relates to just the timing of the commercial agreement, to your point, these are obviously agreements which involve a lot of data flows, co-marketing, a bunch of other things just in terms of integration of the products. We want to make sure that we, of course, get that right and get our merchants up and running. I don't have guidance for you in terms of what percentage of our holiday traffic will be going through Deliverr. So I wish I could give you that perspective. We obviously just don't have that yet at this point. But we're still very excited about the partnership. We think [the world of] that team over there. We've known Ryan, the Founder, for a long, long time. Dave was a great addition. And that management team is really strong. So we think that's going to really assist our merchants and accelerating what they're trying to do. So we're excited about it. I just don't have a snapshot for you in terms of holiday traffic and how much will be going through them. Carrie Gillard: Thank you for your question. Our next question comes from Andrew Boone at JMP Securities. Andrew Boone: Hi. Thanks for taking my questions. I wanted to go back to Shopify Magic and Sidekick. I'm just asked about the near-term vision for the products. What do you think is the easiest thing that gets solved? And then what do you guys see as you guys involve your own data as well as relationships and knowledge. Where does this go over time? Thanks so much. Harley Finkelstein: Yeah. It's great question. Look, we're taking a very, very practical approach when it comes to AI. And we think that Shopify is uniquely positioned to harness the power of AI in order to unlock incredible capabilities that we think will help our merchants grow their business. Starting with Shopify Magic. I mean, unlike other generative AI products, Shopify Magic is specifically designed for commerce. And it's not just embedded in one place, it's embedded throughout the entire product. So for example, the ability to generate blog posts instantaneously or write incredibly high converting product descriptions or create highly contextualized content for your business. That is where we feel like AI really can play a big role here in making merchants' lives better. Built on top of that, of course, is Sidekick, which Toby announced over video about 2 weeks ago right before Editions. And that really is our -- the first of its kind AI-enabled assistant, again, built for commerce. And with Sidekick, you can do these incredible things like you can analyze sales and you can ideate on store design or you can even give instructions on how to run promotions. But when you think about these things altogether, ultimately, what we are giving merchants is a better, faster, more creative way to build businesses. And I think that it's something that only Shopify can offer and by embedding it across the entire product rather than simply one area of the product, merchants are going to see this efficacy and the speed of building and scaling only on Shopify. And again, back to that business model, a comment I made a couple of minutes ago, when our merchants succeed, we succeed. And so we think that leveraging the power of AI to get every entrepreneur incredible superpowers is going to be really incredible, and it's something we're very excited by. And you'll see more of that roll out in the next couple of weeks. Carrie Gillard: Thanks, Andrew. Our next question comes from Kevin Krishnaratne at Scotiabank. Kevin Krishnaratne: Good evening. Just on the Shop case trend, I think $11 billion of the $55 billion in GMV, it just keeps tracking higher. How do we think about the opportunity there and maybe thoughts on penetration of Plus versus SMB and how much of the GMV it can drive? It also just seems like pay is something to stimulate GMV. So also wondering how it's helping to influence a merchant same-store sales growth. Thanks. Jeff Hoffmeister: Thanks for the question, Andrew (ph). Yes, for the quarter, I mean, Shop Pay facilitated about $11 billion of GMV. That's up 37% year-on-year. And now as of today, we've now surpassed $100 billion, in cumulative dollars, which is an incredible milestone for the company. But the most important part of it is that it is the highest converting accelerated checkout on the Internet. It's also the most popular accelerated checkout on Shopify. And so actually, a study that we recently did with a big 3 consulting firm shows that the mere presence of showing Shop Pay adds a 5% boost in terms of funnel conversion. And when it is used, the conversion can be as much as 50% versus guest checkout. So it is something that a lot of merchants want. And that is not necessarily just small merchants. It is also very large merchants, large brands want that. One of the reasons that we think Shopify Commerce Components are so important is because it allows us -- if a large brand that's not ready to migrate entirely over to Shopify, but wants to begin a business relationship with us, things like checkout as a commerce component is a great way for us to do so. But again, this incredible way to check out for consumers around the world is only available on Shopify, which means that if you want to be able to offer that to your consumer, you have to be on our platform. Carrie Gillard: Thank you for your question. Our next question will come from Michael Morton at Moffett Nathanson. Michael Morton: Hi. Thank you for the question. As Shopify is starting to approach the 1-year point from when you began entering the partnerships with the large system integrators. We were wondering if you could provide an update on how these relationships are materializing and if they're contributing to the funnel for enterprise commerce players. And like following through with that, like you've discussed 2023 being an investment year for the enterprise. It would be great to hear how you view the enterprise sales team and if there's an opportunity for additional investment around that channel. Thank you so much. Jeff Hoffmeister: Yeah. Thanks for the question on that. More -- unequipped, more large retailers are coming to Shopify. I mentioned some household names like Dollar Shave Club and Ricci and then Sage at Beverly Hills, but also Hunter Boots and Meta signing for the quarter. So in that way, we are certainly seeing more large brands, more large merchants come to the platform that obviously helps us sign even further. As of now, we have signed partnership agreements with Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Accenture, last earnings call, we mentioned IBM Consulting, Cognizant. So they continue to build practices around Shopify and Shopify Plus and Commerce Components inside of their own sales teams. And what we've been spending time on is training them up to how to best sell Shopify most effectively. In some cases, it's actually leading to really wonderful new brands. On the international side, like New Era, for example, or [Indiscernible] Israel from Nestle. So we are working hand in hand with a lot of these systems integrators. A lot of these sales cycles are a little bit longer than traditionally we are used to, but they do bring on very, very large brands and merchants to Shopify. So we're really excited about that. In terms of the go-to-market, I think it's really important. We have been transforming this go-to-market engine at Shopify for a number of years. But this is really led by Bobby, our Chief Revenue Officer. And over the past year or so, that team has been working to implement new tactics, new KPIs, but really focusing on not just bringing on large merchants to Shopify, but also ensuring that we also cross-sell. And this end-to-end sales process and methodology, it's really designed for us to increase the pace, and frankly, the velocity of bringing on these larger merchants. But the end result is in the last 2 quarters alone, we have seen sales volumes across key products like Capital, Retail and Payments, gain momentum, which has actually led to some of the highest cross-sell volumes we have ever achieved. So the team is working tirelessly, they're executing it really effectively. But this go-to-market engine is now starting to crank. And the results, as we mentioned today, are more merchants coming to Shopify, much larger merchants coming to Shopify. But the end result is in the last two quarters alone we've seen sales volumes across key products like capital retail and payments gain momentum, which has actually led to some of the highest cross-sell volumes we have ever achieved. So, the team is working tirelessly. They're executing really effectively. But this go-to-market engine is now starting to crank and the results -- the results are as we mentioned today are more merchants coming to Shopify much more larger merchants come to Shopify. Carrie Gillard: Thank you for your question. Our next question will come from Mark Mahaney at Evercore ISI. Jocelyn Hung: Hi. This is Jocelyn asking a question for Mark. Could you hear me? Jeff Hoffmeister: Yes. Jocelyn Hung: Okay. Can I ask a quick question maybe on Amazon? Just, I know before to sell, to explore Amazon partnership was on the table. So, I wonder like, is there still possible not maybe not just in terms of buyer's time, but also payments or kind of help us think about what are some considerations you have there? Jeff Hoffmeister: Yeah, I mean conversations with Amazon remain productive, but no news to share right now. Jocelyn Hung: Okay. Got it. Thank you. And then maybe [Technical Difficulty] Carrie Gillard: Thank you for your question. Our next question will come from Samad Samana at Jefferies. It looks like he dropped out of the queue. Our next question will come from Paul Treiber at RBC Capital. Paul, are you there? Paul Treiber: Yes. Sorry, I was muted. Thanks very much. Just on the large enterprise, you called out a number of wins. Should we assume that most of the growth that you're seeing in large enterprise is Shopify Plus? Or are you seeing a lot of the growth and momentum pick up in Commerce Components? And is there any metrics that you can share just on the growth in Commerce Components in general? Jeff Hoffmeister: Yeah. I mean, look, in terms of Shopify Plus, very strong year-on-year plus growth in Q2. We actually outpaced GMV growth from Standard merchants and we'll continue to see that Plus business grow. The Plus merchant base saw really strong year-on-year growth as a result of both upgrades and also new brands joining, that's important to us because we want to make sure that the most successful brands, the home-grown success stories graduate on Shopify and never leave us, and we're seeing that, but we're also seeing a lot of new brands joined the platform as well. The reason that CCS or Commerce Components is important to us is, again, it starts the business relationship with businesses that aren't necessarily ready to fully migrate over. So by giving them a really a selection of 30 modular components from storefront to checkout to omnichannel capabilities, it means that we're able to begin that relationship, and over time, get more and more of their business. A lot of the names that you're hearing about today, obviously, there's a little bit of a longer sales cycle with some of the large enterprise brands. A lot of them those conversations started before we announced Commerce Components. But the fact that we have this incredible enterprise solution in a box with Plus, and we also have this alternative, which is this modern composable commerce stack for enterprise retailers means that we can have conversations with, frankly, pretty much every major brand -- pretty much every retailer on the planet, and that wasn't possible years before. Carrie Gillard: Thank you for your question. Our next question will come from Todd Copeland at CIBC. Todd Copeland: Good evening, everyone. I wanted to ask about your GMV strength and what you think it says about the possibility of a recession. Thanks a lot. Jeff Hoffmeister: Go ahead, Harley. A Harley Finkelstein: Yeah. I'll just kick off, and I'll hand it over to Jeff. I mean, obviously, GMV being up 70% year-on-year in Q2. We outpaced the broader U.S. retail market. In terms of trends, I mean, Shopify has so many millions of merchants and stuff. And so the one thing that connects most of the merchants -- all the merchants on the platform is that fundamentally the merchants on Shopify have consumers' favorite brands. And so we continuously see and we've seen this for a long time now that merchants are -- that consumers are voting with their wallets to buy from their favorite brands. And we are fortunate, and we work hard at this, but those favorite brands are on Shopify. So whether it's something like the Barbie effect that is happening right now, obviously, we're the commerce partner for Mattel, across the board, we're seeing doll sales up 56% and play vehicles up 70%. So ultimately, I think it's important this direct-to-consumer trend is happening. It continues to grow. But the key for us is to make sure that the best, most important and the brands that consumers love are on Shopify. Jeff, do you want to add? Jeff Hoffmeister: Yeah. Todd, the only point, I think we all see the same economic data that you're watching. And we talked before, both Harley and did talk about the strength you're seeing in Europe, I think we're doing better in Europe than others are. So I think that is one spot particular strength for us. And what we're seeing in North America continues as it was last quarter to be a good mix in terms of same-store sales growth for our existing merchants as well as a strong merchant acquisition model. So I don't think I have anything that I can extrapolate into broader comments around the probability of recession. I can just speak to the strength of our business and we're really firing on all cylinders. Carrie Gillard: And our final question will come from Trevor Young at Barclays. Trevor Young: Great. Thanks. Just on audiences. Any update on whether monetization of that has moved up in terms of priority and them the possible mechanisms for monetizing that whether it will be like a per user subscription type fee. So just timing and method for monetizing audiences? Jeff Hoffmeister: Yeah. I mean Audiences, we talked a bit about this at Editions, which happened last week. We rolled out audiences too. The algorithm keeps getting better. We keep seeing increased adoption. Right now the monetization is happening indirectly obviously through GMV. No necessarily news on that. But we feel like the better audiences become -- the more it becomes something that every merchant wants to use and effectively becomes the must have when they're running ads across the major ad platforms that provides us with incredible leverage and again that's it's only available on Shopify. So right now, we're focused on indirectly monetization for audiences, but that obviously levers available to us in the future. Carrie Gillard: This concludes our second quarter of 2023 conference call. Thank you for joining us. Good-bye. ST. LOUIS A 10-year-old boy died Friday in a ATV crash in Pike County, the second child fatality of its kind in that area of northeast Missouri in nearly three months. The boy lost control of a 2022 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 around 8:30 a.m. while making a right turn off County Road 301, according to a preliminary report by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Ranger struck a fence, overturned and ejected both the driver and another 10-year-old boy riding with him. Officials said the driver was pronounced dead at a local hospital. His passenger, also from Eolia, Missouri, was taken to a St. Louis-area hospital and treated for minor injuries. Neither of them were wearing safety devices. Officials didn't release their names. On May 17, a 15-year-old girl from Eolia was killed in a ATV crash. Her 14-year-old passenger was seriously injured. The girl who died was driving a 2021 Polaris Sportsman ATV that crashed along County Road 268, north of Highway D. The ATV ran off the road and up an embankment before hitting a tree and overturning, according the Highway Patrol. The girl who died wasnt wearing a helmet. The girl who survived was wearing a helmet, Highway Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson said after the incident. Raquel Scharf-Anderson and husband Eric Anderson have lived in St. Louis in their historic Lafayette Square home for just over a year. The couple relocated here from Seattle in June 2022 for Raquel's job as the new head of the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, and they have since fallen for their adopted city and neighborhood. "We love St. Louis," Raquel says. Having previously only briefly visited or passed through town, the city was brand new to them. Raquel grew up in a suburb of Chicago and Eric in New Hampshire. They ended up in Seattle for jobs. When Raquel accepted the position with Mirowitz, she came to visit, beginning with a tour of the school's Creve Coeur campus but didn't think that was where she'd want to live. "We love cities, so we decided we'd already done the suburban thing, and we'd love to live in the city," she says. "We thought we'd end up in the Central West End or U. City, but then we found Lafayette Square." They began house hunting online and saw three houses in Lafayette Square, then narrowed it down to two, which Raquel flew out to see in person and decide between. "We chose this one because it was the most updated," she says. "Even though there are things wed like to do to it, we could move in, and with my job we couldn't do that right away." The Second Empire-style house was designed and built in 1878 by well-known St. Louis architect Alexander Cameron, who sold it to William S. Simpson, a partner in the Christopher & Simpson iron works plant nearby. An original iron gate surrounds the front patio part of Simpson's legacy. Eric and Raquel are the eighth owners of the home. The previous owners lived in the house for over 20 years, adding most of its current updates and decor. Eventually, Raquel says they plan to update it with more of their own personal style. For now, she's just happy they found their ideal city home, directly across the street from beautiful Lafayette Square Park. "There's swans and herons and you can't believe you're in the city," Raquel says. "When there's the concerts in the park, we can just sit on our front patio and listen." Though there have been changes over the years, the house retains some of its period details and charm, such as original hardwood floors in some of the main floor, ornate carpenter's lace and pocket doors between the parlors, and original marble fireplace surrounds on two of the home's six fireplaces. The kitchen was updated at some point and a small back porch off it was enclosed to form a quaint breakfast nook that Raquel outfitted with a colorful bistro set purchased at Treasure Aisles Antique Mall. Most of the furniture on the main floor was purchased locally, including an antique burled walnut china cabinet the couple found at an estate sale in Ladue that fit perfectly in the dining room. Two original floating wood staircases lead to the second floor, where the rooms have been updated, including the primary bedroom and bathroom. A quirky claw-foot bathtub was installed next to the fireplace in the bedroom, which Raquel decided to leave in for now. Another bedroom was turned into a cozy library and TV room lined with built-in dark wood bookshelves that are filled with the couple's books and collectibles. The walls are painted in a rich and soothing purple hue and the room is outfitted with comfy contemporary furniture. This is Eric's favorite spot in the house. "I love to relax there with the dogs," he says. They also love the two parlors on the main floor, including a central one they refer to as "The Rotunda" due to its unique round recessed ceiling lined in ornate molding. It's a great spot for entertaining and the couple recently hosted a fundraising event for Raquel's school at the house. They enjoy sharing it and take great pleasure in caring for it. "This is not an ordinary house, and we are the stewards. This is a piece of history and that's why we're happy to have people know about it," Raquel says. "It's a pleasure to be the custodians of this home until the next people take it many years from now from us." Raquel Scharf-Anderson and Eric Anderson Ages Both are 48. Occupations Raquel is head of the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School; Eric is a software developer for Wells Fargo Bank. Home Lafayette Square Family The couple has two grown children: Sam, 23, lives in Pennsylvania; and Tzipporah, 20, lives and works in St. Louis and has an apartment in the basement of the home. ST. LOUIS The letter went out to employees Wednesday: South City Hospital was closing. By Friday morning, the front door was shut, and the main parking lot was empty. By mid-afternoon, the last patient had been transferred, and the emergency room had closed. The hospitals name was removed from the front awning. The 178-bed hospital, formerly known as St. Alexius, provided medical care to an underserved area of south St. Louis, and many of its patients were uninsured or relied on Medicare or Medicaid. The hospitals closure had for years been contemplated and feared as the facility changed ownership and endured multiple bankruptcies. Local officials made eleventh-hour attempts to keep the hospital open, but at weeks end, its future remained unclear. One week before the closure, in a letter to the CEOs of BJC HealthCare and SSM Health two of the regions largest health systems St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis, called for help reviving the storied institution. Emergency rooms and mental health units in the city were already stretched beyond capacity, they wrote, and St. Louis couldnt afford to lose South City Hospital. Its closure would compound the regions already deep health inequities. The hospital needed support from the community and from other health care providers, and, they said, it needed an experienced, nonprofit administrator to take over operations. Jones met Thursday with local health systems and the director of the city health department. Nick Desideri, a spokesperson for Jones, said an acquisition was not discussed. Instead, the groups worked on the situation at hand. They talked about plans for the patients still at the hospital, emergency room access and ways to help the hospitals employees find new jobs. South City Hospital was losing money at a really unsustainable pace, Desideri said. Ultimately, it was determined that there was not a fiscally sustainable or responsible path forward on this. The city is planning a job fair to help South City Hospital employees find work with other local health care providers. South City Hospital was a health care safety net, supporting many uninsured St. Louisans, Jones said in a statement. Our city must grapple with losing this longstanding health care anchor. SSM did not immediately respond to questions Friday. In a statement, BJC said it does not discuss such business matters. St. Louis Alderman Shane Cohn, whose ward includes the hospital, said he is working to bring other health care providers to the table who might be interested in doing something with the property, in a bid to keep it as a source of employment for the neighborhood. He said hes looking across the spectrum of health care and considering options like an urgent care or a federally qualified health center. Still, neither of those options would take up the entire space at South City Hospital. An urgent care isnt going to be able to fill a 150-bed hospital, Cohn said. The company that owns the hospitals land declined to comment Friday. An attorney for the company that owns the hospital did not respond to a request for comment. In an email to the Post-Dispatch Friday, the hospitals receiver, Daniel Wiggins, said on-site security and maintenance personnel will remain at the hospital. Some administrative work will continue for several weeks, he wrote, while the next chapter for the facility is being determined. EAST ST. LOUIS Authorities on Friday charged a 15-year-old boy with murder in the shooting death of a ride share driver almost a year ago. The boy, not yet publicly identified, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated vehicular hijacking. He was in custody on Friday at the St. Clair Juvenile Detention Center, Illinois State Police said. The boy is accused of killing 49-year-old Harriett Childers on Aug. 27, 2022, while she driving for a ride share company, police said. Childers, of St. Louis, also worked as a nurse. Officers found Childers' body in the 1800 block of Gaty Avenue. Several agencies were involved in the investigation including the FBI. Additional information was not immediately available. Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the boy charged with murder has not been publicly identified by authorities. ST. LOUIS Sam Mohammed, 58, knows everyone who frequents the BP gas station at 1401 Chouteau Avenue, just south of downtown St. Louis. Hes watched kids grow up and graduate from high school. Others, he said, have died. But customers are separated from Mohammed, who owns the gas station and also mans the register, by a thick pane of bulletproof glass. The station has seen a lot of violence. In July, the station was robbed at gunpoint two times in about a week. In June, a 12-year-old girl was injured by gunfire while buying chips. And in December, a man was slain while confronting teens about a stolen car, police said. Still, Mohammed said, people dont tend to mess with him. Twenty-five years some places, everybody knows you and they respect you, said Mohammed, whos been at the station since the late 90s. But when I have a new employee, they bother him. Mohammed was one of several gas station workers across the city who shared what they see and the dangers they encounter on the job after a 22-year-old clerk was shot and killed last month at a gas station in the citys Dogtown area. Gas stations, often with easy interstate access and plenty of traffic, can become a hub for criminal activity, and workers fear becoming collateral damage from a robbery or other violence. Some of them carry a gun of their own. On July 24, a man approached the night attendant at Mohammeds store and demanded money from the register. The attendant refused, and police said the man threw a rock at the attendants car before heading into the nearby Clinton-Peabody housing complex and firing shots in the air. Mohammed said officials are still looking for the suspect. Akhtar, an attendant at a gas station on South Grand Boulevard and Gravois Avenue in south St. Louis, said he could write a book about what he sees at the store. Akhtar did not want to give his last name because he feared retaliation from customers. One time, he said, a car loitered at the pump for an hour. When he told the driver he needed to move, he said the man threatened to kill Akhtar instead. I said, I hope you have a bigger gun than I do, recalled Akhtar, who keeps a gun within reach on the gas station counter. I dont mean to sound cliche, but it does come with the territory, Akhtar said. Still, he said, the job offers many immigrants the opportunity to start their lives in the United States. Akhtar is a Pakistani immigrant, and he wore a shirt to work that was adorned with an American flag emblem. When somebody comes in (for a job), its not just that they may not have an education, Akhtar said. They may not have a full grasp of the language, and they may not understand the culture very well. In late July, at a BP at 2005 North Florissant Avenue, there were still cracks in the glass from what a store manager said was a recent shooting. The station, in the citys St. Louis Place neighborhood, had at least six apparent bullet holes. Ghassan a manager who declined to give his last name said it took police hours to arrive after the shooting. He said he wants to see more officers on patrol in the neighborhood, not just responding to calls. There is no safety these days, he said. Bulletproof glass separates Daniel Simon, 40, from patrons inside a Gas Mart at 6901 Hampton Avenue on the eastern edge of the citys St. Louis Hills neighborhood. Cameras peer down from the ceiling inside the station. He keeps the door locked to the register area at night. Also, he stays vigilant. Just keep your head on the swivel, you know. Pay attention when you see somebody come in. As long as you have eye contact, Theyre like, Oh, he watched me already, Simon said. Mohammed and Ghassen both said tighter gun restrictions, especially for teens, would help fight some of the persistent problems at gas stations in the city. Both said they regularly see teens walking around outside their stores with guns out. A bill passed by aldermen and signed Thursday by Mayor Tishaura O. Jones is aimed at combating just that: The bill will allow police to stop people carrying guns if they cant produce a concealed-carry permit, and teens are not eligible to get such a permit. Simon also noted that for gas station employees, its crucial to comply with a criminals demands. Every day is not guaranteed. But youd hate to lose it because somebody stole gum and then you gotta go chase him, Simon said. Everything is replaceable except life. Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of the treaty banning dangerous nuclear weapons tests underwater, in the atmosphere, and in outer space. If not for this agreement on August 5, 1963, following nearly 500 above-ground nuclear explosions conducted by the U.S., the Soviet Union and England during the most intense phase of the Cold War, many more humans would have suffered life-threatening complications due to nuclear fallout. The story of the test ban remains a symbol of what can happen in a democratic society when various parties work together to transform public concern into public policy. And St. Louis played a central role. America's military and political leaders argued that the Soviet Communist threat justified an escalation in nuclear arms production. But scientists spoke out about the dangers of introducing 100-plus new radioactive elements produced by a nuclear explosion into the environment. Grassroots organizations worked to end above-ground testing. Some political leaders strongly supported a test ban, but talks between the superpowers floundered amid Cold War tensions. President John F. Kennedy was especially concerned about the sharply rising levels of fallout in the environment and human bodies. In one discussion with science advisor Jerome Wiesner on a rainy day, Kennedy asked, You mean its in the rain out there? When Wiesner said it was, Kennedy, according to one first-hand account, became ominously silent for several minutes. The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, in which nuclear war was narrowly averted, further incentivized President Kennedy and Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev to reconsider a test ban. Soon after, Kennedy delivered his landmark peace speech at American University, in which he publicly proposed a treaty. Agreement on a test ban between negotiators was reached, and Kennedy lobbied for Senate ratification. The treaty was easily ratified by the Senate and signed into law by Kennedy, who considered it his greatest achievement, describing it as a shaft of light cut into the darkness. The test ban treaty of 1963 owed special thanks to St. Louis. Five years earlier, citizen leaders formed the Greater St. Louis Committee for Nuclear Information. At the same time, Washington University faculty recognized the importance of combining scientific information with grassroots advocacy to change public policy and the University and Committee established the Baby Tooth Survey. The tooth study addressed the critical question of how much radioactive fallout from above-ground tests was entering bodies of humans, especially children (who are most vulnerable to harm from radiation exposure). The study measured the nuclear explosion by-product Strontium-90 (Sr-90), which entered bones and teeth via milk from cows that had eaten contaminated grass. The study collected 320,000 baby teeth over the next dozen years. The community effort was unprecedented, as schools, libraries, dentists, scout groups, churches, and other institutions urged donations of teeth. Parents, especially mothers, who otherwise were not involved in public policy, took the time to send their childs teeth. The study found Sr-90 in baby teeth of children born in the mid-1960s were 60 times higher than those born in the early 1950s. Results were published in journals and sent to Kennedy. The goal of the tooth study was to speed passage of the test ban treaty. The Senate was flooded by letters from St. Louis mothers urging ratification and an end to above-ground tests, citing the fallout that was entering bodies in particular, Sr-90 in baby teeth. These letters proved to be a factor in converting the once-hesitant Senate to support the treaty. In the first five years after above-ground tests stopped, Sr-90 levels dramatically fell by more than half in the milk supply and baby teeth in St. Louis and across the U.S., reducing risk of cancer and other diseases. Today, Sr-90 and other radioisotopes are still present in the environment; they are newly produced and released by nuclear reactors, but at lower levels than in 1963. The St. Louis Baby Tooth surveys distinct combination of citizen activism and scientific expertise became a model of achievement for later generations. In 2001, Washington University donated 100,000 baby teeth not used in the original survey to the Radiation and Public Health Project to further research the relationships between chemical uptake in the mid-20th century and health risks on donors, both alive and deceased. With the health threat of the split atom still an important public issue, evident by the strong interest in the recent film Oppenheimer, understanding above-ground testing and the importance of the test ban treaty that ended them remains crucial. A great deal of thanks is owed to the many St. Louisans who helped make end above-ground nuclear weapons tests a reality. Joseph Mangano is executive director of the Radiation and Public Health Project, which is using 100,000 baby teeth from the original 1960s study to assess health effects of nuclear weapons test fallout. Luke Ritter, a St. Louis native, is an assistant professor of American history at New Mexico Highlands University, with a doctorate from St. Louis University. Missouri just kicked almost 11,000 of the states most vulnerable children out of the governments health care system for the poor, even though they might still be eligible for the program. They were removed because state officials cant figure out if theyre eligible. The failure appears to have been caused at least in part by the states infamously inadequate technology. In other words, Missouri is, once again, proving itself to be one of the worst-run states in America. Recently, that official dysfunction cost poor kids participation in a federal food program. This time, its costing them medical coverage. Normally, the Medicaid system the joint federal-state program that provides medical coverage for the poor updates its records annually to ensure that everyone in the program is still eligible. Those who arent are removed from it. As dangerous as the pandemic was for Missouri families, it did indirectly provide protection for some of the poorest of them with a federal requirement that no one could be removed from Medicaid rolls until the health emergency was over. For those recipients, the annual renewal process was suspended starting in March 2020; everyone who was on the Medicaid rolls was just kept there (with enhanced federal funding covering the cost). That reprieve ended in May. In June, Missouri officials, like those in other states, began the process of weeding out the eligible from the ineligible. Anyone familiar with this states documented inability to competently carry out even some of its most basic responsibilities can guess what happened next. As the Post-Dispatchs Michele Munz recently reported, the states first round of reviewing Medicaid eligibility since the federal reprieve was lifted resulted, in June, in more than 32,000 Missourians losing their Medicaid coverage. Half of those booted from the program were Missouri children and more than 10,700 of them were children who might actually still be eligible. The state simply cant confirm it, so they were removed for what are called procedural reasons that can include the states inability to reach the families. Thousands more cases are still pending, in part, a state spokesperson told the Missouri Independent, because, There was not a way for those to automatically process in the system, so they are being processed by hand. Its unclear how much of the problem (which is also playing out in many other states) is caused by things like parents not filling out the right form and how much is what the state spokesperson called system work needed by the state. What is clear is that Missouri has an especially lousy record when it comes to efficiently carrying out basic functions of government, especially those that involve technology. As this page pointed out last month, the state recently pulled out of a federal program that would have provided $42 million worth of food for low-income school kids because the states technology couldnt navigate the program even though at least 40 other states managed to. The most ominous aspect of the Medicaid snafu is that the states review of families eligibility has just begun. It will be a long process that could ensnare tens of thousands more kids unless the state figures out how to correctly assess their eligibility. Gov. Mike Parson should intervene and ensure that, until the system is ironed out, the state is erring on the side of not kicking kids out of their doctors offices. COLUMBIA, S.C. Some Republican presidential candidates haven't yet met polling and fundraising thresholds for the first debate of the 2024 cycle, and now the qualifications for making it to the second one will be even higher. To get to the second debate, scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, candidates will need at least 3% in two national polls or will need 3% in one national poll as well as two polls from four of the early voting states Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina a person familiar with the markers set by the Republican National Committee told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The White House hopefuls must also have at least 50,000 unique donors, with at least 200 of those coming from 20 states or territories, according to the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The new thresholds were first reported by Politico. All of the requirements must be met at least two days before the debate, the person said. Those are increases from the thresholds for the first debate, scheduled for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. To get there, candidates have to secure at least 1% in three high-quality national polls, or in a mixture of early-state and national polls, as well as secure at least 40,000 unique donors. Meeting those marks has been tough for about half of the broad GOP field. So far, seven candidates have qualified for the first debate: former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Two hopefuls, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, have met the polling requirements but not yet secured the needed number of unique donors. Others have aimed to up their numbers in creative and potentially legally questionable ways. Trump, the field's early front-runner, long ago met the polling and fundraising thresholds but has said that he might skip the Milwaukee debate and hold a competing campaign event of his own. The on-stage participating candidate with the highest poll numbers will appear in the center, according to the debate details shared with the AP. An overall RNC requirement to participate in its debates is that candidates pledge to support the eventual GOP nominee and vow not to take part in any debates not sanctioned by the party, which include the general election debate sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The RNC has declined to release the actual language of the pledge it intends to make candidates sign. The pledge is expected to be similar to the one in 2016, when candidates had to affirm that, if they did not win the nomination, they would "endorse the 2016 Republican presidential nominee regardless of who it is" and not run as an independent or accept the nomination of any other party. Only former Texas Rep. Will Hurd has said definitively that he will not sign the 2024 pledge. He said he won't support Trump, who has been indicted three times, if he becomes the eventual nominee. Trump was indicted Tuesday on felony charges for working to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol, and he is due in court in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. His campaign has called those charges "fake." He also faces charges in a federal case in Florida related to the mishandling of classified documents and in a state case in New York stemming from hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to bury allegations of extramarital sexual encounters. WASHINGTON After two previous indictments, the novelty of prosecuting a former president may have worn off. But the latest criminal charges against Donald Trump represent an unprecedented stress test for the American political system. Trump is accused of conspiracy and obstruction for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss, in a criminal case emerging at the same time he is asking voters to send him back to the White House. The overlapping legal and political dramas represent a stark challenge for President Joe Biden just as he is running for reelection in 2024. Although Biden has made protecting democracy a cornerstone of his agenda and campaign, he also has pledged to respect the independence of the judicial process. The result is that Biden probably will feel compelled to remain quiet about a court case that could send the leading Republican presidential candidate to prison, even though the charges hinge on behavior that Biden has described as an existential threat. "That's the posture that they've had, and that's the posture they're going to need to maintain," said Patrick Gaspard, who served as White House political director under President Barack Obama. "Because there can't be any political taint to the proceedings at all." Biden maintained a similar silence after the two earlier Trump indictments this year. In New York, the Manhattan district attorney charged Trump with falsifying business records related to hush money payments to a former porn actress. Later, federal prosecutors said Trump improperly kept classified documents at his Mar-aLago resort in Florida after leaving office and obstructed an investigation intended to reclaim them. The third indictment came Tuesday. Trump, who pleaded not guilty in both cases, nonetheless is outdistancing the crowded field for GOP nomination. He also continues to spread the same lies about voter fraud that fueled the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, which interrupted the peaceful transfer of power from Trump to Biden. Trump's ongoing refusal to accept his defeat increases the stakes in both the latest indictment and the 2024 election. An acquittal in the courtroom would solidify Trump's reputation for dodging consequences. Victory at the ballot box either in the primary or the general election could build his brand of election denial. Already, while more than 1,000 people have faced charges related to 2021 riot, just 16% of Republicans believe Trump acted illegally in connection with that day's events, according to polling from The Associated PressNORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Additional research from AP VoteCast, a nationwide survey of the electorate, found that 62% of Republican voters in the 2022 midterm elections believed Biden was not legitimately elected. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University, described the widespread, ingrained lies as "uncharted territory" for a democracy. "I've never heard of such success of mass deception on this scale," she said. Biden has left no doubt that he views the country's democracy as hanging in the balance. Rioters were still in the Capitol on Jan. 6 when he condemned the "unprecedented assault" that had forced lawmakers into hiding and delayed the certification of his election victory. With his inauguration still weeks away, Biden said "the work of the next four years must be the restoration of democracy." Biden went to the Capitol on the first anniversary of the attack to pledge that "I will allow no one to place a dagger at the throat of our democracy." He targeted Trump again in a speech outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia as the country prepared for the midterm vote, saying his predecessor represents "an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic." "For a long time, we've told ourselves that American democracy is guaranteed, but it's not," he said. "We have to defend it, protect it, stand up for it each and every one of us." Brian Klaas, an associate professor of global politics at University College London who studies democracy and authoritarianism, noted that Biden will continue facing blowback from Republicans for his Justice Department's decision to prosecute Trump. "In the long run, a much bigger risk is that the Trump era is not met with accountability for genuine criminal behavior," he said. "You would set a standard that America will be stuck with forever." Biden's allies expect democracy to remain a focus of his reelection campaign there were images from the Jan. 6 riot in his announcement video. But they do not see a reason for him to break his silence on Trump's indictment. "It all speaks for itself," said John Anzalone, Biden's 2020 campaign pollster. "Trump's very presence is a threat to democracy," Anzalone said. "As long as he's running for president, people will be concerned." Ukrainian artillery units have recently been receiving a large number of North Korean 122mm rockets captured from Russian stockpiles in Ukraine. These rockets apparently were delivered via a ship that smuggled rockets to Russia. The Ukrainian artillerymen were warned that the rockets were old (manufactured in the 1980s and 1990s) and some might perform erratically because rocket propellant does not age well and after about 30 years deteriorates to the point that normal range and accuracy are degraded. That means some of the rockets will not go as far or as accurately as usual. Plus some might explode on launch. Both Ukraine and Russia manufacture these 122mm rockets and the GRAD MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) truck mounted launcher for the rockets. The current GRAD-K version was introduced in 2012 and received its first combat experience in eastern Ukraine during 2016. This 6x6 truck mounted system weighs 15 tons when all forty launcher tubes contained a BM-21 rocket. The three man crew can fire all 40 rockets in two seconds using a computerized fire control system that uses satellite navigation. The launcher can be reloaded in seven minutes and it takes less than three minutes for the truck to stop and be ready to launch on a target. Ukraine initially used an older model of the GRAD vehicle and was able to capture one of the GRAD-K models in early 2022. The BM-21 122mm rockets each weigh 68.2 kg (150 pounds), are 2.9 meters (9 feet) long, and have a 20.5 kg (45 pound) warhead. The BM-21 rockets have a maximum range of 20 kilometers. Again, because they are unguided, they are only effective if fired in salvos or at large targets like cities, large military bases, or large groups of troops or vehicles on the battlefield. There are now variants that have smaller warheads and larger rocket motors, giving them a range of about 40 kilometers. BM-21 was introduced in 1962 and replaced the World War II era BM-13 132mm rocket. That weapon entered service in 1939 and each rocket weighed 23 kg (50 pounds), was 600mm (24 inches) long, had a 4.9 kg (15 pound) warhead and a max range of 11.8 kilometers. The BM-21 was a big improvement. An improved Chinese version of Grad-K entered service in during 1989 as the PR50. This replaced a Chinese Type 81 launcher vehicle that used a copy of the BM-21 rocket. The PR50 launch vehicle used an improved version of the BM-21 rocket that weighed 74 kg (163 pounds), is 2.9 meters (9 feet) long, and has a 21.5 kg (47.3 pound) warhead. Minimum range is 20 kilometers, while max range is 40 kilometers in a version that uses a lighter warhead. The PR50 is a complete system, including a truck mounted launcher that holds four rocket launcher boxes, each with 20 122mm rockets. The truck has an automated aiming and reloading system. The PR50 rocket is interchangeable with the older BM-21 type rockets. The main difference between the PR50 and Grad-K is the Chinese system uses a longer 6x6 truck which carries 40 rockets ready to launch and two 20 rocket pods as reloads. The truck carries a crane that makes it easy to reload. Many nations manufacture the 122mm rockets and North Korea is one of them. North Korea also manufactures the M2008 launch vehicle, which is a copy of the Russian GRAD launcher vehicle. North Korea stockpiles a lot of these rockets and must dispose of them when they get too old and unreliable to be useful in combat. North Korea has sold Russia a lot of artillery munitions, including staples like 152mm artillery shells and 122mm rockets. North Korea sold and shipped its older shells and rockets first because the Russians planned to use them soon after getting them to Ukraine. Student borrowers are floating a range of ideas online for lightening their burdens when loan repayments resume on Oct. 1: Pay a little, pay nothing, cite Scripture. In a recent viral TikTok with over 50,000 likes, Dawn Cowle discusses a letter she sent to Nelnet, her student loan issuer, featuring a verse from the Book of Deuteronomy: At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. Cowle acknowledged she was joking mostly. It would be ridiculous if Nelnet was like, Oh, OK, sure, no questions asked. You cant pay your loans back? You got it! she said. But like many indebted borrowers, shes had frustrations to vent since June 30, when the Supreme Court invalidated President Joe Bidens plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt per eligible borrower. Throwing the Bible at Nelnet, Cowle said, would show that we are not in a position to just continue to lay down and be steamrolled. (Nelnet didnt respond to a request for comment.) Sentiments like Cowles have reanimated a vocal online community of borrowers and activists, some of whom have long campaigned for government debt relief or, failing that, a mass boycott of student loan repayments. But experts and some borrowers whove tried it warn that most people risk serious consequences for not ponying up. The financial repercussions of not paying your student loans, to me, is probably one of the worst financial decisions that you can make as an individual, said Robert Farrington, the founder of the College Investor, which works to improve young peoples financial literacy. Nonpayment, especially for those with loans from the federal government, could lead the authorities to garnish borrowers tax refunds, or their Social Security or disability payments, he said. It can also limit access to more student aid in the future and even hinder employment. Its not new, Farrington said about the idea of deliberate nonpayment, but I think because now payments are resuming, its definitely getting a lot more traction. Story continues Over 45 million people hold more than $1.7 trillion in federal student loans, with the average borrower owing over $37,000, according to the Education Data Initiative. Most student debt is federal, with only 8% of students borrowing from private issuers. Shahem Mclaurin, a TikTok creator with over half a million followers, asked viewers in a recent viral video whether people will begin paying back their loans after the Supreme Court rejected Bidens plan. And this is not a joking, play-play-like type of situation, Mclaurin said. Are we not paying like collectively, as a whole meaning if you put a payment down you are breaking, youre crossing the line? Thousands of comments and stitches, where TikTok users incorporate existing posts into their own, weighed in on Mclaurins idea. The first-generation college graduate earned a masters degree from NYU in 2020, owes $150,000 and doesnt plan on paying any of it back soon, citing the high costs of living. I worry every day, Mclaurin said of the possible repercussions. Sometimes I dont sleep at night. I have a lot of anxiety around it. After the Supreme Court ruling, the Biden administration unveiled a yearlong grace period starting this fall, insulating borrowers from near-term consequences for nonpayment even while interest begins to accrue again starting Sept. 1. And under longstanding federal policies, borrowers with existing student debt can typically get their payments paused temporarily if they go back to school. In many cases, though, interest will continue to accrue. Cowle said her loans are deferred for now as she works on her MFA in screenwriting; payments will kick in six months after she graduates a couple of years from now. While she said she didnt pursue another degree as a deferment strategy, some are saying they will. Dominic McDonald, a May 2022 graduate of Albion College in Michigan, said the ruling expedited his decision to apply for graduate school this year to avoid paying his loans. I am under some financial stress because Ive never had to do it before, he said. There are ways to pay less through other avenues that dont entail potential penalties, Farrington said. He estimates that half of student loan borrowers qualify for some type of forgiveness program, but many havent filed the paperwork to receive it. People are just leaving loan forgiveness money on the table that they should qualify for, he said. The Debt Collective, an organization founded in 2012 alongside the Occupy Wall Street movement, has been promoting a Cant Pay! Wont Pay! Student Debt Strike on its website and offering advice about the multiple ways you can safely get to nonpayment. Those include income-driven repayment plans, which adjust monthly payments to a borrowers income, and public service loan forgiveness, which allows people working in government and other civic-oriented jobs to have their debts zeroed out. Farrington also encourages these methods, among others, and hopes more people will pursue them. After the Supreme Court ruling, We internally are like, Oh wow, we need to prepare for this influx of people, said Braxton Brewington, the Debt Collectives press secretary. He said the group has seen interest in its debt strike jump in recent weeks and expects it to rise further as Oct. 1 nears. Asked whether the collective worries its messaging could be misinterpreted as a call to simply boycott repayments indefinitely, Brewington said the organization encourages people to avoid defaulting on their loans if they can help it. But he said the group aims to highlight the tough financial predicament many borrowers face. Whats blanketed the whole conversation about Should people just not pay? is people dont want to be subjected to the harsh consequences of the federal government, he said, adding that the Debt Collective urges borrowers to use their money on necessities like food, medication or housing over paying back their loans. In a lot of ways, there isnt a choice, he said. Some borrowers are warning others online against nonpayment, with a few saying theyd had their wages garnished. Other efforts are popping up to offer cash-strapped debt-holders informal or crowdsourced support through community funds and mutual aid. One TikTok user has even floated creating a lottery system to help pay off random peoples student loans every week. Josie Bridges, a single mother in Portland, Oregon, said she was eligible to have all of her student loans forgiven under the White House plan. Now, between rent and other basic expenses, she said she couldnt afford to resume payments this fall even if she wanted to. Even if [the monthly payment] is a couple hundred dollars, I need it, she said. Bridges is watching the calendar tick down to October with trepidation. Shes even considering picking up a couple new classes and racking up more debt in the process just to defer the coming payments. Now that theyre back, Im stressed out, she said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2023 The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of a raw beef product that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically soft, clear plastic. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase. The raw beef item was produced on July 25, 2023. The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]: Approximately 1.5-lb. plastic tray packages containing USDA CHOICE BLACK ANGUS BEEF FROM ALDI, BEEF FOR CARNE PICADA with a Use or Freeze by date of Aug. 22, 2023, Julian Date 206, and time stamp between 08:43 through 09:23. The product bears the establishment number Est. 85M on the back label. The product was available in select ALDI grocery stores nationwide. The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that it received a complaint from a retail store that soft, clear plastic was noticed in the product. There have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness due to consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume them. This product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions about the public health alert can call Cargill at 844-419-1574. Members of the media with questions can contact April Nelson, Cargill, at 952-913-5466. Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to [email protected] . For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/. Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. Fast IVF has a mission to provide excellent customer service for couples at IVF Journey and deliver fertility meds at the lowest prices to support them financially. They have been serving since 2005 and delivering worldwide within 5 days. The average IVF cycle costs between 15,000 and 20,000 dollars. It is common for IVF patients to look for ways to save on the high costs such as IVF drugs. In addition, couples should buy medications from a trusted pharmacy to ensure quality and timely delivery. FastIVF.com has been providing affordable medications as a trusted IVF pharmacy since 2005 says Mary Copperman, International Director of FastIVF. FastIVF.com is a service that enables fertility patients to purchase Brand Name European Pack IVF Medications from the Licensed European Pharmacy with worldwide delivery. All products are registered trademarks and received directly from the manufacturers. Fast IVF is the highest recommended international pharmacy by the top US fertility doctors. We are aware that couples/individuals undergoing fertility treatments can be physically, emotionally, and financially burdening. They face budget concerns, and desire to access quality yet affordable fertility medication. Therefore, we are committed to deliver their products at an affordable price in 5 business days right after the order is processed. In addition, we provide articles and resources on our website regularly to show our respect for their journey and to keep them motivated. says Mary. FastIVF.com understands the significance of trust and privacy during the sensitive process of assisted reproduction. To provide reassurance to its customers, the company proudly offers a money-back guarantee. If for any reason a customer receives the order more than 5 business days after dispatch or has any other issues with delivery, FastIVF will offer an option to the customer to refund the payment and/or send a replacement package. Fast IVF is a legitimate online fertility pharmacy in all aspects. Fulfillment team requires a prescription and approves every order with the prescribing facility before processing. FastIVF.com website and its databases are secure and meet the highest standards. Personal information of a client remains confidential at all times. Expert team of customer service representatives and pharmacists has assisted thousands of customers in making their IVF meds more affordable since 2005. FastIVF spares a special budget for low-income couples to support their access to IVF medications. We are the most experienced online IVF pharmacy and we always deliver orders fast and complete says Mary. Customers are able to get quotes for their medications using our online tool at https://fastivf.com/fast-quote. Fast IVF saves people an average of 60% compared to the traditional IVF medication sales channels. Couples can find over 30 affordable IVF products such as Meriofert, G-F (300IU, 450IU, 900IU) and HCG for sale. To learn more about what people are saying about Fast IVF, its team and service, visit testimonials page on their website. Contact Info: Name: Mary Copperman Email: Send Email Organization: FastIVF.com Phone: 1-855-483-6278 Website: https://fastivf.com/ Release ID: 89103967 Should any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies arise from the content provided in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken down, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected]. Our efficient team will be at your disposal for timely assistance within 8 hours taking necessary measures to rectify identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. We prioritize delivering accurate and reliable information. Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. Since 2014, Luat Duong Gia has provided juridical advisory services and operated an online platform sharing valuable legal information in Vietnam. On December 22, 2014, Luat Duong Gia was founded as a limited liability company in Vietnam, run by lawyer Nguyen Van Duong and certified by the Hanoi Department of Justice. The firm offers a wide range of legal consultation services in civil, criminal, business, commercial law, complaint, denunciation, and litigation processes. The specific services at Luat Duong Gia include: Legal consultancy services, direct legal service. Non-litigation attorney, performing administrative procedures. Participating in proceedings in the cases. The firm owns a website sharing information for legal matters, click here for more detail: https://luatduonggia.vn. Readers can consult legal topics through detailed posts published. The website also serves as an interaction forum between people and the squad of attorneys at Luat Duong Gia, creating an accessible online juridical consulting service experience, saving time and fees. Clients can contact Luat Duong Gia for assistance via hotline, email, post office, come directly to the office, schedule a meeting for consultation at a certain place, or by submitting inquiries on the website. The services are available from Mondays to Sundays. Counseling services over the phone do not include any additional fees before or after the consultation process. The clients only incur telecommunications charges according to the regulations of home networks. The corporation aims to guarantee service quality, aid the development of the judiciary in Vietnam, propagate and disseminate the provisions of the law throughout the nation. "Every lawyer of Luat Duong Gia must be a judicial emissary delivering the law provisions and legal knowledge to everyone!" - Luat Duong Gia shared. The information about Mr. Nguyen Van Duong, the founder and managing director of Luat Duong Gia: Master of Law, licensed practicing certification by the Ministry of Justice, and issued a lawyer card as a lawyer by the Hanoi Bar Association. Master of Economics, Business Management major. Since June 2012, Mr. Duong has been practicing law as a specialist in the Corporate Department of Sunlaw consultancy limited. In December 2012, Mr. Duong became a founding member of Rubic consultancy limited. Since the end of 2014, Mr. Duong has been a founding lawyer and managing director of Duong Gia Law Firm limited liability company. As of now, he has accumulated over 10 years of experience in legal operations and practice. About Luat Duong Gia After 10 years of operation, Luat Duong Gia has expanded the scope of activities throughout the cities and provinces in Vietnam territory, with headquarters in three big cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Accompanied by the slogan "dominating - pioneering", Luat Duong Gia defines the vision being diversifying the way statutory services are used, conveying the legislation closer to residents. Everyone has easy and equal access to the law, regardless of position, profession, or religion. Contact Detail: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duonggialawfirm Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@duonggialawfirm Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luatduonggia About Us: /Luat Duong Gia/ Contact Info: Name: Luat Duong Gia Email: Send Email Organization: Luat Duong Gia Address: Office in Hanoi: 89 To Vinh Dien Street, Khuong Trung Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi City, Vietnam Office in Da Nang: 141 Diep Minh Chau Street, Hoa Xuan Ward, Cam Le District, Da Nang City, Vietnam Office in Ho Chi Minh City: 227 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Phone: Phone 1: (+84) 247 300 0111 Phone 2: (+84) 1900 6568 Phone 3: (+84) 236 730 0899 Phone 4: (+84) 287 307 9979 Phone 5: (+84) 376 999 996 Website: https://luatduonggia.vn/ Video URL: https://youtu.be/rcQ4k1XRUpI Release ID: 89104151 In case of encountering any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release that necessitate action, or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us at [email protected]. Our responsive team will be readily available to promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, resolving any identified issues diligently or guiding you through the necessary steps for removal. The provision of accurate and dependable information is our primary focus. PALO ALTO, Calif. (PRWEB) August 05, 2023 PayBito continues setting newer benchmarks in crypto development. The US-based firm recently launched an original solution promoting financial inclusion across its acclaimed exchange architecture. The platform's latest update features a one-stop solution to start a crypto brokerage business for entrepreneurs. PayBito Crypto Brokerage Business: PayBito, a leader in crypto innovation, introduced the world's first white label crypto broker platform. The world's number one white label crypto exchange provider announced updates to its flagship platform, citing rising global business interest. A crypto brokerage platform connects buyers and sellers in the crypto market. It deals with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. Individuals or institutions offering crypto brokerage services earn attractive commissions by acting as intermediaries. PayBito's cloud-based platform has no entry or eligibility barriers, allowing for instant broker registration. Setting Up a Crypto Brokerage Business for Entrepreneurs: PayBito CEO and blockchain pioneer Raj Chowdhury states, "Securing opportunities for intermediaries is vital for further crypto development. PayBito ensures the key contributors to crypto growth find more than one reason to march forward." Entrepreneurs who want to explore opportunities in crypto brokerage need to consider: Infrastructure and Security: Choosing a reliable white label crypto broker solution with high-end security. Payment and Liquidity Partnerships: Associating with capable liquidity providers, crypto payment processors, banks/institutions Website/Interface: Developing a brokerage website with seamless UI/UX for registration, authentication, and trading. Customer Support: Setting up 24/7 customer support to address and resolve customer issues quickly. Compliance: Abiding by existing global and local crypto regulatory frameworks, KYC/AML. Marketing and Promotion: To attract investors and traders through social media and other channels. Launch: Making the platform live, continuous performance evaluation, and feedback analysis. Instant Setup: PayBito's Brokerage as a Service(BaaS) model enables instant launch, without technical infrastructure or coding. Intuitive interface: The platform is scalable and simple. It also offers a wide range of branding customization features. Multi-Trading options: PayBito offers several trading options. This includes Futures and Options, OTC, Spot markets, algo, and copy trading. AI Innovations: PayBito's interface features AI-powered trading tools. It offers portfolio optimization, predictive trade analysis, risk management, and fraud detection. High-end security: The safety of users' data and funds is ensured. PayBito features bank-grade security including 2FA, anti-phishing, DDoS mitigation, database encryption, SegWit, GEO fencing, and more. Save time and money: Participants can save time and money by using PayBito's BaaS model. Business Growth: PayBito's platform can help entrepreneurs start or grow their existing crypto brokerage business. Increased Profits: PayBito's AI-powered trading tools can help users make better trading decisions and increase their profits. PayBito: A One-Stop Solution for Crypto Brokerage Business for Entrepreneurs: PayBito's latest venture presents a comprehensive solution for all the above considerations. Entrepreneurs can kick start their business in no time even without technical proficiency with PayBito. PayBito's Quick Sign-Up features:How Do Entrepreneurs Benefit? The crypto sector has seen rapid adoption. In less than 5 years, over 300 million users worldwide own crypto. Major institutions have already invested in crypto. The main challenge was in establishing true value for the middle stage: the intermediaries. Conventional exchange models restrict retail entrepreneurs with high entry fees, time, eligibility, and other barriers. PayBito democratizes the process, offering an accessible platform to provide brokerage services. Charges for the cloud-based brokerage subscription are affordable, along with a free trial. Brokering World Hunger Away: A Dollar for a Dollar: PayBito's vision to leave behind a positive impact led to the Brokering World Hunger Away initiative. The exchange matches each dollar earned as a commission by its brokers for philanthropic purposes. The amount raised is used to feed starving children worldwide. The process is sustainable, as none of the broker's earnings are affected. Looking Forward: Cryptocurrency marked a change since Bitcoin's inception. PayBito's crypto broker solution is another significant milestone challenging the status quo. The platform brings brokerage access to the mainstream. Entrepreneurs can forget about gatekeeping constraints, and leverage growth from the crypto brokerage business. About PayBito: PayBito is an online platform for launching a crypto business in Crypto Trading, Brokerage, Payments, Tokenization, ICO & Banking. It is available in the web version as well as in iOS and Android stores. PayBito services include white-label crypto exchange solutions, white-label payment gateway, exchange affiliate, and coin listing. PayBito offers some of the best rates and top-notch security in the crypto world. Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/paybito_debuts_platform_to_promote_crypto_brokerage_business_for_entrepreneurs/prweb19475964.htm Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. In the digital era, businesses often prioritize online marketing, but there's still great value in tangible printed materials. Meet PrintVolution, a leading print shop in Singapore, dedicated to providing exceptional printing services with a special focus on business card printing. The Importance of Print in a Digital World In today's digital world, where everything seems to revolve around screens and virtual interactions, the significance of print media might be underestimated. Nevertheless, many businesses recognize that well-crafted printed materials can make a lasting impact. PrintVolution has been a driving force in helping businesses across Singapore maintain their presence through high-quality print materials. A Diverse Range of Printing Services PrintVolution takes pride in being a comprehensive print shop, offering a wide array of services to meet diverse printing needs. Whether it's brochures, flyers, banners, or posters, their advanced printing technology ensures that each project is executed with precision. They understand that each business is unique, and their commitment to providing personalized solutions sets them apart. Making a Statement with Business Card Printing Amidst all the marketing tools, the humble business card remains a powerful tool for making a memorable first impression. At PrintVolution, business card printing is an art form. They offer a range of options, including premium cardstock, various finishes, and customizable templates, allowing businesses to represent their brand identity effectively. Why PrintVolution Stands Out Uncompromising Quality: PrintVolution's dedication to excellence is evident in every project they undertake. Their quality control measures ensure that every printed product meets the highest standards. Sustainability Matters: With a commitment to the environment, PrintVolution employs eco-friendly printing practices, sustainable materials, and responsible waste management. Timely Delivery: Meeting deadlines is a priority for PrintVolution. Their efficient production process ensures projects are delivered on time without compromising quality. Customer-Centric Approach: Building lasting relationships with customers is their goal. PrintVolution takes pride in providing exceptional service and support throughout the entire process. Customer Testimonials "PrintVolution's business card printing service has helped our brand leave a lasting impression on clients. The quality of their work is exceptional, and we're delighted with the results." - Cerbus Tan, CEO "We've been using PrintVolution for our brochure printing needs, and they've consistently exceeded our expectations. Their attention to detail is remarkable." - Gina Lim, Marketing Manager Choose PrintVolution for Printing Needs In a world that's heavily focused on digital marketing, don't underestimate the power of print media. PrintVolution, a reliable print shop in Singapore, offers diverse printing services that cater to every companys specific requirements. From business card printing that leaves an impact to a range of other print materials, PrintVolution is dedicated to helping every companys business thrive in the physical realm. To explore the world of premium printing services in Singapore, visit PrintVolution's website or get in touch with their friendly team for personalized advice. Contact Info: Name: John Email: Send Email Organization: PrintVolution Website: https://printvolution.sg/ Release ID: 89103960 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected]. Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission. (Reuters) - Bahrain's foreign ministry called on its citizens to leave Lebanon, it said in a statement on Saturday, following the same call from Saudi Arabia. An earlier version of Bahrain's statement said it was due to "armed conflict" but an updated statement said only that it was "to protect them from being exposed to any danger." (Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly and Hatem Maher; Editing by Frances Kerry and Toby Chopra) (Reuters) - A Canadian government agency has guaranteed fresh commercial loans of up to C$3 billion ($2.2 billion) to the controversial Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project that has suffered repeated cost overruns. The information disclosed by Export Development Canada (EDC) showed that a new loan guarantee of C$2.75-C$3 billion was signed in July, though it first appeared on EDC's website late on Friday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government bought the Trans Mountain pipeline in 2018 from Kinder Morgan Inc to ensure the expansion project got built and provided a C$10 billion loan guarantee to TMC. It is meant to unlock Asian markets for Canadian oil, which is mostly exported to the United States now. But the project has been hampered by regulatory obstacles, environmental opposition, and construction delays, and is now anticipated to cost C$30.9 billion, more than quadrupling the C$7.4 billion budgeted in 2017. The cost blowout and the impact of taxpayer has made the government's ongoing support a contentious issue. Last year, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said that no more public funds would be committed in the project, and TMC has stated that it is looking for external funding. Critics have also slammed the ownership of a pipeline project by the Liberal government, which they argue runs counter to Trudeau's ambitious climate goals. TMC had received a up to C$3 billion loan guarantee between late March and early May this year and had received a C$10 billion loan guarantee in 2022 from the federal government. Canada's finance ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the fresh loan guarantee. In June, a finance ministry spokesperson said the loan guarantee was "common practice" and did not reflect any new public spending. The project is expected to start shipping oil in the first quarter of 2024, and will nearly tripling the flow of crude from Alberta's oil sands to Burnaby, British Columbia, to 890,000 barrels per day. ($1 = 1.3373 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Anirudh Saligrama in Bengaluru; Editing by Alistair Bell) FILE PHOTO: A general view shows parts of the structure of flight terminal at an abandoned construction site of a Mexico City airport that was scrapped at Texcoco on the outskirts of Mexico City, Mexico September 3, 2020. REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo By Kylie Madry MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The Mexican government is no longer planning on moving up the timeline to pay off some $4.2 billion in outstanding bonds issued to finance a partly built airport on the outskirts of Mexico City that was later canceled, a senior transport official said on Friday. The canceled Texcoco project was meant to alleviate pressure at the capital's decades-old airport, but shortly after he was elected in 2018, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ordered construction on the new facility halted, blasting it as too expensive and stained by corruption. His government initially paid off around $1.8 billion of the $6 billion in bonds issued to finance the ill-fated Texcoco airport, and now plans to stick with the established payback plan for the long-term bonds. "The finance ministry asked for everything to stay the same, so that's what's going to happen," Deputy Transportation Minister Rogelio Jimenez Pons told reporters. Jimenez had previously said that the finance ministry was considering an earlier payback schedule, as the funds used to pay off the bonds for the canceled airport currently come from a usage tax generated by the existing Mexico City International Airport (AICM). The Navy will soon take over the AICM and a handful of other airports currently run by the transportation ministry, and Jimenez had said the AICM would be turned over to military administration without the bond payback burden. "Everything will be paid back in the same way. It stays the same," stressed Jimenez. Once the Navy runs the AICM, which Jimenez said he expects to happen later this year, it may decide to renegotiate a buyback with the finance ministry, he added. Lopez Obrador opened the farther-away Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) last year as an alternative to the Texcoco airport on an active military base. Through his administration, the president has increasingly turned aviation activities over to the armed forces. (Reporting by Kylie Madry; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Diane Craft) A firefighter works in the aftermath of a wildfire in Proenca-a-Nova, Portugal, August 6, 2023. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes LISBON (Reuters) - More than 1,100 firefighters and 14 water-carrying aircraft battled a wildfire in central Portugal's Castelo Branco area on Saturday as civil protection authorities said hot, windy conditions meant it could take days to put out. Smoke from the blaze, which has destroyed some 60 square km (23 square miles) of forest and undergrowth, reached the Fatima Sanctuary about 100 km (60 miles) away where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gathered to see Pope Francis on Saturday. Authorities have evacuated about 100 villagers as a precaution, but Civil Defence Commander Jody Rato told reporters no casualties or damage to homes have been reported due to the fire. He said the blaze that started on Friday afternoon in a remote area would "require some days of work" to contain as the land had plenty of combustible material. The Portuguese state weather agency forecast temperatures to reach 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Sunday in Castelo Branco, up from 38C on Saturday. It also issued a red alert for heat in the capital, Lisbon, some 200 km (125 miles) to the southwest, where thermometers are expected to hit 41C on the last day of the pope's visit. August is usually the hottest month of the year in Portugal. Extreme weather in July caused havoc across the planet, with record temperatures in China, the United States and parts of southern Europe sparking fires, water shortages and a rise in heat-related hospital admissions. (Reporting by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Helen Popper) FILE PHOTO: Deputy head of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev attends a meeting with officials and employees of the military industrial corporation "Scientific and Production Machine Building Association" in the town of Reutov in the Moscow region, By Andrew Osborn MOSCOW (Reuters) - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday suggested Moscow would launch more strikes against Ukrainian ports in response to Kyiv's attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea, and threatened to hand Ukraine "an ecological catastrophe". Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, a body chaired by President Vladimir Putin, spoke after Ukrainian sea drone attacks on a Russian warship in the port of Novorossiysk, and against a tanker near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Putin chaired a meeting of the Security Council on Friday which Medvedev attended following the attack on Novorossiysk, in which the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian Navy landing ship, was reported to have been badly damaged. "Scumbags and freaks understand only cruelty and force. Apparently, the strikes on Odesa, Izmail, and other places were not enough for them," Medvedev said in a post on his official social media accounts. Russia has in recent weeks targeted the Black Sea port of Odesa, where the Ukrainian Navy is headquartered, and Izmail, Ukraine's main inland port across the Danube River from Romania, damaging port infrastructure and grain facilities. Moscow, which last month withdrew from a deal that had allowed Ukraine to safely export its grain via the Black Sea, began the port attacks after a Ukrainian strike on the bridge which links Russia with Crimea, killing the parents of a teenage girl and causing serious damage. The United Nations and some Western and African countries have urged Russia to return to the grain deal, something Moscow has said it will only do if and when an agreement designed to facilitate the export of Russian grain and fertilisers is implemented. Medvedev suggested retaliatory Russian strikes against Ukraine for its sea drone attacks could end any chances of reviving the grain deal. "If the Kyiv scum want to create an ecological disaster in the Black Sea, they should get one on the part of their territory that will soon fall to Poland and that will stink for centuries after that," said Medvedev. "That will be the final judgement for them on the grain deal." It was not clear what kind of ecological disaster Medvedev was referring to. Top Russian security officials have suggested, without providing evidence, that Polish troops will be deployed to western Ukraine at some point, while Russia will hold on to and expand the territory it has unilaterally annexed in the south and east of Ukraine. Kyiv, which is carrying out a counteroffensive, says it remains committed to retaking all of its territory, including Crimea. (Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by David Holmes) August means back-to-school time is approaching. And that means many students are due for required vaccinations. Missouri and Kansas require kids to receive certain immunizations before they can go to school in person. Public health officials say it is one of the best tools to prevent the spread of disease. Parents should not wait too long to schedule immunizations for their children, Kansas City Health Department Director Dr. Marvia Jones said Thursday. It can take time to get all of the required vaccinations done and schools wont allow children to attend until they get their entire list of vaccinations. Jones said its also important to remember that when students advance to a new school for example, starting middle school or high school parents should check with their school or healthcare provider to see if new immunizations are needed. If you have a child thats transitioning, now is a good time to take a look at their shot records and see whats next, Jones said. The more that we can have people vaccinated, the better we are protected. Unfortunately, some things that were in the past eradicated, [like polio], were starting to see some of these diseases come back, Jones said. So we are just trying to reassure people these are safe [vaccines] and have been for a very long time. Heres what you need to know about what vaccines are required at Missouri and Kansas schools, what exemptions exist and where parents can get their children vaccinated. The following vaccine requirements apply to all schools in Missouri and Kansas, public or private, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. What vaccines are required for students in Missouri schools? If youre in Missouri, your child needs the following to go to school: Five doses of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) when or after the child turns 4 years old. The child will need another dose of pediatric pertussis before the seventh birthday. Four polio vaccinations and one of the vaccinations has to come when or after they turn 4 years old. Four MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations. Like the other vaccines, one has to come when or after they turn 4 years old. Three Hepatitis B vaccines Two doses of the varicella vaccine One dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) is required after your child reaches 10 years old. Another dose is required once the child reaches 16 years old. Story continues What vaccines are required for students in Kansas schools? Kansas requires the same immunizations, but at different times: Five DTap vaccinations, but the fifth dose isnt required if your child received one at the age of 4 or older. One more dose of the DTaP vaccine will be required when the child enters the seventh grade. Four Poliomyelitis (IPV/OPV) vaccines. The fourth dose isnt required if your child received one after they turned 4 years old and at least six months have passed since they got the second dose. Three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine Two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine Two MMR vaccines Two varicella vaccines Two doses of the Meningococcal-Serogroup A,C,W,Y (MenACWY). One dose is required for 11 and 12-year-old students entering the seventh grade and another for 16 to 18-year-olds entering the 11th grade. If a 16 or 18-year-old child has no previous record of this vaccine, only one dose is required. Are COVID-19 or flu vaccines required? No. Missouri and Kansas do not require COVID-19 or flu vaccines. Can I exempt my child from being vaccinated? Missouri and Kansas recognize religious and medical exemptions for parents who dont want to vaccinate their kids. Parents requesting an exemption for their child must provide the school with a medical exemption form or a religious exemption form. What is a medical exemption? To get a medical exemption, youll have to get a written statement signed by a licensed doctor stating that the required vaccines would seriously endanger the life or health of the student. Youll mark what vaccine your child is being exempt from and the doctor will sign it on the Missouri form or the Kansas form. What is a religious exemption? To exempt a child from vaccinations for religious purposes, youll need to sign a written statement that your religion doesnt allow your child to be vaccinated. The religious exemption can apply to one or all vaccinations. The written note for Missouri residents has to be obtained from a local public health agency or the state bureau of immunizations. It only needs one signature from a parent or guardian, not a doctor. Theres no statewide religious exemption form in Kansas. Instead, its up to individual school districts to provide an official form or require a written statement signed by a parent or guardian. A parent would send a letter to the school stating that they are an adherent of a religion that is opposed to vaccinations and that signed record will be kept with the school, Johnson County Immunization Program Manager Ranae Allen told The Star. How can I get my childs immunization records? If youre unsure if your child is up-to-date on their vaccines, you can call your health provider to receive a copy of their records. Childrens Mercy has a form online that you can fill out to request documents or if you want your physician to send your childs medical records to Childrens Mercy. The Kansas City Health Department can help some families obtain immunization records if they received care from a doctor who reports to the states ShowMeVax database. WHERE CAN I GET MY CHILD VACCINATED? You can either set up an appointment with your childs doctor to get them vaccinated before school starts, or take them to one of these clinics around Kansas City. Kansas City Health Department, 2400 Troost Ave. The health department accepts walk-ins, but urges families to call 816-513-6108 to make an appointment. The health department is also hosting a few back-to-school events where families will be able to get their students vaccinated. The first event is scheduled from 2 to 7 p.m. Aug. 10 at Northland Neighborhoods Inc., 5340 Chouteau Trafficway. Another is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Mohart Center, 3200 Wayne Ave. The Kansas City Health Departments Back to School Bash is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at the health department. Jackson County Health Department, 313 Liberty St., Independence. The Jackson County Health Department requires that families schedule an appointment. You can schedule an appointment here or call 816-404-6415. Clay County Public Health Center, 800 Haines Dr., Liberty. Call 816-595-4355 to make an appointment. Platte County Health Department, 1201 East St., Parkville. Call 816-587-5998 to set up an appointment. Johnson County Department of Health and Environment: Visit the health departments locations at 11875 S. Sunset Dr., Suite 300 in Olathe, or 6000 Lamar Ave. in Mission. They take walk-in appointments. Wyandotte County Health Department, 619 Ann Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Call 913-573-8855 to set up an appointment. Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during the ALGOP Summer Meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. August 4, 2023. REUTERS/Cheney Orr By Joseph Ax (Reuters) -U.S. prosecutors flagged a threatening social media post from Donald Trump in a late-night court filing on Friday, arguing that it suggests he might intimidate witnesses by improperly disclosing confidential evidence received from the government. On his Truth Social site on Friday, the former president wrote, "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!" A day earlier, he pleaded not guilty to charges that he orchestrated a criminal conspiracy to try to reverse his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Meanwhile, in Georgia, where other prosecutors are investigating Trump's efforts to overturn election results in that state, authorities tightened security around the Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta. That city has been preparing for the possible announcement of what would be Trump's fourth criminal indictment this year. In the filing in Washington federal court, the office of Special Counsel Jack Smith said Trump's social media post raised concerns that he might publicly reveal secret material, such as grand jury transcripts, obtained from prosecutors. It sought a protective order prohibiting Trump and his lawyers from sharing any discovery materials with unauthorized people. On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan gave Trump until 5 p.m. on Monday to respond. Trump's attorneys asked for three more days to prepare their response but Chutkan quickly denied the request. Chutkan added she will determine whether a hearing is needed after reviewing Trump's response. Under the process known as discovery, prosecutors must provide defendants with the evidence against them so they can prepare their defense. Without a protective order, Trump could begin issuing public posts using grand jury transcripts or other material that "could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case," prosecutors wrote in their filing. They added Trump has a history of attacking judges, attorneys and witnesses in other cases against him. At his arraignment on Thursday, Trump swore not to intimidate witnesses or communicate with them without legal counsel present. Protective orders are routine in cases involving confidential documents, but prosecutors said it was particularly important to restrict public dissemination given Trump's social media statements. A Trump spokesperson issued a statement defending the former president's social media post and attacking people dubbed "Republicans in Name Only" or RINOs. "The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech, and was in response to the RINO, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and super PAC's," the statement said. SECURITY AROUND ATLANTA COURT For at least the next two weeks, officials are locking down security around the courthouse in Atlanta. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has indicated she plans to bring charges in that investigation within weeks. While the downtown court building will remain open, officials are closing surrounding roads to general traffic and have told most employees to work from home, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Magistrate court hearings, typically held for minor criminal and civil cases, will be conducted virtually. The sheriff's office has canceled all time off for the next few weeks and police are working 12-hour shifts, the AJC reported. Orange barricades began appearing around the courthouse last month, as officials prepared for potential demonstrations should Trump be indicted in the coming weeks. Trump has pleaded not guilty in two other criminal cases. He faces federal charges in Miami for allegedly retaining classified documents after leaving office and obstructing justice, and New York state charges in Manhattan for allegedly falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to a porn star. The former president has capitalized on his indictments since the first charges were filed in April, increasing his lead in the Republican nomination contest over his closest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Trump has solidified his status as front-runner despite his growing array of legal troubles, public opinion polls show, but about half of Republicans would not vote for Trump if convicted of a felony, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. Trump has portrayed all of the investigations as part of a political witch hunt intended to stymie his 2024 campaign. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Additional reporting by David Shepardson, Joel Schectman, Eric Beech and Gursimran Kaur; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore, Daniel Wallis and David Gregorio) JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Two Israelis were arrested on Saturday after a Palestinian teen was shot dead in the occupied West Bank in an attack by Israeli civilians on a local village, Israeli police said. Residents of the Palestinian Burqa village said Israeli settlers entered their village Friday night, threw rocks and set fire to cars. The Palestinian Health Ministry said a 19-year-old died in the incident. A statement from the Israeli military said an initial investigation has found that clashes began when Israelis arrived to herd sheep near the village and Palestinians from the town came to move them away, at which point "verbal confrontations ensued which were followed by the hurling of rocks by both sides, and the firing of fireworks by Palestinians." "During the confrontation, Israeli civilians shot toward the Palestinians," the statement said. "As a result of the confrontation, a Palestinian was killed, four others were injured, and a Palestinian vehicle was found burnt." Washington has expressed concern over growing attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinian villages in the West Bank, where violence has worsened since last year with stepped-up Israeli raids amid Palestinian street attacks on Israelis. (Reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Toby Chopra) NIAMEY, Niger Niger's new military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the deadline nears for it to release the country's ousted president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc, according to an analyst. The request came during a visit by a coup leader, Gen. Salifou Mody, to neighboring Mali, where he made contact with someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, told The Associated Press. He said three Malian sources and a French diplomat confirmed the meeting first reported by France 24. "They need (Wagner) because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power," he said, adding that the group is considering the request. A Western military official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, told the AP they have also heard reports that the junta asked for help from Wagner in Mali. Niger's junta faces a Sunday deadline set by the regional bloc known as ECOWAS to release and reinstate the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has described himself as a hostage. Defense chiefs from ECOWAS members finalized an intervention plan on Friday and urged militaries to prepare resources after a mediation team sent to Niger on Thursday wasn't allowed to enter the city or meet with junta leader Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. After his visit to Mali, run by a sympathetic junta, Mody warned against a military intervention, vowing that Niger would do what it takes not to become "a new Libya," Niger's state television reported Friday. Niger has been seen as the West's last reliable counterterrorism partner in a region where coups have been common in recent years. Juntas have rejected former colonizer France and turning toward Russia. Wagner operates in a handful of African countries, including Mali, where human rights groups have accused its forces of deadly abuses. One can't say there's a direct Russian implication in Niger's coup, but "clearly, there's an opportunistic attitude on the part of Russia, which tries to support destabilization efforts wherever it finds them," French foreign affairs ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told broadcaster BFM on Friday. For days after Niger's junta seized power, residents waved Russian flags in the streets. The spokeswoman described Wagner as a "recipe for chaos." Some residents rejected the junta's claims. "It's all a sham," said Amad Hassane Boubacar, who teaches at the University of Niamey. "They oppose foreign interference to restore constitutional order and legality. But on the contrary, they are ready to make a pact with Wagner and Russia to undermine the constitutional order...They are prepared for the country to go up in flames so that they can illegally maintain their position." On Saturday, France's foreign affairs minister, Catherine Colonna, said the regional threat of force was credible and warned the putschists to take it seriously. "Coups are no longer appropriate ... It's time to put an end to it," she said. The ministry said France supports "with firmness and determination" the ECOWAS efforts and called for Bazoum and all members of his government to be freed. Niger's military leaders have been following the playbook of Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso, also run by a junta, but it's moving faster to consolidate power, Nasr said: "(Tchiani) chose his path, so he's going full on it without wasting time because there's international mobilization." One question is how the international community will react if Wagner comes in, he said. When Wagner came into Mali at the end of 2021, the French military was ousted soon afterward after years of partnership. Wagner was later designated a terrorist organization by the United States, and international partners might have a stronger reaction now, Nasr said. And much more is at stake in Niger, where the U.S. and other partners have poured hundreds of millions of dollars of military assistance to combat the region's growing jihadi threat. France has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, though coup leaders say they have severed security agreements with Paris, and the U.S. has 1,100 military personnel there. It's unclear what a regional intervention would look like, when it would begin or whether it would receive support from Western forces. Niger's junta has called on the population to watch for spies, and self-organized defense groups have mobilized at night to monitor cars and patrol the capital. "If the junta were to dig in its heels and rally the populace around the flag possibly even arming civilian militias the intervention could morph into a multifaceted counterinsurgency that ECOWAS would not be prepared to handle," said a report by the Hudson Institute. While some in Niger are bracing for a fight, others are trying to cope with travel and economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS after the coup that have closed land and air borders with ECOWAS countries and suspended commercial and financial transactions with them. Residents said the price of goods is rising and there's limited access to cash. "We are deeply concerned about the consequences of these sanctions, especially their impacts on the supply of essential food products, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products and electricity," said Sita Adamou, president of Niger's Association to Defend Human Rights. Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed. UNITED NATIONS The conflict in Sudan has left 24 million people half the country's population in need of food and other assistance, but only 2.5 million have received aid because of vicious fighting and a lack of funding, two senior U.N. officials said Friday. Eden Worsornu, director of operations for the U.N. humanitarian agency, and Ted Chaiban, deputy executive director of the U.N. children's agency UNICEF, who just returned from Sudan, painted a dire picture of devastation and upheaval in Sudan, with no peace talks in sight. Worsornu said hotspots, such as the capital of Khartoum and the southern Kordofan and western Darfur regions, "have been shattered by relentless violence." Nearly 4 million people have fled the fighting, facing scorching heat up to 118 degrees Fahrenheit, and threats of attacks, sexual violence and death, she said. The now nearly four-month conflict has killed more than 3,000 people and wounded over 6,000 others, according to the last government figures, released in June. But the true tally is likely much higher, doctors and activists say. "Before the war erupted on the 15th of April, Sudan was already grappling with a humanitarian crisis," Chaiban said. "Now, more than 110 days of brutal fighting have turned the crisis into a catastrophe, threatening the lives and futures of a generation of children and young people who make up over 70% of the population." The fighting pits forces loyal to top army Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan against his rival, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Worsornu and Chaiban, who previously worked in Sudan, said ethnic violence has returned to Darfur, where attacks two decades ago by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias on people of Central or East African ethnicities became synonymous with genocide and war crimes. Now "it is worse than it was in 2004," Worsornu said. The statistics are grim: 24 million people need food and other humanitarian aid, including 14 million children, a number equivalent to every single child in Colombia, France, Germany and Thailand, Chaiban said. The U.N. has been trying to get aid to 18 million Sudanese, but 93 of its humanitarian partners were able to reach only 2.5 million between April and June because of the severe fighting and difficulties getting to those in need. "Right now, Sudan is one of the most dangerous places to operate," Chaiban said. "So, to do 2.5 million people, 780 trucks, mobilizing and negotiating to get in, has been no small feat." Worsornu said 18 aid workers had been killed so far in Sudan. But, she added, "Humanitarian aid is just a band aid. Basic social services have completely broken down, banking systems do not work and schools have collapsed." After the conflict erupted, the U.N. increased its humanitarian appeal to $2.6 billion. Woorsornu said the appeal had received just $625 million, barely 25%. "We cannot do more without funding," she said. Chaiban said 3 million children under age 5 are malnourished, "with 700,000 at risk of severe acute malnutrition and mortality." He said UNICEF has gotten life-saving treatment to 107,000, but that is only about 15% of those who need it. Sudan borders seven nations Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Libya and Egypt and most of them would be vulnerable to upheaval if the conflict should spill over. "We need to be careful that if the situation in Sudan is not contained, it will have a devastating impact on the region," Worsornu said. HARTFORD, Conn. As state lawmakers rush to get a handle on fast-evolving artificial intelligence technology, they're often focusing first on their own state governments before imposing restrictions on the private sector. Legislators are seeking ways to protect constituents from discrimination and other harms while not hindering cutting-edge advancements in medicine, science, business, education and more. "We're starting with the government. We're trying to set a good example," Connecticut state Sen. James Maroney said during a floor debate in May. Connecticut plans to inventory all of its government systems using artificial intelligence by the end of 2023, posting the information online. And starting next year, state officials must regularly review these systems to ensure they won't lead to unlawful discrimination. Maroney, a Democrat who has become a go-to AI authority in the General Assembly, said Connecticut lawmakers will likely focus on private industry next year. He plans to work this fall on model AI legislation with lawmakers in Colorado, New York, Virginia, Minnesota and elsewhere that includes "broad guardrails" and focuses on matters like product liability and requiring impact assessments of AI systems. "It's rapidly changing and there's a rapid adoption of people using it. So we need to get ahead of this," he said in a later interview. "We're actually already behind it, but we can't really wait too much longer to put in some form of accountability." Overall, at least 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia introduced artificial intelligence bills this year. As of late July, 14 states and Puerto Rico had adopted resolutions or enacted legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The list doesn't include bills focused on specific AI technologies, such as facial recognition or autonomous cars, something NCSL is tracking separately. Legislatures in Texas, North Dakota, West Virginia and Puerto Rico have created advisory bodies to study and monitor AI systems their respective state agencies are using, while Louisiana formed a new technology and cyber security committee to study AI's impact on state operations, procurement and policy. Other states took a similar approach last year. Lawmakers want to know "Who's using it? How are you using it? Just gathering that data to figure out what's out there, who's doing what," said Heather Morton, a legislative analysist at NCSL who tracks artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy and internet issues in state legislatures. "That is something that the states are trying to figure out within their own state borders." Connecticut's new law, which requires AI systems used by state agencies to be regularly scrutinized for possible unlawful discrimination, comes after an investigation by the Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic at Yale Law School determined AI is already being used to assign students to magnet schools, set bail and distribute welfare benefits, among other tasks. However, details of the algorithms are mostly unknown to the public. AI technology, the group said, "has spread throughout Connecticut's government rapidly and largely unchecked, a development that's not unique to this state." Richard Eppink, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho, testified before Congress in May about discovering, through a lawsuit, the "secret computerized algorithms" Idaho was using to assess people with developmental disabilities for federally funded health care services. The automated system, he said in written testimony, included corrupt data that relied on inputs the state hadn't validated. AI can be shorthand for many different technologies, ranging from algorithms recommending what to watch next on Netflix to generative AI systems such as ChatGPT that can aid in writing or create new images or other media. The surge of commercial investment in generative AI tools has generated public fascination and concerns about their ability to trick people and spread disinformation, among other dangers. Some states haven't attempted to tackle the issue yet. In Hawaii, state Sen. Chris Lee, a Democrat, said lawmakers didn't pass any legislation this year governing AI "simply because I think at the time, we didn't know what to do." Instead, the Hawaii House and Senate passed a resolution Lee proposed that urges Congress to adopt safety guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence and limit its application in the use of force by police and the military. Lee, vice-chair of the Senate Labor and Technology Committee, said he hopes to introduce a bill in next year's session that is similar to Connecticut's new law. Lee also wants to create a permanent working group or department to address AI matters with the right expertise, something he admits is difficult to find. "There aren't a lot of people right now working within state governments or traditional institutions that have this kind of experience," he said. The European Union is leading the world in building guardrails around AI. There has been discussion of bipartisan AI legislation in Congress, which Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in June would maximize the technology's benefits and mitigate significant risks. Yet the New York senator did not commit to specific details. In July, President Joe Biden announced his administration had secured voluntary commitments from seven U.S. companies meant to ensure their AI products are safe before releasing them. Maroney said ideally the federal government would lead the way in AI regulation. But he said the federal government can't act at the same speed as a state legislature. "And as we've seen with the data privacy, it's really had to bubble up from the states," Maroney said. Some state-level bills proposed this year have been narrowly tailored to address specific AI-related concerns. Proposals in Massachusetts would place limitations on mental health providers using AI and prevent "dystopian work environments" where workers don't have control over their personal data. A proposal in New York would place restrictions on employers using AI as an "automated employment decision tool" to filter job candidates. North Dakota passed a bill defining what a person is, making it clear the term does not include artificial intelligence. Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, a long-shot presidential contender, has said such guardrails are needed for AI but the technology should still be embraced to make state government less redundant and more responsive to citizens. In Arizona, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed legislation that would prohibit voting machines from having any artificial intelligence software. In her veto letter, Hobbs said the bill "attempts to solve challenges that do not currently face our state." In Washington, Democratic Sen. Lisa Wellman, a former systems analyst and programmer, said state lawmakers need to prepare for a world in which machine systems become ever more prevalent in our daily lives. She plans to roll out legislation next year that would require students to take computer science to graduate high school. "AI and computer science are now, in my mind, a foundational part of education," Wellman said. "And we need to understand really how to incorporate it." Associated Press Writers Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu, Ed Komenda in Seattle and Matt O'Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. When the Will County Board decided to send four of its members to the National Association of Counties legislative conference in Washington this past February, the contingent included new Republican board member Daniel Butler of Frankfort. The taxpayer-funded trip for the conference, which featured panels on federal policy headlined by a speech from President Joe Biden, wasnt Butlers first time to the nations capital. Advertisement Little more than two years earlier, prior to being elected to office, Butler was in Washington attending then-President Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally. Butler joined the march to the U.S. Capitol but he was not charged and he said he did not enter the building as insurgents staged a deadly insurrection in a failed attempt to stop the counting of Electoral College votes that made Biden the nations president. Displaying a long history on social media of propagating elaborate and widely debunked conspiracy theories ranging from pandemic vaccines linked with computer chip technology to a QAnon-backed tale contending Italian satellites were used in 2020 to switch votes from Trump to Biden Butler won a seat on the Will County Board on Nov. 8. Advertisement Butlers election was assisted by more than $3,300 worth of campaign mailings paid by the Illinois Republican Party, campaign records show. The Illinois GOP did not respond to a request for comment. Butler, a Republican precinct committeeman who owns a general contractor business, a martial arts studio and a cabinet distributorship, also chairs the conservative Lincoln-Way Area Freedom Coalition. He listed his campaign priorities as freedom of speech, 2nd Amendment, Constitutionalist, Fiscal conservatism and Right to Life. He won the second of two seats in the newly drawn 3rd County Board district with 9,623 votes, representing Frankfort, Crete, Monee, Park Forest, Steger and University Park. Even after his election, Butler expressed fears about the security of mail-in ballots being counted post-Election Day, telling a right-wing, faux newspaper publication, Id like to think that after they get this count done, that I wont lose. Butler, 58, was one of at least 57 people across the country who were involved in events at the U.S. Capitol that day and who later campaigned for elected office, according to a count by Politico. Butler said he still has doubts that Bidens vote total in defeating Trump exceeded that of President Barack Obama and said he recalls hearing that some satellite in Rome that the Vatican has was used to switch votes from Trump to Biden and they traced stuff that went to a server in Germany. There was all kinds of stuff that was out there, you know? At this point, who knows? You know, who really knows? he said in an interview with the Tribune. Its over. Its happened. We just gotta get more votes the next time. But nobody knows for sure, right? Its all speculation. [ Donald Trump has now been indicted for a 3rd time. Heres where all the investigations stand ] Butler, who said he is 100% behind Trump for election in 2024, terms the criminal indictments facing the former president as political efforts by Democrats to try to keep a negative image of Trump fresh in peoples minds before the election. Advertisement Butler isnt alone among Republicans who continue to distrust the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Results of a CNN poll conducted in July show nearly 7 in 10 Republicans and GOP-leaning independents said they believe Bidens win was illegitimate despite no evidence of widespread fraud and the rejection of nearly 60 lawsuits by Trump and his allies seeking to contest the election results. Overall, 61% of Americans think Biden was the legitimate victor, the CNN poll found. But Butlers victory speaks to a larger political issue as Will County part of what once were the solidly Republican collar counties that served as a firewall to Democratic Cook County votes now finds itself at a partisan political tipping point as one of the last battlegrounds for the regions GOP. The fourth-largest county by population in Illinois, Will County voted Democratic in the last four presidential elections. Its county executive and other countywide officials are Democrats and 20 of the 28 state representatives and senators who represent all or part of the county are Democrats. But the 22-member Will County Board, two members for each of 11 districts, is evenly split. A Democrat was absent during organizing, giving a Republican the leadership title of speaker of the board, though Democrat County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant can cast a tiebreaking vote on legislation. Advertisement As changing demographics have moved the other collar counties toward Democrats, Will Countys once-lush rural acreage has made an accelerated turn toward massive housing developments. That, in turn, has eroded and isolated conservatives to the County Board, where they represent islands of rural pockets. Some longtime local Republicans think that Will County has already become a lost cause for the GOP. Its certainly trending (Democratic) and I see nothing happening thats going to stop that trend, said Roger Claar, the former longtime mayor of Bolingbrook, who previously sat on the Illinois Republican State Central Committee. The right wing has penetrated the party throughout the state, and certainly were not an exception in Will County. Claar, who was a Trump supporter, said he thinks the countys shift to Democrats will only accelerate as a result of the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and send decisions on legalizing abortion to the individual states. Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar, left, talks with colleagues as election judges count absentee ballots in the hotly contested race for mayor of Bolingbrook on April 18, 2017, at the Will County Government Center in Joliet. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Weve got all these right-wingers running around trying to pass laws making abortion illegal and that just fuels the fire. And we all get painted with the same brush, said Claar, who thinks the GOP should modify its platform and allow abortions with conditions, such as through a certain duration of pregnancy. The issue of abortion, he said, puts Democrats in a dominant position with voters for at least the next decade. Former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin, who previously represented parts of the county said, Theres some pretty high-spirited Republicans in Will County that trend extremely conservative, but it doesnt match up and it doesnt play in a general election. Advertisement State Rep. Jim Durkin listens on Dec. 12, 2022 during an Illinois House committee hearing at the Bilandic Building about new gun legislation. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) The conservative movement has been rejected. We saw that with the governors race, which spilled over into the legislative races, said Durkin, who stepped down from the legislature believing that right-wing 2022 GOP governor nominee Darren Bailey sank the chances of lower-ballot Republican candidates. At some point, we have to take a pragmatic approach toward these elections in that you can be a Republican but also have a moderating voice in this process, and thats what people are looking for. But if youre an extremist and you go along with (Trump) and you start talking about, you know, the big steal, its not going to work in areas like Will County, he said. Durkin said Republicans who dont have a hellbent attitude and conservative principles leave and never come back, meaning the party is left with mostly far-right voters to decide the partys nominees. And a lot of times these people who are nominated dont stand a chance to win in a general election, Durkin said. Jacqueline Traynere, a County Board member since 2008 and the leader of Democrats on the board, said geography and salary are among the reasons voters in districts elected candidates such as Butler and Steve Balich, a onetime Tea Party activist who is Homer Township chair and head of the GOP caucus on the County Board. The County Board position pays $23,000 a year and yet you have to be available for meetings during the day, she said. And if you own your own business and do your own thing, that is great or youre retired. Advertisement Traynere, who represents the countys more heavily populated areas of Bolingbrook and Naperville, also said in the eastern and southern parts of the county represented by Balich and Butler Republicans far outweigh the Democrats in terms of population and theyre the kind of Republicans that, you know, youve got to pass the MAGA (Make America Great Again) test, referring to Trumps slogan. On the County Board, Traynere acknowledged sometimes politics makes for strange bedfellows and strange coalitions, such as her working with Butler in an attempt to preserve the countys old courthouse from demolition. You support somebody who agrees with you. Just because hes a Republican, and hes a Trumper or a MAGA guy, hes on the board, he has a position, he has a vote, she said. The electorate sent him, we got to work with him. While Butler was not yet a member of the County Board when Jan. 6 occurred, a Will County Board member at the time attended the rally that day. Debbie Kraulidis of Plainfield opted not to run for reelection as a County Board member in 2022 after facing criticism over attending the event. In a Facebook video at the Jan. 6 event, she said she was making sure that only legal votes were counted. Kraulidis is now a vice president of Moms for America, a conservative group attempting to influence school board elections and policy. In an interview, Butler said he traveled to the Stop the Steal rally with others to lend their voices so that the legislative branch could hear that there was people supporting the objection to the votes of the states electors. But the system he described for objections was contrary to federal law and the states submissions were all properly certified. Advertisement I dont think anybody was looking to stop it. You know, they were just looking to let everybody know how they felt so that you could do the right thing, he said, adding then-Vice President Mike Pence kind of handled it poorly, though he was constitutionally bound to accept the count despite Trumps pressure to have him act illegally to toss out votes. Butler said he was all the way in the back of the march to the Capitol and was unaware of the deadly riot and break-in until he returned to his hotel and, the next morning, met up with others. He said he was told by an attendee he met that law enforcement officers at the Capitol had smoke bombs and tear gas and were mocking protesters by pretending like they were bowling with the canisters. What he (the attendee) said was that people were being provoked, Butler said, adding that he thought antifa groups also instigated the rioting. Trump supporters have often without evidence blamed militant anti-fascist groups for instigating the breach on the Capitol. We werent here to break into that building and didnt cause any damage, said Butler, who maintained that everything he saw on Jan. 6 was peaceful. [ She was not just attending a rally: Naperville woman sentenced to probation in Jan. 6. riot at US Capitol ] Butler said he traveled to the rally with a friend, David Wiersma. Eight months later, Wiersma pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of entering the Capitol during the riot and entering a senators office and was sentenced to 18 months of probation and 100 hours of community service. Advertisement Butler said Wiersma told him he went in because the doors were open, the police seemed friendly and there was no opposition to entering. Butler was not charged. But in Facebook posts from January 2021, he posted several pictures from the National Mall, where people marched from Trumps speech to the Capitol. He also posted pictures labeled at the Capitol building and saying I met some good people. In one collection of pictures from the march, Butler posted: Just a few peeps getting together to save the world. Three days after the chaos that erupted at the Capitol, Butler reposted a video featuring debunked conspiracy theorist and Trump defender Mike Lindell expressing confidence that Trump will be your president again for the next four years and contending his vote total broke the algorithms of the counting machines. Butler said he was motivated to run for office in Will County because of dissatisfaction over the redrawing of County Board district boundaries. His campaign website solicits contributions but does not have the state-required disclaimer for donations. As for serving on the County Board, Butler said he thinks it is a body that isnt interested in partisanship. Advertisement I like the fact that when we get in there, its not gonna be a battle between, you know, Republicans and Democrats, and its just a battle of trying to do the right thing, he said. And when the county sent him to Washington last February, did he attend Bidens keynote speech? I didnt, he said. For the first time I went into the Capitol Building and it was pretty cool. You know, theres just a lot of history there. And so, you know, it was very informative, and you get a little emotional when you see all this stuff and the Constitution out and all the different history that went into it. rap30@aol.com Westlake Chemical Partners LP (NYSE:WLKP) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript August 3, 2023 Westlake Chemical Partners LP misses on earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $0.34 EPS, expectations were $0.36. Operator: Good afternoon. Thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Westlake Chemical Partners Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] As a reminder, this conference is being recorded today, August 3, 2023. I would now like to turn the call over to today's host, Jeff Holy, Westlake Chemical Partners' Vice President and Treasurer. Sir, you may begin. Jeff Holy : Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the Westlake Chemical Partners' Second Quarter 2023 Conference Call. I'm joined today by Albert Chao, our President and CEO; Steve Bender, our Executive Vice President and CFO; and other members of our management team. During this call, we refer to ourselves as Westlake Partners or the partnership. References to Westlake refer to our parent company, Westlake Corporation; and references to OpCo refer to Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, a subsidiary of Westlake and the Partnership, which owns certain olefins assets. Additionally, when we refer to distributable cash flow, we are referring to Westlake Chemical Partners' MLP distributable cash flow. Definition of these terms are available on the Partnership's website. Today, management is going to discuss certain topics that will contain forward-looking information that is based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to management. These forward-looking statements suggest predictions or expectations and thus are subject to risks or uncertainties. We encourage you to learn more about these factors that could lead our actual results to differ by reviewing the cautionary statements in our regulatory filings, which are also available on our Investor Relations website. This morning, Westlake Partners issued a press release with details of our second quarter 2023 financial and operating results. This document is available in the Press Release section of our web page at wlkpartners.com. Story continues A replay of today's call will be available beginning 2 hours after the conclusion of this call. The replay can be accessed via the Partnership's website. Please note that information reported on this call speaks only as of today, August 3, 2023, and therefore, you are advised that time-sensitive information may no longer be accurate as of the time of any replay. I would finally advise you that this conference call is being broadcast live through an Internet webcast system, that can be accessed on our web page at wlkpartners.com. Now I would like to turn the call over to Albert Chao. Albert? Albert Chao : Thank you, Jeff. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us to discuss our second quarter 2023 results. In this morning's press release, we reported Westlake Partners' second quarter 2023 net income of $12 million or $0.34 per unit. As planned, these financial results were impacted by the 30-day planned maintenance turnaround at Calvert City that was completed in May. As a result of our Calvert City turnaround, our production and sales volumes were below the levels of both the first quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2022. Consequently, our second quarter of 2023 sales, net income and distributable cash flow were below both the prior quarter and prior year levels. Importantly, the Calvert City turnaround was completed as planned, and volumes, sales and cash flow returned to expected levels in June. Looking forward, with our only planned turnaround for the year behind us, we expect financial results to improve in the third and fourth quarter of 2023 from second quarter levels. The stability of Westlake Partners' business model is consistently demonstrated through our fixed margin ethylene sales agreement, which minimizes market volatility and other production risks. The high degree of stability in cash flow, when paired with the predictability of our business, has enabled us to deliver the long history of reliable distributions and coverage. This quarter's distribution is the 36th consecutive quarterly distribution since our IPO in July of 2014 without any reductions. I would now like to turn our call over to Steve to provide more detail on the financial and operating results for the quarter. Steve? Steve Bender : Thank you, Albert, and good afternoon, everyone. In this morning's press release, we reported Westlake Partners second quarter 2023 net income of $12 million or $0.34 per unit. Consolidated net income, including OpCo's earnings, was $75 million on consolidated net sales of $264 million. The Partnership had distributable cash flow for the quarter of $15 million or $0.43 per unit. Second quarter 2023 net income for Westlake Partners of $12 million decreased by $4 million compared to second quarter 2022 Partnership net income of $16 million. Compared to the second quarter of 2022, the Partnership was impacted by lower production levels due to the planned Calvert City turnaround and higher interest expense. Distributable cash flow of $15 million for the second quarter of 2023 decreased by $5 million compared to second quarter 2022 distributable cash flow of $20 million due to the $4 million decline in net income and lower depreciation expense. protect, clothes, work Marcin Balcerzak/Shutterstock.com Turning our attention to the balance sheet and cash flows. At the end of the second quarter, we had consolidated cash and cash investments with Westlake through our investment management agreement totaling $154 million. Long-term debt at the end of the quarter was $400 million, of which $377 million was at the Partnership and the remaining $23 million was at OpCo. In the second quarter of 2023, OpCo spent $5 million on capital expenditures. We maintain our strong leverage metrics with a consolidated leverage ratio up approximately 1x. On August 1, 2023, we announced a quarterly distribution of $0.4714 per unit with respect to the second quarter of 2023. Since our IPO in 2014, the Partnership has made 36 consecutive quarterly distributions to unitholders, and we have grown distributions 71% since the Partnership's original minimum quarterly distribution of $0.275 per unit. Partnership's second quarter distribution will be paid on August 25, 2023, to unitholders of record of August 11, 2023. The Partnership's predictable fee-based cash flow continues to prove beneficial in today's economic environment and is differentiated by the consistency of our earnings and cash flows. Looking back, since our IPO in July of 2014, we've maintained accumulative distribution -- distributable cash flow coverage in excess of 1.1x, and the Partnership's stability in cash flows, we were able to sustain our current distribution without the need to access the capital markets. For modeling purposes, we have no planned turnarounds during the remainder of 2023. Our next planned turnaround is at our Petro 1 ethylene facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which is currently planned for the second half of 2024, and we'll provide additional details on the turnaround once we complete our planning. Now I'd like to turn the call back over to Albert to make some closing comments. Albert? Albert Chao : Thank you, Steve. The partnership's financial performance in the second quarter was consistent with our expectations and historical performances during quarters when a planned turnaround occurred. Similar to those historical precedents, we expect financial performance to recover in the coming quarters now that the planned turnaround is behind us. Our ethylene sales agreement, which provides a predictable fee-based cash flow structure from our take-or-pay contract with Westlake for 95% of OpCo's production, will continue to deliver stable and predictable cash flows through economic ups and downs as well as planned and unplanned turnarounds. Turning to our capital structure. We maintain a strong balance sheet with conservative financing -- financial and leverage metrics. As we continue to navigate market conditions, we'll evaluate opportunities via our 4 levers of growth in the future, including increases of our ownership interest of OpCo, acquisitions of other qualified income streams, organic growth opportunities, such as expansions of our current ethylene facilities, and negotiation of a higher fixed margin in our ethylene sales agreement with Westlake. We remain focused on our ability to continue to provide long-term value and distributions to our unitholders. As always, we will continue to focus on safe operations, along with being good stewards of the environment where we work and live as part of our broader sustainability efforts. Thank you very much for listening to our second quarter earnings call. Now I'll turn the call back over to Jeff. Jeff Holy : Thank you, Albert. Before we begin taking questions, I would like to remind you that a replay of this teleconference will be available 2 hours after the call has ended. Stacy, we will now take questions. See also 10 Best Growth Stocks for the Next 10 Years and 15 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship Without Investment. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. The court heard that his footwear was seized because it matched the video evidence. A FATHER accused of carrying out a burglary at the office of a charity in south Dublin has been released on bail with a curfew condition. Stepan Pavlov, 40, from Belarus but living in Ireland for 16 years and residing at accommodation on New Cabra Road, Dublin 7, is accused of burglary at Enable Ireland, Corrig Road, Sandyford, on the evening of July 18. The charity provides services to children and adults with disabilities and their families in Ireland. Mr Pavlov is also accused of attempted burglary at a martial arts club on July 18 at the same location. He appeared before Judge Cephas Power at Dublin District Court on Saturday. Detective Garda Shane McGrath alleged the accused was identified from CCTV footage and arrested at his home on Friday. The court heard that his footwear was seized because it matched the video evidence. It was alleged a man stole two laptops, worth 1,600 and a backpack from the charitys office while other people were in the building. The court heard that the burglar in the footage attempted entry at the connected premises. Cross-examined by defence solicitor Kelly Breen, Detective Garda McGrath agreed there was no DNA recovered and no other complicating or aggravating features in the case, such as injuries. The bail hearing was told there were no witnesses, but other people were in the environment. The court heard the father of one who had various jobs in farming, landscaping, painting and fish farming and was involved with his family. The mother of his child also had health issues which was a cause of concern for him, the court heard. Ms Breen said Mr Pavlov, still to enter a plea, would obey conditions. Judge Power said that while the value of the property taken during the burglary was low, it was a serious offence. He noted the garda objections but said the accused had the presumption of innocence, and due to a likely delay in the case, he was satisfied that bail terms could be imposed. He ordered the accused to obey a 10 pm 7 am curfew, have no contact with witnesses, sign on daily at a garda station, and remain sober. Mr Pavlov, currently on social welfare, was granted legal and ordered to appear at Dun Laoghaire District Court in September to check compliance with conditions. Garda Buckley said the charges involved 45,000 of cannabis, cocaine worth 4,270 and 690 of ecstasy tablets. A FATHER of two allegedly threw a one-kilogramme pack of cannabis from his balcony during a 50,000 drug raid in Dublin, a court heard. Daniel Gallagher, 32, of Ballyogen Vale, D18, appeared before Judge Cephas Power at Dublin District Court yesterday, charged with three counts of possessing drugs for sale or supply at his home. Dun Laoghaire Drugs Unit Garda David Buckley objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case, and he alleged the accused was caught "red-handed" on Thursday. Garda Buckley said the charges involved 45,000 of cannabis, cocaine worth 4,270 and 690 of ecstasy tablets. He alleged that as gardai attempted entry, the accused went onto a balcony at the rear of his home and threw a package, which was recovered. The court heard it contained a kilogramme of cannabis and a similar amount was found in a press with weighing scales, phones and bagging. He agreed with defence solicitor Brian Tunney that his client would face a lengthy wait until trial, which was expected to be at the higher level in the Circuit Court. Mr Tunney submitted that his client had a young family to support, enjoyed the presumption of innocence and would obey strict conditions if released. Judge Power granted bail in his bond of 200 and said that a 5,000 in independent surety would have to be approved. On release, he must sign on daily at a garda station. The judge granted legal aid and remanded Mr Gallagher in custody with consent to bail to appear at Cloverhill District Court next week. Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions are to be sought. He also admitted intimidating a witness by threatening a person assisting a garda investigation. This offence happened at a place unknown on November 6, 2021. A hotel night manager made a horrific threat to kill a colleague drawing up the roster because he was unhappy his hours were being minimised. Ross Draper (27) went on to phone the victim the day manager with a second threat warning him about involving gardai, while the first crime was being investigated. Judge Michele Finan sentenced him to six months in prison, with another six months suspended. Draper, with an address at New Bancroft Hall, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the man at the Bonnington Hotel, Dublin 9 on October 3, 2021. He also admitted intimidating a witness by threatening a person assisting a garda investigation. This offence happened at a place unknown on November 6, 2021. Dublin District Court heard the accused first contacted the victim and threatened to kill him and his wife. In the second incident, after the man had made a complaint, Draper again phoned him and threatened him about getting the gardai involved. The injured party had been invited to make a victim impact statement but had not provided one, the court heard. The accused had entered his guilty pleas some time ago, his barrister Vanessa Frawley said. Draper had been a night manager in the hotel and the injured party was the day manager. The victim had been doing the roster for hotel staff and was minimising Drapers hours, Ms Frawley said. The accuseds hours were less than he wanted, he had two young children and he was struggling to make ends meet, she said. He accepted full responsibility for his actions, which were out of character. He also accepted it was a traumatic and horrific incident for the victim and it was something Draper had regretted every day since it happened. Draper got married last year and was working for a recruitment agency but had nothing permanent at the moment. His plea had saved the victim from having to come to court to give evidence and hopefully hes got on with his life, Ms Frawley said. Judge Finan said she considered the case to be at the high end of what the district court could deal with. He threatened to kill the injured party and he also threatened him that if he was to call the gardai that there would be consequences, the judge said. And when the report was made, there were consequences, the injured party was contacted again. The court considers it an exceptionally serious matter. The court could not see its way to avoiding the imposition of a custodial sentence, she said. She imposed two consecutive six-month sentences, suspending the final one for two years. The Caroline County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider approving a special exception permit for a residential treatment and rehab center for military veterans and first responders that hopes to open a Virginia location in Milford this fall. The county Planning Commission at its June 22 meeting voted unanimously to recommend approval of the permit. The applicant, Warriors Heart, LLC, applied for the permit in February of this year to open the facility on a 520-acre property in the Bowling Green district that most recently was the home of a Hindu religious retreat. Before that, the property housed Remuda Ranch, a residential eating disorder treatment program for young women that closed in 2011 following a reduction of insurance coverage for residential programs, and then Abundant Life Academy, a Christian boarding school for troubled teens. Abundant Life closed in 2014 after several students ran away and four staff members, including the schools former director, were convicted of misdemeanor assault and battery. Warriors Heart was established in 2016 in Bandera, Texas, to serve active-duty and retired military service members and first responders struggling with substance-use disorder co-occurring with psychological disorders related to post-traumatic stress and mild traumatic brain injury. These career fields, because of the traumatic nature of the job, there is a lot of substance use, said Mike Marotta, executive director of Warriors Heart Virginia and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the San Antonio, Texas, police department. How are these guys dealing with the trauma and accumulated stress? More often than not through substance use, alcohol being the No. 1 substance. The Warriors Heart program is a 42-day residential treatment program that combines counseling with therapeutic activities. Residents will see both a certified substance abuse counselor and a clinician to treat psychological conditions twice a week, Marotta said. Activities include wood shop, metal shop, art and a therapy dog program. Marotta said the dogs come from local shelters and rescue programs. Residents have the opportunity to participate in training the dogs to be therapy animals. Theres also the opportunity to go home with that animal, Marotta said. In Bandera, weve rehomed about 350 dogs. The Virginia location will also house an equine therapy program, he said. In addition to the 60-bed residential program, Warriors Heart Virginia will offer a detox program. We will have the medical and clinical staff on hand to be able to help the warriors detox and see them through treatment, Marotta said. Marotta said the Warriors Heart program is unique because it exclusively serves veterans and first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, corrections officers and emergency room doctors and nurses. We only serve this population, so (residents) will be surrounded by their tribe, by people who get it, he said. At the June 22 Planning Commission meeting, Angel Lugo, chief strategic officer for Warriors Heart, told commissioners the organization has a high success rate. Unlike other rehab facilities, we have a completion rate of about 90%, he said. The average across the nation, specifically for alcohol and drug use, is 65% or less. Marotta said admission to the program is dependent on a rigorous vetting process and clients who exhibit behavior that could be dangerous to themselves or others will be referred elsewhere. Planning department staff recommended approval of the special use permit provided there is no firearm training or firearm use associated with rehabilitation of clients; that anyone voluntarily leaving the facility be provided transportation; and that accreditation be maintained and certified medical staff be on site, in addition to several other conditions. During the meeting, Planning Commission Chair Robert Schwartz said all members of the commission have visited the site and are in support of the Warrior Hearts mission. To say that Im impressed is putting it mildly, he said. I look for the good and the bad in everything because I know there is a negative somewhere, and I must say, I did find one glaring negative that you suffer from, and that is that youre not in operation today. Marotta said that pending approval from the Board of Supervisors, Warriors Heart Virginia plans to have a soft opening on Sept. 11. He said the organization is committed to becoming a part of the Caroline County community and is excited about getting to work on its critically important mission. The accused was arrested Thursday night, taken to Crumlin Garda station, and detained The man's taxi was seized by gardai Gardai seized a taxi drivers car following his arrest for possessing cocaine with intent to supply at two locations in Dublin, a court has heard. Stephan Murray, 31, of Clearstream Court, Finglas Dublin, was charged with unlawfully having cocaine for sale or supply on August 3 at an apartment on Dominick Street Upper, north Dublin, and at Kimmage Road on the citys south side. Bail was granted pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions after he appeared before Judge Cephas Power at Dublin District Court on Saturday. Garda David ODriscoll said that the accused was arrested Thursday night, taken to Crumlin Garda station, and detained. The court heard Mr Murray made no reply after each charge. Garda ODriscoll did not object to bail but asked for conditions to be imposed given the quantity; however, the value was not stated in court. Defence solicitor Kelly Breen confirmed that her client consented to the terms sought. Judge Power released him on bail on his bond of 400 and ordered him to provide gardai with a phone number, be contactable at all times, surrender his passport, not apply for new travel documents and remain in the jurisdiction. He must also sign on regularly at his local garda station. The court heard his car was a taxi and had been seized. Ms Breen said that would cause work difficulties, and he applied for legal aid. The court heard he earned 450 to 500 a week. Judge Power said that due to the nature of the charge, he would be entitled to legal aid. Garda ODriscoll did not object but asked for a statement of Mr Murrays means to be furnished to the court. The taxi driver did not address the court and is yet to indicate a plea. He was released but ordered to return to court in October. After the prosecution had closed their case, Noel Long's defence team made an application to halt the trial on the grounds of delay. Noel Long Co. Cork at the The Criminal Courts of Justice today. He is accused of murdering Nora Sheehan, whose body was found in June 1981. Pic Collins Courts. After the oldest case in Irelands history ended with the conviction of Noel Long for murdering vulnerable woman Nora Sheehan in 1981, here we look at evidence that the jury did not hear during the trial. OTHER SEXUAL ASSAULTS After the prosecution had closed their case, Noel Long's defence team made an application to halt the trial on the grounds of delay. Trial judge Mr Justice Paul McDermott heard that gardai at the Serious Crime Review Team had tried to progress a rape allegation against Long from 1982 but the victim was not willing to become involved. Gardai also looked at other sexual assault cases from around this time where Long was a suspect in an attempt to determine if he could be arrested and DNA obtained from him, which could then have been used in Nora Sheehan's trial. The application to stop the trial on the delay ground was refused by Mr Justice McDermott in a detailed ruling on July 28, where he said that Long was not prejudiced by the delay given the nature of the scientific evidence in the trial. ARMED ROBBERY During a pre-trial hearing that ran for three weeks in June before a jury was sworn in, prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC told the court that Noel Long was identified as a suspect early on in the case, at a time when he was living at Riverbank on the Curraheen Road in Bishopstown in Cork with his then wife and two young sons. He said that on June 16, 1981 - four days after Mrs Sheehan's body was found at Shippool Woods - Long was arrested and detained for two days under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act in relation to an armed robbery at a post office in Cork city. The jury never heard about Long's arrest nor that he was questioned by gardai regarding the murder of Mrs Sheehan, where he denied any involvement and denied that he knew the victim or that she was in his Opel Kadett car. Long was released from custody two days later on June 18, 1981. During the pretrial hearing, Matthew Thorne (91) said that he had in fact arrested Long for the murder of Mrs Sheehan, although Section 30 would not permit such an arrest. BROWN FIBRES The jury was unaware that Long's home had been searched while he was detained at the Bridewell Garda Station in Cork in June 1981 and that a brown jumper was seized. It was examined by forensic scientist Dr Maureen Smith, of Forensic Science Ireland, who found matching brown acrylic fibres on Mrs Sheehan's clothes. However, the garda officer who had issued the search warrant is deceased and the evidence could not be proven at trial as a result. BLOOD SAMPLE The jury also did not hear that during Long's detention in June 1981, he gave a voluntary blood sample from which his DNA profile was later developed and found to match a DNA profile taken from semen recovered from the body of Mrs Sheehan. Gardai knew this since 2008 but could not use the blood sample in evidence as the trial judge ruled that Long had been unlawfully detained in breach of his constitutional rights, as gardai had used Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act to detain him for the murder. 'HELPING GARDAI WITH THEIR ENQUIRIES' The jury was also unaware that Long was again questioned about Mrs Sheehan's murder on July 6, 1981. This was done outside of a formal arrest in circumstances where the gardai had no power to effect such an arrest, it being stated instead that Long was "helping gardai with their enquiries". It turned out that gardai questioned Long that day for over 14 hours using relays of detectives attached to what was then known as the "Murder Squad". Former detective Gerry O'Carroll gave evidence in the pre-trial hearing that Long had admitted Mrs Sheehan was in his car. The prosecution stated they were not seeking to rely on this admission at trial. CHARGED While Long was present in the garda station on July 6, 1981, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) gave directions that he was to be charged with the murder of Mrs Sheehan. Long was duly charged and brought before the District Court in Cork the following day. However Dr Robert Dermot Coakley, the pathologist who had carried out the postmortem on Mrs Sheehan, died unexpectedly on August 5, 1981 and was therefore not available as a witness. This resulted in the DPP withdrawing the charge of murder on November 10, 1981 as it was believed that the cause of death could not be proven. CAUSE OF DEATH Dr Coakley's opinion as to Mrs Sheehan's cause of death did not go before the jury because he wasn't available to give evidence as he died weeks after conducting the post mortem. His opinion was that the victim's cause of death was due to asphyxia in the course of a sexual assault. Before Dr Coakley died he had prepared a draft report which had been typed up. He had also made handwritten amendments to that report and added his conclusion. His record of the postmortem could not have been used in evidence until a change in the law under the Criminal Justice Evidence Act of 1992. However, this change did not permit evidence of his opinion as to the cause of death to be given to the jury. 04/08/2023 ****FILE PHOTO *** 15/06/2023 Noel Long Co. Cork at the The Criminal Courts of Justice today.He is accused of murdering Nora Sheehan, whose body was found in June 1981. Pic Collins Courts. ASSAULT The jury also did not hear that in 2017, gardai obtained another DNA profile from Long under the DNA Database Act, which had just come into effect. This was possible because he had been convicted of an assault and was obliged to provide a DNA sample. However, the DNA sample provided in that way could not be used in evidence under the Act. It also emerged during the pre-trial hearing that gardai retrieved "a discarded fork" used by Long, which was also used to develop his DNA profile. However, this evidence was not used during the trial proper. 'A MILLION MILES AWAY' Although the jury heard that a search warrant was executed by gardai on Long's house on November 30, 2021 they didn't hear that detectives made contact with the defendant subsequent to this. On May 7, 2022 Long returned a call to Detective Inspector Eamonn Brady in which the Inspector explained that he was still investigating the murder of Mrs Sheehan and had new evidence which he wished to put to him on a formal footing. He explained to the defendant that he had no power to arrest or detain him and informed Long that if he did meet with them, it would be on a voluntary basis. The Inspector informed Long that they would meet him at Bandon Garda Station at a time and date suitable to him and his solicitor. He asked Long to consult with his solicitor before making any decision. The Inspector said Long informed him that he didn't want to have anything to do with the case and that he wanted to stay "a million miles away from it". Long said he didn't want to know about the new evidence as it had nothing to do with him. The defendant said there was no point in talking to his solicitor as it had nothing to do with him. Long said he wouldn't be meeting with gardai. The Insp said he informed Long that this was a serious investigation, that Mrs Sheehan had been murdered and that he should consult with his solicitor before making a definite decision not to meet gardai. Long repeated that he wanted to stay a million miles away from this, that he had kept his head down for 40 years and just wanted to get on with his life. DONAL BOYLE Donal Boyle (81) gave evidence to the jury about meeting Long at his [Mr Boyle's] own home in Togher on the evening of June 6, 1981 close to where Mrs Sheehan lived. However, following defence objections Mr Boyle was not permitted to give evidence that Long had failed to show up at an arranged meeting the following morning on June 7 [the morning after Mrs Sheehan went missing] at the 'Speckled Door' Pub near the Old Head of Kinsale for an organised dive. This location was near Shippool Woods, where Mrs Sheehan's body was found on June 12, which the prosecution maintained showed that Long was familiar with the area. A prison inmate caught with a phone in jail had it to contact family while his father was sick, a court heard. Blaine Coakley (36) had since been punished in Wheatfield prison for the offence. Judge Gerard Jones spared him extra jail time when he appeared in Blanchardstown District Court. He gave the accused a two-month sentence but made it concurrent to the prison term Coakley is already serving. The accused, with an address at Empress Place in Dublins north inner city pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a mobile phone in prison. The court heard Coakley was found with the phone without permission of the prison governor last February 20. He had 158 previous convictions, but none for a similar offence. Coakley had caused no other difficulty for anyone inside, his solicitor Simon Fleming said. He was serving a sentence with a release date in November 2026. Coakleys father was sick at the time of the offence and that was why he had the phone, Mr Fleming said. The accused had already been punished in prison, where he had 40 days without privileges including shop access. Mr Fleming asked Judge Jones not to add to Coakleys time in prison. Judge Jones gave him a two-month sentence but said it would run from the date of conviction. I can say this to my Lord: we don't have body parts lying around in Garda Stations, retired detective Gerry O'Carroll told a hearing Cold Case murderer Noel Long claimed that during a 1981 interrogation by gardai he was beaten and brought into a dark room, where his head was repeatedly immersed in glass containers containing what he was told were body parts. One of the last surviving members of the "Murder Squad", an historic garda unit involved in many high-profile investigations in the 1980s, denied the allegation and called it extraordinary. I can say this to my Lord: we don't have body parts lying around in Garda Stations, retired detective Gerry O'Carroll told a hearing that took place in the weeks before a jury was empanelled. Mr O'Carroll also characterised as "extraordinary" and "fanciful" Long's recollection of being visited during the interview by someone dressed as a priest or a monk. During the pre-trial hearing, Mr O'Carroll was cross-examined on the role religion played in his interrogations and of reciting a Hail Mary with serial killer John Shaw before he confessed to murdering two women in the nineteen seventies. Mr O'Carroll, who was also involved in the Kerry Babies investigation, said that on July 6, 1981 - barely a month after Nora Sheehan's body was discovered - Long confessed that he had picked up the mother-of-three in his car after gardai told him they had forensic proof of matches between her clothing and Long's car. Gerry O'Carroll He also said that Long's account of being prevented from using the toilet during his questioning and having to urinate into a can in an interview room was "nonsense". "To force him into this indignity is beyond comprehension," he told Long's defence counsel. Long disputed making any confessions to Mr OCarroll and did not give any evidence about the allegations at the pre-trial hearing. In the pre-trial hearing on June 15 this year, the prosecution tendered Mr OCarroll for the defence, where he was questioned at length by Long's senior counsel Mr Michael Delaney. Mr OCarroll, who took the stand with the aid of a walking stick, said he recalled fairly well his dealings with Long that day at Union Quay Garda Station in Cork City. The witness said he was a detective sergeant attached to the investigations section within the Garda Technical Bureau at the time and the section was headed up by Chief Superintendent Dan Murphy and assisted by the now deceased Detective Superintendent John Courtney. He said he was aware that Long was invited into the station and had come voluntarily to help gardai with their inquiries. Mr O'Carroll said he interviewed Long that July morning for three hours with another detective. When they asked Long if he had picked up anybody in the last month in his blue Opel Kadett, the suspect said that nobody except his wife had been in his car for the previous 12 months. He said that Long was very quiet and silent for long periods of time and only spoke when spoken to. He was not very loquacious and forthcoming as naturally he was quiet and reserved and composed. Mr OCarroll testified that he remembered putting it to Long that gardai had incontrovertible forensic proof that "the murdered lady" - Mrs Sheehan - was in his car, which gardai would prove with forensics. The witness said the mention of forensic evidence had taken the suspect by surprise. It was at this point that Mr Carroll claimed that Long blurted out: "I did pick her up. I did give her a lift. I'm sorry for her family, I am sorry for my family. I didn't believe it was happening". When the detective sergeant asked Long what it was he "didn't believe" was happening, he said the suspect replied: "I can't say any more" before lapsing into a long silence. He said he thought Long was remorseful when he said he "didn't believe it was happening'. Mr OCarroll said Long was amenable to meeting two forensic experts in the adjoining room around 4.30pm that afternoon. The witness said that two detectives from the Garda Technical Bureau informed Long it was conclusive from the evidence found at Shippool Woods and from that gathered from his car that the suspect had contact with the victim. When the witness was returned to the interview room, Mr OCarroll said he asked Long how he now felt having heard from the forensic experts that there was conclusive, irrefutable proof that Mrs Sheehan had been in his blue Opel Kadett. Mr OCarroll said he put it to the suspect: Are they correct? Are those men telling the truth? to which Long had replied: They are, they are telling the truth. Now I can't say anymore. "And he never did," added the witness. Nora Sheehan Mr O'Carroll said Long would not answer any other questions that were put to him that day and remained silent. Mr Delaney told the witness that his client disputed making any confessions to him but Mr OCarroll disagreed. Counsel also put it to the witness that Longs recollection included him not being permitted to go to the toilet and having to urinate into a can in the interview room. Mr OCarroll countered that this was a falsehood. Oh, that is nonsense. I never in all my years - 37 years in the police - would I make a person, especially, I mean, somebody who had volunteered voluntarily to come to the station; to force him into this indignity is beyond comprehension. Certainly it is not correct and if Mr Long states that, it is not correct. It is not right. Mr Delaney put it to the witness that his client said he was never invited into a room next door and showed forensic evidence with a discussion taking place around it. That is exactly what happened..my recollection is correct. And he agreed to go into the room, protested Mr OCarroll. Asked by Mr Delaney if it irritated him that Long stopped engaging in the interview, the witness said he was used to it as he had been in interview rooms with paramilitaries, who wouldn't "open their mouths" over 48 hours. And Mr Long was not arrested; he wasnt even an arrested person. That was his prerogative to remain silent. We understood that, said the witness. When asked if he was maintaining that Long was still in the station on a voluntary basis at 6.45pm that night, having been already questioned for nearly 11 hours, Mr OCarroll said if the suspect had said to him I want out of here, I'm going home, I'm not arrested then he could have walked out of the station. When it was suggested by counsel that the witness was lying about not detaining Long against his will and that he was free to leave at any time, Mr OCarroll said he deeply resented that comment and called it a scurrilous remark. Mr Delaney put it to the witness that no interview notes were attached to the file that was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions later that year. Mr O'Carroll said that surprised him as he took notes and his colleague witnessed him reading over the notes to Long. "I was a scrupulous keeper of every document I had during my career; and it might seem strange that about 12 months ago, every document I possessed in my 36 years as a detective garda I incinerated. I have nothing left of my career, only very little of my notes," Mr O'Carroll said. Changing direction in his line of questioning, Mr Delaney asked Mr OCarroll if a particular section of the Garda Technical Bureau at the time was known as the murder squad. The witness said the whole section was the murder squad and that "the four inspectors, eight detective sergeant's and about 30 or 40 detectives" that made up the elite unit were sent to the four corners of Ireland and outside Ireland to investigate serious crime, mostly murders. I think youre on record as having stated in the recent past that the murder squad that you joined was a very exclusive and select unit, Mr Delaney put to the witness. Mr OCarroll agreed, saying that 40 good detectives" had been handpicked, that the unit was needed at the time and that he is very proud he was a member of it. He added: We had a lot of killings and murders and we had a war going on in the north of Ireland. I saw 12 of my colleagues killed. And murder was commonplace - armed robberies, gunmen taking over villages and towns, IRA men robbing banks at will, stripping policemen of their uniform. And I think in 1980 it was decided they wanted a unit set up of dedicated, committed members. The barrister went on to ask the witness about his interviewing techniques and in particular about the confession deviant serial killer John Shaw had made to him about murdering Mary Duffy and how he was on record as saying that it was the reciting of the rosary with Shaw that brought about that confession. English national Shaw (76) is Ireland's longest serving inmate and has been in prison since 1976 when both he and another English man, Geoffrey Evans, were arrested for the abduction, rape, torture and murder of Elizabeth Plunkett (22) in Wicklow and Mary Duffy (24) in Mayo that year. Shaw and Evans were both given life sentences at the Central Criminal Court in 1978. In 2020, the Minister for Justice accepted a Parole Board recommendation that Shaw be granted two days of escorted temporary release per year. Evans died in 2012 from an infection after spending more than three years in a vegetative state. Is it fair to say that religion has had a role from time to time in your interrogation of suspects? probed Mr Delaney. Mr OCarroll said he had made a heartfelt plea" to "a very violent man who gardai believed had committed two murders and who had held out in an interview for the best part of two days. He added: When I interviewed him I felt this man is very disturbed... and I said, John we'll say a prayer together, that was all. I never said did you kill anybody? Or did you kill Mary Duffy? Did you kill Elizabeth Plunkett? I never said a word". "It wasn't the full rosary now, but I said we'll say the Hail Mary. I said, 'You're a Catholic,' he said, 'I am.' ... I said, 'You made your Holy Communion; you wore a little rosette with a badge and your confirmation,' I said, 'Your parents were proud of you. You remember that John?' And he said, "Yes, I do remember very well Detective." And I said, 'And look at the monster you've turned into.' I said, 'We'll say a prayer for you.' And it was during that little tiny interval where I said, 'Let's say a prayer,' - and he might've never said a Hail Mary in a long, long time. And the next thing he saw what I'd like to put as the error of his ways and he broke down and wept and he said, 'Yes, I've done terrible things and I've killed Mary Duffy and I killed Elizabeth Plunkett.' And he made a full statement that night. That was it basically. The witness went on to tell the judge how he had been involved in almost 100 murder investigations and had given evidence in every court "in and outside the land". Mr OCarroll said that whilst he has no special skills, he was sympathetic to people. "I don't admit to being a saint; I am not. But you give everybody a fair chance, a fair shake down and I felt sorry for John Shaw at that moment". Mr Delaney explained that the reason he had asked about this aspect of the witnesss interview with Shaw was because Longs recollection was that he was visited in the garda station that day [July 6, 1981] by someone dressed as a priest or a monk. Mr OCarroll remarked that this was "extraordinary" and "fanciful" and denied it ever happened, replying: I'd have known if a priest came into the room or a monk with a cowl. Mr Delaney said his client recalled being beaten throughout the day and a chair being pulled out from under him so that he would fall to the ground and get kicked. The witness denied ever assaulting Long and said he had never seen anyone lay a finger on him, calling it absolutely untrue and "extraordinary". "And can Mr Long say who did this terror to him," asked the witness. Mr Delaney replied: "Well, it's 42 years ago, Mr O'Carroll. He says at one stage one of the gardai had his head pinned between his boots. And he was also pinned against the wall in the room with one garda on either side of him". The witness also denied asking Long to sign his name "on a flap of a cigarette packet". Mr Delaney finally put it to the witness that his client maintained he was brought into a dark room where his head was repeatedly immersed in glass containers which contained what he was told were body parts. The witness denied this ever happening and called the allegation extraordinary. I can say this to my Lord: we don't have body parts lying around in Garda Stations. Mr Delaney put it to the witness that he had given an interview in the recent past about the existence of a so-called heavy gang within the murder squad, which was in operation at the time. But Mr OCarroll asked the lawyer to rephrase that, as he took umbrage at that comment and had gone to the High Court, where he had received considerable damages on two occasions. Mr O'Carroll claimed that veteran journalist Vincent Browne had originally coined the phrase before it was taken up by other commentators, who he said "wouldn't be that friendly" towards the gardai. He said he had sued two people for using that expression. He told the court that even now he would certainly take legal action against anybody who used that expression "outside the confines of this court and privilege". Later that night on July 6 when Long was still present in the garda station, the Director of Public Prosecutions gave directions that he was to be charged with the murder of Mrs Sheehan. Long was duly charged and brought before the District Court in Cork the following day. Flooding disrupts trains as 40mm of rain falls Residents of a Dublin suburb have been evacuated from their homes following flooding in the area overnight. Eight people were evacuated by firefighters in Clontarf this morning. The basement of a nearby apartment block has also flooded. Counties in Connacht, north Leinster and the greater Dublin areas have been heaviest hit by the wet weather as Storm Antoni moves eastwards. Approximately 30-40mm of rain fell overnight, according to early figures from Met Eireann. Thousands across the country have woken up to major disruptions following downpours overnight, while others are waking up in windy conditions in festival tents in Cork and Waterford. Dublin Fire Brigade responding to flooding in Clontarf. Photo: Twitter / @DubFireBrigade Cork music festival Indiependence told campers to stay in their tents where possible and ensure their belongings are secure in a social media post earlier this morning. "Met Eireann weather update that this wind [will] last for another couple of hours at least. In Waterford, All Together Now a festival headlined by stars like Lorde and Iggy Pop have issued a similar notice to festival goers. "Please be advised Met Eireann have issued a yellow weather warning. We would encourage you to secure any loose items for the safety of all festival goers, they said. There have been a number of disruptions to DART and rail services in the capital as a result of flooding near train stations. Dublin Bus are honouring rail tickets in the affected areas as services are currently suspended between Killester and Clontarf Road as well as Pelletstown and Broombridge. Earlier this morning, trains travelling on the line between Bray and Dun Laoghaire were suspended as a result of flooding. Services resumed shortly after 7.30am, though were continuing to operate with knock-on delays. The ESB is continuing work to restore power to a number of affected areas across the country, including locations in Dublin, Cork, Tipperary, Galway and beyond. According to the ESB Networks Powercheck resource, some 5,741 customers are impacted in Grange in north Dublin. Customers can report a fault and receive updates about the restoration of the power supply on the Powercheck website. A number of parkrun events were also cancelled this morning following heavy rain or courses becoming blocked by fallen trees. Met Eireann have issued Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and counties in Munster with a Status Yellow wind warning that is valid until 1pm. A Status Yellow Wind warning also remains in place in Dublin and Wicklow until 1pm while a separate wind warning was issued for Louth and Meath earlier his morning. It was in effect between 4am and 9am. Meanwhile, a Status Yellow Rain warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow was issued by Met Eireann and was in effect from 6.21am this morning until 11am. Latest poll a blow to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar VOTER support for Sinn Fein has increased to its highest level since last year as Mary Lou McDonalds party strengthens its position as the most popular in the country. Sinn Fein is up three points to 34pc in the latest Ireland Thinks poll for the Sunday Independent which shows mixed fortunes for the three Coalition parties. Fine Gael is unchanged on 19pc while Fianna Fail has dropped by a point to 18pc. There is better news for the Green Party which is up two points to 5pc. The latest poll findings will come as a blow to Fine Gael and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who has been prominent in the media over the last week setting out his ambitions for the remainder of the Coalitions term in office. By contrast, Ms McDonald has remained out of the public spotlight since she announced at the end of June she was recovering from surgery and would be back in action in a number of weeks. However, Sinn Fein spokespersons have been particularly active with policy initiatives and media appearances in recent weeks. The poll rating is its highest since last December. There is also bad news for Fine Gael when it comes to law and order in the wake of industrial unrest in An Garda Siochana and fresh debate about the safety of Dublin and other urban areas. More than half of voters polled 51pc said they were not satisfied with the performance of Helen McEntee as Minister for Justice. Just 29pc said they were satisfied and 20pc said they were not sure. There is further good news for Sinn Fein when voters were asked if they would exclude any party from their voting preference in the upcoming election with 42pc responding to Sinn Fein, a drop of four points since June. It remains behind the Greens who continue to be the most transfer toxic of the main parties, unchanged on 48pc, while Fine Gael is on 40pc, up one, and Fianna Fail is down one to 35pc. Elsewhere in the state of the parties, the Social Democrats have dropped by a point to 5pc, Labour is up two points to 3pc and Solidarity-People Before Profit is down one to 2pc. Aontus support has dropped by a point to 2pc while support for Independents and Others is down three to 10pc. When it comes to transfer toxicity, 25pc of those polled said they would not give any preference to Labour, up two points, while 17pc said they would not give a preference to the Social Democrats, down one. Aontu stands at 41, up one with Solidarity-People Before Profit unchanged on 38pc, with Independents up two to 8pc, and others up four to 6pc. Only 6pc of those polled said they would not exclude any part, up one point from the last poll on this question. The poll was carried out on Friday and Saturday of this week among a sample size of 1,272 which means a margin of error of 2.8pc. Whenever tasked, they are ready to save lives Barbara Conneely OBrien will swim Gregorys Sound, a stretch of sea between two of the Aran Isands, to raise money for Galway Bay RNLI A Connemara nurse is preparing to swim solo between two of the Aran islands. Barbara Conneely OBrien took up open-water swimming during the pandemic and is determined to navigate Gregorys Sound, a stretch of sea between Inis Meain and Inis Mor to raise funds for the Galway Bay RNLI lifeboat station. I couldnt even put my head in water before Covid-19, and practised using a bowl on the kitchen table, she said. She has been training daily for Snamh an tSunda, as her swim is called, and has had a fair few lashes of compass jellyfish over the last few weeks. Ms Conneely OBrien lives in An Cheathru Rua and has taken leave of absence from her nursing job in Galway. She comes from an Aran island fishing family and several of her siblings, including her sister Cliona, have careers at sea. Her late father Gregory survived a serious deck accident and was also involved in the rescue of one of his own boats which went up on rocks off Inis Mor while his wife, Maggie, was about to give birth to their first child. The three-kilometre stretch of water between the islands that Ms Conneely OBrien has chosen to swim bears the name of a local saint that her father and young nephew are named after. Known as Sunda Ghriora in Irish, it was named for a hermit called Gregory who lived on Inis Meain. Gregorys mouth is reputed to have been turned to gold after he bit his bottom lip off in a fit of anguish over his sins. He asked that his body be thrown into the sea in a cask on his death. That cask landed across at Port Daibhche on Inis Mor the same landing point that Ms Conneely OBrien is aiming for after she sets off from Inis Meain. The stretch of water can have confused currents in certain weather conditions, and so Ms Conneely OBrien has set a window of this week to select a day to complete her swim. She will be accompanied by her brother John Conneely, a fisherman, in a 21ft half decker named Lady Luck. Ms Conneely OBrien recently accompanied her brother on a bittersweet sea journey to Denmark. Two of his fishing vessels were broken up there under the Governments fishing vessel decommissioning scheme, under which vessels are paid by the EU to be scrapped due to loss of fishing quota after Brexit. One of the two vessels, the 20-metre Connacht Ranger, had been used for fishing by the family for more than half a century. Ms Conneely OBrien has paid tribute to the dedicated, tireless and heroic efforts of the Aran islands RNLI lifeboat crew, past and present, most of whom are volunteers. Whenever tasked, they are ready to answer that call to save lives, be it a boat in danger out at sea or a medevac (medical evacuation) from any of the three Aran Islands, she said. She also said she wants to honour the memories of all of those who have died as a result of tragedies at sea. So far she has raised 4,000 of her 5,000 target. For more information or to donate, visit idonate.ie/fundraiser/SwimInisMeaintoInisMorforRNLI Many councils have taken enforcement action over planning breaches Hundreds of people have built houses, granny flats, apartments and log cabins without planning permission across Ireland in the last 15 years. Councils have taken enforcement action against those who breached planning laws, with some being taken to court. In other cases, retention permission which is sought after an unauthorised development has been constructed was granted, meaning people got to keep their homes. Over the years, the courts have taken a conflicting approach to such planning breaches. Some people have been allowed to stay in their properties, but a handful of others have been ordered to knock down the homes they built, or to move out. The Irish Independent contacted all local authorities for data on planning disputes for residential dwellings in the last 15 years and found that dozens of others have been built without permission. Since 2008, Meath County Council has taken 21 enforcement cases against people after residential dwellings were built either wholly or partially without planning. These included houses, sheds being converted to granny flats and buildings divided into apartments. In some cases, those involved had applied for planning beforehand and were refused. Just one retention application was granted by the council. This was for a demountable dwelling and for a period of three years only. Of the eight court cases, six resulted in demolition orders. Louth County Council has been involved in 51 unauthorised development cases, including standalone houses and log cabins constructed for residential use. None of these were ordered to be knocked down. A spokesperson for Louth County Council said that most cases were regularised by retention permission being granted. In cases where structures were converted for residential use without permission, they were reverted to their original use. In Co Kildare, there have been two cases taken against people who built a full house without planning. The council has granted four decisions for retention of a house constructed without previous permissions in the last 15 years. In Dublin, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said it has been involved in no planning enforcement cases. Dublin City Council said it is not aware of anybody building a house without planning in the last 15 years. South Dublin County Council, meanwhile, has been involved in 13 enforcement cases, while Fingal County Council has referred 27 enforcement files to its law department, which are at various stages of the legal process. Fingal has granted 14 retention permissions. Wexford County Council said its enforcement section has opened 111 files about dwelling offences, including where unauthorised development has taken place in connection with a whole house or part of a house. Meanwhile, Waterford City and County Council has not prosecuted anyone for building a house without permission in the last 15 years. In Carlow, the council has taken seven enforcement cases, while eight retention permissions have been granted for one-off houses. Sligo County Council has initiated enforcement proceedings in six cases after houses were built without permission. None of these resulted in the dwellings being demolished. One case was dismissed in court, while another is currently before the courts and the others were resolved with retention applications and negotiations. Laois County Council has taken three cases over one-off houses. One of the cases is currently ongoing, while the two others obtained retention permission. In Cavan, there have been six cases, while retention permissions were granted in five. No houses were ordered to be demolished. Tipperary County Council has been involved in two cases, but only had data from 2014 onwards. A spokesperson for the council said one of the cases is currently before the courts and there is a retention application being processed in relation to the other one. Mayo and Longford councils have been involved in one enforcement case each. A spokesperson for Longford County Council said the house was not ordered to be demolished as retention permission was granted. A number of councils said they could not compile the data due to a lack of resources, which means the true number of people who have built without planning is likely higher. Some of the retention applications related to extensions and houses that were not constructed on site, as per the drawings submitted. There have been a number of cases before the courts in recent years. In 2013, a woman who built a chalet on lands near Lough Dan in Roundwood, Co Wicklow got to keep her family home after the High Court ruled it should not be demolished. Wicklow County Council had argued the structure lacked permission and was an unauthorised development, seeking for it to be demolished. The judge found that while it was located in an outstanding area of natural beauty, the chalet was entirely hidden away from view and did not detract from any of the great vistas which are one of the glories of the Wicklow uplands. Any order to demolish the chalet represented a drastic interference with the womans property rights, he added. In another case in 2015, a wooden chalet home of a young family in Blessington, Co Wicklow was deemed to be a gross breach of planning laws and former High Court judge Nicholas Kearns made the order for the demolition, strongly disagreeing with the previous ruling. Mr Kearns said planning control is an essential environmental necessity in a properly ordered society without which there would be nothing to stop a free for all development culture from running riot. In Cork, a nun was ordered to leave a hermitage development she built without planning permission. Mother Irene Gibson, of a group called the Carmelite Sisters of the Holy Face of Jesus, was ordered to leave a compound at Corran South near the village of Leap in west Cork, along with her colleague, Sister Anne Marie. They were ordered to leave the site following a 2019 conviction for breaching planning regulations in relation to the premises which she set up as a religious retreat in 2016. Services are currently suspended between Killester and Clontarf Road, impacting a number of services on the line. Irish Rail has warned passengers that flooding near stations has caused some DART and rail services to be delayed or suspended until further notice. Dublin Bus are honouring rail tickets in the affected areas. Services are currently suspended between Killester and Clontarf Road, impacting a number of services on the line. Delays to Maynooth services are also expected as Pelletstown and Broombridge services have been suspended until further notice. Earlier this morning, trains travelling on the line between Bray and Dun Laoghaire were suspended as a result of flooding. Services resumed shortly after 7.30am, though were continuing to operate with knock-on delays. It comes as revised timetables are in place this Bank Holiday weekend due to works on the line between Malahide and Drogheda on Saturday and Sunday. There will be no train service between the stations, while the following remain closed until Monday: Laytown, Gormonstown, Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk and Donabate. Limited bus services will operate between Drogheda, Balbriggan, Donabate, Connolly and Skerries (via bus stops 3802 and 3815 on Northcliffe Heights only), Rush and Lusk and Connolly. Works on the Ballyprohy/Limerick (via Nenagh) line has also resulted in a revised schedule of services. According to jail sources hes been dropping names of known dissidents, including Carl Reilly who recently pleaded guilty to membership of the IRA. Banged-up pervert Gavin Gillen is claiming dissident republicans are helping him fiddle the housing points system to get rehoused when hes released, a source has claimed. The sleazy 43-year-old is due for release in the next couple of months after serving half of a ten-month jail sentence for sexual communication with a child. As revealed by the Sunday World earlier this year Gillen, originally from west Belfast but with an address in Dunmurry, was jailed for repeatedly sending pictures of penises to a 13-year-old girl. At Newry Crown Court in February it emerged the coked-up sex monster had asked the child if she has seen a penis and if she has looked for pictures of penises on the web. A barrister told the court Gillen sent her the pics several times but warned her to delete them. Now it has emerged that with his release just months away, he has been bragging to inmates at Maghaberry Prison how he has managed to fool the system. And hes also been bizarrely telling other inmates hes a trained barrister and offering legal advice. According to jail sources hes been dropping names of known dissidents, including Carl Reilly who recently pleaded guilty to membership of the IRA. Gavin has been running around the wing telling anyone who will listen that hes using contacts in dissident republican groups to manipulate the Housing Executive points system, said the source. He loosely knows Carl Reilly who is having his own legal issues and is friends with another dissident [name removed]. Hes an old INLA man but I cant see Carl touching this but Gavin has been openly discussing this on the wing. I cant see either providing the codewords for Base 2 to get him housing but its all over the place that hes been asking. Hes also been telling people he is a trained barrister and has been offering free legal advice. The barrister thing is bizarre and nobody can understand why hes telling people this, though he is notorious for spoofing. Gillen is indeed notorious for spoofing. When cops arrested him for sending pictures of his penis to the teenage girl he told them he couldnt be guilty because he was gay. The court heard even though he knew full well he was almost 30 years older than the schoolgirl, Gillen still engaged the child in a series of flirtatious, sexually explicit messages, telling the teenager she was a total honey. The Sunday World went to Gillens door to ask him about his sickening crime but the creepy coward refused to open the front door. Sources told the Sunday World at the time that Gillen rarely answers the door as he owes so many people money, often related to his drugs habit. And we have learned from sources who know Gillen that he has a habit of sending unwanted sexual explicit messages to women. It was December 2020 when he started sending images to the 13-year-old. Police were alerted and were able to take screenshots of the messages but that was the extent of the co-operation of the teen and her family, the court heard. Arrested and interviewed, Gillen accepted he knew the girl was just 13 when sending her sexualised messages and the explicit images. Claiming he had been in a bar drinking and taking cocaine, Gillen further claimed he was trying to advise her to stay away from boys and said that he was a homosexual man. However, the prosecution said they do not accept any suggestion that the defendant was in some way a gay man warning the injured party about boys. The barrister revealed that searches of Gillens devices had uncovered other flirtatious chats with women and also that the creep had looked up heterosexual adult pornography. He said the images he sent were not his own penis but did accept his behaviour was inappropriate. Jailing Gillen, Judge Peter Irvine KC said legal guidelines made it clear that offences involving the sexual exploitation of children are serious and must be met with appropriate sentences. In addition to a 10-month jail sentence, Judge Irvine ordered Gillen to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and also imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which places prohibitions on where Gillen can live, who he can date, where he can work and what devices he is allowed. Officials with the Fremont Public Schools district are busily preparing for the upcoming school year, with the usual activities and duties done before each school year as well as welcoming 42 totally new certified staff members and teachers to the district for the 2024-24 school year. Classes for the 2023-24 school year kick off on Monday, Aug. 14. In an email to the Tribune, Brad Dahl, associate superintendent at Fremont Public Schools, said things are progressing well as the new school year approaches. Fremont Public Schools are operating normal procedures. There are a few changes across the district regarding drop off (and) pick up due to construction, Dahl wrote. Fremont High School construction is moving along by phases. Specific instructions regarding wings and areas that are off-limits are communicated to students and parents. There are also changes to the parking and drop off and pickup flow at Johnson Crossing Academic Center, Dahl noted in his email. Johnson Crossing Academic Center construction process will not allow any parking in the east parking lot during this school year, he explained. Parents will still be able to drop off and pick up their students in the east parking lot, but the parking stalls will be unavailable. In a press release sent to local media outlets, officials with the Fremont Public Schools (FPS) revealed names and roles of 42 newly hired, certified staff members for the 2023-2024 school year. According to the press release, the district had 35 certified staff members resign following the 2022-2023 school year; and seven extra certified staff were hired to supplement, growing student numbers. Of the new certified staff, Fremont High School has 13 new staff; nine new staff at Fremont Middle School; at Howard, Clarmar, Washington, Linden and Grant elementary schools, three new teachers joined each campus; Johnson Crossing Academic Center also added three new staff; while Milliken Park and Bell Field elementary schools each added one new staffer. In addition to the new certified staff members, other changes at the district include: the shifting of Brittney Kuhr to the role of new principal of Howard Elementary School. Prior to her promotion, Kuhr worked as the assistant principal at Johnson Crossing Academic Center. A newly created dean of students position was added at both Fremont Middle School and Johnson Crossing Academic Center. According to the press release, Jayme Bieker was named the new dean at FMS. Carrie Alvarez was tabbed as the new dean at JCAC. Free, reduced meal applications being accepted In another press release, FPS Superintendent Mark Shepard announced to the community that the registration window for the Free and Reduced Meal Program for the 2023-2024 school year is now open. The program, in alignment with the National School Lunch Program, aims to provide free and reduced-price meals to eligible students, ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals during the school day, Shepard stated in the press release. Families must complete a new application every school year to participate in the Free (and) Reduced program. The programs cost to families will be tiered in the 2023-24 school year, Shepard noted in the release. For the first 30 school days of the upcoming year, students meal status will remain the same as the previous year. However, starting from Sept. 27, 2023, full payment for meals will be required if a new application is not submitted on time. Free and Reduced Meal Program applications will be processed within five school days. Shepard also reminded community members that applications can be submitted by families throughout the entire school year. Families can also apply at any time during the school year if there has been a change in income. The program requires that new applications for the program be submitted by families on an annual basis annually. The application period begins on July 1 of each year for the following school year, he noted. If (a) child receives benefits such as State SNAP, or State TANF, (families) do not need to apply. To (check on availability or if a family qualifies), view the Income Eligibility Guidelines. Students in all grades are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, Shepard added in the release. For the 2023-24 school year, reduced meal prices will be: 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. Free meals are at no charge. Extra items beyond the regular meal will be subject to additional charges. District officials stated in the release that families seeking to apply for the Free and Reduced Meal Program, have two options. For the online application: visit the website fremontapps.schoollunchapp.com to set up an account and access the application. Or, for those who may lack internet access or otherwise prefer a paper application, these will be available at each school in the district. The sculpture is the work of the acclaimed Italian sculptor Antonio Canova The sculpture was given to Viscount Castlereagh, who was born in Dublin but raised here at Mount Stewart, near Greyabbey A world-famous sculpture that was gifted to a former owner of Mount Stewart house and gardens more than 200 years ago has sold at an auction in London for over 4m. The marble bust of Helen of Troy is the work of the acclaimed Italian sculptor Antonio Canova. He presented the sculpture to Viscount Castlereagh, who was born in Dublin but raised at Mount Stewart, near Greyabbey. The viscount sat in parliaments in Ireland and London, later becoming British foreign secretary. Castlereagh was reviled on the island of Ireland for his involvement in the repression of the 1798 Rebellion. A year after becoming the 2nd Marquess of Londonderry and inheriting Mount Stewart in 1821, he took his own life. Canova gave the inscribed sculpture of Helen of Troy to him on behalf of the Pope for his help with the repatriation of works of art to the Vatican. Helen of Troy bust They had been looted from the Louvre in the early 1800s by Napoleon. Several years ago the bust was one of 11 sculptures loaned to Mount Stewart by the executors of the estate of the 9th Marquess of Londonderry, who died in 2012. Paintings, furniture, silver collections and orders of chivalry were also loaned. The National Trust said the pieces had given it an unparalleled opportunity to enrich the recently refurbished Mount Stewart with works of art and sculpture. The charity also said it was an opportunity to highlight the principal figures in the earlier history of the Londonderry family. The bust was auctioned at Christies, with a spokesman describing the piece as a collectors dream. The sculpture sold in the Old Masters sale on behalf of the trustees of the Londonderry Heirlooms Settlement had an estimated price of approximately 2.89m In the end it went to an undisclosed buyer for 4.1m. His case was based on alleged unauthorised deductions from his wages. Simon Coveney, being ushered from the room due to a security alert whilst he was speaking at a peacebuilding event organised by the John and Pat Hume Foundation at The Houben Centre, Belfast. Photo: PA Prominent loyalist Winston Winkie Irvine has withdrawn a pay dispute case against his former employer, the Sunday World can reveal. Irvine was suspended without pay last year by conflict resolution charity, Intercomm Ireland, after he was charged with several firearms offences. He has since left the organisation. Irvine, who remains on bail in connection with the charges, subsequently took an employment tribunal case against Intercomm Ireland. His case was based on alleged unauthorised deductions from his wages. However, Irvine recently withdrew his case. The Sunday World was unable to contact Irvine to ask why he had decided not to proceed with the case. When contacted, Intercomm Irelands secretary, Liam Maskey, confirmed Irvine no longer works for the organisation. Intercomm Ireland, which was set up in 2004, is involved in cross-community projects in interface areas of north Belfast, including Ardoyne, Twaddell and Woodvale. Irvine (48), from Ballysillan Road in Belfast, worked as a senior project manager for the group. He was arrested in June 2022 and later charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a handgun without a certificate and possession of ammunition without a certificate. When he appeared before court, a PSNI officer told the hearing police had planned an operation to arrest Irvine in relation to an unrelated matter. The unrelated matter is believed to have been a hoax bomb alert at an event in Belfast attended by Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney in March 2022. Simon Coveney, being ushered from the room due to a security alert whilst he was speaking at a peacebuilding event organised by the John and Pat Hume Foundation at The Houben Centre, Belfast. Photo: PA In relation to the charges faced by Irvine, the officer told the court that police observed the leading loyalists car in Glencairn Street in Belfast when a van parked behind it and Irvine was seen opening the boot of his vehicle. The detective inspector said Irvine was then stopped in Disraeli Street and officers discovered a number of firearms, magazines and more than 200 rounds of ammunition in a holdall in the boot. The officer told the court Irvine said he had not known what was in the bag. A search of Irvines home discovered a quantity of cash as well as a UVF plaque and pendants, the court heard. The detective inspector objected to an application for bail. He said: The police case would be that this has the hallmarks of a paramilitary operation, given the amount of ammunition and range of weaponry and component parts that were found, that this is typical of the type of stuff that paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland have access to. Persons who would have access to such large amounts would only be trusted members of the organisation. Applying for bail at the hearing, Irvines lawyer, Joe Brolly, described his client as a renowned peace builder. A simple internet search will show over the last 15 years he has been intensively involved in the peace process, in reconciliation and in peace programmes. Although bail was refused at the initial court hearing, Irvine was released on bail in July 2022 following an application to the High Court. A few days after his first court appearance, Intercomm Ireland issued a statement which said Irvine had been suspended without pay from his job. The officers who arrested Irvine had been investigating the hoax bomb incident a few months earlier. Simon Coveney travelled to Belfast on March 25 last year to take part in a peace event at the Houben Centre on the Crumlin Road. Shortly after he started a speech, Mr Coveney was told of a security alert and the event was halted. Despite the threat, he returned last October to complete his speech. Mrs Kealey is speaking publicly for the first time about her nightmare ordeal in the hope things will improve for her former colleagues. A former prison officer claims she was sacked from a job she loved because of her mental health difficulties. Hayley Kealey, who was dismissed from her job at Magilligan Prison in 2021 after two extended periods of sick leave, has criticised the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) for its lack of support for struggling employees. I was treated better by paedophiles and rapists in the jail than I was by the prison service, she said. Mrs Kealey is today speaking publicly for the first time about her nightmare ordeal in the hope things will improve for her former colleagues. I feel that I was treated so unfairly, she said. They just didnt have any empathy or understanding. I was basically just a number and they didnt care at all. As well as managing some of the most dangerous people in society every day, prison officers and their families also still face threats from paramilitary groups. In 2020, the Minister for Justice, Naomi Long, commissioned Queens University to carry out a review of support services for prison staff in Northern Ireland. The research found that NIPS had the highest level of staff absenteeism of any department within the Northern Ireland Civil Service. However, the review teams report, which was published in November 2020, said there remained an issue among prison officers with raising concerns about their mental health. There was a running theme that mental health issues were not treated in the same way as physical injuries and that they went unseen and, in turn, potentially unheard, the report stated. Shortly after the reports publication, Mrs Kealey was informed by prison chiefs she was being sacked due to her own sickness absence issues. File photo dated 18/12/07 of a sign at Magilligan Prison. Photo: PA The Coleraine woman joined the prison service in 2013. I loved the job. Even with the prisoners, I never had a bad experience, she said. It was a job I thoroughly enjoyed, and I felt like I was making a difference for people which is something I have always wanted to do. However, in January 2018, Mrs Kealey went off on sick leave due to personal circumstances. She returned to work in June 2018 and received a promotion a few months later. However, by September 2019 she was struggling to cope with the demands of the job and her own mental health issues. As a result, she went off on sick leave again. In January 2020, she had a meeting with NIPS human resources staff during which a planned return to work was discussed. Mrs Kealey was preparing to return to Magilligan prison in March 2020 when, just days before she was due back at work, she received a letter to say that she was being sacked for inefficiency arising from unacceptable attendance. Mrs Kealey appealed her dismissal through internal processes within both NIPS and the civil service but failed to get the decision overturned. She then initiated an industrial tribunal case for unfair dismissal against her former employers. However, the legal costs for the case became too much and Mrs Kealey withdrew her case last year. Despite this, NIPS are pursuing their former employee for costs accrued during the run-up to the planned industrial tribunal case. A hearing in relation to these costs is due to be held in Belfast next week. Mrs Kealey described her ordeal during recent years as a nightmare. The prison service is always talking about supporting officers mental health but from my experience that was not how officers were treated. And I know there were other officers who went through a similar experience to me. There are some officers who have been off for long periods due to physical issues but they have not been sacked. Is it they just want to get rid of staff with mental health issues and sweep it under the carpet? Mrs Kealey said it is important to highlight issues around mental health. Mental health used to be a taboo subject, but it is not any more. I was always open and honest about what I was going through with my colleagues but I just feel persecuted and penalised by those in charge of the prison service. Former Prison officer Hayley Kealey I should not be ashamed that I have mental health issues. There was maybe a belief that I was a prisoner officer, in a very stressful job, and I should just suck it up. They say they want to help, they say they want this issue out in the open but when it comes down to it, they do not. It feels like they just dont care. The former prison officer said her life has been destroyed by what she has gone through in recent years. It has made my anxiety and mental health a thousand times worse because now I feel I dont have the confidence to do anything. I havent been on holiday since 2019 because I take panic attacks. The way I was treated by the prison service put me into early menopause, so Im also dealing with all the symptoms of that. I have post-traumatic stress disorder and Im going to sleep and having nightmares about how I was treated at work. My husband has to force me to go out for a walk with the dogs. I might put a picture on Facebook or Instagram, but no one knows whats happening in the background. Its ridiculous. I was a prison officer before and all the responsibility that comes with that, but now I struggle to go out the door. My anxiety is so severe. Its debilitating. Ive applied for other jobs and got them, but then I was unable to take up the jobs because of my anxiety. Mrs Kealey said the ongoing battle with NIPS over legal costs around the industrial tribunal case is prolonging her difficulties. I just want closure on this. I want to be able to get on with my life. I am not the person I was, and I dont want to live the rest of my life like this. The Sunday World asked NIPS a number of questions in relation to Mrs Kealeys case, but the organisation said they do not comment on individual employee cases. However, a NIPS spokesperson said they provide a wide range of wellbeing support services to all of its employees, including those on long-term sickness absence. These include the Welfare Support Services which provides an independent and confidential service to all staff helping them to work through personal and work-related issues which may affect their ability to work effectively. Staff can also self-refer to Inspire Workplace Services and the NICS confidential Employee Assistance Programme, which provides bespoke counselling services. The prison service also has bespoke services with the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust for prison officers who are suffering with mental health issues or who have sustained a physical injury. Though Americas National Parks system may get all the glory, a recent list named beautiful state parks that should be on every hikers radar, including one in Upstate New York. Outside published a list of 14 best state parks for hiking in the United States and the first one to be listed was Letchworth State Park located in Castile, NY. The publication wrote the park has the expansive views typical of the West, but in Western New York, with a golden sunrise over the canyon and the picturesque waterfalls. Often called the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park is one of the most picturesque places in the state. It boasts nearly 600-foot cliff walls and three major waterfalls along 17 miles of the Genesee River. There are four entrances to the park, and its mass covers nearly 15,000 acres. Though there are many trails, the writer suggested the best hike in at Letchworth to be the section of the Gorge Trail which offers views of the parks three beautiful cascades along the Genesee River: Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. Though the full Gorge Trail is over 12 miles long, you can join in at Upper Falls and walk a four mile out-and-back section to the Lower Falls. It is one of the most popular sections of the park however, so those looking for more peace and quiet should take the articles advice and continue on the Gorge Trail to cross the stone bridge and connect to the Portage Trail and the Genesee Greenway trail. The author writes that the park is great to visit year round whether you are looking for summer sun, colorful fall foliage, winter solitude and ice volcanoes, or raging spring rain waterfalls. In addition to the amazing hikes, visitors can also check out recent updates to the park like the new recreation center at Lower Falls and the United States first autism nature trail filled with sensory stations, music spots and other kid-friendly activities. Other state parks that made the list include Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania, Big Bend Ranch State Park in Texas, Castle Rocks State Park in Idaho, and more. To see the full list, visit the Outside website. READ MORE 12 facts about Upstate NYs amazing Letchworth State Park Balloon rally at Letchworth State Park fills the sky with color (photos, videos) Happy Saturday! We hope everyones keeping cool during this extreme heat wave. Lets recap our coverage of New Yorks cannabis marketplace from the past week. 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: Yesterday, NY Cannabis Insider Editor and Publisher Brad Racino broke the news that Columbia Care, a medical cannabis company in Rochester, was denied a waiver by the Office of Cannabis Management to allow virtual supervision after the company found itself with a shortage of pharmacists. As a result, the dispensary is closed for nearly a week, affecting roughly 750 patients. Reporter Sean Teehan found that the number of home growers is on the rise. Green-thumbed, home-based weed entrepreneurs can enter the industry without some of the regulatory hurdles and risks associated with plant-touching businesses which is possibly why the concept of self cultivation is likely to continue its upward trajectory, Sean wrote. In a different story, Mike Golden, co-founder and co-owner of the CAURD business The Higher Company, talked to Sean about the companys plans for delivery, brick-and-mortar retail and a consumption space. For years, Golden and partners have run the cannabis lifestyle brand The Higher Calling, which sells T-shirts, hats, and other merchandise with marijuana-related slogans. Now theyre officially entering the legal weed industry by launching a delivery service that will cover much of Central New York. We also announced the topic and panelists for our upcoming industry meetup and networking event on August 15 at Madam Mikettes in Manhattan. Purchase tickets to network in NYC and hear from tribal members and attorneys about the states past and present relationship with Native American nations. Panelists include Matthew Leonardo, an attorney with Hinman Straub who represents indigenous nations in his practice and who authored the current tribal bill; Thunder Anderson, a member of the St. Regis Mohawk tribe and manager of Famous As, a local cannabis business in Massena licensed through the Mohawk LongHouse Council; Joseph Bondy, Andersons attorney and an internationally recognized expert in criminal litigation who was named one of Americas Top 100 Attorneys and Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers; and Lance White, a Mohawk cannabis entrepreneur from the territory of Akwesasne who recently obtained a first of its kind Four Tier license from the tribal government, which allows cultivation, extraction, retail sales and consumption under one roof. Get your tickets now! They will sell out. Reporter Mel Hyman spoke with Seth Marks, who hopes to open the first retail cannabis dispensary in Rockland County. Marks said hes heard from other would-be purveyors that going through the New York State Dormitory Authoritys $200 million low-interest loan program was like being a mouse on a treadmill. This past Monday was the last day for entries in the second, and maybe final, round of public comments on the rules and regulations for New York States cannabis industry. Joe Rossi of Park Strategies wrote why the public should weigh in on these rules in his latest guest column. Tax Attorney Paula Collins did what she does best and crunched the numbers to see when the state will reach its sweet spot in cannabis tax revenue projections in a new guest column. Collins lays out the math for what itll take for each years projected revenues to come to fruition. Continuing our NYs women in cannabis series, we ran a profile on Dr. Lynn Parodneck, who provides medical cannabis certification and patient care in New York and Connecticut. We also added a new entry to our People to know in NY cannabis series: Hal McCabe the mayor of Homer, NY, and the director of government relations for the Cannabis Association of New York. Theres plenty more to come next week, so make sure to subscribe to receive access to our exclusive content and stay up to date on whats happening day-to-day in NY cannabis. If an individual or two is still interested in playing, they can stop by Peace Lutheran on Tuesday night or call Mike Aerni at 402-720-8863. The leagues games played at Peace Lutheran Church, last an hour, starting at 6 p.m. on consecutive Tuesday nights. League games are played for seven weeks, which includes six weeks of competition. A league tournament and potluck meal take place the seventh week. Tournament standings will be determined at that time and the top three teams will be able to choose a charitable organization in Fremont that will receive funds generated by the league. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Computer scientists at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed an innovative technique to enhance the detection of a common internet attack, vastly improving accuracy compared to existing methods. The new approach focuses on monitoring ever-changing internet traffic patterns to recognize denial-of-service attacks. In these attacks, hackers flood a website with requests, attempting to shut it down. The motives behind such attacks vary, ranging from ransom demands to disrupting businesses or users. More Sophisticated Strategy to Detect a Common Internet Attack Current systems often rely on a single threshold value to detect attacks. However, this simplistic approach leaves systems vulnerable to missing genuine attacks or generating false alarms, causing disruptions to legitimate traffic. To overcome these limitations, the PNNL team devised a more sophisticated strategy centered around entropy, a measure of disorder in a system. The researchers explained that during denial-of-service attacks, two measures of entropy behave differently. There is a low entropy at the target address due to an unusually high volume of clicks. Conversely, the sources of those clicks exhibit high entropy as they come from various places. By analyzing this mismatch, the new technique identifies potential attacks more accurately. During the team's testing, 10 standard algorithms detected, on average, 52 percent of Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, with the best one identifying 62 percent. On the other hand, the PNNL formula achieved an impressive 99 percent in identifying such attacks. The improvement stems not only from avoiding static thresholds but also from incorporating trend analysis. According to the research team, instead of merely looking at entropy levels, the PNNL method continuously monitors entropy changes over time. Moreover, the researchers employed the Tsallis entropy formula, which they claimed to be significantly more sensitive than the widely-used Shannon entropy for identifying false alarms and distinguishing legitimate traffic surges from attacks. Read Also: KT Claims No 'DDoS' Attack But a Routing Error that Caused Outage | Company is Now Under Investigation The PNNL Solution on a Common Internet Attack The PNNL solution is automated, requiring minimal computing power and network resources to function effectively. Unlike machine learning and artificial intelligence-based approaches, which necessitate extensive training data, the PNNL method is lightweight and efficient. With the development of 5G networking and the flourishing of the internet of things landscape, the team at PNNL aims to assess the impact of these developments on denial-of-service attacks. "With so many more devices and systems connected to the internet, there are many more opportunities than before to attack systems maliciously," principal investigator Kevin Barker said in a statement. "And more and more devices like home security systems, sensors and even scientific instruments are added to networks every day. We need to do everything we can to stop these attacks," he added. PNNL scientist Omer Subasi presented the research team's findings at the IEEE International Conference on Cyber Security and Resilience. The team's work was also hailed as the best research paper at the meeting. Related Article: FBI Urges Athletes, Audiences to Use Temporary Phones For Upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics; Cites Potential Cyberattack 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A federal judge has ruled that the antitrust case against Google filed by the Department of Justice and a coalition of states for allegedly suppressing internet search competition can proceed to trial but with some claims dismissed. Narrowing the scope could have profound consequences for the trial, shaping the focus of the allegations to be examined in the legal proceedings. (Photo: TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images) People walk past Google's UK headquarters in London on November 1, 2018. Google Wins by Ruling In the decision unsealed Friday, Judge Amit Mehta from the US District Court for the District of Columbia handed Google a win by ruling as four claims in the lawsuit were dismissed and only granted government lawyers the green light to proceed with three others. One of the claims the state attorneys general put in the complaint was Google's alleged exclusivity deals for web browsers and pre-loading its services on Android devices violating antitrust laws, potentially contributing to the company's monopolistic practices. However, the judge pointed out that the government failed to provide convincing evidence, such as preferential treatment of Google's products in search results over those of specialized sites like Amazon and Yelp. Engadget reported that this ruling had set the stage for a landmark tech monopoly trial, the first since the legal action against Microsoft in the 1990s. It comes amidst a growing public concern and regulatory scrutiny over the overwhelming power of tech giants. According to Mehta, the DOJ retains the opportunity to present its remaining arguments. Another particular concern was the claim that Google is misusing its influence by imposing agreements on Android manufacturers to pre-load Google apps and set Google as the default search engine in their mobile browsers. The DOJ and states are worried that this practice hinders competitors like Bing and DuckDuckGo from gaining substantial user adoption. Unlike previous attempts, this trial represents a direct and bold confrontation with Google's operations. Expected to last approximately 10 weeks, The New York Times reported that the trial will thoroughly scrutinize how Google conducts its business and its behind-the-scenes interactions with other major players like Apple and Samsung. Also Read: Google Targeted in New Ad Lawsuit With Potential Damages in the Billions Google's Response Following the judge's decision to dismiss the search-related issues in the antitrust case, Google's President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, expressed the company's appreciation for the thorough review by the court. Walker emphasized that people opt for Google because of its helpfulness and denies any anticompetitive behavior. He asserted that Google will demonstrate during the trial that its other practices are both competitive and fully compliant with the law. However, despite narrowing the trial's scope, the ruling will still allow the case over Google's dominance in the search market to proceed and other significant claims, including allegations about "exclusive" contracts and the company's ad buying tool. The trial is set to begin on September 12. Filing Lawsuits Against Tech Giants In recent years, American regulators have actively filed lawsuits and sought to block acquisitions involving companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta, previously known as Facebook, as they continued to expand their dominance and influence in the tech industry. Regulatory attempts to challenge the dominance of tech giants have faced setbacks. On two occasions this year, federal judges rejected the Federal Trade Commission's requests to halt tech deals, permitting Meta to finalize the acquisition of a virtual reality start-up and paving the way for Microsoft's significant acquisition of the video game publisher Activision Blizzard. Related Article: Microsoft Activision-Blizzard Deal FTC Fiasco: Not Anti-Competition, Offered Sony 10-Year Contract for 'Call of Duty' 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a recent report, global military leaders have expressed growing concerns over the dominance and control of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet technology by its founder, Elon Musk. Starlink, a low Earth orbit satellite internet constellation, has revolutionized the satellite launch industry and emerged as the leading player in providing vital communications during crises, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, with limited regulation and oversight, Elon Musk's erratic and personality-driven style has raised alarms among political leaders and militaries worldwide, prompting questions about his influence and how he wields his authority over the system. Starlink's Rapid Rise Over the past decade, Musk's SpaceX has transformed the launch industry with its reusable Falcon 9 rocket. Leveraging this advantage, SpaceX established itself as a major player in satellite internet technology through Starlink. According to Astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks the constellation on his website, there are 4,519 Starlink satellites in orbit out of 4,881 launches as of July 2023, of which 4,487 are operational. The ambitious project's constellation could eventually grow to an astonishing 42,000 satellites. A Crucial Role in Ukraine's Conflict The significance and potential of Starlink came to the forefront during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where the satellite internet system played a critical role in providing vital communications to the embattled country. New York Times tells us in a report that Ukraine's Armed Forces, led by General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, raised the issue of Starlink with the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressing concern over the system's control and its indispensable role in Ukraine's battlefield decisions. Read Also: Voyager Space, Airbus Join Forces to Develop Starlab That Could Replace NASA's International Space Station Starlink's Unpredictable Control Space.com reports that worries about Elon Musk's control over Starlink have been amplified by reports that he restricted access to the service multiple times during the war in Ukraine. The restrictions were implemented through geofencing, with access fluctuating based on the war's movements and territorial gains. Furthermore, Musk's refusal to provide Starlink access near Crimea, the Russian-controlled territory, raised questions about his commitment and potential alignment with Russian interests. Global Alarms over Musk's Authority It is not just Ukraine that has expressed concern over Starlink's control and Musk's influence. At least nine countries, including nations in Europe and the Middle East, have raised the topic of Starlink with American officials in the past 18 months. Some have questioned Musk's authority over the technology, with intelligence officials wary of the potential consequences of speaking publicly about their concerns, for fear of alienating Musk. Taiwan, an internet infrastructure vulnerable to Chinese invasion, has been reluctant to use Starlink due to fears of falling into a "trap" because of Musk's business interests in China. On the other hand, China has accused Starlink of interfering with its space operations and expressed suspicions that the satellite internet technology is intended for military purposes, citing its use in Ukraine. In response to concerns about Starlink's dominance, the European Union has allocated funds for its own "sovereign" satellite constellation involving several European telco and space firms, recognizing the need to safeguard vital interests and reduce dependence on external providers. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: SpaceX Rocket Launch Caused Possible Hole in Earth's Ionosphere: Study 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Instagram is the biggest social media platform right now. Your amazing photos should drop there whenever you want. But Instagram keeps logging you out for some reason. There are a bunch of things that could be causing your Instagram to keep logging you out. Sometimes it is just tech problems bugs from updates or something about your devices software not being compatible with Instagram. Or, you know how sometimes you are logged into your Instagram from different devices? If you make any changes to your account or password on one device, the app might log you out on the others, just to stay on the safe side. Then there is this whole other thing about Instagrams security protocols. If they spot something fishy going on, like too many failed login attempts or even signs that your account might be compromised, they will just log you out to keep things secure. Third-party apps are another common culprit. Not all apps are in Instagrams good books, so if you have connected any such apps to your Instagram, they might be the reason behind it There can be dozen of reasons behind the logout issue. But we will help you fix Instagram log out issue with these reliable solutions. How To Fix Instagram Keeps Logging Out Issue 1. Restart Your Device Your smartphone or tablet is a machine and believe it or not, it could use some rest. Using it for several weeks without a break can cause malfunctions and temporary bugs on the operating system level. That can be the reason behind Instagram logging out. You can fix this by restarting your device, which will close all the background running apps and give them a fresh start. 2. Switch Internet You would be using WiFi or mobile data to use Instagram. Many users on Reddit and other forums have reported that they fixed the Instagram logging out issue by switching their devices internet. So if you are on WiFi-based internet, I would suggest switching to mobile data. And if you are on mobile data, consider trying logging into Instagram using the WiFi network. 3. Clear Instagram App Cache If Instagram is acting up, crashing, or being slow, clearing the cache could get it running smoothly again. Removing older cache can help the app get rid of the corrupted data. Here is how you can do it on Android and iOS. On Android Head to the phones settings from the search or the notification panel. Scroll down and head to Apps in the Settings menu. Find and go to Instagram from the list. Now head to Storage and then tap on Clear Cache Restart your phone and then try logging into the Instagram app now. It should fix the logging-out issue. But if the issue is still there, then you can clear the storage from the Storage page. This will make the Instagram app act like it is freshly installed and you are logging in for the first time. On iOS In order to clear the cache on your iOS device like iPhone, or iPad, then you will need to offload the data by going to the settings. Here is how you can do it. Go to Settings on the iPhone. Scroll down and go to General in the settings. Now head to iPhone Storage > Instagram. Tap on Offload app and it will clear the Instagram apps cache on iOS devices. Restart your iOS device and log into the Instagram app. Every app needs updates from time to time. Be it to fix new bugs or add new features. Similarly, you need to keep your Instagram app updated to avoid any issues like logging out automatically. All you need to do is update it from the respective app stores on either of the mobile operating systems. Here is how it is done. On iOS Head to the App Store on your iOS device Tap on the search button at the bottom and then Search Instagram. Then select the update button next to Instagram in the results. Tap update and wait for Instagram to get updated. Once Instagram is updated, you will get an open button there. Tap on that to launch the app. On Android Go to the Google Play store on your phone. Search for Instagram from the search bar. Click on Update if the button is visible for you instead of Open. Now wait for Instagram to be updated and then launch it from there by clicking Open. 5. Disable VPN Instagram can be blocked owing to your regional restrictions or by the WiFi provider. And so you use VPN to access the Instagram app without a problem. However, that can cause problems at times as the Instagram server may detect it as a malicious attempt. So you should disable VPN and use Instagram to fix the logging out issue. 6. Use one Account on the Instagram app Are multiple people using your phone to use their Instagram accounts? Then it can be a problem. And if one of the people has some problem with their account, Instagram may flag/block their account and your device along with it. Then you will have issues with your Instagram account on the same device. Therefore you should use only a single account on the Instagram app to avoid any problems. 7. Remove Third Party Apps Did you recently log into a website or app using Instagram? then it can be the reason for the logging out issue. You can remove such third-party apps by heading to Instagrams settings on their website version. Head to Instagram settings and then go to Apps and Websites. And there you will see apps in the active section that are connected your Instagram account. Click on the remove button for each app to remove them from your Instagram account and any association with it. 8. Change Instagram Password Did you log into your Instagram account from someones phone or computer? If the answer is yes then it might have gotten leaked. And when the person tries to log into your account on their device, you can be logged out from Instagram. On the Instagram web, you can head to Accounts Center > Password and security and then click on Change password. And on the phone, head to the Vertical Burger Menu > Settings and privacy. After that, head to the Accounts Centre from the top of the screen. Once you are inside the Accounts center, head to Passwords and security> Change password. Now you will need to fill in your current password and then enter a new password for your Instagram account. 9. Reinstall Instagram App Your phone just received an OS update and it has caused friction with the Instagram app. It can be acting up so you can reinstall Instagram app and see if it fixes logging out issues. Here is how you can do it on different platforms. On Android Go to your phones Settings. Navigate to Apps & Notifications or Applications (the exact name might vary depending on your device) Search for Instagram in the list of apps Tap on Instagram and select Uninstall. Confirm that you want to uninstall the app. Then head to the Google Play store and install Instagram. On iOS Locate Instagram on Your Home Screen: Head to where the Instagram app is located on your iOS devices home screen. Tap and hold on the Instagram icon to get more options. Select Remove app from the options. A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm if you want to delete the app. It will also notify you that this will delete all of its data. Tap Delete App to confirm the uninstallation. Then you can head to the Apple app store and install Instagram again. If you have tried everything else, there is still a lifeline: Instagram Support. Simply hop into your Instagram settings, find the Help section, and tap on the Help Center. You will find a library full of all the possible, but if dont find the logging out issue there, you can always raise a complaint. Frequently Asked Questions Why Instagram keeps logging me out? If Instagram keeps logging you out boot more often than you would like, there are a bunch of possible reasons. It could be a tiny app glitch, or maybe you have switched devices or changed settings recently. Password mix-ups, especially with multiple accounts, can also play tricks. Sometimes, Instagram gets protective if it spots something fishy, like a new login spot. Oh, and if the app is been acting weird, it might just need a little cache cleanup. My Instagram keeps logging me out- What to do? 1. Update the app to the latest version. 2. Stay consistent with your password, especially if you have multiple accounts. 3. Clear the apps cache if its acting up. 4. Check for any unexpected account activity and consider a password change. 5. Sometimes, Instagram has server hiccups; give it a bit of time. What devices are logged into my Instagram 1. Open Instagram and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. 2. Tap the three lines (hamburger icon) at the top right > Settings > Security. 3. Choose Login Activity to see a list of devices that have accessed your account. 4. If you spot any unfamiliar devices, use the Log Out option next to them. 5. If concerned about unauthorized access, change your password and consider enabling Two-Factor Authentication for added security. Over to You So this is how you can fix Instagram keeps logging out the issue for you. We will keep adding more solutions as they come up. Meanwhile, keep your account safe by not sharing your login credentials with an unreliable person for solving this issue. A 69-year-old Nebraska man is one step closer to extradition to Germany to be tried for a 1978 killing following a hearing Friday in Lincoln. Tommy "Tom" Molina shook his head "no" as Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Packard went through the evidence German investigators have that points to Molina as the one who killed Cornelia Humpfer on April 20, 1978, in Schweinfurt, where he was stationed at the time as a U.S. Army soldier. She was found the next morning with 14 stab wounds. "The case centered around DNA. This case went unsolved for years. And it turns out that five blood stains on the victim's stockings come back to the defendant," Packard said. While the DNA contained a mix of contributors, he said, the conclusion was the highest probability it included Molina's. Packard said tire tracks at the scene also matched his car, as well as the pattern of Molina's car mats and the fact that he had cleaned his car before investigators came to talk to him five days after the killing. Eyewitnesses also said they saw a car like his with two people in it in the area around the time of the murder, he said. Packard said there also were Molina's own alleged admissions to his ex-wife and motive: that Molina had been having an affair with the victim and she threatened to expose it. On the other side, Toni Wilson, a federal public defender, said it was important to point out that Molina's DNA was taken in 2000 and wasn't a match. In 2020, the FBI again collected Molina's blood and sent it to Germany. This time, testing led to a warrant for his arrest, which happened June 21 in Gering. "Mr. Molina was questioned multiple times through law enforcement. He maintains he's innocent (of) this arrest warrant. He's been questioned. He's continuously maintained his innocence," Wilson said. She argued against the judge finding probable cause, challenging the alleged admissions as stories Molina made up while drinking and questioning the intent of his ex-wife's statements to investigators. But Magistrate Judge Cheryl Zwart stopped her, saying she couldn't ask her to waive contradictory evidence. "That's not my job here today," she said. The extradition hearing was solely about whether probable cause existed. Zwart ultimately found it did. "It doesn't mean that I am finding you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt or even by preponderance of the evidence. It's just does the country of Germany have the evidence it needs to bring a case against you," she said. Wilson also argued Friday for bail while Molina, who has a number of ailments, goes through the extradition process, as well as due to the lengthy delay in charging him. "The proceedings in this aren't over with today," she said. Wilson said that while this court was deciding if Molina was extraditable, certification next will go to the Secretary of State for a final decision on whether to surrender him to German authorities. While that decision is being made, she anticipated a so-called habeas petition would be filed questioning the lawfulness of his detention. Packard said if Molina were released on bond, the practical effect would be the court telling Germany that he's extraditable but telling them they needed to come find him. "Just from a commonsense standpoint that doesn't make a whole lot of sense," he said. Packard said that when the U.S. government seeks to extradite someone in Germany, they are seeking an efficient, speedy process that's fair. And they have an obligation to do the same for them. He said Molina's health issues didn't qualify as extraordinary circumstances to merit release. Zwart agreed, saying that while he's 69, he was out mowing his yard in May. And she didn't see the delay in the proceedings as justification for Molina not to be detained. "The country of Germany did not let up on this," she said. "It just took until the science caught up." What you missed this week in notable Southeast Nebraska crimes and court cases This week's local crime and court updates from The Lincoln Journal Star. Crime-courts editor's pick FBI offers reward for information in Trenton woman's 2019 disappearance The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the recovery of Sunny Sramek or an arrest related to her disappearance in 2019. A judge on Thursday lowered bail from $10 million to $250,000 for an Omaha woman accused of arranging a beating that left a man dead. The new bail for Jessica Hernandez is close to the $200,000 bail that had been set for the man accused with actually administering the fatal beating. Hernandez would have to post 10%, or $25,000, to be released pending trial. This is a reasonable bond, said Bassel El-Kasaby, an attorney for Hernandez. One that she can, with help from family and friends, hope to raise. Hernandez, 26, is charged with manslaughter and tampering with evidence in the June 2 death of Carlos Salguero-Canar, 30. He was found beaten to death at an apartment complex near 27th and Harrison Streets. Nadim Zarazua-Hernandez Jr., 24, is charged with manslaughter and accused of executing the deadly beating. Douglas County Judge Grant Forsberg, who in July submitted his name to become a district court judge, set Jessica Hernandezs bail at $10 million. That drew criticism from community activists and a formal complaint to the Nebraska Judicial Qualifications Commission from former State Sen. Ernie Chambers. Hernandez waived her right to a preliminary hearing in county court to determine if there was enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial in district court. John T. Rogers, an attorney in El-Kasabys firm, filed a motion for bond review. It noted Hernandezs lack of criminal history and her significant family ties in Omaha. The Douglas County Attorneys Office did not object to a lower bail. But prosecutors did ask that it be set higher than her co-defendants bail because Hernandez faces the additional charge of evidence tampering, Chief Deputy Douglas County Attorney Brenda Beadle said. Douglas County District Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf agreed to the $250,000 bail at a hearing Thursday afternoon. When youre accused of something like this, whether youre guilty or not, it calls for a significant bond, El-Kasaby said. A $10 million bond is not a bond. Its a statement that is inflammatory and disruptive to the administration of justice in this particular case. Counties with the highest heart disease rates in Nebraska Counties with the highest heart disease rates in Nebraska #25. Deuel #24. Furnas #23. Garfield #22. Greeley #21. Harlan #20. Hooker #19. Knox #18. Loup #17. Brown #16. Hitchcock #15. Sherman #14. Grant #13. Nuckolls #12. Richardson #11. Keith #10. Boyd #9. Garden #8. Kimball #7. Sheridan #6. Wheeler #5. Franklin #4. Hayes #3. Sioux #2. Keya Paha #1. Pawnee Circumnavigation of the moon next year: Crew of the "Artemis 2" visits their spacecraft The best beach bars in Ibiza to eat and enjoy the sunset Fire in a cottage in Alsace: what we know in the aftermath of the tragedy that claimed the lives of 11 people Ministry of Public Security: Infringing on citizens' personal information has become a predicate crime for a large number of Internet-related crimes How to see reconstruction after the rare heavy rainstorm in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei? Ministry of Public Security: There are six main ways for criminals to obtain personal information data The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the list of countries and regions related to the resumption of outbound group tours for the third batch Zhuozhou enterprises that have experienced floods: People are there, hope is there After fatal shots on the film set: "Rust" trial planned for the end of December (m+) "Otherwise, we've lost in China": How far Audi's new China alliance really goes "We Hit It Together" is upgraded in the competition for film and television small films The Soundtrack of Our Lives reunion: "Sad to die and never have played the songs again" U.S. soccer: Da'vian Kimbrough becomes the youngest professional in the world at the age of 13 Stealing the spotlight in the Gamper Cup. Barcelona's plan to keep its young star Amin Jamal Champions League: OM beaten by Panathinaikos in the first leg of the third preliminary round Zakharyan's free kick and Zabolotny's miss: Dynamo squeezed Krasnodar in the 96th minute in the Russian Cup, CSKA lost to Fakel The novelties of the League to come: an added minute after each goal, elimination of the 'penalties' and fewer interventions of the VAR Cata Coll, Vilda's unexpected bet in the World Cup: "She always had reflexes and goalkeeper pose" "Beijing-Tianjin Derby" reflects China's stadium culture, there is "competition" between cities, and there is "you next door" Seiya Suzuki started for the first time in five games, had three hits, including a home run. Yu Darvish gave up one run in the middle of the seventh inning, but couldn't win or lose. Sweden up against World Cup's most dangerous team: "We like to defend" Focus Media's revenue in the first half of the year was 55.17 billion yuan, and highlights of performance growth were frequent Zhejiang County Observation: Government and enterprises "go in both directions" and the economy of the millennium capital city is "new" (Economic Observation) China-Indonesia "Two Countries and Two Parks" Construction Enters the "Fast Lane" and Becomes a "Strong Engine" for Economic and Trade Cooperation between Fujian and ASEAN National Development and Reform Commission: Improve the government's creditworthiness performance mechanism and optimize the environment for the development of the private economy "It's still going to be theft", the hypothesis of a tax on heavy goods vehicles on the A1 makes truck drivers jump After four years, the Tencent v. Duosheng user data attribution case will be tried again Hubei provides more than 4,000 jobs for college graduates who have left school and are not employed The first batch of exhibitors' exhibits in the innovation incubation zone of the 6th CIIE was released In the first seven months, Guangdong's exports exceeded 7 trillion yuan, and the export of electric vehicles increased by 3.570% year-on-year; Ex-intelligence officer Ritter criticized the former US admiral for the Nazi salute Korean media editorial: Don't let the South Korea-US-Japan summit become a stage for the justification of nuclear sewage discharge into the sea Starting a career as an asset manager: "Dealing with so much money is a big responsibility" RIA Novosti: there is practically no electricity in the capital of Niger The body of a 16-year-old girl was found in the forest in Sverdlovsk Kamensk-Uralsky College Students from Both Sides of the Taiwan Strait Compete in the Entity Construction Contest The representative team of Taiwan's colleges and universities won the gold award The Cyberspace Administration of China issued the "Work Specifications for Website Platforms to Accept and Handle Reports of Online Infringement Information Involving Enterprises" The Hong Kong political and business delegation to Gui visited Wuzhou, Hezhou and other places to seek cooperation opportunities "Evade responsibility for failure": the United States announced a premature summing up of the results of the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine The FSB detained a resident of the Samara region who sent data on military echelons to Kiev Marochko spoke about the attempts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to counterattack the Russian Armed Forces in the Krasnoliman direction Riots: "The hand of the state trembles when it comes to punishing delinquency," says Othman Nasrou WSJ: UAE sent weapons to Uganda for Sudan under the guise of humanitarian aid He holds 3 nationalities, one of which is Arab. Noah Darwish is a new jewel in Barcelona The butcher Daniel Sancho and his victim "were going to set up a business" and saw each other in Spain Rodolfo Sancho's son speaks for the first time after his arrest for murder: "I am guilty, but I was his hostage" The Thai police reached Daniel Sancho following the trail of the label of the bags where he put the mutilated remains of his victim Daniel Sancho admits his sexual link with Edwin Arrieta: what is known about the relationship between the chef and the Colombian doctor L'Orient-Le Jour: UAE wants to organize a meeting between Putin and Zelensky at the UN conference The cry of the sister of Edwin Arrieta, victim of Daniel Sancho: "I want this nightmare to stop" The daughter of the general director of "Piro-Ross" received messages from Ukrainian numbers after the state of emergency in Sergiev Posad Ministry of Public Security: Infringing on citizens' personal information has become a predicate crime for a large number of Internet-related crimes Ahead of a crucial summit of ECOWAS leaders today. Niger on high alert, coup leaders meet envoys, one of them a former Nigerian prince Typhoon Kanu is about to make landfall, Jilin, Heilongjiang, and other places in South Korea, with heavy rainfall The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the list of countries and regions related to the resumption of outbound group tours for the third batch 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. During the Cuban Missile Africa played a prominent role as peacemakers. Africas role in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was that of a negotiator and peacemaker during the height of the crisis. The Cuban Missile Crisis was a political and military standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the installation of nuclear missiles in Cuba. African leaders understood Africa could be the next continent to deploy missiles for the Soviet Union (Russia) and the United States of America. Africa's Non-Aligned Position and the Cuban Missile Crisis. During the crisis, African countries, especially those that were non-aligned were concerned about the possibility of a nuclear war between the two superpowers. African countries saw the non-aligned movement as a way to gain greater influence in international affairs by presenting a united front and speaking with one voice. African leaders believed that by standing together, they could promote their interests and values on the global stage and help to shape the course of world events. On October 25, 1962, several African leaders, including Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, addressed a meeting of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting was held during the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the African leaders used the occasion to call for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. In their speeches, the African leaders expressed their concern about the possibility of a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union and its potential impact on Africa and the rest of the world. They condemned the aggressive actions of both superpowers and urged them to seek a peaceful solution to the crisis through dialogue and negotiation. The African leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of non-alignment and national sovereignty. They emphasized the need for African nations to remain neutral and to avoid being drawn into the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. Kwame Nkrumah role during the Cuban Missile Crisis was one of a mediator and a peace advocate. Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana, played an active role during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, using his position as a leader of a non-aligned African nation to advocate for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. During the crisis, Nkrumah made several public statements urging both the United States and the Soviet Union to engage in dialogue and negotiate a peaceful settlement. He argued that a nuclear war would have catastrophic consequences not only for the two superpowers but also for the entire world, including Africa. In a speech during the organization of African unity luncheon on October 25, 1962, Nkrumah called for a peaceful solution to the crisis and urged the United States and the Soviet Union to seek a peaceful settlement through dialogue. He also expressed his willingness to act as a mediator between the two superpowers and offered to host a summit in Ghana to facilitate negotiations. Nkrumah's role during the Cuban Missile Crisis was one of a mediator and a peace advocate. His efforts, along with those of other African leaders, contributed to the global pressure that eventually led to a peaceful resolution of the crisis. Julius Nyerere role during the Cuban Missile Crisis was a public speaker and organizer. Julius Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania, played a significant role in advocating for a peaceful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Nyerere, like other African leaders, was deeply concerned about the possibility of a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union and its potential impact on Africa and the rest of the world. During the crisis, Nyerere made public statements in which he called for restraint and urged both sides to negotiate a peaceful settlement. He argued that a nuclear war would have catastrophic consequences not only for the two superpowers but also for the rest of the world, including Africa. Nyerere condemned the aggressive actions of both the United States and the Soviet Union and urged them to seek a peaceful solution to the crisis through dialogue. He also expressed his support for the non-aligned movement and its principles of peace, disarmament, and respect for national sovereignty. He also played a behind-the-scenes role in trying to defuse the crisis. He reached out to other African leaders and urged them to speak out against the possibility of a nuclear war. He also communicated with leaders of other non-aligned countries, including India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indonesia's President Sukarno, to coordinate efforts to promote a peaceful resolution of the crisis. Nyerere's efforts, along with those of other African leaders, helped to highlight the global consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis and contributed to the eventual peaceful resolution of the crisis. African Leaders understood Africa could be the next continent to deploy missiles for the Soviets and the United States of America. During the Cold War from the late 1940s to the early 1990s, Africa was a battleground for two superpowers, The Soviet union in the United States of America, as they sought to expand their influence and promote their respective political and economic systems. The continent was particularly important because of its vast natural resources, strategic location, and potential for growth and development. Before the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the United States had deployed intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) in several countries in Europe as part of its strategy to counter the Soviet Union's military capabilities. In particular, the United States had deployed Jupiter missiles in Italy and Turkey, which were capable of carrying nuclear warheads and had a range that could reach key Soviet cities such as Moscow and Leningrad. These missiles were seen as a direct threat to the Soviet Union's national security and were a major source of tension between the two superpowers. Africa highlighted the global consequences of the Cuban missile crisis and the importance of international cooperation in maintaining peace and stability. More links to articles you will find thought provoking. This past Thursday was Intern Appreciation Day, a special opportunity to thank the young people who spend their time supporting my work in our Washington, Lincoln, and Omaha offices. Last week, the Nebraska delegation dedicated our weekly Nebraska Breakfast, where we meet with fellow Nebraskans visiting our countrys capital, to thanking our interns. This summer, my Washington office was glad to have Emalie, Jack, Justin, and Madison join us in serving the people of Nebraska. Emalie Wightman is a Nebraska Wesleyan student from Omaha, though she also spent time with her grandparents in Columbus and Lexington growing up. Emalie hopes to attend law school when she graduates with an economics and English double major next year. During my internship, Ive loved getting to know Nebraska constituents through leading Capitol tours and putting my Economics major to work while watching hearings for the Committees on Finance and Small Business, Emalie said. I am grateful for this experience and am looking forward to bringing what Ive learned back to Nebraska. Jack Barrett grew up in West Omaha and is now studying political science at Colorado State University. He hopes to attend law school as well, and would love to work on Capitol Hill in the future. This summer has completely exceeded my expectations and I have seen this internship opportunity as a great privilege to be able to represent Nebraskans and Senator Fischer in Washington, D.C., Jack said. Emalie and Jack were joined by Justin Schnurr, a business law student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Justin aspires to a career in foreign relations working with our nations allies. My time on the Hill has been nothing short of extraordinary! Senator Fischer and her incredible staff have been instrumental in shaping my legislative understanding and broadening my perspectives on the political landscape, said Justin. Madison Stracke rounded out our phenomenal team of Washington interns. Madison is from the community of Stuart, where she grew up on her familys farm and ranch. She recently graduated from UNL with degrees in agricultural education and biology and hopes to attend law school to learn more about how to help and protect local producers. I especially enjoyed listening in and taking notes on hearings related to issues in the agricultural industry, said Madison. Im grateful to Senator Fischer and her staff for providing this wonderful opportunity and the exceptional experiences it brought me. This summer, our Washington interns were especially excited to attend the U.S. Capitol unveiling ceremony of Nebraskas Willa Cather statue, which they consider the highlight of their time in my office. Each state may place two statues of exceptional representatives in the Capitol, and the interns were present for the historic entrance of the Willa Cather statue in June. Madison said that she left the ceremony feeling pride and gratitude for Nebraska. This summers interns were instrumental to our work here in the Senate. Back home, several interns provided valuable assistance in the Lincoln and Omaha offices: Caden Erickson, Jackson Gualke, Mark Meyer, and Mikayla Gross, who also interned for us in the spring. My staff and I are grateful for each of these gifted young people. Thank you Caden, Emalie, Jack, Jackson, Justin, Madison, Mark, and Mikayla for the good work youve accomplished this summer! For more information about our internships and the application process, please visit our website: fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/internships. Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you next week. Members of the group sought to take control of the council meeting through calling a point of order or to dictate to the mayor what topics were to be debated in the meeting, Hilsens affidavit states. He also recounted other scenes including a member of the public was witnessed sitting in the mayoral chair and taking selfies with the national flags, and, another meeting in April, in which someone [in the public gallery] was using a flashlight which created a spotlight effect on councillors while they were speaking as others in the group filmed proceedings. The plaintiff in the case, Darren Dickson, was at pains during the one-day trial to assert that the council had overreacted by taking council meetings online. He was adamant no one at the meetings posed a serious physical threat and were merely frustrated citizens who felt they werent being heard by councillors. Council were putting tables up as barriers in between them in the gallery. There was no danger theres a demographic of 50 to 60-year-olds attending the meeting, he said. No one was there to get aggressive or to threaten, or to hurt or to follow [councillors] after meetings late at night. There was none of that. That was projected by the council. Loading Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Latrobe City, Monash and Yarra Ranges all confirmed to The Age they had council meetings or events disrupted in some way in recent months. The Municipal Association of Victoria the peak body for Victorian councils estimates about 40 of the states 79 councils had seen members of the My Place network attend meetings but not all had seen meetings or events derailed. Among councils that confirmed they had installed security guards at meetings recently were Banyule, Baw Baw Shire, Darebin, Hume, Knox, Monash, Mornington Peninsula, Nillimbuk, Whittlesea, City of Yarra and Yarra Ranges. A spokeswoman for the Shire of Baw Baw, in Victorias high country, confirmed officers had been given duress alarms during meetings, while Hobsons Bay and Yarra Ranges now require pre-registration and tickets to attend the public gallery. Other councils, such as Maribyrnong and Merri-bek, have had security guards in place for many years. But Merri-bek, in Melbournes inner north, has increased the number of security guards after an incident in June. Greens councillor Adam Pulford says he was the subject of really hateful homophobic remarks from the public gallery during debate on a motion about the council standing in alliance with the LGBTQ community. At the Coburg Civic Centre, where council holds its meetings, the public gallery area is behind glass, meaning councillors cant clearly hear comments from the public. But Pulford said council was alerted by community members that some in the gallery were directing threats at Pulford and other queer-identifying councillors behind the glass. Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child had to halt a council meeting and call police in January after the public gallery became unruly. Credit: Eddie Jim They were reportedly saying things like, they wanted to snap our bones like chicken bones, Pulford said. These are meant to be welcoming places. Since then, the council has implemented a security text line for attendees to report behaviour that is offensive, abusive or threatening to council staff in real time during meetings. Meanwhile, in Gippsland, Latrobe City became the second council to close its public gallery last month, after CEO Steven Piasente flagged behaviour in the public gallery had raised concerns for the psychological welfare of council staff and councillors. Loading Piasente justified taking the councils July and August meetings online and out of the public chamber because of a number of incidents, including an alleged altercation between gallery members, interjections during council debate from the gallery, mass walkouts and councillors being shown the middle finger by members of the public. I need to make a call about whether things might escalate at the next meeting, and whether Ive got in place appropriate controls in terms of providing a safe workplace, not just for the councillors, but also my staff, and also other community members who might be attending, he told The Age. I do acknowledge that some people will experience that differently... [some may] feel safe in that environment, and some may not. Latrobe City councillors confirmed tensions were high in the area in May after the Andrews governments surprise announcement to bring forward the end to native logging from 2030 to the end of this year. Despite the councils announcement to take the July meeting online, about 250 people including logging workers and trucks peacefully rallied outside the council chambers in Traralgon while the meeting was underway. A similar rally is due to take place outside the chambers during the councils meeting on Monday evening. A timber industry rally in July outside Latrobe City Councils meeting, which was heard online. Both the Traralgon Community Development Association and My Place Traralgon promoted the events. At least three councillors, Dale Harriman, Melissa Ferguson and Sharon Gibson, who have aligned themselves with the plight of timber industry workers, say they believe the shift to online meetings was unjustified. I cop more at the local footy match than what we cop at the council meetings, said Harriman, whose unsuccessful motion in June urging council to lobby for a state government reversal on the logging decision caused a stir in the public gallery. Loading My view is that if you sign up to be a representative for your local council, youre not always going to have the support of local community but it goes with the territory. There are no standard governance rules between councils on how they conduct meetings. Even before the spate of council disruptions, there have been long-held complaints about certain councils vetting public questions days out from meetings or denying the public the ability to ask questions in person. The president of the Municipal Association of Victoria, councillor David Clarke, said the sector had set up a taskforce with the state government over security issues at council meetings. An analysis of Medicare data by The Sunday Age reveals a marked decline in the number of standard 20-minute GP consultations in Victoria. Loading In 2019, about 12.3 million standard consultations occurred during the first six months of the year. That dropped almost 20 per cent to 10.2 million in the same period this year. That is despite the states population growing by an estimated 53,000 people during this time. Data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic peak years has been excluded because GPs did not provide their usual services due to lockdowns and the availability of respiratory clinics, which were funded outside of Medicare. The cost of seeing a GP continues to rise: fewer than 65 per cent of Australians now have all their appointments bulk-billed, federal Health Department data shows. The average out-of-pocket fee is $40.10 in Victoria, according to data from online healthcare directory Cleanbill, with some electorates having only a handful of bulk-billing GP clinics. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Nicole Higgins said many GPs had been forced to increase the cost of consultations because of a rise in wages and operating costs such as electricity. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Nicole Higgins has raised concerns about the drop in GP consultations. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Those costs are having to be passed on to patients, she said. So the gap is widening with out-of-pocket costs, which then creates another barrier for care. Higgins said it cost taxpayers about $40 each time a patient saw a GP compared with $600 if they presented to an emergency department at a hospital. Lynda Greasley, of Pascoe Vale in Melbournes north, put off going to her GP for two months this year because she couldnt afford it. The 56-year-old had a consistently upset stomach and a sudden onset of dermatitis but felt she had no choice but to put up with her symptoms. She said her regular GP did not bulk-bill, so she was at least $40 out of pocket every time she saw them and sometimes more. Lynda Greasleys out-of-pocket medical costs over the past three months 4 visits to a GP: $193 2 visits to a gastroenterologist: $147 ultrasound: $80 dermatologist: $219 Greasley, who works full-time in real estate and also cares for her 24-year-old daughter who has a mild intellectual disability, eventually made an appointment in May. So far, her out-of-pocket medical costs have totalled more than $600 for four GP consultations, a gastroenterologist, ultrasound and dermatologist. She still doesnt have a diagnosis and the testing continues. I really try to look after my health because I have to look after my daughter, Greasley said. I am her sole parent. Australian Medical Association Victorian president Dr Jill Tomlinson said Medicare rebates for patients had not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Visiting a GP is becoming increasingly unaffordable for people on lower incomes, she said. Dr Jill Tomlinson, hand surgeon and the Victorian president of the Australian Medical Association. Credit: Penny Stephens Consumers Health Forum chief executive Elizabeth Deveny said Australians were ignoring symptoms and searching for a diagnosis online to avoid the cost of seeing a GP. Every day, we hear people telling us that they cant afford the cost of a co-payment, the radiology request, the medicine or even getting there or taking the day off work because theyre concerned about their job security, she said. Loading They decide not to go because the costs are too great and they believe they can wait a little bit longer. Thats not always a wise decision to make. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said it had never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor. He said that from November, bulk-billing incentives would be tripled for GPs who didnt charge out-of-pocket costs for children, concession cardholders and pensioners. Protecting workers from the effects of artificial intelligence on existing jobs will be a key plank of Labors approach to the looming technological revolution, as the Australian Council of Trade Unions pushes for a body to monitor automation. Labor has created its policy position on AI which will for the first time outline the partys practical and philosophical approach to the amorphous technology dominating global debate. Science and Industry Minister Ed Husic. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos The Albanese government has been grappling with balancing the economic opportunity presented by the emergence of new generative AI with the impact it may have on traditional industries. The policy will become part of its National Platform, which outlines its future priorities and guides government policy, once ratified at the partys annual conference later this month. 92,000 Hyundai and Kia Recall - Park Them OUTSIDE Updated 8:26 AM EDT, August 3, 2023 DETROIT (AP) Hyundai and Kia are telling the owners of nearly 92,000 vehicles in the U.S. to park them outside because an electronic controller in an oil pump can overheat and cause fires. The affiliated Korean automakers are recalling the vehicles and also are telling owners to park them away from structures until repairs are made. The recalls cover certain 2023 and 2024 Hyundai Palisades, as well some 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra and Kona vehicles. Affected Kias include the 2023 Soul and Sportage as well as some 2023 and 2024 Seltos vehicles. The companies say in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that a capacitor on a circuit board in the oil pump assembly for the transmission may have been damaged by the supplier during manufacturing. That can cause a short-circuit and increase the risk of a fire. Kia says it has six reports of melting components but no fires or injuries. Hyundai says it has confirmed four thermal incidents and no injuries. Dealers will inspect and replace the oil pump controller if necessary. Hyundai owners will be notified by letter on Sept. 25. Kia will notify owners starting Sept. 28. Hyundai and Kia recall nearly 92,000 cars and urge outdoor parking due to fire risk Pony.ai and Toyota to Form Joint Venture to Advance Mass Production of L4 Autonomous Vehicles The Pony.ai and Toyota joint venture will enable the full commercialization of autonomous mobility FREMONT, Calif. August 04, 2023; Pony.ai, a leading global autonomous driving company, held a joint venture signing ceremony today with Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (TMCI) and GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (GTMC). The three parties announced that they will form a joint venture to jointly advance the future mass production and large-scale deployment of fully driverless robotaxis. The joint venture company will be established in 2023, with an estimated investment of more than RMB 1 billion (approx. USD 139.2 million). GTMC will provide Pony.ai with Toyota branded battery electric vehicles, which are equipped with Toyotas vehicle redundant systems that are suitable for L4 autonomous driving development. The vehicles will be equipped with Pony.ais advanced autonomous driving technology and will run on Pony.ais robotaxi network platform, PonyPilot+. The parties joint efforts will deliver safe and convenient robotaxi services for riders. The joint venture combines Pony.ai's world-class autonomous driving technology and robotaxi operations experience, Toyotas highly regarded vehicle technologies, and GTMC's advanced production experience. It will provide the capacity for scaled-up robotaxi services, encourage the full commercialization of advanced autonomous mobility, and drive the development of the entire industry into a new stage. The joint venture will deepen the long-time collaboration between Pony.ai and Toyota. In August 2019, Pony.ai and Toyota announced they would jointly advance the development of autonomous vehicles in China. In September 2019, the two companies joined hands to lead autonomous driving testing on public roads in China, using Toyota's Lexus RX 450h model and Pony.ais autonomous driving systems. In April 2023, the Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS (S-AM) vehicle equipped with Pony.ai's sixth generation autonomous driving software and hardware system started public road testing in both Beijing and Guangzhou. Among its self-owned fleets, Pony.ai currently has a combined fleet of around 200 Toyota and Lexus brand robotaxis, located in all four of Chinas Tier-1 cities (Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen) for road tests and public-facing robotaxi operations. About Pony.ai Leading global autonomous driving company Pony.ai, Inc. (Pony.ai) is pursuing an ambitious vision for autonomous mobility. We aim to bring safe, sustainable, and accessible mobility to the entire world. We believe that autonomous technology can make our roads exponentially safer for travelers. Founded in late 2016, Pony.ai has been a pioneer in extending autonomous mobility technologies and services at a rapidly expanding footprint of sites around the world. Pony.ai has formed partnerships with leading OEMs, including Toyota, SAIC, SANY, FAW Group, GAC Group, etc. To date, Pony.ai has driven over 24 million autonomous testing and operation kilometers (nearly 15 million miles) on open roads worldwide. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... A Weld County resident is the first Coloradan to die from first West Nile virus this year, state health officials confirmed Friday. Colorado has had 12 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus across eight counties this year, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said. Although the numbers may seem relatively small, cases are trending much higher than health officials typically see this time of year. And theyre more widespread. The trends we are seeing in our West Nile virus tracking data are unprecedented, Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist for CDPHE, said in a news release. The number of West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes weve detected this season is the highest weve seen in years. This is especially concerning now that August is here and September is just around the corner, as this is usually when human cases peak in Colorado. Mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile in eight of the 11 counties CDPHE has tested, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Delta, Denver, Larimer, Pueblo, and Weld counties. While most people infected with West Nile virus dont have symptoms, some can develop a serious, potentially deadly illness, CDPHE said in a news release. People over the age of 60 or those with certain medical conditions are at the highest risk for West Nile virus, CDPHE said. Symptoms include fever, severe headaches or confusion. Colorado had 206 cases and 20 deaths in 2022, health officials said. West Nile virus is typically spread via mosquito bites, so Coloradans can protect themselves by using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-methane-diol products, CDPHE said. Health officials also recommend limiting outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks. Eliminating standing water around your home and repairing screens can also help limit mosquitoes, health officials said. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Heavy rain early will transition to showers and thunderstorms for in the afternoon. High 74F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms in the evening. Clear skies overnight. Low 56F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that troop readiness and retention are at risk as the Armys chief stepped down Friday, leaving the militarys two ground combat forces without Senate-confirmed leaders for the first time in history. Speaking during a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Austin said the Senates failure to confirm the services new leaders, including a general with a long history of serving at Fort Carson, is disruptive to the force and could impact relationships with allies and partners around the globe. The confirmation of the next Army chief and Marine commandant are among more than 300 military nominations stalled by Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican, over the Pentagons policy to pay for travel when a service member has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. Today for the first time in the history of the Department of Defense, two of our services will be operating without Senate confirmed leadership, said Austin. Great teams need great leaders, and thats central to maintaining the full might of the most lethal fighting force on earth. Army Gen. James McConville is retiring and Gen. Randy George, the vice chief has been nominated to become the next chief of the service. On Friday, George became the acting chief. Similarly, Marine Gen. Eric Smith has been nominated to be the next commandant, but is serving in an acting capacity now because he hasnt been confirmed. Both can serve as acting chiefs, but can do nothing that would presume confirmation. As a result, they cant move into the main residences or offices, or issue formal planning guidance, which is traditional for a new leader. And officials have also warned that there are some authorities, including some budgeting powers, that dont shift to acting leaders. George needs those powers to tackle some of his top priorities listed in his written congressional testimony including recruitment, modernizing arsenals depots and ammunition plants and improving quality-of-life programs. Much of his military experience was gained at Fort Carson where George led an infantry company, a brigade and the 4th Infantry Division, the highest rank at the post. Shortly before handing over the command of the post in 2019, he likened his reassignment to departing his home town in Iowa, The Gazette reported at the time. He is perhaps best known for leading the 4th Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan through an intense fight at Combat Outpost Keating in Oct. 2009. The river-valley post was attacked by more than 300 Taliban fighters and in that battle eight Fort Carson soldiers died and 27 were wounded. Two received the Medal of Honor for their heroism. 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 is unclear when George could receive Senate confirmation to lead the Army because the Department of Defense and Tuberville seemed to have reached an impasse. In a recent comment, Tuberville said it is up to the Democrats to schedule votes on the nominations. I am not stopping anyone from getting confirmed, and I am not stopping anyone from voting. Democrats could simply put these nominations up for a vote, but they clearly dont want to, he said. Democrats have said that doing individual votes on each of the nominations would take months, and would eat up valuable time that the Senate needs to address other issues. In the past, senators have routinely voted en masse on large numbers of nominations and doing individual votes more rarely on ones that are less likely to be unanimous. Smith addressed the issue in a letter to the force on Thursday, laying out the need for the Corps to continue modernization efforts and broader programs to improve warfighting. Until the Senate confirms our 39th Commandant, this guidance will serve as our reference point, Smith said. I cannot predict how long this process may take, but waiting is not an option for Marines, so we will move out as a team just as we would in combat. Tuberville has blocked efforts to have Senate votes on all nominations for senior military jobs because he disagrees with the travel pay policy. And Congress is now out on summer vacation, which means there will be no action on the jobs for weeks. Further complicating things, Air Force Gen. CQ Brown has been nominated to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, when Army Gen. Mark Milley leaves, as required by law, on Sept. 30. The current vice chairman, Adm. Christopher Grady, would serve as acting chairman. Brown, whose term as Air Force chief goes for another year, will remain in that post. Gen. David Allvin has been nominated to be the next Air Force chief, if Brown moves to the chairmans job. The Gazettes Mary Shinn contributed to this story. STUPID STUNTS THE news of climate protesters draping the home of Mr. Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister, while he and his family members were away, highlights a sad reality of the day. Without demeaning the cause of the activists, one must say that the methods they have been adopting are infantile. This is not the first time that a kind of infantile activism is on display. Such childish kind of activism by disoriented young activists across the world is a rising phenomenon especially in the past few years. Not long ago, a bunch of climate activists staged a protest at the visitors centre next to a Volkswagen factory in Germany. One of the activists had glued himself to the floor and then sought bowls to urinate and defecate since he could not move. There were protests in which the activists defaced the paintings of French artist Claude Monet. In the latest case of draping of Mr. Sunaks home, Mr. Oliver Dowden, British Deputy Prime Minister, minced no words in saying that the British people were sick of stupid stunts. Mr. Dowden, one must say, is right in calling such acts stupid stunts. What kind of activism is this? These activists are not only causing security alarm but also destroying the collective heritage of humanity. In the name of freedom to protest, they are destroying, timeless creative expressions. Such infantile protests are on the rise across the world. In India as well as in European and other countries, people have seen activists dumping milk on to the floors or on to the roads, food being hurled on to the walls, activists wearing eccentric attires, vegetables being thrown on to roads, activists climbing on to trees and staying there for days etc. When such things do not work, many of the activists become trolls on social media. Many young activists -- saner exceptions excluded -- abandon rhyme and reason and resort to hurling abuses and citing opinions as facts. Some have traced the roots of such kind of activism to youngsters getting disoriented due to multiplicity of choices for leading their life. Some have attributed this to dizzying abundance of information and viewpoints to the extent that the young activists get confused and become desperate to find a cause to make their life meaningful. However, in the process, instead of building own study, they rely on the Internet and social media to shape their intellectual abilities. They shy away from studying issues in-depth by developing a deeper understanding of how the existing democratic political and judicial processes work. Since developing an understanding of issues takes time, the young impatient activists resort to gimmicks that give publicity. Fan following on the social media platforms, not necessarily the actual impact value, makes them feel valued. Gradually, they get stuck in strong messaging only instead of actually challenging the Government decisions, if they are wrong, through available legal means. Unfortunately, such infantile activism is bringing a bad name to genuine activists who are striving for years to bring about positive changes in public life through concrete policy-level constructive interventions. There are several problems to tackle in the world, for which good, committed, constructive activists are needed. They are the vents of society. One can take names of Mahatma Gandhi who took out Dandi Yatra or to protest against the British levying tax on salt, Ms. Rosa Parks who fought against racial discrimination by not vacating a bus seat for a White man, Mr. Martin Luther King Jr, Mr. Nelson Mandela as glorious examples of activism offering hope and positivity. Given the acts of disoriented activists, one is afraid whether activism is losing its sting and reason. May that fear be misplaced. MSHC launches sale to mark National Handloom Day Business Bureau On the occasion of National Handloom Day - August 7, Maharashtra State Handlooms Corporation Ltd (MSHC), Nagpur will be celebrating the National Handloom Day on August 7 in a special way. Maharashtra State Handlooms Corporation Ltd, Nagpur will be launching sale from August 5 to August 16 at its premises MahaHandloom, MSHC Complex, Umrer Road. Under the sale, a person buying handloom product online can get additional 5 per cent discount during this period and additional 10 per cent discount if a person buys from its authorised centre. This was revealed at a press conference organised at the centre on August 4. Apart from this, a fashion show is being organised at the MahaHandloomcentre at 11 am on August 7 and the master weavers would be felicitated and certificates would be distributed to the students. People in large numbers should take benefit of the sale. On the occasion, a tussar cloth with Gond painting on envelope of the Postal Department would be unveiled. The National Handloom Day is celebrated on August 7 every year. It was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. The National Handloom Day is observed on August 7 to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement. The day is marked to honour the handloom-weaving community of India and to highlight the contribution of the handloom sector to the socio-economic development of the country. The Colorado Springs Police Department released over 80 pages of documents on Friday detailing its belief that the use of force against a Black veteran who was pulled over for a suspected DUI was justified. CSPD stated that the three officers involved in the use-of-force incident against Dalvin Gadson Ochoa, 29, were justified in doing so, due to them fearing for their lives, according to the documents released by the Police Department. In the document summarizing its findings, CSPD ruled that claims of Officers Colby Hickman, Christopher Hummel and Matthew Anderson using excessive force against Gadson Ochoa were "unfounded." On Oct. 9, Dalvin Gadson Ochoa, 29, was pulled over for driving without a license plate. During the traffic stop, officers claimed that they could smell marijuana in the car and attempted to arrest Gadson Ochoa. When he asked why he was being detained and declined to get out of the car, officers punched Gadson Ochoa in the head over 20 times before removing him from the vehicle, body-camera footage of the incident shows. Summaries of interviews with the three officers involved in the incident were released by CSPD, and all three claimed in their interviews that they feared for their lives due to a knife allegedly being in the center console of Gadson Ochoa's car when he was pulled over. All three officers claimed in their interviews that they felt the use of force was justified due to Gadson Ochoa allegedly resisting arrest, and that the knife in Gadson Ochoa's car made them feel like there were potentially additional weapons in the vehicle. "(It's) mind numbing to think that it was so scary it took three of us that long to accomplish what we were seeking as a goal," Anderson said during his interview after the incident, according to the documents provided by CSPD. Although the use-of-excessive-force claims were ruled to be unfounded by Colorado Springs police, there were concerns noted regarding the conduct of Anderson, specifically. "However, in reviewing the force used against the complainant, I have issues regarding the 13-14 consecutive punches to the face and head and the 11-12 consecutive punches to the side and abdomen of the complainant," the internal affairs document states in regard to the conduct of Officer Anderson. "While the number of total strikes meet the threshold of lawfulness under the totality of the circumstances, the action is not in line with the training and expectations of the Colorado Springs Police Department." Administration ruled in the document released by police that Anderson failed to follow CSPD training doctrine and departmental expectations, and recommended an SDR (supervisor discussion record) and 10 hours "of remedial scenario training on properly evaluating the effectiveness of uses of force, assessing other options, and using verbal commands for compliance throughout the use of force." When speaking with The Gazette, Gadson Ochoa's attorney Harry Daniels, a civil-rights attorney based in Georgia, said that he wasn't surprised by CSPD's findings. "They ruled what we expected them to rule, they aren't going to rule against themselves," Daniels said when speaking with The Gazette on Friday. "The (bodycam) video speaks for itself." Daniels added that he remains in nearly daily contact with Gadson Ochoa. While the claims of excessive use of force were declared unfounded by CSPD, some officers involved face reprimands or minor suspensions for their conduct during and after the arrest of Gadson Ochoa, according to the documents released by police. Law enforcement recommended Hummel be given a 10-hour suspension and be removed as a police training officer for making inappropriate comments after the physical altercation with Gadson Ochoa. According to the document, some of the comments made by Hummel that resulted in the recommended suspension included: 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. Officer (Joshua) Kephart asked how Hummels knee was feeling, and Hummel said, Well, ask that dudes face." Hummel said (referencing which punch caused injury to Andersons knuckles), From like left field, superman punch, and I was like, oh s---." Hummel said, I slapped the ever-living f--- out of this dude. Like the firefighters probably woke up." Hummel said, Hes not going to be able to do a DUI investigation because he has a f------ concussion." Hummel said, Thats why you dont fight the police, and, end up like that." In Hummel's interview following the incident, Hummel acknowledged that the statements he made after the incident were inappropriate, and that he only made them because he was angry about the incident, according to the summary of the interview released by police. Kephart and Sgt. Karim Fudge were also given minor punishments for their roles in the incident, according to the police documentation, Kephart for making inappropriate or unprofessional comments, Fudge for "failing to properly coordinate the incident investigation from a supervisory position" and "for failing to adequately take charge of the situation and incident and not actively manage the personnel and resources as required to ensure a properly completed investigation." Several officers in interviews following the incident described the scene after Gadson Ochoa had been detained as "chaotic" and that there was a lack of a supervision taking place that led to errors in processing the crime scene and filing charges, according to the summary of the interviews with officers released by police. The document noted at least 10 issues with Fudge's management of the crime scene, including: That Gadson Ochoa was on scene for over four minutes before being taken to the hospital. That Fudge "did not go to the hospital to provide further supervision and make further assessment of the incident, including the severity of the injury." That Fudge "did not assess relevant evidence to be photographed and collected at the scene." It's noted by officers in the interview transcripts that the knife that was allegedly in the center console of Gadson Ochoa's car wasn't photographed by police at the scene of the incident. That Fudge "told the officers to 'rock, paper, scissors' who would complete the probable cause affidavit instead of assessing the most appropriate officer to complete the task. This task fell to one of the most junior officers on the scene. This officer was also one of the last officers to arrive and was an officer with limited knowledge of the incident." Fudge was given a written reprimand and no suspension for these mistakes, according to the documents released by police. Following the incident, prosecutors charged Gadson Ochoa with two counts of second-degree assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, driving under the influence and driving without license plates. All criminal charges against Gadson Ochoa have been dismissed by the District Attorney's Office. Gadson Ochoa, who was living in his car at the time of the incident, has filed a lawsuit against the officers who pulled him over, claiming they used excessive force without warning during the incident. He is seeking a jury trial for emotional and physical damages, as well as economic losses. No specific amount in damages is listed in the lawsuit. The civil lawsuit remains unresolved in federal court, with a pretrial conference for the case scheduled to take place in June 2024. Prime accused booked for duping jobless youths of Rs 5.31 crore Staff Reporter OMKAR Mahendra Talmale (25), the prime accused in a double murder case of two businessmen in the city, was finally booked for orchestrating a fraudulent job scam and duping hundreds of jobless youths to the tune of Rs 5.31 crore. Talmale has been charged with a series of serious offences, including cheating, forgery, and embezzlement. The victim, Ashwin Pravin Wankhede (32), a resident of Jai Durga Society, Manish Nagar, filed a complaint against Talmale with the Economic Offences Wing (EoW ). According to police, both Wankhede and Talmale knew each other as they were part of the same Dhol Tasha pathak. Talmale, who posed as junior scientist at The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) allegedly took advantage of Wankhedes trust and promised to secure a vacant position for him at the Regional Remote Sensing Centre inWadi, Nagpur. Trusting Talmale, he transferred a sum of Rs two lakh to Tamale's account online, as a payment for the opportunity. The fraudulent activities of Talmale didnt stop at the initial transaction. Talmale further manipulated Wankhede by sending him fake appointment letters and emails, luring him into sending large amounts of money. A total of 111 jobless youths were duped by Talmale by using the same modus-operandi, said police. In total, a staggering Rs 5.31 crore were collected byTalmale from jobless youths to a different bank account by the accused. Upon realising the fraud, Wankhede approached the EoW and filed a complaint. An offence under Sections 420, 406, 465, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code was registered by Bajaj Nagar police. It may be mentioned here that Talmalewas allegedly running a wooden sculptures manufacturing unit known as Woodpickers in the MIDC area. His bogus job scheme has been operating for the past two years. Nirala Kumar (43), a resident of Prasad Apartment, HBTown, Pardi and Ambarish Devdutt Gole (40), a resident of Narkesari Layout, Jaiprakash Nagar were shot dead by the assailants led by Talmale on the night of July 25 at a farmhouse. Both victims succumbed to their injuries on the spot. In an attempt to destroy the evidence, the accused had set the bodies ablaze by pouring petrol. However, heavy rains extinguished the fire, thwarting their initial plan. The murderers had wrapped the bodies in tarpaulin and kept them in Ambarish's car. They drove the car upto the Wardha river on Amravati Road, where they tossed the bodies in the river on July 26 at around 3 pm. By 4 am, the perpetrators returned to Nagpur, and burnt the bodies at a dilapidated building White House in Dattawadi. Along with Talmale, the police have arrested expelled Bajrang Dal leader Vishal Pawankumar Punj (41), a resident of Plot No 15/04, Mohan Nagar Badkas Chowk, Kotwali; Harsh Anandilal Verma (22), a resident of Plot No. 39, Khadgaon Road, Sonba Nagar; Danesh Durgaprasad Shivpeth (21), a resident of Godhni Road, Old Mankapur; Lucky Snajay Turkel (22), a resident of Mariyam Nagar, Sitabuldi; Harsh Saudagar Bagde (19), a resident of Plot No. 37, Dattawadi, on murder charges. NEW DELHI, IN A big relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court on Friday stayed his conviction in a 2019 defamation case over his Modi surname remark, paving the way for revival of his Lok Sabha membership. The Lok Sabha Speaker can now revive his membership on his own or Gandhi, armed with the apex court order, can seek restoration of his status as an MP. A three-judge bench of Justices B R Gavai, P S Narasimha and Sanjay Kumar said no reason was given by the trial court judge while convicting Gandhi except that he was admonished by the apex court in a contempt case. The top court had closed the contempt proceedings against Gandhi for wrongly attributing to it his chowkidar chor hai remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the Rafale case, with a warning to be more careful in future after the senior Congress leader tendered an unconditional apology. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha ends in May 2024. The top court said in so far as conviction is concerned, it has considered that the sentence for an offence punishable under section 499 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code is maximum two years imprisonment or fine or both, and the trial judge has awarded the maximum sentence of two years. Except the admonition by Supreme Court in a contempt case, no other reason has been granted for this (conviction) by trial judge. It is to be noted only on account of this maximum sentence imposed by trial judge, provisions of Representation of People Act have come into play. Had sentence been a day lesser, provisions would not have been attracted, particularly when an offence is non cognisable, bailable and compoundable. The least the trial court judge was expected was give some reasons to impose maximum sentence. Though appellate court and High Court have spent voluminous pages rejecting stay on conviction, these aspects are not considered in their orders, the bench said. Referring to its earlier order in a contempt case against Gandhi, the apex court said while filing his affidavit in the contempt petition, he ought to have been more careful and exercised a degree of restraint in making such remarks which are alleged to be defamatory. The apex court said Gandhis conviction and subsequent disqualification not only affected his right to continue in public life but also that of the electorate who elected him to represent their constituency. No doubt the utterances were not in good taste and a person in public life is expected to exercise caution while making public speeches. Taking into consideration these and that no reason has been given by the trial judge for imposing the maximum sentence, the order of conviction needs to be stayed pending final adjudication, the bench said. As the hearing began, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Gandhi, told the bench his client is not a hardened criminal and was never convicted despite several cases having been filed against him by BJP workers. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for ex-Gujarat Minister Purnesh Modi, whose complaint led to Gandhis conviction, said there is plethora of evidence against the former Congress President. The top court was hearing a plea by Gandhi challenging the Gujarat High Court verdict which dismissed his plea seeking a stay on his conviction in the defamation case filed by Purnesh Modi over his Modi surname remark. Gandhi had persistently refused to apologise for his remark but urged the Supreme Court to stay his conviction in the criminal defamation case stemming from his comment, asserting he is not guilty. Purnesh Modi had filed the criminal defamation case in 2019 against Gandhi over his How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname? remark made during an election rally in Kolar in Karnataka on April 13, 2019. Unfortunate Events By Vijay phanshikar l New Delhi, August 3 (PTI): Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Thursday, came down heavily on the Congress party for accusing him of defending the Prime Minister, saying that he did not have to defend someone who had got global recognition and electoral mandates in 2014 and 2019. He also urged the members from the Treasury Benches to reach out to their Opposition counterparts and convince them not to walk out of the session. l New Delhi, August 3 (PTI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday skipped the House proceedings in the first half to express displeasure over disruptions and returned post-lunch only after several Opposition leaders met him and assured him that they would maintain the dignity of the Chair. BOTH these events have their own importance in understanding the overall conduct of the Opposition parties in Parliament. The two events highlight how the persons in the Chair in both Houses have often felt harassed by the irresponsible conduct of the Opposition members of Parliament causing indignity to the presiding officer. If Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar felt compelled to lambast Opposition leaders in the House for making uncalled for statements involving him and Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, then Lok Sabha Speaker Mr. Om Birla felt compelled to withdraw from chairing responsibility until MPs promised good conduct by them. Both the events, thus, indicate the low levels to which the Opposition behaviour has sunk over the past some years. In fact, ever since Mr. Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister nine-plus years ago, the Opposition has been behaving in such an uncouth manner -- unmindful of the seriousness of the business at hand in the two Houses of Parliament. Parliament has witnessed scenes of the presiding officers even shedding tears of grief over the misconduct of the Opposition MPs. The situation appears to have sunk so low that Speaker Mr. Om Birla felt pushed to the wall and chose to stay away from the proceedings until the Opposition members promised good conduct. Mr Birla has proved to be a truly good presiding officer. He has shown courage of conviction and act in total freedom from any pressure from the Government. He has also been seen as even castigating the members from the Treasury Benches. His non-partisan stance has earned Mr. Om Birla fans all over the world. Similar is the case of Vice President Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He has earned a reputation of a firm presiding officer who refuses to budge in front of the battery of Opposition MPs. He has not hesitated in suspending membership of unruly members for whatever length of time (which had happened recently). Both these men -- Mr. Om Birla and Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar have proved time and again that they have sound knowledge of law, rules and procedures and deep understanding of the politics of the day. Even though they admit to the merit of both the presiding officers, the Opposition members have not stopped misbehaving when the session is going on. The Opposition, however, does not care. But then a time does come when even the coolest presiding officer gets bogged down by continuing misconduct of the Opposition members in the House. That has happened on several occasions in the past nine years, and their intensity and frequency have increased in the second tenure of Mr Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. This is the actual difficulty -- which reflected itself in the two events mentioned earlier. Time again, it has been proved that Indias Opposition parties do not have a genuine interest in sorting out Parliamentary log-jams. Much to the contrary, their interest is in actually creating log-jams so that the parliamentary Houses are not able to conduct business. This has happened in almost every issue -- such as the farmers agitation or the anti-Citizenship Amendment Bill or now the Manipur chaos. The Opposition does not seem to behave in a serious non-partisan dialogue on issues of importance. Instead, the Opposition appears hell bent upon avoiding the dialogue. Therefore the presiding officer gets upset. Therefore he either blasts the Opposition members, like Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar did, or threatens to withdraw from the House pending an assurance of good behaviour, like Mr Om Birla did a couple of days ago. This does not go well with the nature and form and content of democracy. If a bi-partisan dialogue is an anathema to the Opposition parties, then they are only withdrawing from the democratic arrangement. Eventually, they will suffer at the hustings all right, which they have often done. But if they start conducting themselves with responsibility and dignity, they will held the democratic process more fully. Zion police are urging rideshare drivers to exercise caution after two Uber drivers were robbed at gunpoint within hours of one another recently. Police said they believe the crimes were likely committed by the same people. Advertisement Zion police said they were alerted to gunshots around 1:46 a.m. Tuesday in the Hebron/Galilee avenues area. According to police, responding officers found an Uber driver who had just been robbed at gunpoint by four offenders. Police said that shots were fired after the incident. No one was reported injured in the holdup, which police said took place in the 2400 block of Galilee. Advertisement Less than two hours later, at 3:36 a.m., Zion police received a report of a vehicular hijacking and robbery in the 2400 block of Gilboa Avenue. An Uber driver reported that she had been pulled from her vehicle by four people, who robbed her and drove away in her vehicle. Police said they located her vehicle not far from the reported site of the robbery. The driver was evaluated by paramedics, but was not transported to a hospital. Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to call Zion police at 847-872-8000, or Lake County Crimestoppers at 847-662-2222. Two honored by Gurnee police Gurnee Police Officer Phil Lewy was recently recognized as the Gurnee Police Department Officer of the Year, and Hector Borerro was named the departments Civilian Employee of the Year. Lewy and Borerro were nominated by their peers and supervisors. These two individuals have distinguished themselves through exceptional performance, the department said. Lewy, who has been a Gurnee police officer since 2018, is the firearms, defensive tactics and use of force instructor, and he mentors officers in the field training program. He serves as a homicide investigator for the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, and is a member of the regional bike response team. Advertisement In 2019, while off duty, he helped apprehend a person who was driving through Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg allegedly attempting to hit patrons. Lewy has been cited several times for bravery and service, including for his response during the 2022 Highland Park mass shooting. Borerro joined the Gurnee Police Department as a community services officer in 2022 and previously served as a security supervisor at Warren Township High School. Hector is always willing to help others and faces challenges presented to him, the Gurnee Police Department said. As a bilingual employee, he has spent numerous hours assisting investigators with translating evidence by listening to hours of audio conversations. In addition to being a helpful resource, his infectious personality has earned him praise for spreading positivity wherever he goes. Lake sheriff named to Medal of Honor Committee Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg was recently named to the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee. Lake County News-Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > The committee reviews nominations for the medal, which is awarded to officers who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty or have displayed exceptional heroism. Advertisement Our law enforcement officers regularly place themselves in the most dangerous of situations to keep the community safe, Idleburg said. It is incredibly important to recognize and highlight the bravery and heroism of our sheriffs deputies and police officers from across the state, and I am honored to be appointed to this prestigious committee. Lake County Sheriffs Deputy John Forlenza/K9 Dax, Deputy Ray Gilbert and Deputy Thomas Sieber were among the recipients of the medal of honor this year. Round Lake cracks down on speeding Round Lake police officers issued more than 60 citations during July as the Round Lake Police Department focused on getting drivers to slow down to save lives. During the traffic safety campaign, officers handed out 55 speeding citations, 10 for distracted driving and one for driving with a suspended license. The enhanced enforcement effort was part of a statewide campaign. We continue to urge residents and others traveling through our community to slow down and obey speed limits, Round Lake Police Chief Daniel Burch said. Decades of records belonging to Colorado students could be at risk following a massive data breach at the state's Department of Higher Education. Officials are continuing to investigate a cybersecurity ransomware incident that occurred between June 11 and June 19, exposing students names, social security numbers, student identification numbers and other education records, CDHE announced in a news release Friday. The department has already begun notifying potentially impacted individuals by mail or email to the extent CDHE has contact information." As the investigation continues, CDHE encourages potential victims to sign up for complimentary two-year credit monitoring and identity theft protection services through Experian. Specifics on this protection measure can be found at cdhe.colorado.gov/notice-of-data-incident. Enrollment for these services ends Nov. 30. The following groups are potentially at risk: Those who attended a public institution of higher education in Colorado between 2007-2020. Those who attended a Colorado public high school between 2004-2020. Those who held a Colorado K-12 public school educator license between 2010-2014. Those who participated in the Dependent Tuition Assistance Program from 2009-2013. Those who participated in Colorado Department of Educations Adult Education Initiatives programs between 2013-2017. Those who obtained a GED between 2007-2011. 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. CDHE is working with third-party specialists to investigate this breach. The department is also reviewing its policies and procedures and working to implement additional cybersecurity safeguards to further protect its systems, according to the news release. The department declined to comment on the incident . Those who fall into the at-risk groups should remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud and review account statements and monitor free credit reports to detect suspicious activity and errors. CDHE attributes the delay between the incident and notifying the greater public to "gathering information and following statute." "Since first learning of the incident, CDHE has been working diligently to gather information about the incident from its investigation and determine what information may have been affected. Based on such efforts, CDHE is providing notice, via email, letter, and its website, as soon as it is reasonably able to do so and consistent with Colorado law and the required timeframe," a spokesperson stated via email. For questions, CDHE has a hotline at 833-301-1346 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AXL Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 8.9% on Friday . The company traded as low as $8.33 and last traded at $8.36. Approximately 853,516 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 22% from the average daily volume of 1,090,030 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.18. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades AXL has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. StockNews.com upgraded shares of American Axle & Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, July 15th. Citigroup decreased their price target on American Axle & Manufacturing from $9.00 to $8.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, American Axle & Manufacturing presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $10.20. Get American Axle & Manufacturing alerts: American Axle & Manufacturing Stock Performance The business has a 50-day moving average of $8.29 and a 200 day moving average of $8.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.58, a current ratio of 1.67 and a quick ratio of 1.29. The company has a market cap of $957.22 million, a PE ratio of 17.46, a PEG ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 2.30. Institutional Investors Weigh In On American Axle & Manufacturing American Axle & Manufacturing ( NYSE:AXL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 5th. The auto parts company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.06) by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $1.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.48 billion. American Axle & Manufacturing had a net margin of 0.99% and a return on equity of 8.88%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.19 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. will post 0.38 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in AXL. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in American Axle & Manufacturing by 20.7% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 46,317 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $371,000 after acquiring an additional 7,940 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in American Axle & Manufacturing by 95.9% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 61,060 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $474,000 after purchasing an additional 29,891 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its stake in shares of American Axle & Manufacturing by 14.1% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 98,332 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $763,000 after buying an additional 12,124 shares during the last quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. purchased a new stake in shares of American Axle & Manufacturing in the first quarter worth approximately $466,000. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its stake in shares of American Axle & Manufacturing by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 105,521 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $843,000 after acquiring an additional 2,040 shares during the last quarter. 92.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About American Axle & Manufacturing (Get Free Report) American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, engineers, and manufactures driveline and metal forming technologies that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. It operates through Driveline and Metal Forming segments. The Driveline segment offers front and rear axles, driveshafts, differential assemblies, clutch modules, balance shaft systems, disconnecting driveline technology, and electric and hybrid driveline products and systems for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossover vehicles, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for American Axle & Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Axle & Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First National Financial (TSE:FN Free Report) had its target price raised by BMO Capital Markets from C$39.00 to C$43.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. BMO Capital Markets currently has a market perform rating on the stock. A number of other brokerages have also recently commented on FN. CIBC boosted their price objective on First National Financial from C$40.00 to C$44.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on First National Financial from C$40.00 to C$43.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Scotiabank lifted their target price on First National Financial from C$40.00 to C$43.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday. TD Securities lifted their target price on First National Financial from C$39.00 to C$42.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, National Bankshares lifted their target price on First National Financial from C$37.00 to C$39.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, First National Financial has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$42.33. Get First National Financial alerts: First National Financial Trading Up 2.0 % First National Financial stock traded up C$0.79 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching C$39.88. The stock had a trading volume of 18,069 shares, compared to its average volume of 24,324. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$38.25 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$38.51. The stock has a market capitalization of C$2.39 billion, a PE ratio of 13.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 1.07. First National Financial has a twelve month low of C$32.72 and a twelve month high of C$41.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6,274.23, a quick ratio of 10.11 and a current ratio of 9.60. First National Financial Announces Dividend First National Financial ( TSE:FN Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported C$1.47 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$1.13 by C$0.34. The company had revenue of C$256.66 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$229.70 million. First National Financial had a return on equity of 26.72% and a net margin of 26.95%. Analysts expect that First National Financial will post 3.0853375 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Monday, July 31st will be issued a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 28th. First National Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 81.36%. First National Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) First National Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, originates, underwrites, and services commercial and residential mortgages in Canada. The company operates in two segments, Residential and Commercial segments. It offers single-family and multi-unit residential, and commercial mortgages. Read More Receive News & Ratings for First National Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First National Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brf S.A. (NYSE:BRFS Get Free Report) shot up 8% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $2.15 and last traded at $2.15. 2,796,286 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 53% from the average session volume of 5,911,987 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.99. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on BRFS shares. StockNews.com upgraded shares of BRF from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered BRF from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on BRF in a research report on Friday. They set an overweight rating on the stock. Finally, Bank of America upgraded BRF from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $1.95. Get BRF alerts: BRF Trading Up 6.5 % The company has a current ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $1.87 and its 200-day moving average price is $1.54. Institutional Trading of BRF BRF ( NYSE:BRFS Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 15th. The company reported ($0.18) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by ($0.10). BRF had a negative return on equity of 24.10% and a negative net margin of 5.24%. The firm had revenue of $2.54 billion during the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Brf S.A. will post 1.4 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd lifted its stake in shares of BRF by 110.1% in the second quarter. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd now owns 16,983,355 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,268,000 after buying an additional 8,898,500 shares in the last quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. lifted its position in BRF by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 9,333,913 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,895,000 after acquiring an additional 72,611 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in BRF by 2,443.7% during the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,670,843 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,518,000 after purchasing an additional 5,447,910 shares during the last quarter. Herr Investment Group LLC increased its holdings in BRF by 958.7% during the 1st quarter. Herr Investment Group LLC now owns 5,293,585 shares of the companys stock worth $6,776,000 after purchasing an additional 4,793,585 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in shares of BRF by 132.8% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,190,782 shares of the companys stock worth $20,606,000 after purchasing an additional 2,961,528 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 10.78% of the companys stock. About BRF (Get Free Report) BRF SA engages in raising, producing, and slaughtering poultry and pork for processing, production, and sale of fresh meat, processed products, pasta, margarine, pet food, and other products. The company's product portfolio comprises meat products, including frozen whole and cut chicken, frozen pork, and turkey; processed food products, such as marinated, frozen, whole, and cut chicken, roosters, sausages, ham products, bologna, frankfurters, salamis, bacon, cold meats, other smoked products; and frozen processed meats comprising hamburgers, steaks, breaded meat products, kibbeh, and meatballs, as well as chicken sausages, chicken hot dogs, and chicken bologna. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BRF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BRF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Centerspace (NYSE:CSR Get Free Report) had its price objective upped by analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from $62.00 to $67.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, MarketBeat.com reports. The firm currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective indicates a potential upside of 4.56% from the stocks previous close. Several other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Colliers Securities raised Centerspace from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $70.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Raymond James raised shares of Centerspace from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday, May 26th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price target on shares of Centerspace from $66.00 to $62.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $70.80. Get Centerspace alerts: Centerspace Stock Performance NYSE CSR traded up $0.17 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $64.08. The companys stock had a trading volume of 41,038 shares, compared to its average volume of 77,211. The company has a current ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $62.08 and a 200 day simple moving average of $60.67. Centerspace has a 52 week low of $51.26 and a 52 week high of $90.00. The stock has a market cap of $958.00 million, a PE ratio of 29.18, a PEG ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.93. Institutional Trading of Centerspace Centerspace Company Profile Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its holdings in Centerspace by 6.0% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 181,246 shares of the companys stock worth $11,121,000 after buying an additional 10,208 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in Centerspace by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 10,959 shares of the companys stock worth $672,000 after buying an additional 427 shares during the period. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in Centerspace by 2.2% during the second quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 25,121 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,541,000 after buying an additional 541 shares in the last quarter. HighMark Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Centerspace by 316.3% in the second quarter. HighMark Wealth Management LLC now owns 637 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 484 shares during the period. Finally, Ulland Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Centerspace in the second quarter worth approximately $135,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.27% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Centerspace is an owner and operator of apartment communities committed to providing great homes by focusing on integrity and serving others. Founded in 1970, as of March 31, 2023, Centerspace owned interests in 75 apartment communities consisting of 13,497 apartment homes located in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Centerspace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centerspace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Chase (NYSEAMERICAN:CCF Free Report) in a research report released on Thursday. The firm issued a hold rating on the construction companys stock. Chase Stock Performance Chase stock traded down $0.43 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $125.82. 146,063 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 39,924. Chase has a one year low of $79.00 and a one year high of $135.27. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.20 billion, a PE ratio of 31.96 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a current ratio of 5.16, a quick ratio of 3.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $103.75. Get Chase alerts: Chase (NYSEAMERICAN:CCF Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 6th. The construction company reported $1.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $106.65 million during the quarter. Chase had a net margin of 9.59% and a return on equity of 11.94%. Insider Transactions at Chase Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chase In related news, CEO Adam Chase sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $116.89, for a total value of $175,335.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 186,745 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,828,623.05. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . Insiders have sold 4,500 shares of company stock valued at $528,255 in the last three months. 13.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Chase by 28.2% during the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 573 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $64,000 after acquiring an additional 126 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in shares of Chase by 151.4% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 636 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $67,000 after acquiring an additional 383 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE boosted its position in shares of Chase by 46.7% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 902 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $94,000 after acquiring an additional 287 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its position in shares of Chase by 57.4% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,089 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $114,000 after acquiring an additional 397 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Chase in the first quarter worth $205,000. 69.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Chase Company Profile (Get Free Report) Chase Corporation, a specialty chemicals company, engages in the manufacture and sale of protective materials for various applications in North America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Adhesives, Sealants and Additives; Industrial Tapes; and Corrosion Protection and Waterproofing. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Chase Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chase and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY Get Free Report) CEO Sumit Singh sold 434 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.62, for a total transaction of $14,157.08. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 97,624 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,184,494.88. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Sumit Singh also recently made the following trade(s): Get Chewy alerts: On Wednesday, June 14th, Sumit Singh sold 70,677 shares of Chewy stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $39.72, for a total transaction of $2,807,290.44. Chewy Price Performance Chewy stock traded down $0.29 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $32.48. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,666,006 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,194,146. The firms 50 day moving average is $36.51 and its 200 day moving average is $37.66. The company has a market cap of $13.88 billion, a PE ratio of 269.08 and a beta of 0.85. Chewy, Inc. has a 52-week low of $29.10 and a 52-week high of $52.88. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chewy Chewy ( NYSE:CHWY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 31st. The company reported $0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.04) by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $2.78 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.73 billion. Chewy had a return on equity of 39.90% and a net margin of 0.51%. As a group, analysts forecast that Chewy, Inc. will post -0.01 EPS for the current year. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Belpointe Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Chewy during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Quarry LP raised its stake in shares of Chewy by 120.2% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 874 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 477 shares in the last quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co purchased a new stake in shares of Chewy during the 1st quarter worth about $37,000. Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A. purchased a new stake in shares of Chewy during the 1st quarter worth about $37,000. Finally, CWM LLC raised its stake in shares of Chewy by 39.3% during the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,014 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 286 shares in the last quarter. 97.52% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CHWY has been the topic of several research reports. Raymond James raised shares of Chewy from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $36.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Chewy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $39.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Argus started coverage on shares of Chewy in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. They set a hold rating for the company. Guggenheim cut their target price on shares of Chewy from $50.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Gordon Haskett raised Chewy from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $40.00 target price on the stock in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Chewy presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $43.05. Chewy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Chewy, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the pure play e-commerce business in the United States. It provides pet food and treats, pet supplies and pet medications, and other pet-health products, as well as pet services for dogs, cats, fish, birds, small pets, horses, and reptiles through its retail Website www.chewy.com, as well as mobile applications. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Chewy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chewy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gates Industrial Corp PLC (NYSE:GTES Get Free Report)s share price gapped up before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $13.36, but opened at $13.95. Gates Industrial shares last traded at $13.28, with a volume of 304,244 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. VNET Group restated a maintains rating on shares of Gates Industrial in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Gates Industrial from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $14.50 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, June 20th. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on shares of Gates Industrial from $18.00 to $19.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Gates Industrial from $16.00 to $18.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on Gates Industrial from $15.00 to $14.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $15.35. Get Gates Industrial alerts: Gates Industrial Stock Down 1.6 % The stocks fifty day moving average price is $13.07 and its 200-day moving average price is $13.24. The company has a market capitalization of $3.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.58 and a beta of 1.57. The company has a quick ratio of 2.30, a current ratio of 3.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. Insider Buying and Selling Gates Industrial ( NYSE:GTES Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $0.23 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.22 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $897.70 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $907.10 million. Gates Industrial had a net margin of 6.08% and a return on equity of 8.86%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Gates Industrial Corp PLC will post 1.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In related news, Director Fredrik J. Eliasson purchased 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 25th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $11.57 per share, with a total value of $578,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 71,130 shares of the companys stock, valued at $822,974.10. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Fredrik J. Eliasson acquired 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 25th. The stock was bought at an average price of $11.57 per share, with a total value of $578,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 71,130 shares in the company, valued at approximately $822,974.10. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Blackstone Inc. sold 47,809,634 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.40, for a total transaction of $545,029,827.60. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 195,491 shares in the company, valued at $2,228,597.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its stake in Gates Industrial by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 28,644 shares of the companys stock valued at $398,000 after purchasing an additional 764 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio boosted its position in shares of Gates Industrial by 1.7% in the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 59,458 shares of the companys stock valued at $580,000 after acquiring an additional 1,010 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in shares of Gates Industrial by 6.7% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 16,784 shares of the companys stock valued at $234,000 after acquiring an additional 1,060 shares in the last quarter. Mariner LLC increased its position in Gates Industrial by 3.2% during the first quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 38,507 shares of the companys stock worth $580,000 after acquiring an additional 1,212 shares during the period. Finally, Prelude Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Gates Industrial by 7.4% in the 1st quarter. Prelude Capital Management LLC now owns 20,565 shares of the companys stock worth $310,000 after purchasing an additional 1,415 shares in the last quarter. Gates Industrial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Gates Industrial Corporation PLC designs and manufactures power transmission equipment. Its products serves harsh and hazardous industries such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing and energy, to everyday consumer applications such as printers, power washers, automatic doors and vacuum cleaners and virtually every form of transportation. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Gates Industrial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gates Industrial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) -A Ukrainian sea drone full of explosives struck a Russian fuel tanker overnight near a bridge linking Russia to annexed Crimea, the second such attack in 24 hours, both sides said on Saturday. No one was hurt, but the Crimean Bridge and ferry transport were suspended for several hours, according to Russian-installed officials in Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014. A Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters that the drone with 450 kg of explosives hit the SIG vessel as it transported fuel for the Russian military in Ukrainian territorial waters. "The tanker was well loaded with fuel, so the 'fireworks' were seen from afar," the source said, of the joint operation by Ukraine's navy and security service. Kyiv says destroying Russia's military infrastructure inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine is crucial to its counteroffensive after the February 2022 invasion. Another sea drone attack on Russia's navy base at Novorossiysk damaged a warship on Friday, the first time the Ukrainian navy had projected its power so far from its shores. And a Ukrainian government agency warned on Saturday that six Russian Black Sea ports - Anapa, Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Sochi, and Taman - were in "war risk area". Moscow has bombed Ukrainian ports since its withdrawal last month from a U.N.-brokered deal to let Ukraine export grain. FUEL FOR TROOPS The SIG tanker had been supplying oil to Russian troops in Syria, according to Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-appointed official in Ukraine's southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia. The United States imposed sanctions on the tanker and its owner, St. Petersburg-based Transpetrochart, in 2019 for helping provide jet fuel in Syria. Vasyl Malyuk, head of Ukraine's SBU security service, did not directly confirm the latest attack but said any incident with Russian ships or the Crimean bridge was "an absolutely logical and efficient step towards the enemy". "Moreover, such special operations are conducted in the territorial waters of Ukraine and are completely legal," Malyuk said on the Telegram messaging app. Russia's Novorossiysk Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was quoted by the RIA news agency as saying there was no fuel spill from the SIG, as the ship had been carrying only technical ballast. Recovery work was underway with two tugboats nearby. Rogov posted an audio clip on Telegram in which the SIG requested a tow. He also posted pictures of what he described as shattered fixtures and equipment inside the vessel. "The SIG tanker ... received a hole in the engine room near the waterline on the starboard side, preliminarily as a result of a sea drone attack," Russia's Federal Marine and River Transport agency said in a statement on Telegram. The Moscow-installed authorities in Crimea said the bridge, which was completed by Russia in 2018 and has come under serious attack twice in the war, was not targeted. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth, Lidia Kelly, Ron Popeski and Nick StarkovWriting by Lidia Kelly, Ron Popeski and Olena HarmashEditing by William Mallard, Andrew Cawthorne and Frances Kerry) Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DNA Get Free Report) insider Mark E. Dmytruk sold 46,519 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.07, for a total transaction of $96,294.33. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 499,959 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,034,915.13. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Ginkgo Bioworks Price Performance Ginkgo Bioworks stock remained flat at $2.04 during mid-day trading on Friday. 22,371,355 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 21,235,063. The stock has a market cap of $4.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.98 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a 50 day moving average of $1.94 and a 200 day moving average of $1.63. Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. has a one year low of $1.12 and a one year high of $4.91. Get Ginkgo Bioworks alerts: Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE:DNA Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported ($0.08) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.09) by $0.01. The company had revenue of $80.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $62.04 million. Ginkgo Bioworks had a negative net margin of 440.87% and a negative return on equity of 97.13%. On average, research analysts predict that Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. will post -0.32 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Institutional Trading of Ginkgo Bioworks A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. William Blair downgraded shares of Ginkgo Bioworks from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Ginkgo Bioworks from a neutral rating to a sell rating and cut their price objective for the company from $3.00 to $1.25 in a research report on Friday, June 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $4.05. Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. ARK Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Ginkgo Bioworks by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. ARK Investment Management LLC now owns 169,749,527 shares of the companys stock valued at $315,734,000 after buying an additional 4,992,542 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. raised its position in shares of Ginkgo Bioworks by 19.2% during the 2nd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 50,787,547 shares of the companys stock valued at $94,465,000 after buying an additional 8,190,952 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in shares of Ginkgo Bioworks by 7.7% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 50,664,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,383,000 after buying an additional 3,608,124 shares in the last quarter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. raised its position in shares of Ginkgo Bioworks by 13.5% during the 1st quarter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. now owns 42,596,595 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,802,000 after buying an additional 5,082,277 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Ginkgo Bioworks by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 14,707,508 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,560,000 after buying an additional 800,982 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.62% of the companys stock. Ginkgo Bioworks Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops platform for cell programming. Its platform is used to program cells to enable biological production of products, such as novel therapeutics, food ingredients, and chemicals derived from petroleum. The company serves various end markets, including specialty chemicals, agriculture, food, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ginkgo Bioworks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ginkgo Bioworks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Par Pacific (NYSE:PARR Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Thursday morning. Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of Par Pacific from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 13th. TD Cowen dropped their target price on shares of Par Pacific from $32.00 to $28.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 5th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Par Pacific currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $30.71. Get Par Pacific alerts: Par Pacific Trading Up 0.7 % Par Pacific stock traded up $0.21 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $32.23. The stock had a trading volume of 854,375 shares, compared to its average volume of 869,853. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $26.14 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $25.93. The firm has a market cap of $1.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 2.11. Par Pacific has a twelve month low of $14.42 and a twelve month high of $32.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.24 and a quick ratio of 0.65. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Par Pacific ( NYSE:PARR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported $2.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.91 by $0.34. The business had revenue of $1.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.54 billion. Par Pacific had a net margin of 9.65% and a return on equity of 108.48%. Equities analysts anticipate that Par Pacific will post 4.78 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PARR. Gladius Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of Par Pacific during the 4th quarter worth about $38,000. National Bank of Canada FI bought a new position in shares of Par Pacific during the 4th quarter worth about $58,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Par Pacific during the 1st quarter worth about $60,000. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Par Pacific by 53.3% during the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 5,181 shares of the companys stock worth $67,000 after purchasing an additional 1,801 shares during the period. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Par Pacific by 12.8% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 7,513 shares of the companys stock worth $98,000 after purchasing an additional 854 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 93.23% of the companys stock. About Par Pacific (Get Free Report) Par Pacific Holdings, Inc owns and operates energy and infrastructure businesses. The company operates through three segments: Refining, Retail, and Logistics. The Refining segment owns and operates three refineries that produces ultra-low sulfur diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, marine fuel, distillate, asphalt, low sulfur fuel oil, and other associated refined products primarily for consumption in Hawaii, Pacific Northwest, Wyoming, and South Dakota. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Par Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Par Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of Accenture (NYSE:ACN Free Report) from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report sent to investors on Thursday, MarketBeat.com reports. A number of other analysts also recently issued reports on ACN. Citigroup lifted their price target on Accenture from $306.00 to $358.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 14th. TD Cowen downgraded Accenture from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their price target for the company from $325.00 to $300.00 in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. Societe Generale lifted their price target on Accenture from $314.00 to $373.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 7th. Edward Jones upgraded Accenture from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 5th. Finally, StockNews.com cut Accenture from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $329.20. Get Accenture alerts: Accenture Stock Performance NYSE ACN traded down $5.13 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $312.00. The company had a trading volume of 2,132,607 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,436,117. Accenture has a 52 week low of $242.80 and a 52 week high of $327.93. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $311.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $287.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $207.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.81, a PEG ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 1.23. Accenture Announces Dividend Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, June 22nd. The information technology services provider reported $3.19 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.96 by $0.23. Accenture had a return on equity of 30.47% and a net margin of 11.28%. The business had revenue of $16.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.49 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.79 EPS. The firms revenue was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Accenture will post 11.59 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 13th will be paid a dividend of $1.12 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 12th. This represents a $4.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.44%. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.93%. Insider Activity In other news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 7,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $320.60, for a total transaction of $2,244,200.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 36,034 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,552,500.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total transaction of $1,653,750.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 21,958 shares in the company, valued at $6,916,770. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 7,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $320.60, for a total value of $2,244,200.00. Following the sale, the general counsel now owns 36,034 shares in the company, valued at $11,552,500.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 22,774 shares of company stock valued at $7,203,891. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Accenture Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. United Bank lifted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 6.3% during the first quarter. United Bank now owns 2,969 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,001,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Weitz Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 1.3% during the first quarter. Weitz Investment Management Inc. now owns 89,400 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $30,148,000 after purchasing an additional 1,168 shares in the last quarter. Fund Management at Engine No. 1 LLC bought a new position in shares of Accenture during the first quarter valued at $1,805,000. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 0.6% during the first quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. now owns 7,292 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,459,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 104.8% during the first quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 441,451 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $148,871,000 after purchasing an additional 225,943 shares in the last quarter. 73.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Accenture Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. See Also 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. Aflac (NYSE:AFL Free Report) had its target price lifted by Morgan Stanley from $71.00 to $74.00 in a research note published on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating on the financial services providers stock. Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Aflac in a research report on Tuesday, April 25th. They set an equal weight rating and a $73.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Aflac from $72.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Aflac from $73.00 to $69.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. VNET Group reissued a maintains rating on shares of Aflac in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Aflac from $79.00 to $86.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Aflac has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $74.70. Get Aflac alerts: Aflac Price Performance AFL stock opened at $76.85 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $69.77 and a 200-day moving average of $68.10. Aflac has a 12-month low of $56.03 and a 12-month high of $78.21. The company has a current ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The company has a market cap of $46.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.27, a PEG ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.94. Aflac Announces Dividend Insiders Place Their Bets The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 23rd will be paid a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 22nd. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.19%. Aflacs payout ratio is currently 22.46%. In other news, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.60, for a total transaction of $34,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 27,085 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,885,116. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, CFO Steven Kent Beaver sold 13,118 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.33, for a total transaction of $870,116.94. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 20,793 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,379,199.69. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.60, for a total transaction of $34,800.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 27,085 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,885,116. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 35,319 shares of company stock valued at $2,367,212. Company insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Aflac Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Johnson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Aflac during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Silicon Valley Capital Partners purchased a new stake in Aflac during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. CoreFirst Bank & Trust purchased a new stake in Aflac during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Aflac during the 1st quarter worth $26,000. Finally, Tilia Fiduciary Partners Inc. boosted its position in Aflac by 85.1% during the 2nd quarter. Tilia Fiduciary Partners Inc. now owns 372 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the period. 66.56% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Aflac Company Profile (Get Free Report) Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. It operates in two segments, Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Aflac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aflac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The basic materials company reported $2.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.91 by $0.07, Briefing.com reports. Air Products and Chemicals had a net margin of 16.58% and a return on equity of 16.96%. The company had revenue of $3.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.29 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.62 EPS. Air Products and Chemicalss quarterly revenue was down 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Air Products and Chemicals Stock Up 0.9 % APD traded up $2.61 during trading on Friday, hitting $284.43. 1,246,719 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 968,155. The company has a quick ratio of 1.81, a current ratio of 2.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The businesss 50 day moving average is $290.53 and its two-hundred day moving average is $288.47. Air Products and Chemicals has a fifty-two week low of $224.75 and a fifty-two week high of $328.56. The stock has a market cap of $63.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.81, a PEG ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.86. Get Air Products and Chemicals alerts: Air Products and Chemicals Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 13th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 2nd will be issued a dividend of $1.75 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 29th. This represents a $7.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.46%. Air Products and Chemicalss payout ratio is 71.57%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Cibc World Market Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 6.9% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 1,180 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $295,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC purchased a new stake in shares of Air Products and Chemicals in the first quarter valued at about $1,010,000. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 22.3% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 5,890 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,472,000 after purchasing an additional 1,075 shares during the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 4.4% in the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 105,875 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $26,459,000 after purchasing an additional 4,470 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its holdings in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 17.1% in the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 755 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $188,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.15% of the companys stock. A number of equities analysts recently commented on APD shares. Citigroup started coverage on shares of Air Products and Chemicals in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. They set a buy rating and a $317.00 price target on the stock. Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $322.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Air Products and Chemicals in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their target price on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $340.00 to $325.00 in a research report on Friday, May 12th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Air Products and Chemicals presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $317.33. Air Products and Chemicals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Air Products and Chemicals, Inc provides atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, equipment, and related services in the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, India, and internationally. The company produces atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon; process gases, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and syngas; specialty gases; and equipment for the production or processing of gases comprising air separation units and non-cryogenic generators for customers in various industries, including refining, chemical, manufacturing, electronics, magnetic resonance imaging, energy production, medical, food, and metals. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Air Products and Chemicals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Products and Chemicals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM Free Report) had its price target lifted by Argus from $91.00 to $95.00 in a research report released on Tuesday, MarketBeat reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. ADM has been the topic of a number of other research reports. StockNews.com raised Archer-Daniels-Midland from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. They set an outperform rating and a $100.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $87.00 to $85.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $98.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, Roth Mkm started coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research note on Thursday, June 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $92.00 price objective for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Archer-Daniels-Midland presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $99.27. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Archer-Daniels-Midland Price Performance ADM opened at $85.55 on Tuesday. Archer-Daniels-Midland has a 12-month low of $69.92 and a 12-month high of $98.28. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $77.42 and its 200-day simple moving average is $78.66. The company has a market capitalization of $45.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.42, a PEG ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.82. Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend Announcement Archer-Daniels-Midland ( NYSE:ADM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The company reported $1.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by $0.30. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a return on equity of 17.52% and a net margin of 4.14%. The business had revenue of $25.19 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.82 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.15 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Archer-Daniels-Midland will post 7.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 16th will be paid a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.10%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 15th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 24.03%. Insider Buying and Selling at Archer-Daniels-Midland In other Archer-Daniels-Midland news, insider Fruit Molly L. Strader sold 1,455 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.80, for a total value of $126,294.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 10,809 shares in the company, valued at $938,221.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. American International Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 20.5% in the second quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 172,981 shares of the companys stock worth $13,070,000 after purchasing an additional 29,409 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp raised its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 130.7% in the second quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 63,831 shares of the companys stock worth $4,823,000 after purchasing an additional 36,166 shares during the last quarter. Capital Wealth Planning LLC raised its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 7.7% in the second quarter. Capital Wealth Planning LLC now owns 32,490 shares of the companys stock worth $2,455,000 after purchasing an additional 2,315 shares during the last quarter. abrdn plc raised its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 4.8% in the second quarter. abrdn plc now owns 311,344 shares of the companys stock worth $23,525,000 after purchasing an additional 14,308 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Banque Pictet & Cie SA grew its holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 21.3% during the second quarter. Banque Pictet & Cie SA now owns 102,785 shares of the companys stock worth $7,766,000 after acquiring an additional 18,074 shares during the period. 78.13% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Archer-Daniels-Midland (Get Free Report) Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (OTCMKTS:AITX Get Free Report) and voxeljet (NYSE:VJET Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, analyst recommendations and earnings. Profitability This table compares Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions and voxeljets net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions N/A N/A N/A voxeljet -46.96% -38.77% -15.61% Insider and Institutional Ownership 0.1% of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 1.4% of voxeljet shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 24.5% of voxeljet 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. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions 0 0 0 0 N/A voxeljet 0 0 1 0 3.00 This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions and voxeljet, as reported by MarketBeat. voxeljet has a consensus target price of $4.00, suggesting a potential upside of 156.41%. Given voxeljets higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe voxeljet is more favorable than Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions and voxeljets gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and 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 45.00 voxeljet $29.33 million 0.49 -$11.87 million ($1.38) -1.13 Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions has higher earnings, but lower revenue than voxeljet. voxeljet is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary voxeljet beats Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (Get Free Report) 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 solar-powered trailer; ROSA-P; RADDOG; ROSS, a video management system;and ROAMEO, an unmanned ground vehicle. In addition, it offers RADGuard, a customer-facing software; SCOT Manager; RADSOC, a security operations center; RADPMC, a property management center; fire arm detection (FAD); and RAD Light My Way. 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 voxeljet (Get Free Report) voxeljet AG provides three-dimensional (3D) printers and on-demand parts services to industrial and commercial customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and the Americas. The company operates in two segments, Systems and Services. The Systems segment develops, manufactures, and sells 3D printers. This segment also offers consumables, including particulate materials, proprietary chemical binding agents, and spare parts, as well as maintenance contracts. The Services segment prints on-demand parts for its customers, as well as creates parts, molds, cores, and models based on designs produced using 3D computer-aided design software; and provides casting services. It serves automotive, aerospace, art and architecture, engineering, and consumer product end markets; foundries and suppliers; and universities and research institutes. The company was formerly known as Voxeljet Technology GmbH and changed its name to voxeljet AG in January 2004. voxeljet AG was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Friedberg, Germany. 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. Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Barclays from $179.00 to $200.00 in a research report released on Tuesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the technology companys stock. Other analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of Arista Networks from $166.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday. JMP Securities boosted their price objective on Arista Networks from $165.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. KeyCorp lifted their price target on shares of Arista Networks from $172.00 to $206.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. BNP Paribas started coverage on shares of Arista Networks in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. They set an outperform rating and a $210.00 price target for the company. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Arista Networks in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $193.50. Get Arista Networks alerts: Arista Networks Stock Up 1.0 % NYSE ANET opened at $179.60 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $55.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.20, a PEG ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.23. Arista Networks has a twelve month low of $98.20 and a twelve month high of $190.65. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $163.94 and its 200 day simple moving average is $151.94. Insider Transactions at Arista Networks Arista Networks ( NYSE:ANET Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The technology company reported $1.58 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $1.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.38 billion. Arista Networks had a return on equity of 32.78% and a net margin of 32.48%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 38.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.98 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Arista Networks will post 5.26 earnings per share for the current year. In other news, SVP Kenneth Duda sold 3,500 shares of Arista Networks stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $140.63, for a total value of $492,205.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 230,100 shares in the company, valued at $32,358,963. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, SVP Kenneth Duda sold 3,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $140.63, for a total transaction of $492,205.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 230,100 shares in the company, valued at approximately $32,358,963. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider John F. Mccool sold 996 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $161.34, for a total transaction of $160,694.64. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 72 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,616.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 180,656 shares of company stock valued at $29,904,773 over the last three months. Company insiders own 18.99% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Arista Networks Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ANET. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 36.6% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 261,360 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $31,716,000 after purchasing an additional 70,034 shares during the period. Lindbrook Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Arista Networks by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 3,097 shares of the technology companys stock worth $520,000 after acquiring an additional 188 shares during the period. Metis Global Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Arista Networks by 39.8% during the 4th quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 5,119 shares of the technology companys stock worth $621,000 after acquiring an additional 1,457 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich acquired a new stake in Arista Networks during the 4th quarter valued at $118,000. Finally, Quadrant Capital Group LLC lifted its holdings in Arista Networks by 51.4% during the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 2,352 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $285,000 after purchasing an additional 799 shares during the last quarter. 67.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Arista Networks Company Profile (Get Free Report) Arista Networks, Inc develops, markets, and sells cloud networking solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. The company's cloud networking solutions consist of extensible operating systems, a set of network applications, as well as gigabit Ethernet switching and routing platforms. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Arista Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arista Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (LON:BMV Get Free Report) shares fell 23.7% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.60 ($0.01) and last traded at GBX 0.73 ($0.01). 82,319,426 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 2,927% from the average session volume of 2,719,720 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.95 ($0.01). Bluebird Merchant Ventures Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of 5.35 million, a PE ratio of 215.00 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a current ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.48. The company has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 0.99 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 1.46. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and developing of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds interests in the Gubong project and Kochang project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Road Town, the British Virgin Islands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup cut shares of Axiata Group Berhad (OTCMKTS:AXXTF Free Report) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report issued on Thursday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Axiata Group Berhad Price Performance Axiata Group Berhad stock remained flat at $0.51 during mid-day trading on Thursday. Axiata Group Berhad has a 12 month low of $0.51 and a 12 month high of $0.51. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $0.60 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.64. Get Axiata Group Berhad alerts: Axiata Group Berhad Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Axiata Group Berhad, an investment holding company, provides telecommunications services. The company provides mobile services and other services, such as provision of interconnect services, sale of devices, pay television transmission, and broadband services; and telecommunication infrastructure and related services. Receive News & Ratings for Axiata Group Berhad Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Axiata Group Berhad and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (Reuters) - A 17-year-old male has been charged with murder as a hate crime in the stabbing death in New York City of a man who was dancing at a gas station when confronted by a group hurling anti-gay and anti-Black slurs, a police official said on Saturday. The death on July 29 of O'Shae Sibley, a 28-year-old professional dancer who was dancing to a Beyonce song when confronted by the suspect, outraged the LGBT community and prompted Beyonce and film director Spike Lee to pay tribute to him. Sibley was dancing with friends while refueling their car when they were approached by a group of males who demanded they stop dancing and made homophobic and anti-Black statements, New York Police Assistant Chief Joe Kenny told a news conference. Kenny said the suspect, who was not named, is a Brooklyn resident who surrendered to police on Friday. He was charged with murder as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon, Kenny said. The suspect is the only person that has been charged in the case, Kenny said. Beyonce wrote "Rest in Power O'Shae Sibley" on her website and Lee on Instagram said: "Deadly Hate Crime Here in Brooklyn. God Bless You Brother." (Reporting by Eric Beech in Washington; Editing by Alistair Bell) Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $1.81-$1.85 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $1.87. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Douglas Emmett also updated its FY23 guidance to $1.81-1.85 EPS. Douglas Emmett Price Performance Shares of DEI remained flat at $14.23 during trading hours on Friday. The stock had a trading volume of 2,743,786 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,053,667. Douglas Emmett has a 12 month low of $10.09 and a 12 month high of $22.98. The firm has a market cap of $2.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.49 and a beta of 0.99. The businesss fifty day moving average is $12.97 and its 200 day moving average is $13.26. The company has a quick ratio of 2.54, a current ratio of 2.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. Get Douglas Emmett alerts: Douglas Emmett Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 18th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 30th were issued a dividend of $0.19 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.34%. Douglas Emmetts dividend payout ratio is 230.31%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Insider Activity A number of analysts have commented on DEI shares. TheStreet lowered shares of Douglas Emmett from a c rating to a d+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. StockNews.com downgraded Douglas Emmett from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Raymond James lowered their price objective on Douglas Emmett from $17.00 to $16.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Douglas Emmett from $20.00 to $15.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Douglas Emmett currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $15.00. In related news, Director William E. Simon, Jr. bought 10,000 shares of Douglas Emmett stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 8th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $12.42 per share, with a total value of $124,200.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 91,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,130,220. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 14.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Toroso Investments LLC increased its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 14.1% during the first quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 18,656 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $230,000 after buying an additional 2,305 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its stake in Douglas Emmett by 13.3% during the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 378,533 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,674,000 after acquiring an additional 44,564 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in Douglas Emmett by 5.1% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,544,021 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $19,039,000 after acquiring an additional 74,352 shares during the period. Advisory Services Network LLC lifted its stake in Douglas Emmett by 94.7% in the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 3,695 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 1,797 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. boosted its holdings in Douglas Emmett by 400.1% in the 1st quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 56,908 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $701,000 after purchasing an additional 45,528 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.37% of the companys stock. Douglas Emmett Company Profile (Get Free Report) Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Douglas Emmett Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Douglas Emmett and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eagle Materials (NYSE:EXP Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Raymond James from $176.00 to $193.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the construction companys stock. A number of other brokerages have also recently commented on EXP. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Eagle Materials from $195.00 to $226.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Stephens raised their price target on Eagle Materials from $190.00 to $230.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. StockNews.com cut Eagle Materials from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Eagle Materials from $195.00 to $205.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. Finally, Loop Capital raised their price target on Eagle Materials from $160.00 to $181.00 in a report on Monday, May 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $198.40. Get Eagle Materials alerts: Eagle Materials Price Performance Shares of Eagle Materials stock opened at $188.10 on Tuesday. Eagle Materials has a one year low of $101.98 and a one year high of $194.05. The stocks fifty day moving average is $178.82 and its 200 day moving average is $157.55. The stock has a market cap of $6.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.35 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 1.36 and a current ratio of 2.68. Eagle Materials Dividend Announcement Eagle Materials ( NYSE:EXP Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The construction company reported $3.55 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.54 by $0.01. Eagle Materials had a return on equity of 40.68% and a net margin of 21.82%. The company had revenue of $601.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $603.11 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.82 EPS. Eagle Materialss revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Eagle Materials will post 13.89 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 16th were given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 15th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.53%. Eagle Materialss payout ratio is 7.63%. Insider Activity In other news, CEO Michael Haack sold 28,030 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $165.34, for a total transaction of $4,634,480.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 109,229 shares in the company, valued at $18,059,922.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Michael Haack sold 28,030 shares of Eagle Materials stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $165.34, for a total value of $4,634,480.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 109,229 shares in the company, valued at $18,059,922.86. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP William R. Devlin sold 4,914 shares of Eagle Materials stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.30, for a total value of $827,026.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 26,269 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,421,072.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 46,939 shares of company stock worth $7,804,980 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Eagle Materials by 7.8% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 75,965 shares of the construction companys stock worth $14,161,000 after acquiring an additional 5,505 shares in the last quarter. Atria Investments Inc purchased a new position in shares of Eagle Materials during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,026,000. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its position in shares of Eagle Materials by 2,550.6% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 2,041 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $221,000 after buying an additional 1,964 shares during the period. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Eagle Materials by 6.1% during the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 264,656 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $49,337,000 after buying an additional 15,255 shares during the period. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its position in shares of Eagle Materials by 11.7% during the second quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 5,283 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $985,000 after buying an additional 552 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.84% of the companys stock. Eagle Materials Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eagle Materials Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells heavy construction materials and light building materials in the United States. It operates in four segments: Cement, Concrete and Aggregates, Gypsum Wallboard, and Recycled Paperboard. The company engages in the mining of limestone for the manufacture, production, distribution, and sale of Portland cement; grinding and sale of slag; and mining of gypsum for the manufacture and sale of gypsum wallboards used to finish the interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Eagle Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eagle Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $67.69 and last traded at $67.73, with a volume of 676974 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $68.12. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently weighed in on ES. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Eversource Energy from $87.00 to $78.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on shares of Eversource Energy from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Mizuho cut their price target on shares of Eversource Energy from $79.00 to $73.00 in a research report on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com cut shares of Eversource Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Scotiabank raised shares of Eversource Energy from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and set a $91.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Thursday, June 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Eversource Energy has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $83.33. Get Eversource Energy alerts: Eversource Energy Stock Performance The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $71.06 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $75.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.21, a P/E/G ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 0.47. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eversource Energy Eversource Energy ( NYSE:ES Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $2.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.94 billion. Eversource Energy had a net margin of 9.28% and a return on equity of 9.79%. Eversource Energys revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.86 EPS. Analysts forecast that Eversource Energy will post 4.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Delta Asset Management LLC TN bought a new stake in shares of Eversource Energy in the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Lakewood Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Eversource Energy in the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Quarry LP boosted its holdings in shares of Eversource Energy by 275.0% in the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 315 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 231 shares during the last quarter. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eversource Energy in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Finally, New Hampshire Trust purchased a new position in shares of Eversource Energy in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.25% of the companys stock. About Eversource Energy (Get Free Report) Eversource Energy, a public utility holding company, engages in the energy delivery business. The company operates through Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution segments. It is involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity; solar power facilities; and distribution of natural gas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Eversource Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eversource Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com lowered shares of Franklin Street Properties (NYSE:FSP Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report sent to investors on Thursday. Separately, B. Riley decreased their target price on Franklin Street Properties from $3.50 to $2.50 in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. Get Franklin Street Properties alerts: Franklin Street Properties Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of NYSE:FSP traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $1.80. The stock had a trading volume of 492,992 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,456,743. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.60. The firm has a market cap of $186.17 million, a P/E ratio of 5.24 and a beta of 0.84. Franklin Street Properties has a 1 year low of $1.13 and a 1 year high of $3.43. The business has a 50 day moving average of $1.54. Franklin Street Properties Dividend Announcement Insiders Place Their Bets The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.01 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 20th. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.22%. Franklin Street Propertiess payout ratio is currently 50.00%. In related news, Director Brian N. Hansen acquired 50,000 shares of Franklin Street Properties stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 25th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $1.47 per share, with a total value of $73,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 968,066 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,423,057.02. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, Director Brian N. Hansen acquired 50,000 shares of Franklin Street Properties stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 25th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $1.47 per share, with a total value of $73,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 968,066 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,423,057.02. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Brian N. Hansen acquired 100,000 shares of Franklin Street Properties stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $1.48 per share, for a total transaction of $148,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 918,066 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,358,737.68. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 5.28% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of FSP. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Franklin Street Properties by 59.9% during the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 38,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $229,000 after buying an additional 14,509 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of Franklin Street Properties by 19.4% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,213,795 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,161,000 after buying an additional 197,433 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates grew its stake in shares of Franklin Street Properties by 19.2% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 42,322 shares of the companys stock valued at $250,000 after buying an additional 6,821 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Franklin Street Properties during the first quarter valued at approximately $152,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can grew its stake in shares of Franklin Street Properties by 284.6% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 113,314 shares of the companys stock valued at $665,000 after buying an additional 83,851 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.63% of the companys stock. About Franklin Street Properties (Get Free Report) Franklin Street Properties Corp., based in Wakefield, Massachusetts, is focused on infill and central business district (CBD) office properties in the U.S. Sunbelt and Mountain West, as well as select opportunistic markets. FSP seeks value-oriented investments with an eye towards long-term growth and appreciation, as well as current income. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Franklin Street Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin Street Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IGM Financial (OTCMKTS:IGIFF Free Report) had its price target cut by TD Securities from C$48.00 to C$46.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. IGIFF has been the topic of several other reports. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on shares of IGM Financial from C$50.00 to C$49.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of IGM Financial from C$46.00 to C$44.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Get IGM Financial alerts: IGM Financial Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS IGIFF remained flat at $28.43 during trading on Thursday. 6 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,613. IGM Financial has a 52 week low of $24.78 and a 52 week high of $33.21. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $30.24 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.22. IGM Financial Cuts Dividend IGM Financial Company Profile The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 31st. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a $0.4127 dividend. This represents a yield of 5.31%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 29th. IGM Financials payout ratio is 67.85%. (Get Free Report) IGM Financial Inc operates as a wealth and asset management company in Canada. It operates through Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Strategic Investments and Other segments. The company offers financial advisory services; and IG Living Plan that provides financial planning services, such as investment vehicles, insurance products, mortgage and banking solutions, and charitable giving program. Featured Articles 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. Macquarie Group Limited (ASX:MQG Get Free Report) insider Mike Roche purchased 700 shares of Macquarie Group stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 28th. The stock was bought at an average price of A$176.12 ($118.20) per share, with a total value of A$123,283.30 ($82,740.47). Macquarie Group Price Performance Get Macquarie Group alerts: Macquarie Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a Final dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 3rd. Investors of record on Monday, July 3rd were issued a dividend of $4.50 per share. This is a boost from Macquarie Groups previous Final dividend of $3.35. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Sunday, May 14th. This represents a yield of 2.59%. Macquarie Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 56.99%. Macquarie Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Macquarie Group Limited provides diversified financial services in Australia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through four segments: Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), Banking and Financial Services (BFS), Commodities and Global Markets (CGM), and Macquarie Capital. Receive News & Ratings for Macquarie Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Macquarie Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Consolidated Airlines Group (OTCMKTS:ICAGY Free Report) had its price objective increased by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 165 ($2.12) to GBX 200 ($2.57) in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on ICAGY. Barclays raised their price target on shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group from GBX 230 ($2.95) to GBX 245 ($3.15) in a research report on Monday. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group from GBX 180 ($2.31) to GBX 210 ($2.70) in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Peel Hunt raised shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, International Consolidated Airlines Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $154.96. Get International Consolidated Airlines Group alerts: International Consolidated Airlines Group Stock Up 1.0 % Shares of ICAGY traded up $0.04 on Thursday, hitting $4.19. 46,190 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 72,466. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.48, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $4.02 and a 200 day simple moving average of $3.84. International Consolidated Airlines Group has a one year low of $2.06 and a one year high of $4.38. About International Consolidated Airlines Group International Consolidated Airlines Group ( OTCMKTS:ICAGY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The transportation company reported ($0.10) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.13) by $0.03. The company had revenue of $6.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.47 billion. International Consolidated Airlines Group had a net margin of 7.63% and a return on equity of 309.85%. On average, equities analysts forecast that International Consolidated Airlines Group will post 0.75 EPS for the current year. (Get Free Report) International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of passenger and cargo transportation services in the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, the United States, and rest of the world. It also provides aircraft leasing, aircraft maintenance, tour operation, call centre, ground handling, trustee, storage and custody, and airport infrastructure development services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for International Consolidated Airlines Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Consolidated Airlines Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Koppers (NYSE:KOP Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.08 by $0.18, Briefing.com reports. Koppers had a return on equity of 23.76% and a net margin of 3.93%. The company had revenue of $577.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $531.00 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.97 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Koppers updated its FY23 guidance to $4.40 EPS and its FY 2023 guidance to $4.40-$4.40 EPS. Koppers Price Performance Shares of NYSE KOP traded up $0.46 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $38.86. 60,966 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 61,328. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.98, a current ratio of 2.43 and a quick ratio of 1.05. Koppers has a twelve month low of $20.11 and a twelve month high of $38.98. The company has a market cap of $809.45 million, a PE ratio of 9.96 and a beta of 1.87. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $34.34 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $33.68. Get Koppers alerts: Koppers Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Investors of record on Friday, August 25th will be issued a dividend of $0.06 per share. This represents a $0.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 24th. Kopperss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 6.15%. Insider Activity at Koppers Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other Koppers news, VP Joseph P. Dowd sold 15,265 shares of Koppers stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.42, for a total transaction of $479,626.30. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 37,688 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,184,156.96. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . In other Koppers news, SVP Leslie S. Hyde sold 4,096 shares of Koppers stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.56, for a total transaction of $157,941.76. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 50,386 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,942,884.16. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Also, VP Joseph P. Dowd sold 15,265 shares of Koppers stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.42, for a total value of $479,626.30. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 37,688 shares in the company, valued at $1,184,156.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 7.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its stake in shares of Koppers by 50.4% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,176 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 394 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its stake in shares of Koppers by 122.1% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,006 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 553 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Koppers in the 1st quarter valued at about $88,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky acquired a new position in shares of Koppers in the 3rd quarter valued at about $175,000. Finally, Engineers Gate Manager LP acquired a new position in shares of Koppers in the 3rd quarter valued at about $201,000. 88.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Koppers in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. TheStreet upgraded Koppers from a c rating to a b- rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, Barrington Research lifted their price target on Koppers from $40.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Friday. Koppers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Koppers Holdings Inc provides treated wood products, wood preservation chemicals, and carbon compounds in the United States, Australasia, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Railroad and Utility Products and Services (RUPS), Performance Chemicals (PC), and Carbon Materials and Chemicals (CMC).The RUPS segment procures and treats crossties, switch ties, and various types of lumber used for railroad bridges and crossings. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Koppers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Koppers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as $51.36 and last traded at $51.35, with a volume of 1120 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $46.70. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Citigroup raised shares of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, June 11th. Get Mitsubishi Heavy Industries alerts: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Trading Up 10.0 % The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $46.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $40.85. The company has a market capitalization of $17.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.77 and a beta of 0.61. About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ( OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported $1.44 earnings per share for the quarter. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries had a net margin of 3.13% and a return on equity of 7.51%. The business had revenue of $9.56 billion for the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. will post 4.15 EPS for the current fiscal year. (Get Free Report) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. manufactures and sells heavy machinery worldwide. It operates through Energy Systems; Plants & Infrastructure Systems; Logistics, Thermal & Drive Systems; and Aircraft, Defense & Space segments. The company offers thermal, renewable energy, nuclear power generation, and engine power plants; oil and gas production plants; lithium-ion battery products and fuel cells; civil aircrafts and engines, aviation equipment, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircrafts; and launch vehicles and services, rocket engines, reaction control systems, space stations, rocket launchers, rocket engine combustion test facilities, and electronic parts. Read More 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. Shares of MultiPlan Co. (NYSE:MPLN Get Free Report) dropped 6.9% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $1.80 and last traded at $1.82. Approximately 583,987 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 67% from the average daily volume of 1,768,230 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.95. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Barclays boosted their target price on shares of MultiPlan from $1.00 to $2.00 in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Get MultiPlan alerts: MultiPlan Stock Down 8.2 % The firms 50-day moving average price is $1.89 and its 200 day moving average price is $1.37. The firm has a market cap of $1.17 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.70 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a quick ratio of 2.38, a current ratio of 2.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.57. Institutional Investors Weigh In On MultiPlan MultiPlan ( NYSE:MPLN Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported ($0.06) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.05) by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $237.99 million for the quarter. MultiPlan had a negative return on equity of 8.99% and a negative net margin of 68.99%. Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in MultiPlan by 13.1% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 62,836 shares of the companys stock worth $133,000 after purchasing an additional 7,280 shares during the period. EA Series Trust acquired a new stake in MultiPlan in the 2nd quarter valued at about $835,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in MultiPlan by 27.9% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 430,758 shares of the companys stock valued at $456,000 after acquiring an additional 93,999 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its holdings in MultiPlan by 262.1% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 246,719 shares of the companys stock valued at $262,000 after acquiring an additional 178,591 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp lifted its holdings in MultiPlan by 2.2% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,465,496 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,913,000 after acquiring an additional 160,390 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.71% of the companys stock. About MultiPlan (Get Free Report) MultiPlan Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides data analytics and technology-enabled cost management, payment, and revenue integrity solutions to the healthcare industry in the United States. The company offers analytics-based services that reduce medical costs, through data-driven algorithms and insights that detect claims over-charges and negotiate or recommend reimbursement; and network-based services that provide contracted discounts with healthcare providers, as well as outsourced network development and management services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for MultiPlan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MultiPlan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH Free Report) had its price objective upped by Robert W. Baird from $436.00 to $465.00 in a research report released on Thursday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the industrial products companys stock. Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the company. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on Parker-Hannifin from $390.00 to $405.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Barclays boosted their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $400.00 to $425.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Bank of America boosted their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $395.00 to $435.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $380.00 to $425.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $383.00 to $446.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Parker-Hannifin has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $429.29. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Parker-Hannifin Stock Performance Shares of Parker-Hannifin stock traded down $4.03 during trading on Thursday, reaching $414.15. The companys stock had a trading volume of 941,120 shares, compared to its average volume of 887,076. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 1.25. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $378.15 and its 200-day moving average price is $347.23. The firm has a market cap of $53.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 1.52. Parker-Hannifin has a one year low of $235.69 and a one year high of $421.90. Insider Activity Parker-Hannifin ( NYSE:PH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The industrial products company reported $6.08 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.48 by $0.60. The business had revenue of $5.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.01 billion. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 29.14% and a net margin of 8.28%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 21.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $5.16 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Parker-Hannifin will post 20.91 earnings per share for the current year. In related news, VP William R. Bowman sold 2,403 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $357.65, for a total value of $859,432.95. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 11,152 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,988,512.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, VP William R. Bowman sold 2,403 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $357.65, for a total value of $859,432.95. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 11,152 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,988,512.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, VP Thomas C. Gentile sold 1,759 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $352.94, for a total transaction of $620,821.46. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 5,465 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,928,817.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 4,762 shares of company stock valued at $1,682,454 in the last 90 days. 1.37% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Parker-Hannifin A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PH. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin during the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI boosted its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 233.3% during the 1st quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI now owns 100 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 32.7% during the 4th quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 134 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin during the 4th quarter worth about $41,000. Finally, Money Concepts Capital Corp boosted its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 186.3% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 146 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.62% of the companys stock. Parker-Hannifin Company Profile (Get Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to monitor and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors, which control, transmit, and contain fluid; control solutions for extreme corrosion resistance, temperatures, pressures, and precise flow; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PrairieView Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 4.1% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 31,862 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 1,261 shares during the period. PrairieView Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $3,081,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Sandy Spring Bank raised its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Sandy Spring Bank now owns 590,190 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $57,071,000 after acquiring an additional 7,878 shares during the period. KFA Private Wealth Group LLC lifted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 18.2% in the 1st quarter. KFA Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 128,364 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $12,413,000 after buying an additional 19,790 shares during the last quarter. Modera Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 1,280.6% in the first quarter. Modera Wealth Management LLC now owns 486,041 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $47,000,000 after purchasing an additional 450,836 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 4.6% in the first quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 5,684,142 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $549,656,000 after acquiring an additional 249,705 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Assetmark Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 1.6% in the first quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 591,059 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $57,155,000 after acquiring an additional 9,411 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA IJR traded down $0.01 during trading on Friday, hitting $103.37. The company had a trading volume of 3,058,633 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,033,925. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 12 month low of $86.40 and a 12 month high of $108.24. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $99.62 and a 200 day simple moving average of $98.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $72.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Profile iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Proto Labs (NYSE:PRLB Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday. The industrial products company reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by $0.03, Briefing.com reports. Proto Labs had a negative net margin of 21.61% and a negative return on equity of 14.06%. The business had revenue of $122.30 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $123.88 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.09 EPS. The companys revenue was down 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. Proto Labs updated its Q3 2023 guidance to $0.26-$0.34 EPS. Proto Labs Trading Down 3.6 % Shares of Proto Labs stock traded down $1.16 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $30.63. 520,633 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 204,414. Proto Labs has a 52-week low of $22.04 and a 52-week high of $53.00. The company has a fifty day moving average of $34.00 and a 200-day moving average of $32.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $802.51 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -7.83 and a beta of 1.20. Get Proto Labs alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PRLB has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. StockNews.com raised Proto Labs from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Craig Hallum upgraded Proto Labs from a sell rating to a hold rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $26.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $37.67. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Proto Labs Company Profile A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in Proto Labs in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new stake in shares of Proto Labs during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. State of Wyoming raised its position in shares of Proto Labs by 40.0% in the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 1,505 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 430 shares during the period. UBS Group AG raised its position in shares of Proto Labs by 9.9% in the 2nd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,378 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $114,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the period. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its holdings in Proto Labs by 58.5% in the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,454 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $89,000 after acquiring an additional 906 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.70% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Proto Labs, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an e-commerce digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and on-demand production parts in the worldwide. The company offers injection molding; computer numerical control machining; three-dimensional (3D) printing, which include stereolithography, selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering, multi jet fusion, polyjet, and carbon DLS processes; and sheet metal fabrication products, including quick-turn and e-commerce-enabled custom sheet metal parts. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Proto Labs Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Proto Labs and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTCMKTS:RYCEY Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as $2.62 and last traded at $2.57, with a volume of 2878133 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $2.41. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from GBX 160 ($2.05) to GBX 210 ($2.70) in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from GBX 145 ($1.86) to GBX 156 ($2.00) in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. They issued an equal weight rating for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $140.25. Get Rolls-Royce Holdings plc alerts: Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Stock Performance The firm has a 50 day moving average of $1.94 and a 200-day moving average of $1.76. Institutional Trading of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in RYCEY. Atlas Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. FineMark National Bank & Trust purchased a new position in shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. SVB Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc by 52.6% during the 1st quarter. SVB Wealth LLC now owns 19,515 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 6,729 shares during the period. OLD National Bancorp IN purchased a new position in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the 1st quarter valued at $77,000. Finally, OLD Mission Capital LLC purchased a new position in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the 1st quarter valued at $385,000. (Get Free Report) 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. Featured Stories 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. Royal Bank of Canada restated their outperform rating on shares of DoubleVerify (NYSE:DV Free Report) in a report published on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $48.00 price target on the stock. Several other research firms have also recently commented on DV. KeyCorp increased their price target on DoubleVerify from $34.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday. JMP Securities cut their price target on DoubleVerify from $45.00 to $43.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on DoubleVerify from $36.00 to $45.00 in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Truist Financial lifted their target price on DoubleVerify from $38.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on DoubleVerify from $35.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $43.79. Get DoubleVerify alerts: DoubleVerify Price Performance NYSE DV traded down $0.59 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $33.40. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,711,332 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,513,479. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 111.03 and a beta of 0.89. DoubleVerify has a 1-year low of $20.38 and a 1-year high of $42.51. The companys 50-day moving average is $37.85 and its two-hundred day moving average is $31.37. Insider Buying and Selling at DoubleVerify DoubleVerify ( NYSE:DV Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The company reported $0.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.01. DoubleVerify had a return on equity of 6.12% and a net margin of 10.64%. The company had revenue of $133.74 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $133.39 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.06 EPS. DoubleVerifys quarterly revenue was up 21.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that DoubleVerify will post 0.36 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, Director Laura Desmond sold 11,003 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.08, for a total transaction of $297,961.24. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 179,071 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,849,242.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other DoubleVerify news, Director Laura Desmond sold 11,003 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.08, for a total value of $297,961.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 179,071 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,849,242.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Nicola T. Allais sold 9,231 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.71, for a total transaction of $348,101.01. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 59,674 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,250,306.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 140,955 shares of company stock worth $5,199,068. Insiders own 3.27% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On DoubleVerify A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DV. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its stake in shares of DoubleVerify by 14.6% in the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 2,387 shares of the companys stock worth $93,000 after acquiring an additional 304 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its position in shares of DoubleVerify by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 11,943 shares of the companys stock valued at $360,000 after acquiring an additional 372 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of DoubleVerify by 13.0% in the 4th quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 4,052 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,000 after acquiring an additional 467 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of DoubleVerify by 1.3% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 37,185 shares of the companys stock worth $817,000 after buying an additional 490 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC lifted its stake in shares of DoubleVerify by 14.0% during the 1st quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 4,564 shares of the companys stock worth $138,000 after buying an additional 562 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.42% of the companys stock. About DoubleVerify (Get Free Report) DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc provides a software platform for digital media measurement, and analytics in the United States and internationally. The company provides solutions to advertisers unbiased data analytics that enable advertisers to increase the effectiveness, quality and return on their digital advertising investments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for DoubleVerify Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DoubleVerify and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sigma Planning Corp lessened its holdings in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 11.3% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 194,632 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 24,759 shares during the quarter. Sigma Planning Corps holdings in Pfizer were worth $7,941,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. RB Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 6.7% in the first quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 5,446 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $282,000 after purchasing an additional 341 shares in the last quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 1.1% in the first quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 36,081 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,868,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. United Bank grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 0.6% in the first quarter. United Bank now owns 46,671 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,416,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares in the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 136.3% in the first quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 36,766 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,903,000 after purchasing an additional 21,209 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its position in Pfizer by 6.4% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 1,337,418 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $69,238,000 after acquiring an additional 79,887 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.80% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSE PFE traded up $0.03 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $35.04. The company had a trading volume of 25,737,647 shares, compared to its average volume of 24,510,441. The company has a market capitalization of $197.78 billion, a PE ratio of 9.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.11. Pfizer Inc. has a 1-year low of $34.65 and a 1-year high of $54.93. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $37.35 and its 200 day simple moving average is $39.79. Pfizer Announces Dividend Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.10. Pfizer had a return on equity of 28.55% and a net margin of 27.55%. The company had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.36 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.04 earnings per share. Pfizers quarterly revenue was down 54.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.34 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be paid a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 27th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 43.62%. Insider Buying and Selling at Pfizer In other news, Director Scott Gottlieb acquired 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were bought at an average price of $38.58 per share, with a total value of $38,580.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 6,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $231,480. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.05% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently weighed in on PFE. Bank of America lowered their price objective on Pfizer from $50.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com lowered Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, June 30th. Daiwa Capital Markets lowered Pfizer from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $38.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on Pfizer from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Pfizer from $40.00 to $38.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $46.35. Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HC Wainwright reiterated their buy rating on shares of Solitario Zinc (NYSEAMERICAN:XPL Free Report) (TSE:SLR) in a report published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a $0.90 price target on the basic materials companys stock. Solitario Zinc Trading Down 3.0 % Shares of Solitario Zinc stock traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $0.59. The company had a trading volume of 38,683 shares, compared to its average volume of 61,970. The stock has a market cap of $38.03 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -8.39 and a beta of 1.26. Solitario Zinc has a twelve month low of $0.46 and a twelve month high of $0.77. Get Solitario Zinc alerts: Solitario Zinc (NYSEAMERICAN:XPL Get Free Report) (TSE:SLR) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 9th. The basic materials company reported ($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. On average, analysts forecast that Solitario Zinc will post -0.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Solitario Zinc Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Aegis Financial Corp acquired a new stake in Solitario Zinc during the 4th quarter worth approximately $390,000. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Solitario Zinc by 36.6% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,973,804 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,666,000 after purchasing an additional 529,335 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its position in Solitario Zinc by 235.2% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 99,761 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $84,000 after buying an additional 70,000 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in Solitario Zinc by 410.8% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 59,186 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 47,600 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in Solitario Zinc during the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 12.68% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Solitario Zinc Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition and exploration of zinc and other base metal properties in North and South America. The company holds a 50% operating interest in the Lik zinc-lead-silver property located in Northwest Alaska; 39% interest in the Florida Canyon zinc project located in northern Peru; and 85% interest in the Chambara exploration project located in Peru. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Solitario Zinc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Solitario Zinc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE:SPR Free Report) had its price target trimmed by Susquehanna from $37.00 to $32.00 in a report released on Thursday, MarketBeat.com reports. The firm currently has a positive rating on the aerospace companys stock. SPR has been the subject of several other research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their target price on Spirit AeroSystems from $38.00 to $29.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on Spirit AeroSystems from $36.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Benchmark raised Spirit AeroSystems from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $45.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. StockNews.com lowered Spirit AeroSystems from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Spirit AeroSystems from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $45.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $32.43. Get Spirit AeroSystems alerts: Spirit AeroSystems Stock Performance SPR traded down $0.01 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $22.34. The stock had a trading volume of 5,377,709 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,651,749. The company has a market cap of $2.35 billion, a P/E ratio of -2.73 and a beta of 1.64. The business has a fifty day moving average of $28.92 and a 200 day moving average of $30.67. Spirit AeroSystems has a 1 year low of $20.60 and a 1 year high of $38.55. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Spirit AeroSystems Spirit AeroSystems ( NYSE:SPR Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The aerospace company reported ($1.46) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.79) by ($0.67). The firm had revenue of $1.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.31 billion. Spirit AeroSystems had a negative return on equity of 365.67% and a negative net margin of 15.91%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned ($1.21) EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Spirit AeroSystems will post -1.96 earnings per share for the current year. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SPR. Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Spirit AeroSystems during the first quarter valued at $576,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. bought a new stake in Spirit AeroSystems in the 1st quarter worth about $772,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Spirit AeroSystems in the 1st quarter worth about $169,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Spirit AeroSystems in the 1st quarter worth about $200,000. Finally, BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Spirit AeroSystems by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,332,086 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $260,687,000 after buying an additional 205,899 shares in the last quarter. 89.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Spirit AeroSystems Company Profile (Get Free Report) Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc engages in the design, engineering, manufacture, and marketing of commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates through three segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment offers forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems, nacelles, struts/pylons, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, flaps and slats flight control surfaces, wing structures, and fully functional and tested wing systems. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Spirit AeroSystems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spirit AeroSystems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Glatfelter (NYSE:GLT Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a note issued to investors on Friday. Glatfelter Stock Performance Shares of NYSE GLT traded down $0.30 during trading on Friday, reaching $2.35. 627,034 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 426,307. The stock has a market cap of $105.59 million, a P/E ratio of -1.06 and a beta of 1.72. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $3.17 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.49. The company has a current ratio of 2.21, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.73. Glatfelter has a 12-month low of $2.08 and a 12-month high of $5.90. Get Glatfelter alerts: Glatfelter (NYSE:GLT Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The basic materials company reported ($0.13) EPS for the quarter. Glatfelter had a negative return on equity of 5.59% and a negative net margin of 6.69%. The company had revenue of $378.21 million for the quarter. Insider Activity Hedge Funds Weigh In On Glatfelter In other news, Director Kevin Michael Fogarty purchased 33,422 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $3.63 per share, with a total value of $121,321.86. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 150,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $544,500. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Insiders own 2.59% of the companys stock. A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of GLT. American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in Glatfelter by 35.9% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 122,864 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,521,000 after acquiring an additional 32,486 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. grew its position in shares of Glatfelter by 6.6% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 43,512 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $538,000 after purchasing an additional 2,692 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in shares of Glatfelter by 8.9% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 52,236 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $692,000 after purchasing an additional 4,261 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Glatfelter by 56.4% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 23,331 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $289,000 after purchasing an additional 8,417 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its stake in Glatfelter by 14.1% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 38,385 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $475,000 after buying an additional 4,733 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.89% of the companys stock. About Glatfelter (Get Free Report) Glatfelter Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered materials worldwide. It operates through three segments: Composite Fibers, Airlaid Materials, and Spunlace. The Composite Fibers segment offers food and beverage filtration materials for single-serve coffee and tea products; wallcover base materials for wallpaper manufacturers; metallized products that are used in labels, packaging liners, gift wraps, and other consumer product applications; composite laminates consisting of decorative laminates for use in furniture, household and commercial flooring, and other applications; and specialty engineered products, which are used in electrical energy storage, home, hygiene, and other engineered fiber-based applications. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Glatfelter Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Glatfelter and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telsey Advisory Group restated their outperform rating on shares of Warby Parker (NYSE:WRBY Free Report) in a research note released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Telsey Advisory Group currently has a $19.00 price objective on the stock. WRBY has been the topic of several other reports. JMP Securities started coverage on shares of Warby Parker in a research note on Wednesday, May 24th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Robert W. Baird reduced their target price on shares of Warby Parker from $20.00 to $18.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. Finally, William Blair assumed coverage on shares of Warby Parker in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. They set a market perform rating on the stock. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $17.63. Get Warby Parker alerts: Warby Parker Trading Up 0.3 % NYSE:WRBY opened at $14.91 on Wednesday. Warby Parker has a 1-year low of $9.50 and a 1-year high of $18.99. The companys fifty day moving average price is $12.72 and its 200-day moving average price is $12.52. Insiders Place Their Bets Warby Parker ( NYSE:WRBY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported ($0.09) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.05) by ($0.04). Warby Parker had a negative net margin of 14.11% and a negative return on equity of 25.89%. The firm had revenue of $171.97 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $166.24 million. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Warby Parker will post -0.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Warby Parker news, major shareholder Durable Capital Partners Lp sold 24,151 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.91, for a total transaction of $287,638.41. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 10,093,098 shares in the company, valued at approximately $120,208,797.18. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, CEO David Abraham Gilboa sold 5,043 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.69, for a total transaction of $58,952.67. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 235 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,747.15. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, major shareholder Durable Capital Partners Lp sold 24,151 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.91, for a total transaction of $287,638.41. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 10,093,098 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $120,208,797.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 364,352 shares of company stock worth $4,379,630 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 26.91% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Warby Parker Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. American National Bank purchased a new stake in Warby Parker in the 1st quarter valued at $30,000. Quarry LP grew its stake in shares of Warby Parker by 1,434.1% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 3,421 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 3,198 shares during the period. Point72 Middle East FZE acquired a new position in shares of Warby Parker during the 4th quarter worth $37,000. Aquire Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Warby Parker during the 1st quarter worth $85,000. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank acquired a new position in shares of Warby Parker during the 2nd quarter worth $88,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.60% of the companys stock. About Warby Parker (Get Free Report) Warby Parker Inc provides eyewear products. The company offers eyeglasses, sunglasses, light-responsive lenses, blue-light-filtering lenses, and contact lenses. It also provides accessories, such as cases, lenses kit with anti-fog spray, pouches, and anti-fog lens spray through its retail stores, website, and mobile apps. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Warby Parker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Warby Parker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against a Jim Crow-era voting restriction law Friday that prohibits felons from voting. Judges voted 2-1 against Section 241 of the state's constitution, which was created with racist intent in 1890. It specifies that those who are convicted of murder, rape, bribery, theft, arson, obtaining money or goods under false pretense, perjury, forgery, embezzlement, or bigamy no longer have the right to vote. SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATE: DIRECT PAYMENT WORTH UP TO $4,555 GOES OUT TO MILLIONS IN FIVE DAYS Judge Jame Dennis cited data that showed that out of 29,000 Mississippians convicted of disqualifying offenses who had also completed their sentences between 1994 and 2017, 58% were black. Previously, the same court cited an amendment from 1968 that removed all "discriminatory taint." Another amendment from 1950 removed "burglary" from the list. Roy Harness and Kamal Karriem are black men who were convicted of forgery and embezzlement and lost their rights to vote as a result. They filed their lawsuit in 2018, alleging that the law violated the U.S. Constitution's Eighth Amendment, which bars cruel and unusual punishments. "This is a major victory for Mississippians who have completed their sentences and deserve to participate fully in our political process," Harness and Karriem's lawyer, Jonathan Youngwood, said. Republican state Attorney General Lynn Fitch plans to appeal the decision. 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. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Mississippi is one of nine states that implements lifelong voting bans for convicted felons. Other states with similar ramifications include Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Additionally, Maryland and Missouri have similar bans for those convicted of specific election crimes. Another 35 states prohibit the implementation of such a ban. Washington D.C., Maine, and Vermont permit felons to vote from prison before their sentence is complete. Original Location: Appeals court rules against Mississippi Jim Crow-era voting restrictions for felons Washington Examiner Videos DAGCO Inc. reduced its holdings in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 2.5% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 22,521 shares of the companys stock after selling 573 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble makes up 1.8% of DAGCO Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest holding. DAGCO Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $3,288,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. C2P Capital Advisory Group LLC d.b.a. Prosperity Capital Advisors grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. C2P Capital Advisory Group LLC d.b.a. Prosperity Capital Advisors now owns 3,431 shares of the companys stock valued at $510,000 after buying an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. KFA Private Wealth Group LLC raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 45.0% in the first quarter. KFA Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 3,153 shares of the companys stock valued at $469,000 after purchasing an additional 978 shares during the period. Alphinity Investment Management Pty Ltd raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 28.7% in the first quarter. Alphinity Investment Management Pty Ltd now owns 11,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,636,000 after purchasing an additional 2,451 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp grew its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.3% during the first quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 1,519,624 shares of the companys stock valued at $225,953,000 after acquiring an additional 18,998 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citizens & Northern Corp grew its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 0.4% during the first quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp now owns 19,255 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,863,000 after acquiring an additional 83 shares in the last quarter. 64.65% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have weighed in on PG. Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $171.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $155.00 to $161.00 in a report on Monday. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $174.00 price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $165.00 to $167.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $164.82. Insider Transactions at Procter & Gamble In related news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 33,022 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.26, for a total transaction of $5,160,017.72. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 888 shares in the company, valued at $138,758.88. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 8,387 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.87, for a total value of $1,315,668.69. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 962 shares in the company, valued at approximately $150,908.94. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 33,022 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.26, for a total transaction of $5,160,017.72. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 888 shares in the company, valued at approximately $138,758.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock. Procter & Gamble Stock Performance PG traded down $1.45 during trading on Friday, hitting $155.55. 2,796,911 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,484,906. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $149.52 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $147.45. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 1-year low of $122.18 and a 1-year high of $158.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $366.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.67, a PEG ratio of 3.89 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, July 28th. The company reported $1.37 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by $0.05. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.73% and a net margin of 17.87%. The company had revenue of $20.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.01 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.21 earnings per share. Procter & Gambles quarterly revenue was up 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.39 earnings per share for the current year. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, July 21st will be given a $0.9407 dividend. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.42%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 20th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is currently 63.73%. Procter & Gamble Profile (Free Report) The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KFA Private Wealth Group LLC increased its holdings in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 45.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,153 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 978 shares during the period. KFA Private Wealth Group LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $469,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Alphinity Investment Management Pty Ltd increased its position in Procter & Gamble by 28.7% in the 1st quarter. Alphinity Investment Management Pty Ltd now owns 11,000 shares of the companys stock worth $1,636,000 after purchasing an additional 2,451 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 1,519,624 shares of the companys stock valued at $225,953,000 after buying an additional 18,998 shares during the last quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp now owns 19,255 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,863,000 after buying an additional 83 shares during the last quarter. Mattern Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 45.4% in the 1st quarter. Mattern Wealth Management LLC now owns 17,346 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,579,000 after buying an additional 5,414 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mitchell & Pahl Private Wealth LLC grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Mitchell & Pahl Private Wealth LLC now owns 18,831 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,800,000 after buying an additional 160 shares during the last quarter. 64.65% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have commented on the company. UBS Group raised their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Procter & Gamble from $171.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Truist Financial downgraded Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the stock from $165.00 to $155.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Procter & Gamble from $164.00 to $172.00 in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $164.82. Procter & Gamble Trading Down 1.0 % Shares of PG stock traded down $1.52 on Friday, reaching $155.48. 2,750,978 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,484,136. The stock has a market cap of $366.46 billion, a PE ratio of 26.67, a P/E/G ratio of 3.89 and a beta of 0.42. The Procter & Gamble Company has a one year low of $122.18 and a one year high of $158.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.63 and a quick ratio of 0.44. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $149.52 and a 200 day moving average price of $147.45. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 28th. The company reported $1.37 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $20.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.01 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.73% and a net margin of 17.87%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.21 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement The business 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 $0.9407 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 20th. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.42%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is presently 63.73%. Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble In other Procter & Gamble news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 33,022 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.26, for a total value of $5,160,017.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 888 shares of the companys stock, valued at $138,758.88. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Procter & Gamble news, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 8,387 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.87, for a total transaction of $1,315,668.69. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 962 shares in the company, valued at approximately $150,908.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 33,022 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.26, for a total value of $5,160,017.72. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 888 shares in the company, valued at approximately $138,758.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.26% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Procter & Gamble Profile (Free Report) The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the thirteen brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $196.08. Several research firms have recently issued reports on TRV. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $188.00 to $191.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $208.00 to $176.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from C$183.00 to C$185.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. StockNews.com cut shares of Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, June 19th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $185.00 price objective on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Insider Activity at Travelers Companies In related news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.05, for a total transaction of $1,750,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 14,080 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,464,704. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Travelers Companies Travelers Companies Stock Performance A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 8.7% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 8,874 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,541,000 after purchasing an additional 707 shares in the last quarter. American International Group Inc. raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 75,605 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $13,130,000 after purchasing an additional 545 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 43.8% in the 2nd quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 63,112 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $10,960,000 after purchasing an additional 19,212 shares in the last quarter. Aviance Capital Partners LLC raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter. Aviance Capital Partners LLC now owns 33,727 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $5,857,000 after purchasing an additional 2,623 shares in the last quarter. Finally, abrdn plc raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 9.4% in the 2nd quarter. abrdn plc now owns 259,400 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $45,047,000 after purchasing an additional 22,289 shares in the last quarter. 81.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. NYSE TRV opened at $168.65 on Monday. The companys 50 day moving average is $172.72 and its 200-day moving average is $177.01. Travelers Companies has a 12-month low of $149.65 and a 12-month high of $194.51. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The firm has a market cap of $38.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.59. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The insurance provider reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.05 by ($1.99). Travelers Companies had a net margin of 5.77% and a return on equity of 10.75%. The business had revenue of $10.10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.97 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.57 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Travelers Companies will post 12.16 earnings per share for the current year. Travelers Companies announced that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Wednesday, April 19th that permits the company to buyback $5.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the insurance provider to repurchase up to 12.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are often a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be issued a dividend of $1.00 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.37%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 42.60%. Travelers Companies Company Profile (Get Free Report The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Free Report) (TSE:TRI) had its price objective upped by Morgan Stanley from $125.00 to $135.00 in a research note published on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the business services providers stock. Several other equities analysts also recently weighed in on TRI. BNP Paribas raised Thomson Reuters from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and boosted their target price for the company from $100.00 to $115.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. Canaccord Genuity Group downgraded Thomson Reuters from a buy rating to a hold rating and boosted their target price for the company from $124.00 to $131.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. National Bank Financial downgraded Thomson Reuters from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday. Royal Bank of Canada cut Thomson Reuters from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $135.00 to $139.00 in a report on Thursday. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Thomson Reuters in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $148.62. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Thomson Reuters Price Performance NYSE:TRI traded up $0.29 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $131.37. The stock had a trading volume of 342,823 shares, compared to its average volume of 445,362. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 0.91. Thomson Reuters has a 52 week low of $97.59 and a 52 week high of $138.85. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $130.26 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $126.31. The stock has a market capitalization of $59.65 billion, a PE ratio of 28.28, a PEG ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 0.57. Thomson Reuters Increases Dividend Thomson Reuters ( NYSE:TRI Get Free Report ) (TSE:TRI) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The business services provider reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $1.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.66 billion. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 11.66% and a net margin of 32.12%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Thomson Reuters will post 3.38 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 17th will be given a dividend of $0.49 per share. This is a positive change from Thomson Reuterss previous quarterly dividend of $0.36. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.49%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 16th. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio is currently 43.67%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Belpointe Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 134.9% during the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 195 shares of the business services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares during the period. Destiny Wealth Partners LLC lifted its stake in Thomson Reuters by 51.3% during the 4th quarter. Destiny Wealth Partners LLC now owns 286 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 97 shares during the period. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in Thomson Reuters during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Advisory Services Network LLC lifted its stake in Thomson Reuters by 209.6% during the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 353 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 239 shares during the period. Finally, Pinebridge Investments L.P. acquired a new stake in Thomson Reuters during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $57,000. 17.04% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Thomson Reuters (Get Free Report) Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT Free Report) had its price target raised by Citigroup from $218.00 to $237.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Several other brokerages have also recently commented on TT. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on Trane Technologies from $184.00 to $183.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $210.00 price target on shares of Trane Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Barclays boosted their price target on Trane Technologies from $201.00 to $210.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on Trane Technologies from $200.00 to $192.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, 888 reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Trane Technologies in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $194.81. Get Trane Technologies alerts: Trane Technologies Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of TT traded down $1.06 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $204.19. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,088,182 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,441,326. The firm has a market cap of $46.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.31, a P/E/G ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.02. Trane Technologies has a 1-year low of $139.07 and a 1-year high of $208.66. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The company has a 50 day moving average of $187.16 and a two-hundred day moving average of $182.28. Trane Technologies Announces Dividend Trane Technologies ( NYSE:TT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $2.68 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.56 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $4.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. Trane Technologies had a return on equity of 31.57% and a net margin of 11.18%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.16 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Trane Technologies will post 8.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a $0.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.47%. Trane Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 36.99%. Insider Activity In related news, EVP Paul A. Camuti sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $196.00, for a total value of $980,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 89,409 shares in the company, valued at $17,524,164. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Paul A. Camuti sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $196.00, for a total value of $980,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 89,409 shares in the company, valued at $17,524,164. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CAO Mark Majocha sold 2,202 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $194.28, for a total value of $427,804.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 3,797 shares of the companys stock, valued at $737,681.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 11,166 shares of company stock valued at $2,192,677. 0.39% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its stake in Trane Technologies by 2.8% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,967 shares of the companys stock worth $376,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. Sandy Spring Bank grew its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies by 6.8% during the second quarter. Sandy Spring Bank now owns 11,300 shares of the companys stock worth $2,161,000 after purchasing an additional 724 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp grew its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies by 130.7% during the second quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 26,726 shares of the companys stock worth $5,112,000 after purchasing an additional 15,142 shares during the last quarter. Atlas Private Wealth Advisors grew its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies by 100.0% during the second quarter. Atlas Private Wealth Advisors now owns 4,004 shares of the companys stock worth $766,000 after purchasing an additional 2,002 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Banque Pictet & Cie SA bought a new stake in shares of Trane Technologies during the second quarter worth $2,518,000. 81.23% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Trane Technologies (Get Free Report) Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Trane Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trane Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Free Report) had its target price boosted by Morgan Stanley from $50.00 to $52.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has an equal weight rating on the financial services providers stock. Several other equities analysts also recently commented on UNM. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on shares of Unum Group from $51.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on shares of Unum Group in a research note on Tuesday, April 25th. They issued an overweight rating and a $57.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Unum Group in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Unum Group from $46.00 to $52.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.90. Get Unum Group alerts: Unum Group Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of Unum Group stock opened at $50.32 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.84 billion, a PE ratio of 6.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.08. Unum Group has a twelve month low of $35.28 and a twelve month high of $51.15. The firms 50-day moving average price is $47.09 and its 200 day moving average price is $43.65. The company has a current ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Unum Group Increases Dividend Unum Group ( NYSE:UNM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The financial services provider reported $2.06 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.19. Unum Group had a net margin of 11.90% and a return on equity of 15.10%. The business had revenue of $3.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.07 billion. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Unum Group will post 7.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be given a dividend of $0.365 per share. This is a positive change from Unum Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. This represents a $1.46 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.90%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 27th. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 20.25%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Unum Group news, EVP Timothy Gerald Arnold sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.49, for a total transaction of $222,450.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 102,053 shares in the company, valued at $4,540,337.97. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Unum Group news, EVP Timothy Gerald Arnold sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.49, for a total value of $222,450.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 102,053 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,540,337.97. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Walter Lynn Rice, Jr. sold 2,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.71, for a total transaction of $125,188.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,119 shares in the company, valued at approximately $318,290.49. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 37,988 shares of company stock worth $1,726,569. 0.94% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unum Group Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Unum Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Financial Management Professionals Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Unum Group by 2,262.1% during the second quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 685 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 656 shares during the period. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Unum Group by 228.8% during the second quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 743 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 517 shares during the period. Ahrens Investment Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Unum Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Finally, CVA Family Office LLC lifted its stake in shares of Unum Group by 37.8% during the second quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 1,075 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $51,000 after buying an additional 295 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.94% of the companys stock. Unum Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block and Corporate segments. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gordon Haskett upgraded shares of Wayfair (NYSE:W Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Thursday, MarketBeat reports. Gordon Haskett currently has $110.00 price objective on the stock, up from their previous price objective of $65.00. Several other analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Wedbush upped their price objective on shares of Wayfair from $50.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on Wayfair from $60.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on Wayfair from $53.00 to $56.00 in a report on Thursday, June 8th. Loop Capital lowered their price objective on shares of Wayfair from $30.00 to $25.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Finally, DA Davidson upped their target price on shares of Wayfair from $49.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $75.04. Get Wayfair alerts: Wayfair Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:W traded down $1.58 during trading on Thursday, hitting $83.09. 6,479,715 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,843,126. The company has a market capitalization of $9.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.53 and a beta of 3.19. Wayfair has a 1-year low of $28.11 and a 1-year high of $90.71. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $60.55 and its 200-day simple moving average is $47.97. Insider Transactions at Wayfair Wayfair ( NYSE:W Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported ($2.50) earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($3.14) by $0.64. The business had revenue of $2.77 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.74 billion. On average, research analysts forecast that Wayfair will post -8.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other Wayfair news, Director Anke Schaferkordt sold 679 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.10, for a total value of $49,634.90. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 9,286 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $678,806.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, COO Thomas Netzer sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.22, for a total transaction of $522,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 86,919 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,538,910.18. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Anke Schaferkordt sold 679 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.10, for a total value of $49,634.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 9,286 shares in the company, valued at approximately $678,806.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 127,489 shares of company stock worth $7,540,837 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 26.81% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Wayfair Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Wayfair by 8.3% in the second quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 39,822 shares of the companys stock worth $2,548,000 after acquiring an additional 3,065 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc grew its holdings in shares of Wayfair by 7.9% during the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 2,842 shares of the companys stock valued at $270,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its position in Wayfair by 17.3% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,943 shares of the companys stock worth $126,000 after purchasing an additional 286 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in Wayfair by 7.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 265,804 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,280,000 after purchasing an additional 18,366 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D boosted its position in Wayfair by 17.6% in the second quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 59,420 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,863,000 after buying an additional 8,909 shares in the last quarter. 87.35% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Wayfair (Get Free Report) Wayfair Inc engages in the e-commerce business in the United States and internationally. The company provides approximately fourty million products for the home sector under various brands. It offers online selections of furniture, decor, housewares, and home improvement products through its sites, including Wayfair, Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane, Perigold, and Wayfair Professional. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Wayfair Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wayfair and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 264,890 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after buying an additional 8,817 shares during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing makes up approximately 6.2% of Y.D. More Investments Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. Y.D. More Investments Ltds holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $26,733,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Red Tortoise LLC acquired a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. MBM Wealth Consultants LLC acquired a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Luken Investment Analytics LLC acquired a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Schubert & Co lifted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 374.4% during the 4th quarter. Schubert & Co now owns 427 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 337 shares in the last quarter. 16.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have issued reports on TSM shares. Needham & Company LLC reduced their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $118.00 to $115.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 21st. Susquehanna upped their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $128.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a report on Friday, July 14th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $108.33. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Up 1.2 % Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend Shares of TSM traded up $1.18 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $96.16. The stock had a trading volume of 6,828,038 shares, compared to its average volume of 12,046,004. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $101.44 and a 200 day moving average of $93.78. The company has a market cap of $498.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.67, a P/E/G ratio of 3.28 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a quick ratio of 2.04, a current ratio of 2.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 52 week low of $59.43 and a 52 week high of $110.69. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.489 per share. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.36. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is 22.94%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Zurich Insurance Group (OTCMKTS:ZURVY Free Report) in a research report report published on Tuesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. The firm issued an equal weight rating on the financial services providers stock. Separately, Citigroup lowered Zurich Insurance Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Zurich Insurance Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $536.67. Get Zurich Insurance Group alerts: Zurich Insurance Group Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of ZURVY stock opened at $47.53 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 27.43 and a quick ratio of 27.43. Zurich Insurance Group has a 1-year low of $38.33 and a 1-year high of $50.96. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $47.55 and a 200-day moving average of $47.56. Zurich Insurance Group Company Profile Zurich Insurance Group AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance products and related services in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through Property & Casualty Regions, Life Regions, Farmers, Group Functions and Operations, and Non-Core Businesses segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Zurich Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zurich Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The biggest individual donor of Gov. Ron DeSantis's (R-FL) presidential campaign will hold off on sending any more money his way unless a "moderate shift" occurs. Robert Bigelow, the founder of Budget Suites of America and Bigelow Aerospace, made the largest single contribution of $20 million to DeSantis's super PAC, Never Back Down. Now, Bigelow says he won't donate another dollar until the conservative governor is "able to generate more on his own," the hotel entrepreneur told Reuters in an interview Friday. DONALD TRUMP INDICTED: JACK SMITH LOCKED EYES WITH FORMER PRESIDENT DURING HISTORIC ARRAIGNMENT "He does need to shift to get to moderates," Bigelow said. "He'll lose if he doesn't. Extremism isn't going to get you elected." Bigelow cited one of DeSantis's most extreme policies when asked which ones he took an issue with: Florida's six-week abortion ban. DeSantis signed into law in April a bill approved by the Republican-dominated Florida legislature to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The law is among the most restrictive in the nation. Bigelow had donated the $20 million to DeSantis's campaign before the law was signed and said he believes six weeks is too early to ban abortion, as most women are unaware they are pregnant at that stage. "A lot of his donors are still on the fence," Bigelow said, noting that he was "already too big a percentage" of DeSantis's fundraising. 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. He told Reuters that he agrees with most of DeSantis's policies, like his anti-woke narrative, and ultimately still thinks he is "the best guy for the country." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The loss of a major GOP donor is the latest blow to DeSantis's campaign, which had high hopes among Republicans but has been underperforming in the polls recently. His team has opted for a reset to try to keep the national spotlight on him, pushing for more voter engagement in key early voting states and slashing more than a third of his campaign staff. The Washington Examiner contacted DeSantis's campaign and Never Back Down for comment. Original Location: DeSantis's biggest donor threatens to cut off funds unless campaign has 'moderate shift' Washington Examiner Videos Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has identified genuine prayers to God as the panacea to the many challenges confronting Nigeria as a nation. The Governor made the observation Friday in Abakaliki when he received in audience, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State branch, in his office. Nwifuru noted that most of the problems of Christians emanated from mutual disunity and doctrinal differences. He urged the Church to always create a balance between the Christian faith and African traditional values and positive beliefs in their preachings to promote a more properous Christian community. Governor Nwifuru observed that some of the doctrines and teachings of the Church have tended to demean some of the African positive values of hardwork, marital rights, integrity and large family sizes, noting that such has been responsible for the high level of laziness among the young generation. He further added that the failure of Christians to be united in doctrine and practice is responsible for the low impact it has exhibited in National politics. He urged the CAN to work towards reviewing the principles and practice of Christianity in such a way as to foster more unity and improved participation of all Christians in Socio-political affairs of the Country. "If you want the Church to take part as well as gain in politics, we must unite and take a stand. "With genuine prayers to God, everything will fall in place in our country." Nwifuru expressed confidence in the new CAN leadership in the State, describing the Chairman as an experienced ecclesiastical leader. Stating their mission, the leader of the group, and the State CAN Chairman, Rev. Scam Nwokolo said they were primarily in the Governor's office to congratulate him for his overwhelming victory at the polls and successful inauguration as the 4th Executive Governor of the State. In the Chairman's address read by the State CAN secretary, the group commended the Governor for the giant strides he has taken so far in the administration of the State. It further commended him for the inclusiveness and fairness which guided his political appointments in the State, describing him as rare gift to Ebonyi State. Nwokolo said: "Having seen all you have done so far in the State, we are glad to identify with your administration. "You have not disappointed the Church and Ebonyi people so far. "You are among the few that see politics as a platform to impact positively in the lives of the people rather than a means of personal enrichment. "You are a rare gift to Ebonyi State, and we will not stop praying for you." The CAN requested the Governor for the continuation of the Government-CAN partnership for school evangelism as well as the monthly welfare package to the sick, poor and other vulnerable group instituted by the past administration through CAN. The group later prayed for Governor Nwifuru and the success of his administration. Recall that the Ebonyi CAN recently held its general election which produced Nwokolo as the new State chairman of the organization. Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Timi Frank, has alleged that moves by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to go to war over the coup in Niger was to enable him to declare a state of emergency in Nigeria and suspend the ongoing Presidential Election tribunal. Frank, who said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, accused the President of using his position as ECOWAS chairman to legitimize the election that brought him in. He insisted that Tinubus warmongering over Niger is selfishly motivated as he seeks to through it gain political capital by legitimizing his administration and securing the recognition of international bodies that hitherto have not recognized him as duly elected president. He warned the President not to lead Nigeria into war with Niger as the consequence of such an action would result in long-term economic, political and social devastation of the country. Frank said: It is clear to discerning minds that Tinubu wants to find an alibi to declare war in Niger and under that declare a state of emergency in Nigeria which will invariably lead to suspension of the ongoing sitting of the Presidential Election tribunal. He is not out to restore democracy in the Niger Republic. He is out to legitimize and gain recognition for his government from Western allies. Let Nigeriens solve their problems, Nigeria has enough challenges of its own, he declared. Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, also accused ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments of not working to deepen democracy in the subregion by ensuring good governance. He said they often remain silent when Presidents illegally steal the peoples mandate through electoral fraud and manipulate constitutional provisions to elongate their tenure in office. It is a shame that ECOWAS Presidents always jerk back to life when a fellow president has been dethroned like the present scenario in Niger Republic. I condemn the coup in Niger and I will support all altruistic efforts to restore democratic governance in that country. But I reject moves by Tinubu to use the Niger coup as a ruse to overturn the ongoing court process meant to determine the actual winner of the February 25th, 2023 Presidential election. I call on well-meaning Nigerians to dissuade Tinubu from leading the country into an unnecessary war which among others will inflict heavy casualty on our armed forces and breed more widows in addition to what Boko Haram, bandits and other criminal elements have done already, he said. Frank also argued that former President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired army general, never went to war when there was a coup in Guinea, Burkina Faso and Mail during his tenure because he knew the implications. Why is Tinubu hellbent on going to war if not for self-preservation in office as President? The Nigerian Senate has asked President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other leaders of the region to explore diplomatic engagement to resolve political situation in Niger Republic. The Senate made this submission after its closed-door session which lasted close to two hours to discuss the letter written to the Senate on Friday by President Bola Tinubu on the decisions taken by the regional body. The Red Chamber asked ECOWAS to strengthen political and diplomatic options and other means to resolve the political impasse in Niger Republic. The Senate also condemned the Niger coup in totality, while commending President Bola Tinubu and other Heads of State of the other States of ECOWAS for their prompt response and the positions taken on the unfortunate development in Niger Republic. Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate read the resolutions of the senators after the meeting. He said, the Senate recognises that President Tinubu via his correspondence has not asked for the approval of the parliament of this Senate to go to war as erroneously suggested in some quarters. Rather Mr President has expressed a wish to respectfully solicit the support of the National Assembly in the successful implementation of the resolutions of the ECOWAS as outlined in the said communication. The Senate calls on the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the chairman of ECOWAS to further encourage other leaders of ECOWAS to strengthen political and diplomatic options and other means intending to resolve the political compass in Niger Republic. The National Assembly to the ECOWAS under the leadership of President Tinubu in resolving the political situation in Niger and returning the country to democratic governance in the nearest future. The leadership of the Senate is mandated to further engage with the president and commander in chief with on behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly on how best to resolve the issue given the hitherto existing cordial relationship between Nigerieans and Nigerians. Finally, the Senate calls on the ECOWAS parliament to rise to the occasion by equally condemning this coup and also positing solutions to resolving this compass as soon as possible. Georgia's Fulton County Sheriff's Office announced it will soon close the roads near the county courthouse ahead of an anticipated fourth indictment against former President Donald Trump. Atlanta's Pryor Street SW between MLK Jr. Drive and Mitchell Street will be closed beginning Monday at 5 a.m. because it is the nearby road of the Fulton County Courthouse, where District Attorney Fani Willis is expected to file an indictment against Trump, as recommended by the grand jury. The grand jury has not yet delivered a decision. DONALD TRUMP INDICTED: JACK SMITH LOCKED EYES WITH FORMER PRESIDENT DURING HISTORIC ARRAIGNMENT The road closure will last until Aug. 18 and will include increased security. Pedestrian traffic will still be allowed on the street, but no public parking will be permitted. The Fulton County Courthouse will remain open to the public. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis poses for a photo at her office. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) It is speculated that Trump could be charged by the grand jury in regard to alleged interference in the 2020 election in the state. Then-President Donald Trump urged Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" the election results in Fulton County, which was, as Trump claimed, "the motherlode." Trump is facing various indictments, from mishandling classified documents to subverting the 2020 presidential election. He pleaded not guilty to his most recent charges Thursday. 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. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Should an indictment come from Willis, it would be the former president's fourth. Willis has served as district attorney since 2020. While she had a Democratic opponent in the primary election, she ultimately ran unopposed in the general election. She is up for reelection next year. Original Location: Expected fourth Trump indictment leads to closed roads near Georgia courthouse Washington Examiner Videos The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was on Friday at the Muhammadu Buhari Government House in Katsina State on a courtesy visit to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. Addressing the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Farouk Lawal, CGC said they were in Katsina for a working visit to Jibia following the recent presidential order to close all borders linking Nigeria to the Niger Republic. It could be recalled that the decision to shut down the borders was taken by President Ahmad Bola Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Economic West African State, ECOWAS. The CGC told the governor that the president's decision was not implemented to witch-hunt the businesses of Nigerians, stressing that the obstruction is a temporal measure. He also informed the governor that the exercise does not affect the Jibia border alone, it is a shared decision that affects many borders within the ECOWAS. He added. He emphasized that while implementing the closure of Jibia border, the service will also devote energy to sensitize members of the communities on the reason behind the decision. Responding, the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Farouk Lawal, who represented Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the meeting, welcomed the Ag. CGC and assured him of his unflinching support. I want to congratulate you on your appointment, and I wish you a successful tenure. Mr Farouk said. Similarly, the CGC was at the Customs Katsina-Jibia Outstation to examine the level of compliance with the order and to also interact with the residents of the border area and stakeholders. Addressing the officers at the Outstation, the CGC implored the Officers to sensitize the community about the rationale behind shutting the borders down. The President takes this matter seriously, and he aims to protect the democracy and peaceful coexistence in this country; therefore, the current happenings in Niger prompted President Tinubu to take this action. So, in view of that, we are here to evaluate the level of compliance of the directive, as well as to0 assess the activities of the officers and men of the Service in the axis. He emphasized that Nigerians can't have meaningful economic development in an atmosphere of uncertainty. Some stakeholders who spoke during the meeting told CGC they would respect and abide by the directive, CGC Sir, despite the little changes that this decision brings, we want to assure you that we will comply with it and support you throughout your tenure. In continuation of an esteemed tradition, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, had the privilege of calling upon the former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari in Daura today, celebrating his return to Nigeria and sharing in the joy of the recent Sallah festivities. Echoing the dignified tradition that was extended to Rabiu during Buhari's leadership, todays visit stands as a testament to the mutual respect, and reverence deeply rooted in their relationship. According to Rabiu, "The honour of visiting President Buhari during Sallah had always been a privilege accorded me during his Presidency. Now that he is back in the country, it is once again an honour to be accorded that privilege to felicitate with him in Daura." Realpolitik and commonsense have long validated the nexus between domestic strength and foreign policy actions. Yet, presumable statesmen frequently fall prey and segue into quagmires by assuming that forays into intractable foreign policy realms will validate their bona fides or redress and strengthen their domestic weaknesses. Some leaders also assume that immersion into foreign conflicts will result in their nationals rallying behind them and around the national flag. History and experience have proven such considerations to be mostly pretentious and fallacious. Indeed, such thinking is more often than not delusional. The unfolding crisis in Niger Republic presents as a test case as well as a case study. Inescapably, Nigeria is fully in the mix and thick of it all. Contemporary times are replete with evidence of nations invading and upending other countries in a bid to rid them of presumed illegitimate and rogue leaders. Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Iraq and Libya, are a few example. Crises in these countries continue to fester unabated; and the hornets nest created in those countries have become the bastion for non-state actors, terrorists and continual source of global insecurity. We should not unwittingly add Niger to that bucket list. The crisis in Niger falls well within the remit of ECOWAS to tackle. But the varied options open to ECOWAS must be considered carefully and applied. Military intervention should be a matter of last resort; well after every diplomatic effort has been exploited. And there are cogent reasons for this. First, the ECOWAS region, Nigeria included have a rich history of military anti-politics. So Niger is not a novelty. Coups happen for various reasons. Successful ones end up being legitimized. The unsuccessful ones have dire consequences. Addressing the legitimacy of coups thus cannot be a matter of precepts as opposed to practices. Each putsch must be addressed within the context of the realpolitik of the country where it took place. We have had military coups in Nigeria and in countries around us. As we look for solutions to the Niger imbroglio, we must use our history to create history. We must draw from past lessons. If you break a country; you own it! When war-torn Chad was in crisis in the late 70s and early 1980s, the Organization of African Unity (O.A.U.) had to intervene in its first ever African peacekeeping mission. Nigeria was the arrowhead of the mediation efforts that led to the Kano I Accord and the subsequent peacekeeping campaign, with Gen. Godffrey Ejiga in command of 3,300 Nigerian, Senegalese and Zairian contingents after the inconclusive Kano II and Lagos I and Lagos II meetings. The campaign had a clear O.A.U. mandate and an ambivalent U.N. Security Council resolution calling for the establishment of a voluntary contribution fund to assist the mission. Indeed, the residual cost of that mission (US$82 million) owed to Nigeria, was only written off in1984 by the Buhari military Administration. Most recently when Gen. Mahamat Idris Deby took over power in Chad in 2021, President Muhammadu Buharis administration supported the institutional coup and takeover, because we did not want a power vacuum next door. Presumably, we acted in our national interest. France also presumably acting in her national and geostrategic interest supported the coup; declaiming as it was, that There are exceptional circumstances. Some concrete facts are germane to grasping the realities at play in Niger. As Nigerians we should be wary of the crisis in Niger Republic and its vast domestic and external implications for us. What happened in Niger is of interest to France, the U.K., the U.S. and Russia. It is therefore folly for Nigeria to enter into this fray of geostrategic politics without a think through of the implications. We certainly don't want to make West Africa the Grand Chessboard for global powers fixated on controlling the uranium rich territory. Our country and Niger are historically, culturally, economically and contiguously linked. The only degree of separation is that Niger is Francophone while Nigeria is Anglophone. Hamani Diori Nigers first president was very supportive of Nigeria during the civil war. We supply subsidized electricity to Niger, so that they dont dam River Niger upstream with adverse effect to our irrigation and hydropower capacity downstream. Both countries belong to ECOWAS and are as such bound by its protocols. Still, it needs recalling that when in the early 90s ECOWAS sought U.N. Security Council mandate to embark on a peacekeeping mission in Liberia, the request was denied. Those of us on active diplomatic or military duty then, when Nigeria and other ECOWAS countries eventually made a foray into Liberia on a rescue mission, hardly contemplated the financial, material and human costs. In hindsight, we know the costs were enormous on all accounts. Lessons learned from Chad and Liberia remains instructive while dealing with Niger. The upshot is that engaging in an unscripted conflict is sheer folly. For now, it seems that reason, circumspection and wise counsel may have prevailed over bluster on Niger, resulting in the resort to diplomacy instead of a direct post-ultimatum intervention. That is gratifying as the latter would have presented us with a Vietnamsque quagmire, with its whirlwinds rippling from the Port of Sidra corridor to the halcyon coast of Badagry. Nonetheless, we must avoid being sucked in and immersed in the Niger quagmire, even if diplomacy and all else fails. Accordingly, the National Assembly must rigorously debate the request to deploy Nigerian military into Niger Republic, either unilaterally or multilaterally. The war powers provisions demand such a robust debate. If the legislators are unconvinced of the deployment parameters, they must not grant consent. Nigerias overall national interest must be the overarching consideration in taking any decision. We must remain cognizant that any military intervention based on political expediency is at best futile and at worst dangerous. Obaze is MD/CEO, Selonnes Consult a policy, governance and management consulting firm in Awka. A political pressure group, Niger Delta Youth Coalition ( NDYC ) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take all necessary steps to ensure that the new Promise of getting the Port Harcourt Refinery does not fail like the past ones . The National Coordinator of NDYC , Prince Emmanuel Ogba , stated this last Friday while reacting to Tinubu's promise following the protests by labour unions in the country. Ogba regretted that there have been series of similar promises by past administrations without any being actualized even when billions of unaccounted dollars have been wasted on them. He noted that when it is obvious that getting our refineries working remains the lasting solution to the perennial problem of hike in price of petroleum products but regrettably government does not appear to be serious. " We are disturbed at the inability of the Federal Government to fix our public refineries to enable the country end the shameful importation of petroleum products in our country with huge crude oil and gas. " This has made such products that ordinarily should be in the export table to now become import goods with unspeakable hardship on the people. " We wish to say that it is enough of these failed promises. We want to tell Mr President that December deadline is the last that we can take. " Revamp our refineries and refine our crude oil here so that the numerous byproducts can be accounted for, so that thousands of job opportunities involved in the refining activities would engage our thousands of unemployed youths", he insists Reacting to the disclosure by President Tinubu that Federal Government has saved about one trillion naira from petroleum subsidy removal within one month, the NDYC boss said that was commendable, but urged President Tinubu to also disclose to Nigerians how much the country has made from crude sale within the same month, stressing that the people have the right to know. He said if one trillion is already saved from subsidy removal it means several trillions should have been saved from sales of crude oil and wonder why the economy of the country should still be on it's kneels with these stupendous amount being reeled out. He further advised President Tinubu to roll out the palliatives to save the lives of citizens who are dying daily because of the acute hunger in the country as a result of the hike in petroleum pump price. Ogba expressed the believe that with the trillion naira already saved as Mr President said, there is more than enough fund to get the three references working at their installed capacity and enough palliatives for common Nigerians . Man arrested in Phuket for opening mule accounts for scam gang PHUKET: A Thai man was arrested in Phuket earlier this week for providing mule accounts for online scammers, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Royal Thai Police has announced. crime By The Phuket News Saturday 5 August 2023 10:00 AM Mr Ekapol was arrested by the CIB at Freedom Beach in Phuket. Photo: CIB Thailand According to a report posted on the bureaus official Facebook page on Thursday (Aug 3), CIB officers apprehended the suspect at Freedom Beach in Phuket. The man was referred to as Mr Ekapol in the report, with his family name not revealed. The CIB launched an investigation into an alleged investment scam in 2022 after several victims came to Tao Poon Police Station in Bangkok and lodged reports. The victims described falling prey to an investment scheme that eventually turned out to be fraudulent. The financial losses sustained by the investors tallied to hundreds of thousands of Thai Baht. The specific timing of the CIB taking over jurisdiction from Tao Poon Police has not been disclosed. However, the arrest at Freedom Beach was conducted by officers from this bureau, renowned for its expertise in handling special cases and boasting the countrys premier SWAT units. Following his arrest, Mr Ekapol admitted to having opened two bank accounts for a "friend" from Myanmar, for which he received a payment of B2,500 per account. Thai media sources additionally indicate that Mr Ekapol stated he was unaware that his "friend" intended to employ the accounts for fraudulent activities. This statement, however, was not present in the original CIB report. Instead, the agency stated that Mr Ekapol was arrested on charges of "participating in fraud and entering false data into a computer system resulting in harm to others. PLTO donate plate auction proceeds to help disabled PHUKET: The Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) yesterday (Aug 4) donated a portion of the proceeds from a recent online auction of lucky vehicle licence plates to nine people who have been impacted and left disabled by road accidents. accidentshealthtransport By The Phuket News Saturday 5 August 2023 01:15 PM The auction, held on July 22 and which raised over B25 million, offered licence plates featuring the Thai letters (KorJor) with the scenic Phuket-specific background, which can be used only on private vehicles registered to carry no more than seven persons. Starting bids for the lucky numbers ranged from B2,000 to B5,000 to B20,000, depending on the lucky number. The last number to be auctioned off, 9797, went for 97,000. In closing the event, Pitak Arsuwan of the PLTO announced that the top successful bid was B915,000, though he did not clarify for which licence plate number; the cheapest successful bid was B27,000. Funds raised by the licence plate auctions go towards road-safety projects carried out by the national Road Safety Fund. Yesterday this saw nine people who had been seriously injured and rendered disabled in road accidents receive aid equipment, including prosthetic limbs, walking sticks, crutches and wheelchairs. An official ceremony was held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Talat Yai yesterday afternoon, presided over by PLTO Chief Adcha Buachan. Mr Adcha was joined by: Dr Kusak Loan Kiatkul from the Phuket Provincial Public Health office; Pol. Col. Kasidin Chaikratok, Superintendent of Phuket Provincial Police Station; Dr. Piyanat Sakulpipat, Acting Director of the Primary Care Service Group at Vachira Phuket Hospital; Kornpitak Assuwan, Head of the Phuket Transport Academic Group; and Napaporn Wiriyanan, Director of the Phuket Handicapped Service Center. Mr Adcha explained how proceeds from the plate auction allowed the purchase of equipment to help those who had been seriously impacted in road accidents. In addition to prosthetic limbs, walking sticks, cructhes and wheelchairs this included customised beds, mattresses, cushions, hearing aids, visual aids and general medical equipment and supplies. He added that the online autcion was a worthwhile initiative that not only provided buyers with their desired, specialised number plates but that created a charity drive that could help disabled people integrate into society much easier. Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) is pressing the Justice Department to make lead prosecutors available for private interviews as part of the House GOP's investigations into Hunter Biden's business dealings, specifically requesting meetings with at least 11 officials involved in the matter. Jordan pointed to conflicting testimony given by the Biden administration compared to FBI and IRS whistleblowers such as Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, arguing there are crucial questions left to be answered to determine whether President Joe Biden improperly involved himself in his son's business matters. The Ohio Republican specifically cited claims from Hunter Biden associate Devon Archer, who testified earlier this week that President Biden was present for some business phone calls despite the White House previously denying those claims. BIDEN AND REPUBLICANS DUKE IT OUT TO DEFINE THE ECONOMY "We got these differing stories coming from the White House regarding the business, from the Justice Department regarding the handling of the Hunter Biden case," Jordan told the John Solomon Reports podcast last week. "And the ones that have ever been consistent, and I think credible, incredibly credible, are the are the stories, the testimony from Mr. Shapley and Mr. Ziegler, the two IRS whistleblowers, and their story has been confirmed by an FBI agent as well, who was deposed by the Oversight Committee." Jordan outlined a number of questions the Judiciary Committee would seek to answer as part of its investigation, homing in on the DOJ while investigating Hunter Biden for tax evasion and other business dealings. What did the DOJ do about the tip sheet connecting Joe Biden to a $5 million bribe? Among those questions includes whether David Weiss or other FBI investigators thoroughly examined allegations made in an FD-1023 report in June 2020 that Burisma Holdings was forced into making a $10 million bribe to the Biden family to remove a Ukrainian prosecutor from investigating the energy company for alleged corruption. Republicans in Congress began agitating for information about the sheet and its allegations since May. Last month, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) obtained and released a lightly redacted copy of the form detailing testimony by an informant accusing both Hunter and Joe Biden of accepting millions of dollars from the head of Burisma. The form is used by the FBI to record "raw, unverified" information. What other information does the FBI have? Jordan said he also wants to press the FBI on whether the agency sought alleged audio tapes or other evidence that Burisma officials claimed to have that could incriminate the Bidens for foreign influence peddling. Those questions come after Archer testified behind closed doors that although Burisma officials pressed Hunter Biden to use "whatever influence he had" through his father, it was all merely an "illusion." "He had no actual influence," Archer said. "The witness was clear about that." 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. Did prosecutors and the DOJ interfere with IRS and FBI investigations? Jordan is also seeking to determine whether Weiss's office sought to block IRS and FBI agents from asking questions about Joe Biden during their investigation of his son, blocking investigators from executing search warrants on properties where Hunter Biden may have kept evidence central to the case. That question stems from contradictory statements coming from Weiss and a pair of IRS whistleblowers, who told lawmakers the DOJ purposely slow-walked elements of the Hunter Biden investigation. The department did so by blocking access to the full contents of Hunter Biden's laptop, stopping the IRS from interviewing Hunter Biden himself, and preventing investigators from asking witnesses about messages that mentioned President Joe Biden, they claimed. The whistleblowers testified that Weiss told them he was limited in the actions he could take against Hunter Biden during the course of the investigation, blocking him from pressing charges against the president's son. However, Weiss later denied those claims, noting he had total independence in the investigation and would receive approval for any charging decision he wanted to make. Those contradictions, along with other claims, prompted Jordan to press for the DOJ to make Weiss available for an interview with lawmakers. Attorney General Merrick Garland offered to make Weiss available for public testimony with limited questions last month, but Jordan rejected the offer as inadequate. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Instead, the Judiciary chairman said he would move forward with requesting additional testimony and documents related to the investigation. "We had 11 people that we wanted to talk to, and the Justice Department says we'll make Mr. Weiss available for public testimony," he told John Solomon. "But we think it's important that we talk to some of these people in a private interview setting prior to any type of public hearing." Original Location: Jim Jordan wants answers to these three questions about how DOJ investigated Hunter Biden Washington Examiner Videos Violence erupted on the streets of Kolkata this morning after a group of extremely agitated local residents in the Barisha area of Behala clashed with police following a road accident where a boy, a Class II student of the Barisha High School, was crushed under the wheels of a speeding truck. Several vehicles were torched by mobs. Father of the deceased boy Souranil Sarkar is undergoing treatment at state-run SSKM Hospital. Expressing her grief, chief minister Mamata Banerjee asked chief secretary Hari Krishna Dwivedi to know details of the incident. Following the CM directive on Friday morning, Mr Dwivedi called city police commissioner Vineet Goyal to inquire about the incident in Behala. The incident in Behala is being investigated with a forensic team reaching the spot and visiting the place of occurrence, a police officer said. Ten persons were arrested on charges of vandalism. The accident took place around 6.30am when the boy and his father were crossing a road in the Behala Chowrasta area. Eyewitnesses said, locals vandalized police vehicles and the office of the Diamond Harbour traffic guard and brick batted the armed police and Rapid Action Force personnel. RAF personnel were deployed in large numbers and police fired teargas shells to bring the situation under control, sources said. Advertisement The protests led to disruption of traffic on the busy Diamond Harbour Road, a police officer said. Several police officers were injured. The errant truck was later apprehended near Santragachi on Kona Expressway by Howrah city police who handed over the driver to their counterparts in Kolkata Police. The headmaster of Barisha High School said, If the police had been vigilant, I wouldnt have lost my student. He added, Other private schools have traffic police controlling the area in front of their premises, but our school lacks such supervision. People pass through our school area on motorcycles instead of bicycles. In the past, many bicycles were stolen from our school, and even though the thieves were caught and handed over to the police, no action was taken. Yash Dasgupta, husband of actress-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Nusrat Jahan is confident that his wife will not be summoned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the corporate entity Seven Sense Infrastructure Private Limited, where she was a director, duping people. The allegations of corruption involving crores of rupees are baseless. I am sure that ED will not summon her, Dasgupta told a section of the media persons. His statements come after a section of the Trinamool Congress leadership gave clear hints of backing Jahan in the matter as they described the event as more of a media trial. Advertisement While, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given a cautious statement that Jahan is being portrayed as an offender before any proof on this count had surfaced, another actress- turned- politician and state president of the youth wing of Trinamool Congress Sayani Ghosh has directly referred to the media-trial angle in the matter. From my personal experience I can say that the media-trial is a serious affair. Lots of things are being said in the media before any court has said anything in the matter, where an individual is framed before proven guilty. This is not right. I did not have any discussion with Nusrat on the matter. But everyone has to take care whether such propaganda is harming the image of anyone, Ghosh said. To recall, Ghosh was recently summoned by ED for questioning in connection with the multi-crore school job case in West Bengal. Jahan herself has denied the charges that she purchased her own residential flat from money that the individual gave to the company against promises of providing residential flats at reasonable rates. She claimed that she purchased the flat taking a loan from the said corporate entity which she repaid with interest in March 2017 when she also resigned from the company. However, the current director of the company Rakesh Singh has rubbished her claims. The University of Cambridge has created the first ever visiting fellowship into the study of indentureship, under which a record number of Indians were transported to labour in harsh conditions in British colonies. Following the abolition of slavery across the British Empire in 1834, Indians travelled from India to the Caribbean, South Africa, Mauritius and Fiji to work on sugar plantations between 1838 and 1917. While many of them returned home, several thousands remained in those countries, forming the Indian community abroad. Advertisement In a bid to understand their lives, the University of Cambridges Selwyn College has appointed Guyana-born professor Gaiutra Bahadur as the Ramesh and Leela Narain visiting bye-fellow in Indentureship Studies. A bye-fellow is a position in academia and post-secondary education at several British and Commonwealth universities for a Fellow who is not a member of the foundation of a college. I am honoured and delighted to be the inaugural visiting bye-fellow in indentureship studies, said Bahadur, an associate professor in the department of arts, culture and media at Rutgers University in Newark. When I first began doing research in this area, the funding just wasnt there, so it was in many ways a labour of love. Thats why Im so happy to see theres now visibility and funding like this to help future researchers, Bahadur said in a university statement. Bahadur is the author of Coolie Woman: The Odyssey of Indenture, which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize, and is a major study of the lives of Indian women who became indentured labourers to colonial plantations in the nineteenth century. For the fellowship, Selwyn College has collaborated with the London-based Ameena Gafoor Institute in setting up the programme which allows a scholar to spend eight weeks at the University, conducting research. The programme will run for an initial five years. Professor David Dabydeen, director of Ameena Gafoor Institute, said that the valuable study and documentation of indentureship has barely been included in the history syllabi of British and European Universities. According to him, this is a staggering omission considering the millions of individuals, and indeed entire cultures, irrevocably shaped by indentureship and its legacies. That is why this fellowship, and hopefully eventually establishing a professorship, is so important. Cambridge has created an academic subject, bringing it from the margins to the very centre, Dabydeen said. The study of indentureship and its legacies was one of the recommendations made in the report of the Legacies of Enslavement at Cambridge Advisory Group. The University said in a statement that it hopes that enough funding will eventually be raised to establish a permanent professorship in the subject, based at the University. A federal judge ruled that state attorneys general could not prove that Google's dominance in search has caused significant harm to its competitors, a win for the search engine in its legal battle over accusations of antitrust violations. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said in a ruling unsealed on Friday that the attempt to claim that Google's search practices harmed companies such as Yelp and Expedia lacked sufficient evidence. This means that the lawsuit, filed by the Department of Justice alongside 11 states, will be scaled back significantly. EMPLOYMENT GROWTH SLOWING, WITH 187,000 JOBS ADDED IN JULY The states' case "relies not on evidence but almost entirely on the opinion and speculation of its expert," Mehta wrote. "Simply put, there is no record evidence of anticompetitive harm." Mehta did leave in place allegations that Google made deals with companies such as Samsung and Apple to set its search engine as the default option, thus keeping competitors such as Microsoft's Bing out of a majority of marketplaces. Those details will go to trial on Sept. 12. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER 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 DOJ and the states of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, and Texas filed the suit in the District of Columbia District Court in 2020. Google also faces a lawsuit from the DOJ over allegations of online advertising dominance, as well as a suit from the newspaper publisher Gannett for its control of digital advertising. Original Location: Judge rules that Google search results don't harm competitors in antitrust suit Washington Examiner Videos Hitting out at the Centre over acquisition of Sanghi Industries by Adani-owned Ambuja Cements, the Congress on Saturday alleged that Indias third-largest cement producer Shree Cement, which was in talks to acquire Sanghi Industries, exited the race after Income Tax Department launched raids against it. Launching an attack on the Union government through Hum Adani ke Hain Kaun series, after Hindenburgs report on Adani Group, the Congress launched another episode involving the takeover of Sanghi Industries by Adani-owned Ambuja Cements. In a statement, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said: In our Hum Adani ke Hain Kaun (HAHK) series of 100 questions for PM Modi, the Congress party had pointed out how the Adani Group has repeatedly profited from well-timed, Modi-made raids by investigative agencies on its business competitors. Advertisement He said that within a month, the Adani-owned Ambuja Cements acquired the Sanghi Industries. The latest episode is the chronology of the takeover of Sanghi Industries by the Adani-owned Ambuja Cements, Ramesh said. Aap Chronology Samajhiye. April 28, 2023, Indias third-largest cement producer Shree Cement is reported to be in talks to acquire Sanghi Industries, On June 21, 2023, Income Tax Department launches raids against Shree Cement at five locations, On 19 July 2023, Shree Cement exits race to acquire Sanghi Industries, and on August 3, 2023, the Adani-owned Ambuja Cements announces it has acquired Sanghi Industries, the senior Congress leader said in the statement. Sanghis unit in Sanghipuram, Gujarat, is Indias largest single-location cement and clinker plant, he said. The associated Sanghipuram Port will also further facilitate Adanis ports monopoly, Ramesh alleged. Agencies like the ED and CBI are not only being used to break apart opposition parties and bring down opposition-ruled governments, with 95 per cent of investigations aimed against opposition leaders. Prized assets like Mumbai airport, Krishnapatnam Port and, now, Sanghi Industries are being handed over to the Adani Group following raids by these agencies, the statement said. Ambuja Cements Ltd (ACL), the cement and building material company of Adani Cement and part of the diversified Adani Group, on Thursday announced the acquisition of Sanghi Industries Ltd (SIL) at an enterprise value of Rs 5,000 crore. IndiGo and Air India on Friday faced double trouble when their aircraft, on different routes, encountered engine snags shortly after takeoff. The IndiGo flight was on the domestic Patna-Delhi route, while the Air India aircraft was en route from Mumbai to London. Fortunately, both planes safely returned to the airports they had taken off from. Advertisement IndiGo flight 6E-2433 operating from Patna to Delhi returned to origin due to a technical issue. Standard operating procedures were followed to prioritise the landing and the aircraft landed safely at Patna, said the airline spokesperson. The aircraft is currently at Patna airport and undergoing inspection, the IndiGo spokesperson added. As per sources, there was an inflight shutdown of one of its CFM LEAP engines, however, IndiGos Airbus A320 safely returned and landed back in Patna. The aircraft was carrying approximately 190 passengers at the time of the incident. Air India, in a statement, said that AI-131, operating from Mumbai to London, air-returned and made a safe precautionary landing at Mumbai due to a suspected technical glitch. As Air India gives top priority to safety issues, the aircraft is undergoing thorough checks. Arrangements for flying the passengers to their destinations at the earliest are in process, said the airline spokesperson. After sustained buying for three months, FPIs have turned sellers in the Indian market, says V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. During the last seven trading sessions FPIs sold stocks worth Rs 8,545 crore in the cash market. Sharp spike in the US 10-year bond yield above 4 per cent is a near term negative for capital flows to emerging markets, he said. During the last three months, FPIs have been sustained buyers in the Indian market having invested a cumulative amount of Rs 1,37,603 crore. Advertisement If the US bond yields remain high FPIs are likely to continue selling or at least refrain from buying, he said. FPIs continued to buy autos, capital goods and financials. A significant change in FPI strategy is that they have started buying IT stocks, which they have been selling earlier. This explains the strength in IT stocks recently, he added. Domestic equities saw some respite after witnessing selling pressure for three consecutive days on the back of Indias services activity rising sharply to 62.3, its highest in 13 years, fueled by strong demand, says Siddhartha Khemka, Head Retail Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Veteran actor M. Nassar, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming streaming show, The Jengaburu Curse, he shared that he would like to spend some quality time with his family in the state of Odisha where the show has been shot. With a focus on showcasing the actual people, culture, and locations of the state, The Jengaburu Curse, which is touted to be a Cli-fi thriller series, has been extensively shot in Odisha. And the lead stars of the series, M. Nassar and Faria Abdullah, who spent months away from the comforts of a familiar city and their homes, cannot seem to get over the spell bounding experience they had while filming in the deep forests of Odisha. Talking about the experience of shooting in Odisha, Nassar who plays the character of Ravichandran Rao in the series, said: My visit to Odisha for the shoot took me to the heart of India. I was absolutely in awe. When we were shooting there, I realized why it is called the best hidden secret of India, it is so beautiful and extremely meditative to be in Odisha. The place is like heaven. Advertisement He further mentioned: It makes you feel as if you are in the lap of mother nature. In all honesty, I had a very shallow knowledge about Odisha, but once I got to live there, spend time with the locals and native people, and got familiar with their art and culture, I was amazed at how little we know. The people are so innocent and filled with humility. I have travelled all over India, but Odisha is different, so calm and content. It was such a surreal and riveting experience. I would definitely like to spend some quality time with family there and soak in everything that the nature has to offer in all its abundance that is available in this beautiful state. In agreement with her co-star, Faria Abdullah said: Being in the heart of Odisha was a transformative journey. Staying in the forests and real locations allowed me to connect with the simplicity of the Odia peoples lifestyle. It felt like a detox for my mind and body, stepping away from the hustle of everyday life. The natural surrounding beauty was not only awe-inspiring but also provided the perfect canvas to bring our characters to life. The show truly is a heartfelt tribute to the enigmatic charm of Odisha, and I am glad I got to be a part of it. Set in a small town in Odisha, The Jengaburu Curse delves into the repercussions of mankinds never-ending need for nature. Produced by Studio Next, the show is created and directed by Nila Madhab Panda. The series also stars Makarand Deshpande, Sudev Nair, Deipak Sampat, and Hitesh Dave in pivotal roles. The show will be available to stream on Sony LIV from August 9. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decided to enter the political fray in Madhya Pradesh and contest with its full might in the upcoming assembly polls in the state at the end of this year. Among other factors, one important reason behind the partys decision has been its state president, Rani Agrawal who created political history of sorts in July 2022 by becoming the first ever Mayor from the AAP in Madhya Pradesh. She defeated her rivals from the ruling BJP and main opposition Congress in the mayoral polls for Singrauli city last year. AAP national convener Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appointed her the president of the state unit. Belonging to Haryana, Ms Agrawal was a housewife wh married into a Singrauli family involved in social service and running a business. She began her political career in 2012, when she was elected Sarpanch of Bargawan village in the Devsar area of Singrauli, as a BJP-supported candidate. Then she won the polls for District Panchayat Member (Zila Panchayat Sadasya) in 2015. She joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2018, and has not looked back. Gaurav Chandra spoke to the 48- year-old on various political issues. Excerpts Advertisement Q: With AAP having decided to enter the political fray in MP for the upcoming assembly polls, what are the preparations and how many seats does the party plan to contest? A: The AAP will contest all the 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh. We are gearing up and preparing ourselves to become the leading political party in MP too, after Delhi and Punjab. We will fight on our own without any coalition with other political parties. Q: Do you see AAP as being in a position to influence the poll results in a way that it becomes a king-maker in MP or is the party aspiring for something bigger? A: I can assure you that the people of MP are totally fed up with the BJP and the Congress. However, till now they did not see any other option and were forced to choose between the two. But now they see AAP as a much better and reliable option. Going by the peoples response and love for AAP, we are not looking at the option of merely playing a role in government formation but are confident that we will form our own government. Q: What are the main issues in MP and what problems have people faced over the years under the BJP and Congress regimes? A: The Congress and the BJP have been ruling for the past 70-75 years and leaders of both parties only make announcements but do nothing on the ground for the poor, the unemployed youth, the farmers, the women and those in need. These two parties have not done anything for real development of infrastructure like roads, power, water, sanitation, education, health and other facilities. The law and order situation has also remained very poor all these years and corruption and misgovernance have been at their peak under both parties. The people have now understood that the Congress and the BJP are the same. During the current BJP government, people have witnessed many scams like the Vyapam scam, Mahakal scam and others. Q: So how does the AAP plan to convince people to vote it to power in MP? A: Our main plank is that we do what we promise. The AAP does politics of work and we deliver all that we guarantee to people. We have set examples of this work ideology in New Delhi and Punjab and people have approved of our works. In Madhya Pradesh too, the AAP will follow the Delhi and Punjab models and our focus will be on the same lines. We will work concertedly for the betterment of health, education, water, power, roads and other infrastructure in MP. We will also ensure to address the issues of unemployment of youth, troubles of farmers, problems being faced by women and girls like safety, health, education and financial security. The AAP is also focused on various local issues concerning the people in MP and we will address all such issues too. Q: What will be the AAPs criteria for ticket distribution in MP? A: Our party conducts surveys for deciding the best possible candidate for any particular election. This criterion is being undertaken in MP too and our survey process is already ongoing here. We might declare the first few names of our candidates for MP by the end of August. Q: Will there be any reservation for women in ticket distribution? A: Our party is a strong supporter of women empowerment and I am proof of that. We will definitely reserve a good percentage of seats for women candidates in MP and the central leadership will decide on that. Q: The leaders of BJP and Congress often say that the AAP has no influence in the rural areas of MP. What is your response to that? A: What the two parties say does not matter at all. They used to say this for Singrauli too. We formed the government in Punjab, and we also performed well in Gujarat. In Madhya Pradesh too, our organizational structure is ready at the zone and district levels. We are strengthening the party cadre at the booth, block and circle levels, both in the urban and rural areas of MP. We are conducting regular meetings in all rural pockets of the state and we know that the people have made up their minds to teach a lesson to the BJP and Congress in these assembly polls. Q: You won as Mayor and now you are the MP President of AAP. Will your next step be to contest in the Assembly polls too? A: The people of Singrauli have showered their blessings on me and have given me the opportunity to serve them. Following that, the party leadership has given me a very big responsibility in the state. Now, if the party puts its faith in me for the assembly polls too, I will contest. It all depends on the party leadership. I will do whatever the party decides. Pralhad Joshi said," Sansad TV is not under Speaker's control and not even under our control. So we don't know what happened. If anything unparliamentary is said it is expunged and it has been an old practice. This is nothing new." Two days after the Punjab Police busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket and recovered six kilogram (kg) heroin, a follow-up investigation into the case on Saturday led to recovery of four kg heroin concealed beneath the road in a village Bute Dian Chhana in Mehatpur, Jalandhar. The recovery of the contraband came close on the heels of the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar the arrest of a drug smuggler identified as Shinder Singh of the same village Bute Dian Chhana. A consignment of six kg heroin and Rs 1.5 lakh drug money was recovered from the possession of Shinder Singh, who was involved in the drug smuggling racket. Advertisement Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said the SSOC Amritsar had reliable inputs that the accused and his accomplices had procured a big consignment of heroin pushed into Indian territory by the Pak-based smugglers and agencies using the riverine route in Ferozepur sector. During questioning, Shinder Singh revealed that he had concealed four kg heroin beneath the road, which was being constructed at his village Bute Dian Chhana. He said the police teams have managed to retrieve the consignment from the pinpointed location shared by the accused. Sharing more details, AIG SSOC Sukhminder Singh Mann said on the revelations of the accused, the police teams had also nominated his four accomplices, who are on the run and expected to have a big haul of heroin. The police teams are on a manhunt to nab them anticipating recovery of more drug. In its reaction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charging Congress leader Jagdish Tytler with murder in a 39-year-old anti-Sikh riots case, the Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday termed it some healing touch to the wounds of Sikh community. After a long struggle of 39 years, finally some healing touch the wounds of Sikh community! The CBI on Saturday booked and named the Congress leader, Jagdish Tytler, for instigating a mob to kill Sikhs near Gurudwara Pul Bangash in Delhi, Badal said. Badal said SADs consistent efforts at every level, finally ensured that the butcher of 84 has been charged with heinous crime by the CBI in the 1984 Sikh riots case. Advertisement I join my community in praying that the court pronounces exemplary punishment for the sin he committed. I also thank all other well meaning persons and organisations who fought for justice for Sikhs, he added. A Delhi court has granted anticipatory bail to Tytler in a case of arson near Gurudwara Pul Bangash in Delhi during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. In May, the CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet against Tytler based on statements of new witnesses who claimed that they saw him allegedly instigating the mob which had assembled at Azad Markets Pul Bangash Gurdwara on 1 November 1984, following which it was burnt down and three persons were killed. Young Indian women had the opportunity to spend a day in the shoes of one of the UKs top diplomats as part of the British High Commissions celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11. The British High Commission in New Delhi said on Friday that the biennial High Commissioner for a Day competition, with an emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals, will provide Indian women, ages 18 to 23, an opportunity to share their skills with the world. The Sustainable Development Goals push for a better planet for everyone, everywhere; just as India is doing with its G20 Presidency. Im always amazed by the talent spread across this country and have no doubt that Indias brilliant youth will lead the drive for a better future in the years to come, Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said. Advertisement According to a statement by Ellis, girls and women are essential to maximising the potential of the next generation to address the worlds most pressing problems. The International Day of the Girl Child is an important moment to include and inspire. Im looking forward to seeing numerous fantastic entries, he added. Participants must record and upload a one-minute video in which they respond to the question, How can young people help lead the way in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? in order to be considered. The video must be shared on social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn with the hashtags #DayOfTheGirl and @UKinIndia. The entries must be submitted by filling out an online form on the High Commission website by August 18 (one entry per participant). The High Commission further stated that videos with plagiarised content and time limits overrides would be immediately disqualified. The winner will then be chosen by a British High Commission jury and publicised on the @UKinIndia social media channels. The High Commission said that it would pay for the winners travel to Delhi as part of the competition in the event that the High Commissioner for a Day function was not held in Delhi/NCR. High Commissioner for a Day competition is an annual event run by the British High Commission that began in 2017. Jagriti Yadav, a 20-year-old from Lucknow who won the competition the previous year, participated in a variety of diplomatic duties, including leading meetings with various stakeholders, moderating debates, and attending multiple events throughout the day. She interacted with Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman of Wipro. Along with Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India, Jagriti also released a book commemorating 75 Indian women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). First getting the green signal from the High Court, then from the Supreme Court, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team continued its survey of the Gyanvapi complex on the second day on Saturday. On the first day, Friday, a 41-member team of the ASI and other experts took seven hours to prepare the map of the premises. Measurements were done and evidence was collected from the walls and its surroundings. The team divided the survey into four parts and prepared the outline of the survey under all the three domes and in the basements. On Saturday, the investigation was carried forward through radiation. Around 53 members of ASIs 61-member team were present for the survey in Gyanvapi campus on day two. Advertisement However on the second day, Sudhir Tripathi, the advocate of the four women litigants in the Maa Shringar Gauri case, disclosed that the remains of idols have been found from Vyas jis cellar in front of Nandi. Sita Sahu, advocate of the Hindu side, too claimed that an idol has been found. The measurement has been taken. The idol has been removed after clearing the grass. Sources said the ASI was conducting the survey closely while studying in depth and its nature is comprehensive and everything is being done in a scientific manner. The Muslim side, which boycotted the first day survey, has started cooperating fully on the second day. During the survey process on Saturday, three advocates, including two lawyers from the Muslim side Mumtaz Ahmed, Mohammad Ekhlaq Ahmed were present. The mosques caretaker Ejaz Ahmed opened the mosque lock today, allowing the SI team to enter inside the mosque. After opening the lock of the mosque, the ASI team closely inspected the entire complex and took up the work of photography and videography inside Gyanvapi. Everything was entered into the record. The basement in front of Nandi was cleaned by the ASI team. Besides, a 3-D imaging of Gyanvapi campus was done through a machine. On Saturday, the ASI team recorded the data received from the machines on the topography sheet after checking the surface, construction and texture etc. Through this, the shape and artifacts of the surface will be studied. During this, samples were also taken from different parts of the campus. Security was elaborate near the Gyavapi and Kashi Vishwanath temple. Police, RAF, PAC, LIU and other security agencies were deployed in sensitive areas of the city including Gyanvapi, Kashi Vishwanath, Godaulia Chauraha, Bulanala, Maidagin.Apart from this, the security of gate number four of Kashi Vishwanath Dham has been handed over to the Para Commandos. Commandos are also patrolling within one kilometer radius of the temple premises. Even on Saturday, the police were deployed on the way to and from Gyanvapi by barricading and only pedestrians were being allowed to go towards the temple. On Friday, the ASI team had worked for around seven hours and 30 minutes and on July 24, they were inside the Gyanvapi for five and a half hours. Meanwhile, the ASI has sought four weeks time from the district court to submit their report. Former Vice President Mike Pence squabbled with a group of Trump supporters as he arrived at a campaign event on Friday evening as the protesters hammered the Republican presidential candidate over his refusal to overturn the results of the 2020 election. As Pence arrived in New Hampshire for a town hall event, a group of about a dozen Trump supporters yelled out at the former vice president, calling him a "sellout" and "traitor." The small protest came just one day after Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which included the former president urging his No. 2 to invalidate his loss. TRUMP'S TRIFECTA: THREE THINGS FORMER PRESIDENT IS COUNTING ON TO AVOID HISTORIC CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS "Why didn't you uphold the constitution?" the protesters yelled at Pence. "I upheld the constitution," he shot back. "Read it!" The exchange comes after Trump was indicted by a grand jury earlier this week on four separate federal charges: One count of conspiracy to defraud the United States; one count of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; one count of obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; and one count of conspiracy against rights. The 45-page indictment details the former president's efforts to undo his loss to President Joe Biden, including conversations with Pence urging him not to certify the election results. When Pence refused, Trump told the former vice president he was "too honest," according to the indictment. 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. Shortly after the indictment was unsealed on Tuesday, Pence released a scathing statement criticizing Trump for his actions noting, "Anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER "The former president is entitled to the presumption of innocence, but with this indictment, his candidacy means more talk about January 6th and more distractions," he said. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is set to return to court on Aug. 28 for a hearing, during which a trial date will be scheduled. Original Location: Pence spars with Trump supporters confronting him on campaign trail Washington Examiner Videos Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated four laning of the Kamakhyanagar-Duburi section of NH-53 here in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Shah also laid foundation stone for widening and strengthening another highway project from Moter to Banner via Ludugaon Road of Kalahandi district. The 51 km Kamakhyanagar-Duburi project was constructed with a cost of Rs 761 crore. Advertisement This project will connect mineral rich Angul and Dhenkanal districts with other parts of Odisha and country, said Shah. It consists of two major bridges, 10 minor bridges, seven vehicles under passes, two animal-under passes and a 1.73 km-long bypass road. Countrys development and economic development is directly connected with the national highways and the Modi government has taken a lot of steps for development of NHs during the last nine years, Shah said. The Union Home Minister further said the 15 km project from Moter to Banner in Kalahandi district will be constructed with a cost of Rs 34 crore. The Union Home Minister went on to say that in 2014-15, only 12 km of national highway were constructed each day in India, which was increased to 29 km per day in the year 2020-22, he pointed out. During UPA government time, he said, Odisha had got Rs 1.14 lakh crore from the devolution fund and grant-in-aid. However, the amount has not been enhanced to Rs 4.57 lakh crore. In total funding to Odisha, the amount has been enhanced from Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 18 lakh crore. The Modi government will leave no stone untouched for the development of Odisha, he assured. During nine years, the left wing extremism (LWE) activities have dramatically come down in the country including Odisha. The number of LWE incidents have decreased by 30 per cent in between 2015 to 2019, while the causality in Naxal attacks went down by 32 per cent and there was a 56 per cent decrease in causality of security personnel in LWE menaces, the Home Minister said. On his part, the Chief Minister said connectivity is key to progress and empowerment of the people and pointed out the annual budget of the Works department has seen a quantum jump from Rs 280 crore in 2000 to more than Rs 15,000 crore now. Odisha always believes in cooperative federalism and I thank the Government of India for its support to the state in its development agenda. I once again warmly welcome Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Odisha. Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan said the Modi government has provided Rs 18.83 lakh crore to Odisha while the previous government had provided Rs 2.93 lakh crore to the state during 2004 to 2014. Shah, who arrived here last night, will hold crucial meetings with state BJP party leaders this afternoon. He is also likely to make strategy for the 2024 general and Assembly elections and will return to Delhi in the evening. The CBI Shimla has booked a former head constable, Nitesh Lama of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) who was posted at Aviation Security Group (ASG) Shimla airport, for embezzlement of government funds to the tune of Rs 5.56 lakh. Lama was posted at the ASG Shimla airport from 2015 to 2020. A departmental inquiry by CISF uncovered the embezzlement of government funds, following which Lama was dismissed from the service on July 28, 2022. Lama being the dealing clerk dealt with all types of government funds, salary payment and medical claims of unit personnel and transactions thereof. Advertisement Whenever medical claims for unit personnel was credited to the unit office bank account by Airport Authority of India, he did not pay the full medical claims to the claimants and saved random portion of the amount in the government office account for accumulation and later on that saved amount was withdrawn through cheques on falsified grounds, said the CISFs complaint to CBI, dated January 24. Explaining further about his modus operandi, the complaint added, Sometimes, he did not pay the medical claim to the claimant at all and kept the whole amount and kept the whole amount in the government account for accumulation and utilised the same amount by making false and forged documents. In departmental enquiry, it was also revealed that the individual has also embezzled salary payment of arrears of some unit personnel, by intentionally tampering and forging official documents by applying the same modus operandi, said the complaint. The CBI registered the FIR on August 3, 2023. Earlier, the matter was also taken up with the concerned SHO, Police Station West, District Shimla and SP Shimla. From there it was forwarded to DGP Shimla and examined at the Police Headquarters level and finally, it was observed that Lama was a central government employee and it would be appropriate if the case is handled by the CBI. Commandant CISF unit, ASG Chandigarh, Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, has given his approval under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against Lama, on July 28, 2023 following which the FIR was registered. Delhi High Court judge Justice Pratibha M. Singh on Saturday decried the significant gender disparity prevailing within the legal profession in India. In her remarks at an event celebrating Lady Lawyers Day, she noted that despite more than half of law school students being women, only 15 per cent of practicing lawyers are female and attributed this gap to the constraints women face at home. She raised questions about the low enrollment of women as advocates despite their strong academic performance and called attention to the struggles many women lawyers face in gaining acceptance within matrimony and in pursuing corporate practices post-marriage. Advertisement Justice Singh noted that law firms seem to offer better conditions for women, but the challenges persist. Women lawyers often find it challenging to establish themselves outside major metropolitan areas due to inadequate facilities and lingering negative perceptions. She said that women in law need to give 120 per cent instead of 100 per cent to prove themselves due to gender biases. However, she stressed that competence and integrity remain key drivers of success in the legal field, transcending stereotypes. Justice Singh expressed gratitude to the men who paved the way for women in law. She also discussed gender disparity on a global scale and touched upon abortion rights. Furthermore, she pointed out the importance of showcasing ones accomplishments and urged women lawyers to be more visible by arguing cases in court. Director General of Police Dilbag Singh on Saturday held a high-level meeting in Srinagar to review the preparations and overall security arrangements for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir. Top brass of Army, CRPF, BSF, J&K Police and intelligence agencies attended the meeting. The DGP directed police officers to keep an eye on the activities of anti- national elements including overground workers (OGWs) of terrorist outfits for an incident-free Independence Day across J&K. Advertisement On the onset of the meeting the DGP J&K expressed grief at the martyrdom of three Army jawans yesterday in an encounter at Kulgam and two minutes of silence was observed. The DGP sought reports from the officers about security and traffic arrangements and deployment plans. Emerging challenges and their counter measures were threadbare discussed during the meeting. He directed for extra vigilance and precautions to be maintained for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations at main venues besides at all other places. He said that attempts by sponsored elements to create disturbance in Jammu and Kashmir do continue. The DGP emphasised on the officers for ensuring implementation of joint mechanisms chalked out at different levels. The senior officers representing different units and agencies briefed the meeting about the required measures being taken to ensure incident free Independence Day celebrations. They also apprised the DGP regarding the overall security scenario and counter/preventative measures being taken in the areas of responsibilities. Among those who attended the meeting were, special DGP CID RR Swain, ADG CRPF Nalin Prabhat, ADGP Armed Police SJM Gillani, ADGP Hqrs./Coord. PHQ MK Sinha, IG CRPF Srinagar Sector Ajay Kumar Yadav, IGP Hqrs/CIV PHQ BS Tuti, DIG CKR Shri Sujit Kumar, DIG BSF Sector Srinagar Alok Kumar Chakarvarthy, DIG CRPF KOS PK Mehra and BGS (Int) Pallav Mishra. ADGP Jammu Zone Mukesh Singh, ADGP Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar and many other officers participated through video conferencing. A day after the Supreme Court stayed Rahul Gandhis conviction in a 2019 defamation case, Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday said the Lower House should now immediately reinstate the former Congress presidents membership. In a big relief, the Supreme Court on Friday stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in Modi surname remark defamation case, which cost him his membership, saying that no reasons were given by the trial judge for imposing the maximum punishment of two years in the case. Chowdhury also wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla requesting the restoration of Rahul Gandhis membership at the earliest so that he can participate in the House proceedings. Advertisement Addressing a press conference at his residence here, Chowdhury said: The Supreme Court in its order stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi. It means that he should be allowed to participate in the proceedings of the House. And before this is the responsibility of the Lok Sabha secretariat to take note of the same. Taking a swipe at the government for disqualifying Rahul Gandhi within a day of the Gujarat court order on April 24, Chowdhury said: The speed at which they had disqualified him should be seen in reinstating his membership. The Congress leader said he called the Speaker on Friday night, saying that he needed to submit the letter of stay on conviction of Rahul Gandhi by the Supreme Court. He suggested that I talk tomorrow morning. Today (Saturday( morning I called up the Lok Sabha speaker again over the phone and he asked me to submit the documents in the Lok Sabha Secretariat office. I called the Lok Sabha Secretariat and he said that the office is closed. And thus I asked if I need to submit it today with him, he said submit it with the Lok Sabha Speaker. And today is a holiday, he said. When I asked what is the other way to submit the letter, he said it can be sent through post. I sent it through the post and the letter was received and signed but they did not put the stamp, he added. When he has been granted relief by the court, we are requesting the Speaker to see that he faces no issues in returning, the Congress leader added. Amid the Oppositions demand for imposition of Presidents Rule in light of ethnic strife and violence that has ripped Manipur apart for the better part of three months now, the state Cabinet on Friday recommended that Governor Anusuiya Uikey summon a session of the Assembly on August 21. The Northeast state has been in the throes of violence, claiming over 100 lives so far and displacing thousands of people. Clashes broke out between Metei and Kuki communities on May 3 days after the Manipur High Court asked the state government to consider adding the former, the majority community in the state, to the list of Scheduled Tribes. The state cabinet has recommended to the Governor for summoning the 4th session of the 12th Manipur legislative assembly on 21st August 2023, read a notification issued on Friday. Advertisement The prevailing situation in Manipur triggered bedlam in both Houses of Parliament in the ongoing Monsoon Session, with the Opposition members stalling proceedings in demand for a discussion and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a viral video, purportedly showing two women in the Northeast being stripped and paraded in the nude. Adamant on their demand that all listed businesses in both Houses be suspended for a discussion on the Manipur situation, the Opposition members raised slogans and disrupted proceedings, resulting in repeated adjournments. A delegation from the Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A recently visited Manipur over two days, during which they met displaced locals at relief camps and called on Governor Uikey. The delegation briefed the Governor on their experiences from the two-day visit and handed a memorandum on Manipur. Later, an Opposition delegation led by Congress national president and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The delegates urged President Murmu to intervene in the interest of restoring peace in Manipur. Earlier, Manipur Police on Thursday said the situation in the Northeast state over the last 24 hours continued to be tense. In a press note on August 3, police said there were sporadic incidents of firing and mob congregation. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij said on Saturday that 216 persons have been arrested in connection with the communal violence in the Nuh district of the state. Vij said as of now, 104 first information reports (FIRs) have been registered in connection with the violence in Nuh and 80 persons have been detained under preventive custody. He said the police are taking proactive measures to maintain peace in Nuh. When media persons asked about the viral video of an intelligence officer who claimed to have shared advance information about the possibility of communal clashes in Nuh, the minister said, Ive taken note of the video, suitable action will be taken at the appropriate juncture. Advertisement Responding to a question regarding Pakistans involvement in the Nuh violence, he said the police are well-versed in these details and are meticulously examining each aspect. Meanwhile, the demolition drive in the violence-hit district continued for the third day on Saturday with authorities demolishing illegal constructions on 2.6 acres of land around Nalhar Medical College in the state. Around 15 other temporary structures were also demolished as part of the drive, police said. Authorities have so far bulldozed about 250 shanties on encroached government land in Tauru town and other areas in Nuh. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in clashes that erupted in Muslim-dominated Nuh when a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) procession or the Braj Mandal Yatra was attacked by mobs on Monday. Gurugram had also witnessed stray incidents of clashes. Nuh District Magistrate Dhirender Khadgata said curfew has been relaxed and people can step out to buy essential goods from noon to 3 p.m. A mob comprising local residents set afire a police station in Odishas Kandhamal district to register angry protest against the cops collusion with drug peddlers in the region. The Phiringia police station was set on fire by an unlawful assembly of people. They had accused the police station inspectors and two other subordinates of acting hand in glove with drug peddlers active in the area, said a police official. The locals had blocked the road as a mark of protest to alleged nefarious activities by the policemen. As police tried to lift the road blockade, trouble erupted and the protesters went on rampage, he added. Advertisement The mob resorted to heavy brick batting. They drove away the policemen from the station and set it on fire, he said. Situation continues to be tense as armed forces have rushed to the spot to rescue the policemen and diffuse the situation, the official added. Illegal hemp plantation is rampant in Kandhamal district and smuggling of cannabis churned out from the plants goes unabated from this region goes unabated due to overt and covert patronage by the excise and police personnel. In the past, there were instances of police personnel being caught for their involvement in drug peddling in Kandhamal district. The claim of intelligence failure during the communal violence in Nuh has opened a can of worms in the Haryana administration with the Haryana home minister questioning the role of the state polices intelligence wing, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which reports to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Home Minister Vij, who was stripped of the charge of the CID after a bone of contention between him and the CM over the control of the department in January 2020, has put a question mark over the governments functioning by claiming he was informed about the communal violence in Nuh by a private person, not any official, as late as 3 pm on 31 July when the violent clashes broke out. This was hours after the communal clashes first erupted when mobs hurled stones at a Hindu religious procession and set over 100 vehicles on fire in the Muslim-dominated district of Nuh. Advertisement The home minister has announced an investigation into the questions being raised about the incident to ascertain who received the intelligence input (on the situation in Nuh), at what level it was received, and who was informed about it. Vij said the states CID chief Alok Mittal, who reports to the CM, had not shared any intelligence input with the home department. He, however, maintained violence in Nuh was pre-planned as shots were fired from the hills, stones were collected on rooftops and barricades were erected to stop the Hindu religious procession. Vij said that he as the state home minister was not informed about the communal tension in the run up to the procession and the subsequent violence that led to the death of six persons including two home guard personnel. The minister claimed that until a private person from Nuh informed him about the attack on religious yatra by rioters, he had no idea what was happening in Nuh as no police officer or any other government functionary informed him. He said when he called the director general of police (DGP), even the latter had no information about the violent clashes. The minister said he alerted the states police officers, including the additional DGP (law and order), the CM, Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal and additional Chief Secretary (Home) TVSN Prasad who was in Vaishno Devi. Meanwhile, in an embarrassment to the state government, a video is going viral in which a CID inspector in Nuh can be seen claiming he had gathered and shared information with the higher ups in the department about the communal tension and possibility of the clash between Hindus leading the procession and Muslims in Nuh about seven to ten days before the clash. If he (CID inspector) knew, then who did he inform about this, Vij said, adding the video has been forwarded to the additional chief secretary, home, for investigation. Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) has expressed serious concern over the loopholes that allow constant looting of the weapons issued by the government. On Thursday, a Meitei mob allegedly looted the government-issued about 300 lethal weapons and 19000 rounds of ammunition. These include assault rifles, pistols, magazines, mortars, detonators, hand grenades, bombs, carbines and light machine guns. The ITLF claimed that the government issued weaponry was looted from the Indian Reserve Battalion Camp in Bishnupur by Meitei mob this Thursday. Advertisement ITLF further said in a release today: According to a complaint filed by police, looted weapons included assault rifles, pistols, magazines, mortars, detonators, hand grenades, bombs, carbines and light machine guns. Speaking to The Statesman, media spokesperson of ITLF Ginzo Vualzong said: How this is possible. The constant looting of arms is a matter of concern for every citizen, and not only for us. If the security forces cannot save themselves, then public safety is a very big concern. He further added: The number of guns, ammunition and explosives that are in the hands of the Meitei community are also a security risk for the country as a whole. If the Central government and the security forces do not take cognizance of the risk posed by the circulation of such huge quantities of arms and act to retrieve the weapons, we are afraid that Manipur could witness a bloodbath, the kind of which the country has not seen in decades. Questioning the constant looting, the ITLF raised the issue of security saying what are the security measures that have been taken to check on such looting of government issued weapons. We want to know why security forces are still unable to safeguard the government issued weapons three months into the ethnic conflict in Manipur, asked Vualzong. It may be recalled that there is an age-old conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in the region. Meitei is the Hindu group that has maximum representation in the assembly. The Meitei communitys support allowed the Bharatiya Janata Party to form a government. Kuki follows Christianity. The Kukis live in the hills of Manipur while Meitei communities live in the plains of the region. The Meitei community wants to be included in the scheduled tribe category while the Kuki community of Manipur has been in the scheduled tribe category since 1950. This difference is becoming wider by the day. And this has been the bone of contention and turned the situation volatile. The ITLF said that more than 4000 weapons and lakhs of ammunition were looted from different police stations and armouries by Meitei mobs in Imphal and the surrounding valley in May. The ITLF also claimed, giving the reference of media reports that most weapons were handed over to the mob of the same communities by the policemen. It is clear as daylight that the majority community is massing arms to launch an attack on Kuki-zo-tribals, the release said. Prosecutors dropped charges last month against a Wisconsin man accused of throwing a baby against a wall and pistol-whipping a relative as well as two defendants charged with murder and attempted murder. In the neglect case, witnesses were uncooperative, according to court documents filed July 21. Advertisement Rafael A. Banks, then 34, of Holmen, Wisconsin, was charged in November 2022 with four counts of battery and one count of intimidation, according to Lake Superior Court records. Merrillville police were called 9 p.m. Nov. 14, 2022 to the 1600 block of W. 57th Avenue for a reported disturbance. Advertisement A relative said Banks kicked open his bathroom door, pointed a gun and threatened to kill him, the affidavit alleges. When the mans wife tried to block Banks at the bathrooms doorway, he allegedly grabbed the 11-month-old baby out of her arms and threw the child against a wall. Banks then started pistol-whipping the man. The wife said she was hit once with the weapon in the face, charges state. The child was not hurt, documents show. Two other criminal cases for murder and attempted murder were dropped earlier this year in Lake County. The attempted murder case against Eriberto Bert Flores was dismissed Jan. 30 in the interest of justice, according to a court order. Flores, then 53, of East Chicago was charged in April 2021 after he was accused of shooting a boy, 17, twice in the face. A murder case was also dropped against Bertha Williams-Austin. Williams-Austin, then 66, of East Chicago, was accused in April 2021 of fatally shooting her boyfriend Lamar E. Cade, 49, of Hammond, who was drunk and threatening her, according to court documents. Authorities said they had a volatile relationship. Advertisement A decade earlier, she hit him with a car after he spent their rent money. The latest case came down to insufficient evidence, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nadia Wardrip wrote in documents filed Feb. 15. Point: Lisa LaBriola A vote for a congressional representative is extraordinarily important and should not be taken lightly. That person will most likely hold that position for several years if not decades and ultimately hold immense sway over the direction of your future. In the past few years, the discussion of congressional age limits has been brought up and is something we should explore. The economy of today is extraordinarily different from those of previous generations. We have gone from a time when having a full-time job meant the ability to purchase a home, afford groceries and have access to child care and basic health care. These are things that, today, are out of reach for many. The time of reciting the age-old saying of pull yourself up by your bootstraps is no longer applicable today because to get your hands on a pair of bootstraps, youd better have a $50,000 down payment and that will only be if there is one available. Keep in mind you will be competing with a multitude of others for the same bootstraps. Congress has met a new milestone in which 25% of its members are over the age of 70 the highest it has been. I believe it is essential to have reflective representation in Congress, but only 17% of Americans are over the age of 65, making congressional representation of this age group disproportionate. By imposing age limits, we can allow for the inclusion of younger voices and perspectives. This is especially important considering the changing demographics of our society and the unique challenges faced by different generations. Age limits, coupled with cognitive testing for all members, can also help prevent the potential for members with cognitive impairment and ensure members of Congress are mentally and physically capable of fulfilling their duties. How many of us must undergo physicals and testing to ensure we are able to perform our duties safely and successfully? Surgeons, first responders and other perilous positions submit to physical and cognitive checks regularly to ensure they can do their work safely. Lastly, age limits can help address the issue of generational inequality. Limiting the tenure of older individuals in Congress can create opportunities for younger individuals to gain experience and contribute to the legislative process. This can help bridge the gap between different generations and ensure a more balanced representation of interests and priorities. Our Colorado Constitution has an age limit of 72 for our Supreme Court justices. This being implemented has opened the door to new ideas and adaptability to the changing landscapes. If its worked in Colorado for decades, shouldnt we consider its possibilities congressionally? Counterpoint: Sage Naumann Opinion polling shows age limitations on elected officials are popular. Its one of the few things members of both political parties (and the political middle) can agree upon. Inconveniently, many of those who are supportive of such limitations are guilty of electing those same aged politicians to office. Allow me to take the unpopular stance and state we should not seriously consider imposing an age limitation on members of Congress (or any office, for that matter). Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Mitch McConnell is 81. Nancy Pelosi was 82 when she gave up her speakers gavel. Californias Dianne Feinstein is the oldest U.S. senator at 90. The leading candidates for president are 80 (Biden) and 77 (Trump). As my counterpart mentions, 25% of Congress is over the age of 70. I get it, those are high numbers. But, what these politicians have in common is they were duly elected at some point in time by a majority of voters. I have no doubt the majority of voters in Pelosis district would tell you they support age limitations or term limits on members of Congress, but as she was elected with an incredible 71.7% of the vote in her last primary election, clearly the desire for a new perspective isnt that strong in Californias 11th Congressional District. I use Pelosi only as an example, but you could easily say the same thing for almost any member of Congress that meets this criteria. The primary motivation for such age restrictions is laziness at worst and apathy at best. In a democratic republic, we can self-impose term limits and age limits as individuals if we so choose. If you believe it is critical we put younger folks in office, you can enforce that rule upon your own ballot. Nobody is stopping you. Imposing such a limitation universally rules out the possibility somebody over a certain age is capable of great things. Ageism! Ive met many over the age of 70 I would trust a great deal more than somebody from my own generation. I should maintain the freedom to vote for that person if I believe they are fit to hold office. Effectively, what such a limitation says is that we dont trust you, the voter, with that decision. Society has taken the liberty to decide for you. Dare I say that sounds antidemocratic? Instead of arbitrary limitations on the numbers of years a person has been alive, or served in office, perhaps we could focus on educating a population of folks that cannot even name their own congressperson. Though most people reading my column online will undoubtedly disagree with my stance, I am blessed to know this will also appear in print, where my geriatric readers will hopefully be more appreciative. Lisa LaBriola is a principal at Husch Blackwell Strategies and was a Senate Democrat staffer for close to a decade. She served as chief of staff to former Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman and former Senate President Leroy Garcia. Opinions expressed here are her own and do not reflect the opinions of any other organizations. Sage Naumann is a conservative commentator and strategist. He operates Anthem Communications and was previously the spokesman for the Colorado Senate Republicans. Follow him on Twitter @SageNaumann. Conspiracy theories are seemingly circulating at the speed of sound in the wake of the unprecedented changes wrought by Chinese President Xi Jinping in the upper echelons of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) earlier this week. The facts are as follows. Top officers of the PLAs Rocket Force, responsible for overseeing Chinas nuclear and conventional missile forces, have literally vanished from public view. Among those unaccounted for is Mr Li Yuchao, commander of the PLA Rocket Force, who was conspicuously absent from Mr Xis recent promotion of senior generals. A Canadian consultancy firm which specialises in tracking Chinas power elite has flagged ten current and former Rocket Force officers whose status remains unclear, including Mr Li and his deputy Mr Liu Guangbin. The South China Morning Post has reported that several serving and former Rocket Force officers are being probed for graft and/or indiscipline. What these developments tell us about the state of the party-state under Mr Xi has two aspects. First, the disappearances exhibit that the Chinese President, clearly his countrys most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, retains substantial political heft despite murmurs of disenchantment within the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) at his clique-centric policymaking process, autocratic manner of functioning and, in the economic, public health, and foreign policy domains, many rather inexplicable decisions. Indeed, some commentators have gone as far as to say that the sweeping, overnight changes he has initiated in the most powerful organ of the CPC, the PLA, are reminiscent of the Great Leap Forward years, if not in scale at least in intent. But the flip side is that these regular purges in the silos that comprise the communist state apparatus are also an indication that his over a decade long reign, which has been marked by a concerted effort to establish personal loyalty of the armed forces to himself and exert complete control over senior officers, has not been successful. That, it is argued by observers, is precisely why they continue. Of course, these decisions have been dressed up as a cleansing of the system. At recent high-level meetings held in Beijing, Mr Xi conveyed what a media report described as a strong message to military leaders, stressing the necessity to address the persisting issues related to party organisations enforcement of absolute leadership over the military at all levels. It is in this context that last weeks abrupt removal of the Presidents hand-picked Foreign Minister Qin Gang from his post needs to be seen. To underline the messaging, the Central Military Commission, chaired by Mr Xi himself, has called for the establishment of an early warning mechanism for integrity risks in the military while launching an investigation into corruption in equipment procurement going back over five years. The last word on the issue is yet to be heard but one thing is certain: China rests uneasy. That is not good news for either the countrys allies or its adversaries because it provides a fertile ground for bad decisions. Advertisement Despite excitable speculation, the recent annual North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Summit ( July 11-12) in the Lithuanian capital city, Vilnius, came as a huge disappointment to war-torn Ukraine. Its dream of formally joining the alliance remains unfulfilled yet again. Ahead of the Vilnius Summit, Ukraine demanded that it be immediately inducted into the alliance at the summit, or at least receive a clear invitation to join the alliance within a fixed time frame. But Ukraine got neither of its demands fulfilled except the reaffirmation of the commitment that the alliance had made in 2008 at the Bucharest summit that it would be made a member of Nato. The final communique issued after the Vilnius summit, acknowledged Ukraines right to choose its own security arrangements. It stated that while Ukraines future is in Nato, the formal invitation would only be extended when Kyiv fulfils certain democratic and security sector reforms that are required for its path towards future membership. The communique promises that Kyiv will become a member state at some point in the future when allies agree and conditions are met. It is important to note that Ukraines Nato bid is intertwined with the ongoing war with Russia. Natos membership carries with it a commitment from all alliance members to protect each other if attacked. It is in fact this guarantee of collective defence enshrined in Article 5 of Natos Charter that deters the United States and other member states from granting Ukraine Natos membership at this moment, in the middle of a war, as it would draw the rest of the alliance directly into the conflict and risk a military confrontation with a nuclear-armed Russia, which they probably do not like. The United States President, Joe Biden, has said that Ukraine is not yet ready for Nato membership. He insisted that Russias war in Ukraine needs to end before Nato can consider adding Kyiv to its ranks. The German defence minister, Boris Pistorius, also said that The door is open a crack, but this is not the time to decide now. Advertisement Irked with the uncertainty over membership, Ukrianian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blasted the alliance as it was a personal setback for him; he had harboured hopes that the Vilnius summit would culminate in a concrete invitation for Ukraine to join the alliance. In scathing criticism, Zelensky termed this Nato stance unprecedented and absurd when there is no time frame set neither for the invitation nor for Ukraines membership. He was also upset with vague wording about added conditions even for inviting Ukraine. The frustration of Zelenskyy is understandable, as Ukraines Nato membership has not made much headway. The phrasing of the Vilnius communique is not far from the 2008 Bucharest Declaration, which stated that Ukraine will become a member of Nato. Although Ukraine may not have been formally invited to become a member at Vilnius as it had hoped, it didnt return completely empty-handed either. As part of a package deal, Nato offered at Vilnius an accelerated path to membership by removing the requirement for a Membership Action Plan (MAP), a step in the entry process, setting out targets to be met before joining the military alliance, and continued financial and military support while it is at war with Russia. The MAP was launched in 1999 at Natos Washington Summit to help countries aspiring to membership in their preparations. The creation of the NatoUkraine Council is another significant development, which will act as a dedicated platform for consultation and joint decisionmaking between Kyiv and the alliances 31 members. The Council replaces the erstwhile Nato-Ukraine Commission, which was the decisionmaking body responsible for developing the relationship and directing cooperative activities from 1997 to 2023. The change from commission to council is being viewed as a strengthening of political ties and Ukraines increasing integration with Nato. Through this council, Ukraine is expected to receive more specific recommendations on defence and security sector reform, as well as the necessary practical assistance and advice for Natos membership. The most crucial support offered to Ukraine at Vilnius is security guarantees from G7 countries. A joint declaration issued by the G7 members promised to help Ukraine bolster its military over the long term to defend itself now and deter Russian aggression in the future through continued provision of military aid, supply of modern military equipment, such as fighter jets, development of Ukraines own defence industry, training for Ukrainian forces, intelligence sharing, and cooperation in cyber-defence. The G7 will also implement a reform agenda that will help provide Kyiv with the good governance necessary to advance its aspiration to join Nato. Ukraines aspiration to join Nato is fraught with numerous challenges. One must recall that it was Natos eastward expansion towards Russias borders over the past two decades and Kyivs persistent attempt to join the military alliance that prompted Russia to launch a special military operation against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, to eliminate, as President Putin claimed, a serious threat to its security, saying his aim was to demilitarise Russias southern neighbour. Many analysts have already been arguing for more than a quarter century that Natos eastward expansion would lead to a direct military confrontation with Russia. They predicted that the continued enlargement of the worlds most powerful military alliance towards another major military power would not end well. George Kennan, who is considered the father of Americas containment policy during the Cold War, warned in May 1998, during the first round of Natos expansion, that the Russians will gradually react quite adversely. Former United States President Bill Clintons deputy secretary of state, Strobe Talbott, rightly pointed out that many Russians see Nato as a vestige of the cold war, inherently directed against their country. They question the continued existence of Nato after the disbanding of their military alliance, the Warsaw Pact. The Russian government also complained that Natos enlargement after the end of the Cold War was a betrayal of a negotiated agreement not to move the alliances borders further eastward. The most provocative step from Nato was adding the three Baltic republics ~ Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania ~ to its fold in 2004. Interestingly, while opposing Natos eastward enlargement, Russia is using the United States own foreign policy doctrine, popularly known as the Monroe Doctrine, which holds any intrusion by foreign powers in the affairs of neighbouring countries as a hostile act against the United States. Russia has also been arguing that it would not allow a major rival power to incorporate a neighbouring state into a military alliance. Ukraines prospects to join Nato might have been dashed at Vilnius, but they are not doomed completely. The United States and other western allies may be interested in Ukraine, as the geopolitical pivot of Eurasia, joining Nato, but they cannot also shut their eyes to its immediate consequences and potential implications for global security and stability. Though western support for Kyiv appears to have intensified, its eventual joining of Nato is still far from certain. The decisions at Vilnius may be significant but fall short of the clear pathway with timelines for membership that President Zelenskyy has been demanding for a long time. (The writer is a professor at Aligarh Muslim University and heads its Strategic and Security Studies Programme) In a major development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday issued its verdict in the Toshakhana case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, sentencing him to at least three-years imprisonment and imposing a fine of 100,000 PKR. The IHC, which has been hearing the case on a daily basis, announced its verdict after hearing versions of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Khans lawyer, concluding that the former permier was found guilty of corrupt practices in acquiring gifts from Toshakhana, misusing his public office to tailor procedures, evaluation and settlement of gifts, given to him as premier by different countries and delegates. Khan was accused of opting to corrupt practices to not only acquire gifts, jewellery and other items worth billions of rupees, but also using his office to tailor the procedures, get under-valued assessments done and later pay 20 per cent of their under-valued price through undeclared accounts. Advertisement The Islamabad trial court declared PTI chief as guilty of corrupt practices and concealing details of Toshakhana gifts. Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details to the Election Commission of Pakistan and is found guilty of corrupt practices, the trial court verdict said Shortly after the IHC order, Khan was taken into custody from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore. The former Prime Minister was indicted in the case on May 10 on a criminal complaint file against him by the ECP, which was then challenged by Khan. However, Khan and his lawyers had been trying their best to ignore and stay away from the proceedings and investigations of the Toshakhana case, which many believe was because he was aware that he would fail to defend himself. The lawyers had also raised concerns over the Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar for being biased against Imran Khan and pleaded for the case to be heard in another judges court. However, this plea was rejected. Khan had also reached out to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, asking on the apex court to issue a verdict to stop the proceedings of Toshakhana case in the trial court. The apex court rejected his request as well. The ruling partys spokesperson and special assistant to the Prime Minister, Atta Tarar said Imran Khan has finally been caught red handed for not only lying but also for stealing in the Toshakhana case. Today, the truth about a thief has come out in the open. Who not only took precious gifts from Toshakhana illegally, deliberately refrained from declaring them with ECP, getting illegal and fraudulent evaluations of those items and then even going further to sell them off in the open market, he said. Today, Imran Khan is a declared and established corrupt person. the PTI legal team maintains that they will challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, claiming that the hasty decision of the session judge in the case raises serious concerns on the intent of the judge himself, who they said has been biased and against Khan. Even as the Congress is in celebratory mood after the Supreme Court stayed the conviction of former party chief Rahul Gandhi in Modi surname remark defamation case, the Indian Overseas Congress is all set to organise a programme in New York over the top courts judgement. Speaking to IANS over phone from the US, Indian Overseas Congress Secretary Virendra Vashisth said, On August 6, the Indian Overseas Congress has decided to hold a celebratory programme here over the Supreme court judgement staying Rahul Gandhis conviction. He said that the programme in New York will be led by Indian Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda and its US president Mohiender Singh Gilizian. Advertisement The IOC had also organised a 10 days hunger strike in the US over the Manipur issue. Shan Shankaran, an IOC worker, sat on the hunger strike on July 23 over the Manipur violence. He was joined by several people across the USs Michigan, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other cities. On July 25, Shankaran said that human rights advocate Pieter Friedrich started a hunger strike and he too joined that. Sankaran said that he ended his fast on the request of Pitroda on Thursday. On Friday, in a big relief to Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court has stayed his conviction, which cost him his Lok Sabha membership. The apex court observed that no reasons were given by the trial judge for imposing the maximum punishment of two years in the case. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with his Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda today. The two leaders reviewed various aspects of the India-Nepal bilateral cooperation and followed-up on discussions held during Prime Minister Prachands visit to India from 31 May to 3 June, so as to advance the bilateral partnership and to further strengthen the deep bonds of friendship between the two countries. Nepal, a close and friendly neighbor, is a key partner in Indias Neighbourhood First policy. Advertisement This telephone conversation continues the tradition of high level exchanges between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Police in the Australian state of Victoria said on Saturday that a man has died after being shot in Melbournes inner-city suburb South Yarra overnight. According to a statement released by Victoria Police, emergency services were called after a number of shots were fired at a man walking along a street on Friday at about 11:40 p.m. local time, Xinhua news agency reported. The man sustained life-threatening injuries and later died in hospital, said the police, adding that detectives are still working to determine the circumstances of the incident, however, at this early stage the incident appears to be targeted. Advertisement Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was sentenced to three years in prison on Saturday by a court in Islamabad in the Toshakhana case involving the inappropriate receipt of public gifts. As a result of this decision, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) will be prohibited from running for office for the next five years. Khan was not present during the court sessions, but he was soon taken into custody. What is Toshakhana Case During his time as prime minister, Imran Khan was accused of deliberately hiding details about gifts he kept from the Toshakhana, a collection point for gifts presented to government officials by foreign officials. Both the gifts and the sales revenue are included in this. Six of the seven timepieces purportedly included in the presents are Rolexes. According to Pakistans communications minister, the most expensive of them was a Master Graff limited edition that was valued at 85 million rupees ($300,000). The case stems from a complaint made by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) alleging that Khan purposefully withheld information on the presents he kept from the Toshakhana. On October 21, 2022, ECP banned Khan for making false statements and incorrect declaration.The Toshakhana is a part of the Cabinet Division and houses presents that foreign heads of state and other guests give to monarchs and public servants. Such gifts and items must be reported under the rules to the Cabinet Division. Imran Khan was disqualified in accordance with Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution, according to the ECPs ruling. Following this, the ECP filed a complaint and brought the issue to the Islamabad Sessions Court to begin legal action against Imran Khan for allegedly lying to authorities about the gifts he received from foreign dignitaries while serving as prime minister starting in 2018. Advertisement Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Showers and thunderstorms likely. High around 80F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low near 60F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. In this undated photo provided by Bloomsbury Publishing on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, Adrienne Vaughan poses for a portrait. Vaughan, who was president of the company headquartered in New York, died in a boating accident off Italy's Amalfi Coast, her company said Friday. Democratic state legislators passed a law this year to prohibit so-called "abortion reversal" treatment, moving to make Colorado the first state in the nation to ban the controversial practice. But that plan is now facing a major hurdle from state medical boards. Senate Bill 190, signed in April, classifies abortion reversal treatment as unprofessional conduct, subjecting medical workers who provide the treatment to professional discipline. But the bill allowed abortion reversal to be reclassified as professional conduct if the state medical, nursing and pharmacy boards all agree that its a valid medical practice. In a draft rule, the boards did not declare abortion reversal as an accepted practice but they also declined to punish medical workers just for providing abortion reversal treatment. Instead, the draft proposes that the boards should review individual complaints to determine if specific instances of abortion reversal qualify as unprofessional conduct. "The board does not regularly adopt rules establishing a single standard of care applicable to all situations," the draft says. "The board will investigate all complaints related to medication abortion reversal in the same manner that it investigates other alleged deviations from generally accepted standards of medical practice." The three medical boards held a meeting Friday to collect public feedback on the draft rule, garnering mixed responses from attendees. Sponsors of SB 190, Rep. Karen McCormick and Sen. Faith Winter, spoke at the meeting, criticizing the boards for allegedly not following the instructions the law gave them. "Your only task was to determine if at this time, in the practice of medicine, abortion pill reversal is a generally accepted standard of practice, scientifically based," McCormick, D-Longmont, said. "If you are able to say that, then that is what goes into the rules. Otherwise, the law stands as is and abortion pill reversal is considered unprofessional conduct." McCormick and Winter asked the boards to re-examine the law's instructions and revise their draft rule. The boards have until Oct. 1 to adopt final rules. Colorado, other states call on court to block Idaho's abortion travel ban 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. Abortion reversal treatment has been hotly debated in the medical community for years. The idea is that taking the hormone progesterone can stop a medication-based abortion after a patient has completed the first part of the two-step process. Supporters of the treatment point to a small-scale 2012 study, which found that four of six women who had begun medication abortions were able to carry their pregnancies to term after taking progesterone. Subsequent research has concluded there is insufficient evidence to support abortion reversal treatment, attributing successful pregnancies to the results of simply not taking the second abortion pill. A larger 2019 University of California study attempted to test the effectiveness of abortion pill reversal, but the study was ended prematurely due to safety concerns after three participants required ambulance transport to a hospital for treatment of severe vaginal bleeding, NPR reported. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also rejects prescribing progesterone to reverse abortions, saying it is "not based on science and do not meet clinical standards." On Friday, opponents of abortion reversal said the boards must adopt rules to protect women from being pushed into partaking in a medically-unfounded practice, while proponents argued that the boards should preserve an option for women who change their minds after starting the process of a medication abortion. "All medicines were once experimental medicines," said Joelle Campbell, a registered nurse, in support of the draft rule. "The state has no authority to weaponize their political beliefs to prevent ethical, clinical use of off-label drugs." "To allow consideration of this rule is dangerous and would compromise patient care and safety," responded Dr. Sarah Peterson, an OB-GYN who argued against the draft rule. "There should be no reason to examine each instance on a case-by-case basis, as there is no abortion reversal treatment that is based in science or that meets any generally accepted clinical standards." The debate on the draft rule was largely split among anti-abortion and abortion-rights activists. Representatives from Democrats for Life and crisis pregnancy centers supported the draft, while opponents included members of the Center for Reproductive Rights, Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR), New Era Colorado and Cobalt. The three medical boards will continue accepting public feedback on the draft rule, which can be submitted by emailing [email protected]. The boards will also meet separately throughout the summer to discuss whether to adopt the draft rule: the medical board on Aug. 17, the nursing board on Sept. 20 and the pharmacy board on Sept. 21. Colorado appeals court finds no error in handling of Planned Parenthood mass shooting lawsuit Supporters of Niger's ruling junta hold a Russian flag at the start of a protest called to fight for the country's freedom and push back against foreign interference in Niamey, Niger, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. The march falls on the West African nation's independence day from its former colonial ruler, France, and as anti-French sentiment spikes, more than one week after mutinous soldiers ousted the country's democratically elected president. FILE - Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a campaign event on May 31, 2023, in Salix, Iowa. The College Board says schools in Florida should not offer its Advanced Placement course in psychology to students, citing guidance from state officials to exclude content on sexual orientation and gender identity. The call to shelve the course marks the College Board's latest clash with the administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen, who indicted a Democratic state senator on voter fraud tied to residency, has decided not to charge a Republican senator with committing a similar offense. The case involves former state Sen. Dennis Hisey, who was elected to represent Fountain in District 2 in 2018 but ran for a different Senate seat in 2022. On Oct. 12, 2021, the new state Senate maps were released by the redistricting commission. Nine days later, Hisey changed his voter registration to an address in Senate District 11. He filed for the SD 11 contest in December. Last year, the Colorado Ethics Institute (CEI) asked District Attorney Michael Allen to investigate whether Hisey lived in SD 11, in Colorado Springs, or in SD 12, in Fountain. The group claimed he still lived in the SD 12 home. Hisey told Colorado Politics last year the complaint is inaccurate. "I am living in Senate District 11," he said. "They're trying to make political hay out of this. They do what they think they need to do to win, but we'll surprise them." In 2021, Hisey's Fountain home was drawn into Senate District 12, which already had two incumbent senators, Democratic Sen. Pete Lee and Republican Sen. Bob Gardner. Gardner, however, was reelected to his second term in 2020, and, under state law, kept the seat. Lee, who faced a legal complaint about his residency, was therefore not able to run for reelection to that seat. According to the Colorado Ethics Institute complaint, the home Hisey listed as his Colorado Springs residence was owned by a Thomas Luckett, who did not sell the property to Hisey. Nor was it listed as a rental. The group claimed Hisey still lived in the Fountain home in Senate District 12, but that he voted in the June 22 primary from the Colorado Springs address, which is in SD 11. That's potentially voter fraud, the group claimed, since he cast a ballot in the Republican primary in June 2022 in a district in which he did not live in. Allen's office told Colorado Politics Friday that "after an extensive investigation and reviewing all the facts, the district attorneys office is not filing criminal charges" against Hisey. Some Colorado Springs Republicans raised alarms about Hisey's residency. In an email in August 2022, John Pitchford pleaded with the chair of SD 11 to call on Hisey to withdraw from the race, in part because he believed Allen would "put his thumb on the scales of justice for political purposes" and that potential conflict of interest could cost Republicans the Senate seat. 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. Sen. Tony Exum, a Democrat, defeated Hisey for the SD 11 seat last November by 5.5 percentage points. Hisey is now a district director for U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs. State law requires members of the General Assembly to live in the district they intend to represent one year before the general election. Allen's position on Hisey stands in stark contrast to his decision to charge Lee, the Democrat, with felony misrepresentation of his residency for voting purposes. Allen sought and obtained a grand jury indictment against Lee last year for voting in the 2020 presidential primary using a rental property on Sheridan Avenue that he owns for his voter registration and for legal paperwork with the Colorado Supreme Courts Office of Attorney Regulation. The Sheridan Avenue home was in SD 11, which Lee represented until redistricting drew the address into SD 12. Lee also has owned a home on West Cheyenne Road since 1991, which is in SD 12, and the complaint alleged he and his wife live there. The indictment was thrown out by an El Paso County judge, based on erroneous information presented to the grand jury by the Colorado Supreme Court's Office of Attorney Regulation. That office submitted an affidavit in August to the district attorney stating that Lee changed his address in December 2019 to the Cheyenne Road home. Lee had filed registration paperwork on that date but had not changed his address. The information was prominently cited at least five times in exhibits and PowerPoint presentations during the grand jury hearing by an investigator with Allen's office. In Boulder County, the Democratic district attorney filed similar charges in 2022 against a fellow Democrat, Rep. Tracey Bernett of Louisville. Character actor Mark Margolis died at the age of 83 on Thursday at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City after a short illness. You might know Margolis for his fearsome portrayal of Hector Salamanca, a wheelchair-bound former drug kingpin in 'Breaking Bad'. But many might not know that he graced several iconic films including Al Pacino starrer 'Scarface'. 'Breaking Bad' star Bryan Cranston who played Walter White wrote on Instagram: 'I am very saddened today to learn of a friend's passing. Mark Margolis was a really good actor and a lovely human being. Fun and engaging off the set, and (in the case of 'Breaking Bad' and 'Your Honor') intimidating and frightening on set." Bob Odenkirk, who played Saul Goodman in 'Better Call Saul', recalled Margolis's "powerful screen presence while paying tribute. Margolis was nominated for an Emmy in 2012 for outstanding guest actor in 'Breaking Bad'. His acting skills are well evident as he did not have any dialogue in the series (other than flashbacks in the spinoff 'Better Call Saul') and communicated via facial expressions and the barhop bell on his wheelchair. In a 2013 Time interview, he told the magazine that he enjoyed acting without speaking and took it as a challenge. "It was a marvellous creature! The fact that he didn't have any words was not an issue for me. I was delighted not to have to learn any lines. I mean, I had to know what was going on, I had my cues, but the fact that I didn't have to master lines was great. I got to fly out to New Mexico and not worry about memorising anything, he said back then. Margolis's movie career Though he started his acting career in the '70s, his breakout role was that of mobster Alberto The Shadow in Brian de Palmas 1983 film 'Scarface'. He has acted in six movies by director Darren Aronofsky including 'Requiem for a Dream', 'The Fountain', 'Noah', Black Swan', 'The Wrestler' and 'Pi'. He has 70 films or shows to his credit including 'The Thomas Crown Affair', 'Gone Baby Gone', 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' and 'Stand Up Guys', according to IMDb. His most recent film was Matthew Coppola's 2022 film 'Broken Soldier' with Sophie Turner. Picking your nose is linked to an increased risk of Covid, according to a study conducted in health workers. This raises two main questions. One, were these health workers washing their hands at work? Two, what does this study mean for the rest of us nose pickers? What did the study find? Some 219 Dutch health workers were monitored for Covid infection. They had regular antibody testing, which tells us if they had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid. They also reported the results of their own Covid tests. Some 12-18 months later, the health workers were asked about their nose picking habits, and exposure to Covid via symptomatic workmates or from contacts outside work. Just over 17 per cent of health workers who reported picking their nose caught Covid versus about 6 per cent of those who did not report nose picking. At first glance, it might appear feasible that people who pick their noses would be at increased risk of contracting Covid. That's because Covid infection relies on the SARS-CoV-2 virus coming into contact with mucous membranes that line the respiratory system, including those in the nose. So if someone touches a contaminated object or hand, then sticks their finger up their nose, this so-called fomite transmission can occur. But the risk is comparatively low. The United States Centres for Disease Control estimates about one in 10,000 contacts with a contaminated surface results in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Hang on a minute But there are some odd results. For example, people who picked their noses only monthly had a higher chance of infection than daily nose pickers. Logically, you would expect the daily nose pickers to have a higher risk of infection due to more transmission opportunities. There were also several aspects of how the study was designed that may have influenced the results. Just over half of the people approached to participate in the study actually did so, which may cause selection bias. This is where people who choose to participate may differ in some key characteristic from those who don't. These different characteristics can be confounders that influence the results. This was a cohort study, which followed a defined group of people for a set time and asked them questions about their habits and exposure. This study design may also be subject to bias. That's because people tend to answer in ways that are socially desirable, even in anonymous surveys. They tend to under-report behaviours seen as socially unacceptable (such as binge drinking); they over-report those that are socially acceptable. This study did not control for this type of bias. So we cannot say for certain if someone's report of whether and how often they picked their nose is a true reflection of what actually happened. People in the study may also have had trouble correctly remembering past behaviour (picking their nose) or exposures (to symptomatic people with Covid). The long time lag between when the infection data was collected and the retrospective survey increases the risk of recall error. There is also some level of guestimating in the study, particularly when it comes to the risk of Covid exposure. Health workers were asked to note their contact with symptomatic people or working with Covid patients. But we can't say if these were real exposures. That's because people may not have symptoms and still have Covid (this would have under-estimated their exposure risk). Alternatively, Covid patients may not be that infectious if they don't shed much virus (which may have over-estimated the Covid risk). Then, it appears the analysis did not control for gender. This is potentially an issue as female health workers tend to be better at following hand hygiene guidelines. The study reported a higher rate of nose picking in males and doctors, and males and doctors are also worse at hand hygiene. So the nose pickers may also be worse at sanitising their hands. In other words, we don't know if nose picking is the reason for the reported increased risk of Covid, the lack of hand hygiene, or both. Another way of saying this is the researchers reported a correlation between nose picking and an increased risk of Covid. We cannot say one causes the other or if additional factors are involved. So, what now? Given the above limitations, the study conclusions seem overly confident. Overall, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via nose picking is probably comparatively low, particularly for the general public who are not working in high Covid environments. But you can definitely decrease your risk through good hand hygiene (and using a tissue that you dispose of afterwards). Better still, avoid inhaling airborne viral particles, which is the most common mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Wear a good fitting mask or respirator in public, particularly in poorly ventilated or crowded inside spaces. (The Conversation: By Thea van de Mortel, Professor, Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University) Amid the recent unrest in Nuh, Haryana, Home Minister Anil Vij said that they will not rush to any early conclusion without a thorough investigation. While addressing the media on Friday, Vij said that there was a big game plan behind this. Meanwhile bulldozer action continued for the third day in the violence-hit Nuh. Around two dozen medical stores and other shops were razed the ground on the third day of razing "illegal" constructions in Nuh. Amid tight security, bulldozers rolled in at Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Nalhar. Many shops including pharmacies were also razed. Vij on Friday said that a total of 202 people were arrested so far in connection with the communal clashes in Nuh. Eighty were taken into preventive detention in connection with the communal clashes in Nuh, he said. "There is a big game plan...People climbed hills next to the temples, had lathis in their hands and gathered at entry points, all this is not possible without a proper plan. Bullets were fired, some people had arranged weapons as well. All this is part of a plan. We will not rush to an early conclusion without a thorough investigation being done, said Vij. #WATCH | Haryana administration demolishes illegal constructions near SKM Government Medical College in Nuh district pic.twitter.com/r2htjmGpyh ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2023 He also added that the internet services will be restored after the situation improves in the area. Regarding the bulldozer crackdown on properties of culprits, the home minister said that it will be used wherever required. Demolitions are part of the action, he added. According to officials, over 45 commercial shops built illegally were demolished. Earlier also, authorities have used bulldozers to raze structures of alleged criminals in Nuh and other parts in Haryana. We are getting information that firing incidents were pre-planned...we are collecting more information and taking action against the people responsible, he added. Meanwhile, Nuh SP Narendra Singh Bijarnia said that the investigation so far has suggested involvement of disparate elements, which are being identified and arrested. Earlier this year a crackdown was launched against cyber criminals and several people were arrested for defrauding people across the nation. "In April a house-to-house search was conducted with 5,000 police personnel. Many laptops, several thousand SIM cards and ATM cards were found there, on which action was also taken...Now the cyber station that has been attacked, and the way attempts have been made to tamper with the files, has made us launch an investigation into whether cyber thugs attacked the computer systems also of the police station," said Vij. In the recent clashes that broke out in Nuh, six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died. The incident occurred on Monday when a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by mobs in Muslim-dominated Nuh. Three people, including a father and son, from the Meitei community were killed by suspected militants in Ukha Tampak village in Manipur's Bishnupur district between 2 am and 3am on August 5. The attackers who raided the village near Kwakta, which comes under Phougakchao Ikhai police station limits, started firing indiscriminately, police sources said. The unarmed victims a father-son duo and a neighbour were guarding their houses and were gunned down in their sleep. They were later slashed with sharp weapons, said reports. "The three used to stay in a relief camp but had moved to their residences in Kwakta on Friday after the situation had improved," PTI quoted police as saying. This incident has escalated the tension in the area which is on the border of the Kuki-Zomi dominated Churachandpur district and the Bishnupur district which is dominated by the Meiteis. This border between the hills and valleys is a buffer zone guarded by central security forces. Following the violence, a mob gathered in Kwakta on Saturday morning intending to move to Churachandpur but they were stopped by security forces. "Heavy exchange of fire between state forces and militants was going on at nearby Phougakchao and in the vicinity of Kwakta," they said. The 24-hour general strike organised by a panel 27 assembly constituencies in the state on Saturday affected normal life in Imphal valley as markets and business establishments were shut in most areas. On August 4, a joint security force destroyed seven illegal bunkers in the Koutruk hill range. The operation was carried out a day after a mob looted automatic weapons from the second Indian Reserve Battalion at Naransena in Bishnupur district. Over 4,000 weapons and lakhs of ammunition have been looted from police stations and armouries since the ethnic clashes began in May. More than 180 people have been killed and thousands have fled their homes in the past three months. The outbreak of violence began after a court ordered the state to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education reserved for the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute a little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. -- with inputs from PTI In the latest development, Pradipsinh Vaghela, the key BJP leader has resigned from his party post of state general secretary in Gujarat. The BJP has not officially commented on the resignation yet. Vaghela was also in charge of the party's state headquarters, Shree Kamalam in Gandhinagar. Though the reason behind the resignation ahead of the Lok Sabha elections is unknown, rumours are rife that it was an aftermath of the alleged rebellion against Gujarat's BJP president C. R. Paatil. Recently, three party workers were arrested by the Surat Crime Branch for allegedly defaming Paatil. He was accused of corruption over allocation of portfolios to various party leaders, reported The Indian Express. The action was followed based on the case filed by BJP MLA from Choryasi constituency, Sandeep Desai. Another arrest was also made earlier relating to similar incident of defaming Paatil's image. Earlier in April, general secretary Bhargav Bhatt was relieved from the top post by the party high command. With Vaghela's resignation, the party has only two general secretaries left now, Rajni Patel and Vinod Chavda. Vaghela was appointed as the state general secretary on August 2016. The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday said it seized Rs 22 lakh in cash, valuables and land documents in recent searches conducted in relation with the money laundering case against Minister Senthil Balaji. In a series of tweets, the agency said, ED conducted search operations on 03/08/2023 at nine locations linked to Senthil Balaji, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), who was arrested in a cash-for-jobs scam and is currently under judicial custody. During the search, cash amounting to Rs 22 Lakh and unaccounted valuables worth Rs 16.6 Lakh along with unexplained property documents for 60 land parcels has been found and seized. According to reports, the searches were conducted at nine places linked to Balaji in Coimbatore and Karur districts, who is currently lodged at Puzhal central jail in Chennai under judicial custody. Balaji (47) continues to be a minister without portfolio in M.K. Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14 in the money laundering case linked to the alleged cash-for-jobs scam in the state transport department. The ED said it undertook the fresh raids after it got "intelligence inputs" that Balaji's "close associate" S.T. Saminathan "possessed incriminating documents/proceeds of crime and was attempting to hide/transfer them". Saminathan's premises were raided and it was found that his sister-in-law Shanthi was "acting as his benami and was seen moving bags containing documents and valuables". As a result, the agency said ED teams covered Shanthi's premises, but she was not present there. CTV footage showed that the bags had been handed over to a driver identified as Shiva, the agency said. When Shiva's house was searched, the ED said he was not present there and had turned off his mobile phone after he got to know about the searches at Shanti's house. "During the search at Shiva's residence, cash amounting to Rs 22 lakh and unaccounted valuables worth Rs 16.6 lakh along with unexplained property documents for 60 land parcels were found," the ED claimed. The agency said Shanthi was a housewife and had no source of income, adding that she did not cooperate and participate in the search proceedings. The agency said the driver Shiva, in his statement, "admitted" that Shanthi gave him the bags "out of fear that incriminating details would be discovered". "It appears that the seized property and cash belong to Saminathan," the ED alleged. The federal probe agency told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that Balaji was preventing it from exercising its right of custodial interrogation and bringing out the truth, and the apex court reserved its verdict on the pleas of the DMK leader and his spouse challenging his arrest. The ED had earlier claimed 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 that include R.V. Ashok Kumar and B. Shanmugam. The ED filed a case of money laundering in September 2021 to probe these allegations and its complaint is based on three Tamil Nadu Police FIRs filed during 2018 and some later years by some of those who failed to get the promised jobs. (With PTI inputs.) Three soldiers have been killed in an ongoing operation against militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the higher reaches of the Halan forest area on Friday evening following inputs about the presence of militants there. The three soldiers from 34 Rashtriya Rifles were injured during the exchange of fire with militants. Later, they succumbed to their injuries. "Operation Halan #Kulgam. On specific inputs regarding presence of terrorists on higher reaches of Halan in Kulgam, operations launched by Security Forces on 04 Aug 23. In exchange of firing with terrorists, three personnel sustained injuries and later succumbed. Search operations are continuing, Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Army said in a tweet. The police also tweeted about the operation. The encounter started in the higher reaches of the Halan forest area of #Kulgam district. Army and Kulgam Police are on the job. Further details shall follow, Kashmir Zone Police said in a tweet. Police officials added that the search operation has been intensified in the dense forest area. The operation started after the police on Thursday found a soldier who had gone missing from Chawalgam area of Kulgam district almost a week ago. The District Attorney for Colorado Springs, who indicted a Democratic senator on voter fraud tied to residency, has decided not to charge a Republican senator with committing a similar offense. The case involves former state Sen. Dennis Hisey, who was elected to represent Fountain in Senate District 2 in 2018 but ran for a different Senate seat in 2022. On Oct. 12, 2021, the new state Senate maps were released by the redistricting commission. Nine days later, Hisey changed his voter registration to an address in Senate District 11. He filed for the SD 11 contest in December. Last year, the Colorado Ethics Institute (CEI) asked District Attorney Michael Allen of the 4th Judicial District to investigate whether Hisey lived in SD 11, in Colorado Springs, or in SD 12, in Fountain. The group claimed he still lived in the SD 12 home. Hisey told Colorado Politics last year the complaint is inaccurate. "I am living in Senate District 11," he said. "They're trying to make political hay out of this. They do what they think they need to do to win, but we'll surprise them." In 2021, Hisey's Fountain home was drawn into Senate District 12, which already had two incumbent senators, Democratic Sen. Pete Lee and Republican Sen. Bob Gardner. Gardner, however, was reelected to his second term in 2020, and, under state law, kept the seat. Lee, who faced a legal complaint about his residency, was therefore not able to run for reelection to that seat. According to the Colorado Ethics Institute complaint, the home Hisey listed as his Colorado Springs residence was owned by a Thomas Luckett, who did not sell the property to Hisey. Nor was it listed as a rental. The group claimed Hisey still lived in the Fountain home in Senate District 12, but that he voted in the June 22 primary from the Colorado Springs address, which is in Senate District 11. That's potentially voter fraud, the group claimed, since he cast a ballot in the Republican primary in June 2022 in a district in which he did not live in. Allen's office told Colorado Politics Friday that "after an extensive investigation and reviewing all the facts, the district attorneys office is not filing criminal charges" against Hisey. Some Colorado Springs Republicans raised alarms about Hisey's residency. In an email in August 2022, John Pitchford pleaded with the chair of SD11 to call on Hisey to withdraw from the race, in part because he believed Allen would "put his thumb on the scales of justice for political purposes" and that potential conflict of interest could cost Republicans the Senate seat. Sen. Tony Exum, a Democrat, defeated Hisey for the SD 11 seat last November by 5.5 percentage points. Hisey is now a district director for U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs. State law requires members of the General Assembly to live in the district they intend to represent one year prior to the general election. 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. Allen's position on Hisey stands in stark contrast to his decision to charge Lee, the Democrat, with felony misrepresentation of his residency for voting purposes. Allen sought and obtained a grand jury indictment against Lee last year for voting in the 2020 presidential primary using a rental property on Sheridan Avenue that he owns for his voter registration and for legal paperwork with the Colorado Supreme Courts Office of Attorney Regulation. The Sheridan Avenue home was in Senate District 11, which Lee represented until redistricting drew the address into SD 12. Lee also has owned a home on West Cheyenne Road since 1991, which is in SD 12, and the complaint alleged he and his wife live there. The indictment was thrown out by an El Paso County judge, based on erroneous information presented to the grand jury by the Colorado Supreme Court's Office of Attorney Regulation. That office submitted an affidavit in August to the district attorney stating that Lee changed his address in December 2019 to the Cheyenne Road home. Lee had filed registration paperwork on that date but had not changed his address. The information was prominently cited at least five times in exhibits and PowerPoint presentations during the grand jury hearing by an investigator with Allen's office. In Boulder County, the Democratic district attorney filed similar charges in 2022 against a fellow Democrat, Rep. Tracey Bernett of Louisville. Prosecutors charged Bernett last year with falsifying her residency in order to run for reelection to House District 12. Bernett was elected in 2020 to represent House District 12, but after redistricting, her home was drawn into House District 19. She rented an apartment in Louisville that was in HD12, but an investigation by the Boulder County District Attorney's office found no evidence that this was her permanent home. The investigation, which included five search warrants, found little to no food in the apartment's refrigerator, few clothes in the closets, no evidence of a cat, which Bernett featured on social media, and no charger for her Tesla in the garage. An affidavit tied to the investigation said neighbors at the Louisville apartment complex said they did not know Bernett. Bernett resigned in January as part of a deal with the district attorney and received a deferred sentence and two years' probation. Curtis Hubbard, speaking on behalf of Colorado Ethics Institute, said Friday that, "nearly a year after bringing our findings to the attention of the 4th Judicial District Attorney's office, I'm disappointed to learn that they will not be bringing charges. I would hope that the DA's office was as thorough in investigating this case as they were with similar cases." As of 2022, at least eight members of the General Assembly did not live in the districts they represented at one time or another, Colorado Politics has reported. The open secret: State legislators don't always live in districts they represent This story is developing and will be updated. Thousands overran New York City streets on August 4 afternoon after Twitch streamer Kai Cenat called on fans to meet him at Manhattan's Union Square for a giveaway. Some of the people, including juveniles, swung objects at car windows, threw paint cans and set off fire extinguishers, resulting in a riot-like situation. Aerial footage on US TV news networks showed a tightly packed crowd running through the streets, scaling structures in the park and bringing traffic to a grinding halt. Some clambered on a moving vehicle, falling off as it sped away while others can be seen climbing atop city buses. Police officers gathered in large numbers by 5:30 pm and tried to bring the situation under control. However, teenagers knocked over barricades and threw bottles and even a flowerpot at police. Police were seen wrestling people to the ground and chasing them down the street. Police might charge the streamer, Kai Cenat, with at least two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly. At least 65 people, including 30 juveniles, were arrested. Nah why they breaking cars at this kai cenat giveaway LMAOO pic.twitter.com/nYehhqQTED (@vulturesclub) August 4, 2023 Jeffrey Maddrey, the highest-ranking uniformed officer for the New York City Police Department, said "People were suffering out here, adding that he saw people bleeding and having asthma and panic attacks. Maddrey said several police vehicles were damaged, including his. How it all began Multiple cars were pounded by fans at the Kai Cenat and Fanum meet and greet event in Union Square, NYC. The Twitch/YouTube influencers had promised to give away PlayStations, gift cards, and other goods, but it turned into chaos as thousands of fans mobbed the area. pic.twitter.com/q1xHfiAAdm BoreCure (@CureBore) August 5, 2023 The 21-year-old streamer who has around 6.5 million Twitch followers and four million YouTube subscribers posted an image on his Instagram page, announcing a giveaway at 4 pm in the New York City park. People started flowing in by 1:30 pm and the situation became unruly by 3 pm. Cenat who was conferred with the streamer of the year award at the 12th annual Streamy Awards in December 2022, livestreamed on Twitch from a vehicle and displayed gift cards he planned to give away. However, after the crowd became unruly and police arrived, he told the crowd, "Everybody who is out there, make sure you all (are safe.... We are not going to do nothing until it is safe." Later, he came out of his vehicle to meet his followers in the park and soon he was surrounded by a cheering, shoving mob. He was subsequently removed "for his safety" into a police vehicle, said the police chief. "We have encountered things like this before but never to this level of dangerousness," Maddrey said, pointing out a city bus transporting arrested people was attacked. Armed with batons, police push the crowd back using metal barricades and declared through loudspeakers that the gathering is unlawful. "Listen, we are not against young people having a good time, we are not against young people gathering," Maddrey said. "But it cannot be to this level where it is dangerous. A lot of people got hurt today." The Kaptan has been declared out. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arrested after a trial court on Saturday sentenced him to three years of jail time in the Toshakhana corruption case. The court reportedly also barred him from active politics for five yearseffectively ruling him out of the upcoming elections. The ouster of Khan legally has cleared the decks for the homecoming of another former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. And the elections in Pakistan, due to be held in October or November just got a lot more interesting, with the result, slightly predictable. Khan has been arrested from his Zaman Park house in Lahore, his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said in a tweet. The threat of the arrest loomed largeas Khan has been implicated in close to 170 cases. On Thursday, Khan too, set the stage for what would follow eventuallyhim going to jail. My message to the nation on the ongoing Toshakhana case where I have been continuously denied the Constitutional Right To Fair Trial and not even allowed to present witnesses in my defense, tweeted Khan on Thursday. The superior courts must intervene immediately to stop this miscarriage of justice in what feels like a military-styled mistrial. The stage is now set for the upcoming elections. Sharif, the lion of Punjab, who is been on self-imposed exile in London is due to come back, rumour has it in September. He can contest elections again--legally. His brother, the current Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, is due to step down on August 1 for the caretaker Prime Minister to take over. He has already hinted that he will make way for his elder brother. You will see that the map of politics will change when Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz said recently. Nawaz was banned from contesting elections by the Supreme Court in 2017 for corruption under the Panama Papers disclosure. However, a new law brought by the government in June, the Supreme Court Review of Judgements and Orders Act 2023, allows an appeal to be filed against the lifetime disqualifications within 60 days. The question that remains is what next. [But] whichever way you look at it, election in Pakistan without Imran Khan and the PTI will be no election at all, Raoof Hasan, PTIs new information secretary told THE WEEK in June. It is not going to be recognised by Pakistan as well as by most of the world. With the court ruling that Khan is barred from active politicsa legal route adopted in politics in Pakistan, Sharif is a prime example, it seems that his political fate seems to have been sealed legally. The PTI, without Khan, may not pull off an election. His party too, has been under tremendous pressure. Members of his party who have chosen to stay with him, very many have quit, have been arrested. The standoff between Khan and the establishment has only been growing since the fall of his government in 2022. This came to a head when Khan was arrested in Mayamid high drama--and violent protests erupted across Pakistan. The planners wanted "anarchy" and "civil war" in the country, said Prime Minister Sharif. In the crackdown that followed as many as 2,138 suspects have been arrested in five major cities of Pakistan in connection with the May 9 case. For now, Khan will need to return to the pavilion. Imran Khan was shifted to Attock jail in Pakistan's Punjab province amid tight security on Saturday after a trial court found the former prime minister guilty of corrupt practices in a corruption case and sentenced him to three years in prison. Khan, 70, was arrested from his Zaman Park home in Lahore on Saturday shortly after the Islamabad trial court convicted him in the Toshakhana corruption case. The case alleges that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief deliberately concealed details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana, a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept, during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales. Khan has been shifted to Attock Jail in the city of Attock, PTI spokesperson Zulifi Bokhari said. Police said that Khan was taken to jail amid tight security. Security has been on high alert on the route leading to jail, they said. It is the same jail where former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was kept after his arrest following the toppling of his government by former president Pervez Musharraf. Attock is located on the bank of the River Indus, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province lying on the opposite bank of the historic river. It is also the last major town of Punjab province along the Grand Trunk Road. Security has been beefed up after Khan's PTI party called for peaceful protests across the country within the ambit of the law and the Constitution. It also appealed to the Supreme Court to hear its review petition filed earlier in the day against the maintainability of the Toshakhana case. This is for the second time in three months that Khan has been arrested. Earlier, he was arrested on May 9 in Islamabad from the high court's premises in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, sparking violent protests by his supporters. His party workers vandalised over 20 military installations and government buildings, including the Lahore Corps Commander House, Mianwali airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad. The Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time. Following the protests, police arrested over 10,000 PTI supporters inducing women under terrorism charges. Some of them are being tried under the tough Army Act. Khan is facing more than 140 cases across the country and faces charges like terrorism, violence, blasphemy, corruption and murder. It was 2004. Almost a month before the Lok Sabha elections, when former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's AIADMK aligned with the BJP in Tamil Nadu. Jayalalithaa was on a campaigning spree and roadshows across Tamil Nadu calling AICC leader Sonia Gandhi as Antonia Maino were getting popular among the masses of Tamil Nadu. As a correspondent working for Jayalalithaa's Jaya TV, I travelled for around 60 days during the campaign with her convoy, covering the first leg of her election campaign. At Sathyamangalam, I decided to step down from the convoy and my colleague Ramani took over. After spending a day at Sathyamangalam, at the behest of former minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, who was organising Jayalalithaa's campaign, I decided to go home to meet my father in Coimbatore. But all of a sudden there was a change of mind as I read the morning newspaper. I wanted to go into the Sathyamangalam jungle and work on a story on forest brigand Veerappan. This was when Operation Cocoon was at its peak and the Special Task Force (STF) was working tirelessly to nab the dreaded bandit. I walked into the jungle, with one of my junior colleagues Bhuvana and my camera person Radhakrishnan, enjoying the scenic beauty of the forest. Sounds of chirping birds and the sight of mist covering the trees, gave us the energy to walk up further. After a few kilometres, as we tread deep into the forest, we were stopped by a set of STF policemen. After the usual inquiry we went up further into one of the STF camps. I had a long conversation with one of the officers at the camp. It was an off-the-record chat, where he gave me details of Operation Cocoon, its progress and what kind of a person Veerappan was. But he wanted us to return to the foothills of the Sathyamangalam forest as early as we could. He took us in his Jeep to yet another camp, further deep into the jungle, and showed us how the police personnel were working in difficult times. Later, he dropped us back at the foothills. I had spent a whole day with the STF, but did not get an exclusive story. As a reporter, who had reported in depth on Kannada superstar Rajkumar's abduction by Veerappan, his associate Nagappa's escape, press conferences of journalist Nakkeeran Gopal, who was sent as an emissary to meet Veerappan and also Tamil Nationalist leader Pazha Nedumaran, there was always an urge in my mind to do a detailed piece on Veerappan, his life and his days in the jungle. On October 18, 2004, when my colleague was sent to report on the killing of Veerappan, I even fought with my editor for not sending me. 'Hero' and criminal And now, decades later, as I watched Netflix's four-part docuseries The Hunt for Veerappan, directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, I am taken back to those days which came to an end with Jayalalithaa felicitating the entire STF team for killing Veerappan. The docuseries, which runs a little over three hours, begins with Muthu Lakshmi, wife of the forest brigand, recalling the day she first met him. She slowly shares anecdotes of him being celebrated as the 'hero'. It also features interviews of journalist Sunaad and forest officer B.K. Singh. Old photographs, newspaper cuttings, disturbing music and aerial shots of the deep dark jungle set the mood for the documentary about one of India's most famous outlaws. The first episode delves into Veerappan's journey from an ordinary village boy to an elephant poacher and sandalwood smuggler who was called the "forest king." The Hunt for Veerappan strings together the accounts shared by Muthu Lakshmi, Sunaad, Singh and STF officer 'Tiger' Ashok Kumar supplemented with archival photographs, videos and audio cassettes playing messages from Veerappan. The interviews are revealing, particularly the one with officer Senthamarai Kannan and the trader who did not want to reveal his identity. The villagers also share intimate details of the sufferings under Veerappan. The Hunt for Veerappan reflects the deep research work done by Selvaraj and his team before they sat down to record these interviews. The narration by journalist Siva Subramaniam, who was the first person to photograph Veerappan, shows us how Veerappans life changed after that. As much as the gripping docuseries captures the true spirit behind the police operation, it also portrays the disdain of cops in an era when technology was limited. In the beginning, however, it seems that the series is glorifying Veerappan. The second and the third part do complete justice and reveal the true story of a dreaded criminal. Despite the intense research and use of archival material in the docuseries, The Hunt for Veerappan stands out for some key omissions. Decorated police officer Shankar Bidari, best remembered for destroying Veerappan's gang, has not been interviewed by the makers. Vijay Kumar, who led operation Cocoon, has also not been interviewed. Yet another significant man is missingNakkeeran Gopal, a man who is believed to have known Veerappan up and close. That said, the series stays true to its title by delivering details and sticking to the timeline from 1989 to October 2004. Show: The Hunt for Veerappan Director: Selvamani Selvaraj Streaming on: Netflix New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate has taken possession of four villas and 6.75 acres of land in Kerala's Munnar district as part of a money laundering investigation against the banned Popular Front of India. The assets are worth a total Rs 2.53 crore (book value) and belong to Munnar Villa Vista Pvt Ltd. They were provisionally attached by the federal probe agency on January 7 and the adjudicating authority of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) confirmed it on June 30, the ED said in a statement on Saturday. The order of the adjudicating authority paved way for the agency to take possession of the land and the four villas, it said. The Popular Front of India (PFI) was banned under provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in September last year over its alleged links with terror activities. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said PFI leaders and members associated with overseas entities were developing a residential project -- Munnar Villa Vista Project (MVVP) -- at Munnar with a motive to "launder" money collected from foreign countries as well as within the country, and to generate funds for PFI to "finance" its radical activities and the project was being developed by forming a company in the name of Munnar Villa Vista Pvt Ltd (MVVPL). The agency said its probe found "infusion of a large volume of unaccounted cash in the project, subscription of shares of MVVPL in cash in the name of ghost shareholders, transfer of shares of MVVPL without any consideration, and bogus transfers made to other companies without any supply of goods or services". The money laundering case stems from a National Investigation Agency (NIA) FIR which alleged that a group of PFI/SDPI (Socialist Democratic Party of India) activists entered into a criminal conspiracy to impart training to their cadres in use of explosives and weapons, and organised a "terrorist camp" at Narath in Kannur. The PFI was formed in 2006 in Kerala and had its headquarters in Delhi. New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) The Union Cabinet has approved a last-mile broadband connectivity plan for 6.4 lakh villages across the country under the BharatNet project with an outlay of Rs 1.39 lakh crore, according to sources. Around 1.94 lakh villages have been connected under the BharatNet project at present, and the balance is likely to be connected in two and a half years, they added. "The Cabinet in its meeting, held on Friday evening, has approved Rs 1,39,579 crore for providing last mile optical fibre-based connectivity to homes in all villages of the country," one of the sources said. The last-mile connectivity will be provided by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), an arm of state-owned BSNL, in partnership with village level entrepreneur (VLE). "The model to take fibre-to-the-home, with the help of a local entrepreneur, was finalised after the successful completion of a pilot project. The pilot project was initially carried out to connect villages in four districts and then expanded to 60,000 villages across most states," as per sources. Customer premise equipment and additional fibre required for connecting homes are provided by BBNL, and local entrepreneurs have been tasked with maintaining the network. "Around 3,800 entrepreneurs were involved in the pilot project that was carried out for 60,000 villages, who provided 3.51 lakh broadband connections. Average data consumption per household has been recorded to the tune of 175 gigabytes per month," one of the sources said. The project is being rolled on a 50 per cent revenue-sharing basis between BBNL and VLE, and the monthly broadband plan price starts from Rs 399 onward. According to sources, there are 37 lakh route kilometres (rkm) of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) laid in the country, out of which BBNL has laid 7.7 lakh rkm. "The broadband connection has started empowering rural areas where people have started getting treatment with the help of global doctors, some businessmen have started providing tutorials on YouTube, families are saving money on preparation for competitive exams, and many other use cases are coming up," a source said. The project is expected to create 2.5 lakh jobs in the country. Omaha (US), Aug 5 (AP) Profits rebounded at Warren Buffett's conglomerate along with the value of its USD 353 billion stock portfolio in the second quarter to hit USD 35.9 billion, and Berkshire Hathaway's assorted businesses also performed well, led by strong results in its core insurance businesses, particularly Geico. Berkshire Hathaway said on Saturday that its profits surged to hit USD 24,755 per Class A share. A year ago, the Omaha, Nebraska-based company recorded a loss of USD 43.6 billion, or USD 29,633 per Class A share, when the value of its biggest investments fell. But Buffett has long said that those bottom-line figures can be misleading because of the big swings in the paper value of its investments from quarter to quarter when few of Berkshire's investments are actually bought or sold. Instead, Buffett recommends that investors focus on operating earnings to see how the more than 90 companies Berkshire owns are actually performing. By that measure, Berkshire's operating earnings grew 6.6 per cent, to USD 10.043 billion, or USD 6,928.40 per Class A share. That's up from USD 9.417 billion, or USD 6,403.61 per Class A share, a year ago. The three analysts surveyed by FactSet Research expected Berkshire to report operating earnings of USD 5,575.67 per Class A share. Berkshire's revenue jumped to USD 92.5 billion from last year's USD 76.2 billion thanks largely to the addition of truck stop operator Pilot Travel Centres, which generated USD 14.75 billion in revenue during the quarter. Berkshire is still sitting on a mountain of cash because it hasn't completed any major acquisitions or made many significant new stock investments this year. The company's cash pile grew to USD 147.4 billion from the first quarter's USD 130.6 billion. (AP) PY PY Melbourne, Aug 5 (PTI) A court in Australias Queensland state has overturned a law that banned Sikh students to wear a kirpan, a religious article in Sikhism, on campus, calling the legislation "unconstitutional", according to media reports. The ruling by the state's highest court came after Kamaljit Kaur Athwal took the state government to court last year, claiming that the ban discriminated against the kirpan -- one of five religious symbols that Sikhs are supposed to carry at all times as part of their faith, 9news.com reported. Sikhs are required to wear a kirpan as part of their religious uniform as prescribed by their code of conduct. It's one of five religious symbols they carry at all times as part of their faith. The Queensland Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that "the ban is unconstitutional under the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA)," the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. An initial court ruling dismissed the claim the act was discriminatory but now after an appeal, there has been a win for the Sikh faith. Bill Potts from Potts Lawyers Queensland said the original legislation meant Sikhs "were not able to go to school, not able to go to effectively carry out their religion". Potts said the overturning of the law is giving freedom back to those practising the faith and is a "great step forward". "This just simply means that they have the same freedoms that everybody else has and are not discriminated against by the state legislation," he said. Carrying a kirpan as a symbol of a religious commitment would, at least ordinarily, constitute a use of the knife for a lawful purpose namely, religious observance, the court found. To say that both Sikhs and non-Sikhs cannot practise their religion while wearing a knife ignores the fact that carrying a knife is only a feature of the religious observance of Sikhs." A law which prohibits a person from carrying a knife in a school for religious purposes impacts Sikhs by preventing them from lawfully entering schools while adhering to their religious beliefs." In the Court of Appeal ruling, the judges specifically said their decision was not about overturning bans on children carrying knives. The decision that allows Sikhs to legally enter a school carrying the Kirpan does not overturn a school's right to ban anyone else, such as students, from carrying a knife on school grounds. In response, the Queensland Education Department said it is considering the implications of the court decision. Kathmandu, Aug 5 (PTI) Nepal's Foreign Minister NP Saud on Saturday sought the help of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to locate the Nepalese pilgrims who went missing after a flash flood swept away the hotel they were staying in near the Kedarnath temple area. Saud on Saturday called Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami and formally requested him for the urgent search and rescue of the Nepalese pilgrims who went missing in the landslides that have occurred in Gauri Kund of Rudraprayag district since Thursday night following incessant rain, according to the ministers secretariat. A total of 19 pilgrims went missing in the landslide that hit Gauri Kund, out of which 11 are Nepal citizens. So far, seven bodies have been recovered of which three are Nepalese. According to media reports, most of the missing pilgrims are Nepalis. Chief Minister Dhami told Foreign Minister Saud that security personnel and other agencies have been deployed for search and rescue operations for the missing people since Saturday morning. Dhami also informed that due to the adverse weather condition in Rudraprayag, his visit to Gauri Kund was cancelled, but he gave necessary instructions to the local administration to continue the search for the missing persons, according to the Secretariat of Foreign Minister Saud. Earlier, on Friday, Minister Saud instructed the Nepal Embassy in Delhi to carry out search and rescue works in coordination with the Indian authorities. Islamabad, Aug 5 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has held a meeting with leaders of the allied parties to discuss the name of a caretaker prime minister to oversee general elections in the cash-strapped country as the government is about to complete its constitutional term. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Democratic Movement and Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other coalition leaders attended the meeting on Friday, The Express Tribune newspaper reported on Saturday. During the meeting, the prime minister took the leaders of the allied parties into confidence on the caretaker set-up and dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9. Following the deliberation, sources in the ruling alliance said, the heads of the allied parties lauded Shehbazs roughly 15-month government and expressed satisfaction with his leadership. Shehbaz, 71, became the prime minister in April last year after the National Assembly passed a no-confidence motion against then Prime Minister Imran Khan and ousted the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party from the top post. Khan's PTI won the last general election in 2018. During the meeting, sources said, the leadership of the ruling alliance deliberated upon different names for the caretaker prime minister and gave different suggestions about the future course of action. The ruling coalition has held several meetings regarding the caretaker set-up but hasnt yet reached any decision. On Thursday night, Sharif had formally told leaders of the allied parties that he would send the advice to the president for the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9, hoping that the consensus would be reached on the caretaker prime ministers name by then. According to the Constitution, the National Assembly will stand dissolved as soon as the president signs the advice. Article 58 of the Constitution (dissolution of the National Assembly) states that the president shall dissolve the National Assembly if so advised by the prime minister; and the National Assembly shall, unless sooner dissolved, stand dissolved at the expiration of 48 hours after the prime minister has so advised. The move will prompt general elections in Pakistan within 90 days. The Constitution provides that if the assembly completes its tenure, elections are to be held in 60 days, but in case of premature dissolution - which will be the case here - this period is extended to 90 days. Among those whose names have been taking rounds include former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, an independent lawmaker from Balochistan Aslam Bhootani, former finance minister Hafeez Sheikh and former principal secretary to prime minister Fawad Hassan Fawad, the paper said. Initially, incumbent Finance Minister Ishaq Dars name gained traction for the caretaker prime ministers post but the PPP objected to it. However, it hasnt yet been clarified if Dar is still in the race or not as Prime Minister Shehbaz has neither rejected nor objected to his name. Several leaders of the ruling coalition didnt hesitate to say that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's brother Nawaz Sharif would take the final decision about the caretaker prime minister, adding that he might consult PPP President and ex-president Asif Zardari and PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the subject, the paper reported. Commenting on the ongoing deliberation on the caretaker prime ministers name, a senior leader said the exercise was nothing more than a formality as the decision would be taken by the bigwigs of the coalition parties and conveyed to the prime minister. The Colorado Republican in charge of a lawsuit aimed at preventing unaffiliated voters from casting ballots in state primaries told Colorado Politics that the state GOP's lead attorney in the case is "the right man for the job," despite the lawyer's appearance this week as co-conspirator in a federal felony indictment, which alleged that former President Donald Trump tried to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Former top Trump legal adviser John Eastman has the experience and know-how to represent Colorado Republicans in the legal action, said former state Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, the head of a party committee overseeing the lawsuit. "I don't have any qualms about it," Lundberg said Friday in an interview. "Hes competent and qualified and the right man for the job, I believe." He added that he wasn't bothered by Eastman's appearance in the four-count criminal indictment handed down by a federal grand jury in Washington on Tuesday. "its all politics," Lundberg said. "Its just absurd what theyre doing." The indictment charges Trump with waging a monthslong campaign with six unnamed co-conspirators to block the transfer of power to President Joe Biden, culminating in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday in federal court in Washington. Eastman, who hasn't been charged, is identified in the indictment as "Co-Conspirator 2," his attorney confirmed this week to news outlets. A former visiting scholar of conservative thought and policy at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Eastman has been involved in conservative Colorado political circles for years. Eastman and local attorney Randy Corporon, one of Colorado's two elected members of the Republican National Committee, are representing the state Republicans in a federal lawsuit filed Monday in Denver that seeks to overturn Proposition 108, a 2016 ballot measure that opened state primaries to unaffiliated voters, on constitutional grounds. The lawsuit argues that forcing Colorado's major political parties to let unaffiliated voters have a say in their nominees violates the GOP's rights to freedom of association and free speech under the First and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. If the lawsuit succeeds, it would stop registered voters who don't belong to a political party from voting in either Republican or Democratic primaries, as they've been able to do since 2018. 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. Unaffiliated voters make up nearly half of the state's electorate. Eastman and Corporon represented a group of Republican candidates and party officials in a similar lawsuit filed a year ago. That lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge, who ruled the plaintiffs lacked standing, in part because the state GOP wasn't a party to the complaint. Lundberg said it's no coincidence Eastman has helped spearhead the Colorado lawsuits, since the lawyer, a constitutional scholar, "participated to a degree" in a decades-old case that led to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2000 ruling in California Democratic Party v. Jones. That decision struck down a 1996 California primary election law that let all voters, regardless of their affiliation, vote for candidates from any party in each primary race. ''In no area is the political association's right to exclude more important than in the process of selecting its nominee,'' wrote Justice Antonin Scalia for the majority in the 7-2 decision, describing what Colorado Republicans characterize as a First Amendment right to freedom of association for political parties. Lundberg said Eastman's familiarity with the California case makes him an ideal attorney to argue the Colorado one, though some of the particulars are different. Backers of the Colorado ballot initiative, for instance, said they included a mechanism for parties to opt out of the semi-open primaries if three-quarters of their central committees approve. The Colorado GOP's lawsuit maintains that's an impossibly high requirement to meet, rendering it not a valid option. State Republicans have attempted to withdraw from the primary three times but fallen far short of the threshold, and is slated to consider the question again next month. Eastman, Lundberg said, "has much more knowledge about it than most, and I am very confident in his ability and his knowledge." Lundberg added that Eastman "has been busy trying to defend himself, but he's a smart guy who's been around the block a few times." Efforts to reach Eastman were unsuccessful. Said Lundberg: "I know a lot of people kind of roll their eyes. Its the political world and, unfortunately, a lot of people are playing very much hardball in that arena, but I dont try to get sucked into it, I try to stay in my lane." Washington, Aug 5 (AP) Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that troop readiness and retention is at risk as the Army's chief stepped down on Friday, leaving the military's two ground combat forces without Senate-confirmed leaders for the first time in history. Speaking during a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Austin said the Senate's failure to confirm the services' new leaders is disruptive to the force and could impact relationships with allies and partners around the globe. The confirmation of the next Army chief and Marine commandant are among more than 300 military nominations stalled by Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican, over the Pentagon's policy to pay for travel when a service member has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. "Today, for the first time in the history of the Department of Defense, two of our services will be operating without Senate-confirmed leadership," said Austin. "Great teams need great leaders, and that is central to maintaining the full might of the most lethal fighting force on earth." Army General James McConville is retiring and General Randy George, the current vice chief, has been nominated to become the next chief of the service. On Friday, George became the acting chief. Similarly, Marine General Eric Smith has been nominated to be the next commandant, but is serving in an acting capacity now because he has not been confirmed. Both can serve as "acting" chiefs, but can do nothing that would presume confirmation. As a result, they cannot move into the main residences or offices, or issue formal planning guidance, which is traditional for a new leader. And officials have also warned that there are some authorities, including some budgeting powers, that do not shift to acting leaders. "We need these leaders in place to ensure the readiness of our force," said Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, speaking at the ceremony. "And we need to end all of this uncertainty for our military families." She noted that officers and their families are in limbo, waiting to see if they will move or not to new bases, states and jobs. In a recent comment, Tuberville said it is up to the Democrats to schedule votes on the nominations. "I am not stopping anyone from getting confirmed, and I am not stopping anyone from voting. Democrats could simply put these nominations up for a vote, but they clearly do not want to," he said. Democrats have said that doing individual votes on each of the nominations would take months, and would eat up valuable time that the Senate needs to address other issues. In the past, senators have routinely voted en masse on large numbers of nominations and doing individual votes more rarely on ones that are less likely to be unanimous. Smith addressed the issue in a letter to the force on Thursday, laying out the need for the Corps to continue modernisation efforts and broader programmes to improve warfighting. "Until the Senate confirms our 39th Commandant, this guidance will serve as our reference point," Smith said. "I cannot predict how long this process may take, but waiting is not an option for Marines, so we will move out as a team -- just as we would in combat." Tuberville has blocked efforts to have Senate votes on all nominations for senior military jobs because he disagrees with the travel pay policy. And congress is now out on summer vacation, which means there will be no action on the jobs for weeks. Admiral Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, will step down on Monday. Admiral Lisa M Franchetti, the current vice chief, has been nominated to take over. Further complicating things, Air Force General CQ Brown has been nominated to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, when Army General Mark Milley leaves, as required by law, on September 30. The current vice chairman, Admiral Christopher Grady, would serve as acting chairman. Brown, whose term as Air Force chief goes for another year, will remain in that post. General David Allvin has been nominated to be the next Air Force chief, if Brown moves to the chairman's job. (AP) RC Islamabad, Aug 5 (PTI) The sentencing and arrest of Imran Khan in the Toshakhana corruption case is "politically motivated", his close aide and former Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Saturday, asserting that the party will challenge the verdict and use all legal means to defend the ex-prime minister. Khan, 70, was arrested from his Zaman Park home in Lahore on Saturday shortly after an Islamabad trial court found him guilty of corrupt practices in the Toshakhana case and sentenced him to three years in prison. The verdict, issued by Additional District and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar, comes as a blow to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief who has been arrested for the second time in three months. PTI Vice Chairman Qureshi rejected the conviction and subsequent arrest of Khan, saying the "much-feared" ruling was state-sanctioned and premeditated. "I reject the court's verdict and believe it is a politically motivated and predetermined decision which was already expected," he told Geo News. The case alleges that Khan deliberately concealed details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana, a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept, during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales. Qureshi said he believed that the requirements of justice were not met. "PTI will use its right to challenge the decision by knocking on the doors of the higher judiciary. We will defend Imran Khan with all legal means. We will opt for all legal ways to defend him," the former foreign minister said. Qureshi said the party's core committee will issue its next line of action after the meeting. Noting that the decision was taken in haste and announced on the weekend, he also questioned the immediate arrest of Khan by Lahore police that followed. "It is a cause of concern that as the verdict is just being announced and the news was aired on television, the police arrived at Zaman Park to take Imran Khan in. Were the police already informed about the nature and the decision?" he asked. "The criteria of justice are impartiality and adequate representation, and presenting witnesses before the jury. Were all these provided to his party head? "Was there not anyone in the whole judiciary, except Justice Humayun Dilawar who can fulfil the requirements of justice?" he said. Khan is accused of misusing his 2018 to 2022 premiership to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad and worth more than Rs 140 million (USD 635,000). According to a report, Khan, during his tenure as prime minister, went away with seven wrist watches worth Rs 96.6 million, landing the second spot across all three parties in terms of assessed value of watches retained. He paid Rs 21 million to procure these watches, five of which were Rolex and one Graff, the report said. The Election Commission of Pakistan on October 21 last year, disqualified the former prime minister in the Toshakhana case for making "false statements and incorrect declaration". In May, a trial court rejected Imran Khan's petition challenging the maintainability of the case and indicted the PTI chief, who denied all the allegations of misdeclaration of gifts. Khan challenged the trial court's decision before the IHC, which sent the case back to the trial court for re-examination. On July 8, the trial court concluded that the ECP's petition was maintainable and proceeded further against the former premier who then approached the Supreme Court for relief. Khan is facing more than 140 cases across the country and faces charges like terrorism, violence, blasphemy, corruption and murder. Khan was ousted from power in April last year after losing a no-confidence vote in his leadership, which he alleged was part of a US-led conspiracy targeting him because of his independent foreign policy decisions on Russia, China and Afghanistan. Lahore, Aug 5 (PTI) Police in Pakistan's Punjab province on Saturday arrested 10 PTI workers for protesting a trial court's conviction and sentencing of former prime minister Imran Khan in a corruption case. Khan, 70, was arrested from his Zaman Park home in Lahore on Saturday shortly after an Islamabad trial court found him guilty of corrupt practices in the Toshakhana corruption case and sentenced him to three-year imprisonment. The case alleges that Khan deliberately concealed details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana, a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept, during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales. Punjab police said in a statement that they arrested 10 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers outside the PTI chief's home where they had gathered to protest against their leader's arrest. "No protest has been reported in any other part of Lahore and elsewhere in Punjab, so far," police said. Only a handful of PTI supporters on Saturday took to the streets in Lahore to protest Khan's arrest, they said. The ruling PML-N workers gathered at Jauhar Town and celebrated the arrest of Khan on Saturday. PML-N Lahore president Saif Khokhar and other officer bearers of the party distributed sweets among the workers. Security has been beefed up and heavy police contingents have been deployed on all main roads and buildings in Lahore. Security personnel have also been deployed on roads leading to cantonments in the province especially to secure military installations in Punjab province. Earlier in May, widespread protests erupted across Pakistan after Khan was arrested outside a court in Islamabad by paramilitary Rangers in a corruption case. His party workers vandalised over 20 military installations and government buildings, including the Lahore Corps Commander House, Mianwali airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad. The Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time. Following the protests, police arrested over 10,000 PTI supporters inducing women under terrorism charges. Some of them are being tried under the Army Act. Khan is facing more than 140 cases across the country and faces charges like terrorism, violence, blasphemy, corruption and murder. Islamabad, Aug 5 (PTI) Pakistans ruling alliance on Saturday welcomed former prime minister Imran Khan's three-year prison sentence and his arrest in a corruption case. Khan, 70, was arrested from his Zaman Park home in Lahore on Saturday shortly after an Islamabad trial court found him guilty of corrupt practices in the Toshakhana corruption case and sentenced him to three-year imprisonment. Additional Judge Humayun Dilawar of the Islamabad-based district and sessions court also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 on Khan and noted that the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party would be kept in jail for another six months if he failed to pay the fine. "He cheated while providing information about gifts he obtained from the Toshakhana which later proved to be false and inaccurate. His dishonesty has been established beyond doubt," the court order said. Addressing the media after the court ruling, Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said the detailed verdict has proved that Khan committed the offence of corruption by making and publishing false statements. He has been jailed for being dishonest and corrupt, she said. The minister said legal formalities and due procedure were followed and the decision of the court has nothing to do with politics or the upcoming election. The trial court announced the verdict after at least 40 hearings, she said, adding that the whole investigation took almost 13 to 14 months. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made a terse comment on the conviction of Khan, saying: he got what he did to others. Defence minister Khawaja Asif posted on social media platform X a picture of Khan with his party leaders eating sweets following the arrest of former premier Nawaz Sharif. People celebrating the verdict against Nawaz Sharif. Among them, those who are apparently with Imran Khan today, should definitely get their DNA checked all will be fake leaders, he said. However, former ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani expressed concern over the arrest of Khan. Another former prime minister convicted and disqualified from running for office in Pakistan. A sad reflection of lack of full democracy. One can disagree with him, his actions, & his ever-changing views but still recognize that this is just a rerun of Pakistans sorry past, he posted on X, formerly called Twitter. Khan's arrest on Saturday comes approximately three months after his first arrest on May 9 when he was detained in Islamabad from the high courts premises in the Al-Qadir Trust case. His arrest that day resulted in widespread violence and saw important military installations come under attack, prompting the government to launch a severe crackdown against his party. While Khan was released the next day, thousands of PTI workers and almost the entire top-tier leadership was rounded up. In a pre-recorded message shared on social media platform X a few hours after his arrest, Imran said: By the time this message reaches you, I will be in jail. In the wake of my arrest, I want you to continue peaceful protests and not to sit quietly inside your house," he said. My movement is not for myself, but for you, for the future of your children. If you will not stand up for your rights, you will live a life that is of slaves and slaves have no life. Slaves are similar to how ants are on the ground they do not fly high," he was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper. This is a battle for your rights and freedom you have to continue peaceful protests until you get your right, which is seeing a government elected by you and not a qabza mafia, he added The trial court verdict came a day after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) set aside a session courts verdict to uphold the maintainability of the Toshakhana case for criminal proceedings against Khan. Khan was indicted in the Toshakhana case in May which was filed last year on the complaint of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which had disqualified him in the same case in October 2022. The case alleges that the PTI chief deliberately concealed details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana, a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept, during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales. According to reports, Khan received 58 gifts worth more than Rs 140 million from world leaders during his three-and-a-half-year stint and retained all of them either by paying a negligible amount or even without any payment. The gift Khan kept with himself included a diamond watch, a pair of cufflinks, a ring, a pen and several watches. Khan is facing more than 140 cases across the country and faces charges like terrorism, violence, blasphemy, corruption and murder. Khan was ousted from power in April last year after losing a no-confidence vote in his leadership, which he alleged was part of a US-led conspiracy targeting him because of his independent foreign policy decisions on Russia, China and Afghanistan. Islamabad, Aug 5 (PTI) Imran Khan was shifted to Attock jail in Pakistan's Punjab province amid tight security on Saturday after a trial court found the former prime minister guilty of corrupt practices in a corruption case and sentenced him to three years in prison. Khan, 70, was arrested from his Zaman Park home in Lahore on Saturday shortly after the Islamabad trial court convicted him in the Toshakhana corruption case. The case alleges that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief deliberately concealed details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana, a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept, during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales. Khan has been shifted to Attock Jail in the city of Attock, PTI spokesperson Zulifi Bokhari said. Police said that Khan was taken to jail amid tight security. Security has been on high alert on the route leading to jail, they said. It is the same jail where former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was kept after his arrest following the toppling of his government by former president Pervez Musharraf. Attock is located on the bank of the River Indus, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province lying on the opposite bank of the historic river. It is also the last major town of Punjab province along the Grand Trunk Road. Security has been beefed up after Khan's PTI party called for peaceful protests across the country within the ambit of the law and the Constitution. It also appealed to the Supreme Court to hear its review petition filed earlier in the day against the maintainability of the Toshakhana case. This is for the second time in three months that Khan has been arrested. Earlier, he was arrested on May 9 in Islamabad from the high courts premises in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, sparking violent protests by his supporters. His party workers vandalised over 20 military installations and government buildings, including the Lahore Corps Commander House, Mianwali airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad. The Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time. Following the protests, police arrested over 10,000 PTI supporters inducing women under terrorism charges. Some of them are being tried under the tough Army Act. Khan is facing more than 140 cases across the country and faces charges like terrorism, violence, blasphemy, corruption and murder. Colombo, Aug 5 (PTI) India has handed over INR 450 million in advance to Sri Lanka to fund its unique digital identity project, the most crucial step in the island nation's digitalisation programme being implemented through the Indian grant assistance. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe's office here said that the fund from the government of India was given on Friday. During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, key stakeholders, including Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, Indian High Commissioner, Gopal Bagley, and First Secretary of the Indian High Commission, Eldos Mathew and others engaged in extensive discussions on the projects execution. Signifying the Indian governments commitment to the initiative, the Indian High Commissioner handed over a significant contribution of Indian Rs 450 million to Minister Kanaka Herath (State Minister of Technology), constituting 15 per cent of the total funds required for the successful implementation of the project as an advance payment," a statement from the President's Office said. Ratnayaka emphasised the paramount importance of adhering to a well-defined timeline to ensure the projects seamless execution. Acknowledging the projects profound significance in Sri Lankas economic recovery process, Ratnayaka expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for its unwavering support in this endeavour. "High Commissioner handed over a cheque of INR 450 million to State Minister Hon @kanakadh, in the gracious presence of Hon @SagalaRatnayaka today for SLUDI (Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project) project, which is being implemented through grant assistance by Govt of #India," the Indian High Commission in Colombo posted on platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The project aims to collect biographic and biometric information, including facial, iris, and fingerprint data, which will be stored in a centralised system to issue identification cards as per the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The implementation of the project would lead to more effective and efficient delivery of government services, poverty reduction and welfare programs; financial inclusion through better access to banking and other products/services. The project commenced with the signing of a MoU between Sri Lanka and India in March 2022 and an Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Project Monitoring Committee (JPMC) for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project (SL-UDI) was introduced. The Government of India is overseeing the software development for the SL-UDI. Gwalior, Aug 5 (PTI) Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday said there was no plan to relocate cheetahs from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur, his statement coming amid the death of nine felines since March this year. The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change said the government accepted the sensitivity of the ambitious project and wants it to be a complete success. "There is no plan going on for this (relocation)...Naturally the infection caused by insects due to monsoon has also come to our notice. We have lost two cheetahs due to the infection. We have also shared information with experts from South Africa, Namibia and we are moving forward on its management, Yadav told reporters. Asserting that all forest officials and veterinarians were working very hard at KNP, Yadav said this was the first year since the cheetahs were translocated (from Namibia and South Africa in September last year and February this year respectively) and added that continuous work was going on regarding the weather conditions here and its effects. "I am saying with great confidence that we are seriously engaged in this project. We are fully concerned about each cheetah. The government would like the project to be a complete success. This is a long project in which cheetahs have to come every year. We accept its sensitivity. We will make this project successful," he asserted. Eight cheetahs were flown into KNP from Namibia and released into special enclosures on September 17 last year, while another 12 were brought in from South Africa in February this year. Since then, nine cheetahs, including three of the four cubs born here in March, have died, leaving KNP with 15 cheetahs at present, including a cub. The ninth death took place on August 2. The other deaths took place on July 11, July 14, March 27, April 13, May 9 and March (three cubs). Cheetahs have been brought to KNP as part of an ambitious reintroduction project after the species was declared extinct from the country in 1952. Patna, Aug 5 (PTI) Bihar Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh on Saturday asserted that his party was confident of "due representation" in the Nitish Kumar administration. Singh was addressing a press meet here, organised to celebrate the Supreme Court judgement in favour of the party's leader Rahul Gandhi, whose conviction in a defamation case was stayed. The Rajya Sabha member, who accompanied Gandhi when the latter visited RJD president Lalu Prasad's Delhi residence on Friday night, was asked if the much-awaited expansion of the Bihar cabinet came up for discussion. Replying in the affirmative, the BPCC president said Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD supremo's younger son who is also the deputy chief minister, assured them of needful intervention. "Tejashwi ji is also coming to Patna today. He told us that he will take up the matter with the chief minister. We are sure of 'samuchit bhagidari' (due representation) for the Congress," said Singh. Notably, the Congress has two ministers in the cabinet which was constituted in August last year when Nitish Kumar quit the BJP-led NDA and joined the Mahagathbandhan which until then comprised only RJD, the Congress and the Left. The Congress has made it clear that it wants two more cabinet berths. Singh was also asked why the Congress was overlooked for representation when many of the boards and commissions controlled by state government were recently revamped. "We do not look at it that way. A few of these bodies have been revamped but a few others are yet to undergo the process. We are sure the Congress will get due representation," he said. To a question whether the Congress was thinking of projecting Gandhi as the "face" of the coalition bloc INDIA, Singh said such a decision could be taken only with the consent of all alliance partners. Guwahati, Aug 5 (PTI) An operative of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a terrorist organisation of Bangladesh, was apprehended by Assam Police in Dhubri district on Saturday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The member of the ABT module, identified as Abdus Sukur Ali, was apprehended from near the India-Bangladesh border, Sarma said in a tweet. He was detained early in the morning from the remote Nayeralga area under the jurisdiction of Bilasipara police station, he said. Dhubri Superintendent of Police Nabin Singh told reporters that the police recovered from Ali several handsets and documents with alleged links to the ABT. Singh said that a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been registered against Ali. "In the run-up to Independence Day, Dhubri Police were on high alert along the India-Bangladesh border to prevent members of Islamic fundamentalist organisations from entering the state and committing any crime," Singh said. Sarma recently said that Assam is a potential place for Islamic terror modules which were being neutralised from time to time and it will continue. In April this year, three persons with alleged links with ABT were arrested from Dhubri. Last year, Assam Police had busted nine modules of ABT and the Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and arrested 53 people allegedly involved with these outfits. The arrest of ABT and AQIS operatives followed the demolition of private 'madrasas' (Islamic educational institutions), where teachers with links with these militant outfits allegedly carried out the agenda of radicalising youth, which was portrayed by the Assam government as a serious threat to the security of the state. Imphal, Aug 5 (PTI) The 24-hour general strike called by the co-ordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies in Manipur on Saturday paralysed normal life in Imphal Valley, with markets and business establishments remaining shut in almost all localities. Public transport stayed off the road and only a few private vehicles were seen plying on the streets. Schools also remained closed due to the strike from midnight. The hill districts, however, have largely been unaffected by the strike, which was called by the committee to demand an emergency assembly session to discuss various issues. The committees convenor L Binod had earlier said that the strike is not to add to the hardships of the people, but to pressure the government. Meanwhile, the Manipur Cabinet on Friday recommended Governor Anusuiya Uikey to convene a session of the assembly from August 21. The previous assembly session was held in March. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence that broke out in May, and sporadically continued to plague the northeastern state for the last three months, claiming over 160 lives. The state, which remains curfew bound, has seen a recent flare-up of hostilities between the two warring communities -- the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis, after an announcement of a public mass burial of tribals killed during the ongoing race riots. Tension between the two communities also heightened after talks between former Kuki militant organisations and the Centre were restarted. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Why does a foot rub feel so good? It could be due to reflexology, an alternative therapy that claims the whole body is represented on the bottom of the foot. Specific points or nerve endings on your tootsies connect to different places in your body, and by pressing on them you can stimulate particular organs or address physical issues. But other such microsystems also exist in the belly, hands, face and ears, the latter of which is the star of a type of acupuncture called auriculotherapy. The whole body is connected through the nervous system, so when you stimulate points on a microsystem it affects the nerves that affect whatever that point is stimulating, said Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Karen Moreland. Lets say youre having a low-back pain problem and I stimulate the low- back pain point on the ear, said Moreland, founder of Generations Acupuncture. Thats going to have an effect on your real low back even though Im treating the ear, because of the nervous system. Moreland references a large diagram of the ear on one wall of her treatment room. Inside the structure is an upside-down baby, as though curled up in a womb. It shows the points and where they correspond in our bodies, such as the skull, neck, spine, lumbago point, knees, ankles and the skeletal system. There are also points where an acupuncturist can treat dental pain, nose and tonsil issues, eye disorders, allergies, high blood pressure, internal organ issues and more. If theres a problem somewhere, Moreland says, its going to show up somehow on the ear. For example, a liver issue could be indicated by a dark spot, a vein or rough and scaly skin on the liver point. Moreland also uses an electrical probe to go over points on the ear. If theres nothing visible to the eye on the liver point, the probe will note electrical conductivity. Sometimes a client isnt having a noticeable problem, but Moreland will see an indication of an issue on the ear or get a response from the probe, which helps her treat the concern before it becomes problematic. If you dont have a problem, theres not going to be anything that shows up, she said. No electrical conductivity, no spot, but if you do, something will show up. Moreland also does regular acupuncture on the body, but will always put needles in a clients ears for pain, fertility and anxiety: Its really helpful for anxiety, she says. Auriculotherapy works faster than other points on the body because the points are so shallow that even the smallest amount of stimulation can quickly change the electrical conductivity. Plus, the ears right next to the brain. If Ive got someone in severe pain, Im immediately putting a pain protocol in their ear and then get them on the table and treat the body, Moreland said. Same for anxiety. If someones super anxious, I can put the anxiety protocol in, have them calm down, and then I can treat them with the body. Treating the ear works faster than the foot, she says, due to its location near the brain and also because its easier for the client, who doesnt have to get undressed to have their body treated. They can also relax in a recliner and potentially be more comfortable. 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. Moreland leaves the needles in about 15 to 45 minutes, and the number of treatments needed depends on the patient and how they respond. If someone comes in with acute pain and is a good responder, one treatment can take care of it. For those with severe chronic pain, it might take a series. Moreland shares a historical tidbit about the earlobe, where the eye point is said to be. Theres a theory the ear piercing thing started with sailors who pierced this area to have better vision on the ocean, she said. That being said, can all those extra holes we poke in our ears affect our bodies? They could. If someone leaves a low-quality earring in and it leaves a metal residue, that could potentially affect your health, Moreland says. But you also might be fine. If you have a piercing at the top of the ear and your earring leaves metal behind, you could have a wrist issue. And if metal is left in the typical earlobe piercing, you might have a vision issue. The sensitivity of bodies is so different, she said. For some theyre so sensitive any change in one area of the body affects another area. With other people you can do something in one area of the body and have no change, no effect. They dont feel it. Some people who get migraines will get their daith (pronounced doth) pierced. Its the innermost fold of cartilage at the entrance to your ear canal. Moreland has seen the piercing help some and do nothing for others, and doesnt recommend them. In Chinese medicine, migraines are more complicated. Its not always the same cause, as far as Chinese medicine terminology goes, she said. Say one person has migraines and another has them in a different area of the head, Im treating very different points for both of them. When Im treating a migraine Im expecting it to go away immediately. If the thought of needles in your skin is keeping you from treatment, Moreland also uses ear seeds, tiny stickers she places on the ear point with a tiny ball that stimulates the point. Clients can keep the seeds on for three to five days and press and hold them throughout the day, essentially treating themselves. Moreland often uses them for anxiety. The acupuncturist wishes everyone would schedule regular acupuncture visits, where she might test ear points or look for changes on the ears and look at tongues, which can reveal much about body fluid management and circulation. Acupuncture is so good at helping people stay well and prevent illness and people dont know that yet, Moreland said. I wish everyone would come once a month for a wellness visit because if we would we could stay away from doctors as much and hospitals. Contact the writer: 636-0270 Guwahati, Aug 5 (PTI) A member of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a terrorist organisation of Bangladesh, was apprehended by the state police in Assam's Dhubri district on Saturday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The member of the ABT module, identified as Abdus Sukur Ali, was apprehended from near the Indo-Bangladesh border, Sarma said in a tweet. He was detained early this morning from remote Nayeralga under Bilasipara police station by a team led by the Dhubri police, he said. Currently, the police are interrogating the individual and further details are awaited. Sarma recently said that Assam is a potential place for Islamic terror modules which were being neutralized from time to time and it will continue. In April this year three persons with alleged links with ABT were arrested from Dhubri. Last year Assam police busted nine modules of ABT and the Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and arrested 53 persons allegedly involved with these outfits. The arrests and the subsequent demolition of private madrasas (Islamic educational institutions) where teachers with links with these militant outfits allegedly radicalised youths were termed as serious threats to the security of the state by the Assam government. ABT is considered to be a front of the AQIS in Bangladesh and Islamic State (IS). Patna, Aug 5 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting of Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) constituents on the issue of regularisation of thousands of non-commissioned teachers. The closed-door meeting was held at the CM's residence and the attendees included Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, some senior cabinet ministers and representatives of all constituents of the ruling Grand Alliance. The new recruitment policy announced by the state government recently was also discussed. After the meeting, attendees said the discussions were positive and Kumar assured them that all concerns will be addressed. CPI(ML) Liberation MLA Mehboob Alam told reporters, "The issue of non-commissioned teachers, who have been demanding regular government employment for a long time, was discussed at length. It was a positive meeting and the CM assured us that the Mahagathbandhan government will take measures that will be beneficial for teachers." Echoing a similar view, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in the state assembly, told PTI, "Issues related to teachers, including non-commissioned ones, were discussed and the CM patiently listened to the points raised by the leaders. We are hopeful that the non-commissioned teachers will hear good news soon." Reacting to the meeting, Nityanand Rai, senior BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, told reporters, "The Grand Alliance has always been against the teachers... BJP is the only party that works for the benefit of teachers, farmers and the youth." Hazaribag (Jharkhand), Aug 5 (PTI) A 30-year-old man was killed and four others were injured after falling from an under-construction mobile tower in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district, police said. The incident took place in Shivpuri locality in Hazaribag town when the 18-feet-tall tower suddenly leaned to one side due to a weak foundation, resulting in the mishap on Friday evening, officer-in-charge of Lohsinghna police station, Bipin Kumar Yadav, said. The construction work was undertaken by a Kolkata-based firm and all the workers hailed from West Bengal. The deceased has been identified as Prosenjit Sarkar (30), he said, adding that the four injured people were admitted to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribag, where their condition is stated to be out of danger. A case has been registered against the contractor for negligence and further investigation is underway, he added. Kolkata, Aug 5 (PTI) Two workers died after entering a septic tank in West Bengals Hooghly district on Saturday, police said. The deceased have been identified as Ganesh Manna and Subrata Das, both aged 40 years, police added. "The two workers had come to remove a construction plank inside the septic tank in a house in Singurs Ratanpur village. The tank was built two to three months ago," police said. Quoting housewife Chandana Maiti, police said one of the workers first entered the tank after opening the lid while his colleague waited outside. "When he did not get any response from his colleague after waiting for a few minutes, he too entered the tank. But none of them came out," police said. Though fire brigade personnel and police rescued the workers and rushed them to a hospital, both were declared dead by doctors, police added. Police have started an investigation into the incident. A fire brigade officer suspected that methane gas might have accumulated inside the tank, which could have claimed their lives. Methane gas is a colourless and odourless gas and can be deadly, an expert said. Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand), Aug 5 (PTI) Rescuers on Saturday looked for 20 people who remain missing at rain-hit Gaurikund on the Kedarnath route following a landslide triggered by flash floods two days ago. Three bodies were earlier recovered. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami could not visit the area on Saturday due to inclement weather and sent the Disaster Management Secretary and the Garhwal Commissioner to take stock of the situation. Flash floods had washed away three shops 50 metres above a raging Mandakini river on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. According to district disaster management officer Nandan Singh Rajwar, while the bodies of three Nepalese nationals were recovered on Friday, the search was on for the remaining 20 people. Earlier the officials had said that 17 people were still missing. Rajwar said that around 100 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, along with a team from the local administration, are engaged in the search operation. Drones are being used as well, he said. Secretary of Disaster Management Ranjit Kumar Sinha and the Commissioner of Garhwal Vinay Shankar Pandey inspected the landslide and disaster-affected area and took stock of the operation. The chief minister expressed grief at the tragic incident and will provide all possible help to the families of the dead and missing persons, the officials said. Sinha said those living in unsafe and landslide-sensitive areas should be immediately shifted to safe places. A team of experts will soon visit the vulnerable areas to conduct a survey and appropriate action will be taken on the basis of its recommendations, the disaster secretary said. Commissioner Garhwal Mandal Vinay Shankar Pandey said the focus as of now is on searching for those still missing. Local MLA Shaila Rani Rawat condoled the deaths and asked the state government to take measures needed to ensure there is no further loss of life or property in the area. The spot where the landslide occurred is a highly disaster-prone area, she said and demanded a special package from the government. New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) A 31-year-old slaughterer was arrested for allegedly killing the husband of his one-sided love interest in north Delhis Sadar Bazar area, police said on Saturday. Mohammad Aamir, a resident of Ahata-Kidara, was arrested for killing a man named Sameer during a drunken brawl, they said. His accomplice Mohammad Rizwan was earlier arrested in connection with the incident which took place on Tuesday. Police on Tuesday got a call about a man lying in an injured state in a pool of blood on Chamelian Road in Sadar Bazar area, said an officer. When they reached the spot they found that the man was stabbed in the right side of neck with a broken bottle by his side. They rushed him to Bara Hindu Rao Hospital, where he succumbed due to excessive bleeding, they said. The victim's identity was revealed when someone called him on his phone. According to police, the man turned to be Mohammad Sameer, aged 32, a resident of Sultanpuri. It appears that he was hit by the broken liquor bottle found near the spot with stains of blood, the officer said. During investigation, a CCTV footage showed two people on a motorcycle near the crime spot, he said. The blurred footage showed a man whose built matched the profile picture of one of the people who had called Sameer on WhatsApp. On Tuesday with the help of local intelligence, police arrested a man who was identified as Mohammad Aamir. Amir during questioning revealed it was his plan to kill Sameer and also revealed the identity of his accomplice, Rizwan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) Sagar Singh Kalsi said. Rizwan was arrested on Wednesday from Brahmpuri in northeast Delhi. The clothes they both were wearing at the time of the crime were recovered from the bank of Yamuna, the DCP said. Aamir in his confession told police said that he was a close friend of Sameer as both were born and brought up in Ahata-Kidara. He said he is married and has one son, but his wife left him last year and is currently living with her parents in Aligarh in UP, Kalsi said. Sameer's marriage too was on the rocks since he was out of work and the couple fought regularly. Sameer had been living at his in-laws' house in Sultanpuri with his family since 2016, which also contributed to disaffection between them, the DCP said. Aamir was infatuated with Sameers wife, and had planned the whole crime and also roped in Rizwan to kill Sameer, police said. Since the two friends often drank together, on Tuesday too, they bought some liquor from Chamelian Road, and started drinking at the corner of Chamelian Road behind fire station. A fight broke out between them and Rizwan attacked Samir in his neck with a broken glass bottle, and fled with Aamir, police added. Azamgarh (UP), Aug 5 (PTI) A local court on Saturday acquitted 22 people accused in a 23-year-old case of sectarian riots in the district. According to officials, the Fast-Track court of Additional Sessions Judge Ramesh Chandra on Saturday acquitted the accused in the clash people of Sunni and Shia sects, in the absence of sufficient evidence. The riot occurred in November of 2000 in the Mubarakpur locality of the district after some miscreants of the Sunni community attacked the shop of one Azadar Hussain, a Shia. Police filed a charge sheet against 26 people in the case. Four of the accused died during the course of the trial. Chandigarh, Aug 5 (PTI) The Punjab Police Saturday said it has recovered four kilograms of heroin in a follow-up case of the cross-border drug smuggling racket busted two days ago. On Thursday, the police busted a cross-border narcotics smuggling racket and nabbed one person, the police said. Shinder Singh, a resident of Mehatpur in Jalandhar, was arrested and six kg heroin and Rs 1.5 lakh cash were recovered from his possession, they added. Singh and his accomplices had recently procured a big consignment of heroin pushed into the Indian territory by Pakistan-based smugglers and agencies through the riverine route in Ferozepur, police had earlier said. With Saturday's seizure, the total recovery of heroin in the case reached 10 kg, the police said. Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav tweeted, In a follow-up recovery, Counter Intelligence recovers additional 4 Kgs Heroin from cross-border drug smuggling racket. (sic) The DGP added that teams of Punjab Police are trying to arrest the remaining accused to "break the drug supply chain". Shimla, Aug 5 (PTI) Commuters will not have to pay toll at Sanwara plaza till National Highway 5, which has been closed for three days due to a landslide, connecting Shimla to Chandigarh is reopened for traffic, officials said on Saturday. On Wednesday, a landslide hit the highway at Chakki Mor near Koti on the Dharampur-Parwanoo section, causing a 50-metre stretch of the road to cave in. Following the landslide, traffic has been diverted to alternative routes. Solan District Magistrate Manmohan Sharma on Saturday ordered immediate closure of Sanwara toll plaza till the highway is reopened. NH-5 has been damaged at multiple locations between Solan and Parwanoo due to heavy rainfall and completely blocked at Koti, he said. There is resentment among the general public over the collection of toll when the highway is not open and this may lead to a law and order situation, he said. Pathanamthitta (Ker), Aug 5 (PTI) A 30-year-old woman was arrested for attempting to murder her friend's wife by posing as a nurse at a private hospital near here. The incident occurred at a hospital in Parumala near here where Sneha (24) was admitted for post delivery care. Anusha, a friend of the victim's husband, was arrested, police said on Saturday. On Friday, the accused woman entered Sneha's room disguised as a nurse and told her that one more injection has to be administered. "She attempted to inject air into the vein of the victim using an empty syringe twice but failed. When she attempted it again, Sneha's mother grew suspicious and informed the nursing staff," police said. The hospital authorities apprehended the accused and handed her over to the police. The health condition of the victim was said to be stable. Anusha's sister and the victim's husband were classmates. The husband of the victim is currently abroad. Thirty Years Ago This Week: Answering to mounting pressure, Gov. Roy Romer announced a special legislative session on Sept. 7 to address an onslaught of juvenile violence that had swept across the Denver metro area and the state. One approach being considered by Romers staff was a boot-camp for juveniles apprehended in the possession of firearms. At a joint meeting of an interim committee on juvenile violence and the Juvenile Justice Subcommittee of the Criminal Justice Commission, Barbara McDonnell, executive director of the State Department of Institutions said the boot-camp approach was considered the governors iron fist plan. State Rep. Mary Ellen Epps, R-Colorado Springs, who two years previously had sponsored a successful bill to establish a system of running several prisons in the state like military boot camps, told McDonnell that she had visited a juvenile detention facility and witnessed inmates lounging around, watching television, etc., in an atmosphere that must seem like summer camp to them. McDonnell said that there were currently 20 youth offenders in a boot-camp program at Mount View Youth Detentions Center and there could be more under Romers plan to establish a new youthful offender program for 14- to 18-year-olds as an interim step between the present juvenile justice system and the adult corrections system. In September, legislators would have four to five days of special session to hash out the details of this program, with a price tag of $10 million according to the governors office. But many lawmakers were wary of the purported cost, arguing that there were very few facilities available to house offenders, and the state could not raise taxes even to make purchases as simple as new prison beds. If the governor wants to come up with the money to house juveniles in the idle Aurora Jail, Ill be a lot more receptive, said Rep. Ken Chlouber, R-Leadville, member of the Capital Development Committee. Sen. Dottie Wham, R-Denver, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which had killed four gun control bills during the regular legislative session, said she was highly skeptical that anything would be achieved. It cant be done in three or four days, said Wham. A special session ought not to be called unless there is substantial reason to believe we could do something. 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. Meanwhile, Senate President Tom Norton, R-Greeley, and House Speaker Chuck Berry, R-Colorado Springs, were enraged that Romer called the special session when they were both in attendance at the National Conference of State Legislatures in Texas. I hope well hit the ground running and that we can deal with this emergency and adjourn by Friday, Sept. 10, Norton said. Tom Bastien, chief lobbyist for the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, said he didnt expect the Legislature to do much of anything, Not anything that will do any good, Bastien said. But House Democrats lent their support to Romer. Minority Leader Sam Williams, D-Breckenridge, lauded Romer for taking the leadership role in addressing the rising violence. If the right elements are in place it could do more than anything else to solve these problems, said Assistant House Minority Leaders Peggy Kearns, D-Aurora. To implement the plan, money could come from the budgets of the Department of Corrections and Division of Youth Services, from programs we know just dont work. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, went further and called for tougher gun control legislation. Last session we had several excellent bills, which were killed on partisan grounds in committee, which would have kept guns out of the hands of juveniles and would have punished the adults who gave children guns, DeGette said. To me, and to the majority of Coloradans 70% children who do not have the judgement to vote, to drink, to take on any of the civic responsibilities that we as citizens assume should not have weapons of any kind. Rachael Wright is the author of the Captain Savva Mystery series, with degrees in Political Science and History from Colorado Mesa University, and is a contributing writer to Colorado Politics and The Gazette. Mangaluru, Aug 5 (PTI) Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary Kripa Amar Alva on Saturday questioned the BJP and its student wing ABVP for not raising their voice against the gangrape of a minor Dalit girl in Vittal in which youths from right-wing organisations are allegedly involved. Addressing a press meet here, she said the ABVP, which had staged a protest before the Home Ministers residence over the washroom video case in Udupi, is silent over the heinous crime recently reported from Vittal in Dakshina Kannada district. No one from the National Commission for Women or the Commission for protection of child rights has also bothered to visit Vittal so far, Alva said. She said the Congress will take up the case of the Dalit girl and provide proper counselling to help her continue her education. The victim girl will be admitted to the social welfare school in the coming days. The Congress leader further said as the victims financial condition is very bad, steps will be taken to construct a house for the poor family. The legal procedures in the case are progressing. On the washroom video case in Udupi college, Alva said the BJP had twisted an incident about which the victim girl has not filed a complaint. The ABVP and BJP are giving a political colour to the incidents, she alleged. Congress leaders Ibrahim Kodijal, Subhodh Alva and Ubaid were present at the press meet. Westerly, RI (02891) Today Cloudy early with thunderstorms developing later in the day. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Showers with the chance of some thunder during the evening, then skies turning partly cloudy overnight. Low 64F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. A terrorist opened fire at two municipal patrol officers at the Nachalat Binyanim pedestrian mall in Tel Aviv on Shabbos afternoon, critically injuring one of them. The terrorist aroused the suspicion of the officers when he arrived at the area, and they approached him in order to question him, calling out to him. The terrorist, ignoring their calls, opened fire at them as they got off their motorcycles, shooting one of them in the head and critically injuring him. The second guard immediately fired back, neutralizing the terrorist. The wounded victim, in his 40s, was treated at the scene and evacuated to Ichilov Hospital, where the doctors fought for his life. Sadly, his death was announced on Motzei Shabbos and he was identified as Chen Amir, hyd. Chen, zl, 42, was married and a father of three daughters. The terrorist was later identified as Kamal Abu Bakr, a 22-year-old Islamic Jihad operative from Rummanah, who has been hiding in Jenin for the past six months as he was wanted by the IDF and Shin Bet for terror activities. He was treated at the scene by MDA paramedics and evacuated to Ichilov, where he was later pronounced dead. In a statement on Motzei Shabbos, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu praised the security guards for their alertness, saying they had prevented a much greater attack. The attack took place in an area with many restaurants and bars. Below, Arabs in Jenin can be seen celebrating the attack: (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The number of economic abuse cases is rising, and many are unsure what to do to get the help they need. Leading charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) has seen a 150 per cent increase in its website user numbers since April 2021. Financial exploitation can be an invisible and an often overlooked form of domestic abuse. Commonly this sort of abuse creates a dependency on the abuser by restricting an individual's access to economic resources. Not alone: Monzo is among a group of banks that have measures in place to tackle economic abuse Charities have done tireless work to raise awareness, while financial firms have also improved how they spot signs of economic abuse and try to help people affected. All banks and building societies have systems in place to help survivors of economic abuse. We look at how it works and how banks and charities can help. What is economic abuse? One in six women in the UK has experienced financial abuse in a current or former relationship, according to the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA). Financial abuse refers to the control, exploitation or sabotage of money and finances, while economic abuse is broader and includes things like food, transportation and housing. Economic abuse might involve the abuser stopping the survivor from working or going to college, or checking receipts and bank statements to monitor spending. Abusers often continue to control their targets' ability to get, use and keep economic resources even after they have left the relationship, according to SEA. A quarter of women report experiencing economic abuse leaving the abuser. Reporting abuse to your bank Approaching your bank about economic abuse might be a daunting prospect, but they can be an important source of support. All banks are a signatory of the UK Finance Domestic Abuse Code of Practice, which sets out of how banks and building societies should support customers who are victim-survivors of economic or financial abuse. Helplines If you or someone you know is suffering from financial abuse, call the Financial Support Line for Victims of Domestic Abuse, which is run by Money Advice Plus in partnership with Surviving Economic Abuse. It offers specialist advice to anyone experiencing domestic abuse who is in financial difficulty and can give strategies for dealing with debt, including coerced debt. To contact the Financial Support line for advice and guidance call the freephone number 0808 1968845 (Monday-Friday, 9am1pm and 2pm5pm). Calls are free of charge. For callers whose first language is not English, an interpretation service is available on request. The Refuge charity might also be able to offer help - 0808 2000 247 Many banks have also partnered with charities directly, which help survivors with the opening of bank accounts and gaining access to banking services. Barclays is one such bank, partnering with leading domestic violence charity Refuge. Lloyds Banking Group says it has helped more than 6,000 victim-survivors rebuild their finances since 2019. Banks and building societies have all been trained how to deal with economic abuse, and have teamed up with charities such as SEA, SafeLives and Refuge. If you're reporting abuse to your bank, SEA suggests asking to speak to someone in the vulnerable customer team, who will have more specific knowledge to support you. Ask for the conversation to be recorded on file, to save yourself repeating it in the future. Similarly, if you feel safe to do so, ask for the abuse to be noted on file. This means the bank should not disclose information to the abuser if they contact the firm. Banks have specialist teams who are trained to deal with customers experiencing abuse. For example, in 2018 Monzo's 'Share with Us' tool was launched to help customers who need to disclose sensitive information in a confidential and discreet manner. Reporting via this feature means information is only logged with customers' consent, and is untraceable. Natalie Ledward, Monzo's head of vulnerability, access and inclusion, said: 'Since its launch in 2018, Share With Us has helped us to support our customers in their time of need. 'Although people may think their banking app is not the obvious first port of call if they're experiencing abuse, we can work directly with the customer to point them towards services that can get them the right kind of help.. 'Worryingly, we are now receiving disclosures of abuse every couple of days, so it's now more important than ever that we raise awareness of tools like this that could help victims when they need it most.' Starling says it has a dedicated team available 24/7. This month HSBC UK launched a dedicated digital tool to help customers experiencing abuse direct access to specialist agents. If you're uncomfortable reporting abuse online, the Co-operative Bank offers an in-branch 'Safe Space' where you can contact family or friends. Maxine Pritchard, head of financial inclusion and vulnerability at HSBC UK, said: 'We want to ensure that whenever a customer walks into one of our branches, picks up the phone to us, or visits us online that they can access the care they need. 'We have made every one of our branches a Safe Space for those experiencing domestic abuse, and through our No Fixed Address services we have helped people who have left abusive situations and are currently homeless, living in a refuge or sofa surfing.' Regaining control of your finances There are other steps banks can take to support you regain control of your finances. If you're concerned someone may have access to your Pin number or online banking, your bank can help to change that. Natwest, HSBC, Starling and Lloyds all say they offer accounts with non-geographical sort codes, to help hide a victim-survivor's location after they leave. Banks can also help to de-link your finances if you have a joint account with someone abusive. Lloyds says it can remove the joint party from the account as well as separate your debt. Starling Bank recently introduced a feature that enables victim-survivors to switch off intimidating payment references that can accompany bank transfers. References are intended to describe the nature of a payment like 'Rent' or 'Dinner', but in cases of economic abuse, they can be used as a weapon to upset or abuse a victim-survivor. The bank, which partnered with SEA, allows customers to simply hide references from past or future payments made from a certain account. Charity Wood, head of customer experience at Starling Bank said: 'Abusive payment references can be the final hurdle for economic abuse survivors to overcome. 'They might receive child maintenance payments from their former partner in penny instalments, accompanied by references that remind them of times they were physically or verbally abused. 'Some survivors choose to forego much needed child maintenance so they can avoid these payment references. That shouldn't be the case. 'The personal nature of these references are difficult for banks to spot, which is why we've given our customers the ability to hide them within the app in seconds - no questions asked.' HSBC UK has introduced something similar, allowing customers to report instances of abuse which wouldn't have been identified as profanity. Investment fund Rathbone Income is set up to deliver an attractive stream of dividends to investors. It hasn't disappointed, producing income growth in 28 of the past 30 years the two exceptions being in the aftermath of the financial crisis in 2009 and in the teeth of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. It is a record that managers Carl Stick and Alan Dobbie are mighty proud of. 'For us, our laser focus is on the end user, our investors,' says Stick, who has had his hand on the fund's tiller for more than 22 years. 'Part of that focus is centred around delivering them a pay rise every year by way of a higher dividend payment. It's what they want from the fund.' The 708million fund provides investors with an annual income equivalent to around 4.6 per cent. In the last financial year to the end of September 2022 it paid dividends totalling just short of 42p a unit. In the current year, Dobbie expects a 'low to mid-single digit increase' in income it has already paid an interim dividend of 15p. This follows increases in the previous two financial years of 18 (2021) and 10 per cent. 'We are confident of providing our investors with dividend growth,' says Dobbie. 'This is despite headwinds in the shape of some companies being more cautious about dividend payments in light of the uncertain economic backdrop.' The strength of the pound against the US dollar has also reduced the dividends of some companies listed on the UK stock market that pay them in dollars, not pounds. The fund's emphasis on income means the managers try to plan the stream of dividend payments they will receive over the next two years not just how much but when the income will come in. The portfolio comprises 42 stocks and is full of household names, most renowned for being dividend friendly. It is primarily built around UK-listed companies. Among the fund's biggest holdings are stakes in BP which increased its quarterly dividend last week despite a downturn in revenues and insurer Legal & General. The managers are keen to mitigate risk. This means they will only take positions in good businesses that are well financed and will not overpay for a stock they like. 'You can buy good businesses all the time,' says Dobbie, 'but the key is to buy at the right price.' Recent new holdings have been taken in Unilever and healthcare company GSK while disposals include a stake in Dechra Pharmaceuticals which it had held for more than 20 years. The sale was made ahead of the company's takeover by Swedish-based private equity giant EQT. Although the fund's dividend record will be attractive for some investors, its overall return (the combination of income and capital gain) is not as compelling. Over the past five years, it has slightly underperformed its benchmark, the FTSE All-Share Index, registering a total return of 17 per cent against 18 per cent for the market. Stick is confident, however, that outperformance will follow if sentiment in the UK market shifts from negative to positive. 'The UK stock market is cheap in absolute terms,' says Dobbie. 'It is also cheap on a relative basis, especially when compared to the US market.' Annual fund charges are reasonable at 0.78 per cent. Wealth platform Interactive Investor includes UK equity income funds City of London, Man Income Professional and Vanguard FTSE UK Equity Income Index on its list of preferred investments. Banks should bring in better policies around closing customer accounts immediately, according to a new call from the Mail on Sunday, the sister title of This is Money. New rules are hopefully being introduced on this by the Government later this year. But we believe it is incumbent upon the banks to adhere to them now and to extend them to cover both personal and small business customers. Business, charitable and club accounts are not covered by the proposed new Government regime. Why do we believe the banks should do the decent thing? It is simple. The current system, which apparently allows banks to shut accounts without rhyme or reason, is unfair and Kafkaesque. It gives the banks licence to do what they want as evidenced by the closure of Nigel Farage's Coutts account while leaving impacted customers financially emasculated. Closed shop: If banks agreed to adopt the Government's proposals now, it would mean customers have to be given a proper reason for their accounts being closed If banks agreed to adopt the Government's proposals now, it would mean customers would be given a reason for their accounts being closed. They would also be given more time (90 days) to challenge closures, maybe by filing a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Currently, banks do not have to provide an explanation, while notice periods can be as short as 14 days, leaving customers bankless and financially stranded. On Friday, the Treasury said there was no reason why the banks could not adopt its proposals voluntarily. Yet not one of the banks contacted last week by the Mail on Sunday said they had adopted the new rules although they claimed they were working as quickly as possible to implement them. Their individual responses are shown below. UK Finance, the banking industry's trade association, said its members were 'working hard' to implement the rules. It added: 'One thing people need to work through is the interplay with closing accounts for financial crime reasons and the fact firms are often restricted in the information they can give.' Currently, if a bank suspects an account is being used to launder money, it is legally prevented from providing an explanation to the owner of the account. Our clarion call comes as banks are on course to shut a record number of accounts this year. A Freedom of Information request made to City regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) indicates that the number of account closures this year could top last year's figure of 343,350. So far this year, nearly 200,000 accounts (retail and business) have been closed. It means more than one million accounts have been shut since 2019. Yet the FCA data is an underestimate because it is based solely on accounts closed because of concerns over financial crime. So, for example, it does not include those accounts like Farage's shut as a result of the political views of the holder. Our campaign for the immediate introduction of a more consumer-friendly regime is backed by both banking experts and victims of account closures. James Daley is founder of Fairer Finance, a company dedicated to ensuring customers of financial firms are treated fairly. He is sceptical that the necessary legislation and resulting rules will be introduced as quickly as the Government hopes the Treasury said that 'Autumn' was when they were likely to kick in. Daley says banks should be working together through UK Finance to agree a code for fair treatment of customers when accounts are selected for closure. He adds: 'There should be clear criteria around when it is acceptable to close an account, and when it isn't as well as clear protocols for quick investigations of any issues that could lead to account closures. 'It should never be acceptable for banks to close accounts because of someone's political views but I think the legislation should go further and limit banks to only closing accounts when there is clear evidence of criminal activity.' What about business account closures? Martin McTague, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, welcomes the Government's proposed clampdown on unjust personal bank account closures. But he says it begs the question: 'Isn't it high time the same basic right was extended to small businesses?' He says small businesses 'shouldn't be blindsided by sudden account closures they deserve better'. He adds: 'We understand that in some cases, banks can't disclose why an account is shuttered, but where the law permits they should be clear and upfront. This way, banks can promptly clear up any confusion, sparing everyone the guessing game.' Adam Siddle says the Government's rules are welcome, but he believes time is of the essence. He says: 'As a matter of course, the banks should be more transparent when dealing with people whose accounts they want to close.' Adam, from Waltham in Lincolnshire, is talking from bitter experience. Shock: Adam Siddle, whose NatWest account was shut down in lockdown, with son George Three years ago, just after the country went into lockdown, he had his NatWest bank account closed with only 14 days' notice given. We covered his story at the time an experience made worse by lockdown and the fact that he and his wife Megan had four young children between the ages of two and seven. Despite pleading with staff at his local NatWest branch to reverse the decision and writing to the bank's boss Dame Alison Rose, who resigned last month over the closure of Farage's account, Adam had no joy and opened an account with Halifax. No explanation was ever given by NatWest, leading him to tell the Mail on Sunday: 'I thought that in this country, you were presumed innocent until proven guilty. But not when it comes to banking.' Adam's NatWest account was eventually reinstated after 97 days without an explanation or apology. He complained about NatWest's behaviour to the Financial Ombudsman Service and got compensation of 350. Adam, a self-employed supervisor for a civil engineering company, says the 90-day notice period proposed by the Government makes good sense. He says: 'Innocent customers must be given every opportunity to challenge a closure decision. If that rule had applied three years ago, I presume I wouldn't have had to go through the trauma of having my account closed and then reopened three months later. 'No one should have to go through that. I was made to feel like a criminal.' Last year, the Ombudsman received 1,389 complaints on account closures, a quarter of which were upheld. Last week it said anyone unhappy about a closure should contact the service. It added: 'Each case is investigated on its own merits.' To banks and building societies, our message is loud and clear: it is time to step up to the mark. Start playing fair on account closures. Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS Get Free Report) is scheduled to be issuing its quarterly earnings data before the market opens on Monday, August 7th. Individual that wish to listen to the companys earnings conference call can do so using this link. Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $393.87 million during the quarter. Kosmos Energy had a return on equity of 51.10% and a net margin of 15.16%. On average, analysts expect Kosmos Energy to post $1 EPS for the current fiscal year and $1 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get Kosmos Energy alerts: Kosmos Energy Trading Up 1.4 % Shares of KOS stock opened at $7.31 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.52. Kosmos Energy has a twelve month low of $4.64 and a twelve month high of $8.55. The companys 50-day moving average price is $6.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $6.89. The stock has a market cap of $3.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.25, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 2.78. Insider Activity Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kosmos Energy In other Kosmos Energy news, Director Deanna L. Goodwin sold 112,000 shares of Kosmos Energy stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.69, for a total value of $749,280.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 99,532 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $665,869.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Insiders own 1.79% of the companys stock. Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Kosmos Energy by 143.6% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,579 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 2,110 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its stake in shares of Kosmos Energy by 50.1% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 4,394 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 1,467 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Kosmos Energy in the first quarter valued at approximately $45,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Kosmos Energy in the second quarter worth approximately $65,000. Finally, Boothbay Fund Management LLC acquired a new position in Kosmos Energy during the 4th quarter worth approximately $70,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.51% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have commented on KOS. TheStreet raised shares of Kosmos Energy from a c rating to a b- rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Finally, Redburn Partners began coverage on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. They set a buy rating and a $9.00 target price on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $130.42. About Kosmos Energy (Get Free Report) Kosmos Energy Ltd. engages in the exploration and production of oil and gas properties along the Atlantic Margins in the United States. The company's primary assets include production projects located in offshore Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, as well as a gas projects located in offshore Mauritania and Senegal. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kosmos Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kosmos Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report) CEO Richard A. Gonzalez sold 18,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.15, for a total value of $2,759,275.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 625,294 shares in the company, valued at approximately $93,262,600.10. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. AbbVie Trading Down 0.9 % AbbVie stock opened at $147.74 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $138.59 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $147.50. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.46. The stock has a market cap of $260.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.57. AbbVie Inc. has a 12 month low of $130.96 and a 12 month high of $168.11. Get AbbVie alerts: AbbVie Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a $1.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.01%. AbbVies dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 121.81%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Hedge Funds Weigh In On AbbVie A number of research analysts have commented on ABBV shares. HSBC assumed coverage on AbbVie in a research note on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $167.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on AbbVie in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on AbbVie from $178.00 to $181.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, April 10th. TheStreet downgraded AbbVie from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Finally, Piper Jaffray Companies upped their price target on AbbVie from $163.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, AbbVie has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $165.07. Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABBV. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of AbbVie by 89,097.0% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 29,203,106 shares of the companys stock worth $4,719,514,000 after buying an additional 29,170,366 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its position in AbbVie by 85,216.7% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 28,082,858 shares of the companys stock worth $3,783,603,000 after acquiring an additional 28,049,942 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in AbbVie during the 4th quarter worth approximately $3,033,348,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in AbbVie by 138.7% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 21,536,656 shares of the companys stock worth $3,432,297,000 after acquiring an additional 12,515,744 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Edmp Inc. grew its position in AbbVie by 15,607.4% during the 4th quarter. Edmp Inc. now owns 5,249,578 shares of the companys stock worth $32,483,000 after acquiring an additional 5,216,157 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.27% of the companys stock. About AbbVie (Get Free Report) AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune, intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq, a JAK inhibitor to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, and ulcerative colitis; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat hematological malignancies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AbbVie Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AbbVie and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quaker Chemical Co. (NYSE:KWR Free Report) Analysts at Seaport Res Ptn cut their Q4 2024 earnings estimates for Quaker Chemical in a research report issued on Tuesday, August 1st. Seaport Res Ptn analyst M. Harrison now expects that the specialty chemicals company will post earnings per share of $2.03 for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $2.11. The consensus estimate for Quaker Chemicals current full-year earnings is $7.35 per share. Get Quaker Chemical alerts: Quaker Chemical (NYSE:KWR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.93 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.85 by $0.08. Quaker Chemical had a net margin of 0.45% and a return on equity of 9.67%. The company had revenue of $495.44 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $507.00 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.32 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year. Quaker Chemical Trading Down 2.4 % KWR has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Quaker Chemical from $227.00 to $232.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Quaker Chemical in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus started coverage on shares of Quaker Chemical in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. They set a buy rating and a $250.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Quaker Chemical from $220.00 to $235.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. NYSE:KWR opened at $181.92 on Thursday. Quaker Chemical has a 12 month low of $129.06 and a 12 month high of $216.45. The firm has a market cap of $3.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 387.06 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a quick ratio of 1.99, a current ratio of 2.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The companys 50 day moving average is $195.29 and its 200-day moving average is $194.94. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in Quaker Chemical by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,207,124 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $436,900,000 after purchasing an additional 16,829 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in Quaker Chemical by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,568,454 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $226,453,000 after purchasing an additional 21,526 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in Quaker Chemical by 7.4% during the 2nd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 1,359,780 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $203,314,000 after purchasing an additional 93,539 shares during the period. Brown Advisory Inc. lifted its position in Quaker Chemical by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 594,945 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $117,769,000 after purchasing an additional 4,093 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted its position in Quaker Chemical by 299.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 482,199 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $80,479,000 after purchasing an additional 361,525 shares during the period. 79.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Joseph A. Berquist sold 1,935 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $209.76, for a total value of $405,885.60. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 13,814 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,897,624.64. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CAO David Will sold 138 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $205.41, for a total transaction of $28,346.58. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 1,723 shares in the company, valued at approximately $353,921.43. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Joseph A. Berquist sold 1,935 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $209.76, for a total transaction of $405,885.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 13,814 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,897,624.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 18,540 shares of company stock worth $3,769,413. Corporate insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock. Quaker Chemical Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 17th will be paid a $0.455 dividend. This represents a $1.82 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.00%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, October 16th. This is an increase from Quaker Chemicals previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. Quaker Chemicals payout ratio is currently 370.21%. Quaker Chemical Company Profile (Get Free Report) Quaker Chemical Corporation develops, produces, and markets various formulated chemical specialty products for a range of heavy industrial and manufacturing applications. The company operates through four segments: Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa; Asia/Pacific; and Global Specialty Businesses. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Quaker Chemical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quaker Chemical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. An extraordinary thing happened last week. Party politics and petty pork barreling were put aside for a moment, and a right and honorable decision was made in Washington D.C. Never thought Id see the day. U.S. Space Command is staying in Colorado. And it is staying for all the right reasons. The deciding factor for President Biden in deciding to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs was operational readiness, pure and simple," National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said on Tuesday. "It had nothing to do with Senator Tubervilles holds, had nothing to do with partisan politics, had everything to do with making sure that Space Command, in an undisrupted way, continues to operate at peak readiness levels in what is one of the most critical domains." I know it's a little hard to believe politics had nothing to do with this. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, the state that was promised the command by President Donald Trump more than three years ago in a very-last-minute political decision, has been a huge thorn in the side of the Biden administration. Tuberville is holding up more than 300 military appointments to try to force a change in the militarys policy that allows women in the military to travel to other states for abortions. It's hard to believe this basing decision isnt a slap in Tubervilles face by Biden for playing abortion politics, as an NBC story suggested. Or a slap in Trump's face for awarding the command to a red state that stood by his attempts to throw out the results of the last presidential election instead of awarding a blue state that voted against him. But a host of people who should know whether this was political, like the secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall; the NSC; the head of Space Command, John Dickinson; Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagons chief spokesman; Colorado Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper; and U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn have all told us it was made to protect and further the mission and success of the command. Todays decision restores integrity to the Pentagons basing process and sends a strong message that national security and the readiness of our armed forces drive our military decisions, Sen. Bennet told me. This was really a decision based on one thing and one thing only for the president, and that was operational readiness, the NSC's Kirby said on CNN. It's in the best national security interests of the country if we leave Space Command in Colorado because moving it, especially a move that would take place over some time between the next five and 10 years, at a critical time in the space domain when (China) is developing incredible capabilities in that regard, that moving it could have a negative effect on Space Command's readiness, and the president finds that unacceptable. Bennet said the Ukraine war is showing vividly how space systems are the key to winning current and future wars. Western satellites have given Ukraine warnings of missile strikes, helped them with precision targeting of weapons, helped replace jammed communications links, tracked Russian warships, and even aided "truth telling" about the war. Russian claims that bodies of dead civilians were already in the streets of Bucha when Russian troops arrived were disproven by time-stamped satellite imagery from the United States. Sat pictures showed clear evidence of a Russian massacre. You can see the need for readiness every day in coverage of the war that Putin started, every day you can see the role space is playing in that war, Bennet told me. And Beijing has such a robust military space program that they could pass us soon. We gotta be on our front foot. We dont have the luxury of moving this command at the moment we most need it. Satellites are so thoroughly integrated into our daily lives, from the GPS on our phones to banking systems to weather forecasting, that we cant live without them. They are also now crucial for military operations through intelligence gathering, communications, navigation and guidance. 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. But our overreliance on satellites means an attack on them could, in the flash of an eye, shut down whole military operations, shut down large swaths of our energy grid, and shut down our internet services. U.S. Space Command plays a pivotal role in defending satellite systems that provide GPS navigation, national security communications, internet and cellular services, and missile warning and defense, Lamborn said recently. Space Command is now tracking about 50,000 objects in space. China and Russia are real time threats to our satellites already; theres no time to waste in better protecting them, Lamborn has told me. Between 2019 and 2021, the combined operational space fleets of China and Russia grew approximately 70%. That followed a period of growth, from 2015 to 2018, during which China and Russia increased their combined satellite fleets by more than 200%, according to a Defense Intelligence Agency report shared with me. During the past 10 years, China has doubled its launches per year and the number of satellites in orbit. China is planning to launch 13,000 new satellites, The Washington Post reported recently. "I think it's entirely possible they could catch up and surpass us, absolutely," Lt. Gen. Nina M. Armagno, the director of staff for the U.S. Space Force, said at a forum in Australia recently. "The progress they've made has been stunning, stunningly fast." Four countries China, the U.S., India and Russia have tested anti-satellite capabilities by destroying their own satellites with missiles from the ground, according to a recent report in The Guardian. Russia and China are working on spacecraft that grab, crash into or shoot down satellites, or jam satellite broadcasts, or damage the hardware with lasers, chemical sprays or high-power microwaves, according to the Guardian. So, yes, the decision to keep us hyper-competitive in space right now was the right decision, and Space Command officials tell us the decision to stay put means the Command could be fully operational by the end of this month. The only real remaining question now is why it took so damn long. Coloradan Bill Tutt, one of the founders of the Space Foundation and a key player in bringing the Air Force Academy to Colorado, put it this way: Thank God sanity has finally prevailed. Incredible that the decision has taken four years, when it has seemed inevitable since the beginning. Competition is what makes us tick, he added. But this delay has cost us internationally, and there is much to do to stay in the lead globally. Politics, government and lack of courage to do the right thing were our biggest challenges in the space domain race and in competition with China and Russia. Seems it always takes us too long to do the right thing. Bennet believes the depth of support that Colorado and especially Colorado Springs have for its military men and women made the difference. The depth of support for the military mission there knows no bounds. Its unrelenting, he told me. I think we have a long history of building on our DOD missions over the years in Colorado, he added. And our private-sector space ecosystem is second to none. I cant overstate the importance of our academic programs here as well. "Colorado is the rightful home for U.S. Space Command, and our state will continue to lead America in space for years to come. NexTier Oilfield Solutions Inc. (NYSE:NEX Get Free Report) EVP Kevin M. Mcdonald sold 100,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.70, for a total transaction of $1,170,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 329,560 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,855,852. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. NexTier Oilfield Solutions Trading Down 2.4 % NexTier Oilfield Solutions stock opened at $11.60 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. NexTier Oilfield Solutions Inc. has a 12 month low of $6.66 and a 12 month high of $11.99. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $9.68 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $8.95. The firm has a market cap of $2.65 billion, a PE ratio of 4.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 2.13. Get NexTier Oilfield Solutions alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On NexTier Oilfield Solutions Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Xponance Inc. boosted its position in NexTier Oilfield Solutions by 12.0% in the 2nd quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 11,260 shares of the companys stock worth $101,000 after purchasing an additional 1,210 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its position in NexTier Oilfield Solutions by 42.9% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 4,066 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 1,221 shares in the last quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC boosted its position in NexTier Oilfield Solutions by 15.9% in the 4th quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 9,498 shares of the companys stock worth $88,000 after purchasing an additional 1,301 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its position in NexTier Oilfield Solutions by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 56,914 shares of the companys stock worth $452,000 after purchasing an additional 1,802 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dakota Wealth Management lifted its position in shares of NexTier Oilfield Solutions by 10.8% during the 1st quarter. Dakota Wealth Management now owns 18,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $147,000 after buying an additional 1,808 shares in the last quarter. Analysts Set New Price Targets About NexTier Oilfield Solutions Several research firms have recently issued reports on NEX. Susquehanna cut their price objective on shares of NexTier Oilfield Solutions from $8.00 to $7.00 in a report on Friday, June 2nd. Bank of America lowered NexTier Oilfield Solutions from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $8.50 target price on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on NexTier Oilfield Solutions in a research report on Saturday, July 29th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Barclays dropped their target price on NexTier Oilfield Solutions from $18.00 to $13.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on NexTier Oilfield Solutions from $18.00 to $16.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $12.81. (Get Free Report) NexTier Oilfield Solutions Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides well completion and production services in various active and demanding basins. The company operates in two segments, Completion Services, and Well Construction and Intervention Services. The Completion Services segment offers hydraulic fracturing services to enhance production of oil and natural gas from formations with low permeability and restricted flow of hydrocarbons; wireline services; and perforating, pumpdown, pipe recovery, pressure pumping, and wellsite make-up and pressure testing services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for NexTier Oilfield Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NexTier Oilfield Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE:SNDR Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Thursday after the company announced better than expected quarterly earnings. The company traded as high as $31.37 and last traded at $31.04, with a volume of 28720 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $30.82. The company reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.43 billion. Schneider National had a net margin of 6.84% and a return on equity of 14.79%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 22.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.72 EPS. Get Schneider National alerts: Schneider National Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be paid a $0.09 dividend. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.16%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. Schneider Nationals payout ratio is currently 15.65%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Hedge Funds Weigh In On Schneider National A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Susquehanna boosted their target price on shares of Schneider National from $33.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a report on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of Schneider National from $29.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday. Stephens boosted their target price on shares of Schneider National from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $36.00 target price on shares of Schneider National in a report on Friday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Schneider National from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $29.00 target price on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Schneider National currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $32.57. A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SNDR. MetLife Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Schneider National in the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Schneider National in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Quarry LP grew its stake in Schneider National by 252.2% in the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,627 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after acquiring an additional 1,165 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Schneider National by 39.8% in the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,226 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after acquiring an additional 634 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its stake in Schneider National by 20.1% in the 1st quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 3,092 shares of the companys stock worth $72,000 after acquiring an additional 518 shares in the last quarter. 59.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Schneider National Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 1.96 and a current ratio of 2.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.49 and a beta of 1.07. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $28.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $27.40. About Schneider National (Get Free Report) Schneider National, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of surface transportation and logistics solutions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company operates through three segments: Truckload, Intermodal, and Logistics. The Truckload segment offers over the road freight transportation services primarily through dry van, bulk, temperature-controlled, and flat-bed equipment across either network or dedicated configurations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Schneider National Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schneider National and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund trimmed its holdings in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG Free Report) by 24.8% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 130,339 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 43,009 shares during the quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in Public Service Enterprise Group were worth $8,140,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. increased its stake in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 4.8% in the first quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 19,162 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,197,000 after purchasing an additional 879 shares during the period. Commerce Bank increased its stake in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 5.7% in the first quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 44,176 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,759,000 after purchasing an additional 2,399 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its holdings in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 38,538 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,407,000 after purchasing an additional 323 shares during the period. Sovereign Financial Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 3.5% during the first quarter. Sovereign Financial Group Inc. now owns 9,173 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $573,000 after buying an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Peddock Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 3.3% in the first quarter. Peddock Capital Advisors LLC now owns 33,229 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,075,000 after buying an additional 1,072 shares during the period. 70.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Public Service Enterprise Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PEG has been the subject of several research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group from $70.00 to $67.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group from $66.00 to $64.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Guggenheim raised their price target on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group from $68.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group from $67.00 to $66.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $65.55. Insider Activity at Public Service Enterprise Group Public Service Enterprise Group Stock Performance In other Public Service Enterprise Group news, CEO Ralph A. Larossa sold 8,074 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.45, for a total value of $520,369.30. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 115,306 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,431,471.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . In other Public Service Enterprise Group news, CEO Ralph A. Larossa sold 8,074 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.45, for a total value of $520,369.30. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 115,306 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,431,471.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, CEO Ralph A. Larossa sold 4,168 shares of Public Service Enterprise Group stock in a transaction on Monday, July 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.01, for a total transaction of $262,625.68. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 122,572 shares in the company, valued at $7,723,261.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 0.57% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. NYSE PEG opened at $60.60 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $30.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.90, a PEG ratio of 3.66 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a 50 day moving average of $62.48 and a 200-day moving average of $61.74. The company has a current ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09. Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated has a 1-year low of $52.51 and a 1-year high of $69.94. Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE:PEG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.61 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $2.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.95 billion. Public Service Enterprise Group had a net margin of 23.99% and a return on equity of 12.64%. The companys revenue was up 16.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.64 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Public Service Enterprise Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be issued a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.76%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. Public Service Enterprise Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 41.01%. Public Service Enterprise Group Profile (Free Report) Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company primarily in Mid-Atlantic United States. The company operates through PSE&G and PSEG Power. The PSE&G segment transmits electricity; distributes electricity and gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, as well as invests in solar generation projects, and energy efficiency and related programs; and offers appliance services and repairs. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PEG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Public Service Enterprise Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Public Service Enterprise Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital Analysts LLC grew its position in Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR Free Report) by 1,255.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,263 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 2,096 shares during the period. Capital Analysts LLCs holdings in Extra Space Storage were worth $369,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Private Advisor Group LLC raised its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 5.6% during the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 1,404 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $289,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL raised its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 16.5% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 1,502 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $309,000 after acquiring an additional 213 shares in the last quarter. Prudential PLC bought a new stake in Extra Space Storage during the first quarter worth about $625,000. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 8.2% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 2,522 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $519,000 after acquiring an additional 192 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dakota Wealth Management bought a new stake in Extra Space Storage during the first quarter worth about $332,000. 96.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Extra Space Storage Price Performance Extra Space Storage stock opened at $125.70 on Friday. Extra Space Storage Inc. has a 12 month low of $123.67 and a 12 month high of $216.52. The stocks 50 day moving average is $145.90 and its 200-day moving average is $152.88. The company has a current ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.82. The company has a market capitalization of $16.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.51, a PEG ratio of 4.14 and a beta of 0.54. Extra Space Storage Cuts Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 19th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 13th were given a $1.01 dividend. This represents a $4.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.21%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 12th. Extra Space Storages payout ratio is 65.91%. Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Evercore ISI upgraded Extra Space Storage from an underperform rating to an outperform rating and set a $164.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday, June 12th. Bank of America assumed coverage on Extra Space Storage in a research report on Monday, May 8th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Truist Financial lowered their price target on Extra Space Storage from $165.00 to $155.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 15th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Extra Space Storage in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $165.43. Extra Space Storage Company Profile (Free Report) Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of March 31, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 2,388 self-storage stores in 41 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 1.7 million units and approximately 180.0 million square feet of rentable space. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EXR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lifted its position in Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report) by 8.7% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,458 shares of the aerospace companys stock after purchasing an additional 913 shares during the quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $5,417,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Mcdonald Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Mcdonald Partners LLC now owns 1,865 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $882,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. Amplius Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Lockheed Martin by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Amplius Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 815 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $385,000 after acquiring an additional 21 shares during the last quarter. Alhambra Investment Partners LLC raised its stake in Lockheed Martin by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Alhambra Investment Partners LLC now owns 476 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $225,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. M Holdings Securities Inc. raised its stake in Lockheed Martin by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. M Holdings Securities Inc. now owns 8,113 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $3,948,000 after acquiring an additional 23 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Connecticut Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Lockheed Martin by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Connecticut Wealth Management LLC now owns 498 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $235,000 after acquiring an additional 23 shares during the last quarter. 75.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Lockheed Martin Price Performance Shares of NYSE:LMT opened at $445.75 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $456.47 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $464.88. The stock has a market cap of $112.25 billion, a PE ratio of 16.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.36. Lockheed Martin Co. has a one year low of $381.55 and a one year high of $508.10. Lockheed Martin Dividend Announcement Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The aerospace company reported $6.73 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.45 by $0.28. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 71.67% and a net margin of 10.48%. The firm had revenue of $16.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.92 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $6.32 EPS. Lockheed Martins quarterly revenue was up 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 27.08 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be issued a dividend of $3.00 per share. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.69%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 43.88%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Lockheed Martin from $433.00 to $440.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Robert W. Baird downgraded Lockheed Martin from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $513.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Citigroup cut their target price on Lockheed Martin from $579.00 to $555.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and set a $532.00 target price on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Susquehanna cut their target price on Lockheed Martin from $575.00 to $550.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $499.43. Insider Transactions at Lockheed Martin In other Lockheed Martin news, Director John Donovan acquired 548 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 19th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $457.07 per share, for a total transaction of $250,474.36. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 3,378 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,543,982.46. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock. Lockheed Martin Profile (Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund trimmed its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 8.5% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 19,281 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,799 shares during the quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $7,926,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. True Link Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. True Link Financial Advisors LLC now owns 174,618 shares of the companys stock valued at $71,782,000 after buying an additional 2,008 shares during the period. Regimen Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Regimen Wealth LLC now owns 16,560 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,923,000 after buying an additional 587 shares during the period. Fund Evaluation Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 8.3% in the 1st quarter. Fund Evaluation Group LLC now owns 1,148,319 shares of the companys stock valued at $472,051,000 after buying an additional 87,537 shares during the period. Gilbert & Cook Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 2.3% during the first quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. now owns 300,516 shares of the companys stock worth $123,536,000 after purchasing an additional 6,781 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lwmg LLC raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 14.1% during the first quarter. Lwmg LLC now owns 68,745 shares of the companys stock worth $28,260,000 after purchasing an additional 8,511 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Performance Shares of IVV stock opened at $449.16 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $442.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $419.77. The stock has a market cap of $347.49 billion, a PE ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 1 year low of $349.53 and a 1 year high of $461.88. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. After four years of uncertainty, Colorado Springs businesses got an answer on whether the U.S. Space Command, its 1,200 employees and $1 billion in annual economic impact will remain in southern Colorado when President Joe Biden on Monday canceled its move to Alabama. The long-awaited announcement, reversing the move to Huntsville, Ala., ordered in January 2021 by former President Donald Trump two weeks before he left office, will allow military contractors, aerospace companies and others who provide products and services to the command to firm up plans on where they might expand, economists and industry officials said. Those decisions could come as quickly as a few weeks but probably will play out over several years. This decision makes Colorado Springs more attractive to current and future businesses. Everybody can now get on with making decisions and plans, said Seth Harvey, CEO of Bluestaq, a Colorado Springs-based defense technology contractor with 100 employees. It also makes this community more attractive and desirable to startups (in aerospace and space). There will be a greater pull to attract the next (aerospace and space) entrepreneurs and startups to Colorado and Colorado Springs. The command was revived in 2019 at Peterson Space Force Base as its temporary home, but the Department of Defense immediately began a selection process for the headquarters that initially picked Colorado Springs. However, the Pentagon, facing political pressure, reopened the process that later led to Trump selecting Huntsville for the headquarters, triggering two government investigations over the decision and the drawn-out process reversing it. Space Command employs about 1,200 service members from across the military branches to defend an area starting 62 miles above the Earth. It is separate from the Space Force, which is charged with organizing, training, and equipping guardians to carry out the Space Command mission. Trump ordered the standup of Space Force and Space Command. Colorado Springs also is home to another joint command, Northern Command, that is responsible for defending North America and includes the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command. Robert Beletic, aerospace and defense manager for the Colorado Office of Economic and International Trade, said the agency is working with several aerospace companies and military contractors that are considering whether to bring thousands of jobs to the state. He said many companies and contractors already are based in or have operations in Colorado to be near where they (the military) formulate requirements for weapon systems and services the military wants. How much of that will occur, I cant speculate. But being near the command is important, Beletic said. Space Command is part of a greater (military space) ecosystem in Colorado. It is difficult to quantify the impact, but a lot of our leads bear fruit. Bidens decision to keep the command in Colorado Springs may already be producing results. Dan Jaworowski, president of Colorado Springs-based Infinity Systems Engineering, said the decision definitely is influencing our expansion plans, especially where the expansion will happen. He said the expansion involves a new product line but declined to provide further details about those plans, because the company hasnt yet made its decision on a location. This (Bidens) decision keeps a lot of talent in Colorado Springs and brings more (talent) here, making this market more attractive to us and our peers, Jaworowski said. Infinity is negotiating with local and state officials about the planned expansion, he said. The decision is timely for us and is a variable we will consider. It tips the scales more toward Colorado than other locations, which also included Huntsville and several other cities he did not identify. Infinity employs 220 people in Colorado Springs and 65 in nine states and five international locations to provide engineering services for mission and space operations to the Space Operations Command and other military organizations. For some companies like Colorado Springs-based Delta Solutions & Strategies, the nations prime contractor of the year with a $187 million contract with Space Command, Bidens decision meant keeping hundreds of employees in Colorado Springs. Mark Stafford, Deltas president and CEO, said more than 200 of his employees had their long-term plans in flux for the past couple years, over whether they would move to Huntsville or stay in Colorado Springs. Those workers will stay here and the company will move forward with a 10,000-square-foot expansion of its headquarters. Those 200-plus people sit with the government every day, Stafford said. So, part of our contractual requirement is for those people to be embedded with the government personnel they support both active-duty, reserve guard. 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. Delta creates military training products and modeling simulations, and won the $187 million contract nearly a year ago, making the companys work in lockstep with U.S. Space Command as its primary contractor. Stafford said the company will add employees in personnel, contracts, finance, security and recruiting as a result of the commands headquarters permanently remaining in Colorado Springs. Tom Dickson, president of aerospace and defense contractor Boecore, said the company has been growing faster in Huntsville than in Colorado Springs, where more than half of Boecores 400 employees are based. But Space Commands location is a factor in Boecore continuing to invest in Colorado Springs. For example, Boecore completed a series of acquisitions during the past year, including a local satellite and communications firm. Having them (Space Command) here just reinforces what a great community Colorado Springs and Colorado is overall for space-based companies, Dickson said. Space is probably the No. 1 targeted area for which we're trying to grow. Boecore works with operational military units more than Space Command, Dickson said, but access to military leaders in Colorado Springs and networking within the citys aerospace and defense ecosystem is invaluable. They get the leaders to come to luncheons and do briefings ..., Dickson said. And if they're not here, that just doesn't happen. ONeil Group, a major investor in Bluestaq that also owns the Catalyst Campus development near downtown that houses many aerospace and technology startups, probably will shift its expansion focus more toward Colorado Springs. The company also operates other campuses in Ogden, Utah, and near Washington, D.C., and had been considering a fourth location in Huntsville but probably instead will expand in Colorado Springs and possibly Florida, said ONeil Group CEO Kevin ONeil. This creates more opportunity for growth; what it looks like is to be determined, ONeil said. We have had multiple conversations about where to grow. We had been studying coming to Huntsville, and we had a partner and support from the city. This allows us not to have to move forward with those plans and we could instead open a campus in Florida, move our D.C. facility to a better location or expand here. With the command here, there is more activity and a greater ecosystem to support. ONeil said Catalyst Campus is submitting bids to host two new research laboratories planned by Space Command focused on space domain awareness and surveillance, reconnaissance and tracking. He said winning either bid would trigger expansion at Catalysts Colorado Springs location. Keeping Space Command in Colorado Springs also could mean that aerospace and defense companies in Huntsville may have to consider expanding to Colorado Springs instead of Colorado Springs companies studying whether to expand to Huntsville, ONeil said. Jessie Kimbers, vice president in defense development for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, said the Space Command decision has impact on economic development beyond Space Command personnel and space industry jobs. For every new employee, or new mission that gets picked up, you'll see impacts across all of our sectors, Kimber said. Folks need housing, folks need to eat out, folks need all those variety of services that come with relocating. Thats why Kimber said the chamber prioritizes jobs with competitive wages and is concerned about affordable housing options. We can bring business in here, Kimber said. But if folks can't find attainable or affordable housing, then it's kind of a nonstarter." Tatiana Bailey, executive director of Data Driven Economic Strategies, a Colorado Springs nonprofit focused on economic and workforce research, said keeping the commands headquarters here will help entrepreneurs and investors be more confident in starting and expanding businesses in Colorado Springs. Bidens decision also means the local economy avoids the loss of the commands 1,200 employees, defense contractors and restaurants, retailers and others that serve those workers. It really opens up opportunities for subcontractors who depend on government spending and solidifies their confidence level. Would you relocate or expand here for a temporary headquarters? Now that the location is permanent, business expansion is a distinct possibility, Bailey said. The main impact is that we avoided the downside. The potential is huge. All of the investment (by businesses) hasnt materialized yet. Those who were on the sidelines were waiting for this decision. Gary Horvath, a Broomfield-based economist, said winning the commands permanent location will mean a lot for (Colorados) economy and makes a statement that Colorado is a player in aerospace. There is such a strong aerospace and defense industry in Colorado Springs and Colorado has the largest number of aerospace employees per capita (person) in the nation. The aerospace industry is a big part of the culture and economy of the state. Joe Craig, interim director of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Economic Forum, said keeping the commands headquarters at Peterson is great for the overall economy, especially since the jobs with the command are higher-paying positions. He is concerned, however, that military contractors may still be reluctant to make major investments in Colorado Springs with Alabama politicians saying they will fight to get Congress to overturn Bidens decision. Ethiopias government declared a six-month state of emergency on Friday in the countrys second-largest region, Amhara, following days of clashes between the military and local Fano militiamen, giving it powers to impose curfews, restrict movement and ban gatherings. The fighting that broke out earlier this week has quickly become Ethiopias most serious security crisis since a two-year civil war in Tigray region, which neighbours Amhara, ended in November. Amharas regional government requested additional help from federal authorities on Thursday to reimpose order. It was found necessary to declare a state of emergency as it had become difficult to control this outrageous activity based on the regular legal system, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds office said in a statement. The unrest is the latest spasm of violence to hit the country, the second most populous in Africa after Nigeria, since Abiy took office in 2018. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his peacemaking efforts with Eritrea. Fridays order gave the government powers to impose curfews, restrict movement, ban the carrying of guns and other sharp objects, ban public gatherings, and to make arrests and conduct searches without warrants. The government could also close or limit the movements of media outlets it deems to be operating contrary to the emergency orders, the Government Communication Service said in a posting on the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The orders applied to Amhara for now, but could be imposed in other areas if needed, the government said. SOURED RELATIONS Fano, a part-time militia that draws volunteers from the local population, was a key ally of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) during the Tigray war. But the relationship has soured, in part over recent efforts by federal authorities to weaken regional paramilitary groups. Some activists say this has left Amhara vulnerable to attack by neighbouring regions. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke of progress in implementing the cease fire in the north but expressed concern about the situation in Amhara and Oromo regions in a call with Abiy on Friday, the State Department said. They discussed establishing a humanitarian aid distribution system with strengthened oversight to allow food aid to resume, it said. Concerns that food was being diverted prompted the United States to suspend such aid to Ethiopia in June. Two residents of Amharas second-biggest city, Gondar, said on Friday that intense fighting took place the previous day near the university. ENDF first controlled the university, but they were pushed back by Fano. They were trying to advance to the centre of the city, but they couldnt, said one resident. The other, a local official, said the military had pulled back from the university but did not say why. Both asked not to be named for security reasons. A Fano member, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said the militiamen were trying to encircle Amharas capital Bahir Dar. He said they had captured Merawi, a town 30 km (18 miles) south of Bahir Dar. Reuters could not independently confirm his claims. An ENDF spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. However, Education Minister Berhanu Nega told a news conference that 16,000 students in Gondar were unable to do their leaving exams on Thursday. Mobile internet remained down in the region, residents said. Ethiopian Airlines cancelled flights to three of the four airports it flies to in Amhara, an airline spokesperson said. Violent protests erupted across Amhara in April after Abiy ordered that security forces from Ethiopias 11 regions be integrated into the police or national army. Protesters said the order was meant to weaken Amhara. The federal government denied this and said the objective was ensuring national unity. Since coming to power, Abiy has tried to centralise power in a country whose regions each have a measure of autonomy. The war in Tigray was rooted in tensions between regional and federal authority as well as old grievances between ethnic groups. Tens of thousands of people were killed and millions forced from their homes before a truce was signed. SOURCE: REUTERS [August 04, 2023] Europe Green Ammonia Industry Report 2023-2028: European Union's Commitment Boosting Green Ammonia Production for a Greener Future Tweet DUBLIN, Aug. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Europe Green Ammonia Market - Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028 Segmented By Production Method, By End Use, By Region and Competition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Europe Green Ammonia market is anticipated to grow appreciably to 2028 The European ammonia sector plays a crucial role in ensuring food security by utilizing nearly 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually as a feedstock to produce fertilizers. However, with the growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, the emergence of green ammonia presents a transformative solution for the energy and agriculture industries. Green ammonia, produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity, offers a clean and efficient energy source that aligns with the European Union's ambitious targets for increased adoption. Unlike conventional ammonia, green ammonia is free from carbon dioxide emissions, making it an eco-friendly fuel for transportation and electricity generation. Additionally, its role as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer offers a greener alternative to conventional fertilizers, benefiting agricultural practices while minimizing environmental impact. With easy transportation and storage, the green ammonia market is set to flourish in the coming years, shaping a sustainable future for Europe's energy and agriculture sectors. Growing technological Efforts to lessen Climate Change Effects are Market Driving factors Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today, and Europe has been a leader in addressing this challenge by setting ambitious climate targets and promoting the development of clean energy technologies such as green ammonia. Green ammonia is used in different technology for the processing or production of fuels and products. During production, green ammonia emits no carbon dioxide, unlike conventional ammonia production, which is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. By replacing conventional ammonia with green ammonia, Europe can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and help combat climate change. Hence, European Union has also recognized the potential of green ammonia and has set ambitious targets to increase its production and use. The European Union's Green Deal aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. To achieve these goals, the European Union has placed a target of producing 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030, which will be used to produce green ammonia in Europe. Therefore, the Europe Green Ammonia Market is going to hold an impressive market share to fulfill their sustainability goals. Growing Demand for Renewable Energy Based Products is Driving the Market Growth Renewable energy and green ammonia are closely linked in Europe, as the production of green ammonia requires renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The development of renewable energy has played a critical role in making green ammonia production more feasible and cost-effective. For the production of green ammonia, wind power is one of the most common sources of renewable energy. Wind turbines can be used to generate electricity to power the electrolysis process used o produce green ammonia. In Europe, countries such as Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands are leading the way in wind energy production, making them well-positioned to produce green ammonia using wind power. Solar power is another key source of renewable energy used in green ammonia production. Solar panels can be used to generate electricity to power the electrolysis process, and concentrated solar power (CSP) can be used to generate high-temperature heat for the Haber-Bosch process used to produce ammonia. Europe has a significant solar energy potential, particularly in Southern Europe, which could be harnessed for green ammonia production. Rising Sustainable agriculture and Products are Driving the Market Demand Sustainable agriculture and the green ammonia market are closely connected, as green ammonia can be used as a sustainable fertilizer to support sustainable agriculture practices. Sustainable agriculture aims to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural practices while promoting the long-term viability of the agricultural sector. Conventional fertilizers used in agriculture are often produced using fossil fuels, which results in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Green ammonia, on the other hand, is produced using renewable energy and waste streams such as carbon dioxide, resulting in significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. By using green ammonia as a fertilizer, sustainable agriculture practices can reduce the carbon footprint of the agricultural sector. Furthermore, sustainable agriculture practices aim to maintain and improve soil health, which is critical for crop growth and long-term agricultural sustainability. Green ammonia can contribute to soil health by providing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. By using green ammonia as a fertilizer, sustainable agriculture practices can improve soil health and promote the long-term viability of agricultural production. Apart from these, green ammonia can be produced using renewable energy and waste streams, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste and promotes resource efficiency. Sustainable agriculture practices also aim to promote closed-loop systems by reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. By using green ammonia as a fertilizer, sustainable agriculture practices can contribute to the development of a circular economy in which resources are used more efficiently. Hence, the green ammonia market and sustainable agriculture practices are interconnected, with the growth of one supporting the growth of the other. By promoting the development of sustainable agriculture practices and the green ammonia market, Europe can play a leading role in promoting sustainable development and addressing the global challenges of climate change and resource depletion. Therefore, the Europe Green Ammonia Market is going to hold an impressive market share in the coming period to fulfill the demand for sustainable fertilizer and products by farmers. Favorable Government Efforts are Driving the Demand for Europe Green Ammonia Market The EU's plan for green ammonia includes several initiatives, such as they will support the development of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which will be used to power the electrolysis process. Second, it will provide funding for research and development to improve efficiency and reduce the costs of green ammonia production. Moreover, European Union will promote the use of green ammonia in the agriculture and transport sectors. Apart from these, the European Union is committed to making green ammonia a key component of its energy and climate policies. By investing in research and development and supporting the development of renewable energy sources, the EU is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. As green ammonia technology continues to evolve and improve, it is likely that it will play an increasingly important role in meeting Europe's energy and climate goals as the strong will of the governments is expected to increase the production and demand of green ammonia in Europe for the forecast period and in the future. Recent Developments In February 2023 , CEPSA EP SA and Fertiberia SA formed a tactical alliance to boost green hydrogen production and decarbonize the industry in Huelva. This collaboration will help Fertiberia SA to accelerate the growth of its green ammonia production. , CEPSA EP SA and Fertiberia SA formed a tactical alliance to boost green hydrogen production and decarbonize the industry in Huelva. This collaboration will help Fertiberia SA to accelerate the growth of its green ammonia production. The consortium of companies led by ThyssenKrupp is planning to build a new plant in the city of Duisburg, Germany , and is expected to begin operations in 2025. The plant will have a production capacity of 1,000 tons of green ammonia per day, making it one of the largest green ammonia plants in Europe . The green ammonia will be produced in the plant using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and will emit significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional ammonia production methods. Competitive landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies in Europe Green Ammonia market. Yara international ASA Haldor Topsoe Holding A/S Thyssenkrup AG Siemens Energy AG BASF SE ACME Group GKN Ammonia Ltd. Fertiglobe plc NEL Hydrogen AS Green Hydrogen Systems A/S Report Scope: Europe Green Ammonia Market, By Production Method: Alkaline Water Electrolysis Proton Exchange Membrane Solid Oxide Electrolysis Europe Green Ammonia Market, By End Use: Power Generation Transportation Fertilizers Others Europe Green Ammonia Market, By Country: France Germany United Kingdom Italy Spain Finland Greece Portugal Bulgaria Netherland For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6w67k0 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 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/europe-green-ammonia-industry-report-2023-2028-european-unions-commitment-boosting-green-ammonia-production-for-a-greener-future-301893611.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 04, 2023] RTX CORPORATION SHAREHOLDER ALERT by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Reminds Investors With Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against RTX Corporation - RTX Tweet Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until October 2, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against RTX Corporation f/k/a Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 8, 2021 and July 25, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. What You May Do If you purchased securities of RTX and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-rtx/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by October 2, 2023. About the Lawsuit RTX and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Company's Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine that powers hundreds of aircraft across many airlines had been affected by a quality control issue from at least 2015-2020; (ii) the quality control issue would require the Company to recall and reinspect many of its GTF airplanes, affecting customers and harming its business; and (iii) as a result, RTX's statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. The case is Peneycad v. RTX Corporation f/k/a Raytheon Technologies Corporation, et al., No. 23-cv-01035. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey. To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230804087938/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] We didn't want to call this out in the post title but . . . Regarding ongoing property tax debate . . . TKC TOLD YOU SO!!! MISSOURI PUSH BACK AGAINST THE COURTHOUSE IS THE MOST SERIOUS THREAT THAT EXEC FRANK WHITE HAS EVER CONFRONTED!!! Again, our blog community warns that there's more to come . . . Here's the progress so far . . . In a letter to Jackson County Executive Frank White, Fitzpatrick said his office's whistleblower hotline has recently received multiple complaints from property owners with significantly higher assessments. The state auditor said he's also heard concerns that property owners who couldn't get through the phone line to file an appeal with the Jackson County Assessor's Office. Fitzpatrick said other complained if they did get an informal appeal, Texas-based software company Tyler Technology is making decisions they might not be qualified to make. The state auditor's office is asking White to provide a list of documentation by Aug. 18 to assist with its investigation. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Missouri auditor to investigate Jackson County assessment complaints Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick said Friday his office plans to investigate complaints about Jackson County property assessments. Missouri State Auditor investigating complaints over Jackson County assessment process Fitzpatrick stated that his office will also look at claims that callers couldn't get through to file an appeal. Missouri State Auditor informs Jackson County it's beginning 'initial review' of investigating property assessment complaints Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has began an initial review of investigating complaints from Jackson County residents about the property assessment process. Developing . . . Sophie Gregoire Trudeau showcased her exuberant personality through fashion, much of it Canadian. How will her style choices change in her next chapter? The Secretary for Health Dr Faith B. Yisrael says she is aware of complaints that some TRHA Pakistani former Prime Minister Imran Khan got arrested in the eastern city of Lahore today, August 5th, after a court sentenced him to three years in jail over corruption allegations. Read More: Interesting and Unknown Facts about Imran Khan A court in Islamabad found him guilty of not declaring money he had earned from selling state gifts during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. The court also imposed a fine of 100,000 rupees ($451). The 70-year-old politician is said to have bought and sold the gifts that were received during visits abroad and worth more than 140 million Pakistani rupees ($631,401). However, Khan has denied any wrongdoing and said he would appeal. UAF aurora scientist to appear on live Q&A Image courtesy of Explore.org University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute scientist Don Hampton will answer questions about the aurora during a live online event with Mike Fitz, a naturalist with the nature cam network Explore.org. University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute scientist Don Hampton will answer questions about the aurora during a live online event with Mike Fitz, a naturalist with the nature cam network Explore.org. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 3:30 p.m. Alaska time/7:30 p.m. Eastern. Members of the public can join via the Explore.org platform and Facebook and YouTube pages. The event will also be linked from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and UAF Geophysical Institute Facebook pages. Viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions via the chat windows in the platforms. Interest in the aurora has spiked in recent months due to media coverage of increasing solar activity as the sun heads toward peak activity known as solar maximum in mid- to late 2024. The auroras luminous glow occurs when charged particles from the sun hit the atmosphere after getting captured by Earths magnetic field. When solar activity is high, the aurora can become very bright and visible at lower latitudes. UAF maintains an aurora forecast page and a live aurora webcam on the Explore.org platform. The aurora can often also be viewed on the UAF Geophysical Institutes all-sky camera, which captures time-lapse photos of the sky north of Fairbanks at the Poker Flat Research Range. Find the live event here: Explore.org live events Explore.org Facebook page Explore.org YouTube channel University of Alaska Fairbanks Facebook page UAF Geophysical Institute Facebook page The State Board of Accounts (SBOA) audit of the Town of Griffith which was critical of the towns administrative practices for the years 2021 and 2022 has prompted a Corrective Action Plan over the various contraventions of state rules and requirements. There are actually two similar plans that Griffith Clerk-Treasurer Gina Smith recently submitted to the SBOA. The Post-Tribune obtained these documents, via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, from the SBOA. The agencys attorney, Tina L. Mann, provided the documents via email on July 28, three days after the FOIA request was made. Advertisement On July 19, the Post-Tribune filed a FOIA request with the Town of Griffith seeking the Corrective Action Plan. Town Attorney Alfredo Estrada responded via email on July 25 that his law office was in receipt of the FOIA request. However, no further correspondence followed. At an earlier date, the Post-Tribune verbally asked Smith for the documents, but was told that they were unavailable. Advertisement Overdrawn accounts, meetings not held The audit report, prepared by Beth Kelly, deputy state examiner for the SBOA, covers the period of January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022. Members of the audit staff reportedly spent more than a month going through public accounting records at the Griffith Clerk-Treasurers office. On Page 6 of the SBOAs Supplemental Compliance Report, the SBOA highlights overdrawn cash balances as of December 31, 2022. Collectively, the 2022 overdrawn funds amount to $1,233,358. Incidentally, the only fund overdrawn as of December 31, 2021 was that of the Park Bond, in the amount of $302. As the report stated, The General Funds cash balance at December 31, 2022 contained $400,000 of outstanding tax anticipation warrants owed. Without the tax anticipation warrant proceeds, the cash balance of the General Fund would have been overdrawn by $745,646. The report continues, The cash balance of any fund may not be reduced below zero. Routinely overdrawn funds could be an indicator of serious financial problems, which should be investigated by the unit. In a section of the report titled, Appropriations, disbursements within various funds exceeded annual budgeted appropriations, the SBOA said. For instance, the town exceeded General Fund disbursements by $991,189 in 2021 and $549,980 in 2022. Local Road and Street Fund disbursements were exceeded by $270,060 in 2022, while the Motor Vehicle Highway and MVH Restricted Fund was over by $449,316 in 2021, the report stated. The Police Pension Fund exceeded budget appropriations by $172,489 in 2022. The audit report continues to delineate questionable financial activities by the town, although the Corrective Action Plan speaks little of Griffith mitigating its financial issues. Rather, it focuses more on a pledge for the Griffith Board of Sanitary Commissioners and the Griffith Storm Water Board of Directors to both adhere to a regular meeting schedule. For example, neither the Sanitary nor Storm Water boards held meetings in 2021, the SBOA reported. Therefore the Griffith Town Council arbitrarily approved claims for both bodies. Consequently, the town pledged in its Corrective Action Plan that the Sanitary Board will convene monthly and that the Storm Water Board will meet quarterly. Also, Griffiths Director of Public Works, Andy Raab, being the Superintendent of the Sanitary District and Storm Water Utility, will attend all meetings or designate a representative. Advertisement The plan seeks permission for the Griffith Town Council to approve all claims rather than the respective boards, especially given the Storm Water Boards quarterly meeting schedule. In another utility-related red flag, the SBOA determined that delinquent wastewater fees and penalties were not recorded with the county recorder nor certified to the county auditor. Had those funds been reported, they would have resulted in a lien against the property, the SBOA said. Its unknown what those funds amount to or why they were not properly recorded. In addition, the SBOA reported that the Storm Operating fund had an overdrawn cash balance of $101,389 as of December 31, 2022. In response, the Corrective Action Plan acknowledges the overdrawn cash balances and assures that the town will begin to monitor the fund balance immediately. The Post-Tribune has sought deeper insights from the SBOA into the Griffith audit report, and whether or not the agencys auditors are completely finished delving into Griffiths financial practices. The Post-Tribune will report on those statements when they are expected to become available later this month. Town Council not aware Councilman President Rick Ryfa, R-3rd , who serves Griffith as a self-described full-time town council president and is arguably the highest compensated town council president in the state has deflected responsibility for the towns financial reporting irregularities, as detailed by the SBOA. Rather, he has placed the onus on Smith, who has repeatedly declined comment on the matter. The Clerk-Treasurer would be best suited to respond to the reasons why these funds were allowed to end the year ending December 31, 2022 with negative balances, Ryfa had stated in response to overdrawn cash balances in 2021 and 2022. The Town Council simply was not aware that this happened until after the fact. Advertisement Regarding appropriations that exceeded budgeted amounts, Ryfa previously stated, The Town Council was not made aware that appropriations exceeded the budgeted amounts. He added, There is simply no excuse to spend beyond appropriations without the Town Council approving additional appropriations at a public meeting. Town attempts to dig out of financial mess Griffith is currently pursuing general obligations bonds in an amount not to exceed $2.5 million, ostensibly, to replenish its depleted General Fund for the remainder of the year. In early May, the town tipped its financial condition when it used remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help meet its bi-monthly payroll. Griffiths budgetary shortfall was seemingly triggered when the price tag for a new town hall/police station facility ballooned to $15 million last year and the Town Council decided to scrap the project. That spending appears to have depleted the General Fund by nearly $700,000 monies that were used for the architectural design of the building and the adjacent property acquisition. Ryfa stated at a Town Council meeting in June that the bond issue would be used for future capital projects and if its allowed a portion of the towns operating expenses. However, Indiana Code Title 36 does not list a municipalitys operating expenses as an acceptable use of general obligation bonds. Town officials have yet to publicly disclose what it can or cannot use the bond issue for, per advice from its financial advisors or what the impact on the towns operations could be if there are certain restrictions pertaining to its use. Advertisement Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). There is no ban on using domestically manufactured weapons against targets located in Russian territory, says Oleksiy Danilov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. Thats according to Danilovs comment voiced at the national telethon, Ukrinform reports. "And how can we have a taboo if the aggressor state launched a huge military campaign against us. If they kill our children almost every day - what taboos are we talking about?" he said. Danilov noted that Ukraine has an agreement with partners that it will not use their weapons against targets on Russian soil. This is necessary so that the partners are not accused of allegedly being involved in Russia's war against Ukraine. At the same time, this ban does not apply to weapons developed by the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, noted the NSDC secretary. "Id like to note that we have certain gains from this. And not everything can be revealed but at least what CNN journalists learned about maritime drones well, these are generally things that a very limited number of countries have in service," Danilov said. According to him, such weapons perform their combat missions "perfectly". As Ukrinform reported earlier, several unmanned aerial vehicles attacked the Russian capital several times over the past few days, hitting the same building in the Moscow-City business district twice. From February 24, 2022 to August 3, 2023, Ukraines Armed Forces killed in action 247,850 Russian invaders, including 620 in the last day alone. Thats according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports. Also, as of August 3, the Ukrainian defense forces destroyed 4,224 (+7) tanks, 8,234 (+21) armored fighting vehicles, 4,892 (+26) artillery systems, 704 (+4) MLR systems, 465 (+2) air defense equipment, 315 (+0) warplanes, 311 (+0) helicopters, 4,077 (+35) UAVs, 1,347 (+0) cruise missiles, 18 (+0) warships/cutters, 7,372 (+23) trucks and tankers, and 721 (+3) units of specialized equipment. As reported earlier, during the past 24 hours, 44 combat clashes took place between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and the Russian invaders in various areas. Russia has already lost about 249,110 troops in Ukraine (+620 over the past day). The relevant statement was made by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Between February 24, 2022 and August 5, 2023, the enemys total combat losses included also 4,232 tanks (+4 over the past day), 8,251 armored fighting vehicles (+2), 4,943 artillery systems (+32), 704 multiple launch rocket systems, 466 anti-aircraft warfare systems, 315 aircraft, 311 helicopters, 7,422 motor vehicles and fuel tanks (+30), 18 warships/boats, 4,116 unmanned aerial vehicles (+12), 730 special equipment units (+6). A total of 1,347 enemy cruise missiles were shot down. The data are yet to be updated. A reminder that Ukraines Defense Forces continue the offensive operation in the Melitopol and Berdiansk directions, gaining a foothold within the re-captured frontiers, and carrying out counterbattery measures. British intelligence confirmed that on the night of August 4, the Russian Navys Olenegorsky Gornyak landing ship almost certainly suffered serious damage after being struck while near the Black Sea Fleets Novorossiysk base. The British Defense Ministry reported this on Twitter, referring to intelligence data. "Images of the vessel listing at 30-40 degrees suggest that several watertight compartments were breached, or that the crew's damage control efforts were ineffectual," believes British intelligence. The summary emphasizes that the ship has augmented the Black Sea Fleet after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and has often ferried military and civilian traffic between Russia and occupied Crimea when the Kerch Bridge has been disrupted due to attacks. The 3,600-tonne and 113-meter long Olenegorsky Gornyak represents the largest Russian naval vessel seriously damaged or destroyed since the sinking of the cruiser Moskva on April 13, 2022. This is a significant blow to the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which previously relocated most of its units to Novorossiysk due to the high threat to Sevastopol, the report says. As reported earlier, surface kamikaze drones attacked the Russian landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak, which was based in the Russian city of Novorossiysk. Despite initial claims by Russias defense officials that the drone attack was repulsed, videos emerged online the next morning, showing the Olenegorsky Gornyak being tugged, listed on the port side after clearly suffering a strike. Russia had to introduce a temporary ban on maritime traffic in the port of Novorossiysk. The defense security intelligence units of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) have destroyed Russias Murom surveillance system, combat drone squad, platoon strongpoint and firing positions. The relevant statement was made by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Our special forces continue to eliminate enemy troops and, side by side with combat comrades from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, are liberating the Ukrainian land during the counteroffensive, the report states. According to the SSU, over the past few days, Russian invaders have lost two tanks, one Osa surface-to-air missile system, one infantry fighting vehicle, one multi-purpose tracked armored fighting vehicle (MTLB), one engineering equipment unit, and seven motor vehicles. Additionally, the SSUs defense security intelligence units destroyed one enemy ammunition depot, one Murom surveillance system, one FPV drone and unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) squad, one platoon strongpoint, firing positions and shelters together with 20 Russian occupiers. A reminder that, between February 24, 2022 and August 5, 2023, Russias total combat losses in Ukraine reached about 249,110 troops. Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, illustrative The Polish government is mulling a full border closure with Belarus as one of the measures to protect the country against the backdrop of the deteriorating security situation in the wake of the Wagner Group deployment in the neighboring country. This was stated in an interview with CNN by the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Pawel Jablonski, Ukrinform reports. Poland is considering any steps that will be necessary to protect their territory and citizens, including the complete isolation of Belarus, complete border closure, he said. According to Jablonski, shutting the border with Belarus would be a last resort measure that Warsaw would like to avoid if possible but, should attacks and attempts to destabilize the country continue, Poland would have no other way out, the deputy minister added. The Polish official also stated that the "threat is very real", claiming that the Wagner mercenaries were trying to infiltrate the territory of Poland. More attempts at attacks on Polands border and possibly new attempts to violate the countrys airspace are expected, Jablonsky said. He also stated that Poland is deploying more and more troops toward the Belarusian border. As reported, on August 1, two Belarusian helicopters conducting training near the border violated Polish airspace. Polish Minister of National Defense Mariusz Blaszczak convened the National Security and Defense Committee, ordering that the number of troops stationed at the border be increased and additional forces and equipment be deployed, including combat helicopters. The incident was reported to NATO. The Ministry of Defense also recalled that Moscow and Belarus have recently intensified hybrid hostile operations against Poland. On August 1, the Charge d'affaires of Belarus was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, where he received a strong protest over the airspace violation incident. On August 4, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland announced it had provided the government of Belarus with convincing evidence of the incident involving the two helicopters. The return of Russian Aerospace Forces warplanes and helicopters from Belarus is being observed. Thats according to the Belaruski Hajun war monitor, Ukrinform reports. Around 13:30, nine Su-34 and Su-30SM fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Force took off from the Baranovichi airfield. The fighters proceeded through Mogilev region and crossed the border between Belarus and the Russian Federation. It should be noted that most of them had been in Belarus for 202 days (since January 15, 2023), the report says. Later, around 14:00, a Russian Mi-24 took off from Machulishchi, which, according to the monitors data, was the last remaining Russian helicopter based in Machulishchi. Read also: Poland may shut border with Belarus over Wagner Group fears As of today 11 Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters of the Russian Aerospace Forces flew from the Machulishchi airfield to the Russian Federation. As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukraine issued an official warning stating that the water area in Russias six Black Sea ports is a war risk zone. These are the ports of Anapa, Novorossiysk, Gelendzhyk, Tuapse, Sochi, and Taman. A reminder, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry earlier stated that, from 00:00 midnight (Kyiv time), July 21, 2023, all vessels in the Black Sea waters, heading to the ports of the Russian Federation or to the temporarily occupied ports of Ukraine, may be considered as vessels carrying a military cargo. One more missile ship has joined Russias naval group in the Black Sea, and the total volley of Kalibr-type cruise missiles has increased to 16. The relevant statement was made by the South Operational Command on Facebook, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. An equipped frigate has joined a small missile ship in the Black Sea. The total number of Kalibr-type cruise missiles that may be used has reached 16, the report states. The South Operational Command urged civilians to stay alert and follow safety regulations. A reminder that, on the evening of August 5, 2023, Russia replaced a submarine with a surface missile ship in the Black Sea, having doubled the number of Kalibr-type cruise missiles ready to be fired. On Saturday, August 5, the Russian army fired another missile salvo at several Ukrainian regions. Thats according to the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, who made the statement on Twitter, Ukrinform reports. "Russia unleashed another salvo of missiles on Ukraine this Saturday. Russia will not stop until it is stopped," the minister wrote. Russia unleashed another salvo of missiles on Ukraine this Saturday. Russia will not stop until it is stopped. The global community must focus on enforcing a just and lasting peace: arming Ukraine, including with F-16s to close the sky, and implementing Ukraines Peace Formula. Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) August 5, 2023 According to Kuleba, the global community must focus on ensuring a just and lasting peace: arming Ukraine, including with F-16s to close the sky, and implementing Ukraines Peace Formula. As Ukrinform reported earlier on August 5, the Russian invasion army struck the outskirts of Zaporizhzhia. Emergency response teams are working at the site of the impact. Several explosions rocked Khmelnytskyi region amid the two waves of Russias missile attack. From seed theft to missile defense, members of Iowas Republican congressional delegation said the United States needs to be more direct and confrontational in curbing Chinese aggression undermining U.S. agriculture, trade, innovation and food security. The Bastion Institute hosted a Thursday panel discussion at the Cedar Rapids Country Club by three Republicans U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, both of Iowa, and U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin on the United States relationship with China Gallagher and Hinson currently serve on the House Committee to assess the myriad military, economic and technological challenges posed by China. Ernst and Gallagher also sponsored legislation to develop rings-of-fire in the Indo-Pacific to deter Chinese aggression in the region. The bill would require the Pentagon to develop a strategy for offsetting China's ballistic and cruise missiles that can hit U.S. targets across the Indo-Pacific. Gallagher said the United States can deploy missiles across the region with the support of partners and allies like Japan and the Philippines. Both countries could host shorter-range systems, while longer-range systems could be deployed to northern Australia, the Pacific islands and Alaska. That positioning, he said, would establish "rings of fire" that constitute a missile-defense across the Pacific to counter China and its aggressive nature. This isnt just a distant over-there threat, Gallagher said. It isnt a matter a some obscure territorial claim in the South China Sea. Its a right-here-at-home threat. And you dont need a Chinese spy balloon to remind you of the threat to American sovereignty. CHINAS THEFT OF TECHNOLOGY Hinson, Gallagher and House Select China Committee Ranking Member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., hosted a roundtable event afterward in Dysart, in Tama County, on the Chinese Communist Party's agricultural technology theft. The event featured Iowa farmers and stakeholders who discussed the impacts of Chinese malign tactics to undermine American agriculture. A Chinese national pleaded guilty in 2016 in federal court to conspiring to steal trade secrets involving inbred corn seeds produced by DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto. In 2011, a Dysart farmer spotted a man, Mo Hailong, in business attire digging up valuable hybrid seeds, which he then sent back to China. The FBI ultimately arrested Mo Hailong and six accomplices after they stole $30 million worth of U.S. ag technology. Since then, the FBI has investigated other cases, and the Department of Justice has secured additional convictions. Last year, Chinese national Xiang Haitao pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit economic espionage and was sentenced to more than two years in prison for stealing a central algorithm to a software platform being developed by his employer, a Monsanto subsidiary, for farmers to visualize and analyze field data. Xiang took copies of the algorithm on a one-way flight back to China, where he later worked for the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Soil Science. Xiang was sentenced to 29 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and a $150,000 fine. (O)ur land is sacred. Feeding and fueling the world is ingrained in who we are, Hinson said. We cannot allow the (Chinese Communist Party) to continue stealing our intellectual property, buying up our farmland, and ripping off our farmers and rural manufacturers. We cannot sit idly by any longer. The status quo is too dangerous to maintain, Hinson said. The FBI has estimated the annual cost to the U.S. economy of counterfeit goods, pirated software and theft of trade secrets and intellectual property as between $225 billion and $600 billion, with China as the worlds principal infringer. (I)t uses its laws and regulations to put foreign companies at a disadvantage and its own companies at an advantage, according to the FBI. CHINAS FOOD SECURITY China is the worlds largest importer of corn, soybeans, wheat, rice and dairy products. Gallagher connected Chinese President Xi Jinpings heightened focus on food security with his increasing aggression toward Taiwan, speculating that if the Chinese Communist Party precipitates conflict in the Taiwan Strait, global seaborne trade will be disrupted and, therefore, securing grain supplies will be essential. Our farms are more than just places to grow food, Gallagher said. They are research laboratories and strategic national resources. We have to protect all our technology, whether its in a Silicon Valley research lab or an Iowa cornfield. He said the United States needs to plug the holes in its technological ecosystem with export controls, enhanced investment screening, and outbound capital restrictions. Our country is filled with invisible factories and invisible farms those that would have been built or planted here if wed protected American technology, Gallagher said. There are invisible paychecks those that our workers and farmers would have gotten if we werent sending $600 billion to our foremost global adversary every year in stolen IP and trade secrets. Just like the farmer in the Iowa field, we are being robbed every day, in plain sight, by the Chinese Communist Party, he said. Today, we are here today to discuss how we stop that. CAUTION URGED Suzanne Shirbroun, who grows soybeans and corn with her husband and sons near Farmersburg in Clayton County, said the U.S. government needs to fairly, but firmly combat unfair trade practices imposed by China. Such acts should not be tolerated and should be contested, Shirbroun said, but cautioned that the U.S. proceed cautiously and not revoke Chinas most-favored-nation trade status noting one in every three rows of soybeans in the United States goes to China. While there is little doubt that China has targeted United State intellectual property and engaged in unfair trade practices there is not another market that can completely replace the Chinese market for the American soybean farmer, Shirbroun said. Instead, she said, the United States needs to diversity its export market to other countries, especially in Southeast Asia, to boost the U.S. farm economy and lessen its dependence on China. She said Congress and the Biden administration should work to: Support targeted export controls of sensitive technologies that safeguard U.S. innovation and national security, and help farmers and the U.S. ag industry protect critical data, information and intellectual property. Reduce retaliatory tariffs on U.S. soybeans. Insist China make real progress on reforming its biotech approval process. Work to improve ties with key trading partners with shared interests. Expand market access and promotion programs under the Farm Bill to grow and diversity agricultural markets Lori Lang, who farms 25 miles southwest of Dysart, also called for stricter scrutiny of Chinese investment in U.S. agriculture by federal regulators and the Justice Department something Hinson and other members of Iowas congressional delegation have pushed. The debate over farm ownership has intensified as Chinese firms over the past decade have purchased major agribusinesses, like pork processing giant Smithfield Foods. It also comes amid broader efforts by Congress and the Biden administration to curb the United States reliance on China in key industries critical to the nations supply chain. You have something special here in Iowa, and people want to copy that, said Krishnamoorthi, the Illinois Democrat. But I dont think they can ever copy you, if we are vigilant about our secrets, our research and protecting free enterprise. We cant be anything but vigilant because we are in a global competition, he said. This is a competition that will determine our standard of living, our childrens standard of living, for generations. The presidents of Belarus and Russia, Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin, have different ideas as to the use of Wagner Groups mercenaries currently deployed in Belarus. Thats according to the Center for Combating Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports. "The deployment of part of the Wagner Group to the Republic of Belarus should be considered as the result of certain agreements between Lukashenko and Putin, while at the same time each pursues their own goals. Lukashenko expects that the Wagnerians will strengthen the guarantees of him retaining power. Meanwhile, Putin hopes that the mercenaries of the pardoned Yevgeny Prigozhin will serve as a reliable monitor of the Belarusian dictators behavior with the opportunity to intervene if something goes wrong to this end, the Wagnerians are actively penetrating all security agencies in the Republic of Belarus," the report states. According to the CCD, the mercenaries are currently engaged in training the Belarusian military and sharing their combat experience with the local territorial defense. "Also, according to Polish security forces, more than 100 fighters from the Wagner Group, disguised as Belarusian border guards, are stationed near Grodno, helping migrants illegally cross the Belarusian-Polish border," the watchdog informed. Separately, the agency stated that experts currently assess as unlikely Russia's use of the territory of Belarus as a springboard for an attack on the north of Ukraine. It is noted that the Russian Federation is forced to amass troops on the Ukrainian front lines, so part of the Russian forces were transferred to Ukraine from other parts of Russia. "Yes, the Russian troops and Wagner mercenaries located in Belarus are not enough to launch an offensive, and the strengthening of the Russian contingent by the Belarusian military is complicated by the attitude of Belarusian society to their participation in the special military operation (about 50% of Belarusian youths do not support Russias actions in Ukraine)", wrote the CCD. The monitor stated that it is impossible to foresee with certainty whether Belarus will actually use Russias tactical nuclear weapons, some of which are believed to have been transferred there earlier. "However, the anti-nuclear consensus in Belarusian society (from 60 to 70% do not support the deployment of nuclear arms) and the expected reaction on the part of NATO clearly prove to Lukashenko that the Alliance's response to such a move would destroy both his dictatorial regime and the statehood of Belarus in general," the CCD reported. This is why Lukashenko avoids any direct confrontation with the Ukrainian troops at all costs and is in conflict with Putin on the issue, the watchdog suggests. "It is obvious that for the Kremlin, the placement of tactical nukes in a subordinate state aims to intimidate the West and force it to stop helping Ukraine," the report says. Separately, the CCD noted that what is happening near the borders of Poland and the Baltic states is a sort of challenge not only for Poland but also for the Alliance in general. The test of the Alliance's resolve involving the audacious breach of Polands airspace by helicopters is not an isolated incident but another stage in the escalation between the Russian Federation and NATO. The Kremlin's readiness for provocations is based on the confidence that the West will not dare a direct full-scale conflict between NATO and the Russian Federation or between the United States and the Russian Federation," the CCD said. The Center noted that therefore the flight of Belarusian helicopters over the territory of Poland and the buildup of Wagnerians in Belarus, both left without an adequate response from the Alliance, send the Kremlin a clear signal that they might pursue with impunity the tactics of inciting tensions at the borders of other countries. "So, despite the assurances of the State Border Guard Service that the Belarusian direction is now safe, the relevant forces are monitoring the movement of mercenaries across the Republic because hybrid attacks on the border will most likely continue," the report states. International rules-based order violated by Russian aggression must be restored. That's according to the address to the nation, issued by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. "Dear Ukrainians, I wish you good health! Today is another active day for our international efforts. Our team is working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the meeting of advisors to the leaders of the states on the Peace Formula. In total, 42 countries are represented there. Different continents, different political approaches to global affairs, but everyone is united by the priority of international law. And it is for this that Ukraine proposed the Peace Formula because the international rules-based order, violated by Russian aggression, must be restored. It is very important that there, on the sidelines of the meeting in Jeddah, bilateral negotiations with partners take place. Thankful to our delegation for this work: consolidation of the world is one of the most essential tasks. The greater the consolidation of the world for the sake of restoring a just peace is the sooner an end will be put to the bombs and missiles with which Moscow wants to replace the norms of international law. Another Russian missile attack against our country was today. Kinzhal, Kalibr missiles. Their target was Motor Sich and our Khmelnytsky region. Some of the missiles were shot down, thankful to our air defense warriors for this. But no matter how many such Russian attacks occur, they will still not give the enemy anything. Anyway, we will protect freedom for Ukraine, for all our people. And Russia won't be able to replace international law with terror, or crises, or any intimidation. Literally every week, the world really adds strength to protect normal life. This week I thank Germany and Lithuania for new defense and security packages for us, for our soldiers. We expect new solutions next week new packages. We also work for even more achievements and opportunities in our defense industry. The results are there, everyone can see them, and they are fair results, correct. Which show the aggressor state what its aggression means. Show not on TV, but precisely in the place, from which this war came to Ukraine, to the region, to the world. He, who brings problems to others, must feel what problems are. And I thank the Security Service of Ukraine, our Navy and every warrior who restores justice and teaches Russia to losses. Ukraine will win this war. The world will win this war. Truth will win this war. The main thing is that all of us in Ukraine and everyone in the world, who value a normal life, work at one hundred percent without any stop for the sake of victory. Our unity, our ability to build strength, and our ability to bring war back to where it came from. It is the most tangible for Russia. And one more thing. Next week our work on cleaning public institutions from those who tried to drag from the past all those old habits, old schemes that weakened Ukraine for a very long time, for decades, will continue. There will be no more old formats in our country those formats when some defended the state and people, and others tried to put both the state and people at the service of their own benefit. No matter, who this person is whether he is a "military commissar," whether he is a deputy, or whether he is an official everyone must work only for the sake of the state. So be it. I thank everyone who fights for Ukraine! In all areas: Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Mariinka, Shakhtar, Zaporizhzhia. I thank everyone who moves forward, who leads us forward and only forward! Glory to Ukraine!" Photo from the President's Office As part of the new military assistance package provided by Germany, Ukraine will receive mine clearing tanks, howitzers, drones, and other military equipment units. The relevant statement was made by the German Federal Government on August 4, 2023, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The new military assistance package includes two Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers (as part of the project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway), two WISENT 1 mine clearing tanks (four were handed over before), 11 mine ploughs for T-72, and nine border protection vehicles (168 were delivered before). Additionally, Ukraine receives three VECTOR reconnaissance drones (81 were sent before), five mobile antenna mast systems (42 were handed over before), and five SurveilSPIRE mobile reconnaissance systems. Germany is also preparing to send to Ukraine forty MARDER infantry fighting vehicles (20 are already in service on the battlefield in Ukraine), six Bergepanzer 2 armoured recovery vehicles, seven mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems, and 18,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons. A reminder that Germany is the second biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States. Photo: EPA Lithuania will soon hand over the NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), anti-drone and logistic equipment, and many other goods to Ukraine. The relevant statement was made by Lithuanias National Defence Ministry, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Lithuania has been providing uninterrupted military support for Ukraine. During the first seven months of 2023, the military aid delivered to Ukraine from Lithuania included the Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft systems with ammunition, M113 armored personnel carriers, millions of cartridges, and grenade launcher ammunition. In addition to military vehicles and equipment, Lithuania has been training Ukrainian servicemen on a regular basis, offering Ukrainians treatment and rehabilitation, arranging expert consultations, and allocating financing for the international support funds of Ukraine. Ukraine spends 100% of taxes paid by businesses and citizens to meet the needs of the Security and Defense Forces. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said this at a government meeting, Ukrinform reports. "Today, Ukraine spends absolutely all its internal resources on the war. 100% of taxes paid by businesses and citizens go to meet the needs of the Security and Defense Forces. In the budget, we have already provided UAH 1 trillion 800 billion for these needs. And this may not be the final amount," Shmyhal said. According to him, in addition to these expenses, there is also military assistance from allies and donations from philanthropists. "We are grateful to everyone who helps our Security and Defense Forces. Those who support, pay taxes, and work for our victory," the Prime Minister emphasized. Read also: US extends sanctions against Russia As Ukrinform reported, on August 3, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a conference of ambassadors that supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine and confronting Russia in the war it has unleashed costs our country about 2 trillion hryvnias. Photo: Cabinet of Ministers Zhytomyr region's farmers have grown a good harvest during Russia's war and hope to sell it, including for export. For the second year in a row, farmers in Zhytomyr region have been sowing and harvesting crops amid Russia's full-scale war. The biggest challenge now is the absence of grain exports. There is also a shortage of labor because many workers are defending the country. The farmers will have a better harvest than last year. But they are not sure whether they will have a market for it. An Ukrinform correspondent visited the harvest in Zviahel district (Zhytomyr region), where organic spelt (wild wheat) is being harvested and talked to Galeks-Agro company. They grow organic spelt on 2,000 hectares. Buckwheat is also growing here, where our apiary is, and we collect buckwheat honey, Serhii Leonets, Executive Director of Galeks-Agro, says. The company specializes in organic farming. It cultivates 10,000 hectares of land, grows over a dozen organic crops, including spelt, sunflower, soybeans, corn, and buckwheat. They produce wheat, barley, oat, buckwheat, spelt, and flour. The enterprise is also engaged in organic livestock farming. Closed European markets and labor shortages are among the obstacles. About 35% of the company's employees are in the Armed Forces. "Today, when we are talking to you here in the field, sales have stopped altogether," the executive director says. "The market has completely stopped We sent inquiries to all the partners we worked with before Russia's full-scale war (there are about 20 of them in Europe). All of them refused our products, explaining that there was no need for them. When a gap appears, we may enter Europe with our products. But this is not yet predicted. This is a big problem. Business is in a critical state now. Previously, the company exported 40% of its grain products and processed the rest for the Ukrainian market. Now the company has only one contract with Italy, where it will sell 10 tonnes of spelt. For Galeks-Agro, this is an insignificant amount. But it is still a chance to declare that Ukraine is engaged in organic production. Until February 2022, European countries were the main buyers of unprocessed spelt. According to forecasts, this year the company will harvest 5-10% more grain than last year. Some of last year's grain had to be packed in grain storage. If the sales market does not work, farmers will remain in a vicious circle, as there will be no need to sow grain that cannot be sold. This will lead to a lack of funds to pay salaries, buy diesel fuel, and maintain machinery. The German Federal Government has provided $1.55 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion started, mostly through grants. The relevant statement was made by the Ukrainian Finance Ministry, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Financial, military and humanitarian support is extremely important for countering aggression effectively. And Germany is one of the leaders in supporting our struggle against the terrorist actions of Russia, Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko noted. According to the ministry, on August 4, 2023, the Ukrainian finance minister met with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine, Martin Jaeger. The parties discussed the current economic situation, financial challenges during martial law, Ukraines European integration path, cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the financing needs for the next budget period. A reminder that Ukraine expects to receive $42 billion in financial assistance in 2023, including $4.6 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The U.S. and European officials are concerned that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is factoring the 2024 US presidential election into his Ukraine war plan. This was reported by CNN, according to Ukrinform. Putin harbors hope that a loss by President Joe Biden next year will lead the US to curtail its support for Ukraine and improve Russias negotiating position, four US officials told CNN. One U.S. official said they had "no doubt" that Putin was "trying to hold out" until the 2024 election. Another source familiar with the intelligence said: Putin knows Trump will help him. And so do the Ukrainians and our European partners. So even though we havent seen anything explicitly to that effect, you have to assume, I believe, that everyone is thinking it. One of the European diplomats told CNN that, in their opinion, Russia's attempt to hold out the war against Ukraine before the U.S. elections "is exactly Putin's plan." However, the U.S. does not yet have explicit intelligence on Putin's mindset or whether he is purposefully dragging out the war in hopes of a Donald Trump or other Republican presidential victory. But next year's election remains a key factor that senior Western national security, intelligence, and diplomatic officials say will influence Putin's decisions in Ukraine, making it less likely that the war ends before the end of next year, CNN adds. As reported earlier, the U.S. presidential election will be held in the fall of next year. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is considered the main Republican competitor of former President Donald Trump in, claimed that if he won, he would not like to see American troops involved in Moscow's war against Ukraine. On Saturday, August 5, the second meeting at the level of national security advisers and political chiefs on the key principles of peace based on the Peace Formula put forward by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine kicks off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is reported by Ukrinform. According to the deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Zhovkva, at the summit in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), which will be attended by representatives of more than 40 countries, responsibility will be shared between participating nations for co-organization or co-leadership in certain points of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Read also: US supports summit in Saudi Arabia dedicated to Ukrainian Peace Formula The head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, Andriy Yermak, stated that Ukraine's strategy for the implementation of Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula has three levels. The first is meetings with ambassadors accredited to Ukraine for a detailed consideration of each of the points of the Peace Formula. The second level is negotiations in Saudi Arabia at the level of national security and political advisers "in order to find optimal formulations and mechanisms for the implementation of the Ukrainian peace plan." The third is the inaugural Global Peace Summit involving state leaders, at which the implementation of the Formula will take place. The United States perceives the scheduled negotiations in Saudi Arabia regarding the Peace Formula in Ukraine as the start of the process, since the establishment of real peace requires the willingness on the part of Russia, first of all, to be part of peace diplomacy. The meeting will last through August 6. As Ukrinform reported earlier, Zelensky's Peace Formula refers to ensuring radiation, nuclear, food, and energy security, the release of all prisoners and deportees, the implementation of the UN Charter, the restoration of Ukraines territorial integrity and world order, the withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities, the return of justice, countering ecocide, preventing escalation, and fixating the end of the war. Ukraine joined the European Union in sanctions against Iran for its military support to Russia, including through supplying one-way attack drones. This is reported by the European Council press service, Ukrinform saw. In addition to Ukraine, EU candidate states North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, which are members of the European Economic Area, also supported the economic restrictions targeting Iran. "Iran provides military support for Russias unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. In this context. the Council decided to add five individuals involved in the development and delivery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Russia to the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures," the statement reads. As noted, Ukraine and the countries listed above will ensure that their national policies conform with the Councils decision. "The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it," the statement reads. As Ukrinform reported earlier, taking into account the need for an immediate and effective response to existing threats to Ukraine's national interests and security, the Cabinet of Ministers agreed to terminate the double taxation agreement with Iran. The start of August signals that summer is winding down. Students begin preparing to head back to school, fall activities ramp up, and farmers start to look ahead to harvest while hoping for a few more rain showers. But before the pace changes for many of us, theres one last, very big hurrah that most Iowans know and love the great Iowa State Fair. Its truly the Super Bowl of Iowa agriculture. There are many reasons why I love the Iowa State Fair, but perhaps, most importantly, its a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about agriculture. Though it continues to drive Iowas economy, fewer Iowans are engaged directly in production agriculture today than in past generations. And thats why the Fair remains so important. Whether you live on a farm or in the city, you can find numerous opportunities to experience agriculture in fun and unique ways at the Iowa State Fair. Its true that new foods and grandstand acts often make the headlines. And while they are excellent, Id also encourage you to spend some time supporting 4-H and FFA exhibitors and open class contestants. They have devoted countless hours preparing for the Fair as well as their county fairs, and they are proud to showcase their skills, animals, family recipes and so much more. By exploring the 4-H building, FFA exhibit hall, cultural building, food center, livestock barns and many other venues, youll come away with a deeper appreciation for the talents and passions of your fellow Iowans. Exploring the exhibits, seeing the livestock and attending the shows will make you hungry. Luckily, theres no shortage of delicious food options and you cant go wrong with any of the great vendors. However, I encourage you to support Iowas commodity groups that will be out in full force at the Fair. From pork chops, lamb sandwiches, hot beef sundaes and giant turkey legs to eggs on a stick, honey lemonade and ice cream, I promise you will not leave the Fair hungry. Not to mention, youll feel great about supporting Iowa farmers. Promoting Iowa agriculture and supporting Iowans is the big focus of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardships presence at the Fair this year. When you visit the ag building to see the butter cow and exhibits, look for the large Choose Iowa banners. There you will find the Departments booth, and I encourage you to stop by to take a free and fun Picture yourself in Iowa agriculture photo and learn about Choose Iowa, the states new branded program for Iowa grown, raised and made products. My favorite day of the Fair, and the whole year, is the Century and Heritage Farm ceremony. During the all-day event, we will recognize nearly 400 Iowa families who have earned the designation of either a Century Farm (100 years) or Heritage Farm (150 years). These multi-generational farm families are truly the backbone of our state. They are proud to celebrate these family milestones and its a privilege to be part of this special event honoring them. More than one million visitors over 11 of the Best Days Ever will pass through the gates of our beautiful and historic fairgrounds to enjoy this internationally acclaimed event. For many, going to the Iowa State Fair is a tradition that has stood the test of time. Year after year, decade after decade, these long-time attendees created deeply held memories at the Fair with their parents or grandparents. Now, they enjoy the opportunity to show their own children or grandchildren why the Fair is so special. Truly, nothing compares! Whether you attend every year, havent been in a while, or this will be your very first Iowa State Fair, amidst all the excitement, I hope you take the opportunity to learn something new and appreciate the rich agricultural heritage of our state. The United States is ready to help Russia in the matter of the fulfillment of the demands related to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, but Moscow needs to decide on such demands first. U.S. State Department sanctions coordinator Ambassador James O'Brien spoke of this at a briefing on Friday, Ukrinform reports. "The first point is that Russia needs to be clear what it is asking for. It has put forth a number of different demands, all of them having to do with various Russian institutions not getting services from the private sector. And we have made clear that were prepared to help on any of these matters, but its not clear what Russia regards as success," O'Brien said. He noted that the problems expressed by Russia relate to specific Russian commercial organizations, which experience difficulties with private sector suppliers in the West. O'Brien also noted that Ukraine exported almost 60 million tons of grain over the past six to eight months. Thirty-two million tons of that went through the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative, where large ships could move from Odesa out to the global markets, he said. He emphasized that he remains optimistic that Ukrainian grain will reach global markets. "It will take us some time. Its going to involve some costs, but we cannot allow Russia to have a stranglehold over the Black Sea. This is an effort Russias undertaken under many governments for a long time. They are attempting to do it again. They will not succeed in this case," O'Brien said. As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian food exports are a key factor in the stability of food markets, so the Ukrainian government works with partners to ensure global food security. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global food prices climbed by 1.3% in July after Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and new restrictions on rice trade in India. The Vladimir Putin regime is ready for peace only on its own terms, so any hopes for any agreements with the Russian leader are not just futile, they are dangerous. German expert, journalist and publicist Richard Herzinger expressed this opinion in a comment to Ukrinform. "The idea that it is possible to run some kind of peace negotiations with Putin is both absurd and extremely dangerous. This regime declares every day that it is not ready to hold any negotiations if the West and Ukraine do not comply with their terms. And this means that they not only want to rule Ukraine, but also seek the collapse of NATO and the EU. Therefore, there are absolutely no grounds for any negotiations," Herzinger is convinced. He believes that Germany underestimates the fact that Russia wants more than just to conquer Ukraine, that it is waging a genocidal, total war of destruction. For these people, there are no compromises, they cannot be stopped, and they understand that if they do not achieve their goals, it will imply the end of the regime itself. With the claim that, if they do not destroy Ukraine, then the latter will destroy Russia, they are acting very similar to how Adolf Hitler acted back in the day, Herzinger noted. At the same time, the expert noted that it is difficult for his compatriots to accept the argument that today's Russia resembles Germany of 1933-1945 as it is difficult for the public to draw such parallels. According to him, the German "reconciliation with the past" has a very strange reverse side, the confession of one's own crimes of the past turned into the opposite the conviction that only Germany could commit such atrocities, such genocide, and that it cannot be compared with anything else. Avoiding such a comparison has become a kind of "export hit" for Germany, a unique image product: "we are the ones who committed the worst crimes, no one can compete with us in this, but also no one can cope with overcoming the consequences as well as us," the publicist explained. However, he himself, like many others, sees that the crimes systematically committed by the Russian side are very similar to those perpetrated by the Nazis. However, German politicians, Herzinger believes, have so far completely underestimated the full scale of the threat that comes from Russia. But its not only Germany that makes this mistake but also the West in general, including the U.S. "In principle, people are more afraid that Russia will collapse than that Ukraine will lose. Therefore, they support Ukraine, but only to the extent to prevent such a defeat for Russia where the Russian state is destroyed," the expert believes. He calls this phenomenon "the mania of stability above all." However, the worst instability imaginable comes precisely from today's Russia, Herzinger noted. Therefore, he fears that "sooner or later (partners) will look for a rotten compromise." As reported, this weekend, a meeting to discuss the peace plan put forward by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is being held in Saudi Arabia, to which Russia has not been invited. The meeting in Saudi Arabia on key principles based on President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula is important, as it is also attended by representatives of the Global South, who are becoming increasingly skeptical of Russia's intentions and understand the aggressive nature of its war against Ukraine. This was stated in an interview with Ukrinform by the Permanent Representative of the United States to the OSCE, Michael Carpenter. "We're supportive, obviously, of this effort by the Saudis and Ukraine as well, to host a variety of different countries to discuss how Ukraine can win this war and how we can get back to peace in this part of the world," he said. According to Carpenter, there are many countries in the world that look at the Russian war against Ukraine "through various different lenses." "I think as time moves on it's increasingly clear to a growing number of countries that this is an imperial war of conquest. And so it's important to include various countries outside of the region in this discussion. And I think that's what the Saudis are doing with this, by hosting this meeting," said the head of the U.S. mission to the OSCE. He pointed out that after Russia's unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, "many countries in the Global South are starting to be much more skeptical of Russia's intentions." " They see that Russia is playing a very cynical game there, raking in record profits as a result of the spike in food prices. I mean, wheat prices have gone up 17% since they (the Russians - ed.) withdrew from the agreement. And Russia's not really providing any sort of relief to developing countries," Carpenter said. He believes that "some of our partners in the Global South are understanding what exactly this war is about" and that it is "an imperial war of conquest, an unprovoked war." And the longer this war lasts, the more countries are beginning to be "skeptical of Russia's claims and their disinformation." As an example, the head of the U.S. mission to the OSCE cited the recent Russia-Africa summit, where not all that many African leaders showed up, but those who did attend were very forthright in their criticisms of Russia's actions. "So that's why these sorts of discussions, like the one that's happening in Saudi Arabia, are important because they bring in voices not just from the OSCE region, but from the global South as well," Carpenter said. The full interview with the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OSCE is coming soon on Ukrinform. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine thanked Germany and Lithuania for new packages of defense and security support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude in his latest video address, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "This week I thank Germany and Lithuania for new packages of defense and security support for us, for our soldiers. Next week, were expecting new decisions new packages. We are working so that our defense industry has even more achievements and opportunities," he said. According to the president, the results are out there, and everyone can see them. "And these are fair, correct results that show the aggressor state what its aggression is, they are shown not on TV, but precisely where this war came from to Ukraine, to the region, and to the world. Those who bring problems to others, let them feel what these problems are. And I thank the SBU, our Navy, and every soldier who restores justice and makes Russia grow accustomed to losses," Zelensky said. The head of state expressed his conviction that Ukraine, the world, and the truth will win this war. "The main thing is that all of us in Ukraine and all of us around the world, who value a normal life, work 100 percent without any pause for the sake of victory. Our unity, our ability to build up strength, as well as the ability to bring the war back to where it came from this is whats most tangible for Russia," he believes. As reported, on August 4, the Ministry of Finance said that since the outset of the full-scale invasion, the German government had provided financial assistance in the amount of $1.55 billion, with the lion's share of the funding being grants. Ukraine needs a grain corridor not for humanitarian purposes, but for terrorist activities, Ukraine sent only 2.5% to poor countries, Ukraines statements about hunger are only a cover for the desire to earn money. All these narratives have been vigorously disseminated by propaganda over the past year. They are the official justification for Moscows withdrawal from the grain deal. The Center for Strategic Communication refutes Russias fakes and manipulations about the grain initiative. What preceded the Russian demarche A year has passed since the signing of trilateral agreements between Turkey, the UN, and Ukraine and Turkey, the UN, and Russia on the unblocking of the Black Sea ports of Ukraine to restore maritime grain exports. In exchange for abandoning the blockade and terror, Russia was allowed to inspect merchant ships heading to or from Ukrainian ports. The parties agreed that the grain initiative would last 120 days with the possibility of extension. Until 2023, the work of the grain corridor was satisfactory. Ukraine, although not at full capacity, did resume the supply of its agricultural products to world markets, including African countries and other regions in need. Until January, it was possible to export from 3 to 4 mln tons of products per month. As a result, wheat prices in the world stabilized, and the threat of a food crisis decreased. Despite the traditional blackmail of Moscow, the operation of the corridor was extended after the initial term of the agreement expired. However, 4 months after the resumption, the story began to take on other shapes. The Russians decided to permanently discontinue the work of the ports. Since year-start, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food has systematically reported anti-records in the daily number of exits of vessels with Ukrainian grain. Effectively, it was about 23 ships per day, with a normal throughput of 67 ships for the same period of time. The reasons for the delays were artificial, which will be discussed later. In May, Moscow reluctantly agreed to once again extend the initiative for two months (until July 17) and stated that the promised easing of sanctions imposed on Russian agricultural products and mineral fertilizers did not happen; hence, this agreement was a complete deception of Russia. In fact, according to UN data, in the first 10 months of 2022, Russian fertilizer exports increased by 70% (to USD 16.7 bln) compared to the same period in 2021, while sales abroad fell by only 10%. In the last weeks of the formal agreement, Russia effectively paralysed its work. In July, only 260,000 tons of products passed through the grain corridor. Currently, Ukrainian ports are blocked and shelled by the Russian military. The lie about only 2.5% of the grain made it to poor countries The statements about the 2.5% of Ukrainian exports to meet the needs of poor countries were voiced even by completely pro-Ukrainian specialists on numerous media platforms. This is one of the most unfortunate false statements that negates Ukraines role in countering the food crisis in the world. To refute it, let us present the facts. While the BSGI was in force, Ukraine exported about 33 mln tons of agricultural products (official data of the Joint Coordination Centre of the Black Sea Grain Initiative). These volumes cover 11 positions of different crops. 70% of the grain went to rich countries, but its mostly corn that poor countries dont need. Both before the full-scale war and during the wartime year, we supplied mostly wheat and a small percentage of other crops to the countries of Africa. This export structure is formed not because of Ukrainian whims, but because such is the demand of these countries. In total, about 9 million tons of wheat were exported as part of the grain initiative. Of these, 2.5 mln tons were delivered to countries in need (Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Bangladesh, Yemen), which is 28% of the total amount of wheat shipments. More than 700,000 tons of wheat were exported within the framework of the humanitarian programs of the UN World Food Programme and Grain From Ukraine. These are 24 vessels that delivered thousands of tons of wheat to Ethiopia, Yemen, Kenya as humanitarian cargo. But even if we calculate the percentage of supplies to poor countries of the total volume of all exported agricultural products (33 million tons), it is still 12.3%, not 2.5%. In 6 months of this year, Russia exported about 10 mln tons of grain to Africa, mainly to Egypt and Algeria not the poorest countries; it exported 0% to those in real need. Ukraine as food guarantor for Kenya and Ethiopia Separately, we will dwell on the countries that have been consumers of Ukrainian wheat for years. These are Ethiopia and Kenya. Over the past year, Ukraine has covered 20% of Ethiopias food needs. 1.5 mln tons of wheat are needed to feed the country each year (USDA data). That is, for the last export season 2022/23 (July 1, 2022 June 30, 2023), 303,400 tons of our grain were exported there. This is slightly less than during the 21/22 season, when we shipped 445,000 tons to Ethiopia. Supplies to Kenya have even increased compared to the pre-war season. 385,000 tons were shipped there, while in the 2021/22 season, 30,000 tons less were shipped. Thus, we provided the needs of Kenya, which annually amount to 2.2 mln tons, by 18%. Russia has not supplied a single ton of grain to these countries, and at the same time, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova quite seriously declares to African partners that Russians are fighting in Ukraine for Africa and defending the right of Africans to be free with their lives. She did not explain exactly what kind of freedom she was talking about. By the way, the population of both Kenya and Ethiopia has grown tremendously over the past decades. According to the World Bank, Ethiopias population has almost doubled, up to 120 mln. Kenyas population has grown by 20 mln people over the same period. Ukraine, despite the war, covers significant amounts of food needs of these countries, which will only grow, given the rapid increase in population. Myth of grain corridor being path for saboteurs Valentina Matvienko, a colleague of Zakharova and speaker of the Federation Council, likes to say that Ukrainians needed the sea corridor for sabotage. But the Russians do not have any specific facts and evidence to support this rhetoric. Similarly, none of the Russian senior officials in their statements mentioned how, for many months, Russia blocked the work of the grain corridor artificially and groundlessly. Russian inspectors, using the right granted to them, deliberately delayed inspections of ships on the Bosphorus. They demanded unregulated documentation, found unreasonable reasons to discontinue the inspection. Instead of six ships a day, the number of passes at the end of the agreement fell to one. The Russians pretended as if they were looking for the weapons they were gossiping about (allegedly, it wasnt grain that was transported). Videos were shared on social networks showing how they almost dismantled ships, which the official inspection procedure, of course, did not provide for. Obviously, the Russians did all this not in search of non-existent weapons, but to reduce the throughput and, accordingly, the efficiency of the grain corridor. Silenced reality In March-April, 145 vessels could be in a queue for an inspection of the Joint Coordination Center. Of course, such downtime was very profitable for the Russians because the insane costs for this fell on the shoulders of Ukrainian agrarians, who still had to pay the owners of ships for rent. At the same time, Russia took advantage of the possibility of unimpeded commercial shipping from its Black Sea ports. The volume of Russian transportation in the Azov-Black Sea basin in 2022 amounted to more than 250 mln tons, which exceeded the figures for 2021. This, in particular, made it possible for Russia to use merchant ships for the hidden delivery of military goods (which Moscow hypocritically accused Kyiv of). As a result, due to the hybrid blockade, according to experts, the world did not receive millions of tons of Ukrainian agricultural products, in particular, Ethiopia and Yemen. In the latter, according to UN estimates, almost two tens of millions of people suffer from the food crisis. Will Africa see the promised Russian grain? Since last autumn, Putin has repeatedly told that Russia can cover the needs of African countries, and that its grain (the one stolen in Ukraine) will be enough for everyone. However, having large harvests of more than 100 mln tons, Russia did not send any humanitarian cargo to Africa at its expense either before the war or during the war. Instead, according to the results of recent years, it was Ukraine that was the leader in the framework of the UN World Food Programme to supply food for humanitarian operations. In general, in 2021, Ukraine delivered the most food under the UN programmes 20% of the total volume. But the Russians have their opinion of this story. They believe that the UN is interested in the operation of the grain corridor only because all the powerful assets of the agricultural sector of Ukraine are concentrated in the hands of the Americans. This is another favourite propaganda narrative. At the same time, they do not indicate any name of the agricultural holding, knowing that the founders of our most powerful agricultural corporations, such as Kernel or MHP, are Ukrainians. Putins recent meeting with leaders and representatives of African countries at the Russia-Africa Summit on July 27-28 ended with a promise of free 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain to six countries: Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea, and the Central African Republic. The announced volume does not cover even 5% of the needs of these countries. Time will show whether these promises will be fulfilled, or the gesture of unprecedented generosity will remain just a PR move of the Russian president. In any case, Russia is trying to turn the African Union into a puppet which it can control and demand the necessary votes in the UN General Assembly, to provoke Africans to blackmail Europe so that the latter provides them with food free of charge, and in general to encourage them to beg for help. For this, perhaps, Russia will one day provide them with several tens of thousands of tons of grain free of charge. Ukrainian agricultural products impact world prices While Putin pretends to be a philanthropist, wheat prices in the world began to rise, which is directly related to the official withdrawal of Russia from the grain deal on July 17. Currently, the cost has already increased by 5% (17/07-28/07 Chicago Exchange), and experts predict its further increase. Without the operation of the Corridor, according to experts, the world has every chance of experiencing an increase in the price of sunflower oil by 20-25%. All this is evidence that Ukraine plays a significant role in shaping the price of agricultural products on the international market, so it has a lever of influence on food security. Of course, Russia understands this, so it uses food and lies as a weapon in its hunger games with the world. Center for Strategic Communication Email special events to news@registerbee.com. The deadline is noon Wednesday. TODAY, AUG. 5 Shiloh Baptist Church, 13602 Martinsville Highway, Cascade, will hold a Back to School Forum from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with speakers, supplies, lunch, prizes and information. Registration and check in will begin at 8 a.m. or visit the link at forms.gle/A8CtXrr7LiFUZgS7. For more information, email vicstuluv235@gmail.com MONDAY, AUG. 7 Usher's Union Of Danville & Vicinity will hold its monthly meeting at Prospect Missionary Baptist Church at 6 p.m.. ONGOING Shockoe Missionary Baptist Church, 857 Java Road, Java, hosts a monthly Wellness Walking Ministry from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., meeting every fourth Saturday. All ages are welcome to participate. The Health and Wellness Ministry will meet at 9 a.m. before each walking session. For information, contact Kathy B. Ramsey at 434-251-0379 or atbjrk@gmail.com. Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main St., worships Sundays at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and live on Facebook at www.facebook/ascensionlutherandanville. Mount Vernon United Methodist Church offers in-person services at 10 a.m. each Sunday as well as online worship services every Sunday at mtvernonumc.org or www.facebook.com/MountVernonUMC. Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1172 Franklin Turnpike, will have in-house worship services on Sundays at 11 a.m. Free books available anytime from a Little Free Library located on a post next to the driveway. Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 406 Gay St., has in-person services at 10 a.m. for hour of power on the first and third Sundays. North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, has resumed in church worship services at 11 a.m. and Sunday school at 9:30 p.m. Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold services in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing. The service also will be streamed on Facebook. Mount Freeman Baptist Church, 2100 Laniers Mill Road, hosts in-person service at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be no Sunday school. Sacred Heart Catholic Church will livestream worship service at 9 a.m. Sundays in English and noon in Spanish at www.facebook.com/sheartchurch. Staunton River Baptist Church, Long Island, will hold drive-in services at 10 a.m. each Sunday. Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrates Mass every weekend with a vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 9 p.m. Sunday in English and noon in Spanish. Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church holds Sunday worship services each week at 11 a.m. Because of COVID-19, a face mask is required for all attendees and social distancing is mandatory. Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 2450 Franklin Turnpike, from 6 to 7 p.m. every Sunday, will hold Ladies Need Encouragement, an hour of worship and prayer. Participants are asked to bring a Bible and practice social distancing. The event is for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. For more information, call 540-907-8836. Mount Zion Temple, now located at 503 Hughes St., presents The Word Homelitic Institute at 10 a.m. every Sunday. Transportation is provided by calling Bishop David K. Fuller at 434-429-8960. Washington, Aug 5 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Aug, 2023 ) :Top-seeded Taylor Fritz outlasted three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 6-4 and faced a quarter-final later on Friday at the rain-hit Washington Open. World number nine Fritz, coming off his sixth career ATP title last week in Atlanta, rallied to dispatch the 44th-ranked British star after a three-hour battle. The 25-year-old American's reward was a later quarter-final against Australian Jordan Thompson, who ousted American Christopher Eubanks 6-2, 6-2 in another match postponed from Thursday because of rain. On the women's side at the ATP and WTA hardcourt event, top seed Jessica Pegula outlasted Wimbledon semi-finalist Elina Svitolina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals. The American will face the winner of a later quarter-final between US seventh seed Madison Keys and Greek fourth seed Maria Sakkari, who beat Canadian Leylah Fernandez 7-5, 6-2 on Friday in a rain-postponed match. Murray, showing his formidable range of skills at age 36, won his first break chance of the match with a forehand cross-court drop volley winner on the line, breaking Fritz and pull level 5-5 on the way to a first set tie-break. Murray smashed a forehand winner for a 3-1 lead, took a quick break to replace a shattered shoe, then took two points off Fritz's serve for a 5-2 lead. He closed out the first set two points later on a forehand winner. Fritz battled back to take the second and they fought to 4-4 in the third before Murray swatted a backhand wide to surrender a break. Murray roared to a 40-0 lead in the 10th game but Fritz saved three break points, the last on his 17th ace. Murray denied him on two match points but Fritz blasted a forehand winner on his third chance for the victory. - Pegula rallies to win - Pegula broke to open the final set and denied Svitolina on five break points in the sixth game before holding for a 4-2 lead. Svitolina saved two match points before holding in the ninth game but Pegula saved a break point in the 10th game and advanced with a service winner on her third match point, improving to 3-1 overall against Svitolina after two hours and eight minutes. "I was like, 'If I don't serve this out, it might have been a quick 5-7.' I probably would have lost," Pegula said. "I was so tired. I know that sounds terrible to say. That's not what you're supposed to be thinking but... I sweated through the entire thing." World number three Pegula, the 2019 Washington champion, reached her fifth WTA semi-final of the year and first since April. Svitolina, making a comeback after becoming a mother last year, is coming off a trip to the French Open quarter-finals and a victory over top-ranked Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon. "Tons of respect for her," Pegula said of Svitolina. "She just had a baby. Everything she's going through with her country. I told her I feel like she came back as a new person. You can see the competitiveness." Tallon Griekspoor ousted France's Gael Monfils, the 2016 Washington champion, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in a match halted by rain. The Dutchman faces American J.J. Wolf next. British ninth seed Daniel Evans beat Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 6-3 to book a later quarter-final against either second-seeded hometown hero Frances Tiafoe or Chinese teenager Shang Juncheng. That eventual winner has a Saturday semi-final date with Bulgarian fifth seed Grigor Dimitrov, who advanced by walkover due to a leg injury for France's Ugo Humbert. Liudmila Samsonova, the eighth seed from Russia, beat Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-2 to book a semi-final against either US third seed Coco Gauff or Swiss sixth seed Belinda Bencic. United States Ambassador, Donald Blome on Saturday said the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance Initiative was a critical component of the States global contribution towards the goal of addressing climate change ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Aug, 2023 ):United States Ambassador, Donald Blome on Saturday said the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance Initiative was a critical component of the States global contribution towards the goal of addressing climate change. The U.S. envoy was addressing the Pakistan U.S. Alumni Network's (PUAN) two-day conference on "The Climate Change Emergency: Pakistan in the 21st Century and the Road to COP-28" here which was jointly organised by the PUAN and WWF-Pakistan. U.S. Ambassador Blome welcomed the PUAN national conference participants and said that such conferences only got successful if the right people were addressing the issue in an important manner. He informed that participants that there were some 14 chapters of PUAN functional in different countries and all it's members were selected due to their innovative skills. Over 800 nationals were selected due to their commitment to address climate change, he added. Ambassador Blome said it was a complex international issue that required expertise and critical financial solutions. The PUAN, he said represents diversity of scientists, students, experts and journalists who were actively engaged in their fields. All 14 PUAN chapters had completed all of their projects aimed at addressing climate change, he added. He urged the PUAN alumni to support and advance U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance across Pakistan. He said the Alliance envisioned the history of U.S. support to Pakistan's green revolution in 1960 and it's hydropower schemes at that time which helped in revolutionizing it's agriculture sector. He mentioned that the U.S. was supporting agriculture innovation, climate smart agriculture, renewable energy transformation and climate advocacy and others. The Green Alliance, he said provided Pakistan a tremendous opportunity to explore new opportunities in the private sector for augmenting it's climate resilience. He mentioned that the U.S. was supporting Pakistan's Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)'s initiative of electric vehicles (EV) production project to help develop Pakistan it's indigenous production capacity to achieve it's ambitious target of converting it's 30% vehicles over EVs by 2030. The Ambassador informed that his team had developed many key collaborations between the U.S. and Pakistani universities in multidisciplinary domains. It was also helping in providing startup grants to support their out-of-the-box solutions and innovations providing solutions to climate-induced disasters. Earlier, Country Director PUAN, Sahibzada Aamir Khalil in his opening remarks welcomed the guests and the participants at the forum. Climate Change, he said was no longer a dissenting threat but a reality. He said the forums like PUAN were striving for a sustainable future for the coming generations as climate change incurred damages to all sectors from food security, biohelath to biodiversity. "Let us seize this opportunity to reimagine our societies with environmental stewardship at it's core. Let's need to work hand in hand for climate change emergency with the commitment it demands," he said. Director General, Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF-Pakistan) Hammad Naqi Khan in his keynote address said the Fund have been continuously advocating that climate crisis was a national crisis in Pakistan. Pakistan, he said is at the top of the most vulnerable countries and it was a flood plain area that always experienced floods. He reiterated the words of the UN Secretary General saying, "The Monsoon on steroids happened in 2022 as from hill torrents in the north to rainfall of biblical proportion in the south plains left millions of people devastated and livestock killed." After that, he said in COP-27, Egypt loss and damage fund was pleaded which was around $60 billion to assist the developing countries worst impacted due to climate catastrophes. "Pakistan is not the last country facing climate stress as it will reach every country. The heatwaves in the States after Pakistan prove the fact. July is the hottest month ever recorded in the history of this planet. Global warming has changed into global boiling after such temperature rise," he said. Pakistan is among the few countries having climate change ministry whereas a Climate Change unit has to be at the center of every ministry and department because everybody was suffering of it, he said. He mentioned that Pakistan had multiple natural disasters from floods to forest fires and droughts to glacial melt, adding, "It's important to build that capacity to face those challenges". The Green Climate Fund (GCF) with the help of USAID approved $70 million for Recharge Pakistan project which would promote nature based solutions in conserving floodwater and reviving depleting aquifers, he added. "We need support as climate change needs a collective action. The US Educational Foundation and PUAN are the policy and decision makers that should have this vision at the core of their interventions. It's possibile only by making efforts together," Khan said. Later, the U.S. Ambassador held a brief press talk to apprise the media on PUAN and WWF-Pakistan jointly held two-day Climate Change conference. Ambassador Blome said almost 120 Pakistan-US Alumni Network (PUAN) participants were present at the conference on Climate Change. The alumni network comprised of different people belonging from various backgrounds who were committed to find solutions to climate change through innovation, creative solutions and technology. US-Pakistan Green Alliance was investing millions of dollars in climate smart agriculture, green energy transition initiatives and various other interventions focussing on climate resilience, he added. The PUAN is full of dedicated volunteers that are committed to the cause of climate change, he added. Private sector innovation, he said was important and the US Embassy was working with many startups especially the one working on locally made EVs, and climate smart agriculture. "I have also visited U.S.-Pakistan advance energy set ups being established with the cooperation of USAID. I also visited the U.S.-Pakistan Water Research Center at Hyderabad. We capitalized the largest GCF funding through the collaboration of Coca-cola and WWF," he said. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Aug, 2023 ) :Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Saturday strongly refuted the impression that the arrest of chairman PTI Imran Khan was linked to politics or upcoming elections. "Imran Khan was not arrested by the government, only court's verdict was implemented when he was sentenced in Tosha Khana case," she said while addressing a press conference here. The minister said that the investigation of PTI chairman's crimes had been going on for over one year, more than 40 hearings were done in the Tosha Khana case, but PTI chairman appeared only three times. She said that it was a simple case of a thief punished for his crime and any effort to link it with politics or elections was unjustified. "All the legal requirements have been met and after the trial is over, the court has given its verdict, in the case of Tosha Khana and his theft has proved," she said. The minister read the court verdict which said, " It has been successfully proven that the accused has committed offense of corrupt practices by making and publishing false statements and submitted false and incorrect declarations and material in particular related to Form B of the year 2021". The minister said all thieves arrested in various cases also have their vote, so should they all be released before elections? She said that Imran Khan, despite given ample opportunity to provide proofs and file response to questions regarding corruption and misuse of power, he failed to file replies to allegations against him. Whenever, he was asked to file reply to allegations of corruption, he incited the PTI workers to attack national institutions, she said. She reminded the media that the investigation into the crimes of the PTI chairman had been going on for past one year time. "More than forty hearings of the Tosha Khana case were done and the accused was given ample opportunity to clear himself", she said. She said that after fulfilling all the legal requirements and completion of the trial, the court pronounced the verdict. She said that Imran Khan sold the Tosha Khana gifts in the market even before purchasing them which was unique action. Marriyum Aurangzeb said the chairman PTI used to make excuses whenever he was asked for an answer in allegations of corruption and malpractices. She said that despite of the providing all the opportunities to clear his name, Imran Khan continued to lie in his answers in the Tosha Khana theft case. Imran Khan, she continued, also lied in the case of 190 million Pounds theft case and in the case of cipher. She also disclosed that the chairman PTI did not disclose correct assets in election returns. The minister said that Imran Khan, had declared three houses in Form B and tax returns of three years. Imran Khan declared only Rs 500,000 furniture in his 300 kanal house in Bani Gala, 8 kanal house in Zaman Park and his wife's three kanal house in Bani Gala, she said. She said that Imran Khan did not declare even a single tola of gold, but honestly declared two goats in his tax returns. Taking a jibe on Imran Khan, she said a thief was on the run for 15 months trying to hide his theft. She said that no one could compare the arrest of Imran Khan with the arrest of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Imran Khan was gifted watches, diamond sets, rings etc but he sold the watch before buying it from Tosha Khana and could not provide any proof of selling the watch in the entire proceedings. The minister opined that today, the public found out the real reasons behind the May 9 incidents as a thief was running away from accountability. She reminded that whenever Imran Khan appeared before the court of law, the judicial complex was attacked, when the police went to Zaman Park with a warrant, they were attacked with petrol bombs. The vehicles of the police and rangers were torched by the PTI goons when they went to Imran Khan's residence in Lahore on the courts directives. She said that Imran's punishment in 190 million pound theft case, foreign funding case, the Cipher issue concoction was still pending. The minister said effort was being made to compare the arrest of Imran Khan with the arrest of Nawaz Sharif. She said Nawaz Sharif was a three-time elected Prime Minister, whose name was not even mentioned in Panama leaks but Imran Khan accused him. Only on allegations, the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif wrote a letter to the Supreme Court and presented himslef for accountability, she said. The Federal minister said that Nawaz Sharif gave an account of 40 years of his family, even provided documents of his late father. When no evidence could be traced against Nawaz Sharif in Panama, he was disqualified for not taking salary from his son's firm and barred from contesting the election, even he was removed from the party presidency, she expressed. If the government had the intention to arrest Imran Khan politically, Shehbaz Sharif had the same authority that Imran Khan (mis) used as the chief executive of the country, she said. "If we had to make a false case, we would have used NAB and FIA to arrest Imran Khan on the first day after coming to power", she added. Marriyum Aurangzeb said this was the case of his own tenure as a journalist Rana Abrar during his prime ministership raised the issue who was dismissed from the job. The minister said Imran Khan did not file replies to the questions of the court and if he filed any answer, these were based on lies. Nawaz Sharif presented himself for accountability on baseless allegations, whereas Imran Khan looted the national exchequer being the Prime Minister. Imran Khan was a foreign funding agent who lied to the people and the courts of law and incited his supporters on violence to hide his corruption, she added. The information minister clarified that Imran Khan was not arrested by the government, in fact the trial court sentenced him after completion of a free trial giving Imran ample opportunity to defend himslef. If the government had to arrest, they would have arrested in April 2022, this was not its aim, its target was revival of the economy ruined by four years incompetent and inefficient Imran Khan regime, she clarified. Imran Khan accused political opponents and took the case against Shehbaz Sharif to United Kingdom's NCA but to his chagrin it decided that neither money laundering nor corruption was done, she said. Earlier at the start of the press conference, she said that there were speculative reports in the media regarding the Council of Common Interests (CCI) being held in Islamabad today. She said a meeting of the Council was convened at 11 am under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif which she added was postponed for 2 hours as flight of Balochistan chief minister was delayed. She said that no final decision on CCI agenda items was taken yet. Speculations should be avoided as the CCI is a sensitive forum, she remarked. ISLAMABAD, Aug 5 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Aug, 2023 ) :Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday said that India's actions in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) could neither accord legitimacy to its occupation nor suppress the true sentiments of the Kashmiri people as coercion and intrigue could not replace legitimacy. In a message on 'Youm-e-Istehsal' being observed Saturday, the foreign minister stressed that the international community must demand an end to India's gross and widespread human rights violations in IIOJK; reversal of its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019; repeal of draconian laws; and implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan wants good relations with all its neighbors, including India. However, good relations can only be achieved through dispute resolution and not through dispute denial. The durable peace in South Asia remains contingent upon the settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," a press release on Saturday quoted the foreign minister as saying. As a party to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, he said Pakistan stands ready to play its role to ensure a free and impartial plebiscite in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. "Our strong and steadfast moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people will continue till the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination," he reiterated. The foreign minister further said that 'Youm-e-Istehsal' was a somber occasion to recall India's illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). That day, India scrapped the special status of IIOJK and bifurcated it into two so-called 'Union Territories' to alter its internationally-recognized disputed status and undermine the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people. The Indian actions triggered a process of demographic change and political engineering. As a result, the Kashmiri people were confronted with the danger of becoming a disempowered minority in their own land, he added. Foreign Minister Bilawal further said that India had unleashed a new reign of oppression in IIOJK since 5 August 2019. Efforts were being made to muzzle the media and silence the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people. Lately, the Indian authorities have sought the death penalty for one of the most renowned Kashmiri leaders, Yaseen Malik. "The harassment of innocent people, arbitrary detentions, 'cordon and search operations, and extra-judicial killings have become a matter of routine. The Kashmiri people remain deprived of their fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly and religion. Above all, they are unable to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination," he added. House of Hope homeless shelter is getting a financial boost from Sentara Health. A $25,000 grant will enable House of Hope to focus on providing housing-based case management and workforce development to guests. Workforce development [resume building, job-skill courses, job-seeker assistance, etc.] will become a regular part of House of Hopes services, a news release from House of Hope states. Everyones needs are different and the goal is to provide our guests the help they need on their path to permanent housing. During an interview Thursday, House of Hope Executive Director Jude Swanson expressed appreciation for the contribution. We are really grateful that Sentara was willing to partner with us to provide services to our guests, Swanson said. Its a good sign when institutions and organizations support the work that the House of Hope is doing to help our vulnerable neighbors. Dale Gauding, spokesperson for Hampton Roads-based Sentara Health, said Sentara recently announced an allocation of $5.3 million to support partner organizations across Virginia and North Carolina for its spring 2023 grant cycle. Sentara Health is committed to advancing health equity and ensuring that all members of our communities have access to the resources that need to live their healthiest and most fulfilling lives, Gauding told the Danville Register & Bee via email Thursday. This applies to the patients who visit our care centers, and every member within the communities we serve. Sentara has 12 hospitals and ambulatory services in Virginia and northeast North Carolina, including Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital in South Boston. The company works with nonprofits across Virginia to reduce homelessness and help provide affordable housing. Sentara recently awarded $50,000 to the Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority to address homelessness. The grant will help the DRHA start up a new program to help homeless people transition to permanent housing. House of Hope homeless shelter, located at South Ridge and Patton streets, celebrated its remodel and expansion during a ribbon-cutting in February. The revamp grew the shelter from 16 beds in its basement to 44, some of which are now in its added upper floor. House of Hope gets its money from grants, and donations from individuals and churches. Demand for the shelters services is surging. Swanson said House of Hope served about 240 guests in 2022, but that number is expected to reach about 400 in 2023. He pointed to rising costs amidst economic growth in Danville. Rent prices have increased dramatically and income ... has not kept pace at all, Swanson said. (@Abdulla99267510) PML-N leader and PMs aide Attaullah Tarar accuses the PTI of using delaying tactics during the case proceedings and asserts that the PTI chairman is now considered a certified thief. LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point Nwes-August 5th, 2023) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Attaullah Tarar expressed his views on Saturday regarding the recent jail sentence of the PTI chairman in the Toshakhana case, saying that the PTI chairman is no longer considered honest and righteous after the conviction. Reacting to the verdict, Attaullah Tarar accused the PTI of using delaying tactics during the case proceedings and asserted that the PTI chairman is now considered a certified thief. He pointed out that the former premier had concealed his assets, and the man who used to level allegations against others was now at a loss for words in his own defense. The reaction came after Islamabad sessions court awarded three years jail to the PTI chairman in Thoshakhana case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 in the Toshakhana case, which was filed against him by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for his failure to declare gifts in his asset declarations. As a consequence of the jail sentence, the ECP disqualified him under the Election Act. The court also found the PTI chairman guilty of corrupt practices under Section 174 of Election Act 2017 and determined that he had submitted a false affidavit to the Election Commission. Subsequently, the court issued arrest warrants and ordered the Islamabad Police chief to arrest the convict immediately. Soon after the verdict, senior PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi confirmed that the police had arrested their party chairman from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore. Despite the developments, the situation remained peaceful following the arrest of the PTI chairman. (@FahadShabbir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th August, 2023) The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday that aid operation in Afghanistan face "a critical funding gap" as the $3.2 billion appeal to assist people in the country is less than 25% funded. "Aid operations in the country face a critical funding gap as humanitarian needs remain severe. More than halfway through the year, the US$3.2 billion appeal to help more than 21 million people across the country is less than 25 per cent funded," the office said in a statement on the website. The office specified that it faces "critical funding gaps amounting to $1.3 billion," adding that the lack of funding resulted in ending or considerably scaling back many programs. "We only have a short window of opportunity to procure and position vital assistance and supplies before the lean season and winter begin," the office said. The Taliban (under UN sanctions over terrorism) came to power in August 2021, toppling the US-backed government as NATO troops were leaving after almost 20 years of US military presence in Afghanistan. The Taliban's rise to power resulted in deepening economic, humanitarian and security crisis in the country. The movement has been heavily criticized over multiple violations of human rights and freedoms. SIMFEROPOL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th August, 2023) Russian oil tanker Sig has suffered a hull breach in the southern part of the Kerch Strait as a result of an attack by, presumably, a maritime drone, there is no threat of the ship sinking, the crew was not injured, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center of the city of Novorossiysk told Sputnik on Saturday. "There are no changes, it (the ship) is still floating. The crew is aboard. Two tugboats are placing booms alongside (the tanker). The breach is at the waterline, near the engine room. The water has already stopped coming in," the center said, adding that there was no oil spill in the water area. The Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport said that the damaged tanker is located in the southern part of the Kerch Strait, at the entrance to the strait. The agency added that the ship was afloat, and the water was being pumped out from it. The agency noted that the ship suffered the haul breach as a result of an attack by, presumably, a maritime drone. Rescue operations on the tanker were completed at night, at the moment, repair and recovery work is underway, the agency said. (@ChaudhryMAli88) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th August, 2023) The United States welcomes the "professional approach" of five nuclear-armed states, including Russia and China, at the Strategic Risk Reduction talks in Vienna, the US State Department said. The United States organized a working-level expert meeting with delegations from Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom on August 2. "Participants discussed strategic risks and measures to reduce those risks. They welcomed the professional approach of the delegations and noted the significance of the substantive and informative expert-level discussions over the course of the last year," the statement said on Friday. Pope Francis presided over a Way of the Cross reenactment at a Lisbon park on Friday before hundreds of thousands of flag-waving pilgrims, part of a global Catholic youth festival. The rite commemorating Jesus Christ's suffering and death is one of the highlights of World Youth Day festivities, a six-day international Catholic jamboree. Pilgrims shrieked and waved as the pontiff, surrounded by bodyguards, slowly drove by in his popemobile to the stage set up at the hillside Eduardo VII park for the event. The 86-year-old pope, wearing a white cassock, paused several times to have babies brought to him, and he kissed them on the head. Many national flags fluttered in the huge crowd, estimated by local authorities at 800,000 people. The pope, who now uses a wheelchair or walking stick to get around, urged the pilgrims not to be afraid of love. "Loving is risky. You have to take the risk of loving. It's a risk, but it's worth taking," he said. The crowd then watched solemnly as a group of 50 young people from more than 20 countries carried a large cross and performed a 90-minute choreography that represented each stage of Christ's last moments. "Every moment we spend with the Holy Father is exciting. It motivates us to keep our faith," Pedro Puac, 27, of Guatemala, told AFP. 'Like a priest' The pope, who arrived in Portugal on Wednesday, began his day by hearing confessions from three people from Italy, Spain and Guatemala who were in Lisbon for the festival. One of the youths, Francisco Valverde, 21, from Cordoba in southern Spain, told reporters that the Argentine Jesuit had quickly put him at ease. "I didn't feel any type of shame, any pressure at any moment," he said, adding the pope was "like a priest in any parish in any town." Francis, who has made concern for the poor a hallmark of his papacy, also visited a community center in Lisbon's impoverished Serafina neighborhood. Local residents applauded and cheered as the pope arrived. Francis high-fived a little boy in a wheelchair who was waiting outside before entering to thank the charity workers for helping others. Since becoming pope in 2013, he has made a point of visiting Rome's poorest neighborhoods and was well-known for his visits to slums in Buenos Aires when he was archbishop of the Argentine capital. Rosaries and water bottles On Saturday, the pope will travel to the Catholic shrine of Fatima in central Portugal and then celebrate an open-air vigil in the evening at a riverside park in a Lisbon suburb. He will deliver a Mass on Sunday in Lisbon on the last day of his five-day visit to Portugal, when temperatures are forecast to soar to 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Local authorities have repeatedly urged pilgrims to drink plenty of water. Registered participants received rucksacks containing reusable water bottles and sunhats, along with a rosary. World Youth Day, created in 1986 by John Paul II, is the largest Catholic gathering in the world and features a wide range of events, including concerts and prayer sessions. This edition, initially scheduled for August 2022 but postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, will be the fourth for Francis after Rio de Janeiro in 2013, Krakow in 2016 and Panama in 2019. Karina Ambartsoumian-Clough is a stateless person living in the United States. "I'm from a country that doesn't exist anymore," Ambartsoumian-Clough told VOA. She is one of the 218,000 stateless people living in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which on Tuesday said it would clarify what stateless means for immigration purposes. Ambartsoumian-Clough says it is a "huge step forward in terms of recognizing people like us in this country." On Thursday, DHS organized a private listening session on the statelessness policy. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas led the meeting. The conversation, according to attendees who spoke with VOA on background, was to figure out the next steps. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is also expected to organize a public meeting on this policy soon. The DHS announcement promises to develop and implement new procedures so that USCIS officials can be better prepared to assess whether someone is stateless and outline examples of evidence that can aid USCIS officers in that determination. "The United States does not currently make determinations about whether someone is stateless. In addition, the fact that a person is stateless does not provide her or him with any benefit or status under U.S. law," per the UNHCR, the U.N. Refugee Agency, website. Citizens of nowhere Ambartsoumian-Clough still clearly remembers the day she found out she and her parents were stateless. Ambartsoumian-Clough's father was Armenian. He was born in Tbilisi, Georgia, and was a descendant of Armenian genocide survivors. Her mother is from Ukraine, born just outside of Odesa, in Voznesensk. Ambartsoumian-Clough's grandparents also survived regional turmoil and the Holocaust. When her parents were born, both regions were part of the Soviet Union. But it dissolved in the early 1990s into 15 countries. After 70 years, the Soviet Union suddenly no longer existed. Ambartsoumian-Clough was born in Odesa in 1988, when the Soviet Union still existed. "My parents had me as a mixed ethnic child; half Armenian and half Ukrainian, and that was a problem. My parents had a really, really hard time being a family with me. There was a lot of violence my parents experienced. My dad was targeted for his ethnicity in Odesa. My mom suffered a miscarriage in my dad's city because she was beaten up in the streets," Ambartsoumian-Clough said. When she was 3 years old, the family realized it was not safe for them in Odesa. They made their way to Canada in 1992. They lived there for four years but were denied permanent residence. They came to the U.S. in 1996 where they applied for asylum. Their case took almost five years and once again they were denied a path to apply for permanent status in the U.S. At 13, Ambartsoumian-Clough and her parents were told they had to leave the United States. "We were told to return [to Ukraine]. And we went to the Ukrainian Embassy to get our passports. And that's when they said, 'We don't recognize you as one of our own.' And that shocked us. That was very confusing to us. Just how can it be that you're just not recognized in the country that you're born? I mean, my family has a history in Ukraine. My grandfather was a community leader, a Baptist minister," she said. The family found themselves in a complex situation: even if they wanted to leave the U.S., they could not because they were citizens of nowhere. "I became stateless and we didn't know what that meant. We never even heard of that issue. The first thing my parents said to me was, 'Isn't this like Tom Hanks and The Terminal?' And it's true, it's like, yeah, instead of being stuck in an airport, we were limited to the United States, but we have really exhausted all options. The law didn't recognize people like us, and we can't return because no one recognizes us as their own. And that was about 25 years ago, and I'm 35 years old now. And I'm still in this limbo status," she added. The concept of statelessness might be difficult for many people to understand, especially Americans, given that the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship to anyone born within its borders. That is not the case in many countries. Geopolitical events like war or the dissolution of a government, such as the former Soviet Union, can lead to statelessness. In some countries, women are not allowed to acquire, retain or change their nationality. They might also not be allowed to transfer nationality to their children, which very often results in statelessness. Stateless in the US With nowhere to go, Ambartsoumian-Clough and her parents stayed in the U.S. Her father worked as a painter. Her mother started a cleaning business. "And I just tried to be normal, you know, and I tried to be Karina from Upper Darby, you know, outside of [Philadelphia], and just be normal. But when I became 18, that's when things really changed because I became an adult. I became an adult without any access to a legal identity," she said. The only documents Ambartsoumian-Cloug had were a birth certificate from a country that didn't exist anymore and her U.S. school identification card. But when she tried to find a job, get a cellphone plan, or a bank account, she needed a government-issued identification. "I didn't have access to an identification. So we couldn't work or find legal means to work. So, I worked a lot in restaurants. I did the best I could with that. And in that time, I was in a process of extreme denial. I was 22 years old and living in [Philadelphia] I didn't want to deal with this immigration problem and kept putting it in the back. But it kept becoming a big deal in my life over and over again," she said. Ambartsoumian-Cloug met someone, fell in love, and got married in 2013 to a U.S. citizen. "When we got married, we were five years together. And we actually went to Maryland to get married because Maryland state does not require a valid form of ID to get married. So we went to Elkton, Maryland, and got a marriage certificate, the first legal document I had with my name on it," she said. Through the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, Congress established the family immigration procedures we know today. With the law, Congress created a preference system that allows U.S. citizens to sponsor immediate relatives, including spouses, without any numerical limits. But even that cannot help a stateless person in the United States. Margaret Stock, an immigration attorney in Anchorage, Alaska, told VOA that usually a stateless person does not have the documentation that is necessary to apply for a legal permanent residency status, also known as green card, and get it approved. "USCIS requires certain documentation before they'll approve somebody for a green card, and one of the requirements is the person has to show valid documents that prove that they're from a foreign country," Stock said. As a stateless person, people have all kinds of obstacles to applying for U.S. immigration benefits. "And the government of the United States doesn't care necessarily about the fact that you're married to an American. They want to see documents proving that you're a citizen of another country, so if you can't show that you have a very difficult time applying for benefits," Stock said. Ambartsoumian-Clough said she hopes DHS guidance finally establishes a definition of statelessness in line with the internationally accepted definition to help those in limbo. She eventually met other stateless people and started United Stateless, a national organization led by stateless people whose mission is to advocate for their human rights. She also hopes the U.S. Congress passes legislation to codify into immigration law how a person with stateless status can file for permanent residency. In the meantime, she lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Kevin. Her mother is still living, but her father died in December. "My dad passed away as a stateless person. And he's been here since 1996. He never got to reunite with his parents, never got to really build the American Dream my parents always wanted," she said. Recently marking six months on the job as Sovah Health-Danvilles CEO, Steve Heatherly openly admits that health care is hard. That was true before the coronavirus pandemic, a yearslong battle that resulted in the nationwide exodus of employees in the medical field. And its even harder today. No hospital is ever going to get everything perfect, Heatherly told the Register & Bee in a Wednesday interview at Sovah Health-Danville. His commitment is to provide high quality care with the best possible clinical outcomes. We want the people who come here to know that we have cared for them and their family, he said. So what I want is folks to experience that. After a half of a year on the job as the leader of the Danville facility and market president for Sovah Health the umbrella organization comprising the systems in Danville and Martinsville he wants the hospital to be central to the rural community and ultimately would like for the campuses to become regional health care destinations. That starts with building better bonds and overcoming a decades-old stigma associated with the hospital after its sell to Lifepoint. In the eyes of the community, things havent been the same since the change in 2005. In his first 90 days in Danville, he quickly learned of the perception of the hospital. He was told that over the last several years the community didnt view it as reliable. To be fair, health care is hard under the best of circumstances, but I think there are things that can be done, he explained of reputation. First, we have to focus on the needs of every single patient, literally one patient at a time. Nearly each day, he talks to patients and a vast majority of the feedback he hears is positive. When the feedback isnt positive, we embrace that as an opportunity to improve and that has to be our focus, he explained. The other major aspect is being connected to the community, even when its not comfortable. History tells me if we do those things well we will change the perception problem, he said. Addressing Danvilles city council in March, he certainly didnt receive uplifting vibes. One member specifically blasted Sovah Health-Danville, while emphasizing he wasnt placing the blame on Heatherly personally. Weve had some challenges in our city at our hospital, council member Sherman Saunders said at the March meeting. A lot of people have had many concerns about your hospital. Heatherly said he has no regrets about the rather tense exchange with council members. Though it wasnt always pleasant, I appreciated the frank and open dialogue, the CEO explained. Since that time, I have been able to develop relationships with several members of city council and can now count them as friends. Getting to know the leaders of the city, Heatherly believes he can now speak candidly about the bright and not-so-bright areas of the hospital. I dont think we would have gotten to that place as quickly without the first encounter, he said. How he got here Heatherly got involved in the health care field almost by accident, as he describes it. He was finishing an undergraduate degree in finance and needed an internship. It just so happened that was at a hospital. That led to a staff level job, which led to another job and then a number of management opportunities came my way, he explained. Once I was firmly into my career, I got a masters degree in business administration as well as a masters degree in health administration. Previously working as CEO at two other Lifepoint hospitals, he was acquainted with Sovah Health. I had moved on to a hospital that is part of the UNC system and when my former boss contacted me about the Sovah opportunity, I was immediately interested, he said. The size and complexity of the market coupled with the rural setting also drew him. My experience is that you can really make a difference in a community like this and I want to do that. He started in mid-January. Community connections In part of a stepped-up effort to become better connected with the community, about 35 employees of Sovah Health-Danville many young members of the residency program provided free physicals to any child who came to a back-to-school event July 29 in Danville. We work better together, Tyrell Payne, vice chair of the Danville School Board and an employee with Sovah, said of the partnership between the hospital and Danville Public Schools. Payne also said the local hospital planned to appear at more events throughout the community. I believe in a rural community, it is essential for the hospital to be central to the community, Heatherly explained. That means they are always looking at the services they provide and constantly scanning the environment to see how they can help the community as a whole. Education is a special point of focus for Heatherly. Thats why Sovah Health-Danville decided to adopt a school in the city after he volunteered at Woodberry Hills Elementary with a kindergarten class earlier in the year as part of the Junior Achievement program. Since his wife is an educator, hes familiar with the resource challenges teachers are facing. Sovah Health-Danville will donate $5,000 to the school to help the educators. The money comes from individual donations from employees at the local hospital and a match from Sovah. Thats really all aimed at trying to ensure that teachers have the resources that they need, he explained. The hope, at least from Heatherly, is that more businesses will follow step to adopt other schools in the city. Theres been a lot of discussion among that group on how do we support education. The good and bad When asked to list the strengths of the hospital, Heatherly quickly talked about the employees. We have a really good and committed staff who are led by an exceptional group of department directors, he said. Our medical staff is comprised of exceptionally talented physicians and advanced practitioners there just arent enough of them, in many cases. Keeping workers and luring others continues to be a challenge. In many cases, there simply arent enough people to meet all of the demands, he said. I think that will be with us for a while. The new CEO also praised the clinical affiliations with Duke in oncology and cardiology by saying they are exceptional for a community hospital this size. Being a teaching hospital, with our internal medicine and family medicine residency programs is a great strength for a community hospital, always exposing us to fresh thinking and helping to improve access to primary care, he said. On the down side, there are gaps that need to be filled in areas of gastroenterology, cardiology and orthopedics for example to serve more patients. Hes also eager to get the emergency department overall completed. That $20 million project will increase the space by about 50% 14,000 square feet to 21,000 and the current 22 full-size rooms will grow to 33 in the emergency department. But before the real work begins on the overhaul, a temporary emergency department must be constructed on the second floor. Our emergency department is relatively small and cramped but we have started the project that will address that over the next 18 months or so, he said. The top issue in his mind is the lack of a shared vision thats understandable by stakeholders. We have vast opportunities for growth, which is essentially about how we better serve our community, he explained. While weaknesses can be frustrating for a time, it is exciting to think about how we address them and put ourselves in a position to seize on opportunities. Regional destination Rural health care is undergoing a nationwide shift thats being felt in Southside Virginia. In neighboring Halifax County, labor and delivery service is going to be phased out, leaving a gap of medical coverage. But that presents an opportunity for Sovah. How we want to approach things and engage with the region is really not a judgement on anybody else and the decisions they have to make, he said, noting all hospitals have to make tough choices. At the same time, people need the care, he said. They have been in talks with the folks at Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital about providing services for expectant mothers. We think about our strategy going forward, I really want our hospitals in Danville and Martinsville to be regional destinations for a variety of services, Heatherly said. While the opportunities are vast he admitted they have to work on a capacity issue to make it happen. By his estimation in the regional area theres more than 225,000 people Sovah Health could serve. Changing with the times Sovah is steadfastly adapting to changes in medical technology, especially since newer doctors are used to the latest tools and have been trained a certain way. We are going to be on the move as it relates to recruiting new physicians, putting technology in their hands, so they are best to do their jobs, he said. The most visible tech upgrades will come with the renovations to the emergency department, since thats all about giving a better space for caregivers and patients. We have a couple of other major projects, cath lab replacement and linear accelerator replacement, which will be good technology upgrades in key service lines, he explained. They recently welcomed a new general surgeon whos trained with the da Vinci Surgical System, which is essentially a robotic surgical tool. We we are beginning the conversation on how do we make that technology available to him and others because thats increasingly becoming the standard of care, he said, explaining they are going to be more aggressive to make sure they have the latest tech. However, he quickly made a point: They arent doing this just to have the latest gadgets. The new technology produces better clinical outcomes over time. Beyond the tools, Heatherly also wants to make investments in employees with salaries and career development. Most importantly, I want to work with our leaders to create a culture that in which we believe that growth is possible and necessary as we continually evolve to better serve our communities, he said. His day and living in Danville Generally speaking, Heatherly starts his day at about 7 a.m. or so and keeps going through midnight. Hes a nighttime guy anyhow. While thats not always at the hospital, he said the hours come with the territory. The fact is, when you are in this type of job, you are the CEO of the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he said. Its a privilege to be able to work in an environment when you feel like you can help and entire community make a difference in peoples lives. Coming from the western mountains of North Carolina, he enjoys the walkability of the River District, where he lives. There is a quaintness to Danville that I really like, he said. As I have gotten settled in, I have come to appreciate that the city seems poised for a lot of growth and economic development. He wants to make sure Sovah Health-Danville has a central role in that. Thats something we are really committed to here, is partnering with folks so Danville can realize its full potential, the CEO said. But something more important that the one-of-a-kind restaurants and other amenities offered in Danville, Healtherly said the people make the difference. Again, the people here are so friendly and welcoming that it has made my transition much easier. Ethiopian authorities have arrested people connected to "the security crisis in Amhara," the government said Saturday after imposing a state of emergency on the northern region following clashes between local fighters and federal troops. The fresh unrest in Africa's second most populous country comes nine months after the end of a devastating two-year war in the neighboring region of Tigray, which also drew in fighters from Amhara. The government said Friday that the emergency measures would cover Amhara "for six months" but could be imposed "nationwide in relation to any situation or movement that aggravates the security problem." Tensions have been rising since April when the federal government announced it was dismantling regional forces across Ethiopia, triggering protests by Amhara nationalists who said the move would weaken their region. Clashes in Amhara have escalated in recent weeks, prompting travel warnings from foreign governments and the grounding of flights, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office on Friday saying emergency measures were needed "to control this unacceptable movement." On Saturday, the government communications service said those who "exacerbate the security crisis (and engage in) various acts of destruction have been arrested," without giving details about the number of detainees or the timing of the arrests. According to the emergency decree, anyone found violating its provisions could face "imprisonment of between three to 10 years." The decree also allows for suspects to be searched and held without a warrant. Local fighters from Amhara's Fano militia have taken control of three towns in the region, residents told AFP. According to residents of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its 12th and 13th-century rock-cut churches, Fano fighters took over the town and its airport earlier this week. Shops were open on Saturday, but the streets were largely deserted, Lalibela resident Aneley told AFP. "Lalibela is calm, no fighting (but) people's movement isn't like it used to be before," he said, adding that the town was suffering from intermittent power and internet outages. The mood was similarly tense in the cities of Gondar and Dessie, locals told AFP. "Things look calm but there is no activity almost all shops, cafes are closed," said Simachew, a rickshaw driver in Gondar, which witnessed fighting on Thursday before federal troops retreated to its outskirts. "People are indoors in their homes," he said, with Fano fighters blocking routes in and out of the city. Amir, a businessman from Dessie, told AFP that there was "no fighting here," with Fano members in control of the city. "Markets and shops are open but people here are on alert," he said. Another Dessie resident, Mohammed, said internet was down but phone lines remained functional. An Amhara resident who fled the town of Kobo on Saturday said government security forces had "severely restricted" the movement of people. Kobo "has been under a curfew for a while, with locals prohibited from moving around after dark," he told AFP, adding that access to internet and running water was blocked. Iraqi Christians have struggled since the Nineveh plains, their historic homeland of rolling hills dotted with wheat and barley fields, were wrested back from Islamic State extremists six years ago. Although the threat from IS has receded, some towns are still mostly rubble. There are few inhabited homes or basic services, including water. Many Christians have given up and left for Europe, Australia or the United States. Others are trying to follow. Now the shrinking religious minority that was also violently targeted by al-Qaida before the rise of IS has been rocked by yet another crisis in the form of a political showdown between two influential Christian figures a Vatican-appointed cardinal and a militia leader, with land and influence at the core of the drama. The dispute adds to the woes of Iraqi Christians, who have often felt sidelined in the political order. A 2021 visit by Pope Francis provided a glimmer of hope that quickly faded. Meanwhile, the Christian population has plummeted. The number of Christians in Iraq today is estimated at 150,000, compared to 1.5 million in 2003. Iraqs total population is more than 40 million. The political tension rose last month when Cardinal Louis Sako withdrew from his headquarters in Baghdad to northern Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region after Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid revoked a decree recognizing his position as patriarch of the Chaldeans, Iraqs largest Christian denomination and one of the Catholic Churchs eastern rites. Sako said he will not return to Baghdad until his recognition is reinstated. His departure added to the feeling of helplessness among many Christians. Of course, this affects us psychologically, said Sura Salem, a Christian social activist in Baghdad. You feel like a family without a father. Christians staged a small protest in Baghdad over Sakos departure, but Salem said listening to the voice of the Christians is the last concern of Iraqi leaders. Sako blames a campaign against him by Rayan al-Kildani, a fellow Chaldean Christian who formed a militia called the Babylon Brigades that fought against IS and still patrols much of the Nineveh plains. The group is affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces, a collection of primarily Shiite, Iran-backed militias. Its associated political party, the Babylon Movement, won four of five Christian-designated seats in Iraqs 2021 parliamentary elections. Sako believes al-Kildani is angling to take over Christian endowments and properties. Al-Kildani has made similar allegations about Sako. I have stood up to this militia and others who wanted to take over what rightfully belongs to the Christians, Sako told The Associated Press, days after arriving in Irbil to a warm welcome from Kurdish officials. Of course, no one defends Christians other than the church. In Baghdad's upscale Mansour neighborhood, al-Kildani was busy building political alliances. On a recent afternoon, several couches in the palatial lobby of his party headquarters were occupied by well-dressed women wearing hijabs, beneath a painting of the Last Supper and a portrait of al-Kildani. One by one, the women entered the inner office, each one emerging with a gift bag. One of the visitors explained that they were political candidates interested in running on al-Kildanis list in Mosul in Decembers provincial elections. After the visitors departed, a smiling and courtly al-Kildani made his entrance. He insisted that he had no role in the withdrawal of the patriarch's decree and dismissed allegations that he was seeking to seize church lands. I am the son of this church, and it is my duty to respect it, but it is unfortunate when a clergyman accuses someone without proof, he said. Al-Kildani has accused Sako of selling off church properties, allegations the patriarch denies, and he has filed a lawsuit against Sako alleging slander. But al-Kildani said he is ready to meet with Sako to reconcile. Sako rejected the suggestion. Al-Kildani has a militia, and his loyalty is not to the church, the patriarch said. He is not a respectable person." The Iraqi president has downplayed his revocation of Sako's recognition as bureaucratic housekeeping, claiming it did not diminish the patriarchs legal or religious status. The Vatican has remained largely silent. Its embassy in Baghdad said in a statement that the Iraqi Constitution guarantees that the heads of churches can administer church properties. A senior Vatican official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment to the media, said the decree was unnecessary given the constitutional guarantees. He said the Holy See did not want to get involved in the dispute but had invited Sako to tamp down tensions with the Iraqi authorities for the sake of Iraqi Christians. The United States sided with Sako. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said last month that the U.S. is concerned that Sakos position "is under attack by a militia leader who in 2019 was slapped with U.S. sanctions for his alleged involvement in human rights abuses, including cutting off a captives ear. Al-Kildani denied the allegations and accused the international community of being ungrateful after his groups role in the fight against IS. He accused the Kurdish Democratic Party the ruling party in the Kurdish region and a rival of the Iraqi president's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Party and the United States of engineering Sakos withdrawal from Baghdad for political reasons. For some Christians, the drama is overshadowed by more pressing problems. As Baghdad resident Anan al-Dawi left a sparsely attended Mass on Sunday, her main concern was a recent power outage in the scorching summer heat. She struck a diplomatic tone regarding the feud between Sako and al-Kildani. Although physically absent, she said, Sako lives in all of our hearts. As for al-Kildani's group, she said: I serve the country in my way. You serve it in yours, and they are also serving their country." Back in the Nineveh plains, in the town of Batnaya, patrolled by members of Kildani's militia, Lawrence Sabah owns a small factory where he makes mop handles out of wood imported from Russia. Sabah did not share his opinion on Sako or al-Kildani, but he had other complaints. There are no services, even the water sometimes doesnt come, and 70 or 80 percent of the houses were destroyed, he said. He is hoping to join his parents and siblings, who have resettled in California. Some 8 kilometers (5 miles) to the north, in Kurdish-controlled territory, Raad Ekram owns an electrical supply store in the sparsely populated town of Telskof. When his family was displaced from the village to the city of Dohuk, Ekram believes he got short shrift from both the Iraqi government and the church. We never saw the patriarch, he said. Of course, I dont accept what happened to him ... and I dont accept for him to be harmed. But the patriarch "didnt do everything he should have done for us. He is encouraging his children to seek their fortunes abroad. Theres nothing left in Iraq," he said, "especially for the Christians. Indonesian President Joko Widowo is accelerating his plans to position his nation as a global hub in the electric vehicle production ecosystem, an ambition coming into clearer focus as he courts more Chinese investors. He and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce met with Chinese CEOs in Chengdu as part of the effort to create a downstream nickel industry. The Indonesians goal is to attract Chinese mining companies to establish more smelters for nickel ore. Indonesia is the worlds largest producer of nickel, which is essential for making the lithium-ion batteries used in EVs. China is the worlds largest EV battery producer. "Currently, we want to prioritize investments in building an electric vehicle ecosystem," Widodo told the CEOS, explaining this would start with mining and include manufacturing batteries and electric vehicles. He estimated that Indonesia could produce a total of more than 2.4 million electric vehicles, including cars and motorbikes, by 2035. Widodos administration included EV production in its National Masterplan for Industry 2015-35 and specified EV infrastructure development in its National Medium-Term Plan 2020-24. At the Chengdu meeting, he emphasized the Indonesian governments willingness to provide a problem-free process for Chinese investors. They face widespread anti-China sentiment in the country in addition to infrastructure limitations and a daunting bureaucracy. "I hope that if there are issues in the field, whether related to land acquisition or permits, please disclose them," the president said, according to the Foreign Ministry. Andry Satrio Nugroho, an economist at the Jakarta-based Institute for Development on Economics and Finance, said previous Indonesian presidents were more inclined to build strong economic ties with the U.S., but under Widodos leadership relations with China have been stronger. After his 2014 election, Widodos first official international trip was to China and Japan to secure financial and technical support for his domestic infrastructure and industrial development plans, according to an April 2023 report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. China is Indonesias biggest trading partner and a major source of investment. Last year, Indonesias exports to China were $65.9 billion while imports were $67.7 billion, according to the Indonesian governments statistics agency. China was the second-largest source of investment in Indonesia in 2022 with $8.2 billion, behind Singapore with $13.3 billion, according to data released by the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board. And with a population of 278 million, Indonesia also represents a substantial potential market for Chinas EV manufacturers. Nugroho said that despite Indonesias ambition to be one of the worlds largest EV manufacturing hubs, he believes the country is not yet able to develop a comprehensive supply chain for electric vehicles. This makes it even more important that the government ensures China adheres to its commitment on technology transfer before Indonesia runs out of its nickel reserves expected in less than 20 years. Nuki Agya Utama, executive director of the ASEAN Energy Center, agreed that Indonesia needs China to transfer its technology for processing minerals. But Nugroho said, I actually think the existing incentives offered to build an EV ecosystem [are] quite excessive. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the Indonesian government has EV-related industries eligible for special fiscal treatment such as multi-year tax holidays and import duty exemptions, depending on the level of investment and whether goods are earmarked for export or domestic sale. Jakarta officials and local governments are open to negotiations on incentives related to land and infrastructure, according to the EIU. Nugroho added there is a streamlined process for issuing work permits for Chinese workers and even direct flight routes from Sulawesi to China to transport thousands of Chinese laborers to Morowali. Widodos push for more Chinese investment highlights Indonesias moratorium on mineral ore exports introduced on January 1, 2020. It requires that all raw nickel mined in Indonesia must be processed domestically. This means local jobs and higher value-added export revenues. Indonesia holds the world's largest nickel reserves with an estimated 21 million tons, which roughly accounts for 22% of known global reserves. More than a dozen nickel ore smelters in Indonesia process the mined nickel. Chinese investors are behind many of the mines and smelters. Among Chinese investments, ventures by the Tsingshan Group are the largest, in part because as the worlds leading stainless steel producer, it must have access to a steady supply of nickel. The corporate watchdog, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, has identified 102 alleged abuses in 2021 and 2022 linked to Chinese mining interests in 18 countries. Indonesia had the most alleged abuses at 27. Antonia Timmerman, an editor for the website China Global South Project, has investigated Chinese involvement in Indonesias nickel mines. This is a dirty business, Timmerman said in The Guardian. In Indonesia, for example, the government can be very brutal when it comes to defending and protecting these companies, especially the large ones. This happened long before the EV phenomenon. Two Indonesian workers died in December at a Chinese-owned smelter. A month later, an Indonesian and a Chinese worker died during protests over safety conditions. VOA Indonesia contacted the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta for comment on Chinese investments in the EV ecosystem only to be told officials there lacked the authority to respond. VOA Indonesia also contacted BYD Company, Tsingshan Steel and Weda Bay Nickel. The first two are Chinese enterprises operating in Indonesias EV ecosystem. Tsingshan Holding Group has a majority interest in Weda Bay. None responded. In February, Widodo announced his goal for Indonesia to become one of the top three producers of EV batteries by 2027. In April, the Indonesia Investment Authority began setting up a special fund, the EV Ecosystem Fund, with Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology to help develop the emerging industry. In just three years, Indonesia has signed more than a dozen deals worth more than $15 billion for battery materials and electric vehicle production with manufacturers including South Koreas LG and Hyundai, and Taiwans Foxconn. For more than a year, there have been press reports of Tesla reaching a deal to establish an Indonesian presence in the nickel industry and EV battery production. Indonesias coordinating minister for maritime and investment, Luhut Pandjaitan, is expected to meet with Teslas Elon Musk in August to discuss investments in Indonesia. South Korea's Hyundai opened the first electric car assembly plant in Indonesia in March 2022. Built on an existing conventional vehicle factory in Cikarang, close to Jakarta, it produces the IONIQ 5 and has an annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles. Also in Cikarang, which has road and rail freight access to the nearby Tanjung Priok seaport, Indonesias DFSK and Chinas Wuling Motors have produced 5,251 units in Indonesia this year as of the end of May. This includes DFSK Motors popular electric minivan, Gelora E; and Wulings city car, the Air EV. Last year, almost 8,000 electric cars were sold in Indonesia, most of them by Wuling. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday he hopes to discuss further strengthening of three-way strategic cooperation with leaders of the United States and South Korea at a summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden at Camp David later this month. The Aug. 18 summit with Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first stand-alone summit among leaders of the three countries, not in connection with international meetings. The summit is also the latest sign of warming ties between Tokyo and Seoul. Both governments have moved to set aside decades-long tensions over wartime history, while Washington seeks to deepen its commitment in the Indo-Pacific region. "I have high hopes that this summit meeting will further strengthen the foundation for strengthening ties with the United States and South Korea, which have been built up through multilayered efforts including at the summit level," Kishida said, responding to a question about the summit, during a news conference Friday. "On top of that, I expect we will further reinforce our strategic cooperation among the three countries, Japan, the United States and South Korea" as the three leaders discuss joint responses to North Korea's threats and maintaining and strengthening a rules-based, free and open international order, Kishida said. He declined to provide more details, saying he should avoid prejudging the outcome of the summit ahead of time. The Biden administration has been urging stronger economic and defense ties between South Korea and Japan as it looks to bolster the region against China's assertive territorial moves and economic influences, and to secure their cooperation in support of Ukraine's fight against Russia's full-scale invasion. Japan and South Korea are both key U.S. allies and their cooperation is key to Washington's security strategy in the Indo-Pacific as tensions grow with China, North Korea and Russia. Ties between Japan and South Korea have rapidly thawed since earlier this year, largely because of Washington's pressure and their shared sense of urgency over escalating regional security threats. The improved ties between Tokyo and Seoul, and Japan's new security and defense strategies are apparently making the stronger trilateral partnership possible. Under the new strategies issued in December, Kishida's government pledges a drastic military buildup with strike capabilities and doubling defense spending in a major break from Japan's postwar self-defense-only principle. Japan, the United States and South Korea have agreed to start sharing real-time data on North Korean missile launches by the end of this year, as their trilateral cooperation is increasingly important amid growing nuclear and missile threats from the North. Washington and Seoul have also agreed to step up their nuclear deterrence cooperation, and Japan also wants stronger extended deterrence by U.S. nuclear weapons. After the White House announcement of the summit, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, posted a message on Twitter that the upcoming summit promises to make history and "will lead to a strategic paradigm shift" as the three countries form "a united front for a free and open Indo-Pacific." Latest developments: A 62-meter (203-feet) tall Motherland statue holding a trident, Ukraines coat of arms, is towering over the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and replacing the recently dismantled Hammer and Sickle emblem of the Soviet Union. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, among other topics, a Turkish foreign ministry source said Saturday. The direct channel between the Russian Agricultural Bank and J.P. Morgan, as part of the U.N.-brokered Black Sea grain deal, was closed on Aug. 2, RIA news agency said Friday, citing Russia's Foreign Ministry. Russia condemned a Ukrainian strike on one of its civilian vessels in the Kerch Strait near the strategic bridge that links Crimea with Russias mainland. Calling it a terrorist attack, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Saturday that Russia will respond and punish those responsible. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also suggested Saturday that Moscow would launch retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian ports in response to Kyiv's attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea. Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, threatened to hand Ukraine an ecological catastrophe" ending any chance for a revival of the grain deal. He did not specify what that ecological catastrophe" would be. This is the second such attack in 24 hours by Ukraine on a Russian vessel, both sides said Saturday. Ukraine has unofficially claimed responsibility for the attack. An anonymous security service source told Agence France-Presse that the operation by a naval drone and explosives was carried out jointly with the Ukrainian navy in the countrys territorial waters. The source said the SIG tanker is one of the most powerful oil tankers of the Russian Federation, adding that it was well-loaded with fuel, so fireworks could be seen from afar. Russian maritime officials confirmed Saturday the Ukrainian sea drone attack has damaged the Russian tanker, suspending traffic and ferry transport services in the area. According to Russian media reports, the tanker was hit by Ukrainian drones as it was approaching the Kerch Strait, which links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The SIG tanker ... received a hole in the engine room near the waterline on the starboard side, preliminarily as a result of a sea drone attack," Russia's Federal Marine and River Transport agency said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. The chemical tanker was sanctioned by the United States in 2019 for helping provide jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria. News of the attack follows another that a Ukrainian drone seriously damaged a Russian warship at a Black Sea naval base. During the night of Aug. 3-4, a Russian warship, the Olenegorsky Gornyak, was seriously damaged in a Ukrainian naval drone attack on the base at Novorossiysk. A Ukrainian intelligence source said the 113-meter (123-yard) long Russian navy landing ship with about 100 Russian servicemen on board had been hit by a sea drone carrying 450 kilograms of TNT. According to an intelligence update on Ukraine from Britains Ministry of Defense, the Olenegorsky Gornyak was the largest naval vessel damaged since the sinking of the Moskva in April 2022. Jeddah summit Chinese Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui would participate Saturday and Sunday in the Saudi Arabia-initiated Jeddah talks on the peaceful settlement in Ukraine, Chinas Foreign Affairs Ministry said Friday. "China is willing to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a statement. Ukraine and Western diplomats hope the meeting in the port city of Jeddah will be an opportunity for officials to agree on key principles to inform any peace agreement that would end Russias ongoing war in Ukraine. About 40 countries are set to be represented at the session, but the biggest diplomatic prize would be an endorsement from China, which has kept close economic and diplomatic ties with Russia and so far has rejected international calls to condemn the invasion. China was invited to a previous round of talks in Copenhagen in late June but did not attend. Ukraine and its allies are optimistic the Jeddah summit will help ramp up global support for a peace plan in Ukraine. In his nightly video address Friday, Zelenskyy expressed hope the discussions in Jeddah would lay the groundwork for an upcoming peace summit with leaders from around the world this fall. The aim is to endorse the principles based on Zelenskyys 10-point formula for a peace settlement. It is very important that the world sees a fair and honest end to Russian aggression will benefit everyone in the world. Everyone! said Zelenskyy. Liberating Ukrainian land from the occupiers means restoring full respect for international law and the U.N. Charter. Eliminating all threats created by Russia to Ukrainian and global security means returning peace to international relations and stability to global life. I am grateful to everyone who supports the peace formula and has already joined the joint efforts for the full implementation of the formula. Russia says it will not be involved in this weekends talks or the summit planned for the fall. Beyond its Western backers, Ukraine hopes to garner diplomatic support from more Global South countries, including Brazil, India, South Africa and Turkey. Part of Ukraines strategy to gain support from such countries reportedly will be to emphasize how food prices have risen after Russia quit the U.N.-brokered Black Sea grain deal last month and began attacking Ukrainian port facilities. That facet of the conflict has been a top priority for U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who pressed all countries Thursday at the United Nations to tell Moscow to stop using the Black Sea as blackmail after Russia killed the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: A 62-meter (203-feet) tall Motherland statue holding a trident, Ukraines coat of arms, is towering over the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, replacing the recently dismantled hammer and sickle emblem of the Soviet Union. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, among other topics, a Turkish foreign ministry source said Saturday. The direct channel between the Russian Agricultural Bank and J.P. Morgan, as part of the U.N.-brokered Black Sea grain deal, was closed on August 2, RIA news agency said Friday, citing Russia's Foreign Ministry. Russian airstrikes hit a blood transfusion center in the town of Kupiansk in eastern Kharkiv region late Saturday. "There are dead and wounded," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel. Kupiansk is a railway hub within 10 miles of the front. Zelenskyy said rescue workers were extinguishing a fire at the scene and described the strike as a "war crime." He did not say how many people were killed or wounded. Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians in a full-scale invasion that has killed thousands of people, uprooted millions and destroyed cities. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Earlier, Russia vowed retaliatory strikes for Ukraine drone attacks against two Russia ships within 24 hours. Jeddah summit Senior officials from 42 countries concluded the first day of the two-day Jeddah peace summit on Ukraine. According to officials, no final declarations will be released. Instead, Saudi Arabia, hosting the summit at its port of Jeddah, would present a plan for further talks, with working groups to discuss issues such as global food security, nuclear safety and prisoner releases. A European official described the talks as positive and said there was "agreement that respect of territorial integrity and [the] sovereignty of Ukraine needs to be at the heart of any peace settlement." The high-level talks included delegates from the world economies of the BRICS group, Brazil, India, China and South Africa, but not Russia. It said it will not be involved in these talks or the summit planned for the fall. The head of Brazil's delegation, foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim, stressed however, that "any real negotiation must include all parties," including Russia, according to a copy of his statement shared with AFP. "Although Ukraine is the biggest victim, if we really want peace, we have to involve Moscow in this process in some form," he said. China, a neutral party in the conflict, announced Friday that its special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, would attend. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan led Washington's delegation, a senior White House official said. Ukraine and Western diplomats expressed hope that the meeting would be an opportunity for officials to agree on key principles to inform any peace agreement that would end Russias ongoing war in Ukraine. Ukraine anticipated disagreements during the two-day summit, but the head of Ukraines presidential office, Andriy Yermak, said Friday that it is important to share our principles. Western officials and analysts said Saudi diplomacy had been important in securing China's presence at the talks. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom has kept ties with both sides presenting itself as a mediator and seeking a bigger role on the world stage. SEE ALSO: Observers Say Ukraine Peace Talks Point to Growing Saudi Prominence In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy commented the greater the consolidation of the world for the sake of restoring a just peace is, the sooner an end will be put to the bombs and missiles with which Moscow wants to replace the norms of international law. Beyond its Western backers, Ukraine hopes to garner diplomatic support from more Global South countries, including Brazil, India, South Africa and Turkey. Part of Ukraines strategy to gain support from such countries reportedly will be to emphasize how food prices have risen after Russia quit the U.N.-brokered Black Sea grain deal last month and began attacking Ukrainian port facilities. Ukraine attacks Russia condemned a Ukrainian strike on one of its civilian vessels in the Kerch Strait near the strategic bridge that links Crimea with Russias mainland. Calling it a terrorist attack, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Saturday that Russia will respond and punish those responsible. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev suggested Saturday that Moscow would launch retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian ports in response to Kyiv's attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea. Ukraine has unofficially claimed responsibility for the attack, the second in 24 hours. An anonymous security service source told Agence France-Presse that the SIG tanker is one of the most powerful oil tankers of the Russian Federation, adding that it was well-loaded with fuel, so fireworks could be seen from afar. Russian maritime officials confirmed Saturday the Ukrainian sea drone attack has damaged the Russian tanker, suspending traffic and ferry transport services in the area. According to Russian media reports, the tanker was hit by Ukrainian drones as it was approaching the Kerch Strait that links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The coup in Niger will undermine the fight against resurgent terror groups in Africa's Sahel region, France's defense minister said this week, accusing the country's junta of taking hostage not just President Mohamed Bazoum but the entire country. In an interview with AFP, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu praised the actions of regional West African group ECOWAS, which has given the junta until Sunday to restore democratic rule or face the threat of military action. The coup against Bazoum has infuriated France, which has 1,500 troops deployed in the country and was using Niger as a hub for anti-terror operations in the region, after successive coups the last two years in Mali and then Burkina Faso prompted pullouts from those countries. Paris has made clear it still regards Bazoum, who is being held at the presidential residence in Niamey, as Niger's sole legitimate leader. Lecornu echoed comments by other Western officials and observers that the coup had come at a precarious moment when several Islamist terror groups including Boko Haram, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and al-Qaida's local branch were regaining strength. "Not only has President Bazoum been taken hostage but also the population of Niger," Lecornu told AFP in the interview. "This putsch will weaken the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, where activity by armed terrorist groups is resurging, notably taking advantage of certain failed states like Mali," he said. "It's an error of judgment that goes totally against the interests of the country," he added. The French foreign ministry said earlier on Saturday it firmly supported the efforts of ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) to reverse the coup, and Lecornu said on the eve of the passing of the deadline that the 15-nation bloc was showing its stature. "More generally, we see that ECOWAS is shouldering its responsibilities in the management of this crisis in Niger, taking strong positions in favor of respect for international law and respect for democratic processes," he said. "This is an important milestone that must be welcomed and supported," he said. Lecornu said there was no indication of involvement in the coup by Russian mercenary group Wagner, which Western governments say is bolstering the regimes in both Burkina Faso and Mali. "Wagner is not behind this coup. But it is possible that, opportunistically, Wagner can seek to help this junta as it tries to establish itself," he said. Calling on Wagner, he warned, would have "catastrophic consequences" for Niger. "Look at the Malian situation after the departure of the French forces 40 percent of Malian territory is out of the control of the Malian state. It is a failure. Many ECOWAS actors are aware of this." Lecornu said that Paris had been aware that Bazoum's position was fragile. But, he said, what was surprising was that the coup stemmed above all from a "personal dispute." People close to Bazoum had told AFP he recently said he wanted to replace General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the head of his guard. Lecornu, meanwhile, sought to play down the extent of anti-French sentiment in Niger, despite protests outside the French embassy in Niamey, which saw signs torn down and windows smashed. Nigers new military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the deadline nears for it to release the countrys ousted president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc, according to an analyst. The request came during a visit by a coup leader, General Salifou Mody, to neighboring Mali, where he contacted someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, told The Associated Press. He said three Malian sources and a French diplomat confirmed the meeting first reported by France 24. They need [Wagner] because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power, he said, adding that the group is considering the request. A Western military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, told the AP they have also heard reports that the junta asked for help from Wagner in Mali. Nigers junta faces a Sunday deadline set by the regional bloc known as ECOWAS to release and reinstate the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has described himself as a hostage. Defense chiefs from ECOWAS members finalized an intervention plan Friday and urged militaries to prepare resources after a mediation team sent to Niger Thursday wasnt allowed to enter the city or meet with the junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. After his visit to Mali, run by a sympathetic junta, Mody warned against a military intervention, vowing that Niger would do what it takes not to become a new Libya, Nigers state television reported Friday. Niger has been seen as the Wests last reliable counterterrorism partner in a region where coups have been common in recent years. Juntas have rejected former colonizer France and turned toward Russia. Wagner operates in a handful of African countries, including Mali, where human rights groups have accused its forces of deadly abuses. One can't say there's a direct Russian implication in Niger's coup, but clearly, there's an opportunistic attitude on the part of Russia, which tries to support destabilization efforts wherever it finds them, French foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Anne-Claire Legendre told broadcaster BFM Friday. For days after Niger's junta seized power, residents waved Russian flags in the streets. The spokesperson described Wagner as a recipe for chaos. Some residents rejected the junta's claims. Its all a sham, said Amad Hassane Boubacar, who teaches at the University of Niamey. They oppose foreign interference to restore constitutional order and legality. But on the contrary, they are ready to make a pact with Wagner and Russia to undermine the constitutional order. ... They are prepared for the country to go up in flames so that they can illegally maintain their position." On Saturday, Frances foreign affairs minister, Catherine Colonna, said the regional threat of force was credible and warned the putschists to take it seriously. Coups are no longer appropriate. ... Its time to put an end to it, she said. The ministry said France supports with firmness and determination the ECOWAS efforts and called for Bazoum and all members of his government to be freed. Nigers military leaders have been following the playbook of Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso, also run by a junta, but are moving faster to consolidate power, Nasr said: [Tchiani] chose his path, so hes going full on it without wasting time because theres international mobilization. One question is how the international community will react if Wagner comes in, he said. When Wagner came into Mali at the end of 2021, the French military was ousted soon afterward after years of partnership. Wagner was later designated a terrorist organization by the United States, and international partners might have a stronger reaction now, Nasr said. Much more is at stake in Niger, where the United States and other partners have poured hundreds of millions of dollars of military assistance to combat the regions growing jihadi threat. France has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, although coup leaders say they have severed security agreements with Paris, and the U.S. has 1,100 military personnel there. Its unclear what a regional intervention would look like, when it would begin or whether it would receive support from Western forces. Nigers junta has called on the population to watch for spies, and self-organized defense groups have mobilized at night to monitor cars and patrol the capital. If the junta were to dig in its heels and rally the populace around the flag possibly even arming civilian militias the intervention could morph into a multifaceted counterinsurgency that ECOWAS would not be prepared to handle, said a report by the Hudson Institute. Israeli security forces killed an 18-year-old Palestinian during a military raid into the northern West Bank on Friday, Palestinian health officials said, while another Palestinian was killed when Israeli settlers stormed a village and sparked fighting with residents. The deaths marked the latest bloodshed in a monthslong surge of violence that has gripped the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Health Ministry said Mahmoud Abu Saan, 18, was shot in the head by Israeli forces in Tulkarem. The raid drew protests from residents, the local branch of Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group reported, with Israeli forces shooting tear gas, stun grenades and live fire and Palestinians hurling stones and explosives at the soldiers. The Israeli army said it shot at those who attacked them. It said it arrested five Palestinians in other West Bank villages, confiscating explosives and dispersing protests. Later Friday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said that armed Israeli settlers had entered the village of Burqa, east of Ramallah, and shot and killed Qusai Matan, 19. The Palestinian Red Crescent said Matan, who was shot in the neck, died shortly after reaching the hospital. The Israeli army said it was looking into the reports. Palestinian Authority official Ghassan Daghlas, who monitors settlements, said that dozens of Israeli settlers burst into the village, setting fire to two cars and opening fire at Palestinian protesters who poured into the street to throw stones. Another two Palestinians were shot and wounded by the settlers, he said. The office of Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh demanded that the perpetrators "not be allowed to escape punishment." Violence has spiraled in the northern West Bank with the rise of shooting attacks by Palestinian groups against Israelis and daily arrest raids by the Israeli military, and growing attacks by extremist Jewish settlers. The surge in fighting is one of the worst between Israelis and Palestinians in nearly two decades. More than 150 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the start of 2023 in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, according to a tally by The Associated Press. Israel says most killed have been militants who died during military raids, but stone-throwing youths protesting army raids and innocent bystanders have also been killed. At least 26 people have been killed in Palestinian attacks against Israelis so far this year. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast War, along with the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem. Palestinians seek those territories for their hoped-for independent state. Pope Francis visited the Portuguese town of Fatima to pray for peace at a shrine Saturday known for apocalyptic prophesies of hell, peace and Soviet communism that have found new relevance with Russias war in Ukraine. But for the third time during his trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, Francis ditched his prepared remarks and didnt even recite a prayer written for the occasion pleading for peace. The prayer had been expected to be a highlight of Francis visit to Fatima, given the shrines century-old affiliation with exhortations of peace and conversion in Russia. Francis instead prayed silently for peace, with pain, while meditating for a long period before a statue of the Virgin Mary, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said. The Vatican later tweeted the prayer. The unusual morning unfolded at the shrine where, according to legend, three young peasant children in 1917 saw visions of the Madonna. The apparitions turned the small town nestled in the fields of vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards north of Lisbon into one of the most popular Marian pilgrimage sites in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. On Saturday, an estimated 200,000 turned out for Francis visit, packing the central esplanade long before the red-tinted moon set and the sun rose. Nearby wildfires turned the sky smoky black and sent ash snowing down on the crowd. Francis visit marked a side trip from his main program in Lisbon to preside over the World Youth Day Catholic festival. The featured protagonists in Fatima were also young, including some young people with disabilities who read aloud prayers and young inmates who were allowed to attend. Babies were out in force, as parents offered them up to Francis to bless as he looped through the crowd in his popemobile. We are here with great joy," said Maria Florido, a 24-year-old Spaniard who also saw Francis in Lisbon. "We woke up very early to come here and see the pope ... and were here with great enthusiasm. The Fatima story dates to 1917, when according to tradition, Portuguese siblings Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia said the Virgin Mary appeared to them six times and confided to them three secrets. The first two described an apocalyptic image of hell, foretold the end of World War I and the start of World War II, and portended the rise and fall of Soviet communism. In 2000, the Vatican disclosed the long-awaited third secret, describing it as foretelling the May 13, 1981, assassination attempt against St. John Paul II in St. Peters Square, which fell on the anniversary of the original vision. According to later writings by Lucia, who became a nun and died in 2005, Russia would be converted and peace would reign if the pope and all the bishops of the world consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Lucia later claimed that John Paul fulfilled that prophecy during a 1984 Mass, even though he never specified Russia in the prayer. Fatima has long captivated Catholics because of its blending of mystical, Marian apparitions, apocalyptic prophesies about the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the death of a pope. While Saturdays wildfires and related ashfall were easily explained, they also harked back to another element of the Fatima phenomenon, an unusual weather phenomenon known as the Miracle of the Sun. According to legend, on Oct. 13, 1917, the Fatima seers predicted that the Virgin would perform a miracle that day, and tens of thousands of people flocked to Fatima. They saw what witnesses reported as a vision of the sun spinning in the sky and zigzagging toward Earth. Francis visit to Fatima fell on the anniversary of another odd weather phenomenon at a Marian church closely related to Fatima: According to that church legend, on Aug. 5, 1655, it snowed outside St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, where Francis always goes to pray before an icon of Mary at the end of each trip. Vatican Media had said before the trip that Francis would pray for peace in Ukraine and the world while in Fatima. It seemed logical, given Francis had already consecrated Russia and Ukraine to Mary in a prayer for peace following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, essentially fulfilling Sr. Lucia's exhortation. In the prayer tweeted by the @Pontifex account but not read aloud, Francis didnt name either country but consecrated the church and world, especially those countries at war, to Mary. Open paths where it seems that none exist, he wrote. Loosen the tangles of self-centeredness and the snares of power. Fatima Bishop Jose Ornelas made a prayer for Ukraine explicit in his remarks. We associate ourselves to Your Holiness prayer for peace, for which this sanctuary is profoundly identified, thinking in particular of the war in Ukraine and so many other conflicts in the world, he said. In explaining the changes, Vatican spokesperson Bruni said Francis always addresses firstly the people he meets, as a shepherd, and speaks accordingly. The 86-year-old Francis often deviates from his prepared remarks, even more when speaking in his native Spanish. Bruni denied the changes had any other serious reason, including with Francis eyesight. Francis has been hospitalized twice this year, including in June when he spent nine days in the hospital recovering from abdominal surgery to repair a hernia and remove scar tissue on his intestine. Saturday was perhaps the most grueling day of his five-day visit to Portugal, given the round-trip helicopter ride to Fatima and a planned prayer vigil that wasnt expected to begin until his usual bedtime in Rome. A suspect wanted in bank robberies in Danville and North Carolina has been arrested, authorities announced Saturday. Jimmy Nathaniel Brown, 61, of Yanceyville, North Carolina, was captured by the Caswell County, North Carolina, Sheriffs Office, Matt Bell, a spokesperson for the Danville Police Department, confirmed to the Register & Bee. A news release early Saturday morning simply stated Brown was arrested overnight, and Bell said he didnt know a specific time. Brown was charged in connection with a July 20 robbery of Carter Bank & Trust on South Main Street in Danville. He also was wanted in another bank robbery four days later in Burlington, North Carolina. In Danville, Brown is facing charges of robbery, threats to bomb or damage buildings and grand larceny, the Danville Police Department reported. It was shortly before 1 p.m. July 20 when a suspect wearing a white shirt, ball cap, jeans and COVID-19 mask robbed the bank in the southern part of Danville. Police said he was driving a white work van that had North Carolina tags. No other details surrounding the robbery have been released. Another suspect Kristian Baldwin, a 36-year-old from Yanceyville, North Carolina also was charged in the armed robbery of Select Bank in Burlington, North Carolina, on July 24. Baldwin was arrested July 28 and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. She was taken to the Alamance County, North Carolina, Detention Center and held under a $100,000 bond. Burlington officials believe that Baldwin was the driver of the vehicle in that robbery after viewing video surveillance around the area of the bank. The suspect in the robbery left Select Bank with an undisclosed amount of cash and communicated that he had left a bomb, Burlington authorities wrote in a news release. The Greensboro Police Department Bomb Squad responded and was able to determine that there was no bomb. On July 25, a search warrant was executed at Browns home by the Burlington Police Department. Authorities in Burlington and Danville worked together to link the suspect to both robberies. Danville Police Department also worked the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Caswell County Sheriffs Office during the investigation. Danville police did not mention Baldwin as being charged, but Burlington officials noted It is likely that the two suspects will face charges from the Danville Police Department. Burlington officials did not detail the exact charges lodged against Brown, who was facing extradition back to Virginia as of Saturday. The Danville Police Department thanks the community for their help and assistance during this investigation, police wrote in Saturdays news release. Danville officials ask anyone with information to contact the Danville Police Department by calling patrol at 434-799-6510 option 4; investigations at 434-799-6508 option 1, and option 1 again; 911; or Crime Stoppers at 434-793-0000. In addition, residents may approach any officer they see, use social media, email crimetips@danvilleva.gov, or use the crime tips app CARE. On the battlefields of Ukraine, the fog of war plagues soldiers. Far from the fighting, a related and just as disorienting miasma afflicts those who seek to understand what's happening in the vast war. Disinformation, misinformation and absent information all cloud civilians understanding. Officials from each side denounce devious plots being prepared by the enemy, which never materialize. They claim victories that cant be confirmed and stay quiet about defeats. None of this is unique to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Any nation at war bends the truth to boost morale on the home front, to rally support from its allies, to try to persuade its detractors to change their stance. But Europes largest land war in decades and the biggest one since the dawn of the digital age is taking place in a superheated information space. And modern communications technology, theoretically a force for improving public knowledge, tends to multiply the confusion because deceptions and falsehoods reach audiences instantly. The Russian government is trying to portray a certain version of reality, but its also being pumped out by the Ukrainian government and advocates for Ukraines cause," said Andrew Weiss, an analyst at the Carnegie Foundation for International Peace. The fog is not a new development Even before the war began, confusion and contradictions were rife. Russia, despite massing tens of thousands of soldiers on the border, claimed it had no intent of invading. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy consistently downplayed the likelihood of war an alarming stance to some Western allies although the defense of Kyiv showed Ukrainian forces were well-prepared for just that eventuality. Within a day of the wars start on Feb. 24, 2022, disinformation spread, notably the Ghost of Kyiv tale of a Ukrainian fighter pilot who shot down six Russian planes. The storys origin is unclear, but it was quickly backed by Ukrainian official accounts before authorities admitted it was a myth. One of the most flagrant cases of disinformation arose in the wars second week, when a maternity hospital in the besieged city of Mariupol was bombed from the air. Images taken by a photographer for The Associated Press, which had the only foreign news team in the city, appalled the world, particularly one of a heavily pregnant woman being carried on a stretcher through the ruins. The brutal attack flew in the face of Russian claims that it was hitting only targets of military value and was avoiding civilian facilities. Russia quickly launched a multipronged and less-than-coherent campaign to tamp down the outrage. Diplomats, including Russias United Nations ambassador, denounced APs reporting and images as outright fakes. It claimed that a patient interviewed after the attack who was standing and appeared uninjured and the woman on the stretcher were the same person and that she had been a crisis actor. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alleged Ukrainian fighters were sheltering in the hospital, making it a legitimate target. A week later, Mariupols main drama theater was destroyed in an airstrike even though the word children was written in Russian in large letters in two spots around the theater to show that civilians were sheltering there. The blast killed as many as 600 people. Russia denied the attack, claiming again that Ukrainian fighters were sheltering inside and that the fighters themselves blew up the building. Russia makes its own claims about its progress The Russian ministry almost daily makes claims of killing dozens or hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers, claims that cannot be confirmed and are widely believed to be inflated. In January, the Defense Ministry bragged that its forces killed as many as 600 Ukrainian soldiers in a missile attack on buildings in the city of Kramatorsk, where the soldiers were temporarily billeted. However, journalists, including an AP reporter who went to the site the next day, found the buildings without serious damage and no sign of any deaths. Russia said the purported attack was in retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a Russian base that killed at least 89, one of the largest known single-incident losses for Russia. Sometimes the fact of shocking destruction cannot be denied, but who caused it is disputed. When a renowned cathedral in Odesa was heavily damaged in July, Ukraine said it was hit by a Russian missile; Russia said it was hit by the remnants of a Ukrainian defense missile. The disastrous collapse in May of the Kakhovka dam, which was under Russian control, brought vehemently competing accounts from Russia which claimed it was hit by Ukrainian missiles and Ukraine, which alleged Russian forces blew it up. An AP analysis found Russia had the means and motive to destroy the dam, which was the only remaining fixed crossing between the Russian- and Ukrainian-held banks of the Dnieper River in the front-line Kherson province. Both sides play at demonizing the other with claims of the others devious plans. Sometimes one alleges the other side is preparing a false flag attack, as when Ukraine claimed Russia planned missile strikes on its ally Belarus to blame Ukraine and to draw Belarus troops into the war. Russia and Ukraine both invoke the specter of nuclear disaster. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu grabbed worldwide attention in October with claims that Ukraine was preparing a dirty bomb a conventional explosive that spreads radioactive material. Zelenskyy in turn has repeatedly warned that Russia has planted explosives to cause a catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which it occupies. Corroborating evidence of either is absent. U.S. bank JPMorgan this week stopped processing payments for the Russian Agricultural Bank, Russia said Friday, as it demanded action from Washington to help Russian grain and fertilizer reach global markets. JPMorgan had handled some Russian grain export payments for the past few months with reassurances from Washington. However, that cooperation stopped this week, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Friday. "The direct channel between the Russian Agricultural Bank and JPMorgan ... was closed on Aug. 2," foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted by Russian media as saying. The United Nations, the U.S. State Department and JPMorgan declined to comment. Moscow had allowed the safe export of Ukraine grain via the Black Sea for the past year under a deal it quit on July 17. Russia has a list of demands it wants met before it will return to the arrangement. Under a related pact, also brokered in July 2022, U.N. officials agreed to help Russian food and fertilizer exports reach global markets. "As soon as this is done, this deal will immediately be renewed," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday. A key Russian demand has been the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT international payments system. It was cut off by the European Union in June 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Zakharova, the foreign ministry spokesperson, said the West and the United Nations "tried to present (payment processing by JPMorgan) as a working alternative to SWIFT." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on Thursday that Washington would continue to do "whatever is necessary" to ensure Russia can freely export food if the Black Sea grain deal was revived. While Russian exports of food and fertilizer are not subject to Western sanctions imposed after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has said restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have hindered shipments. US says Russia has strong exports Top U.S. State Department sanctions official James O'Brien said on Friday that Russia needed to be clear about what it was asking for and what constituted success, suggesting it should be how much food and fertilizer reaches the world. "It has put forth a number of different demands and all of them having to do with various Russian institutions not getting services from the private sector," he told reporters. "We have made clear that we're prepared to help on any of these matters." "Russia is exporting record amounts of grain," O'Brien said. "So if the measurement is food for the globe ... Russia's complaints amount to minor allegations about a system that is working very well." Russia may export at least 55 million metric tons of grain in the 2023/24 marketing season, slightly less than the estimated record-breaking 57 million metric tons in the 2022/23 season, Russia's Grain Union said last month. Ukrainian exports for the 2022/23 season were almost 49 million metric tons, according to Agriculture Ministry data. Nearly 33 million metric tons of that was shipped under the Black Sea deal. Saudi Arabia was set to host talks on Russia's war on Ukraine on Saturday in the latest flexing of its diplomatic muscle, though expectations are mild for what the gathering might achieve. The meeting of national security advisers and other officials in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah underscores Riyadh's "readiness to exert its good offices to contribute to reaching a solution that will result in permanent peace," the official Saudi Press Agency said Friday. Invitations were sent to around 30 countries, Russia not among them, according to diplomats familiar with the preparations. The SPA report said only that "a number of countries" would attend. It follows Ukraine-organized talks in Copenhagen in June that were designed to be informal and did not yield an official statement. Instead, diplomats said the sessions were intended to engage a range of countries in debates about a path towards peace, notably members of the BRICS bloc with Russia that have adopted a more neutral stance on the war in contrast to Western powers. Speaking Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the wide range of countries represented in the Jeddah talks, including developing countries which have been hit hard by the surge in food prices triggered by the war. "This is very important, because on issues such as food security, the fate of millions of people in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world directly depends on how fast the world moves to implement the peace formula," he said. Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter which works closely with Russia on oil policy, has touted its ties to both sides and positioned itself as a possible mediator in the war, now nearly a year and a half old. "In hosting the summit, Saudi Arabia wants to reinforce its bid to become a global middle power with the ability to mediate conflicts while asking us to forget some of its failed strategies and actions of the past, like its Yemen intervention or the murder of Jamal Khashoggi," said Joost Hiltermann, Middle East program director for the International Crisis Group. The 2018 slaying of Khashoggi, a Saudi columnist for The Washington Post, by Saudi agents in Turkey once threatened to isolate Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler. But the energy crisis produced by the Ukraine war elevated Saudi Arabia's global importance, helping to facilitate his rehabilitation. Moving forward Riyadh "wants to be in the company of an India or a Brazil, because only as a club can these middle powers hope to have impact on the world stage," Hiltermann added. "Whether they will be able to agree on all things, such as the Ukraine war, is a big question." 'Balancing' Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, failing in its attempt to take Kyiv but seizing swathes of territory that Western-backed Ukrainian troops are fighting to recapture. Beijing, which says it is a neutral party in the conflict but has been criticized by Western capitals for refusing to condemn Moscow, announced Friday it would participate in the Jeddah talks. "China is willing to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis," said foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. India has also confirmed its attendance in Jeddah, describing the move as in line "with our longstanding position" that "dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward." South Africa said it too will take part. Saudi Arabia has backed U.N. Security Council resolutions denouncing Russia's invasion as well as its unilateral annexation of territory in eastern Ukraine. Yet last year, Washington criticized oil production cuts approved in October, saying they amounted to "aligning with Russia" in the war. In May, the kingdom hosted Zelensky at an Arab summit in Jeddah, where he accused some Arab leaders of turning "a blind eye" to the horrors of Russia's invasion. In sum, Riyadh has adopted a "classic balancing strategy" that could soften Russia's response to this weekend's summit, said Umar Karim, an expert on Saudi politics at the University of Birmingham. "They're working with the Russians on several files, so I guess Russia will deem such an initiative if not totally favorable then not unacceptable as well." Somalia reopened the National Blood Bank Saturday for the first time in more than 30 years, in a significant move to address the shortage of blood supplies and save lives. Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who inaugurated the fresh start for the center in Mogadishu, said its a crucial achievement for his nation, which has been grappling with frequent disasters and violent incidents that require adequate blood supplies. The countrys health minister, Dr. Ali Haji Adam, told VOA the revival of the center signifies a turning point in the country's health care system. "With the reopening of the national blood bank, we can now adequately address the overwhelming demand for blood in emergency situations and enhance the chances of saving precious lives." Adam said. The minister said the center will have the capacity to store hundreds of thousands of blood donations, all made by the public. In the past, when tragic accidents like the Zobe 1 and Zobe 2 explosions occurred in 2017 and in 2022, the public rushed to donate blood, but unfortunately there was no adequate storage facility to store the donated blood. Today that changes, Adam explained. The health minister highlighted the critical impact of the lack of access to safe blood in Somalia, particularly in connection with child mortality. The second cause of maternal death during childbirth is bleeding, but with the reopening of [the] blood bank, mothers will have access to this lifesaving resource," Adam said. Hospitals across Somalia have faced immense challenges in obtaining sufficient blood supplies. Medical officials say they are optimistic that the blood bank will not only serve the immediate needs of people injured in accidents and disasters but will also prove beneficial for anemic children in Somalia. Established in 1976, the national blood bank had not been operating for nearly three decades due to conflicts, leaving the war-torn nation without a reliable source of blood for critical medical emergencies. Texas state police officers separated migrant families along the border with Mexico by detaining fathers on trespassing charges and turning over mothers and children to federal officials, the state Department of Public Safety said Thursday. The separations marked a shift from previous comments by Texas state police leaders who said families should stay together and be referred to federal officers. Amrutha Jindal, chief defender for Operation Lone Star Indigent Defense, told The Associated Press that based on the cases her organization has seen, the number of family separations may be closer to 40 or more. She said exact data do not exist and their estimates are based on cases encountered by their attorneys. Jindal said they have identified separations in Maverick County which encompasses the border town of Eagle Pass over the last month. Jindal said her organization is unclear about how distinctions are being made as to who is part of a family unit. She said attorneys her organization appointed to Operation Lone Star clients noticed the issue when they began hearing concerns from clients who didn't know where their relatives were. "Some were told that they would reunite with their wife and child," Jindal said. "Of course, that didn't happen. They were instead taken to a prison. Others were told they would never see their wife and child again." Arrests of males Travis Considine, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, said in a statement that children have never been separated from their mothers, but "there have been instances in which DPS has arrested male migrants on state charges who were with their family when the alleged crime occurred." Governor Greg Abbott's office referred questions to Department of Public Safety officials, who did not respond to additional requests for comment, including how many families have been separated, when they began and where the detained men were being taken. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that reports of separated families were troubling and should be investigated. "Managing our border in a safe and humane way works best when we all work together to respect the dignity of every human being and keep our communities safe," the department said. Kristin Etter, an attorney with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, told Hearst Newspapers who first reported the separations that she knew of 26 families who had been separated by Texas officials and called the move "nothing short of state-sponsored family separation." Texas RioGrande Legal Aid did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Texas' latest move to secure the border without coordinating with the federal government drew widespread criticism from immigration advocates and some comparisons to Trump-era family separations, though they are markedly different. The Trump administration split thousands of children from all parents who were with them, assigned them to shelters, and struggled mightily to reunite them. According to an April U.S. Customs and Border Protection memo reviewed by The Associated Press, guidance from the Department of Homeland Security to the agency states a goal to "maintain the unity of family groups" to the greatest extent possible. Separate detentions But Jennifer Babaie, director of advocacy and legal services at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Group in El Paso, said that she sees cases of family separation through the federal immigration system almost weekly. She said in many cases, people are told they won't be separated or will see each other soon and then are detained separately, making knowing the whereabouts of the other nearly impossible until they are released from detention or deported. Earlier this year, Texas lawmakers attempted to pass immigration laws, including creation of a state border police force and increases in penalties for trespassing. Those attempts failed but the Republican-controlled legislature allocated more than $5 billion in border security funding and gave federal immigration officers power to make arrests under Texas laws. The new funding followed Abbott's $4 billion border policing operation, known as Operation Lone Star, which since 2021 has included sending Texas police and military officers to patrol the border, adding razor wire fencing on the border and busing migrants to Democrat-led cities. More recently, Abbott installed a 1,000-foot (305-meter) line of wrecking ball-sized buoys in the Rio Grande along the Eagle Pass region, which prompted the Justice Department to sue Texas over removing the floating barrier. On Thursday, two bodies were recovered by Mexican officials along the Rio Grande near the border with Eagle Pass, one of which was found near the floating barrier. Last month, Abbott's border security operations drew criticism from the White House, state lawmakers and immigration advocates following an account by a state trooper of migrants injured by razor wire and denied water by state officers. Two Israelis were arrested on Saturday after a Palestinian teen was shot dead in the occupied West Bank in an attack by Israeli civilians on a local village, Israeli police said. Residents of the Palestinian Burqa village said Israeli settlers entered their village Friday night, threw rocks and set fire to cars. The Palestinian Health Ministry said a 19-year-old died in the incident. A statement from the Israeli military said an initial investigation has found that clashes began when Israelis arrived to herd sheep near the village and Palestinians from the town came to move them away, at which point "verbal confrontations ensued, which were followed by the hurling of rocks by both sides and the firing of fireworks by Palestinians." "During the confrontation, Israeli civilians shot toward the Palestinians," the statement said. "As a result of the confrontation, a Palestinian was killed, four others were injured, and a Palestinian vehicle was found burnt." Washington has expressed concern over growing attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinian villages in the West Bank, where violence has worsened since last year with stepped-up Israeli raids amid Palestinian street attacks on Israelis. The United Nations' human rights office said Friday it has been forced to close its office in Uganda and that it would officially cease operations in the country Saturday. In a statement announcing the closure, Volker Turk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights, said, I regret that our office in Uganda had to close after 18 years, during which we were able to work closely with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, as well as engaging with state institutions for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ugandans. The high commissioners spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani, told VOA the government informed Turk in February that it would not renew the host country agreement that allows the U.N. human rights office to work in the country. In their view, Uganda was at a stage in its ability to manage the human rights situation where the human rights office was no longer needed, she said. We, of course, deeply regret this decision. We have been in the country for 18 years and we have tried to serve as a bridge between the government and civil society. VOA reached out to the Ugandan mission in Geneva but received no comment on why the government decided to oust the U.N. agency from the country. In February, however, the Foreign Affairs Ministry sent a letter to the U.N. human rights office in Kampala explaining that the decision was made because of the governments own commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and the existence of strong national human rights institutions and a vibrant civil society. The ministry said it would continue to cooperate with the high commissioners headquarters either directly or through its permanent mission in Geneva. Shamdasani acknowledged that much progress has been made in Uganda over the years, such as reforms to domestic legislation. With the support of the U.N. office, she said, Uganda in 2021 became the second country in Africa to adopt a national action plan on business and human rights. Nevertheless, she said, many serious human rights challenges remained, citing concerns about the situation ahead of the 2026 elections. We are already seeing concerns emerging about the shrinking of civic space and reports of political interference in the national human rights institution in the leadup to elections, she said. We are worried that there is an increase in the hostile environment for civil society actors, journalists, human rights defenders. We are worried that this climate is not conducive to free and fair elections. Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda with an iron fist for 37 years, reportedly will seek a seventh term in 2026. His son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced in March, though, that he intends to run for the top job, muddying the waters and causing consternation in political and civic circles. Another area of deep concern is the recent passage of Ugandas anti-homosexuality bill, which makes homosexual acts punishable by death. Calling the bill deeply discriminatory, Shamdasani told VOA that it already has had a corrosive effect on all of society. It is encouraging people to almost carry out witch hunts against gays in Uganda, she said. This is an example of a law which is in pure violation of Ugandas international human rights commitments. She said that even before the law was passed, hateful rhetoric was being spread in the media by individuals, high-level government officials and some religious leaders. Even before the passage of the law, Shamdasani said, we were seeing reports of persecution, violence, harassment and intimidation of lesbians and gays in Uganda. While the U.N. human rights office no longer will have a presence, Shamdasani said the high commissioner and his team remain committed to working on human rights in Uganda. The relationship that we have built over 18 years will not be lost overnight, she said. We will do what we can to maintain this relationship. The fact that we are no longer in Uganda does not mean that we will stop monitoring the human rights situation in the country. We will continue to work on monitoring the situation but from a distance, she said. Editor's note: Here is a fast take on what the international community has been up to this past week, as seen from the United Nations perch. Niger military refuses to hand back power West African regional bloc ECOWASs Sunday deadline to return Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum to power is approaching, but there appears to be no movement to get soldiers from the presidential guard to comply. The United Nations continues to carry out humanitarian operations in the country, resuming some aid flights this week. West Africa envoy Leonardo Santos Simao has been to Ghana and Mali and is in touch with ECOWAS. The U.N. says Simao is trying to make the case for the peaceful resolution of the situation and for the restoration to power of the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. West African Military Chiefs Draw Up Intervention Plan as Niger Talks Falter Blinken announces millions to combat food insecurity U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $362 million in new funding on Thursday to tackle drivers of food insecurity and enhance resilience in nearly a dozen African countries and Haiti. He also called out Russia for the consequences of its war in Ukraine on that country and global hunger during a U.N. Security Council meeting he chaired on global food insecurity. Blinken Criticizes Russia for Impact of War on Global Hunger Watch more on the meeting from VOA State Department Correspondent Cindy Saine: Blinken Singles Out Russia for 'Assault' on Global Food Supply Interview: U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield sat down with VOA during a very busy start to Washingtons council presidency. She spoke to VOA on Friday about how Russias invasion of Ukraine and its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative have affected international food security. She also discussed U.S. concerns about the attempted military coup in Niger, relations with China at the U.N. and other priority issues for the United States. US Envoy: Some Americans Leaving Niger, Embassy Remains Open UN science advisers say Australias Great Barrier Reef safe for now United Nations scientific advisers said that Australia has taken positive steps to protect the Great Barrier Reef since a U.N. monitoring mission visited Queensland in March 2022. It won't for now be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site "in danger." However, UNESCO said Monday that the reef remains under "serious threat." It wants Australia to report on progress to enhance the 2,300-kilometer reef's long-term resilience by February 1, 2024. No UN 'In Danger' Listing for Australia's Great Barrier Reef Good news Afghanistan and Pakistan have reported a very small number of polio infections in their region this year, fueling expectations the neighboring countries could be just months away from interrupting the endemic transmission of the crippling virus. A World Health Organization official in the region said the two countries have never been this close to eradicating the virus at the same time. WHO: Afghanistan, Pakistan Close to Eradicating Polio In brief Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Kenyas offer to positively consider leading a multinational police force to help stabilize Haiti. Haitis prime minister appealed to the international community in October to send help, as the island nation is in the grip of gang violence. Kenya said it will formalize its offer once the U.N. Security Council adopts a resolution with a mandate for the non-U.N. force. It plans to send an assessment mission to Haiti in the coming weeks. The U.N. says more than 6 million people in Sudan are now one step away from famine. Across the country, more than 20 million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. This is due to conflict, economic decline and mass displacement. Since violence erupted on April 15 between rival military factions, more than 3 million people have been displaced inside Sudan. The U.N. Refugee Agency says more than 855,000 others have fled to neighboring countries. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said the new 19-year prison sentence imposed on Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny on Friday raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalization of the court system for political purposes in Russia. He said the sentence was based on vague and overly broad charges of extremism during a closed trial and called for his release. Navalny is already serving two other sentences amounting to more than 11 years. The World Health Organization said Monday that smoking rates are falling and lives are being saved as more countries implement policies and controls to curb the global tobacco epidemic. New data show that the adoption of WHOs package of six tobacco control measures in 2008 has protected millions of people from the harmful effects of tobacco use. Without them, WHO says, there would likely be 300 million more smokers in the world today. However, 44 countries with a total population of about 2.3 billion people have not implemented any of WHOs controls on tobacco. The secretary-general created a new Scientific Advisory Board this week to advise U.N. leaders on breakthroughs in science and technology and how to harness their benefits and mitigate potential risks. Guterres said the new board would strengthen the U.N.s role as a reliable source of data and evidence and would advise him and his senior management team. He named seven scientists and scholars to the board. Quote of note We cannot accept the toll this war is taking on Sudans children, their families. We remember the outrage when the Darfur crisis was at its utmost horror. We cannot go back to that situation. So our message to the parties to the conflict is clear: Stop the fighting and commit to a durable cessation of hostilities. UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban to reporters Friday on the situation facing children in Sudan, which has fallen into conflict. Chaiban recently visited the country and the border area with Chad, where many families have fled. He said nearly 14 million children in Sudan need humanitarian assistance. The U.N. childrens agency is appealing for $400 million to sustain its crisis response for the next 100 days. Chinese Police Pressure Uyghurs to Spy on Activists Using Threats Researchers have revealed that China is employing a tactic known as transnational repression (TNR) to pressure Uyghurs living abroad into spying on human rights activists. The Chinese government allegedly uses threats against their families back home to ensure compliance and sets up communication between family members that would otherwise be impossible. One Uyghur refugee in the U.K. shared with the BBC how a Chinese police officer brokered a video call with his mother leaving him torn between being forced to spy on activists or risk harm to his family. The Chinese Embassy in London called the allegations of transnational repression "totally groundless." Uyghur Woman Detained in Xinjiang for Complaint About Son's Prison Sentence Rahile Jalalidin, a Uyghur woman, has been detained in Xinjiang after complaining about her son's 15-year prison sentence for alleged illegal travel to Turkey. Despite warnings, Jalalidin, continued to advocate for fair treatment, which might have led to her arrest, as authorities in Xinjiang have a history of imprisoning Uyghurs for actions deemed threatening to national security. Contrasting Realities in Xinjiang: Economic Growth vs. US Abolition on Forced Labor Last week, Chinese officials said that Xinjiang is experiencing economic growth with a 65% surge in foreign trade and 5.1% rise in GDP. However, this week, the U.S. added more China-based companies to a blacklist due to concerns of Uyghur forced labor. Battery maker Camel Group along with spice and extract company Chenguang Biotech Group were the latest companies to be included on the entity list of the U.S. governments Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). In response, the Chinese foreign ministry said, "The so-called 'forced labor' in Xinjiang is a century-old lie concocted by anti-China forces to smear China." Report: Solar Industry Struggles to Cut Ties with China Amid Uyghur Concerns According to a recent report, the global solar industry is making efforts to reduce reliance on China due to human rights concerns in Xinjiang, where Uyghurs are allegedly coerced into low-wage jobs. However, the report highlights that despite these efforts, most solar panels still have significant exposure to Chinese labor. Major solar manufacturers, predominantly based in China, run the risk of sourcing materials from Xinjiang, casting doubts on the effectiveness of addressing forced labor concerns in the solar industry. In response to the accusations, China denies mistreatment of the Uyghurs and asserts that they have the freedom to choose whether to work or not. Uyghur Artist Turned Journalist Finds Solace in Abstract Paintings Mamatjan Juma, a Uyghur artist and journalist at Radio Free Asia, finds solace in his abstract expressionist paintings as he grapples with the distressing news from his homeland in northwestern China. The oppressive actions of the Chinese Communist Party, particularly the detention of his brothers, according to Juma, drive his determination to be a voice for the voiceless. Juma said that the power of painting lies in its ability to reflect his memories of the Uyghur homeland, capturing his dreams and experiences. For him, art becomes a way to achieve balance and express the beauty and love that can counteract the atrocities he exposes through his work. Elderly Uyghur Dies in Xinjiang Prison Serving Sentence for Religious 'Offenses' A Radio Free Asia investigation reveals that Abdurusul Memet, an elderly Uyghur, died in a Xinjiang prison while serving a nearly 14-year sentence. He was arrested in 2017 for studying the Quran as a child and engaging in other religious activities, including praying and having a beard. The Xinjiang Victims Database reported that he had been sentenced for learning the Quran between November 1964 and March 1965. Chinese police confirmed Memets death to RFA and stated that he died of hypertension. News in brief Uyghur poet Tahir Hamut Izgil shares his journey from persecution to publishing his memoir in Washington. Born in Kashgar during China's Cultural Revolution, he faced challenges, including studying in Beijing during Tiananmen Square protests and being imprisoned amid China's crackdown on Uyghurs. He later sought refuge in the United States. At a book launch event by Penguin Press and Pen America, Izgil presented his latest book, Waiting to Be Arrested at Night: A Uyghur Poet's Memoir of China's Genocide, skillfully translated by Joshua Freeman. The memoir sheds light on the experiences of the Uyghur community and reflects the plight endured amid what the U.S. calls an ongoing genocide in Xinjiang. Izgil's narrative also includes poignant recollections of friend Ilham Tohti's optimistic outlook under Xi Jinping's leadership, later dashed when Tohti was imprisoned. The book is praised as essential reading by Ai Weiwei for its powerful documentation of tragic events in Xinjiang and the Uyghur community's struggles. China, however, repeatedly denies any mistreatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Quote of note "I realized that betraying others for the sake of my family would mean selling out my nation, and I couldn't do that. If that was the price I had to pay, so be it." -- Alim, a Uyghur exile in the U.K. Coup detats unacceptable President Akufo-Addo Donald Ato Dapatem Politics Aug - 05 - 2023 , 08:10 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has described the re-emergence of military coup detats in West Africa as unacceptable and added that it is also shunned by the international community. In that regard, he said Ghana would offer the troubled countries the needed support to return them to democratic governance for more sustainable growth and development opportunities for their citizens. President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the inauguration of a Foreign Service Institute in Accra last Thursday. The institute is expected to provide Ghanaian diplomats with requisite training by experienced retired diplomats, it will also host international students and scholars from other parts of the world. The institute will also prioritise initiatives that promote cultural exchanges such as hosting of international festivals and exhibitions that depicts the country as a showcase of rich cultural heritage. Significance President Akufo-Addo further said the establishment of the institute reflected the recognition of the country as a global peace maker. Our world today is at the brink of a new global order, which hopefully is being shaped by a democratic and cooperative culture underlined by friendly partnership with the potential to contribute to human development, he added. President Akufo-Addo, also, said effort to establish the institute was a fundamental feature of his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2003 and 2007, and had remained so since his assumption of office as President in 2017. He said previously, diplomatic staff had to travel abroad for professional training, including attending the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy, and other institutions. The President, however, said there was the need for drastic expansion of training facilities to institutionalise a strong foundation for diplomatic service as the country positioned itself as the gateway to Africa. He, also, said the government was committed to fostering diplomacy, deepen international relations, and equip diplomats with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing global landscape. Edifice The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, said the government recognised the potential of the youth which, she said, must be nurtured and developed to attain greater heights. She, therefore, said through the institute great men and women would be nurtured for the nation and the international community. The Minister added that the institute would serve as a platform to cultivate the next generation of leaders and change makers. Editor's note: Here is a look at immigration-related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com. Biden Administration Gives Hope to Stateless People in US Karina Ambartsoumian-Clough is a stateless person living in the United States. "I'm from a country that doesn't exist anymore," Ambartsoumian-Clough told VOA. She is one of 218,000 stateless people living in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which on Tuesday said it would clarify what "stateless" means for immigration purposes. Immigration reporter Aline Barros has the story. US to Take Mexican Referrals of Refugees for Possible Resettlement The U.S. government announced last week that it would take referrals of Haitian, Cuban, Venezuelan and Nicaraguan citizens from Mexico for possible resettlement as refugees in the United States. Mexico announced earlier that it would set up a service center offering jobs and resettlement for people from those four countries. It said the center would be on the southern border with Guatemala but did not specify where or when it would open. The Associated Press reports. Pentagon Pulling 1,100 Troops From US-Mexico Border Mission The Pentagon is pulling 1,100 active-duty troops from the U.S.-Mexico border whom it deployed earlier this year as the government prepared for the end of asylum restrictions linked to the pandemic. The Associated Press reports. Body Found in Rio Grande Anti-Migrant Buoys, Mexico Says The Mexican government said Wednesday that a dead body had been found caught in the controversial floating barriers installed by Texas authorities to stop migrants crossing into the United States. U.S. authorities informed Mexico that "they found the body of a lifeless person stuck in the southern part of the buoys" on the Rio Grande, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Agence France-Presse reports. Migrant Crisis Swells in NYC as Asylum-Seekers Camp Outside Hundreds of migrants are outside the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan in New York City. The hotel operates as the migrant processing center for city shelters. But the shelters are full, and migrants are sleeping on sidewalks as they wait for help. For VOA, Evgeny Maslov has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Appeals Court Allows Biden Asylum Restrictions to Stay in Place An appeals court Thursday allowed a rule restricting asylum at the southern U.S. border to stay in place. The decision was a major win for the Biden administration, which had argued that the rule was integral to its efforts to maintain order along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Associated Press reports. 'Mom, Please' Cafe Brings Taste of Ukraine to Los Angeles Since Russia invaded Ukraine, more than 17,000 Ukrainian refugees have moved to the Los Angeles area. Olena Kochetkova fled after a rocket strike killed her husband in their Mariupol bakery. For VOA, Svitlana Prystynska has the story of how one new business has helped other immigrants along the way. VOA in Photos: A Texas guardsman watches as migrants who crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico to the U.S. walk along concertina wire, in Eagle Pass, Texas, July 31. Immigration around the world Rights Group Urges More Sanctions on Sudanese Leaders for Alleged Atrocities A leading human rights group called Friday on the United States and the United Nations to impose further sanctions on the Sudanese individuals "responsible for the atrocities" in Darfur, as evidence of scorched-earth attacks mounts. The Associated Press reports. Syrian Refugees Tell of Hardship in Somalia Syrian refugees in Somalia haven't given up on their dreams to return home, as they struggle as refugees in Somalia. Abdulkadir Zubeyr has more from Mogadishu in this report narrated by Salem Solomon. Sirwan Kajjo contributed to this report produced by Bakhtiyar Zamanov. Rights Group: 385 Pakistani Migrants Freed From Libyan Trafficking Warehouse Security authorities in eastern Libya freed at least 385 Pakistani migrants who were held in trafficking warehouses in an overnight raid, a migrant rights group said Monday. Al-Abreen, a group that helps migrants in Libya, said the Pakistani nationals were released early Monday from smugglers' warehouses in the al-Khueir area, roughly eight kilometers south of the eastern Libyan city of Tobruk. The migrants among them children were later transferred to a nearby police headquarters, it said in a post on its official Facebook page. The Associated Press reports. News in brief The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it has expanded labor visa opportunities. This year, the United States increased the number of available H-2B temporary work visas, which also help fulfill this administrations commitment to expanding access to lawful pathways and to working with our partners throughout the hemisphere to reduce irregular migration." The world's oceans set a temperature record this week, raising concerns about the effects that could have on the planet's climate, marine life and coastal communities. The temperature of the oceans' surface rose to 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 30, according to European Union climate observatory data. The previous record was 20.95 C in March 2016, a spokeswoman for the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service told AFP on Friday. The samples tested excluded polar regions. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which uses a different database, has also recorded a similar trend in recent months. It said the average sea surface temperature record was reached on April 4 this year at 21.06 C, overtaking the previous high of 21.01 C in March 2016. On August 1, average temperatures were 21.03 C, it said. Oceans have absorbed 90% of the excess heat produced by human activity since the dawn of the industrial age, according to scientists. This excess heat continues to accumulate as greenhouse gases, mainly from burning oil, gas and coal, build up in the Earth's atmosphere. Globally, the average ocean temperature has been topping seasonal heat records regularly since April. 'Immediate threat' "The ocean heat wave is an immediate threat to some marine life," said Piers Forster of the International Center for Climate at Britain's University of Leeds. "We are already seeing coral bleaching in Florida as a direct result, and I expect more impacts will surface," Forster said. The overheating of the oceans is predicted to have other effects on marine plant and animal life, including on the migration of certain species and the spread of invasive species. This could threaten fish stocks and thus undermine food security in certain parts of the globe. Warmer oceans are also less capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, reinforcing the vicious cycle of global warming. And higher temperatures are likely to come, since the El Nino phenomenon, which tends to warm waters up, has only just begun. Scientists expect the worst effects of the current El Nino to be felt at the end of 2023 and continue into subsequent years. Like bath water The latest figures follow a string of record highs around the world. Last month, temperatures of 38.3 C as hot as water in a hot tub were recorded off the Florida coast, which could be a world-record high for a point measurement if the figure is confirmed. The surface waters of the North Atlantic rose to a record-high average temperature of 24.9 C last week, according to provisional data from NOAA. The North Atlantic usually reaches its peak temperature in September. Since March, the month when the North Atlantic begins to warm up after winter, temperatures have been higher than in previous years and the gap with past records has continued to widen in recent weeks. The region has become a key point for observing the heating of the world's oceans. In July, the Mediterranean Sea broke its daily heat record, with a median temperature of 28.71 C, according to Spain's leading maritime research center. Marine heat waves have become twice as frequent since 1982, according to a 2019 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. By 2100, they could be 10 times more intense than they were at the beginning of the 20th century if pollutant emissions are not reduced. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale Contribute: Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it. Flag as inappropriate. Mark as helpful or interesting. Send your own user report! Translate Australia perth (285.7 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : In bed sleeping, my bedroom started to shake, sliding door was rattling and when I open my eyes, I panicked and I slapped my husband right on the face and screamed earthquake!!!! | 12 users found this interesting. Sorry but this made me laugh. Thanks / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s Perth (298.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : In a light sleep in bed when my bed started shaking side to side and my wind chimes on my wall started jingling. I woke immediately and just felt my bed rock as if 2-3 people were rocking it violently. | 10 users found this interesting. Rivervale (303.1 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Was in bed on 3rd floor of apartment, started to hear lots of cracking in the room in the structure of the apartment and felt myself moving back and forth slightly on my bed, then noticed clothes hung in wardrobe swaying a little. | 8 users found this interesting. Katanning Australia (28.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : It was like nothing I've ever experienced before . The lounge chair was slightly wobbling and could hear slight rumbling outside | 5 users found this interesting. Bunbury wa (249.6 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : The windows were rattling and I could hear the cups and plates moving. I had just woken up and was laying in bed still. | One user found this interesting. / Weak shaking (MMI III) Gnowangerup, Gnowangerup, Western Australia (30.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 30-60 s : Lying in bed when all he'll broke loose. Shaking and violent rolling of floor | 5 users found this interesting. Albany / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s I slept throught it, although woke my wife.....who fortunately, did not slap me and scream earthquake ???? | 4 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Ellenbrook (312.6 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : I live on the 3rd floor of an apartment building. Was woken to bed shaking and a little movement within the building | 2 users found this interesting. Porongurup (106.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s : Home was visibly shaking and vibrating, pots on the wall were moving, pet metal food bowl moved over tiles | 2 users found this interesting. Boyup Brook, Western Australia (175.9 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Laying in bed. House on stilts. Came suddenly. Thought it was my son getting up in other room, then heard items rattle around the house and movement go rougher. House swayed a little... initial movement was strong for about 4 secs, but could feel light movements for a further 10secs. Birds took off in a panic outside (galahas) | 2 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Ascot, Belmont, Western Australia (303.4 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : It felt like someone had walked into my bed and shoved it and then I heard the building cracking a little bit and something outside banging | 2 users found this interesting. Henley Brook (311.1 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : I was watching tv on the couch when i felt an odd sense of weak shakes that ive never felt before whilst living in Henley brook | 2 users found this interesting. Baldivis 6171 (284.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Bed was shaking and could here the roof creaking | 3 users found this interesting. Tambellup / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / 2-5 s : Heard like a heavy truck rumbling. Doors loudly shaking in frames. Woke a son up. Myself and other son already awake. Noticeable shaking of items in room. Nothing fell. | 2 users found this interesting. Roleystone / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : A magpie woke me up making a lot of noise just as I felt the bed vibrating. Lasted about 10-20 seconds. As soon as it stopped, so did the magpie | 2 users found this interesting. Wellard, Perth WA (283.2 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was in the bathroom when I felt my body moving even though I was sitting still. I then I heard the shower door rattling as if one of my cats were leaning up against scratching or cleaning themself. I turned on the light but neither cat was in there. It was so bizarre my husband was half asleep, I may have woken him to tell him what had happened. | One user found this interesting. Bunbury (236.7 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : Both my husband and I were woken up by our 4 parrots in an absolute panic, calling out in fright and flying around their room crashing into the screen door. Did not hear or feel the quake but it was at this exact same time that our parrots were in a flap. | One user found this interesting. Caversham Western Australia (303.6 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 30-60 s : Everything felt rumbly and wobbly like driving on an old corrugated road - my tv was wobbling back and forth and my clothes hanger was swaying. | One user found this interesting. Perth (307 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Laying in bed heard the building creak & felt shaking on the bed like someone had bumped into it or pushed it | One user found this interesting. Perth (299.6 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging : Lying in bed, bed started shaking - distinct horizontal waves. House creaking (double brick limestone foundation) | One user found this interesting. Kwinana (286 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 minutes : Sitting at my desk, felt a slight wobble/shaky feeling, noticed that my desk plant was swaying, my coffee was moving (the liquid) and the door was swaying | One user found this interesting. Perth western australia (304.5 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Felt on level 8 at the Crown Towers Perth. Building swaying and light fittings swinging | 2 users found this interesting. South Yunderup (269.8 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Woke me up , in bed. I live in a 2 storey house. Birds outside started making noise | 2 users found this interesting. Huntingdale western Australian (288.9 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : In bed, felt the bed shake, looked up and ceiling fan was swinging back and forth | 2 users found this interesting. Perth (305.1 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : The highrise building was swaying and curtains moving | 2 users found this interesting. Bentley (302.4 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : We were on 5th floor and woke up to building shaking | 2 users found this interesting. Cuballing WA 6311 (150.5 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) : Sitting at the kitchen table the whole house shook | 2 users found this interesting. Perth (306.9 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : The entire building shook. | 2 users found this interesting. Kendenup / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Was woken up by bed destinctly & my body rocking side to side along with it approx 5.30am this morning short though frightening intensity, shaking lasted approximately 5 to 10 seconds. | One user found this interesting. Perth (298.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : In a light sleep in bed when my bed started shaking side to side and my wind chimes on my wall started jingling. I woke immediately and just felt my bed rock as if 2-3 people were rocking it violently. BODDINGTON Western Australia (202.3 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / very short : I was in bed and felt the bed rocking left to right. Also, before it happened, the sound of birds woke me up. They were extremely noisy. Share Comment on this story Comment VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. Nicholas Olenik has battled mental health challenges throughout his life. As a sometimes anxious child, it took longer for him to process emotions. Four years ago, the 41-year-old fell into a depression when his brother died from a heart attack. The dark days of the pandemic, and his fathers battle with and later death from cancer in 2021 only made things worse. So last year, after a buddy told him about emus and how they can be a great emotional support companion, Olenik decided to give it a try. Thats right, emus the large flightless birds from Australia that typically stand about 5-foot-7 and weigh more than 100 pounds. Olenik purchased an emu egg locally, watched over it until the chick hatched in December, and bottle fed her as she grew. He and wife Sarah named the chick Nimbus and allowed it to roam freely through the house they share with their teenage daughter and Oleniks aunt in the Kempsville area. While they all watched with delight as Nimbus cuddled with them and their other pets, it was clear her closest bond was with Olenik, whom she followed throughout the house and yard. Advertisement I came back to life because of that emu, Olenik said during an interview at their home. You cant be sad when youre with an emu. Theyre the cutest damned things ever. All that joy came to a halt earlier this year when a neighbor complained to Virginia Beach Animal Control, and Olenik was cited for having livestock in an area not designated for it. In March, a District Court judge found him guilty and ordered him to pay a $50 fine. Because Olenik planned to appeal, the judge held off on ordering him to get rid of Nimbus. Olenik got the news hed been hoping for when Virginia Beach Circuit Judge Kevin Duffan issued a 2-page opinion finding Olenik not guilty of the charge and ruling he can keep his beloved pet at his home. The judge also dismissed the matter with prejudice, meaning the city cant refile the case. Advertisement According to Duffans opinion, the legal definitions of companion animal and livestock and how Nimbus fit into those definitions weighed heavily in his decision. At the new trial, Oleniks attorney, Alexander H. Bell, presented the judge with photos showing Nimbus roaming in Oleniks house and cuddling on the floor with the familys golden retriever, as well as a letter from Oleniks psychologist, confirming the emu was an emotional support animal. Olenik testified Nimbus spent most of her time indoors and wore a harness and leash when she left the property. What is a trial court to do when presented with evidence that an animal clearly defined as livestock is also defined as a companion animal, Duffan wrote in his opinion. The judge noted that while city code prevents livestock from being in areas not designated for it, there are exceptions when the animals are kept as household pets. He also pointed to case law that defined livestock as animals raised for food or fiber. Advertisement The record is clear that Nimbus is treated like family, Duffan wrote. There is no question that the Defendant is not raising Nimbus for food or fiber While it is highly unusual that someone would keep an emu as a pet or as a companion animal while residing in the heart of suburbia, Defendant has shown to the court that it is not impossible. The news, however, came a little too late for Olenik to have a happy ending with Nimbus. Share this article Share As the case kept getting continued in the spring, he said prosecutors would only agree to a another continuance if Nimbus were removed from the home until it was resolved. So he decided to take her to stay with the friend in Tennessee whod told him about emus and also runs an animal rescue and wildlife rehab center. In June, Olenik drove 16 hours there in a minivan with his mother, a friend and Nimbus. Advertisement I cried all the way home, he said. It was so hard. While in Tennessee, Nimbus fell for a male emu on the property, Olenik said. She and her mate seem so happy that Olenik has decided to leave Nimbus there. But he hasnt given up on emus, he said, and plans to get another to add to the familys now extensive collection of birds. After they got Nimbus, Olenik and his wife added six hens, three ducks, and a turkey that all live outside. Emus like watching over other birds, Olenik said, and he wanted to give Nimbus something to do when she was outside. The familys indoor pets include three dogs and two cats. While he enjoys all his pets, Olenik said Nimbus was special, making him smile and laugh all the time. He believes emus can help others like him and wants to get the word out. The court case even spurred Olenik to run for office: Hes now vying as an Independent for Virginias 96th District house seat, facing Democrat incumbent Kelly Convirs-Fowler and Republican challenger Mike Karslake. Advertisement At the bottom of his websites homepage is a photo of Nimbus wearing a red, white and blue hat with the sentence, It all started with an emu. In addition to mental health, Oleniks platform includes supporting military members and veterans, farmers, law enforcement and education. He said he decided to file for office immediately after being found guilty at the lower court level. The judge told me: Mr. Olenik if you dont like these laws you need to go to Richmond and change them yourself. And thats what I plan to do. He knows there are people who probably will laugh at him for having an emotional support emu, and hes even heard other politicians refer to him as the emu guy. But he said it doesnt bother him. It may not be for everyone, but it was for me, Olenik said. I needed that bird and she needed me. She brought me back enough that here I am now running for state delegate. Share Comment on this story Comment The Supreme Court said Thursday that a large swath of eastern Oklahoma remains an American Indian reservation, a decision with potential implications for nearly 2 million residents and one of the most significant victories for tribal rights in years. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The land at issue contains much of Tulsa, the states second-largest city. The question for the court was whether Congress officially eliminated the Muscogee (Creek) Nation reservation when Oklahoma became a state in 1907. In a 5-to-4 decision invoking the countrys long history of mistreating Native Americans, the court said we hold the government to its word and the land Congress promised to the Creek Nation is still Indian land. If Congress wishes to withdraw its promises, it must say so. Unlawful acts, performed long enough and with sufficient vigor, are never enough to amend the law, wrote Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, who was joined by the courts liberal justices. The Post's Robert Barnes explains how Chief Justice John Roberts became the court's newest swing vote, and what his recent rulings mean going forward. (Video: The Washington Post) Advertisement To hold otherwise would be to elevate the most brazen and longstanding injustices over the law, Gorsuch said, both rewarding wrong and failing those in the right. The dissent, led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., warned of significant upheaval in the criminal justice system, and in other areas of government such as taxing and zoning. But state and tribal leaders downplayed those concerns and said they are negotiating an agreement to address jurisdictional issues. Most directly, the ruling means that federal officers, not state authorities, have the power to prosecute tribal members for major crimes committed in the defined area. Less certain is how the decision affects the authority of state and city leaders when it comes to imposing taxes, zoning laws and other regulations. Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter and leaders of five tribal groups issued a joint statement after the ruling indicating they have made substantial progress toward an agreement to submit to Congress and the Justice Department that would put in place a framework of shared jurisdiction. Advertisement We have a shared commitment to maintaining public safety and long-term economic prosperity for the Nations and Oklahoma, according to the statement from Hunter and the Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Seminole nations. Lawmakers in Washington would have to pass legislation, for instance, for state officials to continue prosecuting crimes involving tribal members in the area affected by the Supreme Courts ruling. The case was brought by Jimcy McGirt, a member of the Creek Nation who was convicted in state court of molesting a child. Because the crime occurred on the land in question, McGirt said that state courts had no jurisdiction and that the federal government would have to prosecute. The courts ruling tosses McGirts state conviction and means he must be tried in federal court. Advertisement Oklahoma and the federal government contended that laws passed between 1890 and 1907 gave the state jurisdiction over the land. The state said that there are thousands of similar cases and that a ruling in favor of McGirt would not only throw the criminal-justice system in turmoil but also disrupt taxing powers and other municipal jurisdictions. In his dissent Thursday, Roberts agreed, writing that the states ability to prosecute crimes will be hobbled and decades of past convictions could well be thrown out. On top of that, the Court has profoundly destabilized the governance of eastern Oklahoma. The decision today creates significant uncertainty for the States continuing authority over any area that touches Indian affairs, wrote Roberts, who was joined by Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr., Brett M. Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas. Advertisement The ruling specifically addresses the Creek Nation. But the state said as much as half of its land and roughly 1.8 million residents could end up living within Indian country, abutting Kansas, Arkansas and Texas. Four other tribes have reservations in eastern Oklahoma, all created by treaties during the same time period. But the majority insisted the opinion is a narrow one and that each tribes treaties must be considered on their own terms. Gorsuch pointed out that many defendants prosecuted by the state may still choose to finish their sentences rather than risk proceeding in federal court where penalties are often steeper than in state court. Share this article Share We do not pretend to foretell the future and we proceed well aware of the potential for cost and conflict around jurisdictional boundaries, especially ones that have gone unappreciated for so long, Gorsuch wrote. But it is unclear why pessimism should rule the day. With the passage of time, Oklahoma and its Tribes have proven they can work successfully together as partners. Advertisement Attorneys for the Creek Nation and McGirt recalled the countrys broken promises and poor treatment of Native Americans. In the 1830s, members of the Creek Nation and four other tribal groups were forcibly marched by the U.S. Army from Alabama and Georgia to the land in eastern Oklahoma which they were promised in exchange for leaving. Ian H. Gershengorn, McGirts attorney, said in a statement that the courts ruling reaffirmed that when the United States makes promises, the courts will keep those promises. Congress persuaded the Creek Nation to walk the Trail of Tears with promises of a reservation and the Court today correctly recognized that this reservation endures. Riyaz A. Kanji, the Creek Nations lawyer, said he does not expect the ruling to result in major upheaval because of long-standing cooperation between tribal and state leaders. Advertisement Life is not going to change dramatically within the reservation, but it will allow the Nation to continue exercising governmental authority and engaging in governmental programs that benefit Indians and non-Indians such as health-care services, he said. The court also resolved a second similar case that was argued last term, but not decided until Thursday. In that case, Gorsuch had recused himself because he had participated in it as a judge on the appeals court in Colorado. Apparently deadlocked, the justices took the new case and on Thursday invalidated the state convictions of both McGirt and Patrick Murphy, a Creek Indian convicted and sentenced to death in the murder of a fellow Creek Nation member in 1999. State and tribal leaders said in their joint statement that they are committed to ensuring that Jimcy McGirt, Patrick Murphy, and all other offenders face justice for the crimes for which they are accused. Advertisement In its ruling Thursday, the majority held that only Congress, not the court, has the authority to modify treaty agreements and change reservation boundaries. The opinion is a strong, clear and important statement that limits the courts role in diminishing tribal rights, said Sarah Krakoff, a professor of American Indian law at the University of Colorados law school. The decision, she said, reflects the better aspects of what is otherwise an incredibly fraught and negative history for tribes in this country. The cases are McGirt v. Oklahoma and Sharp v. Murphy. Robert Barnes contributed to this report. The decision by the two Gulf nations came after days of fighting in the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon between members of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah group and militants of Islamic groups. BEIRUT Bahrain called on its citizens Saturday to leave Lebanon for their own safety hours after Saudi Arabia did the same without giving a reason. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russias war in Ukraine. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russias war in Ukraine. The four days of fighting in Ein el-Hilweh camp near the southern port city of Sidon has left 13 people dead and dozens wounded. Bahrains Foreign Ministry said Bahrainis should abide by the governments previous decisions to avoid travel to Lebanon. The Saudi embassy in Beirut posted a statement late Friday night on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling on its citizens to avoid going to areas where there are armed conflicts and also to leave Lebanon quickly. Share Comment on this story Comment SEOUL, South Korea South Korea is plowing ahead with the World Scout Jamboree, rejecting a call by the world scouting body to cut the event short as a punishing heat wave caused thousands of British scouts to begin leaving the coastal campsite Saturday. American scouts are expected to leave over the weekend. Hundreds of participants have been treated for heat-related ailments since the jamboree began Wednesday at the coastal site in Buan as South Korea grapples with one of its hottest summers in years. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said during a news conference that South Korea is determined to continue the event as planned through Aug. 12. He promised additional safety measures including more medical staff, air-conditioned vehicles and structures that provide shade. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol promised an unlimited supply of air-conditioned buses and refrigerator trucks to provide chilled water. Advertisement Around 700 additional workers will be deployed to help maintain bathrooms and showers, which some participants have described as filthy or unkempt. There also will be more cultural activities involving travel to other regions so scouts arent entirely stuck at a venue with heat problems, officials said. About 40,000 scouts from 158 countries, mostly teenagers, are at the jamboree campsite built on land reclaimed from the sea. Long before the events start, critics raised concerns about bringing that many young people to a vast, treeless area lacking protection from the summer heat. Han insisted organizers made significant improvements to address the extreme heat and said the decision to continue was supported by representatives of national scout contingents who met Saturday. Han stressed how the country was pouring national resources into the event, including dozens of government vehicles providing cooling systems, shade structures procured from military bases and teams of nurses and doctors from major hospitals. Advertisement We will continue to try until the participants are fully satisfied, Han said. Share this article Share The World Organization of the Scout Movement previously asked South Korean organizers to consider ending the event early. Organizers need to provide assurances there will be additional resources going forward to address issues caused by the heat wave, the organization said in a statement. We continue to call on the host and the Korean government to honor their commitments to mobilize additional financial and human resources, and to make the health and safety of the participants their top priority, the statement said. The U.K. Scout Association announced it was pulling out more than 4,000 British scouts and moving them to hotels. Hundreds of U.S. scouts will also depart the site on Sunday and relocate to a U.S. military base near the capital, Seoul. An email from the U.S. contingent said leaving was necessary because of the extreme weather and resulting conditions. Advertisement The United States has about 1,100 people in their contingent. While U.S. scouts and their adult leaders will leave the site, most American staff members helping with the jamborees operations have chosen to remain, according to Mark Beese, co-head of communications at the World Organization of the Scout Movement. The South Korean organizers said dozens of scouts from Singapore have also decided to leave. Some scouts and family members expressed disappointment. Raymond Wong, a San Francisco Bay Area engineer whose sons are attending, said participants should be able to choose if they leave. They are doing just fine and having a lot of fun. They are very upset about the news, Wong said of his sons, ages 14 and 16. South Korea this week raised its hot weather warning to the highest level for the first time in four years, with temperatures around the country hovering between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius (95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday. At least 19 people have died from heat-related illnesses since May 20, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety reported. Advertisement The government said 138 jamboree participants received treatment for heat-related illnesses Thursday. At least 108 participants were treated for similar ailments following Wednesdays opening ceremony. Choi Chang-haeng, secretary-general of the jamborees organizing committee, insisted the event is safe enough to continue. He linked the large number of patients Wednesday to a K-pop performance during the opening ceremony, which he said left many teens exhausted after actively releasing their energy. Mark Margolis, the prolific actor whose simmering air of menace as the fearsome former drug lord Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad transformed the innocent ding of a bellhop bell into a harbinger of doom, died Thursday in New York. He was 83. His death, at Mount Sinai Hospital following a brief illness, was confirmed in a statement on Friday by his son, Morgan Margolis. Mark Margolis had lived in the same apartment in Manhattans TriBeCa neighborhood since 1975. Tio Salamanca, (Mark Margolis), in a wheelchair, with Marco Salamanca (Daniel Moncada), left, and Marco Salamanca (Luis Moncada) in the third season of Breaking Bad. Credit: AP In a long career, he had more than 160 credits in movies and on television, gaining notice early on with memorable roles in Brian De Palmas Scarface (1983) and the Jim Carrey comedy Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994). He also became a go-to actor for director Darren Aronofsky, appearing in his films (or Pi) in 1998, Requiem for a Dream (2000), The Fountain (2006), The Wrestler (2008), Black Swan (2010) and Noah (2014). Advertisement Review Eating outHaberfield This egg-yolk yellow cafe and its Happiest Meal is a sunny way to start to the day Callan Boys August 4, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share This story is part of the August 5 Edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . 1 / 6 Inside the ridiculously popular Happyfield cafe in Haberfield. Jennifer Soo 2 / 6 The Happiest Meal comprises two hash browns, a McLovin Muffin with egg, cheese and chicken sausage, and three pancakes. Jennifer Soo 3 / 6 Italian beef sandwich. Jennifer Soo 4 / 6 Inside the cheerful cafe. Jennifer Soo 5 / 6 Old Bay grilled cheese with Niks tomato soup. Jennifer Soo 6 / 6 Wedge salad. Jennifer Soo Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score Cafe$$$ Im certain that Sydneysiders have lined up at Happyfield more than at any other cafe or restaurant this year. The queue for ramen can be longer at North Strathfields Kosuke, and the midday rush at Malay-Chinese Noodle Bar in Circular Quay is reasonably mad, but for perpetual customer turnover across breakfast and lunch, Happyfield leaves all other joints that dont take bookings for dead. This naturally begs the question, why? The Haberfield cafe opened in late 2020 and specialises in pancakes, eggs, hash browns and sausage-filled muffins. That sounds an awful lot like a McDonalds breakfast, you might say, which is exactly the point. The Golden Arches has spent half a century fine-tuning North American diner classics to provide the best crowd-pleasing breakfast of all the fast-food giants. Elevating that menu with better produce and technique is hardly a new chef trick, but Ive rarely seen it done with so much polish. Of course Happyfield is ridiculously popular! Advertisement Go-to dish: The Happiest Meal comprises two hash browns, a McLovin Muffin with egg, cheese and chicken sausage, and three pancakes. Jennifer Soo The Happiest Meal, especially, is a humdinger for all ages. Thirty-five dollars buys you a silver tray sporting two outrageously crunchy hash browns, a McLovin Muffin overflowing with velvety folded egg, yellow cheese and chicken sausage, and three pancakes of maximum sponginess ready to absorb as much butter and maple syrup as you want to throw at them. Did you ever see those towering piles of pancakes in the John Candy film Uncle Buck and think, Gee, I wish I could order a stack like that in Australia? Well, at Happyfield you can: up to 15 of the oversized pikelets for $5 each. You could also add a few strips of precision-grilled Canadian bacon ($5.50) at this point, but I often find this is a step too far. Start the day with bacon, butter and maple syrup, and where can you go? Foie gras for lunch and a schooner of caviar for dinner? That sounds an awful lot like a McDonalds breakfast, you might say, which is exactly the point. Advertisement Mercifully, you can avoid the queue for all this by giving your phone number to co-owner Chris Theodosi on the door, wholl call when your table is ready. Maybe 20 minutes, maybe an hour, but always enough time to pick up the weeks salami and pasta from delicatessen-lined Ramsay Street. Most soon-to-be customers choose to huddle near the entrance regardless, and weekend mornings are a broad congregation of dads in trucker caps, mums in all-day sweatpants and young couples just keen for a reliable brunch. A quick survey of tables tells me that eggs your way on toast ($13) is a popular order bolstered by $5.50 sides, such as dukkah-spangled avocado and house-cured salmon. Old Bay grilled cheese with a cup of tomato soup. Jennifer Soo After the pancakes, Im most drawn to the soup and sandwich ($23): a classic American combination of salty-sweet tomato soup and toasted cheese rarely seen in Sydney. Owner-chef Jesse Orleans loads his toasted sanger with smoked scamorza, cheddar, mozzarella and Old Bay-spiced bechamel; its most definitely cheesy, but not to the point where your nose starts sweating and you need to worry about weird dreams. Advertisement Theres also a cheeseburger ($25) fat with miso-glazed onions and two smashed patties dripping meat juices and 1950s nostalgia. Love it. A heavy prawn katsu sandwich ($23) is punched up with fermented yuzu aioli on a squishy potato roll. Full marks; would order again. Fried egg-topped sirloin ($34) is cooked well beyond medium-rare as requested, but my negroni is a competitive $16. You win some, you lose some. Wedge salad. Jennifer Soo Orleans was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, which means he also knows his way around that steakhouse staple, the wedge salad ($21). Cold, crisp iceberg is doused in bacon fat and apple cider vinaigrette thats so delicious and silky it feels indecent. Radishes, green beans and baby cucumbers provide extra crunch, and the whole shebang might be good for you if it werent for the big lug of ranch dressing. In early July, Theodosi and Orleans increased Happyfields capacity by 50 per cent after taking over the site next door. The new dining room is decked out in the same banquettes, exposed brick and egg yolk-yellow paint job as the rest of the place. Advertisement Theoretically, more space should mean shorter wait times, but I sense the brunch spot is set to become even busier. The branding is slick, word-of-mouth is strong, and the staff are warm and engaged and know how to make everybody feel like somebody. On one visit, a syrup-drenched pancake stack is placed in front of a boy celebrating his fifth birthday and a whole-room sing-a-long of Happy Birthday ensues. You dont get that at McDonalds every day; heck, I dont think Ive seen it at another Sydney cafe. The low-down Vibe: American diner meets Australian cafe Go-to dish: The Happiest Meal ($35) Drinks: First-rate coffee from flat whites to batch brews, plus juices and well-priced cocktails Cost: About $60 for two, excluding drinks This review was originally published in Good Weekend magazine The August 5 Edition The clean athletes facing anti-doping hell | The cat video star inspiring beer brands and helping science | Hed discovered his biological mum was a nun then came the name of the father | Scientist David Suzuki, 87, on what matters most | The bestselling author, her assistant and the manuscript that came from left field In those days, the influence of the Catholic Church was everywhere to be seen, at least in the world I lived in: crusty clerics were forever pontificating about how we should live our lives, sour-faced old men defending the status quo. And Jenny, of course, was a senior agent of the Church, a position that gave her a tangible moral authority. The unmistakable message from Jenny was to let sleeping dogs lie. The unsaid instruction was to bury my emotions. I had no inkling of it at the time, but I later discovered I was being treated very differently from everyone else. Jenny and I discussed my desire for contact for some time; reluctantly, she concluded, Well, all right if thats your wish the best way forward is to have me make contact on your behalf. I felt I had no choice, that this was my only option. I wasnt told if my mother held me after I was born. I wasnt told how much I weighed or what time I was born. I didnt learn how long Maggies labour was or if mine was an arduous birth. Closed adoptions were shrouded in layers of secrets. I knew many adoptees received at least some of these answers in meetings like these. And my birth father? There was an empty box on the form that should have contained his name. The counsellor, an abrupt woman named Jenny Abbott*, told me it was common for the fathers name to be missing from birth records. And there was more: Maggie had actually named me. Paul Becker. A solitary bon voyage gift. Learning this name, Paul Becker, was the beginning of a second identity that I would pursue for the next 30 years. The certificate showed that Maggie had been born in South Australia and was 27 when she gave birth. That made her much older than most mothers whod put their children up for adoption. After brief introductions, the counsellor unceremoniously handed me my original birth certificate. As my hands shook with adrenaline, I could only focus on two unfamiliar words printed on the certificate. I slowly scanned each letter: M a g g i e B e c k e r. I learnt my birth mothers name close to 30 years after the severing of our umbilical cord. In 1990, I was sitting in the office of a counsellor from the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau in Melbourne. It was cold in the room. A box of tissues had been placed on the table next to where I sat. Intentionally or not, Jennys disapproving tone and expression made me feel like what I wanted contact with my mother was selfish. My mind accelerated into overdrive. I knew she might have been left high and dry by my father, and that a black hole of guilt was likely to have accompanied the decision to relinquish me. Assuming she was a believer, the Church would have added its own layer of existential angst to the storm hell and damnation awaited the mothers of the illegitimate. After several weeks, Jenny called and asked me to meet her again. But the moment I entered her office and noted her demeanour unnervingly grim I knew the news wasnt going to be good. Without fanfare, Jenny announced that shed spoken with my mother. My heart skipped shes alive! I was told my request for contact was stressful for Maggie. Shed spent her entire life believing communication with me would never occur. I left Jennys office and returned home to brood. At night, before drifting off to sleep, I would fabricate fabulous fantasies of family reunions with my forebears, wonky-eyed like me. And sometimes, well before the dawn, I woke with stomach-churning nightmares of rejection. Despite Jennys urging, I told her I wanted her to call this Maggie Becker straight away and tell her that her son wanted to talk. I had so many questions, too: do I have brothers and sisters? Who is my father? What were the circumstances of my birth? Why couldnt she keep me? I couldnt gather my thoughts. How could I be rejected a second time? Jennys next instruction scythed into my core: You need to go home and forget about Maggie Becker forever. The words pinged in my head. She cant ever. No contact. Maggie is a very intelligent, determined and devout woman, Jenny continued. Its not that she doesnt love you in fact, she prays for you every day Brendan, she has told me she cant ever meet you. There will be no contact. Over the next six months, Brendan sent two letters to Maggie, which met with no response, and a third to a different address in a beachside suburb of Sydney. I wrestled with my conscience, though. What right did I have to stick my nose in when the almighty Catholic Family Welfare Bureau had warned me to stay away? Id been driven by a certainty that knowing my ancestry would make me whole, and I just couldnt let go of the idea of meeting my birth mother. I decided to make contact. I knew it could go horribly wrong, but she hadnt shared a single thing, not even basic health information. It was unjust; we knew everything about our cocker spaniels pedigree, but nothing about mine. Over the coming days, Kate and I pondered possible explanations. Maybe Maggie was married and her husband didnt know about me? Or was there a traumatic secret she was protecting me from? But if that was the case, what was it? Maybe I was the result of rape or incest. Is there anything worse? Whatever the truth, it now seemed that I was shame personified. My appetite vanished; I slept poorly. Like a dog hit by a car, I lay low. Months passed. My brain became white noise. Discarded, I trudged home to my girlfriend Kate, unaware that a match had been struck, igniting an anxiety that would smoulder within me for decades. Jigsaws advice was to have a less emotionally invested person make first contact, so I asked Kate to make the call. We agreed that we had little choice but to fabricate a story. Kate would say she was an old friend of Maggie Beckers from Sydney whod lost contact and was trying to get back in touch. The next day, during her lunch break at work, Kate called my birth uncles home number and asked his wife for help. After stewing over matters for weeks, I decided I wasnt compelled to follow Jennys orders. With the help of adoption search agency Jigsaw, I established that Maggie was from a large family in Port Augusta in South Australia. Some of her brothers and sisters were alive and had children of their own. A brother, Barry, ran a building business in South Australia. I called Jenny Abbott, but her response was icy. She advised that there was no further information she could give me and firmly instructed me to curb my enthusiasm. (Many years later, a church insider told me that the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau saw its role at the time as protecting relinquishing mothers from their surrendered children.) While it wasnt the response I wanted, at least I had Maggies letter. This was the closest Id been to someone who shared my DNA. It was evidence that I had ancestors, and they were within reach. Maggie said that she and I would never have a face-to-face meeting. This was not a rejection, she added, but a result of the secret she and I shared. She said she loved me. But she still wanted nothing to do with me. Maggies letter was to the point. She said she was happy to hear that I was well-adjusted and healthy, and she acknowledged that, while stressful for her, I had a right to some information about the circumstances of my birth. Maggie told me she had been in a serious relationship with a man in Sydney but then had been abandoned by him when she became pregnant. To avoid the judgment of society, she had come to Melbourne to have me by herself and then put me up for adoption, because she thought it would be for the best. She still believed that shed done the right thing, but asked my forgiveness for any hurt that decision may have caused me. Two weeks later, I received an envelope with M. Becker written on the back in a tight and efficient script. I tore it open and saw a full page of my birth mothers handwriting for the first time. Maggie had a steady hand, with understated flourishes. I took a deep breath and sat down to read. Yes, of course, Barrys wife replied. You mean Maggie the nun? As soon as she hung up, Kate rang me at work. Are you sitting down? My stomach dropped, blood pulsing in my ears. I still have the studio notepad page where Id written Barrys home phone number, Maggies name, and in large, bold letters: NUN!!! Christ, I thought. My mother is a nun. Maggies second rejection instantly became easier to comprehend. How could a nun ever tell anyone that shed surrendered a child? A pregnant nun! It sounded like something from The Dave Allen Show. In the world I was brought up in, nuns were revered. They were also virgins. I wrote again and enclosed a photo of Kate and me: maybe shed see something of herself in me. What about my father? Id love to know more about him Love, Brendan. There was no reply. It was clear I was an object of some industrial-strength shame. It appeared that my mothers sole priority was to protect her reputation. But what about me? In the world I was brought up in, nuns were revered. They were also virgins. Id hoped that by now Id be impervious to these repeated disappointments, but it wasnt any easier this time. The struggle for an adoptee is to convince yourself of the paradoxical notion that your parents loved you so much that they gave you away. To mourn in public is to be ungrateful; the only place for grief is within. I marinated in angst for too long, and months passed as I struggled to accept that the hunt was over. But I just couldnt get past it. Over the next 25 years, Brendan and Kate tried to track down his father. In 2018, with the help of ancestry.com and after a painstaking slicing and dicing of family trees, they established that he was linked to a large, Sydney-based family called Shiel; further research narrowed the field of possible fathers to four. Kate then used electoral roll data to discover several overlapping addresses for Maggie Becker and one of these men: Vincent Bede Shiel. A phone conversation with a DNA-matched cousin confirmed that Maggie and Shiel had known each other for decades and had even lived together for several years: she was his housekeeper. Vincent Shiel immediately became their number one person of interest. Brendan with his girlfriend Kate, who made many phone calls in an attempt to discover his birth mothers whereabouts. Credit: Courtesy of the Shiel, Meaney & Watkins families On July 16, 2018, Kate called Maggie, who was now 84 and living in Brisbane, and explained how Id submitted my DNA and what wed found. She went through the convoluted steps that led us to believe that a man we now knew shed been close to for decades was, in fact, my birth father. But was it likely? That man had been 30 years older than her. And he had also been a Catholic priest. As Kate talked, Maggie did not utter a word. Proceeding with care, Kate stepped through lists of the Shiel family relatives with whom wed just learnt Maggie had shared decades of her life. Maggie, Brendan is a Shiel. The DNA is irrefutable. We just need to know which Shiel. Please, Maggie, we believe that Father Vincent Shiel is Brendans father. Sitting next to Kate on our kitchen bench, I remained silent, leaning in, trying to make out the response down the line from Brisbane. How could she deny the identity of my father now? Maggie umm-ed and ahh-ed, rolled the question around like a riddle: Noooo No, I dont think Father Vincent could be Brendans father. Kate left a long pause. My mother didnt fill it. I understand this is hard to talk about but please, Brendan is owed the truth. Id prefer to not contact the other three mens families, Kate pleaded. Maggie evaded again. They went round in circles, but as there was no progress the call was wound up. At work the next morning, Kate answered her mobile, and my mother finally made her confession. Kate called me at work to relay the long-awaited truth; my journal notes record Maggies response. Yes, Father Vincent Shiel is Brendans father. Yes, he was a priest. A good man but long dead. The lifting of this weight is an enormous relief for me, although I am anxious Brendan will think poorly of me and be angry but more than anything I feel so much better that this troubling secret is finally out. Im sorry for lying to Brendan over all of these years. Maggie had revealed that Vincent, who had died in April 1993, aged 91, was a kind and decent man, though he was older than me. Shed known him since she was a teenager, and their friendship had endured until the day he died. She shared some surprising details. He went to university and had been an architect before becoming a priest late in life. He designed and oversaw the building of a number of churches in the outback. Hed travelled the world. She described him as a great dancer a charmer. When shed discovered the pregnancy, Father Vincent arranged for Maggie to travel to Melbourne and stay with a Catholic family in the months before my birth and adoption. He made her promise to keep me a secret forever: You must tell no one. Maggie had stressed that the truth must remain a secret between the three of us. She reiterated that she had been raised in poverty, her family had rarely shown kindness or love, and without saying it, she was asking for mercy. The next morning, my mother finally made her confession I am anxious Brendan will think poorly of me. Once my father was found, Id thought Id feel somehow complete, but it was a shuddering anticlimax. I wanted to quit my job and lie low for several weeks or months. The knowledge that my birth parents were a couple [Maggie had gone to live with Vincent after she left the convent in the 1980s until his death] and yet still chose to shun me to preserve their holy reputations was such a gut-punch. They were the worst kind of frauds: religious hypocrites. From that day on, I claimed ownership of my story. I would be my own narrator. I was 57 years old and, for the first time in my life, I knew for certain who both of my birth parents were. I exhaled as though Id been holding my breath for years. Nobody knows the precise number of children of priests, but surveys have suggested that about half of all Catholic priests have had sexual relationships, mostly with adults, and there are currently about 400,000 Catholic priests globally. The most extensive empirical research into priestly celibacy is a longitudinal study of 1500 Catholic priests conducted over 25 years by ex-priest Richard Sipe. His startling conclusion was that less than half of Catholic priests in the United States attempt celibacy. Given these statistics and the Catholic view on clerical celibacy, contraception and abortion, its reasonable to conclude that many thousands of children have been born and mostly abandoned by their priest fathers. A UN Rights of the Child report from 2014 noted that the mothers may obtain a plan for regular payment from the Church until the child is financially independent only if they sign a confidentiality agreement not to disclose any information about the childs father or the plan. Michael Rezendes, the Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist from The Boston Globes Spotlight team (renowned for exposing systemic child sex abuse by Catholic priests), calls the children of priests an invisible legion of secrecy and neglect. A National Catholic Reporter article on August 21, 2017, stated that Depression, suicidal thoughts, excessive drinking and ritual cutting habits have all been a part of the residue of being the child of a priest and that many of these children struggle with lifelong familial secrecy, suffer a crisis of identity and faith, and have often been brought up in financially deprived situations. Loading My research made for awful reading. I already knew that the Catholic Churchs standard response to reports of priest child abuse had been to move the priest to a new parish; it seemed its response to a priest fathering a child was the same. What followed was permanent estrangement of child and father. The fate of the mother often seemed to be considered not worth reporting. She was left holding both the infant and the secret of paternity. While some women had abortions (sometimes at the priests behest), most appear to have surrendered their child for adoption or placement in a foster home. The paternity of children who did remain with their mothers was always shrouded in lies and half-truths. Overwhelmingly, the mothers blamed themselves. Religion, sexual taboo and the authority of the priest insidiously shifted the guilt onto the woman. What was painfully obvious was that most children of priests had battled a diverse range of silencing behaviours from the Church, their birth mothers, Catholic adoption agencies and often, by association, their wider communities. David Weber, the founder of the Frankfurt-based organisation Human Rights for Children of Priests, explained in an article in Luomo Vogue, Orphans of God, how the church views priests children as a threat to its authority, and therefore nothing less than an enemy. Hence, he says, the need to conceal the fathers true identity at all costs, severing, when possible, his ties with the child and parents a crime. Weber adds: Highly problematic, also, is having to deal with a mother who lies about your fathers identity or, even worse, asks you not to reveal it to anyone an inhuman pressure that shapes a whole life. Not surprisingly, many of the priests children I know have developed chronic diseases, often of psychosomatic origin. Even as adults, the sense of fear is so ingrained in them that they often hide being a child of a priest even to their closest friends. Through research and social media communities I was also led to other children of priests. In one-on-one conversations, I was honoured to be told many painful secrets by complete strangers, sometimes secrets never shared with their own families. In turn, I shared my own intimate secrets talking lightened the load. Betty and Roy Watkins, Brendans adoptive parents. I was saved by the kindness of strangers, he says. Credit: Courtesy of the Shiel, Meaney & Watkins families I was surprised to learn only a few had been adopted, like me. Some had been raised in orphanages or foster care. A number had been raised by their birth mother, usually without a father-figure. For those, often it was a DNA test that revealed that their priest uncle, guardian or godfather (who sometimes visited) was, in fact, their father. Some had been raised by grandparents and told that they were the parents of the child. In one instance, the child had lived their whole life believing that their mother was their elder sister. More than one had been baptised by their priest father, usually only discovering the truth after his death. Some had ended up in the Catholic foster system, or orphanages, where they were raped by clergy. Most, like me, had never met their father. One had been offered cash to keep the mans identity secret. The common denominator was deception. Virtually everyone had lived much, or most, of their lives in the shadow of lies told by parents, family, church and community. These lies in some instances were also told by legal practitioners, hospital staff and adoption agencies. I discovered that the knee-jerk inclination of the children of priests on learning the truth was to hide it. Shame is sticky. Shame is contagious, and if you are the embodiment of your mothers greatest shame you must be hidden. If you are the result of rape, incest or a relationship with a priest, you are the secret. This is ancestral trauma. Loading Maggies scenario was typical. When I was conceived, she was 27 and my father 57. She was poor, uneducated and had been a member of Vins congregation. In her eyes, my father was literally the hands of God. I began an ongoing dialogue with Queensland academic Dr Stephen de Weger, a specialist in clergy sexual misconduct against adults. His research confirmed much of what I was piecing together from the anecdotal, that priests took advantage of both vulnerable adult women and men. He found that those who became involved with a priest were often dealing with a marital or wider family crisis, or were seeking spiritual or emotional guidance. Some were disabled, others bereaved, isolated, unwell or poor. This insidious nexus of the spiritual and sexual, whereby a priest uses his religious authority as a grooming strategy, goes to the heart of the issue. Power imbalances and the vulnerability of the woman are disturbingly common within these scenarios. Though my own faith had long lapsed, I realised that I still behaved like a member of the Church that formed me. Taught by experts, Id evaded making public the truth about who I really was. Years of my life had been interrupted as I searched for answers. Trauma is a thief of time. There is also the often unacknowledged opportunity cost of life prospects not pursued. That is a price Maggie and I have both paid, my mother by far the most dearly. But in the final reckoning, my story is one of love. I was saved by the kindness of strangers. While the largest religious institutions in the world, professing compassion and charity to all, callously annulled my heritage, it was Roy and Bet Watkins, my adoptive parents, people with whom I shared not a drop of blood, who rescued me. * Name has been changed. This is an edited extract from Tell No One: A Memoir, by Brendan Watkins (Allen & Unwin; $35), out August 8. To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times. Is there a better country to be in during the months of June and July than my homeland? Glastonbury. Wimbledon. The Boss in Hyde Park. Blur at Wembley. King Charles making his debut, on horseback no less, in the Trooping of the Colour. Even May Week is in June, as the great Clive James once reminded us, with joyous graduation ceremonies held not just in Cambridge, his ridiculously beautiful alma mater, but across the land. This year, we also had the added frisson of an Ashes series, made all the more thrilling when brawny Bazball gave way to brainy Bazball the style of play pioneered by England, which in the second half of the series combined devastating hitting with greater circumspection about which balls to hit. Britains most famous tea-towel epigram is in danger of becoming a looping incantation. Credit: Bloomberg Britain was having a blockbuster summer long before Barbenheimer crashed the party. With a glass of rose in hand, or better still a pint of room-temperature best bitter, the UK in midsummer can seem not just idyllic but Edenic. However, this has also been a summer of British discontent, partially shrouded from view on international front pages by the smoke from the wildfires of southern Europe and the protest flames on the streets of France. With wage rises outstripped by stubbornly high inflation, the UK has witnessed its second summer of strikes a continuation of the most widespread industrial action since the late-1980s. In recent days, train drivers have brought much of the rail network to a halt. Doctors, junior and senior, have downed stethoscopes. University lecturers have refused to mark end-of-year exams. In fact, Navalny and the Anti-Corruption Foundation that served as the umbrella organisation for his activities, mainly focused on investigating vast public corruption in Russia and on demanding free, democratic elections. The Kremlin has effectively crushed Navalny, who is recognised as a political prisoner by Amnesty International, and his supporters. In June 2021, Russian authorities banned three Navalny-linked organisations, including the Anti-Corruption Foundation and his political network, branding them as extremist in a move strongly condemned by Amnesty International and other global human rights organisations. Servicemen of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardia) gather at Red Square to prevent a protest rally in Moscow after Alexei Navalnys arrest in 2021. Credit: AP In Navalnys trial on extremism charges, Russias highly politicised justice system reached a new low a closed trial in a prison inaccessible to the public. His 19-year sentence was in stark contrast to the court systems treatment of Eduard Bitarov, a soldier who fatally stabbed his wife 16 times, was convicted of the killing but then freed last month by a military court in Rostov-on-Don because he fought in the war against Ukraine. The trial was held in an unidentified room in Penal Colony Number 6 in the Vladimir region. News media and even Navalnys parents were barred from attending, except for 86 minutes on the first day when they were not allowed in the courtroom but watched a video link with barely intelligible sound. A similar video link with poor quality was used for the sentencing on Friday. Omon riot police arrest Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny in St Petersburg in 2012. The activist and opposition leader has spent a decade in and out of policy custody on charges the West sees as trumped up. Credit: AP At the start of the extremism case, the prosecutor, Nadezhda Tikhonova, demanded that the trial be closed, claiming there was a security threat, although it was not made clear what the threat was. Then the video screen abruptly went blank, and court officials later announced that the judge had closed the hearing. Navalny survived a poisoning attack in August 2020 carried out, according to the US State Department, by Russian security agents. In March, Navalny a film about how he and his team unmasked the Russian operatives responsible for the poisoning, won the Oscar for best documentary feature. After recovering at a hospital in Germany, Navalny in January 2021 returned to Moscow, where he was imprisoned for more than two years on alleged probation violations. Last year, he was convicted of fraud charges and sentenced to an additional nine years. Navalny has denied all wrongdoing, describing the charges as political. The European Court of Human Rights also found that he was wrongfully prosecuted. In his final statement to the court during his most recent trial, Navalny said all Russians knew that a person facing a court was completely defenseless, without hope of justice. He described a Kafkaesque scene with 18 people in the court, including the judge, prosecutor, his lawyers and seven guards with their faces covered in black masks. The speech was released by his team. The chairwoman of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, Maria Pevchikh, said on YouTube after the verdict that her team had in its possession the 50,000-page secret trial documents in the case against him, where there was no evidence of any crime. They didnt even try to compile a real case, she said, displaying pages that included a photo of snowmen holding anti-Putin placards, an article about Navalny in the Hill and other content on the site including the who we are section, photos of Madrids airport posted online by Navalny team member Leonid Volkov and a photo of Navalnys co-defendant Daniil Kholodny, holding a copy of Time magazine with Navalny on the cover. She said Putin wanted to bury Navalny in prison. No one should talk about him. No one should remember him, Pevchikh said. But she continued, Even from the darkest hell on Earth, from the prison where hes being slowly tortured to death, Navalnys voice is still heard. Navalny is seen on a TV screen standing among his lawyers during the sentencing on Friday. Credit: AP In a statement on Thursday, Navalny said another case being prepared against him on terrorism charges would potentially add another decade, although the law may limit his imprisonment to 30 years. Navalny said the case was being ignored on state television because to the average citizen, a hefty sentence for extremism in a case without victims and consequences will seem obviously unfair to him, and he will secretly sympathise. There is no shame in choosing the safest way to oppose. There is shame in doing nothing, Navalny said. Its shameful to let yourself be intimidated. Whatever sentence they have planned, it wont achieve its goal if you understand what its all about and answer, Im not afraid, with a daily coldblooded, albeit small, contribution to the fight for freedom in Russia. Loading Navalny, who suffers from severe back pain, has lost 7 kilograms in prison and appears gaunt and hollow-cheeked, yet he managed to smile during Fridays sentence. Since his imprisonment he has been repeatedly handed harsh punishments sent at least 15 times to a solitary confinement cell with a cup, stool and one book, and a bed that is folded up during the day, for trivial offences, such as failing to do up his top button, or washing his hands a few minutes too early. Every evening, a radio speaker blasts out the same Putin speech, that cannot be turned off. Throughout his prison term, he has maintained a social media presence, detailing the petty punishments and cruelty of the prison authorities, often conveying dark humour but refusing to show despair. He has lampooned Putin as a mediocre old man, quivering in his bunker, afraid of his own people. He has constantly exhorted Russians to do whatever they can to resist Putins regime, and expounded on his dreams of a country where Russians are not only free, but happy. But people must be willing to make sacrifices for that to happen, he said in his final statement. Loading Not everyone has to go to jail. Its more like a lottery, and I pulled out such a ticket. But everyone has to make some sacrifice, some effort. He has mused about the meaning of life and the importance of religious faith, of telling the truth and doing what is right, no matter how hard it is to bear the consequences. I love Russia, he said in his final statement. My intellect tells me that it is better to live in a free and prosperous country than in a corrupt and impoverished one. He added, A country without fair trials will never be prosperous. So now my intellect says again, it is reasonable and right of me to fight for an independent court, fair elections, to be against corruption because then I will achieve my goal and be able to live in my free, prosperous Russia. Despite his trial on extremism charges, his team, which is operating mostly from Vilnius, Lithuania, announced plans for an international protest action on August 20, under the banner Putin is a killer, which calls for demonstrations against the bloody dictatorship he built and the monstrous war he unleashed. At times, writing about his decision to return to Russia and fight for political change, knowing he faced a certain prison term, Navalny compared himself to an explorer in a spaceship, taking off, full of optimism, hoping to voyage to a beautiful new world. His cell was like a small, spartan spaceship, with food delivered by an automated cart, and shiny metal plates and spoons. New York: Police struggled to control thousands of people who filled Manhattans Union Square on Friday afternoon for an internet personalitys hyped giveaway that got out of hand, with some in the crowd clambering on vehicles, hurling chairs and throwing punches. Aerial TV news footage showed a surging, tightly packed crowd running through the streets and scaling structures in the park. Shouting teenagers swung objects at car windows, and some people climbed on top of a moving vehicle, falling off as it sped away. Others pounded on or climbed atop city buses. Police officers use a shield to take cover as they respond to a giveaway event announced by popular live streamer Kai Cenat that grew chaotic in New York, Credit: Reuters By 5.30pm, police officers in growing numbers had regained control of much of the area, but small skirmishes were still breaking out, with young people knocking over barricades and tossing bottles and even a flower pot at officers. Police were seen wrestling people to the ground and chasing them down the street. Police didnt immediately have information on injuries or arrests. Numerous people were in hand restraints, sitting on the sidewalks, and at least one young man was led away by two officers. Police formed lines in the street to try to direct the crowd. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has ruled that the village of Winnetka did not violate the Open Meetings Act during discussions last year about properties owned by billionaire resident Justin Ishbia. The challenge was filed by Winnetka resident Ted Wynnychenko after the Dec. 6, 2022, Village Council meeting where discussion was held about the consolidation of several plots of land owned by Ishbia and his wife Kristin. After an hour in closed session, the council voted unanimously to approve combining the four lots into a single 3.7-acre lot for the family to build a home. Advertisement Both sides, the property owner and those objecting to the resolution, threatened the village with litigation in open session that night, Village Attorney Peter Friedman said during the Aug. 1 council meeting in reference to Raouls ruling that was made earlier that day. In an extended closed session, the board engaged in a productive and creative discussion on how to navigate the resolution in order to protect the village from litigation. Martin Sinclair, a lawyer for Winnetka resident Rob Schriesheim who had previously filed suit against the Winnetka Park District, spoke at the Dec. 6 meeting and threatened a lawsuit if the village approved the consolidation under the grounds of the Illinois Public Trust Doctrine. Advertisement Ishbias lawyer, Adam Hoeflich, also threatened suit saying the village must approve the consolidation as the applications are complete and there was no lawful basis to deny them. Wynnychenko spoke at the Dec. 6 meeting as well, saying he had prepared comments but instead chose to rebut statements made by Hoeflich. I have no problem with the consolidation but I am troubled by their attempts to demarcate state land as private land, Wynnychenko said. Clearly, this council must approve this because otherwise there is going to be a lawsuit filed saying that you did the wrong thing. I feel that that threat was repeated so often that it was not even subtle. Friedman said the complaint alleged the Village Council didnt have grounds to enter closed session and had strayed from the authorized topics and conducted illegal discussions during closed session. Probable or imminent litigation, such as those threatened against the Village Council twice that evening, is considered an authorized topic to be discussed in closed session, according to the Open Meetings Act. Needless to say, it is not everyday that the attorney general reviews closed session recordings and then finds entirely for the local government, Friedman said. That the PAC (public access counselor) did so here, while it was as we predicted, speaks volumes to the villages commitment to complying with the Open Meetings Act even in the context of difficult and sensitive matters that come before the village. Village President Chris Rintz assured residents in December there would be continued discussions of the lakefront and how the village can regulate it. Its easy to stand up at the podium and say all sorts of things but as an elected body we really are held to a higher standard than opinions offered in the microphone, he said on Dec. 6. Were going to do the hard work. Were going to find the right people. Were going to bring them to the table and we hope that everybody in this room will join us for those conversations. The Village Council has gone forward with those conversations as promised where it learned of gaps in state and federal regulations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. It also learned village jurisdiction extends into the lake meaning the village can pick up the regulatory slack. Advertisement The Village Council approved ordinances to add regulations in March 2023 requiring permits from the village to build on the lakefront in addition to those required by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ishbias land, the homes on it and all the trees have since been bulldozed along with the bluff, causing the Village Council to suspend new construction on the bluffs and tableland 40 feet back for nine months while they look into the potential damage bluff construction can cause. Construction workers and machinery fill the lakefront property of Justin Ishbia along Sheridan Road in Winnetka on July 19, 2023. Since construction started earlier this summer, nearly all of the trees have been cut down and the bluff has been taken down. The property was once four lots and three separate homes. It is now a 3.7-acre property. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) The Dec. 6 meeting is just one of many examples of discontent in the village over Ishbias plans with continued discussion surrounding the destruction of the bluffs and removal of all trees on his property immediately south of Centennial Park. Residents such as Mary Garrison and Vicki Apatoff, who travel along the waterfront, as is allowed by the Illinois Trust Doctrine, have been confronted by security when they reach Ishbias property line and told they are trespassing. The doctrine states the land under Lake Michigan is held in trust by the state for use by all residents and is not privately owned. A private security officer speaks with Vicki Apatoff, left, and Mary Garrison, right, along the beach in front of Justin Ishbia lakefront property in Winnetka on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The security guard believed the women were trespassing and called 911, however Winnetka police have informed residents they are legally allowed on the beach. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) When police are called, residents have been assured they are within their rights to travel along the beach as long as their feet are in the water and they dont venture on to private property. Mary Garrison, a former Winnetka Park District commissioner, right, sits on a seawall and chats with Winnetka police officers while watching construction on Justin Ishbia lakefront property in Winnetka on July 19, 2023. Since construction started earlier this summer, nearly all of the trees have been removed and the bluff has been taken down. The property was once home to three separate homes and is now a 3.7-acre site. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Beyond the continued construction at the property, there is still unfinished business between Ishbia and the Winnetka Park District. A land swap signed in October 2020 would gift the land at 261 Sheridan Road, which Ishbia owns, to the Park District in an effort to combine Elder Lane and Centennial beaches. The Park District and Ishbia have both moved forward with separate construction plans but the Park Board has expressed hope that the two can work together to minimize the amount of construction needed to keep both public and private land preserved. At the Last Chance Stampede and Fair in Helena, attendees were able to indulge in an array foods, whether fried, savory or sweet. Vendors from various locations came together to share their secret family recipes, both classic and modern. Several vendors expressed their satisfaction with the fair's turnout and appreciated the pleasant weather. We love the small towns and small country towns, said Amy Rowan, owner of Blue Moose BBQ. After smoking over 1,500 pounds of meat for the fair, Rowan offered a unique barbecue experience featuring wood-smoked tri-tip cooked at high temperatures. According to Rowan, the preparation method using a wood fire and high temperature helps retain moisture and creates a unique flavor. Based in Three Forks, the Rowan family has operated their barbecue food truck for 16 years, and travels all over the state from May to October. We love this business; its fun and gives us the financial freedom to run our nonprofit business, said Rowan. Rowan owns and operates Royal Family Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps foster children throughout Montana. Mackenzie Rowan, 20, followed in her mother's footsteps by running a lemonade stand adjacent to the Blue Moose. When Mackenzie was 9, she began selling lemonade from a classic kids' lemonade stand. Five years later, she established her very own lemonade business, Mackenzie Violet's Lemonade. Spices N Spurs, from Great Falls, served delicious home-cooked country-style dishes. Cassie Campbell took mac and cheese to the next level, smothered with your choice of meat from Philly cheese steak, chicken or pork. I really enjoy working at fairs because I love to see people enjoying the food, Campbell said. Campbell travels the state from March to September but the truck is open year-round. When she isnt cooking or teaching cooking classes, she teaches people how to open food trucks. Barbecue isnt the only thing Campbell knows; she also makes custom cakes for her mother, who designs custom figures and characters for themed cakes. 202 BBQ is a unique take on traditional barbecue, featuring grandma's potatoes to keep the barbecue spirit alive. The never-ending line at 202 is for a good reason -- their barbecue bowl is a popular menu item. You can choose between mac and cheese or cheesy hash browns as your base and top it off with your choice of meat. If barbecue isnt your thing, there was also homecooked Asian cuisine, like SKC Teriyaki. Toua Moua has been cooking noodles for the Helena fair for over 10 years. Based out of Missoula, SKC has been running for 12 years and travels around Montana. During spring, the food truck resides in Butte from March to June, and from July to September they are booked elsewhere for events. SKC Teriyaki is co-owned by Moua's parents, who operate another truck traveling for events. Even an Asian food truck has to have a funnel cake, Moua said. One day, my mom made them and said we were doing them. The funnel cakes are a favorite, next to the noodles and teriyaki. Adding a variety of prize-winning food was Giovanni's. The Italian sausage is a staple for Giovanni's. It started with an old family recipe in their restaurant. Tobias and Pamela Eiter closed their restaurant in Coeur dAlene in 2010 and opened their food truck five months later. Until recently, Giovannis traveled the west, winning blue ribbons for their Italian sausage sandwich at state fairs in Washington, Idaho and Arizona. The popularity of curly fries has surpassed that of sausage, winning multiple blue ribbons. These fries are served in large portions, shaped like a square, and can be loaded with cheese. If sausage doesn't hit the spot, there were other classic options like burgers or corndogs. Bullman's Wood Fired Pizza was just as it sounds: a pizza cooked over a wood-burning fire using fresh ingredients and dough. The establishment serves Helena daily via the restaurant and food truck. I enjoy the food truck; I am able to work with family and interact with different people and different events, Kevin McDuffie said. McDuffie opened the restaurant with his wife, Ann Marie, and partners Mike and Dennis Hampton. The McDuffie and Hampton families operate separate food trucks that travel across Montana. Kevin McDuffie designed and built the trucks, which began serving customers in 2008. Vintage Nannas Indian Tacos were a hit, attracting large crowds with their authentic and distinctive ambiance. The best compliment is when elders order my fry bread with no toppings, owner Pam Birkenbuer said. Birkenbuer said her tacos were unique and flavorful thanks to her secret recipe. She takes pride in never using frozen dough. She is based out of Great Falls and runs her truck with her husband David from March to October. The Birkenbuers have had their truck for eight years. The corn shack was adequate for those in the mood for a snack. Steamed 600 degrees over the fire, corn was served dipped in butter. Aaron Hauzer, of Missouri, has been operating the truck for six years and travels to places like Wyoming, Arizona, Montana and Illinois. Old Fashion Soda has been set up in Helena for three years of its nine years in operation, offering fresh-squeezed lemonade which served as a nice accompaniment to that array of barbeque options at the fair. Freshly squeezed lemonade has been classic favorite, but now there's a new contender for the top spot homemade huckleberry lemonade. Based in Arizona, Bonnie and Aaron Banuelos usually start their summer in Emmet, Idaho, in June and end in Miles City in August. From September to May, they are back in Arizona, squeezing lemons and serving drinks. The Lemon Dairy served treats that had you puckering but coming back for more. This is the first year in 20 years that Lemon Dairy has opened without its founder, Michael Tate. Lily Tate, his daughter, has taken the reins. My dad has always been a fan of lemon, Lily Tate said. People are surprised by the combination but love the lemon. At Lemon Dairy, their signature treat is "Lemon Dairy." This dessert consists of soft serve ice cream layered over a tart frozen lemon slush and garnished with a cherry. Lemon Dairy can be found in Missoula when not booked for events. DECATUR Olivia Dunker has been saved by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital twice in her 11 years. Born with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Olivia had rhabdomyosarcoma at age 2 and osteosarcoma in 2022. Li-Fraumeni is a rare genetic disorder that means people with it have a 90% chance of developing one or more cancers in their lifetimes, and females have almost a 100% chance of developing breast cancer. Olivia's mom, Andrea, is one of the runners in the annual St. Jude Decatur to Peoria Run that left Decatur's First Church of the Nazarene on Friday evening to run 22 hours straight through. She's a nine-year survivor, Dunker said. She's survived twice now, once when she was 2 and once in 2022. So that's my 'why'. Olivia will always live with that elevated risk, Dunker said. We're very hopeful, she said. In the last nine years, they've figured out (she has) this genetic disorder and I'm hoping in the next nine years they find a cure so I can keep her for longer. Olivia does not like talking about cancer, Dunker said, and her second battle with the disease, unlike the first, came when she was old enough to understand. Her sisters, Sofia, 10, and Evelyn, 8, are not affected by the same genetic disorder. Runners must raise a minimum of $1,000 apiece, said coordinator Dave Morr, and will run relay-style for 92.7 miles. In Illinois, 35 communities participate, and all of the runners will meet in downtown Peoria at approximately the same time. Decatur's team includes 38 runners. One group runs from checkpoint to checkpoint, then they climb on the bus for a break while a different group takes over. They have support vehicles with lights, loud music and police or fire department escorts, plus reflective vests, to keep them safe. They try to stick to back roads where there's less traffic, too. Some runners just make (the $1,000) and some raise $5,000 or more, Morr said. We do some fundraisers over the summer and some hold their own fundraisers. We start in spring and do some drives on Facebook and other social media as well. Each runner has their own goal in mind, he said. Some run only a few miles along the route, while others run 20 or 30 miles, two miles at a time and whatever pace works for them. Runners are grouped by their running speed so it's comfortable for all of them. All the money raised goes to St. Jude. The hospital, founded by actor Danny Thomas in 1962, is in Memphis, Tennessee. The facility treats childhood cancers and pediatric catastrophic diseases and does not charge the families for travel, housing or treatment due to the research aspect of the hospital's work, with the aim of advancing treatments and seeking cures for the diseases they treat. Most of St. Jude's funding comes from individual donors. This year was the first the group has ever had weather interfere with the run. On their Facebook page, they posted late Friday that they took a longer break in Emden than usual due to thunder and lightning but had no plans to stop running. They pressed on as soon as possible. Gibson City boy gets new play set from Make-A-Wish Illinois A wish for Ryder 102421-blm-loc-makewish4 102421-blm-loc-makewish5 102421-blm-loc-makewish2 102421-blm-loc-makewish3 102421-blm-loc-makewish6 Today An evening shower or thunderstorm, otherwise partly cloudy. Clouds increase towards morning. Tonight An evening shower or thunderstorm, otherwise partly cloudy. Clouds increase towards morning. Tomorrow Mainly cloudy and increasingly humid with periods of rain developing, including a few heavy downpours and a thunderstorm or two, but no severe storms expected. Clearing towards evening. In this image from video made available on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, a seaborne drone approaches a Russian tanker on the Black Sea. Ukrainian drones have hit a Russian tanker in the Black Sea near Crimea, according to Russian officials. The strike was the second sea attack involving drones in one day, after Ukraine said its sea drones also struck a major Russian port earlier on Friday. DECATUR Morning rain showers might be responsible for the slow start to the annual Backpack Attack on Saturday, but by the time the event ended at noon, all the backpacks had been distributed. Backpacks filled with school supplies were available for students entering kindergarten through sixth grade, said Dominic Santomassimo, CEO of the Decatur Family YMCA. At the Y, we have some of our vendors here to support families, he said. If there's things that you're going through as a family, we have a vendor here who can help you on the way to picking out your school backpack. Backpacks this year had classroom supplies like tissues and hand sanitizer, as well as individual school supplies, he said, and were available in a variety of colors so kids could find one they liked. Sites included Old Kings Orchard Community Center and Crossing Healthcare, where families could also get school physicals and vaccinations taken care of. Students must have their school physicals and any required vaccinations completed by Oct. 16, Santomassimo said, or they will not be allowed to attend school under Illinois law. The Johns Hill Magnet School site was not open on Saturday as planned. Instead, Johns Hill will offer a drive-thru distribution from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday for families that couldn't make it to Saturday's event. Children should accompany their parents. Angela Owens' children each chose a different color backpack, but Malachi, 7, forgot to take his with him as the family left and they had to come back. Owens was torn between laughter and dismay when they got to the car and she realized what had happened. I think it's a great idea (to have the event), she said. Normally we drive through. The reason for having families come in instead of drive through, Santomassimo said, was so they could visit the vendor booths, which included Crossings, the Macon County Health Department, Girl Scouts, Empowerment Opportunity Center, Familia Dental, Heritage Behavioral Health Center, PNC Bank and YMCA School Age Care Programs. ADM Cares volunteers were on hand to help hand out backpacks. Volunteer Praveem Vadi spent a few minutes chatting with co-worker Lijia Zhu, who didn't know the event was underway. She was at the Y to pick up her son from a swimming event. There's activity here, so we just wanted to come and see the activity, she said, chuckling, and both her younger children, Juby Tang and Jojo Tang, chose backpacks for themselves. The cost of college the year you graduated high school The cost of college the year you graduated high school 1970-71 academic year 1971-72 academic year 1972-73 academic year 1973-74 academic year 1974-75 academic year 1975-76 academic year 1976-77 academic year 1977-78 academic year 1978-79 academic year 1979-80 academic year 1980-81 academic year 1981-82 academic year 1982-83 academic year 1983-84 academic year 1984-85 academic year 1985-86 academic year 1986-87 academic year 1987-88 academic year 1988-89 academic year 1989-90 academic year 1990-91 academic year 1991-92 academic year 1992-93 academic year 1993-94 academic year 1994-95 academic year 1995-96 academic year 1996-97 academic year 1997-98 academic year 1998-99 academic year 1999-2000 academic year 2000-01 academic year 2001-02 academic year 2002-03 academic year 2003-04 academic year 2004-05 academic year 2005-06 academic year 2006-07 academic year 2007-08 academic year 2008-09 academic year 2009-10 academic year 2010-11 academic year 2011-12 academic year 2012-13 academic year 2013-14 academic year 2014-15 academic year 2015-16 academic year 2016-17 academic year 2017-18 academic year 2018-19 academic year 2019-20 academic year 2020-21 academic year DECATUR The Decatur Township Board of Trustees will meet in special session at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, to consider approval of contractor agreements. The agenda includes discussion and possible action on a resolution to hire Central Illinois Foundation Repair and Waterproofing to repair a concrete wall. It also includes discussion and possible action on an agreement with Henson Robinson for yearly roof inspection and general maintenance. Shares of ARHT Media Inc. (CVE:ART Get Free Report) traded up 11.1% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.15 and last traded at C$0.15. 307,502 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 272% from the average session volume of 82,603 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.14. ARHT Media Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of C$25.96 million, a PE ratio of -2.70 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a quick ratio of 3.06, a current ratio of 1.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$0.14 and its 200 day moving average is C$0.16. Get ARHT Media alerts: ARHT Media (CVE:ART Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 30th. The company reported C($0.02) EPS for the quarter. ARHT Media had a negative net margin of 122.43% and a negative return on equity of 106.23%. The company had revenue of C$1.28 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$2.09 million. About ARHT Media ARHT Media Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the live and prerecorded holograms with a network of capture and display locations worldwide. Its products include Capsule, a consumer-facing holographic display that is plug-and-play for events in all lighting conditions and can be permanently installed for retail and other consumer or user-facing applications; ARHT Engine, a proprietary technology utilizes a combination of advanced hardware and software, including 3D cameras, motion capture technology, and real-time rendering software to create its holographic displays; and Virtual Global Stage, which allows multiple presenters to interact with one another on the same stage with no latency, appearing much like they would if they were physically next to one another, as well as capture studio, ARHT Hologram Screen, and HoloPod Display. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ARHT Media Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ARHT Media and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY Get Free Report) CFO Stacy Bowman sold 465 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.62, for a total transaction of $15,168.30. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 225,057 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,341,359.34. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Stacy Bowman also recently made the following trade(s): Get Chewy alerts: On Wednesday, July 26th, Stacy Bowman sold 15,166 shares of Chewy stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $33.52, for a total transaction of $508,364.32. On Wednesday, July 12th, Stacy Bowman sold 14,720 shares of Chewy stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.95, for a total transaction of $573,344.00. On Wednesday, June 28th, Stacy Bowman sold 14,720 shares of Chewy stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.76, for a total transaction of $570,547.20. On Wednesday, June 14th, Stacy Bowman sold 13,571 shares of Chewy stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $39.72, for a total transaction of $539,040.12. Chewy Stock Performance CHWY stock traded down $0.29 during trading on Friday, hitting $32.48. 2,666,006 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,194,146. Chewy, Inc. has a 52 week low of $29.10 and a 52 week high of $52.88. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $36.51 and a 200 day simple moving average of $37.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 269.08 and a beta of 0.85. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Chewy ( NYSE:CHWY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 31st. The company reported $0.08 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.04) by $0.12. Chewy had a net margin of 0.51% and a return on equity of 39.90%. The business had revenue of $2.78 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.73 billion. Research analysts forecast that Chewy, Inc. will post -0.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of analysts have commented on the stock. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Chewy from $24.00 to $26.00 in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Gordon Haskett raised shares of Chewy from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $40.00 target price for the company in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Chewy from $33.00 to $35.00 in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Raymond James raised shares of Chewy from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $36.00 target price for the company in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, Argus assumed coverage on shares of Chewy in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. They set a hold rating for the company. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $43.05. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chewy Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in CHWY. FMR LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Chewy by 133,340.6% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,760,081 shares of the companys stock worth $65,792,000 after acquiring an additional 1,758,762 shares during the last quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Chewy by 16.5% in the 1st quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 6,711,811 shares of the companys stock worth $250,887,000 after acquiring an additional 952,703 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Chewy by 19.0% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,369,539 shares of the companys stock worth $218,969,000 after acquiring an additional 856,909 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Chewy by 36.5% in the 4th quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 2,587,868 shares of the companys stock worth $95,958,000 after acquiring an additional 692,631 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Advisers LP lifted its holdings in shares of Chewy by 37.6% in the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 1,965,900 shares of the companys stock worth $72,896,000 after acquiring an additional 537,300 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.52% of the companys stock. About Chewy (Get Free Report) Chewy, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the pure play e-commerce business in the United States. It provides pet food and treats, pet supplies and pet medications, and other pet-health products, as well as pet services for dogs, cats, fish, birds, small pets, horses, and reptiles through its retail Website www.chewy.com, as well as mobile applications. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chewy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chewy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com cut shares of Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday. Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on ES. Guggenheim dropped their price objective on Eversource Energy from $91.00 to $86.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on Eversource Energy from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. UBS Group decreased their price target on Eversource Energy from $81.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Scotiabank raised Eversource Energy from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and set a $91.00 price target for the company in a research note on Thursday, June 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Eversource Energy from $87.00 to $78.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.33. Get Eversource Energy alerts: Eversource Energy Price Performance Shares of ES traded down $0.88 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $67.24. 1,674,877 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,904,827. The company has a market cap of $23.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.21, a P/E/G ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 0.47. Eversource Energy has a fifty-two week low of $67.01 and a fifty-two week high of $94.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. The firms fifty day moving average is $71.06 and its 200 day moving average is $75.42. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eversource Energy Eversource Energy ( NYSE:ES Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.09. Eversource Energy had a return on equity of 9.79% and a net margin of 9.28%. The business had revenue of $2.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.94 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.86 EPS. Eversource Energys revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Eversource Energy will post 4.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sowa Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Sowa Financial Group Inc. now owns 14,800 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,158,000 after buying an additional 128 shares during the last quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC grew its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC now owns 3,880 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $342,000 after buying an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC grew its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 19,908 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,558,000 after buying an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC boosted its stake in Eversource Energy by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC now owns 3,133 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $222,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans boosted its stake in Eversource Energy by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 19,116 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,603,000 after purchasing an additional 147 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.25% of the companys stock. Eversource Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eversource Energy, a public utility holding company, engages in the energy delivery business. The company operates through Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution segments. It is involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity; solar power facilities; and distribution of natural gas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Eversource Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eversource Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LifePro Asset Management raised its stake in Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report) by 531.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 169,343 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 142,515 shares during the period. Invesco Senior Loan ETF accounts for about 2.7% of LifePro Asset Managements holdings, making the stock its 11th biggest position. LifePro Asset Management owned 0.09% of Invesco Senior Loan ETF worth $3,563,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BKLN. Worth Asset Management LLC grew its position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 589.1% in the 2nd quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC now owns 122,272 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,573,000 after buying an additional 104,529 shares during the last quarter. Mechanics Bank Trust Department raised its holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 17.5% during the second quarter. Mechanics Bank Trust Department now owns 227,424 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,785,000 after purchasing an additional 33,952 shares in the last quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 0.5% in the second quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management Inc. now owns 932,864 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $19,581,000 after purchasing an additional 4,225 shares during the period. AE Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 48.2% in the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 111,572 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,347,000 after purchasing an additional 36,304 shares in the last quarter. Finally, FC Advisory LLC increased its position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. FC Advisory LLC now owns 67,321 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,416,000 after purchasing an additional 1,589 shares during the period. Get Invesco Senior Loan ETF alerts: Invesco Senior Loan ETF Stock Performance BKLN stock traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $20.97. 7,971,106 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,682,552. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $20.93 and its 200-day moving average price is $20.91. Invesco Senior Loan ETF has a fifty-two week low of $20.06 and a fifty-two week high of $21.49. About Invesco Senior Loan ETF The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of senior loans issued by banks to corporations. BKLN was launched on Mar 3, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKLN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com cut shares of Target (NYSE:TGT Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Thursday. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on TGT. TheStreet cut shares of Target from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Friday, June 16th. Raymond James cut shares of Target from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Oppenheimer dropped their price objective on shares of Target from $190.00 to $165.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on shares of Target from $191.00 to $175.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of Target from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $182.00 to $144.00 in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $175.54. Get Target alerts: Target Trading Down 0.1 % TGT stock traded down $0.18 during trading on Thursday, reaching $132.55. 3,480,015 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,222,083. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $132.90 and a 200-day moving average price of $152.45. Target has a 1 year low of $125.08 and a 1 year high of $183.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $61.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.55, a P/E/G ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.01. Target Increases Dividend Target ( NYSE:TGT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 17th. The retailer reported $2.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.29. Target had a net margin of 2.49% and a return on equity of 24.49%. The business had revenue of $24.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $25.28 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.19 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that Target will post 8.1 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 16th will be paid a $1.10 dividend. This is a boost from Targets previous quarterly dividend of $1.08. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.32%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 15th. Targets payout ratio is currently 74.96%. Insider Buying and Selling at Target In other news, CAO Matthew A. Liegel sold 1,459 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.75, for a total transaction of $234,534.25. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 3,748 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $602,491. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Target Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Target in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Financial Connections Group Inc. purchased a new position in Target in the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Red Tortoise LLC purchased a new position in Target in the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Penserra Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Target in the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Ogorek Anthony Joseph NY ADV lifted its holdings in Target by 465.3% in the 2nd quarter. Ogorek Anthony Joseph NY ADV now owns 277 shares of the retailers stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 228 shares in the last quarter. 79.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Target Company Profile (Get Free Report) Target Corporation operates as a general merchandise retailer in the United States. The company offers apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, and infants and newborns, as well as jewelry, accessories, and shoes; and beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Target Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Target and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $914.29 and last traded at $909.21, with a volume of 68446 shares. The stock had previously closed at $895.58. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have commented on TDG shares. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of TransDigm Group from $840.00 to $930.00 in a report on Sunday, May 14th. Susquehanna lifted their price objective on TransDigm Group from $750.00 to $820.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. Citigroup assumed coverage on TransDigm Group in a report on Thursday, July 6th. They set a buy rating and a $1,042.00 price objective on the stock. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on shares of TransDigm Group from $767.00 to $960.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of TransDigm Group from $725.00 to $840.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $860.13. Get TransDigm Group alerts: TransDigm Group Stock Up 0.1 % The business has a 50 day moving average price of $854.09 and a 200 day moving average price of $781.70. The stock has a market cap of $49.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.56, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.38. Insider Transactions at TransDigm Group TransDigm Group ( NYSE:TDG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The aerospace company reported $5.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.98 by $1.00. The firm had revenue of $1.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.53 billion. TransDigm Group had a net margin of 17.57% and a negative return on equity of 34.11%. The businesss revenue was up 20.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.29 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that TransDigm Group Incorporated will post 21.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other TransDigm Group news, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 9,644 shares of TransDigm Group stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $775.27, for a total transaction of $7,476,703.88. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 21,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,705,517.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 9,644 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $775.27, for a total value of $7,476,703.88. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 21,548 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,705,517.96. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, COO Joel Reiss sold 3,000 shares of TransDigm Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $889.75, for a total transaction of $2,669,250.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 3,600 shares in the company, valued at $3,203,100. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 57,662 shares of company stock valued at $48,370,236. 7.18% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of TransDigm Group by 6.9% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 280 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $251,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. American International Group Inc. raised its stake in TransDigm Group by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 14,360 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $12,840,000 after acquiring an additional 139 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp grew its stake in TransDigm Group by 133.1% during the 2nd quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 6,113 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $5,466,000 after purchasing an additional 3,490 shares during the last quarter. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of TransDigm Group in the second quarter worth about $214,000. Finally, Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its position in TransDigm Group by 212.2% in the second quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 2,716 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $2,429,000 after buying an additional 1,846 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.10% of the companys stock. TransDigm Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) TransDigm Group Incorporated designs, produces, and supplies aircraft components in the United States and internationally. Its Power & Control segment offers mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, databus and power controls, sensor products, switches and relay panels, hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading and handling systems. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TransDigm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransDigm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UWM Holdings Co. (NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $6.70 and last traded at $6.62, with a volume of 410263 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $6.43. Analysts Set New Price Targets UWMC has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised UWM from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $5.50 to $7.00 in a report on Friday, May 26th. JMP Securities increased their price target on shares of UWM from $5.50 to $6.50 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of UWM from $3.50 to $4.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of UWM from $3.50 to $5.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group lifted their price target on shares of UWM from $3.50 to $4.00 in a research note on Friday, May 12th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $4.53. Get UWM alerts: UWM Stock Up 4.8 % The company has a quick ratio of 2.00, a current ratio of 2.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $5.74 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $627.51 million, a PE ratio of 112.33 and a beta of 1.51. UWM Announces Dividend UWM ( NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.04 by ($0.11). UWM had a return on equity of 14.11% and a net margin of 0.46%. The company had revenue of $161.27 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $431.17 million. On average, equities research analysts forecast that UWM Holdings Co. will post 0.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, June 21st were paid a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 20th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.93%. UWMs dividend payout ratio is currently 666.67%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On UWM Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of UWM by 6,080.7% in the first quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,726,341 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,476,000 after buying an additional 1,698,410 shares in the last quarter. Basswood Capital Management L.L.C. purchased a new position in shares of UWM in the 1st quarter valued at about $4,781,000. Azora Capital LP acquired a new stake in shares of UWM in the first quarter valued at about $4,022,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in UWM by 1,688.7% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 736,465 shares of the companys stock worth $4,124,000 after buying an additional 695,292 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC grew its position in UWM by 250.1% during the first quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 808,700 shares of the companys stock worth $3,971,000 after buying an additional 577,700 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.06% of the companys stock. About UWM (Get Free Report) UWM Holdings Corporation engages in the residential mortgage lending business in the United States. The company originates mortgage loans through wholesale channel. It originates primarily conforming and government loans. UWM Holdings Corporation was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan. Read More Receive News & Ratings for UWM Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UWM and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alliance Wealth Management Group decreased its position in Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF (NYSEARCA:PCY Free Report) by 2.9% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 211,481 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,275 shares during the period. Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF makes up 1.4% of Alliance Wealth Management Groups holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Alliance Wealth Management Group owned about 0.25% of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF worth $4,056,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 863.2% in the first quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,310 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,174 shares in the last quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc bought a new stake in Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF in the first quarter valued at $25,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new stake in Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF in the first quarter valued at $29,000. CWM LLC increased its stake in Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 273.1% in the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,985 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 1,453 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allworth Financial LP increased its position in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 1,377.9% during the first quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 3,148 shares of the companys stock worth $60,000 after acquiring an additional 2,935 shares in the last quarter. Get Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF alerts: Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:PCY opened at $19.53 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $19.37 and a 200-day moving average of $19.23. Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF has a one year low of $16.20 and a one year high of $20.32. Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF Profile The Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF (PCY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund tracks a tier-weighted index of US-dollar-denominated sovereign debt in emerging markets with at least 3 years to maturity. PCY was launched on Oct 11, 2007 and is managed by Invesco. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Allstate (NYSE:ALL Free Report) had its price target cut by Raymond James from $155.00 to $145.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a strong-buy rating on the insurance providers stock. Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on ALL. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of Allstate from $137.00 to $124.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Allstate from $150.00 to $138.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. Bank of America reduced their price target on shares of Allstate from $143.00 to $138.00 in a research report on Wednesday. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Allstate in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Allstate from $162.00 to $154.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $135.77. Get Allstate alerts: Allstate Stock Down 1.4 % Shares of NYSE:ALL traded down $1.53 on Thursday, hitting $109.83. The stock had a trading volume of 1,518,159 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,927,438. Allstate has a twelve month low of $100.57 and a twelve month high of $142.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The firms 50 day moving average price is $109.51 and its 200-day moving average price is $116.98. Allstate Announces Dividend Allstate ( NYSE:ALL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The insurance provider reported ($4.42) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($3.83) by ($0.59). The company had revenue of $13.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.30 billion. Allstate had a negative return on equity of 14.19% and a negative net margin of 4.80%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned ($0.76) EPS. Research analysts forecast that Allstate will post -0.38 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 21st will be paid a $0.89 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. This represents a $3.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.24%. Allstates dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -34.40%. Institutional Trading of Allstate A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ALL. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Allstate by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 24,850,782 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $3,442,082,000 after purchasing an additional 745,096 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in Allstate by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 22,113,322 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,450,377,000 after purchasing an additional 359,986 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in Allstate by 9.0% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 6,039,351 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $669,221,000 after purchasing an additional 499,056 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in Allstate by 8.5% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,928,406 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $803,892,000 after purchasing an additional 463,281 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Allstate by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,815,257 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $643,015,000 after purchasing an additional 63,438 shares in the last quarter. 75.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Allstate (Get Free Report) The Allstate Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides property and casualty, and other insurance products in the United States and Canada. The company operates through Allstate Protection; Protection Services; Allstate Health and Benefits; and Run-off Property-Liability segments. The Allstate Protection segment offers private passenger auto and homeowners insurance; other personal lines products; and commercial lines products under the Allstate and Encompass brand names. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Allstate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allstate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ameresco (NYSE:AMRC Free Report) had its price objective increased by Craig Hallum from $68.00 to $73.00 in a report released on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat reports. Craig Hallum currently has a buy rating on the utilities providers stock. Several other research firms have also issued reports on AMRC. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on shares of Ameresco from $54.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. VNET Group reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Ameresco in a report on Thursday, May 18th. Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Ameresco from $59.00 to $53.00 in a report on Thursday, May 18th. Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on shares of Ameresco from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Raymond James decreased their price objective on shares of Ameresco from $70.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $63.08. Get Ameresco alerts: Ameresco Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:AMRC opened at $50.03 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $50.44 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $49.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 50.54, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. Ameresco has a 52 week low of $39.62 and a 52 week high of $76.54. Insider Activity Ameresco ( NYSE:AMRC Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The utilities provider reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.18 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $327.07 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $290.97 million. Ameresco had a return on equity of 6.62% and a net margin of 3.85%. Amerescos revenue was down 43.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.62 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Ameresco will post 1.82 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, CFO Spencer Doran Hole sold 5,000 shares of Ameresco stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.24, for a total value of $231,200.00. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 41.75% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC grew its position in shares of Ameresco by 34.0% in the 1st quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC now owns 3,828,840 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $188,456,000 after buying an additional 972,065 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Ameresco by 6.4% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,992,738 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $198,956,000 after buying an additional 179,495 shares during the last quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB grew its position in shares of Ameresco by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 2,629,592 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $127,877,000 after buying an additional 144,550 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of Ameresco by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,516,621 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $167,305,000 after buying an additional 92,278 shares during the last quarter. Finally, abrdn plc grew its position in Ameresco by 12.2% during the 2nd quarter. abrdn plc now owns 1,336,169 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $64,978,000 after purchasing an additional 145,469 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.94% of the companys stock. Ameresco Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ameresco, Inc, a clean technology integrator, provides a portfolio of energy efficiency and renewable energy supply solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company operates through U.S. Regions, U.S. Federal, Canada, and Alternative Fuels segments. It offers energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, energy security and resilience, asset sustainability, and renewable energy solutions for businesses and organizations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ameresco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ameresco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The details are appalling, frightful and shocking. Pondering how any situation came to this result is unimaginable. On Monday, Decatur police arrested two 15-year-olds for first-degree murder in the stabbing of a 15-year-old identified as Tyler Eubanks of Decatur. Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel expressed condolences, and said, This is not a police problem. This is a society problem. At 15 years old, you know right from wrong. If youre carrying a knife and planning to use it as a weapon, you know right from wrong. If youre among that circle of people where two 15-year-olds are murdering a third, you know right from wrong. Thats the society were raised in, the one were supposed to believe in. If that society is broken, it broke under our watch and its up to all of us to take back the night. And the day. Brandels statement also said, speaking for many residents, "I am at a loss for words with regard to this incident. A teenager was brutally murdered by other teenagers, for no apparent reason. I am saddened for the family of the victim and hope they can eventually find peace. If theres anything positive to be gleaned from this tragedy, its the speed with which arrests ensued after the incident. We can surmise that some present in the vicinity of the murder were aware of what happened and what needed to be done. Being a witness can be a frightening and thankless but still vital experience. Wrongdoers need to be brought to justice. The people who need help have to be able to get help. "I want to thank the witnesses, and their parents, for coming forward in this case and doing what was right, Brandel said. This type of behavior cannot be tolerated by society; and when we make that stand, those who choose to commit these types of crimes can quickly be removed from society. Witnesses in this case followed through on demands Brandel has made and we have echoed: Please come forward and help solve and prevent these crimes. "We have to come together as a community, Brandel said. Police departments across this country cannot do it alone. And until we all see that, and we all do our part to address it, then we will continue to repeat ourselves in offering condolences to victims families rather than celebrate true societal harmony." Our well-being depends on paying attention to the chief. APi Group (NYSE:APG Free Report) had its price target boosted by Royal Bank of Canada from $25.00 to $31.00 in a report published on Friday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the stock. A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on the company. Barclays boosted their target price on APi Group from $26.00 to $29.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Citigroup boosted their target price on APi Group from $28.00 to $32.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Finally, Robert W. Baird boosted their target price on APi Group from $29.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, APi Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $30.00. Get APi Group alerts: APi Group Stock Performance APG traded down $0.34 during trading on Friday, hitting $28.12. 846,304 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 628,208. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 104.15, a PEG ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.59. The company has a quick ratio of 1.42, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $26.49 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $23.55. APi Group has a 1-year low of $13.09 and a 1-year high of $29.57. Insider Activity at APi Group APi Group ( NYSE:APG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The company reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $1.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.77 billion. APi Group had a return on equity of 17.56% and a net margin of 1.66%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.37 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that APi Group will post 1.5 earnings per share for the current year. In related news, Director James E. Lillie sold 19,414 shares of APi Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.42, for a total value of $454,675.88. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 4,390,965 shares in the company, valued at $102,836,400.30. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other APi Group news, Director James E. Lillie sold 19,414 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.42, for a total value of $454,675.88. Following the sale, the director now owns 4,390,965 shares of the companys stock, valued at $102,836,400.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director James E. Lillie sold 57,580 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.62, for a total value of $1,302,459.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 4,500,052 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $101,791,176.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 16.40% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of APi Group Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in APi Group by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 207,347 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,360,000 after buying an additional 8,460 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE lifted its position in shares of APi Group by 8.0% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 12,978 shares of the companys stock valued at $273,000 after acquiring an additional 965 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of APi Group by 1,075.0% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,000 after acquiring an additional 2,666 shares during the last quarter. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC increased its position in APi Group by 24.1% during the 1st quarter. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC now owns 16,374 shares of the companys stock worth $344,000 after purchasing an additional 3,180 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its stake in APi Group by 57.0% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 107,748 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,266,000 after purchasing an additional 39,118 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.50% of the companys stock. About APi Group (Get Free Report) APi Group Corporation provides safety, specialty, and industrial services in North America, Europe, Australia, the Asian-Pacific, and other countries. It operates through Safety Services and Specialty Services segments. The Safety Services segment offers safety solutions focusing on end-to-end integrated occupancy systems, such as fire protection solutions; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions; and entry systems, which include the design, installation, and inspection and service of these integrated systems. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for APi Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for APi Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Auto Trader Group (OTCMKTS:ATDRY Free Report) had its target price upped by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 700 ($8.99) to GBX 720 ($9.24) in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Several other research firms have also weighed in on ATDRY. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Auto Trader Group from GBX 610 ($7.83) to GBX 670 ($8.60) in a research report on Friday, June 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Auto Trader Group from a neutral rating to an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. Peel Hunt lowered shares of Auto Trader Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Finally, Credit Suisse Group increased their price target on shares of Auto Trader Group from GBX 405 ($5.20) to GBX 473 ($6.07) in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $599.67. Get Auto Trader Group alerts: Auto Trader Group Trading Down 3.5 % OTCMKTS ATDRY opened at $1.93 on Tuesday. Auto Trader Group has a 1 year low of $1.30 and a 1 year high of $2.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.62, a quick ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $1.94 and a 200-day moving average price of $1.87. Auto Trader Group Increases Dividend About Auto Trader Group The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 25th will be issued a dividend of $0.0141 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 24th. This is an increase from Auto Trader Groups previous dividend of $0.01. (Get Free Report) Auto Trader Group plc operates in the digital automotive marketplace in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company provides vehicle advertisement on its websites for private sellers, as well as insurance and loan financing products to consumers; and display advertising on its websites for manufacturers and their advertising agencies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Auto Trader Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Auto Trader Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BayWa Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:BYW6 Get Free Report) was down 2.5% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as 36.75 ($40.38) and last traded at 37.20 ($40.88). Approximately 31,243 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 17% from the average daily volume of 26,697 shares. The stock had previously closed at 38.15 ($41.92). BayWa Aktiengesellschaft Stock Down 2.5 % The business has a 50-day moving average of 38.11 and a 200-day moving average of 39.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 330.67, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 1.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.94, a P/E/G ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 0.84. BayWa Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile (Get Free Report) BayWa Aktiengesellschaft provides wholesale, retail, logistics, and support and consultancy services in Germany and internationally. The company's Renewable Energies segment is involved in the planning, managing, and construction of wind farms and solar parks; production of power; and sale of photovoltaic systems and components. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BayWa Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BayWa Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed their outperform rating on shares of Block (NYSE:SQ Free Report) in a research report report published on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $90.00 price target on the technology companys stock. SQ has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on Block from $90.00 to $85.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Credit Suisse Group reiterated an outperform rating and set a $100.00 price objective on shares of Block in a research note on Friday. BNP Paribas raised Block from an underperform rating to an outperform rating and set a $95.00 target price on the stock in a report on Friday, July 28th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on Block from $88.00 to $87.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Block from $70.00 to $69.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and twenty-one have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $91.43. Get Block alerts: Block Stock Down 13.6 % Shares of SQ traded down $10.03 on Friday, hitting $63.52. The companys stock had a trading volume of 33,475,980 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,245,675. The company has a quick ratio of 1.83, a current ratio of 1.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The firms fifty day moving average price is $68.85 and its 200-day moving average price is $69.48. Block has a fifty-two week low of $51.34 and a fifty-two week high of $93.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $38.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -144.47 and a beta of 2.34. Insider Transactions at Block Block ( NYSE:SQ Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The technology company reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $5.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.10 billion. Block had a negative return on equity of 0.62% and a negative net margin of 1.38%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 25.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted ($0.19) EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Block will post -0.08 EPS for the current year. In related news, CAO Ajmere Dale sold 629 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total transaction of $37,494.69. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 74,458 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,438,441.38. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Block news, Director Lawrence Henry Summers sold 3,668 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.66, for a total value of $215,164.88. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 22,133 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,298,321.78. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CAO Ajmere Dale sold 629 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total value of $37,494.69. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 74,458 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,438,441.38. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 37,868 shares of company stock worth $2,545,857 over the last ninety days. 10.79% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Block A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SQ. IAG Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Block by 100.0% in the first quarter. IAG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 400 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new position in Block during the first quarter worth about $31,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC purchased a new position in Block during the first quarter worth about $32,000. Tobam boosted its holdings in shares of Block by 885.7% in the 2nd quarter. Tobam now owns 483 shares of the technology companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 434 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hollencrest Capital Management purchased a new position in shares of Block in the 4th quarter worth about $34,000. 63.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Block (Get Free Report) Square, Inc provides payment and point-of-sale solutions in the United States and internationally. The company's commerce ecosystem includes point-of-sale software and hardware that enables sellers to turn mobile and computing devices into payment and point-of-sale solutions. It offers hardware products, including Magstripe reader, which enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Contactless and chip reader that accepts EMV chip cards and Near Field Communication payments; Chip card reader, which accepts EMV chip cards and enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Square Stand, which enables an iPad to be used as a payment terminal or full point of sale solution; and Square Register that combines its hardware, point-of-sale software, and payments technology, as well as managed payments solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Block Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Block and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT boosted its holdings in Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 0.6% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 843,164 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after purchasing an additional 4,742 shares during the quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT owned about 0.06% of Boston Scientific worth $42,183,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new position in Boston Scientific in the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Asset Dedication LLC grew its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 109.5% during the 1st quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 551 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 288 shares during the period. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 44.3% during the 1st quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 658 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 202 shares during the period. Baldwin Brothers LLC MA acquired a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 1st quarter worth $35,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.20% of the companys stock. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 6,697 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.80, for a total transaction of $360,298.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,453 shares of the companys stock, valued at $938,971.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Boston Scientific news, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 11,671 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.85, for a total transaction of $616,812.35. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 67,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,571,814.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 6,697 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.80, for a total value of $360,298.60. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,453 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $938,971.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 93,378 shares of company stock valued at $4,993,445 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.71% of the companys stock. Boston Scientific Stock Down 0.3 % Shares of BSX stock traded down $0.16 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $50.72. 6,327,421 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,753,172. Boston Scientific Co. has a fifty-two week low of $37.74 and a fifty-two week high of $54.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 1.40. The company has a market capitalization of $71.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 84.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.79. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $52.50 and its 200 day simple moving average is $50.40. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.53 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.50 billion. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 15.31% and a net margin of 6.81%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.44 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Boston Scientific Co. will post 1.99 earnings per share for the current year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. They issued an overweight rating and a $58.00 price objective on the stock. 22nd Century Group reissued an initiates rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $52.00 to $58.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. BTIG Research upped their target price on shares of Boston Scientific from $56.00 to $57.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC upped their target price on shares of Boston Scientific from $57.00 to $61.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $58.35. Boston Scientific Profile (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through MedSurg and Cardiovascular segments. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions; devices to treat various urological and pelvic conditions; implantable cardioverter and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators; pacemakers and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers; and remote patient management systems. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Brinks Company (NYSE:BCO Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $73.52 and last traded at $73.52, with a volume of 32313 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $72.55. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, StockNews.com downgraded Brinks from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Get Brink's alerts: Brinks Stock Up 0.5 % The firms 50 day moving average is $69.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $66.31. The stock has a market cap of $3.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.76 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a current ratio of 1.53, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.27. Brinks Dividend Announcement Brinks ( NYSE:BCO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The business services provider reported $1.16 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.06. Brinks had a net margin of 2.50% and a return on equity of 60.26%. The firm had revenue of $1.19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.15 billion. On average, sell-side analysts predict that The Brinks Company will post 6.8 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.22 per share. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.21%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. Brinkss dividend payout ratio is currently 35.92%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Dominik Bossart sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.00, for a total transaction of $1,050,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 35,291 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,470,370. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 2.65% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Brinks A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BCO. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its stake in shares of Brinks by 1.4% in the third quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 12,504 shares of the business services providers stock worth $606,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio boosted its position in shares of Brinks by 8.8% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 2,206 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $107,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the period. Cim Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Brinks by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Cim Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,229 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $349,000 after purchasing an additional 180 shares during the period. Campbell Newman Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Brinks by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Campbell Newman Asset Management Inc. now owns 17,557 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,173,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SummerHaven Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in Brinks by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 13,815 shares of the business services providers stock worth $923,000 after acquiring an additional 260 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.49% of the companys stock. Brinks Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Brink's Company provides secure transportation, cash management, and other security-related services in North America, Latin America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers armored vehicle transportation of valuables; automated teller machine (ATM) management services, such as cash replenishment, cash forecasting, cash optimization, ATM remote monitoring, service call dispatching, transaction processing, installation, and first and second line maintenance services; and cash-in-transit services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Brink's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brink's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield Renewable Co. (NYSE:BEPC Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Friday, August 4th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.338 per share on Friday, September 29th. This represents a $1.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. Brookfield Renewable has a dividend payout ratio of -843.8% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities research analysts expect Brookfield Renewable to earn ($0.18) per share next year, which means the company may not be able to cover its $1.35 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of -750.0%. Get Brookfield Renewable alerts: Brookfield Renewable Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:BEPC traded up $0.36 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $28.68. The companys stock had a trading volume of 994,546 shares, compared to its average volume of 488,379. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $32.25 and a 200 day moving average of $32.08. Brookfield Renewable has a twelve month low of $27.19 and a twelve month high of $42.97. The company has a quick ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Brookfield Renewable ( NYSE:BEPC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 5th. The company reported ($0.09) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Brookfield Renewable had a return on equity of 1.88% and a net margin of 5.75%. The firm had revenue of $1.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.21 billion. On average, analysts predict that Brookfield Renewable will post -0.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Brookfield Renewable in the first quarter worth approximately $235,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 505,105 shares of the companys stock worth $17,653,000 after buying an additional 19,225 shares in the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. lifted its holdings in Brookfield Renewable by 10.9% in the 1st quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 203,313 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,104,000 after purchasing an additional 19,907 shares in the last quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Brookfield Renewable in the 1st quarter valued at about $51,000. Finally, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV acquired a new position in shares of Brookfield Renewable during the 1st quarter valued at about $238,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.04% of the companys stock. Brookfield Renewable Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brookfield Renewable Corporation owns and operates a portfolio of renewable power and sustainable solution assets primarily in the United States, Europe, Colombia, and Brazil. It operates hydroelectric, wind, and solar power plants with an installed capacity of approximately 12,857 megawatts. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Renewable Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Renewable and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Builders FirstSource (NYSE:BLDR Free Report) had its price objective upped by BMO Capital Markets from $125.00 to $135.00 in a research report sent to investors on Friday, MarketBeat.com reports. BMO Capital Markets currently has a market perform rating on the stock. A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Stephens raised their price target on shares of Builders FirstSource from $130.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. DA Davidson lifted their target price on shares of Builders FirstSource from $80.00 to $105.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $175.00 target price on shares of Builders FirstSource in a research note on Thursday. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Builders FirstSource in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Builders FirstSource from $162.00 to $188.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Builders FirstSource presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $147.17. Get Builders FirstSource alerts: Builders FirstSource Price Performance BLDR traded up $4.99 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $149.64. 1,961,895 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,403,353. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.59 and a beta of 1.99. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. Builders FirstSource has a one year low of $52.70 and a one year high of $156.85. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $132.58 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $108.73. Insider Activity at Builders FirstSource Builders FirstSource ( NYSE:BLDR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $3.89 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.69 by $1.20. The firm had revenue of $4.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.24 billion. Builders FirstSource had a net margin of 10.04% and a return on equity of 45.73%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 35.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $6.26 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Builders FirstSource will post 10.38 EPS for the current year. In related news, insider Jami Beckmann sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.69, for a total value of $241,380.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 41,262 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,979,910.78. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Builders FirstSource A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Altshuler Shaham Ltd grew its holdings in Builders FirstSource by 5.2% during the 1st quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd now owns 1,759 shares of the companys stock worth $156,000 after acquiring an additional 87 shares during the period. WASHINGTON TRUST Co grew its holdings in Builders FirstSource by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 2,716 shares of the companys stock worth $369,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV grew its holdings in Builders FirstSource by 27.7% during the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 424 shares of the companys stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the period. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. grew its holdings in shares of Builders FirstSource by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. now owns 3,478 shares of the companys stock valued at $473,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the period. Finally, Macquarie Group Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Builders FirstSource by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 2,269 shares of the companys stock valued at $201,000 after buying an additional 116 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.57% of the companys stock. Builders FirstSource Company Profile (Get Free Report) Builders FirstSource, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and supplies building materials, manufactured components, and construction services to professional homebuilders, sub-contractors, remodelers, and consumers in the United States. It offers lumber and lumber sheet goods comprising dimensional lumber, plywood, and oriented strand board products that are used in on-site house framing; manufactured products, such as wood floor and roof trusses, steel roof trusses, wall panels, stairs, and engineered wood products; and windows, and interior and exterior door units, as well as interior trims and custom products comprising intricate mouldings, stair parts, and columns under the Synboard brand name. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Builders FirstSource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Builders FirstSource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Camden National Bank raised its holdings in Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Free Report) by 0.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 19,151 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 136 shares during the period. Camden National Banks holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $4,326,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 2.6% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,601,280 shares of the companys stock worth $2,902,327,000 after purchasing an additional 313,344 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 52.2% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 3,928,866 shares of the companys stock valued at $910,514,000 after purchasing an additional 1,346,846 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 31.3% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 3,809,273 shares of the companys stock valued at $882,799,000 after purchasing an additional 908,486 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 84,839.5% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,742,434 shares of the companys stock valued at $867,309,000 after purchasing an additional 3,738,028 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 3.6% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,812,650 shares of the companys stock valued at $650,445,000 after purchasing an additional 98,901 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.49% of the companys stock. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Insider Transactions at Constellation Brands In related news, Director Richard Sands sold 3,858,476 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $223.53, for a total value of $862,485,140.28. Following the transaction, the director now owns 20,488,818 shares in the company, valued at $4,579,865,487.54. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Constellation Brands news, major shareholder Business Holdings Lp Ajb sold 650,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $223.53, for a total transaction of $145,294,500.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 3,365,715 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $752,338,273.95. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Richard Sands sold 3,858,476 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $223.53, for a total transaction of $862,485,140.28. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 20,488,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,579,865,487.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 4,573,486 shares of company stock worth $1,025,201,775 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 16.19% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Constellation Brands Trading Down 0.3 % A number of brokerages have weighed in on STZ. TD Cowen raised their target price on Constellation Brands from $200.00 to $220.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, April 10th. Roth Mkm raised their price objective on Constellation Brands from $270.00 to $284.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Constellation Brands from $275.00 to $280.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 3rd. HSBC raised their price objective on Constellation Brands from $275.00 to $280.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 7th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Constellation Brands in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $266.24. STZ stock traded down $0.71 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $268.02. 1,184,033 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,055,789. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.53. Constellation Brands, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $208.12 and a fifty-two week high of $273.44. The firms 50 day moving average price is $252.84 and its 200 day moving average price is $234.62. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, June 30th. The company reported $2.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.83 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $2.51 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.47 billion. Constellation Brands had a positive return on equity of 22.32% and a negative net margin of 3.14%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.66 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Constellation Brands, Inc. will post 11.62 EPS for the current fiscal year. Constellation Brands Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 24th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 10th will be paid a $0.89 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 9th. This represents a $3.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.33%. Constellation Brandss payout ratio is presently -194.54%. Constellation Brands Profile (Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Premier, Corona Familiar, Corona Light, Corona Refresca, Corona Hard Seltzer, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, Modelo Chelada, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Generac (NYSE:GNRC Free Report) had its price objective reduced by Canaccord Genuity Group from $175.00 to $140.00 in a research report report published on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the technology companys stock. Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Oppenheimer cut their price objective on Generac from $145.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday. Bank of America cut their price objective on Generac from $95.00 to $90.00 in a report on Thursday, July 6th. Argus raised Generac from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $155.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. StockNews.com raised Generac from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 12th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price objective on Generac from $127.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $143.48. Get Generac alerts: Generac Price Performance GNRC stock traded up $3.18 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $113.95. 2,497,940 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,332,324. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 2.40 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The company has a market capitalization of $7.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.96, a P/E/G ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.24. Generac has a 52-week low of $86.29 and a 52-week high of $281.50. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $133.18 and a 200-day moving average price of $120.17. Insider Buying and Selling at Generac Generac ( NYSE:GNRC Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The technology company reported $1.08 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $1,000.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $979.51 million. Generac had a net margin of 4.64% and a return on equity of 14.41%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 22.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.99 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Generac will post 5.83 earnings per share for the current year. In other Generac news, EVP Rajendra Kumar Kanuru sold 250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.15, for a total value of $37,287.50. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 16,618 shares in the company, valued at $2,478,574.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Aaron Jagdfeld sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.15, for a total transaction of $745,750.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 612,690 shares in the company, valued at $91,382,713.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Rajendra Kumar Kanuru sold 250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.15, for a total value of $37,287.50. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 16,618 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,478,574.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 10,250 shares of company stock worth $1,323,638. 2.80% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Generac A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Generac by 2.0% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,770,488 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,012,595,000 after purchasing an additional 130,854 shares during the period. FMR LLC grew its stake in Generac by 41.1% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,549,551 shares of the technology companys stock worth $275,377,000 after purchasing an additional 743,267 shares during the period. Brown Advisory Inc. grew its stake in Generac by 9.9% in the second quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 2,188,472 shares of the technology companys stock worth $326,367,000 after purchasing an additional 197,545 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its stake in Generac by 92,616.6% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,041,619 shares of the technology companys stock worth $304,467,000 after purchasing an additional 2,039,417 shares during the period. Finally, Champlain Investment Partners LLC grew its stake in Generac by 22.2% in the first quarter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC now owns 1,904,799 shares of the technology companys stock worth $205,737,000 after purchasing an additional 345,785 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 85.93% of the companys stock. Generac Company Profile (Get Free Report) Generac Holdings Inc designs, manufactures, and sells power generation equipment, energy storage systems, energy management devices and solutions, and other power products for the residential, light commercial, and industrial markets worldwide. The company offers residential automatic standby generators, automatic transfer switch, air-cooled engine residential standby generators, and liquid-cooled engine generators; residential storage solution consists of a system of batteries, an inverter, photovoltaic optimizers, power electronic controls, and other components; Mobile Link, a remote monitoring system for home standby generators; smart home solutions, such as smart thermostats and a suite of home monitoring products; smart water heater controllers; residential clean energy solutions; and portable and inverter generators; outdoor power equipment, including trimmers, field and brush mowers, log splitters, stump grinders, chipper shredders, lawn and leaf vacuums, and pressure washers and water pumps; and battery-powered turf care products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Generac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Generac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A Georgia inmate was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in coordinating the distribution of methamphetamine from Georgia to Catawba and Burke counties. In December 2022, a federal jury convicted 44-year-old Alfonso Roman Brito of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. Six co-defendants have also been convicted and sentenced for drug-related offenses in connection with this case, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Dena J. King said in a news release. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Brito to 25 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for the drug trafficking charges, King said. According to evidence presented at Britos trial, in 2019, law enforcement were conducting an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in Catawba and Burke counties and surrounding communities, King said. The investigation determined that Brito, who was an inmate in the Georgia Department of Corrections, was in charge of coordinating the shipment of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine from Atlanta into western North Carolina. Between 2019 and 2021, Brito orchestrated the delivery of more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine from Georgia to North Carolina, King said. The methamphetamine was sold to drug networks around Catawba and Burke counties for local distribution, King said. The other co-defendants sentenced in the case were Charles Ray Hildebran, Jeffrey Ben Pavkovich, Billy Dean Potter, Phillip Anthony Godfrey, Britton Nicole Metcalf and Marcos Alan Martinez. King did not specify the charges that each of the co-defendants was convicted on. Hildebran was sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release, King said. Pavkovich was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison and five years of supervised release, King said. Potter was sentenced to 11 years in prison and three years of supervised release, King said. Godfrey was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release, King said. Metcalf was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release, King said. Martinez was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison and two years of supervised release, King said. Shares of Ceconomy AG (OTCMKTS:MTTRY Get Free Report) traded up 2.6% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $0.57 and last traded at $0.55. 731 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 85% from the average session volume of 4,893 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.53. Ceconomy Stock Up 2.6 % The business has a 50 day moving average of $0.47 and a 200-day moving average of $0.48. About Ceconomy (Get Free Report) Ceconomy AG engages in the consumer electronics retail business. It operates stores under the MediaMarkt and Saturn brands. The company also offers professional assistance for the installation, connection, and troubleshooting of electronic devices at home under the Deutsche Technikberatung brand. It operates in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary, as well as in Western, Southern, and Eastern Europe. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ceconomy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ceconomy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ceridian HCM (NYSE:CDAY Free Report) had its price target lifted by Barclays from $73.00 to $74.00 in a research report report published on Thursday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. A number of other equities analysts have also recently commented on CDAY. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Ceridian HCM from $75.00 to $65.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. TD Cowen cut Ceridian HCM from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their target price for the company from $69.00 to $71.00 in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Citigroup increased their target price on Ceridian HCM from $74.00 to $84.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Credit Suisse Group cut their price target on Ceridian HCM from $105.00 to $83.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, DA Davidson cut their price target on Ceridian HCM from $86.00 to $77.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Ceridian HCM presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $79.07. Get Ceridian HCM alerts: Ceridian HCM Stock Down 0.0 % NYSE:CDAY traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $71.53. 2,077,207 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,315,340. The company has a fifty day moving average of $66.93 and a 200 day moving average of $68.13. Ceridian HCM has a twelve month low of $51.52 and a twelve month high of $79.66. The company has a market capitalization of $10.99 billion, a P/E ratio of -794.69 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.07. Insider Transactions at Ceridian HCM Ceridian HCM ( NYSE:CDAY Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.10 by ($0.05). Ceridian HCM had a negative net margin of 0.95% and a positive return on equity of 0.68%. The business had revenue of $370.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $360.77 million. On average, analysts forecast that Ceridian HCM will post 0.35 EPS for the current year. In other news, insider Stephen H. Holdridge sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.00, for a total transaction of $70,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 65,756 shares in the company, valued at $4,602,920. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. In related news, EVP William Everett Mcdonald sold 709 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.82, for a total transaction of $40,994.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 53,626 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,100,655.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Stephen H. Holdridge sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.00, for a total value of $70,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 65,756 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,602,920. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 34,863 shares of company stock worth $2,282,212 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 4.50% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CDAY. Capital International Investors acquired a new position in shares of Ceridian HCM during the 1st quarter worth about $366,250,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its holdings in shares of Ceridian HCM by 17.8% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 21,691,635 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,391,519,000 after purchasing an additional 3,273,796 shares during the last quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership lifted its holdings in shares of Ceridian HCM by 312.2% in the 4th quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 2,196,191 shares of the companys stock valued at $140,886,000 after purchasing an additional 1,663,456 shares during the last quarter. Natixis lifted its holdings in shares of Ceridian HCM by 909.2% in the 4th quarter. Natixis now owns 1,659,431 shares of the companys stock valued at $106,452,000 after purchasing an additional 1,495,006 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Ceridian HCM by 377.0% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 822,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,204,000 after purchasing an additional 649,656 shares during the last quarter. Ceridian HCM Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ceridian HCM Holding Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a human capital management (HCM) software company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It offers Dayforce, a cloud HCM platform that provides human resources, payroll, benefits, workforce management, and talent management functionality; and Powerpay, a cloud HR and payroll solution for the small business market. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ceridian HCM Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ceridian HCM and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Chiba Bank, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CHBAY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $37.38 and last traded at $37.38, with a volume of 0 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $37.38. Chiba Bank Stock Performance The companys 50-day moving average is $37.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $37.31. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.22 and a beta of 0.64. Get Chiba Bank alerts: Chiba Bank (OTCMKTS:CHBAY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Sunday, May 14th. The company reported $0.63 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $534.93 million during the quarter. About Chiba Bank The Chiba Bank, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services in Japan and internationally. It offers various deposit products; and various loans and bills discounting products, as well as investment management and investment advisory services. The company also engages in securities, leasing, credit card, and credit guarantee business; management and collection of claims; and outsourcing of operational business. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chiba Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chiba Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital Power (OTCMKTS:CPXWF Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by CIBC from C$49.00 to C$47.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of Capital Power from C$51.00 to C$52.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 17th. National Bank Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Capital Power from C$53.00 to C$52.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. TD Securities dropped their price objective on shares of Capital Power from C$52.00 to C$51.00 in a research note on Thursday. Desjardins lowered their target price on shares of Capital Power from C$58.00 to C$57.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group raised their price objective on Capital Power from C$54.00 to C$56.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 10th. Get Capital Power alerts: Capital Power Price Performance CPXWF stock traded up $0.57 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $30.66. The company had a trading volume of 1,200 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,919. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $32.48 and a 200 day moving average of $32.32. Capital Power has a 12 month low of $29.39 and a 12 month high of $39.87. About Capital Power Capital Power Corporation develops, acquires, owns, and operates renewable and thermal power generation facilities in Canada and the United States. It generates electricity from various energy sources, including wind, solar, waste heat, natural gas, and coal. The company owns an approximately 7,500 megawatts of power generation capacity at 29 facilities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Capital Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capital Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CLS Holdings USA (OTCMKTS:CLSH Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Berenberg Bank from GBX 190 ($2.44) to GBX 175 ($2.25) in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. CLS Holdings USA Trading Up 12.0 % OTCMKTS:CLSH traded up $0.01 on Friday, hitting $0.09. The stock had a trading volume of 44,050 shares, compared to its average volume of 79,178. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $0.06 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $0.06. CLS Holdings USA has a 52-week low of $0.03 and a 52-week high of $0.50. Get CLS Holdings USA alerts: CLS Holdings USA Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles CLS Holdings USA, Inc, a diversified cannabis company, focuses on the extraction and conversion of cannabinoids in the United States. It extracts cannabinoids from the cannabis plants and converts into concentrates, such as oils, waxes, edibles, and shatters. The company also sells organic medical cannabis to licensed retailers; recreational marijuana cannabis products to licensed distributors and retailers; extraction products, such as oils and waxes derived from in-house cannabis production; and offers processing and extraction services for licensed medical cannabis cultivators, as well as cannabis strains in the form of vegetative cuttings to licensed medical cannabis cultivators. Receive News & Ratings for CLS Holdings USA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CLS Holdings USA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (OTCMKTS:CBAUF Get Free Report) shares dropped 4% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $67.00 and last traded at $67.00. Approximately 200 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 81% from the average daily volume of 1,042 shares. The stock had previously closed at $69.80. Commonwealth Bank of Australia Stock Performance The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $67.30 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $67.70. Commonwealth Bank of Australia Company Profile (Get Free Report) Commonwealth Bank of Australia engages in the provision of banking and financial services. It operates through the following segments: Retail Banking Services, Business Banking, Institutional Banking and Markets, New Zealand, Corporate Centre and Other, and Wealth Management. The Retail Banking Services segment provides home loan, consumer finance, and retail deposit products and servicing to all retail bank customers and non-relationship managed small business customers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Commonwealth Bank of Australia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Commonwealth Bank of Australia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Altisource Asset Management (NYSE:AAMC Get Free Report) and Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE:CWK Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk, profitability, valuation and institutional ownership. Risk and Volatility Altisource Asset Management has a beta of 1.5, suggesting that its stock price is 50% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Cushman & Wakefield has a beta of 1.35, suggesting that its stock price is 35% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Altisource Asset Management alerts: Institutional & Insider Ownership 3.4% of Altisource Asset Management shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 93.3% of Cushman & Wakefield shares are owned by institutional investors. 4.3% of Altisource Asset Management shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.2% of Cushman & Wakefield shares are owned 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. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Altisource Asset Management -130.34% N/A -9.17% Cushman & Wakefield -0.18% 15.18% 3.15% Analyst Recommendations This table compares Altisource Asset Management and Cushman & Wakefields net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Altisource Asset Management and Cushman & Wakefield, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Altisource Asset Management 0 0 0 0 N/A Cushman & Wakefield 0 4 0 1 2.40 Cushman & Wakefield has a consensus target price of $12.00, suggesting a potential upside of 16.28%. Given Cushman & Wakefields higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Cushman & Wakefield is more favorable than Altisource Asset Management. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Altisource Asset Management and Cushman & Wakefields top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Altisource Asset Management $4.97 million 14.52 -$15.93 million ($4.87) -8.42 Cushman & Wakefield $10.11 billion 0.23 $196.40 million ($0.08) -129.00 Cushman & Wakefield has higher revenue and earnings than Altisource Asset Management. Cushman & Wakefield is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Altisource Asset Management, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Cushman & Wakefield beats Altisource Asset Management on 9 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Altisource Asset Management (Get Free Report) AAMC has historically been an asset management company that provides portfolio management and corporate governance services to investment vehicles but given the sale and discontinuance of certain operations the Company is in the process of repositioning itself. Additional information is available at www.altisourceamc.com. About Cushman & Wakefield (Get Free Report) Cushman & Wakefield plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial real estate services under the Cushman & Wakefield brand in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments. It offers integrated facilities management, project and development, portfolio administration, transaction management, and strategic consulting services; property management services, including client accounting, engineering and operations, lease compliance administration, project and development, and sustainability services; and self-performed facilities services, which include janitorial, maintenance, critical environment management, landscaping, and office services. The company also provides owner representation and tenant representation leasing services; capital market services, including investment sales and equity, and debt and structured financing for real estate purchase and sales transactions; and appraisal management, investment management, valuation advisory, portfolio advisory, diligence advisory, dispute analysis and litigation support, financial reporting, and property and/or portfolio valuation services on real estate debt and equity decisions. Cushman & Wakefield has strategic partnerships with Vanke Service (Hong Kong) Co., Limited. It serves real estate owners and occupiers, such as tenants, investors, and multi-national corporations. The company was founded in 1784 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Altisource Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altisource Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Barclays (NYSE:BCS Get Free Report) and Banco Itau Chile (NYSE:ITCL Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, risk, dividends, earnings and valuation. Dividends Barclays pays an annual dividend of $0.27 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.5%. Banco Itau Chile pays an annual dividend of $0.17 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Barclays pays out 15.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Banco Itau Chile pays out 24.3% 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. Get Barclays alerts: Valuation and Earnings This table compares Barclays and Banco Itau Chiles revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Barclays $25.27 billion 1.19 $7.33 billion $1.73 4.46 Banco Itau Chile $2.94 billion 0.83 $487.62 million $0.70 5.37 Volatility & Risk Barclays has higher revenue and earnings than Banco Itau Chile. Barclays is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Banco Itau Chile, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Barclays has a beta of 1.37, indicating that its share price is 37% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Banco Itau Chile has a beta of 0.98, indicating that its share price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Barclays and Banco Itau Chile, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Barclays 0 0 5 0 3.00 Banco Itau Chile 0 0 0 0 N/A Barclays presently has a consensus target price of $205.00, suggesting a potential upside of 2,558.88%. Given Barclays higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Barclays is more favorable than Banco Itau Chile. Profitability This table compares Barclays and Banco Itau Chiles net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Barclays 22.39% 8.09% 0.35% Banco Itau Chile 11.23% 12.85% 1.04% Institutional & Insider Ownership 3.3% of Barclays shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.2% of Banco Itau Chile shares are held by institutional investors. 0.0% of Barclays shares are held by 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. Summary Barclays beats Banco Itau Chile on 11 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Barclays (Get Free Report) Barclays Plc operates as a bank holding company, which engages in the provision of retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management services. The firm operates through Barclays UK and Barclays International segments. The Barclays UK segment consists the U.K. retail banking operations, U.K. consumer credit card business, U.K. wealth management business and corporate banking for smaller businesses. The Barclays International segment includes corporate banking franchise, the investment bank, the U.S. and international cards business and international wealth management. Barclays was founded on 1690 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. About Banco Itau Chile (Get Free Report) Banco Itau Chile provides banking services in Chile and Colombia. It provides wholesale and corporate banking; real estate and construction; and retail, private, companies, and personal banking services, as well as treasury and other financial services. The company offers checking accounts, and debit and credit card; credit line, consumer credit installments, mortgage credit, and universal consumer and university credit; and leasing and company credits including short term, fixed long term, and structured credit, as well as factoring, foreign trade exports, such as financing line agreement, import payment order, collection, and letter of credit, financing cash operation services. In addition, it provides warranty papers including financed, cash, and web guaranteed tickets; state guarantee services; insurance products, which includes car, home, life, covid19 insurance for workers, financial protection, and assists insurance. The company also offers investment, mutual funds, stock broking, pension savings, and ETF mutual funds; international cash management, cash pooling, secure and rolling from check, bill collection, online payroll, automatic bill payments, and PAC collection services; and fusion and acquisition, bill of commerce, corporate bonds, purchase and sale of currency, short-term liquidly investment, and derivatives. The company was incorporated in 1871 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile. Banco Itau Chile is a subsidiary of Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. Receive News & Ratings for Barclays Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barclays and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RB Global (NYSE:RBA Get Free Report) and Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) are both large-cap business services companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, risk, institutional ownership, earnings and valuation. Insider and Institutional Ownership 89.3% of RB Global shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.1% of Broadridge Financial Solutions shares are held by institutional investors. 4.3% of RB Global shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.6% of Broadridge Financial Solutions shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get RB Global alerts: Dividends RB Global pays an annual dividend of $1.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Broadridge Financial Solutions pays an annual dividend of $2.90 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. RB Global pays out 117.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Broadridge Financial Solutions pays out 62.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. RB Global has increased its dividend for 5 consecutive years and Broadridge Financial Solutions has increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score RB Global 0 1 8 0 2.89 Broadridge Financial Solutions 0 1 2 0 2.67 This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for RB Global and Broadridge Financial Solutions, as provided by MarketBeat. RB Global presently has a consensus target price of $65.00, indicating a potential upside of 11.09%. Broadridge Financial Solutions has a consensus target price of $161.40, indicating a potential downside of 2.61%. Given RB Globals stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe RB Global is more favorable than Broadridge Financial Solutions. Earnings and Valuation This table compares RB Global and Broadridge Financial Solutions revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio RB Global $2.47 billion 4.30 $319.66 million $0.92 63.60 Broadridge Financial Solutions $5.71 billion 3.42 $539.10 million $4.66 35.56 Broadridge Financial Solutions has higher revenue and earnings than RB Global. Broadridge Financial Solutions is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than RB Global, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares RB Global and Broadridge Financial Solutions net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets RB Global 5.94% 5.97% 2.51% Broadridge Financial Solutions 9.33% 40.29% 9.36% Risk and Volatility RB Global has a beta of 0.94, suggesting that its stock price is 6% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Broadridge Financial Solutions has a beta of 1.02, suggesting that its stock price is 2% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Broadridge Financial Solutions beats RB Global on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About RB Global (Get Free Report) RB Global, Inc., an omnichannel marketplace, provides insights, services, and transaction solutions for buyers and sellers of commercial assets and vehicles worldwide. Its marketplace brands include Ritchie Bros., an auctioneer of commercial assets and vehicles offering online bidding; IAA, a digital marketplace connecting vehicle buyers and sellers; Rouse Services, which provides asset management, data-driven intelligence, and performance benchmarking system; SmartEquip, a technology platform that supports customers' management of the equipment lifecycle; Xcira that provides live simulcast auction technologies; and Veritread, an online marketplace for heavy haul transport solution. The company serves customers across various asset classes, including automotive, commercial transportation, construction, government surplus, lifting and material handling, energy, mining, and agriculture. RB Global, Inc. was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Westchester, Illinois. About Broadridge Financial Solutions (Get Free Report) Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. It also offers ProxyEdge, an electronic proxy delivery and voting solution; data-driven solutions and an end-to-end platform for content management, composition, and omni-channel distribution of regulatory, marketing, and transactional information, as well as mutual fund trade processing services; data and analytics solutions; solutions for public corporations and mutual funds; SEC filing and capital markets transaction services; registrar, stock transfer, and record-keeping services; and omni-channel customer communications solutions, as well as operates Broadridge Communications Cloud platform that creates, delivers, and manages communications and customer engagement activities. The company's Global Technology and Operations segment provides solutions that automate the front-to-back transaction lifecycle of equity, mutual fund, fixed income, foreign exchange and exchange-traded derivatives, order capture and execution, trade confirmation, margin, cash management, clearance and settlement, reference data management, reconciliations, securities financing and collateral management, asset servicing, compliance and regulatory reporting, portfolio accounting, and custody-related services. This segment also offers business process outsourcing services; technology solutions, such portfolio management, compliance, fee billing, and operational support solutions; and capital market and wealth management solutions. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Lake Success, New York. Receive News & Ratings for RB Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RB Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cornish Metals Inc. (LON:CUSN Get Free Report)s stock price was down 1.8% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 13.50 ($0.17) and last traded at GBX 13.75 ($0.18). Approximately 120,917 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 55% from the average daily volume of 271,378 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 14 ($0.18). Cornish Metals Price Performance The stocks 50-day moving average price is GBX 11.75 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 13.52. The firm has a market capitalization of 73.60 million, a PE ratio of 1,375.00 and a beta of 2.29. Cornish Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cornish Metals Inc engages in the acquisition, evaluation, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the United Kingdom. The company primarily explores for tin, tungsten, zinc, silver, nickel, lithium, and copper deposits. Its flagship projects are the South Crofty project comprising an underground mine permission area that covers 1,490 hectares located in the Central Mining District of Cornwall, the United Kingdom; and the United Downs exploration project located within the historic Gwennap copper and tin mining district in Cornwall, the United Kingdom. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cornish Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cornish Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burke County experienced the largest population drop among the four counties in the Greater Hickory area in the most recent census. And population growth is not expected in the county in the next 20 years. Burke saw a decline of more than 3,000 people between 2010 and 2020, as the population dipped from 90,912 to 87,570 in the most recent census data. In the next 20 years growth for Burke County is expected to be flat, not growing or declining, according to the North Carolina State Demographers Office. But even with those trends, there is still a sense of optimism among some in the community. There is some justification for that perspective. Burke County more than doubled the amount of residential permits between 2021 and 2022, according to data from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. With 423 units permitted last year, the county was within the 1%-2% growth range recommended by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. Valdese Mayor Charlie Watts sees opportunity rather than dismay. He pointed out that only one storefront sits empty in this town of about 4,600 residents. Watts does acknowledge the need for more housing, though Valdese has seen rapid housing growth in the last few years. From 2021 to 2022, Valdese housing units permitted grew by 140, from just 9 permitted units to 149, according to information compiled by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. That places Valdese well above the number of housing units needed to support the 1%-2% annual growth target. Watts said four multifamily projects are in the works in Valdese. He said he hopes the developments will draw more people into the area to enjoy the amenities that the town has to offer. He said he wants to make sure the growth is controlled and sustainable for those living in Valdese. Morganton, Burke Countys largest municipality, did not reach the new home targets to achieve 1% annual population growth. The city had 24 permits issued in 2021 and 65 permits in 2022, according to data from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. The housing units needed to reach the target for both years were 78 and 155 to reach the 1% growth. Though the housing growth in Morganton is sluggish, Linda Knollmeyer, owner of The Olive on East Union Street in downtown Morganton, has noticed a positive change downtown in recent years. Her business has been in its downtown location for seven years, and Knollmeyer said she is seeing more out-of-town visitors as well as her local regulars. Knollmeyer said she asks her customers where theyre from when they visit and shes noticed a lot of people coming in from Charlotte, South Carolina and even Asheville, which she said she found particularly interesting. She also said the downtown has benefitted from several additions, including a new amphitheater that hosts TGIF summer concerts every Friday night. Knollmeyer said she estimates more than 1,000 people come out to the Historic Burke County Courthouse square for the TGIF event to listen to music and socialize. Knollmeyer is a fan of what she described as a blossoming downtown area but said she hopes that the city of Morganton will keep its eclectic small-town feel. With a median age of 43, attracting young people and building an educated, skilled workforce is a key priority for county and municipal leaders. Those leaders are banking on the North Carolina School of Science and Math, which opened in Morganton last year. Burke County Chamber of Commerce President Tonia Stephenson said the school will help the region overcome a lack of educated and skilled workforce. Stephenson said workforce is one of the countys challenges. Vice Chancellor Kevin Baxter has confidence that the school will bring in more young people as well as create more jobs for people in the county and outside the county. Baxter said the school has already employed 92 full-time employees and isnt done hiring yet. Baxter said he knows that once students graduate from the North Carolina School of Science and Math they will most likely go away for college, but he hopes that the region will make an impact on students lives. He knows that its playing the long game, but his hope is that students see the opportunity to come back to the region to start businesses and have families. Baxter said he is thankful for the community champions in not just Burke County, but other counties as well who saw the need and opportunity to have the school in Morganton and didnt push it aside because it wasnt in their ZIP code. Its a game changer, Baxter said. It shines a light on the region. Former Morganton Mayor Mel Cohen echoed the need for an influx of skilled workers, noting that as one of the reasons Morganton focused on smaller industrial plants during his time with the city. Cohen said during his time as mayor, Morganton and Burke County worked together to lay the groundwork for what is now an industrial park on Interstate 40 and his hope is that the education system in Burke County will bring young people back to work. Taking advantage of the countys natural and manmade recreational opportunities is another way local leaders are looking to attract people. Watts said one way the town of Valdese has tried to bring more people in and also draw in younger generations is the addition of Lakeside Park. The 300-acre park has more than 8 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic tables. Throughout the week, daily park visitors range from the 270s to the 280s, and on the weekends, 360s to 460s. Stephenson said Burke County puts an emphasis on growing regionally while staying true to what makes Burke County so unique. Stephenson said Burke County is unique because residents can enjoy amenities in their backyard that others would have to take a vacation to enjoy. South Mountains State Park and Table Rock are two popular hiking destinations located in Burke County. South Mountains welcomed more than 400,000 visitors in 2020, according to an article in The (Morganton) News Herald. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. acquired a new stake in Envista Holdings Co. (NYSE:NVST Free Report) during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm acquired 146,213 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,977,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in NVST. Assetmark Inc. grew its stake in shares of Envista by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 27,714 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,133,000 after purchasing an additional 755 shares during the last quarter. Versor Investments LP purchased a new position in Envista in the 1st quarter valued at $263,000. Pitcairn Co. increased its stake in Envista by 98.8% in the 1st quarter. Pitcairn Co. now owns 25,065 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,025,000 after buying an additional 12,458 shares during the period. Lmcg Investments LLC raised its position in Envista by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Lmcg Investments LLC now owns 50,244 shares of the companys stock worth $2,054,000 after buying an additional 1,092 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Treasurer of the State of North Carolina lifted its stake in shares of Envista by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 71,149 shares of the companys stock worth $2,909,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Get Envista alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently issued reports on NVST. TheStreet cut shares of Envista from a b rating to a c+ rating in a report on Friday, June 9th. Bank of America decreased their price target on Envista from $47.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $45.20. Envista Trading Down 1.9 % Shares of Envista stock opened at $33.63 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $5.51 billion, a PE ratio of 27.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. The company has a 50-day moving average of $33.78 and a two-hundred day moving average of $36.42. Envista Holdings Co. has a 12-month low of $31.20 and a 12-month high of $43.29. Envista (NYSE:NVST Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $662.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $655.81 million. Envista had a return on equity of 7.60% and a net margin of 8.40%. Envistas revenue was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.48 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Envista Holdings Co. will post 1.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. Envista Company Profile (Free Report) Envista Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells dental products in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Specialty Products & Technologies, and Equipment & Consumables. The Specialty Products & Technologies segment offers dental implant systems, guided surgery systems, biomaterials, and prefabricated and custom-built prosthetics to oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and periodontists; and brackets and wires, tubes and bands, archwires, clear aligners, digital orthodontic treatments, retainers, and other orthodontic laboratory products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVST? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Envista Holdings Co. (NYSE:NVST Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Envista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Envista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cullen/Frost Bankers (NYSE:CFR Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at StockNews.com to a sell rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday. CFR has been the subject of several other research reports. DA Davidson dropped their price objective on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $134.00 to $126.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $130.00 to $135.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Truist Financial lowered their price target on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $114.00 to $113.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $127.00 to $122.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $121.00 to $116.00 in a report on Friday, July 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $127.73. Get Cullen/Frost Bankers alerts: Cullen/Frost Bankers Price Performance CFR traded down $0.41 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $107.81. 397,630 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 609,660. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. Cullen/Frost Bankers has a one year low of $92.55 and a one year high of $160.60. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $108.97 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $112.58. Insider Activity at Cullen/Frost Bankers Cullen/Frost Bankers ( NYSE:CFR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The bank reported $2.47 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.40 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $512.12 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $496.85 million. Cullen/Frost Bankers had a net margin of 29.14% and a return on equity of 22.93%. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.81 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Cullen/Frost Bankers will post 9.39 EPS for the current year. In related news, Director Chris Avery purchased 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $95.75 per share, for a total transaction of $478,750.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 10,000 shares in the company, valued at $957,500. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Cullen/Frost Bankers news, Director Chris Avery acquired 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $95.75 per share, with a total value of $478,750.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 10,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $957,500. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Patrick B. Frost sold 6,617 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.09, for a total transaction of $668,912.53. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 210,946 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,324,531.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have purchased 7,001 shares of company stock worth $676,179. Insiders own 2.89% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Cullen/Frost Bankers Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Cullen/Frost Bankers by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,252,456 shares of the banks stock valued at $826,700,000 after purchasing an additional 234,639 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in Cullen/Frost Bankers by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,818,308 shares of the banks stock valued at $612,901,000 after purchasing an additional 97,073 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its position in Cullen/Frost Bankers by 15.4% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,481,205 shares of the banks stock valued at $472,050,000 after acquiring an additional 596,591 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors increased its position in Cullen/Frost Bankers by 39.1% in the 1st quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 2,408,656 shares of the banks stock valued at $333,382,000 after acquiring an additional 676,467 shares during the period. Finally, Neuberger Berman Group LLC increased its position in Cullen/Frost Bankers by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 1,658,969 shares of the banks stock valued at $221,804,000 after acquiring an additional 62,181 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 80.49% of the companys stock. Cullen/Frost Bankers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Frost Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking services in Texas. It operates in two segments, Banking and Frost Wealth Advisors. The company offers commercial banking services to corporations and other business clients, including financing for industrial and commercial properties, interim construction related to industrial and commercial properties, equipment, inventories and accounts receivables, and acquisitions; and treasury management services, as well as originates commercial leasing services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cullen/Frost Bankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cullen/Frost Bankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Excalibur Management Corp cut its stake in shares of CVS Health Co. (NYSE:CVS Free Report) by 1.1% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 43,650 shares of the pharmacy operators stock after selling 485 shares during the quarter. CVS Health makes up 1.7% of Excalibur Management Corps portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest holding. Excalibur Management Corps holdings in CVS Health were worth $3,244,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Good Life Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 6.6% during the first quarter. Good Life Advisors LLC now owns 4,985 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $370,000 after buying an additional 308 shares during the last quarter. Sigma Planning Corp boosted its position in CVS Health by 8.6% during the 1st quarter. Sigma Planning Corp now owns 63,380 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $4,710,000 after acquiring an additional 5,013 shares during the period. Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of CVS Health by 16.4% in the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 33,766 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $2,366,000 after purchasing an additional 4,747 shares in the last quarter. Perpetual Ltd bought a new stake in shares of CVS Health during the first quarter valued at about $2,758,000. Finally, Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. lifted its holdings in CVS Health by 18.5% in the first quarter. Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. now owns 51,016 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $3,791,000 after purchasing an additional 7,970 shares during the period. 76.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get CVS Health alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, SVP James David Clark sold 25,759 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.92, for a total value of $1,929,864.28. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 4,698 shares in the company, valued at $351,974.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.25% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CVS Health Stock Performance CVS has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of CVS Health from $120.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on CVS Health in a research report on Monday, April 10th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their target price on CVS Health from $107.00 to $93.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. Piper Sandler initiated coverage on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Thursday, May 25th. They issued an overweight rating and a $85.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of CVS Health from $95.00 to $76.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, CVS Health currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $100.56. Shares of CVS stock opened at $72.89 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $93.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.97, a P/E/G ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.63. CVS Health Co. has a 1-year low of $66.34 and a 1-year high of $107.26. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $71.06 and its 200-day simple moving average is $75.78. CVS Health (NYSE:CVS Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The pharmacy operator reported $2.21 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.12 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $88.92 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $86.41 billion. CVS Health had a return on equity of 15.43% and a net margin of 0.86%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.40 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that CVS Health Co. will post 8.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. CVS Health Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 21st were paid a $0.605 dividend. This represents a $2.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.32%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 20th. CVS Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 106.14%. About CVS Health (Free Report) CVS Health Corporation provides health services in the United States. It operates through Health Care Benefits, Pharmacy Services, and Retail/LTC segments. The Health Care Benefits segment offers traditional, voluntary, and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services. It serves employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups, and expatriates. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CVS Health Co. (NYSE:CVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CVS Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVS Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY23 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $1.81-1.85 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.87. Douglas Emmett also updated its FY 2023 guidance to $1.81-$1.85 EPS. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently commented on DEI shares. StockNews.com downgraded Douglas Emmett from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Douglas Emmett from $20.00 to $15.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 10th. Raymond James lowered their price target on Douglas Emmett from $17.00 to $16.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Finally, TheStreet cut Douglas Emmett from a c rating to a d+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $15.00. Get Douglas Emmett alerts: Douglas Emmett Stock Performance DEI stock remained flat at $14.23 during trading hours on Friday. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,743,786 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,053,667. Douglas Emmett has a 1 year low of $10.09 and a 1 year high of $22.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 2.54 and a quick ratio of 2.54. The firm has a market cap of $2.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.49 and a beta of 0.99. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $12.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $13.26. Douglas Emmett Announces Dividend Insiders Place Their Bets The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 29th. Douglas Emmetts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 230.31%. In other Douglas Emmett news, Director William E. Simon, Jr. purchased 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 8th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $12.42 per share, for a total transaction of $124,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 91,000 shares in the company, valued at $1,130,220. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 14.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Douglas Emmett Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cibc World Markets Corp raised its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 88,337 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,952,000 after buying an additional 610 shares in the last quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Douglas Emmett by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 218,255 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $7,294,000 after buying an additional 635 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 97,549 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,183,000 after buying an additional 761 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in Douglas Emmett by 16.9% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 7,420 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $248,000 after buying an additional 1,071 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its position in Douglas Emmett by 9.1% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 13,533 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $167,000 after acquiring an additional 1,131 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.37% of the companys stock. Douglas Emmett Company Profile (Get Free Report) Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Douglas Emmett Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Douglas Emmett and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESS Free Report) by 0.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 28,324 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the period. Essex Property Trust accounts for approximately 2.8% of Wealth Advisors Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 11th biggest position. Wealth Advisors Inc.s holdings in Essex Property Trust were worth $5,988,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in Essex Property Trust in the 4th quarter worth about $476,588,000. PGGM Investments grew its position in Essex Property Trust by 2,388.0% in the 4th quarter. PGGM Investments now owns 638,766 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $135,367,000 after purchasing an additional 613,092 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in Essex Property Trust by 213.0% in the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 888,858 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $188,367,000 after purchasing an additional 604,863 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its stake in shares of Essex Property Trust by 660.0% in the 4th quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 229,726 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $48,684,000 after acquiring an additional 199,500 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Essex Property Trust by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,614,782 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,667,195,000 after acquiring an additional 184,047 shares during the period. 92.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes ESS has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of Essex Property Trust from $249.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Essex Property Trust in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets lowered shares of Essex Property Trust from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $239.00 to $200.00 in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Wolfe Research lowered shares of Essex Property Trust from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $204.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Monday, May 15th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised shares of Essex Property Trust from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the stock from $242.00 to $271.00 in a research note on Monday, May 1st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $242.65. Essex Property Trust Stock Down 0.1 % Essex Property Trust Dividend Announcement Shares of NYSE:ESS opened at $243.92 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.27. The company has a market cap of $15.65 billion, a PE ratio of 29.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.77. Essex Property Trust, Inc. has a 52 week low of $195.03 and a 52 week high of $300.33. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $234.44 and a 200 day simple moving average of $223.57. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a $2.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $9.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.79%. Essex Property Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 112.41%. About Essex Property Trust (Free Report) Essex Property Trust, Inc, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 251 apartment communities comprising approximately 62,000 apartment homes with an additional property in active development. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ethernity Networks Ltd. (LON:ENET Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 1.60 ($0.02) and last traded at GBX 1.90 ($0.02), with a volume of 481591 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1.75 ($0.02). Ethernity Networks Stock Down 2.9 % The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 2.24 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 4.98. The stock has a market capitalization of 2.33 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -20.00 and a beta of 1.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.75, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.32. About Ethernity Networks (Get Free Report) Ethernity Networks Ltd. provides technology solutions for telecom, mobile, security, and data center markets in Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. The company develops and delivers data processing technology and solutions for carrier Ethernet switching. It provides ENET flow processors for telco/cloud network; ACE-NIC40 SmartNIC, an open flow enabled software acceleration NIC; ACE-NIC50 SmartNIC, which offers 10/25G Ethernet connectivity and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acceleration; and ACE-NIC100 SmartNIC that provides flexible 10/25/40/100G Ethernet connectivity and programmable FPGA acceleration. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ethernity Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ethernity Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guardian Investment Management grew its position in The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 128.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 20,636 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 11,586 shares during the quarter. Guardian Investment Managements holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $976,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. increased its position in Bank of New York Mellon by 97.1% during the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 609 shares of the banks stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Exos TFP Holdings LLC acquired a new position in Bank of New York Mellon in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $32,000. MV Capital Management Inc. increased its position in Bank of New York Mellon by 38.3% in the 4th quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. now owns 747 shares of the banks stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 207 shares during the period. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc acquired a new position in Bank of New York Mellon in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, Sandy Spring Bank acquired a new position in Bank of New York Mellon in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $36,000. 81.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have issued reports on BK. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $44.00 to $49.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Bank of New York Mellon in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $43.00 to $44.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $58.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $52.90. Bank of New York Mellon Stock Down 0.4 % NYSE BK traded down $0.17 on Friday, hitting $45.39. 3,625,866 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,397,239. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $44.12 and a 200-day moving average of $45.42. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a 12 month low of $36.22 and a 12 month high of $52.26. The company has a market cap of $35.82 billion, a PE ratio of 13.23, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 1.09. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The bank reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.16. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 10.95% and a return on equity of 11.88%. The firm had revenue of $4.45 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.37 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.15 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that The Bank of New York Mellon Co. will post 4.86 earnings per share for the current year. Bank of New York Mellon Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.42 per share. This is an increase from Bank of New York Mellons previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 27th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.70%. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio is presently 48.98%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP J Kevin Mccarthy sold 35,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.33, for a total value of $1,621,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 98,102 shares in the company, valued at $4,545,065.66. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock. About Bank of New York Mellon (Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. is a bank holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following segments: Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and Other segment. The Securities Services segment includes Asset Servicing business, which provides global custody, fund accounting, integrated middle-office solutions, transfer agency and data and analytics solutions. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guyana Goldstrike Inc. (CVE:GYA Get Free Report)s share price was up 25% on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.13 and last traded at C$0.13. Approximately 48,500 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 63% from the average daily volume of 29,839 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.10. Guyana Goldstrike Stock Performance The firms 50-day moving average price is C$0.12 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$0.12. The firm has a market capitalization of C$4.85 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.56 and a beta of 1.53. About Guyana Goldstrike (Get Free Report) Guyana Goldstrike Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. The company holds an option agreement to acquire an interest in the Alice Arm North property, a precious metal prospect; and East Georgie property, as well as the San Diego mineral claim located in the Golden Triangle, British Columbia. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Guyana Goldstrike Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Guyana Goldstrike and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horace Mann Educators (NYSE:HMN Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY23 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of $1.20-1.45 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $1.37. Horace Mann Educators Stock Performance Shares of HMN traded up $0.42 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $28.87. The stock had a trading volume of 225,068 shares, compared to its average volume of 255,332. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 0.10 and a current ratio of 0.10. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $29.81 and a 200 day moving average price of $32.72. Horace Mann Educators has a fifty-two week low of $28.07 and a fifty-two week high of $40.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -106.92 and a beta of 0.40. Get Horace Mann Educators alerts: Horace Mann Educators (NYSE:HMN Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The insurance provider reported $0.23 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.21 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $353.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $367.60 million. Horace Mann Educators had a negative net margin of 0.77% and a positive return on equity of 3.24%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Horace Mann Educators will post 1.3 EPS for the current year. Horace Mann Educators Dividend Announcement Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were issued a $0.33 dividend. This represents a $1.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.57%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. Horace Mann Educatorss payout ratio is presently -488.87%. Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Horace Mann Educators in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Insider Activity In related news, SVP Michael Weckenbrock sold 1,600 shares of Horace Mann Educators stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.82, for a total value of $52,512.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 5,424 shares in the company, valued at $178,015.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Horace Mann Educators A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its holdings in Horace Mann Educators by 10.1% during the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 437,127 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $14,635,000 after purchasing an additional 40,123 shares in the last quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new stake in Horace Mann Educators during the first quarter worth approximately $618,000. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Horace Mann Educators by 4.7% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 785,932 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $26,313,000 after acquiring an additional 35,334 shares during the period. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Horace Mann Educators by 6.9% in the 1st quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC now owns 925,105 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $30,973,000 after acquiring an additional 59,470 shares during the period. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its holdings in shares of Horace Mann Educators by 28.8% in the 1st quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 6,161 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $206,000 after acquiring an additional 1,378 shares during the period. About Horace Mann Educators (Get Free Report) Horace Mann Educators Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an insurance holding company in the United States. The company operates through Property & Casualty, Life & Retirement, and Supplemental & Group Benefits segments. Its Property & Casualty segment offers insurance products, including private passenger auto insurance and residential home insurance; and provides auto coverages including liability and collision, and property coverage for homeowners and renters. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Horace Mann Educators Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Horace Mann Educators and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yelp Inc. (NYSE:YELP Get Free Report) CTO Sam Eaton sold 18,850 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.51, for a total transaction of $857,863.50. Following the sale, the chief technology officer now owns 216,165 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,837,669.15. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Sam Eaton also recently made the following trade(s): Get Yelp alerts: On Thursday, June 1st, Sam Eaton sold 486 shares of Yelp stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $33.08, for a total transaction of $16,076.88. On Monday, May 22nd, Sam Eaton sold 10,181 shares of Yelp stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.31, for a total transaction of $328,948.11. Yelp Price Performance Shares of Yelp stock opened at $45.28 on Friday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $38.10 and its 200-day simple moving average is $33.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.12 billion, a PE ratio of 90.56 and a beta of 1.49. Yelp Inc. has a 1-year low of $25.30 and a 1-year high of $47.59. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Yelp ( NYSE:YELP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The local business review company reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.15 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $337.13 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $325.96 million. Yelp had a net margin of 2.94% and a return on equity of 5.49%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Yelp Inc. will post 1 EPS for the current year. A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on YELP shares. KeyCorp downgraded shares of Yelp from a sector weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $34.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Yelp from $30.00 to $26.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Craig Hallum began coverage on shares of Yelp in a research note on Friday, July 28th. They issued a buy rating and a $54.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com raised shares of Yelp from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Yelp from $26.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $37.80. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC bought a new stake in shares of Yelp during the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Yelp during the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP raised its position in shares of Yelp by 83.6% during the 1st quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 1,166 shares of the local business review companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 531 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc raised its position in shares of Yelp by 127.6% during the 4th quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 867 shares of the local business review companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 486 shares during the period. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Yelp by 221.1% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,204 shares of the local business review companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 829 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.46% of the companys stock. Yelp Company Profile (Get Free Report) Yelp Inc operates a platform that connects consumers with local businesses in the United States and internationally. The company's platform covers various local business categories, including restaurants, shopping, beauty and fitness, health, and other categories, as well as home, local, auto, professional, pets, events, real estate, and financial services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Yelp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yelp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HICKORY St. Andrews Lutheran Church and the Lenoir-Rhyne University Music Department invite members of the community to a concert in the glen featuring The Dancing Fleas, Americas premiere ukulele party band, on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m. The Fleas bring a high energy, big fun approach to genre-bending tunes with styles ranging from classic country to sassy funky. Audiences should expect dueling ukuleles, blistering pedal steel licks, and big harmonies. This event is free and open to the public and will take place beside the church at 718 Seventh Ave. NE, Hickory. During the concert, children can make their own musical instruments to play along with the band. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the show. The Short & Sweet food truck will be on-site, as well. St. Andrews Lutheran Church is at 629 Eighth St. NE in Hickory. Parking is available along Seventh Avenue NE. There will be limited handicapped parking in the St. Andrews parking lot which is accessible from Seventh Avenue NE. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund (NYSEARCA:DBB Get Free Report) was down 0.3% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $18.62 and last traded at $18.70. Approximately 122,087 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 29% from the average daily volume of 171,026 shares. The stock had previously closed at $18.76. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund Trading Down 0.3 % The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $18.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $19.36. Get Invesco DB Base Metals Fund alerts: Institutional Trading of Invesco DB Base Metals Fund A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of DBB. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 27.3% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 13,055 shares of the companys stock worth $337,000 after purchasing an additional 2,801 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 458.9% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 13,386 shares of the companys stock worth $346,000 after purchasing an additional 10,991 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates increased its stake in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 93,728 shares of the companys stock worth $2,422,000 after purchasing an additional 4,272 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $542,000. Finally, Covestor Ltd bought a new stake in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $39,000. About Invesco DB Base Metals Fund PowerShares DB Base Metals Fund (the Fund) is a separate series of PowerShares DB Multi-Sector Commodity Trust (the Trust), a Delaware statutory trust organized in seven separate series. The Fund seeks to track changes, whether positive or negative, in the level of the DBIQ Optimum Yield Industrial Metals Index Excess Return (the Index) over time, plus the excess, if any, of the Funds interest income from its holdings of United States Treasury Obligations and other high credit quality short-term fixed income securities over the expenses of the Fund. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco DB Base Metals Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco DB Base Metals Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 75.9% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 85,366 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 36,843 shares during the period. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $6,210,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 140,054.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 10,961,456 shares of the companys stock worth $790,321,000 after purchasing an additional 10,953,635 shares during the period. Allstate Investment Management Co. purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $308,588,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $234,835,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 483.2% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,685,247 shares of the companys stock valued at $121,507,000 after acquiring an additional 1,396,259 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 7.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 15,673,112 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,130,031,000 after acquiring an additional 1,111,338 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Stock Down 0.5 % BATS:USMV traded down $0.41 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $74.30. 2,113,813 shares of the stock were exchanged. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $73.77 and a 200-day simple moving average of $72.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $28.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $47.44 and a 1 year high of $55.45. About iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USMV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of John Wood Group (OTCMKTS:WDGJF Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of John Wood Group in a research report on Friday, May 26th. They set an equal weight rating on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group cut shares of John Wood Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $189.25. Get John Wood Group alerts: John Wood Group Price Performance Shares of WDGJF stock remained flat at $1.76 on Friday. John Wood Group has a fifty-two week low of $1.19 and a fifty-two week high of $2.88. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $1.71 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.08. About John Wood Group John Wood Group PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides consulting, project management, and engineering solutions to energy and built environment worldwide. It operates through Projects, Operations, Consulting, and Investment Services segments. The Projects segment provides engineering design and project management services across energy and materials markets including oil and gas, chemicals, mining, minerals, and life sciences. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for John Wood Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Wood Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kontoor Brands (NYSE:KTB Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.66 by $0.11, Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $616.01 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $607.52 million. Kontoor Brands had a return on equity of 82.45% and a net margin of 7.84%. Kontoor Brandss revenue for the quarter was up .4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.09 EPS. Kontoor Brands updated its FY23 guidance to $4.55-4.75 EPS and its FY 2023 guidance to $4.55-$4.75 EPS. Kontoor Brands Trading Down 1.0 % Shares of KTB stock traded down $0.46 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $47.36. The companys stock had a trading volume of 677,998 shares, compared to its average volume of 487,689. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $41.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $44.56. Kontoor Brands has a 52 week low of $31.46 and a 52 week high of $53.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 2.60. The company has a market cap of $2.66 billion, a PE ratio of 13.12, a P/E/G ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.14. Get Kontoor Brands alerts: Kontoor Brands Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 18th. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be given a dividend of $0.48 per share. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.05%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. Kontoor Brandss dividend payout ratio is currently 53.19%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Institutional Inflows and Outflows Separately, Barclays raised their target price on Kontoor Brands from $41.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Kontoor Brands presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $56.29. Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in KTB. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. raised its position in shares of Kontoor Brands by 7.3% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 6,135 shares of the companys stock worth $295,000 after acquiring an additional 418 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates raised its position in shares of Kontoor Brands by 8.1% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 24,441 shares of the companys stock worth $1,011,000 after acquiring an additional 1,821 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Kontoor Brands by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 10,700 shares of the companys stock worth $442,000 after acquiring an additional 439 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. increased its position in Kontoor Brands by 3.5% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 45,858 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,895,000 after buying an additional 1,561 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in Kontoor Brands by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 17,999 shares of the companys stock valued at $771,000 after buying an additional 362 shares in the last quarter. About Kontoor Brands (Get Free Report) Kontoor Brands, Inc, a lifestyle apparel company, designs, produces, procures, markets, distributes, and licenses denim, apparel, footwear, and accessories, primarily under the Wrangler and Lee brands. It licenses and sells apparel under the Rock & Republic brad name. The company sells its products primarily through mass merchants, specialty stores, mid-tier and traditional department stores, company-operated stores, and online. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kontoor Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kontoor Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kranot Hishtalmut Le Morim Ve Gananot Havera Menahelet LTD bought a new position in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 166,184 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,293,000. Kranot Hishtalmut Le Morim Ve Gananot Havera Menahelet LTD owned approximately 0.72% of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of PPA. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 8,435.0% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,414 shares of the companys stock worth $267,000 after purchasing an additional 3,374 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates raised its stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 11.9% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 18,515 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,450,000 after purchasing an additional 1,969 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF in the 1st quarter worth $410,000. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF in the 1st quarter worth $1,091,000. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. bought a new position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $705,000. Get Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF alerts: Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Trading Up 0.1 % PPA stock traded up $0.07 during trading on Friday, reaching $84.52. 31,424 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 126,685. The company has a market capitalization of $1.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.91 and a beta of 0.98. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF has a twelve month low of $64.48 and a twelve month high of $86.06. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $83.26 and a 200-day simple moving average of $81.10. About Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the SPADE Defense Index (the Index). The Index is designed to identify a group of companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of the United States defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PPA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Liberty Media Acquisition Co. (OTCMKTS:LMACU Get Free Report) shot up 0.3% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $10.08 and last traded at $10.08. 7,300 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 90% from the average session volume of 73,885 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.05. Liberty Media Acquisition Price Performance The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $10.08. Get Liberty Media Acquisition alerts: Institutional Trading of Liberty Media Acquisition Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sculptor Capital LP acquired a new position in shares of Liberty Media Acquisition in the first quarter worth $5,015,000. Jane Street Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Liberty Media Acquisition by 717.9% in the third quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 289,576 shares of the companys stock worth $2,880,000 after acquiring an additional 254,170 shares during the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC increased its stake in shares of Liberty Media Acquisition by 412.1% in the first quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 131,448 shares of the companys stock worth $1,318,000 after acquiring an additional 105,778 shares during the last quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Liberty Media Acquisition by 2.4% in the second quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 73,531 shares of the companys stock worth $729,000 after acquiring an additional 1,741 shares during the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of Liberty Media Acquisition by 61.2% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 73,033 shares of the companys stock worth $724,000 after acquiring an additional 27,721 shares during the last quarter. About Liberty Media Acquisition Liberty Media Acquisition Corporation does not have significant operations. The company focuses on effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company was incorporated in 2020 and is based in Englewood, Colorado. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Liberty Media Acquisition Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Liberty Media Acquisition and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. London Stock Exchange Group plc (LON:LSEG Get Free Report) fell 0.7% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as GBX 8,176 ($104.97) and last traded at GBX 8,286 ($106.38). 459,792 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 55% from the average session volume of 1,015,731 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 8,346 ($107.15). Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently weighed in on LSEG. Barclays restated an overweight rating and issued a GBX 9,200 ($118.12) price objective on shares of London Stock Exchange Group in a report on Thursday, June 22nd. Bank of America reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 9,550 ($122.61) target price on shares of London Stock Exchange Group in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of London Stock Exchange Group in a research report on Monday, July 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of London Stock Exchange Group from GBX 9,900 ($127.10) to GBX 9,967 ($127.96) and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 9,436.17 ($121.15). Get London Stock Exchange Group alerts: London Stock Exchange Group Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 31.34. The businesss 50 day moving average is GBX 8,408.06 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 8,012.36. The company has a market cap of 40.66 billion, a PE ratio of 5,690.91, a PEG ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.36. London Stock Exchange Group Cuts Dividend Insider Transactions at London Stock Exchange Group The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 20th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 17th will be issued a dividend of GBX 35.70 ($0.46) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 0.43%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 17th. London Stock Exchange Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 7,482.52%. In other news, insider Martin Brand purchased 9,015 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 8,363 ($107.37) per share, for a total transaction of 753,924.45 ($967,934.84). Over the last three months, insiders have bought 130,273 shares of company stock valued at $1,101,127,612 and have sold 161,114 shares valued at $1,340,196,808. Insiders own 21.71% of the companys stock. London Stock Exchange Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) London Stock Exchange Group plc operates as a financial markets infrastructure and data provider primarily in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Data & Analytics, Capital Markets, and Post Trade. It operates a range of international equity, fixed income, exchange-traded funds/exchange-traded products, and foreign exchange markets through the London Stock Exchange, AIM, Turquoise, FXall, Matching, and Tradeweb. Read More Receive News & Ratings for London Stock Exchange Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for London Stock Exchange Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 5.5% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,186,102 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 271,942 shares during the quarter. Abbott Laboratories accounts for about 1.2% of Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings, making the stock its 12th biggest holding. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. owned approximately 0.30% of Abbott Laboratories worth $525,145,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Monumental Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter worth about $32,000. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth about $34,000. 73.08% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on ABT shares. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Wolfe Research raised Abbott Laboratories from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Mizuho increased their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. UBS Group increased their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $117.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and issued a $112.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $120.82. Insider Activity Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.1 % In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total value of $5,688,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 6,775,316 shares in the company, valued at $770,759,948.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. NYSE:ABT traded up $0.11 on Friday, hitting $107.65. The stock had a trading volume of 3,231,105 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,906,567. The businesss fifty day moving average is $107.01 and its 200 day moving average is $106.25. The company has a market cap of $187.20 billion, a PE ratio of 36.74, a P/E/G ratio of 4.80 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a quick ratio of 1.22, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $93.25 and a 52 week high of $115.83. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.05 by $0.03. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.60% and a net margin of 12.83%. The business had revenue of $9.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.71 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.43 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.4 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.90%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 69.62%. About Abbott Laboratories (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Featured Articles 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 Free Report). 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. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its position in United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS Free Report) by 10.6% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 580,706 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 55,428 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in United Parcel Service were worth $112,651,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. RB Capital Management LLC grew its stake in United Parcel Service by 3.1% in the first quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 2,689 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $577,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares in the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC acquired a new position in United Parcel Service in the first quarter worth about $1,162,000. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC grew its stake in United Parcel Service by 10.0% in the first quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 1,233 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $264,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. First Western Trust Bank acquired a new position in United Parcel Service in the first quarter worth about $515,000. Finally, Stevens Capital Management LP acquired a new position in United Parcel Service in the first quarter worth about $701,000. 58.94% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get United Parcel Service alerts: United Parcel Service Price Performance NYSE:UPS traded down $0.56 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $180.94. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,437,391 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,244,091. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $154.87 and a fifty-two week high of $209.39. The company has a current ratio of 1.34, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99. The company has a market capitalization of $155.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.64, a P/E/G ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.07. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $178.57 and a 200-day moving average of $181.24. United Parcel Service Dividend Announcement Analyst Ratings Changes The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Investors of record on Monday, August 14th will be given a $1.62 dividend. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.58%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 11th. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 52.43%. A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Oppenheimer cut their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $199.00 to $188.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of United Parcel Service in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Atlantic Securities assumed coverage on United Parcel Service in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. They set a neutral rating and a $162.00 price target on the stock. Raymond James cut their price target on United Parcel Service from $207.00 to $205.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on United Parcel Service from $221.00 to $205.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $189.96. United Parcel Service Profile (Free Report) United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UPS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for United Parcel Service Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Parcel Service and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mohawk Industries (NYSE:MHK Free Report) had its target price reduced by Barclays from $105.00 to $98.00 in a report released on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have an underweight rating on the stock. A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on MHK. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Mohawk Industries in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Loop Capital boosted their price target on Mohawk Industries from $115.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Bank of America decreased their target price on Mohawk Industries from $110.00 to $108.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Mohawk Industries from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $119.38. Get Mohawk Industries alerts: Mohawk Industries Price Performance Shares of MHK opened at $105.29 on Tuesday. Mohawk Industries has a twelve month low of $87.01 and a twelve month high of $130.63. The company has a 50 day moving average of $103.73 and a two-hundred day moving average of $103.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. The company has a market cap of $6.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -20.89 and a beta of 1.32. Insider Activity at Mohawk Industries Mohawk Industries ( NYSE:MHK Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The company reported $2.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.65 by $0.11. Mohawk Industries had a positive return on equity of 7.27% and a negative net margin of 2.82%. The company had revenue of $2.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.95 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $4.41 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Mohawk Industries will post 9.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, VP Rodney David Patton sold 2,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.76, for a total transaction of $277,576.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 14,487 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,546,632.12. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 17.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Mohawk Industries A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Shapiro Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Mohawk Industries during the first quarter valued at $96,936,000. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Mohawk Industries during the 4th quarter worth about $49,448,000. Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management N.V. purchased a new stake in Mohawk Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $38,084,000. Ariel Investments LLC increased its stake in Mohawk Industries by 26.8% during the 1st quarter. Ariel Investments LLC now owns 1,723,343 shares of the companys stock worth $214,040,000 after buying an additional 364,085 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kinney Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Mohawk Industries during the 4th quarter worth approximately $22,672,000. 75.55% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Mohawk Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mohawk Industries, Inc designs, manufactures, sources, distributes, and markets flooring products for residential and commercial remodeling, and new construction channels in the United States, Europe, Russia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Global Ceramic, Flooring North America (Flooring NA), and Flooring Rest of the World (Flooring ROW). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mohawk Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mohawk Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. It was meticulous and painstaking work at that time, as the men used the stars as guidance to follow a line of latitude. Mason and Dixon, with Iroquois guides leading a traveling party of axmen, wagon drivers and attendants numbering about 120 in the party, cut through virgin forest as they went westward. The men used an astronomical clock they brought from England to help determine the ellipticity of the Earth. "It added to our understanding of the shape of the Earth and that it wasn't a perfect sphere," Babcock says. "It was bulging in the middle and while Mason and Dixon found that while the Earth was indeed round it had undulations." Advertisement The men also used a zenith sector, "a graduated arc of a vertical circle," which was teamed with a telescope and plumb line. This tripod-mounted surveying tool, known as a Bird Transit, after its inventor, John Bird, was thought lost in history's dustbin, but was discovered by accident in Philadelphia, restored, and now sits in exhibit in Independence Hall. Babcock says the men painstakingly placed limestone posts, also brought from England, at each mile along the way "crownstones" were set every 5 miles (8 kilometers). These crownstones were carved "C" on the southern side of the rock for Calvert and a "P" carved on the northern side for Penn. Some stones had the Penn coat of arms and others the Calvert coat of arms. The stones were massive and weighed as much as 500-700 pounds (226-317 kilograms) each, so when Mason and Dixon and the team got to the Appalachian Mountains, they had to stop placing them around Hancock, Maryland, because they simply weighed too much. They used wooden posts the rest of the way. They had traveled 132 miles (212 kilometers) from Philadelphia. In 1991, the Mason Dixon Line Preservation Partnership was formed between a group of surveyors from Maryland and a group of surveyors from Pennsylvania to conduct an inventory of the original 132 markers. They found all but 10. Floods, the Civil War, farmers cutting fields, and people using them for target practice had left many of the stones damaged or destroyed. " " Limestone posts brought from England were plotted each mile along the Mason-Dixon Line. Library of Congress Fastly (NYSE:FSLY Free Report) had its target price upped by Morgan Stanley from $18.00 to $19.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. FSLY has been the topic of several other research reports. Craig Hallum lifted their price objective on shares of Fastly from $17.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Friday, June 23rd. DA Davidson raised their target price on shares of Fastly from $17.00 to $20.00 in a report on Friday, June 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Fastly from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Thursday. Credit Suisse Group raised their target price on shares of Fastly from $14.00 to $16.00 in a report on Friday, June 23rd. Finally, William Blair reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Fastly in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $17.45. Get Fastly alerts: Fastly Price Performance Shares of FSLY traded up $0.75 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $20.99. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,576,417 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,736,865. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $16.96 and a 200 day moving average price of $15.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.66 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 5.28 and a quick ratio of 5.28. Fastly has a fifty-two week low of $7.15 and a fifty-two week high of $21.19. Insider Buying and Selling Fastly ( NYSE:FSLY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported ($0.31) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.40) by $0.09. The company had revenue of $117.56 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $116.17 million. Fastly had a negative net margin of 35.34% and a negative return on equity of 18.18%. On average, research analysts predict that Fastly will post -1.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. In related news, CEO Todd Nightingale sold 74,084 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.17, for a total transaction of $975,686.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,328,336 shares in the company, valued at $17,494,185.12. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Fastly news, CFO Ronald W. Kisling sold 15,107 shares of Fastly stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.17, for a total value of $198,959.19. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 528,230 shares in the company, valued at $6,956,789.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Todd Nightingale sold 74,084 shares of Fastly stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.17, for a total transaction of $975,686.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,328,336 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,494,185.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 270,228 shares of company stock worth $4,101,276. 7.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Fastly A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. MetLife Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Fastly in the first quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its position in shares of Fastly by 886.5% in the first quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 2,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 1,977 shares during the period. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. bought a new position in shares of Fastly in the first quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Fastly in the second quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Finally, Hollencrest Capital Management bought a new position in Fastly during the first quarter worth $53,000. 65.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Fastly (Get Free Report) Fastly, Inc provides real-time content delivery network services. It offers edge compute, edge delivery, edge security, edge applications like load balancing and image optimization, video on demand, and managed edge delivery. The company was founded by Artur Bergman, Tyler McMullen, Simon Wistow, and Gil Penchina in March 2011 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Fastly Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fastly and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) updated its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $11.40-$11.48 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.29. The company issued revenue guidance of $9.88 billion-$9.90 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $9.79 billion. Motorola Solutions also updated its FY23 guidance to $11.40-11.48 EPS. Motorola Solutions Stock Down 3.1 % Shares of NYSE:MSI traded down $8.86 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $278.85. 1,307,849 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 675,704. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 24.15. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $287.06 and its 200-day simple moving average is $279.07. The company has a market cap of $46.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.62, a P/E/G ratio of 3.18 and a beta of 0.92. Motorola Solutions has a one year low of $212.76 and a one year high of $299.43. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The communications equipment provider reported $2.65 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.51 by $0.14. Motorola Solutions had a negative return on equity of 38,941.85% and a net margin of 15.72%. The business had revenue of $2.40 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.36 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.87 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Motorola Solutions will post 10.07 EPS for the current year. Motorola Solutions Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were given a dividend of $0.88 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.26%. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 39.91%. A number of research firms recently weighed in on MSI. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Motorola Solutions from $310.00 to $335.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Motorola Solutions from $290.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday. Raymond James raised their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $315.00 to $320.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. Barclays cut their target price on Motorola Solutions from $329.00 to $322.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Finally, StockNews.com cut Motorola Solutions from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Motorola Solutions currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $309.00. Insider Activity In related news, CAO Katherine A. Maher sold 1,933 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $289.01, for a total value of $558,656.33. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 1,611 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $465,595.11. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, CAO Katherine A. Maher sold 1,933 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $289.01, for a total transaction of $558,656.33. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 1,611 shares in the company, valued at $465,595.11. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Gregory Q. Brown sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $291.13, for a total value of $14,556,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 91,843 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $26,738,252.59. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 101,933 shares of company stock valued at $29,642,156 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. PFS Investments Inc. bought a new stake in Motorola Solutions in the first quarter worth about $207,000. BSW Wealth Partners bought a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions during the first quarter valued at approximately $207,000. Range Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions during the first quarter valued at approximately $205,000. Evergreen Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 7.1% during the first quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 843 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $204,000 after acquiring an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sherbrooke Park Advisers LLC bought a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions during the first quarter valued at approximately $200,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.93% of the companys stock. About Motorola Solutions (Get Free Report) Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Theratechnologies (TSE:TH Free Report) had its price target lifted by National Bankshares from C$1.75 to C$7.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. Theratechnologies Stock Performance Shares of TH opened at C$2.58 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is C$1.31 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$1.26. Theratechnologies has a 52-week low of C$2.30 and a 52-week high of C$15.00. The firm has a market cap of C$249.77 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.16, a PEG ratio of -8.50 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a quick ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 562.07. Get Theratechnologies alerts: Theratechnologies (TSE:TH Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 12th. The company reported C($0.14) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Theratechnologies had a negative net margin of 45.09% and a negative return on equity of 1,116.86%. The business had revenue of C$23.84 million during the quarter. Analysts forecast that Theratechnologies will post 0.0139367 EPS for the current fiscal year. Theratechnologies Company Profile Theratechnologies Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development and commercialization of various therapies to address the unmet medical needs in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company offers EGRIFTA and EGRIFTA SV for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with lipodystrophy; and Trogarzo, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, which is an injection for the treatment of multidrug resistant HIV-1 infected patients. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Theratechnologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Theratechnologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley reissued their underweight rating on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH Free Report) in a research report report published on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has a $14.50 target price on the stock. NCLH has been the subject of several other reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Norwegian Cruise Line from $15.00 to $16.00 in a research report on Monday, June 12th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on Norwegian Cruise Line from $22.00 to $26.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Susquehanna lowered Norwegian Cruise Line from a positive rating to a neutral rating and set a $17.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Wednesday. Barclays lowered their price objective on Norwegian Cruise Line from $22.00 to $21.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, StockNews.com raised Norwegian Cruise Line from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $18.32. Get Norwegian Cruise Line alerts: Norwegian Cruise Line Price Performance Shares of NCLH stock traded down $0.33 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $17.95. The companys stock had a trading volume of 14,479,947 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,886,227. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $19.82 and its 200-day simple moving average is $15.65. The company has a market capitalization of $7.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -8.89 and a beta of 2.59. Norwegian Cruise Line has a fifty-two week low of $10.83 and a fifty-two week high of $22.75. The company has a quick ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 184.14. Insider Buying and Selling Norwegian Cruise Line ( NYSE:NCLH Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported $0.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.27 by $0.03. Norwegian Cruise Line had a negative return on equity of 674.16% and a negative net margin of 11.88%. The company had revenue of $2.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.17 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($1.22) EPS. Norwegian Cruise Lines revenue for the quarter was up 85.8% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Norwegian Cruise Line will post 0.56 earnings per share for the current year. In other Norwegian Cruise Line news, CEO Rio Frank J. Del sold 300,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.44, for a total transaction of $5,532,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 926,505 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,084,752.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Norwegian Cruise Line news, EVP Daniel S. Farkas sold 38,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.46, for a total transaction of $739,480.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 244,261 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,753,319.06. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Rio Frank J. Del sold 300,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction 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 transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 926,505 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,084,752.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 358,511 shares of company stock valued at $6,654,392. 0.87% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Norwegian Cruise Line Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 14.0% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 45,160,452 shares of the companys stock valued at $988,111,000 after buying an additional 5,549,673 shares in the last quarter. Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 100.4% in the 4th quarter. Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp now owns 17,455 shares of the companys stock worth $214,000 after acquiring an additional 4,376,855 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line in the 4th quarter worth approximately $46,141,000. Two Sigma Advisers LP boosted its stake in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 254.8% in the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 4,193,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $51,326,000 after purchasing an additional 3,011,300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital International Investors grew its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 15.7% during the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 21,242,007 shares of the companys stock valued at $464,775,000 after purchasing an additional 2,875,079 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 57.22% of the companys stock. Norwegian Cruise Line Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Perpetual Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Free Report) in the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 257,024 shares of the oilfield services companys stock, valued at approximately $8,132,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Kentucky Retirement Systems grew its stake in shares of Halliburton by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems now owns 71,305 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $2,806,000 after buying an additional 311 shares during the last quarter. Clarus Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Halliburton by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Clarus Group Inc. now owns 13,561 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $534,000 after buying an additional 330 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC grew its stake in shares of Halliburton by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 10,443 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $257,000 after buying an additional 334 shares during the last quarter. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL grew its stake in shares of Halliburton by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL now owns 83,770 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $3,296,000 after buying an additional 338 shares during the last quarter. Finally, West Oak Capital LLC grew its stake in shares of Halliburton by 21.2% in the 1st quarter. West Oak Capital LLC now owns 2,000 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $63,000 after buying an additional 350 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.79% of the companys stock. Get Halliburton alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently weighed in on HAL shares. Capital One Financial started coverage on Halliburton in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. They issued an overweight rating and a $41.00 price target on the stock. Barclays cut their target price on Halliburton from $58.00 to $49.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Halliburton from $50.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on Halliburton from $49.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Finally, Susquehanna increased their target price on Halliburton from $42.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $47.47. Halliburton Price Performance Shares of Halliburton stock opened at $39.57 on Friday. Halliburton has a one year low of $23.30 and a one year high of $43.42. The stocks fifty day moving average is $34.42 and its 200 day moving average is $34.40. The stock has a market cap of $35.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.55, a P/E/G ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 2.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a current ratio of 2.14. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The oilfield services company reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.02. Halliburton had a return on equity of 31.01% and a net margin of 10.98%. The company had revenue of $5.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.85 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.49 EPS. Halliburtons revenue for the quarter was up 14.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Halliburton will post 3.04 earnings per share for the current year. Halliburton Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 28th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, June 7th were issued a dividend of $0.16 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, June 6th. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.62%. Halliburtons dividend payout ratio is presently 23.53%. Insider Buying and Selling at Halliburton In other news, insider Myrtle L. Jones sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.30, for a total transaction of $383,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 57,126 shares in the company, valued at $2,187,925.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, SVP Jill D. Sharp sold 3,686 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.00, for a total value of $140,068.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 52,109 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,980,142. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Myrtle L. Jones sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.30, for a total transaction of $383,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 57,126 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,187,925.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 363,623 shares of company stock valued at $11,429,183 over the last ninety days. 0.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Halliburton (Free Report) Halliburton Company provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. It operates in two segments, Completion and Production, and Drilling and Evaluation. The Completion and Production segment offers production enhancement services that include stimulation and sand control services; cementing services, such as well bonding and casing, and casing equipment; completion tools that offer downhole solutions and services, including well completion products and services, intelligent well completions, and service tools, as well as liner hanger, sand control, and multilateral systems; production solutions comprising coiled tubing, hydraulic workover units, downhole tools, and pumping and nitrogen services; and pipeline and process services, such as pre-commissioning, commissioning, maintenance, and decommissioning. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Halliburton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Halliburton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Perpetual Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm purchased 265,725 shares of the medical technology companys stock, valued at approximately $21,423,000. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. PrairieView Partners LLC increased its position in Medtronic by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. PrairieView Partners LLC now owns 7,706 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $621,000 after buying an additional 167 shares during the period. Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. increased its position in Medtronic by 18.2% during the 1st quarter. Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. now owns 27,580 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $2,224,000 after buying an additional 4,245 shares during the period. Alpha DNA Investment Management LLC increased its position in Medtronic by 24.6% during the 1st quarter. Alpha DNA Investment Management LLC now owns 11,447 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $923,000 after buying an additional 2,263 shares during the period. Brady Family Wealth LLC increased its position in shares of Medtronic by 1.8% in the first quarter. Brady Family Wealth LLC now owns 39,778 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $3,207,000 after purchasing an additional 721 shares during the period. Finally, Fortitude Advisory Group L.L.C. bought a new position in shares of Medtronic in the first quarter worth $213,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.48% of the companys stock. Get Medtronic alerts: Medtronic Trading Down 0.5 % Shares of MDT stock opened at $84.04 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $111.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.80, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.71. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $86.49 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $84.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.81 and a current ratio of 2.39. Medtronic plc has a fifty-two week low of $75.76 and a fifty-two week high of $95.60. Medtronic Increases Dividend Medtronic ( NYSE:MDT Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 25th. The medical technology company reported $1.57 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.56 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $8.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.25 billion. Medtronic had a return on equity of 13.54% and a net margin of 12.03%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.52 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Medtronic plc will post 5.04 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 23rd were issued a $0.69 dividend. This is an increase from Medtronics previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. This represents a $2.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.28%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 22nd. Medtronics payout ratio is presently 97.87%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Hoedt Rob Ten sold 5,514 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.58, for a total transaction of $477,402.12. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 43,802 shares in the company, valued at $3,792,377.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Hoedt Rob Ten sold 5,514 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.58, for a total transaction of $477,402.12. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 43,802 shares in the company, valued at $3,792,377.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Brett A. Wall sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.97, for a total value of $175,940.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 23,948 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,106,705.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.29% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets MDT has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price target on Medtronic from $100.00 to $99.00 in a research report on Friday, May 26th. Truist Financial decreased their target price on Medtronic from $93.00 to $90.00 in a research report on Friday, May 26th. 22nd Century Group reiterated an initiates rating on shares of Medtronic in a research report on Friday, June 30th. Robert W. Baird started coverage on Medtronic in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. They issued a neutral rating and a $90.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Barclays raised Medtronic from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, April 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $90.72. About Medtronic (Free Report) Medtronic plc develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Its Cardiovascular Portfolio segment offers implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices; cardiac ablation products; insertable cardiac monitor systems; TYRX products; and remote monitoring and patient-centered software. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Medtronic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Medtronic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday. Several other analysts have also commented on POR. 58.com reiterated a downgrade rating on shares of Portland General Electric in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Portland General Electric from $56.00 to $52.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. Guggenheim lowered their price target on shares of Portland General Electric from $50.00 to $48.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. initiated coverage on shares of Portland General Electric in a research report on Monday, May 8th. They issued an overweight rating and a $56.00 price target on the stock. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $50.83. Get Portland General Electric alerts: Portland General Electric Trading Down 0.5 % Shares of POR opened at $46.59 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18. The firms 50-day moving average is $47.89 and its two-hundred day moving average is $48.42. Portland General Electric has a twelve month low of $41.58 and a twelve month high of $56.37. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.41, a PEG ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 0.55. Portland General Electric Dividend Announcement Portland General Electric ( NYSE:POR Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 28th. The utilities provider reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.49 by ($0.05). Portland General Electric had a return on equity of 8.03% and a net margin of 7.82%. The company had revenue of $648.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $571.82 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.72 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Portland General Electric will post 2.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 16th. Investors of record on Monday, September 25th will be paid a dividend of $0.475 per share. This represents a $1.90 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.08%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 22nd. Portland General Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 79.17%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, VP John Teeruk Kochavatr sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.12, for a total value of $153,360.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 15,489 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $791,797.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.51% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Portland General Electric Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Xponance Inc. increased its position in shares of Portland General Electric by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 14,162 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $663,000 after purchasing an additional 211 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp grew its position in shares of Portland General Electric by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 5,300 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $260,000 after buying an additional 219 shares during the last quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC grew its position in shares of Portland General Electric by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 9,790 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $480,000 after buying an additional 223 shares during the last quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. NY grew its position in shares of Portland General Electric by 4.4% during the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. NY now owns 5,617 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $275,000 after buying an additional 237 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY grew its position in shares of Portland General Electric by 4.4% during the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 5,617 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $275,000 after buying an additional 237 shares during the last quarter. About Portland General Electric (Get Free Report) Portland General Electric Company, an integrated electric utility company, engages in the generation, wholesale purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the state of Oregon. It operates six thermal plants, three wind farms, and seven hydroelectric facilities. As of December 31, 2022, the company owned an electric transmission system consisting of 1,255 circuit miles, including 269 circuit miles of 500 kilovolt line, 413 circuit miles of 230 kilovolt line, and 573 miles of 115 kilovolt line; and served 926 thousand retail customers in 51 cities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Portland General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Portland General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Primo Water Co. (TSE:PRMW Get Free Report) dropped 0.7% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$18.69 and last traded at C$18.81. Approximately 66,060 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 30% from the average daily volume of 94,090 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$18.95. Primo Water Price Performance The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$17.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$19.34. The stock has a market cap of C$2.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 55.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a current ratio of 0.75, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 140.06. Primo Water Company Profile (Get Free Report) Primo Water Corporation provides pure-play water solutions for residential and commercial customers. It offers bottled water, water dispensers, purified bottled water, self-service refill drinking water, premium spring, mineral water, sparkling and flavored water, filtration equipment, and coffee. The company offers its products under the Primo, Alhambra, Crystal Rock, Mountain Valley, Deep Rock, Hinckley Springs, Crystal Springs, Kentwood Springs, Mount Olympus, Pureflo, Sierra Springs, Sparkletts, and Renu brands in the United States; Canadian Springs, Labrador Source, and Amazon Springs brands in Canada; and Decantae, Eden, Eden Springs, Chateaud'eau, and Mey Eden brands in Europe and Israel. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Primo Water Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Primo Water and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They presently have a $29.00 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $34.00. Royal Bank of Canadas target price would suggest a potential upside of 50.14% from the stocks current price. Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on DXC. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of DXC Technology from $30.00 to $25.00 in a research note on Friday, May 19th. TheStreet lowered DXC Technology from a b- rating to a c- rating in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on DXC Technology from $33.00 to $27.00 in a research report on Friday, May 19th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of DXC Technology from $27.00 to $25.00 in a research note on Friday, May 19th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $28.62. Get DXC Technology alerts: DXC Technology Price Performance NYSE:DXC opened at $19.32 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $26.63 and its 200 day moving average is $26.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. DXC Technology has a 12 month low of $18.61 and a 12 month high of $30.27. Hedge Funds Weigh In On DXC Technology DXC Technology ( NYSE:DXC Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.63 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.82 by ($0.19). DXC Technology had a positive return on equity of 17.63% and a negative net margin of 4.47%. The business had revenue of $3.45 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.56 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.75 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that DXC Technology will post 3.9 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of DXC. North Star Investment Management Corp. raised its holdings in shares of DXC Technology by 3,054.8% in the first quarter. North Star Investment Management Corp. now owns 978 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 947 shares during the last quarter. Bartlett & Co. LLC purchased a new stake in DXC Technology during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Cornerstone Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of DXC Technology in the first quarter worth about $27,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC boosted its position in DXC Technology by 656.6% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,150 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 998 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lindbrook Capital LLC increased its holdings in DXC Technology by 186.4% in the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 1,283 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 835 shares during the period. 91.42% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. DXC Technology Company Profile (Get Free Report) DXC Technology Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides information technology services and solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Australia, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Infrastructure Services (GIS). See Also Receive News & Ratings for DXC Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DXC Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Melcor Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:MR.UN Free Report) had its price objective reduced by Royal Bank of Canada from C$6.00 to C$5.50 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. Melcor Real Estate Investment Trust Stock Performance Shares of MR.UN opened at C$4.85 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day moving average price is C$4.77 and its 200 day moving average price is C$5.17. Melcor Real Estate Investment Trust has a 52 week low of C$4.45 and a 52 week high of C$6.83. The company has a market capitalization of C$62.86 million, a PE ratio of 4.11 and a beta of 1.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 263.66, a quick ratio of 0.03 and a current ratio of 0.06. Get Melcor Real Estate Investment Trust alerts: Melcor Real Estate Investment Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) See Also Melcor REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. Melcor REIT owns, acquires, manages and leases quality retail, office and industrial income-generating properties in western Canadian markets. Its portfolio is currently made up of interests in 38 properties representing approximately 2.93 million square feet of gross leasable area located across Alberta and in Regina, Saskatchewan; and Kelowna, British Columbia. Receive News & Ratings for Melcor Real Estate Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Melcor Real Estate Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Indian Government has delayed its move on immediately banning importers of laptops, tablets and some kinds of PCs, giving the industry three months to wind up these practices, following a backlash against an order on Thursday that said the ban would take immediate effect. In a fresh order on Friday, the government said the ban would now take effect from 1 November, with importers able to clear any ordered consignments uptil 31 October without the need for a licence. The original order said the ban would also extend to all-in-one PCs and ultra-small form factor PCs and servers. It said an exemption would be granted for up to 20 items in a single consignment, for research and development, testing, benchmarking and evaluation, repair and return and product development. There would also be an exemption when a device in these categories was part of a capital good. But, expectedly, manufacturers and tech industry workers expressed opposition to the sudden move. As a result of this, Deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said in a tweet that India would provide a transition period before implementing the amended import policy. Q: Why has the @GoI_MeitY finalized new norms for import of IT hardware like Laptops, Servers etc? Ans: There will be a transition period for this to be put into effect which will be notified soon. Pls read ? https://t.co/u5436EA0IG Rajeev Chandrasekhar ?? (@Rajeev_GoI) August 4, 2023 Chandrasekhar expanded on the reasons for the ban, tweeting: "It is the government's objective to ensure trusted hardware and systems, reduce import dependence and increase domestic manufacturing of this category of products. "This is not at all about licence raj - it is about regulating imports to ensure trusted and verifiable systems and ensuring the Indian tech ecosystem uses trusted and verified systems only that are imported and/or domestically manufactured trusted systems/products." Reacting to his tweet, one research analyst, Sandip Sabharwal, wrote: "Suddenly, without notice, imposing restrictions on imports of PCs, laptops and tablets will only hit consumers. This is extremely ad hoc. Even if the government wants to boost domestic production it cannot be done overnight." Another, Amardeep Singh Sidhu, wrote: "...there is no distinction between personal and business use any more. For skill development to start, hardware and software should be readily available. A large part of our population is self-skilling due to problems in the ecosystem." And a third, digital strategist Alok Nayak, said: "What a contradictory statement, Mr. Minister! Your assertion to speed up digitalisation while concurrently limiting choices for end users to acquire digital products within a regulated setting appears quite illogical. Have you ever considered the implications of this?" This is not the first time that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has taken decisions that affect multitudes and put them into effect immediately. In 2016, Modi announced on TV during prime time on 8 November that 500 and 1000 rupee notes would be withdrawn from circulation and cease to be legal tender in four hours! This year, the country's Supreme Court justified the decision in a 4-1 verdict. Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA Free Report) had its price target decreased by Royal Bank of Canada from $362.00 to $360.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a sector perform rating on the specialty retailers stock. A number of other analysts have also commented on MUSA. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and set a $370.00 price target on shares of Murphy USA in a report on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Murphy USA from $325.00 to $330.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Murphy USA from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Murphy USA presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $318.60. Get Murphy USA alerts: Murphy USA Stock Up 1.8 % Shares of MUSA stock traded up $5.28 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $300.53. The company had a trading volume of 193,604 shares, compared to its average volume of 289,837. Murphy USA has a 12 month low of $231.65 and a 12 month high of $323.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.50, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.53. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $299.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $277.16. The company has a market cap of $6.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.87 and a beta of 0.81. Insider Activity Murphy USA ( NYSE:MUSA Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The specialty retailer reported $6.02 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $6.09 by ($0.07). Murphy USA had a net margin of 2.59% and a return on equity of 81.42%. The company had revenue of $5.59 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.61 billion. On average, research analysts expect that Murphy USA will post 20.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, Director Jeanne Linder Phillips sold 550 shares of Murphy USA stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $283.97, for a total value of $156,183.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 2,874 shares in the company, valued at $816,129.78. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Murphy USA news, Director Jeanne Linder Phillips sold 550 shares of Murphy USA stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $283.97, for a total transaction of $156,183.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 2,874 shares of the companys stock, valued at $816,129.78. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Robert J. Chumley sold 1,075 shares of Murphy USA stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $277.72, for a total value of $298,549.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 6,661 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,849,892.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 1,628 shares of company stock worth $455,611. 9.04% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Murphy USA Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Dark Forest Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Murphy USA in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Murphy USA during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $35,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Murphy USA by 70.8% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 111 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares during the period. Mendota Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Murphy USA during the 1st quarter worth approximately $50,000. Finally, GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Murphy USA during the 1st quarter worth approximately $52,000. Institutional investors own 85.01% of the companys stock. About Murphy USA (Get Free Report) Murphy USA Inc engages in marketing of retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise. The company operates retail stores under the Murphy USA, Murphy Express, and QuickChek brands. It operates retail gasoline stores principally in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest United States. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Murphy USA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murphy USA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Select Medical (NYSE:SEM Get Free Report) updated its FY23 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided EPS guidance of $1.86 to $2.03 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $1.92. The company issued revenue guidance of $6.55 billion to $6.7 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $6.59 billion. Select Medical also updated its FY 2023 guidance to $1.86-$2.03 EPS. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently commented on SEM. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Select Medical in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $38.00 price target on shares of Select Medical in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. TheStreet raised shares of Select Medical from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Wednesday, May 17th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of Select Medical from $35.00 to $37.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.75. Get Select Medical alerts: Select Medical Price Performance Shares of SEM stock opened at $29.94 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.66, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The firms 50-day moving average is $29.88 and its two-hundred day moving average is $28.56. Select Medical has a 12 month low of $18.86 and a 12 month high of $33.51. The company has a market capitalization of $3.81 billion, a PE ratio of 18.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.39. Select Medical Dividend Announcement Select Medical ( NYSE:SEM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The health services provider reported $0.61 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.61. Select Medical had a net margin of 3.14% and a return on equity of 14.87%. The company had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.65 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.43 earnings per share. Select Medicals quarterly revenue was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Select Medical will post 1.93 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.67%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. Select Medicals dividend payout ratio is presently 31.25%. Insider Buying and Selling at Select Medical In other Select Medical news, Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio sold 50,000 shares of Select Medical stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.68, for a total transaction of $1,484,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 6,989,668 shares in the company, valued at $207,453,346.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio sold 50,000 shares of Select Medical stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.68, for a total value of $1,484,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 6,989,668 shares in the company, valued at $207,453,346.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Chairman Robert A. Ortenzio sold 100,000 shares of Select Medical stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.00, for a total transaction of $3,200,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 1,279,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $40,928,000. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 294,011 shares of company stock worth $8,948,306 over the last three months. Insiders own 19.14% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SEM. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in shares of Select Medical by 288.3% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,516 shares of the health services providers stock worth $65,000 after buying an additional 1,868 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG raised its position in Select Medical by 252.4% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,844 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $69,000 after purchasing an additional 2,037 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in Select Medical in the 1st quarter valued at $132,000. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its position in Select Medical by 35.5% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 5,931 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $142,000 after purchasing an additional 1,555 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its position in Select Medical by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 7,386 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $163,000 after purchasing an additional 473 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.99% of the companys stock. Select Medical Company Profile (Get Free Report) Select Medical Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States. It operates through four segments: The Critical Illness Recovery Hospital, The Rehabilitation Hospital, The Outpatient Rehabilitation, and The Concentra. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Select Medical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Select Medical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Southern (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The utilities provider reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.05, Briefing.com reports. The business had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.47 billion. Southern had a return on equity of 10.78% and a net margin of 11.53%. The companys revenue was down 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.07 EPS. Southern Price Performance NYSE SO traded down $0.78 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $67.84. 4,095,411 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,219,508. The stock has a market cap of $73.97 billion, a PE ratio of 21.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.93 and a beta of 0.50. Southern has a one year low of $58.85 and a one year high of $80.57. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $70.78 and a 200-day moving average of $69.71. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51. Get Southern alerts: Southern Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 21st will be issued a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 18th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.13%. Southerns payout ratio is presently 90.32%. Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Trading of Southern In other news, CEO Thomas A. Fanning sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.16, for a total value of $3,758,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 847,592 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $63,705,014.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . In related news, EVP Bryan D. Anderson sold 27,426 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.11, for a total transaction of $2,059,966.86. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 36,119 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,712,898.09. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Also, CEO Thomas A. Fanning sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.16, for a total value of $3,758,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 847,592 shares in the company, valued at approximately $63,705,014.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 225,678 shares of company stock worth $16,334,121 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.28% of the companys stock. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Prudential PLC grew its holdings in shares of Southern by 23.4% in the 1st quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 19,438 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,409,000 after acquiring an additional 3,689 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its holdings in shares of Southern by 33.5% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,727 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $126,000 after acquiring an additional 433 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Southern by 63.0% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,902 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $138,000 after acquiring an additional 735 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Southern by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 49,925 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,621,000 after acquiring an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its holdings in shares of Southern by 35.8% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 907,132 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $65,776,000 after acquiring an additional 239,325 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.25% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have issued reports on SO shares. Mizuho dropped their price objective on Southern from $77.00 to $76.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $60.00 target price on shares of Southern in a research report on Friday, July 21st. VNET Group reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Southern in a research report on Friday, April 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Southern from a buy rating to a conviction-buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 3rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Southern from $75.00 to $74.00 in a research report on Friday. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $73.57. Southern Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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 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. SouthState Corp reduced its holdings in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 21.7% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 293,424 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 81,370 shares during the quarter. SouthState Corps holdings in Bank of America were worth $8,392,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in Bank of America by 108,111.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 193,168,025 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,397,725,000 after acquiring an additional 192,989,515 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in Bank of America by 22.7% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 127,177,786 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,212,128,000 after acquiring an additional 23,532,190 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Bank of America by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 123,636,775 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,087,307,000 after acquiring an additional 1,327,840 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Bank of America in the 4th quarter worth about $3,436,543,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 36,940,776 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,522,699,000 after purchasing an additional 603,512 shares in the last quarter. 67.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Bank of America alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have recently issued reports on BAC. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $35.00 price objective on shares of Bank of America in a report on Friday, June 30th. Evercore ISI cut their price objective on Bank of America from $36.00 to $35.00 in a report on Friday, May 12th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on Bank of America from $41.00 to $40.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. UBS Group upped their price objective on Bank of America from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Bank of America from $45.00 to $40.00 in a report on Thursday, July 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.26. Bank of America Stock Down 0.4 % NYSE:BAC traded down $0.11 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $31.30. 30,768,124 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 47,395,176. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $29.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $30.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $248.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.00, a P/E/G ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.36. Bank of America Co. has a 1 year low of $26.32 and a 1 year high of $38.60. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $24.98 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.01% and a net margin of 19.97%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.73 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Bank of America Co. will post 3.41 earnings per share for the current year. Bank of America Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be paid a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.07%. This is a boost from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. Bank of Americas payout ratio is currently 25.29%. Insider Transactions at Bank of America In related news, insider James P. Demare sold 75,000 shares of Bank of America stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.53, for a total value of $2,364,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 185,108 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,836,455.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Bank of America news, insider Dean C. Athanasia sold 77,806 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.48, for a total transaction of $2,449,332.88. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 353,971 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,143,007.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider James P. Demare sold 75,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.53, for a total value of $2,364,750.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 185,108 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,836,455.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock. About Bank of America (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans. See Also 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 Free Report). 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. SouthState Corp trimmed its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 12.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 17,035 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,326 shares during the period. SouthState Corps holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $5,850,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Verus Financial Partners Inc. purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter worth $224,000. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 112.4% in the 1st quarter. Steel Peak Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,749 shares of the companys stock worth $2,661,000 after buying an additional 4,100 shares in the last quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 11,196 shares of the companys stock worth $3,845,000 after buying an additional 169 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 12.2% in the 1st quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC now owns 11,733 shares of the companys stock worth $4,029,000 after buying an additional 1,278 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sivik Global Healthcare LLC grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 14.3% during the first quarter. Sivik Global Healthcare LLC now owns 20,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,868,000 after purchasing an additional 2,500 shares in the last quarter. 87.25% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSE:LLY traded up $0.33 during trading on Friday, reaching $449.49. 1,870,352 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,345,980. The firm has a market capitalization of $426.69 billion, a PE ratio of 71.46, a P/E/G ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.35. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $450.78 and its 200-day simple moving average is $392.99. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $296.32 and a 12-month high of $469.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.02. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend Insider Transactions at Eli Lilly and Company The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $1.13 per share. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.01%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 71.86%. In other news, EVP Patrik Jonsson sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $429.46, for a total transaction of $2,576,760.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 36,941 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,864,681.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Patrik Jonsson sold 6,000 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $429.46, for a total transaction of $2,576,760.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 36,941 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,864,681.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 591 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $466.62, for a total transaction of $275,772.42. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 101,028,219 shares in the company, valued at $47,141,787,549.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 568,254 shares of company stock valued at $258,314,906. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on LLY shares. HSBC started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They set a buy rating and a $560.00 price objective for the company. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $430.00 to $525.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $551.00 to $560.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. 3M reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $475.00 to $510.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $467.45. About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE:SPR Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at Truist Financial from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. They presently have a $25.00 price objective on the aerospace companys stock, down from their previous price objective of $42.00. Truist Financials target price would suggest a potential upside of 11.91% from the companys current price. SPR has been the topic of several other reports. StockNews.com cut Spirit AeroSystems from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price objective on shares of Spirit AeroSystems from $38.00 to $29.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Spirit AeroSystems from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $45.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Bank of America dropped their price target on Spirit AeroSystems from $26.00 to $25.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. Finally, Benchmark raised Spirit AeroSystems from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $45.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $32.43. Get Spirit AeroSystems alerts: Spirit AeroSystems Stock Down 0.0 % NYSE:SPR opened at $22.34 on Thursday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $28.92 and a 200-day moving average price of $30.67. Spirit AeroSystems has a 12 month low of $20.60 and a 12 month high of $38.55. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Spirit AeroSystems Spirit AeroSystems ( NYSE:SPR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The aerospace company reported ($1.46) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.79) by ($0.67). Spirit AeroSystems had a negative return on equity of 365.67% and a negative net margin of 15.91%. The company had revenue of $1.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.31 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($1.21) earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Spirit AeroSystems will post -1.96 earnings per share for the current year. A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SPR. Private Advisor Group LLC purchased a new stake in Spirit AeroSystems in the first quarter worth about $576,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. purchased a new stake in Spirit AeroSystems in the 1st quarter worth approximately $772,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Spirit AeroSystems during the first quarter valued at approximately $169,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Spirit AeroSystems during the first quarter valued at approximately $200,000. Finally, BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in shares of Spirit AeroSystems by 4.0% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,332,086 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $260,687,000 after purchasing an additional 205,899 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.07% of the companys stock. About Spirit AeroSystems (Get Free Report) Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc engages in the design, engineering, manufacture, and marketing of commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates through three segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment offers forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems, nacelles, struts/pylons, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, flaps and slats flight control surfaces, wing structures, and fully functional and tested wing systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Spirit AeroSystems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spirit AeroSystems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Royal Bank of Canada from $84.00 to $87.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the stock. A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group upped their price target on Tenet Healthcare from $95.00 to $104.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays upped their price target on Tenet Healthcare from $70.00 to $105.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Citigroup upped their price target on Tenet Healthcare from $83.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Mizuho upped their price objective on Tenet Healthcare from $81.00 to $94.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on Tenet Healthcare in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. They issued an overweight rating and a $72.00 price objective for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $81.88. Get Tenet Healthcare alerts: Tenet Healthcare Stock Performance Shares of NYSE THC opened at $74.49 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.79. The businesss 50 day moving average is $77.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $66.92. The company has a market cap of $7.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.37, a P/E/G ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 2.12. Tenet Healthcare has a 12 month low of $36.69 and a 12 month high of $85.40. Insider Buying and Selling Tenet Healthcare ( NYSE:THC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 31st. The company reported $1.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $5.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.91 billion. Tenet Healthcare had a return on equity of 27.15% and a net margin of 2.51%. Tenet Healthcares quarterly revenue was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.50 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Tenet Healthcare will post 5.78 EPS for the current year. In related news, EVP Paola M. Arbour sold 38,556 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.22, for a total transaction of $2,900,182.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 33,006 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,482,711.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Thomas W. Arnst sold 21,178 shares of Tenet Healthcare stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.12, for a total transaction of $1,548,535.36. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Paola M. Arbour sold 38,556 shares of Tenet Healthcare stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.22, for a total value of $2,900,182.32. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 33,006 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,482,711.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Tenet Healthcare Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cipher Capital LP increased its stake in Tenet Healthcare by 111.5% during the 4th quarter. Cipher Capital LP now owns 11,609 shares of the companys stock worth $566,000 after acquiring an additional 6,121 shares during the period. FORA Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare during the 4th quarter valued at $295,000. Scissortail Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Tenet Healthcare during the 1st quarter valued at $1,271,124,000. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 33.3% during the 1st quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 96,880 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,757,000 after acquiring an additional 24,190 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Xponance Inc. lifted its holdings in Tenet Healthcare by 12.2% during the 4th quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 14,355 shares of the companys stock worth $700,000 after buying an additional 1,566 shares during the period. 96.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Tenet Healthcare Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tenet Healthcare Corporation operates as a diversified healthcare services company. The company operates through three segments: Hospital Operations, Ambulatory Care, and Conifer. Its general hospitals offer acute care services, operating and recovery rooms, radiology and respiratory therapy services, clinical laboratories, and pharmacies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Tenet Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tenet Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Citigroup from $83.00 to $90.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the stock. THC has been the topic of several other reports. Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $84.00 to $92.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 20th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on Tenet Healthcare from $73.00 to $84.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on shares of Tenet Healthcare in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. They set an overweight rating and a $73.00 price target on the stock. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $70.00 to $105.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $72.00 to $85.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. One investment 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. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $81.88. Get Tenet Healthcare alerts: Tenet Healthcare Price Performance Shares of Tenet Healthcare stock opened at $74.49 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.79, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 1.29. Tenet Healthcare has a 12 month low of $36.69 and a 12 month high of $85.40. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.37, a PEG ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 2.12. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $77.48 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $66.92. Insider Activity at Tenet Healthcare Tenet Healthcare ( NYSE:THC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The company reported $1.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.18. Tenet Healthcare had a return on equity of 27.15% and a net margin of 2.51%. The business had revenue of $5.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.91 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.50 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Tenet Healthcare will post 5.78 EPS for the current fiscal year. In related news, EVP Paola M. Arbour sold 38,556 shares of Tenet Healthcare stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.22, for a total value of $2,900,182.32. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 33,006 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,482,711.32. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Thomas W. Arnst sold 21,178 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.12, for a total transaction of $1,548,535.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Paola M. Arbour sold 38,556 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.22, for a total transaction of $2,900,182.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 33,006 shares in the company, valued at $2,482,711.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Tenet Healthcare Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of THC. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its holdings in Tenet Healthcare by 434.4% during the second quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 326 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 265 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 1,063.9% during the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 419 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 383 shares during the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Tenet Healthcare in the 1st quarter valued at $36,000. Nvwm LLC purchased a new position in shares of Tenet Healthcare in the 1st quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new stake in Tenet Healthcare in the first quarter worth about $31,000. 96.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Tenet Healthcare Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tenet Healthcare Corporation operates as a diversified healthcare services company. The company operates through three segments: Hospital Operations, Ambulatory Care, and Conifer. Its general hospitals offer acute care services, operating and recovery rooms, radiology and respiratory therapy services, clinical laboratories, and pharmacies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Tenet Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tenet Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank Financial cut shares of Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Free Report) (TSE:TRI) from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report report published on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. Several other research analysts have also issued reports on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on Thomson Reuters to $144.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered Thomson Reuters from a buy rating to a hold rating and raised their price objective for the company from $124.00 to $131.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Scotiabank lowered Thomson Reuters from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. 51job reaffirmed a downgrade rating on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, BNP Paribas raised Thomson Reuters from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price objective for the company from $100.00 to $115.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $148.62. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Thomson Reuters Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:TRI traded up $0.29 during trading on Thursday, hitting $131.37. The stock had a trading volume of 342,823 shares, compared to its average volume of 445,362. Thomson Reuters has a 12 month low of $97.59 and a 12 month high of $138.85. The company has a market capitalization of $59.65 billion, a PE ratio of 28.28, a PEG ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 0.57. The firms fifty day moving average is $130.26 and its 200 day moving average is $126.31. The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. Thomson Reuters Increases Dividend Thomson Reuters ( NYSE:TRI Get Free Report ) (TSE:TRI) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The business services provider reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.07. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 11.66% and a net margin of 32.12%. The firm had revenue of $1.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.66 billion. Analysts anticipate that Thomson Reuters will post 3.38 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 17th will be given a $0.49 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 16th. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.49%. This is a positive change from Thomson Reuterss previous quarterly dividend of $0.36. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 43.67%. Institutional Trading of Thomson Reuters A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 9.2% in the second quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 4,965 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $626,000 after purchasing an additional 420 shares during the period. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. lifted its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 44.2% during the second quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 14,965 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,009,000 after buying an additional 4,590 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc lifted its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 100.0% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,470 shares of the business services providers stock worth $133,000 after buying an additional 735 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 42,091.9% during the second quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 15,611 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,107,000 after buying an additional 15,574 shares during the period. Finally, Scotia Capital Inc. lifted its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 18.7% during the second quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 214,988 shares of the business services providers stock worth $28,965,000 after buying an additional 33,922 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 17.04% of the companys stock. Thomson Reuters Company Profile (Get Free Report) Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank of Canada lowered shares of Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Free Report) (TSE:TRI) from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research note released on Thursday, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has $139.00 target price on the business services providers stock, up from their prior target price of $135.00. A number of other analysts have also issued reports on TRI. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered shares of Thomson Reuters from a buy rating to a hold rating and raised their target price for the stock from $124.00 to $131.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of Thomson Reuters to $144.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. Scotiabank lowered shares of Thomson Reuters from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, BNP Paribas raised shares of Thomson Reuters from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the company from $100.00 to $115.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $148.62. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Thomson Reuters Price Performance TRI traded up $0.29 on Thursday, hitting $131.37. 342,823 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 445,362. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 0.91. The businesss fifty day moving average is $130.26 and its 200 day moving average is $126.31. Thomson Reuters has a fifty-two week low of $97.59 and a fifty-two week high of $138.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $59.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 0.57. Thomson Reuters Increases Dividend Thomson Reuters ( NYSE:TRI Get Free Report ) (TSE:TRI) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The business services provider reported $0.84 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $1.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.66 billion. Thomson Reuters had a net margin of 32.12% and a return on equity of 11.66%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Thomson Reuters will post 3.38 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 17th will be given a $0.49 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 16th. This is an increase from Thomson Reuterss previous quarterly dividend of $0.36. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.49%. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 43.67%. Institutional Trading of Thomson Reuters Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of TRI. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,584,932 shares of the business services providers stock worth $573,125,000 after buying an additional 150,880 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Thomson Reuters during the 4th quarter worth about $207,419,000. WCM Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Thomson Reuters during the 4th quarter worth about $202,744,000. Bank of Nova Scotia raised its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 1,599,645 shares of the business services providers stock worth $182,482,000 after buying an additional 5,311 shares in the last quarter. Finally, 1832 Asset Management L.P. raised its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,575,254 shares of the business services providers stock worth $179,689,000 after buying an additional 34,773 shares in the last quarter. 17.04% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Thomson Reuters (Get Free Report) Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Facts about Ukraine crisis: Ukraine, U.S. start talks on security guarantees Xinhua) 10:39, August 05, 2023 MOSCOW/KIEV, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments related to the Ukraine crisis: Ukraine on Thursday launched talks with the United States on a bilateral agreement on security guarantees, Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne reported Friday, citing the Ukrainian President's Office. Andriy Yermak, head of the office leading the Ukrainian delegation to the talks, said that the United States became the first country to start negotiations on security commitments with Ukraine. According to Ukrainian authorities, the security guarantees will reinforce Ukraine's progress towards future membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. - - - - Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders of seven African countries involved in a peace mission on Ukraine agreed to continue their dialogue, a Russian official said on Thursday. "Indeed, the dialogue will continue," Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told Russia's TASS news agency. "There are no exact dates yet." South African authorities released on Thursday a joint statement by Putin and the African peace mission following their meeting on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg in late July. The statement said that the leaders agreed to continue the dialogue, supported lifting sanctions on Russian grain and fertilizer exports and acknowledged the progress made on humanitarian aspects of the initiative. - - - - The Russian Defense Ministry said Friday that two Ukrainian unmanned boats attempted to attack the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk, a major Black Sea port, but were destroyed by Russian ships. "Tonight, the Ukrainian armed forces attempted to attack the Novorossiysk naval base with two unmanned sea boats. During the repulsion of the attack, the unmanned boats were visually detected and destroyed by fire from the standard weapons of the Russian ships," the ministry said. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which loads oil onto tankers in Novorossiysk, said its infrastructure was not damaged by the attack and the oil loading is going on as usual. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) Volunteers teach handicrafting to primary and middle school students as part of the summer vacation activities hosted by the Chongwen Street administration, Shandong province.[Photo provided to China Daily] The United Nations on Friday unveiled a policy brief aimed at reshaping education. The brief proposes a set of guidelines to foster inclusive, learning-centered societies, and presents education as a globally significant public good. At a press briefing in New York, Leonardo Garnier, the UN secretary-general's special adviser on the Transforming Education Summit, acknowledged that education is currently grappling with dual crises: access and relevance. The brief underlines the urgent need to address the quality and applicability of education, he said. "While millions around the world are still excluded from education, many of those who do attend formal schooling are not even learning the basics," he added, noting that current education systems are not preparing children to confront the complex challenges they will face in the rapidly changing future. "We must make sure that every child who goes to school also learns what they have to learn," Garnier stressed. The policy brief presents a set of key principles which countries can consider to improve learning. The principles include moving away from a "static" model of education to a more learner centered one to foster life-long learning in societies, ensuring equality and inclusion in and through education for all, and making curricula and pedagogies effective and relevant. Curricula must be relevant for today and for the future, with a particular focus on education for sustainable development, and fostering a culture of civic responsibility, peace and respect for human diversity, Garnier said. Transforming teachers and teaching; harnessing the digital resolution; and investing more, more equitably and more efficiently in education, are also included among the key principles, he added. According to Garnier, governments must abandon short-term thinking, and reframe their approach to financing of education as a crucial investment, with significant medium- and long-term returns. Stefania Giannini, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s assistant director-general for education, said the policy brief provides a "clear vision." On the one hand, it addresses the preexisting learning crisis, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and on the other, it clearly links the development outcomes of education, she said. "It is about moving from a culture of reforming education systems to a culture of transformation -- not simply incremental change, but resulting in education systems different from today," Giannini added. The brief, stemming from the Transforming Education Summit last year, is a result of consultations at country and global levels. It is grounded in over 140 statements of commitment by governments at the summit. Giannini further highlighted that the forthcoming SDG Summit in September presents a crucial opportunity to highlight tangible measures undertaken in the realm of education transformation. She added that this event serves as a precursor to a global meeting in 2024, which aims to evaluate the progress made since the initiation of the movement in 2022. Additionally, she shed light on the ongoing collaborative efforts within the UN system. Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Miller helped ignite a firestorm over the weekend of July 29 when she expressed her disgust on social media with Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Miller (no relation) claimed on Twitter that Pritzker had signed a bill late on a Friday afternoon to allow illegal immigrants to become police officers, giving non-citizens the power to arrest citizens in our state. Miller continued by claiming: No sane state would allow foreign nationals to arrest their citizens, this is madness! Her more well-known Republican colleague Lauren Boebert amplified the issue the next day and Fox News picked up the ball and ran with it. The rest of the right-wing media soon followed and a typical feeding frenzy ensued. Trouble is, Rep. Millers own husband, state Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) (also no relation), voted Yes on the Houses initial version of the bill, which wouldve allowed non-citizens to become police officers. Oops. House Bill 3751 cleared the House on a unanimous roll call on March 24. It specifically struck out an existing state law which prohibited sheriffs and law enforcement from employing non-citizens as law enforcement officers. The bill then added language allowing those non-citizens who are legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, and who received federal approval to obtain, carry, or purchase or otherwise possess a firearm, to become law enforcement officers. The bill was supported by various groups, including the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, and passed 101-0. One of the bills chief co-sponsors was Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park), a Donald Trump-supporting police officer. After the bill arrived in the Senate, its sponsor added an amendment allowing people, against whom immigration action has been deferred by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process, to also become police officers. Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorne Woods), the former Senate Republican Leader, voted for that version, but all other Senate Republicans opposed the bill as amended, as did two Democrats, Sens. Patrick Joyce (D-Reddick) and Willie Preston (D-Chicago). Most all House Republicans stood firm during their chambers motion to concur with the new Senate amendment, including House Republican Leader Tony McCombie. Not one member of McCombies leadership team voted against the motion, which passed 100-7. However seven of the eight members of the Houses self-declared Freedom Caucus voted against it, including Rep. Miller. The eighth member, Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud) had an excused absence. Gov. Pritzker eventually pointed out on Twitter that House members, including those who are now complaining about it, had voted for the bill before the Senate Republicans started spreading lies. State Rep. Miller responded to the governor online by claiming his own vote against legislation allowing non-citizens to arrest actual citizens, paled in comparison to Pritzkers blatantly attacking the Consitional [sic] right of honest citizens to bear arms. But, again, state Rep. Miller did indeed vote to allow non-citizens to arrest actual citizens. His spouse, the congressperson, tweeted at Pritzker the same day that Giving foreign nationals the power to arrest US citizens in Illinois is not common sense. Ms. Miller shouldve maybe had a talk with her husband last spring. As you might imagine, several House Republicans are eager for this particular news cycle to end. Its enraging the base, and theres some worry that it could lead to some Republican primary challenges. But Leader McCombie went on Southern Illinois radio station WJPF last week to defend her fellow Republicans who voted for the bill. Every single [House] Republican, all 40 of us, voted for this bill, McCombie told host Tom Miller (also no relation). And that is because what the media is saying is not accurate. You can't have 40 Republicans voting for a bill that is going to have undocumented illegal immigrants become a police officer. That is not gonna happen. She also rightly pointed out that the asylum-seeking migrants pouring into Illinois wont qualify, either, because theyre not allowed to work. McCombie blamed Democrats for creating an environment that is forcing people out of policing as a career. This bill, she said, could help alleviate that problem. And she stressed that only people who could be approved by the federal government to possess and carry a firearm would qualify. It is a conditional step to support law enforcement, McCombie said. It is not, it is not a license to give illegal immigrants, undocumented folks who are coming across our borders illegally, the ability to become law enforcement. Hard stop. Tidewater Inc. (NYSE:TDW Get Free Report) Director Robert Robotti bought 117,698 shares of Tidewater stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 31st. The shares were acquired at an average price of $62.28 per share, for a total transaction of $7,330,231.44. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 3,185,971 shares in the company, valued at approximately $198,422,273.88. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Robert Robotti also recently made the following trade(s): Get Tidewater alerts: On Monday, July 24th, Robert Robotti acquired 1,135 shares of Tidewater stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $57.06 per share, for a total transaction of $64,763.10. Tidewater Stock Performance Shares of TDW opened at $64.12 on Friday. Tidewater Inc. has a 52-week low of $18.37 and a 52-week high of $65.79. The company has a quick ratio of 1.73, a current ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market cap of $3.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -641.14 and a beta of 1.40. The businesss 50 day moving average is $53.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is $47.47. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tidewater Tidewater ( NYSE:TDW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The oil and gas company reported $0.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Tidewater had a net margin of 0.16% and a return on equity of 4.06%. The firm had revenue of $193.10 million for the quarter. Analysts forecast that Tidewater Inc. will post 3.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of TDW. American International Group Inc. raised its stake in Tidewater by 1.8% during the second quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 22,884 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,269,000 after buying an additional 405 shares in the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC acquired a new position in Tidewater in the second quarter worth $381,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Tidewater during the second quarter valued at $1,178,000. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Tidewater during the second quarter worth $261,000. Finally, Perigon Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Tidewater by 30.5% in the 2nd quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,698 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $427,000 after buying an additional 1,800 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.30% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently issued reports on TDW. TheStreet upgraded Tidewater from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Friday, June 30th. BTIG Research initiated coverage on shares of Tidewater in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $75.00 price objective for the company. Evercore ISI began coverage on shares of Tidewater in a research report on Friday, July 7th. They set an outperform rating and a $90.00 target price on the stock. Raymond James began coverage on shares of Tidewater in a report on Thursday, July 13th. They set a strong-buy rating and a $85.00 price target for the company. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Tidewater in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $83.33. Tidewater Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tidewater Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore support vessels and marine support services to the offshore energy industry through the operation of a fleet of marine service vessels worldwide. It provides services in support of offshore crude oil and natural gas exploration, field development, and production, as well as windfarm development and maintenance, including towing of and anchor handling for mobile offshore drilling units; transporting supplies and personnel necessary to sustain drilling, workover, and production activities; offshore construction, and seismic and subsea support; geotechnical survey support for windfarm construction; and various specialized services, such as pipe and cable laying. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tidewater Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tidewater and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Morgan Stanley from $210.00 to $231.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the stock. TT has been the topic of several other research reports. 888 reissued a maintains rating on shares of Trane Technologies in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $194.00 to $204.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $184.00 to $183.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $200.00 to $192.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $160.00 to $187.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Thursday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $194.81. Get Trane Technologies alerts: Trane Technologies Stock Performance TT stock traded down $1.06 on Thursday, reaching $204.19. 1,088,182 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,441,326. Trane Technologies has a 12 month low of $139.07 and a 12 month high of $208.66. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $187.16 and its 200 day moving average price is $182.28. The firm has a market capitalization of $46.57 billion, a PE ratio of 25.31, a PEG ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.77. Trane Technologies Dividend Announcement Trane Technologies ( NYSE:TT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $2.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.56 by $0.12. Trane Technologies had a net margin of 11.18% and a return on equity of 31.57%. The business had revenue of $4.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.61 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.16 earnings per share. Trane Technologiess revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Trane Technologies will post 8.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a dividend of $0.75 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.47%. Trane Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.99%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Trane Technologies news, CAO Mark Majocha sold 2,202 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $194.28, for a total transaction of $427,804.56. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 3,797 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $737,681.16. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Trane Technologies news, CAO Mark Majocha sold 2,202 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $194.28, for a total transaction of $427,804.56. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 3,797 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $737,681.16. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Paul A. Camuti sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $196.00, for a total value of $980,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 89,409 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,524,164. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 11,166 shares of company stock valued at $2,192,677. 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Trane Technologies A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of TT. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Trane Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $178,000. Blair William & Co. IL increased its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 16,727 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,554,000 after acquiring an additional 495 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Trane Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $219,000. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 18,133,851 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,769,040,000 after acquiring an additional 77,924 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 3.8% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 956,177 shares of the companys stock valued at $146,008,000 after acquiring an additional 34,591 shares during the last quarter. 81.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Trane Technologies (Get Free Report) Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Trane Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trane Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Truist Financial Corp reduced its stake in Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report) by 13.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 831,416 shares of the companys stock after selling 124,363 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corps holdings in Novartis were worth $76,490,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Brady Family Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Novartis by 20.3% in the first quarter. Brady Family Wealth LLC now owns 3,260 shares of the companys stock worth $300,000 after acquiring an additional 550 shares during the period. Mitchell & Pahl Private Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Novartis by 2.4% in the first quarter. Mitchell & Pahl Private Wealth LLC now owns 19,575 shares of the companys stock worth $1,801,000 after buying an additional 468 shares in the last quarter. NTV Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Novartis by 6.2% in the first quarter. NTV Asset Management LLC now owns 6,803 shares of the companys stock worth $626,000 after buying an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. Pitcairn Co. raised its position in shares of Novartis by 36.1% in the first quarter. Pitcairn Co. now owns 3,777 shares of the companys stock worth $347,000 after buying an additional 1,001 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. raised its position in shares of Novartis by 0.9% in the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 30,047 shares of the companys stock worth $2,764,000 after buying an additional 265 shares in the last quarter. 8.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Novartis alerts: Novartis Trading Down 0.2 % NYSE NVS opened at $101.80 on Friday. Novartis AG has a 1-year low of $74.09 and a 1-year high of $105.61. The firm has a market cap of $215.78 billion, a PE ratio of 28.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $100.39 and a 200-day moving average of $95.20. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Novartis ( NYSE:NVS Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.68 by $0.15. Novartis had a return on equity of 25.12% and a net margin of 14.76%. The company had revenue of $13.62 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.32 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.56 EPS. Novartiss revenue was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Novartis AG will post 6.92 EPS for the current year. A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. HSBC assumed coverage on Novartis in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Novartis from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. BTIG Research raised their price target on Novartis from $75.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Novartis in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Novartis has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $82.25. Novartis Profile (Free Report) Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures, and markets healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Innovative Medicines and Sandoz. The Innovative Medicines segment offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It also provides cardiovascular, ophthalmology, neuroscience, immunology, hematology, and solid tumor products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Free Report) had its price objective increased by Sanford C. Bernstein from $50.00 to $55.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the ride-sharing companys stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Oppenheimer upped their price target on Uber Technologies from $55.00 to $65.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 21st. Piper Jaffray Companies increased their target price on Uber Technologies from $41.00 to $43.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Susquehanna upgraded Uber Technologies from a neutral rating to a positive rating and increased their target price for the company from $40.00 to $48.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Truist Financial increased their target price on Uber Technologies from $60.00 to $63.00 in a report on Monday, June 12th. Finally, Piper Sandler increased their target price on Uber Technologies from $41.00 to $43.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Thirty investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $55.03. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Uber Technologies Trading Down 1.6 % UBER opened at $45.19 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 1.24. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $43.57 and its 200 day simple moving average is $36.91. Uber Technologies has a 1-year low of $22.94 and a 1-year high of $49.49. Insiders Place Their Bets Uber Technologies ( NYSE:UBER Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The ride-sharing company reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.01) by $0.19. The business had revenue of $9.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.34 billion. Uber Technologies had a negative return on equity of 4.57% and a negative net margin of 1.07%. The companys revenue was up 14.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($1.33) EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Uber Technologies will post 0.15 earnings per share for the current year. In other Uber Technologies news, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 30,025 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total transaction of $1,351,125.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,485,167 shares in the company, valued at $66,832,515. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Uber Technologies news, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 30,025 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total transaction of $1,351,125.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,485,167 shares in the company, valued at $66,832,515. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Tony West sold 16,664 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.00, for a total value of $699,888.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 164,693 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,917,106. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 238,143 shares of company stock worth $10,798,399 over the last quarter. 3.84% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of UBER. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 28.7% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 23,045 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $822,000 after acquiring an additional 5,142 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Uber Technologies in the first quarter worth about $3,359,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 29.3% in the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 22,650 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $808,000 after acquiring an additional 5,134 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 11.7% in the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 26,298 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $938,000 after acquiring an additional 2,756 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 17.3% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,144,337 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $40,838,000 after acquiring an additional 168,475 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.90% of the companys stock. About Uber Technologies (Get Free Report) Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services. Read More 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. Unity Software (NYSE:U Free Report) had its price objective raised by Wedbush from $50.00 to $55.00 in a research note released on Thursday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Wedbush currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Several other brokerages have also weighed in on U. DA Davidson increased their price objective on Unity Software from $45.00 to $50.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 28th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on Unity Software from $40.00 to $50.00 in a report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Unity Software from $27.50 to $28.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Credit Suisse Group reduced their target price on shares of Unity Software from $66.00 to $61.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Unity Software from $48.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $44.29. Get Unity Software alerts: Unity Software Stock Performance NYSE:U traded down $0.94 during trading on Thursday, reaching $40.18. The companys stock had a trading volume of 10,455,541 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,589,509. Unity Software has a 12 month low of $21.22 and a 12 month high of $58.63. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $40.24 and a 200-day moving average of $34.30. The company has a quick ratio of 2.39, a current ratio of 2.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. Insider Transactions at Unity Software Unity Software ( NYSE:U Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported ($0.37) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.49) by $0.12. Unity Software had a negative net margin of 54.46% and a negative return on equity of 20.05%. The company had revenue of $500.36 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $477.42 million. Equities analysts forecast that Unity Software will post -1.05 earnings per share for the current year. In related news, CEO John S. Riccitiello sold 36,939 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.72, for a total value of $1,023,949.08. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 3,211,394 shares of the companys stock, valued at $89,019,841.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Unity Software news, CEO John S. Riccitiello sold 36,939 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.72, for a total transaction of $1,023,949.08. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 3,211,394 shares in the company, valued at $89,019,841.68. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Shlomo Dovrat sold 12,591 shares of Unity Software stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.10, for a total value of $378,989.10. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 5,495,614 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $165,417,981.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 573,735 shares of company stock valued at $22,207,524. 9.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Unity Software by 3.0% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 19,022,372 shares of the companys stock valued at $606,053,000 after acquiring an additional 552,115 shares during the period. ARK Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Unity Software by 12.2% in the first quarter. ARK Investment Management LLC now owns 12,307,660 shares of the companys stock valued at $399,260,000 after purchasing an additional 1,335,347 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in shares of Unity Software by 71,678.0% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 11,384,703 shares of the companys stock valued at $494,324,000 after purchasing an additional 11,368,842 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Unity Software by 1.8% in the second quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 8,191,675 shares of the companys stock worth $355,683,000 after purchasing an additional 147,552 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. increased its stake in shares of Unity Software by 15.2% in the first quarter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. now owns 7,399,908 shares of the companys stock worth $235,391,000 after buying an additional 975,221 shares during the period. 68.82% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Unity Software (Get Free Report) Unity Software Inc operates a real-time 3D development platform. Its platform provides software solutions to create, run, and monetize interactive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices. The company offers its solutions directly through its online store and field sales operations in North America, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, China, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as indirectly through independent distributors and resellers worldwide. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Unity Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unity Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Free Report) had its price target boosted by Truist Financial from $54.00 to $59.00 in a research report sent to investors on Friday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. UNM has been the subject of several other research reports. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Unum Group in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on Unum Group in a research note on Tuesday, April 25th. They set an overweight rating and a $57.00 price target for the company. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Unum Group from $46.00 to $52.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Unum Group from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.90. Get Unum Group alerts: Unum Group Stock Performance NYSE UNM traded down $0.07 on Friday, reaching $50.32. The stock had a trading volume of 1,133,596 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,172,851. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.29 and a quick ratio of 0.28. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $47.09 and a two-hundred day moving average of $43.65. Unum Group has a 1-year low of $35.28 and a 1-year high of $51.15. The company has a market cap of $9.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.08. Unum Group Increases Dividend Unum Group ( NYSE:UNM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The financial services provider reported $2.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.19. Unum Group had a return on equity of 15.10% and a net margin of 11.90%. The firm had revenue of $3.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.07 billion. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Unum Group will post 7.54 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 18th. Investors of record on Friday, July 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.365 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 27th. This represents a $1.46 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.90%. This is a positive change from Unum Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 20.25%. Insider Buying and Selling at Unum Group In other Unum Group news, CAO Walter Lynn Rice, Jr. sold 2,800 shares of Unum Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $44.71, for a total value of $125,188.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,119 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $318,290.49. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CAO Walter Lynn Rice, Jr. sold 2,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.71, for a total transaction of $125,188.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,119 shares of the companys stock, valued at $318,290.49. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 5,579 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $44.82, for a total transaction of $250,050.78. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 50,084 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,244,764.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 37,988 shares of company stock worth $1,726,569 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.94% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unum Group Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of UNM. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Unum Group by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 61,304 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,932,000 after acquiring an additional 2,370 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 33.2% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 15,247 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $480,000 after buying an additional 3,799 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. purchased a new stake in shares of Unum Group in the 1st quarter worth about $348,000. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in shares of Unum Group by 61.5% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 76,618 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,422,000 after acquiring an additional 29,166 shares in the last quarter. Finally, D.A. Davidson & CO. purchased a new position in Unum Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $227,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.94% of the companys stock. About Unum Group (Get Free Report) Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block and Corporate segments. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virgin Money UK (OTCMKTS:CYBBF Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Royal Bank of Canada from GBX 220 ($2.82) to GBX 225 ($2.89) in a research note published on Friday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. CYBBF has been the topic of several other reports. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Virgin Money UK from GBX 175 ($2.25) to GBX 180 ($2.31) in a report on Thursday. Citigroup cut their price target on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 265 ($3.40) to GBX 200 ($2.57) in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 220 ($2.82) to GBX 230 ($2.95) in a report on Monday, July 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 210 ($2.70) to GBX 220 ($2.82) in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Berenberg Bank lowered their price objective on Virgin Money UK from GBX 400 ($5.14) to GBX 250 ($3.21) in a report on Friday. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given 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 $209.29. Get Virgin Money UK alerts: Virgin Money UK Price Performance CYBBF remained flat at $1.90 during midday trading on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.86 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.92. Virgin Money UK has a 52-week low of $1.44 and a 52-week high of $2.29. About Virgin Money UK Virgin Money UK PLC provides banking products and services for consumers, and small and medium sized businesses under the Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, and Virgin Money brands in the United Kingdom. The company offers savings and current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and home loans; business loans, overdraft facilities, treasury solutions, and corporate and structured finance; asset and invoice finance services; risk management; international trade services; and home, car, and life and critical illness insurance products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Virgin Money UK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Virgin Money UK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virgin Money UK (OTCMKTS:CYBBF Free Report) had its target price upped by Morgan Stanley from GBX 175 ($2.25) to GBX 180 ($2.31) in a research report released on Thursday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on CYBBF. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 265 ($3.40) to GBX 200 ($2.57) in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 220 ($2.82) to GBX 230 ($2.95) in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 205 ($2.63) to GBX 220 ($2.82) in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 200 ($2.57) to GBX 180 ($2.31) in a research report on Friday, April 14th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $209.29. Get Virgin Money UK alerts: Virgin Money UK Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:CYBBF remained flat at $1.90 during midday trading on Thursday. Virgin Money UK has a fifty-two week low of $1.44 and a fifty-two week high of $2.29. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $1.86 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $1.92. About Virgin Money UK Virgin Money UK PLC provides banking products and services for consumers, and small and medium sized businesses under the Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, and Virgin Money brands in the United Kingdom. The company offers savings and current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and home loans; business loans, overdraft facilities, treasury solutions, and corporate and structured finance; asset and invoice finance services; risk management; international trade services; and home, car, and life and critical illness insurance products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Virgin Money UK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Virgin Money UK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zuora, Inc. (NYSE:ZUO Get Free Report)s share price fell 8.9% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $10.70 and last traded at $10.71. 441,259 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 58% from the average session volume of 1,040,117 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.76. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently weighed in on ZUO. Robert W. Baird began coverage on Zuora in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. They issued a neutral rating and a $12.00 price objective for the company. Lake Street Capital upped their price objective on Zuora from $11.00 to $12.00 in a report on Thursday, May 25th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $12.38. Get Zuora alerts: Zuora Stock Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $1.49 billion, a PE ratio of -12.21 and a beta of 1.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.05, a current ratio of 1.69 and a quick ratio of 1.69. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $10.99 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.40. Insider Activity at Zuora Zuora ( NYSE:ZUO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 24th. The company reported ($0.13) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.18) by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $103.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $102.00 million. Zuora had a negative return on equity of 72.78% and a negative net margin of 29.09%. Research analysts anticipate that Zuora, Inc. will post -0.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other Zuora news, CRO Robert J. Traube sold 17,975 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.46, for a total value of $188,018.50. Following the transaction, the executive now directly owns 60,509 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $632,924.14. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CRO Robert J. Traube sold 17,975 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.46, for a total transaction of $188,018.50. Following the transaction, the executive now owns 60,509 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $632,924.14. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Tien Tzuo sold 12,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.93, for a total value of $136,625.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 6,352 shares in the company, valued at approximately $69,427.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 157,068 shares of company stock valued at $1,605,535. Company insiders own 9.25% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its stake in Zuora by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 34,199 shares of the companys stock valued at $218,000 after purchasing an additional 1,283 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its stake in Zuora by 5.9% during the 1st quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 26,146 shares of the companys stock valued at $396,000 after purchasing an additional 1,447 shares during the period. Macquarie Group Ltd. boosted its stake in Zuora by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 177,905 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,593,000 after purchasing an additional 1,846 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System boosted its stake in Zuora by 9.2% during the 4th quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 22,173 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,000 after purchasing an additional 1,870 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in Zuora by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 206,384 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,092,000 after purchasing an additional 1,977 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.02% of the companys stock. Zuora Company Profile (Get Free Report) Zuora, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides cloud-based subscription management platform that enables companies in various industries to launch, manage, and transform into a subscription business. The company offers Zuora platform that acts as an orchestration engine that allows customers quote-to-cash and revenue operations; and Zuora Billing that helps customers to set payment terms, manage hierarchical billing relationships, consolidate invoicing across multiple subscriptions, and tax transactions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Zuora Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zuora and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The abrupt closing of national trucking company Yellow Corp. has a Triad component with an estimated 145 employees affected at its 1255 N.C. 66 South facility in Kernersville. On Friday, the N.C. Commerce Department updated to nine the number of Yellow facility closings in the state, as well as lowering the number of projected job cuts from an estimated 1,000 to 885. The Kernersville facility had the second-largest jobs impact, trailing a Charlotte location at 518. The company, based in Nashville, is closing all operations amid media reports of an impending federal bankruptcy filing. Some media reports have said there could be as many as 30,000 affected Yellow employees overall. According to the state Commerce Department, Yellows shutdown affects a second facility in Charlotte with 118 employees, as well as Raleigh (55), Durham (24), Rocky Mount (13), Fayetteville (six) and Jacksonville and Wilmington (three each). The list and locations are based on research efforts by our workforce staff at this point and not coming from the company, Commerce spokesman David Rhoades said. Yellow has been a low-cost competitor of Old Dominion Freight Line of Thomasville. A core element of Old Dominions growth spurt the past 10 years has been gaining market share and employees from struggling or out-of-business competitors. Yellow has not made a public statement addressing the media reports. However, Yellow said in a notice to the state that it shut down regular operations on Monday and that it expects all layoffs and location closures related to the shutdown to be permanent. The Associated Press reported Yellow gained a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the federal government on national security grounds. The Teamsters supported the $700 million loan when it was first announced. As of June 30, Yellow had paid $67 million in cash interest on the loan, which is due in 2024, the company said. Yellow has historically proven that it could not manage itself despite billions of dollars in worker concessions and hundreds of millions in bailout funding from the federal government, Teamsters general president Sean OBrien said in a statement. This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry. Services Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, will have services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Pastor Tyler Tankersley will begin a new sermon series about Forgiveness with a sermon titled Forgiveness from God. The 10:45 service will be live streamed on YouTube and Facebook. Summer church office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, closed on Fridays, through Aug. 11. The schedule of summer classes, seminars and camps is available online. For more information, go to www.ardmorebaptist.org. Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston-Salem, will have worship at 10 a.m. Sunday. Sunday school is at 8:45 and childrens church starts at 9:30 a.m. There will be a New Beginnings dinner church for all ages from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of June, July and August. Everyone is invited for a free meal, a message and music in the church fellowship hall. Victory on the Frontline Church and Event Center, 4307 Welcome-Arcadia Road, Arcadia, Sunday morning starts at 9:30 with a light breakfast. Sunday school for all ages starts at 10. Victory worship service with Pastor Michael Duffield begins at 11. Contemporary and traditional gospel music performed by the Victory Praise Band and Victory Choir. Wednesday evening choir practice is at 6, the fellowship meal is at 6:30. Just as I am casual and family service at 7. For more information, please call 336-577-2873 or email mktvfl@att.net. Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 S. Green St., Winston-Salem, will have an in-person service at 8:45 a.m. Sunday. The 11 a.m. service is held in-person and is streamed online via Facebook and YouTube and is a blended service featuring jazz and blues musicians as well as hymns, spirituals and elements of social gospel. The 8:45 a.m. service is a quiet, contemplative space including prayer, scripture, preaching and communion. Masks are optional in the building for services with some exceptions. For more information, go to www.greenstreetumc.org. New Unity Missionary Baptist Church, 2946 Ivy Ave., Winston-Salem, invites you to join Pastor Willie Davidson and the New Unity Church Family each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. for in-person worship service. Let us praise the Lord together. Masks are available. Trinity Methodist Church, 3819 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, invites you to worship at 10 a.m. each Sunday. The Rev. Doug Miller is the lead pastor ordained in the Global Methodist Church. During worship there will be special music, busy bags for children plus a message for kids each Sunday. There are two Sunday school classes for adults. One is at 9 a.m. and the other is at 11 a.m. You are invited to the Connection Cafe which consists of light refreshments and coffee at 9:15 a.m. in the fellowship hall. For more information, call the church office at 336-765-0150. First Baptist Church East, 700 N. Highland Ave., Winston-Salem, will have a worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. Pastor A. Ray Camp-bell, the interim pastor, will deliver the message, How did Jesus Pray? The scripture is Luke 22:39-46. The service is available on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, go to fbcwinston.org. Parkway United Church of Christ, 1465 Irving St., Winston-Salem, worships at 11 a.m. Sunday. The sermon series on Touchstones for Building Trustworthy Community will continue. For more information, go to www.parkwayunited.org, or call 336-723-1395. Lewisville United Methodist Church, 6290 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will have contemporary worship at 9 a.m. Sunday in the fellowship hall. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. and traditional worship is in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. For more information, go to lewisvilleumc.org. Unity Moravian Church, 8300 Concord Church Road, Lewisville, will have adult Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. The service at 11 is in-person and live streamed. A nursery is provided. Childrens church is offered during the worship service. For more information, go to www.unitymoravianchurch.org or call 336-945-3801. Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, 3543 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, offers two Sunday services: 9 a.m. modern worship in the Alspaugh Worship Center, and 11 a.m. traditional worship in the sanctuary. Both services are available online at http://youtube.com/MountTaborUMCVideoStreaming and the Mount Tabor United Methodist Church Facebook page. For more information, visit www.mttaborumc.org or call 336-765-5561. Winston-Salem Friends Meeting, Quaker church, meets at Fairview Moravian Church, 6550 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem. Sunday morning live services begin with Unprogrammed (silent) Worship at 9:15, First-Day (Sunday) school for adults at 9:30, and Meeting for Worship at 10:30. David Teague will bring the message Sunday. We are a community of seekers who meet together to worship God. We seek to express our faith through action, focusing on peace and social justice. We seek to find the Light of God in ourselves and in others. We seek to treat all persons with equality and integrity. For more information, email mary.simmons51@icloud.com. New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Win-ston-Salem, will meet in-person at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday and will live stream its 9:30 service on Face-book.com/newphiladelphiamoravianchurch. You do not need a Facebook account to view the service. If you are unable to view the live stream, a recorded version is on the churchs YouTube page. Ardmore United Methodist Church, 630 S. Hawthorne Road, Win-ston-Salem, has a traditional service at 10 a.m. and a contemporary service at 11:15 a.m. Sunday with a summer Prayground on the playground during each service. The Rev. Bob Kerr and the Rev. Katy Medinas Lockley welcome all and lead the worship service. On Sunday there will be a combined casual service at 11 a.m. with a cookout following. Services are streamed on Youtube. For more information, go to ardmoreumc.org or call the office at 336-723-3695. Lewisville Baptist Church, 125 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Lewisville, invites all to celebrate Jesus Christ at 10 a.m. Sundays. Services are live streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. There will be midweek activities for all ages at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, go to lewisvillebaptist.com. Kingswood Church, 6840 University Parkway, Rural Hall, welcomes all to their Sunday services. Sunday school for all ages begins at 10 a.m. The traditional worship service begins at 11 and is led by Rev. Mark Muckler. Weekly worship services, and other ministry related events, are also available online on the Kingswood Facebook page. For more information, call the church at 336-969-5437. Olivet Moravian Church, 2205 Olivet Church Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and an inside worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The worship service will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, call the church office at 336-924-8063. Salem Creek Friends Meeting (Quakers) meets in the parsonage of Fries Memorial Moravian Church, 271 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem. The unprogrammed meeting for worship starts at 10 a.m. each Sunday. For more information, email clerk@salemcreekfriends.org. Burkhead United Methodist Church, 5250 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, invites you for worship at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Sunday school classes begin at 9:15 and 9:30. The service is also available on the website and the Facebook page. For more information, go to www.burkheadumc.org or call 336-765-6590, ext. 3. Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, 3401 Konnoak Drive, Winston-Salem, will have a worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The church receives a drive-thru food offering for Sunnyside Ministry each Sunday. Drop off non-perishable donations from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pri-mary needs are canned vegetables, crackers, pasta, rice, cereal, dry/powdered milk and bread. For more information, call 336-788-9321. Union United Methodist Church, 8935 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will have a Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday school at 10:45. For those who cannot worship in person, the service is live streamed and archived on Facebook. Clemmons First Baptist Church, 3530 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, will have Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. Sunday there will be an in-person worship service. The Youth Group will lead the service. The service will be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, call 336-766-6486 or go to cfbctoday.org. First Waughtown Baptist Church, 838 Moravia St., Winston-Salem, will have a Homecoming Sunday service Sunday. It will begin with Sunday school at 8:15 a.m. followed by morning worship at 9:45. This weeks lesson is Inheriting the Kingdom (Devotional Reading Isaiah 44:21-28; Background Scripture Galatians 5:13-26). Senior pastor Dennis W. Bishop will deliver the sermon. Congregants will have an-other opportunity to view the Homecoming/Anniversary historical ex-hibit after the service. The exhibit was developed for the culminating events of First Waughtowns 157th anniversary celebrated last week-end. Face masks are optional. People who wish to worship virtually can find services on YouTube, www.youtube.com (First Waughtown); Fa-cebook, www.facebook.com/FirstWaughtown/; and the First Waugh-town website, www.firstwaughtown.org. Services posted online are a one-week delay. Home Moravian Church, 529 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, will have in-person and live stream worship at 10 a.m. Sunday. Bible discussion via Zoom and in-person will be held after the service using the adult programing link on the churchs website. Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1905 N. Jackson Ave., Winston-Salem, will have in-person services each Sunday morning at 11. COVID protocols are practiced. Paul W. Hart is the pastor. Pfafftown Christian Church, 3323 Transou Road, Pfafftown, invites everyone to worship in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. each Sunday. The Rev. Rodney Stilwell is the pastor, and the Rev. Timothy Shoaf is the minister of Music and Programs. Other events and ministries are listed online at www.pfafftownchristian.org. For more information, call 336-692-5214 or the church office at 336-924-9925. New Friendship Baptist Church, 4258 Old Lexington Road, Win-ston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. A morning worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call the church office at 336-788-3112. Clemmons Presbyterian Church, 3930 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, invites you to worship at 10 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. Leigh Wisner will bring the morning message. Holy communion will be celebrated Sunday. The service will be in-person and live streamed on YouTube at youtube.com/ClemmonsPresbyterianChurch. For more information, go to www.clemmonspresbyterian.org or call 336-766-4631. First Baptist Church of Stanleyville, 851 Ziglar Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday services at 8:45, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. On Wednesday, a prayer and worship service is at 6:30 p.m. and Children in Action and Mission Friends are at 7 p.m. For more information, go to www.stanleyvillebaptist.com. Rural Hall Christian Church, 280 Bethania-Rural Hall Road, Rural Hall, will hold the following in-person services on Sundays: The BLEND at 10 a.m. with Christian classes for all ages and congregational worship at 11 a.m. Youth ministries will continue at 6 p.m. Sundays, unless otherwise announced. For more information, go to RuralHall-Church.org and the churchs social media pages. Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 1200 Lewisville Clemmons Road, Lewisville, offers a service in-person and live stream via YouTube at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. For more information, go to spcnc.org or call 336-766-3178. Central Tabernacle Church, 715 Waughtown St., Winston-Salem, invites you to worship Sunday. Refreshments will be served during hospitality time at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages is at 10. Morning worship and Junior Church begin at 11. Pastor Sandra Bovender will bring the morning message from the book of Jonah. At 6 p.m. Wednesday the youth will have a movie and refreshments. The adults will have a new Bible study on the John taught by Bob Bennett. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4055 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday will be held in-person, and also livestreamed at uufws.org/virtualworshipservice. The Rev. Jake Morrill will present Not So Simple: War, Nonviolence, and Everything In Between. Seventy-eight years after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and in a summer when the movie, Oppenheimer, re-engages consideration of the terrible power of nuclear weapons, it would be easy to take a fundamentalist perspective on war and peace: either adopting a might makes right or peace at any cost approach. The Forum will be at 9 a.m. Keith Irwin will discuss Chat GPT and Large language models. Irwin is a former professor at Winston-Salem State University and current software engineer at Google. The Forum will be in person, and also live streamed at https://uufws.org/virtualforum. For more information, go to www.uufws.org. St. Philips Moravian Church, 911 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, is worshipping regularly in the brick church in Old Salem at 11 a.m. Sundays. All are welcome for traditional Moravian worship in the historically African American church. Union Cross Baptist Church, 4350 High Point Road, Kernersville, invites you to Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and morning worship led by Adam Woods at 11 a.m. each Sunday. Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, 4950 Warner Road, Pfafftown, will have services at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. The topic at 11 a.m. will be Discovering the Beautiful Son of God, based on the Gospel of John. The topic at 5 p.m. will be Unusual Things in the Bible. There will be Bible study at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The topic will be Doing the 52, studying 52 chapters, 52 verses, in 52 weeks. For more information, go to BFBCnow.org or call 336-462-4844. Faith and Family Baptist Church, 105 Nathan Ave., Winston-Salem, schedule of services: Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. and the midweek service is at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The church live streams all services at www.facebook.com/faithandfamilybaptist. A Facebook account is not required to access the video, scroll down for the live stream. Archive services are available there if you are unable to watch live. For more information, contact Pastor Robert Hutchens at 336-782-3747. Liberty Baptist Church, 1548 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, invites you to join them for services. They offer Facebook live for all services on the Facebook page of Gary Styers. For their schedule of services and more information, go to www.libertybaptistnc.org. Rural Hall Moravian Church, 7939 Broad St., Rural Hall, has in-person Sunday School for all ages at 10 a.m. Sundays, followed by worship service at 11 with the Rev. Andrew Craver. Worship services are also available via online streaming at https://www.youtube.com/user/RHMoravian. For more information, go to www.rhmc.org. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 357 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship with Pastor Emily Schlaman Larsen at 11 a.m. Sunday. The nursery is open. Weekly sermons are available on YouTube for people who prefer to join worship remotely. Search for: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Winston Salem NC. For more information, go to www.standrewsnc.org. First Christian Church, 2320 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, will have an in-person worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. Childrens worship and youth worship are available. A noon-day prayer service will be held at noon Wednesday. Worship services are also available by online streaming at www.wearefcc.church. For more information, go to www.wearefcc.church or call the church at 336-722-2714. St. Paul United Methodist Church, Winston-Salem, will live stream its 11 a.m. worship service Sunday at www.facebook.com/stpaulumcws/live. Facebook does not require an account for access to the page. Additional information regarding prayer services and Bible study may be found on the churchs website www.stpaulumcws.org or by calling the church at 336-723-4531. Fundraiser Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, 4950 Warner Road, Pfafftown, is accepting donations for its roof replacement project. For more infor-mation, call Pastor Loyd Taylor at 336-462-4844. Special events St. Paul United Methodist Church will have online GriefShare, a support group for people experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one. The 13 sessions will begin Aug. 5 and end on Oct. 28. The interactive sessions feature biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. Sessions are free. For more information about how to participate in these virtual Saturday morning GriefShare sessions, call St. Paul UMC at 336-723-4531. Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, will have its Arts at Ardmore series at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. It will feature The Virtuosi, a concert by Owen Dodds, pianist, and Gustavo Antoniacomi, cellist, both are UNCSA graduates. The concert is free and open to the public. Pfafftown Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),3323 Transou Rd, Pfafftown, will have a free vacation Bible school from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 12 for children ages pre-k through fifth grade. The theme will be MonumentalGods Greatness and Love. For more in-formation or to register, call 336-692-5214. New Hope AME Zion Church, 7000 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will celebrate its annual church revival beginning at 11 a.m. Aug. 13. The Rev. Dairl L. Scott, Sr. the pastor of New Hope will be the speaker. At 3 p.m. the Rev. David A. Williams of Greater Gethsemane AME Zion Church in Charlotte will be the speaker. Weeknight services will begin at 7 p.m. On Aug. 14 service the Rev. W. Jerrel Leeper of John Wesley AME Zion Church in Winston-Salem will be the speaker. On Aug. 15 the Rev. Stephen A. Tyndale of Freedom Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, will be the speaker. On Aug. 16 the Rev. Calvin L. Miller, the Presiding Elder of the Winston-Salem District will be the speaker. Burkhead United Methodist Church, 5250 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, in August, the Third Thursday program will be line dancing at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 17. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a bag lunch and join in. For more information, go to www.burkheadumc.org or call 336-765-6590, ext. 3. Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church, 149 Wheeler St., Winston-Salem, will have their annual Back to School event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19. There will be free school supplies, clothes given away, a fire truck, games and more. School supplies will be given out on a first come first serve basis. Students must be present to receive school supplies. For more information, call 336-724-3106. Information for the Religion Calendar should be emailed to news@wsjournal.com by 3 p.m. the Wednesday before you want it to run. It can be mailed to Religion Calendar, Winston-Salem Journal, 418 N. Marshall St., #100, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton on June 24 in Washington, DC. Finding Delaney Serpan on a Friday typically doesnt take much work. For months, the N.C. State University student and West Forsyth High School graduate has returned to the Triad weekly to pore over elm trees in search of an invasive insect with unique feeding habits that are the inspiration for its name. The elm zigzag sawfly which makes a series of 90-degree turns as it eats its way through leaves was discovered last August in Westfield, near the border of Stokes and Surry counties. It remains the only confirmed identification in North Carolina. On her own, Serpan secured funding from the university to conduct an undergraduate research project on the zigzag sawfly. Already this year, she observed three full lifecycles of the veracious insects as they progressed from egg, to larva, to pupa, to adult fly, which is all black with wings. Its pretty exciting, especially with this being the farthest south its been reported globally that we know of, Serpan said Friday, shaded by a line of winged elms near the offices of Westfield Baptist Church. Its really interesting to watch what its going to do. Its uncharted territory. So is Serpans work, noted Kelly Oten, assistant professor and extension specialist with N.C. States Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources. Shes the only student researching this insect right now in the nation, Oten said. And that work will continue when Serpan pursues a masters degree at N.C. State, with funding from the U.S. Forest Service. Very invasive species The zigzag sawfly, which is native to East Asia, showed up in Canada in 2020. The first U.S. sighting was in Virginia a year later. North Carolina is one of just five states with confirmed populations, according to a recently published research paper in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management. The insect feeds on the leaves of elms, but long-term impacts on tree health and the best ways to manage its spread are still unknown, said Oten, the studys lead author. This is a very new invasive species, Oten added. This paper was our effort to document the very first stages of the invasion, let people know where it is, and what we know about its biology and management so far. Researchers believe the species may have hitchhiked in the soil of potted ornamental plants shipped from Asia. The first North Carolina sawflies were discovered last August when a homeowner in Westfield alerted the N.C. Forest Service that something was eating away at mature American elm trees in the yard. Oten was called in to investigate. We found thousands of sawflies, and trees nearly completely defoliated, Oten said. All of the badly defoliated trees leafed out well this spring, but theyre getting attacked again. Oten and other researchers are still trying to determine how damaging the sawfly will be to elms. Trees can come back from occasional largescale leaf loss, but could be at risk if it happens repeatedly. Another attack Elms once were common features along streets in communities large and small. However, most in urban areas were destroyed by Dutch elm disease in the mid-1900s. Now theyre getting hit with this, which is unfortunate, Oten said. At the Westfield home where North Carolinas first infestation was discovered, elm trees treated with a pesticide are showing considerably less damage than those that were not, Oten said. However, such treatments would not be appropriate for the 210 million elms in the states forests, she added. On Friday, as Serpan and Oten searched for signs of sawflies on a towering American elm near the offices of Westfield Baptist Church, they recalled how the same tree looked last August. It was 90% gone, Oten said. Basically almost the entire tree was leafless. After a quick search on her phone, she displayed a photo confirming the observation. Just a thin crown of leaves remains at the very top. A year later, the tree appears largely recovered. But the zigzag sawflys signature is evident on leaves closest to the ground. The trees comeback and minimal damage to others this year dont mean theyre out of the woods. There is a chance that it happens later, Oten said of a potential feeding frenzy. We just dont know. After three full lifecycles this year, the sawfly might not be done yet. Theyre coming out sooner, probably staying out later and, potentially, because its warmer (because of the southern location), having more generations, Oten noted. Thats why Oten and Serpan will continue to study the species, including their lifecycles and natural enemies. Were already seeing some insects that could be helping to control elm zigzag sawfly like ladybugs and assassin bugs, Oten said. While that research continues, how worried should North Carolinians be about the zigzag sawfly? Our recommendation for the public right now is to not freak out, Oten replied. We dont think this is going to be a tree killer, so people dont need to start cutting down their elms. Anyone spotting evidence of sawflies can call a local county extension agent or the N.C. Forest Service. Its pretty easy to recognize, Oten said. The insect got its name because it makes a very characteristic zigzag pattern. PHOTOS: Invasive elm zigzag sawfly in Westfield, North Carolina The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is positioning itself as an openly fascist party for the European elections in June 2024. This is evident from the AfDs party congress in Magdeburg, which began last weekend and continues this weekend. The party congress is dominated by its Thuringia state association leader and leader of the volkisch-nationalist Flugel (Wing) Bjorn Hocke and his supporters. In their speeches and interviews, they outdid themselves with their aggressive nationalist, racist and militarist slogans and demands reminiscent of the darkest times in German history. Bjorn Hocke [AP Photo/Jens Meyer] This EU must die so that the real Europe can live! declared Hocke, in a variation of the Nazi slogan: Germany must live, and [even] if we have to die. Particularly loud applause erupted among the delegates when the Bulgarian right-wing extremist Kostadin Kostadinow referred positively in his greeting to the fact that Germany and Bulgaria were allies in the First and Second World Wars, shouting: It is high time that your country takes its rightful place as a great power, and not only in Europe. Unlike at previous party congresses, the open fascists not only set the tone in terms of content, but also provide the personnel. Thus, the top five candidates on the party slate are all assigned to the Flugel, and the majority of the other ten candidates already elected are also there thanks to Hockes grace. The top candidate is the lawyer Maximilian Krah, whom even the Verfassungsschutz (domestic secret service), which is riddled with extreme right-wing forces, classifies as volkisch-nationalist, Islamophobic, xenophobic and anti-constitutional. Krah, who has been sitting in the European Parliament for the AfD since 2019, maintains close contacts with the neo-Nazi ideologue Gotz Kubitschek and is an avowed follower of Hitlers crown jurist Carl Schmitt. In his own legal work, he represents Holocaust deniers, such as the dissident bishop Richard Williamson, and other right-wing extremists. Krah is very well connected to the fascist scene in Europe. For example, he has employed French anti-Semite Guillaume Pradoura in his office since 2019, after he was expelled from Marine Le Pens Rassemblement National for an anti-Semitic cartoon. Krah defended the cartoon, saying, The picture is not nice, but I cant see any wrongdoing in it. The other AfD top candidates are cut from the same cloth as Krah. In second place is Peter Bystron, a member of the Bundestag (federal parliament) who also gathers fascists and criminal elements around him in his office. In early 2021, Bystrons associate Dagmar S. was investigated for involvement in a Europe-wide far-right arms trafficking ring. In 2018, Bystron himself had taken part in shooting exercises with the white-nationalist Suidlanders during an official parliamentary trip to South Africa and provocatively described the far-right Afrikaner paramilitary group as a civil society organisation. Alexander Jungbluth (fifth position), a member of the right-wing extremist student fraternity the Raczeks, agitated against kebab shops and Shisha bars in Germany at a meeting of the AfD a few days before the party conference. To the approving growls of his far-right audience, he called for a German culture in Germany, a French culture in France, an Italian culture in Italy. In sixth place on the slate is Dr. Marc Jongen. Jongen is considered the party philosopher and chief ideologue of the AfD. In his fascistic speeches in the Bundestag, he regularly refers to far-right Humboldt professor Jorg Baberowski (Hitler was not vicious) in order to relativise the crimes of German imperialism in the Second World War and mock the victims of the Nazis. Notorious immigrant-hater Irmhild Bossdorf was elected to the ninth place on the slate. In her speech at the party conference, she declared that the German people were being abandoned to dissolution by Brussels and Berlin. To the cheers of the delegates in Magdeburg, she shouted that the solution was remigration, millions of remigrantsa combat term of the far-right Identitarian movement. She said that one should not be afraid of man-made climate change, but rather of man-made population change. Siegbert Droese (eleventh position) is also a long-standing member of the fascist Flugel. In 2018, he described the radical right-wing terror against immigrants, Jews, and leftists in Chemnitz as understandable. He reportedly used a blue AfD station wagon with the registration number L-AH1818the initials of Adolf Hitlerin the 2016 federal election campaign. The AfD and the fascist filth it represents are hated by the vast majority of the population, despite the partys rising numbersrecent polls put it at around 22 percent. The fascists are able to behave so aggressively mainly because they have the increasingly active and direct support of the ruling class. On Tuesday, it became known that the AfD received the largest donations of all Bundestag parties this year, 265,000. By comparison, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) received 216,000, the Liberal Democrats (FDP) 206,901, the Greens 201,001 and the chancellors party, the Social Democrats (SPD), 105,492. A few days before the party conference, CDU leader Friedrich Merz had called for closer cooperation with the AfD at municipal level. Since then, there has been discussion within the political elite and the media about the extent to which the supposed political firewall against the AfD still stands. In fact, it never existed. The far-right party was a project of the ruling class from the very beginning. A large part of its membership is recruited directly from the state apparatus (military, judiciary, or police) and/or was previously a member of an establishment party. The top candidates for the European elections are no exception. Krah was a member of the CDU for more than 20 years before joining the AfD in 2016, Bistron comes from the FDP and Rene Aust, who was elected to third position, is a former SPD member. At the municipal level, there has long been close cooperation with the fascists. This concerns not only the CDU and FDP, but also the nominally left parties. Only on Wednesday it became known that in the constituency of the Green Party leader Ricarda Lang in Baden-Wurttemberg, Green city councillors approved an AfD motion last year. In Hildburghausen in Thuringia, the SPD is in a pact with the AfD, and back in 2014, the Left Party formed one of the first parliamentary groups with the AfD in the municipal council of Muldestausee in Saxony-Anhalt. Even at the state and federal level, there can be no question of a firewall. At the beginning of 2020, the CDU and FDP elected Thomas Kemmerich, a member of the FDP, as Thuringias state prime minister with the votes of the AfD. Only because of a public outcry was Kemmerich forced to resign, but the targeted strengthening of the AfD continued. Shortly after his re-election in Thuringia, the left Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow used his own vote to make AfD man Michael Kaufmann Vice-President of the Thuringia state parliament. In the Bundestag itself, the establishment parties have been working closely with the far-right in the parliamentary committees since the AfD entered in 2017. Overall, these parties have not only created the social, ideological and political conditions for the AfDs rise in recent years and integrated it into the political system, they have also adopted large parts of its programme. In addition to refugee and pandemic policy, this applies above all to war policy. Extreme militarism and the aggressive call for German leadership in Europe and the world are now part of the arsenal of all the establishment parties. The German government is systematically using NATOs war offensive against Russia to implement the biggest rearmament since Hitler and, to the applause of the AfD, has set up a 100 billion special fund for the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces). It says everything about the right-wing character of the establishment parties that the AfDof all partiesis currently able to present itself as a party of peace. This is of course absurd. Behind its criticism of the NATO war against Russia lies the claim of German imperialism to act more independently of the US. NATO is being used primarily in the US interest, Hocke said in Magdeburg. Germany and Europe must free themselves from the hegemonic grip of the US and learn to stand on their own two feet. There is a direct connection between the explosion of German militarism, the rise of the AfD and the sharp turn to the right of the entire political establishment. As in the 1930s, war abroad means dictatorship and fascism at home, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) declares in its election appeal for the European elections. And it stresses: The only social force that can prevent another world war is the international working classthat is, the vast majority of the worlds population, which today is more numerous and more interconnected than ever before. Together with its sister parties in the Fourth International, the SGP is building a worldwide socialist movement against war and its cause, capitalism. * Stop the NATO war in Ukraine! No sanctions and weapons deliveries! * Two World Wars are enough! Stop the warmongers! * 100 billion for day care centres, schools and hospitals instead of rearmament and war! UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has torn up any restrictions on the extraction of new fossil fuels by granting hundreds of new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea. Speaking in Britains oil capital of Aberdeen, Scotland on Mondayafter stepping off the private jet he routinely uses to travel across Britains tiny landmassSunak pledged to max out the UKs oil and gas reserves. Drilling will be approved at the UKs largest untapped reserves in the Rosebank fieldbringing an estimated 300 to 500 million barrels of oil to the surface. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack, visits the Shell St Fergus Gas Plant near Aberdeen, Scotland [Photo by Simon Walker/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 This ecological arson was justified with the flat out lie that allowing the extraction of every last drop of North Sea oil is consistent with our ambitions for the UK to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In fact, the United Nations, the International Energy Agency and climate scientists around the world are clear that net-zero by 2050 means no new oil and gas infrastructure expansion anywhere on the planet. Only weeks before Sunaks announcement, the Climate Change Committee, Britains official watchdog, warned that his government was already off track in meeting the target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The world has warmed by 1.2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels and a 2021 study published in Nature, Unextractable fossil fuels in a 1.5 C world, explained that 60 percent of known oil and gas reserves must remain in the ground if there is to be any chance of limiting global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. By the most conservative plans, oil and gas production must peak immediately and fall by 3 percent each year to mid-century. Handing out billions of pounds worth of oil and gas contracts amid a climate catastrophe is literally fiddling while Rome burns. Sunak announced his plan in the same week that the United Nations confirmed that July 2023 is set to be the hottest month in human history and the world had entered a phase of global boiling. Deadly heatwaves and wildfires have swept Southern Europe and North Africa, cutting predicted cereal production in Southern Europe by 60 percent on last year andin Greece aloneburning through enough forest to release carbon equivalent to 5.5 percent of the countrys annual total. None of this matters to Sunak because he is perhaps the most unalloyed representative of the financial oligarchy to head a government anywhere in the world. It is not his class that will suffer the consequences. Indeed, the policy announced by Sunak, under conditions in which the major oil companies are announcing vast profits, was worked out in their boardrooms. On Tuesday, BP celebrated the upcoming North Sea bonanza and reported profits of around 2 billion in the three months to the end of June. Sunak is married to Akshata Murthy, heiress of her billionaire father NR Narayana Murthy, who founded the India-based IT conglomerate Infosys. By last year she held an estimated 690 million in shares. So rich are the pair that their joint wealththen valued at 730 millionsaw them enter last year's Sunday Times Rich List. Moreover, at this stage, Murthy only has a reported 0.93 percent stake in Infosysstill enough to garner her over 40 million in dividends since the start of 2020, according to an Evening Standard analysis. Sunak, who held the post of Chancellor of the Exchequer in Boris Johnsons cabinet, was already a multimillionaire in his mid-twenties. He worked for Goldman Sachs bank and a hedge fund run by British billionaire Sir Chris Hohn before entering parliament in 2015. Infosys recorded US$19 billion in revenue in 2023, and a growing portion of this comes from its connection with Sunak. It has been handed UK government contracts worth 172 million, the first handed over in 2015the year Sunak became an MP. The company has since won multi-million pound contracts with the Care Quality Commission, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, East Sussex County Council, Westminster Council, and the London Borough of Merton. The Evening Standard adds that, as of this April, when the most recent contract was awarded, the firm was tasked with providing 1,760,500 worth of consulting, software development, internet and support to Transport for London. Nowhere is the destructive impact of the multi-billioned oligarchys profiteering clearer than in the fossil fuel industry. And here too, the Sunak family is at the heart of it. On August 1, the London Economic online newspaper published, Sunaks family firm signed a billion-dollar deal with BP before PM opened new North Sea licences. The piece noted, A firm founded by Rishi Sunaks father-in-law signed a billion-dollar deal [$1.5 billion] with BP two months before the prime minister opened hundreds of new licences for oil and gas extraction in the North Sea. In May, the Times of India reported that Infosys bagged a huge deal from the global energy company which is thought to be the second-largest in the history of the firm. The London Economic notes that one of Infosys other major clients is Shell, whose CEO [Wael Sawan] joined Rishi Sunaks new business council two weeks ago and promised a candid collaboration with his government. This is not only a case of personal corruption. Sunak embodies the interests of the capitalist class and its intimate connections with supposedly democratic governments. Timed to coincide with the prime ministers North Sea announcement, the Global Witness organisationwhich works to hold companies and governments to account for their destruction of the environment, their disregard for the planet and their failure to protect human rightsrevealed: Between January and March of this year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and climate and energy ministers met with fossil fuel companies 54 times, on average more than once every two days This amounts to around 20 per cent of all lobbying meetings they held in that period. The oligarchy personified by Sunak and his wife is accountable to no-one and flaunts that fact. The prime minister has insisted that his wifes connections to Infosys and their enrichment from it is of no legitimate public interest. This was said even as it was revealed that, while he was in office as chancellor, Sunak wife, an Indian national, had non-domiciled status in the UK. This allowed her to avoid paying tax on her foreign earnings. It is estimated that this saved her around 20 million in taxes on dividends from her Infosys shares. That this did not lead to Sunak being automatically excluded from ever holding public office again, let alone from taking up the post of prime minister soon afterwards, speaks to the domination of official politics by a criminal financial oligarchy. Sunak was appointed prime minister as one of their own, trusted to wage the necessary war on the working class which his predecessor Liz Truss was considered too incompetent to see through. That war is being carried out on all fronts, against living standards and social servicesto pay for the upkeep of the billionaires and the NATO war against Russiaand against the basic conditions of life on Earth, to satisfy super rich investors in the fossil fuel economy. Sunak is correct in claiming his North Sea fossil fuel extractions will not make a difference to the governments climate commitmentsbecause everyone knows they are not worth the paper they are written on. What counts is profits and nothing else. As Global Witness noted, Over the next 10 years, fossil fuels companies are estimated to produce 2.3 billion barrels of oil and 253 billion cubic meters of gas from the North Sea When burned, this could produce 1.4 billion tonnes of carbon, more than Germany, Italy, and France together produce each year. There can be no successful fight to stop the devastation of the planet outside of a frontal assault on the wealth and power of the capitalist oligarchy represented by the Sunaks. Only in this way can the fundamental restructuring of social and economic life in line with the sustainable and equitable fulfilment of human needs be achieved. The latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, entirely hidden from the public, is continuing apace. On Thursday, Biobot Analytics released its latest data, showing that the level of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in wastewater across the US has risen by 125 percent over the past six weeks. Every geographic region is undergoing a surge in wastewater levels, an advance indicator of the spread of the virus. Scientists are forced to estimate the spread of COVID-19 by sampling wastewater because the federal government has stopped counting the number of COVID-19 cases. In May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stopped reporting the daily number of people who tested positive for COVID-19, in a deliberate effort to cover up the spread of the disease in order to condition the public to accept perpetual mass infection. Extrapolating from wastewater data, infectious disease modeler J.P. Weiland estimates that they translate to roughly 419,000 Americans currently being infected with COVID-19 each day, or one in every 790 Americans. Given that a COVID-19 infection lasts for 10 days on average, this means that roughly 4.2 million Americans are likely currently infected with the virus. Hospitalizations from COVID-19, a lagging indicator, have also risen nationwide for two weeks straight. According to official figures from the CDC, 8,035 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 infections for the week ending July 22, a 12.1 percent increase from the prior week and 24.6 percent higher than two weeks prior. The ongoing wave appears to be driven largely by the Omicron EG.5 subvariant, a descendant of the XBB variants. Coinciding with the latest surge, over the past six weeks EG.5 has risen from 0.4 percent of sequenced cases to 17.3 percent, which is now the highest percentage of all variants in the US. Other Omicron subvariants contributing to the wave are XBB.1.16 and XBB.2.3, which combine to account for 26.8 percent of all sequenced cases. While official COVID-19 death figures are presently low, these data have been distorted over the past two years and are not reliable. Excess deaths above the pre-pandemic baseline remain elevated throughout the world, with the cumulative total now standing at 24.5 million, according to The Economist. The majority of these deaths are directly due to COVID-19, either in the acute phase of the infection or the result of heart attacks, strokes and other causes of death associated with the aftereffects of COVID-19 infection. The ongoing wave of the pandemic in the US began in the immediate aftermath of the Biden administration and the World Health Organization (WHO) ending their COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declarations. These unscientific decisions prompted the corporate media to completely stop covering the pandemic, playing a critical role in what is effectively a government-media conspiracy against the population. Since the emergence of the Omicron variant in November 2021, there has been an ever-deepening propaganda campaign designed to cultivate fatalism, as well as illusions that COVID-19 is now endemic and essentially no more harmful than the common cold. This escalated dramatically after the ending of the PHEs in May, affecting even many people who had previously continued to take precautions against infection. Recent months have seen numerous anecdotal reports on social media by people noting that their friends or family members, who had remained vigilant and protected themselves from the virus through disciplined masking with an N95, let their guard down after the ending of the PHEs and quickly became infected. At the same time, the horrific effects of Long COVID continue to be covered up, with virtually no reporting in the corporate media despite the constant publication of new and alarming research. Within the scientific community, it is now abundantly clear that the societal health impacts of Long COVID will reverberate for decades to come. Last month, Nature published a major review of scientific literature on Long COVID by a group of leading immunologists, which warned sharply: The oncoming burden of Long COVID faced by patients, health-care providers, governments and economies is so large as to be unfathomable. If 10% of acute infections lead to persistent symptoms, it could be predicted that ~400 million individuals globally are [presently] in need of support for Long COVID. The latest summer surge, which is the fourth in four years of the pandemic, upends all the lies that COVID-19 is now endemic and equivalent to the cold or flu. In reality, the virus is continuing to mutate rapidly, more than twice as fast as the common flu, and new variants that can bypass prior immunity threaten to unleash repeated waves of infections, hospitalizations and deaths for the foreseeable future. The effective policy of the ruling class in the US and internationally is that the pandemic is now a matter between individuals and their insurance companies, if they are lucky enough to have insurance. With virtually no social supports whatsoever, masses of people are being denied access to any treatment for Long COVID by these profit-driven insurance monopolies. Care is only provided for people with proof of a positive PCR test, under conditions in which these tests are now unavailable and overpriced for the vast majority of Americans. Furthermore, the latest estimates show that roughly 3.85 million Americans have been disenrolled from Medicaid since the ending of expanded access on March 31, with only 41 states and Washington D.C. reporting. The overwhelming majority, 74 percent, lost access due to procedural reasons, i.e., they did not fill out the paperwork properly or on time. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that up to 24.4 million Americans, including 7.2 million children, could lose their healthcare coverage by next May, among the most horrific results of the bipartisan propaganda campaign claiming that the pandemic is over, which has been spearheaded by the Biden administration. The latest figurehead for this campaign is newly installed CDC Director Mandy Cohen. Since replacing Rochelle Walenskywidely loathed among anti-COVID advocates and scientists for her blatantly pro-corporate and anti-public health policiesCohen has stepped into her role with vigor. Since July 10, she has tweeted no less than 43 photos of herself maskless in a wide variety of indoor settings, including with large groups and in front of packed audiences at the CDC. In an interview with NPR this week, Cohen stated bluntly, We know COVID is here with us. Its going to stay with us. And itssadly, it is still killing folks every single day. Cohen was previously the head of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services from 2017 until late 2021, just as the Omicron variant was first sweeping the globe. Under her lead, North Carolina was one of the first states to begin reopening after limited lockdowns on May 8, 2020, just as cases were again rising and hospitals were being inundated with patients. She was also among the most ardent promoters of lifting mask mandates in May 2021, after Walensky falsely told vaccinated Americans this would be safe, setting the stage for the horrific Delta and Omicron waves. Based on these credentials, Cohen was hand-picked by Jeff Zients, Bidens multimillionaire Chief of Staff and former White House COVID Response Coordinator who oversaw the disastrous pandemic response in 2021 and early 2022. The cover-up of the latest COVID-19 wave in the US and the relentless efforts to normalize disease, debilitation and death express the reactionary and bankrupt character of the capitalist system. Public health is now a dead letter in America and throughout the world, as the ruling elites rush headlong into World War III and a deepening climate catastrophe which threaten to kill millions and potentially destroy human civilization. It is urgently necessary for the international working class to stop this descent into barbarism by mobilizing its collective strength to seize state power, reorganize society along socialist lines, and ensure the health and well-being of future generations. Last weekend, Antony Blinken launched a full-throated denunciation of Julian Assange, whom the Biden administration is seeking to extradite and prosecute for exposing US-led war crimes. The US secretary of state chose to make his first substantive comments on the WikiLeaks publisher, standing alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Brisbane. British police stand guard as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, center, address media and supporters from a window of the Ecuadorian Embassy in central London, Aug. 19, 2012. [AP Photo] Blinkens comments and Wongs acquiescence exposed the fraud that the Labor government is in any way seeking to free Assange, a persecuted Australian citizen and journalist. Instead, Wong and other government representatives unveiled far-reaching agreements for further US basing arrangements in the country and other measures aimed at preparing for war against China. In the week since Blinkens outburst, Labor and its supporters have sought to limit the political damage. They are fearful of the significant popular support for Assange and of their own complicity in his persecution being revealed. In comments to the media on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sought to dampen-down anger and concern over Blinkens comments. What Secretary Blinken did was just state, consistent with what the American position has been, Albanese said. We remain very firm in our view and in our representations to the American government and we will continue to do so. Both statements were completely false. Blinken could have sidestepped the question, as he has previously. Instead, he launched into a tirade against Assange. The top US official deliberately repeated all the strands of the US frame-up of the WikiLeaks publisher. He claimed that Assange had been involved in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of our country, which had risked very serious harm to our national security. This was a straight repetition of the US indictment, which seeks to criminalise Assanges journalistic activities, i.e., his publication of documents exposing vast US war crimes, coup plots, spying and other violations of international law. Blinken chose to repeat the canard that Assange put named human sources at grave risk. That inflammatory assertion is at the centre of the US indictment of Assange, even though multiple US government representatives have been compelled to acknowledge, under oath, there is no indication that a single individual was physically harmed as a result of the WikiLeaks publications. Taken together, Blinkens statements made crystal clear that the US is proceeding with its attempt to extradite Assange from Britain and to prosecute him on Espionage Act charges that carry a maximum sentence of 175 years imprisonment. The determination to continue the frame-up is bound up with its broader significance. Amid an explosion of US militarism, including the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine and the drive to conflict with China, the US is using the Assange case to intimidate anti-war opposition across the board. Albaneses blithe dismissal of the significance of Blinkens remarks underscores the Labor governments complicity in the persecution of the WikiLeaks founder. If it were in any way defending Assange, Albanese would be compelled to refute Blinkens obvious lies and publicly insist on the urgent necessity for Assange to be freed. Instead, the Labor government has vaguely stated that enough is enough and the Assange case has gone on too long. At no point has it branded the prosecution a frame-up or placed demands on the US. There is no written record of any government department making representations to the US on Assanges behalf. At the same time, the Labor government has accelerated Australias transformation into a frontline state for the US-led preparations for war with China. The Blinken statement was discussed in the Australian Senate on Wednesday evening. The Greens introduced a discussion of a matter of public interest, on the topic that The Albanese Government should use our close relationship with the United States of America and the United Kingdom to free Julian Assange and bring him home. Greens Senator David Shoebridge outlined the decade-long pursuit of Assange by the US. He stated: The real reason Julian Assange is still in jail is that, whether its Prime Minister Albanese or Prime Minister Morrison, Australian leaders are willing to trade a citizens liberty, their right to speak truth to power, for a close and unquestioning bear hug from a US president. They say truth is the first victim of war and, in the case of Julian Assange, thats a truth the whole world is seeing. Shoebridge added: The Albanese government, its true, have raised the imprisonment and extradition of Julian Assange when speaking privately with their US counterparts. They have had quiet chats, maybe a carefully worded communique, but theyve never even put a single element of the Australia-US relationship on the line for Julians freedom. Days ago, in Brisbane, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken launched an extraordinary attack on Julian Assange. He backed in allegations that Julian had not only engaged in serious criminal conduct but had risked harm to US national security. All the while, Australias Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Wong, stood by mutely, not defending Julian and accepting Blinkens lies. It was almost as though she believed them. Another Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson stated: Mr Albanese has been able to run his line about quiet diplomacy with some success, until last week. Last week the US made it abundantly clear that they are not for the turning on this. Thats an exposure of the failure of Mr Albaneses quiet diplomacy, and its an exposure of the failure of Senator Wongs quiet diplomacy. What we need is for the prime minister and the foreign minister to make it clear to Mr Biden that freedom for Mr Assange is a non-negotiable in this relationship. The Labor government left it to Senator Linda White, a little-known MP elected only last year, to respond. She made vague statements of concern over Assanges health. But the essential thrust of her remarks was that Assange was subject to foreign legal proceedings and there was virtually nothing the Labor government could do. These legal proceedings are the extradition attempt, which have been branded as a gross violation of international law and a frontal assault on press freedom by United Nations officials, human rights groups and major publications. Labor has not issued a single diplomatic demand, or threat, nor sought to place public pressure on the Biden administration. Labors sole preoccupation is with diverting the widespread support for Assange back behind the parliamentary establishment, and covering up its collaboration in the campaign against the WikiLeaks publisher. But the same could be said of the Greens themselves. For years and years, they said virtually nothing on Assange. Even as several MPs belatedly broke their silence, the Greens rejected calls, including from within their own ranks, for a party-wide campaign fighting for Assanges freedom. Instead, the Greens have participated in and promoted a cross-party parliamentary grouping that purportedly defends Assange. In it, they have collaborated uncritically with Labor MPs, whose sole purpose has been to shield the Albanese government from criticism and to promote the fraud that it is doing something to secure Assanges release, when it is patently not. This is not an aberration. The Greens entire perspective is to come to a power-sharing arrangement with Labor. That was the central thrust of their campaign in the 2022 federal election, during which together with Labor they excluded the issue of Assange. There is a long record, moreover. The 201011 Labor government participated in the initial stages of the US campaign against Assange, including by branding him a criminal and attempting to illegally cancel his passport, and was a de facto coalition with the Greens. Some Greens MPs bemoaned these actions, while insisting they would not affect the formal agreement of the party to prop up the Labor government. The current posturing of the Greens is ultimately aimed at bolstering the illusion that Assanges freedom can be secured through parliament. Their public interest discussion in the Senate required no vote to be taken. At the same time, their calls for Albanese to leverage the US-Australia alliance to secure the WikiLeaks publishers freedom are utterly reactionary. They express the Greens underlying support for Australian imperialisms participation in the war drive against China. In reality, that participation and their complicity in the persecution of Assange go hand in hand. The real lesson that must be drawn from the events of the past week and longer is that the fight for Assanges freedom requires a political struggle by the working class against the Labor government itself. The urgent struggle for Assanges liberty must be fused with the fight to develop an international anti-war movement, based on a socialist perspective, to halt the drive to world war and the sweeping attacks on democratic rights that inevitably accompany it. More than 500 workers, youth and students in Australia and internationally have added their signatures to a petition begun little more than two weeks ago by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) against the political censorship of its club at Sydneys Macquarie University. Petition demanding affiliation of the IYSSE club at Macquarie University [Photo: change.org] The response to the petition highlights the broad opposition to Macquarie University managements effective ban on the IYSSEan anti-war and socialist movement of studentsfrom campus without any justification. On May 29, university management rejected the affiliation of the IYSSE, despite the club meeting all stipulated requirements. The basis for managements anti-democratic decision was the false claim that the IYSSE shares the same aims and purpose as the Macquarie Socialists club linked with the pro-war, pseudo-left Socialist Alternative. The IYSSE has thoroughly exposed the false pretence under which its affiliation was blocked by Macquarie University. The pseudo-left Macquarie Socialists themselves, in a politically hostile statement which is in no way a defence of democratic rights, state that they reject the claim that we share the same aim and purpose as IYSSE. Despite the complete refutation of managements fraudulent reasoning for blocking the IYSSE, Macquarie University has stonewalled the growing opposition to its decision. As the petition states: But thus far, the university has refused to reverse its decision. That demonstrates that this is political censorship. The only explanation is that the IYSSE is being targeted, as the sole student club that has advanced a consistent socialist alternative to militarism and war. That is demonstrated by the context. On April 4, the IYSSE held a meeting on campus, opposing the US-NATO war against Ukraine and fighting for a socialist movement to prevent it from spiralling into a global nuclear catastrophe. The IYSSE made plain its complete opposition to the reactionary invasion of Ukraine, by the Russian regime, which represents a capitalist oligarchy. But because our meeting sheeted home responsibility for the conflict to American imperialism and its allies, including the Australian government, and called for the unity of Ukrainian and Russian workers, it was attacked by far-right Ukrainian nationalists who demanded that we be censored. It is that program that Macquarie University is now enacting, though behind a cowardly veil of lies, evasions and silence. This is part of a global attack on the IYSSEs anti-war perspective. If Macquarie Universitys political censorship is allowed to stand, it will have a chilling impact. Management will be able to determine what students and staff can and cannot discuss. Inevitably, the parameters of legitimate discussion will be determined by the corporations, governments and military-intelligence agencies with which university management collaborates closely. Dozens of Australian youth, academics, Macquarie University students and alumni, US high school students, and IYSSE chapters internationally have already submitted powerful letters protesting the universitys block on the IYSSE. Their statements foreshadow the broader attack on democratic rights that the assault on the IYSSE at Macquarie University portends. These sentiments are echoed in comments submitted by signatories to the IYSSEs petition against the anti-democratic decision of Macquarie University management. Many pointed to the fact that Macquarie Universitys assault on freedom of speech highlights the turn by universities away from being academies that promote critical thought, into corporatist, pro-military institutions. Universities are supposed to be places where diversity of thought and ideas is valued, wrote one signee, Judith. Bob wrote: I strongly believe in academic freedom and academic integrity, and these values should be part of the DNA of universities. I formed these values while a postgraduate student at the University of Queensland in the late 1960s; all universities should hold and practice such values. Political censorship is anathema in such a context. Writing from regional New South Wales, Morgan said: The banning of political groups using the spurious grounds evinced by the leadership of Mac Uni shows the continuing decline of debate, investigation and most chillingly, critical analysis in our tertiary education system. Any censorship of ideas, thoughts and opinions is anathema to the role universities play in the development of society, another signatory, Peter, wrote. From what I can tell nothing the IYSSE stands for should be kept from being aired at an institution purportedly designed to promote critical thinking, Sara added. Joanne pointed to the transformation of Macquarie University in particular: I was a Macquarie student and this is bad news. What has happened to Macquarie? University of Sydney senior lecturer in the visual arts, Dr David Haines, also signed the petition, highlighting the clear political censorship against the IYSSE: As a former Deputy Director at the Office of Film and Literature Classification (Film Censorship Board) I have a keen nose for censorship and political gamesmanship, and strongly support this petition. As a graduate who attended Macquarie University from 1971 to 1974 and a Student Union member, I am appalled at the administrations outright political censorship in the act of denying affiliation to the anti-war IYSSE club, Clay wrote. Macquaries staff and students have a proud historical record of opposing the dirty war in Vietnam. The administrations attack on the democratic rights of the IYSSE is an attack on all students and staff and spits on this record. Signees also highlighted their support for the IYSSEs anti-war and socialist perspective. As his reason for signing for the IYSSEs right to form a club at Macquarie University, Rudi wrote: We must expose and counter the dramatically increasing drives by vested war machinery interests. I believe in their [the IYSSEs] ideals, they are fighting for freedom of speech and a robust democracy that values citizens over the greed and the inequality of power entrenched in our institutions and our democracy, Bruce said. I stand with these students. In any free and civil society, students and citizens should be free to express their political views and especially disagree with war, Jason wrote. Macquarie University should be SUPPORTING anti-war and socialist groups, not ostracising them, signee Freya said. The IYSSE has repeatedly stated that the political censorship of its anti-war, socialist perspective at Macquarie University is a warning. As universities are increasingly transformed into militarist and corporatist entities churning out job-ready graduates for big business, left-wing, oppositional and anti-war voices are increasingly under attack by university managements working with the student unions. In fighting against the assault on its club at Macquarie University, the IYSSE is taking a stand in defence of the democratic rights of all students and youth to oppose growing social inequality and the threat of nuclear catastrophe under the capitalist system. The IYSSEs petition ends: We demand an end to the de facto ban on the IYSSE, the immediate affiliation of its club and full democratic rights for students. Add your voice to this petition, and share it with your friends, family, classmates and co-workers. Join the IYSSEs fight against the political censorship at Macquarie University as part of the struggle against the assault on democratic rights and for the building of an international anti-war movement. We call on all readers to support the fight to defend the IYSSE at Macquarie University by sending letters of protest over the rejection of the IYSSEs affiliation to the Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging division of university management at studentgroups@mq.edu.au, and CC iysse.macquarie@gmail.com. Get in touch with the IYSSE to find out how you can be involved: Email: iysseaus@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/IYSSEaustralia Twitter: @IysseA Instagram: @iysse.aus Former President Donald Trump was indicted and arraigned this week on four felony charges stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which culminated in the mob attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The prosecution, conviction and imprisonment of the former president for seeking to overthrow the Constitution and establish a dictatorship are fully justified. But even if Trump were to go to prison, rather than returning to the White House in 2024, that would not put an end to the growing threat of fascist violence, world war and authoritarian rule. These dangers do not arise from the deranged ego of the billionaire real estate con man but from the insoluble historical contradictions of American and world capitalism. Ex-President Donald Trump arrives at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, August 3, 2023, in Arlington, Virginia. Trump pled not guilty on four felony charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] The leading outlets of the corporate media are seeking to spread complacency about the Trump indictmentthe third felony criminal case brought against the former presidentcelebrating it as proof that the political institutions of capitalist America have survived his onslaught. The New York Times, which sets the trend, wrote in an editorial Wednesday that the prosecution of Trump demonstrates, yet again, that the rule of law in America applies to everyone, even when the defendant was the countrys highest-ranking official. It concluded: A former president is now being charged with extreme abuse of office and will eventually be judged by a jury. Mr. Trump tried to overturn the nations constitutional system and the rule of law. That system survived his attacks and will now hold him to account for that damage. This is an effort to drug public opinion with an overdose of grade-school illusions in American democracy, disguising both the class character of the American government and the intensification of the social, economic and political crisis of American capitalism. To begin with, the outcome of the legal process against Trump is hardly assured, despite self-deluded exercises in gloating. MSNBC devoted an entire panel discussion to speculation about what prison arrangements could be made for Trump that would not conflict with the lifetime Secret Service protection provided for all ex-presidents. Trump remains the Republican frontrunner, and if he wins the presidential electionentirely possible thanks to the bankrupt, reactionary and militaristic policies of the Biden administrationhe would reenter the White House and once again have control over the Department of Justice and any federal case against himself. If Trump should fall by the wayside, there are plenty of equally vicious and anti-democratic replacements in the Republican Party. His leading challenger, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has already mounted a frontal assault on democratic rights, public education, and efforts to mitigate the coronavirus pandemic in his own state. He boasted Wednesday that if he were to win the presidency, he would start slitting throats on day one. This was not just a metaphor but a grisly threat. Nor does the reelection of President Joe Biden offer any respite from the ongoing attacks on jobs, living standards and democratic rights. Biden hails from that faction of the US ruling elite that seeks to rely on the trade unions to suppress the class struggle and enforce its attacks on working people. This corporatist program is part of the effort to subordinate American society to the imperialist war drive, now focused on the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, while the build-up continues for a war against China over Taiwan, the South China Sea or some other flashpoint. The presentation of the case against Trump, in both the special counsels 45-page indictment and in the corporate media, amounts to a cover-up of the real dangers. The Times editorial argues, paraphrasing the indictment, that the criminal scheme began on November 14, 2020, when Mr. Trump turned to Rudy Giuliani (acknowledged by his lawyer to be co-conspirator 1) to challenge the results in the swing state of Arizona, which Mr. Trump had lost. This is a whitewash both of Trump and his most powerful co-conspirators, unmentioned in the indictmentthe officials in the military-intelligence apparatus on whom Trump was relying to carry out his plans to establish a dictatorial regime. As early as October 2019, Trump had declared his intention to defy any election defeat, and this became a constant drumbeat during the summer and fall of the 2020 election campaign. Even Democratic candidate Biden admitted in June 2020, as something of an aside, that his greatest fear was that Trump would refuse to accept the results of the election. That same month, Trump made his first stab at outright dictatorship, proposing to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 against the mass protests against police violence that swept the country in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Another indicator of the danger of political violence came in October 2020, with the arrest of 14 fascist thugs, who were plotting to kidnap and murder the Democratic Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer and had conducted surveillance on her vacation home, tested bombs and plotted escape routes. The group first came together in response to protests inspired by Trump earlier in the year against limited COVID-19 lockdowns. (He called on supporters to liberate Michigan from Whitmers supposed tyranny.) In the weeks leading up to Election Day, with the polls pointing to a Biden victory, it was well known that Trump would not accept defeat. The World Socialist Web Site published warning after warning of the preparations for a post-election coup. One example of many such warnings came on September 24, 2020: Trump is not running an election campaign. He is setting into motion a plot to establish a presidential dictatorship. This is a continuation of the entire conspiracy initiated with his June 1 speech threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy the military against domestic protests. There is a staggering contrast between the ruthlessness with which Trump and his co-conspirators are implementing their plans and the fecklessness and cowardice of the Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Joe Biden. Even as Trump is planning to stack the Supreme Court to facilitate his illegal seizure of power, the Democrats have declared that there is nothing that can be done to stop Trumps appointment of another justice before the November election. (Trumps coup detat election, by David North and Joseph Kishore) Throughout the whole process, the Democratic Party did everything it could to cover up the significance of what was happening, even when leading members of its own party, like Whitmer, were targeted for assassination. No effort was made to alert the American people, let alone mobilize opposition, to a coup. On the day of the coup, the Democrats sat by and did nothing as it unfolded, with Biden even calling on the coup plotter-in-chief, Donald Trump, to address the country on national television. Over the past two-and-a-half years, the Democrats have avoided any serious effort to expose what happened on January 6 and the social and political forces behind it. The Biden administrations main priority has been to forge a bipartisan agreement with his colleagues in the Republican Partywho backed the coupon the basis of war. Biden himself has said as little about the coup as he could and nothing about the indictment since it was handed down. Trump plans to make his entire election campaign a referendum on the charges, but Biden wants it to be a non-issue. The Times wrote in an article published Thursday, Biden campaign officials and allies believe they can focus on topics with a more direct impact on the lives of voterseconomic issues, abortion access and extreme weatherwithout explicitly addressing Mr. Trumps issues. That is, the Democrats plan to run a campaign based on their standard and threadbare lies, while Mr. Trumps issues--that is, the staggering crisis of American democracy--will be ignored to the extent possible. This is because the Democrats, a part of Wall Street and the military-intelligence apparatus, are far more concerned about defending the capitalist state, prosecuting war and suppressing working class opposition than they are about the growth of fascism. In 1929, Leon Trotsky wrote of the decay of capitalist democracy under the impact of the gathering economic crisis and stormy class struggles: By analogy with electrical engineering, democracy might be defined as a system of safety switches and circuit breakers for protection against currents overloaded by the national or social struggle. No period of human history has beeneven remotelyso overcharged with antagonisms such as ours. Under the impact of class and international contradictions that are too highly charged, the safety switches of democracy either burn out or explode. That is what the short circuit of dictatorship represents. (Writings of Leon Trotsky, 1929, Is Parliamentary Democracy Likely to Replace the Soviets? pp. 52-57.) The danger of dictatorship does not come from the degraded personality of Donald Trump. It comes from the social and class tensions ripping apart American society. Only the intervention of the working class on the basis of a revolutionary socialist program can provide an alternative. Two separate databases maintained by Mapping Police Violence (MPV) and the Washington Post have cataloged over 570 police killings so far this year in the United States. As of July 31, the Post has recorded 572 killings, while Mapping Police Violence has recorded 602 killings as of July 8. The figure recorded by Mapping Police Violence is just under the pace of last years 1,201 recorded police killings, the most recorded by MPV in the last decade. In the early morning hours of July 31, Ricky Cobb II, an African American father of five, became one the latest victims of police violence. Cobb was shot and killed by Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan, shortly after 2:15 a.m. during a traffic stop. According to police, Cobb was pulled over because his taillights were not operational. During the traffic stop, police claim they discovered that Cobb was wanted on a probable cause arrest for a felony order-for-protection violation. Londregan and two other police involved in the traffic stop, but who did not fire their weapons, troopers Brett Siede and Garrett Erickson, have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the completion of a so-called independent investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA is managed by the same state agency as the troopersthe Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Body camera and police dash-cam footage were released earlier this week by the Minnesota State Patrol following protests from the family of Cobb and community members. The footage shows that Cobb was unarmed when he was shot in the drivers seat of his vehicle on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis, the same city where George Floyd was murdered over three years ago, sparking massive international, multiracial protests against unending police violence. In the video released by police, Cobb is shown in his car pulled over on the side of the road. Three troopers approached Cobbs vehicle with Trooper Seide going to the drivers side, while Londregan approached the passengers side of the vehicle. Seide repeatedly told Cobb that he had to get out of the vehicle without giving him a reason. At one point, Cobb asked Seide if the stop is over a warrant, and Seide replied No, and that he had to give me your keys. After a minute of demanding Cobb step out of the vehicle, Seide opened the door and went hands on with Cobb. At the same time Londregan opened the passenger side door pulled out his gun and immediately pointed it at Cobb, yelling, Get out of the car now! After yelling at Cobb to exit the vehicle, Londregan fired two shots at Cobb, striking him. It is unclear if Cobb began to drive away before the shots were fired or after. Bleeding and dying, Cobb drove his vehicle for approximately a quarter of a mile before crashing into the center divider on the interstate. In a statement released Thursday, the BCA claimed that during a search of Cobbs car, police discovered two shell casings and a handgun. The BCA statement did not say if the handgun was loaded or if any bullets were found in the vehicle. However, the statement did note that at no time in any of the video obtained by police is Cobb seen holding the gun. A statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union following the shooting notes that none of the footage provided shows a clear justification for the use of force. In a press conference held on Wednesday, Cobbs family called for the firing and charging of the police involved in the shooting. Octavia Ruffin told reporters her brother was a good man ... a provider for all of us. Family members of Ricky Cobb II, who was shot and killed by a Minnesota State Patrol trooper, speak at a news conference outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. [AP Photo/Trisha Ahmed] According to police, the BCA investigation will take at least 60 days after which a Hennepin County grand jury might be impaneled to consider charges. While police are empowered by capitalist politicians and the courts to take the lives of workers and the poor in an instant if they ever feel threatened, so-called justice for victims of police violence rarely, if ever, comes. In a particularly heinous case of police violence, on Thursday, the US Department of Justice announced that six Mississippi police officers had pled guilty to multiple felonies related to the torture and killing of African Americans over the last four years. The federal investigation was precipitated by a lawsuit filed by Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, residents of Braxton, Mississippi, located near Jackson, the state capital. In their lawsuit, Jenkins and Parker alleged that the police broke into the house they were staying at without a warrant. For nearly two hours, the six cops tortured, beat, assaulted, zapped with tasers, and in the case of Jenkins, put a gun into his mouth and shot him, lacerating his tongue and shattering his jaw in the process. Former Rankin County Sheriffs Department officers Christian Dedmon, 28, Hunter Elward, 31, Brett McAlpin, 52, Jeffrey Middleton, 46, and Daniel Opdyke, 27, and Joshua Hartfield, 31, a Richland police officer have all pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to obstruct justice, conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law and obstruction of justice. In addition to pleading guilty for criminal actions inflicted against Jenkins and Parker, Dedmon, Elward and Opdyke also pleaded guilty to three federal felony charges related to a separate December 4, 2022 incident. In that case, prosecutors said Dedmon assaulted a white man, including with a taser, and fired his pistol near his head in order to force a confession while Elward and Opdyke looked on. The Mississippi officers reign of terror against black and white men makes clear that police violence is ultimately a class phenomenon, in which the police target working class victims from every racial and ethnic background. In a statement released Thursday, US Attorney General Merrick Garland wrote: The defendants in this case tortured and inflicted unspeakable harm on their victims, egregiously violated the civil rights of citizens who they were supposed to protect, and shamefully betrayed the oath they swore as law enforcement officers. According to a federal lawsuit filed last month by Jenkins and Parker and court documents released as part of the guilty pleas, the six officers were part of a Special Response Team, similar to ultra-violent Scorpion Unit that carried out the police murder of Tyre Nichols earlier this year in Memphis, Tennessee. Like the Scorpion Unit, the Special Response Team was provided extra training and deployed to high-crime areas. An investigation by the Associated Press has linked the Special Response Team, whose members are referred to as the Goon Squad, to at least four violent encounters with black men since 2019 that left two dead and another with lasting injuries. The AP noted that in court documents the Goon Squad earned its nickname because of the officers willingness to use excessive force and not report it. According to court documents on January 24, 2023 a white neighbor rang up Rankin County Deputy Brett McAplin and complained that there were two black men staying with a white woman inside the home next to him and that the men were taking advantage of the woman. After the call, McAlpin reached out to his fellow Goon Squad accomplices and asked them, if yall available for a mission? The six cops stalked the men outside the home before breaking into it without a warrant. Once inside the residence the police handcuffed Jenkins and Parker and began assaulting and waterboarding them. The police found a sex toy which they mounted on a BB gun and forced into the mouth of Parker, while Christian Dedmon tried to sexually assault Jenkins with the toy. For nearly two hours the police used their stun guns on the men while pouring milk, liquor and syrup on the them. After forcing the men to shower together, the police assaulted them again with tasers and a metal sword. After some 90 minutes of torture, Elward eventually forced Jenkins on his knees and put his pistol in his mouth in a mock execution. After pulling the trigger once, Elward chambered a round and pulled the trigger again, this time sending a bullet through Jenkins tongue, which then shattered his jaw and exited through his neck, nearly killing him. Seeking to cover up their criminality, the police planted drugs in the house and stole a hard drive that had surveillance footage, which they tried to dispose of. The police also agreed upon a set of lies, which they regurgitated in falsified police reports. In a press conference at the end of June, Mary Jenkins detailed some of the horrific hardships her son has had to deal with since the shooting. She explained that sometimes her son cannot eat food and has to be fed with a syringe. Jenkins noted that as part of her sons rehabilitation, he has to meet with a speech doctor to learn how to talk again. In another exception that proves the rule, nearly one year after shooting and killing unarmed Donovan Lewis in his bed last August, a Columbus, Ohio, grand jury this week charged former police Officer Ricky Anderson with murder. Lewis, 20, was shot and killed by Anderson, a 30-year officer, less than one second after Anderson entered his bedroom. In their research of Anderson, NBC4 found that the former cop had been disciplined multiple times over his career. In 2018, Anderson was reprimanded after he left his body camera at his home while another officer deployed their taser on a suspect. That same year and again in 2020, Anderson was disciplined for turning off his police dash cam during vehicle pursuits. In a statement on Friday commenting on the charging of Anderson nearly a year after the killing of Lewis, Rex Elliott, an attorney for the Lewis family, noted the real two-tier justice system that exists under capitalism. The reality is that there is a different justice system for citizens and a different justice system for police officers, said Elliott. This never should have taken this long. Some 200 unionized healthcare workers at historic Loretto Hospital, a safety net facility on the West Side of Chicago, have concluded five days on the picket line in an open-ended strike. The employees, including respiratory and radiology technicians, mental health and behavioral healthworkers, patient transporters, emergency room technicians and housekeeping workers, had been in negotiations for more than two months. Their main demands are higher wages and safer conditions. Workers on the picket lines were joined by friends and family members. Many of the strikers have worked at Loretto for decades and call Austin community their home. Ebony (left) and Linda (right). They are livid that they arent being paid market-standard wages, which greatly contributes to the unsafe conditions they face. Additionally, they complain that the equipment and the state of the facility undermine working conditions and safe care for patients. Approximately one-third of ancillary positions remain unstaffed, and the annual turnover rate is 60 percent. One hundred and twenty union members have quit their positions. That means that those who remain are tasked with additional responsibilities and longer hours, leaving them exhausted and demoralized. Many have to work 12-to-16-hour days, six to seven days a week. Instead of being able to afford patients the appropriate time for a thorough assessment, the workers are forced to take short cuts. This year, a patient with a history of schizophrenia, hypertension, diabetes and heroin abuse died in Lorettos emergency department due to staffing shortages. His death is being investigated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The hospital employs some 550 ancillary staff, of which 200 are represented by SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Healthcare Illinois. There are 110 beds, with a daily census of 40 to 80 patients. Most are admitted for mental health problems and addiction, which has approached crisis levels in every part of the country. Anne Igoe, the SEIU vice-president for hospitals, explained that although the union does not know how much the administration pays temporary workers, We know how much an agency nurse is getting paid. She added, Our brothers and sisters have told me that in the building right now the majority of [temporary] folks are agency RNs (registered nurses) that are covering PCTs (patient care technicians), and theyre getting paid $150 an hour. So, we can do the math on what it would cost per week. By such estimates, the figure amounts to approximately $1.5 million for one week. At present, Loretto is paying PCTs and CNAs (certified nursing assistants) around $16.45 per hour. Their starting rate of pay stands at a miserable minimum wage of $15.80. Meanwhile, according to Igoe, a CNA at Mount Sinai Hospital, also a safety net facility, is receiving $19.38 in the door with no experience. A starting housekeeper is receiving $17 to $17.50. Negotiations broke down on Sunday, July 30. On the issues that led to the breakdown in talks, Igoe explained that the administration had offered a 5 percent across-the-board raise, with no increase in minimums. That would raise wages for CNAs to at most $18 an hour. After this offer was rejected, the hospital countered by offering $19 per hour, but only for the PCTs. The negotiations by the SEIU will do little for healthcare workers at Loretto or any other section of healthcare workers across Chicago. The living wage calculator for Cook County, Illinois says a single adult with two children requires a full-time position at $48.32 per hour to eke out a living. The annual expense for childcare and medical needs alone runs close to $30,000. Many of these healthcare workers are the primary breadwinners for their families. Thus, the current offer on the table does not provide even half of the income required to provide for workers who have resided in the communities for decades. The Loretto administration stated, The SEIUs demands far exceed the hospitals current economic reality and eliminate our ability to provide wage equity for all hospital employees, including union and nonunion. The SEIU countered by citing the hospitals safety net designation and pointing out that it pays around $8 million into the provider assessment, but receives $30 million back because the percentage of patients it sees who are on Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance plan for the poor, is 80 percent. Igoe added that the union has lobbied legislators to set up supplemental funds and secured grants that are not based on inpatient utilization, enabling the hospital to receive $10 million in state appropriations this year. There has also been an increase in the Medicaid reimbursement rate, which adds an additional $3.5 million to the hospitals income. The term safety net applies more appropriately to the union executives and health administrators, who, in return for six-figure salaries, ensure that wages are kept as low as possible, than it applies to the low-income community surrounding the hospital. While the local residents depend on the hospital to stay alive, a report published in Crains Chicago Business explains that the entire healthcare system that serves the city is paying close attention to the wage dispute. The report notes: Grievances havent been isolated to small South Side safety-nets, though. Institutions as large as Northwestern Medicine and Sinai Chicago have faced similar demands and complaints from some of their workers over the past several months. Now, with the strike at Loretto underway, leadership at nearby hospitals have new reason to fear their own workers will be willing to do the same if their demands are unmet. From this perspective, the role of the SEIU becomes clearer in dividing and isolating the struggles and forcing acceptance of wages that do little to provide workers any level of economic security. Lip service is paid to the issue of staffing shortages by the unions and by Democratic political operatives who routinely sideline bills that would impose safer staffing levels into bureaucratic limbo. Linda, a mental health specialist who has been working at the hospital for more than two decades, said she has continued to work there because the patients need her. We can work anywhere with our credentials, she said, but we want to keep it in this community to help. And what brings me joy personally is that the patients appreciate it. Thats the most important thing for me. Worker in brace due to patient violence. Phyllis, who has been at Loretto for more than 34 years, nodded agreement. On the issue of safe staffing, she said: We take the most acute patients in the area because nobody else wants to take them. That means they fight us, they spit on us, they curse us. Anything you could imagine they try to do to us, and not just us to each other. She then pointed to a striking worker in a leg brace and said, Do you see this young lady there. She works in the emergency room. She recently got attacked by a patient, hitting her head, her shoulder and her leg. That was just a week ago. She endured a lot with that. And again, because of short staff. She added, But on my unit, weve had people hurt so severely they never returned to work. We have people that have been injured so badly, they have been out three to four months. And when they came back, the conditions were still the same. Many are going to other places where they are more appreciated and get paid more money. On the question of cost of living in the Austin community, Phyllis spoke of the difficulties her colleagues face in making ends meet, referring specifically to the case of Jessita Davis. Shes in constant tears from exhaustion, Phyllis said. Shes working double shifts. Her regular shift starts at 7:00 am and goes to 3:30 pm. She then runs home to sleep a couple hours, only to come back for the overnight shift. She has no time for her kids or her family. The hospital doesnt care if shes overworked. All they want is a body. Linda explained that the problems with pay and short staffing have been going on for years, but were aggravated when the pandemic hit. The cost of insurance, rent, fuel, food and everything else has climbed so high that people cannot afford to live. We try to go to the pantries for basic stuff, maybe eggs, oil, or whatever, she said. My insurances went upboth car and healththey have skyrocketed. But our salaries havent. She went on to say, My daughter, who works in admissions, had to move in with me. Many have had to move in together because they cant pay their bills. And we know that the hospital has the money. Weve looked into that. And while the executives get all this money, where are we? She went on to speak of the misappropriation of funds by hospital administrators over the years, which continues behind the backs of the workers. Ebony Childs, a PCT at Loretto, said: I dont want to say they are corrupt, but they are corrupting everything with this mishandling of the funds that are being donated to us. We all go out and ask for money. We are all trying to get money for the hospital, because we are a safety net hospital. But if you mishandle the funds and cant do what you need to for the hospital and for your employees, then what are you doing? You must show us the receipts. What are you doing with everything? The strike by these courageous workers needs to be expanded. The formation of rank-and-file committees is imperative if the working conditions that cut through every social relation are to be changed for the better for both the workers and the communities. The fundamental issue workers face is the subordination of healthcare to a health system subservient to corporate profits. To discuss joining the autoworkers rank-and-file committee network, fill out the form at the end of this article. Sign up for text message updates on the Big Three contract fight by texting AUTO to (866) 847-1086. Stellantis Warren Truck workers on shift change Seeking to head off the growing determination by 170,000 US and Canadian autoworkers for an all-out struggle to win back decades of concessions from the Big Three automakers, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain presented limited information about the UAWs supposed demands to the companies this week. Contracts for 150,000 Ford, General Motors and Stellantis workers in the UAW expire on September 14, and agreements for another 20,000 Canadian workers in Unifor at the Big Three expire September 18. Fains self-described reform administration is well aware that it is sitting on a powder keg of pent-up anger among workers. The UAWs leaders know they are widely viewed with wary hostility by workers, who despise the pro-corporate union bureaucracy of which Fain and his lieutenants are the longtime representatives. Every action UAW officials are taking is aimed at blocking a movement of workers developing outside their control. Accordingly, Fains administrationwith the assistance of staffers from the pseudo-left Democratic Socialists of Americahas adapted its public relations strategy surrounding the formal opening of contract talks, seeking to present the bureaucracy as being back in the fight and staging a number of publicity stunts, such as declining to shake executives hands at the opening of negotiations. In a Facebook Live video on Tuesday, Fain announced what he said were the UAWs contract proposals to companies. The UAWs so-called members demands are a series of measures which are widely supported and called for by rank-and-file workers but which have been given up by the UAW bureaucracy in concessions to the companies in previous contracts: the restoration of cost-of-living raises (COLA); the elimination of tiers; the return of defined-benefit pensions for all workers; the increase of current retirees pay; the reintroduction of retiree medical benefits; and the end of the abuse of temps. The UAW is reportedly proposing a 46 percent general wage increase, according to a report in the Detroit News Friday. It is also said to be seeking a 32-hour work week at 40 hours pay, Automotive News reported. These arent my demands, Fain said in his Facebook Live video Tuesday, in comments intended for his corporate listeners. These come straight from the membership. Autoworkers undoubtedly are determined to achieve a breakthrough and major advances in wages, benefits and working conditions. But the presentation of the members demands by Fain was of a dishonest, demagogic character, since the UAW leadership has absolutely no intention or strategy to achieve these measures. The UAW president knows that the companies are dead set on imposing the costs of the transition to electric vehicles onto the workers and that they are seeking to carry out historic attacks on jobs and working conditions, dwarfing even the scale of the 2009 restructuring of the auto industry. The hard line of corporate management was made clear in several statements by the companies this week. General Motors arrogantly rejected the possibility of restoring things such as COLA and pensions out of hand. The breadth and scope of the Presidential Demands, at face value, would threaten our ability to do whats right for the long-term benefit of the team. By team, of course, GM means not its workforce but rather its extravagantly paid executives and large investors. In a thinly veiled threat against workers jobs, it continued, We think its important to protect U.S. manufacturing and jobs in an industry that is dominated by non-unionized competition. Stellantis and Ford, meanwhile, both responded to the release of the UAWs contract proposal in more guarded language, while reiterating their intention to collaborate with the UAW apparatus in achieving competitiveness, which invariably entails attacks on workers. Ford wrote that it would pursue creative solutions during this time when our dramatically changing industry needs a skilled and competitive workforce more than ever. Stellantis wrote that it would work constructively and collaboratively with the UAW to find solutions that will result in a contract that is competitive in the global market, claiming it was not seeking a concessionary agreement. Earlier this week, however, Stellantis issued a letter clearly seeking to threaten and intimidate workers. In an underlined passage, Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart wrote that the contract negotiations would impact your future and that of your family and community, and later insisted that the company had to have flexibility in how we run our operations. The UAW knows that any sign that it is preparing to impose concessions on behalf of management will inflame opposition among workers. UAW officials are particularly concerned to create the appearance that they are not engaging in the type of closed-door talks with management that have previously produced brutal concessionary contracts backed by the UAW apparatusincluding Fain himself, when he endorsed the historic attacks contained in the 2009 contract as a member of the UAW-Chrysler negotiating team. But there is already ample evidence the union bureaucracy is conspiring with the companies once again. The Fain administration completely sold out the first major strike under its watch, forcing a concessions contract on hundreds of Clarios battery workers in Ohio in June, after workers had twice voted to reject it. During Fains Facebook Live video Tuesday, he falsely praised the tentative agreement reached between the Teamsters and UPS as ending tiers. In fact, the Teamsters deal has provoked outrage among workers for introducing a new tier division among part-time workers and keeping their pay at poverty levels. In perhaps the clearest sign that a sellout is being prepared, Fains administration has been coordinating closely with the Democratic Party and the Biden administrationpolitical representatives of the corporate and financial aristocracy and proven enemies of the working class. Fain has praised a letter by Democratic senators claiming to support higher wages for EV battery workers. But virtually all of the senators voted to ban a strike by railroad workers last year and impose a contract rail workers were voting against. Biden, for his part, was vice president during the Obama administrations restructuring of the auto industry, which entailed a catastrophic decline in workers living standards. The UAW bureaucracy does not have a strategy to win any of the demands it says it is making. Its overriding concern is securing its own institutional interests, including establishing new joint labor-management programs and getting dues-paying members at the EV battery plants, while attempting to keep a lid on the seething opposition among workers. Underlying all of Fains rhetoric about corporate greed is an attempt to divert anger from the objective source of the problems workers facecapitalismwhile promoting the illusion that the corporations profit interests can be reconciled with workers interests, if only executives greed can be reined in. Describing a proposal for a Working Families Protection Program to pay workers for community service and other things during layoffs, Fain said Tuesday, Companies can still make a healthy profit, and itll keep our communities healthy also. Autoworkers are on a collision course with the corporations, the Biden administration and the UAW bureaucracy. The critical task is for workers to seize the initiative now and develop their own organizational structuresrank-and-file committees at each factory, stretching across every department and shift, and linking up with auto parts workers and other sections of workers, including UPS workers and striking actors and writers. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) is working to assist workers in building committees and forming communication networks across the plants in the US, Canada, Mexico and internationally. Such committees will form the basis for workers to resist and overcome the pro-corporate conspiracies of the UAW bureaucracy and prepare a real fight to win workers demands, including preparations for an industry-wide strike across North America. By the time it completes its Lied Center for Performing Arts run on the night of Aug. 13, Hamilton will be the biggest performing arts event ever in Lincoln. The previous attendance record was "Phantom of the Opera" in 2019 with more than 30,000 people. "Were already near that number and were still early in the week," said Lied Center Executive Director Bill Stephan. The theatergoers who will fill the Lied for the 16 Hamilton performances will come not just from Lincoln but from surrounding states and greater Nebraska. Normally, we have 30% of our audiences come from outside of Lincoln," Stephan said. "Im confident that 30% of those who come to see Hamilton will be from outside Lincoln, maybe more. The final numbers for Hamilton were difficult to estimate Friday after just the first three performances. Thats because, contrary to popular perception, tickets are still on sale and will be through the entirety of its run. Stephan said the other misconception is that the ticket price is crazy expensive. "Not a single show is completely sold out," he said. "There are some that have more availability than others. And there are $59 tickets available for all the shows. The shows with the most ticket availability are the two Sunday night performances, this weekend and the run-closing show on Aug. 13 and next weeks Tuesday and Wednesday night performances. Stephan made his comments Friday at a Hamilton press day at the Lied, where a pair of cast members, a stage manager and dresser were available for interviews and some of the costumes were brought up for display including the 40-pound robe worn by King Charles during the first of his three appearances in the show. The Philip Tour of Hamilton has done some 1,600 performances of the musical, staying at least two weeks at each of its stops. Hamilton remains that popular eight years after its Broadway debut, in part, because another popular Broadway show hasn't eclipsed it. "There hasnt been another most popular show come along in the last seven years. Thats rare, said stage manager Rolando Linares. But Hamilton is also popular because it draws a different audience from the musical theater crowd of more traditional Broadway shows. That audience includes, he said, hip-hop fans, people drawn by its casting of non-white actors and its historic component. History, however, isnt the point of Hamilton. I dont think the musical is about Hamilton as a historical figure, said Lencia Kebede who plays Angelica Schuyler. Its about the journey, your dreams and desires. Hamilton isnt defined by what he did or who he was fighting. Its bigger than that, more human than that. That said, Kebebe, who studied political science in college, said the history in Hamilton isnt bad, even if it doesnt really emphasize Hamiltons greatest contribution to the fledgling nation establishing the countrys financial system. I think some of the details are exaggerated, with some hyperbole for dramatic effect, she said. But the accuracy for a musical is pretty impressive. Hamilton will be performed nightly at the Lied Center through Aug. 13 with matinees set for Saturday, Sunday and Aug. 12 and Aug. 13. Tickets are available at liedcenter.org, by phone at 402-472-4747 or at the Lied ticket office. All tickets are distributed electronically via the Lied Center app. Close Hamilton This image released by The Public Theater shows Lin-Manuel Miranda, foreground, with the cast during a performance of "Hamilton" in New York. The megahit musical grabbed a record-breaking 16 Tony Award nominations Tuesday. (Joan Marcus/The Public Theater via AP) Waitress This image released by Boneau/Bryan-Brown shows Keala Settle, left, Jessie Mueller and Kimiko Glenn, right, during a performance of "Waitress" at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York. "Waitress," a musical with songs by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles that is adapted from a 2007 film starring Keri Russell, earned four Tony nominations. (Joan Marcus/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via AP) American Psycho This image released by Jeffrey Richards Associates shows Benjamin Walker, center, and the cast during a performance of "American Psycho" at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York. (Jeremy Daniel/Jeffrey Richards Associates via AP) Shuffle Along This image released by Philip Rinaldi Publicity shows Brandon Victor Dixon, left, and Audra McDonald during a performance of "Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed" at The Music Box Theatre in New York. "Shuffle Along" got 10 Tony nominations. (Julieta Cervantes/Philip Rinaldi Publicity via AP) School of Rock Actor Jack Black, right, meets backstage with Alex Brightman, the leading actor in Broadway's "School of Rock", after watching a performance at the Winter Garden Theatre on Sunday, May, 1, 2016, in New York. "School of Rock," the adaptation of the movie starring Black, earned four Tony nominations, including best leading man for Brightman. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) Bright Star Carmen Cusack, from left, Edie Brickell and Steve Martin appear at the curtain call for the Broadway opening of Bright Star at Cort Theatre in New York. "Bright Star" is nominated for best new musical. She Loves Me In this image released by Polk and Co., Laura Benanti, left, and Zachary Levi appear during a performance of the musical, "She Loves Me," in New York. The revival of "She Loves Me" earned eight Tony nominations. (Joan Marcus/Polk and Co. via AP) Photos: 'Hamilton' breaks record with leading 16 Tony nods The megahit musical "Hamilton" grabbed a record-breaking 16 Tony Award nominations Tuesday. Here's a look at some of the leading nominees. Hamilton This image released by The Public Theater shows Lin-Manuel Miranda, foreground, with the cast during a performance of "Hamilton" in New York. The megahit musical grabbed a record-breaking 16 Tony Award nominations Tuesday. (Joan Marcus/The Public Theater via AP) Waitress This image released by Boneau/Bryan-Brown shows Keala Settle, left, Jessie Mueller and Kimiko Glenn, right, during a performance of "Waitress" at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York. "Waitress," a musical with songs by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles that is adapted from a 2007 film starring Keri Russell, earned four Tony nominations. (Joan Marcus/Boneau/Bryan-Brown via AP) American Psycho This image released by Jeffrey Richards Associates shows Benjamin Walker, center, and the cast during a performance of "American Psycho" at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York. (Jeremy Daniel/Jeffrey Richards Associates via AP) Shuffle Along This image released by Philip Rinaldi Publicity shows Brandon Victor Dixon, left, and Audra McDonald during a performance of "Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed" at The Music Box Theatre in New York. "Shuffle Along" got 10 Tony nominations. (Julieta Cervantes/Philip Rinaldi Publicity via AP) School of Rock Actor Jack Black, right, meets backstage with Alex Brightman, the leading actor in Broadway's "School of Rock", after watching a performance at the Winter Garden Theatre on Sunday, May, 1, 2016, in New York. "School of Rock," the adaptation of the movie starring Black, earned four Tony nominations, including best leading man for Brightman. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) Bright Star Carmen Cusack, from left, Edie Brickell and Steve Martin appear at the curtain call for the Broadway opening of Bright Star at Cort Theatre in New York. "Bright Star" is nominated for best new musical. She Loves Me In this image released by Polk and Co., Laura Benanti, left, and Zachary Levi appear during a performance of the musical, "She Loves Me," in New York. The revival of "She Loves Me" earned eight Tony nominations. (Joan Marcus/Polk and Co. via AP) Are you employed by Yellow? Tell us what you think by filling out the form below. All submissions will remain anonymous. A Yellow Corp. truck pulls into a YRC Freight facility Friday, July 28, 2023, in Richfield, Ohio. [AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki] After laying off 30,000 employees, national less-than-truckload company Yellow is set to be looted by Wall Street. Since its shutdown, Yellow has seen large investments from Boston-based hedge fund MFN, and a group of investors led by Apollo Global Management is reportedly preparing an investment to restructure Yellows debt under a bankruptcy filing. The immediate cause of Yellows collapse was its inability to pay off its debt, totaling $1.6 billion with $1.2 billion due next year. Of this, $700 million is due to the United States government and over $500 million is due to Apollo, a major private equity firm with close to $600 billion in managed assets. Apollo played a leading role in Yellows management over the last few years. It had kept Yellow afloat in 2019 by loaning it $500 million, and Apollo co-founder Marc Rowan used his connections with the Trump administration to secure a bailout from the CARES Act. Despite the influx of new cash, Yellow was still unable to manage its debt, and its only way out of potential bankruptcy was to cut costs. This took the form of Yellows One Yellow plan, a massive consolidation program designed to sell off facilities, slash jobs and cut wages and benefits. Phase two of One Yellow was delayed by contract negotiations with the Teamsters. With One Yellow stalled, Yellow was unable to convince Wall Street it could extract value from workers effectively. Investors made it clear that no new money would be made available until Yellow could prove that it could force workers to pay for its debts and Wall Streets profits. Struggling to post a profit, Yellow quickly ran out of money and shuttered its operations last Sunday. Yellow could easily enter into bankruptcy, which it apparently has not done yet, and sell off its assets to pay back its investors. But Wall Street appears to have other plans for Yellow. The hedge fund MFN has rapidly bought up shares of Yellow, now owning more than 40 percent of the companys shares (22 million). This seemingly peculiar move from MFN is a maneuver by the hedge fund to manage its investments in Yellows rival XPO. Should Yellow declare bankruptcy and go under, MFN will see profits from XPO absorbing some of Yellows volume. If Yellow survives bankruptcy and returns as a competitor, MFN will profit from its stake in the company. This investment sent the price of Yellow shares up by 78 percent to $3.14. MFNs gamble that Yellow might survive bankruptcy was accompanied by reports that Apollo and a group of other lenders are preparing to loan Yellow money as part of a debtor-in-possession (DIP) bankruptcy plan. DIP is a form of Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing that allows for the debtor, Yellow, to continue with its operations on behalf of its creditors, such as Apollo. If Yellow does file for a DIP program, its creditors would be able to form a committee to oversee the company and manage its operations. If the committee believes that the company is not operating in its best interests, it can ask a court to appoint a trustee. Essentially, Apollo and its associate lenders would take control over the company and its operations. However, this does not necessarily mean that Apollo plans on resuscitating Yellow as it was operating previously. Under DIP, and even currently, Apollo has the first lien on Yellows debt obligations. This means that it must be paid back first before anyone else, including the US government. By loaning Yellow more money to restructure its debt under DIP, Apollo is able to guide how Yellow liquidates and take the prime pieces of Yellows assets for itself. Tom Goldsby, a professor of logistics at the University of Tennessees Global Supply Chain Institute, told Sourcing Journal, There appear to be all kinds of financial shenanigans going on around Yellownone of which have anything to do with bolstering its potential as a viable trucking company into the future. Apollo has used bankruptcy to attack workers and restructure companies before. In the case of Warrior Met Coal, Apollo and other private equity firms used the companys bankruptcy to erase pensions for workers and enforce massive pay cuts. And Apollo has reportedly been in talks to carry out a similar DIP program with Scandinavian airline SAS, which is also considering bankruptcy as it fails to force through concessions from airline workers. Apollo could be planning something similar at Yellow. Regardless of Apollos plans, it is clear that the working class has been made to pay for Wall Streets profits. Effectively managed by Apollo, Yellow has carried out a major offensive against the working class on the behalf of finance capital and the US government. Worker resistance to exploitation was met with the annihilation of 30,000 jobs by Wall Street, which intends to use the collapse of Yellow to extract as much wealth from the working class as possible. With the US government owning 27 percent of Yellow through its CARES Act bailout, the Biden administration has also played a critical role in the fall of Yellow. The US is fighting a two-front war against Russia abroad and the working class at home. In order to pay for the warwhich is costing as much as Yellows debt every weekand to enforce labor peace at home, the Biden administration has relied on the trade union bureaucracy to enforce sellout contracts and has intervened against workers directly where necessary. The Teamsters are willing participants in this effort. Teamsters President Sean OBrien met with Biden several times ahead of the congressional intervention against railroad workers last winter and was holding meetings with the Biden administration in the days before the announcement of a sellout contract at UPS this summer. In response to the collapse of Yellow the Teamsters have hardly lifted a finger. It had canceled a strike at the last minute over the companys non-payment of its pension obligations, and announced a deal which supposedly gave the company an extra 30 days to pay. Instead, the company predictably ceased operations and moved towards bankruptcy within only a few days. In announcing that the company had ceased operations OBrien simply stated, Todays news is unfortunate but not surprising. In other words, nothing will be done to protect the livelihoods of 22,000 union members at Yellow. Instead of mobilizing the hundreds of thousands of Teamsters across the country to defend jobs, OBrien and the union bureaucracy have allowed Yellow to lay off thousands of its members at one of the few remaining unionized trucking companies in the United States. The idea that Yellows demise was an inevitable and unfortunate event is a farce and is aimed at disarming the working class. Yellow is partly owned by the United States government and its investors are some of the wealthiest and most powerful financial organizations in the world. Yellow did not destroy 30,000 jobs because it had no other choice, but because Wall Street and the entire capitalist class demanded that workers pay the price for corporate profits. It is worth noting that Yellow controlled 10 percent of the LTL market with revenues near $5 billion. Its shuttering has shifted a mass volume of freight to other companies and prices have risen as a result. Rival companies and their investors will enjoy profiting from Yellows fall while 30,000 workers are now out of a job. The collapse of Yellow and the vulture circling of Wall Street is a warning to the working class as a whole, especially as 340,000 UPS workers begin voting on a sell out contract that fails to meet their demands. The capitalist class is prepared to annihilate jobs on a mass scale to bolster their profits and suppress labor unrest. Alexander Duckett of Lincoln has been named to both the president's and trustees' honor lists at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Students on the president's list achieved a 4.0 grade point average during the spring semester, and students on the trustees' list had 4.0 GPAs for two or more consecutive semesters. Royalty from Lincoln who will attend the Aksarben Ball Oct. 28 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha have been selected in honor of their parents excellence in community service and volunteerism. The Lincoln honorees are: Katherine Ann Hunzeker (princess), daughter of Lynn and Andrew Hunzeker of Lincoln; Eric Michael Howerter (escort), son of Elizabeth and Scott Howerter of Lincoln; and Merritt LaNelle Wegner (page), daughter of Jessica and Devon Wegner. The honorees and their families attended the Aksarben Royal Court celebration July 29 at Champions Run in Omaha to introduce pages and standard bearers in the morning during the Royal Court brunch. Princesses, escorts and Court of Honor members were formally announced in the evening at the Royal Court welcome dinner. LeBaron honored with Business and Industry award Marc LeBaron of Lincoln was honored with this year's Business and Industry Court of Honor award. LeBaron is chairman and CEO of Lincoln Industries, a company that has grown to be the largest and most diverse privately held metal finishing company in North America. In nurturing the companys workforce, LeBaron is invested in wellness and employee fitness programs, winning national recognition. He is also passionate about the arts and has made art available to the public through a private art exhibition space. The Court of Honor was established in 1998 as one of Aksarben's most prestigious awards. This year, Aksarben honored 11 individuals in five categories for their service to the Heartland region. Aksarben Ball tickets All Royal Court members will be formally presented at the 2023 Aksarben Ball at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. The Aksarben Ball is a fundraiser for Aksarben Foundation scholarship programs. The public is welcome. Tickets are available by calling the Aksarben Foundation office at 402-554-9600, extension 106. The Aksarben Ball has a mission to promote, recognize and celebrate volunteerism, philanthropy and community pride. It serves as a fundraising vehicle for the Aksarben Scholars program and awards over 200 scholarships each year to deserving students in Nebraska and western Iowa. The original Aksarben Ball was established in 1895 to recognize individuals in the region for their civic endeavors. Each year since then, families have been recognized as outstanding leaders from the Heartland. Princesses, escorts and pages represent their families who are being honored for their contributions to the region. All aspects of the event are directed by volunteers who serve on the Aksarben Ball Committee and the Womens Ball Committee. The Nebraska Storytelling Festival is searching for storytellers for the second annual storytelling event set for 7 p.m. Nov. 2 in the Jasmine Room at the Grand Manse in downtown Lincoln. If you are interested in telling a story, you must apply at https://forms.gle/Cg5hnVHn1SZtXA7c8 by Sept. 10. Stories should be true narratives, five to seven minutes long, and storytellers must be age 15 and older. Applications will be reviewed and 10-12 people will be selected. Our mission is to give the people of our state a stage to share their stories, understanding the power of our tales, said Randy Bretz, co-chair of the festival. Stories help us understand who we are, give meaning to our struggles and celebrate our diversity as well as our commonality. Stories bring us together and strengthen community connections. The event will be open to a live audience with tickets sold soon. Find the inaugural Nebraska Storytelling Festival at YouTube. Close Isaac Wood pets stingrays with his grandma Sandy Lark during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Carter Worrell has a staring contest with a baby chick during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Lucas Bell pets a yak with his family during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A nurse shark swims at the bottom of its tank during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Red, blue and purple ribbons for the fowl competition sit out during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A Nowear BMX rider jumps from a high ramp while teammates watch during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Thursday. The Super Fair continues through Aug. 12. The riders will perform 45-minute shows again Friday at 11 a.m. and 2:30, 5 and 7:30 p.m. in the Attraction Zone. A Nowear BMX rider jumps from a high ramp during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Contestants line up with their chickens for the show competition during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Contestants line up with their chickens for the show competition during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Plush animals hang together on the wall of a carnival booth during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A boer goat begins to eat the show sign during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A group of children admire goats during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Nowear BMX performs during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Gracie Mentzer shows off her pal, Brownie, as she sits on her shoulder the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. LouAnna Fields attaches hangers to prizes the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Kiara Eppenbach hugs her American Quarter horse Eddie, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair, at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023, in Lincoln. Derek Bruss sets up a pen while his pig, named Big Betsy, nibbles on his boots Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Lily Wooledge and Thomas McHenery hang up Christmas decorations outside of their stalls the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Remi Rou, a 2-year-old paint, chows down on some hay offered by her owner Lily Wood on Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Zack Mentzer peeks out from a trailer while he and his family unload their Hampshire cross breed pigs the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Morgan Roof spreads wood chips around the stall while her horse, Blu, watches patiently from outside the stall, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023, in Lincoln. The Mentzer family unload their Hampshire cross-breed pigs Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Jack Roberts pulls Parker Boelter around in a wagon as they inspect the stalls looking for friends, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Lillie Beach showers off her horse, Tequila, after arriving the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Gracie Mittan-Debuhr leads her horse valley to her stall the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Fair kids who show animals will set up in the stalls so they have a place to rest, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Danielle Tate sweeps an open stall the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Photos: Lancaster County Super Fair returns for 10-day run A live shark encounter, 40 bulls and riders competing on their way to the Extreme Bull Riding Tour in Vegas, take a look at this year's Lancaster County Super Fair. Isaac Wood pets stingrays with his grandma Sandy Lark during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Carter Worrell has a staring contest with a baby chick during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Lucas Bell pets a yak with his family during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A nurse shark swims at the bottom of its tank during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Red, blue and purple ribbons for the fowl competition sit out during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A Nowear BMX rider jumps from a high ramp while teammates watch during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Thursday. The Super Fair continues through Aug. 12. The riders will perform 45-minute shows again Friday at 11 a.m. and 2:30, 5 and 7:30 p.m. in the Attraction Zone. A Nowear BMX rider jumps from a high ramp during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Contestants line up with their chickens for the show competition during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Contestants line up with their chickens for the show competition during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Plush animals hang together on the wall of a carnival booth during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A boer goat begins to eat the show sign during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A group of children admire goats during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Nowear BMX performs during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Gracie Mentzer shows off her pal, Brownie, as she sits on her shoulder the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. LouAnna Fields attaches hangers to prizes the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Kiara Eppenbach hugs her American Quarter horse Eddie, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair, at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023, in Lincoln. Derek Bruss sets up a pen while his pig, named Big Betsy, nibbles on his boots Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Lily Wooledge and Thomas McHenery hang up Christmas decorations outside of their stalls the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Remi Rou, a 2-year-old paint, chows down on some hay offered by her owner Lily Wood on Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Zack Mentzer peeks out from a trailer while he and his family unload their Hampshire cross breed pigs the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Morgan Roof spreads wood chips around the stall while her horse, Blu, watches patiently from outside the stall, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023, in Lincoln. The Mentzer family unload their Hampshire cross-breed pigs Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Jack Roberts pulls Parker Boelter around in a wagon as they inspect the stalls looking for friends, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Lillie Beach showers off her horse, Tequila, after arriving the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Gracie Mittan-Debuhr leads her horse valley to her stall the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Fair kids who show animals will set up in the stalls so they have a place to rest, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Danielle Tate sweeps an open stall the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Callum Anderson had no idea of the significance Thursday held. Such revelations are often lost on 17-month-olds. So when he was seated alone at first and then in the lap of his mother, Courtney in Dean Korensky's barber chair at 33 Street Hair Studio, 2300 Winthrop Road, he couldn't help but notice all the fuss in his vicinity. His parents were there. So was his newborn little brother. And his great-grandparents, who took turns circling the chair, distracting him with snacks, while Korensky worked quickly to give the towhead his first haircut. And with the trim, which took less than 10 minutes and no more than that many passes with his silver scissors, it marked five generations of the Anderson family that have found themselves in Korensky's chair. "I've done four generations many times, but never five," said Korensky, the Geneva native who came to barber college in Lincoln in the 1960s and has made it his calling for more than 54 years. "I won't make it to six generations." Never say never. This family journey started innocently enough in the 1980s when Gary Anderson, then the principal at Nemaha Valley High School (now Johnson County Central), made the drive from Cook to get a haircut. He found Korensky at the Clipper Barber Shop at 12th and O streets. He liked the experience so he kept going back. "I always said that I wished there was a barbershop closer to home," he said. There likely was, but Gary Anderson had found his barber. Korensky knew his craft and the conversations came easily. So every five or six weeks, he found himself in Korensky's chair. A few years later, he brought his father, William Vernal Anderson, with him. Korensky gave each a haircut. Shortly after that, his son Spencer found himself in Korensky's chair. And when Dalton Gary's grandson and Callum's father got his first haircut from Korensky, that marked four generations. On Thursday, Callum became the fifth generation. "It's special," Gary Anderson said. "We wanted Dean to give (Callum) his first haircut, to make it five generations. It's a special thing for us." The significance isn't lost on Korensky, who has marked time by the hair he has cut. He remembers his first client and the day he gave that first haircut. His first day of work in 1969. He also mourned the death of that first client, who died five years ago at the age of 90. "I guess I'm at that place where a lot of my friends are meeting that situation," he said. Korensky left his chosen trade for about 18 months in the mid-1980s to pursue something else an opportunity in the insurance industry, but realized he missed cutting hair. He had little trouble getting his clients back and eventually changed shops a couple of times. He's been at 33 Street Hair Studio for four years, but has cut his workweek down to two days. "I'm slowly sliding out but don't want to completely let it go just yet," he said. OShae Sibley A male teenager has turned himself in in connection with the fatal stabbing of OShae Sibley. The 17-year-old, who has a history of arrests, surrendered to police in New York City on Friday (Aug. 4). He is charged with murder as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon, according to ABC News. The teens identity has not been made public, and his records have been sealed due to his status as a juvenile. According to the outlet, the Brooklyn district attorney may pursue additional charges. As previously reported, Sibley, a 28-year-old Black gay man, was fatally stabbed in the torso at a gas station just before midnight on July 29. Sibley and a group of his friends were voguing to Beyonces RENAISSANCE album as they fueled their car. A group of unprovoked men allegedly confronted the professional choreographer and his friends, calling them homophobic slurs and demanding they stop dancing. Tensions escalated when the group refused. Sibley was injured at some point during the encounter. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The following day (July 30), Otis Pena, Sibleys friend who was present at the tragic scene, spoke out in two separate Facebook posts. In the first, he wrote, They hated us cause we are gay! Screaming, We Muslim, and we dont like gays, as we are innocently pumping gas, and yall decided to stab one of us! He accompanied it with a photo of his slain friends blood on the pavement. The second post read, We were VOGUING! Innocently voguing just two blocks from being dropped off at my house pumping gas! From Coast to Coast we are celebrating the life of OShea Sibley. With love from LA, Rest in power pic.twitter.com/CdiEPtO8cS George M Johnson Garcon (@IamGMJohnson) August 5, 2023 The beloved dancers death has sparked outrage across social media from people condemning homophobia. On Friday, several memorials took place at gas stations, with members of the LGBTQ+ community gathering to dance and vogue in his honor. Beyonce also paid tribute to The Philadanco Dance Company performer on her website, writing, Rest in power, OShae Sibley. Story continues A homegoing celebration finale is scheduled for Tuesday (Aug. 8) at The Met Philadelphia. A public viewing will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and a service will promptly follow afterward. Trending Stories Our galaxy curves above the water trapped in a collapsed volcano at Crater Lake, Oregon. If youre part of the 83 percent of Americans who live in an urban area, you probably cant see many stars from your home. Cities are overwhelmed with lights, shining from lamps in skyscrapers, the streets, and the ones in bedroom windows. All of this light from the ground drowns out the stars in a phenomenon called light pollution. Thankfully, a few organizations including the National Park Service (NPS) and the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) are fighting to preserve stargazing spots across the country and the world. Their goals are to ensure that people can access the majesty of the cosmos and safeguard eons-old cultures tied into the night sky. The IDA designates certain areas as dark sky parksor even dark sky sanctuaries for the most remote, precious locations. Of the USs many dark sky sites, were highlighting seven of the most spectacular stargazing spots in the continental states. These might not be the country's absolute darkest places, but theyre where you can see some incredible natural views and the beauty of the night sky at the same time. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Crater Lake, Oregons only national park, is a showstopper, as seen in the top photo. The 6,000-plus foot elevation atop the volcanic caldera makes for pristine skywatching, since at this height theres just less atmospheric stuff to get in the way between you and the stars. The website Space Tourism Guide recommends the Scenic Rim Drive, the path that circles the lake, as a popular spot. The starlight is supposedly so bright that flashlights are optional. Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Utah People have been photographing this geologic structure since 1909. The Rainbow Bridge National Monument in Utah, which the IDA recently designated as a dark sky sanctuary, is a magnificent rock formation and one of the worlds largest natural bridges. It is a sacred site to the Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, and other Indigenous nations of the Southwest. Getting there isnt easy: It is only accessible by boat or a lengthy 14-plus mile backpacking trip. If you are looking for a reverent experience of the night sky, this may be the place. As the National Park Service says on its website, Please visit Rainbow Bridge in a spirit that honors and respects the cultures to whom it is sacred. Story continues Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico Stars make trails over Casa Rinconada, an Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site. Designated as a dark sky park in 2013, Chaco Culture NHP in New Mexico bears the marks of millenia of human astronomical activities. In this canyon, Ancestral Puebloan people built massive structures that reflected their observations of the night sky, such as the solar cycles. They also created astronomical rock art that still stands today. The park even offers night sky programs to carry on this long tradition, including public stargazing nights and a yearly astronomy festival. [Related: The 10 most underrated national parks in the US] Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources declared Cherry Springs the state's first dark sky park in 2000. Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park in rural Pennsylvania is a contender for the absolute best stargazing in the United Statesand unlike so many of the national parks, which are located in the southwest, this ones an easy drive for urban New Englanders. Plus, its a personal favorite; my colleges astronomy group took yearly camping trips here, driving out of the glare of New York City and into this idyllic preserve. The park has a designated overnight astronomy observation field, complete with restrooms and telescope domes. Big Bend National Park, Texas Big Bend officially takes the title of having the darkest skies in a national park, at least in the lower 48 states. This Texas gem boasts over 150 miles of trails, drawing over half a million visitors per year. The National Park Service offers three campgrounds for stargazers, plus backcountry camping for the more adventurous wilderness enthusiasts. (Just dont forget your permit!) Its a great place to see the splendor of the Milky Way. Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia The terrain in Georgias Stephen C. Foster State Park is a bit different from the other deserts and forests on this list. Its home to the Okefenokee Swamp, the largest wetland in the Southern US, which is bursting with biodiversity from alligators and black bears to storks and ibis. Plus, Foster State Park is the only gold-tier dark sky part in the Southeast, scoring the highest rating for a dark sky park from the IDA. Its the best bet for folks living in Georgia, Florida, and other nearby states. You can even go for a late night paddle on the swamp and enjoy the stars from the water. Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, Maine The Milky Way sparkles above the Katahdin Loop Road Overlook. Although its better known as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, this forested region in Maine also hosts a stellar stargazing site. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is a reserve that sprawls over 87,000 acres. The NPS claims this monument has some of the darkest night skies east of the Mississippi River. Just be sure to visit in a warmer season, since Katahdin freezes into a snowmobilers paradise in the winter. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, whose attempted assassination was captured in the Oscar-winning documentary Navalny, has received a sentence for an additional 19 years in prison. The updated prison term is due to charges of extremism, per Russian media (via Deadline). Navalny is currently serving a nine-year term after accusing Russian president Vladimir Putin of corruption. Navalny shared a statement to a Telegram social media account following the sentencing. More from IndieWire The term will be long, what is called Stalinist,' he wrote. The formula for calculating it is simple: what the prosecutor asked for, minus 10-15%. They asked for 20, they give 18 or something like that. Navalny added that he anticipates an additional 10-year sentence for a pending charge of terrorism. The eponymous documentary Navalny, directed by Daniel Roher, charted Navalnys political movement against the Kremlin and the alleged attempt to poison him with nerve agent Novichok. Navalny became ill in August 2020 on a flight from Siberia to Moscow; he was treated in Germany. Navalny investigated his own poisoning alongside journalist Christo Grozev in the documentary. He returned to Russia in January 2021 and was immediately arrested. On March 22, 2022, Navalny was sentenced to nine years in a maximum-security prison after he was convicted of fraud and contempt of the Russian court. Navalny premiered at 2022 Sundance and was acquired by CNN Films, Warner Bros., and HBO Max after winning both the Audience Award in the U.S. Documentary competition and the Festival Favorite Award at Sundance. IndieWires David Ehrlich called the documentary an edge-of-your-seat experience, writing in the review, Navalny finds subject and filmmaker alike bound together by the shared belief that authoritarian governments are as scared of their people as their people are of them, and the documentary is galvanized by the spectacle of Putin shitting his pants. Story continues The feature film went on to take home the Oscar for Best Documentary. Director Roher dedicated the award to Navalny and to all political prisoners around the world. In his speech, Roher said, Alexei, the world has not forgotten your vital message to us all. We cannot, we must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism wherever it rears its head. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A birthday cake for a well-known celebrity later identified as Catherine Tyldesley spiralled into the scandal known as Cakegate this week, reviving the debate around celebrities requesting freebies from brands in exchange for social media exposure. Heres how it all unfolded: It all began on 27 July, when a cake shop in West Yorkshire, called Three Little Birds Bakery, called out a PR firm over their request for free baked goods for a celebritys 40th birthday. Rebecca Severs, who owns the bakery, posted a screenshot of an email from a company called NVRLAND on Facebook, with the caption: This poor celebrity apparently cant afford to pay people for their products and services. Spare a thought! What happened to women supporting women... Rebecca Severs is the Owner & Cake Designer at Three Little Birds Bakery ((Three Little Birds Bakery)) As per their email, NVRLAND asked Severs to provide two cakes and 100 cupcakes for the theme camp as t*ts in exchange for promotion on the then-unknown celebritys social media channels as well as in OK! Magazine. Im so sorry to hear that your client has fallen out on such hard times they cant afford to pay small businesses for their products, Severs fired back, in her response. Unfortunately, as my mortgage provider doesnt take payment in the form of promotion on their socials, and my staff cant feed their kids with exposure on Instagram, Ill have to decline your very generous offer, she continued. The post that started it all, as Three Little Birds Bakery called out a PR firm for requesting free baked goods for the 40th birthday of a well-known celebrity (Screenshot from Three Little Birds Bakery) The post earned messages of support from social media users, who praised Severs for her fab response. Excellent. Im sure said celeb would be happy to receive payment in the same way, as obviously they wouldnt want to be a hypocrite., one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Four days later, on 31 July, the bakery shared another update on Facebook, explaining Severs has been threatened with legal action for encouraging defamation of their business. This time, the post garnered over 3,500 reactions and 800 comments, with support for Severs coming from across the country as well as other parts of the world including Canada. Story continues But #Cakegate was far from over. Terrible response Shortly after, the Daily Mail revealed that the Leeds-based party planners were working for Tyldesley, who played Eva Price on the hit British soap Coronation Street from 2011 until 2018. The abuse I have been receiving online is horrendous so hopefully this will put an end to it, Tyldesley issued a statement the following day, in a video posted on Instagram. Unfortunately as my mortgage provider doesn't take payment "in the form of promotion on their socials", and my staff can't feed their kids with exposure on Instagram, I'll have to decline your very generous offer. Those are my thoughts. Well done Three Little Birds Bakery in pic.twitter.com/jsW4PCFWMG Simon Harris - Man Behaving Dadly (THATS DADLY) (@simonharris_mbd) August 1, 2023 The 39-year-old said she had no idea those emails were being sent and that she isnt working with the lovely OK! Magazine on anything that Im aware of, defending NVRLAND as an amazing company that have been completely misrepresented. Utterly bizarre, I dont know what to say, she continued. I mean, I hope the cake lady got the exposure she was craving, whilst Ive got journalists knocking on my front door while my kids are playing in the front room. Fans were less than impressed with Tyldesleys terrible response, with one person asking: How has the company asking for free stuff been misrepresented? Maybe have an idea of who is working for you, and what they are organising, another comment on X read. Others noted the irony of Severs having earned more exposure by turning down the opportunity to supply for Tyldesleys birthday than if shed agreed to NVRLANDs proposal. As #cakegate began trending on X, users dug up an old post in which Tyldesley asked for recommendations for a good cake maker in Manchester who isnt too expensive. While the bespoke cake designer didnt address the actors Instagram video directly, Severs said it was incredible to know there was so much solidarity out there for small businesses in an Instagram Story. (Instagram/3littlebirdsbakery) She also posted an AI-generated picture of the infamous cake request, much to her followers delight. TV presenter Ulrika Jonnson praised Severs pithy response to NVRLAND in a column about #cakegate for The Sun, criticising the trend of celebrities and influencers promising publicity in exchange for freebies from small businesses like Severs Keyleigh shop. Its cheeky, cocky and often with an utter disrespect for the businesses trying to stay afloat, Jonnson, 55, wrote. Jason Manford appeared to defend his Scarborough co-star on Facebook, but the comedian has since deleted his social media post. Alls well? In an interview with The Independent, Severs said she started Three Little Birds Bakery seven-and-a-half years ago, but didnt charge nearly enough for her work. Highlighting some of the early obstacles she faced while setting the business up, she explained it fueled that passion for people being valued properly for their time and their skill in the industry and said, If youre not getting paid properly for it, its not something you can do. Women should not feel guilty about charging for their work and for earning money, she added. Over the years, Angela Erickson said Forest Lawn Cemetery has received hundreds of calls from people asking whether they can be buried alongside their pets. Most pet owners would agree that our pets arent just pets. Theyre actual family members, said Erickson, the family service director at Forest Lawn. But the cemeterys regulations prevented that from happening. According to the regulations established in 1885, no animals can be buried in an area designated for human remains. But regulations do allow for humans to be buried in an area designated for animal remains. With more than 10 acres of undeveloped land already in Forest Lawns possession, the organization has established Forever Friends Pet Cemetery, which is the only pet cemetery right now in Omaha, on its property at 7909 Mormon Bridge Road. There have been pet cemeteries in the area in the past that are, unfortunately, no longer in existence, Erickson said. It really leaves people with limited options as what to do with pets. It became evident there is a need in our community. According to Omaha World-Herald archives, there used to be at least one pet cemetery in Omaha at Tullys Kennels at 77th and D streets. Tullys still operates as a pet store specializing in puppy sales. After Forest Lawn opened a new mausoleum in 2021, Erickson said the organization fully shifted its focus to establishing Forever Friends. The pet cemetery will include all the features of a regular cemetery in perpetuity. There will be headstones, monuments, plaques and benches set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery. Erickson said the cemetery will be maintained in perpetuity just like a regular cemetery. People will be able to buy plots, put their pets buried or cremated remains within, and then be laid to rest by their pets years later. The visitation period will be the same as Forest Lawns human cemetery from sunrise to sunset. It will be just like a regular cemetery just with pets, Erickson said. It offers a permanent resting place to all pets of all species: From cats and dogs to birds, fish, reptiles and any other pet that has brought joy or companionship throughout their lives. Top Journal Star photos for July 2023 The actor posted clips from his honeymoon in Bangkok, Thailand, on Instagram Friday Blair Underwood/Instagram Blair Underwood and his wife Josie Hart Blair Underwood is in honeymoon bliss! The actor, 58, shared an Instagram Reel on Friday, in which he documented his honeymoon in Bangkok, Thailand, with his new wife Josie Hart. After a couple weeks of downtime, we finally had a chance to break away and start our honeymoon here in Bangkok Thailand, someplace neither Josie or I have ever been, Underwood wrote in his caption, as Burna Boys Sittin on Top of the World" played over the video. So you know we are hyped to finally be here to check out the people, the culture, and most definitely the food! he added, tagging luxury resort Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, where the pair stayed during their visit. Blair Underwood/ Instagram Underwood revealed the towel art in his hotel room on his honeymoon Related: Blair Underwood Marries Longtime Friend Josie Hart in Intimate Caribbean Wedding (Exclusive) In the montage clip, the couples hotel room was seen covered with rose petals as two toweled swans sat propped up at the foot of their bed, setting the honeymoon scene. Every night @anantarasiambangkok there would be a different configuration of towel-art placed on our bed, Underwood explained as he shared further photos of the swans on his Instagram Story. Brilliant creations each, and every one of them. In the Reel, the newlyweds were seen partaking in a tasty meal of croissants and cake, topped off with a glass of mimosa in a restaurant, before they headed off on a boat trip and visited a Buddhist temple. Related: Josie Hart Married Blair Underwood in a Swarovski Crystal-Covered Gown That Took Over 2,000 Hours to Make (Exclusive) John Lamparski/Getty Underwood and Hart married in the Dominican Republic in June Its hot here but its worth gettin out every day and checking out Bangkok vibe! Underwood said, as he posted a second Reel showing more clips of the boat trip, as well as himself and Hart enjoying massages in a parlor. Underwood also shared a photo of the impressive chocolate cake he received on arrival in Bangkok, which displayed an edible film role printed with his face on top. Story continues Now why was there a chunk of cake with chocolate movie film with my face on it, the actor wrote on his Instagram Story. I hate for good chocolate to go to waste so that cake had to get in my belly! Blair Underwood/ Instagram The actor also showed the chocolate cake gift he received Underwoods honeymoon footage comes after the actor married his longtime friend Hart in June in an intimate ceremony at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic. Hart appeared a sparkling bride at the ceremony as she wore a Swarovski-covered dress, while groom Underwood sported an all-white suit. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The actor said he was very involved in the planning for the ceremony as he spoke to PEOPLE about the destination wedding. Im a Virgo and a bit of a perfectionist so I like to make sure details are taken care of," he said. Wedding planner Theresa Calcos of Casa de Campo worked with Angelica and Adriana Noriega of Caribbean Celebrations to create the decor and ambiance for the ceremony, which included a welcome party beforehand. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Niger President Mohamed Bazoum used a Washington Post op-ed written "as a hostage" to call on the U.S. to help end the military coup that deposed him. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Niger's democratically-elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, called on the United States to help end a military coup that has left him "as a hostage." Bazoum warned in a Washington Post op-ed Thursday that Niger is under attack from a military junta and he is just one of hundreds of citizens who have been "arbitrarily and illegally imprisoned" while calling on the United States to help his nation restore "constitutional order." "This coup, launched against my government by a faction in the military on July 26, has no justification whatsoever," Bazoum wrote. "If it succeeds, it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world." Bazoum, who was elected in 2021, said Niger "stands as the last bastion of respect for human rights amid the authoritarian movements that have overtaken some of our neighbors." He accused the coup leaders of employing "criminal Russian mercenaries such as the Wagner Group at the expense of their people's rights and dignity and said without U.S. aid "the entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence." People gather outside the National Assembly building during a protest in Niamey, Niger, July 30, 2023. Thousands of supporters of General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who declared himself the new leader of Niger after a coup July 26, took to the streets of Niamey to demonstrate support for the coup. Photo by Issifou Djibo/EPA-EFE President Joe Biden Thursday called for Bazoum's release a day after the State Department ordered all U.S. personnel and their families to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Niger. France, the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States have all called for Bazoum to be reinstated as the elected leader of Niger. Supporters of putschist soldiers hold Niger's and Russia's flags as they celebrate outside the National Assembly building in Niamey, Niger, July 27, 2023. Photo by EPA-EFE/STR ECOWAS demanded on July 30 that Bazoum be immediately released and restored to office with full restoration of Niger's constitutional order. The 15-nation group said if that isn't done within one week ECOWAS would "take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger." A West African diplomatic mission Friday seeking Bazoum's release and reinstatement failed, risking a military intervention by West African nations. Story continues The Niger military coup leaders have indicated they would resist any military effort to end their coup. President Bazoum was seized in an illegal military coup led by the nation's presidential guards last Friday. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, leader of the guards, declared himself the new leader of the country. Two years ago, EV startup Fisker seemed to have hooked a giant when it announced a deal with Taiwanese iPhone maker Foxconn to build a sub-$30,000 crossover in the United States. It turns out that deal hasn't been finalized, according to comments Fisker founder and CEO Henrik Fisker made during an interview with TechCrunch. "In the Foxconn deal specifically, we don't yet have a final conclusion to this deal," Fisker told TechCrunch on the sidelines of an event in Huntington Beach, California, to showcase its future EV portfolio. While Henrik Fisker is still confident it will come together, his comments show just how precarious and complex automotive manufacturing deals can be. And considering Foxconn's history of backing out of other factory agreements, there's reason for some caution. The Foxconn-Fisker deal Foxconn and Fisker signed in February 2021 a memorandum of understanding agreement, with the goal of producing 250,000 vehicles annually. While it wasn't clear which vehicle Fisker might build with Foxconn, the automaker had said that it was working on the Personal Automotive Electric Revolution (PEAR) an EV built for cities and urban environments that would cost less than $30,000. The Fisker-Foxconn deal came together relatively quickly following the announcement of the memorandum, and by May 2021, Foxconn and Fisker had a signed agreement, setting those expectations in writing. A few months later, Foxconn made a separate deal with EV maker Lordstown Motors that included buying its factory in Ohio and helping the struggling company manufacture its Endurance electric pickup truck. Fisker became a beneficiary of the deal when, in May 2022, the company announced it reached an agreement with Foxconn to build its PEAR EV at the Lordstown factory. But cracks soon formed in Foxconn's agreement with Lordstown Motors. Lordstown Motors filed for bankruptcy and has sued Foxconn for "fraudulent conduct," stating that the Taiwanese company had made a litany of "broken promises." Foxconn currently still owns the manufacturing plant in Lordstown, Ohio, and Fisker says that plans to build the PEAR in the Lordstown plant are still on track. Story continues Foxconn is no stranger to scuttling done deals. The company withdrew from a $19.5 billion agreement with Indian company Vedanta last month. It also famously received a $3 billion incentives package to build a factory in Wisconsin that was supposed to create 13,000 jobs. The state ended up reducing incentives when Foxconn failed to deliver on its initial promises. The PEAR-shaped question Image Credits: Abigail Bassett Fisker still appears bullish on its PEAR vehicle and the prospects of finalizing its deal with Foxconn. On Thursday, Fisker revealed a finalized prototype of the PEAR, and executives said the company wants to eventually build up to 1 million PEAR vehicles, per year, at plants around the world, including those in the U.S., Europe, China and India. The company is even taking preorders for the Fisker PEAR. According to a Fisker spokesperson, the ongoing suit between Foxconn and Lordstown Motors won't prevent Fisker from building the PEAR in the Foxconn Lordstown plant at this point. "For the PEAR, because we have this reduction of parts in the vehicle, we also need to change the assembly line slightly," Henrik Fisker told TechCrunch. "The line is a different type of assembly, and the good news is that Foxconn doesn't have much in that plant. So we need to set all this up. So that's the discussion that's going on." However, Henrik Fisker told TechCrunch there are some outstanding questions that both Foxconn and Fisker need to resolve. "Part of it is that both parties want a lot more information," Fisker said in an interview with TechCrunch. "So we need a little more information for some suppliers because, don't forget, once you have a deal, somebody's saying, that's how much it costs to assemble it, and we're saying okay, we agreed to that, right? So we're still working on exchanging information and getting to, "This is how we're going to do it," Fisker continued. The low-cost EV It's important to note that no other automaker has successfully created a sub-$30,000 EV yet. GM tried with the $26,595 Bolt but reportedly lost a considerable amount of money on every Bolt sold. Hyundai has a couple of affordable EVs in their lineup, including the Ioniq 5 and 6, but both start in the mid-$40,000 range. Tesla killed off its never-existent sub-$30,000 Model S in 2022. Fisker has priced the PEAR at $29,900 before incentives and tax rebates. After incentives, the price drops to $22,400, according to the company. That's a goal fraught with potential cost overruns, including locking in suppliers and retooling manufacturing plants. The company said it has cut the cost of manufacturing the PEAR by using an internal development process that helped it reduce the number of parts needed in the vehicles by 35%. Fisker said it will also save money by building its own supercomputers for the vehicles and by making the PEAR easier and faster to assemble. Henrik Fisker confirmed Friday during the company's Q2 earnings call that the Foxconn deal was not yet completely buttoned up. "The PEAR will be built here, [in the U.S.], but we are still in final talks with Foxconn. When you deal with contract manufacturing, it's a little different because you have to go through all the details of each vehicle to understand the exact cost of assembly," he said on the call. Later in the call, Fisker said that he expects the deal to be finalized in the next three months. Fisker also noted that overnight, the company took in around 1,000 orders for the new Alaska pickup, which will be built and sold in the U.S. "The chance for us is let's get these cars to market as fast as we can. Grab as much market share, because once you grab market share, you have a much bigger chance to hold on to it," Fisker told TechCrunch. "Nobody can make a car in two years, now. We started all these programs two years ago. So they've all been under development and kind of in skunk works, so they're all ready to go. Ready to go to suppliers and get into production," he continued. "We still have to select certain manufacturing sites, and we're in the middle of all that. But the strategy is really let's get great product to market, really innovative product that excites people and let's take a big market share." A years-long romance ended on accusations of infidelity, and after days of threats, stalking and turmoil from her then ex-boyfriend, Maple Batalia was found shot on her college campus. Her murder is the focus of an upcoming episode of Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins, airing Sunday, August 13 at 7/6c on Oxygen. In this Oxygen true-crime series, Jenkins, a former criminal prosecutor at the Manhattan District Attorneys Office, narrates stories of relationships that turned deadly. RELATED: This "Cold Blooded" Killer Stabbed a Florida Grandmother to Death in Her Garage Who was Maple Batalia? The 19-year-old was born near Mumbai, India, and was attending Simon Fraser University as a health science student in Surrey in Canada when she was killed in a campus parking lot, according to the Mirror in the U.K. Batalia had dreams of becoming a doctor, but was also a part-time model and actress, with a role in the 2010 movie, Diary of A Wimpy Kid, according to IMDB. She also appeared in an episode of the television series The Secret Circle airing on CW in 2011. Batalia had been named a finalist in the Central City Model search, and was about to go to auditions in Alberta, when she was killed, according to IMDB. A photo of Maple Battalia, featured on Killer Relationship With Faith Jenkins 212 Maple Battalia, featured on Killer Relationship With Faith Jenkins 212 Photo: Oxygen Who was Maple Batalia dating? Batalia had been in an off and on relationship with Gurjinder "Gary" Dhaliwal, 20, for four years, since high school, according to Globe and Mail. But in 2011, when she learned he had been unfaithful to her, she ended their relationship. Thats when his pattern of stalking and harassment began, according to Globe and Mail. Between mid-August and late September 2011, he called her more than 2,000 times, and texted her several thousand times. On one night when Batalia was at a club with a male friend, Dhaliwal sent her 300 text messages, according to the Mirror. He spit on one of her male friends outside a club, according to Globe and Mail, and punched another of her male friends at Tim Hortons, in a jealous rage. After that, the outlet reported Dhaliwal was arrested and ordered not to have contact with Batalia. Story continues She had told him the relationship was over. She was moving on. He did not want that to occur, Crown prosecutor Wendy Stephen said, according to Globe and Mail. How was Maple Batalia murdered? Batalia was studying at her university library on the night of Sept. 18, 2011, and when she left the library, she hugged a male friend goodbye, according to the Mirror. As she walked to her car, she was shot. Though she was alive when police arrived on the scene, she succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. To learn how detectives solved her murder, watch Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins on Sunday, August 13 at 7/6c on Oxygen or catch up in the Oxygen True Crime App. Brown Bird Design Much to the surprise of some of the more fly-by-night startups weve seen come and go over the past few years, building cars is hard. Cars are extremely complex things, with many individual systems that require huge levels of engineering to be made a reality. That much became obvious on a recent visit to Brembo's engineering facilities just outside the Italian city of Bergamo. The Brembo brand hardly needs an introduction, as it's the only widely known brake supplier in the world, yet most don't know the scope of its road-car business. Brembo is one of the world's largest suppliers of original equipment (OE) performance brakes, operating factories around the world. You've seen Brembo-branded brakes offered on many high-performance cars, but the company supplies a lot more than fancy logoed calipers. If you see any car with a fixed-piston caliperBrembo doesn't make sliding-piston calipersthere's a very good chance that most or all of the braking system came from Brembo. Our visit revealed just how complicated life is for an automotive supplier. Developing road-car brakes, especially OE performance brakes, is no small undertaking. In some ways, it's just as complicated as making the entire car. Honda Brembo is unique among braking suppliers in that it makes pretty much everything in-house. Pads, discs, calipers, lines, fluids, cylinders, and in some instances, aluminum suspension components. Perhaps the best place to start in explaining why brakes are so complicated is at Brembo's material science laboratory. Yes, there's a science lab at Brembo HQ, complete with fancy (read: expensive) electron microscopes and people walking around in white coats. It's there that the materials that make up Brembos pads, rotors, fluids, and other components are developed and tested. And the level of testing work required is extensive. For example, it has to test virtually every brake fluid available on the market to ensure it works with its components. The head of the lab, Andrea Bonfanti, told us that at one point, some American fluids were made with an aluminum alloy that destroyed caliper pistons at high-temperatures, forcing Brembo to change the material used. Story continues When an automaker comes to Brembo with a request to supply OE brakes, the materials researched by the lab are pressed into service. The engineers are spoiled for choice. For example, there are over 500 individual materials that can be used to make a brake pad. Once the materials are selected, prototypes are then madepads onsite in a dedicated factoryand subjected to extensive real-world testing. Brembo wouldn't allow us to take photos, but we saw many dyno benches for testing individual brake components and entire systems in a number of different conditions. There are climatic chambers and vibration dynos that test what happens when a braking component is subject to extreme conditions. Brembo Those climatic chambers are actually a relatively new development that allows Brembo to test components in a variety of different temperatures. "Without temperature, it's not so simple to identify issues that can change the mechanical characteristics of the material and cause damage," says Mauro Ielasi Brembo's advanced R&D department. He adds that these chambers are either the first or second in Europe. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take photos of all of the many test benches, but one in particular stuck with me. Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) is a big concern in car development, and it's on Brembo to make sure its brakes aren't causing any problems. Automakers send Brembo entire suspension assemblies to be tested on a special dyno so that the source of any potential NVH can be found and eliminated. It seems like a ton of work, but it's the only way to know where sounds in the car are coming from. Brembo Once all this testing work is done, real-world testing has to be done. Automakers send prototypes to Brembo directly so that their brakes can be tested on an actual car. There's a garage deep within its Curno campus where, among other things, we saw some last-gen Audi and Mercedes models presumably testing new brake developments, and a prototype mule for the new Range Rover Sport SVR. There is some testing that happens right on Brembo's campus, which sadly we weren't allowed to see, but the company also does testing at a race track just up the road, Monza. Typically, Brembo's Curno facility services European automakers, but the company has a similar, albeit smaller setup in Plymouth, Michigan where it does the same thing for American automakers. The mind reels at all this. It's hard to process just how much work goes into making brakes for just one car. There's thousands of hours put in by engineers and scientists, using millions of dollars worth of the latest and greatest to make sure that your car will stop well no matter the conditions. (Save for normal wear and tear, obviously.) Brembo Then you've got to build the thing. All this work is just for coming up with the product, not making it by the hundreds of thousands. Brembo only toured us around its racing plant, which operates in a very different manner than its road-car plants. But, we learned that Brembo makes basically all the braking components in-house, and it even operates its own foundries in a number of locations. That's a story for another day, however. After trying to digest more than I'd ever thought I'd learn about brakes, I had a funny realization. This is the level of work that goes into making just one of the major systems that makes up a car. Think about what other suppliers have to do. It's easy to think that an automaker just goes to a supplier with a list of specs and then a part immediately gets put into production, but it's so much more involved than that. It's hard to put an exact price on what it costs to engineer and manufacture a set of brakes for a road car, but there's no doubt that it's a lot. When you realize that this is the case for basically every component that goes into the car, you understand why they cost so much to develop. In other words, why building cars is so hard. You Might Also Like Legacy Motor Club has suspended Cup Series rookie Noah Gragson ahead of this weekends race at Michigan International Speedway. Gragson reportedly liked an insensitive social media about the death of George Floyd, although neither Gragson nor the team have addressed the specific details about why he was suspended. We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gragson effective immediately regarding his actions that do not represent the values of our team, an organization statement read. Gragson currently sits 33rd in points amid a difficult first Cup season. Its unclear what incident led to Legacy Motor Clubs decision, or what the length of the suspension will be. I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media, Gragson posted on social media. I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple. NASCAR has also suspended Gragson, adding: NASCAR fully supports Legacy Motor Clubs decision to suspend Noah Gragson. Following his actions on social media, NASCAR has determined that Gragson has violated the Member Conduct section of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book and has placed him under indefinite suspension. Taking Gragsons place will be Xfinity Series regular Josh Berry. The Tennessean has made eight Cup starts in 2023, replacing the injured Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman for Hendrick motorsports. He earned three top-10s and a best finish of second at Richmond Raceway during the stretch. Berry will move up to Cup full-time in 2024 with Stewart-Haas Racing, replacing retiring champion Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 Ford. Story originally appeared on Racer Its rare that European cinema impacts on Hollywood but its exciting when theres a trickle-down effect, like the connection to be made between Denmarks stripped-down Dogme movies, which launched in Cannes in the late 90s, and Steven Spielbergs decision to go back to basics (well, for him) with Catch Me If You Can a few years later. Its a moot point how many will ever see Romanian director Radu Judes follow-up to his 2021 Berlinale winner Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn, but, like Bob Dylan going electric or the Sex Pistols making their ramshackle debut at a London art school, this wilfully uncommercial but bloody-minded film could be genuinely seminal in its anarchic and totally individualistic approach, slipping discordant, Godardian subversion into a darkly comic, Ruben Ostlund-style human drama. The intro suggests a boring academic exercise, positing the first half (A) as a conversation with a 1981 Romanian film called Angela Moves On. Surprisingly, in a world where were used to the cliche of visual artists providing a response and critics engaging in a dialogue with other peoples work, Judes film is actually what he says it is, using a 1981 film by Lucian Bratu (Angela Moves On) as its jumping-off point. That film stars Dorina Lazar in the title role as a taxi driver, and perhaps Radus films chief conceit is how surprising and modern it seems today, with its light, verite-style, Kodak-pastel portrayal of a country where a single woman could not only be a taxi driver but the main character in a movie two things were still comparatively rare anywhere in 1981, let alone the land of Ceausescu. More from Deadline Radu interrupts and interpolates that portrayal of Bucharest with his own film and his own leading lady, also called Angela (Ilinca Manolache), an equally independent woman whose scenes are (almost) all shot in a less rose-tinted hue: stark black and white. Like the Angela of Angela Moves On, she pretty much lives in her car, but in this instance its because shes a put-upon production assistant, working for a cheapskate film and video company, driving around Bucharest filming potential candidates for a health and safety video. No one else is available, since theres a big, green-screen sci-fi movie in town Canis Majoris Attacks! directed by Uwe Boll (A crazy German who beats people up). So Angela has to suck it up, driving through the crowded streets of the capital, slugging coffee to get from A to B. As a female driver, like the Angela of the 80s, she has run-ins, but these confrontations, once merely chauvinistic, are now frighteningly misogynistic and, sadly, shes become hardened to them. Both films are rich with detail, much of it specific to Romania, but a lot of Do Not Expect is surprisingly worldwide-topical. Angela has an online presence as Bobita, a sexist, foul-mouthed, satirical alter-ego she creates by superimposing Andrew Tates features onto her face by the magic of the iPhone. Meanwhile, King Charles has just been crowned, Revolut is a thing, and the war in Ukraine is decried as a premise to inflate energy bills (its a wonder the Barbie movie didnt merit a mention). In a bonus, post-modern twist, Angela even meets the other, fictional Angela (Lazar herself) in a wonderful piece of meta-texuality that brings the two together in a poetic symbiosis: theres the Boomer version, resigned to living out her once-colorful life in monochrome, and the millennial whos never known anything but. The younger Angelas barely concealed anger about her work situation, and her not-at-all-concealed thoughts about the world and local politics, keep the first two hours on the boil, and the cameras detached distance (as well as the films length) suggests this might build to be a kind of a sister piece to Cristi Puius sardonic observational drama The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (2005). But after that, Judes film unexpectedly jumps the rails when one of the subjects that Angela has scouted starts to film his testimony. Now we are in one-take territory, and, in that peculiar way that Romanian cinema likes to wrap things up by un-wrapping things up, we are in Police, Adjective territory, a reference to Corneliu Porumboius provocative 2009 Cannes Un Certain Regard prize-winner that Well, if you know, you know, and if you dont, its to your credit that youre interested enough to read this far. These final 40 minutes (B), though interesting and engaging, thus take us to a place we werent quite expecting: Although bathos is very much a feature of Romanian New Wave, given Angelas attitude and her principles, her interactions with her paymasters visiting Austrian client (a very generous cameo from Nina Hoss) dont pay off in a particularly satisfying way. But its a testament to Manolaches unpredictable, matchhead presence that we want to see more of her, since she carries, on her shoulders alone, a complex and often hilarious arthouse experiment that conflates the present and the past to leave us pondering its initially funny but ultimately troublesome title: Is it really all downhill from here? Title: Do Not Expect Too Much From The End Of The World Festival: Locarno (Golden Leopard Competition) Director/screenwriter: Radu Jude Cast: Ilinca Manolache, Ovidiu Pirsan, Nina Hoss, Dorina Lazar, Laszlo Miske, Katia Pascariu Running time: 2hr 43 min Sales agent: Heretic 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. null In March 1981, Prog readers would have been forgiven for raising an eyebrow in surprise upon seeing Dave Stewart, previously keyboardist with Egg, Hatfield And The North and National Health, sharing a Top Of The Pops stage with The Zombies Colin Blunstone. They were there promoting Stewarts delightfully skewed reworking of Jimmy Ruffins What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted as it hovered just outside the UKs Top 10. But that surprise would be as nothing compared to the shock of seeing Stewart back on the show a few months later, this time with Barbara Gaskin singing an equally idiosyncratic arrangement of Lesley Gores 1963 teen-angst hit, Its My Party. When the song settled down to a four-week stint at No.1 nobody was more astonished than the duo themselves. It was just completely bizarre, says Gaskin, reflecting on the strange and unexpected turn in their careers that ultimately changed their lives. Wed both been in bands prior to that and we were 30 when we had that hit, so we were kind of mature, but of course, we were very surprised when it shot up the charts. It was insane, recalls Stewart. It was like a kind of crazy film made by a lunatic director of what could happen to serious musicians if they take a step to the left into a new dimension. It was like a fantasy film. His previous forays into TV had been with National Health on The Old Grey Whistle Test and as a member of Bill Brufords band on BBC Two series Rock Goes To College at the tail-end of the 1970s. While both of these could be said to embody the kind of show on which youd expect to encounter Dave Stewart, fronting a single that become a best-seller in places as far afield as Germany and Australia was most definitely not. Recording the song was intended to be nothing more than a laugh at the time, says Stewart now. Just the idea of having a single out on a label was an amusing idea as a side issue to the kind of music I had done hitherto. You know, Wouldnt it be funny if you got played on Radio 1? Oh, thats never gonna happen. But itd be funny, wouldnt it? Story continues The success of Its My Party changed their lives in ways they could not have foreseen. Gaskin, previously vocalist with Canterbury-based folk-rock group Spirogyra, as well as recording and performing with the Hatfields as one-third of The Northettes when occasion demanded, explains that having initially enjoyed the novelty of their sudden celebrity status, the shine quickly wore off. The negative side of it was the kind of reaction of the tabloid press, the aggression of being photographed. I didnt enjoy that. Happily, some of the changes to their lives were far more agreeable. Firstly, having been friends since 1969, their relationship deepened from platonic to romantic during a hectic promotional tour in the USA. Secondly, there was the money. Were they tempted to blow it all on big houses, fast cars and copious amounts of cocaine? Well, maybe the odd beer, smiles Gaskin. Because we were that bit older we didnt spend the money on whatever people usually do in that situation. Instead, they sensibly invested the cash in buying studio time, she explains. It meant that we could carry on working. We were incredibly fortunate that we could do that and do it on our own. We didnt need record company support. We didnt go on holiday for a couple of years but spent all our time in the studio because we loved what we were doing. Its been like that ever since. Weve been very lucky. Some of the imaginative cover versions that have peppered the eight albums theyve released include The Blue Niles Heatwave, Bob Dylans Subterranean Homesick Blues, The Byrds 8 Miles High and The Lovin Spoonfuls Summer In The City. However, they represent only a tiny fraction of Stewart & Gaskins output. Their original material bears many of the traits that have endeared Stewart and his writing to so many in the progressive rock community. Songs such as New Jerusalem from 1990s The Big Idea, with its 25-piece choir, pipe organ and Gavin Harrisons thunderous drumming, extend into long-form areas. Jupiter Rising and Walnut Tree Walk from 2009s Green And Blue with their stirring themes and dextrous, joyful fuzz organ are instantly recognisable examples of Stewarts gift for melody, while the title track and The Sweetwater Sea extend into a mini-suite with a fantasy sequence and Peter Blegvads narration Stewart had worked with him on National Healths Of Queues And Cures. Dave Stewart Stewart himself cites several tracks that have a deep personal resonance for him. As Far As Dreams Can Go is an early example of a kind of Stewart-Gaskin ballad with an arrangement that includes cello from ex-Henry Cow member Georgie Born. Simple and transparent, Stewart says the words are directed toward Gaskin. Its quintessential, its got the Stewart-Gaskin thing, whatever that is. Its there in that song. Heavy Heart, from their last album Star Clocks in 2018, deals with being held back by depression or negative feelings tempered with moments of hope and redemption. But its also a showcase of Stewarts ability to get under the hood of the song and create something new within a particular framework. Its kind of jazzy because the chords are just drifting off and theres no tonal centre and they are quite complex, he says. They draw upon all the harmonic exploration Ive done since I started writing for keyboards. I get a real buzz from devising stuff like that, an emotional spark just from that. Its a kind of intellectual process, but it also has an emotional quotient which allows me to incorporate it in the song. Stewart acknowledges that by following a different direction and producing what he calls intelligent pop after his work with Egg, the Hatfields, and National Health, hes seen by some fans as somehow being guilty of selling out. Some people would want me to just be playing jazz-rock in a pub somewhere, he says ruefully. I wasnt going to do a Dave Stewart Band National Health Mark II, you know The Best Of Dave The Progressive Organ Player. That slipped away. I didnt want that anymore. There was a kind of personal journey that led me to want to express myself differently, which led to the catalyst of recording a demo of What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted. When Prog speaks with the couple theyre, in Gaskins words, in the middle of finishing what will be their ninth album. In a sense, each of the albums theyve done to date represents snapshots in time, she observes. Thats an interesting thing about being in our profession. What we do is that youre actually recording moments of your own life. Initially, the pair work in separate parts of the house, she says. Dave starts off with kind of unfinished things, usually backings that hell give me, bits of songs, such as choruses and verses, and Ill go upstairs and record them. He then finishes them over quite a long period of time, usually. Ive always been working on a Stewart & Gaskin album since 1982, laughs Stewart. Additionally, theyre preparing for a rare gig at Londons Kings Place on August 5. Its a process that begins at their kitchen table as they lay out song titles and ideas for a cohesive running order. Once thats complete they move on to formal rehearsals with their long-term guitarist, Beren Matthews. In 2006, needing to escape noisy neighbours, the couple swapped London for the relative tranquillity of life in the country. Happily isolated, save for one nearby property, as they began preparations for their Japanese gigs with the full line-up, Stewart checked in with the owner as a courtesy and in order to maintain good neighbourly relations. I said, If its bothering you just come and tell us. A couple of weeks later he asked if wed been rehearsing. I said yes, and he said we should have turned it up because he couldnt hear it. So, the joke is that the only noise complaint weve had is that we dont play loud enough. With those shows in Japan now under their belt, theyre looking forward to getting back on stage. Theres something that you get from a live performance that you dont necessarily find in the studio, says Gaskin. The best gig is where youre listening to each other intently; they are the best moments in the music when its gelling. And its not to do with what Im doing on my own, its to do with the sum of everything; that tingling-in-the-spine moment. Thats the sound of music coming together. Stewart agrees. You do stuff in the gig you would never normally do. Beren and I have this thing called the Red Mist that comes down where you just go ape and you sort of almost lose control where your fingers do things you didnt know they could do, and you just generally really express yourself in a way that rarely happens in the studio. Although gigging represents a fair degree of upheaval and expense and not necessarily much in the way of a financial return, playing live is also about entering into a kind of pact with the listeners, he says. At their previous London show, they were humbled to discover that fans had come from all parts of the UK and had flown in from the US, Australia, Europe and Israel. You meet them after the gig, and they say, Ive come from Florida. Thats such a commitment. And I think, well if youre coming from Florida, I can drive up the A38 from the West Country up to London. The duo are also engaging with fans through YouTube via their Song Talk videos. On them, they go into the details and context of their recordings and, although only two episodes are currently up, more are planned. While admittedly time-consuming to produce, it also enables them to reflect on their creative processes. Stewart recalls incorporating a live version of Song Talk as part of their recent Japanese shows. I thought, Ill show them how I write music. It was really, really simple: I get a keyboard, I turn it on and I play, and thats how I write music. Its no mystery, really. Theres just a thing that happens, and its deeply personal, where you get some feedback from what youre playing. You get an emotional spark from it. When I get that, I know its right. I know Im on the right track now, and that is my musical muse. Its the old shiver up the back. This article originally appeared in issue 141 of Prog Magazine. Sheer Mag are back and theyve signed to Third Man Records. To herald their return, the rock band has announced a tour and shared the new song All Lined Up, along with a music video directed by Matt Palmer. The clip is a snapshot of late-night hours spent hanging with friends at a dive bar: dim lights, beer-and-a-shot combos, and endless rounds of pool. Check it out below. The partnership came about when Sheer Mag reached out to Third Man directly, according to Third Mans Ben Blackwell. Having been aware of Sheer Mag since their earliest 7-inch singles and keeping up with their self-released, independent, DIY take-no-prisoners ethos, I never envisioned a world where they would ever sign to a record label, he said. So imagine how ecstatic we were at Third Man when the band reached out to us directly and asked if wed be interested in partnering with them. Still doesnt seem real. We are beyond honored, humbled really, to receive their handshake and their trust. This is gonna be fun as shit. The label will also reissue the bands back catalog. Sheer Mag will hit the road this month for a tour that stretches into the fall. The North American trek begins on August 15 in Winooski, Vermont, and will last until December 1 in the bands hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Find their complete list of tour dates below. A Distant Call, the bands most recent album, came out back in 2019. Sheer Mag have been fairly quiet since then, getting a nod from Bernie Sanders at a campaign rally that same year and rolling out the song Crushed Velvet for Hulus film The Ultimate Playlist of Noise in 2021. Read about A Distant Call in Pitchforks list The Best Rock Albums of 2019. Sheer Mag: 08-15 Winooski, VT - The Monkey House 08-16 Montreal, Quebec - La Sotterenea 08-17 Toronto, Ontario - Nineteen Seventy Eight 08-19 Pittsburgh, PA - Skullfest 08-20 Richmond, VA - Cobra Cabana 08-21 Durham, NC - The Pinhook 08-22 Washington, DC - Comet Ping Pong 08-23 Baltimore, MD - Holy Frijoles 10-03 Portsmouth, NH - The Press Room ! 10-04 Hamden, CT - Space Ballroom ! 10-05 Garwood, NJ - Crossroads ! 10-06 Norfolk, VA - Chicho's ! 10-08 Atlanta, GA - The Earl ! 10-10 Memphis, TN - Growlers ! 10-11 St. Louis, MO - Blueberry Hill Duck Room ! 10-13 Lawrence, KS - Bottleneck ! 10-14 Minneapolis, MN - Snow & Flurry Fest ! 10-15 Milwaukee, WI - X-Ray Arcade ! 10-16 Detroit, MI - Third Man Records ! 10-17 Cleveland, OH - No Class ! 11-28 Boston, MA - Royale ~ 11-29 New York, NY - Webster Hall ~ 12-01 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer ~ ! ! with Hotline TNT ~ with Baroness Originally Appeared on Pitchfork A 15-year-old boy from East St. Louis has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated vehicular hijacking in the shooting death of a St. Louis woman. According to a press release from the Illinois State Police, St. Clair County States Attorney James Gomric brought the charges Friday afternoon following a thorough investigation by the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group. The murder charge is a Class M felony and hijacking charge is a Class X felony. The 15-year-old is being held at the St. Clair Juvenile Detention Center. On Aug. 27, 2022, the East St. Louis Police Department requested Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group to conduct a death investigation. Officers found 49-year-old Harriett Childers of St. Louis in the 1800 block of Gaty Avenue with a gunshot wound, according to the release. Childers was a full-time nurse and had been driving for a ride share when the shooting occurred. She was pronounced dead on scene. Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation was assisted by the East St. Louis Police Department, St. Clair County Coroners Office, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, FBI, and United States Attorney Southern District of Illinois. No further information will be disclosed at this time, the release stated. Ben Wheatley, the director of "Meg 2: The Trench," spoke with China.org.cn recently about his experience working with Chinese filmmakers, particularly Chinese actor Wu Jing, during making the sci-fi monster film. British director Ben Wheatley speaks during an interview. [Photo courtesy of Dark Horse] "What impressed me the most about Wu Jing was his relentless energy and dedication to making stuff better," the director said about Wu, the high-profile action actor in China who gained huge popularity through such juggernauts as "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth." "When he gets on set, he's like a whirlwind of ideas and suggestions, but he has thought about it all very, very deeply. That felt like a real collaborator we were making a movie together, forming the film together through lots of good and great ideas." Producer Belle Avery shared that the team of "Meg 2" was determined to bring Wu on board and patiently waited two years until he became available. Meanwhile, Wu explained that he joined the project to explore the monster movie genre in Chinese cinema and to engage with his foreign counterparts in terms of processes, experiences and technologies. Additionally, he jokingly mentioned wanting to become a monster-fighting superhero to regain his status in his sons' hearts, who are big fans of the legendary Ultraman. Wheatley, known for films such as "High-Rise" and "Free Fire," loved how fearless Wu Jing was when performing a stunt, even hanging off the side of a real helicopter during one scene. "This is fantastic and really draws the audience in, he said. "It's not fake; it's real. It really happened." The much-anticipated "Meg 2" is a Chinese-led international production, with China's CMC Pictures playing a significant role and having control over the project, while collaborating closely with Warner Bros. Pictures. Building upon the excitement of its 2018 predecessor, the sequel raises the stakes with even larger creatures and fresh threats, including a nefarious mining operation. Led by characters portrayed by global action stars Jason Statham and Wu, the mission to fight against colossal megalodons, other marine predators and unyielding environmental plunderers promises to be this summer's most exhilarating blockbuster, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Actor Wu Jing performs a stunt in a still from "Meg 2: The Trench." [Photo courtesy of CMC Pictures] The director mentioned that they had conducted numerous video meetings with the CMC Pictures team, Wu Jing and Chinese scriptwriters during the collaborative process, which also involved back-and-forth discussions between Western and Chinese writers, adapting plotlines and dialogue to make sense for both cultures. By collaborating with Wu and the Chinese team, Wheatley observed Wus approach to filmmaking. He found it fascinating to witness the detailed scrutiny of the script, where they were always open to revisiting and making changes on the day of filming, but always for the betterment of the movie. "To see that in action was really great and to feel the energy of it was really great," he said. The film seamlessly incorporated various Chinese elements, including the name of Wu's character, "Jiuming," which translates to "ocean" and "abyss" in ancient Chinese. Moreover, Chinese calligraphy and philosophy were skillfully interwoven and showcased, accompanied by some impromptu Chinese quips by Wu on set. The director believes that these elements can be enjoyed and appreciated by the global audience as well. Jason Statham faces off against a giant monster shark in a still from "Meg 2: The Trench." [Photo courtesy of CMC Pictures] "It's not a film that's about the differences between China and the West," he said. "It's more that there are lots of people from lots of different places and they have differences, but it doesn't really affect how they work together. I like the idea of making a kind of an international action cinema that can be enjoyed in lots of different places. I think its important." He added, "It was a real pleasure to get to grips with Chinese culture and kind of go through it and get to work on such a kind of granular level of things." Wu Jing even took the director on a journey into Chinese culture. For example, during the Shanghai International Film Festival in June, Wu warmly welcomed him and his foreign colleagues, ensuring they could enjoy a variety of authentic Chinese cuisine from different regions. "I was like, 'How would that ever happen!' Normally for me, I would never get to experience this. So, it's a real privilege, really." With around 1,700 visual effect shots and arduous underwater shooting, "Meg 2" was a challenging film to create. However, the director described it as having a "kinetic dynamic speed." "It starts off and then it gets faster with more and more action," he said. "I believe this is what sets it apart from other monster movies its relentless and exciting pace." A poster for "Meg 2: The Trench."[Image courtesy of CMC Pictures] Apart from delivering thrilling, action-packed experiences, Wheatley aims to convey messages to the global audience through the film, which is set for worldwide release on Aug. 4. "One message is about cooperation. When you're up against it and the odds are really stacked against you, through positivity and working together, you can get through. And that's one of the things that we loved about the script: it portrayed human beings as frail as they are, but they never gave up. Additionally, there's the important theme of looking after nature and not taking it for granted. We should always aspire to be like the characters in the film who are not only striving to protect the oceans but also actively stopping people from destroying them." A Norfolk Public Schools administrator has resigned following a state investigation that alleges he falsified documents in order to get federal reimbursement. A letter released by State Auditor Mike Foley on Thursday alleges that Bill Robinson, associate superintendent for the district, forged a grant reimbursement form that was submitted to the Nebraska Department of Education for funding. According to the letter, Robinson was seeking reimbursement from a special education grant program under the Department of Education. He submitted a request for reimbursement earlier this year but it was rejected by the department because it was submitted six months too late. "A district employee then contacted the department to inquire about a possible remedy but was told that the reimbursement request was so far overdue that it could not be legally processed," the letter says. "Days later, (Robinson) contacted the department, supposedly explaining that the original reimbursement documentation had been sent in error, and the correct paperwork would be forthcoming." Robinson then allegedly submitted new paperwork that appeared to have been altered, containing both revised purchase dates and a different grant year for when the expenses were incurred. According to the letter, this was done to "presumably allow the reimbursement payment to be processed during the following grant period." It was later rejected by the department. The letter also alleges that Robinson attempted to obscure how the expenses were approved by the school board, how the expenses were made and their actual purchase dates. Foley said that his office believes the falsified documents are also public records, "making that alleged activity both criminal and particularly disgusting." "It is so important for public officials to remember that their actions reflect upon not only themselves but also the entities that they represent," Foley said in a statement. "Such cognizance is all the more essential when the reputations of our schools are at stake the very institutions responsible for setting an example for our youth and teaching them to be responsible, trustworthy citizens." In a Thursday press release, the Norfolk school district said it placed Robinson on administrative leave and launched an internal investigation immediately after they received Foley's letter. Robinson's resignation will be officially approved on Aug. 15. "We are taking the recommendations provided by Foleys office utmost seriously, and are re-evaluating our internal control procedures to include additional safeguards to protect the district and our taxpayers money," said Superintendent Jami Jo Thompson in an official statement. "I would like to assure our community that Norfolk Public Schools will not let this impact our amazing staff and the wonderful students we serve." Close Isaac Wood pets stingrays with his grandma Sandy Lark during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Carter Worrell has a staring contest with a baby chick during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Lucas Bell pets a yak with his family during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A nurse shark swims at the bottom of its tank during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Red, blue and purple ribbons for the fowl competition sit out during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A Nowear BMX rider jumps from a high ramp while teammates watch during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Thursday. The Super Fair continues through Aug. 12. The riders will perform 45-minute shows again Friday at 11 a.m. and 2:30, 5 and 7:30 p.m. in the Attraction Zone. A Nowear BMX rider jumps from a high ramp during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Contestants line up with their chickens for the show competition during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Contestants line up with their chickens for the show competition during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Plush animals hang together on the wall of a carnival booth during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A boer goat begins to eat the show sign during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A group of children admire goats during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Nowear BMX performs during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Gracie Mentzer shows off her pal, Brownie, as she sits on her shoulder the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. LouAnna Fields attaches hangers to prizes the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Kiara Eppenbach hugs her American Quarter horse Eddie, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair, at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023, in Lincoln. Derek Bruss sets up a pen while his pig, named Big Betsy, nibbles on his boots Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Lily Wooledge and Thomas McHenery hang up Christmas decorations outside of their stalls the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Remi Rou, a 2-year-old paint, chows down on some hay offered by her owner Lily Wood on Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Zack Mentzer peeks out from a trailer while he and his family unload their Hampshire cross breed pigs the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Morgan Roof spreads wood chips around the stall while her horse, Blu, watches patiently from outside the stall, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023, in Lincoln. The Mentzer family unload their Hampshire cross-breed pigs Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Jack Roberts pulls Parker Boelter around in a wagon as they inspect the stalls looking for friends, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Lillie Beach showers off her horse, Tequila, after arriving the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Gracie Mittan-Debuhr leads her horse valley to her stall the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Fair kids who show animals will set up in the stalls so they have a place to rest, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Danielle Tate sweeps an open stall the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Photos: Lancaster County Super Fair returns for 10-day run A live shark encounter, 40 bulls and riders competing on their way to the Extreme Bull Riding Tour in Vegas, take a look at this year's Lancaster County Super Fair. Isaac Wood pets stingrays with his grandma Sandy Lark during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Carter Worrell has a staring contest with a baby chick during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Lucas Bell pets a yak with his family during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A nurse shark swims at the bottom of its tank during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Red, blue and purple ribbons for the fowl competition sit out during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A Nowear BMX rider jumps from a high ramp while teammates watch during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Thursday. The Super Fair continues through Aug. 12. The riders will perform 45-minute shows again Friday at 11 a.m. and 2:30, 5 and 7:30 p.m. in the Attraction Zone. A Nowear BMX rider jumps from a high ramp during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Contestants line up with their chickens for the show competition during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Contestants line up with their chickens for the show competition during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Plush animals hang together on the wall of a carnival booth during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A boer goat begins to eat the show sign during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. A group of children admire goats during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Nowear BMX performs during the Lancaster County Super Fair at Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 3, 2023. Gracie Mentzer shows off her pal, Brownie, as she sits on her shoulder the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. LouAnna Fields attaches hangers to prizes the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Kiara Eppenbach hugs her American Quarter horse Eddie, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair, at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023, in Lincoln. Derek Bruss sets up a pen while his pig, named Big Betsy, nibbles on his boots Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Lily Wooledge and Thomas McHenery hang up Christmas decorations outside of their stalls the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Remi Rou, a 2-year-old paint, chows down on some hay offered by her owner Lily Wood on Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Zack Mentzer peeks out from a trailer while he and his family unload their Hampshire cross breed pigs the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Morgan Roof spreads wood chips around the stall while her horse, Blu, watches patiently from outside the stall, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023, in Lincoln. The Mentzer family unload their Hampshire cross-breed pigs Wednesday ahead of the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center. Jack Roberts pulls Parker Boelter around in a wagon as they inspect the stalls looking for friends, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Lillie Beach showers off her horse, Tequila, after arriving the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Gracie Mittan-Debuhr leads her horse valley to her stall the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Fair kids who show animals will set up in the stalls so they have a place to rest, the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. Danielle Tate sweeps an open stall the day before the start of the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Lancaster Event Center on Aug. 2, 2023. A24 horror film Talk to Me has reportedly been banned in Kuwait, a strict marketplace for releases, due to the casting of non-binary star Zoe Terakes, per The Hollywood Reporter. Terakes gender identity is not mentioned in the film. Terakes identifies as non-binary and trans-masculine and announced their gender-confirming surgery in 2022. They are set to star in the upcoming MCU series Ironheart, making them Marvels first transgender actor in a TV series. More from IndieWire Australian thriller Talk to Me has marked the second biggest domestic opening for A24 since Hereditary with $10 million. The film is the feature directorial debut from YouTubers Danny and Michael Philippou of the RackaRacka channel. The script was written by co-director Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman. While Talk to Me has already been released across all other Gulf territories, it will not premiere in Kuwait, per The Hollywood Reporter. Talk to Me premiered at 2023 Sundance during the Midnight Selections lineup and was acquired by A24 for a high seven-figure deal; the film later screened at SXSW. The film follows a friend group that becomes addicted with speaking to the dead through a series of seances. Sophie Wilde, Otis Dhanji, Miranda Otto, Alexandra Jensen, and Joe Bird also star in addition to Terakes. The IndieWire review compared the film to Flatliners for the internet age meets Jordan Peele, writing that tight crafts, unrestrained palpability, and like all great horror films, the joining of ambiguous shadows with a gurgle of tension spewing music make the feature an unmissable debut. [Lead star] Wildes physically demanding, and emotionally draining, performance, makes the stomach churn fast enough for you to forget to cover your eyes, the review reads. Talk to Me offers frights thatll murder you long before the next movie arrives. Story continues The banning of Talk to Me in Kuwait follows Gulf nations previously blocking the releases of Eternals, West Side Story, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness due to gay themes and non-binary actors. Billy Eichners Bros, the first R-rated studio gay rom-com, skipped premiering in the Middle East markets and did not screen in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Kuwait. Agatha Christie adaptation Death on the Nile and Wonder Woman were additionally banned from Kuwait and Lebanon because of actress Gal Gadots Israeli heritage and military service. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. [Editors Note: The following story contains spoilers for Talk to Me.] Its easy to imagine Danny and Michael Philippou rowdy Australian twins-turned-famous YouTubers-turned-Sundance breakout filmmakers goofing up. Search the pair on Getty Images, and youll find photographs of them at a Comic-Con event in July, for their buzzy new horror flick Talk to Me, all but smashing their skulls together for press. (Seriously, it looks like there was abody slam?) More from IndieWire The duo, known as RackaRacka online, brought the same energy to a Zoom interview with IndieWire ahead of their head trauma-heavy films opening weekend, during which the pair playfully fought and recounted an awkward text exchange with A24 golden boy and Beau Is Afraid writer/director Ari Aster. There was a tweet going around that Ari Aster had liked the movie, Michael said to IndieWire. The co-directors met the Hereditary filmmaker at their Talk to Me Sundance premiere, where Aster was a guest and the film was purchased by A24 in a reportedly high seven-figure deal. We had just gotten Aris number and we were sending texts, and a friend of mine sent me a message saying, Guys, Ari Aster liked your movie! Look at this tweet!' Michael continued. And I screenshotted Aris latest message it was just like a small message and I sent it saying, Who? This guy? But I accidentally sent it to Ari. It was so embarrassing, Danny said. He explained that his brother never told Aster about the mix-up because the screenshot oddly sounded like it was part of the conversation, but it wasnt. In a vlog documenting their experience at Sundance effectively, a college acceptance reaction video, but for selling a movie to A24 the brothers included Aster among the notable horror voices who reached out to them about Talk to Me; Stephen King and Jordan Peele are reportedly also fans. Story continues In a sprawling conversation with heavy Talk to Me spoilers, the Philippou brothers told IndieWire about making the leap from YouTube to theaters; the surprisingly joyful horror community, as theyve experienced it in person and online; the fun of crafting an artifact like their films central creepy hand and its mysterious missing mate; and the plans they just so happened to have with Aster that afternoon. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. IndieWire: You co-directed Talk to Me. But Danny, you co-wrote it with Bill Hinzman and the main story was adapted from another idea. What can you tell me about the script? Danny Philippou: Well, there was a short film that got sent to me by Daley Pearson that was sort of like a comedy-horror, and it was about these kids that were having fun with possession and the tone was really different. There was no hand or anything like that. But I really connected with that idea. And also, there was this neighbor that we [Michael and I] knew growing up and there was footage of him experimenting with drugs for the first time. He was having a negative reaction to the drug and he was on the floor convulsing, and everyone that he was with him was just filming him and laughing at him. I remember seeing that footage and then that short film, and I dont know, they just felt like they lived in the same space. So I did a rewrite and once I started writing, I couldnt stop. I brought in these characters that I really connected with from another project which is the Mia, Jade, and Riley dynamic and then, I started to bounce that back and forth with my co-writer Bill Hinzman. So we really focused on that story that became Talk to Me. Michael Philippou: The good thing about having a talented co-writer like Hinzman is we can just write pages and pages of scenes and moments and characters and not worry about structure and things like that. We can just write, write, write, and then he helps mold it into a film. Hes so smart with film that he really helps us evolve the script with every pass. Its the same with having like an amazing producer. You can really lean on them in those aspects, which is amazing. Because if it was just us by ourselves DP: Michael did not write a word of Talk to Me. MP: You by yourself would be a very different script. [Laughter.] Talk to Me Courtesy Everett Collection Was it important to you to make an internet-based horror for your first film, given your history with YouTube? DP: I just know that I was writing something that felt authentic to me and the world that I know. With youth culture and with young people, everyones got their phones out, everyones using their phones. So it was never like trying to make a statement or trying to represent anything specifically. It was more just writing something that felt real, and that just feels real to me. I think if this thing did exist and possessions were real, theres no doubt in my mind that kids would be filming it and uploading it. You just have to look up #possession or #ouijaboard to find everyone attempting to do it or wanting things to happen [in the real world]. At what point did you bring Michael onto the project? When did it feel like a feature? DP: After maybe a couple of drafts, Id share [whatever I was working on] with Michael and he would just always give really brutal feedback. MP: Because you stole all your ideas from our other scripts! [Laughter. DP: I find that when Im really attached to something, Ill cannibalize other things that Ive written to try and strengthen that thing. Im like really attached to this character from this script and Im really attached to this set piece, and instead of trying to save one for another film, Ill try to put that into this and make it the ultimate thing that it can be. MP: Hell bring me in when theres something decent to read. We share when we know well get a good response from each other. DP: Hes super brutal. Otherwise, hell just tear it apart. [Laughter.] To what extent do you feel like your sibling dynamic is ultimately reflected in the film? Weve got the main brother-sister pair with Jade and Riley. But also the brothers from the cold open. MP: Well, I stabbed Danny at a party. [Laughter.] Im joking. DP: My thing that I really connect with is Mia trying to escape her family with another family. Thats definitely how I feel about Michael. Im like, Alright, you wait there. Im going with someone else. [Laughter.] MP: Yeah, and youre intruding and theyre like, Get the fuck away from me. [Laughter.] DP: Me and Michael just butt heads a lot. So theres that [in the script]. And then we edited it all together, which we butted heads in. And now, weve got to do press together. You finally think youll get a break on the plane, and then were sitting next to each other on the plane and its like, Oh god. Give me a break from Michael. MP: Oh, poor you, Danny. Going around the world, poor you. [Laughs.] I loved watching your YouTube video recapping your experience selling Talk to Me to A24 at Sundance. How has your online fan base reacted to your transition into feature films? DP: If you just read those comments in that video, theyre so heartwarming and they feel so personal. These people that have grown up watching our videos and have grown up supporting us from all over the world, these people going to go experience this film being excited for us and supporting us? Theres nothing like it. It was the first time that I felt really, really connected to my audience. And like theres a love there. That comment section will make me emotional if I go through and start reading. MP: We have such an amazing fan base that really has stuck by us and theyre so supportive. I love the connection that we have with them. Sometimes people get nervous as well, like coming up and taking photos. We get DMs from people who wanted to come up and get a photo, but were too nervous or whatever. For us, its like, never be nervous. Without our fans and the people that supported us, we wouldnt be where we are. How would you describe the online horror community? Its so much more joyful than people expect. DP: Thats the most surprising thing is meeting those extreme horror fans. They are the most bubbly, fun people ever. MP: We all have a dark side, and you can express that through horror. Even writers, like Danny writing horrific stories, its just like a kind of therapy in a way. Its like, Oh, Dannys smashed the little boys face into the table. Good! Now he can be happy. [Laughter.] DP: Everyones so welcoming, and love meeting, like, horror-horror fans and seeing their collections and them like coming to the screenings and being so supportive. Were so new to this community, but were feeling the love for sure. It was interesting listening to people coming out of my screening, so instantly drawn to the idea of the hand and the artifact of the hand. Was it important to you to establish a visual trademark that could fit in with broader horror iconography? DP: It wasnt in the first draft of the script; it came in the second draft of the script because we knew we wanted a haunted object and thematically, all the way through the first draft, it was all about touch and human connection. Hands were such a recurring motif. Like if you go back and watch the film, theres a whole lot of hands in there outside of the hand that it just felt right to be our object of horror. It felt like once we found that, we were like, Oh my God, this has been here the entire time. MP: Its a physical representation of everything that was being spoken about, and it was important to us to find the history of the hand just like the characters. It makes it so much more dynamic of an experience if you know the backstory and what led the hand to being where it is. DP: But only we know that; a lot of people dont. We like just sprinkling hints of it on the screen. I like that people can try and come to their own conclusion. Just know that the hand itself is a bit of a Rubiks cube, and theres some hints on there as well. Talk to Me Courtesy Everett Collection But was the hand that we see at the end the one being answered by Mia is that the same hand in a different country? Or is it a second hand? Because one of the characters talks about Satans two hands, right? MP: We will neither confirm nor deny! DP: Wed love for that to be left up to interpretation, but thats a very good question. I love that question. Thats fair. Ari Aster takes a similar approach with his movies. You mentioned him in your YouTube video. What was the experience of meeting him like? MP: The fucking best! Hes the coolest guy ever. Were actually going to hang out with him after this, today. DP: Today! Today, yeah! What are you guys doing? DP: Were watching a film thats not out yet. Were doing a little preview screening of another A24 film. MP: Weve hung out with him like five or six times now. And we talk through text. Its amazing, hes such a hero of ours and swapping stories on set? It feels like speaking to a brother in a way. Hes got such an amazing mind, such an amazing sense of humor. DP: But like, better than a brother. Because Michaels a bit lame. [Laughter.] Hes like the cool brother, do you know what I mean? MP: What, you gonna ask Ari Aster to be on the flight with ya? What was Aris first reaction to Talk to Me? DP: Oh my God. Well, the agents were trying to sign us initially when we got into Sundance. And so there was all this buzz around the film. A24 was going to be there, all these distributors, and one of them brought Ari Aster along. And so, the whole time we were so nervous and in the back of the cinema just cringing. It was so embarrassing to me. Once the film had wrapped, I leaned over to Michael and said, Im going to go apologize to Ari for being dragged here by one of the agents. So I got up to walk over to him to apologize and say, Im so sorry you got dragged here. But he turned around and he is like, Man, that was really special. And I was like, What? He just really connected with the film and said how much he loved it, and man, that meant the world to us. Talk to Me Courtesy Everett Collection MP: Ive got an embarrassing Ari story. DP: Wait, no, maybe dont say that because youre seeing Ari. MP: What? Why not? DP: Do you reckon hell find it weird? MP: Nah, he wouldnt. But we do plan on hanging out with him again. [Laughter.] So, initially, there was the premiere DP: This is so cringy. MP: There was the premiere of the film, right? And there was a tweet going around that Ari Aster had liked the movie. And we had just gotten Aris number and we were sending texts, and a friend of mine sent me a message saying, Guys, Ari Aster liked your movie! Look at this tweet! And I screenshotted Aris latest message it was just like a small message and I sent it saying, Who? This guy? But I accidentally sent it to Ari. DP: It was so embarrassing. [Laughter.] MP: Ive got to tell him now. Ive got to tell him when we say hi. I never screenshot peoples messages DP: Well, you did! MP: It wasnt anything like personal or anything! It was just a small thing. And it kind of lent into what he was saying because it was something like, he needs to see it or hed be an idiot if he didnt like it. And then I said, Who? This guy? DP: It sounded like it was part of the conversation, but it wasnt. [Laughter.] Talk to Me Courtesy Everett Collection Was the desk head-slamming scene with Riley in part an homage to Hereditary? DP: No, it was more about sitting down in that spot and just trying to find out how could we physically hurt ourselves. I remember just sitting down, trying to act through a bunch of the scenes, And so, Ive got the hand and Ive been tied down. And then it was just literally trying to work through the scenes and trying to find it by acting it out. It was just in the writing process that it was the only way I could find of hurting myself while tied down. Whats next for you, separately or as a team? DP: We definitely want to do more horror films, and we definitely want to do an action film as well. So theyre the two genres that were super excited about. But with that being said, Ive also written a romantic comedy, but I havent got the balls to direct that yet. MP: With YouTube we were able to get a lot of the small ideas outta the way, but we have a lifetime of feature ideas and characters and stories we want to tell. So were very excited. If we have the opportunity to keep making stuff, well be here for a long time. Talk to Me is in theaters. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A terrible thing is happening: Tens of thousands of Kansas children appear to be losing their Medicaid health coverage. And the really devastating thing is that many of them are probably still eligible to continue in the program the problem, at its heart, is all about paperwork. We know this because of a new report from Kansas Action for Children, a nonprofit that works on policy issues affecting kids in the Sunflower State. These kids cant fill the forms out, Heather Braum, KACs health policy advisor, told me. They are reliant on their parents and their caretakers, and you and I cant keep up with our own mail, right? Lets go back to the beginning. During the pandemic, Congress did a good and wise thing: Medicaid beneficiaries must usually renew their applications for aid every year, but with COVID-19 forcing the country into lockdown, the government suspended that requirement there was no good reason to kick Americans and their children out of a health program during the worst national health emergency in a century. But the emergency had to end sometime. Officially, that happened in May. And now states that administer Medicaid on behalf of the federal government are once again starting to require the yearly renewals. Kansas is one of them, via the KanCare program. A lot of paperwork that went undone during the pandemic now must be done again. In a lot of cases, though, thats not really happening. The new KAC report finds that 45,837 Kansans nearly two-thirds of them children have recently had their Medicaid coverage discontinued for procedural reasons. That means the paperwork isnt getting filled out and returned to the state. These numbers sadly confirm our deep concern that Kansas children are at high risk of losing their coverage even if they remain eligible for the program, KAC said in the report. This might seem like no big deal. If losing Medicaid coverage is just a paperwork issue, why cant those families just fill out the forms? Story continues Braum told me its often more complicated than that. Many Kansans may be confused by the income requirements children are often eligible for Medicaid even if their parents arent or maybe they simply missed the notification that it was time to renew their kids coverage. They may be juggling lots of different life issues, she said. They may have moved around a lot, and even though they got their address updated, it still didnt update. There are so many factors going into reasons why these kids are losing coverage. This isnt just a Kansas problem. Across the border in Missouri, nearly half the 32,000 people who were kicked off Medicaid in June were children. Nationally, nearly 4 million Americans have lost their health coverage, again mostly for paperwork reasons. A lot of states are seeing these high procedural disenrollment (numbers) where paperwork is not getting turned back in for a number of different reasons, Braum said. It is not unique to Kansas. (The Kansas Department of Health and Environment did not respond to my inquiry on this issue.) The good news is that Kansans or their children who lose their Medicaid coverage for procedural reasons can reapply within 90 days. The challenge, as KAC noted in its report, is that national research has shown that many potential beneficiaries are simply unaware of the renewal process. That means the time for outreach is now. KAC is working with its nonprofit partners to get the word out, but there is more work to be done. Any organization or entity that touches parents and kids needs to be mentioning that this is going on, Braum said. If youre a provider that sees kids and families, youre a health care provider, are you proactively able to figure out who your (Medicaid) patients are and reach them? Things like that. The health of thousands of Kansas children hangs in the balance. They shouldnt lose their coverage because of a paperwork problem. At his most recent arraignment, Donald Trump was clearly warned not to threaten or try to retaliate against anyone connected in any way to the case. This being a story about Donald Trump, you probably know where things are going: He went and did it anyway. If You Go After Me, Im Coming After You, the disgraced ex-president said in a post on his Twitter clone, Truth Social. Donald Trump on Truth Social Trump was arraigned in a US Federal Court in Washington, D.C. on Thursday afternoon, where he pled not guilty to criminal charges stemming from the investigation into the Jan. 6 attack and his involvement in the events leading up to it. Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya, who oversaw Trumps federal court hearing, warned him to behave himself while he awaits trial. It is a crime to try to influence a juror or to threaten or attempt to bribe a witness or any other person who may have information about your case, or to retaliate against anyone for providing information about your case to the prosecution, or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice, she said. The judge added a warning that if he violated the conditions of release, You may be held pending trial in this case. She asked him: Do you understand these warnings and consequences, sir? Trump responded yes. That Trump would have, lets say, difficulty complying with the court order was not in doubt. Less clear is whether or not the court will actually enforce its order. Of course, you probably wont be surprised to read that this actually isnt the first potential self-inflicted wound dealt to Trumps defense in this particular case. That honor, as it happens, goes to Trumps attorney, John Lauro. Trump is being prosecuted under laws originally drafted to stop the Ku Klux Klan from using violence and intimidation to stop Black people from voting, and is charged with four counts: Conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction; and conspiracy against the right to vote and to have ones vote counted. Story continues And on Thursday night, Lauro appeared on Greg Kellys show on the right wing news network Newsmax to discuss the case, where he essentially admitted that Trump really did at least some of what those charges cover. He asked Mr. Pence to pause the voting for 10 days, allow the state legislatures to weigh in, and then they could make a determination to audit, or reaudit, or recertify, Lauro said in part. Those who have read the indictment know that Trumps campaign to pressure Mike Pence to illegally delay certification of the vote is a big part of the evidence presented against him. In fact, Pence is mentioned over 100 times. More relevant to Trumps latest statement however, is that during that Newsmax appearance, Lauro also included a thinly veiled retaliation threat of his own. I fear whats going to happen in the next election cycle. Perhaps a new administration is gonna come in, and theres gonna be a lot of talk about identifying Democrats who have obstructed the 2024 cycle, Lauro said. In case the subtext of that isnt clear, Trump has claimed for months that the criminal indictments filed against him are a form of election interference, since Trump is a declared candidate for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. By that logic, Democrats who have obstructed the 2024 cycle sure does seem to refer to any other person who may have information about your case. Well see if the court considered either of these statements to be violations of its orders. The post Trump Threatens If You Go After Me, Im Coming After You Day After Court Warns Him Not to Issue Threats appeared first on TheWrap. Explosive Accusations Ukraine has accused Russia of placing mysterious objects that look like bombs on the roof of one of its power plants but the finger-pointing doesn't end there. As The Guardian reported earlier this week, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that his country's intelligence officials have found evidence of "objects resembling explosives" on the roof of the Zaporizhzhia power plant in southeastern Ukraine. It's hard to make sense of these accusations as they raise more questions than they can answer. The Washington Post reports that Russia is also blaming Ukraine, saying that the country's military may "sabotage" the nuclear plant. We don't even know if there are any explosives to begin with. The United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said in its own statement that it hasn't seen any evidence of explosives at the plant, though it would need greater access to be sure. No You In short, it's the kind of confusing finger-point that has become a commonplace fixture of the ongoing conflict. This latest installment of the now 18-month-long Russian invasion of Ukraine is not without precedent, with the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant having been in the news multiple times over the past year. The station was first seized by Russian troops in February 2022, leading to countless accusations and finger-pointing between the two countries. Dam Break Ukrainian officials are now saying that there's an increased chance of radiation accidentally being released from the plant since the dam in Kakhovka, a Russian-controlled part of southern Ukraine, collapsed last month, forcing the plant to shut down its last remaining reactor. Both countries have blamed the dam's explosion on the other, though the New York Times and other outlets have published compelling evidence suggesting that it was carried out by the Kremlin. As The Guardian notes, neither Russia nor Ukraine have offered much in the way of evidence as to their latest explosive allegations. An expert analysis by the Institute for the Study of War, meanwhile, suggests that Russia is "unlikely" to actually sabotage the plant and that it instead may be accusing Kyiv of orchestrating a propaganda maneuver ahead of the upcoming NATO leaders' summit in Lithuania. At the end of the day, it appears that Zaporizhizhia is the site of a proxy battle between invader and the invaded a chilling blame game that neither side is likely to win. More on Zaporizhizhia: Ukraine Accuses Russia of Using Inflatable "Dummy Tanks," Which Deflated Bernard Jay Patterson had never done business with Wells Fargo, so when he received a statement for a checking account in his name, he had questions. And as a forensic accountant and certified fraud examiner who has applied his expertise in numerous lawsuits including several involving the San Francisco-based bank he knew where to look for answers. A lawsuit Patterson filed Tuesday in California accuses Wells Fargo of creating fraudulent accounts for thousands of people, including many non-customers. Regulators fined the bank $3 billion in 2020 for creating millions of fake accounts to generate millions of dollars in fees and interest. Just as one Wells Fargo fake account scandal concludes, another emerges, the lawsuit alleges. Patterson claims that Wells Fargo, working with a Sacramento credit reporting agency also named as a defendant, used fake and real personal-identification information to open unauthorized accounts. In Pattersons case, his real name and social-security number were combined with faked drivers license data and a false birth date, the lawsuit alleges. Opening the fake accounts allowed Wells Fargo to obtain confidential information from the Sacramento agency, Early Warning Services, which gathers consumer and business banking information from nearly all U.S. banks and credit unions, according to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. Early Warning is accused of providing fraudulent identity-verification services that gave the fake accounts a false veneer of legitimacy. Among the allegations in the lawsuit is that the bank used the accounts to secretly process electronic funds transfers in a money-laundering scheme. Patterson, of Arkansas, is seeking class-action status in an effort to bring thousands of others into the lawsuit, which accuses Wells Fargo and Early Warning of offenses including racketeering in violation of the federal RICO Act. Patterson is seeking unspecified damages and a court order forcing Wells Fargo to destroy his and others data, and to notify third parties that they received fraudulent information. Story continues The lawsuit accuses Wells Fargo and Early Warning of profiting from their actions, but does not detail how. Wells Fargo said Wednesday it was reviewing the lawsuit, and declined to comment on it. On Thursday, the bank said in a statement, Identity theft is a broad industry problem that we are all working to minimize. Wells Fargo invests hundreds of millions of dollars annually to fight fraud and strengthen our ability to quickly combat against criminal behavior. When we learn of fraudulent activity, we take action and work to ensure theres no harm to the consumer. The allegations of unlawful activity in this complaint are without merit. Early Warning, co-owned by Wells Fargo and six other major banks, declined to comment. Purported victims identity information and banking balance and transaction histories going back years are described as valuable consumer data for Wells Fargo, which specializes in marketing its financial products to consumers. The surprise bank statement Patterson received from the bank arrived as he and his wife were seeking a home mortgage and it advertised Wells Fargos mortgage loan products, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit cited Wells Fargos history of abusing consumers through the fake-accounts scandal resulting in the 2020 regulatory action and hundreds of millions of dollars in other settlements. The bank was also hit with a $1 billion fine in 2018 for mortgage and auto-loan abuses, and refunded tens of millions of dollars to customers that year over fees for add-on products, including pet insurance. In June 2022, Patterson received a monthly checking account statement from Wells Fargo, for an account showing a $12 balance, the lawsuit alleges. He called the bank, and a staffer told him the account was opened three months earlier, then transferred him to a representative who said the bank would freeze the account, but did not provide further information, according to the lawsuit. A week later he received a letter from the bank acknowledging he had not opened the account, the lawsuit said. Concerned about identity theft, Patterson began obtaining credit reports from agencies including Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, and none showed a new account with Wells Fargo, according to the lawsuit. But when he pulled his report from Early Warning, he found that months before he received the checking account statement, Wells Fargo had used the account to process four electronic funds transfers, the lawsuit claimed. Those transactions had not appeared on the statement, the lawsuit alleged. In March 2022, Wells Fargo used the account in Pattersons name to move $4,992 to an account at another bank where Patterson had no account, the lawsuit alleged. In April and May, Wells Fargo sought three times to transfer $5,000 from the Patterson checking account, but all failed to go through because of insufficient funds, the lawsuit claimed. The bank reported the failed transfers derogatory statements that hurt Pattersons credit rating onto Pattersons credit report with Early Warning, the lawsuit alleged. It was not until September that Early Warning corrected its credit report for Patterson, and by then, the agency and Wells Fargo had reported the insufficient-funds incidents at least 14 times, to at least five third parties, the lawsuit claimed. Filed with the lawsuit are 54 purported complaints to the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from March to June 2022 from people two in California reporting Wells Fargo opened unauthorized accounts in their names, with more than 40 alleging they had no pre-existing banking relationship with Wells Fargo. The lawsuit said the bank and Early Warning which owns money transfer platform Zelle have never told purported recipients of the fabricated consumers reports that the information they provided was false. Two police officers were injured in a shooting in Orlando, Florida, on Friday night after they stopped a vehicle allegedly connected to a homicide, police said. The suspected gunman was killed in a shootout with SWAT officers at a hotel Saturday morning, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said at a press briefing. The incident began at about 11 p.m. local time, when officers stopped a vehicle wanted in connection with a homicide in Miami, according to Smith. While outside the vehicle during the traffic stop, the suspect shot and struck both officers, then fled in another vehicle, authorities said. PHOTO: Two police officers were injured in a shooting in downtown Orlando, Fla., on Aug. 4, 2023. (WFTV) After an "extensive search," police located the suspect at a Holiday Inn at about 6 a.m. Saturday, according to Smith. The hotel was safely evacuated, and the suspect barricaded himself in a room, Smith said. "Several attempts were made to get the suspect to safely surrender," Smith said. MORE: Gunman who killed officer, wounded 3 others allegedly searched online for 'area events where there are crowds' Shortly before 9 a.m., the suspect shot at SWAT officers "multiple times," Smith said. The officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who died, Smith said. The suspect was identified by police as 28-year-old Daton Viel. PHOTO: Two police officers were injured in a shooting in downtown Orlando, Fla., on Aug. 4, 2023. (WFTV) The officers injured in the traffic stop shooting were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition. They are expected to fully recover from their injuries, Orlando Health officials said on Saturday. "Our officers are lucky to be alive and we ask that you continue to pray for them," Smith said. MORE: Florida man arrested for manslaughter after hole-in-one photo ID The chief called the incident a tragedy for the department. "For some piece of crap to do this to them, because they don't want to go back to prison, is ridiculous," Smith said. "We're not going to put up with it. We're going to stay out there fighting crime and keep our communities safe." In a statement on social media, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer thanked law enforcement officers "who've ensured the suspect is no longer a threat to our community." 2 officers injured in shooting in Orlando, suspect dead: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A social justice volunteer in Houston has filed a federal lawsuit against the city, arguing a law banning sharing food with people outdoors violates his freedom of expression and freedom of religion. On Friday, a jury found Food Not Bombs volunteer Phillip Picone, 66, not guilty of breaking the law for feeding unhoused people outside a public library. Dozens of citations have been issued recently against volunteers for the group in Houston for feeding more than five people outside, a violation of a city ordinance, lawyers for the group told USA TODAY. "For 12 years these people have been feeding the homeless at the same location with no problem," attorney Paul Kubosh said. "These people even fed every day during COVID. This was the only place people could get a hot meal. And now, all of sudden the city's got a problem." The nation's fourth-largest city has an unhoused population of more than 3,000 people, according to the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County. Food Not Bombs had provided meals four nights a week outside the Houston Public Library for decades without incident. But the city posted a notice at the site warning that police would soon start issuing citations, and the first came in March. That's when Picone received a criminal citation after police allegedly told the group to move their operations to another location, the Houston Chronicle reported. In places such as California and Phoenix, which have some of the largest unsheltered homeless populations in the country, religious groups have for years organized to give food to vulnerable residents. They also say city ordinances banning or restricting giving out food outdoors violate their freedom of expression and religion. In Houston, Picone's trial was the first to be held after 47 tickets were given to Food Not Bombs volunteers, according to attorney Randall Kallinen, who filed the federal lawsuit on behalf of Picone. The jury was unanimous in its decision finding Picone not guilty of breaking the law. Story continues Downtown business developers support the law, Kallinen said, but otherwise, "the vast majority of Houstonians do not like this law." Food Not Bombs is a global network of groups that give vegetarian and vegan meals to people in need. The organization was founded in 1980, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Volunteer says Houston law is unconstitutional Picone, who identifies as a Catholic, has launched a federal civil rights case against Houston's law, arguing it's unconstitutional. Food Not Bombs has argued that the city's law is immoral and violates freedoms of expression and religion, Kallinen said. "If you were to look in the Catholic bible, or any bible, you'd see many references to feeding the hungry and feeding the poor," Kallinen said. In addition to giving meals to unhoused people, Picone and other volunteers have also fed working poor people making minimum wages over the years, he said. Houston regulations on who can provide free meals outdoors to those in need were enacted in 2012. The ordinance requires such groups to get permission from property owners if they feed more than five people, but it wasnt enforced until recently, the Associated Press reported earlier this year. "In the city of Houston it's criminal to give food to more than five people if those people are in need and outside, without the consent of the property owner," Kubosh told FOX 26 in Houston. The office of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner had said tickets were being issued in part because of an increased number of threats and violent incidents directed at employees and visitors to the library by homeless individuals. Religious groups say feeding homeless is freedom of expression In Santa Anna, California, the city government is trying to block a Christian group from giving unhoused residents muffins and coffee, saying volunteers are violating zoning rules. After the city threatened to fine the group Micah's Way, the Justice Department filed a statement of interest backing the group, arguing distribution of food and drink to homeless and poor people as a "religious exercise" could be a federally protected activity. In Arizona, 78-year-old Norma Thornton sued Bullhead City last year after she was arrested for feeding homeless people in public. Norma, and the rest of Americans, really, have a right to engage in charitable acts, Diana Simpson, Thorntons attorney, said. And that includes the right to sharing food. Thorntons attorneys, a legal team from pro bono law firm Institute for Justice, argue the ordinance amounts to an effective ban on food sharing and violates several of her civil rights under the 14th amendment. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Orlando Mayorquin, USA TODAY; Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas man who gave food to homeless outside Houston library files suit The Ada County Coroners Office identified the 16-year-old teenager who died after being struck by a truck. At around 10:10 a.m. Thursday, Jadin Zurawski, of Boise, was skateboarding across West Washington Street in the crosswalk when the truck driver, who was going southbound along 16th Street, hit the teen, according to a news release from the Boise Police Department. Zurawski died at the scene. Zurawski was a student at Boise High School, district spokesperson Dan Hollar told the Idaho Statesman by email. Hollar said the school made counselors available to any students or staff members on Friday and there will be another opportunity from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. We realize that this is difficult information to process and are saddened by this loss, Boise High Principal Deborah Watts said in an internal memo sent to parents and students, which Hollar provided to the Statesman. As a school family and community we will support one another and work through this the best way we possibly can. Please remember this family in your thoughts. The coroners report said Zurawski died from blunt force injuries and ruled his death an accident. Boise police spokesperson Haley Kramer told the Idaho Statesman by email that any decisions regarding a criminal charge wont be made until the investigation is completed. Kramer said detectives have completed on-scene interviews and used student resource officers and victim witness coordinators to meet with any witnesses, but that the investigation, including a crash reconstruction, is ongoing. Anyone with additional information who hasnt spoken to police is asked to call the Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790. This article originally appeared on Outside A United Kingdom court ruled on Monday that members of the public don't need landowners' permission to wild camp in Dartmoor National Park anymore. This decision reversed a lower court's ruling and restored the park's status as the only place in England or Wales where backpackers have the right to pitch a tent outside of the confines of a campsite. Where American national parks are protected public lands administered directly by the federal government, parks in England are mostly a patchwork of private holdings, and often contain working farms, residences, businesses, and even towns. A hiker's right to walk across privately owned land is governed by a 23-year-old law that allows hikers access to paths based on a history of public use. (At least in theory: As Brooke Jarvis reports in The New York Times Magazine, many landowners have taken questionably legal steps to prevent the public from accessing their property.) In most cases, however, visitors are limited to dayhikes, as the law doesn't allow overnight access. For decades, Dartmoor National Park was the exception, thanks to a 1985 law that allowed hikers to dispersed camp based on historic custom. This January, however, two of the parks' largest landowners, Alexander and Diana Darwall, sued to overturn that rule, arguing that camping fell outside of the protections of the law. High Court judge Sir Julian Flaux agreed, ruling that there was "no local custom of camping which [had] the force of law," and the Darwalls could legally ban campers from their 4,000-acre estate. While park authorities quickly reached an agreement with most of Dartmoor's landowners to continue allowing wild camping in exchange for an undisclosed payment, some advocates bristled at the deal, which they saw as paying tribute to the small number of disproportionately aristocratic property owners who hold much of England's land. Speaking to The Guardian, Guy Shrubsole, one of the leaders of the pro-access group Right to Roam, called it "a ransom note from landowners who will be allowed to revoke permission at any time." Story continues The country's National Park Authority and another nonprofit, Open Spaces Society, appealed the decision. At issue was whether sleeping inside a tent counted as an "outdoor" activity, with lawyers for the Darwalls arguing that erecting a structure, even a temporary one, fell outside the auspices of the law. On July 31, the court disagreed, with Lord Justice Nicholas Underhill saying that "the fact that a tent is closed rather than open cannot convert the wild camping from being an open-air recreation into not being one." With this, the right to dispersed camp without landowner permission returned to the public. While land-access advocates in England celebrated the decision, some said the ruling didn't go far enough in protecting backpackers' right to camp at large. In a tweet, Shrubsole said it was time for England to pass a Scottish-style Right to Roam law, which would create a presumed right for the public to access unbuilt, uncultivated land. On his own Twitter account, Luke Pollard, a Labour member of parliament who represents nearby Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, posted that his party would pass a Right to Roam bill if it returned to power, and challenged the current Conservative government to do the same. 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. In the fall of 2021, Dr. Keith Vrbicky went from a seeming picture of health to acute congestive heart failure. Less than three weeks after that surprising diagnosis, the Norfolk obstetrician-gynecologist, who had delivered more than 13,000 babies and founded an early telehealth firm, underwent a heart transplant at the Nebraska Medical Center. He describes that journey in a new memoir, "Forever Grateful: The Gift of Life from Organ Donation." Other themes of the book are gratitude, his faith and family and his advocacy for organ and tissue donation. Vrbicky wrote the book, released July 10, with Omaha-based author and journalist Leo Adam Biga. It's available in digital form on Amazon.com and in paperback. SPOILER ALERT: Vrbicky, who will mark the second anniversary of his transplant in late September, is back to work full time. He's now topped 13,700 deliveries and counting. He does plan to start slowing down a little, though. He'll be joined at Midwest Health Partners on Aug. 1 by Dr. Keith Vrbicky Jr., who recently completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Creighton University, his father's alma mater. But before there was a book, there was Vrbicky's health crisis. One week, he was a fit working professional who ate healthfully, biked regularly and had no history of heart problems. Less than three weeks later, he was in the intensive care unit at the Nebraska Medical Center, where his heart failed so quickly that he was placed on the transplant list and had a 48-hour window to receive a match. "It was very sudden and it just shows you how fragile life is when one minute you think you're healthy the next minute you're told you're dying," said Vrbicky, who turns 69 in September. "Not a good feeling. But I think it's raised my empathy for patients and others that have chronic health conditions. When you're on the other side, it's a new perspective." Vrbicky said he is particularly grateful to his unknown donor and to the donor's family. He has been working to raise awareness about the need for organ donation and for people to register as donors. That includes working with Live On Nebraska, the organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation in Nebraska. To register, Nebraskans ages 16 and older can either check a box when they get their driver's license, register online at LiveOnNebraska.org or make a living organ donation. In the U.S., more than 100,000 people await an organ transplant in any given year. The need, Vrbicky said, isn't just for major organs like the heart he received but also for tissues such as cartilage, bone and corneas. "As a physician going through this, I thought I could share my experience and help raise awareness about the importance to have people at least consider getting on the donor list if something should happen to them," he said. Vrbicky grew up in Clarkson, Nebraska, and graduated from high school there before completing both his undergraduate and medical degrees at Creighton. There, a friend and fellow faculty member convinced him to join him to practice in Norfolk. His friend later left to do mission work. Vrbicky renamed the practice, which now has eight providers in its obstetrics/women's health and urgent care divisions. Just before Labor Day in 2021, Vrbicky began feeling a bit under the weather. He tested negative for COVID-19 but eventually visited a Norfolk infectious diseases specialist, who tested him again. After ruling out that infection, she sent him on to a local cardiologist, who delivered the bad news that sent him on his journey to a transplant. Eventually, doctors diagnosed Vrbicky with a condition called giant cell myocarditis, cause unknown. The rare, fast-developing and usually fatal condition causes extreme inflammation of the heart muscle and impedes the hearts blood-pumping capacity to the point that the heart itself and the organs it feeds start to die. Post-transplant, he now travels to the medical center in Omaha every three months for checkups. The frequent checkups and the anti-rejection medications he now takes, he said, are a small price to pay. "I feel good and it's always nice to know you're doing well," he said. He and his wife, Karyn, continue to enjoy their six children and 12 grandchildren, with two more on the way. On Friday, he was planning to deliver another baby later in the evening one of his patients was in labor, one more toward his unofficial goal of 15,000 and then take it easy over the weekend. "I'm delivering the babies of babies I delivered," Vrbicky said. Counties with the highest cancer rates in Nebraska Counties with the highest cancer rates in Nebraska #50. Phelps County #49. Custer County #48. Sheridan County #47. Johnson County #46. Butler County #45. Cuming County #44. Polk County #43. Saunders County #42. Otoe County #41. Cass County #40. Cedar County #39. Grant County #38. Red Willow County #37. Frontier County #36. Pawnee County #35. Merrick County #34. Brown County #33. York County #32. Lincoln County #31. Perkins County #30. Dodge County #29. Howard County #28. Deuel County #27. Gage County #26. Hamilton County #25. Clay County #24. Dundy County #23. Antelope County #22. Fillmore County #21. Boyd County #20. Harlan County #19. Sherman County #18. Rock County #17. Jefferson County #16. Keith County #15. Thayer County #14. Garfield County #13. Valley County #12. Webster County #11. Furnas County #10. Burt County #9. Richardson County #8. Garden County #7. Boone County #6. Nuckolls County #5. Greeley County #4. Logan County #3. Hitchcock County #2. Franklin County #1. Blaine County Two sisters allegedly smuggled close to 5 kilograms of cocaine in their luggage last month while taking a week-long cruise from Miami through Mexico and the Caribbean, a report from a federal investigator says. According to a criminal complaint filed by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security special agent, the sisters had arrived in the Port of Miami on July 23 after traveling on an MSC Seascape cruise that began a week earlier. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers boarded the MSC cruise to conduct an "enforcement operation" after the ship arrived from Cozumel, Mexico, with stops in Grand Cayman, Jamaica and the Bahamas. After finding the two sisters in their shared cabin, CBP officers asked the women to bring their belongings to a "secondary inspection." The complaint does not specify the reason for that inspection. When the sisters exited the cabin, the criminal complaint says, a drug dog law enforcement had brought on board "alerted to the odor of narcotics" in one of the sister's suitcases. After the sisters claimed ownership of their belongings via Customs declarations forms at the secondary inspection area, CBP officers separated and searched the women and their luggage. According to court documents, Schneeka Parker and Takeia Herder have been charged with conspiracy to import a controlled substance and importation of a controlled substance. A sealed indictment was entered into the docket Thursday. Simon Patrick Dray, Parker's attorney listed in court documents, confirmed the charges to The Washington Post and said his client will be entering a plea of not guilty. An attorney listed for Herder did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Both women have an arraignment scheduled for Aug. 14. The U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of Florida, where the case is ongoing, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A representative for CBP declined to comment on the investigation. NBC affiliate WFLA and Insider first reported on the allegations against the sisters. Story continues Each sister was carrying a "dark-colored Samsonite backpack" inside their respective luggage, the complaint affidavit says. Inside each backpack CBP officers found an "anomaly sewed inside the lining." Within the lining of the two bags, they discovered a total of four "rectangular foam-covered packages" containing a "white powdery substance." Field testing revealed the powdery substance to be cocaine, the special agent's report says. The cocaine weighed 4.75 kilograms in total. In the complaint, special agent Summer Louis estimated each kilogram to be worth between $15,000 and $40,000, depending on its purity and where it would be sold, which would put the value of the drugs somewhere between $71,250 and $190,000. After reviewing security footage from the first day of the cruise, officers found that both sisters had checked in wearing dark-colored backpacks. They also wore the backpacks out and back onboard at the cruise's July 17 stop in the Bahamas and July 19 stop in Jamaica. While at the Jamaica stop, the sisters returned to the ship separately, both wearing the backpacks. Security footage did not show them carrying their backpacks again after July 19. On July 20, when the cruise was back in the Bahamas, the sisters did not appear to disembark, per the security footage. And on July 21 in Mexico, they disembarked carrying smaller bags. In their interviews with officers, both sisters denied knowledge of narcotics in their backpacks, and both said they were neither paid nor asked to smuggle narcotics. In interviews with law enforcement, each of the sisters said Herder had invited Parker to join her on the cruise. Herder said she paid for the trip with help from a friend. The sisters then met with this friend and one other person upon arriving in Jamaica. Herder told investigators she had left her backpack behind when she went to the bathroom and came back to find it "heavier than she originally remembered." Parker said she was offered a bag to carry her towels and belongings by one of the two people they met. "She did not notice anything suspicious about the bag because she did not see anything inside it," the complaint says. She then took the bag back onto the ship. A search of Herder's phone by law enforcement found a series of WhatsApp text messages and voice and video calls with a Jamaican phone number. She had sent a message two days before the cruise to a contact listed as "Kenny Jamaica." The message, in part, read: "I don't know what u doing but am not doing it no more so what ever u got going on let it stop playing with me and now you not going to pick up the phone." There was no response to the message. MSC Cruises did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the Port of Miami. Related Content Marijuana addiction is real. Those struggling often face skepticism. Ukraine's elite forces rely on technology to strike behind enemy lines Recovering from twin Southwest Virginia floods: 'A rough, rough ride' A supercooled superconductor floats above a magnet. Scientists in South Korea have claimed to have made one of the "holy grails" of physics: a superconductor at room temperatures and pressures. Now, researchers around the world are racing to replicate the results. The material, called LK-99, has been presented by its creators as one that can carry electricity in everyday temperatures with absolutely no electrical resistance sparking a frenzy of excited speculation on social media, quixotic attempts to levitate home-cooked mixtures of lead, and a race by scientists to recreate the material and replicate the original findings. If scientists confirm LK-99 is a room temperature superconductor, it would open technological windows to formerly pie-in-the-sky concepts such as near lossless transmission of electricity and cold nuclear fusion . Related: Bizarre particle that can remember its own past created inside quantum computer Yet experts are urging caution. The results were described in two papers hastily published to the preprint database arXiv. They have not yet been peer-reviewed. And, so far, no-one has been able to replicate the result. "If you read the papers, even if you don't see the science, you can see that those papers were not well-polished," Michael Norman , a condensed matter theorist at Argonne National Laboratory, which is one of the laboratories working to replicate the findings, told Live Science. "There's a lot of pressure on people to put stuff out there." Making a superconductor To make the new material, the South Korean researchers, the majority working for a start-up company called the Quantum Energy Research Center in Seoul, mixed powders containing lead, oxygen, sulfur and phosphorus before adding small amounts of copper. After several hours of superheating, the mixture transformed into a gray solid whose electrical resistivity, the researchers claim, dropped to near zero at 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Resistivity is the measure of how much electrons flowing through a material will be impeded by internal friction. The fundamental physics behind low-temperature superconductors has been understood for decades, but scientists have struggled to create the materials at higher temperatures. Story continues Superconductors have one telltale property: levitation. Because a flowing current generates a magnetic field, as materials transition to superconductive states the electrons inside flow without friction, generating a magnetic field that can repel an external magnet with an equal and opposite force. Place a superconductor above a magnet and it will be perfectly suspended in the air, a phenomenon called the Meissner effect. In videos posted online, tiny flakes of LK-99 float in mid-air, at least partially. In the original researchers' video, a coin-like sample of the material can be seen wobbling with one of its sides levitating and the other in contact with the magnet beneath it. The race to replicate So far, scientific institutions have made 11 attempts to replicate the findings and seven have declared results. Of these seven, three have found properties similar, but not identical, to those claimed for LK-99. Results from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China and the University of Southern California describe levitation and researchers from China's Southeast University spotted a drop in resistance to noise levels at minus 261 F (minus 163.15 C). The remaining four observed neither magnetism nor superconductivity. There's a possibility these mixed results could be down to impurities introduced into the manufactured samples, which were cranked out quickly by labs hurrying to replicate the findings. "My group could not reproduce the superconductivity of LK-99 yet, although [more] trials are yet underway," V. P. S. Awana, the leader of a team at the National Physical Laboratory of India, whose team could not replicate the results due to what they believe were impurities in their sample, told Live Science."The partial replacement of lead by copper in a one-dimensional chain of lead apatite is the key. This is not an easy task." On the other hand, the preliminary results could point to deeper problems in the original research. Prior to its final formation, LK-99 passes through two precursor phases (or atomic arrangements): a diamagnetic insulator (which repels a magnetic field with its own and doesn't conduct electricity) and a paramagnetic metal (which is weakly attracted to magnetic fields and conducts electricity). Scientists have speculated that if these two phases didn't cohere clearly into a new phase, they may have created a lot of confusion. "You can get easily fooled under those circumstances, because you're mixing a metal with a diamagnetic insulator, and neither on their own have anything to do with superconductivity," but each might have some behaviors similar to it, Norman said. In other words, each of these phases might demonstrate some behaviors that could be mistaken for superconductivity. And even if there is a phase that is superconducting, scientists may not be able to separate it from the rest of the sample and have it still work. RELATED STORIES Scientists observe metal repairing itself for the first time. Could Terminator robots be on the horizon? Scientists just made the largest quasicrystal ever because one of them bet it couldn't be done Scientists blast atoms with Fibonacci laser to make an 'extra' dimension of time "What you really want to do is demonstrate zero resistance and the Meissner effect, and preferably in a single phase sample," Norman said. "There could be some minor phase in there that's doing something interesting, but the question is what is that minor phase and can it be isolated from the others." Despite their skepticism, scientists are still interested in the new material. If it levitates at room temperatures it is rare, and some of the experimental results and preliminary theoretical contributions suggest LK-99 may have intriguing properties. As some parts of the underlying theory of superconductors still remain uncertain, studying the material could reveal important insights into how weird material phases work at higher temperatures. But whether or not a revolutionary application for room temperature superconductivity, or any new physics at all, hides beneath LK-99's dull gray exterior will probably take experimentalists months to know for sure. "It was clearly rushed out because they thought a Nobel Prize was at stake. To me, this is normal scientific behavior," Nadya Mason, a condensed matter physicist at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, told Live Science. "This is fast science. I'm thrilled with the fact that if it's out there, people are trying to duplicate it. Because if people didn't think it was promising, they wouldn't be trying to reproduce it." super rich people like, potentially world-changing amounts of money. Many of the extremely rich stay so loaded by There are rich people, and then there arerich people like, potentially world-changing amounts of money. Many of the extremely rich stay so loaded by hoarding wealth Here's exactly how much money the 15 richest people in the world have (and how they got so wealthy): Note: all of the listed net worths are reported estimates from the time I'm writing this, and they're likely to change. You can find the most recent estimates on the Forbes Real Time Billionaires List. 1. Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, has an estimated net worth of $233 billion, according to Forbes . He's based in Austin, Texas. Chesnot / Getty Images Technically classed as a "self-made" billionaire, he made his fortune by cofounding six companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. 2. Bernard Arnault and his family have a reported combined net worth of $220.4 billion. They're based in Paris. Julien De Rosa / AFP via Getty Images He's chairperson and CEO of LVMH, the 75-brand strong cosmetics and fashion empire. Companies under him include Tiffany & Co, Sephora, and Louis Vuitton. He got his start by buying Christian Dior for $15 million in 1984. To make the purchase, he used money his dad earned from his success in the construction industry. He's father to five children, all of whom he employs. 3. Jeff Bezos's net worth is reportedly $151.1 billion. He lives in Medina, Washington. Lionel Hahn / Getty Images Classified as "self-made," he got rich through Amazon, which he founded out of his garage in 1994. Today, he owns just about 10% of the company. 4. Larry Ellison is reportedly worth $145.2 billion. In Hawaii, he lives on the island of Lanai, which he owns most of. Phillip Faraone / Getty Images A "self-made" billionaire, he cofounded Oracle, a large software company, in 1977. Today, he owns approximately 35% of it, and he serves as CTO and chairperson. He's the father of movie producer Megan Ellison and Skydance Media founder, David Ellison. 5. Based in Medina, Washington, Bill Gates is reportedly worth $118.4 billion Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images He famously made his fortune through Microsoft, which he co-founded in 1975. He stepped down from the board in 2020 but retains ownership of approximately 1.3% of the company's shares. Story continues 6. Warren Buffett, aka the "Oracle of Omaha," has a reported net worth of $117.3 billion. Taylor Hill / FilmMagic / Via Getty He made his fortune by investing in Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate that encompasses dozens of smaller companies. Its wide-ranging portfolio includes Geico and Dairy Queen. Technically classed as "self-made," he's the son of a Congress member. He was only 11 when he made his first investment. 7. Palo Alto-based billionaire Mark Zuckerberg's net worth is about $111 billion, according to Forbes Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images His wealth famously comes from Meta Platforms, which began as Facebook, the website he cofounded with fellow Harvard classmates at 19. It now also includes Instagram and Whatsapp. Currently, he holds around 13% of Meta's stock. 8. Larry Page, who's also based in Palo Alto, has a reported $108.5 billion net worth. Kimberly White / Via Getty He made his money through Google, which he co-founded in 1998. He currently serves as a board member and controlling shareholder for Alphabet, Google's parent firm. 9. Sergey Brin, who lives in Los Altos, California, is reportedly worth $103.1 billion. Arturo Holmes / FilmMagic / Via Getty He co-founded Google with Larry Page, his fellow Stanford PhD student, in 1998. Currently, he's also a board member and controlling shareholder for Alphabet. 10. Hunts Point, Washington-based billionaire Steve Ballmer is reportedly worth $100.5 billion. Allen Berezovsky / Getty Images His wealth comes from his work with Microsoft. In 1980, he joined the team as the 30th employee. Then, from 20002014, he served as CEO. After retiring, he spent $2 billion to purchase the Los Angeles Clippers. 11. Carlos Slim Helu, the richest person in Mexico, and his family have a reported net worth of $97.8 billion. Europa Press News / Europa Press via Getty Images After learning about business from his father, a general store owner, he made his first investment at 11. As an adult, he worked in business for about two decades before investing in Telemex, Mexico's only phone company at the time. Now, his family is in control of the largest telecom firm in Latin America, America Movil. He serves as the company's honorary chairperson. His other investments include real estate, mining, construction, and consumer goods in Mexico. 12. New York City-based billionaire Michael Bloomberg is reportedly worth $94.5 billion. Jared Siskin / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images His money comes from Bloomberg LP, a financial information and media company, which he put in the seed money for and co-founded in 1981. He retains 88% of it. A former NYC mayor and failed presidential candidate, he currently serves as the CEO of Bloomberg, Inc. 13. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the richest woman in the world, and her family have a reported net worth of $90.9 billion. She lives in Paris. Mehdi Fedouach / AFP via Getty Images As the granddaughter of Eugene Schueller, who founded L'Oreal, her wealth is inherited. She's been on the board since 1997, and currently, she serves as chairperson. About 33% of the company's stock belongs to her family. 14. Mukesh Ambani, who's based in Mumbai, has a reported net worth of $88.8 billion. Sujit Jaiswal / AFP via Getty Images He's the founder and chairperson of Reliance Industries, which he grew from the modest textile manufacturer his dad founded in 1966. The company spans several industries, including retail, oil, telecom, and petrochemicals. He has three children, all of whom he's put in charge of different facets of the business. 15. And finally, Amancio Ortega, who lives in La Coruna, Spain, is worth $87.9 billion, according to Forbes Fotopress / Getty Images His wealth comes from Inditex, the clothing company he co-founded with Rosalia Mera, his ex-wife, in 1975. The most recognizable of the company's eight brands is Zara. Currently, about 60% of Inditex belongs to him. A researcher has miraculously uncovered previously unseen archival footage showcasing the liberation of Jewish prisoners from a Nazi train during the waning days of WWII. According to Israel's Channel 12, Holocaust researcher Matthew Rozell discovered the footage in the U.S. National Archives. A silent video shows the aftermath of the trains liberation from Nazi forces on April 13, 1945. While many photos depicting the incident have surfaced over the years, this is believed to be the first video found. On April 7, the train was loaded with 2,500 prisoners at Bergen-Belsen and set off for the Theresienstadt camp in the Czech Republic, known as a weigh station on the way to death camps. Six days later, the train was forced to stop as bombing intensified in the area. Several prisoners managed to escape from the train, alerting nearby U.S. soldiers. As vehicles and an American tank appeared on the horizon, the handful of Nazi sentinels guarding the train abandoned their posts. George Goss, the commander of the American tank, recalled the experience in Rozells book about the rescue, A Train Near Magdeburg. Everyone looked like a skeleton, so starved, their faces sick. And there was something else. When they saw us, they began to laugh with joy, if you can call it laughter. It was more like an outburst of pure, almost hysterical relief. The video shows American soldiers passing out food and cigarettes to the recently liberated. Some can be seen warming themselves by fires and making coffee. Others are grouped on the ground, sleeping or sunbathing in the afternoon sunlight. Scrawled on one of the train cars is a message, written by the liberated Jewish prisoners: Long live the U.S. and England. Three cheers for the U.S. Later on, American soldiers celebrate with Russian and English troops after liberating the city of Magdeburg, Germany. Survivor Jacob Barzilai told Israels Channel 12 that he has tried for decades to find video footage of that day. It was inconceivable, incomprehensible, and I couldnt breathe, that I found what I had looked for over [so many] years, he said of seeing his 12-year-old self on film. He later recounted more to YNet. We arrived at Bergen-Belsen as five people and only three of us returned. I lost my father and my grandfather there. In the clip, I saw my mother, my sister and myself. I was very emotional seeing the footage. I was at a loss for words. Miriam Mueller was just four years old in 1945. Though she didnt see herself in the footage, she was deeply moved seeing it for the first time. It brought up all sorts of memories. I had a hard time breathing afterward. I said this cursed war is just endless. We keep returning to it. Today, I have 26 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren, and there is another one on the way. The Lord, blessed be He, has performed a miracle with me. Niger's Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who led the presidential guards, sparked celebrations from some (pictured) after he declared himself leader of the country on July 28 when he seized and deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden demanded Bazoum's release. File Photo by EPA-EFE Aug. 3 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden on Thursday called on the Niger military to release its President Mohamed Bazoum as the African country celebrates its independence, saying that the coup has put democracy in jeopardy there. Biden's statement comes a day after the State Department ordered all non-emergency U.S. personnel and their families to evacuate the U.S. Embassy there. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the order was made "out of an abundance of caution" and because of limited commercial flights. "In this critical moment, the United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance," Biden said in his statement. "The Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders. They have expressed their will through free and fair elections -- and that must be respected. "Defending fundamental democratic values, and standing up for constitutional order, justice, and the right of peaceful assembly, are essential to the partnership between Niger and the United States. I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released and for the preservation of Niger's hard-earned democracy." On Wednesday, France's foreign ministry said that two flights from Niger with more than 350 French citizens and those of another 10 countries have already arrived in France with evacuation operations continuing for a third flight. 'I call for President Bazoum (pictured, 2022) and his family to be immediately released and for the preservation of Niger's hard-earned democracy,' U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement released by the White House on Thursday. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI Italy was also in the midst of evacuating citizens, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani publishing photos online as he met 36 citizens and more than 30 others from foreign countries on the tarmac after their plane touched down. Niger military Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who led Niger's presidential guards, declared himself leader of the country on July 28 after seizing and deposing Bazoum. Tchiani, who has commanded the presidential guard since 2011, said in a televised address that the military took over the government by force due to economic insecurity and corruption. The wolf-costume-wearing Kansas City Chiefs superfan widely known as ChiefsAholic will continue to be held without bond as he stands accused of a spree of Midwest bank robberies and flight from felony prosecution. Xaviar M. Babudar, 29, of Overland Park, made his initial appearance in shackles and a yellow jumpsuit in Kansas Citys downtown federal courthouse on Friday afternoon. Magistrate Judge Brian Gaddy scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Wednesday. Last month, a federal judge in California ordered Babudar to remain in custody before trial following his arrest there. Prosecutors in the Western District of Missouri have also filed a motion supporting pretrial detention as Babudar currently faces two felony charges of bank theft and interstate transportation of stolen property. Prosecutors also allege the FBI has uncovered evidence linking Babudar to a five-state spree of strong-arm robberies at banks and credit unions over the course of nine months. Xaviar Michael Babudar, known as Chiefsaholic, allegedly robbed five Midwest banks at gunpoint in 2022, and attempted two other robberies in Minnesota. A graphic included in an affidavit filed July 10 shows the locations of the crimes. An internet famous superfan known to brag about high-dollar bets on Kansas City sporting events, Babudars disappearance from Chiefs games was noticed by social media followers of his since-deleted Twitter account @ChiefsAholic. It was during that time that Babudar was arrested after the failed robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union in Bixby, Oklahoma. On Dec. 16, a masked man entered with what appeared to be a handgun, jumped on the counter and demanded a bank employee open the vault or be shot. The robber fled on a bicycle, according to the FBI, before his apprehension by local authorities. Babudar allegedly had in his possession more than $150,000 in cash and a BB gun. Three miles away, a car parked in the lot of a Tulsa gym was identified by authorities as one registered to Babudar. A search warrant yielded betting slips and bank paperwork in Babudars name with deposit memos in the tens of thousands of dollars. Xaviar Babudar, 29, a Kansas City superfan widely known as ChiefsAholic, is accused of robbing a credit union with a BB gun Dec. 16 in Bixby, Oklahoma After Babudars arrest, FBI investigators connected his cellphone location to historical data from cell towers near the scenes of unsolved robberies at four banks in Nebraska, Iowa and Tennessee, and the attempted robberies of two credit unions in Minnesota. Story continues The federal charges Babudar currently faces are related to $70,000 stolen from Great Western Bank in Clive, Iowa, on March 2, 2022. Bank employees told police that the robber came into the bank wearing a ski mask and appeared to be armed. He handed the teller a note demanding money. Later, police found nearly $1,200 in $20 bills in the woods, along with a glove they connected to Babudar, according to an affidavit prepared by an FBI agent. Over the next six weeks, Babudar deposited the same amount that was stolen into his money market savings account and made multiple casino chip purchases and redemption at the Argosy Casino in Riverside, Missouri, according to the affidavit. Authorities allege Babudar has laundered proceeds from bank robberies through Midwestern casinos, including in Kansas City. FBI forensic accountants found $1.1 million in casino chips exchanged by Babudar. Babudar was released in February on bond pending trial in his Oklahoma case. But for four months, authorities say Babudar was on the lam after cutting off the GPS anklet he was supposed to wear and leaving the area without permission. The device was found in a wooded area of Tulsa. When he failed to appear at his arraignment, a warrant was issued for his arrest. In June, he was placed on the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Most Wanted list. Babudar was arrested in the Sacramento, California, area July 7. In a motion Thursday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Daly called for Babudar to be held in federal custody without bail until his trial. He wrote Babudar has clearly displayed his risk of flight through his four months on the run, and said Babudar has apparently lived a nomadic existence having no fixed address to call home. Daly said federal authorities are investigating whether Babudar committed any additional bank robberies since going on the run in February. The Stars Anna Spoerre and Robert A. Cronkleton contributed to this report. Gone seven months, MaMa E knew it was time to come back to her barbecue and home cooking restaurant near downtown Fort Worth. After family deaths and storm damage forced Ernestine Edmond to take a break at MaMa Es Bar-B-Que and Home Cooking, it took great-granddaughter Laniyah Reed to look her in the eye a few weeks ago and say, MaMa E, its time. Out of the mouths of babes, Edmond said, pointing to a Bible verse scrawled on a menu board about they that wait upon the Lord. The signs read MaMa E is Back outside MaMa Es Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking Aug, 2, 2023. I was waiting for him to tell me its OK, she said. Six weeks later, business at MaMa Es is more than just OK. Grateful customers have poured back into the tiny restaurant at 818 E. Rosedale St., one block east of Interstate 35W. I need some of those smothered pork chops, one customer said at lunch this week, as others asked for chicken-and-dumplings with collards or Smokey Denmark sausage sandwiches. Ernestine MaMa E Edmond of MaMa Es Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking, Aug. 2, 2023. They knew Edmond couldnt stay gone long. After all, she opened the restaurant 18 years ago because she needed something to stay busy. Both her husband and a daughter had just been called up by the U.S. Army and sent to fight in the Iraq War. Since then, she has come to see the restaurant as less of a barbecue stand she is one of Texas few women pitmasters and more of a faith outreach. MaMa Es is surrounded now by fancier barbecue restaurants. Chicken and dumpings, green beans and baked beans at MaMa Es Bar-B-Que and Home Cooking, Aug. 2, 2023. Theyre good but they can all go ahead and do what they do, and Ill do what I do, Edmond said. Im not here for competition. Im here because I love what I do. And Im here because I love seeing these people. The barbecue is basic. Its old-time oak- and pecan-smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, bologna and turkey or chicken legs, with a choice of sides. MaMa Es has become better-known for her homestyle cooking and daily lunch specials ($13.99) such as pork chops, beef tips, meat loaf, chicken spaghetti and baked chicken with dressing. Fried catfish, green beans and baked beans at MaMa Es Sept. 7, 2012. The chicken-and-dumplings, for example, start with dumplings cut from her mothers biscuit recipe. Story continues She offers individual pecan, sweet potato or lemon chess pies and bakes larger pies by special order. The dessert menu also includes cobblers and banana pudding. MaMa Es is in a long-ago KFC location in a rebounding neighborhood that will soon be home to a National Juneteenth Museum. Its open for lunch through midafternoon daily except Sunday; 817-877-3322.. After the band played Miles Davis "Seven Steps to Heaven," and an effusive introduction from the head of the school, Window Snyder stands in front of a hall filled with around 800 students at her old high school to receive an alumni award. Some of the students have a plastic spoon stuck to their noses, part of an end-of-the-year traditional school game basically a game of tag for seniors called Assassin. Most of them have their eyes set on the special guest. Snyder is emotional. She hesitates, and has a hard time starting her speech. Once she does, she opens up about how much she struggled when she got here, to Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut, after leaving her mom and her life in California back in 1989. At one point, Snyder recalls, her advisor asked her: Are you sure this is the right place for you? Maybe you will be happier back home, somewhere else. But Snyder was sure, and it paid off. I never worked so hard for anything in my life. And then after leaving Choate, nothing was ever hard again, Snyder tells the students. And its not because I didnt do hard things. I knew how to get hard things done. That may be an understatement. In her nearly 25-year career in cybersecurity, Snyder was part of a group of people who pushed Microsoft in the early days of the mainstream internet to finally take cybersecurity seriously by embracing the notion that security needed to be part of the software development cycle not bolted on afterward and played a significant role in developing the first versions of the Windows operating systems that implemented that idea. She also helped convince the company that outside researchers, who were keen on pointing out flaws in Microsofts products, were actually allies, not enemies. Having helped secure Windows, the operating system used by hundreds of millions of people in the world and after a stint at another security consultancy and leading Mozillas security team at a time when users considered Firefox the secure alternative to Internet Explorer Snyder moved to Microsofts then-biggest competitor. Story continues In Cupertino, she managed Apples privacy and security teams. There, as part of a project she called Apple Doesnt Have Your Data, she successfully lobbied and worked on enabling encryption by default in all Apple-made computers, iPhones and iPads, and iMessage, helping lay the foundations for the companys reputation as a cybersecurity giant. At the cloud computing company Fastly, Snyder built the security team and helped secure what she says was around 10% of internet traffic, which passed through Fastlys infrastructure at the time. She has also worked at Intel, the payment company Square and she got her start at the legendary and pioneering cybersecurity startup @stake. People don't realize that Window is responsible for starting so many positive security improvements at major corporations that blazed a trail for other corporations to follow in their footsteps, says Katie Moussouris, a veteran of the hacking scene and now CEO and founder of Luta Security. It's not just her work at Microsoft, it's that she basically revolutionized security for the entire internet with her work there, Moussouris adds. She is more responsible for more technical and social changes inside of software companies than anybody else I know. A lot of the big companies who are now doing things that seem obvious to them in retrospect, [its] because she went in and changed what they did, says Dave Aitel, a well-known cybersecurity expert who worked with Snyder at @stake. Her legacy is about changing big companies and moving big ships. Those who know her or have worked with her call Snyder trailblazing, intelligent, impressive, technical, brilliant, driven, thoughtful, relentless, remarkable, wicked smart, professional, a leader, humble and like a swan so graceful on the surface, but paddling like hell underneath. As she admitted in her speech at Choate, however, getting where she is wasnt always easy. A picture of Window Snyder and Katie Moussouris, circa 2007. A picture of Window Snyder and Katie Moussouris, circa 2007. Image Credits: Katie Moussouris (supplied) Snyder was born in 1975 in New Jersey to an American father and a Kenyan-born mother. It was from her mom, Wayua Muasa, where she got her determination and love for technology, Snyder tells me. Muasa, who was raised in Machakos in rural Kenya, was part of the Akamba people, and had a humble upbringing. Growing up, for example, Muasa shared the same sweater with her sister. She would wear it in the morning, and then her sister would wear it in the afternoon when she went to school. Years later, she received a scholarship to attend university in Boston in the mid-1960s, arriving in the U.S. just as the civil rights movement was igniting. "She worked incredibly hard to make sure I have every opportunity that was available to my education," Snyder said. When she raised Snyder, Muasa transitioned from teaching to working as a mainframe software engineer. After she taught herself how to code, Muasa wrote in COBOL, a coding language invented in 1959. When Snyder was five, Muasa brought home a Texas Instruments 99/4A, a popular home computer at the time. I have these wonderful memories of her sitting at the kitchen table with a stack of just a huge stack of green bar printouts. And her flipping through and debugging with a pencil at the kitchen table in the evening, Snyder says. Computers had been part of Snyders life since she was little. Growing up, she says, she used to do basic programming on her mothers computers. When she got to Choate, computers werent much of a novelty and they simply felt like a tool. So, she cultivated other interests, and had different ambitions than getting into technology. I thought I was going to be a writer, I was very excited about literature classes, and I was excited about the arts, and I was into theater and I was singing, Snyder says. During high school, Snyder says she was also into photography and spent a lot of her free time in the photo lab, and was the photo editor for the yearbook. She basically revolutionized security for the entire internet. Katie Moussouris But then she went to Boston College in the early-1990s, where she decided to study computer science and mathematics. Even though she initially had no idea that there were others out there with an interest in hacking, at the time the city's hacker scene was burgeoning, especially around the MIT campus. Snyder began frequenting first bulletin boards and then IRC chat channels, such as #NewHackCity, and started playing with a computer made by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) that ran Ultrix, an operating system that was designed to be operated by multiple users. Thats when Snyder had, perhaps, her first hacker inspiration. My question was: what's keeping my data separate from everyone else's? What's keeping my process separate from the kernel? Snyder recalled asking herself, referring to the core part of the computer, which controls almost all the other processes running on the machine. This led to her obsession with studying and taking apart DEC computers so much so that she later named her cat Digital Equipment Corporation, who passed away in 2016 after living an impressive 20 years. I was just inhaling as much information about the operating system as I could, taking operating systems classes and learning about these things, and then building tools to try and circumvent these security mechanisms, Snyder says. To truly understand how those computers worked, she needed to get her hands on them, which wasnt easy since they were already a bit dated. Some of them she found on eBay, and some at the MIT flea market, where a group of young hackers who went by L0pht now considered one of the most influential hacker groups in the U.S. often hung out and sold hardware they didnt need. In his recent book, Cris Thomas, whos known as Space Rogue and was one of the original members of L0pht, recalled meeting Snyder at the flea market. Thomas writes that he and the others had several computers made by DEC that they had little use for, among them, a MicroVAX II model from 1985. At the time, the group had an internet bulletin board a precursor to online forums where they would post what hardware they were going to bring to the flea market. Snyder, however, saw a post on a different bulletin board, where the MicroVAX II caught her attention. Are you the guys with the VAX? Thomas remembers Snyder asking when she approached them. Thomas wrote that he was taken aback, as Snyder didnt look like most of the people at the flea market. I was a little stunned at first, not understanding what it was she was asking for; Id heard VAX and was thinking about one of the huge ones still back at the L0pht, and she didnt quite match the ripped jeans, dirty t-shirt, and black-leather-jacket cyberpunk aesthetic of most of the other people at The Flea, he wrote. Despite her looks, she was one of them, a hacker. At the time, she went by the online handle RosieRiv, or Rosie the Riveter, a feminist and empowerment icon. It didnt take Snyder long to graduate from hacker to cybersecurity professional, becoming the tenth employee at one of the first cybersecurity consultancy companies in the U.S., called @stake, at the end of the 1990s. The company comprised a whos who of hackers, many now among the most well-respected in the world, such as ex-Facebook chief security officer Alex Stamos; the operational security expert the Grugq; Peiter Mudge Zatko, who worked at DARPA and Twitter; Aitel, the founder of Immunity and the Infiltrate conference; and Moussouris, who would go on to become a pioneer of bug bounties. One of the companys most important customers was Microsoft, at the time the biggest software maker in the world. Chris Wysopal, also known as Weld Pond from his L0pht days, worked with Snyder at @stake. Wysopal says he remembers that whenever Microsoft called, the @stake folks would say let's send in the dream team, and that included Snyder. During those years, Snyder also worked with Frank Swiderski, with whom she would later write a book about threat modeling, a cybersecurity process by which one identifies, communicates and understands the threats that an organization or a specific software faces, and finds solutions to handle them. Threat modeling is now a standard process throughout not only cybersecurity, but tech in general. At the time, it was a novel concept, and while Snyder and Swiderski didnt invent it, they certainly were among the first to codify it. It was designed to allow someone to very quickly understand where the areas of greatest vulnerability or greatest opportunity were for the attacker, Snyder says. Looking at entry points, tracing data flows through the system, you can do it with the developer who is familiar with the system. And then it helps you prioritize which things you should be working on. Threat modeling was one of the methodologies Snyder codified at @stake. Another one being whats called the security development lifecycle, a framework with which developers take into account security and privacy from the beginning and alongside the development of the app or system theyre working on. At the time, these were pioneering concepts. Wysopal says, Back then, I feel like we were both learning how to take our interest in hacking and sort of adversarial ways of looking at things, and professionalizing that as pen testers and threat modelers, and selling those services to companies. So, I feel like at that point in time, she was instrumental in developing how to professionalize a lot of those services, Wysopal says. Frank Heidt, another one of Snyders @stake colleagues, says that one of the things that Window did was bring this kind of discipline to everything, methodologies, written down, disciplined, repeatable methodologies. She was like a pioneer for our industry. None of this existed, Heidt adds. Snyder and Swiderski impressed Microsofts executives so much that the software giant poached them and brought them on board, with the goal of bringing their knowledge of threat modeling and the security development lifecycle to Redmond. Window Snyder poses in front of a building at her old high school, Choate Rosemary Hall. Window Snyder poses in front of a building at her old high school, Choate Rosemary Hall. Image Credits: Ben Hancock/TechCrunch When Snyder and Swiderski joined Microsoft, the company was struggling with viruses and the perception that it wasnt taking security seriously. These were the times when hackers released a tool for hacking Microsoft Windows called Back Orifice live onstage at the hacking conference Def Con as a way to taunt and embarrass the software giant. In response to the negative attention, Microsoft's then-chairman Bill Gates launched the so-called "Trustworthy Computing Initiative," an effort to put the security of the user at the forefront of all Microsoft employees. At Microsoft, Snyder was an integral part of the security teams that worked on introducing a raft of new security features, such as a firewall, security checks in its email app Outlook Express and several improvements for Internet Explorer, in Windows XP Service Pack 2, released in 2004, as well as Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, released in 2005. For the latter, Snyder was chosen to represent the security team at the daily meetings called the war room where representatives for all the teams working on the operating system met to discuss progress, issues and potential solutions. At the time, Snyder was still a junior employee, so it was unusual that she was chosen to go to these meetings. It was an assignment that one would give to a senior program manager. We were relying on her to basically represent the security team in the day to day decision making as the release came to completion, says Steve Lipner, who was Microsofts director of security assurance and Snyder's manager at the time. That was a responsible position and she did a good job. Clyde Rodriguez, who headed the engineering effort for the Windows XP Professional x64 Edition operating system and the war room meetings, says Snyder was one of the most critical partners that he had in that project, because he had a high degree of trust in her judgment. Thats why Rodriguez says he always made sure teams proposing significant changes would consult Snyder to understand the security implications of their proposals. She was like a pioneer for our industry. None of this existed. Frank Heidt Many times I would not accept anything unless Window said it was okay, Rodriguez recalls. There were others who also had an influential impact. But Window was one of them. When they were very close to finalizing development, Rodriguez remembers that Snyder was one of the last people he wanted to get the final thumbs up from. Do you think this is ready? And ultimately, when she said yes, I felt confident in going ahead, Rodriguez says. At the same time, Snyder also successfully pitched Microsoft executives about holding a cybersecurity event inside the company. She called the event Blue Hat, a play on the term "black hat" cybersecurity lingo for hackers with malicious intentions and the fact that only people with a blue Microsoft badge could attend it. During the event, outside security researchers would come to Redmond and tell both executives and employees what security researchers do and how they found vulnerabilities in the companys products. Blue Hat would later go on to become a full-fledged public conference that is still running and attracts hundreds of attendees every year. Window was the person that I always thought more than anybody else convinced the company: No, these are people that may do it in a smarter way than you may, but are trying to help make your product better', Lipner says. Snyder's work at Microsoft was noticed across the industry. As a security researcher outside of Microsoft it was her work that made us all grumble and groan because a lot of things were now impossible to do on the newest versions of the operating system, Moussouris says. And, Moussouris says, making Windows more secure at a time when the operating system had a near monopoly meant securing the whole internet. In 2010, after working at the consultancy Matasano and later Mozilla, Snyder joined Apple, where she was the only product manager responsible for the privacy and security of all Apple products. Andrew Whalley, who worked on the security engineering team at Apple from 2010 until 2016, says that when Snyder joined, she brought to Cupertino the very user-centric security and privacy mindset that she championed at Microsoft and Mozilla. Three years after the launch of the first iPhone, Apple was starting to grapple with the reality that people were putting their whole lives on those devices. These circumstances required radical solutions to keep peoples data safe. Snyders idea was essentially to reduce the amount of user data Apple had access to. If the data's on your infrastructure, if you're the custodian of that data, then you have a duty to protect it, and protecting it is hard. So let's minimize our own access to it, as a method for creating better security solutions, Snyder remembers thinking. Jon Callas, a veteran cryptography and security expert who worked at Apple at the time, says Snyder helped change the conversation inside the company. That focus on user level security, which is now front and center at Apple and Google in terms of what they do with iOS and Android, Callas says, that mode of thought goes back to the sorts of things that she was pushing in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Snyder advocated for and worked on some of the most important new security features that Apple would ever launch. Among those include making its flagship messaging app iMessage end-to-end encrypted even before apps like Signal and WhatsApp did it so that nobody else, not even Apple, could read a person's private conversations. Under Snyder's watch, Apple made full disk encryption, called FileVault, the default for macOS computers, making it considerably harder to access data on a powered-down MacBook with a strong FileVault password. Microsofts equivalent for Windows (called BitLocker), on the other hand, was for many years geared toward companies and enterprises, and not enabled by default. And, during Snyders tenure, Apple made almost all the data inside a person's iPhone encrypted unless the phone is unlocked with only a passcode known by its owner. After this change, if anyone loses their iPhone and its protected by a relatively strong passcode, its virtually impossible to access its contents unless you have the resources of a law enforcement or intelligence agency. In practice, this made stealing iPhones much less attractive. The last development was especially significant, according to Callas. While it is not perfect, it is nonetheless true that for the vast majority of people, let's say, I could hand you my phone, walk away, and come back in three hours and have confidence that you hadn't gotten anything, Callas says. This is so significant that it creates the world that we're dealing with now, which is things like there are special devices like [iPhone hacking tool] GreyKey and other things that people use to unlock phones. This feature has been controversial in law enforcement circles, with the FBI fighting Apple in court to force the company to build a tool to unlock the iPhone of the San Bernardino shooter. Eventually, a zero-day maker sold the FBI an exploit to unlock the phone. The FBI would not have needed that had Window not worked at Apple, Moussouris says. She's the reason why Apple technology is that much harder to break into. Once Apple pushed these innovations out to consumers, other companies like Google followed suit, turning encryption on by default on its Android devices. Shes the reason why Apple technology is that much harder to break into. Katie Moussouris In line with Apples notorious culture of secrecy, when Snyder joined the company, a lot of the work done by the security team wasn't advertised outside of Apple. At the time, most of the iPhones security features were documented by early jailbreakers, a ragtag group of hackers who were obsessed with getting around the iPhones security mechanisms and sharing their knowledge publicly. Snyder and others thought Apple was letting people outside the company drive the narrative about the security of the iPhone at a time when Apple engineers were making significant advancements in the state of the art of mobile security and were very proud of it. Thats why in 2012 she convinced the companys higher ups to publish the first-ever whitepaper on iOS security, which detailed all the security mechanisms included in the iPhone. There was definitely a feeling amongst the security people within Apple that we had a really good, secure product, Whalley says. That we had been doing the right thing for the users and the product, and the missing piece was talking about it. The next year, Snyder was part of the push to make macOS upgrades free, which meant that security updates were also free for anyone with an Apple computer. The world that we are in now, where we take things for granted about the security of our laptops, our phones, and everything, owes a huge debt to the fact that she was quiet and relentless in advocating for these things, and exploited the willingness of management to listen, Callas says. Her influence in the late 2000s at Apple is absolutely instrumental in seeing ubiquitous security today. Window Snyder talks to students at her old high school, Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut. Window Snyder talks to students at her old high school, Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut. Image Credits: Choate Rosemary Hall/Flickr After a career helping secure some of the most popular software and hardware in the world, Snyder is now going it alone with her new startup called Thistle Technologies, which she launched in 2020. Her new goal: securing the diverse and disparate world of internet-connected devices that are starting to be ubiquitous inside our homes, as well as inside critical infrastructure networks often referred to as the Internet of Things, or IoT. These devices think smart light bulbs, routers, thermostats, baby monitors but also water treatment and energy plant controllers have varying levels of security. Often, however, they are insecure by default. Perhaps thats because they lack a mechanism to update remotely or automatically to patch vulnerabilities. Sometimes its because they have default, hardcoded credentials that are easy to guess, such as admin and password. To secure them, Snyder says she is building a set of tools, libraries and backup services that developers can quickly incorporate into their devices to get to a modern security architecture really quickly. In other words, Thistle is an easy-to-deploy security infrastructure that IoT makers can just plug in and almost forget about. She's trying to change the whole industry. Dave Aitel The goal was to try and take on this industry wide problem, which is that device security is incredibly inconsistent. And in places where it's implemented, it might not be implemented to the degree of resilience that's required for the threats these devices are up against, Snyder says. That is a way to make it easy to bring the security functionality, sophisticated security work to device developers to allow them to not have to worry about the security plumbing, incorporate it easily, and then get back to developing the customer facing features that are their bread and butter. Aitel says this shows once again how ambitious Snyder can be. She's trying to change the whole industry, the industry of those stupid routers that we all have, and they have no security update, and we never thought they would, he says. For Snyder, this was the natural next step to take. If we focus on accessibility, if we focus on opportunity, if we focus on democratizing the security functionality, then we will all benefit from that kind of work, she says. And that's what we're hoping to do at Thistle Technologies. And it really feels like that's what I've been trying to do my entire career. As a Black woman in cybersecurity, Snyder has been an inspiration for a whole generation of hackers who may not fit the stereotypical mold of a dude with a hoodie and a bunch of stickers on his laptop. Lodrina Cherne, a forensics instructor at the cybersecurity training organization SANS, and who is a woman of color, remembers finally meeting Snyder in 1999 at the hacking conference Def Con in Las Vegas after having heard a lot about her online. I've used her and certainly other role models I met at the same time, other women who have since gone on to do really great things in the last 20 years through today, as examples for the belief that I hold very strongly, and the belief that I pass on to my mentees, Cherne says. That it doesn't really matter what a cybersecurity professional today looks like, or what you think a cybersecurity professional should be. Obviously, theres still a lot of work the industry can do in this department. And its taken a lot of sacrifice from people like Snyder, who have been breaking the glass ceiling for others. If I had realized how few women I would have met in my professional capacity, I would have chosen something else. If I had realized how alienated I would feel in these communities, I would have chosen something else, Snyder says. And the hacking community is incredibly racist and misogynist, and thats an awful place to be in. But thanks to her passion for hacking, and her decision to stay in the industry, make a difference and have an impact, others can follow in her footsteps. For somebody like me, Cherne says, it's very obvious how huge her influence has been. I think others could certainly recognize it. Others are definitely seeing it. After receiving the alumni award, and delivering her speech in front of the students, Snyder walks through the college-like campus of her old high school, almost 30 years after she graduated, when a young Black student sheepishly approaches and waves at her. The student thanks Snyder for the speech she gave earlier that day. She says shes on the schools robotics team, and seeing a Black woman like Snyder succeed in a field where there are so few Black women was inspiring. Snyder smiles, holds both of her hands on her chest, and says: Thank you. Window Snyder, founder and CEO of Thistle Technologies, will be a guest on Found Live at Disrupt in San Francisco on September 21. Get your tickets here and use discount code FOUND. miami police guns for ukraine Professional militaries field standard-issue weapons to streamline logistics and maintenance across the force. Having a wide array of weapons in an army makes supplying ammunition and parts more difficult. However, in a fight for survival, any and all weapons are issued to willing fighters; if it can go bang and shoot a bullet, a military on the ropes isnt too fussy about using different kinds of firearms. To that end, the City of Miami is collecting guns through a voluntary buyback program and sending them to Ukraine. Zablotskiy poses with rifles sent to Ukraine (Maryan Zablotskiy/Facebook) Seeking to reduce gun violence, cities and police departments hold events to buy guns off the street. Like in Miami, these buyback programs will take old, new or found guns, no questions asked. In exchange, people receive gift cards. Miamis program offers $50 for handguns and $100 for rifles and shotguns; $150 for firearms chambered in .223, AR-15s and AK-47s. The city clarifies that homemade and replica firearms are not eligible for the buypack program. Airsoft and BB guns do not qualify, either. https://twitter.com/MiamiPD/status/1538243781228732417?s=20 Partnering with the Ukraine Congress Committee of America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Miami expanded its buyback program with Guns 4 Ukraine. Instead of destroying the firearms purchased through buybacks, the city is sending them to Ukraine to arm the nations defenders. We were able to get 68 weapons and firearms off the street, said Miami Police Chief Manny Morales during a June 2022 buyback event. It looks like a few of them, after further examination and work on them, will be fit to send over to our friends in Ukraine. Firearms purchased or confused by Miami PD in Ukraine (Maryan Zablotskiy/Facebook) In addition to guns purchased through the buyback program, firearms confiscated by Miami PD were sent to Ukraine. Another charity, the Ukrainian Arsenal of Liberty, coordinated the transfer of the guns from Miami to Ukraine. The first case in the history of the transfer of small arms confiscated in the United States took place, said Ukrainian Parliamentarian and founder of the charity Maryan Zablotskiy in a Facebook post on August 1, 2023. One-hundred-and-one units are already in Kyiv. Story continues Rifles from Daniel Defense, a U.S. military contractor, sell for over $1000 (Maryan Zablotskiy/Facebook) The firearms sent to Ukraine are all in working order. Moreover, many appear to be chambered in 5.56x45mm/.223 Remington and 9x19mm. Ukrainian soldiers already widely use these cartridges in firearms provided by NATO and other Western countries. AK-style rifles, chambered in 7.62x39mm or 5.45x39mm, are also easily supported by existing Ukrainian stockpiles of the Soviet/Russian standard ammunition, domestically-produced ammunition and donations from other former Soviet states. Feature image: Maryan Zablotskiy/Facebook The News A deadline is nearing after which West Africas regional bloc could use force to remove Nigers ruling junta within days despite thousands of people showing support for soldiers who overthrew the elected president. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) held an emergency meeting last weekend after which it said the putschists who overthrew Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 had a week to restore him to power or the 15-country body could take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order which may include the use of force. The deadline will expire on Sunday. Meanwhile, the military juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso earlier this week said any military intervention against Niger is tantamount to a declaration of war against them. Defense chiefs from Ecowas countries have been holding talks about the situation for the last two days in Nigerias capital Abuja, amid questions about the makeup and remit of a regional force. Know More Has Ecowas done this before? Yes. Ecowas troops were deployed in 2017 when Gambian president Yahya Jammeh, who was in power for 22 years, refused to stand down after losing an election. But there are few similarities because Jammeh stood down following talks; Gambia was easier to manage because it is surrounded by Senegal, and Jammeh did not have the backing of other countries. Ecowas also rolled out peacekeeping operations in the 1990s and early 2000s in Liberia and Sierra Leone but its troops fought rebels at the invitation of the respective governments. Which countries would contribute troops? The composition of an Ecowas army is unclear. Nigers southern neighbor Nigeria, which has the subregions largest armed service, would likely make up the bulk of the force. But, not all of its 220,000 personnel are on the front line, and its troops are already stretched tackling domestic security problems. Ghana, Cote dIvoire, and Senegal would also contribute troops in all likelihood, say analysts. Youll need to make sure this isnt just an Anglophone operation, otherwise thats complicating things, said Alex Vines, director of the Africa program at the Chatham House think tank in London. Story continues Who would pay for this? With many West African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, contending with economic problems that have caused financial hardship for their citizens, funding a foreign conflict would be an unpopular move for most leaders. Ecowas has not stated how any military operation would be funded but the West would be expected to help. If they were going to get Western funding, the U.S. would be the most significant partner, said Ben Hunter, Africa analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. Alexiss view Reuters/Balima Boureima West Africas precarious security situation rests on a contest of high stakes brinkmanship. Neither Ecowas nor the putschists and their backers in neighboring countries would benefit from a conflict a fact both sides must know. The regional body threatened military action as a scare tactic after sanctions, imposed in the wake of previous coups, simply punished populations already pummelled by deadly insurgencies. A humiliating climbdown would make Ecowas seem even weaker than previously thought. Meanwhile, the strength of support in Nigers army for the elite unit behind the coup has not been tested. And there is no evidence to suggest that Nigers army could withstand military action led by Nigeria. The show of unity by Mali and Burkina Faso would be hard to back up in reality since those military juntas are already struggling to fight jihadists at home. But several challenges remain. The crowds that gathered in Niamey suggest Ecowas could be trying to force an unpopular president back on a politically energized population. If they reinstate Bazoum he would be seen by his own people as a president who was only rescued by a foreign force and denounced as a French puppet, Ulf Laessing, who heads the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a German think-tank, told me. Ecowas is pursuing talks in an attempt to find a solution. The strong ties between northern Nigeria and southern Niger provide an opportunity for close cooperation. Thats the thinking behind the bloc appointing the Sultan of Sokoto, an influential Muslim leader, in its delegation to Niger for mediation. A person with direct knowledge of the mediation process told me that the sultan and Nigerias former military leader Abdulsalami Abubakar held talks with Nigers putschists for several hours on Wednesday. Nigerias vice president, the former governor of a state that borders southeast Niger, could also be an asset in the mediation process. Despite issuing a strongly worded threat, Ecowas has given itself room to maneuver. Its statement said the use of force may be among the measures taken, so the option is on the menu but isnt necessarily going to be the approach chosen once the week-long deadline expires. A likely scenario is that Ecowas seeks a way to defuse the situation without appearing to back down, for example by brokering a deal to ensure Bazoums release in exchange for him willingly ceding power with an agreed timeline for a democratic process to replace him. Three boys who died of suicide could lead to increased prevention efforts in Nebraska's child welfare system. A state watchdog recently reported that the three died at different ages, in different years, in different parts of Nebraska and with different family histories. But each had been involved with the child welfare system in one way or another before their deaths. Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare Jennifer Carter investigated all three deaths as required by state law. She concluded that state child welfare workers and others dealing with the boys' families "did not contribute to and were not responsible for" their deaths. But her report said the child welfare system could do better at knowing warning signs and intervening to address suicide risk among the youngsters in the system. "It's very difficult to know if something like that would have made a difference in any of those three cases," Carter said. "It just gives everybody a better chance." Her report recommended that the state develop and implement a comprehensive suicide awareness and prevention plan within child welfare. She also called for better training of state child welfare workers, foster parents and the private providers that contract to care for youth in the system and she recommended that child welfare officials participate in the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition. In a letter included with the report, Dannette Smith, then-CEO for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said the department accepted all of the Inspector General's recommendations. She said the goal would be to have completed all of the changes by the end of 2025. Carter said she was encouraged by the department's commitment and the timeline. The report pointed out that adolescents generally are at a higher risk for death by suicide, with suicide ranking among the top three causes of death for Nebraskans ages 10 through 18 since 2006. But youth involved in the child welfare system are at even greater risk, given their histories of trauma and abuse and their higher rates of alcohol and substance misuse, unsafe sexual behaviors, delinquency and truancy, the report said. Those who wind up in foster care face additional trauma and disruptions. Of the three cases investigated, the first involved a 14-year-old who died in 2018. Child welfare officials got involved with his family a year earlier because of domestic violence between his parents. Other concerns included his mother's mental health and his parents' co-parenting skills. The boy and his siblings were made wards of the state but remained in their parents' home. The second involved a 16-year-old who died in 2021, three weeks after reporting sexual abuse by his half-brother. Child welfare officials got involved with the family because of the report. The intake said he was suffering from depression and anxiety, in part because his sister died by suicide five years earlier. Other concerns included his father's depression and verbal and emotional abuse from his mother. The third case involved an 11-year-old who died in 2022. The boy's parents had been deported four years earlier and an older sister was caring for him and his siblings. Child welfare officials responded because of a report from the older sister that the boy was harming himself. The case was handled through a process called alternative response, in which workers help families without taking them to court or making a finding that there had been abuse or neglect in the family. Top Journal Star photos for July 2023 FIRST ON FOX Police in Huntsville, Alabama prevented a crowd of protestors from disrupting a story hour featuring actor-author Kirk Cameron and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines on Saturday. A group of protestors outside the Madison Public Library reportedly attempted to enter the event, which was hosted by the organization Moms for Liberty as part of the "See You at the Library" series of book readings on August 5. Some protestors held signs that said, "Ban hate, not books," and "Ban bigots." Inside the library was an overflow crowd of adults, parents and children trying to enjoy the book reading, which went off relatively smoothly, Fox News Digital is told early on Saturday afternoon. 'PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS': WHY A PASTOR'S WIFE AND A MOM OF 2 ARE HEADING TO THE LIBRARY ON AUGUST 5 Cameron started his event at the library by thanking attendees for coming out to the library "thank you for coming to an event that is so wholesome like this, that is so faith-filled like this," he said, in part. He then began with the "Pledge of Allegiance" and led the group in singing "God Bless America," with many parents and kids holding hands over their hearts. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The event at the Madison Public Library had previously been canceled, then re-scheduled, purportedly due to capacity concerns. A crowd of protestors gathered in Huntsville, Alabama, to protest a scheduled book reading by actor-author Kirk Cameron and women's sports advocate Riley Gaines on Saturday, August 5. On Friday, the library acquiesced and rescheduled the event after law firm First Liberty Institute sent a letter to the library system saying it was "prepared to vindicate this violation of our clients civil rights in court." After agreeing to host the event, the library system issued a statement saying the meeting would be accommodated, with a hard limit put on the number of attendees. "In the interest of public safety, Madison Police and the Madison Fire Marshal will be on hand to manage any logistical needs," said the library. NATIONWIDE 'SEE YOU AT THE LIBRARY' EVENT ON AUGUST 5 ALREADY GETTING PUSHBACK: 'FIRE IN THE HEARTS' Story continues Cameron's publisher, Brave Books, said there were 225 attendees at the event the maximum capacity for the room as agreed upon with the library system. Local police reported there were about 100 protestors outside the library, according to Brave Books, which cited Chief Johnny Gandy of the Madison Police Department. Fox News Digital reached out to local police departments for further comment. Kirk Cameron (left) and Riley Gaines (center) pose for a picture amid a capacity crowd at the Madison Public Library on Saturday, August 5. "See You at the Library" was inspired by actor-writer Kirk Cameron and his book publisher. The nationwide series of events aims to bring together Americans from all walks of life to their public libraries. People on Saturday are reading books and stories centered on faith, family and country. The events are planned at more than 300 libraries in 46 states, according to Brave Books. A map is available showing where people can find events in their area. BRING BACK WHOLESOME, TRADITIONAL AND PATRIOTIC VALUES: WHY 3 GROUPS ARE HEADING TO THE LIBRARY ON SATURDAY Cameron, speaking to Fox News Digital in a phone interview earlier this week, said, "Conservatives and Christians have complained that they don't have a seat at the cultural table" in America in recent times. Now they do, he said. Other event organizers told Fox News Digital that they were excited to meet with like-minded members of their community at their local book readings. "Our freedoms are so crucial to protect, so when I heard of a way to do this at my local library and join the movement, I was on board," said Lauren Mauk, president of Mommy's Haven Maternity Home in Lowell, Indiana, and a mother of two. As a parent, Mauk said it was "imperative" to her that "our kids hear and learn biblical and patriotic principles (at all ages) but also beginning at a young age." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER The books published by Brave Books are able to share these principles "in a beautiful way thats entertaining for kids to read and listen to," she said. "We love to read to our kids and love having a brand that we can trust to align with our values and Christian morals," she said. Nine years after their father died, the children of Edgar Cato of the clothing store chain learned he was owed nearly half a million dollars from a stock transaction. He is one of thousands of people, nonprofits and businesses who were owed money that ended up in the hands of the South Carolina Treasurers Office. The state treasurer has $850 million its holding for millions of people who dont even realize they are owed money. More than 78,000 properties were returned to owners last year, and 200 million remain listed on the treasurers website, where its as simple as putting your name into a search field to see if youre on the list. The sums are in some cases just a few dollars, as Treasurers Office spokeswoman Karen Ingram learned when she went to work at the office. She recouped $3.80 from an AT&T surcharge. A few learned they were owed a million dollars. None have been willing to be identified, Ingram said. Its like winning the lottery, she said. Everyone comes out of the woodwork. The average check is $600, Ingram said. The law establishing the unclaimed property department passed in 1971, but funds go back to the 1940s, Ingram said. In the Cato case, the $462,202 check went straight to his foundation, which gives money to the College of Charlestons sailing club and Aikens Hitchcock Woods nature preserve, among others. The funds stemmed from a stock purchase in the early 2000s. Edgar Cato died at 86 in 2011. He was from Aiken and was part of the Cato company when he, his father and brother started the company in 1946. When she accepted the money, Christine Cato said her father was passionate about flying, sailing, traveling to new places and nature preservation. He was in fact an award-winning sailor and spent his summers in Newport, Rhode Island where he competed in 12-meter class sailing events, according to his obituary. Others who have claimed sizable amounts have been Richland School District 2: $46,726, Friends of the Pickens County Library: $30,249 and Merritt Custom Homes: $26,357. Ingram said the law requires her office to issue checks within 90 days but some cases are less complicated and funds can be issued in a few days. The funds are invested along with other state funds. Recipients get the original amount turned over to the state by businesses and others. Esti Ginzburg was photographed by Raphael Mazzucco in the Philippines. Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated Israeli model Esti Ginzburg made three consecutive SI Swimsuit Issue appearances, starting with her 2011 feature in Italy, which was photographed by Riccardo Tinelli. The following year, the 33-year-old traveled to India, where she worked with the same photographer. Her most recent brand feature took place in 2011, when visual artist Raphael Mazzucco snapped her photos in the Philippines. All the girls, I think, are just real girls theyre nice, theyre approachable, theyre healthy, theyre pretty, but not in an intimidating way, she admitted of her fellow magazine models. Theyre real. Ginzburg added that when working with SI Swimsuit, she got to be herself, unlike some other brand deals that instead require her to promote a product. In addition to her work with SI Swimsuit, Ginzburg has also collaborated with major brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Burberry. Shes also worked as an actress and television host. Today, she is married to Adi Keizman, and the couple share two children. She regularly shares lifestyle and work snippets on Instagram with her 286,000 followers. Below are eight of our favorite photos from Ginzburgs photoshoot in the Philippines 12 years ago. Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube! Sophia Bush has reportedly filed for divorce from husband Grant Hughes, whom she married just a little over one year ago. The news was confirmed by PEOPLE on Friday, Aug. 4, the same day the One Tree Hill alum, 41, reportedly filed divorce papers. "Sophia and Grant were friends for 10 years and bonded during COVID through their love of community service," a source close to the couple told the outlet. "They continue to run their nonprofit together and remain good friends." The former couplewho co-created the Bush Hughes Foundation for Progresstied the knot just last summer, saying their vows in a romantic ceremony in Hughes' home state of Oklahoma. View the original article to see embedded media. Just weeks ago, Bush and Hughes celebrated their first wedding anniversary, with both parties taking to Instagram to celebrate the occasion at the time. Bush's post, however, appears to have been removed from her page. According to PEOPLE, the since-deleted post read, "Today marks 365 days of calling you 'husband,'" alongside a black and white photo from their wedding day. "Best decision of my life. It still feels just like this. Ecstatic," she wrote at the time. "Running toward the future, grinning and laughing, together. I love you, my favorite. Happy Anniversary." Hughes also shared a tribute to Bush at the time, in a post that is currently still live on his IG page, as of writing. "Happy 1st Anniversary, my love! ," he wrote in part, next to a series of sweet snaps with Bush. "What a full, beautiful, dynamic, exciting, growth-filled year weve had together. I truly love doing life with you!" >>>Sign up for Parade's Trending News newsletter and we'll keep you in the know on the viral pop culture moments and celebrity news everyone is talking about<<< View the original article to see embedded media. At the time, Bush commented on the post, writing, "Multitudes my babe ." So far, neither Bush nor Hughes has commented publicly on the news, though the Good Sam actress has since removed the name "Hughes" from her Instagram profile. Next: Reese Witherspoon Has Already Settled Divorce with Jim Toth Sophia Bush and Grant Hughes have known each other for over a decade. From friends to fiances, to husband and wife before going their separate ways, the former One Tree Hill actor and the entrepreneur kept their relationship mostly private. On Aug. 4, TODAY.com learned that Bush filed for divorce from Grant after 13 months of marriage. While Bush is widely known in Hollywood, Grant stepped into her spotlight when they began dating. As the two call it quits, here's everything to know about Hughes and a look back at his and Bush's love story. Who is Grant Hughes? Grant Hughes is an entrepreneur and real estate investor from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He loves to travel and has a passion for giving back, which connected him to Bush and her philanthropic endeavors, the pair told Vogue. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he got a bachelor's degree in business administration in entrepreneurship and venture management, per his LinkedIn. He also has a master's degree in education from Loyola Marymount University. Additionally, Hughes has a master's in business administration (MBA) in strategy, innovation, design thinking and a master's in environment psychology and decision making from the University of Michigan. What does Grant Hughes do for a living? Hughes is a jack-of-all-trades. He the founder and CEO of Drink Good Wine, a company that sources curated wines for their members. He is also the owner and operator of BLRE Investments that invests in and operates real estate across the United States. Hughes is also part of The Venice Book Club, a social book club based in Venice Beach, California. Prior to his current gigs and interests, he was a co-founder and chief strategy officer for FocusMotion, a data-driven orthopedic recovery solutions to automatically assess and monitor pre- and post-operative patients, building the deep learning and diagnostic AI that will transform human recovery. Grant Hughes and Sophia Bush got engaged in Italy in August 2021. (Charley Gallay / Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot) How did Sophia Bush and Grant Hughes meet? The pair met while on a New Years trip to Nicaragua about 10 years ago, per Vogue. Story continues We became fast friends but only saw each other a few times a year because both of us were traveling all of the time for work, Bush told the magazine. When did Sophia Bush and Grant Hughes start dating? In 2020, around the start of the pandemic, the two reconnected over books, philanthropic initiatives and sharing articles, per Vogue. They then began FaceTiming, which led to them dating. In a January 2021 Instagram post, hidden in a slideshow was a photo of the two wearing face masks. Our first date was also our first Covid test, Hughes wrote in his caption, describing the photo. The couple at the CAA Kickoff Party for the White House Correspondents Dinner on April 29, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Leigh Vogel/Getty Images) The pair only made a handful of public appearances during their time together. On Oct. 2, 2021, they were all smiles at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Los Angeles at Will Rogers State Historic Park Pacific Palisades, California. They were also photographed at the CAA kickoff party for the White House Correspondents Dinner in D.C. on April 29, 2022. Among their last public outing was at this year's Elton John AIDS Foundations 31st annual Academy Awards viewing party on March 12. When did Sophia Bush and Grant Hughes get engaged? It wasn't long before Grant popped the question. While on a trip to Lake Como, Italy, in August 2021, Hughes booked a sightseeing tour on a classic Riva boat for the two of them. During golden hour, he proposed to Bush. The two would later share the news with the world and their Instagram followers. So it turns out that being your favorite persons favorite person is the actual best feeling on planet Earth, Bush wrote alongside the since-deleted Instagram photo, which showed Hughes kneeling down on one knee on the boat and placing a ring on her finger. In his own post on Instagram, Hughes also shared photos from their engagement. "She is my forever Favorite. This is my favorite. And our life is that were building because she said 'Yes' is already my favorite. I am SO EXCITED to do life with you, my love," his caption reads in part. When did Sophia Bush and Grant Hughes get married? Bush and Hughes got married on June 11, 2022, at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This article was originally published on TODAY.com null FAQs How much does SUPER73 shipping cost? SUPER73 charges $150 to deliver bikes to the 48 contiguous U.S. states, or $450 to ship to Hawaii. The K1D kids' bike is subject to its own shipping fees - $50 for the 48 contiguous states, and $150 for shipping to Hawaii or Alaska. Shipping costs for all other items are calculated by dimension, weight, and destination at the checkout, except for batteries, which will incur a $100 shipping fee. Can I get a SUPER73 military discount? Yes, if you're military personnel, you can verify with an ID.me account to get $100 off your order during the checkout process. Government workers, nurses, medical providers, hospital workers & first responders also qualify for this saving. Just look out for the verification link below the discount code box during the checkout process. What is the SUPER73 returns policy? SUPER73 will accept returns on bikes if they are sent back within 15 days of your item being delivered and you can provide photo evidence that your items are unused & unopened (i.e. in their original unopened box or packaging). However, you will be charged a 15% restocking fee. Accessories & clothing can be returned within 30 days of placing your order, but will be inspected on receipt - items are only eligible for refunds if they are sent back undamaged, unworn, unwashed, with tags intact and in their original packaging. Batteries are not eligible for returns. Can I cancel my SUPER73 order? Yes, so long as you get in touch with the SUPER73 customer support team within 24 hours of placing your order or before it is shipped. If you are unable to get in touch with their team within 24 hours, you will need to pay a 15% restocking fee in you wish to proceed with the cancellation. Otherwise, the standard returns policy will apply. How do I contact SUPER73? If you want to get in touch with the SUPER73 customer support team, you can call (949) 258-9245 to speak with a member of the team. You can also email them at customercare@super73.com, or click the "Help" icon in the right hand corner for more on-site support. Customer support is available Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm (PT). Story continues Hints and tips Save with ID.me: If you are a government employee, hospital worker or medical provider, member of the military, nurse or first responder, you can verify your status with a valid ID.me account during the checkout process to get $100 off your order. You'll find this option on the same page as the "Discount Code" box where you'll need to enter your SUPER73 discount code. Refer a friend to SUPER73: If you know someone who would like the e-bikes & accessories that SUPER73 offer, you can refer them to the brand to net them a discount and get money off your next purchase. Simply provide your name & email address to be sent a referral link. Send this to your friend, and when they make a purchase worth $1400 or more, they'll get $100 off their purchase. Once their purchase has been processed, you'll be eligible for $50 off your next purchase worth $500 or more. Sign up for the SUPER73 newsletter: You can keep up with the latest SUPER73 news by signing up for their newsletter. Provide your chosen email address, and you'll be sent information on the latest products, accessories and events, as well as exclusive discounts for newsletter recipients only, directly to your inbox. Follow SUPER73 on social media: You can also keep up with SUPER73 on their social media channels, which include Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. You'll see all the same news about products & events, plus news on celebrity endorsements and other bits of info. Test ride a SUPER73 vehicle: If you want to check if a SUPER73 model feels right for you before you make a purchase, you can visit the SUPER73 showroom in Irvine, CA, where you'll be able to arrange a test ride with the staff in-person. If you aren't located near California, the brand's products are also sold by a range of retailers across the US. You can find your nearest dealer using the Dealer Locator on their website. Some of these dealers may also offer free test rides, so get in touch to arrange yours. How to use SUPER73 discount codes 1) Select one of our SUPER73 discount codes you'd like to redeem against your order and click "Get Code" to reveal it. 2) Copy this code for later, then head to the SUPER73 website to start shopping. 3) Add items you want to buy to your cart as you go, then click on the cart to review your order when you're ready to buy. 4) Check you have all the items you're after in your cart, then click "Checkout" to prcoeed. 5) On the right-hand side, you'll see a box marked "Discount Code" where you can enter your SUPER73 discount code. 6) Click "Apply" to add your discount, then check your order total has changed to reflect this. 7) Enter your personal details and continue to shipping, then confirm these details and place your order. Black culture Black culture runs deep throughout every city and town in America. No matter where you are, remnants of Black history can be found. Although modernity fuels citys today, most places in the US have a rich connection to the African diaspora. Incorporating historical exploration into your travels can be exciting and enriching. American history is Black history. However, some places are more connected to Black history than others. Here are US destinations with a history rooted in Black culture. South Carolina Low Country Photo credit: Chris Mauney Black culture in South Carolina Low Country goes back to slavery. The area spreads across the state and into parts of Georgia where some of the first African slaves reached American shores. While Gullah Island doesnt actually exist, Low Country is where the Gullah Geechee people called home. Today, the Low Country is some of the most beautiful land in the country. Visitors come from all over to experience the richness of Black culture that dwells there. From natural attractions and landmarks to museums and southern cuisine, Low Country has a little bit of everything for the traveler hungry for Black history. Chicago According to Choose Chicago, the first permanent settler in Chicago was a Black man from Haiti. Since then, the Midwest city has continued to be a destination rooted in Black culture. There are many Black neighborhoods in Chicago, including Hyde Park and Bronzeville. Throughout the city, there are remnants of Black history around every turn. Black-owned businesses and cultural institutions thrive around the city of Chicago. Theres a plethora of restaurants, landmarks, and cultural experiences to dive into making it a favorite destination for American travelers. Tulsa Before racial discrimination and white terrorism destroyed the city, Tulsas Greenwood District stood as the Black Wallstreet of America. It sat in the heart of the Midwest and African Americans from around the US moved there with hopes of a better life. Story continues In 1921, white community members set Tulsa ablaze, destroying the most prosperous Black community in the country. This included the destruction of 35 city blocks and the death of 300 Black people. Tulsa was one many Black communities in America that was destroyed once it began to flourish. Today, Tulsa is a popular tourist destination in Oklahoma. The city is still defined by Blackness and is built on the foundation the Greenwood District left behind. Despite being burned to the ground, Tulsa rose again as a pillar of the success of Black America. Harlem, NY In the 1920s, Harlem was a hub for Black excellence. Harlem became known as the Black Mecca, and Black creatives, innovators, and families flourished there. The Harlem Renaissance was a time period signified by timeless music, artistic expression, and Black pride. This renaissance reinvigorated Black culture across the country. Iconic Black figures, like Langston Hughes, WEB DuBois and Josephine Baker emerged from this movement. Today, Harlem still shines bright as a symbol of Black culture on the East Coast. Black-owned food spots, like Sylvias and Melbas, serve up hot soul food daily. Festivals and celebrations honoring Black culture happen year round in Harlem, as it stands as a center of Black excellence. Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin speaks at a City Council meeting on June 7, 2022. Credit: Evan L'Roy for The Texas Tribune Editors note: This story contains explicit language. Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin has announced he will step down and run for a Texas House seat. McLaughlin has served as mayor of the small South Texas city since 2014 and was reelected three times. He led the community through the May 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School, where a local teenager killed 19 students and two teachers. McLaughlin, a Republican, said he is running in District 80. In a statement July 14, McLaughlin said entering the race was a no brainer for me, saying that out of touch members of the establishment class have been ignoring the concerns of everyday Texans. He cited property tax relief, school choice, land ownership by noncitizens and border control as important issues that legislators should have addressed already. The seat is currently held by Tracy King, a moderate Democrat who announced his retirement earlier this month. King unsuccessfully tried to broker a compromise with Republicans this legislative session to raise the age to purchase certain semi-automatic weapons. Pleasanton Mayor Clint Powell has also announced his intention to run for the seat. McLaughlin became known internationally in the wake of the Robb Elementary shooting for his outspoken support of the community and criticism of state leaders. He accused the Department of Public Safety of leaking records related to the shooting to make local police look bad. He also criticized a report commissioned by state officials that concluded that a Uvalde Police Department officer had an opportunity to shoot the gunman before he entered the school. A later legislative report found no evidence to support that reports claim. McLaughlin also expressed his displeasure with Beto ORourke, who as the Democratic candidate for governor interrupted state officials at a news conference the day after the shooting. McLaughlin called ORourke a sick son of a bitch. The Uvalde City Council on Tuesday scheduled a special election in November to elect a new mayor, the San Antonio Express-News reported. Join us for conversations that matter with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23. Ron DeSantis, image of Florida Students in Florida are getting ready to start the school year, and theyre being denied access to learning one particular subject, due to state legislation. As a direct result of Governor Ron DeSantis enacting Floridas Parental Rights in Education Act, colloquially called the Dont Say Gay law, schools have been effectively banned from teaching AP Psychology courses. Floridas Department of Education declared it illegal for AP Psychology classes to include any teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity. The College Board was informed by the Department of Education that school districts are only permitted to teach AP Psychology if they exclude the topics of sexual orientation and gender identity, which have been part of the course curriculum since its inception 30 years ago. RELATED: Why Florida's 'Don't Say Periods' Bill Is A Detriment To Kids Everywhere Thanks To Ron Desantis The AP Psychology course banned in Florida doesn't focus on radical definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity, adhering instead to status-quo characterizations. There are nine units included in the AP Psychology course curriculum; each unit is broken down into topics. Unit 6 covers Developmental Psychology, which includes 7 topics listed in the College Boards AP Psychology Course and Examination Description. One of those topics is titled Gender and Sexual Orientation, with a defined learning target aimed to Describe how sex and gender influence socialization and other aspects of development. RELATED: Why Floridas Dont Say Gay Bill Is A Direct Attack On Childrens Mental Health The introduction to the Developmental Psychology section in the AP course description states that Developmental psychologists seek to understand how changes in our biology and social situations over a lifespan influence our behaviors and mental processes. The CliffsNotes AP Psychology Cram Plan by Joseph M. Swope includes a section on Gender and Sexual Orientation. The included definition given of gender orientation on page 190 states that gender orientation represents a persons subjective state of mind as masculine, feminine, or neutral... A persons sex is biologically defined as male or female, whereas gender implies the psychological, behavioral, social, and cultural aspects of being male or female. Story continues Gender roles are the patterns of behavior that men and women exhibit that are socially expected, the book continues. Gender identity is how a person thinks about himself or herself regardless of the sex role. RELATED: Ron DeSantis Claims The Genderbread Man Lesson Plan In Florida Schools Is Indoctrinating Kids Into Changing Their Gender Identity The given definition of sexual orientation is the unique emotional and sexual attraction toward another person man, woman, or both. The text continues, using the American Psychological Associations explanation of sexual orientation, stating that sexual orientation refers to a persons sense of identity based on attractions, behaviors, and the membership in a community of others who share those attractions. Floridas attempt to legislate and limit the AP Psychology curriculum exhibits a fundamental disregard for learning, along with any nuanced understanding of the human condition. As Arthur C. Evans Jr., the CEO of the American Psychological Association declared in a statement, Understanding human sexuality is fundamental to psychology, and an advanced placement course that excludes the decades of science studying sexual orientation and gender identity would deprive students of knowledge they will need to succeed in their studies, in high school and beyond. Students in Florida are being barred from accessing the full depths of what education can offer them. Cutting students off from acquiring any form of knowledge on the LGBTQ+ community's existence solely causes harm. Floridas restrictive legislation is based on denying an inherent element of being human different identities not only exist, theyre wholly valid, just as they are. RELATED: 'Make America Florida' How Ron DeSantis Is Far More Dangerous Than Trump & Might Be Our Next President Alexandra Blogier is a writer on YourTango's news and entertainment team. She covers issues in the LGBTQ+ community, pop culture analysis and all things to do with the entertainment industry. This article originally appeared on YourTango Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen wants to make sure livestock producers affected by heat are getting the right amount of disaster funding. Pillen sent a letter Friday to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack a day after he spoke to him on the phone asking him to ensure Nebraska cattle producers will receive the maximum payment from the Livestock Indemnity Program for losses they incurred during a short but intense heat wave last week. Many areas of the state saw triple-digit temperatures last week, and some areas saw heat indexes that reached over 115 degrees. The "trifecta of extreme heat, high humidity and no air movement (resulted) in catastrophic conditions for market-ready, fat cattle," Pillen wrote in the letter. He did not provide any details about actual losses. Pillen pointed out that by law, Livestock Indemnity Program payments should cover 75% of the market value of affected livestock, but in practice the Agriculture Department makes payments based on a last year's market rates, which, "does not accurately capture current market prices," Pillen wrote. In his letter, he said payments based on last year's market rates would cover only about 50% of Nebraska cattle producers' actual losses from last week's heat wave. Pillen wrote that the department's deputy administrator has the authority to "correct this discrepancy" and "should do so immediately." He cited as recent precedent the department's agreement to make modified payments last year to North Dakota beef producers who lost calves due to a late-season blizzard. "Nebraska would like to work with your team to identify a similar solution to assist our producers," Pillen wrote. Pillen's letter follows one from First District Rep. Mike Flood earlier in the week. Flood sent a letter to Vilsack on Monday imploring the Ag Department and Farm Service Agency to "work quickly and diligently" in processing producers' applications for assistance, accurately calculating their payments and delivering those payments quickly. Flood also asked Vilsack to provide him with "periodic updates and briefings" on the process. Photos: Nebraska drought threatening livestock and crops Adults supporting a child The American Academy of Pediatrics on Thursday expressed its support again for gender-affirming health care for transgender minors. That is despite the fact that Republican legislators have been growing their hostility toward gender-affirming medical treatments and continue to spread misinformation about such care. In an unanimous vote, the groups board of directors, representing 67,000 pediatricians, recommitted itself to its position in support of this essential medical care. As part of the boards decision, pediatricians will also receive supplementary documentation, such as clinical and technical data, and the board intends to accomplish an external examination of research on pediatric care, the Associated Press reports. The additional recommendations also reflect the fact that the board is concerned about restrictions to accessing evidence-based health care for young people who need it, the academys CEO, Mark Del Monte, said in a statement released by the group, describing state-imposed restrictions as unprecedented government intrusion. We, therefore, need to provide the best and most transparent process possible, he explained. Currently, 21 states have passed statutes restricting or banning transgender-related medical treatment for minors, and most are facing litigation. In Alabama and Indiana, federal judges have temporarily blocked state bans, and another judge ruled that Arkansass ban was unconstitutional. The state filed an appeal with the court in response to this judges decision. Some of the opponents of gender-affirming care argue that it is not possible for children to make complex medical decisions for themselves because they are too young to do so. In the majority of cases, these treatments are considered safe by all major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, if they are appropriately administered. The AAP and AMA make it clear that they support the right of children to seek medical attention, but they do not provide any age-specific guidelines. In June, the American Medical Association committed to opposing any criminal and legal penalties against patients seeking gender-affirming care, family members or guardians who support them in seeking medical care, and health care facilities and clinicians providing it. The News Chinese leader Xi Jinpings Chief of Staff indicated three countrys leaders have begun their annual summer retreat in Beidaihe a coastal resort east of Beijing where top officials typically vacation for two weeks during the summer. Despite the relaxed setting, the retreat is usually a chance for both current and retired members of the Chinese Communist Party to gather and speak candidly about issues concerning the partys leadership. This year, the annual event is taking place amid struggles to revive the Chinese economy, questions around the disappearance of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, and the largest and most widespread floods the country has ever seen. Weve gathered news and insights about the present and historical significance of Beidaihe. Insights A football field of concrete separated the soldiers stepping off the plane from their squiggling children waiting at the very edge of the Indianapolis airport hangar, where families were asked to stay put. "If you're not sure, he's the one wearing green!" Bruce Butler, of Greenwood, leaned over to tell his 3-year-old granddaughter, Amelia Brenchley, dressed America-themed from head to toe and already practicing her hand-waving. "My dad's wearing green!" she said. It was almost fruitless to enforce the hangar's perimeter. As the soldiers in green neared with their bags, children couldn't help but spill over into the hot sun and run a few feet into their kneeling parents' arms. About 300 Indiana National Guard soldiers with the 163rd Field Artillery Regiment, headquartered in Evansville, arrived home Thursday after a nine-month deployment in Iraq, plus three months of training. They arrived in two planes in an airfield next to the Indianapolis International Airport; another one went to Evansville. That's a year away from their families, and Amelia Brenchley's first year without her father, John. During that year, she carried with her a stuffed doll that had a picture of her father on it her "Daddy Doll." "Daddy doll went everywhere with us," wife Bridget Brenchley said. "Gosh, so many places. We didnt go a single place without Daddy." "If she did," 8-year-old sister Melanie said, "it'd be a fit!" From left, Amelia and Melanie Brenchley wait for their father with the Indiana National Guard 163rd Field Artillery Regiment, headquartered in Evansville, to deplane after deployment in Iraq on Thursday, Aug.3, 2023, near the Indianapolis International Airport. For her part, Melanie took solace in taking care of her horse, Bubblegum also known as Bubbles and taking her to horse shows. For the single parent left at home, like Bridget, it's a full year of rushing kids to school, shuttling them to activities, putting them to bed and praying for a Wi-Fi signal on the other end in Iraq, one day at a time. Their spouses were deployed as a part of Operation Inherent Resolve, where they helped Iraqi coalition forces monitor and defend air space. It's been a somewhat busy period for the Indiana National Guard, Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry said there are still some troops in the Sinai Peninsula, and some more came home a few weeks ago from Kosovo. But deployments are certainly fewer and further between than they were during the height of the Iraq war, he said. Story continues The U.S. and other countries have been withdrawing troops from Iraq since 2017, when the Iraqi government declared victory over the Islamic State. In December 2021, the U.S. officially ended its combat mission, but a small number of troops about 2,500 remain in Iraq to help train and advise Iraqi military forces, who still face the challenge of rebuilding their country and defending against a resurgence of the Islamic State. So younger families are a bit more used to having their soldiers living at home most of the time, reporting for drills once a month and for two weeks in the summer. For the Brenchleys, it's the first deployment since the kids came along. For Anna and Erik Kile, of Greenfield, it's the first deployment since he joined the Indiana National Guard in 2015. Lt. Eric and Anna Kile hold their daughter Sophia after Lt. Kile, who is with the Indiana National Guard,163rd Field Artillery Regiment, headquartered in Evansville, deplaned upon returning home from deployment in Iraq on Thursday, Aug.3, 2023, near the Indianapolis International Airport. Last May, the Kiles had just decided on designs for a new house they wanted to build when Erik Kile found out about his deployment. They also got another bit of news: Anna was pregnant with their first child. "I was wondering how I was going to make it work," she said. But she had family nearby, and Erik took a week-long leave to see the birth of his daughter, Sophia, though he made it there just hours before the delivery. Other families have been through the ringer before. Every reunion is different, Katie Young, of Lafayette, said: the last time her husband, Matt, came home from Afghanistan, they reunited for an hour, only to have to say goodbye again so he could go through demobilization for a few days at Camp Atterbury. In Indianapolis on Thursday, families couldn't get out of the hangar fast enough to go home, with no particular plans but to spend time together. "This is the good kind (of reunion)," Katie Young said. "You don't have to let go again." For each flight's arrival, dozens of families waved American flags, hollered at their loved ones and held phones out to record video as their soldiers walked toward them. But Rose Prairie, of Brownsburg, stood stoic, waiting for her son, David. She was thinking of David's two young children, who they planned to surprise at school pickup. The youngest was just 5 months old during the last deployment; this time, he's 4 years old. She was thinking of her own father, who had served in the Navy and passed away last year. "With Dad gone, David gone, its been awful," she said, fighting tears. "This is the answer to a prayer." The multiple generations of this Brownsburg family are close. During the last deployment, the younger Prairies moved into a house just a few blocks from Rose Prairie. So the cover story Thursday was that Grandma would be walking the kids home from school. But first, she got to greet her son. Her tears flowed; wide-eyed and brimming with joy, David Prairie was also distracted his mind was already elsewhere, at the school where he'd surprise his kids. "Im just excited that I get the first David hug," Rose Prairie said. Indiana National Guard soldiers from the 163rd Field Artillery Regiment, headquartered in Evansville, are greeted by family members upon returning home from their deployment in Iraq on Thursday, Aug.3, 2023, near the Indianapolis International Airport. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: National Guard troops return home to Indiana from Iraq As part of his battle against dual language programs, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has invited parents to file lawsuits against school officials that implement the programs without parental waivers for English learners. In response, Attorney General Kris Mayes is telling school officials not to worry, saying they can't be held personally liable for implementing dual language programs based on a model approved by the state Board of Education. It's the second time Mayes, a Democrat, has slapped down attempts by Horne, a Republican, to attack dual language programs in what is turning into a political battle over whether the programs violate Proposition 203, a voter initiative passed in 2000 that requires English learners to be taught only in English. Horne contends that parents can file lawsuits against school officials for implementing dual language programs because he claims they violate the state's law requiring English learners only be taught in English unless they have received parental waivers exempting them from services. In a letter to all 15 county attorneys dated July 24, Mayes disputed Horne's claim. She said school officials are only liable if they refuse to implement terms of a law. Because the dual language model has been approved by the state Board of Education, implementing dual language programs does not amount to refusing to abide by Proposition 203, Mayes states. "Implementing the Dual Language Model, which has been duly approved by the State Board of Education, is not a 'refusal' to implement the applicable statutes," the letter states. Mayes' letter came a week after she issued an official opinion striking down Horne's threats to withhold educational funding from school districts that allow English learners to enroll in dual language programs without parental waivers. Governor's backing: Hobbs visits Phoenix dual language programs under attack by Horne Story continues In her July 17 opinion, Mayes said Horne doesn't have the authority to withhold educational funding from schools who implement dual language programs because the dual language model was approved by the state Board of Education in 2020 as one of four models for teaching English learners. The four new models were created by the board in 2020 in response to legislation unanimously passed by the state Legislature and signed by then-Gov. Doug Ducey in 2019. The legislation was aimed at giving schools more flexibility to teach English learners after data showed they were not learning English and were falling behind academically under the previous model. The old model, which Horne drafted when he was superintendent of public instruction from 2003 to 2011, required all English learners to receive four hours of English-only instruction per day while segregated from their English-speaking peers. In response to Mayes' opinion, the state Board of Education said schools could go ahead and offer dual language programs this fall without fear of losing educational funding. In her opinion, Mayes also stated that no waivers are required for English learners because the board had approved the model for English learners. In her July 24 letter, Mayes asks county attorneys to distribute her opinion and the letter to school superintendents so that they can convey the information to school districts in their counties. Dual language education: Arizona supporters demand Tom Horne allow all students to participate Horne said he believes Mayes is wrong to assert that school officials can't be sued by parents for implementing dual language programs. He pointed to language in Proposition 203 that states "students shall be taught English by being taught in English" and English learners shall be taught in structured English immersion classes. The law further states that school officials who violate the law can be held liable. "Any individual found so liable shall be immediately removed from office, and shall be barred from holding any position of authority anywhere within the Arizona public school system for an additional period of five years," the law states. Said Horne, "I think she's wrong because nobody can overrule a voter-approved initiative. The attorney general can't, the state board can't. A voter-approved initiative cannot be touched by anyone." Dual language programs have gained popularity in recent years as a way for English learners and fluent English speakers to become bilingual and biliterate. Under the programs, English learners learn side-by-side with fluent English speakers while receiving academic instruction in English for half of the day and the other half in another language, typically Spanish. Horne, however, contends that dual language programs violate Proposition 203 if they include English learners without waivers. In her opinion, Mayes declined to weigh in on the legality of dual language programs under Proposition 203. Daniel Gonzalez covers race, equity and opportunity. Reach the reporter at daniel.gonzalez@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8312. Follow him on Twitter @azdangonzalez. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mayes: Arizona school officials not liable over dual language programs STILL FROM VIDEO: Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron spoke at the 2022 Fancy Farm Picnic. This Saturday kicks off both the 143rd Fancy Farm picnic of St. Jerome's Catholic Church and the furious final three months of Kentucky's gubernatorial campaign, where political rivals Gov. Andy Beshear and Attorney Daniel Cameron will finally square up face to face. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 canceled the political speeches of the annual and eccentric event in the tiny Western Kentucky town, this year it should pass for what is typically considered "normal," as a full slate of Democratic speakers are finally scheduled including Beshear, who hasn't attended since becoming governor. Here's a rundown of what to look for Saturday at Fancy Farm, where the early weather forecast shows a good chance for thunderstorms and oppressive heat a fitting backdrop for the event known for testing a candidate's mettle amid biting insults from the stage and relentless heckling from the audience. Beshear and Cameron throw lightning And speaking of first times, despite all of the battles between Cameron and Beshear over the last four years, this will be the first time the two will trade barbs at each other in the same room or picnic shelter, in this case. The attorney general's office has faced off against Beshear's legal team numerous times in Frankfort courtrooms over the last four years, battling in lawsuits over pandemic-era restrictions, abortion, redistricting and a host of legislation. Cameron's stump speeches and campaign ads have blasted Beshear's policies, just as Beshear regularly expresses his frustration with Cameron's actions at his weekly press conferences in the Capitol. While the attorney general has had to sit through several State of the Commonwealth addresses delivered by the governor in the House chamber, Fancy Farm will be the first opportunity for the two to trade insults just a dozen or so feet from each other on stage ahead of any potential debates that likely won't happen until at least mid-September. Story continues Cameron as well as many other Republican speakers on stage, who will outnumber Democrats will assuredly haul out lines hitting the governor on his COVID-era policies and veto of bills targeting transgender youth, if not other surprises. Beshear's lines could follow his campaign's recent talking points hitting Cameron on education policy or ties to former Gov. Matt Bevin's pardons, or he may take more of a page from his father's book when he ran for reelection to the same office in 2011 when former Gov. Steve Beshear completely ignored his opponent and stayed positive throughout, breaking tradition. Back to normal While Beshear spoke at Fancy Farm during his 2019 race for governor and previous years when he served as attorney general, he skipped the 2021 event due to a spike in COVID cases in the region at the time, then passed on speaking in 2022, too first to tour Israel, then breaking that plan to visit flood-ravaged areas of Eastern Kentucky. Most other Democrats joined Beshear in skipping Fancy Farm those years, with none speaking in 2021 and only three speaking last year turning them into mostly GOP-only affairs. While the event usually features a rowdy and screaming audience with a partisan split down the middle, Democrats didn't show up in 2021, though they had a better showing in 2022, when U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker spoke. This year will feature both Beshear and running mate Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, as well as the Democratic candidate running for each of the other five statewide constitutional offices on the ballot in November. This will provide a little more partisan balance to the speeches and likely boost the size and energy of the Democrats in the audience but also the fervor of the GOP crowd, who've longed for the opportunity to deride and heckle the previously absent governor. Down the ballot, down the speaking list Each of the candidates running for the down ballot offices are scheduled to speak this year, including the races for attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor, commissioner of agriculture and state treasurer. In the race for attorney general, Republican Russell Coleman and Democratic state Rep. Pamela Stevenson will speak from the Fancy Farm stage for the first time, as will the candidates for state treasurer (Republican Mark Metcalf and Democrat Michael Bowman) and commissioner of agriculture (Republican Jonathan Shell and Democrat Sierra Enlow). State Treasurer Allison Ball has spoken many times at Fancy Farm due to her statewide office. But she is now running for state auditor, facing off against another first-time Fancy Farm speaker, Democrat Kim Reeder. Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams is running for reelection and is a seasoned joke teller at the event, facing first-time attendee Buddy Wheatley, a former state legislator running for the office. Elsewhere on the speaking list, there's nothing but Republicans, including the district's state legislators, U.S. Rep. James Comer, Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles and state Auditor Mike Harmon. Though Sen. Rand Paul is not attending this year, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated he still might attend and speak, pending the schedule of the Senate. Does any of this really matter? Though Fancy Farm always draws a swarm of media coverage from throughout the state and often national media, depending on the race recent years have begged the question: Is this all a bunch of sound, fury and sweat, signifying nothing? The general rule among political observers is that a candidate can't really "win" at Fancy Farm, but just has to avoid losing by not making a major gaffe that could provide fodder to harm their campaign. The typical example given was Democrat Scotty Baesler in 1998, as a short clip of his angry speech was plastered on attack ads to make him look deranged, potentially costing him a very close Senate race to Jim Bunning. But over the past two decades, the candidates perceived to have made major gaffes in their speeches have all still gone on to win their races. Democrat Jack Conway drew outrage for cursing during his speech at the church picnic, but he went on to win his competitive Democratic Senate primary the following May. Steve Beshear was widely derided by the press and Republicans for breaking tradition in 2011 devoting his entire speech to praising troops in the military, free of insults toward his opponent but went on to win reelection in a blowout that fall. Matt Bevin also heavily broke tradition in his 2015 speech, deriding the event as a "childish way" of "celebrating our division" and "the very worst elements of the political process," before leading the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Despite all the gnashing of teeth that speech brought, Bevin went on to a sizable upset win in his bid for governor that fall. Though the picnic provides the opportunity to build support in rural Western Kentucky, the speaking event itself is usually populated with a crowd of political activists, many of whom travel from across the state to be there. And while the event itself is typically thought of as the official kickoff of the general election campaigns after a sleepy post-primary summer, that is just not the case with the governor's race this year. For example, in the 2019 race for governor, none of the campaigns had even begun running TV ads before Fancy Farm, while outside groups had spent less than $3 million. This year, Beshear's campaign has been running TV ads since the week after the May primary, and together with outside Democratic and Republicans PACs there already has been more than $13 million spent to fill Kentucky airwaves with ads. But then again, the race between Beshear and Cameron is expected to be tight this fall. And in the face of a campaign where every vote counts, every event counts especially one broadcast statewide and heavily covered. More: What is Fancy Farm? Everything to know about Kentucky's political picnic Reach reporter Joe Sonka at jsonka@courierjournal.com and follow him on Twitter at @joesonka. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fancy Farm 2023: What to look for at the annual showdown ROCHESTER A Chicago-based developer who recently bought the Lilac Mall for $5 million is looking to bring a charitable gaming casino to the mall. Plans to bring casino games and sportsbook gambling to the city appear to be moving rapidly with the cooperation of city leaders. New England Gaming and Consulting LLC Principal Greg Carlin submitted plans to the city for the casino and has requested a continuance to the Rochester Planning Board's Sept. 11 meeting to present it. GSG Rochester Propco LLC of Manchester is the name of the holding company that purchased the 200,000-square-foot Milton Road mall, which is sparsely populated and located off Route 125. A Strafford County registry of deeds staff spokesperson confirmed the sale was recorded May 4. The new owner of the Lilac Mall in Rochester is also the developer for a proposing charitable gaming casino at the mall. Plans filed with the city include this rendering. Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan said New England Gaming holds one of the 11 licenses available in New Hampshire for charitable gambling facilities. Rochester could add to New Hampshire's existing three DraftKings Sportsbook and charitable gaming casinos. The others are The Brook casino in Seabrook and the Filotimo Casino and Restaurant at the Dover Bowl complex and in Manchester. All casinos in New Hampshire are required to give a portion of the proceeds to nonprofit organizations. Rochester leaders pushing casino plans forward, but voters must approve sportsbook The City Council has taken actions this year to pave the way for a casino in Rochester. On Tuesday, Aug. 1, the council unanimously voted to place a question asking voters in Rochester's Nov. 7 election if they want to allow sportsbook betting at a charitable gaming casino in Rochester. The council also scheduled a public hearing on the topic for its Oct. 17 meeting, as required by state law, 15-30 days before the election, Callaghan said. Meet the owner: Greg Carlin shares his vision for casino at Lilac Mall in Rochester The City Council in May approved a gaming ordinance for Rochester, which sets locations where a casino could be allowed and parameters for it, including the gaming floor must be at least 20,000 square feet plus additional space for other operations. The ordinance states a casino location could be permitted in the city's highway commercial zone, which includes routes 11 and 125, as well as the Granite Ridge zone. Story continues "We would build our charitable gaming center regardless of the vote on allowing a sportsbook in the city," said Scott Tranchemontagne, a spokesperson representing Carlin, the new mall owner. He explained only the sportsbook aspect of the casino needs voter approval. "Although we could be a potential location for a sportbook if it passes the November vote is not related to our proposal." All that remains for the casino project to go ahead at the Lilac Mall, Tranchemontagne said, is for the project to receive approval from the city Planning Board and other city permits. More development in Rochester: First look at The Ridge phase 2. Here's what people are saying. Callaghan said the same group that bought the Lilac Mall received approval for a smaller gaming facility a few years ago, prior to his election. "At the time we didn't really have a gaming ordinance," he said. "Now we do. The company has been great to work with. They are being very cognizant of the tenants there now, working with them to stay or wanting to help them relocate." Casino developer vows to work with local leaders We are bullish on New Hampshire and excited for the opportunities to invest in charitable gaming to help raise significantly more funds for area nonprofits and revive charitable gaming in places that havent had it in a while, such as Rochester, Carlin said in a prepared statement, which identified him as Granite State Gaming and Hospitality's chief executive officer. We look forward to immersing ourselves in the Rochester community and working with state and local leaders to build charitable gaming operations that we expect will raise millions of dollars annually for New Hampshire nonprofit organizations, including $3 million in Rochester. What could casino do for moribund Lilac Mall? The Lilac Mall in Rochester could be transformed with a charitable gaming casino and sportsbook if the city's residents approve in the Nov. 7 election. Rochester Economic Development Director Michael Scala said only one of the mall's stores, Jordan Family Eyecare, has decided to move. He said the gymnastics studio, a dance studio, Subway eatery and Papa Gino's and other businesses in the mall all intend to remain. "The plan calls for 22,000 square feet of gaming space," Scala said. "From what I have seen it looks like most of the facility will be where the old movie theater was, and in part of the former Kmart space. They are going for full-on approval in September. ... They will make a lot of nice improvements to the parking lot and the mall. It is a great way to develop what has been sort of a stagnant mall. I think it will be a nice catalyst for bringing people in." Previous story: Rochester moving closer to vote on sportsbook casino in city Scala said the developer will spend considerable money on the project. "He is not cutting corners," Scala said. "I think this is going to end up being one of the nicest charitable organizations in the state. We are pleased that this group is willing to invest so much in Rochester." Gaming facilities by state law need must be connected to charitable organizations that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Scala noted. They can rotate between different organizations. "This will not be insubstantial," Scala said. "I think some of these organizations can fund themselves for a year with that money, potentially $35,000 to $40,000." This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester NH: Casino at Lilac Mall with sportsbook in works NEW YORK A wild melee erupted in Manhattan on Friday as thousands of people overran Union Square hoping for a glimpse of Twitch streamer and internet gaming celebrity Kai Cenat and a chance at PlayStation consoles they believed Cenat was giving away. Before it was over, police officers from across the city were pelted with bottles, paint cans, rocks and other debris, countless people were injured, evening rush hour subway service was diverted from Union Square, and Cenat was in police custody. Cenat who announced the gathering on X, formerly known as Twitter faced multiple counts, including at least two counts of inciting a riot, unlawful assembly, and a few other charges, said NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. Cenat was held at the 19th Precinct station house on the Upper East Side on Friday night, police sources said. Cops were still tallying up the number of arrests late Friday. Police sources said Friday evening that at least two dozen people were in custody, including at least 19 juvenile suspects. Police were also trying to understand how the situation got out of hand. This speaks to the power of social media, Maddrey said. We do monitor social media. He promised a study of what police knew ahead of time about Cenats giveaway. We cant allow this to happen again, Maddrey said. A teen in the crowd offered an explanation to a New York Daily News reporter: Some YouTuber is having a giveaway, and hes doing it in the messiest way possible. Maddrey, who said he was slightly injured in the violence, said he personally observed young people walking out bleeding from their heads, bleeding from their faces." I personally observed young people having panic attacks and anxiety attacks, asthma attacks multiple people were suffering he said. It was a lot of people. It was uncontrolled. It took us a while to get it under control. And a lot of young people got hurt. Cenat scheduled the meetup and giveaway for 4 p.m. Eastern time, said a now-deleted tweet posted on X. Story continues The crowd began gathering hours beforehand, and Maddrey said police became aware of the situation early in the afternoon. The local precinct sent a few police officers out there, Maddrey said. It was about 300 people around 1:30 p.m., not a big crowd. Two hours later, around 3:30 p.m., the crowd had swelled to the thousands and the situation devolved into chaos, with people throwing plastic bottles and climbing structures in the Union Square Park, video from the scene showed. A rare level four mobilization was called by the NYPD, sending all available cops to the scene. The crowd swarmed when the influencer finally arrived in the park, Maddrey said. Everyone just started going crazy, like throwing stuff, said a 15-year-old Bronx teen who gave his name as Oshua. Throwing water bottles and then they started throwing chairs and they threw a can of paint, added another teen, Ali, 16, also of the Bronx. Some of the items thrown at police were taken from construction sites in the park, Maddrey said. We had people walking around with shovels ... and other tools from the construction trade, Maddrey said. Additionally, individuals were also lighting fireworks, and they were throwing them towards the police and throwing them toward each other. Many in the crowd were eager to catch a glimpse of Cenat, Ali said. Everyone was going crazy because he was live and everything, she said. They were trying to figure out where he was. As more officers arrived at the scene, police played audio messages warning people in the crowd they might be arrested. TV news footage at around 4:25 p.m. showed a car believed to be carrying Cenat leaving the scene. Several people were riding on top of the SUV as it drove from the area, and at least one person fell off. The influencer we were able to eventually get him out of the park and remove him for safety reasons, Maddrey said. A Daily News reporter saw dozens of people in handcuffs. Among those arrested were two men at least one an influencer in Cenats orbit who danced down East 14th Street in handcuffs as people in the crowd cheered. Cops also deployed a drone and called for officers on horseback to head to the area. At least one store closed early as a result of the chaos, as police tried to move an MTA bus which had become stuck in the crowd. People could be seen standing on top of the bus. People swarmed a bus carrying people who were arrested, Maddrey said. We had young people attacking the bus trying to pull people off the bus, he said. We had to send resources there to protect the bus. Three police officers were injured, including two who were taken away in ambulances, and a sergeant broke his hand, said Maddrey. Four other people at the scene were also treated by EMS crews. No gunfire was reported during the incident, Maddrey said. The chief of department added that his NYPD vehicle was destroyed, as was the personal vehicle of newly appointed NYPD Assistant Commissioner Kaz Daughtry. Cenat posted some video of event on his Twitch page. Cenat, 21, is ranked as the second-most popular personality on Twitch, which focuses on streaming people playing video games. Hes amassed 6 million Twitch followers since 2021. CVS, the fourth-largest U.S. company by revenue, is also among Rhode Island's top employers, with 5,000 to 10,000 jobs. WOONSOCKET Woonsocket-based CVS Health announced Tuesday it plans to lay off 5,000 of its 300,000 employees nationwide. The layoffs will affect jobs mainly at its corporate facilities, and cuts at its stores, pharmacies, clinics and customer-service centers will not be in jobs that deal directly with customers, the company said in a news release. Although the company did not announce the target number for layoffs yesterday, an internal message to employees on Monday said it was 5,000. The health care giant declined to specify how the cuts will affect Rhode Island workers. "At this time, we dont have a regional breakout of job impacts to share, but this decision applies nationally across the company to primarily corporate positions," said a statement from Mike DeAngelis, executive director of corporate communications for the company. As of April, CVS had 60 pharmacy stores in nearly 30 Rhode Island municipalities, as well as 20 corporate facilities spread across five communities in the northern part of the state: Woonsocket, Smithfield, North Smithfield, Cumberland and Lincoln. As of Tuesday morning, the state Department of Labor and Training had not received a "WARN" notice from CVS, according to department spokeswoman Edwine Paul. The federal Worker Adjustment And Retraining Notification Act requires companies to give public notice of its intent to lay off workers. It sets a threshold, depending on the nature of how the jobs are organized. It can be as few as a minimum of 50 at a single work site, up to a minimum of 500 company-wide. "Our industry is evolving to adapt to new consumer health needs and expectations," Tuesday's company statement said. "As part of an enterprise initiative to reprioritize our investments around care delivery and technology, we must take difficult steps to reduce expenses." The company added, "We do not anticipate there will be any impact to our clients and customers as we remain focused on our mission continuing to provide the exceptional care and support our customers, patients and communities deserve and depend on." This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: CVS laying off 5,000 EVANSVILLE The sale of popular hemp-extract products in Evansville, including Delta 8, could potentially burn out after the countys top prosecutor and city police warned shop owners they may face narcotics dealing charges under a new legal framework. The shakeup came Friday when the Evansville Police Department dispatched officers to smoke shops, gas stations and specialty hemp stores across the city bearing a letter signed by Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers. It said Delta 8-THC and certain other substances were illegal Schedule I narcotics, even though some shop owners had been selling them for years. According to the letter, which the Courier & Press obtained, those selling the product could face penalties as harsh as a Level 2 felony. Delta 8-THC skyrocketed in popularity both nationally and in Evansville after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized broad swaths of the hemp market. The compound is similar to the psychoactive drug in marijuana, Delta 9-THC, though researchers consider Delta 8 to be less potent. Moers letter cites Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokitas official opinion declaring certain hemp products, such as Delta 8, controlled drugs under existing state statute despite a state law that specifically excluded certain hemp products from narcotics scheduling. The opinion came after Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter asked for clarification of state law. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council then drafted a formal letter for all county prosecutors to distribute, Moers told the Courier & Press. Pursuing this was not, she said, "an independent decision" by her. Business owners and customers alike were blindsided. Ashley Bennett, co-owner of the Evansville-based Remedy Center, said their branch in Jasper was hit with a search warrant back in June, a month before receiving the letter in Vanderburgh County. They've since removed all smokable hemp from their shelves, but they've obtained a lawyer with cannabis-industry experience to see how far they actually have to go. Story continues "Weve communicated with all the other local smoke shops, and were trying to come together as a unit to fight this," she said. They're not the only ones. Indiana is home to some of the largest hemp extract producers and manufacturers in the world, and industry groups are already seeking an injunction in federal court that could temporarily or permanently block Rokitas classification of Delta 8-THC and other products as scheduled drugs. Indianpolis-based 3Chi LLC, a Delta 8-THC manufacturer, and Midwest Hemp Council Inc., a non-profit industry trade group, argued in a complaint that federal law supersedes state law - and Rokita's opinion - when it comes to hemp products. They also argue that existing Indiana law provides a sound legal framework to manufacture, sell and possess Delta 8. Regardless, 3Chi has already moved its banking out of state to avoid potential legal liability. Rokita's office has agreed to respond in court by Thursday, and a judge could issue a ruling as soon as Aug. 14. A Delta-8-THC product called moon rocks, hemp flower dipped in concentrate and rolled in cannabis trichomes, is seen at Walls Organic in Evansville, Indiana last year. A recent crackdown by state and county officials has put the future of the CBD and cannabis market in Evansville in jeopardy. Some store owners empty shelves of Delta 8 even as Rokitas decision challenged in court Mike Renschler, who owns Cloud City Vapor on Evansvilles West Side, got an unexpected visit from an EPD K-9 officer on Friday. The officer provided Mike with Moers letter and a copy of Rokitas opinion classifying Delta 8-THC products as controlled substances. Renschler was stunned and so were his customers. He had just received a shipment of Delta 8 products worth thousands of dollars. He pulled all of the products from his shelves out of fear that he could face prosecution. Whether youre talking my cost or retail value, both are astonishing figures, Renschler said, referring to the financial losses he could face if Delta 8 remains illegal to sell. Without any warning? Its a huge kick. Other local businesses recounted a similar story. At least one business owner said tens of thousands of dollars worth of inventory were affected by the change. Sellers and customers alike are holding out hope for a successful legal challenge to the Delta 8 ban. In January, the state attorney generals office responded to a request from the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council to clarify whether existing state law classified Delta 8-THC and other designer cannabinoid products as controlled substances. Rokitas office issued a lengthy opinion that ultimately concluded the answer was yes: These products were illegal in Indiana under existing statutes. His finding classified Delta 8-THC and other hemp extracts including Delta 9 and 10 in the same category as heroin, cocaine and actual marijuana. Delta 8-THC and other THC variants, as well as designer cannabinoids, are Schedule 1 controlled substances pursuant to Ind. Code 35-48-2-4(d)(31), Rokitas opinion states. The OAG cannot opine on the charging or prosecution of individual cases and defers to the prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement officers for those decisions. Locally, those decisions have apparently already been made. Moers told the Courier & Press she will "enforce all the laws as I am sworn to do." The penalties for anyone charged could vary wildly, from low-level misdemeanors to upper-tier felonies. Just like other possession or dealing charges, the punishment would depend on how much product the accused was handling, Moers said. And while Evansville Police Department spokeswoman Sgt. Anna Gray said no local residents have been arrested yet, police "plan to enforce this as needed." A variety of CBD and Delta-8-THC products sit at Wall's Organic in Evansville last year. A recent opinion by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has helped lead to a crackdown on the products locally, even though some shops had been selling them since the passage of the 2018 federal Farm Bill. Indiana's hemp industry fights back Rokita's official opinion quickly drew the ire of Indianas multi-million dollar hemp industry, which has blossomed since 2018, when Gov. Eric Holcomb signed Senate-Enrolled Act 52 into law. The act exempted low-THC hemp extract from Indianas definitions for marijuana, hashish, controlled substance, and controlled substance analog," among other terms. Under the law, low-THC hemp extracts are classified as substances that derive from, or contain any part of, hemp plants and which also do not contain more than 0.3% of Delta 9-THC, which remains illegal both federally and in Indiana. Attorneys representing 3Chi and the Midwest Hemp Council, citing SEA 52 and the 2018 Farm Bill, argued in a complaint that Rokita had overstepped his authority. Existing state law exempts Delta 8 from narcotics scheduling, they wrote. After five years of well-established law, AG Rokitas official opinion seeks to unilaterally declare popular low-THC hemp extracts Schedule 1 controlled substances, which deviates from established state and federal law; would lead to thousands of lost jobs around the state; and abruptly turns farmers, business owners and consumers into criminals overnight despite no change in state or federal law, the complaint reads. Rokita acknowledged in his opinion that Indiana law does exempt some low-THC hemp products from classification as controlled substances, but he argued that Delta 8-THC does not appear to fall into any of these named exceptions. But 3Chi and the state's hemp industry as a whole argue that Rokita's opinion has multiple legal shortcomings. For example, existing federal law prohibits states from banning the interstate transport of hemp extract products that are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 3Chi and others contend that if Indiana declares such products illegal, the state would effectively be regulating interstate commerce in violation of federal law. According to court records, Rokitas office has agreed to formally respond to the complaint this week. Attorneys representing the 3Chi wrote that they were likely to succeed in their challenge to Rokitas opinion. They have asked a federal judge to impose a preliminary injunction that would later be made permanent and have asked the court to declare all low THC hemp extracts as agricultural products under state and federal law. It remains unclear what legal recourse affected businesses could take if Rokita's official opinion is enjoined. Indiana is one of the few states that hasn't legalized cannabis Compared to other states, this crackdown sends Indiana marching in the opposite direction. Indiana is one of the few that hasn't legalized cannabis in some form, leaving millions of dollars in revenue on the table. In April alone, Illinois which legalized recreational marijuana in 2019 raked in almost $132 million in adult-use sales. About $32 million of that came from out-of-state residents. When the recreational dispensary Terrabis opened this June in Grayville, Illinois about 45 minutes away from Evansville, customers lined around the building for hours on end. That zeal extended to the Delta 8 shops in Evansville. And that's part of the reason for the crackdown, Moers said. More and more signs were "popping up around the community" advertising Delta 8, even after Rokita issued his opinion in January. But the opinion itself didn't change anything. The products being pulled from the shelves, she said, have always been illegal in Indiana. "The OAG opinion offers clarification," she said. "The statutes make it illegal." It will likely be up to a federal judge to decide whether that is really the case, given the fact Indiana law explicitly permits the sale of at least some hemp extracts. Renschler hopes he can keep his Evansville storefront open and he hopes otherwise law-abiding consumers avoid potential legal penalties. "They were astounded that they're actually going to focus on this," Renschler said, referring to customers. "People get so used to things, and then all of a sudden it's swept out from under them; they're going to look for a way to find it elsewhere." This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Delta 8 products pulled from Evansville shelves amid Indiana crackdown Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attends a reception for the Russian military delegation hosted by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27, 2023, in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS Russia's defense chief traveled to North Korea recently to try and secure more ammunition. A top White House official said the visit underscored Vladimir Putin's desperation in Ukraine. The US has long accused Russia of partnering with rogue states for military assistance. Russia's defense chief recently traveled to North Korea to ask the country for ammunition, a top White House official said this week, underscoring a scramble to sustain Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine. The Biden administration has long accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of turning to pariah countries like North Korea for weaponry and other security assistance throughout the 17-month-long Ukraine war, often suggesting that Moscow does so out of pure desperation. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and an accompanying delegation visited North Korea last week as the country marked 70 years since the 1953 Korean War armistice, which ended the fighting but not the actual war. There, Shoigu met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and attended a high-profile military parade. "We remain concerned that the DPRK continues to contemplate providing military support to Russia's military operations against Ukraine," White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Thursday, using North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Shoigu went to Pyongyang "in a bid to convince North Korea to sell munitions to Russia to support Russia's war," Kirby added. "To that end, our information indicates that Russia is seeking to increase military cooperation with the DPRK, such as through DPRK sale of artillery munitions, again, to Russia." North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Chinese Communist Party politburo member Li Hongzhong and Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attend a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27, 2023, in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS North Korea is one of just a few countries many of them isolated on the world stage to support Moscow's war in Ukraine, but Pyongyang denies accusations that it provides weapons to the Russian military, even though North Korean rockets have been found in Ukraine. North Korean state media said that during their recent meeting, Shoigu and Kim discussed the regional and international security environments and that their meeting represented increased "collaboration and cooperation" on defense-related topics. Story continues Russia has previously sought ammunition from North Korea, according to US intelligence. Earlier this year, the White House said that North Korea provided rockets and missiles to the Kremlin-funded Wagner Group mercenary organization, which until recently fought in Ukraine, and that Russia offered food to impoverished Pyongyang in exchange for weapons. The US Treasury Department in March sanctioned a Slovakian national for attempting to broker arms deals between Russia and North Korea through a deal that would have seen Pyongyang sending weapons and munitions to Moscow, which was to send raw materials, commodities, and commercial aircraft in return. Kirby said on Thursday that any arms deal between Russia and North Korea would be in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 27, 2023. Photo by API/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images "We are going to continue to identify, expose, and counter Russian efforts to acquire ammunition from North Korea, or quite frankly any other state that might be prepared to support its war in Ukraine," Kirby said. "I think this is yet another example of how desperate Mr. Putin is becoming, because his war machine is being affected by the sanctions and the export controls, he is going through a vast amount of inventory to try to subjugate Ukraine, and he's reaching out to countries like North Korea, like Iran, and certainly he's been trying to reach out to China to get support for his war machine," he added. Iran has outfitted Russia's military with explosive drones that Moscow has used for nearly a year to attack Ukrainian cities and the country's civil infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Russia has launched nearly 2,000 Iranian-made "Shahed" drones, but Kyiv's air-defense systems have managed to shoot down a "significant number" of the deadly weapons. Meanwhile, Washington has expressed concerns that Beijing may provide weaponry to Russia, and there are some indications it is using a sanctions loophole to do so, though there's apparently been no formal move to back Russia's war effort. US officials have said they are watching the situation very closely. "We feel its important to make it plain and to make it clear to everybody when we see that happening," Kirby said on Thursday, referring to the US calling out Russia's attempt to seize additional military capabilities. Read the original article on Business Insider Emily and Harrison Greenbaum love to surprise each other, and their wedding day in Las Vegas was intentionally filled with them. They thought that would make it extra fun for their guests, who probably expected a few out-of-this-world moments with a groom who is a magician and comedian. Surprise one was the location of the wedding ceremony: David Copperfields secret magic museum. Were so incredibly to grateful to David hes such a mensch, a Yiddish phrase for really good and honorable guy. He was so incredibly generous in letting us use his secret magic museum for the ceremony, and we chose his re-creation of Martinkas famous Back Room as the perfect space for us to get married, Harrison said. The Back Room, a a New York workshop in the late 1880s and early 1900s, was accessible only to the top magicians of the time such as Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston and Harry Kellar. Several of Harrisons friends from Tannens Magic Camp in Pennsylvania, where he was a camper and now volunteers as a counselor, were in attendance. In our first year of dating, Emily visited me at Magic Camp. Getting such strong approval from my Tannens Magic Camp family my second family was probably just as important as it was finding out how much my biological family loved her, too, Harrison said. One of their biggest surprises for their guests came during the ceremony, when the rabbi asked them for the rings and neither apparently could find them. Copperfield then stepped forward, saying, I think I can help. After making a few hilarious ad-libbed jokes, he proceeded to make a rose bush appear and bloom, culminating with the appearance of the two rings, Harrison said. After handing the rings to Emily and me, he began to walk away, paused, and turned around. One more thing, he said, as he gestured towards the vintage Thurston throwing stars on the stage, where an explosion of playing cards that read, Mazel tov, all magically appeared. How they met The former Emily Murtaugh, a Ralston High School graduate, moved to New York to work after attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A few years later she met Harrison, who is from Long Island, after matching on Tinder. Harrison joked that he didnt think she could be real, especially after her main photo only showed half her face. I just assumed she must be hiding something hideous under there I mean, she was that beautiful and that smart and that funny and still willing to meet up with me? he said. Something had to be horrifyingly wrong. Thankfully, that turned out not to be the case. Their first date at a comedy club, they both teasingly claim, got off on the wrong foot but after dinner they began to realize how much they had in common. She found the one In January 2021, after dinner at Mimis Restaurant and Piano Bar where they met, the waiter delivered an envelope to Emily kicking off an engagement scavenger hunt through their neighborhood. Each clue was a QR code to a video from Harrisons family and friends leading to the next location for the next clue. The hunt ended on the rooftop of our apartment building, decorated with roses and candles, where Harrison popped the question, Emily said. Most unique NYC proposal ever. Both love escape rooms, and that was Harrisons inspiration. When she got to the final location, she received a map asking her to redraw her route, which was revealed to be in the shape of a heart. It was a lot of planning, although Emily Im sure will tell you that the one thing I shouldve planned for was how freezing it was, even for a January in NYC, Harrison said. Im so glad she pushed through and even more glad she said yes. Elvis is in the building In the middle of wedding planning in May 2022, Harrison was cast as the star of Cirque du Soleils Mad Apple (the first comedian ever to headline a Cirque du Soleil show in the companys history) at New York-New York Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas strip, so they moved west and they were wed in that city on the 40th anniversary of Emilys parents wedding. After their ceremony, they met their guests in the area of the museum devoted to Houdini, where an Elvis impersonator and their officiant was waiting to serenade them with Cant Help Falling in Love featuring some ad-libbed lyrics about them and to make the marriage legal. They liked having just 20 or so guests, allowing them to have quality time with each. They wanted to make sure the day was well-documented, so a good photographer and videographer was a must. Surprises keep coming After stops on their party bus to In-N-Out Burger, Golden Tiki and Ferraros Ristorante, they headed back to their home for an after-party complete with a 25-foot-tall T-Rex bouncy house and an aerialist act over their pool We even did an indoor hora (chair dance) in our living room, Emily said. One of the stops was at a restaurant where, while they were waiting for their food, every person at the table shared their favorite joke. Some were definitely way too filthy to print, but so many of them were incredible and came from an incredible place of love, Harrison said. Our sisters speeches, in addition to being extremely poignant, were also really, really funny. On the way home, Emily played Its All Coming Back to Me by Celine Dion. Its a karaoke go-to for her and her friends, and her family members are big fans. As soon as it started playing, everyone on the bus started belting and giving the performance of their lives, Emily said. I remember looking at Harrison, holding our rings next to each other, being overwhelmed with happy tears, and telling him: I dont think Ive ever been happier than this exact moment. Immediately after, they played Amish Paradise by Weird Al Yankovic. My best friend since kindergarten, Andrew, and I immediately began rapping to it, just as we had as 14- or 15-year-olds in Long Island while listening to this album on cassette. As I told Emily as we were nearing the final stop on our trip, This is the best bus ride Ill ever take in my life, Harrison said. Memories to cherish One of their best friends, Patrick Davis, gave them a gift and told them to be sure to open it on their wedding night Inside was a blank journal and a note prompting us to write down everything we could remember from the day, so that on future anniversaries we can do the same and see what details/stories stick with us in each retelling and go back and see what moments we may have forgotten over time, Harrison said. It is a beautiful way to start an anniversary tradition, and recounting the day alone and in pajamas after the chaos died down ultimately became one of our favorite moments of what was a hectic (but happy) day. And, if you dont have the energy to write everything out, you can also make a recording of everything you can remember, which also can serve as a cherished keepsake of the day. They never talked about giving each other gifts. They just looked forward to writing their own vows and sharing them with their closest friends and family. But in the end, they each had secret gifts for each other. During the first look, Harrison gave me a necklace with a pendant of a heart from the Zelda video game series, which I play religiously. Harrison actually introduced me to the Zelda games fairly early in our relationship. Emily had several surprises for Harrison. Before our first look, I was handed an envelope with a QR code and a note saying, I know you wont get cold feet, but in case you do, heres a message from a god amongst men. The code was a link to a video of Broadway star Patrick Page, who Emily and I had both seen in Hadestown and who is a huge magic fan, Harrison said. They rehearsed with Emily walking down the aisle to a romantic version of the Jurassic Park theme song but on the day, that music was preceded by a parody of the music Harrison opens his comedy and magic show with, with special lyrics about the wedding recorded by Tony-nominated actor Rob McClure. Ill be honest: at that point, I was laughing and crying simultaneously and, if it wasnt clear a million times before then, I knew I had absolutely picked the right woman, Harrison said. Emily also surprised him by tracking down actress Andrea Martin to record a message wishing them both good luck in their nuptials. Lots of laughs Harrison says Emily is smart, beautiful, kind, silly, strong and brave. She also loves so many of the things that I love, like board games and escape rooms, smart jokes and dumb jokes, magic and the performing arts, and is absolutely the most supportive person I know. I think a soulmate is someone who all your weird lines up with and, by that or really any definition, I couldnt have found a more perfect soulmate. Emily said Harrison continues to show her how fun life can be, making her laugh every day. Hes also the first to suggest spontaneous outings and adventures. He encourages me to try new things and chase my passions, and I feel incredibly lucky to have someone so brilliant, kind, and supportive in my corner. About their big day Photographer: Siga Gubista Wedding date: June 10, 2023 Rehearsal dinner: BrewDog Las Vegas Ceremony: David Copperfields Magic Museum Reception: In-N-Out, The Golden Tiki, Ferraros Ristorante, and their home Bridal gown: The Bride Shoppe in San Diego; Cinderella Divine, customized by PinCushion Las Vegas Hair stylist: Ruby Finch Makeup artist: Ruby Finch Rings: hers Brilliant Earth and Aaron Leland Jewelers; his Eternate Event coordination and design: Amber Alyse Events Florist: Valen Ibarra, Blumenhaus Cake: Caked Las Vegas Pies: Pies Unlimited Las Vegas Rentals: Slide Into Vegas Photos: Emily and Harrison's wedding celebration When does school start? It's not such a simple question for students and parents around the country. While many U.S. schools embrace a 180-day academic calendar, the first day of classes at K-12 districts can stretch from mid-July to early September, depending on the city or state, climate or even whether teachers and students are at risk for burnout. Children in Southern and Southwestern states generally start school earlier in the year than those on the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Northwest, according to an analysis from the Pew Research Center of more than 13,000 national districts in 2019, the most recent research available. Pew didn't look at whether students are returning to school earlier than ever before, however, the report notes, "Theres some evidence that more secondary-school students, at least, are spending part of their summers in the classroom." What is summer vacation over? Summer vacation wasn't always about lazy days and sleep-away camp historically, school calendars were built around the farm economy. "Generally speaking, during the early-to-mid 19th century, schools in rural settings revolved around the agricultural system, allowing kids time off to harvest crops," Steven L. Nelson, an associate professor of education policy and leadership at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, tells TODAY.com. "Urban schools ran year-round so parents could work in factories and at other jobs." "In the age of school reform, we're moving toward a much longer school year and sometimes a longer school day which can help students who are behind," says Nelson. Some schools may determine their school calendars in accordance with the weather. "Schools might build extra days into their calendars for snow or hurricane days," he says. Some schools opt for shorter vacations to prevent the summer slide, when students experience learning loss over the 8-week summer vacation. Story continues Chandler Unified School District in Arizona is one that starts in mid-summer. Jessica Edgar, the executive director of curriculum and instruction, tells TODAY.com that it operates on a modified year-round schedule: This year, students started school on July 19 and will finish on May 23, with two-week breaks scattered throughout October, December and March. With a shorter summer break, material from the previous year is significantly fresher in the minds of students and they can hit the ground running in the fall, she says. The shortened summer also benefits students who rely on consistent air-conditioned buildings and food services, she says. What parents think about school start dates How do moms feel about the varying school calendars? Abigail Carreno Millers two children start school in Massachusetts at different times her 10-year-old sons public school begins right after Labor Day and finishes mid-June, while her 13-year-old daughters private school starts September 12 and ends during the last week of May. One disadvantage: the childrens conflicting schedules can affect summer travel. If we wanted to go on vacation in early June, our son would have to miss school, Carreno Miller tells TODAY. The benefits for our daughter though, are tremendous she gets exhausted from working hard, so having fewer academic days and longer vacations are good for her." Yolanda Streets children started school in Chula Vista, California, in mid-July. Their school offers a two-week fall break along with traditional holiday breaks. The fall break poses a big childcare issue because I work as a high school counselor in a different school district that does not align with my childrens schedule, Street tells TODAY.com. "Weve made it work with YMCA programs and family help, but its a huge logistical challenge." Lisa Schingledecker Baltes of Fort Wayne, Indiana sends her children to a school that begins on August 9 and ends on May 29, with three breaks. I really like that we are out of school before June and that we have a full June and July summer, she tells TODAY.com. I dont love that August is basically all school. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Known for its beef birria featured in tacos, ramen bowls and pizza as well as Southwest Chicken tacos, South Florida-based Talkin' Tacos has opened its first area restaurant at 1300 Beach Blvd. in Beach Plaza at Jacksonville Beach. A pair of cousins have something to talk about. Franchise co-owners Jason Malih and Elias Ishak have opened the first Talkin' Tacos in Northeast Florida at Jacksonville Beach. Another will follow soon at St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville. The fast-casual Mexican concept is known for its "chef-driven menu" featuring fresh-from-scratch beef Birria showcased in a grilled cheese sandwich, ramen bowls, tacos and burritos as well as Carne Asada, Southwest Chicken, Caribbean steak tacos and more. Based in South Florida, the restaurant began as a food truck three years ago and has expanded to six brick-and-mortar restaurants statewide, including Jacksonville Beach at 1300 Beach Blvd., in Beach Plaza shopping center, next to Southern Swells Brewing Co. Real burgers, faux namesake: Fictional Dick Mondell is bringing a real burger joint to Jacksonville Beach Restaurants: What's new or coming soon to Jacksonville's Beaches, Intracoastal area Upscale Mexican restaurant: Southern Grounds owner debuts 'first of its kind' Mexican restaurant in Jacksonville Beach The new 2,250-square-foot restaurant boasting a large patio and bar with countertop seating replaces The Mini Bar Donuts + Coffee, which closed in February after five years. Meanwhile, buildout is underway on a second area Talkin' Tacos at 4853 Big Island Drive in Town Center Plaza adjacent to St. Johns Town Center. More locations are planned in the future, Malih told the Times-Union. "We have multiple [Talkin' Tacos] in the works and our Town Center location should be open around the end of the year," he said of the upcoming 1,812-square-foot restaurant, which will be next to the newly opened Mayday Ice Cream and upcoming DOS Coffee & Wine. Cousins and franchise co-owners Elias Ishak and Jason Malih of Talkin' Tacos have opened the first of multiple restaurants in the Jacksonville area. Deciding to bring the concept to the Jacksonville area essentially was a no-brainer, said Malih, who along with Ishak are experienced businessmen. They run multiple JC's Fresh Seafood restaurants as well as smoke shops in the area. Story continues Personal preference and a "need" for Talkin' Tacos, Malih said, contributed to their decision to become franchisees of the concept that features eye-catching hand-painted murals and neon signs. Theres a huge void for a unique Mexican restaurant that not only infuses a Miami vibe into the experience, but the service is also quick without compromising on quality," he said, noting "there's nothing like us in the area." The quality of the food sealed the deal. "I couldnt find a better-tasting taco than ours," said Malih, adding the way Talkin' Tacos decorates its restaurants "is very unique and colorful and something I feel Jacksonville lacks." On the menu at Talkin' Taco Known for its beef birria featured in tacos, ramen bowls and pizza as well as Southwest Chicken tacos, South Florida-based Talkin' Tacos has opened its first area restaurant at 1300 Beach Blvd. in Beach Plaza at Jacksonville Beach. Topping the menu is the beef Birria, which is braised for 12 hours daily during the cooking process, according to Talkin' Tacos officials. Customer favorites include the following: Beef Birria Tacos ($14.99): Three Birria tacos with Oaxaca cheese, onions and cilantro served with consomme Birria Ramen Bowl ($11.99): Ramen noodles, Birria, consomme, onions and cilantro Birria Grilled Cheese ($14.99): Birria on Texas toast with cheese, onions, and cilantro, served with fries and tomato basil soup Carne Asada Tacos ($14.99): Three grilled steak tacos with salsa verde, onions and cilantro Rice Bowls ($13.99): Mexican rice, refried beans, lettuce, Pico de Gallo and Avocado Ranch dressing. Birria, chicken or steak available for an upcharge Caribbean Steak Tacos ($14.99): Three marinated steak tacos with sliced plantains and cojita cheese Homemade salsas along with quesadillas, burritos, guacamole and chips round out the savory menu. Desserts include Tres Leche Cake and Dulce de Leche Cheesecake ($5.49 per slice). Homemade specialty beverages such as horchata and multiple lemonades are available as well as Mexican sodas and other soft drinks. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, according to the Talkin' Tacos website. South Florida entrepreneurs and childhood best friends, Mohammad Farraj and Omar Al-Massalkhi founded Talkin' Tacos in amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. As the concept's popularity grew, they opened the first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Miramar in 2021. The second restaurant followed in Miamis Brickell neighborhood later that year and another in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood in October 2022. Talkin' Tacos also has locations in Wellington and Coral Springs, its website shows. Talkin Tacos is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The restaurant features self-serve kiosks where customers can place their orders, eliminating the cashier position and allowing for faster service, Talkin' Tacos said in a news release. Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on Twitter @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com. If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest dining coverage. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Talkin' Tacos, known for Birria tacos and more, opens in Jacksonville EVANSVILLE A five-month-old baby who suffered grave injuries that investigators attributed to child abuse has died, according to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office. The infant boy, Jett Leon Goldsby, was taken off of life support at an Indianapolis children's hospital on Friday. Goldsby suffered a skull fracture, hemorrhages and bleeding of the brain that indicated he had been "violently shaken," the VCSO stated in a news release. Goldsby's parents, Cheyenne Elmore-Sitz, 23, and Javontae Goldsby, 31, were both charged Monday with neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury, a Level 1 felony, and aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony. Elmore-Sitz dialed 911 just after 9:30 p.m. on July 26 to report that Goldsby had stopped breathing, according to audio of the call obtained by the Courier & Press. Javontae Goldsby reportedly administered CPR until paramedics could arrive. First responders were able to restore Goldsby's pulse, and the child was rushed to Ascension St. Vincent and placed on a ventilator. According to the sheriff's office, Goldsby was transported to Peyton Manning Children's Hospital in Indianapolis after he was stabilized and put on life support. "Goldsby was removed from life-support this morning after doctors determined that he had no brain activity and no prospect of recovery," the sheriff's office stated in a news release Friday. "The Indiana Donor Network obtained authorization for organ donation to occur. An autopsy will be conducted by the Marion County Coroners Office." Prior to the decision to remove Goldsby from life support, doctors told investigators that his injuries were not accidental. Sheriff's office detectives interviewed both parents and other family members, and in consultation with the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office, ultimately decided to file charges. Both Elmore-Sitz and Javontae Goldsby are currently being held at the Vanderburgh County Jail on $100,000 cash bonds. Story continues According to the VCSO, a one-and-a-half-year-old sibling was removed from the home by the Department of Child Services and placed into foster care. The sheriff's office said it would consult with prosecutors about filing additional charges against Goldsby's parents in light of his death. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: VCSO: Evansville baby who suffered abuse taken off life support The federal government has rejected a plan from Alabama environmental regulators to dispose of toxic waste from coal-fired power plants. On Thursday, the EPA proposed denying a coal ash waste management permit submitted by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). This is the first time the EPA has rejected a plan from ADEM, specifically, a move that could have implications for to state agencies that manage coal ash in Georgia. This is a significant milestone in the effort to protect communities in Alabama from pollution to coal ash sites, said Frank Holleman, senior lawyer at Southern Environmental Law Center. This will cause utilities in Alabama to clean up their act and go about fixing Alabamas coal ash problem. Miller Steam Plant (Alabama Power Company) on the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River in Jefferson County, Al. Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal at a coal-fired power plant that typically sits atop water and has known health consequences. The ash has heavy concentrations of toxins like mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and chromium that, when consumed through contaminated drinking water, can cause disease. Exposure can lead to cancer if ash isnt properly managed, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator said in a press release on Thursday. Low-income and underserved communities are especially vulnerable to coal ash in waterways, groundwater, drinking water, and in the air. Coal ash spill disasters in 2008 in Kingston, Tennessee, and 2014 on the Dan River in North Carolina motivated the EPA to regulate coal ash disposal. In 2015, the EPA created a national regulation known as the Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) rule, requiring utilities to submit a permit that outlines how they will properly dispose of coal ash and ensure it doesnt leech into groundwater or surface water. A year later CCR was amended to allow state agencies to run their own permit program. But the state permit needs to be as robust as the federal program. Typically this means removing the ash from an unlined pond if it is at risk of coming into contact with groundwater, putting it in landfills, or adequately lining ponds where the ash is kept. Coal ash can also be reused in cement or concrete. Story continues Critics of ADEM suggest they have consistently rubber-stamped any plans by Alabama Power for years. Black Warrior Riverkeeper, a Birmingham-based river restoration nonprofit, applauded the EPAs decision. Nelson Brooke, who runs the Riverkeeper Patrol Program at Black Warrior, has been asking Alabama Power and ADEM to do a better job of handling coal ash for over a decade. Were excited to see the EPAs proposed denial of the states program, Brooke said. ADEM has allowed Alabama Power to leave coal ash by the river, sitting on top of wetlands and streams for years. Now Alabama Power is going to have to go back to the drawing board to seriously consider alternatives to deal with their toxic waste. The CCR permit that ADEM submitted had clear deficiencies, according to the EPA. ADEMs permits are not as protective as the federal CCR regulations with closure requirements for unlined surface impoundments, groundwater monitoring networks, and corrective action requirements, according to the EPA press release. By law, The EPA has to allow the public to comment on any proposed plan. For the next 60 days, anyone can comment on the proposed denial. There will be a public hearing in Montgomery, Alabama on Sept. 20 and an online public hearing on Sept. 27. How this could impact Georgia Brooke suggests this is an opportunity to get things right. Future generations are going to look back on this, judging what we did or didnt do, he said. We encourage people far and wide to weigh in on this. Its going to take a lot of support for the EPA to stand their ground. The usual suspects of Alabama Power will weigh in heavy opposition. The Miller Steam Plant in Jefferson County, 16 miles north of Birmingham, is the largest CO2 emitter in the United States. The 45-year-old coal power plant next to Village Creek and Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River sends CO2 dust and coal ash into drinking water near the community of West Jefferson 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are a lot of people getting sick in the community of West Jefferson, Brooke said. The water pollution eventually migrates down to Mobile Bay and into the Gulf as well. The implications of the EPA denying a permit go beyond Alabamas process and standards. What the EPA has said has equal force for the Georgia program, Holleman said. Georgia has a CCR permitting program, but the EPA could force Georgia Power to change its plan to clean up coal ash. SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Florida has effectively banned the Advanced Placement Psychology course from being taught in classrooms over lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation, the College Board said on Thursday. In a statement, the nonprofit educational organization said that Florida superintendents had been told by state education officials that districts are free to teach AP Psychology only if the gender and sexuality material is excluded. The condition, according to the College Board, which oversees the Advanced Placements 40-course program, renders the course inadmissible for college credit. Our policy remains unchanged, the College Board said. Any course that censors required course content cannot be labeled AP or Advanced Placement, and the AP Psychology designation cannot be utilized on student transcripts. The AP Psychology curriculum, which requires students describe how sex and gender influence socialization and other aspects of development, has been offered in Florida schools since 1993. Around 27,000 students in the state took the course last school year, according to the Orlando Sentinel. This year, around 30,000 were expected to sign up. We have heard from teachers across Florida who are heartbroken that they are being forced to drop AP and instead teach alternatives that have been deemed legal because the courses exclude these topics, the College Board said. To be clear, the organization added, any AP Psychology course taught in Florida will violate either Florida law or college requirements. It advised district officials not to offer AP Psych until the state agreed to reverse its decision. The move comes around a week before the new school year is set to begin in many of Floridas districts. Trouble has been brewing in and around Floridas classrooms since last year, however, when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a slew if restrictive education bills, including HB 1557, the so-called Dont Say Gay bill that prohibits discussion of gender and sexuality in kindergarten through third grade. Earlier this year, the law was expanded through to 12th grade classrooms. Story continues Separately, the DeSantis administration has been duking it out with the College Board since January, when he attempted to block AP African-American Studies from Florida schools using another state law outlawing instruction on critical race theory. The Shady Backstory of Floridas Outrageous New Slavery Curriculum In February, the governor, who is running a lackluster campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, hinted that he might strip Florida of all access to AP courses. This College Board, like, nobody elected them to anything, he said at a news conference. They are just kind of there, and they provide a service and so you can either utilize those services or not. In May, Florida asked the College Board, as well as Cambridge International and International Baccalaureate, to confirm the material in their psychology courses was in line with state law. While International Baccalaureate said it would comply, the College Board resisted, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Please know that we will not modify our courses to accommodate restrictions on teaching essential, college-level topics, the group said in June. 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. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A former neighbor of a man accused of kidnapping a woman and holding her captive in a makeshift cell said the man also threatened him by text, which lead him to seek a restraining order. The neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, lived in the same Vancouver, Washington, cul-de-sac as 29-year-old Negasi Zuberi around August 2022. Zuberi has been charged in the kidnapping case and has been linked to at least four violent sexual assaults in four states, the FBI said. Officials fear he may have other victims. The former neighbor said Zuberi stayed in the Washington State home for about six month, rented out rooms without notifying the landlord, kept pit bulls that ran loose and parked an RV camper in the driveway in violation of community rules. Fire and police departments responded to the home more than once, according to the neighbor, who didn't know the reason for the visits. A letter from the Prairie Park Commons Homeowners Association includes pictures of authorities on scene on Dec. 13 and Dec. 17, 2022. The neighbor, who was a volunteer on the homewners' association, said he documented Zuberi's actions and worked to get Zuberi evicted. "I would describe him as intimidating," the neighbor told NBC News. "I tried to limit all communications and stay as far as possible from Negasi." The neighbor said that in March a young couple moved into Zuberi's home and that he warned them about Zuberi, who they said was misleading potential tenants by telling them he owned the home and collecting security deposits. The neighbor said that shortly after, Zuberi sent him a text message, warning, "Im going to f--- you up," according to court documents. This prompted the neighbor to seek a restraining order against Zuberi. In the court documents, he alleges that Zuberi had "previously threatened other neighbors." A few days later, Zuberi also filed for a restraining order against the neighbor, claiming he received a threatening message that used the n-word. Zuberi alleged the neighbor had harassed him for as long as he lived in the home. Story continues The neighbor denies using a racial slur. Both restraining orders were eventually dropped because of "non-appearance," court documents state. The neighbor said that after many situations involving Zuberi, the neighborhood no longer felt safe. "We couldnt even enjoy our community anymore, it was no longer safe after that," he said. "I couldnt sleep for like six months." Zuberi moved to Oregon following the incident that prompted the neighbor to file a restraining order. Zuberi who goes by the aliases Sakima, Justin Hyche and Justin Kouassi was arrested in Nevada and accused of kidnapping a sex worker in Seattle and taking her to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where she was kept in a cinderblock cell he made in his garage. The woman was able to escape and flagged down a motorist for help, officials say. A cinderblock cell in a home in Klamath Falls, Ore. (FBI Oregon) Hes been charged with one count of interstate kidnapping. Zuberi's Washington state neighbor said he was "absolutely shocked" to hear the news. I always had a feeling that something was wrong, but not to this extent," he said. Zuberi also allegedly attacked, abused and threatened to kill another woman and their two children before she sought a protective order against him three years ago. He physically attacks me, he hits me, he brakes (sic) and throws things, he screams at the kids and me ... we get woken up every night from him being drunk and loud and scares us, the woman wrote in a 2020 petition for a domestic violence restraining order. Zuberi's neighbor says he remembers seeing a woman who lived at the Washington state home and appeared to travel with Zuberi, but wasn't sure if that was his partner. Zuberis lawyer in Oregon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Spencer Platt/Getty Few of the people who arrived for the vigil outside a Brooklyn gas station on Friday seemed to notice the blood stains on the pavement, which had darkened in the six days since the proudly gay and prodigiously talented dancer OShae Sibley was fatally stabbed there. Sibley died in what police are investigating as a possible bias attack on a street that has seen more than a few of them. But most of the earlier hate crime victims on Coney Island Avenue were Muslims targeted for abuse in the days after 9/11. The atmosphere of hate caused thousands of Muslims to flee what had come to be called Little Pakistan. At least two witnesses to Sibleys killing on Saturday night heard the 17-year-old prime suspect say he is Muslim. The suspectwho has since turned himself in to policeis said to have objected on religious grounds when Sibley and several friends jumped out and began vogueing to a tune from Beyonces Renaissance album while they fueled their car. The Black, joyously gay men were shirtless, having spent the day at a New Jersey beach. Oh, were Muslim, so dont do this in front of me, the suspect said, as reported by The New York Daily News. The suspect and several friends are also said to have uttered homophobic slurs. Surveillance footage shows the suspect filming Sibley with a cellphone as if it were something disgraceful. He then had what police believe was a knife in his hand. After Sibley went down, his close friend Otis Pena ran over and tried to staunch the bleeding with his hand. They hated us cause we are gay! Pena wrote on Facebook. Screaming we Muslim and we dont like gays!!!!! As we are innocently pumping gas and yall decided to stab one of us!!! Pena posted a photo of his bloody hand and of stainsthen bright redon the sidewalk where Fridays vigil was later held. He and others who were close to Sibley decided they would instead attend a memorial gathering Saturday in Manhattan. But at least one longtime friend was there. Nico Smith and Sibley had been part of a group as close as siblings for 15 years. He began to address the crowd, but was so overcome he had to pause. Story continues Spencer Platt/Getty Images You got it, somebody told him. Breathe baby. Dont worry. Okay. Dont worry about it. Its okay. Smith collected himself and said, Were more than just a group of individuals We were the family that he chose He was a person who was loved, who was cared for, who loved others with all in his heart And I just want to thank you guys for coming out to celebrate OShae. Rev. Yunus Coldman was there and gave an invocation from a street corner murder scene, saying Sibley had joined the risen ancestors in the cloud of witnesses among the heavenly hosts. We invoke your name and honor you today OShae Sibley, family, friend, someone to someone. Watch over us OShae Sibley in your place among your creator. Coldman spoke to The Daily Beast as a man of faith about the killing. No religion justifies killing anybody, he said He was asked about the many bias attacks on Muslims in previous years. Then they turn around and do the same thing, he said. Coldman suggested that this attack may have been triggered by Sibleys vibrant display of his joy in being Sibley. That Saturday was the same night Beyonce was performing in New Jersey and Sibley and his friends were vogueing to Renaissance as if they themselves were on stage. What they want is the freedom to be themselves and they allow their religion to tell them that they cant be that, Coldman said. Back in 2021, the NYPD reported an anti-Muslim bias incident three blocks up Coney Island Avenue, in which somebody spray painted hate messages on the front door of the Tayba Islamic Center. The two men who were in the mosque on Friday said they were unaware of the incident two years ago. One of them, who wore an NYPD traffic officers uniform, was very clear about Islam and homosexuality. Its against our religion, he said. He was asked about the killing just down the street. The teenage suspect was being charged with murder as a juvenile. 1592998781 Spencer Platt/Getty We have no control over anybody, he said. Everybodys on their own. Down at the gas station, a pride flag was flying. Maybe 100 people had joined the vigil. People had placed flowers and a wreath and a sign reading STOP HATE beneath the MOBIL sign. A chant went up. Say his name! OShae! Say his name! OShae Sibley! Somebody scattered rose petals on the sidewalk. And then people began to dance. 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. Workplace safety inspectors will visit the massive construction project underway at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. every other month under an agreement between the company and the state, announced by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. The voluntary agreement adds safety measures beyond what are in state and federal law, according to Hobbs, who also debuted a separate effort to make more construction and trade apprenticeships available. Hobbs announced the efforts Friday morning at TSMC's massive complex in north Phoenix, where a company executive said nearly 12,000 construction workers are on site. The company, a darling of politicians in both parties who use it to tout Arizona's and the nation's economic growth and innovation, lately has been the subject of reports about workplace safety hazards. Delays: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to delay chip production in Phoenix for a year. Here's why Separately, its own executives have complained that there isn't a large enough skilled workforce to install specialized equipment and pushed back the facility's production date. The governor spoke to a group of workers in hard hats and safety vests with about a dozen cranes as her backdrop, the buzz of power tools echoing from a cavernous building under construction nearby. "To all of the labor leaders and union members, thank you for putting Arizona's economy on your back and bringing us into the future," Hobbs said. "We are working to build the most robust workforce in the nation, unmatched by any other state. Under my leadership, we will make sure that our workers are supported in and out of the workplace and have the skills they need to thrive." The campus, where TSMC plans to make 600,000 semiconductor wafers a year, is expected to be the largest private-sector investment in the state. Wafers are the thin, shiny disks from which individual semiconductors, or chips, are harvested. Those chips power computers, smartphones, vehicles and more. Story continues The state workplace safety agency, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health, agreed with TSMC to increase inspections, training and oversight under what is called a voluntary protection program. A copy of the agreement says it is effective for two years and among other things requires on-site inspections six times each year and additional tracking and analysis of workplace incidents involving TSMC contractors and subcontractors. "We're ensuring that every individual who sets foot on our construction site does so with the knowledge and confidence that they are able to carry out their tasks safely, and most importantly they're able to go home in the same condition they arrived," said Brian Harrison, president of TSMC Arizona. The governor also announced BuilditAZ, a program to double the number of construction and trade apprentices in the state by 2026. Growth for Phoenix: Mayor Kate Gallego heads to Asia to 'expand Phoenix's global presence' The Hobbs administration has earmarked $500,000 from the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to expand existing apprenticeship programs with measures such as hiring instructors and purchasing equipment, according to Hobbs spokesperson Lily Morris. The 2014 act was meant to help job seekers obtain education and training and employers find skilled workers. "These programs play a significant role in Arizona's economic development by strengthening our local workforce," Hobbs said. "As apprentices graduate with enhanced skills and knowledge, they're better prepared and can quickly contribute to increased productivity and innovation." Hobbs said she had seen recent reporting about working conditions at TSMC, and "that's why we wanted to make sure we got this program implemented." "We took action as soon as we could," she said. In mid-July, TSMC announced it would push back production in Arizona by one year to 2025, citing "an insufficient amount of skilled workers with the specialized skills required for equipment installation." The company has committed to a $40 billion investment in Arizona and now employs about 2,000 people. Trainers have been brought in to shore up the workforce here. Citing lower demand for consumer electronics, TSMC last month reported its first quarterly profit decline in nearly four years, although it has major customers, including Apple, in the pipeline for its Arizona chips. Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669. Follow her on Twitter @sbarchenger. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Hobbs bumps up workplace safety measures at Arizona TSMC site Sixteen hospitals and more than a hundred other medical facilities across the United States are offline after the largest cyberattack on a U.S. hospital system since last year. Prospect Medical Holdings, a chain that owns hospitals, as well as more than 165 outpatient facilities, in California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island has taken its main computer network offline, a spokesperson said Friday. The company first took its national computer systems offline Tuesday after discovering a ransomware attack, said Nina Kruse, a spokesperson for the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, which is owned by Prospect. As is common with cyberattacks on hospitals, doctors and nurses are reverting to procedures like using pen and paper instead of computers to take patient records, she said. Some outpatient facilities have closed because of the attacks, including radiology, diagnostic and heart health facilities in Connecticut, according to the Facebook pages and websites for Prospect Medical affiliates. The Prospect hack is the 157th cyberattack on a U.S. health care organization this year, said Allan Liska, a ransomware analyst at the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. Liska said it is also the largest since October 2021, when a ransomware attack prompted CommonSpirit Health, a chain of more than 140 hospitals, to temporarily halt computer operations across the country. Ransomware is an extremely disruptive form of criminal cyberattack. Hackers attempt to encrypt a victims computer files and demand a payment usually in cryptocurrency for a program that may make them accessible again. Regardless of whether the victim pays, such attacks can leave victim organizations scrambling for days or even weeks and months to bring their systems back online. Hospitals often use interconnected computer systems for tasks such as billing and keeping track of patient records. In a ransomware attack, information technology staff often shut down those systems to try to prevent the attack from spreading, forcing health care professionals to suddenly go without those tools. Story continues Ransomware hackers take aim at a wide range of targets they think may pay up, including local governments, police stations, schools, businesses and hospitals. Larger hospital chains may have better cybersecurity, but they also offer hackers the opportunity to threaten more victims, and therefore the chance to potentially make more money. It is unclear if any deaths can be directly attributed to a ransomware attack, but one woman filed a lawsuit in Alabama after her baby died from allegedly poor care in a hospital struggling to deal with a ransomware attack. Studies have shown that downtime from hospital cyberattacks correlates with patients having higher mortality rates. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WOODWARD Anika Drew is drawn to beauty. Her boyfriend said she can stand in a barren field and still point out a pretty flower. Drew dreams of going to beauty school to become a makeup artist and moving to Japan to see the pink cherry blossoms. For now, the 17-year-old wanders Woodward with her boyfriend. For the past year, they have slept in abandoned trailers and a trashed apartment. They have pitched a tent on the trails behind Woodward High School and couch-surfed at friends houses. A few weeks ago, they made a deal with a local motel owner: Drew would work cleaning rooms and her boyfriend, Nicholas Stone, 18, would mow the lawn in exchange for a room at the Wayfarer Inn. Its not a path for a princess, Drew said, ducking under branches to a spot off the roadside where the couple set up their tent. Neighboring a junkyard filled with piles of rusty cars and strewn tires, the campground where Drew and Stone spent much of their winter was covered in heavy brush, trash and water flooding the area. Drew and Stone are part of a 29% increase in homeless youth living without a parent or guardian in Oklahoma from 2020 to 2022 one of the largest increases in the nation, according to the 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. One professor studying the issue estimated there could be more than 120,000 homeless youth in Oklahoma. Anika Drew, left, and Nicholas Stone spent most of this year wandering Woodward since becoming homeless. Youth experiencing homelessness have less access to shelters and services in rural Oklahoma towns such as Woodward. Living in Woodward, a rural town of fewer than 12,000 in northwest Oklahoma, Drew and Stone have less access to shelters and services. In rural areas, schoolsare often a primary means of support, where students have access to teachers and trusted adults. Each school district also has a homeless liaison. Several rural district liaisons said they have helped students get jobs and taken students to food banks. However, as staff members tasked with identifying and meeting the needs of, at times, hundreds of students, their jobs come with limitations. Oklahoma working to help track the number of homeless students in the state To help keep track of homeless students, a new state law aims to improve how districts identify and count students. Liaisons said by lessening absences and making it to graduation, homeless students have a better chance of breaking the cycle of poverty. Story continues Drew will be a sophomore and Stone will be a senior when school starts next month. They said they missed most of the last school year after being kicked out for low grades and missing credits, but they hope to return to the high schools alternative education program. For school-age youth not attending school, like Drew and Stone, and children younger than school age, not much data exists causing youth homelessness to often go severely underreported. Based on a homeless resource map created by University of Oklahoma researchers, 22 rural Oklahoma counties lack any homeless shelter or resource center, and many others only have one or two, miles from other corners of the county. In Woodward, there are two: one available at night and another, The Day Center, available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The overnight shelter has eight individual rooms and one family room, but Drew and Stones 13 pets their cat, Mittens, their two dogs, Narnia and Chubz, and Narnias 10 pups, prevent them from being able to stay there. Instead, this summer they often walked to The Day Center, where showers, a kitchen, couches and a job board are available during business hours. More: These tiny homes in OKC help young people facing homelessness. Here's how the program is expanding Shanna Gonser runs The Day Center. Since opening in April 2022, Gonser said the center has served 156 clients with about seven people coming in each day. Gonser said she rarely encounters homeless youth because many are so-called couch homeless and doubled up with another family. That form of homelessness is twice as common for youth in rural communities, according to a University of Chicago study. Based on data collected by Woodward Public Schools, however, Drew and Stone are not alone. The district identified 113 homeless students during the 2018-19 school year, the most recent year available. Since leaving their families last August due to what they described as unstable and abusive households, Drew and Stone said they have not met another homeless teen. That may be partly due to their absence from school, but for all they know, they said, theyre the only ones. They dont want a lot of people to know that theyre in that situation, Gonser said. Its embarrassing to them, so they dont go out and look for others that are in the same situation. Drew said its difficult for her to compare her situation to how she sees others her age living. Worthless, Drew said. It makes me feel worthless. Shown is the area where Anika Drew and Nicholas Stone stayed while living in their tent in Woodward. Homeless and in high school Homeless liaison Elizabeth Ressel works at Comanche Public Schools, just east of Lawton, where about 16% of students are classified as homeless. Over the years, she has used federal funding to provide students with supplies for extracurricular activities and pay fees for students classes. The McKinney-Vento Act of 1987 requires that homeless youth have access to the same public education as other students. The act defines homelessness as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, which might mean students living in motels, trailer parks, cars, abandoned houses or doubled-up with another family. This definition is more lenient than that of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which does not consider someone homeless if they are staying with others or in a motel. Through the act, schools receive extra funding for homeless students that can be used for clothing, food, school supplies and class fees. Congress also mandates one homeless liaison per district to be in charge of identifying homeless students and connecting them with resources in the community. More: OKC's homeless find 'moments of peace' as they create art they can then sell In addition to using federal money, Ressel said she and other outreach coordinators at the school have identified student needs and received donated items to meet them. Weve had students who, you know, theyll call and theyll say, I cant come; my clothes are wet. I washed em last night and we dont have a dryer. And I thought theyd dry overnight, Ressel said. They dont want to come to school with wet clothes, so at our alternative school, we [now] have a washer and dryer. Our high school has a washer and dryer. Further east of Comanche, Wilson Public Schools homeless liaison Claudia Labeth said 5% of students in the district were homeless. With the closest shelter 25 minutes away in Ardmore, Labeth said the biggest day-to-day challenge for her students is figuring out where they will sleep that night. Unreliable housing affects a students ability to attend school and graduate. About one-third of students experiencing homelessness missed 15 or more days of school, according to the National Center for Homeless Education. Labeth said to help combat this problem, she tries to show how school is needed to attain a good job and eventually a home. What do you want your future to look like, and how can we get there? Labeth said she often asks her students. School is a big part of it, so making school relevant to their future so they can live maybe a way they want to live instead of the way that theyre kind of living in the present. I think thats the key for me. In addition to designated liaisons like Labeth, schools provide students with a network of caring and connected adults. Regular conversations with teachers, counselors and other staff can help identify if students are at-risk or struggling. Usually, the students will say, Well, you know, I had a home and now Ive been forced out and dont know what Im going to do, said Joseph Buzidragis, Wilson High School agriculture teacher. And we actually see this quite often in a small town. This was the case when Buzidragis took in 16-year-old Kasper Hamilton in May 2022. He has since become Hamiltons legal guardian. Hamilton had lived with his father and stepmother until his father died in a November 2022 car accident. He and his siblings were kicked out by his stepmother in May. Because Buzidragis knew the situation, Hamilton did not have to worry about finding a place to stay. We told him that we would do everything in our power to make sure he gets through high school and if he decides to go to college or go to work, whichever he chooses, Buzidragis said. That way wed be there for him, not trying to take a parents spot, but give him some safety and a place to live and kind of enjoy high school without having to worry. Buzidragis said he has faced day-to-day challenges in getting Hamilton to open up emotionally and socially. His aim is to show Hamilton that he is wanted. Its rewarding, because you see, like this young man, you see their eyes start to light up as they see that we are not just going to throw them to the wayside, Buzidragis said. Falling between the cracks Sarah Svec has been working to address gaps in homeless data collected in southwest Oklahoma. As executive director of Family Promise, she collaborates with Lawton Public Schools, where about 700 students are homeless, according to the most recent data available. By engaging with families, Svec said she has encountered youth who do not seek help because they do not realize they would be considered homeless by public schools. One barrier to identification is virtual education, which she said is common for homeless children. Theyre not getting the teacher that sees theyre coming in with dirty clothes every day, Svec said. Part of what makes everybody successful at helping people that are experiencing homelessness is being able to identify people that are experiencing homelessness. Another barrier is that homeless youth frequently move, sometimes to other districts. In the most recent available data, 371 school districts reported fewer than three homeless students in their schools. Rural nonprofit leaders said they do not believe that is true of any district. To improve homeless identification in schools, Gov. Kevin Stitt recently signed into law a measure requiring the Oklahoma State Department of Education to report the number of homeless students by district and grade level starting Nov. 1. While the law might improve the counts of students, it does not address the population of homeless youth that are not yet school-age or are not attending school. Both Sisu Youth Services and Pivot, nonprofit organizations focused on youth homelessness in Oklahoma City, said many youth prioritize getting food and finding stable housing before going back to school. David McLeod is one of three University of Oklahoma professors who partnered with the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency to determine how to best distribute $32 million of federal funding toward unhoused and housing-insecure Oklahomans. McLeod said through talking with rural and urban homeless liaisons and accounting for the population of youth too young to attend schools or not in school, Oklahoma could easily have more than 120,000 homeless and housing insecure youth today. I would ask anyone willing to engage in the conversation this question: If I am wrong, and have inflated this extrapolated calculation even twice over, are we OK with 60,000 homeless children? McLeod asked. This number is drastically larger than the about 22,000 homeless students identified in Oklahoma through the McKinney-Vento program during the 2020-21 school year, the most recent year reported. The report also found 3.2% of all Oklahoma students to be considered homeless, however, McLeod said liaisons estimated the number to actually fall around 10% for their districts. Lets say we missed the mark ten times over, McLeod said. Would Oklahomas citizens the brave, bold, resourceful and upright of our state be content that we have 12,000 homeless children?What if I threw on top of that, we know where to find them? We know who they are, and we know where the majority of them and their siblings go to school? The fact is that we do know, and the correlation between this epidemic and our ranking of 49th in education and 46th in overall child well-being is difficult to ignore. Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state. Yasmeen Saadi is a Scripps-Howard Fund intern and Emma Bowen fellow. Yasmeen is a journalism major at the University of Missouri-Columbia where she is a K-12 education and youth reporter at the Columbia Missourian. Contact Yasmeen at ysaadi@oklahomawatch.org. Follow her on Twitter at @YasmeenESaadi. Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Unhoused teenagers, students in rural Oklahoma fall through the cracks AmeriCorps Seniors Racine County is seeking volunteers 55 and older to help deliver priority services to people of all ages. The organization aspires to build and expand a community-wide network of volunteers and partner affiliates that unites compassionate, experienced adults with meaningful and fulfilling service opportunities, enriching the volunteers lives and enhancing support for needy people. The current volunteer opportunities include: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: Would you like to help seniors prepare their 2023 tax returns? AARP Tax-Aide volunteer opportunities include tax counselors (preparers) and preparation center greeters in Racine County. Sites include the Dr. John Bryant Community Center in Racine, Franksville Memorial Park Hall, Union Grove Graham Public Library and Love Inc. in Burlington. All volunteering is during the day and most weekdays. Volunteer tax counselors should have some experience preparing their personal tax returns online. Experience is optional for greeters, just a willingness to help taxpayers sort their tax documents. In addition to self-study, an introductory course will be held in December for new counselors, plus a three-to-four-day course will be held in January that incorporates the latest changes to the IRS tax code. Clients will meet with counselors during February, March and early April 2024. Meals on Wheels: This program, which is administered by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Racine County, provides meals up to five times a week to homebound seniors who can no longer shop for or prepare their own meals. In addition to preventing hunger and malnutrition, the program helps reduce social isolation while fostering independence, dignity and self-respect among aging people. Volunteers deliver meals to homebound seniors or help at local senior dining sites for about two hours/day. Ryanne Jackson, volunteer coordinator, volunteers can be a weekly driver or volunteer occasionally when their schedule allows. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers are eligible for mileage reimbursement of 58.5 cents per mile. MyRIDE Senior Transportation: This program helps seniors who can no longer drive with free curb-to-curb rides to medical appointments, the grocery store and, pending availability, for other non-emergency rides. Volunteer drivers provide transportation in their personal vehicles, giving seniors a feeling of independence. Volunteer drivers set their hours weekly and AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP members are eligible for mileage reimbursement of 58.5 cents per mile. Racine Habitat for Humanity: Racine Habitat believes that everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to live. The organization builds homes with the help of low- to moderate-income families and then sells the homes to the families at an affordable price. Participants demonstrate they have a need for shelter, the ability to pay and the willingness to partner. Volunteer opportunities include construction volunteers work alongside future homeowners and fellow volunteers to build safe and affordable homes (hours are 8 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday); warehouse organization flexible hours based on a volunteers availability; Habitat ReStore volunteers work at the ReStore assisting with cashiering, pricing/receiving and more (hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday); office support volunteers work behind the scenes and support our administrative staff. Senior Companion Program Inc.: The Senior Companion Program provides companionship and compassion, and has been serving Racine and the surrounding Wisconsin communities since 1978. SCP works with each participant and matches a volunteer with those requesting or being recommended for the program. When matched, the volunteer companions will meet a minimum of one hour per week with their senior companions. Siena Retreat Center: Are you friendly, organized, and responsible, and have a peaceful demeanor? Opportunities include welcoming groups, answering phones and staffing the front desk, helping in the dining room, staffing the bookstore and participating in special projects. Volunteer shifts are flexible and could involve weekdays, evenings, or weekends. St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry: During the past year, the food pantry has served more than 2,600 individuals with more than 36,000 lbs. of bagged food and miscellaneous items from its LaSalle Street distribution location. Volunteering opportunities include stocking shelves, packaging groceries, assisting pantry clients and food prep preparers (who help prepare bags for next-day food distribution). SVDP Food Pantry volunteer hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For more information about AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteer opportunities, call Michael OBrien at 262 886-9612 x104 or stop by the Volunteer Center of Racine office at 6216 Washington Ave., Suite G, Racine, WI 53406. Our pets. We love them. Wed do anything for them even drive with them in our lap? Have you done it before? Well, plenty of people drive with their pets unrestrained for various reasons. Maybe they forgot your pet carrier, just got a new pup or perhaps their furry friend is full of anxiety during car rides. Your pet may be calmer when snug in your lap, but you ignore the danger in doing so. According to Pawsafe, 80% of dog owners drive around with their dogs unrestrained in the vehicle. And in a 2019 study by Volvo, dangerous driving habits double when drivers have unrestrained pets in the car. So, is it even legal in Georgia to drive with a pet in your lap or unrestrained in your vehicle? Heres the rundown on all things driving with dogs in Georgia: Is it illegal? No; there is currently no law in place making it illegal to drive with a dog in your lap in the state of Georgia. However, there are distracted driving laws in Georgia. Distracted driving includes anything that distracts or prevents you from safely driving your vehicle and yes, pets in the car can be one of those things. Why its dangerous Although it isnt illegal, driving with your pets in your lap or having unrestrained pets in your car can still be highly dangerous to you, others and your pet. According to Montlick Injury Attorneys in Georgia, there are several ways your unrestrained pet can be a risk: The pet may be injured in a collision The animal may climb on your lap and obstruct your vision The pet may engage in activity that is distracting Animals become flying projectiles if they are not restrained during a collision The pet may interfere with rescue attempts by emergency responders A Coast man and his dog were going to NOLA when tragedy struck. Angels watching over him. Tip for driving with pets If you need to travel with your pet short or long distances, it is recommended to do the following: Strap in a pet carrier with a seat belt Use dog seat belts Get a mobile pet bed Have questions? Comment below or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com Student in locker room A federal appeals court this week upheld a lower courts orders allowing transgender youth in Indiana to use the school restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana last year issued preliminary injunctions in lawsuits against two Indiana school districts, the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville and the Vigo County Schools, blocking their anti-trans policies while the suits are heard and letting trans students use the appropriate facilities. The districts appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which consolidated the cases for the purpose of the appeal. The circuit covers Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The Seventh Circuit upheld the injunctions in a ruling issued Tuesday. The injunctions were narrowly tailored and fact-bound, Judge Diane Wood wrote for a unanimous three-judge panel of the court. We affirm their orders, she continued. The judges agreed with the district court that the trans students who sued were likely to prove, when the case goes to trial, that they had suffered illegal discrimination. They also agreed that the students were likely to suffer irreparable harm in the absence of injunctions and that the injunctions were in the public interest. The ruling cited a decision the Seventh Circuit issued in 2017 in trans boy Ash Whitakers case against his school district in Kenosha, Wis., upholding a lower courts injunction against the districts trans-exclusionary restroom policy. Whitaker and the district eventually reached a settlement. Litigation over transgender rights is occurring all over the country, and we assume that at some point the Supreme Court will step in with more guidance than it has furnished so far, Wood wrote. Until then, we will stay the course and follow Whitaker. The Martinsville suit was brought by a trans boy identified as A.C., and the suit in Vigo County by twin trans boys identified as B.E. and S.E. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana and the LGBT Project of Indiana Legal Services. Students who are denied access to the appropriate facilities are caused both serious emotional and physical harm as they are denied recognition of who they are. They will often avoid using the restroom altogether while in school, ACLU of Indiana attorney Kenneth Falk said in a press release. Schools should be a safe place for kids, and the refusal to allow a student to use the correct facilities can be extremely damaging. Along with the ACLU, we celebrate the Court of Appeals decision that affirms that school officials must treat these students as the boys they are, added Megan Stuart, Indiana Legal Services director of advocacy and director of the LGBT Project. Indiana Legal Services is proud of our work helping LGBTQ+ Hoosiers whose rights have been violated and in expanding the law to ensure LGBTQ+ people can live safe, long lives. The hottest three weeks on record. The hottest three days on record. The hottest ocean temperatures for this time of year. That all happened to the Earth during one single month in July. According to a statement from the World Meteorological Organization, July was the hottest month ever recorded across the globe from heatwaves that baked portions of Northern California, Asia and Europe to the wildfires that burned Canada and Greece. Its been a cruel and disastrous summer, said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Less than a month before, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared June 2023 the hottest June on record. All this is entirely consistent with predictions and repeated warnings, he said in a statement. The only surprise is the speed of the change. The hottest day landed on July 6 at an average global temperature of approximately 63 degrees, according to Climate Central, a climate change nonprofit organization. July 5 and July 7 were slightly cooler, ranking in the top three warmest days in recorded history. At least 2 billion people around the world one-quarter of the global population felt a very strong influence of climate change on each day in July, Climate Central wrote on its website. How hot did it get in Sacramento? Sacramento was no stranger to triple-digit temperatures in July, but the area has been hotter. Meteorologist Kate Forrest with the National Weather Service said July 2023 was the 14th hottest July on record with an average temperature of 77.4 degrees. The average maximum temperature was 94.3 degrees and the average minimum was 60.5 degrees. Heres how Julys average temperature compares to years prior with warmer averages, with data sourced from the National Weather Service: July 1988 - 80.4 degrees July 2003/1961 - 79.2 degrees July 2006 - 79.1 degrees July 1960 - 78.9 degrees July 2005 - 78.8 degrees July 1996 - 78.6 degrees July 2017 - 78.4 degrees July 1984 - 78.3 degrees Story continues July 1967 - 78.0 degrees July 2018 - 77.8 degrees July 1990/ 1959 - 77.7 degrees Forrest said July 2021 was the 15th hottest July on record in Sacramento because of the Dixie Fire, the second-largest wildfire in Californias history. The fire which stretched across Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Lassen and Tehama counties burned for 104 days, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The average temperature was 77.2 degrees. July 1975 and July 2015 are also tied for the 15th hottest July in Sacramento. In 1988, Sacramento area saw its hottest month for average temperature on record, according to NWS climate data, at 80.4 degrees. The citys hottest day on record was last year at 116 degrees. Looking ahead to August temperatures Meteorologists forecast that the remainder of the summer and the beginning of fall will bring above-normal temperatures to California. According to NOAA, theres between 33% and 50% chance weather in California will lean above normal for this time of year. Outlooks show equal chances of above-normal, near-normal or below-normal rainfall for August and September. Meaning, according to the National Weather Service, there is no clear indication of how much rain the state could receive. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations temperature outlook show above-normal temperatures in August and September. Weekend weather update In Sacramento, temperatures will steadily increase throughout the weekend until the area reaches a high near 105 degrees on Sunday. The area is forecast to exit triple-digit conditions on Tuesday with a high near 89 degrees. The National Weather Service warned of a widespread moderate heat risk this weekend across the Central Valley and foothills. An excessive heat watch will go into effect from Saturday to Monday for portions of Southern California. The area is preparing for dangerously hot temperatures between 108 and 117 degrees. What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. A little more than two years ago, I wrote how the Legislature needed to investigate now suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton not only because of his sordid issues with deceiving investors or even his curious relationship with his donor Nate Paul, but also his shoddy and unconstitutional management of the Attorney Generals office. In the 87th Legislative Session, the Office requested roughly $43 million to cover outside legal services in Paxtons suit against Google and stemming from an opioid settlement with manufacturer Mallinckrodt, allocated tens of millions of dollars to raise salaries without legislative approval. With resounded bipartisan admonishment on his handling of the AG Office and bypassing the legislative appropriation process, Paxton responded that he wished the agency did that one differently. That wagged, pointed finger rebuke was really all the legislative punishment he faced. Perhaps to Paxton, that would be all he would face. The legislature should have investigated him then but did not. Why did the legislature fail the people on this front two years ago? There are not many answers, only speculation. Fast forward two years later when Paxton and the whistleblowers in the AGs Office concerning abuse of power reached a settlement where Paxton would pay the whistleblowers a total of $3.3 million. But it would not be Paxton picking up the tab; it would be the taxpayers. That request from the AGs Office to the legislature initiated an investigation into Paxtons dealings. Cait Whittman, spokesperson for House Speaker Dade Phelan, told the Austin-American Statesman, This process was initiated as a result of the attorney generals request for $3.3 million in state funds in order to settle with whistleblowers. The attorney general made this demand of the Legislature without providing sufficient information or evidence in support of his request. Had it not been for this request, Paxton would not have faced impeachment, let alone been impeached. His 20 charges, adopted by the House in a supermajority fashion, stem from his issues with the whistleblowers back in 2020. And now, for the first time in over 100 years, a member of the executive branch was impeached and will face a trial in the Senate. Story continues To refresh the reader on this rare occasion and its makeup and procedure, the upper-chamber transform into a courtroom. The House will prosecute, the AG will defend, the 31-member Senate will be the jury, and the Lt. Gov. will preside over the proceedings. In order to convict on any of the 20 charges, a two-thirds vote from the jury is required, which equates to 21 Senators voting to convict. Punishment for conviction is set in stone by the Texas Constitution. Article 15, Section 3, clearly reads, judgement in cases of impeachment shall extend only to removal from office, and disqualification from holding any office of honor, trust or profit under this State. A Party convicted on impeachment shall also be subject to indictment trial and punishment according to law. In other words, he is removed from office, may never hold office again, and can be tried in a court of law for crimes committed while in office. Such a fate awaits the suspended AG should he be found guilty by the jury in his trial. What has turned into a soap opera is the flat-out defiance from Paxton and his supporters. He insists he did nothing wrong and this impeachment was illegal, unethical, and profoundly unjust. Longtime State Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, echoed this claim. This process is indefensibleit concerns me a lot because today it could be General Paxton, tomorrow it could be you and the next day it could be me, he said on the House floor. Supporters of the suspended AG have rushed to use hyperbole in his defense. As passionate as those analogies may be, the truth of the matter is Paxton behaved brazenly corrupt since entering office and continued to do so during this legislative session. After three months of intense investigations, 60 House Republicans voted to bring charges against Paxton or impeach him. For the first time in who knows how long, Texas Republicans put the state, the Texas Constitution, and public trust above Party. That is courage. In 1974 before and after his resignation, Republicans walked away from President Nixon. Since 2009, Republicans also walked away from President Bush. In 2023, Texas House Republicans walked away from AG Paxton. For those who continue to support the indicted, power abusing, bribe accepting, adulterer, impeached, and now suspended AG Ken Paxton, Texas would like to know why. Drew Landry is an assistant professor of government at South Plains College. You can follow Drew on Twitter at @drewllandry. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Landry: For the love of Ken Paxton Two groups sued the Biden administration this week over its plan to forgive up to $39 billion in student loan debt for about 804,000 people. The suit by the Cato Institute and Mackinac Center filed on their behalf by the New Civil Liberties Alliance in federal court in Michigan argues that the federal government doesn't have the authority to forgive this debt and that the government is working on an accelerated schedule "to evade judicial review." "Before the ink dried on the Supreme Courts June 30 decision striking down a $430 billion student-loan cancellation program ... the (Education) Department announced a host of equally unlawful loan cancellation schemes," the groups' lawsuit reads. The suit targets Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and the head of the Federal Student Aid office, Richard Cordray. The Education Department said last month that it was adjusting how it calculates student loan payments, in a move to correct past errors, which would result in about 804,000 people having the balance of their loans erased over the next few months. The outstanding debt is whats left of these borrowers loans after the equivalent of 20 to 25 years' worth of payments. That plan was set in motion over a year ago, however: The Biden administration said in April 2022 that it would make a one-time adjustment to borrowers payment histories to ensure they are getting all the credit they should. Ahead of that, the Government Accountability Office flagged a problem tracking borrowers' payments. "We found thousands of borrowers still in repayment who could be eligible for forgiveness now," the congressional watchdog agency said. $39 billion in debt to be erased: New round of student loan debt forgiveness will erase balances for over 800,000 people Affected borrowers likely older Americans A longstanding option for student loan borrowers has been to enroll in a payment plan that aligns payments with their income so called income-driven repayment plans. Some people with those plans, however, have struggled to get credit for all of the payments they have made. Others who were eligible never participated. Story continues The legal challenge emerged just days ahead of the Biden administration's plans taking effect: If borrowers didn't opt out of the option, their respective loan servicers were to be told about the plan to eliminate the outstanding debt after Aug. 12, and borrowers would have in turn been notified by their servicers that their balances were forgiven. The borrowers involved in the plans targeted for the new forgiveness include those with Direct Loans or Federal Family Education Loans held by the department, including Parent PLUS loans. Many of the borrowers affected are likely 50 or older. About 9.2 million borrowers fall into this category. This lawsuit is nothing but a desperate attempt from right wing special interests to keep hundreds of thousands of borrowers in debt, even though these borrowers have earned the forgiveness that is promised through income-driven repayment plans," Education Department spokesperson Roy Loewenstein said in response to the suit. "We are not going to back down or give an inch when it comes to defending working families. It could be a long wait for Biden's new plan for mass student loan forgiveness to become reality. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New student loan debt forgiveness plan challenged by suit The Wisconsin State Journal is reporting that the Rockford abortion business has killed 400 human beings in the womb in the first six months of 2023. Every one of these persons killed by abortion is a full member of our human family, a person created in the image of God, a child loved by God, a little girl or boy who has the same right to life as you do. It takes a community to murder so many children. Politicians who take money from the abortion industry then vote to legalize the killing of children. A city government that worked hand-in-glove with the disgraced and dangerous abortionist so he could open his killing center. Malformed religious leaders have betrayed God and support the death of his children so they can be popular with the spirit of the world. Those who encourage young mothers to kill their children instead of supporting these mothers in loving their babies. A group of people in Rockford has come together in the heartless killing of girls and boys in the womb thinking abortion is a hidden crime, and they will never have to face God for the murder of his children. We as a city have in killed 400 children in half a year. We hear people complain about crime, poverty, shootings, drugs, broken lives and broken families in our city. As long as our city leaders continue to support and promote the killing of hundreds of children, Rockford will be a city of death. These 400 lives are more than just a number. Each one of them was and is a person the same as you and me. They are very much alive with God now. The saddest fact of all of this is those who conspired to abandon mothers and to kill God's children may never see the face of God because in the face of God and in heaven they would see the countless children they are responsible for killing and all they will be able to do is turn away, forever, in shame. Kevin Rilott, Rockford This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Letter: Abortion clinic makes Rockford a city of death Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to a crowd of supporters at the Sahib Shriner Event Center as part of his 2022 Education Agenda Tour across the state. I was disgusted by the snarky July 30 editorial from Frank Cerabino of the Palm Beach Post, who was critical of the new standards for teaching Black history in Florida. He implies that the new standards are mainly to keep white kids from feeling uncomfortable about slavery. He also goes on to ridicule one statement in the curriculum that says some slaves may have benefited from slavery. First, the new standards were not instituted to help white kids feel better about themselves, but to purge the teaching of Critical Race Theory. From what I understand, this concept is geared to make white kids feel guilty for something they had no part in enslaving people and teaches that whites are inherently racist, which does nothing but create more division among people. Floridas new standards neither whitewash history nor do they justify slavery. Second, no one is saying that slavery was a good thing; it continues to be understood as a horrific practice that undermined the ideals of freedom on which our country was founded. Third, as for possible benefits to the enslaved, if Cerabino and others had read the statement in context, then there would be no controversy. All people face some form of struggle in their lives; some more than others. But they can learn from history and hopefully use it to build character. That means making the best out of one's situation, even though it may have been difficult or unjust. I think that some slaves may have benefited from their situation not from slavery itself per se, but through a heart and mind that was determined to learn, adapt and seek something greater. It is a shame that many people want to dwell on the past (where they ultimately will continue to be enslaved in some form or another), instead of learning from that past, moving on and building a positive future. History can be the ultimate character builder; sadly, Cerabino and many liberals don't appear to be interested in the importance of character. Story continues Calvin Johnson, Jacksonville Suggestion for Clay County parent This July 22 photo shows a collection of banned books on display at the Family Book Shop in DeLand. After reading Mark Woods July 28 column about a parent targeting books in Clay County public school libraries, I am sure the parent, Bruce Friedman, is a well-intentioned, sincere and honorable person. I also assume that he is highly educated, a prodigious speed reader and may even hold advanced degrees in child psychology, as well as adolescent education. This must be why Freidman can get the county to consider removing hundreds of books from school libraries with two simple phrases: "Protect Children!!" and "DAMAGED SOULS." If Friedman wants to limit what his child is exposed to, that is his business. However, he should not be able to dictate what books my children and others are able to read. I have a simple solution for him and Moms for Liberty (misnamed, in my mind): Home-school your children, cancel all magazines or newspaper subscriptions and make certain they do not have access to the internet no telling what they may find there. Also, take away their phones, tablets and computers, restrict their radio listening and television viewing to "wholesome" content only, while making sure their only social contacts are with children of like-minded parents. Finally, make sure when they study American history that they learn how slaves learned many useful skills while enslaved; that Confederate battle flags are a show of Southern pride (not a symbol of continued racism in this country); and that Confederate monuments mostly erected in the 1920s are meant to honor and remember those who served the "Lost Cause," not to remind Blacks of their place in the social order. God help us all. Michael Connelly, Jacksonville Beach Hypocrisy of Hunter's plea deal Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departs the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on July 26 in Wilmington, Del. Biden pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges in a deal with prosecutors to avoid prosecution on an additional gun charge. However, the federal judge overseeing the case unexpectedly delayed Biden's plea deal and deferred her decision until more information is put forth by both the prosecution and the defense. Hunter Biden's proposed plea deal, reported by USA Today late last week, was the epitome of hypocrisy by the highest level of our government. The Joe Biden administration, for more than two years, has beat the drum for equitable treatment for minorities, ranted against white supremacy and demanded stricter gun laws in response to mass killings. Yet when Hunter Biden was accused of failure to report and pay taxes, his attorneys were able to negotiate a sweetheart plea deal, with the prosecuting Department of Justice attorney, David Weiss, charging him with only a misdemeanor. Any other taxpayer would have been charged with a felony. Hunter Biden, having been a drug addict, also purchased a handgun without revealing his addiction an illegal gun purchase. Prosecutors agreed to no jail time for the gun charge, which (again) is usually a felony charge. For the son of a president who is seeking stricter gun laws, this is egregiously hypocritical. Fortunately, at the hearing for the plea deal, an intelligent judge apparently saw through the hypocrisy and unfairness of the plea. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Norieka refused to grant the deal to Hunter Biden as an additional investigation is being conducted. The entire plea deal is an example, in the extreme, of using privilege to circumvent the law. It is the opposite of equal justice for all citizens. As Biden and the Democrats in Congress have said in the past, no one is above the law including the president's own son. Theresa Criss, Riverside Rubio supports vital health provisions Sen. Marco Rubio speaks to reporters after he attended a closed-door briefing for senators about the Chinese spy balloon at the U.S. Capitol in February. Lack of essential drugs and medical supplies is a critical issue that affects the health and well-being of countless individuals. Insufficient access to resources poses severe challenges to communities, particularly in low-income countries where health care services are already strained. Medical stockouts can lead to dire consequences, jeopardizing the health of patients who depend on timely treatment. The unavailability of necessary supplies can hinder disease management, exacerbate health complications and contribute to the spread of infectious diseases across our borders. The U.S. Senates newly published State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Bill includes provisions aimed at addressing health care challenges while promoting greater accountability in foreign aid spending. The bill will offer transparency on funds expended, shedding light on the impact of aid dollars and ensuring that resources are effectively allocated and utilized. It also mandates consultation with the Committees on Appropriations about efforts to track funding and measure progress on activities supporting health care workers. I am grateful to Sen. Marco Rubio for his support in advancing these crucial health care provisions. By addressing medical stockouts while promoting greater transparency as well as accountability in foreign aid spending, Sen. Rubio has demonstrated his commitment to improving global health outcomes and strengthening our alliances worldwide. Brandon Dwight, Jacksonville Does DeSantis actually hate Floridians? Gov. Ron DeSantis talks during his bill signing ceremony of new legislation impacting the state's colleges and universities in May, held at Sarasota's New College of Florida. Anyone who works or has a business here in Florida must pay federal taxes. This is our money but for us to benefit from it, the governor must accept it. However, this is apparently not happening, as Gov. Ron DeSantis uses the future of Florida as a political tool for his presidential agenda. That means $377 million of our money was rejected. These dollars were to help Florida citizens with the costs of improving their energy efficiency, to make cooling and other activities less costly in terms of utility bills. It was to help low-income families (and us seniors) withstand increasing heat and higher electric bills. Denying these funds harms local contractors and their employees who will miss out on these jobs that pay well. It also cuts into state tax revenues. This money does not come out of Florida's budget and it does not come out of DeSantis' pocket. It is money we have already paid. Florida residents are being denied access to our own funds for political reasons. It's time for the Florida Legislature to put its citizens well-being ahead of a political agenda. I urge all who read this to write or call your state legislators. Paul Kruger, Interlachen Jail largest mental health facility in Jax The Duval County jail in downtown Jacksonville. Your July 27 article Jail changes its health care was helpful in understanding the failure of our jail to provide adequate health care to inmates. However, it neglected to mention that our jail is the largest institution for mentally ill individuals in our community. This isnt by design but by default. If an individual is harassing citizens, sleeping in vacant buildings or urinating in public, they frequently end up in our jail even though they have been diagnosed with a form of mental illness. The reason is because we do not have enough community programs to address their problems. Our jail is not set up to deal with the issues of the mentally ill and should not be expected to do so. As a result, many mentally ill are released back into the community after a short stay in jail without adequately addressing their mental health issues. We can reduce our jail population and make our community a better place to live for all by investing in more programs that are designed to address the issues of the mentally ill. Stanley J. Grenn, Jacksonville Now mathematicians are worried Overlooking the sunset from the Tampa Convention Center patio. The facility is the site of the 2023 MathFest, hosted by the Mathematical Association of America, which was forced to address concerns from many members as to whether it was safe to travel in Florida. Next month, more than 2,000 math educators and enthusiasts are scheduled to attend an annual conference in Tampa of talks, activities and networking sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. As a Florida resident, I was embarrassed that some members felt a need to ask whether it is safe to meet in our state and that the association (of which I have been a member for 54 years) had to address their concerns. This shows how the homophobic and transgender prejudices, along with the discriminatory legislation of our governor and the Republican Legislature is already affecting our economy, as well as the attractiveness of our state. Why can't our government simply follow the Golden Rule? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Everybody is different in some way. As long as those who are different aren't hurting you, they are entitled to all the same privileges and protections as every other citizen. Roy Goldman, Atlantic Beach Only one way Republicans can win Gov. Ron DeSantis (left) listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion on the coronavirus in 2020. The latest efforts by the Department of Justice to destroy former President Donald Trump while apparently protecting President Joe Biden have reached a level that must be addressed. In my opinion, the weaponization of law enforcement to attack ones political opponents has to end now if we are to remain a democracy. Practically speaking, I think this will only happen if the Democratic Party loses the White House, Senate and House of Representatives in November 2024. To win the White House, Republicans must unite behind Trump, which means all the other candidates should en masse publicly delay their presidential campaigns until 2028 including Gov. Ron DeSantis. Hopefully, Trump will then move to unite the party by choosing Gov. DeSantis to be his vice president, and the next Congress will work to revamp the Department of Justice, as well as the FBI and restore our freedoms. William D. Price, Jacksonville Charmed by Le Chateau story The courtyard of Le Chateau, circa 1960, before the oceanfront restaurant in Atlantic Beach was destroyed by Hurricane Dora in 1964. It was soon rebuilt. The original structure dated to 1938, when it was built as a private residence for jeweler Hayden Crosby. Thank you, Matt Soergel, for the July 26 story of Le Chateau restaurant in Atlantic Beach. I had never heard of this establishment and what a wonderful place it seems to have been. Multiple famous people obviously loved it, patrons who frequented it still have fond memories and the stories (I am sure there are many more) were funny and amusing. Oh, to have been around this place back in the day. It may be long gone, but articles such as this can keep its legacy alive. I enjoy reading about Jacksonvilles history, and this one was a gem. Please provide more like this. When I finished reading this delightful story I thought, That was a beautiful article. Thank you for enlightening me, as well as brightening my day. Patrick Doran, Jacksonville Benefits of slavery? Simply horrific On Aug. 1 a woman holds a sign with a historic photograph from the Library of Congress, showing a slave named Peter who was severely whipped by a plantation overseer before he escaped. The group of protesters rallied outside the Duval County Public Schools' administrative building ahead of the evening's School Board meeting to oppose the new Florida-mandated Black history standards for public schools throughout the state. Among the objections are that the new curriculum suggests slaves gained job skills as a result of slavery. A July 29 article reported on South Carolina Sen. Tim Scotts criticism of the new slavery curriculum in Florida. It seems that Gov. Ron DeSantis and his enablers are trying to convince us that people can benefit from being exploited if they learn a trade in the process (no matter how horribly they're treated). Currently we have laws that say corporations cant use products made with forced labor. Is anyone saying these modern-day slaves are benefiting from the skills theyre learning while being enslaved? No because such a statement would be horrific. Why does Gov. DeSantis think such a statement is any less horrific when it refers to people who were enslaved in this country prior to the 13th Amendment? Susan Aertker, Jacksonville This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Liberals missing the point on Florida's new education standards Editors Note: Untold Art History investigates lesser-known stories in art, spotlighting unsung and pioneering artists you should know, as well as uncovering new insights into influential artworks that radically shift our understanding of them. In atmospheric ink paintings on silk, featuring striking portraits of women and exquisite flora and fauna, the artist Kiyohara Yukinobu struck out on a path in the late 17th century that few women in Japan had navigated. She became an accomplished artist in the Kano school the countrys most prestigious lineage of painters and, for a century after, was name-dropped in literature and theater, earning a long, influential legacy for someone who may have only lived to be 39 years old. But today, Yukinobu is far from a household name. Her fame has faded as contemporary art historians and institutions have failed to shine a light on her as well as Japanese women artists from centuries past more widely. Very few would recognize (the name) Yukinobu, and that should not be the case, said Einor Cervone, the associate curator of Asian Art at the Denver Art Museum, which recently concluded a rare exhibition of the work of historical Japanese women artists, titled Her Brush. The reason why shes not as well-known is not because she was not as accomplished or talented or as prolific It is because of our historical research and presentation and curatorship that has taken place in the past 100 years or so. Unusually for the period, Yukinobu focused on female deities and historical figures, such as this painting, "The Goddess Benzaiten and Her Lute." - Courtesy Denver Art Museum Though Yukinobus scroll paintings are peppered throughout museum collections, including those of the Tokyo National Museum and Miho Museum in Kyoto, Japan, they are rarely highlighted, explained Paul Berry, an independent Japanese art historian. (At both the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, which each have a handful of her works, for example, none are currently on view.) (Her paintings) may come out if you have an exhibition of Edo period Kano painting, Berry said. But he laments the fact that Yukinobu and other women artists from Japan are not given more prominence beyond occasional inclusion in broad group shows. So few museums anywhere put on exhibitions of the women who painted or did calligraphy in Japan. Story continues An unlikely path Despite the scant details about her life that survive today, Yukinobu makes for a compelling figure. During a highly restrictive era for women, she trained within the Kano tradition, which combined the ink and brushwork of Chinese paintings with the color and ornament of Japanese art. She became known as keishu a woman highly accomplished in the arts, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Yukinobu had access to the arts from a young age, giving her a rare opportunity to train. Her granduncle, Kano Tanyu, was a monumental figure within the Kano tradition, and her father, Kusumi Morikage, was renowned as well, though he either left or was ousted from the Kano school amid conflict with Kano Tanyu, Berry explained. (Yukinobus brother, too, was an artist, but he was not nearly as good as her, Berry added.) Yukinobu had "perfect control of the brush," according to curator Einor Cervone. Pictured here: "Flying Celestial," in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. - The Picture Art Collection/Alamy Stock Photo Over the course of her career, Yukinobu seemed to make a conscious choice towards portraits of female historical figures and deities, Cervone said, which was unusual considering womens societal status. These portraits included Yang Guifei, the 8th-century Chinese consort of the Tang emperor Xuanzong whose beauty was legendary; Benzaiten, the Japanese Buddhist goddess of music and the arts; and a canon of 36 women poets from the earlier Kamakura period, whom Yukinobu painted in an album. But she never signed her paintings, according to Kano tradition, as Kano Yukinobu. Berry believes she may have wanted to assert her individuality as an artist, despite painting in the mainstream style, though its also possible she chose to occupy an in-between space because of her fathers divergence from the group. Though Kiyohara was both her husbands family name as well as her mothers maiden name, the choice to sign as Kiyohara Yukinobu may have been setting up a female lineage, rather than reflecting on her husband, Berry explained. A portrait of Chinese consort Yang Guifei, who was revered for her beauty in the 8th century (left) and a composition featuring a peacock and peach blossoms (right). - Courtesy MFA Boston The fact that Yukinobu married at all made her career path even more unlikely, as girls were often put on track for marriage from a young age, during the time that would be crucial for an artist to train. Female artists, calligraphers and poets were usually nuns or widowed, Berry explained, giving them greater social mobility as an artist. (It is unclear whether or not Yukinobu had children, he added.) Beyond her subject matter, what made Yukinobus paintings stand out was the meticulousness of her technique. She had perfect control of the brush, Cervone said, with subtle features and expressive brushwork. The fact that she was so successful as a painter was an exception, Cervone said. And maybe the fact that she was a woman was also part of the curiosity which made her more popular at the time. An understated legacy Today, we can understand the extent of Yukinobus success through the number of paintings that survive today, which would have been commissioned, as well as the fine and costly materials she used such as expensive silks, white paint made from crushed shells and gold that would have been hard to procure if you werent a superstar, Cervone explained. The Kano school was known for serving wealthy and powerful patrons, including the ruling Tokugawa shogunate of feudal Japan and their vassals, the daimyo. Although Yukinobus specific patronage is unclear, Cervone is confident her work was coveted by anyone who could afford her. But theres another, more underhanded indication of her popularity: the prevalence of forgeries of her work. The Denver Art Museum alone has 13 imitations of Yukinobu paintings, and only one authentic work. (As part of the show, they exhibited one of the pieces with a forged signature alongside her actual work.) A peony in the collection of MFA Boston (not on view), which holds several Yukinobu paintings. Scholar Paul Berry would like to see more institutions highlight her works. - Courtesy MFA Boston Berry says the sheer quantity of forgeries hes seen shows that she had what we call today a strong fan base. Famous artists were and still are often copied, and the scope of the market for forgeries of her paintings is difficult to quantify. They arent easy to spot, either, with many created during her own time with materials that have aged just the same. Still, it speaks volumes, because you dont put out a Picasso-forged signature on something if Picasso is not going to get you more money, Cervone said. Berry hopes that more institutions will bring their Yukinobu works out of storage and onto gallery walls in future, and believes there are easily enough existing works for a prolific solo exhibition. At the Suntory Museum of Art in Tokyo in 2015, he was pleased to discover a number of her works exhibited though in a show about her father. He also points to the Jissen Womens University in Shibuya as a small institution putting in the work to bring more attention to Japanese female artists more broadly, through research as well as exhibitions. Theres a core group of female scholars who are pursuing this (the study of Japanese women artists), he explained. I would like to say theres a core group of male scholars, too, he said with a small laugh. Im sometimes frustrated that things havent moved faster. Though her paintings may only occupy small portions of collections around the world, Cervone hopes Yukinobus mark-making centuries ago will eventually grow in its renown, and more people will find resonance with her work. The idea of the brushstroke as a reflection of ones innermost truth is something that is not just in Japanese calligraphy and painting, but also throughout East Asia, Cervone said. So when a woman 400 years ago decides that she can take brush to silk, and that theres something that she can leave behind, its a way of taking up space as a woman in a patriarchal reality. Its still the same thing that artists are facing today. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Garrick Jackson said he stopped into the new Natures Table in Macon anticipating something tasty and healthy. His son, a Mercer University student, had told him about the new restaurant at 781 Spring St., Suite 104, and had shared a bite of the Natures Table Mediterranean chicken wrap he was enjoying. On his first visit, Jackson opted for the California club sandwich and side of pasta salad. Delicious, he said. Garrick Jackson looks up while placing an order at the new Natures Table restaurant at 718 Spring St., Suite 104, in the retail space below the Lofts at Navicent in Macon. A recent visit I had to agree. I also tried the California Club on a recent visit to the new spot below the Lofts at Navicent. Billed as healthy food, this yummy and filling Natures Table sandwich did not disappoint with its generous helping of turkey, avocado, turkey bacon, lettuce and tomato on fresh multi-grain bread. The sandwich has 365 calories, 7.8 grams of fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 44 carbohydrates, 33.5 grams of protein, 3.6 grams of fiber and 2.5 grams of sugar, according to Natures Table nutritional values. The only caveat for me was the sodium content was high at 1,208 milligrams. I also ordered an eight-ounce fruit cup that offered a mix of cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, kiwi and strawberries. Natures Table nutritional values are based on the mix including pineapple and without kiwi, but I expect the nutritional values are still pretty close at 66 calories, 0.3 grams of fat, 21.7 milligrams of sodium, 16.3 grams of carbohydrates, 1.3 grams of protein, 1.9 grams of fiber and 13.9 grams of sugar. For Weight Watchers fans, the California Club came in at nine points and the fruit cup at two points with nutritional values rounded to determine WW points. A few vegan-friendly and gluten-free options also can be found labeled as such on the menu, with nutritional information readily accessible online. The cost was reasonable at $15.42 for the sandwich and fruit cup. There was no charge for the cup of water. Noting that some restaurants charge more for healthy food options, Jackson said he thought prices were reasonable also. Story continues A California Club sandwich and a fruit cup at the new Natures Table at 781 Spring St., Suite 104, below the Lofts at Navicent in Macon. From salads to acai bowls The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, including several that are toasted, signature salads, acai bowls, wraps, protein bowls and sides such as soup, chili, fresh fruit and featured salads such as a pasta salad. Our menu is pretty balanced, said franchisee Terrell Robertson, CEO of Robertson Holdings Inc. You can find something for everyone. The Macon location is the first Natures Table in Middle Georgia and the first of three Natures Table stores that Robertson plans to open, including one in Warner Robins. The restaurant also offers fruit smoothies made with 100% real fruit juice or yogurt smoothies made with fat-free yogurt. Among the fruit smoothies are two no-sugar-added smoothies. Additionally, the menu includes two fruit and smoothie options as well as nutritional boosters such as protein powder and high energy, immune and multi-vitamin and mineral blends. Unique to the Macon store and less than a handful of other Natures Table locations is fresh-made juice. These are made with raw vegetables and fruits and without the addition of water, milk, sugar or anything else, Robertson said. Terrell Robertson, Natures Table franchise, looks up from a huddle with employees and a Natures Table corporate representative. Franchisees faves Robertsons favorite juice is apple, pineapple, kale and ginger. It just picks you up, Robertson said. His favorite smoothie is the yogurt-based Cocolada with pineapple, coconut and banana. I dont even like coconut so that lets you know how good it is, he said. His favorite wrap is the Sesame Thai that includes chicken, Napa cabbage, brown rice, carrots, scallions, almonds and sesame Thai sauce. The crunch is just right, said Robertson, who noted that the sauces are made fresh in store daily and also may be served on the side. Another favorite, he said, is their award-winning Baja Turkey Jack sandwich, with turkey, pepper jack cheese, tomato and avocado jalapeno mayo. Unlike some other Natures Table locations, the Macon store does not serve breakfast. An acai bowl at Natures Table, a new restaurant near Atrium Health Navicent in Macon. (This photo has been cropped.) In addition to dine-in and takeout, the restaurant offers online ordering, a scan code to order in advance as well as by text naturestable to 33733. The options allow customers to schedule a time for pickup, or delivery via Uber Eats and DoorDash. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.,Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. The number is 478-733-4582. Some fruit and salad options at the new Natures Table at 781 Spring St., Suite 104, below the Lofts at Navicent in Macon. Rory Conan Williams set sail from Sitka, Alaska, on July 9, 2023 and has not been seen since, according to the US Coast Guard. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The Coast Guard is searching for a man who tried to sail from Alaska to San Diego. Rory Conan Williams, 45, departed his home in Sitka, Alaska, on July 9. A friend told Insider the boat's engine was damaged and he urged him not to go. Rory Conan Williams set out from Alaska more than 25 days ago, intending to sail down the coast to his mother in San Diego. But the experienced 45-year-old sailor headed out on a boat with an engine that didn't work and hasn't been seen since. Now the US Coast Guard says it is searching for Williams and his 32-foot vessel, dubbed "Legz." A spokesperson told Insider it also received a report that one of Williams' sails had ripped soon after departing Alaska. The navies of both the US and Canada are also assisting in the search. On July 9, Williams departed from Sitka, a town of fewer than 10,000 people on Alaska's southern coast where he had worked in the tourism business, having operated a scooter rental company. He intended to arrive in San Diego on July 27, where he planned to visit his mother before continuing on to Mexico. A friend says he told Williams not to leave without fixing his engine first Sitka, Alaska. coast-to-coast/iStock Cheston Clark, a fisherman in Sitka, told Insider that he urged Williams not to go. Prior to departing, Clark said Williams had approached him and asked if he would tow his boat from the harbor to deeper waters, where he could then sail down to Southern California. "[I] asked him not to continue on with that plan without fixing his engine first," Clark said. "And he said, 'Nope, the engine's not fixable,' for whatever reason." Clark, who described Williams as a friend, said the missing sailor was simply determined to get out. "He was frustrated with his current situation, with politics and the city of Sitka, and him trying to make a business out of there in tourism," Clark said. "He just wanted to leave town." Williams is an experienced sailor, one confident enough in his abilities to attempt a journey of thousands of miles without an engine. His experience also likely led him to take his boat out into the Pacific Ocean, rather than hug the coast, Clark said a decision that would likely save sailing time but take him out of range of helicopters searching for him. Story continues The Coast Guard said Williams is believed to have set sail with 45 days worth of provisions and that he possesses an EPIRB, or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, which could alert rescuers to his position if he were in distress. Clark said he's confident Williams will turn up. "He is the type of guy that shows up after the searches have ceased," Clark said. "My guess is that he is fine and just being batshit crazy." Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com Read the original article on Insider Yes. Killeen has already committed $100,000; if funding is halted, it will all be for nothing. Yes. It's important for the city to follow through on its obligation to voters on this issue. No. The city has already spent too much taxpayer money on this. Cut off the funding. No. The ordinance is illegal. The city should have repealed it and adjusted city policy instead. Unsure. It's hard to say. There are some valid points on both sides of the argument. Vote View Results Sadly, in the past year we have witnessed several states and local communities invoking extreme rules and passing draconian legislation restricting and outlawing what can be read or taught in schools. This is especially the case in Missouri, Florida, Texas, Utah and South Carolina. A Missouri law, for example, made it a crime to provide minors with ill-defined obscene material. This resulted in librarians across the state removing hundreds of items from their collections that might be deemed criminal by the state including works from Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, graphic novel adaptations of classics by Shakespeare and Mark Twain, and educational books about the Holocaust. It was not a surprise, therefore, that in February the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri challenged that law. Under the law, the ACLU argues that school staff are forced to choose between students First Amendment rights and prosecution. In addition, according to Joe Kohlburn of the Missouri Library Association, The law presents specific peril for school librarians, but also endangers the work and livelihoods of public and academic librarians who work with K-12 schools in various capacities. As he concluded, Librarians have been undermined politically in this state for long enough, and the fear of prosecution is an ongoing issue for keeping qualified professionals in Missouri, as well as bringing new people into the profession. I continue to be amazed that there are those in Missouri and elsewhere who, based on their own personal choices and political ideology, want to ban books for all students not just their own children enrolled in public schools. Simply put, what advocates of book banning are suggesting is that they dont want students to step inside someones shoes. They dont want students seeing the world through oppressed or marginalized eyes and how that has the capacity to change ones life, often in a potentially positive way. Story continues Beyond the ACLUs legal challenge, I contend that banning books has another significant effect: It prevents understanding, empathy and solidarity outcomes to which most of us aspire when not responding to siloed and recalcitrant political beliefs in a knee-jerk manner. As a scholar of communication, I am intrigued by book banning debates in Missouri and several other states. Temporarily see your opponents viewpoint Book banning discourse reminds me of a concept in rhetoric about which I conducted research and taught in my undergraduate Argumentation and Advocacy course at the University of Texas at Austin for more than 40 years: self-risk. Self-risk is the idea that, to engage in genuine argument, we contractually agree and at least privately acknowledge at the outset of debate a willingness to be open to changing or modifying our beliefs, even if persuasion is not the actual result. Moreover, self-risk, unlike public risk, does not require us to admit to others when an argument actually changes our mind. To engage in self-risk, one must stand inside the shoes of their interlocutors at least momentarily, and temporarily view the world as they do. This is necessary to thoughtfully and logically reflect on the merits and validity of opposing positions from the inside out. In short, self-risk is the opposite of dogma and promotes the human virtues of empathy, understanding and solidarity. Put differently, it is a person-building as well as a person-risking activity. My students learned that self-risk is not some idealistic process limited to the ivory tower. It is not a prescribed way for people to engage one another argumentatively, nor is it a politically motivated tool explicitly designed and used by faculty to convert students. To the contrary. What they realized is that self-risk describes something all of us actually do on subjects of great importance to us and for which there are consequences that self-risk is an optimal way to make the best decisions humanly possible and avoid costly mistakes. We must wonder, therefore, how anyone who believes in rational argument and is concerned about education could oppose these virtues by dogmatically and habitually insisting that banning books is desirable. Richard Cherwitz is the Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial Professor Emeritus at the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. One lane of the East Pearl River Bridge will close on Monday after a semi-truck crashed and damaged the newly repaired bridge Thursday morning. The right lane westbound will close from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., said MDOT public information officer Anna Ehrgott. The crash early Thursday damaged the bridges guardrail, she said. Mississippi Highway Patrol photos show the truck appeared to scrape against the side of the bridge at the Mississippi-Louisiana state line. The bridge is well-traveled among Hancock County residents who commute daily to Slidell, Covington or New Orleans. The latest repairs come just under two weeks since the bridge reopened after lane closures this summer. Construction crews rebuilt a railing and demolished the bridge deck after a different semi-truck crashed and caught fire on the bridge earlier this year. The lane closures caused delays up to four hours some days near the Louisiana state line, but MDOT announced they would reopen all lanes July 21. Traffic cleared significantly until the crash Thursday morning. Delays lasted three hours Thursday morning after the 18-wheeler crashed into the side of the guardrail. The crash involved a single vehicle and caused no injuries, according to Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman Calvin Robertson. The collision was the latest in a series of wrecks that have plagued the state line for years. In July, authorities briefly closed the interstate to airlift a driver from the scene of a crash between a box truck and a semi-truck near the two-mile marker in the westbound lanes of Interstate 10. In 2022, a semi-truck carrying BMWs crashed in a fiery wreck, another 18-wheeler caught fire after it crashed into the bridge railing and a pileup of four cars and an 18-wheeler sent six people to the hospital. Thousands turned out for a rally in support of the coup on Thursday As the seven-day ultimatum given by West African leaders for the military in Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum draws to a close, both sides have crucial decisions to make. Last Sunday evening, the regional bloc Ecowas, headed by President Bola Tinubu of neighbouring Nigeria, said the junta had a week to restore constitutional order or face the possible use of force. Sanctions on the coup leaders have already been imposed and electricity supplies from Nigeria have been cut, along with borders, meaning goods are no longer arriving and the land-locked country has lost access to ports. But as the political, diplomatic and military tensions rise, what could happen as the deadline passes? 1) Deadline is extended One option is for the Ecowas leaders to extend the deadline. This has the danger of being seen as a climbdown, but the heads of state could save face by saying that diplomatic efforts have made progress and they want to give them more time. The problem at the moment is that Ecowas mediation efforts have not borne fruit. A delegation sent to Niger on Thursday returned within a few hours with apparently little to show for it. Meanwhile, the junta stepped up its rhetoric against both the West and Ecowas. It announced that it was cutting diplomatic ties with Nigeria, Togo, the US and France, and said it was cancelling the military agreements with France which allows the former colonial power to base some 1,500 soldiers there. And President Bazoum, who is being held by the military, used stark language in an article in the Washington Post. He described himself as a "hostage" and called on the US and the entire international community to help restore constitutional order. On Friday, the US said it will pause some of its aid to Niger's government, but will continue to provide humanitarian and food assistance. 2) They agree on a timetable for a transition To try and cool things down and find middle ground, the junta and Ecowas could agree on a timetable for a return to democratic rule. Story continues This could include the release of President Bazoum, as well as other political detainees, in order to keep talks going and possibly buy more time. This has been a key demand of those who have condemned the coup in Africa and elsewhere. The West African bloc has already approved democratic transitions in Niger's neighbours in the Sahel region, Mali and Burkina Faso, which were both taken over by the military in recent years. But the negotiations were fraught with problems, with deadlines for elections continually pushed back and it is still not guaranteed that the handovers of power will actually happen. Sudan, which created a mixed civilian-military government in 2019 that was supposed to pave the way to democracy after a coup there, provides another model. But the collapse of that country into a bitter conflict between rival military leaders offers a cautionary tale. 3) Military intervention The West African leaders did not say that force would definitely be used if President Bazoum was not reinstated but left it open as a possibility. Nigerian officials have described it as a "last resort". President Tinubu said there could be a military intervention "to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant". Ecowas has used military force to restore constitutional order in the past, for example in The Gambia in 2017 when Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing an election. But the calculation about whether to go ahead this time would be far more difficult. Firstly, Niger is geographically the largest country in West Africa, while The Gambia is a tiny sliver of land surrounded by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean, so sending troops in would be a whole different prospect. Secondly, regional power Nigeria, which is leading the charge to restore President Bazoum, is facing a host of security challenges at home, so sending a significant portion of the army to Niger would be something of a gamble. Thirdly, both Mali and Burkina Faso have said that military intervention in Niger would be seen as a "declaration of war" and they would go to defend their fellow coup leaders. So it risks snowballing into a full-scale regional war, especially if the Niger population resists foreign intervention. Although it is impossible to know how they would react. Nigeria and Niger share many historical and ethnic ties, with people on both sides speaking the same language so this could make some Nigerian troops reluctant to fight if it came to that. Countries like Algeria, Niger's neighbour to the north, China and Russia have asked for restraint and the continued use of dialogue to douse tension. However, after a three-day meeting in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, Ecowas defence chiefs say they have drawn up a detailed plan for military intervention for the regional leaders to consider. Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Benin have all said they are willing to send troops into Niger if Ecowas decided to do so. Nigeria alone has about 135,000 active troops, according to the Global Fire Power index, while Niger has about 10,000 but that certainly doesn't mean an invasion would be easy. A peaceful solution is no doubt preferable for all sides but Ecowas is keen to show its resolve as it has failed to prevent a spate of coups in the region in the last three years. The claim: Pope Francis says alcoholics, autistic and disabled people should be euthanized to 'fight climate change' A July 28 article published by The Peoples Voice makes a stunning claim about the leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis Says Alcoholics, Autistic and Disabled People Should Be Euthanized To 'Fight Climate Change,' reads the article's headline. The article was shared on Facebook more than 300 times in a week, according to CrowdTangle, a social media analytics tool. Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks Our rating: False The pope has consistently denounced euthanasia and has spoken out against several proposed euthanasia laws in Europe in the past year. The article comes from a site that frequently publishes misinformation. Pope Francis' past statements show he opposes euthanasia The article doesn't say where or when Francis made the supposed remarks, and there are no reports of such comments from him in any credible news outlet. To the contrary, in keeping with Catholic tradition, Francis has repeatedly spoken out against euthanasia both before and after the articles publication. On Aug. 3, while visiting Portugal for World Youth Day, the pontiff criticized the countrys newly enacted euthanasia law. Where are you going if, faced with the torment of living, you limit yourself to offering quick and wrong remedies such as easy access to death, a comfortable solution that seems sweet, but in reality, is more bitter than the waters of the sea? he said. He spoke out against the law before and after it was enacted in May. He also urged French politicians not to pursue a euthanasia law in October 2022 and labeled limited access to medications for the elderly as progressive euthanasia. Fact check: Post falsely claims WEF founder's daughter warned of permanent climate lockdowns The Vatican has reaffirmed the churchs opposition to euthanasia several times during Franciss tenure. In 2019, it released a paper exploring the issue and restating its opposition to the concept. In 2023, it issued a joint statement with Jewish leaders repudiating the concept of assisted suicide. Story continues The Peoples Voice article says Francis position on euthanasia is in line with a purported World Economic Forum effort to euthanize people to prevent climate change. USA TODAY has previously debunked the idea that such a plan exists. The People's Voice, previously known as NewsPunch, has a lengthy history of publishing fabricated stories, many of which have been debunked by USA TODAY. The WEF is a frequent subject of its baseless claims. USA TODAY reached out to The People's Voice for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Lead Stories also debunked the claim. Our fact-check sources: Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pope Francis has consistently opposed euthanasia | Fact check The News Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been found guilty of extremism charges by a Moscow court, according to state media. The ruling comes with a 19-year sentence, adding to his already lengthy prison term. This is the fifth criminal conviction for the Kremlins most outspoken critic. Know More Navalny was charged with promoting terrorism and funding extremism. Prosecutors wanted a 20-year sentence, adding to the nine years the opposition leader is already serving in a Russian penal colony. The Kremlin has long targeted Navalnys organization, The Anti-Corruption Foundation. Members of the foundation have recently stated that Navalny has been in poor health in prison, and in April, they suspected he had been poisoned. In 2020, Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent following anti-Kremlin protests in Belarus. He has previously said he expects to be imprisoned in Russia past 2050. In a Thursday post on Telegram, Navalny, through his team, wrote: Think about why such a demonstratively huge sentence is needed. Its main purpose is to intimidate. You, not me. I will even say this: you personally, reading these lines. The View From Germany German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the ruling saying, Russias arbitrary justice system imprisoning Alexei Navalny for another 19 years is pure injustice. She said Putin will not silence critical voices with this. The View From the European Union Charles Michel, President of the European Commission, called for Navalnys immediate release, writing that the verdict in yet another sham trial against Navalny was unacceptable. He said the conviction is the response to his courage to speak critically against the Kremlins regime. Labs in Ohio State's new Pelotonia Research Center, the first new building to open at Carmenton, the university's innovation district..This five-story, 305,000-square-foot laboratory building is equipped with new spaces, technologies and resources needed for researchers to work across disciplines to accelerate new discoveries. Ohio State University students aren't the only ones moving in this month. Researchers have started setting up shop in the Pelotonia Research Center, a $227.8 million, 305,000-square-foot interdisciplinary laboratory building that officially opened in May in Carmenton, Ohio State's burgeonin West Campus research district. At full occupancy, the building, located at 2255 Kenny Road, will be home to 150 principal researchers and more than 1,000 scientists, faculty members, students and other research staff. The space is named in recognition of Pelotonias collaboration with Ohio State. About 6,500 cyclists will cruise into downtown Columbus this weekend for Pelotonia Ride Weekend, all with the goal of raising money for cancer research at Ohio State. Since 2008, Pelotonia participants have raised more than $260 million. Peter Mohler, Ohio State's interim executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge, told The Dispatch on a tour in July that the facility isn't just state of the art it's taking an innovative approach to research. The Pelotonia Research Center's goals are access, growth and solutions, Mohler said. Ohio State's new Pelotonia Research Center. The lab's physical structure helps with that. One thing that stands out is how many windows are in the space, Mohler said, a far cry from the stereotypical, closed-off basement labs that often come to mind. The windows not only let natural light stream in. They also give visitors a chance to see research happening in person. "It's difficult to see science in the United States," Mohler said. "We want everyone to experience and understand what it's like to be a scientist." Each floor has at least one lab with windows that face out into an outdoor plaza, which is slated to open later this fall. Those windows, Mohler said, are a way for people to see "science on display" and expose kids to science in new ways. "Kids don't know about gene therapy or semiconductors in third grade," he said. "But this is one way to get kids interested in STEM early." Story continues That access will hopefully lead future scientists into STEM fields and keep more homegrown talent in Ohio, Mohler said. Innovation at the Pelotonia Research Center will focus on areas including cancer, gene- and cell-based therapies, cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, neurological disease, microbiome, food systems and health, artificial intelligence, sensory biology, and social and environmental determinants of health. The Pelotonia Research Center is also structured differently than most laboratories. Each lab is assigned to a research "neighborhood," which focuses on specific issues and concepts like food security, gene therapy, and women's health. The eight neighborhoods are designed to be interdisciplinary, so researchers from different backgrounds and fields can work together to solve problems, Mohler said. "Our labs are based in need rather than a 'this is how we've always done it' mindset," he said. Take the Sarah Ross Soter Womens Health Research Program, for instance, which is studying new therapies to prevent and treat diseases that disproportionately affect women. That lab is right next door to a cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine lab, which is not by accident, Mohler said. "Unfortunately, there is a lot of overlap between these diseases," he said. "It's not just random. It's all about alignment." Ohio State's new Pelotonia Research Center. The center will include a second home for the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, dedicated to studying the immune systems role in fighting cancer, and the Center for Cancer Engineering, among other features. Carmenton will continue to grow throughout the academic year as more projects wrap up. The Energy Advancement and Innovation Center, a community hub located just across the plaza from the Pelotonia Research Center, is expected to open in October. But other buildings have already opened, like the James Outpatient Care center, which opened earlier this year and is Greater Columbus' first proton therapy center. From the Pelotonia Research Center's south-facing windows, you can see the new facility. Mohler said he appreciates the proximity. "Sometimes, when you're in it, you forget why you're doing science in the first place," he said. "Seeing our research in practice gives us a true north star." Ohio State's Vice President for Research Peter Mohler Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter, here. shendrix@dispatch.com @sheridan120 This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State's Pelotonia Research Center features 'science on display' The protesters set booths and vehicles ablaze, sending smoke billowing into the sky. Swedish newspaper Expressen reported that up to a thousand protesters marched towards the festival grounds, pushing past police cordons and using sticks and rocks as weapons. Swedish police spokesperson Daniel Wikdahl told The Associated Press that between 100 and 200 people have been detained. A significant police presence is still at the scene and investigations are underway, he said. A firefighter at the Eritrean cultural festival "Eritrea Scandinavia" in Stockholm Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. - Magnus Lejhall/Magnus Lejhall Sweden is home to tens of thousands of people with Eritrean roots. The festival devoted to the cultural heritage of Eritrea is an annual event that has been held since the 1990s but has been criticised for allegedly serving as a promotional tool and source of money for the African nations government, according to Swedish media. This is not a festival, they are teaching their children hate speech, protester Michael Kobrab told Swedish broadcaster TV4. Human rights groups describe Eritrea as one of the worlds most repressive countries. Since winning independence from Ethiopia three decades ago, the small Horn of Africa nation has been led by President Isaias Afwerki, who has never held an election. Millions of people have fled conditions such as forced military conscription. A festival participant, Emanuel Asmalash, also spoke to TV4 and accused the protesters of being terrorists from Ethiopia. Smoke billows from a burning tent at the Eritrean cultural festival "Eritrea Scandinavia" in Stockholm, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. - Magnus Lejhall/Magnus Lejhall It is not reasonable for Sweden to be drawn into other countries domestic conflicts in this way, Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said in a written statement to the Swedish news agency TT. If you flee to Sweden to escape violence, or are on a temporary visit, you must not cause violence here," he added. "The polices resources are needed for other purposes than keeping different groups apart from each other. A federal judge on Saturday denied a request from former President Donald Trumps legal team for a deadline extension over the handling of evidence in the 2020 election subversion case. Trumps lawyers will have to respond by Monday afternoon to the Justice Departments proposal for a protective order. John Lauro, an attorney for Trump, told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union Sunday that Trumps team intends to keep fighting the requested order. The press and the American people in a campaign season have a right to know what the evidence is in this case provided that this evidence is not protected otherwise, Lauro said. The decision from US District Judge Tanya Chutkan caps a flurry of activity in the case after special counsel Jack Smiths team on Friday asked Chutkan to quickly set limits on what Trumps team can do with the evidence that will be shared with them. Their request pointed to a post by Trump on Truth Social from earlier in the day to argue that the former president has a habit of speaking publicly about the details of the various legal proceedings hes facing. And in recent days, regarding this case, the defendant has issued multiple postseither specifically or by implicationincluding the following, which the defendant posted just hours ago, the special counsels office wrote, including a screenshot of the Truth Social post from Trump that read: IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU! Lauro wouldnt respond Sunday when Bash asked if he believed Trump should stop some of his public statements lashing out at the special counsel. After Chutkan on Saturday ordered Trumps legal team to state its position on the motion by 5 p.m. ET Monday, lawyers for Trump requested more time to weigh in on what restrictions should be imposed. Trumps lawyers asked to have until Thursday to respond, and suggested a hearing on the matter might be necessary if an agreement with prosecutors isnt reached. Smiths team, however, urged Chutkan to stick to her original Monday deadline, arguing in a Saturday afternoon filing that the request from Trumps legal team amounted to an unnecessary delay. Story continues Prosecutors said they were ready to work quickly to produce discovery in the case, a key step in jump-starting the proceedings, but, they wrote, the defendant is standing in the way. Trumps team has signaled in the election subversion case as well as in the separate classified documents case Smith brought against the former president that they would like to draw out the proceedings. In the documents case, which is playing out in Florida, Trumps lawyers argued that the trial should wait until after 2024 election a request that was rebuffed by the judge there. The most recent back-and-forth previewed what could be months of bitter arguing between Trumps and Smiths lawyers over the scheduling in each of the cases. A harmful chilling effect The prosecutors argued in their original protective order request that if Trump were to begin issuing public posts using details or, for example, grand jury transcriptsobtained in discovery here, it could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case. Among the restrictions the prosecutors are requesting is a rule barring Trumps lawyers from providing copies to Trump of discovery materials deemed sensitive, which include grand jury materials and witness interviews. The former president is allowed to be shown such materials, under the rules proposed by the prosecutors, however, he would be barred from taking down any personal identifying information from the documents. The filing said that the order the special counsel is seeking is consistent with other such orders commonly used in this District and is not overly restrictive. Its not unusual for criminal cases to have non-disclosure provisions placed upon them early on, though Trumps two federal criminal cases have made the typically quick process where prosecutors and defense lawyers agree on terms more adversarial. In the separate federal criminal case against him in Florida, prosecutors and Trumps defense lawyers are still split on how and where he can discuss classified information. As part of Thursdays court proceedings for Trumps first appearance in the case, Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya sought to remind him that it is a crime to try to influence a juror, or to threaten or attempt to bribe a witness or any other person who may have information about your case, or to retaliate against anyone for providing information about your case to the prosecution. Smiths team is also making the unusual request of asking the judge to impose the proposed discovery disclosure rules before allowing Trumps lawyers to weigh in themselves with a court filing. To explain why they were seeking such a maneuver, prosecutors outlined the back-and-forth they had behind the scenes with the Trump team over their proposed order. And they pointed to comments Lauro made at Trumps arraignment Thursday stressing that the defense would not be able to propose a trial date or expected length, as the judge has requested, until they had a chance to review the scope of evidence involved in the case. Smiths filing said that once Chutkan approved their proposed protective order, prosecutors could begin turning over a substantial amount of discovery to the defense. The prosecutors argued that if Trump wanted to change the restrictions she approved, he could come back to the court to ask for the order to be modified. We need one more indictment Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday in a Washington, DC, courthouse to four charges brought against him days earlier by Smith including conspiracy to defraud the United States as part of his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election leading up to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. On Friday evening, he delivered an unusually short speech at a fundraiser hosted by the Alabama Republican Party that focused heavily on his legal issues in the wake of his arraignment. The former president railed against the federal criminal charges at his first campaign event since being indicted a third time. The fake charges put forth in their sham indictment are an outrageous criminalization of political speech. Theyre trying to make it illegal to question the results of a bad election. It was a very bad election, Trump, who refuses to accept he lost the 2020 election and regularly promotes election conspiracy theories, told the crowd in a roughly 50-minute speech. Trump touted his lead in the polls over his GOP 2024 rivals and argued the indictments were only giving him a boost. Every time they file an indictment we go way up in the polls. We need one more indictment close out this election. One more indictment and this election is closed out, nobody has even a chance, Trump said. The former president told the crowd that the only civil rights that have been violated in this matter are my civil rights, and he again vowed political retribution if he were to win the 2020 election, including a special prosecutor to investigate claims related to President Joe Biden. This story has been updated with additional reporting. CNNs Katelyn Polantz and Alayna Treene contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com First responders in Stark County are among the law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel across Ohio who will receive incentives from the state in recognition of their dedication to public safety and commitment to public service, according to a news release from Gov. Mike DeWine's office. More than 10,000 law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel from 309 agencies will receive a total of about $35 million in retention incentives as part of the Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program, which was created to address first-responder burnout caused by understaffing and overall job stress. Stark County agencies, retention incentive amounts, and number of first responders Canton Fire Department, $560,000, 140 first responders Canton Township Fire Department, $85,207, 27 first responders Louisville Fire Department, $38,053, 16 first responders Massillon Police and Fire Departments, $344,000, 86 first responders Massillon Regional Emergency Dispatch (RED) Center, $44,000, 11 first responders Minerva Police Department, $43,200, 11 first responders Plain Township Fire Department, $208,261, 55 first responders Sandy Creek Joint Fire District (Stark/Carroll/Columbiana), $44,060, 13 first responders "In Ohio, we value our first responders and know that the work they do is essential," said DeWine. "Our goal through this program is to ensure that our firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement officers have the support and resources they need for their personal well-being and in their professional lives." About $100 million has been awarded to emergency response agencies through the Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program since its launch in 2022. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency administers the program and provides funding to support initiatives, such as wellness programs addressing mental, physical, and emotional health issues unique to first responders; recruitment and retention efforts to restore workforce levels; onboarding and training costs; and explorer programs to engage young adults about first responder careers. The funding awarded to date includes about $1.3 million for several statewide service providers. The program is funded as part of the $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly dedicated to first responders to help counter various pressing issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased stress and decreased staffing levels. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County first responders to get retention incentives from state The state budget committee on Friday approved $120 million for the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to close a deal to bring a $3.2B auto manufacturing facility to north-central Indiana, but it's still unclear what company is behind the project. Mark Wasky, senior vice president of community affairs for the IEDC, declined to share the name of the company. He said it will be north of Indianapolis, but not in the massive Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace District in Lebanon. He declined to share more specific details about the location. "With this project in particular, there was an elevated level of concern about any information being released public prior to the company notifying their shareholders and having a public announcement," Wasky said. Openings and closings: See what came, went around Indy in July The company and the deal The relevant company is in the "advanced technology automotive components sector." The IEDC anticipates announcing the project within the next year. The advanced auto manufacturing facility will create 1,400 high-paying jobs. The unnamed company has accepted the IEDC's offer and in order to finalize the agreement, the IEDC needed to have access to its incentive funding, Wasky said. The $120 million incentive will be distributed over the next eight years and dependent on the company meeting benchmarks related to jobs, wages and performance. If the deal does not go through, the incentive funding will revert back into the pool and will be available to be used for other projects, Wasky said at the meeting. This project will raise investment in Indiana's auto manufacturing industry as a whole to over $9 billion, Wasky said. "By establishing impactful investment tools, Indiana has attracted unprecedented investment in future-focused industries, and has empowered the organization to pursue transformative investments like this that'll benefit the state for years to come," Wasky said. Story continues Lawmaker concerns Three Democratic lawmakers from Indianapolis, Sen. Fady Qaddoura, Rep. Ed DeLaney and Rep. Greg Porter raised questions about transparency from the IEDC, a quasi-public government agency. The IEDC, the Democratic representatives said, repeatedly asks for millions of dollars in funding and incentives without revealing specific project details. Im still very concerned about the transparency of whats happening, particularly with some of the leadership within the state that allocates those dollars, and therefore, how we can be involved and just know what is going on in general, Porter said. Republicans did not share those concerns. Sen. Chris Garten, R-Charlestown, and Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, said that the IEDC is bound by federal securities laws that dictate what the agency can reveal publicly, as well as non-disclosure agreements at multiple levels. In todays development space, speed is the new incentive, Garten said. And I think the ask today is us basically fulfilling our end of the commitment in the speed sense. Indiana development news: $460M, 200-acre development planned near Greenfield airport $500M 'deal closing fund' The IEDC is flush with deal-making cash right now. In the state budget, approved in April, lawmakers appropriated $500 million to the IEDC for a "deal closing fund" to enable the quasi-public agency to attract companies to the state. However, the IEDC can only access these funds after review from the state budget committee. In June, the IEDC requested $122 million to acquire about 1,000 acres of property in the hopes of closing a deal with a global semiconductor company looking for a location for a $50 billion investment. The unnamed semiconductor company is considering Indiana, as well as one other Midwestern state, and IEDC expects the final decision later this year. Wasky was not able to share any updates in Friday's meeting, saying that negotiations with the unnamed company were still underway. Got a tip about business or development? Contact reporter Claire Rafford at 317-617-3402 or email crafford@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: State panel OKs $120M for $3.2B auto manufacturing facility Chefs Fest 2023 presented by Super Cao Nguyen grocery store is scheduled for Aug. 19 and will bring together more than 40 chefs from across the state. As the Oklahoma culinary scene continues to expand, you can attempt to visit as many restaurants as possible, or you can let Super Cao Nguyen, 2668 N Military Ave., help you experience the skill of some of the state's best chefs as they're all brought together for the supermarket's annual Chefs Fest. There's nowhere else you can connect all chefs at once in Oklahoma, said Anita Nguyen, spokesperson for Super Cao Nguyen. "You can go to all these different restaurants and meet them and stuff, but it's like, really cool to have everyone and local chefs to like meet in one place. In 2019, the market one of the city's longest running purveyors of specialty groceries began hosting the event that allows chefs from across the city and state to come together giving the community a chance to experience their cooking. "The store sources food for a lot of the restaurants and chefs that you can't get anywhere else like you can't go to Walmart and order stuff and have it delivered next day from Japan like we can, Nguyen said. So it's like the relationship we've had with all these chefs for years has been so beneficial to just everyone in Oklahoma chefs, us, and diners, people who love to eat and I think it was just a natural decision. After having to forgo the event in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it returned as in 2022 as part of the Asian District's annual Asian Night Market Festival. More: Ghosts, brunch and JK, we're serious: See the latest restaurant openings in OKC When is Chefs Fest in OKC, and who will be there in 2023? This year's event will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 19, bringing together over 40 chefs in an exhibition of Oklahoma's culinary excellence. "It's really cool because the chef is there cooking for you, you see it, we have tables out there and it's not like they're hidden in a kitchen, Nguyen said. "It's like one of the most incredible experiences ever because we don't have anything like that in the city. You get to meet them, they hand you your food, they cook it right in front of you and they're all there together. Story continues Acting as mentor chef for this year's group is Kurt Fleischfresser, of Western Concepts, who will be joined by James Beard Award winner Andrew Black, of Grey Sweater, Black Walnut and The Gilded Acorn. The state's James Beard recognition will be on display as Victoria Kemp jumps behind a booth to represent her family's Florence's Restaurant, a fellow Beard-winner. Plus, finalists Jeff Chanchaleune, of Ma Der Lao Kitchen, and semifinalists Zach Hutton, of Scratch Paseo, and Ben Alexander, of McNellies Group in Tulsa, will also be on hand. Barbecue will play an important role as pitmasters Tabb Singleton, from Idabels Phat Tabbs BBQ, Levi Bouska, of Wellstons Butcher BBQ, and Zach Edge, of Edge Craft BBQ, join the fray. More: 'This is way bigger than I am:' With James Beard win, chef Andrew Black brings OKC to national stage Among other chefs confirmed to take part are a number of television competition veterans and other award winners. Two-time "MasterChef" contestant Gabriel Lewis will collaborate with Elemental Coffees Elena Hughes. "Top Chef" season 10 star Joshua Valentine, who heads up the kitchen at Milo, will work morning and evening shifts. Chef-owner Kevin Lee, of Birdie's Fried Chicken, who has competed on a number of Food Network shows will work a morning shift and Emmy-winner Loretta Barrett Oden, of the First Americans Museum, is partnering with John Madore. About 2500 people showed up for the first Chef Fest at Super Cao Nguyen in June 2019. Chefs Fest 2023 is scheduled for Aug. 19. While some of Oklahoma's heaviest hitters are included in Chefs Fest, the event is also a chance to show off the rising chefs with high aspirations from local culinary programs. Student chefs from both Metro Tech and Francis Tuttle will also participate. "As a family and as a business, we love nurturing new chefs. We love watching the development because we've seen all the heavy hitters, but like, where does that come from? If we don't nurture it and we don't help the new generation, what's going to happen? Nguyen said. Then local restaurants disappear, the resources disappear. People who are interested in the culinary arts, that disappears. So our family really we love to support the culinary arts, we love to support the students. More: Patio culture is poppin' at Oklahoma City restaurants. Here's a list of outdoor dining spots A number of other major Oklahoma restaurants and chefs, from Cafe Kacao, Sedalia's and Cafe Antigua to Holey Rollers, Kebabish Bites and the Bradford House, will also bring out their best as up to a dozen chefs at a time rotate in and out of the booths throughout the day in shifts. Attendees will be able to purchase dishes from various chef's booths with the majority of proceeds for the event going to Pivot, a local nonprofit that provides support and shelter to homeless teens. However individual chefs with a need of their own are also allowed to keep a portion of the proceeds. How much is Chefs Fest? Purchases are made using tokens bought at the event or via presale that begins Aug. 7. Tokens are valued at $5 with all dishes priced in $5 increments. For more information about Chefs Fest, follow Super Cao Nguyen on Instagram and Facebook. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Talent-packed Chefs Fest 2023 lineup headed to Super Cao Nguyen The Supreme Court on Friday denied a request from the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to freeze a lower court opinion that could prevent Tulsa from enforcing municipal laws such as speeding tickets against Native Americans. Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Samuel Alito wrote separately, however, to emphasize that the lawsuit is ongoing and the appeals court involved in the case has not issued a final opinion. Nothing in the decision of the Court of Appeals prohibits the City from continuing to enforce its municipal laws against all persons, including Indians, as the litigation progresses, Kavanaugh wrote. The decision means that while Tulsa lost its first bid at the Supreme Court, it can bring up new arguments in the lower courts and might still ultimately prevail. After the courts order came down, lawyers for the city of Tulsa issued a statement. As indicated by the Justices, the City will continue to seek clarification of these important legal issues with the District Court and, in the meantime, continue to enforce City ordinances against all persons within the City of Tulsa regardless of Indian status, the statement read. The lawyers said the city will also continue to work cooperatively with our tribal partners to protect the health and safety of our shared constituents. The case began in 2018 when Justin Hooper, a member of the Choctaw nation, was ticketed for a speeding violation in the City of Tulsa. He paid the fine, but after the Supreme Court issued a 2020 opinion called McGirt v. Oklahoma, he returned to court seeking post-conviction relief. He noted the justices found that the Muscogee Reservation had never been formally disestablished, which meant that large swaths of the state were still Native country. Hoopers lawyers argued that the municipal court lacked jurisdiction over his offense because the crime was committed by a Native American in Native country. The dispute is the latest to ricochet through the courts after the McGirt decision raised numerous questions, including the one central to the case at hand: whether municipal ordinances apply to Native Americans. Story continues In 2022, the court cut back on the scope of McGirt when it ruled that states have the authority to prosecute non-tribal members who commit crimes against Native Americans on Native territory. Court experts noted that Justice Amy Coney Barretts vote was essential in that case because she replaced Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who would have likely sided with the tribes. Lawyers for Tulsa argued that the city has jurisdiction under the Curtis Act of 1898, which grants Tulsa jurisdiction over municipal violations committed by all of Tulsas inhabitants. They urged the Supreme Court to put the decision by the US Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit on hold because it creates a potentially dangerous situation for the citizens of Tulsa and other similar municipalities. Inhabitants of these cities are now subject to areas where the laws enacted for the protection of the health and safety of its residents are only enforceable by the City against some citizens but not others, the lawyers told the high court and noted that the perceived lack of Municipal Court jurisdiction has already caused Indian residents to challenge and confront Tulsa police officers at traffic stops. The federal appeals court held the Curtis Act was valid when Tulsa was a part of Native territory but that the jurisdiction ended after the city became part of the new State of Oklahoma. It sent the case back to the district court for further deliberations. Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, called the 10th Circuit decision devastating in a statement. We must operate under one set of rules, regardless of face, heritage or background, and cannot allow Tulsa and much of the rest of eastern Oklahoma to be turned into a reservation, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A state judge in Travis County ruled Friday that abortions in Texas are lawful in cases of dangerous pregnancy complications, including fatal fetal diagnoses, and that doctors cannot be prosecuted for using "good faith judgment" on when to terminate a pregnancy. The injunction from District Judge Jessica Mangrum, which the state immediately blocked Friday in filing an appeal, comes two weeks after four Texas women came to her court to give emotional testimony about not receiving an abortion, even as they suffered physically and after doctors deemed their pregnancies incompatible with life. It marked the first time women denied abortions have sued a state since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last summer. The ruling does not apply to elective abortions, which remain illegal in Texas under the state's near total abortion ban. Anna Zargarian, Amanda Zurawski and Lauren Hall listen to fellow plaintiff Lauren Miller share her story in March as the Center for Reproductive Rights and the plaintiffs announced their lawsuit. All the women were denied medical care in Texas while experiencing pregnancy complications that threatened their health. Though the injunction is a victory for women's rights advocates, the case is far from over. Within hours of Mangrum's ruling, the Texas attorney general's office filed an accelerated appeal to the Texas Supreme Court, overstepping an intermediary appeals court. The appeal automatically blocks the injunction pending a further ruling. In court last month, the state's lawyers argued that the patients were failed by doctors who couldn't interpret the abortion ban, not by politicians who in 2021 passed the ban under Senate Bill 8. Brent Webster, first assistant with the attorney general's office, released a statement Friday calling Mangrum's injunction "an activist Austin judge's attempt to override Texas abortion laws." In her ruling, Mangrum, a Democrat elected to the bench in 2020, clarified the circumstances under which a termination is allowed. Those circumstances include: A fetal condition where the fetus is unlikely to survive the pregnancy and sustain life after birth. A physical medical condition that is exacerbated by pregnancy, cannot be effectively treated during pregnancy or requires recurrent invasive intervention. A physical medical condition or complication of pregnancy that poses a risk of infection, or otherwise makes continuing a pregnancy unsafe for the pregnant person. Story continues The Center for Reproductive Rights brought this case on behalf of 15 plaintiffs two OB-GYNs and 13 Texans who suffered severe pregnancy complications but were denied an abortion. Lawyers and plaintiffs pleaded with Mangrum to provide additional clarity beyond the state law, which says a termination is allowed only to save the patient's life. The law is uncertain, they argued, about how close to death that patient must be before a termination can be granted. Amanda Zurawski of Austin testified that she spent three days in intensive care in August 2022 after her water broke prematurely and she was denied an abortion. Zurawski said that she developed sepsis, a life-threatening condition, and suffered permanent damage to her reproductive organs that could prevent her from getting pregnant again. Zurawski, the lawsuit's lead plaintiff, issued a statement Friday, saying she cried when she heard the injunction was granted. This is exactly why we did this," she said. "This is why we put ourselves through the pain and the trauma over and over again to share our experiences and the harms caused by these awful laws. I have a sense of relief, a sense of hope, and a weight has been lifted. Now people dont have to be pregnant and scared in Texas anymore. Were back to relying on doctors and not politicians to help us make the best medical decisions for our bodies and our lives. Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement that it would be "unconscionable" for the state to appeal the ruling. Her statement came before the state filed the appeal. The court has been clear: Doctors must be able to provide patients the standard of care in pregnancy complications," Northup said. "That standard of care in certain cases is abortion because it is essential, life-saving health care. This decision is a win for Texans with pregnancy complications, however Texas is still denying the right to abortion care for the vast majority of those who seek it. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas judge lifts abortion ban for women with risky pregnancies Aliquippa is a small city with big city problems. That became even clearer to me in the last few weeks when we buried Dahv Sparrow, a 15-year-old I coached in football years before becoming Alquippas first Black mayor. Hours after he was murdered, my city lost another teenager Asaun Moreland who was 16 years of age. Its the first time I can recall the gun violence epidemic striking our kids directly. Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker I am not the only small city with this public health crisis. I talk to my Allentown, York, Reading, Erie and Harrisburg counterparts. We all have our own Dahvs. Our frustrations. Even Lebanon, located in a supposedly rural part of Pennsylvania, was struck a month ago by the devastating loss of two kids to gunfire. We talk about what we can do to keep our communities safe. I could help raise money for community programs. I could encourage the shooter to turn himself in. I could support law enforcement as they try to stop this gang feud that led to the shooting. Im doing that. Whenever I talk to parents, experts, and colleagues in other cities, one other action comes up: new laws to address the easy gun access and lack of evidence-based safeguards. Except, we cant pass those laws. No city can. Decades ago, in the midst of another gun violence crisis, the General Assembly tied the hands of local lawmakers with a law that is still in effect today. Pennsylvanias courts have interpreted that law to mean that only the General Assembly can establish any gun safety laws in Pennsylvania not mayors, city councils, or other people involved in local governments. In the decades since local gun safety laws were ended in Pennsylvania, the General Assembly has rarely taken action. The last statewide law passed five years ago helped disarm abusers. I support it, but it does little to stop the flow of guns fueling the gang violence in Alquippa or the unintentional shootings that killed kids in Lebanon. After each death, the General Assembly has refused to act even though Pennsylvanias gun death rate is nearly four times the rate of other states with strong gun safety laws like safe storage and requiring gun buyers to get a permit before they purchase a firearm. Story continues The Pennsylvania Supreme Court could soon change that. In September, they will hear a landmark case, Crawford v. Commonwealth, arguing that the General Assemblys actions endanger public safety. Think about it this way. The General Assembly allows everyone in Pennsylvania to get a car, and in fact, requires municipalities to allow people to drive. But, imagine if they refused to create speed limits, rules around stop signs or traffic signals. And, then, they barred communities from establishing local traffic safety standards. Car crash fatalities would skyrocket. Thats what is happening when it comes to gun violence. Our communities are flooded with guns because almost anyone can get one. But with gun violence, the death toll isnt equal. This constitutional violation is especially harmful to Black Pennsylvanians like Dahv and Asaun, who are 26 times more likely to be murdered with firearms than white Pennsylvanians. The psychological and emotional trauma heightens the consequences. Parents are worried that their kids are next. Their children are fearful of playing in the park. This violence and trauma is driven by unconstitutional actions by the General Assembly. This violence isnt the canary in the coal mine. Its a mothers scream across the state. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court must recognize our constitutional right to live freely and free towns ability to save lives before another mother screams because theyve lost their Dahv or Asaun. Dwan Walker is the mayor of the city of Aliquippa, Pa. This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Your Turn: The PA Supreme Court could help save lives Migrant health clinic. Newtons laws of motion hold that for every action theres a reaction which brings us to Nancy Hernandez. The founder of the local nonprofit Mujeres Restauradas por Dios, or Women Restored by God, is taking her charitable work another step in response to what Florida lawmakers passed and hailed this year as one of the toughest crackdowns on illegal immigration in the nation. Senate Bill 1718 requires, among other things, that hospitals accepting Medicaid inquire about a patients immigration status. While the information cannot be used to deny care, or result in a referral to immigration authorities, merely asking the question will scare many immigrants away. That fear is already spreading by word-of-mouth in Floridas immigrant communities, and activists worry it will keep people from seeking needed medical care. So Hernandez is planning to open a community health center to provide free and basic medical services to those who are uninsured and vulnerable. The clinic would be housed in the same building where she works on Nebraska Avenue in Tampas Seminole Heights neighborhood. She has collected $40,000 from private donors and expects to operate with primary care providers who will donate their time. Similar efforts are underway in heavily-Hispanic areas of south and east Hillsborough County. This is a humane, practical response to a Republican-led policy in Florida that has real-life implications. Call the counselors. St. Petersburg City Council members did right by the public and police by renewing a promising program aimed at helping people in emotional crisis. The council Thursday approved a three-year renewal and expansion of a mental health unit that sends social workers instead of uniformed officers on some nonviolent calls. Begun in 2021, the unit responds to calls involving mental health crisis, overdoses, neighborhood disputes and other lower-level cases. The idea is that social workers may appear less threatening than uniformed officers and more capable of de-escalating tensions in certain situations. In the programs first nine months, social workers responded to more than half of the citys police calls in which no crime was committed, a University of South Florida study found, with no injuries reported from 9,000 encounters. This is a smart approach that directly addresses mental health while sparing police resources for greater threats to public safety. And the cost, which will grow to about $1.7 million annually from $1.3 million, is peanuts in the overall budget picture. The city will use the increased funding to expand the programs daily operating hours and to hire additional staff. USF can further contribute by monitoring the programs strengths and weaknesses in the coming years. This is how local institutions should work together in furthering the common good. Editorials are the institutional voice of the Tampa Bay Times. The members of the Editorial Board are Editor of Editorials Graham Brink, Sherri Day, Sebastian Dortch, John Hill, Jim Verhulst and Chairman and CEO Conan Gallaty. Follow @TBTimes_Opinion on Twitter for more opinion news. The Buncombe County School Board met August 3, 2023. ASHEVILLE - It was the Buncombe County Board of Education's turn to voice concerns about the new North Carolina law that was passed in early June changing the way its board will be elected. House Bill 66 will change the way members of the Buncombe County school board will be elected in 2024 but that's not all it could potentially change for the county. More: Will new NC law change district lines in Asheville City Schools? At the Aug. 3 county school board meeting, Board Attorney Dean Shatley, signaled what the law will mean. Shatley told the board that a possible impact could be districts merging together, because these districts have to be redrawn to be equal in population from 2020 census data. "It will change, for instance: Mrs. Buchanan is the Owen district representative, and that is probably the smallest attendance zone district and residency district, and so that district will require to probably consume part of the Reynolds district in order to make that population even with the other districts that are drawn, and therefore, you will not have a sole Owen representative. The person that represents them may live in what is now considered the Reynolds district," Shatley told the board. At the Aug. 3 County school board meeting, Board Attorney Dean Shatley, explained what this law will mean. HB66 requires that districts be equal in terms of population, which means current district lines will be redrawn. However, the bill says that the new lines should be drawn as close as possible to the old ones to respect the existing boundaries. It will change where the representative on the school board comes from, which means that not all school board members will live in their redrawn districts. As the law states now, the Buncombe County electoral districts must be contiguous. "Right now, it's impossible to do," Shatley said. "One of the fixes that has been floated around the General Assembly is to redraw the Asheville City School lines." The law is scheduled to go into effect Feb. 1. "I don't really see in what universe this could be done by February," Shatley said. Story continues When redrawing any electoral district, census block data is used, according to Shatley. On the map for Buncombe County and Asheville City schools, these census blocks aren't so straightforward. "What we discovered is that the lines for the Asheville City School system that the U.S. Census Bureau used to design census blocks in this area do not match the actual city school lines. So, this created census blocks that have both Buncombe County School residents and Asheville City School residents in them," Shatley said. Board members spoke out on the possible impacts the law could have on Buncombe County students, teachers and parents. A map that shows the district lines of Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools and how they both overlap with one another. "They've set us up where there's no way we can even be successful," said Amanda Simpkins, an at-large representative. It could also cut into funding, a board member said. "This could very well, because of how complicated it is, cost several teachers' salaries worth of our budget to resolve," said board member Rob Elliot, who represents the Reynolds District. "We've been put in a very unfair situation." Simpkins encouraged community members to speak with their legislators because as the bill is written now, it is "fundamentally" impossible, she said. This law also presents tax implications. City of Asheville school residents pay an Asheville City Schools tax, and Buncombe County residents don't pay an additional school tax. This could force property owners to pay more taxes if a district line is redrawn that lumps them into Asheville City Schools. The next Board of Education regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m., at 175 Bingham Road. More: New NC law changes how Buncombe County School Board will be elected in 2024 More: Who are the new Buncombe County Schools administrators for 2023-24? McKenna Leavens is the education reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at mleavens@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter @LeavensMcKenna. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Buncombe County Board of Education reacts to new NC district law In a sign of rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, U.S. Marines are poised to be placed aboard commercial ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz to help stop Iran from seizing or harassing them, a U.S. official said Friday. The U.S. is considering multiple options, and is likely to offer protections to ships that are U.S.-flagged, carrying crews that include U.S. citizens, or bringing cargo to or from the U.S., according to the official. PHOTO: A U.S. Marine with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), searches a hostage during a visit, board, search, and seizure training mission in support of Amphibious Squadron/MEU Integrated Training (PMINT), in the Atlantic Ocean Jan. 27, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps by Cpl. Yvonna Guyette) The commercial shipping industry has been made aware that this option is or will become available on a voluntary basis. The U.S. now is waiting for commercial shipping companies to request protection. A senior White House official told ABC News while the plan likely will be approved, no final authorization has been given to U.S. Central Command to go forward. The White House official did not comment on the potential for miscalculation or escalation with Iran, referring questions to the Pentagon. PHOTO: A U.S. Marine with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to board a ship during a visit, board, search, and seizure training mission in support of Amphibious Squadron/MEU Integrated Training (PMINT), in the Atlantic Ocean Jan. 27, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps by Cpl. Yvonna Guyette) For the last two weeks in Bahrain, members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit have been training to protect ships in 20-man teams, according to the U.S. official. PHOTO: A screenshot of a video showing fast-attack craft from Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy approaching Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi as it transits the Strait of Hormuz, May 3, 2023. (U.S. Navy) They were flown in ahead of the bulk of their unit, which will arrive in the region soon aboard the USS Bataan and other ships being sent in response to what Central Command said were "recent attempts by Iran to threaten the free flow of commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters." The U.S. has also recently sent F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to the region. PHOTO: U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)s (MEU(SOC)) Maritime Special Purpose Force clear an Landing Craft Utility during training aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), (U.S. Marine Corps by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean) "Since 2021, Iran has harassed, attacked or seized nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels, presenting a clear threat to regional maritime security and the global economy," a U.S. Navy release said in July. Last month Iran attempted to seize two commercial oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, opening fire on one of them, according to the U.S. Navy. In May, Iran seized two merchant ships within one week. The U.S. official said the presence of Marines aboard civilian vessels is expected to be a strong deterrent to Iran. And while their mission would be defensive, the Marines would have the right to defend themselves as necessary, the official said. US Marines prepare to be put on commercial ships to deter Iranian harassment in Strait of Hormuz originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Medical student Jon Pat JP Ransom is pursuing pediatrics and pediatric oncology research, because his younger sister died of neuroblastoma. Motivated to help others because of his own experience, he is a stellar example of the caliber of students the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) attracts, educates, and trains to care for the people of Tennessee. UTHSC has an outstanding record for training Tennessees health care workforce and employing clinicians across the state who provide exemplary care for Tennesseans. I am proud to say that we have an even brighter future ahead of us. Heres what UHTSCs strategic plan says The UT Board of Trustees recently approved our new 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. This blueprint defines UTHSCs trajectory for the next five years and strengthens our resolve to improve health care and health across Tennessee, which currently ranks 44th in the country for overall health. Dr. Christina Rosenthal (middle back) and group of DDS graduates gather for a photo at UT Health Science Center. Students receive their white coats through a ceremony after graduation. Our plan was developed through an inclusive process that spanned more than 18 months with participation from more than 700 faculty, staff, and students across all campuses, as well as alumni and community members. This plan reflects UTHSCs commitment to strengthening partnerships in communities across the state; promoting quality interprofessional education; growing research, innovation, and entrepreneurship; expanding quality care; and creating an environment of success for all Tennesseans. I am excited to introduce our new vision, four simple words: Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities. Our new streamlined mission statement retains our academic, clinical, research, and outreach focus. It reads: Transforming lives through collaborative and inclusive education, research/scholarship, clinical care, and public service. We are going to make a real difference Our values mesh with the UT Systems Be One UT Values, which include Bold and Impactful, Embrace Diversity, Optimistic and Visionary, Nimble and Innovative, Excel in All We Do, United and Connected, Transparent and Trusted. Additionally, we have included Health Focused, Science Driven, Caring and Professional. Story continues We believe our 2023-2028 mission, vision, and values set us up to make a real difference for Tennessee. To understand our future, first let me offer some facts about UTHSC: With six colleges Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy UTHSC is the largest educator of health care professionals across the state. UTHSCs faculty and more than 1,400 residents and fellows staff major hospitals in Memphis and across Tennessee. At our main campus in Memphis, UTHSC enjoys long-standing clinical and educational partnerships with hospitals, including Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Regional One Health, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Baptist Memorial Healthcare, and St. Francis Hospital, as well as with multiple specialty clinics, physician practice groups, community, and public health programs. UTHSC also has campuses in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga with clinical and educational partnerships at major hospitals, including Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, and programs at West Tennessee HealthcareJackson Madison County Hospital in Jackson. UTHSC has more than 880 clinical-educational training sites in communities across Tennessee, all supported through strategic partnerships. We are strengthening our clinical partnerships The next time you visit your health care provider at any of these hospitals or sites across the state, ask where they were trained. Chances are good the response will be the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Next, ask whether they are faculty or affiliated with UTHSC. Chances are good the response will be yes. We are already moving to strengthen our statewide clinical partnerships. Our inaugural Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships Paul Wesolowski joined us in May. We are expanding our clinical reach into rural areas of Tennessee and increasing access to care. The UTHSC Nursing Mobile Health Unit launched in May to bring health care to underserved areas in Lake and Lauderdale counties. The UTHSC College of Dentistry is leading a $53 million state-funded Healthy Smiles Initiative to expand access to dental care across Tennessee. Peter Buckley Our new strategic plan is our roadmap for a better future for the health of Tennessee. With students like JP Ransom; clinicians like Assistant Professor Nathan Summers, MD, an alumnus who returned to Memphis after a fellowship at Emory to care for those with HIV because the need is so great; and researchers like Jim Bailey, M.D., who is testing ways to improve primary care to the uninsured and underinsured, we will fulfill our vision for Healthy Tennesseans: Thriving communities. Peter Buckley, M.D., is the chancellor of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: UTHSCs new strategic plan aims to improve health for Tennessee Aug. 4 (UPI) -- A North Carolina woman who has been playing the same set of lottery numbers for more than 20 years finally had her big day when she scored a $200,000 Powerball prize. Tamara Laughinghouse of Mooresville told North Carolina Education Lottery officials the ticket she bought from the Mooresville Food Lion store for the July 17 drawing bore the same numbers she always plays for lottery drawings. "I've been playing those same numbers for over 20 years," Laughinghouse said. "They are the different birthdays in my family." Laughinghouse said she was on a family trip to Wyoming when she found out she had matched four white balls and the Powerball. "I was sitting in my parents' house having coffee with my dad when he started reading the winning numbers," Laughinghouse recalled. "I asked him to please reread the numbers." The 4X multiplier was selected in the drawing, earning Laughinghouse a $200,000 prize. "I didn't know how much I won so my husband got online and said, 'I think you won $200,000,'" she said. "We all got excited and gave each other hugs." Laughinghouse said she hopes to use some of her winnings to visit Italy, where her great-great-grandfather was born. "I always wanted to go see the area where he was from," she said. "My husband and I might go now." It's just about that time again. Time to start thinking about heading back to school. From pens, pencils and notebooks, to rulers, erasers and that fancy calculator returning to the classroom comes with a familiar list of needs for your smallest students. It might even be growing. So time is also nearing to go out for those items you couldn't fish out from drawers or recover in old backpacks. Shopping for such school supplies can get expensive. In fact, households are projected to spend some $890 this back-to-school season, as previously reported by USA TODAY. That would take a chunk out of anyone's budget, while overall spending is expected to surpass $135 billion, a more than $24 billion increase over last year. Doors are opening for many districts the last week in August or the first in September. For families worried about their bottom line for back-to-school shopping, we looked to map out some organizations and opportunities for free supplies in Delaware. [Have another school supply drive or event families should know about? Please share it with us: kepowers@gannett.com] Service organizations partner to offer backpacks, school supplies A flyer shows back-to-school resource fairs and book-bag giveaways on-deck this month, in partnership with United Way of Delaware, Delaware Libraries and more on Aug. 12 and 26, 2023. Both events are open to all Delawareans. Two back-to-school resource fairs and book-bag giveaways are on-deck this month in partnership with United Way of Delaware, Delaware Libraries and more. Both events are open to all Delawareans: Noon to 2 p.m., Aug. 12 Dover Library 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Aug. 26 North Wilmington Library "We really try to make these family friendly," said United Way's Ken Livingston, adding his ultimate goal remains to empower parents. The "Get Delaware Reading" director noted games, live music, community resource and parent engagement tables will join the resource fairs. Families should register to attend by dialing 211, pressing option 4 to register. They can also call for more information on this and other resource events coming across the state. Global CDC is hosting its fifth-annual Back to School Fair & Community Pop-up Shop, from 12 to 4 p.m., this Saturday, Aug. 5 . Free school supplies, clothing, food and vendors are expected at the 4112 N. Market St. location in Wilmington. Down in Georgetown, First State Community Action Agency is also hosting a Community Awareness Day at the Presbyterian Church of Georgetown. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 5 , this family event hopes to provide a number of resources. Also in Georgetown, Perdue is hosting a drive-thru job fair and backpack giveaway from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 5 at its 20621 Savannah Rd. site fit with bags for students, free lunch and information on employment opportunities. Wilmington's Sunday Breakfast Mission , a shelter and service organization, is hosting a back-to-school rally at 10 a.m. on Aug. 12 at 110 N. Poplar St. Backpacks filled with school supplies will be given to families, while free dental screenings are also offered. Children must be accompanied by a parent, though no pre-registration is required. Also 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 12 , Delcare Health Solutions LLC is hosting an open house and book bag giveaway paired alongside resource tables, health insurance information, free health screenings, food and more at 2801 Lancaster Ave in Wilmington. Back in Sussex County, students in the Laurel area can expect a "Back-to-School Jamboree" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 12 . Registration is now online, while free filled backpacks, music, food games and more are set to fill Janosik Park that Saturday. Come Aug. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. , a "Dress for Success" back-to-school giveaway will focus on providing free school uniforms in Wilmington. Families must be pre-registered by Aug. 6 and students must be present to pickup at 500 Concord Ave, according to host Victorious Faith Christian Worship Center. Donations are also still being sought. The Cameron D. Hamlin Foundation is also hosting a book bag giveaway from 12 p.m. to supplies run out on Sunday, Aug. 20 . The foundation hopes to see folks donate, attend and volunteer for the event at 3500 Lancaster Pike in Wilmington. An HBCU Fair, hosted by The Warehouse in Wilmington, is set for 3 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 25, fit with a backpack and school supply giveaway alongside resources and information about the Historically Black Colleges and Universities experience. The event at 1121 Thatcher St. is open to the public, with food and performances also expected. Story continues If you are looking to give, Reach Church in Bear is hosting a backpack and school supply drive from now until Aug. 20. The church is looking for book bags, pencil cases, pencils, notebooks and much more from the community, to ultimately donate to local schools and families. Anyone interested can reach out online. The Salvation Army of Delaware doesn't have a specific school supply drive this year, a member told Delaware Online/The News Journal over the phone, but it hopes to field enough donations to assist families who call in for help. Still in early August, donations have yet to start streaming in. Back to school 2023 Could this be the most expensive school year ever? Maybe. More: Searching for free school supplies in Delaware Another place to consider contacting about free or discounted school supplies is your student's school. Some districts may already have drives for families in need, while others could likely direct you to local programs. One example comes from the Brandywine YMCA, beginning a school supply drive that will stretch throughout August in New Castle County, gathering donations to provide to Brandywine School District families. The drive runs Aug. 7 to 31, with distribution eyed for the first week in September. Brandywine YMCA is beginning a school supply drive that will stretch throughout August in New Castle County, gathering donations to provide to Brandywine School District families by early September 2023. Gathered supplies will also head to the greater YMCA of Delaware's "Y Mission Market" a free store for community members in need, housed at Central YMCA in Wilmington. Gathered supplies will also head to the greater YMCA of Delaware's "Y Mission Market," a free store for community members in need, housed at Central YMCA in Wilmington. The market features shelf-stable food, clothes and more, according to Julie Burns, senior director of marketing and communications. While the organization has been struggling with school-supply donations as of late, there's hope Brandywine's drive and other pledges will boost coffers ahead of this academic year. Still in New Castle County, Colonial School District is just one Delaware system looking to provide students with their supplies. Optional lists are given to families, but "they do not have to encumber the expense of basic items like binders, notebooks, paper, pens, etc.," a district spokesperson said. Some individual schools also have their own events. This Saturday, Aug 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pleasantville Elementary School will host a Community Day event with WePrevail, a community development corporation. There should be music, food, grocery gift cards, backpacks stuffed with school supplies and more, while supplies last. Word is, Principal Renee Griffith might be up for the dunk tank as well. William Penn High School is hosting a sneaker giveaway and back-to-school empowerment session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 19 set to include 100 Kool Kolored Kid Generation sneakers, music, resources and more. Supplies are limited, so Colonial students must register to be up for any sneakers. Vendors and community resources are open to all. The following week, Colonial's Castle Hills Elementary School is hosting a Back-to-School BBQ from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 24. Joining the eats will be free haircuts for students and some 250 bookbags, according to the district, donated by Communities In Schools and the family of the late Arlene Hollis. Back down in Sussex County, Indian River School District also hopes to provide school supplies for its students. A supply drive, in partnership with Forever Media/Delmarva, hopes to continue collecting school wares this summer to distribute to individual schools. And later this month, the district's "Back to School Event" aims to jumpstart the school year with free food, school supplies and assistance with community resources direct to families. This event at Dickerson Chapel A. M. E. Church will run from 4 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 23, with giveaways while supplies last. This is not an exhaustive list. Look out for more schools or organizations that may have events planned across the state. [Have another supply drive or event families should know about? Please share it with us: kepowers@gannett.com] More national focuses on school supplies The Kids in Need Foundation provides supplies year-round through its teacher resources center and the Supply a Teacher program. Operation Homefront runs an annual Back to School Brigade program all over the U.S. The program provides military families backpacks filled with school supplies on a first come, first serve registration process. Also find discounted back-to-school shopping at Amazon, Target, Walmart and more this month. Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for the USA TODAY Network's Northeast Region and Delaware Online, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Don't miss these opportunities for free school supplies in Delaware Telephone Game Kenya claims it's shutting down Sam Altman's eyeball-scanning Worldcoin cryptocurrency within its borders but Worldcoin says it's suspending its own services in the country, thank you very much. In a joint statement, a group of agencies in the East African nation said that Worldcoin "must cease its data collection activities in Kenya until further notice" as it investigates regulatory concerns about the way the project collects biometric data. Worldcoin, meanwhile, seems to have a different version of events. Citing an "overwhelming" demand for Worldcoin in which "tens of thousands of individuals" waiting in lines across Kenya since its launch last week, the company told Futurism in a statement that it was the one suspending its services there. "Out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to mitigate crowd volume," the emailed statement reads, "verification services have been temporarily paused." So, to break it down in plain English: Kenya is saying that its government has suspended Worldcoin, and Worldcoin is saying that it suspended itself. The mind, it boggles. Time to Cash Out In the middle of this company said/country said is the undeniable fact that Kenyans have been showing up in droves to get their eyeballs scanned in exchange for 25 of Worldcoin's bespoke tokens, which are currently worth about $2.30 cents apiece. If the equivalent of $57-ish American dollars is worth a 90-second eyeball scan even in the developed world, that could be an even more meaningful amount in less developed ones like Kenya. The good news, the company says, is that users can still access their Worldcoin tokens in the company's wallet, which means that the reported 350,000 people who signed up should be able to get to the money they earned in exchange for their iris scans. What we know for sure is that Kenya, like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, has major issues with the way Worldcoin collects and stores its data. What its future may be in those countries and others (like, you know, the United States) is anyone's guess and until or unless Worldcoin actually shows governments enough proof that it's securing data, rather than just issuing vague platitudes about it, that future will remain uncertain. More on Worldcoin: I Let Sam Altman's Worldcoin Scan My Eyeballs With a Orb, and They Didn't Even Pay Me Crypto You are the owner of this article. Defense chiefs from West African nations finalized an intervention plan and urged militaries to ready resources after negotiations deadlocked with Nigers military junta, which says it is severing military agreements with France, its former colonial ruler Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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. Hangzhou Zoo has rejected rumors that some of its bears are people wearing costumes. This came after videos of a Malayan sun bear standing on its hind legs and looking uncannily human went viral on social media, triggering widespread speculation. In a statement written from the perspective of the 4-year-old sun bear named Angela, the zoo in the capital of Zhejiang province said that people didn't quite understand the species, which is known to mimic human postures such as standing and walking on its hind legs. "I am a bear, a sun bear," said the statement posted on the zoo's official WeChat account. "My name is Angela," it said. Videos of Angela, standing upright on a rock inside her enclosure and waving at visitors, went viral soon after being uploaded on microblogging site Sina Weibo on July 27. In addition to the sun bear's curious antics, the loose folds of fur on its back fueled speculation that a human might be masquerading as a bear. The zoo denied such suggestions and said that it would be impossible for a person to survive in a heavy bear costume when the maximum temperature in Hangzhou was hovering around 40 C. The WeChat statement, written from the sun bear's point of view, said: "I got a call after work yesterday from the director of the zoo asking me if I was being lazy and found a human to take my place. It never occurred to me that while I was in my den, interacting with tourists, there was this trending topic on Weibo calling me a bear portrayed by a human in costume. "It turned out that my humanlike posture while I was standing and my small stature even fueled visitors' speculation. That was totally uncalled for. I'm a sun bear, not a black bear, not a dog, a Malayan sun bear " Angela's antics and her sudden fame on social media have increased the number of visitors to the zoo. "Once the videos went viral, we started receiving over 20,000 visitors a day, about an increase of one-third." Jiang Zhi, deputy director of the zoo, told Tide News, a portal based in Zhejiang. The Malayan sun bear, also called the honey bear, or sun bear, is the world's smallest bear species. The average adult weighs 55 kilograms, and when standing is approximately 1.5 meters tall, Jiang said. Unfortunately, the sun bear's population in the wild is dwindling, and it is classified as a first-class national protected animal in China. The average life span of the species is 24 years. Angela, who arrived in Hangzhou from another zoo in Zhejiang three years ago, has just entered adulthood. She shares her living space and meals mostly seasonal fruits, worms and milk with her male companion, Dalu. The two are almost inseparable, according to their carers. The zoo has already prepared a maternity room, hoping to welcome cubs later this year or in 2024. As for Angela's humanlike posture, Jiang said that all bears can stand on their hind legs to view distant objects, play or when they sense a potential enemy. Sun bears are excellent tree climbers and inquisitive by nature, and have a greater tendency to stand on their hind legs, he added. Harmonia Cordis continua cu noi surprize Festivalul International de Chitara "Harmonia Cordis" continua joi, 10 august, cu o noua serie de cursuri individuale de maiestrie gazduite de Universitatea de Arte incepand cu ora 10.00. De la aceeasi ora, dar la Liceul de Arte, este programat Concursul International de Chitara Harmonia Cordis: Categoria A, B. Incepand [citeste mai departe] Stiri pe aceeasi tema - The ordinance cutting government's public spending, mainly the part related to the abolition of public bodies with less than 50 employees, would affect education, with more than half of the schools in Romania being at risk of losing their legal personality, deputy floor leader of the Hungarian Democratic - Presedintele Partidului Forta Dreptei, Ludovic Orban, a propus sambata, concedierea a 200.000 de angajati din sistemul public, dar si eliminarea voucherelor de vacanta pentru bugetari, ca alternativa la cresterea taxelor si impozitelor. Solutia nu este in niciun caz reducerea taxelor si impozitelor. - Taxing meal and holiday vouchers with social health insurance contributions, in addition to income tax, will have negative effects on the incomes of all social categories, the National Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Romania (CNSLR) Fratia representatives warn in an open letter sent to the Prime - It is essential to fight for the respect of the ideals and values that define modern Romania: freedom, democracy, pluralism, respect for the law, but also for ensuring the security and prosperity of our country, says president Klaus Iohannis on Saturday, in a message delivered on the National Anthem - The elimination of holiday vouchers for the public sector would encourage the re-emergence of "black" tourism, and the increase of the hospitality VAT to 19 percent would result in an increase by a minimum 10 percent in tourist service costs, while permanently removing Romania from the map of international - Partidul Forta Dreptei isi va anunta, pana la finalul anului, majoritatea candidatilor pentru alegerile locale care vor avea loc in 2024, a anuntat liderul formatiunii, Ludovic Orban. Imediat dupa septembrie intram in logica de campanie electorala. Noi ne-am fixat ca obiectiv pana la sfarsitul anului - Base pay of healthcare, social workers, defence, public order personnel to increase from June 1. The base pay of healthcare and social workers, defence, public order and national security personnel will increase on June 1 to the level set in the uniform public pay framework law for the year 2022, - Tram-EM 2023, the European Tram Driver Championship hosted by the western city of Oradea for the first time in Romania, kicked off on Saturday morning, with 25 teams from large European cities competing.The official opening took place in Piata Unirii with the presentation of the teams, each made A month after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Egypt, its national carrier EgyptAir on Friday announced the first direct flight from Cairo to New Delhi. EgyptAir, the national carrier of Egypt, encourages tourism and travel movements and continues its plans to develop, modernise and expand the airline's network. Egypt Ambassador to India Wael Hamed addressed the inaugural session of the flight in Delhi and in an exclusive interview with ANI highlighted the role of PM Modis trip to Cairo and said, It (the agreement) was signed during his (PM Modis) visit to Cairo to initiate direct connectivity between both countries. Also read: Ranchi-Bound IndiGo Flight Returns To Delhi Due To Mid-Air Technical Snag The ambassador stressed it would boost trade between the two countries and said, Of course, direct connectivity will boost our trade and tourism industry. On being asked about easing Visa norms, the ambassador replied, he is very hopeful about issuing visas without any hurdle to the Indian passport holders. The visa should be the least of your worries. The Embassy issues the visa in a very short time. Nobody has ever complained about this. But also, I am happy to announce that holders of Indian passports who have visas from the US or Schengen visas or Canadian visas or Australian visas can enter Egypt with a visa on arrival. There is also the possibility for tourist groups to apply for electronic visas..., the envoy told ANI. Egypt's Ambassador to India Wael Hamed says, "When the PM (Modi) was in Cairo just over six weeks ago, an agreement was signed on strategic cooperation between Egypt and India. But strategic cooperation needs people-to-people contact...Without an air connection, the efforts were very difficult. Now, things are going to be easier for both countries to connect, easier for tourists to go and come...We really have to look at tourism as a means to promote people-to-people contact because they come with opportunities, they come with ideas and this is important for our strategic relationships."Meanwhile, VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology servic KEARNEY So many hands. So much time. So much dedication. Thats what Jasmin McGinnis learned about coffee during her trip to Kenya last summer. Co-owner of Baristas Daily Grind, McGinnis has been involved with coffee for 22 years, but until her trip to Kenya, she had never seen how coffee went from seed to crop to coffee. Here in the U.S. we are so distanced from a lot of the actual practices for things we consume. The things we wear, we go to the store and get them, she said. It was incredibly moving to see all the hands, the eyeballs, so many people, and how much care goes into every single stage of production, McGinnis said. A dream come true The opportunity for the Kenya trip started when McGinnis raised her hand. She is the central regional coordinator for the Specialty Coffee Associations U.S. chapter, and for years, she has dreamed of going to Kenya to see how its coffee is grown, harvested and sent across the world. In early 2022, Baristas employees learned about Kenyan coffee at a training event at Zabuni Coffee Masters in Grand Island. The SCA-trained facilitator asked if anyone wanted to go to Kenya to see the process first-hand. McGinnis leaped at the chance. If you go, we are interested, she said. The facilitator knew that Baristas had a good reputation outside Nebraska, and recognized that Baristas employees could become ambassadors for a greater cause. The wheels began to turn. McGinnis selected three baristas to accompany her: Nolan Nelson, Summer Martinez and James Royle. Nelson and Royle were seasoned veterans; Martinez was a newcomer. Royles brother John, a police officer here, joined them too. The brothers had always dreamed of going to Africa. Each paid $4,000 for the two-week trip. Baristas paid the $1,500 plane tickets and extra expenses. Impressive work ethic During their three days of visiting several Kenyan coffee farms, the Baristas group helped pick coffee cherries, the fruit seed, or what Americans know as coffee beans. The beans are then washed, placed on mats and carried to the bottom of a hill, where they are left to dry. Workers carried beans down the hill, then walked back up the hill to get more. It was hard work, like moving wet cement, McGinnis said. The beans sit in the sun to dry for 14-21 days. From drying racks, the beans are moved to conditioning racks for several weeks. The group also saw where coffee is packaged and exported. We got to package the coffee and seal it. We did every single thing you can do with coffee, McGinnis said. On their final day, the Baristas baristas did a free training for the Kenyans on latte art, or creating designs with milk atop steaming cups of coffee. They wont soon forget the Kenyan work ethic. They saw women working with babies strapped to their backs. They saw young boys riding motorcycles while carrying large bags of coffee on their backs. They all show up to work, even though they wont get paid for the coffee for a year, and they never know how much theyre going to get paid until the coffee gets sold, McGinnis said. They also went with Zabuni coffee roasters to see how that company's practices give these farmers 80% of the purchase price as opposed to the traditional exporting practice of 15%. The price of coffee depends on how well the coffee was grown. People here might say, I dont like coffee, but each farm produces a different tasting coffee. Some do it well; others might not have the right preparation, she said. Her team also made coffee using the growers beans and shared it with them. They had never tried their own coffee, she said. We were changing lives. Deep state Curiously, a man named Joseph, whom they nicknamed Deep State, showed up every day at every event they attended in Kenya, including time in Nairobi. McGinnis knows that he worked for the government. Hed show up for dinner. Wed walk into a factory and he would turn around in a white lab coat, McGinnis said. She then learned that she would be a guest at the First International Coffee Film Festival in Nairobi. She was shocked to see her face on billboards, and to be designated the guest of honor. She was given security guards and a personal driver. The night before the conference began, she learned she would be a guest speaker. I told Joseph I was here to absorb and learn, not to educate, but he said, It doesnt matter what you say. I told him I would not be his token white girl to move his political agenda, she said. Nevertheless, the night before she was to speak, she prepared a presentation on her laptop. Fortunately, shed packed a black dress. The next day, she told the growers, who had come from all over Kenya, about her daily schedule. She explained Americas coffee culture. She showed a video of Baristas, including its fancy coffee machines. America has a big coffee culture, with women in coffee T-shirts, coffee slogans, coffee home paraphernalia, how they travel to go to coffee shops, the culture of people embracing coffee, something beyond the grocery store, she said. But its really all about how you treat people. People want coffee, they buy it, they wear it and make life choices around it, she said. That does not exist in Kenya. I told Kenyan farmers about what we do with coffee and how much we pay for it. During her hour on stage, she also discussed supply chain issues. In Kenya, coffee farmers are all in their 60s, and kids dont want to stay on the farm. Here in the U.S. theres a big coffee culture, so we hoped we could share our coffee passion and convince kids to stay on the farm, she said. Privately, she knew she had not traveled halfway around the world to be used as a political pawn, as she put it, but I was well-received. This has become a joke, how I am a big deal in Africa. Ethiopian dangers The group began its trip in Ethiopia, but when they arrived, the U.S. State Department said travel was not advised there because a militia was about to overthrow the government. It was very frightening. I didnt want to put my team at risk, and I didnt feel it was prudent or safe to stay, so we cut the trip short and went into Kenya early, she said. With that extra time, she signed up for four-day safari in Maasai Mari, part of the Serengeti. They stayed in very nice tents and saw lions, elephants, zebras, elephants and wildebeest, hippos, alligators, warthogs, birds and more. Giving back At every hotel on their trip, the Baristas group showed the staff how they make coffee. Americans had given Kenyan hotels espresso machines because hotels must offer espresso to earn a five-star rating, but locals had no idea how to make it. The Baristas bunch taught them how. At first, they were saying, Who are these rich white Americans? By the end of the demonstration, they were hugging us and crying, McGinnis said. This is what I went to do: to inspire people to do this craft. Those people are not going to forget this moment. We had been given to and given to during that trip, and were finally able to give something back. I was so proud of my team, McGinnis said. At every restaurant where they dined, they made coffee at the espresso bar. Now, a year later, relationships and partnerships continue with people they met in Kenya, even Deep State. They are buying directly from some of the farmers. One of McGinniss most touching souvenirs is a video from a man who said, Thank you for coming. It is my dream to one day sit in your coffee shop and see your customers enjoying my coffee. Chocolate, a delectable treat that transcends borders, has been an integral part of various cultures across the globe. Beyond its luscious taste, chocolate plays a significant role in traditions and festivals, making it a symbol of celebration and happiness in different nations. Chocolate, a universal delight, has woven itself into the fabric of diverse cultures worldwide. India's celebrations during Diwali and Raksha Bandhan, Switzerland's prestigious chocolate festivals, Mexico's reverence for chocolate during the Day of the Dead, and Japan's unique Valentine's Day and White Day traditions all demonstrate the profound significance of chocolate in various societies. In this article, Zeba Kohli, chocolatier, entrepreneur, and author shares the rich history of chocolate in four countries, highlighting their unique customs and festivals revolving around this delightful indulgence. India: Sweet Melodies Of Festivals And Chocolate India, a land of vibrant festivities, celebrates its love for chocolate on various occasions. Diwali, the festival of lights, witnesses the exchange of sweets, and chocolates have found their way into the traditional 'mithai' offerings. Families and friends exchange chocolate gift boxes as a symbol of prosperity and joy during Diwali. Furthermore, the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which honors the bond between brothers and sisters, involves the exchange of gifts. Chocolates have become a modern addition to these gifts, symbolising the sweetness of sibling love. Additionally, Valentine's Day has gained popularity in India, and chocolates have become a favored gift for expressing affection and admiration. Switzerland: The Chocolate Wonderland Switzerland, often dubbed the "Chocolate Capital of the World," boasts a long-standing tradition of crafting exquisite chocolates. The Swiss have been perfecting the art of chocolate-making for centuries, and their chocolate festivals are a testament to their love for this delicacy. The Salon du Chocolat in Zurich attracts chocolate enthusiasts from around the world, where they can savor a vast array of artisanal chocolates and attend workshops conducted by renowned chocolatiers. Additionally, the Swiss celebrate Chocolatiers' Day, a national event dedicated to honoring the master chocolatiers and their creations. This festival showcases the rich diversity of Swiss chocolate-making techniques and flavours, making it a delightful experience for both locals and tourists. Mexico: Where Chocolate Is Said To Be Originated Chocolate has deep roots in Mesoamerican culture, with Mexico being the birthplace of chocolate as we know it today. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs revered cocoa beans, and the drink made from them was considered a sacred elixir. In present-day Mexico, chocolate remains an essential element of various festivities. During the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations, families prepare and share "chocolate caliente," a hot chocolate drink infused with spices like cinnamon and chili, to honor their deceased loved ones. Chocolate is also an integral part of the Christmas traditions in Mexico, with "chocolate conchas" being a favorite sweet treat during the holiday season. Japan: Embracing Chocolate On Valentine's Day In Japan, Valentine's Day has become synonymous with the exchange of chocolates. However, the tradition is unique in this nation, as it is women who give chocolates to men, including friends, colleagues, and loved ones. There are two types of chocolates given on this day: "Giri-choco," which is obligatory chocolate given to male friends and coworkers, and "Honmei-choco," which is reserved for expressing romantic feelings towards a significant other. One month later, on March 14, Japan celebrates "White Day," where men reciprocate the gesture by giving gifts, typically chocolates, to the women who gifted them on Valentine's Day. This tradition has become an integral part of Japanese culture, fostering connections and expressions of affection through the medium of chocolates. It is apparent that chocolate gifting is for different reasons in different cultures. It is also an important observation that the chocolates consumed & gifted are significantly varied in different cultures and different countries. CHANDIGARH: Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Friday said 202 people have been arrested so far and 80 taken into preventive detention in connection with the communal clashes in Nuh. He also said the way bullets were fired from hillocks and stones collected on rooftops of buildings indicates that Nuh violence was pre-planned. In all, police have so far filed 102 FIRs in the matter. "I want to assure you that anyone involved in the violence won't be spared," Vij told reporters in Ambala, adding, the detainees are being questioned. "It is a big game plan every person had a lathi in his hand. Were these being distributed for free? Someone must have arranged these. Bullets were being fired. From where did weapons come ? We will go to the depth of the matter," he said. The minister had earlier on Tuesday too said the violence was engineered and had a mastermind behind it. However, in a press conference on Friday, the Nuh Superintendent of Police said they have so far found no indication of there being a mastermind behind the clashes. Nuh SP Narendra Singh Bijarnia said the investigation so far has suggested involvement of disparate elements, which are being identified and arrested. Meanwhile, when the minister was asked if the administration will resort to bulldozing the properties of the culprits, he quipped "bulldozer, wherever necessary, will be used." "Ilaj mein bulldozer bhi ek karavayi hai (bulldozer is part of the treatment)," he said. Haryana authorities have used bulldozers in the past to raze structures of alleged criminals in Nuh and other parts. On a cybercrime police station being targeted in Nuh, Vij said, "We have taken the incident very seriously." Investigations are underway to find out who attacked the police station and what records they wanted to destroy, he said. He said Nuh was becoming a new Jamtara -- the Jharkhand district notorious as India's cyber crime hub. A massive crackdown was launched earlier this year against cyber criminals and several people were arrested for defrauding people across India. "In April a house-to-house search was conducted with 5,000 police personnel. Many laptops, several thousand SIM cards and ATM cards were found there, on which action was also taken. "Now the cyber station that has been attacked, and the way attempts have been made to tamper with the files, has made us launch an investigation into whether cyber thugs attacked the computer systems also of the police station," said Vij. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Muslim-dominated Nuh when a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by mobs on Monday. Vij said police were recording people's statements and scanning CCTV footage. He also urged the journalists who have been to Nuh to cover the clashes since Monday to provide videos and feeds to the authorities to help them investigate the clashes. Vij made the same request to people who were part of the procession where the violence first broke out. Asked if the authorities had received intelligence about potential trouble during the VHP Yatra, as purportedly showed in TV channel sting, Vij said "at what level the input was there, who was told about it, all these things will be investigated." Vij said an Inspector is heard saying something during a TV sting and the video has been sent by him to the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, for analysis. If that inspector had any information, then who did he give it to and at what level, this all will be investigated, he said. When asked about Ashok Gehlot's allegation that Haryana Police did not cooperate in the arrest of Monu Manesar a cow vigilante who is wanted in a case by Rajasthan Police Vij said "Congress chief ministers are known for making irresponsible statements and they talk irresponsibly all over the country." "They should come and arrest Monu Manesar, we have never stopped anyone the Haryana Police also goes to the other states to arrest the culprit, everyone cooperates, we will also cooperate," he said. The Home Minister said all measures are being taken to restore peace in Nuh and nearby districts. Referring to the Friday namaz, the minister said he has spoken to deputy commissioners of Nuh, Faridabad, and Gurugram, and instructed them to make adequate security arrangements. NEW DELHI: After the Supreme Court cleared the decks for his return as an MP by putting a stay on his conviction in the 'Modi' surname case, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday called on former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch, Lalu Prasad Yadav, in the national capital. In a tweet, the All India Congress Committee shared pictures of the two leaders meeting at the New Delhi residence of RJD MP and Lalu's daughter, Misa Bharti. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav were also present at the meeting. Earlier, the RJD patriarch had, in a lighter vein, advised Rahul to get married during the inaugural meeting of the united Opposition in Patna in June. The Congress and the RJD are partners in the grand Opposition bloc Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A). The meeting in Patna was convened by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Meanwhile, after getting a reprieve from the Supreme Court in the criminal defamation case, Rahul addressed a press conference at the Congress's national headquarters in Delhi, thanking the people for their love and support and saying "truth always triumphs". Truth always triumphs, if not today then tomorrow or the day after. I thank people for their support, he said at the press conference in the national capital. The Supreme Court, in an interim order on Friday, stayed his conviction in the criminal defamation case over the 'Modi surname' remark. The apex court issued notices to the Gujarat government and the complainant in July on an appeal of the Congress leader challenging the Gujarat High Court order. The Gujarat High Court, had, in its order earlier, declined to stay his conviction in the criminal defamation case in which Rahul was sentenced to two years in jail by the Surat court over the 'Modi surname' remark. After his conviction in the case, Gandhi was disqualified as MP from Keralas Wayanad on March 24. Earlier in March, a magisterial court convicted Rahul Gandhi for his Modi surname remarks ahead of the 2019 national polls. The Congress today slammed the Modi government accusing it of delaying the restoration of Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary membership despite a stay on conviction by the Supreme Court. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Secretary-General are resorting to delaying tactics over the issue. "Supreme Court said that it is staying the conviction of Rahul Gandhi. What does it mean? It means that he will get the opportunity to participate in the Parliamentary proceedings once again...The speed with which Rahul Gandhi was disqualified, should be the same to reinstate him," said Chowdhury. The Congress leader claimed that when he called the Speaker last night, the speaker suggested meeting him today but during today's meeting, the issue was referred to the Secretary-General. "As per his (Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla) suggestion, when I called him up once again this morning, he told me to speak to the Secretary-General and submit the documents to his office. I called up the Secretary-General who said that his office is closed today and told me to submit the letter to the Speaker...I sent the letter by post. They signed the letter but did not stamp it. The House should function and Rahul Gandhi comes back there. When he has been granted relief by the Court, we are requesting the Speaker to see that he faces no issue in coming back..," said Chowdhury. #WATCH | Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, "Supreme Court said that it is staying the conviction of Rahul Gandhi. What does it mean? It means that he will get the opportunity to participate in the Parliamentary proceedings once again...The speed with pic.twitter.com/OjXrnbp2u5 August 5, 2023 In a relief to Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court, in an interim order on Friday, stayed his conviction in the criminal defamation case over the 'Modi surname' remark. The apex court began hearing an appeal filed by the Congress leader challenging the Gujarat High Court order which declined to stay his conviction in the criminal defamation case. After his conviction in the case, Gandhi was disqualified as MP from Keralas Wayanad on March 24. Earlier in March, a magisterial court convicted Rahul Gandhi for his Modi surname remarks ahead of the 2019 national polls. New Delhi: Google has awarded $15,000 as a bug bounty to Apple for spotting a high-severity security vulnerability in the Chrome web browser. Apples Security Engineering and Architecture team found the bug and reported it to Google for discovery and disclosure, reports Forbes. Google disclosed in its latest Chrome update, confirming 11 security fixes as a result of external contributor vulnerability reports. Apples SEAR team is tasked with providing the foundation for operating system security across all product lines at the tech giant. If they happen to come across something that relates to a third-party product as part of this ongoing security process, then a responsible disclosure will be made, according to the report. The CVE-2023-4072 vulnerability is an out of bounds read and write bug within Chromes WebGL implementation. WebGL is the JavaScript application programming interface that enables the rendering of interactive graphics within the browser without any plug-ins being required. In total, Google awarded bounties worth $123,000 for vulnerabilities as part of its bug bounty programme, according to the report. The company said that the Stable Chrome channel has been updated to 115.0.5790.170 for Mac and Linux and 115.0.5790.170/.171 for Windows, which will roll out over the coming days/weeks. Access to bug details and links may be kept restricted until a majority of users are updated with a fix. We will also retain restrictions if the bug exists in a third-party library that other projects similarly depend on, but havent yet fixed, said Google. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to three years in prison in the Toshakhana corruption case. An Islamabad trial court found Imran Khan, the Chairman of PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf), guilty of engaging in "corrupt practices" in the Toshakhana case. Additionally, the court levied a fine of Rs100,000 against Imran Khan. Shortly after the court order, Khan was arrested in Lahore amid the heavy presence of security forces and was moved to Kot Lakhpat Jail. He has also been disqualified from politics for a period of five years due to the conviction. The court also said that Khan would have to serve another six months in jail if he failed to pay the fine. The verdict came a day after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) set aside a session court's verdict to uphold the maintainability of the Toshakhana case for criminal proceedings against Khan. The PTI chief has been found guilty of selling gifts he received while serving as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The case pertains to a criminal complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on May 10, alleging that Imran Khan concealed information about gifts received in Toshakhana. During the recent hearing, Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar determined that the charges against the former Prime Minister were substantiated. Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details to the Election Commission of Pakistan and is found guilty of corrupt practices, said the judge and sent Khan to jail for three years. Imran Khan was handed over the jail term under Section 174 of the Election Act. The Election Commission of Pakistan had disqualified Khan on October 21, 2022, for making false statements and incorrect declaration in relation to the case. The Toshakhana issue became a major sticking point in national politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making false statements and incorrect declaration. The reference, which alleges that Imran failed to share details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana (during his time as the prime minister) was filed by lawmakers from the ruling coalition last year. The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet Division that stores gifts given to rulers and government officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries. (With agency inputs) LA CROSSEPeggy Jean Geiger, age 98, of La Crosse, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023 in the comfort of her home in the Willows Assisted Living Apartments, surrounded by her loving family. Peggy was born on February 10, 1925, in Yucaipa, CA to Harry and Francis Whaley. She lived a life full of love and dedication to her family, friends, and community. She emanated a warmth that made people embrace her immediately and connected the people around her. Peggy attended the University of Redlands and then graduated from Stanford Nursing School in 1947. She then moved to New York where she worked at Cornell University Hospital with her best friend, E.A. Bailey. She then moved to Redlands, CA where she continued her professional life working as a nurse in many settings, including the private practice of her dear friend Clarence Paul, MD. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Peggy was deeply devoted to her family. On August 2, 1952, she married John George Straker in Palo Alto, CA. They raised three children together and enjoyed taking them on adventures camping and boating on the Colorado River. They lived 32 happy years together until Johns passing in 1984. Peggy later found love again and married Clarence Pat Haldene Geiger on September 5, 1992, in Redlands, CA. They enjoyed 19 cherished years and loved their experiences traveling the world together. Following Clarences death, Peggy moved to Wisconsin to live with her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Gwyn Straker. Throughout her life, Peggy loved to serve her community. She was active with Meals on Wheels for over 20 years and was a volunteer census-taker. After retiring, she taught for many years through the Redlands Unified School District adult learning program, preparing students to become trained Medical Assistants. In her leisure time, Peggy was an avid reader, immersing herself in literature until her eyesight failed. She was a devoted Catholic and loved to spend her time attending mass. As a lifelong bridge player, she found many dear friends through the clubs she joined in both Redlands and La Crosse. Peggy is survived by her children: Kathleen (Michael) Wilber, Scott (Gwyn) Straker, and Jeff (Carole) Straker; her grandchildren: Steven (Si) Wilber, Michelle (Joseph) Bumbaca, Meghan (Phillip) Stott, James DeCremer and Jon Straker; and her great-grandchildren: JD and Maryn DeCremer, Maeve and Isla Stott, Ben and Evan Wilber, and Nico and Donovan Bumbaca. A funeral Mass was held on July 31, 2023, at the Roncalli Newman Center. Interment will be at a later date in Redlands, CA. In celebration of her life and to honor her memory, the family appreciates donations made to Gundersen Health System Hospice. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting her family. The Worlds Largest Six-Pack at City Brewing Co. is one step closer to being refaced, after the city of La Crosse issued a building permit for the work last week. The landmark is to be restored for $40,000 by The La Crosse Sign Group, according to city documents. City Brewing representatives have been tight-lipped about what the new refacing project will look like, although the issued permit references Old Style in the subject line, indicating the cans could be refaced with their original look. City Brewing declined to comment. The Tribune first reported about plans to update the appearance of the tanks in August 2022. The iconic tourist attraction has had a few different looks since 1969, when Heileman Brewery first decorated the large storage tanks to look like giant beer cans. The tanks were painted to resemble cans of Heilemans Old Style Lager Beer. Thirty years later, the brewery was sold to City Brewing and painted over in white, before in 2003 they were decorated again this time in homage to the new owners La Crosse Lager. Last year, the old faded vinyl coverings were removed to make way for the new project. Pabst Brewing Co. acquired the Old Style brand in 1999, when it purchased Stroh Brewing, and in 2019 the beer giant announced in an industry newsletter it would move most of its production to City Brewing facilities, which has plants in a La Crosse, Memphis and Latrobe, Pennsylvania. City Brewing Co. also received a permit to construct a new building in silo alley and extend an underground tunnel from the brewhouse to the new structure. The project was estimated to cost $1.8 million. Places of the past: Heileman Brewery 1957: Old Style newspaper advertisement 1969: Strike 1970: World's Largest Six Pack 1972: Brewery expansion 1973: New York Stock Exchange 1976: Tasting 1977: 6 million barrels 1979: King Gambrinus 1982: New brewhouse 1984: Old Style L.A. 1985: Beer spill 1994: Heileman's free water 1999: City Brewery 2000: City Brewery While superbugs typically attack frail, elderly people, anyone can contract a superbug. Peggy Lillis was a healthy, vibrant 56-year-old teacher in Brooklyn, who woke up one morning 10 years ago with severe diarrhea. "Being a kindergarten teacher, she just assumed that she caught something from one of the kids or maybe she had food poisoning. She did not think it was a serious threat. None of us did," remembers her son, Christian Lillis. Five days later, Peggy was so sick she could barely move. Doctors immediately admitted Peggy to the intensive care unit. She had Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff, one of the urgent threats on the CDC's list. Peggy kidneys were starting to fail, and she was going into septic shock. The hospital gave Peggy an antibiotic called vancomycin, both intravenously and by enema. But she died the next day -- less than a week after becoming ill. "The doctors at the hospital where she was treated -- they did everything they could for her," Christian said. "But bacteria are evolving at a rate that we are not keeping up with." Christian says they'll never know exactly where or when his mother picked up the C. diff bacteria. According to the CDC, a C. diff infection is usually a side effect of taking antibiotics, which along with killing bad bacteria, can also kill the good bacteria that help fight infections. People taking antibiotics are 7 to 10 times more likely to get C. diff while on the drugs and during the month after. Two days before she became ill, Peggy's dentist had prescribed an antibiotic called clindamycin to prevent infection following a root canal. Peggy's autopsy lists her cause of death as illnesses "as a consequence of antibiotic therapy for a dental procedure." Now her family questions whether that preventive antibiotic was necessary. Christian and his brother, Liam Lillis, hope to educate others about C. diff through the Peggy Lillis Foundation. "My mother was probably the best person I've ever known in my life," Christian said. "What we will not accept is that our mother's death is going to be in vain." MONTGOMERY, Ala. Former President Donald Trump, fresh off his third appearance in court as a criminal defendant, delivered a speech full of defiance and bluster on Friday night, insulting prosecutors and declaring that the charges he faces only help his 2024 presidential campaign. "Any time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls," Trump said at a Republican Party dinner in Alabama. "We need one more indictment to close out this election. One more indictment, and this election is closed out. Nobody has even a chance." Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to crimes related to his efforts to overturn the results of his 2020 election loss. Although it's his third criminal indictment this year, this case is the most serious, with the federal government he once ran charging him with orchestrating a scheme to block the peaceful transfer of power. Trump was characteristically unapologetic as he took the stage Friday night to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," flashing a thumbs-up at the crowd, raising his fist and taking in a nearly three-minute standing ovation. "We're gonna be here for a little while," he joked, asking the crowd to take a seat. The latest set of charges focuses on the two months between his November 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Trump denies wrongdoing and wedded his 2024 presidential campaign to his legal defense and his false claims of 2020 election fraud. In a sign of that defiance, his campaign released an online ad Friday attacking Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who led the investigation that resulted in Trump's latest charges and a separate case where he's charged with mishandling classified documents. The ad, expected to start airing on television next week, also attacks Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who charged Trump in a hush money case, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is believed to be close to filing charges in her investigation into efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. A Trump aide said the ad will start airing Monday and Tuesday in Washington, D.C., New York, Atlanta and on national cable. The ad was also shown to the crowd at the Alabama dinner Friday night. Trump continued to receive endorsements from GOP elected officials throughout the investigations and criminal cases, including on Friday from all six of the state's Republican U.S. House members. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who is waging an unprecedented campaign to try to change Pentagon abortion policy by holding up hundreds of military nominations and promotions, introduced Trump at the dinner Friday night. "He's had a tough week. We need to stand behind him," Tuberville said. "He needs encouragement. They're after him." Among the opening acts of the dinner were Catherine Engelbrecht and Gregg Phillips, who produced the movie "2000 Mules," which made various debunked claims about mail ballots, drop boxes and ballot collection in the 2020 presidential election. Trump praised the pair and said: "Get ready. Get those votes ready. Just get them ready. Keep those tapes handy because you're going to need them." The crowd of 2,700 began arriving several hours early for the dinner, a $250-per-ticket fundraiser for the Alabama Republican Party. "They are excited," Alabama Republican Party Chair John Wahl said. "There is so much passion from Trump supporters and voters across the state." Trump's mounting legal troubles do not seem to be dampening his support in the Deep South state that is among more than a dozen that will hold primary contests on Super Tuesday. The March 5 slate of elections is increasingly seen as one of the last chances for any other GOP presidential candidate to try to make inroads in Trump's front-runner status. Trump's closest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has been making a play for Super Tuesday states. In Alabama, though, one gauge of interest doesn't bode well for the governor: The state GOP sold about 1,000 fewer tickets for a similar dinner in March when DeSantis spoke. Robin Rowan, the owner of a financial company, wore a button and sash with Trump's image and "NOT GUILTY" emblazoned in sequins as she waited Friday to hear Trump speak. Rowan, who does not believe the criminal accusations against Trump, said the charges galvanized support for Trump. "We know the truth. They are trying to wear us down. They are not going to wear us down," she said. Rich Foster, a retired police officer wearing a black "Bikers for Trump" T-shirt, said he believes some crimes were committed on Jan. 6, 2021, such as the attacks on police officers defending the Capitol, but does not consider Trump responsible for the violence. "I don't think Trump committed a crime that day," Foster said. He said he believed that Trump, as president, had a right to speak out about the election. Trump has not been charged with inciting the attack, but prosecutors accused him of exploiting the violence and chaos at the Capitol to continue making false claims of election fraud and trying to halt the certification of the election results. Foster said he and other Trump supporters viewed the charges as an attempt to keep Trump from winning in 2024. He said he would write in the former president's name if he has to. The four liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court justices voted Friday to slash the power of the courts conservative chief justice, impose new filing deadlines and reopen administrative meetings. The changes will make the court more inclusive, timely, and responsive and be a first step in making our court more accessible and more accountable to the people of Wisconsin, liberal Justice Rebecca Dallet said. The moves drew immediate ire from conservatives, especially the chief justice, whose powers now appear to be largely diminished. In a letter Friday, Chief Justice Annette Ziegler accused four rogue members of the court of gutting her power and altering the courts operating procedures in a secret, unscheduled, illegitimate closed meeting. Separately, conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley tweeted that liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley and her cabal of extreme leftists, justices Dallet, Jill Karofsky and the newly sworn-in Janet Protasiewicz, were the justices who approved the changes. Ann Bradley & her cabal of extreme leftists-Rebecca Dallet, Jill Karofsky & Janet Protasiewicz-met in secret, without their colleagues, to usurp the power the people gave the Chief Justice. They have no respect for the people they are supposed to serve or for the constitution 1/3 https://t.co/UDLVLJ9RF2 Rebecca Bradley (@JudgeBradleyWI) August 4, 2023 Ziegler said the four members are wrongfully conducting court operations outside the regularly scheduled business year from September to June. The rogue justices attempt to go outside of this recognized procedure is an imposition of will and a raw exercise of overreaching power, she said in the letter. Any such attempted action is illegitimate and unenforceable. In response, Dallet said she had made the chief justice aware of the pending changes and was disappointed that she declined to participate in a meeting to discuss them. On behalf of a majority of justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, I want to express my disappointment that the Chief Justice, rather than collegially participate in a scheduled meeting of the court today, is litigating issues normally discussed by Justices either in conference or through email, through media releases, Dallet said. It is not my intention, nor the intention of a majority of my colleagues, to continue to litigate internal issues through the media, she continued. The latest actions cap off a tumultuous first week of the courts liberal majority that began with the firing of the state court system director, a former Jefferson County judge who ran unsuccessfully for the Supreme Court as a conservative in 2009. It followed with the liberals appointing their own administrative director, which led to GOP accusations that their appointment was unconstitutional. Powers diminished Along with her statement, Dallet attached more than 40 pages of changes to the Wisconsin Supreme Courts operating procedures and rules. Perhaps most notably, administrative decisions that used to be made solely by the chief justice would now be made by the chief justice along with two justices chosen by a majority of the court. Given the newfound liberal majority, that rule would likely lead to two liberal justices outnumbering Ziegler on the new Supreme Court Administrative Committee. Another change advanced Friday would impose deadlines for issuing concurrences or dissents on orders deciding whether to allow lawsuits to be filed directly with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, instead of a lower court. Any concurrences or dissents from such an order shall be circulated within 7 business days of the circulation of the order granting or denying a petition to commence an original action, the new operating procedure states. Any late dissent or concurrence would have to be released separately under the new rule. That change would likely hurry the process of a lawsuit that liberals filed Wednesday directly with the state high court that seeks to redraw the states legislative maps. The new rule would appear to prevent any justice from delaying a decision on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed. Open meetings Other changes announced Friday include a provision to hold the courts administrative meetings in public. The court used to have open meetings to consider rules and operating procedures, but in 2012 justices rolled back their open meetings policy and did so again five years later, drawing ire from the liberal bloc on the court. In the previously public meetings, Wisconsin high court justices would discuss and vote on changing judicial policies across the state court system, including when they should recuse themselves from Supreme Court cases, rules regarding evidence and coming up with new ways to encourage lawyers to provide free legal services. That policy allowed the public to tune in, for example, to the justices considering whether concealed weapons should be allowed in the court and whether they should recuse themselves from cases in which the litigants have donated to their campaigns. For the past several years those meetings have been held behind closed doors. During her campaign Protasiewicz said she supported opening the court meetings again. The court will be announcing a bipartisan task force to study the issue of recusal and present recommendations, Dallet said Friday. In the past, justices and judicial candidates have varied significantly on when they feel recusing themselves from cases is appropriate. Protasiewicz has said she would recuse herself from cases involving the Democratic Party of Wisconsin since it donated millions to her campaign. She said she wouldnt recuse herself from cases involving abortion or redistricting despite making clear her support for reinstating abortion rights and redrawing the states legislative maps. The CDC recently reported a mild increase in COVID viral cases being registered. After finding five individual newspaper reports about this bump in the COVID road, it seemed proper to summarize the data and give perspective to the numbers. No, it does not appear to be a large wave or surge in the making. The main data were from reported hospitalizations, reported emergency room visits and coronavirus concentrations in municipal wastewater, the one source of testing still being followed with regularity. According to the latest CDC data, hospitalizations jumped about 10% to 7,109 for the week ending July 15, up from the 6,444 in the prior week. The national hospital peak during the pandemic came in the week ending Jan. 15, 2022, of 150,674 during the height of the Omicron surge. Since COVID testing has become so scattershot with formal centers gone and home testing random and mostly unreported, wastewater testing for the virus has become a more important marker for the increase in community infections. A couple of references said the amount measured has risen in the last few weeks to twice the prior low level. In California it went from 8% of last winters peak to 16% in 2 weeks. It is the first upswing since last winter. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert in Tennessee said, the way I characterize it is, its smoldering along. At this point in time people have pandemic fatigue and want to be done with it. The immunity from the past 3 years has likely been built up in most folks from vaccinations and infections to withstand an infection causing serious illness or death. Those two aspects have not been seen occurring to date. Antibody protein levels produced from B cell lymphocytes, which are the first line of defense in a new infection, have to be waning. But the second line of defense in the memory T cell lymphocytes are very likely to be ready to encounter a new viral invasion. Routine testing for those is not readily available. All immunity is not lost with antibodies declining. Opportunities to transmit the viruses have multiplied greatly since late spring. Airplanes are full, people are cavorting and consorting together in crowded social scenes, and mask use is negligible. However, when we took a plane flight just recently it was heartening to see some passengers still sporting masks. Also, masks are randomly seen here and there in stores. Some experts are concerned about a surge now, but as yet there has been no identifiable new variant found to penetrate our immune armor. Others are not worried, like Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota who runs the Center for Infectious Disease and Research. He was recently reported to have contracted some long COVID problems after his infection in March. There is concern about another COVID wave this fall and winter that could be significant. A lot of that is based on statistical models. The virus is not tipping its hand yet. Fortunately, we have tools to blunt a fresh variant onslaught with the drug Paxlovid and a new vaccine coming in a couple months specifically for the dominant Omicron variant XBB.1.5. If you feel sick, it is still appropriate to do a home COVID test. If it is positive, call your doc to see if you can and should get Paxlovid for the 5-day course. It still should be covered by most insurers. In an attempt to cover the latest COVID chronicles I hope this quiets any concerns you might feel from reading about higher community COVID activity. At this point the pundits predictions can be compared to the precipitation prognostication prophets, aka weather forecasters. Theres a 50% chance of getting wet today. Or, maybe you will, maybe you wont. An epidemiologist (the medical equivalent of a weather forecaster) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health was quoted, Its like when meteorologists are watching a storm forming offshore and theyre not sure if it will pick up steam, but the conditions are there, and they are watching closely. Maybe take an umbrella or get a new vaccination when its available. Major technology companies in the Madison area and nationally, most of which had at one time embraced remote work, are increasingly requiring employees to get back in the office for at least part of the work week. With the COVID-19 pandemic winding down, electronic health records giant Epic Systems Corp. in January 2022 began requiring workers to spend almost all of their time at the companys sprawling Verona campus. Its policy requires nearly all of the privately held companys 13,000 employees work from the office every day, though they can take 10 half-days each year to work remotely. Technical Services Division Lead Nate Bubb said Epics policy is its true North Star, enabling the company to execute its mission of helping nurses and doctors do their best work. He said Epic has monitored hybrid work trends and has decided in-person work is its only viable path forward, making the company stand out as one of the earliest and most passionate advocates of in-person work since the beginning of the pandemic. Bubb has been working at Epic for more than a decade and said that while the number of remote-work exception days may change, the intention wont: In-person work is here to stay for Epic workers. He said most of the employees he spoke with when Epics current remote work policy was created agreed with his team, and that his team talked with a wide variety of workers. Being able to walk down the hall and hop into a room, do complex things together, thats the majority of the time, Bubb said. That will be the way we continue to serve our community. A survey of 4,500 companies by Scoop, a company that helps businesses navigate remote work, found that 75% of tech companies more than in other industries were either fully remote or allowing employees to choose when to be in the office. But more companies were requiring employees to be in the office at least some days, especially at larger technology companies. About 8% were requiring employees to be in the office full-time. It found that larger tech companies were more often requiring hybrid or in-office work. Just as collaborative Some of Epics former employees say the companys push to get employees back into the office early in the pandemic propelled their departure. Cassy Smithies said she worked full time on Epics design team from June 2020 to May 2022. The (remote work) flexibility was one of the main reasons why I left because being there for my family was something really important to me, Smithies said. Now Im in another role where I can do that and can drop things and go fly out for a week and then come back and get back into the office and be just as collaborative as before. Smithies now works a hybrid schedule as a senior product designer for Fetch, a Madison-based company behind a mobile app that helps consumers earn various rewards from retailers. The argument since COVID restrictions began to ease in late 2020 has been that working from home eliminates the need to commute and provides workers with flexibility. The counter-argument is that in-person work makes for better employee collaboration and communication. And Epic is not alone in requiring workers show up at the office. Madisons Exact Sciences Corp., known for its at-home cancer-screening test, Cologuard, offers a hybrid-work model. The company has around 6,300 employees globally, including 3,000 in the Madison area. We believe that remote work offers great convenience and is needed for certain positions, but its the in-person interactions that spark creativity, collaboration and innovation, said Sarah Condella, executive vice president of human resources at Exact Sciences. Remote work is an option for specific positions, based on the availability of the skill, type of work and the level of interdependence on others required for the role. However, most of our roles are performed on-site or hybrid. Other tech companies, such as Salesforce, are reversing course after saying workers could work from anywhere, and recently began encouraging people to return to the office. Its gone so far as to donate to nonprofits of employees choice as an incentive to show up in person. Dan Olszewski, director of the Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship at UW-Madison, said many important features of the workplace are difficult to replicate on Zoom. But Olszewski said some of the advantages of in-person work can be achieved with a hybrid schedule, especially if commuting is an issue. Its hard to really engage new employees in the company and feel virtually, Olszewski said. The mentoring that goes along with that, a lot of that tends to be informal, running into people at the water cooler. The consensus among employees about hybrid work is mixed, Olszewski said. Some crave in-person work and connection, while others prefer their own space. Many feel somewhere in between. Hybrid work is here to stay, he said, pointing to a July report from the McKinsey Global Institute that office attendance in the country is 30% below pre-pandemic norms. Life balance Another former Epic employee, Aris Blevins, said he was the design director of clinicals and analytics at Epic between July 2020 and June 2022. Blevins said he continually felt stuck trying to juggle demands around productivity, camaraderie, safety and the desires of his team without feeling like he had an ultimate say in many decisions. Blevins is now the director of user experience at Sonic Foundry Inc., a Madison company that makes software for distance learning and communication, where he works a hybrid schedule. This is the right balance for me, Blevins said. Being able to come in, not every single day, with a family and kids. Workers around the country are divided on whether to embrace hybrid work. Among Americans who have the ability to work remotely, 65% prefer it all the time, compared to 32% of workers who want a hybrid model, according to a recent Forbes study. Those who prefer an out-of-office lifestyle point to the need to balance their personal and professional lives, the study states. Moving forward, it is predicted that 22% of the American workforce will be remote by 2025, the Forbes article said. Photos: Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years Epic Systems over the years The move by automobile manufacturers to include radios in cars nearly 100 years ago helped spread AM radio across the United States. But now, some carmakers want to stop providing AM radio in their new vehicles. The first cars to be sold with radios were introduced in the 1930s. They only received one kind of radio transmission, those that broadcast using AM, or amplitude modulation. After some time, radios could receive transmissions in AM and FM. FM stands for frequency modulation. For many years, those were the only choices. But after a while, car makers added 8-track players, audio cassette players, compact disc players and eventually Bluetooth connections so people could play music from mobile devices such as an iPhone. However, cars are no longer sold with 8-track players or compact disc players. And now, some new electric cars are being sold with radios that only receive FM signals. Car makers say the driving systems in electric vehicles interfere with the AM signal. That concerns the people who own and work at about 4,000 radio stations in the U.S. that broadcast in AM. One of them is in the small town of Dimmitt, Texas. Nancy and Todd Whalen own the radio station KDHN-1470, which has been broadcasting since 1963. They are the only employees, and they talk on the radio every morning. The Whalens have run the station for eight years. They say they do it, so Dimmitt has something to feel good about. We feel like what weve done and continue to do is provide that, not just for Dimmitt, but for all the small towns in the area that no longer have local radio stations. KDHN also runs a translator, or a system that changes the signal so their programs can also be heard on FM. But the AM signal is much stronger. The FM signal covers about a 30-kilometer radius from the transmitter while the AM signal covers 160 kilometers. Nancy Whalen called the AM signal our bread and butter since the beginning. The reduction in the number of AM stations has many people worried. That includes broadcasters, business owners, farmers and lawmakers. Some broadcasting companies that own AM radio stations are selling their land because it is more profitable than running a radio station. Amy Klobuchar is a senator from Minnesota. She is concerned about losing AM radio stations. They keep people in her large state informed. In an online video, Klobuchar said AM radio gives people the information they need in many of our rural areas She noted that a lot of people drive long distances in rural areas and listen to the radio in the car. She also said of AM radio: This is where people find their local news. Klobuchar and others are working on the AM For Every Vehicle Act. They want to keep AM radio in cars. The lawmakers say the car makers should find a way to keep AM radio. When Klobuchar talks about people in rural areas, she is talking about people like Rodney Hunter. He supervises two grain storage structures, called silos, in Texas. He said farmers will listen to the radio on their way to sell grain. Without the news on AM radio, they would not know if grain prices were up or down. Farmers are in their (trucks or tractors) going up and down the road, Hunter said. He added it is easier for them to listen to the agriculture news on AM radio than to try to find the information online. But the people who run AM radio stations are not just farmers and small-town business people with a sense of civic pride. About five hours southeast of the grain-storage building, Joann Whang is a pharmacist who listens to KKDA-730 in Dallas, Texas. It is a Korean-language station. At first, Whang said she thought listening to a Korean station was only for old people. But it actually was pretty interesting, she said. She said she got a lot of information and even heard Korean pop songs, known as K-pop. The station is owned by DK Media Group. The company also runs two Korean-language newspapers. Stephanie Min Kim is the president. She said removing AM from cars would hurt small companies like hers that broadcast in languages other than English. It is too costly to buy a license, or government permission, to broadcast in FM, she said. Kim once worked for the Korean broadcaster KBS. She said, We feel that it is our duty to help and support our Korean immigrants integrate into American society. She said her radio station hosts discussions with experts in law, healthcare and education that help people from Korea learn about life in the U.S. She said, if AM is removed from cars, the transmissions face an existential threat. That means the existence of the stations is threatened. Radio Caravan is another small broadcaster in Dallas. It broadcasts in Hindi, Tamil and English on AM 700. Aparna Ragnan is a radio host. She said carmakers should find a way to keep AM. Vaibhav Sheth is the station manager. He said the sound quality of the AM stations is not a problem. He said the information that the stations provide is more important than sound quality. In addition, he notes that AM stations are important in emergencies. The emergency signals go off to alert listeners about bad weather, like a tornado, or a child who is in danger. Whatever it is thats happening, he said, it goes to the AM frequency. Im Steve Herman. And Im Dan Friedell. Steve Herman wrote this story for voanews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. ______________________________________________ Words in This Story transmission n. (broadcasting) the sending of a specific radio signal for broadcast 8-track, cassette, compact disc n. different kinds of devices that store information to play back sound rural adj. in the countryside and not in the city or suburbs bread and butter adj. (idiomatic) very basic and necessary pharmacist n. a person whose job it is to prepare and provide drugs and medicines called for by a medical doctors orders integrate v. to make a person part of a large group, organization or community frequency n. (broadcasting) a measure of a radio wave signal that is received by a radio ___________________________________________________ We want to hear from you. Do you have AM radio where you live? How are cars changing their audio systems? 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. VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents. Today we are talking about Benjamin Harrison. His family name may sound familiar. That is because he was the grandson of President William Henry Harrison. That situation is unique in U.S. history so far. Harrison played an unusually active role as president at a time when most chief executives saw themselves as simply administrators. As a result, American writer and intellectual Henry Adams said Harrison was the best president since Lincoln. But most Americans remember little about him, except his connection to the previous President Harrison, who himself died after only a month in office. Early life Benjamin Harrison grew up on a farm in the Midwestern state of Ohio as one of eight children. His grandfather was not the only famous political Harrison. His great-grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence. And his father had been a congressman. Young Benjamin Harrison respected these men and believed he had a role to play in history, too. He received a good education, and even outside of school he read many books. His hard work and intelligence carried him to Miami University in Ohio, and then to a career as a lawyer. Along the way, he married a woman he had known since he was a teenager, Caroline Lavinia Scott. The couple settled in another Midwestern city, Indianapolis, Indiana, and had a son and daughter. Over time, Harrison steadily built a career as a public official. But his political path was interrupted by the American Civil War. Harrison rose to the rank of general in the Union Army. He fought under General William T. Sherman, and was one of the first soldiers to enter Atlanta, Georgia after the city surrendered. After the war, he returned home to Indiana and continued his legal and political career. In 1881, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. But six years later he lost his seat when Democrats came to power in his state.Reports say that Harrison was an excellent soldier. But he did not enjoy fighting or find war romantic. Harrisons loss of his Senate seat soon turned to a victory. The Republican Party nominated him as their candidate to run against Grover Cleveland in the 1888 presidential election. Clevelands economic policies had become unpopular, and Republicans worked hard to support their candidate. They succeeded. Although Cleveland won the popular vote, Harrison won the Electoral College. In 1889, he followed his grandfathers footsteps all the way to the White House. Presidency Harrisons election was a major victory for his Republican Party. In addition to winning the White House, Republicans gained seats in the House of Representatives, held a majority in the Senate, and appointed several Republican justices to the Supreme Court. Harrison and other Republican lawmakers used their power to take action on issues at home and internationally. One act was to preserve forests. Harrison identified 17 protected natural areas, and helped create Yosemite National Park in California. His government also established Ellis Island in New York to make immigration to the U.S. a more orderly process. Internationally, Harrisons administration sought to build ties with Latin American countries. His government established what would, in time, become the Organization of American States. His administration also increased the United States global trade as well as the countrys navy. But, for the most part, the most pressing issues of the day were economic. The federal government at that time had an unusually large surplus. Some argued that the surplus was hurting business. In answer, Harrisons government placed a high protective tariff on imported goods. The legislation was known as the McKinley Tariff of 1890. Officials also aimed to limit the power of large corporations to control important markets in the U.S. Finally, they agreed to require the government to buy silver to use as currency. These actions pleased some of his supporters. But, they may have contributed to the severe economic depression that followed Harrisons term. And in general, voters disapproved of the amount of money Republican lawmakers were spending. Although the country was at peace, the 51st Congress appropriated $1 billion. At the midterm elections, many lawmakers paid for all the spending with their seats. Two years later, voters turned Harrison out of the White House, too. They returned Grover Cleveland to the presidency. Harrison did not express much disappointment. He had worked hard to become president like his grandfather. But he found he did not like being the chief executive. He said when he left the White House, it was like being released from prison. Legacy Among U.S. presidents, Harrison does not have one of the most dramatic biographies. The facts of his life show an intelligent, disciplined man who tried to live by his beliefs. But he was not considered passionate about many things, except perhaps his enjoyment of nature. And he did not have an easy way with people. Even his staff called him the human iceberg because he could be aloof and act coldly toward people. Yet Harrisons family brought some warmth to his administration. His wife, Caroline, was known to be a lively, social person. She was the first to install a Christmas tree in the White House. Some of Harrisons grandchildren also lived in the White House. Harrison permitted them to play on the grounds with their pet animals. During Harrisons term, the family kept a goat, which the children called Old Whiskers. Harrisons time in the White House saw sorrow, too. Toward the end of her husbands term, the first lady became seriously ill with tuberculosis. For months, Benjamin Harrison divided his attention between his wife and his job, and yet in the end lost both. After his term as president ended, Benjamin Harrison returned to his home in Indianapolis. He did some work as a teacher and lawyer, and kept a good public image in his community. He also re-married. His second wife was a widow herself, as well as his first wifes niece. He and Mary Scott Lord Dimmick Harrison had a daughter together. The child was only four when Harrison died from pneumonia at age 67. Im Kelly Jean Kelly. Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. ____________________________________________________________________ Check your understanding by taking a listening quiz. Play each video, then choose the best answer. Quiz - America's Presidents: Benjamin Harrison Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ____________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story role - n. a part that someone or something has in a particular activity or situation interrupt - v. to cause (something) to stop happening for a time romantic - adj. not realistic or practical : not based on what is real appropriate - v. to get or save (money) for a specific use or purpose passionate - adj. having, showing, or expressing strong emotions or beliefs aloof - adj. not involved with or friendly toward other people New rules aim to protect horseshoe crabs, which are used in medical research, and also to support an endangered bird species. Blue blood from horseshoe crabs is used by researchers to test for dangerous substances in vaccines, medicines and medical devices. The animals are also used by fisherman as bait to catch eels and sea snails. In addition, the eggs of horseshoe crabs are an important food for an endangered bird called the red knot. Scientists say horseshoe crabs have been living in ocean environments for more than 400 million years. But they are different from other crabs. They are more closely related to spiders and scorpions. The animals have been decreasing in numbers in areas they live in, called habitats, along the U.S. East Coast. The blue blood is taken from the animals for medical research. The process returns the crabs to the environment. But many die from the blood harvesting process. Blood from the crabs can be manufactured into limulus amebocyte lysate, or LAL, a substance used to identify dangerous substances in some medications and vaccines. Fishermen collect the crabs by hand or with special equipment on boats for use by biomedical companies. The blood which contains immune cells sensitive to bacteria is then separated and proteins are processed. It takes many crabs to produce enough blood to fill a single glass tube, which contains cells that are sensitive to bacteria. New guidelines for dealing with horseshoe crabs were approved in May by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Industry officials said those changes should keep more crabs alive. But, in recent years, environmentalists brought attention to the issue of the horseshoe crabs, including their relationship to the red knot. Red knots are birds that travel about 30,500 kilometers back and forth from South America to Canada. During their long trip, the birds must stop to eat along the way and horseshoe crabs are an important food. Bethany Kraft is a coastal conservation specialist with the environmental organization the Audubon Society. Kraft told The Associated Press (AP) that red knots need horseshoe crab eggs to give them enough fuel to complete their long flights. There's very clear linkage between horseshoe crabs and the survival of the red knot in the coming decades, she added. Kraft said horseshoe crabs currently need stronger protection to survive. She and other wildlife conservationists have noted the new guidelines are currently only voluntary. This, they say, still leaves the red knot at risk. They say the bird needs stronger legal protection. The new guidelines urge best practices for the biomedical industry's harvesting and processing of the crabs. They include measures aimed at limiting exposure to sunlight and keeping crabs cool and wet. Caitlin Starks is a fishery specialist with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. She told the AP the goal of the guidelines is to give the crabs that are bled a better chance of surviving. That is exactly what the new guidelines will do, said Nora Blair, an operations official with Charles River Laboratories. The company manufactures LAL from horseshoe crab blood. Blair was a member of a working group that created the new guidelines along with other industry groups. Blair said the industry is working to find synthetic materials that could be used for biomedical research. Conservationists have been pushing for years for such a solution. Lonza, a Switzerland-based company that manufactures LAL, offers an animal-free testing solution. But Blair said that, for now, the wild harvest of horseshoe crabs remains extremely important for drug safety. The animals play an important part in supplying and testing drugs and the coastal environment makes their conservation imperative, she added. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. _____________________________________________ Words in This Story species n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants bait n. a piece of foot that is used to catch fish or other animals conservation n. an organized effort that aims to protect animals, and natural resources decade n. a period of ten years expose v. to remove what is covering something so that it can be seen synthetic adj. a group of products made from artificial substances, often copying a natural product imperative adj. extremely important or necessary _________________________________________________ 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 reurn 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 artistic director of Moscow's state-owned Bolshoi Ballet has promised the group will one day perform in the West again. The famous ballet company performed last week in China at Beijings National Centre for the Performing Arts. It was the companys first performance outside of Russia since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The company has faced boycotts from many countries because of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Artistic director Mahkar Vaziev said the Bolshoi was not suffering from being unable to perform in the West. "I have no doubt that one day everything will go back to how it should be because culture is a wave that is very hard to suppress," Vaziev said. For many people, the Bolshoi represents the highest level of Russian culture. The ballet company was founded in 1776 by Empress Catherine the Great. The company performed around the world even during the most difficult times of the Cold War. Bolshois dancers hope their performance in China is a sign that they will return to performing around the world. However, only two other performances are currently on the companys schedule. The dancers are set to perform in the Belarusian capital Minsk in November and Oman next January. The Bolshois time in Beijing includes two performances that will show parts of its best-known ballets. It will then give a three-day staging of the 19th-century ballet Don Quixote. The Bolshoi still receives around 70 percent of its financial support from the Russian government, a company official said. No current performers have spoken out against the Russian invasion. The United Nations reports the war has injured or killed about 8,500 civilians. In February 2022, the day after Moscow sent thousands of troops into Ukraine, Londons Royal Opera House canceled Bolshoi performances planned for the summer of that year. Cancellations in other Western cities soon followed. Creative work with Western artists and theaters came to a stop. Several Russian and foreign dancers also quit the company to show their strong disapproval of the Ukraine war. Former principal ballerina Olga Smirnova was among those who quit. Elizaveta Kokoreva joined the company at the beginning of the pandemic. She is now its principal ballerina. She said, "I would really like to visit other countries, see the world, and get to know different venues, theatres, teachers and choreographers. She added, But it is what it is right now." Im Andrew Smith. Andrew Smith adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting from Reuters. ____________________________________________________ Words in This Story suppress -v. to prevent something by using force or making it illegal staging -n. a presentation or series of presentations of theater performances such as plays, ballets, and music concerts. venue -n. a place where public events, especially performances, take place, such as a theater or stadium choreographer -n. a person who creates or directs dance performances ____________________________________________________ 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. Our story today is called The Exact Science of Matrimony. It was written by O. Henry. This story was adapted by Shelley Gollust and produced by Lawan Davis. Here is Barbara Klein with the story. Jeff Peters and Andy Tucker could never be trusted. One day, the two men decided to open a marriage business to make some quick and easy money. The first thing they did was to write an advertisement to be published in newspapers. Their advertisement read like this: A charming widow, beautiful and home-loving, would like to remarry. She is only thirty-two years old. She has three thousand dollars in cash and owns valuable property in the country. She would like a poor man with a loving heart. No objection to an older man or to one who is not good-looking. But he needs to be faithful and true, can take care of property and invest money with good judgment. Give address, with details about yourself. Signed: Lonely, care of Peters and Tucker, agents, Cairo, Illinois. When they finished writing the ad, Jeff Peters said to Andy Tucker: So far, so good. And now, where is the lady? Andy gave Jeff an unhappy look. What does a marriage advertisement have to do with a lady? he asked. Now listen, Jeff answered. You know my rule, Andy. In all illegal activities, we must obey the law, in every detail. Something offered for sale must exist. It must be seen. You must be able to produce it. That is how I have kept out of trouble with the police. Now, for this business to work, we must be able to produce a charming widow, with or without the beauty, as advertised. Well, said Andy, after thinking it over, it might be better, if the United States Post Office should decide to investigate our marriage agency. But where can you hope to find a widow who would waste her time on a marriage proposal that has no marriage in it? Jeff said that he knew just such a woman. An old friend of mine, Zeke Trotter, he said, used to work in a tent show. He made his wife a widow by drinking too much of the wrong kind of alcohol. I used to stop at their house often. I think we can get her to work with us. Missus Zeke Trotter lived in a small town not far away. Jeff Peters went out to see her. She was not beautiful and not so young. But she seemed all right to Jeff. Is this an honest deal you are putting on, Mister Peters? she asked when he told her what he wanted. Missus Trotter, said Jeff, three thousand men will seek to marry you to get your money and property. What are they prepared to give in exchange? Nothing! Nothing but the bones of a lazy, dishonest, good-for-nothing fortune-seeker. We will teach them something. This will be a great moral campaign. Does that satisfy you? It does, Mister Peters, she said. But what will my duties be? Do I have to personally reject these three thousand good-for-nothings you speak of? Or can I throw them out in bunches? Jeff explained that her job would be easy. She would live in a quiet hotel and have no work to do. He and Andy would take care of all letters and the business end of the plot. But he warned her that some of the men might come to see her in person. Then, she would have to meet them face-to-face and reject them. She would be paid twenty-five dollars a week and hotel costs. Give me five minutes to get ready, Missus Trotter said. Then you can start paying me. So Jeff took her to the city and put her in a hotel far enough from Jeff and Andys place to cause no suspicion. Jeff Peters and Andy Tucker were now ready to catch a few fish on the hook. They placed their advertisement in newspapers across the country. They put two thousand dollars in a bank in Missus Trotters name. They gave her the bank book to show if anyone questioned the honesty of their marriage agency. They were sure that Missus Trotter could be trusted and that it was safe to leave the money in her name. Their ad in the newspapers started a flood of letters more than one hundred a day. Jeff and Andy worked twelve hours a day answering them. Most of the men wrote that they had lost their jobs. The world misunderstood them. But they were full of love and other good qualities. Jeff and Andy answered every letter with high praise for the writer. They asked the men to send a photograph and more details. And they told them to include two dollars to cover the cost of giving the second letter to the charming widow. Almost all the men sent in the two dollars requested. It seemed to be an easy business. Still, Andy and Jeff often spoke about the trouble of cutting open envelopes and taking the money out. A few of the men came in person. Jeff and Andy sent them to Missus Trotter and she did the rest. Soon, Jeff and Andy were receiving about two hundred dollars a day. One day, a federal postal inspector came by. But Jeff satisfied him that they were not breaking the law. After about three months, Jeff and Andy had collected more than five thousand dollars, and they decided it was time to stop. Some people were beginning to question their honesty. And, Missus Trotter seemed to have grown tired of her job. Too many men had come to see her and she did not like that. Jeff went to Missus Trotters hotel to pay her what she was owed, and to say goodbye. He also wanted her to repay the two thousand dollars that was put into her bank account. When Jeff walked into the room she was crying, like a child who did not want to go to school. Now, now, he said. Whats it all about? Somebody hurt you? Are you getting homesick? No, Mister Peters, she said. Ill tell you. You were always a good friend of my husband Zeke. Mister Peters, I am in love. I just love a man so hard I cant bear not to get him. Hes just the kind Ive always had in mind. Then take him, said Jeff. Does he feel the same way about you? He does, Missus Trotter answered. But there is a problem. He is one of the men who have been coming to see me in answer to your advertisement. And he will not marry me unless I give him the two thousand dollars. His name is William Wilkinson. Jeff felt sorry for her. He said he would be glad to let her give the two thousand dollars to Mister Wilkinson, so that she could be happy. But he said he had to talk to his partner about it. Jeff returned to his hotel and discussed it with Andy. I was expecting something like this, Andy said. You cant trust a woman to stick with you in any plan that involves her emotions. Jeff said it was a sad thing to think that they were the cause of the breaking of a womans heart. Andy agreed with him. Ill tell you what I am willing to do, said Andy. Jeff, you have always been a man of a soft and generous heart. Perhaps I have been too hard and worldly and suspicious. For once, I will meet you half-way. Go to Missus Trotter. Tell her to take the two thousand dollars out of the bank and give it to this Wilkinson fellow and be happy. Jeff shook Andys hand for a long time. Then he went back to Missus Trotter. She cried as hard for joy as she had done for sorrow. Two days later, Jeff and Andy prepared to leave town. Wouldnt you like to go meet Missus Trotter once before we leave? Jeff asked Andy. Shed like to express her thanks to you. Why, I guess not, Andy said. I think we should hurry and catch the train. Jeff was putting all the money they had received in a belt he tied around his body. Then Andy took a large amount of money out of his pocket and asked Jeff to put it together with the other money. Whats this? Jeff asked. Its Missus Trotters two thousand dollars, said Andy. How do you come to have it? Jeff asked. Missus Trotter gave it to me, Andy answered. I have been calling on her three nights a week for more than a month. Then you are William Wilkinson? Jeff asked. I was, Andy said. Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. Have you ever done anything dishonest? What was that experience like? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page. ___________________________________________________ Quiz - The Exact Science of Matrimony by O. Henry Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz __________________________________ For Teachers This lesson plan, based on the CALLA Approach, teaches the learning strategy, make inferences. ___________________________________________________ Words in This Story publish v. to have something you wrote included in a book, magazine, or newspaper investigate v. to try to get information about (someone who may have done something illegal) reject v. to refuse to love, care for, or give attention to (someone) federal adj. of or relating to the central government inspector n. a person whose job is to inspect something partner n. one of two or more people, businesses, etc., that work together or do business together August 1 is the start of the new college admissions season in the United States. It is the day students can start to complete the Common Application for college admission in 2024. The Common Application is accepted by over 1,000 colleges and universities. The service permits students to apply to many schools by submitting their information only one time. However, some colleges and universities that accept the Common Application are asking students to send in an extra piece of writing. They are using the extra prompt to give students a chance to discuss their background. The reason for this new writing prompt is the U.S. Supreme Courts recent decision to end affirmative action in college decisions. The court said selective colleges and universities, such as Harvard University or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, can no longer use race as a way to decide between two qualified students. But the court did say schools can consider an applicants discussion of how race affected his or her life That is why some schools are re-writing their prompts. At Yale University, students who apply with the Common Application must also answer one of three questions. The first question permits students to write about a time they discussed an important issue with someone holding an opposing view. Another question asks students to discuss a meaningful community to which they are connected. But a third question is new, compared to past years. It asks students to talk about part of their personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. That question permits a student to state their race and discuss how they would add something special to the group of students at Yale. At Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, a new prompt asks students to tell about a community that you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better." Timothy Fields is a top admissions official at Emory. He said the new questions are going to be much more targeted. At Sarah Lawrence College outside of New York City, a new question asks students how the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action might affect their lives. Kevin McKenna is a vice president at the college. He said the new question gives students a chance to discuss the decision that could impact the student bodies of the colleges to which they are applying. An acceptance campaign In addition to the new questions, many colleges and universities are thinking about how to connect with Black and Latino students. The school leaders worry that those students may think they are no longer welcome at selective universities after the Supreme Court decision. Amin Abdul-Malik Gonzalez is the top admissions official at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He and his team are planning extra time at high schools and more meetings at college information events to tell minority students they are still welcome. He also will offer more training to his admissions officers so they can work to build a diverse group of students without going against the Supreme Courts decision. Visits such as those by the Wesleyan team are important, said Angel Perez. He is head of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Perez said some college counselors for high school students are uncertain how their students should address their race in applications. The general feeling with school counselors right now is mostly anxiety, he said. But those who work with students, like private admissions counselor Shereem Herndon-Brown, say students should not overstate how race affects their lives. Herndon-Brown wrote a book with Fields, the admissions leader at Emory. He said students need to write authentically about how they think and have developed as a result of their background. He gave an example of a Black student from New York who recently visited relatives in the southern part of the U.S. Herndon-Brown encouraged the student to write about that experience although it was not in the students original plan. That he said, is a better idea than declaring their race or overstating their disadvantage. There is no way to trick an admissions officer or a school into believing youre something that youre not, he says. Im Jill Robbins. And Im Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by Reuters. Quiz - US Colleges Ask for More Writing after Affirmative Action Ban Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ____________________________________________________ Words in This Story admissions n. the act or process of accepting a student into a college or university study program apply v. to submit information to an organization such as a college for the right to be admitted as a student prompt n. a suggestion for a conversation or piece of writing selective adj. choosy; interested in picking something of higher quality enrich v. to add something memorable to an experience participation n. the act of being involved in something impact v. to make an impression or have an effect on something diverse adj. used to describe a group made of people or things that are different from each other anxiety n. an emotional state of being worried or very concerned authentic adj. something true or real _____________________________________________________ We want to hear from you. Do you think the universities will be able to find a way to bring in the right mix of students? 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. I would prefer an Irish Goodbye in this situation, as I have never been good with farewells or endings, but I was encouraged to write out my thoughts and let our readers know what is happening. In short, this will be my final publication at the Lexington Clipper-Herald and just the act of typing this out is bittersweet. I suppose the easiest way to go about this is to start by thanking the numerous people I am indebted to for their trust and support over the years. I remember in early 2018 when I applied for the reporter position at the Clipper-Herald that I was going out on a limb. I had graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney with a degree in history but had not found a good land spot for a career start. A relative told me about the opportunity and I decided to apply but short of enjoying writing; I had no formal journalism experience or education. That is why I have to start by thanking Heather Heinemann and Christina Wagner and my first editor Malena Ward for taking a massive risk on me as neophyte reporter. I am not sure why, but I am eternally grateful for their trust. To Heather and Chrissy, you are the types of managers people want to work for. When I started in Feb. 2018, I felt it was appropriate that of all the communities, Lexington was the one that provided me with a career start. I had grown up around the area and graduated from Lexington High School in 2012, so I always felt it was my hometown. I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the people who helped hone my writing and photography skills. Carol Meyer will forget more about local journalism that I will ever learn and I relied on her greatly when I first started, not only for her eagle eyes on copy editing, but also for general knowledge of people and places around the area. Carol helped to pound AP writing style into me and along with Malenas help, I would final be able to put together some half decent articles. I am sure Dan Voris was wondering if there was any hope for me at all when he first handed me the camera I would be using. Prior to 2018, I had no interest or experience in photography outside of taking pictures on my smartphone. At least I had written papers before in college but this was completely new territory for me. I sheepishly had to admit to Dan that I didnt even know how to turn the camera on when he first handed it to me. Little did I know that photography would get in under my skin so deep that I cant image life without a camera at my side. If I have ever taken a photo you have been impressed by, I always have to give a little thanks to Dan for his tips, tricks and lessons that helped get me started. Dan and I always had a friendly rivalry going over who could take the more impressive photos and that just pushed me to get better at the craft. (By the way Dan, I am still jealous of that close range phragmites fire picture.) Pat Tysdal, our tireless sales rep., was always one of my biggest cheerleaders and that wellspring of support was something I could always count on. For instance, when we received the awards from a past Nebraska Press Association event, I learned I had received second place in a category for a story involving murals being painted at Camp Arrowood. Pat colorfully demanded to know who beat me in the first place category. I had to laugh when I explained that I had also received the first place award in the same category with a different story. To the whole crew, I always felt like we did more with less. I am proud of what we created week-in-and-week out and to have worked with each and every one of you. Outside of my co-workers I have to thank our readers and the residents of Dawson and Gosper counties. It was always my goal to get timely and accurate news about your home town and the area to you. If I really broke it down, I always felt like I answered more to our readers, than anyone else. I want to thank you for your support and patience over the years. (Especially your patience, there are some gaffs and honest mistakes that will likely never stop bugging me.) Id also like to extend a thank you to our local law enforcement agencies and fire departments. I never fully appreciated the work all of you do, day in and day out, until I began reporting. I remember a moment in the first months after being hired; I was going around taking some stock photos of areas of interest around the community and found myself outside of City Hall. I was taking pictures when I became aware of two stern looking gentlemen watching me from the police entrance to the building. It suddenly dawned on me, I am just a tall, lanky guy with long hair, that no one knows, showing up out of the blue and just happen to be taking multiple pictures of City Hall, that doesnt look suspicious at all does it? I cross over to speak to who I later found out were Sgt. Erik Rowan and Capt. Paul Schwarz, I was pretty embarrassed and probably speaking a million words per minute trying to explain that I was the new reporter in town and I just out getting new photos of locations. I came up with a new rule for myself after that, tell peace officers with weapons exactly who you are and what you are doing. I also wanted to especially thank the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department; the firefighters have trusted me to get closer to scenes than anyone else. I hope I have repaid that trust by not doing anything particularly boneheaded. Also to past and present fire chiefs Dahlas Holbein and Bo Berry, thank you for not blocking my number, I know there were some months you were probably ready to. There are countless other people that I should thank but if I took that time, the column inches of this article would reach into the hundreds. I have spent the majority of this thanking other people because one: they deserve it and two: I am private person by nature and talking about myself does not always come easy. That said I am proud of what I was able to start thanks to the Clipper-Herald. When I started I had no journalism experience but now five years later, I dont feel like an imposter when I tell people I am a reporter. As for what is next for me, I have taken the Director of Digital Content position with NRG Media in Kearney. I will truly miss reporting in my hometown. The decision to leave Lexington was not an easy one, nor did I make it made lightly. As for the reasons why, its my personal opinion that local news is at its best when the locals are able to call the shots. To everyone, thank you for letting me be a reporter that I hope you could count on. I will close out in the best way I know how, lean on someone elses quote. The most profound lessons about journalism Ive learned have been taught to me by the people Ive covered, Jodi Kantor. There was an excited buzz among the crowd of hundreds gathered in front of the new Boys Town Education Center. Thursdays celebration marked the opening of the three-story, 110,000-square-foot facility, which will house all Boys Town students in grades 4-12. The new school was built to meet the growing needs of current and future students as the former building was more than 70 years old, said Rev. Steven Boes, Boys Towns national executive director. Boes said when Boys Town hosted a groundbreaking ceremony two years ago, he overheard a conversation between two students that is a perfect description of why the new school was built. One of the kids was talking to another kid and said, I wonder why they are doing this all for us? The other kid said, I think its because they think were worth it, Boes said. All of you kids out there: I think youre worth it. While the building will open with approximately 350 students this month, it can hold up to 600. The majority of the $46 million cost of the facility was funded by private donors and a state grant, according to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Senior Jafar Liebers, who was elected mayor of the Village of Boys Town earlier this year, said students didnt just watch on the sidelines as the school was built. The projects architect, DLR Group in Omaha, recruited students to help with the design of the building. Its been really special to be included in the process from the beginning, Liebers said. It means a whole lot that so many people care about us. We are actually excited for the first day of school this year. Students designed the back of a large concrete mural outside of the school. While its still unfinished, it will eventually feature a scene of students who attend the school, including Liebers himself. The front of the mural includes the face of Rev. Edward J. Flanagan, who founded Boys Town to offer care, treatment and education to at-risk children. More than 80% of students that arrive at Boys Town have significant academic deficiencies or behavioral challenges, according to the school. Roughly 97% graduate from high school or continue their education after leaving Boys Town. Inside the school, the blue color of Boys Town is reflected throughout the hallways and classrooms, from the flecks of color in the floor to the cushioned seating in common areas. Students designed the teal and gray tile designs that decorate the walls and a vibrant 3D butterfly display above the media center. The building also has more science labs than the former school, and a spirit hall that is a quiet place for students or teachers to sit, surrounded by high ceilings and large windows. Liebers said it even faces east, toward the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, so Muslim students can use it as a place to pray during the school day. The high school is separated from the middle school and elementary levels, Liebers said. Classrooms feature modern furniture and even different light settings to optimize learning: an energized setting is bright and helps sleepy students while a reading setting is dimmer and more yellow. Lindsay Meier, Boys Town superintendent, said each facet of the building was carefully designed to create a safe and positive learning environment. Most importantly, our new education center is an investment in the future of our Boys Town kids, and serves as a legacy to Father Flanagans vision and belief that all children deserve the chance to learn and to grow to their fullest potential in body, mind and spirit, Meier said. Our new education center was truly built for the future. Photos: Boys Town's New Education Center Consistent rain has continued to take a bite out of drought conditions across Nebraska. The latest drought monitor released Thursday by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows significant improvement, especially in the amount of severe drought. According to the monitor, severe drought in Nebraska, the third-worst category, declined from covering more than 46% of the state a week ago to less than 32% this week. That's the least amount of severe drought statewide since the end of February 2022. Extreme drought also declined from 19.27% last week to 15.7% this week, although the amount of exceptional drought remained the same at 2.63%. Lancaster County also saw a significant improvement in drought conditions. The amount of severe drought declined from covering 100% of the county to just over 59%, while the amount of extreme drought fell from 12.4% to 1.3%. Just five weeks ago, the entire county was in extreme drought and 88% was in exceptional drought. Many areas of the state, especially in eastern Nebraska, have gotten significant amounts of rain over the past few weeks. Lincoln got 5.61 inches in July, which is more than 2.3 inches above normal, and the most in a single month in more than four years. The city has now received more than 10 inches over the past two months, which is more than it received in the previous 10 months. Omaha got 6.3 inches in July, 2.75 inches above normal, and Norfolk received 5.37 inches, about 2.4 inches above average. Other places that saw much-above normal precipitation in July included Beatrice, Columbus and Fremont. Eight years ago: Floodwaters swamp Lincoln, surrounding areas COLUMBIA COUNTY | WISCONSIN RIVER Columbia County officials have retrieved a second body from the Wisconsin River after the disappearance of two swimmers there Thursday afternoon. The first body was retrieved by a dive team Thursday night, hours after officials were dispatched to the river on reports of two swimmers, a 24-year-old male and a 25-year-old male, disappearing beneath the water. The Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday that the two bodies were those of the missing swimmers. A remotely operated vehicle and the dive team helped find the second body Friday morning. Both men were found in about 17 feet of water, just north of where the river meets Lake Wisconsin. The initial call about the incident came in at 3:48 p.m. Thursday, and boaters in the area were searching for the men by the time officials arrived. Witnesses reported that a group of adults had been gathered on a sandbar when one of the men in the group was overcome by the water. Several members of the group tried to assist the man, but another man was also overcome. Foul play is not suspected, the Sheriff's Office said. The men's names are being withheld pending notification of their families. Deputies were joined in responding to the incident by the Portage Fire Department and Aspirus EMS, and the Sheriff's Office Dive Team was immediately dispatched to the call. KNOW YOUR MADISONIAN | BEN CHULAWAN Ben Chulawan wasn't able to fulfill his dream of a cross-country train trip, but he provided crucial help to victims when that train derailed two years ago and last month was awarded a medal for his efforts. Chulawan, 26, a first lieutenant with the Wisconsin Army National Guard, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for helping fellow passengers aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder on Sept. 21, 2021, after it derailed while making its way westbound through Montana. Three passengers were killed and 49 were injured in the derailment near Joplin, Montana, located in the north-central part of the state. Investigators later blamed the crash on track defects. Chulawan has lived in the Madison area for the past three years, since he took a job at Exact Sciences after having been an intern there. He said he fell in love with the area and decided to move here. A native of Orlando, Florida, Chulawan is the son of Thai immigrants who both work in Orlando's burgeoning hospitality industry. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in industrial engineering and is now a project manager in Exact Sciences' research and development group. In the Guard, Chulawan is the executive officer with the 829th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, based in the northern Wisconsin city of Spooner. For monthly training weekends, that's a long drive that Chulawan says he gets through with the help of audiobooks. The Soldier's Medal is awarded to Army personnel who distinguish themselves through heroism not involving conflict with an enemy. Chulawan received the award July 9 at a ceremony in Spooner. How did you get involved in the Guard? p> I did ROTC for 4 years of college back at the University of Florida. And so I'd always wanted to join the military in some capacity. When I went to college, I decided that I wanted to go into the Army. I earned my commission in ROTC and became an officer. So when I got that commission and when I graduated, when I came to Wisconsin, I joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Where were you headed on the train? The story goes that I've always wanted to take a cross-country train ride. That's been a dream of mine. One day I woke up midweek and I just had this desire, like I really want to take that train ride now for some reason. And so I chose to go from Wisconsin to Seattle, so it should be like a 48-hour train ride. Twenty-four hours in or so, the train derailed in Montana. Were you asleep at the time of the derailment? Not quite. We were actually about to get to Glacier National Park, so I was half asleep, half awake, thinking about going back to the observation car right behind me. And that's when the train started shifting left and right, started bucking like turbulence on a plane. At first, I was just like, this is really heavy. What's going on? And then eventually it got really, really bad and the train came off the tracks. The observation car behind us was being dragged by the front half of the train, and was completely on its side, so it must have been a minute of absolute hell. What did you do at that point? I probably spent a solid minute, two minutes in disbelief. I remember I walked to the side of the observation car and I saw, actually, people who had passed away in the incident. It was like, "Oh my God, this is really that bad." So I ran back inside the train car, I grabbed my bag, which has a first-aid kit inside of it. I've just always carried a first-aid kit since I'm certified. And at that point, part of my military training kind of kicked in. Were there others on board who had medical training and were assisting? There were multiple other people who were either prior military and one other service member who was in the Guard as well based out of California. There was one other first aid responder with me. We were a tag team for a time. We came up to one really badly injured person (with a severe head injury). That was really, really frightening. So we both came up to him and did what we could for him. And at that point, first responders started arriving, so I was able to direct EMS to who was the most urgent of the casualties and started directing people who looked injured over to the ambulances. So that was my role for maybe the next 10 minutes. How long did it take for rescue teams to actually get there? I want to say it was closer to, like, 15 minutes. The crazy story is that Joplin has actually had a train derailment there before, like decades ago. It's a small town. They actually trained the community response plan through an incident like that within two or three weeks prior to the incident. And so they were on scene incredibly fast. I'm sure I would credit that to why there weren't any more casualties after those initial events. They were really quick. So did you end up having to just turn around and go home? Or were you able to finish the trip? They were like, do you want to go to Seattle or do you want to go back home? At that point, I wasn't in the best state of mind. I was like, all right, what should I do here? Should I go back home to Florida to see my parents? Is something else unforeseen going to happen on my trip? Or should I go back to Madison? To me, Seattl is off the books now. I've had enough. So I was like, you know what, I'll leave it to a coin. Heads, I go back to Florida, see my parents. Tails, I go to Madison. And four out of four times it came up Florida. Have you been able to get that trip in since then? I probably would not recreate that train ride. But in another funny story of fate, my family and I were traveling to Thailand to see my extended family and during the plane ride, there was a minor medical emergency on the plane. So midway in the flight over to Japan, they called a medical emergency and they turned around and stopped in Seattle. So I ended up in Seattle one way or another. I was like, all right, this is just a cruel joke. A Milton man is facing fourth-offense operating while intoxicated charges after Rock County deputies say he crashed into a tree in the town of Fulton early Saturday morning. Just before three a.m., Ford alerted deputies to a crash with airbag deployment on northbound Highway 51 at E J F Townline Road. Investigation revealed that the vehicle had been headed west on E J F Townline Road when the driver didn't stop at a stop sign and continued across Highway 51. The vehicle left the road and hit a tree, stopping in the west ditch of the highway, according to a release from Rock County Sheriff Curtis Fell. The driver, Benjamin Thomas Jr., 53, of Milton allegedly showed signs of impairment and was arrested for fourth-offense operating while intoxicated, a felony in Wisconsin. Thomas was being held in the Rock County Jail. 17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world 17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world Nudes and booze are a no-no, New York City Keep the booze away from the communion wine, New York State No hooch on a horse, California Dry by default, Tennessee Perpetual Prohibition, Kansas Mommy-and-me martinis, Ohio No tippling till the polls close, Alaska Sober for Santa, Allegany County, New York Happy hour hindrance, Massachusetts Straw-sipping at the daiquiri drive-thru, Louisiana Cold beer crime, Indiana Banned bottomless brunch, Oklahoma Wasted while at home, Utah Hands off the barkeep, Nebraska Don't bring your cows home drunk, United Kingdom Whipped for wine consumption, Saudi Arabia Keep your beer unadulterated, Germany Columbia County officials have retrieved a second body from the Wisconsin River after the disappearance of two swimmers there Thursday afternoon. The first body was retrieved by a dive team Thursday night, hours after officials were dispatched to the river on reports of two swimmers, a 24-year-old male and a 25-year-old male, disappearing beneath the water. The Sheriffs Office confirmed Friday that the two bodies were those of the missing swimmers. A remotely operated vehicle and the dive team helped find the second body Friday morning. Both men were found in about 17 feet of water, just north of where the river meets Lake Wisconsin. The initial call about the incident came in at 3:48 p.m. Thursday, and boaters in the area were searching for the men by the time officials arrived. Witnesses reported that a group of adults had been gathered on a sandbar when one of the men in the group was overcome by the water. Several members of the group tried to assist the man, but another man was also overcome. Foul play is not suspected, the Sheriffs Office said. The mens names are being withheld pending notification of their families. Deputies were joined in responding to the incident by the Portage Fire Department and Aspirus EMS, and the Sheriffs Office Dive Team was immediately dispatched to the call. The equivalent of over two swimming pools full of wastewater flowed into a ditch that drains into Lake Kegonsa after a sewer pipe broke Tuesday, according to a report filed with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The 45,000-gallon overflow started at 6 p.m. Tuesday and continued until 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to the report filed by the Kegonsa Sanitary District. The sanitary district was notified of the situation at 7:40 a.m. Wednesday when a walker noticed the spill. A response team was then dispatched to the scene on Quam Drive, where workers shut down the pumps associated with the broken pipe and sucked the wastewater from the ditch. The pipe has since been repaired, according to the DNR report. A public report was not issued, but the DNR, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, the state Department of Health Services and the resident who lives on the property where the leak occurred were informed, said Cathy Hasslinger, the clerk/treasurer and business manager for the town of Dunn. The DHS is not currently recommending further testing the water, according to emails provided to the Wisconsin State Journal from the town of Dunn and the Friends of Lake Kegonsa Society, noting a major rain event forecast for this weekend should dilute any contamination that may have been introduced into the lake. People who visit the lake should wash their hands and thoroughly shower after leaving the water, the DHS recommended. Routine state beach monitoring conducted by the DNR on Wednesday found that levels of E. coli at Lake Kegonsa State Park remained below the threshold that triggers closure. A Wisconsin judge on Friday ordered the state elections commission to release all records it has related to one of its Republican members and his role as one of 10 people who posed as fake electors in 2020 for former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed by a union leader represented by the liberal firm Law Forward, sought commission records related to Robert Spindell and comments he made about his role as a fake elector. Spindell is one of three Republican state elections commission members. Fake electors met in Wisconsin and six other battleground states where Trump was defeated in 2020, attempting to cast ballots for the former president even though he lost. Republicans who participated in Wisconsin said they were trying to preserve Trump's legal standing if case courts overturned his defeat. The role of those fake electors, particularly in Wisconsin, was central to the federal indictment against Trump released this week. Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to trying to overturn the results of his 2020 election loss. Law Forward filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Elections Commission in 2021 saying the fake electors broke the law. The commission voted unanimously in a closed meeting to reject that complaint, saying the fake electors did not violate any election laws. Spindell did not recuse himself from considering the complaint, even though he voted as one of the fake GOP electors. The Wisconsin Department of Justice agreed with Trump allies and the fake electors and concluded that Republicans were legitimately trying to preserve his legal standing as courts were deciding if he or Biden won the election. In May, another state judge ordered the elections commission to reconsider its vote rejecting the complaint. Dane County Circuit Judge Frank Remington ruled that Spindell should not have taken part in the initial discussion and vote because he was targeted in the complaint. The commission has not yet issued a new decision. Law Forward alleged in its lawsuit that the commission failed to turn over records requested multiple times under Wisconsin's open records law. The firm sought documents related to a comment Spindell made during the public portion of a November 2021 commission meeting where he openly discussed his decision not to recuse himself. The commission had been considering the request in closed session only, which made Spindell's comments unusual. Specifically, Law Forward asked for communications surrounding material that Spindell appeared to be reading from during the meeting. According to the lawsuit, the elections commission provided a single document that resembled what Spindell read from and said Spindell had no other related records. The commission argued that the records are in Spindell's possession, not the commission's. "This argument is nonsensical," Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost ruled on Friday. "Records held by WEC commissioners are in the custody of WEC and must be provided in response to a records request." He gave the commission until Sept. 8 to "perform a complete review and produce all records in its possession, whether held by staff or commissioners" that aren't otherwise exempt from the open records law. Commission spokesperson Riley Vetterkind had no comment on the ruling. Law Forward brought the case on behalf of Paul Sickel, executive director of the Service Employees International Union's Wisconsin State Council. The firm has also filed another lawsuit against the 10 electors and Trump attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Jim Troupis seeking $2.4 million in damages. That case, which is pending, alleges Trump and his allies conspired to overturn his loss in the battleground state. Phil Hands: The best cartoons about Michael Gableman, Wisconsin's most embarrassing public official Flash The Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Friday criticized the United States' weapons aid package to Taiwan, its state media reported, accusing Washington of driving tensions in East Asia to "another ignition point of war". Maeng Yong-rim, director-general of the Department of Chinese Affairs at the DPRK's Foreign Ministry, said in a statement that Washington's "weapons aid package" to Taiwan, worth $345 million, will further intensify military tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, Korean Central News Agency reported. "This constitutes a flagrant violation of the one-China principle, which the US committed itself before the Chinese government and people, and of the spirit of the three China-US joint communiques. It is also an interference in the internal affairs of China and a grave encroachment on China's sovereignty and security," the statement said. From the US arms sale, Taiwan separatist forces have gotten "nothing but to turn its island into a huge US old weapon exhibition and a heap of scrap iron", it said. On July 28, the White House announced the military aid package for Taiwan, which is the first major package by US President Joe Biden's administration. Maeng denounced the US hegemony, saying the Biden administration is still clinging to the Taiwan question, while talking about improving relations with China. "The Asia-Pacific region, including the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait, is neither a theater of the US' military activity nor a test site of war," the statement said, adding that the US will have to "pay a high price" for "provoking the core interest of China". China has also slammed the US for the plan to provide military assistance to Taiwan. On Tuesday, Tan Kefei, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said such military assistance to Taiwan flagrantly interferes in China's domestic affairs, severely undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, and seriously jeopardizes peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. "We firmly oppose the act and have lodged stern representations with the US side," he said, adding that the Taiwan question concerns China's core interests and is a red line that must not be crossed in Sino-US relations. Mao Ning, spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry, on Wednesday urged the US to stop enhancing military contact with Taiwan or arming it by any means or under whatever pretext, to stop creating factors that could heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait, and stop conniving at and supporting the separatists' attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" by force. "No one should underestimate the determination, resolve and capability of the Chinese people in safeguarding our sovereignty and territorial integrity," she said. COLUMBUS, Ohio Former Columbus K-9 Officer Ricky Anderson was indicted Friday in Ohio on murder charges in the killing of Donovan Lewis, 20, a Black man who was lying on his bed when he was shot by police trying to serve a warrant on Aug. 30, 2022. A county grand jury also charged Anderson with reckless homicide. Attorney Rex Elliott, who represents Lewis' family, said at a news conference that Anderson racked up over 60 complaints of excessive force in his 30-year career with the Columbus Police Department. Elliott questioned why it took nearly a year to bring charges against Anderson, who is white. Bodycam footage appears to show the shooting happened within a second of Anderson opening the door to a bedroom where Lewis was sleeping. That Americas Founders were brilliant men supported by equally strong women is beyond dispute. They created a framework for a new nation and a Constitution which, if obeyed, would provide protection from big government and ensure individual liberty on a scale unknown in the world at that time. The one thing they avoided in the Constitution and Bill of Rights was political parties. They made no mention of them, and for good reason. The framers of the new Constitution desperately wanted to avoid the divisions that had ripped England apart in the bloody civil wars of the 17th century, according to History.com. Many of them saw parties or factions, as they called them as corrupt relics of the monarchical British system that they wanted to discard in favor of a truly democratic government. Their fears have been repeatedly vindicated, especially in our day when neither party can see merit in ideas coming from the other party, even if they are good ideas and the media enjoy fanning flames of division more than putting out fires. Only the other party is corrupt, and no amount of evidence can persuade or convince otherwise. The latest examples are the alleged crimes committed by President Joe Biden and his family, and the many charges and criminal indictments piling up against Donald Trump. Never in our history to my recollection has one party leader been under indictment (with more to come) and the other accused of criminal wrongdoing in connection to alleged influence peddling by his son. Back to the lessons History.com can teach us: Alexander Hamilton once called political parties the most fatal disease of popular governments. James Madison, who worked with Hamilton to defend the new Constitution to the public in the Federalist Papers, wrote in Federalist 10 that one of the functions of a well-constructed Union should be its tendency to break and control the violence of faction. Some of the Founders disagreed, most notably Thomas Jefferson, whom Democrats claim was their first president: (Jefferson) believed it was a mistake not to provide for different political parties in the new government. Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties, he would write in 1824. Perhaps George Washington, who ran unopposed to win the nations first election in 1789, sensed what was coming when he named Jefferson to his cabinet so it would be inclusive of different views. When polls show a majority of Republicans and Democrats are dissatisfied with the front-runners for president, perhaps its time to create another way to select presidential candidates. Probably few want to go back to the days of what came to be known as smoke-filled rooms, where candidates were selected by an inner circle of power brokers and the well-connected. The primary system usually produces candidates with the most extreme views in both parties, and voters too often complain of having to hold their noses and vote for the one they dislike the least. Could there be a better way? Could we find qualified candidates who are willing to run and face the predictable and often unfair criticism and lies told by members of the other party? The No Labels movement thinks its way is the path out of this morass, but just removing labels does little to deal with issues or solve problems. If the idea is to water down legitimate divisions taxes, spending, entitlement reform, border security, moral decline being among them that can only add to our national angst. Will someone with sufficient vision who loves America and wants to see it preserved, protected and defended please step forward and propose a better way than what we have now? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you, whomever you may be. SAN DIEGO Acting like a sore loser isnt very appealing behavior. But we dont have to make a federal case out of it. One hopes that special counsel Jack Smith is a fan of the HBO series The Wire and that he recognizes the wisdom of gunman Omar Little, who warned: If you come at the king, you best not miss. But given the flimsy nature of the third indictment against former president Donald Trump, I have my doubts. This one could be a miss. This isnt about paying off a porn star to keep quiet or hoarding classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Indictment No. 3 accuses Trump of trying to destroy democracy after losing the 2020 election. The former president is charged with setting in motion the events of Jan. 6, 2021, by conspiring with a small cabal of advisers to overturn the will of voters and thwart the peaceful transfer of power. The accusation is that, by firing up his MAGA supporters with falsehoods, Trump inspired the storming of the U.S. Capitol, which jeopardized the lives of lawmakers in both parties, Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Capitol police officers and others. And yet, Smith stopped short of charging Trump with inciting a riot. That would have been a much more serious charge and, according to legal analysts, probably a more difficult one to prove. Ill leave it to lawyers and judges to decide the merits of this latest indictment. But it wouldnt surprise me if Trump were able to wiggle free. For one thing, Trump has the right to think that he was robbed or that he didnt get a fair shake. Most losing presidential candidates feel that way. The Sore Loser Hall of Fame includes two Democratic nominees: Al Gore in 2000 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. Both won the popular vote but fell short in the tally of electoral votes. Gore and his supporters blamed the loss on a bizarre system of vote counting in Florida and on the Supreme Court, which stopped the Florida recount and gave the election to Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Clinton and her supporters blamed her loss on just about everyone and everything, including primary challenger Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and media outlets that obsessed over the elaborate system she created to manage her emails. Trump even has the right to lie to his supporters, either to save face or because he actually believed his own delusion about how he hadnt really lost and the election had been stolen from him. Yet the American people have bigger problems than the possibility that Trump might beat the rap. What should really concern us is that all of his legal problems might turn out to be a blessing in disguise for him. As a Never Trumper, Ive hammered the Teflon Don ever since June 2015, when he kicked off his White House bid by calling Mexican immigrants like my grandfather rapists, criminals and drug runners. So you would think Id be giddy over the Trump indictments. Theres a chance that the master con man might be held accountable. But Im not giddy. Im nervous. And if you dont want to see Trump return to the White House, you should be nervous, too. Americans are learning about the difference between the legal system and the political process, and how the latter doesnt care a whit about the former. Legally, Trump seems to be in significant peril with three indictments. But politically, he is cruising to the GOP nomination. In polls, Trump leads his nearest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, by more than 35 points among Republican voters. A recent survey by Morning Consult (taken before the third indictment but after the first two) has Trump with 58% and DeSantis with just 15%. A poll by YouGov finds Trump with 54% and DeSantis with 18%. Every time Trump is indicted, his support from Republican voters only seems to intensify. Instead of running him out of politics, these legal proceedings might just help him return to the White House. Its time to panic. Trump stands accused of various crimes, but if he is reelected its the American people who will suffer the punishment. As horror movies go, the sequel is often more frightening than the original. Thats why, instead of welcoming each new Trump indictment, I now dread them. State Attorney General Josh Kaul recently called the latest federal indictment of former President Donald Trump "an enormously important event, not only in our criminal justice system, but in American history." Now it's time for Kaul to do his part by initiating criminal proceedings against the Wisconsin portion of Trump's conspiracy to overthrow our government. The Michigan attorney general has already done so by indicting its 12 fake electors. It's more important to do so in Wisconsin where our Elections Commission, led in part by Robert Spindell, himself a fake elector, gave Wisconsin's fake electors a pass. The commission said it was a legitimate attempt to preserve the president's legal standing, ignoring that the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that Biden had won Wisconsin. Wisconsin's 10 fake presidential electors met in secret, under armed guard in the state Capitol to sign official looking paperwork listing themselves as the state's true presidential electors. Wisconsin's fake presidential electors are guilty of conspiring to defraud Wisconsin's voters of their presidential choice and must be held accountable. That's your job, Mr. Kaul Mick Maier, Port Washington Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic because of his strident opposition to vaccines. Yet, he insists hes not anti-vaccine. He has associated with influential people on the far right including Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon and Michael Flynn to raise his profile. Yet, he portrays himself as a true Democrat inheriting the mantle of the Kennedy family. As he challenges President Joe Biden, the stories he tells on the campaign trail about himself, his lifes work and what he stands for are often the opposite of what his record actually shows. Though Kennedys primary challenge to a sitting president is widely considered a longshot, hes been sucking up media attention due to his famous name and the possibility that his run could weaken Biden ahead of what is expected to be a close general election in 2024. Hes drawn praise from Republican presidential candidates like Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Meanwhile, Trump supporters, including his longtime ally Roger Stone, have ginned up interest by floating a Trump-Kennedy unity ticket. Debra Duvall, 62, who lives in Fort Myers, Florida, and said she serves on the Lee County GOP executive committee, described herself as a longtime Trump supporter, but said shes torn for 2024. Ill take Trump or RFK. Either one, she said, explaining that she was drawn to both because she believes they cant be bought. That kind of support has demonstrated some of the contradictions in Kennedys candidacy. He has said he wants to reclaim the Democratic Party, while aligning himself with far right figures who have worked to subvert American democracy. He touts his credentials as an environmentalist, yet pushes bitcoin a cryptocurrency that requires massive amounts of electricity from supercomputers to generate new coins, prompting most environmental advocates to loudly oppose it. And though he peppers his speeches, podcast appearances and campaign materials with invocations of the Democratic Party legacies of his uncle President John F. Kennedy and his father, Robert F. Kennedy, his relatives have distanced themselves from him and even denounced him. Hes trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame, Jack Schlossberg, President Kennedys grandson, said of his cousin in an Instagram video in July. Ive listened to him. I know him. I have no idea why anyone thinks he should be president. What I do know is, his candidacy is an embarrassment. Kennedys recent comments that COVID-19 could have been ethnically targeted to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people which he denies were antisemitic but concedes he should have worded more carefully also drew a condemnation from his sister Kerry Kennedy. The contradictions between what Kennedy says and his track record were nowhere more apparent than when he testified before a congressional committee in July at the invitation of Republican members. Anti-vaccine activists, some who work for Kennedys nonprofit group Childrens Health Defense, sat in the rows behind him, watching as he insisted I have never been anti-vaxx. I have never told the public to avoid vaccination. But thats not true. Again and again, Kennedy has made his opposition to vaccines clear. In July, Kennedy said in a podcast interview that Theres no vaccine that is safe and effective and told FOX News that he still believes in the long-ago debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism. In a 2021 podcast he urged people to resist CDC guidelines on when kids should get vaccines. I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, better not get them vaccinated, Kennedy said. That same year, in a video promoting an anti-vaccine sticker campaign by his nonprofit, Kennedy appeared onscreen next to one sticker that declared IF YOURE NOT AN ANTI-VAXXER YOU ARENT PAYING ATTENTION. A close examination of Kennedys campaign finance filings shows that the anti-vaccine movement lies at the heart of his campaign. Several of his campaign staff and consultants have worked for his anti-vaccine group Childrens Health Defense, including Mary Holland, the groups president on leave, campaign spokeswoman Stefanie Spear, and Zen Honeycutt, who hosted a show for the groups TV channel, CHD TV. Childrens Health Defense currently has a lawsuit pending against a number of news organizations, among them The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. The campaign paid KFP Consulting, a Texas-based company run by Del Bigtree, head of the anti-vaccine group ICAN, and a leading voice in the movement, more than $13,000 for communications consulting, the AP found. Bigtree appeared to still be working for the campaign last week, when an AP reporter saw him helping facilitate a Kennedy event in New York. Kennedy also has received substantial support from activists who have spread misinformation about the coronavirus and vaccines, including Steve Kirsch, an entrepreneur who has falsely claimed COVID-19 vaccines kill more people than they save, chiropractors Patrick Flynn and Kevin Stillwagon, and others. Ty and Charlene Bollinger, who run an anti-vaccine business and who the AP has previously reported have had a financial relationship with Kennedy, gave more than $6,000. The couple, along with Kennedys communication consultant Bigtree, were involved in hosting a rally near the Capitol on Jan. 6, and Ty Bollinger has said he was among the people who crowded at the Capitol doors in an attempt to get inside, though he said he did not enter. The couple is a part of the Children's Health Defense lawsuit against AP and other media outlets. American Values 2024, a super PAC supporting Kennedy, is run by close associates to Kennedy who have propped up anti-vaccine ideas the former head of the New York chapter of Childrens Health Defense John Gilmore is its CEO and Kennedys publisher Tony Lyons is its co-chair. The Kennedy campaign did not return emails seeking comment about a number of questions, including how he can say he is not anti-vaccine given his record and his support from anti-vaccine activists. Kennedys run is also getting plenty of financial support from the right. A super PAC supporting Kennedys presidential run, called Heal the Divide PAC, has deep ties to Republicans, F ederal Election Commission records show. The committees address is listed in the care of RTA Strategy, a campaign consulting firm that has been paid for its work to help elect Republicans including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and the former Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker. The PACs treasurer, who works for RTA Strategy, is Jason Boles, a past donor to Trump and many other Republicans who includes MAGA and AmericaFirst in his bio on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Kennedy denied knowing Boles or the Heal the Divide PAC when it came up at the congressional hearing, saying, Ive never heard of Mr. Boles, and Ive never heard of that super PAC. But video available online shows he was a guest speaker at a Heal the Divide event just two days earlier. The video features a Heal the Divide 2024 logo with clips of him speaking at length about plans to back the U.S. dollar with bitcoin and precious metals. Kennedy says that as president, he would fight for government honesty and transparency, heal the political divide, reverse economic decline, end war and preserve civil liberties. He has made freedom of speech a major part of his platform, arguing that the governments communication with social media companies unfairly censors protected speech. Kennedy's press office did not respond to several messages asking about his support from the far right. It also did not respond to questions about whether his stance on bitcoin was at odds with being an environmentalist. Kennedy lists the environment as one of six top priorities on his campaign website and has spent many years speaking against pollution and climate change as an environmental lawyer. Yet he has made supporting the energy-intensive cryptocurrency bitcoin a key part of his platform. Bitcoin mining, the process of generating new coins, uses massive amounts of electricity more than some entire countries use, said Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group. Thats because it works by tasking a network of supercomputers with solving complex mathematical puzzles even as some other cryptocurrencies have adopted far more energy efficient mining methods. No one who claims to be an environmentalist could support a digital asset that needlessly consumes more electricity than all Americans use to power the lights in our homes, Faber said. In fact, bitcoin produces more climate pollution than any other digital asset. Despite the environmental downsides of bitcoin, some Democrats, including elected officials, have advocated for the currency. Kennedy, for his part, told a crowd at Bitcoin 2023 that environmentalists like himself will continue to pressure you to improve. Online, he has promoted the argument that demand for bitcoin will boost investment in new renewable energy projects. Regardless, his financial disclosure documents show he has already personally invested between $100,001 and $250,000 in bitcoin, and he promised at Bitcoin 2023 that he wouldnt let the environmental argument hinder the currencys use. As president, I will make sure that your right to hold and use bitcoin is inviolable, he said. During the past several years, Kennedy has cultivated his ties to the far right. He has appeared on Infowars, the channel run by Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. He has granted interviews to Trump ally Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson. After he headlined a stop on the ReAwaken America Tour, the Christian nationalist road show put together by former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, he was photographed backstage with Flynn, Charlene Bollinger and Trump ally Roger Stone. Those appearances have led to goodwill on the right, and he has found enthusiastic support among a segment of Trumps base, with some suggesting him as a potential vice presidential pick. At a July 1 rally in the tiny town of Pickens, South Carolina, Adrian Palashevsky a small businessman who described himself as more of a libertarian than a Republican posited a unity ticket, with Kennedy as his top pick for Trumps VP. I think they would get along just fine, he said. Theyre both anti-establishment, and thats why theyre under so much attack. DeSantis, one of Trumps Republican challengers, has also indulged in praise for the fringe candidate, saying in a recent interview that while he wouldnt make Kennedy vice president, he would consider appointing him to one of the federal agencies that regulates vaccine safety and protects public health. If youre president, you know, sic him on the FDA if hed be willing to serve, or sic him on CDC, DeSantis said. Not everyone is buying the Kennedy mystique. At the annual meeting of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in New York a few weeks ago, Kennedy leaned heavily on his family legacy, mentioning his fathers alliance with labor leader Cesar Chavez and his uncles work in Latin American countries. But in his nearly 20-minute speech, he didnt lay out any plan or policy proposals of his own, or talk about specific issues facing the Latino community. He spent most of his time telling a story about getting arrested with the Mexican American actor Edward Olmos in 2001, an attempt at relating with the community that disappointed both Republicans and Democrats in the audience. Mario Ceballos, president of a PAC representing LGBTQ+ Latinos, said Kennedys speech and the candidates conspiracy theory beliefs saddened him. When I was living in Mexico, Kennedy was an American president that my whole family respected, Ceballos said. And what he is presenting are esoteric, dangerous options that are actually going to hurt the same people that his father and uncle wanted to help. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Meg Kinnard in Pickens, South Carolina, contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. KYIV, Ukraine Russian drones on Wednesday hit a Ukrainian port city along the border with Romania, causing significant damage and a huge fire at facilities that are key to Ukrainian grain exports. The attacks followed the end of a deal with Russia that allowed Ukrainian shipments to world markets from the Black Sea port of Odesa. Since scrapping the deal, Russia has hammered the country's ports with strikes, compounding the blow to the key industry. In the past two weeks, dozens of drones and missile attacks targeted Odesa and the region's river ports, which are being used as alternative routes. The head of the Ukrainian president's office, Andriy Yermak, said the city of Izmail, on the Danube River that forms part of the Ukraine-Romania border, was hit in the strikes. Video obtained by The Associated Press showed explosions and a large fire in the distance on the Danube, captured by fishermen in Romania, a NATO member, on the other side of the river. Three Ukrainian ports along the Danube are currently operating. STATE COURT SYSTEM | DIRECTOR FIRED The Wisconsin Supreme Court liberal justices' appointment of a Milwaukee judge as interim director of the state court system is unconstitutional, Republican legislative leaders alleged Thursday in a letter to the court. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu allege the state Constitution prohibits interim director and Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Audrey Skwierawski from holding any office of public trust besides judge during her judicial term, which expires July 2025. "Her appointment, effective August 3, 2023, was unlawful and should be rescinded," Vos, R-Rochester, and LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, say in the letter. "The constitution demands no less." The letter marks the latest development in a saga that began when the new liberal majority fired the previous director earlier this week, a move that Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Annette Ziegler said was made "without regard for the Constitution, case law or Supreme Court rules which address who can fill such a position of public trust." In the letter, Vos and LeMahieu point to a section of the state Constitution that says, "No ... judge of any court of record shall hold any other office of public trust, except a judicial office, during the term for which elected." The director of state courts is an office of public trust, the GOP leaders say, "because it is an office created by legislative act and is delegated authority that is exercised independently for public benefit." The leaders don't say whether they're going to sue over the appointment. But since they're alleging a state constitutional violation, any legal case seeking to resolve the matter would have to go through state courts. Such a case would likely be decided by the same Wisconsin Supreme Court majority that appointed Skwierawski. But Skwierawski's new position may be considered a judicial office, meaning her appointment would be constitutional, according to an opinion issued in 2008 by then-Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. "The phrase 'judicial office,' as used in the Judiciary article of the Constitution, should be construed as referring to an office that is located within the judicial branch of government created by that article," Van Hollen stated. The director of the state court system reports directly to the chief justice. The state court director is responsible for a variety of tasks, from developing the court system's budget to organizing judicial education courses, hiring court personnel across the state, developing policy handbooks for court staff and providing technical assistance to district courts. Randy Koschnick, the former court director fired earlier this week, worked to alleviate the court reporter shortage across Wisconsin and won a State Bar of Wisconsin award for moving courts online during the pandemic. The liberal justices have yet to provide a reason for firing Koschnick. A former Jefferson County judge, Koschnick was known for being conservative, but he has said that his political ideology didn't factor into how he did his job. Short letter Justice Jill Karofsky declined to discuss the matter on Tuesday. Liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who sent Koschnick the letter firing him, also didn't respond to a request for comment this week. "We appreciate the contributions you have made to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and wish you the best in your future endeavors," states one of the three sentences in the letter. On Friday liberal Justice Rebecca Dallet issued a letter accusing Ziegler of litigating the court's internal matters in public, but the letter didn't address why they fired Koschnick. The fact that liberals haven't explained why they fired Koschnick has angered Republicans and government transparency advocates. "Part of the obligation of the Wisconsin Supreme Court to the citizens of the state is to be transparent about the reasons that it does things," said Bill Lueders, president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council. "If there's a good reason for this decision, they need to bring it forward and tell the people what it is. "If they don't give the public some reason ... for dumping Koschnick, the people are left to conclude that it was solely because he has a ideological perspective that they don't like, and that's not what they promised they would do," he said. Interim director Skwierawski, whose term began Aug. 3, is taking a leave of absence from her job as Milwaukee County Circuit judge to serve as interim director. In their letter, Vos and LeMahieu refer to past case law stating that judges can't serve in other roles of public trust for the full length of their judicial term, even if they resign from the position in the middle of that term. Skwierawski, who was appointed to the bench by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker in 2018, was previously a Milwaukee County prosecutor and a state Department of Justice prosecutor who served under two Republican attorneys general. "I'm honored to have the trust of the Wisconsin Supreme Court," Skwierawski said in a statement Wednesday. "I look forward to working with the justices, as well as judges and court staff across Wisconsin, to ensure that they have the tools and support to administer justice and serve the people of our state." President Gerald Ford's failure to hold his predecessor, Richard Nixon, accountable for obstruction of justice, abuse of power and contempt of Congress has led us to where we are today. His pardon led to President Ronald Reagan and the Iran Contra affair. Reagan illegally sold weapons to Iran and used the profits from the sale to illegally fund the Contras in Nicaragua. Reagan was never held accountable, though some members of the conspiracy were convicted and went to prison. This led to President George H.W. Bush. Before being Reagan's vice president, he was the CIA director. But he claimed no knowledge of the Iran-Contra affair and pardoned those who had been convicted. He was either lying or incompetent, but was never held accountable. This led to President George W. Bush, who started a war with Iraq based on phony intelligence, and went on to break national and international laws against the torture of prisoners. He was never held accountable. The failure to hold past presidents accountable for breaking the laws is why President Donald Trump can't understand why he is being prosecuted. If we fail to hold Trump accountable for his attempted overthrow of the 2020 election, we will end our experiment in democracy. John Hallinan, Stoughton Workers at Amalgamated Sugar Co. this week have had two days of voting to decide whether to authorize a strike following several months of contract negotiations. Members of Local 283 of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union at four factories in southern Idaho are unhappy with the most recent version of their contract. Brendan Van Sickle is vice president of Local 283G, which represents the Twin Falls facility. Van Sickle said that, following this weeks vote, the union representatives will return to negotiations with corporate next week. Hopefully we will be able to go back in, start doing the negotiations, and Im pretty sure that at the rate its going right now that the company will work with us, Van Sickle told the Times-News. We should be able to come back with a good enough offer that the body will be fond of. In a statement, Amalgamated Sugar spokesperson Holly Luna said the company and union members have been negotiating since the end of May for a new collective bargaining agreement. Amalgamated Sugar presented a strong offer to the Unions leadership team. Amalgamated Sugar then shared that offer with employees, the statement said. Amalgamated Sugar is committed to working with the Union to achieve a mutually beneficial contract for all of our hourly employees. Negotiations between the company and the union will resume Aug. 9. Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Update on Twin Falls Public Library Pam Blankenheim will speak Sunday about her recent visit to the Twin Falls Library. Pam will update us on attempts to direct the library toward an extremely right/ultra-conservative viewpoint. She also will also provide us with an overall view of the functions of todays public libraries and a review of whats new and cool as well as tried and true in our own Twin Falls Public Library. Our service Sunday will be both in person at our location 160 Ninth Ave. E. in Twin Falls as well as on ZOOM. Please note our ZOOM information has changed. If you have been using previous ZOOM sign in information please email us for the new ZOOM sign directions. To access ZOOM please email mvuuf83301@yahoo.com for ZOOM sign in information. In the SUBJECT line write ZOOM Service. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. Unitarian Universalists believe in the dignity of every person regardless of race, creed [or none at all], immigrant status or sexual orientation. Everyone is welcome NO EXCEPTIONS. We believe in justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another. We are handicapped accessible. Please park at the rear of the building or on the street. Childcare is available. Join us Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at 160 Ninth Ave. E. in Twin Falls. For further information, please call 208-420-1345 or email us at mvuuf83301@yahoo.com. First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls Worship Time 10 a.m. Adult Bible Study 8:30 a.m. Everyone is Welcome! Aug. 6 Sermon Title: Troublesome Interruptions Ephesians 4:1-16 and Matthew 14:13-21 Community Outreach: Sandwich Saturday Free bag lunch at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 19 and Sept. 2, located outside the church. Blessing Box Always available. Food for the needy, take some food or be a blessing to someone else and leave some. Located outside the church entrance. The Episcopal Church of the Ascension The Episcopal Church of the Ascension invites you to a service for the Feast of the Transfiguration with a celebration of Holy Eucharist at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. All are welcome at Ascensions services of worship, including children. During the month of August, Ascension Church will collect school supplies to be shared with students in the Twin Falls School District. Many thanks to all who support our students and educators in the area. Ascension Churchs Sunday service is available online at Ascensions YouTube channel The Episcopal Church of the AscensionTwin Falls. The building is handicapped accessible and located at 371 Eastland Drive N., Twin Falls. More information about Ascension can be found at www.episcopaltwinfalls.org or 208-733-1248. GOODING Sarah Morris eagerly walked to her desk and opened her phone to showcase the intense Spanish Duolingo war she and her coworkers were in. The Duolingo app has helped thousands of people learn different languages, including Spanish, Turkish and Portuguese. Some of us have admitted to skipping stuff on Duolingo so that we can beat one another, Morris told the Times News. But just a few months ago, Morris and her coworkers at Glanbia Nutritionals in Gooding didnt know a word of Spanish and the lack of communication between English speakers and Hispanics was felt throughout the plant. On June 6, Glanbia plant employees started customized Spanish classes after requesting it through CSIs College and Career Readiness, hoping to bridge a gap between the language barrier and lack of connection with Hispanics across the company. The Gooding cheese plant is one of two companies in the past year that have asked for customized classes to promote inclusivity. Meeting somewhere in the middle Glanbia Nutritionals a science-led producer of dairy and alternative non-dairy products started an eight-week session of Spanish classes from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Gooding. For the last three or four years, wed been talking about wanting to learn Spanish because weve always had CSI do English as a Second Language classes for the workers, Morris told the Times-News. But we couldnt get anybody and we didnt want to take classes online. The company reached out to Alex Wolford, a former industry plant manager of CSI, and was told Alejandra Hernandez would lead the class. Hernandez, executive director of the Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, is a longtime leader and advocate for immigrants and refugees of the Magic Valley, and had already taught a similar session at True West Beef last year. So when they called her again, she immediately jumped on board with the offer. This is really important because not only do these classes create an essence of belonging for Hispanics but also makes them feel more comfortable when speaking to their coworkers, Hernandez said. Theyre both meeting halfway. True West Beef and Glanbia wanted to train their employees on technical skills but, knowing the language barrier, Janet Pretti, senior director of CSIs Workforce Development and Training, said it needed to be done in either of two ways: In an environment where they could have translation services for both parties or in a classroom where they could learn in Spanish so that they can do their jobs effectively. Leaders at both facilities wanted their leaders to create a stronger connection with their employees so that they could have some sort of conversational Spanish, Pretti said. After taking the offer and working with CSI to do these classes on her own time, Hernandez said being passionate about the language and the culture is a helpful part of integrating and teaching the language, especially in communities that have larger Hispanic populations. Being passionate, however, isnt always enough to make people want to attend these classes. Im a fun person and I didnt want to make this into a traditional class, Hernandez said, laughing. So I try to make it entertaining and as relatable as possible because if its not any of those things, nobodys going to want to go. And she did. She made every class more like a hangout. With everyone cracking jokes and learning Spanish cuss words with laughter bouncing off the walls the whole time it was hard not to want to go. Im always waiting to see what comes out of her mouth because you just never know what shes going to say, Jeff Bard, whey plant manager, told the Times-News. It always has us cracking up. One thing Hernandez kept in mind throughout the classes was that she would teach them not just what they wanted (to learn) but what they needed by teaching them the basics of the language in conversations and for their work. The reality is that theyre not going to be fully fluent in Spanish by the end of the sessions but they will understand it enough and know it enough to get by, Hernandez said. I think I was able to give them that. Its all about the inclusivity Now, all employees can continue a conversation in Spanish; they understand phrases, jokes, questions, conjugations and the right placement of accents. For the employees in the class, thats a step up from the few Spanish words they might vaguely remember from high school or from no comprehension at all. Earlier when I went to change the water out, they were all speaking in Spanish, and I could understand what they were talking about; it was about the water, Morris told the Times-News. Hispanics make up an estimated 28.8% of Gooding Countys population, one of the largest Hispanic communities in south-central Idaho. Similarly, 25% of the workers at the Gooding plant are Hispanic. This has been so helpful, especially in the workroom talking to the guys, Morris told the Times-News. Theyre all laughing at us at this stage, but were getting that connection which is what we wanted. Latino Population in the Magic Valley Blaine County: Total Population: 21,583 Latino Population: 4,535 (21%) Camas County: Total Population: 886 Latino Population: 82 (9.3%) Cassia County: Total Population: 23,472 Latino Population: 6,337 (27%) Gooding County: Total Population: 15,110 Latino Population: 4,354 (28.8%) Jerome County: Total Population: 23,039 Latino Population: 7,944 (34.5%) Lincoln County: Total Population: 5,296 Latino Population: 1,577 (29.8%) Minidoka County: Total Population: 20,448 Latino Population: 7,029 (34.4%) Twin Falls: Total Population: 82,248 Latino Population: 12,863 (15.6%) Get involved CSI Workforce offers a variety of options for employers to take requested Spanish classes at their workplace but also offers the opportunity for the community to teach their neighbors. We have a limited amount of people who teach Spanish so we rely on community members to teach it if they can, Pretti told the Times-News. Pretty said that looking for individuals who are interested in bringing their skills into the community. They would also get compensated for their time. Sometimes we pull from CSI faculty, but we also pull people in the industry who have that experience that can train the next generation, Pretti said. For more information on language courses in a workplace, customized training, or teaching, go to www.workforce.csi.edu/. Embattled Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney Brad Calbo was arrested Thursday on a charge of violating his no-contact order against a woman in a domestic abuse case that originated in Oregon, police say. The new legal trouble for the 55-year-old could escalate further as a motion has been filed in Oregon to rescind his release order there. Calbo had been scheduled to be arraigned Friday afternoon, but instead, he posted a $50,000 bond and another court date has been set. Its disappointing, County Commissioner Charlie Howell said of the news regarding Calbos situation. Commissioners have been seeking to meet with Calbo and discuss his intentions ever since he was released from the Lincoln County, Oregon, jail in mid-June, after being charged with two felonies due to violence he was suspected of committing against the woman. So far, there hasnt been a meeting and commissioners have hired a Jerome attorneys office to help navigate the situation. Deputies arrested Calbo at about 9 p.m. Thursday at Calbos residence, according to Sheriff George Oppedyk. The victim was also charged with resisting officers and has since posted a $300 bond. Deputies were notified Thursday that a Dodge pickup known to be Calbos was seen near the Jerome County Judicial Building, where the victim works, and the same vehicle was later seen pulling into the garage of the house that Calbo has been ordered to stay away from, court records say. The woman was also seen going to the residence, and a ping of Calbos cellphone showed it was at the residence and hadnt moved for several hours, court records say. The sheriffs office secured a search warrant in order to determine the location of the phone. The affidavit doesnt go into detail about what led to the resistance and obstruction charges. The affidavit says a few days before the arrest, on July 28, a deputy witnessed what appeared to be Calbos pickup truck to be on the same road as the residence, but the deputy could not positively identify the driver. A petition has been filed to secure a special prosecutor in the womans case, as magistrate judges John Lothspeich and Stacey DePew have voluntarily disqualified themselves from hearing the case. The womans arraignment has been set for Sept. 11. An Oregon judge on July 27 struck down a three-part motion to amend Calbos release order to allow him to work in the countys judicial building, to attend counseling with the victim, and to go to the house to perform maintenance. The woman, in a court filing, said Calbos violent behavior in Oregon in early June was out of character, and that he was intoxicated. She said she was looking forward to Calbo resuming his duties as prosecuting attorney. Calbo was appointed to his job in October when Mike Seib retired. The position will be up for election in May. 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. The Khoffee Group Corp., a leading coffee company known for its commitment to quality and excellent service, is the newest franchise holder of Arabica Philippines. The Khoffee Group executives, along with Arabica Global barista Kobe Lee and Arabica PH baristas Why did we choose Arabica? We know the brand, we love the brand and we know how much Filipinos really love and miss it. So we wanted to bring back that one-of-a-kind coffee experience to the Philippines, said Arabica Philippines and The Khoffee Group chief operations officer Koko Tamura. Arabica is a Japanese coffee brand known for its meticulous selection and preparation process, ensuring a perfect cup of coffee every time. With limited coffee selection, Arabica ensures that only the highest quality beans are used to make their coffee, following a process that adheres to the highest standards of coffee-making. Tamura assured that the partnership between The Khoffee Group and Arabica is a commitment to quality and discipline in making coffee, ensuring that every cup of coffee is a perfect one. She said that aside from Filipinos love for Arabica, they decided to team up with the global coffee brand because The Khoffee Groups philosophy is aligned with Arabica when it comes to choosing only the best quality coffee beans and following a meticulous process to guarantee good quality coffee every time. The Japanese coffee brand is known for its meticulous selection and preparation process. Its founder, Kenneth Shoji, compared it to the art of making sushi, which requires attention to detail and adherence to standards to ensure a quality product. Aside from the thorough coffee preparation process, The Khoffee Group is responsible for making sure that baristas are extensively trained under Arabica standards, even teaching them the manual brewing process in order to understand the whole ecosystem of coffee making. Tamura said this would help baristas appreciate the meticulous coffee-making process and better hone their skills to determine good quality coffee naturally. Our baristas undergo rigorous training for at least a month, both here and abroad, to learn the Arabica coffee experience. If you think about it, the whole process of making a cup of Arabica coffee is really an art, a science, and a ceremony altogether, Tamura said. She highlighted the importance of conscientious preparation in perfecting a cup of coffee, sharing that in Arabica, one of the teachings they learned from their principal is the 80-20 philosophy. This refers to 80-percent preparation and 20-percent execution. Tamura said that before The Khoffee Group opened the new Arabica Philippines on July 21, it took them almost a year to prepare. Aside from its newest Arabica store opening at Mitsukoshi BGC, The Khoffee Group CEO Karen Tui said they would open more Arabica branches in the Philippines, given their plan to increase the presence of the Japanese coffee brand in the country. The Khoffee Group is considering different tourist destinations and iconic areas as future locations of the global coffee brand. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Due to the Philippines location in the Pacific Typhoon Belt, an average of 20 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) annually. In the past two weeks, parts of the country experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds from Typhoons Egay and Falcon. Metro Manila was not exempted from these weather conditions as floods filled the streets and threatened residents safety. Fortunately, they werent left to fend for themselves as responders in office addressed their concerns. Yet although the national government makes numerous efforts to safeguard Filipinos during natural disasters, they dont always act first. According to the 1991 Local Government Code, local government units (LGUs) must be at the frontline of emergency measures in disaster aftermaths to secure their constituents general welfare and supervise preparations and responses to natural calamities and human induced-disasters. Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval pushes for a Drainage and Ticketing System across NCR Their role as first responders prompts them to proactively perform disaster-related activities, from preemptive evacuation to restoring peoples livelihoods. In the past weeks, various Metro Manila LGUs leveraged their online platforms to keep their constituents updated about the weather advisory, with some also monitoring flooding in numerous areas of their jurisdiction affected by the extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, some LGUs tapped into their resources to offer further assistance to the Filipinos affected by the typhoons impact. For instance, the city government of Manila, through the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), offered free transportation to help commuters travel through a specified route and keep them safe from the flood in those areas. Another initiative from the Manila government is cleaning mounds of trash across the streets of Manila to prevent its build-up that could worsen flooding within the city. Caloocan Mayor Along Malapitan (leftmost, seated) discussing possible resolutions to the ongoing flooding issues in Quirino Highway Since flooding also affects traffic flow, delaying vehicles from one point to another, some LGUs in Metro Manila opted to speak with other institutions to create better solutions. Last Monday, July 31, Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo Along Malapitan met with representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to discuss possible resolutions to the ongoing flooding issues in Quirino Highway. Even though Malapitan recognizes DPWHs responsibility in maintaining national highways, he stepped in due to the inconvenience and possible danger it poses to residents in nearby areas. In the meantime, he instructed the Caloocan City Engineering Department to conduct dredging and similar activities to help alleviate the flooding in said area. The Navotas city government took a similar route of keeping their structures functional to keep the streets from flooding. The city has operational pumping stations to keep the citys drainage system clean, helping floodwaters subside faster. Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco visiting a flooded area to oversee possible solutions and expedite the process Just across the river, the Malabon LGU, specifically the City Engineering Office, cleaned their Milagrosa Pumping Station to ensure its seamless operations. In the meantime, Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval met with the MMDA to discuss the possibility of having a Drainage and Ticketing System across NCR, giving importance to establishing a Rain Catchment System in preparation for El Nino, among other concerns. Each city has its own way of addressing the flooding issues that affect everyday Filipinos through projects and programs that cater to the citys conditions. Whether through free transport services, clean-up drives, provision of hot meals and other necessities to the underserved communities, and more, they make sure their constituents feel their initiatives and benefit from their disaster risk reduction and management efforts. Thanks to the proactive Metro Manila LGUs, headed by their respective mayors, their constituents know that during natural disasters and emergencies, they have someone they can count on to champion their well-being and promptly address concerns about their safety and security. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Vietnam has vowed to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.s priority on food security, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday. The commitment was made during the two-day official visit of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to Hanoi from Aug. 1 to 2. Manalo also assured Laos of the Philippines support in its efforts to establish institutions that will address various challenges it is facing as a nation. Manalo said the Philippine government will back Laos intent to build resilience among its people by forming institutions and seeking various forms of cooperation, such as health, education, and climate. Citing the changing landscape of global security and challenges, the agency said Manalos visit to both countries paved the way for the two states to explore new areas of cooperation such as digital economy, renewables, and food security. Vietnam reiterated its existing support to the Philippines and pledged to continue working with the Philippines to enhance trade and investments between the two countries, and will continue to support President Marcos priority on food security, the DFA said. In 2022, the Philippines imported 3.218 million metric tons of rice from the Southeast Asian state. Vietnams expression of support came amid reports that Hanoi is planning to cut its rice exports to 4 million tons a year by 2030. In the same visit, Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized Hanois commitment to reaching the target of $10 billion in trade between the two countries. Trade between the Philippines and Vietnam last year reached $7.8 billion. In the 10th Philippines-Vietnam Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, Manalo and his counterpart, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son also reaffirmed its commitment to bolster the two countries seven-year-old strategic partnership. The DFA said the visit underscored the robust relations that the Philippines enjoys with Vietnam, particularly in areas such as political, defense and security, economic, maritime cooperation, and socio-cultural cooperation. The visit of the Secretary highlighted the positive thrust towards a more robust and more comprehensive relationship between the Philippines and Vietnam, the sole Strategic Partner of the Philippines in the ASEAN region, it said. The countrys top diplomat reiterated that the driving force of its ties with Vientiane has always been the welfare of their people. Health cooperation retains its special place in our ties The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown pathways for the Philippines and Laos for joint efforts in enhancing healthcare delivery, preparedness, and response to future health crises, Manalo said, in an event organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Institute in Vientiane. Education is also prominent in our relationship Both the Philippines and Laos recognize that investing in education is investing in the future, he added. According to Manalo, current climate challenges, such as typhoons, floods, landslides, and climate change, also call for collective action. We have initiated talks on platforms to strengthen practical cooperation between the Philippines and Lao PDR (Peoples Democratic Republic) in disaster risk resilience and humanitarian assistance in disaster relief, he said. We are ready to share the strengths of the Philippine disaster risk resilience strategy, that is the whole-of-nation and community-based approaches that uplift the role of communities as actors on the ground, he added. Laos can always count on the Philippines as a steadfast friend and partner, Manalo said. Laos can also count on Manila as a staunch supporter of ASEAN and ASEAN centrality, and a champion of equity, justice, and development, he added. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed veteran journalist and book author Renato Acosta as the new head of the National Printing Office (NPO), an attached agency of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). Acostas designation as the new director of the governments official printing arm was announced Saturday by the Office of Press Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil. He will replace Carlos Bathan. Acosta is a fellow of the East-West Center in Washington DC (EWCW) and an alumnus of the US State Departments premier professional exchange program International Visitor Leadership Program. As a Philippine-based journalist, Acosta contributed stories and analyses on domestic and regional issues for renowned international think tanks, such as the Washington DC-based Center for Strategic and International Studies and Oxford Analytica in the United Kingdom. He had also written and edited stories for the online portal of the US Pacific Commands Asia Pacific Defense Forum (now Indo-Pacific Forum) and United States Naval Research Institute News. Penguin Random House has published and launched in Singapore his book, The War on Terror: How the Philippine Military and the US Broke the Axis of Terror in the Philippines, and was the featured author in 2019 by the Singapore Writers Festival, considered as one of Asias premier literary events. The journalist and book author delivered lectures on the three themes during the 10-day literary feast sponsored by the Singapore Arts Council. Until his appointment, Acosta was a reporter for BusinessMirror, which he joined in its founding in 2005, and where he had been covering defense and national security issues during the past years. A former president of the Defense Press Corps of the Philippines, Acosta began his journalism career at the state-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA) in 1989 while still a journalism student. He later rose from the ranks. In his junior years as a reporter, Acosta wrote and edited stories for wire agencies while based and working for a newspaper in Western Pacific. Before joining BusinessMirror from the defunct Today newspaper, Acosta briefly worked for the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines as a communication consultant, where he helped work for the removal of the country from the Priority Watch List on piracy by the US Trade Representatives office. Through strategies and impactful messages, the feat was accomplished in seven months. Acosta also founded and edited the defunct Intellectual Property Rights Review (IPR Review), the first newspaper in the world of intellectual property rights that was hailed by worldwide IPR advocates. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has kicked off its 35th anniversary month by thanking its customers who have made TMP the constant market leader in the country. For its 35th year celebration, TMP is leveling up the joy of driving with customer experiences centered around its electrification push for carbon neutrality. In line with the theme Creating Happiness in Mobility, TMP prepared special activities and promotions centered towards enabling customers to experience the thrill and joy of moving together. Expanding Electrified Mobility for All TMP started things off strongly by bringing in a new Toyota nameplate that will further expand its wide range of electrified vehicles. Positioned as its Most Affordable Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) yet, TMP promises to change the electrified game anew with the arrival of the All-New Toyota Yaris Cross HEV. As the latest addition to the automotive leaders widest range of electrified vehicle offerings, the All-New Yaris Cross is expected to intensify Toyotas drive for carbon neutral mobility with its attractive price point, making it Toyotas most affordable electrified vehicle yet. During the models simultaneous nationwide launch on August 4 held in an unveiling event in Taguig City and in Toyotas 72 dealerships nationwide, TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto said Toyota hopes to bring the All-New Yaris Cross expands the easy and practical HEV choices that Toyota offers to its customers, while providing a best-value package that combines a stunning, modern design with advanced vehicle features, and life-enhancing technologies perfect for todays drivers who pursue their various passions. The All-New Yaris Cross is available in three variants the 1.5 S HEV CVT, priced at P1,598,000; the 1.5 V CVT, which starts at P1,296,000; and the 1.5 G CVT, priced at P1,199,000. 35th Anniversary Blowout TMP has unveiled the All-New Yaris Cross whilst exhibiting its powerhouse lineup of electrified sedans, MPVs, and SUVs, at its Go Electrified with Toyota fair, making these electrified cars available for public test drive, customer inquiries, and reservations. With a total of 35 units of electrified cars from Toyota and Lexus all in one place, this event kicked off at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig last Friday (August 4) and will run until the end of today (August 6)! The celebration wouldnt be complete without something for Toyota customers. For the whole month of August, all of Toyotas 72 dealerships nationwide will be offering special anniversary deals on Filipino favorites such as the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Vios, Toyota Innova, and more. Those who will avail of these select models this month will get to enjoy benefits such as discounts, and free value chain offers. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. In anticipation of the opening of a $2.8 million expansion, the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society is looking for a fulltime executive director. Dr. Mervyn King and his wife, Virginia, have been planning the addition to the old courthouse building in uptown Martinsville for about six years and with the addition of 5,000 square feet on two floors, a research library, and a meeting room with a large screen for presentations, someone will need to manage the operations and increased activity. The new addition wont be open until sometime next year, but weve decided to hire someone right away so they can get started and be ready when the time comes, said Virginia King. This will be a permanent, full-time position with an annual salary of $60,000 and a competitive benefit package. The job will involve overseeing the day-to-day operations of the society and the museum, including exhibitions, programming, marketing and personnel management. The new director will be responsible for developing and overseeing the societys strategic plan, direct fundraising and public relations activities and handle all financial matters under the governorship of the board of directors. The position is fulltime and will include some evening and weekends, Virginia King said. We are looking for someone with a bachelors degree, strong organizational, leadership and communication skills and someone that can establish and maintain relationships with donors, board members and community leaders. In addition to being able to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers and community members, Virginia King said they were looking for someone that had knowledge, or would be eager to learn about best practices for collections management and exhibit design. The new executive director will answer to a 15-member board led by its current president, John Phillips. The Historical Society is blessed by the continuing generosity and support of Mervyn and Virginia King. They support our community financially, but more importantly, serve as role models for respecting and preserving history, said Phillips at a groundbreaking ceremony in April. We humbly accept the responsibility of maintaining and sharing the Kings collection. And that collection will include Marklin toys from the 1890s to the 1930s, antique steam engines, a very large American Indian collection including baskets, pottery and blankets that will include some of the rarest in existence, according to King, who also says his tool collection is the sixth largest in the United States and will be on display at the new facility. Its been at the museum in High Point for years a couple of thousand pieces or more. Im sure were not going to get everything over there, King said. Construction on the addition began in May and on Wednesday, workers could be seen at the site operating heavy equipment, laying the foundation and building the basement walls. Virginia King said they were told the building would be complete in 10 months, but they wouldnt be surprised if it took a year. Once we have an empty building well start designing the display, said Mervyn King. The Virginia Museum of Natural History is going to help us with that, added Virginia King. The original Henry County courthouse on the square uptown was constructed in 1824 and Mervyn King said if things time out right, the first event to be celebrated in the new facility might likely be the old buildings 200th birthday party. Anyone interested in applying for the executive director position should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to MHCHistoricalSociety@gmail.com. References will not be contacted without prior permission of the applicant, and all applications and nominations will be kept confidential. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted and the position will remain open until filled. Henry County Public Schools has rolled out a new communication tool between the schools and families of students. ParentSquare is a school to home communication platform that is passionate about better connecting schools with families to improve student outcomes and school success, according to its website, parentsquare.com. Families can use the website sign in or a phone application, though that is optional, but ParentSquare will replace the use of SchoolMessenger, Remind, Class Dojo and other applications previously used. The platform will provide a simple way to connect and communicate through customized email, text and application notifications; easier facilitation of RSVPing for classroom and school activities or signing of permission slips; and allow documents to be received securely. Another aspect of the app that contributed to its selection above other platforms is its ability to translate messages into other languages and better accommodate non-English speaking families. At the August school board meeting on Thursday HCPS Board Vice Chair Ben Gravely said that after recently attending a Hispanic-Latino educational meeting at New College Institute the week before he came to realize that HCPS could do more to accommodate students with families that dont speak English as a first language. Maybe our school division we have a little bit of work to do, Gravely said. I think thats one population in our school community that we sometimes overlook and maybe not place as much emphasis as we should. One thing that resonated with him at that meeting was that a lack of communication between families can cause fear from those communities simply from a lack of not having enough information. Gravely said he hopes this new platform provides an inroad into bridging that communication gap. When we were shopping for a new communication tool we selected ParentSquare because of the feature of being able to translate, HCPS Director of Technology and Innovation Elizabeth Fulcher said. Upon creating an account, parents can choose which language they want to receive messages in and anything sent from schools will automatically be translated to that language. The platform will also feature posts similar to a social media feed which will also be translated automatically. Though calls will not be translated automatically, new Superintendent Amy Blake-Lewis is fluent in Spanish and willing to make those calls along with additional bilingual staff. The platform was launched by the HCPS central office so that all parents received the information at the same time, but any additional distribution of information will be handled by the individual schools, Fulcher said. In talking with community before the start of the school year, HCPS Board Member Cherie Whitlow said that the response to ParentSquare has been well received. Seemed to be effortless on their part of being able to set that up, Whitlow added. Whatever we can do to make sure that we are reaching out to that community, Gravely said. Abraham Lincoln once said you can fool some of the people all of the time. Its the only explanation I can offer for why Trump and Biden are tied at 43% in the New York Times presidential poll released Tuesday. The 2020 election gave Trump a narrow victory in North Carolina. Democrats believe they can win in 2024. President Biden has promised millions in ad dollars and personal appearances. Momentum appears to be favoring Democrats. Their new, young leadership is energized, drumming up support and recruiting candidates. Perhaps theres a lot going on within the state GOP, but there doesnt seem to be the same level of enthusiasm. A lot can happen between now and Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, but its not as far off as you might think. North Carolinas candidate filing opens Dec. 4 and closes Dec. 15 four months from now. Additionally, our legislature, hoping we could have a larger voice in the nomination of presidential candidates, set primary elections for March 5, seven months away. Donald Trump is unquestionably the wild card. Those of us who have followed North Carolina can think of only a handful of people who have had such influence and power. Republicans are scared to speak out against him, but neither do we hear many speaking strongly in support of him. The latest indictment is bound to impact the race. We just dont know how much. Bloomberg reported this week that Trumps PAC has spent more than $40 million on legal fees in the first half of the year and his campaign may be having financial problems. Biden is outraising Trump; Trump is outspending Biden. It is easy to envision Trumps attention diverted to trials and his money to lawyers. If campaign money dries up, all bets are off, but Trump is a master at delay and stall. He has a 30-point margin over his next primary opponent and is unquestionably the 800-pound gorilla in the election. How will Trump affect the North Carolina gubernatorial primary? Sooner or later all the statewide candidates are going to have to show their cards regarding 24. In the gubernatorial contest Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson leads in polling and appears to have Trumps blessing. The bombastic Robinson, like the Donald, is focusing on social issues. State Treasurer Dale Folwell is putting out lots of press releases and is working throughout the state, saying he is a doer, not a talker. But so far, hes been quiet on Trump. Former Congressman Mark Walker joined the gubernatorial primary, but theres not much from his campaign so far. And the latest entry, former state Sen. Andy Wells (who lost to Robinson in the 2020 lieutenant governors election) is staying away from the Trump circus so far. Those declarations will likely determine how the primary votes get split and who ultimately becomes the nominee. The Democratic nomination for president seems all but sewed up and North Carolina Democrats will also have to decide how close they want to run with President Biden. Attorney General Josh Stein, the frontrunner, has not been bashful in his support for Biden. Theres also noise that Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan is thinking of a challenge for the nomination, and it will be interesting to learn how he differentiates himself. Statewide candidates have traditionally looked to the top of their party tickets to run with or away from. North Carolina mirrors the nation right now in saying they dont like either of the two apparent choices. They worry about Bidens age and just dont like Trump. Former Gov. Pat McCrory is co-chair of the national No Labels movement, and they want to offer another option to the two parties. There appears to be much energy for the initiative, however, even those who like the concept say the timing isnt right for 24, citing basic math. Third-party candidates have often been the spoiler in presidential elections. Conservative George Wallace ran on a third-party platform in 1968, winning 31% of the North Carolina vote. Nixon got 39.5% and Humphrey came in third at 29.2%. Nixon won our state and the presidency. In the 1992 election, Ross Perot garnered 13.7% of the popular vote in our state, George H.W. Bush received 43.44% and Bill Clinton got 42.6%. The national split defeated an incumbent president. Assuming Trump and Biden are the nominees, a third-party candidate next year gives Trump a victory. He is going to get at least 30% of the vote in North Carolina unless lightning strikes. Any third-party candidate is likely to take votes away from Biden. Trump wins. The 2024 elections are cranking up and will be both interesting and impactful. Our advice: get involved, stay informed and watch out for the spin. A nationwide health research program that includes the collection of data on participants sexual orientation and gender identity is producing a powerful, unprecedented and long-awaited resource for researchers studying health outcomes and inequities in the LGBTQ community, according to a new study by Stanford Medicine researchers. The researchers used data gathered by the National Institutes of Healths All of Us Research Program to evaluate whether sexual and gender minority groups have a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, HIV diagnosis and tobacco use disorder than cisgender straight people. These associations have long been observed but have been difficult to study due to the lack of reliable health data for LGBTQ people, who are estimated to make up about 9% of the U.S. population. When fully enrolled, the All of Us Research Program will be the largest data set of LGBTQ people in the world, said associate professor of medicine Mitchell Lunn, MD. It includes self-reported data as well as information from electronic health records and physical measurements that we know impact health, like weight and blood pressure. It is a powerful, rich and impactful resource for studying myriad questions about health and health outcomes for members of the LGBTQ communities. The goal of the program is to collect health data from at least 1 million people who reflect the diversity of the United States, allowing researchers to learn more about how biology, environment, and lifestyle impact health. Currently, 75% of participants identify with communities historically underrepresented in medical research, including racial, economic, rural, and sexual and gender minorities. The program has enrolled more than 650,000 people. Rather than focusing strictly on this preliminary studys findings, however, the researchers emphasize that their analysis serves primarily as a proof of principle for the data sets utility. It allows them for the first time to tweeze apart the varying health outcomes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority people. We finally have the data to disaggregate the L from the G and the B and the T and the Q, and more, and to learn more about the unique health challenges of each group with a goal of providing better support and care for all, Lunn said. Lunn is a lead author of the study, which was published online July 31 in JAMA Network Open. Postdoctoral scholar Nguyen Tran, PhD, is also a lead author. Associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology Juno Obedin-Maliver, MD, is the studys senior author. Lunn and Obedin-Maliver co-direct The PRIDE Study a Stanford-based effort to gather data about the physical, mental, and social health experiences and outcomes of people who are LBGTQ. The new Director of the Public Finance Council said Thursday August 3 that the institutions highest priority is to comment on the 2024 budget and called for greater proximity to organizations linked to the sector. We believe that there should be greater proximity between the Public Finance Council and a set of institutions that are related to this process, said Osvaldo Borges, in Praia, after leaving the meeting with the President of the National Assembly, Austelino Correia. The first president of the Public Finance Council, who took office almost two months ago, said that there must be a link between the institution and parliament. I think that in the functioning of parliament and as a new institution that is created, there must be an articulation between these two institutions. Since we make an independent assessment of the entire budget policy process, we thought it would be good to start our meetings with parliament and collect a set of information, Borges said, noting that the highest priority at the moment is to pronounce on the 2024 budget. As he explained, the purpose of the meeting is to present the institution and learn about the schedule for the debate on the 2024 State budget and deliver the report on time. Our meeting has to do with the alignment of agendas, since we are a consultative body for parliament, the government and society and as in the months of October and November, are months when the budget is discussed, we wanted to know what the dates, the parliamentary calendar, so that we can also articulate with our agenda and have the reports, he said. The director said that the institution is in an installation phase, so they wanted to share with the president a set of concerns, recognizing that in the beginning, there will always be aspects that have to be improved. Madagascars President Andry Rajoelina will pay a visit to Rwanda on August 7-8 at the invitation of his Rwanda counterpart Paul Kagame. The Malagasy leader will be accompanied on the trip by a large delegation including government officials, parliamentarians and business people from the private sector, Madagascar Tribune reports, citing a statement from a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday August 2. The visit, the statement added, will be lined up with bilateral agreements between the two countries covering a range of domains. Rajoelina aims, through the visit, to benefit from Rwandas experience of rapid growth. In fact, Rwanda is one of the African countries that have experienced considerable economic growth and development in recent times. Kagame visited Madagascar as guest of honor of the country in 2019 during a national commemoration of the independence in June that year. 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 illustrating how 7 CD4+ T cells enter the retina. Credit: Science Translational Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg1656 A team of medical scientists at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, working with a colleague from the Army Medical University and another from the Luzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, has found an association between immune cells in the gut and damage to the retina due to glaucoma. In their study, reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the group analyzed the behavior of CD4+ T cells and the protein integrin 7. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness and has no cure, though there are treatments that slow the damage it can wreak. It is a condition where ganglion cells in the retina and the optic nerve are damaged. Most therapies work to lower pressure inside the eyeball, one of the symptoms of glaucoma. Prior research has suggested that T cells are likely involved in damage caused by glaucoma, but until now, the cause has been mostly a mystery. In this new effort, the research team suspected that CD4+ T cells may play a role in the disease. They began by testing blood samples of 519 patients with glaucoma, and found that those with higher levels of CD4+ T cells experienced more damage to their eyes. Retinas from mice with glaucoma damage, stained with Brn3a (green) to measure the loss of retinal ganglion cells over time. Credit: Science Translational Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg1656 In mice, CD4+ T cells express integrin 7 in the gutthis is a protein encoded by the ITGB7 gene. They also found that the CD4+ T cells were reprogrammed in the gut in a way that allowed them to use integrin 7 to access the retina and attack retinal ganglion cells when transported through the blood. To learn more about the association between CD4+ T cells and glaucoma damage, the team gave test mice antibodies that prevented the cells from interacting with a protein known as MAdCAM-1, which led to a reduction in inflammation in the eye and damage to the retina. The team concludes that in addition to linking gut immune cells to glaucoma damage, their study also highlights the role that the immune system can play in diseases such as glaucoma. More information: Chong He et al, Gut-licensed 7 + CD4 + T cells contribute to progressive retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma, Science Translational Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg1656 Journal information: Science Translational Medicine 2023 Science X Network Open Podcasting Studio at Seeley Lake Community Library The Seeley Lake library has a podcasting machine for public use courtesy of MCAT. Join Seeley Lake Community Library staff on Aug. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. for a beginners lesson on podcasting. For more information contact Carrie at 406-677-8995. Summer Learning Program: Helping Pets with the Humane Society of Western Montana Learn how to help the pets in our community with the Humane Society of Western Montana. Visit with furry friends and enjoy an activity on Aug. 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Imaginarium on Level Two of the library. The Summer Learning Program is made possible with support from the Missoula Public Library Foundation. Memory Cafe: Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium Visit Missoula Public Librarys Memory Cafe is a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers and family members. This month the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium will introduce us to some of their live Bug Ambassadors! This program is held on Aug. 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Cooper Room on Level Four of the library. Read with Dogs Registered Pet Partners Therapy Dog teams are just waiting for your child to read them a book at Missoula Public Library! Your child can read a favorite book from home or pick one of the many picture books we have to offer. This program is held on Aug. 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Imaginarium on Level Two of the library and is great for hesitant readers or kids who just love dogs. Summer Learning Program: Become a Community Naturalist Ornithology As part of MPLs Summer Learning Program, All Together Now, were teaming up with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to offer this series of courses for adults and teens. Nature-centered programs are often restricted to children or are accessible only through higher education, however, conservation and continued public access to nature depends on community action and community science. Earn your certificate of completion by attending all sessions over the summer! The next session covers ornithology and is held on Aug. 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Cooper Room A on Level Four of the library. For session dates and topics please visit our website at tinyurl.com/communitynaturalist. The Summer Learning Program is made possible with support from the Missoula Public Library Foundation. Potomac Public Library: Mini Concert Series with the Missoula Symphony Missoula Public Library has partnered with the Missoula Symphony again to bring a free mini concert to the Potomac School/Public Library! Meet the string instruments in the orchestra as our symphony musicians perform in a quartet (or group of 4) and talk about the music they play. This mini concert takes place on Aug. 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Potomac Public Library at 29750 Potomac Road. This intimate concert experience is designed for kids and families, where the audience can sit up close with the musicians and ask questions at the end of the concert. Big Sky Branch Library: Summer Game Day On Aug. 9 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Big Sky High School library enjoy Game Day. The Big Sky Branch Library will have board games for checkout, the PS4 hooked up to the projector with an extensive library of video games. If you want to try a tabletop role-playing game enjoy a short one-shot Dungeons and Dragons adventure! No experience necessary, just bring your imagination. Contact bdoyle@missoulapubliclibrary.org for details. Frenchtown Community Library: Mini Concert Series with the Missoula Symphony Missoula Public Library has partnered with the Missoula Symphony again to bring a free mini concert to the Frenchtown School/Community Library! Meet the string instruments in the orchestra as our symphony musicians perform and talk about the music they play. This mini concert takes place on August 10 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Frenchtown School/Community Library at 17620 Frontage Road in Frenchtown. This intimate concert experience is designed for kids and families, where the audience can sit up close with the musicians and ask questions at the end of the concert. MakerSpace: Mission2Mars Walk-in Hours Route Making with the Mars Rover Bring your kids to the Makerspace on Level One of the library on Aug. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to learn more about the Mars Rover. With help from spectrUM staff, students will use a board game made by NASA to simulate the decision-making and command-sequencing process scientists, engineers and computer scientists engage in to explore Mars. All ages welcome; no registration required. Summer Learning Program: Potomac Branch Library Flower Power! Learn about local wildflowers and pollinators while painting your own flower pot! Enjoy this program held on Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Potomac Public Library at 29750 Potomac Road. Children and their families will leave with their own personalized pot, soil and seeds to grow their own wildflowers at home. Take-home kits will be provided for those who cannot stay for the program. Library parking lot closed for resealing The Missoula Public Library parking lot will be closed on Aug. 13 for resealing. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. For more information please call 406-721-BOOK. A 3-year-old girl with a heart full of love died after her family crashed into a tree in South Carolina, officials said. The girl Carter Greene was known for enjoying bubbles and the beach. She was the beloved daughter of Detective Sgt. Daniel Greene, who lives in Walterboro and works for the Colleton County Sheriffs Office. On Sunday, July 30, officials said Greene was in his county-issued patrol SUV with his wife, daughter and another child. The vehicle veered off the right side of the road and hit a tree, according to deputies and the S.C. Highway Patrol. One of the children, Carter, was flown to a medical center, where she was pronounced dead from crash-related injuries. The other people in the SUV were taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, deputies said in a news release. The Colleton County Sheriffs Office is reviewing policies per standard procedure, officials wrote. Greene was off-duty during the incident. The single-vehicle crash was reported at about 11 a.m. on Round O Road in the Cottageville area, roughly 40 miles northwest of Charleston. Carters life was cut short as she prepared to start K3 classes. She attended Colleton Preparatory Academy, where she was in the Teeny Hawks cheer group, according to a post on the Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Home website. She had a smile that could never be forgotten and she began each day as her favorite princess, which was herself, her online obituary said. She will always be remembered for her love of bubbles. The Colleton County coroners office didnt immediately share additional information about Carters death with McClatchy News on Aug. 2. An investigation into the crash was ongoing as of Aug. 1, state troopers said in a news release. 1-year-old NC boy hit and killed while visiting SC state park with family, coroner says 15-year-old riding ATV with friend dies after it flips on steep hill, SC officials say The owner of two Independence jewelry stores was convicted of a felony on Friday for agreeing to help launder money for an undercover IRS agent who had posed as a heroin dealer, according to federal prosecutors. Junaid Sahibzda, 37, of Lenexa, pleaded guilty in the Western District of Missouri to a single charge of failing to submit necessary reporting documents to the IRS for a purchase above $10,000. Charging documents for Sahibzda were unsealed Friday on the same day he admitted to the crime. Prosecutors say Sahibzda is part owner of Gold-N-Time, a kiosk shop, and Jawa Jewelers in the Independence Center indoor mall. In March 2020, an undercover agent approached his kiosk and pitched the idea of making cash purchases for expensive jewelry and then reselling the items in Chicago. For it to work, the undercover agent said no government forms could be filled out. Sahibzda replied that it would not be a problem, according to prosecutors. Roughly nine months later, the undercover agent arranged the purchase of a custom ring and bracelet valued at $20,650, according to court documents. Over the phone, Sahibzda instructed the agent to put $9,500 down so he could avoid filing a government form for the transaction. Several weeks after that, the agent met Sahibzda in person and handed over in cash the balance owed for the items, which was above $12,100. During an interview with federal agents the following year, Sahibzda admitted to making multiple jewelry cash transactions above $10,000 without filling out required forms, according to court documents. While the single felony conviction carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, the government reported in the plea agreement signed Friday that there was no knowledge of a serious criminal history for Sahibzda. Under the agreement, prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of probation so long as certain conditions are met. An attorney for Sahibzda did not immediately reply to The Stars request for comment Friday evening. Sahibzda is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 30. Ive been following www.fastcompany.coms World Changing Ideas Awards for a couple of years and this years winners had so many across-the-board topics that it made it difficult to pick out which ones to center on for this column. For the complete list, check out the website for an interesting read. Most innovative? My vote was for Dole who, partnering with L&C New York and Ananas Anam, found a new use for its discarded pineapple leaves: vegan leather. This earned them the award in the Marketing and PR category. Each ton of harvested pineapples generates three tons of leaves that go to waste. In 2020, New York creative agency L&C partnered with food giant Dole to address this problem. Together with marketing firm Peppercomm, they found a solution in Ananas Anam, the company created by textile entrepreneur Carmen Hijosa to commercialize her patented process for turning fibrous pineapple leaves into a vegan leather called Pinatex. Ananas Anam (ananas Spanish for pineapple) had been operating for seven years and needed more leaves. The partnership, made official in 2021, was launched with an educational film that captured both the problem and the Pinatex solution and garnered more than 1.7 billion impressions. Pinatex has been used by 1,000 brands worldwide, including Hugo Boss, H&M, and Nike (with its Happy Pineapple shoe collection). In addition, pineapple farmers have been given a new stream of income, and Dole has reduced its overall fruit waste. They say, diamonds are a girls best friend, but in the future not all diamonds will be coming out of the ground. Diamonds by Pandora is another winner of Fast Companys 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards in the Consumer Products category. Mining diamonds involves creating large, destructive holes in the earth and then having people do the dangerous job of digging them out. Hence, the commercialization of synthetic diamonds, created from carbon in a lab instead of underground, should be a boon for both the environment and worker safety. Sounds like a total win for both? Not exactly because it will happen only if jewelry companies adopt the new technology. In 2022, just 10% of diamonds sold were grown in labs. But a new product line by Pandora, the Danish company thats the third-largest jewelry retailer in the world, could help change that by its determination to feature only lab-grown diamonds. The companys diamonds are grown by third-party suppliers using only renewable energy and are fitted onto jewelry made with recycled silver and gold, one step in the companys plan to use recycled metals exclusively by 2025 (the first major jewelry company to make such a commitment). Pandora plans to transition to lab-grown diamonds across all of its products. The collections silver ring, with a 0.15-carat lab-created diamond, retails for $300 but only has about the same amount of embedded emissions as a T-shirt. Its highest-priced item, a $1,950 1-carat lab-created diamond set in a 14-karat solid-gold ring, has fewer emissions than an average pair of jeans. The lab-grown diamonds themselves have just 5% of the carbon footprint of a mined diamond. The line is designed to offer diamonds at lower price points and jewelry beyond fancy engagement rings. The most important goal, however, is to also show the jewelry industry that there are environmental alternatives to the ways it has traditionally operated. Another award winner comes from Trane Technologies that designed a unique food cart that will keep street vendors produce cool, resulting in the reduction of food waste and boosting profits. And by keeping produce cool, the carts can help reduce the nearly 1 billion metric tons of food that gets discarded every year, much of it winding up in landfills, where the United Nations estimates it contributes 10% of global climate-warming gases as it decomposes. The carts rely on a canopy thats made from a film developed by SkyCool Systems. The film reflects sunlight to prevent fresh produce from overheating, passively cooling the area beneath by up to 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) and saving food from spoiling and being tossed out before it can be sold. The company has been testing a pilot program in Kolar, India, which led to a recent order of 300 carts and Trane is now working with the UN to expand adoption of the cooling carts to other locations beyond India. Another World Changing Ideas Award winner went to New Yorks Brooklyn Public Library for its program to provide 500,000 banned books to teens around the U.S. The award was in the Social Justice category. America has a long history of book bans, ever since a critique of Puritanical government was outlawed in 1637. Prohibitions continued throughout history, from Uncle Toms Cabin to Harry Potter. But the start of this decade ushered in a new era of politically charged book bans, driven by fears over critical race theory and transgender rights. 2021 saw the most challenges to books in 20 years, with almost 1,600 separate titles removed from classrooms and library shelves across the country. In response, last year the Brooklyn Public Library made its entire catalog of 500,000 digital titles available to anyone ages 13 to 21 across the country with its Books Unbanned program. Under this program, enrollees receive an electronic membership card granting access to the complete digital catalog for free via the librarys website or app without the need for parental sign-off. Since April 2022, BPL has registered more than 6,000 young people in all 50 states, whove checked out 70,000-plus books. The collection includes frequently banned books, but more generally its a resource for all sorts of titles. Most importantly, its a move to protect against a new threat to First Amendment rights. This country is headed for hell in a handbasket, two people told me recently on quite different occasions. Interesting. Id never thought those two would agree about anything. Each stood firmly on quite opposite sides of the political divide I keep reading about. Of course, what they were agreeing about wasnt exactly a cause for celebration. The whole country? To hell? I didnt believe they meant it. Why, that cliche has such a jaunty rhythm and lively alliteration that who could despair on hearing it? Ive often pictured an enormous woman wearing an old-fashioned, white apron and swinging one of those somewhat flimsy woven baskets with a handle, the kind I buy peaches in. The woman is smiling as she walks along at quite a clip, either unaware of her destination or perhaps heartlessly planning to dump her cargo into the abyss and head back to wherever she came from. When I googled the expression, I discovered bleaker imaginations than mine. Some associated it with the gold rush in the 19th century when men were lowered by hand in baskets down mining shafts to set explosives which could have deadly consequences. Others thought it referred to the baskets that collected severed heads after a French day at the guillotine. Both were wrong, Google decided. The words have been around since before gold rush or the guillotine. Whatever its beginnings, the expression reminded me of another Id heard from at least one old person. Todays youth are going to the dogs. That didnt sound so awful. My children love dogs. When they were young, they frequently did want to go out to the dogs or even better, to bring those dogs into the house. But Google says: The saying ... seems to have started in the sixteenth century from the idea that useless or spoiled things, like food, should be thrown to the dogs rather than be eaten by people. Or, Google continued, the expression might come from the idea that evil people were banned to the dumps, where fierce wild dogs howled. Earlier this spring my husband and I were sitting outside at Bucks Pizza when a group of four young people took a table near ours. Two were women, who looked barely out of their teens, a brunette and a blonde, pretty and neatly dressed. The men appeared somewhat older, but certainly not old. One man was on a walker, the other in a wheelchair. The women helped seat them at the table, handed them napkins and drinks, sat down and talked to them as all waited for their order. I tried not to listen, but couldnt help but overhear the rough voices and inarticulate noises by the men and the soft voices of the women, encouraging and responding and sometimes directing. Everyone smiled or laughed. No one googled on a phone. I suspected that the men were residents of a group home and the women on the clock taking care of them. All I knew for certain was that the men were amazingly pliant and responsive and that the women went above and beyond what paid employees are required to do. All needed patience. The women to care for; the men to live daily in a world, where their bodies and minds didnt work well and where they were always been told however nicely what to do. I suspected that all knew times of irritation, impatience or despair over a seemingly impossible job, often without hope for improvement. Yet each was doing the best possible to enjoy eating a meal together. Was this the world headed to hell in a handbasket? Or a world where young people were sent to mad and raving dogs? Youll never convince me. I dont know what political party if any the women or men belonged to. Yet I think of them when I read bumper stickers that chill me to the bone or when I hear of terrible evil. I also try to remember the many people on both sides of the political divide who fight impossible battles against drug addiction, homelessness, violence, poverty, and mental illness. And people fighting their own greed and selfishness. In The News Herald, I read about a couple starting up The Masters Table to offer a home-cooked meal to the homeless on the only day of the week when the Soup Kitchen is closed. I personally know a former nurse with only a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish who spent this summer teaching English to newly arrived Latino teenagers in a somewhat chaotic program. I know of local ministers who welcome the unsheltered into their churches; and a couple in their 80s determined to get their church more involved in community. This past week I met a homeless woman in tears, who, nonetheless, shared what little she had with me. What about the people who said that this country was going to hell in a handbasket! Neither of them believed it. Both work at local charities, enjoy meals together. I dont mean to make light of hellish thoughts or deeds my own or anyone elses. People now and in the past have committed unbelievable horrors. I just question consigning everyone in our country to hell when so many people try to be good Samaritans. I also question anyones ability to decide the destination and final judgment of others. But even if that basket is on its way to hell, Im glad I picture it full of peaches. The way that woman is swinging her basket, those peaches in it are slamming against each other, bruising each other, rotting quickly, and surely falling out. Who knows? Such seeds might land in good soil. They may sprout and bear fruit. CHARLOTTE A man federal prosecutors say is responsible for trafficking meth into Burke and Catawba counties has been sentenced to serve more than two decades in prison. U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Alfonso Roman Brito, 44, to 25 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine, Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, announced on Friday. A release from Kings office said, according to filed court documents and evidence introduced at Britos trial, in 2019, law enforcement were conducting an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in Catawba and Burke counties and surrounding communities. As trial evidence established, the investigation determined that Brito, who was an inmate in the Georgia Department of Corrections, was in charge of coordinating the shipment of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine from Atlanta into Western North Carolina, the release said. According to information presented at trial, between 2019 and 2021, Brito orchestrated the delivery of more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine from Georgia to North Carolina, which was then sold to drug networks in the area for local distribution, the release said. In December 2022, a federal jury convicted Brito of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine, the release said. The release said six co-defendants also have been sentenced for drug-related offenses in connection with this case. They are: Charles Ray Hildebran, sentenced to 180 months in prison and five years of supervised release. He has previous felony convictions of breaking and entering and larceny after B&E in both Burke and Lincoln counties, according to a search on the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections website. He also has a previous felony conviction in Burke of safecracking/safe robbery and felony possession of Schedule II, and other conviction in Burke dating back to 2000, the search shows. Jeffrey Ben Pavkovich, sentenced to 151 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Billy Dean Potter, sentenced to 132 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He is currently on probation in Burke County for a 2021 conviction of felony possession of Schedule II. He was convicted of the same thing in Burke in 2017 and in Catawba in 2016 and in Caldwell in 2015, along with other convictions dating to 2010, according to an NCDAC search. Phillip Anthony Godfrey, sentenced to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release. He has previous misdemeanor convictions in Burke, according to an NCDAC search. Britton Nicole Metcalf, sentenced to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release. She has a previous felony drug conviction in Burke in 2017 and a post release probation revocation in 2018, according to an NCDAC search. Marcos Alan Martinez, sentenced to 46 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Robert J. Murphy, special agent in charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, Ronnie Martinez, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, Robert Schurmeier, director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Burke County Sheriff Banks Hinceman and Catawba County Sheriff Donald G. Brown II joined King in making the announcement Friday. Hinceman said he appreciates the help Burke County receives from the federal agencies. We rely heavily on our federal partners to help us target problem drug offenders, Hinceman told The News Herald. We just enjoy a good working relationship with those federal agencies. King commended the DEA, HSI, the Burke County Sheriffs Office and the Catawba County Sheriffs Office for leading the investigation. U.S. Attorney King also thanked the Caldwell County Sheriffs Office, the Newton Police Department, the Hickory Police Department and the Georgia Department of Corrections for their assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Asheville prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make neighborhoods safer for everyone, the release said. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results, the release said. After more than 20 years, it appears that re-establishing passenger rail travel from Salisbury to Asheville has become more than just talk. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has a draft feasibility study for a western passenger rail that looks at where stops along the line may be, the length of time it would take to get to a destination, funding the line and potential revenue. In 2001, the North Carolina Department of Transportation started looking into offering western rail service that would run from Salisbury to Asheville. But state officials have long said it would take federal money to make a western passenger rail line a reality. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act bill, passed by Congress in late 2021, could be the much-needed shot in the arm to make a western line an actuality. The $1 trillion law provides $550 billion from 2022 through 2026 for investment in infrastructure, including in roads, bridges, mass transit, water infrastructure, resilience and broadband, according to the Federal Highway Administration. When President Joe Biden first unveiled his proposed infrastructure bill in April 2021, Amtrak said in a release that the $80 million proposed to go to the company would be used to expand rail to underserved communities, create jobs, improve the quality of life, reduce carbon emissions and generate economic growth. It also released a map showing its plans and it included a new western North Carolina rail line from Salisbury to Asheville. The western rail line The proposed passenger rail corridor spans around 139 miles between Salisbury and Asheville, NCDOT says. And adding the Western North Carolina Passenger Rail service would extend service to an additional 1.03 million state residents, the study says. The study says the population within the Salisbury-to-Asheville corridor is also home to a population with a higher proportion of residents over the age of 65 and a higher proportion of disabled residents than in the Charlotte-to-Raleigh corridor. The study says access to passenger rail service provides increased accessibility and mobility particularly for those with limited available transportation options. Low-income and elderly riders benefit from rail and other transportation alternatives compared to using individual vehicles to get to work, school, errands, medical care and recreational activities, the study says. With the passenger rail services, disadvantaged populations are able to access locations outside of the cities and towns where they live, which benefits them by increasing their access to employment, educational, medical and recreational opportunities, it says. The Western North Carolina Passenger Rail Corridor would be a connection to major metropolitan areas throughout the state, such as Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh, the study says. Those cities have important health care centers and facilities, as well as four-year universities. Asheville also is a health care hub and home to Mission Hospital and numerous other health facilities and doctors, as well as a four-year university. Salisbury has the benefit of being a connector to other rail corridors going both north and south to other states and areas of the country. It also would connect Western North Carolina to rail routes on the East Coast, the study says. In addition, tourism is a major part of the local economy in Western North Carolina. Along with the national forests, the region also contains a large portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as several lakes and dams such as Lake Lure and Fontana Dam, the draft feasibility study says. In addition to those, Burke County boasts South Mountains State Parkthe largest state parkand Lake James State Park, as well as Fonta Flora State Trail, Overmountain Victory Trail and the future Wilderness Gateway Trail that will run through Catawba, Burke, McDowell and Rutherford counties. The draft feasibility study says each year the western part of the state welcomes millions of visitors for camping, hiking, whitewater rafting and other recreational activities. It is a popular spot for tourists, outdoorspeople and holds the historic Old Fort Loops that sit along the rail corridor from Salisbury to Asheville, the study says. The study says that just east of Black Mountain is a 13-mile section of railroad that twists, winds and curls its way through tunnels and over bridges up the Eastern Continental Divide and through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The loops were necessary to spread the vertical change of the Continental Divide out over the railroad track length to minimize the grade of the railroad, the study says. Stations So where would potential stops along the western line be located? Morganton and Valdese have long been noted as potential stops by NCDOT. The draft feasibility study said in some cases, station buildings are present and have been renovated in preparation for future passenger services. In some communities, station buildings need to be constructed. The study says the 2015 Comprehensive State Rail Plan from NCDOT said some initial station planning has occurred between Salisbury and Asheville. Several station buildings along the Salisbury-to-Asheville route, including Conover, Marion, Morganton, Old Fort and Statesville have already been renovated and are housing other interim compatible uses. The city of Morganton renovated its train station, located off Green Street, in the early 2000s. Morganton City Manager Sally Sandy said if the western passenger rail line becomes a reality, the city would like to be a stop. As for the station, Sandy said doesnt know whether it would meet the standards that would be required or if additional changes would need to be made. While she said the city would be supportive of looking into it and seeing if a stop in the city could work, its not on the top of the priority list of things the city is trying to accomplish right now. The draft feasibility study said in Asheville, Valdese and Black Mountain, future potential station sites have been identified in past studies. The old Valdese train depot has long since been demolished. It was located across from the current town hall at the corner of Massel and Rodoret streets. An iron artwork structure was installed several years ago at the location depicting the first Waldensian settlers getting off the train. The art piece sits in front of the train tracks and also includes a small walkway to a covered train depot with seating. Valdese Town Manager Seth Eckard said that area would likely be where a new train station would be built, if it happens. He said the town hasnt had discussions with any agencies about how it all would work. The NCDOT draft study said during the development of the study, Hickory also expressed interest in being a stop along the line. The study says estimates include costs to provide platforms, canopies and buildings, where needed, at each intermediate station. It said separate station tracks are not budgeted at any of the intermediate stations. Traditionally, NCDOT has partnered with communities to pursue grants to help with construction, but through agreements, towns and cities help fund ongoing maintenance of station buildings, the study says. An allowance associated with improvements at seven potential intermediate stops has been included in the cost estimate, although additional planning is needed to optimize service development planning and stopping patterns, the study says. The study shows the cost estimate for the stations along the line at $81 million. Station costs include those for the Biltmore Village site alternative, Salisbury and seven other locations along the line. In Asheville, NCDOT and Asheville own land near Biltmore Village near Garfield Street, north of the train corridor, which may be used for a potential future passenger rail station, the study says. A platform, station track and layover track would need to be constructed, in addition to a station building, it says. The study says that at a meeting with the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization, a request was made for NCDOT to consider building the station in an alternate location near the River Arts District closer to Ashevilles downtown. However, that would mean an additional $5 million tacked onto the cost, the study says. Similar station infrastructure would be needed for the River Arts District Station, and additional right of way or use of railroad right of way would be required, it says. Salisbury has an existing station and will serve as a connection to trains serving stations between Charlotte and Raleigh along the Piedmont and Carolinian corridors. The station is already set up to accommodate a future additional platform that will also be able to accommodate a new station track extending from the new service along the Norfolk Southern AS-Line, the study says. Cost and revenue So how much would a western passenger rail line cost? The total capital cost for everything including the three sets of trains needed, maintenance, stations, controls, signal infrastructure, crossings and signals, track infrastructure and class of track improvements is $665 million, according to the study. It says all costs are conceptual and are subject to change pending freight railroad coordination. That breaks down to: $119 million for track infrastructure and class of track improvements; $169 million for grade crossing and grade crossing signal upgrades; $35 million for rail signal infrastructure; $45 million for Positive Train Control, which are systems designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work zones, and movements of trains through switches left in the wrong position, according to the Federal Railroad Administration; $81 million for stations along the route; $160 million for equipment (three train sets); $55 million for maintenance facility; As for net operating and maintenance costs per year, the study estimates it to be between $7.3 million and $10.9 million. It says the annual operating and maintenance costs were calculated by applying unit costs associated with the Piedmont service to the corridor length and number of trains anticipated on the proposed western rail corridor. As for the revenue projected, the study says a projected yield of approximately 17 cents per passenger mile (the current yield for the Piedmont service) was applied to the passenger-miles to estimate revenue. A 17 cents yield results in a potential $24 fare (reflecting current 2023 pricing assumptions) to travel the distance from Asheville to Salisbury, the study shows, with a caveat that ticket prices and revenue are preliminary and could change prior to the service being implemented. The study says that with a potential yearly ridership of between 245,000 to 390,000, total potential yearly revenue, based on 2023 prices, would be between $5 million and $8.6 million. Whats next The feasibility study says its information is conceptual and can be used to initiate conversations between NCDOT, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Rural Planning Organization (RPO), Norfolk Southern Railway, Amtrak, and other key stakeholders on design requirements and pursuing funding to re-establish passenger rail between Salisbury and Asheville. It says municipalities and their respective MPO/RPO will need to work together and consider including passenger rail services and its associated station and rail infrastructure improvements in the regions comprehensive transportation plans (CTP) and long-range transportation plans (LRTP). The study says MPOs and RPOs can use the information in the report to submit the project for funding consideration through the NCDOT Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) law prioritization process, which allocates available project funding based on data-driven scoring and local input. If the project scores well enough to receive state transportation funds in STI, it will be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), the study says. The study says MPOs and RPOs should consider submitting the project into STI prioritization process during the next submission window, which opened in July. The study says state funds secured through the STI process can also be used as leverage or match to pursue a federal competitive discretionary grant, which would greatly reduce the burden on state funds for development. A federal grant will help offset up to 80% of the costs associated with the project, the study says. The study says letters of support from communities along the corridor will be needed to go after the most appropriate federal grant program, which is the FRAs Federal State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail. Liz Macam, communications officer for the Rail and Integrated Mobility Divisions of NCDOT, said generally, station projects are eligible for federal grants and inclusion in the state Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) law funding process with local support. But for federal funding, the proposed western rail corridor would have to be chosen in the FRAs Corridor Identification and Development Program (CID), according to the study. Following the service development plan, the Corridor Identification and Development Program (CID) would fund 80% percent of the costs to prepare environmental documentation in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The study says the FRAs intent is that projects that move through the CID steps will be eligible for and positioned for grants through programs like the Federal State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail. NCDOT submitted an application to FRA for the Asheville-to-Salisbury corridor to be included in the Corridor Identification and Development Program (CID), the study says. The Federal Railroad Administration anticipates announcing corridors selected for the CID Program in the fall, according to the study and NCDOT. Macam said NCDOT is hopeful the western line will be one of the corridors selected. She said if the corridor is selected for Corridor ID, feasibility studies, planning work and preliminary engineering for stations will be eligible for FRA Corridor ID funding. If selected, Macam said the NCDOT Rail Division will begin more detailed coordination with the freight railroads and local stakeholders on the project. The study says if the corridor is selected into CID, the program will fund 90% of the costs to develop a service development plan for the project. It says a service development plan is a high-level business, operating and capital plan with the objectives of demonstrating operational and financial feasibility and the value of the proposed service. Macam said NCDOT is working to ensure it receives final input from project stakeholders and intends to issue a final study report this fall. Seeley Oblander and her fiance woke up to their dog Mazzy going nuts Thursday morning. We brushed it off, she said. They live in the country and figured the dog was just harassing a raccoon or a skunk. But the dog wouldnt quit. This was different. It was about 3 a.m. when Seeleys partner Tom Bolkcom finally walked downstairs to see what was going on. Tom looked behind him and five feet away in the living room was a black bear. They stood face to face for about five seconds, Seeley said. The bear had broken in through a window of the home about 15 miles from Red Lodge. The bear started making noises like he owned the place and wasnt leaving. And, because the bear was between Tom and the door, there was no way to show him out. Tom ran for his gun and shot the bear, who then ran from room to room with Tom after him. Tom shot him three or four more times until it was done, Seeley said, whose role in the episode was to hide downstairs and let Tom handle it. The couple had been up with family until about midnight that morning. They were preparing to travel to Arizona where Seeley had a bachelorette party planned with friends. With a dead bear in their sun room and a trail of blood around the house, the couple called a game warden to come and sort it out. We wanted it out of our house, the bear smelled awful, and he really made a mess, Seeley said. The warden said shooting the bear was probably the best thing to do. Once they get in your house they usually come back and want to get in again, she said. The couple still had to leave at 6 a.m. to make their flight in Billings, so they called family to come and get the bear out of the house and tidy up. They rolled it onto a tarp and tugged it out into the yard. They figured it weighed from 250 to 300 pounds. And, they dont get to keep the bear, to maybe make into a rug as a warning to other bears. It was a hectic morning, I can tell you that, Seeley said. *** Wanna go for a hike? 5 tips for safe trekking with your dog Know your breed The amount of physical activity your dog needs is heavily influenced by their breed. A high-energy breed, like a border collie, may have a much easier time on a hike than a lower energy breed. The exercise limits of your dog are an important factor to keep in mind before heading out on an adventure. Research your breed and check with your veterinarian to make sure your plans are in line with your dogs physical limits. Carry water for the dog Hiking can be exhausting for dogs, too, so its important to keep them hydrated. Make sure you bring water and offer your dog a drink every half hour. A collapsible bowl or dog travel bottle is an easy way to carry everything you need for hydration. Always have a leash Many hiking trails require dogs to be on leash. Even if your trail doesnt have a leash requirement, its a good idea to have one with you. Keeping your dog on a leash will help if you need to steer him away from anything along the trail, like poisonous plants or other animals. Clean up after your dog Always bring waste bags with you to clean up after your dog even if you dont think youll be out that long. Your dog will eventually need a bathroom break and it is better to be prepared with a cleanup bag. Remember a first aid kit It is best to always have some medical essentials with you, like a small tube of antibiotic cream for minor cuts, roll-on bandages and a clean bandana to use as a tourniquet in case of major bleeding or bone fractures. Over the next several months, members of the Louisa Regional Solid Waste Agency (LRSWA) could be scrambling to determine how or if the Louisa County Transfer Station in Wapello will continue to operate. The agency has faced the potential closing of the station before, but several issues have been building the past few months that make the stations continued operation uncertain again, according to discussions Tuesday during the agencys quarterly meeting. One of the key headaches is meeting a Jan. 1 deadline from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to comply with a 100-year floodplain restriction. According to earlier discussions, revised floodplain maps revealed the transfer station is located within the 100-year floodplain of Otter Creek, which is not allowed under current federal and state rules. The DNR proposed the transfer station could remain in its current location, if the LRSWA constructed a berm around the facility. That berm was initially expected to be completed last year, but an extension was granted by the DNR. Agency officials estimated the berm could have cost around $800,000; and because of that high cost eventually proposed an alternative. Under that alternate plan, the LRSWA proposed hauling in dirt to elevate a portion of the station yard east of the scale house above the 100-year flood level. It would then construct a three-sided concrete bunker to store recyclables, E-waste and other ancillary waste. The agency would also sweep out its loadout bay daily and store that material in a transfer trailer. In a July 6 email to transfer station manager Joellen Schantz, Chad Stobbe, DNR environmental specialist, explained the DNR was willing to accept the alternative plan and grant another extension to Jan. 1. However, Stobbe indicated in the email that he was uncertain everyone involved were on the same page and apparently wrote the email to specifically identify the steps the LRSWA had to take to obtain the extension. Although the Louisa County Secondary Roads Department has assisted the LRSWA by hauling ditch-clearing fill to the transfer station, the agency must still find the financing to pay for the costs related to the alternative plan. The LRSWA is also facing increased costs for needed repairs of a concrete backwall at the garbage building. That building could also possibly be moved to the elevated east site, or a new building possibly constructed on the elevated site. Additional semi-tractor and trailer costs, possible scale repairs and other work could also help drain the agencys current $336,280 account balance. Agency chair Brad Quigley estimated getting all the work completed that is necessary could cost around $500,000, This group has to make a decision, he said. The members agreed to get firmer cost estimates for all the needed work and meet again on Aug. 8 to plan its next steps. In other action, the agency members: Agreed to table a decision on revising its bylaws, after agreeing the old bylaws that had been adopted in 1973 needed to be reviewed more closely; Learned the agencys insurance pool was now requiring agency staff to have fire extinguisher and Haz-Mat training; Received an update on needed repairs at the former county landfill. Katie DeBenedetti joined the Napa Valley Register staff on July 31 as a reporter covering the Napa City Council and Napa Valley Unified School District, as well as Napa Valley arts. Before joining the Register, DeBenedetti, a native of San Mateo, graduated in June from UC Davis, where she was managing editor of the universitys on-campus newspaper, The California Aggie. During her four years in Davis, DeBenedetti worked for The Aggie as both a reporter and editor on the features desk before being named managing editor in June 2022. On the features desk, her work focused on environmental reporting and women's issues. During her time as managing editor, she delved into news reporting, covering the investigation into a string of stabbings in the city of Davis in May. In her new role at the Register, DeBenedetti hopes to focus on city and school affairs through the eyes of Napa residents, students and other community members. She can be reached at kdebenedetti@napanews.com Newspaper: Armenia sends letters to some European countries on 1 ton cocaine case Nicolas Daragon: Azerbaijan is trying to take Lachin corridor under threat of not attacking Armenias Syunik Province Armenia FM presents Karabakh situation to US acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Azerbaijan announces progress on matter of signing peace treaty with Armenia Azerbaijan MFA official: We are ready to hold meetings with Karabakh Armenians NKR ombudsman: Human rights activists expressed their stance, its international arena political decision-makers turn Azerbaijan fires at civilians in Karabakh village, civilian car sustains damage (PHOTOS) ECtHR forwards to Armenian side Azerbaijan information on abducted Karabakh resident Vagif Khachatryan Lithuania FM: Crucial to ensure unimpeded movement through Lachin corridor Minister, UAE envoy to Armenia discuss promising domains of cooperation in economy US Senate Foreign Relations Committee representatives visit Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan Armenia parliament vice-speaker briefs Estonia envoy on growing humanitarian crisis in Karabakh Ocampo submits report to Karabakh president, concludes that genocide is being committed against people of Artsakh Armenia FM briefs Spain, Greece counterparts on humanitarian crisis in Karabakh Public TV: Another one joins trucks sent from Armenia for Karabakh, this humanitarian aid is from France Burbank mayor meets with protesting American Armenians demanding lifting of Karabakh blockade Armenia Security Council chief meets with US Senate Foreign Relations Committee representatives Armenia FM has phone conversation with Bulgaria counterpart Ex-FM: Armenians have only one lever in their hands which is to sign or not to sign peace treaty with Azerbaijan Russia MFA: Signal being received from Azerbaijan, Armenia doesnt mean parties are ready to agree to any conditions Armenia defense minister receives newly appointed France ambassador (PHOTOS) Which political party Yerevan residents will vote for the most in upcoming municipal election? Red Cross transfers 10 more medical patients from Karabakh to Armenia Azerbaijani economist is detained in Turkey, handed over to homeland Ombudsperson: Cases of fainting due to malnutrition continue to increase in Karabakh Armenia FM briefs Lithuania colleague on situation, growing humanitarian crisis in Karabakh Luis Moreno Ocampo: Azerbaijan blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh is genocide Los Angeles Armenians block street, march to Congressman Adam Schiff residence Crusaders detachment reaches area where humanitarian aid trucks sent from Armenia to Karabakh are waiting ARF does not find it proper to nominate its own proportional representation list for Yerevan elections Armenia premier congratulates Singapore counterpart on National Day Sputnik Armenia: Where, under what conditions father and son Smbatyan are detained? Newspaper: When Armenia ruling party election headquarters will start working? Armenia MFA spox: Abducting of patient under Red Cross care must be condemned Erdogan confirms Turkey participation in 2020 war against Karabakh Russia MoD records ceasefire violation in Nagorno-Karabakh President sends urgent appeal to international community to take immediate action to prevent genocide of NKR people Turkey army General Staff head of intelligence visits Azerbaijan Poland new envoy expresses readiness to assist reforms within Armenia internal affairs ministry (PHOTOS) Estonia ambassador to Armenia joins EU civilian monitoring mission patrol Congressman Adam Schiff: We must recognize Artsakh Republic independence if we truly stand for democracy, human rights Robert Khachatryan, Andrea Wiktorin discuss EU-assisted high-tech projects in Armenia Who are included in ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan's political team for Yerevan Council of Elders election? Armenia PM congratulates newly appointed Tunis colleague Armenia wins 1 gold, 4 silver medals at International Mathematics Competition for University Students US State Department spox.: Turkey can play productive role in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization Crusaders detachment members reopen avenue nearby Armenia government building Armenia national opera and ballet theater has new director Karabakh war-participating detachment members block avenue near Armenia government building Delegation visiting Armenia on US Senator Robert Menendezs instruction is in Syunik Province (PHOTOS) Protesters give Armenia government time until 6pm to have Lachin corridor reopened Red Cross transports 11 medical patients from Karabakh to Armenia after 11 days of complete blockade by Azerbaijan Karabakh war-participating detachment members protest outside Armenia government building Red Cross representatives visit 2 Azerbaijani soldiers who illegally entered Armenia With which party ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan will run in Yerevan municipal elections? Armenia responds to Azerbaijan letter regarding plant under construction in Yeraskh village Tasnim: Iran, Armenia security councils heads discuss regional situation Armenia Security Council chief briefs Iran diplomat on humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh Tesla CFO unexpectedly resigns Ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan to run in Yerevan election Health ministry: Comprehensive siege of Karabakh leads to considerable increase in mortality, morbidity rates Azerbaijan ombudsperson representatives visit detained Karabakh resident Rashid Beglaryan UN experts call on Azerbaijan to immediately restore free movement through Lachin corridor Karabakh state minister: Even in these conditions there are still people who are engaged in idle talk Worlds largest Nissan to go out of production Aram I, Vatican bishop discuss current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh Andranik Tevanyan: Mother Armenia movement will run in Yerevan municipal elections Newspaper: Armenia parliament new session to be heated, ruling force already has decision Azerbaijan slams UN experts for their objective assessments of situation in Karabakh US State Department: Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement remains within reach Vardan Sargsyan: Humanitarian crisis in Karabakh is deepening, with widespread malnutrition Turkey ministers council discusses Armenia-Azerbaijan relations Armenia internal affairs minister, China ambassador confer on bilateral cooperation About 256,000 tourists visit Armenia in July Armenian Tourism Federation president: Whoever happens should not represent our country Karabakh legislature new head: We will continue fight for preservation, strengthening of Artsakh statehood at any cost Armenia Security Council chief has telephone conversation with newly appointed Iran counterpart UNICEF urges to place Karabakh childrens safety, survival above all other considerations Red Cross visits Karabakh resident Vagif Khachatryan, abducted by Azerbaijan Yerevan murder circumstances being ascertained, criminal proceedings launched (PHOTOS) Newly appointed UAE envoy ready to assist in Armenia justice sector reforms (PHOTOS) Hurriyet: Putin-Erdogan talks will discuss Turkey relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia What are most popular names given to Armenia newborns in first 6 months of 2023? European Parliament member considers Lachin corridor blocking a war crime Artur Osipyan: Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh turned down petition to escort motorcade to Hakari bridge Hakan Fidan: Turkey-Armenia, Azerbaijan-Armenia relations normalization process should proceed in parallel Karabakh residents protest in front of Armenia MFA American Armenians start sit-in, in support of Karabakh, outside Congressman Adam Schiffs office shamshyan.com: Shootings in Yerevan, man with gunshot wound in the head dies in hospital Person, 35, found dead in Armenias Lake Sevan Armenia MFA spox: Clear steps needed to implement all international calls, decisions regarding Karabakh Malta Armenians hold peaceful demonstration in support of Karabakh Karabakh has a cash problem World Council of Churches, Conference of European Churches call on Borrell to have Karabakh blockade lifted Karabakh National Assembly has new speaker Armenia-Azerbaijan relations to be discussed at Turkey government Cabinet session Karabakh legislature ruling faction nominates opposition ARF MP Davit Ishkhanyan for post of parliament speaker Military junta closes Niger airspace Azerbaijan fires at Armenia positions, also uses mortars President of Karabakh: Its as result of government activities that we have chance not to starve yet In the face of a growing humanitarian crisis in [Artsakh] Nagorno-Karabakh, ACT Alliance expresses deep concern with the blockage imposed by Azerbaijani authorities to block the [Berdzor] Lachin Corridor, the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia, precipitating a humanitarian crisis, Action by Churches Together (ACT Alliance) said in a statement. Over the last seven months, the blockade has severely impacted the lives of the people in the region, especially the most vulnerable. Some 120,000 ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh, including 30,000 children, are suffering from severe shortages of food, medicine and fuel. In addition, this crisis is affecting their ability to access medical care and life-saving services. On 25 February, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Azerbaijan to ensure free movement of all persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions. ACT Alliance is concerned by Azerbaijans lack of observance of its ethical obligations and humanitarian principles and urges the Azerbaijani government to end human suffering, giving particular attention to the most vulnerable. Blocking humanitarian aid should not be used as a strategy to resolve a conflict or other disputes. ACT Alliance calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately lift the blockade of the Lachin corridor and allow for unhindered and safe passage of civilians and goods along the corridor, as well as guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access in line with international law and the order of the ICJ. ACT Alliance is furthermore calling on the international community to urgently work to end the blockade and to find diplomatic solutions to bring a just peace to the region, the statement further reads. NewsVoir Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], August 5:SRM University-AP organised an exclusive gathering of diplomats, academicians, and policy leaders from across the globe at the Diplomatic Exchange: Building Bridges Beyond Borders on August 05, 2023, to foster meaningful interactions, cultural exchange, and the establishment of strong global partnerships. The event was inaugurated with an auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony by Mustapha Jawara, High Commissioner, High Commission Republic of Gambia; Amb. Rtn. Anil Trigunayat (IFS Retd.), Chairman-Confederation of Education Excellence, Dr Harsha Bhargavi Pandiri, Assistant Director, Public Relations-Ministry of Culture, in the presence of Prof. Manoj K Arora, Honourable Vice Chancellor, SRM AP and Dr R Premkumar, Registrar; SRM AP. We have had a long bilateral relationship with India for years, and we would like to continue to strengthen this camaraderie, said Mustapha Jawara, Gambian High Commissioner while signing an MOU with SRM University-AP. Delegates and diplomats from 13 countries gathered at the International Diplomat Meet. We are at an interesting phase in the global domain where India is emerging as an economic power and central contributor to the world. We are actively promoting the G20 initiative to achieve One World, One Family and bridge the gap with the outside world through connection, coordination and cooperation,commentedProf. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-APwhile addressing the delegates from various countries. Chief Guest of the event,Prof. K Hemachandra Reddy, Andhra Pradesh State Council for Higher Education (APSCHE), praised the university on its flagship initiative.An ancient Indian philosophy narrates that a student in pursuit of knowledge will acquire knowledge through four stages - 25% from teachers, 25% through curiosity, 25% from peers and 25% with time and experience.This can be implemented in global education where a diversified academic pool will enhance the strength of our national education and youth. SRM University-APhas manifested this by establishing and building networks extending beyond state and national boundaries. The Exchange emphasised the relevance of digital diplomacy in the postmodern political milieu. With the strategic shift in the global world, India plays a pivotal role in leading the G20 summit. We as a nation recognise the power of digital diplomacy in crisis management and conflict resolutions in issues of national and international significance and promote digital diplomacy as an essential competency for diplomats in the 21st century, commented Guest of Honour, P Samuel Jonathan, Andhra Pradesh State Information Commissioner. Panel discussions on enhancing diplomatic relations through academic exchange, discourses on advancements of SDGs through international partnerships, and Press Meet were the highlights of the Diplomatic Exchange. Suresh Chukkapalli, Consul General, Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Korea, suggested that countries like Taiwan and Japan have low populations and require India to provide a highly skilled workforce to their employment sector during the press meet. He enlightened the gathering on the high scope for employability in Asian countries and suggested the inclusion of academic and linguistic programmes at SRM university-AP to enhance the skill set of students. The Diplomatic Exchange was marshalled under the aegis of the Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies andDr Naga Swetha Pasupuleti, Director-IR & HS,to promote constructive diplomatic connections between the leadership of various countries promoting global partnerships. The Meet sought to provide future leaders with an in-depth knowledge of diplomaticrelations, digital diplomacy, and countries working towards One World, One Earth, One Family by means of cross-cultural education. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Hollywood actor Mark Margolis, known for his role as Hector Salamanca in the shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul passed away on Thursday at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City at the age of 83. His son, Morgan Margolis, announced the news, as per Variety, a US-based media outlet. Margolis left an unforgettable mark on the Vince Gilligan television universe with barely any dialogue. In 2012, he was nominated for an Emmy for his performance in Breaking Bad, reported Variety. Margolis, who was born in Philadelphia in 1939, travelled to New York at a young age to pursue hisacting career. With an early interest in theatre, he got roles on Broadway in musicals such as Infidel Caesar. He went on to appear in over 50 Off-Broadway productions, including Uncle Sam and The Golem. Bryan Cranston, lead actor of Breaking Bad took to his Instagram account and mourned the demise of Margolis. He shared a couple of pictures and wrote, I am very saddened today to learn of a friends passing. Mark Margolis was a really good actor and a lovely human being. Fun and engaging off the set, and (in the case of Breaking Bad and Your Honor) intimidating and frightening on set. His quiet energy belied his mischievous nature and curious mind And he loved sharing a good joke. I miss him already. Rest now, Mark and thank you for your friendship and your exceptional body of work. Apart from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Margolis had recurring roles in television series including The Equalizer, Oz, Kings and American Horror Story: Asylum, and guest starred in Californication, Gotham, Crossing Jordan and The Affair, as per Variety. (ANI) Art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai's death, allegedly by suicide, has shocked the entire nation. Desai was found hanging at his ND Studio in Karjat, Maharashtra on August 2, and since then several reports circulated online that he may have died by suicide owing to financial constraints. Speaking to ANI, Desai's daughter Mansi revealed that her father had borrowed a loan of Rs 181 crore from a company and out of which he had repaid Rs 86.31. Desai's daughter said that her father had no intention to cheat anyone. "... He was going to make all the payments that he promised. They (lenders) also demanded a six-month interest in advance which my father provided by selling his Powai office. He had no intention to fraud anyone and he was going to make all payments that he had promised," Mansi told ANI. Mansi claimed that the loan company gave him "false assurances while initiating legal action against him. "Due to the pandemic, the industry was affected, there was no work and the studio was closed. He could not make regular payments and there were some delays. Even after that, he repeatedly made attempts to meet with the company to negotiate with them for restructuring or some kind of leeway so he could still finish paying what he owed. The company gave him false assurances and started legal proceedings on the side," she said. Mansi also requested media to stop making defamatory statements against her father. "We would like to request the media to stop making defamatory statements against him and stop spreading false information. Please consult us before releasing any information," she added. Desai's daughter further requested the government of Maharashtra to look into this matter. "I appeal to the government of Maharashtra to look into this matter and also, as per his last wish, take charge of ND Studios. Please give him justice," the bereaved daughter urged. Desai (57) worked as an art director in movies like '1942: A Love Story' which made him popular in the industry. 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Devdas', 'Lagaan', 'Jodhaa Akbar', 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbai', 'Dostana', 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai', 'Munnabhai MBBS', and 'Slumdog Millionaire' among others are the movies he worked too. (ANI) Ameesha wore a blue suit, channelling her character in the film. While Sunny wore a yellow kurta and matched it with an olive green turban. The co-actors also performed Bhangra after the Beating Retreat Ceremony. During this, Udit Narayan was seen singing the song. Earlier, Sunny visited Golden Temple in Amritsar on Friday to seek the almighty's blessings on Saturday. He was seen praying on the temple grounds and posing with a few fans. Recently, Sunny shared the trailer on Instagram and captioned it, Apne parivaar aur desh ke liye, ek baar phir se Gadar machayega Tara Singh! On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, presenting you all with #Gadar2Trailer. The trailer is out now! (Link in bio) #Gadar2 aa rahi hai bade parde par lagane iss Independence Day! Cinemas mein 11th August se. With amazing performances and powerful dialogues, and the iconic hand pump, the three-minute-long trailer showcases Tara Singh and Sakeena's legacy, set amidst the tumultuous Crush India Movement of 1971 and Tara Singh going all the way to Pakistan to save his kid, Charan Jeet Singh (played by Utkrash Sharma) from the Pakistani Army. Helmed by Anil Sharma, the film stars Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma in the lead roles. Before releasing the official teaser online, the makers of the film attached the teaser with 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' which was re-released in the theatres on June 9. Director Anil Sharma said, "We are excited about bringing back a story that epitomizes patriotism, intense action, a heartwarming father-son bond, and a love story that transcends all boundaries." (ANI) As many as 141 people have been arrested and 55 FIRs registered in connection with the violence and rioting at Haryana's Nuh districton Monday, the police informed on Friday. The toll in the violence that broke out between two groups stood at 6, including 2 police homeguards, while another 88 were injured, police informed further. "In connection with the violence that took place during a religious procession, 55 FIRs have been registered so far and 141 people have been arrested. Another 88 people were injured in the clashes. The toll in the violence stands at 6," a police officer said on Friday. Meanwhile, the Gurugram Police said it has filed 27 FIRs and arrested 38 accused persons, so far, in connection with the violence in Gurugram and adjoining districts, following the clashes in Nuh. "We have filed 27 FIRs and arrested 38 persons in connection with the recent violence in Gurugram. We have also taken 60 persons under preventive detention," Varun Kumar Dhahiya, Assistant Police Commissioner (Gurugram), told ANI on Friday. Earlier, on Monday, violence erupted between two groups during a religious procession. Two homeguards were shot dead and about a dozen policemen were injured during the violence. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday, while alleging a bigger conspiracy behind the violence, said the culprits will not be spared. "The culprits will not be spared. Whoever masterminded the violence will also pay. The rioters will be made to pay for the damage to public property," Vij added. The Home Minister informed further, "I would urge one and all to maintain peace and harmony. State police personnel and central paramilitary forces are deployed in adequate numbers to ensure peace.The situation is under control." "I would also request people to refrain from posting any offensive or inflammatory content on social media.We have formed an inquiry committee, which is keeping an eye on each and every activity on social media. The matter is being investigated thoroughly," Vij added. (ANI) Welcoming the Supreme Court verdict, putting a stay on the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the criminal defamation case of the use of 'Modi' surname, Congress leader Deepinder Hooda on Friday said the judgement has helped restore people's faith in democracy and the constitution. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Hooda, son of former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, said, "The judgement of the Supreme Court has once again re-established the faith of common people in our judicial system, democracy, constitution and in the principle that truth always prevails." In a major relief to Rahul, who was elected MP from the Wayanad constituency of Kerala,the Supreme Court, in an interim order on Friday, stayed his conviction in the defamation case. The Congress leader had made the alleged remark at a campaign event in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Supreme Court's ruling on Friday came on a petition filed by Rahul challenging his conviction and sentencing by a trial court in Surat in the criminal defamation case. The Congress leader had earlier challenged the trial court order at the Gujarat High Court, which upheld the ruling of the lower court. Apart from being convicted, the Congress leader was also handed a 2-year prison sentence in the case. However, the sentence was set aside to enable him to challenge his conviction and sentencing at a higher court. Following his conviction, Rahul was stripped off his membership of the Lok Sabha and was also forced to vacate his official bungalow.(ANI) Speaking to ANI, State Health Minister Banna Gupta said the Bill will prove to be a milestone for the state's healthcare sector. "This Bill was needed because we want all-round development of the state. I believe that this Bill will prove to be a milestone for our youths, students and the healthcare sector in general." The minister added that previously, the state government had to tie up with a university for conducting a public examination. "Now, we have set up a system which will benefit the students. This is a historic day for Jharkhand," he told ANI. Earlier, on Thursday, the Jharkhand Assembly passed the Jharkhand Competitive Examination Bill, 2023. The Bill aims to crack down on the use of unfair means and irregularities in examinations and plug incidents of question paper leaks, as it deals with stringent provisions of punishment for students caught cheating as well as a nexus involved in leaking question papers or any other illegal activities. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday said his government's aim is to secure the future of students caught in the nexus involved in the alleged 'paper leak' in competitive exams in the state. The Bill proposes strict punishment for cheating and paper leaks in competitive exams conducted by the Jharkhand government. Any candidate caught cheating or using any unfair means during a competitive exam will be punished with three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. On failure to pay the fine, the prison term will be extended by another 9 months, the Bill proposes. (ANI) China to help Pakistan achieve sustainable development: FM Xinhua) 10:40, August 05, 2023 BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with Pakistan to achieve more practical results in building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and support Pakistan's sustainable development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Friday. Talking on the phone at the request of Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that the iron-clad friendship between China and Pakistan has stood tests and is rock-solid. No matter how the international situation and Pakistan's domestic situation change, China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in defending national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, firmly support Pakistan in maintaining unity and stability, realizing revitalization and development, and firmly support Pakistan to play a bigger and more active role in international and regional affairs, Wang said. For his part, Bilawal said the Pakistan-China friendship has been passed down from generation to generation, and is unshakable and full of vitality. Pakistan appreciates China's various support in difficult times, and is willing to work with China to continue supporting each other, promote the upgrading of the CPEC, build demonstration projects of the Belt and Road cooperation, and lift the bilateral friendship to higher levels, he added. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) Serving as a source of inspiration for many in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, where the Naxals once ran their writ,the daughter of a retired bus driver secured a job at a government hospital in London. Hailing from Naxal-infested Dornapal in the Sukma district, Riya Philip overcame all the hurdles the fear of Red terror and grinding poverty that came her way in her determined and relentless pursuit of success. Overcoming fiscal stress and other obstacles, Riya bagged the job of a nurse at a government hospital in London. Riya's accomplishment has not filled her family members and relatives with pride but has also inspired others to chase similar dreams. Riyas mother Sholly Philip is a teacher at a private school while her father, Ritesh Philip, works as a bus driver at the same school. Earlier, Riya's family resided in Dubbatota village. However, they later moved toDornapal for fear of Naxals. Despite being in dire straits, Sholly and Ramesh invested their all into ensuring a good education for their children. Sensing that their children were taking an interest in their studies, the couple decided to push them into chasing a better life and future. "With dreams of a high school education, Riya shifted to Jagdalpur and thereafter, moved to Bengaluru to pursue nursing studies. She served at Mumbai'sKokilaben Hospital for two years," Riyas father told ANI. Eventually, Riya received a job offer from London. "To meet her requirement of Rs 3 lakh for travelling to the United Kingdom, we had to mortgage our house," he added. Brimming with pride, her father informed further that she now has a job with an annual package of Rs 21 lakh. With a monthly salary of one lakh eighty thousand, Riya is now an inspiration for women from underprivileged backgrounds. Her remarkable journey from darkness to light also illustrates how education has deeper inroads into the remote Sukma district. Her inspiring life story also testifies to her hard work and unflinching support from her family. Her achievement has also brought immense joy to her relatives. (ANI) Leaders of the united Opposition, under the banner of Indian National Developmental Democratic Alliance (I.N.D.I.A), are scheduled to hold their third meeting in Mumbai over two days August 31 and September 1, Congress sources said on Friday. The Opposition leaders came together to cobble up a united front against the Prime Minister-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with an eye on next year's Lok Sabha elections. "The third meeting of I.N.D.I.A. parties to be held in Mumbai from August 31-01 September," said a source in the Congress. Though not official, word of the third Opposition meeting came on a day the Supreme Court stayed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's conviction in the criminal defamation case over the use of the 'Modi' surname. The Congress leader allegedly made a snide remark using the surname 'Modi' during a campaign event in Karnataka in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Rahul was handed a suspended two-year sentence, thereby enabling him to challenge his conviction at a higher court. However, following his conviction, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a notification disqualifying him as a member of the Lower House. Addressing a press conference at the party's national headquarters in New Delhi, following his reprieve on Friday, Rahul thanked the people for their love and support, saying"truth always triumphs". The verdict paved the way for the return of the former Congress national chief as a member of Parliament. The first Opposition meeting hosted by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was held in Patna in June, while the second was held in Congress-ruled Karnataka. The opposition parties have stepped up their electoral preparedness to mount a joint front against the BJP-led NDA government in view of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and assembly elections in the five states scheduled to be held later in the year. The Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Mizoram. Twenty-six opposition parties had named their alliance I.N.D.I.A during their meeting in Bengaluru earlier this month. (ANI) According to Dharamshala police, Micah Tyler Height (28) is residing in India since 2021, and he has burned or lost his Passport. "We received information that a foreign national is roaming around in McLeodganj, and when we verified the person's documents, we came to know that he did not have any Passport or any details. Later, we took him to the police station," Hitesh Lakhanpal, Additional Superintendent of Police, Kangra told ANI. The police officer said that during the interrogation, the 28-year-old revealed that he belongs to New Jersey, US and he has lost or burned his Passport. "Accordingly, we registered an FIR relevant sections of the Foreigners Act," the senior police officer added. "Today he was produced before the local court and the court granted one-day police custody of the accused," he said. The Himachal Pradesh police have informed the US Embassy and are now awaiting their reply. Further information is awaited. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday thanked the Odisha government and chief minister Naveen Patnaik for extending cooperation to the Centres efforts in its fight to curb Naxalism. Inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) projects during an event in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, Shah said that during the period of 2015-2019, there was a 30 per cent decrease in the number of naxal incidents. From 2015-2019, there has been a 30 per cent decrease in the number of naxal incidents, a 32 per cent decrease in encounters, and a 56 per cent decrease in death of security personnel, Shah said. He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party government is committed to fighting against Naxalism. The Union Minister and Odisha Chief Minster participated in the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various development projects in Bhubaneswar. During the programme, the four-laning project of the Kamakhayanagar-Duburi section of National Highway-200 was also dedicated to the nation. Shah said that the 51-km-long road stretch has been constructed for Rs 761 crore and will help to connect Angul and Dhenkanal districts with the state and country. "The four-laning project of the Kamakhayanagar-Duburi section of NH-200 is dedicated to the nation. The 51-km-long road stretch has been constructed for Rs 761 crore and will help to connect Angul and Dhenkanal districts with the state and country through national highway," the union minister said. Shah said that the development of national highways has been a key focus of the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a lot of portion of the budget was earmarked for this during the last nine years. "Because PM Modi believes that without the development of infrastructure, the country's development cannot happen," he said, adding that 29 km of highways were built daily in 2021-22 from 12 km in 2014-15. Comparing the grant in aid by PM Narendra Modi government with the previous government, prior to 2014, Shah said that the Congress-led UPA government gave Rs 1,14,000 crore, while the BJP government has given Rs 4,57,000 crore to the state government. Lauding the contributions of the Odisha government in implementing the Centre's disaster management initiative to the ground, Shah said that the state has set an example that how a natural disaster can be controlled if two governments work in synergy. "Disaster is a big problem, I want to thank Naveen Ji again that he has helped the government to implement every Disaster Management initiative of the Centre to the ground... The Odisha government itself has done a lot for disaster management. Naveen Babu has shown the way to the whole country how natural calamities can be controlled if two governments work together," Shah said, adding that the cyclone which used to claim thousands of lives, hits Odisha today and there are zero casualties. (ANI) Following Karnatakas Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao's visit to a Mohalla clinic in the National Capital, Congress leader, Sandeep Dixit, on Friday said that he shouldve contacted them (Congress) before coming to Delhi. Congress leader also alleged that AAP leaders showed him 'only good' Mohalla clinics. The health minister of Delhi went and showed some good mohalla clinics while most of the mohalla clinics in Delhi are locked, he said. Sandeep Dixit took to Twitter and wrote that Congress could have shown him the real corruption of the Kejriwal-led government. Wish you'd met us also @dineshgrao- would have shown real truth of @ArvindKejriwal- edu, health, finance, environment, water, roads, buses, infra, rampant corruption .......Perhaps you could have conveyed this to his new drum beaters in @INCIndia, Dixit said in his tweet. The Congress leader while speaking to ANI, also questioned his own party, asking, why they are giving importance to AAP. It is beyond understanding why our senior leaders are giving importance to AAP, they should ask Congressmen living in Delhi about the reality. Sometimes, we feel that, in Congress, outsiders are more listened to than our own people, Dixit told ANI. As far as the presence of Aam Aadmi Party in the I.N.D.I.A-- Alliance is concerned, there are lions in the jungle as well as elephants, and some Jackals are also there, he added. Sandeep Dixit, further, also points out the relation between Home Minister Amit Shah and Aam Aadmi Party as both have good co-ordination with each other. Home Minister Amit Shah will know more about the Aam Aadmi Party as both of them have a good rapport, talks keep on happening and both take decisions with mutual consent, he said. The Aam Aadmi Party still does not attack the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, but attacks the Congress party only, he added. Health Minister of Karnataka Dinesh Gundu Rao paid a visit to Delhi's Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinic in Panchsheel Park on Friday. While speaing to media, the minister praised the Mohalla Clinic.He toured the Mohalla Clinic with Delhi's Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. However, AAP sources said that later Dinesh Gundu Rao received a phone call following which he mentioned an important meeting and left the location. A while later, he tweeted criticising the Mohalla Clinic. "However, only Dinesh Rao can clarify why his statement changed from praising the Mohalla Clinic to criticising it after the phone call," AAP sources said.(ANI) The Shia community applauded the central and J-K administration for lifting the ban on Azadari processions, mourning Imam Hussains martyrdom, in the Kashmir valley after a hiatus of more than three decades. Clerics demanded the Uttar Pradesh government lift the ban on the 945 Azadari processions that are still prohibited in Lucknow. In a conference organized by All India Shia Hussaini Fund at Shia Degree College in Lucknow on Saturday, clerics said that the community had been demanding for decades that the ban on Azadari be lifted. Now after the abrogation of Article 370, the government lifted the ban, which proves that normalcy is returning in the state, they noted. Maulana Yasoob Abbas, general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Board, said that by lifting the ban on Azadari in Kashmir, the government had sent a positive signal to the community. Maulana Yasoob asked the UP government to permit more Azadari processions during Muharram, which have been banned since the late 70s. While addressing the gathering of Azadars (Mouners), Shia Cleric Maulana Saif Abbas raised a similar demand and said, "Imam Hussain is a revered figure not only among Muslims but the other communities respected and love him." Maulana Abbas went on to say that the Shia Community is obliged to the government for making security and civic arrangements for our procession in Kashmir. Senior Shia Cleric Maulana Saim Mehdi also expresses his gratitude to the government for allowing the traditional Azadari procession in Kashmir on 8th Moharram and said that the Shia community is always showing its loyalty to India. Maulana Mustafa Ali Khan alias Shumail Hindi opined that this is one of the milestones in the history of Kashmir that the Azadari procession was taken out in Kashmir this year. Maulana Hindi demanded from central as well as all the provisional governments to ensure security arrangements like Kashmir for Azadari processions. Hasan Mehdi, secretary of the All India Shia Hussaini Fund said that the Azadari processions of Kashmir indicate that normalcy is returning and terrorism is eradicated from Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. Tauraj Zaidi of the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad Committee and Sardar Parmindar Singh of the Minority Commission were also present on this occasion and said that Imam Hussain sacrificed whatever he had to save humanity and Imam was the voice of human justice against Ummaya's arrogant, oppressor and cruel ruler Yazid. (ANI) Marking the fourth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir expressed his satisfaction with the region's transformation into a peaceful and thriving society. Speaking to reporters during a visit to SKICC Srinagar, the LG highlighted the tremendous strides made since the historic decision of August 5, 2019. "Today, every citizen of J-K is living in peace," Lieutenant Governor Sinha said. He pointed out the end of street protests, the closure of educational institutions for extended periods, stone pelting, and separatist tendencies that plagued the region in the past. The state is now witnessing a more harmonious and united community, with people confidently engaging in various activities without fear or unrest. Lt Governor particularly emphasized the newfound freedom enjoyed by the youth. "Youth have got wings to fly on their choicest routes," he remarked. Gone are the days when young people had to rush home after sunset. Now, the vibrant streets of Jammu and Kashmir see youths strolling around, with some even strumming their guitars or spending quality time on the picturesque riverfront. The abrogation of Article 370, which resulted in the formation of two Union TerritoriesLadakh and Jammu and Kashmirhas been a turning point in the region's history. The move not only brought stability and peace but also opened doors to new opportunities for the youth. Under the "Mission Youth," the J-K administration has collaborated with the Mumbai Stock Exchange, providing a plethora of avenues for young talents to shine in various fields. "We have provided an ample platform to youth to showcase their talent and excel in various fields," said Lieutenant Governor Sinha. The tie-up with the Mumbai Stock Exchange has allowed hundreds of young individuals to shape their future, encouraging them to unleash their potential and contribute to the growth of the region. The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged that the journey towards progress and peace had its challenges, with Pakistan-backed propaganda attempts failing to disrupt the region's newfound harmony. He described the current situation as a promising beginning, believing that the greatest achievement lies in witnessing the people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoying peace and freedom after decades. As the region moves forward, LG's vision for Jammu and Kashmir continues to revolve around empowering its citizens, particularly the youth. With the stigma of unrest and uncertainty behind them, the residents are determined to carve a prosperous and inclusive future for their beloved land. (ANI) Police have so far arrested seven accused in connection with the alleged gangrape and murder case of a minor girl in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district, chief minister Ashok Gehlot said on Saturday. Gehlot had earlier in the day told reporters that police have arrested four to five people accused on the night of August 4. The incident pertains to the alleged gang rape and murder of a minor girl whose body parts were found in a coal furnace in Kotdi in Bhilwara. Stating that Rajasthan is number one when it comes to acting against criminals, Gehlot claimed that attempts were being made by the BJP to defame the state by comparing it with what is happening in states like Manipur. "Rajasthan is a peace-loving state. There is an effort to defame Rajasthan by comparing it with Manipur. Incidents are happening in every state. Don't they see the incidents that happen in Madhya Pradesh? The son of a BJP MLA is involved in it. We need to collectively educate society about the rapes and atrocities," Gehlot told reporters. Had detailed discussion with CS, DGP and other senior officials regarding this matter yesterday, Gehlot posted on X in Hindi. Gehlot said that Rajasthan is known to take prompt action against culprits and police will continue to act in an impartial maner. The state government will ensure that strict punishment will be given to the accused from the fast track court as soon as possible, the chief minister said. Gehlot said that he has instructed the ADG Law and Order to monitor the situation in Bhilwara.Meanwhile, a senior police official today said that four arrests have been made in the case. Till now, four arrests have been made in the case. We are working on all evidence collected. Two women involved in this crime have been detained for questioning. We will engage a special public prosecutor for the trial of the case. We will try to make sure that all those connected with this crime get maximum punishment under the law," Lata Manoj Kumar, Inspector General of Police Ajmer Range told reporters here. The case will be taken under the Case Officer Scheme (COS) to expedite the trial and conviction, said IGP Lata Manoj Kumar while talking to media persons at the Bhilwara SPs office today. She said that the police team is collecting oral, physical, and scientific evidence in the case.Additionally, a State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team from Jaipur will also investigate the incident, the Inspector said. "There are some additional arrests to be made in the case. Two women have been taken into custody today. Among the four accused held, Kalu alias Kanaram's wife is being interrogated in custody," the IGP said. Lata Manoj Kumar, Inspector General of Police Ajmer Range assured protesters at Kotri stating that stringent action will be taken up as soon as possible against the accused in the rape and murder case of the minor girl. "At the same time, I would like to assure those who are protesting in Kotri that the police are doing the right thing. We will complete the investigation in this matter in 15 days and try to punish them by presenting a challan in court in a matter of 20 days," said the Inspector.Earlier in the day BJP youth workers staged a massive protest over the Bhilwara incident near Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence. Police on Friday had said that some unidentified persons allegedly killed a minor girl and later burned her body in a coal furnace in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district. According to officials, the incident took place in Narsinghpura village under the Shahpura Panchayat of the district on Wednesday, and locals found the remains of the girl's body and her bangles. Police said the girl had gone to graze her family's cattle on Wednesday. When she did not return home till evening, her family started searching in the area and later approached the police and lodged a complaint. We received a complaint about a minor girl who was missing from Narsinghpura village. While searching for the girl, locals spotted the girl's bangles and body remains in the coal furnace, raised suspicion of the minor girl being killed and later thrown into the furnace, officials with Kotri police station said. Soon after this came to light, police swung into action and detained four people, who work in the area. While villagers claimed that the girl was raped before she was murdered and burned in the kiln. However, the police said that Only the FSL team and doctors could confirm their claims.Soon after the incident, the state BJP unit on Thursday announced to form a three-member committee to investigate the incident. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took to Twitter to express his content on citizens getting complete advantage from digital health facilities on Saturday. PM retweeted Union Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviyas post, where he informed that more than 5 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created through the NCD portal under the National Program for Non-Communicable Diseases. In response to the update from the Health Minister, Prime Minister Modi tweeted: "Very good information! It is our priority to provide better health facilities to our poor brothers and sisters across the country. It is a matter of great satisfaction that crores of people are getting benefited from these digital facilities." The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)'s Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) will now run through December 31, 2023, according to an announcement made by the National Health Authority (NHA) on Friday. Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and suppliers of digital health solutions like Hospital/Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Laboratory Management Information Systems (LMIS) are all given incentives under DHIS in exchange for implementing and enabling disruptive digitalization under ABDM. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission included the launch of the DHIS on January 1, 2023. The programme successfully encouraged the nationwide adoption of digital health technology and procedures for the provision of healthcare. The programme has been expanded so that more stakeholders can take advantage of the financial incentives as a result of its impact and the response from healthcare providers and health tech businesses. The benefits of DHIS provided to DSCs are projected to reduce expenses or to be passed on to the appropriate healthcare facilities to cover their digitization costs, etc. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and Minister Chandrakant Patil received the Home Minister at the airport. The Home Minister will launch the digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office in Pune on Sunday. This move comes as part of the Ministry of Cooperation's commitment to bolster the cooperative movement in the country and aligns with PM Narendra Modi's vision of "Sahkar se Samridhi". The computerization of the Central Registrar's Office is aimed at promoting ease of doing business in the cooperative sector and streamlining various processes. The main objectives of this initiative include implementing completely paperless applications, ensuring automatic compliance with the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act (MSCS Act) and rules through software, enhancing the ease of doing business, enabling digital communication, ensuring transparent processing, and improving analytics and management information systems, read Ministry of Cooperation press release. The digital portal will encompass various modules, including registration, amendment of bye-laws, annual return filing, appeal, audit, inspection, inquiry, arbitration, winding up, liquidation, ombudsman, and election. It will also incorporate the recently passed amendments to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002, and its rules. The portal will expedite the processing of applications and service requests through electronic workflow, facilitating a time-bound approach. It will also feature provisions for OTP-based user registration, validation checks to ensure compliance with the MSCS Act and Rules, hearing through video conferencing, issuance of registration certificates, and electronic communication, read the release. With the implementation of the digital portal, all activities related to multi-state cooperatives will be streamlined, ushering in a new era of efficiency and transparency. Additionally, the Ministry invited suggestions and feedback from all National Cooperative Societies and Multi-State Cooperative Societies to ensure that the portal meets the needs of stakeholders effectively. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed the disaster management and situation of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Odisha in a meeting at the state capital here. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Home Secretary and senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and State Government attended the meeting. Shah welcomed the state's initiative towards disaster mitigation, which is in line with the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making India disaster resilient, an official release said. He assured the State Government to provide all requisite support of the Centre in their mitigation efforts to make Odisha disaster resilient Home Minister appreciated the preparedness of the State, which has made a lot of progress in disaster management after the super cyclone of 1999. He advised that 'AAPDA Mitra' and disaster warriors in the state should be imparted multi-disaster training, especially in chemical and nuclear disasters and handling those disasters, which occur without any warning. Union Home Minister also suggested that the Home Guards volunteers should be strengthened and given training in disaster response. Further for ensuring the maintenance of Multi-purpose cyclone shelters, established in the state, regular funding from the budget head should be provided. Shah stressed that the State administration should adopt SoPs and take appropriate preparedness and mitigation efforts to save lives from lightning, heat waves and forest fires. He also emphasised focusing on the safety of animals during disasters. Shah thanked the State Government for providing an excellent response during the Balasore train accident and appreciated the efforts of village-level volunteers and the entire state administration machinery. On Left Wing Extremism, Shah appreciated the efforts of the state government and advised making an investment in infrastructure development in the LWE-affected areas to supplement the efforts of the Central Government. He assured the state government of the support of central forces to eliminate Left Wing Extremism. He also assured all possible support in strengthening road and communication networks in the affected areas, especially connecting all villages to the internet. Union Home Minister said that "we should address all issues which contribute to the growth of LWE, including the absence of connectivity, education and employment." The state should also consider earmarking funds for the establishment of PDS shops, construction of roads and provision of electricity in LWE-affected areas. (ANI) Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram on Saturday equated the arrest of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's disqualification case and said that "Pakistan is following the India model of preventing the main opposition leader from contesting elections." Chidambaram referred to Rahul Gandhi's Modi surname defamation case which cost him his MP status temporarily,two-year criminal defamation conviction, which led to his disqualification as a Lok Sabha MP. The Congress claimed that the move was taken to prevent Gandhi from contesting the upcoming general election. Taking to Twitter, Karti Chidambaram tweeted, "Pakistan is following the India model in preventing the principal opposition leader from contesting elections." On Friday, the Supreme Court stayed Rahul Gandhi's conviction in the Modi surname remark case, Congress is hopeful that their party leader and Wayanad MP will return to the Lok Sabha and take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government on the Manipur issue. Earlier today, a Pakistan district and sessions court sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to three years in prison and disqualification from participating in active politics for five years in the Toshakhana case for illegally selling state gifts. The court also imposed a fine of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 100,000 on the PTI chief, Geo News reported. Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case today, Geo News reported. Dawn reported that during the hearing today, presided by Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar, the trial court ruled that charges against the former prime minister in the case were proven. Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details [of Toshakhana gifts] to the ECP and is found guilty of corrupt practices, he stated and sent the PTI chief to jail for three years under Section 174 of the Election Act. Ahead of todays proceedings, a large contingent of police was deployed outside the court premises with only lawyers allowed inside the courtroom. The development comes after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday set aside the session courts verdict on the Toshakhana reference against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman as maintainable and ordered the lower court to rehear the case. The case pertains to the allegations that the former PM "deliberately concealed" details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana -- a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept -- during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales. The Toshakhana case registered by ruling party lawmakers is based on a criminal complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as per the Dawn report. As per the Toshakhana rules, gifts and other such materials received by persons to whom these rules are applicable shall be reported to the Cabinet Division. Notably, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has faced a number of legal cases over his retention of gifts. He has also been disqualified by the electoral body over the issue. On May 9, this year, former PM and PTI Chairman Imran Khan was arrested from inside the High Court in Islamabad by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the charges of corruption in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust, which he owns alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi. (ANI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday welcomed the Supreme Courts decision to stay on the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case over the Modi surname remark and said that the whole Opposition is being harassed but those who fight will win (jo ladega, wo jitega). "Yesterday was a historic day. We welcome the SC's decision. Not just Rahul Gandhi but all the opposition leaders are being harassed in one way or the other. But the one who fights wins (Jo ladega, wo jitega)...," Bihar Deputy CM said while talking to the reporters. The Supreme Court, in an interim order on Friday, stayed his conviction in the criminal defamation case over the 'Modi surname' remark. The apex court issued notices to the Gujarat government and the complainant in July on an appeal of the Congress leader challenging the Gujarat High Court order. The Gujarat High Court, had, in its order earlier, declined to stay his conviction in the criminal defamation case in which Rahul was sentenced to two years in jail by the Surat court over the 'Modi surname' remark. After his conviction in the case, Gandhi was disqualified as MP from Keralas Wayanad on March 24. Earlier in March, a magisterial court convicted Rahul Gandhi for his Modi surname remarks ahead of the 2019 national polls. Rahul Gandhi on Friday called on former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch, Lalu Prasad Yadav, in the national capital. In a tweet, the All India Congress Committee shared pictures of the two leaders meeting at the New Delhi residence of RJD MP and Lalu's daughter, Misa Bharti. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav were also present at the meeting. Earlier, the RJD patriarch had, in a lighter vein, advised Rahul to get married during the inaugural meeting of the united Opposition in Patna in June. The Congress and the RJD are partners in the grand Opposition bloc Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A). (ANI) Under the waste to-wealth concept by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Coimbatore Smart City Mission here has taken the initiative of cleaning the waste accumulated over decades. According to Smart City Mission officials, the government land worth about Rs 2,000 crore will also become garbage-free. As per official data, more than 15.5 lakh cubic meters of garbage were accumulated in Coimbatore city for many years. Due to this garbage, 650 acres of land were also buried in the pile of garbage. General Manager of Smart City Mission Limited, Baskar Srinivasan informed, "In the first phase, we have taken the initiative to clean about nine and a half lakh cubic meters of garbage in two and a half years. With this, 140 acres of land can be freed." "So far, garbage has been removed from 50 acres of land and the rest of the land will also be garbage free soon. This land worth about two thousand crore rupees will be used for IT Park, industries and other developmental projects", he added. According to the officials, in Coimbatore, 1100 tonnes of garbage is produced daily. In order to prevent the accumulation of garbage in future, the garbage collection vehicles are also being monitored through a GPS system. "Total 54 projects has been started in Coimbatore under National Smart Cities Mission. 43 have been completed and rest are near completion", the officials said. The Coimbatore city municipal corporation has saved around Rs 16 crore in electricity bills each year since 2018, by using energy-efficient street lights and harnessing solar power under the National Smart Cities Mission, an urban renewal and retrofitting program by the Government of India. Commissioner M Prathap disclosed this information on Friday to a delegation of officials from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), led by the additional director general, PIB (M&C) Rajeev Jain, that inspected projects developed under the Smart City Projects. Briefing the officials, Prathap told them that Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) intends to ensure that all residents of Coimbatore city, including the urban poor, have access to affordable and reliable power supply. Under the differential electricity tariff, urban poor enjoy free electricity up to 100 kWh after which slab-based charges apply, he said. In the last few years, CCMC has been saving a huge sum of money as well as energy after switching over to energy-efficient systems. We have been saving around Rs 10 crore per year in electricity charges after installing LED streetlights in 2018. Around one lakh conventional lights were replaced with smart LED street lights since 2018. Apart from that, the civic body has also been saving energy and money by installing solar power plants, Prathap said. Officials in the Smart City Projects mission said, A total of 23,717 MW of electricity is saved every year by using solar power plants and LED lights. With this, the CCMC saves around Rs 16.05 crore per year in electricity charges. Currently, solar power plants are functioning in Ukkadam Sewage Farm Premises (1 MW), Ukkadam old dump yard premises (3.6 MW), Kavundampalayam old dump yard premises (1 MW) and rooftop solar panels on municipal corporation buildings (0.625 MW). Further, Prathap said that installation work of a 2-MW solar power plant in Kavundampalayam and a 140 KWP floating solar power plant in Ukkadam Periyakulam is underway. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a high-level review of the work of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) department on Saturday. During the review, the CM observed the departments presentation and gave several necessary guidelines. He said, As per the intention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vishwakarma complexes should be built in every village to strengthen the concept of making the villages of the state smart villages. Through this, all the arrangements will be made available under one roof for the rural laborers to showcase their talent and provide services. This will also help in making the rural economy self-reliant. By establishing coordination with the Panchayati Raj Department, the work should move quickly in this direction. The CM directed the officers to put up displays of ODOP at important places, including Lucknow, Gorakhpur, all major railway stations in UP, Gandhi Ashram, hotels, and accommodation houses of the Tourism department. The Chief Minister said that along with the display of One District, One Product, arrangements should also be made for its sale at these places. ODOP exhibitions and fairs should be organized in every district of the state for one week. Promote ODOP through the Lulu Group and e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon. Further, strengthen the supply chain of ODOP and ensure the availability of products as per demand. He has also given instructions to utilize 100 percent of the budget earmarked for ODOP. While reviewing the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana, the Chief Minister directed that other traditional trades should also be identified and included under the scheme as soon as possible. Besides, proper training should be given to the beneficiaries, and they should also be informed about the market related to their trade. CM Yogi also gave special instructions not to compromise on the quality of the toolkits to be distributed under the scheme. He directed the officers that on the day the toolkits are distributed to the beneficiaries associated with Vishwakarma Shram Samman, arrangements should be made to provide loans to them at the same time. Beneficiaries associated with Vishwakarma Shram Samman should be linked to online payment services. The Chief Minister directed officials to develop a portal for trained workers and make their information publicly available, so that the general public can take advantage of the services of the skilled workers and employment opportunities can also be created for them. The officials informed the Chief Minister that, at present, Common Facility Centers (CFCs) are functioning in seven districts of the state. Apart from this, 7 CFCs will become functional by October and 7 CFCs by February 2024. On the other hand, work is going on at a fast pace for the establishment of CFCs in five other districts. The CM gave instructions to develop CFCs in all the important districts of the state as soon as possible. The officials apprised the Chief Minister about the preparations for the UP International Trade Show (UP ITS - 2023) to be held in Greater Noida from September 21 to 25. He said that UP ITS-2023 is an important event. Through this, we have a big opportunity to showcase the excellent art of the state globally. UP ITS - 2023 will prove to be a significant platform for the ODOP of Uttar Pradesh. There should be a regular review of the preparations being made in this regard. The officials also apprised the Chief Minister in detail about the progress of the work of the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), UP Design Institute, Unity Mall, and Pledge Park. CM Yogi gave instructions to complete all the work in a time-bound manner while maintaining quality. (ANI) According to the police, the accused was identified as Vishnu Thakur, a resident of Bihar's Saharsa. "Three live cartridges of 7.62 bore were recovered from the bag of a passenger during baggage screening at Darbhanga airport on Thursday," said officials. Police added that an atmosphere of panic spread among the security personnel at the airport after word of the bullets were discovered. As per specific information, Vishnu Thakur had come with his wife and brother-in-law to catch a flight to Delhi. After receiving the information, Sadar SDPO Amit Kumar reached the Sadar police station and interrogated Vishnu Thakur. During interrogation, he told the police that he was going to undergo surgery at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi on August 4. Officials added that the suspect has not been able to provide any concrete information regarding the cartridges. Sadar SDPO Amit Kumar stated that "The age of the passenger, his illness and the presence of his middle-aged wife, prima facie make it unlikely that he carried the cartridges intentionally." However, the police are probing the matter from every angle, an FIR is also being registered regarding the recovered cartridges, said officials. Last year in December, Mohammad Kalamuddin, a resident of Dhaka under the Dhaka police station area of Motihari district, was arrested at Darbhanga airport with a magazine and three live cartridges. Kalamuddin had come to Darbhanga from Motihari to go to Mumbai. He was arrested with a magazine and three Zilla cartridges of 9 mm. (ANI) Lashing out at Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram for drawing a parallel between the arrest of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha, BJP leader RP Singh on Saturday said corruption and defamation were separate issues. Reminding the son of former Union minister P Chidambaram that he was "charge-sheeted in a corruption case", RP Singh told ANI, "Rahul Gandhi was convicted in a criminal defamation case. Corruption and defamation are two different issues having nothing in common. Hence, drawing a parallel between them makes no sense." Earlier, on Saturday, Chidambaram junior invoked the Supreme Court's stay on the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the criminal defamation case over the use of the surname 'Modi', to hit out at the Centre. The conviction and the two-year suspended sentence saw the Congress leader being disqualified from the Lok Sabha. However, following the Supreme Court's ruling, the Congress has demanded that Rahul's status as an MP be restored at the earliest. In a dig at the Centre, Karti Chidambaram said Pakistan was following the "India model" of preventing the main opposition leader from contesting elections. Pakistan Police on Saturday arrested former Prime Minister Imran Khan, hoursafter he was accused of corrupt practices by accruing benefits from illegally selling state gifts he had received during his tenure as the country's premier from 2018 to 2022. A Pakistan district and sessions court sentenced the former PM to three years in prison and disqualification from active politics for five years in the 'Toshakhana' case. The court also imposed a fine of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 100,000 on the PTI chief, Geo News reported. Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case today, Geo News reported. Taking to Twitter, the Congress leader posted, "Pakistan is following the India model in preventing the principal opposition leader from contesting elections." Pointing out the alacrity with which Rahul was stripped off his membership of the Lower House following his conviction in the defamation case, Congress had claimed earlier that the move was aimed at preventing him from contesting next year's general elections. After the Supreme Court, on Friday, stayed Rahul's conviction in the 'Modi' surname case, Congress said it was hopeful that their leader, who was elected an MP from Kerala's Wayanad constituency, would return to the Lok Sabha and lead the Opposition's charge against the Centre on the Manipur situation. (ANI) The Indian Army on Saturday said it had apprehended one armed insurgent and recovered "war-like stores" during a search operation launched hours after three people died in a fresh wave of violence in Manipur's Bishnupur district. One self-loading rifle, ammunition and war-like stores were recovered during the operation. The Spear Corps of the Indian Army, in a statement, said that under 'Operation Mongcham' multiple operations were launched in the aftermath of the incident at Kwakta, Bishnupur in the wee hours of Saturday. Further, according to the statement, during a search operation launched in the general area of Mongcham at 5.30 pm on Saturday, the forces came under fire from insurgents andretaliated. "During one such search operation, the #IndianArmy column drew effective fire from armed insurgents from the general area Mongcham at approximately 5.30 PM today. Own troops retaliated in a calibrated manner & in the ensuing firefight, one armed insurgent of KIA (Non-SoO Group) sustained Gun Shot Wound & has been apprehended while others managed to escape," the Spear Corps of Indian Army said in a tweet. Earlier, on Saturday, officials said at least three people died in Manipur's Bishnupur district as fresh violence broke out on Friday late night. On Thursday, Manipur Police said the overall situation in the Northeast state, which has seen ethnic violence over three months, was stilltense. In a press noteissued on August 3, the state police said that there had been sporadic incidents of firing and mob congregation. The violence in the Northeast state has claimed over 100 lives while displacing thousands more. Clashes broke out between Metei and Kuki communities on May 3 days after the Manipur High Court asked the state government to consider adding the former, the majority community in the state, to the list of Scheduled Tribes. The prevailing situation in Manipur triggered bedlam in both Houses of Parliament in the ongoing Monsoon Session, with the Opposition members stalling proceedings demanding a discussion and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a viral video, purportedly showing two women in the Northeastern state being stripped and paraded in the nude. Adamant on their demand that all listed businesses in both Houses be suspended for a discussion on the Manipur situation, the Opposition members raised slogans and disrupted proceedings, resulting in repeated adjournments. A delegation from the Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A recently visited Manipur for two days, during which they met displaced locals at relief camps and called on Governor Uikey. (ANI) A coordination meeting was held on Saturday between the Nodal officers of Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to discuss, among others, the issue of security, along the Indo-Bangladesh border, the BSF informed through a statement. The meeting was held on Maitri Bridge, Sabroom. "This meeting was organised to discuss the issues of concern mainly that of ensuring domination and security along the Indo- Bangladesh border, particularly in the inhospitable terrain on the eastern border(on the Bangladesh side)," the BSF informed through the official release. The Indian delegation was led by Saroj Kumar Singh, Deputy Inspector General and nodal officer, BSF Tripura and others while the Border Guard Bangladesh was represented by SM Shafiqur Rahman, the nodal officer, South East Region, among others. During the meeting, the modalities for better coordination and domination were discussed, the BSF release stated. Further, in a joint statement released after the meeting, the officials said such meetings to jointly address issues, foster better cooperation, mutual trust and understanding between the two border guarding forces will certainly go a long way in boosting bilateral ties. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed Indias participation in a summit to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys plan for peace amid the ongoing Russian invasion. "India will participate in this event and our participation is in consonance with our long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward," said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. "Yes, India has been invited to a meeting being hosted by Saudi Arabia on Ukraine in Jeddah," Bagchi said while replying to a question at a press briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs. While he did not specify who will attend the meeting from the Indian side, he also said, As regards the level of participation, we will let you know. Russias state-run Tass news agency reported Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov as saying: Russia will keep an eye on this meeting but would need to fully understand what goals are being set. In regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has always maintained that the conflict must be resolved by dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said, "India is ready to do whatever it can for a peaceful resolution of the conflict." The Wall Street Journal, on July 29 first reported on the summit citing diplomats involved in the discussion, and said the talks would take place on August 5 and 6, in the city of Jeddah, with some 30 countries attending. WSJ also said that Ukrainian and Western officials are hopeful that the efforts could conclude in a peace summit later this year where global leaders would sign up to shared principles for resolving the war. For the Jeddah summit, the 30 invitees include Chile, Egypt, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia, according to WSJ. Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said on Sunday that officials from several countries would take part in the Saudi Arabian summit but did not say when or in which city the meeting will be held, reported Al Jazeera. Yermak, writing on Telegram, said discussions will take place on the Ukrainian Peace Formula, which contains 10 fundamental points, the implementation of which will not only ensure peace for Ukraine, but also create mechanisms to counter future conflicts in the world. We are deeply convinced that the Ukrainian peace plan should be taken as a basis because the war is taking place on our land, Yermak said, Al Jazeera reported. On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War which began in 2014. The invasion has killed tens of thousands on both sides. Russian forces have been responsible for mass civilian casualties and for torturing captured Ukrainian soldiers. (ANI) A TikTok influencer of Pakistani heritage and her mother were convicted of engineering a fatal vehicle crash that killed two young men, The News International reported. The jury reached the verdict after 28 hours of deliberation in a three-month trial at Leicester Crown Court. The victims Saqib Hussain and Hashim Ijazuddin, both 21 died when their car was rammed off the road in February 2022. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Mahek Bukhari, a 24-year-old TikTok influencer, set up a trap for Saqib Hussain by inviting him to a meeting under false pretences. Prosecutors stated that this was in response to Hussain's threats to divulge an affair he had with Mahek Bukhari's mother, Ansreen Bukhari, according to The News International. The court heard that the victim's car was pursued by two vehicles driven by fellow defendants Rekhan Karwan and Raees Jamal. The pursuers rammed the victim's car, causing it to split in two and catch fire upon hitting a tree. The front-seat passenger, Saqib Hussain, made a desperate 999 call moments before the crash, in which he pleaded for help as the assailants tried to force their car off the road. The jury also found Rekhan Karwan and Raees Jamal guilty of murder, while Natasha Akhtar, Ameer Jamal, and Sanaf Gulamustafa were convicted of manslaughter. Another co-accused, Mohammed Patel, was found not guilty, The News International reported. The families of the victims expressed their grief in statements, emphasising the senselessness of the act that had taken their loved ones away. The judge, Judge Timothy Spencer KC, warned the defendants that the sentences would be severe. The sentencing is scheduled for September 1st. According to Leicester police, when the murder investigation was launched, it was established that one of the victims, Saqib Hussain had been in a relationship with Ansreen Bukhari, Mahek Bhukari's mother for around three years. Enquiries showed that Ansreen Bukhari had decided to end the relationship with Hussain, but Hussain could not accept this. This led to him allegedly making threats to tell Ansreen Bukharis husband about the affair and to share sexual images and videos of Ansreen Bukhari, according to Leicester police. (ANI) A day after being arraigned for the third time, former United States President Donald Trump on Friday called on the Supreme Court to intercede citing the time and cost spent on several legal battles, CNN reported. My political opponent has hit me with a barrage of weak lawsuits, including DA, AG, and others, which require massive amounts of my time and money to adjudicate, Trump stated on Truth Social. Resources that would have gone into Ads and Rallies, will now have to be spent fighting these Radical Left Thugs in numerous courts throughout the Country. I am leading in all Polls, including against Crooked Joe, but this is not a level playing field. It is Election Interference, & the Supreme Court must intercede, Trump added. On Friday, Trump also pleaded not guilty to the new charges special counsel Jack Smith brought against him in the case alleging mishandling of classified documents from his time in the White House, CNN reported. The filing marked the second time in 24 hours that the former president entered a not guilty plea, following his arraignment Thursday in the special counsels separate investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Earlier on Thursday, Trump pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges related to special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. After the hearing, Trump criticized the latest charges and described the indictment as a persecution of a political opponent." This is a persecution of a political opponent. This was never supposed to happen in America, Trump said while giving brief remarks Thursday before boarding his private plane back to New Jersey. This is the persecution of the person that's leading by very, very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot. So if you can't beat him you persecute him or you prosecute him. We can't let this happen in America, CNN quoted Trump as saying. (ANI) Hitting out at the Biden administration, former United States President Donald Trump on Friday said that he wears the indictments as a badge of honour and he needs just one more to close out the upcoming presidential elections, New York Post reported. He was delivering a speech at the annual Alabama GOP dinner in Montgomery on Friday. Trump said that the growing list of charges he faces has only helped his campaign and said he considers each indictment a truly great badge of honour. Its not going to make any impact, because every time they file an indictment we go way up in the polls, New York Post quoted Trump, the front-running Republican presidential candidate, saying to the crowd. We need one more indictment to close out this election, he joked, to cheers. One more indictment and this election is closed out, nobody has even a chance. Trump has been indicted three times since March. The latest charges, filed Tuesday after an investigation by special counsel Jack Smith, accuse Trump of knowingly spreading false information about widespread voter fraud after he lost the 2020 election to President Biden. Trump told the crowd Friday that he referred to the indictments as a badge of honour because he is being indicted for you." So, thanks a lot, he said. Slamming the Biden government further, Trump called the Justice Department corrupt, saying charges could have been filed against him years ago, but instead they waited right until the middle of the election. (ANI) They waited until I became the dominant force in the polls because were dominating everyone, including Biden, in the polls. And then they filed them all, everyone, one of them, at the same time, New York Post quoted Trump as saying. The former President blasted the trio of indictments as election interference and called the latest case an outrageous criminalization of political speech. This ridiculous indictment against us, its not a legal case its an act of desperation by a failed and disgraced Joe Biden and his radical thugs, Trump said. The reason this is happening is simple: Joe Biden is the most incompetent and at the same time the most corrupt president in the history of the United States, the New York Post quoted Trump as saying. Every time more Biden corruption is exposed his henchmen indict me because they want to knock out the bad publicity, he said, calling it a cover-up for the Biden crime family. Earlier in the day, Trump posted on his Truth Social a vague warning: IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU. However, he had reportedly been warned not to issue threats by the judge during Thursdays arraignment, as per New York Post. Earlier on Friday, Trump also pleaded not guilty to the new charges special counsel Jack Smith brought against him in the case alleging mishandling of classified documents from his time in the White House, CNN reported. The filing marked the second time in 24 hours that the former president entered a not guilty plea, following his arraignment Thursday in the special counsels separate investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Earlier on Thursday, Trump pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges related to special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. (ANI) A Pakistan district and sessions court on Saturday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan for three years in prison in the Toshakhana case i.e. for illegally selling state gifts and he has been disqualified him from politics for a period of five years, local media reported. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 on the PTI chief, Geo News reported. Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case today, Geo News reported. Dawn reported that during the hearing today, presided by Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar, the trial court ruled that charges against the former prime minister in the case were proven. Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details [of Toshakhana gifts] to the ECP and is found guilty of corrupt practices, he stated and sent the PTI chief to jail for three years under Section 174 of the Election Act. Ahead of todays proceedings, a large contingent of police was deployed outside the court premises with only lawyers allowed inside the courtroom. The development comes after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday set aside the session courts verdict on the Toshakhana reference against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman as maintainable and ordered the lower court to rehear the case. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on August 2 deferred the indictment of former Pakistan PM in the Toshakhana case, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. Earlier on July 3, Imran Khan had lashed out at the Shehbaz Sharif government, alleging that the administration has "made a plan" to put him in jail and the whole episode that transpired over his arrest was "pre-planned". Giving clarification over the allegations in the Toshakhana case, Khan claimed that the gifts were sold "as per the rules" and everything has been declared in FDR. "As per the law, when PM, President, Army Chief receives gifts, it goes to Toshakhana, where it is valued. It is done through an FDR, with an initial value and then an appraisal. If there are any excess value, they give the option of purchasing. This is the rule. Under this I took many gifts and refused others. Whatever I sold, is declared in FBR and is under capital gains tax. What is wrong here? Also, under this case, NAB, Election Commission and FIR is also filed. It is just not possible that three cases are being run on the same issue," he had then said. The case pertains to the allegations that the former PM "deliberately concealed" details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana -- a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept -- during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales. The Toshakhana case registered by ruling party lawmakers is based on a criminal complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as per the Dawn report. As per the Toshakhana rules, gifts and other such materials received by persons to whom these rules are applicable shall be reported to the Cabinet Division. Notably, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has faced a number of legal cases over his retention of gifts. He has also been disqualified by the electoral body over the issue. On May 9, this year, former PM and PTI Chairman Imran Khan was arrested from inside the High Court in Islamabad by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the charges of corruption in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust, which he owns alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi. Following Khan's arrest, his party called for demonstrations, which turned violent at many places. The administration resorted to crackdown and many arrests were made across the country. The people accused in the May 9 violence are being tried at military courts. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday rejected the party's chairman Imran Khan's conviction in the Toshakhana case and said that PTI will use its right to challenge the decision by approaching the judiciary, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. Shah Mehmood Qureshi has called the court's verdict "politically motivated" and "state-sanctioned." His statement comes after a Pakistan district and sessions court on Saturday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 on the PTI chief, Geo News reported. Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case today. He said, "PTI will use its right to challenge the decision by knocking on the doors of the higher judiciary." He further said, "We will defend Imran Khan with all legal means, he said, while further adding that we will opt for all the legal ways to defend him," according to Geo News. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the party's core committee will announce its next line of action after the meeting. He said that he was "deeply hurt" after hearing the court's decision. Qureshi said, "If justice is being served then it should also be seen as being served. However, it is the other way round. We went to higher judiciary but we were not provided a chance to represent and defend ourselves." He said that they will approach the doors of the judiciary and stressed that the nation is watching. Speaking to Geo TV, Qureshi said, "I reject the court's verdict and believe it is a politically motivated and predetermined decision which was already expected," Geo News reported. He further said, "Chairman Imran Khan had already been saying that the judiciary has made up its to arrest me. Quoting PTI chairman Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said, "They are determined to disqualify me which was already indicated in Khan's public speeches." Qureshi raised his concerns over the arrest of his party chairman and asked the judiciary whether 70-year-old Khan was offered a fair trial. Quoting Constitution's Article 10(1) which stipulates, "Every citizen will be given justice," he asked whether this criterion was used during Khan's trial. He further said, "The criteria of justice which is impartiality, and adequate representation, presenting witnesses before the jury, were all these provided to his party head?" He asked whether there is anyone in the judiciary except Justice Humayun Dilawal who can fulfil the "requirements of justice?" Shah Mehmood Qureshi stressed, "The cases were repeatedly sent to the trial court with expectations that similar verdicts will be issued," as per the Geo News report. He said that Imran Khan has already expressed his mistrust and "indicated that the judiciary's mind is made up was it not the requirement of justice that the judge recuse himself?" Senior PTI leader asked why the decision was taken in such haste and announced during the weekends, according to Geo News. He called it a cause of concern that police came to Zaman Park to arrest Imran Khan after the news of the verdict was announced on Television. He asked whether the police were already informed about "the nature and the decision." (ANI) Following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman's arrest, police have declared a high-security alert in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid apprehensions of protests after the court's verdict, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. The decision comes after former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence soon after a court found him guilty of "corrupt practices" in the Toshakhana case and sentenced him to three years in prison on Saturday. A police spokesperson said that the federal police of Pakistan have declared a security alert in Islamabad. Police said, "All officers have been directed to remain in their respective areas and checking enhanced in all areas of the federal capital," according to ARY News report. The police spokesperson further said that traffic flow has been routine and people can inform the police in case of any eventuality. Rawalpindi police have been kept on high alert with special instructions given to police to tackle possible protests after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan's arrest. A security alert has been declared within and outside Adiala jail, ARY News reported. Police personnel have been deployed at key roads of Rawalpindi. Police authorities have asked subordinates to keep vigil over the situation. Imran Khan is likely to be taken to Adiala Jail after his arrest in Lahore, ARY News reported citing sources. It is pertinent to mention here that protests erupted in Pakistan after Imran Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir case on May 9. A Pakistan district and sessions court on Saturday sentenced Imran Khan to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case i.e. for illegally selling state gifts and he has been disqualified from politics for a period of five years, local media reported. The court also imposed a fine of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 100,000 on the PTI chief, Geo News reported. After his arrest, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday rejected the party's chairman Imran Khan's conviction in the Toshakhana case and said that PTI will use its right to challenge the decision by approaching the judiciary, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. Shah Mehmood Qureshi has called the court's verdict "politically motivated" and "state-sanctioned." He said, "PTI will use its right to challenge the decision by knocking on the doors of the higher judiciary." He further said, "We will defend Imran Khan with all legal means, he said, while further adding that we will opt for all the legal ways to defend him," according to Geo News. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the party's core committee will announce its next line of action after the meeting. (ANI) Recently, the two climbers set a world record by scaling 14 mountains in three months, becoming the worlds fastest climbers to scale all peaks above 8,000 meters (26,246 feet) in the shortest time. The duo climbers climbed the second-highest mountain in the world - Mount K2 on July 27, 2023, smashing the earlier record set by British soldier Nirmal Purja also known as Nimsdai. On Saturday, the record-setting climbers were welcomed by a group of fans, families and mountaineering enthusiasts as they landed in the Nepali capital Kathmandu. Nepals Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sushila Sirpali Thakuri welcomed the climbers at Tribhuvan International Airport in the course of returning to Nepal after successfully climbing Mount K2. Government representatives and tourism entrepreneurs welcomed the world record climbers by playing cultural musical instruments. Harila and Sherpa successfully climbed Mt K2 (8611 meters) in Pakistan at 10:45 am on July 27, according to Seven Summit Treks Company. Earlier, climber Nirmal Purja had climbed the 14 mountains of the world above 8,000 meters in six months and six days in 2019. Harila and Sherpa had set a target of climbing 14 peaks above 8,000 meters within four months. Harila had already become the first woman climber to make the fastest climb of 14 mountains above 8,000 meters in one year and five days. Kristin Harila and Tenjin (Lama) Sherpa have successfully scaled Mount Everest, Kanchanjangha, Lotshe, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Sishapangma, Nagma Parbat, Gasherbrum-II, Gasherbrum-I, Broad Peak and Mount K2. (ANI) Nepal Foreign Minister NP Saud on Saturday requested the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami for speedy search and rescue of its citizens missing in a landslidein Gaurikund. According to the Secretariat of Nepal, FM Saud made the request during a telephonic conversation with CM Dhami and urged for a speedy search and rescue of its nationals who went missing after they were swept away by a landslide that struck Gauri Kund town in Uttarakhand at around 11.30 p.m. on Thursday night. At least 19 people have gone missing after a landslide washed away three hotels in Gaurikund, a pilgrimage site that serves as a basecamp for a trek to Kedarnath Temple. Ten people from Jumlas Patarasi have gone missing in the landslide in Uttarakhand. It is also being reported that three from Humla district also are missing in the landslide of Thursday morning, the Ward chair of Patarashi village council in Jumla district confirmed ANI over the phone. CM Dhami in the telephone conversation has told the Nepal Foreign Minister about the deployment of security personnel and agencies been deployed to search for the missing persons, according to the Foreign Ministers Secretariat. Earlier on Friday, Foreign Minister Saud directed the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi to coordinate with the Indian government to leave no stone unturned for the search and rescue of missing Nepalis and relief to those affected by the landslide. (ANI) Russia's forces have captured a village in northeastern Ukraine, an area that has seen a growing concentration of Russian armies, CNN reported citing Moscow's Defence Ministry. The Russian Defence Ministry said that their forces now have control of the Novoselivske's settlement region. Novoselivske lies on the border of the Luhansk and Kharkiv regions and has been on the front lines since a Ukrainian push recaptured much of Kharkiv last September. Russia also added that they have improved the forces' position along the front line near two villages nearby, according to CNN. The defence ministry published a video of the Russian advance in the area, which has been geolocated by CNN as occurring in Novoselivske. Ukraine seems intent on using a new generation ofpowerful maritime dronesagainst Russian ships both merchant and naval in the Black Sea, opening up a new front in the 18-month war. In the space of 24 hours, Ukraine attacked two Russian vessels a naval landing ship and a fuel tanker in the eastern Black Sea by maritime drones. Earlier, the Ukrainian Security Service source claimed that they had attacked the drone carrying 450 kilograms (992 pounds) of TNT shortly before midnight, CNN reported on Friday (US Time). One of Russias biggest oil tankers was struck by a maritime drone. The strike created a hole in the vessels engine room at the waterline on the starboard side, forcing the 11-strong crew to fight the water intake, Russian authorities said. The flooding eventually stopped. The Black Sea has been a vital theatre of the war since Russias full-scale invasion almost a year and a half ago, with Russian warships there firing cruise missiles at Ukraine, including at targets hundreds of miles inland, and enforcing a blockade of Ukrainian ports. Moscows fleet keeps a more cautious distance from Ukraines coast since Ukrainian forces sank the cruiser Moskva, the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, in April 2022, using missiles fired from shore. The naval conflict has heated up recently as Ukraine has expanded the size and reach of its drone force. Raising the stakes still higher, Russia withdrew last month from a deal allowing grain ships to pass to and from Ukraine, stepped up its bombardment of Ukrainian ports and made threats against civilian shipping from other nations trying to reach Ukraine. Officials in Kyiv claim that since halting the agreement, Russia has destroyed more than 200,000 tons of grain bound for overseas markets, The New York Times reported. (ANI) The step has been taken by the government to combat the internet addiction. A proposal released by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the countrys top internet regulator would require all mobile devices, apps and app stores to have a built in minor mode that would restrict daily screen time to a maximum of two hours a day, depending on the age group, according to CNN. The proposal was released on Wednesday this week. If authorised, the limitations would be an augmentation of prior rules aimed at limiting children's screen time and reducing their exposure to "unwanted information." The new regulations, which are up for public comment until September 2, would automatically terminate internet applications for children and teens using devices in minor mode when their time limitations are reached. They would also be provided with "age-based content," CNN reported. Using the setting, no one under the age of 18 would be allowed to access their displays between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Children under the age of eight would be allowed to use their phones for only 40 minutes every day, while those aged eight to sixteen would be allowed an hour, according to CNN. Teenagers aged 16 to 18 would be permitted two hours. (ANI) The Council Common Interests (CCI) unanimously approved the digital census 2023 on Saturday, Dawn reported citing a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). This new statement signifies that there will be a delay in the general election which was expected to take place soon as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other members of the ruling coalition have agreed to dissolve the National Assembly prematurely on August 9 three days before its term ends. As soon as the CCI meeting ended, Pakistan's Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Saturday revealed that holding general elections on the basis of the 2023 digital census was not possible before January-February 2024, The News International reported. Talking to the Pakistani private news channel, Tarar said that a meeting of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif "unanimously" approved new census results. The law minister said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is to complete the delimitation process within an outer limit of 120 days. However, it is the prerogative of the ECP how soon they start the process. This meeting came days after PakistanPM said that the upcoming elections in Pakistan would be held on the basis of the 2023 digital census, Dawn reported on Tuesday. The premier, whose government is expected to hand over the countrys reins to a caretaker setup this August, shared this during a recorded interview on the Aaj News show Faisla Aap Ka, which was aired on Tuesday. We have to hold the elections on the basis of the new census When a census has been conducted, the [polls] should be held on its basis unless there is an obstacle that cannot be overcome. But I dont see [any such hurdle], Dawn quoted Sharif as saying. He added that a meeting of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) the body that approves census results was expected. Sharif further said the census results would be referred to the CCI as soon as they were finalised. Notably, PM Sharifs statement is a deviation from that of his ministers previous assertions, who said that the upcoming election would be held on the basis of the 2017 census, Dawn reported. (ANI) This figure adds to the 1.9 million children who were already displaced in Sudan before this latest crisis. Three million children under five are malnourished with 700,000 at risk of severe acute malnutrition and mortality. 1.7 million children under the age of one are at risk of missing critical vaccinations, raising the risk of disease outbreaks, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF's deputy executive director, stated in a press conference on Friday, according to CNN. Chaiban also said that 14 million children in Sudan are in "dire need" of humanitarian assistance as the country's violent conflict exacerbates its hunger crisis. "The numbers are staggering. Almost 14 million children a number roughly equivalent to every single child in Colombia, France, Germany, or Thailand are in dire need of humanitarian support," UNICEF said, according to CNN. According to UNICEF, at least 435 children have been murdered and over 2,025 have been injured since the Sudan crisis began in mid-April. The UN warned on Thursday that over 20 million people in Sudan are suffering from extreme hunger, a statistic that has nearly doubled since last year. The conflict inSudanbroke out in mid-April between soldiers loyal toSudanese army leaderAbdel Fattah al-Burhanand his deputy, paramilitaryRSFcommander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Since former President Omar al-Bashir was deposed in a popular revolt in 2019, leaders of the army and theRSFhave held the main seats onSudan's executive council. They plotted a coup in 2021, just as the council was set to give over authority to civilians, before clashing over the line of command and reforming theRSFas part of the scheduled transition, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, spoke over the phone on Saturday, discussing possible actions for the restoration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Turkish News Agency Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported quoting the country's top diplomatic sources. On July 17, Russia suspended its participation in the Black Sea grain deal, saying the Russian part of the agreement was not implemented. It sought the loosening of banking restrictions and the ability to ship its fertiliser before returning to the agreement. "I had a call with @HakanFidan to discuss the Black Sea Grain Initiative. I stressed Russia's withdrawal's harmful impact on African countries and global food security. Trkiye will continue efforts to restore the deal. We also discussed the schedule of bilateral contacts," Ukraine Foreign Minister Kuleba said in a tweet. The agreement, signed in July 2022 in Istanbul by Turkey, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine, is aimed at resuming grain exports from Ukrainian ports halted due to the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, AA reported. Turkey has said that Western countries should try to address Russia's complaints and that it hoped Russia would return to the deal. Earlier, on Friday, Turkish President Erdogan spoke about his phone call with his Russian counterpart Putin. Erdogan told the Russian President that Turkey will continue its intense efforts and diplomacy for the resumption of the Black Sea grain deal, AA reported. On July 17, Russia withdrew from a deal to restore grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports, protesting that the Russian portion of the agreement had not been carried out. On Putins recent offer to send grain to African countries free of charge, Erdogan said, "Were in line with Russia on this issue, that is, we will turn the grains coming from Russia through the Black Sea corridor into flour and we will transport (flour) to poor African countries and underdeveloped countries. Even now, Turkey will continue to take these steps and give its support and aid to poor countries, he said. During the phone call on Wednesday, the two leaders also agreed on Putin's visit to Turkey, according to the statement. "Expressing that steps should not be taken to escalate tensions during the Russia-Ukraine war, President Erdogan underlined the importance of the Black Sea Initiative, which he considers a 'bridge of peace'," read an official statement. "Pointing out that the long-term shutdown of the Black Sea Initiative will not benefit anyone, and that the countries in need of grain and low income will suffer the most, President Erdogan pointed out that the prices of grains, which decreased by 23 per cent during the implementation period, increased by 15 per cent in the last two weeks," the statement added, according to CNN. "President Erdogan noted that Turkey will continue to carry out intensive efforts and diplomacy for the continuation of the Black Sea Initiative," it added. (ANI) Belaruski Hajun has reported that 9 fighter jets of the Russian Air Force took off from Belarus on the afternoon of 5 August, and 10 more Russian helicopters left the country earlier. Source: Belaruski Hajun, an independent Belarusian military monitoring media outlet Details: Belaruski Hajun said the helicopters flew toward east/southeast and later crossed the Belarus-Russia border. The media outlet noted that most of the helicopters were in Belarus for 209 days (since 8 January). Later, all 10 helicopters landed at the Seshcha air base (Bryansk Oblast, Russia). Belaruski Hajun calculated that there used to be at least 11 helicopters of the Russian Air Force in Belarus, and there is likely only one left. Later, the monitoring media outlet reported that nine more fighter jets left Belarus and flew to Russia. Belaruski Hajun established that nine Russian Su-34 and Su-30SM fighter jets took off from the Baranavichy air base (Belarus) at 13:30. They have crossed the border and entered Russia. Most of them had also been in Belarus since January. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! ADRIAN A murder case from 1997 where the victim's head and hands were cut off is proceeding to Lenawee County Circuit Court. Two Ohio brothers are accused in the murder of an unidentified man whose remains were found by a farmer Nov. 19, 1997, in a cornfield in Blissfield Township. Richardo Sepulveda, 51, of Cincinnati and Michael Sepulveda, 49, of Toledo, were bound over to circuit court Thursday after proceedings in Lenawee County District Court. They each are charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, assault with intent to maim, conspiracy to commit assault with intent to maim, tampering with evidence and conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. First-degree murder is punishable by life in prison without parole. The assault and tampering charges have maximum 10-year sentences. All crime victims deserve justice regardless of how long it takes to receive it, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a news release. The attorney general's office is prosecuting the case. I appreciate the hard work of the Michigan State Police, the many local and federal law enforcement agencies, and my criminal trial prosecutors for their persistence in pursuing this case. The Sepulvedas' arraignments in circuit court are scheduled for Aug. 16. Michael Sepulveda is represented by Adrian attorney Jim Daly. Richardo Sepulveda is represented by attorney William Amadeo of Ann Arbor. More: Arrests made in 1997 cold case murder; headless, handless body was found near Blissfield More: Police: Drug debt may be motive in 1997 murder To date, the victim's identity is still unknown, but he is believed to be a 32-year-old Hispanic man from the Corpus Christie, Texas, area, the news release said. The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Larry Rothman at 313-407-9379. The lack of the man's head and hands made identifying the man difficult. His DNA profile has been uploaded to a national database of missing and unidentified persons, and police are using genealogy websites that use DNA to build family trees to try to identified the man. Story continues When police examined the remains, they observed the hands appeared to have been cut from just above the wrist, the release said. Officers also observed what appeared to be saw striations on the ends of the bones. In a district court affidavit of probable cause, police recounted tips they received over the years that led to the Sepulvedas being arrested in January. Michigan State Police and FBI investigators were told the Sepulvedas were involved in the drug trade in Toledo and had killed the man because of a drug debt Richardo owed. A woman who was Richardo's girlfriend in the late 1990s told police she recalled the brothers taking a saw from her garage around the time of the homicide and that Richardo owned a van at that time. This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: 1997 Lenawee County murder case with headless, handless body advances LAKEWOOD, Wash. Firefighters south of Tacoma raced to save a mobile community from a fast-moving brush fire Friday afternoon but reported several structures were lost to flames and at least two people died. West Pierce Fire and Rescue received the call around 2 p.m. and arrived to find a wall of flames advancing on more than a dozen homes in the Tacoma suburb of Lakewood. "The flames were huge," area resident Nicole Ross told FOX 13 Seattle. "The flames were definitely taller than me." Explosions could be heard as the fire raged on. "When one propane busts, it was just like a trigger," said Ross. "It went to the next home, to the next one, to the next one." Ross, her daughter and her daughter's friend all grabbed hoses to help water down neighbors lawns. "It was hot, from the flames being so close," said Ross. "You could definitely feel the heat." Xitlali Joya, who lives at the park, told FOX 13 her neighbor started banging on her door at around 2:30 p.m. "The knocks were really scary. I went outside, my neighbor was in her car," said Joya. "I see outside its smoky. Theres a tree we usually see. Its in flames." After an hours-long firefight, local authorities reported nine mobile homes were a total loss and upwards of six others had sustained significant damage. A local chapter of the American Red Cross was notified and is helping the victims of the fire. During a search of potentially missing occupants, firefighters reported finding the bodies of at least two people. Firefighters believe the fire started in a grassy area near the park. Investigators have not released the cause of the inferno, but most of the state has seen an unseasonably dry summer. HOW AI IS BEING USED TO FIGHT WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA Homes damage in Lakewood, Washington Summer is the dry season in the Pacific Northwest, but much of the Puget Sound area hasn't received measurable rain in nearly two weeks, and hasn't seen a widespread wetting rain since mid-June. According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, 88% of the state of Washington is dealing with unusually dry or drought conditions. Story continues The community where Fridays fire broke out is considered to be in a moderate drought. In moderate drought conditions, fire risks are usually high as trees and other vegetation dry out and become potential fuel for wildfires. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources reported more than 1,000 fires in 2023 have destroyed about 91,000 acres. Most of the West has experienced a slow start to the fire season after rounds of heavy precipitation during the winter and early spring. Richard Roundtree, the sheriff of Richmond County, Georgia, has a problem: More than 30 of his sworn officers have been arrested over the past three years, mostly on charges of smuggling drugs or items into the county jail or assaulting inmates. We ask ourselves, What are we doing wrong? What more can we be doing? Roundtree said in June after announcing the arrest of a jailer on charges that he passed synthetic marijuana to a detainee. In some ways, the crisis in Richmond County reflects a dilemma facing many of Americas county jails, where people accused of crimes are held before trial or serve short sentences. Across the country, jails are overcrowded and understaffed, experts, inmates and workers say, making conditions worse for both detainees and guards. The arrests in Richmond County may be a result of those factors, although Roundtree has said that hes still trying to figure out why there have been so many officers charged with crimes and how to curb the misconduct. Are we missing something in the hiring process? Are we not providing enough training? Roundtree said at the news conference. All of these issues have been exhaustively addressed and discussed and yet misconduct is still occurring despite the fact that deputies are consistently being arrested and losing their careers. He added: The only constant truth we have been able to detect is monetary gain. It simply appears to be all about the money. Roundtrees office declined a request for an interview or to answer written questions, referring NBC News to his prior public statements. The sheriff, who says his staff numbers about 700, said it would help if the county commission gave him more money to boost salaries. Payroll records show that jailers earn on average $42,500 a year, and road patrol deputies earn an average of $46,500. Low pay, Roundtree has said, makes it difficult to recruit and keep good people, and makes it more tempting to smuggle drugs or other items in exchange for cash. Story continues But Richmond County-Augusta Commission member Wayne Guilfoyle said money is not an excuse. The reason theyre doing this illegal activity has nothing to do with pay; its a character flaw in the person, Guilfoyle said. I think he needs to raise his standards on the quality of people hes hiring. Roundtree has said that he is exploring enhanced vetting of recruits, including more robust background checks, and expanding training and access to in-house counselors to try to curb misconduct. We are going to have to put something in place enforcing our core values, what kind of agency we want to be and what wont be tolerated, Roundtree said in a March news conference. Documents obtained through public records requests show that most of the 33 arrests involved contraband, or assaulting or having sex with inmates. Thirteen arrests involved a range of allegations of on-duty and off-duty misconduct, including domestic violence and driving while intoxicated. All 33 were fired or resigned after their arrests. Four cases involving alleged assaults of inmates were dropped after grand juries declined to indict the officers; one of those officers has since gotten his job back and another now works for a nearby police department. Most of the cases are still pending in court, records show. Two officers have been sentenced to probation, one for charges related to smuggling, the other for sexual battery against a detainee. Lawyers who have represented people held in this jail said in interviews that there arent enough staff, and many of those who work there are inexperienced and stressed out. The problem is that they have a hard time finding people, and when theyre understaffed theyre giving responsibilities to people who have not been battle-tested long enough, said Jack Batson, a lawyer in Augusta. Another lawyer, Tanya Jeffords, said 33 arrests in three years indicate that problems in the jail have gotten too serious to overlook. Poor treatment of inmates in jail is systemic, but most of the time a rug is thrown over it, Jeffords said. At this point its gotten so bad that the rug had to be pulled back. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Suzanne Brown-Pelletiers beagle, Biscuit, formerly known as Fin, in North Yarmouth, Maine on Aug. 1, 2023. (Sean Alonzo Harris/The New York Times) When a 2-year-old beagle named Fin was carried out in September from the Envigo breeding and research facility in Cumberland, Virginia, his exit marked the end of a nearly 60-day operation to rescue almost 4,000 dogs that had been living in highly distressful conditions. Beagles that were among those kept there were underfed, had fallen ill or were injured, inspections of the research facility found, and some had been euthanized. Nearly a year later, many of the beagles are thriving in new homes, their new housemates said. They roll on the grass, enjoy long walks and lick birthday cake to celebrate the anniversary of their rescue. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times He was the last one. I cant imagine what that mustve felt like for him, said Suzanne Brown-Pelletier, who adopted Fin within weeks of his rescue. To make up for the lost years of love, I give him all kinds of kisses on his nose and tell him Im playing the beagle bugle, she said. Fin, whom Brown-Pelletier renamed Sir Biscuit of Barkingham (or Biscuit), and thousands of other dogs were released over two months to shelters, rescue organizations, foster owners and adoptive families after federal officials found that the breeding facility had safety violations. The beagles there were hungry, sick, mistreated and, in some cases, had died, and the survivors were headed to testing labs. After a federal judge approved a plan to remove the dogs in July 2022, several rescue groups and volunteers stepped up to find them homes in an effort that drew attention nationwide. The news even inspired Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry to adopt a beagle named Momma Mia. Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey adopted a dog, Morty, from the facility. Many others volunteered to open their homes to the rescues as well. After Alli and Tyler Trent adopted a beagle named Maple, the dog shook uncontrollably in their backyard in Christiansburg, Virginia. Having lived in a cage, Maple hadnt seen grass or eaten a treat before. Story continues The grass was very scary for her, Alli Trent recalled. Maple also cowered whenever someone approached. Nothing was easy, she recalled, but she just needed some extra patience and time. Learning to Trust Maple found her footing with the Trents and has learned so much and come so far, said Alli Trent, 29. The beagle, who is 4, loves sunbathing and belly rubs, munching on crushed ice and, most of all, lounging in her bed. Shes learning to trust, and shes learning that the only people in her life now are good people that love her so much! she said. The Trents other beagle, Lola, has also provided emotional support for Maple. Last month, the couple attended a gathering in Wake Forest, North Carolina, to mark the anniversary of the beagles rescues. There, Maple reunited with some of her puppies, which had also been adopted. A photo Alli Trent posted on Facebook showed Maple and the puppies which are bigger than their mother now and their new owners, camping out together on the grass. Maple wore a bandanna that read, Envigo survivor. A few hundred miles up north, in Alexandria, Virginia, Lauren and Trevor Kellogg have settled in with their 3-year-old beagle, whom they named Nellie because she was a nervous Nellie, Lauren Kellogg said. The Kelloggs, who had engaged in activism against animal testing and Envigo, adopted her within 24 hours of taking her home to foster last year. We wanted to take the dog that needed the most help, she said. Envigo, which was acquired in 2021 by Inotiv and worked with the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, said in a statement last year that it had agreed to the transfer of the beagles. The company said on its website that it was breeding healthy, well-socialized animals that were sold for research. The company also said that it closed the site in Cumberland last year. Adapting to Their New Lives Lauren Kellogg said it was a very hard transition for their new companion. Nellie did not like to leave her crate, had her tail pointed downward and spooked easily in their Washington, D.C., condo. The first couple of months was teaching her that not everything was scary, Kellogg said. Gradually, Nellie warmed up to her new family and sat with them on the couch. After the couple moved into a house with a backyard, we saw her really improve, Kellogg said. These days, when Nellie walks with the couples other beagle rescue, Beesly, Nellies tail points up, and she happily wags it. Nellie is a very sweet, very loving dog. You hear a lot of similar stories with these dogs, coming into their own their own way, Kellogg said. In North Yarmouth, Maine, Sir Biscuit adjusted to his new life outside a cage with the help of Brown-Pelletiers other dogs, Albert and Winston, both spaniels. When the family first met Biscuit, he was drooling from anxiety and pancaking, or lying flat on the ground, out of fear. Brown-Pelletier, 60, noticed how Biscuit lifted his feet up with curiosity as he touched new textures around the house. His little paws had never touched anything other than a metal cage, she said, and he didnt know what a toy was. Albert, a 5-year-old English springer spaniel, modeled bravery for Biscuit and showed him how to play. Now, anything Albert does, Biscuit wants to do, Brown-Pelletier said. He has a best friend, she said of the two, who share toys. At 26 pounds, having gained at least 5 since he was in the facility, Biscuit has the stamina for long walks, while being small enough to be a lap dog. His favorite place is my lap, and I love that, Brown-Pelletier said. Biscuit is the first dog Brown-Pelletier has ever rescued, and she swears he thanks her daily with his big, expressive brown eyes. I am telling you it is the way to go, she said. Becoming a Rescue Parent As Adam Parascandola, vice president of the animal rescue team for the Humane Society of the United States, worked on helping place the beagles rescued from the Envigo facility, he realized: It just felt right to take one of them in. Parascandola and his wife, Stephanie Prete, adopted a 12-week-old male puppy at that they named Enzo. The dog now lives in Winlock, Washington, and while hes still working on navigating how to get on the couch, Enzo has blossomed into being very social and happy-go-lucky. Every dog and its circumstances are different, said Parascandola, and dogs that come from rescue situations will bring varying degrees of ability and comfort. People need to be aware of their ability and tolerance to deal with socializing dogs, he said, particularly dogs that have had little contact with humans or other animals. Shelters and rescue organizations are experienced in placing animals with the appropriate new family, Parascandola said. He recommends that prospective owners share their expectations for the new pet with adoption centers, so they can help facilitate the best lifestyle fit. Puppies may be more unpredictable and require additional flexibility, whereas adult dogs will demonstrate their basic personality and needs. New owners can look forward to seeing transitions and growth, Parascandola said. Above all, patience is key. Let the dog take the lead, he said, on what theyre ready for. c.2023 The New York Times Company BUENA, N.J. (AP) The body of a fourth victim has been found following an explosion and fire that destroyed a New Jersey house and seriously injured two children, who were pulled from the fire by civilians, authorities said. The cause of Thursday mornings explosion in Buena, about 40 miles (70 kilometers) southeast of Philadelphia, is being investigated. It damaged several nearby homes, but no other injuries were reported. Authorities had previously said those likely in the house at the time included two men, ages 52 and 73, and two children, a 2-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl. A 1-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl pulled from the fire by civilians were flown to a Philadelphia hospital, where the infant was in critical condition and the teen was stable, police said. Authorities have not released the victims names or said whether they are related. Three of four missing people had been found dead in the rubble by 8 p.m. Thursday, Franklin Township police said. The body of the fourth victim was found around 2 p.m. Friday at the base of the burned structure. WASHINGTON - Testimony from Hunter Biden's business associate, Devon Archer, before the House Oversight Committee this week undercut claims by Republican lawmakers that his appearance would implicate President Joe Biden in Hunters business dealings. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee recently released the transcript of testimony Archer gave Monday during a 5-hour closed-door meeting as Republicans push a wide-ranging investigation into the Biden familys business dealings. For months, Republicans have alleged that President Joe Biden engaged in his son Huner's business dealings while he served as vice president and was part of a bribery scheme with executives from Burisma, the Ukrainian energy firm in which Hunter Biden served as a board member. The White House has dismissed the allegations against him. Here are five takeaways from Archer's testimony to lawmakers. Joe Biden did not talk business on calls, Archer claims President Joe Biden, then the vice president, was put on speakerphone frequently by his son, Hunter Biden, and his Burisma business associates, but Archer told the Oversight Committee that business dealings were never discussed. "I think you have to understand that there was no business conversation about a cap table or a fee or anything like that," Archer said to the committee. "It was, you know, just general niceties and, you know, conversation in general about the geography, about the weather, whatever it may be." Archer testified Monday that Hunter Biden put his father, Joe Biden, on the speaker phone about 20 times to speak with Burisma executives over Archer's 10-year business partnership with Hunter. This includes times when Archer, Hunter Biden and other business associates were gathered at dinners in Paris and Beijing. Archer said Hunter Biden spoke to his father every day and would sometimes make it apparent that he spoke to his dad, and sometimes he put him on speaker. Story continues "There are touch points and contact points that I can't deny happened," Archer said, referring to contacts with Biden while he was vice president. "But nothing of material was discussed." He said some of the things Hunter and Joe Biden discussed on speakerphone were, "Where are you, how's the weather, how's the fishing?" Devon Archer, Hunter Biden's former business partner, passes through the security checkpoint as he arrives on Capitol Hill to give closed-door testimony to the House Oversight Committee in the Republican-led investigations into President Biden's son, in Washington, Monday, July 31, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) ORG XMIT: DCSA101 Archer says he saw no evidence Joe Biden steered policy to help Hunter and Burisma Archer testified having no knowledge of wrongdoing by Joe Biden to alter U.S. policy to benefit Hunter Bidens business endeavors. "I have no basis to know if he altered policy to benefit his son," Archer said. "I have no knowledge." Archer said that includes having no reason to believe that then-Vice President Biden called for the termination of Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin for any reason other than his stated purpose of pursing the U.S.s anti-corruption policy in Ukraine. Republicans have accused Joe Biden of calling for Shokin's removal in exchange for payments to protect Burisma, which was under investigation. "I have no proof or thought that he fired him for that reason," Archer said. Hunter Biden delivered the Biden 'brand' Archer told the committee that Hunter Biden never "overtly" told business associates he wanted to use his father for a specific purpose. But he said Hunter sought to prove his worth to Burisma by delivering the Biden family "brand." For instance, the House Committee referred to a 2014 email that Hunter Biden wrote to Archer where he said My guy's upcoming travel should be characterized as part of our advice and thinking, referring to then Vice President Joe Bidens visit to Ukraine. Addressing the email, Archer said he believes its clear that hes not bringing his dad, but hes saying, you know, Im going to get credit for it. He later added that later added that Hunter Biden tried to give the "illusion of access to his father." Archer also said that part of the reason Hunter would put his father on speakerphone in professional settings is to deliver the Biden family brand. During a later exchange, Archer said, "D.C. was the brand." Joe Biden attended two Washington dinners with Hunter Biden and associates Archer, Hunter Biden, Bursima associates and overseas oligarchs also met in person with Joe Biden for dinner at the upscale Washington restaurant Cafe Milano twice, according to Archer, once in 2014 and another time in 2015. The first dinner was a birthday dinner. Archer said that he doesnt remember the conversation that took place. "He came to dinner, and we ate and kind of talked about the world, I guess, and the weather, and then everybody everybody left," Archer said. The other dinner involved the World Food Program USA, in which Hunter served as board chairman. "Like I've said across the board, there was no business-deals specifics discussed ever at any of these things, but it was a nice, you know, conversation," Archer said to the committee. "It was dinner conversation." Yelena Baturina, a billionaire Russian businesswoman and former first lady of Moscow who attended the first dinner, wired $3.5 million in February 2014 to Rosemont Seneca Thornton, an offshoot of Rosemont Realty, in which Hunter Biden served on its board. Kenes Rakishev, a businessman from Kazakhstan, wired the company $142,000. Both payments came before the 2014 dinner. Archer told the committee Baturinas $3.5 million was part of an overall $120 million investment she made to Rosemont Realty. He described Hunter Bidens involvement in the company as minimal. Hunter Bidens lawyers have denied the $3.5 million wire payment was for him. Archer said Hunter Biden used the $142,300 to buy a luxury car, describing the payment as a business matter between them, referring to Hunter and Rakishev. "I don't know why, Archer said when asked why this car was purchased through Rakishev. I was jealous. No, I'm just kidding. Republican claims of 'bribery' not corroborated by testimony Republicans have pointed to an allegation received by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2020 that Joe Biden and Hunter Biden each received a $5 million bribery payment from Burisma to help facilitate the gas companys desire to expand to the U.S. while it battled corruption allegations in Ukraine. The alleged scheme is outlined in an FBI FD-1023 form that Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, publicized on July 20. It cost $5 (million) to pay one Biden, and 5 (million) to another Biden, Mykola Zlochevsky, the owner of Burisma Holdings, allegedly told the confidential informant, according to the FBI notes. But Archer said he is not aware of any $5 million payments ever made to either Biden and disagrees that the FBI form is a sign that Zlochevsky bribed Joe Biden. Archer said Ukrainian businessmen like to brag. Very similar to D.C. operators, Archer said. In Ukraine, in Russia they brag about how much they brag about bigger bribes than they actually give. Archer said he also has no knowledge to support another claim from Republicans that Hunter Biden played a role in Joe Biden taking an official vice presidential trip to Ukraine in 2014. I have no idea. I have no knowledge, Archer said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 takeaways from the transcript of Devon Archer's House testimony A Fresno man was identified Friday as the victim in a fatal hit-and-run that occurred late last month in Fresno County. The Fresno County Sheriffs Office named 60-year-old David Sisneros Diaz as the pedestrian who was struck and killed on July 26 at Bishop and Shields Avenue in the rural area of the county. Diaz was lying in the roadway in the area and it was unclear if he was hit by more than one car, CHP said. Officers said 32-year-old Santiago Ambriz-Cervantez of Kerman allegedly struck Diaz and got out to check on him. A witness stopped and saw Ambriz-Cervantez, who was driving a 2010 Honda Pilot, check on Diaz before leaving the scene. The witness followed the Honda to a home on Floyd Avenue not far away, CHP said. Fresno County Sheriffs deputies detained Ambriz until CHP officers could get on scene. Ambriz-Cervantez was arrested on suspicion of fleeing the scene of the fatal crash, CHP said. He was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, officers said. His court date is scheduled for Aug. 9. russian equipment At least 82 Russian oligarchs are allegedly involved in manufacturing weapons for Russias war against Ukraine, with most of them not under EU sanctions, Yekaterina Reznikova, a journalist from the Russian publication Projekt, said in an interview with the Lithuanian news agency LRT on Aug. 4. These oligarchs actively support Russias war against Ukraine and contribute to the production of weapons used by the invaders, particularly against innocent civilians, Reznikova said. Although most of them do not publicly express their position on the war, they secretly provide financial support to Russia, she said. Reznikova stated that the weapons used by the Russian army in Bucha against the civilian population and the bombs dropped on Mariupol were manufactured with the assistance of Russian oligarchs. The investigation by Projekt, published on July 31, reveals that the 82 richest individuals in Russia have various ties to the military or otherwise aid the support of the war in Ukraine. Some manufacture components for bombs, while others produce tanks and aircraft, and some provide diverse communication and insurance services. Read also: Russia continues to import Western microchips for its missile production We initially identified 81 individuals, but thanks to our readers, we added one more person to the list... This additional individual owns a company that sells computer equipment. He sells computers and other office equipment even in the occupied territory. His company facilitated the transportation and abduction of children, Reznikova said. The largest contribution to Russias war against Ukraine comes from Russian billionaire Mikhail Shelkov, the owner of the metallurgical company VSMPO-Avisma. This company manufactures titanium, which is then supplied for the production of armored vehicles and aircraft currently involved in the conflict with Ukraine. Second on the list is Yuriy Kovalchuk, an oligarch closely associated with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. He has signed insurance contracts with the Russian military totaling RUR 47 billion (UAH 14.1 billion or $491 million). Story continues Read also: UK struggles to blacklist Wagner PMC as terrorist organization The third place is held by Boris Rotenberg, also closely connected to Putin, whose company was involved in building facilities, transporting, and installing equipment, including high-frequency devices used in the military industry. Reznikova noted that almost all of these Russian oligarchs, 80 out of 82, are under some form of sanction. However, the problem lies in the fact that these sanctions are usually announced only by Ukraine, and these wealthy individuals are not subject to sanctions in the United States, Canada, or the European Union. When it comes to the specific sanctions of the EU countries, they only apply to 31 oligarchs, Reznikova said. Read also: China to impose restrictions on drone exports U.S. newspaper the New York Times reported on July 27 that the UK government had allowed Russian oligarchs under sanctions to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on private chefs, drivers, and domestic staff, despite their bank accounts being frozen. On July 13, it was reported that the business of the wealthiest Russian oligarch, Vladimir Lisin, continues to cooperate with the defense industry and prisons. This billionaire, close to Putin, is not subject to sanctions in either the United States or the UK. Read also: Is there a new axis of evil Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A home in Maine with crime scene tape around the perimeter. AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty An 87-year-old woman in Maine awoke to find a half-naked man standing at the foot of her bed. The man threatened her with a knife and she fought him off by kicking and hitting him with a chair. Before he fled, the woman recognized him as a teen who used to mow her lawn and offered him snacks. Faced with a home intruder threatening to cut her with a knife, Marjorie Perkins acted on pure instinct: She put on her shoes, fought off her would-be assailant, and then made sure he'd had enough to eat. "I woke up to see a male standing over me by my bed telling me he was going to cut me," Perkins, a resident of Brunswick, Maine, told News Center Maine in an interview about the July 26 incident. The intruder had entered the 87-year-old's home just after 2 a.m. by sliding over the conditioning panel on her window and squeezing through the gap. He had with him a water bottle full of alcohol, according to Perkins, and local police told Insider he had a knife, which he had left in the other room before waking the woman. "I jumped out of bed, got my shoes on real fast because they don't have ties and I was ready to kick," Perkins told News Center Maine. The 87-year-old struggled with her attacker as he pushed her up against the wall, so Perkins said she grabbed the first thing she could reach, a chair nearby her bed, and began swinging it at him until he grew tired and stopped his attack. He started to leave but first stopped in the kitchen. "I kept saying, 'You need to get out. You need help,'" Perkins told The Times Record. "He said he was awfully hungry and hadn't had anything to eat for quite a while. And I said, 'Well, here's a box of peanut butter and honey crackers. You can have that whole box.' I gave him two containers of Ensure and I gave him two tangerines." As he ate, the woman used her rotary phone to dial the police. While she did, he escaped on foot, leaving behind a pair of shoes. Story continues Responding officers used a K9 named Jack to track the suspect, according to a statement to Insider from the Brunswick Police Department. The intruder, a minor, is in custody at Long Creek Youth Development Center, facing charges of burglary, criminal threatening, assault, and underage liquor consumption. The Brunswick Police Department did not confirm the suspect's identity, but Perkins told The Times Record he was a neighborhood teenager who used to mow her lawn when he was younger, saying: "He did a darn good job. I hope he gets help." The former elementary school teacher said she's glad she wasn't hurt more seriously than being shoved around but has taken the alarming incident in stride, warning others to make sure their air conditioning units are properly secured and to be prepared for anything in the face of an emergency. "Don't sit and cry about it," Perkins told News Center Maine, laughing about the experience. "Be ready to kick and pick up a chair and hit somebody with it." Read the original article on Insider "A $3,000 podcasting kit, in this economy?" That was my first thought when I learned about Nomono's portable recording setup last year. Since then, the price has dropped slightly to $2,490. But my main concern remains: Who needs this thing when you can get a small audio recorder and lavalier mics for far less? Still, I was intrigued. Nomono's kit includes four wireless lav mics, as well as a space recorder for room tone and spatial data, all of which charge in a portable carrying case. Your recordings are automatically uploaded to Nomono's cloud service, where you can optimize their audio quality (and eventually edit them in your browser). As someone who's been podcasting regularly since 2008, the notion of an all-in-one kit that can easily tackle local recordings sounds like an absolute dream. Nomono's kit has the potential to be something the podcasting industry has needed for years, but can the company justify its incredibly high price? Nomono podcasting kit Nomono podcasting kit Clearly, this isn't a product aimed at everyone it's certainly not for beginners, and I'd argue it's far beyond the scope of what most podcasters actually need. But after testing Nomono's kit for a few weeks, I can see how it could be helpful for recording studios and companies that need flexible podcasting solutions. It doesn't require much training to use, it delivers high quality recordings, and it can be deployed just about anywhere. For those folks, spending $2,490 on Nomono's kit may make more sense than having an engineer dedicate time to every single recording. Add in a cloud subscription, which can cost as much as $29 a month, and it definitely doesn't seem like something for mere podcasting mortals. You can tell Nomono is striving for Apple-level design simply by looking at its hardware. Even though everything is made of plastic, nothing feels cheap. The egg-like charging case has a cloth handle at the top as well as a USB-C port. Its two halves snap together with secure clasps flip those open, take off the top and you're presented with four lavalier microphones around the space recorder. It's like an adorable podcasting bird nest. Story continues Nomono podcasting kit The space recorder serves as the hub for the entire Nomono experience: It's a rectangular device featuring omnidirectional microphones for capturing room tone with spatial information (it can tell where everyone is located during a conversation). There's a small screen at the top displaying the battery levels of all the connected lavs, as well as prominent recording and directional buttons. On the side, it features a USB-C port and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. As you're capturing audio, the space recorder takes in data from the lav mics and uploads it to Nomono's cloud once your session is done. The lavaliers aren't nearly as unique: They're small, indiscrete square pucks featuring four LED colors (helpful for distinguishing each track). They grip onto your clothes with small magnets making them easy to put on, but potentially just as easy to slip off. The lavs never fell off during my testing, but I constantly worried about knocking one off and losing the tiny magnet. (Nomono includes some additional magnets in its bundled accessory kit, which also has windscreen sleeves for the lavs and space recorder.) Nomono podcasting kit Setting up Nomono's hardware was relatively straightforward: After charging the case, I downloaded the Nomono Companion app, created an account, and paired the kit to my phone. The app shows battery levels for the lav mics and space recorder. To capture audio, you just need to remove the space recorder and at least one lav, then hit record. That process was surprisingly fast and reliable; I was typically able to get recordings started in under 30 seconds. Wrapping up a session is mostly dependent on your internet connection. It took under 60 seconds for a 90-minute recording to get uploaded, and then I had to wait a few more minutes for Nomono's cloud to process the upload. It was far faster for short recording tests, just be prepared to wait a bit if you're planning to push lots of audio. Nomonos hardware delivers 16-bit 48kHz WAV files for each lavalier, as well as an ambisonic WAV file (with up to four tracks) from the space recorder. The quality of those recordings are crisp and detailed even in slightly noisy outdoor spaces. The lavs don't sound nearly as rich or nuanced as a premium dynamic or condenser microphone, but I didn't really expect them to. I'd consider them on-par with other wireless lavaliers I've used during video production (our podcast producer, Ben Ellman, described the sound as being ideal for video shoots). A conversation with my wife also sounded surprisingly clear, with none of the crosstalk issues or echoes I've encountered with cheaper multi-mic solutions. A podcast recording featuring four people using Nomono's wireless kit. To give your recordings a bit more polish, Nomono also offers three levels of enhancement through its cloud platform: on the light end, it features a high-pass filter, cross-talk reduction, notch EQ filter, de-noising and de-essing (for removing harsh "S" sounds and other sibilants). Medium enhancement adds loudness normalization, a tone-shaping EQ and adaptive level, while full enhancement goes even heavier on the latter two features. While you can still download pure, unfiltered tracks, these enhancements are useful for the less audio savvy. Eventually, you can choose to spatialize your recording through Nomonos online platform, which makes each audio track sound like theyre coming from different directions (depending on where the space recorder was placed during the session). That feature wasn't available while I was testing the kit, and to be honest, it's also not something I'd ever consider using in a podcast. Nomono's full audio enhancement did a decent job of cutting down highway sounds and other street noise while I was recording in front of my local Starbucks (see above), but it also made my voice sound a bit tinny and compressed. Basically, don't expect any miracles. While It's useful to have simple ways to cut down background noise, you'll still need to find a relatively quiet recording space to capture the best audio. (Otherwise, why even buy such an expensive podcasting kit?!) The company plans to launch its online editor by the end of 2023, which could also potentially include the ability to edit spatial recordings. Since this isnt exactly a consumer solution, Id bet that most people buying Nomonos hardware already have more sophisticated ways to edit audio. Here's a comparison of Nomono's lavalier versus the Rode Procaster XLR microphone: While Nomonos hardware mostly impressed me, its online platform made it tough to deal with larger files. It took over five minutes for it to prepare a 90 minute track for download (including its bundled spatial audio file). And that didnt include the time it took to actually grab the file, which would be dependent on your internet connection. I understand the appeal of a seamless online audio solution, but its annoying when I know it would be faster to just grab a file from a device sitting right on my desk. The space recorder didnt show up on my Mac or PC when I connected to it, unfortunately. Nomono representatives say the company is planning to make offline features available next year, but for now, it's focused on a cloud-based workflow because they believe it's the "most convenient and time-efficient" solution for users. That also means livestreaming is out of the question with this kit, though it may show up in a future Nomono product, the company tells me. Id have a much easier time justifying Nomonos high price if I knew I could use its hardware without relying on a website. This isnt my first time at the gadget startup rodeo: What good is this $2,490 recording kit if the company goes out of business in a year or two? Nomono podcasting kit Its clear that Nomono has developed something special, but its hard to imagine this recording kit being the only solution for an audio-savvy company. Youll still need to have a dedicated podcasting space with hard-wired microphones. What Nomono offers is flexibility: What if you need to record in another room, in someone elses office, or at a hotel? In those situations, a self-contained $2,490 podcasting kit might not seem so wild. Candles are placed around the fountain on Haynies Corner during a vigil for abortion rights in Indiana in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. EVANSVILLE As evening fell on Haynies Corner, organizers tore open a white pack of tea lights. They lined benches, crowned stoops and circled the fountain. The organizers chatted coming in but, as the setting sun caught the spray from the fountain, the only sound was the rush of water as they went back around, lighting each candle in silence. On Tuesday, a near-total abortion ban was set to go into effect in Indiana. While the ban is currently on hold after the ACLU of Indiana filed for rehearing, the law when enforced would ban abortion except in the case of rape or incest, where abortion would be allowed up to 10 weeks, fatal fetal anomaly or life of the mother. That evening, members of Evansville for Reproductive Justice gathered to mourn the end of abortion rights in Indiana with a vigil. Rachel Brown, who organized and hosted the event, said she wanted to make space for people to come together in a sad moment in history. This is a moment that people, our mothers, never thought they would see. Our mothers, our grandmothers, Brown said. It feels like this is a really big slide. Brown works at Planned Parenthood. She said she feels its important for people who support abortion rights to show what they believe, particularly in conservative areas. Brown believes theres more people who agree with some form of abortion rights than who dont, but that a vocal minority has made banning abortion a political goal. Polls support this opinion. Rachel Brown lights a candle during a vigil for abortion rights in Indiana in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. Amy Railey, who also works at Planned Parenthood, said events like this bring awareness to how much abortion care is needed in the region. We dealt with this on a daily basis, Railey said. Its a horribly sad thing to have to turn people away to go to other states. Shae Kokomoor said community events like this, where she can come together with like-minded people, mean a lot. She was born in 1973, the same year as the original Roe v. Wade decision, and grew up knowing nothing but legal abortion. Story continues Now, though, Kokomoors daughter is pregnant, and the political climate has made it terrifying. Abortion is a medical procedure, she said, and there are the situations where a lack of abortion access could be deadly. Anne McKim and daughter Lily came together. Anne said the vigil is, for them, an opportunity to bring the conversation around abortion to the forefront. Their family talked about the issue and what they believed when the Dobbs decision was initially announced last summer, but that discussion hasnt been as prevalent since. Christine Barnhart, left, and Raegan Burkes light candles during a vigil for abortion rights in Indiana in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. Anne said that while her daughter can make her own political decisions, she wants Lily to know her worth. Abortion rights, to her, shouldnt be a political issue. She could have a life-threatening pregnancy and in the state of Indiana, I would have to watch my daughter die, Anne said. That is gut-wrenching. You shouldn't have to tie it to somebody that you know and love to actually care about it. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Abortion rights group holds vigil on first day of statewide ban A woman treats an overheated dog at the scene. Courtesy of Jennifer Webber. The Humane Society and PETA are demanding an investigation into the death of multiple dogs in Indiana. At least eight German Shepherds died and more needed medical attention after traveling in an overheated box truck. Animal welfare advocates said the police are going easy on the dogs' owner, a police K-9 trainer. Animal welfare organizations in Indiana are demanding an independent investigation into the death of at least eight German Shepherds as they were transported to a police training facility last week. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, sent a letter to Lake Station Mayor Bill Carroll asking for a third-party investigation after the dogs overheated in the back of a box truck on July 27 a day when temperatures reached 91 degrees Fahrenheit. "These dogs were being transported in a death trap. They were in a box truck that wasn't properly ventilated and wasn't designed or built to transport live animals. And it is just another indication of how unregulated the industry is that supplies canines to our police departments across the country," Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA's senior vice president of cruelty investigations, told Insider. The office of Mayor Bill Carroll did not respond to a request for comment, nor did the Lake Station Police Department. Lake Station's local Humane Society, which is contracted by the city, said it worries that the Lake Station Police Department handling the case is also being too lenient on the dogs' owner, Michael McHenry, who is a K-9 trainer and former member of law enforcement. Jennifer Webber, executive director of the Humane Society of Hobart, described a harrowing scene where McHenry and the truck driver pulled over to a gas station to treat the heat-exhausted dogs. Insider has seen videos and photos of the incident. People frantically treated the dogs at a gas station. Courtesy of Jennifer Webber. "I saw that there were at least 18 dogs and all of them suffering from heat stroke. They were hyper salivating, vomiting, throwing up, seizing, diarrhea, convulsing, and several were dead on the scene," Webber told Insider, adding that McHenry refused the Humane Society's offer of air-conditioned transport vehicles. Story continues The Human Society would normally take over treatment of the animals once they arrive on the scene, as part of its contract with the city. But when they arrived on July 27, Webber said McHenry rejected their help, and the police officers on the scene sided with him. "The owner began to cuss and scream at me and tell the officer that I'm not to touch any of the dogs nor get near them, nor could they be transported in our vehicles. The officer complied with this request, and more dogs died on the scene while our vehicles sat idling with the air running," Webber told Insider. Contacted through his dog training company, F.M. K-9, McHenry did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Michael McHenry and the box truck. Courtesy of Jennifer Webber. In the letter to Lake Station's mayor and city council, PETA said the Lake Station Police Department should recuse itself from any investigation. The organization claimed the police chief "apparently has a long-standing relationship with the owner and operator of the company that was transporting the dogs." Though they were destined to be police dogs, they hadn't yet been assigned to a specific station or department, police chief James Richardson told The New York Times. "Lake Station had no affiliation with the business," Richardson wrote in a statement to the Times. Nachminovitch told Insider that PETA sent a representative to the police station to file a records request for body camera footage from the scene, but that person was turned away. Insider is awaiting a response to its own records request. Read the original article on Insider As a result of a Russian missile attack on 5 August, several residential buildings, a cultural institution, a bus station and a commercial building have been damaged. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Source: Khmelnytskyi Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Quote: "Tonight, during an air raid, Khmelnytskyi Oblast was once again attacked by the enemy. There were a series of explosions in one of the oblasts hromadas [an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. We are grateful to our air defence forces for their high quality work. At the same time, the blast wave damaged the roof, doors and windows of several private homes, shattered windows in one of the municipal cultural institutions, a bus station and a commercial building." Details: Khmelnytskyi Oblast Military Administration reported that there were no casualties. Background: On the evening of 5 August, explosions were heard during an air-raid warning in Khmelnytskyi and Zhytomyr oblasts. The Air Force reported that the Russians used Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missiles. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! UKRAINE ASRAAM A new mobile ground-based air defense system centered around AIM-132 ASRAAM (Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile) has emerged in Ukraine. It takes the AIM-132, a hugely capable weapon, and adapts it for surface launch. The ad-hoc system is another example of the wide variety of advanced weapons that have been supplied to Kyiv by the United Kingdom. It will help meet a dire demand for short-range air defenses (SHORADs) needed to tackle a resurgent Russian aerial threat on the frontlines. It's also just the type of system The War Zone said was needed ASAP back in June as the counteroffensive began to unfold A story about Ukraines air defenses in The Times newspaper today includes a photo seen also at the top of this story of a 6x6 Supacat all-terrain truck chassis, with a twin-rail launcher for a pair of ASRAAMs mounted at the rear. Toward the cab, there also appears to be a sensor turret mounted on a pylon, which is possibly telescopic so that it can be raised high above the truck. This is likely an electro-optical/infrared sensor turret, which could be used for target cuing. Potentially, it could also have as short-range radar function. https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1687555320304877569?s=20 According to The Times, who spoke to an unnamed Ukrainian lieutenant colonel serving in Kyivs air defense command, the U.K. Ministry of Defense has supplied a handful of Supacat trucks rigged by British engineers to fire ASRAAM. The story adds that these systems are deployed primarily to intercept swarms of Russias Iranian-supplied Shahed suicide drones, but some of the systems are also supporting Ukraines counteroffensive. https://twitter.com/michaeldweiss/status/1687546538950639617?s=20 The high-mobility capability of the Supacat means that its able to operate close to the front lines, as well as in defense of key static targets. In this way, it can enter an area where Russian attack helicopters are operating, shoot, and move away. Since the launch of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, around two months ago, Russian attack helicopters have established themselves as one of the preeminent threats as The War Zone was one of the first to report. In our original story, we noted that short-range air defense systems that are highly mobile would be critical in countering the rotary-wing threat. Story continues Unlike other systems like Starstreak, the ASRAAMs do not require a line of sight and can lock onto targets themselves if fired into their vicinity, the article adds, a reference to the infrared guidance system the missiles use, which provides a fire and forget capability. https://twitter.com/TotherChris/status/1685927568858378240?s=20 At this point, its unclear what type of sensors, beyond the EO/IR turret seen on the truck, can be used to detect and acquire the targets in the first place, although its certainly possible that targeting cues are provided by other platforms. Importantly, the ASRAAM is also capable of being used in lock-on after launch (LOAL) mode, meaning targeting data can also be sent to the missile, via datalink, once it has left the rail. This would be key for a system like this. Even just the EO/IR turret could provide basic targeting vectors for the missiles to lock onto once they have left the rail and the target has entered their high off-boresight (HOBS) seeker's acquisition envelope. Weighing a little under 200 pounds, and measuring 9 feet 6 inches long, the ASRAAM has a diameter of 6.5 inches. It is widely analogous to the AIM-9X Sidewinder, but with some performance differences. U.K. Ministry of Defense When air-launched, targets can reportedly be engaged at a distance of more than 15 miles, although unconfirmed accounts assess ASRAAM range as much greater than this, perhaps as far as 31 miles. Again, this is a range after launch from a fast-moving aircraft, at high altitude, maximizing kinematic performance, and the distance would be reduced dramatically in a surface-launched application. https://twitter.com/RoyalAirForce/status/1583729872240771072?s=20 Interestingly, the concept of a surface-launched version of the ASRAAM missile which otherwise arms aircraft, including Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters has helped realize the British Armys Sky Sabre air defense system, which you can read more about here. The different components of the British Army Sky Sabre system are mounted on 8x8 MAN trucks. Crown Copyright The Sky Sabre is armed with MBDAs Common Anti-Air Modular Missile, or CAMM, also known as the Land Ceptor. The same CAMM missile is also used in naval applications including aboard U.K. Royal Navy warships as the Sea Ceptor. The CAMM is derived from the ASRAAM but, although it uses the same rocket motor, warhead, and proximity fuse, the new missile is fitted with an active-radar seeker. The Supacat-based system for Ukraine is notably less sophisticated than the Sky Sabre, befitting the apparently rapid timeline for its development, to meet an urgent operational requirement. https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1467802963183915008?s=20 Ukraines critical need for ground-based air defense systems, especially more advanced ones, is something that The War Zone has addressed on more than one occasion in the past. Its also a reality that the colonel who spoke to The Times also reflected upon. The shortage of missile supplies is also threatening to derail Ukraines counteroffensive, he added, saying the army had run out of munitions needed to dislodge the Russians at the end of May, forcing troops to storm fortified points head-on. While this quote doesnt specify the munitions involved, it may well relate to a claim included in a leaked Pentagon document earlier this year. In it, officials assessed that Ukrainian air defenses assigned to protect troops on the front line would be completely reduced by May 23, due to the rate at which they were burning through Soviet-era munitions stockpiles. Whatever the case, Ukraine still has an enormous requirement for ground-based air defense systems, as well as the stocks of missiles needed to arm them, which are being consumed at a prodigious rate. In particular, these kinds of weapons are needed for the ongoing counteroffensive. As we have explored in the past, without sufficient ground-based air defenses at the front, Russian air power will be much less constrained in how it operates over the forward edge of the battlefield, with potentially disastrous consequences for Ukrainian troops on the ground. In this scenario, the highly mobile Supacat/ASRAAM combination appears to be an excellent fit for those requirements. With ample stocks of ASRAAMs in the UK's inventory, these highly mobile SHORADs can be kept fed, as well. It's unclear what happened to Australia's stockpile of ASRAAMs after the type was retired with the F/A-18A/B or if those weapons could be made available to Ukraine. While the numbers of these new systems appear to be strictly limited, it will be interesting to learn more about their capabilities and what kind of impact they are having in the conflict going forward. But above all else, they are another example of how the ingenuity of rapidly adapting advanced Western weaponry for Ukraine's use on the battlefield is really accelerating. Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com On Saturday evening, an air-raid warning was announced throughout the territory of Ukraine due to the launch of cruise missiles and later - Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. Source: alerts.in.ua, a map of air raid warnings in Ukraine; Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Details: At 18:11, Ukraines Air Force said there was a threat of missile strikes in Kherson, Mykolaiv and Kirovohrad oblasts; the danger later spread to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Air raid warnings were also later issued in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Sumy and Poltava oblasts. The Air Force later reported that a number of cruise missiles were advancing towards Ukraines Kirovohrad Oblast. It was later announced that the missiles were heading towards Cherkasy Oblast. Ukraines Air Force stressed that the missiles might change their course. As of 18:30, air raid warnings have been issued across all of Ukraine, except for Odesa Oblast. At 18:37, Air Force reported that cruise missiles entered the airspace over Kyiv Oblast. At 18:45, the missiles reached Vinnytsia Oblast. At 18:55, they reached Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Later, the Air Forces reported that Russian troops launched Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles on Ukraine from the Russian city of Tambov and cruise missiles from Belarus. Updated: The air-raid warning was cancelled in almost all oblasts around 19:40. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! An Alexandria Police Department officer is being accused of lying about the value of stolen goods to charge a person with a felony, instead of a misdemeanor, according to Louisiana State Police. An Alexandria Police Department officer is being accused of lying about the value of stolen goods to charge a person with a felony, instead of a misdemeanor, according to Louisiana State Police. Jim Lewis was arrested Friday by Louisiana State Police and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center No. 1 on charges of malfeasance in office and injuring public records. Less than an hour later, he left after posting a $2,000 bond. The department asked State Police to investigate Lewis in June for the arrest of a suspected shoplifter, reads a news release. It states Lewis was on duty when he saw a shoplifter leave an unidentified business. He captured the person and recovered the goods taken, releasing the items back to the business so he could get their value. "As a result of the investigation and information obtained, it was revealed that Lewis falsified information to increase the total value of the stolen items," it reads. A warrant for Lewis' arrest was issued on Aug. 3. When asked if Lewis was the same officer named as a defendant in a federal lawsuit in November 2022, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Michael Caffery said it's "the policy of the City not to comment on any pending litigation." Felon arrested: Community tips lead to arrest of Alexandria man, seizure of guns, ammo, drugs, body armor Harvey Fountain case: Pineville man, 76, pleads guilty to 1 of 26 rape charges in decades-old case The city did include a statement with the reply, however. It states the investigation into Lewis' alleged actions began when "key city officials were briefed by our Commissioner of Public Safety," and that led to bringing State Police in to investigate. "There will be more to discuss as the investigation moves forward but to ensure its integrity the City will await conclusion of, or additional milestones regarding, the process," it reads. "The city will not tolerate tampering with, and must ensure the integrity of, its sensitive records." Story continues In November 2022, the city, two officers and former Chief Ronney Howard were sued in federal court over a June 15, 2022, traffic stop. The lawsuit alleges that the officers violated the civil rights of the driver, Mario Rosales of Roswell, New Mexico, and his girlfriend, Gracie Lasyone of Dry Prong. One of the officers was identified as Jim Lewis. The pair were stopped as Rosales turned left onto Dorchester Drive from Jackson Street. Rosales was ticketed for failure to signal, although dashcam video from the police car later showed Rosales had used his turn signal. The charges later were dropped. The lawsuit also alleges Lewis and another officer, Samuel Terrell, asked the two about drug activity, searched Rosales without cause and stopped both of them from recording any part of the traffic stop on their phones. The lawsuit accuses the officers of violating Rosales' and Lasyone's First and Fourth amendment rights. A trial has been set for May 20, 2024. This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Alexandria police officer arrested after probe into shoplifting arrest An Mi-8 helicopter A group of ten helicopters of the Russian Air Force took off from the Machulyshchi airfield in Belarus early on Aug. 5, significantly reducing the Russian Air Forces presence in the Kremlins neighboring client state, the Belarusian Hajun monitoring group reported on Telegram. According to Belarusian Hajuns information, four Russian Mi-8 helicopters and six Mi-24 helicopters have now left Belarus. The helicopters reportedly flew in a southeasterly direction and were later spotted over the Mogilev region of Belarus, before crossing the border into Russia and landing at Seshcha air base in Russias Bryansk Oblast, which borders Ukraines northern Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts. Belarusian Hajun noted that most of the helicopters had been in Belarus for 209 days (since Jan. 8, 2023). "Thus, the aviation group of the Russian Air Force in Belarus was significantly reduced this morning, the Belarusian Hajun message reads. We will remind (readers) that there were at least 11 helicopters of the Russian Air Force in Belarus. Read also: New Wagner location discovered in Belarus, mercenaries using old military warehouses In addition, during their stay in Belarus, one of the Russian helicopters was destroyed in June, a Mi-24 helicopter of the Russian Air Force crashed near Ivatsevichy, in southwestern Belarus. It is assumed that 20 Russian servicemen left the territory of Belarus on the helicopters. Earlier, the spokesman of the State Border Service of Ukraine, Andriy Demchenko, reported that Russia had withdrawn almost all of its troops from Belarus. According to him, this happens as part of regular Russian troop rotations. Demchenko did not rule out that in the near future additional Russian units may be re-deployed on the territory of Belarus, but this has not been observed at the moment. Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the regime of the Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko allowed Russian troops to mass on Belarusian territory, from where they launched their failed attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Story continues Read also: Russia withdraws almost all its military from Belarus, border guards report The Russian military also launched missile strikes on Ukrainian cities from the territory of Belarus, and Ukraine considers Belarus to be an aggressor state, like Russia. Belarusian troops have not yet taken a direct part in hostilities, but Ukraine fears that Minsk may still use its armed forces to support a second Russian attack on Kyiv from the north. However, the Commander of the United Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Serhii Naev, said that the threat of a new attack from Belarus is currently low. On July 24, Demchenko stated that Russia does not have sufficient forces to re-attack Ukraine from the north, but the Armed Forces must be ready for any eventuality. 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 Our government is a government of laws, not a government of men, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said last August. When he gave that inspirational speech, DeSantis had just violated his own principles. Flanked by his cronies, he announced he had overturned the will of thousands of voters by removing from office a Democratic prosecutor elected twice in the Tampa Bay area. While claiming to keep Florida free, DeSantis continues to act like an autocratic strongman, instead, going so far as to boast recently that hell start slitting throats of federal career civil servants if elected president. (Donald Trump only plans to fire them.) DeSantis has used the states machinery to incite hostility against minorities, demand unquestioned obedience, concentrate power and punish dissenters an age-old authoritarian practice, Harvard University political scientist Steven Levitsky told the Editorial Board. Unlike thrice-indicted Trump, whom Levitsky describes as an innate authoritarian, DeSantis is an Ivy League-educated lawyer who understands the U.S. Constitution. In other words, he probably knows better. His authoritarianism is performative, meant to advance his ambition of becoming president. DeSantis might not have staged a coup or arrested opponents, but modern authoritarians dont need a police state. They use the law as their weapon, said Levitsky, author of the 2018 book How Democracies Die, which is just what DeSantis has done: 1. Quashing dissent DeSantis retaliated against Disneys right to free speech after the company publicly opposed the Parental Rights in Education law, known as Dont say gay, last year. DeSantis and Republican lawmakers took away the companys control over a special taxing district in Central Florida and put his allies in charge. Hillsborough County State Attorney Warren might not have personally clashed with DeSantis, but he represented the liberal polices the governor has demonized. Before DeSantis suspended him, Warren signed a pledge to not prosecute abortion cases. An election, not a slighted governor, is the proper vehicle to let voters decide whether Warrens action properly represented them. Story continues 2. Demonizing minorities Democracies protect the rights of vulnerable minorities. Authoritarians demonize them. DeSantis has sparked fear of LGBTQ+ Floridians and drag queens and painted them as enemies of parents and children. He also has accused teachers of sexualizing children when they talk about sexual orientation and gender identity in their lessons, now banned in K-12 under Dont say gay legislation. But this is just a shameless iteration of an old homophobic trope labeling gay men pedophiles. Despite opposition from several doctors and medical associations, the governor also banned gender-affirming care for minors. In June, a federal judge called Floridas decision to revoke Medicaid coverage of the treatment of gender dysphoria an exercise in politics, not good medicine. 3. Attacking academics While decrying so-called indoctrination in schools if he perceives it as coming from the left DeSantis is controlling the knowledge to which students are exposed, including what books are available to them. While book bans arent exclusive to authoritarian governments its a long tradition in American politics it is anti-democratic nevertheless. DeSantis last year pushed lawmakers to pass the Stop W.O.K.E. Act, which limits what K-12 teachers and university professors can say about race. The bill was aimed at eradicating critical race theory from classrooms though it was never taught in lower grades and concepts like systemic racism. This year, hes dismissed the horrors of slavery. Prohibiting academics from teaching topics that arent state sanctioned is a dirty tactic to eliminate independent thinking. A federal judge last year found the portion of the Stop W.O.K.E. law that applies to colleges was positively dystopian and temporarily blocked it for violating the First Amendment. DeSantis has replaced qualified and credentialed university leaders with conservatives whose main intent is ideological control. Another law allows students to secretly record professors to bring lawsuits against them or report them to their school, all to carry out his agenda. 3. Targeting media Trump attacks the media as fake news. DeSantis goes further. DeSantis office was behind a bill that would have taken away press protections and made it easier to sue news outlets and private citizens for defamation. The bill automatically considered false any information from anonymous sources. Unnamed sources are an important tool for journalists to obtain information on powerful people like DeSantis. The point was to force the media to muzzle themselves or risk costly legal battles. The bill died only after conservative news outlets in Florida said they, too, could face frivolous lawsuits. DeSantis legitimizes partisan media, as when he barred all news outlets, except Fox News, from covering a bill-signing ceremony last year. 5. Consolidating power In democracies, there are checks and balances. An authoritarian leader concentrates power, often with the help of complicit lawmakers who abdicate their duty for political expedience. Obviously, DeSantis doesnt like the give-and-take of democracy. Hes transformed the Republican-controlled Legislature, in many instances, into an extension of his thinking. Bills written by his office are presented as done deals, rubber-stamped by an obliging House and Senate. DeSantis unprecedented move to force the Legislature to pass a map of congressional districts dismantled two largely Black districts to help Republicans to win elections. The Legislature historically has been in charge of redrawing districts, but the governor hijacked the process through intimidation. After the state-sponsored relocation of migrants from Texas to Marthas Vineyard last year raised legal questions, Republican lawmakers rushed into a special session to give the governor unchecked power to continue to use taxpayer dollars for such political stunts. Worse, they let him award no-bid contracts to contractors without disclosing details to the public. Although theres little evidence of widespread voter fraud, the Legislature granted DeSantis an elections police agency. Last year, he announced the arrest of 20 felons who voted illegally in 2020, but most of those people were told by his administration they were eligible to cast ballots. Instead of shutting this down, the ever-compliant Legislature increased the budget of the Office of Election Crimes and Security this year. The Florida Blueprint DeSantis talks so much about? Its great for those who enable his excesses. Its not great if you believe this is a state, and country, where people of different ideologies and backgrounds deserve the same treatment under the law. America, youve been warned. A man has been identified as a suspect in two recent shootings and arrested, the Amarillo Police Department (APD) announced Friday evening. The shooting suspect, Leedrew M. Harris, 44, was taken into custody without incident. "The Amarillo Police Department is working diligently to decrease violent crimes and gun-related incidents by targeting those offenders who have committed multiple offenses," a news release from APD Public Information Officer Sgt. Carla Burr said. "Today, one more of these suspects is behind bars because of the work by the Violent Crimes Detectives and the APD SWAT team." On July 15, near 4th and N. Georgia, an individual was shot over a monetary disagreement. On July 29, a different individual was robbed and shot in the 2100 block of S. Lipscomb by the same suspect, police said. "Detectives were able to link these two cases together through their investigation and determined he was wanted on a parole violation for drug charges out of the state of Georgia," the release said. Detectives were also able to obtain a warrant on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. SWAT set up surveillance on a possible location for Harris, and officers were able to take him into custody without incident. Harris was booked into the Potter County Detention Center on the aggravated assault charge and the parole violation from Georgia. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo police arrest suspected shooter from July incidents The next several weeks and months will test John Adamss maxim that ours is a government of laws, not men. With most Republicans saying they would vote for Donald Trump for president, despite his having been indicted for nearly 80 felonies, Americas commitment to the rule of law, which is the foundation for our democracy, is at stake. The rule of law requires presuming everyone innocent before they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, but it is meaningful only if it applies to everyone, including the mightiest among us. Michael J. Gerhardt Nearly 50 years ago, Richard Nixon accepted the inevitability of his impeachment and resigned as president because the public and Congress believed, and the Supreme Court unanimously affirmed, that no one is above the law. Every president, Joe Biden included, has a duty, like every citizen does, to abide by the law or face the consequences. If Hunter Biden, as Republicans in Congress insist, is not entitled to any special treatment because he is the son of the president, the same should go for Trump. If it does not, the rule of law means nothing. While Trump insists Biden is the real criminal, the claim hardly makes Trump innocent of the four crimes he has been charged with by Special Counsel Jack Smith, responsible for investigating efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election. Nor does it erase the considerable evidence the grand jury found in support of the four crimes for which Trump has been indicted conspiring to defraud the United States, conspiring to obstruct and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding (the final certification of the presidential election in Congress), and attempting to thwart the votes of citizens for Joe Biden. Trump, in other words, has been charged with criminally attempting to destroy our democracy, and the evidence comes directly from Trumps own words and actions and the testimony of more than 70 people, nearly all of whom are Republicans who voted for Trump. Story continues For example, in support of Trumps indictment for conspiring against the right to vote and to have ones vote counted, it cites five means by which Trump and six co-conspirators pressed election officials to reverse votes for Biden to votes for Trump. They include recruiting fake electors in swing states to push lies about supposed election fraud and pushing Vice President Mike Pence to exercise power he did not have to delay certification of the election or reject legitimate electors. The indictment asserts that, when Trumps plan failed, he exploited the violence at the Capitol to push his false claims of election fraud. The indictment charging Trump with conspiring to defraud the United States rests on evidence of Trump and co-conspirator John Eastman repeatedly attempting to enlist the vice president to break the law to help Trump undo the election. The indictments for corrupt obstruction of an official proceeding and the attempt to do so are the same charges for which hundreds of Trump supporters have already been convicted. Trumps defenses are political appeals to his base, not legal arguments. Besides complaining that President Biden and his son Hunter committed worse crimes than he ever did, Trump argues he had a good faith belief that he lost the election because of fraud. Even if that were true, it is meaningless, since any such good faith belief does not excuse Trump from breaking the law. If I sincerely believed my local bank was improperly withholding my money, I am not entitled to rob or burglarize it to retrieve the money. My choice is to follow the law or not. Trump had the same choice. He attempted to criminally impede the peaceful transfer of power, even though he had been told his claims of fraud were false by multiple officials he had appointed, as well as by the Republican governor of Georgia and several Republican secretaries of state and election officials, all of whom voted for Trump. Trump is in a legal mess of his own making. It will not just be Trump on trial in the future. The American people and their commitment to the rule of law will be on trial. I for one hope we pass that test and remain a government of laws, not the former presidents men. Michael Gerhardt is a constitutional law professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and author of the forthcoming book, The Law of Presidential Impeachment. He was former special counsel to the Presiding Officer in Donald Trumps second impeachment trial. A 20-year-old man is in custody in Broward County after being arrested on several charges in connection to a Port Orange shooting death. U.S. Marshals and other authorities arrested Raheem Heath on Friday in Miami on multiple warrants, including four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Port Orange Police Department. The charges are connected to the Sept. 1, 2022, death of Ta'ronn Brown, who was shot at a Port Orange apartment complex. Heath was in custody on no bond as of Saturday. Brown had been shot before: Police investigate drive-by shooting A Volusia County grand jury recently indicted McKenzy Nazien, 19, on a charge of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in the case. Nazien's arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 24. The Port Orange Police Department is asking anyone with information about the case to contact Detective James Fischetti at 386-506-5897 or jfischetti@port-orange.org. Reporter Frank Fernandez contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Authorities arrest Port Orange shooting suspect in Miami Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty Sensible Black Republicans were once thought to be a potential firewall for the party to prevent it from descending into MAGA paranoia, anti-woke hysteria, and conspiracy theory madness. Theyve often demonstrated an ability to look away from the action that would make Magic Johnson envious. Many of them stared in the opposite direction as the fight over Critical Race Theory was happening and states attempted to ban it, even from higher education. They were mostly silent as Black professors, teachers, and librarians looked for allies to help protect their academic freedoms. However, when the Florida Board of Education released its K-12 social studies curriculum, which includes an African American History Strand, some prominent Black Republicans finally found a voice. The Florida curriculum states that slaves developed skills, which in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. Wagner Groups Post-Mutiny Crackup Is a Threat to Africa Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), a GOP presidential candidate whose personal story is about how his family went from cotton to Congress, told an audience that slavery had no silver lining while discussing the brutality of the institution in more detail. Scott then stated that he hoped a presidential candidate could appreciate that, taking a light jab at his GOP primary rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Former Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), another GOP presidential candidate, was even more forceful in his rebuke when he stated, slavery was not a jobs program and that anyone implying that there was an upside to slavery is insane. MAGA favorite Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) gave perhaps the softest rebuke of all, essentially asking for an adjustment to the curriculum. And yet, DeSantis still attacked him viciously by accusing him of standing with Vice President Kamala Harris over the state of Florida. DeSantis referred to the other dissenters as D.C. Republicans who accept false narratives. The governor has stood by the curriculum, despite the fact that many people have pointed out it makes the despicable institution of slavery seem like an unpaid college internship. Story continues DeSantis has fashioned himself the ultimate anti-woke crusader, a movement which claims to be all about a return to normalcy. But its true motivation runs deeper than that. It is about silencing dissenteven from future generations. In education, anti-wokeism is indoctrinationoften by omission. Its banning books about historical figures like Ruby Bridges, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks because they dare to mention racism. Black Republicans, for the most part, sat idly by as these restrictions were instituted. Republicans have built a movement against wokeness, an amorphous term that seems to cover any cultural phenomenon they dont approve of. But the word woke actually dates back to at least 1938, when legendary blues musician Huddie Lead Belly Ledbetter sang the phrase in his song, Scottsboro Boys, about nine Black youths who were falsely accused of sexually assaulting two white women. (Lead Belly warned Black people when traveling through the south to stay woke or be aware of the very real threat of racial violence and terrorism.) Black communities have continued to use the phrase in the near-century since, with moderate frequency, to represent a mindset of staying aware of injusticesboth overt and covert. RFK Jr.s Legacy of Inflicting Severe Damage on Black Communities However, the modern political right is using a linguistic weapon it has deployed since at least the Nixon era. When terms are problematic for their objectives or worldview, they simply redefine them. Woke was colonized from Black movements for social justice and made to symbolize anything supposedly absurd that is done in the name of political correctness. In other words, it is fundamentally anti-Black to use the word woke to mean something other than what the creators of the word meant for it to signify. After the Civil Rights Movement, Black people largely aligned with the Democratic Party. The GOPs 1964 presidential nominee, Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-AZ), opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Southern Jim Crow Democrats began to leave the party, first as Dixiecrats, and later as standard issue Republicans. Meanwhile, the first Black mayor of a major U.S. city, the first Black woman to run for the presidency from a major party, and the first Black governor were all Democrats. Edward Brooke, the first Black U.S. Senator out of Massachusetts was a Republican, but criticized the nomination of Goldwater and often butted heads with members of his party as they shifted. Nixon, however, was able to convince some Black voters to stay with the Republican Party. He pushed the concept of Black capitalism to upwardly mobile African Americans. He co-opted the language of the Black Power movement to posit Black capitalism as the alternative to protest. Behind the scenes, he promised southern Republicans he would lay off pro-Negro policies. Nixons White House Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman once said the whole problem is really the Blacks. The key is to devise a system that recognizes this without appearing to. His domestic policy chief John Ehrlichman said that the Nixon administration viewed Blacks as their enemies and looked to break up their meetings, arrest their leaders, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. America Is Putting Up Memorials for a Lynching Victim, While Minimizing Slavery Yet, some Black Republicans made the Faustian bargain. For the next several decades, many Black Republicans were among the partys most talented representatives, from former Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice to former RNC head Michael Steele. Many Black Republicans of Sen. Edward Brookes ilk either left the party or became further marginalized following the MAGA takeover of the GOP. The ones who remain are quickly learning that todays anti-woke Republican Party doesnt want their input. It demands their submission and obedience. DeSantis has drawn a line in the sand for Black Republicans, like his fellow Floridian Byron Donalds. He stated at the end of the day youve got to choose. The choice they are being presented with is between their community and ancestors or with the modern anti-woke Republican Party. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A growing number of Americans are building immunity to antibiotics, which can make them more vulnerable to illnesses and infections. There are about 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which cause at least 35,000 annual deaths. And those numbers are likely an understatement, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor. WHY ANTIBIOTICS MAY NOT HELP PATIENTS SURVIVE THEIR VIRAL INFECTIONS: NEW RESEARCH "We dont always know that it caused the death, and we dont always diagnose it," he told Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino during an appearance on "Americas Newsroom." The World Health Organization (WHO) describes antibiotic resistance as "one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development today," according to its website. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel warned of the worsening of antibiotic resistance during an appearance on "Americas Newsroom." "Im famous for saying the WHO usually over-exaggerates things, but in this case, theyre right," said Siegel. "This is an enormous problem." One of the biggest drivers of antibiotic resistance is the lack of any new medications in recent decades, the doctor said. 'SILENT PANDEMIC' WARNING FROM WHO: BACTERIA KILLING TOO MANY PEOPLE DUE TO ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE "We havent developed a new class of antibiotics since the late 1980s," he said. "The drug companies dont have an incentive to do this, because people only use antibiotics when they get sick, so theres not much of a profit margin." Meanwhile, it costs $1.5 billion to create a new antibiotic, Siegel estimates, so the pharmaceutical companies are opting not to develop them. One of the biggest drivers of antibiotic resistance is the lack of any new medications in recent decades, the doctor said. Another potential cause of the dangerous resistance is that farms are overfeeding antibiotics to livestock, said Siegel. The WHO recommends only giving antibiotics under the supervision of a veterinarian, and discourages using them to promote growth or to prevent diseases in healthy animals. Story continues Another contributing factor is that doctors tend to overprescribe antibiotics , said Siegel. The CDC estimates that 30% of the time, antibiotics are overprescribed but Siegel believes its actually double that amount. "Every time we see someone with a sniffle, were giving them a Z-Pac," he said. "That causes more and more resistance." There is pressure on doctors to write the prescription for antibiotics, even when it wont help, Siegel said. There are about 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which cause at least 35,000 annual deaths. "Because they leave with a smile and a lollipop, versus me saying, You have a virus and youre going to get better on your own, and they go home more miserable," the doctor said. The pandemic also played a part in the worsening of the problem, he said. "We missed a lot of this because we were so hyper-focused on COVID , and there was a lot of bacteria around then," Siegel said. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER On the bright side, doctors will soon have better tools at their disposal, he predicts. "Were starting to get rapid tests for bacteria, so we can do a little swab and find out in five seconds and then well have more evidence on our side," Siegel said. The World Health Organization describes antibiotic resistance as "one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development today." The Pasteur Act (Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance) has been in front of Congress since 2019, Siegel pointed out, but the legislation "keeps getting tabled." While the doctor said hes generally "not for big government," he believes there needs to be some federal involvement in creating new antibiotics. "I remember all the antibiotics from my training days they havent changed, and thats troubling," Siegel said. "Almost every other thing I do is new, so I have to relearn. But with antibiotics, its the same old stuff." The head of Floridas education department on Friday told school officials that Advanced Placement Psychology courses may be taught in their entirety after dizzying concerns over new state laws barring material on sexual orientation and gender identity. Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. sent a letter to school superintendents Friday stressing that his team is not discouraging districts from teaching AP Psychology. The letter came one day after the College Board advised districts to not teach the course due to aspects of the class that deal with sexual orientation and gender identity guidance that came just days before the school year was set to start for students and educators. In fact, the Department believes that AP Psychology can be taught in its entirety in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate and the course remains listed in our course catalog, Diaz wrote. I want to be clear, AP Psychology is and will remain on the course code directory making it available to Florida students, he continued. In response to Diazs instructions, the College Board on Friday said the departments stance represents revised guidance on the teaching of the course. We hope now that Florida teachers will be able to teach the full course, including content on gender and sexual orientation, without fear of punishment in the upcoming school year, the College Board, a non-profit that oversees AP coursework and administers the SAT college admissions test, said Friday in a statement. More than 28,000 Florida students took AP Psychology courses last year, according to the College Board, which called it one of the most popular classes in the state. In 2021, AP Psychology was the fifth most popular AP class in the state, according to a report by the Florida Department of Education. AP classes are one of several ways high school students can gain college credits free of charge. On Thursday, the College Board said teaching the course to Floridians would violate either Florida law or college requirements. Story continues The College Boards initial decision against providing the course came after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education bill into law last March. The measure, which opponents dubbed the Dont Say Gay law, bans certain instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom. The law states 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. Despite the Republican governor signing the bill into law, the state education department on Thursday remained anchored in its decision to provide the AP Psychology course. In a statement to CNN on Thursday, the education department said the College Board was attempting to force school districts to prevent students from taking the AP Psychology Course, just one week before the new school year begins in most counties. The course remains listed in Floridas Course Code Directory for the 2023-24 school year. We encourage the College Board to stop playing games with Florida students and continue to offer the course and allow teachers to operate accordingly, the department said Thursday. CNNs Carlos Suarez, Denise Royal, Justin Gamble and Emma Tucker contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Army was supposed to see a changeover in senior leadership this week -- a new chief of staff and sergeant major -- but in a highly unusual twist, the service is without a top officer due to a Republican senator's blockade of at least 300 senior officer promotions. Gen. Randy George, the service's No. 2 officer, stepped in as acting chief of staff on Friday as Gen. James McConville retired. George was nominated to take McConville's place but is stuck in his role as vice chief of staff, making the Army the latest service branch with its highest uniformed position vacant. The Marine Corps currently has no commandant, and the Navy will soon be without a chief of naval operations as Sen. Tommy Tuberville continues to block the Senate from confirming and promoting generals and admirals to fill the positions. The Alabama Republican is protesting the Pentagon policy of giving leave to troops who need abortion and other reproductive health services from civilian providers. Read Next: Army's New Enlisted Leader: The Bet a Green Beret Can Lead the Rank and File George will be able to perform the duties of the chief of staff as he awaits confirmation from the Senate, but he'll be performing dual roles as the chief and vice chief -- as the officer in line for the vice position is also caught up in the ever expanding gridlock on Capitol Hill. Both George and McConville declined interview requests ahead of this story. Tuberville is eight months into his procedural blockade of senior officer promotions, a move that has been very publicly slammed by military leadership and caused some splintering within his own party. But the senator has shown no signs of backing down over the personnel leave policy. "The failure to confirm our superbly qualified senior uniformed leaders undermines our military readiness," Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Friday. "It undermines our retention of some of our very best officers. And it is upending the lives of far too many of their spouses, children and loved ones. And this disruption is the last thing that America's military families deserve." Story continues The Army vice chief traditionally runs the day-to-day administrative and policy work of the service, while the chief serves as the force's face and representative at the Pentagon and to allied nations. Now, both of those exhausting and time-consuming roles will fall onto George, spurring concern among Pentagon staff that the Army will be less efficient if the Senate blockade drags on. Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, a career Green Beret, on Friday took his spot at the service's top enlisted leader, replacing retiring Michael Grinston. That senior enlisted position does not require Senate approval. The Senate holds committee hearings and then typically confirms service chiefs along with bulk promotion approvals for hundreds of senior officers -- a routine function that allows the crucial decisions to move quickly and smoothly in the glacially slow chamber. But Tuberville's hold blocks those routine bulk approvals, forcing the Senate either to just put off the work and go through the slow, arduous process of voting out each promotion separately on the Senate floor. "We need the Senate to act not only on this nomination, but also on the 300 other general and flag officers across the armed services whose careers and lives are now in limbo because of this unprecedented hold," Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said. "We need these leaders in place to ensure the readiness of our force. And we need to end all of this uncertainty for our military families." -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Related: How the Army's Retiring Top Enlisted Soldier Fought to Make Life Better for Troops by Being Open About Himself Two arrests have been made in a dogfighting operation out of Gaston County, officials report. Gaston County Police detectives arrested Henrique Durant and Ukema Miller of Gastonia on Saturday morning. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 14 dogs rescued from alleged dogfighting operation in Gaston County Durant faces 15 counts of Felony Dog Fighting and 15 counts of cruelty to Animals. He is held on a $150,000 secured bond. Miller has been charged with one county of Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty and is on a $5,000 secured bond. On Wednesday, Gaston County Police detectives and the Humane Society of the United States searched a home on the 900 block of East 6th Avenue in Gastonia. Fourteen dogs were found at the residence and were rescued by the HSUS and taken for medical treatment. Three days later, police arrested Durant and Miller. The investigation into this case is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det. J. Brienza at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. (WATCH: Possible dogfighting pit raided in Iredell County) As the world prepares for a new era of artificial intelligence, a recently released study says that two groups stand to be uniquely affected: Asian Americans and women. They are already among the most exposed to AI in the workplace, and could see parts of their jobs replaced by the new technology, the research found. Released last week by the Pew Research Center, the study determined that out of all U.S. ethnic groups, Asian Americans have the highest share of workers that are regularly exposed to AI. That number is still relatively low: 24 percent of Asian American workers are in fields categorized as most exposed, followed by 20 percent of whites, 15 percent of Black people, and 13 percent of Hispanic people. Most exposed, according to the report, means the jobs most important activities could be altered or taken over by AI. It could help or harm. We are uncertain about what the future holds, said Rakesh Kochhar, a Pew senior researcher and the author of the study. Jobs like budget analysis, data entry and web development were all ranked as being high exposure fields. They tend to be high paying, require college degrees and are heavily intertwined with technology. Chief executives, veterinarians and sales managers were listed as examples of medium exposure jobs, while pipe layers, child care workers and firefighters see low AI exposure. Asian workers have the greatest degree of formal education, Kochhar said. They are more likely to be represented in jobs that are more analytical, that deal with the latest technologies. And that is precisely where artificial intelligence functions. Hispanic workers, he said, rank on the lower level of AI exposure, as much of the population works in physical labor. They tend to be concentrated in construction, or in maintenance or landscaping occupations where AI does not yet extend, he said. It may in the future. There is also a significant difference in AI exposure between women and men in the workforce, the study found. Twenty-one percent of women are in jobs that are most exposed to AI, compared to 17 percent of men. Women tend to dominate jobs in health and education, Kochhar said, while men make up more of industries like construction or manufacturing. Story continues While AI panic has taken center stage in recent months, the research shows that most workers in highly exposed fields are more hopeful about AI than scared. For example, 32 percent of those in information technology jobs say AI will help more than hurt, while only 11 percent said the opposite. But Asian American community leaders worry that while the technology might benefit those in high-earning, high-tech jobs, lower income Asians might get left behind. Within the Asian diaspora, the folks that came in during the tech wave have benefited tremendously, said Khanh Vu, CEO and executive director of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. But some of the Asians that came through war, or with different immigration status they are more blue collar. While lower-income Asians are more likely to be in fields with less AI exposure, further development of the technology and integration into other fields like robotics may automate some of those physical labor jobs. They will be highly impacted, and they have a lot less room to adapt, Vu said. AI, overall, will magnify some of these disparities that we have in our society. Despite what were seeing right now, Vu emphasized that its hard to predict whats to come. It doesnt surprise me that its going to impact Asians, he said. Were just on the cusp of this revolution. This is the first wave to impact. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (Bloomberg) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stared down calls to postpone a national vote on an Indigenous advisory body to Parliament, as flagging polls and growing opposition spark fears among activists that the proposal might be heading for defeat. Most Read from Bloomberg Albanese was widely expected to announce the date for the referendum at the four-day Garma Festival on Saturday, the countrys largest annual festival of Indigenous Australian culture. However, he instead used the event to rally support for the Yes campaign. I can promise all of you and all Australians there will be no delaying or deferring this referendum, Albanese said in a speech to Australias largest Indigenous festival on Saturday. We will not deny the urgency of this moment. We will not kick the can down the road. Australia will vote in a national referendum before the end of 2023 on whether or not to embed an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament in the countrys constitution. If it is successful, it will create an advisory body which will give the government feedback on policies affecting the Indigenous population. Read More: Why Australia Plans to Vote on an Indigenous Voice: QuickTake However, opponents for the Voice have called for the compulsory vote to be delayed until at least next year, as polls show the No campaign is gaining traction. Albaneses main political rivals in Parliament have said the plan lacks details, is divisive and wont do enough to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. Albanese says the Voice will help facilitate improvements in the quality of life for the nations Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, which are among the oldest continuing cultures in the world. After colonization by British settlers in the 18th century, theyve been far more likely to die earlier, drop out of school or be incarcerated than the rest of the population. Story continues After coming to power in May 2022, Albaneses center-left Labor party promised to hold a national referendum on the proposal for a Voice to Parliament. The advisory body was initially suggested by a gathering of Indigenous elders in 2017. However, over the past six months, voter support for the Voice has declined. In February, a survey by Newspoll said 56% of voters were in favor of the advisory body but by July that number had declined to 41%. Australias constitution can only be amended through a national referendum which requires a majority of votes and a majority of support in the six states to succeed. Albanese was welcomed warmly by a crowd of hundreds as he entered the Garrtjambal auditorium to speak at the Garma Festival on Saturday. We can get this done, together. And we can get this done, now. Because if not us, how? And if not now, when? Albanese said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Joel Mikael Walker (R) administers acupuncture treatment to a patient as his mentor looks on at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, July 13, 2023. Locals visiting a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Zhengzhou in central China's Henan Province often find themselves pleasantly surprised when they receive treatment from a skilled German practitioner specializing in acupuncture.(Xinhua/Ren Zhuoru) ZHENGZHOU, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Locals visiting a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Zhengzhou in central China's Henan Province often find themselves pleasantly surprised when they receive treatment from a skilled German practitioner specializing in acupuncture. Joel Mikael Walker, 28, hails from Dresden in eastern Germany. He came to China in 2015 and began his journey into the TCM world. Following a year of intensive Chinese language study, he enrolled in the Henan University of Chinese Medicine. Currently, a graduate student specializing in acupuncture and massage therapy, Walker has provided acupuncture treatment to over a thousand patients, demonstrating a high level of expertise. "Walker has become highly skilled in acupuncture, having assisted me in treating numerous patients. He has been studying Chinese medicine for seven years and excels in techniques such as pulse diagnosis, acupuncture and cupping therapy. He is fully capable of practicing independently," said Yu Dongdong, Walker's mentor and professor at the university. However, on the video-sharing and streaming platform Douyin, his Chinese name "Wuming" has gained broader recognition. Walker adeptly balances his roles as a doctor and internet celebrity, amassing a remarkable following of over 900,000 fans. His remarkable online popularity stems from his impressive linguistic skills, particularly in the Henan dialect. On his Douyin account, "Wuming in Henan," he showcases local culture, dialects and cuisine, and even parodies classic movie scenes in the Henan dialect with his local girlfriend. Having fully embraced life in Henan, he has forged friendships, fallen in love with local cuisine, and partaken in gatherings with friends, enjoying local favorites like Henan-style noodles and soups. "I am a native of Henan, but your command of the Henan dialect is even more authentic than mine. It's truly remarkable," read a comment on his video. His venture into Chinese medicine was sparked by his interest in martial arts. While learning Shaolin kung fu from a master in Henan's Shaolin Temple, he developed a curiosity for traditional Chinese culture and medicine. His move to Henan at the age of 20 was driven by a desire to delve deeper into the origins of Chinese heritage. "Henan is a crucial cradle of Chinese culture, boasting an array of historical sites and renowned practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. I believed that by studying here, I could gain invaluable insights," Walker told Xinhua. Behind the wisdom of TCM, lies its holistic approach to healing and focus on balance and harmony, Walker explained. "Traditional Chinese medicine views the human body as an integrated whole, emphasizing the balance of Yin and Yang. It intervenes before physical disorders manifest, preventing illnesses to a certain extent." He likened the role of Chinese medicine to a mediator in resolving imbalances in the body. "When equilibrium is disrupted, much like a couple having disagreements, but not yet resorting to a fight, Chinese medicine acts as an intermediary, stepping in to reconcile the dispute and prevent a full-blown conflict," Walker said. In 2019, Walker's grandmother suffered from gastrointestinal issues, leaving her unable to eat and drink. While on vacation in Germany, he provided a single acupuncture treatment that resulted in her swift recovery. He also remotely guided family members in utilizing traditional Chinese methods for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, sharing his expertise to combat the virus. With a growing fan base on social media, Walker feels a sense of responsibility. "Initially, posting videos on Douyin was just a pastime, but now I want to engage in more meaningful endeavors." He aspires to create a series of bilingual videos that promote TCM and narrate stories of ancient Chinese medical luminaries. By capturing his visits to the ancestral homes of famous doctors and the herb-growing regions, he wants to spread awareness of TCM and its profound cultural heritage. When contemplating the future, Walker remains steadfast in his resolve. Be it in China or his homeland, Germany, he plans to dedicate his efforts to the field of TCM. Authorities are asking the public to come forward with any information after a 59-year-old woman was found shot dead inside a Danville home on Thursday night. Denise Damato Coe died of multiple gunshot wounds and her manner of death was homicide, an autopsy by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jennie Duval has concluded, Attorney General John Formella said in a statement on Saturday. Late Thursday night, Danville police officers responded to a call at 48 Back Road in Danville. When officers arrived, they found Damato Coe dead inside her home, Formella said. Investigators are asking for the publics assistance, Formella said. Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to contact the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit at 603-223-3856 or email MCU@dos.nh.gov. People may also call New Hampshire State Police Headquarters Communications office at 603-223-4381. Danville is a small town in Rockingham County, with about 4,500 residents. The town is north of Plaistow and east of Derry. State Police and Danville Police are investigating. 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 Its already back to school time for many area students, and theres a reason things may feel different this fall. Our new school calendar is the biggest change, said Bryan Dillon, public information officer with the Clover School District. Half the Rock Hill region school districts joined a statewide trend in starting school earlier this year, bucking the long practice of waiting until the third Monday in August. To do so, they created modified school calendars that offer other changes, too. Like Clover and Chester, we are using a modified balanced calendar this year, said York School District public information officer Latoya Dixon, which will afford our staff and families additional breaks throughout the year, without adding additional student or teacher days. School lets out for summer. Itll be different across York County when it returns Three area districts starting back earlier this year combined for almost 19,000 enrolled students at the end of last year. York York students start back Monday. The district has an eye on enrollment, which gets its first official measure 10 days into the school year. Its seen an unprecedented number of new homes approved in and around the city in recent years. York ended last school year with just more than 5,000 students. That number was up 18 students from the same time a year prior. Recent projections by the district expect many more students when the more than 2,000 new homes expected within the district are built. Leaders hope to protect York School District by getting early grip on paying for growth York held its convocation Tuesday where the district named high school social studies teacher David Frintner its district teacher of the year. Open houses for students and families followed Thursday. Upcoming highlights in York include the addition of a second Affinity Health Clinic at York Middle School and a new competency-based education program piloted by only two districts in the state. Story continues The competency-based program would allow, for instance, a student with a restrictive schedule or limited course options to complete a self-study class and get credit by demonstrating their knowledge. Or it could give a student credit for an interest area that isnt covered by traditional classes. In the spring announcement of the new model, superintendent Kelly Coxe said the traditional public school setting can limit students with regulation based on schedules, student age, grade and other factors. Competency-based education provides an avenue to be innovative in the way students demonstrate mastery of content knowledge and earn credit for coursework, Coxe said. While there are still compliance regulations that must be adhered to, the options for maximizing student learning opportunities will now be expanded. Also this spring, the district approved a $3,000 increase for teachers. Counting traditional breaks, the York calendar has four week-or-longer breaks for students. The weeks of Oct. 9-13 and Feb. 19-23 are new with the modified calendar. Traditional breaks include more than two around Christmas, from Dec. 22 to Jan. 8, and another week in the spring, April 1-5. Students finish May 30. Clover School starts Tuesday in Clover. Theres a new Clover High School principal Donna Farris. Bethany Elementary School has a redesigned car rider line and has construction ongoing to add classroom space. It takes a couple of weeks to get accurate enrollment counts as students move into and out of districts over the summer, but the Clover system has more than 9,300 students. Thats about 300 more students than Clover had on the first day of the last school year. Clover continues to plan for community growth, with additions of a new high school and elementary school in the Lake Wylie area. Like York, Clover has a long list of new homes approved within its borders. Student count increases already caused a shift of some elementary students this past school year. Clover officials got creative to build new school in Lake Wylie. What itll cost you One addition this year is an innovation bus a retired bus from the state that career and technology students stripped out and turned into a mobile classroom. It will visit every elementary school and allow students the ability to participate in a unique learning experience, Dillon said. Clover students are off Dec. 25-Jan. 5, 2004 (plus the weekends before and after them) and April 1-5. New breaks come Oct. 9-13 and Feb. 19-23. School ends May 30. Clover, SC, schools go to a modified year-round calendar. Shorter summers. Longer breaks. Chester County The Chester County School District starts back Monday. Superintendent Antwon Sutton and other district officials held a virtual town hall on Aug. 1 to welcome families back and highlight both achievements and goals for county schools. Last school year saw continued performance improvement at Chester Middle School, Great Falls Elementary School and Great Falls High School. Gains the past three years took those schools off statewide lists for lower-performing South Carolina schools. State report cards improved for the district as a whole, and graduation rates increased by almost 2%. Chester County will start its third year with an early college program where students take classes at York Technical College and can earn an associate degree while in high school. The past three years, the district awarded loyalty bonuses to its staff. Theres a major shortage across districts, across this country, Sutton said of staffing challenges. Its not a Chester thing alone. Its across the country. Goals for the coming year include planning and construction for a new district career center facility, a long-term capital needs update, improved school safety and an increase in college and career readiness. The district will add a podcast and updated website, a community listening tour and spotlights on district students and staff. The calendar in Chester County runs through May 31. Traditional long breaks are Dec. 20-Jan. 3 and April 1-8. New ones are Oct. 9-13 and Feb. 19-23. Those extra breaks also will be an opportunity for students who need extra assistance to get it. A federal judge has agreed to push back three weeks the criminal trial of former executives and employees of the Backpage.com website, which prosecutors said was used to facilitate prostitution, after one of the defendants, James Larkin, died by suicide earlier this week at age 74. U.S. District Court Judge Diane Humetewa began a hearing to discuss developments in the case on Friday afternoon in closed court. That, she said, was to address sensitive material, filed under seal in the defense's motion to continue the trial after Larkin's death. Once the public was allowed into the special proceedings courtroom at the Sandra Day O'Connor Courthouse in downtown Phoenix, the state moved to dismiss the indictment against Larkin and the judge ordered it. Backpage.com founders James Larkin (left) and Michael Lacey (right) as they leave federal court in Phoenix on April 30, 2018. Then the judge asked both parties to discuss the potential impacts of pushing the trial start date back. The defense team had requested to continue the trial for two months, while the government it they would be willing to consider a three-week delay. While the defense said they were grateful for the opportunity to come to a consensus, the attorneys told Judge Humetewa that two weeks would not be enough to prepare for the trial. With Larkin no longer involved in the case, his attorney's allotment of the duties for the trial would have to be divided up among the remaining lawyers. There are also thousands of exhibits to be redistributed, defense attorneys said. Defense attorney Joy Bertrand said a two-week extension "does not allow efficient time to effectively defend this matter." The government, and Judge Humetewa, were reluctant to push the start date back too far, out of fear of the trial potentially stretching into the holidays and limiting juror availability. On top of that concern, the judge said she was expecting to lose a large portion of the jury pool because of potential exposure to the news of Larkin's death. "There's a great likelihood that we will lose a tremendous amount of them," Judge Humetewa said. Story continues The Judge said she would be modifying and streamlining the jury questionnaire, asking supplemental questions of jurors, and rewriting jury instructions in light of the death and the removal of Larkin from the case. Striking a compromise, Judge Humetewa set new trial dates for Aug. 29 through Nov. 9. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Backpage trial pushed back after Larkin death by suicide This may be the thrifting score to end all thrifting scores. One Reddit user recently snagged four Lapalma LEM bar stools which retail at over $400 each for a mere $200. The Redditor explains in r/ThriftStoreHauls that while they arent usually a big thrifter, they stopped into a Habitat for Humanity Re-store looking for some extra stools for their bar-height dining room table. When the original poster (OP) arrived at the thrift store, they say the stools were being unloaded from a truck. Recognizing the stools, they asked the price and were told $64 per chair or $200 for all four. While the Redditor says it wasnt normally their style, they recognized the design and knew that worst case scenario, they could resell the stools themselves. They scooped them up for the bargain price and took them home. This was an incredible find because the original chairs retail anywhere from $300 to a whopping $942. The chairs brand, Lapalma, is a luxury Italian design company, which has been around since the 80s. The company is known for its sleek bar stools, tables, and chairs. Coveted by modern design fans, the stools have become nothing if not iconic. As if finding these stools wasnt enough, OP goes on to say in a comment that theyre in seemingly pristine condition. They are in incredible condition overall. The height adjustment works perfectly on all [four] stools. They are heavy in a very satisfying way and very stable, they write. Thrifters everywhere should be green with envy. Thrifting, which has gained some significant popularity in the last year, is a great way to cut down on the furniture being sent to landfills. The EPA estimated that in 2018 alone, 12.1 million tons of furniture were thrown away with over 80% of that heading to landfills. But OP isnt the only one finding amazing scores in thrift stores. Were seeing countless people grabbing everything from designer handbags to $40 lamps worth $22,000. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is remembering the story of Emmett Till as part of its annual Eighth of August Jubilee at the Tennessee Theatre. Aug. 8, 1863, is when Tennessee African Americans were emancipated. The event will feature a VIP red carpet celebration, a performance by Chris Blue, and the premiere of the film "Emmett Till: White Lies, Black Death" by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Loki Mulholland. To date, Mulholland has premiered five of his documentaries with the Beck Center. His ties to history run deep. He's the son of notable civil rights icon Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, one of the Freedom Riders arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1961. His work has received numerous awards and national recognition, according to the Beck Center website. Pulitzer Prize-nominated investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell. who is featured in the film, also will be a special guest as part of the evening's observance. Filmmaker Loki Mulholland Mulholland told Knox News that many have been given an incomplete narrative of the death of Emmett Till, and the film includes details never revealed in the investigation into Till's 1955 murder. "There is a broader story that goes along with this, which ties back to a deeper history of retribution. To debut this film in Knoxville as part of Tennessee's emancipation day brings people together, and at the same time sets us free by learning the truth," Mulholland said. Find information about reserving tickets for the Beck Center Eighth of August Jubilee online at beckcenter.net. The VIP reception begins at 4 p.m., and the program starts at 5:30 p.m. Emmett Till's story part of the continued fight for freedom Fourteen-year-old Emmett Till, shown in an undated photo, was abducted, tortured and killed in Mississippi in 1955. His murder helped to propel the Civil Rights Movement. Renee Kesler, executive director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, told Knox News that this year's emancipation celebration is significant, and most important, it's timely. "When we talk about emancipation it really is also about justice and equality and how we must get better. The Eighth of August started with the emancipation of 1863. But that's not where it ended," Kesler said. Story continues Kesler told Knox News that the tragic story of Emmett Till's murder and his mother Mamie Till Mobley's fight for justice is part of the bigger picture of the history of emancipation. It is about the continued fight for freedom. Despite Aug. 8 being the date in Tennessee when African-Americans were emancipated, freedom wasn't entirely achieved. During segregation, Aug. 8 was the only day African Americans were allowed in Chilhowee Park in Knoxville. "When we talk about history down to legal segregation, to use that same date, and say that Black people can only go to Chilhowee Park here in Knoxville on one day a year, on the eighth of August, that's it. That's huge," Kesler said. "Because it's literally why we have to keep studying history, because if we don't, we repeat it. "If you can go from 1863 to 1940 and use that same date of August 8th to hold us back from our freedom, what might happen in the future? We keep carrying the atrocities of history with us because we can't reconcile them. "My hope, with all the events that the Beck does, is to teach real history and to teach the truth. When we know better we can do better. We all have a part to play in this history." Why Tennessee has its own Emancipation date Photos of U.S. President Andrew Johnson's slaves Sam, center, and Dolly, right, are displayed inside Johnson's home at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, Tenn., on Monday, July 26, 2021. "Historically we always celebrated the Eighth of August," William Isom, founder of Black in Appalachia told Knox News in June. Andrew Johnson, military governor of Tennessee and the 17th U.S. president, released his own enslaved people (in 1863), prior to what America observes as Juneteenth. As Union soldiers took control of areas, they would share the Emancipation Proclamation, so many states celebrate emancipation on different days. The date of Aug. 8 became known as Emancipation Day in Tennessee. At least seven states and 55 communities celebrate the Eighth of August, including Kentucky and Missouri. Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com. Twitter @AngeladWrites. Instagram @angeladenniswrites. Facebook at Angela Dennis. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Beck Eighth of August Jubilee to feature new film about Emmett Till President Joe Biden delivers remarks on Covid-19 on March 30, 2022. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Per Axios, the Biden administration will take a hardline approach to remote work for federal workers. The White House chief of staff said federal workers should return to offices by September or October. The policy shift follows a pledge that Biden made during his March 2022 State of the Union speech. President Joe Biden's administration is set to take a more forceful approach to ending remote work in the coming months, asking federal workers to return to physical offices by the fall. According to a new report by Axios, citing an email sent from Biden's chief of staff Jeff Zients to cabinet members, Zients said that federal workers would aim to return to in-person work between September and October. The plan builds on a pledge Biden made during his March 2022 speech, urging Americans to "fill our great downtowns," as many office spaces in Washington DC are still largely empty. "We are returning to in-person work because it is critical to the well-being of our teams and will enable us to deliver better results for the American people," Zients said in the email, according to Axios. "This is a priority of the President and I am looking to each of you to aggressively execute this shift in September and October." The White House did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. The request by the Biden team was echoed by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg earlier this week, who claimed that customer service at federal agencies has suffered as a result of remote work. Real estate experts previously told Insider that office vacancy in DC rose from 14.8% before the pandemic, to almost 20% at the start of 2023. And a Government Accountability Office report from July stated that "17 of the 24 federal agencies used on average an estimated 25 percent or less of the capacity of their headquarters buildings." As it stands, Biden's administration is seeking to buck a trend upheld by the administrations of Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and his own, where federal offices have downsized over time and digitized more records. Read the original article on Business Insider The 2024 presidential election is on the horizon, but we just cant seem to leave 2020 behind. Former President Donald Trump was indicted and arraigned this week on charges related to efforts to overturn that electoral outcome. At the same time, primary polls indicate that Trump and President Joe Biden are by far the most likely to represent their parties once more in next years general election. Perhaps, then, it makes sense that arguably the No. 1 predictor of vote choice for the Republican nomination is whether voters view the 2020 election as legitimate. It turns out that Trumps ability to convince a large swath of the Republican base that Bidens win was illegitimate is paying major dividends as he seeks the GOP nomination for a third time. We know that poll after poll has shown that roughly two-thirds of Republican voters believe the falsehood that Bidens win was somehow not legit. Our latest CNN/SSRS poll, conducted in July, found that 71% of registered Republican and Republican-leaning independent voters think Bidens win was illegitimate compared to 27% who think it was legitimate. A comparable 67% said it was illegitimate in our May survey, while 31% said it was legitimate. This May poll also asked voters who they preferred to be the 2024 GOP nominee. Trump pulled in 64% of the vote among those who thought the 2020 election was illegitimate. That dropped to a mere 27% among those who thought Bidens win was legitimate, which puts the change in Trumps support based on this question at 37 points. (A March CNN poll had the change in support at 35 points.) Put another way, Trump had a 39-point lead over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis among the group who believed his loss was illegitimate in the May poll. He was even with DeSantis among the much smaller group that said Trumps 2020 loss was legitimate. To put in perspective how much of a dividing line thoughts on the 2020 election are on the GOP primary, look at how education (normally the most predictive demographic variable) correlates with backing Trump. Trump was up 35 points among those without a college degree and up 14 points among those without one in May. That 21-point difference is only about half of what we see on the 2020 legitimacy question. Story continues The fact that Trump does so much better among those who believe he lost illegitimately makes a lot of sense. One of Trumps biggest selling points is that he is a winner. If a Republican voter thinks Trumps a loser, then of course theyll be far more likely to go with another candidate. It matches, too, with what we saw after the 2022 elections. Republicans had one of the worst performances for an opposition party during a midterm, despite Bidens low approval rating. They lost a lot of key races where Trump-backed candidates greatly underperformed, so it was a time when Trump could be seen as an electoral loser. The result was that Trumps share in the Republican primary polls dipped to their lowest level, as DeSantis, who won a large reelection in Florida, came the closest he ever has to Trump. This data makes me ask: Why are many of Trumps Republican opponents trying to ignore the clear elephant in the room? No matter how many times a Republican wants to argue this race is about the future, it is very clearly about the past. GOP candidates and the Republican Party apparatus have allowed Trump to sell what is factually a fantasy to Republican voters. These voters have eaten it up and, in return, rewarded Trump with a large primary lead. This leaves Trumps Republican opponents with two choices. First, they could try to convince a significant portion of voters who think Trump has never lost an election and was wrongly denied a second term to vote against him for some reason. Second, they could make the argument that Trump is a loser and did, in fact, lose in 2020 and would lose again in 2024. This is something DeSantis recently started to do. He will likely do it more often, as he charts his comeback. Neither of the aforementioned choices seems like a particularly easy case to make given where the GOP base is at this point which is why Trump remains a clear favorite to win the Republican nomination yet again. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Members of a nearly 100-year-old group of Black fraternities and sororities are speaking out against Florida's "harmful and discriminatory policies," including the approval of the controversial new African American history standards. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity announced last week that it won't hold its 99th General Convention in Orlando in 2025, calling Florida "hostile" to the Black community. The announcement came shortly after another historically Black fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, said in a news release that it was joining a "broad coalition of organizations in solidarity against insensitive, discriminatory, and racist policies being promoted in the State of Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis and his allies." "I don't think that the the folks who are creating these policies really understand how the blowback from this will occur, in terms of the activism that will be generated from our college students to activism that will be generated from our alumni members. ... This is in our DNA of fighting and winning and we will fight and win," said Lawrence Ross, Alpha Phi Alpha member and author. Members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity lead the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March in Fort Myers, Fla. What is the Divine Nine? The "Divine Nine" is a nickname for the National Pan-Hellenic Council coined by Ross in his book "The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities." The council was founded at Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C., in 1930 by Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta. It expanded to include Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma in 1931, Sigma Gamma Rho in 1937 and Iota Phi Theta in 1997. Ross said the nine fraternities and sororities were created because of "a need for mutual support" as more Black students began attending colleges and universities at the turn of the century. He said there are now more than 750 chapters of these organizations worldwide. Story continues What is an HBCU? Everything you need to know about historically Black colleges or universities Not all members are Black Willis Lonzer, general president of Alpha Phi Alpha, noted the fraternity has been interracial since 1945 but the needs that sparked the creation of the Divine Nine organizations remain today, according to the NPHC. The council said its primary purpose continues to be community awareness and "educational, economic, and cultural service activities." Ross said what sets these sororities and fraternities apart from their predominantly white counterparts is their lifelong commitment to community service and social activism. He said college chapters and alumni groups work together, often with other organizations like the NAACP and National Urban League, on a variety of initiatives to support the African American community. Ross noted the groups have produced alumni who have played major roles in the civil rights movement, including including civil rights icons John Lewis (Phi Beta Sigma) and Martin Luther King Jr. (Alpha Phi Alpha). Other famous alumni include Vice President Kamala Harris (Alpha Kappa Alpha), who has spoken out against Florida's new curriculum; former professional athletes Colin Kaepernick (Kappa Alpha Psi); Michael Jordan (Omega Psi Phi); and director John Singleton (Kappa Alpha Psi). "It's a wonderful concept, the idea of being able to not only just get a education for your own edification, but to also be able to do it and give back to the community that you were brought up in," Ross said. Democratic presidential Candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speaks at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority South Central Regional Conference in New Orleans, April 19, 2019. What have the Divine Nine said about the controversy in Florida? Lonzer said his fraternity has been concerned about DeSantis' policies for some time. Earlier this year, there was concern that a proposed bill in the Florida legislature might ban fraternities and sororities that fought for diversity, equity and inclusion. After protests from Greek-letter organizations, the Senate version of the bill removed a provision about "campus activities" and DeSantis signed the bill into law in May. That came after DeSantis' administration said it was banning the national Advanced Placement course on African American studies and the "Stop WOKE Act" restricted how race is discussed in schools, colleges and workplaces. Lonzer said the "final straw" came July 19 when the Florida Board of Education unanimously approved a new social studies standard for African American history, which critics slammed for downplaying the state's role in the historic oppression of Black people and suggesting enslaved people developed skills that could have benefited them. He said this led Alpha Phi Alpha to stage an economic protest the fraternity said its 2025 convention was expected to generate an estimated $4.6 million for the state. "In Florida's case, we want to let people know that we have a choice where we spend our money, and we want to be respected when we spend our money," he said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses the crowd before publicly signing the Stop WOKE Act in April 2022. The political action committees of the NPHC's fraternities issued a statement in June supporting the NAACP's travel advisory for Florida., which warned that DeSantis' policies were undemocratic and "openly hostile" to people of color and who identify as LGBTQ+. Alpha Phi Alpha's decision to pull its conference out of Florida earned a standing ovation during a recent Iota Phi Theta meeting, according to Walter L. Fields, the fraternity's director of communications and chair of its political action committee. "We view the actions of Governor DeSantis as politicizing public education, to the point that he is engaging in discriminatory behavior that is not only impacting Black children, but all children," Fields said. Stacie Grant, International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, echoed the concerns expressed by the Divine Nine's fraternities. "It's appalling to think that a new Black history curriculum would include information for investigating slaves developing skills like agriculture and blacksmith and carpentry when we know how horrific the transatlantic slave trade was and what it did to those who were enslaved in this country," Grant said. At least nine other organizations or associations relocated conventions in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale because of the political climate, according to local media reports. Rasheeda Liberty, International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho, said her sorority will also not hold any national conventions in Florida "until we have some sound policy that really speaks to our principles." Liberty, also the chair of the NPHC's Council of Presidents, said the organization respects the decision of other members to continue holding events in Florida. She said the council is looking to collectively release a statement to the Florida Board of Education and find ways to provide educational materials students may not be able to access through school. She compared the decision to move events out of Florida to Disney's feud with DeSantis and said the financial effect will be huge. "We are the second-largest organization of the Black community next to the Black church," she said, noting the nine groups have a combined 2.5 million members. "I don't think people understand the financial impact of organizations that large." Contributing: C.A. Bridges and Ana Goni-Lessan, Tallahassee Democrat; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Divine Nine: Black sororities, fraternities speak out on Florida Wild buffalo graze on the Blackfeet Nation's Buffalo Spirit Hills Ranch on June 2. Wild buffalo graze on the Blackfeet Nation's Buffalo Spirit Hills Ranch on June 2. OUTSIDE BROWNING, Blackfeet Nation On a warm morning in June, Brandon Boyce watched as a bison bull stepped away from its herd. The 16-year-old hunter, his face nearly covered in reddish-brown paint, fired, striking the bull behind the ear a challenging shot, but one that kills instantly when well-executed and wastes almost no meat. Everything went right that day, said Shane Little Bear, who helped prepare Boyce for the hunt. He was blessed. Boyces hunting party loaded the massive animal onto the flatbed of their truck and drove it over Buffalo Spirit Hill Ranchs rolling hills and into a field in front of a barn where a group had gathered, many of them standing beside coolers. Several children ran up to the animal, oohing and aahing, while running their fingers through the thick tufts of fur around his neck. His eyes are still open, one said. I want to help! said another. Five people of all ages and genders began to butcher the bison, first slicing and twisting the head from the spine, then cutting through the sternum with a jigsaw, thickening the air with the iron-laden smell of warm blood and fresh meat. Termaine Edmo, a 35-year-old social worker who learned traditional butchery growing up in a family of ranchers, called out explanations to the crowd in a booming voice as the butchers worked their knives through the abdominal wall and diaphragm, then yanked the esophagus down the length of the bisons body to hoist out the guts. The tribe historically prized organs, especially the heart and liver, Edmo said, as a man walked around the crowd offering fresh slices of raw kidney. Under no circumstances, however, should they let bile spill onto the meat from the gallbladder. Edmo passed off the stomach and intestines to a group of young girls, her daughters among them, who went to work emptying them. They searched the half-digested grasses and herbs in the stomach for invasive species, and dragged their fingers down the length of the intestine to squish out the excrement. Story continues Participants collectively butcher a wild buffalo bull at Buffalo Spirit Hills Ranch on June 3. Participants collectively butcher a wild buffalo bull at Buffalo Spirit Hills Ranch on June 3. After the gutting, a rotating group of at least a dozen people broke down the bull into hulking chunks, calling out the cuts as they went to see who wanted to take them home, serving elders first: Who wants flank? Rib meat? Leg roast? A generation ago, this scene would have been hard to imagine. Two centuries of pillaging by European settlers left bison nearly extinct by the 1880s. Private ranches fenced in almost all the survivors, transforming the buffalo from Americas most iconic wild ungulate into an afterthought for the livestock industry. The Blackfeet Nation has spent more than a decade trying to change that, spearheading one of the most successful efforts to free wild buffalo back on their historical lands. Now, the hunt and collective butchering mark the climax of Iinnii Days, a three-day festival celebrating all things iinnii, the Blackfoot term for the animal known in English as bison or buffalo. The celebration draws people from the four tribes of the Blackfoot Confederacy, as well non-Indigenous conservationists and curious tourists who straggle in from nearby Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. Its the rare place a visitor might help build a medicine wheel, attend workshops on the benefits of regenerative grazing, and try their hand at fleshing the meat scraps and subcutaneous fat off of a fresh bison hide. And perhaps most important, this year the festival acted as the rallying cry for one of the most unique conservation efforts in recent years. On June 24, three weeks after Iinnii Days, the Blackfeet tribe took the historic step of freeing four dozen of the wild bison from Buffalo Spirit Hills Ranch onto a stretch of tribal land that borders Glacier National Park. The move sets the stage for the first large-scale, free-ranging bison restoration in decades. Latrice Tatsey shows a freshly butchered bison heart to two young girls at Buffalo Spirit Hills Ranch on June 3. Latrice Tatsey shows a freshly butchered bison heart to two young girls at Buffalo Spirit Hills Ranch on June 3. Its hard to overstate how much of an accomplishment that is. The bison may be Americas national mammal, but its also one of the countrys biggest conservation failures. Somewhere between 30 million and 60 million wild buffalo roamed across North America at the dawn of the colonial era. Today, fewer than 450,000 bison remain, with livestock accounting for the vast majority. Only about 20,000 wild buffalo are left in a smattering of conservation herds fewer than a tenth of a percent of even the most low-balled estimate of their historic numbers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently reviewing whether the wild herd at Yellowstone by far the largest in North America, at about 5,000 animals merits federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. And unlike other wildlife, only a tiny fraction of wild bison freely roam the landscape. Not even the grizzly bear, a 500-pound carnivore, faces such strict policing of its movements. Buffalo find themselves in this unusual position for two main reasons, one biological and the other political. Being large and migratory, they need big stretches of land. Human settlement and agriculture, however, have swallowed up or fragmented the animals best habitat. Those buffalo were at the center of how a people viewed themselves. That being was everything. So what happens to a people or a person when that everything is gone?Cristina Mormorunni, founder of Indigenous Led The political problem is that ranchers use most of the best remaining bison habitat to graze cattle and most ranchers dont want their cattle anywhere near wild bison. Not only do the two species compete for the same forage, but wild buffalo have a bad reputation for brucellosis infection. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that causes weight loss and spontaneous abortion. Outbreaks can devastate ranchers bottom lines and jeopardize their entire states access to export markets for beef. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has spent billions over the last three decades to rid the livestock industry of the disease, and for the most part has succeeded. But herds of elk and bison in the Yellowstone area, contaminated long ago by livestock, still carry the disease and threaten to spread it to cattle anywhere they might mix. The result is that most of the few remaining wild buffalo in North America live behind fences. Critics view this caging of bison as a double standard that doesnt apply to elk, which is true. Many insist that bison cant even infect cattle with brucellosis, which is false. But double standard or not, where ranchers hold political sway, proposals to let buffalo run free inevitably butt against opposition. Conservationists dating back to Theodore Roosevelt have lamented the loss of Americas wild bison herds. Ecologists view them as a keystone species, whose selective grazing and wallowing maximized biodiversity and shielded grasslands from eroding into dust bowls. But few have suffered the loss of wild bison more acutely than Plains tribes of bison hunters like the Blackfeet. Before European colonization, buffalo provided the Blackfeets most plentiful source of meat and most reliable source of fat a precious nutrient for nomadic hunter-gatherers. The animals hides covered their bodies as clothes and their lodges as roofs. They made cups from the horns, bags from the sun-dried bladders, and bowstrings out of the sinew. As the animals roamed from their summer range in high country basins to their winter range on the plains, the tribe followed. That transcendent role meant the Blackfeet lost more than food and tools when white settlers nearly annihilated the bison, partly as a military strategy to conquer the Plains tribes that depended on them. The foundation stories, rites of passage, sights, smells and rhythms of life built around the perpetual chase after buffalo all added up to an identity that suddenly lived in a vacuum. Those buffalo were at the center of how a people viewed themselves, said Cristina Mormorunni, founder of Indigenous Led, a key supporter of the restoration. That being was everything. So what happens to a people or a person when that everything is gone? That bleak situation has changed radically over the last decade, as bison returned to Blackfoot life, sometimes in novel ways. With more hunting opportunities both on and off the reservation, far more people have buffalo meat in their freezers. Some ranchers are swapping their cattle for buffalo, looking to harness the ecological benefits of an animal with whom they share a much longer history. Teenagers like Boyce barely remember a time without bison. That shift has created a unique movement combining social justice, wildlife conservation and the assertion of cultural rights and traditional knowledge that is now beginning to reshape the larger landscape. This is basically the same thing as healing generational trauma, Boyce said. The buffalo is a part of our community again. Its just awesome. You drive out of Browning and you see buffalo next to the road. Its just a beautiful sight to see. Blackfeet Buffalo Program Director Ervin Carlson speaks at Iinnii Days on June 2. Blackfeet Buffalo Program Director Ervin Carlson speaks at Iinnii Days on June 2. A Decadeslong Return A thick-framed man with a soft-spoken demeanor, Ervin Carlson brushes off credit for the Blackfoot buffalo restoration. When asked, he says the animals themselves made them do it. Few people, however, have worked on the issue longer or more effectively. The Blackfeet first started bringing buffalo back to tribal land some time in the 1970s, Carlson said. The animals werent popular. The tribe managed them as livestock, but struggled to control them. They busted easily through fences, angering landowners who had to chase them off. Contractors managed them at first, followed by the Fish and Wildlife Department. There was a lot of controversy, even from our own people, Carlson said. Buffalo had been gone so long, people werent used to them. In 1996, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council handed off the unruly animals to Carlson. The same year, they appointed him as the Blackfoot representative to the Inter-Tribal Bison Cooperative, an organization dedicated to restoring buffalo to tribal lands across the country. (The organization renamed itself the Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council in 2009.) Back then, Carlson served as the tribes agricultural director, charged with building its cattle herds. He knew pretty much nothing about bison. But the years of hands-on experience and exposure to the ITBCs mission-driven work fueled a passion for the animals and a desire to see them back on the landscape not as livestock, but as wildlife. He found a partner in Keith Aune, a fellow buffalo enthusiast then working for the Wildlife Conservation Society, a well-funded nonprofit. By the time the two met a little more than a decade ago, WCS had already mapped out some of the most favorable areas in the United States to restore wild bison. Glacier National Park which borders the Blackfeet Nation and is part of the tribes historic homeland emerged as one of the most obvious choices. With more than 1 million acres, it offered a lot of space and quality bison habitat. Canadas Waterton Lakes National Park to the north tacked on another 125,000 acres. Bison owned by the Blackfeet Indian Tribe are seen on the tribe's reservation on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in East Glacier Park Village, Montana. Bison owned by the Blackfeet Indian Tribe are seen on the tribe's reservation on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in East Glacier Park Village, Montana. Both parks have long supported the idea, but cumbersome federal regulations and the contentiousness of bison politics in Montana made the National Park Service unlikely to lead the charge. Tribal governments, on the other hand, face fewer restrictions. Though composed of U.S. citizens, federally recognized reservations have a hybrid form of government somewhere between a state and a nation. Tribal sovereignty dictates that if they want to release wild bison onto their own land, neither the federal government nor the state of Montana can stop them. By that time, Carlson had spent years nurturing the dream of bringing wild bison back, while wondering whether the tribe really wanted them. When he and Aune approached the tribes elders with the idea, they found wholehearted support. But it came with a condition they would have to get the whole community involved, especially the youth. The reason behind that request was that a successful buffalo restoration revolved around more than the animal. Colonialism severed some of the most cherished ties to the past for many Blackfeet. Archeologists and thieves made off with countless families bundles, ceremonial objects passed down by inheritance. As with other tribes, the federal government stripped generations of Blackfeet children from their families and forced them into boarding schools, where they were punished for speaking their native language and forbidden from dressing how they would at home. Bison restoration, tribal leaders hoped, could bridge the chasm separating the youth from the old ways that many lost touch with over the century-long federal policy of forced assimilation. In an effort to reclaim what was taken, I think a huge piece of the story is that spiritual connection to the buffalo, said Kim Paul, the executive director of the Piikani Lodge Health Institute, an Indigenous-led nonprofit that supports the bison restoration as part of its mission to promote well-being in Blackfeet country. Its really our umbilical cord to knowing that our children and generations are going to continue. If we can figure out how to turn around all the assimilation efforts that happened, the buffalo is key. More than 100 community meetings across the Blackfoot Confederacy followed for what came to be called the Iinnii Initiative. Cattle ranchers shared their worries. The organizers held public feasts. They worked with students and professors at community colleges and universities. Resistance softened and enthusiasm grew. It became real, Carlson said. They realized how important these animals were to us. It changed everything. Were Really Doing This, Arent We? Many here refer to the restoration as bringing the buffalo home. Its not just a metaphor. In 2016, the Blackfeet Nationreceived 87 wild buffalo calves from the Canadian government, in a transfer funded by the Wildlife Conservation Society. (The state of Montana objected to sending adult bison, Carlson said.) As wild bison neared extinction in the 1870s, a man by the name of Whist a Sinchilape, or Samuel Walking Coyote, trapped four bison calves and later sold them to Michel Pablo and Charles Allard. The two ranchers, both of mixed indigenous-European heritage, used the animals to help build up a conservation herd over the following decades, letting them range freely across the lands of the Flathead Reservation in northwest Montana. By the turn of the century, the Pablo-Allard herd numbered more than 700, making it North Americas largest. Congress destroyed their accomplishment with the Dawes Act. Passed in 1887, the legislation broke up tribal holdings, allotting parcels out to individuals and families, in an attempt to transform cultures of semi-nomadic hunters into farmers and ranchers. The Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend dOreille, and the Kootenai Tribes refused to give up their lands until 1904, when President Theodore Roosevelt forced them to by signing the Flathead Allotment Act into law. Allotment broke apart the tribal land the Pablo-Allard herd had roamed. They tried to sell the herd to the federal government, but couldnt agree on a price. In 1907, the Canadian government bought the herd, settling them in what is today Elk Island National Park in Alberta. This is basically the same thing as healing generational trauma. The buffalo is a part of our community again. Its just awesome.Brandon Boyce The Dawes Act remains the single greatest obstacle facing any tribe working to restore wild bison herds to their land. The Blackfeet Nations unique advantage was that a jagged strip of tribal land running along the eastern edge of Glacier National Park was reserved from allotment, making it analogous to federal public land. Still, finding a spot to turn out buffalo remained a challenge for years. Several cattle leases remained active on the ideal choice, a patch of land next to towering Chief Mountain, a spiritual landmark for the tribe. The breakthrough moment came during the pandemic, according to Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Member Lauren Munroe Jr. Under the economic strain, some ranchers could no longer afford their leases. Conservation groups stepped in to buy out others. After three years of rest, the Blackfeet business council voted unanimously to begin releasing wild bison there. I got butterflies, Munroe Jr. said. It was like, Oh my god, were really doing this, arent we? There Was A Time When We Didnt Have Buffalo If youth engagement is the standard, then the restoration has become a runaway success.Children of all ages ran across the grounds of Buffalo Spirit Hills Ranch on the second day of Iinnii Days this year. Some wore buffalo masks made from white paper. Others designed leather bags from a tanned bison hide. In the afternoon, Latrice Tatsey divided some of those youngsters into groups of iinnii and hunters to reenact a buffalo jump, a traditional method of hunting by setting bison stampeding over a cliff. The iinnii group lined up single file inside a ring of birch trees that acted as the festivals main gathering point. Above their heads, they stretched a buffalo hide. At Latrices command, they sprinted off, followed by the hunters, with one young man struggling to stay mounted on top of a speeding pony as they chased the iinnii past three towering tipis and off toward the hills. Tomorrow well have a modern hunt with a gun, but this is how our ancestors did it, Tatsey called after them. There was a time when we didnt have buffalo, and our people were pitiful! Young folks reenact a buffalo jump on June 2, 2023. Young folks reenact a buffalo jump on June 2, 2023. The youths exposure to buffalo now stretches beyond the annual festival. Edmo, who announced the butchering session, leads outdoor butchery classes two or three times a month, spearheading a movement to use traditional animal harvest as a climate-change-fighting method to enrich soil. Youre seeing more interest in the youth, Edmo said. Every time I do a harvest and have a school there, I could have 100 to 200 kids. Their eyes are wide and they want to touch everything. Its possible that one day in the future, some of them will have the opportunity to hunt wild bison on tribal land once again though for now, the herd remains too small to support more than occasional hunts. In the meantime, the buffalo continues to permeate all aspects of Blackfoot society. Unlike cattle, buffalo co-evolved with Montanas grasslands. Historically, they tended to congregate over a patch of land and graze it down to stubble, then move on, letting it rest for years. That pattern appears to send roots deeper, helping them sequester more carbon, enrich soils and foster biodiversity. Regenerative ranchers like Tatsey, who is also a soil scientist, try to emulate that pattern by rotating their animals across a series of paddocks for shorter periods of more intense feeding. We understand bison arent going to be able to fully be on the landscape like they historically were, Tatsey said. If I cant get bison everywhere, how can I get their practices back on the land, so those ecological relationships are restored? The tribe maintains a growing commercial herd, whose meat finds its way to both local grocery stores and restaurants serving visitors to Glacier National Park. The Fish and Game office issues a limited number of tags for individuals to harvest them, but for most Blackfeet, hunting outside Yellowstone National Park, where the state of Montana honors historic treaty rights to hunt off tribal land, remains the most reliable way of filling the freezer. But in the near future, hunting wild buffalo on tribal land at the foot of Chief Mountain will again become possible. Im really glad that they show all the younger generations how to do it, said Boyce, the young hunter. If the younger generation doesnt know how, theres no future. The State Department announced Friday that it will pause some foreign aid programs in Niger after the countrys democratic government was overthrown by military leaders. Humanitarian and food aid in the country will continue, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. As we have made clear since the outset of this situation, the provision of U.S. assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order, Blinken said. We remain committed to supporting the people of Niger to help them preserve their hard-earned democracy and we reiterate our call for the immediate restoration of Nigers democratically-elected government. Nigers President Mohamed Bazoum elected in 2021 as the first democratic leader in the countrys history was removed from power and placed under arrest by military leaders last week. U.S. officials have not called the action a coup, but have demanded that Bazoum be released and given his authorities as president once again. I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Nigers hard-earned democracy, President Biden said in a statement Thursday. The Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders. They have expressed their will through free and fair elections and that must be respected. The American embassy in the Nigerien capital of Niamey was partially evacuated this week, citing danger from military activity. The military junta, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, took over the government last week following days of fighting. Tchiani has been declared the nations head of state, though he is not recognized by the U.S. or its allies. Tchianis forces have appealed to Russia for assistance, including the mercenary Wagner Group, The Associated Press reported. Regional leaders are preparing a military intervention plan for the nation if Bazoum is not reinstated by Sunday, they said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TEHRAN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy on Saturday took delivery of hundreds of new domestically-developed strategic systems, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported. A handover ceremony was held in attendance of IRGC Chief Commander Hossein Salami, IRGC Navy Chief Alireza Tangsiri, and a number of Iranian military and government officials, the report said. Among the items are various types of reconnaissance and combat unmanned aerial vehicles and armored command and logistics vehicles, as well as surveillance and electronic warfare systems, according to Tasnim. The IRGC Navy also received hundreds of cruise and ballistic missiles with ranges between 300 and 1,000 km, and different types of cruise missile launcher trucks, as well as radar and command systems, the report added. "Iran has gained its military power despite the enemies' sanctions," Salami was quoted by Tasnim as saying. In remarks on the sidelines of the ceremony, Tangsiri said the delivery of the new military gear is an "important and effective step" in improving the navy's combat capabilities, Tasnim reported. Tangsiri listed the features of the new cruise and ballistic missiles as having longer operational ranges, being equipped with artificial intelligence, shorter preparation time for launch, being capable of destroying the enemies' electronic warfare systems and changing targets after being fired. With longer flight endurance and larger and heavier warheads, the new drones can be used in electronic warfare, attacks on mobile targets, and detection of naval targets with great accuracy, Tangsiri added. Police investigating the disappearance of Georgia woman Imani Roberson have arrested her husband, Donell Anderson, and charged him with murder. The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office held a press conference Saturday morning to provide an update on the case after Roberson's body was found. Roberson, a 29-year-old mother of four, had been missing for nearly three weeks. "It was clear that foul play was evident in the disappearance," said Sheriff Eric Levett. Levett said that Roberson was last seen by her mother on July 16, after having dinner at her home with her four children. After leaving her mother's house, Roberson returned home with two of her children, a three-year-old and a one-month-old baby, while two older children spent the night with their grandmother. Roberson left in her white Mazda SUV on Plantation Boulevard. ATLANTA POPEYES WORKERS VIOLENTLY ATTACKED WOMAN ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT ORDER: LAWSUIT Imani Roberson, a 29-year-old mother of four, has been missing since July 17. Her body was found Friday, police confirmed. The next day, her mother went to Roberson's home after making several unsuccessful attempts to contact her daughter and becoming concerned. The grandmother found no one at the home and called police to report her daughter missing. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Levett said the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office immediately opened an investigation, contacted family and friends and identified locations that Roberson was known to frequent. FULTON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY FANI WILLIS OPENS UP ABOUT GEORGIA CASE AGAINST TRUMP: WERE READY' Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett updates reporters on the investigation into Imani Roberson's disappearance. Levett announced Roberson's body had been found and her husband, Donell Anderson, is charged with her murder. On July 27, police found Roberson's car in a wooded area off Camp Creek Parkway near Union Road in Atlanta. The car was reportedly burned from the inside out. Ring camera video from a home across the street from Roberson's office obatained by FOX 5 Atlanta showed the vehicle speedily pulling out of the driveway on the day she went missing. The investigation led police to a home that was shared by Roberson and her husband, Donell Anderson. MANHUNT UNDERWAY AT SAVANNAH-HILTON HEAD AIRPORT FOR ESCAPED GEORGIA INMATE WHO SLIPPED AWAY FROM POLICE Story continues Imani Roberson (center) leaves behind four children, three of whom are pictured. "This investigation led us to conduct several search warrants on homes to include the home of our victim, a car and cell phones," Levett said. "In addition, we spoke to several individuals, collected a number of evidence to include blood in our victims home and in other places that I won't be specific on." The sheriff said investigators found Roberson's body Friday morning with the assistance of a cadaver K-9. The body matched a description of Roberson, including tattoos that matched photos provided by her family. A SWAT team dispatched by the sheriff's office arrested Anderson Friday at an apartment located in Atlanta. He is charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime. Levett told reporters the investigation remains open and more individuals could face charges. A Boise man died at the Forest Service airstrip in Idaho City when his plane crashed on Friday morning, the chief deputy coroner for Boise County said. Kevin Yagues, 63, of Boise, died of blunt force trauma at the scene, Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Johnson told the Idaho Statesman. The incident occurred at 10:18 a.m., Johnson said, and Yagues died on impact. Boise County Sheriff Scott Turner told the Statesman that Yagues was the only person aboard. He had flown from Caldwell to Idaho City, Turner said, and was taking off to return when his plane crashed. The plane was small and had only one engine, Turner said. The cause is unclear, but the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating as is the National Transportation Safety Board, he said. Melissa Potts, director of operations for the East Boise County Ambulance District, said she responded to the airstrip after the crash. She heard it, because the airstrip, at the end of Wall Street, is about half a block from her station. It sounded almost like thunder off in the distance, she said. Yagues owned a 2006 GlaStar plane manufactured by Stoddard-Hamilton Aircraft, according to the FAAs registry. He operated an auto parts business in Boise called Auto Spring Corporation and Auto Spring Kits, according to his LinkedIn profile and records filed with the Idaho Secretary of States Office. California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta announced he was opening a civil rights investigation into the Chino Valley Unified School District for its parent notification policy he believes illegally "outs" transgender students. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Since mid-July, California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta warned that a policy adopted by the Chino Valley Unified School District to force employees to "out" students who may be transitioning genders is likely illegal and threatens the safety of LGBTQ+ students. One provision calls upon district staff to inform parents within three days when its discovered a student is requesting to be identified or treated as another gender, uses facilities, such as bathrooms, designated for a gender other than their own, or asks to change their school records. On Friday, the attorney general moved past rhetoric and declared he was opening a civil rights investigation into the district. Todays announcement stresses our commitment to challenging school policies that target and seek to discriminate against Californias most vulnerable communities, Bonta said in a statement Friday. California will not stand for violations of our students civil rights. Bonta's office did not immediately respond to a call asking for more details. But in July, Bonta wrote a three-page letter to Norman Enfield, the district superintendent, and board members, warning that the policy's intent to inform parents without a transgender students permission likely violated Californias antidiscrimination law. Bonta wrote that transgender identity is an excruciatingly private and intimate detail about oneself and is thus protected by the right to privacy. Aside from the policys legality, Bonta wrote that the forced outing of students to their parents is very likely to result in significant emotional, mental, and even physical harm. Read more: Chino Valley school district's plan to notify parents if children are nonbinary or transgender sparks debate Bontas pushback comes after a spate of violent protests and disruptions have taken place at school meetings regarding LGBTQ+ issues. Police made arrests outside a Glendale Unified School meeting in June during a clash over Pride Month ; a fight broke out during a protest at Saticoy Elementary School in North Hollywood involving a Pride assembly; and a verbal battle heated up between Gov. Newsom and the Temecula Valley Unified School District over the removal of a book that included mention of gay civil rights icon Harvey Milk . Story continues Bonta's investigation is a response to the Chino Valley Union Board of Educations 4-1 vote at a July 20 meeting to enact the policy as a way to maintain and, in some cases, restore trust between school districts and parents, according to the policys wording. While the policy included guidelines for helping students and parents address physical harm, suicide, bullying and mental health, among several issues, the notification clause caused a firestorm. The raucous four-hour meeting on July 20 included impassioned speeches for and against the policy and included a moment when board President Sonja Shaw asked Tony Thurmond, California superintendent of public instruction, to please sit when he tried to refute her point of order and sought to explain the dangers transgender children face. Youre in Sacramento proposing things that pervert children, Shaw shouted at Thurmond after he completed his allotted one minute of public comment. She accused him of blackmailing and bullying school district leaders who supported the proposal. Read more: California school board battles over LGBTQ+ rights intensify after transgender vote in Chino The Williams Institute, a UCLA Law School think tank, estimated in June 2022 that 1.5 million people 13 or older identify as transgender . The institute also said that nearly one in five are between the ages of 13 and 17. In another study , the think tank wrote that transgender people are over four times more likely than cisgender people to experience violent victimization, including rape, sexual assault, and aggravated or simple assault. 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 Russian Navys 371-foot landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak (pictured in 2021) was "seriously damaged" in a Ukrainian drone attack this week, the British Ministry of Defense confirmed in an update Saturday. Pool Photo by Alexei Nikolsky/EPA EFE Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Ukrainian sea drones were responsible for attacking and damaging a Russian warship in the Black Sea, the British Ministry of Defense confirmed in an update issued Saturday. The Russian Navy's 371-foot landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak was "seriously damaged" on the overnight attack on Friday, according to the ministry's update. British intelligence sources say the ship was seen listing at 30 or 40 degrees, suggesting the explosion or explosions compromised watertight doors and compartments below deck. Russia's Ministry of Defense on Friday said two drones attacked the port city of Novorossiysk, which is home to the country's Black Sea Fleet. However Russian officials at the time denied any of their ships were damaged. Ukrainian authorities have not claimed responsibility for the striking the ship and the country's navy said it had had "nothing to do" with the attack, which took place between late Thursday and early Friday morning. The British report says the Olenegorsky Gornyak was "almost certainly" damaged by Ukrainian drones. Images of the Project 775 Ropucha-class landing ship show it being towed back to port. "Routinely assigned to Russia's Northern Fleet, the vessel has augmented the BSF [Black Sea Fleet] since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has often ferried military and civilian traffic between Russia and occupied Crimea when the Kerch Bridge has been disrupted due to attacks," the MOD reported. "The Olenegorsky Gornyak represents the largest Russian naval vessel seriously damaged or destroyed since the sinking of the cruiser Moskva on 13 April 2022. This is a significant blow to the BSF, which previously relocated most of its units to Novorossiysk due to the high threat to Sevastopol." A sea drone broadsided the ship while carrying almost a half-ton of explosives, according to CNN and The New York Times, which both cited Ukrainian military sources, adding there were around 100 Russian sailors aboard at the time. The attack was reportedly a joint operation carried out between the Security Service of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Navy. The Olenegorsky Gornyak was transferred to the Black Sea Fleet and moved into the region in February of 2022. A British Airways Airbus A350. Tejas Sandhu/Getty Images British Airlines will stop loading flights with meals for all passengers to reduce food waste. The airline said the new catering experience means customers who request a meal will receive one. Last month, it brought back free tea and coffee for passengers on short-haul flights. British Airways is testing a new catering system where it won't load enough food for all passengers on flights in a bid to tackle food waste. The trade blog View From The Wing first reported the news, citing an internal company memo. Past attempts to reduce food waste saw some customers go hungry because there wasn't enough food for all passengers on board, people familiar with the matter told the blog. The airline told Insider on Friday that it's investing in its catering experience on an ongoing basis and that it's "working hard" to reduce its food waste. "We're reviewing meal loading on flights where we are seeing consistent patterns of food waste while ensuring all customers that request a meal receive one," British Airways said in a statement. The airline experienced "unforeseen operational issues" with its caterer DO & CO in October, which meant some short-haul flights took off from London without any meals on board, the industry news blog Paddle Your Own Kanoo said. The airline also had problems with its meal service last month when it experienced a refrigeration issue on a 12-and--hour flight, which meant it had to serve passengers KFC . Passengers on the flight from the Caribbean to London were given a single piece of chicken each, and BA said there were limited food options at the airport, so it had to "wing it." Willie Walsh, who was the CEO of British Airways from 2005 to 2011, led a series of cost-cutting measures at the airline. The Financial Times reported that Walsh reduced its costs and fired managers during his time there before he spearheaded the company's merger with the Spanish airline Iberia to form IAG in 2011. Story continues His successor, Alex Cruz, who was CEO from 2016 to 2020, continued to cut costs. This included scrapping free beverages for passengers on its short-haul economy flights, the Sunday Times reported. When Sean Doyle, British Airways' current CEO and chair, took over in 2020, the airline started giving flyers a free bottle of water, a sweet snack, and potato chips, the Sunday Times reported. Last month, the airline started giving passengers free tea and coffee on its short-haul routes again. Read the original article on Business Insider Gorman-Rupp Company declares cash dividend, announces second quarter results The Board of Directors of the Gorman-Rupp Company has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share on the common stock of the Company, payable Sept. 8, 2023, to shareholders of record Aug. 15, 2023. This will mark the 294th consecutive quarterly dividend paid by The Gorman-Rupp Company. Net sales for the second quarter of 2023 were $171 million compared to net sales of $119.1 million for the second quarter of 2022 an increase of 43.6% or $52 million. Domestic sales increased 50.8% or $43.2 million and international sales increased 25.7% or $8.7 million compared to the same period in 2022. Second quarter net income was $10.5 million, or $0.40 per share, compared to a net loss of $1 million, or $0.04 per share, for the second quarter of 2022. Scott A. King, president and CEO, said Gorman-Rupp's strong organic sales growth of over 21% marked the eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year double-digit increases as they continued to see strength across the majority of markets. King says backlog is down from the record level at the end of the first quarter but remains elevated. Haring Realty to celebrate grand opening of its Bucyrus office BUCYRUS Haring Realty has opened a branch office in downtown Bucyrus at 116 Washington Square. A ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration took place Friday morning. This new office will help us serve our clients between our Fostoria Office and our office in Mansfield said Melissa Viers, associate broker and realtor with Haring Realty. I live in Crawford County and will work out of this branch throughout the week along with other agents who serve Crawford County. Haring Realty was founded in 1983 and now has five offices to serve North Central Ohio and Northwest Ohio. Enroll now in the 2023-2024 Columbia Gas Budget Plan Columbia Gas says customers can get a head start on their winter heating bills by signing up for the 2023-2024 Budget Plan. The Budget Plan spreads the total cost of heating more evenly throughout the year. It allows for a year-round rolling enrollment, which prevents a high budget amount during the winter months, as the amount to enroll is recalculated monthly based on an entire 12-month history. Story continues Columbia Gas customers may sign up for the Budget Plan anytime by paying the budget payment amount on their August bill, going online to ColumbiaGasOhio.com/Budget, or calling 1-800-344-4077 to speak with a customer service representative. Once enrolled, customers will pay the budget payment amount listed on their monthly bill from August 2023 to July 2024. The budget payment amount will then be the same from month to month. Accounts are reviewed and adjusted, if needed, in March. Each customers budget plan amount is individually calculated by looking at previous usage rates, 30-year average weather, and the current and estimated cost of natural gas. The budget plan is free and open to all Columbia Gas customers. Local students win a behind-the-scenes look at Firelands Electric Cooperative NEW LONDON Three area elementary students recently had the unique opportunity to take a private tour of Firelands Electric Cooperative and eat lunch with some of the linemen. As part of National Electrical Safety Month in May, three area students had a chance to tour Firelands Electric Cooperative and have lunch with a lineman. The contest winners were (left to right) Jaidun Kemp of New London, Sawyer Howell of Mansfield and Lyrica Steele of Willard. During the month of May, as part of National Electrical Safety Month, Firelands Electric sponsored a contest for children in kindergarten through fifth grade to help teach them the importance of lineman safety equipment. Those who correctly identified at least six of eight pieces of equipment had their names entered into a drawing for a special day at the cooperative. The three contest winners were: Sawyer Howell, third grade, Mansfield; Jaidun Kemp, fifth grade, New London; and Lyrica Steele, second grade, Willard. The students and their adult guests spent the morning of July 26 touring the cooperatives facilities in New London. They had the chance to get an up-close look at the bucket trucks, diggers, safety clothing and equipment, transformers and much more. Following a pizza lunch with several members of the cooperatives line crews, the winners were also able to watch a couple of linemen practice pole climbing. Each winner went home with a bag of electrical safety activities, Firelands swag, and their own junior lineman hard hat. This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Gorman-Rupp results, new Haring Realty office, Columbia Gas plan A diner in Myrtle Beach has a plethora of Calabash seafood buffets to choose from 11 to be exact Original Benjamins, Captain Benjamins and Bennetts, to name a few. While Calabash seafood is ubiquitous in the South Carolina tourist town, it actually comes from just above the North Carolina border. The town of Calabash is known all over for its fried seafood. Generations of vacationers keep coming back to inhale plates of fried shrimp with hush puppies and coleslaw. Some foodies may wonder what makes Calabash seafood unique and if fried fish in Calabash is different from seafood in Myrtle Beach or elsewhere? Read on to learn what defines this beloved meal and why visitors can try it all over Myrtle Beach. What makes a dish Calabash-style? The lunch special at Becks Restaurant in Calabash, NC: flounder, shrimp, french fries and coleslaw. Calabash-style fried fish can be found in North and South Carolina and beyond. August 2, 2023. Depends on who you ask. Many people define Calabash seafood as fish that is lightly breaded and quickly fried. But the specifics can vary. Its not Calabash [seafood] if its not cooked in Calabash, said Chuck Nance, the town administrator for Calabash. Nobody really knows what Calabash seafood means, said Charleston-based food writer Hanna Raskin. If someone brought her a plate of fried fish from Virginia and one from Myrtle Beach, she didnt think she could identify the Carolina one. Rather than specific texture or spices, Raskin said the atmosphere of a restaurant defines the style. What really distinguishes what were calling Calabash seafood, I think, is these external cues toward summertime in the Carolina coast, Raskin said. Where does Calabash seafood come from? A mural in the dining room of Becks Restaurant in Calabash, NC. Calabash-style fried fish can be found in North and South Carolina and beyond. August 2, 2023. The story goes that in the 1930s, fishermen brought their finds to the banks of the Calabash River. There, locals battered and fried the seafood at picnics called fish camps. In the 1940s, two sisters who ran these fish camps eventually started the first Calabash seafood restaurants: Becks Seafood Restaurant and Colemans Original Calabash Restaurant. These two establishments were joined by Ellas of Calabash, started by the sisters brother and sister-in-law. Story continues The New York Times reported that in 1983, Calabash had 32 restaurants for its 180 residents. Now, the town calls itself the seafood capital with over 30 restaurants and more than 2,000 residents. Why are there so many Calabash buffets in Myrtle Beach? Raskin said she believes this has to do with economics. With many tourists in Myrtle Beach, Raskin said buffets are the easiest, most efficient way to get a lot of people in and out. Since fried fish brings a feeling of coastal nostalgia, combining the tradition of Calabash-style seafood with the high-volume buffets makes good business sense for the tourist destination. Does Calabash-style seafood taste different in Calabash and Myrtle Beach? To get a peek into these flavors in North and South Carolina, Sun News visited a restaurant in Calabash and a buffet in Myrtle Beach. I wanted to unscientifically discover the differences, if there were any. The exterior of Becks Restaurant in Calabash, NC. Calabash-style fried fish can be found in North and South Carolina and beyond. August 2, 2023. Becks Restaurant in Calabash, N.C. is the only one of the three original seafood houses open, after Ellas went up in flames in April 2023. I found this one-story building near a busy intersection, surrounded by oversized signs pointing to their respective restaurants and gift shops. Hushpuppies with honey butter at Becks Restaurant in Calabash, NC. Calabash-style fried fish can be found in North and South Carolina and beyond. August 2, 2023. Inside, a chalkboard advertised the Calabash seafood specialties: fried flounder, shrimp, oysters, deviled crabs, scallops and clam strips. I was seated in a dining room with a mural map of Calabash and wood floors that matched the wooden booths. My server quickly brought me hush puppies, which tasted sweet even without the honey butter. I had to blow on the fried fish from the daily lunch special to cool it off. The flounder and shrimp each had different breading, the shrimps crispier than the one on the flounder. After eating away at the french fries, I found the light mayo-based coleslaw underneath. A diner fills her plate at the fried fish section of Captain Benjamins Calabash Seafood Buffet in Myrtle Beach, SC. Calabash-style fried fish can be found in North and South Carolina and beyond. July 28, 2023. Located next to Family Kingdom on Myrtle Beachs Kings Highway, Captain Benjamins Calabash Seafood Buffet has the highest Google rating of Myrtle Beachs Calabash seafood buffets. A coastal theme abounds, with model ships on top of the buffet tables and anchor motif carpeting. I filled my first buffet plate with Calabash-style favorites, but ended up going back to try crab legs, shrimp boil, pasta and one of the eight pie flavors. Popcorn shrimp, fries, coleslaw, fried flounder, hush puppies and honey butter at Captain Benjamins Calabash Seafood Buffet in Myrtle Beach, SC. Calabash-style fried fish can be found in North and South Carolina and beyond. July 28, 2023. Captain Benjamins popcorn shrimp had a light breading, letting the shrimp flavor shine through. I thought the round hush puppies tasted like the outside of an onion ring, slightly savory. The mayo-based coleslaw at Captain Benjamins was shredded into long pieces, as opposed to Becks chopped coleslaw. Even though there were slight flavor variations between Becks and Captain Benjamins, I believe this was due to two restaurants interpreting the same dishes, rather than intrinsic differences between Calabash and Myrtle Beach. For me, the biggest difference between the two meals was the setting. At Becks, the fried seafood was the main event, while at Captain Benjamins, it was one of a variety of buffet dishes to try. A bear believed to be responsible for breaking into more than 20 homes in Californias South Lake Tahoe area has been captured and will be relocated to Colorado, wildlife officials announced. The 500-pound female black bear, one of multiple bears identified by the public as Hank the Tank, was caught along with her three male cubs, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) said in a news release Friday. Hank has been blamed for dozens of home invasions, but DNA evidence showed more than one bear was responsible, CNN previously reported. State biologists plan to take the bear, officially called Bear 64F, to a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado, citing the danger of keeping her in the community. DNA evidence has tied her to 21 home invasions and she is suspected of causing property damage and breaking into several other homes. Relocation is not typically an option for conflict animals over concern that relocating an animal will relocate the conflict behavior to a different community, said the CDFW. However, given the widespread interest in this bear, and the significant risk of a serious incident involving the bear, CDFW is employing an alternative solution to safeguard the bear family as well as the people in the South Lake Tahoe community. The cubs, who wildlife officials say accompanied their mother on recent home break-ins, are set to be moved to a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Sonoma County, with hopes that they will eventually be returned to the wild. One of the cubs is recovering from injuries likely sustained after being hit by a car earlier this month, according to authorities Wildlife officials had been monitoring the bear since 2022 and found that she and her cubs made a winter den underneath a South Lake Tahoe home. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com California Attorney General Rob Bonta is opening a civil rights investigation into the Chino Valley Unified School District after it adopted a controversial policy that requires the school to notify parents if their child is transgender. The Parental Notification Policy requires teachers and school staff to inform parents if a student requests to use different pronouns or a different name than that on official records, or if the student uses bathrooms or joins programs that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. It also requires parents to be notified if their child is involved in violence or expresses suicidal thoughts. The school board voted 4-1 on July 20 to enact the policy. That same day, Bonta sent a letter to the superintendent and board expressing serious concern about the legality of the new rules, given that they could violate Californias antidiscrimination and privacy laws. School board president Sonja Shaw defended the measure Friday. This (investigation) is a ploy to try to scare all the other boards across California from adopting the policy, Shaw said in an email to The Sacramento Bee. They are making dangerous assumptions when they say parents are dangerous to their children. They are overstepping their boundaries. Chino Valley Superintendent Norm Enfield and the school district were notified of the investigation moments before the public announcement. Andi Johnston, a spokeswoman for the district, said they are still reviewing the correspondence. The California Department of Education says disclosing that a student is transgender without the students permission may violate Californias antidiscrimination law by increasing the students vulnerability to harassment and may violate the students right to privacy. It advises that schools consult with students about who can or should be informed of the students gender identity. In 2005, a federal court ruled in C.N. v. Wolf that a California school district violated a students right to privacy by disclosing her sexual orientation to her parents. Federal courts have also recognized gender identity as protected under the Constitutions fourth amendment right to privacy. Story continues Last month, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Chico Unified School Districts policy of protecting the gender identities of students from their parents. U.S. District Court Judge John Mendez said that the privacy interests of the school district and the student overrode parental rights. In doing so, Mendez also kept intact guidance by California school officials. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, who attended the July 20 school board meeting in Chino to oppose the policy before the boards vote and was led out by security guards to shouts of kick him out. Thurmond and LGBT advocates oppose policies like the one the school board passed because they can endanger transgender students whose families may not accept them. The policy that you consider tonight not only may fall outside the laws that respect privacy and safety of students, but may put our students at risk because they may not be in homes where they can be safe, Thurmond said. Those in favor of the policy argued that parents should know about their childrens identities at school. Parents have a fundamental right to direct the care, the custody and control of their children, and that right does not get taken away unless the parent is ruled unfit, said board president Shaw. Chino Valley has been involved in culture war legal disputes before. In 2018, a federal court ruled that the board violated the Constitution for its practice of starting every school board meeting with religious prayer. Missi Curriers family lived in Carlsbad for seven generations, deep in the Permian Basin where New Mexicos oil and gas industry is centered in its southeast region. Its the busiest oilfield in the U.S., producing about 5.8 million barrels of oil per day, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), almost half of the almost 12 million bpd produced nationwide. On Tuesday Currier was tapped to helm the states largest oil and gas trade group, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, chosen to represent her community and its economically defining fossil fuel industry. More: Oil and gas companies ramp up plans for Permian Basin production in New Mexico and Texas She said shes spent her entire career, since graduating from Carlsbad High School in 2004, working directly or in support of the oil and gas industry. After graduating with a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University, Currier worked in government affairs for some of the regions largest industries, companies like XTO Energy and Nuclear Waste Partnership the former contractor hired to run the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. She also served as president and chief executive of the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County. Missi Currier of Carlsbad was chosen as president and CEO of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association More: How is New Mexico influencing federal oil and gas air pollution policy? Now as president and CEO of NMOGA Currier said she plans to continue telling the story of southeast New Mexico and the industrys role in Santa Fe, working closely with lawmakers and officials. Although Currier will leave her hometown to reside in New Mexicos capital, she said shell never forget her past in the Cavern City and the community that helped build her career. I feel very fortunate that I grew up in Carlsbad and have been very grateful to work either directly in industry or jobs that support the industry, Currier said. I believe this will help show the rest of the state the benefits of the industry. I will forever be a Carlsbad girl at heart and will consider that home. Carlsbad, Eddy and Lea County will always be top of mind for me. It is the epicenter of energy production in the U.S. Story continues More: Oil demand to peak by 2033, followed by declining production in New Mexico, officials say She said she expected oil and gas and the Permian Basin to remain a leading economic driver for New Mexico, reported to provide about half of New Mexicos General Fund revenue in Fiscal Year 2023, according to the latest state budget analysis. But analysts also predicted recently that peak demand for oil and gas could be as soon as 2033, leading to a gradual production decline in the decades after. For now, Currier said her work with NMOGA will support continued operations, even as new energy sectors like wind and solar power emerge in the state. More: $75M oil and gas deal announced in Permian Basin as region leads US in production She said shes made a career of balancing perspectives from both sides of the aisle, but believes fossil fuels will play a crucial role in energy development through 2050 and beyond both in New Mexico and worldwide. NMOGA is fully committed to find a balanced energy mix. We always want to engage in constructive discussions to understand everybodys perspective, she said. We completely understand the necessity of oil and gas, and its something well work diligently to protect. NMOGAs main roles is to protect the industrys license to operate. I am fully committed to keep lines open among all legislators to ensure we have a balance mix and conversation. More: What we know about federal plan to restrict oil and gas drilling from New Mexico caves That means debating and fine-tuning legislation related to water, environmental regulations, ensuring resources are protected, Currier said, while allowing New Mexicos economy to flourish. I would envision, because of the global economy and the Permian and San Juan basins working so efficiently, in January the state will have more money than it knows what to do with, she said. Along with fighting for policy decisions and bills that support the industry, and advocating against those that could stymie it, Currier said she views her role as that of a storyteller, personalizing the oil and gas industry and the needs it fills for people across the world daily. More: Oil and gas industry in New Mexico could see higher land rates under federal proposal She said daily tasks people take for granted, like taking a shower, putting on makeup or driving a car are all possible because of oil and gas produced in New Mexico. All of those things would be possible without oil and gas but its more affordable with oil and gas, Currier said. If we can help personalize that for others that dont live in the Permian Basin, that can help spread our message. In the short-term, Currier will serve in a dual role also as interim director of the United Way of Eddy County, aiding its board of directors in finding a permanent leader of that organization. More: New Mexico to investigate PFAS 'forever chemicals' in oil and gas drilling after petition Even as shes poised to lead NMOGA as a spokesperson, lobbyist and leader in New Mexicos biggest industry, Currier said she was committed to the local needs of her community. Even as I start this new role with NMOGA, the United Way of Eddy County will remain an absolute priority and the doors will remain open with the staff and me so fully committed to the organizations efforts, she said. Thats a point Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said would help bolster the city and regions place in policy decisions made in Santa Fe. More: Oil company's mineral rights in Eddy County upheld by New Mexico Supreme Court This is an excellent day for Carlsbad and for our states critical energy industry. Dr. Currier is well versed in all energy issues, and, as a native of Carlsbad, she also understands this community and Southeast New Mexico, in addition to the New Mexico legislature, Janway said. Dr. Currier is also an excellent team player who will do a great job working with a wide variety of groups across the state while representing New Mexicos oil and gas industry. NMOGA clearly made the right decision, and we congratulate Missi on this great accomplishment. NMOGA Board Chair Betty Read Young said Currier brought expertise in environmental and policy issues to the position, which Young said would help ensure the Associations and industrys sustainability. She is the right person to guide our association and the industry toward a more sustainable and responsible future, Young said. Her passion for innovation, commitment to environmental stewardship, and ability to build strong partnerships will undoubtedly strengthen NMOGAs position as a driving force for positive change." Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Carlsbad's Missi Currier to lead New Mexico Oil and Gas Association ABUJA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Niger's junta announced on Thursday the suspension of various military cooperation agreements with France, while the defense chiefs of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said Friday that dialogue and negotiation "should be at the forefront." The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the governing body established by the military in Niger after a coup on July 26, issued a statement, saying it has revoked five agreements signed by the two countries between 1997 and 2020 because of "France's casual attitude and reaction to the internal situation" in Niger. France has a deployment of approximately 1,500 soldiers in Niger, and some 1,200 registered French nationals are living in the country. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France said Wednesday that over 350 French citizens had been evacuated from Niger, and more than 510 people were on the evacuation flights. A joint statement by the ECOWAS defense chiefs after a three-day extraordinary meeting said the committee had examined the immediate implication of the coup in Niger and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region collectively while recognizing the gravity of the situation in Niger and the urgent need for a well-coordinated response. The statement said regional security architecture should be strengthened to enhance the collective response to security challenges, but "dialogue and negotiations should be at the forefront of our approach in resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger." Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is the chairman of the authority of heads of state and government of the ECOWAS, on Friday formally notified the country's senate of the recent resolutions of West African leaders on the situation in Niger which culminated in the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum by the military. He also said the regional bloc had agreed to impose sanctions on Niger's military leaders involved in the recent coup. Niger's military forces said last week that soldiers in the country had overthrown President Bazoum, hours after the president was allegedly held hostage. Abdourahamane Tchiani, former leader of Niger's presidential guard, was named president of the CNSP and he suspended the Constitution and dissolved the government, empowering the council to exercise all legislative and executive authorities. Bazoum on Thursday asked the international community for help, while the CNSP has refused to hand back power and threatened to meet force with force. The coup has drawn condemnations from international and regional organizations, some of which, for example the ECOWAS, have imposed sanctions on the junta and threatened to restore order in Niger by force. The Central Florida community is offering support after two police officers were shot during a traffic stop in downtown Orlando. Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said just before 11 p.m. Friday, officers stopped a car near West Washington Street and North Garland Avenue that was wanted in connection with a homicide in Miami. Orlando police Chief Eric Smith said a suspect shot two officers and carjacked another driver before fleeing the scene. LIVE UPDATES: Orlando officers fighting for their lives after being shot, suspects still at large Central Florida law enforcement agencies and officials shared their support following the news. Read their reactions below: Gov. Ron DeSantis Casey DeSantis and I are praying for the officers, their families and the entire Orlando Police Department. Our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect. The perpetrator must face harsh justice. Ocoee Police Today, we stand in the gap for the injured officers, their families, their Orlando Police family, and the community they serve. Criminals will not win as the work of those willing to sacrifice their life in service endures forever. pic.twitter.com/nSw7gygX0u Ocoee Police (@OcoeePD) August 5, 2023 Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Praying https://t.co/lRkGJlBqP2 Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) August 5, 2023 Melbourne Police From all of us at the Melbourne Police Department, we pray for the recovery of the two @OrlandoPolice Department Officers who were shot in the line of duty Friday evening. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and the entire OPD family. pic.twitter.com/VryekkAVC8 Melbourne Police (@MelbournePolice) August 5, 2023 Flagler Beach Police ~ Sending heartfelt thoughts & prayers to the 2 injured Officers from @OrlandoPolice and to all at OPD. pic.twitter.com/6t6yBcJGNU Flagler Beach Police (@FBPD) August 5, 2023 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe. Last night two @OrlandoPolice officers were shot during a proactive stop doing just that. I visited the officers and their families this morning and shared our communitys support with them. Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) August 5, 2023 UCF Police Department Our hearts are with the two @OrlandoPolice officers who were critically injured in the line of duty last night. We are thinking of their colleagues and loved ones https://t.co/J1iQHauGTt UCF Police Department (@UCFPolice) August 5, 2023 St. Cloud Police Department Hoping those responsible are brought to justice. We stand with our brothers and sisters at @OrlandoPolice https://t.co/YEMpKjhMI0 St. Cloud Police Dept (@StCloudPD) August 5, 2023 Read: Law enforcement responds to Apopka apartment complex after 2 officers shot in Orlando Story continues Ocala Police Department Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in the Orlando Police Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with the two officers who were critically wounded, their families, and everyone at the Orlando PD. https://t.co/iMSAfiJMIp Ocala Police (@ocalapd) August 5, 2023 Titusville Police Department On behalf of the 160 members of the Titusville Police Department, we are praying for the recovery of the 2 Orlando Police Officers shot in the line of duty, their families, & their Orlando Police Depart. family. You have the love & support of the entire Law Enforcement profession pic.twitter.com/0dov5lWJDd Titusville Police FL (@TitusvillePD) August 5, 2023 Seminole County Sheriffs Office Our hearts go out to the Orlando Police Department as they deal with the aftermath of two officers being shot overnight. We stand with them in solidarity, praying for the swift recovery of the officers involved. These brave officers put their lives on the line every day, and we Seminole County S.O. (@SeminoleSO) August 5, 2023 Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood In a Facebook post, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said he sends his support to the Orlando Police Department to bring justice to the community. Read his statement here: Two Orlando police officers were shot and critically injured overnight. Two suspects are still at large. On behalf of the entire Volusia Sheriffs Office I want to send all our support and prayers to these officers, their families, the Orlando Police Department and the whole community. I also want to echo the message Chief Smith delivered to the shooters: We will find you, and you will be brought to justice. Representative Anna Eskamani Oviedo Police Department Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters at @OrlandoPolice as they deal with a difficult situation. We hope your officers make a speedy recovery. Stay Strong. OviedoPolice (@OviedoPD) August 5, 2023 Orange County Sheriff John Mina Sending prayers for these two officers and our partners at @OrlandoPolice We will help bring the suspects to justice. https://t.co/GpBJ5sEbWu Sheriff John Mina (@SheriffMina) August 5, 2023 Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young Prayers up for the two @OrlandoPolice officers that were shot and critically injured in Downtown. I pledge my full support and resources to @OrlandoPolice in pursuit of the suspects! Chief Jakari Young (@ChiefJakari) August 5, 2023 Orange County Sheriffs Office We are pulling for the injured officers and standing shoulder to shoulder with our OPD partners tonight, doing everything we can to bring these suspects to justice. Please join us in praying for the officers recovery. https://t.co/ocEDWEktFD Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 5, 2023 A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. A heavy police presence can be seen at an Apopka apartment complex. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting. A heavy police presence in an Apopka apartment complex. 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. Charles J. Ogletree Jr. accepts The Chairmans Award onstage at the 48th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. Ogletree died at the age of 70 on Aug. 4, 2023. If the descendants of enslaved people in this country ever get reparations, many of the recipients probably wont know the name Charles J. Ogletree Jr. But whether they know his name or not, anyone who benefits from possible reparations in the future, or any number of legal and social theories about the treatment of Black people in the United States, will owe him a debt. Ogletree died of Alzheimers Disease on Friday at the age of 70 in Maryland, where he spent the last several years of his life. But he spent the most prominent part of his career as a professor and giant of a public intellectual at Harvard Law School. He helped lay what many still hoped would be the legal framework for Black Americans to receive recompense for the social and economic damage underpinned by the legacy of slavery. He advocated the same for the survivors of the Tulsa Massacre of 1921, a racially-motivated riot in which a still-uncounted number of Black residents of a thriving neighborhood were killed in an armed conflict with a white mob. But Ogletree wasnt just a legal theorist. He was an active and sought-after legal practitioner. He represented Anita Hillherself a legal scholarwhen she testified during Senate confirmation hearings that then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her. He was among the lawyers who represented Tupac Shakur in several legal cases before his death. Hes credited with being among the law professors who taught and influenced Barack and Michelle Obama. The courthouse in his native Merced County, Calif., was named after him earlier this year. His family donated a massive archive of his writings and other materials to Harvard Law School last year; the law school worked with The History Makers, a group dedicated to preserving important pieces of African-American history, to digitize the collection and make it accessible to the public. Despite his lifetime accolades and stratospheric connections, Ogletree was anything but inaccessible. He allowed his students, colleagues and even casual acquaintances to address him as Tree the shortening of his last name sufficing for most in the legal profession or among the Black elite to recognize the reference. Ogletree revealed in 2016 that hed be diagnosed with Alzheimers disease; he retired from Harvard Law in 2020. Story continues Read more 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. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) Charles J. Ogletree Jr., a law professor and civil rights scholar with a distinguished career at Harvard Law School and whose list of clients ranged from Anita Hill to Tupac Shakur, died Friday after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 70. A California native who often spoke of his humble roots, Ogletree worked in the farm fields of the Central Valley before establishing himself as a legal scholar at one of the nation's most prominent law schools where he taught Barack and Michelle Obama. Harvard Law School Dean John F. Manning shared news of Ogletrees death in a message to the campus community Friday. Charles was a tireless advocate for civil rights, equality, human dignity, and social justice," Manning said in the message that the law school emailed to The Associated Press. He changed the world in so many ways, and he will be sorely missed in a world that very much needs him. Ogletree represented Hill when she accused Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment during the future U.S. Supreme Court justice's Senate confirmation hearings in 1991. He defended the late rapper Tupac Shakur in criminal and civil cases. He also fought unsuccessfully for reparations for members of Tulsa, Oklahomas Black community who survived a 1921 white supremacist massacre. Ogletree was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully at his home in Odenton, Maryland, his family said in a statement. Ogletree went public with the news that hed been diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2016. He retired from Harvard Law School in 2020. The Merced County courthouse in Californias agricultural heartland was named after him in February in recognition of his contributions to law, education and civil rights. Ogletree didnt attend the ceremony unveiling his name on the courthouse His brother told the crowd that gathered in the town in the San Joaquin Valley that his brother was his hero and that he would have expected him to say what hed said many times before: I stand on the shoulders of others. Story continues He always wants to give credit to others and not accept credit himself, which he so richly deserves, Richard Ogletree told the gathering. Charles J. Ogletree Jr. grew up in poverty on the south side of the railroad tracks in Merced in an area of Black and brown families. His parents were seasonal farm laborers, and he picked peaches, almonds and cotton in the summer. He went to college at Stanford University before Harvard. Manning said in his message Friday that Ogletree had a monumental impact on Harvard Law School. His extraordinary contributions stretch from his work as a practicing attorney advancing civil rights, criminal defense, and equal justice to the change he brought to Harvard Law School as an impactful institution builder to his generous work as teacher and mentor who showed our students how law can be an instrument for change, he said. Ogletree is survived by his wife, Pamela Barnes, to whom he was married for 47 years; his two children, Charles J. Ogletree, III and Rashida Ogletree-George; and four grandchildren. A metro Atlanta man has been sentenced to prison after taking a plea deal for drug trafficking charges. James Richard Fain, 42, was arrested in March 2022 when he was pulled over for not staying in his lane while driving on I-575, according to prosecutors with the Cherokee County District Attorneys Office. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The deputy who pulled him over said he smelled marijuana coming from the car, so he searched it and found 100.8 grams of meth, cocaine and marijuana in several baggies in the car and in Fains pockets. At the time of his arrest, this defendant had in his possession enough methamphetamine to dose over 100 people. He also admitted to the narcotics agents that the drugs inside the vehicle were his and that he intended to sell them, said Assistant District Attorney Rachel Clark. TRENDING STORIES: Fain pleaded to trafficking methamphetamine and possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison with the first 10 years to be served in prison and the rest on probation. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Margaret Stroud looked up at Norfolk Naval Shipyards historic hammerhead crane in June 1963 as she walked through the gates toward her new job. She was 21 and excited about the future On Tuesday 60 years later she signed out of the same shipyard for the last time. The newly-minted retirees view of the crane, looming 20 stories over the Elizabeth River, will be different now. Wherever you are in the shipyard, you see that big crane They were good to give me a picture of that to take with me, said Stroud, 81. The Chesapeake resident dedicated her life to civil service, working at nearly a dozen commands across Hampton Roads over the past six decades. But it all began and ended with Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Her time there began in 1942, when Stroud was less than a year old. Her father, Walter Leander Barnes, began working at the shipyard as an electrician following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Because of the buildup for the war (World War II), they built a lot of housing for shipyard workers, Stroud said. We lived there in the subsidized housing units until I was 11 years old. Strouds father was still working at the shipyard, climbing from electrician to firecontrollman, when Stroud applied for a job there. I wish I could say it was about patriotism, but it was money, Stroud said with a laugh. Stroud had been working at a downtown Portsmouth office when someone told her the shipyard paid more money and offered good benefits. So I went over to the shipyard and told them that Id like to apply for a job. And the lady said, Well, you have to take a typing test. So I did. And I got 100. I was so thrilled, Stroud said, a smile stretched from ear to ear. Stroud started at the shipyard two weeks later, working as a card punch operator. What a memorable year , Stroud began. She recalled Nov. 22, 1963. Story continues I remember I was sitting in the shipyard training branch, Stroud said. And the lady beside me got a phone call saying that President John F. Kennedy had been shot and it was serious. Shortly after, they learned he had died. That was a shocker for all of us, Stroud said. And leaving work that day, you know, dozens of people coming out at the shipyard same time. Everybody looked like they were in shock. Stroud worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for several years until her family temporarily relocated to Richmond so her husband could get a masters degree. During that time, she worked at the Veteran Administration Hospital and later at a Department of Defense supply center. When they returned to Hampton Roads, she found work in the comptroller department of the shipyard and later with the Army Corps of Engineers in Norfolk. She began pursuing accounting and eventually made the switch to Fort Monroe when it was under the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. I loved it so much there, Stroud said. I went back and forth to Fort Monroe every day. That was a pretty long drive because they didnt have Monitor Merrimac (Bridge Tunnel) then it was all down James River Bridge, down Mercury Boulevard. Stroud worked as an accounting technician for 10 years before her office was downsized, forcing her to transfer to Defense Finance and Account Service at Naval Station Norfolk. She was there for another decade before it was closed. Her next journey took her to the budget office at Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, then back to Naval Station Norfolk to work for Joint Forces Command until it was disestablished. She transferred to Joint Staff in Suffolk, where a few years later a budget cut led to her being laid off. She worked at the Sewells Point Occupational Safety and Health Center at Navy Region Mid-Atlantic before going back to Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where she was placed in the Nuclear Planning & Engineering Department as an administrative assistant. I came back to the shipyard in 2015 before the safety center was hit with a cutback and told them I may be a jinx, she said. There were closures, disestablishments, civilian personnel cuts everywhere I went. By that time, Stroud had been offered retirement twice. But I couldnt afford it And I have enjoyed all of my jobs every one of them, Stroud said. Throughout her career, Stroud went to night school and worked to keep up with technology, which was quickly evolving. I was in accounting when personal computers came out, so I did not get all the training in Microsoft that the average person got, she said. So, when I went back into administration, it was a challenge for me. Trying to do intermediate Outlook and Excel and PowerPoint it was hard. I dont think I would have been successful if I hadnt had good people willing to help me when I got a difficult task. The use of personal computers and cellphones, she said, made her job obsolete. All the bosses have cellphones, so people dont call a secretary to make an appointment with the boss, Stroud said. They just call the boss. There just wasnt that much work to do anymore. The hardest job was finding something to do all day. Furthering her decision to finally retire, Stroud said, was news of the Chinese Navys aggressive shipbuilding, putting the country on track to surpass the capabilities and capacity of the U.S. in the next few years. And, according to Stroud, leadership will replace her with an engineer, rather than an administrative assistant. I knew they really needed engineers quickly to get them trained and prepare for what the Navy may have to do, she said. So, I felt like I was doing more for my country by retiring than actually staying. So I was happy to be able to retire. Stroud plans to volunteer at local schools and libraries to teach children how to read. She also has volunteered to work the hospitality desk at Portsmouth Naval Medical Hospital, and is waiting to hear back from the Chesapeake School District and Red Cross. I havent built up excitement yet. It is more like, Oh dear, what do I do now? she said. Perhaps if I knew where I was going, I could focus more. But now it is just day to day, having lunch and getting acquainted with people I only had email time for before. Stroud shared with The Virginian-Pilot a message to her written by Norfolk Naval Shipyard public affairs. After 60 years, Norfolk Naval Shipyard extends a Bravo Zulu to Margaret Stroud and offers a heartfelt thank you for her years of service. Fair winds and following seas, Mrs. Stroud. May your next journey be just as incredible as the first, it reads. Caitlyn Burchett, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com At least 10 people have died and 18 are missing after torrential rains battered Hebei province in northern China. Officials evacuated more than half its 11.5 million people by noon (04:00 GMT) on Saturday from areas thought to be at high risk of landslides and floods. Storm Doksuri, which hit mainland China last week, has brought the worst rains in 140 years. China's weather agency issued a red alert to warn people about the "geological risks". Hebei province, neighbouring Beijing is said to be one of the worst affected areas. Clean-up operations are under way after the floods engulfed residential homes, destroyed infrastructure and submerged entire districts. Aerial video footage of Hebei province shot by AFP showed entire shopping streets transformed into rivers of brown water, with farmland in the surrounding areas completely submerged. Rescuers were seen using boats to transport instant noodles, bread and drinking water to residents who could not access basic supplies and feared leaving their homes. In July alone, China's Ministry of Emergency Management said that it recorded 142 people dead or missing because of the extreme weather. Globally, millions of people have been hit by extreme weather and heatwaves in recent weeks. Ma Jun, director of the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, an NGO, said: "China has suffered unprecedented extreme heatwaves since last year. "These heatwaves are linked to global warming, and this is what most climate scientists around the world tend to agree." Doksuri made landfall in China's south-east Fujian province on Friday, triggering landslides and floods before moving north towards the capital. Hundreds of thousands of Fujian residents were evacuated. Doksuri, which came a week after typhoon Talim, also led to mass closures of schools and workplaces across the province. (Reuters) - China's embassy in Russia criticised the treatment of five Chinese citizens who were refused entry into Russia, calling the treatment inconsistent with the overall friendly relations between the two countries. The five, attempting to drive into Russia from Kazakhstan late last month, were refused entry after four hours of examination and had their visas cancelled, the embassy said on its WeChat social media account on Friday. The embassy met with Russia's foreign ministry and border agencies, "clearly pointing out that the brutal and excessive law enforcement by Russia in this incident seriously damaged the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens," the post said. The embassy cited statements by Russian officials that Russia welcomes and does not have discriminatory policies against Chinese citizens, as well as that the destination on their visa application of the five Chinese did not match their actual destination. Beijing and Moscow have repeatedly spoken of their strong relations since presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin announced a "no limits" partnership in February 2022, when Putin visited Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics days before he launched the Ukraine invasion. On Friday China said it would send a senior official to Saudi Arabia for weekend talks seeking a peaceful settlement to the war in Ukraine at a forum that excludes Russia - a diplomatic coup for Kyiv, the West and the Saudi hosts. (Reporting by David Kirton in Shenzhen; Editing by William Mallard) Facing conspiracy charges over efforts to overturn the 2020 election, former US president Donald Trump has fired back at opponents, including a threatening post on social media that quickly caught the attention of US prosecutors (Elijah Nouvelage) Prosecutors have asked a US judge to limit information Donald Trump can publicly discuss regarding the latest indictments against him, citing a threatening post by the ex-president which his campaign defended Saturday as "political speech." Jack Smith, the special counsel overseeing the charges against Trump for seeking to overturn the 2020 election, filed a motion Friday evening urging a federal judge to impose a protective order regarding discovery evidence to prevent the former president from revealing details about the case. The new development came just hours after Trump defied a judge who had warned him not to discuss the case with any potential witnesses and posted what is being seen as a bald threat on his social media platform. "If you go after me, I'm coming after you!" Trump posted Friday on Truth Social. Trump, the Republican frontrunner for his party's nomination in the 2024 presidential election, has pleaded not guilty to the four election conspiracy and obstruction charges -- the most serious in the multiple cases he faces. The aggressive, all-caps social media post was cited and displayed in Smith's motion to US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, which referenced Trump's previous history of attacking people who were connected to criminal cases against him. "All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public," Smith and his team wrote in the motion. "Such a restriction is particularly important in this case because the defendant has previously issued public statements on social media regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others associated with legal matters pending against him." The motion went on to say that if the defendant were to issue public posts about details or grand jury transcripts obtained during the discovery process, "it could have a harmful, chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case." Story continues Trump's campaign quickly pushed back. "The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech," a Trump spokesperson said in a statement early Saturday, which suggested the 77-year-old billionaire was referring to his political opponents and not to anyone involved in the election interference case. The back and forth is certain to inflame the tensions in Washington over Trump's legal peril, which he and several Republican leaders have framed as an effort by President Joe Biden's administration to sideline the Democrat's chief political rival. On Friday night in Alabama, Trump appeared before supporters and branded the indictments against him "an act of desperation by a failed, disgraced, crooked Joe Biden and his radical left thugs to preserve their grip on power." The White House has stressed that the Department of Justice operates independently and that Biden's team has no involvement in the cases against Trump. mlm/bbk Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, has pleaded not guilty to the four election conspiracy and obstruction charges (Elijah Nouvelage) Prosecutors have asked a US judge to limit information Donald Trump can publicly discuss regarding the latest indictments against him, citing a threatening post by the ex-president that his campaign defended Saturday as "political speech." Jack Smith, the special counsel overseeing the charges against Trump for seeking to overturn the 2020 election, filed a motion Friday urging a federal judge to impose a protective order to prevent the former president from revealing evidentiary details about the case. The judge, Tanya Chutkan, then issued a weekend order to Trump's legal team that they respond to the government's motion by 5:00 pm (2100 GMT) on Monday. The fast-moving developments came in the wake of Trump appearing to defy a judge who had warned him not to discuss the case with any potential witnesses, and his posting of what is being seen as a threat on his social media platform. "If you go after me, I'm coming after you!" Trump wrote in all caps Friday on Truth Social. Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, has pleaded not guilty to the four election conspiracy and obstruction charges -- the most serious in the multiple cases he faces. His social media post was cited and displayed in Smith's motion to US District Court Judge Chutkan, which referenced Trump's history of attacking people who were connected to criminal cases against him. "All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public," prosecutors wrote in the motion. "Such a restriction is particularly important in this case because the defendant has previously issued public statements on social media regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others associated with legal matters pending against him." The motion went on to say that if the defendant were to issue public posts about details or grand jury transcripts obtained during the discovery process, "it could have a harmful, chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case." Story continues - Trump warned - When Trump appeared in court in Washington on Thursday to enter his not guilty plea, he was given an unusual warning by a magistrate judge, Moxila Upadhyaya, against intimidating witnesses or obstructing justice. "I want to remind you that it is a crime to try to influence a juror, or to threaten or attempt to bribe a witness or any other person who may have information about your case, or to retaliate against anyone for providing information about your case to the prosecution," the judge said, in comments quoted by US media. Trump's campaign early Saturday sought to water down his social media post about "coming after" people, saying the 77-year-old billionaire was referring to his political opponents and not to anyone involved in the election interference case. "The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech," a Trump spokesperson said in a statement. The back and forth is certain to inflame the tensions in Washington over Trump's legal peril, which he and several Republican leaders have framed as an effort by President Joe Biden's administration to sideline the Democrat's chief political rival. On Saturday night in South Carolina, Trump promised a thorough housecleaning of the "now totally corrupt" Justice Department and labeled Smith, the special prosecutor, "a maniac." "You take a look at that face, you say that guy is a sick man," Trump said. Trump vowed to appoint his own special prosecutor, if elected, to punish "all of the crooked acts including the bribes... that go into the coffers of the Biden crime family." The White House has stressed that the Department of Justice operates independently and that Biden's team has no involvement in the cases against Trump. mlm/bbk/tjj/aha The city of Boise says it has no plans to cite the owners of a local motel that was shut down for subjecting its occupants to disgusting living conditions. Boise inspectors ordered the Travelers Motel at 5620 W. Fairview Ave. to close after they visited several times in July and found the property in disrepair and its units badly deteriorated. About 30 people were displaced, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. City leaders could issue the business a misdemeanor citation but likely wont, according to Maria Weeg, a spokesperson for Mayor Lauren McLean. I suspect the cost to fix the property will be a substantial penalty that would likely exceed the penalty associated with the misdemeanor, Weeg told the Statesman by email. Inspectors with the citys Fire Prevention Division conducted a fire and life safety inspection in April 2022, but didnt take action until a local business complained in June about debris, broken-down cars and dilapidated buildings on the nearby property. Some of the units had rotted-out floors, no running water, black mold and no smoke detectors, according to Fire Marshal Mike Bisagno. One unit had a broken pipe that left raw sewage on the floor. A few of the occupants had been living there long-term, said Jodi Peterson-Stigers, director of Interfaith Sanctuary, a Boise homeless shelter. Peterson-Stigers visited the motel to offer the residents assistance as part of Our Path Home, a partnership between the city and organizations that help the homeless population. She spoke with several people who lived there, including a family of four that had been there for years. Its disgusting, Peterson-Stigers told the Statesman by phone. Theres no floors in the bathrooms. Theres mold and swollen walls from the moisture thats inside them. That doesnt happen in just a few weeks. When a Statesman reporter visited the property on Wednesday, the office had a closed sign, but an older woman and man answered the doorbell. The woman said they planned to fix and reopen the motel. She declined to identify herself but referred to the motel as her property. Story continues Ada County records show the motel is owned by Title Honey LLC. The company was formed in 2015 with Honey and Beena Patel listed as members, according to records filed with the Idaho Secretary of States Office. The business has been listed as inactive since 2020, when it did not file an annual report. Statesman reporter Noble Brigham contributed. Homelessness taught us humility. How this Idaho family was able to buy a house Pandemic emergency rental assistance is now gone in Ada County. Tenant evictions surge A Boise neighborhood association wanted to stop a homeless shelter. Judge just ruled Feature: Dilapidated old factory in central China transformed into popular tourist spot Xinhua) 14:35, August 05, 2023 WUHAN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- An old factory in central China's Hubei Province has earned a well-deserved spot among the must-visit tourist destinations, as recommended by local travel guides, after undergoing a remarkable transformation. Huaxin 1907, a cement factory-turned-cultural park located in the city of Huangshi, just an hour and a half drive from the provincial capital Wuhan, today hosts an array of attractions such as museums, cafes, bookstores, and hotels, all set within the warehouses and blast furnaces of this old factory. As evening sets in, the massive compound transforms into a teeming night market, bustling with locals purchasing various goods, savoring delectable snacks, and leisurely strolling about. Liu Min is excited to visit the former industrial site with his parents and children this summer. Liu, who grew up in the city but now works in Wuhan, fondly recalls his childhood memories of this place brimming with roaring machines and chimneys billowing smoke. Huaxin, founded in 1907, was one of the earliest cement factories in modern China. Visitors today can still see two production lines imported from the United States in 1946, and one assembly equipment independently designed and developed in 1977. These remarkable installations earned it the title of the "cradle of China's cement industry." During its heyday, the factory served as a vast production and living compound that extended across entire neighborhoods. Within its premises, there were essential amenities such as a hospital, a primary school, and apartment complexes. The mill was shut down by the city government in 2007 due to air pollution concerns and the closure had triggered desolation of the nearby neighborhood. But instead of being demolished, the factory was listed as a national industrial heritage in 2019. Recognizing the potential of its expansive space and affordable rental costs, investors in 2021 began transforming it into a vibrant district featuring parks, museums, art galleries and startup incubators, with an aim to create new value and enrich the surrounding community. Since then, the place has seen an influx of people flocking to start businesses. Companies also come to hold gatherings and activities. The younger generation has taken notice of the place, infusing the industrial relics with a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It attracted wide media coverage for drawing 50,000 visitors during the five-day May Day holiday last year. "The combination of the industrial culture and the interests of the younger generation made the mill's low-carbon transition successful," said Sun Jialin, a local social media influencer. Huaxin 1907 has set a compelling example as a popular option for urban developers seeking innovative ways to revitalize their industrial bases. An increasing number of factories across the province are transforming their industrial sites to capitalize on new opportunities and generate profits. To gain a competitive edge, investors have to dig out the unique stories behind the place to distinguish it from others. The old cement factory holds a special place in the hearts of Huangshi residents, said Huang Jing, the operation manager of the Huaxin 1907 park. Her company is planning to launch some immersive items, allowing visitors to wear blue-collar workwear, watch movies and even take baths in the factory dormitory, recreating the bustling scenes of 50 years ago when hundreds of workers thronged the assembly lines. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) CAIRO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will travel to Chad on Sunday for a meeting of Sudan's neighboring countries to seek peaceful solutions to the Sudanese crisis, the Foreign Ministry said Saturday. The meeting in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, is the first one of the ministerial mechanism formed at the summit of Sudan's neighboring countries held on July 13 in Egypt's capital Cairo, according to a ministry statement. The meeting will discuss the security, political and humanitarian aspects of the Sudanese crisis, its effects on the Sudanese people, and its regional and international repercussions, the statement said. The ministers aim to develop practical proposals that enable the heads of state and governments of Sudan's neighboring countries to reach effective solutions that would end the current crisis and preserve the unity of Sudan, its territorial integrity and the capabilities of its people, it added. Sudan has been witnessing armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces across the country since April 15, which left more than 3,000 people killed and at least 6,000 others injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry. More than 3 million people have been forced into displacement, inside and outside the country, since the conflict broke out in Sudan, according to UN estimates. A Colorado gun reform law that will prohibit people under 21 years old from purchasing a gun will go into effect on Monday. SB23-169, one of several sweeping gun reform measures approved by the state legislature and signed by the governor in the spring, will prohibit people under the age of 21 from purchasing a gun, with exceptions for active members of the U.S. armed forces, peace officers and people certified by the Peace Officer Standards and Training board. Local gun shops and shooting ranges say the new law might lower profit, but they are more worried about the people who will be unable to protect themselves. "People under the age of 21 are no longer going to have the right to defend themselves with firearms," DCF Guns store manager Kevin Day told Fox 21. "The best thing we can do is continue to educate the public." COLORADO GOVERNOR SIGNS GUN CONTROL BILLS AFTER LGBTQ NIGHTCLUB MASSACRE Some gun groups, including the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, have filed lawsuits against Democrat Gov. Jared Polis and the State of Colorado in an attempt to strike down the new law, The organization filed a Temporary Restraining Order to potentially prevent the law from going into effect, arguing that it is unconstitutional. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP RMGO said if people are allowed to vote when they are 18, they should be allowed to purchase a gun. "You can be drafted into the military. You can go and die for your country, but you cant own a gun. Thats just wrong," RMGO Executive Director Taylor Rhodes told Fox 21. State sponsors of the legislation said it is meant to protect young people, not to criminalize responsible gun owners. COLORADO'S DEMOCRATIC-CONTROLLED LEGISLATURE PASSES PACKAGE OF GUN CONTROL MEASURES SB23-169 is one of several sweeping gun reform measures approved by the state legislature and signed by the governor in the spring. "This isn't trying to infringe on anybodys rights What it comes down to is saving lives, we know that youth suicide has increased," Majority House Leader Monica Duran, Majority House Leader told the outlet. "We know domestic violence has increased." Duran, a Democrat, said limiting access to guns is a way to improve public safety. "The easier it is to access something, the more likelihood that it can be used in a way that could be detrimental to not just our youth but our community," she said. Byrle and Jo Ann Graham chat outside. The couple have been married for over 70 years. Wichita Falls as a city began in 1882, making the city just over 140 years old. For just under half of that time, Byrle and Jo Ann Graham have been married. They celebrated their 70th anniversary with a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, one of many travels the couple have embarked on together. The Grahams have seen most of the U.S., and well beyond, including tours of the Caribbean, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and more. Despite the breadth of their travels, they always end up back in Wichita Falls - and sometimes, even find connections to the city far from home. Byrle and Jo Ann Graham sit in the Wichita Falls home they have lived in for the past four decades. We run into people everywhere who know Wichita Falls, Jo Ann said. She cited running into someone she knew from work at Lake Superior, who recognized them by the Pattersons frame on their cars license plate. Another time, they chatted with a man at Stonehenge who was surprised to learn the Grahams were from Wichita Falls. His roommate, he said, was from Wichita Falls but had decided to sleep in that day rather than make the trek out to the historic site. One favorite place they continue to return to every few years is the San Francisco area. In 1952, a year out of high school, Byrle enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base, north of San Francisco. Thats where I met this young lady, she was working civil service on the base and I was in the Air Force, Byrle said. Shortly thereafter, in 1953, the couple were married. Byrle had left a job at a print shop in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to join the Air Force, and the couple moved to Byrles home state after his enlistment. I wanted to come back to Oklahoma, you know, my home state, and she didnt say no, so she came with me, Byrle said The shop Byrle worked at paid $0.35 an hour and he worked there until he saw a job opening for the same work in Oklahoma City for $0.75 an hour. Then, in 1962, he saw an ad for a job in Wichita Falls that bumped him up to a full $1 an hour rate, and the couple have lived here ever since. Story continues Jo Ann said it was a lucky move, as she was able to find a job with WFISD as director of purchasing. She retired from that position after 30 years in 1991. Both before and since retirement, the Grahams have been active in the community, working with the Museum of North Texas History on the advisory and hospitality boards, University United Methodist Church, the Kell House and the Symphony League, which they hold season tickets for. We try to stay active. And I like volunteering, I like being involved in stuff, Jo Ann said. After 70 years together, the Grahams have one child, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. Jo Ann said it feels like it has been less than 70 years. It slips by. And Im always kind of surprised its been that long. It doesnt seem that long to me, Jo Ann said. Through it all, Byrle and Jo Ann said it was a matter of sticking things out when it got tough and appreciating each other. And I think people give up too soon. Its not all a bed of roses. You have to take the thorns along with them, Jo Ann said before quipping to Byrle, But I will say you dont have many thorns. Thorns? No, I dont have any, Byrle agreed. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Byrle and Jo Ann Graham celebrate 70 years of marriage Festus Akinbusoye is Britain's first black police and crime commissioner - Times Newspapers Ltd/Richard Pohle The Conservative candidate to replace Nadine Dorries in Mid-Bedfordshire has been accused of failing to bring car thieves to justice in the county. Festus Akinbusoye, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, is facing attacks by political opponents on his record in the role. Mr Akinbusoye was named as the prospective Tory candidate last month after Ms Dorries announced she was standing down from Parliament. However, it is not clear when the by-election will take place because Ms Dorries has not yet formally resigned, insisting she needs answers first on why she was denied a peerage in Boris Johnsons resignation honours. The delay has not stopped the Tories opponents beginning a de facto campaign in the seat. With Mr Akinbusoye serving as a Police and Crime Commissioner since May 2021, the Liberal Democrats have homed in on his record in the job over the past two years. According to Home Office statistics published this month, more than 40,000 crimes have gone unsolved in the county since Mr Akinbusoye took over, or over 50 a day. The figures show that Bedfordshire was the worst force outside of London for car theft charges, with 1.8 per cent of cases in the last financial year resulting in a suspect being charged or summonsed. Nadine Dorries is 'awaiting answers on why she did not receive a peerage' - Leon Neal/Getty A freedom of information (FOI) request submitted by the Lib Dems found that only 39 per cent of burglary reports in 2022 resulted in a police officer attending the scene, lagging behind an average of about 60 per cent among the 19 forces that gave full responses to the request. Of the 37 forces which responded to the Lib Dems FOI request on police attendance to reports of anti-social behaviour, and of the 23 forces who responded to their FOI about attendance to vehicle theft, Bedfordshire was the third worst performing force. A Lib Dem source said: The Festus Files are a damning indictment of the Conservative Partys record in Bedfordshire. Victims are being left to suffer with no justice while criminals are given free reign to target local communities. Story continues Undermining police efforts With thousands of unattended and unsolved crimes, Festus cannot fool voters when it comes to his ability to deliver on their behalf. Theres no doubt that this appalling record on crime will be his Achilles Heel in this campaign. However, Mr Akinbusoye pushed back, accusing the Lib Dems of using old and misleading information for political purposes to try and discredit my record while undermining the outstanding efforts of Bedfordshire Police officers and staff to tackle crime and keep people safe. Given the Lib Dems election manifesto commitment to decriminalise drugs in Britain, it is clear they cannot be trusted to keep Mid Bedfordshire and our county safe, he said. Lib Dems are weak on crime, and will only take a knee for criminals. My record stands up against crime in Bedfordshire. We have recruited the highest ever number of police officers in the forces history, while investing record amounts in tackling the causes of crime in our county. A Bedfordshire Police spokesman said the force had consistently improved its performance over recent years with His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services awarding a good or outstanding in six of the nine areas they assessed. 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. President Biden made history in the 2020 election and it was not just for being the oldest person ever elected to the White House. Biden became the first candidate in 60 years to win a presidential election without carrying the crucial Midwestern state of Ohio. Ohio, long a key general election battleground, was the state that put then-President George W. Bush over the top in the 2004 election. Bushs narrow victory in the Buckeye State gave the Republican incumbent another four years in the White House. Former President Obama carried Ohio by five points in 2008 and three points in 2012, as the states reputation as a general election swing state was upheld. However, former President Trump appeared to change the equation, with convincingly eight-point victories in the state in 2016 and 2020. WHAT'S BEHIND GEORGIA'S TRANSFORMATION FROM RELIABLY RED STATE TO TOP BATTLEGROUND? Former President Trump speaks during a rally at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio, on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Longtime Sen. Sherrod Browns 2018 victory was the last time a Democrat won statewide in Ohio. GOP Gov. Mike DeWine won re-election last year by a 25-point landslide. Additionally, veteran Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, despite running a near flawless campaign, was defeated by Republican Senate nominee and first-time candidate JD Vance by six points. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP HOW RON DESANTIS AND FLORIDA REPUBLICANS TOOK CONTROL OF THE SUNSHINE STATE Fast-forward to the 2024 election cycle, and Senate Republicans view Ohio as a top target, as they aim to oust Brown, who is seeking a fourth six-year term in the chamber. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, speaks to reporters in the Senate subway on his way to a vote at the U.S. Capitol on March 14, 2023 in Washington, D.C. "There is still some Democratic support in Ohio, but clearly it is a state that is trending in a Republican direction," Ohio based political scientist Paul Beck told Fox News. Beck, a professor emeritus of political science at Ohio State University, pointed to the current state of play between the two major parties in the Buckeye State and highlighted that the "Republican Party has much more money that the Democrats do. They have a much stronger bench than the Democrats do." Story continues HOW THIS ONETIME SWING STATE IN AMERICA'S HEARTLAND TURNED BRIGHT RED So what happened to turn Ohio from purple to red? Beck spotlighted two key areas where the GOP made major gains. "White males in particular in northeastern Ohio the old industrial heartland area kind of soured on the Democratic Party. Part of it is culture wars, but part of it is a feeling that the Democrats stood by while jobs were being outsourced. Not that the Republicans have been any better, but its the Democrats who were in charge during that period," Beck said. Beck said that "the other area that has gone heavily Republican and heavily for Trump is the Appalachian area of Ohio. That used to be a strongly Democratic area, old coal country. But that has changed as well and when you put those two things together, its whats giving the Republicans their edge." Looking at the "deterioration of Democratic support in rural areas and small towns in Ohio, Beck said that "theyre trying to recover that but without much success." The 11-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter of shooting victim Prakash Singh are are comforted by mourners at a memorial service and visitation August 10, 2012, for six members of the Sikh temple mass murder at Oak Creek High School in Oak Creek, Wis. Wade Michael Page, a member of a racist neo-nazi group, has been identified as the lone gunman who killed six people, and then himself, during Sunday services at the Sikh Temple August 5. File Photo by Allen Fredrickson/UPI Aug. 5 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1833, Chicago, with a population of about 200, was incorporated as a village. In 1858, after several unsuccessful attempts, the first telegraph line across the Atlantic Ocean was completed. In 1861, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln approved the first federal income tax. A wartime measure, it was rescinded in 1872. In 1944, Polish underground forces freed hundreds of Jewish prisoners from the Gesiowka Nazi work camp in an attempt to retake Warsaw from the Germans, a battle known as the Warsaw Uprising. Fireworks ignite during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 5, 2016. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI In 1949, an estimated 6,000 people were killed and about 20,000 injured in an earthquake that destroyed dozens of towns in Ecuador. In 1957, Richard Clark's American Bandstand began airing nationally. Clark, who hosted the show for decades, as well as New Year's Rockin' Eve, died April 2012. On August 5, 2010, the U.S. Senate confirmed Elena Kagan as the newest member of the Supreme Court. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI In 1962, Marilyn Monroe died of an overdose of barbiturates. She was 35. UPI File Photo Jewish prisoners of the Gesiowka work camp in Warsaw and Polish insurgent fighters after the camp's liberation August 5, 1944, during the Warsaw Uprising. File Photo courtesy of Wikimedia In 1974, U.S. President Richard Nixon admitted ordering the Watergate investigation halted six days after the break-in. Nixon said he expected to be impeached. In 1981, by executive order, U.S. President Ronald Reagan fired 11,359 air-traffic controllers on strike over failed negotiations to raise their pay and shorten their workweek. Bishop Gene Robinson (L), the first openly gay bishop, shares a laugh with senior adviser to the president Valerie Jarrett during an Easter prayer breakfast hosted by President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House, in Washington on April 14, 2014. At right is the Rev. Al Sharpton. On August 5, 2003, U.S. Episcopal officials approved election of Robinson of New Hampshire. File Photo by Martin Simon/Pool In 1991, Iraq said it misled U.N. inspectors about secret biological weapons and also admitted extracting plutonium from fuel at a nuclear plant. In 2003, U.S. Episcopal officials approved election of the church's first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. Stevie Wonder performs a tribute to Richard Clark at the 40th anniversary American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012. On August 5, 1957, Clark's "American Bandstand" began airing nationally. File Photo by Phil McCarten/UPI In 2007, U.S. President George W. Bush signed into law a bill to allow government eavesdropping of telephone conversations and email of U.S. citizens without a warrant if there's "reasonable belief" that one party isn't in the United States. In 2010, the U.S. Senate cleared the way for Solicitor General Elena Kagan to become the newest member of the Supreme Court when it voted 63-37 to confirm her nomination by President Barack Obama. She was sworn in two days later to succeed the retiring John Stevens. Story continues File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI In 2012, a gunman police described as a white supremacist shot six people to death, injured four others, then killed himself at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wis. The victims were one woman and five men, and ranged in age from 39 to 84. Police treated the shooting as a domestic terrorism incident. In 2016, the Summer Olympics opening ceremony kicked off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2019, the Indian government announced plans to strip autonomy from the predominantly Muslim Kashmir region. In 2022, Death Valley National Park experienced its rainiest day on record, according to the National Park Service and the National Weather Service. The park said 1.7 inches fell, shattering the previous record of 1.47 inches in a day. A man picks up a dead fish in Lake Merritt in Oakland in 2022. (Bronte Wittpenn / AP) At least 21 marine animals have washed ashore dead throughout the San Francisco Bay Area in the last week potential victims of the return of the same toxic red tide that killed thousands of fish in the region last year. Harmful algae blooms of this kind can be caused by a number of different microorganisms, but this red tide is associated with one called Heterosigma akashiwo, which was also the culprit behind last year's event, said Ian Wren, an algae expert and staff scientist for San Francisco Baykeeper. This latest red tide was first seen in Seaplane Lagoon, the Berkeley Marina, Belvedere Cove and near Muir Beach, according to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Read more: A toxic red tide has returned to the San Francisco Bay Area, after killing thousands of fish last year The California Department of Fish and Wildlife set up a project on iNaturalist to collect reports of dead marine life in the Bay Area. So far, people have observed dead marine animals in multiple areas including the Berkeley Marina, Albany Beach, Marina Beach and Point Molate Beach. The carcasses reported so far include sturgeons, bat rays, chinook salmon and striped bass. Algae blooms produce a toxin that is deadly to fish and other marine animals. As the bloom spreads, bacteria in the water consume the algae. The process depletes the water of oxygen, which risks suffocating fish and other creatures. Wren said scientists are optimistic this years algae bloom will not be as severe as last year's, but it's still early. Read more: Thousands of dead fish in San Francisco Bay Area blamed on toxic red tide Nutrient concentrations in the bay are lower now than they were at the start of the algae bloom last year, according to Wren. Nutrients are kind of an essential building block for any kind of algae bloom and if the nutrient pool is smaller than that usually associates with a small algae bloom, he said. The water quality control board has been working to determine how to best manage the nutrients being inputted into the bay. Wastewater disposed in large bodies of water can result in high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, which can drive the growth of algae blooms. Story continues This bloom could fizzle out and we dont see anymore, or it could get a lot worse, Wren said. Times staff writer Summer Lin contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California, your daily guide to news, views and life in the Golden State. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. NIAMEY (Reuters) -Niger's ousted prime minister on Saturday clung to the dimming hope that last week's military coup could be overturned by diplomacy, he told Reuters on the eve of a deadline set by regional powers to reinstate the elected government. Niger's military takeover, the seventh in West and Central Africa in three years, has rocked the western Sahel region, one of the poorest in the world, which has strategic significance to global powers. Defence chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have drawn up a plan for military action if the coup leaders do not reinstate elected President Mohamed Bazoum, currently being held by the military at his residence in Niamey, by Sunday. Their pledge has raised the spectre of further conflict in a region that is already battling a deadly Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and forced millions to flee. Still, as the deadline loomed, Bazoum's Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou believed a last-minute intervention was possible, he said in an interview in Paris. "We are still hopeful," said Mahamadou, who was in Rome when the coup occurred. "We expect President Bazoum to be released, reinstated, and all institutions that were allegedly dissolved to be restored in their entirety." France said on Saturday it will support efforts to overturn the coup, without specifying whether its backing would entail military assistance for an ECOWAS intervention. But 59-year-old coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani, who received some of his military training in France, said the junta will not back down. Meanwhile ECOWAS' options, which range from a ground invasion to aiding a homegrown counter-coup, all risk stoking insecurity. Mahamadou said that he was in contact with Bazoum, but questioned how the ousted president, who two weeks ago was residing unhindered in a palace, was being treated. "He is doing well as a political prisoner, sequestered, without water, without electricity, can do," he said, adding that ECOWAS intervention could be the only way to change that. Story continues "The security of the president is a matter that is in the hands of ECOWAS," he said. TOUGH STANCE ECOWAS has taken a tough stance on the takeover. Given its uranium and oil riches and pivotal role in the warwith the militants, Niger holds importance for the U.S., China, Europe and Russia. Under the intervention plan, the decision of when and whereto strike will be made by heads of state, said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security. He did not give a timeline for intervention, or say what the plan would entail. "All the elements that will go into any eventualintervention have been worked out here, including the resourcesneeded, the how and when we are going deploy the force," he saidat the close of a three-day meeting in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Friday. ECOWAS may face resistance. Niger's neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, where military juntas have also seized power in recent years, said they would support Niger in the event of military intervention. Mahamadou shrugged off the threat from Niger's neighbours, whose underequipped armies are struggling to contain violent Islamist insurgencies of their own. "To go to Niger, they have to cross the jihadist groups that they have not succeeded in fighting. So for us, it's an empty threat," he said. (Reporting by Julitte Jabkhiro, Michel Rose, Clotaire Achi, Louise Dalmasso and Stephanie Lecocq; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Jan Harvey) One of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss (R) most prominent donors told reporters Friday that he would cut off funds to his 2024 campaign if he didnt adopt a more moderate approach. Robert Bigelow, the founder of Budget Suites of America and Bigelow Aerospace, told Reuters in an interview that he explained to DeSantiss campaign that the governor needs to shift his agenda to target moderates or he risks losing his support. Hell lose if he doesnt, he said, referring to DeSantiss chances against former President Trump. Extremism isnt going to get you elected. He added that his funding wouldnt resume until I see that hes able to generate more on his own. Im already too big a percentage, Bigelow claimed. A lot of his donors are still on the fence. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage When asked what led him to the decision to curb funding, the entrepreneur pointed to what he called the governors extreme positions on policy, including the six-week abortion ban DeSantis signed into law in April. According to Reuters, Bigelow claimed six weeks is too short, as many women dont know they are pregnant at that stage. Still, Bigelow said in the interview that he remains behind DeSantis and believes he is the best guy for the country. The billionaire has already given $20 million to the Never Back Down pro-DeSantis super PAC. He is also considered the Florida governors largest individual donor. The news comes as DeSantiss campaign has struggled to meet financial expectations and cut a total of 38 staffers over the last several weeks. The shake-up is an effort to streamline operations and put Ron DeSantis in the strongest position to win this primary, according to his team. Despite the governors efforts on the campaign trail in early primary states, Trump is still leading DeSantis by double digits, according to polling averages. A new poll out of Iowa this week shows the former president ahead of DeSantis by 24 points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A federal appeals court has blocked a new city of Miami voting map drawn by community groups from being used for the November elections. In a 2-1 decision issued late Friday, a three-judge appellate panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta granted the citys emergency motion to block a map drawn by community groups represented by lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union. The groups are suing the city alleging that commissioners in 2022 approved a racially gerrymandered voting map that unconstitutionally packed Hispanic and Black voters into certain districts. The lawsuit is ongoing and expected to go to trial in 2024, but the city needed a map to use for this years elections after U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore invalidated a map that was approved in 2022. Commissioners approved a new map in June, but Moore rejected it. On Sunday, the judge ordered the city to adopt the plaintiffs preferred map, and the city quickly filed emergency motions to block the order. The city will now be permitted to use the June map for the election. Under the map, District 3 Commissioner Joe Carollos home in northeast Coconut Grove home remains inside his district. Under the plaintiffs map, Carollos home would have been in District 2, which would create a problem for the commissioner because city law requires commissioners to live inside their districts. City officials praised the decision Friday. City of Miami residents won today, District 1 Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla said in a statement Friday night. The Appellate Court saw through the bogus arguments made by the Plaintiffs in their attempt to mislead our community. District 1 candidate Miguel Gabelas home is no longer in the boundary of the district, which could create a residency issue under city laws. Gabela told the Miami Herald he intends to run in the race. Im going to fight this, Gabela told the Herald. Frankly, Im disgusted. Story continues Diaz de la Portilla is one of three commissioners up for re-election in November. District 2 Commissioner Sabina Covo and District 4 Commissioner Manolo Reyes are also running to keep their seats. Judges Elizabeth L. Branch and Robert Luck were in the majority. Judge Charles R. Wilson dissented. In a statement, City Attorney Victoria Mendez said the city is grateful for the careful consideration from the appeals court. The City agrees with the reasoning of the Courts order granting the stay, particularly because the district court order would have caused significant disruption and confusion to voters in the coming municipal elections in November, Mendez wrote. This breaking news report will be update as more information becomes available. The cost to rent an apartment in the Tri-Cities has surged since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. Rents are up nearly 40%, leading a group of local renters to say theyre being priced out of the market even as vacancy rates rise because developers are adding new units. Apartmentlist.com said the median asking rent in Kennewick in August was up significantly from the early days of the pandemic. The trajectory is similar for Pasco, Richland and West Richland. Steve Goheen, president of the Benton Franklin Rental Owners Association, said he wasnt surprised to hear lease rates rose as much as 40%, calling it believable. The Tri-City Herald recently invited local renters to share their stories of navigating the volatile market. A diverse group responded, saying high rents relative to local wages are driving them to take second jobs, look for smaller apartments and are pushing them to the brink of homelessness.. They include a young single mother pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer, a disabled Air Force veteran who married in July and a state worker with a stable job and good credit. All have jobs and the veteran has VA benefits. All say they still come up short, spending far more than 30% of their income on housing. The veteran and his wife were days away from losing their motel room when they sat down with the Herald. The future prosecutor works two jobs to keep her small home for two kids near downtown Kennewick. The state worker is exploring if she can afford a manufactured home to get off the rent roller coaster but is stymied by student loan debt. The state employee, who asked to be identified by her initials, S.J., pays more than half her income to rent an apartment in an older complex in central Kennewick. It squeezes out everything. I dont know if there is anything we can do on rental control, she said. The median asking rent in Kennewick in August was up significantly from the early days of the pandemic. Advocates push for change Tenant organizations have pushed to contain rent levels. Their progress is hampered by a law prohibiting rent control, passed by the 1981 state Legislature. Story continues Rent stability remains a priority for the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, said Rachael Myers, executive director. The nonprofit advocates for more units to address the supply crunch. It also pushes lawmakers to consider measures to prevent extreme rent increases and to cap yearly increases. It has supported bills to provide more notice and protection to tenants. Four bills introduced during the 2023 session did not make it out of committee. Tacoma voters will consider a controversial proposal to protect renters in their city in November. Rent increases are the top complaint fielded by the Tenants Union of Washington State, which advises tenants on their rights under Washington law. People are working two to three jobs just to survive, said Violet Lavatai, executive director. The median asking rent in Tri-Cities in August was up significantly from the early days of the pandemic. CoStar Group, a commercial real estate listing and research firm, offered Tri-City renters good news in a July report on the Tri-City apartment market. Apartment construction is outpacing demand. Thats driving up vacancy rates and driving down the leverage owners have to raise rents. Developers added 535 apartment units over the prior 12 months, while demand meant just 246 were absorbed. The average vacancy rate was 7.9%, ranging between 5% for lower cost apartments and 9.5% for higher priced ones. Monthly rent averaged about $1,100 for lower-end apartments and $1,600 for higher-end ones, CoStar said. Fearing the next renewal S.J. is a long-time Kennewick resident with a college education and a job with the state of Washington. Her student loan is her only debt. Her credit is good. Her car is paid for. She asked that her name not be used to avoid drawing attention from her employer or her landlord. She and her father moved into a two-bedroom apartment in 2017, paying about $800 a month. Her father has since died, so she no longer has his income to help pay the rent. A $400 increased pushed it to nearly $1,400 this year, 73% more than when she first moved in. She had to add $50 to her security deposit as well. Apartment for rent sign displayed on residential street. Shows demand for housing, rental market, landlord-tenant relations. S.J. didnt expect to live paycheck to paycheck. She enrolled in Columbia Basin College seeking an education and middle-class stability. It isnt like that, she said. She is looking at one-bedroom units and is meeting with mortgage brokers about a home loan. Shes been told shes ineligible because her debt to income ratio is too high. She worries about the next lease renewal. I dont want to renew next year. Who knows how much its going to be, she said. Veteran priced out Becca and Danny Glasscock began living together when she was evicted from her Kennewick apartment and needed a place to go. A disabled health worker, she has since sued for wrongful eviction. Becca and Danny Glasscock prepare to pack their belongings and check out of a Kennewick motel they were staying at when they ran out of money before the month ended. Danny, who spent time in Hawaii after serving four years in the Air Force, had moved into a Richland apartment after living with his family for several months. He is 90% disabled with PTSD and receives benefits from the Veterans Affairs. The couple has about $3,200 in household income each month from his benefits and his part-time job. They moved out of their apartment in May after getting a 60-day notice that rent was rising above what they could pay. They moved in with Beccas ex, with whom she shares custody of three children, while also seeking assistance and applying for units at income-restricted properties. Weve gone to every low-income complex, Danny Glasscock said. They all have year-plus waiting lists. In early July, they moved into a two-bed motel suite with kitchen in Kennewick. Vouchers paid for them to stay for 27 days. They got married in early July too, in part to make sure they could stay together if they had to move into a shelter. By late July, the vouchers ran out. They sought an extension until Danny Glasscocks August benefit payment arrived. The property manager needed the room for Tri-Cities Water Follies weekend. As they packed belongings, Beccas children sat on the floor and housekeeping cleaned nearby rooms. They planned to return to her exs place, where Becca could watch the kids while their father works. If they cant find housing, the Glasscocks will move to Spokane, where they have assurances theyll get help with housing. Becca and Danny Glasscock prepare to pack their belongings and check out of a Kennewick motel they were staying at when they ran out of money before the month ended. Thats a drastic move that would force Danny Glasscock to leave his job and Becca to be away from her children, who are already unsettled by the unstable situation. This has been so stressful on them. I cant put in words how traumatic it has been. Math not adding up Leslie Torres, 25, arrived at an interview armed with a worksheet covered with numbers. She wanted to demonstrate how rents in the Tri-Cities exceed the incomes of ordinary people. Her two jobs provide $3,200 in monthly income. Her worksheet described the two-bedroom unit she lived in before the pandemic, when she paid about $1,200 a month. Today, the Kennewick complex is asking $1,780 for the unit. To be eligible, she would have to earn three times the rent, or $5,340 a month. Thats a nasty gap, she said. Torres and her two children their father is not in the picture lived with her mother for more than a year while she saved money. She applied for apartments at several properties, but was rejected for because she didnt earn enough. Her income was too high for income-based units reserved for low-income renters. She is grateful for her small Kennewick house and the $1,200 a month rent and a private landlord who works with her. Shes determined to stay. Her son dances through the small home, calling it my house. Hearing that, My house, thats what keeps me going, Torres said. A sail banner advertising Now Leasing moves in the breeze in the 3100 block of West Hood Avenue outside the Hood Manor Apartment complex in Kennewick. There was welcome breathing room for some Tri-Citians in the market for a new apartment where average rents have dropped in Kennewick. After paying rent, a car payment, utilities and child care, she said she has about $850 to pay for groceries, diapers, clothes, toiletries and, she joked, the strawberries her son eats by the flat. She saves where she can and shops thrift stores. Her shoes cost $4, she said. Scrimping doesnt always work. Her power was disconnected after it turned hot, forcing her and the children to spend a week in her mothers air conditioned home. Food in her refrigerator went bad. Torres told her story because its not unique, and people need to know theres a crisis, she said. Im here to see if theres something someone can do, she said. Sympathetic owner Steve Goheen, the Rental Owners Association president, is sympathetic to renters who have faced significant increases. The association provides education to landlords about legal issues. Local landlords tend to be small operators who work hard and earn little. Some even lose money and are banking on rising property values to deliver a profit when they sell. Goheen said 10% of its members sold their properties during the pandemic, pushed out by an eviction moratorium that left them with nonpaying tenants. Thats how I got to be president, Goheen said. Goheen said rental owners face their own challenges. He said Washingtons Landlord Tenant regulations are too complex, driving out small owners who work with renters and replacing them with newcomers who raise rents to pay off higher mortgages. Landlords dont like to lose tenants if theyre good tenants, he said. He advises landlords against sharp increases and limits his own rent hikes to 5%. They arent giving 10% raises, he said. Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday. ABUJA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The defense chiefs of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Friday said there should be comprehensive approaches in addressing the situation in Niger, and dialogue and negotiation "should be at the forefront." The Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS revealed this at the end of a three-day extraordinary meeting in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. A joint statement by the ECOWAS defense chiefs after the meeting said the committee examined the immediate implication of the coup in Niger and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region collectively while recognizing the gravity of the situation in Niger and the urgent need for a well-coordinated response. "We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions," said the statement, adding the meeting recognized the fact that the coup in Niger highlighted the fragility of the region. It said regional security architecture should be strengthened to enhance collective response to security challenges, but "dialogue and negotiations should be at the forefront of our approach in resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger." Donald Trump Prosecutors in Donald Trump's upcoming trial have asked for limits on what the ex-president can publicly say about the case, after he shared a threatening message online. In a filing late on Friday night, the prosecutors said they feared Mr Trump might disclose confidential evidence. They justified the move citing a post by Mr Trump shared on Friday, saying it targeted people involved in the case. But Mr Trump's team insisted the post was directed at political opponents. On the Truth social network Mr Trump wrote "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!" on Friday afternoon, just a day after he pleaded not guilty to four charges in the alleged election fraud case. The charges - which include conspiracy to defraud the US, tampering with a witness and conspiracy against the rights of citizens - stem from the former president's actions in the wake of the 2020 election, including around the 6 January Capitol riot. In their filing, the office of Special Counsel Jack Smith said the post raised concerns that Mr Trump could publicly reveal secret material, including grand jury transcripts obtained from prosecutors. Noting that Mr Trump has a history of attacking judges, attorneys and witnesses against him, Mr Smith's office warned that his behaviour could have "a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case". The Republican has already hit out against the special counsel, telling a crowd of supporters in Alabama on Friday that Mr Smith was a "deranged human being" and "a bad guy". The filing added that Friday's post "specifically or by implication" referred to those involved in the criminal case against him. It added the order which they are seeking - known as a protective order - would not be "overly restrictive", saying that it did not prevent Mr Trump and his team discussing the case in the media and would allow him to access discovery materials for use in his defence. Story continues "All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public," the filing said. Judge Tanya Chutkan gave Mr Trump's legal team until 17:00 local time on Monday to respond to the submission. Mr Trump's lawyers asked for three more days, but the judge denied their request. In a statement shortly after the filing, a spokesperson for Mr Trump defended the social media post and insisted that he had been targeting political opponents. "The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech," the statement said, adding that it was in response to "dishonest special interest groups" and political action committees attacking him. Speaking later at a campaign rally in South Carolina, Mr Trump said he regards his indictment as a "great badge of honour". He told the event that he was being indicted "because they're afraid of all of us", and wanted to silence him and his supporters - but America would be free again if he returned to the White House. Judge Chutkan, a noted hardliner on cases against those accused of participation in the Capitol riots, is expected to call in attorneys from both sides on 28 August to discuss setting a trial date. Prosecutors have already said that the case would benefit from a speedy trial. But Mr Trump's defence attorney John Lauro has said his team will need more time to prepare. He said the prosecution's timeline was "somewhat absurd" given that the investigation itself had taken three years. Mr Trump now faces five upcoming trials - three criminal trials which include the classified documents case, the hush money case, and these election charges; and two civil trials over business practices and alleged defamation of a woman who accused him of rape. The fire, boosted by heavy winds, saw more than 130 people evacuated from their homes overnight (RAYMOND ROIG) Firefighters said they evacuated more than 130 people as they fought Saturday to control a wildfire at Portbou on the Spanish border with France on the Mediterranean coast. Firefighters from Spain's northeastern region of Catalonia teamed up with French colleagues as the blaze ravaged some 435 hectares (1,100 acres) of land, with an estimated 2,500 hectares threatened. Local people were evacuated overnight from several villages as a precaution hours after the fire was declared to the south of Portbou, whose railway station connects Spain with France. Catalan forest rangers said on Twitter, rebranded X, that an investigation was under way into the cause of the fire. In a statement on the Catalan regional government website, they added the blaze "remains active" and that their priority was to prevent it encroaching on the nearby tourist resort of Llanca to the south. Strong winds had helped the fire to spread overnight and prevented water-bombing planes from taking off to aid a firefighting operation complicated by the hilly terrain affected. The Catalan fire service said it expected airborne operations to be able to start Saturday afternoon following helicopter reconnaissance beforehand. They added that as well as evacuating around 135 local people, several hundred more had had to spend the night confined in their villages or at campsites which at this time of year typically welcome thousands of tourists. Catalan Red Cross volunteers were aiding the rescue operation. Catalan civil protection officials said some 4,000 people were without electricity and that rail traffic had been suspended between Portbou and Figueres, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) to the south. The main road into Portbou and to the French border was also closed. Joining some 80 Catalan firefighting units were a dozen fire engines from the French side of the border. Last year, some 500 blazes laid waste to more than 300,000 hectares in Spain, a record for Europe, according to data from the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis). To date this year has seen some 70,000 hectares destroyed, according to Effis. bur-mdz/ib/cw/gw Total Flood and Fire Restoration project manager Brogan Darling works at a flooded home in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Severe thunderstorms rolled through the Salt Lake Valley, leaving several Draper roads damaged and causing flooding and safety concerns Thursday night. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding and said the following roads were damaged or left impassible due to standing water and slide debris: Highland Drive at 1300 East Roundabout at Rambling Road and Mike Weir Drive Bangerter Parkway from 13800 South to Highland Drive A little over 2 inches came down in over an hour, and so we had major localized rain flooding events that have done pretty extensive damage to some of our public infrastructure, Walker said. People look at the aftermath of a mudslide near Rambling Road and Sage Hollow Drive in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Traverse Ridge Road became a raging river, and viewer-submitted video showed several cars driving through the deep waters. Sgt. Cameron Roden with the Utah Highway Patrol said the southbound I-15 on-ramp at 14600 South was closed due to a mudslide, and a KSL viewer submitted a photo of a sinkhole that appeared on Bangerter Parkway near 14200 South. Walker said the Bangerter Parkway area will take the longest to clean up as the sidewalk is gone and gas lines are exposed. The road collapsed during Thursdays storm, and Walker estimated its about a 60-foot gap. Our goal as a city is to get the road open, get the infrastructure safe so people can commute, Walker said. Along 1300 East at Highland Drive, firefighters had to rescue people after three or four cars got trapped in floodwaters. Kristin Hartness, Emily Hartness and Monett Rupp look at what is and isnt salvageable after the Hartness home flooded in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News People look at the aftermath of a mudslide near the intersection of 1300 East and Highland Drive in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Robert Bergener, left, and Brogan Darling, with Total Flood and Fire Restoration, work in a flooded home in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News A vehicle is surrounded by mud near the intersection of 1300 East and Highland Drive after flooding in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News A home on Chamonix Court is full of mud and debris after flooding and mudslides in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The aftermath of a mudslide is pictured near Rambling Road and Sage Hollow Drive in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Brandon Hartness and Matt Call carry a soaked couch out of Hartness flooded basement in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Brenda Taylor walks through the basement of her friends home that is full of mud after flooding and mudslides in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Damaged furniture and belongings are piled up outside of a house in Draper after flooding and mudslides on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Vehicles move past a sinkhole on Bangerter Highway after flooding washed out a section of the road in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Arabella Roxburgh walks her bike through a section of sidewalk and road that is covered in mud near the intersection of 1300 East and Highland Drive after flooding in Draper on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Damaged furniture and belongings are piled up outside of a house in Draper after flooding and mudslides on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Draper Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News We realized it was going to an extensive, extensive amount of damage, and we were going to need some help, Walker added. The city has set up an emergency center and is coordinating with Salt Lake County Emergency Services. It expected to find more damage as the sun comes up Friday. Walker said residents can call the city to report any damaged infrastructure and the goal is to get things back to normal as soon as possible. Four units in the Promontory Point apartment complex at 1175 View Point Dr. in Sandy experienced major flooding with two feet of water in each unit, according to the American Red Cross of Utah. The Red Cross said it helped 13 resident find lodging and other community disaster resources. Anyone in need of assistance can contact the Red Cross at (801) 892-4000 or at redcross.org/utah. The severe weather also forced Real Salt Lakes round of 16 Leagues Cup match vs. Liga MXs Leon to be postponed to Friday at 7 p.m. The USANA Amphitheatre was also evacuated during The Offspring concert due to thunderstorms. A Louisiana sheriff said he's "seen wild animals take better care of their babies" than a drug-addled couple accused of starving their 4-month-old daughter to death and severely neglecting their toddler in their ramshackle trailer. Parents Angel Taylor, 24, and Chevy Lafountain, 31, were arrested and charged with second-degree murder, neglect and child abuse following the mother's 911 call reporting that her infant wasn't breathing on Tuesday, according to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Department. When deputies arrived at their home in the community of Reserve, the baby was immediately pronounced dead. MULTIPLE STATES REPORT SPIKE IN CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT Angel Taylor, 24, faces charges of second-degree murder, neglect and child abuse after her 4-month-old was found dead and her toddler "extremely neglected" in her trailer The condition of her body contradicted the story her young mother allegedly told dispatchers: that she had just laid the child down for a nap an hour before. "How long that baby was actually deceased, I couldn't tell you," Sheriff Mike Tregre said at a press conference, according to FOX 8 Live. "The child had been severely malnourished, who knows the last time that baby had a meal." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A later autopsy revealed that the infant died malnourished, dehydrated and starved, police said. 3 PA CASEWORKERS, 2 SUPERVISORS ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT, FAILING TO REPORT ABUSE Like his deceased sister, Lafountain and Taylor's 13-month-old son also showed signs of extreme neglect. But somehow, Tregre said, "the boy found a way to eat and managed to survive." Police said Chevy Lafountain, 31, "blamed everyone but himself" for the dead of his infant before his arrest on Tuesday In addition to their murder charges, Taylor and Lafountain face felonies for cruelty to juveniles with force/violence and misdemeanors for child desertion for what Tregre characterized as "neglect to the highest level." FLORIDA SHERIFF THREATENS CHILD NEGLECT CHARGES FOR PARENTS AFTER RECENT DROWNINGS Police said outward appearance of their trailer hinted at the horrors inside, surrounded with children's toys, garbage and detritus. Both parents admitted drug use, Tregre said, and neither expressed remorse. Story continues "Both admitted that they treated the children poorly," Tregre told reporters. "[Chevy Lafountain] blamed everyone but himself." Police in St. John the Baptist Parish discovered the ghastly scene on the 100 block of Northwest 18th St. in the St. John the Baptist Parish community of Reserve Specifically, according to Law & Crime, Lafountain blamed his drug dealers; Taylor said she did not know she was passed out for hours at a time, neglecting her children. Judge Nghana Lewis set both parents' bonds at $600,000 with no option to post 10 percent, according to FOX 8 Live. The toddler was removed from the home and placed in state custody, police said. Severe thunderstorms, many packing high winds, will target more than 80 million people in the eastern United States into Monday night, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. The storms will pose a significant risk to lives and property and cause significant travel disruptions. Thunderstorms already producing localized torrential downpours and incidents of damaging winds in the Appalachians and points to the west into the early afternoon hours. Showers and thunderstorms arrived early after hitting the Midwest on Sunday. The storms are increasing in intensity as they continue to move eastward late Monday afternoon. "Thunderstorms will continue to build with the most intense weather conditions likely through 9 p.m," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologists Alex Sosnowski said. The storms may take until the late evening hours to fully unwind. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a moderate risk outlook for the threat of Monday's storms across parts of the mid-Atlantic, including Baltimore and Washington, D.C. A population of 13.2 million is under that level of risk, which is the second-highest level just below SPC's high risk. It has been at least five years since the SPC issued a moderate risk for severe weather in most of the Northeast, with the exception of south-central Virginia, which had one in 2019. The atmospheric setup will be ripe for a rather broad zone to have the potential for severe weather well into Monday evening as an intensifying storm system shifts from the Midwest into the Northeast, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist La Troy Thornton. "Robust southwesterly winds will transport abundant moisture up the Eastern Seaboard, providing the potential for a washout in some interior sections of the Northeast as thunderstorms produce impressive downpours," Thornton said. AccuWeather forecasters are warning of a high risk of severe thunderstorms from eastern Pennsylvania to North Carolina, and a moderate risk spanning a zone from near Buffalo, New York, to Atlanta into Monday night. "In terms of severe weather, all hazards will be in play as the atmosphere should have no shortage of available energy to work with," Thornton said. Story continues Motorists with travel plans along stretches of interstates 40, 64, 70, 75, 80 and 81 may face slower travel at times as downpours reduce visibility and create a heightened risk of hydroplaning. Along with torrential downpours and the risk of ponding on the streets and highways and quick rises on some small streams, the primary threat for severe weather will be due to powerful wind gusts of 60-70 mph, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 80 mph in the strongest storms. Wind gusts in some of the storms will be strong enough to bring down trees and power lines and can lead to minor property damage. A few of the most potent storms will have the potential to produce hail and a tornado. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+ Some of the major metro areas in the Northeast at risk for dangerous, damaging and disruptive thunderstorms include Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New York City. Meanwhile, the storms will pack a punch in the Southeast as well with Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Atlanta at risk for severe weather. "As the storms approach the airports in the East, ground stops are likely and flight delays will increase substantially across the nation," Sosnowski said. "Travel on area highways may be reduced to a crawl as downpours hit and water collects in poor drainage areas." Although the threat level of severe weather will be less in New England, the risk of flash flooding could return to hard-hit portions of the area as a batch of rain and thunderstorms moves through during the early part of the week. Locally drenching and gusty thunderstorms will pivot northeastward into Monday night. However, the main risk of severe weather in the region will come on Tuesday. From Tuesday to Tuesday night, thunderstorms, some capable of producing severe weather, will spread across Connecticut to southwestern Maine. Thunderstorms that rumble across New England can bring flooding downpours, localized damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes to locations like Boston, Providence, Rhode Island, and Portland, Maine. Thornton noted that even areas that have not been hit by heavy rain recently could experience localized flooding, especially where thunderstorms repeat over the same location. A general 1-2 inches of rain is likely to fall on central and northern New England into Tuesday evening. But, with local amounts to 4 inches possible, on top of the 1-2 feet of rain that fell earlier this summer, some small streams may again rise out of their banks, Sosnowski added. Only recent dry weather from last week may prevent a widespread flooding event. Severe thunderstorms will also dip into more of the Southern states on Tuesday. The risk of severe weather will extend from the northern part of Louisiana to Georgia and parts of South Carolina and northern Florida. A moderate risk of severe weather encompasses much of southern Georgia and southeastern Alabama. "The pattern this week will feature frequent showers and thunderstorms, typically every other day or so, across much of the East," Sosnowski said. "Even though it may not rain as much or as often as it did in July, conditions may again pose daily challenges for outdoor plans and travel." Although the week will not be a complete washout, forecasters say the rounds of clouds, showers and thunderstorms will help to keep temperatures in check. So far in August, temperatures have been 3-6 degrees Fahrenheit below the historical average from Washington, D.C., to Boston. AccuWeather's Long-Range team says that some of the warmest days of the summer may be yet to come, however. "Heat can build during the middle to late part of August in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic as many kids return to school. This can be accompanied by high humidity and a risk for thunderstorm activity," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. 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. Given that Marion and the other 34 Ohio counties will be in the path of full totality during the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse, many organizations are offering informational programs to help people prepare for that astronomical event. Deborah L. Skapik, a physics teacher at Friends Central School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, presented a program about the eclipse at the Marion Public Library. Skapik is a NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassador and the author of "Look Up, Below! An Educator's Guide to the April 8, 2024, Total Eclipse of the Sun." "An eclipse really is a once in a lifetime event," Skapik said. "For many people, it's a deeply emotional experience because it is so rare. For scientists, it's a chance to observe and study a natural phenomenon." Skapik said she wrote the book to provide educators with "reliable, relevant information" about the 2024 eclipse. She noted that if you do an internet search for "total solar eclipse, April 8, 2024," you'll be flooded with links to all manner of sources some reliable, some not. NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassador Deborah L. Skapik presented a program about the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse on Tuesday at the Marion Public Library. Skapik is a physics teacher at Friends Central School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. "Educators are busy people. By the time April rolls around in an academic year, educators are also exhausted people," Skapik wrote in the introduction to the book. "Aware of this, I was motivated to assemble this workbook. Teachers will need a resource to access materials quickly in order to teach their students about how to safely view the eclipse and provide some reliable information on the scientific, historical, and cultural context of eclipses. I hope this workbook serves as that resource." Eclipse tools, history and even superstitions During her presentation at the Marion Public Library, Skapik demonstrated various tools she has used to educate students about eclipses. She also provided audience members with information about reliable online resources. The book features general information about eclipses, information specific to the 2024 eclipse, how to sections with activity pages for students, historical information about eclipse experiments, and even a section about some of the superstitions and lore related to the astronomical phenomenon. Story continues Skapik provided free copies of her book and eclipse glasses to Marion County teachers who attended the presentation. The book is $20. She has been presenting her program at local libraries across the country this summer. The book can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/debseclipsebook. NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassador Deborah L. Skapik displayed a graphic showing eclipses from 2023 to 2030 during a presentation on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at the Marion Public Library. She has written a workbook for educators to teach children about eclipses. Eclipse before the 'big eclipse' Ahead of the total eclipse next April, an annular solar eclipse will be visible in the western United States on Oct. 14, 2023, Skapik said. It will begin at 11:45 a.m. and end at 2:29 p.m. on Oct. 14. The eclipse will reach its maximum obscuration at 1:06 p.m. People who live in parts of Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas will experience maximum obscuration of the sun. It will also pass over Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, before moving into Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and then on to Colombia and Brazil in South America. Information about eclipses can be found at www.GreatAmericanEclipse.com and the NASA eclipse website solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/home. Information specific to Ohio can be found at the Ohio Emergency Management Agency website Eclipse.Ohio.gov. Library to host more eclipse programs Diane Watson, community awareness and outreach director, said Marion Public Library will host additional informational events about the 2024 eclipse in the coming months. Representatives from the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta will present a program on March 4, 2024. The program "The Eclipse is Coming! The Eclipse is Coming!" will be presented as part of a Family Fun Night on March 13, 2024, at the library. "And of course it is a great teaching and reading opportunity for parents to encouraging research learning. Just visit the Library and check out eclipse books to learn more about the coming April 8 event," Watson said. Keep up with what's happening at the Marion Public Library by visiting www.marionlibrary.org and Facebook page. The library is located at 445 E. Church St. Email: ecarter@gannett.com | Twitter: @AndrewACCarter This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Eclipse education: NASA ambassador presents program in Marion QUITO (Reuters) - Banned drugs and weapons were found in offices at Ecuadorean prisons on Friday, prompting the arrests of two wardens and seven other staff members, the country's prosecutor said. A wave of violence swept prisons in late July, and at least 31 people died in a conflict between criminal gangs inside a penitentiary in Guayaquil. President Guillermo Lasso declared a 60-day state of emergency on July 25. Ecuadorean security forces on Friday inspected two prisons in Guayaquil including the Penitenciaria del Litoral, one of the country's most dangerous. The prosecutor's office posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the search found drugs, firearms, explosives and ammunition in the offices. Police arrested two wardens, five administrative officials and two other prison staff on drug charges. The SNAI prison agency said "a series of prohibited objects" had been found inside. The government attributes prison violence to infighting among criminal groups for control inside prisons and for drug trafficking routes on the outside. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has said that violence reflects overcrowding, budget cuts and civil rights violations. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) An employee was understandably upset over their companys decision to throw away extra keyboards, which does no good when it comes to environmental sustainability. The person uploaded a picture on the Reddit community r/Anticonsumption, which currently has 640,000 members. My company got too many keyboards in a order so they cut the cords on the extra ones and threw them away, the poster wrote. Photo Credit: u/Doomerator / Reddit The picture shows a keyboard with what appears to be part of the cord that has been cut off. Electronic trash is another serious environmental problem facing our planet. In general, American households produce nearly 300 million tons of trash per year. Thats around 5 pounds of trash per person per day. On a global scale, humans produce more than 55 million tons of electronic waste each year, per Statista. In the U.S., only 35% of it is recycled by households, per the World Economic Forum, and the rest likely ends up in landfills, where it breaks down and can cause hazardous compounds like mercury and lead to leach into groundwater. Keyboards, like the one displayed in the subreddit, are often made of plastic, much of which ends up in our oceans. Plastic can take over 450 years to break down, posing a serious threat to fish, whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Why a company would simply throw out new keyboards without at least taking the time to have them recycled can be difficult to understand, and Reddit commenters had plenty to say about it. Thats just bad business, one wrote. Another made an interesting point by suggesting it is so their employees cant take them home and use them or resell them. It is like how food chains make their employees throw away breads that are made daily and threaten termination if you take it. I have read stories where corporate sometimes make managers pour coffee or old grease on them so employees and homeless people cant eat it, another person added. One last user summed it up simply when they said: Even if theyre instructed to do so, how could you actually do that? Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. By Leonardo Benassatto PORTO VELHO, Brazil (Reuters) - Environmentalists warn that the Brazilian Amazon could be in for a bad burning season despite a drop in deforestation this year, as years of accumulated destruction and the arrival of El Nino could turn swathes of the jungle into a tinderbox. Flying near the city of Porto Velho this week to monitor the world's largest rainforest, a Greenpeace team spotted several fires in the area during its hottest period of the year, which runs from July to September. "We are now in the middle of the Amazonian summer, when we usually see an increase in fires," said Greenpeace Brasil spokesman Romulo Batista, looking out over the forest from an airplane traveling over Amazonas state. The height of the annual burning season usually falls in August and September, when fires tend to spike as rains subside, allowing ranchers and farmers to set fire to deforested areas. In 2023, environmentalists and experts are on heightened alert, as the fire conditions may be aggravated by the El Nino weather pattern, which is expected to strengthen in October. Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon dropped 43% in the first seven months of the year, according to preliminary government data, boosting President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's credibility as a regional voice for conservation. But environmentalists say his government cannot let its guard down. "It's important (to keep control) because in the last four years large areas were deforested," Batista said. "So there is a lot of organic material in the soil that can dry out and favor fires." Lula took office in January promising to end deforestation by 2030 after destruction surged under his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, who slashed environmental protection efforts during his 2019-2022 presidency. Lula is set to gather next week with leaders of Amazonian countries for a summit in northern Brazil to discuss ways to protect the rainforest. (Reporting by Leonardo Benassatto; Writing by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Brad Haynes and Jonathan Oatis) RYE Seacoast Science Center strives to provide a welcoming, accessible, and enriching experience for community members and its visitors. As a nonprofit institution, the center relies on support from individuals and corporations to not only meet its operating budget, but to develop new programs and initiatives. Eversource has been a long-standing champion of Seacoast Science Center, supporting the nonprofit since it opened its doors over 30 years ago, in 1992. Through the years, Eversource has underwritten SSC publications, sponsored programs, and provided funding for exhibits. Eversource is the title sponsor for Restoring Reefs, an exhibit that immerses visitors in the beauty of colorful tropical reef habitats and helps them understand how reefs, both near and far, are important living systems in need of protection. This summer, Eversource provided funding for Seacoast Science Center to purchase four sit-upon kayaks to allow for greater accessibility for its Wildlife Kayak Tours program. This summer, Eversource provided funding for SSC to purchase four sit-upon kayaks to allow for greater accessibility for its Wildlife Kayak Tours program. Were proud to support organizations that make a positive difference in the lives of our customers and our communities like the Seacoast Science Center, whose educational resources and experiences for people of all ages further our shared commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship, said Eversource New Hampshire President of Electric Operations Doug Foley. Our employees are excited to build on this fantastic, long standing partnership through our support of their accessible kayak program to help make these unique ecological educational experiences more inclusive for all. Eversource has also underwritten a new program slated to launch in September: Nature @ Nite. This early-evening program will be offered one Friday per month, free of charge. Each evening will be based on a different theme with SSC naturalists and guest partners hosting marine-related S.T.E.A.M. learning stations and a facilitated group program. Story continues Eversources support of our Wildlife Kayak Tours and our new after-hours program enables us to provide our community greater access to nature-based learning, notes SSCs CEO Jim Chase. We are grateful for their partnership and commitment to our mission. We look forward to continuing our work together as we educate and inspire conservation along New Hampshires coastline and beyond. Eversource encourages senior staff members to serve on nonprofit boards and SSC has been fortunate to consistently have their representatives on its leadership team. Eversource also engages its staff in group community service days and annually assists Seacoast Science Center with maintenance projects. With the continued support of community partners like Eversource, Seacoast Science Center remains a flagship institution, expert resource for environmental education, and advocate for conservation of our Blue Planet. Seacoast Science Center is located in Odiorne Point State Park, Rt. 1A, Rye, NH. To learn more, register to join a program or event, and to book your visit, visit seacoastsciencecenter.org. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Eversource funding supports accessibility at Seacoast Science Center Cambodia inaugurated the third ring road encircling parts of the capital Phnom Penh on Thursday. The Chinese-funded ring road, with two lanes for traffic in each direction, stretches from the southwestern part of Phnom Penh to Kandal province in the east of the capital. Local residents are delighted to see the completion of the road, saying that it would facilitate their travel and transport of goods. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Mourners carry the body of Qusai Jamal Maatan, 19, during his funeral in the occupied West Bank village of Burqa (Jaafar ASHTIYEH) A former aide of a lawmaker from Israel's hard-right governing coalition was among two settlers arrested Saturday over the killing of a 19-year-old Palestinian in the occupied West Bank, Israeli media reported. Qusai Jamal Maatan was shot dead in Burqah, east of Ramallah, on Friday as armed settlers clashed with villagers. The UN has warned of a dramatic spike in such cases since the most right-wing government in Israel's history took power at the end of last year. Israeli media reported that the main suspect in the deadly shooting had sustained injuries in the clashes and been admitted to hospital. The second suspect had acted as spokesman to a member of parliament from the far-right Jewish Power party, whose leader Itamar Ben-Gvir is public security minister in the coalition government, the reports said. Police said a remand hearing was to be held in Jerusalem later Saturday to extend the custody of the two suspects. Palestinian Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh called on the international community to blacklist Jewish Power as a terrorist organisation in a post on social media. "Yesterday, a member of his (Ben-Gvir's) party shot dead a Palestinian citizen in the village of Burqah. It should be included in international terrorism blacklists," Sheikh said, noting the party leader's own history of inflammatory remarks against Palestinians. Ben-Gvir was charged more than 50 times in his youth with incitement to violence or hate speech and was convicted in 2007 of supporting a terrorist group and inciting racism. At Saturday's funeral, Palestinian mourners carried Maatan's body through the streets wrapped in a black and white keffiyeh headscarf and a Palestinian flag, an AFP journalist reported. In a statement released late Friday, Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, called for revenge for Maatan's murder at the hands of a "settler gang". A Palestinian gunman killed an Israeli municipal officer in commercial hub Tel Aviv on Saturday, before being fatally shot by another officer, authorities said. Story continues There was no immediate claim of responsibility. A Hamas spokesman called the attack "a response to the crimes of the occupation and settlers against our people". Since early last year, the West Bank has seen a string of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets, as well as violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities and regular raids by Israeli forces who say they are pursuing militants. Violence this year linked to the conflict has killed at least 208 Palestinians, 28 Israelis, one Ukrainian and one Italian, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on both sides. They include, on the Palestinian side, combatants as well as civilians and, on the Israeli side, three members of the Arab minority. - Settler violence - In a statement on Friday's shooting, the Israeli army cited Palestinian reports and witnesses as saying that both sides had thrown stones at each other before the Israeli civilians had opened fire. "As a result of the confrontation, a Palestinian was killed, four others were injured, and a Palestinian vehicle was found burned. Several Israeli civilians were injured from rocks hurled at them," it said on Saturday, adding security forces arrived after the shooting. Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six-Day War of 1967. Excluding annexed east Jerusalem, the territory is home to nearly three million Palestinians and around 490,000 Israelis who live in settlements considered illegal under international law. The last major case of Israeli settler violence against Palestinians occurred in June. Revenge attacks on the West Bank village of Turmus Ayya and others followed the killing of four Israelis by Palestinian gunmen, which militant group Hamas said was in response to an Israeli army raid on Jenin refugee camp which killed six Palestinians. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said on Friday it had recorded 591 settler-related "incidents" in the West Bank in the first six months of 2023 resulting in Palestinian casualties, property damage, or both. "That's an average of 99 incidents every month, and a 39-percent-increase compared with the monthly average of the whole of 2022, which is 71," spokesman Jens Laerke said. alv/ami/kir The Air Forces pivot to the Pacific is opening a new chapter for the airmen who have long been among its first responders overseas. Airmen under the Air Force Expeditionary Center have been on the front lines of global air operations for decades, opening and securing airfields from Afghanistan to Niger, facilitating the flow of cargo and troops around the world and liaising with foreign air units. Last month, Mobility Guardian the Air Forces massive biennial training exercise for its airlift and aerial refueling units put their skills to the test in a new arena. Plenty went right during the two-week exercise, held at bases from Japan to Australia. But it also proved that some Expeditionary Center units arent as ready to operate from remote locations as they may need to be. It also sparked confusion about who should dispatch them and revealed the bureaucratic hurdles airmen must navigate as they try to enter allied countries in the Pacific, the organizations commander said. Whats next for air mobility, according to Gen. Mike Minihan Weve got a real sense of the tyranny of distance and how familiar we have yet to become with this theater, Expeditionary Center Commander Maj. Gen. John Klein said. The Expeditionary Center oversees mobility units of various sizes and skills, like self-sufficient contingency response teams that can set up and run a new airfield for up to two months, or air mobility teams that can service one aircraft for 12 hours at already-established sites. Those airmen a fraction of the 3,000 U.S. troops who participated in the exercise were among the first on the ground to lay the foundation for the pilots, maintainers, loadmasters and other support staff who followed. Orchestrating the fight to get to the fight sometimes proved tricky, Klein said. Those forces took orders from different organizations and commanders at different times, slowing their response times and causing confusion about who was supporting a particular mission. Story continues Having awareness of the equipment that they needed and making sure that was available to them, in the locations they were operating, was another challenge, Klein said. One Australia-bound team couldnt bring its equipment along because it didnt pass an agricultural inspection to enter the country, he said. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. James Goerss, with the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group, explains their expeditionary mission during a walk-around with Japan Air Self-Defense Force airmen on Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 14, during Mobility Guardian 2023. (Airman 1st Class Shelby Rapert/Air Force) That meant a contingency response team couldnt properly hand off operations of their site in Australia to the longer-term air expeditionary wing team that arrived later. The mix-up forced the airmen to talk through how they would handle that scenario instead of practicing it in real life. In another case, a small team of airmen headed to the Philippines with a limited mission: handle flightline operations, like loading and unloading cargo, for one aircraft at a time over just 12 hours. But others mistakenly thought the group was there to service lots of other aircraft, too, Klein said. That team was working extended hours to try to make that mission happen, he said. Its that type of communication and coordination [problems] between the 613th [Air Operations Center] and 618th AOC that created some of those issues. The exercise also offered insight into how the Expeditionary Centers new air mobility teams should mature. The teams, comprised of airmen who are used to working at established bases, will need a more robust set of tools and logistical support if island-hopping is to be feasible, Klein said. Tasking those units may also become easier if the teams have command-and-control specialists to act as liaisons with the AOCs, and if airmen had more communications equipment and training to avoid confusion, he added. Decisions over the past several years have led the Air Force to pull the command-and-control function out of the air mobility squadron, he said. I think we need to work to put that back in. Hed also like to include vehicle mechanics in those units to avoid major delays if something breaks in the field. Standardizing those teams and giving them more time in the field to practice will build the muscle memory they need to succeed in a real crisis, Klein said. Other situations tested how well even more established teams could think on the fly. Unexpected jet maintenance forced a contingency response team to figure out how to accomplish the mission with fewer people than they would normally have. Usually, it takes 100 contingency response airmen to open and run an airfield, Col. Daniel Mollis, commander of the 621st Contingency Response Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, told Air Force Times in Guam. Maj. Ben Rofe, 321st Contingency Response Squadron director of operations, coordinates cargo movement with a Royal Canadian Air Force member during Mobility Guardian 23 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 8. (Staff Sgt. Malissa Lott/Air Force) Molliss team arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on July 3 with only 25 airmen and one-quarter of their equipment while they waited for mechanics to fix another jet that should have come in the same day, he told Air Force Times. Two more aircraft werent slated to arrive for another 24 hours. They got to work marshaling in their own aircraft, unloading their equipment, setting up shop in tan double-wide trailers at the edge of Andersens flight line and preparing to welcome other planes. Before long, the contingency response team had settled into their role at Andersen, directing inbound pilots to their parking spots and tackling hydraulic leaks from a trailer stacked with Meals, Ready to Eat. Youre going to use who and what you have to make [the mission] happen, Mollis said. We bring order to the chaos. Contingency response became the backstop for many other airmen around camp who arrived in Guam with fewer people and tools than expected. That illuminated another issue: Plenty of airmen have never worked with a CR team and didnt know what they could offer. Youre having to learn with new people, and everybodys getting a taste of what everyones doing, Airman 1st Class Trenton McGregor, a C-17 maintenance crew chief, said in Guam. I had to learn what [contingency response] is doing, and now I can put in perspective how my job correlates with them, so I can better help them in the future. Klein said Air Mobility Command can do more to ensure that Expeditionary Center forces are a first thought, not an afterthought. Weve got some work to do with the folks who need to know that information, whether thats air operations centers, whether thats [air] staffs down through the echelons, and also particular units, so they understand what our capabilities are and how they can ask for that, he said. Still, Mollis praised how easily foreign airmen from the six participating partner nations worked with his team, despite having never before interacted with a contingency response unit. The combination of how fast we could get here, and then coalition operations syncing is, I think, a huge success, Mollis said. As the Air Force aims to make all airmen more expeditionary preparing them to deploy to remote areas on short notice and succeed with limited wingmen and tools theres plenty they can learn from those who serve under the Expeditionary Center. Whereas most units train at home with all the resources they need, Mollis said contingency response squadrons already practice for the austere, short-staffed operations theyll face in real life. Squadrons adjusting to the Air Forces new deployment model, known as AFFORGEN, could spend more time around contingency response teams as part of the plans more robust training schedule. Thats a chance to see how those forces work and absorb some of their tactics and processes, Mollis said. Airmen assigned to the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 61st Airlift Squadron, deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, prepare to launch a C-130J Super Hercules during Mobility Guardian 23 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 9. (Screenshot from video by Staff Sgt. Taylor Crul/Air Force) At the same time, large-scale exercises give contingency response units a sense of what they would need to quickly open several airfields at once across a region, rather than one at a time. And field training lets them experiment with new technologies like Starshield, the military version of SpaceXs Starlink satellite internet. The chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021 illustrated the importance of practicing operations with many moving parts, Mollis said. His team was responsible for closing down Bagram Air Base, the largest U.S. installation in Afghanistan, as the Taliban returned to power that summer. There were huge lessons learned on how to sequence things, and what expertise and capabilities you need at what points in time, Mollis said. Thats why we do these exercises for units, because the only way to really be good at deploying and redeploying is actually moving to a location, operating and redeploying. You cant hide things when youre actually moving across the Pacific Ocean, he added. You cant make up for them and say, OK, well, were just going to simulate this in the exercise. Klein pointed to the withdrawal as an example of why the Expeditionary Center needs to address its command-and-control hiccups. Airmen made the mission happen, he said, but it was more difficult than it should have been. I think were at a point where if we dont fix some of those things, were just going to cripple our airmen, Klein said. On the evening of 4 August, loud explosions were heard in the occupied city of Kerch, and the occupation authorities of Crimea announced a "threat of attack" on the Crimean Bridge, which led to the blocking of traffic on the bridge. Source: Oleg Kryuchkov, advisor to the Kremlin-appointed head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov, on Telegram Quote: "The loud noises heard by Kerch residents an hour ago had nothing to do with the Crimean Bridge. There has been a threat of an attack. After an all-clear is given, traffic [on the bridge ed.] will resume." Details: Kryuchkov also said that it was not the first time that the "air-raid warning" in the area of the Crimean Bridge was issued due to an attack threat, and sometimes it was even issued two to three times a day. Kryuchkov added that he could not confirm the information circulating online about explosions near the bridge. TASS, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet, confirmed that traffic on the Crimean Bridge was temporarily blocked. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Explosions near the Crimean Bridge were reported by Russian-affiliated Telegram channels during the early hours of August 5. Despite previous reports, Russian sources claim that no explosions were recorded directly on the bridge itself. Local Russian-appointed officials stated that explosions were heard in the occupied city of Kerch and subsequently announced a threat of attack on the Crimean Bridge. Traffic was reportedly blocked to protect the bridge. The Moscow Times Telegram channel later revealed that the naval drone attack on the Kerch Strait could have potentially damaged the Russian "SIG" chemical tanker. According to an audio recording, sailors on the Russian SIG tanker are reporting that the ship is afloat but cannot move on its own. The "Mercury" ship is currently working to support the SIG. The damaged SIG tanker delivered aviation fuel from Crimea to Syria, for which the United States added it to the sanctions list in 2019. According to Russian-state media, a group of rescuers were dispatched to the Kerch Strait following a drone attack on a chemical tanker. This is a developing story. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Overnight attack reported at Russian naval port Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces unleashed a batch of Kinzhal ballistic missiles against Ukraine late on Aug. 5, targeting central and western regions, Ukraines Air Force reported. A Kyiv Independent reporter confirmed that two loud explosions had been heard in the city of Zhytomyr. The Khmelnytskyi Oblast military administration also reported explosions in the region, urging civilians to take shelter. According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russian forces launched Kinzhal missiles from around the Russian city of Tambov. The report also said that Russian missiles appeared to be heading toward Vinnytsia and Kyiv oblasts, although these regions governors have not reported any explosions yet. There are no reports on casualties or damage yet. Ukraines Air Force confirmed shooting down a Russian Kinzhal missile for the first time in early May, shortly after the arrival of U.S. Patriot air defense systems which enable Ukraine to shoot down ballistic missiles. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Wat Samphran Temple in Thailand. MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images The Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, is an architectural marvel. This 17-story cylindrical pink tower features a large dragon sculpture on the exterior. The Buddhist building is 80 meters tall, honoring the number of years Buddha lived. While it may be off the beaten path, the extravagant Wat Samphran Temple one of many marvels of Thai architecture is worth a visit. Just outside of Bangkok, the "Dragon Temple" is a popular destination visited by religious observers and tourists alike who come to see the large dragon sculpture curling itself around the pink cylindrical building. Take a closer look insider. The building is located about a 40-kilometer journey to the Nakhon Pathom province from Bangkok, or about an hour outside of the major city by train or car. Wat Samphran Temple on Google Maps. Courtesy of Google Maps Source: Yahoo Life Singapore Founded by Bhavana Buddho and established in 1985, the pink shrine is 17 stories high and known for its short five-year-long construction. Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images Source: The Travel Made of iron and glass fiber, the dragon that circles the building is actually hollow. Inside, there's a tunnel and staircase leading to the top (although certain sections may be closed to the public). Aerial view of Wat Samphran Temple and Buddhist building in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images Source: The Travel, Mirror UK The head of the dragon rests just over the roof, supposedly to protect the Buddhist temple and its visitors. Top of aerial view of Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images Source: Mirror UK Also on the roof, there's a sculpture called "happiness." It is reportedly a gift from the monk who built the temple. Aerial close-up of top floor of Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images Source: Travel Bangkok The temple is 80 meters tall (262 feet tall), which corresponds to the age Buddha was when he died. Aerial view of Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. tampatra/Getty Images Source: Travel Bangkok While admission is free, inside the temple are traditional Thai prayer pots for donations; it is said that those who toss a coin inside will receive love, wealth, and eternal happiness. Interior first floor of Wat Samphran Temple building in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images Source: The Vale Magazine The base of the temple is filled with statues and shrines. Side view of Wat Samphran Temple building in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images Source: Atlas Obscura The five dragon claws of each foot scaling the building symbolize the 5 Moral Precepts of Buddhism, the Buddhist code of conduct. Story continues Close-up of dragon claws on Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images Source: Travel Bangkok and BBC The shrine is open daily: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Side view of dragon from atop Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images Source: The Travel Read the original article on Insider Political barbs and barbecue were back in west Kentucky. The St. Jerome Catholic Church 143rd Annual Fancy Farm picnic returned to Graves County Saturday, with the contest between Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and GOP rival Attorney General Daniel Cameron front and center. The two have sparred for years in the courtroom, on social media and in public appearances. On Saturday, they got their first chance to square off face-to-face. This years gubernatorial election, one of just three in the nation in 2023, is expected to be the most competitive, expensive and closely watched of the races. Both candidates criss-crossed the Central Time Zone in the lead up to the main event Saturday afternoon, including various breakfasts, lunches and dinners hosted by local parties. Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics Newsletter A must-read newsletter for political junkies across the Bluegrass State with reporting and analysis from the Lexington Herald-Leader. Never miss a story! Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics newsletter to connect with our reporting team and get behind-the-scenes insights, plus previews of the biggest stories. GOP gubernatorial candidate and Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear pictured above at pre-Fancy Farm events this weekend. The speeches Beshear and Cameron both towed the line between painting a positive vision for Kentucky and bringing each other down. This race is the difference between vision and division, Beshear said. Theyre trying to pit us against each other Im ready to prove thats a losing strategy in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Beshear touted both recovery efforts in Kentucky and economic development announcements there. He took the time to list off several employers that have located in the area during his administration. Cameron, meanwhile, called on conservative Kentucky values as a unifying force that hed lift up as governor. A Cameron administration, he said, would focus on upholding the dignity of work, the family as the foundation of society, for respecting the rule of law and the dignity of our Founding Fathers. Story continues Beshear kicked off his speech firing directly at Cameron, with a stray shot toward First District Congressman James Comer, R-KY, who Democrats have criticized for spending time in Frankfort, where his family lives, before GOP-led redistricting morphed his district to include Frankfort. Its great to be back in Western Kentucky, where my family is from, where Jamie Comer pretends to live and where Daniel Cameron shows up for a political rally but not for tornado survivors, Beshear joked. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks during the annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. Cameron mostly directed his jeers at Beshear over social issues. He joked that he thought Beshear was auditioning for a job with Bud Lights marketing team, a reference to the company thats been boycotted by conservatives in response to promotional materials that included a transgender woman. Cameron drew a contrast between how Beshear promotes himself on television and how he really is. TV Andy lies about his record on jobs, crime and teachers. TV Andy wants you to believe hes never heard of Joe Biden. But when the cameras arent rolling and he thinks you arent watching, thats when Frankfort Andy, the real Andy Beshear, rears his head. He vetoes tax cuts. He fights for the Biden agenda. He demands that boys play in girls sports. He protects transgender surgery for kids. Beshear has never supported gender reassignment surgery for minors, though GOP politicians point to his veto of Senate Bill 150 an omnibus bill that included a ban on the surgeries as proof that he does. He also criticized Beshear, saying that he locked the schools and threw open the jails in reference to his administrations policy on school lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and sentencing commutations to avoid crowding in jails. Kentucky Attorney General and Republican nominee for governor Daniel Cameron speaks at the annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. Both were met with uproar from opposing crowds under the speaking pavilion. For the second year in a row, parts of Camerons speech were drowned out by chants referencing Breonna Taylor, as he was criticized on the left for the way his office handled the prosecution of police who killed her. Notably, signs emblazoned with the governors first name ANDY instead of his legacy surname littered the country roads into Fancy Farm. Supporters lofted vertical signs with the name throughout the event, chanting A-N-D-Y for K-Y. Conservatives held signs pairing Beshear with Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who drew fire from the right. Republicans roared as U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-KY, took the stage before the speaking began. Democrats in the crowd chanted retire. The speech was the first major public appearance in Kentucky for McConnell after a prolonged pause in Washington D.C. led to speculation about the leaders health. He focused much of it on Camerons the attorney general began his political career as an 18-year-old interning in McConnells office race against Beshear. McConnell stressed he knew a thing or two about beating Beshears, as he easily defeated former governor Steve Beshear, Andys father, in a 1996 U.S. Senate race. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear supporters hold signs and cheer during the annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. A number of the down-ballot candidates made statements in support of who was at the top of their partys ticket and bringing down the opposing partys nominee. Republicans, in particular, made a point to tout their entire slate and elevate Cameron in their rhetoric. While Beshear left the stage after the candidates for attorney general were finished speaking, Cameron remained for the entire event. Cameron to GOP: Leave it all on the field Republicans gathered Saturday morning at the annual party breakfast in Graves County. This years breakfast served as a show of strength leading into a gubernatorial election that even staunch Republicans admit will be tough. Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, kicked off the mornings speakings with a call to action: that Republicans give their all to elect Cameron. Howell recalled working on a GOP congressional campaign that of current Republican Treasurer candidate Mark Metcalf that fell short by just four votes. He said this election effort against Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear could be similarly close. Skip and Jenny Shearouse, a pecan farmer couple from Graves County, described themselves as very conservative Christians motivated by issues like abortion and human trafficking. They said that Beshear comes across as a passionate person but that hes actually self-serving. He did the job a governor should do, but at the same time a lot of that is political, Jenny Shearouse said. Beshear has highlighted his administrations work in this region in the aftermath of historic tornadoes that took dozens of lives, touting it in television commercials. Kentucky Attorney General and Republican nominee for governor Daniel Cameron speaks at the Graves County Republican Party Breakfast at WK&T Technology Park in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. Cameron himself, in his speech to the crowd, urged attendees like the Shearouses to go above and beyond in matching the efforts of the Democrats. We are in a prime position to win this election and advance common sense values and advance the cause of Western Kentucky, but we have to leave it all on the field We have to do everything we possibly can because the stakes are so high, Cameron said. Secretary of State Michael Adams, whos running for a second term to his office, warned Republicans in attendance that weve gotta match the Democrats level of intensity. The opposing party has their backs against the wall, he said. If we sweep for the first time in Kentucky history, they are done, they are finished. We have them in our sights and they know it, Adams said. Not everyone in the crowd was a lock for Cameron, though. Mike Pops McNerhney is from Hazel in southern Calloway County. He attended the breakfast with other members of the Kentucky Motorcycle Association, which is officially supporting Cameron against Beshear. McNerthney, however, is undecided. McNerthney said that he spoke with Beshear at an event at a senior center when the governor was attorney general and that Beshear is a fantastic human. As for Cameron, McNerthney said I dont know him, but Im kind of neutral. But hes open to supporting either. For me, its about what have you done for me and the common people, McNerthney said. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks with Teddy Osborne, 8, of Lexington, Ky., at the Mike Miller Memorial Marshall County Bean Dinner at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Convention Center in Gilbertsville, Ky., on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Beshear, Coleman go after GOP on education At the Democrats Mike Miller Memorial Marshall County Bean Dinner Friday night, Gov. Andy Beshear received a warm welcome from the crowd as he touted the states economic outlook, largest rainy day fund in history and efforts to help support public education a primary focus of his campaign in the 2019 election. Beshear bashed Cameron for choosing Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson, as his running mate, calling him one of the architects of the sewer bill, a pension-reform bill that would have reduced retirement benefits. Beshear, who fought the bill as attorney general, said Mills was mad. He was big mad. He said he was the most frustrated he had ever been, which is exactly how Daniel Cameron felt when the best he could get was Robby Mills, Beshear said. Im told that if you took everyone on Daniels LG list that was above Robby Mills and you put them all in a room, youd have the biggest crowd of the Cameron campaign. Among the teachers supporting Beshear is Noraa Ransey, who is the star of a recent campaign commercial. She said the importance of public education was even more a factor of this years election than before. We still havent received a statewide raise. We have advocated for that in every instance, Ransey said. We have all these new bills that are passed that want to limit what we teach, tell us how we should teach. I am a national board-certified teacher; I know what is best for the children in my classroom. It feels like a slap in the face when things like that are cast, she continued. There are no educators at the table. ... It is political. It isnt about what is best for our kids, and its not about what is best for our teachers. At the Graves County Democratic Breakfast on Saturday, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said Camerons campaign had dusted off (former Gov. Matt) Bevins playbook to attack teachers. That did not work then, she said, and it is not going to work now. On Friday night, over a roast beef, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, poppyseed chicken, and bread roll dinner, roughly 100 people listened as Cameron assured them he was the candidate to restore Kentuckys values. He accused Beshear of being beholden to the far left of his party, for allowing Kentuckys schools to become incubators for liberal and progressive ideas. Youve seen a governor over the last three-and-a-half years that has done anything but stand up for your values, Cameron said in the Calvert City Civic Center Friday night. Rather than stand with the men and women of Marshall County, this governor would rather stand with Joe Biden and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. When we needed it most, (Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear) decided to shut down our churches, Cameron continued, referencing an executive order handed down by Beshear during the height of COVID-19 that kept people from gathering for in-person services. This story will be updated. Reporters Taylor Six and Alex Acquisto contributed to this report. The 2023 St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic, or just Fancy Farm for short, is kicking off today out in west Kentucky. The picnic is celebrating 143 years of barbecue, picnicking, fundraising and, perhaps the biggest draw in our more modern times, political speaking. The Lexington Herald-Leader will be out in Graves County bringing you the latest from the picnic, so check out updates on down below. To help get you ready, heres how to watch the picnic if you cant make the drive and whos speaking. Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics Newsletter A must-read newsletter for political junkies across the Bluegrass State with reporting and analysis from the Lexington Herald-Leader. Never miss a story! Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics newsletter to connect with our reporting team and get behind-the-scenes insights, plus previews of the biggest stories. Who is speaking at Fancy Farm? First up, this is who is confirmed to be speaking on the Republican aisle: Attorney General Daniel Cameron - Candidate for governor State Sen. Robby Mills - Lieutenant governor candidate Former state Rep. Jonathan Shell - Agriculture commissioner candidate Garrard County Attorney Mark Metcalf - State treasurer candidate Treasurer Allison Ball - Auditor candidate Former U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman - Attorney general candidate Secretary of State Michael Adams - Running for reelection State Rep. Richard Heath State Sen. Jason Howell U.S. Rep. James Comer Auditor Mike Harmon Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles United States Sen. Rand Paul declined to attend this year. Sen. Mitch McConnell appeared Saturday morning at a breakfast event prior to the Fancy Farm picnic, but its not confirmed at this point whether the senator will speak at the picnic. Over on the Democrats side we have: Gov. Andy Beshear - Seeking reelection Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman - Seeking reelection Agriculture commissioner candidate Sierra Enslow State treasurer candidate Michael Bowman State auditor candidate Kim Reeder Rep. Pam Stevenson - Attorney general candidate Former state Rep. Buddy Wheatley - Secretary of state candidate Story continues Weve also got the speaking order for the day, if that is of interest. Political speaking schedule for the 2023 Fancy Farm picnic. Schedule of events The picnic itself begins at 10 a.m. CDT with the political speaking portion beginning in the afternoon around 2 p.m. If youre worried about missing out on the festivities, you can watch the livestream from Kentucky Educational Television. The stream will start at 2:30 p.m. EST. What exactly is Fancy Farm? What isnt Fancy Farm? The annual picnic began in 1881 as a church fundraiser for St. Jerome Catholic Church in the town of, you guessed it, Fancy Farm. Former Kentucky Gov. A.B. Happy Chandler is credited for popularizing the political speaking portion of the event. Nowadays, if youre running for office in Kentucky you had better make a stop at Fancy Farm. Live updates Our team of reporters will be bringing updates from the picnic when possible, cell service may be a bit uncooperative at times. Follow along with their Twitter feeds: Tweets by BGPolitics Tweets by TessaDuvall Tweets by _AustinHorn Tweets by AcquistoA Tweets by TaylorSixHL Tweets by lbblackford The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first pill to treat postpartum depression (PPD), the agency announced Friday. Zurzuvae is the markets first pill medication for the disorder that can occur, in mild cases, in as many as 50 percent of new mothers. Postpartum depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which women experience sadness, guilt, worthlessness even, in severe cases, thoughts of harming themselves or their child, FDA Director of Psychiatry Tiffany Farchione said in a statement. Having access to an oral medication will be a beneficial option for many of these women coping with extreme, and sometimes life-threatening, feelings. Two randomized studies determined that Zurzuvae is effective at combating PPD, the agency said, with one study showing about a 55 percent improvement in symptoms among women with PPD. The once-a-day pill can help alleviate depressive symptoms in days, instead of weeks or months like the traditional antidepressants usually prescribed for the disorder. Manufacturer Sage Therapeutics released a similar drug in 2019, the first ever to combat PPD. But that product, Zulresso, is an IV injection, inconvenient for most new mothers. Zurzuvae will now go into the Drug Enforcement Agency approval process, which is expected to take about 90 days. Last year, the FDA approved the first fast-acting pill to combat clinical depression. That medication, using a novel mechanism of treatment, could open the door to a whole suite of new treatments for depression, experts said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Washington federal court judge blocked ex-President Donald Trump from going public with potential trial evidence shared with his lawyers in an upcoming election fraud case after prosecutors cited his history of social media tirades. The ruling from District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan followed a Friday four-page filing from Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith asking for a strict order to muzzle Trump from sharing information culled from discovery documents or evidence. If the defendant were to begin issuing public posts using details or, for example, grand jury transcripts obtained in discovery here, it could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case, wrote Smith. On Friday, Trump made this menacing all-caps posting on Truth Social: IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU! Earlier in the week, he mentioned the prosecutor by name in another posting: I hear that deranged Jack Smith, in order to interfere with the presidential election of 2024, will be putting out yet another fake indictment of your favorite president. The court papers also cited previous Trump social media outbursts regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others associated with legal matters pending against him. The defendant pleaded innocent Thursday in the alleged sweeping plot to overturn the 2020 election results and block the peaceful White House transition of President Joe Biden in 2021. Unlike a full gag order, this would only limit what Trump and his legal team could share publicly about the prosecution. The judge said her ruling was meant to expedite the flow of discovery material between parties and to adequately protect certain information that the United States intends to produce to the defendant. Chutkan added the order does not affect publicly available records independent of the governments documents or any records which the defendant or the defense counsel came into possession by independent means, unrelated to the discovery process. Story continues Trump was given until 5 p.m. on Monday to respond to the judges order, with court filings asking the defendant to include a revised version of that Protective Order with any modifications in redline if he disagrees with the government plan. Smith said a Friday protective order proposal from Trump attorneys did not, in the governments estimation, protect numerous categories of sensitive materials, including grand jury materials and sealed search warrant affidavits. The special counsel said prosecutors were previously prevented from sharing documents with the Trump defense team in a timely way because of their inability to reach an agreement with his lawyers. The government seeks to provide the defendant with discovery as soon as possible, including certain discovery to which the defendant is not entitled at this time, he wrote in the filing. BEIRUT, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Economy Minister Amin Salam said Saturday that he had borne positive intentions when requesting Kuwait's aid in Beirut port's rebuilding, which sparked condemnation from the Kuwaiti government. At a press conference held in his ministry to respond to the Kuwaiti side's concerns, Salam highlighted that Lebanon is keen to uphold the brotherly ties with Kuwait and the mutual respect that "will not be affected or disturbed by anything." His response came after Kuwait protested at his statement issued on the anniversary of the Beirut port blasts saying that with "a stroke of pen" Kuwait can release a loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) for the rebuilding of Lebanon's damaged wheat silos. The Kuwaiti foreign ministry condemned Salam's remarks as "contradicting the most basic political norms and reflecting a limited understanding of the nature of decision-making in the State of Kuwait, which is based on constitutional and institutional foundations." At his press conference, Salam said he did not intend to use the "stroke of a pen" phrase to "override the constitutional and legal principles and mechanisms in force" by Kuwait or Lebanon. "Based on the commitment made by the State of Kuwait three years ago in building silos, we intended to use the phrase 'a stroke of a pen' that is used in the local dialect to indicate that the matter can be implemented quickly," he noted. He added he was aware that such a decision "can only be done through careful institutional, constitutional and administrative work, and we did not intend to go beyond the constitutional and natural path in the dealings between the two brotherly countries." In 1969, Kuwait funded the construction of wheat silos in the port of Beirut, with a capacity of 120,000 tons, through a loan provided by KFAED. On Aug. 4, 2020, the port of Beirut witnessed an explosion that destroyed the facility and a big part of the city, killing over 220 people and injuring thousands of others. Prosecutors on Friday night called a judges attention to a social media post from Donald Trump issued hours earlier in which they say the former president appeared to declare that hes coming after those he sees as responsible for the series of formidable legal challenges he is facing. Attorneys from special counsel Jack Smiths team said the post from Trump specifically or by implication referenced those involved in his criminal case for seeking to subvert the 2020 election. In a court filing just before 10 p.m. Friday, Senior Assistant Special Counsels Molly Gaston and Thomas Windom alerted the judge in Trumps latest criminal case U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to a combative post Trump sent earlier in the day. If you go after me, Im coming after you! Trump wrote in all caps Friday afternoon on Truth Social, which is run by a media company he co-owns. The prosecutors said Trumps post raised concerns that he might improperly share evidence in the case on his social media account and they urged that he be ordered to keep any evidence prosecutors turn over to his defense team from public view. All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public, Gaston and Windom wrote. Such a restriction is particularly important in this case because the defendant has previously issued public statements on social media regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys, and others associated with legal matters pending against him. And in recent days, regarding this case, the defendant has issued multiple postseither specifically or by implicationincluding the following, which the defendant posted just hours ago. The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech, and was in response to the RINO, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs, like the ones funded by the Koch brothers and the Club for No Growth, a Trump spokesperson said in a statement. Story continues On Saturday, Judge Chutkan ordered that Trump's team file a response to the government's motion by 5 p.m. Monday. Trump's attorneys attempted to extend the deadline, which the judge denied. Smiths office has not sought a gag order in either of the criminal cases it is pursuing against Trump: one in Florida focused on his retention of classified documents and the other in Washington over his efforts to interfere with the certification of the 2020 presidential election. The filing Friday night does not make any request to bar Trump or his attorneys from discussing the D.C. case publicly or with the media. However, prosecutors in that case have indicated theyre prepared to share a substantial volume of evidence with Trump as soon as Chutkan approves an order governing the handling of evidence. Chutkan is slated to bring attorneys for both sides to court on Aug. 28 to discuss setting a trial date. Its unclear if Trumps post will prompt her to seek more immediate efforts to implement a protective order or to impose a gag order, which can be issued under D.C. federal court rules. Trumps Truth Social post came one day after he swore in federal court that he would not make any effort to influence or retaliate against witnesses or make any other actions that might obstruct the administration of justice in his case. Asked by a magistrate judge on Thursday to verify that he would comply with that instruction, Trump acknowledged it and said that he would. The Truth Social post made no specific reference to any witnesses or court personnel, but Trump has often used his social media megaphone to attack prosecutors and judges in the criminal cases he is facing. Clinton Thompson is patted down by deputies outside a Wichita County courtroom Thursday. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault. An aggravated perjury charge against Clinton Owen Thompson's wife was dismissed within hours of his guilty pleas Thursday morning to manslaughter for killing a Wichita Falls man and aggravated assault for a road rage incident, court records show. The Wichita County District Attorney's Office opted not to prosecute the perjury charge against Misti Dawn Thompson, 45, who was accused of lying on the stand during her husband's road rage trial last year, court records show. At the request of the DA's Office, 89th District Judge Charles Barnard signed the order of dismissal filed Thursday afternoon. Aggravated perjury is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. On July 5, a Wichita County grand jury indicted Misti on the perjury charge in connection with her testimony May 25, 2022. The DA's Office alleged she lied when testifying that John King, who Clinton pointed a gun at Aug. 6, 2017, during a road rage incident south of McNiel Middle School, had followed Misti to her father-in-law's home and her mother-in-law's flower shop that day. In addition, her false statements eroded King's credibility during the road rage trial, according to allegations in the indictment. A judge declared a mistrial when a jury deadlocked May 26, 2022, in Clinton's trial. He was to be retried Monday for aggravated assault. The dismissal of the perjury charge against Misti was not part of the plea deal struck for Clinton, 44, in the last few days. More: A Christian, Rocky's mom forgives his killer, who is bound for prison He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and to the lesser offense of manslaughter for the shooting death of husband and father Rocky Buckley July 26, 2012, in the driveway of Clinton's home. Barnard sentenced him to 15 years for manslaughter and five years for the road rage incident. His sentences are to run concurrently. Clinton was being held Friday in the Wichita County Detention Center, pending his transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, according to online jail records. Story continues Rocky Buckley holds his son Joshua. The resolution of the Buckley's case brought long-awaited justice to family members, who have been seeking justice since his death in 2012. A Wichita County grand jury declined to indict Clinton in 2012 for any charge related to the homicide. Clinton claimed he shot in self-defense. He and Buckley had been friends and were in a dispute at the time of the killing. Buckley's family asked Wichita County DA John Gillespie to take up the case when he came into office in 2019. Subsequently, Clinton was indicted on a charge of manslaughter in April 2019 and then a charge of murder in November 2019. More: Sheriff: 2012 manslaughter suspect caught by surprise Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, covers education, courts, breaking news, investigative projects and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Felony charge dismissed against wife of Rocky's killer Despite the impression you may get from following the news about electric vehicles, Tesla is no longer the only EV manufacturer in the world. Nowadays, almost all of the legacy carmakers are coming out with EVs of their own. The latest to join the movement is Fiat, which just announced two new electric models, according to a report by CleanTechnica. The beloved Italian car brand announced the Fiat Topolino, designed for urban mobility, and the larger and faster Fiat 600e, the best of the B and B-SUV worlds. The Topolino is tiny and adorable, described by TechCrunch as a squat, retro quadricycle that features a convertible top and ropes in lieu of doors. However, the fact that it has a top speed of 28 miles per hour means that United States customers will likely never get their hands on one. But what does this mean for the worlds best-selling car, the Tesla Model Y? In a word: competition. The Fiat 600e and Fiat Topolino are apparently targeting the Model Ys dominance, according to CleanTechnica. However, this does not seem to be a very specific targeting but rather the type of general targeting where Fiat would simply like to sell a large number of EVs, as Tesla does. In that sense, it is similar to how anyone who attempts to sell a cheeseburger is targeting McDonalds dominance. Fiat is going to manufacture electric cars and try to sell them, all while Tesla continues to be a dominant force in the EV industry. For the planet as a whole, this is more or less a good thing the more electric cars there are to replace dirty energy-burning internal combustion engine vehicles, the less our planet overheats. However, the best thing for the planet overall would be to move beyond passenger vehicles completely, with governments investing heavily in public transit, which is far less damaging to the environment (and at an incredibly lower cost to consumers) than electric cars will ever be. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Florida high schools may teach Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology courses, the state Department of Education clarified Friday, a day after it stated that teaching the class would violate the law. In fact, the Department believes that AP Psychology can be taught in its entirety in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate and the course remains listed in our course catalog, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. wrote Friday in a letter obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat. The education department originally argued that the college-level course, intended for high school juniors and seniors, violates Florida state law banning discussion of gender and sexual orientation issues in schools. Florida bans AP psych, pointing to lessons on gender, sexuality That announcement came just days before many Florida school districts begin their school year, causing chaos as some districts canceled the courses while others were at a loss for how to respond. We have heard from teachers across Florida who are heartbroken that they are being forced to drop AP and instead teach alternatives that have been deemed legal because the courses exclude these topics, AP organizer The College Board said in a statement Thursday. The education department denied banning the course on Thursday before clarifying the policy on Friday. About 30,000 students in Florida are expected to take AP Psychology this year, the company said. Todays statement from the Florida Department of Education represents new guidance on AP Psychology, the College Board said Friday. While district superintendents continue to seek additional clarity from the department, we note the clear guidance that, AP Psychology may be taught in its entirety.' We hope now that Florida teachers will be able to teach the full course, including content on gender and sexual orientation, without fear of punishment in the upcoming school year, the company stated. Story continues College Board previously stated that teaching AP Psychology with the gender and sexual orientation content removed was not possible, and any modified course would not count for college credits. Many high school students take AP courses to avoid paying for expensive college courses in the future. The conflict over the psychology course is an extension of a conflict between Florida and The College Board that began in January when Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) went after the AP African American Studies course. The state passed a law declaring the course as lacking educational value and preventing it from being taught in the state. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. About 50 years ago, Canadian police discovered a partially nude woman floating face down in a river west of Montreal her hands and ankles strapped with neckties, her neck bound with a black coaxial cable wire, and her head covered with a hand cloth, towel and tablecloth. The identity of the woman, Lalla Jewel Langford, would not be known to authorities until 2021, thanks to a DNA sample of her exhumed body that matched up with her relatives. The man now accused of killing the 48-year-old American woman in 1975 was arrested last month by deputy U.S. marshals at a retirement home in Hollywood, Florida. Rodney Mervyn Nichols, 81, is charged with Langfords murder thanks again to DNA technology along with a confession and he remains in custody at the Federal Detention Center in Miami awaiting extradition this fall to Ontario in one of Canadas oldest and most infamous cold cases. In early February of last year, officers with the Ontario Provincial Police traveled to Hollywood to question Nichols with FBI agents at the North-Lake Retirement Home. Nichols, who lived with Langford after she had moved from Tennessee to Montreal 48 years ago, admitted to the crime when investigators showed him photographs of the neckties that had been used to bind her hands and ankles. Nichols identified the neckties as belonging to him, according to an extradition complaint filed by U.S. prosecutor Lawrence LaVecchio in Fort Lauderdale federal court, the day before Nichols arrest on July 25. Canadian authorities then advised Nichols that he had admitted to the murder of Langford and that he could be charged, the complaint says. After consulting with a legal aid lawyer in Canada, Nichols told investigators that he had an altercation with Langford that started in his home in Montreal, and that he subsequently dumped her body in the Nation River. When asked why he confessed, Nichols said he had to come clean, the complaint says. However, in a court filing, Nichols lawyer with the Federal Public Defenders Office questioned the validity of the confession, asserting that the former Canadian man suffers from dementia, needs medication and must use a wheelchair. Assistant Federal Public Defender Bernardo Lopez said that despite the serious charge, Nichols is not a danger to the community or a flight risk and should be allowed to return to his assisted-living facility in Hollywood where he had lived in recent years until his extradition to Ontario. An extradition hearing is set for Sept. 26. Story continues The Federal Detention Center is no place for someone with Mr. Nichols frailties and vulnerabilities, Lopez said in the filing. Nation River Lady Langford had been known for decades only as the Nation River Lady after her remains were found on May 3, 1975, floating in the Nation River, a short distance from a highway bridge near Casselman, Ontario about 90 miles west of Montreal. Technology that uses DNA to find genetic matches led to identifying her as Langford, Ontario Provincial Police said at a news conference last month. Police say Langfords case marked the first time that Canadian authorities used genetic forensic technology to identify a victim. Other methods of identification, including creating a 3D facial approximation of her in 2017, were tried but had no success. Detective Inspector Daniel Nadeau said Langford was a well-known member of the business community in Jackson, Tennessee, who co-owned a spa with her ex-husband. She traveled to Montreal in April 1975 and moved into a house with her boyfriend, Nichols, then 32. Jewell Langford, middle, was prominent in the Jackson, Tennessee business community, police said. At that time, her family in Tennessee had reported her missing, Nadeau said. At the time of her disappearance, Langfords belongings, including her Cadillac, remained at her home in Montreal, according to the extradition complaint. The Montreal Police Service investigated her disappearance, but were unable to locate Langford or bring charges. A May 1975 autopsy report by Canadian authorities revealed two fracture injuries to the victims larynx, and then a coroners report concluded that the cause of death was strangulation by ligature of the neck. Further, the absence of water in the victims lungs suggested to Canadian authorities that she was deceased before entering the water, the extradition complaint says. In June 1975, Montreal police investigators questioned Nichols at the home he shared with Langford, but they did not consider him a suspect, according to the complaint. Nichols said the couple got into an argument and that she left on her own for Vancouver that June, calling him by phone to join her there. Langfords identity remained unknown for more than 40 years because of the unavailability of DNA evidence. In 2011, Canadian authorities conducted a forensic analysis of the items found on the victims body, including two large, blood-stained pieces of green cloth that covered her face and neck when her body was found in the Nation River. Following the DNA A partial male DNA profile was found in the bloodstains on the green cloth, the complaint says. Then, the Ontario Provincial Police collected DNA samples from nine male persons of interest and compared each with the partial DNA male profile found on the green cloth. Each person of interest was excluded as the source of the DNA. Seven years later, Canadian authorities exhumed the victims body from a cemetery in Toronto, and the Ontario Centre of Forensic Science took a DNA sample from the victim. With assistance from the DNA Doe Project and FBI, the Ontario police obtained DNA samples from several members of Langfords extended family and compared them with the sample obtained from the exhumed body. On July 13, 2021, the Ontario police pathologists positively identified the victim as Langford. Investigators said that because Langfords body was discovered in May 1975 one month before Nichols claimed he spoke on the phone with her from Vancouver in early June they concluded that Nichols deliberately misled them during his interview, the complaint says. Jewell Langfords original grave marker, top, was replaced, bottom, when her body was returned to her family and buried, police said. In February of last year, Ontario police investigators and FBI agents visited Nichols at the retirement home in Hollywood to question him about the disappearance and murder of Langford. He denied any involvement, but then said that he and Langford had taken out a sailboat, the boat capsized and she drowned. Then he said he tried to drown Langford in the Ottawa River because he was depressed, the extradition complaint says. But when investigators showed him the photographs of the neckties that had been used to bind Langfords hands and ankles, Nichols said they belonged to him. During that February 2022 interview, Nichols provided a sample of his DNA to the Ontario police investigators. His sample was compared to the partial male DNA profile that was collected a decade earlier from the blood on the green cloth that was wrapped around Langfords face and neck. The Ontario police pathologists concluded that the partial DNA from the blood on the green cloth was 190 times more likely to be Nicholss DNA than the DNA of any other person unrelated to Nichols. Information from the Associated Press was used for this story. The suspect in the shooting of two Florida police officers Saturday was fatally shot by SWAT team members several hours later after he barricaded himself in a hotel in Orlandos tourist district, culminating a manhunt across central Florida, police officials said. The Orlando Police Department officers stopped a vehicle around 11 p.m. Friday as part of an investigation of a Miami homicide and were shot by the suspect in the car, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said during a press conference early Saturday. The officers, who were not immediately identified, were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Hospital officials said Saturday afternoon that the officers were expected to fully recover. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< This is a sad day for our department, Smith said. These officers are out here every day protecting our community. The suspect carjacked another vehicle and police pursued, but did not immediately catch the suspect. About seven hours later, officers tracked the suspect down to a Holiday Inn near Universal Orlando Resort in the citys tourist district and evacuated guests staying at the hotel. The suspect refused to come out of the hotel and fired shots at officers who returned fire, Smith said at an afternoon news conference. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he had visited the hospital and met with the families of the officers. Our entire communitys thoughts and prayers are with these officers, Dyer said at the news conference. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Here's a look at some of The Providence Journal's most-read stories for the week of July 30, supported by your subscriptions. Here are the week's top reads on providencejournal.com: Water lines are installed in a neighborhood in Burrillville in 2019 after its drinking water was contaminated with PFAS from firefighting foam. The latest testing by major water suppliers in Rhode Island for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, led to do not drink orders for three systems. Along with the three systems that tested above the Environmental Protection Agency's national 70 ppt advisory level for so-called "forever chemicals," eight other systems had results higher than the 20 ppt state standard. They have 180 days to come up with a remediation plan. The chemicals, used in food packaging, cookware, clothing and firefighting foam, have been linked to cancers, low birth weights and hormonal problems. Environment: High levels of 'forever chemicals' found in 11 RI water systems. An aerial view of Conimicut Point Park in Warwick. The families of the 10-year-old girl and the 35-year-old father of two who drowned on Fathers Day 2021 after being swept up in a fast-moving tide at Conimicut Point Park are suing the City of Warwick, accusing its leaders of willful negligence for failing to adequately warn park visitors of treacherous tide changes despite a history of drownings. Story continues Marlin Segura Jimenez sued the city in state Superior Court on behalf of herself and her two children over the death of her husband, Valentin Cardona Sanchez, on June 20, 2021. Sanchez died as he tried to save 10-year-old Yoskarly Martinez, who also drowned after being caught up in the surging waters. Courts: 10-year-old girl and a father of two drowned at Conimicut Park. Now, their families are suing Crews trim overgrown vegetation at Camp Cronin in Narragansett, which once offered summer recreation for Providence residents. The City of Providence is at risk of losing Camp Cronin, its seaside camp in Narragansett, over unpaid property taxes. The city spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to renovate the long-neglected property last year, but failed to pay $16,721 in back taxes. Consequently, the property went up for a tax sale in October. The lien was purchased for $17,006 by Airway Leasing LLC, an investment company that frequently takes advantage of tax sales to acquire real estate at rock-bottom prices. If the city doesn't pay off the lien, plus interest and fees, within a year of the tax sale, Airway Leasing can acquire the 2-acre summer camp, valued at nearly $1.1 million, for less than the price of a new Honda Civic. Local news: Providence spent big to repair Camp Cronin. Now the place could be lost Historical photos of Scalloptown in East Greenwich from the East Greenwich Free Library archives. A What and Why RI reader wrote in to ask, What is the origin of the village called Scalloptown, in East Greenwich? The waterfront area, populated by an integrated community of immigrants and descendants of free slaves, was legendary for its Bay scallops and other fisheries, according to one history book, and in 1877 the town was the leading producer of scallops in Rhode Island. But its shanties and reputation for lawlessness led to calls to "purge and scavenge this notorious corner," described by some as "The Barbary Coast of Rhode Island." After a failed effort to "save" the community, Scalloptown met an unfortunate end. What and Why RI: It was called a blight on Rhode Island and then torched. Here's the story of Scalloptown. Some of the most valuable real estate for summer drinks and dining is on the Castle Hill Inn lawn in Newport, where there's a time limit for drinks and dining. Time restrictions at restaurants? Yes, they are a thing, according to The Journal's food editor, Gail Ciampa, who encountered them on a recent trip to London, as well at some spots in Rhode Island. Before diners even sit down, they're told how long they'll have at their table before they have to yield to the next party. What began during the pandemic as a way to manage restrictions on the number of diners in a room has stuck around at busy restaurants and those with small dining rooms, where turning over tables more quickly makes financial sense. But is it hospitable? Gail looks at the issue from both sides and speculates on whether this new trend will make significant inroads in Rhode Island. Dining: Time limits at restaurants? Is new trend in dining scene reasonable or inhospitable? To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence Journal top stories: PFAS in RI water systems; Scalloptown Former Adelanto Mayor Richard Kerr, shown during his 2018 arrest, was sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud. (James Quigg / The Daily Press via Associated Press) Richard Kerr, the former Adelanto mayor who vowed to save his cash-strapped high desert city by embracing medical marijuana businesses, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison Friday in connection with taking bribes from cannabis interests. Imposing a sentence lighter than the 46-month term that federal prosecutors requested, U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb in Santa Ana said he took took into account the 66-year-old defendant's health, his service as a U.S. Marine, and his family obligations. After more than two decades as a Marine, Kerr won election in 2014 in Adelanto, a struggling 53-square-mile city known for its prisons and immigration detention center. He promised that Adelanto, where 40% of residents lived in poverty, would one day be the Silicon Valley of medical marijuana. Voters turned Kerr out of office in 2018, months after the FBI raided his home as part of a corruption probe. In 2021, he was charged with taking more than $57,000 in bribes and kickbacks while mayor in exchange for approving ordinances and securing permits for pot-related businesses. In February, Kerr pleaded guilty to one count involving wire fraud. According to his plea agreement, the illicit payments from Kerrs co-schemers described as an attorney and various business people were disguised as donations to a charity fund or to his election campaign. Read more: Legal Weed, Broken Promises: A Times series on the fallout of legal pot in California Kerr's attorney, Carlos L. Juarez, described his client as a man with a GED and little formal education who entered politics late in life. "He did his darnedest to serve the people but along the way got caught up in a web of political corruption," Juarez said, describing his client as "naive." In remarks to the judge before sentencing, Kerr said he attributed his plight to "stupidity" and "doing dumb things" rather than malevolence. He said that during his time as mayor, Adelanto profited hugely from taxation of the cannabis industry he championed, and enjoyed "thousands of jobs and hundreds of new homes." Story continues Asst. U.S. Atty. Sean Peterson asked the judge to give Kerr nearly four years in prison, arguing it would deter others tempted to break laws in the state's pot industry. "It's not that there was just one bribe," Peterson said, but a series of them over 2 years. "It's serious conduct." Edwin Snell, who described himself as a community activist, told the judge that Kerr promised him and a partner he would be allowed to open a dispensary in Adelanto but instead sold it "to the highest bidder." He said Kerr's habit of invoking the Marine Corps was meant to evoke trust but was part of his act as "a very complex con artist." "He promised us a dispensary and Semper Fi'd it," Snell said, adding: "Every person that voted for him was betrayed. Every person that voted for him was hornswoggled." Diana Esmeralda Holte, an Adelanto resident and former secretary for the High Desert Cannabis Assn., told the judge that in 2017 she applied for one of the four pot-dispensary licenses the city was issuing. She said the city blocked her license because she was unwilling to pay a $7,000 bribe, and that Kerr's allies smeared her reputation. "I think he deserves a million years," she said in an interview before the sentencing, "but 20 would be reasonable." In court papers, Kerrs attorney described the case as a complete embarrassment to Kerr, adding: While once well-renowned and respected in the community, he has brought his family name to shame. In letters to the judge pleading for leniency, Kerrs family and supporters described him as a veteran who grew up poor, struggled with alcohol, suffers from emphysema, and supports five of his eight grandchildren. Kerrs wife, Mistey Kerr, told the judge that while her husband was mayor he instituted movies in the park, organized a rodeo, and supported food and toy giveaways at Christmas. Last year, a jury convicted Jermaine Wright, Adelantos former mayor pro tem, of taking a $10,000 bribe from an FBI agent posing as a pot entrepreneur. He was sentenced to five years in prison. It was part of a wave of cannabis-related corruption prosecutions across the state. California legalized recreational marijuana in 2016 with Proposition 64, but the ballot measure empowered local officials often low-paid, part-time ones to act as gatekeepers to the hypercompetitive industry. Across the state, the green rush was accompanied by play-to-play schemes, with corruption cases seizing headlines in the rural north and in southern border towns, in urban centers and in desert communities. The judge ordered Kerr to surrender himself to federal custody in November to begin serving his sentence. 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 former nurse pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to diverting opioids from a Boston-area hospital. Andrea Falzano, 39, of Winchester, pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances by fraud, deception, and subterfuge, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Friday. Falzano was indicted on Feb. 24, 2023. Beginning in May 2019, Falzano used her capacity as a nurse in the emergency department at a Massachusetts-based hospital to withdraw controlled substances from a locked drug cabinet. The drugs included morphine, fentanyl, and hydromorphone, all of which are opioids. According to admissions made in connection with her guilty plea, Falzano withdrew these substances 412 times for 299 already discharged patients over an approximately five-month period. The charge of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances by fraud provides a sentence of up to four years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Falzano will be back in court for sentencing on November 14. 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 Butler County Community College was given the largest gift to date in its 58-year history. Tim Shaffer, a former state senator from Prospect who died in 2022, gave $3 million which the college says is half of his estate to the BC3 Education Foundation. He also contributed $1 million to the foundation in 2018. BC3 accepted the gift during a memorial celebration of Shaffer. He loved our mission, said Dr. Nick Neupauer, BC3 president. He absolutely loved our students. And he believed in the vision and the strategic plan that related to the college. Tim wanted to give to a winner, and clearly BC3 has demonstrated that it is a winner, whether its with our No. 1 rankings, our outstanding programs and faculty, or our community partnerships. The largest gift in our history is symbolic of his belief in BC3. The gift will establish a BC3 scholarship in memory of Shaffers parents and fund a previously created scholarship in memory of his only sibling. BC3 is still determining criteria to ensure the scholarship honors Shaffer and benefits as many students as possible. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Woman dead after 5-vehicle crash in Richland Township Charges expected after owner abandoned dog at Pittsburgh International Airport, county police say Kennywoods Steel Curtain closed for maintenance until further notice VIDEO: Fans pack Latrobe Memorial Stadium for Steelers Friday Night Lights practice DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts CAIRO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi held talks on Saturday with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Egypt's New Alamein City, where they discussed further economic cooperation between the two countries. The two presidents addressed ways to strengthen "the frameworks and mechanisms of joint cooperation between the two countries, including in the economic and development fields," the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. They also highlighted "the strong and distinguished relations" between Egypt and the UAE. The two presidents also discussed regional and international developments, agreeing on the importance of intensifying joint Arab action to confront the growing regional and global challenges. Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said a recent chilling social media post from the former President Trump is likely witness intimidation. IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU! Trump posted to Truth Social on Friday. I think its chilling, Grisham, who served under the Trump administration, said Friday in an interview on CNN, referring to the post. Legally it doesnt seem like its very smart, but how is that not intimidation? What other people are going to take a message from that? Trump was arraigned Thursday on four federal charges alleging that he orchestrated a plan to overturn the results of the 2020 election. He pleaded not guilty. Grisham testified to the House Jan. 6 committee last year about her experiences in the administration, including noting meetings Trump took in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on the Capitol. She has since been a noted critic of her former boss, including accusing him of sexually harassing employees. I just dont understand, does somebody have to get hurt before people take this kind of online intimidation seriously?, she said Friday. I know hes pointing out prosecutors, but as somebody who gets death threats every other day, it makes me nervous, she added. It should make anybody who had ever spoken out against him nervous, and thats a lot of people. Trump faces a second federal indictment alleging that he mishandled classified documents. Grisham has also claimed she witnessed Trump show guests at his Mar-a-Lago resort documents that were classified. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The family of Army Pvt. Travis King -- the soldier who ran across the border into North Korea in mid-July -- say they've heard nothing from the military since they were first informed of the incident. As the rest of the world watches perplexed, they are also left with questions about what the young soldier did in the months before he made the choice to run across the border from South Korea, a longtime U.S. ally, and into the hands of one of the world's most brutal and secretive regimes. "It's now been 16 or 17 days, and they have no information and they feel like they've just been completely left to the wolves," Jonathan Franks, a newly appointed spokesman for the family, told Miltary.com in a phone interview Friday. Read Next: Army's New Enlisted Leader: The Bet a Green Beret Can Lead the Rank and File "They are frustrated at the inability to get any information other than from reporters' articles," Franks added. In the days leading up to his sudden flight to North Korea, King, 23, had just been released from a South Korean prison and was set to fly back to Fort Bliss, Texas, to face additional military discipline. Instead, he somehow ended up on a civilian tour of the border village of Panmunjom, a major tourist attraction, where he proceeded to dash into North Korea on July 18. Franks said that the first -- and only -- contact the family had with the military was when an Army noncommissioned officer called King's mother to notify her of the incident. Franks said she remembered it being a sergeant, though he concedes that in the emotion of the moment, she may not have remembered accurately. King's "mom was kind of distraught, understandably," he said, adding that "she can't remember exactly what was said" on the call. Military.com reached out to the Army for a comment but did not receive a reply in time for publication. On July 21, three days after news of King's run into North Korea broke, the family, through the Army, said they would not be doing interviews and asked for privacy. Story continues Finally, on Aug. 1, the Pentagon announced that North Korea had acknowledged the United Nations Command's inquiries about King. But Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the chief spokesman for the Defense Department, said he didn't have "any substantial progress to read out." Franks announced that he is representing King's immediate family Thursday evening on social media and said they have had questions not only about the young soldier's condition but his behavior while stationed in Korea. "He did not have these problems where he was stationed last," said Franks, who traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to speak with the family in person. "The last time the family laid eyes on him prior to his deployment [to South Korea], he was happy, he was fine, he was talking about a long-term career in the Army." According to Franks, "there was just a cluster of problems in the fall of '22" and "everything goes to hell." But one person connected to King's family, who spoke under condition of anonymity in order to freely discuss family matters, said that this period roughly coincided with a time when everyone was deeply emotional over the death of King's little cousin. However, even on top of those emotions, this person had preexisting doubts of whether King was stable enough for military life. "I know Travis enough to personally say he should have never been accepted into the Army nor sent overseas," the person connected to the family said. "He is a quiet kid, but if he is triggered, he has a hard time self-controlling." Franks said that the idea that King had a hard time exhibiting self control is "inconsistent" with what his mom and grandparents recall. Regardless, no one is denying that King ran afoul of the South Korean legal system in the fall of 2022. The military newspaper Stars and Stripes reported that King was accused of assault on Sept. 25, 2022, according to court records reviewed by the paper, and Seoul police alleged he pushed and punched a patron at a Mapo bar who refused to buy him a drink. Franks said the family is "horrified" at the allegation, and part of their desire to know more about King's time in Korea is to offer an apology. However, King's mom also wants to know -- "was my son provoked?" he added. Several outlets also reported that King was arrested just before 4 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2022, in Mapo and placed in a police car, where he proceeded to cause several thousand dollars worth of damage. He also went on an anti-Korean rant. After he failed to pay a fine stemming from that incident, he was sent to prison. However, according to the family, that didn't cause the messages from him to stop. Franks says that while the family was in touch with King throughout his time in South Korea, "his messages became ominous." "Some of them were received while he's allegedly in South Korea in prison doing hard labor," Franks said, before noting that he's personally seen them. The family now wonders whether all the messages they've received from King were indeed written by him, which is another reason they are frustrated over the lack of communication from the Army. "We have information relevant to the investigation. ... These people would like to be good citizens and provide it in exchange for real constructive, two-way engagement with the military," Franks said. Franks says that former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson -- a man who has negotiated with North Korea on numerous occasions and helped arrange prisoner releases from other countries -- has agreed to help in their case. -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin. -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. Related: 'He's in a Real Bad Place': US Makes Little Progress in Getting Pvt. Travis King Back from North Korea SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) A funeral home in El Salvador has taken Barbie mania to an extreme, offering pink coffins with Barbie linings. It's all designed so you can be a Barbie fan till the day you die and even after that. The pink metal coffins are on sale at the Alpha and Omega Funeral Home in the city of Ahuachapan, near the border with Guatemala. Owner Isaac Villegas said Friday he had already offered the option of pink coffins before the July premiere of the Barbie movie. But the craze that swept Latin America convinced him to decorate the cloth linings of the coffins with pictures of the doll. The coffins are also decorated with little white stars. I said, We have to jump on this trend, Villegas said of the coffins, noting it has been a success. He said the funeral home has already launched a promotional campaign around the Barbie boxes, and has sold 10 of them. Though that doesn't mean 10 people have actually been buried in them many people in El Salvador buy a pre-paid package for future burial. Villegas said that until a year ago, families had preferred traditional coffins in colors like brown, black, white or gray. But a year ago, he sold his first pink coffin to family who wanted their very happy relative buried in a happier-colored coffin. Now he has no plans to turn back, though he still offers darker colors. We are going to have more pink coffins, because people are asking for it, he said. Latin America jumped on Barbie mania with pink-colored tacos and pastries, commercial planes bearing the Barbie logo, political ads, and even Barbie-themed protests. The famous doll's theme has also taken a macabre tone. In July, anti-government demonstrators dressed up two women in pink and put them in giant Barbie boxes in the main square of Lima, Peru's capital, to protest President Dina Boluarte, under whose administration police have often clashed with protesters. And in Mexico, a sister of one of Mexicos 112,000 missing people began sewing doll outfits to make a Searching Mother" Barbie, referring to the volunteers who fan out across Mexicos dusty plains to search for gravesites that might contain their childrens remains. Her creator, volunteer searcher Delia Quiroa, hopes to publicize the plight of mothers who have to carry out the searches and investigations police wont do. Pink coffins featuring a Barbie motif are displayed at a funeral home in Ahuachapan, El Salvador, on August 4, 2023. AP Photo/Salvador Melendez A funeral home in El Salvador is offering clients hot pink "Barbie" coffins. The owner told the AP the coffins have been a major "success" since "Barbie" came out in July. So far he's sold 10 Barbie-themed coffins and has no plans to stop since "people are asking for it." A funeral home in El Salvador is putting its own spin on "Barbie" mania. Since the release of the hotly anticipated Greta Gerwig-directed film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Alpha and Omega Funeral Home in Ahuachapan has been providing clientele with the option of burying their loved ones in hot pink metal coffins complete with white linings, gold embellishments, and, of course, posters of the doll herself, according to the Associated Press. On Friday, owner Isaac Villegas told the AP his funeral home had offered pink coffins before "Barbie" came out. But, once he saw how popular the film was becoming across Latin America, he decided to go all out with themed decorations. And it's not just Latin America where "Barbie" fever is truly taking off earlier this week, Business Insider reported "Barbie" is on track to top $1 billion in global box-office sales. The hot pink coffins sold at Alpha and Omega Funeral Home are decorated with Barbie posters and white linings. AP Photo/Salvador Melendez "I said, 'We have to jump on this trend,'" Villegas said, adding that themed coffins have been nothing but "a success." AP reported that the funeral home launched a promotional campaign surrounding the bubblegum-pink coffins, of which 10 have already sold. While Villegas said he is still selling standard muted-color coffins, he told the publication he has no plans to stop capitalizing on "Barbie" mania. "We are going to have more pink coffins, because people are asking for it," he said. Alpha and Omega Funeral Home isn't the only funeral home jumping on trend of producing Barbie-themed products for the afterlife. Funeraria Olivares, a funeral home based in Ecuador, shared a TikTok on July 21 appearing to advertise its very own blush-pink "Barbie" coffin. The clip, which has over 1.6 million views, showed a photo of the coffin next to a sentence that read: "So you can rest like a real Barbie." Representatives for Funeraria Olivares did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, made outside normal working hours. Read the original article on Insider A Georgia attorney has learned his fate after admitting to being one of the first to storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. McCall Calhoun, who has practiced law in Americus for 30 years, describes himself as an anti-communist counter-revolutionary. The Deep State cannot stop us, McCall wrote on Parler, a now-inactive social media network popular with former President Trumps supporters, They learned that today when we stormed the Capitol and took it. The word is were all coming back armed for war. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Calhoun, 60, posted a video of himself on social media in the middle of the mob swarming the Capitol on Jan. 6. The attorney was ordered to serve 18 months in prison for obstruction of an official proceeding, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, 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. He was also ordered to serve 2 years of supervised release and pay $2,000 in restitution. After his 2021 arrest, Channel 2 Action News learned that Calhoun is suffering from prostate cancer, and his family wanted him to be released so he could be seen by his own doctors. His current health condition is unclear. RELATED STORIES: According to the Department of Justice, Calhoun entered the Capitol through the broken Senate Wing Door and walked around inside. At one point, evidence shows him outside of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office. After leaving the Capitol, prosecutors say Calhoun posted on Facebook, saying Today the American People proved we have the power. We physically took control of the Capitol building in a hand to hand hostile takeover. We occupied the Capitol and shut down the Government we shut down their stolen election shenanigans . . . He was arrested just days later and found guilty in March 2023. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A Georgia man broke into a church in Florida and caused thousands of dollars in damage, according to local sheriffs deputies. Deputies in Bay County, Florida say Derek Porter used a cinderblock to smash through a window at Emerald Beach Church of God in Panama City Beach, Florida on Friday. They say a woman working inside the church heard the window smash and ran for safety. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Once inside, investigators say Porter caused $8,000 worth of damage. Body camera video shows officers speaking with Porter outside of the church. Porter told the officers he doesnt remember much about what he did in the church, but did remember getting into the baptismal pool to baptize himself. He claimed something was holding his head under the water. TRENDING STORIES: Officers found meth and drug paraphernalia on Porter when they searched him. Porter, who was currently on bond for a burglary in Georgia, was arrested and charged with burglary of an occupied structure, criminal mischief, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held in the Bay County Jail on a $19,500 bond. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A photo of zuranolone, the first pill designed to treat postpartum depression, from its phase 3 clinical trial. A photo of zuranolone, the first pill designed to treat postpartum depression, from its phase 3 clinical trial. The Food and Drug Administration on Fridayapproved the first-ever pill specifically designed to treat postpartum depression. Taken once a day for two weeks, the drug, called zuranolone and marketed as Zurzuvae, can rapidly and effectively relieve symptoms of postpartum depression, a mental health condition that affects as many as 17% of people whove recently given birth. This will be a game changer, Jennifer Payne, director of the Reproductive Psychiatry Research Program at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, told Wired earlier this week. During pregnancy and childbirth, the brain undergoes significant chemical changes that make it more susceptible to stress, and, as a result, depression. Other factors, such as pregnancy complications, social isolation and underlying illness, can contribute to the mood disorder, too. Postpartum depression commonly includes symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, extreme fatigue, aches or pains, and difficulty sleeping. Until now, the go-to treatments for PPD have been standard antidepressants, which take weeks to kick in, psychotherapy and/or an injection called brexanolone thats fast-acting and effective but takes 60 hours to administer in a medical setting. Theres been an urgent need for an oral pill that can swiftly improve depressive symptoms in new moms, and the approvals process for Zurzuvae was given priority review and fast-track status by the FDA. Zuranolone helps restore chemicals and neuronal networks in the brain that may have become depleted during pregnancy and childbirth, according to researchers. This resets brain functions related to mood, arousal, behavior and cognition, and helps the brain cope with stress again. This new medication is exciting because of the rapid onset, and it can be taken orally, said Dr. Jennifer McMahon, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and a clinician at Yale Medicine. Story continues Heres how the pill works and why its such a big deal for people with postpartum depression. How Zurzuvae Can Help With Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression can trigger feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, low energy, poor concentration and indecisiveness. The condition affects mother-infant bonding, and some women develop suicidal ideation. Suicide is the leading cause of direct maternal mortality in the first postpartum year with one in seven deaths due to suicide, Dr. Kristina M. Deligiannidis, the principal investigator on zuranolones clinical trials and a professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, New York, told HuffPost. The causes of postpartum depression are multi-factorial and include everything from genetics and hormonal changes to a strained social support system, pregnancy complications and financial stress. Having a personal or family history of a mental health issue like depression or bipolar disorder can increase a persons risk, as can having a baby with a health complication, going through with an unwanted pregnancy, experiencing difficulty with breastfeeding, or having problems with a partner. Its also known that certain brain functions become dysregulated and imbalanced when someone is experiencing postpartum depression. For example, in an otherwise healthy person, the brain produces neuroactive steroids that help manage stress and keep brain network function particularly related to behavior and cognition in good shape. With postpartum depression, the production of those neuroactive steroids becomes impaired, causing the brain to become more sensitive to stress (which theres no shortage of during pregnancy and after childbirth). Zuranolone is a neuroactive steroid that affects the primary neurotransmitter in the brain, binding to receptors and boosting activity that can restore dysregulated networks.Thats the hypothesis of why it could be impacting depression in the perinatal period, says McMahon. Heres How The Pill Performed In Clinical Trials The phase 3 clinical trial, which was funded by the drug manufacturers Sage Therapeutics and Biogen, evaluated the safety and efficacy of zuranolone in a relatively small sample size of 196women who had given birth less than 12 months prior and had experienced a major depressive episode either in the third trimester of pregnancy or within four weeks postpartum. The women were split up into two groups: 98 took 50 milligrams of zuranolone once daily for 14 days and the other 98 took a placebo. By day 15, 57% of those who took the pill said their depressive symptoms had improved by at least 50%, and 26.9% achieved remission. One in eight people develop depression during pregnancy or post-delivery. One in eight people develop depression during pregnancy or post-delivery. The study monitored the women for 30 days after they completed their treatment and found that the effects were lasting. By the 45th day, nearly 62% of the women who had taken zuranolone reported a 50% improvement in their depressive symptoms, compared to 54% of those who took the placebo. The pill kicked in quickly some women reported improvements after taking just two doses of the medication and was also well-tolerated. The main side effects reported were drowsiness, dizziness and sedation. Some people developed a headache, and a handful had gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea. The drug wasnt tested in people who were breastfeeding, so future research would need to examine zuranolones effects on those who are nursing. This exclusion isnt unusual; many research studies often exclude lactating people since its unknown how a drug could affect the baby. The treatment course is short, lasting only two weeks. According to McMahon, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of zuranolone and how postpartum depression affects people once their two-week treatment ends. Some may recover and be able to function normally again after the two-week treatment, whereas others may need to continue to take a standard antidepressant or do psychotherapy for maintenance treatment. Why Zurzuvae May Be A Game-Changer One in eight women develop perinatal depression, or depression that begins either in pregnancy or after delivery, yet only 10% of people with the condition receive adequate treatment. Many women arent screened for mental health conditions during pregnancy or after delivery, said Deligiannidis, and of those who are identified as having symptoms, most are never connected with mental health care. Plus, the treatments that have previously been available for postpartum depression, though effective, have shortcomings. Psychotherapies and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants take weeks to kick in. It takes a couple of weeks for SSRIs to start working, and around two months for them to reach their full effect. Brexanolone, another neurosteroidthat received FDA approval in 2019, is the only other drug specifically designed and approved for postpartum depression. It works phenomenally well, and quickly, but its not easy to administer. Its given via an infusion that lasts 60 hours, or two and a half days. It must be done in a medical setting, which means that soon after childbirth, women must go back to the hospital for a multi-day stay. Some women may not be able to access that rapid-acting, lifesaving medication, said Deligiannidis. It may also cause serious side effects, like loss of consciousness or severe sedation. All this is to say: There are major limitations to the currently available postpartum depression treatments. Zuranolone can change the way doctors treat postpartum depression. An oral, rapid-acting antidepressant has the potential to quickly alleviate depressive symptoms so that women can regain functioning, said Deligiannidis. While zuranolone targets one very crucial piece of the postpartum puzzle, other contributing factors including a history of trauma or domestic violence and life stressors cant be ignored. But this is potentially a very helpful tool of one of many things to help women, McMahon said. When Will It Be Available? Sage Therapeutics is not yet providing cost and other market information. A company report from May said it anticipates that zuranolone could be commercially available in late 2023 in accordance with the post-approval Drug Enforcement Administration scheduling period. 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... Corrections & Clarifications: This story has been updated with the correct spelling on the name of Attorney General Rob Bonta. Tensions boiled over Friday morning at a raucous and chaotic special meeting of the Board of Supervisors that discussed Shasta Countys settlement with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. over the Zogg Fire. Toward the end of the meeting, a visibly upset Tim Garman, whose district includes the area burned by the 2020 fire, used an expletive to call out Supervisor Kevin Crye. Supervisor Crye, youre full of s---. Ill say it like it is, Garman said. Board chair Patrick Jones scolded Garman for using the language before Garman continued. You sit here and tell me that I didnt care about the people of Igo-Ono and I wasnt taking it serious and youre absolutely 1,000% wrong, OK? You just continue to divide this county, Garman told Crye. Earlier, Crye said he went out and spoke to people after someone came forward with concerns about the settlement, noting that he talked to "Supervisor Garman, Supervisor Garman wasn't super interested in looking into it, so I looked into it more." Fridays special meeting, called by Jones, came three days after Crye during Tuesdays regularly scheduled board meeting criticized District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett for not pushing harder to criminally prosecute PG&E over the Zogg Fire. Crye wants an independent counsel to look into Bridgetts conduct, and Jones on Friday said he would support that. At the special meeting, Crye said he and County Executive Officer David Rickert (no relation to supervisor Mary Rickert) sat down and spoke with Bridgett on Wednesday. Crye said it bothers him that the county in his opinion did not hold PG&E accountable and we are letting PG&E off the hook. District 2 Supervisor Tim Garman wore a "Recall Kevin Crye" T-shirt to the Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Shasta County Board of Supervisors county budget hearing meeting. In the end, supervisors voted 5-0 to put on a future agenda a discussion about possibly sending a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta that would ask him to review Bridgetts handling of the Zogg Fire settlement. Story continues The motion, made by Jones, did not mention the possibility of hiring an outside attorney to investigate Bridgetts conduct. The vote came after some two hours of public comment from the community, including Igo-Ono residents whose community was devastated by the fire, which killed four people and burned 56,000 acres in southwest Shasta County. Many who spoke called out Jones and Crye, whos fighting a recall effort, for politicizing the tragedy and forcing the victims families to relive the stress and the trauma of the deadly fire. Jones said he has received numerous emails from Igo and Ono residents with questions about the settlement and that the county should have refiled criminal charges against PG&E to honor the deaths of the four people who died in the fire. Supervisor Kevin Crye, left, and Supervisor Chris Kelstrom at the Jan. 10, 2023, Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting. Angela Mills, program manager for the DAs Crime Victims Assistance Center, came to the meeting to remind supervisors about the four people who died in the fire. My office walked through every step of the process, ensuring the voices of those victims was heard throughout this entire court process. The constant and repeated attention of this case hurts the surviving family members. Sensationalized or insensitive coverage of traumatic events can retraumatized survivors and perpetuate their stress. That is what is happening here, Mills said. More: Shasta College president retires after 12 years developing fire, equity and work programs Mills said her office has had recent discussions with the families and they reported feeling a lack of community support after hearing the comments expressed in this room. Others told supervisors that there are better ways to spend taxpayer money than hiring outside counsel to investigate a court-reviewed and approved settlement. How about spending 40 or 50 hours on how to open a floor of the (Shasta County) Jail, paying your employees a living wage, fix the roads. Lets spend time on that, Dawn Duckett said. Igo resident Raymond Jack said he was disappointed when Bridgettes office decided not pursue PG&E criminally and the county settle civilly. In May, Bridgett announced a $50 million civil settlement with PG&E that brought compensation for damages from the Zogg Fire that killed four people and burned 56,000 acres in southwest Shasta County. At news conference, Bridgett said the deal with PG&E was made after a Shasta County judge nullified an earlier judges ruling that allowed her office to go forward with criminal charges against the utility for four counts of involuntary manslaughter and other crimes for allegedly starting the blaze. Bridgett said she disagreed with the judge's ruling and felt her office would have won the case in a criminal jury trial. But after Superior Court Judge Daniel Flynn's ruling, the case could not continue criminally and her office sued PG&E in civil court and obtained a settlement. The district attorney has disputed claims that the county could have refiled criminal charges after Flynns ruling. Bridgett has noted that her office presented all evidence it had on the gray pine that fell on PG&E power lines and ignited the fire. Shasta and Tehama counties in their suit accused the utility of negligence and argued it identified but failed to take out the tree, which had been slated for removal in 2018. Meanwhile, questions have been raised about how the $50 million was disbursed throughout the community, including $7 million to the Childrens Legacy Center, a nonprofit whose board Bridgett sits on. The money is being used to establish Feylas Fund, honoring 8-year-old Feyla McLeod, who died in the Zogg Fire. Bridgett has said that her office asked the victims families how they would like to see the money allotted. The DA didnt cram it (money) down their throats. Thats what the families wanted, Redding resident Steve Woodrum said. I think this whole thing is just a political scam and we should just move on, he added. David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. Hes part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Chaos reigns at special Shasta County supervisors meeting Twice-failed Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams appears to have picked up a new side gig: consulting George Soros' political efforts. The Democracy PAC, which Soros solely funds and has used to inject vast amounts into the political arena, wired $30,000 to Sage Works LLC in May for strategic consulting services, according to his committee's mid-year report. Sage Works is an Atlanta-based company owned by Abrams. The former Democratic candidate reported on her financial disclosure form that she also acts as its chief executive officer. Georgia business records show she incorporated the company in September 2002 and has remained its registered agent. DEMS 'WORRIED' STACEY ABRAMS IS 'LIKELY' TO RUN AGAIN: BECAME 'TOO MUCH OF A CELEBRITY' George Soros' Democracy PAC paid a firm owned by Stacey Abrams during the first half of the year. It's unclear precisely what work she has performed for Soros or his committee. His spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. While this is the first reported payment from a Soros committee to Abrams' firm on the federal level, the financier paid her company years ago from a Georgia committee that he bankrolled as part of his district attorney efforts. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Soros previously paid Abrams' firm from a Georgia-based committee in 2016. The Georgia Safety & Justice PAC, which was fully funded by $147,000 from Soros, paid Sage Works $15,000 for strategic consulting services in October 2016, Fox News Digital previously reported. Soros used the PAC to help drive Henry County District Attorney Darius Pattillo into office, and the consulting payments went towards that endeavor. The past payment occurred in the infancy of Soros' nationwide targeting of district attorney races. Soros views prosecutors, who decide which crimes to charge and which to let slide, as a considerable component of overhauling the criminal justice system. STACEY ABRAMS GETS A NEW JOB AFTER ELECTION LOSS, JOINS ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP TRYING TO ELIMINATE GAS STOVES Abrams now works as general counsel for Rewiring America, an environmental advocacy group that pushes for the elimination of gas stoves. Abrams, meanwhile, has since joined the environmental advocacy group Rewiring America as general counsel following her second defeat last November. Rewiring America pushes for eliminating gas stoves and tasked Abrams with launching and scaling a "national awareness campaign and a network of large and small communities working to help Americans go electric," the group previously said. Two women were arrested for using stolen medical information to buy Xanax at pharmacies across Georgia, then sell it illegally to people in the community. According to the Twiggs County Sheriffs Office, narcotics unit investigators started looking into illegally obtained Xanax in July. The investigation revealed two women were using information stolen from a doctor, a nurse practitioner, and multiple others to get Xanax from 11 pharmacies in Middle Georgia. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Christy Parsons and Angel Little were charged on July 24 and July 25 respectively, with a variety of drug-related offenses as a result of the investigation. TRENDING STORIES: Deputies said Parsons was the one who stole the information to obtain the Xanax prescription, then sold the Xanax around the community. They said the investigation showed Little was also involved in the activity but did not detail the part she played. According to the sheriffs office, when Parsons was arrested at her home on July 24, more evidence was found on the scene and faces 45 charges. Little was arrested the next day at a home in Danville, facing eight charges, according to deputies. This case has taken thousands of illegal Xanax off the streets and out of the community, Sheriff R. Darren Mitchum said in a statement. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] OTHER NEWS: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a gas-fired power plant project undertaken by the China Machinery Engineering Corporation in Abuja, Nigeria, Aug. 4, 2023. (Nigeria State House/Handout via Xinhua) ABUJA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Friday performed the groundbreaking ceremony here for the construction of a gas-fired power plant project undertaken by the China Machinery Engineering Corporation. Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu described the Gwagwalada Independent Power Project (GIPP) as "highly significant" to the most populous African country as well as the first bold step in the government's concerted efforts to establish a strong energy sector that will drive the country's economy. "Nigeria cannot become a productive and industrialized economy, we cannot tackle poverty or create thousands of high-paying manufacturing jobs unless we can generate, transmit and distribute reliable electricity," said Tinubu. Mele Kyari, CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, said that the national oil company would leverage the nation's gas resources, over 200 trillion cubic feet (about 5.66 trillion cubic meters) of proven reserves, to power industrial growth and stimulate job creation, and that through the project, there would be a huge boost to the national grid. Cui Jianchun, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, told Xinhua that the plant will play a significant role in helping Nigeria fill the power supply gap. After completion, the project is expected to a large extent to meet the power demand of the capital city and surrounding areas. There is big room for cooperation between China and Nigeria in the field of energy and China will work with Nigeria to set a model for energy and industrial cooperation in Africa, said Cui. The GIPP, a combined cycle power plant with auxiliaries, is to be implemented in phases, with the first phase of 350 MW to be completed in three years after the groundbreaking. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu (C, front) attends the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a gas-fired power plant project undertaken by the China Machinery Engineering Corporation in Abuja, Nigeria, Aug. 4, 2023. (Nigeria State House/Handout via Xinhua) In May, a former security subcontractor working for the Athens-Clarke County Democratic Party campaign office entered a guilty plea to one count of communicating a bomb threat after threatening to blow up the building in 2020. According to the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Georgia, Jessica Diane Higginbotham, of Elberton, was indicted in December 2020 for threatening to blow up the campaign office while Georgias U.S. Senators were in Athens to campaign during the 2020 U.S. Senate special election. Officials said Higginbotham not only threatened to bomb the office, but lied to federal investigators when they investigated the threat, initially denying that shed made the threat. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] After entering her guilty plea in May, she was sentenced Tuesday for more than a year in federal prison. Threats of violence intended to disturb the peace and disrupt the democratic process are taken seriously in the Middle District of Georgia and will not be tolerated, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said in a statement. I commend the many local and federal law enforcement agents whose collaboration in this case ensured a safe outcome for our community. Higginbotham made the threat in what officials call an effort to disrupt the voting process and disturb the peace. Court documents said she texted a DSCC employee on Dec. 3, 2020 saying she would be coming by either tonight or in the morning to set a bomb up. So I can blow all the Democrats up and that there were other individuals who would take similar action at other offices. The message continued, saying that if she couldnt stop you by breaking in and destroying the property then I will blow everyone up. So be ready to be blown up. This is going to either happen tonight or in the morning. Hope you like being on the wrong team. TRENDING STORIES: Story continues Immediately, federal agents investigated the threat. Using a series of emergency disclosure requests, agents found a cell phone belonging to Higginbotham, and determined the threat was sent from her phone. The next day, Dec. 4, 2020, agents found her in an Athens coffee shop, phone in hand. She vomited as agents approached her, then denied sending the threats. A search warrant was used to look through her cell phone and agents were able to link the email account used in the bomb threat to Higginbotham. During the investigation, agents also learned there had been a break-in at the campaign office the week before where a laptop had been stolen. However, investigators said it looked like the break-in was staged, because tables were turned over, but the building was locked with no evidence of a forced entry. They found the stolen laptop with Higginbothams personal items, according to officials. After, Higginbotham admitted to making the threat to bomb the building. In May 2023, she entered a guilty plea in federal court. The FBI and our partners take each threat seriously and will always fully investigate and analyze each threat to determine its credibility, Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlantas Macon office, said. Higginbothams threat, although a hoax, diverted precious law enforcement resources and wasted taxpayer dollars, and for that she will be held accountable by spending time behind bars. On Tuesday, Higginbotham was sentenced. She will serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, according to USDOJ. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] OTHER NEWS: Influencer and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat was charged with at least two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly after thousands of people descended on Union Square in New York City Friday afternoon, police said. Cenat was issued a desk appearance ticket for the charges, which include a felony charge of riot in the first degree causing public injury or damage. He was released from custody early Saturday morning. The crowd was apparently responding to Cenat's promise of free PlayStations, sparking a chaotic scene and a massive police response. The NYPD made 65 arrests and 30 of those arrested were juveniles, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said in a Friday evening briefing. PHOTO: People gather around and cheer for Kai Cenat as members of the NYPD respond to thousands of people gathered for a 'giveaway' event announced by popular Twitch live streamer Kai Cenat in Union Square and the surrounding area, Aug. 4, 2023 in NYC. (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) The event was "unpermitted" and "not sanctioned" and grew rapidly to thousands of young people, who Maddrey said attacked officers instead of complying with orders to leave. The chief implored parents to step in. "I had thousands of kids out there, I needed thousands of parents," Maddrey said. "When it gets to the point where it's disorderly, we want the parents to come and take control." Maddrey said a 17-year-old was hospitalized from what was initially believed to be a gunshot wound, but it ended up being a firework injury. NYPD officers arrived in droves to try to quell the mayhem, which erupted after a post by Cenat went viral around 3 p.m., and the officers soon found themselves under attack, according to Maddrey. "We were crushed, we were pushed," Maddrey said. PHOTO: Police officers yell at people to move on the the sidewalk on Broadway as they try clear the crowd from the Union Square area, Aug. 4, 2023, in New York. (Mary Altaffer/AP) The massive crowd caused the park and surrounding streets to become overcrowded. People ran through the streets and some were seen jumping on cars and a city bus. Some people took objects from a construction site in Union Square, including plywood, shovels and axes, according to Maddrey. Police showed up in riot gear to disperse the crowd. A bus that was holding people in custody was attacked by others trying to pull individuals off the bus, according to Maddrey. Story continues Fireworks set off in the crowd resulted in smoke and noise but police said they did not use any flash-bang devices and no shots were fired. Maddrey called the gathering an "unlawful assembly" and "uncontrolled." "We're not against young people having a good time, we're not against young people gathering, but it can't be to this level where it's dangerous," he said during a press briefing. "A lot of people got hurt today." PHOTO: Police officers detain a person after popular live streamer Kai Cenat announced a 'giveaway' event at Union Square in New York City, Aug. 4, 2023. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters) Some officers sustained injuries in the incident, Maddrey said, adding that he personally was hit with "multiple objects." Six people were transported to area hospitals in connection with the incident, according to the FDNY. The influencer's intention had been to "create a positive experience" for fans, but "we've never experienced anything at the scale of what took place yesterday," Cenat's AMP group said in a written statement issued Saturday. "We are deeply disheartened by the outbreak of disorderly conduct that affected innocent people and businesses, and do not condone that behavior," the statement said. "We apologize to all of those impacted. We are fully cooperating with local authorities." MORE: Suspects arrested after 3 women attacked on Manhattan's West Side: Police PHOTO: A man jumps on a car as a crowd runs through the street on Broadway near Union Square, Aug. 4, 2023, in New York. (Bobby Calvan/AP) NYPD has recovered evidence from social media that Cenat was out of his vehicle and interacting with the large crowd before he left Union Square, sources said. Due to police activity, avoid the area surrounding Union Square Park & use alternate routes. Expect a police presence in the area and residual traffic delays. pic.twitter.com/YNicYTL793 NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) August 4, 2023 MORE: Teen charged with murder as hate crime in killing of NYC dancer O'Shae Sibley: Sources Cenat, 21, posted in an Instagram story, "Please be safe," while sharing news coverage of the incident. "I love you guys to the fullest you guys are amazing," he said. PHOTO: People stand on top of a subway station entrance after popular live streamer Kai Cenat announced a 'giveaway' event at Union Square in New York City, Aug. 4, 2023. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters) A woman shopping in the area with her baby took shelter in an ATM lobby during the mayhem. "Everything was just bombarded with people," she told ABC New York station WABC. "It was just hectic. The only thing I could think about was to keep my daughter safe," she said. New York City Mayor Eric Adams thanked police "for their quick work" in controlling the situation. "I want our streets to be alive and full of joy. But they must be safe," he said on social media. "That's the most important thing." An NYPD official said they do believe there were a handful of PlayStation 5s that Cenat intended to distribute and the event would likely have turned out differently had he notified the department ahead of time ABC News' Mark Crudele, Josh Hoyos, Matt J. Foster and Reena Roy contributed to this report. Influencer charged after chaos erupts in New York City's Union Square originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A majority of Americans (51%) think Tuesday's federal indictment of former President Donald Trump related to Jan. 6 and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election is very serious, marking the highest figure yet of the three indictments he's faced, according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll. Overall, 65% of adults think the charges are serious, including 51% who said they are very serious and 14% who said they are somewhat serious. Only 24% said they are not serious, including 17% who said they are not serious at all. Just over half -- 52% -- think Trump should have been charged with a crime in this case, while 32% said he should not have been. And a plurality of Americans (49%) said Trump should suspend his presidential campaign, while 36% said he shouldn't. At the same time, 46% think the charges against Trump are politically motivated, while 40% do not, per the ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted using Ipsos' KnowledgePanel. These results show that the public believes the latest charges are more serious than those in two other indictments: one federal case in Florida concerning Trump's alleged mishandling of and refusal to return government secrets after leaving office and the other state case in New York City over his hush money payments to an adult film actress in the days before the 2016 election, for which he is accused of falsifying business records. He has pleaded not guilty in both of those cases and denies all wrongdoing. In ABC News/Ipsos polls in the wake of the previous indictments, 42% of Americans said the documents-related charges were very serious and 30% saw the hush money-related charges as very serious, compared to 51% in this most recent indictment. MORE: Criminal intent, free speech emerge as key issues in Trump's Jan. 6 indictment The new poll was in the field Tuesday and Wednesday, right after Trump was charged on four felony counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. Story continues Federal prosecutors, led by special counsel Jack Smith, said Trump's allegedly illegal efforts involved six unnamed co-conspirators and included tapping a slate of so-called "fake electors" targeting several states; pressuring the Justice Department to launch "sham election crime investigations"; leaning on then-Vice President Mike Pence to "alter the election results" in his role as president of the Senate; and repeating claims of voter fraud that Trump had already been told were unfounded. Trump was in Washington on Thursday to be arraigned on the new charges and he pleaded not guilty. PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump arrives at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Aug. 3, 2023, in Arlington, Va., as he heads to Washington to face a judge on federal conspiracy charges alleging Trump conspired to subvert the 2020 election. (Alex Brandon/AP) The poll results fall along predictable partisan lines, with only 19% of Republicans thinking the latest charges are very serious, compared with 84% of Democrats and 53% of independents. The result among the politically important independent group shows an 11-point increase in the number who consider the current indictment very serious compared to the previous indictment related to the former president's handling of classified documents. When it comes to whether Trump should have been charged with a crime in this case, only 14% of Republicans said Trump should have been charged, compared to 89% of Democrats and 53% of independents. Trump has maintained he did not do anything wrong after losing the 2020 race, casting himself as a victim of a political "witch hunt." "President Trump will not be deterred by disgraceful and unprecedented political targeting!" his campaign said in a statement Tuesday. Overall, Trump's favorability is deeply underwater, with 30% of Americans holding a favorable impression of the former president and 59% saying they have an unfavorable impression of him. President Joe Biden's favorability rating is hardly better, sitting at 33%. And 39% of Americans said the House of Representatives should launch an impeachment inquiry into the president related to business deals his son Hunter Biden had in China and Ukraine, compared with 38% who said they should not. About a quarter (23%) said they didn't know. PHOTO: President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the economy at Auburn Manufacturing in Auburn, Maine, July 28, 2023. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) This reading on public attitudes comes as Republicans in Washington continue to spotlight Hunter Biden's past foreign business entanglements and claim he sought to trade on his father's political power for personal gain -- which the White House has repeatedly rejected as false, saying there is no evidence to prove that. Hunter Biden faces separate legal issues: Until recently, he had a deal in place with federal prosecutors in Delaware in which he agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges and enter into a pretrial diversion program to help him avoid prosecution on a felony gun charge. That agreement fell apart, for now, over questions from the judge about its scope and specific terms. MORE: Who is Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya in Trump's Jan. 6 case? Both sides are working to resolve the deferred deal in light of the judge's concerns. In the new poll, 46% of Americans said they lack confidence that the U.S. Justice Department is handing its ongoing investigation of Hunter Biden in a fair and nonpartisan manner, including 31% who said they are not confident at all. Only 35% of adults said they are very or somewhat confident in the investigation's integrity. METHODOLOGY This ABC News/Ipsos poll was conducted using Ipsos Public Affairs' KnowledgePanel August 2-3, 2023, in English and Spanish, among a random national sample of 1,076 U.S. adults with an oversample of Republican respondents weighted to their correct proportion in the general population. Results have a margin of sampling error of 3.4 points, including the design effect. Partisan divisions are 26-25-41 percent, Democrats-Republicans-independents. See the poll's topline results and details on the methodology here. ABC News' Ken Goldstein, Alexander Mallin and Dan Merkle contributed to this report. Nearly two-thirds of Americans think Jan. 6 charges against Trump are serious: POLL originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A Hermes Birkin handbag with 8.2 carats of diamonds on the bag bag and 1.64 carats of diamonds on the padlock. James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images A Russian family traveling through the Barcelona airport had a bag stolen at the check-in counter. The Hermes Birkin bag was encrusted in diamonds and gold and carried nearly 10M in jewelry and cash. Two thieves, identified by security footage, were arrested, and the valuables were returned. Two travelers to the Barcelona airport carrying a fortune worth of jewelry and cash in a diamond-encrusted bag nearly left the country $9.3 million poorer after thieves snuck away with their luggage. ABC News reported the pair were checking into an Emirates flight when two thieves nicked the Hermes Birkin bag and found a fortune inside. The gold and diamond encrusted bag, which was sitting atop a Louis Vuitton suitcase when it was stolen according to aviation news outlet AeroTime, contained a 47-carat diamond ring worth $5 million, an $822,000 Chanel brooch, a Bvlgari watch worth about $990,000, plus diamond earrings valued at roughly half a million dollars, and $22,000 in cash in various currencies. The two thieves were identified and caught driving out of Barcelona thanks to security footage. The valuables were returned to their owners, according to a video posted to Twitter by Police Sub-Inspector Francesc Garcia of the Catalan Mossos D'esquadra. The Catalan Mossos D'esquadra police did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. There have been a string of high-valued jewelry robberies in recent weeks, targeting travelers and retailers alike. CBS News reported a couple had $70,000 of jewelry stolen from their luggage at Boston Logan International Airport on July 26, and the BBC reported a trio of well-dressed thieves used an elaborate plan to snag $10 million worth of jewelry from a Paris boutique on July 29. Read the original article on Insider Photo: Three Lions (Getty Images) Christopher Nolans new movie Oppenheimer, eponymously named after the creator of the atomic bomb, has renewed public interest in Americas dark history with nuclear weapons. Nolans movie focuses primarily on the Trinity testthe first test of an nuclear bomb to occur in the U.S. But for years after Trinity, the U.S. continued to spend a ludicrous amount of time and money detonating nuclear bombs all over the southwestern United States and in various parts of the Pacific Ocean. No, the government was not trying to give us all cancer; it was just preparing for what it presumed was an inevitable nuclear conflict with the Soviet Union. The dozens and dozens of tests that took place after 1945 were conducted secretly, under various conditions, with an ever-evolving, ever more destructive roster of bombs. Fascinatingly, the government also secretly filmed footage of these explosions and then squirreled the footage away in government vaults. Decades later, the videos have been declassified and is now all over the internet. Watching the footage is awe-inspiring and horrifyinga window into the awesome powers that modern governments possess, and which we all hope will never have to be used. Scroll through to see some of the largest and most terrifying explosions ever recorded. Read more Operation Crossroads: Baker Nuclear test at Bikini Atoll - 25.07.1946 Operation Crossroads was a series of nuclear tests that took place in Bikini Atoll in 1946. Baker, the test shown above, took place on July 25, 1946, and was set off next to a fleet of unmanned naval vessels. The bomb unleashed exponentially more radioactive material than the government had predicted and a Joint Chiefs of Staff report later noted that Baker had transformed the nearby ships into radioactive stoves that would have burned all living things aboard them with invisible and painless but deadly radiation. Story continues Operation Upshot Knothole: Grable Atomic Bomb blast with shock and effects in HD The footage above shows Grable, part of Operation Upshot Knotholewhich was a series of nuclear tests that took place in Nevada in 1953. The Grable test was unique due to the type of weapon involved: the bomb was fired in an MK-9 artillery shell from a cannon (nicknamed Atomic Annie). The shell flew a distance of seven miles before it made impact and exploded. Buses and cars can be seen being thrown around like toys, while the shockwave from the bomb spins outwards, warping and utterly transforming the surrounding landscape. Operation Castle: Bravo Castle Bravo Operation Castle was a series of high-yield nuclear tests that took place at Bikini Atoll in 1954. The test shown above, Bravo, took place on March 1, 1954, and is considered the largest nuclear test ever carried out by the U.S. government. Bravo involved a high-yield thermonuclear bomb, and the blast from the explosion was immense. The planners for the test seriously miscalculated the yield of the device, Brookings Institute commentator Ariana Rowberry writes, which led to huge amounts of radiation contamination. Aerial shot of a hydrogen bomb REDWING H-Bomb This footage is believed to be from either the Operation Castle series (which took place in 1954) or the Operation Redwing test series (which took place in 1956), both of which involved the ignition of large hydrogen bombs. The footage, shot from a plane flying over the site of the test, clearly shows the bombs radioactive cloud pluming out in all directions. Operation Teapot: Turk Operation Teapot - Turk 28100 Operation Teapot took place in Nevada in 1955, the fifth in a series of atmospheric nuclear tests. Teapot involved 15 total tests. The test captured in the video above, Turk, took place on March 7, 1955. Operation Teapot: Hornet Operation Teapot shot hornet 1955 This test, Hornet, was also part of the Teapot program. It took place on March 12, 1955. Operation Hardtack: Juniper Operation Hardtack-1 - Juniper 53070 Operation Hardtack I was a series of nuclear tests that took place at the Pacific Proving Grounds in the Marshall Islands in 1958. Each test was named after a particular kind of tree. This test, Juniper, took place on July 22, 1958. The detonation cloud reportedly rose some 40,000 feet in the air. Operation Dominic: Sunset Operation Dominic Sunset (1962) Operation Dominic I was a series of 36 nuclear tests that were carried out in the Pacific in 1962. Tests included airbursts, underwater, and high-altitude shots. Many of the bombs that were set off led to explosions that were reportedly 700 times the size of the one used the destroy the city of Hiroshima. The test shown in the video above, Sunset, took place on July 10, 1962. Doom Town USA: ZERO HOUR IN DOOMTOWN - ARTIFICIAL TOWN IN NEVADA DESTROYED BY ATOMIC BOMB (1955) The newsreel video above shows footage of nuclear tests in Yucca Flats, Nevada, where dummy communities were blown up to test a bombs impact on a typical U.S. town. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull Nuketown Scene Okay, okay so this nuclear test didnt actually happen...but I felt it had to be included. I also wouldnt recommend trying to survive a nuclear blast by climbing into a refrigerator. Thats an urban myth. Mighty Derringer The Government Made This Fake News Broadcast About a Nuclear Attack A nuclear bomb was set off in Indianapolis in December of 1986...or so the super-secret Mighty Derringer exercise would have you believe. Long after the government was done nuking Nevada, New Mexico, and the Marshall Islands to test its own weapons, it was still simulating the impacts of nuke attacks on American cities. The video above shows a fake news broadcast used in one such simulationMighty Derringera 1986 exercise that simulated what a nuclear terrorist attack on a major American city might look like. Evidence of the exercise was dug up by former longtime Gizmodo reporter Matt Novak via a Freedom of Information Request. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. LONDON Posing in a car once owned by conservative icon Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak explained why he was launching a media blitz to burnish his own credentials as a champion of the average voter against what he considers state overreach in the name of the environment. Signaling his opposition to a slate of environmentally-friendly policies, Sunak said on Twitter Sunday that he knows how important cars are for families to live their lives, unlike the countrys anti-motorist opposition Labour Party. Sunaks embattled Conservative government subsequently announced a review of anti-car measures aimed at improving air quality and reducing traffic, as well as a massive expansion of oil and gas drilling licenses in Britains North Sea. The prime minister claims the U.K. can do all this and still reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. But it was a sudden turn in a nation where there has largely been a political consensus over green politics and experts told NBC News it may be only the beginning of a broader shift in which right-wing parties view opposition to green policies as an opportunity to win votes. Talking about freedom, sat in Margaret Thatchers old Rover. Earlier I spoke to @Telegraph about how important cars are for families to live their lives. Its something anti-motorist Labour just dont seem to get. And its why Im reviewing anti-car schemes across the country. pic.twitter.com/0OiKhFLjc3 Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 30, 2023 Bolstered by a surprise local election victory last month in which the Conservative Party emphasized its opposition to new charges for drivers in London, Sunak has wooed voters by embracing a protest movement that sees such attempts to restrict car usage as an attack on personal freedoms. The move comes as several European countries face political turmoil over environmental issues. The Netherlands saw the Farmer-Citizen Movement become a leading political party this year, thanks to its fierce opposition to government plans to reduce or shut thousands of farms, while Polands right-wing populist government has criticized the European Unions renewable energy targets, which commit its 27 member states to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. What youre seeing is once again, as with immigration, a center-right party beginning to take on some of the typical tropes and rhetoric of radical right-wing populist parties, who present themselves very often as the friend of the motorist and say all these environmental concerns are overblown, said Tim Bale, a politics professor at Queen Mary University in London and an expert on the Conservative Party. Sunak Greenpeace House (Luca Marino / AFP - Getty Images) On July 21 the Conservatives unexpectedly won a by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, the parliamentary seat in Londons western suburbs that was vacated by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The election became a referendum on ULEZ, the ultra-low emission zone, which charges drivers of older, high-polluting vehicles 12.50 pounds ($16) a day to drive in Londons central boroughs. At the end of August the zone will extend across Greater London and suburban residents concerns over this gave the Conservatives a much-needed victory. Some protesters opposing the change are heavily influenced by elaborate right-wing conspiracy theories, and such is the level of disquiet, cameras installed to enforce the scheme have been vandalized or stolen. BP Oil Platform Scotland (Andy Buchanan / AFP - Getty Images file) Londons mayor, Labours Sadiq Khan, has nevertheless passionately defended the policy and said it was needed because thousands of people in the capital die each year from air pollution. The vast majority of cars also wont pay any emissions charge. But the Uxbridge result sparked wavering on ULEZ from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, eager to avoid any potential wedge issues that could help the Conservatives keep power. And Sunaks media blitz comes as many Conservative lawmakers and party members believe environmental policies will cost Britain too much and have only a limited effect, said Bale. Uxbridge has accelerated or amplified those voices and probably, given the governments in so much trouble on all sorts of other fronts, encouraged the government to weaponize the issue in the hope of mobilizing some of its base, he said. The Uxbridge win defied political gravity, however. The Conservatives were soundly beaten in two other by-elections the same day, with Labour taking the seat of Selby and Ainsty in North Yorkshire, a dramatic and unprecedented reversal from 2019, when a Conservative lawmaker triumphed by 20,000 votes. There could be more to come: Labour leads by about 20% with a year to go until a national election, according to opinion polls. With an ongoing cost of living crisis dominating voters thoughts and most areas of the country untouched by the planned emission zones or similar low-traffic schemes, some analysts have questioned the wisdom of Sunaks strategy. An opinion poll in May found that 39% of Londoners were in favor of ULEZ, with 35% opposed. Protesters hold anti-ULEZ placards during the demonstration (Vuk Valcic / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett) Many lawmakers in rural seats backed the prime ministers stance, though Conservative former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore said the North Sea drilling expansion put Sunak on the wrong side of history. Protesters from the campaign group Greenpeace took direct action in response to the new North Sea licenses and draped an oil-black covering over Sunaks home in his North Yorkshire Constituency on Thursday while the family was on holiday in California. A determination to appeal to a perceived median voter, often seen as a driver, is nothing new in British politics. But this debate a perceived trade-off between personal liberty and environmental policy is a sign of things to come in politics, according to Neil Lee, a professor of economic geography at the London School of Economics. I think that environmental policy will rise higher up the agenda as climate change and other environmental impacts become more obvious, he said. Its not the first of these debates where small groups can hold back moves, which I think in our hearts we know we have to make. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A Greyhound bus crashed on the interstate heading south toward Macon, according to sheriffs deputies. In a post online, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office initially said a bus with 30 passengers on board had crashed, leading to some injuries. Additional information from the Monroe County Emergency Services said there were 36 passengers involved. The accident occurred on Georgia 401 at mile marker 182 for I-75 South, north of the Rumble Road exit, according to officials. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: According to the sheriffs office, the preliminary investigation showed a bus tire may have blown out. Similar details about the cause of the accident were provided by Monroe County EMS, reporting that a tire on the bus had blown. According to emergency services, 13 patients were transported to appropriate facilities, while another 23 people were taken elsewhere with the help of a school bus from the Monroe Board of Education. Multiple injuries were reported but deputies said none were life-threatening. A Georgia Department of Transportation camera shows lanes have reopened and traffic is starting to return to normal. Deputies are still investigating the accident and are trying to learn more. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] OTHER NEWS: An anti-police brutality activist looks back at the entrance to the Rankin County Sheriff's Office in Brandon, Miss. Associated Press Six Mississippi police officers pleaded guilty to 16 felonies for the torture of two Black men. The officers sexually assaulted the two men before shooting one of them in the mouth. The officers called themselves the "Goon Squad" because they were willing to use excessive force. Six former police officers in Mississippi who pleaded guilty to torturing two black men were part of a group that called itself the "goon squad." The officers Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton, Christian Dedmon, Hunter Elward, Daniel Opdyke, and Joshua Hartfield pleaded guilty to 16 different felonies in federal court on Thursday, according to the Department of Justice. According to a criminal complaint, McAlpin received a complaint on Jan. 24 from one of his white neighbors in Rankin County that "suspicious" Black men were staying at a property nearby. McAlpin contacted Dedmon and asked him to "take care of it," which prompted Dedmon to contact a group of officers that called itself the "Goon Squad" because of "their willingness to use excessive force and not report it," the document says. Dedmon warned the men to "work easy" in case of cameras, meaning to knock on the door rather than break it down, the complaint says. Dedmon also told the men, "no bad mugshots," which means they had the greenlight to use excessive force on parts of the body not captured in a mugshot. Later that day, the officers barged into the home of Michael Jenkins, 32, and Eddie Terrell Parker, 35. They didn't have a warrant and they entered through a carport door because the front door had a security camera, the complaint says. The officers handcuffed both men and tased them "several times" before Dedmon shot his gun into the wall and demanded they tell him "where the drugs" were. While Jenkins and Parker insisted they did not have drugs, the officers began calling the men racial slurs and told them to "stay out of Rankin County" and to "go back to their side." Rankin County is the suburbs of Jackson and is 74% white. Hinds County, where Jackson is located, is 72% Black, according to the US Census. Story continues While searching the home, Opdyke found a dildo, affixed it to the end of a BB gun, and then shoved it into the men's mouths, the complaint says. Dedmon also threatened to penetrate the men with the dildo and slapped them with it. After the assault, Elward held the men down while Dedmon poured chocolate syrup, milk, alcohol, and cooking grease on them. Officers then forced the men to shower and took turns tasing them to see whose Taser was stronger, charging their Tasers a total of 17 times. Outside the house, Elward then removed a bullet from his gun, forced Jenkins onto his knees, and shot into his mouth, but the unloaded gun did not fire, the document says. Elward then put his gun in Jenkins's mouth again intending to dry fire a second time, but the gun discharged and broke his jaw. Among the charges against the officers were civil rights conspiracy, deprivation of rights under color of law, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice, according to a release. Trent Walker, an attorney for Jenkins and Parker, said that the men "feel like they are getting justice," at a press conference Thursday. "There were a lot of naysayers," Walker said according to Mississippi Today. "This proves there is justice in Mississippi, even in Rankin County with its long history of police violence." Rankin County has a history of police violence Almost all of the officers involved in the attack were employed by the Rankin County Sheriff's Department. Hartfield, who was a narcotics investigator, worked for the Richland Police Department. At least five people died in the custody of the Rankin Sheriff's Department during an 8-month period in 2021. Insider sued the sheriff's department for records related to three of those deaths. At least one of the officers who pleaded guilty on Thursday, Hunter Elward, was also involved in one of the 2021 deaths. Elward tased and beat Damien Cameron before he died. In an incident report obtained by Insider, Elward wrote that he punched Cameron at least three times and tased him three times. Monica Lee, Cameron's mother, told Insider that deputies knelt her son's back for more than 15 minutes even as he complained that he could not breathe. The Mississippi state medical examiner found Cameron's cause of death inconclusive, according to Lee. A Mississippi grand jury declined to press charges against Elward and other deputies involved in the beating due to insufficient evidence in October 2022. Monica Lee told Insider that she didn't understand the jury's decision because the evidence of the beating was "in his face." "I didn't get it," Lee said. "I don't know if they have pictures of my son or what," Lee added. In a statement provided to Insider, Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said the sheriff's department fully cooperated with the investigation and that the five former deputies who pleaded guilty "lied to me the night of the incident." Read the original article on Insider ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Orlando Police Department SWAT team on Saturday morning shot and killed a 28-year-old gunman who hours earlier had fired upon two police officers, critically injuring them before they were taken to a hospital where they are expected to fully recover, Chief Eric Smith said at an afternoon press conference. The suspect, Daton Viel, barricaded himself inside a hotel room in the Holiday Inn & Suites near International Drive following a police chase that started after he shot the officers around 11 p.m. Friday in downtown Orlando, Smith said. The SWAT Team arrived around 6 a.m. and immediately evacuated the hotel. Just before 9 a.m., Viel shot several times at SWAT team officers, Smith said. They returned fire, fatally striking Viel, who was pronounced dead. Viel was found at the hotel following a large manhunt that involved dozens of law enforcement officers and their respective agencies. The incident began around 11 p.m., when Viel shot the officers who were investigating a vehicle near Garland Avenue and Washington Street that was linked to a homicide in Miami, Smith said. The officers were critically wounded and rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center. They are both expected to fully recover from their injuries, said Michael Cheatham, the chief surgical officer at Orlando Regional Medical Center, at a press conference. OPD is not releasing the officers names, citing Marsys Law, a state constitutional amendment that protects the privacy rights of crime victims. After wounding the officers, Viel carjacked another vehicle, leading to a chase that took officers into Apopka, the chief said. Its unclear how Viel got from Apopka to the hotel where he was later found. Initially, the police department announced that it was looking for two suspects. However, Smith later said that the other suspect was determined not to be involved in the shooting. The department is not looking for any additional suspects. The investigation remains ongoing. Story continues Our officers are lucky to be alive and we ask that you continue to pray for them, Smith said. These officers are out here every day protecting our community; they put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, he added. And for some piece of crap to do this to them, because they dont want to go back to prison, is ridiculous. Were not going to put up with it. Since June 2016, Viel has been arrested on over a half-dozen felony charges including trespassing, robbery, burglary and sexual battery of a minor, according to FDLE records. In March, Viel was arrested by Orlando police in connection with the sexual battery of a girl between 12 and 16 years old, records said. According to records filed in Orange County Circuit Court, Viel drove up to a girl who was walking to a local high school in early December last year. He offered to drive the girl the rest of the way to school. Once inside the car, he drove on to school property before heading to Trotters Park, near Lake Fairview, where the battery occurred, court records said. He was taken into custody after his DNA matched a sample tested by FDLE and was also identified by the girl during a photo lineup, according to an arrest affidavit. Viel pleaded not guilty and was released on bond in June, according to court records. On Saturday, officials and law enforcement agencies throughout the region voiced their support for the wounded officers on social media throughout the early morning hours and into the afternoon. Gov. Ron DeSantis said he and first lady Casey DeSantis are praying for the officers, their families and the entire [Orlando Police Department]. Our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect. The perpetrator must face harsh justice, said the governor. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who was at the Saturday afternoon press conference, said, To those officers and their families, who I had the opportunity to meet with earlier today, I want to thank them for their service and their dedication to our city. The Orange County Sheriffs Office posted on social media: We are relieved to hear the two officers shot in the line of duty last night are expected to recover. We stand with our brothers and sisters at @OrlandoPolice and are so glad the shooter is no longer a threat to our community. Prayers up for the two @OrlandoPolice officers that were shot and critically injured in Downtown, said Daytona Beach police Chief Jakari Young. I pledge my full support and resources to @OrlandoPolice in pursuit of the suspects! Before the accused gunman was killed by police, Val Demings, the former congresswoman and Orlando police chief, echoed Smith in pledging that the shooter would face justice. My prayers are with the Orlando Police Officers shot while performing their duties, Demings said on social media. Another reminder that these men and women risk their lives every day. The resident of a halfway house with a violent history has been charged with murder for the disappearance of two other men who were living in the same facility. Marc-Anthony Cantrell was charged Friday with the murder of 22-year-old Jared Ondrea who has been missing since March. Cantrell, 25, was incarcerated at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center after he was charged with the murder of his roommate, Deshea Butler. Deshea Butler was reported missing July 4, and his body was discovered two days later, the Columbia Police Department said. Ondreas family reported him missing from the halfway house on March 23. His body has not been recovered, according to police. On July 4, Butler, 35, was reported missing from the same facility at 2214 Harper St. His body was found just two days later on the same block as the halfway house where the three men were residents. Cantrell was arrested for Butlers murder on July 9 and is also being held on a $50,000 bond for probation violation. The Columbia Police Department has said that a motive for the murders remains under investigation. It is being investigated by the police departments Special Victims Unit and the Violent Crimes Against Persons Unit. These are very unique and heartbreaking cases that been emotionally draining for Special Victims Unit investigators. Speaking with the victims loved ones has been especially trying. We are grateful to have made charges in the cases, Columbia Police Chief William H. Skip Holbrook told The State. Jared Ondrea was reported missing by the Columbia Police Department. Officers have said that they have been consulting with the Fifth Circuit Solicitors Office about the investigation. The halfway home is operated by New Hope Home Solutions, LLC, a company that manages unlicensed care homes designed to provide stable housing for individuals at risk of homelessness, according to its website. The facility was intended to house up to eight residents in three bedrooms, according to documents submitted to the city of Columbias zoning board. The application reads, in part, that the home is designed to assist each individual in developing the skills to live independently in the community while maintaining ones safety and security with help from qualified staff. Story continues New Hope Home Solutions did not respond to a request for comment Saturday morning. It felt good to kill the dogs, suspect told authorities after 2018 arrest In 2018, Cantrell was arrested and charged with setting fire to his grandmothers home in Jackson, South Carolina, to cover up the fact that he had killed three of the familys dogs. Cantrell, then 18, confessed that he killed the dogs and burned the house, according to the Aiken County Sheriffs Department, who investigated the case. He told law enforcement that he started the house fire to try and cover up the fact that he killed the dogs, because he had killed his familys dogs in the past, according to the incident report. In a statement to law enforcement after the fire, Cantrells mother wrote that that when one of her dogs was missing days before the fire, her son had admitted to killing the animal. He also told me that he killed two other dogs and a cat in the past three months. I asked him why, and he couldnt give me an answer except that it felt good and made everything right, Cantrells mother wrote in the statement, according to Aiken Standard. The officer reported Cantrell said several times that it felt good to kill the dogs and it made things feel right. According to the sheriffs department, Cantrell explained that he had blacked out after injecting amphetamine. When he regained consciousness, Cantrell told sheriffs deputies that he had an ax in his hand and saw that he had killed the dogs. Investigators also found paper towels, a candle and gas can. The smell of gasoline filled the home, the sheriffs office reported. Cantrell was convicted of three counts of mistreatment of animals and one count of arson, second degree. He was sentenced to three years probation and 10 years suspended sentence for the arson. Job seekers queue up during a job expo on the sidelines of the 95th Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 4, 2023. (Photo by Martin Mbangweta/Xinhua) LUSAKA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese companies in Zambia on Friday held a job expo on the sidelines of the 95th Agricultural and Commercial Show aimed at attracting prospective job seekers. A total of 16 Chinese companies attended the event, organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (CCCZ). On the first day, hundreds of prospective job seekers thronged the Chinese pavilion, where the companies were exhibiting to try their luck for employment. Li Tie, president of the CCCZ, said the job expo represents a landmark initiative aimed at bridging the gap between employers and job seekers in Zambia. "This platform provides unique opportunities for our esteemed local and multinational companies to search for talent in an exclusive manner without discrimination, while at the same time inspiring economic transformation through increased productivity by the talented workforce that will be recruited," he said. According to him, the holding of the expo was the organization's interpretation of this year's theme for the show dubbed "Inclusive Economic Transformation." He said unemployment has remained a pressing problem for many countries in the world, including Zambia, adding that the organization has committed itself to championing job creation and economic growth in Zambia. The event, he said, was meant to celebrate the spirit of cooperation and partnership between China and Zambia, adding that the platform was also meant to allow individuals to exhibit their talents and skills in order to transform the country into a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. Brenda Tambatamba, Zambia's minister of labor and social security, commended the organization for providing opportunities for job seekers to connect with potential employers. The job expo, she said, is an important intervention in addressing the high youth unemployment in the country, which currently stands at 17.4 percent. "It provides a bridge between universities, colleges and industries. The job expo is in line with the government's aspiration of enhancing human and social development by equipping the youth with skills to enable them to participate in the national economy." Meanwhile, a number of prospective job seekers expressed happiness at the job opportunities provided by Chinese companies. Albert Kazembe, who was looking for a job as a human resource development officer, said he was impressed with the transparent way of recruiting exhibited by the Chinese companies. "I want to work for the Chinese firm one hundred percent because they are nice people and don't tolerate corruption," he said. Obert Shamulele, who was hoping to get a job as an electrician in one of the companies, said he would love to work with the Chinese because of their dedication to work and a higher level of thinking. "We need to cooperate with China in order to develop Zambia," he added. A job seeker (L) interacts with an employer during a job expo on the sidelines of the 95th Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 4, 2023. (Photo by Martin Mbangweta/Xinhua) A job seeker (L) writes down her details during a job expo on the sidelines of the 95th Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 4, 2023. (Photo by Martin Mbangweta/Xinhua) A 25-year-old New Hampshire man who allegedly scalded his 7-year-old son Jaevion Riley with a hot liquid and whipped him with a cord has been indicted by a grand jury, the state attorney generals office announced Friday. Murtadah Mohammad, 25, has been charged by the Hillsborough County Grand Jury with one count of second-degree murder, for causing his sons death "recklessly under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of his life, by subjecting him to abusive violence and not obtaining timely medical assistance for his injuries," New Hampshires Office of the Attorney General said in a release. He also faces two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault and three counts of falsifying physical evidence. Riley died in a hospital in January, a week after first responders called to his home found him unconscious and not breathing. CULT MOM; LORI VALLOW SAYS AT SENTENCING THAT HER MURDERED CHILDREN ARE HAPPY AND BUSY' Murtadah Mohammad is charged with second-degree murder. 2 NEW MEXICO WOMEN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR BEATING, CHAINING CHILDREN READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Mohammad has been in custody on assault charges since January. Along with scalding and whipping Riley, Mohammad is also accused of burning him with a hot pan and striking the boy in the face. Hes also accused of deleting data and call history from his phone and staging a false accident scene. Prosecutors are seeking an extended prison sentence for Mohammad base on the boys age and the "infliction of exceptional cruelty or depravity upon him," the AGs office said. Lawyers for Civil Rights, the group which filed a complaint against the Ivy League school, says it wants to end the practice more broadly. Lawyers for Civil Rights, a legal advocacy group behind a federal complaint filed against Harvard Colleges legacy admissions program, says it is determined to end the discriminatory practice at the famed Ivy League institution and beyond. The complaint, filed on behalf of The Chica Project, the African Community Economic Development of New England (ACEDONE), and the Greater Boston Latino Network (GBLN), calls for the Department of Education to investigate Harvards practice of giving preferential treatment to applicants who have ties to alumni or donors. Students walk through a gate at Harvard University, Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Cambridge, Mass. In the wake of a Supreme Court decision that removes race from the admissions process, colleges are coming under renewed pressure to put an end to legacy preferences, the practice of favoring applicants with family ties to alumni. At Harvard, which released years of records as part of the lawsuit that ended up before the Supreme Court, legacy students were eight times more likely to be admitted, and nearly 70% were white, researchers found. (AP Photo/Michael Casey) Michael Kippins, a litigation fellow with the Lawyers for Civil Rights, told theGrio, Harvard is on the wrong side of history. Harvard has a choice. Theyre in a position to voluntarily eliminate their donor and legacy preferences, which would do away with the need to have the Department of Education investigate and come to a conclusion that Harvard is violating Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Kippins said. This is a crucial investigation to ensure that barriers to equitable education are taken down, he said. According to a press release, the complaint states that, Nearly 70% of Harvards donor-related and legacy applicants are white, and they receive a substantial boost based on their status. Donor-related applicants are nearly seven times more likely to be admitted than non-donor-related applicants, it reads. Kippins told theGrio that he is looking for the Department of Education to be thorough in its investigation. WASHINGTON, DC JUNE 29: Supporters of affirmative action protest near the U.S. Supreme Court Building on Capitol Hill on June 29, 2023 in Washington, DC. In a 6-3 vote, Supreme Court Justices ruled that race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina are unconstitutional, setting precedent for affirmative action in other universities and colleges. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) While the complaint does name Harvard, specifically, we understand that other schools employ these donor and legacy preferences that are discriminatory and to the benefit of predominantly white applicants, said Kippins. So we urge the Department of Education to look at Harvards practicesbut with the understanding that this is a type of issue that would have a widespread impact across the nation with other institutions, he added. Story continues Kippins filed the complaint last month, following the Supreme Courts reversal of affirmative action in the college admissions process. The Supreme Courts decision made it all the more imperative and all the more urgent to ensure that barriers to equitable education and access were undone, said Kippins. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Harvard, facing federal complaint over legacy admissions, is on the wrong side of history appeared first on TheGrio. Id like to help Gov. Ron DeSantis, bless his heart, shield Floridas white students from being taught the kind of history that makes them feel uncomfortable. DeSantis has staked his teetering political reputation on eliminating woke education in Floridas public schools. He championed a law that prohibits Florida teachers bringing up classroom discussions about Americas racial history that can cause white students to feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress about their race. When signing what was originally cast as the Stop WOKE Act, DeSantis said that no student should be shamed because of their race. In Florida, we will not let the far-left woke agenda take over our schools, he said. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Jacksonville on July 21 to speak out against the new standards adopted by the Florida State Board of Education in the teaching of black history in the State of Florida. This has resulted in the Florida Board of Education adopting new teaching standards this month on the subject of slavery. In part, Floridas new teaching standards frame slavery as an employment opportunity that gave slaves a chance to learn valuable occupations free of charge. Instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit, the new teaching standard says. It also instructs teachers to highlight the various duties of slaves as agricultural work, painting, carpentry, tailoring, domestic service, blacksmithing, transportation. Treating slavery as a vast deferred-compensation trade school is a good first step to addressing white-student discomfort. Protesters march along South Dixie Highway during the Declaration Juneteenth Solidarity in West Palm Beach on June 20, 2020. The event was described as a demonstration against systemic racism and affronts to the black community, as well as a recognition of the day when slavery was outlawed nationally. But it clearly doesnt go far enough. And Gov. DeSantis is so busy roaming the country these days badmouthing story-telling drag queens, Bud Light beer cans, and the Disney World monorail, that he seems unprepared to properly defend the kind of history teaching he has unleashed in his home state. When asked about Floridas new teaching standards while campaigning in Utah, DeSantis became tongue-tied in defending the changed emphasis on slavery. First, he said he had nothing to do with the new language I wasnt involved in it then he took a stab at defending it. Story continues I think what theyre doing, I think what they probably are going to show is, some of the folks that probably parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith, into doing things later in life. The reality is that all of that is rooted in what is factual. Historians differ. Heather Cox Richardson This information lies by omission and lack of context, wrote Heather Cox Richardson, an American history professor and 19th Century scholar at Boston College. The idea of Black Americans who developed skills thanks to enslavement, for example, erases at the most basic level that the history of cattle farming, river navigation, rice and indigo cultivation, southern architecture, music, and so on in this country depended on the skills and traditions of African people. DeSantis rocky response was made worse by the Florida Department of Education, which in a ham-handed attempt to do damage control, sent out a release naming 16 historic figures as blacksmiths, shoemakers, tailors and fishing and industry workers who developed highly specialized trades during their days as Black slaves. But it turned out about half the people listed were never slaves, and some who were slaves had learned their trade when they were not enslaved. Oops. Floridas Department of Education parlayed an egg. They just threw out a bunch of names to make it seem like something good came of (slavery)," Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association teachers union told the Tampa Bay Times. The reality of it is, the facts dont back up what they are saying. This is creating a void in the all-important task of recasting history to soothe potential white guilt in Florida. Were going to need a more full-throated response in defending Floridas new lessons in teaching the benefits of slavery to slaves. Frank Cerabino Fortunately, Im a full-service Florida columnist who is willing to pick up the slack and do whatever I can to make white students feel better about our racial history. So here goes: The Top 10 benefits of slavery to slaves in the United States: 1. Free Vitamin D All that outdoor labor in the fields provided lots of Vitamin D, an essential vitamin that wards off cancer growth, controls infections, reduces inflammation and helps the body retain calcium and phosphorous, important for building strong bones. Youre welcome, slaves. 2. Daily choir practice Long days of monotonous labor meant plenty of time to work on the harmonies to spirituals. More reasonable working hours would have hurt the quality of the music. 3. Job security Lots of available work. No need to worry about unemployment or to harbor feelings of uselessness when you were needed sunup to sundown from childhood to old age. 4. Free lodging Slaves got to live rent-free on the plantation. 5. Physical fitness opportunities galore No need for gym memberships, pilates classes, or step aerobics. Slaves got plenty of daily exercise, especially those trying to run away. 6. Networking for young Black women More: Cerabino: Woke or joke? Trying to feel the pain of straight, white men Cynics may characterize the nocturnal visits of the white plantation owners as rape, but Im sure the Florida Board of Education can come up with a more upbeat term, perhaps involuntary sudden-courtship opportunity sessions. 7. Participation in an efficient criminal-justice system White students will just feel bad if we call them thousands of lynchings. Its better to cast this fast-moving form of trial and sentencing as a marvel of jurisprudence that stands today as a benchmark of speedy-trial scheduling. 8. Opportunities to make new friends More: Vendetta off the rails? Gov. DeSantis protects Floridians from Disney monorail With many slave families being split up on different plantations, spouses and children frequently were kept from each other. This opened the door to new relationships. 9. Black lives mattered They certainly mattered to the cotton industry, which relied on unpaid Black slaves in the United States to pick more than 2 billion pounds of cotton per year two-thirds of the global supply by 1860. 10. Juneteenth If it werent for slavery, we wouldnt have the day that celebrates the end of slavery, Juneteenth, as a federal holiday on June 19 every year. Many of todays Black Americans get a day off on Juneteenth for the generations of degradation and involuntary servitude that were experienced by their ancestors. Sounds like an even trade. Frank Cerabino is a columnist at The Palm Beach Post, a part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Helping DeSantis cast slavery as upbeat history for Florida students Former U.S. President Donald Trump boards his plane at Reagan National Airport following an arraignment in Washington, DC federal court on August 3, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. Win McNamee / Getty Images Staff Donald Trump has been charged with 78 crimes and pleaded not guilty to all. Professor Kevin McMunigal said he thinks Trump's chance of avoiding all charges is "zero." The maximum sentence for all the charges would be 650 years in prison. Former President Donald Trump's third indictment brought the total number of charges he faces to just under 80. But even if convicted, he likely would only serve a fraction of the time for each charge, experts say. Trump's three indictments span a wide range of state and federal charges, with the first linked to a payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election, the second to the removal of classified documents from the White House to his home at Mar-a-Lago, and the third relating to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. If Trump were convicted on all counts and given the maximum penalty for each, he would face nearly 641 years in prison, according to Politico's calculations. This does not include the additional charges he could face in Georgia, where he may be indicted later this year in connection to his attempts to overturn the state's election results in 2020, according to reporting from CNN. This hypothetical figure, though, does not address the complications of sentencing and convictions. Jared Carter, a law professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School, told Insider the nearly 650-year figure was "never going to happen." "Trump, if he were convicted of every single crime that he's been charged with, is looking at significantly less than that," Carter said. "That's not to say that people who have been convicted of some of these crimes in recent years didn't get lengthy prison sentences, we're just not talking about 641 years." Kevin McMunigal, a former federal prosecutor in California's Northern District and current professor of criminal law at Case Western Reserve University, told Insider the chance that Trump evades all charges is "absolutely zero," but noted that unique issues would arise with punishing Trump if convicted. Story continues For one thing, McMunigal said, Trump has no prior criminal records, which usually leads to lighter sentencing; for another, he is 77 years old. According to the US Sentencing Commission, older offenders are more likely to get fines or alternative sentences than imprisonment. Carter also added that a judge could sentence someone convicted of multiple crimes to serve those sentences concurrently or separately, meaning that sentences could be served simultaneously, reducing the time in prison, or one after the other. Additionally, McMunigal said, Trump would need to be surrounded by Secret Service agents, even while incarcerated. However, McMunigal noted that Trump does face multiple charges, and judges will consider the seriousness of an offense when considering sentencing. "The idea of overturning an election in the US is an incredibly serious offense," McMunigal said, referring to Trump's election fraud charges. McMunigal suggested as an alternative, a judge could sentence Trump to house arrest or a low-security prison. He added that Trump would not necessarily be banned from holding office, depending on which conviction he could receive. "It depends on the statute," McMunigal said. "The general conspiracy statute that he's charged under doesn't say anything about whether or not he could run for office or hold office." Ultimately, McMunigal said, he believes Trump will face prison time or similar consequences, like house arrest if found guilty, even if he receives less time than maximum sentencing recommendations. "He's going to be facing these indictments with really strong evidence in four different courts," McMunigal said. "A lot of people think, 'oh, you know, he is so connected that's gonna really help him out, and eventually he'll figure his way out of this.' I don't think that's true." Read the original article on Business Insider Authorities have arrested a man whose wife vanished nearly three weeks ago and charged him with her murder. During a press conference Saturday morning, Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett confirmed that Donell Anderson, the husband of Imani Roberson, had been arrested in connection to her disappearance and death. Levett also said one more arrest will be made, but did not identify the suspect. He added that more arrests than that could be made as they determine if others were involved in Robersons murder. Investigators say they found Robersons blood in her home and other places they would not disclose. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Roberson was last seen on July 16 along Plantation Blvd. in Conyers in her white Mazda SUV. Channel 2 Action News reported last week that investigators found her car abandoned in south Fulton County, nearly 30 miles from where she disappeared. It had been burned from the inside out. Robersons body was found on Friday morning. Authorities did not specify where. On Friday evening, Rockdale County SWAT teams and Atlanta police surrounded an apartment on Metropolitan Pkwy. and arrested Anderson. Channel 2 Action News got exclusive video from the apartment complex as the SWAT situation unfolded. This is the third child Ive lost to the state of Georgia, Robersons father said during a news conference on Saturday morning. Ive seen all I can see. Three of my babies gone. Roberson was the mother of a 1-month-old baby, a 3-year-old, a 9-year-old and an 11-year-old. She left to take the infant and the 3-year-old home. Its unclear if she ever made it there. Her mother reported her missing several days later after not hearing from her daughter. TRENDING STORIES: Story continues Our family is devastated. Being here today is extremely difficult, her mother said during the news conference. Anderson was charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Friends have set up a fund to help her four children. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Grandmaster Flash performs during his "Birth of a Culture: The Four Elements Block Party" in the Bronx to commemorate 50 years of hip-hop (ANGELA WEISS) As a teenager Grandmaster Flash began pioneering the turntable-as-instrument, playing the now iconic Bronx block parties that gave birth to hip-hop and revolutionized music. On Friday, he was back home, commemorating 50 years of the genre with a performance that had New Yorkers born in the mid-20th century reliving their youth -- and hip-hop's. "This is not a concert -- this is a jam!" Flash, now in his 60s, shouted from the stage, as hundreds of fans roared in applause in the South Bronx's Crotona Park. The audience swayed with their hands in the air as Flash threw it back to the jams of the early 1970s, which ushered in the genre that's profoundly impacted music as well as fashion, dance and the culture at large. The community parties offered teens and families a lifeline in an era of financial crisis that left much of the borough in crippling poverty. "It was the music that really resonated at the time in New York," said Quentin Morgan, 54, who rolled into the park on his bike to catch the event that's part of a series of festivities commemorating hip-hop's birth. "It was gritty in New York -- barely any laws," he said with a chuckle. "It was a different era." Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five in 1982 released "The Message," delivering a raw portrait of urban life and bringing a socially conscious element to the genre on a grand scale. On Friday night, the air was electric as Flash brought MCs Melle Mel and Scorpio onstage where they delivered a rendition of the iconic hit. That preceded a fierce appearance from MC Sha-Rock, widely considered the first woman to MC during hip-hop's nascent years. And KRS-One, who also hails from the South Bronx, freestyled to a chorus of cheers as Flash scratched and transformed, manipulating the vinyl, using now standard techniques he pioneered half a century ago. Earlier in the evening as opening acts warmed up the crowd, Coke La Rock -- who on August 11, 1973 joined DJ Kool Herc at the party many musicologists consider hip-hop's official conception -- told AFP that for him, hip-hop and the Bronx are one and the same. Story continues "I can't see no division of it," the 68-year-old said, calling offshoots of the genre across the United States and even the world "my kids." "They all my kids, if I'm the patent, they the product." - 'Biggest music on earth' - Speaking to AFP backstage, Flash said Friday's event was meant to emulate the jams of his youth. "It was recreation -- moms said go outside and play," he said. "Never... did I think it would become part of the biggest music on earth." Organizers also relayed a message from the mayor of New York, as the city officially declared August 4 "Grandmaster Flash Day." Keisha Harmon joined the event with her partner of 27 years -- "my Teenage Love," she said, quoting the rap classic by Slick Rick. She'll be 50 in October: she was born in the Bronx just months after the genre she grew up on. "I have chills, look, goosebumps," she told AFP. "All the songs that are playing -- I'm a mother of seven and I'm a grandmother of eight -- and they take me back to No Kids." She described how the hip-hop jams of her childhood spread by word of mouth: "Hey, DJ-such-and-such is in the park, and we would have parties and sing, and it was just fun." "And this reminds me of that," Harmon added, motioning to the park crowded with partygoers on a humid August evening. The celebration "shows our talent" as citizens of the Bronx, she added. "It shows what we contributed to the arts," Harmon said. "Hip-hop has a substance." "The artists were storytellers." "South South Bronx, South Bronx!" the audience shouted throughout the evening, singing the song by Boogie Down Productions produced by KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock. According to city organizers, Friday night was Grandmaster Flash's first time playing the Bronx in two decades. Along with fellow hip-hop pioneers, he was joined by a troupe of breakdancers who wowed the audience with a throwdown. "Where's my old-schoolers at?" Flash asked the joyous crowd. "I wanna keep it in the 70s." "Somebody say Bronx!" mdo/sco Multiple people were critically injured in a school bus rollover crash from a YMCA summer camp program, Idaho State Police confirmed. The incident occurred on State Highway 55 near milepost 84 in Boise County at around 3 p.m. local time, authorities said in a Facebook post. Police said that the school bus was transporting 30 people between the ages of 13 and 18 years old from the Treasure Valley YMCA. YMCA When first responders arrived at the scene of the crash, there were 11 injured, with seven of them deemed critical, and four deemed noncritical. Police said that in an abundance of caution, all children on the bus were transported by air or ground ambulance to local hospitals. MINNESOTA VIDEO SHOWS TRAFFIC BARREL STRIKING CONSTRUCTION WORKER AS MOTORIST PLOWS THROUGH CLOSED LANE Authorities said that it is unknown at this time for what caused the crash and authorities are responding. The highway is remains closed with authorities suggesting that drivers find alternative routes around the area. Idaho State Police said Friday evening that 11 were injured seven were deemed to be in critical condition, four were deemed to be in noncritical condition. The Treasure Valley YMCA summer camp is for children in second through 11th grades. The popular camp runs multiple sessions throughout the summer, and the YMCA frequently runs several buses full of kids to and from each session. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The Treasure Valley YMCA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has ruled that the village of Winnetka did not violate the Open Meetings Act during discussions last year about properties owned by billionaire resident Justin Ishbia. The challenge was filed by Winnetka resident Ted Wynnychenko after the Dec. 6, 2022, Village Council meeting where discussion was held about the consolidation of several plots of land owned by Ishbia and his wife Kristin. After an hour in closed session, the council voted unanimously to approve combining the four lots into a single 3.7-acre lot for the family to build a home. Both sides, the property owner and those objecting to the resolution, threatened the village with litigation in open session that night, Village Attorney Peter Friedman said during the Aug. 1 council meeting in reference to Raouls ruling that was made earlier that day. In an extended closed session, the board engaged in a productive and creative discussion on how to navigate the resolution in order to protect the village from litigation. Martin Sinclair, a lawyer for Winnetka resident Rob Schriesheim who had previously filed suit against the Winnetka Park District, spoke at the Dec. 6 meeting and threatened a lawsuit if the village approved the consolidation under the grounds of the Illinois Public Trust Doctrine. Ishbias lawyer, Adam Hoeflich, also threatened suit saying the village must approve the consolidation as the applications are complete and there was no lawful basis to deny them. Wynnychenko spoke at the Dec. 6 meeting as well, saying he had prepared comments but instead chose to rebut statements made by Hoeflich. I have no problem with the consolidation but I am troubled by their attempts to demarcate state land as private land, Wynnychenko said. Clearly, this council must approve this because otherwise there is going to be a lawsuit filed saying that you did the wrong thing. I feel that that threat was repeated so often that it was not even subtle. Story continues Friedman said the complaint alleged the Village Council didnt have grounds to enter closed session and had strayed from the authorized topics and conducted illegal discussions during closed session. Probable or imminent litigation, such as those threatened against the Village Council twice that evening, is considered an authorized topic to be discussed in closed session, according to the Open Meetings Act. Needless to say, it is not everyday that the attorney general reviews closed session recordings and then finds entirely for the local government, Friedman said. That the PAC (public access counselor) did so here, while it was as we predicted, speaks volumes to the villages commitment to complying with the Open Meetings Act even in the context of difficult and sensitive matters that come before the village. Village President Chris Rintz assured residents in December there would be continued discussions of the lakefront and how the village can regulate it. Its easy to stand up at the podium and say all sorts of things but as an elected body we really are held to a higher standard than opinions offered in the microphone, he said on Dec. 6. Were going to do the hard work. Were going to find the right people. Were going to bring them to the table and we hope that everybody in this room will join us for those conversations. The Village Council has gone forward with those conversations as promised where it learned of gaps in state and federal regulations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. It also learned village jurisdiction extends into the lake meaning the village can pick up the regulatory slack. The Village Council approved ordinances to add regulations in March 2023 requiring permits from the village to build on the lakefront in addition to those required by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ishbias land, the homes on it and all the trees have since been bulldozed along with the bluff, causing the Village Council to suspend new construction on the bluffs and tableland 40 feet back for nine months while they look into the potential damage bluff construction can cause. The Dec. 6 meeting is just one of many examples of discontent in the village over Ishbias plans with continued discussion surrounding the destruction of the bluffs and removal of all trees on his property immediately south of Centennial Park. Residents such as Mary Garrison and Vicki Apatoff, who travel along the waterfront, as is allowed by the Illinois Trust Doctrine, have been confronted by security when they reach Ishbias property line and told they are trespassing. The doctrine states the land under Lake Michigan is held in trust by the state for use by all residents and is not privately owned. When police are called, residents have been assured they are within their rights to travel along the beach as long as their feet are in the water and they dont venture on to private property. Beyond the continued construction at the property, there is still unfinished business between Ishbia and the Winnetka Park District. A land swap signed in October 2020 would gift the land at 261 Sheridan Road, which Ishbia owns, to the Park District in an effort to combine Elder Lane and Centennial beaches. The Park District and Ishbia have both moved forward with separate construction plans but the Park Board has expressed hope that the two can work together to minimize the amount of construction needed to keep both public and private land preserved. COLOMBO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan government advanced the timeline to achieve climate goals from 2060 to 2050 for the South Asian country, according to a statement from the President's Media Division (PMD) on Saturday. President Ranil Wickremesinghe made the remarks when addressing an international conference on architecture held in the capital Colombo, which was organized by Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chapter in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Italian Embassy of Sri Lanka. According to the PMD, the president believes achieving the climate goals before 2050 is feasible, but it depends on available resources. He urged architects in Sri Lanka to consider climate change criteria in their work. The president emphasized that Sri Lanka has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing climate change goals. "Going forward, Sri Lankan architects will play a pivotal role in this endeavour. They will need to integrate climate change criteria into their designs, ensuring that the built environment aligns with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices," he said. As Donald Trump made more threats against opponents in the wake of a third indictment, special counsel Jack Smith asked a judge late Friday for a protective order against the ex-president, seeking to prevent him from publicizing evidence from witnesses. "All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public," Smith said in a late-night court motion, essentially arguing that Trump's rantings could have a chilling effect on witnesses in the case. The prosecutor cited an all-caps threat that Trump posted earlier in the day on Truth Social: "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU." The Trump campaign said in a written statement that the post is the definition of political speech," and was responding to "dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs." Donald Trump speaking in Alabama "I will totally obliterate the deep state," Trump said at the Alabama Republican Party dinner on Friday evening in Montgomery, Ala., a day after he pleaded innocent to charges of trying to steal the 2020 election. Legal analysts had said Trump's threats - including personal attacks on Smith, who is in charge of two of Trump's cases - could be used against him in court. Smith's motion capped a day in which an unrepentant Trump went to the southern regions of the nation with an adjusted strategy designed to turn his three indictments into political weapons, including frequent threats to his opponents. "This is the kind of thing that DOJ alerts the court to with respect to any defendant out on bail," former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann said on the X social media platform. A third indictment of Trump In his Alabama speech, Trump updated familiar complaints to accommodate his third indictment, this one involving allegedly illegal plots to hold onto power after President Joe Biden's triumph. A fourth case could be coming soon; prosecutors in Atlanta are deciding whether to charge Trump for efforts to overturn his 2020 loss in the state of Georgia. Story continues Trump's first indictment came in New York state court over a hush money case. A second set of charges in federal court in Florida charged Trump with obstruction of justice and improper possession of classified documents - a case in which Smith obtained a protective order against Trump. 'We need one more indictment' During his remarks in Alabama, Trump again blamed Biden for his travails and said if he wins the White House again he will seek the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate him. He also taunted his political and legal opponents by saying his polls go up after every indictment. "We need one more indictment to close out this election," Trump told his Alabama supporters. Trump travels back south on Saturday, speaking at a dinner sponsored by the South Carolina Republican Party. Trump's big lead The former president has indeed increased his lead over Republican rivals despite his legal problems. At the start of the week, a New York Times/Siena College poll gave Trump a massive lead of 54%-17% over his nearest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. On Friday, that same poll showed a somewhat closer race in Iowa, which opens the GOP nominating contest with caucuses on Jan. 15. Trump's lead in the Hawkeye State is 44%-20%, according to the New York Times/Siena survey. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'I'm coming after you:' Trump issues new threats after new indictment An Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket carrying the Chandrayaan-3 lifts off on July 14, 2023 (R.Satish BABU) India's latest space mission entered the Moon's orbit on Saturday ahead of the country's second attempted lunar landing, as its cut-price space programme seeks to reach new heights. The world's most populous nation has a comparatively low-budget aerospace programme that is rapidly closing in on the milestones set by global space powers. Only Russia, the United States and China have previously achieved a controlled landing on the lunar surface. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that Chandrayaan-3, which means "Mooncraft" in Sanskrit, had been "successfully inserted into the lunar orbit", more than three weeks after its launch. If the rest of the current mission goes to plan, the mission will safely touch down near the Moon's little-explored south pole between August 23 and 24. India's last attempt to do so ended in failure four years ago, when ground control lost contact moments before landing. Developed by ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 includes a lander module named Vikram, which means "valour" in Sanskrit, and a rover named Pragyan, the Sanskrit word for wisdom. The mission comes with a price tag of $74.6 million -- far smaller than those of other countries, and a testament to India's frugal space engineering. Experts say India can keep costs low by copying and adapting existing space technology, and thanks to an abundance of highly skilled engineers who earn a fraction of their foreign counterparts' wages. - 'A moment of glory' - The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has taken much longer to reach the Moon than the manned Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s, which arrived in a matter of days. The Indian rocket used is much less powerful than the United States' Saturn V and instead the probe orbited the earth five or six times elliptically to gain speed, before being sent on a month-long lunar trajectory. If the landing is successful the rover will roll off Vikram and explore the nearby lunar area, gathering images to be sent back to Earth for analysis. Story continues The rover has a mission life of one lunar day or 14 Earth days. ISRO chief S. Somanath has said his engineers carefully studied data from the last failed mission and tried their best to fix the glitches. India's space programme has grown considerably in size and momentum since it first sent a probe to orbit the Moon in 2008. In 2014, it became the first Asian nation to put a satellite into orbit around Mars, and three years later, the ISRO launched 104 satellites in a single mission. The ISRO's Gaganyaan ("Skycraft") programme is slated to launch a three-day manned mission into Earth's orbit by next year. India is also working to boost its two percent share of the global commercial space market by sending private payloads into orbit for a fraction of the cost of competitors. bur-gle/ssy The Biden administration has intensified its focus on tracing cryptocurrency payments that some of the most dangerous Mexican drug cartels use to buy fentanyl ingredients from Chinese chemical companies, the latest step in a renewed attempt to crack down on the multibillion-dollar fentanyl trade that kills thousands of Americans each year. The use of digital currency has exploded among fentanyl traffickers, with transactions for fentanyl ingredients surging 450% in the last year through April, according to data from private crypto-tracking analysis firm Elliptic. Federal agents are doing everything they can to catch up. While US diplomats have made fentanyl a point of emphasis in high-level talks with Mexican and Chinese counterparts, behind the scenes, a multi-agency effort is underway to keep pace with the rapidly changing nature of how fentanyl is financed and trafficked into the US. The work goes beyond the cartels to include tracking dark-web forums where Americans buy fentanyl. Current and former law enforcement officials from across the federal government described to CNN the digital-first tactics the administration is developing to disrupt the fentanyl trade. The Drug Enforcement Agency is investing in crypto-tracing software and identifying the cartels most sophisticated money launderers. The IRS has its most tech-savvy agents tracing payments on dark web forums. And a Department of Homeland Security investigations unit is leading a team of forensic specialists to pore over digital clues from stash houses near the Mexican border. Federal agents have been tracking the cartels finances and supply routes for years, but DHS, in particular, has ramped up its surveillance efforts in recent weeks, multiple US officials told CNN. There have been some notable busts recently, including nearly five tons of fentanyl seized this spring along the border. But there is still a lot of work left to do, officials caution, and the impact of the current surge may not be felt for months down the road. Story continues Dealing with a Fortune 50 company Agents have focused on the activities of two Mexican cartels, Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which officials say account for the majority of fentanyl on US streets. Sinaloa Cartel, in particular, has developed sophisticated crypto operations to finance its fentanyl business. Were dealing with a Fortune 50 company, which is what the Sinaloa Cartel is, a US official with knowledge of the matter told CNN. This isnt some random dude with a duffel bag selling fentanyl in daylight. Cryptocurrency has enhanced cartels ability to smuggle fentanyl into the US by allowing them to move vast sums of money instantaneously across a decentralized, digital banking system all without having to deal with actual banks. The speed the criminals can muster, its very hard for law enforcement to keep up, said one top DEA official, who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity to describe the agencys counter-narcotics work. Cash is still king for the cartels and often preferred for local operations. But the expanded use of digital currency at both the supply and demand ends of the drug trade has made some traditional law enforcement methods obsolete. For example, drug dealers might hold fewer in-person meetings to hand over cash, reducing the opportunities for stakeouts by federal agents, said Jarod Koopman, head of the IRSs Cyber and Forensics Services division. Cryptocurrency eliminates the potential for hand-to-hand transactions, said Koopman, whose team focuses on illicit financial flows, including dark-web purchases that are multiple steps removed from when the cartels get the drugs over the US border. So now its in a different world where some of the contacts might be online and were trying to facilitate or do transactions in a different manner. But digital money also leaves a trail that investigators can follow. Federal agents have found cryptocurrency addresses written down on scraps of paper at stash houses in Arizona, Scott Brown, special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in that state, told CNN. In another case, DHS agents monitored a cartel-connected crypto account for over a year until it sent $200,000 to an accountant they were using to launder money, Brown said. After the accountant used the money to buy property in the US, federal agents are working to seize the property, he said. A significant portion of fentanyl is sold over the dark web and paid for in cryptocurrency, Brown said, adding: That is a vulnerability that we can attack much like we attack the money movements in a traditional narcotics investigation. Tracing cartel crypto accounts Most of the fentanyl that enters the US comes from ingredients made in China that are then pressed into pills or packed in powder and smuggled in from Mexico by drug cartels, according to the DEA. A US indictment unsealed in June illustrates the scope of the problem. Just one Chinese chemical company allegedly shipped more than 440 pounds of fentanyl to undercover DEA agents in exchange for payment in cryptocurrency. It was enough drugs to kill 25 million Americans, according to prosecutors. The two cartels, Sinaloa and CJNG, have used their control of the fentanyl trade to develop sophisticated money-laundering techniques that exploit cryptocurrency, according to US officials. Weve identified people in the cartels that specialize in cryptocurrency movements, the senior DEA official told CNN, describing longstanding efforts to surveil both the cartels. In this January 2023 photo, police and military patrol Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico. With Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman serving a life sentence, his sons steered the family business into fentanyl, establishing a network of labs churning out massive quantities they smuggled into the US. - Martin Urista/AP The Sinaloa Cartel has made hundreds of millions of dollars from the fentanyl trade, according to the Justice Department. Run by the sons of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, the cartel has allegedly used airplanes, submarines, fishing boats and tractor trailers to transport fentanyl chemicals and other drugs. Four of the Chapitos, as Guzmans sons are known, are under indictment in the US for fentanyl trafficking, money laundering and weapons charges. With their father in jail, the younger generation of Sinaloa leaders is making more of an effort to cover their tracks and avoid law enforcement scrutiny, including by using cryptocurrency, the senior DEA official told CNN. In one case, the Sinaloa Cartel laundered more than $869,000 using cryptocurrency between August 2022 and February 2023, according to a US indictment unsealed in April. But that was likely just a fraction of the Sinaloa money laundered during that time, based on the huge profits the cartel has made in recent years. The scheme involved two of the cartels top money launderers directing US-based couriers to pick up cash from fentanyl traffickers and deposit the money to cryptocurrency accounts controlled by the cartel, the indictment said. Not every seizure is going to get you to Chapo Guzman, said Brown, the DHS official in Arizona. Its certainly more impactful when we can go after the people that are behind the production of the drugs, behind the production of the precursors, behind the movement of the money, behind running the transportation cells. Thats why Brown and his colleagues are trying to make the most of a huge series of fentanyl busts in Arizona and California this spring, when agents seized nearly five tons of the deadly drug, worth over $100 million. Evidence was quickly shipped to a forensics lab in Northern Virginia, where DHS analysts hunted for digital clues things like a common cell phone number called by drug runners near border towns or, better yet, a cryptocurrency account connected to one of the Mexican cartels, according to Brown. Based in Phoenix, Browns office oversees a recently announced federal task force that aims to thwart drug sales online by infiltrating dark-web forums and tracking crypto payments. The goal is to find another vulnerability [in] the larger cartel infrastructure that agents can attack, he said. The cartels are very willing to invest in technology, Brown said. Thats one of the things that we need to be equally willing to do. Leaning on China Crypto-based transactions can be traced publicly, giving US officials a much clearer picture of the Mexican cartels reliance on Chinese chemical companies to produce fentanyl. The Chinese government banned the sale of fentanyl in 2019. But Chinese chemical companies have since shifted to making fentanyl ingredients instead of the finished product, according to US officials and outside experts. A recent CNN investigation dug into the activities of US-sanctioned Chinese chemical companies that advertise fentanyl ingredients. When one sanctioned company shut down, another company launched, and told CNN it purchased the sanctioned companys email, phone number and Facebook page to attract internet traffic. While the amount of fentanyl directly mailed to the US from China fell dramatically following the 2019 Chinese ban, according to a Brookings Institution study, US officials say Chinese companies are still producing and exporting large quantities of fentanyl ingredients. This January 2019 photo shows a display of fentanyl and meth that was seized by federal officers at the Nogales Port of Entry. - Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star/AP Chinese companies selling ingredients to make fentanyl have received cryptocurrency payments worth tens of millions of dollars over the last five years, enough to potentially produce billions of dollars worth of fentanyl sold in the US and other markets, according to research from crypto-tracking firms. One of the firms, London-based Elliptic, found 100 China-based chemical companies touting fentanyl, fentanyl ingredients or equipment to make the drugs that accepted payments in cryptocurrency. Elliptic didnt identify any cartel-controlled crypto accounts that sent money to the Chinese companies. That could be due to the cartels use of middlemen to buy ingredients and the fact that fentanyl traffickers in Europe also buy from the Chinese companies, according to US officials and cryptocurrency experts interviewed by CNN But that data is still only a partial picture of the problem. The Chinese chemicals industry is worth over a trillion dollars, according to some estimates, and comprises tens of thousands of companies, most of them doing legitimate business. Its impossible to know how many of [those companies] are actually sending chemicals over to the US that can be used to make fentanyl, a former DEA agent who worked in Mexico told CNN. The former agent spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Barring more cooperation from the Chinese government on the issue, which US officials say has been limited, the Biden administration has sanctioned and secured federal indictments against several Chinese companies allegedly involved in the production of fentanyl. Federal agents, meanwhile, follow the money and look for opportunities to seize it. You can at least try to pinch off the financial flow to [the Chinese companies] and then follow that money trail to whether its the Mexican cartels or if its in Guatemala or other places, for the actual supply, Koopman told CNN. A global network of money launderers Cryptocurrency has also allowed cartels to diversify the way they move money around the world. The cartels have a network of money launderers in dozens of countries, from Thailand to Colombia, the senior DEA official said. These money launderers, known as spinners, might receive drug money in one type of cryptocurrency and convert it to another to try to obscure the source of the funds. They might take Bitcoin and then buy Ethereum with it, and then send the Ethereum to the cartel members, the senior DEA official said, referring to different types of cryptocurrencies. The cartels have insulated themselves so theyre not receiving the cryptocurrency directly. The cartels also use mixing services, or publicly available cryptocurrency tools, to try to obscure the source of their digital money, the DEA official said. That process is also favored by North Korean hackers who launder stolen cryptocurrency to support Pyongyangs weapons program, CNN investigations have found. The volatility of cryptocurrency means the cartels often quickly look to convert their crypto to cash by moving it through a series of virtual currencies, the senior DEA official told CNN. But there are moments in the laundering process where federal agents can strike. A cryptocurrency exchange serving a customer in Mexico might be headquartered in the US, allowing federal agents to issue a subpoena and potentially seize money. For Brown, the DHS agent in Arizona, the issue is personal: one of his employees had a family member who died of a fentanyl overdose after buying the drug online , he said. My people are burned out, and yet they come to work and work exceedingly hard every day, Brown told CNN. But hes optimistic when the subject turns to high-tech methods to hunt the cartels. Are they as anonymous as they think they are? Absolutely not. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israelis wave flags and lift placards during a demonstration in Tel Aviv against the government's judicial overhaul (AHMAD GHARABLI) Thousands of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday in Tel Aviv and other cities against the hard-right government's judicial overhaul opponents see as a threat to democracy. The reform package has split the nation and triggered one of the biggest protest movements in Israel's history since being unveiled in January by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition, which includes extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties. Demonstrators have kept up pressure on the Netanyahu government with weekly protests across the country. Several thousand protesters gathered on Saturday in the commercial hub Tel Aviv, Israeli media reported. Some were waving Israeli flags and chanting "Democracy, democracy". The government views the reform, which would give politicians more power over the courts, as a necessary step to curb overreach by unelected judges. Opponents of the overhaul fear it may lead to more authoritarian government. Parliament last month passed the first key component of the reform package, which limits judicial oversight of some government decisions. Netanyahu, who is fighting corruption charges in court, has said he would be willing to negotiate with the opposition though previous mediation efforts have failed. In any case, the legislation will not move forward before parliament returns from summer recess in October. alv/ami/kir The latest federal indictment against former President Trump has raised fresh speculation over whether he will participate in the first GOP presidential primary debate later this month. The former president and his team have signaled that hes leaning toward not participating in the event given his frontrunner status. But some Republicans think Trump would be better served if he had the opportunity to make his case in front of a national audience and defend himself in person against his fiercest rivals. On Thursday, Fox News host Dana Perino said that it could be strategically beneficial for the former president to attend. I was just thinking, if Im President Trump and I havent committed yet to the debate, I might be thinking I want to be at that debate to defend myself, said Perino, who served as White House press secretary under former President George W. Bush. Im just thinking from a strategic standpoint, if you have that commanding of a lead, and you want these people behind you, and you know the Republican Party faithful is behind you, why wouldnt you want to try to put it away that night? But other Republicans argue there isnt much more for Trump to say on the matter, pointing to how the former president has frequently called it a political witch hunt. I dont think thats there anything he can really say other than the narrative thats out there now, said Saul Anuzis, a GOP strategist and former chair of the Michigan Republican Party. His supporters have all the proof they need to see this as a witch hunt. And some Republicans are skeptical that the first debate would be a good move at all for him. Trumps team realizes that having him debate while having such a large lead both because and in spite of the indictments is a huge risk, said Doug Heye, a GOP strategist and former spokesman at the Republican National Committee. The other candidates need a real moment at a debate with Trump to catapult themselves and Trump should want to deny them of the opportunity. Story continues Matt Bartlett, a New Hampshire-based GOP strategist, told The Hill that the indictment wouldnt necessarily be a deciding factor in terms of whether or not Trump will attend. I dont think hes thinking about going to the debate as a chance to defend himself as opposed, to going to the debate to punch out and knock out some of these candidates just like hes always done, Bartlett said. No one wanted to hear Mike Tyson talk about the charges and the reasons he went to jail. People wanted to see Mike Tyson go to the heavyweight fight and clean somebodys clock. So far, Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) have qualified for the forum. Christie, who has prepped Trump for past debates, has telegraphed that he would go on the offense against his former boss. Meanwhile, recent comments from DeSantis, who has consistently trailed Trump in second place, suggest that he could be getting ready to step up his criticism of the former president as well. All those theories that were put out did not prove to be true, DeSantis said Friday of the 2020 election conspiracies that have been pushed by Trump, his most direct rebuke of the former presidents unfounded claims that he won that election. It was not an election that was conducted the way I think that we want to, but thats different than saying [Venezuelan President Nicolas] Maduro stole votes or something like that, he added. Those theories, you know, proved to be unsubstantiated. With or without Trump on stage, DeSantis will likely be a prime target. DeSantis will distinguish himself from Trump and all of the other candidates will throw mudpies at DeSantis, said Mark Weaver, an Ohio-based Republican strategist. Trump has cited his formidable lead in the Republican primary when suggesting he wont attend the debate. The former president leads the field with 53.1 percent support, according to the latest Real Clear Politics polling average. DeSantis trails in second place at 17.6 percent. Ramaswamy comes in third at 5.2 percent, while Pence clocked in at 4.8 percent. The rest of the field polled in the three percent range or lower. Let them debate so I can see who I MIGHT consider for Vice President! Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday. When he says that this is the vice presidential debate, what hes really trying to say here is Im going to bleed these other candidates dry because if Im not there, they cant boost their fundraising, said one Republican strategist. Trumps allies indicate that it doesnt necessarily matter whether he participates in the debate or not. If President Trump debates, he will win the nomination. If President Trump doesnt debate, he will win the nomination, said Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA, Inc. The New York Times reported this week that on Tuesday Trump dined with top executives at Fox News, who asked him to consider attending the first Republican primary debate later this month. Trumps going to do what he wants to do, said Ford OConnell, a Florida-based GOP strategist. I think hes earned a first-round bye because of where he is in the polls but at some point, hes going to debate. The question is just when. Trump could skip the first debate and host or participate in a counterprogramming event, which he did in 2016 ahead of the Iowa caucus. He has no reason to debate, Weaver said. He could hold a rally in some bright-red state the night of the debate and garner news coverage and sign up volunteers and say all the things he wants to say. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Texas judge on Friday issued an exemption to the state's abortion ban under which doctors would remain free from prosecution if they determined the fetus will not survive after birth. File Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A Texas judge has issued a temporary exemption to the state's abortion ban allowing women with complicated pregnancies to obtain the procedure in some cases. State District Court Judge Jessica Mangrum of Austin issued the decision on Friday, under which doctors would remain free from prosecution if they determined the fetus will not survive after birth. Mangrum ruled that the state's attorney general cannot prosecute doctors who, in their "good faith judgment," terminate a complicated pregnancy. Mangrum outlined those conditions as a pregnancy that presents a risk of infection; a fetal condition in which the fetus will not survive after birth; or when the pregnant person has a condition that requires regular, invasive treatment. In her ruling, Mangrum wrote that Senate Bill 8, the law restricting abortion access, was unconstitutional. She said that enforcement of the abortion ban was beyond the legal powers of Texas officials tasked with prosecuting physicians under this law. In a statement celebrating the injunction, the legal group representing the plaintiffs, the Center for Reproductive Rights, said that the ruling gives clarity to doctors as to when they can provide abortions, allowing them to use their own medical judgment. Last month, the court heard from three women who testified against Texas' abortion ban, describing how delayed medical care impacted their pregnancies. The women are suing the state over the law, seeking to clarify when a medical emergency justifies an abortion. Currently, the law allows termination of a pregnancy if the mother's life is in danger. "Now people don't have to be pregnant and scared in Texas anymore," lead plaintiff Amanda Zurawski said in a statement on Friday. "We're back to relying on doctors and not politicians to help us make the best medical decisions for our bodies and our lives." The attorney general's office did not return a request for comment Friday evening. Story continues The state is likely to appeal, which could cause the injunction to be blocked while the case makes its way through the courts. The ruling suggests patients with complicated pregnancies can seek abortions in the state without prosecution of those who aid in and perform the procedure. A trial to determine the issue, clarifying when a medical emergency justifies an abortion, has been scheduled for March 25. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. A Texas judge on Friday issued a temporary injunction barring the state from enforcing its stringent abortion ban on women who suffer from dangerous pregnancy complications. Travis County District Judge Jessica Mangrum ruled that uncertainty in the medical exceptions within the law makes it difficult for doctors to act on their good faith judgement. Instead, for fear of liability under the law, they could be forced to bar or delay the provision of abortion care to pregnant persons in Texas for whom an abortion would prevent or alleviate a risk of death or risk to their health. Under the pause, doctors that provide emergency abortions when certain physical medical conditions are present will not be subject to the ban. The Court finds that physical medical conditions include, at a minimum: a physical medical condition or complication of pregnancy that poses a risk of infection, or otherwise makes continuing a pregnancy unsafe for the pregnant person; a physical medical condition that is exacerbated by pregnancy, cannot be effectively treated during pregnancy, or requires recurrent invasive intervention; and/or a fetal condition where the fetus is unlikely to survive the pregnancy and sustain life after birth, the injunction states. The news comes after a group of five women sued the state government earlier this year over the ban after they were denied an abortion despite the difficulties in their pregnancies. What I needed was an abortion, a standard medical procedure, Amanda Zurawski, one of the plaintiffs, said at the time. An abortion would have prevented the unnecessary harm and suffering that I endured, not only the psychological trauma that came with three days of waiting, but the physical harm my body suffered, the extent of which is still being determined. I needed an abortion to protect my life and to protect the lives of my future babies that I dream and hope I can still have someday, she added. Story continues Reproductive rights groups praised the decision, calling it a win for Texans with pregnancy complications. Todays ruling should prevent other Texans from suffering the unthinkable trauma our plaintiffs endured, Nancy Northup, the president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement. It would be unconscionable for the State of Texas to appeal this ruling. The court has been clear: doctors must be able to provide patients the standard of care in pregnancy complications. That standard of care in certain cases is abortion because it is essential, life-saving healthcare, she added. This decision is a win for Texans with pregnancy complications, however Texas is still denying the right to abortion care for the vast majority of those who seek it. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) prior the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 signed into law one of the most stringent abortion bans in the U.S, banning the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The city of Los Angeles is suing a journalist and an activist organization, saying they have endangered undercover officers by publishing their photographs. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times) In a rare decision handed down this week, a California judge found that the city of Los Angeles could justifiably censor the free speech of an activist group by forcing it to stop publishing pictures of LAPD officers online. The ruling is the latest twist but not the last word in a legal battle between the city and the local journalist who obtained the photos by filing a public records request and the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, which published the images on a website called WatchtheWatchers.net in March. L.A. Superior Court Judge Anthony Mohr wrote in his decision Wednesday that while such "prior restraint" on the speech of a political group is allowed only under "extraordinary" circumstances, it was warranted because Stop LAPD's publication of the photos threatened the safety of officers working undercover. "Courts have recognized, and rightfully so, the interest indeed, the necessity to protect people who work in that capacity," Mohr wrote. "To shield them promotes safety to both the individual officers and to the public." Mohr's ruling denied a motion brought by Knock LA photojournalist Ben Camacho and Stop LAPD Spying to have the city's lawsuit against them dismissed. It was based only on a preliminary review of arguments in the case, in which the city is seeking to take down the website and claw back the photos. It is not the final ruling on whether the city will be allowed to impose the censorship it seeks. Still, such a decision in favor of prior restraint is rare and worrisome, media advocates said. Attorneys for Stop LAPD Spying and Camacho said they plan to appeal. Read more: L.A. Times, media coalition oppose L.A. lawsuit to claw back police photos from journalist Mohr, an appointee of former Gov. Pete Wilson, still hears some matters in court despite being retired, as part of a California program to assist sitting judges with heavy caseloads. The city attorney's office and LAPD did not respond to requests for comment Friday. Story continues Shakeer Rahman, an attorney for Stop LAPD Spying, called Mohr's decision "baffling" and "a wrong interpretation of the 1st Amendment." Rahman said courts almost always reject efforts at prior restraint, "even when the government is claiming severe threat to national security or when an individual's constitutional rights to a fair trial are implicated and there's none of that going on here." Instead, he said, the city itself gave Camacho the images. Camacho then gave the digital files to Stop LAPD Spying and made them available online, where they have since spread to a much wider audience, Rahman said. "The 1st Amendment clearly protects the public's ability to publish information that's available in the public domain, and to publish public records," he said. Hamid Khan, lead coordinator of Stop LAPD Spying, said he and his group "completely reject the judge's decision." "WatchtheWatchers.net belongs to the people of Los Angeles because it is providing information about public employees," Khan said. "This is clearly an issue of silencing our 1st Amendment right to collectively share this information." Rahman and Khan both said the city's effort to claw back the photos is part of a broader effort to block transparency around the Los Angeles Police Department, one of the city's most powerful institutions and one deserving of scrutiny. "We completely reject this whole notion of secret police," Khan said. "That is unacceptable and we will continue to fight this." The city has tried to contain fallout from the release of the photographs ever since it says it realized there were pictures of undercover officers among them. Attorneys for Camacho say the city still has not proved that claim. Hundreds of officers prepared to sue the city over the release of the images, and the officers' union has criticized their release as a massive failure. In addition to suing for their return, City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto began lobbying California lawmakers to weaken the states public records law to allow government agencies to decline future public records requests that seek "images or data that may personally identify" employees. Read more: Hundreds of 'undercover' LAPD officers take step to sue city over release of photos A coalition of media organizations, including the Los Angeles Times, has denounced the city's efforts as a dangerous attack on press freedoms. Media and constitutional scholars have said the city's arguments clearly call for an unconstitutional prior restraint on information that is already in the public domain and cannot possibly be withdrawn. In his decision, Mohr split his analysis of the issues into two parts one as they relate to Camacho, and another as they relate to Stop LAPD Spying. Mohr acknowledged Camacho's actions were related to a matter of public interest and "arose from newsgathering." Nonetheless, he found that Camacho agreed not to receive photos of undercover officers during an earlier court battle. Camacho essentially violated that "contract," the judge wrote, by refusing to return a flash drive that the city had provided to him after the city realized such images had inadvertently been included. Mohr wrote that the city's demand that the flash drive be returned would not amount to prior restraint because the drive is the city's "property" and "the First Amendment does not bar the plaintiff from retrieving it." Susan Seager, an attorney for Camacho, said if anyone violated a contract, it was the city which itself provided the images. She called the claim that the flash drive is just "property" and therefore doesn't implicate Camacho's 1st Amendment rights simplistic. "The idea that it's not prior restraint because a bunch of information is contained in a flash drive ignores the 1st Amendment protection of information," she said. Mohr's analysis as to Stop LAPD Spying was different. He agreed with the group's claim that the city's complaint against it "arises from publishing information derived from public records in order to increase police accountability," and that its actions amount to "protected political speech." However, the group's right to publish material had to be weighed against the city's "compelling interest" in protecting the competing privacy rights of the officers, he said. There are "occasions where an officer's work and duties require anonymity," and the city "has identified such a situation protection of officers who operate undercover," Mohr wrote. "Case law confirms that in those limited circumstances, the government interest in preserving that anonymity justifies withholding information for public distribution." 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. By Kanishka Singh (Reuters) -Women in Texas with complicated pregnancies are exempted from a state abortion ban under a temporary injunction issued on Friday, with the judge citing a lack of clarity on the ban's medical exemptions. Travis County District Court Judge Jessica Mangrum in her ruling sided with women and doctors who sued Texas over the abortion ban. "The court finds that there is uncertainty regarding whether the medical exception to Texas' abortion bans permits a physician to provide abortion care where, in the physician's good faith judgment and in consultation with the pregnant person, a pregnant person has a physical emergent medical condition," Mangrum said in the ruling. The Texas Attorney General's Office said Saturday it had filed a notice of an accelerated appeal directly to the Texas Supreme Court. The office said the filing stays the ruling pending a decision by the Texas Supreme Court. The judge ruled that doctors cannot be prosecuted for application of "good faith judgment" for provision of abortions for physical medical conditions including: those that pose infection risk or make pregnancy unsafe, where the fetus is not likely to survive the pregnancy after birth, and where a medical condition cannot be effectively treated during pregnancy or requires "recurrent pervasive intervention." "Today's ruling alleviates months of confusion around what conditions qualify as medical emergencies under Texas' abortion bans, giving doctors permission to use their own medical judgment in determining when abortion care is needed," the Center for Reproductive Rights, the group that brought this lawsuit, said. The Center for Reproductive Rights did not immediately comment on whether it agreed that the Texas attorney general's filing put the ruling on hold. Several women who said they were denied abortions despite grave risk to their lives sued the state of Texas in March, in the first apparent case of pregnant women suing over curbs imposed after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Story continues Abortion was banned with very limited exceptions in Texas. The U.S. Supreme Court last year stripped away national abortion rights. State legislatures are wrestling with how much to restrict or expand abortion access after that decision. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; additional reporting by David Shepardson Editing by Leslie Adler, William Mallard and David Gregorio) An illustration shows a suprisingly large gas giant planet orbiting a relatively tiny star. A massive, Jupiter-size planet has been found orbiting a relatively small, low-mass star, surprising astronomers and challenging theories on how planets form. The extrasolar planet, or exoplanet, orbits the red dwarf TOI-4860. Located in the constellation of Corvus, TOI-4860 has a mass equivalent to just around a third of the sun's. The exoplanet in question, aptly designated TOI-4860 b , falls close enough to the star to complete an orbit approximately once every 1.5 Earth days, classifying it as a "warm Jupiter." This is unusual for two reasons. First, with widths equivalent to about three-quarters of Jupiter's, planets like this one aren't supposed to form around low-mass stars. Second, TOI-4860 b seems to be enriched with a high proportion of metals a term astronomers use to describe elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. "Under the canonical planet formation model, the less mass a star has, the less massive is the disk of material around that star," team member and University of Birmingham Ph.D. candidate, George Dransfield, said in a statement. "Since planets are created from that disk, high-mass planets like Jupiter were widely expected not to form. However, we were curious about this and wanted to check planetary candidates to see if it was possible. TOI-4860 is our first confirmation and also the lowest mass star hosting such a high mass planet." Related: Stars with superpowered magnetic fields could narrow the search for alien life TOI-4860 b was first spotted by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which hunts planets outside the solar system by looking for tiny drops in the brightness of light emitted by stars. Those drops are caused as an orbiting planet crosses or transits its parent star's face. Dransfield and colleagues then followed this sighting up by observing the system with the Search for habitable Planets Eclipsing Ultra-cool Stars (SPECULOOS) South Observatory. SPECULOOS hunts for exoplanets with the same technique as TESS, but focuses on small and cool stars. As such, the facility based at the Paranal Observatory in Chile's Atacama desert usually hunts Earth-size worlds, not considerably larger gas giants like TOI-4860 b. Story continues Using SPECULOOS, the team saw the planet as it appeared and disappeared behind its star, with this observation followed up on alongside collaborators using the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii. How such a large exoplanet came to orbit a low-mass star is something of a mystery, but the composition of TOI-4860 b could hint at its origins. "A hint of what might have happened is hidden in the planetary properties, which appear particularly enriched in heavy elements," University of Birmingham professor and team leader, Amaury Triaud, said. "We have detected something similar in the host star too." Triaud added that this abundance of heavy elements likely acted as a catalyst to boost the planet's formation process. The short orbital period of TOI-4860 b, in combination with the properties of its parent star, such as its high metalicity, means this system could be particularly useful for studying the atmospheres of warm Jupiters and better determining how these gas giants are born. RELATED STORIES: Buried oceans may be common on icy exoplanets NASA's TESS exoplanet-hunting satellite celebrates 5 years in space Metal clouds turn scorching hot exoplanet into the universe's largest mirror The team behind the discovery of this exoplanet now intends to hunt for similar worlds around diminutive parent stars using the Very Large Telescope (VLT), located in the Atacama desert region of northern Chile. "I am ever thankful to the bright Ph.D. students of our team for proposing to observe systems like TOI-4860," Triaud concluded. "Their work has really paid off since planets like TOI-4860 b are vital to deepening our understanding of planet formation." The discovery of the new exoplanet was documented in a paper published Aug. 4 in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters. KABUL, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police have arrested 17 persons on the charge of involvement in criminal activities over the past 24 hours, a statement of the Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Saturday. According to the statement, the arrested individuals were involved in murder, theft, forgery, using counterfeit currencies and moral corruption from Takhar, Ghazni, Herat, Kapisa and Sari Pul provinces. In similar operations, Afghan police arrested 29 criminals involved in criminal activities from several provinces a few days ago. Afghan caretaker government has vowed to crack down on outlaws and criminals as part of their efforts to ensure law and order in war-plagued Afghanistan. US YouTuber Kai Cenat has been charged by police after a video games console giveaway event he organised sparked mayhem in New York. Thousands of people rampaged through Union Square in anticipation of free PlayStation 5 devices, hurling bottles, stones and tins of paint. Mr Cenat has been charged with at least two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, police confirmed to the BBC's partner CBS News. Officers made more than 60 arrests. Mr Cenat has been given a notice to appear in court, CBS reported. People first gathered at about 13:00 local time (17:00 GMT) after Mr Cenat posted on social media - where he has more than 10 million followers and subscribers - that he would be handing out 300 PlayStations. By 15:00, hundreds had piled on to streets surrounding one of New York's busiest train stops. They climbed cars and the train station entrance's roof and threw bottles at responding police officers. Kai Cenat has millions of followers New York Police Department declared a "level four" mobilisation, meaning roughly 1,000 officers were deployed to the scene. During a livestream inside a vehicle near Union Square as the disorder was unfolding, Mr Cenat said: "They're throwing tear gas out there. "We're not going to do nothing until it's safe. Everybody for themselves, because it's a war out there man." Mr Cenat was taken into police custody at around 17:00. The crowd was finally dispersed about an hour later. According to a CBS affiliate, Mr Cenat did not have a permit for the event, which was reportedly a collaboration with Bronx YouTube star Fanum. Chaos at Union Square on 4 August 2023 NYPD chief of department Jeffrey Maddrey said: "We have encountered things like this before, but never to this level of dangerousness, where young people would not listen to our commands." He added: "You had people walking around with shovels, axes and other tools from the construction trade. "In addition, individuals were also lighting fireworks. They were throwing them towards police and they were throwing them at each other." Story continues Chaos at Union Square on 4 August 2023 Chaos at Union Square on 4 August 2023 Mr Cenat made headlines in March after he broke the record for attracting the most Twitch subscribers by reaching 300,000. Twitch is a livestreaming platform, where people typically play video games while chatting to viewers. In the build-up to breaking the record, Mr Cenat launched a round-the-clock drive to boost his subscribers - chatting, gaming and interviewing guests, as well as sleeping, all on camera - for 30 days. WASHINGTON Vice President Kamala Harris is embracing a new role as the Republican presidential primary kicks into high gear: culture warrior. Inspired by the traction that her fight against reproductive restrictions gained in the midterms, the Biden campaign says the vice president will zero-in on abortion, voting rights and guns in the coming months. Harris will rebuke GOP presidential candidates for positions on cultural issues when she believes theyve crossed a line, her campaign chief of staff said in an interview, much like she did with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on his states slavery curriculum. She's a fighter, said Sheila Nix, who was Joe Bidens campaign chief of staff when he was vice president and is currently advising Harris. She's not afraid to call out extremism. So shes going to drive actions and hold Republicans accountable, and then they're forced to respond. The approach has yielded some early success for Harris, who has struggled to mold the vice presidency in a role that works to her political advantage. After she traveled to DeSantis home state last month to blast Floridas education guidelines, Black Republicans and several GOP presidential contenders piled on him, too. But the attacks have been deliberate, coming in pre-written remarks, before mostly friendly audiences, where she is sure to attract applause. Her calculated approach to campaigning frequently involves moderated conversations conducted by Democratic activists in settings where she is unlikely to be goaded into veering off message. During one such conversation in Iowa, Harris did not mention DeSantis or the slavery dispute, even though the Florida governor was due to be in the same city that day to speak at a GOP cattle call. Harris recent travel has included a mix of battleground states such as Wisconsin, where she delivered remarks on high-speed internet in Milwaukee and appeared at campaign fundraisers on Thursday. Story continues Vice President Kamala Harris talks about Florida's new history teaching standards during an appearance Friday at Jacksonville;'s Ritz Theatre and Museum. She also visited Florida last week to deliver remarks at the African Methodist Episcopal Womens Missionary Convention in Orlando. The visit coincided with an offer from DeSantis to meet in Tallahassee to discuss the Black history dustup. There, she forcefully declared, "There is no roundtable, no lecture, no invitation we will accept to debate an undeniable fact: There were no redeeming qualities of slavery. And as I said last week when I was again here in Florida: We will not stop calling out and fighting back against extremist so-called leaders who try to prevent our children from learning our true and full history, she said, without mentioning DeSantis by name. Harris intentionally visited Jacksonville in July to meet with elected officials, teachers and civil rights leaders in a historically Black neighborhood and deride the states newly-released African American history standards. Going "toe-to-toe" over culture Her crusade against Black history guidelines in Florida is drawing praise from other Democrats who want to see their partys leaders push back harder on efforts by Republican presidential candidates to reshape American culture. You have to go toe-to-toe with them, said Marc Morial, a civil rights leader who is close to the White House and the National Urban Leagues president and CEO. Criticizing what he described as an effort by some Republicans to win the next election by dividing the country, Morial said, People call it culture wars. Culture is really just a proxy term for race, gender and gender identity. Some of the vice presidents allies are reluctant to use the terms wokeism or culture wars to describe issues such as national abortion bans and transgender military service that a subset of the Republican presidential field are campaigning on. Terminology aside, Democrats say Harris has an opportunity to highlight GOP candidates positions on social issues that public polling suggests will not work to their advantage in a general election. You might as well get them on record, and put them on the defensive, because Republicans only dig in even more on these issues, in the context of a Republican primary, said former Harris campaign manager Brian Brokaw. I think its smart politics, and shes a good messenger on the issues that she has been deployed to focus on. Harris has reshuffled her office and her portfolio multiple times since she became vice president. Her allies say the latest iteration plays to her strengths as a former prosecutor and state attorney general. Ahead of the midterm election, she jumped in to support abortion rights as the Supreme Court prepared to reverse Roe. But none of the issues shes tackled so far have had as pronounced an effect as her showdown with DeSantis over his defense of the states description of slavery. Floridas social studies standards advise that "slaves developed skills, which in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." DeSantis argued that he did not write the guidelines but has repeatedly offered his support for them. He told Harris in a letter last week that the Biden administration had "repeatedly disparaged our state and misinformed Americans" about the state's African American history standards. Biden has also spoken out. But as an Black woman, Harris has lived experiences, Democrats say, that allow her to address the issue in a very direct way. And you can't lose sight of that. She's not talking about some third party, she's talking about herself, her own family, her own upbringing, her own lived experiences, Morial said. And with many of these issues, that's an important dynamic. Energizing lethargic Democrats Biden does not face stiff opposition for the Democratic nomination and has not been campaigning, even though he announced his reelection bid more than three months ago. He has participated in allied groups events and fundraised heavily, but he has selectively focused on using official events to promote his economic agenda. Democrats worry about voter lethargy, as Republicans and independents tune into the other partys primary, and say that Harris emphasis on cultural issues is helping to energize the partys base. Although the vice president has a 42% overall favorability rating, 77% of Democrats approve of the way she's handling her job, in a new CNN poll. She has an approval rating of 72% among African Americans. Harris may not be changing independent voters minds, Democrats say, but she is engaging hardcore liberals, demonstrating her value to the ticket and filling a void while Biden runs the country. When we hit general election season, when the president actually knows who he will be campaigning against, I really think it's both of them that should be out there on these issues, MoveOn executive director Rahna Epting said. Hailing Harris focus on slavery and abortion rights in the meantime, Epting added, But let's make no mistake: the role has to be executed carefully. Republicans are trying to set traps for Democrats left and right and everywhere we go." DeSantis has sought to capitalize on his fight with Harris, using it to draw attention to his campaign and Bidens age. "I thank her," DeSantis said, according to NBC. "I mean, the more that its me versus Harris, because ultimately if you look at the next election, shes going to be the VP, you know, its possible she could end up being president of the United States. And I think voters need to take a hard look at that and see if thats something that they would want." Former Harris communications director Ashley Etienne said she viewed the trip to Jacksonville as a risky one given Republican presidential candidates focus on the vice president in the 2024 election. But it was one that she had to take, because the president needs from her not to just have a moment but to really catch fire. And these are the types of issues that she could get the base fired up on, Etienne said. Biden and Harris also have a responsibility as role models to make sure that what students are learning is accurate, National Education Association president Becky Pringle said. "Whether or not it feels as though...they're taking a risk of some sort by doing that, they're doing what is right. And in this moment, we absolutely need our president and vice president to be speaking on these issues," Pringle said. Calculated campaigning by Harris Harris decisions of when and how to tangle with Republicans have been calculated. She often refers to so-called leaders in her remarks without referring to GOP politicians by name. On her trip last month to Iowa, while DeSantis and most of the Republican field were in the state, she participated in a moderated conversation on abortion that her office said was attended by health care providers, patients, local leaders, and advocates. In her remarks, Harris accused the GOP of pursuing a national agenda that is about a full-on attack on Americans freedoms and brought up voting, gun violence and LGBTQ+ rights. But she did not refer to DeSantis or their dispute over educational standards. In contrast, he took direct aim at her in his remarks. Harris' campaign chief of staff said the vice president's event focused on abortion because Iowa had just passed a six-week ban. That is an issue that she's spent a lot of time talking about and wanted to make sure that we were raising that issue, as well, ahead of the Republican debate, Nix said. The state has more registered Republicans than Democrats and went for former President Donald Trump in the last two presidential elections. Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart said that efforts to control curriculum and not teach history accurately are a real problem. But she said, That's not happening here in Iowa." "And we've got to make sure that it doesn't happen here in Iowa," she said. "But the things that really matter to folks are making sure that people have the quality of life that they can have the confidence that we have a future here in Iowa, that our children can live here and raise good families and have the confidence that these culture wars are not going to dominate the day. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris: culture warrior? VP embraces fight with DeSantis Senior figures at The Royal Thames Yacht Club are reportedly hoping that Kate Middleton might be willing to take over an important role from her father-in-law, King Charles III. The Knightsbridge-based club includes Lord Mountbatten and Prince Philip among its former royal patrons. Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, stepped down as commodore in 2021 due to his links with Jeffrey Epstein, and the role was taken over by his older brother, Charles. Earlier this week, the yacht club hosted a new event on the Isle of Wight, titled Women Who Rock the Boat, in an effort to encourage women to take up sailing. According to the Daily Mails Diary Editor Richard Eden, a senior member of the club said Kate would be a great role model were she to take on a position. The Princess of Wales is a noted sailing enthusiast. Last year, she joined the Team GB sailing team in Plymouth for a friendly race against New Zealand. In 2019, she accompanied her husband, Prince William, with their children Princess Charlotte and Prince George, to the charity Kings Cup regatta on the Isle of Wight. The trouble is, royal protocol dictates that it's up to her and the Royal Family to make the first move, the Royal Thames Yacht Club member reportedly said. This means that the Palace would need to approach the club and discuss the prospect of Kate taking on the role of commodore. Kate celebrates with the Great Britain SailGP Team (Ricardo Pinto for SailGP/PA) (PA Media) In recent years, yacht clubs around the UK have been endeavoring to improve gender representation, and overhaul the sports image as an old-boys network. A female commodore was elected by the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club in Dover, Kent one of the oldest Royal yacht clubs in Britain for the first time in its 150-year history, in 2019. Two years later, Sarah Hancock was appointed as the first female commodore of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. Next month, the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to be among the senior royals gathering with King Charles to commemorate his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at Balmoral Castle. The day will also mark the anniversary of the Kings accession. It has been reported that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have been snubbed from the event, despite Harry having a gap in his schedule that could allow him to attend. A Wagner PVC shoulder patch on a Russian mercenary Products with symbols Z, V and Russias Wagner mercenary company logo are proposed to be banned in Kazakhstan, Kazakh news website NUR reported on Aug. 4. The prosecutor of the Public Interest Protection Department of the Semey Prosecutor's Office, Kuat Bapinov said the ban was being proposed because such goods cause an "ambiguous reactions" in society. "In 2022, in connection with the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, demonstrations (of support for Russia) became more frequent in Kazakhstan, in particular on clothes, toys, vehicles with symbols Z or V," Bapinov said. Semey is a city in northeastern Kazakhstan. The north and east of the country have the greatest percentages of the population who are of ethnic Russian origin. Read also: Russia turns to Kazakhstan as it desperately tries to avoid a conscription that could infuriate the population Bapinov said that childrens toys are being advertised and sold in trade networks under names such as Russian Army, Polite People and so on, which symbolize threats to the sovereignty of countries. "In connection with this, the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Republic of Kazakhstan, ed.) this year sent a proposal to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on a legislative ban and the establishment of administrative responsibility for the manufacture, storage, importation, transportation and distribution in the country of paraphernalia, symbols, and signs, (which are) used by opposing parties in armed conflicts, in military or other violent actions against the sovereignty and political regime of another state," the prosecutor said. Read also: Russian soldiers in Kazakhstan fear to fight in Ukraine, refuse to return home, says Ukraines intel Entrepreneurs were advised to withdraw printing and blank products, toys, souvenirs, as well as other "ethnopoliticized" consumer goods from sale. In addition, the lessors of shopping areas were recommended to conduct a visual inspection of products sold by tenants at least once a month. Story continues On May 22, 2022, Ukraines Verkhovna Rada parliament adopted a law banning symbols used by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in its war against Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on the world community to ban the use of the Z symbol used by the occupation forces of the Russian Federation. It was also reported that the use of the symbols Z and V have been prohibited by law in Latvia. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine WASHINGTON - Donald Trumps historic arrest on charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election have outraged some Republican lawmakers in Congress including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. In a news conference hours before Trump's arraignment, McCarthy compared the former presidents false claims of election fraud to claims made by members of the Democratic party in past elections. I could say the same thing that Hillary Clinton says about her election that she lost... I can say the same thing about those in the Democratic party from the leadership on down about George Bush not winning, that Al Gore did, McCarthy said. But were any of them prosecuted? Were any of them put in jail? But the two instances are not the same. While Clinton and Democrat lawmakers have questioned the legitimacy of elections, they never plotted to overthrow one, as Trump is accused to have done. The indictment against Trump details how he knowingly leveraged false election fraud claims to try to alter the 2020 election results. McCarthys remarks contrast with how he felt about Trumps role in the Jan. 6 attack two years ago. A week after the attack, McCarthy said that Trump bore responsibility and needed to quell the brewing unrest and ensure President-Elect Joe Biden is able to successfully begin his term. Lets be clear, Joe Biden will be sworn in as president of the United States in one week because he won the election, McCarthy said. Trump's indictment also alleges that he called McCarthy then House Minority Leader to say that the crowd at the Capitol was more upset than McCarthy was. Trump was charged with conspiracy to obstruct and impede a congressional proceeding in which the outcome of the 2020 election was being certified. "The Trump indictment alleges Trump was repeatedly told his lost the election by multiple government officials, state and federal," Joan Meyer, a partner at the law firm Thompson Hine, told USA TODAY. "He had conversations where he was told specifically the statements he was making... were false but he kept making them." Story continues Heres a closer look at McCarthys most recent remarks regarding Trumps charges. McCarthy makes apples to oranges comparisons in his speech McCarthys questions about why former Secretary of State Clinton and other members of the Democratic party werent prosecuted misrepresents what was detailed in the indictment against Trump, legal experts told USA TODAY. Clinton has previously questioned the outcome of the 2016 election that she lost and even called Trump an illegitimate president after he won. But her criticism of the election was limited to speeches, and she had conceded defeat to Trump, according to David Super, a constitutional law expert at Georgetown University. Trump, on the other hand, had knowingly used false claims to get state legislatures and election officials to subvert the legitimate 2020 election results rather than conceding to Biden, the indictment alleges. As the indictment itself notes, President Trump was and is free to make whatever claims he wants about the election, even false ones, Super said. What he is not free to do is use dishonesty to obtain something through false means. The indictment also alleged that Trump pressured former Vice President Mike Pence to refuse to count valid electoral votes and used fake electors in a scheme to undermine Bidens win, among other actions. He can have an opinion, Marc Scholl, who served as a criminal prosecutor, told USA TODAY. He can express an opinion. He can sue. But he cannot plot to break the law. Likewise, House Democrats have contested the certification of electoral votes for former President Bush after he beat Democrat challenger Al Gore in the 2000 election. However, these lawmakers did not plot to overthrow the election and Gore did concede defeat. There is a world of difference between what Donald Trump has been accused of and what Democrats did in 2000, Jonathan Entin, a constitutional law expert at Case Western Reserve, told USA TODAY. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., called McCarthys criticism of Trumps charges complete garbage on CNN, where he now serves as a senior political commentator. "Even the base would look at that and go, Thats not the same thing. It doesnt make an ounce of sense, Kinzinger said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: McCarthy incorrectly compares Democrats' actions to those of Trump Gladys Rosas speaks in the summer camp for middle school students at at La Casa de Amistad in South Bend, where she works, on Monday July 31, 2023. Editor's note: For five weeks, we have profiled two women each week who are making a difference in the South Bend region. Whether they are already in the spotlight or escaping much public attention for their efforts, these women are putting in the work to make their neighbors' lives better. The series concludes today, but check out previous entries on our website. SOUTH BEND Gladys Rosas is making up for missed opportunities, like the 21st Century scholarship that she could have had. Shed signed up for Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program as a middle school student in Goshen, then forgot about it. No one reminded her that the money was within reach. So, she pursued and gained her bachelors degree in social work at Hesston College in Kansas anyway having met many of the requirements to secure the scholarship (except for staying in Indiana), but without the generous benefit. Now Rosas is working to get more local students signed up for 21st Century Scholars, which aids students from lower-income families. A year ago, she became one of eight outreach workers across Indiana in a new program, Padres Estrellas, to boost enrollment by working with local organizations. Sept. 29, 2023: Local program nudges 21st Century Scholars to graduate from college Likewise, in her full-time job at the nonprofit La Casa de Amistad, Rosas is tapping into teachable moments that could go to waste. As shes running La Casas afterschool and summer camp programs for middle school students, a kid may blurt out hurtful language or laugh at someones expense. Shell pause the session and pull the students into a friendship circle. And theyll discuss: Why do we say these things? Why laugh? They really, really like doing that, she said. Theyll even ask to go into the circle. For them, its just like talking, Rosas said. They don't realize that theyre expressing themselves. She asks, Have you ever had someone show you what healthy anger looks like? Story continues No, they respond, accustomed to slamming doors and screaming. What is that? She explains that healthy anger is about letting someone know how their words or actions made them feel. Then she sees kids faces lighten up as they get it. They get to know themselves and find their identity, Rosas said. Being alongside them is very powerful for me. Middle school program coordinator Gladys Rosas speaks with youth program coordinator Lizeth Ochoa at La Casa de Amistad in South Bend on Monday July 31, 2023. The after-school program runs for two hours. Called Florecer, which in Spanish means To Blossom, its relatively small for now. It typically enrolls up to 20 students since it started about the time Rosas came to La Casa in March 2022, having broken the combined high school and middle school programs into two. Rosas hopes to enroll more. Florecer includes an hour and a half for homework and tutoring, but it begins with a half hour where she is engaging the students on a year-long theme. Last years theme revolved around Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, a radical 17th Century poet and nun from Mexico whose writing is seen as an early form of feminist advocacy. Among other things, Rosas said it allowed students to discuss, How to empower yourself when society tells you do something that you know is wrong. The three-week summer camp for middle school students just began last week with 34 kids. The theme is I am like the sun and the moon, looking at dual roles within students, like Latino and American, masculine and feminine, and mediocre and excellent. Recruiting 21st Century Scholars After college and before she came to La Casa, Rosas worked as an organizer for the Logan Square Neighborhood Association in Chicago, helping residents to advocate for educational resources and against gentrification. Soon after she came to La Casa, her supervisor suggested that she apply for Padres Estrellas Spanish for Star Parents and the contracted work through the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The work was bewildering at first. She didnt know the area well. But shes made headway by collaborating with a 21st Century Scholars recruiter at South Bend schools, Roberto Leal, and with the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, which has a program to help the scholars follow through and succeed in their education. Several students miss out on the scholarship or higher education because of challenges that range from mental health to a lack of awareness. Students enroll in 21st Century Scholars in seventh or eighth grade if their parents income is low enough. If they stay in school and do certain activities, the scholarship will cover up to 100% of tuition for a two- or four-year degree at an Indiana public college or university, or the equivalent at a private institution. Rosas also reached out to the guidance counselor at Elkharts Pierre Moran Middle School. They hosted an evening that drew more than 100 students and parents to meet with educational and mentoring organizations and to learn about 21st Century Scholars. About 40 students signed up as a result. That spurred Rosas to hold other similar events in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties and to alert students at La Casa. Since Padres Estrellas is new, it takes her a while to explain it to school staff as she reaches out. Really, she tells them, shes not trying to compete with their recruiting efforts rather, to assist. I dont want you to be overwhelmed by this (21st Century Scholars), she tells them. She doesnt want to let more students miss an opportunity. South Bend Tribune reporter Joseph Dits can be reached at 574-235-6158 or jdits@sbtinfo.com. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Rosas at La Casa de Amistad helps students seek 21st Century Scholars Russia's Soviet-era car brand unveils Its latest release in Moscow on Aug 3rd - the Moskvich 6, a five-door compact hatchback - Getty Images Officials in Russia have begun swapping their BMWs and Mercedes for Ladas and other Russian cars after Vladimir Putin said they should support domestic manufacturing. Within hours of Mr Putins edict, Vladislav Davankov, deputy chairman of Russias lower house of parliament, posted a video of himself driving an electric Moskvich-3e. It drives quite well, it seems to me, he said. Its a bit noisy but overall its okay. Mr. Davankov looked cheerful enough in the black hatchback as he trundled through the Moscow traffic wearing mirrored aviator sunglasses, but he is used to a faster commute to the office. Russian parliamentary documents showed that the 39-year-old owns a Mercedes S-450 which can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph. By comparison, the Moskvich-3e is described as an urban crossover with a top speed of 87 mph. Buy Russian On Thursday, Mr Putin told a meeting of Russian industrialists that Russian officials should embrace a more modest look and buy domestic car brands. Cars roll off the assembly line at the Moscow Automobile Factory Moskvich, after the production of vehicles under the Soviet-era brand commenced at the French carmaker Renault's former plant on November 23, 2022 - Reuters Last year, the Kremlin brought the Moskvich brand back after a 20-year gap as it tried to ramp up Russian car production to beat Western sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine, but the rejuvenation of the Soviet marque received less-than-gushing reviews from industry experts, who pointed out that its cars were almost identical to Chinese designs. Avtovaz, Russias biggest car manufacturer, has also been struggling under Western sanctions and was forced to launch last years model without a satellite navigation system, airbags, or an anti-locking brake system. In June, Maxim Sokolov, head of Russian car manufacturer AvtoVAZ, said that labour shortages caused by the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine were forcing him to employ gangs of prisoners. The iconic and unreliable Lada family car is being produced by amid a shortage of workers caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Still, Mr. Davankov is not the only Russian official to laud Russian cars. Story continues Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of Russias lower house of parliament, said this week that he commutes to work in a Russian Aurus saloon and drives a Moskvich-3 at the weekend, which he praised as roomy, economical, and reliable. And he ordered other MPs to follow his example. Parliamentary deputies will use Moskvich, Lada, and Aurus cars, he said. 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 Institute for the Study of War's daily report says the Kremlin is unwilling to resume the Black Sea Grain Initiative unless the West makes significant concessions. Source: ISW Details: The institute mentioned that the Kremlin issued a joint statement on 4 August, officially titled the African Peace Initiative. The report was preceded by a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and African leaders on 28 July. The document says the African leaders called for action to remove obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertilisers, as well as to release and deliver 200,000 tonnes of Russian fertilisers stuck in European ports to African countries. Quote: "These calls suggest that the African leaders support Russias conditions for revitalizing the Black Sea Grain Initiative," said the Institute's analysts. Details: Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, said on 4 August that the US would continue to do "whatever is necessary" to ensure that Russia freely exports food to the world market, assuming it is ready to revive the grain deal and allow Ukraine to safely ship grain through the Black Sea. In response to Blinken's remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that once the United States fulfils Russia's conditions, "the deal will immediately be resumed". "These statements give no clear indication that Russia intends to rejoin the Black Sea Grain Initiative and seeks to coerce the West to end limitations on its own exports," the ISW said. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Aug. 5 that he had held a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to discuss Russia's withdrawal from the deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain from Black Sea ports. "I stressed Russia's withdrawal's harmful impact on African countries and global food security," Kuleba said in his Twitter post. The phone call comes as Kyiv and its Western allies urge Russia to resume its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has allowed Ukraine to export millions of grain since it came into effect in August 2022. Nearly a year after Ukraine and Russia signed the international agreement - a breakthrough brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022 - Russia said on July 17 that it was pulling out of the deal. On July 19, the Russian Defense Ministry said that all vessels sailing to Ukrainian ports would be considered "potential carriers of military cargo" and therefore legitimate targets. In October 2022, Russia also threatened to suspend its participation in the grain deal but made a U-turn decision a few days later. Read also: Risk of big disruptions high in grain markets, says Black Sea expert Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Kursk Oblast attacked by drone, two administrative buildings and church reported damaged A drone dropped an explosive device on the town of Rylsk in Russias Kursk Oblast, causing damage to two administrative buildings and a church, the regions governor said in a late-night post on his Telegram channel on Aug. 4. The town, in the western part of Kursk Oblast, is about 26 kilometers east of the nearest Ukrainian territory. The Kursk Oblast governor, Roman Starovoit, placed blame on Ukraine for the incident, following a familiar pattern of accusations. Ukraine typically denies carrying out drone strikes on Russian territory, although drones of known Ukrainian manufacture have been repeated spotted during attacks, or their wreckage found on the ground. Read also: 11 out of 15 Shahed Russian drones downed by Ukraine overnight, no fatalities The town of Rylsk was targeted by a Ukrainian drone, which released explosive devices during the attack. Consequently, two administrative buildings sustained damage, and the stained glass in the Pokrovsky Cathedral was shattered, Starovoit said. There were no reported casualties resulting from the attack. There has been a spate of Ukrainian drone attacks on targets in Russia in recent weeks. Notably, the IQ Tower, one of the skyscrapers in Moscows western Moskva-City financial district, which hosts offices of Russian ministries, was hit by attack drones twice in three days on July 30 and on Aug. 1. The double attack on the same target appears to disprove Russias claims that it shoots down or jams with electronic warfare systems all attacking drones. Read also: Drone attacks FSB administration in Kursk Oblast, five Russian border guards injured 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 Hong Kong (CNN) What happens when Asias biggest potato chip maker runs out of potatoes? Japanese snack brand Calbee had to learn the hard way. Extreme weather disruptions and supply chain snags forced the company to hike prices three times last year and rethink how it sources its most important ingredient. That is our headache, Calbee CEO Makoto Ehara told CNN in an interview. The issue is critical to the company as it embarks on an ambitious $1 billion turnaround and overseas expansion plan that will see it plow deeper into the worlds top two economies. The humble potato is serious business for the 74-year-old snack maker. The Tokyo-based firm uses hundreds of thousands of tons of the vegetable annually to make chips in a variety of flavors, from pizza to soy sauce. These products rake in hundreds of millions of dollars in sales a year for the company, which posted a profit of 22.2 billion yen ($156 million) in the last fiscal year. In Asia Pacific, Calbee sells more chips than anyone else besides Pepsi (PEP)Co, its longtime partner that owns about 20% of the company via a subsidiary. Pepsi (PEP) controls about 24% of the regions potato chip market, while Calbee has about 12%, according to data from Euromonitor International. Both have been hit over the past two years by ruptures in commodity supplies that led to a record surge in food prices in 2022, affecting virtually everything from tomatoes to rice to peaches. Experts have called it the worst food crisis in modern history and warned of continued instability ahead, even as the high prices have largely receded. Supply chain nightmare Calbee faced a major crisis when it was confronted with a shortage of potatoes from the summer of 2021 to the fall of 2022. It came against a global backdrop of historically high food prices, as producers grappled with pandemic-related supply chain issues, a historic drought in Brazil and increased global use of vegetable oils, sugar and cereals. Then the war in Ukraine broke out in February 2022, cutting off access to a critical global grain and vegetable oil exporter. The crisis contributed to another record jump for food prices last year, with a benchmark index compiled by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reaching its highest annual level since 2005. Calbee typically sources as much as 90% of its potatoes in Japan, with 80% of that supply coming from Hokkaido, a northern island. But the area was ravaged by drought in 2021, and the firms domestic potato supply fell by 8% and 14% in the 2021 and 2022 fiscal years, respectively. Calbee tried to make up for the shortfall by importing more from the United States, which normally accounts for the remaining 10% of its potato supply. But it didnt have much luck. A global shortage of shipping containers caused delays and higher prices. To make matters worse, in late 2021, floods in the US Pacific Northwest stopped ports from operating as usual, making it harder for Calbee to get both potatoes and potato flakes: small, white chunks of dried mashed potatoes used to make Jagarico, its popular line of crispy biscuit sticks. As a result, the company had to suspend sales promotions and new product launches, while accepting higher procurement and shipping costs. The challenges contributed to a 7% decline in operating profit in the financial year that ended in March 2022. Looking for solutions To shore up its supply of potatoes, Calbee is working with farmers across Japan, seeking to boost its domestic supply from 320,000 tons to 400,000 tons a year by the end of the decade. Weather is very, very important for us, said Ehara. So in order to avoid that kind of thing, we are now trying to increase the fields in Japan, other than [in] Hokkaido. It also estimates it may cut the proportion of potato imports it gets from America, its sole overseas supplier, in half. The move is a countermeasure towards the disruption we experienced during the pandemic, said a spokesperson. To diversify even further, the firm is also considering importing from other markets, such as Europe, according to Ehara. In May, the FAO index declined to the lowest level in more than a year, with significant price drops for most cereals, vegetable oils and dairy products, according to the organization. The trend continued in June, before food commodity prices ticked up again in July, highlighting a continued choppiness. Ehara said prices of potatoes and palm oil had also stabilized. Steady supplies are vital to the companys ambitious turnaround plan. Calbees sales have plateaued in recent years. To address that, the company announced in February it would invest about $1 billion over three years into areas such as automation and overseas expansion. The company is particularly bullish on prospects in the United States, where its made inroads with its popular plant-based snack line, Harvest Snaps, which is sold at major chains such as Walmart (WMT) and Whole Foods. And in China, it wants to build on traction gained with products like its South Korean-inspired honey butter chips, according to Keiei Sho, managing executive officer for Calbees overseas businesses. The company is also bullish on Indonesia, which has a huge young population that could turn into lifelong customers, Sho added. Emil Fazira, food insights manager in Asia Pacific for Euromonitor, said a strong supply of potatoes is especially crucial for the US market. The USA alone has a massive market with retail sales volume five [times] larger than the Japanese market, she said, adding the snack business was fiercely competitive, with tight margins and new flavors or brands launched frequently. Staying available on shelves is essential, not just to compete with other potato chip brands but also with other types of snacks. This story was first published on CNN.com, "What Asias top potato chip maker learned from a huge supply shortage" BEIRUT (Reuters) - Kuwait's foreign minister on Saturday criticised comments made by Lebanon's caretaker economy minister Amin Salam about the rebuilding of part of Beirut's port, in a fresh diplomatic disagreement between Lebanon and Gulf states. Salam on Wednesday had urged Kuwait to rebuild Lebanon's main wheat silos, which were built in 1969 with a grant from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and gutted by the Beirut port blast of 2020. Salam said Kuwait could decide to rebuilt the silos with "the stroke of a pen". Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said Salam's comments were "incompatible" with political norms on how decisions were made and urged the Lebanese minister to retract them to protect bilateral ties. Salam was quoted by Lebanese media on Saturday as saying his comments were referring to how quickly the decision could be taken, but that he meant no offense. Lebanese-Gulf relations deteriorated in 2021 over comments by Lebanon's then-information minister about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen. At the time, Gulf countries, including Kuwait, withdrew their envoys to Lebanon. They returned in 2022. Separately, Kuwait on Saturday urged its citizens in Lebanon to stay vigilant following days of clashes in a Palestinian camp in southern Lebanon. In a statement later, caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati in a statement hours later sought to reassure the Gulf countries their citizens in Lebanon were safe. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Frances Kerry) Park Township is one step closer to producing a new solar ordinance after continued conversations by the municipalitys planning commission. PARK TWP Park Township is one step closer to producing a new solar ordinance after continued conversations by the municipalitys planning commission. Discussions have taken place over the last year or so, in response to the expansion of the solar energy industry in Michigan. More: Park Township begins conversations on possible solar energy ordinance A past memorandum from Park Township Community Development Director Meika Weiss explains industry experts expect nearly every Michigan jurisdiction to be approached about large-scale solar installations over the next few years. The new ordinance is meant to direct the effective and efficient use of solar energy systems as a clean alternative energy source by regulating the siting, design, and installation of such systems to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and to ensure compatibility of land uses in the vicinity of SES. The primary question going into the commission's meeting Thursday, July 27, was whether to welcome large-scale operations. Municipalities across the state have grappled with a similar question, with many banning commercial solar developments and others establishing ordinances to regulate them. The energy companies need land and we have land, said Park Township Trustee and Planning Commissioner Terry DeHaan. It really gets to the fact of, if you really believe in clean energy, and solar is a part of that, why are we not being innovative and supporting clean energy development? I'm to the point where I can support that in Park Township. Planning Commission Chair Dave Kleinjans also acknowledged the importance of solar energy. I think everyone should be doing what they can, he said. It's the biggest problem facing humanity and other species on earth and we should all be doing whatever we can to mitigate it. Township officials say the municipality has received an increasing number of inquiries about solar projects over the past several months, but don't anticipate a large demand for commercial arrays thanks to higher land prices and smaller parcel sizes. Story continues Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage A public hearing for the ordinance comes next on Thursday, Aug. 24. Then, the commission may choose to recommend adoption to the Park Township Board of Trustees. If all goes well, that vote would take place Sept. 14. Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: 'They need land and we have land': Park Township works on solar ordinance McLaren racing director Andrea Stella and Lando Norris. Singapore, September 2022. Credit: Alamy Andrea Stella has disagreed with Lando Norris assessment that focusing on upgrades has hurt McLarens race extinction. While his team-mate finished on the podium in the sprint race, Norris recent purple patch stumbled somewhat in Spa with the Brit finishing seventh after a race that saw him running near the back at one point. Afterwards, Norris raised concern that McLarens focus on improving their car may have come at the cost of their ability to plan for certain tracks but his boss Stella disagreed with that assessment. Upgrades not the cause of McLarens Belgian problems says Andrea Stella When McLaren started as poorly as they did in 2023, it was all hands on deck in an effort to make the car at least somewhat competitive. The rushed nature of this was evident in the fact that when it did come time to fit the upgrades, McLaren only had enough for one car with Norris winning out over Oscar Piastri in Austria. But in Silverstone, and with both cars upgraded, the McLaren duo impressed with Piastri narrowly missing out on making it a double podium. While Piastri would make it to the podium in the Spa sprint race, it was a difficult weekend for his team-mate and while Norris conceded it was the right choice to go all in on improvements, he wondered if it had other negative effects. We just need to rethink how we approach the weekend, he said. The wing level and stuff like this might work on [this circuit], but it doesnt work on all of them. And we clearly got it wrong. All of the focus was on doing [the upgrades], which is the correct thing to do. Stella though said it was not the fault of the upgrades that McLaren did not get their setup correct for the Belgian grace. PlanetF1.com recommends F1 2023 driver salaries revealed: Who are the highest-paid drivers on the grid? F1 team principals rich list: Net worth figures revealed for Wolff, Horner and more In perfect hindsight, we could have tried to find some other solution to reduce the drag on the car, Stella told media including PlanetF1.com. Im not sure how much efficiency would have shed, [how much] we would have removed off the car. Story continues It could be that we couldnt have been able to achieve yesterdays [Saturday] results if we had made this choice so obviously for a dry race, you do want to race with less drag. I dont think theres a correlation between the fact that we were focused on the upgrades and then the decisions on setup that you make once you are at Spa. The real correlation is the fact that because we were very busy on working on other things, we didnt have the time to work on low drag real wings. So thats the real correlation. All the rest is not correlated with the fact that we were busy developing the car. Despite their difficult weekend, McLaren still left Spa with 16 points added to their tally. Read next: Max Verstappen is not to blame for F1s supposed dullnessthe other teams are The article Lando Norris concerns over McLarens race execution addressed by team boss appeared first on Planetf1.com. BUENA - Police have recovered the bodies of two young children and two adults from a borough home that exploded into flames Thursday morning. Two other victims, a teenager and a 1-year-old, remained hospitalized with severe burns on Friday afternoon, according to a police statement. The survivors, both girls, were pulled from the fire by two civilians, it said. An explosion inside the house preceded the fire around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, said the statement from Franklin police, who patrol the borough. Buena blast hurled debris What neighbors heard and saw when a Buena home exploded It said Franklin police arrived at the scene with three minutes to find the home "fully engulfed" in flames. Deadly Buena blast hurled debris into neighborhood "An initial investigation revealed that the dwelling fire was the result of a confirmed explosion inside of the residence," said the statement. It offered no details about the type of explosion, which threw debris from the house onto nearby properties. "Once the scene was deemed safe by fire personnel, rescue crews immediately began rescue efforts," it said, noting police were aware four people were reported to be in the house. Rescue crews and a New Jersey State Police K-9 recovered two bodies were recovered by 6 p.m., and a third was found by 8 p.m. Thursday. The fourth body was recovered around 2 p.m. Friday "at the base of the demolished structure," the statement said. Police have offered no details about the fatalities - a 2-year-old boy, a 3-year-old girl and two men ages 52 and 73. A memorial stands near the scene of a deadly house explosion, that took place in Buena, NJ on Thursday, as crews work the site on Friday, August, 4, 2023. Authorities also have not disclosed any relationship between the victims. Cause of Buena fire under investigation However, Buena Mayor David Zappariello on Friday said said he had spoken "to the family to ensure them that the investigators assigned to this case are working diligently to provide them with some sort of closure." The one-year-old girl rescued from the flames was in critical condition Friday at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a Philadelphia facility with a burn unit. Story continues The 16-year-old victim was reported in stable condition. Investigators from Franklin's police department and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office are working to determine the cause of the explosion. "When information becomes available as to the cause, it will be released to the public," the statement said. Law enforcement officers at the fire scene included FBI and ATF agents, as well as member of police departments from Monroe, Clayton and Vineland, as well as New Jersey State police. Multiple fire agencies from across the area responded to the incident, including members of the local Minotola Fire Department. Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email him at jwalsh@cpsj.com. Two girls, ages 1 and 16, were taken to St. Christopher's Hospital in Philadelphia, which has a burn unit. . This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Four bodies recovered from scene of Buena house explosion Federal investigators said Thursday that the pilot of a charter jet took off without permission, creating a conflict with a JetBlue plane that was preparing to land on an intersecting runway at Boston's Logan International Airport in February. A screen grab from video shot from the JetBlue cockpit captures the moment that the Learjet operated by charter service Hop-A-Jet crossed the runway just in front of the JetBlue plane. Pilots of the JetBlue Embraer jet estimated they were about 30 feet (9 meters) off the ground when they saw a plane cross in front of them the captain said he couldn't estimate how close they were to the smaller plane, according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The JetBlue pilots were able to pull up and circle around and land safely. The captain of the Hop-A-Jet said he heard air traffic controllers tell him to line up and wait before taking off and even repeated the order back to the controller but in his mind, they were cleared for takeoff, the NTSB said. The Hop-A-Jet plane was being operated by the co-pilot, who told investigators that his captain told him they were cleared to take off. The captain, Alvaro Donado, said in statement to the safety board, I cannot understand what happened to me during the clearance, the only thing that comes to my mind is that the cold temperature in Boston affected me, I was not feeling completely well and had a stuffed nose. My apologies. Once the Hop-A-Jet plane landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the 63-year-old captain and 23-year-old co-pilot were told by the Boston tower that they had taken off without authorization and that the JetBlue plane passed about 400 feet (120 meters) above them as it performed a go-around, the NTSB said in its final report. A man who answered the phone at Hop-A-Jet headquarters said the company had no comment about the incident or the report. When asked if the captain and co-pilot were still flying for the company, he said he could not provide that information, and hung up. The incident was one of several early this year that raised alarms about aviation safety in the United States despite the lack of a fatal crash involving a U.S. airline since 2009. The close calls led the Federal Aviation Administration to convene a safety summit in March to brainstorm ways to prevent planes from coming too close together. BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanon's caretaker premier Najib Mikati said on Saturday there was no cause for "concern or panic" about his country's security situation, after Germany and Gulf countries issued new travel warnings following outbreaks of violence. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Germany and Britain updated their travel warnings amid clashes between rival armed groups in the Palestinian camp of Ain el-Hilweh in Lebanon's south. In a statement, Mikati said he had spoken with his security chiefs and assessed that the situation "does not call for concern or panic". He said there had been "significant progress" in resolving the violence in Ain el-Hilweh, where at least 13 people have been killed in fighting. The statement said foreign minister Abdullah Bou Habib had been tasked with reassuring Arab countries that their citizens were safe in Lebanon. The Saudi embassy on Friday urged its citizens to leave Lebanon quickly and avoid areas where there have been armed clashes. Bahrain followed suit a day later and called on its citizens to leave the country, according to a foreign ministry statement. The Saudi statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, stressed "the importance of adhering to the Saudi travel ban to Lebanon". Kuwait and Qatar on Saturday urged their nationals in Lebanon to stay vigilant and avoid "areas of security disturbances," but stopped short of asking them to leave. Last week, Germany warned citizens not to travel to Palestinian camps in Lebanon, among other areas. Britain advised against "all but essential travel" to parts of Lebanon's south, including near Ain el-Hilweh. Around a quarter of the camp's 80,000 residents have been displaced by fighting there on July 29 between mainstream faction Fatah and hardline Islamists Ain el-Hilweh is the largest of 12 Palestinian camps in Lebanon, which host up to 250,000 Palestinian refugees, according to the United Nations' agency for refugees from Palestine (UNRWA). (Reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut and Vera Eckert in Germany; editing by Giles Elgood, Toby Chopra and Jonathan Oatis) A mobile observatory promising to take visitors "to the stars and back" is going on tour around Leeds. Moon Palace, a former school bus, is on the move until late November as part of Leeds 2023 - a year-long celebration of the city and its culture. Its creators said the vehicle, covered in colourful nebulae, was inspired by Leeds-born civil engineer John Smeaton. The bus has been described as a "collision of creativity, art and science". It was designed by artists Heather Peak and Ivan Morison and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Further expertise was provided by the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leeds and Leeds Astronomical Society. Domes on the vehicle roof make way for a telescope and a radio dish to allow it to become an astronomical observatory, its creators said. Audiences will be able to stargaze on a clear night and "use the radio telescope to look at signals comings from different celestial objects from across the universe". "We wanted to create a space where people could look at the stars and be amazed at the wonder of the universe, but you could also look very closely at the place they live," Mr Morison said. The bus will be at the Royal Armouries in the city centre on Saturday and Sunday, with regular visits to other locations until a final stop at the University of Leeds on 21 November. Art meets astronomy as @physicsleedsuni students have supported in the creation of Moon Palace, a mobile observatory inspired by the legacy of father of Civil Engineering John Smeaton and the observatory he built in East Leeds pic.twitter.com/L7JGxuBzlR University of Leeds (@UniversityLeeds) August 4, 2023 Kully Thiarai, Leeds 2023 creative director said: "We could not let the phenomenal story and legacy of John Smeaton pass us by. Story continues "Spanning the worlds of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, Smeaton was a true polymath and used creativity to solve some of the biggest challenges of the day for the public good." Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk Politicians often treat the general population like were stupid. As a result, the same people that allowed bribery to be pushed through our legislature are suddenly concerned the citizens of Ohio have no idea what is actually good for them. They obviously know better, like they are the parents and we are the toddlers. And while some of the behavior in public and the general discord on social media sometimes might make us feel like we are surrounded by a bunch of toddlers, we deserve the right to voice our opinions. Ohioans arent stupid and we should all get a chance to help shape our state. So, when a politician says Issue 1 will protect our constitution, we should remind them the current process to amend the constitution is there to protect us from them. The current process allows Ohioans to bring up initiatives in a way that is achievable for grass roots campaigns, but not so easy that initiatives dont need careful consideration. A change to this would limit the peoples ability to hold our representatives accountable. It lets them continue to ignore needs and ideas they dont feel benefits them, while doing the bare minimum to hold their seats. For the conservatives concerned, please remember voting yes will cut both ways. If the legislature doesnt match your needs in the future, do you believe youll be able to get 88 counties to agree? Why throw away this tool that Ohioans have to ask for consensus? At a time when our representatives would have us at each othes' throats for a few extra campaign dollars, why would we toss out the ability to say no, we can decide for ourselves. One Ohioan, one vote. If Issue 1 passes, it will ensure no true citizen driven initiative will ever make it on the ballot again. We are handing our power to the government, while they disguise it as protection. If this doesnt make you uncomfortable, remember for now our representatives work for us and voting no on Issue 1 will keep it that way. Anne Blood and Brandon Heddleson, Zanesville This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Letter to the Editor: Vote no on Issue 1; the politicians work for us Nadine Seiler celebrates outside federal court in Washington on Tuesday after the Justice Department charged former President Trump in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) To the editor: If what happened Tuesday occurred in another country, the United States would be more than concerned about the status of democracy in that country. Many people in the U.S. will continue to believe lies and ignore the facts of the indictment. To them I would say, please read it. All of the legal and political analysis aside, ultimately, this dark American historical moment will end up with "we the people." And by that I mean a jury of 12 and voters in the next election cycle. If citizens truly understand the laws and Constitution of this country, I'm hopeful they will do the right thing. If not, then America will get what it deserves. Thomas Camacho, Los Angeles .. To the editor: Trump is arguing that the Department of Justice special counsel's indictments for his alleged interference in the 2020 election is ... wait for it ... interference in the 2024 election. This would reasonably imply that Trump is fully aware of the criminality and impropriety of election interference. It seems to me that his time would be much better spent proving why his actions did not constitute this crime while still supporting the importance of having the DOJ investigate any purported crimes of this magnitude. Alas, he lacks the integrity to do so. Jane Diamond, Sherman Oaks .. To the editor: I offer a solution that we might accept. Have President Biden offer a pardon to former President Trump for the federal crimes for which he is indicted when Trump admits his guilt and promises to never again seek public office. Jim Baross, San Diego .. To the editor: The ever-present articles with the obligatory photo covering the latest episodes of the Trump show have become some of his best advertising. Trump is doing a great job of branding himself as the next president. Every article has a large photo of Trump. He is always dressed in red, white and blue. He poses himself speaking, fist raised, striding toward the audience, whatever, in front of a massive American flag. Story continues The American flag has become a Trump image gimmick. Please, if you must cover this indicted candidate, do it without the photos. Jodi Miles, Santa Barbara .. To the editor: Lorraine Ali absolutely nailed it. The media's coverage of Trump's pending prosecutions poses an existential crisis for our democracy. Ali's keen insights called out the distractions and deflections served up by right-wing news outlets to placate masses that favor sensationalistic fast-paced reports over pertinent mundane facts. So couldn't her column's heading have been more aptly worded? My suggested headline: "How to cover Trump's legal quagmire for dumbed-down Americans." Thats an existential challenge indeed. Sandra Perez, Santa Maria .. To the editor: It seems odd that Donald Trump and his enablers are not celebrating his many indictments, most recently his efforts to overturn results of the 2020 election. After all, he has spent years attacking President Biden and every other outspoken Democrat for politically and maliciously attacking him (he claimed witch hunts). Now finally, his indictments will result in trials whose outcomes are out of reach of any political influence. He will be judged by his peers. He and his followers should also look forward to trials for the mishandling of classified documents in Florida, and in New York, trials for his payment to Stormy Daniels and falsifying business records. Most likely there will also be a trial in Georgia for attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Im also looking forward to these trials. Steve Latshaw, West Hill .. To the editor: America isn't perfect, and we can do a lot better, but if we can't, as a nation, agree that Donald Trump is a cancer on this country, where do we go? Those who want him in power think they will be getting what they have always wanted, an America that only existed in their own self-centered minds. What they must ask themselves is what happens when their king is no longer in power and the next king represents everything they abhor? What now? Another insurrection? This is why, if you stick with the democratic ideals America was set up with, we have the best chance of surviving as a thriving democracy, admired by much of the world. If we continue to look down on the importance of facts, law and responsibility, we put America on a perilous path into very dark waters, and all bets are off. Democracy is not something I wish to gamble with. Bob Bascelli, Seaford, N.Y. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Prayer in school? Leave students religious needs to parents Im curious as to how the prayer mandate for public and charter schools will be implemented. Will students be required to pray loudly so that the teacher can grade them on it? What if a student does not wish to pray? Will the student be punished? What if teachers do not wish to pray? Will they lose their jobs? Who will choose the prayers? Will a Christian prayer be required? Will a Hail Mary suffice? The rosary? Will students have to kneel and bow their heads? Any student can already pray silently at any time, (and probably do before an exam) so why are we asking students to display their religious beliefs? Freedom of religion does not mean freedom of the state to force religious practices on the people. It means that the state cannot stop individuals from freely choosing their own religious practices. It means not forcing children to follow a state-ordered religion. Students have been through a difficult few years because of a pandemic when their educational needs were not met. Oklahoma has an obligation to meet those needs, and to leave students religious needs to their parents. Virginia Ann Dell, Oklahoma City If I had school-age children, I would homeschool them I have to agree with those who home school. Getting a tax credit is the first step in government thinking it has to have accountability in those who receive a homeschooling tax credit. It does not matter what kind of tax credit one gets, there is always the requirement that one submit documentation or reason to justify the tax credit. That documentation will come in one form or another when one submits their income tax return. Government cannot provide any sort of tax credit without getting some sort of justification for that tax credit. For instance, one has to prove that they installed a new home air conditioning system to receive any tax credit for that installation on their income tax forms. Therefore, it is only reasonable to expect that if you home school, and you submit the request for the home school tax credit, the government is eventually going to step in and require you to show your curriculum for the home schooling you are providing to your children and how you are spending the money you received a tax credit on. Then there is always the possibility that government will step in and require you to submit a curriculum anyway so it can say whether you are complying with the requirements of educating your children. Story continues I have a degree in math and physics, and I think I could teach my children if I had children who were school age. And I have a problem with the way they teach math now in that it is not necessary to get the exact correct answer to a problem. For instance, if they had done their math correctly, they would have known that those tiles on the space shuttle would have been susceptible to coming off, and maybe the space shuttle that burned up in the reentry would not have burned up. Anything that is critical to the end result of a project must have the math done correctly and the correct answer derived. Correct answers to the math on the retention of the tiles on the space shuttle would have shown that the tiles would have been subject to damage since they were glued on, and that any loss of tiles meant that the shuttle would have burned up. And sure enough, that happened. Although I do not have children who are young in the public schools, if I did, I would homeschool them. However, I do have grandchildren who are going to be entering schools soon, and I worry they are going to be indoctrinated by the left. Andre Snodgrass, Norman This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoman readers shared letters on prayer in school, homeschooling Issue 1 the latest attempt to reduce the power of individual vote Dec. 16 will mark the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. Years before the Declaration of Independence existed, people fought for self-determination in government. Americas founders created a government based on citizen representation, majority rule and checks and balances. These principles were established to prevent government overreach. Voting is the avenue by which we as citizens get a voice in the management of the local, state, and federal government. Issue 1 is the latest in a long history of attempts to reduce the power of your vote. Why? If Issue 1 passes, a citizen initiative would need to collect signatures from at least 5% of voters from the last gubernatorial election in all 88 counties instead of the current 44 counties. Lets use Vinton County as an example, due to it having the smallest population. Vinton County had 602 total ballots cast in 2022. Even if an issue has the support of 8 million other registered Ohioans, it could be halted in Vinton County if less than 30 signatures are obtained. In addition, Ohio would be the only state in the nation that requires signatures from every county in order for a citizen initiative to be on the ballot. This would be a complete disproportionate representation. Why, as the descendants of the revolutionaries, would we vote away our own power? When you cast your vote on Issue 1, consider that the founders of this nation and state designed a system of representation to prevent such attempts of government overreach. Issue 1 undermines these core American values, and Ohio voters. Brian Walsh, Granville Issue 1 'a strike at the heart of our democracy in Ohio' The existence of Issue 1 on the ballot this August struck many Ohioans like a thunderbolt, threatening to take away from Ohios citizens one of their most precious privileges the right to participate effectively in the democratic process through the use of citizens initiatives to amend the Ohio Constitution. Story continues For me, Issue 1 at first increased the shame that I have been feeling at being subject to a legislature and executive leadership so obviously willing to ignore the wishes of its constituents, and to recklessly and illegally discount both our laws and the role of the Ohio Supreme Court. Soon, however, news came of the widespread opposition to Issue 1 the last four governors of Ohio, all five previous state attorneys general, literally hundreds of organizations speaking out. I realized that Issue 1 was a strike at the heart of our democracy in Ohio and that it is connecting citizens all over the state. Activism has a new life as we begin to write postcards, meet on Zoom, wear T-shirts saying "Vote No" and blanket our yards and streets with signs calling upon all citizens to do the same Aug. 8. Finally, we have recognized the level of hypocrisy and misinformation in which our legislators were willing to indulge. Today, just days from the special August election day, I see the resilience of citizens who will no longer accept such abuse and look forward to the defeat of Issue 1 on Aug. 8 as the renewal of genuine citizen participation in, and defense of, our democracy. James Griffin, Newark Issue 1 is not democratic State-level democracy is in peril in Ohio. The Aug. 8 election holds the key to the people, all voters in Ohio, keeping their right to decide the future of the Ohio Constitution. Issue 1, if it were to pass, would make majority rule on state constitutional changes a thing of the past. Issue 1 would make it virtually impossible to make a change to our Ohio Constitution with anything less than 60% of the votes. If 59% of Ohioans (who cast ballots) voted in favor of a measure, that majority would lose. That is all I need to know! It is just not democratic. Everyones vote should count, dont you think? Please vote NO on Issue 1. Elizabeth Burdick-Romero, Newark This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Ohio voters would 'vote away our own power' backing Issue 1 A Hockley County woman was sentenced Thursday to life in prison after she admitted to her role in the death of her 2-year-old son, and physically abusing her other son 3 years ago. Samantha Dawn Mathis, 29, appeared before 286th Distrcit Judge J. Pat Phelan in Hockley County and pleaded guilty to a count of murder of a child younger than 10 years old, a first-degree felony, which carries a punishment of five years to life in prison. She is also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. She will have to serve 30 years of her sentence before she will be eligible for parole on the murder charge. Mathis was initially indicted on a count of capital murder, which carries a punishment of life without parole or the death penalty. But, she pleaded guilty on Thursday to the lesser included charge of murder. She also pleaded guilty to a count of Injury to a Child in exchange for a 10 years prison sentence. She will have to serve half of her sentence in this case before she is eligble for parole. However, Mathis will only begin serving her sentence on the second charge after she finishes or is paroled on the murder charge. "The sentencing underscores the gravity of these crimes and sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated," said Hockley County District Attorney Angela L. Overman in a statement. Mathis' attorney, Chris Wanner, described the case as a tough one. "Becasuse of the law of parties in the State of Texas, this was a good outcome for Samantha," he said. Mathis, who has been in custody since Feb. 4, 2020, was one of two people facing charges stemming from a Levelland police investigation. Her boyfriend at the time, 33-year-old Robert Garza Jr., also faces count of capital murder and injury to child. He is set to go to trial on Feb. 18, 2024 and remains held at the Hockley County jail. His bond is set at $554,000, according to jail records. The charges against the couple stem from Levelland child's death The two are accused of intentionally or knowingly causing the death of the Mathis son, Elijah Lebario, by striking him with a hand, foot, belt or unknown object, or by causing the boy to strike a floor, wall, toilet, tub sink or unknown object, or by shaking him, according to an indictment. Story continues They also face a separate charge of injury to a child with intent, causing bodily injury, in connection with injuries found on the toddlers 4-year-old brother during the homicide investigation. Levelland police arrested Mathis on Feb. 4, 2020, after her son was taken to Levelland Covenant Hospital. The boy was unresponsive, suffered bruising to most of his body, and had an internal temperature of 81-degrees, according to a Levelland police news release. Hospital staff called police within three minutes of the boys arrival after finding injuries on him that they believed stemmed from physical abuse. The boy was taken to University Medical Center in Lubbock, where he died in an operating room, the release stated. Police investigators interviewed Mathis and the other family members, and reportedly learned that Mathis and Garza assaulted the boy, the release states. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services was called to help with the investigation and CPS workers learned that the boys then 4-year-old brother was also physically abused. Levelland police Chief Albert Garcia said the boy spoke with a forensic interviewer, and revealed he suffered injuries from alleged physical abuse. "The successful resolutions in these cases serve as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by our legal team," Overman said in the statement. "We extend our gratitude to the community for their unwavering support throughout these proceedings, and we shall continue to fulfill our duty in safeguarding the interests of our fellow citizens." This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Levelland mother accepts life sentence in toddler's death Lithuania to transfer additional NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine soon Lithuania is to provide additional NASAMS air defense systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the near future, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said in a posting on its website on Aug. 4. Anti-drone equipment, beds, and other various supplies will also be transferred to Ukraine in this batch of military aid, the ministry said. This year, Lithuania has already sent to Ukraine its Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft guns with ammunition, M113 armored personnel carriers, and millions of rounds of ammunition, including rounds for grenade launchers. Lithuania has also been actively training Ukrainian military personnel, providing medical treatment and rehabilitation to Ukrainians. It also organizes expert consultations and allocates funds to international support funds for Ukraine. Read also: SAMP-T anti-aircraft system deployed on combat duty On June 28, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. That same day, he announced that his country had acquired two NASAMS air defense launcher systems for Ukraine. The NASAMS air defense system (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) is a highly capable, modern air defense system developed jointly by Norwegian and U.S. defense companies. The system can defend against drones, helicopters, cruise missiles, and fixed wing aircraft. The system can fire a wide range of existing missiles, including ones originally developed to be launched from aircraft, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, IRIS-T SLS and AMRAAM-ER. A short- to medium-range system, NASAMS can also be linked to long-range air defense systems like the U.S. Patriot system to create a multi-layered, integrated air defense system. Read also: Lithuania to provide $27 million in military aid to 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 Lithuania has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including NASAMS air defence systems launchers. Source: statement by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence; European Pravda Details: The new package contains launchers for NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems, anti-drone systems and other equipment. The ministry said that over the past seven months, Lithuania handed over Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft guns with ammunition, M113 armoured personnel carriers, millions of rounds of ammunition and grenade launcher munitions to Ukraine. In addition, Lithuania plays an active role in training the Ukrainian military, providing medical treatment and rehabilitation. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced on Aug. 4 that they will transfer launchers for the NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine "soon." The ministry did not specify the number of launchers but said they would also provide Ukraine with counter-drones, some logistics equipment, and more. According to the statement, for the first seven months of 2023, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with "Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft aircraft with cartridges, M113 armored personnel carriers, millions of artillery pieces, and cartridges with grenades." "In addition to the transfer of military equipment, Lithuania also actively trains Ukrainian soldiers, provides treatment and rehabilitation for Ukrainians, organizes expert consultations, and allocates funds to international foundations to support Ukraine," reads the statement. The first transfer of launchers for the NASAMS systems from Lithuania was announced in late June. Back then, the country's president Gitanas Nauseda said Lithuania had acquired two launchers for Ukraine. NASAMS systems have been in service in Ukraine since late last year after being delivered by the United States to defend Ukraine's airspace. The system has a maximum range of 50 kilometers depending on the model used, and is particularly valuable for Ukraine as it uses the AIM-120 AMRAAM interceptor missile, which is the same missile used in an air-to-air function in Western fighter jets. This means that the missile is in large supply, giving Ukraine more of what it needs to continue defending its sky against Russian missiles and aircraft as the ammunition for its own Soviet-era air defense systems begins to run low. On July 26, the U.S. announced a new military aid package for Ukraine totaling $400 million that also included additional munitions for Patriots air defense systems and NASAMS, as well as ammunitions for HIMARS, Stingers, Javelins, and other weapons. Read also: This Week in Ukraine Ep. 8 How Ukrainian air defense denies Russia air superiority Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Heres whats happening at the Dolphins scrimmage on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. Please keep checking back for updates, which we will add to the top. 1:47 p.m.: Elijah Campbell intercepted a Skylar Thompson pass that deflected off Freddie Swains hands... Eli Apple deflected a Tua Tagovailoa pass that was intended to Cedrick Wilson Jr. Apple jumped the route.... Tua completed a 17-yard to Jaylen Waddle across the middle, against Miamis third-team defense... Tagovailoa then threw an incompletion after Wilson slipped on a route... A Tua dump off to Durham Symthe gained 12 yards... An Apple interception of Tua, on a 10-yard sideline throw near the end zone, ended the scrimmage. Smythe was the intended receiver. It was Tuas second interception of the day but only his fourth of camp, and only two of those picks have come in 11 on 11 drills in nine practices. 1:45 p.m.: Jaylen Twyman knocked down a Tua Tagovailoa pass, which Tagovailoa caught and ran with, for a few yards... Twyman, the third-year player from Pittsburgh, then had a sack a few minutes later. Hes had a very good camp... Skylar Thompson completed a pass to Salvon Ahmed that Ahmed took 15 yards up the sideline... A Thompson pass was broken up by Verone McKinley... Anthony Montalvo, the UCF rookie, had a sack on Thompson. 1:29 p.m.: Mike White failed to catch a snap from Dan Feeney and the football rolled for about 10 yards. It would have been a disaster in a real game... Bryce Thompson had a sack on Tua, who then threw an incomplete pass on a deep ball over the middle when Waddle slipped... Bryce Thompson had a pass break up on a Tagovailoa throw to Waddle... Randy Charlton stopped Jeff Wilson for a short gain, then sacked Tagovailoa. Charlton, the Mississippi State rookie, hadnt done much flashy in eight practices, but he had two shining moments today. 1:23 p.m. update: Miami Hurricanes rookie Mitchell Agude forced a throwaway with another pressure; his strong offseason continues... Mike White hit Chris Brooks for 10 yards on a short throw... White then overthrow Braxton Berrios... Salvon Ahmed ran for six... Robbie Chosen caught a pass for nine yards that initially deflected off the hands of Noah Igbinoghene. Chosen kept running for a touchdown, but it was called a 9-yard play. Story continues 1:15 p.m. update: Skylar Thompson completed a 10-yarder to River Cracraft... Salvon Ahmed ran for five yards between the tackles...Josias Bronson, who has flashed this camp, had a sack... Thompson hit Robbie Chosen for a 23 yard gain on a really nice throw.... Chris Brooks ran for three yards... Mike White threw across his body to Elijah Higgins for a 17-yard gain.... Jaylen Twyman and Channing Tindall stopped Myles Gaskin for a two-yard gain. 1:10 p.m. update: The scrimmage has resumed after a lightning delay. And Bradley Chubb immediately wraps up Raheem Mostert for no gain.... Tua converted a third and nine with a 15-yard completion to Waddle... Tagovailoa threw behind Waddle for an incomplete pass... Then Tua thew to Berrios for five yards... Zach Sieler batted away a Tagovailoa pass on 3rd and 5. 12:27: Players have left the field in a lightning delay. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) passes during drills before a team scrimmage at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday, August 5, 2023. 12:25 p.m.: Jaelan Phillips beat Austin Jackson for a sack of Tua... Tagovailoa then hit Waddle on a nice throw for 18 yards on a sideline pattern....Sieler had a tackle for loss on a Jeff Wilson run. Sieler continues a fabulous camp... Christian Wilkins had another quarterback pressure. Hes a menace and has exceed Vic Fangios expectations, Fangio said.... Noah Igbinoghene had a pass breakup on Waddle on a Tagovailoa throw. Noah has had a good camp. 12:15 p.m.: Tua Tagovailoa delivered a 58-yard TD to Tyreek Hill on a beautiful throw, against Keidron Smith. That was the play of the day through the first 45 minutes of the scrimmage. 12:10 p.m. update: Xavien Howard snuffed out a screen to Berrios for no gain... Berrios collided with Eli Apple on a 20-yard Mike White throw and the ball fell incomplete.. Rookie linebacker Aubrey Miller stopped Mostert for a gain out of two. Miller has had some very good moments in camp. 12:05 p.m. update: Tua was picked by Noah Igbinoghene in a miscommunication on a Tyreek Hill route.... Cam Smith, after Fridays injury, is on the field for 11 on 11s. Thats encouraging.... Christian Wilkins had a sack, continuing an exceptional camp... Mike White had a nice throw to Robbie Chosen for a 10-yard gain. Noon: Skylar Thompson completed a short pass to rookie tight end Elijah Higgins for a short gain... Zach Sieler had a tackle for loss on Chris Brooks... Emmanuel Ogbah limited Brooks to a short gain; Ogbah has had two good days in a row... James Blackmon, the former FSU player, is now in at quarterback, but briefly.... Channing Tindall wrapped up Jeff Wilson.... Jaylen Tyman had a sack. 11:58 a.m.: Mike White hit a sideline pass to Salvon Ahmed for four yards...A long pass from Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill was knocked away by Keidron Smith. Myles Dorn also was in coverage... Myles Gaskin ran for six... Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel walks past safety Jevon Holland (8) during stretches at a team scrimmage at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Nebraska rookie egde player Garrett Nelson had a sack... Skylar Thompsons deep pass was knocked away by Jevon Holland; Braylon Sanders was the intended receiver... Ahmed had a nice gain (eight yards or so) to the right side. 11:53 a.m.: Rookie linebacker Aubrey Miller stopped Raheem Mostert for no gain.... Tua made a high throw to Mosert that was incomplete....Connor Williams snapped the ball well well over Tagovailoas head. It would have been a 16-yard loss in a real game... Mostert gained five on a run... Jaelan Phillips stopped Myles Gaskin for a very short gain... Gaskin showed good burst on seven-yard run and then ran for four.... Receiver Chris Coleman is limping. 11:49 p.m.: Jeff Wilson Jr. left for the locker-room. He returned to the field a few minutes later and went back in the scrimmage with two fingers taped on his left hand. 11:47 p.m. Some highlights from QB/WR/CB drills and OL/DL drills: Xavien Howard was called for pass interference on Jaylen Waddle on a Tua pass; Howard picked up a Mike White pass intended to Tyreek Hill; Elijah Campbell had a good pass breakup on another play.. Kendall Lamm beat Mitchell Agude... Dan Feeney had a good rep against Brandon Pili; Tino Ellis had a pass breakup on Chris Coleman; Aubrey Miller had a pass breakup; Robbie Chosen caught a TD from Skylar Thompson, against Eli Apple... Jevon Holland intercepted a pass intended for Eric Saubert; Raekwon Davis got past Connor Williams on a swim move; Braxton Berrios looked over the wrong shoulder when Tagovailoa threw him a deep ball... Elijah Campbell forced an incompletion... Isaiah Wynn continues an impressive camp. (He confirmed after the scrimmage that he is playing snaps at guard.) 11:45 a.m. update: Rookie running back DeVon Achane has been spotted; hes on the sideline but dressed in street clothes, walking gingerly and working on the side. [Update: Mike McDaniel said Achane wont be out very long.] 11:30 a.m. update: Terron Armstead, who did some 11 on 11 work last week after coming off PUP, is not scrimmaging. He had offseason knee surgery but should be fine for the regular season. 11:25 a.m.: Erik Ezukanma and Malik Reid and Duke Riley dont appear to be practicing. All have injuries. 11:20 a.m.: Safety DeShon Elliott, who has participated in a lot of 11 of 11 work, is not scrimmaging and was working out on the sidelines. He dealt with a shoulder injury during the offseason but its unclear if thats still the issue. Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel keeps an eye on players during warmups before a team scrimmage at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday, August 5, 2023. 11 a.m. update: Cornerback Keion Crossen, who has been out since early in camp with an undisclosed injury, was dressed in uniform and wearing compression sleeves on both legs. Hes not participating in the scrimmage. 10:55 a.m. update: Defensive backs Trill Williams and Brandon Jones, working their way back from 2022 ACL injuries, are not wearing pads. They did some 11 on 11 work last week. Nik Needham also is doing some work but obviously not scrimmaging; he remains on PUP after last Octobers Achilles injury. 10:45 a.m. update: Rookie cornerback Cam Smith was dressed and ambulatory, a day after he left practice earlier with an apparent leg issue. Smith, after working in coverage on Friday, slipped on the sidewalk by the practice field end zone and walked off gingerly. Further evaluation revealed nothing serious. Hes working in cornerback drills before the scrimmage. [Update: Smith later got 11 on 11 work.] 9:10 a.m. update: The Dolphins worked out former Florida State defensive tackle Marvin Wilson on Saturday, but he left without a contract offer. Wilson appeared in two games for the Eagles over the past two seasons. Any defensive tackle who signs would compete with Southern Cal rookie Brandon Pili, among others, for the backup nose tackle job behind Raekwon Davis. Miami so far has bypassed signing a veteran defensive tackle to replace John Jenkins, whos now with the Raiders. The Parkland, Florida, school shooting on February 14, 2018, was one of the worst acts of violence against students in US history (JOE RAEDLE) Ballistics experts on Friday reenacted the 2018 shooting rampage at a Parkland high school in South Florida as part of an investigation against a police officer accused of failing to act against the perpetrator of the shooting. The reenactment occurred at the three-story Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where Nikolas Cruz shot and killed 14 students and three adults on February 14, 2018. Experts planned to fire 139 shots with an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle - the same one used by Cruz - while technicians recorded the sound of the live gunfire. It was unclear if the entire test took place because local reporters barely heard four shots from outside the school. The aim of the reconstruction was to determine what Scot Peterson, then the security officer at the school, heard during the six-minute rampage. On that day, Peterson failed to rush into the school after hearing the first shots from Cruz, a former student. Peterson took refuge instead in a nearby building for 48 minutes while he waited for backup. Peterson, 60, claimed that he did not intervene because he didn't know where the shots were coming from. Relatives of the victims sued him, however, claiming that he fled out of cowardice, shirking his duties and leaving students to die. In June, a court acquitted the police officer of child neglect charges in the first US criminal trial of an officer accused of inaction during a school shooting. Friday's reconstruction was part of a civil case against Peterson, in which family members of victims and survivors seek damages. The Parkland shooting intensified US debate over gun control. Cruz, then 19, legally purchased the gun used at the school, despite having mental health problems. A court sentenced him last year to life in prison after he was spared the death penalty when a jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. The building where Cruz killed 17 people and injured 17 others was kept intact until now to allow for police investigations. Local authorities plan to tear it down this year. gma/tjj/jh DALLAS Through their volunteering with SAFE in Northern Michigan and RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition, 12 area students were able to attend the 2023 Mid-Year Training Institute for the Community-Based, Advocacy-Focused, Data-Driven, Coalition-Building, Association (CADCA). While in Dallas, Texas for six days in late July, the students participated in sessions that included substance-use prevention strategies, insights to help build their leadership skills, and training in how community coalitions work. SAFE and RISE youth gather with Health Department of Northwest Michigan staff at the CADCA conference in Dallas, Texas recently. While there, the local students attended sessions on leadership and community coalitions. CADCA is a nonprofit adult and youth coalition that works to make communities safe, healthy, and drug-free. It brings together sectors of the community schools, businesses, parents and youth, law enforcement, health care providers, faith-based organizations and many more. The model for community change represents a comprehensive, evidenced-based approach to reduce underage and binge drinking, underage tobacco use, illicit drug use, and the misuse of medicines. The conference involved a welcome reception, training sessions, youth meetups, and a community service project. As adult mentors with SAFE and RISE, we know these conferences help our youth grow in their leadership skills and to better understand the fundamentals of coalition work, said Susan Pulaski, project director for SAFE in Northern Michigan and Health Department of Northwest Michigan Community Health Supervisor. We are thankful to have grant funding to take these youth to conferences. Each time a conference approaches, the youth put in the effort it takes to apply for an opportunity to go. SAFE and RISE are open to students from Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties. To learn more about the youth-led, adult-guide groups, go to safeinnm.com and riseotsego.com. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Local students attend national Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America conference How to rally the world to help save the Amazon is proving to be a challenge for Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva (Sergio Lima) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will host a regional summit next week with planetary stakes, as leaders of the countries that share the Amazon seek a roadmap to save the world's biggest rainforest. The meeting of the eight-nation Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization on Tuesday and Wednesday in Belem, capital of the Amazon state of Para, will serve as something of a dress rehearsal for the COP30 UN climate talks, which the city will also host in 2025. It is the 28-year-old organization's first summit since 2009, as Lula seeks to deliver on his pledge that "Brazil is back" in the fight against climate change after a period of surging destruction in the Amazon under his far-right predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. With its hundreds of billions of carbon-absorbing trees, the Amazon is a key buffer against global warming. But scientists warn deforestation is pushing it dangerously close to a "tipping point," beyond which trees would die off and release their carbon stores back into the atmosphere, with catastrophic consequences for the climate. Already, carbon emissions from the Amazon increased by 117 percent in 2020 compared to the annual average for 2010 to 2018, according to the latest figures from researchers at Brazil's national space agency, INPE. Veteran leftist Lula, who returned to office in January, said he planned to work together with the group's other members -- Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela -- to develop the Amazon basin "without destroying" it. Leaders are due to discuss strategies to fight deforestation and organized crime, and seek sustainable development for the region, home to 50 million people -- including hundreds of Indigenous groups seen as crucial to protecting the forest. The summit will conclude with a joint declaration, expected to be "ambitious" and set out "an agenda to guide countries in the coming years," said Brazilian foreign ministry official Gisela Padovan. Story continues - Crime in the jungle - Brazil, which holds around 60 percent of the Amazon, has pledged to eradicate illegal deforestation by 2030, and is pushing other countries to follow suit. Deforestation is driven mainly by cattle ranching, though it is fueled by a murky mix of corruption, land-grabbing and organized crime whose tentacles extend to the illegal traffic in drugs, arms, timber and gold. In Brazil, the world's top exporter of beef and soy, the destruction has already wiped out around one-fifth of the rainforest. But after a 75-percent jump in average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon under Bolsonaro (2019-2022) versus the previous decade, there are signs of progress. From January to July, deforestation fell by 42.5 percent from the same period last year. Ahead of the summit, more than 50 environmental groups called on the region's governments to adopt a plan "to stop the Amazon from reaching a point of no return." The petition, published by the Climate Observatory, calls on countries to join Brazil's pledge for zero illegal deforestation by 2030, strengthen Indigenous rights and adopt "effective measures to fight environmental crimes." Lula said Thursday he was confident that "for the first time, jointly and cohesively," the region would "accept its responsibility" to fight rampant crime in the rainforest. - The world's problem - Lula insists responsibility for saving the Amazon extends worldwide. "The world needs to help us preserve and develop the Amazon," he said Wednesday. "Investing is cheap if it's a matter of saving the rainforest." Paola Arias, a climate scientist at the University of Antioquia in Colombia, underlined that the cattle and crops produced in the Amazon are often exported abroad. Deforestation "is not just the Amazon countries' fault," she said. "It's leveraged by a world agro-industry that generates profits for the global north. Those connections to Europe, North America and Australia have to be part of the debate." Six presidents are due to attend the summit, with Ecuador and Suriname represented by cabinet ministers. Norway and Germany, key contributors to Brazil's Amazon Fund to protect the rainforest, are also invited, along with France, which has a share of the Amazon via the territory of French Guiana. Brazil also invited tropical rainforest nations Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. mel/jhb/tjj A sleeping couple had quite the wake-up call when they realized a black bear had broken into their Montana home, multiple news outlets reported. The couples dog wouldnt stop barking in another room at about 3 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3, Seeley Oblander told the Billings Gazette. Her fiance went to check on the noise. Tom looked behind him and five feet away in the living room was a black bear. They stood face to face for about five seconds, Oblander told the news outlet. An adult large male black bear had broken through their living room window, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesperson Chrissy Webb told McClatchy News. The bear stood between Oblanders fiance, Tom Bolkcom, and the door, so there was no way to let the animal out, she told The Associated Press. Thats when Bolkcom grabbed a gun and shot the animal multiple times until it died, the news outlet reported. The couple then called wildlife officials. Couple justified in shooting bear Webb said a game warden responded to the home and determined the shooting was a justifiable self-defense action. The couples property didnt have any improperly stored attractants, Webb said. Bear attractants could include garbage, groceries and pet food. This is a direct result of other members of the community and nearby neighbors that were improperly storing some attractant, she said. Webb said they believe this bear was the same one that had been getting into garbage in the area the past couple of weeks. Now wildlife officials are warning community members to make sure their properties are clear of bear attractants. Its unfortunate that we had a bear lose its life in this situation. But (we are) really taking this as an opportunity through public awareness on how we can take these steps as humans living in bear habitat to make sure these kinds of conflicts dont come up as often, she said. Luther is about 80 miles southwest of Billings. What to do if you see a bear Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space. Story continues There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack. Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize youre a human and nonthreatening. Stay calm: Bears usually dont want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear. Dont scream: Screaming could trigger an attack. Pick up small children: Dont let kids run away from the bear. It could think theyre small prey. Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people. Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Dont make any sudden movements. Dont drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection. Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out. Again, dont run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would. Dont climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb. Watch bear cub run to its mom after officers help free it from dumpster in Colorado Black bear attacks man as he opens his garage door, Idaho officials say Man hears growling in garage and bear clamps down on his head, PA couple says Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is looking into the possibility of suspending or reducing reclamation projects in Manila Bay pending the findings of the study on their environmental impact. "This process can take some time," Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga told reporters on Friday, referring to the DENR's cumulative impact assessment on the reclamation activities. "So, what we are saying here is that the concern really would be to see whether we could basically maybe halt, minimize activities muna hanggang matapos itong [pending the conclusion of the] cumulative impact assessment," she added. Under Executive Order No. 74 signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, all proposals for reclamation projects shall be evaluated by the Philippine Reclamation Authority "based on their cumulative impacts rather than on a specific project basis." Loyzaga, however, said this was not done. "What has happened here is that individual projects were somehow processed without taking into consideration the cumulative impact of all the projects together on the bay system, and this is absolutely critical for the future use," she said. According to the DENR chief, a team led by Filipino scientists will conduct the assessment with the help of foreign experts. "Until we can get a very good sense of what scientifically is going to happen in these areas and until we can get a very good sense of how the rule of law can be followed in this area, we want to proceed with much caution," Loyzaga stressed. Concerns have been raised by some groups and more recently, by the United States embassy in Manila over the reclamation projects' possible adverse effects on the environment. The US also expressed concern over the projects ties to a Chinese firm, which it said helped Beijing construct and militarize artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea. Citing the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, Washington further noted that the company has been flagged for supposedly "engaging in fraudulent business practices." Rochester's mayor and police chief on Saturday spoke out about the early morning crowds and violence on North Clinton Avenue that led to five people being shot - one fatally. The incidents occurred on North Clinton Avenue, between Siebert Place and Scrantom Street. Rochester Police Chief David Smith said that officers were already patrolling in the area due to ongoing violence in the area when two unrelated shootings occurred around 1 a.m., as a group of women were fighting nearby and officers heard gunfire. Within a two minute span, five people were shot - one person died, two others suffered life-threatening injuries and two others suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The shootings did not appear to be related to one another or to a fight between a group of women in front of the Valero gas station at North Clinton Avenue and Siebert Place that occurred around the same time, he said. Crowds in the area fled upon hearing the gunshots. The injuries were as follows: On North Clinton Avenue at Siebert Place - A 19-year-old man was shot in the head and suffered serious injuries. A 26-year-old woman was shot in the torso . Both were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment. Two unoccupied cars parked at the intersection were also struck by gunfire and another bullet narrowly missed a driver. On North Clinton Avenue at Scrantom Street - A 22-year-old man was shot in the head and taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead . A 23-year-old man was shot in the torso and suffered life-threatening injuries. He was taken to Strong by private vehicle and is in critical but stable condition. A 13-year-old girl was also shot in the torso during the incident. She was taken to Strong by private vehicle. Police are investigating to determine where she was when she was shot. A minor stabbing that was initially believed to have occurred on North Clinton Avenue early Saturday "actually occurred at another location" and was not related to any of the shootings, Smith said. Story continues The chaotic scene spurred a 47-car response from Rochester police officers. Monroe County sheriff's deputies, New York State Police and officers from Irondequoit and Brighton police departments assisted at the scene. Two weapons were recovered from the scene. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans urged all those out and about after midnight to head home, noting that groups of people brawling at 1 a.m. is "totally unacceptable" and described their behavior as "lawlessness." "Go home," he said. "There's no reason why we should be having multiple people fighting at 1 a.m. There's no reason for a petty spat or a silly fight between known individuals to escalate into gunfire and endanger the lives of innocent people who live in that neighborhood, but also individuals who were out having a good time." Hundreds of police officers will be on patrol in the North Clinton Avenue area overnight Saturday into Sunday. Officers will also be stationed in the neighborhood "for the foreseeable future," Smith said. Fifteen officers were patrolling the area Saturday morning, he said. No charges have been filed in connection with the shootings and fights. Police continue to investigate. Police are asking anyone with information or video about the incidents to call 911, the Major Crimes Unit (585) 428-7157, CrimeStoppers (585) 423-9300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester NY mayor, police address violence on North Clinton Ave. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, who has faced renewed questions about his health, appeared Saturday at Kentuckys premier political event, the St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic. Kentuckys senior senator, who has called the event one of my favorite traditions, first arrived at the Graves County Republican Party pre-Fancy Farm breakfast to thunderous applause. He showed up to the breakfast event with his wife, former U.S. secretary of labor and transportation Elaine Chao. Well, this is my 28th Fancy Farm and I want to assure you its not my last, McConnell said. Extended welcome for US Sen. Mitch McConnell at the Graves County Republican Party Breakfast: pic.twitter.com/elMRyxbOLR Tessa Duvall (@TessaDuvall) August 5, 2023 It comes as McConnells first major public outing in Kentucky since questions about his health recently became a renewed topic of discussion. In late July, the 81-year-old froze up at a press conference for more than 20 seconds, raising concerns among some in Washington and Kentucky. McConnell was able to return and answer questions at the press conference, and he has carried on with his Senate work, including giving floor speeches since then. He told reporters when asked after the event that he is feeling fine. Sen. Mitch McConnell arrived at the Graves County Republican Party pre-Fancy Farm breakfast to thunderous applause. He showed up with his wife, former U.S. secretary of labor and transportation Elaine Chao. On Saturday, the leaders speech to the Republican crowd struck a reflective note. Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics Newsletter A must-read newsletter for political junkies across the Bluegrass State with reporting and analysis from the Lexington Herald-Leader. Never miss a story! Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics newsletter to connect with our reporting team and get behind-the-scenes insights, plus previews of the biggest stories. His message focused on the progress that the GOP had made since he first won his Senate seat in 1984 when Republicans had very little power in Frankfort. He said that he was often one of few Republicans speaking at Fancy Farm, where the seats on stage are divided by party. Story continues In those days it was me and a couple of county chairmen on the Republican side. On their side, it was everybody else. The governor, both senators, the congressmen and legislators everybody. I tell you that story just to tell you how far weve come over the years, McConnell said. Now, the GOP owns four-fifths majorities in both the state House and Senate and a plurality of Kentucky voters are registered Republicans. There is, however, in spite of all of this progress, one Democrat in Frankfort and he has a very important job, McConnell said in reference to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) speaks at the Graves County Republican Party Breakfast at WK&T Technology Park in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. He lauded GOP gubernatorial candidate Daniel Camerons political prowess, noting that he first met Cameron when the attorney general was a McConnell scholar at the University of Louisville and interned with McConnell at the age of 18. However, McConnell stressed that its going to take a concerted effort to get Cameron over the finish line. We are dominant, but we havent completed the job. We havent completed the job. What Frankfort needs is a governor who wants to go in the same direction. Its the last big step to make in our state, McConnell said. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) smiles while giving speaking at the Graves County Republican Party Breakfast at WK&T Technology Park in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. At Fancy Farm, the well-attended bipartisan political speaking event and charity picnic, McConnell faced a heckling crowd of Democrats as he spoke. His speech was partially drowned out by calls to retire and taunts about the current Democratic Senate majority lost the Senate was a frequent one. The leader focused much of his rhetoric on the big stage on bringing down the governor, mentioning the time he beat Beshears father Steve in a U.S. Senate race. Steve Beshears dad thought woke was what he did from his nightmare election in 1996, McConnell quipped. McConnell later remarked that Beshear might as well be running for governor of San Francisco, given his politics. McConnells office has stated that the leader intends to serve out his leadership term for another year and his senate term for another three years. When asked recently about his intentions for a potential re-elecion bid in 2026 when his senate term is up, McConnell did not answer directly. McConnell is known for leaving the picnic shortly after giving a traditionally joke-filled speech. In 2019, his last major Fancy Farm speech as senate duties kept him from attendance recently, the minority leader bragged about the accomplishments he shepherded under the administration of former president. Thats why I call myself the grim reaper Im killing their socialist agenda, McConnell said then. Tessa Duvall and Alex Acquisto contributed to this article. Sen. Mitch McConnell acknowledged his supporters following his speech during the Fancy Farm political picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky.Aug. 3, 2019 Despite uncertainty he would attend this year's political festivities at the annual Farm Farm picnic in western Kentucky, Senate Minority Leader McConnell McConnell arrived at a local GOP breakfast Saturday morning to several standing ovations. "Well, this is my 28th Fancy Farm, and I want to assure you, it's not my last," McConnell said. McConnell is now expected to give his annual remarks at the 143rd Fancy Farm picnic, a unique event where Kentucky politicians trade jokes and insults about each other over the cheers and heckles of a partisan and rowdy crowd. McConnell received loud cheers from Republicans in the audience when he walked on the stage at the Fancy Farm picnic, but he received no mercy from Democrats, who loudly booed him and chanted "retire!" Political observers had wondered if McConnell would attend the day's outdoor festivities on a hot and muggy day considering his health scare last week, when he was escorted away by Republican colleagues during a press conference after freezing for 20 seconds and being unable to talk. McConnell, who suffered a concussion and broken ribs after a fall this March, later returned to the press conference and answered questions, going about his regular work the rest of the week and telling reporters he was "fine." This year's Fancy Farm will be highlighted by Kentucky's race for governor between Democratic incumbent Andy Beshear and Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, with McConnell making a pitch for the former general counsel of his Senate office. Noting Republicans were a small minority in Western Kentucky when he was first elected, McConnell said they now dominate not just the region, but the entire state with the exception of the governor's office. Saying that defeating Beshear and taking back the governor's mansion for Republicans is "the last big step to take in our state," he urged the crowd to "finish the job" this November. Story continues McConnell's warm reception at the GOP breakfast is a contrast from what he's received from former President Donald Trump, the most popular figure among rural Republicans in Kentucky, who has called for his removal from Senate GOP leadership. After the breakfast, Cameron, who received the early endorsement of Trump in his successful GOP primary bid, declined to answer several times how he felt about Trump's latest indictments surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, only saying he still supports Trump. "I continue to support Donald Trump and I know there are a lot of people across the Commonwealth of Kentucky that continue to support Donald Trump," Cameron said. More: Cameron, Beshear, BBQ: What to look for at the Fancy Farm showdown Reach reporter Joe Sonka at jsonka@courierjournal.com and follow him on Twitter at @joesonka. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell speaks at pre-Fancy Farm event amid health concerns The State Bureau of Investigation reportedly searched the office of Volodymyr Kolodyuk, the assistant of lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky, on Aug. 5 over the alleged forging of documents during Dubinsky's travel abroad, according to an undisclosed source of Ukrainska Pravda. Lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky is being investigated for a vacation abroad during wartime, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and State Bureau of Investigation (DBP) stated on Aug. 3. The authorities believe he traveled under the pretext of accompanying his father for medical treatment outside of Ukraine. However, his father went abroad without his son and returned to Ukraine before the lawmaker. According to Ukrainska Pravda, his trip became public when a Health Ministry document requesting his permission to travel was leaked. He was supposed to return by July 10, but at the end of July he was featured in an Instagram post by his girlfriend who was on holiday in Barcelona. The SBI stated that it is also investigating Dubinsky for forgery, as several official documents were signed while the lawmaker was abroad. Dubinsky said the charges were politically motivated and that the authorities were "cynically interfering in the personal life of my family." Dubinsky is an independent lawmaker. He was removed from President Volodymyr Zelensky Servant of the People party in 2021 for "violating the statute and disobeying the party's governing bodies." "The accusations voiced are completely far-fetched and are designed to stop my opposition activities," he wrote on Telegram. Dubinsky referred to the case of Andriy Derkach, a pro-Kremlin lawmaker, who was charged with high treason and illicit enrichment in October 2023. "After I gave testimony to the NABU in the Derkach treason case and the participation of senior state officials in this case, illegal searches were carried out at my place, the purpose of which was to find any compromising evidence that could be used to discredit me," Dubinsky added. Story continues According to the authorities, Derkach received funds from a Russian intelligence agency to create private security firms that Russia planned to use for capturing Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky stripped him of his Ukrainian citizenship along with three other Russia-affiliated former politicians in January 2023. Read also: MP from Zelenskys party investigated for trip to Maldives Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Those taking medication for heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, ADHD and other conditions could be at higher risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke in sweltering South Florida, with some medicines increasing body temperature and making it more difficult to sweat. Some medications can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, leading to rashes and an increased risk of sunburn, medical professionals say. This kind of heat is dangerous for everybody. These medical conditions or you take these medications youre at higher risk. But in general, this kind of heat is dangerous for everybody to be out there for a prolonged amount of time, said Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo, a professor of medicine and public health services and the associate dean for clinical and translational research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Massage therapist and yoga instructor Anthony Hazin, 31, exercises at the My Equilibra, a wellness park underneath the high noon sun as the temperature reached above 90 degrees on Miami Beach, Florida Being cautious with the heat isnt just for when youre at the beach, exercising outside or in the pool. In sunny South Florida, its important at all times, whether youre playing sports, walking a few blocks to the grocery store, the bus stop or to work, especially for those considered to be more at risk for illness. Infants and children younger than 4, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions or who take certain medications are at higher risk for heat exhaustion. What are medications that increase risk for heat-related illness? People with diabetes, asthma and other pulmonary conditions, and cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blood pressure and heart failure are a a higher risk for heat-related illnesses, said Carrasquillo of UHealth. Some medicines, like Benadryl, can reduce your bodys ability to sweat and cool down. Others like antidepressants such as Prozac and ADHD stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin can create excessive sweating, which can lead to dehydration. Drugs like levothyroxine, which is used to treat an under-active thyroid, can raise your body temperature. All of these side effects can increase your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Story continues Other medications that can make you more sensitive to the heat include antipsychotics, beta blockers for treating high blood pressure and heart disease, medications for Parkinsons disease and some over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen, laxatives and antihistamines to treat allergies and colds, said Dr. Aisha Subhani, chair of the emergency department at Cleveland Clinic Weston. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about your medications. Do not stop taking prescribed medicines unless you talk to your doctor first, doctors say. Could the heat affect how my medication works? Yes. Do not leave medicine in your car or out in the sun because it could make the medication less effective, experts say. Extreme heat, for example, can affect the accuracy of glucose test strips, which are used by people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar. While it can vary by brand, in general, strips that are exposed to more than 30 minutes of heat that is over 90 degrees may be a cause of concern, according to Mount Sinai Health System. Jose Villalon exercises at the My Equilibra, a wellness park underneath the high noon sun as the temperature reached above 90 degrees on Miami Beach, Florida What about retinoids and other skin treatments? Sun exposure can also cause flare-ups in people living with skin conditions such as rosacea and melasma. Certain medications such as oral accutane and tetracycline, both used to treat acne, can increase a persons sun sensitivity, increasing their risk for sunburns and rashes. People whose skin is more sun sensitive, whether because of a condition or due to medication, should avoid being out in the sun. If you must be outside, make sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, protective clothing and sit under the shade or use an umbrella to reduce your risk of a severe sunburn, said Dr. Leslie Baumann, the Miami dermatologist who writes the Skin Deep column for the Miami Herald. Baumann also cautions people to be careful of touching or using plant extracts like lime juice if theyre outdoors. If you squeeze lime juice into your margarita or beer and some of it gets on your skin, that area could get burned more easily or develop a rash, she said. As far as retinoids, used in many serums and anti-aging creams, people often have misconceptions about them, she noted. Patients ask almost every day if they should stop their retinoid in the summer and in the heat because retinol, tretinoin and adapalene theyre all in the retinoid vitamin A family. People believe those make you more sun sensitive but its actually not true, said Baumann. Your skin just feels stingy in the heat, but it actually doesnt make you more heat or sun sensitive. And for those who dont have a skin condition, its still a good idea to wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the suns ultraviolet rays, which can cause cancer. And make sure to wash your face properly. Heat and humidity can lead to acne breakouts. When Sandwich firefighter Nicole Madden, 29, arrived in northwestern Quebec in June to help fight the Canadian wildfires, the people in Normetal had already been evacuated twice. "We were doing a service not just for the environment, but for the people as well and it felt really good, said Madden, adding that the residents were very appreciative. Madden, along with her crew, successfully put out all the fire in the area. The 29-year-old is a Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) wildland firefighter, who just returned home from a two-week deployment to Quebec, Canada, where she was fighting some of the more than 70 wildfires that have been raging for the last few months. Madden was part of a crew of 16 wildland firefighters 14 from DCR and two from MassWildlife who were joined by four additional firefighters from Connecticut and one from Vermont. Nicole Madden is a firefighter who has returned from Canada where she was part of a crew fighting wildfires. She was photographed at Shawme-Crowell State Forest where she works for Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation. The crew spent 14 days working directly on the fire line building fire breaks, securing fire perimeters, containing fires and protecting structures. The wildfire issue has affected us as a whole nationally and internationally. There is no single agency, state or even a country that can actually manage these large situations on their own, said Dave Celino, chief fire warden, Massachusetts DCR. The wildfires in Canada this year have been out of control. According to Celino, it takes an entire network that includes states like Massachusetts and counties like Barnstable, and all of the training resources from within those participating agencies to respond. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation firefighter Nicole Madden, front, and other crew members patrol for hotspots and smoke during their deployment in Normetal, Canada. The crew spent around 16 hours in the field each day. The primary objective was to seek and destroy any active smoke or fires. We had to make sure that the fires were all out, because if a fire sat there for months, at the end of August, when it is really dry, it can just burst back up out of the ground, said Madden. If a fire is allowed to burn in a remote area, even if it starts out far away, it starts building and building, and then the fire will feed itself and then it becomes a problem, said Madden. Story continues Originally from Binghamton, New York, Madden started with AmeriCorps, Cape Cod at the Cape Cod National Seashore in Wellfleet. She spent 11 months working for the fire management officer at Marconi Beach, Wellfleet. There, she learned fire training, prescribed burns, chainsaw projects, and various other community work, she said. In Canada, she put all the teachings into practice. I've learned about it in my training, but actually seeing it in the field and understanding that what we were doing was very important work; it was a rewarding experience, said Madden. Madden worked for AmeriCorps Cape Cod from the fall of 2017 to summer 2018, working on community-based projects as well for the Natural Resources Office for Joint Base Cape Cod. She later came back in April of 2020 to work in the Massachusetts Army National Guard's Natural Resources & Integrated Training Area Management Program. Madden started with DCR District 1 in May of 2023 at the Shawme-Crowell State Forest and currently she's been doing community outreach programs in both Sandwich and Mashpee. Rescuing equipment abandoned in Canadian evacuation efforts On the mission in Canada, the crew also looked for equipment left in the field. When the wildfires started in Canada, the spread was rapid. There were thousands of lightning strikes at once, even within a single day. Local firefighters were busy trying to simultaneously put out the fires and evacuate people, as a result, equipment was abandoned. It was really helpful for us to go there, it gave some of their guys some breaks; they've been out there for so long, said Madden. The crew was working with a Canadian organization, Societe de protection des forets contre le feu (SOPFEU), which provides forest fire protection. Massachusetts Department Conservation and Recreation firefighter Nicole Madden, left, is photographed with other crew members during her deployment to Normetal, Canada, to help with the wildfires. From left to right, are Madden, Owen Looby, Ben Mazzei, Brian Procida and Abbie Merchant. The crew had hiked out to this location where they would be picked up by helicopter. Madden, Looby and Procida work for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Ben Mazzei works for the state Division of Fish and Wildlife. Merchant works for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The bond between crew members was integral to respond to stressful situations Going into the mission, Madden didnt know any of her soon-to-be colleagues. During their mealtimes and breaks, the crew members spent significant time getting to know each other, said Madden, talking about their experiences as firefighters, but also as individuals. We all have different experiences and any situation that was thrown at us, we were able to successfully deal with because we knew each other's strengths and we could build each other up, she said. Established in 1949, the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact was designed and developed with Massachusetts as one of the founding states, said Celino. This year is a great example of why that compact was formed, said Celino. All the New England states and the state of New York, along with all of the eastern Canadian provinces are members of the compact, and it's the oldest of its kind in the United States and Canada. Rasheek Tabassum Mujib writes about health care and education. Reach her at rmujib@capecodonline.com. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Sandwich firefighter Nicole Madden fought wildfires in Canada A meeting to discuss the Peace Formula put forward by Ukraine has commenced in Saudi Arabia. Source: European Pravda with reference to Al Jazeera Details: National security and political advisers to leaders of around 40 states are taking part in the meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the second such meeting to discuss Ukraines Peace Formula. The first meeting was held in Copenhagen. Some of the countries taking part in the Jeddah meeting are not part of the Western block of Ukraines allies and include China, India, Mexico, Chile, and the South African Republic. Ukraines Foreign Minister said that Chinas participation was a "considerable breakthrough". Background: Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said that the states participating in the meeting in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 5-6 August would share responsibility for individual points of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Zhovkva said that none of the state leaders had objections to the formula Ukraine has proposed and noted that there are increasingly fewer alternative proposals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes to hold a Global Peace Summit in autumn 2023. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! The family of a 23-year-old Albuquerque woman shot dead by a 13-year-old when she confronted the thieves who stole her car on Monday is calling for the "maximum sentence" for the teen. Sydney Wilson faced off with a 13-year-old suspect after she tracked her stolen car to a Smith's grocery store and gas station in Southwest Albuquerque using a GPS app, her family said. The teen shot her in response, according to KOAT Action News, and she was pronounced dead at the scene by Albuquerque police. Sydney Wilson, 23, was shot dead in Albuquerque by a 13-year-old boy after she confronted a group inside her stolen car on Monday, July 31 PHILADELPHIA 2-YEAR-OLD GIRL FATALLY SHOT BY TEEN RELATIVE INSIDE HOME, POLICE SAY The minor turned himself in to authorities two days later, per the outlet, and is being held at Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center. He was charged with murder, tampering with evidence and unlawful possession of a handgun. Before the deadly shooting, per a complaint from the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office, the teen and other juveniles stole alcohol from Walgreens and rode recklessly in the stolen car. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Police said Wilson exited the vehicle she was in - her mother's - and approached her stolen white Hyundai. The driver struck a black Mustang and then a curb while trying to flee, causing the car's airbags to deploy. KANSAS CITY TEEN WHO WAS SHOT IN HEAD FOR KNOCKING ON WRONG DOOR WALKS AT BRAIN INJURY EVENT Several people, including the minor suspect, allegedly exited the car. When Wilson approached her stolen vehicle, the teen allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband and fired two to three shots. One struck Wilson in the chest, police said. The day before the altercation, Wilson posted to Facebook: "Soooo my car was stolen," she wrote. "Y'all some pieces of absolute s---." Crystal Miller, Sydney's older sister, told KRQE News that she arrived at the scene "about three minutes after they finished trying to resuscitate [her] sister." "I still have flashes of seeing my baby sister on the ground the way she was," she told the outlet. Story continues Crystal told KOAT that she was just seven minutes away when the shooting happened, and that her sister had called her to tell her she found her stolen car just before she died. "I literally told her, you know, don't do anything. I'll be right there," she recalled. "Right now, I'm more upset with myself that I didn't get out soon to be there to stop it. I feel if I was there, it wouldn't have happened the way it did." Although Crystal told her sister not to confront the thief, she told KOAT that she was "strong-willed" and "babysat so much, she felt like she could deal with these kids." Regardless of her killer's age, Wilson's family is calling for the harshest penalties possible. "A kid that young had a gun. It makes me wonder about their upbringing. Why was a kid that young out there in the first place," Deidra Wilson, Sydney Wilson's mother, asked. "To have a gun and shoot it at her, somebody, disregard for a human life, at that age, theres nothing you can think of thats worse in this world." Miller told KOAT that she would like to see the teen's parents face criminal charges, as well. "I want the maximum sentence for him, and the family involved. He is 13 years old. There's no reason he should have been on the streets without an adult," she said. "There is no reason that he should have had a gun, period. If these parents and teenagers cannot go through a safety gun class, I do not believe a gun should be in the house." NEW MEXICO DAD AND SON CHARGED AFTER 14-YEAR-OLD FATALLY SHOOTS 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL WITH DAD'S GUN: POLICE Wilson echoed the sentiment in an interview with KRQE: "Where was the adult with them? You know, I cant see kids that young stealing a car and driving it around, so Im very angry," Wilson said. Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said that minors committing crimes is a problem throughout the state of New Mexico. "Our state needs to unite. We need to make sure that we do everything we can to improve the likelihood of our children having a healthy home environment," Medina told KRQE. Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez was briefly handcuffed after allegedly threatening to "end it all" during a spat with his wife and hours before he shot himself in the head on a freeway, authorities said. The Tampa Police Department released body camera footage and a police report Wednesday documenting the disturbing July 23 call to the JW Marriott hotel, where Ramirez and his wife were staying for a sheriff's conference. Hours later, Ramirez, 52, allegedly shot himself in the head on Interstate 75 in an attempted suicide. The footage sheds light on the police response to the initial dispute with his wife, Jody Ramirez, at the luxury hotel on the Tampa waterfront. FLORIDA MAN ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF WIFE WHOSE REMAINS WERE FOUND IN 3 SUITCASES A witness saw the couple arguing and called 911 after seeing the man point a gun to his head. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP By the time officers arrived about 6:30 p.m., the couple had returned to their 12th floor hotel room and the shaken witness had left, according to the video. An officer can be seen approaching the door and shouting, "Tampa Police! Tampa Police! Come out with your hands up. Hands up!" Jody Ramirez and her husband of 30 years exit the room. But Miami's top cop "had to be told multiple times to show his hands," according to the incident report, and officers moved to handcuff him. "What are you doing?" Ramirez asks. "You know Im the director of the Miami-Dade Police Department? I didn't do anything. I don't understand." PARKLAND SCHOOL SHOOTING REENACTMENT OUTRAGES SOME RESIDENTS, BUT VICTIMS SAY IT'S NECESSARY After he was handcuffed, he denied he had pulled out a gun or that he was a threat to himself or anyone else. Officers questioned his wife separately, and she said they had gotten into a "heated" dispute. "I know every button to push, and Im pushing them today because I normally dont drink. He got me an old-fashioned. Its his fault," she said. Story continues She assured officers that, while her husband always has his gun on him, he wasn't a danger. But she added, "He has plenty of demons from the job, as you guys all are probably aware of." After the couple was questioned, Alfredo Ramirez was released. He called his boss, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, about 8:30 p.m. to resign over the incident. During a press conference, Cava said she told him to get home safely and that they'd discuss the matter the next day. A little after 9 p.m., he pulled over on the side of a freeway south of Tampa and shot himself in the head. In a harrowing 911 call, his wife can be heard begging for help. In the 6-minute call obtained by NBC Miami, his wife can be heard screaming, "Oh my God, help me!" CAREER FLORIDA CRIMINAL ACCUSED IN COLD CASE KIDNAPPING, MURDER OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL DECADES LATER Ramirez was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and will likely lose his right eye, the outlet reported. The 27-year police veteran was appointed head of the largest law enforcement agency in the southeastern U.S. by the mayor, who has since designated an interim police director. In May, Ramirez announced his intention to run as a Democrat in the primary for the newly created role of Miami-Dade Sheriff. It's unclear if he'll remain in the race. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol are conducting a joint investigation into the shooting. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Missouri man has been sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison for starting a fire that destroyed a mosque in 2020, according to a release from the US Department of Justice. Nicholas John Proffitt had pleaded guilty to using fire to damage religious property and to using fire in the commission of a federal felony, the release said. He has been sentenced to 191 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $551,217.91 in restitution, according to court documents. Proffitt intentionally set fire to the Cape Girardeau Islamic Center on April 24, 2020, which was the first morning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, because of the buildings religious character, according to the Justice Department. The fire resulted in significant damage to the Islamic Center. Attacks on mosques in our country are attacks on people of faith that undermine the fundamental right to practice ones religion free from fear or violence, Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said. Fire damage to the Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is seen on April 24, 2020. - Jacob Wiegand/The Southeast Missourian/AP/FILE Proffitt was recorded on a security camera throwing objects through the window of the Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau, about 120 miles south of St. Louis, early in the morning of April 24, 2020, according to the Justice Department. The footage also shows Proffitt splashing liquid from two containers in the mosque, and then using some type of fire starter to ignite the flames, a news release at the time said. The buildings front entrance and second floor were significantly damaged, Cape Girardeau police said at the time of the arson. The right to pray as you wish is at the core of our nations ideals. When someone attacks a house of worship, they attack that American right, and they need to be held accountable, said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. Proffitt was convicted in 2009 in state court on two counts of property damage motivated by discrimination after vandalizing the Islamic Center, according to court documents. Story continues He pleaded guilty in that case and was sentenced to three years for each of the two counts, but was allowed to serve the sentences concurrently, court records show. This is the third time Nicholas Proffitt has attacked Islamic institutions, in Missouri and elsewhere, said Sayler A. Fleming, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. He has now been sentenced to a significant prison term that will protect the community from further persecution for a long time. CNN has reached out to Proffitts federal public defender for comment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (CNN) Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny is facing an even longer stint in jail after being sentenced to 19 years in prison on extremism charges, Russian media report, a fresh blow to a fierce critic of Russias President Vladimir Putin that comes amid an intensifying crackdown on dissent. Navalny was accused of creating an extremist community, financing extremist activities and a number of other crimes. He was found guilty on Friday at the high-security penal colony in which he has been detained. Navalny is already serving sentences totaling 11-and-a-half years in a maximum security facility on fraud and other charges that he says were trumped up. He and his supporters claim that his arrest and imprisonment were politically motivated, intended to silence his criticism of Putin. The trial ended in June and took place behind closed doors at the IK-6 penal colony at Melekhovo, around 155 miles east of Moscow, where Navalny is being held. The Kremlin critic said Friday that he is serving a life sentence, according to a statement on Telegram, and urged fellow Russians not to be intimidated. 19 years in a special regime colony. The number doesnt matter. I understand very well that, like many political prisoners, I am serving a life sentence. Where life is measured by the duration of my life or the life of this regime. The number from verdict is not for me. It is for you, the post said. They want to frighten you, not me, and deprive you of the will to resist. You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power. Putin should not achieve his goal. Dont lose the will to resist. Fridays verdict extends Navalnys time in prison and raises further concerns about the brutal crackdown on Putins opponents that has been accelerated since Moscows invasion of Ukraine. The former tech director of Navalnys YouTube channel, Daniel Kholodny, was also sentenced to eight years in a penal colony, according to his lawyer, Svetlana Davydova in the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta. A letter from Kholodny was also shared on the Navalny teams Telegram channel Friday. Hi everyone, this is Danya Kholodny. I was sentenced to 8 years. You may ask what for? Turns out, connecting to a YouTube channel at the office is extremism But thats not all! 8 years isnt long enough to be acquitted, so the court ordered that my property and money be confiscated. Thats what the prosecution asked for, he wrote. It is important to understand: they condemned me not for being an extremist, because it is clear to a fool that there was no extremism, but so that you, horrified by my fate, would not think of fighting, he added. The European Union was quick to condemn Navalnys sentence, saying it reiterated its deep concern about reports of repeated ill-treatment, unjustified and unlawful disciplinary measures, and harassment amounting to physical and psychological torture by prison authorities against Mr Navalny. Navalny has been incarcerated in Russia since his return to the country in January 2021, on charges of violating terms of probation related to a years-old fraud case, which he dismisses as politically motivated. There have been concerns about his wellbeing: Navalny lost weight and suffered stomach pain earlier this year, leading to fears among his lawyers that he had again been poisoned. He had previously been taken from Russia to Germany in August 2020, after he was poisoned with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. Navalny arrived comatose at a hospital in Berlin, following a medical evacuation flight from the Siberian city of Omsk. A joint investigation by CNN and the group Bellingcat implicated the Russian Security Service (FSB) in Navalnys poisoning, piecing together how an elite unit at the agency had followed Navalnys team throughout a trip to Siberia, when he fell ill. The investigation also found that this unit, which included chemical weapons experts, had followed Navalny on more than 30 trips to and from Moscow since 2017. Russia denies involvement in Navalnys poisoning. Putin himself said in December 2020 that if Russian security services had wanted to kill Navalny, they would have finished the job. Although the Russian authorities targeting of Navalny pre-dates Moscows invasion of Ukraine, the country has cracked down even more dramatically on internal opposition and free speech since launching the war. An expanded and intentionally vague law on foreign agents came into effect late last year, requiring organizations and individuals engaging in political activity and receiving funding from abroad to adhere to draconian rules and restrictions. Russia has also restricted access to Facebook, many Western news sites, and independent media in the country. Peaceful protests were quickly shut down and thousands arrested after Moscows invasion. And the government has adopted a law criminalizing the dissemination of what it called deliberately false information about the Russian armed forces, with a maximum penalty is 15 years in prison. Navalny has nonetheless been a vocal critic of the conflict. On the anniversary of the invasion in February, he called it an unjust war of aggression against Ukraine under ridiculous pretexts. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny given more jail time on extremism charges" Edith Heyck didnt expect shed be 72 years old and living alone. I always thought Id be married, she says. I was definitely raised to be a wife, and I never imagined Id be on my own. Heyck, an artist and part-time park manager in Newburyport, Massachusetts, is one of nearly 38 million adults living alone in the United States, where the share of single-person households has reached a record high, according to Census data. Shes also part of a population that experts say is likely to climb dramatically in the coming decades. The number of older Americans living alone is on the rise. Nearly 16 million people aged 65 and older in the US lived solo in 2022, three times as many who lived alone in that age group in the 1960s. And as Baby Boomers age, that number is expected to grow even more, raising big questions about the countrys future. There are many reasons behind this shift in our society, including the economic gains women made when they entered the workforce and changing attitudes toward marriage. One factor fueling the rising number of seniors in solo households caught experts by surprise when they first stumbled upon the trend: a rise in divorce rates among adults over 50. We were just floored by our findings, says Susan L. Brown, co-director of the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University. Its been about a decade since Browns research popularized the term gray divorce to describe this phenomenon something that used to be a rarity, but now has become much more common. Well over a third of people who are getting divorced now are over the age of 50, Brown says. We just cant ignore that group anymore. How researchers discovered the gray divorce revolution The surprising split of Al and Tipper Gore, who in 2010 announced their plans to divorce after 40 years of marriage, prompted Brown and a colleague to dig into the data with a question many Americans were asking: Just how common is this? Story continues Brown wasnt sure, but she was skeptical. This could just be a celebrity phenomenon, she remembers thinking. It wasnt. Brown and I-Fen Lin found that from 1990 to 2010, the divorce rate for people over 50 in the United States had doubled. They dubbed it the gray divorce revolution. And its still going strong, both for celebrities and everyday people. More recently, Bill and Melinda Gates made headlines when they announced in 2021 that they were divorcing after 27 years of marriage. North of the border, just this week Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, 51, announced that he and his wife were separating. Even though divorce rates for the overall population are declining, Brown says, older adults are really bucking the trend. For adults over 65, the divorce rate is still rising. This means more and more people are going to be aging, probably, alone, and outside of marriage, certainly, Brown says. Why more people are taking this step Susan Myres knows to some people it may sound illogical to end marriages later in life, especially when death could be looming. But as a divorce attorney in Houston with decades of experience, shes heard plenty of reasons from older clients who are calling it quits. I had one client tell me, I do not want to die next to that man Im out, Myres says, noting that differing perspectives on vaccines, masks and politics during the pandemic seems to have played a role in many recent cases that have come across her desk. Ive seen a pretty sharp increase in mature couples who have adult children and probably have some grandchildren, she says. Some older people initiating divorces feel theyve simply drifted too far apart from their spouses, while some have suffered abuse or discovered shocking transgressions, Myres says. All of them including some clients in their 80s feel like any years of life they have left are too precious to spend with the wrong person. Rather than gray divorce, Myres says she prefers the term silver splitters, because it also alludes to the silver lining of starting fresh, no matter how old you are. Heyck says she got divorced in her 50s after her son turned 18. Faced with financial instability after her divorce, Edith Heyck, 72, was thrilled to land an apartment in senior housing, where her rent is adjusted to match her income. In her free time, she loves working on art projects and painting murals in the community, like this one. - Courtesy Edith Heyck It was really more of a working relationship than a full marriage, she says, and Heyck was emotionally ready to be on her own. But the financial transition, she says, wasnt easy. For years, she struggled to make ends meet, living with roommates and couch-surfing as she waited for a spot to open in income-adjusted senior housing. I was an artist. I lived on the edge financially. I didnt have a 401(k) I always thought that I would be married. That was the big surprise, she says. Financial difficulties after gray divorce are a problem Brown says she and other researchers have been studying, too. Some people see their standard of living drop significantly and that, coupled with the fact that poverty rates in general tend to be higher for older adults, is concerning, she says. Theyre cutting their nest egg in half, Brown says. Our survey data allows us to follow people for a decade or more. Were not seeing any evidence of significant recovery. Gray divorce isnt the only reason older Americans are living alone Some people who go through gray divorce remarry, and some move in with a new romantic partner or other family members. In the first couple of years after a gray divorce, Brown says, about 50% of people end up living alone. But many older people who are living alone havent gone through gray divorce. Some are widowed, and a growing share have never been married at all. Of the older adults living alone in the US, some are divorced, some are widowed and some never married. - izusek/E+/Getty Images One of the most important factors in how many people live alone is whether they can afford to, says researcher and psychologist Bella DePaulo. Historically, you can see with older people, once there was Social Security and Medicare and these lifelines to financial stability, then more older people chose to live alone. DePaulo, whos 69 and lives in Santa Barbara, California, proudly declares that shes been single her entire life. For years shes been studying single people and pushing for their choices to be taken more seriously. There are many more of us than people realize who dont see living single or living alone as some sort of burden, but instead embrace it as something that we really just love, she says. Living by yourself, she says, doesnt mean that youre alone or lonely. Theres a lot of research that shows that people who are single are more likely to stay in touch with their friends and relatives and neighbors than people who are married. Its exactly the opposite of the stereotype, she says. This trend will likely intensify as Baby Boomers age. And that raises big questions about whats next The share of people over 65 who are living alone has remained relatively consistent in recent years, hovering around its current level of 28%. But given the large size of the Baby Boomer generation, which includes people who range in age from 59 to 77, the overall number of older people living alone is climbing, and its expected to grow even more. Experts say that could have significant consequences in communities across the country especially if more isnt done to provide better social services. Whos going to care for them as they age is a really big question, since most are not re-partnering, Brown says. Markus Schafer, an associate professor of sociology at Baylor University who studies aging and health, calls it a two-sided phenomenon. A lot of people really find it appealing to have autonomy to not have daily squabbles over how the dishwasher gets loaded or where the toothbrush goes, he says. On the other handconsistently research finds that even though a lot of people fare well living alone, people who live alone report higher levels of loneliness across the board, and its definitely more pronounced later in life. Given the well-documented and significant health consequences tied to loneliness and social isolation, researchers and advocates are trying to come up with solutions to help aging Americans living alone before its too late. Theres a lot of innovation and startup money for robo-companionship things like robotic dogs, the metaverse and artificial intelligence. This is really taking off in Japan, Schafer says. Theyre kind of showing us what the future of aging may look like here. "Robo-companionship" options for people who are aging are gaining popularity in Japan, where there's a ballooning elderly population. In this photo, taken in 2018, a nursing home resident in Tokyo claps to call a pet dog robot. - Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters In the US, its clear the future of aging will involve millions more people living alone, says Jennifer Molinsky, director of the Housing an Aging Society at Harvard Universitys Joint Center for Housing Studies. Projections from the center predict that the number of single-person households headed by people over age 75 will soar in the coming years as Baby Boomers age, surpassing 14 million by 2038. More housing options are needed so people can age safely rather than being stuck in large, single-family homes, she says. So many people are not safely housed, not affordably housed, not in locations that are well-served by healthcare or supports and services, who dont have transportation. Theres just so much need, and this needs more attention, Molinsky says. She found stability and joy, and shes starting a new chapter Heyck says she knows all too well how important affordable housing is and how hard it is to find. The day I turned 62, I put my application in. It took me almost five years to get off the waiting list, she says. Eventually, she landed a coveted spot in a senior housing community where her rent is adjusted to match her income. And after several years of living in an apartment there, Heyck says shes finally found the stability shed long been seeking. I have a sense of security that I never had, she says. And I feel that my connection honestly with my community and church has given me joy and health. Recently, she found a new way to connect with her neighbors. Heyck recently discovered a new way to find joy and forge connections with her community: performing stand-up comedy. - Courtesy Edith Heyck Heyck has started performing a stand-up act about her experiences. Ive had enough husbands and boyfriends that I have something to say, she quips. Im a septuagenarian and Im still dating. That always gets a good laugh. While she remains a romantic and keeps going on dates, even after several divorces, Heyck says the ease and excitement of living on her own the last few years has made one thing clear. No matter who she meets, she doesnt want to live with anyone again. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) Rain continued to pelt northeastern China in the wake of Typhoon Doksuri on Saturday, as authorities reported more fatalities and missing people while evacuating thousands more. Six people died and four went missing in the city of Shulan in Jilin province, which has seen five straight days of rainfall, according to state media. Over 18,900 people were evacuated from the city of more than 700,000, according to the local disaster relief agency. State news agency China News Service showed images of waterlogged streets around homes and factories. The average precipitation in the city had reached 111.7 mm (4.4 inches) by Friday afternoon. China is struggling with record-breaking rainfall in some areas while others suffer scorching summer heat and drought that threatens crops. The heavy rains - remnants of Typhoon Doksuri - have battered northern China since late July, disrupting the lives of millions. Flooding near Beijing and in neighboring Hebei province this week killed at least 22 people. In northeastern Heilongjiang province, which is known as Chinas great northern granary, rain inundated farms and flooded streets, leading to the evacuation of thousands. In the city of Shangzhi, heavy rainfall turned roads into rivers and inundated thousands of households. National emergency management authorities said 25 rivers across Heilongjiang threatened to burst their banks, while disaster relief groups have been dispatched to the province. In Heilongjiangs capital of Harbin, more than 53,000 people had to be evacuated as multiple reservoirs and rivers exceeded safety levels while some 41,600 hectares (103,000 acres) of crops were damaged. In the city of Yushu in Jilin province, about 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) south of Harbin, flooding forced the evacuation of around 19,000 people. Meanwhile, in Hebei province around Beijing, which saw some of the region's worst flooding in the past few weeks, authorities issued fresh alerts for rainstorms on Saturday. Story continues Floodwaters in Zhuozhou, southwest of Beijing, started to recede Saturday, state media reported, allowing some of the 125,000 evacuated residents to return to their homes. The death toll in the 11 million-strong city of Baoding reached 10 while another 18 people are still missing, local authorities said Saturday. Floods damaged roads and washed away bridges in the citys Yesanpo Scenic Area, a national park known for its gorges and mountains. On the morning of Aug. 4, the residents of the Russian city of Novorossiysk woke to a 112-meter-long Navy ship being towed back to port after it was hit by a drone attack on the Black Sea overnight. While the Russian Defense Ministry claimed there were no casualties or damage, videos of the Olenegorskiy Gornyak listing to one side as tugs towed the ship away for repairs pointed to a different story. The attack was the result of a joint operation between the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy, according to unnamed sources in the SBU cited by CNN and several Ukrainian media publications. A naval drone loaded with 450 kilograms of explosives reportedly rammed into the ship, which is designed to be used for the beach landings of crew and equipment. Kyiv has not issued an official comment on the Aug. 4 attack. However, in his evening address on Aug. 4, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he thanked the SBU for "pushing the war back to the aggressor state." Earlier on July 14, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, told the Washington Post that it is necessary to strike enemy territory during war. "This is our problem, and it is up to us to decide how to kill this enemy, Zaluzhnyi said. The strike on Novorossiysk is the latest in a growing list of reported attacks on Russian territory since it began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Summer 2023: drones hit Moscow high-rises A view of a building after an attack by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Moscow on July 24, 2023. (Photo: Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images). On Aug. 1, several drones were shot down over Moscow, all of which were intercepted, Russian state media reported. Since May, the city has experienced repeated drone strikes. According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, one of the drones struck the same tower that was damaged in a previous strike two nights before, on July 30. The offices of several government ministries are located in the building. In the early hours of July 30, three drones had attacked Moscow, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed. Story continues Two of the drones hit buildings in Moscows business district, while one was destroyed over the Odintsovsky district of the Moscow region, said the authorities. Russia claimed Ukraine was responsible for the attack. While Kyiv did not claim direct responsibility, Zelensky said in a video message on July 30 that it's "natural and fair" that the war is gradually returning to Russian territory. Drones also hit Moscow on July 24. Two buildings were damaged and fragments of a drone were found later some two kilometers away from the Defense Ministry's main building, according to Russia's state news agencies. Again, Kyiv did not claim direct responsibility, but a Ukrainian Defense Intelligence official, speaking anonymously, told CNN that Ukraine was responsible. The first large-scale drone attack on Moscow was on May 30, when several high-rise buildings were damaged. According to Russian Telegram channels, about 25 drones took part in the attack and 10 of them were destroyed. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the authenticity of the claim. Mykhailo Podoliak, an advisor to the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, denied Kyiv's involvement in the attack. July 28, 2023: Taganrog Footage of what Russian sources claim to be the aftermath of a missile strike against Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, Russia, on July 28, 2023. (Source: Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev) On July 28 at around 4 p.m., Russian media and officials reported an explosion in the center of Tangarog, a city in Rostov Oblast lying on the shores of the Sea of Azov. Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev claimed that at least 12 people were wounded and nine were hospitalized. The Russian Defense Ministry blamed Ukraine for the attack, claiming an S-200 system carried it out. The missile was shot down but the city was impacted by fallen debris, the ministry claimed. Golubev alleged that another attack hit the region around 5:15 p.m., but the projectile was shot down in a deserted area. Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Oleksii Danilov wrote on Twitter that the incident was a result of "illiterate Russian air defenses." The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. July 4, 2023: Moscow Oblast On July 4, Russian state news agency TASS reported that several flights heading to Moscows Vnukovo airport had to be redirected to different airports due to the presence of drones nearby. TASS claimed that several UAVs were heading toward Moscow at different times in the early morning, but all of them were reportedly eliminated. Telegram channel Baza, which is allegedly linked to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), claimed that one drone crashed on the territory of a military facility near Kubinka, a town east of the capital, around 4 a.m. According to TASS, there were no casualties or damage due to the attack. The same day, a fire erupted in a warehouse of a former furniture factory on Nekrasova Street in the city of Khimki in Moscow Oblast, according to the Russian state media. Kyiv did not comment on the incident. May 27, 2023: Bryansk Oblast Russian Telegram Channel Baza said on May 27 that two soldiers were killed in Bryansk Oblast, a Russian region on the border with Ukraine, due to a drone attack. Baza claimed that the attack was carried out by an Iranian-made Kamikaze drone, a munition that Russian forces use to launch air attacks on Ukraine, and that "saboteurs" were allegedly trying to break into Bryansk Oblast. Drone attacks in Bryansk and Kursk oblasts were also reported on May 16, according to local officials and independent media. The incidents came a few days after Russian militia fighting alongside Ukraine broke into some bordering areas in western Russia's Belgorod Oblast, bordering Ukraine's Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts, on May 22. Read also: Belgorod incursion: Meet the anti-Kremlin militia behind the attack inside Russia May 10, 2023: Voronezh training ground Russia's Voronezh Oblast Governor Alexander Gusev reported on May 10 that two Ukrainian drones had allegedly attacked a military training ground in his region overnight. As a result of the air defense work, one drone deviated from its course and fell, and the other one was destroyed, Gusev wrote on Telegram. The governor didn't report any casualties or damages, but Russian media outlet Baza said 14 soldiers had been injured in the alleged attack. Kyiv did not comment on the incidents. May 3, 2023: the Kremlin A screenshot from a video circulating on social media showing drones attacking the Kremlin overnight on May 3, 2023. (Video: Ihor Lachenkov / Telegram) One of the most dramatic attacks took place on May 3, when cameras recorded an explosion above Moscows Red Square, causing damage to the Kremlin residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The authorities then used the attack as a pretext to continue canceling upcoming Victory Day parades, which are held on May 9 in Russia. While Russia accused Kyiv of orchestrating the attack, Ukraines officials denied responsibility. "We do not attack Putin or Moscow, said Zelensky. In response, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated on June 1 that Ukraine has the right to defend itself from Russian attacks. In the months preceding the attack, there were multiple Russian media reports on the downing of drones packed with explosives in the region around Moscow. Read also: UK Defense Ministry: Russias Victory Day parade shows its materiel, communications issues Feb. 28, 2023: gas and oil sites Just over a year into Russias war, on Feb. 28, the Russian authorities reported multiple explosions and fires at sites of strategic importance. One drone crashed in Russias Moscow region near the village of Gubastovo, allegedly next to the Voskresensk gas compressor station owned by Russias energy giant Gazprom. Local authorities in Russia's Belgorod and Bryansk oblasts also reported drone crashes on Feb. 27-28. Murat Kumpilov, the head of the Republic of Adygea, said an "unidentified aircraft" fell in his region as well. A fire broke out at an oil depot in Russia's city of Tuapse in southern Krasnodar Oblast at night on Feb. 28, according to the city administration. Russian Defense Ministry claimed Ukrainian drone attacks on the Krasnodar region and the Adygea Republic overnight. Ukraine has not commented on any of the incidents. On the same day, the airspace over Saint Petersburg was closed due to the detection of an "unidentified object," Russian independent media outlet Meduza reported. December 2022: military airbases Moscow accused Kyiv of launching drone attacks on two military airbases in Russia's Saratov and Ryazan oblasts on Dec. 5, 2022. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that three Russian military personnel were killed and four others were wounded. While Kyiv did not claim responsibility, Ukrainian officials made cryptic hints about the blasts on social media. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the head of the Presidents Office, wrote on Twitter: "If something is launched into other countries' airspace, sooner or later unknown flying objects will return to (their) departure point." Yurii Ihnat, Ukraine's Air Force spokesman, said that explosions on a military airfield in Engels are the consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine. Engels airbase, in Saratov Oblast, is where Russia bases Tu-95 long-range bombers, which have been used to take part in cruise missile strikes against Ukraine. Explosions and air raid sirens were reported again in Engels on Dec. 25. April 2022: the sinking of the Moskva warship Ukrainian postal service released a new set of stamps that commemorates the sinking of the Russian warship Moskva in the Black Sea, May 23, 2022. (Photo by Mykola Tys/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) On April 14, 2022, Russias flagship Moskva sank in the Black Sea after Ukraine targeted it with two R-360 Neptune anti-ship missiles. Though the attack did not occur on Russian territory but in the Black Sea south of Ukraine's Odesa, it was the most significant Ukrainian attack on the Russian Navy - the Moskva is the largest Russian warship to be sunk since World War II and the first Russian flagship sunk since the 1905 Russo-Japanese War. Russia claimed that its flagship Moskva had sunk after a fire detonated ammunition on board. Russian state media reported that 1 sailor was killed and 27 were missing, while 396 crew members were rescued. However, Ukraine said that up to 250 could have been killed. Read also: Historic loss of flagship deals humiliating blow to Russias naval power Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A white woman who was traveling with her 10-year-old daughter is suing Southwest Airlines after she claims she and her child who she describes as mixed-race Black were victims of racial profiling. An airline employee reportedly saw the two together and became suspicious that the child was being trafficked. The employee then called the police. Mary MacCarthy filed a suit on Thursday in Colorado, according to Newsweek. Police arrived at the Denver International Airport to investigate the trafficking claims on 22 October 2021. The mother and daughter were eventually allowed to leave, but not before they experienced "extreme emotional distress," according to the lawsuit. The litigation is requesting economic damages, compensatory damages, as well as punative and exemplary damages. Ms MacCarthy told Newsweek that she felt the need to be "hyperaware" of any interaction between her and her daughter due to fears that someone else might call the police on them. She said being "on alert" about her "most basic behaviours" is "exhausting." Mary MacCarthy and her daughter Moira (Mary MacCarthy) Her attorney, David Lane, told the outlet that the lawsuit was intended to bring accountability to Southwest Airlines and force it to re-examine its training policies. "Just as the police are constitutionally not permitted to stop-and-frisk young men of color based upon their race, corporate America is similarly not permitted to resort to such profiling to use law enforcement to stop and question racially diverse families simply based upon their divergent races, which is what Southwest did," Mr Lane told the outlet. Southwest Airlines said it did not have further comment on pending litigation. In November 2021, the airline said it would conduct an internal review of the incident. "We were disheartened to learn of this mother's account when traveling with her daughter," Southwest said at the time. "We are conducting a review of the situation internally, and we will be reaching out to the customer to address her concerns and offer our apologies for her experience traveling with us." The grey middle peak shown here of Mt. Fluchthorn partially collapsed earlier this year. Sean Gallup / Staff / Getty Images Mt. Fluchthorn's tallest peak, on the Swiss-Austrian border, collapsed in June. Experts say peaks in the European Alps and Southern Alps of New Zealand are at risk of collapse, too. The damage and dangers from mountain collapse disproportionately impact indigenous communities. On June 11, the main peak of Mt. Fluchthorn, on the border of Austria and Switzerland, collapsed without warning. Roughly 3.5 million cubic feet of earth tumbled down, filling the valley below with 40 Olympic swimming pools' worth of rocks, mud, and dirt, LiveScience reported. While no people got hurt, a religious cross marking the summit was destroyed. Fluchthorn had three peaks, and the main, southern one used to be the tallest. With the south peak collapsed, the middle peak is the new summit at 11,145 feet the second-highest summit in the Silvretta Alps. Overall, Mt. Fluchthorn is 60 feet shorter than it was earlier this year, per LiveScience. The problem with permafrost Why did the peak collapse? Well, like many mountains in the far north, Fluchthorn had a lot of permafrost a permanent layer of ice and dirt under the mountain's surface. "Permafrost is important because frozen water within the ground holds the ground surface together and prevents it from moving. But when that ice melts, the liquid water can flow away. The ground surface becomes less stable and can move, often very quickly," said Jasper Knight, a geoscientist at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. When a big chunk of mountain moves quickly, like with the mudslide at Fluchthorn, that's called a mass movement. "Global warming is causing the permafrost to melt, which is the trigger for these mass movement events to take place," Knight said. Across the world, mountains with permafrost melt have shown larger and more frequent landslides, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported. Research on rockfalls in the Alps suggests summer heat waves are a common trigger for melting permafrost. Story continues Close-up view of the partially collapsed Fluchthorn mountain. Sean Gallup / Staff / Getty Images But warming temperatures due to climate change affect more than permafrost. The surface layer of ice and snow can melt, too, and cause flooding and mudslides. Melting glaciers can also cause mass movements, when mountains lose the ice that was propping up its sides for years on end, per the IPCC. Which mountains are at risk? Scientists have a hard time predicting when a specific mountain will have its next landslide or rockfall. But they can track global patterns and determine which mountain ranges have more risk. Mass movements are most common in steep mountains where glaciers are rapidly retreating, Knight said. Mountains meeting those criteria are particularly common in the European Alps and the Southern Alps of New Zealand, he added. The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in South Island, New Zealand includes some of the highest mountains and longest glaciers. NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty Images When a mass movement occurs, others are likely to follow. "As mountains get smaller, they reduce pressure on the surrounding slopes, and this is often the trigger for mass movements," Knight said. Knight added that sometimes rock falls and landslides can buttress a mountain's base and make it more stable. But they usually make a mountain's slope more sensitive to environmental changes. A mountain like Fluchthorn that has had mass movements in the past is more likely to have them again. The human element Across the globe, over 670 million people live in high-mountain areas, per the IPCC. Climate change puts their lives in danger from mudslides, landslides, rockfalls, and more. Mass movements can also increase the risk of blocked roads, damaged farmland, and mercury contamination in local bodies of water. These dangers disproportionately impact indigenous communities. Indigenous nations in South America celebrate a religious festivity dating back to the 18th century by climbing the skirts of Sinakara Mount, more than 15,000 feet above sea level. CHRISTIAN SIERRA / Contributor / Getty Images Human behavior can make a mountain more or less sensitive to climate change. Insider spoke with Alejandro Argumedo and Tammy Stenner from Asociacion ANDES (Peru), an organization that protects biodiversity in the Andes while advocating for indigenous rights. Argumedo and Stenner said Andean indigenous peoples have an in-depth system of traditional knowledge to predict and cope with extreme weather conditions on the mountainside. One strategy they use are agricultural terraces step-like tiers of farmland set along the mountain's slope that "prevent soil erosion and landslides," Argumedo said. He added that for the terrace strategy to work, the top of the mountain needs natural pasture and native tree species to act as sponges for extra water. The Stone Village in Yunnan, China, has successfully practiced a similar water management system for 1,300 years. An example of ancient Incan terraces located in Peru's Andes 11,500 feet above sea level. Frederic Soltan / Contributor / Getty Images But these techniques only work when they're used. Argumedo and Stenner said the Peruvian government has refused to recognize or invest in traditional ecology management strategies. "Landslides happen because mountain ecosystems are degraded and terraces are abandoned," Argumedo said. He added that mining and road building have further destabilized the mountain environments. The future As climate change accelerates, mountain environments change more quickly, as well. Knight predicts mass movements will become more common in the next decade. But the situation isn't hopeless. Scientists believe if we work now to slow down climate change and prevent mountain degradation, we can still stop the worst outcomes from happening and help protect the planet's mountains and the communities that live near them. Read the original article on Business Insider rockets stand upright in a park A full-scale mockup of the engine section of NASA's new monstrous moon rocket will soon stand among newly-restored historic boosters from the early years of the space program at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama. A ground breaking ceremony with state and local officials, as well as leaders from the nearby NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, was held Thursday morning (Aug. 3) celebrating the expansion and reconfiguration of the USSRC's Rocket Park, which has stood since 1965. In 2018, a number of the long-standing rockets were lowered and removed off property to be repaired and repainted. "We are pleased to officially begin the important work of returning our collection of historic rockets to Rocket Park," Dr. Kimberly Robinson, CEO and executive director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, said in a statement. "These vehicles trace the origins of Huntsville's past and current role in rocketry, and this project is a cornerstone as we update and renew our campus for future generations to come." Related: Space Launch System: NASA's megarocket for Artemis moon missions large white cylinders on trucks The renewed park will continue to feature the center's collection of Redstone-family rockets that led to the development of the Saturn I and, ultimately, the Saturn V that launched the first astronauts to the moon. The U.S. Army Redstone, Jupiter, Jupiter-C, Juno II, and Mercury-Redstone boosters were restored by Cosmos Aerospace of Cullman, Alabama. Fred Luddy, founder of the cloud computing company ServiceNow and the father of a Space Camp attendee at the rocket center, donated $500,000 to restore the five historic rockets. New to the park will be the engine section of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) core stage pathfinder, an engineering simulator that was built to match the size, weight and center of gravity of the flight hardware. The pathfinder was used in 2019 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and at other NASA centers around the country for fit checks and to practice handling the actual core stages, which at full length towers 212 feet tall (65 meters) and is 27.6-foot (8.4-meter) in diameter. Story continues a massive rocket in a hangar The SLS core stage holds the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants that feed into the four RS-25 engines at its base. The complete SLS is comprised of a core stage and two side-mounted solid rocket boosters. For NASA's Artemis program, which has the goal of returning astronauts to the moon, the core stage is topped by an Orion crew spacecraft and its launch abort system tower. The USSRC plans to use the pathfinder's engine segment to illustrate the massive size of the SLS vehicle and help tell the story of Huntsville's current and ongoing role in the United States' space exploration efforts. The renewed rocket park will also include a new amphitheater for educational and community events, greener guests areas and the Marshall Retirees Association's Space Exploration Memorial. The new wall will recognize and honor the tens of thousands of people whose work at the Marshall Space Flight Center and at local area companies made the U.S. space program possible. There are plans for an interactive kiosk to be built alongside the Space Exploration Memorial where visitors can search names found on the monument and learn more about that person's specific contributions to the advancement of spaceflight. a large wall covered in plaques RELATED STORIES: NASA's Artemis program: Everything you need to know NASA's Artemis 2 mission: Everything you need to know Meet the 4 astronauts flying on NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission The new Rocket Park along with the Space Camp Operations Center that opened in May are part of an ongoing renewal of the USSRC campus. Work is also underway on restoring the center's display of the space shuttle Pathfinder (not be confused with the SLS core stage pathfinder). The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate, includes the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, which displays one of three remaining Saturn V rockets and the world's only vertical mockup of the moon rocket. The rocket center is the official visitor center for Marshall Space Flight Center and is home to U.S. Space Camp. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2023 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. SpaceX's Crew Dragon Endeavour carrying the Ax-1 private astronaut crew for Axiom Space docks at the International Space Station on April 9, 2022. NASA and Axiom Space are honing-in on launch dates for the next two private astronaut missions to the International Space Station. NASA and Axiom are now targeting no earlier than January for the company's third private astronaut mission, Ax-3, one of the space agency's social media accounts revealed on Twitter. Addressing the delay from a previously announced November 2023 launch date, a follow up statement clarified that "this timeframe allows for teams to collaborate on the integration of the mission's scientific research priorities that continue to expand on what we can learn in low Earth orbit to benefit humanity." Just over an hour after the Ax-3 announcements, a NASA statement announced a similar mission order had been finalized for Ax-4, with a target launch no earlier than November next year. Both missions will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon capsules on Falcon 9 rockets from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Related: 'It feels amazing!' Private Ax-2 astronauts thrilled by zero gravity and Earth views after SpaceX launch (video) The Ax-4 deal includes provisions for the crew's roughly two-week stay aboard the ISS, with a contingency supply to accommodate possible delays in their scheduled departure. The return of Axiom's first mission, Ax-1, was delayed several days due to weather conditions at the crew's splashdown site. NASA and Axiom's agreements also arranges for the private astronauts to handle science investigation equipment, and stow experiments aboard their Dragon spacecraft for return, as needed by NASA. Specific launch dates for Ax-3 and Ax-4 are still undetermined, and are largely dependent on other traffic at the space station. Private astronauts flying to space on Axiom's missions undergo training with NASA, SpaceX and other partners as is necessary in preparation for their flight. The crew for Ax-4 has yet to be selected by Axiom, or approved by NASA. Once Ax-4's primary crew is finalized, they are slated begin similar training. Story continues Axiom is the first company to conduct privately-crewed missions to the ISS, and represents a shift in NASA's approach to low Earth orbit (LEO) research. "NASA has been directed to develop commercial platforms to sustain a continuous United States presence in low Earth orbit and to transition beyond International Space Station operations," NASA's director of commercial space, Phil McAlister said in the statement. "These private astronaut missions are helping to pave the way for that transition." Related Stories: Private space station: How Axiom Space plans to build its orbital outpost Axiom Space developing in-house spacesuits to prepare for future stations Building a private space station: Q&A with Axiom Space CTO Matt Ondler Echoing the same, Axiom president and CEO Michael Suffredini said that each of these missions will help Axiom Space prepare their teams for a private orbital station to follow the International Space Station after its retirement. "These missions are instrumental in expanding commercial space activities and access to space for individuals and nations around the world, as well as developing the knowledge and experience needed to normalize living and working in microgravity," Suffredini said. Axiom Space's first mission, Ax-1, launched on April 8, 2022 carrying the first all-private crew to the International Space Station. Ax-2 followed just over a year later in May 2023. An artist's concept which shows NASA's Voyager spacecraft against a backdrop of stars. NASA/JPL-Caltech NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory reconnected with the Voyager 2 space probe after losing it. The space agency lost contact on July 21 after accidentally sending a wrong command. The team was able to reorient it back towards Earth using a last-ditch strategy few thought would work. NASA announced on Friday that it had reestablished communication with the Voyager 2 space probe after a long-shot strategy paid off. The agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory sent an interstellar "shout" more than 12.3 billion miles which got the probe's attention after an error by NASA officials rendered the probe temporarily unreachable. NASA lost contact with Voyager 2 on July 21 after it erroneously sent a series of commands that caused its antenna to point two degrees away from Earth. That left it "unable to receive commands or transmit data back to Earth," severing it from the ground antennae of NASA's Deep Space Network, a global system that NASA uses to communicate with space probes. Hope re-emerged on Tuesday, when NASA said it had detected a faint signal from Voyager. The agency then used a facility in Canberra, Australia, to blast a "shout" across the cosmos to get Voyager to point its antennae back to Earth and resume ordinary communication. According to the agency, it took the signal 18.5 hours for commands to reach Voyager 2 through the vastness of space. The outward and return journeys together took 37 hours, leaving the scientists in limbo waiting to hear whether the ploy worked. Suzanne Dodd, the project manager for Voyager 2, said that that time "was pretty nervewracking. You don't sleep well," per The New York Times. The operation only had a small chance of success, a spokeswoman for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory told The Times. But it nevertheless appeared to be a success, as NASA said that the probe finally began sending back data on August 4 at 12:29 a.m., and that all seemed to return to normal. Story continues "After two weeks of not hearing anything, we're back to getting unique data from the interstellar medium," said Linda Spilker, a planetary scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the lead mission scientist for Voyager 2. The probe does not appear to have been affected by the incident, with Dodd saying that an assessment showed that it looked "very healthy, very normal," per The Times. The Voyager 2 probe is part of NASA's longest-running mission, and it has traveled through space for almost half a century, capturing some of the most iconic pictures of the solar system. Read the original article on Business Insider Icon Sportswire - Getty Images Josh Berry has been called on to sub for a NASCAR Cup series driver once more. Berry will be racing in place of Noah Gragson in the No. 42 Chevrolet for Legacy Motor Club after the team suspended Gragson for the weekends events at Michigan International Speedway. NASCAR later said Gragsons suspension was indefinite. About an hour prior to the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying Saturday the team issued a statement: We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gragson effective immediately regarding his actions that do not represent the values of our team. Josh Berry will drive the No. 42 entry for this weekends NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan. Early Saturday afternoon NASCAR issued a statement and indicated that the suspension is indefinite: NASCAR fully supports Legacy Motor Clubs decision to suspend Noah Gragson. Following his actions on social media, NASCAR has determined that Gragson has violated the Member Conduct section of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book and has placed him under indefinite suspension. The decision apparently stems from a social media post that Gragson liked. The post on X, formally known as Twitter, was a derogatory meme in reference to George Floyd whose death in May of 2020 at the hands of police in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protest against racial inequality. In NASCAR the Cup series lone Black driver Bubba Wallace, who at the time drove for Richard Petty Motorsports. The following year Maury Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Motorsports and renamed the team to Petty GMS. With the addition of Johnson to the ownership structure in 2023, the organization rebranded itself to Legacy Motorsports. Wallce left the team for 23XI Motorsports at the end of the 2021 season. Gragson, who moved up to the Cup series with Legacy Motor Club this season, issued an apology for his actions shortly after Legacy sent out their own statement. Gragsons apology posted on X (formerly Twitter), seemed to confirm that his transgression occurred on social media. Story continues I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media. I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple. https://t.co/PCX6iMJxRF Noah Gragson (@NoahGragson) August 5, 2023 I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media. I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple. Gragson, a 25-year-old Vegas native had his has a best finish of 12th at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the spring. Berry has become a super sub of sorts this season. Berry was called on by Hendrick Motorsports to sub for Chase Elliott while that driver recovered from a broken leg suffered in a snowboarding accident in Colorado on March 3. He was in five races for the team then called on again to sub for Hendrick stepping in for driver Alex Bowman who suffered a fractured vertebra in a Sprint Car race at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa in April. In June, Berry was announced as the replacement for Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing starting in 2024. Berrys best finish in Hendrick equipment was second at Richmond Raceway in the No. 9 in April. MMA fighter Nate Diaz used homophobic slurs during a confrontation with an employee of Jake Pauls betting company ahead of his fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer. Diaz was participating in a press conference before the fight, which is happening on Saturday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas when he was confronted by Betrs Derek Sullivan. Diaz reacted angrily after Sullivan said he couldnt wait to watch Paul knock Diaz out and invited Sullivan on the stage. Diaz used homophobic slurs to refer to both Sullivan and Paul during the verbal tirade that ensued. After this incident, the two fighters faced off in a separate press conference as is customary before a bout, however, it descended into chaos with the security details for both men engaged in a huge brawl on stage. CNN has reached out to Diaz for comment. This isnt the first time Diaz has used homophobic slurs against his opponents. He was suspended by the UFC 10 years ago for using a homophobic slur to describe MMA fighter Bryan Caraway on Twitter. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (CNN) The temperature of the planets oceans rose to new heights this week, setting a new record with no sign of cooling down. The average global ocean surface temperature hit 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.7 Fahrenheit) at the end of July, according to modern data from the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service, beating the previous record of 20.95 degrees Celsius set in 2016. The Copernicus ocean data goes back to 1979. Scientists say the world needs to brace for ocean temperatures to keep rising as the arrival of El Nino the natural climate fluctuation that originates in the tropical Pacific Ocean, and has a warming impact layers on top of human-caused global warming. Kaitlin Naughten, an oceanographer at British Antarctic Survey, said the data from Copernicus painted an alarming picture for the health of the oceans. Other datasets may give slightly different values for example, [the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] is reporting that last April was still very slightly warmer than now, she told CNN. But whats clear, she said, is that current sea surface temperatures are exceptionally and unseasonably warm and bringing wide-ranging implications, especially for complex ecosystems such as coral reefs. Gregory C. Johnson, an oceanographer at NOAA, said sea surface temperatures have soared this year. What were seeing is a massive increase. Its about 15 years worth of the long term warming trend in a year, he told CNN. The heat could increase even further. Surface temperatures tend to remain high from August through to September before starting to decline, said Johnson. Theres still room to have warmer sea surface temperatures this year. Some marine heat waves this year have particularly shocked scientists for just how unprecedented they are, and the damage they are causing. Ocean heat can lead to the mass bleaching of coral reefs, as well as the death of other marine life and increased sea level rise. In the Florida Keys, a marine heat wave has pushed ocean temperatures to record-breaking, hot tub levels, leaving multiple coral reefs now completely bleached or dead. A totally unprecedented heat wave in the North Atlantic off the coasts of the UK and Ireland in June defined as extreme by NOAA saw temperatures up to 5 degrees Celsius (9 Fahrenheit) hotter than usual, sparking concerns about the impacts on marine life. Samantha Burgess, the deputy director of Copernicus, said the heat in the North Atlantic was astonishing. Weve never seen that kind of extreme marine heat wave for that time of year to see them in the open ocean, to see them in spring thats very surprising, she told CNN in an interview last week. Warmer ocean water also has a climate impact. Oceans play a vital role as a buffer against the climate crisis by absorbing planet-heating pollution. Warmer water does this less effectively, meaning more carbon is left in the atmosphere, fueling global warming. Some scientists are concerned that the ocean temperature records set this year could mark the start of an alarming trend for ocean heat. We are continuing to put greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, Johnson said. And so, in the long term, sea surface temperatures are just going to continue to increase until we as a society decide to to cut our use of fossil fuels very substantially. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Global ocean temperatures soared to the highest level on record this week" Editors note: A version of this story appeared in CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. Fossils can appear in the oddest of places. As Earths shifting tectonic plates have rearranged continents over time and the planet has by turns cooled and warmed, mountain ranges appeared and glaciers carved paths. Those natural movements, combined with erosion, unearth sedimentary rock that tells stories of a world that existed long before humans. In certain conditions, encased in the stone are well-preserved bones which sometimes take years to remove before they can be studied. This week, scientists shared discoveries of ancient species that lived and died tens of millions of years ago, providing tantalizing insights into creatures never documented until now. Dig this The extinct whale known as Perucetus colossus is depicted in its coastal habitat approximately 39 million years ago. - Alberto Gennari Excavations in southern Perus Ica Valley have turned up massive bones that belonged to what may have been the heaviest animal to have ever lived on the planet. The colossal ancient whale, which swam the seas about 39 million years ago, likely weighed two to three times more than the blue whale. It took years for researchers to pry the giant fossils out of rock and determine what they belonged to a whale they dubbed Perucetus colossus. With such enormous body mass, the creature likely patrolled shallow waters and used an undulating swimming style. Separately, scientists found remarkably well-preserved fossils of 505 million-year-old jellyfish high in the Canadian Rockies, revealing a previously unknown species with 90 fingerlike tentacles. Fantastic creatures Humans are far from being the only species that likes to play and laugh. Dr. Michael Brecht, a professor of systems neurobiology and neural computation at Humboldt University in Berlin, and his colleagues want to understand the neuroscience behind play in animals. And to do so, the researchers tickled rats and observed their brain activity. Story continues The rats laughed when playing with each other and during tickling sessions, emitting an ultrasonic squeaking too high-pitched for human ears. Rats really love to be tickled, Brecht said. Establishing a better understanding of how play behavior works in the brain could uncover insights into its evolutionary importance throughout the animal kingdom. Across the universe This artist's illustration shows the planet AU Mic b and its evaporating atmosphere passing in front of the red dwarf star AU Microscopii. - NASA/ESA/Joseph Olmsted (STScI) When the Hubble Space Telescope initially observed a young planetary system 32 light-years from Earth, it didnt reveal any surprises. But a second look at the red dwarf star, AU Microscopii, showed the gaseous planet that whirls around it every 8.46 days exhibiting intriguingly unusual activity. Energetic outbursts from the young star are blasting away at the planet and causing its hydrogen atmosphere to puff away into space, as depicted in the illustration above. Meanwhile, the Euclid telescope sent to space in July has captured its first, star-filled test images, which tease many wonders to come. And the James Webb Space Telescope spied new details within the colorful, iconic Ring Nebula. Explorations In an effort to understand virgin birth in animals, scientists used gene editing to trigger the phenomenon in fruit flies. The fruit flies in the groundbreaking study dont typically reproduce through virgin births, also called parthenogenesis, although many animal species do. The researchers harnessed gene mutations that produced generations of female fruit flies capable of reproducing entirely on their own, without the need to interact with males. But rest assured although it all sounds very sci-fi, the research isnt intended to lead to human virgin births. Whats more, the studys parthenogenesis road map may not be so easy to duplicate in other species. A long time ago Researchers reassembled a Neolithic necklace made using more than 2,500 beads. - Hala Alarashi, Alice Burkhardt and Ba`ja N.P. The painstaking reassembly of an 8,000-year-old adornment was a puzzle that took years to complete. During excavations of a Neolithic village called Baja in southern Jordan, an international team of archaeologists uncovered more than 2,500 beads made from stone and shells inside the grave of an 8-year-old child. As the researchers studied the red and white beads, along with a hematite pendant and a mother-of-pearl ring, they realized the artifacts were the remains of an ornate necklace that the child wore for burial thousands of years ago. An analysis of the beads composition and craftsmanship has provided unique insights into an ancient society. Now that the team has pieced together the intricate necklace, it is on display at the Petra Museum. Curiosities These stories will grab your attention: Invasive hammerhead flatworms have been popping up along the East Coast, but experts say the striped, toxin-coated worms have been in the United States for a long time. Heres what to do if you spot them in your yard. The mission team at NASA was relieved when a long-shot shout restored communication with Voyager 2 after a slight shift pointed the spacecrafts antenna away from Earth and caused a blackout. Lost for centuries, the ruins of a private theater belonging to the first century Roman Emperor Nero have been unearthed near the Vatican. Like what youve read? Oh, but theres more. Sign up here to receive in your inbox the next edition of Wonder Theory, brought to you by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt. They find wonder in planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Emmy-award winning NBC news anchor in Connecticut reveals her mother Claudia M. Voight was murdered. (Heidi Voight ) A Connecticut news anchor revealed that she had to keep her mothers cold-blooded murder a secret for months to protect the investigation while police searched for her killer. Heidi Voight wrote in a social media post this week that the February death of her 73-year-old mother Claudia M Voight was not a medical incident like it was initially believed, but a homicide. She should still be here, the Emmy Award-winning anchor for NBC Connecticut wrote on Instagram. My mothers death was not natural, nor peaceful. My mother was murdered, violently, in the place she should have felt safest. Our silence was necessary to protect the early stages of the intense criminal investigation. Vermont State Police announced on Monday that the department is investigating the murder of Voight, who was killed on February 20 in her home in Windham. Heidi Voight reveals her mothers death was a homicide. (Heidi Voight facebook post) Police said in the release that her death did not appear to be suspicious at first but an autopsy that was performed several days later at the Chief Medical Examiners Office in Burlington revealed further injuries. In April, her cause of death was determined to be neck compression. Voight had sustained injuries that were detectable only during autopsy, the police release read. Final autopsy findings in April confirmed that Ms Voights cause of death was neck compression, and the manner of death was homicide. Due to the sensitive nature of the case from the early stages of the investigation, VSP opted to wait to disclose the incident to the public. The investigation has now progressed to a point where VSP is able to release information without jeopardizing the case. It was a daunting secret the womans daughter has been keeping for months. Voight announced her mothers passing on February 27 on Instagram, describing it as sudden and unexpected, and there are many questions and challenges. If you can, please just call your mom today and tell her you love her. She has been on leave from NBC Connecticut ever since. Story continues But several months later, she explained how she had to keep the news of the homicide to herself for so long in order to protect the investigation. For the last 161 days, the world around us has moved on. But my family and I have been living February 21st on repeat. There is an emotional purgatory that comes when you must silence what you want to scream from the rooftops. How could we write her obituary or plan her service until the world understood the true magnitude of this senseless loss? But our silence was necessary to protect the early stages of the intense criminal investigation. Voight thanked Vermont State Police for their hard work and her other family, NBC Connecticut, for their continued love and support. Im taking this time to be present for the many processes ongoing related to my moms case, and to make sure Im getting the help I need to be mentally and physically okay for the long haul. This has broken me and changed me. But I am my mothers daughter, and I will come back stronger. I will fight for her. Police finally released information on Monday, stating that they believe the killing of Ms Voight was not random, and that there is no identified threat to the community. No arrests have been made and Vermont State Police Spokesperson Adam Silverman told WCAX that he was not able to comment on whether they have any suspects at this time. But I can tell you that the evidence in the case does indicate that there is no specific or general threat to the public and that the homicide does appear to be targeted at Mrs Voight, he said. Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing with members of the Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and Victim Services Unit. Govs. Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom have tentatively agreed to debate one hosted by Fox News. The Florida Republican and California Democrat have repeatedly sparred over policies in their respective states, each representing one side of the ideological spectrum though occupying different political perches. DeSantis, a Republican, is trailing former President Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination while Newsom, a Democrat, has brushed aside questions about his own presidential ambitions to become a super surrogate of sorts for President Joe Biden. A showdown between the two seemed unlikely as DeSantis ramped up his presidential campaign. But Newsom still has spent months trying to entice his counterpart into joining him on a stage. On Wednesday, DeSantis agreed, telling Fox News Sean Hannity: Absolutely Im game. Just tell me when and where. An aide to Newsom told POLITICO that the governor was also in. Newsoms office had sent a formal request offer to Fox News last week with proposed debate dates of Nov. 8 or Nov. 10. That request called for Hannity to serve as the sole moderator for a 90-minute forum on Fox News that would not include an in-studio audience and would air live. Desantis should put up or shut up. Anything else is just games, the aide said. A debate would to put it mildly be an unpredicted event in modern presidential politics even in an age of seemingly endless cable news town halls. For DeSantis, it would provide a new venue and opponent to contrast his record in Florida after spending weeks bogged down in process stories about layoffs; tightened campaign budgets, and nervous GOP donors. Newsom, should a debate happen, would feel the weight of his political party on his shoulders under a national spotlight brighter than hes experienced before. Like he did opposite Hannity in a recent sitdown interview, he would be forced to defend attacks about the progressive policies in his own state as well as President Joe Bidens record. In his letter, Newsoms office proposed three separate debate sites: Nevada, Georgia or North Carolina. A Hudson man is accused of stealing the identity of a Pennsylvania resident for nearly three decades. Juan Velazquez, 69, was arrested on a warrant on Friday and charged with identity fraud, which is a class A felony, and unsown falsification and tampering with public records, both misdemeanors, state police said. An investigation began in June 2022 when a Pennsylvania resident was unable to renew their drivers license due to someone in New Hampshire holding a credential with the same name, state police said in a statement. After a lengthy investigation it was determined that Velazquez fraudulently presented himself to be that subject from Pennsylvania, and unlawfully obtain documents to pose as such for the last 28 years, state police said. Velazquez was taken into custody on Friday without incident, state police said. He was released on bail and he will be arraigned on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. in the Merrimack County Superior Court. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles assisted state police in their investigation. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Detective Christopher Prenaveau at Christopher.J.Prenaveau@dos.nh.gov. 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 DOVER The St. Thomas Aquinas High School community is uniting in prayer for Alix Dorsainvil, the New Hampshire nurse kidnapped in Haiti along with her daughter. Dorsanvil is a graduate of the Dover Catholic school. Over a week has passed since Dorsainvil, a 2010 graduate of St. Thomas, and her daughter were taken by armed men from the Port-au-Prince facility used by El Roi Haiti, a religious and humanitarian aid nonprofit, according to Associated Press reports. American officials are working to safely locate the two. She is a resident of Middleton, New Hampshire, according to AP reports. The kidnapping, which led to protests outside the El Roi campus, happened Thursday, July 27, according to the organization. Alix Dorsainvil, right, poses with her husband, Sandro Dorsainvil. Alix Dorsainvil, a nurse for El Roi Haiti, and her daughter were kidnapped on Thursday, July 27, the organization said. We are at the one-week mark of Alix and her daughters kidnapping, El Roi posted earlier this week. Many tears have been shed this week but we, together with our team, are working and praying continuously to bring them home safely, and we continue to hold onto hope. We are so thankful for the very knowledgeable and experienced professionals God has brought together to complete the task of securing their freedom. St. Thomas Aquinas is invited graduates of the schools Class of 2010, along with current students, staff, alumni and school community members, to a private mass on Saturday evening in Somersworth. School chaplain Father Andrew Nelson was scheduled to lead the service at St. Martin Church. This Mass is an opportunity to prayerfully come together as a faith community and to ask God for continued safety and well being of STA alumna Alix, and her daughter, given the recent events in Haiti, the school shared in an Instagram post. El Roi Haiti, home to El Roi Academy and Institution Mixte Vwatizang Ayisyen Yo, stated Dorsainvil became a school nurse at the Christian ministry in 2020, then married El Roi Haiti founder Sandro Dorsainvil the next year. As a college student, she took her first trip to Haiti in the wake of the catastrophic 2010 earthquake, later returning to the country during breaks and summers. Story continues Once she started working as a nurse she would save money and then self-fund all of her trips to Haiti, going as often as she could. She had lived in Haiti for multiple years, showing love and care in a variety of ways before coming on staff with us, but has had a heart for the hurting since she was a child, El Roi Haiti wrote. She seeks people out to show them love and compassion, and no one is excluded from receiving her kindness. In the backdrop of Dorsainvil and her daughters kidnapping is a country grappling with unrelenting gang-related violence. The United Nations reported in mid-March that since the new year started, 531 people had been killed, with another 300 people injured and 277 others kidnapped, all of it mainly occurring in Port-au-Prince. Diane Foley advocates for Alix Dorsainvil Diane Foley, mother of slain New Hampshire journalist James Foley, understands firsthand the anguish Dorsainvil's loved ones are experiencing. Working as a freelance war correspondent, James Foley was on assignment in northern Syria when he was taken captive by Islamic State extremists on Nov. 22, 2012. He was then murdered in Syria in August 2014, with the video of his beheading posted online. Diane Foley is now nationally and globally know for running the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation to advocate for hostages and people abducted overseas. Locally, the Rochester community center is named after James Foley. "We are very concerned about Alix and her young daughter, and we know these hits close to home for people here in New Hampshire," Diane Foley said. "I know the government is on the case. Senator (Jeanne) Shaheen is proving more and more to be a champion for these causes. I know it's hard to prioritize one life, but really, they are all so important." She added that the world has become a very lawless place. "People like Alix know the risks," she said. "Still, they are so dedicated they continue to do their jobs, at great personal risk." Kidnapping led to 'do not travel' notice The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory the same day of Dorsainvil and her daughters kidnapping, detailing civil unrest, frequent kidnapping of U.S. citizens and other crimes. The level four do not travel advisory notes the department ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency U.S. government employees from Haiti. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State shared a prepared statement Thursday with Seacoast Media Group. The U.S. Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroad have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas, the statement reads. We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of two U.S. citizens in Haiti and we are in regular contact with Haitian authorities and will continue to work with them and our U.S. Government interagency partners. Reporter Karen Dandurant contributed to this story. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: St. Thomas prays for NH nurse Alix Dorsainvil kidnapped in Haiti France's Sebastien Lecornu said the junta had taken the president and people of Niger hostage (Bertrand GUAY) The coup in Niger will undermine the fight against resurgent terror groups in Africa's Sahel region, France's defence minister said this week, accusing the country's junta of taking "hostage" not just President Mohamed Bazoum but the entire country. Speaking in an interview with AFP, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu praised the "strong" actions of regional West African group ECOWAS, which has given the junta until Sunday to restore democratic rule or face the threat of military action. The coup against Bazoum has infuriated France, which has 1,500 troops deployed in the country and was using Niger as a hub for anti-terror operations in the region, after successive coups the last two years in Mali and then Burkina Faso prompted pullouts from those countries. Paris has made clear it still regards Bazoum, who is currently held as the presidential residence in Niamey, as Niger's sole legitimate leader. Lecornu echoed comments by other Western officials and observers that the coup had come at a precarious moment when several terror Islamist terror groups including Boko Haram, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Al-Qaeda's local branch were regaining strength. "Not only has President Bazoum been taken hostage but also the population of Niger," Lecornu told AFP in the interview. "This putsch will weaken the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, where activity by armed terrorist groups is resurging, notably taking advantage of certain failed states like Mali." "It's an error of judgement that goes totally against the interests of the country," he added. - 'Catastrophic consequences' - The French foreign ministry said earlier on Saturday it "firmly" supported the efforts of ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) to reverse the coup and Lecornu said on the eve of the passing of the deadline that the 15-nation bloc was showing its stature. Story continues "More generally, we see that ECOWAS is shouldering its responsibilities in the management of this crisis in Niger, taking strong positions in favour of respect for international law and respect for democratic processes." "This is an important milestone that must be welcomed and supported," he said. Lecornu said there was no indication of involvement in the coup by Russian mercenary group Wagner, which Western governments say is bolstering the regimes in both Burkina Faso and Mali. But he warned Niger risked going down the same path as its neighbours. "Wagner is not behind this coup. But it is possible that, opportunistically, Wagner can seek to help this junta as it tries to establish itself." He warned that calling on Wagner would have "catastrophic consequences" for Niger. "Look at the Malian situation after the departure of the French forces: ... 40 percent of Malian territory is out of the control of the Malian state. It is a failure. Many ECOWAS actors are aware of this." - 'Personal dispute' - As debate rages in France over whether the sudden coup on July 26 led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of Niger's presidential guard, was a major intelligence failure by the French foreign intelligence service, the DGSE, Lecornu said that Paris had been aware that Bazoum's position was "fragile". But he said what may have surprised was that the coup stemmed above all from a "personal dispute". People close to Bazoum had told AFP he recently said he wanted to replace Tiani as the head of his guard. Lecornu, meanwhile, sought to play down the extent of anti-French sentiment in Niger, despite protests outside the French embassy in Niamey which saw signs torn down and windows smashed. "Some well-known groups carry out information campaigns against us but we must remain calm and look objectively at the facts." "Three Russian flags waved in front of the French embassy, daubed with a few slogans, should neither intimidate us nor push us to hasty conclusions, as is happening too easily with some people," he said. dab-sjw/gil The Russian tanker damaged by an unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Kerch Strait has not spilt fuel, Russian media reports. Source: Kremlin-aligned news agency TASS, citing Marine Rescue and Coordination Centre of Novorossiysk, Russia Details: There was no fuel spill from the tanker damaged during an attack by the Ukrainian side, the media outlet reports. TASS said there were 11 people on board the tanker. Background: A Russian chemical tanker SIG was damaged in the Kerch Strait on the evening of 4 August due to a USV attack. A group of emergency workers from Novorossiysk was sent to help the tanker. Two tugs arrived in the Kerch Strait to tow the vessel. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! HULL Graves Light is not part of Hull, a state Land Court judge has ruled, and whether any other municipality can claim it is an issue for another day. Judge Diane Rubin issued her decision and the reasoning behind it in a 50-page document Aug. 1. Graves Ledge (its original name) does not lie within either the municipal tide water boundaries or the municipal land boundaries of the town of Hull, and the town has no right, title or interest in Graves Ledge, Rubin wrote in a two-page summary judgment. He ruling examined the history of Graves Ledge and how it has been identified over the last 400 years. Dave Waller installs a flag at the Graves Light Station on Thursday, June 23, 2022. By ruling that Hull cannot claim the rocky property several miles offshore, Rubin handed a win to the lighthouse owners and inhabitants, who took the town to court in 2020 after receiving a hefty, and unexpected, property tax bill. Why David and Lynne Waller bought the lighthouse and then sued Hull Filing their case as Graves Light and Fog Station LLC, owners David and Lynne Waller argued that the Coast Guard told them when they bought the property at auction in 2013 for $933,859 that it isn't part of any town. The state ceded the property to the federal government through the Coast Guard in 1903. Jack Lampke, who is Hulls town counsel, argued that when the Wallers took control of the lighthouse in which they now live, it was no longer exempt from taxes. A redrawn assessors map of the town in 2019 included the property in the town's purview and the tax bill was issued to the couple. Rubin, however, said the registered deed and title for the property describes it as on the outermost island of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, in Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay, but does not specify a municipality within the county that could claim ownership. The question is: Where is Graves Ledge? When Hull was first incorporated in 1644, it was part of Suffolk County. It was reclassified as part of Plymouth County in 1803. Story continues Lampke argued throughout the case that a location within Massachusetts must be considered a part of one municipality or another, whether on land or within its tidal boundaries. "There are numerous references, including the National Register of Historic Places, that list this as being in Hull," he previously said. "Our position is that, in Massachusetts, there is no such thing as unincorporated property." Rubin was presented with a deluge of documentation from both sides to prove their claims. Two surveyors were enlisted to provide opinions. She favored the testimony of one over the other, saying it was more important to only consider actions taken by the state and approved by the Legislature, and not maps drawn by private companies, surveyors and mapmakers, as one of the surveyors had done. History of Graves Light Station How did the Wallers end up with a lighthouse? Its light and signal functions were automated in the 1970s, negating the need for a lightkeeper. The lighthouse was declared surplus property in 2012 by the Coast Guard, which put it up for sale as allowed under the National Historic Preservation Act of 2000. The federal government first made Graves Ledge available to eligible entities, including local authorities, free of charge, and issued a notice of availability. Taxes and more: Couple turned a historical, federally owned lighthouse into a home. Then Hull taxed them. The town was told it could acquire Graves Ledge but made no effort, Rubin noted. How was Graves Light sold? She also found inconsistencies associated with documentation related to the auction process. The United States made a number of reports and documents available to interested parties, she wrote. Those documents inconsistently placed Graves Ledge in a number of municipalities of the commonwealth. Since buying the lighthouse, the couple have converted the multilevel lighthouse into living quarters complete with a kitchen, a master bedroom and a bunk room. They have a collection of photos, paintings and other artifacts relating to the lighthouse's lengthy history, but have otherwise made the tall, skinny building a home like any other. Dave Waller shows a checkers board made by a former lighthouse keeper at the Graves Light Station, Thursday, June 23, 2022. In addition to the tax bill, the town also threatened the couple with a $25,000 fine if they continued any work on their new home. The Wallers had not sought building, electrical and other permits from the town. They did not think they had any obligation to do so. The issue is now moot following the ruling. Hull's and Wallers' reaction to the ruling Its clear the judge spent a great deal of time on it, Lampke said after the ruling was issued. While I dont agree with the ultimate conclusion, and there are some points we didnt agree with, it was a well-researched and well-written decision. He said he could not say whether the town would take any further action. 'Where my love of travel began': He taught world geography for 30 years. Now retired, he travels the world Are there unincorporated areas within the state? Rubin did not draw a conclusion on whether there are unincorporated areas within the state, whether on land or off the coast. I decline to wade into these deep waters because I conclude this issue is not squarely before the court, she said. "There is no claim pending before the court relating to unincorporated land. She also noted neither side asked for any boundaries to be redrawn, which is a function of the Legislature, not the courts. After a case that spanned years and covered centuries of information, the Wallers posted their succinct reaction to the ruling on the Graves Light Facebook page. We defeated Hull's illegal land grab! they said. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Where's Graves Light? Not in Hull, MA judge rules after pair sue town ALANSON State and local officials working to solve the need for more affordable housing often point to the interconnected nature of housing to other community needs. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasized this connection when she visited Alanson this week to visit a Habitat for Humanity housing development. Whitmer described housing as absolutely an essential foundational issue, as are other needs like internet access, adequate hospital facilities and good schools. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Alanson on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. More: Whitmer visits Habitat for Humanitys Alanson subdivision Its all related, Whitmer said. As we think about what is the current state of our economy, what is the future economy that we want to build? Earlier this week, Whitmer signed a $57.4 billion state budget that includes investments in all of these sectors. She had previously signed a $24.3 billion education budget for the upcoming fiscal year. More: Whitmer signs $57.4B state budget, the first crafted by Michigan Democrats in 40 years More: Gov. Whitmer signs $24.3 billion Michigan education budget Whitmer said the education budget was a personal highlight for her. We made record investments in public education, she said. We are now one of only less than a handful of states that are going to provide free breakfast and lunch to every school child across the state. I think thats powerful. It recognizes that if a child is food insecure, their health is an issue, their mental health is an issue and their ability to learn when theyre in class With a hungry belly its impossible to absorb whats happening in the classroom. The education budget increases the foundation allowance by 5 percent from $9,150 per pupil to $9,608, and includes $160 million to provide free breakfast and lunch to PreK-12 students. It also expands eligibility for Michigan's state-funded Pre-K program. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shares a Tom's Mom's Cookies treat with Henry Damoose on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 as they tour the Meadowlands neighborhood in Alanson. I do think that when we feed kids, its going to have a real impact on their outcomes, Whitmer said. Its going to save families money and its going to address, I think, one of the big stressors that a lot of parents and kids confront, and thats food insecurity. Im pleased about that, but theres so much good stuff in this budget. From our investments in healthy moms and healthy babies to our infrastructure investments, theres 80 billion good things in this budget. Story continues Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaks to a crowd before signing a bipartisan budget for the upcoming fiscal year at Wyandotte Fire Station 1 in Wyandotte on Monday, July 31, 2023. Looking ahead, Whitmer is also planning for ways to help Michigans population grow. According to the 2020 census, Michigan experienced the second-slowest population growth in the nation over the previous decade. One of the things we know is that while our population grew, its not growing as fast as other states, Whitmer said. Subscribe: Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you More: Whitmer announces new effort to reverse Michigan's sluggish population growth To help chart a path to population growth, Whitmer announced in June that she was forming the new Growing Michigan Together Council to tackle the issue. I created a council, its a bipartisan group of leaders from across the state, who are tasked with putting together a blueprint for strategic population growth in Michigan, Whitmer said. Part of their agenda is also addressing our long term infrastructure needs as well as our educational outcomes. This is work that will not be done in three years, when Im leaving office. Its got to transcend any one person or even a political party. And thats why I wanted an outside group to really design what this looks like because I want to be able to get the work started and hand it over to whomever comes after me. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces a new council that will focus on growing Michigan's population at a news briefing held on Mackinac Island June 1, 2023. While sustained population growth will take time to achieve, Whitmer noted that there are things we can do now to tell the Michigan story. To invest in the things that young professionals and talent needs and expects, whether it is making sure that you are respected and protected under the laws like the LGBTQ community or women are able to make their own choices about their bodies or the foundational things like having good schools and safe infrastructure, she said. Were home to 21 percent of the worlds fresh surface water. Its a huge strength. We will have people migrating to Michigan because of climate change, but thats not strategic population growth, and thats what Im focused on is making sure we do our part to combat climate change but also tell the story of a high quality of life and a low cost of living in the best state in the country. Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: In Up North visit, Whitmer highlights housing, infrastructure investments and population growth Multiple felony cases were either resolved or addressed during hearings held July 28 through Aug. 4 at the Marion County Judicial Center. Here's a recap: State v. Tracie Renee Puskac The charge has been upgraded against this Summerfield woman, who was arrested last month in connection with the death of her child. Tracie Renee Puskac was booked into the county jail on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the death of her 17-month-old son, Jermiyah. But on July 28 a grand jury heard the case against the 36-year-old mother and agreed with prosecutors that the charge should be murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse. The grand jury met for about two hours. Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt is the prosecutor on the case. Details from grand jury proceedings are secret. If Puskac is convicted as charged, she faces life behind bars. Presently, Puskac is being held without bail at the county jail. Sheriff's detectives said the boy died on April 29. According to Puskac's arrest report, the child had "a skull fracture, subdural hemorrhage, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries." The injuries came from an "abusive trauma of the head and neck," and the death was classified as a homicide. State v. Rudolph Valentino Robinson The latest: An arraignment for Rudolph Valentino Robinson was held in County Judge LeAnn Mackey-Barnes' courtroom on Aug. 1. The court was informed that prosecutors were not pursing an attempted felony murder charge. The reason given: Though there was probable cause for Robinson's arrest, the likelihood of conviction at trial was not good because a key witness is no longer cooperative. The other charge, possession of drug paraphernalia, has been transferred to another court since it's a misdemeanor offense. Lawyer: Robinson is represented by Assistant Public Defender Sean Gravel, according to court records. Jail: Records show the 35-year-old man, listed as homeless, is at the county jail, where bail is set at $1,000. Story continues About the case: Ocala police arrested Robinson and accused him of shoving a woman to the ground and choking her. A man saw the commotion and reportedly hit Robinson in the head with an object, officers were told. According to the police report, authorities were told that the woman had given Robinson a ride. State v. Joshua Valentine Charge: Capital sexual battery and lewd and lascivious battery on a child. Plea: At his pre-trial hearing, held in front of Circuit Judge Lisa Herndon on Aug. 3, Valentine pleaded no contest to a lesser charge: attempted sexual battery. The second offense remained the same. Lawyers: Assistant State Attorney Katrina Self for the state and Maria E. Castagliuolo for the defense. Sentence: In a negotiated agreement between the parties, Valentine was sentenced to a 30-year prison term followed by 15 years of probation. He has 1,582 days of credit for time already served at the county jail. Special conditions: Valentine can have no contact with the victim or her mother and must register as a sexual predator. About the case: The 30-year-old Fort McCoy man was arrested by sheriff's deputies in 2019 and accused of molesting a girl. State v. Charles Milton Johns Jr. Charge: Travel to meet minor; use of computer to seduce, solicit and lure a child; and unlawful use of two-way communication device. Plea: Guilty. Lawyers: Self and Assistant Public Defender Walter Flinn. Judge: Circuit Judge Lisa Herndon. Sentence: Johns was sentenced to three years in prison for use of computer to seduce, solicit and lure a child. He has 491 days of credit for time already served. Prosecutors declined to pursue the other two charges. Special conditions: The 39-year-old man must register as a sexual offender. About the case: Johns was one of almost two dozen men charged with trying to meet children on the internet and arrange sex. The men were picked up during a 2022 sting operation called "April Fools." State v. Trevor David Henderson Plea: Henderson has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on a law enforcement official with a firearm and use of firearm while under the influence Sentence: Herndon will determine his sentence since Henderson did not have a plea bargain negotiated. He's slated to be sentenced next month. Henderson remains free on bond until sentencing. He faces up to 15 years in prison. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered. Lawyers: Assistant State Attorney Marissa Meyer and Melanie Slaughter. About the case: Ocala police officials said Henderson, 34, pointed a loaded gun in an officer's face in 2021. The officers were at Henderson's residence due to a disturbance. An officer and Henderson struggled for the gun and the officer was able to take the gun away from Henderson. Authorities first encountered Henderson and his girlfriend at the downtown square after receiving a call about two intoxicated individuals. Officers took the couple home. State v. Wesley Shawn Hicks Hicks, 45, originally was charged with travel to meet minor after use of computer to lure child; use computer to seduce, solicit, lure child; and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate. At Hicks' hearing on Aug. 4, the state said it decided not to pursue charges of use computer to seduce, solicit lure child and unlawful use of two-way communications device to facilitate. Hicks pleaded no contest to the third charge. Judge: Circuit Judge Peter Brigham. Sentence: Hicks was sentenced to 26 months in prison followed by five years of probation. He has two days for credit for time already served at the county jail. Special conditions: Hicks must register as a sexual offender, cannot have any contact with any juveniles, and must complete sex offender treatment and counseling. About the case: The Inglis man was arrested as part of the "Operation April Fools" sting in 2022. Contact reporter Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala courthouse: Prison terms handed down in multiple child sex cases (CNN) Greece has announced that it will limit the number of daily visitors to the Acropolis in order to guarantee the safety and longevity of the ancient monument. From September, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Athens will admit no more than 20,000 visitors a day, according to the countrys culture minister, Lina Mendoni. In an interview with Greek radio station Real FM on Wednesday, Mendoni said the change is being introduced as a trial following research by the governments Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development. She said that up to 23,000 people currently visit the site every day. That is a huge number, she told the interviewer. Tourism is obviously desirable for the country and for all of us, but we must work out how overtourism wont harm the monument. Built on a rocky hill in the fifth century BC, the ancient citadel is home to a collection of historic ruins, buildings and artifacts the most famous being the Parthenon temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Acropolis and its monuments form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world, according to UNESCO. The site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but half of the visitors tend to arrive in the morning, between 8 a.m. and midday, Mendoni said. That creates unpleasant conditions for the site, the visitors and the staff who are trying to accommodate this high volume of people, she added. Mendoni said the government plans to create hourly visitor limits to avoid bottlenecks. For example, 3,000 people will be granted access from 8 to 9 a.m. local, 2,000 during the next hour, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., she said. The restriction on numbers will vary throughout the day but will be in place from the time the site opens until it shuts. Mendoni said that the measure will allow the government to protect the monument and enhance the overall experience for visitors. She said the new system will be trialed from early September, with state broadcaster ERT reporting that it will begin on Monday, September 4. The restrictions will then be enforced from April 1, ahead of the 2024 summer season, Mendoni confirmed. From April 1, the new system will also apply to other archaeological sites that operate with electronic tickets, accounting for 90-95% of visitors to Greek sites. Last month, the Greek authorities closed the Acropolis and other archaeological sites for several hours during the hottest part of the day as the country battled a deadly heatwave. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Greece is limiting Acropolis visitors from September" Russian targets are "the best training ground" for Ukrainian weapons, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksii Danilov wrote on Twitter on Aug. 5. Danilov said that with each new combat mission, Ukrainian combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and naval drones become "more accurate, operators more experienced, combat coordination more effective." "The Ukrainian military-industrial complex, without a doubt, will become one of the main world players, the equipment of which has passed a unique combat test," he said. Danilov's statement comes after a series of explosions in the Black Sea over the past few days. The Russian landing vessel Olenegorskiy Gornyak was reportedly hit by a naval surface drone on Aug. 4. On Aug. 4, CNN and several Ukrainian media outlets cited unnamed sources in Ukraines Security Service (SBU), saying the operation was a joint endeavor between the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy. Earlier in the day, the U.K. Defense Ministry said that the 3,600 tonnes and 113 meter-long Olenegorskiy Gornyak "almost certainly suffered serious damage after being struck near the Black Sea Fleets Novorossiysk base," adding that it is the largest Russian naval vessel seriously damaged or destroyed since the sinking of the cruiser Moskva" in April last year. "This is a significant blow to the (Russian) Black Sea Fleet, which previously relocated most of its units to Novorossiysk due to the high threat to Sevastopol," the ministry said. In the early hours on Aug. 5, explosions were also reported near the Crimean Bridge. The Moscow Times reported via its Telegram channel that the naval drone attack on the Kerch Strait could have potentially damaged the Russian SIG chemical tanker. Later in the day, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) chief Vasyl Maliuk made a statement on the recent surface drone attacks on Russian ships, effectively admitting that Ukraine was behind the attacks. Story continues He said such attacks are "absolutely logical" and "completely legal." Read also: Hell in high definition: Inside front-line aerial unit surveilling battle of Bakhmut Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Rep. Justin J.J. Humphrey, R-Lane, believes DNA evidence in Anthony Sanchezs case should be reprocessed due to questions of its accuracy, the legislator wrote in a letter to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. An Oklahoma lawmaker is asking the states attorney general to reexamine DNA evidence in the case of death row inmate Anthony Sanchez, set to be executed in September. Rep. Justin J.J. Humphrey, R-Lane, believes DNA evidence in Sanchezs case should be reprocessed due to questions of its accuracy, the legislator wrote in a letter Thursday to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. I have completed an initial review of Anthony Sanchezs case, and I believe there is a significant issue with the processing of DNA evidence in death penalty cases in Oklahoma, Humphrey wrote. I understand the legal system in Oklahoma can sometimes be lacking, and it is important to ensure that justice is served in every case, Humphrey continued. He noted that reprocessing the evidence "would be a critical step towards ensuring that the death penalty process is fair and just," not just in Sanchez's case, but in others like it. Sanchez, 44, was convicted in 2006 of first-degree murder in the death of University of Oklahoma dance student Juli Busken, who was found raped and shot in the head at Lake Stanley Draper on Dec. 20, 1996. Busken was 21 years old. Sanchez was identified as a suspect through DNA, but he has always maintained his innocence, and earlier this year claimed his father confessed to Buskens murder before dying of suicide last April. But the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals rejected a request from Sanchezs legal counsel for an evidentiary hearing this April. More: Oklahoma death row inmate rejects clemency hearing, claims his late father was the killer Why does Humphrey support reinvestigating DNA in the Sanchez case? Humphrey, describing himself as a strong proponent of the death penalty in his letter to Drummond, also has advocated on behalf of another death row inmate, Richard Glossip, whose guilt Humphrey says has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. To much criticism, Drummond also has called for Glossips conviction to be set aside, telling justices that a 2004 retrial was unfair due to a false testimony not being corrected by the prosecution. Story continues Related: Death row inmate accuses prosecutor of flagrant misconduct at retrial Humphrey mentions the controversy in his letter, thanking Drummond for his commitment to his stance and alluding to other contentious death penalty cases. There have been a number of issues raised with death penalty cases in Oklahoma in recent years, and I believe that it is imperative for our government to go the extra mile to restore confidence in the Oklahoma Death Penalty process, Humphrey wrote. (While) I understand your knowledge of this case likely exceeds my own, I believe that the reprocessing of DNA evidence could be an important step in the right direction. What happened to the DNA evidence? David Ballard, an investigator hired by the anti-capital punishment group Death Penalty Action to further review Sanchezs case, said DNA evidence linking Sanchez to Buskens murder may have been contaminated. He also said an inexperienced lab technician miscommunicated the strength of the evidence to the jury. Former Cleveland County District Attorney Tim Kuykendall has been adamant that all of the evidence pointed to no one but Anthony Sanchez, citing shoeprints and ballistics also used to convict him. But Ballard said his own investigation has led him to disagree. Theres a lot of conjecture, Ballard said in June. But everything Ive seen, theres nothing that draws directly to Anthony. Or, its a lot of outer-lying stuff that isnt supported. Yes, you could use evidence like that in court, but it is not 100%. The Rev. Jeff Hood, Sanchezs spiritual adviser, said he is convinced of his innocence and lambasted the legacy of capital punishment in Oklahoma. ViewPoints: 'We must be certain about his guilt before we execute' Even though our campaign has come a long distance, we will not stop until Attorney General Drummond asks for the date of Anthony Sanchezs execution to be pulled, Hood said in a statement. Earlier this summer, Sanchez voiced a desire to move forward without his court-appointed attorneys and to instead attempt to prove his claim of innocence on his own. He also has said he would avoid a hearing to request clemency, or mercy, of Gov. Kevin Stitt, because of what he described as the governors unwillingness to grant clemency, even if the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommends it. Sanchez is scheduled to be executed on Sept. 21 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma lawmaker asks AG to reexamine DNA in Anthony Sanchez case For many Hoosiers, coming home to dinner is something to look forward to after a long day of work. However, for many in Indianapolis, dinner on the table isnt always a guarantee. According to the Indianapolis Community Food Access Coalition, over 208,000 Indy residents live in a food desert. A food desert is an area of a community where access to fresh and nutritious foods is limited. To be considered a food desert, more than one-third of an urban population must live more than a mile from a grocery store, while in a rural area one-third of the population must live 10 miles from a grocery store. In a state that's an agricultural powerhouse, absolutely no one should go hungry. While food deserts affect large areas of Indianapolis, they disproportionately plague minority communities. A 2021 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that almost 20% of Black individuals live in a food-insecure household. Overall, Black individuals are three times more likely to face hunger than their white counterparts. Even though these are national statistics, the numbers in Indiana are relatively the same. In fact, in Marion County alone, Black residents are more likely than any other race to live in a food desert, especially Black children. When it comes to having healthier options, minority communities have a harder time due to racial disparities. Guests begin to arrive for the grand opening of Cleo's Bodega, located in front of Flanner House Community Center, which will serve as a food access hub for the community on Thursday, June 20, 2019. The Bodega, located in the largest food desert in Indianapolis, will be staffed by neighborhood and community members through the Flanner House Community Center for Working Families Program, and stocked with produce from the produce from Flanner House, Urban farmers, and Brandywine Creek Farms organic farming initiatives. Limited access to nutritious food can impact multiple aspects of an individual's life. Notably, a lack of healthy food can result in a myriad of negative health issues. Often instead of grocery stores, food deserts normally have a high rate of convenience stores that carry large selections of junk food. Without nutritional choices like fruits and vegetables, many are forced to consume prepackaged, processed options. Consumption of processed food can result in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure and many cancers. Along with physical health, food insecurity negatively impacts mental well-being. Individuals who struggle with hunger are more likely to develop depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. Whats more troublesome is that the number of Indianapolis Hoosiers affected by food deserts is growing. Since 2016, people who live outside Monument Circle alone have been impacted by food deserts by an increase of 21%. The growth of deserts can be attributed to a lack of economic development and grocery store closures, such as the closure of the Marsh Supermarket chain. To make matters worse, when new grocery stores come to Indy, they usually choose locations near other grocery stores. With these locations naturally having a higher amount of consumer spending, businesses follow the profit instead of settling in food-insecure neighborhoods. Local businesses have closed, grocery stores have failed to expand, and many are struggling with unemployment aiding the slow growth of food insecurity. While interest in the issue has increased in the past decade, we must do more as lawmakers to stamp out hunger. Robin Shackleford Consistently, Indiana House Democrats have voiced our support for investments in food security, but the Republican supermajority has largely blocked progress. In fact, in 2021 the budget allocated $50 million to address health disparities and $600,000 to those who want to open a grocery store in a low-income area. Even with these investments, little has been done to find an actual long-term and sustainable solution not just one-time investments. Thankfully, my call to study food insecurity during the interim resulted in an interim committee study topic. During the interim, I implore my fellow lawmakers to take a deeper look into food deserts, groups that they impact and what must be done to ensure nobody goes hungry. A basic, necessity of life, all communities in Indianapolis should have adequate access to nutritious food. Democratic State Rep. Robin Shackleford represents House District 98. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: No one should be food insecure in an agricultural state like Indiana Three months after a car crashed into its storefront, the Panera Bread cafe on South National Avenue is still closed and not even the owners know when it might open once again. In July, furniture and signage was removed from the restaurant at 509 S. National Ave. and employees have transferred to area Panera locations. Many employees have transferred to surrounding bakery cafes, according to Jennifer Arnold, director of non-traditional marketing for Manna Development Group, which owns several Panera Bread locations in Springfield. "We are working with the landlord to determine" when the cafe would possibly re-open, Arnold said. According to the Greene County Assessor's Office, the building is owned by Nouvelle Realty, LLC. Records on the Missouri Secretary of State's website indicate that Jo Ann Junge is the registered agent for Nouvelle Realty, LLC. Junge is also co-owner of Brown Derby liquors and sister to Bass Pro Shop owner Johnny Morris. In an effort to contact Junge, the News-Leader has reached out to Brown Derby, but has not yet received a response. More: It 'sounded like an explosion.' Witness inside describes vehicle crash into Panera Just before 4:30 p.m. on April 27, a Mercedes-Benz G550 was traveling south on National Avenue, waiting to turn left onto East Elm Street. When there was a break in traffic, the car started to turn left but instead of completing the turn onto Elm it crashed into the side of the restaurant. Two people were injured. In the days following the incident, a Panera associate told the News-Leader that the location would be closed for "a couple weeks" while they assessed the damage. The Springfield Police Department investigated the crash in May, eventually clearing the driver of impairment or distracted driving. Vehicle defect was noted as the official cause. According to the SPD investigation, data from the vehicle's computer indicated the car was traveling at 26 mph when it hit the restaurant and the accelerator appeared to be functional but fluctuated considerably in the five seconds leading up to the crash. Police confirmed that the steering wheel was almost completely non-functional. Story continues "The steering stabilizer/piston was sheared near where it connects to the steering knuckle," the report says. Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Panera owners unsure when Springfield location hit by car will reopen Federal intelligence and national security agencies from the FBI to DHS are in universal agreement that domestic extremism and terrorism is the leading threat to the U.S. homeland. But homeland security officials are also trained to be apolitical, so heres what they cant tell you: Donald J. Trump poses a significant threat to homeland security. While generally highly decentralized and fractured, violent extremist groups have begun to mesh over a unifying figure: Trump. The former president has become a focal point of domestic extremism, and by not denouncing them and sometimes courting them he has been adopted by these groups as a de facto spiritual leader. In some ways, Trump has also co-opted these groups to boost his own support. This, in my assessment, makes the former president a leading driver of domestic extremism, and an unprecedented danger to our security. The indictment of Trump for his push to overturn the 2020 election puts that in stark relief. I do not issue this assessment lightly. Such statements are considered blasphemy in domestic intelligence circles and will undoubtedly draw the ire of many both inside and outside of the profession. To name a political figure, or any prominent U.S. person, in a domestic intelligence assessment is taboo. Intelligence analysts and the agencies that oversee them are taught to not politicize threat assessments. To do so would potentially run afoul of civil rights and civil liberties and the First Amendment. But times have drastically changed since the Trump presidency began. Even as the homeland security profession has resisted involving itself in politics, politically motivated violence has emerged as a major threat to our homeland. This has led to the rise of stochastic terrorism, which occurs when prominent figures demonize, marginalize or openly target a specific group or individual and violence ensues. Trumps affinity for violent extremists and conspiracy theorists is an unspoken concern for many homeland security professionals. Throughout his presidency, he consistently failed to condemn white supremacists and far-right militia groups and created an environment ripe for potential violence. More importantly, the legitimization of extremists and so-called patriots by Trump and other prominent Republicans has helped them win converts to their violent ideologies. Story continues The culmination of Trumps attraction to these hateful elements unfolded for the world on Jan 6. In the months and years since then, despite the prosecution of hundreds of the rioters and the recent indictment of the former president for his role in fomenting the violence, the danger of extremist violence has not abated. Instead, it has morphed. Donald Trump still poses a clear and present danger to the United States of America. I saw the chaos of Jan. 6 up close. At the time, I was the head of the District of Columbias Fusion Intelligence Center, one of 80 fusion centers around the country tasked with the collection, analysis, contextualization and dissemination of threat intelligence. It was clear to all on my team that the intent of Trump and his supporters was mass violence on a scale not seen in the District in decades. Throughout his time in office, Trump openly advocated violence on numerous occasions. Whether it was suggesting that protesters should be roughed up or praising those who engaged in violence against journalists and dissenters, his remarks encouraged a dangerous disregard for the rule of law and the sanctity of peaceful protest. But most significantly, he normalized the notion of politically motivated violence. In doing so, he emboldened individuals and groups whose base instinct or lack of civil restraint inclined them to protest with their fists and weapons, rather than their voices. It was this assessment that prompted me to reach out to every hospital in Washington, D.C., days before Jan. 6 to warn them to be fully staffed and prepared for a mass casualty event, including stockpiling blood supplies. I also briefed the Districts chief medical examiner and told him to be prepared for a large-scale crime scene with multiple fatalities. I remain grateful to law enforcement officers that the tragedy, as deadly and damaging as it was, never reached the worst proportions imaginable and as the insurrectionists planned it to be. While the Justice Department and FBI have done a commendable job of rounding up and charging the foot soldiers responsible for Jan. 6, the leaders and members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys cant be the only ones who see consequences for the attack on our democracy. Without encouragement from Trump, these previously unaffiliated groups would never have been able to effectively unite and attempt the violent overthrow of our government. Trump assembled, addressed, hyped-up and dispatched a crowd of insurrectionists to do his bidding and attack the Capitol to stop the certification of the vote that he lost. He sat idly in the White House for nearly three hours resisting any efforts to stop what he had started. He knew those in the crowd in the Ellipse were armed, armored and ready to fight. Even after the Capitol had been desecrated, according to special counsel Jack Smiths investigation, Trump and his co-conspirators were allegedly making last ditch efforts to try to persuade Republican senators to delay certification of Joe Bidens victory. Finally, the former president is facing accountability for what happened that day. As a former intelligence chief, I believe the indictment of Trump for his conduct in the runup to and on Jan. 6 is crucial to maintaining the long-term security of our nation and the foundations of our democratic society. However, in the near term, we should acknowledge and prepare for the potentially fraught homeland security consequences. The former president is fomenting a radicalism that affects not only those in extremist groups or far-right individuals (lone actors), but has also permeated the mainstream of civil society, the media and public life. This is certainly not to say that all Trump supporters or those that ascribe to the MAGA doctrine are extremists. But these adherents still form a deep pool of potential recruits into extremist groups, people who could seamlessly and quickly shift from law-abiding, nonviolent citizen to violent extremist. Of the over 1,000 individuals charged for attacking the Capitol, the vast majority have a minor or no prior criminal record and were, by all accounts, law-abiding citizens up until the day Trump radicalized them. Roughly 15 percent of those charged were current or retired military or public safety professionals, individuals sworn to defend the Constitution and the public. Trump understands the considerable influence that he has over the radical and violent members of his following, and after Jan. 6, he is fully aware of their capabilities, and triggers. He not only courts them, but simultaneously manipulates them. His numerous public statements show support for domestic violent extremist groups from very fine people on both sides to stand back and stand by to promises to pardon many of those convicted on charges related to Jan. 6 should he land in the White House for a second term. A trial and conviction of Trump could expand the number of disaffected and radicalized citizens who see violence as the only means to solve perceived political and societal wrongs. Thats particularly true because Trump is sure to continue his narrative of victimization and martyrdom. A central theme in violent extremism is a sense of aggrievement, victimhood and isolation, all sentiments Trump will cultivate as he moves through the justice system. Violent groups and individuals are drawn to Trump because he does not reject and in many cases defends their varied ideologies, be they anti-government, anti-federal law enforcement or anti-immigration; his exhortations that the left or the Deep State is coming after you or trying to take your country away provides the type of existential threat to his followers that is essential for the pathway to violence. The result is that disparate groups on the fringes of our civil society have found a central rallying point in Trump and MAGA. The confluence of extremist groups with differing issues, grievances and capabilities have unified under Trump to form a salad bar of violent ideologies. A successful conviction is likely to make Trump a martyr amongst these groups and could lead to disorder in the short term. But regardless of the outcome of the impending trial, the indictment of Donald Trump is a critical step toward healing the gaping and festering wound that Jan. 6 has left in American society. In fact, it is a necessary step toward bolstering our homeland security. Not holding those to account for the planning, execution or complacency required to make Jan. 6 a reality only encourages lawlessness and further attacks on our democracy. And while we should have no illusion that a Trump conviction will sway or de-radicalize the most hard-line elements of his following or those who have slipped into the abyss of domestic extremism, it could help stanch the pipeline of those on the cusp of transitioning into violent extremism and cut off the flow of members and sympathizers that these groups rely on to fund and swell their ranks. Trumps willingness to fan the worst flames of discord and division is why, in my assessment, he is currently the greatest threat to our nation. My national security friends and colleagues might argue that it is a beleaguered and inflamed Russia, or a rising and emboldened China that are more serious threats to our security than a single failed politician. What they would miss in that argument, however, is that Trump is not a single person. He has become an ideology, one that tens of millions of Americans embrace; many are willing to commit acts of violence, go to prison, forfeit their marriages and relationships, and even die for it. How can any foreign adversary be more dangerous to us than ourselves? Its why our adversaries expend great effort at sowing domestic division with elaborate and sophisticated mis- and disinformation campaigns. From the distant past, Abraham Lincoln whispers this premonition to us: Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never! If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As it was in Lincolns time, the greatest threat to our homeland is ourselves; today, Donald Trump is that catalyst. While Texas Gov. Greg Abbott places buoys in the Rio Grande to make it harder for migrants to cross into his state, a growing number of migrants have braved record-breaking heat and dangerous terrain to cross into Arizona. Long considered the most dangerous area to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, the Tucson sector is now also its busiest. On average, more than 1,300 migrants cross daily despite temperatures that regularly top 100 degrees, according to Customs and Border Protection data obtained by NBC News. This is a very rough, rough entrance into the United States, said Jim Chilton, a rancher in Arivaca, Arizona, who regularly sees migrants cross his 50,000 acres of land. Its gotten worse, he said, noting a seemingly undeterred migrant population traversing his ranch. Most of the migrants trying to cross Chiltons property are single adult men trying to evade detection by Border Patrol. But in other areas, like around Nogales, families with young children are turning themselves in to agents to seek asylum. NBC News recently traveled with Border Patrol agents in Nogales as they apprehended a group of 20 women and children who had crossed the border early in the morning, when the air was still cool. A group of migrants are apprehended by Border Patrol shortly before sunrise in Nogales, Ariz. (NBC) One mother traveling with her 16-year-old son said they had been sleeping in the mountains and decided to turn themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol because they were exhausted and had nothing to eat. The increase in families is especially concerning to Border Patrol agents and rescue workers, given this summers temperatures. Agent Ronaldo Rios, the acting director of the Arizona Air Coordination Center, told NBC News he has seen groups crossing with more than 200 women and children, including babies and toddlers. The common hazard that folks are hearing about is going to be the heat," said Rios. "Exposure to the elements being out in our terrain or mountainous terrain for long periods of time without any water. John Russell, an air interdiction agent who flies Black Hawk helicopters for Customs and Border Protections Air and Marine operations, said that his unit recently received 26 calls for help in a single day. Many migrants who were trying to cross the border in remote terrain called for help during the first storm of southern Arizonas annual monsoon season. Story continues Calls to 911 started rolling in, said Russell. There were three that we werent able to get to due to weather, aircraft availability. One of those was later found deceased. He didnt make it. He succumbed to the weather. Department of Homeland Security officials are worried about the overall rise in families crossing the border as well. In Tucson, in particular, the rise in families could mean more migrant deaths. "We are seeing very little kids that need water, said Alejandro Avirde, a border patrol agent. Theyve been doing this hike for five hours, and theyre in need of water. CORRECTION (Aug. 5, 2023, 12:12 p.m. ET) A previous version of this article misstated John Russells title. He is an air interdiction agent, not a Border Patrol agent. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com An animal rescuer on New Yorks Long Island swooped in to help a drowning owl earlier this week. Saved! wrote Strong Island Animal Rescue League in a Facebook post on Wednesday. The Suffolk County nonprofit said it had received a call about an owl that was drowning in a swimming pool and immediately set out to help. Video shows the rescue groups president, Frankie Floridia, fishing the flailing bird or prey out of the water with a long-handled net and placing it inside a plastic tub for transportation. News 12 Long Island reported that the bird was taken from the Commack, New York, backyard to Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown for care. Several people who commented on the Facebook post wondered why the homeowners hadnt scooped the struggling owl out themselves. The group responded that it doesnt ask questions when someone calls for help with an animal, adding, these people were good people who wanted help for the owl. Last month, a barred owl was rescued from a similar situation in a Florida swimming pool and was treated for injuries by the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife in Sanibel. To prevent animals from drowning in swimming pools, the Humane Society of the United States recommends fencing pools and installing water-exit devices, like a floating ramp, that can help animals get out. Related... Imran Khan Ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for nationwide protests after he was handed a three-year jail sentence over corruption allegations. Mr Khan was found guilty of not declaring money earned from selling gifts he received in office. He denies the charges and says he will appeal. After the verdict, Mr Khan was taken into custody from his home in Lahore. In a pre-recorded statement posted after the verdict, he urged supporters to fight against the ruling. "I have only one appeal, don't sit at home silently," he said in a video address posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. "I am struggling for you and the country and your children's future," he added. The former cricketer-turned-politician, 70, was elected in 2018, but was ousted in a no-confidence vote last year after falling out with Pakistan's powerful military. Mr Khan is facing more than 100 cases brought against him since his removal - charges he says are politically motivated. However, the government has adamantly denied that there was any political motivation in Mr Khan's arrest or disqualification. Marriyum Aurangzeb, Pakistan's minister of information and broadcasting, told the BBC: "You have to be accountable for your deeds in law. This has nothing to do with politics. A person who has been proven guilty by the court has to be arrested." Saturday's verdict centred on charges that Mr Khan incorrectly declared details of presents from foreign dignitaries and proceeds from their alleged sale. The gifts - reported to be worth more than 140m Pakistani rupees ($635,000; 500,000) - included Rolex watches, a ring and a pair of cuff links. "His dishonesty has been established beyond doubt," Judge Humayun Dilawar wrote in his ruling. Outside the courthouse, some pro-government demonstrators chanted "your show is over Khan". Judge Dilawar said police had been instructed to arrest Mr Khan immediately. Within 15 minutes of the verdict, footage began to circulate on social media showing a line of police cars and trucks taking him away. Story continues Imran Khan's lawyer, Intazar Hussain Panjutha, told the BBC the trial had been conducted by "a kangaroo-type court" in which "the accused was never given the opportunity to defend himself". Police officers outside Mr Khan's home after he was handed a three-year jail sentence "As a consequence of today's conviction, he has been barred to take part in the politics for five years," Mr Panjutha said. "But if the sentence and the conviction is suspended as we are hoping by the superior courts, he will then be able to come back to politics." Mr Khan has been sent to Attock jail, a small facility in Punjab province with historical ties to the military, about 85km (52 miles) from the capital Islamabad. A number of members of Mr Khan's party have previously been held at the compound, local media reported. For months he had avoided arrest, with his supporters at times fighting pitched battles with police to keep him out of custody. In May, Mr Khan was arrested for not appearing at court as requested. He was then released, with the arrest declared illegal. When he was last arrested on 9 May, there were protests across Pakistan. Thousands of his supporters arrested were alleged to have been involved in the protests. Since then, Mr Khan and his political party have faced a dramatic crackdown, with many of his senior leadership arrested, before announcing they were leaving the party. Many vocal supporters of Mr Khan - who would previously post regularly about him on social media - now feel nervous to express their opinion or even have quietly deleted their previous comments. Some of those arrested supporting Mr Khan will face trial in military courts, despite an outcry from many in human rights groups. Indeed, several hours after Mr Khan's arrest, there had not been the kind of mass political protests seen in May. In Lahore, the BBC Urdu team saw some supporters who had gathered outside his home chanting and waving flags picked up by police. Around Islamabad, there's no evidence of increased security. When questioned by BBC HARDTalk as to whether he had created an atmosphere of hostility to the military resulting in violence, Mr Khan said he and his party had never advocated the use of violence and had a record of peaceful protest. Mr Khan said the army in Pakistan was "petrified" of elections which his party would win "hands down" and, for that reason, "they're dismantling a democracy". Pakistan's army plays a prominent role in politics, sometimes seizing power in military coups and, on other occasions, pulling levers behind the scenes. Many analysts believe Mr Khan's election win in 2018 happened with the help of the military. In opposition, he has been one of its most vocal critics, and analysts say the army's popularity has fallen. Since being ousted, Mr Khan has been campaigning for early elections, but Saturday's ruling means he will be disqualified from running in the much anticipated poll. Ms Aurangzeb insisted that there was "no correlation" between Saturday's ruling and he prospect of elections. "Just because there are elections down the road doesn't mean that you can't arrest him," she told the BBC. She accused Mr Khan of sidestepping and evading the law. Pakistan's parliament will be dissolved on August 9, leaving a caretaker government to take over in the run up to the elections. No election date has been announced, although constitutionally they should take place by early November. However, on Saturday the country's law minister said the new elections would have to take place after the results of a new census were implemented. Azam Nazeer Tarar told Geo News TV that it could take about four months to produce new constituency boundaries based from the count, potentially delaying the election by several months. By Asif Shahzad ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A general election in Pakistan due later this year will be based on a new census, the law minister said on Saturday, indicating the vote could be delayed. The announcement fuelled opposition fears that a caretaker administration to be set up to oversee the vote could mean polling day is pushed back by months. The opposition party led by former premier Imran Khan says the ruling coalition of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is seeking to avoid facing an election as Khan's popularity grows. Sharif's tenure expires on Aug. 12. The caretaker government will take over from him to hold the elections in a maximum of three months. Police arrested Khan on Saturday after a court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts, potentially barring the former cricket star from contesting the election. The government denies it is dragging its feet, saying it is a constitutional requirement to hold elections under the latest census. The law minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar, told Geo News TV that it could take about four months to complete the census and draw new constituency boundaries. That means the elections due by November at the latest could be delayed by several months, a former top official of the Election Commission of Pakistan, Kunwar Dilshad, told Reuters. "It is going to make things very complicated," he said, adding the new census means new constituency boundaries will be needed across the country. It is not possible to complete that process and hold the election within the constitutionally required deadline, meaning the election cannot be held before February next year, he said. Tarar said the decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Common Interest, which included representatives from federal and provincial governments. "It was a consensus decision to hold elections under the new census," the minister said. The census shows the population has risen to 241.49 million, but new constituency boundaries must now be drawn up, which the minister said will take about four months. Story continues The election commission will decide exactly how much time it needs, Tarar said. Sharif has proposed dissolving parliament on Aug. 9, three days before the end of its term. That would mean the election commission has 90 days to hold the vote against 60 days if parliament were dissolved on Aug. 12 at the end of its full five-year term. (This story has been corrected to say a caretaker government could take over, in paragraph 2) (Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Giles Elgood) The Panama Canal has capped the number of ships that it lets through because of drought-induced low freshwater levels. REUTERS/Rafael Ibarra The canal has capped the daily number of ships that can pass through because of the summer drought. Its income could fall by $200 million because of a lack of rain, the administrator said Thursday. "If we don't adapt, we are going to die," Ricaurte Vasquez said, France 24 reported. The Panama Canal is experiencing an intense drought that's forcing officials to cap the daily number of ships that can pass through the vital waterway. Ricaurte Vasquez Morales, the administrator of the canal, said Thursday that operators had decided to allow a maximum of 32 ships a day through the canal, down by about 14% from a norm of about 36 to 38. He said the canal's income could fall by as much as $200 million next year because of lost traffic. The canal system relies on freshwater rather than seawater, meaning that poor rainfall this summer has affected the canal's operations. "The big disadvantage that the Panama Canal has as a maritime route, is that we operate with freshwater, while others use seawater," Vasquez said, the French state-owned international-news outlet France 24 reported. The outlet reported that meteorologists are warning that the El Nino climate pattern, which can cause drought and flooding at the same time in the Pacific Ocean, could worsen the situation for the canal. "We have to find other solutions to remain a relevant route for international trade. If we don't adapt, we are going to die," Vasquez said. He added that shipping companies could use other routes if the restrictions carry on. The 51-mile canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, which has historically made it a vital trade route. It had expected to bring in fees of about $4.9 billion in 2024 before the drought, Vasquez said. Read the original article on Business Insider Hong Kong (CNN) Dozens of human rights groups have signed a joint petition calling on Laos authorities to release a prominent Chinese lawyer as its embassy in Britain warned he could be deported back to China. Concerns for Lu Siwei have spiked after he went missing in Laos while traveling to the United States. Laos lies across Chinas southwestern border and has long been a common, albeit risky, exit point for Chinese dissidents trying to leave the country. The 85 rights groups from around the world demanded the Laotian government halt all processes of repatriation for Lu Siwei and release him immediately according to its international human rights obligations. We are gravely concerned that he is at serious risk of forced repatriation to China where he faces the high likelihood of torture and other ill-treatment, it said, also calling for the country to disclose his whereabouts and safety. CNN was unable to reach Laos authorities on Friday, but its embassy in Britain confirmed his arrest later that day to the UK-based lawyers group, The 29 Principles. It said Lu was arrested on July 28 on suspicion of using fraudulent travel documents but added that he was healthy, according to an email seen by CNN. He is now waiting for investigation and criminal proceedings that will take place soon according to the laws of Lao PDR (Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, the embassy said, adding: If found guilty, Mr. Siwei will be deported in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Lao PDR and treaties the Lao PDR is party to. Human rights groups said he has a valid visa to enter the country. Lu, from the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan, has represented a long list of defendants considered dissidents in mainland China over the years. He was known for navigating Chinas opaque criminal system until his license was revoked by authorities in 2021 following years of taking on sensitive cases. The signatories of the joint petition said Lu has been closely monitored by the Chinese authorities and subject to an exit ban since May 2021. Being a human rights lawyer has become increasingly risky under Xi Jinping, Chinas most assertive leader in a generation. Hundreds of well known rights lawyers were arrested in 2015 in what was later dubbed the 709 crackdown. Lu represented fellow human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng after he ended up in the dock for taking on the cause of a number of those detained in the initial roundup. More recently Lu lost his practicing license after representing one of the 12 activists who were intercepted by Chinese coastguards at sea on their way to Taiwan while trying to flee Hong Kong. Detention witnessed US-based group ChinaAid, which describes itself as an international non-profit Christian human rights organization and is one of the petition signatories, said its activists witnessed Lus detention in Laos. The group said Lu had obtained visas for both Laos and the US and was on his way to be reunited with his family. Immigration police apprehended (Lu) in front of two staff members of ChinaAid. There has been little information about Lu since his arrest on July 28th, the group said in a statement. The group posted video on YouTube of what they said was the moment Lu was picked up. It showed three men in uniform and a man who looks like Lu next to a white Toyota car on the side of the road. They told CNN that an earlier version of the petition with 75 signatories was passed to the Laos embassy in Britain earlier, with a protest planned in London on Saturday. Spokesperson Sam Yip, of Japan Hong Kong Democracy Alliance, which also signed the petition, described how the groups are racing against time given the Laos governments negative track record in how it treats activists domestically. Theres a real emergency to have him stopped from being extradited back to China to protect his own security, he told CNN. China has a long history of imposing exit bans on individuals in an attempt to force suspected criminals to surrender, to resolve business disputes, or maintain pressure on political dissidents and regime critics. Laos is a popular route for Chinese trying to avoid legal emigration. Many head on to Thailand, a major hub for international flights. But the Laos route carries dangers. Officially known as the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, the country has one of the worlds few remaining communist governments, which runs under an opaque one-party system whose leaders have close ties with Beijing. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Rights groups urge Laos to release missing Chinese lawyer who was trying to get to US" Gender-affirming care for minors is at the center of heated political debate in the United States. Opponents consider it experimental, and Republican lawmakers have banned it in 19 states. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI A leading U.S. pediatric organization has reaffirmed its support for gender-related treatments in minors, but it also plans a systematic review of the medical research. The move by the American Academy of Pediatrics to examine research on the treatments is similar to recent moves in England and Sweden. Both limited access to the treatments after their reviews found uncertain evidence for their effectiveness in adolescents, the New York Times reported. "The board has confidence that the existing evidence is such that the current policy is appropriate," said Mark Del Monte, chief executive of the AAP, which represents 67,000 pediatricians. "At the same time, the board recognized that additional detail would be helpful here." Asked about the policy changes in European countries, Del Monte said, "they engaged in their process, we're engaging in our process." A systematic review of the evidence is considered the gold standard. The AAP issued a statement on gender-related treatments in 2018, and it's customary for the group to reevaluate position statements after five years, the Times reported. The 2018 statement said the treatments were essential and should be covered by health insurers. The group's 16-member board reaffirmed the guidelines Thursday. After the new review is complete, the organization plans to issue additional clinical guidance for doctors. It is also likely to update its recommendations at that time. As in Europe, gender-affirming care for minors is at the center of political debate in the United States. Opponents consider it experimental. Republican lawmakers have banned it in 19 states. This care can include psychotherapy, puberty-blocking drugs, hormones and, rarely, surgeries. Early evidence suggested that gender-affirming care could improve the mental health of transgender adolescents. The AAP says legislative bans intrude on decisions by doctors and their patients. The academy has filed friend-of-the-court briefs in support of court challenges to these bans, the Times reported. Story continues Dr. Julia Mason, an Oregon pediatrician who co-founded a group called the Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine, told the Times she was glad to see that a review is planned. "We are making strong recommendations based on weak evidence," she said. Dr. Marci Bowers, a gynecologic and reconstructive surgeon and the president of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, said gender-related care profoundly improves many children's lives. "They know this population," said Bowers, who is a transgender woman. "They know the stories. Anecdotally, it's overwhelmingly positive." Referring to policies abroad, she noted that Europe has not banned gender-related care entirely. "What they're saying is this population needs to be studied," she said. "And I agree with that." The European changes include a decision in June by England's National Health Service to restrict the use of puberty blockers to clinical trials. The NHS said "there is not enough evidence to support their safety or clinical effectiveness as a routinely available treatment." Last year, Sweden's health care governing body decided the risks of puberty-inhibiting and gender-affirming hormone treatments outweigh the benefits for those under 18. More information The Association of American Medical Colleges has more on gender-affirming care. Pennsylvania State Police in Mercer County released a warning regarding a recent scam targeting the public. According to state police, a 74-year-old woman was sent a link in a fraudulent email from the security department at Microsoft which led to a phone call from Microsoft network security. In the call, Microsoft warned the victim that she had visited illegal websites and that the company was going to turn her into the FBI. They also stated that a tiny banker Trojan affected her computer and bank account, state police said. The scammer then called again pretending to be the victims bank, including manipulating the caller ID to be from the bank. During the second call, the scammer attempted to elicit money from the victim. According to state police, the scammer uses the illegal website and tiny banker Trojan stories from the first call to persuade the victim that they are either in trouble with the FBI or have a payment issue with the bank. Its unknown how much the perpetrators from this scam attempt to get from their victims. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Woman dead after 5-vehicle crash in Richland Township Charges expected after owner abandoned dog at Pittsburgh International Airport, county police say Kennywoods Steel Curtain closed for maintenance until further notice VIDEO: Fans pack Latrobe Memorial Stadium for Steelers Friday Night Lights practice DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts NEW YORK (AP) Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of OShae Sibley, a gay man who was fatally stabbed after a confrontation between a group of friends dancing to a Beyonce song and several young men who taunted them, authorities said Friday. The New York City Police Department declined to immediately identify the person or say what criminal charges they would face, if any, describing them only as a person of interest. Sibley, a 28-year-old professional dancer, died July 29 after being stabbed in the torso at a Brooklyn gas station. His death outraged New York Citys LGBTQ+ community and drew tributes from celebrities including Beyonce and Spike Lee. Sibley was at a Mobil station with friends getting gas, listening to music and dancing shirtless on a hot night when they were heckled by a group of young men. One witness, Summy Ullah, said in interviews that the men complained that their behavior offended them as Muslims. Security camera video showed the two groups arguing for a few minutes. Both sides had walked away when Sibley and a friend abruptly returned and again confronted one of the young men, who had stayed behind recording on his phone. On the video, Sibley could be seen following the the teen and then lunging at him before the two disappeared out of the camera's view. A moment later, he walks backward into view, checking his side, then collapses to the sidewalk. One of Sibleys friends who was there, Otis Pena, said in a Facebook video that Sibley was killed because he was gay, and because he stood up for his friends. Sibley performed with the dance company Philadanco in his native Philadelphia and in New York, where he took classes with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theaters Ailey Extension program. Mayor Eric Adams has promised justice for OShaes family and loved ones." OShae Sibleys life and beautiful spirit were cut short by homophobia," Adams said in a message posted on social media Tuesday. Bigotry can never take root in our city. With Phoenix's crime rates seeing record highs in 2022, the police chief told The Arizona Republic he thinks guns, fentanyl and staffing levels account for some of it. On Friday, Phoenix police interim Chief Michael Sullivan discussed a crime report showing that over the first six months of this year, the city had seen a 2% decrease in crime numbers. But data pulled from the FBI and the Census Bureau showed that 2022 had some of the highest violent crime rates in Phoenix's history. Sullivan attributes some of those numbers to the increase in gun possession, the increase in fentanyl smuggling and a decrease in officers. After having worked in executive positions for police departments in Baltimore and Louisville, Sullivan started his tenure as Phoenixs interim chief in August 2022. This is a very unique community, Sullivan said as he described how Phoenixs sprawling 500 square miles makes responding to crime different from where he has worked in the past. He also mentioned that Phoenixs level of gun possessions and the level of fentanyl being trafficked were unlike any other city he has worked in. When you talk about narcotics trafficking, and go ahead and throw in the readily accessible firearms into that mix certainly there's a recipe for challenges, he said. According to Sullivan, the department gives some discretion to its precinct commanders to organize operations and address each precincts needs as they see fit. In some precincts, there has been reorganizing in order to make up for staffing shortages. Jim Spellman, a community neighborhood watch organizer near Interstate 17 and Northern Avenue, explained that he has had concerns about staffing levels in his area. He said that he saw the transit unit, which deals with issues at bus stops and other public transit stations, shrink, and other investigative units lose officers to patrols. According to Spellman, the department moved more officers into patrol, which helps address immediate crime, but Spellman worries that it leaves the city open to violent crime in the long term because there are fewer investigators. Story continues Though he is proud of their work, Sullivan explained that the officers have to work incredible hours of overtime to make up for the 500 open positions in the department. But he said he is seeing improvements. We're seeing more folks in the academy, we're seeing more applications come in, he said. We're also seeing our folks not leaving at the levels that they were at this time last year. Near 35th Avenue and McDowell Road, Brenda Montoya, a 27-year local and member of the neighborhood group Si Se Puede Neighborhood Association, worries about gun violence. We hear gunshots here almost nightly, but officers say that we need to do more reporting, she said. Her neighborhood had seen an increase in gun crimes since the start of the pandemic in 2020, and her neighbors were concerned about being shot, she said. Gun-related homicides in Maricopa County hit the highest number since the county began tracking those figures in 1991, according to a report compiled by the countys medical examiner. Sullivan said the department had focused on prohibited possessors by picking up people who are wanted on warrants. He cited Operation Summer Shield, a five-day endeavor that resulted in about 600 arrests and more than 40 weapons taken from prohibited possessors. He wants the department to focus on having precincts collaborate with their communities in order to follow crimes across the city and address the root causes of crime across neighborhoods. It's all about community-oriented policing, and problem-oriented policing, to solve problems, not just today. But to alleviate the challenges that are there in that environment, he said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police Chief Sullivan breaks down focus on crime prevention Kai Cenat with fans at New York City's Union Square Park. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images The NYPD charged Twitch streamer Kai Cenat with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly Friday. Cenat hosted a PlayStation giveaway in New York City's Union Square Park. Authorities said there were 65 arrests related to the event, including 30 juveniles. Popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat is facing charges after hosting a popup giveaway that quickly devolved, leading to several injuries and more than five dozen arrests. Insider reached out to representatives of the New York Police Department, who sent a link to a press conference held Friday. In the video, NYPD Chief of Department Jeff Maddrey said thousands arrived in Manhattan's Union Square Park to see Cenat, who announced earlier this week that he was giving out PlayStation consoles to the public. Although the event drew about 300 fans initially, Maddrey said the crowd soon swelled and became disruptive. "Individuals in the park began to commit acts of violence toward the police and the public," Maddrey said. He said police arrested 65 people, including 30 juveniles. Maddrey described fans attacking police officers, throwing fireworks at each other, destroying vendor stations, and disrupting the general public. The Washington Post reported that some fans jumped onto people's cars parked near Union Square. #unionsquare original sound - CNN @cnn Social media influencer Kai Cenat is in custody and the NYPD is considering charges such as "inciting a riot" after thousands-strong crowds gathered in Union Square for a giveaway, leaving multiple people arrested and several police officers injured. #kaicenat "They destroyed food carts. They destroyed stores," he said. "When we started clearing the young people out, young people ran through the streets of this city taking plates from people who were outside dining and were throwing their plates at police officers." Story continues Cenat is charged with inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, he added. TMZ reported that Cenat was issued a desk appearance ticket before being released from the Manhattan police precinct on Friday. Representatives for Cenat did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Some fans who attended Cenat's PlayStation giveaway climbed and stood on top of a street vendor's cart. People stand on top of a street vendor's food stand. YUKI IWAMURA/Getty Images One fan danced on top of a parked car near Union Square Park while another appeared to kick a door. A crowd surrounds a car at the giveaway. YUKI IWAMURA/Getty Images Others scaled a statue in Union Square Park, where throngs of people gathered before the NYPD cleared the crowds. People climbed a statue in Union Square Park. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images The NYPD said some attendees set off fireworks. Fans let off fireworks in Union Square Park. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images Residents stood on their fire escapes and looked out store windows to watch the NYPD clear the crowd. A car's shattered windshield and a line of police walking the streets near Union Square. YUKI IWAMURA/Getty Images Some people threw objects like trash cans as the NYPD attempted to clear the crowds. People threw bins during the event. YUKI IWAMURA/Getty Images One attendee appeared to throw a plate at NYPD officers as they tried to clear the crowd at Union Square Park. Fans of Kai Cenat and the NYPD clashed. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images Fans appear to have thrown a restaurant chair, too. A photo shows a restaurant chair airborne as Kai Cenat's fans and the NYPD clash on August 4, 2023. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images As the event became disruptive, people were photographed climbing over benches to leave Union Square Park. Attendees photographed running out of Union Square Park. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images More than five dozen people were arrested on Friday in relation to Cenat's PlayStation giveaway. Two NYPD officers stand next to two detained fans. YUKI IWAMURA/Getty Images Read the original article on Insider Oak Forest police said Saturday afternoon a person was in custody following a lengthy standoff in Tinley Park in connection with the Friday evening stabbing death of 30-year-old Lauren Pikor near her Oak Forest home. Suburban police and SWAT forces worked to executive a search warrant Saturday at a Tinley Park home near the Glen Swilly circle off 182 Street, leading to a multiple hour standoff. Tinley Park and Oak Forest updates stated loud sounds caused by flash bangs could be heard and residents were asked to stay out of the area. An afternoon announcement from the village of Tinley Park urged people to avoid the area. Oak Forest police said they were responding to a domestic disturbance Friday night when they found Pikor in the road way near her home just a short distance away from Oak Park High School. Pikor had fatal cuts and stab wounds and was pronounced shortly after police arrived at 10:14 p.m. in the 5300 block of Diamond Drive, according to Oak Forest police. The Cook County medical examiners office said Saturday Pikors death was the result of multiple sharp force injuries and ruled it a homicide. Oak Forest police declined to comment further but asked anyone with information on the case to contact detective Sgt. Ryan Burnett at 708-687-1376. hsanders@chicagotribune.com A police union is asking for the City of Celina to negotiate for better pay for the citys officers. >>RELATED: Totally unacceptable here; Residents, police react to KKK flyers found in Celina Data shows Celina officers are paid 18% less than the average departments in the surrounding area including the Mercer and Auglaize County Sheriffs Offices, according to the Fraternal Order of Police/Ohio Labor Council. Celinas starting pay is ranked at the bottom of current police jobs for similar-sized towns in Ohio. The FOP says the Celina Police Department is facing a retention crisis and not attracting qualified officers because of this. The union adds the city has refused to meet with them. Poland may need to close its border with Belarus as "the threat is very real," Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski told CNN on Aug. 5. We are considering any steps that will be necessary to protect our territory, protect our citizens, including the full isolation of Belarus, including full closure of the border, Jablonski said. Jablonski argued Wagner mercenaries could attempt to cross the border, adding Poland was already deploying troops and "would not back down." "We are stating very clearly that we will not back down. Obviously there will be attempts. We are expecting more attempts on attacks on our border, perhaps more attempts on also violating our airspace," Jablonski said. "They will be trying to demonstrate they can do whatever they want." Tensions between the neighboring countries rose after the Polish Defense Ministry confirmed that Belarusian helicopters had crossed into Polish territory on Aug. 1. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also claimed on July 29 that 100 Wagner mercenaries had been transferred close to Belarus' western border, near the Suwalki Corridor, a 65-kilometer strip of land between Belarus and Russia's exclave Kaliningrad Oblast. Belarusian dictator Lukashenko denied the accusations on Aug. 1, saying, "No Wagner detachments of 100 people moved there. And if they did, it was only to train the brigades, which are concentrated in Brest and Hrodna." Lukashenko went on to claim to have no interest in the Suwalki gap, but a week before, during a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on July 23, Lukashenko was "making jokes" about Wagner Group mercenaries eyeing Poland. Read also: Belarus Weekly: Helicopters violate Polish airspace; Wagner moves closer to border Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The first group of Ukrainian pilots that will participate in F-16 trainings have been identified, Politico reported on Aug. 4. Unnamed US sources told Politico journalists that eight Ukrainian pilots fluent in English are ready to begin training on the fighter jets as soon as formal training plans are drawn up by European allies and approved by the United States. Additionally, 20 more pilots with minimal English skills are available to start language instruction in the UK within the month. A total of 32 Ukrainian pilots have been named to possibly take part in the training program, yet English language competency remains a significant obstacle. Earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots would begin this month. At the Vilnius NATO summit in July, Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov signed a memorandum with 11 countries outlining the F-16 training terms for Ukrainian pilots. Zelensky's announcement corresponds with the information that officials told Reuters during the summit. They said that the program will start in Denmark in August and a training hub will be set up in Romania. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Overnight attack reported at Russian naval port Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BARING, Mo. A small Missouri community is recovering after a nocturnal tornado swept through town Friday, destroying everything in its path. The Edina Sentinel editor Echo Menges, who has been reporting from the scene, said officials from the National Weather Service told her that "without question, it was a tornado." According to the NWS, a survey team found damage that is consistent with at least an EF-2 tornado and the assessment is ongoing. That rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale means the twister had winds of at least 111 mph. NWS storm surveyors found evidence of peak winds up to 122 mph along the 1.64-mile path of the twister. No fatalities or severe injuries occurred as a result, Knox County Emergency Manager Bill Whiles said at a press conference Saturday afternoon. Only minor injuries have been reported. Of the town's 124 residents, as many as 14 people were rescued from their destroyed homes in Baring just after 11 p.m. on Friday, Menges told FOX Weather. Residents in a senior housing complex were among the many seeking help. Terry Fast was among those displaced in the middle of the night. He said he was in bed and suddenly awoke to the ceiling falling on him. "I didn't hear (any) sound or nothing," he told The Edina Sentinel. "I didn't know what was going on. I tried to do the best I could. Everything was raining on me." A building with its roof blown off and at least one wall in shambles. With his face bloodied and scratched, Fast said paramedics had to kick open his door to free him from his home before an ambulance shuttled him to a nearby community center following the disaster. TORNADO DAMAGE REPORTED IN MISSOURI AS SEVERE STORMS MARCH ACROSS MIDWEST, PLAINS As the powerful line of thunderstorms developed over Knox County, several residents in Baring reported that their tornado siren failed to go off, according to Menges. Emergency personnel also said they did not receive any notifications on their weather radios. Among the buildings destroyed were the town's post office and fire station. Menges said there is damage to numerous vehicles and large items like shipping containers and feeders spread throughout the town. Story continues Whiles told The Edina Sentinel that emergency personnel also responded to several hazardous materials leaks from tanks full of anhydrous ammonia and propane in the damaged area. Knox County Sheriff Carl Knoche told the newspaper that power to the town had to be turned off during the emergency response. He also asked everyone to refrain from visiting the town for now as emergency and clean-up efforts are still underway. A home with much of its roof missing with a shipping crate blown up against it. The Red Cross will be in nearby Edina to assist displaced residents with emergency needs Saturday. A tornado was also reported earlier Friday on the opposite side of Missouri near the town of Richmond. Hong Kong (CNN) More than a million people have been forced from their homes by the remnants of a storm in Chinas northeastern Hebei province, according to state media, as officials warned it could take a month for the waters to recede in some areas. Typhoon Doksuri slammed into southeastern Chinas Fujian province on July 28 before weakening and making its way north. The rains that followed soaked Hebei, a province of 75 million, and the neighboring cities of Beijing and Tianjin. Flooding in those regions stranded residents, washed away bridges and highways, killing about 30 people in total, according to Chinese authorities. The storm also brought the heaviest rainfall Beijing has experienced in 140 years, marking a significant test of the regions capacity to handle extreme weather that experts warn will become more frequent with climate change. Evacuated residents have been transferred to makeshift shelters in hotels and schools, according to state media reports. Social media posts show people dropping off donations to these shelters or setting up booths to offer food, while a district government within Tianjin called on residents to help house their displaced relatives and neighbors. Many of those displaced in Hebei, an industrial and agrarian hub that is home to many of Beijings commuters, have been forced to leave their houses in areas where authorities have released pent-up floodwaters that had overwhelmed reservoirs and waterways. At least 10 have been killed in Baoding, a major city in Heibi, the city government said on Saturday. Another 18 were reported missing. The rains in the city forced about 627,000 to evacuate and affected more 1.1 million people, local authorities said. Thousands of homes have already been damaged or destroyed. The local government said that the economic damages from the storm stand at about $2.2 billion. Flood control zones Some 1.5 million people have been evacuated from Hebei province, though it is not clear whether some people in flood control areas had been previously evacuated due to the heavy rains. State news outlet Xinhua reported that 883 towns and townships in 98 county-level regions of Hebei had been hit by flooding, affecting over 2.2 million people. Among those relocated, more than 960,000 are from flood storage and detention basin areas meant to decrease the impact of flooding downstream in Hebei, the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters said on Saturday. A number of flood control zones have been activated one after another, resulting in relocations and relatively large economic losses, Yang Bang, an official at the Ministry of Water Resources, told state broadcaster CCTV. In the current situation, upstream reservoirs reached high water levels and urgently needed to be discharged, while at the same time, downstream rivers also faced a limited capacity to handle the flood flows, Yang said. A comment from a provincial official, who suggested that flooding in Hebei was done to protect the Chinese capital, sparked backlash and debate about the handling of the flooding on social media. Ni Yuefeng, the party secretary of Hebei province, was quoted in media reports calling on areas bordering Beijing to resolutely serve as a moat for the capital. In one widely-circulated article on social media, a blogger who claimed their family was in a flood-affected area of Hebei wrote, I hope that from now on, we dont have to be the sacrifice for protecting the capital while some commentators debated this view. While state media quoted other officials saying the drainage in Hebei played a role in alleviating the pressure on the flood basin, it also pushed back on the idea that one area was flooded to preserve another. One state media report quoted hydraulic engineer Cheng Xiaotao saying this characterization was not very accurate in terms of how flood control operates. No official data has yet been released on the costs of damage to homes and farmlands. Under national rules, the cost of properties damaged due to the release of waters in flood control areas will be compensated by 70%. Meanwhile, Hebei had dispatched 3,385 working groups and mobilized materials worth 150 million yuan, or about 21 million US dollars, to assist with rescue and relief efforts, by Friday morning. More than 300 professional emergency rescue teams and 6,913 people have participated in the on site rescue work in Zhuozhou, one of the worst-affected areas in Hebei, according to Xinhua. Disaster response The disaster points to the challenges facing the region positioned within the Haihe river basin, where five rivers converge when it comes to severe rain and flash floods. It is also the largest river system in northern China, covering a total area of 265,000 square kilometers, including 180 million hectares. Shao Sun, a climatologist who studies meteorological hazards at the University of California Irvine, told CNN that northern China has faced intensifying extreme rain over the past decade and needs to enhance its disaster defense capabilities. Sun explained since northern Chinas terrain is higher in the west and lower in the east, rainfall usually accumulates on the western side of the North China Plain where Hebei, Tianjin and Beijing are situated. The water is then drained eastward into the ocean. For high-risk cities located near mountains, besides addressing drainage and flood prevention in urban areas, more attention is needed to mitigate the hazards of flash floods, including controlled water discharge protocols used to regulate water flow to reduce the impact on downstream areas, according to Sun. The drainage design standards in northern Chinese cities need further improvement to withstand the increasing frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change, he said. This story was first published on CNN.com. More than a million displaced as Chinas Hebei region reels after record rains In the two-and-a-half years since the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, Congress passed a bipartisan law closing loopholes in the complex process of choosing a new president that Donald Trump tried to exploit in his push to stay in office after losing the 2020 election. Candidates for crucial swing-state election posts who backed Trumps push to overturn the 2020 election all lost their bids in last years elections. And, this week, federal prosecutors filed four felony charges against the former president for his role in the scheme to overturn President Joe Bidens win. But while those avenues for electoral mischief may be blocked or severely constrained in 2024, the prosecution along with another federal indictment accusing Trump of mishandling classified information after leaving office is providing additional urgency among conservatives for a plan to make over the U.S. Department of Justice. Thats a step democracy advocates warn could mark a new assault on the U.S. system should Trump win the presidency a second time. The incentives for him to move in that direction will be even stronger, and we should worry even more about the degree of control hell attempt to wield over federal law enforcement, said Brendan Nyhan, a political scientist at Dartmouth College and co-director of Bright Line Watch, an academic group that monitors democracy in the U.S. We have many examples from other countries demonstrating the dangers of a political takeover of law enforcement. To be sure, other risks for American democracy beyond a takeover of federal law enforcement remain. The myth that Trump won the 2020 election has taken firm hold in the Republican electorate, with nearly 60% of GOP voters saying in an Associated Press poll last fall that Biden was not legitimately elected. The belief has led millions to distrust voting machines, mail balloting and vote counting while leading to death threats against election officials. Story continues Numerous rural counties have seen election conspiracy theorists take control of elections and vote-counting, raising worries of more election chaos next year. Certification of election results remains a potential pressure point for delaying or undermining a final outcome in the next election whether by local commissions, state certification boards, legislatures or even Congress. Despite those potential risks, the accelerating GOP primary has highlighted a new worry for some calls by Trump and his allies for more control of federal prosecutions. Several legal experts highlighted this as perhaps the most troubling threat to the countrys democratic institutions should Trump or another Republican win the White House next year. Currently, the president can appoint the attorney general and other top Department of Justice officials, subject to Senate confirmation, but has more limited tools to change the behavior of career prosecutors. Doing away with or diminishing the independence of the Justice Department would be a huge mistake, said Paul Coggins, past president of the National Association of Former U.S. Attorneys. We cant afford for people to lose more faith in the system than they have now. He said federal prosecutors have been paying attention to Trumps recent vows to seize greater control of the system. I think the fact that Trump has raised this idea sent shock waves through prosecutors everywhere, Coggins said. Trump and other conservatives have argued that such a takeover is overdue, especially because they see the prosecutions against him as the 2024 campaign is heating up as nakedly political. Indeed, after his previous indictment, Trump vowed to pursue Biden and his family should he return to the White House. This is the persecution of the person thats leading by very, very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot, Trump told reporters after his most recent arraignment. So if you cant beat em, you persecute em or you prosecute em. At a Republican Party dinner Friday night in Alabama, Trump repeated his claims that the latest criminal case he faces is an outrageous criminalization of political speech, and said his enemies were trying to stop him and his political movement with an army of rabid, left-wing lawyers, corrupt and really corrupt Marxist prosecutors, deranged government agents and rogue intelligence officers. He called the indictment an act of desperation by a failed and disgraced, crooked Joe Biden and his radical left thugs to preserve their grip on power. Allies of Trumps, including his former budget office head Russell Vought and Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official who was involved enough in the push to overturn the election that he is referred to in the indictment as Co-Conspirator 4, are working on a plan to increase control of the federal bureaucracy the next time a Republican is in the White House. That would include at the Department of Justice, where internal regulations limit the influence of the president and other political actors. Vought and the organization he helps run to map out future control of the bureaucracy, the Center for Renewing America, did not respond to requests for comment. The push does not only come from Trump, suggesting how his contentious views toward federal law enforcement have shaped a party that has long promoted itself as the protector of law-and-order. On the day the most recent indictment was released this week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a new FBI director and the right for defendants to choose not to be prosecuted in Washington, D.C., a primarily Democratic city. House Republicans have empaneled a committee to investigate what they call the weaponization of federal law enforcement. FBI director Christopher Wray, a Republican nominated to the position by Trump, has become a frequent target of Republican attacks. Some longtime conservatives say theyve become disillusioned with the agencys conduct, especially in recent years as they see it pursuing Trump with more vigor than Democrats such as Bidens son Hunter. The Justice Department has become more politicized and leaned more and more to the left as the years have gone on, said Mark Corallo, who was communications director for the department under President George W. Bush. Corallo, who described his politics as Never-Again Trump, said career lawyers in the agency are reliably Democratic. But he also scoffed at the notion of being able to more tightly control them, absent reform of the civil service system that protects their jobs. I think there is a zero chance that the career people at the Justice Department will ever bend to his will, Corallo said. Trump tried to enlist the agency in his fight to stay in office. Election conspiracy theorists urged him to use the Department of Justice to seize voting machines to highlight the search for fraud. Trump tried to get the agency to announce probes of some of his supporters more paranoid theories of how the election was stolen, even after his own attorney general, William Barr, told him there was no indication of widespread fraud. Wendy Weiser of the Brennan Center for Justice, said Justice Department attorneys helped stop Trumps attempt to stay in office, and worried that, if he becomes president again, there may not be similar safeguards the next time. Had the department not resisted the attempts to enlist it in this conspiracy, it could have actually led to a sabotaged election, she said. What happens in future elections, voting officials said, is up to the voters themselves. Every American needs to consider what role are they going to play in this moment, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, said in an interview. Are they going to potentially support candidates who would enable not just an obstruction but an elimination of justice? Or are they going to consider that when weighing their decisions at the ballot box next year? Donald Trump Jeff Swensen/Getty Images When Donald Trump was arraigned on Thursday for charges related to his alleged attempts to overthrow the 2020 election, Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya made it very clear that a condition of his release was to refrain from making threatening statements, seeking revenge or attempting to incite violence in any way, but it doesn't seem as though he listened. On Friday, Trump made the following statement to Truth Social: "If you go after me, I'm coming after you!" Easily read as the sort of threatening incitement he was warned against, prosecutors responded by requesting U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to issue a protective order in the case. As AP News points out, "The order which is different from a so-called "gag order" would limit what information Trump and his legal team could share publicly about the case brought by special counsel Jack Smith." Per their reporting, "A Trump spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the former president's post 'is the definition of political speech,' and was made in response to 'dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs.'" Prosecutors expressed to Judge Chutkan that statements like the one made by Trump on Friday, "could have a "harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case." Brian Jorde, right, looks down at his notes on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. South Dakota Public Utilities Commission analyst Jon Thurber said he would withhold any recommendation on whether to approve or deny a permit for Navigator's Heartland Greenway pipeline system when asked by Jorde. FORT PIERRE A staff member for the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission raised concerns about missing information pertaining to occupied buildings that would be near Navigator Heartland Greenway's proposed pipeline in South Dakota. PUC Utility Analyst Jon Thurber addressed the commission Saturday about a filing by the pipeline company that disclosed multiple occupied residences along the pipeline's route sit within buffer zones. Navigator's Heartland Greenway System, a $3.2 billion endeavor, is expected to run through about 111.9 miles of eastern South Dakota farmland between Brookings, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Moody and Turner counties. If built, the proposed system will connect to five ethanol plants under POET, one of the largest biorefiners in the U.S., as well as a Valero Renewable Fuels plant. PUC analyst says he would not recommend Navigator's application currently be denied Brian Jorde, an attorney representing affected landowners, formed an argument around Thurber's Saturday testimony that Navigator's permit application was missing crucial information necessary for the commission to rule on. This included survey information yet to be submitted by Navigator. Thurber said Navigator made filings indicating it has three "outstanding surveys," but Jorde pointed out there was a lack of clarity on whether the company lacks "individual" or "categories" of surveys. Jorde also noted there was a lack of defintion on Navigator's claim it is considered making "minor modifications" to its pipeline route at the request of landowners. The landowner attorney specifically took issue with the vague nature of what constitutes "minor," according to Navigator. More: Attorney argues against 'destruction' of South Dakota way of life in Navigator pipeline hearings "Would you agree at this point, due to the lack of info on various surveys, the lack of specifics of what a minor or major route modification might mean and all of the issues around the plume modeling uncertainties in draft form without robust participation by first responders, that this application is ultimately incomplete?" Jorde asked Thurber. Story continues Thurber asked a clarifying question about if Jorde meant PUC staff would be recommending the commission deny Navigator's application. "No, I do not," Thurber answered. He later clarified he would be withholding any recommendation, since Navigator has yet to provide a rebuttal case regarding Jorde's argument. Buildings near Navigator pipeline come into focus According to an amended response by Navigator to the PUC submitted on July 18, 16 structures sit in varied distances within buffers at multiple points along the pipeline. Thurber whom Commissioner Nelson referred to as the "most anticipated witness on this docket" said staff submitted a confidential request to the company for more information on affected residences within five of the buffer zones. The company has so far elaborated on two out of the five areas, Thurber testified. "I have concerns that we haven't been able to conduct an analysis to determine what type of additional mitigation measures are needed," Thurber testified. More: Navigators carbon pipeline rupture modeling has some shortcomings, consultant testifies Navigator's legal counsel raised a point that the company said it intends to make modifications on its route at the request of affected landowners. "The general intention, I understand, but we also, I think, need to consider the location of the residences on the adjacent properties," Thurber said. "Making those modifications makes sense, but you have to remain cognizant to the adjacent landowners as well." The regulators body called for a confidential session at Thurber's request near the end-point of the testimony regarding Navigator's plume data and "the parts per million impacts of CO2 on humans." Landowner attorney draws distinction between Thurber testimony and Navigator-provided data Jorder scrutinized Thurber about his testimony and some of the facts he had referenced. Thurber noted in his statements that certain data, such as distances between Navigator's pipeline and cities near the route, came from Navigator. Jorde, without focusing on the veracity of the Navigator did provide, instead asked about what information the company left out. This included "habitable structures," or buildings along the route that may or may not be occupied on a daily basis. Jorde extended his example to include hobby farms and livestock pens and facilities. Thurber admitted he did not independently vet some of the data provided by Navigator that was used in his testimony such as the pipeline-city distances. He later added he was "primarily focused" on occupied residences. "There's clearly a lot of different information that, hypothetically, one could request," Thurber said. The analyst later said he did not request information on distances between structures outside of Navigator's scope. Jorde also argued the listed distances between cities and Navigator's pipeline provided as provided by the company to Thurber did not account for future growth of affected municipalities. Thurber also mentioned Navigator has created an emergency response plan that can be used by first responders to review in the event of a pipeline-related incident. The analyst stipulated the plan was still "in draft form." Thurber said PUC staff conducted a "high-level review" of Navigator's draft plan but added he would have preferred to have heard feedback on the plan from people with more expertise in emergency response plans. Staff did not have enough time to obtain an expert opinion, Thurber added. "PHSMA has better resources to review emergency response plans, but I do believe the commission is charged ... to assess the impact on the community. We have a lot of small emergency responder organizations, so I think it's important to know." This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: PUC analyst withholding recommendation on Navigator pipeline TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Theres a growing chorus of Democratic-aligned groups calling for former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell to challenge Republican incumbent Sen. Rick Scott, including organizations eager to see a second Hispanic woman in the Senate. POLITICO previously reported that Senate Democratic leaders have urged Mucarsel-Powell, a Miami Democrat who served one term in Congress before losing a reelection bid in 2020, to take on Scott in a race that could prove pivotal in Democratic efforts to keep control of the Senate. Mucarsel-Powell is still weighing whether to challenge Scott, the former two-term governor and multimillionaire who could pour unlimited amounts of his own money into the contest. Scott, however, has never run during a presidential election year and has been placed on the defense by both the White House and even fellow Republicans over his stance on Medicare and Social Security. This week, Latino Democrats, including those connected to groups such as BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, have become vocal with their support for Mucarsel-Powell. They see her as a compelling candidate in a state in which roughly a quarter of the population is Hispanic. Debbie would be such a fantastic recruit, Victoria McGroary, executive director for BOLD PAC told POLITICO. Rick Scott is one of the must vulnerable Republicans in the Senate. It is really time for Florida to have someone as strong as Debbie, a Latina, at the top of the ballot. This outpouring of support could be a prelude to Mucarsel-Powell committing to the race. She did not respond this week to a request for a comment on whether she has made a final decision. But others said they really want her to run. In a statement, Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), the chair of BOLD PAC, added that Debbie is urgently needed in the U.S. Senate. An immigrant who came to America with her mother at 14 seeking the American dream, her story is the story of so many Floridians. Story continues Janet Murguia, president of UnidosUS Action Fund, which is a group linked to one of the nations largest Latino civil rights groups, on Thursday sent a letter to Sen. Gary Peters, chair of the Senate Democratic Senatorial Committee. As a proven advocate for the Latino community and a fierce defender of the values we hold dear, Congresswoman Murcarsel-Powell's leadership is exactly what Florida needs at this time, Murguia wrote. Scott first burst into Floridas political scene as an outsider during the 2010 tea party wave and has eked out three razor-thin margin wins including his 2018 race against Sen. Bill Nelson. Scott won that midterm contest by slightly more than 10,000 votes. Scott has already been campaigning vigorously ahead of 2024, setting a goal of visiting all 67 counties. He has repaired a frayed relationship he once had with top Florida GOP officials and has been routinely showing up for county party fundraisers. If Florida Democrats think a radically liberal former one-term congresswoman is the solution to their problems, theyre even worse at this than we thought. Good luck to them, said Scott's communications director, Priscilla Ivasco. There are already Democrats in the race against Scott, most notably Navy veteran Phil Ehr. Ehr mounted an unsuccessful challenge in 2020 to knock off Rep. Matt Gaetz in a ruby-red Panhandle district. His campaign says he has already raised over $500,000. The argument for Mucarsel-Powell, who is currently a senior adviser for the gun control group Giffords, is that she was elected previously in a swing district in Miami-Dade County, a crucial battleground for Democrats, and knows how to raise money in a congressional race. She was born in Ecuador and immigrated to the U.S. when she was a teenager. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has personally talked to Mucarsel-Powell about running and the DSCC was scheduled to do polling in July on the race. Other names who have been floated as possible candidates include Tampa-based State House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell and Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins. Florida Democrats have never nominated a Hispanic woman as a statewide candidate. Both Sen. Marco Rubio, who was first elected in 2010, and former Sen. Mel Martinez, are Cuban-American. The only Hispanic woman in the U.S. Senate is Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada. The push to nudge Mucarsel-Powell comes after Republicans dominated the 2022 midterms in Florida up and down the ballot, including Rubio winning his reelection contest over former Rep. Val Demings by more than 16 percentage points. Republicans also now have a decisive voter registration edge in the nations third-largest state. Maria Teresa Kumar, president of Voto Latino, contended, however, that the political winds have shifted dramatically in Florida, and the Senate seat is absolutely in play with the right Democrat in the race. She added that Mucarsel-Powell is a battle-tested powerhouse who knows what it takes to win and that she would be an incredibly compelling candidate if she decides to run, and there's no question she would enjoy strong support." (Clockwise from upper left) The four liberal justices of the Wisconsin Supreme Court: Jill Karofsky, Rebecca Dallet, Janet Janet Protasiewicz and Ann Walsh Bradley. MADISON Three days after securing a new majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the court's four liberal justices voted to limit the power of its conservative chief justice a move the leader called "an attempt to gut" her constitutional authority by "rogue justices." In response, a liberal justice pilloried the chief for "litigating" the issue "through media releases." The justices voted Friday to change the court's rules, including the creation of a new committee composed of conservative Chief Justice Annette Ziegler and two justices picked by the court's liberal majority members. The liberal justices voted to shift powers from Ziegler to the new committee, in some cases eliminating the chief justice as the sole decisionmaker and instead assigning such jobs to the committee, including appointments to the Wisconsin Judicial College, overseeing the state courts director, picking members of state-level judicial committees and the planning and policy advisory committee, and reviewing the court system's budget, among other matters. "I think this will have long-lasting, negative effects that go well beyond the current seven members of the court. This is not how we do business," Ziegler told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Saturday. "Whenever there's a different majority, you come in and you gut the system and take over? No. That is not how weve ever functioned. People may differ in case decisionmaking, and have different views of the law, but the role of the chief justice has been consistent for over 40 years and five chief justices." The court's internal operating procedures were first adopted in 1984, following a reorganization in 1978 that included experiments "with various procedures that seemed to best serve the objectives of collegiality and efficiency." They have been adjusted over time, but the shift in powers away from the chief justice marks a dramatic change. Story continues "This is fundamentally, morally wrong," conservative state Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley told the Journal Sentinel on Friday. "This is political hacks doing the bidding of the people who bought and paid for their elections. These are not jurists. These are politicians wearing robes." Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley listens during a 2018 Wisconsin Supreme Court session. Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Dallet, a member of the court's liberal majority, did not return a phone call on Friday from the Journal Sentinel. In a statement, Dallet said the court's majority "voted today to advance a number of transparency and accountability measures." "First, we have made a series of rules and operating procedures changes to make Court decision-making more inclusive, timely, and responsive. Second, we are committed to making all orders more readily accessible on our website," she said. "Third, we have voted to reopen our administrative conferences. And fourth, we will be announcing the creation of a bipartisan task force to study the issue of recusal and to present us with recommendations." This initial series of actions is intended to be a first step in making our court more accessible and more accountable to the people of Wisconsin," Dallet said. In a subsequent statement, Dallet said Ziegler was asked on May 19 and June 23 to schedule a conference in August to discuss administrative changes, but the chief justice refused. Thus, a majority of the court met today, after having given proper notice of the meeting to our colleagues, and with an opportunity for justices to appear in person, by Zoom or to vote by email. Some of our colleagues chose not to participate, and instead the Chief Justice has issued a second press release," Dallet said. In a statement released Friday, Ziegler said the move amounted to "four rogue members of the court (meeting) in a secret, unscheduled, illegitimate closed meeting." Associate Justice Annette Ziegler jokes with Assembly members before administering the oath of office at the Capitol in Madison, Wis. Making such changes occurs "when seven members of the court convene with an agenda prepared by the Chief Justice and at a time set by the Chief Justice during the courts business year, which is September-June," Ziegler said in the statement. "The rogue justices' attempt to go outside of this recognized procedure is an imposition of will and a raw exercise of overreaching power. Any such attempted action is illegitimate and unenforceable," she continued. In a statement, Dallet said the liberal justices "continue to be willing to work with our colleagues." I want to reiterate that it is deeply inappropriate for the Chief Justice to continue to refuse to engage with her colleagues, but instead to publicly litigate these issues. It is not my intention, nor the intention of a majority of my colleagues, to continue to litigate internal issues, through the media," Dallet said. Asked whether relationships on the court can be repaired, Ziegler told the Journal Sentinel she is "always hopeful." "I'm an eternal optimist, so I would like to think that we will be able to work well together," Ziegler said. The court's new liberal majority made its first significant move Wednesday by firing the director of the state courts system. Randy Koschnick, who has held the position since 2017 when he was appointed by the outgoing conservative majority, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he received a phone call Monday afternoon from liberal Justice Jill Karofsky informing him there were enough votes to "fire you tomorrow." On Wednesday, he received the letter terminating his employment. Ziegler put out a two-page statement Tuesday objecting to the decision to oust Koschnick, saying the move "was made without regard for the Constitution, case law, or Supreme Court rules." Justices Ann Walsh Bradley, Jill Karofsky and Janet Protasiewicz, who join Dallet in the majority, did not immediately respond to phone calls or text messages seeking comment on Friday's developments. Conservative Justice Brian Hagedorn declined to comment. Years of bitterness on the state Supreme Court Friday's move continues a bitter era on the court that began more than a decade ago. In February 2010, conservative Justice David Prosser, who retired in 2016, called then-Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson a "total bitch" and threatened to "destroy" her during a private conversation about a request to remove then-Justice Michael Gableman from a criminal case. Prosser later said he probably overreacted because Abrahamson and Walsh Bradley, members of the courts liberal bloc, were masters at deliberately goading people into perhaps incautious statements. This is bullying and abuse of very, very long standing, Prosser told the Journal Sentinel in 2011. Abrahamson died in 2020. Walsh Bradley also said Prosser put his hands around her neck during an altercation in her office in June 2011. The rancor reached an inflection point in 2015 when Republicans sought to change the way the court selects its chief justice through a constitutional amendment that voters ultimately approved. Abrahamson was immediately removed as the court's leader after the amendment was approved, allowing the court's majority to elect its chief justice rather than rely on seniority. Four justices on the seven-member court voted to elevate then-Justice Patience Roggensack to chief justice. Protasiewicz was elected to fill the seat the conservative Roggensack held until she retired July 31, creating the new liberal majority. THANK YOU: Subscribers' support makes this work possible. Help us share the knowledge by buying a gift subscription. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Supreme Court liberal majority moves to limit chief justice Randy Meisner, the founding bassist of the Eagles and the vocalist behind their 1976 hit Take It to the Limit, has died. The Eagles confirmed the news, noting his cause of death as complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 77. Born in 1946 in Nebraska, Meisner sang and played bass in Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band and helped found the seminal country rock outfit Poco before forming the Eagles in 1971 with Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Bernie Leadon. Meisner connected with Frey and Henley when producer John Boylan brought him in to join them as backing musicians for Linda Rondstadt. As Rondstadt told Billboard in 2016, some of the Eagles earliest rehearsal sessions occurred under her roof. I remember coming home one day and they had rehearsed Witchy Woman and they had all the harmonies worked out, four-part harmonies, she said. It was fantastic. I knew it was gonna be a hit. You could just tell. Meisner recorded five albums with the Eaglestheir self-titled debut, Desperado, On the Border, One of These Nights, and Hotel Californiabefore leaving the group in 1977, after which he was succeeded by Timothy B. Schmit (notably, Schmit also replaced Meisner when he left Poco). Meisner went on to release three solo albums: 1978's Randy Meisner, 1980's One More Song, and another self-titled project in 1982. Alongside his Eagles bandmates, Meisner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band, the Eagles shared in their statement. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, Take It to the Limit. The One of These Nights track, which Meisner also co-wrote, spent 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100; it currently stands as the Eagles longest-enduring hit on the chart. Originally Appeared on Pitchfork A house flooded by water from the river Krka in southeastern Slovenia (Jure Makovec) Clean-up operations in Slovenia were in full flow Saturday after torrential rains and severe floods brought havoc to the Alpine country in its worst natural disaster since independence, officials said. As heavy rainfall started to ease, with the weather situation gradually normalising, the extent of the damage caused by the devastating floods was being assessed. "This is the worst natural disaster in Slovenia's (recent) history, it has affected two thirds of the country," Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said after Saturday's National Security council meeting. The scale of the damage from the floods is estimated to exceed half a billion euros, Golob said. Flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall that started Thursday had submerged large swaths of central and northern Slovenia, cutting off access to villages and disrupting traffic. So far at least three people -- two Dutch citizens and a Slovenian -- have died, Slovenian news agency STA reported, with authorities retrieving a man's body on the outskirts of Ljubljana on the banks of the Sava river Saturday. "According to initial information, his death might have been caused by the floods," STA quoted a police statement as saying. The Krsko nuclear power plant next to the swelling Sava river terminated the notice of "unusual event" declared late Friday, after the river's level had lowered again. The town of Crna na Koroskem, some 100 kilometres north of the capital, was one the worst-hit and remained cut off, as aid and assistance had to be air-lifted by army helicopters. Closer to the capital in the town of Kamnik, where a Slovenian woman had reportedly died in the floods, many roads were still closed, with several areas cut off. In the nearby village of Menges, severely flooded on Friday, rescue workers and residents were busy with cleaning up. "First we heard a siren, then another, and then it was like a tsunami," a man in his 50s standing in front of his damaged house told AFP. "Water just poured in through the kitchen rapidly... our only solution was to take the children to the upper floor and wait to be rescued," Mateja Hribar Ziherl, head of the flooded local kindergarten told AFP. bk-kym/cw Evacuation buses in Ukraine. The mandatory evacuation of children has been announced in nine settlements in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraines Ministry of Reintegration reported on its channel in Telegram. An appeal for the evacuation from Donetsk Oblast Military Adminstration was considered at a meeting of the Coordination Headquarters on mandatory evacuation of the population under martial law. The ministry noted that the participants in the meeting unanimously voted for the compulsory evacuation of children from nine settlements in Donetsk Oblast that are located near the areas of hostilities. The settlements were named as Yampil, Zarichne, Torske, Opixyvatka, Nikonorivka, Malynivka, Tikhonivka, Vasyutynske and Rai-Olexandrivka. Read also: Russia changes names and birthdates of kidnapped children to hide the genocide, Vereshchuk Due to the difficult security situation and enemy shelling, 130 children will be forcibly evacuated from these settlements, the ministry said. The issue of the evacuation of the civilian population from parts of Sumy Oblast was also considered. Some 1,718 people, including 228 children, have already been evacuated from the five-kilometer danger zone near Sumy Oblasts border with Russia. There are no people left in 21 settlements of the region. On July 17, the Defense Council of the Kharkiv Oblast also adopted a decision on the mandatory evacuation of children from nine settlements of the Vovchan community of the Oblast Chuguyiv District. The move is connected with constant shelling by the Russian military. On July 16, the evacuation of all residents was announced from the settlements of the Velikonovosilkiv community of Donetsk Oblast, which were liberated in June 2023. A free train has been running in Sumy Oblast since July 15, which travels to Kyiv every day. Residents of the border areas of the Sumy Oblast are using the train to evacuate due to constant shelling by the Russian army. Kyiv Oblast Military Administration has said it will accommodate all evacuees who apply for housing in a modular town in the oblasts Vyshgorod District, north of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. 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 rescued walrus calf is just one month old, Alaska SeaLife Center staff say. Kaiti Grant/Alaska SeaLife Center An Alaskan wildlife center rescued a one-month-old, 200-pound Pacific walrus calf this week. The young animal has been prescribed round-the-clock cuddles from staff to simulate maternal closeness. He has also already accepted a bottle and will likely acclimate well to his new human caretakers, staff reported. A Pacific walrus calf just one month old found himself far away from home and his mom after he arrived at an Alaskan wildlife center. Now, to make sure the young calf grows up strong and healthy, his new caretakers have prescribed him round-the-clock care and cuddles. The young calf has already accepted a bottle and will likely acclimate well to human care, staff reported. Kaiti Grant/Alaska SeaLife Center The walrus calf was first rescued in northern Alaska on Aug. 1 after workers on the coast spotted him all alone, four miles inland from the Beaufort Sea, the Alaska SeaLife Center reported in a press release. Staff brought the 200-pound calf to their center and discovered he was suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and a potential infection. While he'll be receiving 24-7 medical care at the center, the staff are also prioritizing cuddles with the young calf in order to simulate maternal closeness. Cuddles are essential to his health as the creatures typically don't leave their mother's side for their first two years, according to the Center. "It isn't often that we're able to admit a walrus calf, but every time we do, we learn more about the species and how to care for them," Jane Belovarac, Alaska SeaLife Center Wildlife Response Curator, wrote in the press release. The young calf is around one month old and weighs 200 pounds. Kaiti Grant/Alaska SeaLife Center As of August 5, a spokesperson for the Alaska SeaLife Center told Insider that the calf has already taken a bottle and continues to eat well. Read the original article on Business Insider Solar energy experts are finding that blue and red can create green. No, they arent color blind (blue and red in fact create the color purple). They are talking about clean energy, specifically impressive solar cell advances that harness the suns powerful blue and red light waves in tandem. The results could bring the cleaner energy source to more homes and businesses than ever before at a pivotal time for the planets health. Silicon cells are the most common type of cell in solar energy systems, capturing energy from the suns red light waves, with peak efficiency at between about 15% and 25% available commercially, and some cells in laboratories reaching 27%. Researchers at Saudi Arabias King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) are among experts adding a layer of material, called perovskite, capable of catching the suns blue light. Their silicon/perovskite combo cells can operate with greater than 33% efficiency, making their sunbeam catchers the most efficient on record, according to KAUST. A photo shared by the university shows a researcher holding one of the cells, which are about the size of a thumbnail. This year is a revolutionary year, KAUST professor Stefaan De Wolf told the Guardian. Its very exciting. Its part of an enlightened time for the solar energy industry as scientists at renowned universities worldwide work to create highly efficient and low-cost solar power systems. They feel the advances could save the world from a dark, overheated fate, already being marked by rising mercury. The Guardian reports that solar energy capacity reached 1.2 terawatts worldwide in 2022 (a terawatt is equal to a trillion watts and could generate about one-third of the energy needed to power the entire U.S.). But, the experts said thats not nearly enough. [To] avert the catastrophic scenarios associated with global warming, the total capacity needs to increase to about 75 [terawatts] by 2050, De Wolf said in the Guardians report. Story continues Adding a layer of perovskite over silicon on power cells has proved to increase efficiency; however, stability and durability are among the concerns still being studied. The U.S. Energy Department reports that perovskites can decompose when exposed to moisture and heat, among other limitations. The goal is for the combined cells to match the lifespan rates of common solar cells, which can hold 80% to 90% of capacity even after 25 years, according to the Guardian. The good news is that experts from Germany, Switzerland, the U.S., and elsewhere are on the job, in labs filled with light beams and the equipment that catch them. For De Wolf, the results of these latest solar breakthroughs carry great potential for the planet. [It] is critical to rapidly achieve renewable energy goals toward combating climate change, De Wolf said in the KAUST report. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. (CNN) Hundreds of protesters gathered in Lebanon on Friday to mark the third anniversary of a devastating explosion that ripped through a port in Beirut, demanding accountability from officials over a disaster that remains shrouded in mystery. Footage from Lebanese media showed demonstrators taking to the streets during a nationwide three-day mourning period and chanting slogans against politicians they accused of obstructing the investigation into the blast, which killed at least 200 people and injured 6,000 on August 4, 2020. The incident at the Port of Beirut in the countrys capital was one of the worlds largest non-nuclear explosions. The blast sent up a huge mushroom cloud-shaped shockwave, flipping cars and leveling buildings. It registered as a 3.3 magnitude earthquake and was felt hundreds of miles away, as far as Cyprus. Investigators attributed the blast to approximately 2,750 tons of seized ammonium nitrate that had been stored in a port warehouse since 2014. But three years on and what caused the ammonium nitrate to ignite remains a mystery. An investigation aimed at prosecuting several top politicians for criminal neglect has come to a standstill, with activists and legal experts urging the United Nations to initiate a fact-finding mission to uncover the truth. Earlier this week, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati declared the anniversary of the blast a nationwide holiday. He also launched a nationwide three-day mourning period for those affected by the blast. Public institutions and municipalities should close on Friday, August 4, 2023 in memory of the tragedy of the port explosion as a show of solidarity with the families of the innocent martyrs and the injured and their families, he said. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged support for the former French colony. In a tweet Friday, Macron recalled his visit to Lebanon days after the explosion, saying he was at the side of the Lebanese people. Lebanon was not alone. It still isnt. You can count on France, our solidarity, our friendship, the French leader said. Last month, Macron appointed his former foreign minister, Jean Yves Le Drian, to the role of special envoy to Lebanon as part of Frances effort to end the political deadlock in the country. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Protesters demand answers on third anniversary of Beirut port explosion" A former prisoner known as Animal who was incarcerated at the Ridgeland Correctional Institute has been found guilty of murdering a fellow inmate in 2017. Benjamin Walter Animal Dubois III, 39, was found guilty on Friday in Jasper County General Sessions Court for the stabbing death of Jerry Douglas Holmes. On June 22, 2017, Holmes was found unresponsive in his cell, which was covered in blood. An autopsy determined that he was stabbed in the neck with a homemade weapon and also suffered more than 80 additional wounds. Investigators recovered several weapons that had been doused in bleach from a trash can near Holmes cell. Dubois was seen carrying a homemade ice pick in his waistband and entering Holmes cell just before inmates reported hearing screams, according to the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office. Dubois was then seen covered in blood and walking toward the cellblock shower. He has been sentenced to life without parole due to South Carolinas three strikes law, which makes this sentence mandatory for defendants convicted of two most serious offenses or any combination of three serious or most serious offenses. Both murder and voluntary manslaughter are considered most serious offenses. This killing was savage and premeditated, said Reed Evans of the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office, who prosecuted the case. Mr. Dubois clearly is not suited for the outside world, and fortunately, he will spend the rest of his years in prison. At the time of Holmes murder, Dubois was serving 10 years for voluntary manslaughter and second-degree assault and battery charges from 2012 in an offense from Berkeley County. Dubois criminal history also includes convictions for grand larceny, check fraud and breaking into motor vehicles. He received at least 16 disciplinary sanctions while in the S.C. Department of Corrections, for offenses ranging from possession of contraband to threatening and striking prison employees, the release said. During the trial, Evans called 11 witnesses during the four days of testimony at the Jasper County County Courthouse, a release from the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office said. They included a pathologist, a DNA expert and Dubois fellow inmates. Since Russia refused to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative a U.N.-brokered deal to keep Ukraines grain flowing from its Black Sea ports amid Russias full-scale invasion it has unleashed a campaign of attacks on Ukraines port and grain infrastructure. In late July, Russia carried out a series of attacks against Ukraines southern port city of Odesa, followed by drone strikes on Ukraines Danube River terminals. Attacks on Russian port infrastructure in the Black Sea region have also been reported in recent days, presumably carried out by Ukraine in response to Russias attacks on its grain export infrastructure. Kyiv has not directly claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) chief Vasyl Maliuk recently called these attacks "absolutely logical" and "completely legal, effectively admitting Ukraine is behind the recent strikes. While attacks on Odesa carry a lot of symbolic weight, the Danube River terminals have become the main export route for Ukrainian grain, and any serious disruption to the Danube region could cause real problems for Ukrainian grain exports, Andrey Sizov, managing editor of the Sizov Report on the Black Sea, told the Kyiv Independent in an interview. The Kyiv Independent spoke to Sizov on the heightened risks of attacks in the Black Sea area and what effect they could have on both Ukrainian and Russian grain exports, the grain markets reaction to recent events, and the likelihood, or lack thereof, that the grain deal could be revived. The following interview has been edited for clarity. Kyiv Independent: You recently wrote on Twitter that if Ukraine witnessed more attacks on its Danube River ports it could be a real game-changer. What effect has this last attack had on Ukraines ability to export its grain through its Danube terminals? Andrey Sizov: So far, it hasnt been impacted noticeably. We hear more reports that vessel owners are refusing to send their ships to the Danube, but the majority are still ready to send their vessels. The freight rates have increased and the trouble is that they could increase further because of the recent attacks. But so far, there is still a long waiting line near the Danube and it's running more or less okay, just at a slower pace because of the last attack. Story continues But we could see bigger problems in the not-too-distant future, especially if we see more attacks on the Danube, which I believe is quite likely. We thought that the Kremlin would stay away from the Danube because of NATO warnings and Romania's statements, but we know now thats not the case. Drones are also cheaper and Russia can send more. Eventually, (more attacks) could lead to a majority of vessel owners refusing to send their ships. And that will be a big problem for Ukraine. The Danube terminals are the main export route for Ukraine right now and have been the main export route for months even before the end of the grain deal. In terms of numbers, the Danube can ship around 2 to 2.5 million metric tons a month probably. Ukraine could also probably ship around 2 million tons by land to the European Union, to Romania, Poland, or via Romania and Poland to other destinations. All in all, Ukraine, even if Odesa terminals remain blocked, can ship around 40 million tons without Odesa. And that is actually very close to the export potential for this new season. From a practical point of view, 40 million metric tons can be done without Odesa if the Danube terminals are running. Kyiv Independent: What is Russia trying to accomplish with these drone attacks, in your view? Is it trying to stop Ukraine from being able to export its grain? Andrey Sizov: Probably, yes. I think this whole story has become partly personal for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. He lost face so many times to that grain deal and now he wants some kind of revenge. The last extension (of the grain deal), for example, wasnt Putin, it wasnt the Kremlin, it was Erdogan who said the deal would be extended. Prior to that, it always looked like Ankara had a final say in the case. So we think that Putin felt like he was losing face as a result of those endless extensions. Russian military bloggers, who are relatively influential and have been meeting with Putin, were also very irritated by the deal because they couldnt understand why Russia was standing for it. Then we had the story of the Azov commanders who were sent back to Ukraine despite an earlier agreement with Russia. Then we saw the attack on Odesa, a few angry comments from Putin, and the deal was over. Maybe Putin got too irritated. Russia is also, I think, quite happily watching what's happening between Ukraine and Poland. Obviously, if there are problems on the Danube, that just adds fuel to the fire. If there are no problems with Eastern Europe, the Danube is slightly less important, but if there are, the Danube becomes more important. That is why the Kremlin could be deliberately targeting those terminals. Kyiv Independent: Does the recent spat between Ukraine and Polands embassies over Polands ban on Ukrainian grain signal an escalation in tension between the two, and could we end up seeing the ban being extended? Andrey Sizov: Yes, it's clearly an escalation and it remains a politically sensitive topic for Poland. They have their elections in October and the ban is supposed to be lifted in mid-September. Ukraine does have a point when it says that the European Commission has said many times that this ban will be lifted but it hasnt done so. We also saw very angry comments, which I agree with, from the German minister of agriculture, who asked why it is that Poland is taking money from the European Union while at the same time trying to decide what they want and dont want. They shouldn't be able to do that. There is a common trade policy. If the ban is extended, Brussels will look pretty weak again. Read also: Media: Poland asks EU for over $1 billion to increase Ukrainian grain transit But more important from a practical point of view is what Romania will do. Constanta is key for Ukrainian grain exports. There was a report from around three or four weeks ago by Reuters saying that the Romanian Minister of Agriculture was considering how to prioritize Romanian goods and grain. If they somehow limited the flow of Ukrainian grain to Constanta, that would be a huge problem. The important thing is that there are no prioritizing or restrictions on Ukrainian grain flowing through these countries. Thats the key to keeping Ukrainian exports running. Kyiv Independent: You wrote on Twitter that the wheat markets basically shrugged off the attack on the Danube. Why do you think that is? Andrey Sizov: I think its a mistake. We hoped a Russian attack on the Danube terminals would be a one-time event, but now we know it isnt. And there is a chance there will be more attacks. If there are, Ukraine could face huge problems with shipping via the Danube. But the Chicago funds mainly based in Chicago in the United States dont think thats the case. They don't believe in any substantial disruptions in the Black Sea. I think the probability of big disruptions is high. The Black Sea is obviously topic number one for the wheat market right now. If something big happens somewhere, especially in the Black Sea, there will be huge losses. But as of now, as of this week and actually starting from last week and until now, traders have been selling wheat contracts very aggressively. But the problem is not only in the Danube River area. The Danube is very important for Ukraine, but if you look at the global wheat market, Russia in terms of wheat is a way more important supplier. And if we see any problems for Russian exports, that would be even bigger than the Danube. So we have elevated risk for the Danube and high risks for Russia, as we just saw when a maritime drone attacked Novorossiysk. The attack damaged a naval base that are located close to grain terminals. Novorossiysk is the number one grain export terminal for Russia. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Overnight attack reported at Russian naval port If we see events like this. If we see attacks on the Crimean Bridge, which is very important infrastructure, very important symbolically, and a very important military target, it also means that the Kerch Strait is shut down. And if it's closed, it means that around one-third of Russian grain exports are blocked. After the attack a couple of weeks ago on the Crimean Bridge, they had to close the trade (on the strait) for three or four days. It wasnt a big game changer because it was only a few days, but if navigation is stopped for a week or two, that would be a substantial problem. So there are lots of risks and they are all getting bigger in recent weeks. But because of funds typical approach, they want to sell wheat no matter what and they are ignoring (these risks). Kyiv Independent: Given that the risks are increasing for both Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea region, could we see the grain deal being restarted? What did the Putin and Erdogan conversation signal about the likelihood that the deal could be revived? Andrey Sizov: The grain deal could be restarted somewhere in the future. But I dont think it will happen any time soon. The statements were quite different. Ankara said that both presidents would meet soon in Turkey. Shortly after, Moscow made a very different statement saying that, yes, they could meet, but they hadn't agreed on the date and the place. I doubt Putin would agree to go to Turkey with the arrest warrants out for him. So, yes, they talked about it and said, We discussed the grain deal and decided that we'll continue to discuss it and that's it. So not much there. It didn't sound like they got somehow closer to restarting that deal at all. And again, I think Putin is pretty angry about the deal. And I don't think he will be willing to restart it shortly. Kyiv Independent: I think there's this assumption that Africa and China should be furious with Russia for ending the deal, that they should be saying, this is an injustice, you're causing problems for us to get grain. But that's not what we see. So where is that disconnect between people thinking that Africa and China should be reacting one way and what were seeing? Andrey Sizov: I think that's a misconception. There was an article a couple of weeks ago about how China will try to force Russia to renew the deal because China is the key buyer of Ukrainian corn. That is indeed the case. But thats a misconception about how the global grain market works. Its fluid. Its not a pipe going from A to B. If you are a global trader and youre looking at dozens of regions and you can skip someplace, sell something, you just make a deal. Its not important in many cases where that grain comes from. And its not important where that grain goes in many cases. So it isnt important who the key buyer of Ukrainian grain is, whether its China, Sudan, the EU, or Turkey. Its actually not important at all. So the takeaway should be simpler: If there are no disruptions for the grain to get to the global market, Ukrainian grain prices are somewhat lower everywhere. Whether it's Spain, whether it's the Netherlands, whether it's Yemen, they will be lower everywhere. If that grain cannot reach global markets, no matter where it's going specifically, prices will be higher, as we saw a year ago when prices were almost two times higher than they are right now. But I think for China, (Ukrainian grain) is not really the number one topic. Getting cheap energy from Russia would be more important than the restart of that grain agreement. China can easily get corn from the U.S., Argentina, and Brazil. In recent years they have been expanding their trade with Brazil quite extensively. Brazil is a huge supplier of corn and soybeans, and we can probably assume that China tried to boost their relationship with Brazil to have an additional source of corn and other crops in addition to the U.S. and Ukraine. So it's not really that important in our view. China is not happy, but it is not the main issue for them. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Gov. Greg Abbott, in his first public comments after being sued Monday by the federal government over his border security initiatives, dismissively suggested the U.S. Justice Department was using "some obscure statute" to undermine the state's effort to combat unlawful immigration. But a legal scholar with five decades of experience in environmental law said that while the statute at the crux of the federal action dates to the late 19th century, it has stood the test of time and could endanger the three-term Republican governor's latest initiative at the Texas-Mexico border. "On the face of it, the United States government has a very strong claim here," said Jim Blackburn, a Rice University environmental law professor who earned his law degree from the University of Texas in 1972. The Rivers and Harbors Act The federal complaint, filed in the Western District of Texas, names Abbott and the state of Texas as defendants and says that the 1,000-foot floating barrier the governor ordered to be placed in a segment of the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass violates the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. The law prohibits "the construction of any structure in or over any navigable water of the U.S." unless the Army Corps of Engineers signs off. More: Texas buoy barriers: Who governs the Rio Grande? Migrants trying to enter the U.S. from Mexico on July 11 approach the site where workers are assembling large buoys to be used as a border barrier near Eagle Pass. The U.S. Justice Department is suing Texas over deploying the buoys in an international waterway without federal approval. Abbott did not seek federal approval when the buoys were deployed in early July. The governor said in a letter to President Joe Biden that Texas is within its constitutional authority to invoke a sovereign interest in protecting (the state's) borders. Earlier, Abbott said he has invoked the "invasion clauses" of the Texas and U.S. constitutions to justify his hardline border policies, including placing razor wire along the banks of the river on the U.S. side. The governor also disputed the Justice Department's assertion that the string of buoys is a structure that can be likened to a wharf, dock or jetty that are prohibited under the 1899 statute. Story continues Blackburn, the Rice University law professor, however, disagreed. He said the floating buoys that are about 6 feet in diameter and tethered by netting to the floor of the river to deter migrants from swimming underneath it would likely impede large watercraft, commercial or otherwise, looking to navigate the Rio Grande. More: Feds sue Texas after Abbott refuses to remove floating barrier, razor wire on Rio Grande Congress passed the Rivers and Harbors Act back when inland waterways were crucial to the nation's economy, Blackburn said. "This goes all the way back to when people were putting up chains and barricades across rivers, and charging fees to go up the river," he said. "And that was an impedance on interstate commerce so the federal government basically gave the Corps of Engineers control over navigation." Migrants travel along a steep embankment Saturday searching for an opening in razor wire along the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass. How events led up to the federal suit The federal government's legal challenge to Abbott's border policies comes amid pressure from congressional Democrats and immigrant rights activists who expressed outrage over reports by a Texas Department of Public Safety medic who said troopers and National Guard soldiers taking part in the governor's Operation Lone Star were being instructed to push river-crossing migrants back into the Rio Grande and to deny basic aid to those already on Texas soil. More: Along Texas' floating border barrier, migrant children left bloody by razor wire Those reports were followed by news accounts, along with still images and video footage, of migrants being lacerated by the coils of razor wire stretched across the riverbanks as part of the border security initiatives. Abbott and Operation Lone Star's front-line leadership have said no directives have been issued that would physically harm migrants. The federal Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 prohibits "the construction of any structure in or over any navigable water of the U.S." unless the Army Corps of Engineers signs off. Gov. Greg Abbott argues that the law shouldn't apply to the buoy barrier he ordered deployed in the Rio Grande. Political pits for the governor and the president No matter how the lawsuit plays out, and it could take months before that happens, Abbott likely sits in the superior position compared with Biden from a purely political standpoint, said Cal Jillson, a Southern Methodist University political science professor. "I think (Abbott) understands that he will lose this lawsuit eventually, that the legal merits are on the side of Biden and the DOJ," Jillson said. "But he's going to make political hay every day between now and then, particularly with the Republican base electorate." Jillson said that since Biden took office and began rolling back the Trump administration's hardline federal policies, Abbott has successfully articulated a message that sells among conservatives united in their opposition to what they see as an unchecked surge in unlawful border crossings. Biden, on the other hand, Jillson said, sits at the head of a party more fractured on the immigration issue, especially in Texas. South Texas Democrats, even if they blanch at reports of what appears to be a callous enforcement tactic, see firsthand the need to stem the surge of migrants crossing into the state, he said.Jillson said the Democratic administration has had difficulty crafting an immigration policy that benefits it politically, "whereas Republicans can fairly easily benefit by their border policy." Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor, said the news footage of suffering migrants, especially children, coming from the on-the-ground news coverage of the buoy controversy could shift the narrative, at least on the margins. "I do think that there's the potential for national blowback," he said. "Especially if the images that come out of the border are graphic, and make people think that we're not being as careful as we should be with people's lives." But he agreed with Jillson that if the Biden administration wins in court, it cannot allow the message to take root that a giant welcome mat has been placed on the Texas side of the river. "The Biden administration has got to balance the politics this carefully," he said. "They have to show that they're not just letting a border open up to anybody, but also that they're doing their job in a reasonable and humanitarian way. "That's a tough balance in a world where politics shapes the entirety of people's perceptions about what's going on." This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: US v. Texas: Immigration lawsuit's risks for Greg Abbott, Joe Biden A life-size cutout of Lord Farquad with Matt Bevins face. Men in orange jumpsuits. Family reunions. One thing they all have in common: coming to an unincorporated area in west Kentucky to hear, support or boo politicians on both sides of the aisle at the greatest tradition in Kentucky politics. This years picnic was highly anticipated as it was the first time in the general election governors race between Democrat incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear and Republican nominee Attorney General Daniel Cameron appeared on the same stage. Other state candidate speakers included nominees for attorney general, lieutenant governor, agriculture commissioner, treasurer and auditor. While people donned shirts of the politicians they plan to vote for in November, many admitted they werent sold and wanted to hear more about what their candidate would do. LaVida Mischel, of Owensboro, attended with her two brothers Robin and Eddie Hinton. They use the picnic as a way to have a fun family reunion, support the Catholic church but also to separate fact from fiction. I have a lot of trouble believing either party, she said. I have a lot of trouble discerning what is true and what is not. Even today I dont believe everything that comes out of everyones mouth. It doesnt stop here. You have to do a lot of reading, researching and talking to figure out what is real and what is not. All of them wanted more information about the candidates and the election. They all agreed that while voters were more divided than ever, things were not as rowdy as they were previously. People hold signs and cheer during the annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. While some voters werent necessarily sold on the candidates, others knew exactly what issues they wanted to hear more about from each politician on stage. And some wanted things to escalate. Catherine Brooke wore a Moms for Cameron shirt, and said she was voting for him because he is a nice, fresh face, and because he is pro-Trump and pro-life. She said Gov. Beshear is a hypocrite and rides on the coattails of his family connections. Story continues I am hoping to hear a lot of boos for Andy Beshear, she said. Brooke said Fancy Farm is a good place with a line people wont cross in terms of respect for others. People attend the annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. What once was good fun and simple jeers at opponents on the stage at Fancy Farm has turned in recent years to vitriolic, personal attacks, said Drew Williams, chair of the Marshall County Democratic Party and organizer of the Friday night Mike Miller Memorial Bean Dinner. I would like it if there was a few times we were laughing, all collectively, Williams said. One that hits well without making the other side boo and say, I hate you. He said a lot of comments have been below the belt more recently. It is unfortunate of how we do Fancy Farm now, he said, because of how social media is, Fancy Farm was, We are really nice to our neighbors all year, lets go be mean. Now its, We are mean to our neighbors all year, lets go get vitriolic. The annual Fancy Farm Picnic originally began as a fundraiser for St. Jerome Catholic Church in west Kentucky that dates back to 1880. The events highlight, which became prominent 50 years after the picnics inception, is the political speaking that brings politicians center stage to jeer, criticize and exchange barbs with their opponents. Russian troops attacked the city of Kherson overnight on Aug. 5, injuring two people, Kherson City Military Administration reported. The attack hit two neighborhoods in Kherson, Korabelnyi and Suvorovskyi, the authorities said without providing further details. According to the report, Russian troops shelled Kherson seven times over the past day, firing 63 projectiles. The attack hit the regional capital and the nearby village of Sadove. Kherson and other regional settlements on the Kyiv-controlled west bank of the Dnipro River have been continuously subjected to Russian shelling since Ukrainian forces liberated them in November 2022. Russian forces were pushed to the river's east bank, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. On Aug. 4, Russian troops hit the village of Stanislav in Kherson Oblast, wounding a 40-year-old man and damaging at least four houses, local authorities reported. Read also: Ukraines counteroffensive lurches forward: Key moment looms as more forces committed Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian servicemen patrol the destroyed part of the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works in Ukraine's port city of Mariupol on May 18, 2022, amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine. OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images Before invading Ukraine, Russia set up blood drives and field hospitals, The Economist reported. Surgeons in the field were even practicing on large animals that were under anesthetics. Ukraine's medical treatment has given them an advantage over Russia, The Wall Street Journal reported. An estimated 50,000 Russians have died fighting the war in Ukraine, according to a July Associated Press report, and for 17 months Russia averaged about 400 casualties per day a bloody toll for which the Kremlin apparently tried to prepare. In the months before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, there were several indications that Russia was preparing for mass casualties, and thus for war, Major-General Tim Hodgetts, the surgeon general of the British armed forces, told The Economist. First, Russia moved field hospitals close to the border. Inside the field hospitals, surgeons were practicing their craft on the bodies of large animals placed under anesthetics, the outlet reported. There were also blood drives being held at universities in Russia, despite the difficulties of storing fresh blood. "Medical indicators and warnings are predictive of war," Hodgetts told The Economist. Despite those preparations, it appears Russia wasn't fully prepared for the extent of the casualties, perhaps because President Vladimir Putin, like much of the world, may not have expected the Ukrainians to resist the invasion for as long as they have. Severely injured Russian soldiers have been sent back to the frontlines in Ukraine without enough treatment or recovery time, the independent Russian news outlet Agentstvo reported in January. The outlet reported two soldiers with punctured lungs were sent back into combat, while others with shrapnel injuries were sent back out to fight without having the shrapnel removed first. In January Newsweek reported that the Ukrainian Army said Russia had built three new hospitals in one week to try and accommodate their injured service members. The Wall Street Journal also reported in July that Ukraine's medical abilities were giving them an advantage over Russia. The outlet said Kyiv had better medical equipment and well-trained medics on the frontlines, resulting in higher rates of survival for injured Ukrainian soldiers than for the Russians. Read the original article on Business Insider With new sea attack drones, Ukraine is contesting Russian control of Black Sea Russia and its Black Sea Fleet were still reeling at the loss of the large landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak when Ukraine struck another blow, sending another sea attack drone to attack a Russian oil tanker, the SIG, near the Crimean Bridge on Aug. 5. Andriy Kramarov, a military expert and reserve officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in an exclusive interview with Radio NV on Aug. 5 shed light on the details of these special operations and the drones utilized to neutralize the Russian fleet. We must understand that the Ukrainian maritime drone program is well-established, and it is already yielding results. After hitting the Crimean Bridge, weve had two maritime targets within just two days. And I must emphasize that these are not just ordinary targets; they are significant, large vessels. The tanker in question is one of the largest in the Russian fleet, serving as a fuel supplier for the Russian millitarys operations in Syria. Furthermore, due to the damage to the Crimean Bridge, it has been tasked with supporting the supply of fuel and lubricants for the Russian forces stationed in the southern regions and Crimea. However, this logistical route has now been disrupted, Kramarov said. Read also: Ukraine issues coastal warning on threat of military action near Russia's Black Sea ports As for the heavy landing ship that was recently disabled, based on the photographs Ive seen, it is safe to say that the Russians wont be able to restore it anytime soon, not even in the coming years, the expert said. It was also being used as a ferry to transport essential supplies from the territory of Novorossiysk, as they were hesitant to fully rely on the railway tracks of the bridge, especially for heavy equipment. This incident clearly indicates the highly effective work of Ukrainian maritime UAVs. While it is likely that Russia doesnt possess an extensive number of large tankers, we should remain vigilant. The ongoing developments underscore the exceptional efficiency of Ukrainian maritime drones. I was intrigued to know if, after the destruction of the Kerch Bridge, we had accumulated sufficient resources, and it seems the (SBU) Security Service of Ukraine, in conjunction with the Naval Forces, conducted this raid. Its evident that this endeavor will have a systematic nature, which pleases me greatly. We have essentially acquired a new means of targeting maritime surface assets. For the Russians, this presents a significant challenge, as they must now carefully reconsider the safety of any of their vessels at sea. Story continues We can disable vessels of this size and level. The Russian Black Sea Fleet must consider its escape routes. (The Magura maritime drones) were showcased at a military armaments exhibition in Turkey about two weeks ago. The Russian tanker SIG, which was struck bya Ukrainian Magura sea attack drone overnight on Aug. 5, is one of the largest in the Russia fleet, had been supplying fuel to the Russian military operation in Syria. Read also: Ukrainians delighted by drone attack on Russian warship, vessel looks in danger of sinking UPDATE Furthermore, it had been utilized for fuel and lubricant deliveries to the Russian forces stationed in the southern regions and Crimea after the Crimean Bridge suffered damage. However, this supply line has now been disrupted due to the successful drone attacks. Moreover, the heavy landing ship recently disabled in operations around Sevastopol is unlikely to be restored anytime soon. It was being utilized as a ferry for transporting much-needed military supplies from Novorossiysk, as the Russians were wary of relying solely on the Kerch railway bridge for transporting heavy equipment. The highly effective Ukrainian maritime UAVs were indeed responsible for these impactful operations, Kramarov said. He highlighted two crucial specifications of the Magura drone. Firstly, its combat payload weighs a substantial 450 kilograms, equivalent to the payload of a Storm Shadow cruise missile and even surpassing the payload capacity of Russias Kalibr cruise missile. The specific type of combat payload was not disclosed, but given the significant damage inflicted on large vessels, it is likely to involve sophisticated technologies, possibly akin to torpedo warheads. Secondly, the drone boasts a remarkable range, varying from 830 to 960 kilometers, depending on the assigned mission. Being a maritime UAV, its range should not be assessed solely in a straight line since its stealth capabilities allow for adept maneuvering, easily bypassing the coastal defense systems of the adversary. The expert speculated that these drones are likely launched from a base of the Ukrainian Naval Forces located somewhere near Odesa. From there, they skirt around the coast Crimea and reach destinations such as Novorossiysk and the Kerch Strait. It stands to reason that the entire Black Sea waters surrounding Crimea are now within the striking range of this maritime drone, rendering it a formidable threat to the Russian fleet, Kramarov said. The impressive capabilities demonstrated by these UAVs warrant serious consideration for the Russian Black Sea Fleet, (which will have) to find suitable escape routes. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu has said that he supposedly visited the front and handed out awards to Russian soldiers. Source: TASS, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet, citing Russian Ministry of Defence Details: The Russian occupiers have received Orders for Merit to the Fatherland, the Cross of Saint George and Medals For Courage. Some of the soldiers were supposedly given personalised weapons, such as Yarygin Pistols. Shoigu handing out awards to the occupiers SCREENSHOT FROM THE TASS VIDEO Shoigu was informed that German-made Leopard tanks "have not yet reached the front" where these soldiers currently are. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited to the combat zone in Ukraine Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reportedly made a visit to the combat zone in Ukraine, according to a statement from Russian Defense Ministry posted on August 4. During his trip, it was reported that he held a meeting at the headquarters of the joint group of Russian forces to discuss the execution of the state defense order and handed out some awards to personnel. One of the main points of interest for Shoigu was the presence of German Leopard 2 tanks in the arsenal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Screenshot video mil.ru He specifically inquired with the commander of the Russian Central Group, Andrei Mordvichev, whether he had encountered them in action. However, it was revealed that their engagement had occurred deep in the rear, and the Ukrainian armored vehicles had not yet reached that area. Do you have Leopards here? asked Shoigu. No, Comrade Minister of Defense, came the response. Well, never mind then. Read also: Mariupol residents in Putin video identified, unknown heckler caught in audio Screenshot video mil.ru The Russian Defense Ministry has reported several trips by Shoigu to the front line in Russian-occupied Ukraine, but all geolocatable footage of these trips have shown the Russian defense minister to be in areas well behind the front line. There is no known footage of him actually at front-line positions. Read also: Putins doppelganger visited occupied Kherson and Luhansk oblast, says former Air Force commander In one case, when the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Shoigu was visiting the Russian-occupied part of Ukraines Kherson Oblast, footage of the defense minister in his helicopter was geolocated to Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimea, some distance away. Meanwhile, in a visit abroad in late July, Shoigu travelled to North Korea, where he reportedly attempted to procure ammunition from that countrys dictator, Kim Jong-un, for the Russian army. He allegedly employed a great deal of flattery in his talks with Kim, but it remains uncertain whether the Russian minister was successful in reaching a deal with the North Korean dictator. Story continues Read also: Zelenskyy visits frontline soldiers in Avdiyivka, Donetsk Oblast Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russian forces shelled nine communities in Sumy Oblast, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported on August 4. Over the course of the day, the oblast recorded more than 100 explosions. Russian troops used artillery, mortar shelling, and missiles to carry out the attacks. The communities of Esman, Khotin, Bilopillia, Myropillia, Znob Novhorodske, Seredyna Buda, Druzhkivka, Yunakivka, and Nova Sloboda came under fire. In the Nova Sloboda community, two private homes and a power line were destroyed. No casualties were reported. Sumy Oblast is located on Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia. It has been experiencing daily assaults by Russian troops since parts of the oblast were liberated from in early April 2022. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Overnight attack reported at Russian naval port Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (CNN) Saudi Arabias ancient Red Sea port city Jeddah, stewing in the steamy heat of the worlds hottest summer on record, is not the obvious pick to cool the worlds fiercest conflict, currently raging in Ukraine. Yet, the desert kingdoms king-in-waiting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman MBS for short thinks he can help. Last fall he had a role in the release of Western mercenaries captured by Russian forces while fighting in Ukraine. Now he is hosting a summit to discuss peace in the country. Ukrainian officials say the venue is a boon for them that completely destroys the narrative of Russia that Ukraine is only supported by countries of the collective West. They expect as many as 40 nations to be represented, including the US and India. In the days ahead of the summit, the Ukrainians set out their intent. Our goal in Saudi Arabia is to develop a unified vision of the formula and to work out the possibilities of holding the future Global Peace Summit, they said, referring to Ukraines peace plan. That Moscow will only monitor and not attend risks the summit becoming a desert snowflake, momentarily awesome and inspiring, but blink and its gone. Even so Ukrainian officials are pinning their hopes on it, to unite the world around Ukraine. The White House is sending National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. US State Department officials are billing it as Ukraine in the drivers seat, an opportunity to find a potential diplomatic resolution to the war and for nations who might otherwise not hear directly from Kyiv to talk face-to-face with Ukrainian officials. The first session of this series was quietly hosted by the Danes in June, and gathered 15 nations, many from the global south whom to varying degrees are sympathetic to Putins argument the war was necessary, that NATO forced him to invade Ukraine. That summit produced no major headlines, nor a discernable drift to Ukraines prerequisite for peace that Russian troops exit Ukraine. So what is different this time? For one, Saudi Arabia, unlike Denmark, has not overtly taken a side in the war. More significantly MBS has leverage. Like the roads that led to Rome in its day, Saudi Arabia is increasingly at the confluence of competing global interests. President Biden came in July last year, Chinas President Xi visited a few months later. Both had business with MBS. Biden was able to build on their shared diplomatic achievement, a peace deal in Yemen a few months earlier. Xi talked business, and signed memorandums of understanding worth billions of dollars, but unbeknownst to most they were only a few months away from a seismic diplomatic breakthrough. In spring this year, Saudi Arabia and China announced a confidence-building peace plan with Iran to repair their hostile relationship. So far it has worked. Irans proxies in Yemen, the Houthis, have stopped attacking Saudi with Iranian-made ballistic missiles. The two nations have reopened diplomatic missions in their respective capitals and come fall will likely extend their newfound cooperation into commerce. What MBS wants most is a stable oil market and stronger trade relations throughout the Gulf. Disagreements in the region alone are dangerous. The war between oil-rich, nuclear-armed Russia and Ukraine could be catastrophic. If he can tame that tiger, he can better plan how to deliver his otherworldly and insanely expensive visions of a future Saudi Arabia diversifying from oil yet employing the countrys huge young population. His ambition is what drives him every day. In his ideal world, Saudi Arabia would be a dominant geopolitical player. Part of Bidens pitch to MBS when they met last year was: Dont cut oil production, it hurts my citizens at the gas pumps at home, and by the way, helps Russia fund its war in Ukraine by driving up oil prices. So what did MBS do a few months later? Cut oil production. Saudi officials say they are reading the oil markets correctly and only changed production to suit their own national interests. That point didnt go down so well in Washington. Yet today the cardinal law of diplomacy would say MBS has potential leverage over Russia. If the Saudi potentate can raise oil prices he could also lower them. Not to say that he will, but he could, and Putin will know that too. The sort of diplomacy MBS is involved in is reimagining the role of Gulf Arabs. Stakeholders with real clout, not the rivals at each others throats of yesteryear. Its a work in progress, but he sees where he wants to go and part of that involves one of the Middle Easts thorniest issues: Saudis rapprochement with Israel. On that, Saudi negotiations with the US are underway, and reportedly include domestic energy nuclear power plants, F-35 fighter aircraft and security guarantees for the desert kingdom. The US wants compromises from the Saudis, and vice versa. All of this of course is way outside the scope of the Jeddah peace summit and Russias unprovoked war of aggression in Ukraine. Yet it shows where there are a lot of pieces in flux, a cornucopia of potential quid pro quos, and growing possibilities of what can be achieved. Not least, as Ukraines biggest backer, US appreciation that Saudi stepped off the diplomatic sidelines to help Zelensky. There are other areas beyond Iran where China and Saudi interests align, not least their mutual concerns about the risks to their economies of an untamed war escalating out of control on the edge of one of their biggest markets, Europe. Without Chinas economic support, Russias economy and its ability to wage war in Ukraine could crumble. To a lesser extent some of the global south nations who may be around the table in Jeddah also help prop up Putins war by buying gas, oil and other commodities he can no longer sell in Europe. It is exactly these countries the Ukrainians most want to impress with President Volodymyr Zelenskys 10-point peace initiative in Jeddah. Although it was published in December last year they think it has been rubbished by Russian propaganda and hope to reverse the damage. Only last week Putin ignored his own illegal invasion and blamed Ukraine for a lack of peace when African Union representatives at a Kremlin-sponsored Africa conference in St Petersburg pressed him to seek a ceasefire. In a typical Kremlinesque inversion of logic and reality, he told them that in order to start the process an agreement is needed from both sides, that a ceasefire is hard to implement when the Ukrainian army is on the offensive. Countering Putins revisionist lies will likely keep Ukraines representatives in Jeddah extremely busy, with officials saying they plan to meet individually and collectively with other delegates about each point of the [10-point] Peace Formula. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Saudis MBS wants more than peace at his Ukraine summit" Russian shelling killed a 62-year-old man in the Novoslobodsk settlement on Aug. 5 around 2 p.m., Olha Garkavenko, the head of the settlement, told Suspilne. The border communities of Sumy Oblast endure daily attacks from Russian forces. Shelling has become a fact of life in the border region since parts of the oblast were liberated in April 2022. Russian troops shelled nine communities in Sumy Oblast on Aug. 3, resulting in 165 explosions, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported via Telegram. The communities of Bilopillia, Esman, Khotin, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Druzhbiv, Novoslobidske, Miropillia, and Yunakivka came under fire, the administration said. In addition to artillery shelling, Russian forces attacked the Sumy border with machine guns, grenade launchers, mortar shelling, and tank shelling. Read also: Stranded civilians brave shelling, return to Ukraines front-line towns Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Olenegorsky Gornyak warship stands moored at a harbour of Novorossiysk, Russia, Sunday, July 30, 2023. Russia accused Ukraine early Friday Aug. 4, 2023 of attacking its Black Sea navy base in the port of Novorossiysk with sea drones. The mayor of Novorossiysk, Andrey Kravchenko, said the crews of the Olenegorsky Gornyak and Suvorovets ships immediately reacted to the attack and helped to avoid consequences. | Associated Press Ukrainian drones struck a Russian naval ship at a crucial Russian port on the Black Sea Friday. The attack damaged the Russian warship, and it dealt another blow to the Kremlins military and economic infrastructure far from the front lines of the war, The New York Times reported. Videos and photos provided proof that one of the most prominent naval vessels was hit and damaged since Ukrainian forces sunk the Moskva, the flagship of Moscows Black Sea Fleet, in the early months of the war, per the Times. A big navy ship, [the] Olenogorsky Gornyak, was hit, a Ukrainian source told CNN. As the result of the attack, the Russian ship has received serious damage and is not able to fulfill its duties. What does Russia say about Ukraines drone attack on warship? The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that the drones attacking the ship were diverted and destroyed. Multiple news agencies, including the Times, CNN and The Associated Press, confirmed that the ship had been damaged in the attack. The attack was executed by both the Security Service of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Navy, the source told CNN. I will only say that we are all grateful to the Security Service of Ukraine for pushing back the war to the aggressor state. What you bring to the world, you end up with the same, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, per AP News. The offshore attack also demonstrated Kyivs growing naval capabilities as the Black Sea becomes an increasingly important battleground in the war, according to The Associated Press. Conflict in the region appears to have escalated since Russia backed out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed for safe exports of Ukrainian grain from the port. Ukrainian grains provide food supplies to multiple countries around the world. Russia has also since attacked the ports and damaged some of the infrastructure and supplies meant to be exported, CBS News reported. The Russian forces attacked border areas of Sumy Oblast 15 times over the past day, with 100 explosions recorded there and attacks launched on 13 settlements in 9 hromadas [an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration on Facebook Details: Three non-guided missiles were launched on the Khotin hromada, and a private house was damaged. The Bilopillia hromada was attacked with 8 non-guided missiles, there was an artillery shelling (13 explosions) and a mortar attack (7 explosions). The Russians fired from artillery (2 explosions) and a mortar (4 explosions) on the Yunakivka hromada. A mortar attack was launched on the Myropillia hromada (15 explosions). The Russians launched an attack from a multiple-launch rocket system (4 explosions) on the Druzhba hromada. The Russians carried out mortar attacks (4 explosions) and attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems (6 explosions) of the Esman hromada. The Seredyna-Buda hromada was attacked from a multiple-launch rocket system (4 explosions) and a mortar (4 explosions). A mortar attack on the Znob-Novhorodske hromada resulted in 6 explosions. There was a mortar attack on the Nova Sloboda hromada which caused 20 explosions. As a result of the attack two private houses and power lines were damaged. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! On Saturday evening, Russian troops launched Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles from Tambov Oblast and Belarus. Source: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote: "Attention launch of Kinzhal missiles from Tambov Oblast of the Russian Federation!" Details: Subsequently, the Air Force reported that a repeated launch of Kinzhals occurred. In particular, one of the missiles flew in the direction of Zhytomyr. The Air Force specified that the missiles were flying in the direction of the city of Starokostiantyniv, Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Later, it became known about another Kinzhal missile in flight in Poltava Oblast, as well as one more flying towards the city of Vinnytsia. An air raid siren has been announced throughout Ukraine so far. At 19:14, Ukraines Air Force reported that missiles had also been launched from Belarus. "More Kinzhals! Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr [oblasts] [are under attack]!", the Air Force said. At 19:18, a hypersonic missile was said to be moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Updated: The air-raid warning was cancelled in almost all oblasts around 19:40. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Temperatures off the Florida coast exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July, causing significant damage to nearby coral. Maria Alejandra Cardona/Reuters Water temperatures in the Florida Keys hit 101 degrees Fahrenheit last month, killing many coral. Now, researchers are scrambling to bring surviving species to land to preserve them. Coral make up less than 1% of all ocean life, but a quarter of marine species rely on them to live. In late July, water temperatures in the Florida Keys hit a startling 101 degrees Fahrenheit the typical temperature for a hot tub. The rise was so extreme, researchers say, that it killed some coral reefs in the Florida Keys almost immediately. "The coral didn't even have a chance to bleach, it just died," Bailey Thomasson, a staff member at the Coral Restoration Foundation, told The New York Times. "It just felt like, 'Oh my God, we're in the apocalypse.'" On an average day in July, water temperatures off the Florida coast in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico sit in the high 80s. This summer's drastic spike not only impacted coral but also put other marine life at risk, experts told NPR last month. Thomasson and her fellow researchers are now mobilizing to collect two samples from every genetic individual coral, bringing them to land in order to protect their species. "God forbid everything dies in the water, we still have not lost those individuals," Jennifer Moore, a researcher who is leading the effort to collect the coral, told the Times. While coral makes up less than 1% of life in the ocean, more than a quarter of all marine life depends on them. This makes them critical to the health of marine ecosystems. Read the original article on Business Insider Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter which works closely with Moscow on oil policy, has touted its ties to both sides and positioned itself as a possible mediator in the war (Sergei SUPINSKY) Saudi Arabia hosted talks on the Ukraine war Saturday in the latest flexing of its diplomatic muscle, a session that Kyiv had predicted would "not be easy" given the wide range of countries represented. The meeting, which Ukrainian organisers said would include representatives from nearly 40 countries but not Russia, concluded on Saturday evening after several hours of statements from the various delegations and a lengthy closed discussion, participants said. As expected, no final declaration was due to be released, though a European source said there had been agreement on key points, including that respect for Ukraine's "territorial integrity and sovereignty" should be "at the heart of any peace settlement". Organisers succeeded in bringing together representatives of the four members of the influential BRICS bloc besides Russia: Brazil, India, China and South Africa. "China participated actively and was positive" about meeting again, the European source said. Yet the head of Brazil's delegation, foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim, used his prepared remarks to stress that "any real negotiation must include all parties," including Russia, according to a copy of his statement shared with AFP. "Although Ukraine is the biggest victim, if we really want peace, we have to involve Moscow in this process in some form." A French diplomatic source said "efforts were converging to create the conditions for a valid negotiation". The source added: "Does today's meeting create these conditions? Clearly not. It's a long-term effort." Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, failing in its attempt to take the capital but seizing swathes of eastern territory that Western-backed Ukrainian troops are fighting to recapture. Ukraine had gone into Saturday's meeting expecting tension. "I predict that the conversation will not be easy, but the truth is on our side," the head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, said in an interview broadcast on Friday. Story continues "We have many disagreements and we have heard many positions, but it is important that we share our principles," said Yermak, who headed Kyiv's delegation to the talks. "Our task is to unite the whole world around Ukraine." - Bringing in BRICS - The Jeddah meeting followed talks in Copenhagen in June that were designed to be informal and also did not yield a final declaration. Diplomats said the Ukraine-organised meetings were intended to engage a range of countries in debates about a path towards peace -- notably members of the BRICS bloc with Russia that have adopted a more neutral stance on the war in contrast to Western powers. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan headed Washington's delegation, a senior White House official said. In his evening address on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that 42 countries were represented in Jeddah and that the Ukrainian delegation was pushing his 10-point peace formula, which calls for the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. It also calls for the restoration of Ukraine's borders -- including the territory of Crimea, unilaterally annexed by Russia in 2014. Russia has in the past said any negotiations would need to take into account "new territorial realities". - Saudi 'balancing' - The meeting highlights Saudi Arabia's "readiness to exert its good offices to contribute to reaching a solution that will result in permanent peace", the official Saudi Press Agency said Friday. The world's biggest crude exporter, which works closely with Moscow on oil policy, Riyadh has touted its ties to both sides and positioned itself as a possible mediator in the war. In May, the kingdom hosted Zelensky at an Arab summit also in Jeddah, where he accused some leaders of turning "a blind eye" to the horrors of Russia's invasion. Riyadh has adopted a "classic balancing strategy" that could soften Russia's response to this weekend's summit, said Umar Karim, an expert on Saudi politics at the University of Birmingham. Saudi officials see Saturday's talks as evidence of its global clout and vindication of its emphasis on diversifying diplomatic partners. "These talks are a prime example of the success of Saudi Arabia's multipolar strategy of maintaining strong ties to Ukraine, Russia and China," said Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the government. Moving forward Riyadh "wants to be in the company of an India or a Brazil, because only as a club can these middle powers hope to have impact on the world stage," said Joost Hiltermann, Middle East programme director for the International Crisis Group. "Whether they will be able to agree on all things, such as the Ukraine war, is a big question." rcb/kir A five-year effort to revamp preflight food at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport could mean a Saugy hot dog washed down with a 'Gansett beer before boarding. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation on Thursday approved new long-term food and beverage concession contracts to provide those and other offerings. The primary contract goes to Grove Bay Hospitality Group, the Miami-based firm that has been running restaurants since the COVID pandemic in 2020. A smaller contract will go to Saugy Inc., the 150-year-old Cranston frank maker that bills itself as "Rhode Island's First Hot Dog." "It's exciting to have a presence in the terminal," Mary O'Brien, president of Saugy said after the contract was approved by the state Airport Corporation's board of directors. Saugy being located behind the terminal's security checkpoint means travelers, including those who may have moved away from Rhode Island, will be able to take iced, packaged hot dogs on their flight home, she said. Travelers at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport will be able to dine at a Saugy restaurant and also pick up frozen, packaged hot dogs for the trip. More: RI's latest tourism gambit? A 7-foot stuffie at airports around US. Here's why What other restaurants will open in T.F. Green airport? The overhaul of restaurants at T.F. Green has been a long process halted and complicated by the pandemic. The deal approved Thursday will see the opening or transformation of eight eateries in the terminal into new brands. In addition to the Saugy restaurant, the plans call for a Narragansett brewery restaurant and beer hall, an upgrade of Whalers Bar, a Burger King, a new Federal Hill Italian Eatery and Bar and another Dunkin' coffee shop. Grove Bay plans to convert its Providence Provisions restaurant into a "locally branded restaurant." "The proposed restaurant concepts and designs will complement [the Airport Corporation's] plans for a refresh of the airport interior and is expected to result in a total investment of all retail, food and beverage of $10.6 million," an Airport Corporation summary of the deal said. Story continues The Bruce Sundlun Terminal at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport will soon have eight new or transformed restaurants to choose from. Food overhaul at airport was scuttled by COVID Airport management had hoped to begin the food and drink overhaul back in 2019 and had selected a winning bidder when COVID hit, bringing air travel to a near-standstill and scuttling the deal. Grove Bay arrived amid the doldrums and agreed to open two restaurants, Providence Provisions and Wolfgang Puck Express. It later opened Rhode Island Burger Company and Whalers Bar in the food court. The Airport Corporation went out to bid for a new master concession agreement again in 2021, but passenger volumes were still depressed and the request for proposals was canceled for lack of interest. The corporation tried again last fall, but again "no responsive proposals were received." More on T.F. Green: Breeze Airways adds two Florida destinations from T.F. Green. Here's where they're flying. Management went back to the drawing board last winter and put out calls for "a mix of nationally and locally branded restaurant concepts." That resulted in the deal with Grove Bay and Saugy. Under the deal, Grove Bay will pay the airport 13% of revenue on food and non-alcoholic drinks plus 16% on alcohol, according to RIAC spokesman John Goodman. Saugy will pay 12% of revenue for food and non-alcohol beverages plus 15% on alcohol. To help the vendors overhaul the restaurants, the Airport Corporation is loaning Grove Bay $4.5 million and Saugy $150,000, both at 5.5% interest. When will the new T.F. Green restaurants open? The new and refurbished restaurants will open or reopen gradually between the end of this year and 2025, the plans say. Mark Hellendrung, CEO of Narragansett Brewing Company, said he hopes the new space the company is opening with Grove Bay will have some of the spirit of its Fox Point brew pub. A Narragansett beer in a shark koozie. And having a presence at the airport should help grow the brand in some of the two dozen states outside Rhode Island where it is sold but might not be as well known, he said. "We are pumped we will be one of first new spaces to open, by the end of the second quarter of next year," Hellendrung said. "It's good to shake the dust of COVID off." This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: New TF Green restaurants: Saugy, Narragansett, Federal Hill, and more The Loch Ness monster, a photo now believed to be a hoax. Keystone/Getty Images Scotland is asking for help finding its most famous mythical resident. The country has ignited a new search for the Loch Ness Monster, a fabled creature from Scottish folklore that is alleged to live in the waters of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. The search for the creature, also known as Nessie, is being spearheaded by the Loch Ness Center, the loch's official tourism center. Assistance will be provided by an independent research group called Loch Ness Exploration (LRE). Described as the biggest search for the Loch Ness Monster in 50 years, researchers are "looking for budding monster hunters" to help scour the loch, the center said in a statement. The search intends to use modern technology that hasn't been implemented at the loch before, including "thermal drones to produce thermal images of the water from the air using infrared cameras," as well as a hydrophone "to detect acoustic signals under the water, listening for any Nessie-like calls." "It's our hope to inspire a new generation of Loch Ness enthusiasts and by joining this large-scale surface watch, you'll have a real opportunity to personally contribute towards this fascinating mystery," LNE's Alan McKenna said. The fable of Nessie exploded in 1933, when "hotel manageress Aldie Mackay told of seeing a whale-like creature and the loch's water 'cascading and churning,'" BBC News reported. At the time, the editor of the Inverness Courier, Evan Barron, described the creature as a "monster" in his newspaper, and the myth of the Loch Ness Monster has endured ever since. A famous picture purportedly taken of Nessie in 1934 circulated for years, though it is now widely believed to be a hoax. No conclusive evidence of the monster has ever been found, though some scientists believe it could be the result of people spotting giant eels in the water. You may also like Homepage The search continues for a beloved Maryland teacher who mysteriously vanished a week ago, as the community held a vigil praying for her safe return. Mariame Toure Sylla, 60, was last seen near a park on July 29 around 8 p.m., the Greenbelt Police Department said. PHOTO: In this photo released by the Greenbelt Police Department, Mariame Toure Syll is shown. (Greenbelt Police Department) She is considered a critical missing person, police said. Officials told ABC Washington, D.C., affiliate WJLA that Sylla takes medication. MORE: Missing Florida teen found after routine traffic stop in North Carolina: Police Sylla is a teacher at Dora Kennedy French Immersion School in the Prince George's County school district, where she is known by her students as Madame Sylla. "We hope and pray for Mariame Toure Sylla's safe return," Prince George's County Public Schools said on social media. The search for the missing teacher has included Schrom Hills Park in Greenbelt, where she was known to take walks. PHOTO: A vigil for missing teacher Mariame Toure Sylla on Aug. 4, 2023. (WJLA) During a vigil and prayer event held at the park on Friday, attendees spoke about Sylla's dedication to the community where she lives and teaches. One described her as a "really good woman" who "strived for a life of righteousness" and a veteran teacher who enjoyed her students. PHOTO: A flyer is handed out at a vigil for missing teacher Mariame Toure Sylla on Aug. 4, 2023. (WJLA) MORE: Arizona teen missing since 2019 found 'safe, happy and healthy' in small Montana town Attendees canvassed the area and handed out flyers to spread the word about Sylla's disappearance. According to the flyer, the teacher also goes by Mariam Toure and was last seen walking around the Greenbelt neighborhood in a long dress and head scarf. "We continue to follow all leads that have come in to us," Greenbelt Chief Richard Bowers said during the vigil. "We keep all of our possibilities open as to the cause of her disappearance." Sylla was described by police as a Black woman who is approximately 5'5" and weighs 135 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Greenbelt Police Department at 301-474-7200. Search continues for beloved teacher who went missing 1 week ago originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A gunfight at a Florida hotel between police and a holed-up suspect ended in the mans death Saturday morning, just hours after he allegedly shot two officers in an earlier encounter that left them in critical condition, authorities say. The suspect had an extensive violent and criminal history, Orlando Police Chief Eric D. Smith said. Police said the suspect was Daton S. Viel, 28, in a news release on Twitter. The violence began at about 11 p.m. Friday, Smith said, when two officers were investigating a vehicle wanted in connection with a Miami homicide. During a stop, the suspect shot them, stole another car and fled with police in pursuit. A manhunt followed. After (an) extensive search, officers were able to find the suspect at the Holiday Inn in the 5900 block of Caravan Court, Smith said. The SWAT team responded to the hotel at 6 a.m. and was able to safely evacuate the hotel. The suspect barricaded himself in a room, according to authorities. Police made several attempts to get him to surrender, but the suspect refused. At 8:58, the suspect shot at our SWAT officers multiple times. SWAT officers returned fire striking the suspect, Smith said. The suspect is now deceased. Earlier Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted, Our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect. The perpetrator must face harsh justice. This is a sad day for our department, Smith said earlier in reference to the two officers shot. CNNs Michelle Watson contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (CNN) Climate activist Greta Thunberg has canceled an appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival after accusing one of the festivals main sponsors of greenwashing. Thunberg announced her decision to pull out of the event in a statement shared by the festival on Friday, outlining her belief that as a climate activist she cannot attend an event sponsored by investment management firm, Ballie Gifford, due to its connections with the fossil fuel industry. She was set to speak at the 3,000 seat Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh on August 13 to discuss her appeal for climate action in an event titled: Greta Thunberg: Its Not Too Late to Change the World. I am unfortunately unable to attend the Edinburgh Book Festival. As a climate activist I cannot attend an event which receives sponsorship from Baillie Gifford, who invests heavily in the fossil fuel industry, Thunberg said. Greenwashing efforts by the fossil fuel industry, including sponsorship of cultural events, allow them to keep the social license to continue operating. I cannot and do not want to be associated with events that accept this kind of sponsorship, her statement continued. Greenwashing is a practice where marketing and PR language is intentionally misleading and used to convince consumers that something is better for the planet than it really is. The term can also be used to describe corporations or businesses using philanthropy or association with environmental issues to distract from their ecologically harmful business activities. The festivals director, Nick Barley responded in a separate statement, saying that although he is disappointed that Thunberg will no longer be appearing he fully respected her decision. I share Gretas view that in all areas of society the rate of progress is not enough, Barley continued. Barley went on to highlight the crucial role played by organizations such as Baillie Gifford in keeping an event such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival alive. The Book Festival exists to give a platform for debate and discussion around key issues affecting humanity today - including the climate emergency. As a charitable organisation, we would not be in a position to provide that platform without the long-term support of organisations such as Baillie Gifford, Barley said. He defended Baillie Giffords record on climate, pointing towards the companys investment in progressive climate positive companies, adding that the festival has seen Baillie Gifford make rapid progress on climate issues during its 19-year partnership with the company. In a separate statement, Baillie Gifford denied the claims made by Thunberg, saying: We are not a significant fossil fuel investor. The company said that only 2% of its clients money is invested in companies with some business related to fossil fuels, also pointing to its investment in clean energy solutions. The festival, which is set to kick off in the Scottish capital on August 12, has pledged to offer a full refund to all those who had purchased tickets to see Thunberg. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Greta Thunberg pulls out of Edinburgh Book Festival appearance after accusing key sponsor of greenwashing" MY NORTHWEST The Seattle City Council will be holding a public hearing to give the community a chance to provide input on the upcoming Seattle Police Management Association (SPMA) contract negotiations. The meeting will be on August 8 at 5:30 pm inside Council Chambers at Seattle City Hall. The hearing will take place during a special meeting of the Public Safety and Human Services Committee and the Councils Select Labor Committee. SPMA is a union representing police lieutenants and captains within the Seattle Police Department (SPD). This will be the publics only opportunity to give input before the contract is negotiated. A public hearing is the first step of a six-step contract negotiation process Seattle City Council undertakes alongside SPMA. The next step is creating bargaining parameters within the Labor Relations Policy Committee, followed by a negotiating committee and a tentative agreement. The last two steps are a union ratification where union members approve or disapprove of the contract and a city council vote. The Seattle Police Officers Guilds (SPOG) contract is currently being evaluated by a negotiating committee. SPOG, which represents officers and sergeants, has been negotiating a police management contract with the city since last summer. SPOG, which has been operating without a contract since 2020, estimated there are 895 officers on staff, despite a staff goal of approximately 1,400. The union projects there will be 112 departures from the staff this year. In Washington State, police contracts establish wages and benefits for its staff while also having some influence and say over how the city holds police officers accountable when they violate police department policies. The most recent SPMA contract, adopted in 2022, included several recommendations from its public hearing which occurred three years prior. Among the suggestions included were improvements to the discipline review system regarding subpoena power, a standard of proof for dishonesty and preponderance of evidence, the 180-day clock, and arbitration. Story continues This agreement creates a new discipline review system that marks a sea change in how discipline appeals operate, Councilmember Lisa Herbold said last year after the contract was approved. It will help slow that backlog from growing by ensuring cases arent being entirely relitigated during arbitration as they currently are. The agreement, which passed by a vote of 8-0, was only scheduled to last through the end of 2023. The current contract will remain in place until negotiations are complete. Unlike many other sectors, police cannot legally go on strike. Instead, if a police union and the city of Seattle cant reach a deal, the negotiations can go to interest arbitration where a neutral arbitrator would make binding decisions to resolve disagreements about the contract. The current contract allows captains and lieutenants to receive retroactive wage increases of 2.7% in 2020, 1.9% in 2021, and 4% in 2022. This year, police managers received a pay bump equivalent to the consumer price index increase, up to 4%, which will cost the department more than $6 million through the end of next year. It is common practice for police to see retroactive increases, in part because they generally take years to negotiate. Police often operate under expired contracts. A second air-raid warning had been issued in all regions of Ukraine on Saturday, lasting for more than half an hour. Source: map of air-raid warnings, Air Force of the Armed Forces on Telegram Details: As before, the Air Force explains that the air-raid warning was triggered by the take-off of a Russian MiG from the Savasleyka air base in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. The previous air-raid warning lasted 36 minutes. After 12:00, an all-clear was given. Overall, the air-raid warning lasted 33 minutes. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! U.S. health officials are racing to control an outbreak of tuberculosis linked to contaminated bone graft material that has killed one person and infected at least four others - the second outbreak of the rare disease in two years. Eight people died in 2021 when the same type of bone repair product used in spinal surgery was also contaminated with the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. The product was supplied by Aziyo Biologics, the Silver Spring, Md., company also involved in the current outbreak. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. The contaminated product was used in at least 36 patients who underwent surgical or dental procedures earlier this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the outbreak did not become public until Aziyo issued a voluntary recall on July 13. All patients are being treated as if they have tuberculosis because of the large percentage of people who develop severe forms of the disease from implanted bone material, according to Kathleen Conley, a CDC spokesperson. TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but it can attack any part of the body, such as the kidney, spine and brain. The bacteria spread through the air, from one person to another. Left untreated, tuberculosis can be fatal. In 2021, surgeons used the contaminated material in 113 patients, sparking a wave of lawsuits and calls for tighter regulation of the product, a commonly used surgical putty that contains living cells procured from the bones of a cadaver. In the current outbreak, the bone products were derived from a single donor and sent to 13 facilities in seven states: California, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas and Virginia, between Feb. 27 and June 20, according to the CDC. Aziyo recalled a single lot of the bone repair product, ViBone Moldable, which is made from human tissue and used primarily in orthopedic and spinal procedures, according to a July 13 company statement. Samples from the lot had tested negative for the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, the company said. The CDC said the company's bone grafting solution, called alloOss Plus, used for dental procedures, also came from the same donor and was recalled. Story continues The company said it has suspended shipments of all bone repair products from all donors. All patients, facilities and states involved have been contacted and remaining units of the product lot have been removed from inventory and will not be used, according to the CDC. Aziyo, which processes the bone product, is responsible for ensuring the product is free of contamination. But current U.S. regulations do not require organ or tissue donors to be assessed for tuberculosis or tuberculosis risk factors. The Food and Drug Administration requires human tissue used for products like the bone repair material to be tested for several communicable diseases, including hepatitis, HIV and syphilis - but not tuberculosis. Nor is laboratory testing for the tuberculosis bacteria routinely performed on donors, according to a report on the 2021 outbreak published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases. Its authors include CDC, FDA and other federal and state health officials who investigated that outbreak, the largest recorded tissue-derived tuberculosis outbreak, the report said. Standard screening was unsuccessful at detecting infection in donated tissues as well as in the donor, an 80-year-old man who traveled frequently to an unidentified country where the annual number of new TB cases is more than eight times higher than in the United States, the report said. In that report, federal health officials recommended that "all prospective tissues and donors should be routinely assessed for tuberculosis risk factors and clinical findings." In a recent statement, Aziyo said neither the FDA nor the American Association of Tissue Banks, the organization that promotes the safety and use of donated human tissue, mandate testing for the tuberculosis bacteria in cellular products. "However, considering our experience in 2021 and with the intent to protect patients, Aziyo worked with outside experts to develop a test to screen for [the bacteria] where none was previously commercially available," the company said. "We have used this test as part of our standard operating procedures since that time. This test exceeds guidelines set by both the AATB and the FDA." The company said samples from the specific lot of bone material that was related to the tuberculosis infections had tested negative for the bacteria by an independent laboratory using a nucleic acid test that is designed to specifically detect the organism. "Our investigation has involved additional testing on the donor lot in question through multiple independent labs and in each instance, [the bacteria] has not been detected in the donor samples," the company said. Beverly Bliss, vice president for accreditation standards and regulatory affairs at the American Association of Tissue Banks, agreed that even a more sensitive laboratory test, which would take six to eight weeks, is not guaranteed to turn up tuberculosis in bones. And that length of time might threaten the live cells in the Aziyo product. "There simply isn't a good test," she said. Current tests were "all designed for living people." The association is preparing to release a new set of "risk factors" Monday to help companies avoid collecting tissue from the remains of people most likely to have been exposed to tuberculosis in their lifetimes. Their bodies should not be used for "any viable cell product," she said. Bliss said extensive investigations by both the AATB and the FDA did not turn up anything wrong in Aziyo's processing of the bone in 2021. She declined to comment on why a single company, of the many in the United States that process tissue, is involved in both tuberculosis outbreaks. "We have not detected anything noncompliant yet," Bliss said. The FDA said it is working with the CDC "to fully understand the impact of this recall," said Carly Kempler, an FDA spokesperson. In response to whether the agency plans to update its human tissue requirements and mandate testing for tuberculosis, Kempler said the agency routinely reviews its approaches for screening and testing of human cells, tissues and cellular and tissue-based products from donors to determine whether any changes should be made. James Sunstrum, an infectious-disease expert in Dearborn, Mich., who treated two patients for severe tuberculosis after they underwent spinal surgery with Aziyo's contaminated bone product in 2021, said the type of test performed by Aziyo is a quick test, but "some TB cells could certainly escape with that DNA test." He and other clinicians say a more thorough test to detect tuberculosis would entail culturing a specimen, but that requires six to eight weeks of additional incubation for this very slow-growing bacteria. "It's very disturbing and distressing to hear about a second outbreak," Sunstrum said. "We think this kind of product should be removed from the shelves." Chris Buri, 72, of Denver, was among the patients in the 2021 outbreak who contracted tuberculosis after spinal surgery. His 10-hour surgery was a success, he said, but the tuberculosis infection hit him with severe pain and night sweats. The months-long antibiotic treatment for TB made the pain worse. When he learned how he had become infected, "I wanted to get healthy and I wanted to get even," Buri said in an interview this week. He filed a lawsuit but he reached a settlement with the company. He is not allowed to disclose the terms. Buri said he was eager to move on. He became active in WeAreTB.com, a TB education and support group. But the new outbreak is bringing back difficult memories. "I'm heartbroken to find out that more people have now suffered from a second outbreak," he said. Related Content Ukraine's elite forces rely on technology to strike behind enemy lines Recovering from twin Southwest Virginia floods: 'A rough, rough ride' Screenshot from a video from an onboard camera of a sea drone with explosives, showing it during the operation overnight on Aug. 5 to attack the SIG, a Russian chemicals and oil tanker, near the Kerch Straits in the Black Sea. If the Kremlin had thought it could turn the Black Sea into a Russian lake, that idea looks to be dead in the water. For the second time in two days, Ukraine has used a small sea drone carrying a 450-kilogram warhead to cripple a Russian vessel. The first vessel was the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian amphibious assault ship of the Northern Fleet, which was badly damaged in a Ukrainian sea drone attack overnight on Aug. 4. The second target was the Russian chemicals and oil tanker SIG, which was attacked overnight on Aug. 5 as it neared the Kerch Bridge linking Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and Russia. The bridge was closed after a blast rang out, heralding the Ukrainian attack on the ship, and soon a close view of the strike was available. Video released on social media from the attacking drones onboard camera, similar to dramatic footage released a day before of the attack on the Olenegorsky Gornyak, shows it near the tankers bow, before it circles lazily and then rushes in at speed to strike the SIG on its starboard (right) side, close to the vessel's bridge. As for the attack on the Olenegorsky Gornyak, Ukraines SBU security Service has claimed it and the Ukrainian Navy were responsible for the attack on the ship. Read also: Russian attack inflicts severe damage on Danube Shipping Company and sea terminal in Izmail photos The SBU said that as a result of the attack, one of Russias biggest oil tankers, almost 5,000 tons, and only built in 2014, had begun to sink in Kerch Bay. The SBU said the tanker was transporting fuel for the Russian army. "The tanker was well loaded with fuel, so the fireworks could be seen from afar," a source in the SBU told NV. The SBU emphasized that the attack took place in the territorial waters of Ukraine. Rosmorrichflot, Russias Federal Agency for Sea and River Transport, reported the attack on the SIG, saying the vessels hull had been breached as a result of a maritime drone attack." Story continues It said the hull breach was in the area of the engine room at the waterline on the starboard side in the same area the video of the attack shows the drone striking the vessel. Read also: Ukraines SBU involved in both Crimean Bridge attacks, confirms National Security Secretary Rosmorrichflot added that before the attack on the tanker, it was on the southern approach to the Kerch Strait. It claimed that the vessel is still afloat. It is also said that there were no casualties as a result of the attack, and the crew had "fought the inflow of water," which has allegedly already been stopped. "As of 4.00 a.m., preparations are being made to pump out the aft ballast tanks of the engine room and install a (hull) patch," reads the message from Rosmorrichflot reporting the attack. Later the Russian Telegram news channel Baza posted a photo of what appeared to be the bridge of the vessel, showing smashed windows, tables and chairs overturned, and what appears to be damage to the bridge roof. There are no reports of any fuel or oil leaks from the tanker. The SIG is subject to U.S. sanctions for delivering fuel to Russian forces in Syria. According to website MarineTraffic.com, it is an Oil/Chemical Tanker that was built in 2014 and is sailing under the flag of Russia. Her carrying capacity is 6619 t DWT and her current draught is reported to be three meters. Her length overall is 141 meters, and her width is 16.9 meters, the website says. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A teenager who was critically wounded in a daytime shooting nearly two weeks ago in Kansas Citys Lykins neighborhood has died, according to police. The 15-year-old, identified as Angel Macias, was pronounced dead late Friday morning as Kansas City detectives continue to investigate the shooting, Sgt. Jake Becchina said in a written statement. Another teenager, Adan Morales-Alvarado, 16, was found dead at the shooting scene on July 23, a Sunday. No charges had been announced in the case as of Friday. Becchina said detectives had identified a person of interest and were working with prosecutors on the case. Police were not actively searching for other suspects. Around 6:30 p.m. on July 23, officers located both teens shot on the sidewalk in the 3700 block of East 8th Street after Kansas City police responded to the area and were directed to Macias and Morales-Alvarado by concerned citizens. The death of Macias marks Kansas Citys 121st homicide so far in 2023, according to data maintained by The Star, as the city remains on pace with its deadliest year in history. The homicide record was set in 2020 with 182 people killed. Kansas City police were asking anyone with information about the killings of Macias and Morales-Alvarado to contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. The Stars Anna Spoerre contributed to this report. Victims and their families still seek justice in state court as El Paso marked the fourth anniversary of the Walmart mass shooting. The state of Texas case against gunman Patrick Crusius, the man accused of fatally shooting 23 people and injuring dozens of others during the Aug. 3, 2019, massacre targeting Hispanics, has yet to be scheduled by a district court judge to go to trial. The 409th District Judge Sam Medrano, who is presiding over the case, declined to comment as the case remains pending. Accused El Paso Walmart mass shooter Patrick Crusius is arraigned Thursday, October, 10, 2019 in the 409th state District Court with Judge Sam Medrano presiding. Crusius, a 21-year-old male from Allen, Texas, stands accused of killing 22 and injuring 25 in the Aug. 3 mass shooting at an East El Paso Walmart in the seventh deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history and third deadliest in Texas. The case has been slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a feud between Medrano and former El Paso District Attorney Yvonne Rosales and a federal case against the gunman that is expected to wrap up soon. A federal restitution hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25. The gunman faces one count of capital murder of multiple persons and 22 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in state court. A capital murder conviction carries a life in prison or death penalty sentence. The gunman was indicted on the state charges June 25, 2020. Prosecutors filed a motion July 22, 2022, stating they would be seeking the death penalty against the gunman. The last action taken in the case was Aug. 1 when an order was issued to seal records. More: Victims' heartbreak defines life sentencing of Walmart mass shooter A gag order issued in July 2022 by Medrano prevents state prosecutors, defense lawyers, witnesses, family members of the victims, or anyone else associated with the state case from discussing it. 'A long way from resolving this case' Assistant District Attorneys Loretta Hewitt, Rebecca Tarango and Ron Banerji are prosecuting the case. "As we come to the fourth anniversary of the worst racially motivated mass shooting in the history of this country, the 34th Judicial District Attorney's office remains committed to seeking justice for the victims of the shooting, their families, and our entire community," El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks said in a statement. Story continues "Although the perpetrator of this heinous act has yet to face a jury for his crimes, and although the state of Texas still must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, we are confident that justice will prevail, and the shooter will be held accountable for his actions." Defense Attorney Joe Spencer, who is representing the gunman, said his team will be ready for trial whenever a date is set. Spencer declined to discuss details about the case because of the gag order. "We're still a long way from resolving this case," Spencer said. "My sadness is that we can't resolve it any sooner. We're trying to get this case resolved. It has been four years and we haven't been able to do it simply because of the death penalty. That's just not ever going to get any judicial finality for this community which is what I feel is important that we have as soon as possible. "We're still waiting for discovery from the state and then obviously we have an election coming up in 2024. That's going to determine who's going to be prosecuting this case. So there's a lot of issues still up in the air that I'm afraid is going to prolong this case longer than it should." More: Families of El Paso shooting victims demand justice: 'I will never forgive you' Several candidates have announced they will challenge Hicks for the El Paso DA post. Hicks has yet to confirm to the El Paso Times that he plans to run for the office. Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Hicks to the post when Rosales abruptly resigned from office in December 2022 as she faced removal from office trial for alleged incompetence and official misconduct. Survivors, family member demanding gunman face death penalty Soon after being sworn in as DA, Hicks appointed a new prosecution team with death penalty case experience to try the case. Hicks has remained steadfast in seeking the death penalty even though a federal jury sentenced the gunman to 90 consecutive life sentences in early July. The state trial is a major step for victims and their family members because the white supremacist faces the death penalty. More: Tearful testimonies continue as victims of El Paso Walmart shooting confront gunman While the state case remains pending, the gunman is already set to spend the rest of his life in prison from his guilty plea Feb. 9 to 90 federal charges in the mass shooting. He was ordered to serve this sentence at the ADX Florence supermax federal prison near Florence, Colorado. However, the gunman is currently in state custody as he awaits his state trial. He is being held at the El Paso County Jail in Downtown El Paso. Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Four years later, no trial date set in state's Walmart shooting case President Donald Trump stands with Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, on Dec. 4, 2017, at the Utah state Capitol. | Rick Bowmer, Associated Press Sen. Mike Lee said Friday prosecuting Donald Trump for events that took place while he was president is dangerous. This week Trump was charged for his alleged involvement in trying to overturn the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. In a series of posts on social media, Lee, R-Utah, cited a Wall Street Journal opinion piece written by two conservative attorneys, David Rivkin Jr. and Lee Casey, about the implications of prosecuting a former president. 1. Regardless of what you think of Trump or his response to the outcome of the 2020 election, prosecuting him for things he did while president is dangerous. Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) August 4, 2023 The Constitution gives the sitting president immunity from lawsuits while in office. It also covers actions that are in the outer perimeter of the official duties, the article said. Because of this immunity, such a prosecution would cripple the ability of all future presidents to perform their constitutional responsibilities vigorously and fearlessly, the article, cited by Lee, said. It also questioned whether attorney Jack Smith, the special counsel presiding over two of Trumps indictments, is focused on whether (Trump) honestly believed the election had been stolen from him. Instead, the opinion piece suggested, Smith should question if Trumps actions after the 2020 election fell within his presidential responsibilities. Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland last November. His first indictment against Trump was related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents. A president has the authority to communicate with, cajole and even browbeat officials over whom he has no supervisory authority, urging them to pursue policies that he believes are in the national interest, the opinion piece said. Story continues The opinion article cited Trump and President Joe Bidens actions to pressure states to follow COVID-19 recommendations Wise or not, those were undoubtedly official actions, it stated. The Supreme Court will almost certainly be called on to determine the scope of a former presidents immunity and whether Mr. Trumps actions after the 2020 election fell within the outer reaches of his official responsibilities. Trump, who faces four charges, pled not guilty during an arraignment on Thursday. He said on Truth Social that the latest charges against him indicate election interference. Meanwhile, Lee concluded that the applicable precedent, and the reasons for presidential immunity, seem to cut strongly against this indictment. Seven Tu-95 long-range bomber jets took off from Olenya airfield in Russia on Saturday evening. Source: Operational Command Pivden (South) Quote: "The activity of enemy strategic aircraft was recorded. Seven Tu-95s took off from the Olenya airfield. These bombers can carry Kh-101 and Kh-555 missiles." Details: Operational Command Pivden (South) urged people to heed to air-raid warnings and proceed to shelters in case of the declared threat. Background: On Saturday evening, a large-scale air-raid warning was issued in Ukraine due to the launch of cruise missiles and Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles by the Russians. Explosions were heard in Zaporizhzhia, and later it was reported that a missile attack was launched on the outskirts of the city. Explosions were also heard in Khmelnytskyi and Zhytomyr oblasts. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that on Saturday night, the Russians had attacked the Motor Sich plant in Zaporizhzhia and Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! A previous group of migrants from Brownsville, Texas, arrive at St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in Los Angeles on July 13. The seventh bus from Texas arrived Friday in Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A bus carrying 49 asylum seekers arrived in Los Angeles on Friday the seventh such group sent to California from Texas under the leadership of Gov. Greg Abbott in the last two months, according to officials. The bus left Brownsville, Texas, on Thursday at 11 a.m. and arrived the next day at Los Angeles Union Station at 12:15 p.m., according to a release by the immigration advocacy group Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. A total of 283 asylum seekers have arrived in the region to date. "Los Angeles continues to open its heart and work collectively to give asylum seekers the refuge they deserve, Angelica Salas, executive director of CHIRLA, said in a statement. Our work is to help them find protection and a better life in the U.S., their new home. With this, they will leave behind the suffering and any use of their plight for political agendas. There were 32 adults and 17 children, ranging from 4 months old to 16, on the bus, according to the L.A. Welcomes Collective, a network of nonprofit, faith and immigrant rights organizations. The bus riders sought asylum from countries including Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil, Cameroon and China. Mayor Karen Bass office was notified Thursday of the pending arrival of migrants and activated the citys response plan in cooperation with the collective. Migrants were offered food, clothing and other services upon arrival at Union Station and were put in touch with any family and friends living nearby. Others will be assisted with travel plans to their final destinations, the collective said. [We] welcome with dignity and compassion those who are fleeing horrific conditions and violence in search of protection and refuge," said Guillermo Torres, the immigration program director at Clue Justice, one of the members of the collective. The first bus arrived in Los Angeles on June 14 carrying 42 asylum seekers. Five more buses arrived in July with a total of 156 people on board as part of Abbotts initiative to send migrants out of Texas and to sanctuary states. Story continues Abbott said Texas would continue sending migrants to other parts of the country until President Bidens administration steps up to do his job and secure the border. Abbott's critics have accused him of using the asylum seekers as "political pawns" to make points with his conservative political base. The Abbott administration did not respond to requests for comment. Our limited capacities and resources do not deter us from continuing to uphold our values, standing in solidarity with our migrant brothers and sisters, said Alexandra Morales, the director of organizing, policy and advocacy at CARECEN-LA. 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. Several groups of attack drones were spotted flying over Mykolaiv Oblast. Source: Air Force of Ukraine; Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from the Air Force of Ukraine: "Several groups of attack UAVs are over Mykolaiv Oblast, moving in a northwestern direction!" Details: Earlier, the Air Force had reported a threat of attack UAVs in Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts. An air-raid warning was issued in those oblasts, as well as in Donetsk Oblast. Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, reported nine drones flying over the oblast. Later, the Air Force reported that the launch of a third group of Shahed strike UAVs was confirmed. In particular, a drone was spotted between the cities of Kropyvnytskyi and Kremenchuk. A group of Shahed drones is also approaching Kirovohrad Oblast. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Seoul, South Korea (CNN) Hundreds of teenage boy and girl scouts have fallen ill at a global event in South Korea as a sweltering heat wave sweeps the country, angering some parents who have called for the 12-day event to be canceled. Nearly 40,000 participants mostly middle and high schoolers have traveled from 155 different countries to attend the event, a week-long festival featuring cultural performances and outdoor activities, according to Kim Hyun-sook, the chairman of the jamborees Organizing Committee and the Minister of Gender Equality and Family. Their visit came as South Korea recorded consistently high temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), triggering nationwide heat wave warnings and posing a major headache for jamboree organizers. On Thursday alone, 1,486 people visited the on-site hospital at the World Scout Jamboree, held in Saemangeum, a few hours south of Seoul, according to Kim. Of the people who visited the hospital, 250 reported skin rashes, 138 had heat-related illness, and 386 had bug bites, Kim added but none were in a critical condition, said an official from the Jeonbuk Fire Service. The development prompted the UK Scouts Association to announce that roughly 4,000 UK scouts and volunteers attending the jamboree would leave the event and move to hotels in the capital, Seoul. We will start moving our people to hotel accommodation over the next two days. As we are the largest contingent, our hope is that this helps alleviate the pressure on the site overall, the organization said in a statement Friday. UK scouts also acknowledged that while the decision may serve as disappointment for some, it will endeavour to continue the Jamboree experience in the capital of Seoul, working with Korean authorities on a programme of activities. As more children fell ill, worried parents and observers from around the world flooded the events social media pages with frantic questions, angry reprimands for organizers, and demands for the event to end with messages written in various languages. One commenter wrote that their son had spent the night at the jamboree sleeping on the ground because there were no tents, cots or other gear available. My wallet paid a hearty price for this chaos, they wrote. One writing in Spanish said their daughter was attending the event and had reported there was no food, no way to protect them from the sun. CNN has reached out to jamboree organizers for a response to the parents comments. Photos from the site show participants gathering at a water supply zone to cool themselves off, and resting in shaded areas. National authorities are also getting involved, with President Yoon Suk Yeol ordering an unlimited supply of large air-conditioned buses and refrigerator trucks to the campsite on Monday. He also ordered organizers to improve the quality of food provided and to immediately resolve issues occurring from the site, according to the presidential office. In a news release Friday, event organizers said they were working with the Red Cross to accommodate those with heat-related symptoms. The military is also helping to set up shade shelters, and improving the floors of leafy vine tunnels where participants have been hiding from the heat. The jamboree is also ramping up its medical staff, pest control personnel, the number of portable toilets and food supplies. The number of cleaning staff previously just 70 for the entire 40,000-person site has been increased to more than 500, organizers said. Kim, the minister and jamboree organizing chairman, said about 130 cooling buses will be deployed to the site on Friday, and an additional 10 refrigerator trucks would be dispatched soon. Each scout will be given five bottles of cold water each day, as well as cooling masks, hats, sunscreen, ice packs and salt pills, she added. The fire service has been operating the on-site hospital, with about 200 fire department personnel deployed every day to the event site. Theyre planning to increase that number for the upcoming culture event day on Sunday when attendance is expected to increase. Organizers have also adjusted scheduled events, suspending activities requiring significant physical activities and replacing them with indoor programs, they said. However, organizers suggested they would not heed public calls to cancel the jamboree, and would ensure the safe and stable operation of this event until its conclusion. The heat wave picked up in late July, with 19 reported deaths from heat-related illnesses since May 20, and 1,520 reporting heat-related illnesses, according to the countrys disease control and prevention agency. The deaths far exceed those over the same period last year, when six people died from heat-related illnesses, the agency said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Hundreds of teenagers are falling ill from heat wave at World Scout Jamboree in South Korea" The Florida Lottery, together with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), has helped over 950,000 scholars and counting receive a postsecondary education through the Bright Futures Scholarship program. Action News Jax wants to hear your stories about how Florida Bright Futures has helped you or your family. To share your story, upload a photo or video using the module below. To see how Bright Futures could make your educational goals a reality, check your eligibility by clicking here. NOTE: If the form below does not load initially, try refreshing the page. Action News Jax is not responsible for any technical failures. [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. TikTok sensation Alix Earle graduated from the University of Miami in May. Scroll through her TikTok page and youll see how much she loved being a Cane attending morning classes and cheering at basketball games with Sebastian the mascot. Earle credits UM with getting to where she is today, which is why she knew she wanted to be involved with the school after graduation. Now, the 22-year-old online star is funding a scholarship for business students. Im excited to stay involved with them and do more than just be an online presence and be there in person and make an impact, Earle said in a phone interview with the Miami Herald. What is the Alix Earle Scholarship? The Alix Earle Scholarship will give financial assistance to students in their junior or senior year demonstrating significant potential in the field of business, the application site says. This scholarship is designed to break down barriers and help you realize your dreams. Neither the private university nor Earle disclosed the donation amount. UM confirmed that the scholarship will be recurring. In addition to a resume, applicants had to submit a video answering these two questions: What impact would this scholarship have on your educational and career goals? and Why is it important to you to be a student at the University of Miami? It was super moving watching some of the videos of the students and hearing their stories, Earle said. If theyre having financial stress, I want to be able to relieve a little bit of that and help them complete and follow their dreams, Earle said. How she rose to TikTok fame Earle, originally from New Jersey, moved to Miami in 2019 to attend the University of Miami. She graduated in May from the Herbert Business School. Earle said her following started to grow in 2022 when she began posting videos showing her acne and talking about her experience with accutane, an acne treatment drug. People online find her content relatable: You were genuinely the first influencer that made me feel comfortable with my acne, a user commented on one of her recent skin-related videos. Story continues I think people were really just intrigued by what was going on behind the scenes and I have a close connection with my audience, Earle said. I feel like theyre my friends and were just updating each other [on] our lives. From there, Earle said, the videos turned into get ready with me videos. Sitting in her room while at UM, she did her makeup on camera as she told her audience about the products shes using or where shes going, like class or a night out in Miami. Everything kind of took off from there. It was really a snowball effect, she said. The snowball got bigger and bigger as time passed. She now has more than five million followers on TikTok and almost three million on Instagram. Shes had partnerships with Victorias Secret and makeup brands Tarte and Rare Beauty (Selena Gomezs makeup line) in the past. I never really dreamed of being able to donate to anyone, or anything really, at this point in my career, Earle said. Beyond financial aid, she wants to be a mentor and friend Details about the scholarship recipients are being finalized, according to Earle. I wanted to be as helpful as possible and if that means its applicable for more than one student then thats what were going to do, she said. With this scholarship, Alix has shown real leadership among Miami Herberts young alumni, Ann Olazabal, interim dean of the business school, said in a statement. Philanthropic efforts like hers show the tangible impact our alumni community has. Scholarships in particular are vital to reducing financial barriers for promising students and encouraging the next generation to pursue their business dreams at the U. The application period closed on July 14, but Earle said she hopes to continue her contributions as time goes on and perhaps increase them in the future. But more than just making a financial donation, Earle wants to be a mentor for the students awarded her scholarship. The biggest part of it for me was being that support system for another student, she said. Like, I want to be able to get to know them, help them, talk to them, be their mentor just because I feel like I had a lot of support throughout my four years with my friends, my family, my professors, and I want to be that support system for someone else. And, you know, if theyre having financial stress, I want to be able to relieve a little bit of that and help them complete and follow their dreams. People are renting out Starlink terminals on Facebook Marketplace. Nina Lyashonok/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images Some people have taken to renting out SpaceX Starlink kits on Facebook Marketplace. One startup CEO said he'd found a renter that was making $5,000 a month renting out seven devices. Starlink owners say it could be ideal for remote workers looking to explore new places. People are taking to Facebook Marketplace to rent out SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet for vacationers and remote workers. Startup CEO Austen Allred said on X, formerly Twitter, that he rented out one of the satellite internet kits for a family vacation and saw that one Facebook user was renting out seven of the devices and making about $5,000 a month doing it. "Tried to grab a Starlink for a family camping trip but was too short notice to have it shipped on time," Bloomtech CEO Austen Allred wrote on X last month. "Look on Facebook marketplace and people are *renting them out* for $25-30/day." While Insider was unable to confirm the unnamed Starlink owner's take-home earnings from renting out the device (we reached out to Allred for more information but didn't hear back ahead of publication), a quick look through Marketplace shows there are plenty of people actively renting out the SpaceX internet dishes. Insider found several Starlink rental options on Facebook Marketplace. Facebook Martketplace Insider identified over a dozen Starlink rental listings on Facebook Marketplace with prices ranging from $25 to $35 per day. The service costs about $599 for the equipment and $110 per month in the US depending on specific plans, but prices can vary based on the user's location. At $110 a month a Starlink owner could break even on the monthly fee if they rented it out for at least four days a month at $30 per day and recoup their equipment costs in one month if they rented it out for about 24 days. One owner, Thomas Sands, told Insider he'd actually just started testing the waters after he saw Allred's tweet. And McKenzie Coffman, another Starlink owner on Facebook, said he realized there could be a market for Starlink rentals after he'd lent his terminal out to a friend. Story continues "It's the new 'AirBnB' of mobile internet," Coffman, who said he paid $600 for the hardware and $135 a month for the mobile subscription, told Insider over text. "No one wants to pay $600 for the equipment to use it once a year." He pointed out that he could always pause the service if he couldn't find renters. Many sellers on Facebook are also catering the device to remote workers, and there appears to be a market for some. One owner based in North Carolina said on Facebook that his device was booked out and he'd already ordered a second unit to keep up with demand. "Starlink is a great way to ensure that you can stay connected while you take your time to disconnect and relax, be it for emergency situations, leisure during winding down, access to music and movies on the go, or doing your WFH tasks so you don't have to burn vacation days while you have your getaway!" an ad from another Starlink owner reads. Other sellers are offering users multiple units, including Starlink's mobile option that is ideal for RVs, and some are offering to ship the device directly to the renter. Though, many are asking for a $500 deposit to insure the device is returned safely. Facebook Marketplace isn't the only place people are attempting to turn Starlink into a side hustle. A handful of websites have also popped up offering to rent the device for around $30 per day. And SpaceX might not be far behind in offering the service in-house. Earlier this year, PCMag reported that Elon Musk's company had begun notifying customers in the UK that they could rent the hardware for 15 (equivalent to $18) per month in addition to a one-time 99 ($118) activation fee. Starlink service is available in 48 US states and over 55 countries, according to SpaceX. The company said in May that it had over 1.5 million subscribers. Read the original article on Business Insider Unesco sign on gate Jacques Demarthon / AFP via Getty Images The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) released its provisional agenda for the 2023 World Heritage Committee session taking place in September. The organization designates locations and structures around the world as World Heritage sites. It can also designate World Heritage sites as "in danger," signifying that they're threatened by any number of factors, including tourism, development and climate threats. What are the designations? Locations deemed World Heritage sites are of "outstanding universal value to humanity" and should be "protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy," according to Unesco. The organization also lists World Heritage in danger, "designed to inform the international community of conditions" that "threaten the very characteristics for which a property was inscribed on the World Heritage list and to encourage corrective action." The World Heritage list is a result of the Unesco Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage adopted in 1972. The treaty sets the guidelines for the consideration of a World Heritage site, and the countries that signed it agree to "conserve not only the World Heritage sites situated on its territory but also to protect its national heritage." These countries have access to a World Heritage fund that provides money annually to "assist states parties in identifying, preserving and promoting World Heritage sites." Part of the treaty also includes stipulations for adding sites to the danger list. Unesco takes into account the ascertained and potential danger of sites and decides whether to add them to the list. If added, the World Heritage Committee can "allocate immediate assistance from the World Heritage Fund to the endangered property," and "the mere prospect of inscribing a site on this list often proves to be effective and can incite rapid conservation action." Story continues How does designation impact a destination? The effects of Unesco's designations are a debated topic. A site being added to the list can be a "kiss of death" and "all too often cures the disease by killing the patient," Italian journalist Marco D'Eramo wrote in 2014, coining the term Unescocide. Essentially, in designating a World Heritage site worthy of protection, the destination becomes a place of unsustainable levels of tourism. This was not accounted for in the original treaty, as Unesco "didn't have the scope of international tourism then," Mike Robinson, a professor of cultural heritage at Nottingham Trent University, told The New York Times. For example, Italy has been struggling with overtourism, especially tourists vandalizing sites like the Roman Colosseum, which has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1980. "Countries with Unesco World Heritage sites spend public funds on protective measures and archaeological ventures," stated Insider. "But vandalism forces those same host countries to spend money on security measures with that funding." It's also difficult for people who "work in cultural heritage and in tourism to find that right balance between protecting objects but not destroying the experience," Leila Amineddoleh, a lawyer specializing in cultural heritage, told Insider. Venice, Italy, has been proposed to be added to the World Heritage in danger list, as overtourism and climate change have caused the city to remain "under serious threat," per the Times. The draft resolution from Unesco concludes that Italy has not made a "significant level of progress in addressing the persistent and complex issues related in particular to mass tourism, development projects and climate change." In general, when places are listed, "when they clearly haven't got the right systems and policies and processes in place, there's always a problem," Susan Macdonald, the head of buildings and sites at the Getty Conservation Institute, told the Times. Can it be helpful? Being designated as a World Heritage site or being identified as a site in danger can raise awareness of threats that can harm the region. Highway construction was halted near Egypt's Pyramids of Giza, and a dam was stopped from being built above Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, as these were sites seen as having cultural significance globally, per National Geographic. More recently, Australia's Great Barrier Reef was at risk of being placed on the endangered list, but the report opted not to add it to the list, citing "'significant progress being made on climate change, water quality and sustainable fishing all putting the reef on a stronger and more sustainable path," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during a media briefing, Reuters reported. There's also an incentive for developing nations to get destinations added to the World Heritage list to boost tourism. "The power of the Unesco brand can skyrocket a lesser-known destination to a different level," wrote CNN. Despite the threat of overtourism, a Unesco World Heritage designation can "bring much-needed money, support and global recognition to a deserving destination." You may also like Homepage A six-year-old boy allegedly fell from a rollercoaster ride at Fun Spot USA in Kissimmee Florida (Fox 35 Orlando) An amusement park ride in Florida is temporarily shut down after a six-year-old boy fell from the rollercoasters leading to traumatic injuries. Around 3pm ET on Thursday, the Osceola County Fire Rescue Department and EMS responded to a report of a child that fell from the Galaxy Spin rollercoaster at the Fun Spot America theme park in Kissimmee. The child, described as a six-year-old boy, was found with traumatic injuries approximately 20 feet beneath the rides tracks, according to Fox 35 Orlando. He was rushed to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children it is unclear what injuries he sustained or what his current condition is. In a statement obtained by NBC News, Fun Spot America said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and their family, and we pray for a speedy recovery. Fun Spot America said it would not reopen the rollercoaster ride until it goes through additional inspection to ensure the horrific incident will not happen again. The Independent has reached out to Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS and Fun Spot America for comment. The Galaxy Spin rollercoaster is described as a wild mouse style type coaster that produces heavy G forces as riders go around tight corners. Riders must be at least 48 tall to ride alone or 42 tall with an adult. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is responsible for inspecting and regulating all amusement park rides in the state. Fun Spot America said the FDACS had previously inspected the ride and found it to be in normal operating condition with no mechanical issues. They also found the ride was operated following all safety procedures and guidelines outlined by the manufacturer and industry standard, the statement from Fun Spot America read. The amusement park, which opened in 2007, said it was working with the FDACS to investigate the current incident. A candidate had dropped out of the race to represent District 5 on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. Santa Margarita resident Erik Gorham withdrew his candidacy for District 5 supervisor to prevent further division in the Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County, he told The Tribune on Friday. District 5 includes Atascadero, Santa Margarita, Garden Farms, the Carrizo Plain and parts of Cal Poly and Templeton. Gorham said he thought personal attacks between Republican candidates for a supervisor seat during the primary election last year divided the party a rift that hasnt yet fully healed, he added. In June 2022, three Republicans Atascadero business owner Geoff Auslen, U.S. Marine Corps veteran John Whitworth and retired orthopedic surgeon Bruce Jones challenged incumbent Supervisor Bruce Gibson for the District 2 seat. A slew of personal attacks, name-calling and a lukewarm endorsement leading up to the election left the party with some marked tension, said Gorham, who helped managed Jones campaign. Ultimately Gibson won the District 2 seat by 13 votes. Gorham said this time around, he didnt want to further divide the party by running against Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno, another conservative. It would be the same kind of battle between our own party, he said. I just didnt want to play that out again where were fighting among ourselves for a supervisor. Now, Moreno and Mayor Pro-Tem Susan Funk will compete to replace current Supervisor Debbie Arnold on the board. Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno, left, and Councilmember Susan Funk are running for the District 5 San Luis Obispo County supervisor seat now held by Debbie Arnold. Why Gorham withdrew from District 5 race When Gorham originally threw his hat in the ring for supervisor, he said he knew Moreno would gain support from conservatives in Atascadero. However, Gorham said, he thought he could gain competitive support from more rural areas of the district such as Templeton and Santa Margarita. Still, Moreno had a more competitive edge in the district, Gorham said. When it comes down to it, Atascadero is the biggest voting bloc in District 5, and Heathers much more well known than I am in Atascadero, Gorham said. Story continues From Jan. 1 to June 30, Gorham raised only $6,500 and the bulk of that funding was a $5,500 donation from Jones. Meanwhile, Moreno raised a total of $142,768.29 and Funk a total of $92,816.35. Gorham said he decided two months ago that he would withdraw from the race, so he didnt fundraise for his campaign after that point. He would have announced his decision earlier, he said, but he was letting a couple of things play out. Gorham will likely endorse Moreno after meeting with her to discuss her policy goals, he said. I think this election, through Heather, could probably mend a lot of fences in the party, Gorham said. Former supervisor candidate may run for Atascadero school board Now that hes out of the supervisor race, Gorham said hes considering running for a seat on the board for the Atascadero Unified School District. I think the Atascadero school board actually is one of the few thats been run fairly well and without controversy, Gorham said. Gorhams priorities include improving test scores and encouraging parents to get involved in their students education. We have a lot of kids that are leaving high school, theyre leaving eighth grade, and theyre not very proficient, Gorham said. LGBTQ+ issues have been major topics of discussion for North County school boards this summer: The Templeton Unified School board has examined transgender students use of restroom and locker room facilities, while the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District board looked at removing some student protections from district regulations. However, Gorham said he felt the focus on LGBTQ+ issues has distracted school boards from basics such as reading, writing and arithmetic. This is our future. These are the people ... that are going to be paying into Social Security and taking care of us, Gorham said. I think we need a well-educated youth to move our country forward. The sons of a newly-identified Gilgo Beach murders victim reportedly were not notified by Long Island police before her name was revealed to the public. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney held a press conference on Friday to announce that the victim known only as Jane Doe 7 had finally been identified as Karen Vergata, more than 26 years after her partial remains were first discovered along the Long Island shores. Vergata, 34, was last seen alive in Manhattan in 1996 while working as an escort. The huge breakthrough in the case comes almost three decades after some of Vergatas remains were first discovered and just weeks after Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old father-of-two architect, was arrested and charged with the murders of three other Gilgo Beach victims. Mr Tierney told reporters that Vergata had been positively identified via DNA in August 2022 but investigators kept the development under wraps due to the ongoing investigation into Mr Heuermann. Officials refused to comment on whether or not her murder may be linked to the suspected serial killer. The district attorney also attributed the delay to the need to contact Vergatas family members. However, it has since emerged that Vergatas two biological sons - Eric and Gary Doherty - apparently were not informed before Fridays announcement. Karen Vergata (Suffolk County DA) Erics girlfriend Michelle Nolan told the New York Post that he only found out after the press conference when they were contacted by the woman who adopted them as young children a few years before Vergatas death. Ms Nolan said Eric was distraught, having believed that Vergata was only missing. Mr Tierneys office did not return the Posts request for comment about family notification, the outlet reported. Ms Nolan said Eric and Gary grew up with little knowledge of their biological mother after having been adopted by Edward and Diane Doherty in 1992. She explained that Vergata had been struck by a truck while she was pregnant with Gary in the late 1980s, which is thought to have led to him being born with cerebral palsy. Story continues Shortly after Eric was born in 1990, Vergata took off, Ms Nolan said. She was a drug user and their father took her and helped her, she said. Ms Nolan said the boys father was believed to have died from tuberculosis, but she wasnt sure when. She said that Gary is now living in an facility for adults with special needs and has not been informed about his mothers death. Vergata vanished without a trace around 14 February 1996 Valentines Day, according to officials. She lived on West 45th St in Manhattan and is believed to have been working as an escort at the time of her disappearance. Police said that no missing persons report was filed at the time. On 20 April 1996, a womans legs were found wrapped in plastic at Davis Park on Fire Islands Blue Point Beach. Almost exactly 15 years later on 11 April 2011, the womans skull was then found off Ocean Parkway during the search for Gilgo Beach victims. The skull was located close to the remains of another unidentified victim Jane Doe 3, also known as Peaches. The two sets of remains in Fire Island and Ocean Parkway were later found to belong to the same person. Before now, investigators had long been unable to identify Jane Doe 7 and the victim became known as Fire Island Jane Doe. She was described only as a white woman aged 18 to 50 years old who had several notable scars including evidence of surgery on her left ankle. She was one of 11 victims whose remains were found dumped along the shores of Gilgo Beach back in 2010 and 2011 several of whom are also yet to be identified. Investigators are seen searching the shores of Gilgo Beach in 2011 (AP2011) Decades later, investigators were finally able to identify Fire Island Jane Doe using genetic geneaology and her surviving relatives DNA. In August 2022 around six months after the new Gilgo Beach taskforce was launched a DNA profile suitable for genealogical comparison was developed from the remains of the victim, officials said in a press conference on Friday. The next month, the FBI was able to presumptively identify the victim using genetic genealogy as Vergata. Then, that October, investigators tracked down a relative of Vergata and took a buccal swab. Using this, they were able to definitively identity the victim as Vergata. At Fridays press conference, Mr Tierney said investigators kept that breakthrough hidden until now due to both the ongoing investigation into Mr Heuermann and the need to contact all of Vergatas family members. Prior to disclosing, we needed to contact all Vergatas family members and around the same time we were beginning the grand jury confidential investigation into the murders of the victims known as the Gilgo 4, he told reporters. So we decided not to make it public... until the results of that investigation became public and we had made notice to Vergatas family. He added: Today we are here to announce that as part of the Gilgo taskforces reexamination of all evidence in the case we are able to identify Fire Island Jane Doe as Karen Vergata. It is important that we remember and honour not only Ms Vergata but all the vicitms on Gilgo Beach, he added. While this marks a major breakthrough in the case, many questions still remain. In Fridays press conference announcing her identity, Suffolk County officials refused to take any questions and would not comment on whether or not Vergatas murder could be the linked to Mr Heuermann who has so far been tied to four of the victims found along the Long Island shores. At this time, no one has been charged in connection to her homicide and her cause of death is unknown. Map showing sites where victims remains found along Gilgo Beach (Suffolk County Police Department) DA Tierney said that while there are no charges at this time, that the confidential investigation is ongoing. He would not confirm or deny any ties to accused killer Rex Heuermann or say if there was any potential suspects on his radar. We are going to continue to work this particular case as we did the Gilgo Four investigation, he said. Were not going to comment on what if any suspects we developed at this time. This is a confidential investigation so Im not going to be taking any questions. This major development comes as prosecutors are seeking to obtain a swab of DNA from Mr Heuermann, the man arrested and charged with the murders of three of the victims and suspected of a fourth killing. In a court filing this week, prosecutors said that the DNA sample would provide further relevant evidence of the defendants identity as the perpetrator of the crime. Prosecutors have so far obtained hundreds of hours of footage from the suspects home in Massapequa Park and his office in Midtown Manhattan, 2,500 pages of documents, crime scene photographs and autopsy reports in the high-profile case. The trove of evidence was turned over to Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei and Mr Heuermanns attorney Michael Brown on Tuesday as the accused killer appeared in court for a brief preliminary hearing. Suffolk County DA Tierney said last week that a massive amount of evidence had been recovered from the home which Mr Heuermann grew up in as a child and which he went on to share with his family up until his sudden arrest. No human remains were discovered, but a trove of around 270 guns were seized from the home. The DA previously revealed that they believe at least some of the murders may have taken place inside the home. Mr Heuermanns wife and two adult children were out of town at the time of each of the three murders he is charged with, according to court records. The 59-year-old architect was taken into custody on 13 July, almost 13 years after the bodies of at least 11 victims were discovered along the shores of Gilgo Beach on Long Island. He was charged with the murders of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello. He is also the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes who was last seen alive in early June 2007 in New York City and who, with the three other women, is known as the Gilgo Four. Rex Heuermann appeared in court on Tuesday (jtc) All four women worked as sex workers and disappeared after going to meet a client. They were all found in December 2010 within one-quarter mile of each other, bound by belts or tape and some wrapped in burlap their bodies dumped along Gilgo Beach. They are among 11 victims whose remains were found along the shores of Long Island in 2010 and 2011, sparking fears of one or more serial killers. As well as looking into his connection to the murder of Brainard-Barnes and the other Gilgo Beach victims, law enforcement agencies are now also looking into unsolved murders and missing persons cases all across the country. Police in Las Vegas and South Carolina where Mr Heuermann owns properties and Atlantic City where several sex workers have been found murdered have confirmed they are eyeing the suspect in cold cases. Court records show that Mr Heuermann was linked to the Gilgo Four murders through a tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches, phone calls taunting victims families, his wifes hair found on the victims bodies and a pizza crust. The first piece of the puzzle came when a witness in the Amber Costello case revealed details about a vehicle that a client was driving when she was last seen alive. Costello, who worked as a sex worker, was seen alive on the evening of 2 September 2010 when she left her home in West Babylon. A witness said she had gone to meet a client who was driving a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche. Last year, a registration search showed that local man Mr Heuermann owned a first-generation model of the truck at the time of Costellos disappearance. He also matched the witness description of the man believed to be the killer: a large, white ogre-like male in his mid-40s, around 64 to 66 tall, with dark bushy hair, and big oval style 1970s type eyeglasses. Rex Heuermanns home being searched by investigators (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The discovery of the car led investigators to hone in on Mr Heuermann including executing 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain evidence to determine his potential involvement in the killings. Among this was Mr Heuermanns alleged use of burner phones, with prosecutors saying that he used burner phones to contact the three women and arrange to meet them at the time when they went missing. He also allegedly took two of the victims cellphones and used one to make taunting phone calls to one of their families where he boasted about her murder, court documents state. Mr Heuermanns DNA was found on one of the victims, while his wifes hair was found on three of the four women he is connected to. Following his arrest, his wife Asa Ellerup filed for divorce. She has since told The New York Post that she has been left filled with anxiety and their two children cry themselves to sleep over the horror. I woke up in the middle of the night, shivering... anxiety, she said. My children cry themselves to sleep. I mean, theyre not children. Theyre grown adults but theyre my children, and my son has developmental disabilities and he cried himself to sleep. Mr Heuermanns sudden arrest comes after the horrific serial killer case has captured the nations attention for more than a decade. The Gilgo Beach murders had long stumped law enforcement officials in Suffolk County who believed it could be the work of one or more serial killers who targeted sex workers and dumped their bodies along the remote beaches on Ocean Parkway. The case began in May 2010 when Shannan Gilbert vanished after leaving a clients house on foot near Gilgo Beach. She called 911 for help saying she feared for her life and was never seen alive again. Crime scene investigators use metal detectors to search a marsh for the remains of Shannan Gilbert in December 2011 During a search for Gilbert in dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered the remains of another woman. Within a matter of days, the remains of three more victims were found close by. By spring 2011, the remains of a total of 10 victims had been found including eight women, a man, and a toddler. Police have long thought that it could be the work of one or more serial killers. Gilberts body was then found in December 2011. Her cause of death is widely contested with authorities long claiming that it is not connected to the serial killer or killers but that she died from accidental drowning as she fled from the clients home. However, an independent autopsy commissioned by her family ruled that she died by strangulation and her mother believes she was murdered. Like Gilbert, most of the victims targeted were sex workers, while some are yet to be identified. Grant Hughes and Sophia Bush. Jerod Harris/FilmMagic Sophia Bush and Grant Hughes have broken up after one year of marriage, People reported. A source close to the couple told People that the "One Tree Hill" actor filed for a divorce. It comes seven weeks after Bush said the marriage was the "best decision" of her life. Sophia Bush filed for a divorce from Grant Hughes just seven weeks after calling their marriage the "best decision" of her life, People reported on Friday. A source close to the couple confirmed to the publication that the "One Tree Hill" star and Hughes, an entrepreneur, had split almost two months after they celebrated their first year of marriage. Bush and Hughes, who told Vogue they met a decade ago on a New Year's trip to Nicaragua, tied the knot at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June 2022. But Bush had appeared to hint at the couple's apparent split by removing the surname "Hughes" from her social media accounts. On Friday, she uploaded a quote to her Instagram stories reading: "Nothing is ever too early or too late. What is divinely meant for you cannot be rushed, delayed, or taken away." Sophia Bush and Grant Hughes photographed on July 15, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. JOCE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images She also took down photos with Hughes from her Instagram page, The Independent reported. Bush and Hughes' decision to call it quits comes just seven weeks after she marked their first wedding anniversary on Instagram. As People reported, Bush posted a black-and-white photograph from their wedding no longer visible on her account and captioned it: "Today marks 365 days of calling you 'husband.'" "Best decision of my life. It still feels just like this. Ecstatic. Running toward the future, grinning and laughing, together. I love you, my favorite. Happy Anniversary," she added. Hughes' anniversary post remains visible on his Instagram page. The post consists of a carousel of images of Bush and Hughes during their time as a couple. "Happy 1st Anniversary, my love," he wrote. "What a full, beautiful, dynamic, exciting, growth-filled year we've had together. I truly love doing life with you!" Story continues "As the card I gave you this morning said: 'There are seven billion people on this planet. You are my favorite.'" The break up comes almost two decades after Bush divorced her "One Tree Hill" co-star Chad Michael Murray. The pair started dating in 2003 and eventually got married in 2005, according to E!. They were officially divorced by December 2006. Representatives for Bush and Hughes did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, which was sent outside of normal working hours. Read the original article on Insider For two and a half years, a decision on where to locate U.S. Space Command's headquarters has languished amid a tug of war between Alabama and Colorado, between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, and between red state and blue state politics. But caught in the middle of the floor speeches, government investigations and heated discussion are military families. For them, there was one looming question: "Am I moving to Huntsville, Alabama, or staying put in Colorado Springs?" On Monday, when Biden announced his decision to keep the headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado -- reversing a Trump-era announcement moving it to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville -- those service members, spouses and children finally got an answer. But some military families are worried the fight in Washington isn't over, and their future could still be upturned. Read Next: Army's New Enlisted Leader: The Bet a Green Beret Can Lead the Rank and File One military spouse who was previously stationed at Space Command said the political fallout from the basing decision this week is cause for concern, and still worries about families in Colorado Springs. "It sounds like it is being permanently placed here in Colorado Springs, but we also have political pushes that are still saying it's not over. I don't know if the fight is over," said the spouse, who spoke on condition of anonymity to freely discuss a politicized issue. "I wish that our military members and families were not pulled into this." In the days after the president's decision to keep Space Command in Colorado, Alabama's congressional delegation was preparing for another round in the years-long fight. Both Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Mike Rogers, the GOP chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, appeared poised to double down on their efforts to pressure the military. On Thursday, Rogers demanded Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Gen. James Dickinson, the commander of SPACECOM, provide documents and interviews related to the headquarters decision to the Armed Services Committee. Story continues "Your refusal to abide by the committee's repeated requests for responsive documents and transcribed interviews can only be considered obfuscation and purposeful delay, highlighted by the fact that the basing decision was decided while the committee's requests are outstanding," Rogers wrote in a letter to the leaders. "This is unacceptable," said Rogers, who has blocked Pentagon transfers of money this summer to cause financial pain and force the department to declare Alabama the command's home. Tuberville has blocked the confirmations of the Army chief and the Marine Corps commandant, as well as the promotions of hundreds of military officers -- approvals that are typically routine and passed in bulk in the Senate -- over his opposition to a Pentagon policy providing leave for troops who need an abortion or other reproductive health care. The Alabama Republican accused Biden of politicizing the Space Command HQ decision on Monday. "Once again, Joe Biden is injecting politics into the military," Tuberville said in a statement. "This sets a dangerous precedent that military bases are to be used as rewards for political support rather than for national security." Dickinson said in a statement that he supports Biden's decision and added that taking care of service members remains a top priority. "I welcome this final basing decision," he said. "Our priorities to ensure mission success and care for our people remain unchanged." Dickinson was scheduled to appear next week at the Space and Missile Defense System Conference in Huntsville, Alabama, but canceled at the last minute, according to Bob English, a spokesman for the event. Another officer from U.S. Space Command is taking his place. Katherine Kuzminski, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security think tank who researches military culture and family issues, told Military.com that Dickinson's comment is notable, especially in referencing "care for our people," adding that the basing decision does give clarity to Space Command service members and their families. "You're trying to build a pipeline of individuals to have some predictability for military families," Kuzminski said. "It's good to know, it's good to just have a decision and stick by it." Meanwhile, the Senate Armed Services Committee has estimated that Tuberville's hold has affected nearly 300 officers and, likely, their military families as well. Sarah Streyder, the executive director of the Secure Families Initiative and the 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Space Force Spouse of the Year, told Military.com that if Tuberville decides to increase his efforts to pressure the Pentagon because of the Space Command basing decision, it could also affect military families more. "The thing that these two things have in common is that they have nothing to do with the 300 families that he's put in limbo," Streyder said. "He's attacking the wrong people. He's holding the careers and the trajectories of 300 military families who have no control over these travel leave policies and who have no control over the location of Space Command Headquarters. And it makes me anxious, angry, all of the above." Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, praised the Biden administration's decision this week, which keeps 1,400 jobs and millions of dollars of defense money in his state, as an economic win. But he also mentioned it as a victory for military families, too. "This is great news for Colorado and our national security -- keeping U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs is an exciting outcome for our state, military families, jobs, and businesses," Polis said in a statement. Moving Space Command from Colorado, where abortion access is unrestricted, to Alabama, where it is illegal with limited exceptions, was also seen as a negative for service members assigned to the command. It has raised a red flag for some Colorado lawmakers who believe it will hurt troops' quality of life, as well as harm the military's retention efforts. The same concerns were brought up about anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across conservative-leaning states. In June, the Air Force denied the concerns. It told Military.com that "reproductive health care and state laws regarding the LGBTQ+ community are not currently part of the criteria considered in the Department of the Air Force strategic basing process." Cassandra Williamson, the executive director of the Alabama-based Transgender & Diverse Veterans of America Action Group, said in a statement regarding Space Command's decision that it appeared those state laws may have played a role in Biden choosing Colorado Springs. "Our state leaders bargained away potentially billions in state revenue simply because they are beholden to an extreme far-right ideology that does not truly represent the vast majority of conservatives," Williams said. Both the White House and Pentagon have denied politics played a role and said in a statement that the decision to keep the HQ in Colorado Springs was "to avoid any disruption to its operational capability." Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle was "deeply disappointed" by the Biden administration's reversal, according to AL.com, but was looking forward to collaborating with the military in the future. "No matter where USSPACECOM resides, Huntsville will move forward and continue to be a good neighbor with our national military partners," Battle told AL.com. "We fully support our military and aerospace sectors and will work to ensure Huntsville remains a key component in furthering USSPACECOM's mission on the national and global stage." But outside of the political debates and fights over military spending in Washington, D.C., Kuzminski told Military.com that most service members and their families just want to have a high quality of life, which could mean a good climate, school systems and economic opportunity. She added that, historically, Colorado has always been a more favored assignment than Alabama in the military. "For military families, devoid of the political debates whatsoever, there's always a high demand for positions based in Colorado and a low demand for positions based in Alabama," Kuzminski said. "When we think about quality of life, it isn't just these heavily politicized issues; there are also just preferences that military families have." -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. Related: Biden Made the Final Call on Space Command Basing. Was the Air Force Out of the Loop? four astronauts dressed in spacex's black-and-white spacesuits pose at the company's california headquarters during a training session NASA's next astronaut mission will push later into August due to more delays with the assigned launch pad. Crew-7 will now launch on Aug. 25, two days later than its last estimate. That's because SpaceX, which just launched a Falcon Heavy rocket from the same launch pad, needed "additional time ... to complete pad readiness," NASA officials wrote in a update Thursday (Aug. 3). SpaceX does not typically comment on launch pad operations and issued no statements on the matter on its social media channels. Crew-7's new launch target is 3:49 a.m. EDT (0749 GMT) on Aug. 25, flying to the International Space Station from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. You can watch the whole thing live at Space.com, via NASA Television. Related: SpaceX launches Crew-6 astronaut mission to space station for NASA Crew-7 is scheduled to send four astronauts to space NASA's Jasmin Moghbeli, Andreas Mogensen of the European Space Agency, Japan's Satoshi Furukawa and Russia's Konstantin Borisov to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule named Endurance. Falcon Heavy has already caused delays to the Crew-7 mission. The first announced target was Aug. 15, but after the July 28 Falcon Heavy launch issues on the pad became apparent. In the last 10 days, NASA has announced new launch dates three times and cited pad readiness as the cause: Aug. 17, Aug. 23 and now Aug. 25. The new launch date may also bump the handover time for a departing group on the ISS, known as Crew-6. Crew-6 was supposed to leave on Aug. 25, but NASA generally wants at least a few days of time between departing and arriving crews. The agency has not yet released handover details. RELATED STORIES: Russians will fly on SpaceX's Crew-7, Crew-8 astronaut missions: report SpaceX launches Crew-6 astronaut mission to space station for NASA SpaceX: Facts about Elon Musk's private spaceflight company NASA's update also stated the new launch date "takes advantage of consecutive launch opportunities and deconflicts the station's cargo spacecraft traffic schedule." A Roscosmos Progress cargo spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the orbiting lab on Aug. 24, assuming it launches on time the day before. As for Crew-7, its current docking time is about 2:45 a.m. EDT (0645 GMT) on Aug. 26. Backup opportunities for launch of Crew-7 are also available on Aug. 26 and Aug. 27, per NASA officials. Federal prosecutors on Friday asked the judge overseeing former President Donald Trump's election interference case to bar him from publicly disclosing some of the evidence gathered during their investigation. In a court filing, attorneys with the special counsel Jack Smith's office requested that U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ensure that sensitive materials are used by Trump's defense team for only the trial, and that the former president view the materials in the presence of his lawyers. All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public, they wrote. "Such a restriction is particularly important in this case because the defendant has previously issued public statements on social media regarding witnesses, judges, attorneys and others associated with legal matters pending against him." Former President Donald Trump (Jeff Swensen / Getty Images) Trump, who was arraigned Thursday on charges that included conspiracy to defraud the United States, pleaded not guilty and has publicly condemned the allegations against him. Prosecutors went on to say that Trump had written "multiple posts" that mentioned or implied the case, including one that appeared on his Truth Social page Friday afternoon that read: IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU!" Trump's use of details or grand jury transcripts obtained in discovery "could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case," the prosecutors wrote. In a statement early Saturday, a Trump spokesperson said, "The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech," and that it "was in response to the RINO, China-loving, dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs." During Thursday's court hearing, Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya gave Trump a warning that is not typically issued to defendants at arraignments. Story continues Finally, sir, I want to remind you that it is a crime to try to influence a juror, or to threaten or attempt to bribe a witness or any other person who may have information about your case, or to retaliate against anyone for providing information about your case to the prosecution, or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice, she said. A lawyer for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday night. Chutkan has ordered Trumps attorneys to respond to the governments motion for a protective order, stating their position on the matter by 5 p.m. on Monday. They are expected to respond, much like in the other cases in which Trump has been indicted. In June, a federal judge issued a protective order barring Trump from disclosing on social media or keeping evidence the government is set to turn over to him in the classified documents case. A protective order was also issued in Trump's criminal hush-money case in New York in which prosecutors asked a judge to ensure that discovery materials in that case be used by defense only for trial, and referred to the former president's "longstanding and perhaps singular history of attacking witnesses." The next hearing in the election case is scheduled for Aug. 28. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com ST. LOUIS (AP) Some of the people who were arrested during a 2017 protest over the acquittal of a white police officer in the shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith have started receiving their share of a $4.9 million settlement the city agreed to this year. The first checks were distributed Friday to some of the 84 people covered by the settlement. Their lawsuit had claimed the protesters rights were violated when they were caught in a police kettle as officers surrounded and arrested everyone in the area. Three people who filed individual lawsuits also settled for $85,000 each. The city denied wrongdoing as part of the settlement, which promises payouts between $28,000 and more than $150,000. Dekita Roberts told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that she initially thought it might be a scam when she first got the call about the settlement. It was just a shock and a surprise, said Roberts, adding that she wants to invest some of the money and try to set some aside for her children. Another man who picked up his check Friday, Ali Bey, 36, said he plans to use the money to start his own construction company. This takes five steps out of the way for me, Bey said. As far as getting a truck and tools, I can begin doing that by the end of the day. I already got some of the clientele. They were among the crowd of people protesting after former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley was acquitted in the Dec. 20, 2011, shooting death of Smith, who was Black. Protesters said police surrounded more than 120 people who officers said did not follow dispersal orders. Several people claimed police used excessive force and indiscriminate pepper spray, including against bystanders who were not protesting. St. Louis has paid more than $10 million altogether in connection with police actions on Sept. 17, 2017. That includes a $5 million payment to Luther Hall, a Black undercover officer who said he was assaulted by fellow police officers who thought he was a protester. Story continues In 2021, the city also agreed to pay $115,000 to a Kansas City filmmaker who said he was beaten and pepper-sprayed during the protests. Javad Khazaeli, one of the plaintiffs lawyers, said this case dragged on for years. Other cities that have done this have gone through the whole process and trials in a year and a half, Khazaeli said. Weve had people move away from St. Louis because people are still afraid of the police. The Russian invaders are trying to overcome the shortage of medical personnel in the occupied territories of Kherson Oblast by bringing in Russian doctors from St Petersburg. Source: Ukraines National Resistance Center Quote: "Most local doctors refused to cooperate with the enemy and left the region. So the enemy brings its doctors to the [temporarily occupied territories], in particular to the Kherson [Oblast]. Thus, Russian doctors from a hospital in St. Petersburg arrived in Kakhovka. The group of these touring doctors earns money, as they receive a bonus for working in war zones, and before that, these doctors worked in occupied Syria." Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Starbucks first opened in Vietnam 10 years ago Tu Anh Le loves going to the Starbucks at the buzzing heart of Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City. The 26-year-old and her friends dress up for the occasion and take selfies at the cafe. "Pictures at Starbucks make my Instagram look nicer," says Tu Anh Le, who thinks the cafe is "luxurious", like a five-star hotel. "I get a lot of likes and nice comments saying I look trendy." That appears to be the biggest draw for her because although she is a fan of Starbucks, she doesn't like coffee: "It makes my teeth yellow. I prefer smoothies or bubble milk tea." Ten years after the American chain arrived in Vietnam, the verdict is quite clear: Vietnamese people love coffee, but they don't really seem to like Starbucks. And the ones who do, like Tu Anh Le, are not really going for the coffee. Starbucks accounted for just 2% of Vietnam's $1.2bn (934m) coffee-drinking market in 2022, according to Euromonitor International. And its footprint in the country isn't expanding rapidly. It has 92 stores, which works out to less than one for every million people. By comparison, Thailand and Indonesia have about seven and two respectively. "Starbucks' presence remains limited due to [the] consumer preference for local coffee flavours," says Nathanael Lim, an analyst at Euromonitor International. While Starbucks told the BBC it was committed to long-term investment in Vietnam, it did not say if it was profitable in the country. But it has still fared better than other international competitors. Another US chain, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, only has 15 stores here after 15 years. The Chinese-owned Mellower Coffee recently announced it was closing its doors after four years, while Australia's Gloria Jean's left Vietnam in 2017. They all probably faced the same challenges as Starbucks. Vietnam, after all, is no stranger to coffee: It's the world's second largest exporter of the brew. Story continues Traditional vendors sells cheap black coffee For one thing, the menu is pricey for a competitive market like Vietnam - a busy street hosts at least 10 coffee shops, from roadside stalls to hip cafes. And drinking coffee is far from a luxury in a country where street coffee vendors pushing trolleys often serve the drink on cheap, tiny plastic tables. Some even offer customers newspapers as mats so that they can enjoy their coffee sitting on the ground. And two, the Java chip frappucinos and pumpkin spiced lattes that have won elsewhere just don't seem to cut it here. "The Starbucks menu is not diverse," says Trang Do, a game artist living in the coastal city of Da Nang. She drinks at least three cups of coffee a day, but rarely drops into the local Starbucks. She tried it when it first opened - but she found the cappuccino "bland and not very coffee-flavoured". For her, traditional Vietnamese coffee wins hands-down. "It is stronger and more fragrant. The way Vietnamese coffee is made with the filter helps to extract more coffee. When the coffee is brewed and the hot water is added to let it drip slowly [it] is the best." Vietnamese traditional drip coffee uses a "phin", a filter made of tin To make Vietnamese coffee, a tin filter called a "phin" is placed over a glass, and hot water is then poured on the coffee grounds. It takes about 10 minutes for the decoction to percolate into the glass below. The drink can be served hot or cold, and with or without condensed milk, a staple in Vietnamese coffee. French colonisers introduced coffee to Vietnam in the 19th Century. But the first coffee plant was of the Arabica species and did not adapt well to the country's hot and humid climate and soil. Then, years later, the French brought Robusta plants which thrived. And that is the coffee popular in Vietnam today - Robusta has more caffeine, and a stronger flavour that is also more bitter. Starbucks, however, uses 100% Arabica beans. The company told the BBC this was done to achieve "a flavour that can be subtle but also complex". But 97% of the coffee Vietnam consumes every year - about 200,000 tonnes, or 2kg per person - is of the Robusta variety. It might explain why even coffee drinkers who do go to Starbucks don't seem to love what's available. Marketer Tri Dang likes taking customers to Starbucks, especially older ones because of the cafe's "youthful" vibe. But he says he rarely drinks coffee at Starbucks because it has "a lighter smell, not bitter and does not suit my coffee taste". And the menu has none of the local favourites. While the most popular accompaniment is condensed milk, there are more adventurous options too. There is egg coffee, born in Hanoi in the 1940s. Amid an acute milk shortage, an inventive bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, Nguyen Van Giang, whisked in egg as a substitute. Today, some local Vietnamese brands mix traditional Robusta coffee with egg yolk, yogurt and even fruit to woo new customers. A popular local chain Cong Coffee says its most loved brew is an indulgent cuppa coconut coffee, which blends coconut cream, condensed milk and ice. Coffee is a source of "national pride" for Vietnam, says Tram Nguyen, a graphic designer based in Dalat. "It is something very special and I always mention it whenever I talk about Vietnam. I am very proud of Vietnamese coffee. I always have a big love for milk coffee, whether iced or hot." She loves coffee so much that she likes to try out a new coffee spot almost every day. "I only went to Starbucks once, because I wanted to try the luxurious coffee, but I felt that the money I spent wasn't worth what I got back, so I didn't come back." Cost is a big reason why Vietnamese people hesitate to go to Starbucks, even to enjoy the novelty of it. A medium-sized drink at Starbucks with none of the add-ons costs about 90,000 Vietnamese Dong (2.9; $3.8;). That's prohibitive in a country where the average monthly wage is only around $345. Even Highlands, one of Vietnam's first coffee shop chains, and its most successful, debuted as a luxury chain, but eventually rebranded and cut prices. It now has more than 600 stores across the country. And yet Starbucks merchandise is attracting collectors who are willing to splurge. Tri Dang boasts a collection of more than 40 Starbucks tumblers and cups, which are now worth a few thousand dollars. But that doesn't change the fact that unlike a decade ago, for young Vietnamese who want a cup of coffee, there are now plenty of options to choose from. "Starbucks coffee is nothing special to me, it's too fancy and I don't like the taste," Tram Nguyen says. "I can enjoy a quality coffee at a Vietnamese coffee shop at half the price." As Alabama Power Co. worked Saturday to restore service to areas pounded by a severe thunderstorm Thursday afternoon, the City of Gadsden arranged cold storage for those concerned about losing food. A refrigerated truck (for cold food) and a freezer truck (for frozen) goods are available at Fire Station No. 5, adjacent to the Noccalula Falls Campground on Noccalula Road. A freezer truck and a refrigerated truck were set up Saturday at Gadsden's Fire Station No. 5 for residents affected by Thursday's storm to store food. Residents may bring food there until 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, according to city officials, but food must be picked up by 8 p.m. Sunday or it will be thrown away. City officials said that is the limit of the generators powering the trucks, which they said were provided through the efforts of Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, and the Alabama Trucking Association. Brett Johnson, chief of staff to Mayor Craig Ford who declared a local emergency after the storm said Aderholts field representative, James Manasco, was in Gadsden on Friday to discuss needs. John Moore, the citys director of economic development and governmental affairs, brought up the idea of a refrigerated truck, according to Johnson. Manasco said he could help and put Mark Colson, president of the trucking association, in touch with Moore, and within an hour the trucks from B&G Supply in Albertville were on hand. The area on Lookout Mountain around the falls was hardest hit by the storm, which struck shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday and packed 80 mph to 90 mph straight-line winds, according to the National Weather Service. The winds were centered on Tabor Road, according to the NWS, and there were multiple reports there and on side streets like Argyle Place, Agricola Drive, Church Street and Elsmore Boulevard of homes damaged by downed trees. Twenty people sustained minor injuries in the storm. As of 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Alabama Powers online outage map reported 128 customers in Etowah County without power, all but six inside the Gadsden city limits. More than 10,800 customers in the county and more than 5,700 in the city were without power immediately after the storm. Story continues Residents affected by the storms that hit the Lookout Mountain area of Gadsden on Thursday take advantage Saturday of the services offered at the disaster resource center set up by the City of Gadsden at Mitchell Community Center. Multiple utility trucks were still circulating in the area on Saturday, restoring power to homes that werent damaged enough to make that impossible. Tabor Road was fully open on Saturday, according to city officials, but they asked people shopping at the Worlds Longest Yard Sale to stay on it and not venture onto any of the side streets where crews were most active. About 275 people had used the disaster resource center that opened Friday at the Mitchell Community Center, according to Ruth Moffatt, Gadsdens director of diversity, equity and inclusion, who was heading up efforts there Saturday. That center and another that opened at the Megan Kelley Dream Center on Black Creek Road allowed people to cool off, recharge their phones, pick up food and make contact with nonprofits with resources to help them in recovery from the storm. Moffatt said the American Red Cross, Church of the Highlands, the Catholic Center of Concern, East Alabama Regional Planning and Development, Family Success Center, the Gadsden Public Library, Its Your Move, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster had been onsite at Mitchell. This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Cleanup continues from Gadsden storms CAIRO (Reuters) -A Suez Canal tugboat sank on Saturday and one of its crew was missing after it collided with a Hong Kong-flagged LPG tanker though shipping traffic in the strategically important waterway was largely unaffected, the canal authority said. Convoys of ships passing through the canal from the north were not affected, while the passage of ships travelling from the south returned to normal by about midnight on Saturday, Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said in a statement. The tanker, Chinagas Legend, is waiting in Port Said until the completion of procedures related to the accident, (SCA) head Osama Rabie said in an earlier statement. Two canal sources said Chinagas Legend was undamaged by the collision, was functioning normally and had anchored at Port Said. Rabie told local TV that one of the tugboat crew had died. The dead crew member, Sayed Moussa, was a mechanic from Port Said, his family said. Six other crew members were rescued and taken to hospital. Efforts were under way to recover the tugboat, with buoys marking its position and allowing ships to pass in the meantime, the SCA said. The tanker, which was heading south on its journey from Singapore to the U.S., is 230 metres (755 feet) long and 36 metres (118 feet) wide, and carries a cargo of 52,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The Suez Canal is the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia. The SCA is working on an expansion of southern sections of the canal after a giant container ship, the Ever Given, got stuck there in 2021, blocking traffic for six days. (Reporting by Yousri Mohammed; Writing by Hatem Maher, Angus McDowall and Aidan Lewis; Editing by Angus MacSwan, David Holmes, Toby Chopra and Daniel Wallis) Amid the backdrop of the 2024 presidential race, the fallout from former President Trumps latest indictment will likely dominate the Sunday talk show circuit this weekend. Trump was indicted for the third time in six months on Tuesday over his efforts to remain in power after the 2020 election, which culminated in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. He pleaded not guilty to the four-count indictment in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Prosecutors accused the former president of engaging in a trio of conspiracies a conspiracy to defraud the U.S., a conspiracy to obstruct Congress certification of the 2020 election and a conspiracy against the right to vote. John Lauro, an attorney representing Trump, is set to join all five major Sunday talk shows this weekend following the indictment. Lauro has echoed his clients claims of politicization in recent days, arguing that the charges against the former president and current Republican 2024 frontrunner are politically motivated. Its a terribly tragic day that we find ourselves in, where political speech now has been criminalized, Lauro told Fox News on Tuesday, adding, We have the criminalization and the weaponization of public policy and political speech by one political party over another. However, others have argued that the indictment holds Trump responsible for the events that led up to the Jan. 6 riot. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who served on the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack, hailed the indictment on Tuesday as a tremendous vindication of the rule of law and specifically praised special counsel Jack Smith for bringing the charge for conspiracy against the right to vote. What really was Jan. 6 about, and everything that led up to it? Raskin said on MSNBC. It was an attempt to usurp from the people our right to choose our own leaders, our own president through the electoral college system such as it is. Raskin is set to join NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday, while another former member of the Jan. 6 committee, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), will make an appearance on ABCs This Week to discuss the indictment. Story continues Several former members of Trumps administration have also pushed back on the former presidents allegations that the charges are solely political. Former Attorney General Bill Barr, who will join CBS Face the Nation this weekend, said on Wednesday that he believes the case against Trump is legitimate, even if it will be hard to convince Republicans that it is not political. As a legal matter, I dont see a problem with the indictment, he said. I think that its not an abuse. The Department of Justice is not acting to weaponize the department by proceeding against the president for a conspiracy to subvert the electoral process. Barr resigned from the administration in December 2020, shortly after he declared that the Justice Department had found no evidence of widespread election fraud despite Trumps claims. Chris Krebs, the former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), similarly pushed back on the former presidents allegations of election fraud in the wake of the 2020 election. Krebs, who will also make an appearance on Face the Nation on Sunday, was fired in November 2020 after declaring the election the most secure in American history. Despite Trumps mounting legal woes, he remains far ahead of the rest of the crowded 2024 Republican field in the polls. A polling average from FiveThirtyEight showed the former president leading his closest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, by 39 points on Wednesday. His GOP rivals have taken various approaches to the indictment. While conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy decried the indictment as un-American, former Texas Rep. Will Hurd accused Trump of using his White House bid to stay out of prison, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called the events around the White House after the 2020 election a stain on our countrys history and a disgrace. Hurd is set to make an appearance on CBS Face the Nation this weekend, while Christie will join CNNs State of the Union. Their fellow Republican candidates, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Vice President Mike Pence, are also on the Sunday shows lineup. Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this weeks Sunday talk shows: ABCs This Week John Lauro, a lawyer for former President Donald Trump; Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.); North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican presidential candidate NBCs Meet the Press Lauro; Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) CBS Face the Nation Lauro; former Vice President Mike Pence and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, Republican presidential candidates; former Attorney General Bill Barr; Rep. Dean Phillips, (D-Minn.); Chris Krebs, former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CNNs State of the Union Lauro; Pence; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican presidential candidate Fox News Sunday Lauro; Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.); Alina Habba, attorney for former President Trump; Peter Schweizer, president of the Government Accountability Institute; West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (R), a candidate for West Virginia governor For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Video of confrontation at gas station; O'Shae Sibley The New York Police Department arrested a suspect in the stabbing death of 28-year-old OShae Sibley, local media and a local city council member report. Sibley was stabbed last weekend at a gas station in Brooklyn. The professional dancer had been with friends voguing to Beyonce when a group of men confronted Sibleys group. Eventually, a fight broke out and one man stabbed Sibley. Security cameras captured the incident on video. The Philadelphia native was pronounced dead after arriving at a local hospital. Authorities are investigating the killing as a possible hate crime. Police had said they were looking for a 17-year-old suspect. The suspect in the fatal stabbing of OShae Sibley in my district last Saturday night just turned himself in to the [16th Precinct] & is now in their custody. Wishing the family peace during this difficult time & hoping for swift justice & serious consequences for the perpetrator, council member Inna Vernikov wrote on Twitter. The Advocate has reached out to the NYPD for comment. A spokesperson told NBC News that a person of interest was in custody. They added that no charges have been filed against them yet. Friends of Sibley say he was a talented artist who used his craft to advocate for social change. Director and choreographer Kemar Jewel told the NY Daily News Oshae had participated in several marches over the years. He also volunteered at dance studios to help teach folks, Jewell recalled. He volunteered at youth centers and he offered free classes and stuff. He definitely loved to give back. They hated us cause we are gay! Sibleys friend Otis Pena posted to Facebook after Sibleys death. His name was OShae, and you all killed him. You all murdered him right in front of me. On Tuesday, Beyonces website read Rest in Power OShea Sibley in tribute to Sibley. Sibley was a dancer and was active in the ballroom scene. Its that exact music and dance scene that inspired Beyonces most recent album Renaissance. The legendary performer even dedicated the album to her late Uncle Johnny, an out gay man. Renaissance also featured a variety of queer producers and creatives on its tracks. Story continues LGBTQ+ rights group GLAAD called out escalating violence against LGBTQ+ people across the U.S. Sibley was around fifth LGBTQ+ person to be killed in recent weeks. Sibleys shocking murder follows a disturbing rise in violence and harassment against LGBTQ people across the U.S. This cannot continue. No one should have to fear for their safety just for being themselves, the organization said in a statement. Politicians spewing lies and proposing policies filled with disinformation, and media repeating their false and dangerous rhetoric unchallenged, are creating an incredibly hostile environment that endangers all LGBTQ people and all queer people of color. The groups director of local news for the South said, There are reports that Sibley was vogueing to a track from Beyonce's Renaissance album, music from the biggest pop star in the world celebrating Black queer people. OShae Sibley had the audacity to live without the restraints of patriarchy and toxic masculinity, embracing freedom and joy. He should still be alive to celebrate all that made him great and inspired others to live their truth. A vigil in honor of Sibley is being held on Friday night at the gas station he was killed. www.instagram.com As two Orlando officers fought for their lives, the citys police chief said that a suspect was killed in a shootout with other officers Saturday morning at a Holiday Inn. The suspect, identified as Daton S. Viel, was wanted in connection to a Miami shooting that left a man dead on July 10, Miami-Dade police told the Miami Herald. Viel, Orlando Chief Eric Smith said, shot and critically injured two Orlando officers during a traffic stop late Friday. The officers recognized the red Ford Fusion and its license tag that Viel was in from the Miami case. Viel, 28, shot the two officers from inside the car and then carjacked another vehicle to get away from other officers, Smith said. Orlando police caught Viel at a Holiday Inn at Caravan Court in Orlando around 6 a.m. Saturday and evacuated the hotel. Viel hid inside one of the rooms, Smith said at Orlando Health Regional Medical Center, alongside Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and surgeon, Dr. Michael Chatham. Several attempts to get the suspect to surrender were made and he refused to give up and shot at our SWAT officers multiple times. One officer returned fire and struck the suspect. The suspect is now deceased, Smith said at the hospital in a livestream on the departments Facebook page. The two officers were still hospitalized Saturday afternoon, but are expected to recover, authorities said. Smith would not name the injured officers, citing Marsys Law, which allows crime victims to remain anonymous. Viel, wanted in a deadly Miami shooting, came to the attention of law enforcement in Central Florida, according to Miami-Dade police detective Alvaro Zabaleta, a spokesman for the department. On July 10, Miami-Dade police responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the area of Northwest 83rd Street and 22nd Avenue. They found a man with gunshot wounds who would die at Jackson Ryder Trauma Center after rescue crews raced him to the hospital. The victim was sitting on the front porch of the residence when the subject arrived donning a ski mask, Zabaleta said. The suspect ran after the victim and shot at him as he ran away. The suspect then took off northbound on Northwest 22nd in a vehicle. Story continues Miami-Dade police used surveillance footage to capture images of a red Ford Fusion and its paper license tag. The same car was spotted Friday in Orlando. Its a very sad day for our community to learn that two Orlando Police Department officers were shot last night. Its a constant reminder of the dangers law enforcement face everyday while protecting their communities. We will continue to pray for the officers and their family, said Stephanie Daniels, interim director for Miami-Dades police department. She was appointed in July by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava after Chief Alfredo Freddy Ramirez shot himself in Tampa. Our officers are lucky to be alive and we ask that you continue to pray for them, Smith, the Orlando police chief, said in a statement. Viel has an extensive, violent criminal history, Smith said. Viel pleaded guilty to a battery charge in 2016, but he doesnt have a violent criminal history in Miami-Dade where he is a possible murder suspect, according to court records. This is a developing story. Miami Herald staff writer Devoun Cetoute contributed to this report. The suspect who shot and critically injured two Orlando Police officers Friday night is dead after a hotel standoff with a SWAT team near Universal Orlando. Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith gave an update on the shooting at a press conference Saturday afternoon, identifying the suspect as 28-year-old Daton Viel, who had an extensive criminal history. A second suspect in the shooting was determined by police not to be involved. Smith said police worked throughout the night to locate the suspect after two officers were shot during a traffic stop at 11 p.m. Friday. The suspect's vehicle was believed to be connected to a homicide investigation in Miami. Following the shooting, the suspect carjacked another vehicle and a vehicle pursuit ensued, according to a statement released from the Orlando Police Department. ORLANDO POLICE OFFICERS IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING SHOOTING Daton Viel, 28, was identified as the dead suspect who shot and critically injured two Orlando Police officers during a traffic stop Friday night. Smith said police launched an "extensive search" and tracked the suspect to a Holiday Inn in the 5900 block of Caravan Court, across the street from Universal Orlando. A SWAT team was called to the location at 6 a.m. Saturday, and the hotel was safely evacuated. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Viel barricaded himself inside a room and refused to surrender despite multiple attempts by police to persuade him to give up. At 8:58 a.m., the suspect opened fire on SWAT officers "multiple times," according to Smith. Police returned fire and hit the suspect, killing him. TEMPLE POLICE SHOOTING SUSPECT SHOT OFFICER 3 MORE TIMES AS COP LAY ON GROUND WITH HEAD WOUND: OFFICIALS Smith held a press conference at 12:30 p.m. Saturday to give an update on the investigation into the shooting of two Orlando Police officers. Smith said the suspect was killed in a standoff with SWAT officers at a Holiday Inn hotel near Universal Studios Saturday morning. Viel was previously identified as a suspect in a sexual assault case involving a 14-year-old girl. In December 2022, he was charged with sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation and lewd or lascivious exhibition, according to the Orlando Police Department. "I want to thank Orlando Health and all law enforcement agencies who have helped us throughout the night. I also want to thank everyone from our community who have been sharing information and support for our department," Smith said. "Our officers are lucky to be alive. We ask that you continue to pray for them." Story continues An official from Orlando Health said the injured officers are alive and now with their families. They are expected to make full recoveries. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Saturday he and first lady Casey DeSantis were praying for the officers and their families. FLORIDA WOMAN ALLEGEDLY LINKED TO DAYTONA BEACH QUADRUPLE SHOOTING ARRESTED Orlando Police units on the scene of the deadly shooting at Poppy Park Easter evening. "Our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect," DeSantis tweeted. "The perpetrator must face harsh justice." Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer spoke earlier at the news conference and thanked the officers and their families for "their service and dedication to our city." "They put their lives on the line every single day to keep our community safe," Dyer said. "And I also want to thank the doctors and the nurses here at Orlando Health and all those who quickly responded and provided essential care to the officers at this critical time. So, our entire community's thoughts and prayers remain with those courageous officers, their families and our entire OPD during this difficult time." Fox News' Christina Shaw contributed to this report. For Carol Mowen, becoming the new president of the Washington County Teachers Association is a culmination of putting her years of experience in teaching and communications jobs to work. "I've always enjoyed communication," an aspect that is a large part of her new position, said Mowen, 59, who lives in the Greencastle, Pa., area. Mowen has 25 years experience with Washington County Public Schools, including as a teacher and public information officer. She also taught for other school systems and worked for the National School Public Relations Association in Rockville, Md., for two years in the 2000s. "Even as a PIO, I always thought of myself as a voice for teachers at that table," Mowen said. More education news: Raises approved for Washington County teachers, support personnel and administrators The local teachers union elected Mowen its new president for the next two years; her first day was July 1. She succeeds Neil Becker, who served as union president for eight years and had to step down from that position due to a four-term limit. Mowen served with Becker, as the union's vice president, the past four years. Becker said Mowen has been active on committees and the association is "well-positioned to continue doing great things under Carol's leadership." Becker, 52, of the Halfway area, said he will be a community schools specialist at Western Heights Middle School in Hagerstown's West End. The school system currently has a few such specialists, who serve as liaisons between school staff, students, families and community organizations to bring those groups together to enhance students' educational opportunities, he said. He continues to serve on the Maryland State Education Association's board of directors. Becker said he was "humbled" to serve as WCTA's president. The local union's board and school system leadership, in conjunction with the school board, have "really enhanced the collaborative spirit that benefits students and staff," he said. Story continues The WCTA has almost 1,400 members and represents more than 1,800 school system employees, according to Mowen. Getting involved with the union's leadership "I got really invested in association leadership during COVID because the teachers really wanted to be involved more in some of the decisions being made," Mowen said. The way to do that was to be at the leadership table with the union and school system, she thought, not receiving decisions after they'd been made. Carol Mowen, President of Washington County Teachers Association There were discussions about how long students should be engaged via a computer screen and how teachers could best deliver instruction during remote learning as well as during hybrid learning, when teachers had both students in the classroom and students learning remotely. She also could see how to improve working conditions and fairness for teachers through contract negotiations. That includes helping to advocate for more early dismissals so teachers have additional planning time to communicate with parents, do grading work and collaborate with other teachers. Mowen also is heavily involved in discussions about how to implement parts of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The blueprint, passed by state lawmakers in 2021, increases funds for education and aims to tackle five pillars. Four of the pillars focus on early childhood education, college and career readiness, strengthening wraparound services to provide students more resources to help them be successful, and establishing an Accountability Implementation Board to hold the state and local school systems accountable for implementing the Blueprint, according to the Maryland Department of Education's website. The other pillar is about elevating the stature of teaching through competitive salaries, improving starting pay, providing financial incentives for teachers who get National Board Certification and creating a career ladder. "I have a lot of years of experience that I can bring to bear to help in navigating what this is going to look like locally for our teachers," Mowen said. Mowen participates in a Maryland State Education Association work group about the Accountability Implementation Board. WCTA members are part of the state association, which is an affiliate of the National Education Association. The career ladder, still being developed, is aimed at attracting more teachers to Maryland schools because there's a growing teacher shortage. "People are not entering the field of education to become teachers like they used to, for many different reasons," Mowen said. "One way to attract people to be teachers is to make sure they are rewarded with professional competitive salaries." Finding her path with a career change Originally from Mississippi, Mowen hadn't planned on becoming a teacher. She earned a master's degree in English from Mississippi State University and planned to go to law school. To help pay for graduate school, Mowen said she worked as a teaching assistant for college freshman composition and was "pretty good at it." Carol Mowen, President of Washington County Teachers Association She worked as a paralegal after grad school, but after six months realized she didn't like legal work. In a grocery store, she ran into her college Latin professor who encouraged her to apply for a Latin teacher position. Mowen said she received an emergency certification and taught Latin and English for two years. "Then I had the bug and wanted to do it," she said. Mowen moved to the local area in the mid-1990s so her husband, Nick, could be closer to family in the Greencastle area. Her tenure with WCPS includes teaching English at Springfield Middle School in the late 1990s and serving as public information officer in the early 2000s. She was teaching English at the technical high school before becoming union president. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Washington County Teachers Association has new president People gather at a memorial for OShae Sibley on August 04, 2023 in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty Images New York City authorities have charged a 17-year-old in the stabbing death of dancer O'Shae Sibley. The teenager attacked Sibley with a sharp object while Sibley was dancing to a Beyonce song on July 29. Authorities said the suspect and his friends called Sibley derogatory names and used homophobic slurs. A 17-year-old has been charged with murder as a hate crime in connection to the fatal stabbing of O'Shae Sibley at a Brooklyn gas station last weekend. Sibley, a 28-year-old professional dancer who had been vogueing to a Beyonce song when a group of males confronted him, died of a single stab wound to the left side of his ribcage that damaged his heart, according to Joseph Kenny, an assistant chief at the NYPD's detective bureau. Kenny told reporters at a news conference on Saturday that Sibley and a group of friends had been traveling home from New Jersey when they stopped for gas on the evening of July 29. While they were filling up the tank, they began dancing to the music in their car. At one point, a group of males demanded Sibley and his friends stopped dancing, Kenny said. "As this group began to yell at Mr. Sibley and his friends, they began to call him derogatory names and use homophobic slurs against him," Kenny said, adding that the group also used "anti-Black" language. Kenny said the altercation lasted roughly four minutes, rapidly moving from verbal to physical conflict, and ended when the perpetrator retreated from Sibley while striking him with a sharp object. Sibley was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Kenny said. The suspect fled the scene in a Toyota Highlander. Kenny did not name the suspect, possibly due to his age, and merely said he lives in Brooklyn and attends a nearby high school. In addition to the murder charge, the suspect has also been charged with criminal possession of a weapon. He is currently incarcerated, Kenny said. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at the press conference that the suspect was arrested after "everyday New Yorkers contributed basic information we needed to identify and apprehend" him. Story continues Adams denounced the anti-LGBTQ animus directed at Sibley and his friends, and also refuted rumors that Muslims were involved in the attack. Adams said that at the time of the attack, Sibley had been enjoying the same rights that all New Yorkers enjoy: self-expression. "This is a city where you are free to express yourself," Adams said. "And that expression should never end with any form of violence." Read the original article on Insider The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in Mutant Mayhem Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a delight for many reasons: the energetic teens who voice the Turtles, its fun embrace of 90s culture, its unique animation style, and the way it both honors and advances TMNT lore. But the movies more than just a light-hearted nostalgic trip. Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, director Jeff Rowe explains how he consulted with his teamincluding the films co-writer and co-producer, Seth Rogenon keeping things the right level of kid-friendly... with some very palpable danger along for the ride. They didnt set out on a mission to make the film dark, but made sure that the story was always the main focus. We were always trying to tell a story that felt true and emotionally honest, and in the opening of the film, there isnt a joke in the first five minutes, he said. That felt narratively right. It felt like the right way to execute that was to not cram it full of jokes. We even had a couple jokes in there at one point and we were like, We actually have to cut these out because theyre ruining the tone. Read more Another summer blockbuster featuring a particular array of reptiles helped them hit the tonal sweet spot they were aiming for. Seth and I would talk about how much we loved Jurassic Park as kids, and we saw it when we were probably too young to see it. And the opening of that film is terrifying to a five-year-old, but it imprinted on me. Its still one of my favorite films, and its because it took those chances. Its because it felt like I was getting away with something as a kid by seeing it, Rowe explained. Seth said, The great thing about Jurassic Park is that its a monster movie for kids. This should be a monster movie for kids. And then we started leaning into that more and not shying away from it. Story continues Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is in theaters now, with a sequel and a Paramount+ series also in the works. 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. Israeli police gather evidence from the scene of a shooting in commercial hub Tel Aviv which criticially wounded an Israeli (AHMAD GHARABLI) A Palestinian gunman killed an Israeli municipal officer in commercial hub Tel Aviv on Saturday, before being fatally shot by another officer, authorities said. The attack came amid a surge in violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a day after a 19-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Tel Aviv police said a gunman opened fire at a municipal inspector in the city centre, who according to the Magen David Adom emergency service was taken to hospital "in critical condition" and later pronounced dead. The Ichilov hospital in the city said Hen Amir, 42, "was killed while preventing with his own body a major attack, saving many lives in his death". Police earlier said that "another municipal inspector responded swiftly" to the shooting and moved to "neutralise the terrorist". The Palestinian assailant was taken to the same hospital, where officials later pronounced him dead. Israel's Shin Bet domestic security service identified the gunman as Kamal Abu Bahar, 22, originally from the Jenin area, the site of frequent violence in the northern West Bank. The Shin Bet claimed Abu Bahar was a sympathiser of Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which Israel deems a terrorist organisation. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. A spokesman for Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, said the attack was "a response to the crimes of the occupation and settlers against our people". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to the "vigilance" of municipal officers which had helped "avert a far more serious attack". Violence this year linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has killed at least 208 Palestinians, 28 Israelis, one Ukrainian and one Italian, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on both sides. They include, on the Palestinian side, combatants as well as civilians and, on the Israeli side, three members of the Arab minority. alv/ami/kir "I cried for joy when I heard the news," says lead plaintiff Amanda Zurawski Women in Texas with serious pregnancy complications will be temporarily exempted from the southern US state's abortion ban, a judge has ruled. Judge Jessica Mangrum said there was a lack of clarity in the legislation, siding with women and doctors who had sued Texas over the ban in March. Doctors would not be prosecuted when exercising their "good faith judgement" for provision of abortions, she added. The temporary injunction will be in force until the lawsuit is decided. Friday's ruling is expected to be appealed by the state. The Texas law that bans all abortions except in dire medical circumstances is seen as one of the strictest in the US. Breaking the ban can carry a $100,000 (78,000) fine and up to life in prison. The legislation was introduced in 2022 - shortly after the Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision, meaning that millions of women across the country lost the constitutional right to abortion. This case is the first brought on behalf of women who have been denied abortions since then. The group of women and doctors are suing the state of Texas in the hope of changing the ban, to give doctors more leeway in determining when an abortion is necessary. In her ruling in the city of Austin, Judge Mangrum wrote that women were "delayed or denied access to abortion care because of the widespread uncertainty regarding physicians' level of discretion under the medical exception to Texas's abortion bans". She also said that doctors must be allowed to determine what constituted medical emergencies that would risk a woman's health or even life. The temporary injunction is intended to last until the lawsuit is decided. But under Texas law, a ruling is automatically stayed as soon as it is appealed, so it could be blocked once the state appeals. The Center for Reproductive Rights, which is suing Texas, hailed the ruling. Story continues "Today's ruling alleviates months of confusion around what conditions qualify as medical emergencies under Texas' abortion bans, giving doctors permission to use their own medical judgment in determining when abortion care is needed," the group said. Lead plaintiff Amanda Zurawski said that "for the first time in a long time, I cried for joy when I heard the news". Ms Zurawski says her life was put at risk last year when she was denied an abortion. The lawsuit filed last March against Texas presses for a binding interpretation of the medical emergencies in the current law. The Texas attorney general's office argues that the exceptions being pushed by the plaintiffs would effectively allow ways of bypassing the ban. "It would, for example, permit abortions for pregnant females with medical conditions ranging from a headache to feelings of depression," office lawyers say. A critical fire threat continued for the North Texas region Friday as hot and dry weather conditions persist for the region. Fort Worth and surrounding areas west of I-35 have been under a red flag warning since the start of August, meaning conditions have been favorable for extreme fire behavior. High temperatures and minimal rain has made vegetation extremely dry. Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief, previously told the Star-Telegram that nine out of 10 times wildfires in Texas are caused by human action. Even something as simple as pulling over your vehicle on the side of the road can start a fire from the hot exhaust making contact with dead grass. Your actions can start a wildfire, even though you dont intend to, Moorehead said. Is it a crime to accidentally start a wildfire? In Texas, a person commits arson if they start a fire or cause an explosion with the intent to destroy another persons property. Even if you unintentionally start a wildfire, there could be serious consequences. Fires started recklessly are also classified as arson under the Texas Penal Code. Starting a fire recklessly is a state jail felony which could land you a hefty fine up to $10,000 and jail time between 180 days and two years, according to the Penal Code. If the fire resulted in bodily injury or death, the offense would be classified as a third degree felony. A person guilty of a third degree felony could face between two to 10 years of prison time and a fine of up to $10,000. Texas Current Water Availability and Conditions This map shows the current Texas water conditions by watershed and currently available data for streams and reservoirs. Use the buttons below to switch the map's focus to drought conditions and above and below average stream and reservoir levels. Tap on watersheds, streams and reservoirs for more information on levels and flow rates. Water conditions are color coded with blues indicating above-normal conditions, green being normal and yellow and red indicating below-normal conditions. The streamflow and reservoir information is in real-time, and watershed information is updated daily. Story continues Open SOURCES: Environmental Protection Agency, USGS National Water Information System, ESRI and US Drought Monitor. Photo: Rick Kern (Getty Images) A Texas judge on Friday afternoon ruled in favor of a group of women and doctors who sued the state over a dangerously ambiguous exception to the states abortion bans in the case of Zurawski v. State of Texas. Travis County District Judge Jessica Mangrum issued an injunction to temporarily block Texas abortion bans, specifically as they apply to severe pregnancy complications including life-threatening fetal diagnoses. Mangrum also ruled that Texas SB8the famous bounty hunter law that allows citizens to sue those who help people have abortionsis unconstitutional. Among the 15 plaintiffs are 13 Texas women who say they almost died from life-threatening pregnancy-related complications and were still unable to get emergency abortion care, even though the states abortion bans include a hypothetical exception for such cases. Four of the women offered gut-wrenching testimony about their experiences in court last month, and one of them began to vomit while at the witness stand when asked about the specifics of her harrowing experience. Under current law in Texas, health care providers face the threat of life in prison, a $100,000 fine, and loss of their medical license if they provide an abortion that appears to run afoul of the murky guidelines. Read more To be clear, this isnt a unilateral victory and is expected to be a temporary one. In Texas state court, a ruling is automatically stayed when its appealed. This means that once the state appeals Mangrums ruling, as its expected to, the injunction will be temporarily blocked. Nonetheless, the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing the plaintiffs, is celebrating the ruling as an important step in a longer legal fight. Nancy Northup, president of CRR, called the decision a win for Texans with pregnancy complications, adding that it would be unconscionable for the State of Texas to appeal this ruling. Story continues In her own statement, lead plaintiff Amanda Zurawski said she cried for joy when I heard the news of the decision. This is exactly why we did this. This is why we put ourselves through the pain and the trauma over and over again to share our experiences and the harms caused by these awful laws, Zurawski said. Last year, Zurawski nearly died after she was denied an emergency abortion even after learning her pregnancy wasnt viable and threatened her life and wound up contracting sepsis. She eventually received emergency care, but not before her right fallopian tube permanently closed and her whole uterus collapsed, jeopardizing her fertility even as she still hopes to have kids. Finally, some relief from Texas barbaric abortion ban. Thank you @ReproRights and the courageous plaintiffs who shared their stories far and wide to protect other people from experiencing the same horrors they endured. #BansOffOurBodies #AbortionIsHealthcare https://t.co/CtArew7nKl Wendy Davis (@wendydavis) August 5, 2023 In a particularly dark move, the state of Texas cited Zurawski and other plaintiffs fertility struggleswhich, in some cases, were created or worsened by being denied emergency abortion careas one of its arguments to have the suit dismissed. The state argued that the women dont have standing, because its not certain theyll become pregnant and experience complications again. Zurawski responded to this in court in July, calling this framing infuriating and ironic, and adding, Do they not realize the reason why I might not be able to get pregnant again is because of what happened to me as a result of the laws that they support? Zurawski was joined in the suit by a woman named Samantha Casiano, who last year gave birth to a three-pound baby who died four hours after birth because she was denied an emergency abortion for her nonviable fetus. Speaking to Jezebel, another plaintiff who became severely ill after being denied emergency abortion care and was forced to travel out-of-state for the procedure, now says she lives with fear of getting pregnant again. Taylor Edwards, whos relied on IVF to get pregnant, began her first IVF cycle since being denied care by Texas hospitals in February, and told Jezebel that she and her husband are absolutely terrified because of what Texas abortion bans subjected them to. The injunction issued Friday marks an important, albeit temporary, victory for these women and their doctors. 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 case, which was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, argued that the way medical exceptions are defined under Texas law is confusing (SUZANNE CORDEIRO) A court in Texas on Friday issued a temporary order siding with a group of women and doctors who brought a lawsuit challenging the state's abortion bans. The ruling was stayed hours later, however, after the Texas attorney general's office filed an appeal. Judge Jessica Mangrum's decision has been blocked until the lawsuit is decided on its merits in a trial slated to begin next March. The case, which was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, argued that the way medical exceptions are defined under Texas law is confusing, stoking fear among doctors and causing a "health crisis." In her judgment, Mangrum wrote she agreed the women were "delayed or denied access to abortion care because of the widespread uncertainty regarding physicians' level of discretion under the medical exception to Texas's abortion bans." She ordered that physicians cannot be prosecuted for exercising their "good faith judgment." Instead, doctors should be allowed to determine what they felt constituted medical emergencies that would risk a woman's "life and/or health (including their fertility)," she said. First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster said in a statement that the state filed an appeal that "stays an activist Austin judge's attempt to override Texas abortion laws pending a ruling by the Texas Supreme Court." The court in Austin heard harrowing testimony from the plaintiffs last month. Amanda Zurawski, after whom the case is named, said she was denied an abortion despite her water breaking very early in her pregnancy, meaning a miscarriage was inevitable. Zurawski said her doctor told her that she "couldn't intervene, because the baby's heart was still beating and inducing labor would have been considered an illegal abortion." Zurawski went into life-threatening septic shock and the fetus was stillborn. The suit is the first brought on behalf of women denied abortions since the US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to the procedure just over a year ago. Story continues Texas physicians found guilty of providing abortions face up to 99 years in prison, fines of up to $100,000 and the revocation of their medical license. A state "trigger" ban went into effect when Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, prohibiting abortions even in cases of rape or incest. Texas also has a law that allows private citizens to sue anyone who performs or aids an abortion. The lawsuit asks the court to create a binding interpretation of the "medical emergency" exception in the law and argues physicians should be allowed to exercise "good faith" judgments on the qualifying conditions for an abortion, rather than leaving this to state lawmakers. The Texas attorney general's office, on the other hand, says the measures sought by the complaint would effectively nullify its bans. The medical exception proposed by the plaintiffs "would, by design, swallow the rule," its lawyers argued in their written response. "It would, for example, permit abortions for pregnant females with medical conditions ranging from a headache to feelings of depression." ia/tjj/acb/aha This photo shows a teenage boy on a laptop. This article was originally published in El Paso Matters. A faculty member at the University of Texas at El Paso was grading a composition during the spring 2023 semester, and suspected that it was not the students work until she got to that one sentence. The instructor of the upper-level course with a strong writing component believed the essay was prepared, at least in part, by ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence program that launched last November. With a few prompts, users of the free AI program can produce essays, research papers, computer code and more with relative ease. To stymie ChatGPT, the lecturer directed her students to base one of their answers on how they related to the assigned readings. The answer from the student in question did not sound like a students voice. The final confirmation was the inclusion of something like I dont have a personal experience because Im AI. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The student, who earned a zero for his paper, acknowledged his offense and apologized to the instructor, who did not want to be named. The student is among those who tried to cut academic corners with ChatGPT. In most cases, these indiscretions were handled at the classroom level. More serious offenses were submitted to the universitys Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, or OSCCR. Id like to see more suggestions or training on how to proactively address ChatGPT with my students rather than solely acting in the role of catching and disciplining them, the faculty member said. To address such concerns, UTEP conducted a series of workshops late last spring to inform faculty about the pervasive use of ChatGPT and other forms of AI. UTEPs Center for Faculty Leadership and Development organized the presentations to increase awareness and, where possible, to educate faculty on how to use AI effectively in the classroom and as an assessment tool. About 50 university instructors from throughout the university attended the presentations. Story continues Jeffrey Olimpo, director of the faculty leadership center, said the main concern workshop participants shared with him was students unethical use of ChatGPT and AI in general. His response was that AI is not going away. We came at it from an angle of, You cant put the toothpaste back in the tube, Olimpo said a few weeks after the last workshop. The events presenters included representatives from OSCCR and the Provosts Office. Olimpo recalled that the OSCCR official said that his office already had seen some potential ChatGPT cases. Strategize, dont demonize The Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution conducted 20 investigations into possible cases of academic dishonesty tied to the use of AI during the spring 2023 semester, according to the university. UTEP did not respond to a question about how those cases were resolved and said that OSCCR director Jovita Simon would not comment on this story. While the university was aware of ChatGPTs potential downsides, Olimpo said there was no reason to chase it down with torches and pitchforks. We try to strategize and not demonize, he said. Arthur Ramirez, a second-year UTEP doctoral student in finance, said he began to test ChatGPT soon after it launched to learn if it could help with his research. Initially, he was concerned with its inaccuracies, but found it helpful with coding, especially with better prompts, and to understand certain charts. He said the only instructions a professor gave him was to follow the universitys guidelines. He said there was no right or wrong way to use ChatGPT, Ramirez said. Just dont abuse it. Responding to an El Paso Matters Instagram request for students to share their experiences, one UTEP student said that some of his professors encouraged students to use ChatGPT, while others warned them not to use it for plagiarism. I dont see what the big deal is, wrote the student who identified himself as sergio.iii. Sergio.iii called the AI program an effective study and communication tool with the right prompts. He said it helped create outlines for papers, add focus to his PowerPoint presentations and often gave more understandable explanations to complicated topics. The students using ChatGPT unethically arent even being smart about it, he wrote via Instagram. El Paso Matters reached out to the user, but he did not respond. Most people use it in a brain-dead way where they just copy and paste answers straight out of ChatGPT and they end up with responses that look identical to a dozen other students. Leslie Waters, an assistant professor of history, did not offer ChatGPT instructions at the start of the spring 2023 semester. She believed the obscure primary source material from her 20th century European history course would be AI-proof. In one case she gave students copies of letters written by soldiers and their families during World War I and asked them to write essays based on the letters themes. Three of her students submitted papers that focused generally on the war, but did not mention the letters or their themes. Additionally, the essays included ChatGPT red flags: grammatically correct sentences that lacked analysis and critical thinking. Each of those students earned low scores. Waters planned to send one of those cases to OSCCR, which she said uses software that can detect AI-generated material. Its not easy (for me) to prove, but its extremely easy for me to detect, she said of ChatGPT work. Her plan for the fall 2023 semester is to talk to her students about the perils of using ChatGPT, and to encourage them to stay on top of their coursework. It is her experience that students cheat out of desperation. She will give multi-level assignments that force students to submit papers at various stages to keep track of their progress. Olimpo did not respond to several requests for the recommendations generated by his spring workshops, but he previously proposed that a faculty committee review and possibly update the universitys general course syllabus in regards to the use of AI tools. A June 2023 article in The Chronicle of Higher Education included the results of a faculty survey of how to work with ChatGPT this fall. Two of the more popular ideas were to alter assignments to make AI participation less useful, and to incorporate AI in some work to help students understand its strengths and weaknesses. As for El Paso Community College, its ChatGPT directive to students is to follow their professors instructions for assignments and the academic guidelines in the colleges Student Code of Conduct, said Keri Moe, associate vice president for External Relations Communication & Development. ChatGPT, like any technology available, must be used with academic integrity and in accordance with these guidelines, Moe said. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Campus El Paso did not respond to a request for instructions on how its leaders want faculty and students to use ChatGPT. Related The Promise of Personalized Learning Never Delivered. Todays AI Is Different Academic integrity While some faculty members want to use AI tools such as Turnitin to catch cheaters, Sarah Elaine Eaton, an associate professor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, in Canada, advised them to not overreact. During a May 16 virtual forum about Academic Integrity and AI, Eaton said that instructors should include a statement in their syllabus about the AI they plan to use to help with their assessments and inform the students about the limitations of those programs. Its not about trying to use technology in order to catch students, Eaton said during the presentation. Nobody wins in an academic-integrity arms race. Deceptive assessment using tools and technologies without students knowledge ahead of time is not modeling integrity. Greg Beam, an associate professor of practice in UTEP Department of Communication, said that he taught an asynchronous virtual course this summer and strongly suspected that some students submitted work done by chatbots. He posted a video on Blackboard where he explained the right and wrong way to use ChatGPT. Beam told the students that those who admitted that they used the technology improperly would be allowed to redo the assignment with no penalty. Additionally, he told them that he would contact those who did not come forward to ask them follow-up questions about their submissions to verify that they understood the material. The professor said about 10% of those students redid the assignment. He suspected a few others, but those submissions lacked the tell-tale red flags. It made him wonder if some students had mastered ChatGPT enough to be undetectable. For the most part, at UTEP at least, I dont think students want to cheat they want to learn, Beam said. And theyre just as concerned about the potential ramifications of these new technologies as the rest of us are. This article first appeared on El Paso Matters and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. A 22-year-old Texas woman was arrested on felony animal cruelty charges Friday, after 12 horses and 24 dogs were found dead on her property, according to a report. Rachel Sword, 22, of Westminster, Texas, faces charges for cruelty to non-livestock animals, a third-degree felony and cruelty to livestock animals/abuse, a state jail felony, according to the Collin County website. Sword lives on the property, which is owned by her grandparents who told officers they have trouble tending to their animals at their age and believed Sword was taking care of them, FOX 4 reported, citing the arrest warrant affidavit. "Investigators located several deceased horses on the property," the affidavit reportedly said. "The decay on the horses ranged from completely skeletonized to partially skeletonized with skin and fur, generally indicating the deaths were not recent." NYC COUNCILWOMAN CALLING FOR INCREASED PRISON TIME, FELONY CHARGES FOR ANIMAL ABUSERS Rachel Sword, 22, faces felony animal cruelty charges. Some of the dogs were allegedly found dead inside cages in the RV Sword was living in and others were found where there was no relief from the sun. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP FLORIDA HORSE RESCUED FROM ABOVE-GROUND POOL AFTER GETTING SPOOKED AND JUMPING IN "Collin County is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals throughout the county, and incidents such as this are taken very seriously," the Collin County Sheriff's Office reportedly said in a release. "The Collin County Sheriff's Office has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the abandonment or cruelty to animals." Sword reportedly told investigators the animals had belonged to her husband who recently died, but she had been too depressed to feed them. After her arrest, investigators linked 16 previous animal cruelty or care-related complaints to the property, according to FOX 4. Several other animals found alive on the property, including two horses, two dogs, a cow, a snake, two frogs and a bearded dragon are now under the care of animal services. She remains in custody on an $85,000 bond, according to the Collin Countys website. (Bloomberg) -- Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra postponed a plan to return from 15 years of self-imposed exile by about two weeks, as a political party backed by his family faces hurdles in forming a government. Most Read from Bloomberg Thaksin, 74, said he decided to delay the return originally set for Aug. 10 because he needed to do a health check-up and would announce a new date later, according to a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. The timing of Thaksins homecoming first announced by his daughter Paetongtarn last month coincided with efforts by the Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai Party to form Thailands next government. The groups former ally Move Forward Partys leader Pita Limjaroenrat was blocked from taking the top political office through votes in Parliament despite winning the May general election. READ: Thaksin-Linked Thai Party Plans New Bloc to Form Government Pheu Thai is courting lawmakers in the lower house and the military-appointed Senate to seal the prime minister post for its nominee Srettha Thavisin, seeking to end a political stalemate thats kept investors on edge since May 14. A new date for the next vote has not been set. Parliament suspended the process pending further clarity from the Constitutional Court, which on Friday deferred making a decision about Pitas re-nomination petition. On Friday, Pheu Thai also canceled its plan to unveil a new coalition, which it had made clear would exclude reformist Move Forward to appease conservative lawmakers and military-appointed Senate. READ: Thailands Wait for a Premier Gets Longer, Rattling Markets Its not the first time that Thaksin, a popular but polarizing politician, has postponed plans to return after he was ousted from his second term as premier in a military coup in 2006. As recently as May in the middle of election campaign, he pledged to return before his birthday in July to raise his seven grandchildren. Story continues Thaksin has lived overseas since fleeing the country in 2008 to avoid corruption charges, shuttling between Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and London. Since leaving Thailand, he had been found guilty in absentia in several graft cases he said were politically motivated, and still faces a combined 10 years in prison in three cases if he returns. He said in May that he would enter the justice process upon his return and that he didnt want an amnesty from jail terms something previously attempted by a government headed by his sister Yingluck Shinawatra in 2013 before it was toppled in a 2014 coup. (Updates with details from paragraph three) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Thousands of Los Angeles city workers will stage a one-day strike on Tuesday, a union announced. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles' hot labor summer will get a little more heated Tuesday morning, when thousands of Los Angeles city workers plan to walk off the job for a 24-hour strike. Tuesday's action would be the first major city worker strike in at least 15 years. SEIU Local 721, a union representing county and city employees across Southern California, said that more than 11,000 Los Angeles city workers will participate, including sanitation workers, heavy duty mechanics, traffic officers and engineers. The city work stoppage comes amid a frenzy of organized labor activity in Los Angeles and across the country, including the first simultaneous strike of Hollywood writers and actors since 1960. Los Angeles and Orange County hotel workers have also engaged in intermittent work stoppages since contracts expired for more than 15,000 hotel workers at some 60 properties. The union said employees are staging an unfair labor practices strike because the city failed to bargain with their members in good faith and also engaged in labor practices that restricted employee and union rights. "City workers are vital to the function of services for millions of Angelenos every day and to our local economy. They deserve fair contracts and we have been bargaining in good faith with SEIU 721 since January," Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement Friday evening. "The City will always be available to make progress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." The strike will likely create some degree of disruption at Los Angeles International Airport, the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Hall and other locations, with picketing expected at dozens of other sites, including the Griffith Observatory, according to the union. Local 721 said their membership also includes more than a thousand airport workers, including custodians, mechanics and shuttle drivers. Most port workers are represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, but SEIU 721 represents about 300 port workers, including tugboat captains. Story continues Read more: Shape Your L.A. on your block An LAX spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about how the strike might affect airport operations. Port spokesperson Phillip Sanfield said he couldn't comment on possible disruption at the port because he wasn't sure how many people would be participating in the strike. The city Department of Public Works, which oversees sanitation and other services, did not immediately respond to questions. The union ratified a one-year agreement with the city in November 2022 with the understanding that they would return to the bargaining table immediately after the winter holidays, said SEIU Local 721 Chief of Staff Gilda Valdez. With the broader agreement in place for the next year, the city and the union would then negotiate over a number of "specials," or smaller specific proposals, Valdez said. But the city "reneged on their promise to negotiate on these issues," Valdez said. The union filed an unfair labor practice claim with the City of Los Angeles Employee Relations Board over this issue, along with claims filed over several other issues in recent months. "We're not going to tolerate unfair labor practices during bargaining or at all. We're fed up," Valdez said, noting that the union's members had worked throughout the pandemic to keep the city running. "We have to send a very strong message to the city." The union plans to return to the bargaining table with the city the week of August 14 to begin negotiations on the successor contract to the one-year agreement signed in November 2022. That new contract will be bargained in tandem with the "specials" that remain on the table from the beginning of the year, Valdez said. 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. Four Russian air strikes hit an area of Syria's hebel-held Idlib province, according to a war monitor (OMAR HAJ KADOUR) Three family members, all civilians, were killed on Saturday when Russian warplanes struck the outskirts of the northwest Syrian city of Idlib, a war monitor said. Russia has over the years repeatedly struck Syria's last main opposition bastion, but attacks killing civilians had been limited this year until an uptick in violence in late June. "Russian air strikes this morning" to the west of Idlib left "three dead from the same family" including a woman and a child, and six others wounded, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Four strikes hit the area where rebel bases are also present, added the Britain-based group which relies on a network of sources on the ground in Syria. An AFP correspondent saw a partially destroyed building with floor mats, mattresses and the remains of a vehicle among the rubble. With Russian and Iranian support, the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has clawed back much of the territory it had lost to rebels early in the conflict that erupted in 2011. The last pockets of armed opposition to the Assad government include swathes of rebel-held Idlib province, controlled by jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is led by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Abdul Kafi Kyal, a volunteer with the White Helmets rescue group at the site of the Saturday's strike, condemned the Russian raid which he said caused not only casualties but also spread "terror and panic among civilians". Syria's 12-year-long war broke out after the repression of peaceful anti-government demonstrations escalated into a deadly conflict that pulled in foreign powers and global jihadists. The war has killed more than half a million people and displaced millions. Since 2020, a ceasefire deal brokered by Damascus ally Moscow and rebel-backer Ankara has largely held in Syria's northwest, despite periodic clashes. However, on June 25, Russian air strikes killed at least 13 people including nine civilians in Idlib province, in what the Observatory said at the time was the deadliest such attack on the country this year. Story continues And on June 28, Damascus's defence ministry said Syrian and Russian forces had launched air strikes on rebel bases "in response to daily and repeated attacks... on civilians" in nearby Hama province. The announcement came a day after Russian air strikes killed eight HTS-affiliated fighters, according to the Observatory. The rebel-held Idlib region is home to about three million people, around half of them displaced from other parts of the country. ohk-lg/ami Over 500,000 followers keep up with the TikToker's renter-friendly designs. Marco Zamora TikToker Marco Zamora shares the non-permanent interior updates he makes to his apartment. The LA-based creator has amassed a large following with his renter-friendly hacks. He told Insider he hopes his homely projects will help educate and inspire others. By the summer of 2021, Marco Zamora had already spent months scouring Los Angeles, California, for an apartment that would suit his basic needs. He wasn't looking for anything fancy at the time, just somewhere that ticked the basic boxes, like being able to work comfortably from home. He eventually discovered a 1920s apartment with an open-spaced living room and French windows that he immediately fell in love with, although he had a few ideas on how to make it even better. Zamora, who is now 26, told Insider he'd always loved architecture and interior design, and the potential of the place inspired him to create an array of elaborate projects that helped make the apartment his own, without causing any permanent changes to the place. After sharing his designs online, Zamora racked up over 505,000 followers on TikTok, who tune in for tips and inspiration as he shares step-by-step guides on his renter-friendly renovations. Zamora found a budget way to update the tiles in what he dubbed his "plain" rental kitchen. The TikToker took a gamble on tile stickers he found online. Marco Zamora Back in March, Zamora uploaded a panning shot of his white kitchen and asked his audience if theirs were also "plain and boring" like his, then told them to keep watching if so. This was part one of what became his kitchen transformation series featuring "renter friendly DIY projects." The upload, which received 1.5 million views, showed Zamora cleaning his white tiles before he shared a series of images on screen featuring various decor, most with checkered floors, which he said were "inspo" for his "dream kitchen" and prompted this particular hack. He said he'd spent a few hours looking for "peel and stick tiles" on the internet and took a punt on a product that had just one four-star rating. Story continues When they arrived, he cut the burgundy stickers to scale with a box cutter and ruler, before applying them to his own floor, and viewers were blown away with the final result. Over 12,800 people bookmarked the video, and viewers asked Zamora to drop the link to the tile sticker product so they could try it out for themselves. The TikToker added a wooden doorway to reshape his large kitchen entrance. Zamora told Insider he thinks his projects resonate with viewers as he tries to make them "accessible to everyone" and partly because they're a "little out of the box" and not the sort of thing you'd usually consider in a rental property, like the time he added a new door frame to his kitchen entrance. In April, the TikToker posted a video where he pondered what to do with the "huge doorway." He said in a video voiceover he brainstormed ideas and considered making a DIY archway, but opted for a wooden frame instead. After picking up some wood from the store and testing out a variety of tones and colors, he cut the planks to shape, stained them, nailed them together, and then nailed that into the wall to keep the frame in place. He asked the 1.3 million viewers who ultimately tuned into the video if they liked how it turned out, and there was an overwhelming consensus. "It looks SO good wow," one viewer wrote in a top comment that received over 3,700 likes, as many others described the custom hack as "stunning" and "incredible" and wrote they were invested in the transformation series. Zamora's Mexican heritage plays a big role in his design decisions. Zamora used faux glass to achieve the colorful effect Marco Zamora Both of Zamora's parents are from Mexico and he told Insider the culture "is very much a part of me" and he is particularly inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragan. In May, Zamora posted one of his most popular videos to date, an upload in which he constructed and added a homemade stained glass window to his own DIY doorway inspired by Barragan's designs, which was viewed over 10.3 million times. In the video, Zamora said he went to the home improvement retailer Lowe's where he picked up some plexiglass, a substitute for real glass that was lighter and easier to cut. He added faux lead lines and color to create a budget stained glass effect, before fixing it to the frame using another piece of wood, with further nails and some caulking to keep it in place. Zamora told Insider he has a background in civil engineering, that's what he studied at school, but when it comes to the projects he's "picking up the skills as I go." This wasn't the first time he'd introduced a temporary stained-glass effect into his apartment Zamora had already experimented with stained glass color on his living room windows. Marco Zamora The TikToker had previously added stain glass effect to his living room windows back in April, in a video that received 614,000 views and over 400 comments, many of which asked him to create a tutorial so they could do the same. He told Insider he decided to post his projects to TikTok to help educate and inspire people about the potential of their homes, and shared a detailed step-by-step guide of this particular process with his viewers, which he said in a video voiceover took him "less than one hour" to complete. He said he discovered a color kit online that created a similar stained glass effect which cost just $41, and made absolutely sure this was suitable for renters by performing a mini-test first. He applied some to the window to make sure he could fully remove it, which was a success, and ticked the renter-friendly requirement. "If I could have found an apartment with stained glass windows, I would have done it. But I always thought it was just something that was so unattainable," Zamora told Insider, which prompted him to come up with this solution that was bookmarked by 12,500 viewers. One viewer posted their own version of Zamora's hack and went mega-viral in the process A fan who recreated Zamora's wall art hack went mega viral. Marco Zamora Since his videos have been going viral online, Zamora told Insider people have started to recognize him on the streets of LA and compliment his hacks and thank him for the tips in person, which he said is always exciting. In June, Zamora continued to share his renovations with a video that showed him pulling open a piece of wall art in his kitchen to reveal a microwave built into the wall behind it, which was now out of view. The idea, which Zamora dubbed his "coolest party trick" was bookmarked by over 1,300 users, and one viewer stitched the video to show she had been directly inspired by Zamora to create her own version, which included a canvas that covered a set of knives on her wall. "Thanks for the idea," she said at the end of the short clip, which was viewed over 13.4 million times. The inspiration works both ways, as Zamora takes on ideas suggested by his viewers. After the success of the disguised microwave, Zamora posted a follow-up video responding to a comment suggesting he add a spice rack beneath it, which would also be covered by the swinging artwork, which he said was "an incredible idea." He joked he was mad at himself for not thinking of it first "because it's kind of perfect" and created another step-by-step tutorial that showed how the idea went from a concept in the comments, to a real thing in his apartment. The video received 1.7 million views and over 430 comments that praised the final look and came up with further suggestions on how it could be even further improved, such as adding room for more spices, or altering the position slightly. Zamora has advice for those looking to make their temporary rental space feel more like a home. Zamora believes even small changes can have a big impact. Marco Zamora Zamora gets why people may be nervous to make changes to their rental space. His own landlord hasn't seen the updates he's made to his apartment just yet, but Zamora said he was given "some free reign" but made sure he was "very conscious" about his projects as it's not his property. "Everyone wants their home to look special and elevated," Zamora said. "But you know, you also want to be conscious about you know, how you get there." He said he wants to make sure his updates are always achievable for viewers who are interested in trying the same thing, which he very much encourages, as just a small change can make a big impact. "Even if it's something little, you know, even if it's just like adding one little stain glass or even just painting one wall," he said. But simply finding furniture or a small piece of art that works for your place can be a good start too. "It totally pays off," he said. For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here. Read the original article on Insider LONDONDERRY, N.H. The events of Jan. 6 took center stage Friday at Mike Pences first campaign event after his former running mate pleaded not guilty to charges that he engaged in criminal conspiracies aimed at overturning the 2020 presidential election. As soon as the former vice president arrived at the American Legion Hall in Londonderry, New Hampshire, he encountered about 10 pro-Trump protesters carrying flags and signs. Theres the sellout! Theres the traitor! they yelled at Pence as he exited his vehicle. Whyd you sell out the people? Supporters of former US president Donald Trump react during a town hall meeting by Presidential hopeful and former Vice President Mike Pence at American Legion Hall Post 27 in Londonderry, New Hampshire, on August 4, 2023. (Joseph Prezioso / AFP - Getty Images) There was no violence, and Pence did not engage significantly with the supporters of his rival for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, beyond saying, "I upheld the Constitution" and urging the protesters to read the document. At the town hall, Pence tried to court the protesters. I know the people in this movement, whether they support me or not, are the best people in this country, he said as he pointed to the protesters in the corner of the room. In response to a question about the potential for further violence from Trump supporters in the wake of Jan. 6, Pence said he rejected that notion categorically. Ill tell you there is a lot of passion out there, but I just, I reject your suggestion that that passion is translated into the violence and vandalism of that day, he said. A pickup truck with Trump flags and a sign that reads, Pence's role on Jan. 6, when some rioters chanted "Hang Mike Pence," has been thrust back into the spotlight following Tuesday's indictment of former President Donald Trump. In that document, federal prosecutors said Pence kept contemporaneous notes about meetings and conversations he had with Trump leading up to Jan 6. The indictment also said that the president and a co-conspirator now known to be lawyer John Eastman asked Pence to use his authority as president of the Senate on Jan. 6 to either reject certain states electors or send them back to their state legislatures. Story continues On Friday night, one town hall participant, Mary Bartel of Windham, asked Pence why he didn't go along with that plan. Pence explained, as he has previously to other skeptical voters, that he did not have the authority to overturn the election. He also told her to write down and look up Article Two, Section One, Clause Three of the Constitution. I will, she said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Former Vice President Mike Pence defended certifying the 2020 election for Joe Biden in response to jeers and insults from a crowd of Donald Trump supporters outside a campaign event in New Hampshire. Why'd you sell out the people? a man called out as Pence arrived for a town hall in Londonderry on Friday evening. Why didnt you uphold the Constitution? I upheld the Constitution, Pence said in response. Read it. Protesters in the group were wearing MAGA gear and holding pro-Trump signs, according to footage from ABC News and NBC News. Pence certified the presidential election results for Joe Biden on Jan. 6, 2021 a ceremonial duty that preceded the riot at the Capitol and made him the target of the Republican bases most ardent Trump supporters. As such, Pence has struggled to gain solid ground in the GOP presidential primary. He has not yet qualified for the August GOP debate: Pence raised just $3.8 million in the second quarter of the year, and he typically polls in the single digits in national and early primary state surveys. At an NRA convention in April, members of the audience booed Pence from the moment he started speaking. He also had a contentious exchange with Tucker Carlson at a candidate forum in mid-July. Pence has continued to temper his criticism of Trump's base to not alienate any potential support. There is a lot of passion out there. I reject your suggestion that that passion is translated into the violence and the vandalism of that day, Pence later said, referring to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. I know the people of this movement whether they support me or not are the best people in this country. Trump later Saturday said his "newly emboldened" former vice president had "gone to the dark side." On Tuesday, the former president was indicted over charges that he conspired against the U.S. when attempting to overturn the 2020 election. Pence has indicated that he plans to use the indictment as a line of contrast in the campaign. Story continues Todays indictment serves as an important reminder: anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States, the former vice president said in a statement on Tuesday following the news. Trump also faces federal charges for mishandling classified documents and state charges in connection to alleged hush money payments to a porn star. On Saturday, Pence emphasized the gravity of mishandling classified materials at a national security event in New Hampshire, though he neither mentioned the former president by name nor discussed Trump's classified documents indictment. "We've got to be deadly serious about handling classified materials in this country," Pence said, before referencing his own "inadvertent" mishandling of documents found in his Indiana home early this year. "I owned up to it," the former vice president said. Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing contributed to this report. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed on Friday chose to forgo a preliminary hearing in the case of the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie Rust in October 2021. The hearing would have allowed court testimony from eyewitnesses of the shooting among dozens of people. Actor Alec Baldwin was pointing a gun at Hutchins when it went off, killing her. Director Joel Souza was also injured. Prosecutors dropped charges against Baldwin in April, while David Halls, safety coordinator and assistant director received six months probation after pleading no contest to a charge of unsafe handling of a firearm. That left Gutierrez Reed as the sole defendant in the case, but now that she has waived her right to a preliminary hearing, the case could soon head to trial. Her lawyers filed a motion in May to dismiss the charges, citing prosecutorial misconduct. In addition, Gutierrez Reed denied rumors that she was hungover on the day of the shooting. Her attorney argued earlier this year that the rumors had tainted the case. Despite all of this, a New Mexico judge told prosecutors to stay the course, Tuesday, refusing to dismiss the charges against Gutierrez Reed, including involuntary manslaughter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Bernie Kerik is refusing to turn over more than 300 records sought in a 2020 election-related lawsuit just before he is set to talk with the special counsels office, saying they fall under attorney confidentiality. Kerik, a former New York police commissioner who worked alongside former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani in the weeks after the 2020 election to search for evidence of fraud, had previously held back hundreds more documents from the lawyers for Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman. The two Georgia election workers have said Giuliani made false claims of ballot counting mishaps in Atlanta that defamed them. The records, apparently reflecting work Kerik and Giuliani did for Donald Trump as he sought to hold onto the presidency in 2020, were held back in the lawsuit, as well as when congressional investigators sought documents from him last year. The Trump campaign, which as Giulianis client wanted some records to remain secret, allowed Kerik to turn over more than 500 documents in recent weeks after their reasons for confidentiality were challenged in the lawsuit. But 318 additional documents still arent in the Moss and Freeman teams hands. The election workers lawyers on Friday asked a federal judge to review those records privately and decide whether they should remain protected under attorney-client privilege. While the document fight in the lawsuit is ongoing, Kerik also has recently agreed to speak with special counsel investigators looking at Trump and others actions after the 2020 election. His attorney, Timothy Parlatore, told CNN last weekend that Kerik and his lawyers would speak to investigators in about a week. We have a meeting scheduled in about a week with the special counsels office to talk about a lot of the efforts that the Giuliani team was taking at the time to investigate fraud, and thats really going to get into, you know, the core of whether they can charge somebody with having corrupt intent, Parlatore said at the time. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com In his first speech since he was arraigned on criminal charges alleging he attempted to overturn the 2020 election, former President Trump said Republicans are weak and need to get smart on attacking President Biden. If you took the five worst presidents in the history of the United States and added them up, they would not have done near the destruction to our country as crooked Joe Biden and the Biden administration have done, Trump said at the Montgomery, Alabama rally Friday night. President Bidens son, Hunter Biden has been the center of federal and Congressional investigation for months. Both have raised questions regarding President Bidens involvement or lack thereof. He shouldnt be allowed to be the president, Trump continued. And the Republicans better get tough and they better get smart because most of them look like a bunch of weak jerks right now. And you got to get tough and smart and you have to fight fire with fire. You cant allow this to go on. Last month, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said the investigations into the president and his son may soon be rising to the level of impeachment inquiry. Trump focused on his criminal charges at the rally Friday, often shaking off the severity of any case. Any time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls, he said. We need one more indictment to close out this election. One more indictment, and this election is closed out. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage He has a strong lead in GOP primary polls, with national polling averages showing the former president with about 53 percent support, far ahead of his nearest rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A day after his visit to largely hostile Washington, Trump received a warm reception at the Republican summer dinner in Montgomery, Alabama's state capital (Elijah Nouvelage) Former president Donald Trump appeared before ardent supporters in the deeply conservative southern state of Alabama on Friday, dismissing the latest federal indictment against him a day earlier as an "illegal and unconstitutional travesty." Trump, who is facing sweeping conspiracy charges over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, called the indictment "ridiculous." "It's an act of desperation by a failed disgraced crooked Joe Biden and his radical left thugs to preserve their grip on power," Trump told the crowd. A day after his visit to largely hostile Washington, Trump received a warm reception at the Republican summer dinner in Montgomery, Alabama's state capital. The 77-year-old billionaire won Alabama by landslides in 2016 and 2020, and all six Republicans the state sends to the House of Representatives in Washington endorsed his re-election bid ahead of the evening engagement. He is also backed by Alabama's senior senator, lieutenant governor and agriculture commissioner, although the junior senator and the governor have yet to endorse any candidate in the Republican primary. Trump was 39 points ahead of his closest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in FiveThirtyEight's national polling average on Friday -- the kind of lead that has never been surmounted in modern primary contests. The former reality TV kingpin and property mogul, estimated by Forbes to be worth $2.5 billion, has won the backing of more than 80 members of Alabama's House and Senate, dwarfing the roster of five lawmakers backing DeSantis. "DeSantis is a nice guy, but Donald has been there," Robert Nail, a resident of the state's largest county, Baldwin, told local news portal AL.com. "He knows what to do and will hit the ground running. This nonsense with indictments is just background noise." But Trump makes his bid for a historic return to the White House charged with 78 felonies in three separate criminal probes. Story continues He is due to go on trial in New York in March next year over allegations that he misrepresented "hush money" payments to a porn star, and is scheduled to be tried in May over his handling of national security secrets. He was in court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing over his alleged election interference and is expected to soon be charged by state prosecutors over similar allegations in a separate case focused on the southern state of Georgia. ft/jh/tjj/aha The latest indictment of former President Trump threatens to destroy the First Amendment and give the federal government the unprecedented power to criminalize political lies, constitutional law professor and Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley warned Saturday. Trump was indicted this week on four charges related to Special Counsel Jack Smiths investigation into 2020 election interference and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, including conspiracy to defraud the United States. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges in a Washington, D.C., courtroom Thursday. In an op-ed for The Hill, Turley wrote that Smiths indictment essentially charges Trump for spreading "lies that there had been outcome-determinative fraud in the election," which he said is a dangerous proposition for the First Amendment. TRUMP SLAMS BIDEN AND PROTECTORS FOR 2024 ELECTION INTERFERENCE AFTER JAN. 6 CHARGES IN ALABAMA SPEECH George Washington University professor and Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley "In order to secure convictions for this, Special Counsel Jack Smith would need to bulldoze through not just the First Amendment but also existing case law holding that even false statements are protected," he wrote. Specifically, Turley said Smiths charges assert that Trump knew the statements he made about the 2020 election were false and said if Trump does believe he won, "the indictment collapses." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP In an effort to show Trump knew he lost legitimately, the indictment explains that many people advised him that he lost. Turley said Trump sought out people who said he won but that he is allowed to do this. TRUMP PLEADS 'NOT GUILTY' TO CHARGES STEMMING FROM SPECIAL COUNSEL'S JAN. 6 PROBE Jack Smith, special counsel, speaks during a news conference in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. "Trump is allowed to seek out enablers who tell him what he wants to hear," Turley wrote. "All presidents do this. (Joe Biden, for example, ignored virtually unanimous legal opinion and relied upon a single law professors say-so to justify an obviously unconstitutional executive action that later had to be reversed.)" Story continues Turley also warned that successfully charging Trump in this way sets up the "dangerous" precedent of giving the government the power to determine whats true and what isnt. "There is no limiting principle to this indictment," Turley wrote in The Hill. "The government would choose between which politicians are lying and which are lying without cause." In this courtroom sketch from federal court in Washington, Aug. 3, 2023, former President Donald Trump sits between his attorneys, Todd Blanche and John Lauro, as he faces charges before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya that he orchestrated a plot to overturn his 2020 election loss. Turley said there is a "constitutional problem" with trying to "criminalize lies" in this way. He said a 2012 Supreme Court case, United States v. Alvarez, found that its unconstitutional to criminalize lies and that the court recognized that ruling otherwise would give the government "broad censorial power unprecedented in this courts cases or in our constitutional tradition." "So, even assuming that Smith can prove Trump lied, there would still be constitutional barriers to criminalizing his false statements," Turley wrote. Turley added that even if Judge Tanya Chutkan supports Smiths case, "the Supreme Court would likely balk at the criminalization of false political speech." Donald Trumps legal team is signaling his defense will focus on the First Amendment and his reliance on counsel in the battle over charges connected to Jan. 6 and the former presidents efforts to remain in power following the 2020 election. Trump, who pleaded not guilty during a Thursday arraignment, has denounced the prosecution as a witch hunt while floating the idea of moving the trial from the predominantly Democratic city of Washington, D.C. On Friday, he called on the Supreme Court to intercede. Legal experts say the indictment presents at length a seemingly strong case against Trump built on phone records, emails and contemporaneous notes taken by people in the former presidents orbit. Prosecutors describe a multi-pronged effort from Trump to use dishonesty, fraud and conceit to remain in power following an election he lost. They really do a great job of laying out the facts of former President Trumps knowledge of the falsity of the claims that he was making across a spectrum of different audiences, be it state and local public elected officials, or election officials, or within his own campaign staff and within his inner circle, said Kenyen Brown, the former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. None of that makes for an open-and-shut case, however, and Trumps attorneys have repeatedly insisted the alleged conduct was protected by the First Amendment. President Trump, like all of us, has a right to redress grievances, has a right to protest an election that he felt was unfair, has a right to campaign on a position, John Lauro, an attorney representing Trump, said on Fox News on Thursday evening. And theyve attacked that right, not just for President Trump, but for everyone. Brown, who now is a partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, pushed back on the notion that Trumps actions were protected by the First Amendment, however. I think the special counsel went through great lengths to try to articulate within the indictment themselves that speech itself is protected, Brown said. That there are legal processes to challenge the election results and that all of those legal methods had been exhausted by the former president. And despite those roadblocks, he then crossed the threshold and started to engage in what is alleged to be illegal conduct, putting forward prolific lies in order to keep him in power. Story continues Four felony charges The indictment contains four felony charges. Trump is first charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Prosecutors must prove four elements, according to a model prosecution memo published by Just Security: that Trump entered into an agreement with at least one other person; that he intended to obstruct the collection, counting and certification of the election results; that he did so by deceitful or dishonest means; and that he made at least one overt act to further the conspiracy. Prosecutors allege Trump worked with six unindicted co-conspirators in committing a number of acts: pressuring state officials to subvert the election results, organizing false slates of electors, attempting to leverage the Justice Department, pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence and exploiting the Capitol riot. The indictment outlines multiple instances in which Trump was purportedly told by those around him that there was no evidence of fraud and that various strategies being floated to him had no merit. Trumps attorneys have previewed that they will argue Trump was relying on the advice of attorneys around him. He may not agree with Mike Pence, he may not agree with one of his lawyers, but that doesnt mean that there werent other people advising him exactly the opposite. And the president has a right, as every one of us do, to listen to several opinions and make their decision, Alina Habba, Trumps legal spokesperson, told reporters outside the courthouse where he was arraigned. Trump is also charged with two counts related to obstructing the Jan. 6 certification of the Electoral College vote. One of those charges corruptly obstructing an official proceeding was previously brought against more than 300 Jan. 6 defendants, according to a Justice Department tally. Many rioters have already been convicted and sentenced under the statute, though often in tandem with other crimes. The charge originated from a law passed in the wake of the Enron scandal to crack down on corporate wrongdoing. Prosecutors application of the charge to Jan. 6 has been the subject of an ongoing legal dispute. In April, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the use of the charge for the riot in a 2-1 vote. But the judges all wrote separate opinions and left an open question of what is necessary for prosecutors to show a defendant acted corruptly, an element required for conviction under the statute. Trump is also charged with conspiracy to obstruct the certification vote. Democratic D.C. Like many Jan. 6 defendants before him, Trump and his attorneys have suggested they may seek to move the trial out of D.C., where the jury pool would be heavily Democratic. Judges have repeatedly denied those motions from other defendants. I take issue with that, said Brown. The jurors who are sworn in Southern Florida as well as those in Washington, D.C., should be accorded equal respect. The fourth and final charge, conspiracy against rights, was brought under a statute dating back to Reconstruction. It was passed as part of the Ku Klux Klan Acts, a series of laws devised to protect the rights of Black Americans newly protected by the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. Sean Morales-Doyle, the director of the Brennan Center Voting Rights Program, said although Jan. 6 is an anomaly, there are common threads between Trumps actions and the statutes original purpose. At that moment, the country had made a decision, thankfully, to include Black men in our elections, and there were a lot of people who were trying to stop that from happening. So we are at another moment right now, Morales-Doyle said. I dont mean to suggest that its the same moment or that what Trump is doing is what the Klan was doing. But were at another moment where were really having a fight over the future of our democracy, he added. The law has previously been upheld by the Supreme Court and has been used over decades to charge a variety of conduct relating to elections. Among the more recent examples, federal prosecutors convicted a Kentucky mayor under the statute in 2014 for bribing and coercing voters and convicted a social media influencer in March for a disinformation campaign aimed at suppressing votes. Morales-Doyle noted that the statute does not require proving the conspiracy was successful or that Trump committed any overt act to further it. Instead, prosecutors only need to show there was a conspiracy with the intent to deprive people of their right to vote, he said. Though [the statute] was initially about stopping terroristic intimidation of voters, in a number of instances in the decades since, it has been used to go after election subversion, conspiracies and schemes like the one that is alleged in the Trump indictment, said Morales-Doyle. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Until Donald Trump, a former president had never faced criminal charges but neither has an elected one. Trump was arraigned in Washington federal court Thursday on charges linked to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. It was his third arraignment this year, after he was indicted in a New York hush money probe and a federal investigation into his alleged mishandling of classified records. Altogether, Trump faces 78 criminal charges with a fourth indictment in Georgia likely on the way. But the former president is still pummeling competition in the 2024 GOP presidential primary. Trumps closest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, is more than 30 percentage points behind in the polls, according to RealClearPoliticss average. Other Republican candidates have not polled higher than 6 percent. Trump could also prove a fierce competitor to President Biden if the pair go head-to-head again in 2024. A hypothetical match-up found the two candidates deadlocked, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll released earlier this week. As the former presidents legal troubles mount and as the 2024 race heats up questions about his would-be presidency in the event of reelection are swirling. We faced a bigger constitutional crisis when the country had a Civil War, said Alan Rozenshtein, a law professor at the University of Minnesota. Other than that, I think this is the worst thing weve faced. Heres what we know about how Trumps legal woes could affect a future presidency. Could Trumps pending cases disqualify him from running? None of the charges Trump faces would bar him from running for president or assuming that role. Theres no question that he can be president while indicted, Rozenshtein said. Indicted just means that theres a criminal process going on against you; it doesnt mean that youve been found guilty. There are three constitutional requirements to run for president: being a natural-born citizen, a U.S. resident for at least 14 years and at least 35 years old. American voters decide the rest. Whether a candidate has been accused or convicted of a crime has no bearing on their ability to run for president or to ascend to the nations highest office. Story continues Some civil rights organizations have posited Trump violated the 14th Amendment for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, and that such a violation would prevent him from holding office. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion, a clause in the amendment reads. But its not clear whether the events of Jan. 6 rise to the level of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or if the clause bans people from being president, because its not explicitly mentioned. Those questions would have to be answered in the courts before Trump could be stopped from holding office. What happens if Trump is elected and has these cases pending? If Trump is reelected before the cases against him are resolved, efforts to delay them until after his presidency would likely succeed, according to Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney and current law professor at the University of Michigan. The Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) argued in an October 2000 opinion detailing a sitting presidents exposure to criminal prosecution that a criminal case would be too distracting for the nations leader, and therefore, not in the countrys best interests. For the same reason that the sitting president cannot be indicted, I think that he could not be required to defend himself in a criminal case while serving as president, she said. Could Trump face jail time if convicted? If Trump were convicted and given the highest prison sentence available on each charge he faces, he would face hundreds of years in prison. But that outcome is unlikely because the reality of Trumps situation is much more complicated. None of the crimes Trump faces carries a mandatory minimum sentence, and judges rarely hand down the maximum sentence to first-time offenders. Both state and federal judges are given broad discretion in sentencing. Plus, given his status and Secret Service protection, the logistics of jailing Trump would be very complicated, McQuade said. If he is sentenced, I think it is most likely that he will be sent to home confinement, she said. However, even if Trump were jailed, there is nothing legally that would prevent him from serving as president. In that case, McQuade said she thinks Trump would be released. Rozenshtein said he cant imagine any judge who wouldnt at the very least pause Trumps incarceration until his presidency concluded. Have other presidential candidates run under indictment? Trump is the first former president to face criminal charges, but hes not the only presidential candidate to be indicted or convicted of crimes. Socialist and labor leader Eugene V. Debs ran for president five times the fifth of which, in 1920, he ran from prison after being convicted of sedition for protesting World War I, according to a biography in Middle Tennessee State Universitys First Amendment Encyclopedia. He campaigned as Convict No. 9653 and earned about 3.4 percent of the popular vote. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry also ran for president while under indictment, and conspiracist Lyndon LaRouche and Tiger King star Joe Exotic launched presidential bids after convictions. Could Trump pardon himself if reelected? Rozenshtein said the question of whether a president could pardon themselves is hotly debated among scholars, but its unclear who, if anyone, would have any say to challenge such action. An August 1974 opinion by the OLC contended that a president cannot pardon themselves under the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case. However, the DOJ office also argued that if the 25th Amendment was invoked temporarily designating a vice president the acting president the acting president could pardon the elected president. After the fact, the elected president could resume the duties of his office, the office argued. Still, that theory has never been tested in court, McQuade noted. Rozenshtein said that any such theories are speculative until they are tested. This is a class of questions that has no answer until some authoritative institution specifically the Supreme Court gives us an answer, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Donald Trump hit back at Mike Pence on Saturday, saying his former running mate and GOP presidential race rival has gone to the Dark Side. Trump's renewed criticism of the former vice president came as Pence has sharpened his attacks on his former boss over the events surrounding the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and charges Trump faces over the mishandling of classified documents. WOW, its finally happened! Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Saturday. Liddle Mike Pence, a man who was about to be ousted as Governor Indiana until I came along and made him V.P., has gone to the Dark Side. I never told a newly embolded Pence to put me above the Constitution, or that Mike was too honest. Hes delusional, and now he wants to show hes a tough guy, Trump added. The Pence campaign began selling merchandise emblazoned with the Too Honest phrase in reference to the Jan. 6 indictment unsealed against Trump this week, in which prosecutors say the then-president called out his vice president with the words over his refusal to reject electoral votes during the 2020 election certification process. Prosecutors on Friday night called a judges attention to another social media post from Trump in which they say the former president appeared to declare that hes coming after those he sees as responsible for his legal challenges, raising the specter that he might use evidence to target witnesses. If you go after me, Im coming after you! Trump wrote in all caps. Pence defended certifying the 2020 election for Joe Biden in response to jeers and insults from a crowd of Trump supporters outside a campaign event in New Hampshire on Friday. Whyd you sell out the people? a man called out as Pence arrived for a town hall in Londonderry. Why didnt you uphold the Constitution? I upheld the Constitution, Pence said in response. Read it. Pence further criticized Trump this week without saying his name over his repeated attempts to overturn the election. Story continues Todays indictment serves as an important reminder: anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States, Pence said in a statement. On Saturday, Pence emphasized the gravity of mishandling classified materials at a national security event in New Hampshire. Weve got to be deadly serious about handling classified materials in this country, Pence said. I owned up to it, the former vice president said of his own inadvertent handling of documents found at his home in the wake of searches of Trumps properties. Donald Trump Ronda Churchill for The Washington Post via Getty Images During a rally in Montgomery, Alabama on Friday, Donald Trump griped to a crowd of supporters on issues plaguing his mind after his most recent arraignment, continuing to blame President Biden for everything that's happening to him. On the topic of the perceived communists and Marxists led by Biden he believes are "coming after him," the former president aired his grievances saying, "The only civil rights that have been violated in this matter are my civil rights and those of the countless people that Biden and the communists have been persecuting." "They are communists. They're Marxists. And they're people that don't get it," he furthered. "They don't get it. You know, they're vicious and they're smart. But we're smarter and we're tougher than they are. And we're going to take it back. And we have no choice because otherwise we're not going to have a country left." Per Mediaite, "Trump also attacked the party he's running for the nomination with at his rally, saying they look 'like a bunch of weak jerks' for 'allowing' the prosecutions." Former President Trump blasted President Biden as the "most incompetent and corrupt president in U.S. history" while slamming his "protectors" and the "rabid" prosecutors who he says are engaging in 2024 "election interference" after indicting him three times this year. Trump, the 2024 GOP front-runner, spoke Friday night at the Alabama Republican Partys annual summer dinner event. He spoke at the event just a day after he pleaded not guilty to four federal felony charges from Special Counsel Jack Smiths Jan. 6 investigation. Trump pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. TRUMP PLEADS 'NOT GUILTY' TO CHARGES STEMMING FROM SPECIAL COUNSEL'S JAN. 6 PROBE Former President Trump remains the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination. "Every time the radical left Democrats, Marxists, communists and fascists indict me, I consider it a truly great badge of honor," Trump said Friday night. "Because I'm being indicted for you. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "On Election Day 2024, we are going to evict crooked Joe Biden from the White House. We are going to expel the criminals and thugs from the halls of power in Washington. And we are going to make America great again." TRUMP INDICTED ON CHARGES OUT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL PROBE INTO JAN 6 Trump said the MAGA movement "has been the only force in American politics that has ever dared to stand up to the entire corrupt political establishment." "We said no to open borders, no to globalist trade deals, no to endless wars and no to the Godless values of the communist left," Trump said. "We always put America first. "In response, our enemies unleashed an army of rabid left-wing lawyers, corrupt Marxist prosecutors, deranged government agents and rogue intelligence officers to try to stop our movement. Jack Smith, U.S. special counsel, speaks during a news conference in Washington, D.C., Aug. 1, 2023. "As an example, every one of these many fake charges filed against me by the corrupt Biden DOJ could have been filed 2 years ago, but they waited and waited until I became dominant in the polls. And then they filed them all, including local DAs and AGs, and other cases, right in the middle of my campaign, where I am leading the Republicans by a lot and also leading Biden by a lot," Trump said. Story continues Trump said it is "called election interference a commonly used tactic in Third World countries." "Biden and his protectors know he cannot win this race any other way, so they are trying election interference," Trump said. "The reason this is happening is simple: Joe Biden is the most incompetent and corrupt president in U.S. history." Trump slammed the "Biden crime family" and questioned the timing of his three indictments this year. "The Biden crime family was taking in money from China, Ukraine, Russia and so many more. And now, every time more Biden corruption is exposed, his henchmen indict me the very next day," Trump said. "Its called a cover-up." Former President Donald Trump is the 2024 Republican front-runner. In April 2023, the U.S. House heard testimony related to Bidens alleged mishandling of classified records. Soon after, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts in New York of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made during the 2016 campaign. Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts. On June 8, Fox News Digital was first to report the detailed contents of the FBIs FD-1023 form, which contained allegations the CEO of Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings paid Joe Biden and Hunter Biden $5 million each. SPECIAL COUNSEL JACK SMITH SAYS JAN 6 FUELED BY LIES FROM TRUMP, PRAISES HEROES WHO DEFENDED CAPITOL Hours later, Trump was indicted in Smiths probe into Trump's alleged improper retention of classified records from his presidency. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts, including willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and false statements. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg attends a press briefing April 18, 2023. Last week, just a day after Hunter Bidens plea deal fell apart in federal court, Smith charged Trump with an additional three counts as part of an indictment in the classified records probe. Trump was indicted Tuesday as part of the investigation into the Jan. 6 riot, just a day after Hunter Bidens longtime business partner, Devon Archer, testified before the House Oversight Committee and shared details of Joe Bidens involvement and knowledge of Hunters business deals. DEVON ARCHER SAYS HUNTER USED JOE BIDEN AS 'DEFENSIVE LEVERAGE' FOR FOREIGN BIZ PARTNERS, TRANSCRIPT SHOWS "They want to take away my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedom," Trump said. "They want to silence me because I will never let them silence you. "In the end, theyre not after me, theyre after you and Im just standing in their way." Trump also vowed, if elected, to appoint a special prosecutor on his "first day in office" to "study each and every of the many claims being brought forth by Congress concerning all of the crooked acts, including bribes from China and many other foreign countries that go into the coffers of the Biden crime family." "The deep state is destroying our nation," Trump said. "But the tables must turn, and we will destroy the deep state." Before the end of the month, the federal judge overseeing Donald Trumps election obstruction case is expected to set a start date for the former presidents trial. Legal experts say neither the special counsel nor Trumps attorneys are likely to get their desired result, while noting that the case could still go to trial before next years presidential election. Federal prosecutors want to see the trial underway within three months, while a lawyer for Trump has suggested a three-year preparation period would be more appropriate. The answer will lie somewhere between those two dates, said NBC News legal analyst Barbara McQuade, a former federal prosecutor. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was randomly chosen to preside over the case, said she'll set a trial date on Aug. 28, the first hearing she'll oversee in the proceedings. The judge's proclamation is "a sure sign this is going to be on an accelerated track," said Glenn Kirschner, another former federal prosecutor and NBC News legal analyst. Chuck Rosenberg, a former U.S. Attorney, said, Can it be done before the November election? Absolutely. Will it be done? I dont know. At Trumps arraignment Thursday, on charges that included conspiracy to defraud the United States, prosecutor Thomas Windom told Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya that the case will benefit from normal order, including a speedy trial. Under the federal Speedy Trial Act, that would mean going to trial within 70 days of the arraignment, a proposition Trump attorney John Lauro said was absurd. "In a case of this magnitude, there might be a massive amount of discovery and information that we would have to look through," Lauro told the judge on Thursday. "In order to have an understanding of length of trial and also the time to prepare, what we would need from the government is an understanding of the magnitude of discovery; the amount of electronic data that we would be expected to look through; the amount of hard copy documents that might be in existence; but most importantly, the degree to which there's exculpatory information on behalf of the President," he said. Story continues A source familiar with the former presidents legal strategy said that his lawyers will likely file a motion to move the trial out of Washington, D.C. The source said that filing would be made not right away but down the road. Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that he hoped the trial would be moved to an impartial venue, and cited West Virginia as a possibility. McQuade said she expects Trump's legal team to make numerous motions in an effort to delay the trial. "The strategy now is to try to delay and try the case in the media" while he continues his run for the office prosecutors said he tried to steal, McQuade said. While Lauro didn't offer a timeframe at the arraignment for when he thought the case should go to trial, he sketched out a timeline during an interview with Savannah Guthrie on NBC's "TODAY" on Wednesday, the day after Trump was indicted. Lauro declined to say whether the case should go to trial ahead of the 2024 election, but argued that special counsel Jack Smiths office has had "three-and-a-half years" to investigate the case. Why dont we make it equal? The bottom line is that they have 60 federal agents working on this. Sixty lawyers, all kinds of government personnel, and we get this indictment and they want to go to trial in 90 days. Does that sound like justice to you? Smith was named special counsel in November. It's unclear when the Justice Department began investigating Trump's conduct in the case, but the Capitol riot that led to a delay in the certification of the Electoral College vote was on Jan. 6, 2021 -- two and half years ago. Kirschner said Lauro's extra-time argument doesn't jibe with judicial practices. "It doesnt work that way," he said. "There's no rule of parity. Sometimes it takes 20 years to solve a crime. It doesn't mean you then get 20 years to put together a defense." During the arraignment, Windom addressed Lauro's concerns about the massive amount of discovery from prosecutors that Trump's team would need to examine before trial. "The government is prepared, as soon as a protective order is entered in this case, to produce a substantial volume of discovery, including discovery that we are not obligated at this time to turn over," he said. "We will endeavor to get that to the defense very, very quickly," Windom told the judge. Upadhyaya ordered both sides to submit court filings to Chutkan with "your proposal as to a trial date" before the Aug. 28 hearing. Rosenberg said one important factor will be Trump's "busy trial schedule." He already has five trials scheduled between now and May of 2024 -- three civil cases and two criminal trials, including an indictment brought forth by the special counsel alleging Trump mishandled sensitive national security information and then tried to cover it up in Florida after leaving office. Trump has pleaded not guilty in that case, which is scheduled to go to trial on May 20th. He's also facing 34 counts of felony falsification of business records in New York. He pleaded not guilty in the case as well, with a trial date set for March 25. The window is closing because there are two trials already set for 2024 and not much time between the May trial and the November election," Rosenberg said. Another complication for Trump is the political calendar -- the primary season officially begins on Jan. 15 with the Iowa caucuses. Kirschner said it's possible the election case could push back the New York case, and go to trial before the documents case. "State prosecutors are almost always happy to take a back seat the the feds because they have an obscenely high conviction rate," Kirschner said, adding that the election charges are weightier than the ones in New York. The election case would also take precedence over the three civil trials Trump has pending, Kirschner said. McQuade said it could make sense for the election case to go to trial before the documents case, even though the documents case was filed first. "I think this case is logistically simpler than the documents case" given the "classification complexities" in the Florida case, McQuade said, referring to the need for lawyers to get security clearances to review the evidence, and the arduous procedure over how to present that evidence to a jury. Kirschner said he expects Chutkan to move the election case forward efficiently. "Judge Chutkan don't play," he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com In 2022, two Democratic State's Attorneys set aside party affiliation to sue Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul over the controversial SAFE-T Act. Their efforts resulted in a Kankakee County judge declaring the no-cash bail provision of the law unconstitutional. However, this ruling was appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court and last week. After much anticipation, they overturned the Kankakee judge's decision and found that the no-cash bail provision of the Illinois SAFE-T Act is indeed constitutional. Now, instead of all defendants being required to post bond to ensure they return to court, those that cannot be detained under the law are required to use the honor system and promise they will show up. Your turn: We stand together, celebrating the end of cash bail in Illinois With nearly 30 years of experience as a police officer, I am deeply concerned about the implications of this decision. New challenges will burden law enforcement agencies. Local police departments and county sheriffs deputies will grapple with managing communities where potentially violent offenders awaiting trial walk free, while victims live in fear of their perpetrators and associates who could still pose a threat. Prosecutors in states attorneys offices statewide will have to strategize more effectively when prosecuting crimes. They'll have a smaller window to prepare victims and witnesses for complex trials, which may involve intense cross-examination, complicated legal language, and confusing judicial procedure. The need to expedite the processing of crime scene evidence, especially evidence requiring DNA testing, compounds these challenges. All of this puts them at a disadvantage when upholding the keystone of our judicial system innocent until proven guilty. Although my concerns as a police officer are significant, my concerns as a state representative are even greater. Despite what some may think, Illinois politicians take oaths that bind us to act transparently, honestly, and with integrity. Story continues However, when examining the timeline of how this major change was brought to the people of Illinois, its clear lawmakers supporting the SAFE-T Act neglected their duty and manipulated our legislative process. The SAFE-T Act, originally filed as HB 163 by State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, and State Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, faced an overwhelming amount of opposition from the start. A staggering 19,458 witness slips were filed in opposition, dwarfing the only 4,199 in support. Despite the groundswell of opposition from prosecutors and local police departments, the bill's Democratic proponents enacted a calculated strategy. They surreptitiously changed the bill's designation to HB 3653. Then, without holding a committee discussion on the new bill, they denied opponents and proponents the chance to file new witness slips, concealing the massive number of slips originally filed against it. With little time for review and clear opposition from law enforcement groups, the newly renumbered billwas swiftly pushed through the Senate and House. The bill, now signed into law as P.A. 102-652, enacted sweeping changes to law enforcement and judicial practices in Illinois. The Democrats' commitment to deception during this legislative process is troubling. There was adeliberate exclusion of Republican input. In fact, despite my attempts to contribute to the formal debate on the legislation on the House Floor, the Democrats deemed my law enforcement background irrelevant and refused to grant me time to speak. This sequence of events, including the deliberate silencing of opposing voices, and the amendment being passed in the middle of the night, starkly highlights the fragility of our democratic process when power is unchecked. What is most upsetting is with the Supreme Court's ruling last Tuesday, they validated this process. They've endorsed lawmakers' secretive business practices, the use of half-truths and omissions to serve their political agendas. The Supreme Court shirking their responsibility to correct this dangerous piece of legislation will be remembered as an egregious act, rivalling if not exceeding the actions of the legislators who passed the law in the first place. John M. Cabello represents the 90th House District in the Illinois legislature and has served as a policeofficer for nearly three decades. The 90th House District includes Rockford, Machesney Park, Freeport, Roscoe, Loves Park, South Beloit, Caledonia, Durand, Rock City and Rockton. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Your turn: Can we have confidence in the Illinois Supreme Court? Two Israelis have been arrested for questioning and five others detained following the reported killing of a Palestinian man in the West Bank, Israel Police said in a statement Saturday. It is rare for Israeli settlers to be arrested for attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. They are almost never prosecuted, even if arrested. A Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli settlers in the village of Burqa, near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said late Friday. It is the first accusation from the Ministry that settlers have killed a Palestinian villager since February, and the second this year, although both Palestinian officials and international observers regularly document violence by settlers against Palestinians. The ministry said Qusai Jamal Maatan, 19, was fatally shot in the neck by Israeli settlers during an attack on his village. Two others were injured, according to the ministry. Maatan was buried Saturday morning. The IDF said in a statement that they arrived after reports of violent clashes between Israeli civilians and Palestinians, and that it was reported that during the clashes, Israeli civilians shot toward the Palestinians and as a result, there was a Palestinian casualty. The IDF also said Israeli civilians were reportedly injured by rocks hurled at them. There was no immediate comment from the Shomron (Samaria) Council, which represents settlers in the northern West Bank and would not normally issue a statement on Shabbat. A legal aid group that defends settlers said Saturday that the settler who shot the Palestinian was acting in self-defense after Palestinian villagers began harassing an Israeli shepherd. Honenu, the legal group, said the incident began when Palestinians from Burqa threatened the shepherd from Oz Zion a settler outpost which is illegal not only under international law but under Israeli law. The shepherd called other settlers to prevent deterioration, Honenu said, after which dozens of Palestinians attacked them with clubs, fireworks and rocks. Story continues One of the settlers was hit in the head with a rock at point blank range and was seriously injured, according to Honenu, and he managed to defend himself with a licensed gun he was carrying. He is currently in intensive care following an operation at Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem, and under arrest, Honenu said. The second Israeli settler who was arrested helped transport him to the hospital, Honenu said. Honenu attorney Nati Rom said: My client acted according to the law, and as is required of any licensed firearm holder to protect his life and the lives of other civilians. A statement released by the Israeli military said both Israelis and Palestinians threw stones in the West Bank confrontation. The army has imposed a closed military zone on the area while investigations by Israel Police and the Shin Bet security agency (ISA) are ongoing. The US State Department qualified the incident as a terror attack. In a statement released on Twitter, now known as X, it said: We strongly condemn yesterdays terror attack by Israeli extremist settlers that killed a 19-year old Palestinian. The US extends our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. We note Israeli officials have made several arrests and we urge full accountability and justice. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned attacks by what they referred to as organized and armed terrorist settler militias against unarmed Palestinian citizens in Burqa. The ministry expressed concern over the lack of real punishment for attacks by settlers on Palestinian villagers, saying the incidents have emboldened settlers to commit further crimes. The ministry accused Israeli government ministers and their followers of incitement. The coalition government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu includes two parties primarily supported by settlers, Israelis who live in the West Bank in order to cement the countrys hold on the Palestinian territory. Settlements are considered illegal under international law. Israeli asserts the West Bank is disputed, not occupied, and denies that the settlements are illegal. The United Nations warned last month of a dramatic rise in West Bank settler attacks on Palestinian people and property, with nearly 600 such incidents registered during the first half of the year. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said it had recorded 591 settler-related incidents in the territory in the first six months of 2023, resulting in Palestinian casualties, property damage, or both. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Update: Charles Gregory was found this morning offshore in St. Augustine. According to U.S. Coast Guard Southeast, he was found fatigued but safe. He was taken to the hospital by EMS services in Villano Beach. Click here to view the video release from the U.S. Coast Guard. With severe sunburns all over his body, being severely dehydrated, and having paper-like, wrinkled skin, Charles has a grueling road to recovery ahead. Charles Gregory had been missing for 30 hours after a tide carried his Jon boat out to sea off the shore of St. Augustine Thursday night. Raymond Gregory, Charles' father, told Action News Jax there was even a point during the search where he and his wife had begun to lose hope. The Coast Guard rescued 25-year-old Charles Gregory 12 miles off St. Augustine, Florida, on Saturday morning after he went missing on a 12-foot flat-bottomed boat. The U.S. Coast Guard, St. Augustine Police Department and other partner agencies are searching for 25-year-old Charles Gregory. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Gregory was last seen leaving the Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp on a 12-foot jon boat Thursday night. The SAPD said that he might also be in the Salt Run area. Anyone with information is asked to call Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville at 904-714-7561. You can also report information to the SAPD at 904-825-1070. U.S. Coast guard and other agencies are looking for a missing boater in St. Augustine. Charles Gregory, 25, was last seen leaving the Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp. [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. Man reading newspaper With reports of a sharp increase in the number of men in Uganda seeking paternity tests, fears are growing it could break up families and leave children psychologically scarred. The issue has been a hot topic of debate in the country since a tabloid newspaper published a story claiming that a well-known business tycoon - who had several wives and mistresses - had a row with one of his spouses, prompting him to request paternity tests that reportedly said he was the biological father of only 15 of his 25 children. The tycoon and his family have never commented publicly, and the report has not been independently verified. But the story spread like wildfire and has caused huge controversy over the last few months, prompting some lawmakers to make an emotional appeal to men to stop putting their families and children through the trauma of tests. "Let's live like our forefathers lived. The child born in the house is your child," Minister of Mineral Development Sarah Opendi said in parliament. Although she qualified her statement by adding that if a man wanted a paternity test it should be done when a child is born - not when they are grown up. Most worryingly, the privately owned Monitor newspaper reported that testing has caused domestic violence, with police arresting an Israeli national living in Uganda for allegedly killing his wife after DNA results showed that he was not the father of their six-month-old child. The man has not yet been charged. Speaking in mid-July, Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesman Simon Mundeyi said there had been a 10-fold increase in requests for tests, which require taking the DNA of the father and child. "We used to have on average 10 applicants daily at our government analytical lab. We are now averaging 100 daily and the numbers are still increasing," he added. Private clinics also cashed in on the trend, putting up advertisements on the back of taxis and on billboards offering tests. Story continues The government is cracking down on DNA testing in private health centres This raised concern that results may turn out to be wrong, especially after reports surfaced that suspected fake testing kits had been smuggled into Uganda. The Ministry of Health stepped in to restrict testing to just three state-run laboratories - though the director of public health, Daniel Kyabayinze, said there was more social media hype than a surge in testing. Nevertheless, steps were being taken to ensure that families received counselling and psychological support when tests were done. "We have seen social media messages where people think paternity tests are disruptive to families and can cause gender-based violence. We want to make sure that doesn't happen because of the result which is given," Dr Kyabayinze told the BBC. Public opinion has been split in the debate that has raged across Uganda - from bars to Parliament; taxis to Twitter, now known as X. Expressing his support for tests, Kampala resident Bwette Brian told the BBC: "I think the man has the right to know whether the children are his or not. Children are responsibilities and every child must know the family they are attached to." Disagreeing, another resident, Tracy Nakubulwa, said: "I have seen happy marriages and families separate all due to the issue of paternity testing - and children are becoming victims." Human rights activist Lindsey Kukunda said the fact that wives sometimes secretly have a relationship with another man, to give her husband a child, "is not new". "Our ancestors did it, our grandparents did it, our mothers did it," she said. She points out that when couples have difficulty having children, it is often the man who has fertility problems, whereas "in African culture, if a woman can't provide a man with children, she will be divorced or thrown out of the house". "So what these men don't realise is that the woman that has provided them with children has slept with another man - to give you the child you desire." Ms Kukunda accused husbands who seek paternity tests of double-standards. "It is common for men to have affairs and bring home children - but the wives raise these children as their own," she said. Most paternity tests in Uganda confirm a biolgical link between fathers and their children Microbiologist Freddie Bwanga said the state laboratory where he works has not seen a major increase in requests for testing, but greater awareness now exists around the issue. His experience over the years shows that 60-70% of tests prove a biological link between the father and child. As for the 30% to 40% who found they were not, the outcome was often beneficial in "helping children to be settled where they are born". And, some would argue, testing is better than relying on age-old cultural practices - like smearing cow fat on the umbilical cord, and putting it in a woven basket filled with water. If it then floats - a cultural researcher pointed out to Uganda's Monitor newspaper - it means the child belonged to the family. But Uganda's state minister for primary health care said there was no need for men to seek paternity tests. "Anything that you don't know can't kill you. If you don't know that this is not your child, it won't break your heart. But when you find out your heart will be broken," Margaret Muhanga said. Russian Ropucha-class landing vessel Olenegorskiy Gornyak, which was reportedly hit by a surface drone on Aug. 4, "represents the largest Russian naval vessel seriously damaged or destroyed since the sinking of the cruiser Moskva," in April last year, according to the U.K. Defense Ministry. CNN and several Ukrainian media outlets cited unnamed sources in Ukraines Security Service (SBU), saying that the operation was a joint endeavor between the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy. According to these reports, a Ukrainian surface drone carrying 450 kilograms of explosives collided with Olenegorskiy Gornyak, causing significant damage. In its latest update, the U.K. Defense Ministry said the Olenegorskiy Gornyak, which had been routinely assigned to the Russian Northern Fleet, "has augmented the Black Sea Fleet since Russias invasion of Ukraine and has often ferried military and civilian traffic between Russia and occupied Crimea when the Kerch Bridge has been disrupted due to attacks." The 3,600 tonnes and 113 meter-long vessel "almost certainly suffered serious damage after being struck near the Black Sea Fleets Novorossiysk base," the ministry said. "This is a significant blow to the (Russian) Black Sea Fleet, which previously relocated most of its units to Novorossiysk due to the high threat to Sevastopol," the ministry added. In the early hours on Aug. 5, explosions were also reported near the Crimean Bridge. Moscow Times reported via its Telegram channel that the naval drone attack on the Kerch Strait could have potentially damaged the Russian SIG chemical tanker. Following the reported attacks, the SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk made a statement effectively admitting that Ukraine was behind the attacks. He said such attacks are "absolutely logical" and "completely legal." "Any (explosions) that happen to the Russian ships or the Crimean Bridge is an absolutely logical and effective step in relation to the enemy," Maliuk said, as quoted by the SBU Telegram channel. Story continues "Moreover, such special operations are conducted in the territorial waters of Ukraine and are completely legal," he said. While Kyiv does not generally claim responsibility for explosions reported on the occupied peninsula, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said in late July that Ukraine will continue to attack targets in Crimea to reduce Russia's fighting capacity and "help save the lives of Ukrainians." Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, sank on April 14, 2022. Ukraine said it had hit the ship with two R-360 Neptune anti-ship missiles, while Russia claimed the ship sank after a fire. Moskva was the largest Russian warship to be sunk since World War II and the first Russian flagship sunk since the 1905 Russo-Japanese War. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Overnight attack reported at Russian naval port Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Armed Forces of Ukraine has approved the summer field military uniform for women for the first time in history. It was placed on production for female military personnel. Source: Ukraines Defence Ministry The uniform testing lasted a month; it was presented to the Defence Ministry in early July. Quote: "The sample of the summer field uniform for our female military personnel is undergoing proper procedures within the stated time frame. The technical specification and the standard sample have been approved. Therefore, the relevant procurement and supply procedures to the troops will be initiated in the near future," Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said. All Photos: The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Reznikov said that the manufacturer of women's uniforms considered all the wishes and comments of the servicewomen who participated in its testing. Not all NATO member states have an approved women's uniform, Reznikov says. For example, women have been allowed to serve in the army since 1948 in the USA, and uniforms began to be implemented only in 2009. It took another two years to create a uniform, considering all anthropological parameters. Pulley for adjustment "In the Israeli army, where women have been serving mandatory military service for more than 50 years, not every unit even issues women's uniforms. So we can safely say that we are among the leaders," Oleksii Reznikov added. There are side cuts Apart from that, the minister reported that work on introducing women's body armour continues. "There are already the first samples of female-fitting body armour. They are being studied for compliance with the technical specification. After all the relevant tests and approvals, standard samples of body armour will be approved. Ultimately, our women defenders will have the opportunity to receive not only field uniforms but also personal protective equipment in accordance with their anthropometric data," Oleksii Reznikov said. Story continues The uniform is adjustable on the back Background: The unified women's uniform in the Armed Forces was first discussed in July 2022. Volunteers began its construction in the fall of 2022, and by the end of the year, testing had already begun. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! A Ukrainian military flies an FPV drone during exercises in Donetsk region, July 24, 2023 The Ukrainian army currently needs 50,000 to 60,000 reconnaissance drones for use on the front line, Ihor Krynychko, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Skyassist Scientific and Production Company, said in an interview with Radio NV on Aug. 4. I can roughly understand that currently (very roughly), the front immediately requires 50,000 to 60,000 machines of this class, said Krynychko. Its important to understand that the primary mission of any such drone is to preserve the lives of soldiers, as the machine puts its own (existence) at risk while providing crucial information, whereas a human soldier would be sent. In May, Krynychkos company unveiled its Sirko reconnaissance drone a small, fixed-wing drone with a range of up to 30 kilometers. Skyassist has already initiated operations on one of its three production lines, with each capable of manufacturing approximately 800 to 1,000 drones per month. Read also: Kursk Oblast attacked by drone, two administrative buildings and church reported damaged Earlier, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted in an NV interview that the Ukrainian Armys current objective is to significantly boost the number of domestically produced drones in use on the front lines. We cannot divulge the exact requirements of our security and defense forces, as this concerns the defense capability of our nation, Fedorov said. Nevertheless, we are taking about the need for thousands of drones. UAVs are vital for various tasks, including reconnaissance, observation, fire adjustment, cargo delivery, humanitarian missions, and more. The quantity required by the armed forces is dependent on specific tasks and operational conditions. Meanwhile, Military expert and volunteer Yurii Kasianov told NV that Ukraine lags behind Russia in both drone production and usage. He said there were approximately 200 drone manufacturers in Ukraine, producing drones with similar functions but a variety of control systems. Story continues He said it would be better for Ukraine to scale-up production of a few basic models. 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 A Ukrainian soldier navigates a trench near the front lines in Ukraine's contested Donbas region on July 28, 2023. Ignacio Marin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Ukraine said it broke through Russian defensive lines in the south of the country. But troops are now coming up against concrete fortifications Russia has built. Ukraine's counteroffensive has made only marginal gains because of staunch Russian resistance. Ukraine has said its troops broke through Russian defense lines in the south of the country in a rare success for its counteroffensive. But by Ukraine's own admission, the next stage of the attack will be harder still. The country's deputy defense minister, Hanna Maliar, gave an update on operations, claiming that the Russian defenses had been pierced she did not give a precise location. Anton Gerashchenko, an influential advisor to the Ukrainian government, posted footage of Maliar's update to social media. She went on to say that Russia had made further layers of defenses that would be tough to crack. She said that Russian soldiers have built concrete fortifications on high ground, which could make it hard to advance, and she cited artillery bombardment and minefields as significant obstacles. Maliar also said that Russia was drawing on additional resources and combat reserves in the south and the east. Ukraine's much-anticipated counteroffensive has only made marginal gains in two months. Russia's elaborate defensive lines have proven more effective than expected, particularly its minefields, barricades, and anti-tank traps. In some areas, the dense minefields have forced Ukrainian soldiers to leave behind their Western tanks and progress on foot. Ukrainian officials have said that its troops were at a disadvantage because the Western weapons they needed to help them advance took so long to arrive that Russia was able to prepare for them. Read the original article on Business Insider Ukraine's Naval Forces officially declared on Aug. 4 the waters of Anapa, Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Sochi, and Taman, located in the Russian-controlled part of the Black Sea, as a "war risk" area. This announcement follows a series of explosions in the Black Sea over the past few days, including an attack on the Russian landing vessel Olenegorskiy Gornyak, which was reportedly hit by a surface drone on Aug. 4. On Aug. 4, CNN and several Ukrainian media outlets cited unnamed sources in Ukraines Security Service (SBU), saying the operation was a joint endeavor between the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy. Earlier in the day, the U.K. Defense Ministry said that the 3,600 tonnes and 113 meter-long Olenegorskiy Gornyak "almost certainly suffered serious damage after being struck near the Black Sea Fleets Novorossiysk base," adding that it is the largest Russian naval vessel seriously damaged or destroyed since the sinking of the cruiser Moskva" in April last year. "This is a significant blow to the (Russian) Black Sea Fleet, which previously relocated most of its units to Novorossiysk due to the high threat to Sevastopol," the ministry said. In the early hours on Aug. 5, explosions were also reported near the Crimean Bridge. The Moscow Times reported via its Telegram channel that the naval drone attack on the Kerch Strait could have potentially damaged the Russian SIG chemical tanker. Later in the day, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) chief Vasyl Maliuk made a statement on the recent surface drone attacks on Russian ships, effectively admitting that Ukraine was behind the attacks. He said such attacks are "absolutely logical" and "completely legal." "Any (explosions) that happen to the Russian ships or the Crimean Bridge is an absolutely logical and effective step in relation to the enemy," Maliuk said, as quoted by the SBU Telegram channel. "Moreover, such special operations are conducted in the territorial waters of Ukraine and are completely legal," he said. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Overnight attack reported at Russian naval port Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Due to constant Russian shelling, 130 children will be forcibly evacuated from nine settlements in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine's Reintegration Ministry announced on Aug. 5. Children will be evacuated from the settlements of Yampil, Zarichne, Torske, Orikhuvatka, Nikonorivka, Malynivka, Tikhonivka, Vasyutynske and Rai-Olexandrivka, close to the front line. A total of 1,718 people, including 228 children, have already been evacuated from the five-kilometer danger zone in Sumy Oblast in northeastern Ukraine. There are no people left in 21 settlements of the region, according to the ministry. On July 17, the Defense Council of the Kharkiv Oblast adopted a resolution on the mandatory evacuation of children from nine settlements in the Vovchansk area. Read also: Stranded civilians brave shelling, return to Ukraines front-line towns Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine declares Russian Black Sea ports a military threat zone Ukraine has issued a coastal warning about the threat of military action in the waters of six Russian ports in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian State Hydrographic Service at the State Service of Maritime and River Transport posted the relevant coastal warning, numbered 118/23, on its website on Aug. 4. Ukrainian State Hydrographic The warning pertains to the waters of the internal and external areas of the ports of Anapa, Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Sochi, and Taman. Google Maps The warning runs from 12.00 noon on Aug. 4 until further notice. The move comes after Moscow on July 17 withdrew from a UN-Turkey brokered grain deal to allow Ukraine to export grain from its sea ports. Announcing its abandonment of the deal, the Kremlin also revoked its guarantees of maritime safety in the Black Sea. Then, on July 19, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that starting from the next day, all civilian vessels entering Ukrainian ports would be considered "military targets." From July 19, the Kremlin launched a missile and drone bombing campaign against Ukrainian grain terminals and port infrastructure in the south of the country. In response to the Russian threats, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry warned that all vessels bound for Russian ports in the Black Sea, as well as ports in occupied territories, would be treated as "carrying military cargo with all corresponding risks." They also reminded the Russians of the fate of the Black Sea flagship, the missile cruiser Moskva, which Ukrainian forces sank in May 2022. The coastal warning was issued on the same day the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian amphibious assault ship of the Northern Fleet, was badly damaged in a Ukrainiansea drone attack on Russias Novorossiysk in the Krasnodar Krai region overnighton Aug. 4. Ukraines SBU security service reported that one of Ukraines sea attack drones, armed with 450 kilograms of TNT, had struck the Russian ship during a joint operation with the Ukrainian Navy. Video footage of the attack taken from the drones onboard camera was soon released and began circulating on social media. The Russian vessel was later videos and pictured listing heavily to port (left) as it was being towed by to the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk. Story continues Anothertarget was the Russian chemicals and oil tanker SIG, which was attackedovernight on Aug. 5 as it neared the Kerch Bridge linking Ukraine's Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and Russia. The tanker was transporting fuel for the Russian military. The SBU has once again confirmed its involvement in the special operation. 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 will make a new attempt to gain the support of dozens of countries this weekend at a meeting in Saudi Arabia. This step will be the beginning of a broader campaign aimed at weakening Russia in the coming months, according to The New York Times analysts. Source: The New York Times Details: Ukraine and Saudi Arabia invited diplomats from about 40 countries to the Red Sea port of Jeddah for talks. Among them are China, India, Brazil, South Africa and some of the oil-rich countries of the Persian Gulf, which tried to maintain good relations with both Ukraine and Russia during the war. Many of the invited governments are opposed to the very concept of choosing a side, seeing the war as a "contest between global powers". The NYT believes that this meeting is the starting point of what is expected to be Ukraine's main diplomatic move in the coming months, aimed at trying to undercut Russia. Analysts write that Ukrainian and Western officials are trying "to temper expectations for the talks this weekend, stressing that they are not likely to bring the war any closer to an end and that many of the nations that were invited appear unlikely to shift their stances". In particular, neutral countries such as Indonesia, India, Mexico, Chile and South Africa will be present in Jeddah. They all want to see the end of the war, given the "economic hardships it has caused". For Ukraine, this meeting comes at a pivotal moment, the NYT writes. The media reports that while fierce fighting is going on at the front, Zelenskyy told his diplomats on Wednesday that the situation "would grow even more difficult as pressure [is] likely to build in the coming months to find a negotiated path to peace". For Saudi Arabia, which has long acted as a mediator in regional conflicts, the meeting in Jeddah is significant because the kingdom is taking an active part in solving the crisis of the highest global priority. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! A two-day summit, set to last until Aug. 6, began in Jeddah, gathering senior officials from some 40 countries, except Russia, to discuss the implementation of Ukraine's peace formula between international partners. The WSJ, which first reported on the meeting on July 29, listed Egypt, Mexico, Indonesia, Chile, and Zambia among the invitees, adding that some have already confirmed their participation. Those include the U.K., South Africa, Poland, and the European Union. President Volodymyr Zelensky's Chief of Staff Andrii Yermak confirmed that national security advisers and political advisers to heads of state would attend the event. "We are deeply convinced that the Ukrainian peace plan should be taken as a basis because the war is taking place on our land," Yermak said. The summit comes as Russia and the West battle over the support of developing countries, which have mostly stayed neutral throughout Russia's 16-month-old full-scale war against Ukraine. Ukraine's 10-point peace formula, supported by many Western allies, includes the restoration of the country's territorial integrity, a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, and judging those responsible for war crimes. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian drone boating attacking sig Ukraine appears to have launched another round of aerial drone and uncrewed surface vessel (USV) attacks against Russian targets near the Kerch Bridge Friday night. This comes a day after Ukrainian USVs attacked targets near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, landing a blow on a Russian amphibious landing ship. Update: 3:45 am EST Video taken from the drone boat as it made its attack run on Russian flagged tanker Sig has been posted: https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1687697906889895936?s=20 Now back to our original story: Russian Telegram channels are reporting an attack on the Sig, a Russian tanker ship. The attack reportedly took place some 30 miles west of the bridge, damaging the vessel and causing minor injuries to crew. These are initial reports coming in the early morning hours Saturday local time, so solid confirmation is extremely difficult to establish. But Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) a New York Times visual investigations journalist, confirmed that the vessel was at least located where the report was claimed to have occurred. Treibert Tweeted that the location information was confirmed both by MarineTraffic.com and Planet Labs, via a satellite image. https://twitter.com/trbrtc/status/1687605637348220928 Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official, claimed on his Telegram channel that a Ukrainian USV attack on the Sig caused an explosion, resulting in "several members of the tanker's crew slashed by glass." There were no deaths, he added. The detonation due to the explosion on the ship was visible from the peninsula, which the locals considered an explosion in the area of the settlement Yakovenkovo near the Crimean bridge. The Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel also claimed the Sig was damaged by Ukrainian USVs. "Information about hitting the Sig tanker is confirmed. The crew is alive, but the engine room was flooded," Rybar reported. https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1687601547427848193 Story continues The Sig has been sanctioned for supplying jet fuel to Syria, Triebert reported. There was no official comment from either Russia or Ukraine about this incident. Meanwhile, Rogov, Rybar and a Russian official are also reporting drone attacks near the Kerch Bridge, which has already been successfully attacked twice, most recently July 17 by Ukrainian USVs. https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1687572681867091969 Currently, there is a massive attack of [Ukrainian] combat drones on the Crimean bridge, Rogov also reported Friday on his Telegram channel, using the Russian reference to Vladimir Putins prized $4 billion bridge. Ukraine was attacking with aerial drones and USVs, three of which were destroyed in the area of the Kerch Strait and approaches to the Crimean bridge, said Rogov. https://twitter.com/IntelCrab/status/1687580692719214593 Russian air defenses were striking the aerial drones, Rogov added, something Rybar confirmed. "Also, air defense systems shot down at least one drone, which fell in the area of the Crimean bridge," Rybar reported. The bridge so far appears undamaged, according to Rogov. But lighting on the bridge was turned off and traffic was blocked, according to Rybar. The bridge itself was not attacked, Oleg Kryuchkov, an advisor to the occupation Crimean governmen, said on his Telegram channel Friday. Once again, there were no attacks directly on the Crimean bridge and explosions in its area, he said. The bridge is closed due to the threat of attack, the second or third time today. All Crimean specialized services and ministries are available around the clock. We dont know for sure what exactly has happened and these events unfolded in the dark of night and in the fog of war. We will provide more information as it becomes available. However, as noted at the opening of this article, hours earlier, a Russian Navy ship and an oil facility were damaged by Ukrainian USVs. The Russian Navy Ropucha class vessel Olenegorsky Gornyak amphibious landing ship appears to have been badly damaged as the result of a Ukrainian drone attack early Friday morning near Novorossiysk, a major Russian port on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, rougly 65 miles from the Kerch Strait and 420 miles from Ukrainian-held shores. https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1687358900079587329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1687358900079587329%7Ctwgr%5Ec871445fccdfd4760ab21be203394d096125b456%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fukrainian-drone-boat-scores-direct-hit-on-russian-warship There were also reports that explosions occurred in the area of Yuzhnaya Ozerievka, where the Caspian Pipeline Consortiums marine terminal is located, close to the scene of the attack on the landing ship. Once again, drone boats are said to have been used, in this case, to attack oil infrastructure. https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1687350645592817665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1687350645592817665%7Ctwgr%5Ec871445fccdfd4760ab21be203394d096125b456%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fukrainian-drone-boat-scores-direct-hit-on-russian-warship You can read more about Friday morning's attacks in our previous story here. Clearly Ukraine, which has carried out numerous attacks on the bridge, Black Sea Fleet port facilities and individual ships, is ramping up its efforts to take the fight to Russian maritime and logistics assets over great distances. Two strikes in one day using USVs after months of repeatedly tries, is also a major revelation. We will continue to closely monitor these events and update them as more information comes in. Before we head into the latest news from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage of the war here. The Latest The first group of Ukrainian pilots who will take part in F-16 training have been identified. But as Politico is reporting, there is a catch. Only a few have the requisite language skills. Just eight Ukrainian pilots who are fluent in English are ready to begin training on the fighter jet as soon as a formal training plan is drawn up by a handful of European allies and approved by the United States, Politico reported, citing a U.S. official and a person familiar with Ukrainian planning, who werent authorized to speak on the record about the plans. However, the exact timing of that instruction remains unclear, the publication reported. The U.S. official further said 20 pilots that speak some English are available to start language courses in the U.K. as soon as this month. In total, 32 Ukrainian pilots enough for two squadrons have been identified to potentially take part in the training program, but English proficiency remains a sticking point. A coalition of 11 NATO countries will help Ukrainians learn how to fly and maintain the American 4th generation fighter, with much of the instruction expected to take place in Denmark and Romania. The Biden administration is still awaiting a formal training proposal from European allies, but the U.S. official said Washington is hopeful the request will come within weeks. https://twitter.com/paulmcleary/status/1687557323974144000 Ukrainian pilots, however, have already proven they are competent fighter pilots. Speaking of which, watch their MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-27 Flanker pilots land on a highway, a good skill to have during a time of war. Ukraine has kept its fighters moving around the country, especially early on in the conflict, to keep them from being destroyed by standoff missile strikes. https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1687533701742108672?s=20 Wagner mercenary group troops in Belarus pose no military threat to neighboring countries, the head of Ukraines Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) told The War Zone Thursday. Yevgeny Prigozhins organization has neither sufficient troop numbers nor the heavy equipment needed to create a viable threat, Ukrainian Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov told us. Recall that last month, Wagner turned over more than 2,000 heavy weapons, including tanks, to Russian authorities after his failed mutiny attempt. https://twitter.com/maxseddon/status/1679157016206376960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1679157016206376960%7Ctwgr%5Ebe422e35e27756168c5dcb70c9bf47839dbb94c7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fwagner-turns-over-2000-heavy-weapons-including-tanks-sam-systems Budanovs analysis of the situation came as Poland and Lithuania announced they are shifting troops to the area because of an influx of Wagner forces near Grodno, which is located in a strategically sensitive area. The city is near the tri-nation border of Belarus, Lithuania and Poland and close to a 40-mile- long strip of land known as the Suwalki Gap between Lithuania and Poland. Thats the shortest land route between Belarus and the highly militarized Russian enclave of Kaliningrad sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania. On Thursday, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda met with Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on the Polish side of the Suwalki Gap, where they stressed the two countries were closely monitoring the movements of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus, according to the Lithuanian LRT news outlet. Some Wagner fighters are close to our border, having taken up positions in the Grodno region, which means that this situation is very convenient for provocations both on the Polish-Belarusian and Lithuanian-Belarusian borders, Nauseda said. According to Nauseda, measures have already been taken to reinforce security on the border, including by updating plans on deploying the military. Nauseda said to the publication that any hostile actions by the Wagner troops would be considered actions taken by Russia. Both Polish and Lithuanian officials say the presence of Wagner in Belarus, expelled from Russia following their short-lived rebellion in June, poses a threat. Meanwhile, Latvia also sent troops to its border with Belarus out of concern over Wagner. https://twitter.com/AlexKokcharov/status/1687453792613130240 Last weekend, Morawiecki said over 100 mercenaries had moved close to the Suwalki Gap, adding that the situation is becoming even more dangerous. On Tuesday, two Belarusian helicopters violated Polish airspace at the eastern border, Poland claimed. https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1685251846904991744?s=20 According to our data, there are about 4,000 mercenaries [in Belarus], maybe a bit more, Morawiecki said. Budanov told The War Zone Ukraine estimates about 6,000 Wagner troops are in Belarus. Morawieki last week suggested that there is a plan to disguise Wagner forces as Belarusian border guards and assist migrants trying to illegally cross into Poland, what the prime minister called an unconditional step towards a hybrid attack on Poland. As Russian troops poured into Belarus and massed ahead of their invasion of Ukraine, Warsaw and Minsk came into crisis amid significant unrest over migrant riots along their borders in late 2021. While he says Wagner poses no military threat to Poland, Lithuania or even Ukraine, Budanov did suggest that Poland beef up its border police presence to protect the border better from any provocations, including immigrants. The presence of Wagner forces in Belarus has sparked concerns in Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. (Google Earth image) Speaking of Lithuania, that country on Friday highlighted its support for Ukraine. In a Tweet, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry pointed out it's provided Ukraine with helicopters, anti-tank weapons, armored personnel carriers and "millions of rounds of ammunition" in the first seven months of this year alone. https://twitter.com/Lithuanian_MoD/status/1687405282933014528?s=20 A month after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that reactor roofs at the Zarporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) had been mined, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday said its experts found none. Inspectors have observed no mines or explosives on the rooftops of Unit 3 and Unit 4 reactor buildings and the turbine halls at Ukraines Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), after having been given access yesterday afternoon, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Friday. The IAEA had been repeatedly asking for access to the rooftops and they were only able to visit them after their ninth visit to the plant, Europes largest, the IAEA said. Inspectors on Friday finally had "unimpeded access to the rooftops of the two reactor units and could also clearly view the rooftops of the turbine halls," according to IAEA. "The team will continue its requests to visit the roofs of the other 4 units at ZNPP." Grossi did not say whether it was possible the mines were once there and subsequently removed, however he did note the plant remains in a war zone. On the night before the rotation the team reported hearing a series of detonations in the vicinity of the plant, according to the IAEA. The team was informed by the ZNPP that there was no impact on the site, the neighboring industrial area or the city of Enerhodar as a result of these detonations. https://twitter.com/iaeaorg/status/1687437114835673089 Russia is using drones instead of missiles to carry out attacks against Ukrainian ports on the Danube River because of their proximity to Romania, the U.K. Defense Ministry (MoD) says. On Aug. 2 Russian drones struck Izmail and on July 24 they hit Reni. The U.K. MoD assess that the drones, which are "acceptably accurate" and have smaller warheads than cruise missiles, are much less likely to risk a relation from a NATO member like Romania. https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1687339724388573184 Russias all-out war on Ukraine is having a huge impact on its economy and it is dramatically boosting defense spending, Reuters is reporting. Russia has doubled its 2023 defense spending target to more than $100 billion - a third of all public expenditure, Reuters reported Friday, citing a government document it said it reviewed. The figures show that in the first half of 2023 alone, Russia spent 12%, or 600 billion rubles ($6.2 billion), more on defense than the 4.98 trillion rubles ($54 billion) it had originally targeted for 2023, according to Reuters. Russia's government and finance ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the numbers. Rising war costs are supporting Russia's modest economic recovery this year with higher industrial production, but have already pushed budget finances to a deficit of around $28 billion - a figure compounded by falling export revenues, according to Reuters. https://twitter.com/iuliiamendel/status/1687423647412039683?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited a forward operating post, where he visited with troops and inspected captured Ukrainian equipment, the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) said Friday. At the command post, Shoigu heard a report from the regional group's commander Lieutenant General Andrei Mordvichev, as well as commanders and staff officers, according to the MoD. Shoigu thanked the commanders and the group's military personnel for conducting successful offensive operations in Krasny Liman direction and for mastering more advantageous positions by our troops. He also drew particular attention to the need of inflicting an effective preemptive fire attack on the enemy when knocking him out of held positions during combat operations. These measures will make it possible to ensure maximum preservation of the lives and health of Russian servicemen, the MoD stated. The group's commander presented Shoigu with one of the many enemy armored vehicles, captured in the course of the battle, in particular the Swedish-manufactured CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle. The MoD claimed it was disabled and abandoned by retreating Ukrainian servicemen after being hit by a shot from RPG-7 shoulder-launched, anti-tank, rocket-propelled grenade launcher. https://twitter.com/OAlexanderDK/status/1687358916223442944?s=20 Mordvichev told Shoigu about the lack of spare parts, tools and accessories in the armored vehicles, supplied by Western countries, which makes it impossible to carry out operational repairs in the areas of combat operations. The MoD also claimed that the CV-90 has a low rate of fire. It is fired with three magazines of eight shells each, after which it requires reloading, which can take up to one minute. In addition, the Swedish-manufactured armored vehicles, supplied to Ukraine, lack guided weapon systems and have low survivability due to their high silhouette. However, contrary to those claims, the CV90 is considered one of the most capable infantry fighting vehicles in Europe, which you can read more about in our story here. Scoff as they may about the CV-90, Russia is about to face off against a few more, as you can see in this video below. https://twitter.com/parrot_soldier/status/1687178076373798912?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A While Shoigu might sneer at Sweden's IFV, his own BMP-3s appear to be fitted with some logs, which aren't exactly as protective as explosive reactive armor. They certainly didn't help in this case, where one already disabled, log-laden BMP-3, was put out of its misery by a Ukrainian First Person Video (FPV) drone. https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1687287501117964288?s=20 Ukrainian officials have frequently bemoaned how Russia's wide-scale mining has slowed its counteroffensive. Reuters took a deep dive into that issue, pointing out that Russian forces have even mined corpses in their effort to stop Ukraine's advance. The Russians "mine everything. Open doors, boxes and crates, even toys," one soldier told the publication. Even their own dead. "They know that our medevac groups lift the wounded and the dead, under which they then find these explosives. And this is very dangerous for us." Landmines inflicted a colossal toll in the first month of the counteroffensive launched in June, Oleksandr, an anesthesiologist with the 128 Brigade who treats battlefield wounds at a front-line field hospital, told Reuters. Since the mines forced commanders to slow the advance, the number of wounded arriving at his hospital has tapered off markedly. But the sappers are still getting killed. "In this direction, the area is heavily mined and that's why it is being overcome so slowly," he said. https://twitter.com/News5PH/status/1687286470699347968 We've seen a lot of innovations on the battlefield in this war. Now check out another one. The combat kayak, kitted out with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, a fearsome weapon wherever it is used. https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1687469305636532224?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A A Russian ammunition depot containing rockets for the Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) was destroyed southeast of Chelyny, Donetsk Oblast, the Ukrainian CyberBoroshno Telegram channel claimed. You can see rockets cook off and big plumes of grayish-white smoke as a result in this video below. https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1687403711637729280 And finally, Ukrainians are so happy about having the Patriot air defense system to protect its skies that they've put it on their coins. "The National Bank of Ukraine on Friday presented a new limited edition 10 UAH coin (27 cents) with a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system on the reverse, in a symbolic nod to the equipment that has boosted Ukraines air defenses," Liga.net reported. https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1687394386881998848 Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com In this image from video made available on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, a seaborne drone approaches a Russian tanker on the Black Sea. Ukrainian drones have hit a Russian tanker in the Black Sea near Crimea, according to Russian officials. The strike was the second sea attack involving drones in one day, after Ukraine said its sea drones also struck a major Russian port earlier on Friday. | Associated Press On Saturday night, a Russian oil tanker was hit by a Ukrainian drone filled with explosives in the Black Sea, which incapacitated it. The tanker was well loaded with fuel, so the fireworks were seen from afar, an unidentified Ukrainian source told Reuters. The tanker was identified as the SIG, which was sanctioned by the United States in 2019 for helping Russian forces in Syria, per The New York Times. No one was hurt onboard and the fuel did not leak into the water, but the ships engine room was damaged in the attack. A tugboat was dispatched to bring it into port. Vasyl Maluk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine, confirmed to the Times that the attack was part of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the war, calling the attacks of Russian ships a logical and effective move for Ukraine. On Saturday, Ukraine officially warned that any vessels leaving or entering six major Russian Black Sea ports Anapa, Gelendzhik, Novorossiysk, Sochi, Taman and Tuapse would be in a war risk area and be a possible target, reported Reuters. Following Russias attack on Ukrainian grain ports last month, Ukraine has made several moves to bring the war to Russian soil especially in the last week. Two drones hit a skyscraper in Moscow within 48 hours of each other earlier this week, reported The Associated Press. In another case, a drone disabled a Russian warship near Russias largest port, Novorossiysk, on Friday, per CNN. The countrys president, Volodymyr Zelenksy said that bringing the fight to Russian soil was inevitable, natural and absolutely fair, he told the Times. The war is returning to the territory of Russia to its symbolic centers and military bases. As for what the rest of the war will look like, Keir Giles, who is a Russia expert at Chatham House and author of several books on Russias foreign policy told CNN, that while its impossible to tell how this will develop ... we should certainly expect at least this level of a steady drumbeat of demonstrations of Russian vulnerability to continue. Related Forced evacuation of children has been announced in nine settlements of Donetsk Oblast. Source: press service of Ukraines Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Details: Donetsk Oblast Military Administrations address on evacuation was discussed at the meeting of the Coordination Headquarters for the mandatory evacuation of the population under martial law. Its participants unanimously voted for the forced evacuation of children from nine settlements of Donetsk Oblast, located near the combat zone. In particular, 130 children will be forcibly evacuated from the settlements of Yampil, Zarichne, Torske, Orikhuvatka, Nykonorivka, Malynivka, Tykhonivka, Vasiutynske and Rai-Oleksandrivka. Moreover, participants also considered the evacuation issues of civilians from Sumy Oblast. As for today, 1,718 people, including 229 elderly people, have been evacuated from the 5-kilometre danger zone there. Background: Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has killed 480 children in Ukraine. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! As of August 2023, the project Poter.NET (No Losses) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has managed to identify 61,431 Russian soldiers who died in Ukraine. Source: press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Quote: "As of 4 August on the website Poter.NET there is information about 61,431 identified Russian soldiers who have died in the territory of Ukraine." Details: Russian users of the website can check whether there is personal information of their relatives in this database. The project Poter.NET of Ukraines Internal Ministry was implemented jointly with the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, mainly with the coordinating staff for treating prisoners of war (the Hochu Zhit (I Want to Live) project) and the National Police of Ukraine. The goal of the project is counteracting the Kremlin narratives by providing objective information about Russian losses in the war. Reportedly, since the launch of Poter.NET, the number of Russian soldiers who let themselves be taken captive has significantly increased. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! It will be "problematic" for Russia to repair its landing vessel Olenegorskiy Gornyak, which was reportedly hit by a surface drone on Aug. 4, in the near future, the Defense Ministry's Main Directorate of Intelligence's spokesperson Andrii Yusov said on Ukrainian TV on Aug. 5. "This is a structure that was not made in Russia, and the damage there is very significant. Of course, in the near future, we will not see Olenegorskiy Gornyak," Yusov said. Olenegorskiy Gornyak was commissioned in 1976 and was built in Gdansk, Poland. On Aug. 4, CNN and several Ukrainian media outlets cited unnamed sources in Ukraines Security Service (SBU), saying the operation was a joint endeavor between the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy. Earlier in the day, the U.K. Defense Ministry said that the 3,600 tonnes and 113 meter-long Olenegorskiy Gornyak "almost certainly suffered serious damage after being struck near the Black Sea Fleets Novorossiysk base," adding that it is the largest Russian naval vessel seriously damaged or destroyed since the sinking of the cruiser Moskva" in April last year. "This is a significant blow to the (Russian) Black Sea Fleet, which previously relocated most of its units to Novorossiysk due to the high threat to Sevastopol," the ministry said. In the early hours on Aug. 5, explosions were also reported near the Crimean Bridge. Moscow Times reported via its Telegram channel that the naval drone attack on the Kerch Strait could have potentially damaged the Russian SIG chemical tanker. Later in the day, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) chief Vasyl Maliuk made a statement on the recent surface drone attacks on Russian ships, effectively admitting that Ukraine was behind the attacks. He said such attacks are "absolutely logical" and "completely legal." "Any (explosions) that happen to the Russian ships or the Crimean Bridge is an absolutely logical and effective step in relation to the enemy," Maliuk said, as quoted by the SBU Telegram channel. Story continues "Moreover, such special operations are conducted in the territorial waters of Ukraine and are completely legal," he said. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Overnight attack reported at Russian naval port Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) chief Vasyl Maliuk made a statement on the recent surface drone attacks on Russian ships, effectively admitting that Ukraine was behind the attacks. He said such attacks are "absolutely logical" and "completely legal." "Any (explosions) that happen to the Russian ships or the Crimean Bridge is an absolutely logical and effective step in relation to the enemy," Maliuk said, as quoted by the SBU Telegram channel. "Moreover, such special operations are conducted in the territorial waters of Ukraine and are completely legal," he said. According to Maliuk, there is only one option for such attacks to stop: Russia has to leave the territorial waters of Ukraine and Ukrainian land. "And the sooner they do it, the better it will be for them," the official said. His comment comes after explosions were reported near the Crimean Bridge in the early hours of Aug. 5. Local Russian-appointed officials claimed explosions were heard in Kerch, occupied Crimea, and subsequently announced a threat of attack on the Crimean Bridge. The Moscow Times Telegram channel later reported that the naval drone attack on the Kerch Strait could have potentially damaged the Russian "SIG" chemical tanker. The SIG tanker delivered aviation fuel from Crimea to Syria, for which the United States added it to the sanctions list in 2019. Earlier on Aug. 4, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that 13 Ukrainian drones were shot down in Crimea and that two unmanned surface drones were destroyed during an attack on a naval port in Russia's Novorossiysk. Later that day, unnamed sources in the SBU, cited by CNN and several Ukrainian media outlets, said that a Russian landing ship stationed in the naval port of Novorossiysk was damaged by one of the surface drones. The operation was a joint endeavor between the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy, according to the unnamed sources. While Kyiv does not generally claim responsibility for explosions reported on the occupied peninsula, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said in late July that Ukraine will continue to attack targets in Crimea to reduce Russia's fighting capacity and "help save the lives of Ukrainians." Read also: Ukraine war latest: Overnight attack reported at Russian naval port Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Vayl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), has commented on the recent attacks by uncrewed surface vessels (USV) on the ships of the Russian Federation and advised Russians to leave the territorial waters of Ukraine in order to avoid further explosions. Source: Maliuk quoted by the SSU Quote: "Any cotton that happens with the ships of the Russian Federation or the Crimean bridge is an absolutely logical and effective step in regards to the enemy. Moreover, such special operations are carried out in the territorial waters of Ukraine and are completely legal. [Russian propaganda, initially refusing to use the word vzryv (explosion), used khlopok (a bang) instead. However, khlopok also means cotton, and this has since become a meme ed.] So, if the Russians want the cotton to stop, they should take advantage of their only opportunity to leave the territorial waters of Ukraine and our land. And the sooner they do it, the better for them." Details: The head of the SSU emphasised that Ukraine will win the war. In his words, Maliuk did not directly recognise who was behind these explosions. Earlier, the media reported that the Security Service of Ukraine carried out a special operation leading to an explosion of a large Russian oil tanker SIG. Background: A Russian chemical tanker SIG was damaged in the Kerch Strait due to an unmanned surface vessel (USV) attack on the evening of 4 August, with emergency workers from Novorossiysk, Russia, being sent to help the tanker. Two tugboats arrived in the Kerch Strait to tow the ship. There was no fuel spill from the tanker, according to Russian media. The attacked tanker suffered a breach in the area of the engine room. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Only one of the crew members managed to survive Remarkable video has emerged of a Ukrainian combat drone attacking one of Russias much-vaunted T-90M Proryv tanks, then pursuing it as it attempts to flee, disabling it with another grenade as it was moving, and then finally finishing off the stalled tank off with a hit that caused a massive explosion. A video of the successful attack was shared on Twitter by Ukrainian MP Yurii Mysyahin on Aug. 4. Read also: Kursk Oblast attacked by drone, two administrative buildings and church reported damaged In the footage, after the initial attack on the stationary tank, it remained operational and attempted to flee. In response, the Ukrainian Armed Forces drone operator started a relentless pursuit of the Russian tank, ultimately accomplishing its mission. As the Russian tank roared off into the night, the drone shadowed it from above, dropping a second and then a third grenade. The second grenade detonates behind the Russian tank, but the third strikes its turret, and the tank grinds to a halt. At this point, one member of the T-90Ms crew is seen scrambling down from the tank, apparently managing to survive and escape. But his comrades-in-arms, along with the tank itself, were certainly obliterated when the tanks ammunition exploded. Read also: Explosion reported at missile production plant deep in Russia After the tank crewmember flees, the drone homes in for the kill, dropping a fourth and then a fifth grenade on the Russian tank. The fifth grenade triggers a massive explosion, after which the video abruptly ends. Read also: Second sea drone attack on Russian vessel challenges Moscows dominance of Black Sea It appears the explosion from the detonation of the tanks ammunition was so powerful that the drone, despite successfully completing its mission, was unable reach a safe altitude and was unfortunately lost in action. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Moscow promised retaliation Saturday after Ukrainian drones hit a Russian tanker in the Black Sea near Crimea late Friday, the second sea attack involving drones in one day. Ukraine struck a major Russian port earlier on Friday. Moscow strongly condemned what it sees as a Ukrainian terrorist attack on a civilian vessel in the Kerch Strait, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. There can be no justification for such barbaric actions, they will not go unanswered and their authors and perpetrators will inevitably be punished, she wrote on the Telegram messaging app. As Kyivs naval capabilities grow, the Black Sea is becoming an increasingly important battleground in the war. Three weeks ago, Moscow withdrew from a key export agreement that allowed Ukraine to ship millions of tons of grain across the Black Sea for sale on world markets. In the wake of that withdrawal, Russia carried out repeated strikes on Ukrainian ports, including Odesa. An official with Ukraines Security Service confirmed to The Associated Press that the service was behind the attack on the tanker, which was transporting fuel for Russian forces. A sea drone, filled with 450 kilograms (992 pounds) of TNT, was used for the attack, added the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give official statements. The Sig tanker ... suffered a hole in the engine room near the waterline on the starboard side, presumably as a result of a sea drone attack, Russias Federal Agency for Marine and River Transport wrote on Telegram, adding that there were no casualties among the 11 crew members. Vladimir Rogov, a Kremlin-installed official in Ukraines partially occupied southern Zaporizhzhia region, said several members of the ships crew were wounded because of broken glass. Without specifying that Ukraine was responsible for the drone strike, Vasyl Malyuk, who leads Ukraines Security Service, said that such special operations are conducted in the territorial waters of Ukraine and are completely legal. Any such explosions, he said, are an absolutely logical and effective step with regard to the enemy. Story continues The attack briefly halted traffic on the Kerch Bridge, as well as ferry transport. Tugboats were deployed to assist the tanker, which is under United States sanctions for helping provide jet fuel to Russian forces fighting in Syria, according to Russias Tass news agency. Ukraine's earlier strike on Novorossiysk halted maritime traffic for a few hours and marked the first time a commercial Russian port has been targeted in the nearly 18-month-old conflict. The port has a naval base, shipbuilding yards and an oil terminal, and is key for exports. It lies about 110 kilometers (about 60 miles) east of Crimea. Shipping expert Jayendu Krishna told The Associated Press that the attacks left Russian shipping activity largely unaffected. He believes that they may increase the risk of Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports rather than serving as a tool to put pressure on Russia to halt attacks and reinstate the grain deal. Every time anything happens to Russia, you see Putin in retaliation mode therefore, you may see further attacks on other parts of Ukraine, Krishna said. I think it will probably compound the effect and compound the risk in the Black Sea, rather than reducing it, he added. Its very difficult for me to imagine that Russia will give in, unless and until their banks have smooth operations, and theyre able to export their own cargo uninterruptedly. A Telegram post on Saturday by Deputy Chair of Russias Security Council Dmitry Medvedev implied that Russia would increase its attacks against Ukrainian ports in response to Kyivs attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea: Apparently, the strikes on Odesa, Izmail, and other places were not enough for them, he wrote. In other developments, Russias Defense Ministry said Saturday it captured a settlement in Ukraines easternmost Luhansk region, most of which is occupied by Russia. In the area of Kupiansk the settlement of Novoselivske was liberated, the ministry wrote on Telegram. Elsewhere, a two-day summit on finding a peaceful settlement to the war kicked off in Saudi Arabia. Senior officials from around 40 countries but not Russia will aim to agree key principles on how to end the conflict. It is very important because in such matters as food security, the fate of millions of people in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world directly depends on how fast the world will be in implementing the Peace Formula, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said of the summit. I am grateful to Saudi Arabia for this platform for negotiations. The main Ukrainian envoy to the summit in Jeddah, chief Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak, spoke of the talks on Friday night in a television interview published on his Telegram account: I expect that the conversation will be difficult, but behind us is truth, behind us goodness, he said. Commenting on the talks in Saudi Arabia, Zakharova told Russian state media that the idea of making decisions on the conflict without the participation of Moscow was absurd. Nevertheless, she said, delegates have full scope for creativity to discuss the issue. __ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine An employee of the Military Commissariat and four other accomplices in the Ternopil Oblast were caught forging documents to help people evade mobilization and travel abroad illegally. The group charged $3,000 per person for falsified documents. Over 30 people allegedly used their services, with six already having left the country. Investigations into the scheme began in February 2023 and 11 total searches were conducted, resulting in the seizure of various forged documents and materials. Participants in the scheme were charged with illegal smuggling across the state border and were detained with the option for bail. The Military Commissariat employee is suspected of assisting in organizing illegal transportation across the border. Earlier this week, the State Bureau of Investigation reported that it had detained an official of the Kyiv City Military Administration for allegedly helping draft-age men evade mobilization by leaving Ukraine. Law enforcement detained the official while he was handing over forged documents granting the right to leave Ukraine to three persons, for which he received $30,000. The State Bureau of Investigation searched the suspect's offices and the place of residence and confiscated over $48,000 from him. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Overnight attack reported at Russian naval port Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Rescuers continue to search for more than 20 missing citizens in Georgia A Ukrainian woman was reportedly killed in a landslide in the Georgian resort town of Shovi, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministrys press service told NV in a comment on Aug. 5. The search for her family members, who were also at the scene of the tragedy, is ongoing, it said. The Ukrainian Embassy in Georgia has established contact with the victims family and is cooperating with the Georgian authorities to prepare the body for repatriation. "We are also checking whether there were any other Ukrainians in the town of Shovi," the source told NV. It was a Ukrainian media worker, Alina Polikovska, who was killed in the incident, journalist Olha Artyushenko said on Facebook on Aug. 5. According to her, the Ukrainian woman was on vacation with her husband and three children. "Landslide. There has been nothing like that there for 30 years, they say. She has been found. They (the victims family) have not yet. It is impossible to believe. Alina was good, intelligent, beautiful no wonder that Zaza (her husband) understood this and took her to his home in the Netherlands. They had a big, wonderful family in Utrecht," Artyushenko wrote. On Aug. 4, a landslide occurred at the Shovi resort in Georgia. It destroyed cottages located along the riverbank, where vacationers were staying, the chief of the Georgian Interior Ministrys Emergency Situations Management Service, Teimuraz Mgebrishvili, told journalists. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia originally reported 11 fatalities, and rescuers continued searching for over 20 missing individuals. Rescue helicopters evacuated 210 people from the disaster zone. On Aug. 5, the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that another body had been discovered in the morning. As a result, the death toll has now increased to 12. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his condolences to the people of Georgia over the natural disaster. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Correction: A Russian jet clipped the propeller of an American Reaper drone above the Black Sea in March. A previous version of this article contained incorrect information. Dangerous confrontations between Russia and the United States in the skies over Syria point to an escalating shadow war as Russian President Vladimir Putin suffers more losses in Ukraine. Experts warn that Putin is looking to strike against the U.S. for supporting Ukraine in its defensive war, with Moscow focusing its retaliatory actions in the Middle East to avoid a wider conflict with NATO in Europe. We have seen, clearly since at least March of this year, a clear escalation of tensions, driven largely by Russian provocations of the U.S. in Syria, said Mona Yacoubian, vice president of the U.S. Institute of Peaces Middle East and North Africa center. Those heightened tensions derive directly from the war in Ukraine, where I think the Russians are looking to stick a finger in the U.S. eye, provoke the U.S. to the extent that they can, in a place thats a bit removed from the Ukraine conflict arena itself. Ukrainian forces are slowly regaining territory that Russia captured when it launched its full-scale invasion against the country in February 2022. In an effort to ramp up pressure on Ukraines backers, Russia has abandoned a deal that allowed for the export of grain from Ukraines ports and increased attacks on Ukrainian civilian and agricultural infrastructure. Putin has often framed his war of aggression against Ukraine as a defensive war against the West, and lashed out at the U.S. for its tens of billions of aide to Kyiv in military equipment and economic support. Now his frustration is translating into dangerous confrontations with the U.S. in Syria. In back-to-back incidents at the end of July, Russian warplanes fired flares that reportedly damaged two U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones weaponized, unmanned aircrafts that cost more than $30 million each. Story continues This followed what the Pentagon said were four other instances last month of Russian aircraft dangerously crossing over the flight path of American warplanes in Syrias skies. In a similar incident in March, a Russian jet clipped the propeller of an American Reaper drone above the Black Sea, causing it to crash in a move that the Biden administration called unsafe and unprofessional. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during a press conference in Australia late last month, issued a warning against Putin to rein in his air force. We call upon the Russian leadership to make sure that they issue guidance to their troops to abide by the laws of the sky and make sure that they cease this irresponsible behavior, he said. Well continue to engage using the established channels to convey our concern, and well continue to engage senior leadership, as appropriate. Putin has said publicly he does not seek a direct clash with U.S. forces in Syria, and his military officials have put the blame on American forces for provocations. We are always ready for any scenario, but no one wants this, Putin was quoted as saying July 30 by the Russian, state-owned news agency TASS. Our heads of certain departments communicate directly with each other, have the opportunity to consult on any crisis situation. This shows that no one wants clashes. About 900 American forces are deployed in northeast Syria conducting counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and alongside Kurdish forces, called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF controls a region that is semi-autonomous from Syrias embattled leader Bashar Assad, who has the backing of Moscow. In 2015, the U.S. and Russia agreed on a set of guidelines establishing safety in Syrias skies and setting up a direct line of communication to avoid confrontations and conflict, in particular among warplanes the so-called deconfliction hotline. It is in our collective interests to keep the autonomous administration in northeast Syria secure and stable, Sinam Mohamad, head of mission at the Syrian Democratic Council to the U.S., told The Hill in a statement. The SDF continues to fight ISIS in the region. We hope that the coordination between both Russian and American [militaries] continues to keep the stability and security of the region in general and northeast Syria in particular. But some experts say the Biden administration is exercising too much restraint in Syria and other areas where the U.S. confronts Russia. We certainly could do it back at them, but we dont, said Mary Beth Long, who served as assistant secretary of Defense during the George W. Bush administration. What really happens is, you issue orders to your pilots and NATO folks, to basically be careful and do everything possible not to allow them to provoke you, because they want an incident in order to have an excuse to escalate, she added. So what we really do, although we dont admit it, is we put our airmen and our sailors at higher risk, because they basically have to absorb these things. Its a safety issue, its an emotional issue. Its tough on these guys. Anna Borshchevskaya, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute, described Russias actions in Syria as a serious escalation, and the U.S. response as ensuring that we can protect ourselves, issuing stern protests and a call for Russia to stop. But Borshchevskaya said she wants to see the U.S. carry out a response that goes farther in pushing back against the Russians. In terms of what specifically needs to be done, that thus far remains unclear. In my view, until Russia pays a cost for this escalation, they are not going to stop, she said. You can see how when costs are not imposed on Russia for escalatory behavior in one theater, they eventually up the ante and do that in another theater. And Ukraine and Syria are two primary spots of, what we would call, great power competition between Russia and the United States. Still, she said the U.S. could look to send a more robust military signal and would be justified in acting out of self-defense. From military terms, when you think of rules of engagement, if you act in an unprofessional manner and if you dont heed warnings, sometimes you can act in self-defense and that does not lead to war. She pointed to a 2018 incident in Syria where U.S. forces engaged in a firefight against soldiers from the Russian private military group Wagner, which was attacking American positions alongside Syrian forces supporting Assad. The Pentagon reportedly said at the time that the U.S. was acting in self-defense, after calls for their Russian counterparts to call off the assault which were made through the deconfliction line failed to succeed. The firefight reportedly lasted four hours, with hundreds of Wagner mercenaries and Syrian soldiers killed. No Americans were killed or wounded. It didnt lead to a war with Russia, Borshchevskaya said. But Russian officials denied at that time they exercised any control or influence over Wagner, playing down conflict with the U.S. A direct military response to Russian forces carries greater risk, and it is understandable that the U.S. is being careful in its public messaging, Borshchevskaya added. Still, a military response, carried out in a careful and creative way, could send a message to Moscow that the U.S. is willing to impose costs on Russia for its reckless behavior, and serve as a more effective deterrent against future escalation. Yacoubian, of the U.S. Institute of Peace, said an important signal to Russia from the U.S. is its commitment to partnering with the SDF and conducting counter-ISIS missions in Syria. She also pointed to recent U.S. deployments of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and F-22 fighter jets to the Syrian theater that arrived in May and June, respectively. I think what were seeing by the U.S. is an effort to signal the Russians not so much with forces on the ground, but with military equipment being sent into Syria, she said. Continuing to signal through our partnership on the ground with the Syrian Democratic Forces, that we are here to stay, I think thats perhaps the most important thing we can do. Yacoubian added that Russia is weakened because of its nearly 18-month war in Ukraine, but that doesnt lessen the danger it poses across the world. I think the Russians are looking to cause problems and dilemmas for the U.S. wherever they can, understanding they have limited ability to do that, she said. Theyre lashing out. How successful they can be is a whole other question. So, this is a weak Russia, but a dangerous Russia as a result of its weakness. Updated: 9:36 a.m. Aug. 7 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Russian tanker SIG, attacked by an unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Kerch Strait, has suffered a breach in the engine room. Source: Kremlin-aligned news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS Details: The Russian Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre told RIA Novosti that the Russian tanker attacked by a USV drone near Crimea had a hole in it, but there was no threat of the vessel sinking. The media outlet said the crew remains on board, with no injuries reported. TASS, citing the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transportation, noted that the SIG tanker had suffered a breach in the engine room area. "The vessel was on the southern approach to the Kerch Strait. The ship is afloat. SBS Mercury and NIS Impulse, the vessels of the Azov-Black Sea branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Morspassluzhba [Marine Rescue Service], were sent towards it," the agency reported. Earlier, the Russian Telegram channel Baza posted photos from inside the damaged tanker. Background: A Russian chemical tanker SIG was damaged near the Kerch Strait on the evening of 4 August in a USV attack. A group of emergency workers from Novorossiysk was sent to help the tanker. Two tugs arrived in the Kerch Strait to tow the vessel. No fuel spillage from the tanker was reported, according to Russian media. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! A Russian chemical tanker SIG has been damaged in the Kerch Strait due to an unmanned surface vessel (USV) attack on the evening of 4 August, with emergency workers from Novorossiysk, Russia, being sent to help the tanker. Source: Russian newspaper The Moscow Times on Telegram; Kremlin-aligned news agency TASS on Telegram Details: The Moscow Times says a Russian chemical tanker SIG, sailing from Turkiye, may have been damaged in a USV attack in the Kerch Strait. The newspaper also posted an audio recording from a Russian Telegram channel Ostorozhno, Novosti (Warning, News), allegedly a recording of communications between the sailors of the Russian tanker damaged by a Ukrainian drone. In the recording, the crew says that the ship is afloat but cannot move on its own. The Russian chemical tanker SIG used to deliver aircraft fuel from Crimea to Syria, which led to the US putting it on the sanctions list in 2019. Subsequently, the Kremlin-aligned media outlet TASS, citing the Taman Sea Rescue Subcentre of Russia, reported that a group of emergency rescue workers left the city of Novorossiysk for the Kerch Strait, where the USV attack on a tanker had taken place, as reported by some Telegram channels. The media outlet added that the Novorossiysk Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre confirmed that a group of emergency workers went to the strait. Later, TASS, citing the maritime rescue centre, also claimed that the Russian tanker was damaged during an attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the crew was safe. "Two tugboats arrived at the scene of the accident with the tanker in the Kerch Strait, and the issue of towing the vessel is being addressed," the media outlet added. The Russian Telegram channel Baza posted photos from inside the damaged tanker. Preliminary reports from the channel indicate that the vessel was about 30 miles from the coast, and the drone struck the engine room and pump room. "There are 11 people on the tanker. Most of them have abrasions from broken glass," the channel reported. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Saturday marks the 30th anniversary of the abduction of 10-year-old Holly Piirainen from Sturbridge. This case remains one of the states most troubling unsolved homicides. Holly Piirainen was last seen at about noon on August 5th, 1993, while visiting her grandmothers waterfront summer home in Sturbridge. Holly vanished while she and her five-year-old brother set out to play with a neighbors newborn collie pups. Hollys brother came back home, alone. Holly was gone, only her sneaker was left behind. Weeks later, on October 23, 1993, hunters found Hollys body, five miles away, in the woods near Five Bridge Road in Brimfield. Hollys killer has never been found. Boston 25 reporter Bob Ward has covered this case for years, including the most recent story back in February when the Hamden County District Attorney shared a photo of a white tank top that was recovered near the crime scene. DA hopes t-shirt could yield new clues in unsolved Holly Piirainen murder case Authorities are hoping this T-shirt recovered might help break this unsolved case. It is a simple white tank top T-shirt with the word Boston printed across the front in blue, purple, and pink, but it could be a critical clue in the still unsolved murder of Holly Piirainen. DA hopes t-shirt could yield new clues in unsolved Holly Piirainen murder case The T-shirt was recovered by Massachusetts State Police in October 1993 in the woods of Brimfield, in the area where Hollys body was located. And now this T-shirt is emerging as a tantalizing clue. Im glad that its being shared. I hope that it does bring that tip that we are waiting for, Carla Jackman, Hollys Aunt said. Jackman is now the spokesman for Hollys family, who attended the DAs news conference. Three decades have not dimmed their hope for justice. She was my niece, she was her granddaughter, she was a sister, a daughter, Jackman said. Just the family would really, really, appreciate some closure. Holly Piirainens family is offering a $40,000 Reward. If you have any information, contact the Holly Piirainen Tip Line at: 413-426-3507. Story continues Source: Body exhumed in Mass. in connection with unsolved disappearance, murder of Holly Piirainen This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The first full-time chief of the Urbandale Fire Department is retiring after having led the city's firefighters and paramedics from becoming an all-volunteer force into a professional department of career staff. Chief Jerry Holt can remember the challenges of having an all-volunteer department after he started as Urbandale's fire chief in 1998. There were times when even as chief, Holt said he would have to respond to a call because he was the only person on full-time duty during the day. Urbandale Fire Department Chief Jerry Holt retired on Aug. 4, 2023, after being the department's first full-time chief for 25 years. The fire department was founded in 1935 and had ground broken on its first fire station in 1943. In 1994, Urbandale was considered to be the largest city in Iowa with an all-volunteer fire department, according to a city news release. It started transitioning to paid staff six years later. The transition into a career department took years. Since 2000, the city grew by more than 17,500 people a 60% increase, according to U.S. Census data. As the population grew, so did calls for emergency services. Today there's typically 18 people on during a shift, and a third fire station was built at 15100 Meredith Drive three years ago. Denny Danford, a retired assistant chief who was with the department for 34 years, said Holt led by example. Transitioning the department from a volunteer to career force was not as simple as just hiring all the previous volunteers Danford said Holt had to find people committed to training and schooling in order for the department to have the best on staff. "He totally understands the commitment to education and training," Danford said. More: Longtime Clive fire chief's retirement called 'end of an era' as new chief announced He also said Holt successfully secured city funding for a professional department and a budget to hire more full-time first responders. The evolution of the department continued even as Holt prepared for his last day Aug. 4 he was still working toward the department's first-time accreditation, something his successor will pick up when he's gone. Departments get accredited after they're peer reviewed and have met met standards on everything from response times to fiscal responsibility. Story continues City spokesperson Derek Zarn said Urbandale is interviewing candidates for its new fire chief. Holt plans to stay in Iowa, says costs and staffing are challenges for fire departments Holt's last day was scheduled to end with a public reception at Urbandale Fire Station 42 and a final ride home on a fire truck. The Urbandale Police Department, fire department, friends, family, community and colleagues were to escort him. Holt's path to Iowa 25 years ago brought him from Eufaula, Alabama, located on the Alabama-Georgia line, where he was a training officer. He left to become Urbandale's chief after he saw the job opportunity in trade journals. His children were 5 and 10 years old at the time, and "I never considered that my children would have children." More: Get to know new fire, police chiefs in Windsor Heights He plans to stay Iowa because it's where his grandchildren live. After 40 years as a firefighter, Holt said he has no definite plans for his next chapter. He said it will be strange not to be engaged with as much as he has been, but he plans to enjoy more time on his photography hobby. He said the future of the Urbandale Fire Department does have some challenges, with rising demand for emergency services, increased costs and difficulties finding enough qualified applicants for open jobs. But Holt said he is proud of arrangements he made to partner with Clive and Windsor Heights to staff Urbandale's most-recently opened fire station, share the costs of building a new training center in 2009, and have the department that's closest to an emergency respond to a call. Phillip Sitter covers suburban growth and development for the Des Moines Register. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. He is on Twitter @pslifeisabeauty. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Urbandale's first full-time fire chief Jerry Holt retires The United States is pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger amid the military takeover in the West African country, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Friday. Blinken described it as an interim measure and said it does not impact all foreign assistance programs. Most importantly, the provision of life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue, Blinken said in a statement. Further, we are continuing U.S. government activities in Niger where feasible to do so, including diplomatic and security operations, for the protection of U.S. personnel. This is consistent with steps taken by ECOWAS and the African Union, he said. The U.S. government will continue to review our foreign assistance and cooperation as the situation on the ground evolves consistent with our policy objectives and legal restrictions. People gather outside the National Assembly building during a protest in Niamey, Niger, on July 30. - Issifou Djibo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock As we have made clear since the outset of this situation, the provision of U.S. assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order, Blinken said. Indeed, Blinken and others have reiterated that US assistance is at risk unless the coup leaders restore democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum to power. The US and partners have been engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to try to restore democratic rule to Niger, which had become a point of stability in the Sahel region. The Economic Community of West African States has warned that they will use military force unless the coup leaders back down by Sunday. Were working hard with ECOWAS to coordinate the negotiations, a senior State Department official said Thursday. We have our own equities as well, so, were also working with them, the military in Niger, to understand the consequences of, if this succeeds, what that would mean for our partnership going forward. In recent days, the US State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from the country, though the embassy remains open and the roughly 1,100 US troops stationed in Niger remain there. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Protesters hold a Niger flag during a demonstration on independence day in Niamey on August 3, 2023 (-) The United States is suspending some aid programs to the Niger government, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday, more than one week after the country's president was toppled in a coup. "The US government is pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger," the top diplomat said in a statement, without providing details on those programs. However, "life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue" and the US would still carry out diplomatic and security operations to protect its personnel in the country. The move came as West Africa's regional bloc said its military chiefs had agreed on a plan for a possible intervention in Niger, including the potential use of force. President Mohamed Bazoum, in a column in The Washington Post published Thursday, called on Washington and the international community to restore Niger's political order, warning that if the coup attempt is successful, "it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world." Niger has played a key part in Western strategies to combat a jihadist insurgency that has plagued the Sahel since 2012, with the United States stationing around 1,000 troops in the country. "As we have made clear since the outset of this situation, the provision of US assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order," Blinken said. "We remain committed to supporting the people of Niger to help them preserve their hard-earned democracy and we reiterate our call for the immediate restoration of Niger's democratically-elected government." acb/jh (Photo : AFP) (-/AFP via Getty Images) West African military leaders have come up with a plan to intervene in the coup in Niger after negotiations with the military junta have slowed down. West African leaders have finalized a plan to intervene in the Niger coup and bring the elected government back into power as negotiations with the nation's military junta have slowed down. The defense chiefs from members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have discussed the plan, which includes how and when to deploy forces. The group noted that they will not divulge to the coup plotters when and where they will strike. West Africa To Intervene in Niger Coup However, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said on Friday that the decision will be taken by the bloc's heads of state. He added that all the elements of the plan have already been worked out, including the resources they would need. On Thursday, the group imposed sanctions on Niger and argued that it could authorize the use of force if the coup leaders in the region do not restore power to elected President Mohamed Bazoum by Sunday, as per Aljazeera. ECOWAS also sent a delegation to Niger on that same day that sought an "amicable resolution" to the situation. However, a source in the entourage noted during a meeting at the airport with the military's representatives did not bear fruit. Musah added that they want diplomacy to work with the Niger coup plotter, saying that this is the message that they clearly transmitted to them. He said that they are giving the military junta every opportunity to reverse what they have done. Additionally, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu told his government to be prepared for other options to address the situation. This includes the deployment of military personnel to intervene in the coup. This was revealed in a letter that was read out to the senate on Friday and Senegal, another West African nation, said that it was also ready to send troops. On the other hand, the Niger military junta has severed military agreements with France, which was its former colonial ruler. It also announced that it was firing some of the previous government's key ambassadors. The coup leaders also warned citizens of the West African country to watch for foreign armies and spies, according to the Associated Press. Read Also: Denmark Increases Border Security After Considering Ban on Quran Burnings Overthrowing the Democratic Government President Bazoum later wrote a letter saying that he was a hostage and requested assistance from the United States and other partners. The Niger military junta's announcement on Thursday deepened the post-coup isolation for what many saw as the U.S.'s and allies' last major security partner in the Sahel. Christopher Musa, the Nigerian defense chief, asked the regional military chiefs to follow a sense of urgency in regard to Niger. He also called for action to address other security lapses in West Africa and noted that the recent coup only highlights the "fragility of our region." The Niger coup plotters' leader said that they conducted the mutiny because the country's government has proven that it was unable to deal with Islamist terrorism or address its supposedly poor economic and social governance. It also represents another overthrow of democratic governments by army officers who seemingly have connections to Russia through arms sales or ties to the Wagner mercenary group. The coup plotters, who come from Niger, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Mali, have displayed a remarkable resemblance to one another, said The Hill. Related Article: Ousted Nigerian President Calls for US Help @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, seen delivering a welcoming speech at the World Scout Jamboree, has green-lighted funds to help the struggling event (Handout) American and British scouts pulled out of the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea Saturday citing scorching temperatures, as organisers weighed whether to cut short an event also reportedly plagued by dire campsite conditions. About 43,000 people have joined the jamboree in North Joella province, but an extreme heatwave has seen hundreds of scouts fall ill, forcing Seoul to deploy military doctors and vow an all-out effort to salvage the event. But despite the government's promises of air-conditioned buses and freezer trucks, the US contingent said Saturday they would withdraw, following a British decision to exit Friday, citing concerns over the extreme weather and conditions at the site. The American scouts will go to Camp Humphreys, a US Army garrison in Pyeongtaek, according to US officials. The World Organization of the Scout Movement has called on South Korea to shorten the event -- scheduled to run until August 12 in the coastal town of Buan -- pointing to issues caused by one of the country's hottest summers in years. The statement added that the South Korean government planned to stick to the schedule, "assuring that they will do everything possible to address the issues caused by the heat wave." Representatives from all participating countries are meeting Saturday to decide how to proceed, officials told AFP. But reports in local media have suggested the event's issues go beyond the heat, citing poor campsite conditions, with sanitation "less than ideal" including rudimentary showers and toilets, and saying scouts had been plagued by insect bites. - UK, US withdraw - Scouts from the United Kingdom -- the largest group at around 4,000 -- said they had decided to leave to "alleviate pressure on the site." "UK Scouts are transferring our young people and adult volunteers from the World Scout Jamboree site to Seoul over the next two days," it said late Friday. South Korea this week issued its highest hot weather advisory for the first time in four years. Story continues On Friday, temperatures across the nation ranged from 35 to 38 degrees Celsius (95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit). The exit of the Jamboree's biggest national group -- as well as the US scouts -- amounts to a significant PR setback for the South Korean government, which on Friday called an emergency cabinet meeting and sent air-conditioned buses and freezer trucks to help. President Yoon Suk Yeol's office approved 6.9 billion won ($5.3 million) in spending to support the jamboree at the meeting. But the event is facing additional challenges besides the heat. Jeolla authorities on Saturday said about 70 people on the site have come down with Covid-19. Local media outlets have described the situation as a "national disgrace", given the time the country had to prepare for the event. Ahead of the event, critics had warned of the risks of gathering such a large number of youth in a treeless region with little shelter from the summer heat. Some people online have compared the situation to the deadly survival game featured in South Korea's mega-hit Netflix series "Squid Game". "Greetings to Scouts from all around the globe, as you arrive at the K-Survival Game," one quipped on Twitter, which is being rebranded as X, above an image of pink Squid Game-style costumes. cdl/ceb/cwl American and British scouts pulled out of the World Scout Jamboree (ANTHONY WALLACE) American and British scouts pulled out of the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea Saturday citing scorching temperatures, as organisers vowed the event would continue despite criticism of dire campsite conditions. About 43,000 people have joined the jamboree in North Jeolla province, but an extreme heatwave has seen hundreds of scouts fall ill, forcing Seoul to deploy military doctors, offer air-conditioned buses and vow an all-out effort to salvage the event. American and British scout groups were withdrawing Saturday, citing concerns over the extreme weather, even as organisers said the jamboree would continue, urging participants to view the event as a "platform for overcoming challenges". The government conducted spot inspections and found conditions were no longer as dire as had been claimed, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said, adding that after discussions with participating countries, "we decided to continue the event without stopping". With widespread reports of rudimentary bathrooms and substandard sanitation, Kim Hyun-sook, South Korea's gender minister, told reporters Seoul would "add about 700 personnel today to address the issue of toilet cleaning". The World Organization of the Scout Movement had called on South Korea to shorten the event -- scheduled to run until August 12 in the coastal town of Buan -- pointing to issues caused by extreme weather. South Korea this week issued its highest hot weather advisory for the first time in four years. Citing heat concerns, American officials said that about 1,500 US scouts would go to Camp Humphreys, a US Army garrison in Pyeongtaek. Scouts from the United Kingdom -- the largest group at around 4,000 -- began arriving back in the capital Seoul Saturday, in what officials said was a bid to "alleviate pressure on the site". Singaporean scouts were also planning to leave and Belgian officials were looking for alternative accommodation, Yonhap news agency reported. Story continues But Swedish and German scout groups said they were staying, saying that conditions at the vast campsite were "moving in the right direction" after a "major resources boost" from the South Korean government. "For the 1,500 Swedish young people we have here, the Jamboree is a unique experience. You only have one chance in your life to join a Jamboree as a participant," the Swedish scout group said in a statement. "To stop participation is to deprive the young people of that chance," it said. - 'It's so hot' - Thousands of pink, yellow and green tents stretched across the giant campsite, AFP reporters in Buan saw, as residents flocked to the area eager to help the scouts in the heat. "The weather is too hot, so I came here with my kids to give out iced water," business owner Han Tae-min told AFP from near the jamboree welcome centre, as he pressed cold water on passing scouts. "I was also a scout when I was young," the 33-year-old said, adding he was eager to help because "it is exceptionally hot this year, and the event is taking place in this extreme heat". Despite the government's efforts, some parents continued to criticise organisers, with one Korean-American mother, whose 15-year-old daughter lost consciousness during the event, saying it took a "terrifying" 45 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. "How can South Korea allow children to be neglected like this?" she told South Korean broadcaster SBS. The Jamboree's official Instagram page was flooded with critical comments, with one set of parents saying the event had been "a horrible experience" for the scouts. A British scout at the event posted footage from the site on a YouTube channel called "Jamboree Jamie", sharing a video of what looked like mosquitos flying constantly in rudimentary shower booths. "It's too hot, it's too hot. Anyway, this is my third bottle of water," he says in the video, adding he agreed, in part, that the event had been "poorly organised". - New tours for scouts - The exit of British, American and other scout troops is a significant PR setback for the South Korean government, which on Friday called an emergency cabinet meeting and mobilised aid. President Yoon Suk Yeol's office approved 6.9 billion won ($5.3 million) in spending to support the jamboree, and on Saturday he spoke by phone to camp organisers, urging them to offer more tourism programmes to the scouts. Prime Minister Han said Saturday that organisers would "create and operate a tour program featuring South Korea's industry, culture, history, and nature". Local media has described the situation as a "national disgrace", given the time the country had to prepare for the event, which happens once every four years. cdl/ceb/dva FORT PIERRE An executive of one of South Dakota's ethanol plants testified on the industry ramifications of Navigator's proposed carbon dioxide pipeline. Michael Harrison, vice president of Texas-based Valero Renewable Fuels, spoke Saturday before the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission regarding Navigator's Heartland Greenway System, a planned 111.9-mile, multi-state pipeline that would route through Brookings, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Moody and Turner counties if built. Valero, which owns an ethanol plant in Aurora, would be able to produce ethanol fuel with a lower carbon intensity score, thereby benefiting from 45Q federal tax credits. More: Pipeline to 'nowhere': Navigator CO2 routes in flux as Illinois resists project Harrison testified the lowered carbon intensity scores on its ethanol will increase Valero's competitive standing in the global fuel market. He also said the financial windfall ethanol plants would enjoy from joining the pipeline system would strength the U.S. market and prevent competing countries from threatening American biofuel companies. "I can't say that any plants will fail if the pipelines aren't built," Harrison said. "I don't know if ethanol will be able to compete with other countries [without the pipelines]. Harrison testified farmers will also be able to earn a premium on their corn if they sell their kernels to plants on the pipeline. Landowner attorney Brian Jorde pressed the Valero VP on the limitations of the deal in cross-examination. He noted the premium pricing would be offset if farmers had to travel more than 60 miles to offload their crop. More: Attorney argues against 'destruction' of South Dakota way of life in Navigator pipeline hearings Harrison replied Valero would buy harvested kernels no matter how far it had traveled. More: Navigators carbon pipeline rupture modeling has some shortcomings, consultant testifies Questioned by the commission on whether certain sustainable farming practices, like low-till and no till farming, could lower carbon intensity scores, Harrison answered carbon sequestration through pipelines outperforms these practices. Story continues "A farmer's low carbon practices could result in some ethanol that could be used in low-carbon markets," Harrison said. "The challenge with that is it's not equivalent to [sequestering carbon dioxide.] Harrison also spoke to ethanol's rivalry with electric vehicles and the shift in some U.S. regional markets to electric fuels. Harrison said the ethanol industry's production of fossil fuel-made gasoline "just might have to increase" as EVs penetrate California and other markets moving toward cleaner-burning vehicles. But the industry would also struggle to meet supply demands if the federal government mandated a significant increase in biofuel production, Harrison admitted following a line of questioning from Commissioner Gary Hanson. Harrison clarified the industry wouldn't be able to meet mandated blending requirements unless ethanol facilities are able to expand. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Valero VP echoes ethanol industry need for Navigator CO2 pipeline Venezuela's Red Cross president Mario Enrique Villarroel has been sacked after more than four decades The Supreme Court has dismissed the president of Venezuela's Red Cross after more than four decades. Mario Enrique Villarroel has been allegedly accused of "harassment and ill-treatment", which the state prosecutors are investigating. Members of the charity's board of directors have also been sacked. In a statement, Venezuela's Red Cross expressed its "absolute and unrestricted support" for Mr Villarroel. In the interim, the court has ordered a "broad and diverse restructure" of the charity. Ricardo Cusanno, the former president of Venezuela's largest business association, Fedecamaras, has been appointed to chair the board as part of the organisation's restructure. The court said the activities of the Venezuelan Red Cross would remain unharmed. The ruling also said it would work with the attorney general's office to prosecute the outgoing board. Over the years, the Red Cross's work in the country has primarily focused on preventing the humanitarian consequences of armed violence. The charity's work is also aimed at helping detainees and finding solutions for water shortages and food security in a troubled economy. The international charity has asked President Nicolas Maduro's government not to allow the court's intervention. On Thursday, Miguel Villarroel, vice-president of the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent National Societies, said in a video message: "I ask in the most respectful way that you do not allow arbitrary action by a state entity to stain the 128 years of life of our institution." CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's Supreme Court on Friday ordered a "broad and diverse restructuring" of the Venezuelan Red Cross and the dismissal of the president and members of the board of directors. The ruling ordered the establishment of an ad hoc restructuring board for the Venezuelan Red Cross, to be chaired by Ricardo Cusanno, the former president of Venezuela's largest business association, Fedecamaras. The activities of the Venezuelan Red Cross will continue, the court said. The court will work with the attorney general's office to prosecute the outgoing board, it added. Miguel Villarroel, vice president of the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent National Societies, on Thursday called on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro not to allow an intervention in the Red Cross' Venezuelan chapter. "I ask in the most respectful way that you do not allow arbitrary action by a state entity to stain the 128 years of life of our institution," Villarroel said in a video message posted on X, the social media website formerly known as Twitter. The ad hoc board will perform an internal reorganization of the Venezuelan Red Cross, the ruling said, stipulating a time limit of one year. (Reporting by Deisy Buitrago; Writing by Oliver Griffin and William Mallard) Toronto Police work the scene of a protest that turned "violent" in Toronto's Earlscourt Park on Saturday, Aug. 5. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey) A "demonstration that turned violent" at a Toronto park left numerous people injured on Saturday, with some feeling "shocked and saddened" about the incident. Toronto police shared a series of posts on X (Twitter) starting Saturday morning shortly before 10 a.m., noting that a large crowd gathered in Earlscourt Park where one person was carrying a knife. Officers said there were reports of injuries and some tents on fire at the park. Within an hour, Toronto Police Operations (TPO) updated their post noting that it appeared to be a "demonstration that turned violent." While medics were on-scene helping patients at the park, at least nine people were transported to the hospital. One person suffered serious injuries after being stabbed, while the other eight people experienced non-life-threatening injuries. PERSON WITH A KNIFE: UPDATE Caledonia Rd + St. Clair Av West - Appears to be a demonstration that turned violent - Medics are on scene triaging patients with various injuries - One person transported to hospital with stab wounds - Roads are blocked for emergency vehicles ^lb Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) August 5, 2023 Around 2:15 p.m., police shared another update indicating that the "event had turned violent again." "Officers from across the city are assisting in gaining control," TPO shared. "Please stay out of the area." Festival Eritrea Toronto is hosting a series of activities at Earlscourt Park between Aug. 5 and 7. Toronto paramedics were on-scene at Earlscourt Park to help patients injured during the demonstration. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey) But protesters around the world have been demonstrating against Eritrea's government, which some are calling "one of the most repressive regimes in the world." Last month, at least 26 police officers were injured during an Eritrean cultural festival in Germany. Earlier this week, hundreds of people were detained in Sweden after up to a thousand protesters attacked the Eritrea Scandinavia festival in Stockholm. Story continues This past week, a petition was also created which currently has more than 1,500 signatures to stop an "Eritrea Festival" event scheduled for Aug. 6 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Toronto police said one person was stabbed and eight others were injured during the event. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey) People on social media shared their disappointment about the Earlscourt Park incident. Alejandra Bravo, the city councillor for the area, shared a statement expressing that she was "shocked and saddened to hear of the violence that broke out." "Please give [police] space and time to complete their work," Bravo continued in her post. "Earlscourt Park and some local roads are closed to traffic." Read my statement on the violent incident and closure of Earlscourt Park pic.twitter.com/kUAy5JwG9U Alejandra Bravo (@BravoDavenport) August 5, 2023 Some called for the violence to be shut down, while others noted they were surprised the violence wasn't happening at this weekend's Toronto Caribbean Festival. I thought these demonstrators would have been cleared out already after the first incident at 10AM. There are lots of kids who enjoy that park. Take it elsewhere. Shallene Holley (@ShalleneHolley) August 5, 2023 Bro who knew Caribana would be the safe event today (@HH_Toronto) August 5, 2023 Why was this event allowed to continue after this mornings violent stabbings?!?!?! What is going on?! Amanda Baine (@BaineAmanda) August 5, 2023 Thanks to Clegg, the three by-elections were a three-way tie and the media consensus is that the general election could still be competitive (PA Archive) If it had not been for Nick Clegg, it would be all over for Rishi Sunak by now. The former deputy prime minister, having roared mightily about constitutional reform, brought forth a mouse: the Recall of MPs Act 2015. It was this act that prompted Boris Johnson to resign as an MP, triggering a by-election in Uxbridge. Johnson jumped before he was pushed, because the Committee of Privileges was going to open the way to a recall petition in his constituency. That petition would have required the signatures of 10 per cent of voters in the constituency to force a by-election. So there would have been a by-election if Johnson hadnt resigned, and if he had stood his ground and fought it, he would almost certainly have won by campaigning against the extension of the ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez) which he had created as mayor. As it was, Steve Tuckwell, the new Conservative candidate, won; a victory that has changed the prism through which politics has been reported since. If there had been no Recall of MPs Act, Johnson would have been suspended from the House of Commons for something like 90 days, but he would not have faced a by-election. He might have flounced out and caused one anyway, so furious was he at what he thought was a witch-hunt against him, but his ill-founded belief that he would return soon enough to the premiership was also strong, and would probably have been enough to keep him in parliament. In which case there would have been by-elections on 20 July only in Selby and in Somerton. Sunaks government would have lost two seats on huge swings one to Labour, and one to the Liberal Democrats. As James OMalley, the former editor of the tech site Gizmodo, put it: instead of green policies, we would be talking about how the Tories are heading for a historic wipeout of Canada 1993 proportions. That was when Kim Campbells governing Progressive Conservative Party was reduced from 156 seats to two. No one outside London would have noticed that the Ulez was being expanded at the end of this month. The prime minister might not have spotted the political opportunity afforded by Labours policy of ending North Sea drilling, and Greenpeace might have left his constituency home alone. Instead, we would be reading articles headed, How ready is Labour for government? How to avoid a wealth tax and Shouldnt Keir Starmer just take over now? Story continues Instead, Nick Cleggs legacy has been to convince some optimistic Conservatives and pessimistic Labourites that Sunak can claw back some of the gap between him and Starmer over the next year, by pitching his cost-conscious proportionate and pragmatic approach to net zero against Labours expensive eco-zealotry. Which only goes to show how arbitrary politics can be, and how what Alastair Campbell calls the media prism can shift dramatically in response to random events. Indeed, imagine a third scenario, sketched by Professor Robert Ford of Manchester University. If Nigel Adams hadnt quit his Selby seat in a fit of pique over his omission from his friend Johnsons resignation honours list, the only by-elections last month would have been a Lib Dem gain in Somerton and a Tory hold in Uxbridge. Labour would be in absolute meltdown, Prof Ford wrote, with a torrent of hot takes about how Starmers poll lead is a mirage. Instead, thanks to Clegg, the three by-elections were a three-way tie and the media consensus is that the general election could still be competitive. The passing of the Recall of MPs Act was not quite the flapping of a butterflys wing in the Amazon rainforest of classic chaos theory, but its effects have not been what its drafters expected. It was a bad and unnecessary law, like the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, now repealed, but not as serious. It was passed only to give the Lib Dem grassroots a consolation prize for their failure to win the 2011 referendum on changing the voting system and for the Tories blocking their plan to reform the House of Lords. David Cameron didnt mind it, in the watered-down form that Clegg produced, because it bought off some of the pressure from Tory radicals such as Douglas Carswell and Zac Goldsmith. The original idea was to give any group of constituents the power to start a petition to have their MP removed and forced to contest a by-election. That was too foolish and too undemocratic even for Clegg, as it would mean, depending on the thresholds required, continuous by-elections in marginal seats as defeated candidates sought excuses to refight their battles at times when the incumbent party was unpopular nationally. Clegg wrote into the act a gatekeeper role for parliament, in that by-election would be triggered only if an MP were suspended by the House of Commons for 10 days or longer. I still didnt agree with it. In my view, there are already two recall powers for MPs and we do not need a third. The first is in the hands of the courts, in that any MP who is sentenced to jail for more than a year is automatically removed. The second is in the hands of the voters, in that they can get rid of any MP of whom they disapprove at a general election. If people say that five years is too long to wait to get rid of a malign or useless MP, I am inclined to agree, in which case the solution is to reduce the maximum length of parliaments to four years. Instead, Clegg invented a whole new third track, which gives quasi-judicial powers to committees of MPs to rule on alleged misdemeanours that fail to attract a jail sentence in the courts. Also, I dont like the petition system, which means that voters who go to the equivalent of polling stations to sign can be identified as opposing their MP only those who sign by post or by proxy can keep their vote confidential. The system has been used only four times: against Ian Paisley Jr (it failed to reach the 10 per cent threshold); Fiona Onasanya (driving offence; seat retained by Labour); Christopher Davies (expenses; seat won by Lib Dems, regained by Tories at general election four months later); and Margaret Ferrier (breach of coronavirus rules; by-election pending). This last may be the most consequential case yet, as it gives Starmer the chance to show that Labour can gain seats from the Scottish National Party, which could make a big difference to the outcome of the general election. The collapse of the SNP has reduced the mountain that Labour has to climb in England and Wales by 20-30 seats. Yet it was in Uxbridge, where the Recall of MPs Act was never actually used, that the law had its most dramatic effect. Eight years after he left office, Clegg is still propping up the Tory party, keeping its hopes alive for the next general election. The remains of a Special Forces veteran killed in Ukraine this spring appear to be finally headed back to the U.S., according to his family. Nick Maimer, 45, a retired staff sergeant, was killed in the eastern city of Bakhmut in mid-May when the building he was in collapsed after an artillery strike. His death was broadcast around the world by Russian mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin in a morbid propaganda video; a month later, Prigozhin would lead a failed rebellion against Moscow with his private military company, the Wagner Group. Amid the chaos enveloping Russia, Maimer's family and friends were subjected to an arduous, months-long effort to reclaim his remains, a process that nearly 20 families of U.S. veterans have or will have taken during the war in Ukraine so far. Read Next: Army's New Enlisted Leader: The Bet a Green Beret Can Lead the Rank and File "We've just kind of been in limbo," Amanda Weishaar, Maimer's sister, told Military.com in a phone interview Friday. "Waiting and not knowing -- it's prolonged the grieving process quite a bit." She said that the transfer process was riddled with unknowns for her family. Over the last three months, Weishaar recalled thinking "maybe it's going to happen this date, but then another month goes by and it still hasn't happened as far as when his body's going to be cremated, or where it's going to be cremated, or where it's going to be flown and who's involved in making that happen, and what the cost is going to be and if that cost is going to be covered." Maimer's return to the U.S. was perilous and uncertain from the beginning. It was clear from Prigozhin's video that his body was in Wagner's hands. Complicating things further, Ukraine views the pro-Russian mercenaries as terrorists, and the U.S. recently referred to them as a "proxy force" for the Kremlin. Any exchange was going to be filled with tension. Story continues Retired Army Lt. Col. Perry Blackburn, the founder of a nonprofit organization that Maimer volunteered with in Ukraine, told Military.com in May that he had attempted to reach Prigozhin to organize a transfer. While it is unclear how and where the transfer occurred, Blackburn said that the Ukrainians were "pivotal" in its success. Friends of Maimer lauded Blackburn's efforts in helping them navigate the transfer process. By the end of the month, Maimer's body was in Ukrainian hands en route to Kyiv. Karl Watts, who met Maimer through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and knew him well over the last three decades, told Military.com that the initial news of his journey to Kyiv was elating. "We didn't expect to recover his body for months because it was an active conflict area," Watts said. "Just the fact that they were able to recover his body so quickly was a huge relief." That initial relief was short-lived. Uncertainty about when Maimer's remains would arrive back to the U.S. welled within his circle of friends and family as the process ground along slowly. Several Ukrainian and U.S. entities connected with Maimer's loved ones, according to Watts, who liaised with them amid a "whirlwind of chatter." "Things moved a lot slower than expected," he said, adding that both Ukrainian and U.S. agencies like the Ukrainian military, State Department and FBI aided the effort. "I was pleased that the State Department was quite involved in everything from beginning to end," Watts said. "I think they did the best they could in this situation trying to help coordinate the things, but there was no overriding agency or organization in it. "No one had ultimate authority or [could] say, 'This is what's gonna happen, and this how it's gonna go,'" he said. For its part, the State Department told Military.com on Friday that "the U.S. government takes its role in such a situation very seriously." It would not confirm that Maimer's remains are en route to the U.S. or detail its involvement in the process. A particularly frustrating procedure involved getting DNA confirmation that the remains were indeed Maimer's. Watts said that samples from Maimer's parents had to be sent to a lab in Ukraine for analysis. It would be another month before Maimer's circle received a positive DNA test. In the interim, friends and family had gone on to memorialize him with pictures and memories, Watts said. In June, Weishaar established a GoFundMe page with a $10,000 goal for Maimer's memorial, with any leftover proceeds going to veterans charities. "I think it's important to honor veterans specifically with that," she said. "It's just important to offer that support in any way that we can, because it doesn't always seem like the government takes care of their own as they should." Weishaar said she recalled four or five times when her family would get an update -- raising their hopes for his return -- only to have it postponed. Because of the delays, some of Maimer's loved ones remain uncertain about the latest news of his return. Weishaar expressed frustration toward the presidential administration. "President Biden is very vocal about his support for the war, but has shown zero support for Nick," Weishaar said. In July, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence posted a video tribute to Maimer. In it, he said of Russia's invasion: "In recent history, it's one of the most clear-cut injustices, and I knew I would be able to help the Ukrainians." Maimer was cremated in Kyiv early this week. Watts said he learned Friday from a Ukrainian funeral home he had been working with that Maimer's remains would start their route home from Warsaw, Poland. "We should have him back in the States within the next week or two," Watts said. From there, he and family will drive to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Maimer is expected to arrive. Watts said he expects a funeral service in September or early October. Despite the uncertainty he felt over the last few months, Watts feels thankful to the State Department, Ukrainian military, the funeral home, Blackburn and others. For some in Maimer's circle, the last three months -- and the frustrations associated with them -- have made it difficult to grieve. "Nick was one of the most selfless people I've ever met," Weishaar said. "He would give his shirt off his back in an icestorm to make sure someone else was comfortable and cared for. It's disgraceful that his own government wouldn't care for him in that way." -- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence. Related: 'That Was Nick': Special Forces Vet Killed in Ukraine Remembered as Big-Hearted Protector A jet with pale green panel coverings and sleek, sharp edges and angles sits underneath the canopy of a hanger, the bright sun peaking just above the structure's right side, against a cloudy blue sky. NASA's X-59 looks straight out of science fiction in a new video released by Lockheed Martin. The X-59 QuessT (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) is an experimental jet that aims to reduce the amount of sonic boom produced by aircraft breaking the sound barrier. Rather than the ground-shaking rumble produced by jets reaching the speed of sound, or Mach 1, the X-59 is expected to create a thump similar to the sound of a nearby car door being slammed. Lockheed Martin, who is building the jet through its Skunk Works advanced aircraft manufacturing facility in Palmdale, California, shared a video showing the X-59 rolling out of the hangar looking positively ready for the skies. Related: NASA's X-59 'quiet' supersonic jet looks ready to fly in new photos The profile of a jet with pale green panel coverings with sleek, sharp edges and angles, and a long pointed black nose, is rolled outside a hanger. Personnel walk scattered about the tarmac. The footage shows off the unique geometry of the X-59, which features a sharp, extended nose section measuring 38 feet (11.5 meters) in length. Because of the length of this nose section, however, pilots flying the X-59 won't be able to accurately see out of the front of the cockpit, which doesn't even feature a forward-facing windscreen. A head-on black and white image of the X-59 supersonic jet. The jet sits on three-wheeled landing gear, and the sharp, sleek angles of the jet's body and wings reflect a s shapely light, highlighting the craft's curves and details. To remedy this, the experimental jet features what NASA calls an External Vision System, or XVS. XVS is essentially a closed-circuit video system consisting of a forward-facing camera and a cockpit-mounted display in front of the X-59's pilot. The system uses "custom image processing software and camera systems, to create an augmented reality view of the X-59 pilots forward line-of-sight along with graphical flight data overlays," according to a 2019 NASA statement . a computer screen inside an aircraft cockpit RELATED STORIES: NASA's new X-59 supersonic plane gets powerful engine for quiet sonic booms Supersonic planes, rockets and megaconstellations could thwart ozone layer's recovery NASA's experimental X-59 supersonic jet returns to California for assembly Now that the X-59 is assembled, NASA and Lockheed Martin teams will conduct ground testing to ensure the aircraft is safe and ready to fly. Once it's ready for flight testing, the jet will fly over residential areas in order to analyze how people on the ground react to its planned reduced sonic boom. Once that data is in hand, NASA will pass it on to regulatory agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to seek approval for commercial supersonic flight. Ukraine has posted a coastal report declaring the water areas of six Russian ports in the Black Sea to be under military threat on Friday, 4 August. Source: Derzhhidrohrafiia (State Hydrography) citing coastal report No 118 [Derzhhidrohrafiya is a Ukrainian state institution responsible for navigation and hydrographic support within the exclusive (maritime) economic zone of Ukraine in the Black and Azov seas, as well as on inland waterways ed.]. The message specifies that the water areas in question are the internal and external roadsteads of the ports of Anapa, Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Sochi and Taman. REPORT: DERZHHIDROHRAFIIA The basis for this announcement is Order No 5 of the Ukrainian Navy, dated 4 August 2023. Background: After withdrawing from the grain deal, the Russian Federation announced that it will consider all vessels heading to Ukrainian seaports from 20 July to be potential carriers of military cargo. At the same time, Ukraine mirrored the statement, warning that it would consider all vessels bound for Russian ports or occupied Ukrainian ports as carrying military goods. A Russian chemical tanker SIG was damaged in the Kerch Strait due to an uncrewed surface vessel attack on the evening of 4 August. Russia claimed that no fuel leak from the tanker has been recorded, according to Russian media. Later, Interfax Ukraine, citing a source in the Security Service of Ukraine, reported that the SSU was behind the special operation. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! (Photo : Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Former United States President Donald Trump receives the support of the entire Alabama GOP House delegation for his 2024 presidential campaign. Former United States President Donald Trump scored a sweep of Alabama's GOP House delegation for his 2024 presidential campaign. The recent development extends the Republican businessman's lead over his primary rivals in endorsements despite various legal challenges that he is currently facing. On top of the House delegation, Trump also received support from five statewide elected officials. Trump Campaign Support The former president's campaign announced the endorsements a day after Trump himself was arraigned on federal charges related to his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riot. Despite the Republican's legal woes, he has continued to receive support from GOP lawmakers, many of whom have vocally defended him against the lawsuits. Trump is now set to appear at the Alabama Republican Party dinner that is scheduled on Friday evening and will be held in Montgomery. The former president is supported by all six Alabama GOP House members, namely; Robert Aderholt, Mike Rogers, Gary Palmer, Barry Moore, Jerry Carl, and Dale Strong, as per Politico. Additionally, he has endorsements from Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, and all three members of the Alabama Public Service Commission. However, Katie Britt, the state's junior senator, has not yet endorsed Trump in the race or has revealed plans to do so nor has Gov. Kay Ivey. A spokesperson for Britt, Sean Ross, said that the senator had so far maintained a neutral stance in the primary due to serving on the Republican National Committee's Advisory Council. However, she noted that her husband would be in attendance at Trump's rally on Friday. On the other hand, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is Trump's leading primary rival, is known to have the support of Alabama's state auditor, Andrew Sorrell. But the former president has continued to win over congressional lawmakers amid his efforts to return to the White House. The Republican businessman has maintained a significant lead over his primary opponents in terms of congressional endorsements. This is something that officials view is the result of the former president's efforts in building and maintaining relationships during his time at the White House. According to The Hill. Read Also: Former Maryland Mayor Pleads Guilty to 140 Child Sex Abuse Materials Charges Criminal Charges Against the Former President Trump's campaign previously rolled out endorsements from House GOP delegates in Pennsylvania and Michigan. On the other hand, DeSantis' campaign has also touted its various congressional endorsements, such as in South Carolina and New Hampshire. Several hours prior to Trump's landing in Montgomery, hundreds of people flooded into the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Convention Center for the scheduled event. In a statement, ALGOP Chairman John Wahl said that the state's Republican Party was excited to have the former president join the recent event. Wahl added that Trump was a very loved candidate in the Yellowhammer State and that many of his supporters believe that the indictments against him are only being used as political tools to damage his presidential campaign and keep him from being elected president again. The chairman also said that the criminal charges against the former president related to the 2020 election and Capitol Hill insurrection led him to question the integrity of the country's justice system in upholding the first amendment, said WSFA. Related Article: Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to Election Interference Charges @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A lightning-sparked wildfire burning in the North Cascades of eastern Whatcom County exploded overnight, forcing state officials to close Highway 20, a major east-west link. Officials at the Washington State Department of Transportation tweeted the road through the North Cascades National Park would close at 10 p.m. Friday and sent an alert that the road was closed just after 6 a.m. Saturday. WSDOT officials said the road, one of three highways that cross the Cascades linking eastern and western Washington, will be closed until further notice between mile post 120 at Newhalem on the west to mile post 156 near Rainy Pass on the east. With the closure, only Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 2 are available for east-west travel. Meanwhile, the wildfire burning on Sourdough Mountain above the Diablo Dam grew to 2,930 acres overnight with no containment, said Margie Ferrucci with the National Interagency Fire Center. More than 160 firefighters, including elite hotshot crews and those with structural firefighting experience, were keeping the flames from damaging a hydroelectric power plant and the homes of Seattle City Light workers. Thats our absolute goal. We certainly dont want Seattle to be without 30 to 40% of its power, Ferrucci told The Bellingham Herald. No injuries have been reported. Flames burned down to Diablo Dam Road, above the power plant, she said. Because of the steep terrain, most of the firefighting efforts have involved protecting buildings and aerial water drops with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, Ferrucci said. Starting Sunday, the Sourdough Fire is being upgraded to a type 2 incident that comes with a major boost in resources, including personnel and equipment from the federal government. Officials fear that the fire could burn until the fall rains arrive in October. Efforts to save historic lookout tower In addition to saving the small enclave of Diablo, firefighters have been able to protect the historic 1933 fire lookout, encasing it in fireproof material as flames head toward it. Story continues They literally wrapped it in what looks like aluminum foil, Ferrucci said. Social media and television news reports showed a massive column of smoke rising into the sky like a thunderhead, and wind-whipped flames roaring downhill. Evacuations were ordered last week at Ross Lake Resort and at the North Cascades Institutes Environmental Learning Center, but that was to keep roads clear for firefighters, said Katy Hooper, spokeswoman for the North Cascades National Park. Park officials closed several areas of the park, including trails and camps to ensure visitor safety and firefighter access. The closures listed are not immediately threatened by the fire, Hooper said in a statement Friday. Fire officials were asking the public to keep away from the fire area, and not to fly drones, which prevent firefighting aircraft from operating. Considered one the most scenic roads in the United States, the North Cascades Highway recently turned 50 years old. Its been celebrated in American culture, ranging from movies like Top Gun: Maverick to Beat literature such as Desolation Angels. An egret visits a pistachio orchard that remains flooded months after the resurgence of Tulare Lake. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Out on the water, a silence hangs in the air and the suns harsh glare reflects off the lake's still surface. Small fish float belly-up alongside snakelike tubes of irrigation piping. Five feet below, abandoned chicken coops, dairy barns and equipment sheds slowly rot, their shapes blurred in the murky green water. The Central Valley summer heat is unrelenting, even while boating across this ghost lake. It roared to life last spring after epic winter storms and runoff from the snow-laden Sierra Nevada overwhelmed the human-made systems that long ago drained the Tulare Lake basin. The reborn Tulare Lake submerged thousands of acres of farmland used to grow pistachios, almonds, cotton and safflower in one of the nation's most productive agricultural regions, creating a seemingly endless blue horizon. But with little breeze and a wispy veil of high-flying clouds, the lake hardly offers the cooling reprieve afforded by its closest comparison, Lake Tahoe, the states eternal playground. Even so, with Tulare Lake's return, ducks, egrets and other waterfowl have flocked en masse to its dusty shores. Frogs wade on the water's edge, diving in at the slightest movement. Tule grass sprouts along the shoreline. As Tulare Lake reclaims its historic footprint in the lowlands of the San Joaquin Valley, long-forgotten ecosystems have been revived. Ducks, egrets and other waterfowl have flocked to the dusty shores of a reborn Tulare Lake. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) The Times took a tour with the Kings County Sheriffs Office, which purchased an airboat this summer for the purpose of patrolling the reborn lake. When this lake obviously appeared, it just added a whole new dimension to what we needed to be able to accomplish," said Sheriff's Sgt. Nate Ferrier, standing on the lake's southeast shore near Corcoran. Even months after Tulare Lake's reemergence, he remains in awe of its size and presence. I've driven up and down all these roads and dirt roads and levees, and to see this much water covering all this farmland, it's kind of like a biblical moment." Story continues While the sheriffs office has boats deputies use to cut across the nearby Kings River, they needed something with a flat bottom because of all the junk floating in the lake, Ferrier said. A normal boat with propellers would likely get stuck, he said, so they purchased the airboat for about $95,000 and trained five deputies how to operate it. King's County Sheriff Sgt. Nate Ferrier looks over flooded broiler houses, passing sheds on a flooded Foster Farms chicken ranch. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) The lake flooded private land, so technically, wading or boating into the waters is a form of trespassing. The shoreline is peppered with "Private Property" signs featuring a big, red hand warning against hunting, fishing or trespassing. But in some ways, what looms below the surface is a bigger concern. The floodwaters swallowed up storage sheds stocking fertilizer and other chemicals, along with manure piles, electrical wires and sharp-edged farm machinery. Deputies have not had to deal with people trying to get boats out on the water to date, Ferrier said. But it hasn't stopped people from getting close. In August, deputies came across an abandoned, half-submerged silver Nissan sedan that wasn't there before. In other instances, theyve found people fishing and warned them its unclear whether its even safe to eat the fish. Word's gotten out that water is pretty dirty, so it's just not safe to be in. And most people don't want to be in dirty water," he said. I wouldn't recommend eating the fish just because of the amount of contaminants, and we don't even really know what all is in there, honestly. So its just not worth the risk. Still, they needed to learn how to live with the lake, he said. As Tulare Lake recedes, remnants of the agricultural life it brought to a halt are reemerging. At this flooded Foster Farms ranch, mildew cuts dark lines across the exterior of buildings where some chickens drowned. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) A dead fish floats belly-up in the murky water of Tulare Lake. Sheriff's Sgt. Nate Ferrier warns against eating the fish due to possible contaminants in the water. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Already, it is shrinking. Once 120,000 acres, roughly the size of Lake Tahoe, Tulare Lake had receded to 61,000 acres as of early August, Ferrier said. At its highest, the lake's depth averaged between 5 and 7 feet. As snowmelt streamed into the basin in spring, Tulare Lake's rising waters threatened to inundate the city of Corcoran and its massive prison complex, as well as the farm communities of Stratford, Allensworth and Alpaugh. State water officials bolstered local efforts to head off disaster, diverting more than 20 billion gallons of water upstream from the rivers flowing into Tulare Basin. In late June, with the Sierra snowmelt slowing, the state declared success, saying Tulare Lake was in retreat. As the water recedes, remnants of the agricultural life it brought to a halt are slowly reemerging. On a Foster Farms ranch that had housed more than a million chickens, mildew cut dark lines across the exterior of buildings where some chickens had drowned in their coops. Some of the barns were barely standing, stripped to their wooden beams by the water. Read more: Tulare Lakes ghostly rebirth brings wonder and hardship. Inside a community's resilience The ranch also housed workers, who lost their rental homes and belongings in the flooding. Here and there, a car roof was visible. Roads that had been swallowed were slowly reappearing, the asphalt gutted and cracked. Utility poles poked up in neat rows, hinting at the roads they once framed. Near the chicken sheds, the stench of manure was strong. Signs declaring the farmland a biosecure area remained upright. Tulare Lake's resurgence swallowed up storage sheds stocking fertilizer and other chemicals, along with manure piles, electrical wires and sharp-edged farm machinery. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Gliding across the lake's surface in the airboat, these signs of what used to be merged awkwardly with the signs of new life. Egrets made nests among the uppermost branches of drowning nut trees. Mallards paddled by, diving headfirst into the water as they searched for food. Yellow butterflies flitted above the water. Jason Coslovich, a biologist with the California Waterfowl Association, said the lake is an ideal spot for the egrets that have claimed the orchard treetops. "Its definitely a big win for waterfowl," he said, "all types of different birds and wildlife." What exactly is in the water, as far as pesticides, chemicals and bacteria, remains somewhat of a mystery, said Rose Mary Rahn, director of the Kings County Department of Public Health. The department has been testing the surface water, and the latest July results identified high levels of coliform and E. coli bacteria, which is typical in floodwater. Theres nothing unexpected," Rahn said, but added, We don't really know everything that was on those properties. Out on the water, a silence hangs above Tulare Lake and the sun reflects off its still surface across a vast horizon. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) To patrol Tulare Lake, the Kings County Sheriff's Office needed a flat-bottomed boat, because of all the junk floating in the lake. The department purchased the airboat and trained five deputies how to operate it. Above, Sheriff deputy James Coghlan pilots an airboat across 10th Ave. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) While the lake is not considered toxic, the department is discouraging people from entering the water or washing their hands in it because of the known and unknown contaminants, she said. It would be like dipping a hand in a toilet bowl, she said. Patrick Pulupa, executive director of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, said the agency was treating the lake as a stormwater retention basin on somebodys property. Tulare Lake is really just kind of one of these interesting dynamics out there, where it doesn't neatly fit in a box of how we regulate water in California, or frankly, in the United States, Pulupa said. Its unusual, he admitted, because of the lake's sporadic occurrence. Pulupa said the agency is not concerned with the lakes contaminants. The flood flow is so high that the water is just diluting it out, he said of the concentration of nitrates. But some other water experts expressed concern about how the lake water will affect groundwater supplies in surrounding communities. Michael Claiborne, directing attorney for the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, said the group's primary worry is whether nitrates from the flooded dairy farms will bleed into groundwater basins used for drinking water. He said nearby communities such as Allensworth regularly test their water to ensure it is safe. Dead and dying pistachio trees remain on a Hanson Farms ranch. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) The last time the lake returned in a substantial way was 1983, when it survived for two years before disappearing again. And local officials say it could once again be years before this newest version of the lake fully recedes. For the Kings County Sheriff's Office, that means lake patrol is now part of the job. The airboat is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. 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. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House wants federal agencies to "aggressively" execute a shift to more in-person work starting next month, saying it is crucial to delivering government services. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, in an email on Friday, said "we are returning to in-person work because it is critical to the well-being of our teams and will enable us to deliver better results for the American people." Zients said "your agencies will be implementing increases in the amount of in-person work for your team. This is a priority of the president -- and I am looking to each of you to aggressively execute this shift in September and October." His email was first reported on Friday by Axios and confirmed on Saturday by Reuters. In April, the White House Office of Management and Budget directed federal agencies to revise workforce plans as it aims to "substantially increase" in-person work by government employees at headquarters offices, according to a memo first reported by Reuters. Biden in April ended the three-year COVID-19 emergency. Many of the 2 million civilian federal employees began working remotely in March 2020 but about half were required to remain in-person throughout the pandemic. The Government Accountability Office said in July a review of selected weeks in early 2023 showed 17 of 24 federal agencies used on average an estimated 25% or less of headquarters capacity. The Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Department said last month they expect teleworking government employees to boost in-person work. The FAA expects employees by Oct. 9 to increase in-office presence to at least three days per week, according to an email first reported by Reuters. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told employees "we need to be around each other in-person more than we are now to ensure this department's long-term success." USDOT expects teleworking employees to report in person a minimum of three days every two weeks starting Sept. 10 and a minimum of four days per pay period starting Dec. 3. Some Republican lawmakers have pressed federal agencies to require more government workers to return to offices. In February, the House passed legislation to mandate federal agencies reinstate 2019 pre-pandemic telework policies. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio) Former Attorney General William Barr on Friday ripped Donald Trumps reprehensible behavior after the 2020 election, while also brushing off criticisms of the Justice Departments recent indictment against the former president. In an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins earlier this week, Barr had argued that the department has a legitimate case as Trump faces four felony counts tied to efforts to undermine the election. When Martha MacCallum later asked Barr to explain his argument on Fox News, he pointed to an onslaught of attacks claiming that the case amounts to weaponization or a crime against humanity. I think thats overkill, said Barr, who also knocked claims that the indictment violates Trumps First Amendment rights. I think its a legitimate case from a legal standpoint, responding to a very grave misconduct. The former attorney general went on to bash additional criticism of the case. I dont like all of these overkill attacks that this was somehow reprehensible to bring it. What was reprehensible was the conduct after the election, Barr said. Its perfectly to be expected that the Department of Justice would approach it the way it would approach something like this, which is under the laws against defrauding the United States and obstructing proceedings. Barr also declared that indictment does not amount to interference in the 2024 election, but added that there are some considerations here that I wouldve seriously considered not bringing the case. Multiple Republicans have claimed that the felony charges leveled against Trump are a way to distract Americans from President Joe Bidens son, who is separately facing gun and tax charges. Im not saying its improper to pursue the Trump case, Barr said. But Im saying its an aggressive move versus very lenient treatment of Hunter Biden, and I think that that is very divisive in the country. (H/T Mediaite) Related... Meredith Seaver/AP In June, Texas A&M University held a public ceremony announcing the hiring of Kathleen McElroya veteran journalist, former New York Times editor, and Texas A&M alumnusas the director of the schools revived journalism program. The university celebrated the hire in Texas A&M Today, and in a recap of the online reaction to the announcement obtained by The Daily Beast, the universitys social media coordinator wrote that it was one of the most positively received stories we have shared during his employment, eliciting pretty unheard-of levels of positivity for todays internet. But then Texas A&M diluted its initial offer to McElroy, and she decided to return to her former post at the University of Texas. The subsequent public outcry and fallout from the botched offer led to the resignations of university president M. Katherine Banks and interim dean Jose Luis Bermudez. Anti-Woke Divisive Concepts Law Cost Georgia Teacher Her Job This week, McElroy reached a $1 million settlement with her alma mater, as per a joint statement published along with hundreds of pages of documents collected for a report by the universitys general counsel. The messages included in the documents, along with those obtained by The Daily Beast via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, help shed light on how the situation at Texas A&M unraveled. PROBLEMATIC BEFORE DAY ONE ON THE JOB Concerns about McElroys appointment appear to have clouded the process from the start. Wary of potential backlash to McElroys professional background, university administrators sought to confidentially delay the announcement of her appointment until the legislative session had ended. Bottom line, interim dean Bermudez wrote to Hart Blanton, the head of the department of communication and journalism, is the NYT connection is poor optics during this particular legislative session. Two days after the ceremony announcing her hiring, a Texas A&M student cast aspersions on McElroys credentials in the right-leaning publication, Texas Scorecard. The article, which included a statement from Texas A&M defending the hiring, painted McElroy as a Trojan horse for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, running under the sub-headline, State law will soon ban DEI offices in universities, but state universities can still continue hiring DEI proponents. Story continues Ron DeSantis Anti-Free Speech Crusade Would Cancel Fox News The article was amplified in a bulletin by the Sul Ross Groupa conservative alumni group named for the 19th-century Texas A&M president, former governor, and Confederate Army generaland its contents drew the ire of some members of the Rudder Association, another conservative alumni group, which emerged in reaction to protests against a statue of Ross in 2020. In a text exchange, Bermudez called the piece a stupid article. Its a pretend news site, Hart added, I dont know. Like Campus Reform. But, of course, outlets like Campus Reform, which are dedicated to churning out sensationalist higher ed news, play an essential role in stoking the outrage behind many attempted (and successful) cancellations of left-leaning professors. In this case, the general counsels report notes that the article generated numerous calls and emails to the Presidents Office at TAMU, including from the Rudder Association and other former students, raising questions about why a DEI proponent would be hired to serve as a director of the new journalism program. The Sul Ross Association and Rudder Association are gunning for [McElroy], Bermudez wrote in one message. They have no power of course. But people who do have power listen to them. Indeed, the report notes that, after the publication of the Texas Scorecard article disseminated by the Sul Ross and Rudder associations, Banks said that she received calls from 6-7 members of the Board of Regents asking questions and raising concerns about McElroys hiring. In a June 16 message to some of his fellow board members, university regent Jay Graham wrote: In regards to the info on journalism hire I sent this to John and Kathy [presumably Chancellor John Sharp and President M. Katherine Banks]... Please tell me this isnt true. I thought the purpose of us starting a journalism program was to get high-quality Aggie journalist[s] with conservative values into the market. This wont happen with someone like [McElroy] leading the department. A Florida College Cited Bullshit Reasons to Dump an Allegedly Woke Professor In response to such regent inquiries, Banks and Bermudez decided that McElroy was not to be granted tenure as originally planned. The two began working to water down McElroys contract, and Banks repeatedly mentioned giving Bermudez a bonus for helping to do so. The administrators walked McElroys offer back to a five-year agreement without tenure, then to a one-year agreementat which point McElroy decided to reject the offer. I assume all texts were deleted, Banks texted Bermudez after the arrangement fell through. Ultimately, the conservative regents response to their perception that, as director, McElroy would dash their hopes to make the schools journalism program a factory for right-wing journalistsand the administrations craven capitulation to such concernsprovided the stumbling block that sent McElroys hiring to a grinding halt. How a Texas College Banned a Drag Show and Burned the First Amendment While the clamor over the McElroy fiasco was still at a fever pitch, with scathing messages on social media pouring in, along with scrutiny from groups such as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), news broke of yet another troubling instance of political interference with academic freedom at Texas A&M. FREE SPEECH, UNLESS IT MAKES THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MAD In March, the Texas Tribune reported that an assistant professor at Texas A&M, Joy Alonzo, was placed on administrative leave for criticizing Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a lecture at the University of Texas Medical Branch on the opioid crisis. The exact substance of the remark remains unclear (yet it seems to have been mundane enough that the Texas Tribune reports UTMB students interviewed by the Tribune recalled a vague reference to Patricks office but nothing specific). Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckinghamwhose daughter was a student in attendance at the lectureinformed the lieutenant governor of Alonzos comments, and Patrick later took the matter up with Chancellor Sharp at Texas A&M. Within hours of the lecture, Sharp had discussed the matter with Patrick, texting him, Joy Alonzo has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation re firing her. shud [sic] be finished by end of week. The investigation, however, could not confirm any wrongdoing, and Alonzo was ultimately allowed to keep her position. Lieutenant Governor of Texas Dan Patrick speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference CPAC held at the Hilton Anatole on July 9, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Responding to the ensuing controversy, Patrick penned an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle defending his decision to inquire about Alonzos remark. After hearing the rumor of a false and inappropriate personal attack against himself, Patrick wrote, he phoned Sharp to look into the matter. Every student, parent, university booster, regent, chancellor, school president or legislator has the right to ask a question about campus conduct, he argued. Professors are not above being held accountable. But Patricks actions were less a valid inquiry into campus conduct than they were a top-down effort from a public official to leverage political connections and quiet his critics. Under such logic, even a despot persecuting a dissident for lese-majeste could claim the noble pretense of accountability. If the self-styled campus speech defenders within the right-wing of our nations commentariat could be counted on to act with a shred of intellectual honesty, one might expect them to regard the developments out of Texas with the same scrutiny typically reserved for overzealous college activists at small liberal arts colleges. Speaking Your Mind in Ron DeSantis Free State of Florida Could Get You Fired I wont hold my breath, though, considering that the stories contradict the fiction that these observers tirelessly peddle: that conservatives are the sole victims of campus cancellations. While that certainly can be the case at times, the back-to-back fiascos described above demonstrate how, in many cases, conservatives enjoy vast influence in higher ed, and they arent afraid to abuse it. While Texas A&Ms administration can, in its defense, brandish their settlement with McElroy and point out that no punishment ultimately came from the investigation Patrick instigated, real progress vis-a-vis academic freedom cannot occur so long as the actors who generated these controversies remain in power. As Nathan Crick, a Texas A&M journalism professor recently told KAGS-TV about McElroys settlement, as long as those influences are out there that are trying to dictate what this university can be according to a very rigid ideology, then this university will never become the great university that it deserves to be. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A judge ordered the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) on Friday to release records related to one of its members accused of posing as a fake elector in a scheme to overturn the states 2020 election results for former President Trump. Law Forward, a firm representing union leaders, filed a complaint with the commission in 2021 arguing that the fake electors were breaking election laws. Robert Spindell Jr., one of only three Republicans serving on the commission, chose not to recuse himself and the complaint was ultimately rejected. The firm argued in its lawsuit that the commission failed to release the information despite multiple requests filed under Wisconsins open records law. According to the suit, the elections commission instead provided only a single document echoing comments Spindell had made publicly, and claimed they did not hold his records. Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost on Friday called the commissions argument nonsensical. Records held by WEC commissioners are in the custody of WEC and must be provided in response to a records request. The commission has until Sept. 8 to perform a complete review and produce all records in its possession, whether held by staff or commissioners that arent exempt from public information laws. Earlier on Friday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) pushed for accountability against the 10 people, including Spindell, accused of participating in the fake electors scheme. There has to be accountability, Evers said after a bill signing ceremony. What they did was wrong, and so Im hoping somebody will pick up the banner here, because this has to happen. Seven states in total were implicated in the fake electors scheme, including: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The group signed paperwork attempting to cast electoral college ballots for Trump instead of their states actual winner, President Biden. Story continues The push also comes a day after Trump was arraigned on federal charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The Associated Press contributed reporting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The mother of Jesse Thomas believes that her son was just in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was killed in what Kansas City police now believe was a drive-by shooting. He was trying to be good, said Sharie Preator, Thomas mother. He didnt really deserve that. Thomas died early Tuesday after he was struck by gunfire that was fired into a home the 6000 block of Indiana Avenue, which is just east of the Bruce R. Watkins Drive in the South Town Fork Creek neighborhood. Two other adults in the house at the time of the shooting were uninjured. At this point, detectives are comfortable advising this incident was a drive-by shooting based on the facts gathered thus far, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City Police Department. No suspect or suspect vehicle information was available. Detectives were still gathering information and getting witness statements, she said. When police identified Thomas as a victim, a spokesman said that detectives still very much need the publics help with any information in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kansas City Police Departments homicide unit at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS Hotline. Gave a friend a ride Preator, who made funeral arrangements for her son on Friday, said she has a lot of unanswered questions about her sons death. Police havent been telling her anything because its an ongoing investigation, she said. Prior to the shooting, Thomas had gone to his mother asking for $20 for gas for his car. They went to the gas station, where they put gas in and left. He told her he was going to get his car fixed and that he was going to eat at friends house. While eating dinner, his friend asked for a ride to the house on Indiana and Thomas agreed. Hed do anything for anybody if they asked him, Preator said. What shes heard is that while her son was at the home on Indiana, he saw what appeared to be teenagers break in and try to steal a car from a neighbor across the street. Her son went over with another person and helped get the teens away from the car. Story continues They left in what she was told was a white Honda. They later returned and drove around the block a couple of times, she said. And then, finally, they started shooting at the house he was in, she said. Somehow, her son was struck by that gunfire. Among the many remaining questions she has is whether there were any delays in her son receiving medical care. Police were called to the house shortly after 3 a.m. Tuesday. When officers arrived, they found Thomas inside unresponsive.The officers rendered aid until emergency medical workers arrived and took over, police said. Thomas killing marked the 119th homicide in Kansas City this year, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. There were 94 killings by this time last year, which ended as the second-deadliest year on record with 171 killings. In 2020, 182 lives were lost, the most homicides ever recorded. Trying to change his life Thomas had gone through a rough patch recently and was trying to rebuild his life. Three or four years ago, he was injured in another random drive-by shooting as he was walking home. The last two years, he was sick with a rare form of asthma that kept him home. Last year, he was hospitalized and even placed on life support, she said. We thought we lost him then, but he pulled through it, Preator said. While in the hospital, he lost his house and lost everything, she said. Once he got out, he pretty much had to start over. Thomas was a father of two children, one of whom died about three months after his birth 10 years ago. He is survived by a preteen daughter. Anything that little girl wanted, he made sure she got, Preator said. A GoFundMe fundraising page has been created to help his mother cover funeral costs. Any donations left over were going to be given to his daughter. By Friday afternoon, nearly $2,500 of a $10,000 goal had been raised. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mt. Washington Cemetery in Independence, Preator said. Thomas hopes police are able to find whoever is responsible for the death of her son, as well as provide answers to her unanswered questions. It is just getting so ridiculous out here, she said. Theres just so many people using guns and that violence it doesnt need to happen. Andrew Malkinson's conviction was overturned after DNA proved he was not involved - PA Wrongly convicted prisoners will no longer have to pay for their bed and board in a victory for an innocent man who served 17 years for a rape he did not commit. Andrew Malkinson served almost two decades in jail for a rape that the court of appeal last month ruled he did not commit. But once he was declared a free man, Mr Malkinson was told that he would need to repay costs incurred during his 17-year prison stay. Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, is to scrap the requirement for prisoners who have been victims of miscarriages of justice to pay for saved living expenses out of any compensation they receive from the state. Mr Malkinson continuously maintained his innocence and was declared a free man after his conviction was overturned by appeal court judges after DNA and other evidence proved he could not have been responsible for the rape. While he would not have had to reimburse the prison service directly if he won compensation, the existing rules meant Mr Malkinsons payment could be docked to account for costs he would have incurred on the outside, such as food and accommodation expenses. This element of the guidance was added in 2006 and will be removed with immediate effect, applying to all future payments made under the miscarriage of justice compensation scheme including that of Mr Malkinson. Sam Hallam spent years behind bars in miscarriage of justice - PA Mr Chalk, KC, a leading criminal barrister, said: Fairness is a core pillar of our justice system and it is not right that victims of devastating miscarriages of justice can have deductions made for saved living expenses. This common sense change will ensure victims do not face paying twice for crimes they did not commit. The miscarriage of justice compensation scheme is designed to help individuals restart and rebuild their lives. It is just one route in which an individual can receive compensation for a wrongful conviction, with other options including suing public bodies. In Mr Malkinsons case, it would be Greater Manchester Police whose flawed investigation led to his conviction and imprisonment 17 years ago. Story continues To be eligible for a payment under the scheme former prisoners must apply within two years of being pardoned or having their conviction reversed as a result of a newly discovered fact which demonstrates beyond reasonable doubt they did not commit the offence. Once eligible, the level of compensation is decided by an independent assessor, currently a high court judge. The money is awarded for the impact of the wrongful conviction including damage to their reputation or to their physical or mental health, loss of freedom and inconvenience. It also takes account of the loss of past or future earnings, expenses or legal costs due to their jail time. Alex Chalk, the Secretary of State for Justice, says 'fairness is a core pillar of our justice system' - Future Publishing Under previous guidance, the independent assessor could make a deduction from loss of past earnings based on saved living expenses such as rent or mortgage payments which were not incurred during their time in prison. The maximum amount of compensation payable under the scheme is 1 million for 10 or more years imprisonment or 500,000 for up to 10 years. Last week Downing Street made clear that Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, felt the deduction was unfair. In principle for someone who was wrongly convicted, I dont think the Prime Minister thinks it would be fair for them to have to repay costs because they have wrongfully been kept in prison for something that they didnt do, said his spokesman. Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel, former justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland, former attorney general Dominic Grieve and Sir Bob Neill, chair of the justice committee, also called for reform of this aspect of the legislation. Mr Malkinson urged the Government to go further with additional measures for victims of miscarriages of justice. First of many changes The scrapping of this unjust rule is the first of many changes we need in our justice system to protect the innocent, he said. I spent over 17 years wrongly imprisoned because we entrust police to investigate impartially and to act as gatekeepers to the evidence. I was wrongly convicted because in 1967 we got rid of the requirement that all 12 jurors need to agree a person is guilty in order to convict them. It took me twenty years to get justice because the miscarriage of justice watchdog does not investigate and is not accountable. It now may take me years to get any compensation because, even though my conviction has been overturned, the State now requires me to prove my innocence all over again. No one should have to suffer what Ive been through. I hope Alex Chalk wont stop here in bringing in the changes we need to make our justice system safer for the innocent, and more accountable for its mistakes. 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. Violence erupted in New York City's Union Square on Friday afternoon when at least 1,000 kids and teenagers swarmed the area for a PlayStation giveaway and police officers were injured and had bottles, rocks and fireworks thrown at them. A spokesperson for the New York City Police Department told Fox News Digital that at least 1,000 kids gathered in the area of Union Square Park for a PlayStation giveaway organized by a social media influencer. Twitch streamer Kai Cenat tweeted around 2:00 p.m. Friday that there would be a giveaway at 3:30 p.m. at Union Square Park. Video from the incident shows several people throwing bottles at police officers. New York Police Chief Department Jeffrey Maddrey said during a press conference that multiple arrests were made, stating that police and members of the public sustained injuries. He said the gathering was declared unlawful. Police said that Cenat is being charged with inciting a riot, unlawful assembly, and a few other charges, but didn't elaborate. PASSENGER BECOMES IRATE, FORCES FLIGHT TO TURN AROUND AFTER FORGETTING BAG IN TERMINAL READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP NYPD officers work to control a large crowd of people at Union Square in New York City on Friday. Many of the people in the crowd were reportedly responding to a PlayStation giveaway by Twitch streamers Kai Cenat and Fanum. NYPD officers work to control a large crowd of people at Union Square in New York City on Friday. Many of the people in the crowd were reportedly responding to a PlayStation giveaway by Twitch streamers Kai Cenat and Fanum. "We did have members that sustained some injuries out here at this time," Maddrey said. "We were crushed. We were pushed. I had officers on the floor." "As you see, I'm a little embarrassed because I'm very dirty right here. But I was in the middle of the crowd. I was hit with multiple objects as well. I think I have a couple of injuries, but I'll figure that out once I have time to think about it," he said. Overall, 65 arrests were made, with 30 of them being juveniles, officials said. Maddrey said that the incident "speaks to the power of social media and the danger of social media." The police spokesperson added that a level four mobilization was issued. Police used loudspeakers and warned the crowd, "This gathering is unlawful. You are ordered to disperse." NYC MAYOR ADAMS ACCUSED OF USING MIGRANTS AS 'PROPS' AS THEY SLEEP OUTSIDE MANHATTAN HOTEL Story continues Video seen on Cenat's live Twitch video prior to cutting off shows the social media influencer getting out of a van and running. During the incident at Union Square Park, people could be seen climbing on top of a moving vehicle as it sped away while others pounded on the side of a city bus. The windows of a police vehicle were also seen broken during the incident. An NYPD Auxiliary van with broken windows is seen in Union Square in New York City on Friday. An NYPD Auxiliary van with broken windows is seen in Union Square in New York City on Friday. Maddrey said that the social media influencer is in custody, and discussions are in place over potential legal action. When police were loading a city bus with people being taken into custody, the chief said that young people were trying to "pull people off" of it. "I personally observed young people walking bleeding from their heads," he said. "We have encountered things like this before, but never to this level of dangerous, this where young people would not listen to our commands." Paul Mauro, an attorney and former NYPD inspector, told Fox News Digital that Cenat might be held liable for what happened at Union Square Park. "You, of course, need to communicate with the police and generally get a permit," Mauro said of the event. "If this person did not do that, and we have these sorts of results, he could very well be held liable." CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP He said that a level four police mobilization is an "extremely rare occurrence" and "it does speak to the magnitude of this event." This is a developing story. Check back for updates. The Associated Press contributed to this report. KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said a Russian guided aerial bomb hit a blood transfusion center in the town of Kupiansk in eastern Kharkiv region late on Saturday. "There are dead and wounded," he said on his Telegram channel. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Kupiansk is a railway hub fewer than 10 miles from the front. Zelenskiy said rescue workers were extinguishing a fire at the scene and described the strike as a "war crime." He did not say how many people were killed or wounded. Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians in a full-scale invasion that has killed thousands of people, uprooted millions and destroyed cities. (Reporting by Nick Starkov and Elaine Monaghan; editing by Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio) (Photo : BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) An American publishing executive died in a boating tragedy off the Amalfi Coast in Italy. A tragic accident off the Amalfi Coast in Italy has claimed the life of Bloomsbury USA president Adrienne Vaughan, whose company is renowned for publishing the iconic 'Harry Potter' series. The tragic incident occurred when the speedboat carrying Vaughan, her husband, and two young children collided with a sailing ship, resulting in her untimely death. Adrienne Vaughan Killed in Speedboat Collision As the investigation unfolds, shocking details have emerged, including the arrest of the speedboat captain for intoxication from drugs and alcohol at the time of the collision. Adrienne Vaughan, 44, her husband Mike White, and their two young children embarked on a memorable European tour, visiting London before heading to Italy. The family had arrived in Italy earlier in the week and decided to explore the picturesque Amalfi Coast, renting a speedboat for a leisurely exploration of the gulf. The ill-fated excursion took a catastrophic turn when the speedboat collided with the Tortuga, a 45-meter sailing ship carrying around 80 foreign passengers, including American and German tourists who were celebrating a wedding. Witnesses onboard the Tortuga captured the horrifying incident on video, showing the revelers dancing to the Backstreet Boys' "Everybody" before chaos erupted. Upon impact, Adrienne Vaughan was launched into the water, landing between the hulls of the two vessels. Tragically, she was struck by the speedboat's propeller, resulting in fatal injuries. The crew and guests aboard the Tortuga immediately halted their celebrations to assess the situation and aid the victims, according to New York Post. Read Also: World Youth Day 2023: Pope Francis Calls on College Students to Work for Planet, Poor Investigation Reveals Speedboat Captain's Intoxication Authorities promptly launched an investigation into the incident, testing both the captain of the Tortuga and the 33-year-old skipper of the speedboat, who was an employee of a boat rental company in Massa Lubrense. Shockingly, toxicology reports revealed that the speedboat captain had exceeded the legal limit of alcohol in his system and tested positive for drug intoxication at the time of the collision. He was subsequently arrested. Adrienne Vaughan's husband, Mike White, suffered injuries during the accident, including a bruised shoulder and leg wounds. Fortunately, their two children escaped unharmed. White is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital while the children are staying with a caring family during the ongoing investigation by the public prosecutor's office. Adrienne Vaughan's sudden and tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the publishing industry and beyond. A dedicated professional, she had recently been promoted to head of Bloomsbury USA in September 2021. Her leadership and contributions to the literary world will be remembered fondly. As the public prosecutor's office delves deeper into the incident, further toxicology reports on the speedboat captain's potential drug involvement are expected to be released. The investigation does not involve the captain of the Tortuga, who tested negative for drugs. This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible boating and the potential consequences of recklessness. The loss of Adrienne Vaughan leaves a void in the publishing industry and the hearts of her loved ones, Fox Business reported. Related Article: Penis in the Sky: Lufthansa Pilot 'Accidentally' Draws Phallic Flight Pattern After Being Diverted @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russian forces attacked the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast with a guided aerial bomb, killing and wounding civilians late on Aug. 5, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram. He did not provide an exact casualty figure in the attack on a local blood transfusion center. He said that firefighters are working to extinguish a fire at the site in Kupiansk. "This war crime alone says everything about Russia's aggression," Zelensky said. "Beasts that destroy everything that simply allows us to live." Ever since Ukraine liberated swathes of Kharkiv Oblast, including Kupiansk, in September 2022, Russian forces have continued to regularly shell the region, putting civilians in danger. Earlier on Aug. 5, blasts were also reported in Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr oblasts. In Zaporizhzhia, Russian forces attacked aircraft engine manufacturer Motor Sich's facility. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 5 that he will carry on with reforms next week to strengthen state institutions. "Whoever a person is - either a military commissar, a deputy, or an official - everyone should work only for the sake of the state. So it will be," Zelensky said in his evening address. Zelensky's vow comes as law enforcement cracked down on military enlistment officers in multiple regions this week, detaining officials who are accused of helping criminals avoid justice and allegedly allowing draft-age men to evade mobilization by leaving Ukraine. "There will be no more old formats in our state," Zelensky said. "Those formats when some defended the state and people, while others tried to put both the state and people at the service of their own benefit," he added. Earlier this year, Zelensky launched the largest wartime government reshuffle in January, ousting a deputy head of the President's Office, a deputy prosecutor general, several deputy ministers, and several governors were ousted following a number of scandals including corruption ones. Read also: Risk of big disruptions high in grain markets, says Black Sea expert Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. 42 countries are represented at the meeting of advisers to state leaders on the Ukrainian peace formula in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and bilateral meetings are also held there. Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address Quote: "Today is another active day for our international efforts. Our team is working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the meeting of advisors to the leaders of the states on the Peace Formula. In total, 42 countries are represented there. Different continents, different political approaches to global affairs, but everyone is united by the priority of international law. It is very important that there, on the sidelines of the meeting in Jeddah, bilateral negotiations with partners take place." Details: Zelenskyy thanked the Ukrainian delegation for its work in Jeddah. "Consolidation of the world is one of the most essential tasks. The greater the consolidation of the world for the sake of restoring a just peace is, the sooner an end will be put to the bombs and missiles with which Moscow wants to replace the norms of international law," Zelenskyy stressed. He also expressed gratitude to Germany and Lithuania for new defence and security support packages for Ukraine this week. "We expect new solutions next week new packages," he said. Background: On Saturday, a meeting on the upcoming summit of the peace formula proposed by Kyiv began in Saudi Arabia. Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said earlier that at the meeting, which would last two days, the countries would share responsibility for certain points of the Ukrainian peace formula. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy notes that Ukraine's build-up of strength and ability to bring the war to the territory of the aggressor country are most noticeable for Russia. Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a video address Quote: "Ukraine will win this war. The world will win this war. The truth will win this war. The main thing is that all of us in Ukraine and everyone in the world who values a normal life should work one hundred percent without any stop for the sake of victory. Our unity, our ability to build up strength, and our ability to bring war back to where it came from. This is what is most noticeable for Russia." Details: Zelenskyy thanked the Security Service of Ukraine, the Navy and "every warrior who restores justice and teaches Russia how to sustain losses." "We are also working to ensure that our defence industry has even more achievements and opportunities. There are results, everyone sees them, and these are fair results, the right ones. They show the aggressor state what its aggression is all about. They show it not on TV, but exactly where this war came from in Ukraine, in the region, in the world. Those who bring problems to others let them have their own experience of what problems are," the President stressed. Background: SIG, a Russian chemical tanker was damaged near the Kerch Strait on the evening of 4 August in an USV attack. It suffered a breach in the turbine hall. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! The Executive Inn motel in Madison Heights has been purchased and will be demolished as a nearby residential development moves forward, according to Amherst County officials. Amherst County Board of Supervisors member David Pugh said during the boards Aug. 1 meeting the motel on U.S. 29 Business in Madison Heights will be torn down in coming weeks. The site is near the entrance for the Madison Heights Town Center, a major development that the board has provided zoning approval for. The development on more than 150 acres just south of Temple Baptist Church and in close proximity to the Seminole Plaza shopping center proposes to bring hundreds of home to Madison Heights, including a mix of apartments and single-family residences. Developer Sam Patel showed an updated master plan drawing of the Madison Heights Town Center during the Amherst County Planning Commissions May 18 meeting, saying a second park is planned and some age-restricted housing also was added since county officials approved rezoning and a special exception permit in 2022. Patel said the added park will have seating features to attract hundreds of people for activities and a venue for concerts in Madison Heights, and his hope is it becomes the heart of the development. Shops and businesses planned for the neighborhood also will attract families and individuals, he has said. Plans include a splash pad, dog park, apartments, a clubhouse and pool, restaurants and a grocery store, among others, according to a concept plan of the development shown at a recent open house on the Madison Heights Master Plan. The project is a first of its kind in the county for the Mixed Use/Traditional Neighborhood Development district, which according to county zoning serves to facilitate development of projects that feature a mix of land uses and building types closely linked by a network of streets, sidewalks, formal and informal open spaces, and trails. The demolition would be the second in roughly a mile stretch on U.S. 29 Business in recent months. A former Biscuitville site close to the Lakeview Drive intersection recently was demolished to make way for a new Dunkin Donuts; Biscuitville opened a new facility in January 2020. Another building slated for demolition in that stretch is the former Long John Silvers near the Seminole Drive intersection. The site is slated to soon become a Cookout restaurant, according to county officials. Also during the boards Aug. 1 meeting, Director of Community Development Tyler Creasy gave a presentation to the board on limited brewery and distillery uses, and what is permitted in county zoning. Limited breweries have to be on a farm or agricultural land and produce no more than 15,000 barrels of beer per calendar year, according to Creasys report. Board of Supervisors Chair Tom Martin said he asked for the presentation because of a large land clearing on Roses Mill Road in the Piney River area and rumors of a planned brewery that, according to Martin, has a lot of citizens concerned, including himself. Creasy did not name the brewery because he said as of Aug. 1, an application has not been officially received in the department of community development. He said limited breweries are permitted by right in the Agricultural Residential district and through special exception permit in the Village District. All commercial facilities that include off-street parking are required to go through a major site plan approval, which includes input from the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Health Department and county planning and zoning, among a few other agencies, Creasy said. All developments that disturb more than 10,000 square feet must submit an erosion and sediment plan to the county, he said. For building permits, structures such as a tasting room and other portions of this type of development are exempt for building code, according to Creasy. However, if they were to have a restaurant or serve any type of food, all requirements of VDH and the 2018 statewide building code would be deemed enforceable, he said. Creasy said a minor plan was presented for a potential brewery, which county staff rejected because it did not meet minimum requirements of a major site plan. So at this time nothing has been submitted for that development, Creasy told the board on Aug. 1. However, since staff has already deemed this as a major site plan and we already know through inspections that the grade work is over 10,000 square feet they will have to provision an erosion and sediment to the county for approval. A brewery on Roses Mill Road would be allowed currently by right, which means it would not be subject to a public hearing by the board of supervisors and public hearing, a setting that gives neighbors and residents an opportunity to voice their concerns. Martin said he has concerns with a brewery on Roses Mill Road and he feels the road cannot handle traffic such an operation would generate. He asked county staff and County Attorney Mark Popovich to look at breweries as a use and recommend whether the board should require special exception permits in certain areas, which would open up the public hearing process. I would say that yea, we probably should, Pugh said. Youve got to consider the location where some of these places are located. I agree wholeheartedly, Martin said. Im asking for recommendations on ordinance changes. Thats where Im at. The county has no breweries currently operating outside the town of Amherst where two, Loose Shoe Brewing Co. and Camp Trapezium, are permitted under town zoning, Creasy said. In other news: Supervisors authorized a public hearing for 7 p.m. Aug. 15 on an amendment to the county zoning ordinance for applicants to withdraw requests for rezoning and/or special exception permits. Creasy said the proposed zoning amendment means if an applicants public hearing has been advertised for a board of supervisors meeting, then it would have to be heard or withdrawn entirely and it could not be sent back to the planning commission for revisions. Martin said he requested to zoning amendment because a company, Energix, pulled its zoning petition for a proposed 50-megawatt solar facility in the Piney River that had much community interest at the very last minute before a public hearing scheduled to go before the board on May 16. And I just dont think thats a really good precedent to be setting for our citizens, he said. The board voted to appoint District 5 Supervisor Drew Wade as the boards vice chair for the remainder of the year following the resignation of Jimmy Ayers, who served in the role. Ayers, the former District 3 Supervisor who served since January 2016, stepped down from the seat July 17 to focus on his campaign for sheriff in the Nov. 7 election. The District 3 seat will be on the ballot Nov. 7: former county supervisor Chris Adams has qualified as a candidate running unopposed. Bedford Police Department Chief Ronnie Lewis has announced the creation of a new Volunteers in Public Service Program, according to an Aug. 1 news release. Thousands of law enforcement agencies around the country and internationally are using volunteers to supplement public safety and crime prevention efforts, the release said. Volunteers never replace officers. Rather, they offer support to allow agencies to provide additional services, maintain positive relationships with the public, free up officers time for higher level duties, and maximize impact in the community. The national Volunteers in Police Service Program (VIPS) established in 2002 has more than 2,260 registered programs and more than 256,000 volunteers representing all 50 states. Bedford Police Department volunteers will perform administrative work, assist with community programs, managing records and calling victims, among other duties. Lewis feels the VIPS program will strengthen the ability for community and police to work together, the release states. Volunteers will be required to pass a criminal background check, must be at least 18 years old and be able to complete a minimum of eight hours per month. Applications can be picked up at the Bedford Police Department at 215 E. Main St. in Bedford or downloaded at www.bedfordvapolice.com. For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Kendall Herndon at (540) 587-6014 or email kherndon@bedfordva.gov. BEDFORD Changes to elementary school report cards, canopies at Liberty and Stanton River high schools, and discipline incidents from the previous school year were key topics during a recent Bedford County School Board meeting. Josh Cornett, executive director of school administration, gave the board information regarding discipline data. Cornett said the total number of discipline events in BCPS has risen each year except the 2021-22 school year, which he explained was under COVID operational guidelines during the first semester. He said the last true comparable school year is 2018-19. In comparison to 2018-19, discipline incidents increased countywide by 5%: School zones Forest had the largest increase in discipline incidents, increasing 62% since 2018-19, while both the Liberty and Staunton River zones decreased. Cornett said the Forest zone had the lowest amount of discipline incidents in 2018-19 at 889, while Liberty had 2,342 incidents and Staunton River had 1,975 that year. In 2021-22, Forest had 1,022 incidents, Liberty had 1,794 incidents and Staunton River had 1,598 incidents. School levels Cornett explained the middle school level had the largest discipline incident increase, 100%, while the elementary and high school level both decreased from 2018-19. Some of the top behavior codes reported last school year involved refusal to comply, interference with learning, using vulgar language, physical harming with no injury and reckless behavior. Cornett said the number of out-of-school suspensions has risen by 28% since the 2018-19 school year also, adding all three zones saw an increase in out-of-school suspension but Staunton River saw the biggest increase at 62%. The top five violations receiving long-term suspensions included possessing drugs, illegal possession of drugs with intent to distribute, harm to a staff member, harm to another student and assault and battery. Similarly to discipline incidents, the middle school level had the highest increase from 2018-19. District 1 board member Susan Mele described the data as somewhat disturbing and Hairston said its depressing to see the discipline incidents involving drugs. Superintendent Marc Bergin said when he has meetings and conversations with his colleagues, increased drug use coming out of the pandemic is a common theme. Bergin said the most common use from students involves THC and when he has talked to students over the years, they have told him that they use it to dull their senses, escape depression or anxiety. In response, Bergin said they have trained staff and they are offering counseling with students to help with mental health. The board will meet next on Sept. 14. Canopy construction projects Discussion on the construction of canopies at Staunton River and Liberty high schools continued. Three options for canopy construction were presented last week: Recovery, which covers all roof surfaces with membrane roofing as a way of reinforcement; Reconfiguration, which will convert the butterfly roof form to gable/hip roof geometry; or Complete replacement, which new canopy structures will be put in place of the existing ones. The second option, which was considered, would cost $11 million at Liberty and $9 million at Staunton River. The committee walked away from the meeting requesting updated costs for materials and the overall project for options one and two, to take back to the school board. I left there feeling hopeful, that perhaps maybe, we would be able to get the funding from the auditoriums as well, said Georgia Hairston, District 5 board member. District 2 board member Matthew Holbrook said Thursday the canopies are structurally sound, but they didnt receive any maintenance over the years, which is why they look like crap. Holbrook wants option three of the canopy project. Were going to get new awnings, because the board of supervisors dont tell us what to do with the money, he added. Thats the smart, long-term thing to do, because if we go over here and put Band-Aids on stuff, whos going to maintain it? Members from the board of supervisors communicated at the joint meeting the awnings just needed repair, not a complete construction. We need to make common sense common here and move forward with what we said were going to do, Holbrook said. District 7 board member Christopher Daniels said if the board is going to spend millions of dollars, its probably important that we do it right. We want to do the project right and we want to do it one time, he said. The board decided to waive its one-month process and post PPEA guidelines online on the division website. Elementary school report card changes Parents will see changes to elementary students report cards starting this fall. Shawn Trosper, director of curriculum and instruction, said the change was partly influenced by feedback from parents over the years, who didnt understand the original grades. The committee agreed to the new grading scale for kindergarten to second grade: Mastered Skill (M): The student is able to consistently perform the task or demonstrate understanding independently and without support in multiple demonstrations; Sufficient Progress (S): The student is able to perform the task or demonstrate understanding with some struggle or need for improvement; Insufficient Progress (I): The student is able to perform the task or demonstrate understanding with significant support and room for improvement or is unable to demonstrate understanding; and Not Introduced (N): The skills has not been introduced yet. Grades K-2 will only receive the above grades on their report card. The agreement was that the 1-4 scale that had been implemented previously was just inconsistent across the division and it was necessary to make a change, Trosper said. Trosper said grades 3 through 5 will have a different report card template the same grading system as before, with standards added to each specific subject explaining further where each student is excelling and struggling. Previously there was just a letter grade on the report cards, but now there will be a letter grade and standards listed beneath to reinforce why the letter grade was given. There will also be a new comment section for each marking period, on page 2 for grades 3-5, so parents can monitor growth over the course of the school year and also grading comments. Superintendent Marc Bergin said he hopes for further transparency with parents, on what their childrens strengths, weaknesses and progression are throughout the year. Karen Woodford, deputy superintendent, said if you have parents and teachers understanding specific skills their students need, staff hopes to improve test scores and have improvements to areas such as reading levels. By Taiwo Amodu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has informed the Senate of a proposed military operation by the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) against the military government in Niger Republic. The letter was read on Friday by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio. Recall that General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of Nigers presidential guard, had last week declared himself head of state after the military seized power, and deposed the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The ECOWAS in its resolution gave the new military leader in Niger one week ultimatum to restore constitutional order. President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, who read the communique at the end of the Extraordinary Summit on Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, demanded for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate head of state and government of the Republic of Niger. They also resolved that in the event where ECOWAS demands were not met within one week, the leaders said they would take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force for this effect. The Chiefs of Defence staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately, the leaders said. Tinubu in a letter addressed to the Senate entitled, Political situation in Niger, informed the Senate of the far reaching resolutions of leaders of the West African sub-region , particularly the involvement of Nigeria which include, Military build up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant. The letter reads in part: Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected govt. in a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique. .1 Closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise. 2 Cutting off Electricity supply to Niger Republic 3. Mobilizing international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique 4 Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic 5. Blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports 6. Embarking on sensitization of Nigerians and Nigerians on the imperative of these actions particularly via social media Military build up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant. Raising a Point of Order, Senator Abdul Ningi cited Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution and urged the Senate to be properly guided by the provision. The provisions cited by Senator Ningi reads in part: (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, may deploy members of the armed forces of the Federation on a limited combat duty outside Nigeria if he is satisfied that the national security is under imminent threat or danger: Provided that the President shall, within seven days of actual combat engagement, seek the consent of the Senate and the Senate shall thereafter give or refuse the said consent within 14 days. In his response, the President of the Senate said his colleague observation is noted. NIGERIAN TRIBUNE NEWS SECTIONS A Blue Grass man was arrested Thursday for allegedly possessing child pornography, Davenport Police said. Nicholas Keitaro Munger, 29, is charged in Scott County District Court with one count of possession of a depiction of a minor in a sex act-first offense. The charge is an aggravated misdemeanor under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of two years. According to the arrest affidavit filed by Davenport Police Officer Matthew Johnson, on May 4, 2021, Davenport Police took a report of an adult male attempting to hypnotize a boy on a school bus the previous day. The man was identified as Munger. A search warrant was executed on Mungers home on May 5, 2021, and 15 electronic devices were seized for which additional search warrants were granted. During a search of the devices, a single image depicting a minor female in a state of nudity was located on three of the devices. One of those devices was Mungers iPhone, which had been seized from his person at the time of the search warrant. During a first appearance on the charge Thursday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Ryan Beckenbaugh scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Aug. 11, and set Mungers bond at $2,000, cash only. Munger was released the Scott County Jail after posting bond. NEW YORK (AP) With the help of technology, scammers are tricking Americans out of more money than ever before. But there are steps you can take to keep your money and information safe. (Photo : Photo by DAMIR SENCAR/AFP via Getty Images) Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attempted to discredit former President Donald Trump's image as a strong man by stating that her adversary resembled a "scared puppy." Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, known for her fiery clashes with former President Donald Trump during his presidency, did not hold back in offering her take on Trump's recent court appearance. As Trump faced his historic arraignment on four charges related to his election overturn effort, Pelosi wasted no time in ridiculing his demeanor, comparing him to a scared puppy. Pelosi Ridicules Trump's Court Appearance, Sparks Intense Clash The clash between the two political rivals remains as intense as ever, with both sides exchanging barbs and criticism. Hours after Donald Trump pleaded not guilty and glanced at special counsel Jack Smith inside a federal courthouse, Pelosi shared her observations on video images of the event. While Pelosi was not present in the courtroom, she quickly seized the opportunity to comment on Trump's demeanor during his 27-minute hearing before a US magistrate judge. According to Pelosi, Trump looked very concerned about the fate, with no trace of the bravado or confidence he had displayed in the past. Pelosi's description of Trump as a scared puppy adds fuel to their longstanding animosity. Donald Trump did not remain silent in response to Pelosi's remarks. He spoke of feeling persecuted and referred to it as a sad day, alluding to the ongoing legal challenges he faces, according to Newsweek. Read Also: US Vice President Kamala Harris, Mongolian PM Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene To Sign 'Open Skies' Deal Ahead of Talks A Tale of Clashing Legacies During a brief drive through Washington, DC, from Reagan National Airport to the courthouse, Trump did not hold back in criticizing the state of the city where Pelosi lived and worked for decades. He decried the filth and decay, broken buildings, walls, and graffiti, expressing his disappointment at how the city had changed since his departure. Pelosi's tenure during the Trump presidency was marked by several memorable moments, both contentious and poignant. During the January 6 attack on the Capitol, a video emerged showing Pelosi's daughter using her mouth to open a bag of beef jerky from a secure location, capturing the intensity of the situation. Pelosi also presided over two Trump impeachments, becoming a central figure in the opposition's efforts to hold the former president accountable for his actions. Her iconic gesture of ripping up Trump's speech during a combative State of the Union address left an indelible mark on the public's memory, symbolizing the deep divisions between the two political leaders. In 2017, Trump famously referred to Pelosi as Nervous Nancy following an angry White House meeting, publicly criticizing her behavior as an unhinged meltdown. Despite the hostility, Pelosi's office expressed gratitude when Trump released an image of her confronting the president, perhaps acknowledging the significance of their political clashes. During her appearance on MSNBC, Pelosi referred to her time as House Speaker during the Trump presidency as a very prayerful time. Her leadership during these tumultuous years was marked by an unwavering commitment to her principles, as she navigated the challenges and responsibilities of her position. Pelosi also emphasized her pride in establishing the House January 6 Committee, a response to a dispute with then-minority leader Kevin McCarthy over its composition. The committee's work laid the foundation for seeking the truth behind the events of January 6, a crucial step in the pursuit of justice and accountability, Daily Mail reported. Related Article: Colombian Government, National Liberation Army Enter 6-Month Ceasefire Agreement Amid Negotiations for Lasting Peace @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Thanks to a humane and united policy carefully designed under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco shows a way forward in terms of managing the migration issue in Africa, underlines the prestigious American think tank, Wilson Center. In an analysis published by the think tank, Stephen King, Professor of Political Science at Georgetown University, states that Morocco has taken the lead on migration in Africa, recalling that the Kingdom launched a comprehensive migration reform drive that has offered legal status to nearly 50,000 migrants mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa. The author notes that under the enlightened leadership of the King, Leader on the issue of migration in Africa, Morocco demonstrates that migration from Sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa, does not have to be a security concern for Europe or North Africa. It can instead help develop the entire continent and contribute to the fight against racism, he says. The D.C-based think tank evokes the inauguration in Rabat of the African Observatory on Migration, which tracks migration dynamics and coordinates government policies on the continent, underlining that Morocco has become a champion of migration within the African Union, disseminating a model across the continent promoting migration as a path to development and not as a security problem. In the same vein, the Wilson Center indicates that Morocco, thanks to Royal leadership, also shows the way forward through greater integration of the African continent, through a humane and productive regional approach. Recalling Moroccos return to its African Institutional family, the author states that under the Royal impetus, the country has recognized the need for diversifying markets and positioned itself to benefit from the economic and demographic growth expected in Sub-Saharan Africa in the coming years, expanding investment and business operations in the region. He recalls in this respect the series of visits the Sovereign paid to many African countries which have produced large-scale investments, noting that Morocco is an investment leader in the continent, mainly in West Africa. Beyond investment, Moroccos Africa strategy under HM King Mohammed VI includes development training, education, and religious training. Its partnership with 46 other African countries provides humanitarian assistance and capacity building mainly in public administration, health, power generation, and rural electrification, the think tank underlines. It further recalls the important number of students from across Africa who flock to Morocco for higher education, adding that by Moroccan law, all Sub-Saharan African children have unrestricted access to public education. Tunisians are regularly confronted with shortages of basic commodities, and this time theyre faced with a new shortage of subsidized bread, an indispensable staple in the daily lives of this North African people. Endless queues and empty bakery stalls this situation has persisted for weeks, to the great displeasure of a large fringe of Tunisians, arousing exasperation, and anger. At the root of this complex, multi-factorial shortage are low cereal production against a backdrop of severe drought, and malfunctions in flour supply circuits, as pointed out by connoisseurs of the Tunisian economy. As a result, the disruption in durum wheat supplies has led to a shortage of semolina, putting pressure on the availability of flour and, consequently, bread. In a note on this shortage, the Association tunisienne de lutte contre leconomie de rente (ALERT) deplores the low production of cereals, which is struggling to cover consumption needs, in addition to the hegemony of certain flour mills belonging to the employers organization on the supply market. The association notes that there is also a malfunction in the distribution of subsidized flour, with certain bakeries taking the lions share. According to ALERT, these structural factors have been exacerbated by other short-term factors which have accelerated the decline of the bread industry in Tunisia. Among these factors, the association cites disruptions of durum wheat imports, which fell by 30% in the first five months of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022, due to a lack of liquidity and the inability of the cereals board to finance market needs. Added to this is the difficult climatic situation in Tunisia, marked by severe drought, which has had a heavy impact on durum wheat production, which stands at one million quintals, or just 19% of market requirements. This situation has provoked reactions at the highest levels of the Tunisian State, led by President Saied, who has called for a strengthening of the role of the authorities in charge of control, and for the fight against attempts to increase prices, which are intended to fuel social tensions. Bread is a red line for Tunisians, insisted the Tunisian head of state, considering that the sale of bread at different prices to the rich and the poor constitutes a roundabout way of lifting subsidies. Elected Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has called on the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order, as the newly installed junta announced they were scrapping military pacts with France and warned to respond immediately to any aggression by the West Africa bloc. In a column entitled My Country Is Under Attack and Ive Been Taken Hostage published (3 August) in The Washington Post, Bazoum said that if a coup attempt to depose him is successful, it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world. The appeal was Bazoums first lengthy statement since his presidential guard detained him on 26 July and took control of the Niger government. This coup must end, and the junta must free everyone they have unlawfully arrested, he wrote. He also warned that Nigers neighbors have increasingly invited in criminal Russian mercenaries such as the Wagner Group at the expense of their peoples rights and dignity. The entire Sahel region, he said, could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner Group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Nigers coup leaders on the same day announced they were scrapping military pacts made between their country and France. Faced with Frances careless attitude and its reaction to the situation, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland decided to scrap the cooperation agreements in the field of security and defense with this state, one of the putschists said in a statement read out on television. The coup leaders also said they were also terminating the mandates of ambassadors to four countries, namely France, Nigeria, Togo and the United States, as they face international pressure to restore the democratically elected leader they ousted last week. Moreover, three days before the expiry of an ultimatum to restore order given by regional bloc ECOWAS, Nigers putschists also warned they would respond immediately to any aggression or attempted aggression, but with the exception of [] friendly countries, alluding to neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali. Kenya has seen a significant surge in solar power generation that experts hail as a game-changer for the East African country, whose abundant sunshine can potentially revolutionize its energy sector in terms of cost-effectiveness and scalability. But rather than environmental concerns, the surge in solar energy perhaps seems to be more motivated by simple economics solar energy is simply a more cost-effective option. Kenya has managed to meet a staggering 80% of its power demand through the utilization of green energy sources and the East African country has now even set its sights on achieving a remarkable feat by the year 2030 a goal of reaching a 100% mark. To that end, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently bestowed high praise upon Kenya, referring to the country in East Africa as a climate champion and model. In Kenya, while focus on geothermal energy has been prominent thus far, the significance of solar energy is steadily growing. The surge in the use of solar energy is a welcome development for many Kenyans given that the country suffers from a persistent issue of frequent power outages. Also, since some remote regions in the country remain disconnected from the national power grid, solar energy could provide many Kenyans with more energy independence. A recent study conducted by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania reveals that Kenya has emerged as a global leader in solar energy generation creating favorable conditions for harnessing solar power. But for Kenyas ambitious goals to be achieved, the country must take more proactive measures and enhance its geothermal energy resources alongside wind and solar power, says the report. Throughout this week, Marvin Planning Consultants has met with local officials and the general public as it begins to form the latest updates to North Plattes and Lincoln Countys 2012 comprehensive plans and the 2018 city-county housing study. Speaking with focus groups, Lincoln County commissioners and the North Platte City Council throughout the week were firm principal Keith Marvin and Aaron Sorrell, principal of Community Planning Insights of Dayton, Ohio. Marvins team also held public town-hall meetings Monday through Thursday evenings. At Tuesdays nonvoting City Council work session, the housing shortage dominated much of the conversation as city officials grapple with planning for a growing community with the addition of several industries, most notably Sustainable Beef LLC and its expected 875 jobs. Council members also touched on vacant and deteriorating housing stock, aging population and the need to retain younger residents. We need areas for housing, we need areas for development. I feel weve identified that, Councilman Pete Volz said. I think right now, you have a better picture of North Platte now than we did 10, 11 years ago, because were starting to define ourselves a little bit better. Among the housing-related challenges North Platte faces, Volz said, is a lack of retail services on the citys west end where much of the housing development is taking place. Westfield (Shopping Center) is a great concept, Volz said. That Westfield area gets utilized more than any other area in the community as far as a small shopping center. Strategically locating small shopping centers like that with some services would be extremely beneficial. Council members also encouraged incorporating green spaces in new developments. Some of the developers coming in are alleviating that for us, Volz said. That eliminates the strain of our city adding more community parks as things grow to the west and possibly grow to the south. Sorrell asked council members to think about what they want their vision for development to be. As we talk about the west side and convenience-retail and making those services closer to the population, Sorrell said, city officials should embrace the idea of what he called a 15-minute city or a 30-minute city. Under that approach, every new housing development would be a 15- or 30-minute walk from both retail and green spaces. Sorrell said the City Council and city officials then would begin to decide how to fill those gaps. As we move forward with future development, this is how were going to plug those gaps, he said. Council members also asked planners to consider how best to address vacant and deteriorating housing units within the framework of a comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan and housing study will be looking at best practices, not only nationwide but (in) peer cities similar to North Platte what has been done and what can be done under the framework youre working under in Nebraska law, Sorrell told the council. He also encouraged them to see if there are ordinances that may need to be adjusted to make your job easier and code enforcement easier, etc. There are several areas in town where the lots are run down. They need to be kept up better, Councilwoman Donna Tryon said. I realize that the homestead (property tax) exemption was trying to keep the elderly and disabled in their homes. However, in doing that, they cant care for their home either any more, and then we get into this problem we have. I dont know if theres something in there that can address more retirement places for elderly to move to that might be more reasonable. Moving more toward the maintenance-free type of housing product benefits a lot of people, Sorrell answered. He added that retirement living including condos and apartments with limited maintenance requirements for the residents is a key component to review in revising the housing study and comprehensive plans. But Marvin said the number of bed permits for assisted living allowed statewide havent increased recently. The available licenses are being bought out by Lincoln and Omaha companies as urban areas deal with the same aging problem, he added. Legislatively, we have to find a way to get that so it opens up in communities like North Platte and the rest of western Nebraska, so that people can stay in the areas where they want to live, Marvin said. Council members also touched on how to retain younger members of the community, both those who grew up in North Platte and those who relocate to North Platte early in life. That, they said, should be coupled with fostering entrepreneurship. A Stapleton man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison in connection to a Sept. 13, 2021, chase with law enforcement that ultimately led to his arrest in Logan County. Joseph Lynn Duran, 38, was sentenced to 12 years for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and for being a felon in possession of firearms. He will also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after his prison sentence. U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard handed down the sentence Wednesday, according to a press release from Acting U.S. Attorney Susan Lehrs office. Duran pleaded guilty to both offenses on March 30. On Sept. 13, 2021, a deputy sheriff in Lincoln County attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Duran. Duran did not stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued that continued into Logan County, the press release said. During the pursuit, Duran tossed a duffel bag out the window of his vehicle. Police recovered the duffel bag a short time later and found it contained about four ounces of methamphetamine. Duran continued driving toward his home in rural Logan County. He was eventually stopped a couple hundred yards away from his driveway. Police obtained a search warrant for his home. Among other things, they located a safe which contained items with THC, ammunition and a pipe bomb. In a second safe in the home, police located several firearms. One of the firearms was a Mini-14 rifle with a folding stock. In the garage, police located approximately five pounds of marijuana packaged for sale from marijuana dispensaries in the states of Washington and California. Duran had prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms. The investigation was conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office, the Logan County Sheriffs Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and members of the CODE Task Force. The CODE Drug Task Force is made up of law enforcement agencies from several counties in west-central and southwest Nebraska, and they focus on investigating cases involving the distribution of controlled substances. What would other Republican candidates have done in Mike Pences place? Photo: Erin Schaff/Pool/Getty Images To no ones surprise, Donald Trump and his supporters are planning to use the new criminal proceedings against him to repeat and even amplify his conspiracy-theory-laden take on the 2020 elections and their violent aftermath. One of Trumps defense attorneys has already vowed to re-litigate every single issue in the 2020 election, arguing that the case offers Trump an opportunity that he has never had before, which is to have subpoena power since Jan. 6 in a way that can be exercised in federal court. As the saying goes, when you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail, and Trump has been hammering away in defense of his stolen-election claims, virtually without pause, since the fraught events for which he now faces felony charges. But hes not the only Republican presidential candidate who will have to relitigate the 2020 election thanks to the inevitable media focus that will accompany every step toward a Trump trial. To varying degrees, Trumps rivals have avoided any extended comment on his rigged election claims for two obvious reasons. First, rolling eyes at Trumps obsession with 2020 has been explicitly or implicitly central to the time to move on message shared by all the candidates. And second, the sweet spot for non-Trump candidates has been to vaguely identify with the indistinct view of a majority of Republican voters that Joe Bidens election as president was not legitimate without getting down in the weeds of specific fraud claims or attacks on voting by mail or the means Trump chose to overturn the results. Unfortunately for Trumps rivals, the road to the Republican presidential nomination now runs right through those weeds, and it will be difficult for them to evade controversial comments or change the subject. One candidate, Mike Pence, is himself a central character in the narrative of Trump misconduct laid out in Jack Smiths indictment, and it appears he has decided to embrace his identity as the skunk at the January 6 picnic. Three other minor candidates, Chris Christie, Asa Hutchinson, and Will Hurd, have already made it clear they think Trump disqualified himself from the presidency before, during, and after January 6. For all these men, the indictment and the trial, particularly if it happens before the GOP nomination is decided, are fine opportunities to get booked on mainstream media shows and appeal to the narrow but discernible band of strongly anti-Trump Republicans. But for other candidates, including those within shouting distance of viability as candidates, and who might perhaps eye a role in a second Trump administration as a consolation prize, the focus on 2020 is as unwelcome as it is unavoidable. Neither Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, or Nikki Haley want to alienate MAGA voters. But they also understand that differentiating themselves from Trump, and maintaining some general-election appeal to swing voters who think election denial is nuts, is important as well. How they answer renewed questions about 2020 and January 6 could be significant. The interrogation has already begun, and DeSantis is changing his tune, telling a reporter on Friday that the 2020 stolen-election theories did not prove to be true. And Ramaswamy was asked a question that other candidates will almost certainly face in the wake of the latest indictment, notes Politico: Ramaswamy would not say if he would have certified the election results like former Vice President Mike Pence did on Jan. 6, 2021, sidestepping repeated questions on Thursday. I would have never let it get to that point, Ramaswamy said in response to POLITICOs questions. I would have never put myself or been part of an administration, if I was in a serious position of leadership to ever have allowed us to have gotten to that doorstep. Thats a nice world salad from the normally precise-speaking Ramaswamy, but its really a yes-or-no question. Anything other than no could upset the lovefest the young tech tyro has been conducting with Trump and his supporters. Tim Scott and Nikki Haley are going to have difficult moments as well. Scott actually voted to confirm disputed Biden electors in Arizona and Pennsylvania on January 6 and has curtly dismissed the idea the election was stolen. But like Ramaswamy, hes tried to snuggle up to Trump and the MAGA movement while running for president. What will he have to say when the detailed questions are asked? In Haleys case, the inconsistency of her comments on Trump and the events of January 6 has been a problem. The day after the Capitol riot, Haley told a Republican National Committee meeting that Trumps actions since Election Day will be judged harshly by history. But then on multiple occasions since then, shes praised the impact hes had on the Republican Party while occasionally blaming him for narrowing its appeal. She even promised she wouldnt run for president in 2024 if Trump ran but obviously reneged. Like most of the other candidates, shes averred vaguely to 2020 election irregularities without agreeing they changed the elections outcome. All this vacillation by Republican presidential candidates needs to end if they want to avoid being asked the same 2020 questions constantly. Where each of them lands will help define their relationships with MAGA-land and their credibility as putative nominees. If they are not careful, they might begin to make Donald Trump seem like the only candidate whos got his story straight. (Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Authorities announced that a southern California judge was apprehended concerning his wife's death. In a shocking turn of events, a California Superior Court judge has been arrested on suspicion of shooting and killing his wife in their home on Thursday night. The incident has sent shockwaves through the legal community and the Orange County city of Anaheim, where the tragic event took place, USA Today reported California Judge Arrested in Shooting Tragedy The Anaheim Police received reports of a shooting at a residence on east Canyon Drive just after 8 pm. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered 65-year-old Sheryl Ferguson with a gunshot wound. Tragically, she was declared dead on the spot, leaving investigators with a devastating crime to unravel. Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who presides over criminal cases in the Fullerton courthouse, was apprehended at the scene and taken into custody. He is now being held at the Anaheim Police Department's Detention Facility on a staggering $1 million bail. The incident has brought immense sorrow to the community and the legal circles, as Judge Ferguson was elected to the bench in 2014 and has been serving as a respected judge since 2015. His background as a former prosecutor with the Orange County district attorney's office, where he worked on narcotics cases and earned prestigious awards, made him a well-known and accomplished figure in the legal profession. Throughout his career, Ferguson had garnered recognition and accolades, including being honored as an attorney of the year by the North Orange County Bar Association. He even served as the organization's president from 2012 to 2014, further cementing his reputation as a competent and esteemed legal professional. However, Ferguson's career faced controversy in 2017 when the Commission on Judicial Performance reprimanded him for a Facebook post about a judicial candidate and for maintaining Facebook friendships with attorneys who appeared before him in court. The agency found that his actions showed "knowing or reckless disregard for the truth of the statement," according to News Nation via MSN. Read Also: Greenpeace Protesters Drape Sunak's Mansion in Black to Highlight Climate Crisis Personal and Legal Life of Judge Jeffrey Ferguson Despite these past issues, nothing could have prepared the legal community and those who knew Judge Ferguson for the tragedy that unfolded on that fateful night. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the motive behind the alleged crime have not been disclosed at this time. Jeffrey Ferguson's personal life seemed to be intertwined with his legal career. He shared on his Facebook page that he grew up in a military family and had traveled extensively throughout Asia during his childhood. He attended college and law school in California, eventually marrying Sheryl Ferguson in 1996. Before Sheryl, the judge had been previously married and had a son with his ex-wife. With Sheryl, he had another son, according to Juli Mitchell, the sister of his ex-wife, adding further complexity to the personal tragedy. As the investigation continues, the legal community and the public are left with many questions and a profound sense of loss. The court system will have to navigate its way through this heartbreaking event while honoring the memory of Sheryl Ferguson and ensuring justice is served impartially. The court appearance of Judge Jeffrey Ferguson on Monday in Santa Ana will be awaited with great interest as more details about the incident may emerge in the days to come, as per The Guardian. Related Article: Pakistan PM Asks Taliban Rulers To Halt Cross-Border Attacks @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Oh I thought he was gonna give like an actual excuse. Reply Thread Link Well thats thankfully weak as water Reply Thread Link yea IIRC they have his phone pinging right by the house at multiple times late at night both before the murders and the night of, dropping off for a block of time when he seems to have turned it off at the time of the murders. It's been awhile since i read about it so i could be off on the details. I guess they had to come up with something for where he was/why he was out doing absolutely nothing but driving by residential areas late at night Edited at 2023-08-05 08:56 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link try again Reply Thread Link No alibi is going to break the fact that his familial DNA was found on the knife sheath found at the murder scene, that coupled with his cell phone pinging on towers right at the crime scene and his alleged cyber stalking of the victims seem pretty hard to combat, but then again juries are stupid Reply Thread Link idk hes creepy as hell to me. I feel like most women jurors will feel the same. Reply Parent Thread Link I hope youre right but I also thought Casey Anthony was creepy as hell and they let her go free Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Idk Some women might see it as him being ~mysterious~ and may find that attractive. Yuck. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link If I didn't know what he's accused of, I'd stay way from him if I saw him somewhere. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link We got Rose McGowan out here defending Kevin spacey and hoards of abuse victims thinking Johnny Depp is a sweet little angel boy, I admire your desire to think people will be reasonable but I no longer have faith in anyones intuition and judgment lol, weve all got worms for brains Reply Parent Thread Link you'd think that but i heard he has been flooded with love letters from women Reply Parent Thread Link And let me guess.. he forgot his phone at home or it was unfortunately dead so theres no way to corroborate it. :( Reply Thread Link i'm curious how he'll explain that away because he turned it off when he was leaving town then turned it back on when he was coming back into town. i guess he could say he was charging it in his car if he has a car charger Reply Parent Thread Link On that note is this something he has a pattern of doing on his late night drives or was this time the outlier? I just feel like he has the defense attorney from jury duty Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I couldnt have committed murder, I was driving alone on an empty highway where no one can corroborate my whereabouts! Whelp Im convinced. Reply Thread Link it's rock solid! Reply Parent Thread Link We should release him immediately with a hearty "Sorry sir for wasting your time"! Reply Parent Thread Link Im pretty sure that an alibi isnt an alibi if someone cant confirm it. Like, if someone saw you in a gas station a hundred miles away at the time the surviving roommate saw an intruder, that would be an alibi. Driving alone doesnt meet the definition. Reply Thread Link I think technically an alibi is by definition just any story of being somewhere else when a crime is committed I think having a witness just makes it a stronger one. I could be wrong though! Reply Parent Thread Link That was the best alibi his attorney could come up with? Reply Thread Link If I could Id insert that gif from Arrested Development of George Sr saying I have the worst fucking lawyers. Reply Parent Thread Link It's giving Reply Parent Thread Link Lawyers: "We need an alibi." Murderer: "yes, i have one." Lawyers: "Amazing! We will tell the court and media because we are so thrilled." A few days later Murderer: "i was driving alone in an area with no cell service, cameras, or witnesses." Lawyers: *cry* Reply Thread Link He could have just kept his mouth shut! This Youtube lawyer I watch (lol yes I know) said sometimes there simply isn't an alibi because the person was asleep and no one can really prove that. I guess he had to explain how his car popped up on every single ring camera in the area. Reply Parent Thread Link doesn't an alibi need to be corroborated by someone else to be an alibi? Reply Thread Link Theyre not fully committing to an alibi defense yet, but Idaho law requires that the defense notify the prosecution of the possibility of an alibi defense. One of his lawyers said: "Evidence corroborating Mr. Kohberger being at a location other than the King Road address will be disclosed pursuant to discovery and evidentiary rules as well as statutory requirements. It is anticipated this evidence may be offered by way of cross-examination of witnesses produced by the state as well as calling expert witnesses. Reply Parent Thread Link the way that i'm unironically learning so much about law from ontd recently... Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I wonder if he went for some late night food at an hour not during the time the murders took place. Reply Parent Thread Link Uh... good luck with that defense, bro. Reply Thread Link in this economy? Reply Thread Link Last night I watched Jarvis Johnson's videos about Steve Harvey's judge show and OH MY GOD! LMAO IT IS SO UNSERIOUS! Reply Parent Thread Link my sister sent me this yesterday why they give me these big onion slices, my burger look like Steve Harvey pic.twitter.com/BKONYkNtVp Sagittarius Groove (@KNTYfemme) July 31, 2023 omg his teethmy sister sent me this yesterday Reply Parent Thread Link well damn if she could give some to me. i love some giant onions on a burger Reply Parent Thread Link So he has a longtime habit of going on untraceable drives late at night. Should we now be wondering if there might be other crimes/victims in his past? Yikes. Reply Thread Link Unsolved murder three states away 10 years ago? Him, late night drive. Stolen Kit Kat bar from a gas station in Florida? Him, late night drive. Climate change? Him, late night drive. Reply Parent Thread Link i wouldn't be surprised, except for how sloppy he seems to have been. Either way it seems pretty clear he was at least aspiring to become a serial killer. Reply Parent Thread Link He's always been a piece of shit. No way in hell am I watching this. His ex might do dumb shit and lick toads but she would literally NEVER. Reply Thread Link whoa i actually didn't see the arson coming anyways fuck landlords Reply Thread Link This type of thing terrifies me as someone living in a rent controlled apartment for the last 12 years there is no way I could afford the new rent prices and I know id never get approved. This should be illegal and also f this guy, so greedy. Reply Thread Link So out of the 138 units, only 14 low-income units? FUCK LANDLORDS AND FLIPPERS Reply Thread Link And no way the low cost units are 1. low cost/affordable and 2. rent controlled Reply Parent Thread Link 3. Big enough for a family. Reply Parent Thread Link I don't know about LA, but generally large residential constructions include low-income housing for the tax breaks. So they will be low-cost (likely accepting section 8) and the same size as other units. BUT those tax requirements also only require a certain number of years that the developer commit to keeping the units as low-income housing. Which in some ways makes sense, as markets change, and you don't want to place long-term restrictions on housing that might prove detrimental in the future. The exact length of how long they must remain low-income housing depends on the deal the developer hammers out with the city. Ideally, it would be a very long time, but property development is a shady business, and developers where I live have gotten disgustingly generous deals for millions in tax breaks. Like 10 year commitments. And of course, the DAY that requirement is up, they shift the units to full price, and none of the low income residents can afford it, so they are booted. Ultimately, the developers make money off the deal - they get the millions in tax breaks by having a few units with lower rents (IF EVEN that, as HUD vouchers can be quite generous if a landlord accepts them) for a few years, then start raking in regular rents way before they ever even start losing money. Reply Parent Thread Link Not sure but I think the law says 10% have to be low income. Reply Parent Thread Link Im so tired of constructions companies trying to build a building EVERYWHERE! Im my city we are running out of green because its a fucking apartment residential building everywhere. Most of them being owned by people that dont even live here and everything its so expensive but the building material its trash! At this rate Im going to have to buy a land in a very retired place, slowly build a house and just move there in my 50s or 60s. Thats if the world is still an habitable place by then Reply Thread Link I see it where I live too. Like, I hate living here, and they're just building apartment complexes (which is good bc a lot of people were displaced for multiple reasons, and it should be cheaper), but replace some of the shitty crumbling buildings in the city and maybe make a park or some shit. Also give us a mall. Reply Parent Thread Link So many abandoned strip malls near me but they just keep building new ones on empty green space, I hate it. Convert the developed space that already exists, humans don't need less nature, if anything they need way more of it. Reply Parent Thread Link In my city too. Something like 92% of the land in my city is developed. So, they've cut down like 100 acres of trees near where i live to build on. But, they don't have any tenants. They have a giant sign for interested parties to contact the city. So they've cut down the trees for business potential. Meanwhile we have a legit abandoned mall and plenty of empty buildings. :( They also tore down at least two low income govt housing (bc they weren't up to code, which fair) but now they are just empty lots. Though they did make it illegal to park on your lawn to protect green spaces Edited at 2023-08-05 04:48 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link that's how my hometown looks now. all these strip malls were thrown up just before covid and most of them are still running at, what, 20% occupancy? even the older ones from the 70s aren't full and haven't been since the early 00s why not fill those up before adding more? and of course they're building more, including gas stations right next to people's homes. it's fucking exhausting. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This. And it's also the lack of other infrastructure to support the thousands of people and cars coming into the area too. Like, it already takes so long to turn on to my street because of traffic and there's a huge high rise being built on the corner which is going to make it even worse. AND they're tearing down stores/restaurants to make room for more condos and then it's like... how is this even a neighbourhood anymore? It's just going to be housing with nothing else around it. Ridiculous. Reply Parent Thread Link Same here. Were the largest city in the contiguous US and instead of working on our roads or making a better public transit system we get more apartment complexes. Since the pandemic started they seem to have tripled. I know we have tons of people, but were hardly NYC. Like who is even in these apartments?! Reply Parent Thread Link Same! My hometown was known for its abundance of greenery and all of the developments that have popped up in the last five years have ruined that. The apartments are also being built super fast, so you know the infrastructure and piping is probably trash. These developers are taking advantage of how desperate people are to live somewhere and at the same time, not caring about building habitable homes. Edited at 2023-08-05 03:47 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link yeah, Toronto is like that too. We do need housing, but the city is bought by developers who build shoddy and expensive condos rather than affordable housing. they had to institute a vacant home tax because people were just letting the condos sit empty rather than even renting them out. I'm not sure it's even helped much but at least it's something. when I was looking for a condo, I went to a building that was billed as a luxury condo but the only thing lux about it was the foyer. the actual condo itself was so NOT worth anything near what they were selling. it's obvious the developers didn't care one bit about the actual living conditions, just that it could be billed as luxury and they could charge more for it. Edited at 2023-08-05 03:51 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i live in a suburb that had lots of open green space left around from when it used to be the country but it's in one of the fastest growing regions of the US and driving around i can see all the green spaces disappearing. i hate construction!!! Reply Parent Thread Link 14 affordable units out of 138 units = 10% (aka the lowest amount they can legally get away with). How generous! Edited at 2023-08-05 03:39 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link that arson bit came in as a real fucking twist in the end holy shit Reply Thread Link let me first off preface this comment by saying i have no idea who the fuck this asshole is. that being said, he has a weird face. i don't know if it's the fivehead, the beady eyes or the big ears but it's like someone's done a build an avatar on a video game and everything's slightly misproportioned but in a real world way. (but i digress.) Reply Thread Link he looks like ichabod cranes spoiled rich nephew Reply Parent Thread Link Not him and his wife fighting people in his comments Christina's ass would nevah (lbr she probably would, too) Reply Thread Link Christina's too busy licking toads and redesigning condos in shades of gray to do this mess. Reply Parent Thread Link lol, girl please. gentrifiers make bank. Reply Parent Thread Link Nah. She's too busy trying to live in Nashville but maintain her OC lifestyle for TV. Reply Parent Thread Link Christina would only respond to one comment and leave it alone I think but she also wouldnt do this at all. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link They've turned off comments now Reply Parent Thread Link Industrial/commercial arson is a real tactic that is little discussed. So many malls and private properties in third world countries are built by starting fires in urban areas with a large poor population. I hope the tenants win in this case. Reply Thread Link I give landlords no benefit of the doubt, ever. Fuck landlords. Reply Thread Link One of the worst things HGTV has contributed to is this flipping shit. Reply Thread Link If I see another gray flip.. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah plus the idea that any average Joe can just buy up houses and rent them out as a chill easy form of income I remember watching Income Property as a kid and at the end they'd always emphasize how much money the couple was going to make renting out this house they just bought and flipped, but never talked about the actual responsibilities of being a landlord. Reply Parent Thread Link When I was house hunting I saw so many HGTV inspired DIY flips, gray walls, farm house lighting, shiplap, stencils, weird bowls full of limes. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm worried about the return of brass. It looks dated so quickly. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link he's ugly Reply Thread Link For years, climate experts have been begging the worlds biggest economies to wean themselves off of fossil fuels. Instead, coal use is at an all time high, hitting a brand new record of 8.3 billion metric tons in 2022, up 3.3% from the prior year, according to figures from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The uptick in coal demand has been concurrent with a clean energy boom, as countries across the world turned to non-petroleum based energy sources last year thanks to soaring oil and gas prices. All told, the world produced 10,440 terawatt hours from coal in 2022 about 36% of the worlds electricity generation. Russias war in Ukraine, which kicked off an entirely war over energy supply and sanctions in Europe over the course of 2022, sent shockwaves through global energy markets. To shore up energy security, global economies scrambled to find alternative energy supply chains. In the West, this mostly manifested as an intensive growth in the renewable energy sector. In China and India, however, the coal business is booming. The picture is a bit more complex in China, however, where renewables growth has outpaced every other country on earth several times over, but coal still reigns supreme in the global energy mix. As a result, by region, coal demand fell faster than previously expected in the first half of this year in the United States and the European Union by 24% and 16%, respectively, the IEA said in a statement accompanying its Coal Market Update report. However, demand from the two largest consumers, China and India, grew by over 5% during the first half, more than offsetting declines elsewhere, the statement went on to say. Historically, China and India have both been major opponents of climate agreements insisting on the phaseout of coal. At the 2021 United Nations COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, China and India imposed a last-minute intervention to water down the language in the conference Pact, so that the parties agreed to phase down rather than phase out coal. How can anyone expect that developing countries make promises about phasing out coal and fossil fuels subsidies, said Indias environment minister Bhupender Yadav, in a speech during the conference proceedings. Developing countries still have to deal with their poverty reduction agenda. Indeed, leaving coal behind is a politically complicated imperative for the twin giants of India and China. India has been a particularly vocal critic of the fact that developed nations, who have enriched themselves off of unmitigated and impune fossil fuel usage, are now calling the shots for the global decarbonization movement and instructing still-developing nations that they are not allowed to do the same. Indian officials have urged rich countries to look in the mirror and scale back their own energy use before pointing the finger at less developed economies. If a single refrigerator in the U.S. uses more energy in a year than the average individual does in a developing country, they say, then maybe that should be the real focus of climate talks. For Beijing, coal is also extremely political, but for different reasons. In China, coal is synonymous with energy security the primary if not singular energy goal of the Xi Jinping administration. When other forms of power have failed, coal has always been a reliable and often essential fallback for China, and letting go of that lifeline is a terrifying thought for many. Coal is not just central to Chinas energy security strategy, its a cultural symbol of reliability and safety. According to Joanna Lewis, an associate professor of energy and environment at Georgetown University, China fears that a phase-out of coal would lead to elevated risk of economic and political instability. I think theres this fear of moving away from the status quo and into this new realm of clean and advanced energy technologies, even though theyre extremely well positioned to do so, she was quoted by Popular Science last year. Transitioning India and China away from coal wont be easy or cheap. A recent report calculated that the cost of transitioning India alone away from coal is somewhere in the ballpark of one trillion dollars. But its a necessary step for all feasible pathways toward meeting global emissions goals and thereby avoiding the worst effects of climate change. It will require unprecedented global cooperation, which is a daunting task due to China and Indias entrenched political relationships with the dirtiest fossil fuel. Coal use is projected to stay at near record levels for the duration of 2023 at least. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A 2005 to 2015 oil boom under the stewardship of leftist President Rafael Correa pulled Ecuador, one of South Americas poorest countries, out of poverty. After securing greater government control of the hydrocarbon sector, which led to substantially higher oil rents boosting Quitos coffers, Correa spent lavishly on social programs such as health and education. This saw millions of people lifted from poverty in the tiny Andean country of less than twenty million, which at the end of the twentieth century had been gutted by a devastating financial crisis. The transformation was remarkable, by 2015, nearly 40% of Ecuadors population was classified as middle class. Then disaster struck, oil prices collapsed, which, along with heavy-handed state intervention and mounting anti-oil protests, caused foreign energy investment to dry up, leading to declining production and, ultimately sharply lower petroleum revenues. Since the start of this decade, Ecuadors oil industry has appeared as a mere shadow of its former self. Economically crucial petroleum production is caught in an irreversible downward trend. After peaking at a multidecade high of 557,000 barrels per day in 2014, during the last oil boom, petroleum production has trended lower, plunging to a multidecade low of 473,000 barrels per day for 2021, which was the lowest volume since 2003. There are signs of further pain ahead, with data from the Ministry of Energy and Mines showing that Ecuador only lifted an average of 452,603 barrels per day during July 2023, an 8% drop compared to the same period a year earlier. A combination of political crises, endemic corruption, anti-oil industry protests, corroded infrastructure and falling foreign energy investment are all weighing on attempts to bolster petroleum output to pre-pandemic levels. This forced the government of rightwing President Guillermo Lasso to slash the annual daily 2023 production target of 540,000 barrels per day by 8%, or 40,000 barrels, which reduced it to 480,000 barrels daily. Based on current production data from the Energy Ministry and recent events, with civil unrest and yet another political crisis rocking Ecuador, even this revised target appears unachievable. The February 2023 shuttering of the Petroecuador-owned SOTE pipeline and privately controlled OCP pipeline, which both connect key oilfields in the Amazon to the Pacific port of Esmeraldas, forced Quito to declare force majeure and suspend oil exports. The impact this had on Ecuadors oil production and exports was further complicated by national oil company Petroecuador declaring force majeure for four oil blocks in Orellana province because of protests by Indigenous communities. That, according to energy ministry data, caused March 2023 oil output to plunge nearly 10% month over month to 448,387 barrels per day. Production outages due to pipeline failures and protests in the Amazon region remain a constant hazard. It was ruptures of the SOTE and OCP pipelines that were responsible for one of Ecuadors worst oil spills in recent years during 2020. The pipelines were ruptured by landslides and subsidence after a period of heavy rains causing nearly 16,000 barrels of oil to spill into the Coca River and nearby countryside. The oil not only threatened local water supplies but flowed into the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon, causing considerable damage in one of the worlds most environmentally sensitive areas. The SOTE pipeline ruptured again in May 2023, near Nueva Loja, the capital of Sucumbios province, spilling oil into the San Miguel and Conejo rivers. It is claimed that there have been over 1,000 oil spills in Ecuadors ecologically sensitive Amazon, causing irreparable damage, which is often aggravated by poor and incomplete clean-up efforts by Petroecuador. The key culprit for the ruptured pipelines is heavy erosion of the Coca River, which began with the completion of the Coca Codo Sinclair Hydroelectric Dam in 2016. Regressive erosion caused the 2020 collapse of Ecuadors largest waterfall, the San Rafael Waterfall, on the Coca River, and for the waterbody to change course, it also continues to threaten the nearby oil pipelines. Any government initiatives aimed at rebuilding and updating existing energy infrastructure, such as the SOTE and OCP pipelines as well as the ramshackle 110,000 barrel per day Esmeraldas refinery, Ecuadors largest such facility, are on hold. President Lassos government has been mired in scandals since taking office on 24 May 2021. After a recent attempt by Congress to impeach Lasso, Ecuadors president utilized a clause in the countrys constitution to dissolve the legislature and initiate early general elections for the presidency as well as the legislature. Tha comes after mid-2022 protests against Lassos administration due to a spiraling cost of living rocked Ecuador forcing Quito to declare force majeure, thereby halting all oil exploration and production activities. Heightened political instability, which is an ever-present problem, is being aggravated by an explosion in violence focused on Ecuadors largest city, the Pacific port of Guayaquil and the northern port city of Esmeraldas. Soaring violence is being fueled by cocaine trafficking, with Ecuador now an important cocaine transshipment location with the country wedged between the worlds largest cocaine manufacturers Colombia and Peru. This has seen Mexican cartels and Colombian as well as European organized crime groups establish a sizeable presence in the tiny South American country, building alliances with local prison and street gangs. As a result, between 2018 and 2022, Ecuadors murder rate more than quadrupled to 26 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. This is also weighing heavily on foreign investment, notably for the economically crucial hydrocarbon sector. The multitude of crises engulfing Ecuador, which are directly and indirectly impacting the Andean countrys economically vital petroleum industry, makes it difficult to see how Quito can reverse the trend and grow production. This will impact an economy where oil is responsible for 6% to 10% of gross domestic product, more than 20% of government revenue and is the largest export representing 36% of all goods shipped abroad by value. Recent events could not have occurred at the worst time, with Quito struggling to rein in elevated levels of debt and boost declining fiscal income. For these reasons, Ecuador could end up on the precipice of another economic crisis which will ratchet-up the considerable hardships already being faced by a population still struggling with the fallout from the pandemic. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Tesla competitor BYD saw its sales grow in China in July. The dropoff in July will have Wall Street watching Tesla's China numbers closer heading into Q3. Tesla saw its month-on-month auto sales in China fall by 31%. Tesla sold 64,285 China-made electric vehicles for the month of July, down 31% from the month prior, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association, reported by Reuters. The number is the lowest Tesla has posted so far this year in China. Sequentially, the numbers were lower but year-over-year, thanks to the benefit of a 2022 Shanghai shutdown for production line improvements, sales of the Model Y and Model 3 were actually up 128%. One of Tesla's largest competitors in China, BYD, posted 261,105 EV sales in July, up 61% year over year without the benefit of an abnormally easy 2022 comp. As Bloomberg notes, BYD has now surpassed Tesla in global EV sales, effective last year. Last year BYD sold 1.85 million electric vehicles, up exponentially from the 200,000 the automaker sold in 2019. The chart above shows just how quickly BYD sales have surpassed Tesla. Some Twitter/X users have asked questions about whether demand in China could be drying up, posting that the company was offering a referral program for Model 3 sales for the month of August. The dropoff in July will have Wall Street watching Tesla's China numbers closer heading into Q3. June looked like it held more promise for Tesla, with the automaker posting 74,212 vehicles sold and 19,468 units exported, solidifying a 20.6% sequential rise for the EV maker. At the end of Q2 Tesla posted 466,140 deliveries for the quarter, ahead of Bloomberg's consensus estimate of 448,351. The auto manufacturer produced 479,700 vehicles in the quarter, exceeding estimates of 456,617. ADVERTISEMENT By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Citing Western sanctions, Georgia is banning the re-export and transit of cars imported from the United States and the European Union to Russia and Belarus. The booming re-export business has been drawing growing scrutiny amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While the move is supposed to help implement the sanctions, it is unclear whether it will prevent the cars from indirectly reaching Russia. The restriction on (re-)exporting or allowing the transit of cars imported from the U.S. to the two sanctioned countries took effect on August 1, while the curbs for European cars will enter into force on September 26. The Georgian authorities made the public announcement on August 3, after first confirming the news about the new restrictions in response to media inquiries. According to the authorities, the move was necessary in order to comply with the newer packages of Western sanctions. The decision follows the EU's 11th sanctions package with more focus on cooperating with third countries to avert possible circumvention of existing sanctions against Russia, including through re-exports. Georgia has not imposed sanctions against Russia but has pledged not to allow the use of its territory for sanctions evasion. The re-export of imported cars, including used and renovated ones, has been a rapidly growing business in Georgia for years. The country has become a regional hub of the industry, drawing customers from former Soviet countries and Eastern Europe. Motorcars were Georgia's top export product in the first half of 2023, with the total export value more than tripling compared to the same period in 2022, and accounting for almost a third of the country's total exports. But the new restrictions are not expected to significantly affect the trend. "Currently, the share of cars that go from Georgia to Russia is just under 5.5 percent," Sandro Bitsadze, a representative of Caucasus Auto Import, a Georgian automotive market giant, told BMG on August 3. While the new curbs may lead to a price drop on cars in Georgia, Bitsadze says they "cannot strike a big blow to the market." Earlier restrictions barred the export of expensive Western cars, costing over $50,000, to Russia. The new limits extend to cars with engine sizes of more than 1.9 liters as well as electric and hybrid cars. In the first six months of 2023, Russia was the fifth-largest importer of motor cars from Georgia after Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, buying 3,786 cars from Georgia with a total trade volume of up to $52 million (a surge compared to 1,254 cars worth $14 mln during the same period last year). In Belarus, on the other hand, only 129 cars worth $2.5 mln were exported in the first six months of this year, compared to 16 cars worth $442,000 during the same period last year. But observers have been worried about the significant jump elsewhere, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. All these countries are members of the Eurasian Economic Union, a Russia-led bloc with a single, integrated customs system. Compared to the same period last year, the number of cars exported to Armenia grew about five times in the first half of 2023, to Kazakhstan - nearly four times, and to Kyrgyzstan - 2.5 times. The growth rate for these countries is even bigger in terms of the total cost of exported cars. In contrast, the number of exported cars to Azerbaijan, not a member of the Customs Union, slightly dropped, even if the total cost of the cars nearly doubled. These data have led various analysts to suspect that at least some of these cars end up in Russia. If such further re-exporting does take place, it's unclear whether it will get Georgia in trouble with the West. But so far, no additional restrictions seem to be introduced in that regard. "Due to the high public interest, we further clarify that the restrictions do not apply to the export/re-export of vehicles imported from the US and the EU to countries that are not listed in the sanctions issued by the US and the EU," the Revenue Service of Georgian Finance Ministry said in the statement. The new transit regulations imply, however, that Georgia's neighbors, like Armenia, will be also restricted from transiting Western-imported cars to Russia through Georgian territory. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Georgia has been in the spotlight as one of the potential routes for Russian evasion of Western sanctions. In June, Russian customs officials claimed that at Upper Lars, the border crossing linking Georgia with Russia, Moscow was "breaking through the economic blockade imposed on us by European countries." ADVERTISEMENT Georgian officials, however, have repeatedly claimed they were working with Western partners to carry out the necessary oversight of exports. Earlier, Western diplomats said there was no proof of Tbilisi violating sanctions. And in June, U.S., UK, and EU officials arrived in Georgia to make sure the country was not used for sanctions circumvention by Russia, particularly in terms of 38 sensitive products that can be used to make battlefield weapons. The officials positively assessed Tbilisi's efforts in that regard, despite their general regret that Georgia does not itself implement and align with Western sanctions. Georgia "is not aligning with our sanctions, is not implementing our sanctions but from what we have been able to see over the last two days Georgia is taking very seriously its commitment not to allow its territory to be used for the circumvention of sanctions whether that is trade in goods particularly the 38 Battlefield products or financial services," David O'Sullivan, EU sanctions envoy said in his Tbilisi press briefing on June 28. By Nini Gabritchidze via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) will buy 30% in the Absheron gas field in the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan by acquiring stakes from the current partners in the field, TotalEnergies and SOCAR. The French supermajor and State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) have signed an agreement to sell a 15% participating interest each in the Absheron gas field to ADNOC, TotalEnergies said on Friday. After completion of the transaction, subject to the approval by the relevant authorities, TotalEnergies and SOCAR will each own 35% in Absheron, and ADNOC will have 30% in the gas and condensate field, where first gas was achieved last month. Financial details of the transaction are not being disclosed. ADNOCs investment in the Caspian region is part of the strategy of the UAEs state oil and gas giant to expand on international gas markets. We believe this strategic partnership with SOCAR and TotalEnergies, unlocks the potential of the Caspian region for decades to come and complements a broader energy collaboration between the UAE and Azerbaijan that will accelerate the growth of the global renewable energy sector as both countries take bold steps to transition towards a lower-carbon future, Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth at ADNOC, said in a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency, WAM. Last month, TotalEnergies and its joint venture partner SOCAR began natural gas production from the Absheron gas and condensate field. The first phase of the development of the field has a production capacity of 4 million cubic meters of gas per day and 12,000 barrels per day of condensate. The gas will be sold on the domestic market in Azerbaijan, which could free more gas from other Azerbaijani fields for exports, analysts say. TotalEnergies is pleased to welcome ADNOC, one of its strategic partners, into the Absheron gas field, where production of the first phase started in early July, and which offers a significant further development potential to meet the growing gas demand, Nicolas Terraz, President, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, said today, commenting on the deal with the UAE firm. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: MILAN (AP) During Europe's heat wave last month, Floriana Peronis vintage clothing store had to close for a week. A truck of rented generators blocked her door as they fed power to the central Roman neighborhood hit by a blackout as temperatures surged. The main culprit: air conditioning. The period in which temperatures hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) coincided with peak electricity use that came close to Italys all-time high, hitting a peak load of more than 59 gigawatts on July 19. That neared a July 2015 record. Intensive electricity use knocked out the network not only near the central Campo de Fiori neighborhood, where Peroni operates her shop, but elsewhere in the Italian capital. Demand in that second July week surged 30%, correlating to a heat wave that had persisted already for weeks, according to the capitals electricity company ARETI. Like many Romans, Peroni herself does not have AC either in her home or her shop. Rome once could count on a Mediterranean breeze to bring down nighttime temperatures, but that has become an intermittent relief at best. At most, we turn on fans, Peroni said. We think that is enough. We tolerate the heat, as it has always been tolerated. In Europe, though, that is starting to change. AIR CONDITIONING IS LESS A PART OF THE CULTURE IN EUROPE Despite holdouts like Peroni, rising global temperatures are dropping air conditioning from luxury to a necessity in many parts of Europe, which long has had a conflicted relationship with energy-sucking cooling systems deemed by many to be an American indulgence. Europeans look with disdain at overcooled U.S. buildings, kept to near meat-locker temperatures, where a blast of cold air can shoot across city sidewalks as people come and go, and where extended indoor appointments necessitate a sweater even in the height of summer. By contrast, event organizers in Europe may offer hand fans if events are expected to overheat. Shoppers can expect to sweat in under-cooled grocery stores, and movie theaters are not guaranteed to be climate-controlled. Evening diners have typically opted for outside tables to avoid stuffy restaurants, which rarely offer AC. To deal with the heat, Italy and Spain typically shut down for several hours after lunch, for a riposo or siesta, and most vacation in August, when many businesses shut down completely so families can enjoy a holiday at the seaside or in the mountains. Italians in particular are happy to abandon overheated art cities to foreign tourists, which reduces the urgency for a home AC investment. Still, European AC penetration has picked up from 10% in 2000 to 19% last year, according to the International Energy Agency. That is still well shy of the United States, at around 90%. Many in Europe resist due to cost, concern about environmental impact and even suspicions of adverse health impacts from cold air currents, including colds, a stiff neck, or worse. Cooling systems remain rare in Nordic countries and even Germany, where temperatures can nudge above 30 degrees (into the 90s Fahrenheit) for extended periods. But even those temperate climates may cross the threshold of discomfort if temperatures increase beyond 1.5 degrees C to 2 degrees C, according to a new study by the University of Cambridge. In that scenario, people living in northern climes like Britain, Norway, Finland and Switzerland will face the greatest relative increase in uncomfortably hot days. Nicole Miranda, one of the study's authors, said their estimate, which would mean surpassing the international goal of limiting future warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, are conservative. They don't take into account the urban island effects, she said, when cities are unable to cool at night and surfaces become radiators. From a scientific point of view, if we all run to the go-to solution, which is air conditioning, we are going to get into a different type of problem, because there is high energy consumption and high carbon emissions related to air conditioning. Cities should consider less intensive solutions, like shading buildings, and incorporating cooling bodies of water, she said. She also advocated a trend toward cooling individuals, instead of spaces, using personal devices like ice packs in jackets or high-tech textiles that dissipate body heat more efficiently. THERE'S A GROWING IF RELUCTANT DEMAND In Italy, sales of air conditioning units grew from 865,000 a year in 2012 to 1.92 million in 2022, mostly for business and not residential use, with growth reported in the first quarter of this year, according to the industry association Assoclima. Most are split heat air pump systems, which can heat spaces in the winter, which Assoclima said can reduce gas consumption as prices spike during the war in Ukraine. That dual use attracts consumers. France, with a slightly larger population, is showing more resistance, selling 1 million units a year. Air conditioning was rare in France until a 2003 heat wave killed thousands, mainly among the elderly. Still, most private homes and apartments there arent air conditioned, and many restaurants and other businesses arent either. Businesses with AC will often advertise to attract customers on hot days. AC aversion persists, both among French conservatives who see it as a frivolous American import and French people on the left who see it as environmentally irresponsible. Cecile de Munck and Aude Lemonsu, meteorologists at France's national weather service, warned this summer that if the number of AC units doubles in Paris by 2030, the city temperature would rise by 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) because of heat released by the pump systems. Despite the concerns over energy costs, air conditioning is rapidly conquering homes in Spain, a country that traditionally bent towards the use of fans and drawing heavy blinds, a very Spanish fixture. A study by Ca Foscari University projects that half of Spanish households will have AC by 2040, up from just 5% in 1990. With the cooler indoor air come disputes as neighbors complain about noise from external units. That means problems for Spains real estate managers. Some people cant open a window because they get a puff of fire,' said Pablo Abascal, president of Spains council of real estate managers. With the increase of AC systems in homes, many buildings will soon have nowhere to place the devices." Air conditioning and cooling was found to be key for older populations in extreme heat, reducing strain on cardiovascular functions in a heat wave of 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit), according to a study at the University of Ottawa in Canada. But even in countries like Cyprus, where heat waves of 40 degree Celsius have become the norm, the sustained use of AC isnt an affordable option for many elderly people living on fixed incomes. Many on the Mediterranean island nation restrict usage to the hottest times of day, sometimes confining themselves to a single room. Undoubtedly, this scenario significantly impacts their mental well-being as well, said Demos Antoniou, director of the Cyprus Third Age Observatory, a seniors-rights group. The prevailing fear is that refraining from using air conditioners could potentially lead to heat stroke." At 83, Angeliki Vassiliou thinks both about her energy bill and future generations before she hits the on button. Theres no sense in wasting energy. Waste is unfair, Vassiliou said. Waste of any resource is wrong, because what would happen to our planet because of all this waste? Nicole Winfield reported from Rome. Contributing were Angela Charlton in Paris; David Brunat in Barcelona, Spain; Menelaos Hadjicostis in Nicosia, Cyprus; Jari Tanner in Helsinki, Finland; Danica Kirka in London; and Geir Moulson and Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) A North Carolina man who drove his car into a group of migrant workers in a Walmart parking lot, injuring six men, turned himself in to police Monday night. Daniel Gonzalez, 68, of Hickory, surrendered at the Lincolnton Police Department with several relatives by his side, the department said in statement. His family members told detectives that Gonzalez had hit the gas pedal accidentally while trying to park his car and left the scene in a panic. Gonzalez had rammed his SUV into a group of 20-30 migrant workers waiting Sunday morning to board a shuttle bus that travels to and from a nearby farm. An original statement from the police department earlier Monday said detectives believed the assault was intentional. Maj. Brian Greene, interim chief of the Lincolnton Police Department, said the driver's motives are still under investigation, and that police are considering the new evidence. Officers recovered the black sport utility vehicle involved in the crash. They arrested Gonzalez Monday night and charged him with a felony hit-and-run with a $50,000 secure bond. The victims were treated at a local hospital for their injuries, and all six were released late Sunday, Greene told The Associated Press in an interview. Police identified them as Jorge A. Lopez, Zalapa M. Hermosillo, Jose L. Calderon, Luis D. Alcantar, Rodrigo M. Gutierrez-Tapia and Santiago Baltazar. They could not be reached for comment Monday. The workers had arrived at the Walmart parking lot late Sunday morning from Knob Creek Orchard in Lawndale. Greene said they make the same trip once a week and use a shaded lawn at the bottom of the parking lot in Lincolnton as their regular meeting place to board buses. The men were standing under trees Sunday when an SUV pulled up next to the bus. It turns right in front of the bus and appears like it's almost going to park," Greene said, describing security footage of the incident. And then it appears to accelerate at the last minute, jumping the curb, hitting the individuals and the trees and going through the area into the other side of the parking lot and exits the same way it came. The police department said it is continuing to work with the FBI, the State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles on the investigation. (Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Poland accused Russian Wagner mercenaries in Belarus of planning "hybrid attacks" along NATO's eastern border to "destabilize" the alliance. The relationship between Poland and Belarus has reached a boiling point after an incident involving Belarusian helicopters violating Polish airspace. Poland's Ministry of Defense reported that two Belarusian helicopters were training near the border when the violation occurred in the eastern Bialowieza region, The Daily Beast reported. Wagner Helicopters Violate Polish Airspace The US Department of Defense also confirmed the incursion into Polish airspace by Belarusian aircraft, adding to the escalating tensions between the neighboring countries. In response to the violation, Poland has taken swift action, redeploying troops from the western border to the eastern border. Helicopters from the 1st Aviation Brigade of the Land Forces and the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade are being dispatched to the Belarusian border. General Marek Sokolowski, a training inspector at the Armed Forces General Command, emphasized that the helicopters are armed and ready for combat, with experienced pilots who have used onboard armament and missiles in previous deployments. The recent flare-up and rapid military buildup on the border have raised concerns about the potential for a new military flashpoint in the region. Experts point to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its geopolitical consequences, which could spill over into neighboring territories. Polish officials have been sounding the alarm about possible aggression from Belarus, particularly after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko struck a deal with the Wagner Group. The mercenary group's presence in Belarus, located just miles from the Polish border, has raised alarm bells, especially as their movements have shown signs of approaching the Suwalki Gap-a critical area between Belarus and the Russian territory of Kaliningrad. This strategic region has led to worries that Wagner fighters may be planning a "hybrid attack" on Polish territory. The situation is complicated further by the fact that Poland is a member of NATO and has been a vital hub for channeling Western military aid to Ukraine since Russia's invasion last year. This involvement makes Poland a potential target for aggression from Wagner mercenaries or those acting with the blessing or urging of either Lukashenko or Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Lukashenko himself has hinted at the possibility of the Wagner mercenaries seeking a new conflict, stating that they are eager to venture westward toward Warsaw and Rzeszow. These statements, along with the troop movements and violations of Polish airspace, have raised tensions in the region and drawn international attention to the situation, according to WFIN. Read Also: North Korea Responds to UN Over Travis King Request, US Pentagon Confirms Ukraine Accuses Russia of Plotting 'False Flag' Attack As the situation remains tense, Ukraine has accused Russia of planning a "false flag" attack on an oil refinery in Belarus. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claims that Moscow is preparing to stage the attack with Russian military and intelligence forces disguised as Wagner mercenaries. The alleged goal is to draw Belarus further into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These developments have added complexities to the already fragile situation in Eastern Europe. The presence of Wagner mercenaries near the Polish border and the accusations of planned false flag operations heighten concerns about potential further escalation. As regional tensions continue to mount, the international community is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further destabilization in the region, as per Independent. Related Article: Russian Officials Accuse Ukraine of 'Terrorist Attack' After Tower Housing Russian Ministries Struck by Drones for 2nd Time in 3 Days @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A 19-year-old Omaha man accused of killing a 20-year-old man in north-central Omaha last fall will stand trial on a charge of first-degree murder. Douglas County Judge Marcela Keim issued the ruling against Marsavion Watson after a preliminary hearing Friday. Watson was arrested in June and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Derrick Hayes Jr. early on Sept. 3, 2022. Watson also has been charged with using a firearm to commit a felony. Police found Hayes suffering from a gunshot wound after responding to a report of shots fired outside an apartment complex at 4310 N. 52nd St. Hayes was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Watson was arrested on June 26. According to testimony from Matei Jackson, a homicide detective with the Omaha Police Department, the shots were fired before 3:38 a.m. Prior to the gunshots, Hayes spent the evening with a woman and the two argued about their relationship status. When Hayes became agitated, the woman left the vehicle she and Hayes were in and tried to call 911 and Hayes mother. As the woman tried to make those calls, a Ford Fusion parked near Hayes vehicle. Then a man, wearing a T-shirt, shorts and a ski mask, was seen emerging from the Fusion. According to Jacksons testimony, the man was then seen going near the rear of Hayes vehicle. Jackson said the woman reported that Hayes was then chased by the man from the Fusion, who was carrying a handgun. The man fired several shots, which resulted in Hayes death. As police continue to investigate Hayes killing, a traffic stop conducted last October on another man by the Omaha police gang unit turned up a firearm that matched the bullet casings recovered from the crime scene. The firearm was traced to Watson through police interviews and investigations, officials said. In addition, the Fusions GPS data obtained through a search warrant showed the Fusion was parked near the scene of the shooting at the time of Hayes killing. Cell phone tower records also showed Watsons phone was traveling with the vehicle, Jackson testified. Watsons DNA was a positive match for the DNA found on the bullet casings, Jackson testified. Watson remains incarcerated at the Douglas County Jail. He is being held on no bail. While the nonprofit is over 130 years old, Lutheran Family Services now has a bright and shiny new headquarters. A ribbon cutting at Lutheran Family Services new headquarters at 7929 West Center Road Friday afternoon marked the official move from its previous headquarters at 24th and Dodge Streets. Its a new beginning, CEO and President Chris Tonniges said. A lot of work goes into a move like this and a change like this, so the ability for us to have a ribbon cutting and move forward is significant and meaningful. The nonprofit offers behavioral health services and support for foster children and refugees in several communities across Nebraska and Iowa. The new headquarters will allow Lutheran Family Services to continue its mission of bringing safety, hope and wellbeing to the people it serves, Tonniges said while speaking at Fridays event. While we spread throughout communities in Iowa and Nebraska, having a home base is important, Tonniges said. This beautiful building is that for us. The new headquarters features less administrative space than the previous location to accommodate the modern hybrid work environment, Tonniges said. Instead of having assigned desks, many employees will reserve a desk for the day when theyre in the office. That reduction in administrative space leaves more room for the nonprofits warehouse and foster care closet. The closet includes clothes, shoes, toys, books and more for foster children of all ages. While it was previously split between different rooms, the closet is now in one big space, making it easier for employees and foster parents to see what is available, said Tawny Bruyette, foster care supervisor. The new space also has a dedicated wing for behavioral health services. Omaha City Councilman Danny Begley, who serves the district where the new headquarters is located, spoke at the event about the importance of the services Lutheran Family Services provides. LFS and similar organizations bring a level of stability to our communities that I think is often taken for granted, Begley said. We are blessed to have an organization like LFS so committed to making our community the best it can be. State Sen. Tony Vargas spoke about his experience working with Lutheran Family Services in the Nebraska Legislature and said he appreciates the organizations commitment to advocating for behavioral health care, foster care and assistance for refugees. Im very proud to have worked with LFS and equally proud to understand their commitment to the region and to the state, he said. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023 Two-way traffic has been restored on North 72nd Street after a water main break forced the closure of southbound lanes near Maple Street for almost 24 hours Thursday and Friday. The rupture to a 12-inch water main at 72nd and Bedford Avenue was discovered about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, said Tracey Christensen, a Metropolitan Utilities District spokeswoman. Water service was cut off to 11 businesses and about 70 residential units, she said, and restored about 11:30 a.m. Friday. Southbound traffic between Bedford Avenue and Pinkney Street was rerouted to Pratt Street, and northbound traffic was limited to a single lane until Friday afternoon, when one lane of traffic was restored in each direction. Austin Rowser, Omahas assistant public works director, said leaking water had eroded the soil underneath 72nd Street, causing visible damage to the pavement. He said at least 250 feet of the roadway will have to be replaced. A press release from the Omaha Public Works Department said repairs are expected to be complete by Aug. 17. Christensen said the cause of the water main break hasnt yet been determined. This was the third water main break on a major Omaha artery in the past three months. A break May 15 shut down westbound traffic on West Center Road between 105th and 108th Streets, and another one June 20 closed 42nd Street completely between Pacific and Leavenworth Streets. Both streets were only recently reopened. WASHINGTON (AP) The federal indictment of Donald Trump on Tuesday marks the first time that the former president has been formally held accountable for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat. And it adds new details to what was already known about his actions, and those of his key allies, in the weeks leading up to the violent Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection. The newest charges Trump's third criminal indictment this year include conspiracy to defraud the United States government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, the congressional certification of President Joe Biden's victory. It describes how Trump repeatedly told supporters and others that he had won the election, despite knowing that was false, and how he tried to persuade state officials, his own vice president and finally Congress to overturn the legitimate results. Due to the dishonesty, fraud and deceit by Trump and some of his closest allies, the indictment says, his supporters violently attacked the Capitol and halted the proceeding. In the attack, his supporters beat and injured police officers and broke through windows and doors, sending lawmakers running for their lives. Some takeaways from Tuesday's indictment: TRUMP KNEW As Trump schemed to overturn the 2020 election, many of his aides and allies were under no illusion that Trump a longtime provocateur had actually won. Some aides directly refuted conspiracy theories stirred by Trump and his lawyer, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Others told him point blank he had lost. There is no world, there is no option in which you do not leave the White House (o)n January 20th, a unnamed deputy White House counsel told Trump, according to the indictment. Another wrote in an email: Ill obviously hustle to help on all fronts, but its tough to own any of this when its all just conspiracy s--- beamed down from the mothership. But Trump continued to tell prolific lies, the indictment says, about the outcome of the election, even after being warned of his false statements by top government officials citing thousands of dead voters in Georgia, an overcount in Pennsylvania and tens of thousands of noncitizen voters in Arizona. Those theories had been disputed by state and federal officials and even his own staff. These claims were false, and the Defendant knew that they were false, the indictment states. At the same time, Trump privately acknowledged his loss. After the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff urged Trump to not take action on a national security issue, Trump agreed, according to the indictment. Yeah, youre right, its too late for us, Trump said during a Jan. 3 meeting. Were going to give that to the next guy. All the while, he repeatedly tweeted and encouraged his supporters to come to Washington on Jan. 6. PENCES MEMOS The indictment includes new details from former Vice President Mike Pence, who had fought efforts to answer questions about his role in presiding over the congressional certification. Prosecutors cite Pence's contemporaneous notes" about his interactions with Trump as the former president tried to convince him to delay or reject the legitimate election results on Jan. 6. The indictment lists several conversations between Trump and Pence in those weeks, including some that were previously unknown. On Dec. 25, Pence called Trump to wish him a Merry Christmas, prosecutors said. But Trump "quickly turned the conversation to January 6 and his request that the Vice President reject electoral votes that day. The vice president pushed back, telling Trump he didn't have the authority. In another of the calls, on Jan. 1, Trump told Pence, Youre too honest, according to the indictment. LATE NIGHT CALLS The indictment says that Trump redoubled his efforts even in the late night hours after his supporters attacked the Capitol. It lays out several attempts by Trump, through his aides and co-conspirators, to contact multiple senators and at least one House member just before the two chambers reconvened to finally certify Bidens win. At 7:01 p.m. that night, the indictment says, as Trumps allies were making calls, White House counsel Pat Cipollone called Trump to ask him to withdraw any objections and allow the certification. Trump refused, the indictment says. As violence ensued, the Defendant and co-conspirators exploited the disruption by redoubling efforts to levy false claims of election fraud and convince Members of Congress to further delay the certification based on those claims, the indictment says. FAKE ELECTORS DUPED INTO CRAZY PLAY Early on, Trumps team orchestrated a scheme to enlist officials in seven states he had lost Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Mexico, Wisconsin to have them submit alternate election certificates saying he had actually won when Congress met to certify the vote Jan. 6. The conspirators told most of the local officials that the certificates they were signing saying Trump won the election in their states would only be used if the court cases being waged over the election results showed that outcome. But prosecutors allege thats not true. What started as a legal strategy quickly evolved into a corrupt plan to stop Bidens count on Jan. 6, the indictment said. Told by a colleague what was going on, Trumps deputy campaign manager called it a crazy play. They refused to put their names on a statement about it, because none of them could stand by it. THE CO-CONSPIRATORS The indictment alleges Trump enlisted six people to help him try to overturn the 2020 election. The six people are not explicitly named, but the indictment includes details that make it possible to identify most of them. As Co-Conspirator 1 and Co-Conspirator 2," lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman are quoted from their remarks at the Stop the Steal rally prior to the riot urging Pence to throw out the votes of valid electors. A third lawyer, Sidney Powell, named as Co-Conspirator 3, filed a lawsuit in Georgia that amplified false or unsupported claims of election fraud. The indictment quotes Trump as privately conceding Powells claims sounded crazy. Jeffrey Clark, a Justice Department official who championed Trumps false claims of election fraud, is described as Co-Conspirator 4. Co-Conspirator 5 is lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, who the indictment says "assisted in devising and attempting to implement a plan to submit fraudulent slates of presidential electors to obstruct the certification proceeding. Co-Conspirator 6 is an unknown political consultant who also assisted with the fake electors plan. There are no known charges against the listed co-conspirators. Giuliani aide Ted Goodman said in a statement that every fact the former New York City mayor had establishes the good faith basis President Donald Trump had for the actions he took during the two-month period charged in the indictment. Eastman lawyer Harvey Silverglate said his client denied any wrongdoing. CONGRESSIONAL INSPIRATION Much of the evidence in the indictment including repeated efforts by White House advisers to tell Trump that he lost the election was first laid out by the Democrat-led House Jan. 6 committee last year. In its final report issued in December, the committee said it was making several so-called criminal referrals for Trump to the Justice Department, including obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the United States. A criminal referral from Congress is not binding, but it is a formal notification from Congress to the Justice Department that lawmakers believe they have found criminal activity. The panels final report asserted that Trump criminally engaged in a multi-part conspiracy to overturn the results and failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol. TRUMP'S MOUNTING LEGAL BILLS The sheer number of investigations, criminal cases and lawsuits brought against Trump are unprecedented for a former president. The same could be said for the tens of millions of dollars in legal fees paid out to attorneys representing him and his allies, straining the finances of his campaign. An Associated Press analysis of recent fundraising disclosures shows Trumps political committees have paid out at least $59.2 million to more than 100 lawyers and law firms since January 2021. The threat posed by the colossal drain of resources has led Trumps allies to establish a new legal defense fund, the Patriot Legal Defense Fund. Kinnard reported from Columbia, South Carolina. AP writers Nomaan Merchant and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. LINCOLN Gov. Jim Pillen is seeking federal help for cattle producers who lost livestock in late July because of a trifecta of extreme heat, high humidity and lack of air movement. According to his office, the conditions lasted only a few days but caused significant losses for some cattle producers in the east central region of Nebraska. Pillen, who raises hogs, talked with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Thursday to inform him of the losses and to request his help in ensuring that producers get timely and appropriate federal support through disaster assistance programs such as the livestock indemnity program. The program provides financial help to producers who suffer excessive livestock losses because of adverse weather. All losses or injuries must be documented within 30 days, making reporting of those situations time sensitive. Pillen urged producers to report losses promptly to their local Farm Service Agencies. Nebraska Cattlemen President Steve Hanson thanked the governor for his advocacy on behalf of producers, adding that, rain or shine, beef cattle producers are out in the elements to ensure their animals are receiving the highest quality care possible. The governor followed up his phone call with a letter urging Vilsack to review the payments made under the program. In the letter, he said the payments are based on the previous years market prices, rather than current prices, which would make a significant difference for producers. The letter said most of cattle that died were fully grown and ready for market. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2023 FALLS CITY, Neb. In 1944, when Darlene Hoemann was a child, her mother gave her a set of tiny pig figurines. Although Hoemann grew up on a farm and occasionally fed pigs, she didnt have a strong attachment to the species. But her mother thought it would be good for the 10-year-old girl to have a hobby, so she encouraged Hoemann to collect more pig-themed items. I had nothing to say about it, Hoemann recalled. Eighty years later, Hoemann has amassed a collection of more than 1,700 such objects: pig-shaped salt-and-pepper shakers, pig pictures, pig-adorned tablespoons and, of course, piggy banks. These days, the entire pig collection including that first set of little figurines is housed in a unique museum in downtown Falls City that is one of the 70 sites featured this year in the Nebraska Passport tourism program. Established in 2021 by Hoemann and Susan Sipple, the museum contains at least 50 different collections like Hoemanns pigs most donated by the collectors themselves or their families. Not surprisingly, its called the Collection Museum. Collections include Christmas-themed buildings, Nativity scenes and Wizard of Oz items. Sipple has donated her collection of lighthouses acquired over the years during her travels, including those on the East Coast. One reason Sipple said people donate their collections is so others can see them. (One guy) said, We have a lot of different things displayed in our house that are collections. But nobody ever sees them, Sipple said. Since being added as a Nebraska Passport stop this year, the Collection Museum has seen a sharp increase in the number of visitors. In May and June alone, Sipple reported, more than 400 people came to the museum, which is located in the southeast Nebraska town of just over 4,000 people. Sipple said the museum used to average about a half-dozen visitors per day. Now, it averages about 20. Weve had as many as 55 people (come) on a Saturday, she said. Located in a brick building that once housed a clothing store, the museum sits on the site that once contained a house and a barn built by David and Ann Dorrington in 1857. As chronicled by Falls City native and former World-Herald columnist Robert Nelson, David Dorrington loathed slavery. Along with his wife Ann, the two used their property to shelter slaves seeking freedom using the Lane Trail through Falls City, which was founded in 1857. The trail was named after Falls City founder James Lane. In a 1922 newspaper interview, the Dorringtons daughter, Annie Dorrington Reavis, said that Black people fleeing slavery would stay in our hay loft all day and then would slip away in the dead of night or get through under a wagon load of corn. Ann Dorrington would feed the escaping slaves while they hid in the barn. The site of the Dorrington house and barn, which were removed from the lot in the 1880s as Falls City developed, was added to the National Park Services Underground Railroad Network to Freedom list last year. The Collection Museum is one of two Nebraska Passport stops in Falls City. Across the street, Sarah Ahern owns and operates Gatherings Market in a building that used to house a bank and law office. Aherns office is inside the bank vault. Ahern said she started the upscale home decor boutique store five years ago after people saw she had an eye for design. Ahern also provides fresh flowers for events including funerals and weddings. Since being part of the Nebraska Passport program, Ahern said she has new people come into the store. In addition to being good for her business, Ahern said, the program helps elevate Falls Citys profile. Its really good for our community to bring people into our community and see what we have to offer, she said. PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) A teenager who killed four students at his Michigan high school in 2021 was like a feral child, deeply neglected by his parents during crucial years and mentally ill, a psychologist testified Tuesday at a hearing to determine if the mass shooter will get a life prison sentence. Ethan Crumbley's lawyers also played disturbing videos from jail showing the 17-year-old wailing in distress earlier this year as deputies restrained him. In one image, his head is completely covered with a hood. Why didn't you stop it? I'm sorry. ... Stop it, God, why? he said. A psychologist, Colin King, said the shooter was experiencing psychosis, a break from reality. He later predicted that the boy absolutely can be rehabilitated. A number of my clients have had issues with the law, said King, who has testified in many homicide cases. Through psychotherapy and support, theyve been able to make progress. ... Ethans brain is still maturing." Crumbley pleaded guilty to murder, terrorism and other charges in a shooting that killed four students and wounded seven others at Oxford High School, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Detroit. Because of his age 15 at the time the shooter can't automatically be a given life sentence. Oakland County Judge Kwame Rowe first must consider the shooters maturity, mental health, unstable family life and other factors set by the U.S. Supreme Court. He still can order a life sentence, but it would be a rare outcome for a teen. Crumbley otherwise would face a minimum prison sentence between 25 years and 40 years, followed by eligibility for parole. His maximum term would be 60 years. King said he spent more than 20 hours with the shooter during several meetings, interviewing him and running him through a series of psychological tests. He also reviewed the teen's dark journal entries and text messages. King disclosed that the boy believed that a gun was going to be found in his backpack on the day of the shooting when he was sent to the office for drawing violent images in class. Ethan said for the first time in his life he felt relieved, King testified. He said he just knew the sheriffs were going to burst into the office and arrest him because there was no way after all that they saw they werent going to search that backpack. But the backpack was never checked, and the boy was allowed to remain in school. He later emerged from a bathroom and started shooting. King said the shooter was raised in a turbulent home by parents who left him alone for hours, argued in front of him and weren't discreet when discussing infidelity, divorce and suicide. The boy was even forced to figure out what to do with his beloved dead dog. He can be considered a feral child, King said. It is essentially a child who has been abandoned. ... Someone who is abandoned has what is called arrested development, he said. They lack social cues. They become misfits in society. The shooter, King concluded, has major depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. A number of innocent people died, King said. I'm not here to make excuses for Ethan Crumbley. He planned the attack. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. He was mentally ill. His parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are separately charged with involuntary manslaughter. Theyre accused of buying a gun for their son and ignoring his mental health needs. Prosecutors want a life prison sentence with no chance for parole. During cross examination of King, they suggested the psychologist was giving the shooter a break. People with depression all dont become mass shooters, do they? assistant prosecutor David Williams said. Williams repeated evidence that was entered last week: journal writings and a video made the night before the shooting in which the teen declared his plan to attack the school. He noted that victim Justin Shilling was executed in a bathroom. You think thats the product of a juvenile brain? Williams asked. I do, King replied. King said adults repeatedly missed opportunities to help the shooter. But Williams noted that help was just a few days away if the boy really wanted it. His parents had assured school staff that he would get counseling within 48 hours after they saw his violent drawings. Prosecutors last week called four people who witnessed the shooting, including a staff member who was wounded and a student who saved a wounded girl. It was the first time their accounts were aired in court. The hearing will resume Aug. 18. (Photo : MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images) Although SAVE will not go into full effect until next year, the beta application period is currently open. Here are the important details! In late June, the Supreme Court delivered a blow to President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program, but amidst this setback, a ray of hope emerges through a separate and significant change to the federal student loan system. Eligible borrowers can now enroll in a new income-driven repayment plan called SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education), offering potential relief and reducing the burden of monthly bills over the lifetime of their loans, CBS News reported. Student Loan Repayment Plan Applying this summer will bring immediate changes to borrowers' bills before payments resume in October, following the pandemic-induced pause that lasted for years. The SAVE plan, when fully phased in next year, holds even more promise. Some individuals may see their monthly bills halved, and those who make at least 10 years of payments can have their remaining debt canceled. The new repayment plan, unlike Biden's blocked one-time forgiveness program, extends its benefits to both current and future creditors who enroll in it, ensuring a lasting impact. However, such relief comes at a cost to the government, with varying estimates ranging from $138 billion to $475 billion over ten years, depending on enrollment rates. As a point of comparison, Biden's initial forgiveness program was expected to cost around $400 billion. The SAVE repayment plan underwent a formal rulemaking process at the Department of Education, which has successfully created other income-driven repayment plans in the same manner, avoiding legal challenges. Several components of the SAVE plan will be rolled out this summer, with others taking effect in July 2024. Here's what borrowers need to know: Applying for SAVE is straightforward, and most borrowers complete the application for an income-driven repayment plan within 10 minutes through the Education Department website. The process involves providing federal student aid ID, contact, and financial information. Since March 2020, a COVID-19 pandemic-era relief policy has placed student loan bills on pause, as per Marca. Read Also: Amazon to Increase Same-Day Delivery Warehouses-Hinting at Plan to Overtake Competitors With Faster Deliveries Biden's SAVE Plan However, with the SAVE plan, some borrowers may find their monthly payments reduced, easing financial pressure when payments resume in October. The eligibility criteria, as outlined by the Education Department, offer insight into the demographic that can benefit from the SAVE plan. Due to regulatory changes, the complete benefits, including a reduction from 10% to 5% of discretionary income, will not be realized until next summer. A silver lining awaits those who take action this summer: their applications will be processed ahead of the resumption of student loan repayments in October. Additionally, signing up during the beta application phase eliminates the need for re-enrollment down the line, providing added convenience. Navigating the complex world of student loans can be overwhelming, but the SAVE plan offers a glimmer of hope for borrowers seeking reduced payments and potential debt relief. While the Supreme Court rejected Biden's broader forgiveness program, the president has introduced other relief measures for borrowers. Notably, a 12-month grace period will protect borrowers from the harshest consequences of missing payments, such as negative credit reports and collection activity. Amidst these challenging times, Biden's SAVE plan stands as a beacon of hope, offering a path toward a more manageable and financially secure future for borrowers burdened by student loan debt, according to CNBC. Related Article: WILD: Mattel Is Offering $4000+ Weekly for Chief Uno Player @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Lintao Zhang - Pool/Getty Images) Chinese diplomats will travel to Saudi Arabia to bolster President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan. Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui will be present at the Jeddah meeting to discuss a possible pathway to peace for Ukraine. The gathering will host leaders and representatives from more than 40 countries, including the UK, South Africa, Poland, the US, and the EU, all of whom have confirmed their attendance, as per Politico. China Joins Ukraine Peace Talks in Jeddah China's commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine was emphasized by Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson at the Chinese ministry, in a statement. China's involvement comes after it was invited to a previous round of talks in Copenhagen in late June but did not attend. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year, China has maintained close economic and diplomatic ties with Russia, refraining from condemning Moscow despite international calls to do so. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed hope that the Jeddah meeting would lead to a peace summit of leaders from around the world in autumn to endorse principles based on his own 10-point formula for a settlement. Respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops are components of Zelenskiy's proposal. However, Moscow claims to have annexed occupied Ukrainian territory forever, making this aspect of the formula anathema to Russia. At present, direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are unlikely, given the ongoing conflict and Kyiv's counter-offensive efforts to reclaim territory. However, Ukraine seeks to build a broader diplomatic coalition beyond its core Western supporters. It seeks to engage Global South countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa, many of which have remained publicly neutral in the conflict. A key aim of the current negotiations is to establish a common understanding of the 10-point plan proposed by Zelenskiy. The plan includes provisions for the protection of food and energy supplies, nuclear safety, and the release of all prisoners. The Kremlin has expressed interest in the Jeddah meeting while maintaining its stance that there are currently no grounds for peace talks with Kyiv. However, the international community is optimistic about the potential for a peaceful settlement and is pushing for clear backing of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, such as territorial integrity, Reuters via MSN reported. Read Also: US Considering Placing Kenya in Charge of Thousands of Police Officers in Haiti Saudi Arabia's Vital Role in Ukraine Peace Talks Saudi Arabia's diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in persuading China to participate in the talks, reflecting Riyadh's desire to take on a prominent diplomatic role in resolving the conflict. Saudi Arabia, along with Turkey, previously played a mediation role in a major prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia last September. Zelenskiy's attendance at an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia in May further solidified the kingdom's willingness to mediate in the war. A senior EU official highlighted that Saudi Arabia's involvement reaches parts of the world where Ukraine's traditional allies might not have as much influence. Western officials will stress the impact of the conflict on food prices, particularly after Russia's withdrawal from a deal to allow safe passage of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, and the subsequent air strikes on Ukraine's ports. Notably, senior officials from the United States, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, will also be present at the talks. This international participation underscores the global commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As the Jeddah meeting unfolds, the international community remains hopeful that constructive dialogues will pave the way for lasting peace in the region, as per South China Morning Post. Related Article: West African Leaders Finalize Intervention Plan in Niger Coup as Negotiations With Junta Slow Down @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BLOOMINGTON A Bloomington man is sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on a felony charge for slapping a police officer's hand. Tamarus A. Young, 46, pleaded guilty in May to aggravated battery of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony. His attorney, Matthew Butler of the McLean County Public Defender's Office, argued Young accepted full responsibility for his actions the night of Aug. 22, 2021, during which Bloomington police were called to investigate a possible battery involving Young. When an officer tried directing Young away from others, the defendant slapped the officer's hand in a downward motion, authorities have said. Butler argued Young would benefit from probation, a community-based sentence, as that would allow his to pursue substance abuse treatment as well as other medical services. Judge Amy McFarland said she believed a prison sentence was necessary for public safety, citing Young's criminal history, contemporary behavior and the fact that, since the August 2021 incident, two additional cases have been charged against him. Young was sentenced to three years in prison with credit for four days already served and ordered to pay a $75 fine. BLOOMINGTON Police said several hundred speeding tickets were issued last month in Bloomington-Normal as part of a statewide enforcement detail funded by a Illinois Department of Transportation grant. In a statement Thursday, the Normal Police Department said officers worked 108 hours on the detail, issuing 138 traffic citations in total. Of those, 123 citations were for speeding and two were for cellphone violations. One stop prompted a criminal arrest, police said. NPD participated in the enforcement detail July 6-31, as part of Speed Awareness Month. Officer Bryce Janssen with the Bloomington Police Department told The Pantagraph that Bloomington officers took up the same detail July 6-14, and again on July 26. BPD conducted 232 traffic stops resulting in 184 citations. Of those, Janssen said 155, or 84%, were for speeding. Janssen also noted the department monitors trends in crash locations and increases traffic enforcement in those areas. When school is back in session, BPD will start focusing on school zones, rotating officers through those zones for traffic enforcement, he said. Citation data was not immediately available from the McLean County Sheriff's Office or Illinois State Police. What speed limit zones are the most likely to see fatalities? What speed limit zones are the most likely to see fatalities? Interstate, principal arterial Freeway and expressway, principal arterial Collector Local Minor arterial Principal arterial, other PONTIAC The Livingston County Home, Community and Education Association awarded two $1,000 student scholarships for 2023. Students Christopher Corrigan and Libby Larkin of Pontiac were the recipients. Both are 2023 graduates of Pontiac Township High School. Corrigan will attend Joliet Junior College, majoring in agribusiness and turf management. His parents are Mark and Anne Corrigan. Larkin is majoring in ag business and precision ag technology at Hawkeye Community College. Her parents are Dale and Jenny Larkin. The scholarship is open to any student who graduated or will graduate from a Livingston County High School or who resides in Livingston County prior to college or university attendance. Students must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited two- or four-year college. The scholarships are funded partially through donations made by family and friends of deceased HCE members. This year's judges were Shirley Meenen and Peg Blunier of Pleasant Ridge HCE; Joyce Hillman of Rooks Creek Starlighters HCE; and Jean Gaspardo of Long Point HCE. Contact 815-657-8385 or rsmeenen@maxwire.net, or talk to your guidance counselor at school for more information. Photos: Illinois State Finals Cheerleading Preliminary Round BLOOMINGTON Bloomington School District 87 may now officially begin discussions and plans to expand pre-kindergarten access by purchasing property and building a new facility. The change comes after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2323, championed by state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, and state Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington. According to a Friday press release from the governor's office, the bill "allows Bloomington Public SD 87 to, without referendum, expend existing fund balances to purchase a building site for the construction of a new school building." District Superintendent David Mouser said he and the school board are excited about the news. Mouser said the bill "provides us the autonomy to negotiate in good faith and good time (to purchase property) that meets the needs of the district and the community that is (also) a good move from the financial perspective of our taxpayers." The district has goals to expand its early childhood education as well as career and technical education programs, Mouser said. However, he made it clear that expanding pre-k facilities to meet the needs of local families "is absolutely our priority." Mouser said, "Currently, we're half-day ... there may be a potential for us to look at full-day pre-K." At the district's June board meeting, Laura Delgado, director of elementary education, and Jeff Dobbs, principal of Sarah Raymond School of Early Education, told the board the Illinois State Board of Education had identified McLean County as a preschool desert because "there are not enough state-funded preschool programs to serve 80% of all low-income children in our area." During that same meeting, Delgado and Dobbs said the district's best option would be to procure a large building to increase enrollment. Before the bill's passage, Mouser said they were limited to properly exploring the options for a new facility. "We want to do things in the right order," he said. "This opens that opportunity for us." Pantagraph back-to-school ads from the 1920s to 1990s Ike Livingston & Sons - Aug. 27, 1920 W.H. Roland - Sept. 3, 1926 Miller-Jones Co. - Aug. 29, 1929 Livingston's - Sept. 2, 1930 The Newmarket - Sept. 4, 1936 J.C. Penney - Aug. 26, 1937 JC Penney's - Sept. 6, 1940 Rexall Drug Store - Sept. 6, 1940 Sears, Roebuck and Co. - Aug. 29, 1941 The Woolen Mill Store - Aug. 20, 1942 Bloomington Association of Commerce - Aug. 12, 1947 Bloomington Federal Savings and Loan - Aug. 9, 1953 Penney's - Aug. 22, 1954 Branom's Junior Boot Shop - Aug. 10, 1956 Pantagraph Printing and Stationery - Aug. 10, 1956 Ulbrich & Kraft - Aug. 10, 1956 Klemm's - Aug. 6, 1961 Jack & Jill - Aug. 9, 1961 Ensenberger's - Aug. 9, 1961 Klemm's - Aug. 9, 1961 The Bootery - Aug. 18, 1963 Corn Belt Finance - Aug. 27, 1966 Moberly & Klenner's - Aug. 30, 1969 Murrays - Aug. 15, 1973 Pines - Aug. 16, 1973 Discount Den - Aug. 16, 1973 Sorg's Jewelers - Aug. 16, 1973 The Woolen Mill - Aug. 16, 1973 Frederick's - Aug. 16, 1973 Bass Shoe Factory - Aug. 16, 1973 Livingston's - Aug. 16, 1973 Adolph's Discount Center - Aug. 26, 1973 Pines - July 30, 1981 The Little Folks - July 30, 1981 Eastland - July 30, 1981 JC Penney - Aug. 8, 1982 Pines - Aug. 15, 1985 Carle - Aug. 26, 1984 The Alamo - Aug. 26, 1984 Fox & Hounds Aug. 26, 1984 Kellogg's - Aug. 14, 1988 Eastland - Aug. 10, 1991 Top It Off - Aug. 13, 1992 Lens Lab - Aug. 13, 1992 CityLine - Sept. 4, 1997 How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago Aug. 5, 1923: It will be of timely interest to recall that the Coolidge family here is related to that of new President Calvin Coolidge. Mr. Cliff Coolidge said the family has traced its roots back to the 13th century. The first Coolidge in America was John, who came in 1630 from England to try his fortunes. His descendent, Joseph, is the family member those in Illinois say is an ancestor. He was killed in the battle of Lexington, leaving a widow and 12 children. 75 years ago Aug. 5, 1948: Illinois State Normal University's physical plant, now worth more than $3 million, will probably double in value with the addition of several new buildings in the next few years, President R.W. Fairchild said. Planned for the campus are a $1.9 million special education building, a $606,000 administration building and a $205,000 addition to the mechanical system. 50 years ago Aug. 5, 1973: Chiqeeta Dawn Verban, 16, an honor student at Lincoln Community High School has been named 1973 fair queen. She is the high school speech team's varsity verse and prose reader, chairman of the student exchange, student government and radio staff representative, Science Club secretary and special team representative. She plans to be a lawyer or have a career connected in some way with speech or anthropology. 25 years ago Aug. 5, 1998: Even with new prisons being built in Lawrence, Perry and Macon counties, the Illinois Department of Corrections is still faced with significant overcrowding, a spokesman said. It can accommodate the projected 1,500 to 2,500 annual growth but is still operating at more than 164% of its capacity, housing more than 42,000 inmates as of June with cell space for just 25,753. 101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922 Gerthart's Union Gas and Electric Co. Hoover Dr. J.A. Moore Dentists Moberly & Klenner W.P. Garretson W.H. Roland Pease's Candy Thor 32 Electric Washing Machine The Kaiser's Story of the War Ike Livingston & Sons Gossard Corsets Cat'n Fiddle 'Stolen Moments' Case Model X The Johnson Transfer & Fuel Co. The Pantagraph want ads Franklin Motor Car Co. 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' Calumet Baking Powder Mayer Livingston & Co. Newsmarket 'The Emperor Jones' 'California Fig Syrup' NORMAL Strolling through Illinois State University's 490-acre Quad, people can relax and enjoy the shade of over 90 different species of trees. But once in a while, they can also see a group of costumed adults shouting and flailing foam swords at each other. "It's another medium for people with similar interests to meet other people to hang out," said DeMarco King, a senior in computer science and president of Illinois State University Wolfpack Combat Club. The live-action role-play group includes students, alumni and other enthusiasts who have made a hobby of wearing medieval or fantasy-themed clothing and fighting with foam weapons. Participants portray characters they choose within a fictional setting represented by real-world environments, said member Kari Green. "Live-action role-playing is similar to what you might think of like Dungeons and Dragons except it's a little bit more loosely based," Kari Green said. "People tend to walk around, make up their own characters and sort of create the story as you go along." Kari Green, whose character name is "Mischief," said she got involved with the group in 2003 after meeting ISU Wolfpack members at a Denny's restaurant in Carpentersville. Since then, she has dipped in and out of the sport before settling back in Bloomington and joining the ISU group as part of her graduate program with Adler University. "The goal is to rebuild Wolfpack with diversity, inclusion and social justice in mind so that it's welcoming, inclusive and a safe environment for everybody to participate in whatever way works for them," Kari Green said. King, whose character name is "Asolo," said he discovered the group during ISU's Quad Day in 2018, when he noticed people fighting with swords and shields near one of the event tables. Soon after joining, King said he learned more about the activity and how people can get involved with other aspects of role-playing, like crafting garbs and armors, taking part in bardic songs, or creating artistic projects like medieval paintings, sculptures and stained glass. "Even if you want to get some exercise, this is probably the most fun way to do it because this is a full-body exercise," King said. "If you don't like going to the gym or doing cardio, come over here and just swing some sticks." Kari Green's husband, Edward Green, whose character name is "Hush," said he got into live-action role-playing because of his wife, and has come to enjoy meeting other participants at various events. The couple's most notable event so far has been Armageddon, hosted in Rockville, Indiana, by the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society, a live-action organization that includes groups like ISU Wolfpack and others from different states and countries, Edward said. "We're just like a community," Edward Green said. "There are different camps for each realm, and a lot of them are from different schools, and you go back and forth between camps to talk with people you just met or hadn't seen in a long time." Drake and Kes Perry, whose characters names are "Aurum" and "Molar," said they have been involved with live-action role-playing and the ISU group for about six months now, and have been hooked. Drake Perry said they moved to Decatur from St. Louis at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and were looking for a new activity to try. "It has just been the best sense of community and activity that we've had in a long, long time since we moved," Drake Perry said. Kes Perry said they enjoy weekend events where they get to camp overnight and learn more about crafting costumes and creating stained-glass art pieces. They even plan to enter a stained glass contest in October. "Some people enter textiles, other people will bring leather pieces or weapons they've made," Kes Perry said. "There's really all kinds of artistic things that you can do with it and learn how to make cool things." "I wouldn't have picked up making clothes otherwise, but here we are," she added. Lore Roberts, whose character name is "Daguerre," said they got involved with live-action role-playing and the group while on a Tinder date two years ago. And now, they're trying to rebuild the live-action role-playing community in Peoria, where they are from. "No way better to impress someone than be really bad at what they're good at," Roberts joked. "When I showed up, everybody was incredibly warm and welcoming and I was hooked immediately." Joshua Mardino, whose character name is "Kaladin," said he got started with live-action role-playing when he was a teenager and has since been able to find groups while serving in the military or attending college. "My No. 1 piece of advice would be to just do it, go out there and give it a shot," Mardino said. "If it's not for you, that's fine, but if you don't ever approach the group of weirdos in clothes hitting each other with foam sticks, then how are you going to know if you like it?" ISU Wolfpack practices at 5 p.m. on Thursdays and 11 a.m. on Sundays on ISU's Quad. But King said the group is flexible, especially with school starting back up this fall, and some may come to practices only once a month or so. To learn more about live-action role-playing and joining ISU Wolfpack, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/isuwolfpack. Popularly referred to as the unseen hands behind brands, Mr Samuel Awuni is the Lead Manager for BrandNet Communications, a digital and social media Strategic Agency. He is the brand manager behind several significant brands and products on social media, including public figures, popular brands, state institutions and private companies. He has over the years proven himself beyond doubt and has been highly recommended in his line of duty. Mr. Awuni has been nominated for the Best Social Entrepreneur at this years Humanitarian Awards Global for his contribution to creativity, mentorship and employment opportunities afforded young people. Samuel Awuni began his career as a reporter and later became the lead producer for GN Morning U.K. Before this, Samuel Awuni was the assistant producer for the Sunrise Morning show on 3fm. Samuel is also the Executive Director of Youth Eye Innovations Foundation, an advocacy and research-based organization which has worked with institutions including; Ghana Education Service, the Head of States Awards Scheme and the National Youth Authority of Ghana on various youth-related projects and was instrumental in the launch of the National Youth Policy Implementation Plan of Ghana. His long-standing affair with journalism saw him establish the BrandNet Communications in 2012 which works with notable brands and personalities in various aspects of communications including; brand management & advisory, content, social media management, publicity and PR services. He headed the digital media unit of Lucky Television as editor and also lectured at the Synergies Institute, a media-oriented institution. His team has successfully trained several companies on strategic social media management skills and superintended the establishment of social media units for these respective companies. BrandNet Communications also provides free consultancy services for young startups to fully maximize the benefits of social media. Samuel Awuni is also a freelance writer, a social commentator and a youth activist with most of his works being published on Peacefmonline, Rainbow Radio, GhanaWeb, Daily Graphic, Daily Guide, Yen News and several blogs and social media platforms. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Akufo-Addo has commissioned a new office complex for the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). That was however not without a charge, for officials there and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MFA&RI), to nurture well-rounded diplomats who can go out there and protect the interests of the country in the global diplomatic space. The FSI is the state agency that trains and provide the career-long learning opportunities that government foreign affairs professionals need in order to excel in todays global arena, advance foreign policy and deliver on behalf of the people. Addressing a short but colourful ceremony to mark the opening of the new office building which is located on a 1.34 acre plot at No 22 Gulf Street in South Legon, Shiashi, the President said international diplomacy is becoming increasingly complex and that the FSI has come at an opportune time to support Ghanas quest to grow diplomats who can navigate the sophisticated diplomatic space. The establishment of the Foreign Service Institute reflects our recognition of the crucial role diplomacy plays in maintaining regional, continental, and global stability and in promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts, he emphasised. That, he said was because our world today is at the brink of a new global order, which hopefully is being shaped by democrats and cooperative culture underlined by friendly partnerships with the potential to contribute to human development. Diplomats are at the forefront of shaping this new world order, and it is my expectation that at this Institution, some great talents will be nurtured and positioned to help Ghana stay deeply connected to this emerging new world order, he noted. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey who was at the event said she was proud to witness the completion of the FSI building during her time as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. With the establishment of the Institute, she said government has reinforced her commitment to equipping diplomats with the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development. I reckon that through this Institute, great men and women shall be nurtured for Ghana and the international community. This institute will serve as a platform for nurturing young talents, fostering innovation, and cultivating the next generation of leaders and change-makers, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said. Together with the relevant public and private national and international institutions, she indicated that the Foreign Ministry will seek to unlock the energy and creativity potential of our youth. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Andrew Tate is now offering to train N3on after the assault incident that happened to the Indian YouTuber. Top G said that if the 18-year-old online influencer wants to, he can come to Romania so he can personally train him how to properly fight. Andrew Tate Wants to Train Assault Victim YouTuber N3on According to NDTV's latest report, Rangesh Mutama (aka N3on) was assaulted by three masked men on Aug. 2. Via his official Twitter post, the young Kick streamer was seen getting harassed by the assailants. They even took the kid's shoes, shirt, as well as his glasses. The Twitter video quickly went viral, generating thousands of likes and over 690,000 views. Of course, Andrew Tate was quick enough to get into the online commotion. After seeing that happen, the controversial online influencer said that he wasn't surprised by what happened to N3on. He even said that the YouTuber probably deserved it. But, Top G still felt sympathy for him. "Does he deserve it? Probably. But, it still made me a bit sad to see because I don't like bullying," said Andrew. "I don't like bullying at all and I know that someone like him is going to be genuinely traumatically affected by it," he added via SportsKeeda. Tate further stated that he felt bad for what happened to N3on since he knows that the bullying will not stop with the assault. The professional kickboxer explained that people will not let the Kick streamer forget what happened to him. Read Also: Britney Spears' Ex-Husband Jason Alexander Arrested by Tennessee Police for Stalking How Andrew Tate Can Help N3on Recover Despite what happened, many netizens are still making fun of N3on. Some of them said that they are glad that the kid was assaulted. When the Indian YouTuber announced that he will quit streaming, numerous people rejoiced. If you've watched some of his videos, then you know why N3on is criticized. He has a habit of making negative remarks about other influencers. He insulted Ali C Lopez about her weight. N3on also called Andrew Tate a "b*tch." However, Top G explained that despite the insults that N3on made about him, he is still willing to help the YouTuber to recover from his trauma. He said that he can physically train him, listen to his rants, and even assist him to get back on his feet. Andrew Tate added is willing to help N3on become the best version of himself. As of writing, the Indian content creator hasn't confirmed if he plans to accept the help that Andrew offers. Related Article: 'Overwhelmingly Disappointing': Lizzo Denies Harassment Allegations Made by Former Dancers in Lawsuit @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Supporters of His Excellency Dr Bawumia Presidential bid based in the UK (UK for Bawumia) have intervened to provide a suitable water facility (borehole) for Banso D/A basic school in the Ahanta West District of Western Region. This timely intervention came about as a result of a publication by Joy news presenter (Kojo Brace) on his Facebook wall then sighted by the UK FOR DMB group. Under the leadership of Mr Okyere Darko, the group immediately made a commitment to ensure the program begins and assured the committee set by the Joy reporter(Kojo Brace) involving the Chief, Head Teacher, a teacher and other members that the remaining amount payment shall be made to ensure completion of the project. The group according to the spokesman Mr. Bismark Asante was thankful to the Bawumia supporters in UK who made financial donations towards the project in the name of His Excellency the Vice President Dr Bawumia. Mr Asante emphasised the need for all especially those in the diaspora to support however little they can as we all have stakes in making our country better. He stressed that governance is a collective responsibility of all and sundry and that, there is no point folding our arms and expect government to solve all our problems. Mr Asante admonishes others with the means to help government solve generational problems in our communities. 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 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: andrejs polivanovs / shutterstock Amid news of lethal heatwaves across the Northern Hemisphere comes the daunting prospect of a climate disaster on an altogether grander scale. New findings published in Nature Communications suggest the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, or Amoc, could collapse within the next few decadesmaybe even within the next few yearsdriving European weather to even greater extremes. The Amoc amounts to a system of currents in the Atlantic that bring warm water northwards where it then cools and sinks. It is a key reason why Europe's climate has been stable for thousands of years, even if it's hard to recognize this chaotic summer as part of that stability. There is much uncertainty in these latest predictions and some scientists are less convinced a collapse is imminent. Amoc is also only one part of the wider Gulf Stream system, much of which is driven by winds that will continue to blow even if the Amoc collapses. So part of the Gulf Stream will survive an Amoc collapse. But I have studied the links between Atlantic currents and the climate for decades now, and know that an Amoc collapse would still lead to even greater climate chaos across Europe and beyond. At minimum, it is a risk worth being aware of. Amoc helps keep Europe warm and stable To appreciate how much Amoc influences the climate in the northeast Atlantic, consider how much warmer north Europeans feel compared to people at similar latitudes elsewhere. The following maps show how surface air temperatures depart from the average at each latitude and highlight patterns of warm and cool spots around the planet: Surface air temperature departure from 19482018 zonal average in January (top) and July (bottom). Credit: Marsh & van Sebille, 2021; Data: NCEP/NCAR, Author provided Most striking in the northern winter (January) is a red spot centered to the west of Norway where temperatures are 20C warmer than the latitude average, thanks to Amoc. The northeast Pacificand therefore western Canada and Alaskaenjoys a more modest 10C warming from a similar current, while prevailing westerly winds mean the northwest Atlantic and northwest Pacific are much colder, as are the adjacent land masses of eastern Canada and Siberia. The weather and climate of Europe, and northern Europe in particular, is highly variable from day to day, week to week and year to year, with competing air masses (warm and moist, cold and dry, and so on) gaining or losing influence, often guided by the high-altitude jet stream. Changes in weather and climate can be triggered by events located far awayand over the ocean. How ocean temperatures are linked to weather Over recent years Europe has witnessed some particularly unusual weather, in both winter and summer. At the same time, peculiar patterns of sea surface temperatures have appeared across the North Atlantic. Across great swathes of the ocean from the tropics to the Arctic, temperatures have persisted 1C2C above or below normal levels, for months or even years on end. These patterns appear to exert a strong influence on the atmosphere, even influencing the path and strength of the jet stream. To an extent, we can attribute some of these sea surface temperature patterns to a changing Amoc, but it's often not that straightforward. Nevertheless, the association of extreme seasons and weather with unusual sea temperatures might give us an idea of how a collapsed Amoc would unsettle the status quo. Here are three examples. Lofoten, Norway, is beyond the Arctic Circle yet most days are above freezing even in midwinter. Relative to latitude, its one of the worlds warmest places. Credit: Dmitry Rukhlenko / shutterstock Northern Europe experienced successive severe winters in 2009/10 and 2010/11, subsequently attributed to a brief slowdown of the Amoc. At the same time heat had built up in the tropics, fueling an unusually active June-November hurricane season in 2010. In the mid 2010s a "cold blob" formed in the North Atlantic, reaching its most extreme in the summer of 2015 when it coincided with heatwaves in central Europe and was one of the only parts of the world cooler than its long-term average. The cold blob looked suspiciously like the fingerprint of a weakened Amoc, but colleagues and I subsequently attributed this transient episode to more local atmospheric influences. In 2017, the tropical Atlantic was again warmer than average and once again an unusually active hurricane season ensued, although the Amoc was not as clearly involved as 2010. Extensive warmth to the northeast in late 2017 may have sustained hurricane Ophelia, emerging around the Azores and making landfall in Ireland in October. Based on just these few examples, we can expect that a more substantial reorganization of North Atlantic surface temperatures will have profound consequences for the climate in Europe and beyond. Spot the blob: temperatures in 2015at the time, the warmest year on recordcompared to long-term averages. Credit: NASA/NOAA Larger ocean temperature extremes may alter the character of weather systems that are powered by heat and moisture from the seawhen and where temperatures rise beyond current extremes, Atlantic storms may grow more destructive. More extreme ocean temperature patterns may exert further influences on tropical hurricane tracks and the jet stream, sending storms to ever more unlikely destinations. If the Amoc collapses we can expect larger extremes of heat, cold, drought and flooding, a range of "surprises" to exacerbate the current climate emergency. The potential climate impactson Europe in particularshould add urgency to our decision-making. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Three and a half miles off the Florida Keys, Kylie Smith kicked to the surface of the ocean, then looked back down through her scuba mask to confirm what she had seen in the coral reef 15 feet below. A colony of baby elkhorn coral was bone white. Another grouping of the animals was dying from rapid tissue loss disease. Smith's team of volunteers had planted the baby coral in the last year and watched them thrive. Now both colonieswhich had slowly spread, with tiny nubs reaching toward filtering sunlightwere being damaged as water temperatures spiked. "It's heartbreaking," the 34-year-old coral ecologist said softly, cupping her hands around her scuba mask as she bobbed in the waves above Alligator Reef. As ocean temperatures rise to historic levels for Julya buoy in the shallow Florida Bay recently registered 101.1 degrees at the surfacecorals are bleaching along Florida's fragile 350-mile-long barrier reef. At the bottom of some of the reefs that make up the barrier system, the only one in the contiguous United States, temperatures have reached 93 degrees, more than 6 degrees higher than is average for the time of year. Without major human intervention, some species of the ancient marine animals, vital to thousands of species of sea life and the region's economy, risk extinction. Up and down the coast, divers are scrambling to monitor coralssome recently planted on the ocean floor, others that have thrived for thousands of years. A network of scientists and coral restoration experts is also racing in a modern-day Noah's Ark-style mission to haul specimens to safety before they perish. Some are afraid to open their eyes when they near the bottom. Smith, a co-founder of I-CARE, a group that trains and organizes recreational divers to plant corals that have been raised in nurseries, has already mourned the death of one of her prize specimens: an elkhorn that had fused together from several pieces little bigger than a quarter to form crowns branching up to 10 inches. But Smith, who got certified as a diver at 15 to overcome her early terror of watching "Jaws," was not dwelling on her losses. Her group has planted 14,684 corals in the reefs along Florida's Upper Keys in the last 2 years, more than a quarter here in Alligator Reef, and she had more to check on. "Let's go see if we can find a happy one!" she said, kicking her fins and fluttering back down. She neared what had been a promising colony of knobby brain coral, tiny and dome-shaped with undulating ridges. Smith circled the coral, which had been cared for in a nursery for two years and had been doing well since being transplanted in May. Now it was light and paling. But a few feet deeper, she spotted a brain coral that was a healthy, greenish brown. Then, another cluster planted in May that was a little pale, but already starting to fuse. Smith wasn't sure what accounted for the variation in the slow-growing species. Maybe it was the deeper water. Maybe the corals that retained their color were more resistant to heat stress. She swam onpast a turtle scratching its back near a cluster of completely bleached elkhornin search of corals that showed signs of resilience. 'It's been there for thousands of years' Protecting and restoring the corals of Florida's degraded barrier reefs is no easy task. In the last four decades, this intricate stretch of shallow reef formations that came into existence around the last Ice Age has lost about 98% of its corals from a combination of polluted water, disease, abnormal ocean temperatures, overfishing and other human impacts. Seven species of the coral found in Florida's reefelkhorn, staghorn, boulder star, mountainous star, lobed star, rough cactus and pillarare listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. This is not the first time corals in the Florida Keys have endured bleaching. When the water gets too hot, the tiny symbiotic algae that live in the corals' tissues, zooxanthellae, turn excess energy from sunlight into dangerous toxins. The corals then expel the algae, their primary food source. Without the algae, corals turn white and are more susceptible to disease. Though corals can survive for a few days or weeks without the algae, they are less likely to recover from longer stretches of heat. Mass coral reef bleaching events have risen steadily across the world in the last 40 years. A recent study found the annual risk of bleaching increased from 8% in the 1980s to 31% in 2016. In Florida, bleaching in the summer of 2014 harmed or destroyed a third of elkhorn corals at federal monitoring sites across the Upper Keys. What worries scientists now is that bleaching began in Julyand August and September are typically the hottest months. Last month, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration raised their coral bleaching warning system for the Florida Keys to its highest heat stress level, warning of a 90% probability of bleaching through October. Americans who have never gotten close to a coral on the bottom of the ocean might be surprised to find how much their lives are linked to the tiny marine invertebrates that form colonies and secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton. Corals perform a critical role for ocean biodiversity, making ecosystems that provide food and shelter for thousands of species of plants and fish, lobsters and sea turtles. They are vital to the Florida Keys' economy, supporting commercial and recreational fishing and diving in a region where tourists contribute $2.4 billion in sales a year. Coral reefs also provide a physical buffer between the land and sea, protecting eroding coastline from waves, storms and floods, and helping to prevent loss of life and property damage during hurricanes. "It's habitat for fish and invertebrates, it's coastal protection," said Ken Nedimyer, a pioneer of coral nursery and reef restoration techniques and founder of Reef Renewal, a consulting company that helps restore coral reefs. "It's just a magical world and to see it dying in front of you, and to see people not caring and not doing anything about it," he trailed off, then sighed. "The problem is somebody living in the middle of the country, they don't see it," Nedimyer said. "We're the canary in the coal mine and the canary just died. It should be a huge wake-up call." Already, divers are reporting corals dying rapidly at locations such as Sombrero Reef and Cheeca Rocks. On July 20, a team from the Coral Restoration Foundation ventured to Sombrero Reef in the Lower Keys to collect tissue from wild elkhorn colonies to add to gene banks for safeguarding and found a graveyard of coral. Some cried into their dive masks. "Unfortunately, they were already gone by the time we arrived," Phanor Montoya-Maya, a marine biologist who is the restoration program manager for the foundation. "We lost unique individual genotypes that we don't have copies of." While there is still hope for some reefs in the Upper Keys, where water temperatures are slightly lower than in the south, the corals in Sombrero Reef died so quickly they did not have a chance to bleach, Montoya-Maya said. Dead skeletons of the elkhorn corals were covered in algae, dust and sediment. Almost all the corals in the foundation's Looe Key Nursery were also lost. "It's just, wow, every day, it's a new horror story," Nedimyer said. "Corals have gone from live to dead in a heartbeat, and it's all over the place. It shakes you to your core. It's rattling everybody." Venturing out recently to Horseshoe Reefwhat he called a "hope spot" off the shore of Key Largo that has long been home to the Keys' thickest patches of elkhorn and staghornNedimyer expected the tops of the coral branches to be a little pale. All of the branches were stark white. "Boy, oh boy, it could die," he said, "which is just beyond belief, because it's been there for thousands of years." A modern-day ark In water so clear they appeared to be flying, a team of scientists wearing air tanks and fins glided one Sunday through the nation's largest offshore coral nursery, plucking tiny fragments of coral and cradling them in the palms of their hands to an emergency staging room on the sandy, barren ocean floor. The nursery, three nautical miles from the shore of Tavernier, Fla., is an otherworldly stretch of the ocean where tens of thousands of corals hang from 500 artificial "trees" made of PVC pipe. The baby corals the scientists passed were shades of caramel, corn and honey. But many were starting to pale, and some showed signs of rapid tissue loss. A few were pure white. Montoya-Maya, who was leading the expedition, knew he didn't have much time. "The objective for today is to rescue the genetic diversity that we have in our nurseries," Montoya-Maya had told his team on the deck of the 46-foot dive boat Aquatic Liberty. They were taking part in a massive operation, led by NOAA, to preserve the last remaining live elkhorn and staghorn corals from Florida's coral reefs. Fragments from these genetically distinct coral types would be placed in land tanks in Sarasota and West Palm Beach that serve as modern-day arks for the vulnerable sea creatures. These living gene banks serve as an insurance policy so that surviving corals can serve as brood-stock for the next generation. Peering through scuba masks at waterproof clipboards, the divers swam through schools of iridescent parrotfish and yellow and black striped sergeant majors as they tried to find specimens in the 1-acre ocean nursery. They had spent the last two days collecting pillar, brain and star corals. Their mission now was to collect hundreds of fragments of staghorn and elkhorn for NOAA's gene bank, plus any other species they had time to collect. As a shimmering barracuda hovered above, opening and closing its snaggle-toothed mouth as if marveling at the endeavor, a pair of scientists huddled on the floor, 30 feet below the ocean surface, holding tiny specimens that look like upturned fingers as they stuck them to epoxy. They wrapped ID tags around the corals with monofilament fishing line and stacked them on trays. "It's a little like triage," Montoya-Maya said. "We have too many, so the question is which ones do we save?" After three 75-minute shifts underwater, the scientists floated back up, some balancing coral-filled trays like underwater waiters. A team hauled the crates up to the Aquatic Liberty and set the corals in the shade. Montoya-Maya stacked the trays, one by one, in plastic bins filled with seawater, taking care to make sure they were stable. A few stowaway shrimp and octopus, who feed off the corals, were thrown back into the sea. When they docked at the small town of Tavernier, the team hauled the coral fragments off the boat in the blazing heat. They began to stack them, tray by tray, in a "coral bus"a state-of-the-art flatbed trailer specially designed to minimize stress to the corals, with an aquatic tank hooked up to a generator and conditioning unit to regulate water temperature, pH, filtration and water flow. They had so many corals, they quickly ran out of room and piled the remaining trays into bins of sea water on the back of a pickup truck. In one day, the team had collected 417 elkhorn and staghorns, representing 201 unique genotypes, for NOAA's collection. They had also managed to save 472 reef-building corals such as brain, pillar and star. Montoya-Maya got in the driver's seat, waved to his team and drove the coralsnow in slightly cooler 87-degree watersouth on Highway 1 to the Florida Institute of Oceanography's Keys Marine Lab, their temporary new home on land. A handful of the elkhorn and staghorn did not survive the journey. But most of the corals recovered their color and would travel a few days later to their final destination: the Reef Institute in West Palm Beach. Montoya-Maya's mission was not over. After banking as much coral diversity as he could, his team shifted to another Herculean task: saving the 45,000 baby corals in their nurseries. Creating resilience Even as corals bleach, scientists who work in the cutting edge of coral restoration are optimistic about the future of Florida's reefs. The extreme temperatures, they say, offer an important opportunity for research into resilience. "As morbid as it sounds, it's a natural experiment," said Jason Spadaro, a biological scientist who manages the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory, an independent marine research institute. "While it is heart wrenching to see stark white corals, it's also a major opportunity to look at how some of these resilient genotypes and some of these ones that we've suspected weren't resilient respond to these really extreme conditions," he said. Over the last two decades, scientists and coral restoration experts have figured out how to breed corals by cutting them into tiny fragments. Using a process of micro fragmentation, scientists can spur corals to grow up to 50 times faster. They have also developed sexual propagation labs in which they can trick boulder coralssuch as brain and star corals, which typically spawn only six to eight days after the August full moon about three hours after sunsetto spawn multiple times a year. Now Mote researchers are focusing on which genotypes are resistant to hot water and other challenges, so they can help breed corals that adapt to anthropogenic climate change. The idea is that if one coral tolerates hot temperatures while another resists disease, sexually crossing both corals might produce a heat-tolerant and disease-resistant offspring. Mote's long-term goal is to build a more resilient community that has the adaptive potential to handle the challenges of the new environment. "Mother Nature can't respond fast enough to this," said Michael Crosby, Mote's president and chief executive. "We're just not going to hang our head in our hands and say, 'Woe is me.' We're going to control what we can control, which is being really creative with science to develop the solutions to what is a reality: the warming of our oceans." In the short term, Mote is bringing critical colonies of corals that have taken years to grow to reproductive size to their land nursery for reproduction research. Its ultimate goal is to accelerate the reproductive process of resilient corals by planting fragments that can grow into fully sexually mature corals. "That's the Holy Grail," Crosby said. "That's what you want to be able to do: Help Mother Nature more rapidly repopulate with a genetic diversity of resilient genotypes that are spawning on their own, so that we put ourselves out of the coral restoration business." Asked if he had a timeline for ending his life's work and putting his team out of business, Crosby said 20 years, maybe 10 with more money and trained volunteers to help transplant corals. Eventually, Crosby said, Florida's reefs could be like they were when he was a boy growing up in the Keys, with 60% living coral coverage. "If we can get up to a 20 to 30% living coral cover, then I think the coral reefs themselves can begin to take over in a more natural way." Now is not a time for doom-mongering, Crosby said. Thanks to scientific innovation, tiny fragments that would be more resistant to what killed the original could be planted on a dead 100-year-old coral head and, in five years, grow into a sexually mature coral that spawns in the wild. "It isn't about hope anymore," Crosby said. "The science has demonstrated we can do this." 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: Launched in 1977 to serve as a beacon of humanity to the wider universe, Voyager 2 is currently more than 12.3 billion miles (19.9 billion kilometers) from our planet -- well beyond the solar system. NASA has succeeded in re-establishing full contact with Voyager 2 by using its highest-power transmitter to send an "interstellar shout" that righted the distant probe's antenna orientation, the space agency said Friday. Launched in 1977 to explore the outer planets and serve as a beacon of humanity to the wider universe, it is currently more than 12.3 billion miles (19.9 billion kilometers) from our planetwell beyond the solar system. A series of planned commands sent to the spaceship on July 21 mistakenly caused the antenna to point two degrees away from Earth, compromising its ability to send and receive signals and endangering its mission. The situation was not expected to be resolved until at least October 15 when Voyager 2 was scheduled to carry out an automated realignment maneuver. But on Tuesday, engineers enlisted the help of multiple Earth observatories that form the Deep Space Network (DSN) to detect a carrier or "heartbeat" wave from Voyager 2, though the signal was still too faint to read the data it carried. In a new update on Friday, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which built and operates the probe, said it had succeeded in a longshot effort to send instructions that righted the craft. "The Deep Space Network used the highest-power transmitter to send the command (the 100-kw S-band uplink from the Canberra site) and timed it to be sent during the best conditions during the antenna tracking pass in order to maximize possible receipt of the command by the spacecraft," Voyager project manager Suzanne Dodd told AFP. This so-called "interstellar shout" required 18.5 hours traveling at light speed to reach Voyager, and it took 37 hours for mission controllers to learn whether the command worked, JPL said in a statement. The probe began returning science and telemetry data at 12:29 am Eastern Time on August 4, "indicating it is operating normally and that it remains on its expected trajectory," added JPL. Both Voyager spacecraft carry "Golden Records" -- 12-inch, gold-plated copper disks intended to convey the story of our world to extraterrestrials. Mankind's beacon Voyager 2 left the protective magnetic bubble provided by the Sun, called the heliosphere, in December 2018, and is currently traveling through the space between the stars. Before leaving our solar system, it explored Jupiter and Saturn, and became the first and so far only spacecraft to visit Uranus and Neptune. Voyager 2's twin Voyager 1 was mankind's first spacecraft to enter the interstellar medium, in 2012, and is currently almost 15 billion miles from Earth. Both carry "Golden Records"12-inch, gold-plated copper disks intended to convey the story of our world to extraterrestrials. These include a map of our solar system, a piece of uranium that serves as a radioactive clock allowing recipients to date the spaceship's launch, and symbols that convey how to play the record. The contents of the disks, selected for NASA by a committee chaired by legendary astronomer Carl Sagan, include encoded images of life on Earth, as well as music and sounds that can be played using an included stylus. For now, the Voyagers continue to transmit back scientific data, though their power banks are expected to be eventually depleted sometime after 2025. They will then continue to wander the Milky Way, potentially for eternity, in silence. 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In Sonoma County, near a community once called Stumptown because of the sprawling graveyard of cleaved trees left in the wake of California's early logging boom, one ancient redwood has repeatedly escaped the ax. And now, after years of uncertainty, the behemoth known as the Clar Tree may be able to live out the rest of its lengthy life without fear of being felled. The tree persevered, even as an estimated 95% of California's original redwood forest was chopped or burned in the centuries following European colonization. Named after a man who lived in the area in the late 19th century, the Clar Tree today stands resolute at 278 feet. It's one of the tallest trees in the county even after last winter's storms sheared off 30 feet. The giant coast redwood, thought to be about 2,000 years old, is the last old-growth redwood remaining on a 394-acre property above the Russian River in Guerneville. On Tuesday, Save the Redwoods League announced a plan to raise $6.5 million to buy the property from RMB Revocable Family Trustwhich owns the acreage and planned to log a portion of it this year. The league says the landowner has given them a Sept. 30 deadline to complete the purchase. It's a "short timeline and a significant lift," but there's no shortage of hope, said Sam Hodder, president and chief executive of the nonprofit conservation group. Since 1918, the league has secured protection for more than 216,000 acres of redwood forest. "With 394 acres, we're not going to save the world. But the redwoods are such an iconic species, they're such a charismatic species, and if we can work to set this young redwood forest on our trajectory then we can set a model for how we collectively steward our forests in a time of changing climate," Hodder said. According to the league, if the deal closes, the land will be transferred to Sonoma County for long-term preservation and restoration with the support of the county's Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. The county could also work to make the area around the Clar Tree more accessible for visitors, as well as create a landing along the river to serve as a shady stopover for those traveling by kayak or canoe among the younger redwood groves. The proposed land deal would include one mile of Russian River frontage near Guerneville. As the forest of coast redwoods and Douglas firs is housed in the ancestral lands of the Southern Pomo people, Haddon said, the league has met with representatives from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria to ensure their cultural interests are protected. News of the potential sale comes as a relief to local community members who have been fighting for years to stop logging near the Russian River, Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins said. Late last fall, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection approved a contentious 224-acre logging plan submitted by Redwood Empire Sawmill to cut down about one-third of the trees on the property. Although the timber company acknowledged the Clar Tree's unique legacy, surrounding it with a 75-foot "no harvest" radius, many opponents asserted the buffer was not enough to protect the tree's expansive root system. In the two years it took for the harvest plan to get approved, it drew hundreds of public comments in opposition. Objectors raised concerns with the destruction of wildlife habitat, as well as the potential for heightened risks of landslides and wildfires from the removal of more fire-resistant trees. After the plan was approved, the Guerneville Forest Coalition filed a legal complaint against Cal Fire and Redwood Empire Sawmill, alleging the plan would cause irreparable harm to the Russian River ecosystem. The coalition also alleged that the public outcry had been largely disregarded, as if "thrown down a black hole," said one of its members, Colin Baptie. Logging in the area has yet to proceed and the lawsuit is ongoing. Baptie said members of the coalition will meet with their attorney to decide what to do next. But with the news of the possible purchase, Baptie said the coalition is "over the moon." The property has come to represent hope for a state already racked by the impacts of a changing climate and the repercussions of human incursion into once-wild areas. Ancient redwood forests are known to capture more carbon dioxide per acre than any other forest in the world. Just one acre can store up to 890 metric tons of carbonthe equivalent of pulling about 700 cars off the road for a year, according to research from Save the Redwoods League and Cal Poly Humboldt. Younger forests have proved an impressive ally too. Recent research suggests that with 150 years of growth, regenerating redwood forests can store 30% as much carbon as their ancestors. Above the Russian River, where the Clar Tree stands sentry over younger trees and stems sprouting from ancient tree stumps, the intergenerational forest provides a glimpse of what the future may one day hold. "There's something very mystical of a forest growing out of the skeleton of the forest that once stood, that speaks to the resilience of nature and the will to live and survive and grow back," Hodder said. "It plants a seed of hope of how, together, we can protect and heal the young redwood forest and help it grow to be the old growth of the future." 2023 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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. NORTH WILDWOOD James Cafiero, who spent decades representing the 1st District in Trenton and remained a beloved figure in local politics after he retired two decades ago, has died. He was 94. Jimmy Cafieros a legend. Theres no bigger political figure in my lifetime, said Michael Donohue, chairman of the Cape May County Republican organization and a former Superior Court judge. He was a real mentor to me. Im going to miss him terribly. Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian mentioned Cafieros passing in a Friday email to residents. Jim served as our state senator for 24 years and also as a state assemblyman and assistant county prosecutor, Gillian wrote. Please join me and Michele (Gillian) in recognizing a remarkable career of public service and extending deepest condolences to Jims family and friends. Members of the Cafiero family were not immediately available to comment Friday. By all accounts, Cafieros friends were plentiful and dedicated. Jerry Thornton, a long-serving member of Cape May Countys governing body who retired last year, described a visit to Trenton with Cafiero, well after Cafiero left office: People were coming over and shaking his hand. Thornton described Cafiero as both a friend and as someone dedicated to the district he served. Donohue told a similar story, of visiting the Statehouse in Trenton with Cafiero more than a decade after he left the Senate. He brought along 10 boxes of apple fritters from Brittons Bakery in Wildwood Crest, which Donohue had to carry while Cafiero handed them out. He was a rock star walking through the halls, handing out fritters and talking to people, Donohue said. Cafiero had a distinctive, rapid-fire way of speaking, unloading phrases in machine-gun bursts before pausing for the listener to catch up. While both Thornton and Donohue described him as an important figure in South Jerseys political history and a giant in the areas Republican politics, they also emphasized his kindness. He was just a solid guy, and he was down to earth. There was no pretense about him, Thornton said. Cafieros father, Anthony J. Cafiero, served in the state Senate from 1949 to 1953, the year James Cafiero attended Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. James Cafiero served in the state Assembly from 1968 to 1972, when he was first elected to the Senate. He served until 1982, and then returned for another stint, representing the district from 1990 to 2004. He previously served as the Cape May County assistant prosecutor, and had a private law practice. Throughout his career, Cafiero was described in media reports as devoted to his wife, Patricia, who had three sons. Well after leaving politics, Cafiero remained involved, showing up for Republican election night gatherings and reaching out to elected officials and the occasional reporter with ideas and proposals. According to his obituary, a Mass will be held Wednesday at St. Anns Church (2901 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood). A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. with a Mass to follow at 11. Internment wiil take place at St. Marys Cemetery (1056 Seashore Rd., Cape May). Family is asking for donations to be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital and Shriners Hospital. The state Department of Agriculture will celebrate National Farmers Week with a tomato giveaway in select shore towns Monday. The department will distribute free Jersey Fresh grape tomatoes to beachgoers in Atlantic City, Wildwood and Seaside Heights beginning at 11:30 a.m., for as long as supplies last. Locations will be East Schellenger Avenue and the Boardwalk near Morey's Piers in Wildwood, St. James Place and the Boardwalk in Atlantic City and Grant Avenue and the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights. New Jersey is well known for producing great tasting tomatoes with a flavor that is unmatched, Assistant Agriculture Secretary Joe Atchison III said in a news release. The grape tomatoes we are distributing can be eaten as a delicious and nutritious snack immediately or be used in a variety of recipes and dishes. We encourage everyone to purchase Jersey Fresh tomatoes and other Jersey Fresh produce throughout the growing season. New Jersey is annually in the top 10 producers of tomatoes in the United States, according to the Agriculture Department. In 2021, New Jersey produced 56 million pounds of tomatoes on 2,900 acres for a value of $19 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Tomato season in New Jersey lasts until the end of October. Go to FindJerseyFresh.com to see where Jersey Fresh tomatoes are sold, plus recipes. National Farmers Week begins Sunday and ends next Saturday. Ukrainian snipers said that they don't prefer using ghillie suits. This was shared by three Ukrainian army marksmen when they were interviewed by the Kyiv Post. Ukrainian Snipers Don't Like Ghillie Suits According to Business Insider's latest report, Ukranian snipers rarely use the ghillie suits; a kind of camouflage clothing used by Western marksmen. Ghillie suits are quite effective since they can hide those who wear them, enabling snipers to blend into their environment. For American marksmen, the ghillie suit is a must for sniper training. This is because being a sniper means that you have the key skills to camouflage or conceal yourself. However, Ukrainian snipers said that ghillie suits are not always needed when blending into the environment. This was explained by three snipers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU); Makysm "Number Eight" Federchuk, Volodymyr "Bond" Petrenko, and Volodymyr "Atom" Harbovsky. They said that ghillie suits are rarely used by Ukrainian marksmen. The interviewees explained that these camouflage suits are quite heavy for AFU snipers who usually cross kilometers of terrain. Aside from being too bulky, they added that although ghillie suits can hide snipers from the eyes of enemies, drones can still spot them, especially when they are on the move. Since ghillie suits make marksmen big, they can become high-priority targets of drone attacks. Another issue that the three AFU snipers shared is that ghillie suits' weights are doubled when they are exposed to the wet climate and sticky mud, which can definitely ruin the mobility of Ukrainian marksmen. Read Also: Wagner Fighters Threaten New Firestorm Near Polish Border as 'Extremely Dangerous' Situation Ignites Real Issue With Ghillie Suits The three problems mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. The three Kyiv snipers said that ghillie suits have one issue more serious that the shortcomings they shared. This is the ability of thermal optics to easily see ghillie suits. Because of this, Petrenko said that they prefer using the Crye Precision camouflage pads, which are manufactured by the U.S. He explained that, unlike ghillie suits, this U.S.-made camouflage gear is anti-thermal and light to carry. If you want to learn more about why Ukrainian snipers don't like ghillie suits, just click here. Related Article: Bloodbath Beach: Ukraine Allegedly Wiping Out Russians; Estimated 200 Putin Troops Killed @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a horrifying act of violence, three individuals, including an elderly man and his son, were brutally killed on Saturday during a suspected militant attack in Kwakta Lamkhai village. The assailants reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, leaving three dead on the spot and several others injured. According to police reports, the militants stormed the peaceful village, catching the residents off guard. The deceased have been identified as Yumnam Pishak Meitei (67) and his son Yumnam Premkumar Meitei (39), along with a neighbor, Yumnam Jiten Meitei (46). In the aftermath of the attack, unconfirmed reports have suggested that the militants also kidnapped two villagers, further exacerbating the tense situation in the region. The incident prompted panic among the village's remaining occupants, causing them to flee their homes for safety. The rapid response from local law enforcement, backed by additional reinforcements, led to the recovery of the victims' bodies. As of now, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and conducting investigations to ascertain the motive behind the heinous act and identify the perpetrators responsible for this tragic loss of lives. While details regarding the motive and background of the attack remain awaited, the authorities are working diligently to gather information and ensure justice for the victims and their families. Such acts of violence not only lead to loss of innocent lives but also disrupt the peace and tranquility of the affected communities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges faced by the region. The entire community mourns the loss of their fellow villagers and hopes for swift action by the authorities to apprehend those responsible and prevent any further violence from engulfing the region. As the investigation continues, the authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in providing any information that may assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Further updates on the situation are expected as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available. One person was wounded late Friday in a shooting in the parking lot of the Valley Fair Shopping Center across the street from the Mississippi Valley Fair that is going on this week. There were reports of a possible second victim shot in the foot, but police had not found evidence of that Saturday. At 11:14 p.m., multiple shots were heard coming from the easternmost corner of the shopping center, near the intersection of West Locust Street and Jebens Avenue. The fair closed at midnight. There has been a heavy law enforcement presence in the area of the shopping center located in the 2800 block of West Locust Street because of the fair that has been going on this week. Davenport police were in the parking lot of the Kwik Star, 2850 W. Locust Street, keeping an eye on people crossing West Locust Street and heading to their cars when the rapidly fired gunshots were heard. Police responded quickly to the scene. People could be seen running from the area of the shots, while some other people were screaming. Davenport Police, Scott County Sheriff's Deputies, Iowa State Patrol troopers and Davenport firefighters got to the wounded man in under a minute and began rendering first aid, including applying tourniquets to one of the victims legs to stem bleeding. An ambulance arrived on the scene moments later and took the victim to Genesis Medical Center East, Davenport, for treatment. Police said the man suffered non-life-threatening injuries. A handgun was found near the scene. After the victim had been cared for and taken to the hospital, police turned their attention to the crowd that had gathered in an effort to find any witnesses to the shooting. No arrests had been made in the case Saturday, police said. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is requesting a presidential disaster declaration and relief for seven Iowa counties, including Scott, that sustained a combined $6 million in damages from spring Mississippi River flooding. Abnormally deep snowpack in Minnesota and Wisconsin melted quickly in unusually warm weather this spring, sending much of the water down the Mississippi. Seven gauges along the Iowa side of the river broke top five record crests, including LeClaire. Reynolds, in a news release, announced she's requested funding under the FEMA'S Public Assistance Program for Allamakee, Clayton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jackson, Lee and Scott counties for the Mississippi River flooding from April 24 - May 13. The flooding caused an estimated $6.2 million worth of damage that could be eligible under the public assistance program, according to the governor's office. That includes covering the costs of debris removal, taking emergency protective measures, rebuilding damaged infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, and parks. Two counties make up the bulk of the request Jackson ($2.8 million) and Scott ($2 million). In Scott County, three cities combined reported spending more than $1 million in emergency protective measures, such as sandbagging, HESCO barriers and operating pumps in response to flooding this year. Davenport: $960,000 Buffalo: $51,000 Bettendorf: $62,000 In Davenport, part of the intersection at River Drive and Brady Street caved in, the result of damage to a 24-inch diameter storm sewer pipe underneath the road and an 18-inch sanitary sewer manhole, according to the governor's letter. That sink hole, which closed parts of River Drive for weeks after the flooding, is now repaired. Flooding swept away parts of the Credit Island causeway, too, warranting road repairs. The water pollution control plant, located in Davenport, lost energy production because of suspended waste hauling for about 12 days, according to the governor's letter. Floodwaters inundated Princeton Wildlife Management Area, which the Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages, in Scott County. The river overtopped the main levee, washing about 3,000 linear feet of surface rock from the access road atop the levee, according to the governor. In Jackson County, floodwaters caused a breach in the main levee near the Green Island Wildlife Management Area, creating a void about 120 feet long and damage to the embankments, ditch and containment dikes, access roads, and culvert structures, according to the governor's office. The city of Sabula, also located in Jackson County, reported a possible levee breach, according to the governor's office, but "has been unable to fully assess the situation" because of prolonged high water. Most of Jackson County's $2.8 million in eligible costs, $2.4 million, falls under "water control facilities." Read the full letter online. OTTUMWA A recently completed investigation into three members of the Ottumwa Fire Department revealed multiple violations of department rules, but most notably, sexual misconduct and HIPAA violations spelled out in newly released public documents. On Monday, the City of Ottumwa announced it had parted ways with firefighters Derek Fye, Dillon McPherson and captain Bill Keith following a two-month investigation. Fye and Keith were terminated, effective immediately, and McPherson resigned in lieu of termination. The two firefighters had been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation took place. The Courier filed a public records request with the city for the reasons and rationale for its dismissal of the three department employees, outside of the city's press release making the announcement. On Thursday, the city provided the requested records. According to the letters obtained by The Courier, the city's investigation determined that Fye and McPherson both engaged in sexual activity while on duty, a violation of Article 8 of the department's standard operating guidelines. They also violated a section of the "communications with the public" part of the standard operating guidelines, which states: "Members shall not divulge to any member of the public, to include friends and family members, any information in regards to patient illnesses or injuries, patient condition medical history past or present or any other circumstances surrounding emergency responses to medical emergencies." The review determined that firefighters also violated rules for allowing unauthorized persons to ride in fire vehicles that aren't for departmental business, fighting and horseplay disruptive to other employees, and not reporting unprofessional conduct by another employee to an immediate supervisor without delay. Keith was fired for "failing to adequately lead those under your command and further displaying an attitude of indifference toward holding employees accountable to the values and standards of the department and the City of Ottumwa," which was mentioned in the city's initial press release on Monday. However, the termination letter went further, stating Keith allowed unauthorized persons to ride in fire vehicles, violated patient privacy and didn't report information of unprofessional conduct by another employee to an immediate supervisor without delay. Because Fye and Keith were fired, under Iowa law they may request a hearing before the civil service commission to review the city's decision. They will receive their last paycheck Aug. 18. There were not settlement or separation agreements for the three, according to city officials. Photos: Missing children in Iowa Alexandra Storm Hailey Coleman Jamira Debose Osbourne Julian Murray Daniela Salinas-mejia Jade Colvin Fredrick Workman Benjamin Roseland Erin Pospisil Marc Allen Eugene Martin John Gosch Kimberly Doss Colleen Simpson Caleb Williams Xavior Harrelson Alyssa Dluzak Fatima Conteh Daniela Vera-Ortega Xerxes Blaesing Jorge Peneda Castillo Anya Pritchard Desirae Gifford Daquan Nelson Diomarix Crespo Alivia Beeding Caydence Roberts Less than a year after taking the citizenship oath in September 2022, Branden Spence took an oath on Wednesday to protect and serve as a Pennington County Sheriff's deputy. Spence, originally from Australia, moved to the U.S in 2015. Since, he's joined the Civil Air Patrol, obtained his pilot's license in 2018, and worked as a volunteer firefighter. In 2019, he started work for Pennington County Sheriff's Office at the Care Campus. Shortly after, he moved into a position as a transport officer working in the courthouse and transporting inmates to the state penitentiary and to medical appointments. The journey to deputy has been years in the making, Spence said. "It's all coming together after a lot of hard work and dedication, so very excited that it's here now," Spence said. Spence said he decided to move to the United States and pursue a career in law enforcement so he could give back to the local community where his parents did missionary work. The move brought more than just his citizenship and career in law enforcement. In 2020, Spence met his now-wife Reagan. The two married in August 2022 and Reagan pinned Spence's badge during his swearing-in ceremony at the Public Safety Building in Rapid City. With standing room only, Circuit Court Judge Heidi Linngren swore in Spence and four other deputies at the ceremony. Kendrick Larson, who was raised in Colorado, took the oath after working as a correctional officer at the Pennington County Jail for 2.5 years. Jacob Mayberry has lived in Rapid City for seven years. He served as a reserve deputy for a year before taking the oath as deputy. Jeremiah McKnight was born in the Sioux City, Iowa area, but raised in Rapid City. He graduated from Central High School and attended Black Hills State University and is a father of three. Cade Porch was born and raised in Pennington County. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and transferred to the Wyoming Air National Guard in 2021. The new deputies' journeys are just beginning. They'll have to complete 13 weeks of training at the state law enforcement academy. After that, they'll undergo four to five months of field training. The ceremony also included the swearing in of five correctional officers Kobie David, Mauritz Center, Wyatt Beyer, Morgan Freeman and Haley Houchin; three inmate security officers Peter Boschetti, Dakota Herman and Teri Seabolt; and seven reserve deputies Devin Cherry, Michael Goeringer, Nicholas Kollias, Ben McKee, Caleb Willard, Levi Woodard and Jonathan Zamora. Reserve deputies assist the sheriff's office on an as-needed basis. They work full-time jobs alongside their volunteer service in law enforcement. Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin (pronounced ro-bear hu-don), often referred to as the father of modern magic, was a French magician who lived from 1805 to 1871. His contributions to the art of conjuring revolutionized the field. One of the most intriguing chapters of Robert-Houdins life was his trip to Algeria, where he embarked on a unique mission to quell a rebellion through the power of magic. Born in Blois, France, Robert-Houdin initially pursued a career as a watchmaker, a profession that would later prove instrumental in his magical endeavors. His fascination with illusions and mechanics led him to explore the world of magic, and he eventually transitioned into a full-time magician. Robert-Houdins performances were known for their elegance, sophistication, and emphasis on storytelling. In 1856, the French government faced a significant challenge in Algeria. A rebellion known as the Marabout Uprising was underway, led by Algerian religious rebels who sought to resist French colonial rule. The government recognized the need for a unique approach to subdue the rebellion. Emperor Bonaparte III turned to Robert-Houdin for his expertise. Robert-Houdin was tasked with using his skills as a magician to undermine the belief in supernatural powers that the rebels held dear. The French government hoped that by demonstrating the superiority of French science and technology, they could weaken the resolve of the Algerian fighters. With a sense of duty and the spirit of adventure, Robert-Houdin embarked on his mission to Algeria. His performances were designed to challenge the rebels preconceptions and instill doubt in their supernatural beliefs. He strategically crafted illusions that showcased the power of science and technology while appearing to defy the laws of nature. During his stay in Algeria, Robert-Houdin performed numerous acts that left audiences astounded. One of his most notable illusions was the Light and Heavy Chest. He invited a brawny Algerian up on stage. He instructed the man to lift a chest, which he easily did. He then told the man that all of his strength had vanished. He told him to again lift the chest. Despite several attempts, the man could not budge the chest. How did Robert-Houdin achieve such a startling legerdemain? By using newly discovered electromagnetism, he made a seemingly lightweight chest impossibly heavy when touched by an Algerian warrior. This illusion aimed to undermine the rebels belief in their own strength and power. Another remarkable act was the Ethiopian Sands, in which Robert-Houdin transformed a handful of ordinary sand into a swarm of live, buzzing insects. This performance played on the rebels fears and superstitions, challenging their understanding of what was possible. Robert-Houdins performances were met with a mix of awe, curiosity, and some skepticism from the Algerian population. Through his illusions, he successfully demonstrated the power of French science, thus weakening the rebels resolve and planting seeds of doubt in their own beliefs. The impact of Robert-Houdins trip to Algeria was significant. His demonstrations of advanced technology and illusions shattered the rebels belief in supernatural powers, which had been a driving force behind their resistance. His performances effectively ended the rebellion. By incorporating magic into the political landscape, Robert-Houdin showcased the potential of illusion and theatricality. Upon his return to France, Robert-Houdin continued to revolutionize the world of magic. He opened the Theatre Robert-Houdin in Paris, which became a hub for magical innovation. In fact, the famed magician Houdinis name is an homage to Robert-Houdin. This year, we celebrate the U.S. Small Business Administrations (SBA) 70th anniversary and recognize the tremendous work the agency does to power the American dream of entrepreneurship. For 70 years, the SBA has empowered entrepreneurs across Montana with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. The SBA is a Cabinet-level agency that ensures the interests of small businesses are represented in Congress and the Oval Office, and is the only independent voice of small business, backed by the collective power and resources of the federal government. SBAs creation was largely a response to the pressures of the Great Depression and World War II. The agency got its formal start on July 30, 1953, after President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Small Business Act into law creating the SBA. From its inception, the SBAs mission was to aid, counsel, assist and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small business concerns. It was also charged with ensuring that small businesses earn a fair proportion of government contracts and sales of surplus property. In Montana, the SBA has a rich and long history of supporting thousands of businesses with capital, business training, federal contract support, and/or disaster assistance. The Biden-Harris administration put small business at the forefront of their historic Investing in America agenda which includes modernizing SBA programs and resources, expanding networks, and increasing access to capital and contracting so more entrepreneurs can benefit from our national investments in infrastructure and green energy spending. Over the last 30 months, the SBA has fostered a remarkable small business boom, pivoting from delivering pandemic aid to launching innovative initiatives that advance its equity plan, and expand access to capital for entrepreneurs in underserved and historically marginalized communities. The agencys equity plan establishes a goal to improve access to capital for underserved communities including businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, and those in rural communities; expand access to federal procurement and contracting opportunities; provide support and expanded access to disaster assistance; and increase access to business counseling, training, and services to businesses in communities needing a boost. The agency is well on its way to accomplishing these goals to create a more equitable and sustainable economy supported by Americas small businesses. For seven decades, the agency has linked entrepreneurs to the funding, counseling, and mentorship they need to succeed. It has also connected small firms to opportunities for federal contracts and remains ready to provide low-interest loans to businesses and homeowners affected by declared disasters. Since 1953, SBA approved an estimated $2 trillion in non-disaster related small business lending and assisted nearly three million entrepreneurs through training and counseling. During the pandemic, the SBA dispersed over $1.3 trillion in disaster economic aid to 13 million businesses nationwide. Small businesses are the innovators and job creators in our communities. They employ half our nations workforce and create two thirds of all net new jobs in the private sector. These businesses give neighborhoods their character, sponsor our Little League teams, and place ads in the local high school yearbook. And in times of trouble or tragedy, its often our small business owners that step up to meet the needs of their neighbors. Today, we celebrate the SBAs 70th anniversary and reflect on the agencys mission and seven-decade legacy of powering the American Dream. Happy birthday SBA! The 2023 Montana wildfire season was slow to start. Average snowpack combined with rain in much of the state, spared an early fire season. Recent hot days and dry fuels, however, have now put Montana into active fire season with over 40,000 acres burned by early August. Montanas average annual temperatures have been getting hotter and are currently 2.7 degrees F warmer than at the start of the Industrial Revolution. This warming fuels wildfires, drought, snowpack loss, and extreme heat. In late July, Gov. Gianforte asked the federal government to declare a drought disaster for 11 Montana counties. Gianforte anticipated that conditions would continue to worsen and stated that fire officials project an above-normal fire season. Drought and heat result in more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting wildfires. Extreme heat and wildfires are aggravated by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Since the 1980s, the number of acres in the U.S. burned by wildfires has increased three-fold, and climate change has caused at least half of this. Wildfire smoke has significant effects on human health. Those most affected are pregnant women, children, older adults, people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, outdoor workers, and those of low socio-economic status. Wildland firefighters are particularly at risk. Even in healthy people, exposure to the fine particles present in smoke lead to respiratory inflammation and immune problems. Airborne fine particulates get past our body barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier and the placenta. Birth defects, low birth weight or pre-term births can result. All of our organs can be affected. Smoke worsens asthma, cardiovascular illnesses including heart attack and stroke, causes headaches, decreased energy, appetite and sleep changes. Heart attacks can be triggered with the highest risk on the smokiest days and for several days after. Children are especially vulnerable: their bodies and lungs are still developing and they breathe more air relative to body weight. For these reasons and because children spend more time outdoors, smoke pollution is far more toxic to them. Another significant health effect is on mental health and well-being. For example, nearly three quarters of 120 Montana farmers and ranchers surveyed in 2020 experience anxiety about climate change and effects on their agricultural businesses, and for good reason. In 2017, fires in Montana burned 4.8 million acres with $2.6 billion in agricultural losses. What can we do to lessen health effects and alter the path of changing climate? Check air quality. todaysair.mt.gov . When smoky, stay indoors, close windows, doors. Mask outdoors with a well-fitted N95. Surgical or cloth masks are not sufficiently protective. Use a HEPA air purifier. DIY low-cost air filter (montanawildfiresmoke.org). NorthWestern Energy customers can get $100 rebates for purchased Energy Star air filters. (NWE MT Residential Electric Existing Home Program Incentive). For A/C change air filters regularly, run on recirculate, use fan more on smoky d ays. Urge legislators, regulators, and energy producers to reduce fossil fuel use and shift to renewables. Talk about climate change with others. Doing something, even small actions, improves mental health. The 45-page indictment against Donald Trump announced Tuesday refers to six unindicted "co-conspirators" who prosecutors allege assisted the former president in "criminal efforts to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election and retain power." The individuals aren't named. But the indictment gives enough detail about their actions often quoting them directly to identify five of the six based on publicly available information, particularly the final report of the congressional committee that investigated the 2020 election. A person familiar with the investigation also confirmed those identities. Although there are limits on how prosecutors can use a grand jury after securing an indictment, they can use it to add defendants to a case. In announcing the latest Trump indictment Tuesday, Special Counsel John "Jack" Smith said "our investigation of other individuals continues." Rudy Giuliani The indictment's description of co-conspirator 1 matches former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, labeling him as "an attorney who was willing to spread knowingly false claims and pursue strategies that the Defendant's 2020 reelection campaign attorneys would not." Co-conspirator 1 is mentioned at least 46 times in the indictment, saying Giuliani "spearheaded" Trump's efforts to overturn the election. The indictment recounts how he tried to get Republican officials in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin to reject the popular vote in their states, often by spreading false conspiracy theories about irregularities. The indictment quotes co-conspirator 1 telling the Arizona House Speaker in December 2020 words to the effect of, "We don't have the evidence, but we have lots of theories." That tracks a description in the Jan. 6 committee report of a conversation between Giuliani and then-Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers. Giuliani is facing disbarment proceedings in Washington and New York for promoting postelection conspiracy theories. John Eastman The indictment's description of co-conspirator 2 matches Trump lawyer John Eastman, describing him as "an attorney who devised and attempted to implement a strategy to leverage the Vice President's ceremonial role overseeing the certification proceeding to obstruct the certification of the presidential election." Co-conspirator 2 is mentioned at least 31 times in the indictment. The former Chapman University law school dean was the author of a legal memo about how former Vice President Mike Pence could prevent Joe Biden from being inaugurated. The indictment describes the memo, including a quote from one section describing a proposed series of events: "Pence then gavels President Trump as reelected." In a civil legal fight over the Jan. 6 congressional committee's demands for Eastman's emails, a federal judge in California held last year that Eastman and Trump "more likely than not" committed crimes. The congressional committee recommended the Justice Department consider bringing charges against both Eastman and Trump. Eastman is facing a legal ethics complaint by state bar regulators in California. Sidney Powell The indictment's description of co-conspirator 3 matches conservative advocate Sidney Powell, describing her as "an attorney whose unfounded claims of election fraud the Defendant privately acknowledged to others sounded 'crazy.'" "Nonetheless," the indictment continues, Trump "embraced and publicly amplified co-conspirator 3's disinformation." Powell is mentioned at least eight times in the indictment. On Nov. 16, 2020, the indictment alleges Trump had an assistant send Powell a document containing bullet points making claims about voting-machine maker Dominion Voting Systems Inc. Powell responded: "IT MUST GO IN ALL SUITS IN GA AND PA IMMEDIATELY WITH A FRAUD CLAIM THAT REQUIRES THE ENTIRE ELECTION TO BE SET ASIDE." Powell filed a suit against Georgia based on those claims, and it was dismissed two weeks later; the indictment refers to dates in public court records. Trump promoted the claims, even though he told advisers that Powell sounded "crazy," an exchange the Jan. 6 congressional committee noted in its report. JeffClark The indictment's description of co-conspirator 4 matches former Assistant Attorney General Jeff Clark, describing him as "a Justice Department official who worked on civil matters" and attempted with Trump to "use the Justice Department to open sham election crime investigations and influence state legislatures with knowingly false claims of election fraud." Clark is referred to 29 times in the indictment, which says he met with Trump at the White House without knowledge of his superiors and even lying to then-Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen about his involvement. When Rosen told Trump the Justice Department could not change the outcome of the election, Trump threatened to replace Rosen with Clark. Trump backed down when top department officials threatened to resign. Clark is facing a legal ethics case by local bar regulators in Washington over his postelection activities. Kenneth Chesebro The indictment's description of co-conspirator 5 matches appellate attorney Kenneth Chesebro, describing him as "an attorney who assisted in devising and attempting to implement a plan to submit fraudulent slates of presidential electors to obstruct the certification proceeding." He's mentioned at least 15 times in the indictment, including as the author of memos outlining how the fraudulent election slates would work. The indictment quotes an email from Jack Wilenchik, an Arizona lawyer working on the project, who said the strategy was legally dubious but could throw just enough uncertainty into the process to buy time. The Jan. 6 congressional committee report refers to the email as well, which names Chesebro. "I just talked to the gentleman who did that memo," Wilenchik wrote, referring to Chesebro. "Kind of wild/creative." Co-conspirator 6 One of the US' lesser-known heroes is getting her time in the spotlight again. The popular search giant recently launched a new Doodle celebrating the life and the 116th birthday of American inventor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Altina Schinasi - the creator of the popular "cat-eye" eyeglass frame. While Google didn't mention who designed its latest doodle, the company's team of illustrators probably made the artwork responsible for the doodle. Altina Schinasi's Life Story Schinasi was born on Aug. 4, 1907, in Manhattan, New York to immigrant parents, according to Google. Her mother was a native of Salonica, popularly known as Thessalonica (under Ottoman rule by then), while her father was a Sephardic Jewish Turk. She was inspired by art, and endeavored to study more about it in her high school days. After her graduation, she went to Paris, France, to study painting, which further sparked her appreciation for the arts. She then returned to her hometown and studied art some more at The Art Students League in New York while working as a window dresser for multiple stores on Fifth Avenue to fund her education. It was during her work that she found herself working with and learning from a handful of the prominent artists she admired, like Salvador Dali and George Grosz. It was at this time that her passion for art bore fruit - she used her knowledge to invent and design a different option for women's glasses, which featured round frames with mundane designs at the time. Read More: Lenovo is Rumored to Be Developing Its Own Handheld Console It was this observation that led Schinasi to invent the now-famous "cat-eye" frames, which mimicked the shape of Harlequin masks while she was attending the Carnevale festival in Venice, Italy. The glasses were a hit with women from the late 1930s onwards. However, it almost didn't come to be - Schinasi approached and got rejected by all of the major manufacturers with her creation. Fortunately, a local shop owner believed in her vision and asked for an exclusive design for six months. Thanks to this shop owner, Schinasi's cat-eye glasses were featured in major magazines like Vogue and Life; it even got the designer-inventor an award in 1939 - the Lord & Taylor American Design Award. Schinasi's Other Works However, Schinasi's work didn't stop there. According to the New York Times, she sold her eyeglass interests and moved to Los Angeles, California, where she became a filmmaker. From there, she produced "George Grosz' Interregnum," a film about George Grosz, the Weimar artist, with whom she had once studied. For her work in that film, it was nominated for an Academy Award and won first place at the Venice Film Festival. Schinasi relocated to Santa Fe and continued her work as a visual artist. She even wrote and published her memoir "The Road I Have Traveled," and volunteered as an art therapist. She even invented unique portrait chairs and benches which she called "Chairacters" despite her advanced age. Schinasi passed away on Aug. 19, 1999. She is survived by her husband, Celestino Miranda, her son, Terry Sanders of Los Angeles, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Related Article: Google Doodles - How It Started and Who Designs Them Newton, passed away peacefully on August 3rd, 2023. She was born on August 18, 1939, in Virgilina, VA, to the late Patrick Henry Newton and the late Mary Letell Glascock Smith. She was married to the late Frederick Stanley Black. She was the sister of the Late Helen Newton Rose of South Boston, VA. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of South Boston, VA, and attend the Church of Jesus Christ in Halifax, VA. From childhood to her time of passing, Bettie found her greatest joy in spending time with her family and friends. Her devotion to them was unwavering, and she always made sure they felt loved and supported. She had a true love and passion for people and their well-being. She was an accomplished high school majorette and captured many pageant titles throughout the State of Virginia as a teen. In 1962, she and her husband opened a Law Office in South Boston, where she served as an office manager and legal secretary. Their working partnership spanned nearly 55 years of their 57 years of marriage. They did not spend five nights apart during their marriage and both had a deep love for the beach and the ocean as well as their beloved Mountain Road Community Pool and Pool Family. She is survived by her son, Frederick Stanley Black, Jr, of Richmond Va. She is also survived by her Brother-InLaw, Buddy B. Rose, of South Boston, VA, and her Brother-In-Law, Richard Hugh Black, III, (Rhonda) of Staunton, VA. In addition, she is survived by her niece, Jeri Rose Endler, who was truly loved and considered to be more of a daughter in every meaningful way. A graveside service will be held Monday, August 7th, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Boston, VA, with the Reverend Susan Davis officiating. For memorials, please consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 1891, Halifax, VA, 24558. Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com . Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA, 24592. ELECTION 2020 The role that fake slates of electors played in Donald Trump's desperate effort to cling to power after his defeat in the 2020 election is at the center of a four-count indictment released Tuesday. The third criminal case into Trump details what prosecutors say was a massive effort to "impair, obstruct, and defeat" the federal process for certifying the results of a presidential election, culminating in the Capitol attack Jan. 6, 2021. The 45-page indictment states that when Trump could not persuade state officials to illegally swing the election in his favor, he and his Republican allies began recruiting fake electors in seven battleground states Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to sign certificates falsely stating that he, not Democrat Joe Biden, won the states. Federal prosecutors say it was part of "a corrupt plan to subvert the federal government function by stopping Biden electors' votes from being counted and certified." The strategy The fake electors plan began in Wisconsin, prosecutors allege, with a memorandum from Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney who was assisting the Trump campaign. Chesebro wrote the memo in November 2020 advocating for Trump supporters in Wisconsin to meet and cast their votes for him, in case the campaign's litigation in the state succeeded. Less than a month later, a new memo called for expanding the strategy to other key states, creating slates of "fraudulent electors" for Trump. The end goal, prosecutors say, was "to prevent Biden from receiving the 270 electoral votes necessary to secure the presidency on January 6." Prosecutors say that on the eve of the state certifications, those close to the Trump campaign raised concerns about the plan in a group chat. Trump's deputy campaign manager said the scheme "morphed into a crazy play." A senior adviser to the president, who is not identified, texted, "Certifying illegal votes." The campaign officials in the chat refused to sign a statement about the plan, because none of them could "stand by it," the prosecutors allege. Recruiting fake electors Trump and attorney John Eastman asked Ronna McDaniel, chair of the Republican National Committee, to help the Trump campaign recruit electors in the targeted states. Prosecutors say the two E men "falsely represented" to McDaniel that the electors would only be used if Trump's lawsuits against the election succeeded. McDaniel agreed to help. Some Trump electors had concerns. The fake electors in Pennsylvania told Rudy Giuliani and other Trump advisers on a conference call that they had reservations about signing a certificate that would present them as legitimate electors for the state. Giuliani, according to the indictment, "falsely assured" them that their certificate would only be used if Trump's litigation succeeded. However, winning in court was never the plan, prosecutors say. Fraudulent slates Chesebro wrote in a Dec. 13, 2020, email that the strategy "was not to use the fraudulent electors only in the circumstance that the Defendant's litigation was successful in one of the targeted states." Instead, he wrote, "the plan was to falsely present the fraudulent slates as an alternative to the legitimate slates at Congress's certification proceeding." Chesebro, at the request of a Trump campaign staffer, drafted and sent fake certificates to New Mexico for Trump, even though there was no pending litigation on Trump's behalf there and he lost the state by nearly 100,000 votes. On Dec. 14, 2020, the Trump campaign filed an election challenge suit in that state six minutes before the deadline for the electors' votes "as a pretext so that there was pending litigation there at the time the fraudulent electors voted," prosecutors allege. As legitimate state electors met that day to certify the electoral results, Republican electors for Trump also gathered to sign and submit false Electoral College certificates declaring Trump the winner in the seven states. The fraudulent certificates were mailed to Congress and the National Archives. Ultimately, only the legitimate election certificates were counted. Trump's allies pressured Vice President Mike Pence to use the fake certificates to justify delaying the certification of the election results. A Trump lawyer suggested Pence could toss out electors and declare Trump the winner. Even Rich Anderson, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, is not sure exactly how many Republicans are running to challenge Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who is seeking a third term next year. By some counts, as many as 11 have jumped into the race, but one appears to have dropped out to run for Congress in the 7th Congressional District instead, and two others have little to show beyond a statement of candidacy at the Federal Election Commission. That leaves at least eight candidates who have organized campaigns and begun to raise money to take on a candidate they acknowledge will not be easy to defeat. I think hes beatable, but with a superhuman effort, Anderson said of Kaine, who served as mayor of Richmond, lieutenant governor and governor before his first election to the Senate in 2012. It will take a concerted and focused campaign by our side. Election 2024: Who's in, who's out of 1st GOP debate? A roundup of the latest news from the 2024 election, including top stories, key races to watch, the Senate map and latest polling. Anderson, a former state delegate, remembers when Republican challenger Ed Gillespie came within a cats whisker of toppling Sen. Mark Warner, another Democratic former governor, in 2014. He was also at the partys helm two years ago, when Glenn Youngkin defeated former Gov. Terry McAuliffe in the governors race and ended a 12-year GOP drought in elections for statewide office. But the candidates who are lining up for the Republican primary on June 18, 2024, say they can do it by challenging him on policy not personality in an election year that is likely to be strongly shaped by the race at the top of the ticket for the presidency. I think Sen. Kaine is vulnerable on the issues, said Chuck Smith, a former Virginia Beach GOP party chairman who finished second behind Jason Miyares for the party nomination to run for attorney general two years ago, a race that Miyares won in a statewide sweep led by Youngkin. None of (us) is going to beat him on popularity. A race where we talk a lot about policy Scott Parkinson, an executive at Club for Growth who served as chief of staff for then-Rep. Ron DeSantis in Congress and helped him become Florida governor, is also counting on an issues-oriented campaign that he thinks will play to his advantage because of his long experience as a Capitol Hill staffer to three former U.S. senators. Its going to be a race where we talk a lot about policy, said Parkinson, who runs the Washington organizations advocacy on economic issues. I have the most policy experience of anyone running, except Tim Kaine, right? Others in the field would disagree, with widely varying backgrounds that they hope will help them connect with Republican voters who are looking for a different kind of political candidate to represent them in the Senate. Hung Cao, a Vietnamese immigrant and retired U.S. Navy captain, hopes to build on his performance in an unsuccessful challenge of Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-10th, in a Democratic-leaning congressional district in Northern Virginia two years ago. He lost by about 6.5 percentage points, but ran a vigorous race that gained him a base in the heavily populated region. I dont know a lot about the other candidates, but what I can tell you is that our country has real problems and we need real fighters in Washington, D.C., Cao said in a statement. I fought for our country in the U.S. Navy for 25 years, and Im not done. The taxpayers have been signing a paycheck for Tim Kaine for 30 years, he said. The Senate seat belongs to the people of Virginia, not career politicians or bureaucrats, and I am the one who can take it back for us. Eddie Garcia, a U.S. Army veteran of 22 years and the son of a Mexican American ranch hand in South Texas, promised to bring a lot of nontraditional voters to the polls including military veterans and working-class Hispanic residents whom he said have been left behind by government policies at every level. I believe we need a government that works for all people, Garcia said. To me, it always goes back to working-class people. Jonathan Emord, a Fairfax County lawyer, is putting his own money behind a campaign that he promised will focus on protecting individual liberties and a free-market economy from overreach by federal agencies he has fought in a career that began almost 40 years ago in one of those agencies, the Federal Communications Commission, under then-President Ronald Reagan. I have been suing the government ever since, said Emord, citing successful challenges of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. I have a very intimate understanding of the deep state, and I think I know how to defeat it, he said in an interview. Ron Vitiello has had a direct view of U.S. immigration from the front lines, from working as a border patrol agent in South Texas to serving as chief of border patrol under then-President Donald Trump and as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. When we did border enforcement operations over the long term, we called them campaigns, he said. I think its a matter of experience and the skill sets I have, which is a bit different from other folks in the field. Vitiello, now a resident of Alexandria, also has the personal perspective of being the grandson of Lithuanian immigrants who fled Eastern Europe after World War II under the sponsorship of a family farmer in the Richmond area and then later moved to factory work in Chicago. He thinks Kaine is vulnerable on U.S. border policy, the increase in national debt and law enforcement. I do think on the policy side he has not lived up to the promises he made in the campaigns, Vitiello said. Alexandria lawyer Gwen Hickman says she can bring her legal experience of more than 30 years to solve problems in the polarized political environment that prompted her to run in the first place. We are better than this, said Hickman, citing strong American values and a political resurgence by Republicans with the election of Youngkin. She promised a grassroots campaign to connect directly with voters. It is really a face-to-face conversation with people, she said. Kimberly Lowe, a farmer and policy analyst from the Roanoke area, says she can better connect with Virginia voters because she is a true native. I just think Virginia deserves to be represented by someone who was born and raised in Virginia, she said. Its just a lot of no-names running. A single mother of three, Lowe has worked at the grassroots level on a wide range of issues, including child welfare, opioid addiction and treatment, family policy and rural broadband. I think a lot of my issues are just nonpartisan, she said. Gauging the fundraising race Three others filed for the party primary, but Spotsylvania County resident Craig Ennis subsequently declared his candidacy for the GOP nomination in the 7th Congressional District. Gary Barve, of Fredericksburg, and TJ Wallace, of Petersburg, are listed as candidates by the Federal Election Commission, but show no fundraising to support their campaigns. None of the Republican candidates can match the money behind Kaines reelection campaign, which reported $6.3 million on hand at the end of June. He ended a suspenseful wait by declaring his candidacy in January, expressing pride in his work in the Senate for two terms while looking forward to unfinished business. My staff told me last week that I have the distinction of already having more opponents than anyone else running for the Senate in 2024, Kaine said Thursday during an interview with journalists at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Im just glad all of my opponents are on the Republican side and Im not yet facing skirmishing on my side. Kaine said he expects the GOP field to grow even more with the filing deadline months away. I feel good about where I am, Kaine said. I know Virginia pretty well; I think Virginians know me. They may like me; they may not, but they kinda know me. He said he feels good about what he sees as Democratic accomplishments in the past couple of years, citing measures on infrastructure, manufacturing and marriage equality, among others. Chris Saxman, a former Republican delegate who now serves as executive director of Virginia FREE, thinks Smith has the edge in the Republican field because of name recognition from his close race against Miyares, who won the nomination for attorney general by 4 percentage points. Hes run several times, and people know him, Saxman said. (Smith lost a 2010 campaign for Congress to Rep. Bobby Scott, D-3rd.) Smith thinks he has a winning personal story, rising from poverty to the U.S. Marine Corps and then to Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Navy before going into private legal law practice. Were going to need the law and people who understand the law to hold people accountable, he said. Smith is lagging some rivals in fundraising. He raised more than $138,000 through June 30, ending the period with about $55,000 in cash on hand. In contrast, Emord, an attorney in constitutional and administrative law for a national firm, reported about $580,000 in contributions, but that includes almost $232,000 that he gave to his campaign and an additional $250,000 he provided in loans. We believe were the front-runner in the race, he said. Parkinson, who is focusing on the economy, parental rights and public safety, has raised more than $362,000 and has spent just $27,000. Garcia has raised almost $128,000, including $60,000 in loans from himself, and ended June with $32,500 in the bank. Cao, who recently got into the race, began the year with about $92,500 in the bank and ended June with $57,350. Vitiello has raised more than $20,000, including a $10,000 loan to himself, and ended June with almost $17,000 in the bank. Hickman has raised almost $24,000, including $7,300 she lent her campaign, and ended the month with about $10,000 on hand. Lowe has raised almost $22,000, including $12,000 she lent her campaign, and ended the month with about $2,200. None of it makes much of an impression on Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. Weve barely been keeping up with it because we regard it as barely competitive, Sabato said. Who in this group could credibly challenge Tim Kaine? The answer may depend on who is at the top of the ticket for the presidency in November 2024, said Saxman, who thinks Kaine could be vulnerable if Youngkin runs for president and wins the nomination. But, he said, Tim Kaine is not vulnerable if Donald Trump is the nominee. Metros in Virginia where jobs are growing fastest Metros in Virginia where jobs are growing fastest #9. Richmond #8. Lynchburg #7. Virginia Beach #6. Blacksburg #5. Roanoke #4. Charlottesville #3. Staunton #2. Winchester #1. Harrisonburg IN THE NEWS COMPACT: Environmental groups plan to file a lawsuit to prevent Virginia from withdrawing from a multistate compact intended to cut greenhouse gases. The Southern Environmental Law Center filed a notice with state regulators on Monday saying it will seek litigation in Fairfax County Circuit Court to keep Virginia in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin has said the program increases the cost of electricity. Last month, the states Air Pollution Control Board voted 4-3 to repeal Virginias participation in the initiative. The compact sets caps on power plants' emissions of carbon dioxide. CANCER: The family of Roanoke native Henrietta Lacks is settling litigation against a biotechnology company it accuses of improperly profiting from her cells. Their federal lawsuit filed in Baltimore says Thermo Fisher Scientific has made billions from tissue taken from the Black woman's cervical cancer tumor without her consent. Lacks died in 1951 at age 31 and is buried in Halifax County. Hers became the first human cells to continuously grow and reproduce in lab dishes, becoming a cornerstone of modern medicine. The settlement came after closed-door negotiations all day Monday. Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Lacks family, said terms of the agreement are confidential. ODDS AND ENDS UP AND UP: A rocket launched Tuesday night from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility delivered supplies to the International Space Station. It is the last time the model of Antares rocket will be dispatched to space, as it's being replaced with a new version next year. It was the 19th commercial resupply service mission from Northrop Grumman. REPORT: A state Department of Criminal Justice Services report says Black drivers are more likely to be stopped by Virginia police than white drivers. Black residents make up 19% of the state's population aged 15 or older, but 30% of state resident drivers stopped by law enforcement are Black, according to data from police agencies across the state for the nine months that ended March 31. BY THE NUMBERS 30.3 billion Dollars that tourists spent in Virginia in 2022, up 20.3% from the year before, according to a new state report that showed spending has bounced back from the pandemic 75 Percentage of Virginians polled who support creating a state prescription drug affordability board, according to a survey of 1,000 residents by the Wason Center for Civic Leadership at Christopher Newport University THEY SAID IT ... Its a tremendous compromise. Del. Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, on Monday about the offer he made two weeks ago to Democratic senators with whom he has been working for months to try to reach a resolution on the state's budget stalemate. "Our students need to have exposure to the realities of race and racism in the United States." Amy Rector, an anthropology professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, which will not require students to take a course on racism this year, reversing a plan that students and staff created after the murder of George Floyd. IN THE NEWS LAWSUIT: A federal judge has rejected a Reston-based military contractors effort to dismiss a lawsuit filed against it by former inmates of Iraqs Abu Ghraib prison. The plaintiffs say CACI, which supplied interrogators at the prison, was complicit in torture they suffered. The mistreatment of prisoners there two decades ago prompted international outrage when photos became public of smiling soldiers posing in front of abused prisoners. CACI, which has long denied it engaged in torture, has tried more than a dozen times to have the lawsuit dismissed. The case was originally filed in 2008. Monday's ruling from a judge in Alexandria allows the case to go forward. ADMISSION: The University of Virginia announced Tuesday that it is eliminating checkboxes for race and ethnicity on prospective students applications. The application will now include an essay prompt that provides an opportunity for students to describe their experiences, including but not limited to their experiences of race or ethnicity, and the ways in which those experiences have shaped their ability to contribute, UVa President Jim Ryan and Provost Ian Baucom said in a statement. The change comes about a month after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programs at colleges. Americas prosperity depends on attracting foreign talent. Yet due to a dysfunctional immigration system, millions of workers face insurmountable hurdles to gaining permanent residence. It was always a risk that other governments would take the opportunity to lure skilled workers away from the U.S. Now its happening, thanks to a somewhat unlikely rival: Canada. Last month, the Canadian government introduced a new work permit targeting U.S.-based knowledge workers. Foreigners living in the U.S. on H-1B visas typically professionals with skills in STEM fields are eligible for a three-year work permit allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. Spouses of visa holders are free to pursue employment unlike in the U.S., which restricts their ability to work. Canada said it would accept up to 10,000 applications from interested H-1B visa holders in the programs first year. It got that many in less than 48 hours. The governments already received requests from Canadian tech companies asking that the program be doubled. This talent-poaching scheme is a model of creative policymaking, and should be causing alarm in Washington. Once the worlds most desirable destination for science and engineering talent, the U.S. is now losing tens of thousands of foreigners each year to Canada, Australia and others. Its easy to see why. In theory, workers on employer-sponsored H-1B visas can stay in the U.S. for up to six years, then apply for permanent residence. Yet nonsensical rules, bureaucratic paralysis and caps on the numbers of green cards issued to citizens of any single country mean the wait can last decades. Some Indian workers with advanced degrees face estimated queues of more than 150 years. In Canada, the process takes as little as six months. Meanwhile, workers and their families in the U.S. are at the mercy of the technology industrys shifting labor demands. The U.S. requires that H-1B visa holders who lose their jobs find another employer to hire and sponsor them within 60 days or face deportation. At least 50,000 have had their visas revoked since last fall, when giants like Amazon and Meta started shedding staff amid a slump in tech stocks. Facing this uncertainty, even H-1B workers whove kept their jobs are taking up Canadas offer to move there instead. The U.S. will pay for this abject policy failure. H-1B workers hand over at least $85 billion a year in federal and state income taxes, support Social Security and Medicare through payroll taxes, and generate tens of billions more in consumer spending. Far from replacing native-born workers, each H-1B visa holder in the U.S. creates roughly two new jobs, by enabling companies to invest in domestic expansion rather than send positions overseas. If scientists and engineers keep leaving, many of their would-be employers will follow eroding U.S. productivity, reducing economic growth, and lowering living standards. President Joe Biden should call on Congress to admit more immigrants with the skills businesses need and grant them permanent residence more readily once theyre here. Canada is teaching the U.S. a useful lesson. Its to be hoped Washington is paying attention. WAR IN UKRAINE KYIV, Ukraine Russian ballistic missiles slammed into an apartment complex and a university building in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown Monday, killing six people and wounding 75 others as the blasts trapped residents beneath rubble, Ukrainian officials said. One of the two missiles that hit the central city of Kryvyi Rih destroyed part of an apartment building between the fourth and ninth floors, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. Video showed black smoke billowing from corner units and burned out or damaged cars on a tree-lined street. The dead included a 10-year-old girl and her mother, Zelenskyy said. More than 350 people were involved in the rescue operation, he said in a Telegram post. The morning attack also destroyed part of a four-story university building. The strike on Zelenskyy's hometown, which has been hit in the past, happened a day after the Ukrainian president seemed to warn of more attacks inside Russia. "Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia to its symbolic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process," Zelenskyy said Sunday in his nightly video address. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian artillery strike on the partially occupied Donetsk province killed two people and wounded six others in the regional capital, said Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-installed leader of the illegally annexed province. A bus was also hit as Ukrainian forces shelled the city of Donetsk multiple times Monday, Pushilin said. Elsewhere, in the Russian-held part of the Zaporizhzhia region, three people were killed and 15 wounded in Ukrainian shelling that hit a store in the village of Basan, according to the Russia-backed acting regional governor Yevgeny Balitsky. Neither side's claims could be independently verified. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia said Thursday it will extend its unilateral production cut of 1 million barrels of oil a day through the end of September in its effort to boost flagging energy prices, a move that could push U.S. gas prices higher. The Saudi reduction, which began in July, comes as the other OPEC+ producers agreed to extend earlier production cuts through next year. The national average for U.S. gas prices stood at about $3.82 a gallon on Tuesday about 30 cents higher than a month ago, according to motor club AAA. While today's prices at the pump remain far lower than they were last year, when energy costs soared worldwide in the months following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, experts say such a jump is unusual. The kingdom announced the extension in a statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency, quoting an anonymous official in the Energy Ministry. The official added that the cut "can be extended or deepened" if the need arises. WAR IN UKRAINE KYIV, Ukraine Russian shelling damaged a landmark church Thursday in the Ukrainian city of Kherson that until last year held the remains of Prince Grigory Potemkin, an 18th century Russian military commander who encouraged Catherine the Great to expand the Russian Empire into what is now southern Ukraine. Ukraine's emergency service said four of its workers were wounded in a second round of shelling as they fought a fire at St. Catherine's Cathedral. Four other people were wounded in the first shelling attack, which also hit a trolleybus, the prosecutor general's office said. A missile strike severely damaged a beloved Orthodox cathedral in Odesa, another city in southern Ukraine, and Thursday's attack further underlined the war's risk to the country's cultural monuments. Fighting has intensified as Ukraine's military steps up a counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territory. The Kherson church, dating from 1781, is one of the city's most notable buildings. It once was the burial spot for Potemkin, a favorite of Catherine the Great who exerted Russian control through the southeast parts of modern Ukraine and engineered the 1784 annexation of Crimea from the Crimean Khanat. Potemkin became the governor general of what was called "New Russia." His name entered popular speech because of stories, now widely doubted, that he erected fake settlements called "Potemkin villages" to impress Catherine during her journey through Crimea and the southern territories. In September, at a Kremlin ceremony marking Russian's illegal annexation of four occupied or partially occupied Ukraine provinces, President Vladimir Putin referenced the concept of New Russia. Moscow-backed authorities had Potemkin's remains removed during the city's eight-month occupation. Russian forces withdrew from Kherson in November as Ukrainian soldiers gained ground in their attempt to take back the regions Putin annexed. A former backer of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential bid has made a second $1 million donation to Gov. Glenn Youngkin's Spirit of Virginia PAC, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Billionaire Thomas Peterffy, founder and chairman of Interactive Brokers, donated $1 million to Youngkin's PAC on Thursday after previously donating $1 million to the PAC on April 20. While Youngkin says he is focused on this fall's legislative elections that will settle control of the House of Delegates and the state Senate, Peterffy is holding out hope that Youngkin will make a late bid for the GOP presidential nomination. Peterffy said in a July 26 interview with Fox Business that he thinks Youngkin would be an "ideal candidate" for the GOP. "I very much hope that he's going to enter the race," said Peterffy, adding that he thinks Youngkin could win a general election. The Messenger reports that on Friday Wilbur Ross, who served as then-President Donald Trump's commerce secretary, was scheduled to play host to Youngkin and GOP donors at Ross' mansion in the Hamptons. While Youngkin was to speak about his effort to retain control of the House and gain control of the state Senate, some of the donors reportedly are also interested in the idea of a late presidential run by Youngkin. The governor, who has been touting a GOP push for early voting, continues to say he is flattered by such national attention, but that he is focused on the elections that he calls Virginia's midterms. "I'm so humbled when people say this to me," Youngkin said in an interview this week with Laura Ingraham of Fox. Youngkin added: "I'm so focused on Virginia this year." Alluding to the GOP sweep for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general in 2021, Youngkin said: "We have a chance, (within) 24 months, to take a state that was completely blue statewide led, the legislature and in 24 months turn it Republican. And I think we must get this done." Youngkin also weighed in on the latest indictment of Trump, alluding to what he termed a "two-tiered" justice system. "This two-tiered justice system on display is eroding everyone's trust in our legal system," Youngkin said. "The reality is that if you're in the opposition party, you're treated one way and, if you're a friend of the party in power, then you're treated a completely different way." In Washington on Thursday, Trump pleaded not guilty on federal counts that he sought to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Youngkin tops President Joe Biden in Virginia in a hypothetical 2024 presidential matchup, according to a poll that Virginia Commonwealth University's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs released Thursday. Youngkin received 44% of the potential vote to 37% for Biden. If the candidates were Biden and Trump, Biden would receive 43% to Trump's 40%, according to the survey. If Biden and DeSantis were the candidates, each would receive 41%. The poll of 804 Virginia adults was conducted July 14-25 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 5.46 percentage points. Biden beat Trump in Virginia by 10 percentage points in 2020. Navy rescues 23 on board over capacity Mahahual catamaran Mahahual, Q.R. A catamaran carrying 23 people was rescued by the Mexican Navy Thursday. The afternoon mishap required a Navy vessel to deploy off the coast of Mahahual where it met the stranded catamaran. According to the Secretary of the Navy, they met the boat after an emergency call requesting assistance for a vessel that was stranded approximately 100 meters from the Mahahual fishing pier. On board were 23 people. Mexican Navy personnel located the boat and returned all 23 to land without incident. According to their report, the catamaran became stranded after becoming grounded due to passenger over capacity. All 23 on board were returned to land without incident. Photo: Semar August 3, 2023. Once Navy personnel unloaded the catamarans passengers onto its vessel, the boat was able to sail back to Mahahual on its own. TikTok is expanding its e-commerce ambitions in Southeast Asia. The widely popular short-form video-sharing platform is in talks with the Indonesian government to get a payment license to expand its e-commerce platform. TikTok previously launched its e-commerce platform in late June to "revolutionize the way people shop." TikTok's 'Everything App' Ambitions Elon Musk is not the only one with ambitions to turn an app into an "everything app." TikTok's launching of its shopping feature called "Trendy Beat," allowed it to become a platform where people can shop on its app while also posting/watching 30-second videos simultaneously. TikTok's "Trendy Beat" section showcases products that have gained popularity through trending videos, from tools to extract ear wax and many other items. These items are from TikTok's own line of products, specifically from a subsidiary of its parent company, ByteDance, per Tech Crunch. While this attempt at an e-commerce platform was first tested in the UK, it resonated well in Southeast Asia. A fact the company means to capitalize on. TikTok is in the early-stage talks with Indonesian regulators to obtain a payments license in Indonesia, which would further its e-commerce ambition and improve its app, according to Reuters, who reported the news first. From what it sounds, TikTok's negotiations with Indonesia's regulators are going smoothly. Two Reuters sources, who were briefed on the plan, said that Tiktok's application for a payments license is being viewed favorably. Read More: Meta's Horizon Worlds To Get a UFC-Themed Experience Soon For those unaware, a payments license is an authorization for the holder to provide services related to the payment systems, per Tetra Consultants. If TikTok obtains this from the Indonesia-based regulators, the company's app can accept and process payment transactions in the country for its e-commerce platform. Reuters reached out to a representative for Indonesia's central bank, Bank Indonesia, for a comment. Unfortunately, the company did not give the publication a response. The news of this expansion isn't entirely surprising. It follows an announcement from company CEO Shou Zi Chew in June stating that TikTok would invest billions of dollars in Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia. Indonesia is the biggest country in Southeast Asia, and 109.9 million of its citizens are using TikTok in 2023, per World Population Review - a good enough reason to expand its market there. Competition From Other E-Commerce Sites Despite TikTok's popularity, the app must face competition from other, more established e-commerce apps in the region. These apps include Amazon, Singapore's Shopee, and home-based competitors like Alibaba's Lazada and Shein. The company seems to have no choice in the matter. Its TikTok Shop, which allows merchants, brands, and creators to showcase and sell their products on the app, wasn't as successful in the UK. However, it did become popular in Asian markets, particularly in Southeast Asia becase of the app's popularity in the region. Whether TikTok's e-commerce platform can pull through despite the competition from other established apps is up for debate. Related Article: TikTok Takes on Retail Titans Amazon And Shein With 'Trendy Beat' A Roanoke attorney has surrendered his license to the Virginia State Bar, which was investigating complaints that he had inappropriate sexual relationships with clients. Rob Dean, who does criminal defense work in state and federal courts, consented to having his license revoked effective July 31, according to an order from the state bar. The revocation will likely end proceedings by the bar, which investigates disciplinary matters involving Virginia lawyers. Dean informed the bar he was aware of two cases that were pending, and acknowledged that the accusations were true. One case involved complaints that Dean was engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships with clients, the order states. No additional details were provided. An affidavit signed by Dean provides the following summary of the second case: A woman who was the sister of the girlfriend of one of Deans clients met the attorney at a court hearing. Dean asked for her phone number and later suggested that they meet at his downtown Roanoke law office. Believing that the meeting was about a possible job, the woman met with Dean twice in June 2021. At the second meeting, he offered her cash and gifts in exchange for sexual favors. After the woman declined the offer and left the office, Dean texted her and offered to pay $1,000 for a massage. Dean released the following statement Friday to The Roanoke Times: At one of the lowest moments of my career, my private life collided with the immense stress of my job, and I acted in a manner that was foolish and out of character. I recognized the need for counseling, and I have obtained help, because the risk of burnout in our profession clearly affected me. At the same time, I voluntarily agreed to step back from the active practice of law to rebalance and out of respect for my colleagues. I am deeply and profoundly sorry to the people who were hurt by my actions. I hope that I can earn your forgiveness as I move forward. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. " " Magnets are attracted to materials that have unpaired electrons that spin in the same direction. Shutterstock/New Africa If you've read How Electromagnets Work, you know that an electrical current moving through a wire creates a magnetic field. Moving electrical charges are responsible for the magnetic field in permanent magnets as well. But a magnet's field doesn't come from a large current traveling through a wire it comes from the movement of electrons. Many people imagine electrons as tiny particles that orbit an atom's nucleus the way planets orbit a sun. As quantum physicists currently explain it, the movement of electrons is a little more complicated than that. Essentially, electrons fill an atom's shell-like orbitals, where they behave as both particles and waves. The electrons have a charge and a mass, as well as a movement that physicists describe as spin in an upward or downward direction. Advertisement Generally, electrons fill the atom's orbitals in pairs. If one of the electrons in a pair spins upward, the other spins downward. It's impossible for both of the electrons in a pair to spin in the same direction. This is part of a quantum-mechanical principle known as the Pauli Exclusion Principle. Even though an atom's electrons don't move very far, their movement is enough to create a tiny magnetic field. Since paired electrons spin in opposite directions, their magnetic fields cancel one another out. Atoms of ferromagnetic elements, on the other hand, have several unpaired electrons that have the same spin. Iron, for example, has four unpaired electrons with the same spin. Because they have no opposing fields to cancel their effects, these electrons have an orbital magnetic moment. The magnetic moment is a vector it has a magnitude and a direction. It's related to both the magnetic field strength and the torque that the field exerts. A whole magnet's magnetic moments come from the moments of all of its atoms. In metals like iron, the orbital magnetic moment encourages nearby atoms to align along the same north-south field lines. Iron and other ferromagnetic materials are crystalline. As they cool from a molten state, groups of atoms with parallel orbital spin line up within the crystal structure. This forms the magnetic domains discussed in the previous section. You may have noticed that the materials that make good magnets are the same as the materials magnets attract. This is because magnets attract materials that have unpaired electrons that spin in the same direction. In other words, the quality that turns a metal into a magnet also attracts the metal to magnets. Many other elements are diamagnetic their unpaired atoms create a field that weakly repels a magnet. A few materials don't react with magnets at all. This explanation and its underlying quantum physics are fairly complicated, and without them the idea of magnetic attraction can be mystifying. So it's not surprising that people have viewed magnetic materials with suspicion for much of history. Measuring Magnets You can measure magnetic fields using instruments like gauss meters, and you can describe and explain them using numerous equations. Here are some of the basics: flux , are current . Magnetic lines of force, or, are measured in Webers (Wb) . In electromagnetic systems, the flux relates to the flux , is measured in webers per square meter . In equations, the symbol B represents field strength. A field's strength, or the density of the, is measured in tesla (T) or gauss (G) . One tesla is equal to 10,000 gauss. You can also measure the field strength in. In equations, the symbolrepresents field strength. amperes per meter or H represents it in equations. The field's magnitude is measured inor oersted . The symbolrepresents it in equations. Read More At the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics meeting in Indianapolis in fall 2022, the team made a splash with a design for a urinal that, well, doesn't. The splashless urinal's shape is inspired by the geometry of a nautilus shell, and prevents droplets from leaving the bowl. The team identified the need for a better urinal in exactly the way you'd expect. "We are physicists. We use urinals. We all got splashback on our tan pants sometimes and [on our] bare feet in summer, and were embarrassed," says Dr. Zhao Pan, assistant professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering at the University of Waterloo, via email. He is the head of the lab that created the idea for the new urinal, dubbed the "Nauti-loo." Advertisement Droplets don't stay in a typical urinal, explained research assistant Kaveeshan Akan Thurairajah, because "current designs are not optimized to prevent splash, and often have this as an afterthought. You can study science, engineering and mathematics, and head to the bathroom after class and get droplets on your pants. If we can get a man on the moon, a rover on Mars and split the atom, then surely, we can pee without splashing." WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump and his supporters are reacting to a third indictment against him with a now-familiar playbook: deflecting with unrelated accusations, distracting with misleading claims about the charges, and demonizing the prosecution. Instead of convincing his followers about the seriousness of the charges, Tuesday's indictment is being held up as proof of a conspiracy to take down the Republican ex-president and a continuation of the effort by Democrats, the media and the so-called deep state to interfere with the nation's elections. For years Trump told his supporters that elections can't be trusted and that he is a victim of a corrupt persecution by the government and media. With that narrative endorsed by conservative news outlets and amplified on social media, it's only natural that many of Trump's supporters will accept it, said Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a New York University historian who studies authoritarian propaganda. "He's set up the idea since 2016 that elections themselves are corrupt and cannot be trusted. This is seven years now of this narrative," Ben-Ghiat said. "Trump is one of the most superb propagandists of the 21st century. He has created this seamless world, where to his followers, everything just confirms his victimhood." Trump's repeated lies about the election are at the heart of the latest indictment, which alleges Trump sought to overturn his 2020 election loss in the two months before his supporters violently assaulted the U.S. Capitol. "The attack on our nation's capital on January 6, 2021, was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy," special counsel Jack Smith said Tuesday. "As described in the indictment, it was fueled by lies. Lies by the defendant targeted at obstructing a bedrock function of the U.S. government, the nation's process of collecting, counting, and certifying the results of the presidential election." Separately, the ex-president faces charges that he falsified business records relating to hush money payments to a porn actor in New York and improperly kept classified documents at his Palm Beach, Florida, resort and obstructed an investigation into their handling. To his most dedicated supporters, the allegations against Trump are just more evidence of the conspiracy. It's a sentiment that spread quickly on social media after Trump's first and second indictments, and it was easily found this week on Telegram, Gab, Truth Social and other platforms popular with conservatives. "The Democrats stole the 2020 election," conservative filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza posted on Truth Social and X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "This indictment is an attempt to protect the thieves and legitimize the heist." Much of the misinformation about the indictments originated with Trump, who instead of trying to minimize his legal jeopardy made it a centerpiece of his campaign, framing it as an assault on democracy, freedom and his own followers. The former president's allies and his legal defense team argue that the indictment illegally criminalizes Trump's protected freedom of speech. Trump attorney John Lauro said on CNN on Tuesday that the team's "focus is on the fact that this is an attack on free speech and political advocacy." "Free speech will not survive if this indictment succeeds," former Trump adviser Stephen Miller told Fox News. Prosecutors seem to have anticipated this response, explicitly conceding in the indictment that Trump had the First Amendment right to lie about election fraud. The indictment argues instead that Trump broke the law when his lies transformed into actions, from attempts to overturn the election to obstructing official proceedings and conspiring to block citizens' right to have their vote counted. "The Defendant had a right, like every American, to speak publicly about the election and even to claim, falsely, that there had been outcome-determinative fraud during the election and that he had won," the indictment reads. Instead of digging into the details of the indictment, many Trump supporters pointed to the criminal charges facing Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, and claimed without evidence that Biden was involved in his son's business dealings while in office. They suggested the recent indictments were timed to distract from news about the Biden family, and questioned why prosecutors weren't investigating the Biden administration instead of Trump. Trump responded to the charges against him with a fundraising message misleadingly suggesting the indictment was "over the events that took place on January 6th," ignoring the two months leading up to the Capitol riots that were central to the charges. Trump saw a surge in fundraising following both of his previous indictments. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). Amazon Web Services CEO Andy Jassy Amazons latest financial figures are in, with the company's Q2 2023 looking to have been a successful period all-round, not least for its AWS cloud division. During the three months leading up to June 30, 2023, Amazon posted revenue figures of $134.4 billion, up from $121.2 billion year-on-year, representing an 11% increase. Of this, $22.1 billion (or 16.4%) was accounted for by AWS, which saw a marginally larger year-on-year growth of 12%. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said: AWS has continued to add to its meaningful leadership position in the cloud with a slew of generative AI releases. AWS continues to grow During the three-month period, Amazon Web Services announced a series of new partnerships, commitments, and migrations with global enterprises like HSBC, Experian, and Omnicom. Read more > These are the best cloud hosting providers around > Azure, Office, and Windows see Microsoft net another great quarter > AWS expands Bedrock to help make AI actually useful for your business The company also launched AWS Local Zones in Auckland (New Zealand) and Manila (Philippines), and an Amazon CloudFront location in Nigeria. Clearly, recent months have proven costly for AWS. Despite measuring success and increasing revenue, quarterly operating expenses grew by 19.6% year-on-year. A broader six-month year-on-year overview shows operating expenses growing by 27.2%, suggesting that the first three months of the year were most troubling. This year has been a big year for the company, which has significantly expanded the reach of its AWS business by building on its generative AI portfolio. Early and heavy investment is hoped to pay off in the long run as the company looks to improve operating income, which this quarter saw a 6.1% year-on-year dip to $5.3 billion. Amazon has also announced swathes of improvements to its Prime subscription this year for both customers and partners. Jassy said: We continued lowering our cost to serve in our fulfillment network, while also providing Prime customers with the fastest delivery speeds weve ever recorded. Afghan orphan girls attend a class in Jalalabad last month (AFP/Getty) The local Taliban officials have reportedly banned girls over 10 years of age from attending primary school classes in some provinces of Afghanistan in its latest set of restrictions against female education. Officials from the Taliban-ruled Ministry of Education have told the principals of schools and short-term training classes in Ghazni province that any girl over 10 years of age is not allowed to study in primary schools, reported BBC Persian on Saturday. A student in sixth grade, the standard to which the Taliban had permitted education last year, said that girls who are over 10 years old were not allowed to enter the school. The report added that in some provinces, the local authorities of the Ministry for Preaching and Guidance, formerly the Womens Affairs Ministry, separated girls based on age and asked the principals of the girls school to send the female students above the third grade home. The Independent has not verified the claims. Shortly after the fall of Kabul and the exit of the US and Nato-led regime in Afghanistan, the Taliban in September 2021 banned girls from secondary education and ordered high schools to be reopened for boys only. Last December, it dealt a significant blow by prohibiting college and university-going women, imposing an indefinite ban on university education for thousands. The hardline Islamist regime is the only administration across the world to prohibit nearly half of its population from obtaining secondary education. Last month, the UN blamed the Taliban authorities for further increasing restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan in recent months, including on their education and employment. The regime has barred women from most areas of public life and work and cracked down on media freedoms. It has banned girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade and prohibited Afghan women from working at local and non-governmental organisations. The ban was extended to employees of the United Nations in April.